bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cavernous sinus involvement is not a risk factor for the primary tumor site treatment outcome of Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Lee Yi-Chan , Lee Ta-Jen , Tsang Ngan-Ming , Huang Yenlin , Hsu Cheng-Lung , Hsin Li-Jen , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Chang Kai-Ping
Published: February 2018

Background

Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the head and neck. Cavernous sinus invasion from sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma and its related management have rarely been investigated. This study evaluated the relationship between treatment outcome and cavernous sinus involvement in addition to other parameters.

Methods

A retrospective case series study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. The medical records of 47 patients diagnosed with primary sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma between 1984 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The survival impact of the primary treatment modalities and the anatomic sites of tumor involvement were analyzed.

Results

Cavernous sinus invasion was observed in 8 patients (17%), of whom 7 had ACC tumors originating from the maxillary sinus. The results of univariate analysis revealed that tumor stage, primary surgery, and the absence of skull-base and infratemporal fossa invasion were associated with better overall survival ( P = 0.033, P = 0.012, P = 0.011, and P = 0.040, respectively) and better disease-free survival ( P = 0.019, P = 0.001, P = 0.017, and P = 0.029, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified primary surgery as the only independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival ( P = 0.026). Cavernous sinus invasion by sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma was not associated with worse overall survival or disease-free survival ( P = 0.200 and P = 0.198, respectively).

Conclusions

Because maxillary adenoid cystic carcinoma is associated with a higher rate of cavernous sinus invasion, such cases warrant caution during preoperative planning. Primary surgery as the initial therapy provides better locoregional control and survival for patients with sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cavernous sinus invasion did not significantly impact survival; thus, it should not be regarded as a contraindication for curative treatment.
Application of multi-modal 2D and 3D imaging and analytical techniques to document and examine coins on the example of two Roman silver denarii
Authors: Hess Mona , MacDonald Lindsay W. , Valach Jaroslav
Published: February 2018

This case study is applying imaging and analytical techniques from multiple scientific disciplines to digitise coins and evaluate 3D multi-modal visualisation. Two ancient Roman silver denarii were selected as test objects to establish whether the proposed digital recording methods can support professional numismatic comparison of features and properties. The coins raise questions concerning their provenance, authenticity, design, purpose of issue and historic usage, but they also pose considerable recording challenges due to their material and surface properties, which are the main focus in this paper. The coins have been examined by the following techniques: dome photography for image sets for PTM/RTI visualisation and photometric stereo; X-ray microtomography for detection of cracks or impurities; Scanning Electron Microscopy for detailed surface investigation; Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy for elemental analysis; micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry mapping; 3D laser and structured light scanning for 3D spatial capture; photogrammetry/structure from motion, focus-stacking. The results indicate the feasibility of such techniques for museum documentation and as contribution to scientific examination of coins in general.
Priming of innate antimycobacterial immunity by heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes induces sterilizing response in the adult zebrafish tuberculosis model
Authors: Luukinen Hanna , Hammarén Milka Marjut , Vanha-aho Leena-Maija , Svorjova Aleksandra , Kantanen Laura , Järvinen Sampsa , Luukinen Bruno Vincent , Dufour Eric , Rämet Mika , Hytönen Vesa Pekka , Parikka Mataleena
Published: February 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains one of the most problematic infectious agents, owing to its highly developed mechanisms to evade host immune responses combined with the increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance. Host-directed therapies aiming to optimize immune responses to improve bacterial eradication or to limit excessive inflammation are a new strategy for the treatment of tuberculosis. In this study, we have established a zebrafish-Mycobacterium marinum natural host-pathogen model system to study induced protective immune responses in mycobacterial infection. We show that priming adult zebrafish with heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKLm) at 1 day prior to M. marinum infection leads to significantly decreased mycobacterial loads in the infected zebrafish. Using rag1−/− fish, we show that the protective immunity conferred by HKLm priming can be induced through innate immunity alone. At 24 h post-infection, HKLm priming leads to a significant increase in the expression levels of macrophage-expressed gene 1 (mpeg1), tumor necrosis factor α (tnfa) and nitric oxide synthase 2b (nos2b), whereas superoxide dismutase 2 (sod2) expression is downregulated, implying that HKLm priming increases the number of macrophages and boosts intracellular killing mechanisms. The protective effects of HKLm are abolished when the injected material is pretreated with nucleases or proteinase K. Importantly, HKLm priming significantly increases the frequency of clearance of M. marinum infection by evoking sterilizing immunity (25 vs 3.7%, P=0.0021). In this study, immune priming is successfully used to induce sterilizing immunity against mycobacterial infection. This model provides a promising new platform for elucidating the mechanisms underlying sterilizing immunity and to develop host-directed treatment or prevention strategies against tuberculosis.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Ultrasound elastography as an imaging biomarker for detection of early tumor response to chemotherapy in a murine breast cancer model: a feasibility study
Authors: Wang Jian-Wei , Guo Zhi-Xing , Lin Qing-Guang , Zheng Wei , Zhuang Shu-Lian , Lin Shi-Yang , Li An-Hua , Pei Xiao-Qing
Published: February 2018

Objective:

This study investigated the feasibility of using strain elastography (SE) and real time shear wave elastography (RT-SWE) to evaluate early tumor response to cytotoxic chemotherapy in a murine xenograft breast cancer tumor model.

Methods:

MCF-7 breast cancer-bearing nude mice were treated with either cisplatin 2 mg kg–1 plus paclitaxel 10 mg kg–1 (treatment group) or sterile saline (control group) once daily for 5 days. The tumor elasticity was measured by SE or RT-SWE before and after therapy. Tumor cell density was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the ratio of collagen fibers in the tumor was evaluated by Van Gieson staining. The correlation between tumor elasticity, as determined by SE and SWE, as well as the pathological tumor responses were analyzed.

Results:

Chemotherapy signiﬁcantly attenuated tumor growth compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). Chemotherapy also significantly increased tumor stiffness (p < 0.05) and signiﬁcantly decreased (p < 0.05) tumor cell density compared with the control. Moreover, chemotherapy significantly increased the ratio of collagen fibers (p < 0.05). Tumor stiffness was positively correlated with the ratio of collagen fibers but negatively correlated with tumor cell density.

Conclusion:

The study suggests that ultrasound elastography by SE and SWE is a feasible tool for assessing early responses of breast cancer to chemotherapy in our murine xenograft model.

Advances in knowledge:

This study showed that the tumor elasticity determined by ultrasound elastography could be a feasible imaging biomarker for assessing very early therapeutic responses to chemotherapy.
Tuition reduction is the key factor determining tax burden of graduate students under the Tax Cuts and Job Act
Authors: Lawston Patricia M. , Parker Michael T.
Published: February 2018

Background: The proposed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R.1) has stirred significant public debate on the future of American economics.  While supporters of the plan have championed it as a necessity for economic revitalization, detractors have pointed out areas of serious concern, particularly for low- and middle-income Americans.  One particularly alarming facet of the plan is the radical change to education finance programs and taxation of students in higher education. 

Methods:  By analyzing actual income and tuition of a public and a private university student, as well as the ‘average’ graduate student, we investigated the effect of both the House and Senate versions of H.R. 1 on taxation of students of various family structures. 

Results:  Our findings indicate that taxable tuition would be the greatest contributor to graduate student tax burden across all four categories of filing status.  However, when tuition reduction is upheld or a student is on sustaining fees rather than full tuition, graduate students would realize decreases in taxation.

Conclusions:  Overall, we conclude that removal of tuition reduction would result in enormous tax burdens for graduate students and their families and that these effects are dependent not only on the status of the student in their degree program but also on their tuition and stipend, and therefore the institution they attend.
The Burden of Guardianship: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Ricotta Daniel N. , Parris James J. , Parris Ritika S. , Sontag David N. , Bioethics M. , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

In cases where patients are unable to provide informed consent and have no surrogate decision‐maker, a hospital must seek guardian appointment as a legally recognized surrogate decision‐maker.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the magnitudes of length of stay (LOS) beyond medical clearance and healthcare costs among patients referred for guardianship.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all 61 adult inpatients in a single tertiary care hospital requiring guardianship between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2015, matched with up to three controls from the same discharging services and hospitalized for at least as long as the date of clearance for referred patients.

MEASUREMENTS

The following parameters were measured using generalized estimating equations: total LOS, LOS beyond medical clearance (excess LOS), medical complications, and total charges among referred patients, and the LOS and costs were compared with those of matched controls.

RESULTS

Mean LOS for patients requiring guardianship was 31 ± 2 days, and the total charges averaged $179,243 ± 22,950. We documented 12 hospital‐acquired complications in 10 (16%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8%‐28%) unique patients. Accounting for potential confounders, the process of obtaining guardianship was associated with a 37% longer total LOS (95% CI [12 %‐67%]; P = .002), 58% higher excess LOS (95% CI [2%‐145%]; P = .04), and 23% higher total charges (95% CI [4%‐46%]; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

In this single‐center cohort study, the guardianship process was associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher total hospital charges even when compared with matched controls. Furthermore, one in six patients suffered from a hospital‐associated complication after medical clearance.
A Data-Driven Model of an Appointment-Generated Arrival Process at an Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Kim Song-Hee , Whitt Ward , Cha Won Chul
Published: February 2018

We develop a high-fidelity simulation model of the patient arrival process to an endocrinology clinic by carefully examining appointment and arrival data from that clinic. The data include the time that the appointment was originally made as well as the time that the patient actually arrived, as well as if the patient did not arrive at all, in addition to the scheduled appointment time. We take a data-based approach, specifying the schedule for each day by its value at the end of the previous day. This data-based approach shows that the schedule for a given day evolves randomly over time. Indeed, in addition to three recognized sources of variability—(i) no-shows, (ii) extra unscheduled arrivals, and (iii) deviations in the actual arrival times from the scheduled times—we find that the primary source of variability in the arrival process is variability in the daily schedule itself. Even though service systems with arrivals by appointment can differ in many ways, we think that our data-based approach to modeling the clinic arrival process can be a guideline or template for constructing high-fidelity simulation models for other arrival processes generated by appointments.

The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2017.0773 .
Profit Sharing Agreements in Decentralized Supply Chains: A Distributionally Robust Approach
Authors: Fu Qi , Sim Chee-Khian , Teo Chung-Piaw
Published: February 2018

How should decentralized supply chains set the profit sharing terms using minimal information on demand and selling price? We develop a distributionally robust Stackelberg game model to address this question. Our framework uses only the first and second moments of the price and demand attributes, and thus can be implemented using only a parsimonious set of parameters. More specifically, we derive the relationships among the optimal wholesale price set by the supplier, the order decision of the retailer, and the corresponding profit shares of each supply chain partner, based on the information available. Interestingly, in the distributionally robust setting, the correlation between demand and selling price has no bearing on the order decision of the retailer. This allows us to simplify the solution structure of the profit sharing agreement problem dramatically. Moreover, the result can be used to recover the optimal selling price when the mean demand is a linear function of the selling price (cf. Raza 2014) [Raza SA (2014) A distribution free approach to newsvendor problem with pricing. 4OR—A Quart. J. Oper. Res. 12(4):335–358.].

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1677 .
Avian orthopaedic surgery part 2: assessment, options, conservative management
Authors: Carrasco Daniel Calvo , Shimizu Naomi , Forbes Neil A
Published: February 2018

In order to establish a treatment plan, an initial assessment is required. Following the physical examination, radiography is carried out; orthogonal views are recommended. There are two main clinical scenarios when dealing with avian fractures: high impact fractures, generally observed in wild birds, are more likely to be comminuted, displaced and/or open; low impact stationary fractures, more commonly observed in aviary birds, are generally closed simple fractures. Once the type and location of fracture has been confirmed, the different treatment options can be considered. Cage rest and external coaptation are suitable treatment options in certain scenarios. Some techniques used differ from those applied to mammals, with ‘exclusive’ avian methods such as the Altmann's tape splint, the figure-of-eight bandage and the body wrap. Other techniques have been extrapolated from those used for the treatment of fractures in mammals.
Cytological patterns of inflammation
Authors: Farr Alison , Freeman Kathleen
Published: February 2018

Inflammation is a common finding in cytologic preparations. It may give important clues regarding an underlying cause, as well as supporting the need for possible additional diagnostics, treatment and/or monitoring. This article presents the patterns of inflammation commonly encountered in veterinary cytologic specimens.
Complications from medical cosmetic tourism result in costs to the NHS
Authors: Quaile Alistair
Published: February 2018

As cosmetic procedures are not routinely provided on the NHS, those wanting treatment have to pay privately. This has encouraged people to look abroad for cheaper alternatives. For many, the ability to combine a holiday with a treatment can be alluring; however, it presents complicated issues around where the responsibility lies with follow-up care, should something go wrong, explains Alistair Quaile
Protecting your aesthetic business with essential insurance policies
Authors: Di-Scala Naomi
Published: February 2018

Often when setting up your aesthetic business, insurance is one of the final areas of consideration. However, it is extremely important that practitioners ensure that they have the correct policies in place to protect their services and reputation. Naomi Di-Scala sets out the different policies that should be considered and explains why each one is relevant to aesthetic practice
VAT and cosmetic procedures: policies and common misconceptions
Authors: Geary Michael , Habberley Tamara
Published: February 2018

VAT rules can be complex for medical practices, particularly for those that offer aesthetic treatments. Michael Geary, CEO of Consentz, and Tamara Habberley, VAT Consultant, demystify some of the misconceptions surrounding VAT in the medical sector. They also and offer some insightful advice for clinics offering non-surgical cosmetic interventions
How to improve your organic search engine optimisation
Authors: Hampson Adam
Published: February 2018

As an aesthetic practitioner, you know what makes your business stand out from the crowd. But how well is this information conveyed to potential clients? By increasing your organic search engine optimisation (SEO), you can enhance your position in search engine results, making yourself more visible to your prospects. Adam Hampson explores the steps you can take to improve your SEO
Avoiding embezzlement in the aesthetic practice: policies and precautions
Authors: Phairas Debra
Published: February 2018

Embezzlement can happen in any business, but can be especially harmful to smaller companies such as aesthetic practices, where financial losses can be critical. As an employer, it is in your best interests to protect yourself against this kind of theft. Debra Phairas explores some of the steps you can take to prevent embezzlement in your practice
Integrating aged care in the curriculum: the importance of design and evaluation
Authors: Lord Bill , Barr Nigel , Flanagan Belinda
Published: February 2018

Background:

The current study describes the design and implementation of a residential aged care facility placement, and reports student experiences using an attitudinal survey across two cohorts.

Method:

Placements in January 2014 and 2015 were surveyed to identify barriers and enablers to student learning. Descriptive analysis was used to report the frequency of responses for categorical variables. Chi-square tests were used to analyse change in item rank by year. Content analysis was used to analyse text responses.

Results:

Initial 2014 results show that 75.4% of respondents agreed that they were able to achieve the required learning outcomes during this placement, with 72.8% agreeing that the placement improved their knowledge of community-based care for the elderly. Students tended to agree that the placement improved their confidence as practitioners, and that the experience helped to improve communication skills.

Conclusion:

This initiative showed that it is possible to enable learning outcomes that are directly related to core paramedic competencies. The placement was associated with improved understanding of age-related health problems. In addition, the placement provided opportunities to observe the role of health professionals in the maintenance of an older individual's health, social and spiritual needs.
This year's flu, the jab—and what paramedics think…
Authors: Gilroy Rebecca
Published: February 2018

Few issues in health care are as hotly debated as the flu jab—and paramedics have been weighing in on this discussion. In this issue, JPP editorial assistant, Rebecca Gilroy, examines this year's flu virus, delving deeper into the strains affecting the UK, and what paramedics and others are saying about it.
Factors affecting the academic achievement in socioeconomically disadvantaged students
Authors: Önder Emine , Uyar Şeyma
Published: February 2018

The aim of this research is to assess factors affecting achievement of students coming from low socioeconomic background in PISA 2012 and with high and low achievement in mathematics performance. The research population consists of students who were 15 years old as of the date of PISA 2012 assessment. In the Turkey sample, there are 4848 students from a total of 170 schools from 57 cities in 12 statistical region units in PISA 2012. In this research, students within the lowest 33.00% section according to the economic sociocultural status index in the Turkey sample were included. The research was carried out with 218 students showing low achievement in mathematics and 173 students showing high achievement in mathematics including them all in socioeconomically disadvantaged group. As a result of the structural equation model applied considering students’ affective traits and achievement in mathematics, it is observed that the variable “attitude towards school” is a positive and significant predictor in the low achievement group. It is observed that the variable “affective characteristics towards mathematics” is a positive and significant predictor in the high achievement group while “attitude towards school” is a negative predictor of achievement in mathematics. These results can initiate attempts to review educational investments towards students’ achievement and can lead to fund transfers towards fields that can result in higher increase in achievement.
Serotonin Differentially Regulates L5 Pyramidal Cell Classes of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Rats and Mice
Authors: Elliott Mary C. , Tanaka Peter M. , Schwark Ryan W. , Andrade Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

The prefrontal cortex receives a dense serotonergic innervation that plays an important role in its regulation. However, how serotonin regulates different pyramidal and interneuron cell classes in this area is incompletely understood. Previous work in rats has shown that serotonin differentially regulates two classes of pyramidal cells in layer 5. It excites one class by activating 5-HT2Areceptors, whereas it more subtly modulates the integrative properties of the other by co-activating 5-HT1Aand 5-HT2Areceptors. Here we have used electrophysiological recordings, combined with retrograde labeling and morphological reconstruction, to show that the first cell class corresponds to long range corticofugal neurons and the second corresponds to intratelencephalic neurons. These results suggest that, in rats, serotonin facilitates subcortical output while more subtly modulating cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal output. Interestingly, these results obtained in rats differ from those previously reported for mouse prefrontal cortex. Therefore we reinvestigated the effects of serotonin in mice and confirmed that serotonin predominantly activates inhibitory 5-HT1Areceptors on long-range corticofugal cells. Thus serotonin exerts opposite effects on these cells in rats and mice. Finally, we determined whether cortical serotonin responsiveness in mice is regulated during development. Serotonin elicited predominantly depolarizing inward current responses during the early postnatal period, whereas inhibitory 5-HT1Areceptor-mediated responses did not become evident until the end of the second postnatal week. These results reveal commonalities as well as unexpected differences in the serotonergic regulation of long-range corticofugal and intratelencephalic neurons of layer 5 in rat and mouse.
The Neural Dynamics of Facial Identity Processing: Insights from EEG-Based Pattern Analysis and Image Reconstruction
Authors: Nemrodov Dan , Niemeier Matthias , Patel Ashutosh , Nestor Adrian
Published: February 2018

Uncovering the neural dynamics of facial identity processing along with its representational basis outlines a major endeavor in the study of visual processing. To this end, here, we record human electroencephalography (EEG) data associated with viewing face stimuli; then, we exploit spatiotemporal EEG information to determine the neural correlates of facial identity representations and to reconstruct the appearance of the corresponding stimuli. Our findings indicate that multiple temporal intervals support: facial identity classification, face space estimation, visual feature extraction and image reconstruction. In particular, we note that both classification and reconstruction accuracy peak in the proximity of the N170 component. Further, aggregate data from a larger interval (50–650 ms after stimulus onset) support robust reconstruction results, consistent with the availability of distinct visual information over time. Thus, theoretically, our findings shed light on the time course of face processing while, methodologically, they demonstrate the feasibility of EEG-based image reconstruction.
Neural Mechanisms for Adaptive Learned Avoidance of Mental Effort
Authors: Nagase Asako Mitsuto , Onoda Keiichi , Foo Jerome Clifford , Haji Tomoki , Akaishi Rei , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Sakai Katsuyuki , Morita Kenji
Published: February 2018

Humans tend to avoid mental effort. Previous studies have demonstrated this tendency using various demand-selection tasks; participants generally avoid options associated with higher cognitive demand. However, it remains unclear whether humans avoid mental effort adaptively in uncertain and nonstationary environments. If so, it also remains unclear what neural mechanisms underlie such learned avoidance and whether they remain the same regardless of cognitive-demand types. We addressed these issues by developing novel demand-selection tasks where associations between choice options and cognitive-demand levels change over time, with two variations using mental arithmetic and spatial reasoning problems (males/females: 29:4 and 18:2). Most participants showed avoidance, and their choices depended on the demand experienced on multiple preceding trials. We assumed that participants updated the expected cost of mental effort through experience, and fitted their choices by reinforcement learning models, comparing several possibilities. Model-based fMRI analyses revealed that activity in the dorsomedial and lateral frontal cortices was positively correlated with the trial-by-trial expected cost for the chosen option commonly across the different types of cognitive demand. Analyses also revealed a trend of negative correlation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. We further identified correlates of cost-prediction error at time of problem presentation or answering the problem, the latter of which partially overlapped with or were proximal to the correlates of expected cost at time of choice cue in the dorsomedial frontal cortex. These results suggest that humans adaptively learn to avoid mental effort, having neural mechanisms to represent expected cost and cost-prediction error, and the same mechanisms operate for various types of cognitive demand.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn daily life, humans encounter various cognitive demands and tend to avoid high-demand options. However, it remains unclear whether humans avoid mental effort adaptively under dynamically changing environments. If so, it also remains unclear what the underlying neural mechanisms are and whether they operate regardless of cognitive-demand types. To address these issues, we developed novel tasks where participants could learn to avoid high-demand options under uncertain and nonstationary environments. Through model-based fMRI analyses, we found regions whose activity was correlated with the expected mental effort cost, or cost-prediction error, regardless of demand type. These regions overlap, or are adjacent with each other, in the dorsomedial frontal cortex. This finding helps clarify the mechanisms for cognitive-demand avoidance, and provides empirical building blocks for the emerging computational theory of mental effort.
The Role of Mesolimbic Circuitry in Buffering Election-Related Distress
Authors: Tashjian Sarah M. , Galván Adriana
Published: February 2018

The 2016 U.S. presidential election yielded distress among many individuals who identify with historically marginalized groups. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging and psychological measures to test the hypotheses that neural response to reward, probing the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and social support would ameliorate the effects of election distress among those who felt negatively affected by the result. Within 4 months of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, we tested human participants who felt affected by the election result (n= 40,Mage= 21.9 years, 28 female) and control participants (n= 20,Mage= 20.25 years, 12 female) who did not feel affected by the election result. Election-related distress significantly differed between the groups, and distress accounted for over half of the relationship between discrimination experiences and depression symptoms among affected individuals. NAcc activation, connectivity between the NAcc and mPFC, and family support moderated the associations between election distress and depression symptoms. Prior work has primarily investigated mesolimbic circuitry in reward and motivation contexts, but our findings extend the relevance of functioning in this circuitry to ameliorating psychological manifestations of acute distress after shifts in political climate. These findings highlight the psychological effects of this important historic event and identify neurobiological and social mechanisms associated with individual differences in response to election distress.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe 2016 U.S. presidential election was psychologically distressing for many individuals. In this study, election-related distress was linked to depression symptomology for affected individuals but not control individuals. However, among individuals distressed by the election, those with greater neural response to reward and higher family support were protected against these depressive symptoms. Previous research has examined how neural response to reward after a discrete event ameliorates clinical symptoms. The current study extends this knowledge by demonstrating that both the brain and social support may play influential roles in dampening affective responses to ongoing and anticipated distress related to political climate. Leveraging this finding to enact interventions that dampen continuous distress, political or otherwise, is a promising endeavor for future research.
Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report: Present-day ozone distribution and trends relevant to human health
Authors: Fleming Zoë L. , Doherty Ruth M. , von Schneidemesser Erika , Malley Christopher S. , Cooper Owen R. , Pinto Joseph P. , Colette Augustin , Xu Xiaobin , Simpson David , Schultz Martin G. , Lefohn Allen S. , Hamad Samera , Moolla Raeesa , Solberg Sverre , Feng Zhaozhong
Published: February 2018

This study quantifies the present-day global and regional distributions (2010–2014) and trends (2000–2014) for five ozone metrics relevant for short-term and long-term human exposure. These metrics, calculated by the Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report, are: 4th highest daily maximum 8-hour ozone (4MDA8); number of days with MDA8 > 70 ppb (NDGT70), SOMO35 (annual Sum of Ozone Means Over 35 ppb) and two seasonally averaged metrics (3MMDA1; AVGMDA8). These metrics were explored at ozone monitoring sites worldwide, which were classified as urban or non-urban based on population and nighttime lights data.

Present-day distributions of 4MDA8 and NDGT70, determined predominantly by peak values, are similar with highest levels in western North America, southern Europe and East Asia. For the other three metrics, distributions are similar with North–South gradients more prominent across Europe and Japan. Between 2000 and 2014, significant negative trends in 4MDA8 and NDGT70 occur at most US and some European sites. In contrast, significant positive trends are found at many sites in South Korea and Hong Kong, with mixed trends across Japan. The other three metrics have similar, negative trends for many non-urban North American and some European and Japanese sites, and positive trends across much of East Asia. Globally, metrics at many sites exhibit non-significant trends. At 59% of all sites there is a common direction and significance in the trend across all five metrics, whilst 4MDA8 and NDGT70 have a common trend at ~80% of all sites. Sensitivity analysis shows AVGMDA8 trends differ with averaging period (warm season or annual). Trends are unchanged at many sites when a 1995–2014 period is used; although fewer sites exhibit non-significant trends. Over the longer period 1970–2014, most Japanese sites exhibit positive 4MDA8/SOMO35 trends. Insufficient data exist to characterize ozone trends for the rest of Asia and other world regions.
Mathematical аnalysis of kidney transplant demand and availability
Authors: Minina M. G. , Ignatov N. A. , Truhmanov S. B.
Published: February 2018

Aim. To analyse the dynamics of the need and availability of donor kidneys for transplantation. To construct the predictions for the number of waiting lists. To analyse the annual number of kidney transplants and the availability ofdonor kidney.

Materials and methods. Data base of Eurotransplant International Foundation 1969–2015 has been analyzed. We built a forecast of the kidney waiting list, kidney transplants quantity and availability of kidney grafts up to 2030.

Results. Random process analysis of kidney transplant recipients number has shown an increasing linear trend. Growing linear trend is due to the inability to fully meet the increasing need for a kidney transplant. Presence of a regular stochastic component is revealed that provides random ﬂ uctuations in the number of patients waiting for kidney transplantation with a period of 35–40 years. Random process of the number of kidney transplants showed an exponential asymptotic trend growing to a certain saturation value. Estimation of its autocorrelation function showed the absence of regular stochastic components in it. Preservation of 1969–2015 dynamics for the period 2015–2030 allows to suggest a signiﬁ cant increase in the number of people waiting for transplant and a decrease in the availability of donor kidneys.

Conclusion. The number of donor kidney transplantations tends to saturation limit, and limit is already lower than the current need for donor kidneys. The increase in the number of kidney transplantation programs and the improvement of organ donation system may lead to a limited increase in annual number of transplants and, possibly, the saturation limit, but not to a qualitative change in the dynamics of reduced availability of donor kidneys. A qualitative change in this dynamics towards increasing accessibility, is possible perhaps through activities that affect factors causing a constant increase in the number of people who need a transplant.
Restoration of limited defects of the cartilage with the use of cell-engineered constructs
Authors: Gerasimov S. A. , Tenilin N. A. , Aleynik D. Ia. , Bugrov S. N. , Shirokova N. Iu. , Zykin A. A.
Published: February 2018

Aim: to develop a three-dimensional composite cell-engineered constructs (CEC) for restoration of limited defects of the cartilage in experiment.

Materials and methods. To create a cell-engineered constructs (CEC), were used collagenic carriers: «Chondro Gide» impermeable bilayer membrane and «Osteoplast» permeable matrix. A comparative study of their cytotoxic and adhesion properties was made in vitro. Chondroplastic potential of prepared CECs based on collagenous matrices with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of the rabbit bone marrow grown on their surface was assessed in vivo. A cylindrical defect of the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle 3.3 mm in diameter at a depth of 1.5 mm was formed on both rabbit feet. Laboratory animals were divided into 3 groups: control group; Experiment 1 group with Chondro Gide used as the MSC carrier within CEC; Experiment 2 group using Osteoplast matrix. Upon experiment completion, a morphometric and histomorphologic research of tissue specimens was made. For statistical evaluation of the results a defect region recovery factor (RF) was offered and used.

Results. After a 6-month observation period the control group showed partial recovery of the defect region with the recovery factor (RF) of 0.62 ± 0.06. The RF in Experiment 1 group equalled to 0.79 ± 0.07, Experiment 2 group revealed RF at the level of 0.88 ± 0.02. Statistical analysis of the research results shows that the use of CEC used in Experiment 2 group reduces a relative risk of therapeutic failures by 92.9%, and absolute risk – by 43.3% as compared to Experiment 1 group. Histomorphologic research data are indicative of a hyaline cartilage formation in the central defect zone, which is partially close to the intact cartilage to the maximum with zonality marked.

Conclusion. Results of the research of the developed three-dimension cell-engineered constructs consisting of mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow grown on the Osteoplast permeable collagenic matrix show the formation of a cartilaginous hyaline tissue with a high level of structural organization in the area of its implantation. The thickness of a newly formed cartilage is insigniﬁ cantly less than that of the preceding cartilaginous tissue, thus facilitating a dynamic distribution of the axial load on the articular surface, and as a whole this holds out hope for good long-term results. Therefore, based on the data obtained, we consider it reasonable to perform next investigation phases of the offered cell-engineered constructs for chondroplasty of limited cartilage defects.
OTEL İŞLETMELERİNİN POTANSİYEL ÇALIŞANLARA YÖNELİK İZLENİM YÖNETİMİ TAKTİKLERİ: WEB SİTELERİNİN ANALİZİ
Authors: ŞİMŞEK EVREN Emine , AKOĞLAN KOZAK Meryem
Published: February 2018

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amacıyla ne tür izlenim yönetimi taktiklerine başvurduklarının belirlenmesi
amaçlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda, öncelikle 1751 turizm işletme belgeli otelin web sitesinin
ön incelemesi yapılmış; insan kaynakları veya kariyer sayfası bulunan 453 otel
web sitesi asıl inceleme için seçilmiştir. Web sitesi incelemeleri; otel
işletmelerinin kategoriler çerçevesinde daha çok proaktif bir şekilde, içsel
bilgilerle ve işveren markalama yoluyla potansiyel çalışanlara ulaştıklarını
göstermiştir. Ayrıca, uygulamaların çoğunlukla aydınlatıcı tekniklerle;
detaylara yer vermeden, genel açıklamalar ve görsellerle gerçekleştirildiği de
görülmüştür. Taktikler itibariyle bakıldığında ise otellerin “lokasyonu iyi”,
“büyük”, “kolay erişilebilir”, “ulusal-uluslararası standartlara uyan”, “sosyal
sorumluluk sahibi”, “örnek işletme”, “terfi olanakları sunan” ve “fiziksel
çalışma ortamı iyi” gibi izlenimleri potansiyel çalışanları etkilemek amacıyla
kullandıkları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, uluslararası zincir otellerin, beş
yıldızlı otellerin ve yıl boyu faaliyette bulunan otellerin diğer otel
tiplerine göre potansiyel çalışanlara yönelik taktikleri daha sık kullandıkları
da görülmüştür.
Looking for Shortages of Skilled Labor in the Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Stahl Jessica C. , Morin Norman
Published: February 2018

Anecdotal reports have suggested that some firms have struggled to find sufficient numbers of skilled workers.
Why Have Americans' Income Expectations Declined So Sharply?
Authors: Sahm Claudia R.
Published: February 2018

Data from the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers (Michigan survey) suggests that Americans' income expectations declined sharply in the 2008-09 recession and remain depressed.
Business Investor Activity in the Single-Family-Housing Market
Authors: Molloy Raven Saks , Zarutskie Rebecca
Published: February 2018

We discuss recent purchase activity by business investors in the market for single-family homes and consider the possible benefits and risks of this activity.
Measuring Agency MBS Market Liquidity with Transaction Data
Authors: Li Canlin , Campbell Sean D. , Im Jay
Published: February 2018

Agency mortgage backed securities are fixed income securities that entitle the owner to principal and interest payments on underlying residential mortgages that are guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises or government agencies.
Estimating the Effect of Central Clearing on Credit Derivative Exposures
Authors: Campbell Sean D.
Published: February 2018

Central clearing of derivatives is a primary objective of the global financial reform effort emerging from the financial crisis.
Perspectives on the Recent Weakness in Investment
Authors: Pinto Eugenio P. , Tevlin Stacey
Published: February 2018

After having been a relatively bright spot early in the recovery, nonresidential private fixed investment, which in this note we refer to as business fixed investment (BFI), increased at an average annual rate of only about 4 percent in 2012 and 2013, an unusually slow pace during an expansion.
Assessing the Change in Labor Market Conditions
Authors: Chung Hess , Fallick Bruce , Nekarda Christopher J. , Ratner David
Published: February 2018

The U.S. labor market is large and multifaceted. Often-cited indicators, such as the unemployment rate or payroll employment, measure a particular dimension of labor market activity, and it is not uncommon for different indicators to send conflicting signals about labor market conditions.
Financial Stability Monitoring
Authors: Adrian Tobias , Covitz Daniel M. , Liang J. Nellie
Published: February 2018

In a recently released New York Fed staff report, we present a forward-looking monitoring program to identify and track time-varying sources of systemic risk.
Updating the Labor Market Conditions Index
Authors: Chung Hess , Nekarda Christopher J. , Ratner David
Published: February 2018

Starting Monday, October 6th, we will provide updated estimates of the labor market conditions index (LMCI) every month.
Residual Seasonality in Core Consumer Price Inflation
Authors: Peneva Ekaterina V.
Published: February 2018

The past 10 years have typically seen a pattern in which consumer price inflation has tended to be higher in the first half of the year than in the second half.
Optimal-Control Monetary Policy in the FRB/US Model
Authors: Brayton Flint , Laubach Thomas , Reifschneider David
Published: February 2018

The question of how best to conduct monetary policy has been studied by economists for a long time. Over the past 25 years or so, attention has focused on systematic approaches to setting the short-term interest rate in a manner that effectively balances policymaker objectives.
Prices for Data Storage Equipment and the State of IT Innovation
Authors: Byrne David M.
Published: February 2018

This note presents new estimates of price trends for data storage equipment, a key general-purpose technology that enables both emerging and mature IT applications.
Assessing the Community Reinvestment Act's Role in the Financial Crisis
Authors: Bhutta Neil , Ringo Daniel R.
Published: February 2018

An important question arising out of the financial crisis is whether the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) played a significant role in the subprime mortgage boom and bust by pushing banks to make loans to risky borrowers.
The Increase in Wealth Concentration, 1989-2013
Authors: Bricker Jesse , Henriques Alice M. , Krimmel Jacob , Sabelhaus John Edward
Published: February 2018

Wealth is highly concentrated in the United States, and top shares have been rising in recent decades, raising both normative and macroeconomic policy concerns.
The Effects of Liquidity Regulation on Participation in the Term Deposit Facility
Authors: Rezende Marcelo , Styczynski Mary-Frances
Published: February 2018

We find that banks subject to the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) submit tenders relatively more often than banks not subject to it in operations that allow banks to withdraw funds prior to the maturity date.
Mapping Heat in the U.S. Financial System: A Summary
Authors: Kiley Michael T. , Aikman David , Lee Seung Jung , Palumbo Michael G. , Warusawitharana Missaka
Published: February 2018

This note reports a selection of results from research intended to quantitatively measure the buildup and reduction of vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system over time.
How Much Student Debt is Out There?
Authors: Bricker Jesse , Pence Karen M. , Brown Meta , Hannon Simona
Published: February 2018

As is widely known, student loan debt has expanded significantly over the past decade or so and stands at historically high levels. But how much in total do students owe?
Credibility of Optimal Forward Guidance at the Interest Rate Lower Bound
Authors: Nakata Taisuke
Published: February 2018

Market participants and other analysts generally expect that the federal funds rate will rise from its effective lower bound (ELB) later this year. However, the ELB could again become a binding constraint on monetary policy in the future.
Off-Balance Sheet Items of Depository Institutions in the Enhanced Financial Accounts
Authors: Meisenzahl Ralf
Published: February 2018

The Enhanced Financial Accounts initiative is an ambitious, long-term effort to augment the Financial Accounts of the United States with a more detailed picture of financial intermediation in the United States. This Note describes one initial project to provide more detailed information on the holdings and activities of depository institutions.
Credit Scores, Trust, and Stock Market Participation
Authors: Bricker Jesse , Li Geng
Published: February 2018

Investments in stocks earn a substantially higher return than investment in safer assets in the long run, even after adjusting for risks in the stock market. However, not all households own stocks (Mankiw and Zeldes, 1991), and the share of U.S. households that invest in stocks has been much lower than the standard theory predicts--a phenomenon often referred to as the &quot;participation puzzle.&quot;
Why Are Net Interest Margins of Large Banks So Compressed?
Authors: Rezende Marcelo , Covas Francisco , Vojtech Cindy M.
Published: February 2018

This note analyzes recent trends in net interest margins (NIMs) at domestic bank holding companies.
Should You Trust Things You Hear Online? Comparing SHED and Census Bureau Survey Results
Authors: Larrimore Jeff , Schmeiser Maximilian D. , Devlin-Foltz Sebastian
Published: February 2018

In the fall of 2013, the Federal Reserve Board began conducting the Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), which is an annual survey of individual consumers designed to monitor their well-being and identify risks to their financial stability.
Why Boomerang? Debt, Access to Credit, and Parental Co-residence among Young Adults
Authors: Dettling Lisa J. , Hsu Joanne W.
Published: February 2018

A persistent media narrative from the Great Recession is the phenomenon of "boomerang" kids, that is, the rapid increase of young adults moving back in with their baby boomer parents. From a life-cycle perspective, boomerang kids may be delaying wealth-building, and they may be a strain on parental resources. From a macroeconomic perspective, increased rates of parental co-residence have important implications for the economy at large. In this note, we describe our research examining the relationship between debt, access to affordable credit and parental co-residence decisions among young adults.
U.S. Net Wealth in the Financial Accounts of the United States
Authors: Holmquist Elizabeth Ball , McIntosh Susan Hume
Published: February 2018

This note describes the measurement of U.S. net wealth in the Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts of the United States.
Low Inflation in the United States: A Summary of Recent Research
Authors: Kiley Michael T.
Published: February 2018

Inflation in the United States has been running at low levels. Over the five years ending in December 2014, the percent change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), at 8.8 percent (or 1.7 percent at an annual rate), was the lowest rate of price increase seen in the United States in half a century.