bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streamlined EDSS for use in multiple sclerosis clinical practice: Development and cross-sectional comparison to EDSS
Authors: Baldassari Laura E , Salter Amber R , Longbrake Erin E , Cross Anne H , Naismith Robert T
Published: August 2017

Background:

The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is the standard measure of disability in multiple sclerosis clinical trials. The EDSS has limited application in the clinical setting due to required completion time and scoring complexity. Systematically recording an objective, simplified, less time-intensive, and neurologist-derived disability score would be beneficial for patient care.

Objective:

To develop and validate a streamlined version of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (sEDSS) for clinical monitoring.

Methods:

The EDSS was modified by eliminating maneuvers with no impact on function, consolidating redundancies, and simplifying scoring. This sEDSS was refined and preliminarily validated using a pilot cohort of 102 patients. Subsequently, the sEDSS was retrospectively validated using 968 patients from the CombiRx trial. We evaluated correlation and agreement between each functional system as well as the overall sEDSS and EDSS.

Results:

The sEDSS correlated strongly with the EDSS, both overall (Spearman’s rho = 0.93) and for each functional system (Spearman’s rho 0.65–0.97). Correlation was slightly lower for functional systems where scoring was modified for consolidation and simplification.

Conclusion:

The sEDSS had strong agreement and correlation with the existing EDSS and can provide a useful measure of disability in clinical practice.
Change in international practices
Authors: Hopf Ted
Published: August 2017

This article builds on the practice turn’s welcome move to redirect our attention to the unconscious habitual practices that constitute most of daily social life, including in world politics. Since International Relations practice theorists continue to resort to arguments that include deliberate reflection, I try to clarify the relationship between going on in the world automatically and proceeding with conscious reflection. Beyond providing scope conditions for reflection during ongoing practice, which increase the probability of a change in practices, I also elaborate mechanisms by which ongoing practices may yield an endogenous source of change. I illustrate some of these conditions for change from recent International Relations scholarship on practices in world politics.
Doxing or deliberative democracy? Evidence and digital affordances in theSerialsubReddit
Authors: Buozis Michael
Published: August 2017

This study examines how a specific digital space—the Reddit message board dedicated to a discussion of the murder case featured on the podcast Serial—affords its users the ability to transcend the spatiotemporal limitations of traditional journalistic and criminal justice practices in the collection, validation, and deliberation of evidence. The digital discourse on the Serial subReddit can be understood, using concepts derived from network society theory (Castells, 2005) as a form of deliberative digital democracy (Dahlberg, 2011) in which crowdsourced evidence bears the weight of establishing the “rational” nature of a constructive, public discourse about practices employed by democratic institutions. However, the same evidence serves to reveal the limits of this form of digital deliberation when it is used in the practice of “doxing”—the online, public posting of private information about private individuals (Davison, 2012). This tension reveals the complicated relationship between democracy, privacy, and emerging technologies.
Weaving for tourists in Chinchero, Peru
Authors: Garcia Pablo
Published: August 2017

This article examines the effects that ‘performing’ weaving for the tourists is having on the organization of textile production for sale in the Peruvian Quechua-speaking town of Chinchero. Recent dynamics of tourism in town have encouraged the transformation of households into weaving centres for textile exhibitions, a transformation that has substantially altered the relations between weavers and weaving, as well as with the production mode in a context of hierarchical control. Analysis shows how artisan centres that have been set up to demonstrate weaving techniques to tourists do not work as a location of production, so that production needs to be organized externally. In the wake of this transition and of the social changes introduced, household economies have been forced to redefine the terms of their articulation with the wider community organization. In relation to this point, the article explores the tensions that arise when non-family members are taken to work within the household.
Potentially traumatic events as predictors of disability pension: A 10-year follow-up study in Norway
Authors: Lassemo Eva , Sandanger Inger
Published: August 2017

Aims: Are potentially traumatic events associated with subsequent disability pension? Traumatic exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may represent a disabling state with both personal and professional consequences for the affected individual. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research studying the effects of traumatic exposure on disability pension. This study examined the differences in risk for disability pension among unexposed, exposed to trauma and PTSD cases. Methods: An ambidirectional Norwegian cohort study, consisting of 1238 individuals aged 18–66 years who were at risk of disability pension, were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and linked with registry data on disability pension. Registry follow-up in the Norwegian Insurance Database lasted ten years following interview in 2000–01. The risk of disability pension after traumatic exposure, divided into accidental and premeditated, was assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: In 10 years, 9.5% of the cohort had been granted disability pension. Overall exposure to traumatic events did not alter the risk of disability pension. However, among women, exposure to premeditated traumas did increase the risk (HR 2.96 (95% CI 1.54–5.68)), and was an independent risk factor. Fulfilling criteria for PTSD caseness further increased the risk (HR 4.69 (95% CI 1.78–12.40)). There was no increased risk found between traumatic exposure and disability pension for men. Conclusions: Exposure to trauma, particularly premeditated trauma, seems to be an independent risk factor for disability pension in women.
Textbook journalism? Objectivity, education and the professionalization of sports reporting
Authors: Weedon Gavin , Wilson Brian
Published: August 2017

In this article, we present an analysis of recent handbooks, field guides and other educative texts on sports journalism. Authored mostly by current and former journalists turned university educators, these books signal the professionalization of sports journalism amid changes and challenges to news media industries. In offering guidance on best practice sports reporting, they are also situated in tension with the long-standing denigration of sports journalism as the trivial back-page filler that props up more serious, substantive content. Through a thematic analysis of the textbooks’ contents and the epistemic, economic and educative context of their collective emergence, we address the following question in what follows: How do these textbooks advise would-be sports journalists to respond to ‘serious’ social, ethical and political matters? In doing so, we detail how established categories of objectivity and ethics are the primary points of recourse through which these books advise on reporting about the many social issues in which sport is implicated. In turn, we reflect on the virtues of – and the tensions and contradictions surrounding – these advocations. By way of conclusion, we contend that professionalization represents an opportunity for collaborations between sport media scholars and current and former journalists – in their shared roles as educators – in the pursuit of ‘excellent’ sports reporting. The notion of ‘strong objectivity’ is our conceptual guide for how such collaborations might be fostered.
The dominance of institutional sources and the establishment of non-elite ones: The case of Italian online local journalism
Authors: Splendore Sergio
Published: August 2017

This article presents findings from a 1-year-long ‘online news ethnography’ and 20 semi-structured interviews conducted in Italian local newsrooms. It explores journalists’ practices in their relations with sources throughout the entire process of news production: discovering, gathering, and writing news. The relation between institutional sources and journalists sees the former acquiring increasing importance for the latter. At the same time, journalists guarantee access also to a limited array of non-elite sources. The result is what can be called the ‘pluralization’ of primary definers: the extensive and unframed use of a wide range of sources (mainly institutional, but also non-elite). Whether this asymmetrical coverage reinforces or weakens conceptions of political, social, and cultural power should be investigated further, but the work of journalists as watchdogs appears to be in danger.
Visualizing log-file data from a game using timed word trees
Authors: Ceccon Ribeiro Paula , Biles Melissa L , Lang Charles , Silva Claudio , Plass Jan L
Published: August 2017

In this article, we present the application of a method for visualizing gameplay patterns observed in log-file data from a geometry game. Using VisCareTrails, a data visualization software system based on the principle of timed word trees, we were able to identify five novel behaviors that informed our understanding of how players were approaching the game. We further utilized these newly identified player behaviors by triangulating them with geometry test scores collected from players outside the game setting. We compared the predictive capacity of these behaviors against five demographic characteristics commonly observed to be associated with educational outcomes: age, gender, ethnicity, mother’s education, and attitude toward video games. Two of the novel behaviors we identified, both reflecting inflexible problem-solving strategies, outperformed all demographic variables except age in terms of predicting change in geometry test scores post-gameplay. We believe that this is sound evidence for the utility of VisCareTrails and the timed-word-tree method for identifying pedagogically relevant player behaviors from semi-structured data associated with educational games.
Milk Vending Does Not Improve College Students’ Milk and Calcium Intakes
Authors: Rose Angela M. , Williams Rachel A. , Hanks Andrew S. , Kennel Julie A. , Gunther Carolyn
Published: August 2017

In the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, overall diet quality decreases, including a reduction in both dairy and calcium consumption. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the impact of milk vending on milk and calcium intakes in college students. Participants were 124 college students living in dorms at a large public university (Fall 2012). Milk vending machines were installed in two campus dorms. Before and 2 months after installation, students were surveyed about milk and calcium intakes, as well as attitudes regarding milk vending. Sales data for the newly installed machines were also collected between the pre- and posttest surveys. Students reported similar milk and calcium consumption before and after the intervention. Mean calcium intakes were lower than the recommended dietary allowance for students in either life stage group (18 years old or 19 years and older). Milk vending sales data showed that during the study period, approximately nine bottles of milk were bought each day from the two dorms combined. Results from this study suggest that milk vending alone may not be an effective strategy for preventing the commonly observed decrease in milk and calcium intakes among college students.
Heart Transplantation as Last Resort Treatment for Relapsing Polychondritis With Severe Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Dormoy Laurent , Belin Annette , Labombarda Fabien
Published: August 2017

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and destruction of different cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich structures like cardiovascular system. We reported a case of heart transplantation in a 20-year-old man having a relapsing polychondritis with severe multiple cardiovascular involvement. The immunosuppressive treatment used to prevent graft rejection allowed to turn out the inflammatory disease. Cardiac transplantation may be considered as last resort treatment option in relapsing polychondritis with intractable extensive heart lesions.
Drug-Eluting Biopsy Needle as a Novel Strategy for Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Sieczkowski Marcin , Gibas Artur , Wasik Andrzej , Kot-Wasik Agata , Piechowicz Lidia , Namieśnik Jacek , Matuszewski Marcin
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

To preclinically evaluate drug-eluting biopsy needles (patent pending WO2016118026) as a new potential way of antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy.

Methods:

Twenty steel biopsy needles have been coated with polyvinyl alcohol, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Modified biopsy needles have been randomly divided into 3 groups (1:2:1 ratio). Needles from group I were immersed for 30 minutes in dedicated test tubes containing saline. Needles from group II were immersed (one by one) for 5 seconds in a set of 12 test tubes containing saline. Then, each solution was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results were compared with the susceptibility break points for Escherichia coli. Group III was incubated with E coli strains on Mueller-Hinton plate and then the bacterial inhibition zones surrounding needles were measured.

Results:

The average concentration of antibiotics eluted from needles (group I) was 361.98 ± 15.36 µg/mL for amikacin and 63.87 ± 5.95 µg/mL for ciprofloxacin. The chromatographic analysis revealed the gradual release of both antibiotics from needles (group II). The concentration of amikacin released from needles exceeded the break-point value from first to ninth immersion. Ciprofloxacin concentration was higher than break-point value in all immersions. The average bacterial inhibition zone minor axis was 42 ± 5.7 mm (group III).

Conclusions:

The use of drug-eluting biopsy needle could be a new potential way of antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy. This study confirmed its biological activity as well as the gradual release of antibiotics from its surface. Confirmation of its preventive role, in terms of infectious complications after transrectal prostate biopsy, has to be evaluated in a clinical trial.
Excavating the South African teacher leadership archive: Surfacing the absences and re-imagining the future
Authors: Grant Carolyn (Callie)
Published: August 2017

In established democracies, the notion of ‘singular’ school leadership practised by the principal has been challenged and a more expansive approach to leadership which includes the practice of teacher leadership is now widely accepted by practitioners and researchers alike. In contrast, in emerging democracies the practice of teacher leadership is less obvious, despite the embeddedness of the concept in policy discourse. This article takes South Africa as its case and reviews literature on teacher leadership in this emerging African democracy. It draws on published articles and unpublished postgraduate theses with a specific teacher leadership focus and loosely adopts the format of two previously published comprehensive literature reviews in organising its findings. Similar to the findings of these two literature reviews, this South African archive also shows that the majority of research in this domain is conspicuously descriptive rather than explanatory, largely atheoretical and overly reliant on small case study design. In response, this article argues that teacher leadership research must continue to be undertaken in emerging democracies but with far greater use made of critical methodologies underpinned by relevant social theory.
Involvement of NLRP10 in IL-1α induction of oral epithelial cells by periodontal pathogens
Authors: Lee Seok-Joo , Choi Bong-Kyu
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 10 (NLRP10). The human oral epithelial cell line HOK-16B was infected with two periodontal pathogens, Tannerella forsythia and Fusobacterium nucleatum, at various MOIs. RT-PCR and immunoblotting demonstrated that infection increased mRNA and protein expression of NLRP10, respectively. The siRNA-mediated NLRP10 knockdown significantly reduced IL-1α expression and secretion. Both bacteria induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAP kinases in HOK-16B cells. NLRP10 knockdown impaired ERK phosphorylation only. ERK inhibition significantly decreased the expression of T. forsythia- and F. nucleatum-induced IL-1α. Our data suggest that NLRP10 is involved in activating the ERK signalling pathway in HOK-16B cells infected with T. forsythia and F. nucleatum. This pathway likely augments the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α levels, which may play a critical role in periodontitis.
“Mr Right Now”: Temporality of relationship formation on gay mobile dating apps
Authors: Yeo Tien Ee Dominic , Fung Tsz Hin
Published: August 2017

Mobile dating apps with geolocation function have gained popularity for fostering social, romantic, and sexual connections between nearby strangers. Through in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions with 74 users of gay mobile dating apps (Grindr and Jack’d) in Hong Kong, this study illustrates how the sociological concept of time can shed light on users’ experience of relationship formation through these apps. Specifically, the accelerated tempo of interactions facilitated by perpetual connectivity, mutual proximity awareness, and instant messaging was seen to entail instantaneous and ephemeral relationships. The interface design, which foregrounds profile photos and backgrounds textual self-descriptions, was perceived to structure the sequence of browsing and screening in favor of physical appearance and users seeking casual hook-ups. The findings suggest that the temporality of browsing and exchange on apps is incongruous with the temporal norms prescribing formation of friendship and long-term romance. Such incongruity affects the perceived quality and satisfaction of app use, frustrating users who seek more durable relationships.
Extra-articular chondromatosis of flexor and extensor compartments of the hand: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Maccagnano Giuseppe , Notarnicola Angela , Solarino Giuseppe , Pesce Vito , Moretti Biagio
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Tenosynovial chondromatosis is an uncommon type of chondro-dysplasia of synovial and connective tissue. We report a case of a patient with a primary right wrist extra-articular chondromatosis extending to the flexor and the extensor compartments.

Methods:

Until now, there has been no study describing double surgical access for such a case.

Results:

Due to the extension, two surgical accesses are required to completely remove the neoformation.

Conclusions:

At 2 years of follow-up, the good functional-clinical results and absence of recurrence confirm the validity of our surgical strategy.
Expertise and the constitution of publics
Authors: Schrock Andrew , Close Samantha
Published: August 2017

Expertise presents an enduring political problem. It is, on one hand, essential to a functioning society. On the other hand, it is inextricably entwined with hierarchies and power disparities. A society based solely on the rule of experts would surely be no democracy, yet neither would a society with no experts. It is sensible to promote the spread of expertise through technological literacies and skills. However, the public will never all simply become experts. Indeed, the empowered individual actor imagined by neoliberalism and do-it-yourself technology philosophies strains both individuals by dissolving their institutional and community support structures. We argue in this Special Issue that expertise and publics are mutually constitutive rather than oppositional. These essays foreground how expertise is constituted, communicated, and evaluated. The process of analyzing expertise’s roles and functions resurfaces vital concerns for the current historical moment of heated populism and social media platforms.
Two novel direct SPIO labels and in vivo MRI detection of labeled cells after acute myocardial infarct
Authors: Korpi Riikka M , Alestalo Kirsi , Ruuska Timo , Lammentausta Eveliina , Borra Ronald , Yannopoulos Fredrik , Lehtonen Siri , Korpi Jarkko T , Lappi-Blanco Elisa , Anttila Vesa , Lehenkari Petri , Juvonen Tatu , Blanco Sequieros Roberto
Published: August 2017

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cellular decay due hypoxia requires rapid and validated methods for possible therapeutic cell transplantation.

Purpose

To develop direct and rapid superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) cell label for a large-animal model and to assess in vivo cell targeting by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an experimental AMI model.

Material and Methods

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) were labeled with SPIO particles using two novel direct labeling methods (rotating incubation method and electroporation). Labeling, iron incorporation in cells and label distribution, cellular viability, and proliferation were validated in vitro. An AMI porcine model was used to evaluate the direct labeling method (rotating incubation method) by examining targeting of labeled BMMNCs using MRI and histology.

Results

Labeling (1 h) did not alter either cellular differentiation potential or viability of cells in vitro. Cellular relaxation values at 9.4 T correlated with label concentration and MRI at 1.5 T showing 89 ± 4% signal reduction compared with non-labeled cells in vitro. In vivo, a high spatial correlation between MRI and histology was observed. The extent of macroscopic pathological myocardial changes (hemorrhage) correlated with altered function detected on MRI.

Conclusion

We demonstrated two novel direct SPIO labeling methods and demonstrated the feasibility of clinical MRI for monitoring targeting of the labeled cells in animal models of AMI.
Human Culture and Science Fiction: A Review of the Literature, 1980-2016
Authors: Menadue Christopher Benjamin , Cheer Karen Diane
Published: August 2017

This article aimed to uncover the foci, themes, and findings of research literature that utilized science fiction content or concepts to describe and illustrate human culture. To capture a representative range of research, the PRISMA process was applied to database searches across a range of disciplines, not restricted to science fiction journals. Findings revealed that science fiction literature has been used in research across disciplines including theology, semantics, natural sciences, and education. Two characteristics of the use of science fiction in research became evident in the review: its role as a tool for advocacy and cultural insight and its effectiveness as an aid to learning and teaching. An unclear boundary between real science and science in the public imagination is problematic for research success, but the purposeful integration of fictional representations of science (both natural and social) into the research story has demonstrable benefits. To address the limited application of objective methodologies, adoption of increasingly robust quantitative analysis into research in the fields of literature and culture is recommended. This would assist in bridging the two cultures divide between the humanities and natural sciences.
Mexican American Faculty in Research Universities: Can the Next Generation Beat the Odds?
Authors: Zambrana Ruth Enid , Dávila Brianne A. , Espino Michelle M. , Lapeyrouse Lisa M. , Valdez R. Burciaga , Segura Denise A.
Published: August 2017

Mexican Americans represent the largest Latina/o subpopulation and have the lowest levels of educational attainment in the United States. Mexican Americans are underrepresented in all professional fields, including academia, and thus warrant attention. The purposes of this study are to describe the experiences of early and mid-career Mexican American faculty, emphasizing key sources of inspiration, support, and mentoring, perceived discrimination, and their coping responses; assess the ways in which these factors influence their careers; and examine differences by gender and maternal education. Mixed methods were used to obtain information from 133 Mexican American faculty who participated in a larger national study of underrepresented minority (URM) faculty at research universities. Five major findings emerged: (1) early life course support sustained and encouraged educational aspirations, (2) mentorship from significant others provided valuable advice in developing social capital throughout higher education and early faculty experiences, (3) female respondents were more likely to report inadequate mentoring and higher levels of distress due to recurrent experiences of racially gendered discrimination, (4) strategies of resistance reveal high levels of emotional labor as respondents deconstruct the hidden curriculum to perform effectively in environments that are imbued with implicit bias, and (5) maternal education contributed to improved mentoring experiences and active resistance strategies. The findings suggest that expanding social capital–driven strategies and increasing understanding of persistent anti-Mexican social policy that leads to misidentification and implicit bias are key in retention and professional success for Mexican American faculty.
Syndication in Venture Capital Investment in India: An Empirical Study
Authors: Mishra Sarita , Bag Dinabandhu
Published: August 2017

Indian economy witnessed high inflow of capital for start-ups in current fiscal year through venture capital (VC) investment. From different Indian VC deals, it is evident that VC investors prefer to invest jointly. In other words, joint investment or co-investment or syndication is a common trend in Indian VC industry. VCs adopt this strategy to minimise their future uncertainties as a part of the control mechanism. In this study, an attempt is made to find out different determinants of this syndication strategy. The samples taken in this study are retrieved from Venture Intelligence database for the period 2005–2014. The data are analysed through linear regression and binomial logistic regression. Two empirical models have been developed. The derived models validate different control variables and deal with specific characteristics to comprehend the rationale of syndication mechanism. The findings of the study indicate that the past experience and the number of industry exposure of a VC in IT and ITES industry are the major predictors for a syndication decision. Subsequently, the precautionary investment attributes like number of investment round, stage funding, etc. draw the interest of potential co-investors in a syndicated deal. Syndication mechanism benefits the VC investors through sharing of risk of investment in a start-up and preparing them for a successful exit. Extant literature supports the results as Indian VC investors prefer to share the risk profile of a start-up business and adopt different risk diversion mechanisms to attract co-investors in the deal. Furthermore, the joint investment by investors drag more funding amount and also create more human capital for efficient management of the investment in VC-backed portfolio.
Understanding developer perspectives and experiences of wind energy development in Ontario
Authors: Songsore Emmanuel , Buzzelli Michael , Baxter Jamie
Published: August 2017

In the Province of Ontario, Canada, aggressive policy promoting wind energy development has led to both rapid development and intense stakeholder conflicts. Focusing on developers, key stakeholders largely hidden in the extant research literature and the perspectives of other stakeholders drawn from secondary sources, this paper presents original primary research to help fill this knowledge gap. Based on semi-structured interviews with established and active developers in the Province, we find that feed-in tariffs have arguably been the strongest driver of developers successfully getting turbines up and running. Yet, legislative and policy attempts to reduce delays and smooth the development process have often complicated the development process. Developers recognise and often agree with community viewpoints that the process as framed by Ontario’s policy environment forestalls cooperative development, particularly with respect to community engagement. While developers are supportive of better community engagement, they feel constrained by policy-related barriers. Findings from the study show that communities will only be engaged in projects to the full extent possible if developers take the initiative to transcend regulatory requirements for public engagement. The study concludes with useful lessons for jurisdictions transitioning to low or zero emissions energy technologies. Specifically, it supports recommendations for alternative policy approaches including consideration of policy specificity around economic benefit destitution, and community engagement and ownership of projects.
An IEP for Me
Authors: Pennington Robert C.
Published: August 2017

Developing high-quality programming for students with moderate to severe disability (MSD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging for teachers across the range of experience and training including those in rural contexts. This article outlines a process for the iterative refinement of teaching programs comprised of an evaluation of the current program, the identification of targets for improvement, the development of goals and objectives, and the creation of an implementation plan. Furthermore, strategies for facilitating implementation are discussed.
Interleukin-6 levels predict event-free survival in pediatric AML and suggest a mechanism of chemotherapy resistance
Authors: Stevens Alexandra M. , Miller Jennifer M. , Munoz Jaime O. , Gaikwad Amos S. , Redell Michele S.
Published: August 2017

Key Points

IL-6 levels in bone marrow predict event-free survival in pediatric AML. Exogenous IL-6 protects AML blasts from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
Property changes of oil shale during artificial maturation: The Irati Formation from the Paraná Basin, Brazil
Authors: Moyer James , Prasad Manika
Published: August 2017

Acquiring elastic property information from oil shale during pyrolysis remains a difficult endeavor. We subject oil shale samples from the Irati Formation in the Paraná Basin, Brazil, to high-temperature, high-pressure hydrous and anhydrous pyrolysis while simultaneously acquiring P- and S-waveform data. We present elastic properties as a function of temperature at constant differential pressure using samples cored in three different directions relative to the bedding plane. Hydrous pyrolysis decreased total organic carbon (TOC) in samples from 25 wt% to 20 wt%, whereas anhydrous pyrolysis had no significant change in TOC. The cores experienced higher strain hysteresis (up to –0.094 residual axial strain) after hydrous pyrolysis compared to after anhydrous pyrolysis ([Formula: see text] residual axial strain). The larger residual strain was accompanied by a larger increase in shear velocity up to 35% after hydrous pyrolysis as compared to the 3% shear velocity increase after anhydrous pyrolysis. The change could be a result of compression and loss of organic content determined at an ambient temperature of 25°C. We quantified sample changes using X-ray computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, source rock analysis, and X-ray diffraction before and after pyrolysis. Our data on elastic properties and Thomsen’s parameters during pyrolysis can be used to extract material property information useful for improving subsurface well logging and 4D seismic to produce efficiently from oil shale formations.
Deleterious Germline Mutations in Patients With Apparently Sporadic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shindo Koji , Yu Jun , Suenaga Masaya , Fesharakizadeh Shahriar , Cho Christy , Macgregor-Das Anne , Siddiqui Abdulrehman , Witmer P. Dane , Tamura Koji , Song Tae Jun , Navarro Almario Jose Alejandro , Brant Aaron , Borges Michael , Ford Madeline , Barkley Thomas , He Jin , Weiss Matthew J. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Roberts Nicholas J. , Hruban Ralph H. , Klein Alison P. , Goggins Michael
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Deleterious germline mutations contribute to pancreatic cancer susceptibility and are well documented in families in which multiple members have had pancreatic cancer.

Methods

To define the prevalence of these germline mutations in patients with apparently sporadic pancreatic cancer, we sequenced 32 genes, including known pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes, in DNA prepared from normal tissue obtained from 854 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 288 patients with other pancreatic and periampullary neoplasms, and 51 patients with non-neoplastic diseases who underwent pancreatic resection at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2000 and 2015.

Results

Thirty-three (3.9%; 95% CI, 3.0% to 5.8%) of 854 patients with pancreatic cancer had a deleterious germline mutation, 31 (3.5%) of which affected known familial pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes: BRCA2 (12 patients), ATM (10 patients), BRCA1 (3 patients), PALB2 (2 patients), MLH1 (2 patients), CDKN2A (1 patient), and TP53 (1 patient). Patients with these germline mutations were younger than those without (mean ± SD, 60.8 ± 10.6 v 65.1 ± 10.5 years; P = .03). Deleterious germline mutations were also found in BUB1B (1) and BUB3 (1). Only three of these 33 patients had reported a family history of pancreatic cancer, and most did not have a cancer family history to suggest an inherited cancer syndrome. Five (1.7%) of 288 patients with other periampullary neoplasms also had a deleterious germline mutation.

Conclusion

Germline mutations in pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes are commonly identified in patients with pancreatic cancer without a significant family history of cancer. These deleterious pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene mutations, some of which are therapeutically targetable, will be missed if current family history guidelines are the main criteria used to determine the appropriateness of gene testing.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernias: from genes to mechanisms to therapies
Authors: Kardon Gabrielle , Ackerman Kate G. , McCulley David J. , Shen Yufeng , Wynn Julia , Shang Linshan , Bogenschutz Eric , Sun Xin , Chung Wendy K.
Published: August 2017

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs) and structural anomalies of the diaphragm are a common class of congenital birth defects that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to associated pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. In ∼30% of CDH patients, genomic analyses have identified a range of genetic defects, including chromosomal anomalies, copy number variants and sequence variants. The affected genes identified in CDH patients include transcription factors, such as GATA4, ZFPM2, NR2F2 and WT1, and signaling pathway components, including members of the retinoic acid pathway. Mutations in these genes affect diaphragm development and can have pleiotropic effects on pulmonary and cardiac development. New therapies, including fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion and prenatal transplacental fetal treatments, aim to normalize lung development and pulmonary vascular tone to prevent and treat lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Studies of the association between particular genetic mutations and clinical outcomes should allow us to better understand the origin of this birth defect and to improve our ability to predict and identify patients most likely to benefit from specialized treatment strategies.
Match Your Own Price? Self-Matching as a Retailer’s Multichannel Pricing Strategy
Authors: Kireyev Pavel , Kumar Vineet , Ofek Elie
Published: August 2017

Multichannel retailing has created several new strategic choices for retailers. With respect to pricing, an important decision is whether to offer a “self-matching policy,” which allows a multichannel retailer to offer the lowest of its online and store prices to consumers. In practice, we observe considerable heterogeneity in self-matching policies: There are retailers who offer to self-match and retailers who explicitly state that they will not match prices across channels. Using a game-theoretic model, we investigate the strategic forces behind the adoption (or non-adoption) of self-matching across a range of competitive scenarios, including a monopolist, two competing multichannel retailers, as well as a mixed duopoly. Though self-matching can negatively impact a retailer when consumers pay the lower price, we uncover two novel mechanisms that can make self-matching profitable in a duopoly setting. Specifically, self-matching can dampen competition online and enable price discrimination in-store. Its effectiveness in these respects depends on the decision-making stage of consumers and the heterogeneity of their preference for the online versus store channels. Surprisingly, self-matching strategies can also be profitable when consumers use “smart” devices to discover online prices in stores. Our findings provide insights for managers on how and when self-matching can be an effective pricing strategy.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2017.1035 .
Managing Customer Expectations and Priorities in Service Systems
Authors: Yu Qiuping , Allon Gad , Bassamboo Achal , Iravani Seyed
Published: August 2017

We study how to use delay announcements to manage customer expectations while allowing a firm to prioritize among customers with different sensitivities to time and value. We examine this problem by developing a framework that characterizes the strategic interaction between the firm and heterogeneous customers. When the firm has information about the state of the system, yet lacks information on customer types, delay announcements play a dual role: they inform customers about the state of the system, while they also have the potential to elicit information on customer types based on their response to the announcements. The tension between these two goals has implications for the type of information that can be shared credibly. To explore the value of the information on customer types, we also study a model where the firm can observe customer types. We show that having information on the customer type may improve or hurt the credibility of the firm. While the creation of credibility increases the firm’s profit, the loss of credibility does not necessarily hurt its profit.

This paper was accepted by Noah Gans, stochastic models and simulation.
Exact Simulation of the Wishart Multidimensional Stochastic Volatility Model
Authors: Kang Chulmin , Kang Wanmo , Lee Jong Mun
Published: August 2017

In this article, we propose an exact simulation method of the Wishart multidimensional stochastic volatility (WMSV) model—a single asset model with a multidimensional Wishart variance process. Our method is based on analysis of the conditional characteristic function of the log-price given a terminal volatility level. In particular, we found an explicit expression for the conditional characteristic function for the Heston model. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our new method is much faster and reliable than the Euler discretization method.
Health care for young adults undergoing predictive genetic testing for cardiomyopathies
Authors: Wassall Rebecca , Jackson Leigh , Prasad Sanjay , Homfray Tessa , Skirton Heather
Published: August 2017

Background:

Predictive genetic testing is important for risk stratification in inherited cardiac conditions, yet may cause psychological distress. The aim of this study was to determine the healthcare needs of young adults undergoing predictive testing for inherited cardiomyopathies.

Method:

In this qualitative study, 11 young adults (aged 16–25 years) were interviewed; data was analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

Results:

Interviewees had a reasonable understanding of inheritance but there was often confusion between cardiac imaging and genetic testing results. Young adults who described a traumatic experience following a family member's diagnosis showed more anxiety than those who had known about their risk since birth. Participants expressed anxiety regarding their future health, reproductive plans and career choices.

Conclusion:

Confusion, reliance on parents and limited communication with others may be especially applicable to young adults having predictive testing.

Implications:

Tailored counselling is needed, with appropriate transitional arrangements to enable young adults to assume responsibility for their health care.
Involvement in midwifery education: Experiences from a service user and carer partnership
Authors: Warren Angela , Hughes Mel , Fry Jane , Cescutti-Butler Luisa
Published: August 2017

This article provides a critical reflection on the experiences of the Bournemouth University Public Involvement in Education and Research (PIER) partnership in developing approaches to involving service users and user groups within midwifery programmes of education; an NMC requirement since 2009. Specific models and activities are explored, including using social media to consult with expectant and new parents; organising direct conversations between women, their families, academics and students to explore experiences such as grief and loss and the use of support networks during pregnancy; and developing digital resources to create real, in depth and meaningful case studies.

Three key benefits to having meaningful and well supported involvement are identified: emotional impact and the opportunity to develop insight and resilience; knowledge impact and the opportunity to better understand the application of theory; and practical impact, which can lead to tangible changes to students' subsequent practice.
Performance Psychology in Medicine symposium hosted by London's Air Ambulance
Authors: Paul Ben
Published: August 2017

Drawing on parallels from the world of comedy, sports and emergency medicine, Ben Paul reflects on key learnings from the Performance Psychology in Medicine symposium hosted by London's Air Ambulance.
Should oral steroids be routinely supplied to prevent asthmatic relapse?
Authors: Hobson Mark
Published: August 2017

In 2014, the National review of Asthma Deaths recognised the significant burden of associated morbidity, amongst avoidable factors and recent contact with healthcareprofessionals that commonly occur prior to a fatal asthma exacerbation. It also recognised delayed and undersupply of preventer medications, particularly oral steroids, that are linked to relapsing into a repeat exacerbation. Oral steroids are not without significant systemic side effects and carry their own risks which must be balanced against the risk of relapse. This literature review seeks to establish if oral steroids should be routinely supplied to prevent asthmatic relapse. Exacerbations induced by viruses, allergies and medications are commonly known to contribute towards deterioration and these high risk patients have been found to gain the most benefit from a 7-10 day course of oral steroids. This is recommended as an effective, cheap and safe option with minimal side effects for higher risk patients. Paramedics should consider supplying, or obtaining a supply of oral steroids for high risk asthmatics following an acute exacerbation of asthma when the patient does not require, or refuses, further assessment or observation in an accident and emergency department.
Development of clinical and inter-personal skills to support people living with dementia
Authors: Brooke Joanne , Stiell Marlon
Published: August 2017

There is a lack of understanding on how paramedic students develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes to support people living with dementia and their families. This original qualitative study applied focus groups to explore paramedic students' perspectives. First and third year paramedic students were recruited from two ambulance service providers in the South of England. Data were collected during January and February 2017 and three themes emerged: 1) challenges of communication 2) students' negative emotional response, and 3) lack of social care and pathways. Paramedic students did not discuss person-centred approaches to support people with dementia; however they all acknowledge the impact of dementia as unique to each person, their family and situation. Undergraduate paramedic education needs to support the development of students' communication and interpersonal skills. Both university lecturers and placement educators need to provide consistent, clear, detailed information to enable students to support and care for people with dementia and their families.
First record of Myopa metallica Camras, 1992 (Diptera: Conopidae: Myopinae) in Northern Chile after 46 years: A case study of the success of citizen science programs
Authors: Barahona-Segovia Rodrigo M. , Castillo Tapia Rodrigo , Pañinao Monsálvez Laura
Published: August 2017

The Wallacean shortfall is one of the most important problems regarding our knowledge of where and how to protect biodiversity. Citizen science programs can help fill this shortfall. A new record of the rare thick-head fly Myopa metallica Camras, 1992 is reported by a citizen science program from the Atacama desert after 46 years without new data and represents the second worldwide individual recorded of the species. We discuss the key role of the citizen science in the collection of new data on occurrence for rare and poorly known species.
Euler-Richardson method preconditioned by weakly stochastic matrix algebras: a potential contribution to Pagerank computation
Authors: Cipolla Stefano , Di Fiore Carmine , Tudisco Francesco
Published: August 2017

Let S be a column stochastic matrix with at least one full row. Then S describes a Pagerank-like random walk since the computation of the Perron vector x of S can be tackled by solving a suitable M-matrix linear system Mx = y, where M = I â Ï A, A is a column stochastic matrix and Ï is a positive coefficient smaller than one. The Pagerank centrality index on graphs is a relevant example where these two formulations appear. Previous investigations have shown that the Euler- Richardson (ER) method can be considered in order to approach the Pagerank computation problem by means of preconditioning strategies. In this work, it is observed indeed that the classical power method can be embedded into the ER scheme, through a suitable simple preconditioner. Therefore, a new preconditioner is proposed based on fast Householder transformations and the concept of low complexity weakly stochastic algebras, which gives rise to an effective alternative to the power method for large-scale sparse problems. Detailed mathematical reasonings for this choice are given and the convergence properties discussed. Numerical tests performed on real-world datasets are presented, showing the advantages given by the use of the proposed Householder-Richardson method.