bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in illness perception between children with cancer and other chronic diseases and their parents
Authors: Szentes Annamária , Kökönyei Gyöngyi , Békési Andrea , Bokrétás Ildikó , Török Szabolcs
Published: October 2017

Background:

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in illness perception between children with cancer and other chronic diseases. A secondary aim was to examine the similarities and differences between the illness perception of these children and their parents.

Methods:

The Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) was used to measure the children’s and parents’ illness perceptions. In this study, 184 children (ages 8–18 years) and their caregivers completed the questionnaires.

Results:

This study shows that children with cancer feel that they have greater control over their treatment compared to the other two groups. The children’s parents have more pessimistic views of the illness than their children.

Conclusion:

Examinations of illness perceptions among paediatric cancer patients and their families are essential in designing psychosocial interventions for these families. The clinical value of our results can help better understand the cancer-specific features of illness perceptions.
Experimental study of wind effects on two neighboring super-tall buildings
Authors: Xu An , Xie Zhuangning , Gu Ming
Published: October 2017

With high-frequency force balance technique, wind tunnel tests have been carried out to study the wind effects on two iconic super-tall buildings located in South China, the Guangzhou East Tower and the Guangzhou West Tower. It was found that the normally used method, which calculates the background response and the resonant response separately and then combines them to get the total response, could give overestimated or underestimated response results. Neglecting the correlation between the background response and the resonant response is the very reason for the inaccuracy. Afterward, the wind-induced responses of Guangzhou East Tower and Guangzhou West Tower are computed by considering four different reference wind speeds obtained from different wind climate models, including the GB, GMB, ZL, and ARA models. It was found that different reference wind speeds from different wind climate models created significantly different structural response results. But, the computational maximum acceleration response by adopting any one of the four wind reference wind speeds is much greater than the field measured maximum instantaneous acceleration at the top of Guangzhou West Tower in the past 7 years, which would suggest that all of the four reference wind speeds from different wind climate models are conservative. If the wind-induced structural response is computed by adopting the field measured wind speed, the computational peak acceleration response is close to the field measured result, indicating the wind tunnel test itself is reliable.
Compressive behaviour of square fibre-reinforced polymer–concrete–steel hybrid multi-tube concrete columns
Authors: Chan Chunwa , Yu Tao , Zhang Shishun
Published: October 2017

Fibre-reinforced polymer–concrete–steel hybrid multi-tube concrete columns are a new form of columns recently proposed at the University of Wollongong. An multi-tube concrete column consists of an external fibre-reinforced polymer tube and a number of circular internal steel tubes, with the space inside all the tubes filled with concrete. This article presents the first ever experimental study on square multi-tube concrete columns. The experimental program included a total of 14 stub column specimens tested under axial compression, with the test variables being the thickness of the external fibre-reinforced polymer tube, and the dimensions and configuration of the internal steel tubes. The test results demonstrated that the concrete in the square multi-tube concrete columns was very effectively confined by the multiple tubes, and that the buckling of the internal steel tubes was completely prevented, leading to full structural utilization of the materials and a very ductile response. The test results also showed that the behaviour of the concrete in the square multi-tube concrete columns was significantly superior to that in the corresponding square concrete-filled fibre-reinforced polymer tubes, in terms of the compressive strength, the ultimate axial strain and the stiffness of the second branch of the stress–strain curve. A simple analytical model proposed for the axial load-axial strain curve of square multi-tube concrete columns is also presented and is shown to provide reasonable and conservative predictions of the test results.
A phased framework for long-term user acceptance of interactive technology in domestic environments
Authors: de Graaf Maartje MA , Ben Allouch Somaya , van Dijk Jan AGM
Published: October 2017

The temporal dimension of acceptance is under-researched in technology acceptance research. Yet, people’s perceptions on technology use may change over time when gaining user experiences. Our 6-month home study deploying an interactive robot provides insight into the long-term use of use interactive technology in a domestic environment. We present a phased framework for the acceptance of interactive technology in domestic environments. Based on 97 interviews obtained from 21 participants living in different household types, the results provide an initial validation of our phased framework for long-term acceptance showing that acceptance phases are linked to certain user experiences which evolve over time when people gain experience with the technology. Involving end users in the early stages of development helps researchers understand the cultural and social contexts of acceptance and enables developers to apply this gained knowledge into their future designs.
Isolating the effects of reactivity stratification in reactivity-controlled compression ignition with iso-octane and n-heptane on a light-duty multi-cylinder engine
Authors: Wissink Martin L , Curran Scott J , Roberts Greg , Musculus Mark PB , Mounaïm-Rousselle Christine
Published: October 2017

Reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is a dual-fuel variant of low-temperature combustion that uses in-cylinder fuel stratification to control the rate of reactions occurring during combustion. Using fuels of varying reactivity (autoignition propensity), gradients of reactivity can be established within the charge, allowing for control over combustion phasing and duration for high efficiency while achieving low NOx and soot emissions. In practice, this is typically accomplished by premixing a low-reactivity fuel, such as gasoline, with early port or direct injection, and by direct injecting a high-reactivity fuel, such as diesel, at an intermediate timing before top dead center. Both the relative quantity and the timing of the injection(s) of high-reactivity fuel can be used to tailor the combustion process and thereby the efficiency and emissions under RCCI. While many combinations of high- and low-reactivity fuels have been successfully demonstrated to enable RCCI, there is a lack of fundamental understanding of what properties, chemical or physical, are most important or desirable for extending operation to both lower and higher loads and reducing emissions of unreacted fuel and CO. This is partly due to the fact that important variables such as temperature, equivalence ratio, and reactivity change simultaneously in both a local and a global sense with changes in the injection of the high-reactivity fuel. This study uses primary reference fuels iso-octane and n-heptane, which have similar physical properties but much different autoignition properties, to create both external and in-cylinder fuel blends that allow for the effects of reactivity stratification to be isolated and quantified. This study is part of a collaborative effort with researchers at Sandia National Laboratories who are investigating the same fuels and conditions of interest in an optical engine. This collaboration aims to improve our fundamental understanding of what fuel properties are required to further develop advanced combustion modes.
Supporting primary students' reading motivation over the summer: An investigation of teachers' instructional literacy practices and perceptions in a thematic camp setting
Authors: Erickson Joy D , Fornauf Beth
Published: October 2017

Autonomous motivation has long been linked to reading achievement in older students and recently has received attention for the role it plays in the achievement of younger children. Given America's nearly nationwide adoption of the Common Core State Standards (which emphasize skill acquisition), concern over whether and how reading motivation is fostered is warranted. Research indicates that child-centred methods support early reading interest. Furthermore, studies show and self-determination theory maintains that similar constructs (e.g. intrinsic motivation) are enhanced when instruction addresses students' basic psychological needs. This case study investigated the literacy practices of three primary teachers within a thematic summer camp for struggling readers. Goals included understanding (1) if teachers valued the cultivation of reading motivation, (2) whether they perceived differences in summer and school-year instruction and (3) how dominant practices supported motivation.
Local influence for elliptical partially varying-coefficient model
Authors: Ibacache-Pulgar Germán , Reyes Sebastián
Published: October 2017

In this article, we extend varying-coefficient models with normal errors to elliptical errors in order to permit distributions with heavier and lighter tails than the normal ones. This class of models includes all symmetric continuous distributions, such as Student-t, Pearson VII, power exponential and logistic, among others. Estimation is performed by maximum penalized likelihood method and by using smoothing splines. In order to study the sensitivity of the penalized estimates under some usual perturbation schemes in the model or data, the local influence curvatures are derived and some diagnostic graphics are proposed. A real dataset previously analysed by using varying-coefficient models with normal errors is reanalysed under varying-coefficient models with heavy-tailed errors.
Problematizing Authentic Leadership: A Collaborative Autoethnography of Immigrant Women of Color Leaders in Higher Education
Authors: Ngunjiri Faith Wambura , Hernandez Kathy-Ann C.
Published: October 2017

The Problem

Authentic leadership literature is often seen as acontextual and unproblematic—leaders merely need to “know thyself” and “to thine own self be true.” Even when scholars like Eagly argue authenticity is a relational concept, it remains uncontextualized for those whose social identities set them apart from the majority within organizations and society.

The Solution

Through this collaborative autoethnography, we aim to illustrate the complexity of enacting authentic leadership as immigrant women of color who are leaders within predominantly White institutional contexts.

The Stakeholders

One audience for this article is other women of color with whom our experiences may resonate. A broader audience includes those in power within organizations who might use this article as fodder for crafting more inclusive spaces that support both the development of authentic leaders and the practice of relational authenticity.
The Discussion of Sexual Dysfunction Before and After Kidney Transplantation From the Perspective of the Renal Transplant Surgeon
Authors: van Ek Gaby F. , Krouwel Esmée M. , van der Veen Els , Nicolai Melianthe P. J. , Ringers Jan , Den Oudsten Brenda L. , Putter Hein , Pelger Rob C. M. , Elzevier Henk W.
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common problem in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and endures in 50% of patients after kidney transplantation (KTx), diminishing patients’ expectations of life after KTx. Unfortunately, SD is often ignored by renal care providers. Research questions as part of a research project among all renal care providers, transplant surgeons’ perspectives were obtained on sexual health care for KTx recipients, including their opinion on who should be accountable for this care. In addition, surgeons’ practice and knowledge regarding SD were evaluated.

Design:

A 39-item questionnaire was sent to all Dutch surgeons and residents specialized in KTx (n = 47).

Results:

Response was 63.8%. None of the respondents discussed SD with their patients, before or after surgery. Most important barrier was that surgeons do not feel accountable for it (73.9%); 91.7% thought this accountability should lie with the nephrologist. Another barrier was insufficient knowledge (39.1%). In 75% of the respondents, (almost) no knowledge regarding SD was present and 87.5% noticed education on SD was insufficient during residence training.

Discussion:

Dutch renal transplant surgeons rarely discuss SD with their patients with CKD, as they do not feel accountable for it; this accountability was appointed to the nephrologist. Knowledge and education regarding SD were found insufficient in enabling surgeons and for some it reflects in barriers toward discussing SD. Results emphasize that accountability for providing sexual health care to patients with CKD should lie elsewhere; however, surgeons could briefly provide information on sexual health after KTx, so unfulfilled expectations may be prevented.
An Assessment of the Burden on Polish Caregivers of Patients With Dementia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kowalska Joanna , Gorączko Agata , Jaworska Lilianna , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

The aim of the study was to assess the level of burden of caregivers of persons with dementia and to analyze the factors related to the sense of burden.

Methods:

The study group consisted of 58 caregivers with an average age of 54.7 (± 12.6) and 45 (78%) were women. The Caregiver Burden Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used.

Results:

In the study group, 93% could rely on help in caring for the patient, provided mainly by the family. Most caregivers demonstrated a medium level of burden (2.63 ± 0.61). A significant correlation was found between the level of caregiver burden and caregiving frequency, BSSS, BDI, and SWLS.

Conclusions:

A lot of factors influence the caregivers’ burden. It appears necessary to take into consideration the cultural, religious, and economic distinctiveness of the country in question.
Pedagogical Translanguaging in a Puerto Rican University Classroom: An Exploratory Case Study of Student Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Rivera A. J. , Mazak Catherine
Published: October 2017

While interest in pedagogical translanguaging has grown, it continues to be an underresearched area of study. The purpose of this study is to better understand student response to the use of strategic and pedagogically informed translanguaging practices in the university-level classroom. This article takes an in-depth look at the coursework and attitudes of four student cases within a single psychology classroom at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. The cases were chosen based on the students’ distinctive use of Spanish and English in their academic work. It was found that students’ stated views about translanguaging differed in significant ways from their practices of translanguaging in the classroom.
Unified behavior framework in discrete event simulation systems
Authors: Kamrud Alexander J , Hodson Douglas D , Peterson Gilbert L , Woolley Brian G
Published: October 2017

Intelligent agents provide simulations a means to add lifelike behavior in place of manned entities. When implemented, typically a single intelligent agent model (or approach to defining decision making), such as rule-based, behavior trees, neural networks, etc., is selected. This choice introduces restrictions into what behaviors agents can manifest, and can require significant testing in edge cases. This paper presents the incorporation and application of the Unified Behavior Framework (UBF) into the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling environment. The UBF provides the flexibility to implement any and all behavior-based systems, allowing the developer to rapidly assemble a decision making agent that leverages multiple paradigms or approaches. The UBF achieves this by leveraging several key software engineering principles: modular design, scalability through reduced code complexity, simplified development and testing through abstraction, and the promotion of code reuse. The use of UBF to define intelligent agents within a 2v2 Integrated Air Defense System is demonstrated.
Using a genetic algorithm to solve the troops-to-tasks problem in military operations planning
Authors: Fauske Maria Fleischer
Published: October 2017

The troops-to-tasks analysis in military operational planning is the process where the military staff investigates who should do what, where, and when in the operation. In this paper, we describe a genetic algorithm for solving troops-to-tasks problems, which are typically solved manually. The study was motivated by a request from Norwegian military staff, who acknowledged the potential for solving the troops-to-tasks analysis more effectively by using optimization techniques. Also, NATO’s operational planning tool, TOPFAS, lacks an optimization module for the troops-to-tasks analysis. The troops-to-tasks problem generalizes the well-known resource-constrained project scheduling problem, and thus it is very difficult to solve. As the troops-to-tasks problem is particularly complex, the main purpose of our study was to develop an algorithm capable of solving real-sized problem instances. We developed a genetic algorithm with new features, which were crucial to finding good solutions. We tested the algorithm on two different data sets representing high-intensity military operations. We compared the performance of the algorithm to that of a mixed integer linear program solved by CPLEX. In contrast to CPLEX, the algorithm found feasible solutions within an acceptable time frame for all instances.
Constructing and evaluating multi-resolution model pairs: an attrition modeling example
Authors: Zeigler Bernard P
Published: October 2017

Our aim is to illustrate how to apply the methodology for characterizing the useful approximation zone of a lumping process, as described in an earlier note in this journal. Here we review the procedure steps and then go on to present an example in the combat modeling area. We conclude by discussing implications for approximate morphism support of multi-resolution modeling.
Eplerenone inhibits aldosterone-induced CRP generation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells by regulating the MR-ROS-ERK1/2 signal pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Liu Juntian , Pang Xiaoming , Zhao Jingjing , Xu Shouzhu , Zhao Jing
Published: October 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in the vessel wall. As a representative inflammatory cytokine, C-reactive protein (CRP) participates in the formation and development of atherosclerosis. It is demonstrated that aldosterone induces CRP generation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study explored the inhibitory effect of eplerenone on aldosterone-induced CRP expression in VSMCs and mechanism. In the in vitro experiments, rat VSMCs were cultured and aldosterone (10 nM) was used as a stimulant for CRP generation. VSMCs were pretreated with eplerenone for 1 h prior to the stimulation. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were identified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed by a fluorescence microscope. In the in vivo experiment, a model of hyperaldosteronism was established by the subcutaneous administration of aldosterone to rats with the osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks. Serum aldosterone and CRP levels were determined with a radioimmunoassay and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), respectively. The results showed that eplerenone inhibited aldosterone-induced mRNA and protein expression of CRP in VSMCs in vitro and in vivo, and decreased the circulating CRP level of hyperaldosteronism rats. Meanwhile, eplerenone reduced aldosterone-stimulated ROS generation and aldosterone-activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in VSMCs. In summary, eplerenone inhibits aldosterone-induced CRP generation in VSMCs by regulating the MR-ROS-ERK1/2 signal pathway. These results provide new evidence for the potential anti-inflammatory effect of eplerenone.
Sudden cardiac arrest in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with dynamic cavity obstruction: The case for a decatecholaminisation strategy
Authors: Balan Cosmin , Wong Adrian View-Kim
Published: October 2017

Catecholamines are entrenched in the management of shock states. A paradigm shift has pervaded the critical care arena in recent years acknowledging their propensity to cause harm and fuel a ‘death-spiral’. We present the case of a 21-year-old male following a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who received high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard advanced life support for refractory ventricular fibrillation until return of spontaneous circulation after 70 min. Early post-admission echocardiography revealed severe diffuse sub-basal left ventricular hypertrophy with dynamic mid-cavity obstruction and akinetic apical pouching. Within this context, a decatecholaminised strategy comprising a beta-blocker was used to augment the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and attain cardiovascular stability.
Flash Glucose Monitoring: Differences Between Intermittently Scanned and Continuously Stored Data
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Kamecke Ulrike , Link Manuela , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido
Published: October 2017

The flash glucose monitoring system FreeStyle Libre (Abbott Diabetes Care Ltd., Witney, UK) measures interstitial glucose concentrations and continuously stores measurement values every 15 minutes. To obtain a current glucose reading, users have to scan the sensor with the reader. In a clinical trial, 5% of the scanned data showed relative differences of more than ±10% compared with continuously stored data points (median −0.5%). Such differences might impact results of studies using this system. It should be indicated whether scanned or continuously stored data were used for analyses. Health care professionals might have to differentiate between data reports from clinical software and the scanned data their patients are provided with. Additional information on these differences and their potential impact on therapeutic decisions would be helpful.
Transformative technologies and play in the early years: Using tablets for new learning
Authors: Yelland Nicola , Gilbert Caja
Published: October 2017

Despite nearly three decades of the use of new technologies in education, schools seem to have remained impervious to significant change. Heritage curriculum and traditional pedagogies persist and, indeed, are dominant in school contexts, which seem to be embedded in the past, rather than preparing children for their future lives. Pockets of innovation illustrate that transformation is possible and comes with the added benefits of renewed student enthusiasm and engagement in learning. Yet, systemic changes are limited in a global context that is dominated by high stakes testing and the neo-liberal agenda. This article explores the potential for change. Focusing on the early years, which are the foundation of schooling, we report on data from a study using iPads for learning with kindergarten children in Australia (4 and 5 years of age). The data support the contention that new technologies offer the possibility for new learning by enabling young children to embark on investigations and explorations that were not possible in previous eras. In this article, we focus on transformations and explore the potential of the iPads to encourage playful explorations for investigating, reflecting, making meaning, knowledge building, and communicating ideas to a shared audience.
Capturing mobility: The time–space diary as a method for assessing media use niches
Authors: Hoplamazian Gregory J. , Dimmick John , Ramirez Artemio , Feaster John
Published: October 2017

As mobile media have grown more advanced, and mobile Internet access has increased to a near-ubiquitous state, media use is often described as occurring “anytime, anywhere.” Consequently, measuring media use and understanding competition and coexistence within such an environment is a constant challenge for researchers. To help address this issue the present study explicates a method for measuring media use and competition, the time–space diary, and reports a methodological study testing the robustness of this method across 3 diary instruments. Following a summary of concepts central to mobile media use and measurement, this study reports findings from data collected using 3 types of time–space diaries. Results indicate no significant difference between diary methods (paper and pencil, audio recorder, mobile device) on the likelihood of reported media use, and minimal differences in patterns of competitive superiority, supporting the reliability of the method. Paper-and-pencil diaries are argued to offer the greatest use flexibility relative to audio recorders and mobile devices, and received higher ease of use scores relative to mobile devices. The article concludes with a discussion of the utility of the time–space diary method for emerging mobile media research which must account for media use in novel times and places, as well as multichannel media consumption.
Explaining immigration preferences: Disentangling skill and prevalence
Authors: Malhotra Neil , Newman Benjamin
Published: October 2017

One of the most important and consistent findings to emerge from the study of immigration politics over the past decade is the seemingly uniform preference among mass citizenries for high-skilled immigrants. One potential conceptual flaw in this mounting body of literature is that skill is confounded with prevalence: people may prefer high-skilled immigrants not because they are skilled but because there are not very many of them. To address this possibility, we conducted an original experiment within a nationally representative survey of over 12,000 respondents. We conducted three main empirical tests and found that the skill premium is not confounded by prevalence. However, low-skilled Mexican immigrants specifically are disadvantaged when people are told that they are prevalent, a finding that comports with extant research on the construction of Latino immigration as a unique threat to American society.
The efficacy of cladribine tablets in CIS patients retrospectively assigned the diagnosis of MS using modern criteria: Results from the ORACLE-MS study
Authors: Freedman Mark S , Leist Thomas P , Comi Giancarlo , Cree Bruce AC , Coyle Patricia K , Hartung Hans-Peter , Vermersch Patrick , Damian Doris , Dangond Fernando
Published: October 2017

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostic criteria have changed since the ORACLE-MS study was conducted; 223 of 616 patients (36.2%) would have met the diagnosis of MS vs clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) using the newer criteria.

Objective

The objective of this paper is to assess the effect of cladribine tablets in patients with a first clinical demyelinating attack fulfilling newer criteria (McDonald 2010) for MS vs CIS.

Methods

A post hoc analysis for subgroups of patients retrospectively classified as fulfilling or not fulfilling newer criteria at the first clinical demyelinating attack was conducted.

Results

Cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg ( n = 68) reduced the risk of next attack or three-month confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) worsening by 74% vs placebo ( n = 72); p = 0.0009 in patients meeting newer criteria for MS at baseline. Cladribine tablets 5.25 mg/kg ( n = 83) reduced the risk of next attack or three-month confirmed EDSS worsening by 37%, but nominal significance was not reached ( p = 0.14). In patients who were still CIS after applying newer criteria, cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg ( n = 138) reduced the risk of conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) by 63% vs placebo ( n = 134); p = 0.0003. Cladribine tablets 5.25 mg/kg ( n = 121) reduced the risk of conversion by 75% vs placebo ( n = 134); p < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Regardless of the criteria used to define CIS or MS, 3.5 mg/kg cladribine tablets are effective in patients with a first clinical demyelinating attack. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: The ORACLE-MS study (NCT00725985).
Prevalence of neutralising antibodies to interferon-beta and clinical response in Chinese patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lau Alexander Y , Ip WK , Au Cheryl , Lau KK , Wong Winnie , Yip KK , Yeung Jonas , Li SH , Li Patrick , Lee Ryan , Siu Deyond , Abrigo Jill , Wong Adrian , Mok Vincent , Chan Eric
Published: October 2017

Background

There are no data on neutralising antibodies to interferon-beta and its clinical implications in Chinese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of neutralising antibodies among Chinese patients with relapsing MS receiving interferon-beta (1a or 1b) and to study the association between neutralising antibodies and the clinical-radiological response.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study on MS patients who received interferon-beta for 9 months or more, and evaluated the clinical response by relapses and magnetic resonance imaging lesions. Blood samples were evaluated for myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) gene expression by polymerase chain reaction, anti-interferon-beta binding antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and neutralising antibodies by cell-based MxA protein induction and luciferase reporter gene assays. Assay performances were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Among 78 subjects recruited, 61/77 (79%) had anti-interferon-beta binding antibodies, and 22/78 (28%) had neutralising antibodies by MxA protein induction assay. The presence of high-titre neutralising antibodies was associated with poor clinical outcome (odds ratio 6.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–25.6, P = 0.013). The sensitivity and specificity for neutralising antibodies using MxA gene expression assay (cut-off 0.20) was 80% and 68%, respectively (area under the curve 0.71).

Conclusions

Neutralising antibodies are associated with poor clinical outcome in Chinese patients with relapsing MS. MxA gene expression and protein induction assays are complimentary assays for neutralising antibody detection.
Stock Market Volatility and Anomalies in India: A Behavioural Approach
Authors: Siddiqui Taufeeque Ahmad , Narula Isha
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

The major objective of this research is to investigate the existence of volatility-based anomalies in Indian stock market, which are the result of various behavioural biases. The nature of Indian stock market volatility is investigated employing various volatility models such as spillover effect profoundly acknowledged as herding, leverage effect prominently entitled as low volatility anomaly and persistence of long- and short-term volatility.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

The present study has employed various autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) family models such as generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH), exponential GARCH (EGARCH) and component GARCH (CGARCH) to appraise assorted nature of volatility patterns in Indian stock market.

Findings:

The results empirically validate that herding endures in both bullish and bearish trend, whereas herding has amplified for Nifty and Smallcap in bearish trend. Furthermore, the results divulge the existence of stock market inefficiency due to low volatility anomaly. The outcomes pragmatically verify the persistence of volatility in long and short run. The empirical evidences also assist in acknowledging the degree of subsistence of anomalies and biases in market uptrends and downtrends in order to comprehend the level of rationality of investors in diverse market situations.

Practical Implications:

Various GARCH models, employed in the study, alleviate a direction for forecasting as regards volatility to assemble optimum portfolio in diverse market situations.

Originality/Value:

The present study gives a distinctive insight on the existence of volatility-based anomalies using exclusive econometric models. It informs about the market anomalies and states about the most prominent bias.
Tweeting from Gezi Park: Social Media and Repression Backfire
Authors: Odabaş Meltem , Reynolds-Stenson Heidi
Published: October 2017

We examine how social media may facilitate protest mobilization in response to violent state repression. Prior research demonstrates that violent repression can either decrease protest participation through raising the costs of participation, or can generate outrage, resulting in “backfire” and an increase in mobilization. Many recent mass mobilizations have garnered attention from scholars and journalists alike due to the instances of repression backfiring as well as the widespread use of social media in these protest movements. We examine why these two trends may be related using logistic regression analysis on data on participants in the Gezi Park Protests in summer 2013. Controlling for confounding factors, we find a statistically significant relationship between being recruited to participate in the protests through social media and joining the mass mobilization as a reaction to police repression. We argue that in the case of Gezi Park, communication through social media was a key factor in facilitating social movement mobilization in response to repression.
Religious Tradition and Workplace Religious Discrimination: The Moderating Effects of Regional Context
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P. , Corcoran Katie E.
Published: October 2017

A nascent but growing literature on religious discrimination in U.S. workplaces has shown that some religious identities, especially non-Christian and nonreligious identities, are more likely to experience and/or perceive such discrimination. While Christianity might represent the majority of the U.S. population, the religious composition of the United States is not monolithic. Regional differences in religious demography and culture could shape the discrimination experiences of individuals belonging to particular religious traditions. This research examines this question using data from a nationally representative survey that asked respondents how often they have experienced religious discrimination in their place of work. We find that atheists are more likely to perceive discrimination in the South than in the West and Northeast. Non-Christians are more likely to perceive discrimination in the South and Northeast than in the West. Finally, evangelical Protestants are more likely to perceive discrimination in the West than in the South.
PTEN Promoter Variants Are Not Associated With Common Cancers: Implications for Multigene Panel Testing
Authors: Black Mary Helen , Li Shuwei , Pesaran Tina , LaDuca Holly , Karam Rachid , Clifford Jacob , Smith Brandon , Pilarski Robert
Published: October 2017

Purpose

PTEN mutations are associated with breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, and thyroid cancers. Most PTEN promoter alterations, however, are characterized as variants of unknown significance, and their contribution to cancer risk is unclear.

Materials and Methods

Personal and family histories of 88,333 patients undergoing PTEN analysis as part of multigene panel testing (MGPT) were retrospectively reviewed. Cases (n = 59,784) were individuals with personal history of PTEN-related cancer. Controls (n = 28,549) had no personal history of cancer. Individuals were categorized as positive for one or more mutations (PATHO), without mutations but carrying one or more promoter variant (PROM), or negative for alterations (WT). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess PTEN associations with phenotypes, adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, sex, and MGPT.

Results

Overall, 79 (0.09%) patients were PATHO and 791 (0.9%) were PROM carriers. Compared with WT, PATHOs were 2.30 (95% CI, 1.19 to 4.72) times as likely to have breast, 7.23 (95% CI, 2.74 to 19.14) times as likely to have bilateral/multiple primary breast, and 7.56 (95% CI, 1.97 to 23.98) times as likely to have uterine/endometrial cancer. PROMs were not significantly more likely than WT to have cancer (all 0.84 < odds ratio < 1.15; P > .05).

Conclusion

PTEN promoter variants were not associated with cancer. These results do not support the inclusion of PTEN promoter sequencing in MGPT.
Use of Real-World Data for the Research, Development, and Evaluation of Oncology Precision Medicines
Authors: Lewis Jan R.R. , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: October 2017

Although randomized controlled trials remain the scientific ideal for determining the efficacy and safety of new treatments, they are sometimes insufficient to address the evidentiary requirements of regulators and payers. This is particularly the case when it comes to precision medicines because trials are often small, deliver incomplete insights into outcomes of most interest to policymakers (eg, overall survival), and may fail to address other complex diagnostic and treatment-related questions. Additional methods, both experimental and observational, are increasingly being used to fill critical evidentiary gaps. A number of modified early- and late-phase trial designs have been proposed to better support earlier biomarker validation, patient identification, and selection for regulatory studies, but there is still a need for confirmatory evidence from real-world data sources. These data are usually provided through observational, postapproval, phase IIIB and IV studies, which rely heavily on registries and other electronic data sets—most notably data from electronic health records. It is, therefore, crucial to understand what ethical, practical, and scientific challenges are raised by the use of electronic health records to generate evidence about precision medicines.
The Role of GLP-1 in the Metabolic Success of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hutch Chelsea R , Sandoval Darleen
Published: October 2017

Two of the most popular bariatric procedures, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), are commonly considered metabolic surgeries because they are thought to affect metabolism in a weight loss–independent manner. In support of this classification, improvements in glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and even discontinuation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) medication can occur before substantial postoperative weight loss. The mechanisms that underlie this effect are unknown. However, one of the common findings after VSG and RYGB in both animal models and humans is the sharp postprandial rise in several gut peptides, including the incretin and satiety peptide glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1). The increase in endogenous GLP-1 signaling has been considered a primary pathway leading to postsurgical weight loss and improvements in glucose metabolism. However, the degree to which GLP-1 and other gut peptides are responsible for the metabolic successes after bariatric surgery is continually debated. In this review we discuss the mechanisms underlying the increase in GLP-1 and its potential role in the metabolic improvements after bariatric surgery, including remission of T2DM. Understanding the role of changes in gut peptides, or lack thereof, will be crucial in understanding the critical factors necessary for the metabolic success of bariatric surgery.
Rodent models in Down syndrome research: impact and future opportunities
Authors: Herault Yann , Delabar Jean M. , Fisher Elizabeth M. C. , Tybulewicz Victor L. J. , Yu Eugene , Brault Veronique
Published: October 2017

Down syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. To date, a multiplicity of mouse models with Down-syndrome-related features has been developed to understand this complex human chromosomal disorder. These mouse models have been important for determining genotype-phenotype relationships and identification of dosage-sensitive genes involved in the pathophysiology of the condition, and in exploring the impact of the additional chromosome on the whole genome. Mouse models of Down syndrome have also been used to test therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide an overview of research in the last 15 years dedicated to the development and application of rodent models for Down syndrome. We also speculate on possible and probable future directions of research in this fast-moving field. As our understanding of the syndrome improves and genome engineering technologies evolve, it is necessary to coordinate efforts to make all Down syndrome models available to the community, to test therapeutics in models that replicate the whole trisomy and design new animal models to promote further discovery of potential therapeutic targets.
In silico analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human FOXC2 gene
Authors: Nimir Mohammed , Abdelrahim Mohanad , Abdelrahim Mohamed , Abdalla Mahil , Ahmed Wala eldin , Abdullah Muhanned , Hamid Muzamil Mahdi Abdel
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid, due to inefficient uptake and reduced flow, leading to swelling and disability, mostly in the extremities. Hereditary lymphedema usually occurs as an autosomal dominant trait with allelic heterogeneity.

Methods: We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FOXC2 gene using dbSNP, analyzed their effect on the resulting protein using VEP and Biomart, modelled the resulting protein using Project HOPE, identified gene – gene interactions using GeneMANIA and predicted miRNAs affected and the resulting effects of SNPs in the 5’ and 3’ regions using PolymiRTS.

Results: We identified 473 SNPs - 429 were nsSNPs and 44 SNPs were in the 5’ and 3’ UTRs. In total, 2 SNPs - rs121909106 and rs121909107 - have deleterious effects on the resulting protein, and a 3D model confirmed those effects. The gene – gene interaction network showed the involvement of FOXC2 protein in the development of the lymphatic system. hsa-miR-6886-5p, hsa-miRS-6886-5p, hsa-miR-6720-3p, which were affected by the SNPs rs201118690, rs6413505, rs201914560, respectively, were the most important miRNAs affected, due to their high conservation score.

Conclusions: rs121909106 and rs121909107 were predicted to have the most harmful effects, while hsa-miR-6886-5p, hsa-miR-6886-5p and hsa-miR-6720-3p were predicted to be the most important miRNAs affected. Computational biology tools have advantages and disadvantages, and the results they provide are predictions that require confirmation using methods such as functional studies.
Inhibition of IRE1α-mediated XBP1 mRNA cleavage by XBP1 reveals a novel regulatory process during the unfolded protein response
Authors: Chalmers Fiona , van Lith Marcel , Sweeney Bernadette , Cain Katharine , Bulleid Neil J.
Published: October 2017

Background: The mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) continuously adapts to the cellular secretory load by the activation of an unfolded protein response (UPR).  This stress response results in expansion of the ER, upregulation of proteins involved in protein folding and degradation, and attenuation of protein synthesis.  The response is orchestrated by three signalling pathways each activated by a specific signal transducer, either inositol requiring enzyme α (IRE1α), double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) or activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6).  Activation of IRE1α results in its oligomerisation, autophosphorylation and stimulation of its ribonuclease activity.  The ribonuclease initiates the splicing of an intron from mRNA encoding the transcription factor, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), as well as degradation of specific mRNAs and microRNAs.

Methods: To investigate the consequence of expression of exogenous XBP1, we generated a stable cell-line expressing spliced XBP1 mRNA under the control of an inducible promotor.

Results: Following induction of expression, high levels of XBP1 protein were detected, which allowed upregulation of target genes in the absence of induction of the UPR.  Remarkably under stress conditions, the expression of exogenous XBP1 repressed splicing of endogenous XBP1 mRNA without repressing the activation of PERK.

Conclusions: These results illustrate that a feedback mechanism exists to attenuate Ire1α ribonuclease activity in the presence of XBP1.
Time and Space of Heritage Preservation: Conservation Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Konsa Kurmo
Published: October 2017

In this article, I discuss the categories of time and space in lightof heritage conservation. I demonstrate that heritage creation isthe simultaneous creation of human time and space and that thecritical treatment of heritage requires a more specific analysis ofthese terms. First, I look at how the creation of human space occursthrough objects, and how the objects of the physical environmentbecome things, i.e. parts of our living world. The world can only beunderstood through change. This is a fundamental finding that formsthe basis for both elementary senses and complicated philosophies.In order to explain the change in heritage-related space, I am usingthe terms artificialisation and heritage technology. Artificialisationmeans the anthropogenic transformation of the environment,which takes place mainly with the help of technological systems.Therefore, the environment encompasses physical, biological andgenetic environments, as well as the human culture with its past.In this environment, it is impossible to distinguish between thehuman and non-human, since they make up a single hybrid whole.Artificialisation is by no means a determined course in history; it isa human means of description, a metaphor that helps to explain theprocesses ongoing in nature and human society. According to thisapproach, the heritage process is one technique in the artificialisationof the environment.Although change is central to conservation theory, it is also aconcept that causes the greatest doubts and ambiguous interpretations.The reason for this is very simple: change is related to time, whichis a foundational concept. In this article, I use metaphysical timemodels to analyse the life course of things and their damage. Finally,I also refer to the conservation theories of Eugène Viollet-le-Ducand John Ruskin. The essential difference between the conservationtheories that are discussed here lies in their attitudes toward time,and the related problems of object authenticity and identity. In theframework of the presentist model, it is not possible to solve themain contradiction connected to restoration. Stylistic restorationruins the authenticity of buildings as historical documents; howeverwithout restoration, the objects would be destroyed and therebylose their historical value. However, a solution to this dilemma canbe found based on the eternalist time model, which helps connectheritage to contemporary time, and avoid its physical, legal, andmental separation from the everyday life of society. The fact thatincluding objects as a part of heritage may damage them instead ofpreserving them should not be overlooked. The authenticity of anobject is not related to any ideal state in its history but to a conceptual,factual and actual state in its wholeness.