bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Outliers on Accuracy Estimation in Genomic Prediction in Plant Breeding
Authors: Estaghvirou Sidi Boubacar Ould , Ogutu Joseph O , Piepho Hans-Peter
Published: October 2014

Outliers often pose problems in analyses of data in plant breeding, but their influence on the performance of methods for estimating predictive accuracy in genomic prediction studies has not yet been evaluated. Here, we evaluate the influence of outliers on the performance of methods for accuracy estimation in genomic prediction studies using simulation. We simulated 1000 datasets for each of 10 scenarios to evaluate the influence of outliers on the performance of seven methods for estimating accuracy. These scenarios are defined by the number of genotypes, marker effect variance, and magnitude of outliers. To mimic outliers, we added to one observation in each simulated dataset, in turn, 5-, 8-, and 10-times the error SD used to simulate small and large phenotypic datasets. The effect of outliers on accuracy estimation was evaluated by comparing deviations in the estimated and true accuracies for datasets with and without outliers. Outliers adversely influenced accuracy estimation, more so at small values of genetic variance or number of genotypes. A method for estimating heritability and predictive accuracy in plant breeding and another used to estimate accuracy in animal breeding were the most accurate and resistant to outliers across all scenarios and are therefore preferable for accuracy estimation in genomic prediction studies. The performances of the other five methods that use cross-validation were less consistent and varied widely across scenarios. The computing time for the methods increased as the size of outliers and sample size increased and the genetic variance decreased.
Patient Experience and Attitudes Toward Addressing the Cost of Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Irwin Blair , Kimmick Gretchen , Altomare Ivy , Marcom P. Kelly , Houck Kevin , Zafar S. Yousuf , Peppercorn Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

Background.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology views patient-physician discussion of costs as a component of high-quality care. Few data exist on patients’ views regarding how cost should be addressed in the clinic.

Methods.

We distributed a self-administered, anonymous, paper survey to consecutive patients with breast cancer presenting for a routine visit within 5 years of diagnosis at an academic cancer center. Survey questions addressed experience and preferences concerning discussions of cost and views on cost control. Results are primarily descriptive, with comparison among participants on the basis of disease stage, using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. All p values are two-sided.

Results.

We surveyed 134 participants (response rate 86%). Median age was 61 years, and 28% had stage IV disease. Although 44% of participants reported at least a moderate level of financial distress, only 14% discussed costs with their doctor; 94% agreed doctors should talk to patients about costs of care. Regarding the impact of costs on decision making, 53% felt doctors should consider direct costs to the patient, but only 38% felt doctors should consider costs to society. Moreover, 88% reported concern about costs of care, but there was no consensus on how to control costs.

Conclusion.

Most breast cancer patients want to discuss costs of care, but there is little consensus on the desired content or goal of these discussions. Further research is needed to define the role of cost discussions at the bedside and how they will contribute to the goal of high-quality and sustainable cancer care.
S-1 as Monotherapy or in Combination With Leucovorin as Second-Line Treatment in Gemcitabine-Refractory Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase II Study
Authors: Ge Feijiao , Xu Nong , Bai Yuxian , Ba Yi , Zhang Yanqiao , Li Fei , Xu Huayan , Jia Ru , Wang Yan , Lin Li , Xu Jianming
Published: October 2014

Background.

In this study, we compared the efficacy and safety of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 as monotherapy or in combination with leucovorin as the second-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer whose disease had progressed on gemcitabine treatment.

Methods.

The study was a randomized, open-label, controlled study. Patients randomly received S-1 or S-1 in combination with leucovorin (SL arm) in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was the 6-month survival rate.

Results.

A total of 92 patients were randomized to S-1 (n = 47) and SL (n = 45). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two arms with regard to 6-month survival rates (40% vs. 49%), median overall survival (5.5 vs. 6.3 months), median progression-free survival (1.9 vs. 3.0 months), and overall response rate (4.7% vs. 8.3%). The rate of major grade 3–4 adverse events of digestive toxicity was significantly higher in the SL arm than in the S-1 arm.

Conclusion.

Compared with S-1, SL did not improve the survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who had failed to benefit from prior gemcitabine treatment, but SL had a higher adverse event rate.
What is best value in public sector building construction?
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Park Jun Hong , Williams Terry , Marshall Alasdair , Chipulu Maxwell
Published: October 2014

Although the lowest bid procurement philosophy has formed the basis of procurement in public sector building construction, for a long time it has arguably resulted in low-quality construction work. In response, construction stakeholders have sought to explore alternative procurement philosophies. One such philosophy is ‘best value’. In this study undertaken in Korea, the authors explore what is best value in public sector building construction. The literature is used to extract best value criteria that are then ranked by a selection of managers involved in procurement of public buildings. Best value was found to be categorised against six main criteria whose relative weightings vary with building type and, by implication, building functionality.
Stimulating sustainable infrastructure development through public–private partnerships
Authors: Wessels Maarten
Published: October 2014

The addition of sustainability objectives to infrastructure projects is still seen by many as an increased risk, rather than a value adding enterprise. This paper considers an alternative idea in which public authorities can, in a controlled fashion, utilise the risk-transferring mechanism characteristic of a public–private partnership (PPP) to increase a project's sustainability development. Although a wide range of variables determines whether a PPP is applicable for an infrastructure project, this research specifically explores the ability of a PPP to stimulate investment in sustainable innovation and thus increase value for money. The paper provides a critical analysis of existing relevant literature of sustainable development, industry-specific obstacles to innovation and the pros and cons of innovating in a PPP. Five prototype ‘contract levers’ are presented to support a mutually beneficial risk-sharing partnership between the authority and concessionaire. They do so by simultaneously utilising the advantages of a PPP, accounting for the disadvantages and overcoming obstacles to innovation. An examination of two recent PPP projects explains the practical application of the levers.
Effects of rainfall intensity on traffic crashes in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuan Ling Yun , Chen Bi Yu , Lam William H. K.
Published: October 2014

This study investigated the spatial and temporal effects of rainfall intensity on traffic crashes in Hong Kong. A geographic information system technique was used to correlate and match data collected at rain gauge stations with the time and location of traffic crashes in 2009. A total of 436 matched-pair datasets were selected to study the spatial and temporal relationships between hourly rainfall intensity and traffic crashes. The first hour of rainfall and the first hour after rain were shown to be the periods with the highest number of traffic crashes. Moreover, hourly periods with average rainfall intensities of 19 and 26 mm were found to have the highest risk, when the increase in the number of crashes per hour was the greatest.
Measuring carbon dioxide emissions from the Chinese transport sector
Authors: Zhou Sien , Yan Yan , Yang Xinmiao
Published: October 2014

Transport is now the second largest global source of carbon dioxide emissions after energy generation. This paper proposes a collecting, quantifying, predicting and backcasting approach for measuring carbon dioxide emissions to facilitate policy-making in China. The approach comprehensively assesses emissions from transport modes including roadways, railways, waterways and aviation. It combines the advantages of forecasting and backcasting methods to implement target control and strategy formulation. The data, collected over a period of 23 years, are presented as a case study. The results indicate that road vehicles constitute approximately 90% of all transport emissions, that transport emissions will grow continuously based on current policies and desired economic development, and that the control target of decreasing per-unit gross domestic product emissions by 40–45% from 2005 to 2020 is challenging. The results of target backcasting and action checklist auditing indicate that current carbon dioxide emission control actions from the transport sector are insufficient to reverse the deteriorating trend, and more creative technical innovations are urgently needed.
Multi‐scale model of epidemic fade‐out: Will local extirpation events inhibit the spread of white‐nose syndrome?
Authors: O'Regan Suzanne M. , Magori Krisztian , Pulliam J. Tomlin , Zokan Marcus A. , Kaul RajReni B. , Barton Heather D. , Drake John M.
Published: October 2014

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging infectious disease that has resulted in severe declines of its hibernating bat hosts in North America. The ongoing epidemic of white‐nose syndrome is a multi‐scale phenomenon because it causes hibernaculum‐level extirpations, while simultaneously spreading over larger spatial scales. We investigate a neglected topic in ecological epidemiology: how local pathogen‐driven extirpations impact large‐scale pathogen spread. Previous studies have identified risk factors for propagation of WNS over hibernaculum and landscape scales but none of these have tested the hypothesis that separation of spatial scales and disease‐induced mortality at the hibernaculum level might slow or halt its spread. To test this hypothesis, we developed a mechanistic multi‐scale model parameterized using white‐nose syndrome county and site incidence data that connects hibernaculum‐level susceptible‐infectious‐removed (SIR) epidemiology to the county‐scale contagion process. Our key result is that hibernaculum‐level extirpations will not inhibit county‐scale spread of WNS. We show that over 80% of counties of the contiguous USA are likely to become infected before the current epidemic is over and that geometry of habitat connectivity is such that host refuges are exceedingly rare. The macroscale spatiotemporal infection pattern that emerges from local SIR epidemiological processes falls within a narrow spectrum of possible outcomes, suggesting that recolonization, rescue effects, and multi‐host complexities at local scales are not important to forward propagation of WNS at large spatial scales. If effective control measures are not implemented, precipitous declines in bat populations are likely, particularly in cave‐dense regions that constitute the main geographic corridors of the USA, a serious concern for bat conservation.
Do Anger and Jealousy Mediate the Relationship Between Adult Attachment Styles and Intimate Violence Perpetration?
Authors: Belus Jennifer M. , Wanklyn Sonya G. , Iverson Katherine M. , Pukay-Martin Nicole D. , Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Monson Candice M.
Published: October 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether anger and jealousy mediate the relationship between adult attachment styles (i.e., dismissive, fearful, preoccupied, secure) and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration for both men and women. Method: Undergraduate students (n = 431) were sampled from a large Midwestern U.S. university. Results: Mediational analyses revealed that anger mediated the associations between each of the four attachment styles and violence perpetration for women. However, neither anger nor jealousy mediated the association between attachment and violence perpetration for men. Conclusions: Young women’s IPV perpetration appears more closely related to their emotional responses, in particular anger, but violence perpetration in young men does not necessarily seem to follow this pattern. These findings suggest specific strategies which may be useful for preventive efforts of violence perpetration in young adult women, such as anger-related emotion regulation skills training.
Building Men’s Engagement in Intimate Partner Violence Groups
Authors: Roy Valérie , Châteauvert Joanie , Drouin Marie-Eve , Richard Marie-Claude
Published: October 2014

Group programs, which are generally preferred in treatment with violent partners, often have a high dropout rate. Engagement, however, can be an influential factor in program completion (Rondeau, Brochu, Lemire, & Brodeur, 1999) and in maintaining those aspects learned by the end of the program (Contrino, Dermen, Nochajski, Wieczorek, & Navratil, 2007). This article looks at the meaning given by men to the concept of engaging in an intimate partner violence (IPV) group. In our effort to understand engagement, this study tries to identify characteristics, which are more representative of the complexity of engaging in IPV groups. Interviews and two focus groups were conducted with men who participated in group programs in two agencies in Canada. Our qualitative analysis emphasized that engagement is not a spontaneous attitude but rather something that is constructed over time by striving to work on oneself. Limitations are discussed and implications for practice and research are explored.
The Interaction of Emotion Regulation and World Assumptions in Predicting Female Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: Lilly Michelle M. , Mercer Mary Catherine
Published: October 2014

Rates of female-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) have been historically underestimated. Although much of the empirical literature has focused on male perpetration, there has been a more recent interest in understanding the etiology of female-perpetrated IPV. Although emotion regulation has received attention in predicting risk for violence perpetration for both men and women, less is known regarding cognitive factors that influence perpetration risk. Furthermore, interactive effects that account for both self-regulatory and cognitive factors have remained largely unexplored. This study looks at the interactive effect of emotion regulation and world assumptions in predicting IPV perpetration in a community sample of females. Consistent with previous research, emotion regulation difficulties were significantly related to greater physical and psychological perpetration. Moderation analyses revealed that holding strong beliefs that one can and should be in control of oneself amplified the relationship between emotion dysregulation and IPV perpetration that was both psychological and physical in nature. Contrary to predictions, enhanced risk for physical IPV perpetration was also observed among those with high levels of emotion regulation difficulties and greater assumptions that the world is a benevolent place. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Role of Transforming Growth Factor‐beta1 in Cyclosporine‐Induced Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition in Gingival Epithelium
Authors: Fu Martin M. , Chin Yu‐Tang , Fu Earl , Chiu Hsien‐Chung , Wang Li‐Yu , Chiang Cheng‐Yang , Tu Hsiao‐Pei
Published: October 2014

Background: It has been proposed that cyclosporin A (CsA) may induce epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gingiva. The aims of the present study are to confirm the notion that EMT occurs in human gingival epithelial (hGE) cells after CsA treatment and to investigate the role of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1) on this CsA‐induced EMT.

Methods: The effects of CsA, with and without TGF‐β1 inhibitor, on the morphologic changes of primary culture of hGE cells were examined in vitro. The changes of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of two EMT markers (E‐cadherin and alpha‐smooth muscle actin) in the hGE cells after CsA treatment with and without TGF‐β1 inhibitor were evaluated with immunocytochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The epithelial cells became spindle‐like, elongated, and disassociated from neighboring cells and lost their original cobblestone monolayer pattern when CsA was added. However, the epithelial cells stayed in their original cobblestone morphology with treatment of TGF‐β1 inhibitor on top of the CsA treatment. When CsA was given, the protein and mRNA expressions of E‐cadherin and α‐SMA were significantly altered, and these alterations were significantly reversed with pretreatment of TGF‐β1 inhibitor.

Conclusions: CsA could induce Type 2 EMT in gingiva by changing the morphology of epithelial cells and altering the EMT markers/effectors. The CsA‐induced gingival EMT is dependent or at least partially dependent on TGF‐β1.
Severe Chronic Periodontitis Is Associated With Endothelial and Microvascular Dysfunctions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lira‐Junior Ronaldo , Figueredo Carlos Marcelo , Bouskela Eliete , Fischer Ricardo Guimarães
Published: October 2014

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory chronic disease that has been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelium has a central role in CVD pathogenesis, and chronic inflammation can make it dysfunctional, contributing to CVD emergence. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the existence of an association between severe chronic periodontitis (CP) and nailfold microvascular, gingival microvascular, and endothelial functions.

Methods: Twenty‐three patients were included, 13 with severe periodontitis (median age, 46 years; interquartile range, 9.5 years) and 10 healthy control patients (median age, 35.5 years; interquartile range, 12.5 years). Clinical and laboratorial variables were gathered, and patients were examined by the following: 1) nailfold videocapillaroscopy to assess functional capillary density (FCD), capillary diameters, red blood cell velocity at rest (RBCV) and after 1‐minute arterial occlusion (RBCVmax), and time taken to reach RBCVmax (TRBCVmax); 2) side‐stream dark‐field imaging to determine gingival capillary density (GCD); and 3) venous occlusion plethysmography to assess endothelium‐dependent (% Hyper) and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation (% Nitro).

Results: Patients with CP have smaller values for FCD, RBCV, RBCVmax, and % Hyper and higher values for TRBCVmax and GCD compared with controls (P <0.05). There were significant correlations between periodontal parameters with FCD, RBCV, RBCVmax, TRBCVmax, GCD, and % Hyper. There was also a negative correlation between FCD and GCD (r = −0.7; P <0.01). Associations between periodontitis and FCD, RBCVmax, TRBCVmax, GCD, and % Hyper remained significant after adjustments for age and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion: Severe CP was directly associated with endothelial and microvascular dysfunctions.
Evaluation of the Osteogenic Potential of Growth Factor–Rich Demineralized Bone Matrix In Vivo
Authors: Yu Shan‐Huey , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Chong Li‐Yen , Jheng Yi‐Han , Chang Po‐Chun
Published: October 2014

Background: The study evaluates the osteogenic properties and biocompatibility of growth factor–rich demineralized bone matrix (GDBM) by comparing with cancellous mineralized bone matrix (CMBM) and anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABBM).

Methods: Thirty‐six Sprague‐Dawley rats were used (n = 6/group/time point). To assess biocompatibility and osteoinductivity, the respective bone matrices were randomly placed in subcutaneous pouches for 7 and 28 days and evaluated by histology and osteopontin expression. Osteoconductivity was assessed by randomly implanting respective bone matrices in osteotomies on femurs for 14 and 28 days and evaluated by microcomputed tomography and histology.

Results: Neither acute inflammation nor mineralized tissue was noted in any of the subcutaneous specimens, whereas expression of osteopontin was more prominent in the GDBM group. Among the femoral specimens, the greatest relative bone volume (bone volume [BV] divided by trabecular volume [TV]) and trabecular thickness was noted in the ABBM group at both time points, whereas less BV/TV was noted in GDBM group at day 14. Residual matrix particles were noted in all examined groups at both time points, without significant differences regarding defect fill between groups. The GDBM group presented similar levels of newly formed bone compartment and marrow space to those of the ABBM group.

Conclusions: GDBM demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility and osteogenic potential comparable to ABBM in vivo. Further investigations in a more clinically relevant model are warranted.
The Effect of Pressure Pain Sensitivity and Patient Factors on Self-Reported Pain-Disability in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Uddin Zakir , MacDermid Joy C. , Woodhouse Linda J. , Triano John J. , Galea Victoria , Gross Anita R.
Published: October 2014

The study was conducted to estimate the extent to which pressure pain sensitivity (PPS) and patient factors predict pain-related disability in patients with neck pain (NP), and to determine if PPS differs by gender. Forty-four participants with a moderate level of chronic NP were recruited for this cross sectional study. All participants were asked to complete self-reported assessments of pain, disability and comorbidity and then underwent PPS testing at 4-selected body locations. Pearson`s r w was computed to explore relationships between the PPS measures and the self-reported assessments. Regression models were built to identify predictors of pain and disability. An independent sample t-test was done to identify gender-related differences in PPS, pain-disability and comorbidity. In this study, greater PPS (threshold and tolerance) was significantly correlated to lower pain-disability (r = -.30 to -.53, p≤0.05). Age was not correlated with pain or disability but comorbidity was (r= 0.42-.43, p≤0.01). PPS at the 4-selected body locations was able to explain neck disability (R2=25-28%). Comorbidity was the strongest predictor of neck disability (R2=30%) and pain (R2=25%). Significant mean differences for gender were found in PPS, disability and comorbidity, but not in pain intensity or rating. This study suggests that PPS may play a role in outcome measures of pain and disability but between-subject comparisons should consider gender and comorbidity issues.
Prevalence of Anogenital Warts in Men with HIV/AIDS and Associated Factors
Authors: Camargo Caio Cavassan de , Tasca Karen Ingrid , Mendes Monica Banwart , Miot Hélio Amante , Souza Lenice do Rosário de
Published: October 2014

Abstract:

Background:

Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Among the 630 million new cases of HPV that occur each year, 30 million develop anogenital warts. Although subclinical infection with HPV is the most common cause, genital warts are also associated with immunosuppression caused by HIV. In view of the high prevalence of HPV/HIV co-infection particularly among men who have sex with men, the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of anogenital warts in men with HIV/AIDS and to identify associated factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 159 men with HIV/AIDS consecutively selected at a referral service in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, in which the association between sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical variables and the presence of anogenital warts was evaluated. After hierarchical analysis of the data, variables presenting a p value ≤ 0.2 were entered into an unconditional multivariate logistic regression model.

Results:

Forty-nine (31%) of the HIV-positive patients had anogenital warts. The mean age was 44.6 ± 9.6 years. The main factors associated with the presence of anogenital warts were irregular antiretroviral treatment and genital herpes(HSV).

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrate that anogenital warts occur in almost one-third of the male population infected with HIV and factors associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with anogenital warts were irregular cART use and co-infection with HSV, other variables could not be associated.
Death on the Digital Landscape: A Preliminary Investigation into the Grief Process and Motivations behind Participation in the Online Memoriam
Authors: Egnoto Michael J. , Sirianni Joseph M. , Ortega Christopher R. , Stefanone Michael
Published: October 2014

Increasingly, individuals are bonding and maintaining relationships online. These digital representations of ourselves allow us to connect with others in ways previously not possible. One behavior that is growing in online presentations of self is grieving after the death of an individual in our social network. This work investigates the outcomes of online grieving from a transcorporeal communication model perspective, and draws conclusions on the outcomes of online grief behaviors.
Composite scores in comparative effectiveness research: counterbalancing parsimony and dimensionality in patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E , Patrick Donald L
Published: October 2014

When planning a comparative effectiveness study comparing disease-modifying treatments, competing demands influence choice of outcomes. Current practice emphasizes parsimony, although understanding multidimensional treatment impact can help to personalize medical decision-making. We discuss both sides of this ‘tug of war’. We discuss the assumptions, advantages and drawbacks of composite scores and multidimensional outcomes. We describe possible solutions to the multiple comparison problem, including conceptual hierarchy distinctions, statistical approaches, ‘real-world’ benchmarks of effectiveness and subgroup analysis. We conclude that comparative effectiveness research should consider multiple outcome dimensions and compare different approaches that fit the individual context of study objectives.
Impact of extended-release quetiapine fumarate on hospitalization length and cost in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients: a retrospective, hospital-based, US-cohort analysis
Authors: Locklear Julie C , Wahlqvist Peter , Gustafsson Urban , Udd Mattias , Fajutrao Liberty , Eriksson Hans
Published: October 2014

Aim:
The aim was to evaluate the impact of quetiapine extended release (XR) on hospitalization length and cost in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, versus quetiapine immediate release (IR), using Premier Perspective™ inpatient hospital database data.
Methods:
Inpatient discharges classified within diagnosis-related group 430 (psychoses), prescribed quetiapine XR or IR, were identified. Patients had International Classification of Disease-9 diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The impact of the XR formulation on hospitalization length and costs was assessed using generalized linear model analyses.
Results:
A total of 30,429 discharges between 1 January 2008 and 30 June 2009 were analyzed. Patients who received quetiapine XR had significantly reduced hospitalization length (10.73% estimated reduction; p = 0.001) and cost (9.52% estimated reduction; p < 0.001), versus IR. This corresponds to a 1.0-day reduction in hospitalization (10.73% of 9.2 days) and US$532 reduction in hospitalization cost (9.52% of US$5588) per patient, based on least squares mean estimations. Evaluation of patient subpopulations suggested the reduction in length of hospitalization for quetiapine XR versus IR was driven mainly by patients with bipolar disorder, whereas cost reduction was driven mainly by patients with schizophrenia.
Conclusion:
Inpatient use of quetiapine XR in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is associated with reduced hospitalization length and cost, possibly due to the faster titration schedule versus quetiapine IR.
Using indirect comparisons to compare interventions within a Cochrane review: a tool for comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Agapova Maria , Devine Emily B , Nguyen Hiep , Wolf Fredric M , Inoue Lurdes YT
Published: October 2014

Aim:
Assessing relative performance among competing interventions is an important part of comparative effectiveness research. Bayesian indirect comparisons add information to existing Cochrane reviews, such as which intervention is likely to perform best. However, heterogeneity variance priors may influence results and, potentially, clinical guidance.
Methods:
We highlight the features of Bayesian indirect comparisons using a case study of a Cochrane review update in asthma care. The probability that one self-management educational intervention outperforms others is estimated. Simulation studies investigate the effect of heterogeneity variance prior distributions.
Results:
Results suggest a 55% probability that individual education is best, followed by combination (39%) and group (6%). The intervention with few trials was sensitive to prior distributions.
Conclusion:
Bayesian indirect comparisons updates of Cochrane reviews are valuable comparative effectiveness research tools.
Effects of pH on the stability of cyanidin and cyanidin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside in aqueous solution
Authors: Rakic Violeta , Skrt Mihaela , Miljkovic Milena , Kostic Danijela , Sokolovic Dusan , Poklar-Ulrih Natasa
Published: October 2014

The colour variation, colour intensity and stability at various pH values
(2.0, 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0) of cyanidin 3-O-?-glucopyranoside (Cy3Glc) and its
aglycone cyanidin was investigated during a period of 8 hours storage at
25?C. Our data showed that pH of aqueous solution had impact on spectroscopic
profile of cyanidin and Cy3Glc. Beginning with the most acidic solutions,
increasing the pH induce bathochromic shifts of absorbance maximum in the
visible range for all examined pH values (with the exception pH 4.0 for
cyanidin), while the presence of the 3-glucosidic substitution induce
hypsochromic shift. Compared to cyanidin, Cy3Glc has higher colour intensity
and higher stability in the whole pH range, except at pH 7.0. The
3-glucosidic substitution influences on the colour intensity of Cy3Glc in the
alkaline region. After 8-hour incubation of Cy3Glc and cyanidin at pH 2.0 and
25 ?C, 99% of Cy3Glc and only 27% of cyanidin remained unchanged.
Flow of an Erying-Powell fluid over a stretching sheet in presence of chemical reaction
Authors: Khan Ilyas , Qasim Muhammad , Shafie Sharidan
Published: October 2014

In this paper we study the flow of an incompressible Erying-Powell fluid
bounded by a linear stretching surface. The mass transfer analysis in the
presence of destructive /generative chemical reactions is also analyzed. A
similarity transformation is used to transform the governing partial
differential equations into ordinary differential equations. Computations for
dimensionless velocity and concentration fields are performed by an efficient
approach namely the homotopy analysis method (HAM) and numerical solution is
obtained by shooting technique along with Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration
scheme. Graphical results are prepared to illustrate the details of flow and
mass transfer characteristics and their dependence upon the physical
parameters. The values for gradient of mass transfer are also evaluated and
analyzed. A comparison of the present solutions with published results in the
literature is performed and the results are found to be in excellent
agreement.
Modeling the cooling performance of vortex tube using a genetic algorithm-based artificial neural network
Authors: Pouraria Hassan , Kia Seyed , Park Warn-Gyu , Mehdizadeh Bahman
Published: October 2014

In this study, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used to model the
effects of four important parameters consist of the ratio of the length to
diameter(L/D), the ratio of the cold outlet diameter to the tube
diameter(d/D), inlet pressure(P), and cold mass fraction (Y) on the cooling
performance of counter flow vortex tube. In this approach, experimental data
have been used to train and validate the neural network model with MATLAB
software. Also, genetic algorithm (GA) has been used to find the optimal
network architecture. In this model, temperature drop at the cold outlet has
been considered as the cooling performance of the vortex tube. Based on
experimental data, cooling performance of the vortex tube has been predicted
by four inlet parameters (L/D, d/D, P, Y). The results of this study indicate
that the genetic algorithm-based artificial neural network model is capable
of predicting the cooling performance of vortex tube in a wide operating
range and with satisfactory precision.
Heat transfer analysis of MHD flow due to unsteady bi-directional stretching sheet through porous space
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Ahmad Manzoor , Sajid Muhammad
Published: October 2014

In this article unsteady three dimensional MHD boundary layer flow and heat
transfer analysis with constant temperature (CT) and constant heat flux (CH)
in a porous medium is considered. The boundary layer flow is governed by a
bidirectional stretching sheet. Similarity transformations are used to
transform the governing non-linear partial differential equations to ordinary
differential equations. Analytical solutions are constructed using homotopy
analysis method (HAM). Convergence analysis is also presented through tabular
data. The quantities of interest are the velocity, temperature, skin friction
coefficient and Nusselt number. The obtained results are validated by
comparisons with previously published work in special cases. The results of
this parametric study are shown graphically and the physical aspects of the
problem are discussed.
Dissolved Heavy Metal Determination and Ecotoxicological Assessment: A Case Study of the Corumbataí River (São Paulo, Brazil)
Authors: Aparecida Maranho Lucineide , Teresinha Maranho Leila , Grossi Botelho Rafael , Luiz Tornisielo Valdemar
Published: October 2014

The aim of this one-year study (August 2009 to July 2010) was to evaluate the Corumbataí River water polluted by anthropogenic sources and see how it affects the reproduction of the microcrustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia (Richard, 1984) in laboratory conditions over seven days of exposure to water samples collected monthly at six different locations. We determined the concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), as well as physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, conductivity, water temperature, and pH. Dissolved oxygen and conductivity demonstrated anthropogenic influence, as dissolved oxygen concentration decreased and conductivity increased from the upstream to the downstream stretch of the river. The effects on C. dubia were observed in the months with high precipitation, but the toxicity cannot be associated with any particular contaminant. Heavy metal levels kept well below the limit values. Zn and Pb had the highest concentrations in the water during the sampling period, probably due to the industrial and agricultural influence. However, these levels do not seem to be associated with precipitation, which suggests that their primary source was industry. Physicochemical parameters, the ecotoxicological assay, and determination of heavy metals proved to be efficient tools to evaluate aquatic environments.
A Romanian Jew in Hollywood: Edward G. Robinson
Authors: Moldovan Raluca
Published: October 2014

The present study aims to investigate the contribution that actor Edward G. Robinson brought to the American film industry, beginning with his iconic role as gangster Little Caesar in Mervyn Le Roy’s 1931 production, and continuing with widely-acclaimed parts in classic film noirs such as Double Indemnity, The Woman in the Window and Scarlet Street. Edward G. Robinson was actually a Romanian Jew, born Emmanuel Goldenberg in Bucharest, in 1893, a relatively little known fact nowadays. By examining his biography, filmography and his best-known, most successful films (mentioned above), I show that Edward G. Robinson was one of classical Hollywood’s most influential actors; for instance, traits of his portrayal of Little Caesar (one of the very first American gangster films) can be found in almost all subsequent cinematic gangster figures, from Scarface to Vito Corleone. In the same vein, the doomed noir characters he played in Fritz Lang’s The Woman in the Window and Scarlet Street are still considered by film critics today to be some of the finest, most nuanced examples of noir heroes. Therefore, the main body of my article will be dedicated to a more detailed analysis of these films, while the introductory section will trace his biography and discuss some of his better-known films, such as Confessions of a Nazi Spy and Key Largo. The present study highlights Edward G. Robinson’s merits and impact on the cinema industry, proving that this diminutive Romanian Jew of humble origins was indeed something of a giant during Hollywood’s classical era.
Onset of fast ice flow in Recovery Ice Stream, East Antarctica: a comparison of potential causes
Authors: Langley K. , Tinto K. , Block A. , Bell R. , Kohler J. , Scambos T.
Published: October 2014

Recovery Ice Stream has multiple branches reaching far into the East Antarctic ice sheet. We use new airborne and ground-based geophysics to give the first comprehensive overview of the upper catchment and, by constraining the physical setting, to advance our understanding of the controlling mechanisms for the onset of fast flow. The 400 km wide ice stream extends towards the Recovery Subglacial Lakes, a region characterized by a crustal boundary, a change in bed roughness, a bedrock topographic step and four topographic basins (A–D), three of which (A–C) contain subglacial water. All these characteristics are considered potential causal mechanisms that contribute to the onset of fast flow. In Lakes B and C the subglacial water is located in basins with sharp downstream ridges, in contrast to the gently sloping ridge on the downstream margin of Lake A. The fastest-flowing branch of the ice stream emanates from Lake A. The presence of multiple causal mechanisms along the four Recovery Lakes allows us to identify basal water as a dominant factor for the onset of fast flow, but only if it is stored in a shallow-sided basin where it can lubricate the flow downstream. Relatively minor topographic barriers appear to inhibit streaming.
A Polite Foucault? Eighteenth-Century Politeness as a Disciplinary System and Practice of the Self
Authors: Ylivuori Soile
Published: October 2014

Even though eighteenth-century politeness as a means of creating identity has recently been under much scholarly investigation, it has not been properly considered using theoretical approaches of identity and subjectivity as aids of analysis. This article examines politeness within two Foucauldian theoretical frameworks: as a disciplinary system and as an enabling practice of the self. The first approach sheds light on politeness as a kind of panopticon – an apparatus of power/knowledge, producing normative identity through constant surveillance. The second approach examines politeness from the individual's perspective, mapping out strategies of assuming and building polite subjectivity. My argument is that eighteenth-century politeness was not only a normalizing system of power, but also a practice of individuality and freedom. From this basis, I claim that a Foucauldian theoretical approach provides a fruitful new reading of politeness, opening up new areas of research.
Roadblocks and Roads Not Taken: Fords on Water (1983), Coast to Coast (1987) and the British Bi-racial Buddy-Road Movie
Authors: Franklin Ieuan
Published: October 2014

This article is about two low-budget British road movies which have long disappeared from the cultural radar: Fords on Water (1983) and Coast to Coast (1987). These films will be used as case studies to explore a number of factors that shaped film and television culture in the early to mid-1980s, including the importance of the television funding of feature films in an increasingly costly climate; the shifting strategic priorities of both the British Film Institute and the BBC during a pivotal moment in the history of their film-making activities; and the issues and difficulties involved in finding the right balance between social or political critique and comedy and generic conventions. The two films are rare examples of what might be termed ‘British bi-racial buddy-road movies’. The article will focus on the attributes they share: their obscurity and unavailability; their TV funding; their genre; and their theme of an inter-racial friendship bonded over a desire to escape from boredom and unemployment in Thatcher's Britain. However, it will also tease out their very different approaches, in terms of the more subtle and the more visceral aspects of tone, humour, politics and aesthetics. Finally, the article will consider the factors which prevented these lively films from reaching the wide audience they deserved, and whether they represent two ‘roads not taken’ in the intervening period in British film culture.
The Progress of Science—Past, Present and Future
Authors: Rörsch Arthur
Published: October 2014

Scientific orthodoxy based on the acquired authority of some scientists has seriously hampered the progress of the natural sciences in the past and continues to do so today because of new societal influences, such as directive funding and political interference in the setting of research objectives. Enhancing the progress of science must continue to be an important priority in order to meet the future needs of mankind. Yet priority setting between different branches of research is currently controversial because of the limited availability of funds and the political interference. For sound priority setting, an adequate level of scientific literacy is required among policy makers, a subject that will attract attention throughout this paper. The “introduction” gives an overview of the issues at stake. Prevailing pessimistic views of the future of our complex society are viewed as being similar to a medieval doomsday syndrome. Pathways to a new renaissance and age of reason are suggested. Three major recommendations are made: (i) Freedom of inquiry must be protected; (ii) The political misuse of potential environmental scares needs to be investigated before doomsday predictions alarm public perceptions and hence shape policies; (iii) The search for excellence in the leadership of science should be emphasized because it should not be based largely on acquired authority. The current controversy over possible impacts of rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere on climate is analyzed as a case study.
A Health Impact Assessment of a Proposed Bill to Decrease Speed Limits on Local Roads in Massachusetts (U.S.A.)
Authors: James Peter , Ito Kate , Banay Rachel , Buonocore Jonathan , Wood Benjamin , Arcaya Mariana
Published: October 2014

Decreasing traffic speeds increases the amount of time drivers have to react to road hazards, potentially averting collisions, and makes crashes that do happen less severe. Boston’s regional planning agency, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), conducted a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) that examined the potential health impacts of a proposed bill in the state legislature to lower the default speed limits on local roads from 30 miles per hour (mph) to 25 mph. The aim was to reduce vehicle speeds on local roads to a limit that is safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and children. The passage of this proposed legislation could have had far-reaching and potentially important public health impacts. Lower default speed limits may prevent around 18 fatalities and 1200 serious injuries to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians each year, as well as promote active transportation by making local roads feel more hospitable to cyclists and pedestrians. While a lower speed limit would increase congestion and slightly worsen air quality, the benefits outweigh the costs from both a health and economic perspective and would save the state approximately $62 million annually from prevented fatalities and injuries.
Insulin Induces an Increase in Cytosolic Glucose Levels in 3T3-L1 Cells with Inhibited Glycogen Synthase Activation
Authors: Chowdhury Helena , Kreft Marko , Jensen Jørgen , Zorec Robert
Published: October 2014

Glucose is an important source of energy for mammalian cells and enters the cytosol via glucose transporters. It has been thought for a long time that glucose entering the cytosol is swiftly phosphorylated in most cell types; hence the levels of free glucose are very low, beyond the detection level. However, the introduction of new fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based glucose nanosensors has made it possible to measure intracellular glucose more accurately. Here, we used the fluorescent indicator protein (FLIPglu-600µ) to monitor cytosolic glucose dynamics in mouse 3T3-L1 cells in which glucose utilization for glycogen synthesis was inhibited. The results show that cells exhibit a low resting cytosolic glucose concentration. However, in cells with inhibited glycogen synthase activation, insulin induced a robust increase in cytosolic free glucose. The insulin-induced increase in cytosolic glucose in these cells is due to an imbalance between the glucose transported into the cytosol and the use of glucose in the cytosol. In untreated cells with sensitive glycogen synthase activation, insulin stimulation did not result in a change in the cytosolic glucose level. This is the first report of dynamic measurements of cytosolic glucose levels in cells devoid of the glycogen synthesis pathway.
Electric and Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientational Transitions in the Ensembles of Domains in a Nematic Liquid Crystal on the Polymer Surface
Authors: Parshin Alexander , Gunyakov Vladimir , Zyryanov Victor , Shabanov Vasily
Published: October 2014

Using electro- and magneto-optical techniques, we investigated orientational transitions in the ensembles of domains in a nematic liquid crystal on the polycarbonate film surface under the conditions of competing surface forces that favor radial and uniform planar alignment of nematic molecules. Having analyzed field dependences of the intensity of light passed through a sample, we established the threshold character of the orientational effects, plotted the calculated intensity versus magnetic coherence length, and compared the latter with the equilibrium length that characterizes the balance of forces on the polymer surface.
Clinical Trials of Exterior Non Implanted Interference-Based Extended Depth of Focus Intra Ocular Lens Design
Authors: Zalevsky Zeev , Raveh Ido , Limon Ofer , Yaish Shai , Yacouel Karen , Doron Ravid , Zlotnik Alex
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present the clinical trials performed with intra ocular lens (IOL) design, realizing an interference-based extended depth of focus concept, with an external glass plate. The purpose of such extended depth of focus-based IOL design is to prevent cataract patients from needing to use different types of glasses (for reading and for distance vision) after undergoing surgery.