bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of brain MRI in pharmacovigilance of natalizumab-treated MS patients
Authors: Wattjes Mike P , Wijburg Martijn T , Vennegoor Anke , Witte Birgit I , Roosendaal Stefan D , Sanchez Esther , Liu Yaou , Martins Jarnalo Carine O , Richert Nancy D , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Barkhof Frederik , Killestein Joep
Published: November 2015

Background:

In natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered as a sensitive tool in detecting both MS disease activity and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Objective:

To investigate the performance of neuroradiologists using brain MRI in detecting new MS lesions and asymptomatic PML lesions and in differentiating between MS and PML lesions in natalizumab-treated MS patients. The secondary aim was to investigate interrater variability.

Methods:

In this retrospective diagnostic study, four blinded neuroradiologists assessed reference and follow-up brain MRI scans of 48 natalizumab-treated MS patients with new asymptomatic PML lesions ( n = 21) or new MS lesions ( n = 20) or no new lesions ( n = 7). Sensitivity and specificity for detection of new lesions in general (MS and PML lesions), MS and PML lesion differentiation, and PML detection were determined. Interrater agreement was calculated.

Results:

Overall sensitivity and specificity for the detection of new lesions, regardless of the nature of the lesions, were 77.4% and 89.3%, respectively; for PML-MS lesion differentiation, 74.2% and 84.7%, respectively; and for asymptomatic PML lesion detection, 59.5% and 91.7%, respectively. Interrater agreement for the tested categories was fair to moderate.

Conclusion:

The diagnostic performance of trained neuroradiologists using brain MRI in pharmacovigilance of natalizumab-treated MS patients is moderately good. Interrater agreement among trained readers is fair to moderate.
High-resolution T1-relaxation time mapping displays subtle, clinically relevant, gray matter damage in long-standing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Steenwijk Martijn D , Vrenken Hugo , Jonkman Laura E , Daams Marita , Geurts Jeroen JG , Barkhof Frederik , Pouwels Petra JW
Published: November 2015

Background:

Gray matter (GM) pathology has high clinical relevance in multiple sclerosis (MS), but conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is insufficiently sensitive to visualize the rather subtle damage.

Objective:

To investigate whether high spatial resolution T1-relaxation time (T1-RT) measurements can detect changes in the normal-appearing GM of patients with long-standing MS and whether these changes are associated with physical and cognitive impairment.

Methods:

High spatial resolution (1.05 × 1.05 × 1.2 mm3) T1-RT measurements were performed at 3 T in 156 long-standing MS patients and 54 healthy controls. T1-RT histogram parameters in several regions were analyzed to investigate group differences. Stepwise linear regression analyses were used to assess the relation of T1-RT with physical and cognitive impairment.

Results:

In both thalamus and cortex, T1-RT histogram skewness was higher in patients than controls. In the cortex, this was driven by the frontal and temporal lobes. No differences were found in other GM histogram parameters. Cortical skewness, thalamus volume, and average white matter (WM) lesion T1-RT emerged as the strongest predictors for cognitive performance (adjusted R2 = 0.39).

Conclusion:

Subtle GM damage was present in the cortex and thalamus of MS patients, as indicated by increased T1-RT skewness. Increased cortical skewness emerged as an independent predictor of cognitive dysfunction.
A comparative analysis of Patient-Reported Expanded Disability Status Scale tools
Authors: Collins Christian DE , Ivry Ben , Bowen James D , Cheng Eric M , Dobson Ruth , Goodin Douglas S , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Kappos Ludwig , Galea Ian
Published: November 2015

Background:

Patient-Reported Expanded Disability Status Scale (PREDSS) tools are an attractive alternative to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) during long term or geographically challenging studies, or in pressured clinical service environments.

Objectives:

Because the studies reporting these tools have used different metrics to compare the PREDSS and EDSS, we undertook an individual patient data level analysis of all available tools.

Methods:

Spearman’s rho and the Bland–Altman method were used to assess correlation and agreement respectively.

Results:

A systematic search for validated PREDSS tools covering the full EDSS range identified eight such tools. Individual patient data were available for five PREDSS tools. Excellent correlation was observed between EDSS and PREDSS with all tools. A higher level of agreement was observed with increasing levels of disability. In all tools, the 95% limits of agreement were greater than the minimum EDSS difference considered to be clinically significant. However, the intra-class coefficient was greater than that reported for EDSS raters of mixed seniority. The visual functional system was identified as the most significant predictor of the PREDSS–EDSS difference.

Conclusion:

This analysis will (1) enable researchers and service providers to make an informed choice of PREDSS tool, depending on their individual requirements, and (2) facilitate improvement of current PREDSS tools.
Interferon beta-1a long-term therapy related to pulmonary arterial hypertension in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Fok Anthony , Williams Trevor , McLean Catriona A , Butler Ernest
Published: November 2015

We report two patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) on interferon (IFN) beta-1a treatment for more than 7 years who developed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Patient 1 developed severe PAH requiring lung transplantation. Histology showed typical proliferative lesions including plexiform lesions consistent with PAH. Patient 2 ceased IFN beta-1a, and their symptoms stabilised. Both cases highlight IFN beta-1a treatment as a potential risk factor for PAH. PAH needs to be considered as a diagnosis in patients on long-term IFN beta-1a treatment who develop new-onset respiratory symptoms.
Listening-touch, Affect and the Crafting of Medical Bodies through Percussion
Authors: Harris Anna
Published: November 2015

The growing abundance of medical technologies has led to laments over doctors’ sensory de-skilling, technologies viewed as replacing diagnosis based on sensory acumen. The technique of percussion has become emblematic of the kinds of skills considered lost. While disappearing from wards, percussion is still taught in medical schools. By ethnographically following how percussion is taught to and learned by students, this article considers the kinds of bodies configured through this multisensory practice. I suggest that three kinds of bodies arise: skilled bodies; affected bodies; and resonating bodies. As these bodies are crafted, I argue that boundaries between bodies of novices and bodies they learn from blur. Attending to an overlooked dimension of bodily configurations in medicine, self-perception, I show that learning percussion functions not only to perpetuate diagnostic craft skills but also as a way of knowing of, and through, the resource always at hand; one’s own living breathing body.
Such As It Is
Authors: Massumi Brian
Published: November 2015

C.S. Peirce begins his 1903 lectures on pragmatism from the premise that the starting point for pragmatic philosophy as he envisions it must not be a concept of Being but rather of Feeling. Pragmatism, he explains, will be ‘an extreme realism’. Its first category will be ‘immediate consciousness’ conceived as a ‘pure presentness’ whose self-appearing is elemental to experience. Firstness cannot be couched in terms of recognition, cannot be contained in any first-person accounting of experience, and most of all can in no way be construed as being ‘in the mind’ of a subject, however the subject is conceived. This article follows some of the byways of Peirce’s thinking on this constitutive field of experience prior to subject/object determinations, making links to James’s ‘pure experience’, Whitehead’s ‘critique of pure feeling’, and Deleuze/Guattari’s ‘being of sensation’.
Habitus and Disposition in High-risk Mountain-climbing
Authors: Bunn Matthew
Published: November 2015

Habitus has been an attractive concept for works examining body-centric practices. This article draws on interviews and 18 months of ethnographic research with high-risk climbers primarily throughout North America. An important guide to this research has been the concept of habitus. However, this article demonstrates that there are limits to habitus being used to address the moment of action. The scope of habitus ranges widely, limiting its capacity to effectively address the experience of the individual. Rather than abandoning the concept, habitus can be extended through a reconceptualization drawing on the use of echoes as a metaphor. Using echoes as an allegorical mode of understanding dispositional acquisition and activation, the embodied echo can more radically and precisely explore the habitus in motion during the intensely body-centric practice of alpine climbing. This is particularly critical when exploring the use of speed as a form of safety in the alpine environment.
Measles among migrants in the European Union and the European Economic Area
Authors: Williams Gemma A. , Bacci Sabrina , Shadwick Rebecca , Tillmann Taavi , Rechel Bernd , Noori Teymur , Suk Jonathan E. , Odone Anna , Ingleby Jonathan D. , Mladovsky Philipa , Mckee Martin
Published: November 2015

Aims: Progress towards meeting the goal of measles elimination in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) by 2015 is being obstructed, as some children are either not immunized on time or never immunized. One group thought to be at increased risk of measles is migrants; however, the extent to which this is the case is poorly understood, due to a lack of data. This paper addresses this evidence gap by providing an overview of the burden of measles in migrant populations in the EU/EEA. Methods: Data were collected through a comprehensive literature review, a country survey of EU/EEA member states and information from measles experts gathered at an infectious disease workshop. Results: Our results showed incomplete data on measles in migrant populations, as national surveillance systems do not systematically record migration-specific information; however, evidence from the literature review and country survey suggested that some measles outbreaks in the EU/EEA were due to sub-optimal vaccination coverage in migrant populations. Conclusions: We conclude that it is essential that routine surveillance of measles cases and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage become strengthened, to capture migrant-specific data. These data can help to inform the provision of preventive services, which may need to reach out to vulnerable migrant populations that currently face barriers in accessing routine immunization and health services.
Adolescent Bullying, Dating, and Mating
Authors: Volk Anthony A. , Dane Andrew V. , Marini Zopito A. , Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: November 2015

Traditionally believed to be the result of maladaptive development, bullying perpetration is increasingly being viewed as a potentially adaptive behavior. We were interested in determining whether adolescents who bully others enjoy a key evolutionary benefit: increased dating and mating (sexual) opportunities. This hypothesis was tested in two independent samples consisting of 334 adolescents and 144 university students. The data partly supported our prediction that bullying, but not victimization, would predict dating behavior. The data for sexual behavior more clearly supported our hypothesis that bullying behavior predicts an increase in sexual opportunities even when accounting for age, sex, and self-reports of attractiveness, likeability, and peer victimization. These results are generally congruent with the hypothesis that bullying perpetration is, at least in part, an evolutionary adaptive behavior.
Enhancing Postoperative Rehabilitation Following Knee Arthroplasty Using a New Cryotherapy Product
Authors: Mumith Aadil , Pavlou Paul , Barrett Matthew , Thurston Benjamin , Garrett Simon
Published: November 2015

To compare a novel cooling product, Physicool (P, Physicool Ltd, London, England, UK) with a well-established cryotherapy system, Cryocuff (C, Aircast, DJO Global, Vista, California, USA) using pain scores, range of movement (ROM), and cost as outcome measures in the early phase following total knee arthroplasty. We prospectively studied 90 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty by a single surgeon. Following exclusions, 40 patients were recruited to each group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and ROM before and after application of cooling device was recorded at 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The cost of treatment per patient was also calculated. The VAS were significantly reduced in P on day 1 postsurgery ( p = 0.013) and day 2 ( p = 0.001) compared to C. A significant increase in ROM was recorded in P at 24 hours ( p = 0.004) and at 48 hours ( p = 0.009) postsurgery compared to C. The cost benefit of using P over C was approximately £25 per patient. The Physicool system is a safe and effective cooling method for improving pain and ROM in the early postoperative phase following total knee arthroplasty. Furthermore, it offers substantial cost savings.
Human Capital, Technology, and Economic Growth
Authors: Sulaiman Chindo , Bala Umar , Tijani Bulama Abiso , Waziri Salisu Ibrahim , Maji Ibrahim Kabiru
Published: November 2015

This article investigated the impact of human capital and technology on economic growth in Nigeria. We employed annual time series data for the period of 35 years (1975-2010) and applied autoregressive distributed lag approach to cointegration to examine the relationship between human capital, technology, and economic growth. Two proxies of human capital (secondary and tertiary school enrollments) were used in two separate models. The cointegration result revealed that all the variables in the two separate models were cointegrated. Furthermore, the results of the two estimated models showed that human capital in form in secondary and tertiary school enrollments have had significant positive impact on economic growth. More so, technology also shows significant positive impact on economic growth. In a nutshell, both human capital and technology are important determinants of growth in Nigeria. Therefore, improvement of the educational sector and more funding for research and development (R&D) to encourage innovations are needed to facilitate Nigeria’s sustained economic growth.
Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 that is Induced in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Contributes to Acute Cold Hypersensitivity after Oxaliplatin Administration
Authors: Yamamoto Ken , Chiba Noriko , Chiba Terumasa , Kambe Toshie , Abe Kenji , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Utsunomiya Iku , Taguchi Kyoji
Published: November 2015

Background

Peripheral cold neuropathic pain is a serious side effect of oxaliplatin treatment. However, the mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced cold hyperalgesia is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of oxaliplatin on transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats.

Results

Behavioral assessment using the acetone spray test showed that 3 and 6 mg/kg oxaliplatin (i.p.) induced acute cold hypersensitivity after 1, 2, 4, and 7 days. Real-time PCR showed that oxaliplatin (6 mg/kg) significantly increased TRPA1 mRNA expression in DRGs at days 1, 2, and 4. Western blotting revealed that oxaliplatin significantly increased TRPA1 protein expression in DRGs at days 2, 4, and 7. Moreover, in situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that most TRPA1 mRNA-labeled neurons in the DRGs were small in size. Oxaliplatin significantly increased co-localization of TRPA1 expression and isolectin B4 binding in DRG neurons. Oxaliplatin induced a significant increase in the percent of TRPA1 mRNA-positive small neurons in DRGs at days 1, 2, and 4. In addition, we found that intrathecal administration of TRPA1 antisense, but not TRPA1 mismatched oligodeoxynucleotides, knocked down TRPA1 expression and decreased oxaliplatin-induced cold hyperalgesia. Double labeling showed that p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was co-expressed in TRPA1 mRNA-labeled neurons at day 2 after oxaliplatin administration. Intrathecal administration of the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, significantly decreased oxaliplatin-induced acute cold hypersensitivity.

Conclusions

Together, these results demonstrate that TRPA1 expression via activation of p38 MAPK in DRG neurons, at least in part, contributes to the development of oxaliplatin-induced acute cold hyperalgesia.
Community Oncology Medical Homes: Physician-Driven Change to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Costs
Authors: Waters Teresa M. , Webster Jennifer A. , Stevens Laura A. , Li Tao , Kaplan Cameron M. , Graetz Ilana , McAneny Barbara L.
Published: November 2015

The Community Oncology Medical Home offers a patient-centered model of care to improve quality and continuity of care.
Increasing Minority Enrollment Onto Clinical Trials: Practical Strategies and Challenges Emerge From the NRG Oncology Accrual Workshop
Authors: Brooks Sandra E. , Muller Carolyn Y. , Robinson William , Walker Eleanor M. , Yeager Kate , Cook Elise D. , Friedman Sue , Somkin Carol P. , Brown Carol Leslie , McCaskill-Stevens Worta
Published: November 2015

US clinical research programs must generate and embrace new ideas and pilot test novel recruitment strategies if they are to maintain their historic role as world leaders in cancer care innovation and delivery.
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor and mTORC1 signalling pathways interact to modulate glucose homeostasis in mice
Authors: Bermudez-Silva Francisco J. , Romero-Zerbo Silvana Y. , Haissaguerre Magalie , Ruz-Maldonado Inmaculada , Lhamyani Said , El Bekay Rajaa , Tabarin Antoine , Marsicano Giovanni , Cota Daniela
Published: November 2015

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an intercellular signalling mechanism that is present in the islets of Langerhans and plays a role in the modulation of insulin secretion and expansion of the β-cell mass. The downstream signalling pathways mediating these effects are poorly understood. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling is a key intracellular pathway involved in energy homeostasis and is known to importantly affect the physiology of pancreatic islets. We investigated the possible relationship between cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor signalling and the mTORC1 pathway in the endocrine pancreas of mice by using pharmacological analysis as well as mice genetically lacking the CB1 receptor or the downstream target of mTORC1, the kinase p70S6K1. In vitro static secretion experiments on islets, western blotting, and in vivo glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. The CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) at 0.1 µM while increasing phosphorylation of p70S6K1 and ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) within the islets. Specific pharmacological blockade of mTORC1 by 3 nM rapamycin, as well as genetic deletion of p70S6K1, impaired the CB1-antagonist-mediated decrease in GSIS. In vivo experiments showed that 3 mg/kg body weight rimonabant decreased insulin levels and induced glucose intolerance in lean mice without altering peripheral insulin sensitivity; this effect was prevented by peripheral administration of low doses of rapamycin (0.1 mg/kg body weight), which increased insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest a functional interaction between the ECS and the mTORC1 pathway within the endocrine pancreas and at the whole-organism level, which could have implications for the development of new therapeutic approaches for pancreatic β-cell diseases.
The Potential of Amine-Containing Dendrimer Mass Standards for Internal Calibration of Peptides
Authors: Casey Brittany K. , Grayson Scott M.
Published: November 2015

In order to ensure accurate mass determinations, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers must be calibrated regularly. While peptides and proteins represent the most widely used calibration standards due to their monodispersity, known masses and availability, their limited shelf-life complicates their use. Recently, polyester dendrimer calibrants have been introduced as an alternative because, in addition to monodispersity and relative molecular masses as high as 30,000, they exhibit vastly improved stability and broad compatibility with both matrices and solvents. However, the use of these initially reported polyester dendrimers as internal calibrants for the analysis of peptides or proteins presents a unique problem because these dendrimers typically require ionization with metal cations, while amino acid-based compounds preferentially ionize via protonation of an amine. To address this complication, dendrimers bearing a single amine were prepared which demonstrate the ability to easily ionize via protonation with either acidic matrices or dilute solutions of trifluoroacetic acid. This class of amine-containing dendrimers shows promise as a calibrant system specifically designed for the internal calibration of peptides.
A Hybrid Procedure for Structural Damage Identification in Beam-Like Structures Using Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Ravanfar Seyed Alireza , Razak Hashim Abdul , Ismail Zubaidah , Hakim S.J.S
Published: November 2015

There are significant changes in the dynamic responses of damaged structures in which the damage depth becomes influential. This fact enables the recognition of damages in structures from their dynamic response data. This paper aims to identify damage locations as well as quantification of damage extent utilizing a vibration-based method. In this work, a signal-based damage identification procedure using the information entropy of wavelet packet energy is employed to evaluate beam-like structures. Damage indices called singular wavelet packet entropy and relative wavelet packet entropy are proposed to identify the location and to quantify the structural damage. The method involves two steps: firstly, the singular value of wavelet packet entropy, which reveals the abnormality distribution of the energy in signal time-frequency domain and secondly, relative wavelet packet entropy that is an acceptable damage feature to examine damage location and quantitative evaluation of the extent of damages through the vibration signals. The effects of wavelet type and decomposition level on the detection of damage location are examined. Numerical and experimental results from four test beams are used to verify the viability of this method. Results show that the damage indices method has great potential in identification of location and depth of cut in a steel beam. The procedure can be used for health monitoring of other complex structures.
A Review on Empirical Correlations for Jet/Spray Trajectory of Liquid Jet in Uniform Cross Flow
Authors: No Soo-Young
Published: November 2015

The empirical correlations for the prediction of jet/spray penetration of liquid jet in subsonic uniform crossflow are reviewed in this study. Considerable number of empirical correlations had been proposed by many investigators. It has generally known that the jet/spray trajectory of a liquid jet in a cross-flow is a function of the liquid to air momentum flux ratio and the normalized distance in the airstream direction from the injector. However, several researchers incorporated the Weber number, liquid-to-water or air viscosity ratio, pressure ratio or Reynolds number, temperature ratio in the empirical correlations.

Two different classification methods of correlations, i.e. classification based on mathematic functional form and classification based on flow regime, are introduced in this study. The one classification of existing correlations based on functional form includes correlations in a power-law, logarithmic, and exponential forms, respectively. The other classification of previous correlations based on flow regime includes one, two and three regime, correlations.

Correlations in a power-law functional form can be further divided into three groups such as momentum flux ratio, Weber number and other parameters forms. Correlations in logarithmic functional form can be also grouped as momentum flux ratio and Weber number forms.

Most of the evaluation studies reported the significant discrepancies of predicted values by the existing correlations. The possible reasons for discrepancies will be summarized as measurement technique, assumptions made in defining terms in the liquid to air momentum flux ratio, difficulties in defining the boundaries of the liquid jets, turbulence level in the core and boundary layer of incoming jet and gas flows, nozzle/injector geometry and its position in the crossflow. However, it can be found from the several evaluation studies that the power-law functional form with momentum flux ratio and two regimes correlations provided relatively the best fit to experimental data.
Οι διάφοροι τρόποι της βυζαντινής αγιογραφίας επί τη βάσει της ερμηνείας των ζωγράφων
Authors: ΖΩΓΡΑΦΟΣ Παντελής Γ.
Published: November 2015

no abstract
Συγχωρητική ευχή του Πατριάρχου Ιεροσολύμων Αθανασίου
Authors: ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΕΥΣ Αλέξανδρος
Published: November 2015

no abstract
Χριστιανική Εύβοια
Authors: ΖΩΓΡΑΦΟΣ Παντελής Γ.
Published: November 2015

no abstract
Χριστιανικαί αρχαιότητες εν Μαγνησία τη Θεσσαλική
Authors: ΓΙΑΝΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Νικόλαος Ι.
Published: November 2015

no abstract
Από την μεσαιωνικήν διαπόμπευσιν
Authors: ΚΟΥΚΟΥΛΕΣ Φαίδων
Published: November 2015

no abstract
Το τέμπλον της Αγίας Παρασκευής εν Χαλκίδι
Authors: ΞΥΓΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Ανδρέας
Published: November 2015

no abstract
Mereological foundations of point-free geometry via multi-valued logic
Authors: Coppola Cristina , Gerla Giangiacomo
Published: November 2015

We suggest possible approaches to point-free geometry based on multi-valued logic. The idea is to assume as primitives the notion of a region together with suitable vague predicates whose meaning is geometrical in nature, e.g. ‘close’, ‘small’, ‘contained’. Accordingly, some first-order multi-valued theories are proposed. We show that, given a multi-valued model of one of these theories, by a suitable definition of point and distance we can construct a metrical space in a natural way. Taking into account that interesting metrical approaches to geometry exist, this looks to be promising for a point-free foundation of the notion of space. We hope also that this way to face point-free geometry provides a tool to illustrate the passage from a naïve and ‘qualitative’ approach to geometry to the ‘quantitative’ approach of advanced science.
Linear Programming and the Control of Diffusion Processes
Authors: Ahn Andrew , Haugh Martin
Published: November 2015

Recent work by Han and Van Roy [Han J, Van Roy B (2011) Control of diffusions via linear programming. Infanger G, ed. Stochastic Programming: The State of the Art, in Honor of George B. Dantzig (Springer, New York), 329–354] introduced a linear programming technique to compute good suboptimal solutions to high-dimensional control problems in a diffusion-based setting. Their problem formulation worked with finite horizon problems where the horizon, T, is an exponentially distributed random variable. We extend their approach to finite horizon problems with a fixed horizon T. We also apply these techniques to dynamic portfolio optimization problems and then simulate the resulting policies to obtain lower bounds on the optimal value functions. We also use these policies in conjunction with convex duality methods designed for portfolio optimization problems to construct upper bounds on the optimal value functions. In our numerical experiments we find that the primal and dual bounds are very close, and so we conclude, for these problems at least, that the linear programming approach performs very well.
Robust Growth-Optimal Portfolios
Authors: Rujeerapaiboon Napat , Kuhn Daniel , Wiesemann Wolfram
Published: November 2015

The growth-optimal portfolio is designed to have maximum expected log return over the next rebalancing period. Thus, it can be computed with relative ease by solving a static optimization problem. The growth-optimal portfolio has sparked fascination among finance professionals and researchers because it can be shown to outperform any other portfolio with probability 1 in the long run. In the short run, however, it is notoriously volatile. Moreover, its computation requires precise knowledge of the asset return distribution, which is not directly observable but must be inferred from sparse data. By using methods from distributionally robust optimization, we design fixed-mix strategies that offer similar performance guarantees as the growth-optimal portfolio but for a finite investment horizon and for a whole family of distributions that share the same first- and second-order moments. We demonstrate that the resulting robust growth-optimal portfolios can be computed efficiently by solving a tractable conic program whose size is independent of the length of the investment horizon. Simulated and empirical backtests show that the robust growth-optimal portfolios are competitive with the classical growth-optimal portfolio across most realistic investment horizons and for an overwhelming majority of contaminated return distributions.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
The (Ironic) Dove Effect: Use of Acceptance Cues for Larger Body Types Increases Unhealthy Behaviors
Authors: Lin Lily , McFerran Brent
Published: November 2015

The average weight of the population has risen rapidly in much of the world. Concurrently, in recent years, advertisers have begun using larger models in their campaigns, and many of these advertisements claim that their larger models (vs. the thin models commonly used) possess “realistic” body types. Many groups have lauded these moves as beneficial for promoting a healthy body image in society. However, in five studies, the authors find that cues suggesting the acceptance of larger body types result in greater intended or actual consumption of food and a reduced motivation to engage in a healthier lifestyle. The authors suggest that the reason being larger bodied appears to be contagious is that, because it is considered more socially permissible, people exhibit lower motivation to engage in healthy behaviors and consume greater portions of unhealthy food. The authors also contrast acceptance with communications stigmatizing various body types and identify limitations of both approaches. They conclude with implications for public policy.
What a Waste! Exploring the Human Reality of Food Waste from the Store Manager's Perspective
Authors: Gruber Verena , Holweg Christina , Teller Christoph
Published: November 2015

Food waste is a major problem in industrialized nations, and thus a better understanding of this phenomenon and its inherent complexity is imperative. As gatekeeper to the food supply chain, the retail and wholesale sector is a crucial actor in the pursuit of minimizing food waste. The authors draw on the perspective of marketing as exchange to provide a holistic exploration of food waste in retail and wholesale stores while taking into account the interconnectedness of the entire food supply chain. Through 32 semistructured interviews with store managers, the authors shed light on the issues of food waste and its human reality. The findings reveal the questionable ethics of discarding food; the societal, regulatory, and systemic constraints leading to the occurrence of food waste in stores; and the resulting moral burden on store managers. Building on these factors, the authors outline public policy recommendations in the areas of education and law and provide managerial recommendations for the better management of food waste.
Comparative Criminal Law: An Economic Perspective
Authors: Ghasemi Mojtaba
Published: November 2015

This paper develops an economic model to explain how societies make decisions about criminal law based on efficiency. The scope of criminal law depends on activities considered harmless or harmful. Besides different scope of criminal law, different societies can also have different punishments for certain kinds of crimes. This divergence stems from the relative importance of factors that societies consider in optimizing social loss from criminal activities. These factors are: the harmfulness of the crime, retributive or regretful emotions towards offenders or what is called “humanity of punishment” and the deterrent effect of certain punishments. Different attitudes towards these aspects lead to differences in criminal law. Once sources of divergence have been identified, the key question is who decides the above features? The answer depends crucially on the political constitution of the society. In authoritarian systems, the central planner formulates the criminal law; in democratic systems “public opinion” can have different degrees of influence. The most common style in forming criminal justice policies in advanced democracies is “insulated delegation” or “professionalization of punishment,” in the hands of the academic elite.
Dynamic Contests With Bankruptcy: The Despair Effect
Authors: Beviá Carmen , Corchón Luis C.
Published: November 2015

We analyze a two-period contest in which agents may become bankrupt at the end of the first period. A bankrupt agent is excluded from the contest in the second period of the game. We investigate the existence of a subgame perfect equilibrium in pure strategies. We distinguish between a borrowing equilibrium in which at least one agent might be bankrupted and a non borrowing equilibrium in which no agent is bankrupted. We prove that the former occurs when the agent taking loans is relatively poor and the future does not matter very much. This action represents the Despair Effect, in which severely handicapped agents take actions that jeopardize their existence in the long run but are currently helpful. We find conditions under which borrowing and non borrowing equilibria overlap and do not overlap. We provide an example in which no equilibrium exists.
An Analysis of English Demonstration Classroom Discourse
Authors: Zou Rong
Published: November 2015

From the perspective of cultural semiotic theory, Lotman divided the dynamic communication process within a semiosphere into five stages: contact, selection, internalization, integration and transmission. This process contains two communication models: the“I-YOU” communication model and the“I-I” communication model (the autocommunication model). This paper brings Lotman’s cultural semiotic theory into the field of classroom discourse analysis and recommends treating the classroom as a semiosphere. By investigating the dynamic communication process between the teacher and the students in the classroom semiosphere, this paper attempts to reveal the inner dynamics of classroom communication as well as the functions of classroom discourse in different communication models. It is found that the communication process in the classroom semiosphere should be seen as dynamic and inter-subjective. Finally, it confirms the significance of the autocommunication model for the construction and generation of students’ knowledge.
Inorganic nanoparticles for the theranostics of cancer
Authors: Verma Jyoti , Lal Sumit , Van Noorden Cornelis J.F.
Published: November 2015

Theranostics are a multifunctional approach using nanoparticles for combined diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The hybrid nanoparticles that are applied for these purposes are composed of an inorganic core and an organic shell. The inorganic core acts as a contrast enhancer and the organic shell acts as a drug releaser. Hybrid nanoparticles can be conjugated with targeting moieties and systematically administered to patients to direct the nanoparticles to specific cells such as cancer cells. Theranostics have the potential to significantly improve early stage cancer diagnostics and patient survival. This review discusses preclinical and clinical advances in applications of inorganic nanoparticles for the theranostics of cancer.
Effect of clay loading on the structural and mechanical properties of organoclay/HDI-based thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Taheri Narges , Sayyahi Soheil
Published: November 2015

Thermoplastic polyurethane/organically-modified montmorillonite (TPU/OMMT) nanocomposites were synthesized by the pre-polymer polymerization method using Cloisite® 30B organoclay, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), polycaprolactone diol (PCL diol, 2000 g/mol) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO). The hard segment content of the TPU was maintained at ~25.5% while the role of clay content was investigated at 1, 3 and 5 wt.% of clay concentration. The aim of this work was to obtain a high-performance polyurethane system while reaching a general microstructure-property relationship for TPU/OMMT nanocomposites. Clay exfoliation was achieved at 1 and 3 wt.% of clay loadings while some agglomerated clay sheets were observed in samples containing 5 wt.% OMMT. Significant hydrogen bonding occurred between the urethane linkages with unreacted -CH2CH2OH groups of the OMMT particles which resulted in strong matrix-filler interactions. Consequently, the values of tensile modulus were enhanced with clay content; namely a 177% improvement was observed for samples containing 5 wt.% OMMT. On the other hand, samples exhibited more thermoplastic behavior with the increase of clay content which resulted in lower deformability and lower values of tensile strength.
Synthesis of Ag2O nano-catalyst in the spherical polyelectrolyte brushes and its application in visible photo driven degradation of dye
Authors: Ahmad Ayyaz , Liu Jianjia , Liu Xiaochi , Li Li , Xu Yisheng , Guo Xuhong
Published: November 2015

Ag2O nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using colloidal solution of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPB) as nano-reactors. In this work, the average diameter of Ag2O NPs was around 10 nm as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The composite NPs of Ag2O immobilized in SPB (Ag2O-SPB) showed significant absorption in the visible light region as confirmed by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and their photoluminescence (PL) exhibited emission peak in the visible range. Ag2O-SPB has shown outstanding photocatalytic activity during degradation of methyl blue (MB) in the visible light. This work will open up a new way to prepare ideal Ag2O nano-catalyst for the remediation of wastewater using visible light.
Congressional Polarization and Political Trust
Authors: Uslaner Eric M.
Published: November 2015

Americans have become less trusting of their federal government since the late 1950s. Most accounts of trust in government are based upon the performance of the economy. I argue that two additional factors are essential for understanding the sharp fall in trust in government in recent years: the level of partisan polarization in the Congress (as reflected in the ideological distance between the parties on roll calls) and the inability of Congress to enact legislation (gridlock).
Multiple-Objective Optimal Designs for Studying the Dose Response Function and Interesting Dose Levels
Authors: Hyun Seung Won , Wong Weng Kee
Published: November 2015

We construct an optimal design to simultaneously estimate three common interesting features in a dose-finding trial with possibly different emphasis on each feature. These features are (1) the shape of the dose-response curve, (2) the median effective dose and (3) the minimum effective dose level. A main difficulty of this task is that an optimal design for a single objective may not perform well for other objectives. There are optimal designs for dual objectives in the literature but we were unable to find optimal designs for 3 or more objectives to date with a concrete application. A reason for this is that the approach for finding a dual-objective optimal design does not work well for a 3 or more multiple-objective design problem.

We propose a method for finding multiple-objective optimal designs that estimate the three features with user-specified higher efficiencies for the more important objectives. We use the flexible 4-parameter logistic model to illustrate the methodology but our approach is applicable to find multiple-objective optimal designs for other types of objectives and models. We also investigate robustness properties of multiple-objective optimal designs to mis-specification in the nominal parameter values and to a variation in the optimality criterion. We also provide computer code for generating tailor made multiple-objective optimal designs.
Predictors of quality of life in people with intellectual disability in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Memisevic Haris , Hadzic Selmir , Zecic Sadeta , Mujkanovic Edin
Published: November 2015

Quality of life (QOL) of people with intellectual disability is increasingly becoming the target for intervention and a measure of success of different support programs. Knowing the predictors of QOL might make the support programs more effective. In the present study, QOL of 152 persons with intellectual disability was assessed through the personal outcomes scale (POS)-self report. Total score on the POS was used as a dependent variable and age, sex, level of intellectual disability, employment status and marriage status were assessed as the potential predictors of QOL. The statistically significant predictors of QOL were level of intellectual disability and employment status. These predictors explained 19% of variance in POS scores. The results of this study indicate that the strategies aimed at increasing the QOL of people with disability must focus on finding and expanding the employment opportunities for people with intellectual disability. The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can be very significant in this regard. The article concludes with a discussion of how predictors of QOL outcomes reported by other investigators could be incorporated into the policies and practices of NGOs to enhance person-referenced QOL outcomes.
Evaluation of a leadership and intrapersonal development subject for university students in Hong Kong: findings based on 2 years
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Yu Lu , Zhu Xiaoqin
Published: November 2015

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a general education subject entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” using the Student Feedback Questionnaire (SFQ) and student final grades in the subject in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic years at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A total of 1406 and 1283 students in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic years, respectively, completed the online SFQ. Results revealed that despite a slight decrease in student ratings in the second year, students generally expressed positive perceptions of the subject over 2 years regarding subject attributes, teacher attributes, and subject benefits. Results also showed consistent faculty differences in students’ satisfaction across 2 years. Students in the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles and the Faculty of Engineering had more positive evaluations for the subject compared with students from the Faculty of Construction and Environment. Significant relationships amongst the three dimensions of course evaluation as well as between course evaluation and students’ final grade in the subject were also observed. Students’ perception of teacher attributes was a significant predictor for their final grade. The present study demonstrates the favorable effects of the subject on students’ positive development over time.
Ulinastatin – a newer potential therapeutic option for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Authors: Atal Sarjana S. , Atal Shubham
Published: November 2015

Despite significant improvements in medical and surgical management, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) or multiple organ failure following conditions such as acute pancreatitis, severe sepsis, and traumatic, hemorrhagic, and endotoxin shocks is still accompanied with a high mortality rate. In light of the crucial role of immunologic derangement recently conceptualized in these conditions, ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, is considered as a potentially beneficial immunomodulator drug for MODS. Mechanisms involving protections against tissue organs and endothelial cell and anti-inflammatory effects by ulinastatin are dependent on the inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived elastase, tumor necrosis factor α, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8). Ulinastatin also suppresses the activation of PMN cells, macrophages, and platelets. Derived from these properties, ulinastatin has been investigated as a potential clinical therapy for indications including shock and pancreatitis and approved in Japan and China with ongoing clinical trials around the globe. Off-label potential uses of ulinastatin have been reported in preterm labor and hematological, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular diseases including vasculitis syndromes such as Kawasaki disease.
Seeing over the horizon – targeting the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of ocular disease
Authors: Cairns Elizabeth A. , Toguri J. Thomas , Porter Richard F. , Szczesniak Anna-Maria , Kelly Melanie E.M.
Published: November 2015

The observation that marijuana reduces intraocular pressure was made by Hepler and Frank in the 1970s. Since then, there has been a significant body of work investigating cannabinoids for their potential use as therapeutics. To date, no endocannabinoid system (ECS)-modulating drug has been approved for clinical use in the eye; however, recent advances in our understanding of the ECS, as well as new pharmacological tools, has renewed interest in the development of ocular ECS-based therapeutics. This review summarizes the current state-of-affairs for the use of ECS-modulating drugs for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular inflammatory and ischemic disease.
Are the endocannabinoid-like compounds N-acyl aminoacids neuroprotective after traumatic brain injury?
Authors: Mann Aniv , Cohen-Yeshurun Ayelet , Trembovler Victoria , Mechoulam Raphael , Shohami Esther
Published: November 2015

In recent years, a library of approx. 70 N-acyl aminoacids (NAAAs) was discovered in the rat brain. A particular member of this family of compounds is arachidonoyl serine (AraS), which has generated special interest as a potential therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is due to its structural similarity to the endocannabinoid (eCB) 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), which was previously shown to be beneficial in the recovery in a closed head injury model of TBI. Indeed, AraS exerted eCB-mediated neuroprotection, which was evident in numerous aspects related to the secondary damage characterizing TBI. These findings promoted broadening of the research to additional compounds of the NAAA family that share a structural similarity to AraS, namely, palmitoyl serine (PalmS) and oleoyl serine. The latter did not exhibit any improvement in recovery, whereas the former displayed some neuroprotection, albeit inferior to 2-AG and AraS, via unknown mechanisms. Interestingly, when a combined treatment of 2-AG, AraS and PalmS was tested, the overall effect on the severity score was inferior to their individual effects, suggesting not only a lack of direct or indirect synergism, but also possibly some spatial hindrance. Taken together, the complexity of the damage caused by TBI and the many open questions concerning the role of the eCB system in health and disease, the findings so far may serve as a small trace to the understanding of the eCB system, as well as of the mechanisms underlying TBI.