bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Belinostat for the treatment of relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Campbell Peter , Thomas Christan M
Published: February 2016

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma is a heterogenous non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with historically poor outcomes. Currently, response rates remain poor with traditional chemotherapy and many of those responding to initial therapy will relapse. Belinostat (Beleodaq, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) approved for use in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Belinostat is metabolized hepatically through cytochrome P-450 enzymes 3A4, 2C9, and 2A6; however, no empiric dosage adjustments of belinostat are recommended during concurrent use of inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes. Belinostat’s efficacy has been evaluated in a clinical trial showing an overall response rate (ORR) of 25.8% and a median duration of response of 8.4 months. Belinostat is generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse reactions (>25%) being nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pyrexia, and anemia in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL. Belinostat is a safe and effective treatment option for relapsed and refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, with many future applications currently being investigated.
Business Models for Sustainability
Authors: Schaltegger Stefan , Lüdeke-Freund Florian , Hansen Erik G.
Published: February 2016

The relevance of business models for corporate performance in general and corporate sustainability in particular has been widely acknowledged in the literature while sustainable entrepreneurship research has started to explore contributions to the sustainability transformation of markets and society. Particularities of the business models of sustainable niche market pioneers have been identified in earlier research, but little is known about the dynamic role of business models for sustainable entrepreneurship processes aiming at upscaling ecologically and socially beneficial niche models or sustainability upgrading of conventional mass market players. Informed by evolutionary economics, we develop a theoretical framework to analyze co-evolutionary business model development for sustainable niche pioneers and conventional mass market players aiming at the sustainability transformation of markets. Core evolutionary processes of business model variation, selection and retention, and evolutionary pathways are identified to support structured analyses of the dynamics between business model innovation and sustainability transformation of markets.
The 1990s Homicide Decline
Authors: Weiss Douglas B. , Santos Mateus Rennó , Testa Alexander , Kumar Sumit
Published: February 2016

Recent studies suggest that the United States was not the only country that experienced a drop in crime in the 1990s. However, this line of research is largely limited to a small number of developed countries and only recently has explored the extent to which homicide rates dropped in developing countries during this time. This study addresses these limitations by using group-based trajectory modeling to explore homicide trends from 1990 to 2005 in 53 developed and developing countries. The results indicate that while most countries experienced downward trends in homicide during this time, this trend was neither universal nor randomly distributed.
Microsatellites within the feline androgen receptor are suitable for X chromosome-linked clonality testing in archival material
Authors: Farwick Nadine M , Klopfleisch Robert , Gruber Achim D , Weiss Alexander Th A
Published: February 2016

Objectives

A hallmark of neoplasms is their origin from a single cell; that is, clonality. Many techniques have been developed in human medicine to utilise this feature of tumours for diagnostic purposes. One approach is X chromosome-linked clonality testing using polymorphisms of genes encoded by genes on the X chromosome. The aim of this study was to determine if the feline androgen receptor gene was suitable for X chromosome-linked clonality testing.

Methods

The feline androgen receptor gene was characterised and used to test clonality of feline lymphomas by PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, using archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material.

Results

Clonality of the feline lymphomas under study was confirmed and the gene locus was shown to represent a suitable target in clonality testing.

Conclusions and relevance

Because there are some pitfalls of using X chromosome-linked clonality testing, further studies are necessary to establish this technique in the cat.
Experimental identification of dynamic coefficients of lightly loaded tilting-pad bearings under several lubrication regimes
Authors: Salazar Jorge G , Santos Ilmar F
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the identified dynamic coefficients of a lightly loaded actively lubricated bearing under three lubrication regimes: passive, hybrid and feedback-controlled. The goal is to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of modifying the bearing dynamic properties via active lubrication. Dominated by the latest two regimes, the bearing properties become adjustable or controllable due to the injection of either a constant or variable pressurized oil flow. Such a flow is regulated by a hydraulic control system composed of (a) a high-pressure oil supply unit, (b) servovalves, (c) radial injection nozzles, (d) displacement sensors and (e) well-tuned digital controllers. A scaled-down industrial rotor featuring active lubrication, composed of a flexible rotor supported by a four-rocker load-between-pads tilting-pad bearing under light load condition, is used for this objective. The experimental identification is performed by means of measured frequency response functions and a rotor finite element model. Predicted coefficients are also provided for benchmarking. Comparing results between the different regimes, presented along with their expanded uncertainty, provides the experimental evidence of the bearing properties modification via active lubrication.
A new model of water–gas turbulent lubrication for analysis of the static and dynamic characteristics in a journal bearing
Authors: Cheng Feng , Ji Weixi
Published: February 2016

A water–gas turbulent lubrication model is established by coupling the generalized Reynolds equation and bubble force equilibrium equation, which includes surface friction force and surface tension of bubbles. The above coupled-equations are solved to obtain load capacity, bubble concentration, and dynamic characteristic for journal bearing. The available experimental results reveal that the load capacity is well predicted by the present model. The theoretical results show that bubble surface tension and low gas volume fraction ( β ≤ 0.1) are beneficial in increasing the load capacity of journal bearing, while high gas volume fraction ( β ≥ 0.2) have opposite effects. The results also show that water–gas turbulent lubrication can decrease the dynamic characteristic parameters of journal bearing, while increasing the instability whirl frequency of journal bearing.
Reading, writing, and reserve: Literacy activities are linked to hippocampal volume and memory in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sumowski James F , Rocca Maria A , Leavitt Victoria M , Riccitelli Gianna , Meani Alessandro , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo
Published: February 2016

Background:

Engagement in cognitive leisure activities during early adulthood has been linked to preserved memory and larger hippocampal volume in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To investigate which specific types of cognitive leisure activities contribute to hippocampal volume and memory.

Methods:

We investigated links between three types of cognitive activities (Reading-Writing, Art-Music, Games-Hobbies) and (a) hippocampal volume within independent samples of Italian (n=187) and American (n=55) MS patients and (b) memory in subsamples of Italian (n=97) and American (n=53) patients.

Results:

Reading-Writing was the only predictor of hippocampal volume (rp=.204, p=.002), and the best predictor of memory (rp=.288, p=.001).

Conclusions:

Findings inform the development of targeted evidence-based enrichment programs aiming to bolster reserve against memory decline.
Can we define a rehabilitation strategy for cognitive impairment in progressive multiple sclerosis? A critical appraisal
Authors: D’Amico Emanuele , Leone Carmela , Hayrettin Tumani , Patti Francesco
Published: February 2016

Cognitive impairment (CI) has been shown to be severe in patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and the most frequently impaired domains are sustained attention, information processing speed, memory, and executive functions. In contrast to relapsing forms of MS, where studies have shown favorable results from cognitive rehabilitation, there is a lack of data on cognitive rehabilitation in progressive forms of MS. A specific approach in assessing CI and in designing and administering rehabilitation training for patients with progressive forms of MS is needed.
Benchmarks of meaningful impairment on the MSFC and BICAMS
Authors: Benedict Ralph HB , Drake Allison S , Irwin Lauren N , Frndak Seth E , Kunker Katrina A , Khan Anjum L , Kordovski Victoria M , Motl Robert W , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca
Published: February 2016

Background:

Cognitive and motor abilities in multiple sclerosis (MS) are typically quantified using reliable, consensus standard tests validated in the MS population. While these performance measures are associated with vocational disability in parametric analyses, translation of raw scores into anchors reflecting clinically relevant, functional impairment requires further research.

Objective:

To examine performance-based motor and cognitive outcomes among definitive anchors that designate varying degrees of functional impairment, thereby establishing benchmarks for score interpretation.

Methods:

We evaluated MS patients and healthy controls, all undergoing a brief test battery. Outcomes were derived from the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). Functional impairment anchors were (1) disability benefits, (2) employed with negative work events, and (3) employed without problems.

Results:

All measures yielded statistically significant differences across all levels of work status, after accounting for the effects of age and education. Benchmark values distinguished the functional impairment groups. When evaluated in combination, the Timed 25-Foot Walk and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test were the most robust predictors of functional decline.

Conclusion:

We have established benchmark scores for popular motor and cognitive tests that are associated with specific degrees of impairment in work status.
Interferon-beta exposure during first trimester is safe in women with multiple sclerosis—A prospective cohort study from the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry
Authors: Thiel Sandra , Langer-Gould Annette , Rockhoff Milena , Haghikia Aiden , Queisser-Wahrendorf Annette , Gold Ralf , Hellwig Kerstin
Published: February 2016

Background:

Available data suggest that pregnancy exposure to interferon-beta might result in lower mean birth weight and preterm birth.

Objective:

To determine the effect of interferon-beta exposure during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods:

We compared the pregnancy outcomes of women exposed to interferon-beta with pregnancies unexposed to disease-modifying therapies. Women were enrolled into the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry. A standardized questionnaire was administered during pregnancy and postpartum. Detailed information on course of multiple sclerosis and pregnancy, concomitant medications, delivery, and outcome of pregnancy was obtained.

Results:

We collected data on 251 pregnancies exposed to interferon-beta and 194 unexposed to disease-modifying therapies. In all, 246 (98.01%) women discontinued interferon-beta treatment during first trimester. No differences regarding mean birth weight (exposed: 3272.28 ± 563.61 g; unexposed: 3267.46 ± 609.81 g), mean birth length (exposed: 50.73 ± 3.30 cm; unexposed: 50.88 ± 3.45 cm), preterm birth ( p = 0.187), spontaneous abortion ( p = 0.304), and congenital anomalies ( p = 0.197) were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Interferon-beta exposure during early pregnancy does not influence the mean birth weight, risk of preterm birth, or other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our study provides further reassurance that interferon-beta treatment can be safely continued up until women become pregnant.
The Standards of Reporting of Neurological Disorders (STROND) checklist: Application to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fiest Kirsten M , Marrie Ruth Ann , Jette Nathalie , Bennett Derrick A
Published: February 2016

Background:

Descriptive epidemiological studies documenting the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and studies that report morbidity, mortality, and economic burden provide essential information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. However, the quality of reporting of observational studies is often poor, limiting the ability to evaluate the validity of the findings. The Standards of Reporting of Neurological Disorders (STROND) reporting guideline comprises recommendations and a 15-item checklist of reporting items to aid high-quality reporting of incidence and prevalence studies of neurological disorders.

Methods:

We explain the basic reporting items of the STROND checklist for the methods, results, and discussion sections in the context of the MS literature and searched for examples of good reporting of those items.

Results:

We identified examples of good reporting of the basic reporting items from previous systematic reviews of the descriptive epidemiologic literature in MS.

Conclusion:

The adoption of the STROND reporting guidelines should improve the quality of reporting of descriptive epidemiological studies in MS. Along with efforts to improve methodological aspects of epidemiological studies and harmonization of data collection efforts, improved reporting could contribute to furthering our understanding of the epidemiology of MS.
Genetic overlap between multiple sclerosis and several cardiovascular disease risk factors
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Bos Steffan D , Harbo Hanne F , Thompson Wesley K , Schork Andrew J , Bettella Francesco , Witoelar Aree , Lie Benedicte A , Li Wen , McEvoy Linda K , Djurovic Srdjan , Desikan Rahul S , Dale Anders M , Andreassen Ole A
Published: February 2016

Background:

Epidemiological findings suggest a relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, although the nature of this relationship is not well understood.

Objective:

We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to identify shared genetic factors (pleiotropy) between MS and CVD risk factors.

Methods:

Using summary statistics from a large, recent GWAS (total n > 250,000 individuals), we investigated overlap in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with MS and a number of CVD risk factors including triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, type 2 diabetes, systolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein level.

Results and conclusion:

Using conditional enrichment plots, we found 30-fold enrichment of MS SNPs for different levels of association with LDL and TG SNPs, with a corresponding reduction in conditional false discovery rate (FDR). We identified 133 pleiotropic loci outside the extended major histocompatibility complex with conditional FDR < 0.01, of which 65 are novel. These pleiotropic loci were located on 21 different chromosomes. Our findings point to overlapping pathobiology between clinically diagnosed MS and cardiovascular risk factors and identify novel common variants associated with increased MS risk.
Part of the establishment
Authors: Berry Richard
Published: February 2016

In 2004, a new movement began. It was one that promised democratization of media production tools and the means to freely distribute work. Using domestic tools and open source software, the pioneers threatened to disrupt the top-down media ecosystem that we were used to. That movement was podcasting. In the 10 years that have passed since we first heard the word ‘podcast’ thousands of podcasts have started, audiences have grown steadily, technologies have evolved and the medium has become increasingly professionalized. By 2015, the medium had become a significant talking point through the success of podcasts such as Serial, Start-up and WTF, suggesting that podcasting may have reached maturity.
Let’s ‘Meetup’ at the theme park
Authors: Torres Edwin N , Orlowski Marissa
Published: February 2016

Many people enjoy theme park and other leisure experiences with their families; however, today a great number of single, geographically mobile individuals desire to partake in such experiences. ‘Meetup’ is the world’s largest social network of local groups and thus allows for both online and off-line (in person) interactions. Using an ethnographic approach, this study examines how individuals can enjoy activities centered on common activities, interests, and opinions (AIO) via immersion in a Meetup group over the course of a year. Notably, members visited with greater frequency, had less tolerance for long lines, and were more likely to attend special events, eat at specialty restaurants, and consume alcohol. Group members also exchanged travel advice and both contributed and detracted from the enjoyment of the theme park experience. Membership in this Meetup group increased the frequency of visits and deeper exploration of the theme park resort, thus improving behavioral loyalty among annual pass holders. Managers can learn from these online communities to foster interactions among their guests and better target this new market.
The museum of old and new art
Authors: Fillis Ian , Lehman Kim , Miles Morgan P
Published: February 2016

Entrepreneurial marketing is used to understand new venture creation in the vacation tourism sector through a case study of private art museum in Tasmania that has become a tourist destination of major international significance. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has emerged as a major driver of tourism in the region. Interrogation of the arts and cultural tourism literature sets up a key research proposition – in arts and cultural tourism, the unique artistic tastes of the entrepreneur often trump customer needs and preferences by shaping the visitor’s experience through creative artistic innovation. The findings support our proposition, with additional grounding through the impact of the owner/manager and associated entrepreneurial marketing and effectuation impacts.
Normality as social semantics. Schmitt, Bourdieu and the politics of the normal
Authors: Croce Mariano , Salvatore Andrea
Published: February 2016

This article takes issue with the practical and the cognitive roles of normality within political life and its relevance to the constitution of the groups that comprise a political community. From a practical viewpoint, normality fosters standards of correctness; from a cognitive viewpoint, these standards are what allows individuals to perceive themselves, and to be recognized, as group members. To achieve this aim, the article delves into Carl Schmitt’s and Pierre Bourdieu’s accounts of how politics is a field where semantic struggles take place that are meant to impose alternative visions of the social world. Different types of connections and relationships among individuals and groups (which rule out alternative connections and relationships) shore up a specific vision of the social world (which rules out alternative visions). The article concludes by saying that awareness of the normalizing effects of politics is key to producing a counter-politics meant to defy the naturalization and de-historicization that every political representation furthers.
ILO Convention C189—a good start for the protection of domestic workers: An insider’s view
Authors: Pape Karin
Published: February 2016

This article addresses labour struggles in one of the largest informal occupations: domestic work. In June 2011, the International Labour Conference adopted a Domestic Workers Convention after a 2-year negotiating process and a long period of struggle of domestic workers’ organizations for recognition, rights and respect as workers. This article describes this process of organizing and lobbying at various levels. Fighting for an International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention was seen as a means to build a global domestic workers’ movement. The article stresses the importance of enabling domestic workers to speak for themselves in order to negotiate the Convention on equal terms.
Issuing reasoned opinions: The effect of public attitudes towards the European Union on the usage of the 'Early Warning System'
Authors: Williams Christopher J
Published: February 2016

This study examines those factors that influence the issuance of reasoned opinions within the European Union’s ‘Early Warning System’. It is posited that greater aggregate public Euroskepticism results in the issuance of more reasoned opinions. This expectation is tested using data derived from the European Parliament, the Commission’s platform for European Union Interparliamentary Exchange, and longitudinal data from the Eurobarometer survey series. It is found that greater aggregate public Euroskepticism is associated with the issuance of more reasoned opinions. This study has important implications for our understandings of policy processes, political responsiveness, and democratic governance in the European Union and its member states.
Innovative practice: Conversational use of English in bilingual adults with dementia
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M , Ryan Ellen B , Elliot Gail
Published: February 2016

Regression to mother tongue is common in those with dementia. In two long-term care facilities, we explored the use of bilinguals’ two languages for five older adults with mild-moderate dementia who have begun to regress to Greek. We also examined the role of Montessori DementiAbility Methods: The Montessori Way-based English language activities in fostering conversational use of English. Over 10 sessions, participants’ vocabulary or grammatical structure in English did not improve. However, four of the five participants were able to maintain a conversation in English for longer periods of time. This study contributes to strategies for optimizing meaningful conversation for bilingual long-term care residents with dementia. Moreover, the data suggest a change in the policy and practice for dementia care so that there are more opportunities for residents to speak English in non-English mother-tongue facilities. Greater attention to the specific language needs of bilinguals in English-dominant settings would also be advisable.
Resources, Harshness, and Unpredictability
Authors: Jonason Peter K. , Icho Adiba , Ireland Katie
Published: February 2016

We sought to test the hypothesis that the Dark Triad traits are condition-dependent responses to a particular set of socioecological conditions in childhood. In three cross-sectional studies ( N = 1,403), we examined how the Dark Triad traits were correlated with measures of resource availability, harshness, and unpredictability in one’s childhood and adulthood. The Dark Triad traits were correlated with self-reports of an unpredictable childhood when using both the Short Dark Triad and the Dirty Dozen measures. These effects were somewhat stronger in men than in women and were replicable across samples. We also replicated sex differences in the Dark Triad traits but found none for our measures of socioecological conditions. Results are discussed in terms of the recurrent unpredictability in evolutionary history necessitating the sensitivity and responsiveness to such features to enable survival and reproduction. We contend that the Dark Triad traits might be condition-sensitive adaptations to socioecological unpredictability that all people could have if properly motivated.
Male and Female Perception of Physical Attractiveness
Authors: Garza Ray , Heredia Roberto R. , Cieslicka Anna B.
Published: February 2016

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and breast size are morphological traits that are associated with female attractiveness. Previous studies using line drawings of women have shown that men across cultures rate low WHRs (0.6 and 0.7) as most attractive. In this study, we used additional viewing measurements (i.e., first fixation duration and visual regressions) to measure visual attention and record how long participants first focused on the female body and whether they regressed back to an area of interest. Additionally, we manipulated skin tone to determine whether they preferred light- or dark-skinned women. In two eye tracking experiments, participants rated the attractiveness of female nude images varying in WHR (0.5–0.9), breast size, and skin tone. We measured first fixation duration, gaze duration, and total time. The overall results of both studies revealed that visual attention fell mostly on the face, the breasts, and the midriff of the female body, supporting the evolutionary view that reproductively relevant regions of the female body are important to female attractiveness. Because the stimuli varied in skin tone and the participants were mainly Hispanic of Mexican American descent, the findings from these studies also support a preference for low WHRs and reproductively relevant regions of the female body.
Direct Versus Indirect Measurement of Digit Ratio (2D:4D)
Authors: Ribeiro Evaldo , Neave Nick , Morais Rosana N. , Manning John T.
Published: February 2016

Digit ratio (2D:4D: the relative lengths of the second and fourth digits) is widely used as a correlate of prenatal sex steroids. There are two common methods of measuring 2D:4D, the direct method and the indirect method. The modern interest in 2D:4D began 16 years ago when finger lengths were measured directly, but many studies now report 2D:4D calculated from indirectly measured fingers from photocopies or scans. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of the latter in comparison to the former. The purpose of this article was twofold: to review these concerns and to add new data to the debate. Our review shows that in 2005, directional effects in indirect 2D:4D were reported such that direct 2D:4D > indirect 2D:4D. This finding was challenged by a 2006 report that direct 2D:4D was lower (not higher) than indirect 2D:4D for male right-hand 2D:4D. Two further studies from the same group have claimed that indirect 2D:4D may be lower, higher, or comparable to direct 2D:4D. More recent comparisons of direct 2D:4D versus indirect 2D:4D and a meta-analysis of Chinese studies have replicated the finding of direct 2D:4D > indirect 2D:4D. We considered an additional sample and found significant direct 2D:4D > indirect 2D:4D for three of four ratios. The overall literature is discussed within the context of standards of research (sample size) and publishing (clarity of report). It is concluded that direct 2D:4D does tend to be greater than indirect 2D:4D. Implications for comparative studies and other aspects of research in 2D:4D are discussed.
Animal rights and the deliberative turn in democratic theory
Authors: Garner Robert
Published: February 2016

Deliberative democracy has been castigated by those who regard it as exclusive and elitist because of its failure to take into account a range of structural inequalities existing within contemporary liberal democracies. As a result, it is suggested, deliberative arenas will merely reproduce these inequalities, advantaging the already powerful extolling mainstream worldviews excluding the interests of the less powerful and those expounding alternative worldviews. Moreover, the tactics employed by those excluded social movements seeking to right an injustice are typically those – involving various forms of protest and direct action – which are incompatible with the key characteristics of deliberatively democracy. This paper seeks to examine the case against deliberative democracy through the prism of animal rights. It will be argued that the critique of deliberative democracy, at least in the case of animal rights, is largely misplaced because it underestimates the rationalistic basis of animal rights philosophy, misunderstands the aspirational character of deliberative theory and mistakenly attributes problems that are not restricted to deliberation but result from interest group politics in general. It is further argued that this debate about the apparent incompatibility between the ideals of deliberative democracy and non-deliberative activism disguises the potential that deliberative democracy has for advocates of animal rights and, by extension, other social movements too.
Identifying New Strategies to Assess and Promote Online Health Communication and Social Media Outreach
Authors: Edgerton Elizabeth , Reiney Erin , Mueller Siobhan , Reicherter Barry , Curtis Katherine , Waties Stephanie , Limber Susan P.
Published: February 2016

Every day in classrooms, playgrounds and school hallways, through text messages and mobile technology apps, children are bullied by other children. Conversations about this bullying—what it is, who is involved, and how to stop it—are taking place online. To fill a need for relevant, research-based materials on bullying, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration worked with Widmeyer Communications to investigate the scope of media conversations about bullying and discover new strategies for promoting appropriate public health messages about bullying to intended audiences. Key components of the methodology included: analyzing common search terms and aligning social media content with terms used in searches rather than technical language; identifying influencers in social media spheres, cultivating relationships with them, and sharing their positive, relevant content; examining which digital formats are most popular for sharing and creating content across platforms; tracking and reporting on a wide variety of metrics (such as click-through and engagement rates and reach, resonance, relevance, and Klout scores) to understand conversations around bullying; and looking at online conversations and engaging participants using applicable resources and calls to action. A key finding included a significant gap between search terms and online content and has led to recommendations and comprehensive ideas for improving the reach and resonance of StopBullying.gov content and communications.
“There She Is”: Hispanic Identity, Academic Success, and Class Mobility in a Collegiate Beauty Pageant
Authors: Smith Taylor Renee
Published: February 2016

Widely accepted definitions of academic success are neither adequate nor meaningful for many ethnic minority students. Using ethnographic research with high-achieving Latina college students in Oklahoma, student experiences in a collegiate Hispanic beauty pageant were analyzed. These successful Latina students negotiated academic achievement through pageant performances of gender and ethnicity. Student understandings of “making it,” shaped by familial approval, adherence to gender norms, and ethnic identity, suggest that a rethinking of “academic success” is necessary.
At the End of Their Rope
Authors: Meldrum Ryan C. , Encalada Teresa M. , Connolly George M.
Published: February 2016

The concept of self-control has been used to account for a wide variety of outcomes, both criminal and otherwise. Recently, researchers have started investigating associations between parental self-control and family functioning. This study expands this area of research by assessing the extent to which parental low self-control and official involvement in juvenile delinquency is associated with parental exasperation among a sample of parents ( N = 101) whose children have been processed through a juvenile justice assessment facility. The results indicate that parents who are lower in self-control and whose children have had more extensive involvement in officially recorded delinquency report greater exasperation regarding their children. In addition, the data indicate the effect of parental low self-control on parental exasperation is stronger at higher levels of delinquent behavior. The implications of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
Simulations of cavity flow noise and turbulent jet noise using a hybrid method
Authors: Bie Hai-Yan , Hao Zong-Rui , An Wei-Zhong , Xu Jia
Published: February 2016

A hybrid method was explored to investigate the generation and near-field radiation of aerodynamic sound from an unsteady turbulent flow over a two-dimensional open cavity and three-dimensional jet flow. A two-dimensional cavity model was established to study the unsteady flow and radiated jet sound. It was revealed that the radiated sound that generated by the boundary layer separation and vortex impact cavity wall intervened in the front of the cavity, and an obvious interference phenomenon appeared. The far-field radiated sound generated by the cavity presented obvious directivity, and the sound pressure in the area located at 45°–135° interval was much higher. Then, the unsteady turbulence jet noises of the elliptical and rectangular nozzles were analyzed. It was revealed that the scale and intensity of the vortexes generated by the elliptical nozzle were larger than those by the rectangular nozzle. The jet noise of the elliptical nozzle is lower than that of the rectangular nozzle. Besides, the sound pressure distributions of the two nozzles presented obvious directivity. The sound pressure in the short-axis direction of the nozzle section was higher than that in the long-axis direction.
Masonry structural damage and failure under blasting vibration
Authors: Chen Shihai , Zhang Zihua
Published: February 2016

Research on structural dynamic response and damage characteristics under blasting vibration is critical in structural safety assessment and blasting design. An orthotropic dynamic damage constitutive model of structural material is proposed in this article to improve the overly simple dynamic damage models of previous studies. A dynamic increase factor is used to assess the strain rate effect, and the dynamic damage stiffness matrix of the unit body is determined using the Sidoroff energy equivalence principle. The Mazars damage evolution model is used to calculate damage variables in the principal axis directions, and the Hoffman yield failure criterion for orthotropic materials is applied. The orthotropic dynamic damage constitutive model is input into dynamic finite element program LS-DYNA as the user subroutine to simulate the dynamic responses of typical masonry structures according to different blasting vibration excitations. The effects of varying particle peak velocity, principal frequency, and duration of blasting vibration on structural dynamic responses and damage are analyzed. The results show that maximal equivalent stress and strain increase positively with the particle peak velocity, structures have a danger frequency band, and structural damage increases with duration.
Computer-aided diagnosis of abnormal breasts in mammogram images by weighted-type fractional Fourier transform
Authors: Zhang Yu-Dong , Wang Shui-Hua , Liu Ge , Yang Jiquan
Published: February 2016

Abnormal breast can be diagnosed using the digital mammography. Traditional manual interpretation method cannot yield high accuracy. In this study, we proposed a novel computer-aided diagnosis system for detecting abnormal breasts. Our dataset contains 200 mammogram images with size of 1024 × 1024. First, we segmented the region of interest from mammogram images. Second, the fractional Fourier transform was employed to obtain the unified time–frequency spectrum. Third, spectrum coefficients were reduced by principal component analysis. Finally, both support vector machine and k-nearest neighbors were used and compared. The proposed “weighted-type fractional Fourier transform+principal component analysis+support vector machine” achieved sensitivity of 92.22% ± 4.16%, specificity of 92.10% ± 2.75%, and accuracy of 92.16% ± 3.60%. It is better than both the proposed “weighted-type fractional Fourier transform+principal component analysis+ k-nearest neighbors” and other five state-of-the-art approaches in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The proposed computer-aided diagnosis system is effective in detecting abnormal breasts.
Peer advocacy in a personalized landscape
Authors: Power Andrew , Bartlett Ruth , Hall Edward
Published: February 2016

Whilst personalization offers the promise of more choice and control and wider participation in the community, the reality in the United Kingdom has been hampered by local council cuts and a decline in formal services. This has left many people with intellectual disabilities feeling dislocated from collective forms of support (Needham, 2015). What fills this gap and does peer advocacy have a role to play? Drawing on a co-researched study undertaken with and by persons with intellectual disabilities, we examined what role peer advocacy can play in a context of reduced day services, austerity and individualized support. The findings reveal that peer advocacy can help people reconnect in the face of declining services, problem-solve issues and informally learn knowledge and skills needed to participate in the community. We argue that peer advocacy thus offers a vital role in enabling people to take up many of the opportunities afforded by personalization.
L-Cysteine protects intestinal integrity, attenuates intestinal inflammation and oxidant stress, and modulates NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways in weaned piglets after LPS challenge
Authors: Song Ze he , Tong Guo , Xiao Kan , Jiao Le fei , Ke Ya lu , Hu Cai hong
Published: February 2016

*Ze he Song and Guo Tong are co-first authors. In this study we investigated whether L-cysteine (L-cys) could alleviate LPS-induced intestinal disruption and its underlying mechanism. Piglets fed with an L-cys-supplemented diet had higher average daily gain. L-cys alleviated LPS-induced structural and functional disruption of intestine in weanling piglets, as demonstrated by higher villus height, villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD) ratio, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and lower FITC-dextran 4 (FD4) kDa flux in jejunum and ileum. Supplementation with L-cys up-regulated occludin and claudin-1 expression, reduced caspase-3 activity and enhanced proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression of jejunum and ileum relative to LPS group. Additionally, L-cys suppressed the LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, as demonstrated by down-regulated TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels, increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione (GSH) contents and the ratio of GSH and oxidized glutathione in jejunum and ileum. Finally, a diet supplemented with L-cys inhibited NF-κB(p65) nuclear translocation and elevated NF erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation compared with the LPS group. Collectively, our results indicated the protective function of L-cys on intestinal mucosa barrier may closely associated with its anti-inflammation, antioxidant and regulating effect on the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.
Enhancing actions of peptides derived from the γ-chain of fetal human hemoglobin on the immunostimulant activities of monophosphoryl lipid A
Authors: Ulmer Artur J , Kaconis Yani , Heinbockel Lena , Correa Wilmar , Alexander Christian , Rietschel Ernst Th , Mach Jean-Pierre , Gorczynski Reginald M , Heini Adrian , Rössle Manfred , Richter Walter , Gutsmann Thomas , Brandenburg Klaus
Published: February 2016

Hemoglobin and its structures have been described since the 1990s to enhance a variety of biological activities of endotoxins (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner. To investigate the interaction processes in more detail, the system was extended by studying the interactions of newly designed peptides from the γ-chain of human hemoglobin with the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), a partial structure of lipid A lacking its 1-phosphate. It was found that some selected Hbg peptides, in particular two synthetic substructures designated Hbg32 and Hbg35, considerably increased the bioactivity of MPLA, which alone was only a weak activator of immune cells. These findings hold true for human mononuclar cells, monocytes and T lymphocytes. To understand the mechanisms of action in more detail, biophysical techniques were applied. These showed a peptide-induced change of the MPLA aggregate structure from multilamellar into a non-lamellar, probably inverted, cubic structure. Concomitantly, the peptides incorporated into the tightly packed MPLA aggregates into smaller units down to monomers. The fragmentation of the aggregates was an endothermic process, differing from a complex formation but rather typical for a catalytic reaction.
Heat shock proteins and chronic fatigue in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Bårdsen Kjetil , Nilsen Mari Mæland , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Norheim Katrine Brække , Jonsson Grete , Omdal Roald
Published: February 2016

Fatigue occurs frequently in patients with cancer, neurological diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases, but the biological mechanisms that lead to and regulate fatigue are largely unknown. When the innate immune system is activated, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are produced to protect cells. Some extracellular HSPs appear to recognize cellular targets in the brain, and we hypothesize that fatigue may be generated by specific HSPs signalling through neuronal or glial cells in the central nervous system. From a cohort of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, 20 patients with high and 20 patients with low fatigue were selected. Fatigue was evaluated with a fatigue visual analogue scale. Plasma concentrations of HSP32, HSP60, HSP72 and HSP90α were measured and analysed to determine if there were associations with the level of fatigue. Plasma concentrations of HSP90α were significantly higher in patients with high fatigue compared with those with low fatigue, and there was a tendency to higher concentrations of HSP72 in patients with high fatigue compared with patients with low fatigue. There were no differences in concentrations of HSP32 and HSP60 between the high- and low-fatigue groups. Thus, extracellular HSPs, particularly HSP90α, may signal fatigue in chronic inflammation. This supports the hypothesis that fatigue is generated by cellular defence mechanisms.
Multiple medication (polypharmacy) and chronic kidney disease in patients aged 60 and older: a pharmacoepidemiologic perspective
Authors: Sutaria Ankit , Liu Longjian , Ahmed Ziauddin
Published: February 2016

Background:

Few studies have examined whether there was an independent association between multiple medication use and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with adjustment for cardiometabolic factors. In the study, we aimed to examine this association using a nationally representative sample in CKD patients aged 60 and older.

Methods:

In the study, subjects aged ⩾60 years ( n = 1306) who participated in the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed cross-sectionally. CKD was defined using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation i.e. estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Patients with multiple medications were classified as those having five or more prescription medications per day. All data analysis was performed using SAS 9.3 version.

Results:

The prevalence of CKD among age group ⩾80 years, age group 70–79 years and age group 60–69 years were 73.26%, 55.76% and 27.03% respectively ( p < 0.001). About half of hypertension (HTN) and diabetic patients aged ⩾60 years had CKD. The prevalence of CKD in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) was 60.57%. The logistic regression model without adjustment reflects that those on multiple medications (⩾5 medications/day) had 1.53 (1.02–2.31) times as likely (53% increase) to have CKD compared with those on <5 medications/day. After adjustment for age, CVD, HTN and diabetes mellitus (DM), the odds of CKD for multiple medications appeared to have a protective effect, although it did not reach statistical significance. The adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.60–1.34); it showed an 11% decreased odds of CKD in patients who were taking multiple medications. The adjusted odds ratio for patients with CVD was 1.38 (95% CI: 0.97–1.98), HTN 1.13 (95% CI: 0.80–1.6), DM 1.78 (95% CI: 1.26–2.51) in age group 70–79 years 3.2 (95% CI: 2.1–4.87) and in age ⩾80 years 6.98 (95% CI: 4.02–12.11) compared with age group 60–69 years old, respectively.

Conclusion:

We did not find significant independent association between use of multiple medications and CKD. The switchover of odds for multiple medication suggested a confounding effect of covariates; further prospective studies are required to find the individualized effect of multiple medications on CKD.
Clinical experience with radium-223 in the treatment of patients with advanced castrate-resistant prostate cancer and symptomatic bone metastases
Authors: Hague Christina , Logue John P.
Published: February 2016

The treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has grown over the past decade. The majority of patients develop bone metastases, which pose a significant burden on morbidity and mortality, especially skeletal-related events. Whilst demonstrating a favourable safety profile and improving symptoms, radiopharmaceuticals have until recently failed to show a survival benefit. However, since the large phase III randomized ALSYMPCA trial, the calcium mimetic properties of radium-223 (Ra223) have improved patients’ quality of life and improved survival whilst keeping toxicities to a minimum. This review article summarizes the clinical data including our real life experience on the usage of the alpha emitter Ra223 in mCRPC, paying particular attention to how clinicians should best monitor response.
Pen Devices for Insulin Self-Administration Compared With Needle and Vial
Authors: Lasalvia Pieralessandro , Barahona-Correa Julián Esteban , Romero-Alvernia Diana Marcela , Gil-Tamayo Sebastián , Castañeda-Cardona Camilo , Bayona Juan Gabriel , Triana Juan José , Laserna Andrés Felipe , Mejía-Torres Miguel , Restrepo-Jimenez Paula , Jimenez-Zapata Juliana , Rosselli Diego
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Pen devices offer advantages compared with vial and syringe (VaS). The purpose of this article was to evaluate efficacy of pen devices compared to VaS.

Methods:

A systematic review of literature was performed in 8 different databases. References were independently screened and selected. Primary observational or experimental studies comparing pen devices with VaS for insulin administrations were included. Studies on specific populations were excluded. Risk of bias was evaluated using appropriate tools. Data on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), hypoglycemia, adherence, persistence, patient preference, and quality of life (QOL) were collected. Meta-analysis was performed when appropriate. Heterogeneity and risk of publication bias were evaluated. Otherwise, descriptive analyses of the available data was done.

Results:

In all, 10 348 articles were screened. A total of 17 studies were finally selected: 7 experimental and 10 analytical. The populations of the included articles were mainly composed of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Important risk of bias was found in all of the articles, particularly experimental studies. Meta-analyses were performed for HbA1c, hypoglycemia, adherence and persistence. Pen device showed better results in mean HbA1c change, patients with hypoglycemia, adherence and persistence compared to VaS. No difference was observed in number of patients achieving <7% HbA1c. Preference studies showed a tendency favoring pen devices, however nonvalidated tools were used. One QoL study showed improvements in some subscales of SF-36.

Conclusions:

There is evidence that pen devices offer benefits in clinical and, less clearly, patient-reported outcomes compared to VaS for insulin administration. However, these results should be taken with caution.