bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Your Friends Know How Long You Will Live: A 75-Year Study of Peer-Rated Personality Traits
Authors: Jackson Joshua J. , Connolly James J. , Garrison S. Mason , Leveille Madeleine M. , Connolly Seamus L.
Published: January 2015

Although self-rated personality traits predict mortality risk, no study has examined whether one’s friends can perceive personality characteristics that predict one’s mortality risk. Moreover, it is unclear whether observers’ reports (compared with self-reports) provide better or unique information concerning the personal characteristics that result in longer and healthier lives. To test whether friends’ reports of personality predict mortality risk, we used data from a 75-year longitudinal study (the Kelly/Connolly Longitudinal Study on Personality and Aging). In that study, 600 participants were observed beginning in 1935 through 1938, when they were in their mid-20s, and continuing through 2013. Male participants seen by their friends as more conscientious and open lived longer, whereas friend-rated emotional stability and agreeableness were protective for women. Friends’ ratings were better predictors of longevity than were self-reports of personality, in part because friends’ ratings could be aggregated to provide a more reliable assessment. Our findings demonstrate the utility of observers’ reports in the study of health and provide insights concerning the pathways by which personality traits influence health.
“I’m No Superman”
Authors: Dale Craig M. , Angus Jan E. , Seto Nielsen Lisa , Kramer-Kile Marnie , Pritlove Cheryl , Lapum Jennifer , Price Jennifer , Marzolini Susan , Abramson Beth , Oh Paul , Clark Alex
Published: January 2015

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs help patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) reduce their risk of recurrent cardiac illness, disability, and death. However, men with CHD and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) demonstrate lower attendance and completion of CR despite having a poor prognosis. Drawing on gender and masculinity theory, we report on a qualitative study of 16 Canadian diabetic men recently enrolled in CR. Major findings reflect two discursive positions men assumed to regain a sense of competency lost in illness: (a) working with the experts, or (b) rejection of biomedical knowledge. These positions underscore the varied and sometimes contradictory responses of seriously ill men to health guidance. Findings emphasize the priority given to the rehabilitation of a positive masculine identity. The analysis argues that gender, age, and employment status are powerful mechanisms of variable CR participation.
The Meaning of Patient Experiences of Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Authors: Kornelsen Jude , Atkins Chloe , Brownell Keith , Woollard Robert
Published: January 2015

Current diagnostic models in medical practice do not adequately account for patient symptoms that cannot be classified. At the moment, when all known diagnostic possibilities have been excluded, physicians—and patients—confront uncertainty in diagnosis, which gives rise to the label of Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS). This phenomenological study, conducted by two research teams in two geographic locations, sought to explore patients’ experiences of prolonged uncertainty in diagnosis. Participants in this study described their experiences with and consequences of MUPS primarily in relation to levels of acuity and acceptance of uncertainty, the latter loosely correlated to length of time since onset of symptoms (the longer the time, the more forbearance participants expressed). We identified three experiential periods including the active search for a diagnosis, living with MUPS, and, finally, acceptance/resignation of their condition. Findings point to the heightened importance of the therapeutic relationship when dealing with uncertainty.
The Efficacy of a Home-School Intervention for Preschoolers With Challenging Behaviors
Authors: Feil Edward G. , Frey Andy , Walker Hill M. , Small Jason W. , Seeley John R. , Golly Annemieke , Forness Steven R.
Published: January 2015

The field of early intervention is currently faced with the challenge of reducing the prevalence of antisocial behavior in children. Longitudinal outcomes research indicates that increased antisocial behavior and impairments in social competence skills during the preschool years often serve as harbingers of future adjustment problems in a number of domains including mental health, interpersonal relations, and academic achievement. This article reports the results of a cross-site randomized controlled trial, in which 128 preschool children with challenging behaviors were assigned to either a Preschool First Step to Success (PFS) intervention (i.e., experimental) or a usual-care (i.e., control) group. Regression analyses indicated that children assigned to the Preschool First Step intervention had significantly higher social skills, and significantly fewer behavior problems, across a variety of teacher- and parent-reported measures at postintervention. Effect sizes for teacher-reported effects ranged from medium to large across a variety of social competency indicators; effect sizes for parent-reported social skills and problem behaviors were small to medium, respectively. These results suggest that the preschool adaptation of the First Step intervention program provides early intervention participants, staff, and professionals with a viable intervention option to address emerging antisocial behavior and externalizing behavior disorders prior to school entry.
Long-Term Outcomes of ADHD: Academic Achievement and Performance
Authors: Arnold L. Eugene , Hodgkins Paul , Kahle Jennifer , Madhoo Manisha , Kewley Geoff
Published: January 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize published data regarding long-term effects of ADHD on information learned (measured via achievement tests) and success within the school environment (academic performance). Method: A systematic search identified 176 studies (1980-2012) of long-term (≥2 years) academic outcomes with ADHD. Results: Achievement test outcomes (79%) and academic performance outcomes (75%) were worse in individuals with untreated ADHD compared with non-ADHD controls, also when IQ difference was controlled (72% and 81%, respectively). Improvement in both outcome groups was associated with treatment, more often for achievement test scores (79%) than academic performance (42%), also when IQ was controlled (100% and 57%, respectively). More achievement test and academic performance outcomes improved with multimodal (100% and 67%, respectively) than pharmacological (75% and 33%) or non-pharmacological (75% and 50%) treatment alone. Conclusion: ADHD adversely affects long-term academic outcomes. A greater proportion of achievement test outcomes improved with treatment compared with academic performance. Both improved most consistently with multimodal treatment.
Remote cognitive assessments for patients with multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study
Authors: Settle Jill R , Robinson Stephanie A , Kane Robert , Maloni Heidi W , Wallin Mitchell T
Published: January 2015

Background:

measuring cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging given the obstacles faced when traveling to testing centers.

Objective:

the purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of remote cognitive assessment in patients with MS using the automated neuropsychological assessment metrics (ANAM–MS) and the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT).

Methods:

patients meeting the McDonald criteria for MS ( n = 24) were randomized to complete the live-in-office condition or a remote-in-office condition first, with all patients completing both sessions. Patients ( n = 20) then completed a final remote-in-home testing session. Both remote sessions were proctored by a psychologist using a secure telehealth connection.

Results:

scores on the live SDMT differed from scores in the two remote settings F(2, 38) = 4.46, p = 0.018. However, summary scores on the ANAM–MS were similar across the three settings, F(2, 36) = 2.21, p = 0.124. Satisfaction with telehealth testing was high on the part of the examiner and patients. Each telehealth testing session saved more than $144.00 in travel costs and lost wages.

Conclusion:

this study demonstrated that valid results can be obtained when evaluating patients remotely using ANAM–MS. Some differences were noted for the SDMT that suggest that either specific norms or a different implementation approach may be needed for telehealth.
Impact of parental multiple sclerosis on early childhood development: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Razaz Neda , Tremlett Helen , Boyce W. Thomas , Guhn Martin , Joseph KS , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: January 2015

Background:

Exposure to parental chronic illness is associated with several adverse developmental outcomes.

Objectives:

We examined the association between parental multiple sclerosis (MS) and childhood developmental outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study in Manitoba, Canada, using linked databases. The outcome was childhood development at 5 years of age, expressed as vulnerability (absent vs. present) on the Early Development Instrument (EDI). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

Children with an MS parent ( n=153) were similar to children of unaffected parents ( n=876) on all EDI domains. However, mental health morbidity was more common among MS parents compared with non-MS parents 49.5% vs. 35.3%. Among MS parents, mental health morbidity was associated with children’s vulnerability on the social competence (OR, 5.73 [95% CI:1.11–29.58]) and emotional maturity (OR, 3.03 [95% CI:1.03–8.94]) domains. The duration of child’s exposure to parental MS was associated with vulnerability on the physical health domain (OR, 1.49 [95%CI:1.03–2.15]).

Conclusion:

Parental MS was not associated with adverse early childhood developmental outcomes. However, children of parents with mental health morbidity, and those with longer duration of exposure to parental MS, were at higher risk for early childhood developmental vulnerability.
Latitude and HLA-DRB1 alleles independently affect the emergence of cerebrospinal fluid IgG abnormality in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Niino Masaaki , Sato Shinya , Fukazawa Toshiyuki , Yoshimura Satoshi , Hisahara Shin , Matsushita Takuya , Isobe Noriko , Yoshida Kazuto , Houzen Hideki , Miyazaki Yusei , Shimohama Shun , Kikuchi Seiji , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: January 2015

Background:

It is unclear whether the prevalence of oligoclonal IgG bands (OCBs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is different between northern and southern regions of Asia.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the prevalence of OCBs and positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings between northern and southern regions of Japan and to investigate the association of these CSF findings with HLA-DRB1 alleles.

Methods:

The study included 180 MS patients from Hokkaido (northern Japan) and 184 patients from Kyushu (southern Japan). The IgG index was defined as increased if it was >0.658. Presence of CSF OCBs and/or increased IgG index was defined as positive CSF findings.

Results:

Positive CSF findings and OCB positivity were significantly higher in MS patients from Hokkaido than in those from Kyushu ( p < 0.0001 for both). Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for covariates that can be related to abnormal CSF IgG production, the geographic region (Hokkaido) showed odds ratios (ORs) of 4.08 and 2.57, whereas the HLA-DRB1*04:05 allele showed ORs of 0.36 and 0.30 for positive CSF findings and OCB positivity, respectively.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that latitude and HLA-DRB1 alleles independently affect the emergence of CSF IgG abnormalities in Japanese patients with MS.
MS in prose, poems and drama
Authors: Riem Philine , Karenberg Axel
Published: January 2015

Background and objective:

Presentations of MS in fictional literature have not been previously researched. This paper surveys and analyses these portrayals of the disease for the first time.

Material and methods:

Relevant works in English and German were identified by means of keyword searches in online public access catalogues and search engines as well as old-fashioned research. The neurological and literary evaluation of these 7000 pages of text combines qualitative and quantitative methods.

Results:

Between 1954 and 2012 at least 55 literary works appeared with an MS motif (35 novels, 18 poems, one novella and one drama). The authors were predominantly female and a third of them suffered from the disease. Patients in the novels largely reflect real epidemiology as regards symptoms and disease progression, while diagnostic and therapeutic options play a secondary role. From a literary point of view, ‘entwicklungsromane’, ‘relationship novels’ and ‘young adult books’ can be discerned. MS is often portrayed in metaphoric language as the enemy: a demon, an animalistic being, prison or an abyss.

Conclusion:

The MS motif evidences a medicalization of the literature as well as a literary portrayal of anthropological experiences. Well-written novels can contribute to the de-stigmatization of MS and impart basic medical knowledge.
No justice, no teachers: Theorizing less-unjust teacher firings in Los Angeles Unified
Authors: Levinson Meira , Theisen-Homer Victoria
Published: January 2015

This article combines original interviews, secondary policy analysis, and non-ideal theory to determine the ‘least unjust’ approach to budget-driven ‘Reduction in Force’ teacher firings in Los Angeles. Building from the a priori claim that schools should serve children’s interests, this article addresses the following questions: To whom is justice owed in this case? What does justice demand for each set of claimants? How should conflicts be resolved? The authors conclude that the least unjust way to fire teachers in response to budgetary constraints is to use a holistic assessment combining student evaluations, administrative evaluations, value-added measures, and seniority, modified by school stability considerations. Unexpectedly, justice toward students and justice toward teachers turn out to be substantially coextensive when determining budget-driven teacher layoffs. Teachers and students are mutual allies, not antagonistic claimants. Furthermore, to the extent that teachers’ and students’ justice claims are not aligned, this lack of alignment likely reveals not an intrinsic conflict, but a policy failure that is itself borne of prior injustice.
Getting the Most Out of Professional Associations
Authors: Escoffery Cam , Kenzig Melissa , Hyden Christel
Published: January 2015

In this commentary, three public health professionals working in diverse career settings share their perspectives on how to get the most out of professional associations. This article demonstrates how you can benefit from active involvement in your membership in professional associations and attending professional conferences. Methods to participate actively in your association include volunteering for one-time opportunities or standing committees, mentoring, and reviewing publications and manuscripts. Being active in professional organizations, such as the Society for Public Health Education, offers personal career development skill-building and opportunities for leadership and mentoring across all career stages. Experiences on how participation in professional organizations helped shape the authors’ careers are shared.
Transformation of roles and responsibilities of principals in times of change
Authors: Stringer Patricia , Hourani Rida Blaik
Published: January 2015

Schools in Abu Dhabi are going through transformation and reform. The New School Model (2010) introduced changes to the curriculum and teaching and learning methodologies. In line with these changes, recently introduced ‘Principal Professional Standards’ and ‘Performance Evaluation’ documents have conceptualized new roles and responsibilities allocated to principals. To enhance the capacity of principals to lead and implement change, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has provided professional development. Within the context of professional development received and in lieu of school changes and reform, this paper focuses on roles and responsibilities of principals and challenges faced as far as implementing them. Semi-structured interviews with 16 principals formed the main source of data collection and analysis. The findings presented examine anticipated roles and responsibilities and challenges faced implementing them as contextualized within the framework of the professional standards and performance evaluation documents.
Showing Leadership by Not Showing Your Face
Authors: Grace Diana M. , Platow Michael J.
Published: January 2015

We examined experimentally whether a person unknown to potential followers could be seen as showing leadership. Based on the social identity analyses of leadership, we predicted that would-be leaders pursuing group-oriented goals would be seen as showing leadership to a greater degree when they were anonymous than when they were identified. We predicted this pattern would reverse when would-be leaders pursued personal, self-oriented goals. Support for this hypothesis was found for all but the most highly identified group members. For extremely highly identified group members, a would-be leader’s pursuit of group-oriented goals was all that mattered to produce relatively high levels of leadership perceptions. For all other participants, an anonymous, in comparison with an identifiable, group-motivated target was seen as showing relatively high levels of leadership. These data provide support for the social identity analysis of leadership, and help explain otherwise counter-intuitive and naturalistic observations of followership of anonymous leaders.
Evaluation of Dosing Practices of Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran
Authors: Sieg Adam , Nappi Jean
Published: January 2015

Background: Anticoagulation is standard practice for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events. Two of the newer agents, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and dabigatran (Pradaxa) are being utilized frequently in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Prescribers may not appreciate the need for dose reduction in the setting of renal insufficiency. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether rivaroxaban and dabigatran were dosed according to recommendations in the package insert for patients with renal insufficiency. Methods: Eligible patients were those >18 years of age who received rivaroxaban or dabigatran as an inpatient or had a prescription filled from the outpatient pharmacy. The use of the Cockcroft–Gault equation was utilized to calculate creatinine clearance to evaluate whether patients had appropriate manufacturer recommended dose reductions based on their renal function. Results: There were very few patients (8 of 355, or 2.3%) who should have received a reduced dose when creatinine clearance was calculated utilizing actual body weight. In those patients with renal insufficiency, 3 of 6 (50.0%) patients receiving rivaroxaban and 1 of 2 (50%) patients receiving dabigatran were appropriately dosed. When ideal body weight was substituted for creatinine clearance calculation, there were 15 patients receiving rivaroxaban and 10 patients receiving dabigatran who fell below the creatinine clearance threshold for dose reduction. Conclusions: Based on this evaluation, very few patients required a dose reduction due to renal insufficiency. It is important for clinicians to always monitor renal function when utilizing these medications to optimize the benefits of the new oral anticoagulants while limiting potential deleterious effects. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that actual body weight is being utilized for creatinine clearance calculations with the new oral anticoagulants and not to base dosing on estimated glomerular filtration rate or other calculated creatinine clearance as this could lead to inappropriate dose reductions.
The Ser/Thr kinase MAP4K4 drives c-Met-induced motility and invasiveness in a cell-based model of SHH medulloblastoma
Authors: Santhana Kumar Karthiga , Tripolitsioti Dimitra , Ma Min , Grählert Jasmin , Egli Katja B , Fiaschetti Giulio , Shalaby Tarek , Grotzer Michael A , Baumgartner Martin
Published: January 2015

Medulloblastoma (MB) comprises four molecularly and genetically distinct subgroups of embryonal brain tumors that develop in the cerebellum. MB mostly affects infants and children and is difficult to treat because of frequent dissemination of tumor cells within the leptomeningeal space. A potential promoter of cell dissemination is the c-Met proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase, which is aberrantly expressed in many human tumors including MB. Database analysis showed that c-Met is highly expressed in the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup and in a small subset of Group 3 and Group 4 MB tumors. Using a cell-based three-dimensional cell motility assay combined with live-cell imaging, we investigated whether the c-Met ligand HGF could drive dissemination of MB cells expressing high levels of c-Met, and determined downstream effector mechanisms of this process. We detected variable c-Met expression in different established human MB cell lines, and we found that in lines expressing high c-Met levels, HGF promoted cell dissemination and invasiveness. Specifically, HGF-induced c-Met activation enhanced the capability of the individual cells to migrate in a JNK-dependent manner. Additionally, we identified the Ser/Thr kinase MAP4K4 as a novel driver of c-Met-induced invasive cell dissemination. This increased invasive motility was due to MAP4K4 control of F-actin dynamics in structures required for migration and invasion. Thus, MAP4K4 couples growth factor signaling to actin cytoskeleton regulation in tumor cells, suggesting that MAP4K4 could present a promising novel target to be evaluated for treating growth factor-induced dissemination of MB tumors of different subgroups and of other human cancers.
The price of fringe benefits when formal and informal labor markets coexist
Authors: Argente David , García Jorge Luis
Published: January 2015

We use the Mexican labor market structure to price the set of fringe benefits that household heads receive when formally employed. We exploit longitudinal, nationally-representative information on household heads who are formal, informal, or switch status at least once in our data. Using monthly labor income and an efficient markets hypothesis, we identify a standard linear model which accounts for time-variant household heads’ characteristics and household level and time fixed effects. Under the usual strict-exogeneity assumption, we find that the price of fringe benefits is approximately 7.9% of the average monthly labor income of informal workers, or $217 USD.

JEL Classification:D4; J3; J4
NKG2D ligand overexpression in lupus nephritis correlates with increased NK cell activity and differentiation in kidneys but not in the periphery
Authors: Spada Roberto , Rojas Jose´ M , Pe´rez-Yagu¨e Sonia , Mulens Vladimir , Cannata-Ortiz Pablo , Bragado Rafael , Barber Domingo F
Published: January 2015

NK cells are a major component of the immune system, and alterations in their activity are correlated with various autoimmune diseases. In the present work, we observed an increased expression of the NKG2D ligand MICA in SLE patients’ kidneys but not healthy subjects. We also show glomerulus-specific expression of the NKG2D ligands Rae-1 and Mult-1 in various murine SLE models, which correlated with a higher number of glomerular-infiltrating NK cells. As the role of NK cells in the immunopathogenesis of SLE is poorly understood, we explored NK cell differentiation and activity in tissues and organs in SLE-prone murine models by use of diseased and prediseased MRL/MpJ and MRL/lpr mice. We report here that phenotypically iNK cells accumulate only in the spleen but not in BM or kidneys of diseased mice. Infiltrating NK cells in kidneys undergoing a lupus nephritic process showed a more mature, activated phenotype compared with kidney, as well as peripheral NK cells from prediseased mice, as determined by IFN-γ and STAT5 analysis. These findings and the presence of glomerulus-specific NKG2D ligands in lupus-prone mice identify a role for NK cells and NKG2D ligands in the lupus nephritic process, which could aid in understanding their role in human SLE.
Endogenous Testosterone and its Relationship to Preclinical and Clinical Measures of Cardiovascular Disease in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Srinath Reshmi , Hill Golden Sherita , Carson Kathryn A. , Dobs Adrian
Published: January 2015

Context:

Epidemiologic studies suggest that endogenous testosterone (T) levels in males may be implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD), however further clarification is needed.

Objective:

We assessed the cross-sectional relationship between endogenous plasma T and mean carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and the longitudinal relationship with incident clinical CVD events, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality using male participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Design:

This study involved a subset of men from visit 4 of the ARIC study.

Setting:

The study was conducted in a community based cohort.

Participants:

Males who provided a morning blood sample excluding those taking androgen therapy, with prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, or heart failure (HF) (n = 1558).

Intervention:

None.

Main Outcome Measures:

Plasma T by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and carotid IMT using high resolution B-mode ultrasound were obtained at visit 4. Incident CHD, HF, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality were identified by surveillance through 2010 (median 12.8 years).

Results:

Lower T was significantly associated with higher body mass index, greater waist circumference, diabetes, hypertension, lower HDL, and never smoking (P = 0.01). T was not associated with mean cIMT in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Following multivariable adjustment, there was no association of quartile (Q) of T with incident CHD [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.87 (95% CI = 0.60–1.26) for Q1; 0.97 (95% CI = 0.69–1.38) for Q2; 0.97 (95% CI = 0.69–1.36) for Q3 compared to reference of Q4] or for incident HF [HR = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.46–1.29) for Q1; 0.72 (95% CI = 0.43–1.21) for Q2; 0.87 (95% CI = 0.53–1.42) for Q3 compared to reference of Q4]. Similarly there was no association of Q of T with mortality or cardiac-associated mortality.

Conclusions:

Low male plasma T is cross-sectionally associated with key CVD risk factors, but after adjustment there was no association with mean cIMT, incident cardiac events, or mortality. Our results are reassuring that neither high nor low T levels directly predict atherosclerosis, but are a marker for other cardiovascular risk factors.
Research Resource: Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Integrity in β-Cells at the Single-Cell Level
Authors: Kanekura Kohsuke , Ou Jianhong , Hara Takashi , Zhu Lihua J. , Urano Fumihiko
Published: January 2015

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane integrity is an emerging target for human chronic diseases associated with ER stress. Despite the underlying importance of compromised ER membrane integrity in disease states, the entire process leading to ER membrane permeabilization and cell death is still not clear due to technical limitations. Here we describe a novel method for monitoring ER membrane integrity at the single-cell level in real time. Using a β-cell line expressing ER-targeted redox sensitive green fluorescent protein, we could identify a β-cell population undergoing ER membrane permeabilization induced by palmitate and could monitor cell fate and ER stress of these cells at the single-cell level. Our method could be used to develop a novel therapeutic modality targeting the ER membrane for ER-associated disorders, including β-cell death in diabetes, neurodegeneration, and Wolfram syndrome.
Synthesis of a Silicalite-1-coated Titanium Silicalite-1 (TS-1) Zeolite and Its Catalytic Activity in Liquid-phase Oxidation
Authors: Sugiura Yusuke , Hirota Yuichiro , Uchida Yoshiaki , Nishiyama Norikazu
Published: January 2015

Silicalite-1/titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) composites were synthesized by growing silicalite-1 on the surface of TS-1. Oxidation of 1-hexene was studied using both the silicalite-1/TS-1 composite and uncoated TS-1. The silicalite-1/TS-1 composite showed a higher selectivity toward 1,2-epoxyhexane than uncoated TS-1 because sequential reactions on the external surface of TS-1 were inhibited. The catalytic activity of the silicalite-1/TS-1 composite was almost the same as that of TS-1, suggesting that the silicalite-1 layer is very thin and that the diffusion resistance is negligibly small.
Collateral Valuation and Borrower Financial Constraints: Evidence from the Residential Real Estate Market
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Ben-David Itzhak , Yao Vincent
Published: January 2015

Financially constrained borrowers have the incentive to influence the appraisal process in order to increase borrowing or reduce the interest rate. We document that the average valuation bias for residential refinance transactions is above 5%. The bias is larger for highly leveraged transactions, around critical leverage thresholds, and for transactions mediated through a broker. Mortgages with inflated valuations default more often. Lenders account for 60%–90% of the bias through pricing.

This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Promoting high value inpatient care via a coaching model of structured, interdisciplinary team rounds
Authors: Artenstein Andrew W , Higgins Thomas L , Seiler Adrianne , Meyer Debra , Knee Alexander B , Boynton Greta , Picchioni Michael , Geld Bonnie , Whitcomb Winthrop F
Published: January 2015

The professional development of early career hospital physicians may be improved by embedding an experienced physician in a coaching role during structured, interdisciplinary team rounds. This article gives a descriptive report of such a model and discusses how it may promote delivery of high-value care to adult inpatients.
A simplified questionnaire for self-assessment of hirsutism in population-based studies
Authors: Gabrielli Ligia , Aquino Estela M L
Published: January 2015

Objective

The measurement of excess body hair is not straightforward. As the modified Ferriman–Gallwey (mFG) score is unsuitable for self-assessment and requires specialist training, a short, self-administered questionnaire to identify hirsutism was constructed and validated for large-scale application, particularly targeting population-based studies.

Design

A validation study was conducted to assess a new hirsutism questionnaire.

Methods

A total of 90 women aged 35–72 years who were enrolled in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) were evaluated. A self-administered instrument containing four questions was designed to evaluate five body areas: upper lip, chin, chest, lower abdomen, and thighs with respect to the current distribution of body hair and that before 35 years of age. A score of 0–4 was attributed to each region based on drawings provided in the instrument. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by reformulating the initial questions. An independent medical examination was conducted to apply the gold standard, the mFG score.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87–0.99). A cut-off score of 5 showed the best balance between sensitivity (85%) and specificity (90%), with 88.9% accuracy. Spearman's correlation between current and past body hair score was calculated at 0.82 (P=0.000), and showed a test–retest reliability of 0.49, with a trend toward similar answers regarding changes in the quantity of body hair over time, irrespective of how the questions were asked (P=0.000).

Conclusion

The accuracy and internal consistency of this self-administered questionnaire for the identification of hirsutism were good. Therefore, this questionnaire represents a useful tool for self-assessment of hirsutism in population-based studies.
GH deficiency after traumatic brain injury: improvement in quality of life with GH therapy: analysis of the KIMS database
Authors: Gardner Chris J , Mattsson Anders F , Daousi Christina , Korbonits Márta , Koltowska-Haggstrom Maria , Cuthbertson Daniel J
Published: January 2015

Objective

Prevalence of GH deficiency (GHD) caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) is highly variable. Short-term studies show improvement in quality of life (QoL) during GH replacement (GHR), but long-term data are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of post-traumatic hypopituitarism and the QoL effects of long-term GHR.

Design/methods

Pfizer International Metabolic Database patients with GHD caused by TBI and by non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) were compared regarding: clinical characteristics at baseline and 1-year of GHR, and QoL response up to 8-years of GHR (QoL-AGHDA total scores and dimensions) in relationship with country-specific norms.

Results

TBI patients compared with NFPA patients were younger, diagnosed with GHD 2.4 years later after primary disease onset (P<0.0001), had a higher incidence of isolated GHD, higher GH peak, a more favourable metabolic profile and worse QoL, were shorter by 0.9 cm (1.8 cm when corrected for age and gender; P=0.004) and received higher GH dose (mean difference: 0.04 mg/day P=0.006). In TBI patients, 1-year improvement in QoL was greater than in NFPA (change in QoL-AGHDA score 5.0 vs 3.5, respectively, P=0.04) and was sustained over 8 years. In TBI patients, socialisation normalised after 1 year of GHR, self-confidence and tenseness after 6 years and no normalisation of tiredness and memory was observed.

Conclusion

Compared with NFPA, TBI patients presented biochemically with less severe hypopituitarism and worse QoL scores. GHR achieved clinically relevant, long-term benefit in QoL.
Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Influenza Vaccination in Pediatric Cancer Patients
Authors: Freedman Jason L. , Reilly Anne F. , Powell Stephanie C. , Bailey L. Charles
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric patients with cancer face more severe complications of influenza than healthy children. Although Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend yearly vaccination in these patients, in our large academic center, <60% of oncology patients receiving chemotherapy were immunized at baseline. Our objective was to increase this rate through a multifaceted quality improvement initiative.

METHODS:

Eligible patients were >6 months old, within 1 year of receiving chemotherapy, >100 days from stem cell transplant, and had ≥1 outpatient oncology visit between September 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Five interventions were instituted concomitantly: (1) family education: influenza/vaccine handouts were provided to families in clinic waiting rooms; (2) health informatics: daily lists of outpatients due for immunization were generated from the electronic medical record and sent automatically to triage staff and nurses; (3) outpatient clinic: patients due for vaccination were given colored wristbands during triage to alert providers; (4) inpatient: vaccine order was built into admission order set; and (5) provider education: staff education was provided at conferences on screening of patients, vaccine ordering, and documentation of refusals/contraindications.

RESULTS:

The complete influenza immunization rate increased by 20.1% to 64.5%, and the proportion of patients receiving ≥1 dose of vaccination increased by 22.9% to 77.7%. Similar changes were noted across all cancer types, with highest rates of immunization in leukemia/lymphoma patients (86.8%) and lowest in patients after stem cell transplant (66.7%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Technology, education, and multidisciplinary clinical process changes increased influenza vaccination rates. Ongoing efforts are targeting subgroups with lowest rates of immunization.
Online Problem-Solving Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wade Shari L. , Kurowski Brad G. , Kirkwood Michael W. , Zhang Nanhua , Cassedy Amy , Brown Tanya M. , Nielsen Britt , Stancin Terry , Taylor H. Gerry
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to impairments in functioning in everyday settings. Evidence suggests that online family problem-solving therapy (FPST) may be effective in reducing adolescent behavioral morbidity. This article examines the efficacy of Counselor-Assisted Problem Solving (CAPS), a form of online FPST in improving long-term functional outcomes of adolescents with TBI relative to Internet resources only.

METHODS:

Children, aged 12 to 17 years, who were hospitalized in the previous 7 months for TBI were enrolled in a multisite, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Consented participants were randomly assigned to CAPS or an Internet resource comparison (IRC) condition. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at follow-ups 6, 12, and 18 months postbaseline. The Child and Functional Assessment Scale and the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scale (IFIRS) served as primary outcomes of child and family functioning respectively.

RESULTS:

For the Child and Functional Assessment Scale total, we found a significant group × time interaction, with less impaired functioning for the CAPS group than for the IRC group at the final follow-up. Parent education moderated the efficacy of CAPS on overall rates of impairment and school/work functioning, with the advantage of CAPS over IRC evident at the final follow-up only for participants with less-educated parents. Neither group differences nor group × time interactions were found for the IFIRS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Relatively brief, online treatment shortly after injury may result in long-term improvements in child functioning, particularly among families of lower socioeconomic status. Clinical implementation of CAPS during the initial months postinjury should be considered.
Early Discharge of Infants and Risk of Readmission for Jaundice
Authors: Lain Samantha J. , Roberts Christine L. , Bowen Jennifer R. , Nassar Natasha
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the association between early discharge from hospital after birth and readmission to hospital for jaundice among term infants, and among infants discharged early, to investigate the perinatal risk factors for readmission for jaundice.

METHODS:

Birth data for 781 074 term live-born infants born in New South Wales, Australia from 2001 to 2010 were linked to hospital admission data. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between postnatal length of stay (LOS), gestational age (GA), and readmission for jaundice in the first 14 days of life. Other significant perinatal risk factors associated with readmission for jaundice were examined for infants discharged in the first 2 days after birth.

RESULTS:

Eight per 1000 term infants were readmitted for jaundice. Infants born at 37 weeks’ GA with an LOS at birth of 0 to 2 days were over 9 times (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 9.43; 95% CI, 8.34–10.67) and at 38 weeks’ GA were 4 times (aOR 4.05; 95% CI, 3.62–4.54) more likely to be readmitted for jaundice compared with infants born at 39 weeks’ GA with an LOS of 3 to 4 days. Other significant risk factors for readmission for jaundice for infants discharged 0 to 2 days after birth included vaginal birth, born to mothers from an Asian country, born to first-time mothers, or being breastfed at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study can inform guidelines or policy about identifying infants at risk for readmission for jaundice and ensure that appropriate post-discharge follow-up is received.
MOCVD of a Nanocomposite Film of Fe, Fe3O4 and Carbon Nanotubes from Ferric Acetylacetonate: Novel Thermodynamic Modeling to Reconcile with Experiment
Authors: Dhar Sukanya , Arod Pallavi , Narayan Achari K. V. L. V. , Shivashankar S. A.
Published: January 2015

Thermodynamic modeling of the MOCVD process, using the standard free energy minimization algorithm, cannot always explain the deposition of hybrid films that occurs. The present investigation explores a modification of the procedure to account for the observed simultaneous deposition of metallic iron, Fe3O4, and carbon nanotubes from a single precursor. Such composite films have potential application in various device architectures and sensors, and are being studied as electrode material in energy storage devices such as lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors.

With ferric acetylacetonate [Fe(acac)3] as the precursor, MOCVD in argon ambient results in a nanocomposite of CNT, Fe, and Fe3O4 (characterized by XRD and Raman spectroscopy) when growth temperature T and total reactor pressure P are in the range from 600°C-800°C and 5-30 torr, respectively. No previous report could be found on the single-step formation of a CNT-metal-metal oxide composite. Equilibrium thermodynamic modeling using available software predicts the deposition of only Fe3C and carbon, without any co-deposition of Fe and Fe3O4, in contrast with experimental observations. To reconcile this contradiction, the modeling of the process was approached by taking the molecular structure of the precursor into account, whereas “standard” thermodynamic simulations are restricted to the total number of atoms of each element in the reactant(s) as the input. When Ocon (statistical average of the oxygen atom(s) taken up by each metal atom during CVD) is restricted to lie between 0 and 1, thermodynamic computations predict simultaneous deposition of FeO1-x, Fe3C, Fe3O4 and C in the inert ambient. At high temperature and in a carbon-rich atmosphere, iron carbide decomposes to iron and carbon. Furthermore, FeO1-x yields Fe and Fe3O4 when cooled below 567°C. Therefore, the resulting film would be composed of Fe3O4, Fe and C, in agreement with experiment. The weight percentage of carbon (∼40%) calculated from thermodynamic analysis matches well with experimental data from TG-DTA.
Elderly Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck and the Benefit of Multimodality Therapy
Authors: Moye Virginia A. , Chandramouleeswaran Sindhu , Zhao Ni , Muss Hyman B. , Weissler Mark C. , Hayes David N. , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: January 2015

Background.

Limited data are available regarding outcomes in elderly head and neck cancer patients. This retrospective study was designed to characterize head and neck cancer in geriatric patients.

Patients and Methods.

This study included all patients in a large university-based tumor registry who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2005. Patients aged ≥70 years at the time of diagnosis were defined as older. Overall survival and progression-free survival were censored at 60 months. Survival differences were compared using the log-rank test. Hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results.

Of 1,598 patients identified, 1,166 patients were aged <70 years (i.e., younger) and 281 patients were aged ≥70 years (older). When controlling for possible confounders, older patients were nearly twice as likely to die within 5 years as their younger counterparts (hazard ratio: 1.92). The median life expectancy for older patients was nearly 5 years for stage I–II disease and <2 years for stage III–IV disease. Older patients with stage III–IV disease who received multimodality therapy had 5-year survival similar to that younger patients with stage III–IV disease who were treated similarly (33.2% vs. 44.0%). Older patients with stage III–IV disease who received single-modality therapy had extremely poor survival compared with all other patients (hazard ratio for progression-free survival: 1.5).

Conclusion.

This study highlights the need for better understanding of the factors affecting head and neck cancer outcomes in elderly patients. Information about life expectancy in elderly head and neck cancer patients may help guide treatment decisions.
How Well Do Medical Oncologists Manage Chronic Cancer Pain? A National Survey
Authors: Breuer Brenda , Chang Victor T. , Von Roenn Jamie H. , Gunten Charles , Neugut Alfred I. , Kaplan Ronald , Wallenstein Sylvan , Portenoy Russell K.
Published: January 2015

Background.

Cancer pain is usually managed by oncologists, occasionally with input from specialists in hospice and palliative medicine (PLM) or pain medicine (PMD). We evaluated the knowledge of cancer pain management in these three specialty groups.

Methods.

Eight vignettes depicting challenging scenarios of patients with poorly controlled pain were developed; each had five or six treatment choices. Respondents indicated choices likely to be safe and efficacious as “true” and choices likely to be unsafe or inefficacious as “false.” Two questionnaires were created, each with four vignettes. Three anonymous mailings targeted geographically representative U.S. samples of 570 oncologists, 266 PMD specialists, and 280 PLM specialists, each randomly assigned one version of the questionnaire. Vignette scores were normalized to a 0–100 numeric rating scale (NRS); a score of 50 indicates that the number of correct choices equals the number of incorrect choices (consistent with guessing).

Results.

Overall response rate was 49% (oncologists, 39%; PMD specialists, 48%; and PLM specialists, 70%). Average vignette score ranges were 53.2–66.5, 45.6–65.6, and 50.8–72.0 for oncologists, PMD specialists, and PLM specialists, respectively. Oncologists scored lower than PLM specialists on both questionnaires and lower than PMD specialists on one. On a 0–10 NRS, oncologists rated their ability to manage pain highly (median 7, with an interquartile range [IQR] of 5–8). Lower ratings were assigned to pain-related training in medical school (median 3, with an IQR of 2–5) and residency/fellowship (median 5, with an IQR of 4–7). Oncologists older than 46–47 years rated their training lower than younger oncologists.

Conclusion.

These data suggest that oncologists and other medical specialists who manage cancer pain have knowledge deficiencies in cancer pain management. These gaps help clarify the need for pain management education.
RPLL - Rendezvous protocol for long-living sensor node
Authors: Kosanovic Mirko , Stojcev Mile
Published: January 2015

Sensor nodes (SNs), as constituents of wireless sensor network (WSN), are
battery-powered not rechargeable devices and have limited amount of energy
available. Since the lifetime of SNs is a crucial parameter for
energy-efficient WSN design, it is essential to extend their lifetimes as
much as possible. Here we propose a rendezvous scheme called Rendezvous
Protocol for Long-Living SN, RPLL. This scheme is based on implementation of
a duty-cycling technique. For each SN within WSN a unique identification
number (ID) is allocated, thanks to which a collision problem is effectively
remedied. The RPLL provides an on time wake-up of SNs in a fully
decentralized way and fast detection of new appended SNs. Taking into account
the WSN and SN working parameters, such as beacon time, beacon period, number
of active SNs, and quartz oscillator instability, by using the proposed
method, a WSN designer can determine the maximal lifetime of a SN, i.e.
achieve optimal energy consumption.
Non-contextualist and contextualist version of the theory of relevant alternatives as possible solutions to the skeptical paradox
Authors: Smajevic Milica
Published: January 2015

This paper analyzes the solution to the skeptical paradox provided by theory
of relevant alternatives. The paper examines and compares two versions of
this solution: the noncontextualist, invariantist version, whose creator and
representative is Fred Dretske, and contextualist, variantist version,
defended by Keith DeRose and Stewart Cohen. By analyzing invariantist and
variantist solution, the author comes to the conclusion that, although both
solutions have positive and negative implications, Dretske`s theory of
relevant alternatives offers more convincing explanation and solution to the
skeptical paradox.