bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A law of the Integrated Logarithm for the Tail Sums of Dyadic Martingales Using Stopping Times
Authors: Acharya Ananta , Ghimire Santosh
Published: November 2016

Stopping times have been used in number of places in the derivation of law of iterated logarithm for various contexts. In this article, we obtain a law of the iterated logarithm for the tail sums of dyadic martingales using stopping times.

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 2, 2016, page: 79-83
Secured Crypto Stegano Data Hiding Using Least Significant Bit Substitution and Encryption
Authors: Shakya Subarna , Lamichhane Sanjita
Published: November 2016

Information Exchange has always been an integral part of our lives. With the rapid advancement in Information and communication technologies, communication and information exchange have become much easier and faster but at the same time the issues regarding security of data and its confidentiality have become our major concern. Cryptography and Steganography are two such data hiding techniques that can be combined together in order to enhance data security. Cryptography scrambles a message so that it cannot be understood whereas Steganography hides its existence. In this process, message is first encrypted using an algorithm based on Fibonacci series or the Rijndael cryptographic algorithm and then the encrypted message is embedded inside an image using improved Least Significant Bit substitution method where the secret information is stored into a specific position of Least Significant Bit of an image based on the security key entered. This combinational methodology will satisfy the requirements such as capacity, security and robustness for secure data transmission over an open channel.

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 2, 2016, Page: 105-112
Laura Levin, Performing Ground: Space, Camouflage, and the Art of Blending In
Authors: Arons Wendy
Published: November 2016

Drawing on case studies from performed self-portrait photography, environmental performance, eco-performance, and political activism, Laura Levin highlights the importance of attending to how the “background” in which people are embedded is central to their negotiation of class, race, gender, politics, and identity.
Sean Metzger, Chinese Looks: Fashion, Performance, Race.
Authors: Lim Shirley Jennifer
Published: November 2016

Chinese Looks offers a compelling study of how the male hair queue, the female qipao, and the Mao suit index Chineseness, modernity, and the body at critical historical moments. It sheds new light on the importance of fashion and the body to global flows of culture and capital.
Nick Salvato. Obstruction
Authors: Holzapfel Amy
Published: November 2016

Engaging and persuasive, Obstruction advocates for phenomena generally viewed as impediments to criticism—embarrassment, laziness, slowness, cynicism, digressiveness—as valuable to scholarship and intellectual life. Salvato brings to the surface the hidden value of obstructions, pairing each of his five phenomena with an example culled from contemporary media and performance.
Cathy Turner. Dramaturgy and Architecture: Theatre, Utopia and the Built Environment
Authors: Rufford Juliet
Published: November 2016

In examining patterns of influence and exchange between modern and contemporary architecture, drama, performance, and utopian longing, Cathy Turner’s Dramaturgy and Architecture explores theatre as an art of building – a practice that has an uncommon capacity for questioning and enquiring into spatial production.
Firewall configuration: An application of multiagent metalevel argumentation
Authors: Applebaum Andy , Li Zimi , Levitt Karl , Parsons Simon , Rowe Jeff , Sklar Elizabeth I.
Published: November 2016

Firewalls are an important tool in the assurance of network security. Packet filtering firewalls are configured by providing a set of rules that identify how to handle individual data packets that arrive at the firewall. In large firewall configurations, conflicts may arise between these rules. Argumentation provides a way of handling conflicts such that their origin is illuminated, and hence can help a system administrator understand the effects of a given configuration. To show how argumentation might help in this domain we examine the use of a system of metalevel argumentation for firewall configuration, showing how it makes conflicts and their origins clear, and showing how different instantiations of a metalevel argumentation system provide alternative ways to resolve conflicts.
A functional perspective on argumentation schemes
Authors: Wyner Adam
Published: November 2016

In multi-agent systems (MAS), abstract argumentation and argumentation schemes are increasingly important. To be useful for MAS, argumentation schemes require a computational approach so that agents can use the components of a scheme to construct and present arguments and counterarguments. This paper proposes a syntactic analysis that integrates argumentation schemes with abstract argumentation. Schemes can be analysed into the roles that propositions play in each scheme and the structure of the associated propositions, yielding a greater understanding of the schemes, a uniform method of analysis, and a systematic means to relate one scheme to another. This analysis of the schemes helps to clarify what is needed to provide denotations of the terms and predicates in a semantic model.
States, goals and values: Revisiting practical reasoning
Authors: Atkinson Katie , Bench-Capon Trevor
Published: November 2016

In this paper 1 1 This is a version of a paper originally presented at ArgMAS 2014. we address some limitations with proposals concerning an argumentation scheme for practical reasoning grounded on action-based alternating transition systems augmented with values. In particular, we extend the machinery to enable the proper representation of, and ability to reason with, goals. This allows the more satisfactory representation of certain critical questions, and the means to explicitly record differences between agents as to what will count as the fulfillment of goals and the promotion of values. It also allows us to express desires in terms of values, and to make plain the relation between a change in circumstances and the promotion and demotion of values. Three detailed examples are used to illustrate the additional kinds of problem the extensions allow us to consider.
Physiological and rating of perceived exertion responses to resistance training sessions with and without vascular occlusion
Authors: de Araújo Amanda C. , Ferreira Junior Adalberto , de Oliveira Stefany K. , Schamne Julio C. , Okuno Nilo M.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) response, and peak blood lactate concentration ([lac]-peak) after a resistance exercise session with and without vascular occlusion.

METHODS:

Eight male subjects with previous experience in resistance training (23.38 ± 2.38 years; weight 76.75 ± 8.79 kg; height 1.75 ± 0.07 m) took part in this study. After performing a one repetition maximum(1RM) test, the subjects underwent three random sessions in the leg press exercise: (a) 4 sets of 8 repetitions + 1 set until exhaustion at 80% of 1RM without vascular occlusion (HI); (b) 4 sets of 16 repetitions + 1 set until exhaustion at 40% of 1RM with occlusion (LIO) and (c) 4 sets of 16 repetitions + 1 set with the same number of repetitions as LIO at 40% of 1RM without vascular occlusion (LI), in both legs alternately.

RESULTS:

It was observed that both HR and RPE were lower during almost all sessions when compared with HI (p< 0.05). In the LI session, both variables were initially similar in comparison with LIO, differentiating during the session (p< 0.05). The [lac]-peak in LIO was lower than HI, but higher than LI (p< 0.001). The correlations between RPE and HR (r= 0.88), RPE and [lac]-peak (r= 0.75), and HR and [lac]-peak (r= 0.84) were all strong.

CONCLUSION:

Resistance training associated with vascular occlusion causes lower physiological and perceived stress in comparison with conventional high intensity strength training.
Effect of eccentric training on sagittal plane lower limb kinematics and kinetics in non-habitual forefoot runners
Authors: de Oliveira Melo Mônica , Sonda Francesca Chaida , De Marchi Tiago , Lunardi Morgana , Berzoini Juliane Blankenburg
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

: Runners not habituated to the forefoot strike pattern may require specific strengthening of plantar flexor muscles to prevent injuries.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effects of eccentric training for ankle plantar flexors on the kinetic and kinematic parameters of forefoot strike running in individuals not habituated to this type of foot strike.

METHODS:

Twenty-four healthy (12 men, 12 women), 18-25 years of age who were not habituated to forefoot strike running were randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (eccentric training for plantar flexors performed using an isokinetic dynamometer, 3 times a week for 8 weeks) and a control group (no intervention). Kinetic data (ground reaction force) and kinematic data (angles of the ankle, knee and hip in the sagittal plane) were recorded while the subjects performed the forefoot strike running pattern at their preferred speed before and after a period of 8 weeks.

RESULTS:

Participants showed a reduction of 20% in the magnitude of the impact as well as an increase of approximately 33% in the plantar flexion angle and an increase of 14% in hip flexion (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Eccentric training generated measurable changes in the forefoot strike pattern and reduced the impact assessed by ground reaction force.
Rare Genetic Variant in SORL1 May Increase Penetrance of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Family with Several Generations of APOE-ɛ4 Homozygosity
Authors: Louwersheimer Eva , Cohn-Hokke Petra E. , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Weiss Marjan M. , Sistermans Erik A. , Rozemuller Annemieke J. , Hulsman Marc , van Swieten John C. , van Duijn Cock M. , Barkhof Frederik , Koene Teddy , Scheltens Philip , Van der Flier Wiesje M. , Holstege Henne
Published: November 2016

Background: The major genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the APOE- ɛ4 allele. However, APOE- ɛ4 homozygosity is not fully penetrant, suggesting co-occurrence of additional genetic variants.

Objective: To identify genetic factors that, next to APOE- ɛ4 homozygosity, contribute to the development of AD.

Methods: We identified a family with nine AD patients spanning four generations, with an inheritance pattern suggestive of autosomal dominant AD, with no variants in PSEN1, PSEN2, or APP. We collected DNA from four affected and seven unaffected family members and performed exome sequencing on DNA from three affected and one unaffected family members.

Results: All affected family members were homozygous for the APOE- ɛ4 allele. Statistical analysis revealed that AD onset in this family was significantly earlier than could be expected based on APOE genotype and gender. Next to APOE- ɛ4 homozygosity, we found that all four affected family members carried a rare variant in the VPS10 domain of the SORL1 gene, associated with AβPP processing and AD risk. Furthermore, three of four affected family members carried a rare variant in the TSHZ3 gene, also associated with AβPP processing. Affected family members presented between 61 and 74 years, with variable presence of microbleeds/cerebral amyloid angiopathy and electroencephalographic abnormalities.

Conclusion: We hypothesize that next to APOE- ɛ4 homozygosity, impaired SORL1 protein function, and possibly impaired TSHZ3 function, further disturbed Aβ processing. The convergence of these genetic factors over several generations might clarify the increased AD penetrance and the autosomal dominant-like inheritance pattern of AD as observed in this family.
Deleterious Effect of Butyrylcholinesterase K-Variant in Donepezil Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Sokolow Sophie , Li Xiaohui , Chen Lucia , Taylor Kent D. , Rotter Jerome I. , Rissman Robert A. , Aisen Paul S. , Apostolova Liana G.
Published: November 2016

Background: Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor frequently prescribed for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this indication. In Alzheimer’s disease, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity increases with disease progression and may replace acetylcholinesterase function. The most frequent polymorphism of BChE is the K-variant, which is associated with lower acetylcholine-hydrolyzing activity. BChE-K polymorphism has been studied in Alzheimer’s disease progression and donepezil therapy, and has led to contradictory results.

Objectives: To determine whether BChE-K genotype predicts response to donepezil in MCI.

Methods: We examined the association between BChE-K genotype and changes in cognitive function using the data collected during the ADCS vitamin E/donepezil clinical trial in MCI.

Results: We found significant interactions between BChE-K genotype and the duration of donepezil treatment, with increased changes in MMSE and CDR-SB scores compared to the common allele in MCI subjects treated during the 3-year trial. We found faster MMSE decline and CDR-SB rise in BChE-K homozygous individuals treated with donepezil compared to the untreated. We observed similar interactions between BChE-K genotype and steeper changes in MMSE and CDR-SB scores in APOE4 carriers treated with donepezil compared to controls.

Conclusion: BChE-K polymorphisms are associated with deleterious changes in cognitive decline in MCI patients treated with donepezil for 3 years. This indicates that BChE-K genotyping should be performed to help identify subsets of subjects at risk for donepezil therapy, like those carrying APOE4. BChE-K and APOE4 carriers should not be prescribed off-label donepezil therapy for MCI management.
Screening for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia with Automated, Anonymous Online and Telephone Cognitive Self-Tests
Authors: Van Mierlo Lisa D. , Wouters Hans , Sikkes Sietske A.M. , Van der Flier Wiesje M. , Prins Niels D. , Bremer Jonne A.E. , Koene Teddy , Van Hout Hein P.J.
Published: November 2016

Background: Many older people worry about cognitive decline. Early cognitive screening in an anonymous and easily accessible manner may reassure older people who are unnecessarily worried about normal cognitive aging while it may also expedite help seeking in case of suspicious cognitive decline.

Objective: To develop and validate online and telephone-based automated self-tests of cognitive function.

Methods: We examined the feasibility and validity of the self-tests in a prospective study of 117 participants of whom 34 had subjective cognitive decline (SCD), 30 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 53 had dementia. The ability of these self-tests to accurately distinguish MCI and dementia from SCD was examined with ROC curves. Convergent validity was examined by calculating rank correlations between the self-tests and neuropsychological tests.

Results: Both the online and telephone cognitive self-tests were feasible, because the majority of participants (86% and 80%, respectively) were able to complete them. The online self-test had adequate diagnostic accuracy in the screening for MCI and dementia versus SCD with an Area under the Curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78–0.93). The AUC of the MMSE was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.89). By contrast, the telephone self-test had lower diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64–0.86). Both self-tests had good convergent validity as demonstrated by moderate to strong rank correlations with neuropsychological tests.

Conclusion: We demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy and convergent validity for the online self-test of cognitive function. It is therefore a promising tool in the screening for MCI and dementia.
Sample Size Estimation for Alzheimer’s Disease Trials from Japanese ADNI Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fujishima Motonobu , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Maikusa Norihide , Kuwano Ryozo , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Matsuda Hiroshi ,   for the Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI),   the Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (J-ADNI)
Published: November 2016

Background: Little is known about the sample sizes required for clinical trials of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-modifying treatments using atrophy measures from serial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the Japanese population.

Objective: The primary objective of the present study was to estimate how large a sample size would be needed for future clinical trials for AD-modifying treatments in Japan using atrophy measures of the brain as a surrogate biomarker.

Methods: Sample sizes were estimated from the rates of change of the whole brain and hippocampus by the k-means normalized boundary shift integral (KN-BSI) and cognitive measures using the data of 537 Japanese Alzheimer’s Neuroimaging Initiative (J-ADNI) participants with a linear mixed-effects model. We also examined the potential use of ApoE status as a trial enrichment strategy.

Results: The hippocampal atrophy rate required smaller sample sizes than cognitive measures of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Inclusion of ApoE status reduced sample sizes for AD and MCI patients in the atrophy measures.

Conclusion: These results show the potential use of longitudinal hippocampal atrophy measurement using automated image analysis as a progression biomarker and ApoE status as a trial enrichment strategy in a clinical trial of AD-modifying treatment in Japanese people.
Association between Cognitive Status before Surgery and Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture in a Dedicated Orthogeriatric Care Pathway
Authors: Zerah Lorene , Cohen-Bittan Judith , Raux Mathieu , Meziere Anthony , Tourette Cendrine , Neri Christian , Verny Marc , Riou Bruno , Khiami Frederic , Boddaert Jacques
Published: November 2016

Background: Dementia is associated with a worse prognosis of hip fracture, but the impact of a dedicated geriatric care pathway on the prognosis of these patients has not been evaluated.

Objective: According to the cognitive status before surgery, our main objective was to compare mortality rate at 6 months; secondary outcomes were to compare in-hospital complications, the risk of new institutionalization, and the ability to walk at 6 months.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2015, all patients (>70 years) admitted after hip fracture surgery into a dedicated unit of peri-operative geriatric care were included: patients with dementia (DP), without dementia (NDP), and with cognitive status not determined (CSND). Data are expressed as hazard ratio (HR) for multivariate cox analysis or odds ratio (OR) for multivariate logistic regression analysis and their 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: We included 650 patients (86±6 years): 168 DP, 400 NDP, and 82 CSND. After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, polypharmacy, pre-fracture autonomy, time-to-surgery, and delirium, there were no significant differences for 6-month mortality (DP versus NDP: HR = 0.7[0.4–1.2], DP versus CSND: HR = 0.6[0.3–1.4], CSND versus NDP: HR = 0.8[0.4–1.7]); but DP and CSND were more likely to be newly institutionalized after 6 months compared to NDP (OR DP = 2.6[1.4–4.9], p = 0.003, OR CSND = 2.9[1.4–6.1], p = 0.004). 92% of population was walking after 6 months (63% with assistance): no difference was found between the three groups.

Conclusion: In a dedicated geriatric care pathway, DP and CSND undergoing hip surgery have the same 6-month mortality and walking ability as NDP.
Amylin Treatment Reduces Neuroinflammation and Ameliorates Abnormal Patterns of Gene Expression in the Cerebral Cortex of an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Wang Erming , Zhu Haihao , Wang Xiaofan , Gower Adam C. , Wallack Max , Blusztajn Jan Krzysztof , Kowall Neil , Qiu Wei Qiao
Published: November 2016

Our recent study has demonstrated that peripheral amylin treatment reduces the amyloid pathology in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models, and improves their learning and memory. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of amylin for AD was beyond reducing the amyloids in the brain, and have now directly tested the actions of amylin on other aspects of AD pathogenesis, especially neuroinflammation. A 10-week course of peripheral amylin treatment significantly reduced levels of cerebral inflammation markers, Cd68 and Iba1, in amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice. Mechanistic studies indicated the protective effect of amylin required interaction with its cognate receptor because silencing the amylin receptor expression blocked the amylin effect on Cd68 in microglia. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we discovered that amylin treatment influenced two gene modules linked with amyloid pathology: 1) a module related to proinflammation and transport/vesicle process that included a hub gene of Cd68, and 2) a module related to mitochondria function that included a hub gene of Atp5b. Amylin treatment restored the expression of most genes in the APP cortex toward levels observed in the wild-type (WT) cortex in these two modules including Cd68 and Atp5b. Using a human dataset, we found that the expression levels of Cd68 and Atp5b were significantly correlated with the neurofibrillary tangle burden in the AD brain and with their cognition. These data suggest that amylin acts on the pathological cascade in animal models of AD, and further supports the therapeutic potential of amylin-type peptides for AD.
Cortical Thickness and Microstructural White Matter Changes Detect Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wang Zan , Dai Zhengjia , Shu Hao , Liu Duan , Guo Qihao , He Yong , Zhang Zhijun
Published: November 2016

Both the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are considered to be risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the aMCI-related abnormality in gray matter (GM) cortical thickness and white matter (WM) tracts integrity would be modified by the APOE genotype. A total of 146 older adults, including 64 aMCI patients (28 ɛ4 carriers and 36 non-carriers) and 82 healthy controls (39 ɛ4 carriers and 43 non-carriers), underwent a standardized clinical interview, neuropsychological battery assessment, and multi-modal brain magnetic resonance imaging scans. Compared with control subjects, the patients with aMCI showed significantly reduced cortical thickness bilaterally in the parahippocampal gyrus and disrupted WM integrity in the limbic tracts (e.g., increased mean diffusivity in the right parahippocampal cingulum and bilateral uncinate fasciculus). However, no significant main effects of the APOE genotype and diagnosis-by-genotype interaction on GM thickness and WM integrity were observed. Further, diffusivity measures of the limbic WM tracts were significantly correlated with the parahippocampal atrophy in aMCI. Importantly, the parahippocampal thickness and diffusivity measures of the limbic WM tracts were significantly correlated with the cognitive performance (i.e., episodic memory Z score) in patients with aMCI. These results demonstrate that WM microstructural disruptions in the limbic tracts are present at the early stage of AD in an APOE-independent manner; and this degeneration may occur progressively, in parallel with parahippocampal atrophy, and may specifically contribute to early initial impairment in episodic memory.
A High-Cholesterol Diet Increases 27-Hydroxycholesterol and Modifies Estrogen Receptor Expression and Neurodegeneration in Rabbit Hippocampus
Authors: Brooks Sylwia W. , Dykes Ava C. , Schreurs Bernard G.
Published: November 2016

Hypercholesterolemia has been implicated in numerous health problems from cardiovascular disease to neurodegeneration. High serum cholesterol levels in midlife have been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) later in life which suggests that the pathways leading to AD pathology might be activated decades before the symptoms of the disease are detected. Cholesterol-fed animals, particularly cholesterol-fed rabbits, exhibit brain pathology similar to the changes found in brains of AD patients. Dietary cholesterol, which cannot pass the blood-brain barrier, is thought to influence central nervous system homeostasis by increased transport of its circulatory breakdown product, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC), into the brain. 27-OHC is an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator. Estrogen-mediated non-reproductive functions require estrogen receptors (ERs) and include modulation of mitochondrial function and structure, as well as regulation of synaptogenesis in the brain. ERs are located in brain areas affected early in AD pathogenesis, including the hippocampus. Here we report that increase in serum cholesterol, induced by feeding rabbits a high-cholesterol diet, is associated with higher levels of 27-OHC in the brain as well as increased levels of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus. Furthermore, these results are accompanied by changes in expression of ERs in the hippocampus as well as a decrease in hippocampal mitochondria. These findings provide an important insight into one of the possible mechanisms involved in the development of AD, and shed light on the processes that may antedate amyloid-β and tau phosphorylation changes currently hypothesized to cause AD symptomology and pathology.
The Effects of Gene Mutations on Default Mode Network in Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Xiaozhen , Westman Eric , Thordardottir Steinunn , Ståhlbom Anne Kinhult , Almkvist Ove , Blennow Kaj , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Graff Caroline
Published: November 2016

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) mutations have very high penetrance but age at onset and rate of disease progression differ. Neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations in mutation carriers (MCs) may provide an opportunity to identify early biomarkers that can be used to track disease progression from presymptomatic to the dementia stages of disease. The default mode network (DMN) is a resting state neuronal network composed of regions known to associate with amyloid deposition in AD. We hypothesized that functional connectivity in the DMN might change at pre-clinical stages in FAD MCs and correlate with changes in CSF biomarkers as a consequence of AD brain pathology. To test the hypothesis, we compared the functional connectivity in DMN between pre-MCs/MCs and non-carriers (NCs). No significant differences between pre-MCs and NCs were observed. When comparing all MCs with NCs, significant decreased functional connectivity in the right inferior parietal lobule, right precuneus, and left posterior cingulate cortex were found. We also found statistically significant correlations between CSF amyloid-β 42 and tau protein levels and average Z-score, a resting-state functional MRI measurement reflecting the degree of the correlation between a given voxel’s time courses and the time courses corresponding to DMN, from the region with statistical difference. The observed disruption of DMN and pathological levels of AD CSF-biomarkers in FAD MCs are similar to the changes described in sporadic AD, which give further support that amyloid and tau pathology impairs neuronal and synaptic function.
Challenges in Screening and Recruitment for a Neuroimaging Study in Cognitively Impaired Geriatric Inpatients
Authors: Apostolova Ivayla , Lange Catharina , Roberts Anna , Igel Hans Joachim , Mäurer Anja , Liese Stephanie , Estrella Melanie , Prasad Vikas , Stechl Elisabeth , Lämmler Gernot , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Buchert Ralph
Published: November 2016

Background: Neuroimaging-based biomarkers have the potential to improve etiological diagnosis of cognitive impairment in elderly inpatients. However, there is a relative lack of studies on neuroimaging-based biomarkers in hospitalized geriatric patients, as the vast majority of neuroimaging studies in dementia have focused on memory clinic outpatients. An important aspect of study planning is a priori estimation of the rate of screen failures.

Objective: To report on the rate and causes of screen failures in a prospective study on the utility of neuroimaging (PET, MRI) for the etiological diagnosis of newly manifested cognitive impairment in acutely hospitalized geriatric patients.

Methods: Ten acute care geriatrics clinics with 802 beds participated in the study. The potential recruitment rate had been estimated to 5 patients/100 beds/week.

Results: Seventeen months of pre-screening resulted in 322 potential participants. 109 of these patients were enrolled, i.e., the screen failure rate was 66%. 58% of the screen failures were due to refusal of participation by the patient, most often due to lack of interest in clarifying the cause of the cognitive impairment or due to reluctance to engage in additional diagnostic procedures associated with physical stress. 42% of pre-screened patients were excluded because of violation of the eligibility criteria.

Conclusion: Enrollment for neuroimaging studies presents considerable additional challenges in acutely hospitalized geriatric patients compared to outpatient settings. Low rate of approaching potential candidates by attending geriatricians and a high rate of screen failures have to be anticipated in the study design.
The Correlation between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Polygenic Risk Score in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Morgan Angharad R. , Touchard Samuel , O’Hagan Caroline , Sims Rebecca , Majounie Elisa , Escott-Price Valentina , Jones Lesley , Williams Julie , Morgan B. Paul
Published: November 2016

Plasma biomarkers to aid the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or to monitor disease progression have long been sought and continue to be widely studied. Biomarkers that correlate with AD polygenic risk score, a measure of the polygenic architecture of the disease and highly predictive of AD status, would be excellent candidates. Therefore, we undertook a preliminary study to assess the association of plasma inflammatory biomarkers with an overall AD polygenic risk score as well as with an inflammation-specific AD polygenic risk score in a sample set of 93 AD cases. We measured five complement biomarkers [complement receptor 1 (CR1), clusterin, complement component 9 (C9), C1 inhibitor (C1inh), terminal complement complex (TCC)] and the benchmark inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). Plasma clusterin level showed an association with overall AD polygenic risk score, while clusterin, C1inh, and CRP levels each displayed some association with the inflammatory-specific AD polygenic risk score. The results suggest that elevated plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including complement proteins, associate with polygenic risk scores in AD, further strengthening the link between genetic and biomarker disease predictors and indicating a potential role for these markers in disease prediction and patient stratification in AD.
Ethnic Variations in Prognosis of Patients with Dementia: A Prospective Nationwide Registry Linkage Study in The Netherlands
Authors: Agyemang Charles , van de Vorst Irene E. , Koek Huiberdina L. , Bots Michiel L. , Seixas Azizi , Norredam Marie , Ikram Umar , Stronks Karien , Vaartjes Ilonca
Published: November 2016

Background: Data on dementia prognosis among ethnic minority groups are limited in Europe.

Objective: We assessed differences in short-term (1-year) and long-term (3-year) mortality and readmission risk after a first hospitalization or first ever referral to a day clinic for dementia between ethnic minority groups and the ethnic Dutch population in the Netherlands

Methods: Nationwide prospective cohorts of first hospitalized dementia patients (N = 55,827) from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010 were constructed. Differences in short-term and long-term mortality and readmission risk following hospitalization or referral to the day clinic between ethnic minority groups (Surinamese, Turkish, Antilleans, Indonesians) and the ethnic Dutch population were investigated using Cox proportional hazard regression models with adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities.

Results: Age-sex-adjusted short-term and long-term risks of death following a first hospitalization with dementia were comparable between the ethnic minority groups and the ethnic Dutch. Age- and sex-adjusted risk of admission was higher only in Turkish compared with ethnic Dutch (HR 1.57, 95% CI,1.08–2.29). The difference between Turkish and the Dutch attenuated and was no longer statistically significant after further adjustment for comorbidities. There were no ethnic differences in short-term and long-term risk of death, and risk of readmission among day clinic patients.

Conclusion: Compared with Dutch patients with a comparable comorbidity rate, ethnic minority patients with dementia did not have a worse prognosis. Given the poor prognosis of dementia, timely and targeted advance care planning is essential, particularly in ethnic minority groups who are mired by cultural barriers and where uptake of advance care planning is known to be low.
Shape-Attributes of Brain Structures as Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Glozman Tanya , Solomon Justin , Pestilli Franco , Guibas Leonidas ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2016

We describe a fully automatic framework for classification of two types of dementia based on the differences in the shape of brain structures. We consider Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment of individuals who converted to AD within 18 months (MCIc), and normal controls (NC). Our approach uses statistical learning and a feature space consisting of projection-based shape descriptors, allowing for canonical representation of brain regions. Our framework automatically identifies the structures most affected by the disease. We evaluate our results by comparing to other methods using a standardized data set of 375 adults available from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Our framework is sensitive to identifying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, achieving up to 88.13% accuracy in classifying MCIc versus NC, outperforming previous methods.
Molecular characterization of the adsorptive properties of extended graphene towards polyaromatic compounds of environmental interest: chrysene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[b]fluoranthene
Authors: Araujo Vianeis , Cubillán Nestor , Lindo-Oñate Oscar , Castellano Olga
Published: November 2016

The geometry, electronic properties and energy of the complexes formed between an extended graphene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,PAHs, were investigated at the Density Functional Theory (DFT) level. We have studied the interaction of benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, benzo[a]anthracene and benzo[b]fluoranthene with graphene models of dimensions of 15 Å, × 15 Å and 20 Å × 20 Å. These calculations were performed within the generalized gradient approximation GGA using the HCTH functional and the numerical DNP basis set. According to the results, the HCTH/DNP methodology can qualitatively describe attractive interactions occurring between the weakly-polar systems, verifying the formation of molecular complexes stabilized by Keesom or Debye forces. The interaction dipole moments and polarizabilities indicate that the interaction of permanent dipoles and induced dipoles are responsible for the complex formation in weakly polar PAHs. These results are useful to understand the processes of adsorption of PAHs by graphene.
Alternatives to GDP - Measuring the impact of natural disasters using panel data
Authors: Döpke Jörg , Maschke Philip
Published: November 2016

A frequent criticism of GDP states that events that obviously reduce welfare of people can nevertheless increase GDP per capita. We use data of natural disasters as quasi experiments to examine whether alternatives to GDP (Human Development Index, Progress Index, Index of Economic Well-Being and a Happiness Index) lead to more plausible responses to disasters. Applying a Differences-in-Differences approach and estimates from various panels of countries we find no noteworthy differences between the response of real GDP per capita and the responses of suggested alternative welfare measures to a natural disaster except for the Human Development Index.
Value ``added'': Why consistency in aggregation is essential for global accounting standards, and how to achieve it
Authors: Reich Utz-Peter
Published: November 2016

The paper argues that additive inconsistencies in national accounts may be admissible, and coped with, within the scope of a national economy, and over a short period of time, but they are destructive when carried up to a supranational, or even global level, and over the long run. The paper proves that in contrast to current tenets an additive chain index consistent in aggregation exists, and it demonstrates the theoretical fact by application to actual data from Denmark, and Germany. The theory behind is simple, not mathematics but pure logic: a value added which is not additive is a contradiction, in itself. The paper has been presented to the IARIW-OECD Special Conference on ``The Future of the SNA'' held at Paris, France, on April 16-17, 2015.
New indicators to assess price-competitiveness developments in the four largest euro-area countries and in their main trading partners
Authors: Felettigh Alberto , Giordano Claire , Oddo Giacomo , Romano Valentina
Published: November 2016

This paper provides a new set of monthly price-competitiveness indicators for 62 countries, which are to be adopted by the Bank of Italy as its new official indicators. We employ updated trade weights that take into account the highly relevant competitive pressures of local producers in all outlet markets while guaranteeing a vast geographical coverage in international standards. We also assess price competitiveness with respective to different sub-groups of trading partners, namely euro-area vs. non euro-area countries. Focusing on the four largest economies in the euro area, in the period 1999-2014 Germany and France's price competitiveness is found to have improved; it was roughly stable in Italy whereas it deteriorated in Spain.
A new method for measuring historical poverty trends: Incorporating geographic differences in the cost of living using the Supplemental Poverty Measure
Authors: Nolan Laura , Garfinkel Irwin , Kaushal Neeraj , Nam JaeHyun , Waldfogel Jane , Wimer Christopher
Published: November 2016

The U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently developed a substantially improved measure of poverty, the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). The SPM has only been released since 2009, and prior efforts by researchers to construct a historical SPM time series have not taken into account an essential element of the new measure - geographical differences in the cost of living - which is necessary for accurately describing poverty trends in important demographic and regional subgroups. We build the first historical SPM time series from 1967-2014 that adjusts poverty thresholds for cost of living. We do so bringing together a constellation of data sources - the Current Population Survey, the Decennial Census, the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Fair Market Rents, and others. We find that geographically adjusting thresholds increases poverty rates in metro areas, the Western states, and among Latinos, but decreases poverty rates in non-metro areas and in the South. The geographic adjustment of poverty thresholds is an impactful component of the SPM.
The Åstrand-Ryhming Test is not a Feasible Measure in Ambulatory Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: van Groenestijn Annerieke C. , Verschuren Olaf , Schröder Carin D. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Visser-Meily Johanna M.A.
Published: November 2016

Background: Ambulatory patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) show a decreased aerobic capacity which may hamper the ability to perform activities of daily living. A standardized measure, however, for assessing aerobic capacity in patients with ALS during the disease course, is lacking.

Objective: To examine the feasibility of the Åstrand-Ryhming (ÅR) test protocol longitudinally in ambulatory patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods: Seven ambulatory male patients with spinal ALS onset were assessed at baseline and at 4, 7 and 10 months’ follow-up. Feasibility of the ÅR test protocol was analysed using percentage of: a) completed ÅR tests; b) achieved steady states; and c) predefined heart rates.

Results: Test completion decreased from 7/7 at baseline to 10/21 at follow-up due to ALS-related symptoms as fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps. Steady states and predefined heart rates were achieved in 12/17 and 17/17 of the completed tests, respectively. Overall, the feasibility of the ÅR test protocol declines from 5/7 at baseline to 7/21 at follow-up.

Conclusions: The results suggest that changes in aerobic capacity in ambulatory patients with ALS could not be successfully monitored due to a diminished feasibility of the ÅR test protocol.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases in Inflammation and Fibrosis of Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Alameddine Hala S. , Morgan Jennifer E.
Published: November 2016

In skeletal muscles, levels and activity of Matrix MetalloProteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitors of MetalloProteinases (TIMPs) have been involved in myoblast migration, fusion and various physiological and pathological remodeling situations including neuromuscular diseases. This has opened perspectives for the use of MMPs’ overexpression to improve the efficiency of cell therapy in muscular dystrophies and resolve fibrosis. Alternatively, inhibition of individual MMPs in animal models of muscular dystrophies has provided evidence of beneficial, dual or adverse effects on muscle morphology or function. We review here the role played by MMPs/TIMPs in skeletal muscle inflammation and fibrosis, two major hurdles that limit the success of cell and gene therapy. We report and analyze the consequences of genetic or pharmacological modulation of MMP levels on the inflammation of skeletal muscles and their repair in light of experimental findings. We further discuss how the interplay between MMPs/TIMPs levels, cytokines/chemokines, growth factors and permanent low-grade inflammation favor cellular and molecular modifications resulting in fibrosis.
European Cross-Sectional Survey of Current Care Practices for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Reveals Regional and Age-Dependent Differences
Authors: Vry Julia , Gramsch Kathrin , Rodger Sunil , Thompson Rachel , Steffensen Birgit F. , Rahbek Jes , Doerken Sam , Tassoni Adrian , Beytía María de los Angeles , Guergueltcheva Velina , Chamova Teodora , Tournev Ivailo , Kostera-Pruszczyk Anna , Kaminska Anna , Lusakowska Anna , Mrazova Lenka , Pavlovska Lenka , Strenkova Jana , Vondráček Petr , Garami Marta , Karcagi Veronika , Herczegfalvi Ágnes , Bushby Katherine , Lochmüller Hanns , Kirschner Janbernd
Published: November 2016

Background: Publication of comprehensive clinical care guidelines for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in 2010 was a milestone for DMD patient management. Our CARE-NMD survey investigates the neuromuscular, medical, and psychosocial care of DMD patients in Europe, and compares it to the guidelines.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1677 patients contacted via the TREAT-NMD patient registries was conducted using self-report questionnaires in seven European countries.

Results: Survey respondents were 861 children and 201 adults. Data describe a European DMD population with mean age of 13.0 years (range 0.8–46.2) of whom 53% had lost ambulation (at 10.3 years of age, median). Corticosteroid medication raised the median age for ambulatory loss from 10.1 years in patients never medicated to 11.4 years in patients who received steroids ( p < 0.0001). The majority of patients reported receiving care in line with guidelines, although we identified significant differences between countries and important shortcomings in prevention and treatment. Summarised, 35% of patients aged≥ nine years received no corticosteroid medication, 24% of all patients received no regular physiotherapy, echocardiograms were not performed regularly in 22% of patients, pulmonary function was not regularly assessed in 71% of non-ambulatory patients. Patients with regular follow-up by neuromuscular specialists were more likely to receive care according to guidelines, were better satisfied, and experienced shorter unplanned hospitalization periods.
An update on larynx cancer
Authors: Steuer Conor E. , El‐Deiry Mark , Parks Jason R. , Higgins Kristin A. , Saba Nabil F.
Published: November 2016

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Laryngeal cancer remains one of the most common tumors of the respiratory tract. Fortunately, significant advancements have been made over the past decade in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Although surgery has been the historical mainstay for localized disease and still is an integral part of treatment, nonsurgical options like radiation and systemic therapy have emerged as viable options. In addition, in the metastatic setting, novel agents are showing promise for this patient population. The care for patients with laryngeal cancer continues to evolve and truly requires a multidisciplinary team‐based approach. Unique morbidities, such as loss of natural voice, respiration, and airway protection during swallowing, are observed with this disease and require special consideration. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:31–50. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
The First Nutcracker, the Enchantment of International Relations, and the Franco-Russian Alliance
Authors: Mahiet Damien
Published: November 2016

Despite the lively scholarly debate on the place of The Sleeping Beauty (1890) in the political and cultural history of the Franco-Russian alliance in the 1890s, the representation of international relations in the first production of The Nutcracker (1892) has so far received little attention. This representation includes the well-known series of character dances in the second act of the ballet, but also the use of French fashion from the revolutionary era to costume the party guests, the mechanical dolls, the toy soldiers, and even Prince Nutcracker. The fairy-tale world offered a frame that not only promoted the absolutist aspirations of Alexander III's regime, but also solved the symbolic challenge of a problematic alliance between republican France and tsarist Russia. The same visual repertoire informed diplomatic life: four years after The Nutcracker, in 1896, the décor for the state visit of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna in France duplicated that of the fairy-tale world on stage.