bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite element design and analysis of adaptive base isolator utilizing laminated multiple magnetorheological elastomer layers
Authors: Li Yancheng , Li Jianchun
Published: April 2015

Available magnetorheological elastomer devices normally consist one to two layers of small-size magnetorheological elastomer materials. To be used in large-scale structures, magnetorheological elastomer devices with multiple larger magnetorheological elastomer materials are expected. This article addresses the critical issue in designing a large-scale device with multiple layers of low magnetic conductive magnetorheological elastomer materials, that is, magnetic circuit design. The primary target in magnetic circuit design for magnetorheological elastomer devices is to provide sufficient and uniform magnetic field to all magnetorheological elastomer layers in the device. In this article, finite element investigations are conducted. An innovative magnetic circuit design is proposed for magnetorheological elastomer base isolator with multi-layer of magnetorheological elastomer materials. In the design, laminated magnetorheological elastomer and steel structure is adopted as part of the magnetic core together with two steel blocks. Cylindrical steel tube is used as the yoke of the magnetic circuit. Two plates are placed on the top and bottom of the device to form enclosed magnetic path in the device. Finite element results showed that such innovative magnetic design is able to provide sufficient and uniform magnetic field to all magnetorheological elastomer layers, that is, 25 magnetorheological elastomer layers with thickness of 1 mm and diameter of 120 mm in this case. Finally, the influence of lateral deformation of the magnetorheological elastomer base isolator on the magnetic field is investigated. It is found that the magnetic field in magnetorheological elastomer materials deteriorates when the deformation of the device increases.
Performance in Tangible and in Cognitive Stock-Flow Tasks
Authors: Strohhecker Jürgen , Größler Andreas
Published: April 2015

Background. Most research in the area of dynamic decision making in general and stock-flow failures in particular is conducted with the help of computerized simulations as task environments or paper-based tasks of simple dynamic systems.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to investigate if stock-flow failures persist in naturalistic decision making environments.

Methods. For this purpose, a tangible stock-flow experiment is used. It asks participants to meet a target level of water in a glass by pouring water through a funnel as fast as possible. We then compare their performance with a purely cognitive task (a manufacturing task).

Results. Participants on average did not significantly perform better in a tangible stock-flow task than in a paper-based test of a comparable task. In addition, individual performance in the tangible task cannot be related to performance in a similar paper-pencil stock-flow task.

Conclusions. An implication of this study is that tangible stock-flow tasks are as difficult for humans to control as are purely cognitive tasks. Further research should address individual differences between the two task modes (tangible vs. cognitive). A limitation of this study is the usage of only one tangible stock-flow task.
Nutrition Science and Behavioral Theories Integrated in a Serious Game for Adolescents
Authors: Majumdar Dalia , Koch Pamela A. , Lee Gray Heewon , Contento Isobel R. , de Lourdes Islas-Ramos Ana , Fu Daniel
Published: April 2015

Purpose. Serious games have demonstrated positive effects on adolescent eating and physical activity. The purpose of this paper is to describe how constructs from social cognitive theory (SCT) and self-determination theory (SDT) were operationalized in the development of the serious game CREATURE 101 (C-101) to engage players in acquiring motivation, knowledge, skills, and personal agency.

Approach. C-101 was developed from an evaluated nutrition and science curriculum for middle school youth, Choice, Control & Change (C3). Its behavior change goals are three pairs of “increase/decrease” behaviors: increase water / decease sweetened beverages, increase fruit and vegetables / decrease processed snacks (chips, candy etc), and increase physical activity (light, medium, intense) / decrease recreational screen time (watching TV, playing video games for fun) through a “virtual companion care” motif where the players bring their adopted creatures back to health.

Several procedures or strategies were used to develop the story line and activities in C-101 to address autonomy, competence and relatedness from SDT and outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and behavioral capability from SCT, constructs shown in previous studies as likely to enhance effectiveness of nutrition and physical activity interventions.

Implications. This description of how the theory constructs and procedures were used to create an entertaining serious game based on an existing evaluated health-related curriculum can help game developers, curriculum developers, and educators who wish to expand existing curricula through the development and integration of games into their work.
Factors Affecting Indigenous West Australians’ Health Behavior
Authors: Waterworth Pippa , Dimmock James , Pescud Melanie , Braham Rebecca , Rosenberg Michael
Published: April 2015

The factors driving the disparity in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians include socio-economic factors, racism, and history. The current study focused on exploring Indigenous participants’ perspectives of the factors that affect the health behavior of their community members. Participatory action research methodology and a grounded theory approach were utilized. In total, 120 members of two urban West Australian Indigenous communities participated in focus group discussions. There was substantial similarity between the themes that emerged within the discussions held in the two communities. Factors relating to culture, social connections, racism, communication, and personal aspects were particularly salient to health behavior of the participants. Several of the themes including culture, racism, communication, and distrust highlight the tension caused by being a member of a minority cultural group that has been marginalized by the practices and attitudes of the dominant cultural group. Personal choice was sometimes prioritized over health.
Knowledge Sharing, Abusive Supervision, and Support
Authors: Kim Seckyoung Loretta , Kim Myungsun , Yun Seokhwa
Published: April 2015

Knowledge sharing is essential for achieving sustainable competitive advantages for organizations. Yet, there is a paucity of studies examining how a supervisor’s behavior, particularly, abusive supervision may become a barrier of individuals’ knowledge sharing. Drawing on insights from social exchange theory, this study investigates the influence of abusive supervision on knowledge sharing, moderated by support from organization and coworker. Consistent with our hypotheses, abused employees do not share their knowledge, but the negative effect could be buffered when they perceive high organizational support. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Concurrent Administration of Sexual Assault Prevention and Risk Reduction Programming
Authors: Gidycz Christine A. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Probst Danielle R. , Edwards Katie M. , Murphy Megan , Tansill Erin
Published: April 2015

The present study describes the 4- and 7-month postintervention outcomes of a sexual assault risk reduction program for women, which was part of an evaluation that included a prevention program for men. Relative to the control group, participants evidenced more relational sexual assertiveness and self-protective behavior, and were more likely to indicate that they utilized active verbal and physical self-defense strategies. Whether or not women experienced subsequent victimization did not differ between groups. Relative to control group women who were victimized, program participants who were victimized between the 4- and 7-month follow-up blamed the perpetrator more and evidenced less self-blame.
Detection of soft errors in LU decomposition with partial pivoting using algorithm-based fault tolerance
Authors: Yao Erlin , Zhang Jiutian , Chen Mingyu , Tan Guangming , Sun Ninghui
Published: April 2015

Soft errors in scientific computing applications are becoming inevitable with the ever-increasing system scale and execution time, and new technologies that feature increased transistor density and lower voltage. Soft errors can be mainly classified into two categories: bit-flipping error (e.g. 1 becomes −1) in random access memory; and computation error (e.g. 1+1 = 3) in floating point units. Traditionally, bit-flipping error is handled by the Error Correcting Code (ECC) technique, and computation error is dealt with the Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) method. Note that, ECC cannot handle computation error, while TMR cannot deal with bit-flipping error and is not efficient on handling computation error. To uniformly and efficiently handle both computation and bit-flipping errors in matrix operations, the Algorithm-Based Fault Tolerance (ABFT) method is developed. This paper focuses on the detection of soft errors in the LU Decomposition with Partial Pivoting (LUPP) algorithm, which is widely used in scientific computing applications. First, this paper notes that existing ABFT methods are not adequate to detect soft errors in LUPP in terms of time or space. Then we propose a new ABFT algorithm which can detect soft errors in LUPP both flexible in time and comprehensive in space. Flexible in time means that soft errors can be detected flexibly during the execution instead of only at the end of LUPP, while comprehensive in space indicates that all of the elements in data matrices ( L and U) will be covered for detecting soft errors. To show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, this paper has incorporated it into the implementation of LUPP in the widely used benchmark High Performance Linpack (HPL). Experiment results verify the feasibility of this algorithm: for soft errors injected at various timings and to different elements in LUPP, this algorithm has detected most of the injected errors, which have covered all of the errors that cannot pass the residual check of HPL. Both theoretical overhead analysis and experiments demonstrate that this ABFT algorithm is also very efficient at detecting soft errors in LUPP.
Feedback-controlled lubrication for reducing the lateral vibration of flexible rotors supported by tilting-pad journal bearings
Authors: Salazar Jorge G , Santos Ilmar F
Published: April 2015

The feedback-controlled lubrication regime, based on a model-free designed proportional–derivative controller, is experimentally investigated in a flexible rotor mounted on an actively-lubricated tilting-pad journal bearing. With such a lubrication regime, both the resulting pressure distribution over the pads and hence the bearing dynamic properties are dynamically modified. The control strategy is focused on reducing the lateral vibrations of the system around its operational equilibrium within a wide frequency range. To synthesize the proportional–derivative controller gains, an objective function is optimized in the stabilizing gain domain and then chosen from a subdomain imposed by servovalve restrictions. This work demonstrates enhancements of the dynamic response of flexible rotor-bearing systems supported by an active tilting-pad journal bearing by means of the feedback-controlled lubrication regime featured via proportional–derivative controllers.
Effect of friction heat on tribological behaviors of Kevlar fabric composites filled with polytetrafluoroethene
Authors: Jian Liu , Yongzhen Zhang , Sanming Du , Fei Lu
Published: April 2015

Friction heat obviously influences the tribological behaviors of Kevlar fabric composites filled with polytetrafluoroethene and thermal fatigue is a key factor to result in wear failure. Especially, when the working temperature of the friction pair is up to a critical value, an abrupt change in tribological behaviors of the braided composites may occur. For reducing and controlling wear of the self-lubricating material, operating conditions applied in braided composites were determined and the tribological behaviors of the Kevlar fabric composites filled with polytetrafluoroethene were investigated under different working temperatures using an oscillatory high load, high-frequency tribo-tester, to study the relationships between temperature and friction and wear. The results show that the friction coefficient of the braided composites is apparently affected by the working temperature, an obvious decrease in friction coefficient occurring with temperature from 10 ℃ to 50 ℃ and reaching stability with the range from 50 ℃ to 130 ℃ but having an abrupt change in 140 ℃, while the working temperature also has an evident impact on the wear resistance of the material, with a trend shift in wear of the composites occurring in 140 ℃. In order to maintain good friction and wear behaviors for the braided composites, it is better having the working temperature below 140 ℃. Microscopic analysis of worn surfaces using scanning electron microscope under different working temperatures indicates that the worn surfaces under low working temperature have good lubricating states with not much reinforced fibers exposed, while under high working temperature the local lubrication layers on the friction surfaces peel off and interior fibers are much exposed due to fatigue fracture, resulting in severe wear.
“The Letter after Your Name”: Party Labels on Virginia Ballots
Authors: Garlick Alex
Published: April 2015

In 2000, Virginia became the last state in the nation to add party labels to its ballots for state-level races. This article assesses the impact of this reform on citizen participation and the partisan behavior of down-ballot voters using precinct-level election returns. It finds that after the application of labels, roll-off in contested, down-ballot races dropped by about a percentage point, a reduction of approximately 15%. Roll-off dropped more in precincts with a larger share of African Americans. Also, the association between Republican vote shares in the Lt. Governor and state legislative races and presidential vote share in the 2000 general election became stronger in the presence of party labels. This result suggests that the labels made voters behave more as national partisans in state-level contests.
Temporal Change in the Density of State Interest Communities: 1980 to 2007
Authors: Lowery David , Gray Virginia , Cluverius John
Published: April 2015

Two very different kinds of models—cross-sectional models based on the logic of island biogeography and time series models of density dependence—are used to understand interest system density. While they share much in common, it is not at all clear how results derived from cross-sectional models are to be understood in terms of the temporal focus of the time series approach. Thus, the first purpose of this article is to more thoroughly think through how these two modeling strategies and their empirical findings are related to each other. We empirically assess several theoretical conjectures about the relationship of the two modeling strategies by adding a temporal element to the typical cross-sectional analysis of state interest systems via modeling density dependence pooled across four cross-sections from 1980, 1990, 1997, and 2007. By doing so, we add to the literature on state interest system density by examining how it has changed since 1980. Finally, we discuss the nature of this change and what it implies for the temporal development of state interest communities, the second focus of this analysis.
Culture or No Culture? A Latino Critical Research Analysis of Latino Persistence Research
Authors: Gonzalez Roger Geertz , Morrison Jeaná
Published: April 2015

The recent literature on Latino persistence does not take into account these students’ distinct cultural backgrounds. Most researchers of Latino persistence use the self-designation “Latino” as a proxy variable representing Latino culture. A Latino Critical Theory (LatCrit) lens is applied to the persistence literature to demonstrate the need to infuse these studies with a focus on Latino culture.
Handing Over the Reins
Authors: Koranyi Nicolas , Meissner Franziska
Published: April 2015

Initiating and maintaining an intimate relationship means to live an interdependent life in which conflicts of interest are unavoidable. The occurrence and the impact of those conflicts are minimized to the degree to which individuals are motivated and able to put their own goals aside and accommodate to their partner’s needs. In the present research, we examined the underlying processes that allow individuals to tolerate partner dependence when initiating a relationship. Specifically, we hypothesized that under conditions of high motivation to increase closeness to a potential partner, individuals neutralize negative attitudes toward dependence. We induced motivation to increase closeness by instructing participants to image a situation where an attractive mate reciprocates romantic interests. Subsequently, implicit attitudes toward dependence were assessed with an Implicit Association Test. Results were in line with the hypothesis and are discussed in the framework of accommodative self-regulation.
Advantage of impulse oscillometry over spirometry to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and monitor pulmonary responses to bronchodilators: An observational study
Authors: Saadeh Constantine , Saadeh Charles , Cross Blake , Gaylor Michael , Griffith Melissa
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

This retrospective study was a comparative analysis of sensitivity of impulse oscillometry and spirometry techniques for use in a mixed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group for assessing disease severity and inhalation therapy.

Methods:

A total of 30 patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were monitored by impulse oscillometry, followed by spirometry. Lung function was measured at baseline after bronchodilation and at follow-up (3–18 months). The impulse oscillometry parameters were resistance in the small and large airways at 5 Hz (R5), resistance in the large airways at 15 Hz (R15), and lung reactance (area under the curve X; AX).

Results:

After the bronchodilator therapy, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) readings evaluated by spirometry were unaffected at baseline and at follow-up, while impulse oscillometry detected an immediate improvement in lung function, in terms of AX ( p = 0.043). All impulse oscillometry parameters significantly improved at follow-up, with a decrease in AX by 37% ( p = 0.0008), R5 by 20% ( p = 0.0011), and R15 by 12% ( p = 0.0097).

Discussion:

Impulse oscillometry parameters demonstrated greater sensitivity compared with spirometry for monitoring reversibility of airway obstruction and the effect of maintenance therapy. Impulse oscillometry may facilitate early treatment dose optimization and personalized medicine for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Asthma Controller Medications for Children in Japan
Authors: Hamada Shota , Tokumasu Hironobu , Sato Akira , Iwasaku Masahiro , Kawakami Koji
Published: April 2015

Background. Treatment and management strategies for asthma in children are generally consistent internationally, but prescription of antiasthma drugs differs among countries. The objective of this study was to examine the prescribing patterns of antiasthma drugs, particularly controller medications, in children. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed in children with asthma using an administrative claims database in Japan. Results. A total of 1149 preschool-age and 3226 school-age children were identified. Leukotriene receptor antagonists were prescribed for about 80% of the children. Long-acting β-agonists were prescribed for 87.6% and 59.6% of preschool-age and school-age children, respectively, whereas prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids had lower rates of 8.2% and 16.5%, respectively. In an examination of prescriptions at 1-month intervals, a relatively high number of children were prescribed bronchodilators without anti-inflammatory agents. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that asthma care for children in Japan can be improved through changes in drug prescriptions.
Psychiatric Providers’ Willingness to Participate in Shared Decision Making When Prescribing Psychotropics
Authors: Ali Saadia , Smith Tawny L. , Mican Lisa , Brown Carolyn
Published: April 2015

Background: Patients with mental health disorders experience difficulty in selecting treatments. With a paternalistic approach, patients are not offered an opportunity to provide input. Shared decision making (SDM) occurs when providers and patients collaborate on informed treatment decisions. Research on psychiatric providers’ perceptions toward SDM is limited. Objective: This pilot study aimed to determine psychiatric providers’ willingness to engage in SDM and factors that influence willingness. Methods: This cross-sectional, self-report study measured willingness, attitude, experiences, and barriers related to SDM as well as demographic/practice characteristics. A survey was e-mailed to psychiatric providers at 3 psychiatric institutions. Results: Out of 80 providers e-mailed, 29 (36.3%) responded. Providers had a favorable attitude toward SDM (3.26 ± 0.24, range = 1-4) and a high willingness to use SDM (3.43 ± 0.50, range = 1-4). The most common SDM methods were discussions (96.6%) and written material (89.7%). Common perceived barriers included limited patient capacity (86.2%) and limited time with patient (62.1%). Current SDM users (3.46 ± 0.51) had a higher willingness to engage in SDM than noncurrent users (3.00 ± 0.00), t = 4.63, df = 25.0, P < .001. Attitude and willingness were positively related ( r = .62, P < .001). Attitude did not vary based on demographic/practice characteristics. Conclusions: Willingness to use SDM was positively related to a favorable attitude toward SDM. Larger, geographically diverse, randomized controlled trials need to be conducted to evaluate the willingness of psychiatric providers to conduct SDM.
High thermal conductivity diamond coated graphite by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Lyu J.-L. , Bai H. , Yu J.-H. , Xue C. , Nishimura K. , Li H. , Jiang N.
Published: April 2015

Diamond film was grown on high thermal conductivity graphite substrate using microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method. Nanodiamond particles were uniformly seeded on the substrate to generate high nucleation density by a spray gun. The continuous and high purity diamond film was obtained, and growth rate was up to 2.7 μm h− 1. The thickness, surface morphology, quality and composite phase of the film were analysed by SEM, Raman and X-ray diffraction. It was shown that graphite coated with diamond presented a higher thermal conductivity (520 W m− 1 k− 1) than copper. Furthermore, this coated material with high thermal conductivity, good strength and non-conductive surface will make it possible to be widely used in thermal management field.
Temporal and technical variability of human gut metagenomes
Authors: Voigt Anita Y , Costea Paul I , Kultima Jens Roat , Li Simone S , Zeller Georg , Sunagawa Shinichi , Bork Peer
Published: April 2015

Background

Metagenomics has become a prominent approach for exploring the role of the gut microbiota in human health. However, the temporal variability of the healthy gut microbiome has not yet been studied in depth using metagenomics and little is known about the effects of different sampling and preservation approaches. We performed metagenomic analysis on fecal samples from seven subjects collected over a period of up to two years to investigate temporal variability and assess preservation-induced variation, specifically, fresh frozen compared to RNALater. We also monitored short-term disturbances caused by antibiotic treatment and bowel cleansing in one subject.

Results

We find that the human gut microbiome is temporally stable and highly personalized at both taxonomic and functional levels. Over multiple time points, samples from the same subject clustered together, even in the context of a large dataset of 888 European and American fecal metagenomes. One exception was observed in an antibiotic intervention case where, more than one year after the treatment, samples did not resemble the pre-treatment state. Clustering was not affected by the preservation method. No species differed significantly in abundance, and only 0.36% of gene families were differentially abundant between preservation methods.

Conclusions

Technical variability is small compared to the temporal variability of an unperturbed gut microbiome, which in turn is much smaller than the observed between-subject variability. Thus, short-term preservation of fecal samples in RNALater is an appropriate and cost-effective alternative to freezing of fecal samples for metagenomic studies.
An intelligent decision supporting system for international classification of functioning, disability, and health
Authors: Hsieh Wei-Fen , Chen Lieu-Hen , Hung Hao-Ming , Sato-Shimokawara Eri , Takama Yasufumi , Yamaguchi Toru , Wu Eric Hsiao-Kuang , Chen Yu-Wei
Published: April 2015

Background

In recent years, the population structure in Taiwan has changed so dramatically. Based on concerns of social welfare issues, Taiwanese government began to seek principles for assessment of disability. After seven years of carefully evaluation, the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (Abbreviated to ICF) is officially adopted as Taiwan’s assessment standard while most of the assessment procedures of ICF are sophisticated, and time consuming.

In this paper, we propose a sensor based decision supporting system for ICF. Our prototype system aims to reduce the burden of medical staffs, and to assist subjects to perform the assessments.

Methods

This paper integrate multiple devices including ASUS XtionTM, temperature/acceleration/gyro sensors on Arduino, and Zigbee to measure the mobility of limbs and joints. The subject’s log of assessments is then recorded in the database so that the medical staffs can remote-monitor the co ndition of subjects immediately, and analyze the results later. Additionally, in our system, a user-friendly interface is implemented for the detection of dementia.

Results

In this paper, three experiments have been conducted for different purpose. The experiment was conducted to compare the variation between thermometer and our device. Moreover, we invited 20 elders aged for 65 to 80 to use our system and all of them gave positive feedback. Two elders were invited to perform full assessment for dementia and the results show that both of them didn’t have sign of dementia. Also, the assessment of joint movement was performed by a 67 year-old elder and the result shows that the elder had well physical function and could take care of daily life.

Conclusions

The proposed system has potential for aiding users to perform the ICF testing better and provide benefits to medical staffs and society. With current technology, integration between sensor network systems and artificial intelligence approaches will more and more important. We develop a simple interface for user to manipulate and perform the ICF assessment. In addition, the early detection of dementia likely has the potential to provide patients with an increased level of precaution, which may improve quality of life.
Sensitivity-kernel-based tomographic migration velocity analysis using reverse time migration angle-image gathers
Authors: Xia Fan , Jin Shengwen , Pajchel Jan
Published: April 2015

Sensitivity-kernel-based tomographic migration velocity analysis (TMVA) provides a means to better update the migration velocity model in complex media. For actual seismic data with finite-frequency bandwidth, migration velocity updated from wave-equation-based tomography is more suitable and robust than ray-based tomography for images obtained from reverse time migration (RTM). Depth residuals in the RTM-extracted angle-image gathers offer a reliable source of velocity information. We have developed cost-effective means of calculating the angle-domain sensitivity kernel and incorporated it into the TMVA approach using RTM angle-image gathers. The angle-domain sensitivity kernels are used to convert the depth residuals from RTM angle-image gathers into velocity perturbations, which were then used to refine the velocity model. We derived an approximate analytical residual moveout function for measuring depth residuals of the RTM angle-image gather in isotropic media and also devised a workflow for sensitivity-kernel-based TMVA. The workflow maintains the simplicity of ray-based tomography by replacing the rays with the more accurate angle-domain sensitivity kernels. We determined the capability of this method in updating migration velocity with the 2D Sigsbee2 model and the 3D SEAM model. Our method significantly improved the quality of the migrated depth image and flattened the RTM angle-image gathers.
EMERGE: A Randomized Phase II Study of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate Glembatumumab Vedotin in Advanced Glycoprotein NMB–Expressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Yardley Denise A. , Weaver Robert , Melisko Michelle E. , Saleh Mansoor N. , Arena Francis P. , Forero Andres , Cigler Tessa , Stopeck Alison , Citrin Dennis , Oliff Ira , Bechhold Rebecca , Loutfi Randa , Garcia Agustin A. , Cruickshank Scott , Crowley Elizabeth , Green Jennifer , Hawthorne Thomas , Yellin Michael J. , Davis Thomas A. , Vahdat Linda T.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Glycoprotein NMB (gpNMB), a negative prognostic marker, is overexpressed in multiple tumor types. Glembatumumab vedotin is a gpNMB-specific monoclonal antibody conjugated to the potent cytotoxin monomethyl auristatin E. This phase II study investigated the activity of glembatumumab vedotin in advanced breast cancer by gpNMB expression.

Patients and Methods

Patients (n = 124) with refractory breast cancer that expressed gpNMB in ≥ 5% of epithelial or stromal cells by central immunohistochemistry were stratified by gpNMB expression (tumor, low stromal intensity, high stromal intensity) and were randomly assigned 2:1 to glembatumumab vedotin (n = 83) or investigator's choice (IC) chemotherapy (n = 41). The study was powered to detect overall objective response rate (ORR) in the glembatumumab vedotin arm between 10% (null) and 22.5% (alternative hypothesis) with preplanned investigation of activity by gpNMB distribution and/or intensity (Stratum 1 to Stratum 3).

Results

Glembatumumab vedotin was well tolerated as compared with IC chemotherapy (less hematologic toxicity; more rash, pruritus, neuropathy, and alopecia). ORR was 6% (five of 83) for glembatumumab vedotin versus 7% (three of 41) for IC, without significant intertreatment differences for predefined strata. Secondary end point revealed ORR of 12% (10 of 83) versus 12% (five of 41) overall, and 30% (seven of 23) versus 9% (one of 11) for gpNMB overexpression (≥ 25% of tumor cells). Unplanned analysis showed ORR of 18% (five of 28) versus 0% (0 of 11) in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and 40% (four of 10) versus 0% (zero of six) in gpNMB-overexpressing TNBC.

Conclusion

Glembatumumab vedotin is well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with breast cancer. Although the primary end point in advanced gpNMB-expressing breast cancer was not met for all enrolled patients (median tumor gpNMB expression, 5%), activity may be enhanced in patients with gpNMB-overexpressing tumors and/or TNBC. A pivotal phase II trial (METRIC [Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer]) is underway.
TBCRC009: A Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial of Platinum Monotherapy With Biomarker Assessment in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Isakoff Steven J. , Mayer Erica L. , He Lei , Traina Tiffany A. , Carey Lisa A. , Krag Karen J. , Rugo Hope S. , Liu Minetta C. , Stearns Vered , Come Steven E. , Timms Kirsten M. , Hartman Anne-Renee , Borger Darrel R. , Finkelstein Dianne M. , Garber Judy E. , Ryan Paula D. , Winer Eric P. , Goss Paul E. , Ellisen Leif W.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The identification of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who are expected to benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy is of interest. We conducted a single-arm phase II clinical trial of single-agent platinum for mTNBC with biomarker correlates.

Patients and Methods

Patients with mTNBC received first- or second-line cisplatin (75 mg/m2) or carboplatin (area under the concentration-time curve 6) by physician's choice once every 3 weeks. Coprimary end points were objective response rate (RR) and response prediction by p63/p73 gene expression. Secondary and exploratory end points included toxicity assessment, RR in cisplatin versus carboplatin, and RR in molecularly defined subgroups, including BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Results

Patients (N = 86; 69 as first-line therapy) received cisplatin (n = 43) or carboplatin (n = 43). RR was 25.6% (95% CI, 16.8% to 36%) and was numerically higher with cisplatin (32.6%) than with carboplatin (18.7%). RR was 54.5% in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations (n = 11). In patients without BRCA1/2 mutations (n = 66), exploratory analyses showed that a BRCA-like genomic instability signature (n = 32) discriminated responding and nonresponding tumors (mean homologous recombination deficiency–loss of heterozygosity/homologous recombination deficiency–large-scale state transitions [HRD-LOH/HRD-LST] scores were 12.68 and 5.11, respectively), whereas predefined analysis by p63/p73 expression status (n = 61), p53 and PIK3CA mutation status (n = 53), or PAM50 gene expression subtype (n = 55) did not. Five of the six long-term responders alive at a median of 4.5 years lacked germline BRCA1/2 mutations, and two of them had increased tumor HRD-LOH/HRD-LST scores.

Conclusion

Platinum agents are active in mTNBC, especially in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations. A measure of tumor DNA repair function may identify patients without mutations who could benefit from platinum therapy agents. Prospective controlled confirmatory trials are warranted.
GnRH Regulates Gonadotropin Gene Expression Through NADPH/Dual Oxidase-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Kim Taeshin , Lawson Mark A.
Published: April 2015

The appropriate control of synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropin hormones LH and FSH by pituitary gonadotropes is essential for the regulation of reproduction. The hypothalamic neuropeptide GnRH is the central regulator of both processes, coordinating secretion with transcription and translation of the gonadotropin hormone subunit genes. The MAPK family of second messengers is strongly induced in gonadotropes upon GnRH stimulation, and multiple pathways activate these kinases. Intracellular reactive oxygen species participate in signaling cascades that target MAPKs, but also participate in signaling events indicative of cell stress. The NADPH oxidase (NOX)/dual oxidase (DUOX) family is a major enzymatic source of intracellular reactive oxygen, and we show that GnRH stimulation of mouse primary pituitary cells and the LβT2 gonadotrope cell line elevates intracellular reactive oxygen via NOX/DUOX activity. Mouse pituitary and LβT2 cells abundantly express NOX/DUOX and cofactor mRNAs. Pharmacological inhibition of NOX/DUOX activity diminishes GnRH-stimulated activation of MAPKs, immediate-early gene expression, and gonadotropin subunit gene expression. Inhibitor studies implicate the calcium-activated DUOX family as a major, but not exclusive, participant in GnRH signaling. Knockdown of DUOX2 in LβT2 cells reduces GnRH-induced Fshb, but not Lhb mRNA levels, suggesting differential sensitivity to DUOX activity. Finally, GnRH pulse-stimulated FSH and LH secretion are suppressed by inhibition of NOX/DUOX activity. These results indicate that reactive oxygen is a potent signaling intermediate produced in response to GnRH stimulation and further suggest that reactive oxygen derived from other sources may influence the gonadotrope response to GnRH stimulation.
Perovskite Photovoltaics: Rare Functions of Organo Lead Halide in Solar Cells and Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: April 2015

Organo-lead halide perovskite compounds, otherwise called organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite, represented by CH3NH3PbI3, exhibit many rare functions as narrow-band-gap semiconductors that are superior in applications for photovoltaic power conversion as well as for high-gain photon-mode detection of visible light. In this review, photoelectric properties of solution-processed CH3NH3PbI3 films and future perspectives in low-cost device fabrication are discussed based on our investigations.
An object oriented implementation of the Yeadon human inertia model
Authors: Dembia Christopher , Moore Jason K. , Hubbard Mont
Published: April 2015

We present an open source software implementation of a popular mathematical method developed by M.R. Yeadon for calculating the body and segment inertia parameters of a human body. The software is written in a high level open source language and provides three interfaces for manipulating the data and the model: a Python API, a command-line user interface, and a graphical user interface. Thus the software can fit into various data processing pipelines and requires only simple geometrical measures as input.
Facilitating Effects of Group Behavior
Authors: Красовский  , Krasovskiy Yuriy
Published: April 2015

The paper describes specifi c ways, in which the phenomenon of social facilitation manifests itself in the teamwork of an organizational unit staff , peculiarities

of teamwork under specifi c conditions, the role of a leader, i.e. moderator, in arranging the workers’ successful creative activities. Also analyzed are typical

mistakes in moderators’ behavior, being the result of ignorance of certain social and psychological patterns. The paper provides concrete managerial cases

and algorithms on how to assess each case, shows how the group standard-setting process works; describes six alternatives of how role leadership positions

can come into play and specifi cs of little groups formation under the conditions of spontaneous set-up and consolidation of group standards of conduct, group

sanctions of group opinions, group diversity of roles and statuses in the context of any given group orientation towards a leadership position, which can

manifest itself in various role-playing combinations. Also proposed are basic criteria to assess how well organizational culture of management is being shaped.

The paper in based on the author’s personal experience in moderating, managing and consulting with respect to his work with the large US-Russian holding

company (embracing 24 fi rms) as the Director for Strategic Development and Human Resource Management.
Personnel Support for Regional Development
Authors: Симонова  , Simonova Marina
Published: April 2015

This paper examines trends in the qualitative and quantitative development of the human resources of the Volga. Analysis of trends is based on statistics. The

basic possibility of compensation quantitative reduction of labor. It is proved that on the basis of the quality of the workforce with innovative features can

increase the competitiveness of all areas of the economy and create breakthrough technologies. Quantitative characteristics of human resources in the region

are formed on the basis of natural and migratory movements and are infl uenced by numerous objective and subjective factors that are both national and

regional peculiarities. Overcoming the negative demographic trends is an important regional task, consistent solution which can allow to change the existing

situation reduction of natural increase and reach the simple reproduction in the medium term. Important resource for attracting migrants in the Volga region

is the system of vocational education, which has a fairly high level of development and strong potential for growth.
Competition to Fill Vacancies of Civil Servants As the Instrument of Career Growth
Authors: Буканин  , Bukanin S.
Published: April 2015

The paper analyzes effi ciency of competition to fi ll vacancies at the public offi ces, as an instrument for civil servants’ career development. The legal and regulatory

framework and methodical guidelines for civil servants competitive selection are considered in the context of improving the system of career growth at civil

services. Based on the results of empirical study, conducted by the author in order to identify civil servants attitudes to the mechanism of competitive selection,

the author provides proposals on how to improve mechanisms of fi lling vacancies at civil offi ces, including reforming the system of selection fi rst-time applicants

to civil service jobs as well as the system for fi lling vacancies and maintaining highly professional personnel reserve. Considered also are perspectives for

introducing amendments to legal frameworks, regulating the procedure of competitive selection of civil servants.
Employment Problems of Disabled
Authors: Семенова  , Semenova I. , Борисова  , Borisova N.
Published: April 2015

The problem of employment is especially acute nowadays for disabled people. At the heart of problem is a confl ict between legal requirements to employ people

with disabilities on the one part, and reluctance of employers to employ the disabled, on the other part. Municipal employment centers in cooperation with

other involved agencies try to fi nd proper jobs for disabled workers, in the process implementing recommendations of individual professional rehabilitation

programs. Based on analysis of the current situation the conclusion is made, that job seekers with disabilities usually encounter especially aggravated diffi culties

when trying to obtain employment by themselves. The paper considers the most frequent reasons for denials of employment to disabled job seekers and resulting

social and psychological problems. Advantages of having disabled workers at staff , opportunities of inclusive education and distance work as an employing

option for a disabled individual are outlined.
Approaches to Assessment of Personnel Training Effectiveness
Authors: Корепанова  , Korepanova D.
Published: April 2015

Personnel training is considered nowadays to be not only one of the core processes in personnel management, but also a signifi cant source of competitive advantage to any organization. Therefore, personnel training should be viewed as the investment in human capital. As any investment is expected to produce payoff to an organization, this highlights the need to assess the level of personnel training eff ectiveness. Numerous experts in the fi eld have attempted to develop a universal model and approach for assessing eff ectiveness of personnel training. The paper considers some of these approaches and provides comparison study thereof. Each organization is free to choose a specifi c strategy for assessing eff ectiveness of training, dependant on industrial context, specifi cs of its operations, personnel composition and profi le, etc. That is why it is important to examine the most frequently used approaches to assessment of personnel training eff ectiveness, as it allows to develop some feasible variations of approaches, which would fi t best to a given organization.
Studying Working Life Quality of Younger Teachers at Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Соболь  , Sobol O.
Published: April 2015

The very context of ongoing modernization of the current educational system emphasizes the need to solve the problem of recruiting and retaining talented younger specialists. Consequently, primary attention should be focused on studying the working life quality of younger higher school teachers, as it is one of the powerful tools to improve work satisfaction of this category of higher educational institutions staff . The paper provides the defi nition for working life quality of younger teachers at higher educational institutions, outlines key indicators needed to evaluate the degree of their working life quality. The author presents outcomes of his own empiric research of working life quality among younger teachers of higher educational institutions. Analysis of the data obtained is also presented, including an attempt to assess working life quality and career development of younger lecturers, teaching at higher educational institutions. The main trouble areas are also highlighted. Based on his research, the author makes conclusions concerning ways of further improving the working life quality of younger higher school teachers.
The Main Objectives and Principles of Socio-Economic Forecasting
Authors: Суворов  , Suvorov Anatoliy , Ивантер  , Ivantyer Viktor , Сутягин  , Sutyagin Valyeriy
Published: April 2015

The methodological foundations of socio-economic forecasting are considered in this paper. The forecasting’s

definition is given; the forecasting’s role and place in national economy regulation are considered. Forecasts

types’ classification and the forecasting’s basic principles have been presented. Forecasting models’

structure and classification, as well as socio-economic forecasts’ elements and development stages have

been considered.
Special Features of Industrial Complexes’ National Economic Forecasting
Authors: Алешко  , Aleshko O. , Буданов  , Budanov Igor , Устинов  , Ustinov V.
Published: April 2015

The methodological approaches to national economic forecasting of industries and markets are considered in this paper. The main attention has been paid to features related to coordination of processes determining by macro- and microeconomic factors. The algorithm of forecasting constructions on the example of ferrous metallurgy has been considered. The main results of the forecasting constructions for short-term and midterm have been presented.
Personnel Management in the Public Service in the Context of the Modernization Process in Kazakhstan
Authors: Досымбекова  , Dosymbekova Roza
Published: April 2015

The article presents the results of a study of modern public service modernization in the period of

administrative reform in Kazakhstan. In the administrative aspect of the emphasis on human resource

component in the process of implementation of the administrative reform, transformation and optimization of

state bodies. The issues of organizational effectiveness, new technological processes in the activities of civil

servants. Formation of Kazakhstan’s statehood is closely linked with a wide range of issues of theoretical

and practical understanding of human resource management in the public service.
Multiperiod Bus Timetabling
Authors: Ibarra-Rojas Omar J. , López-Irarragorri Fernando , Rios-Solis Yasmin A.
Published: April 2015

The timetabling subproblem of bus transit network planning determines the departure times for all trips of the lines along the entire day. Most of the public transport networks consider planning periods identical for all lines. In this study we drop this strong assumption by introducing specific periods for each line, which is more realistic. Thus, we propose the multiperiod synchronization bus timetabling (MSBT) problem, which specifies the departure times of the trips of all lines where each line has its own planning periods along the day, with the objective of optimizing synchronization events: maximize passenger transfers and minimize bus bunching along the network.

We propose an integer linear programming formulation for the MSBT problem and analyze the structural properties of this formulation by a constraint propagation methodology. These properties are the basis for different operators that lead to the design of efficient metaheuristics for solving the problem. We empirically obtain high-quality feasible solutions for real size instances and show that by considering a multiperiod approach, synchronization events of trips belonging to different planning periods are not ignored, as it is the case when several single period timetables are merged.