bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in the use of older overactive bladder agents and uptake of fesoterodine and mirabegron in Canada
Authors: Minhas Rajwant , Tadrous Mina , Elterman Dean , Gomes Tara 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo examine early trends in the use of overactive bladder (OAB) agents across Canada, with a focus on initial uptake and reimbursement of two newer agents: fesoterodine, an anticholinergic, and mirabegron, a therapeutically novel beta‐3 agonist.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based cross‐sectional study of outpatient prescriptions for long‐acting oral OAB agents dispensed to individuals in Canada between May 2010 and April 2015 to examine the differences in the uptake of the newer agents and their reimbursement through cash, private, and public payers.ResultsThe national dispensing rate of OAB agents increased by 60% from May 2010 to April 2015 (from 924 to 1475 units per 10 000). We observed an increase in the dispensing rate of fesoterodine, solifenacin, and mirabegron, but a decrease in that of tolterodine and oxybutynin. Mirabegron was adopted rapidly after Health Canada approval, growing to a rate of 191 units per 10 000 by study completion, with its uptake being primarily funded through private payers (72.2%). Conversely, fesoterodine's uptake was minimal (8.3 units per 10 000) prior to its listing on public plans. This increased to 185 units per 10 000 by study completion, with the majority (65%) paid for by public insurers.ConclusionsThe differences in the uptake and reimbursement of two new OAB agents emphasize the impact of therapeutically novel agents on the prescription rates of older OAB agents with significant adverse effects. Further studies are needed to explain changes in the dispensing rates as more provinces list the newer drugs on their formulary.
Combining conversation analysis and event sequencing to study health communication
Authors: Pecanac Kristen E. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTGood communication is essential in patient‐centered care. The purpose of this paper is to describe conversation analysis and event sequencing and explain how integrating these methods strengthened the analysis in a study of communication between clinicians and surrogate decision makers in an intensive care unit. Conversation analysis was first used to determine how clinicians introduced the need for decision‐making regarding life‐sustaining treatment and how surrogate decision makers responded. Event sequence analysis then was used to determine the transitional probability (probability of one event leading to another in the interaction) that a given type of clinician introduction would lead to surrogate resistance or alignment. Conversation analysis provides a detailed analysis of the interaction between participants in a conversation. When combined with a quantitative analysis of the patterns of communication in an interaction, these data add information on the communication strategies that produce positive outcomes. Researchers can apply this mixed‐methods approach to identify beneficial conversational practices and design interventions to improve health communication.
Risk for use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics in partners of glioma patients—A nationwide study covering 19 years of prescriptions
Authors: Jansson Maria R.N. , von Heymann‐Horan Annika , Rasmussen Birthe K. , Albieri Vanna , Frederiksen Kirsten , Suppli Nis , Dalton Susanne O. , Johansen Christoffer , Bidstrup Pernille E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveSuffering from malignant brain tumor is a stressful condition, for patients and their partners. In a retrospective cohort study using nationwide registries, we examined partners' risk for first use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, or hypnotics.MethodsWe followed all 4373 partners of adults with glioma, diagnosed in 1998 to 2013 in Denmark and a cohort of 43 808 partners of glioma‐free persons matched 1:10. In Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for a first prescription of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, or hypnotics) according to the partner's glioma status. Among partners of glioma patients, we further estimated HRs for a first prescription of psychotropic medication according to disease characteristics, sociodemographic factors, and bereavement.ResultsTwo years after diagnosis, 29% of female and 21% of male partners of glioma patients had had a first prescription of psychotropic medication compared with 10% in female and 8% in male partners of glioma‐free persons. Partners of glioma patients had a significantly increased, 4‐fold higher risk for a first prescription of psychotropic medications in the first year after diagnosis than partners of glioma‐free persons (HR 4.10, 95% CI, 3.80:4.43). Among partners of glioma patients, the risk was significantly reduced in bereaved compared with non‐bereaved partners.ConclusionsWe have documented, for the first time, that the psychological impact of a diagnosis of glioma is such a severe stress exposure that it increases the risk for having medication prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety, sleep problems, and depression.
Differential expression of Annexin 2, SPINK1, and Hsp60 predict progression of prostate cancer through bifurcated WHO Gleason score categories in African American men
Authors: Beyene Desta A. , Naab Tammey J. , Kanarek Norma F. , Apprey Victor , Esnakula Ashwini , Khan Farahan A. , Blackman Marc R. , Brown Collis A. , Hudson Tamaro S. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundAlthough studies have observed several markers correlate with progression of prostate cancer (PCa), no specific markers have been identified that accurately predict the progression of this disease, even in African American (AA) men who are generally at higher risk than other ethnic groups. The primary goal of this study was to explore whether three markers could predict the progression of PCa.MethodWe investigated protein expression of Annexin 2 (ANX2), serine peptidase inhibitor, kazal type 1(SPINK1)/tumor‐associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI), and heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) in 79 archival human prostate trans‐rectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy tissues according to a modified World Health Organization (WHO) classification: normal (WHO1a), Gleason Score (GS6 (WHO1b), GS7 subgroups (WHO2 = 3 + 4, WHO3 = 4 + 3), GS8 (WHO4), and GS9‐10 (WHO5). AA men aged 41‐90 diagnosed from 1990 to 2013 at Howard University were included. Automated staining assessed expression of each biomarker. Spearman correlation assessed the direction and relationship between biomarkers, WHO and modified WHO GS, age, and 5‐year survival. A two‐tailed t‐test and ANOVA evaluated biomarkers expression in relationship to WHO normal and other GS levels, and between WHO GS levels. A logistic and linear regression analysis examined the relationship between biomarker score and WHO GS categories. Kaplan‐Meier curves graphed survival.ResultsANX2 expression decreased monotonically with the progression of PCa while expression of SPINK1/TATI and Hsp60 increased but had a more WHO GS‐specific effect; SPINK1/TATI differed between normal and GS 2‐6 and HSP60 differed between GS 7 and GS 2‐6. WHO GS was found to be significantly and negatively associated with ANX2, and positively with SPINK1/TATI and Hsp60 expression. High SPINK1/TATI expression together with the low ANX2 expression at higher GS exhibited a bi‐directional relationship that is associated with PCa progression and survival.ConclusionImportantly, the data reveal that ANX2, and SPINK1/TAT1 highly associate with WHO GS and with the transition from one stage of PrCa to the next in AA men. Future research is needed in biracial and larger population studies to confirm this dynamic relationship between ANX2 and SPINK1 as independent predictors of PCa progression in all men.
A linear‐time method for computing the ANOS of Bernoulli and Poisson CUSUM charts
Authors: Pollard Emma , Davis Darwin , Saniga Erwin , Lucas James 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe average number of observations to signal (ANOS) is an important measure of the effectiveness of Bernoulli or Poisson cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts. Being able to quickly and accurately calculate an ANOS vector facilitates effective control chart design. We present a linear‐time method for computing the ANOS of Bernoulli CUSUM charts and generalize to Poisson CUSUM charts. This method overcomes computation challenges associated with previously existing methods.
The low beta anomaly: A corporate bond investor's perspective
Authors: Bektić Demir 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe low beta anomaly is well documented for equity markets. However, the existence of such a factor in corporate bond markets is less explored. I find that European corporate bonds of firms with a low equity beta have higher risk‐adjusted returns, on average, than European corporate bonds of firms with a high equity beta. The results are economically and statistically significant as low beta credit portfolios improve the Sharpe ratio up to 30%. Moreover, even after accounting for transaction costs and by considering long‐only portfolios, the risk‐adjusted return remains substantial indicating practical implementability of the strategy for corporate bond investors.
Comparative review of novel model‐assisted designs for phase I clinical trials
Authors: Zhou Heng , Murray Thomas A. , Pan Haitao , Yuan Ying 
Published: April 2018

A number of novel phase I trial designs have been proposed that aim to combine the simplicity of algorithm‐based designs with the superior performance of model‐based designs, including the modified toxicity probability interval, Bayesian optimal interval, and Keyboard designs. In this article, we review these “model‐assisted” designs, contrast their statistical foundations and pros and cons, and compare their operating characteristics with the continual reassessment method. To provide unbiased and reliable results, our comparison is based on 10 000 dose‐toxicity scenarios randomly generated using the pseudo‐uniform algorithm recently proposed in the literature. The results showed that the continual reassessment method, Bayesian optimal interval, and Keyboard designs provide comparable, superior operating characteristics, and each outperforms the modified toxicity probability interval design. These designs are more likely to correctly select the maximum tolerated dose and less likely to overdose patients.
Phthalocyanine‐containing polymer derived porous carbon as a solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for the enrichment of phenylurea herbicides from water and vegetable samples
Authors: Wang Yao , Xiao Ruobai , Yang Ershun , Wu Qiuhua , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this study, a porous carbon was prepared by the carbonization of a phthalocyanines‐containing polymer. The carbon material was characterized by using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The material was used as the solid phase extraction adsorbent for the enrichment of five phenylurea herbicides (monuron, monolinuron, isoproturon, chlortoluron, and buturon) from water and vegetable samples prior to high performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Under the optimized conditions, a good linearity for the analytes existed in the range of 0.1–80.0 ng/mL for water samples, 0.5–80.0 ng/g for white turnip samples, and 0.2–80.0 ng/g for cucumber samples, with determination coefficients of 0.9987–0.9998. The limits of detection for the five analytes at a signal to noise ratio of 3 were 0.01–0.02 ng/mL for water, 0.05–0.10 ng/g for white turnip and 0.03–0.05 ng/g for cucumber. The limits of quantification at the signal to noise ratio of 9 were 0.03–0.06 ng/mL for water, 0.15–0.3 ng/g for white turnip, and 0.1–0.15 ng/g for cucumber.
Modeling prize‐based open design challenges: General framework and FANG‐1 case study
Authors: Suh Eun Suk , de Weck Olivier Ladislas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMany organizations are resorting to open prize‐based challenges and competitions to identify the best possible designs for their future products or services. As an example, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) hosted an open challenge for designing the drivetrain and mobility subsystem of a Fast Adaptable Next‐Generation Ground Vehicle (FANG‐1) in early 2013. A $1 million prize was awarded to the team with the highest concept score and the design was subsequently physically implemented and tested. The competition was the first attempt by DARPA to utilize crowdsourcing for the design of complex military systems, which is in contrast with contracting directly with a small number of incumbent firms within the defense industry. The competition attracted over 200 participating teams and the winning team was announced in April 2013. In this paper, inspired by the FANG‐1 challenge, a generalizable simulation model for predicting the dynamics of open prize‐based design challenges and competitions is developed using a combination of several modeling methods. The model is then applied to simulate the dynamics of the FANG‐1 challenge ex post facto, including an approximation of the distribution of team scores as well as the interteam motivational interactions. Using the simulation model, various sensitivity analyses were then performed to identify factors that could enhance future design challenges and competitions in terms of resulting innovation and productivity.
A disclosure of social and environmental results/economy resulting from the implementation of reverse logistics and final disposal of the post‐consumption product: The case of computer peripherals industry
Authors: Slomski Valmor , Slomski Vilma Geni , Valim Gilson Giungi , Vasconcelos Ana Lúcia Fontes de Souza 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis research was conducted with the objective of determining and evidencing the social and environmental/economic results from the implementation of a reverse logistics program providing for the recycling, reuse, and, when necessary, final, environmentally correct disposal of post‐consumption products and product wastes by a multinational manufacturer of computer peripherals with an operation based in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The reverse logistics process (logisticareversa, or, in this paper, LR) was intended to meet the objectives and principles of the regulatory framework defined in the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) in Brazil. A single case study was carried out. The results showed that after the adoption of the solid waste management policy, the study company no longer disposed of 1,413,552 kilograms (kg) of materials classified as mixed iron, polystyrene, cardboard, toner powder, and plastic in landfills. The LR process made a profit in two companies: the company surveyed made, in Brazilian reais (R), R$ 9,188,185.51, and the company contracted to carry out the process made, R$ 411,325.97. This latter profit is called by us the “social profit.” The measurement of the environmental/economic, social, and financial results by internalizing the expenses of the LR program into the costs of production shows that reuse and recycling better meets the needs of society and the company than landfilling these post‐consumption materials. Furthermore, the use of cost accounting allows the verification of other goals not indicated in the current model, such as the generation of employment, income, mitigation of environmental problems, and the profit earned by the company contracted to implement the LR process. We also conclude that cost accounting makes it possible to obtain necessary information for decision makers, who are seeking to neutralize environmental impacts and promote sustainable development, thus harmonizing the economic, social, and environmental aspects, to understand the impacts of the LR process.
A comparative study on cost analysis, efficiency, and process mechanism of effluent treatment plants in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Nilay Kumar , Sarkar Suman 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInvestigations were conducted into the treatment of effluents produced during manufacturing processes at both a chemicals production facility and a paint manufacturing facility. A comparison of costs of wastewater treatment at both facilities was also performed. The untreated effluents from both facilities were high in biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS). In addition, the effluents from the two facilities deviated significantly in dissolved oxygen (DO) content and pH levels. However, both facilities ultimately released treated wastewater with allowable amounts or levels of BOD, COD, TDS, DO, and pH as permitted by the Department of the Environment, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Bangladesh (DOE). The effluent treatment plants (ETP) at both facilities contained combinations of chemical and biological treatment processes. The treatment processes used at the chemicals production facility and at the paint manufacturing facility were continuous and semi‐batch processes, respectively. The biological treatment section of the ETP at the chemicals production facility has both anaerobic and aerobic units, while the paint manufacturing facility has only an aerobic unit. Annual installation and operation costs of the ETP at the chemicals production facility was Bangladeshi Taka (Tk) 1,300,000 ($16,667 US dollars) and Tk 800,000 ($10,257), respectively. The annual installation and operation costs of the ETP at the paint manufacturing facility were Tk 3,050,000 ($39,103) and Tk 6,200,000 ($79,488), respectively.
JUSTIFIED GROUP BELIEF IS EVIDENTIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROUP BELIEF
Authors: Silva Paul 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTWhat conditions must be satisfied if a group is to count as having a justified belief? Jennifer Lackey (2016) has recently argued that any adequate account of group justification must be sensitive (in certain ways) to both the evidence actually possessed by enough of a group's operative members as well as the evidence those members should have possessed. I first draw attention to a range of objections to Lackey's specific view of group justification and a range of concrete case intuitions any plausible view of group justification must explain. I then offer an alternative view of group justification where the basic idea is that group justification is a matter of groups responsibly responding to their total evidence. This view both avoids the problems facing Lackey's account and also explains the relevant concrete case intuitions.
Mobilizing the Young: The Role of Social Networks
Authors: Anderson Cameron D. , Stephenson Laura B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDisaffection of youth from politics is a well-documented phenomenon in many countries. In this article, we consider whether the social networks of young people have the same influence on political engagement as they have been found to have for older adults. We use a single dataset to test the effects of discussion and disagreement on the political engagement of young people (30 and under) and older adults. We find that social network discussion has a stronger effect on the engagement of young people but that disagreement has no clear differential effect.
Do Canadian Mining Firms Behave Worse Than Other Companies? Quantitative Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Haslam Paul Alexander , Ary Tanimoune Nasser , Razeq Zarlasht M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe effects of Canadian mining companies on local communities abroad is an increasingly contentious topic as activists and academics, citing case studies, have drawn attention to alleged problems. Despite the policy relevance of this issue, there have been no generalizable analyses of whether mining companies headquartered in Canada behave differently from mining firms headquartered in other countries. This paper conducts the first rigorous statistical analysis of the effect of country of origin, or more specifically, “being Canadian,” on the occurrence of known social conflicts in Latin America. We use an original database of 634 mining properties in five Latin American countries, which allows us to differentiate between a country-of-origin effect and other probable determinants of social conflict in communities near mining properties. We find that Canadian mining firms perform slightly better than other foreign firms, but worse than locally owned firms.
Slamming the Door on Trade Policy Discretion? The WTO Appellate Body’s Ruling on Market Distortions and Production Costs in EU–Biodiesel (Argentina)
Authors: CROWLEY MEREDITH A. , HILLMAN JENNIFER A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a legal–economic analysis of the Appellate Body's decision in EU–Biodiesel (Argentina) that the WTO's Anti-Dumping Agreement (ADA) does not permit countries to take into account government-created price distortions of major inputs when calculating anti-dumping duties. In this case, the EU made adjustments to the price of biodiesel's principal input – soybeans – in determining the cost of production of biodiesel in Argentina. The adjustment was made based on the uncontested finding that the price of soybeans in Argentina was distorted by the existence of an export tax scheme that resulted in artificially low soybean prices. The Appellate Body found that the EU was not permitted to take tax policy-induced price distortions into account in calculating dumping margins. We analyze the economic rationale for Argentina's export tax system, distortions in biodiesel markets in Argentina and the EU, and the remaining trade policy options for addressing distorted international prices. We also assess whether existing subsidies disciplines would be more effective in addressing this problem and conclude that they would not.
Pregnancy risk factors related to autism: an Italian case–control study in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), their siblings and of typically developing children
Authors: Grossi E. , Migliore L. , Muratori F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study, carried out in two Italian Institutions, assesses the frequency of 27 potential autism risk factors related to pregnancy and peri- and postnatal periods by interviewing mothers who had children with autism, children with autism and one or two typically developing siblings, or only typically developing children. The clinical sample included three case groups: 73 children and adolescents with autism (Group A), 35 children and adolescents with autism (Group A1) having 45 siblings (Group B) and 96 typically developing children (Group C) matched for gender and age. Twenty-five out of 27 of risk factors presented a higher frequency in Group A in comparison with Group C and for nine of them a statistically significant difference was found. Twenty-one out of 27 of risk factors presented a higher frequency in Group A in comparison with Group B. A higher prevalence of environmental risk factors was observed in 11 risk factors in the Group A1 in comparison with Group B and for nine of them an odds ratio higher than 1.5 was found. For 13 factors there was a progressive increase in frequency going from Group C, B and A and a statistically higher prevalence of the mean number of stressful events per pregnancy was recorded in Group A when compared with Groups B and C. The results suggest that environmental, incidental phenomena and stressful life events can influence pregnancy outcome in predisposed subjects, pointing out a possible threshold effect in women who are predisposed to have suboptimal pregnancies.