bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Problem Standardization and Algorithm Comparison in Multibody System
Authors: Lu Ying , Williams Jedediyah , Trinkle Jeff , Lacoursière Claude 
Published: January 2015

The underlying dynamic model of multibody systems takes the form of a differential Complementarity Problem (dCP), which is nonsmooth and thus challenging to integrate. The dCP is typically solved by discretizing it in time, thus converting the simulation problem into the problem of solving a sequence of complementarity problems (CPs). Because the CPs are difficult to solve, many modelling options that affect the dCPs and CPs have been tested, and some reformulation and relaxation options affecting the properties of the CPs and solvers have been studied in the hopes to find the “best” simulation method. One challenge within the existing literature is that there is no standard set of benchmark simulations.
In this paper, we propose a framework of Benchmark Problems for Multibody Dynamics (BPMD) to support the fair testing of various simulation algorithms. We designed and constructed a BPMD database and collected an initial set of solution algorithms for testing. The data stored for each simulation problem is sufficient to construct the CPs corresponding to several different simulation design decisions. Once the CPs are constructed from the data, there are several solver options including the PATH solver, nonsmooth Newton methods, fixed-point iteration methods for nonlinear problems, and Lemke’s algorithm for linear problems. Additionally, a user-friendly interface is provided to add customized models and solvers.
As an example benchmark comparison, we use data from physical planar grasping experiments. Using the input from a physical experiment to drive the simulation, uncertain model parameters such as friction coefficients are determined. This is repeated for different simulation methods and the parameter estimation error serves as a measure of the suitability of each method to predict the observed physical behavior.
A Conceptual Design and Modeling Approach for Determining the Revised Energy Generation Potential due to Site Obstructions for Micro-Scale Wind Turbines
Authors: Hurdelbrink Keith , Siddique Zahed 
Published: January 2015

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of renewable energy technologies. Micro-scale wind turbines are becoming increasingly more popular as individuals seek more innovative and efficient ways of reducing their energy demand. However, even with more efficient wind energy harvesting devices, it is not uncommon for the anticipated energy harvesting potential for a wind turbine to be vastly different from the actual energy generation capability for a site. This paper will introduce the problems associated with accurately predicting the energy generation potential of wind energy harvesting systems considering several power loss factors. The focus of this paper is on the use of commonly available engineering tools and simulations to evaluate obstructions on the implementation site and energy harvesting technologies in order to maximize the energy generation potential.
The issues of energy generation prediction accuracy will be addressed by incorporating high-resolution weather data and computer simulations into a predictive model. Additionally, several correction factors and design guidelines for the successful implementation of micro-scale wind turbines will be introduced and discussed. A multi-step approach is introduced to collect weather data, generate revised energy generation potential models for various land regions, account for common site obstructions through the use of correction factors, and formulate a final set of recommendations for the wind turbine implementation site. A set of design guidelines are also developed to assist in turbine placement for specific site locations. The guidelines are based on the revised energy generation prediction model, wind speed correction factors for common site obstructions, orientation and placement of the wind turbine, and other factors. Verification of the guidelines has been performed through Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation. The design approach and guidelines are examined and results presented for one case study.
Body Mass Index Is Associated with Gene Methylation in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Tumors
Authors: Hair Brionna Y. , Troester Melissa A. , Edmiston Sharon N. , Parrish Eloise A. , Robinson Whitney R. , Wu Michael C. , Olshan Andrew F. , Swift-Scanlan Theresa , Conway Kathleen 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background: Although obesity is associated with breast cancer incidence and prognosis, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Identification of obesity-associated epigenetic changes in breast tissue may advance mechanistic understanding of breast cancer initiation and progression. The goal of this study, therefore, was to investigate associations between obesity and gene methylation in breast tumors.
Methods: Using the Illumina GoldenGate Cancer I Panel, we estimated the association between body mass index (BMI) and gene methylation in 345 breast tumor samples from phase I of the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based case–control study. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify sites that were differentially methylated by BMI. Stratification by tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status was also conducted.
Results: In the majority of the 935 probes analyzed (87%), the average beta value increased with obesity (BMI ≥ 30). Obesity was significantly associated with differential methylation (FDR q &lt; 0.05) in just two gene loci in breast tumor tissue overall and in 21 loci among ER-positive tumors. Obesity was associated with methylation of genes that function in immune response, cell growth, and DNA repair.
Conclusions: Obesity is associated with altered methylation overall, and with hypermethylation among ER-positive tumors in particular, suggesting that obesity may influence the methylation of genes with known relevance to cancer. Some of these differences in methylation by obese status may influence levels of gene expression within breast cells.
Impact: If our results are validated, obesity-associated methylation sites could serve as targets for prevention and treatment research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(3); 580–6. ©2015 AACR.
W okowach etniczności? Wybrane partie etnoregionalne w Serbii i Chorwacji (1990–2012)
Authors: Mikucka-Wójtowicz Dominika 
Published: January 2015

In the grip of ethnicity? The functioning of selected ethnoregionalist parties in Serbia and CroatiaIn the last twenty years we have been able to observe an increase in the significance of regional and ethnic identities (“reethnification”), and a resultant proliferation of ethnoregional and regional groupings. But although ethnoregionalist parties (ERP) are widespread in both Western and Central and Eastern Europe, there remains surprisingly little literature differentiating between the various kinds of ethnoregionalist parties and dealing with the lack of common definition of this kind of political actors. Some scholars even propose using a broader term – ethnic party. Moreover, over the years many scholars have believed (and some continue to) that their emergence in multicultural societies conjures up the politicisation of ethnic division and – practically inevitably – leads to “ethnic outbidding”, threatening to the stability of democracy.In the first part of the paper, the author deals with the conceptualisation of ethnoregionalist parties, examining the diversifications of their demands and strategies and showing that to gain voters they can invoke a much broader repertoire of strategies than the ethnic outbidding model suggested. The second part of the article is devoted to the problem of operation of selected ERPs in Serbia and Croatia. The analysis covers Hungarian parties in Serbia and Serbian ones in Croatia. In the concluding remarks, the author tries to point out the main reasons for the changes in their strategy (as well as demands) over time. W okowach etniczności? Wybrane partie etnoregionalne w Serbii i Chorwacji (1990–2012)Na przestrzeni ostatnich dwóch dekad możemy obserwować wyraźny wzrost znaczenia regionalnych i etnicznych tożsamości, prowadzący do powstawania coraz większej liczby ugrupowań etnoregionalnych i regionalnych. Mimo to – podobnie jak w przypadku wielu innych, istotnych i aktualnych współcześnie zjawisk społecznych – zdania badaczy w kwestii przyczyn reetnicyzacji systemów partyjnych, funkcjonowania partii etnoregionalnych, ich typów czy relacji z demokracją pozostają podzielone. Celem artykułu jest przybliżenie toczącej się w tym zakresie dyskusji oraz zaprezentowanie na jej tle wstępnych wyników badań dotyczących funkcjonowania wybranych ugrupowań etnoregionalnych w Serbii i Chorwacji.
Novel Radiographic Feature Classification of Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans
Authors: Wall Eric J. , Polousky John D. , Shea Kevin G. , Carey James L. , Ganley Theodore J. , Grimm Nathan L. , Jacobs John C. , Edmonds Eric W. , Eismann Emily A. , Anderson Allen F. , Heyworth Benton E. , Lyon Roger ,   the Research on OsteoChondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) Study Group, Murnaghan M. Lucas , Nissen Carl , Weiss Jennifer , Wright Rick , Myer Gregory D. 
Published: January 2015

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a vexing condition for patients, parents, and physicians because of the frequent slow healing and nonhealing that leads to prolonged treatment. Several features on plain radiographs have been identified as predictors of healing, but the reliability of their measurement has not been established. Purpose: To determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of several radiographic features used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of OCD femoral condyle lesions. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Pretreatment anteroposterior, lateral, and notch radiographs of 45 knees containing OCD lesions of the medial or lateral femoral condyle were reviewed in blinded fashion by 7 orthopaedic physician raters from different institutions over a secure web portal at 2 time points over a month apart. Classification variables included lesion location, growth plate maturity, parent bone radiodensity, progeny bone fragmentation, progeny bone displacement, progeny bone contour, lesion boundary, and radiodensity of the lesion center and rim. Condylar width and lesion size were measured on all views. Interrater reliability was assessed using free-marginal kappa and intraclass correlations. Intrarater reliability was assessed using the Cohen kappa, linear-weighted kappa, and intraclass correlations based on measurement type. Results: Raters had excellent reliability for differentiating medial and lateral lesions and growth plate maturity and for measuring condylar width and lesion size. In the subset of knees with visible bone in the lesion, the fragmentation, displacement, boundary, central radiodensity, and contour (concave/nonconcave) of the lesion bone were classified with moderate to substantial reliability. The radiodensity of the lesion rim and surrounding epiphyseal bone were classified with poor to fair reliability. Conclusion: Many diagnostic features of femoral condyle OCD lesions can be reliably classified on plain radiographs, supporting their future testing in multifactorial classification systems and multicenter research to develop prognostic algorithms. Other radiographic features should be excluded, however, because of poor reliability.
Lending a hand: Can DASH items help ABILHAND improve manual ability measurement in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Barrett Louise , Cano Stefan , Zajicek John , Hobart Jeremy 
Published: January 2015

Background: Our examination in multiple sclerosis (MS) of the ABILHAND, a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument measuring manual ability, identified limited measurement range and precision. These deficiencies could lead to type II errors in clinical trials. Objectives: This paper aims to determine if ABILHAND’s measurement performance in MS can be improved by adding relevant items from the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (DASH). Methods: The 23-item ABILHAND and 30-item DASH were administered to 461 people with MS. Data from the ABILHAND were combined with 16 DASH items to create a 39-item scale (AD-39). Using Rasch Measurement Theory methods, we compared the psychometric properties of AD-39 with ABILHAND. Results: Data were analysed from 300 people. AD-39 performed robustly as a measure and had greater measurement range, lower floor and ceiling effects, and higher reliability (person separation index 0.97) than ABILHAND. Surprisingly, AD-39 appeared no better than ABILHAND at detecting group differences in self-reported hand function. Conclusion: Despite improving some psychometric properties, adding 16 DASH items to the ABILHAND did not improve its measurement performance to the degree expected. Our explanations for this anomaly emphasise the importance of evidence-based, conceptually driven scale modifications guided by hypothesis testing psychometric methods.
The changing face of multiple sclerosis: Prevalence and incidence in an aging population
Authors: Solaro C , Ponzio M , Moran E , Tanganelli P , Pizio R , Ribizzi G , Venturi S , Mancardi GL , Battaglia MA 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To assess multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence from 1998 to 2007, and MS prevalence on 31 December 2007, in the province of Genoa, Italy. Methods: We identified MS cases diagnosed before 31 December 2007 by analyzing archives of hospitals with neurological or rehabilitation wards, the local Italian MS society, family doctor records and requests for oligoclonal band analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Results: A total of 1312 MS patients were residing in the province of Genoa on the prevalence day; 431 (32.85%) were men and 881 (67.15%) were women; mean age was 50.6 (± 13.9). The overall crude MS prevalence rate was 148.5/100,000; 103.1/100,000 in men and 189.1/100,000 in women. The crude mean annual MS incidence rate was 6.6 cases/100,000 (4.4/100,000 men; 8.6/100,000 women). Mean age at diagnosis was 39.5 ± 12.3 (men: 39.9 ± 13.0; women: 39.3 ± 11.9). A mean annual incidence of 4 MS patients ≥ 60 was observed. Conclusions: We observed an increased MS prevalence in the province of Genoa, compared to 1997. The mean age at diagnosis was relatively high (39 years old), 18% of our MS patients were over 65, and a notable incidence increase was seen in patients over 60. This has important implications, in terms of the need to organize the health system to better serve elderly MS patients, especially considering comorbidities and different medical needs of elderly MS patients; and to increase awareness within the medical community about the increasing risk of newly-presenting MS in the older population.
Low intensity lympho-ablative regimen followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in severe forms of multiple sclerosis: A MRI-based clinical study
Authors: Curro’ Daniela , Vuolo Luisa , Gualandi Francesca , Bacigalupo Andrea , Roccatagliata Luca , Capello Elisabetta , Uccelli Antonio , Saccardi Riccardo , Sormani Maria Pia , Mancardi Gianluigi 
Published: January 2015

Background: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been successfully used to treat aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) that are unresponsive to approved therapies. In the last years, in view of the risk of mortality related to the procedure, the utilization of low-intensity conditioning regimens has been considered. Objective: To report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data in a small cohort of patients treated with a low-intensity lympho-ablative regimen, followed by AHSCT. Methods: Seven patients affected by relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) underwent AHSCT, with cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg in 2 days as the conditioning regimen; and were then followed with serial MRI evaluations until 36 months, with clinical evaluations until 60 months. Results: The mean number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions significantly decreased after treatment, but a complete suppression of inflammatory activity was not obtained. No deaths occurred, but every patient developed adverse events, although not severe. After 5 years of follow-up, two patients remained stable, one patient markedly improved and four patients had a mild progression of the disease. Only one patient experienced a relapse after treatment. Conclusion: A low-intensity conditioning regimen with AHSCT has a profound effect on MRI inflammation and relapses, but is not able to completely abrogate MRI activity and disease progression of aggressive RRMS.
Twin studies in multiple sclerosis: A meta-estimation of heritability and environmentality
Authors: Fagnani Corrado , Neale Michael C , Nisticò Lorenza , Stazi Maria A , Ricigliano Vito A , Buscarinu Maria C , Salvetti Marco , Ristori Giovanni 
Published: January 2015

Background: Most twin studies of multiple sclerosis (MS) are inconclusive regarding the impact of genes and environment on disease susceptibility. In particular, high uncertainty exists about whether shared environmental factors are aetiologically relevant. Objective: To disentangle, with a reasonable degree of confidence, the relative contributions of heritability and of shared and unique environmental components of MS susceptibility. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of previous twin studies. After a MEDLINE search, we selected eight twin studies in France, UK, Canada, Denmark, North America, Italy, Finland and Sweden. We conducted a biometric multi-group analysis under the liability-threshold model, by taking account of the study-specific ascertainment strategies and the population-specific prevalence rates of MS. Results: The meta-analytic estimates of tetrachoric correlations were 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.74) in monozygotic pairs and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.41–0.50) in dizygotic pairs. The biometric multi-group model provided meta-analytic estimates of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.39–0.61) for heritability, 0.21 (95% CI: 0.11–0.30) for shared environmental component and 0.29 (95% CI: 0.26–0.33) for unique environmental component. Conclusion: Our results support the continuing efforts to identify unknown genetic factors that fill the gap of ‘missing heritability’; moreover, a ‘missing environmentality’ deserves future investigations into the role of non-heritable components that act as both shared and individual-specific exposures.
Initiatives to Enhance Primary Care Delivery
Authors: Losby Jan L. , House Marnie J. , Osuji Thearis , O’Dell Sarah Abood , Mirambeau Alberta M. , Elmi Joanna , Chappelle Eileen , Schlueter Dara F. 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: Increasing demands on primary care providers have created a need for systems-level initiatives to improve primary care delivery. The purpose of this article is to describe and present outcomes for 2 such initiatives: the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians’ Residency Program Collaborative (RPC) and the St Johnsbury Vermont Community Health Team (CHT). Methods: Researchers conducted case studies of the initiatives using mixed methods, including secondary analysis of program and electronic health record data, systematic document review, and interviews. Results: The RPC is a learning collaborative that teaches quality improvement and patient centeredness to primary care providers, residents, clinical support staff, and administrative staff in residency programs. Results show that participation in a higher number of live learning sessions resulted in a significant increase in patient-centered medical home recognition attainment and significant improvements in performance in diabetic process measures including eye examinations (14.3%, P = .004), eye referrals (13.82%, P = .013), foot examinations (15.73%, P = .003), smoking cessation (15.83%, P = .012), and self-management goals (25.45%, P = .001). As a community-clinical linkages model, CHT involves primary care practices, community health workers (CHWs), and community partners. Results suggest that CHT members successfully work together to coordinate comprehensive care for the individuals they serve. Further, individuals exposed to CHWs experienced increased stability in access to health insurance ( P = .001) and prescription drugs ( P = .000) and the need for health education counseling ( P = .000). Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that these 2 system-level strategies have the promise to improve primary care delivery. Additional research can determine the extent to which these strategies can improve other health outcomes.
Treatment Selection and Outcomes in Early-Stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Olszewski Adam J. , Shrestha Rajesh , Castillo Jorge J. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The choice between combined-modality therapy (CMT) and chemotherapy alone for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains controversial. Our objective was to define factors affecting treatment selection and resulting survival outcomes in the United States. Patients and Methods We identified 20,600 patients treated with CMT or chemotherapy between 2003 and 2011 from the National Cancer Data Base. Factors affecting treatment selection were studied in a mixed-effects logistic model. Survival outcomes were compared using a propensity score analysis to account for indication bias. Results Only 49.5% of patients received CMT, and this proportion steadily declined between 2003 (59.4%) and 2011 (45.2%), particularly in younger patients. Apart from classical prognostic factors (age, stage, tumor location, histology, comorbidities), treatment selection was significantly influenced by sex, black race, distance to facility, and type of insurance. Uninsured patients had the lowest odds of receiving CMT. A significant random effect related to facility-specific treatment preference was also evident. Estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 89.6%, and relative survival (RS) was 94.3%. After adjustment for guarantee-time and indication biases, CMT was associated with better OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.70) and RS (excess HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.54) than chemotherapy alone. This effect was without significant heterogeneity in subset analysis and was not sensitive to unobserved confounding. Conclusion Socioeconomic factors affect selection of curative treatments in HL. Widespread abandonment of CMT beyond circumstances sanctioned by guidelines may affect survival. Further research should focus on developing strategies that minimize toxicity and access disparities without compromising survival.
Old tool, new tricks? A new adaptation of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale
Authors: Harding Katherine , Robinson Dianne , Grant Michelle , Hale Leigh 
Published: January 2015

Aim: Measuring outcomes is important in community rehabilitation programs (CRPs), both at the individual and service level. Identifying global outcome measures that can be used for all patients is challenging given the diversity of this client group. Method: This observational study explored measurement properties of the Modified Efficacy Scale (MES), which is an adaptation of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale. The MES was used to assess patient confidence in performing activities without reference to falls and was trialled with 221 CRP patients. Floor and ceiling effects, responsiveness to change and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores were measured and compared with scores for the same sample of patients using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. Results: The MES showed evidence of convergent validity and was responsive to change. Both scales showed ceiling effects on discharge, although this was more pronounced with the Lawton IADL scale (40%) than the MES (21%). Both scales had small values for MCID relative to scale width. Conclusions: The MES demonstrated evidence of validity and has a less pronounced ceiling effect compared with the Lawton IADL scale. The implications of a ceiling effect should be considered in the context of the assessment purpose.