bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Support Processes Predict Declines in Attachment Avoidance Across the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Rholes W. Steven , Eller Jami , Simpson Jeffry A. , Arriaga Ximena B.
Published: August 2020

Attachment orientations in adulthood can change over time, but the specific circumstances that directly affect change are not well understood. Bowlby proposed that those circumstances involve the assimilation of information that is incongruent with an individual’s existing attachment orientation and underlying working models. In this study, 137 couples transitioning to parenthood were followed across the first 2 years of their firstborn child’s life, with both partners providing data at five time-points. Only changes in attachment avoidance were examined in this study. Consistent with predictions, downward changes in avoidance were associated with relationship events that introduced information inconsistent with avoidant working models. For example, people who provided more support to their partners declined in avoidance across the transition period. We discuss these findings and new directions needed to better understand when and how attachment orientations change during major life transitions.
Seeing what you want to see: Sexual activation makes potential partners seem more appealing and romantically interested
Authors: Birnbaum Gurit E. , Iluz Mor , Plotkin Einat , Tibi Lihi , Hematian Ronit , Mizrahi Moran , Reis Harry T.
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have indicated that activation of the sexual system fosters relationship initiation. In three studies, we expand on this work to investigate whether sexual activation encourages initiating relationship with prospective partners by biasing the way they are perceived. In all studies, participants encountered a potential partner and rated this partner’s attractiveness and romantic interest following sexual activation. Participants’ interest in the partner was self-reported or evaluated by raters. Study 1 revealed that sexual activation led participants to perceive potential partners as more attractive and interested in oneself. Study 2 added to these findings, providing a test of sexual priming rather than more general closeness priming. Mediational analyses in Study 3 indicated that heightened romantic interest mediated the link between sexual activation and perceiving potential partners as more interested in oneself. These findings suggest that sexual activation facilitates relationship initiation by motivating projection of one’s desires onto prospective partners.
Preclinical assessment of tramadol abuse potential: Effects of acute and repeated tramadol on intracranial self-stimulation in rats
Authors: Altarifi Ahmad A , Moerke Megan J , Alsalem Mohammad I , Negus S Stevens
Published: August 2020

Background:

Tramadol is a widely used analgesic that activates mu-opioid receptors (MOR) and inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. This mixed pharmacology may limit both its own abuse potential and its modulation of abuse potential of other MOR agonists.

Aims:

This study used an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure to compare abuse-related effects produced by acute or repeated treatment with tramadol or morphine in rats. Abuse potential in ICSS procedures is indicated by a drug-induced increase (or ‘facilitation’) of ICSS responding.

Methods:

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with electrodes targeting the medial forebrain bundle and trained to respond on a lever for pulses of electrical brain stimulation. Tramadol effects were evaluated after acute administration (3.2–32 mg/kg) in the absence or presence of the opioid antagonist naltrexone, the CYP2D6 hepatic-enzyme inhibitor quinine or a combination of both. Additionally, both tramadol and morphine were also tested before and after repeated tramadol (32 mg/kg/day for six days) or repeated morphine (3.2 mg/kg/day for six days).

Results:

Acute tramadol produced primarily ICSS rate-decreasing effects that were antagonised by naltrexone but not by quinine or naltrexone + quinine. Tramadol also produced little or no ICSS facilitation after repeated tramadol or repeated morphine, and repeated tramadol did not enhance ICSS facilitation by morphine. By contrast, morphine-induced ICSS facilitation was enhanced by repeated morphine treatment.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that tramadol has lower abuse potential than other abused MOR agonists and that repeated tramadol exposure produces relatively little enhancement of abuse potential of other MOR agonists.
Hypertension and orthostatic hypotension with venlafaxine treatment in depressed older adults
Authors: Wathra Rafae , Mulsant Benoit H , Thomson Lauren , Goldberger Kyle W , Lenze Eric J , Karp Jordan F , Sanches Marcos , Reynolds Charles F , Blumberger Daniel M
Published: August 2020

Background:

Venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is often used as first- or second-line therapy for depression in older adults. It can be associated with adverse blood pressure (BP) effects.

Methods:

Adults ⩾60 years of age in a current major depressive episode were treated in a protocolized manner with venlafaxine XR; 429 participants were treated for 8–16 weeks with a daily dose up to 300 mg to achieve remission from depression. Cardiac measures included sitting and standing BP and heart rate.

Results:

Of participants who were normotensive at baseline, 6.5% were found to have elevated BP during the study (1.9% <225 mg/day; 9.8% ⩾225 mg/day). There was no significant change in mean BP in the overall sample, or in the subgroup treated with doses ⩾225 mg/day. Additionally, 20.1% of the participants who did not have orthostatic hypotension at baseline were found to have orthostatic hypotension (16.8% <225 mg/day; 22.4% ⩾225 mg/day). Participants with new-onset orthostatic hypotension were significantly more likely to fall than the other participants.

Conclusion:

A large proportion of older adults treated with venlafaxine experience orthostatic hypotension, putting them at risk for falls. A smaller proportion experience elevated BP. Older patients prescribed venlafaxine, particularly at high doses, should be advised and counseled about these adverse effects.
Early Health Technology Assessment during Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Drug Development: A Two-Round, Cross-Country, Multicriteria Decision Analysis
Authors: Angelis Aris , Thursz Mark , Ratziu Vlad , O’Brien Alastair , Serfaty Lawrence , Canbay Ali , Schiefke Ingolf , Costa Joao Bana e , Lecomte Pascal , Kanavos Panos
Published: August 2020

Background. The assessment of value along the clinical development of new biopharmaceutical compounds is a challenging task. Complex and uncertain evidence has to be analyzed, considering a multitude of value preferences from different stakeholders. Objective. To investigate the use of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to support decision making during drug development while considering payer and health technology assessment (HTA) value concerns, by applying the Advance Value Framework in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and testing for the consistency of the results. Design. A multiattribute value theory methodology was applied and 2 rounds of decision conferences (DCs) were organized in 3 countries (England, France, and Germany), with the participation of national key experts and stakeholders using the MACBETH questioning protocol and algorithm. A total of 51 health care professionals, patient advocates, and methodologists, including (ex-) committee members or assessors from national HTA bodies, participated in 6 DCs in the study countries. Target Population. NASH patients in fibrosis stages F2 to 3 were considered. Interventions. The value of a hypothetical product profile was assessed against 3 compounds under development using their phase 2 results. Outcome Measures. DC participants’ value preferences were elicited involving criteria selection, options scoring, and criteria weighting. Results. Highly consistent valuation rankings were observed in all DCs, always favoring the same compound. Highly consistent rankings of criteria clusters were observed, favoring therapeutic benefit criteria, followed by safety profile and innovation level criteria. Limitations. There was a lack of comparative treatment effects, early evidence on surrogate endpoints was used, and stakeholder representativeness was limited in some DCs. Conclusions. The use of MCDA is promising in supporting early HTA, illustrating high consistency in results across countries and between study rounds.
Optimal Allocation of Research Funds under a Budget Constraint
Authors: Fairley Michael , Cipriano Lauren E. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D.
Published: August 2020

Purpose. Health economic evaluations that include the expected value of sample information support implementation decisions as well as decisions about further research. However, just as decision makers must consider portfolios of implementation spending, they must also identify the optimal portfolio of research investments. Methods. Under a fixed research budget, a decision maker determines which studies to fund; additional budget allocated to one study to increase the study sample size implies less budget available to collect information to reduce decision uncertainty in other implementation decisions. We employ a budget-constrained portfolio optimization framework in which the decisions are whether to invest in a study and at what sample size. The objective is to maximize the sum of the studies’ population expected net benefit of sampling (ENBS). We show how to determine the optimal research portfolio and study-specific levels of investment. We demonstrate our framework with a stylized example to illustrate solution features and a real-world application using 6 published cost-effectiveness analyses. Results. Among the studies selected for nonzero investment, the optimal sample size occurs at the point at which the marginal population ENBS divided by the marginal cost of additional sampling is the same for all studies. Compared with standard ENBS optimization without a research budget constraint, optimal budget-constrained sample sizes are typically smaller but allow more studies to be funded. Conclusions. The budget constraint for research studies directly implies that the optimal sample size for additional research is not the point at which the ENBS is maximized for individual studies. A portfolio optimization approach can yield higher total ENBS. Ultimately, there is a maximum willingness to pay for incremental information that determines optimal sample sizes.
A Panoramic Review of the Macromarketing Literature
Authors: DeQuero-Navarro Beatriz , Stanton Julie , Klein Thomas A.
Published: August 2020

This contribution benchmarks the 40th anniversary issue of the Journal of Macromarketing with an updated and topically organized bibliography of articles that can be used by interested researchers and in university courses devoted to or including a survey of this subject. Fisk (1990), Shapiro (2006), and Shapiro, Tajadewski, and Shultz (2009) have provided previous renditions of this sort. However, the topical arrangement differs from these earlier efforts and instructive introductions are provided for each of the 13 broad topic sections proposed. References provided in the articles listed below them would extend sources for these topics. Our goal was to provide recency as well as variety in focus and methodology throughout Macromarketing literature, including both long-standing and emerging areas of interest.
Intelligence and Music: Lower Intelligent Quotient Is Associated With Higher Use of Music for Experiencing Strong Sensations
Authors: Bonetti Leonardo , Brattico Elvira , Vuust Peter , Kliuchko Marina , Saarikallio Suvi
Published: August 2020

Intelligence is a key psychological feature associated to emotion and perception. Listening to music is often linked to emotional experience and sensation seeking (SS), traits that have been shown overall negatively correlated with intelligence. In a sample of 53 musicians and 54 non-musicians, we assessed the use of music for experiencing strong emotions through the Music in Mood Regulation (MMR) and the intelligence quotient (IQ) by using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS-III). We found a negative correlation between the full IQ score and the use of music for SS in both musician and non-musician groups. Furthermore, the use of music for SS was negatively correlated with Verbal IQ in musicians, and with Performance IQ in non-musicians. Our findings indicate that less intelligent individuals make a higher use of music for experiencing strong sensations than more intelligent ones. Furthermore, this association is modulated by the individual musical expertise.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine predicts perioperative cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing medium-to-high risk non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Appel Daniel , Böger Rainer , Windolph Julia , Heinze Gina , Goetz Alwin E. , Hannemann Juliane
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Perioperative cardiovascular events remain an important factor that affects surgery outcome. We assessed if asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, predicts perioperative risk, and if pre-operative supplementation with L-arginine/L-citrulline improves the plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratio.

Methods

In this prospective study, planned thoracic and/or abdominal surgery patients were randomized to receive L-arginine/L-citrulline (5 g/day) or placebo 1 to 5 days before surgery. We measured perioperative plasma ADMA and L-arginine levels. The primary outcome was a 30-day combined cardiovascular endpoint.

Results

Among 269 patients, 23 (8.6%) experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event. ADMA and C-reactive protein were significantly associated with the incidence of cardiovascular complications in the multivariable-adjusted analysis. The L-arginine plasma concentration was significantly higher on the day of surgery with L-arginine/L-citrulline supplementation compared with placebo. In patients with high pre-operative ADMA, there was a non-significant trend towards reduced incidence of the primary endpoint with L-arginine/L-citrulline supplementation (six vs. nine events).

Conclusions

ADMA is a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular complications in the perioperative period for patients who are undergoing major abdominal and/or thoracic surgery. Supplementation with L-arginine/L-citrulline increased the L-arginine plasma concentration, enhanced the L-arginine/ADMA ratio, and induced a trend towards fewer perioperative events.
Impact, theory of change, and the horizons of scientific practice
Authors: McLellan Timothy
Published: August 2020

Demands for research to generate impact, along with proliferating institutional regimes for evaluating impact, are a ubiquitous aspect of contemporary scientific practice. Based on participant observation at an agro-environmental research institute in southwest China, this article explores three iterations of a tool for planning and evaluating impactful science called ‘theory of change’ (TOC). Despite their ostensible common grounding in TOC, I show how an impact scientist’s framework, a donor’s monitoring and evaluation regime, and a communication consultant’s branding strategy each suggest very different normative structures for scientific practice. These structures entail: particular horizons towards which scientific research is to be practiced, precise points in time at which the future effects of research are to be anticipated, and specific assumptions about how scientists’ agency should play out across time. Taking the peculiar sensibilities of TOC as a comparative framework, I illuminate IFF scientists’ implicit imaginations of how contemporary science does and should generate effects in the world.
The Impacts of International Rape Laws Upon Official Rape Rates
Authors: Chon Don Soo , Clifford Janice E.
Published: August 2020

Relying on the official rape rates, previous cross-national researchers found a significant and positive relationship between gender equality and the rates of reported rapes, and they used such findings as supporting evidence of the backlash hypothesis that increased gender equality leads to augmented violence against females. However, such a conclusion may be faulty because of the contested validity and reliability of the official rape rate. This study examined how the variation in a comprehensive legal definition of rape is associated with the rates of reported rapes across 74 countries by using the rates of reported rapes from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. The regression analysis suggests that the comprehensive legal definition of rape, more than a country’s gender equality and developmental level, is related to the official rape rate. A country records a high official rape rate when the country includes a broad range of sexual assaults in the category of rape crime, suggesting a reevaluation of the existing studies on this topic.
Innovative alignment of sprinting prostheses for persons with transfemoral amputation: Exploratory study on a gold medal Paralympic athlete
Authors: Migliore Gian Luca , Petrone Nicola , Hobara Hiroaki , Nagahara Ryu , Miyashiro Kenji , Costa Gian Fabio , Gri Antonio , Cutti Andrea G
Published: August 2020

Background:

Recommendations for the alignment of the socket and foot in the sprinting prosthesis of athletes with transfemoral amputation are either based on walking biomechanics or lack public scientific evidence.

Objectives:

To explore the biomechanical changes and the sensations of a gold medal Paralympic sprinter, while running with three bench alignments: a conventional reference (A0), an innovative alignment based on the biomechanics of elite able-bodied sprinters (A2), and an intermediate alignment (A1).

Study design:

Single subject with repeated measures.

Methods:

A1 and A2 feature a progressively greater socket tilt and a plantar-flexed foot compared to A0. The 30-year-old female athlete trained with three prostheses, one per alignment, for at least 2 months. We administered a questionnaire to collect her impressions. Then, she ran on a treadmill at full speed (5.5 m/s). We measured the kinematics and moments of the prosthetic side, and the ground reaction forces of both sides.

Results:

A2 reduced the prosthetic side hip extension at foot-off while preserving hip range of motion, decreased the impulse of the hip moment, and increased the horizontal propulsion, leaving sufficient margin to prevent knee buckling without increasing sound side braking forces. Biomechanical outcomes matched well with subjective impressions.

Conclusions:

A2 appears promising to improve the performance and comfort of sprinters with transfemoral amputation, without compromising safety.

Clinical relevance:

Observation of elite able-bodied sprinters led to the definition of a new specific alignment for the sprinting prosthesis of athletes with transfemoral amputation, which appears promising to improve performance and comfort, without compromising safety. This may constitute a major improvement compared to alignments based on walking biomechanics.
Quality of life of persons with transfemoral amputation: Comparison of socket prostheses and osseointegrated prostheses
Authors: Pospiech Philip Thomas , Wendlandt Robert , Aschoff Horst-Heinrich , Ziegert Sibylle , Schulz Arndt Peter
Published: August 2020

Background:

Until recently, no study had compared the quality of life of persons with transfemoral amputation treated with osseointegration to socket prosthesis users.

Objectives:

Comparison of quality of life in two types of prostheses users: a cohort of patients with osseointegration and patients equipped with a socket prosthesis who were group-matched for age, body mass index and mobility grade.

Study design:

A cross-sectional study that compared

Methods:

The quality of life of 39 participants (22 in the osseointegration group and 17 in the socket prosthesis group) was measured using the Questionnaire for Persons with Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA) and European Questionnaire 5-dimension 3-level (EQ-5D-3L) surveys.

Results:

Compared with the socket prosthesis group, the osseointegration group had a significantly higher ‘Global’ score (p = 0.022) and a significantly lower ‘Problem’ score (p < 0.001) of the Q-TFA. The ‘Mobility’ (p = 0.051) and ‘Use’ scores (p = 0.146) of the Q-TFA, the EQ-5D-3L index (p = 0.723), and EQ-5D visual analog scale (p = 0.497) showed no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

Patients with osseointegration experienced less prosthesis-associated problems than socket prosthesis users and had a higher prosthesis-associated quality of life when assessed with the Q-TFA. General quality of life, as assessed with the EQ-5D-3L, was not different between groups.
Simplified Comparison of Oversize and Overweight Vehicles Permit Fee Structure in the U.S. Western States
Authors: Dehghan-Niri Ehsan , Cortes Douglas D. , Zamen Sina , Alvidrez Fernando , Jauregui David
Published: August 2020

This paper provides a simplified comparative assessment of oversize/overweight (OS/OW) vehicle permits and fees in the U.S. western states and includes a review of current permitting practices, fee structures, fines, and available information on revenue generation. The study was motivated by an urgent need to revise permit structures in the State of New Mexico because of escalating demand for OS/OW vehicle permits. The research team surveyed the Departments of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Divisions, and Offices of Public Safety in 14 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, the state regulations related to OS/OW vehicles were reviewed. Comparison of the OS/OW permit structures revealed significant differences in the fees and fines charged in the western states. It is recommended that the current permit structure should be overhauled to accommodate the demand for higher maximum permitted weights and to generate the funds necessary to maintain and rebuild the affected transportation infrastructure including pavements and bridges. A scientific study is needed in each state to quantify the costs associated with the operation of OS/OW vehicles and to develop a revenue-neutral fee structure. In particular, the determination of permit fees requires a comprehensive study to evaluate the damage to bridges and pavements caused by OS/OW vehicles. Findings from this research provide a contextual framework to compare current permitting structures and their implications on the revenues generated from OS/OW permits across the U.S. western states.
Measuring Streetscape Features with High-Density Aerial Light Detection and Ranging
Authors: Golombek Yaneev , Marshall Wesley E.
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the feasibility of extracting streetscape features from high-density United States Geological Survey (USGS) quality level 1 (QL1) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and quantifying the features into three-dimensional (3D) volumetric pixel (voxel) zones. As the USGS embarks on a national LiDAR database with the goal of collecting LiDAR across the continuous U.S.A., the USGS primarily requires QL2 or QL1 as a collection standard. The authors’ previous study thoroughly investigated the limits of extracting streetscape features with QL2 data, which was primarily limited to buildings and street trees. Recent studies published by other researchers that utilize advanced digital mapping techniques for streetscape measuring acknowledge that most features outside of buildings and street trees are too small to detect. QL1 data, however, is four times denser than QL2 data. This study divides streetscapes into Thiessen proximal polygons, sets voxel parameters, classifies QL1 LiDAR point cloud data, and computes quantitative statistics where classified point cloud data intersects voxels within the streetscape polygons. It demonstrates how most other common streetscape features are detectable in a standard urban QL1 dataset. In addition to street trees and buildings, one can also legitimately extract and statistically quantify walls, fences, landscape vegetation, light posts, traffic lights, power poles, power lines, street signs, and miscellaneous street furniture. Furthermore, as these features are processed into their appropriate voxel height zones, this study introduces a new methodology for obtaining comprehensive tabular descriptive statistics describing how streetscape features are truly represented in 3D.
Where Skilled Nursing Facility Residents Get Acute Care: Is the Emergency Department the Medical Home?
Authors: Venkatesh Arjun K. , Gettel Cameron J. , Mei Hao , Chou Shih-Chuan , Rothenberg Craig , Liu Shu-Ling , D’Onofrio Gail , Lin ZhenQiu , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

This study aimed to characterize the distribution of acute care visits among Medicare beneficiaries receiving skilled nursing facility (SNF) services.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a 20% sample of continuously enrolled Medicare beneficiaries in the 2012 Chronic Condition Warehouse data set. Beneficiaries were grouped by the number of days of SNF services, and acute care visits were categorized as “before SNF,” “during SNF,” or “after SNF.”

Results:

Among the 10,717,786 Medicare beneficiaries analyzed, 384,312 (3.6%) had at least one SNF stay.

Discussion:

Beneficiaries who received SNF services had a higher proportion of acute care visits made to emergency departments (EDs) than beneficiaries who did not receive SNF services. Also, a higher proportion of acute care visits were made to EDs by beneficiaries after a SNF stay in comparison to residents actively residing in a SNF. The acute care capabilities of SNFs and post-SNF transitions of care to the community setting are discussed.
Association Between Physical Exercise and Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Endeshaw Yohannes , Goldstein Felicia
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To examine the association between self-reported physical exercise and cognitive function.

Design:

Secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Participants:

Community-dwelling older adults with normal cognitive function at baseline.

Measurements:

Data on self-reported physical exercise, immediate and delayed recall, clock drawing test, and orientation to time and current events were collected at baseline and annual follow-up visits. Generalized estimation equation method was used to determine the association between physical exercise and decline in cognitive function.

Results:

A total of 4,227 participants were included in the analysis, 58% women, 78% White, mean (SD) age 75.7 (7.1) years. The risk of cognitive decline was lower among those who reported moderate-to-high intensity exercise (odds ratio [OR] confidence interval [CI] = 0.45 [0.20, 0.69]; p < .001) and low-intensity exercise (OR [CI] = 0.62 [0.44, 0.83]).

Conclusion:

These results reaffirm the positive impact of physical exercise in maintaining cognitive function among older adults.
Experiences With Involuntary Nursing Home Relocation: The Staff Perspective
Authors: Weaver Raven H. , Roberto Karen A. , Brossoie Nancy , Teaster Pamela B.
Published: August 2020

Although involuntary nursing home closures for operational and care-related reasons occur infrequently, few studies have examined the centrality of the actions of staff to facilitate residents’ relocation adjustment. We interviewed 18 administrators and 43 staff working at 27 facilities about the relocation process for residents from two facilities that lost their Medicare and State Medicaid certification due to ongoing care deficiencies. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes throughout each aspect of the relocation process: (a) staff expectations were not met, (b) barriers/challenges were persistent, and (c) resident/family involvement was minimal. We offer proactive participant-derived recommendations for policy and practice to strengthen involuntary relocation processes to ensure a cooperative work environment and residents’ well-being, regardless of the cause for involuntary closure.
To Change the Law, Defy the Law: Hijacking the Cause and Co-Opting Its Advocate
Authors: Cova Bernard
Published: August 2020

Corporations are becoming increasingly active in the political landscape, with some claiming to support social causes aimed at influencing the regulatory agenda. Beyond the effects of such activities on consumers, the effects on the original advocates of a cause are unknown. Therefore, this research examines how the advocates of a cause respond to corporate approaches that integrate marketing and political activities. The present study analyzes the Marché Interdit campaign that French retailer Carrefour carried out in 2017–18 (promoting the farmer seeds liberalization cause) by examining the position of the initial advocate of the cause: Réseau Semences Paysannes. The findings reveal that such marketing activities resemble co-optation of the initial advocate of the cause and hijacking of the cause they advocate for. The case study also highlights the different tactics put into play by the initial advocate to resist co-optation and hijacking. The article concludes with the implications for organizations whose causes are being co-opted and for those seeking to promote a prosocial outcome.
Using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to Study Members and Activists of Political Parties
Authors: Paulis Emilien
Published: August 2020

This article explores the development of my PhD dissertation’s methodological approach, based on Social Network Analysis (SNA), or the collection and analysis of network data, in order to deal with political parties and their members (party membership). I extensively relied on this alternative, growing methodological background in three extents. First (1), SNA was used to analyze bibliographic references related to my dissertation topic, i.e. party membership studies, and identify the most central authors, thereby illustrating the literature review while describing their key contributions. Second (2), SNA was employed to collect and analyze network data likely to better grasp how interpersonal networks affect the probability for a random citizen to turn into party member, assuming that social influence matters in the process of joining a political party. Third (3), I further capitalized on SNA to deal with the question of party activism and why some members become active whereas others remain passive, arguing theoretically and showing empirically that part of the answer lies in members’ position within their local party branch’s social network. Each of these three applications is discussed in the light of the main methodological developments, the empirical findings and their interpretation, while shortcomings and research opportunities are more systematically highlighted at the end.
Mapping as a Complementary Perspective on the Dynamics of Participation in a City’s Musical Life
Authors: Marcoux-Gendron Caroline , De Alvarenga Bernardo
Published: August 2020

Maps and map-making have been used in a range of research about musical phenomena in cities. Yet, most of these studies focus on musicians; few have attempted to understand how people take part in a city’s musical life in terms of event attendance. Likewise, little has been said about the attendance habits of immigrants, despite the quick transformation of urban populations due to the expansion of human migration. Approaching a subject that has received so little attention as the dynamics of participation of immigrants in a city’s musical life therefore requires an inventive research design. Building from a methodology combining semi-structured interviews and observation, I used maps and map-making to deepen the analysis of North African immigrants’ cultural practices in Montreal. Trying to give a spatial legibility to their musical activities in the city generated many technical and theoretical concerns, but was also helpful for reflecting on the project differently and highlighting some characteristics of the data that were not obvious from the initial fieldwork. In brief, maps and map-making proved to be efficient complementary tools to ethnography, bringing new insights and raising new queries about the practices being considered.
Mesurer l’influence ? Une méthode de quantification des activités politiques des entreprises du secteur agroalimentaire en France
Authors: Cortinas Muñoz Joan , Benamouzig Daniel
Published: August 2020

En partant de l’exemple de l’industrie agroalimentaire en France, cet article propose une méthode permettant de donner une vision d’ensemble de l’espace social où les activités politiques des entreprises prennent forme. Simple du point de vue du traitement, cette démarche permet de distinguer et de représenter à partir de données quantifiées les stratégies mises en œuvre par les principaux acteurs économiques pour peser sur les décisions et les politiques publiques. Cette démarche n’a pas seulement un intérêt en matière de classification des acteurs individuels et collectifs impliqués dans diverses pratiques politiques ou de caractérisation du champ institutionnel et du réseau que forment ces acteurs. Elle permet aussi de dégager quelques enseignements de portée plus générale sur le travail d’influence des entreprises.
La méthode expérimentale du jeu de cartes pour étudier les représentations pénales ordinaires en Allemagne et en France
Authors: Laumond Bénédicte
Published: August 2020

Si les travaux s’interrogeant sur les perceptions ordinaires du pénal se sont historiquement intéressés à la technique de la vignette ( vignette research), ceux-ci ne reposent que rarement sur des dispositifs comparés et continuent de faire un large usage des questionnaires amputant l’analyse des représentations pénales profanes d’une exploration de leurs raisonnements. Afin de remédier à cette limite méthodologique, cet article présente une démarche expérimentale adossée à un jeu de cartes et menée en France et en Allemagne entre 2017 et 2019. Le jeu est composé de 23 cartes présentant des cas criminels fictifs et de 10 cartes-peines ; il est attendu des joueur/ses qu’ils/elles attribuent à chaque carte une peine tout en justifiant les choix effectués. Nous présenterons dans cet article les étapes de la conception et les conditions d’administration, dans un contexte franco-allemand, de ce jeu qui se caractérise par un dispositif relativement directif allié à un mode de passation souple inspiré des enquêtes non-directives. Cet article met en évidence la flexibilité du jeu de cartes qui interroge différents aspects du crime en mettant les enquêté.es en situation de faire. Nous montrons enfin la robustesse de ce dispositif méthodologique dans des études comparées pour faire émerger les spécificités nationales des représentations pénales.
The ELIAS framework: A prescription for innovation and change
Authors: Persaud D. David , Murphy Matthew
Published: August 2020

Healthcare is a complex adaptive system with multiple stakeholders and dynamic environments. Therefore, healthcare organizations must continuously learn, innovate, adapt, and co-evolve to be successful. This article describes a systematic, comprehensive, and holistic performance management framework that healthcare managers can use to achieve these goals. The framework involves the ongoing assessment, modification, or replacement of current programs or services aimed at adapting successfully to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives. This is engendered by the presence of a culture that is premised on continuous learning and innovation. The foundation of the framework is based on accountability, the organization’s strategy, and its culture. This then acts as the basis for an ongoing process of measurement, disconfirmation, contextualization, implementation, and routinization that enhances learning, innovation, adaptation, and sustainability within the healthcare organization.
Reduced graphene oxide facilitates biocompatibility of alginate for cardiac repair
Authors: Karimi Hajishoreh Negar , Baheiraei Nafiseh , Naderi Nasim , Salehnia Mojdeh
Published: August 2020

The benefits of combined cell/material therapy appear promising for myocardial infarction treatment. The safety of alginate, along with its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, has been extensively investigated for cardiac tissue engineering. Among graphene-based nanomaterials, reduced graphene oxide has been considered as a promising candidate for cardiac treatment due to its unique physicochemical properties. In this study, the reduced graphene oxide incorporation effect within alginate hydrogels was investigated for cardiac repair application. Reduced graphene oxide reinforced alginate properties, resulting in an increase in gel stiffness. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels prepared with human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells was assessed by the 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) assay. Following reduced graphene oxide addition, alginate-reduced graphene oxide retained significantly higher cell viability compared to that of alginate and cells cultured on tissue culture plates. Acridine orange/propidium iodide staining was also used to identify both viable and necrotic human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells within the prepared hydrogels. After a 72-h culture, the percentage of viable cells was twice as much as those cultured on either alginate or tissue culture plate, reaching approximately 80%. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to assess gene expression of neonatal rat cardiac cells encapsulated on hydrogels for TrpT-2, Conx43, and Actn4 after 7 days. The expression of all genes in alginate-reduced graphene oxide increased significantly compared to that in alginate or tissue culture plate. The results obtained confirmed that the presence of reduced graphene oxide, as an electro-active moiety within alginate, could tune the physicochemical properties of this material, providing a desirable electroactive hydrogel for stem cell therapy in patients with ischemic heart disease.
A new emulsification-crosslinking technique for preparation of physically crosslinked chitosan microspheres
Authors: Shi Aiping , Guan Ying , Zhang Yongjun
Published: August 2020

A new emulsification-crosslinking method was developed for the preparation of chitosan microspheres. The new method uses an aqueous alkali–urea solution, instead of the commonly used acidic solvents, to dissolve chitosan. After emulsification, the water-in-oil droplets are solidified by heating, taking advantage of the unique in situ thermal gelling behavior of the alkaline chitosan solution, instead of by crosslinking with a usually toxic crosslinker. The size of the microspheres can be controlled by the concentration of chitosan solution, stirring speed, emulsifier concentration, and the curing temperature. The resulting microspheres are physically crosslinked, instead of chemically crosslinked, and they are ready to dissolve in dilute acetic acid. The resulting chitosan microspheres are non-toxic and can be degraded by lysozyme. Bovine serum albumin, a model protein, can be facilely loaded into the microspheres by adsorption, and then released from the microspheres.
Biodegradable drug-eluting urethral stent in limiting urethral stricture formation after urethral injury: An experimental study in rabbit
Authors: Wang Zhongxin , Li Qiongqiong , Wang Pengchao , Yang Minghui
Published: August 2020

In this study, a reproducible urethral injury animal model was developed and the role of the biodegradable drug-eluting urethral stent in limiting urethral stricture formation after urethral injury was evaluated. A total of 22 rabbits were used, and 20 rabbits were randomly chosen to develop urethral injury animal model. Bulbar urethral injury was made by a self-designed explosion device in the 20 rabbits. The urethral injury animal model was then randomly assigned to 2 groups of 10 each, which received a treatment of biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting urethral stent or only end-to-end anastomosis. Other two rabbits served as normal control group. Stents were surgically implanted into the injured urethras of rabbits under direct vision. Reparative effects, including stent degradation, were evaluated by urethroscopy, retrograde urethrography, and histology at different intervals at weeks 4, 8, and 12. In stent-free group, 8 of 10 rabbits developed obvious urethral stricture which was demonstrated by urethroscopy and retrograde urethrography, while in biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stent group, urethral stricture was absent in all animals (p < 0.05). Histological follow-up indicated that the drug-eluting stents can also minimize the inflammatory reactions and fibrosis formation compared with the stent-free groups. Scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the biodegradable drug-eluting stent can gradually degrade in 12 weeks. The biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting urethral stent is effective in limiting urethral stricture formation after urethral injury.
In vitro biocompatibility evaluation of radiolytically synthesized silver/polyvinyl hydrogel nanocomposites for wound dressing applications
Authors: Kumaraswamy Swaroop , Patil Shrikant L , Mallaiah Somashekarappa H
Published: August 2020

Nano silver/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel nanocomposites have been prepared using gamma irradiation technique. Gamma irradiation serves as a crosslinking agent for the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels and also acts as a reducing agent for reduction of Ag+ ions to zero valent Ag0 within the polyvinyl alcohol crosslinked network. The microstructural characteristics of the prepared composites were studied using powder X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. The data obtained by these characterizations indicate the homogeneous distribution of silver nanoparticles on the polyvinyl alcohol network. The swelling properties and mechanical parameters of the silver/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel nanocomposites tend to show improvements, making them a better material for wound care applications. The silver/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel nanocomposites have shown good antibacterial potential against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and shown nil or minimal cytotoxic effect on human melanoma (SK-MEL-2) and mouse melanoma (B16-F1) cell lines. Overall, it was concluded that under optimized condition, silver/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel nanocomposites synthesized using gamma irradiation technique are excellent candidates for wound dressing application.
Oral delivery of liraglutide-loaded Poly-N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide/chitosan nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Shi Yanan , Yin Miaomiao , Song Yina , Wang Tengteng , Guo Shiqi , Zhang Xuemei , Sun Kaoxiang , Li Youxin
Published: August 2020

The delivery of peptides or protein drugs via the oral route has always presented a significant challenge. Here, nanoparticles for the oral delivery of liraglutide are prepared. The nanoparticles are composed of the biodegradable carrier materials chitosan and poly-N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (pHPMA). In addition, CSKSSDYQC (CSK) and hemagglutinin-2 (HA2) are introduced into the particles to improve the in vivo bioavailability of liraglutide. The size of the nanoparticles is less than 200 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency is approximately 80%. Compared with the subcutaneously injected liraglutide solution group (100%), the relative bioavailability of the nanoparticle group modified with CSK and HA2 reached 10.12%, which is 2.53 times that of the oral liraglutide solution group. In vivo imaging results showed that pHPMA/HA2-CSK chitosan nanoparticles (pHPMA/HA-CCNPs) are retained in the gastrointestinal tract for up to 12 h, which is beneficial for oral absorption. CSK and HA2 modified pHPMA/chitosan nanoparticles significantly improved liraglutide oral bioavailability and therefore have the potential to be applied for oral administration of peptides and proteins.
Authentic Empathy and the Role of Victim Service Providers in (De)stigmatizing Male Sexual Victimization
Authors: Emezue Chuka N. , Udmuangpia Tipparat
Published: August 2020

Male victims of rape and sexual violence (SV) constitute a highly stigmatized group who doubly suffer the trauma of SV and hegemonic notions of real masculinity that punishes weakness and vulnerability in men. This double exposure produces a stigmatizing identity (i.e., male victim stigma) that is embedded in grand narratives about male SV. However, helping professionals have been implicated in this (de)stigmatizing process. Few studies describe the role victim service providers (VSPs) play as (de)stigmatizing agents. This study is among the first to explore VSP narratives on their stigma awareness and stigma management practices. Story-focused interview methods elicited responses from 11 VSPs (nine females and two males, age: 29–65 years) across the United States representing diverse victim-serving professions. Interviews were face-to-face or by phone, lasting between 45 and 90 minutes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using power-sensitive Foucauldian discourse analysis (or FDA, suitable for analyzing language and meanings linked to power dynamics). Our analysis was guided by a meaning-forming social constructionist approach. With some narrative convergence and disconvergence, three strings of narratives with supporting excerpts were identified, namely (a) stigma awareness shaped by discursive and material forces, (b) labeling as a (de)stigmatizing tool, and (c) connecting through authentic empathy (AE). The concept of AE is recommended as a possible model of care and stigma management approach in therapeutic spaces. We define AE as an aptitude to credibly provide nonjudgmental, stigma-free care, based on personal histories with trauma, membership in a stigmatized group, or an earned involvement with members of the same group. Findings bear implications for stigma-informed practices and future research to address the unique unmet needs of stigmatized male victims.