bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Abnormalities in First-Degree Relatives of Unexplained Cardiac Arrest Victims
Authors: Steinberg Christian , Padfield Gareth J. , Champagne Jean , Sanatani Shubhayan , Angaran Paul , Andrade Jason G. , Roberts Jason D. , Healey Jeffrey S. , Chauhan Vijay S. , Birnie David H. , Janzen Mikyla , Gerull Brenda , Klein George J. , Leather Richard , Simpson Christopher S. , Seifer Colette , Talajic Mario , Gardner Martin , Krahn Andrew D.
Published: September 2016

Background—

Unexplained cardiac arrest (UCA) may be explained by inherited arrhythmia syndromes. The Cardiac Arrest Survivors With Preserved Ejection Fraction Registry prospectively assessed first-degree relatives of UCA or sudden unexplained death victims to screen for cardiac abnormalities.

Methods and Results—

Around 398 first-degree family members (186 UCA, 212 sudden unexplained death victims’ relatives; mean age, 44±17 years) underwent extensive cardiac workup, including ECG, signal averaged ECG, exercise testing, cardiac imaging, Holter-monitoring, and selective provocative drug testing with epinephrine or procainamide. Genetic testing was performed when a mutation was identified in the UCA survivor or when the diagnostic workup revealed a phenotype suggestive of a specific inherited arrhythmia syndrome. The diagnostic strength was classified as definite, probable, or possible based on previously published definitions. Cardiac abnormalities were detected in 120 of 398 patients (30.2%) with 67 of 398 having a definite or probable diagnosis (17%), including Long-QT syndrome (13%), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (4%), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (4%), and Brugada syndrome (3%). The detection yield was similar for family members of UCA and sudden unexplained death victims (31% versus 27%;
P
=0.59). Genetic testing was performed more often in family members of UCA patients (29% versus 20%;
P
=0.03). Disease-causing mutations were identified in 20 of 398 relatives (5%). The most common pathogenic mutations were RyR2 (2%), SCN5A (1%), and KNCQ1 (0.8%).

Conclusions—

Cardiac screening revealed abnormalities in 30% of first-degree relatives of UCA or sudden unexplained death victims, with a clear working diagnosis in 17%. Long-QT, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia were the most common diagnoses. Systematic cascade screening and genetic testing in asymptomatic individuals will lead to preventive lifestyle and medical interventions with potential to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00292032.
Outcome of the Swedish Nationwide Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program
Authors: Wanhainen Anders , Hultgren Rebecka , Linné Anneli , Holst Jan , Gottsäter Anders , Langenskiöld Marcus , Smidfelt Kristian , Björck Martin , Svensjö Sverker , Lyttkens Linda , Pihl Ewa , Wetterling Tomas , Kjellin Per , Eliasson Ken , Wellander Erik , Narbani Azin , Skagius Elisabet , Hollsten Alexandra , Welander Martin , Länne Toste , Fröst Bibbi , Korman David , Persson Sven-Erik , Sigvant Birgitta , Troëng Thomas , Palm Markus , Ansgarius Eva , Gilgen Nils-Peter , Sjöström Christina , Gidlund Khatereh Djavani , Danielsson Peter , Bersztel Adam , Jonasson Tomas
Published: September 2016

Background:

A general abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening program, targeting 65-year-old men, has gradually been introduced in Sweden since 2006 and reached nationwide coverage in 2015. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of this program.

Methods:

Data on the number of invited and examined men, screening-detected AAAs, AAAs operated on, and surgical outcome were retrieved from all 21 Swedish counties for the years 2006 through 2014. AAA-specific mortality data were retrieved from the Swedish Cause of Death Registry. A linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect on AAA-specific mortality among all men ≥65 years of age for the observed time period. The long-term effects were projected by using a validated Markov model.

Results:

Of 302 957 men aged 65 years invited, 84% attended. The prevalence of screening-detected AAA was 1.5%. After a mean of 4.5 years, 29% of patients with AAA had been operated on, with a 30-day mortality rate of 0.9% (1.3% after open repair and 0.3% after endovascular repair,
P
<0.001). The introduction of screening was associated with a significant reduction in AAA-specific mortality (mean, 4.0% per year of screening,
P
=0.020). The number needed to screen and the number needed to operate on to prevent 1 premature death were 667 and 1.5, respectively. With a total population of 9.5 million, the Swedish national AAA-screening program was predicted to annually prevent 90 premature deaths from AAA and to gain 577 quality-adjusted life-years. The incremental cost-efficiency ratio was estimated to be €7770 per quality-adjusted life-years.

Conclusions:

Screening 65-year-old men for AAA is an effective preventive health measure and is highly cost-effective in a contemporary setting. These findings confirm the results from earlier randomized controlled trials and model studies in a large population-based setting of the importance for future healthcare decision making.
Effects of Low Endothelial Shear Stress After Stent Implantation on Subsequent Neointimal Hyperplasia and Clinical Outcomes in Humans
Authors: Shishido Koki , Antoniadis Antonios P. , Takahashi Saeko , Tsuda Masaya , Mizuno Shingo , Andreou Ioannis , Papafaklis Michail I. , Coskun Ahmet U. , O'Brien Caroline , Feldman Charles L. , Saito Shigeru , Edelman Elazer R. , Stone Peter H.
Published: September 2016

Background

In‐stent hyperplasia (
ISH
) may develop in regions of low endothelial shear stress (
ESS
), but the relationship between the magnitude of low
ESS
, the extent of
ISH,
and subsequent clinical events has not been investigated.

Methods and Results

We assessed the association of poststent
ESS
with neointimal
ISH
and clinical outcomes in patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (
PCI
). Three‐dimensional coronary reconstruction was performed in 374 post‐
PCI
patients at baseline and 6 to 10 months follow‐up as part of the
PREDICTION
Study. Each vessel was divided into 1.5‐mm‐long segments, and we calculated the local
ESS
within each stented segment at baseline. At follow‐up, we assessed
ISH
and the occurrence of a clinically indicated repeat
PCI
for in‐stent restenosis. In 246 total stents (54 overlapping), 100 (40.7%) were bare‐metal stents (
BMS
), 104 (42.3%) sirolimus‐eluting stents, and 42 (17.1%) paclitaxel‐eluting stents. In
BMS
, low
ESS
post‐
PCI
at baseline was independently associated with
ISH
(β=1.47 mm
2
per 1‐Pa decrease; 95%
CI
, 0.38–2.56;
P
<0.01).
ISH
was minimal in drug‐eluting stents. During follow‐up, repeat
PCI
in
BMS
was performed in 21 stents (8.5%). There was no significant association between post‐
PCI ESS
and in‐stent restenosis requiring
PCI
.

Conclusions

Low
ESS
after
BMS
implantation is associated with subsequent
ISH
.
ISH
is strongly inhibited by drug‐eluting stents. Post‐
PCI ESS
is not associated with in‐stent restenosis requiring repeat
PCI
.
ESS
is an important determinant of
ISH
in
BMS
, but
ISH
of large magnitude to require
PCI
for in‐stent restenosis is likely attributed to factors other than
ESS
within the stent.
Facility‐Level Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Readmission Rates Are Not Associated With Facility‐Level Mortality: Insights From the VA Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) Program
Authors: Hegeman Timothy W. , Glorioso Thomas J. , Hess Edward , Barón Anna E. , Ho P. Michael , Maddox Thomas M. , Bradley Steven M. , Burke Robert E.
Published: September 2016

Background

Thirty‐day readmission after percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) is common, costly, and linked to poor patient outcomes. Accordingly, facility‐level 30‐day readmission rates have been considered as a potential quality measure. However, it is unknown whether facility‐level 30‐day readmission rates are associated with facility‐level mortality. We sought to determine the effect of 30‐day readmissions after
PCI
on mortality at both the patient and facility level in the Veterans Administration hospital system.

Methods and Results

We included all patients who underwent
PCI
in the Veterans Administration hospital system nationally from October 2007 through August 2012, comparing all‐cause mortality rates between patients with and without 30‐day readmissions following
PCI
. Patients were then aggregated at the hospital level to evaluate the correlation between hospital‐level readmission rates with hospital‐level 1‐year mortality rates. Among 41 069 patients undergoing
PCI
at 62 sites, 12.2% were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Patients with 30‐day readmission had higher risk‐adjusted mortality (hazard ratio 1.53, 95%
CI
1.44–1.63,
P
<0.0001). Facilities varied widely in 30‐day readmission rates (systemwide range of 6.6–19.4%, median 11.8%, interquartile range 10.0–13.2%); however, adjusted facility‐level readmission rates were not correlated with adjusted 1‐year mortality rates.

Conclusions

Thirty‐day readmissions after
PCI
are common and are a significant risk factor for mortality for individual patients even after robust statistical adjustment for clinical confounding. However, lack of correlation between readmission and mortality at the facility level suggests that quality improvement based on facility‐level readmission rates will not modify mortality in this high‐risk group.
Identification of Hospital Cardiac Services for Acute Myocardial Infarction Using Individual Patient Discharge Data
Authors: Chang Tiffany E. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Li Shu‐Xia , Martin John , Ranasinghe Isuru
Published: September 2016

Background

The availability of hospital cardiac services may vary between hospitals and influence care processes and outcomes. However, data on available cardiac services are restricted to a limited number of services collected by the American Hospital Association (
AHA
) annual survey. We developed an alternative method to identify hospital services using individual patient discharge data for acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) in the Premier Healthcare Database.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐five inpatient cardiac services relevant for
AMI
care were identified using American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. Thirty‐one of these services could be defined using patient‐level administrative data codes, such as International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification and Current Procedural Terminology codes. A hospital was classified as providing a service if it had ≥5 instances for the service in the Premier database from 2009 to 2011. Using this system, the availability of these services among 432 Premier hospitals ranged from 100% (services such as chest X‐ray) to 1.2% (heart transplant service). To measure the accuracy of this method using administrative data, we calculated agreement between the
AHA
survey and Premier for a subset of 16 services defined by both sources. There was a high percentage of agreement (≥80%) for 11 of 16 (68.8%) services, moderate agreement for 3 of 16 (18.8%) services, and low agreement (≤50%) for 2 of 16 services (12.5%).

Conclusions

The availability of cardiac services for
AMI
care varies widely among hospitals. Using individual patient discharge data is a feasible method to identify these cardiac services, particularly for those services pertaining to inpatient care.
Different Effects of Hypertension and Age on the Function of Large Conductance Calcium‐ and Voltage‐Activated Potassium Channels in Human Mesentery Artery Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Cheng Jun , Mao Liang , Wen Jing , Li Peng‐Yun , Wang Na , Tan Xiao‐Qiu , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Zeng Xiao‐Rong , Xu Liang , Xia Xian‐Ming , Xia Dong , He Kai , Su Song , Yao Hui , Yang Yan
Published: September 2016

Background

Large‐conductance calcium‐ and voltage‐activated potassium channels (

BK
C

a
channels) play important roles in the maintenance of vascular tone, and their dysregulation is associated with abnormal vascular relaxation and contraction. We tested the changes in

BK
C

a
channel properties in patients at different ages to assess the effects of hypertension and aging on the functional changes of

BK
C

a
channels.

Methods and Results

Patch clamp was performed to detect the activities of

BK
C

a
channels in freshly isolated human mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells from younger patients (aged ≤45 years) without hypertension, older patients (aged ≥65 years) without hypertension, and older patients with hypertension. The expression of
mRNA
and protein from

BK
C

a
channels was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results showed that the whole‐cell current density, spontaneous transient outward current, and Ca
2+
sensitivity of the artery smooth muscle cells were significantly decreased in the older patients with hypertension; the decreases were insignificant in the older patients without hypertension, although a clear tendency to have spontaneous transient outward current was detected in these patients. The expression of both
mRNA
and protein of

BK
C

a
subunits α and β1 was significantly decreased in the older patients with hypertension but not in the older patients without hypertension compared with the younger patients without hypertension.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that hypertension is an important factor for the pathological alteration of the properties of

BK
C

a
channels in human mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells, and aging itself may also be a factor in these changes in the cells.
Revising Australian Pristomerus (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae): species with a tooth on the hind femur
Authors: KLOPFSTEIN SERAINA
Published: September 2016

The Australian insect fauna is among the least-well studied in the world, and conservative estimates state that 75% of the species still await description. In the more species-rich groups, this percentage might be even larger, which is certainly the case in parasitoid wasps which have received very little attention by taxonomists. The genus Pristomerus of the family Ichneumonidae is distributed worldwide, with most species found in the tropics. Its members attack concealed larvae of small Lepidoptera, and several species are used in biocontrol. Five species have been reported from Australia, all of them endemic, but many more undescribed species are present in various collections.        I here revise Australian Pristomerus, focussing on the species that bear a tooth on the ventral side of the hind femur. Twenty-two species are recorded, 19 of which are described as new: Pristomerus australiensis n. sp., P. bertschmanni n. sp., P. callitrinus n. sp., P. dundeei n. sp., P. flavicephalus n. sp., P. fourecksensis n. sp., P. gracilis n. sp., P. kakaduensis n. sp., P. laetus n. sp., P. luculentus n. sp., P. lunatus n. sp., P. mangiferus n. sp., P. merus n. sp., P. nedkellyi n. sp., P. pellicius n. sp., P. periculosus n. sp., P. stellatus n. sp., P. tenebrosus n. sp., and P. venustus n. sp. A dichotomous key and an online interactive key to the known Australian species with a tooth on the hind femur are provided, including photographs of all the species.        The origin of the considerable number of Australian Pristomerus species remains unclear. They might represent Southern relict elements with affinities to South American taxa, or their ancestors might have immigrated from the Paleotropics in more recent times; this question can only be solved with a dated phylogeny of the genus. However, support for a Palaeotropic origin of at least a good portion of the taxa comes from their current distribution, as the Australian Pristomerus are found to be most diverse in the tropical habitats of Northern Queensland and the Northern Territories.
A new species of Rhyacophila (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) and new records of Trichoptera from Asia
Authors: KISS OTTÓ
Published: September 2016

A new species of the Rhyacophila scissa Group (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae), Rhyacophila huesunensis n. sp. from Taiwan (Republic of China), is described and illustrated with drawings of the genitalia. Also, new records of eight caddisfly species from Asia are presented.
Many things come in small packages: Revision of the clawless geckos (Crenadactylus: Diplodactylidae) of Australia
Authors: DOUGHTY PAUL , ELLIS RYAN J. , OLIVER PAUL M.
Published: September 2016

We provide a taxonomic revision of the genus Crenadactylus, a group of very small clawless geckos from western and central Australia, with currently only one recognized species and four subspecies. Morphological comparisons were made on genotyped specimens from two recent genetic studies, then with an expanded sample to encompass all specimens to determine diagnostic characters in addition to morphological and geographic boundaries. Based on our findings, we           elevate the subspecies Crenadactylus ocellatus ocellatus from south-western Australia and C. o. horni from the Central Uplands to full species. Consultation of the types of Diplodactylus (= Crenadactylus) bilineatus indicate they are                 C. ocellatus based on a dorsal pattern with intermixing of dark and pale scales not shared with any other taxa; we therefore maintain synonymy of ‘D.’ bilineatus with ‘D.’ ocellatus. We describe three new Western Australian species formerly      allocated to C. o. horni: C. occidentalis sp. nov. from the western coast, C. tuberculatus sp. nov. from the Cape Range and C. pilbarensis sp. nov. from the Pilbara region. To stabilize the Kimberley taxa, we also raise C. ocellatus rostralis and C. ocellatus naso, both monophyletic taxa from the monsoonal tropics, to full species, while acknowledging further work is required on the C. naso species complex. All new species treated here possess distinctive morphological characters to diagnose them, including enlarged dorsal tubercles in C. tuberculatus sp. nov., a single enlarged supranasal in C. horni and a single enlarged postmental in C. pilbarensis sp. nov. Pattern was relatively conserved among taxa, with highly  contrasting dark and pale longitudinal lines, with the exception of the type species C. ocellatus that possesses intermixed dark and pale scales and ocelli. Crenadactylus species are separated by deep genetic divergences and are usually allopatrically distributed. This indicates that despite being Australia’s smallest geckos, or possibly because of it, these      diminutive lizards have a long history of localised persistence through major climatic changes over millions of years.
Redescription, lectotype designation and new records of Anastrepha luederwaldti Lima (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: URAMOTO KEIKO , NORRBOM ALLEN L. , ZUCCHI ROBERTO A.
Published: September 2016

The previously poorly known species Anastrepha luederwaldti Lima, 1934 is redescribed based on a reexamination of the syntypes from São Paulo and additional specimens from Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A lectotype is designated.
Characterization of the 14 June 2011 Norman, Oklahoma, Downburst through Dual-Polarization Radar Observations and Hydrometeor Classification
Authors: Mahale Vivek N. , Zhang Guifu , Xue Ming
Published: September 2016

On 14 June 2011, thunderstorms developed along a cold front in central Oklahoma in a thermodynamic environment that was conducive for downbursts. One of the thunderstorms produced a wet downburst in Norman, Oklahoma, that resulted in surface winds in excess of 35 m s−1(>80 mi h−1) and hailstones in excess of 4 cm in diameter. Unique 1-min observations of the downburst were recorded by an Oklahoma Mesonet station. These observations indicated a 6.6-hPa pressure rise that was coincident with a rain rate of 213 mm h−1at the center of the downburst. In this event, both the research KOUN (Norman) and operational KTLX (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) instruments were scanning this downburst and its parent storm at close range (<30 km). KOUN provided polarimetric radar data (PRD) while both radars provided limited dual-Doppler coverage. The evolution of the downburst is analyzed mostly through the use of reconstructed range–height indicators of the PRD. A hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA) is applied to the PRD to gain further understanding of the microphysical evolution of the downburst. Through the analyses, it is seen that graupel aloft made a transition to a nearly all rain and hail mixture above the 0°C level. This large area of mixed rain and hail eventually descended to the ground, causing the downburst. In this study, the HCA analyses are utilized to develop a conceptual model that characterizes the hydrometeor evolution of the parent downburst storm.
Arctic Sea Ice Patterns Driven by the Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Grunseich Gary , Wang Bin
Published: September 2016

The fluctuation of Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) has been associated with changes in ocean circulation, ecology, and Northern Hemisphere climate. Prediction of sea ice melting patterns is of great societal interest, but such prediction remains difficult because the factors controlling year-to-year sea ice variability remain unresolved. Distinct monsoon–Arctic teleconnections modulate summer Arctic SIC largely by changing wind-forced sea ice transport. East Asian monsoon rainfall produces a northward-propagating meridional Rossby wave train extending into the Siberian Arctic. The Indian summer monsoon excites an eastward-propagating circumglobal teleconnection along the subtropical jet, reaching the North Atlantic before bifurcating into the Arctic. The remote Asian monsoon variations induce a dominant dipole sea ice melt pattern in which the North Atlantic–European Arctic contrasts with the Siberian–North American Arctic. The monsoon-related sea ice variations are complementary and comparable in magnitude to locally forced Arctic Oscillation variability. The monsoon–Arctic link will improve seasonal prediction of summer Arctic sea ice and possibly explain long-term sea ice trends associated with the projected increase in Asian monsoon rainfall over the next century.
The long-term co-occurrence of psychiatric illness and behavioral problems following child sexual abuse
Authors: Papalia Nina L , Luebbers Stefan , Ogloff James RP , Cutajar Margaret , Mullen Paul E
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

There is a growing body of research investigating the relationship between child sexual abuse and a range of adverse outcomes. However, very little is known about the long-term co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and behavioral problems among this vulnerable population, or the interaction between characteristics of the abuse, such as the nature and timing of the child sexual abuse, and the extent of subsequent adversities. This study aimed to determine the rate and co-occurrence of mental health morbidity, criminal justice system contact, and fatal self-harm among medically confirmed victims of child sexual abuse, and to identify abuse variables associated with a greater likelihood of cumulative adverse experiences.

Methods:

The forensic medical records of 2759 cases of child sexual abuse assessed between 1964 and 1995 were linked with public psychiatric, criminal justice and coronial administrative databases between 13 and 44 years following abuse. Cases were compared to 2677 matched comparisons from the general population.

Results:

Abuse victims were more likely (odds ratio = 7.2, 95% confidence interval = [4.9, 10.4], p < 0.001) to experience cumulative adverse psychiatric and behavioral problems relative to comparisons. Almost half (47.6%) of victims who died of suicide or drug overdose had a history of offending, further victimization and mental illness. Relative to comparisons, female victims demonstrated the largest increase in odds for cumulative outcomes (odds ratio = 9.8, 95% confidence interval = [5.8, 16.8], p < 0.001), whereas in absolute terms, male victims were at an elevated risk for all types and combinations of adverse outcomes, except fatal self-harm. Boys who were older at abuse, had multiple abuse episodes or who were abused by an extra-familial perpetrator were most likely to experience poorer clinical trajectories. Only being older at abuse was associated with cumulative adverse experiences for females.

Conclusions:

Sexual abuse, particularly during adolescence (ages 12–16 years), appears to be a risk factor for co-occurring adverse experiences. This study identifies particular groups of child sexual abuse victims as at-risk and requiring targeted intervention.
Increasing urban Indigenous students' attendance: Mitigating the influence of poverty through community partnership
Authors: Baxter Lindy P , Meyers Noel M
Published: September 2016

This research explores school attendance rates within the steadily growing population of Victorian urban Indigenous students and challenges for realising high attendance levels. Poverty, pervasive throughout the urban Indigenous community, presents circumstances where it once, and could still, erode regular school attendance. We report one socio-educationally disadvantaged school, teaching a significant Indigenous student population that has mitigated the influence of socio-economic disadvantage. Their Indigenous students' attendance surpasses the attendance of most Indigenous students and almost matches that of their non-Indigenous school peers. Success has been achieved through community partnerships, supported by a Koorie 1 Education Worker, and embedded Indigenous culture. However, in the final primary school year, Indigenous students' attendance declines. This signals an earlier commencement of attendance decline that occurs in later years, often resulting in early attrition. As the school's targeted strategies and programmes have improved all students' attendance, so the attendance gap for Indigenous students persists.
How do learning environments vary by school sector and socioeconomic composition? Evidence from Australian students
Authors: Perry Laura B , Lubienski Christopher , Ladwig James
Published: September 2016

We examine how students’ perspectives of their learning environments vary between private and public schools in Australia. Previous research has shown that educational outcomes do not vary by school sector in most countries after controlling for student social background. Little is known, however, about the ways in which different students’ educational experiences vary across sectors. Australia is a good case study for examining this question, because it has one of the largest private school sectors in the world. We used a large and nationally representative dataset to compare sector differences across five measures of learning environments while accounting for the average socioeconomic composition of the school. Very few differences large enough to be considered educationally substantive were found between sectors. On two measures, however, student perspectives varied substantially within sectors and across school socioeconomic contexts. Overall, classroom disciplinary climate varied the most across school sectors and socioeconomic contexts, and teacher scaffolding and structuring strategies varied the least.
To Claim or Not to Claim? How Territorial Value Shapes Demands for Self-Determination
Authors: Kelle Friederike Luise
Published: September 2016

The literature on nationalism and civil war provides compelling evidence that territory is highly identity-relevant and strongly associated with conflict. However, it remains unclear which territorial characteristics determine this process, and how groups demanding self-determination differ from their counterparts not seeking greater rights. I argue that groups claim self-rule if they assign symbolic relevance to their land in contrast to material or strategic value, due to the positive effect of symbolic attachments on group cohesion. I present new data on the value of territory and self-determination demands, and propose a new and comprehensive measure of symbolic territory. The findings reveal that variation in symbolic value shows a considerably stronger association with self-determination demands than material and strategic territory. This highlights new research avenues investigating the role of territorial value in subnational conflicts, as well as the systematic differences in conflict behavior between groups demanding self-rule and non-disputants.
Attitudes Toward Psychotherapy Among Immigrant Russian-Speaking Jews From the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Drob Victoria , Tasso Anthony F. , Griffo Robert
Published: September 2016

With immigrants and minorities less prone to commence counseling services, this study explored attitudes toward psychotherapy among immigrant Russian-speaking Jews living in the United States. A total of 211 individuals who self-identified as Jewish and as having personally emigrated from the former Soviet Union (henceforth referred to as “Russian-speaking Jews” for the purposes of this study) took the Beliefs About Psychological Services (BAPS) scale, a three-factor (Intent, Stigma Tolerance, Expertness), 18-item measure, assessing attitudes toward psychotherapeutic services. Exploratory results reveal that Russian-speaking Jewish men report less favorable BAPS scores than women, and that in general BAPS scores in the current Russian-speaking Jewish sample tend to be less favorable than those reported in previous research using the BAPS. Participants who attended school in the United States tended to express more favorable attitudes than those who attended school outside the United States. Results and implications are discussed.
Was R2P a viable option for Syria? Opinion content in the Globe and Mail and the National Post, 2011–2013
Authors: Najem Tom Pierre , Soderlund Walter C. , Briggs E. Donald , Cipkar Sarah
Published: September 2016

In the spring of 2011 the Syrian civil war emerged as a late chapter of the “Arab Spring,” a chapter that in retrospect has turned out to be the most complex and potentially most serious. How such crisis events are framed in press coverage has been identified as important with respect to possible responses the international community makes under the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P). By most indicators (number of casualties, number of refugees, plus the use of chemical weapons against civilians), Syria certainly qualified as a candidate for the application of a UN Security Council authorized R2P reaction response; yet during the first two-and-a-half years of the war no such action was forthcoming.

This research examines editorial and opinion pieces on Syria appearing in two leading Canadian newspapers, the Globe and Mail and the National Post, from March 2011 to September 2013 in terms of assessing how the civil war was framed regarding the appropriateness of an R2P military response on the part of the international community. The research has both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. The former examines whether framing promoted or discouraged international involvement (i.e. a “will to intervene”), as well as whether diplomatic and especially military actions such as a “no-fly zone” or more direct military attacks would be likely to result in success or failure . Qualitatively, the major positions taken and arguments presented regarding R2P, and whether it should be invoked for Syria, are reviewed.
Regional turmoil, the rise of Islamic State, and Turkey's multiple Kurdish dilemmas
Authors: Park Bill
Published: September 2016

This article traces the interrelationship of the roles played by Turkey and by various Kurdish non-state actors such as the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Kurdistan Workers Party, and the Democratic Union Party, in the current turmoil in Syria and Iraq. It considers their varying perspectives on Islamic State and other jihadi groups, the tensions between the region's Kurdish non-state actors, and the differences between them in their relationships with Turkey. The background to these differences is explored, as is their impact on relationships with other actors, most notably the US. The article concludes by noting that Turkey as a regionally powerful and coherent actor, and the Kurds as a distinct ethnic group with aspirations to self-determination, will continue to be powerful elements in the region's politics.
Glasgow time signals
Authors: Black William B. , Clarke David
Published: September 2016

From 1859 to 1864, both visual and audio one o’clock time signals operated in Glasgow. Although the University carried a remit to provide the city’s time, following convoluted processes of establishment, a local chronometer-maker operated a time ball for 4 years. Towards the end of the period, time guns were triggered by telegraph from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Both exercises caused aggravation for the University. For the ball, the Professor of Astronomy, John Pringle Nichol, failed to convince the City Council that the “drop” control should originate from the University’s Observatory. For the guns, Robert Grant, the newly appointed Astronomy Chair holder, was aggrieved by the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Piazzi Smyth, appearing to operate above his station. Rather than having only a once per day reference, both projects were abandoned as the University laid a dedicated telegraph cable from its observatory to control many public clocks and additional clocks with large sweep fingers indicating exact time to the second.
The Parallel Worlds of Christoph Scheiner and Galileo Galilei
Authors: Engvold Oddbjørn , Zirker Jack B.
Published: September 2016

Galileo Galilei and Christoph Scheiner, working independently, discovered many of the properties of sunspots that we accept as valid today. Using his precise drawings of sunspots, Scheiner discovered seasonal variations in the slope of sunspot tracks. These led him to measure a small inclination of the solar axis with respect to the ecliptic plane. Galileo interpreted the variations of sunspot tracks as strong evidence in support of the Copernican model of the planets and Sun. Scheiner, in contrast, sought to reconcile his discoveries with his belief in Church dogma. He rejected the Copernican model and adopted instead Tycho Brahe’s hybrid geocentric model, which was consistent with all pertinent observations.
Mechanical, electrical, and melt flow properties of polyurethane elastomer/surface-modified carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Tayfun Umit , Kanbur Yasin , Abacı Ufuk , Güney Hasan Yüksel , Bayramlı Erdal
Published: September 2016

Carbon nanotube-reinforced polyurethane elastomer composites were prepared by melt-mixing. Nitric acid oxidation and silanization were applied to carbon nanotube surfaces to achieve better interfacial interactions with polyurethane elastomer. Tensile and hardness tests, differential scanning calorimetry, melt flow index test, dielectric measurements, and morphological studies of composites were reported. The best results were obtained for surface-modified carbon nanotubes containing composites with lower loading levels. Addition of carbon nanotubes leads to almost two-fold increase in strain and modulus compared to pristine polyurethane elastomer. Tensile strength of composites was also improved by inclusion of carbon nanotubes. However, strength values drop down with increasing carbon nanotube content. Shore hardness increased with the inclusion of modified carbon nanotube to polyurethane elastomer while pristine carbon nanotube caused remarkable decrease in hardness of polyurethane elastomer. Relatively higher melting points and slightly lower glass transition temperatures were observed for carbon nanotube-loaded composites compared to polyurethane elastomer because of plasticizing effect of carbon nanotube. Incorparation of carbon nanotube to polyurethane elastomer matrix caused reduction in melt flow index values due to formation of agglomarates, and n the contrary, surface modifications of carbon nanotube exhibited increase in melt flow index thanks to enhanced interfacial interactions between carbon nanotube and polyurethane elastomer. Significant increase in dielectric constant of composites was observed. Better dispersion of surface modified carbon nanotubes into polyurethane elastomer was also concluded from SEM micrographs of composites.
Conflict-induced IDPs and the Spread of Conflict
Authors: Bohnet Heidrun , Cottier Fabien , Hug Simon
Published: September 2016

Recent scholarship has found evidence that refugee flows may inadvertently contribute to the spread of conflict across borders. Little is known, however, about the spatial diffusion of conflict within a state’s borders and what role internal displacement plays in such a dynamic. This question is of relevance because of the particular marginalization of internally displaced persons, which make them at risk of predation and militarization by armed groups. Drawing on a novel global data set on internal displacement, we evaluate this question and find evidence for a similar mechanism leading to conflict spread operating at the domestic level.
Unintentional deaths from carbon-monoxide poisoning due to a traditional practice observed during the post-partum period
Authors: Telisinghe PU , Colombage Senarath M , Pg Hj Aliuddin Pg Md Bahrin
Published: September 2016

Deaths resulting from carbon-monoxide poisoning have been reported in the medical literature under diverse circumstances. Here, we report four deaths due to carbon-monoxide poisoning as a result of a traditional practice involving the application of heat to the abdomen to facilitate uterine involution during the immediate post-partum period. Four people died due to carbon-monoxide poisoning in two separate incidents, including two women in the post-partum period. In both instances, the women slept beside a stove with burning charcoal, which was supposed to provide warmth to the lower abdomen.
Investigation of temperature effects on nanoscale water droplet separation from a nozzle plate and impingement onto a fixed solid plate
Authors: Nguyen Van Quang , Lin Jau-Wen
Published: September 2016

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to study water molecular ejection through a 27.5-Å-diameter nozzle aperture under various system temperatures and pressing forces. In simulations, the effects of system temperature on the separation of water droplets from the nozzle plate surface are investigated. The results showed that the water nanojet did not separate from the nozzle plate surface at the system temperature of 310 K used to produce the nanoscale water droplets, regardless of the pressing forces. In addition, the impingement of nanoscale water droplets onto a fixed plate surface is also expressed. The contact angle, width of the spreading droplet, and average pressure of the droplets on the plate surface are discussed.
All in the (Human) Family? Species Aristocratism in the Return of Human Dignity
Authors: Rossello Diego
Published: September 2016

Human dignity is making a comeback. The essay focuses on the story that this comeback of human dignity presupposes and recasts. In that story, the “human family” is portrayed in terms of aristocratic dignitas. The consequences are twofold: (1) human dignity is co-implicated with the de-animalization of the human being; (2) once de-animalization is introduced, the story of human dignity cultivates an aristocratic sense of elevation of the human over other species, or what I will call “species aristocratism.” The fact that a new kind of aristocratism based on species emerges from the story of human dignity should concern us, I suggest, because it not only confronts us with unintended consequences of relying on human dignity as the foundation of human rights but also invites us to rethink our contemporary egalitarian, democratic ethos, understood as aristocracy for all.
Worlding Bogotá’s Ciclovía
Authors: Montero Sergio
Published: September 2016

“Best practices” are either celebrated as inspirational examples that can spur policy change and learning in other places or critiqued as “one-size-fits-all” models that do not consider the complexity of local contexts. Less is known about the forms of power, governance, and legitimacy that are embedded in the construction and mobilization of certain policies as world policy models. This article critically examines the concept of “best practice” by analyzing the case of Bogotá’s Ciclovía, a weekly 70-mile street-closure program to promote urban biking and physical exercise. The analysis sheds light on the shifting rationalities and constellations of local and transnational actors, networks, and agendas that have shaped the program from its experimental beginnings in the 1970s through its construction as an international “best practice” in the 2000s.

Las “mejores prácticas” suelen ser o bien presentadas como ejemplos inspiradores y creativos que pueden impulsar cambios políticos en otros lugares o criticadas como modelos “universales” que no toman en consideración la complejidad de los contextos locales. No obstante, se sabe relativamente poco sobre las formas de poder, gobernanza y legitimidad que están insertadas en la construcción y movilización de ciertos programas como modelos de política mundial. El artículo hace un examen crítico del concepto de “mejores prácticas” analizando el caso de la Ciclovía de Bogotá—un programa semanal de cierre de calles que promueve el ciclismo urbano y el ejercicio físico. El análisis arroja luz sobre las racionalidades cambiantes así como las diferentes constelaciones de actores, redes, y agendas locales y globales que le han dado forma al programa desde sus tímidos comienzos en los años 70 hasta su construcción como una “mejor práctica” internacional en los últimos años.
Gendering the Urban Social Movement and Public Housing Policy in São Paulo
Authors: Levy Charmain , Latendresse Anne , Carle-Marsan Marianne
Published: September 2016

A deteriorating economic scenario, a critical mass of unmarried female heads of households, and the institutionalization of the São Paulo housing movement in the 2000s contributed to women’s taking on a new public role within the movement. The strong presence of women at different levels of this social movement was a necessary but not determining factor in generating public awareness about gender-differentiated needs and claims for access to housing. Female leadership and a strategic alliance with the women’s movement and with nongovernmental organizations and local elected officials contributed to the development of gender-specific public housing policies.

O cenário de deterioração econômica, a massa crítica de mulheres solteiras na qualidade de chefes de família, bem como a institucionalização do movimento por moradia em São Paulo no início deste século contribuíram para que as mulheres desempenhassem um novo papel nessa ação. A forte presença de mulheres em diferentes esferas desse movimento social foi um fator necessário, embora não determinante, para gerar consciência social sobre o acesso à moradia baseado em diferenças de gênero. A liderança feminina e a aliança estratégica do movimento das mulheres, além da participação de organizações não-governamentais e de políticos eleitos, auxiliaram no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas para moradias com base na especificidade de gênero.
Parameter Drift Detection in Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing Based on Informational Distance/Divergence Measures
Authors: Kang Hyeon-Ah , Chang Hua-Hua
Published: September 2016

An informational distance/divergence-based approach is proposed to detect the presence of parameter drift in multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT). The study presents significance testing procedures for identifying changes in multidimensional item response functions (MIRFs) over time based on informational distance/divergence measures that capture the discrepancy between two probability functions. To approximate the MIRFs from the observed response data, the k-nearest neighbors algorithm is used with the random search method. A simulation study suggests that the distance/divergence-based drift measures perform effectively in identifying the instances of parameter drift in MCAT. They showed moderate power with small samples of 500 examinees and excellent power when the sample size was as large as 1,000. The proposed drift measures also adequately controlled for Type I error at the nominal level under the null hypothesis.
Measurement and communication: what worked and what did not in Fukushima
Authors: Hayano R.
Published: September 2016

The accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant contaminated the soil of densely populated regions in Fukushima Prefecture with radiocaesium, which poses risks of internal and external exposure to the residents. However, extensive whole-body-count surveys have shown that internal exposure levels of residents are negligible. In addition, data from personal dosimeters have shown that external exposure levels have decreased, so the estimated annual external dose of the majority of people is <1 mSv in most areas of Fukushima. Despite these reassuring data, many problems remain in Fukushima, many of which are psychosocial rather than radiological. This article will discuss the roles of measurement and communication in the postaccident phase based on 5 years of experience.
Thinking, talking, and working with professional community workers after the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Goto A.
Published: September 2016

This article examines postdisaster public health activities (focusing primarily on parenting support) through collaboration between universities and local government, and reports on the support provided to public health nurses, who are the gatekeepers of community health. For a year after the Fukushima disaster, discussions were held on the short- and long-term measures for responding to the concerns of parents, who face difficulty interpreting risks. Child health checkup data and mothers’ counselling sessions with public health nurses were analysed to gather evidence to reinforce the health system over the long term. As the results of the analysis showed a need for the development of a system for communicating health information in ways that are accessible to residents, a health literacy training programme was developed and implemented for public health nurses in Fukushima Prefecture.
Exposure and current health issues in Minamisoma
Authors: Tsubokura M.
Published: September 2016

Various reports have shown that internal and external exposure levels of local residents after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were very low. However, there are serious postdisaster health effects in the form of increased prevalence of diabetes and other chronic conditions. Stress, changes in the social environment and in living arrangements, and disruption in healthcare support provided by a network of people have resulted in increasing the cost of care and changing patients’ behaviour, such as delay in visiting a hospital. In addition to radiation protection, it is necessary, when looking after the health of Fukushima residents, to focus on human networking, social infrastructure, and protection of culture and history that are intangible, and not to overlook their roles in health.