bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Smoking on Circulating Cardiac Troponin I Concentrations and Cardiovascular Events in the General Population
Authors: Lyngbakken Magnus Nakrem , Skranes Julia Brox , de Lemos James A. , Nygård Ståle , Dalen Håvard , Hveem Kristian , Røsjø Helge , Omland Torbjørn
Published: November 2016

Background:

Both tobacco smoking and circulating cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels are associated with the risk of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. However, whether cTnI levels differ according to smoking status and whether smoking modifies the prognostic relationship between cTnI and outcomes remain unclear.

Methods:

Using data from a large, population-based cohort, we assessed the association between smoking and cTnI and the impact of smoking on the associations between cTnI levels and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. cTnI was measured with a high-sensitivity assay in 3824 never smokers, 2341 former smokers, and 2550 current smokers participating in the prospective observational HUNT Study (Nord-Trøndelag Health Study). All subjects were free from known prior cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus at baseline.

Results:

The age of the participants ranged from 19 to 94 years; 55.5% were women. Current smokers exhibited significantly lower levels of cTnI (median, 2.9 ng/L; interquartile range, 2.0–4.1 ng/L) than never smokers (3.2 ng/L; interquartile range, 2.2–4.7 ng/L;
P
<0.001) and former smokers (3.4 ng/L; interquartile range, 2.3–5.0 ng/L;
P
<0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (B=−0.098; 95% confidence interval, −0.129 to −0.068). We observed an association between increasing concentrations of cTnI and clinical end points in the total study cohort (adjusted hazard ratio per log unit increase in cTnI, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–1.54). This association was attenuated for current smokers (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.40) and was significantly weaker than in never/former smokers (
P
for interaction=0.003). Prognostic accuracy, as assessed by C statistics, was significantly lower in current smokers than in never smokers (
P
<0.001). In addition, cTnI provided no incremental prognostic information to the Framingham Cardiovascular Disease risk score in current smokers (
P
=0.08).

Conclusions:

Current smoking is associated with lower concentrations of cTnI, suggesting that substances in tobacco smoke may affect cardiomyocyte injury. The association between cTnI levels and cardiovascular end points is stronger in never/former smokers than in current smokers, compatible with the theory that the detrimental cardiovascular impact of current smoking is mediated via mechanisms other than subclinical myocardial injury.
Female Mice With an XY Sex Chromosome Complement Develop Severe Angiotensin II–Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Alsiraj Yasir , Thatcher Sean E. , Charnigo Richard , Chen Kuey , Blalock Eric , Daugherty Alan , Cassis Lisa A.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a deadly pathology with strong sexual dimorphism. Similar to humans, female mice exhibit far lower incidences of angiotensin II–induced AAAs than males. In addition to sex hormones, the X and Y sex chromosomes, and their unique complements of genes, may contribute to sexually dimorphic AAA pathology. Here, we defined the effect of female (XX) versus male (XY) sex chromosome complement on angiotensin II–induced AAA formation and rupture in phenotypically female mice.

Methods:

Female low-density lipoprotein receptor (
Ldlr
) deficient mice with an XX or XY sex chromosome complement were infused with angiotensin II for 28 days to induce AAAs. Abdominal aortic lumen diameters were quantified by ultrasound, whereas AAA diameters were quantified at study end point. DNA microarrays were performed on abdominal aortas. To mimic males, female mice were administered a single dose of testosterone as neonates or as adults before angiotensin II infusions.

Results:

Female
Ldlr
–/–
deficient mice with an XX and XY sex chromosome complement had similar sex organ weights and low serum testosterone concentrations. Abdominal aortas from female XY mice selectively expressed Y chromosome genes, whereas genes known to escape X inactivation were higher in XX females. The majority of aortic gene differences in XY versus XX females fell within inflammatory pathways. AAA incidences doubled and aneurysms ruptured in XY females. AAAs from XY females exhibited inflammation, and plasma interleukin-1β concentrations were increased in XY females. Moreover, aortas from XY females had augmented matrix metalloproteinase activity and increased oxidative stress. Last, testosterone exposure applied chronically, or as a single bolus at postnatal day 1, markedly worsened AAA outcomes in XY in comparison with XX adult females.

Conclusions:

An XY sex chromosome complement in phenotypic females profoundly influenced aortic gene expression profiles and promoted AAA severity. When XY females were exposed to testosterone, aneurysm rupture rates were striking. Mechanisms for augmented AAA severity in XY females include increased inflammation, augmented matrix metalloproteineases, and oxidative stress. Our results demonstrate that genes on the sex chromosomes regulate aortic vascular biology and contribute to sexual dimorphism of AAAs. Sex chromosome genes may serve as novel targets for sex-specific AAA therapeutics.
Relationship of Platelet Reactivity With Bleeding Outcomes During Long‐Term Treatment With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Medically Managed Patients With Non‐ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Cornel Jan H. , Ohman E. Magnus , Neely Benjamin , Jakubowski Joseph A. , Bhatt Deepak L. , White Harvey D. , Ardissino Diego , Fox Keith A.A. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Armstrong Paul W. , Erlinge David , Tantry Udaya S. , Gurbel Paul A. , Roe Matthew T.
Published: November 2016

Background

The relationship between “on‐treatment” low platelet reactivity and longitudinal risks of major bleeding dual antiplatelet therapy following acute coronary syndromes remains uncertain, especially for patients who do not undergo percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 2428 medically managed acute coronary syndromes patients from the Targeted Platelet Inhibition to Clarify the Optimal Strategy to Medically Manage Acute Coronary Syndromes
(TRILOGY ACS
) trial who had serial platelet reactivity measurements (P2Y
12
reaction units;
PRU
s) and were randomized to aspirin+prasugrel versus aspirin+clopidogrel for up to 30 months. Contal's method was used to determine whether a cut point for steady‐state
PRU
values could distinguish high versus low bleeding risk using 2‐level composites: Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (
GUSTO
) severe/life‐threatening or moderate bleeding unrelated to coronary artery bypass grafting (
CABG
) and non‐
CABG
Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (
TIMI
) major or minor bleeding. Exploratory analyses used 3‐level composites that incorporated mild and minimal
GUSTO
and
TIMI
events. Continuous measures of
PRU
s (per 10‐unit decrease) were not independently associated with the 2‐level
GUSTO
(adjusted hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.01; 95%
CI
, 0.96–1.06) or
TIMI
composites (1.02; 0.98–1.07). Furthermore, no
PRU
cut point could significantly distinguish bleeding risk using the 2‐level composites. However, the
PRU
cut point of 75 differentiated bleeding risk with the 3‐level composites of
GUSTO
(26.5% vs 12.6%; adjusted
HR
, 2.28; 95%
CI
, 1.77–2.94;
P
<0.001) and
TIMI
bleeding events (25.9% vs 12.2%; adjusted
HR
, 2.30; 95%
CI
, 1.78–2.97;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Among medically managed non‐
ST
‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes patients receiving prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy,
PRU
values were not significantly associated with the long‐term risk of major bleeding events, suggesting that low on‐treatment platelet reactivity does not independently predict serious bleeding risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00699998.
Length of Residence in the United States is Associated With a Higher Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Immigrants: A Contemporary Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Commodore‐Mensah Yvonne , Ukonu Nwakaego , Obisesan Olawunmi , Aboagye Jonathan Kumi , Agyemang Charles , Reilly Carolyn M. , Dunbar Sandra B. , Okosun Ike S.
Published: November 2016

Background

Cardiometabolic risk (
CMR
) factors including hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia are high among United States ethnic minorities, and the immigrant population continues to burgeon.

Methods and Results

Hypothesizing that acculturation (length of residence) would be associated with a higher prevalence of
CMR
factors, the authors analyzed data on 54, 984 US immigrants in the 2010–2014 National Health Interview Surveys. The main predictor was length of residence. The outcomes were hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. The authors used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between length of US residence and these
CMR
factors.

The mean (
SE
) age of the patients was 43 (0.12) years and half were women. Participants residing in the United States for ≥10 years were more likely to have health insurance than those with <10 years of residence (70% versus 54%,
P
<0.001). After adjusting for region of birth, poverty income ratio, age, and sex, immigrants residing in the United States for ≥10 years were more likely to be overweight/obese (odds ratio [
OR
], 1.19; 95%
CI
, 1.10–1.29), diabetic (
OR
, 1.43; 95%
CI
, 1.17–1.73), and hypertensive (
OR
, 1.18; 95%
CI
, 1.05–1.32) than those residing in the United States for <10 years.

Conclusions

In an ethnically diverse sample of US immigrants, acculturation was associated with
CMR
factors. Culturally tailored public health strategies should be developed in US immigrant populations to reduce
CMR
.
Towards a Single and Comprehensive Notion of ‘Civilian Population’ in Crimes against Humanity
Authors: Fernández Rosa Ana Alija , Estapà Jaume Saura
Published: November 2016

Although an essential element of the definition of crimes against humanity is that a civilian population be targeted, there is no agreement on what ‘civilian population’ means in this context. The notion has been given different meanings depending on whether the crimes are committed in times of conflict or peacetime. In times of conflict, preference is given to a broad approach based on international humanitarian law. More problematic is the attribution of a specific content to the notion in peacetime, where even discrimination has been suggested as a defining criterion. In this article we contend that a single notion of civilian population in crimes against humanity applicable in every circumstance is needed. Hence, we suggest determining the civilian population on the basis of the rules on State responsibility in international human rights law and general international law in order to exclude those endowed with public authority from the civilian population.
Discussing Global Health and Access to Medicines in the un System: The Case of the Union of South American Nations (unasur)
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea Ribeiro , Tabak Jana
Published: November 2016

This article explores how and why regional organizations participate in the discussion about global health within the United Nations system. It focuses on the case of the Union of South American Nations (unasur) and the topic of access to medicines, and argues that the creation of this organization and its activism in global health diplomacy and governance evolved in the context of the reconfiguration of multilateral cooperation in the Americas, where health has been defined as a human right and vital for regional citizenship. This process results from changing regional identities, unasur’s mandate and capacities, and the interests of leading member states such as Brazil.
Conceptualizing Groups in un Multilateralism: The Diplomatic Practice of Group Politics
Authors: Laatikainen Katie Verlin
Published: November 2016

Political groups permeate the diplomatic process across the United Nations (un) system, from conference diplomacy to annual sessions of the deliberative bodies, yet they remain poorly understood and under-appreciated. This article approaches groups from a conceptual and theoretical perspective, providing a typology to differentiate clearly the various groups that are active in un processes, from electoral groups to regional organizations and single-issue coalitions. The article also examines how theories of multilateralism, global governance and international negotiation largely exclude group and inter-group dynamics. Theories of global governance and multilateralism operate at the systemic level of analysis, while theories of negotiation and coalitions reflect assumptions of individual agency; both levels of analysis obscure the operation of political groups and group politics in un multilateralism. The emerging theories of diplomatic practice provide a meso-level approach that reveals the pervasive practice of group politics and politicized diplomacy in un multilateralism.
Group Dynamics and Interplay in un Disarmament Forums: In Search of Consensus
Authors: Dee Megan
Published: November 2016

The elimination of nuclear weapons has been an objective of the United Nations (un) since 1946. Although addressed through multiple forums, including the un General Assembly’s First Committee, Conference on Disarmament and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the possession and renunciation of nuclear weapons nevertheless remains a topic beset by multilateral stalemate and frustration over the entrenchment of positions between nuclear- and non-nuclear weapon states. Yet within these forums, disarmament politics are taking a new turn, with the emergence of new, cross-regional, cross-factional political groups working alongside more established blocs. Focusing on these group dynamics, this article argues that the emergence of new political groups, and their interplay with others, is critical to the effective functioning of disarmament negotiations. Through cooperative information exchange, encouraging policy entrepreneurship and by challenging the rigidity of entrenched bloc positioning, these new group dynamics may make an important contribution in the search for consensus within the un.
Momentum in Language Change
Authors: Stadler Kevin , Blythe Richard A. , Smith Kenny , Kirby Simon
Published: November 2016

Like other socially transmitted traits, human languages undergo cultural evolution. While humans can replicate linguistic conventions to a high degree of fidelity, sometimes established conventions get replaced by new variants, with the gradual replacement following the trajectory of an s-shaped curve. Although previous modelling work suggests that only a bias favoring the replication of new linguistic variants can reliably reproduce the dynamics observed in language change, the source of this bias is still debated. In this paper we compare previous accounts with a momentum-based selection account of language change, a replicator-neutral model where the popularity of a variant is modulated by its momentum, i.e. its change in frequency of use in the recent past. We present results from a multi-agent model that are characteristic of language change, in particular by exhibiting spontaneously generated s-shaped transitions that do not require externally triggered actuation. We discuss several empirical questions raised by our model, pertaining to both momentum-based selection as well as other biases and pressures which have been suggested to influence language change.
Epitypification of Morchella steppicola (Morchellaceae, Pezizales), a morphologically, phylogenetically and biogeographically distinct member of the Esculenta Clade from central Eurasia
Authors: YATSIUK IRYNA , SAAR IRJA , KALAMEES KUULO , SULAYMONOV SHAXOB , GAFFOROV YUSUFJON , O’DONNELL KERRY
Published: November 2016

The steppe morel, Morchella steppicola, is one of the more iconic species of true morels (Morchellaceae, Pezizales) based on its: 1) distinctive cerebriform pileus with densely packed labyrinthine irregular ridges, 2) genealogically exclusive position as the earliest diverging species lineage within the Esculenta clade, and 3) geographic distribution within temperate grassland steppes in central Eurasia. Given the uniqueness of this species, and conservation efforts in some Eurasian countries to protect it, we sought to study the holotype in the Mycological Herbarium of the M. G. Kholodny Institute of Botany (KW), Kyiv, Ukraine. However, because the type specimen appears to have been lost, but a picture was provided with the description, we have designated it the lectotype and epitypified this important species based on a collection made in 2014 from Lugansk province, Ukraine. Herein, we provide a detailed morphological description, provide a preliminary assessment of intraspecific diversity via phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequences from 13 M. steppicola collections spanning six Eurasian countries, and map its geographic distribution across the terrestrial ecoregions of central Eurasia.
Plectranthus anamudianus (Lamiaceae): a new species from Western Ghats, India
Authors: SMITHA KOKKARANIYIL , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: November 2016

A new species, Plectranthus anamudianus (Lamiaceae) is described and illustrated from southern Western Ghats, India. The new species is similar to Plectranthus glabratus, in its inflorescence architecture but differs mainly by its habit, internode length, leaf size and shape, petiole length and texture, number of flowers per cyme, bract structure and recurved fruiting calyx. Detailed description, illustration, photographs, IUCN red list category, distribution map, notes on biogeography and other relevant notes are provided. Surface sculpturing pattern of pollen grains and mericarps of the two species are also compared.
Woodstock Scholarship
Authors: Gatten Jeffrey N.
Published: November 2016

Since August 1969, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair looms large when recounting the history and impact of the baby boom generation and the societal upheavals of the Sixties. Scholars study the sociological, political, musical, and artistic impact of the event and use it as a cultural touchstone when exploring alternative perspectives or seeking clarity. This interdisciplinary annotated bibliography records the details of over 400 English-language resources on the Festival, including books, chapters, articles, websites, transcriptions and videos. Divided into six main subsections―Culture & Society, History, Biography, Music, Film, Arts & Literature―for ease of consultation Woodstock Scholarship sheds light on all facets of a key happening in our collective history.

Throughout the 1960s, popular music became increasingly reflective and suggestive of the rising political and social consciousness of the youth culture. Examples can be seen in the development of the protest song genre within the folk music boom of the early Sixties and the marriage of lifestyle to music first reflected by The Beatles with fashion, followed by psychedelic music with the emerging drug culture. Woodstock was where these themes coalesced, thus becoming the defining and last great moment of the 1960s. However, Woodstock also represented an abundant amount of experiences and ideas and moments. Thus, when exploring the complicated accounts and numerous facets of America during the turbulent Sixties one discovers scholarship on the key subjects, such as the Vietnam War or the Civil Rights Movement, often considering and debating the importance, relevance, and epic nature of Woodstock. Multiple narratives emerge: a radical engagement of the hippie movement, an overt commercial exploitation of youth culture, a political statement. Woodstock scholarship does not stand alone as field of study, but it is at the cross-road of a number of disciplines―music history, cultural studies, sociology, arts and literature, media studies, politics and economics.

Providing full bibliographical details and concise, informative annotation for each entry, Woodstock Scholarship is an essential tool for students, scholars, teachers, and librarians in all these areas, as well as for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of both the Woodstock Music and Art Fair phenomenon and of the confluence of music, commerce and politics.
Activist Choice Homophily and the Crowdfunding of Female Founders
Authors: Greenberg Jason , Mollick Ethan
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we examine when members of underrepresented groups choose to support each other, using the context of the funding of female founders via donation-based crowdfunding. Building on theories of choice homophily, we develop the concept of activist choice homophily, in which the basis of attraction between two individuals is not merely similarity between them, but rather perceptions of shared structural barriers stemming from a common social identity based on group membership. We differentiate activist choice homophily from homophily based on the similarity between individuals (“interpersonal choice homophily”), as well as from “induced homophily,” which reflects the likelihood that those in a particular social category will affiliate and form networks. Using lab experiments and field data, we show that activist choice homophily provides an explanation for why women are more likely to succeed at crowdfunding than men and why women are most successful in industries in which they are least represented.
Removing Cosmic Spikes Using a Hyperspectral Upper-Bound Spectrum Method
Authors: Anthony Stephen M. , Timlin Jerilyn A.
Published: November 2016

Cosmic ray spikes are especially problematic for hyperspectral imaging because of the large number of spikes often present and their negative effects upon subsequent chemometric analysis. Fortunately, while the large number of spectra acquired in a hyperspectral imaging data set increases the probability and number of cosmic spikes observed, the multitude of spectra can also aid in the effective recognition and removal of the cosmic spikes. Zhang and Ben-Amotz were perhaps the first to leverage the additional spatial dimension of hyperspectral data matrices (DM). They integrated principal component analysis (PCA) into the upper bound spectrum method (UBS), resulting in a hybrid method (UBS-DM) for hyperspectral images. Here, we expand upon their use of PCA, recognizing that principal components primarily present in only a few pixels most likely correspond to cosmic spikes. Eliminating the contribution of those principal components in those pixels improves the cosmic spike removal. Both simulated and experimental hyperspectral Raman image data sets are used to test the newly developed UBS-DM-hyperspectral (UBS-DM-HS) method which extends the UBS-DM method by leveraging characteristics of hyperspectral data sets. A comparison is provided between the performance of the UBS-DM-HS method and other methods suitable for despiking hyperspectral images, evaluating both their ability to remove cosmic ray spikes and the extent to which they introduce spectral bias.
Research on the Terahertz Absorption Spectra of Histidine Enantiomer (L) and its Racemic Compound (DL)
Authors: Zhou Tao , Wu Yidong , Cao Juncheng , Zou Liangliang , Yuan Jie , Yao Zhenwei , Xu Gongjie
Published: November 2016

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is used to investigate the absorption spectra of polycrystalline L- and DL-histidine in the frequency range of 10–100 cm-1. The spectra exhibit distinct differences in peak frequencies between the enantiomer (L-histidine) and racemic compound (DL-histidine). The observed spectral differences are attributed to the intermolecular interactions. With the density function theory (DFT) method, the frequencies of vibrational modes of L-histidine and DL-histidine in the THz range are calculated and well assigned according to the measured spectra. The origin of the observed vibrational modes is found to be non-localized and of a collective (phonon-like) nature, which points to the lattice and skeleton vibrations mediated by the hydrogen bond. Furthermore, we propose and demonstrate a method for determining the composition ratio of histidine mixtures based on the THz absorption spectra.
Understanding the Impact of Chemical Variability and Calibration Algorithms on Prediction of Solid Fraction of Roller Compacted Ribbons Using Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Talwar Sameer , Nunes Cletus , Stevens Tim , Nesarikar Vishwas , Timmins Peter , Anderson Carl A. , Drennen James K.
Published: November 2016

The study is aimed at developing a near-infrared (NIR) method for predicting solid fraction (SF) of dry granulated ribbons manufactured with formulation variability. The study investigated the impact of unmodeled chemical variability and regression approaches on method performance. The study utilized an excipient-only formulation system. Calibration compacts were created with chemical and processing variability; followed by collection of NIR spectra. Partial least squares (PLS) and spectral slope algorithms were utilized to model compact SF. Later, the models were deployed to predict SF of test ribbons and compacts containing an API at various concentrations. The risk associated with unmodeled chemical variation manifested itself through generation of new peaks and decreased baseline absorbance in the NIR spectra. The spectral slope was able to better manage this risk, as demonstrated by relatively higher robustness to the increasing load of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The reduced robustness of the PLS approach was attributed to the impact of chemical variability on both spectral baseline and peak absorbance. A prediction error of approximately 5% was observed at 10% drug load using the spectral slope approach. An understanding of the risk associated with unmodeled variability will enable NIR method development as an API sparing technique for low-dose product development.
Effects of Early Writing Intervention Delivered Within a Data-Based Instruction Framework
Authors: Jung Pyung-Gang , McMaster Kristen L. , delMas Robert C.
Published: November 2016

We examined effects of research-based early writing intervention delivered within a data-based instruction (DBI) framework for children with intensive needs. We randomly assigned 46 students with and without disabilities in Grades 1 to 3 within classrooms to either treatment or control. Treatment students received research-based early writing intervention within a DBI framework for 30 min, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. Control students received business-as-usual writing instruction. We measured writing performance using curriculum-based measures (CBM) and Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Achievement (WJ III). We found significant treatment effects on CBM outcomes (Hedges g = 0.74 to 1.36). We also found a significant interaction between special education status and condition on the WJ III favoring treatment students with disabilities (Hedges g = 0.45 to 0.70). Findings provide preliminary support for using a combination of research-based intervention and DBI with students with intensive writing needs.
Exploring the Involvement of Bullying Among Students With Disabilities Over Time
Authors: Rose Chad A. , Gage Nicholas A.
Published: November 2016

Students with disabilities are disproportionately involved within the bullying dynamic. Few studies have investigated the bullying involvement of youth with disabilities over time. The current study evaluated the victimization and perpetration rates of 6,531 students in Grades 3 through 12, including 16% with disabilities, over the course of 3 years. Results revealed that students with disabilities experienced greater rates of victimization and engaged in higher levels of perpetration than their peers without disabilities over time. In addition, the discrepancy in victimization and perpetration rates between youth with and without disabilities remained consistent longitudinally. Results from this study support the recommendation that students with disabilities should receive direct instruction in social and communication skills to buffer these adverse experiences.
Literacy Learning Cohorts
Authors: Brownell Mary , Kiely Mary Theresa , Haager Diane , Boardman Alison , Corbett Nancy , Algina James , Dingle Mary Patricia , Urbach Jennifer
Published: November 2016

Two professional development (PD) models for teachers were compared on teacher and student outcomes. Special education teachers participated in Literacy Learning Cohorts (LLC), a PD innovation designed to improve content and pedagogical knowledge for providing reading instruction to upper elementary students with learning disabilities. The LLC, based on Desimone’s (2009) framework, included 2 days of initial PD with follow-up meetings, coaching, and video self-analysis. A comparison group received only 2 days of PD. Results of independent t tests and analyses of covariance indicated that LLC teachers demonstrated significant change in instructional time allotted to, and quality of, word study and fluency instruction. LLC teachers also made significantly greater gains on the fluency knowledge measure as compared with the comparison group, but they did not differ in word study knowledge. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses showed that students of LLC teachers made significantly greater gains on word attack skills and decoding efficiency than did students of teachers in the comparison group.
The social representations of suicide in France: An inter-regional study in Alsace and Brittany
Authors: Kopp-Bigault Céline , Walter Michel , Thevenot Anne
Published: November 2016

Background:

Suicide is a major worldwide public health issue. Various studies showed that individual attitudes toward suicide change in a region with high suicide rate. Attitudes are one of the components of a global and complex system: social representations (SRs).

Aims:

In France, the Brittany region has an abnormally high death rate due to suicides. Our research focuses on the SRs of suicide in this region. The hypothesis underlying this project is that suicide SRs are different between an area with a high suicide rate and a region less affected by suicide.

Method:

A comparative study between the Brittany and Alsace regions, with the latter showing a statistically much lower suicide rate. The persons polled responded to a three-word free-association task around the question ‘For you, suicide is …?’ An analysis of word frequency and evocation rank was then carried out.

Results:

In confirmation of our hypothesis, SRs were different between Brittany and the control region.

Conclusion:

The study’s results open new avenues of research, specific to Brittany, in terms of the collective or individual effects of suicides, in terms of psycho-pathological conditions – essentially on depression, and in terms of training, on the stereotypes associated with suicide.
Schizophrenia: Impact of psychopathology, faith healers and psycho-education on adherence to medications
Authors: Abdel Aziz Karim , Elamin Mohammed H , El-Saadouni Nisrin M , El-Gabry Dina Aly , Barakat Mahmoud , Alhayyas Fatima , Moselhy Hamdy F
Published: November 2016

Background:

Many patients suffering from psychosis are nonadherent to their medications. Nonadherence can range from treatment refusal to irregular use or partial change in daily medication doses.

Aim:

To investigate whether symptom dimensions, post-discharge care plans and being involved with faith healer affect the adherence to treatment in patients with schizophrenia.

Method:

A total of 121 patients with schizophrenia were examined 6 weeks post-discharge from the inpatient unit and assessed for full, partial or nonadherence to medication.

Results:

There was a significant association between family involvement and partial adherence and between community team involvement post-discharge and full adherence to medications. Psycho-education was a predictor for adherence to medications, persecutory delusions and lack of insight predicted partial adherence, while being involved with faith healers predicted nonadherence.

Conclusion:

Adherence to medications and socio-demographic variables are independent. This study demonstrated that nonadherence or partial adherence to medications is associated with lack of insight and persecutory delusions. Psycho-education could improve the adherence to medication compliances.
Paradoxical territorial management: the case of peri-urban agricultural areas
Authors: Hernandez Solange
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this research is to understand the paradoxical practices of territorial management and to look into ways of supporting the local actors of peri-urban agriculture. To do so, we conducted a case study into the policy implemented for the past 25 years by the urban community of the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Etoile (Bouches-du-Rhône). Drawing on quantitative analyses of qualitative data, we demonstrate the relevance of these management practices in action. We go on to propose managerial tools that can be applied in the framework of public action in peri-urban agriculture.

Points for practitioners

The practical uses of the article are: first, to identify and understand the paradoxes, a recurring source of tension and deadlock in territorial public administration; and, second, to contribute concrete avenues of reflection and solutions to the territorial managers faced with these situations, especially in the management of peri-urban agricultural areas.
La Rochelle, France, and the invention of bike sharing public policy in the 1970s
Authors: Huré Maxime , Passalacqua Arnaud
Published: November 2016

The paper addresses an innovation in the history of transport as well as in the history of public policy. During the 1970s, the mid-sized city of La Rochelle (France) was probably the first place where an institutionalised bike sharing system was implemented. Crossing the materials of the local archives with the global dynamics of urban policies and mobility practices in Europe at that time explains the emergence of this innovation and allows reflection on the legacy of a forgotten first experiment.
Innovative artificial leather with high thermal conductivity as a new leather product
Authors: Yang Chenxiao , Wang Jingping , Li Li
Published: November 2016

Artificial leather has been developed for decades as a key element in apparel design due to its thermal insulation function. However, with the changes of public preferences, the focus has shifted from functionality to a greater awareness of aesthetics. Therefore, an area for innovative artificial leather with high thermal conductivity as the cover of smart electronic devices is emerging. This leather will enable both special functions and aesthetical appearance to catch the attention of the public. It can also be utilized for spring–summer clothing in following fashion trends. Exploring new markets also means breaking away from the traditional seasonal cycle. However, the only current method for improving thermal conductivity ( k) is to reduce its thickness, which sacrifices durability and appearance. Therefore, in this research, a novel solution is established, in which an additive with high k (TCA), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), is added into the resin layer of artificial leather at appropriate ratios to improve its thermal conductivity. Currently, the two most adopted production methods are used to develop a prototype without generating any extra cost. The results indicate that the modified leather has a high k, has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and a soft and cool hand feeling. The k of HTCAL is 48.3% higher than that of normal leather. In addition, in wear trials, a larger temperature difference is found between the skin and the HTCAL, indicating that HTCAL has a good heat transfer. Finally, a prototype for an iPhone case is developed and it is established that the method can be used for mass production to realize benefits.
Sexuality, intellectual disability, and human rights legislation
Authors: Kramers-Olen Anne
Published: November 2016

Sexuality constitutes a central feature of what it is to be human, yet health practitioners, families, and caregivers frequently perceive romantic and sexually intimate relationships among persons with intellectual disabilities to be inappropriate tending to regard such individuals as either ‘asexual’ or ‘hyper-sexed’. A number of myths, stereotypes, and prejudices intersect in a manner that has deleterious consequences for persons with intellectual disabilities. This article reviews the literature on sexuality and barriers to sexual expression among persons with intellectual disabilities. Relevant legislative frameworks and human rights issues, in particular, the tensions between protecting persons with intellectual disabilities from exploitation, and the promotion of sexual autonomy also receive consideration. In addition, the article explores issues relating to competency to consent to sexual acts and concludes with a synthesis of the current knowledge.
Structural and ion transport properties of lithium triflate/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based polymer electrolytes
Authors: Kumar Asheesh , Sharma Raghunandan , Suresh M , Das Malay K , Kar Kamal K
Published: November 2016

Polymer electrolytes consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) in combination with lithium triflate (LiCF3SO3) salt of varying concentration have been prepared using the conventional solution casting technique in the argon atmosphere. Structural electrical characterizations of the synthesized electrolytes have been performed using various imaging and spectroscopic techniques. The DC conductivities determined by complex impedance plots reveal gradual increase with increase in salt concentration up to a particular limit and decrease subsequently. The maximum DC conductivity obtained at 300 K is 1.64 × 10−4 Scm−1 for the electrolyte with a polymer to salt weight ratio of 1:1.8. The temperature-dependent conductivity followed a mixed Arrhenius and Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher type behaviour for the polymer electrolytes. From the Summerfield master curve plot, the conductivity of the solid polymer electrolytes is found to depend not only on ion dynamics but also on the segmental mobility of the polymer chains.
The managerial position in a Swedish municipal organization: Possibilities and limitations
Authors: Albinsson Gunilla , Arnesson Kerstin
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this article is to explore how a group of managers construct their reality, more specifically what it means to work as a manager in a municipal organization. The empirical data for the study were obtained from a Swedish medium-sized municipality and the study takes as its research approach grounded theory, as developed by Glaser and Strauss. Consequently, the empirical data formed the basis for the research, which takes a multi-methodical and theory-generating approach. The methods used in the study include the use of a questionnaire study, interviews in focus groups, observations, reflective work diaries, and the creation of feedback sessions. The result shows that the managers work in an organization where conflicting and competing value systems act together. These can be interpreted as environmental factors and external bounds on a structural societal level, which cannot be influenced. A point of analysis is that these factors and external bounds to a high degree permeate the manager’s workday and can therefore be seen as a plausible explanation for the boundless nature of the managerial task. For most of the managers of the study, this was expressed as uncertainty as to how to define and interpret goals and as to what the managerial role includes with regard to areas of responsibility. It is interesting to ask, however, whether these conditions are not characteristic of the role of managers and work life in general. The results also show that the substantive theory of the study was not judged to be valid for the municipal companies. These managers do not express as ambivalent an approach to competing value systems as the managers in other sections of the municipality do. Nor do they appear to question their professional knowledge, the work content or managership. Another empirical important finding is that the managers believe that the organizational conditions limit ability to carry out the manager task, but that, despite this, they indicate, paradoxically, that they like their work and the social work environment.
Toward transformative media organizing: LGBTQ and Two-Spirit media work in the United States
Authors: Costanza-Chock Sasha , Schweidler Chris ,   Transformative Media Organizing Project
Published: November 2016

This article summarizes key findings from a strengths and needs assessment of media work by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer (LGBTQ) and Two-Spirit organizations in the United States, conducted in 2014–2015. This mixed-methods participatory research included a nationwide organizational survey with 231 respondents, 19 expert interviews, and a series of workshops with project partners and advisers. We found that despite scarce resources, many LGBTQ and Two-Spirit organizations have an intersectional analysis of linked systems of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other axes of identity and structural inequality. Many seek to do media work that develops the critical consciousness and leadership of their communities, create media in ways that are deeply accountable to their social base, use participatory approaches to media making, are strategic and cross-platform in their approach, and root their work in community action. We call this combination of characteristics transformative media organizing, and we believe it describes an emerging paradigm for social movement media practices in the current media landscape.
Fewer voters, higher stakes? The applicability of rational choice for voter turnout in Quebec municipalities
Authors: Breux Sandra , Couture Jérôme , Goodman Nicole
Published: November 2016

Municipal voter turnout is often considered to be a function of electorate size. According to the rational choice theory of voter behavior, a rational voter is more inclined to abstain in the presence of larger electorates, and more likely to participate in smaller ones. This article examines the impact of electorate size on voter turnout using a multivariate regression model to explain voter participation in Quebec municipalities in the 2009 and 2013 local elections ( N = 1040). Several other assumptions pertaining to the rational voter are also tested. We find that rational choice theory explains 45% of municipal voter participation in these Quebec elections and that it supports the probability of pivotal voting. Our analysis also confirms that the number of electors, number of mayoral candidates, tax rate, presence of a political party, and incumbency have different effects on participation in small and large municipalities.
Utility of the NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© tool and the Surprise Question as screening tools for early palliative care and to predict mortality in patients with advanced chronic conditions: A cohort study
Authors: Gómez-Batiste Xavier , Martínez-Muñoz Marisa , Blay Carles , Amblàs Jordi , Vila Laura , Costa Xavier , Espaulella Joan , Villanueva Alicia , Oller Ramon , Martori Joan Carles , Constante Carles
Published: November 2016

Background:

The Surprise Question (SQ) identifies patients with palliative care needs. The NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© (NECPAL) tool combines the Surprise Question with additional clinical parameters for a more comprehensive assessment. The capacity of these screening tools to predict mortality is still unknown.

Aim:

To explore the predictive validity of the NECPAL and SQ to determine 12- to 24-month mortality.

Design:

Longitudinal, prospective and observational cohort study.

Setting/participants:

Three primary care centres, one general hospital, one intermediate care centre, and four nursing homes. Population cohort with advanced chronic conditions and limited life prognosis. Patients were classified according to SQ and NECPAL criteria and followed for 24 months.

Results:

Data available to assess 1059 of 1064 recruited patients (99.6%) at 12 and 24 months: 837 patients were SQ+ and 780 were NECPAL+. Mortality rates at 24 months were as follows: 44.6% (SQ+) versus 15.8% (SQ−) and 45.8% (NECPAL+) versus 18.3% (NECPAL−) ( p = 0.000). SQ+ and NECPAL+ identification was significantly correlated with 24-month mortality risk (hazard ratios: 2.719 and 2.398, respectively). Both tools were highly sensitive (91.4, CI: 88.7–94.1 and 87.5, CI: 84.3–90.7) with high negative predictive values (84.2, CI: 79.4–89.0 and 81.7, CI: 77.2–86.2), with low specificity and positive predictive value. The prognostic accuracy of SQ and NECPAL was 52.9% and 55.2%, respectively. The predictive validity was slightly better for NECPAL.

Conclusion:

SQ and NECPAL are valuable screening instruments to identify patients with limited life prognosis who may require palliative care. More research is needed to increase its prognostic utility in combination with other parameters.
Altered hippocampal arteriole structure and function in a rat model of preeclampsia: Potential role in impaired seizure-induced hyperemia
Authors: Johnson Abbie C , Cipolla Marilyn J
Published: November 2016

We investigated the effect of experimental preeclampsia on hyperemia during seizure in the hippocampus and vascular function and structure of hippocampal arterioles using Sprague Dawley rats (n = 14/group) that were nonpregnant, pregnant (d20), or had experimental preeclampsia (induced by a high cholesterol diet d7–20). Hyperemia was measured via hydrogen clearance basally and during pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure (40–130 mg/kg i.v.). Reactivity of isolated and pressurized hippocampal arterioles to KCl, nitric oxide synthase inhibition with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside were investigated. Capillary density was quantified via immunohistochemistry. Cerebral blood flow increased during seizure vs. baseline in pregnant (118 ± 14 vs. 87 ± 9 mL/100 g/min; p < 0.05) and nonpregnant rats (106 ± 9 vs. 82 ± 9 mL/100 g/min; p < 0.05) but was unchanged in preeclamptic rats (79 ± 16 vs. 91 ± 4 mL/100 g/min; p > 0.05), suggesting impaired seizure-induced hyperemia in preeclampsia. Hippocampal arterioles from preeclamptic rats had less basal tone, and dilated less to 15 mM KCl (9 ± 8%) vs. pregnant (61 ± 27%) and nonpregnant rats (20 ± 11%). L-NAME had no effect on hippocampal arterioles in any group, but dilation to sodium nitroprusside was similar. Structurally, hippocampal arterioles from preeclamptic rats underwent inward hypotrophic remodeling and capillary rarefaction. Impaired seizure-induced hyperemia, vascular dysfunction, and limited vasodilatory reserve of hippocampal arterioles could potentiate hippocampal injury in preeclampsia especially during eclampsia.