bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of Findings in Drug-Induced Immune Haemolytic Anaemia: Experience over 20 Years in a Single Centre
Authors: Mayer Beate , Bartolmäs Thilo , Yürek Salih , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: October 2015

Background: Drug-induced immune haemolytic anaemia (DIHA) is difficult to diagnose, and its true incidence remains obscure. Here, we present cases of DIHA identified at our institute over the last two decades. Methods: Serological tests were performed according to standard procedures. Detection of drug-dependent antibodies was performed in the presence and absence of the relevant drug and/or their ex vivo antigens. Results: Over the last 20 years, 73 patients have been identified with DIHA in our institute, which was related to 15 different drugs. The most common single drugs identified were diclofenac (n = 23), piperacillin (n = 13), ceftriaxone (n = 12) and oxaliplatin (n = 10). As far as data were available, haemolysis was acute in all patients, and signs of intravascular haemolysis were present in 90% of the cases. Haemolysis resulted in death in 17 patients (23%). The remaining patients recovered, but haemolysis was complicated by transitory renal and/or liver failure or shock in 11 patients. Upon initial evaluation, the antibody screening test was positive in 36 cases. A positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) at least with anti-C3d was found in 65 cases, with anti-IgG only in 6 cases, and with anti-IgA only in 1 case. Conclusion: DIHA is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder that should be considered if a patient develops haemolysis under drug treatment. The main serological finding is a positive DAT, primarily with anti-C3d.
Personalized Cardiovascular Medicine Today
Authors: Blaus Alison , Madabushi Rajanikanth , Pacanowski Michael , Rose Martin , Schuck Robert N. , Stockbridge Norman , Temple Robert , Unger Ellis F.
Published: October 2015

Over the past decade, personalized medicine has received considerable attention from researchers, drug developers, and regulatory agencies. Personalized medicine includes identifying patients most likely to benefit and those most likely to experience adverse reactions in response to a drug, and tailoring therapy based on pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamic response, as well. Perhaps most exciting is finding ways to identify likely responders through genetic, proteomic, or other tests, so that only likely responders will be treated. However, less precise methods such as identifying historical, demographic, or other indicators of increased or reduced responsiveness are also important aspects of personalized medicine. The cardiovascular field has not used many genetic or proteomic markers, but has regularly used prognostic variables to identify likely responders. The development of biomarker-based approaches to personalized medicine in cardiovascular disease has been challenging, in part, because most cardiovascular therapies treat acquired syndromes, such as acute coronary syndrome and heart failure, which develop over many decades and represent the end result of several pathophysiological mechanisms. More precise disease classification and greater understanding of individual variations in disease pathology could drive the development of targeted therapeutics. Success in designing clinical trials for personalized medicine will require the selection of patient populations with attributes that can be targeted or that predict outcome, and the use of appropriate enrichment strategies once such attributes are identified. Here, we describe examples of personalized medicine in cardiovascular disease, discuss its impact on clinical trial design, and provide insight into the future of personalized cardiovascular medicine from a regulatory perspective.
Earlier Age of Onset of Chronic Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Heida Karst Y. , Franx Arie , van Rijn Bas B. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Boer Jolanda M.A. , Verschuren Monique W.M. , Oudijk Martijn A. , Bots Michiel L. , van der Schouw Yvonne T.
Published: October 2015

A prospective cohort study was conducted to assess the impact of a history of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the risk and age of onset of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life, independent of hypertension and T2D. Between 1993 and 1997, 22 265 ever-pregnant women were included from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-NL study, aged 20 to 70 years at baseline. Details on complications of pregnancy and known hypertension were obtained by questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured at enrollment. Participants were followed for the occurrence of CVD events. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, multivariable logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazard (with HDP and GDM as time-dependent variables for T2D and CVD) models. At enrollment, women with a HDP reported diagnosis of hypertension 7.7 years earlier (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.9–8.5) and women with GDM reported diagnosis of T2D 7.7 years earlier (95% CI 5.8–9.6) than women without pregnancy complications. After adjustment for potential confounders, HDP was associated with presence of hypertension at enrollment (odds ratio 2.12, 95% CI 1.98–2.28) and onset of CVD later in life (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.10–1.32). After including the intermediates hypertension and T2D in the model, the risk of CVD later in life decreased (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.20). GDM was associated with an increased risk of developing T2D later in life (hazard ratio 3.68, 95% CI 2.77–4.90), but not with risk of CVD. HDP and GDM have a substantial impact on the risk of CVD and are potentially important indicators for preventive cardiovascular risk management.
Role of Indoxyl Sulfate as a Predisposing Factor for Atrial Fibrillation in Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Aoki Kohei , Teshima Yasushi , Kondo Hidekazu , Saito Shotaro , Fukui Akira , Fukunaga Naoya , Nawata Tomoko , Shimada Tatsuo , Takahashi Naohiko , Shibata Hirotaka
Published: October 2015

Background

Renal dysfunction is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (
AF
). The uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate may contribute to the progression of cardiac fibrosis and
AF
substrate in renal dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned randomly to the following groups: 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) with vehicle, 5/6Nx with
AST
‐120, sham procedure with vehicle, and sham procedure with
AST
‐120. Vehicle and
AST
‐120 were administered for 4 weeks. Serum levels of
IS
were significantly increased in 5/6Nx groups. Expression of malondialdehyde, an indicator of oxidative stress, was upregulated in the left atrium of 5/6Nx groups and was accompanied by an increase in expression of
NADPH
oxidase 2 and 4. Monocyte‐mediated inflammatory signals such as
CD
68, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 were also upregulated in 5/6Nx groups. Interstitial fibrosis was promoted heterogeneously, and expression of profibrotic indicators such as transforming growth factor β1, α‐smooth muscle actin, and collagen type 1 was upregulated in left atrium tissue of 5/6Nx groups. In cultured atrial fibroblasts, incubation with
IS
upregulated expression of the markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and profibrotic factors. These results suggest the direct effects of
IS
on the progression of
AF
substrate.
AF
was consistently and invariably induced by atrial extrastimuli in 5/6Nx groups in electrophysiological experiments.
AST
‐120 treatment significantly alleviated renal dysfunction–induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and atrial fibrosis and, consequently, attenuated
AF
inducibility.

Conclusions

Indoxyl sulfate facilitates atrial fibrosis and
AF
and thus is a novel therapeutic target for prevention of renal dysfunction–induced
AF
.
Survival After Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest in the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Subway System: First Successful Targeted Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program in Latin America
Authors: Gianotto‐Oliveira Renan , Gonzalez Maria Margarita , Vianna Caio Brito , Monteiro Alves Maurício , Timerman Sergio , Kalil Filho Roberto , Kern Karl B.
Published: October 2015

Background

Targeted automated external defibrillator (
AED
) programs have improved survival rates among patients who have an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (
OHCA
) in
US
airports, as well as European and Japanese railways. The Sao Paulo (Brazil) Metro subway carries 4.5 million people per day. A targeted
AED
program was begun in the Sao Paulo Metro with the objective to improve survival from cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results

A prospective, longitudinal, observational study of all cardiac arrests in the Sao Paulo Metro was performed from September 2006 through November 2012. This study focused on cardiac arrest by ventricular arrhythmias, and the primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge with minimal neurological impairment. A total of 62 patients had an initial cardiac rhythm of ventricular fibrillation. Because no data on cardiac arrest treatment or outcomes existed before beginning this project, the first 16 months of the implementation was used as the initial experience and compared with the subsequent 5 years of full operation. Return of spontaneous circulation was not different between the initial 16 months and the subsequent 5 years (6 of 8 [75%] vs. 39 of 54 [72%];
P
=0.88). However, survival to discharge was significantly different once the full program was instituted (0 of 8 vs. 23 of 54 [43%];
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of a targeted
AED
program in the Sao Paulo Metro subway system saved lives. A short interval between arrest and defibrillation was key for good long‐term, neurologically intact survival. These results support strategic expansion of targeted
AED
programs in other large Latin American cities.
Remarks on the Identity and Language Situation in Sangan
Authors: Boyajian Vahe S. , Shahbakhsh Azim
Published: October 2015

The paper presents a brief description of the current language situation in Sangan and its impact on the identity formation on the local level. Sangan, an emerging township with around 9,000 inhabitants, is situated in the western hillside of Daptan (Taftan) mountain in Sarḥadd, 50 km to the north of the city of Khash in Iranian Baluchistan. Most of the population of Sangan are Baloches from the Kord tribe, speaking an idiom, which—although claimed to be a Kurdish dialect by the local pundits—has, in fact, nothing to do with proper Kurdish.
The Love Story of Esterke and Kazimierz, King of Poland—New Perspectives
Authors: Cohen Nathan
Published: October 2015

This article reveals and discusses four forgotten and unknown literary versions of the love story between the Polish King Kazimierz the Great (1310–1370) and Esterke, a young Jewish maiden from Opoczno. A fundamental research study by Khone Shmeruk in the 1980s examined the reception and molding of the Esterke story in both Polish and Yiddish literary works and their intertextuality. This article will discuss and analyze two Hebrew and two Yiddish versions of the story and will put each of them in its contemporary Jewish socio-political and cultural context.
Annual Drought in California: Association with Monthly Precipitation and Climate Phases
Authors: Shukla Shraddhanand , Steinemann Anne , Iacobellis Sam F. , Cayan Daniel R.
Published: October 2015

Annual precipitation in California is more variable than in any other state and is highly influenced by precipitation in winter months. A primary question among stakeholders is whether low precipitation in certain months is a harbinger of annual drought in California. Historical precipitation data from 1895 to 2013 are investigated to identify leading monthly indicators of annual drought in each of the seven climate divisions (CDs) as well as statewide. For this study, drought conditions are defined as monthly/annual (October–September) precipitation below the 20th/30th percentile, and a leading indicator is defined as a monthly drought preceding or during an annual drought that has the strongest association (i.e., joint probability of occurrence) with a statewide annual drought. Monthly precipitation variability and contributions to annual precipitation, along with joint probabilities of drought among the winter months, are first analyzed. Then the probabilities of annual drought and the variability in leading indicators are analyzed according to different climate phases and CDs. This study identified December within a water year as being the leading indicator that is most frequently associated with annual drought statewide (56%) and in most of the CDs (the highest was CD2 at 65%). Associated with its leading-indicator status, December drought was most frequently associated with drought in other winter months (joint probability > 30%). Results from this study can help stakeholders to understand and assess the likelihood of annual drought events given monthly precipitation preceding or early in the water year.
A Novel In Vivo Protocol for Molecular Study of Radiation-Induced Fibrosis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Krisciunas Gintas P. , Platt Michael , Trojanowska Maria , Grillone Gregory A. , Haines Paul C. , Langmore Susan E.
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

Radiation-induced fibrosis is a common complication for patients following head and neck cancer treatment. This study presents a novel minimally invasive protocol for molecular study of fibrosis in the stromal tissues.

Methods:

Subjects with radiation-induced fibrosis in the head and neck who were at least 6 months post treatment received submental core needle biopsies, followed by molecular processing and quantification of gene expression for 14 select pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes. Control biopsies from the upper arm were obtained from the same subjects. Patients were followed up at 1 and 2 weeks to monitor for safety and adverse outcomes.

Results:

Six subjects were enrolled and completed the study. No subjects experienced adverse outcomes or complication. An 18 gauge core biopsy needle with a 10 mm notch inserted for up to 60 seconds was needed. Subcutaneous tissue yielded 3 ng of RNA, amplified to 6 µg of cDNA, allowing for adequately sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of approximately 28 genes.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the safety and utility of a novel technique for the molecular study of fibrosis in head and neck cancer patients. Longitudinal studies of patients undergoing radiation therapy will allow for identification of molecular targets that contribute to the process of fibrosis in the head and neck.
The Robinson-Patman “In Commerce” Requirement
Authors: McClelland Jeffrey H. , Bennington Kenneth R. , Craigmile Kathleen E.
Published: October 2015

Despite its unambiguous text, courts have mostly failed to interpret the Robinson-Patman Act’s “in commerce” requirement—one of three subelements comprising the Act’s interstate commerce element—to mean what it says, that is that a plaintiff only needs to show that any of the defendant’s discriminatory sales were in interstate commerce. While the plain language of the “in commerce” subelement requires nothing more, the legal tests applied by most courts go far beyond this “any” requirement. In fact, courts have held that the “in commerce” subelement requires proof beyond a de minimis number of interstate discriminatory sales. These courts’ solution to what they likely see as a problem of overbroad liability under the Act actually creates more complexity than it eliminates and is unmoored from the statutory text. This article examines a number of these courts’ interpretations of the “in commerce” subelement, along with influential scholarship. Then it offers an alternative, practical test—staying faithful to the statutory text—for determining whether a plaintiff has satisfied the Robinson-Patman Act’s interstate commerce element. “Any” should mean any. Thus, this Article describes a holistic analytical approach for courts and parties to follow so that “any” indeed means any as to satisfying the interstate commerce element while also avoiding imposing liability where it would be inconsistent with the Act to do so. This article also asserts that another historical interpretive practice regarding this element of the Robinson-Patman Act should be discarded: in light of modern Supreme Court jurisprudence regarding the subject-matter jurisdiction versus ingredient-of-claim-for-relief dichotomy, particularly Arbaugh v. Y & H Corp., 546 U.S. 500 (2006), the interstate commerce element should not be treated as “jurisdictional.” Instead, this element should be considered simply as a prima facie element of a Robinson-Patman Act plaintiff’s claim.
Does collateral retrospective information about childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms assist in the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults? Findings from a large clinical sample
Authors: Breda Vitor , Rovaris Diego Luiz , Vitola Eduardo Schneider , Mota Nina Roth , Blaya-Rocha Paula , Salgado Carlos Alberto Iglesias , Victor Marcelo Moraes , Picon Felipe Almeida , Karam Rafael Gomes , Silva Katiane Lilian , Rohde Luis Augusto , Bau Claiton Henrique Dotto , Grevet Eugenio Horacio
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

In accordance with consolidated clinical practice, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition suggests a key role of collateral information in the evaluation of retrospective childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in adults despite poor evidence supporting its use. This study aims to assess the incremental value of collateral information on the presence of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms when evaluating adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Methods:

Adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( n = 449) and non-attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subjects ( n = 143) underwent an extensive clinical assessment based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition criteria. For patients, retrospective collateral information regarding childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was obtained and used to sort them into two groups: agreement ( n = 277) and disagreement ( n = 172) between self- and collateral reports. We compared demographic, clinical and response to treatment profiles among groups to test the relevance of collateral information on the specific issue of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

Results:

Both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder groups had higher rates of several comorbidities (oppositional defiant, conduct, substance use and bipolar disorders; all p < 0.001) and impairments than controls. Disagreement between self- and collateral reports on childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms occurred in 38% of patients. Overall, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder disagreement and agreement groups had similar profiles in response to treatment and comorbidity, and the few differences detected in impairment measures were of small magnitude (Eta2 < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Although collateral report has an important role for diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children, it has no incremental value in the evaluation of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in adults with a self-reported history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder assessed in clinical settings.
Peer mentors as a transition strategy at University: Why mentoring needs to have boundaries
Authors: Egege Sandra , Kutieleh Salah
Published: October 2015

Peer mentoring is often considered the single most effective strategy for increasing student retention and student satisfaction. As a consequence, mentoring programs have been implemented at most universities and are an essential feature of best practice transition programs. Yet, the literature is inconsistent regarding what the term entails and how it is applied, leading to diverse opinions about what constitutes a mentoring program. It could be argued that agreement on a definition of mentoring is secondary to the benefits of its practice and that an emphasis on terminology is just playing semantics. However, this article argues that terminology does matter and that elucidating what mentoring entails is crucial to the comparative evaluation and improvement of mentoring practice as well as the identification of best practice. The article goes on to suggest how mentoring boundaries might be set by drawing on experiences from an Australian University.
Gravity Model by Panel Data Approach
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Ahmed Shahid
Published: October 2015

This article has examined the determinants of export and import flows of countries in the South Asia through estimations for a country panel data of eight countries during the period 1985–2011 using a gravity model. The estimated result suggests that gross domestic product (GDP) and population among other factors can explain export and import flows. Perhaps the most important finding of the study is that South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) has produced trade creation among its members. Finally, the study found that geographic distance might be impeding trade, and tariff has negative effect on the trade. The study also found that the nature of trade is intra-industry among the member countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Transmission Mechanism of Exchange Rate Pass-through in India
Authors: Ranadive Rucha R. , Burange L.G.
Published: October 2015

The degree of transmission of the exchange rate fluctuations to domestic prices manoeuvres the monetary policy actions in order to contain the inflationary pressure on the economy. The study intends to analyze the exchange rate pass-through to import and domestic prices in India after the global financial crisis applying unrestricted VAR model and innovation accounting tools such as impulse response functions and variance decomposition. The empirical study has been undertaken from April 2009 to May 2013 considering eight variable VAR consisting of oil prices, output gap, the exchange rate, interest rate, money supply, import prices, wholesale prices and consumer prices in India. Incomplete pass-through to import and domestic prices has been encountered and the transmission of pass-through declines along the distribution chain of pricing. The magnitude of pass-through is high for import prices and moderate to wholesale and consumer prices. The variance decomposition results reveal that industrial output, interest rate and money supply impact domestic prices to a greater extent in India.
How to Learn Things at School You Don’t Already Know
Authors: Gronostaj Anna , Werner Elise , Bochow Eric , Vock Miriam
Published: October 2015

Skipping a grade, one specific form of acceleration, is an intervention used for gifted students. Quantitative research has shown acceleration to be a highly successful intervention regarding academic achievement, but less is known about the social–emotional outcomes of grade-skipping. In the present study, the authors used the grounded theory approach to examine the experiences of seven gifted students aged 8 to 16 years who skipped a grade. The interviewees perceived their “feeling of being in the wrong place” before the grade-skipping as strongly influenced by their teachers, who generally did not respond adequately to their needs. We observed a close interrelationship between the gifted students’ intellectual fit and their social situation in class. Findings showed that the grade-skipping in most of the cases bettered the situation in school intellectually as well as socially, but soon further interventions, for instance, a specialized and demanding class- or subject-specific acceleration were added to provide sufficiently challenging learning opportunities.
Effective Learning
Authors: Stott Angela , Hobden Paul A.
Published: October 2015

This article describes a case study of a gifted high achiever in learning science. This learner was selected on the assumption that drawing attention to the characteristics of a successful learner may improve learning effectiveness of less successful learners. The first author taught the gifted learner and collected data through participant observation over a 3-year period when the learner was in Grades 8 to 10. The data corpus was composed of audio-recorded lesson observations and interviews, field notes, and written material. We operated in an interpretive paradigm, and data collection, analysis, and interpretation were done in an inductive, cyclic manner associated with the constant comparative method. We identified three general strategies and a number of associated tactics that characterized his successful learning. These strategies are interrogating information, thinking it through, and organizing and linking.
Why inner-city high-school students attend after-school physical activity clubs
Authors: Whalen Laurel , McCaughtry Nate , Garn Alex , Kulik Noel , Centeio Erin E , Maljak Kimberly , Kaseta Michele , Shen Bo , Martin Jeffrey
Published: October 2015

Objective:

The population of young people most vulnerable to low levels of physical activity (e.g. urban/minority/low socio-economic status/female/non-athletes) often has the least access to physical activity opportunities and resources. It has been suggested that a comprehensive, school-based approach, including prudent use of time before, during and after the school day may be an effective way to increase overall physical activity, but little is known about why urban students voluntarily participate in these extracurricular programmes. Using social cognitive theory as a framework, this study examines urban high-school students’ rationale for attending after-school physical activity clubs designed to provide fun, safe, supportive places to do physical activities with friends.

Design and setting:

Qualitative study in an urban school district.

Method:

Over a 2-year period, adult leaders within 14 inner-city schools in a large urban district in the Midwest USA held 938 physical activity club sessions targeting traditionally inactive youth to promote non-competitive physical activity. Interviews with student participants ( n = 278) and researcher field observations ( n = 115) were used as primary data sources.

Results:

Three primary themes emerged to explain the voluntary participation of high-school students in after-school physical activity clubs: (a) social affiliation, especially group identification and establishing relationships with adult leaders and likeminded peers; (b) health and performance, including improving physical health and performance in other athletic endeavours; and (c) the ‘right’ types of activities and focus, including those that were student-centred, non-competitive and culturally relevant.

Conclusion:

Creation and sustainability of successful inner-city physical activity clubs will largely hinge upon the capitalisation on an understanding of the motivations of an urban student population.
Statistical Models for Predicting Automobile Driving Postures for Men and Women Including Effects of Age
Authors: Park Jangwoon , Ebert Sheila M. , Reed Matthew P. , Hallman Jason J.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Previously published statistical models of driving posture have been effective for vehicle design but have not taken into account the effects of age.

Objective:

The present study developed new statistical models for predicting driving posture.

Methods:

Driving postures of 90 U.S. drivers with a wide range of age and body size were measured in laboratory mockup in nine package conditions. Posture-prediction models for female and male drivers were separately developed by employing a stepwise regression technique using age, body dimensions, vehicle package conditions, and two-way interactions, among other variables.

Results:

Driving posture was significantly associated with age, and the effects of other variables depended on age. A set of posture-prediction models is presented for women and men. The results are compared with a previously developed model.

Conclusion:

The present study is the first study of driver posture to include a large cohort of older drivers and the first to report a significant effect of age.

Application:

The posture-prediction models can be used to position computational human models or crash-test dummies for vehicle design and assessment.
The social potency of affect: Identification and power in the immanent structuring of practice
Authors: Thompson Mark , Willmott Hugh
Published: October 2015

We address the centrality of affect in structuring social practices, including those of organizing and managing. Social practices, it is argued, are contingent upon actors’ affectively charged involvement in immanent, yet indeterminate social relations. To understand this generative involvement, we commend a temporally-sensitive, critically-oriented theoretical framework, grounded in an affect-based ontology of practice. We demonstrate the relevance and credibility of this proposal through an analysis of the interactions of Board members in a UK consulting company.
Do Work Decisions among Young Adults Respond to Extended Dependent Coverage?
Authors: Hahn Youjin , Yang Hee-Seung
Published: October 2015

Young adults aged 19 to 29 are significantly less likely than those in other age groups to have health insurance since most family insurance policies cut off dependents when they turn 19 or finish college. Between 2003 and 2009, several U.S. states relaxed their eligibility requirements to allow young adults to remain covered under their parents’ employer-provided health insurance policies. For those who qualify for these benefits, the expansion of dependent coverage partially reduces the value of being employed by a firm that provides health insurance or of working full-time, as adult children can now obtain health insurance through an alternate channel. The authors employ quasi-experimental variation in the timing and generosity of states’ eligibility rules to identify the effect of the policy changes on young adults’ labor market choices. Their results suggest that the expansion increases the group dependent coverage rate and reduces labor supply among young adults, particularly in full-time employment.
“Paradise Is Under the Feet of Your Master”
Authors: Esseissah Khaled
Published: October 2015

Few stories about the practice of slavery in Mauritania have received much national and international press attention as a result of the arrest and trial of Birame Ould Abeid, the President of an anti-slavery non-governmental organization (NGO) called Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement in Mauritania (IRA). The arrest came in relation to the burning of some outdated Islamic books of the Mālikī School of jurisprudence. These are books that IRA views as a justification for the continued enslavement of Hratin in Mauritania. The present article probes the psychological and religious dimensions of racial slavery in Mauritanian Arab-Berber society. I contend that the Arab-Berber religious scholars have developed twisted interpretations of Islam, to justify the legality of the enslavement of Hratin. I treat the instrumentalization of books-burning event by the mainstream media in Mauritania, as an attempt to suppress any oppositional voices that may subvert the dominant narrative about slavery in Mauritania.
Telling Moments and Everyday Experience: Multiple Methods Research on Couple Relationships and Personal Lives
Authors: Gabb Jacqui , Fink Janet
Published: October 2015

Everyday moments and ordinary gestures create the texture of long-term couple relationships. In this article we demonstrate how, by refining our research tools and conceptual imagination, we can better understand these vibrant and visceral relationships. The ‘moments approach’ that we propose provides a lens through which to focus in on couples’ everyday experiences, to gain insight on processes, meanings and cross-cutting analytical themes whilst ensuring that feelings and emotionality remain firmly attached. Calling attention to everyday relationship practices, we draw on empirical research to illustrate and advance our conceptual and methodological argument. The Enduring Love? study included an online survey ( n = 5445) and multi-sensory qualitative research with couples ( n = 50) to interrogate how they experience, understand and sustain their long-term relationships.
Why Everyday Life Matters: Class, Community and Making Life Livable
Authors: Back Les
Published: October 2015

This article argues that studying everyday life is valuable because it makes sociologists attend to the routine and temporal aspects of social life. The ‘everyday’ brings the seasons of society into view. It also brings to the fore how liveable lives are made in the midst of the social damage produced by widening class divisions. Drawing lessons from Erving Goffman’s sociology, the article argues that attending to everyday life necessitates developing an eye for detail and attentiveness to the seemingly unimportant. It is also argued that central to the study of everyday life is the relationship between history, culture, class and biography. These arguments are illustrated through a discussion of a working-class estate in Croydon, south London where residents light up their home at Christmas in ‘chromatic surplus’.
Reconceptualising the Mundane and the Extraordinary: A Lens through Which to Explore Transformation within Women’s Everyday Footwear Practices
Authors: Robinson Victoria
Published: October 2015

This article explores the transformatory potential of the lived realities of people’s everyday social lives, seen here to be patterned by a dynamic interplay between the ‘mundane’ and the ‘extraordinary’. Their interaction acts as an interpretive device that can generate new, empirically grounded theoretical insights. Thus, I argue for greater recognition and focus on relationality and connectedness, or rather, that is to say, a meso-level in between structure and agency that individuals both contribute to and are influenced by within everyday life. Using data from a qualitative three year ESRC-funded study of identity, transition and footwear, the article weaves these concerns together with a focus on women’s agency, as seen through the interpretive capacity of the mundane and the extraordinary. In so doing, the boundaries and relationship of the mundane and the extraordinary are reconceptualised.
Impacts of Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Use on Travel Patterns
Authors: Tussyadiah Iis P. , Pesonen Juho
Published: October 2015

As a result of the phenomenal growth of the sharing economy in the travel industry, investigating its potential impacts on travelers and tourism destinations is of paramount importance. The goal of this study was to identify how the use of peer-to-peer accommodation leads to changes in travelers’ behavior. Based on two online surveys targeting travelers from the United States and Finland, it was identified that the social and economic appeals of peer-to-peer accommodation significantly affect expansion in destination selection, increase in travel frequency, length of stay, and range of activities participated in tourism destinations. Travelers’ desires for more meaningful social interactions with locals and unique experiences in authentic settings drive them to travel more often, stay longer, and participate in more activities. Also, the reduction in accommodation cost allows travelers to consider and select destinations, trips, and tourism activities that are otherwise cost-prohibitive. Implications for tourism planning and management are provided.
Validation of the Beck Depression Inventory–II in South Africa: factorial validity and longitudinal measurement invariance in university students
Authors: Makhubela M.S , Mashegoane S
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the factorial validity of the Beck Depression Inventory–II with a diverse sample of 919 university students. A randomised split of the data was done, and then exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on Group 1 ( n = 460). Thereafter, confirmatory factor analysis was performed on Group 2 ( n = 459) to cross-validate the determined factor structure. A lower-order factor structure that comprised three factors, namely, Negative Attitude, Performance Difficulty, and Somatic Complaints was found. A hierarchical second-order analysis indicated that the lower-order factors tap into a higher-order general factor of Depression. Results based on multigroup confirmatory factor analysis further indicated evidence of factorial invariance for this three lower-order factor structure across time. Evidence for convergent and discriminant validity were provided by predicted associations with subscales from the Hopkins Symptom Checklist–25. It is concluded that the Beck Depression Inventory–II is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms over time among South African university students.
Measuring Intergroup Ideologies
Authors: Hahn Adam , Banchefsky Sarah , Park Bernadette , Judd Charles M.
Published: October 2015

Research on interethnic relations has focused on two ideologies, asking whether it is best to de-emphasize social-category differences (colorblind) or emphasize and celebrate differences (multicultural). We argue each of these can manifest with negative outgroup evaluations: Assimilationism demands that subordinate groups adopt dominant group norms to minimize group distinctions; segregationism holds that groups should occupy separate spheres. Parallel versions can be identified for intergender relations. Scales to measure all four ideologies are developed both for ethnicity (Studies 1 and 2) and gender (Studies 3 and 4). Results demonstrate that the ideologies can be reliably measured, that the hypothesized four-factor models are superior to alternative models with fewer factors, and that the ideologies relate as predicted to the importance ascribed to group distinctions, subordinate group evaluations, and solution preferences for intergroup conflict scenarios. We argue that this fourfold model can help clarify theory and measurement, allowing a more nuanced assessment of ideological attitudes.
The Role of Interpersonal Influence in Counterbalancing Psychopathic Personality Trait Facets at Work
Authors: Schütte Nora , Blickle Gerhard , Frieder Rachel E. , Wihler Andreas , Schnitzler Florian , Heupel Janis , Zettler Ingo
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the relations of two facets of psychopathic personality (i.e., self-centered impulsivity and fearless dominance) with interpersonally directed counterproductive work behavior (CWB-I) and contextual performance (CP). Consistent with research on psychopathy, our hypothesis suggested that self-centered impulsivity (i.e., behavioral impulsivity characterized by disregard for rules and responsibilities) would be positively related to CWB-I and negatively related to CP. Using socioanalytic theory, we further suggested that fearless dominance (i.e., an egotistical personal style characterized by self-promotion and prioritization of one’s own needs before those of others) would be negatively associated with interpersonal performance (i.e., high CWB-I and low CP) only when individuals indicated low levels of interpersonal influence (i.e., a dimension of political skill reflecting an ability to adapt one’s behavior in subtle, sophisticated, and situationally effective ways). Results provided strong support for the differential relations of the psychopathic personality dimensions with the criteria of interest. Implications for theory, practice, and future research are provided in light of a number of notable strengths and limitations.
Productive Efficiency of Public Expenditures
Authors: Khan Aman , Murova Olga I.
Published: October 2015

Public productivity, in particular the efficiency of public expenditures, has been a subject of academic and nonacademic debate for a long time. A number of studies have been conducted over the years on the subject using mostly conventional statistical methods such as production functions and occasionally using techniques such as data envelopment analysis (DEA). Most of these studies were conducted at a microlevel using a single decision unit with limited data. This study uses a multistage DEA to analyze public productivity using panel data for all fifty states of the United States over a twenty-one–year period. Based on well-known Farrell’s technical efficiency, the study measures productivity using both constant and variable returns to scale. The results of the study show that there has been a general decrease in efficiency during the study period, with some exceptions, consistent with the growth trend in the national economy.
Exceptional Outgroup Stereotypes and White Racial Inequality Attitudes toward Asian Americans
Authors: Park Jerry Z. , Martinez Brandon C. , Cobb Ryon , Park Julie J. , Wong Erica Ryu
Published: October 2015

Stereotypes of outgroups help create social identificational boundaries for ingroups. When the ingroup is dominant, members employ individualist sentiments to justify their status. In this study, we build on advances in social psychological research that account for multiple outgroup stereotypes. We argue the Asian American model minority stereotype is analogous to the “cold but competent” position of perceptions toward Asians in Fiske’s stereotype content model. Asian Americans are perceived to be exceptional to other minority groups, and we hypothesize that perceived competence is associated with individualist sentiments directed at Blacks and Latinos. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Freshmen, we find support for our hypotheses but find that perceived coldness has no relationship to individualist sentiments. We discuss the implications and directions for further research.
Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Feasibility of Shortened Fasts in Intubated ICU Patients Undergoing Tracheotomy
Authors: Gonik Nathan , Tassler Andrew , Ow Thomas J. , Smith Richard V. , Shuaib Stefan , Cohen Hillel W. , Sarta Catherine , Schiff Bradley A.
Published: October 2015

Objective

American Society of Anesthesiology guidelines recommend preoperative fasts of 6 hours after light snacks and 8 hours after large meals. These guidelines were designed for healthy patients undergoing elective procedures but are often applied to intubated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ICU patients undergoing routine procedures may be subjected to unnecessary prolonged fasts. This study tests whether shorter fasts allow for better nutrition delivery and patient outcomes without increasing the risk.

Study Design

Randomized blinded controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects

ICU patients undergoing bedside tracheotomy.

Methods

Intubated ICU patients who were receiving enteral feeding and for whom bedside tracheotomy was indicated were enrolled prospectively and randomly allocated to 2 parallel preoperative fasting regimens: a 6‐hour fast (control) and a 45‐minute fast (intervention). Patients were assessed for aspiration, caloric delivery, metabolic markers, and infectious and noninfectious complications.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were enrolled and randomized. There were no complications related to the procedure. There were no cases of intraoperative aspiration identified. There was a single postoperative pneumonia in the control group. Median (interquartile range) length of fast and caloric delivery were significantly different between the control group and the shortened fast group: 22 hours (18, 34) vs 14 hours (5, 25; P <. 001) and 429 kcal (57, 1125) vs 1050 kcal (825, 1410; P =. 01), respectively.

Conclusions

Shortening preoperative fasts in intubated ICU patients allowed for better caloric delivery in the preoperative period.
Statecraft, scalecraft and local government reorganisation in Wales
Authors: Pemberton Simon
Published: October 2015

Since the inception of local government in the UK, there have been continuous attempts to reorganise and revise its distinctive characteristics, with successive reforms differing in their intended effects. In Wales, a further round of local government reorganisation is now being proposed following the Williams Commission Report (2014) on Public Service Governance and Delivery. Through drawing on the concepts of statecraft and scalecraft, this paper provides a theoretically informative account of the contradictions of the ‘layering’ process associated with the rescaling of local government in Wales. This helps to (i) enhance our understanding of contemporary proposals for reform; and (ii) develop a tighter specifying of the process of state rescaling.
What’s New in Old Horses? Postmortem Diagnoses in Mature and Aged Equids
Authors: Miller M. A. , Moore G. E. , Bertin F. R. , Kritchevsky J. E.
Published: October 2015

Postmortem findings in 241 equids admitted to a teaching hospital that were at least 15 years old at autopsy were reviewed (1) to determine disease prevalence, (2) to compare the cause of death (or euthanasia) in equids 15 to 19 years of age ( n = 116) with that in equids ≥20 years of age ( n = 125), and (3) to catalog coexisting lesions in equids with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Breed and sex were evenly distributed between the age groups. Death or euthanasia was attributed to disease of the digestive system (41.5%), pituitary gland (12.9%), locomotor system (10.0%), nervous system (7.9%), cardiovascular system (4.6%), urinary system (4.6%), reproductive system (4.2%), respiratory system (4.2%), integumentary system (4.2%), lymphoid system (2.5%), liver (2.5%), or systemic neoplasia (1.2%). Nervous system disease was more common in the 15- to 19-year group; urinary tract disease was more common in the ≥20-year group. Neoplastic disease, regardless of systemic location, was the basis for death or euthanasia in 18.7% of all equids. Squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and melanoma were the most common malignant neoplasms. PPID was the most common specific diagnosis, based on the postmortem presence of hyperplasia or adenoma, and was the reason for euthanasia in 47.7% of 65 equids with PPID. The most common nonpituitary causes for death or euthanasia in equids with PPID were colic, lameness, cancer, and spinal cord disease. Coexisting conditions in equids with PPID that were not considered the basis for euthanasia included neoplasms, infections, lameness, and recurrent airway obstruction.
Multiple modernities, modern subjectivities and social order
Authors: Jung Dietrich , Sinclair Kirstine
Published: October 2015

Taking its point of departure in the conceptual debate about modernities in the plural, this article presents a heuristic framework based on an interpretative approach to modernity. The article draws on theories of multiple modernities, successive modernities and poststructuralist approaches to modern subjectivity formation. In combining conceptual tools from these strands of social theory, we argue that the emergence of multiple modernities should be understood as a historical result of idiosyncratic social constructions combining global social imaginaries with religious and other cultural traditions. In the second part of the article we illustrate this argument with three short excursions into the history of Islamic reform in the 19th and 20th centuries. In this way we interpret the modern history of Muslim societies as based on cultural conflicts between different forms of social order and individual identities similar to those present in European history. Contrary to the European experience, however, religious traditions gradually assumed an important role in defining ‘authentic’ Muslim modernities, leading to a relatively hegemonic role of so-called Islamic modernities toward the end of the 20th century.