bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Hypertension Control Among the Older Population of Spain From 2000 to 2001 to 2008 to 2010
Authors: Banegas José R. , Navarro-Vidal Beatriz , Ruilope Luis M. , de la Cruz Juan J. , López-García Esther , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Graciani Auxiliadora
Published: January 2015

Background—

The use of antihypertensive medication and hypertension control has significantly increased during recent decades in some developed countries, but the impact of improved drug treatment on blood pressure (BP) control in the population is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Data were taken from 2 surveys representative of the population aged ≥60 years in Spain conducted with the same methodology in 2000 to 2001 and in 2008 to 2010. BP was measured 6×. The first BP reading was discarded, and the average of the remaining 3 to 5 BP readings was taken for analysis. Hypertension prevalence was 68.7% in 2000 to 2001 and 66.0% in 2008 to 2010. Between both time periods there was an improvement in hypertension awareness (63.6%–67.7%), drug treatment among those aware (84.5%–87.5%), and BP control among treated hypertensives (30.3%–42.9%). Overall, BP control among all hypertensives increased from 16.3% to 25.4%. After adjustment for age, sex, education, hypertension duration, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, sedentary behavior, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and visits to the physician through logistic regression, ≈7% of the improvement in BP control among all hypertensives was explained by higher hypertension awareness, and 36.2% was explained by a higher treatment rate. Among the treated hypertensives, 22.6% of the progress in BP control was because of the increase in the number of BP medications used in each patient.

Conclusions—

BP control among the older hypertensive population in Spain has improved from 2000 to 2001 to 2008 to 2010 because of a higher treatment rate and more intense antihypertensive drug treatment.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Its Variability in Adults Born Preterm
Authors: Sipola-Leppänen Marika , Karvonen Risto , Tikanmäki Marjaana , Matinolli Hanna-Maria , Martikainen Silja , Pesonen Anu-Katriina , Räikkönen Katri , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Hovi Petteri , Eriksson Johan G. , Vääräsmäki Marja , Kajantie Eero
Published: January 2015

Adults born preterm have higher blood pressure (BP) than those born at term. Most studies have focused on preterm birth, and few have assessed BP variability, an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. We studied the association of preterm birth with 24-hour ambulatory BP, measured by an oscillometric device, in 42 young adults born early preterm (<34 weeks), 72 born late preterm (34–36 weeks), and 103 controls (≥37 weeks). Sleep was confirmed with accelerometry in 72.4% of subjects. The 24-hour systolic BP of adults born early preterm was 5.5 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, 1.9–9.3), awake systolic BP was 6.4 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, 2.8–10.1), and sleeping systolic BP was 2.9 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval 0.3–7.5) when adjusted for age, sex, and use of accelerometry. The differences remained similar when adjusted for height, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, parental education, maternal body mass index, smoking during pregnancy, and gestational diabetes mellitus and attenuated slightly when adjusted for maternal hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Adults born early preterm also had higher BP variability as indicated by higher individual standard deviations of systolic BP and diastolic BP. Although our results were consistent with a dose–response relationship between shorter gestation and higher BP, the difference between the late preterm and term groups was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that the higher BP in adults born early preterm is present during both waking and sleeping hours, may be more pronounced during waking hours, and is accompanied by higher individual BP variability.
Beat‐to‐Beat Spatiotemporal Variability in the T Vector Is Associated With Sudden Cardiac Death in Participants Without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Waks Jonathan W. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Henrikson Charles A. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Han Lichy , Agarwal Sunil K. , Arking Dan E. , Siscovick David S. , Solomon Scott D. , Post Wendy S. , Josephson Mark E. , Coresh Josef , Tereshchenko Larisa G.
Published: January 2015

Background

Despite advances in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a clinical challenge. Risk stratification in the general population is needed.

Methods and Results

Beat‐to‐beat spatiotemporal variability in the T vector was measured as the mean angle between consecutive T‐wave vectors (mean TT′ angle) on standard 12‐lead ECGs in 14 024 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial arrhythmias, frequent ectopy, ventricular pacing, or QRS duration ≥120 ms were excluded. The mean spatial TT′ angle was 5.21±3.55°. During a median of 14 years of follow‐up, 235 SCDs occurred (1.24 per 1000 person‐years). After adjustment for demographics, coronary heart disease risk factors, and known ECG markers for SCD, mean TT′ angle was independently associated with SCD (hazard ratio 1.089; 95% CI 1.044 to 1.137;
P
<0.0001). A mean TT′ angle >90th percentile (>9.57°) was associated with a 2‐fold increase in the hazard for SCD (hazard ratio 2.01; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.16;
P
=0.002). In a subgroup of patients with T‐vector amplitude ≥0.2 mV, the association with SCD was almost twice as strong (hazard ratio 3.92; 95% CI 1.91 to 8.05;
P
<0.0001). A significant interaction between mean TT′ angle and age was found: TT′ angle was associated with SCD in participants aged <55 years (hazard ratio 1.096; 95% CI 0.043 to 1.152;
P
<0.0001) but not in participants aged ≥55 years (
P
interaction
=0.009).

Conclusions

In a large, prospective, community‐based cohort of left ventricular hypertrophy–free participants, increased beat‐to‐beat spatiotemporal variability in the T vector, as assessed by increasing TT′ angle, was associated with SCD.
Biomechanical Analysis of an Aortic Aneurysm Model and Its Clinical Application to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms for Defining “Saccular” Aneurysms
Authors: Akai Takafumi , Hoshina Katsuyuki , Yamamoto Sota , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Nemoto Youkou , Ohshima Marie , Shigematsu Kunihiro , Miyata Tetsuro , Yamauchi Haruo , Ono Minoru , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: January 2015

Background

We aimed to develop a simple structural model of aortic aneurysms using computer‐assisted drafting (
CAD
) in order to create a basis of definition for saccular aortic aneurysms.

Methods and Results

We constructed a simple aortic aneurysm model with 2 components: a tube similar to an aorta and an ellipse analogous to a bulging aneurysm. Three parameters, including the vertical and horizontal diameters of the ellipse and the fillet radius, were altered in the model. Using structural analysis with the finite element method, we visualized the distribution of the maximum principal stress (
MPS
) in the aortic wall and identified the area(s) of prominent stress. We then selected patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms in whom the aneurysm expansion rates were followed up and applied the theoretical results to the raw imaging data. The maximum
MPS
drastically increased at areas where the aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal) was <1, indicating that “horizontally long” hypothetical ellipses should be defined as “saccular” aneurysms. The aneurysm expansion rate for the patients with thoracic aneurysms conforming to these parameters was significantly high. Further, “vertically long” ellipses with a small fillet might be candidates for saccular aneurysms; however, the clinical data did not support this.

Conclusions

Based on the biomechanical analysis of a simple aneurysm model and the clinical data of the thoracic aortic aneurysms, we defined “horizontally long” aortic aneurysms with an aspect ratio of <1 as “saccular” aneurysms.
How Early Does the Brain Distinguish between Regular Words, Irregular Words, and Pseudowords during the Reading Process? Evidence from Neurochronometric TMS
Authors: Pattamadilok Chotiga , Bulnes Luis Carlo , Devlin Joseph T. , Bourguignon Mathieu , Morais José , Goldman Serge , Kolinsky Régine
Published: January 2015

Cognitive theories on reading propose that the characteristics of written stimuli determine how they are processed in the brain. However, whether the brain distinguishes between regular words, irregular words, and pseudowords already at an early stage of the reading process is still subject to debate. Here we used chronometric TMS to address this issue. During the first 140 msec of regular word, irregular word, and pseudoword reading, TMS was used to disrupt the function of the ventral occipitotemporal, posterior middle temporal, and supramarginal gyri, which are key areas involved in orthographic, semantic, and phonological processing, respectively. Early TMS stimulation delivered on posterior middle temporal and supramarginal gyri affected regular and irregular word, but not pseudoword, reading. In contrast, ventral occipitotemporal disruption affected both word and pseudoword reading. We thus found evidence for an early distinction between word and pseudoword processing in the semantic and phonological systems, but not in the orthographic system.
Neural Reorganization and Compensation in Aging
Authors: Morcom Alexa M. , Johnson Wendy
Published: January 2015

According to prominent theories of aging, the brain may reorganize to compensate for neural deterioration and prevent or offset cognitive decline. A frequent and striking finding in functional imaging studies is that older adults recruit additional regions relative to young adults performing the same task. This is often interpreted as evidence for functional reorganization, suggesting that, as people age, different regions or networks may support the same cognitive functions. Associations between additional recruitment and better performance in older adults have led to the suggestion that the additional recruitment may contribute to preserved cognitive function in old age and may explain some of the variation among individuals in preservation of function. However, many alternative explanations are possible, and recent findings and methodological developments have highlighted the need for more systematic approaches to determine whether reorganization occurs with age and whether it benefits performance. We reevaluate current evidence for compensatory functional reorganization in the light of recent moves to address these challenges.
The Default Mode of Human Brain Function Primes the Intentional Stance
Authors: Spunt Robert P. , Meyer Meghan L. , Lieberman Matthew D.
Published: January 2015

Humans readily adopt an intentional stance to other people, comprehending their behavior as guided by unobservable mental states such as belief, desire, and intention. We used fMRI in healthy adults to test the hypothesis that this stance is primed by the default mode of human brain function present when the mind is at rest. We report three findings that support this hypothesis. First, brain regions activated by actively adopting an intentional rather than nonintentional stance to a social stimulus were anatomically similar to those demonstrating default responses to fixation baseline in the same task. Second, moment-to-moment variation in default activity during fixation in the dorsomedial PFC was related to the ease with which participants applied an intentional—but not nonintentional—stance to a social stimulus presented moments later. Finally, individuals who showed stronger dorsomedial PFC activity at baseline in a separate task were generally more efficient when adopting the intentional stance and reported having greater social skills. These results identify a biological basis for the human tendency to adopt the intentional stance. More broadly, they suggest that the brain's default mode of function may have evolved, in part, as a response to life in a social world.
On Resolving Simultaneous Congruences Using Belief Propagation
Authors: Yoo Yongseok , Vishwanath Sriram
Published: January 2015

Graphical models and related algorithmic tools such as belief propagation have proven to be useful tools in (approximately) solving combinatorial optimization problems across many application domains. A particularly combinatorially challenging problem is that of determining solutions to a set of simultaneous congruences. Specifically, a continuous source is encoded into multiple residues with respect to distinct moduli, and the goal is to recover the source efficiently from noisy measurements of these residues. This problem is of interest in multiple disciplines, including neural codes, decentralized compression in sensor networks, and distributed consensus in information and social networks. This letter reformulates the recovery problem as an optimization over binary latent variables. Then we present a belief propagation algorithm, a layered variant of affinity propagation, to solve the problem. The underlying encoding structure of multiple congruences naturally results in a layered graphical model for the problem, over which the algorithms are deployed, resulting in a layered affinity propagation (LAP) solution. First, the convergence of LAP to an approximation of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimate is shown. Second, numerical simulations show that LAP converges within a few iterations and that the mean square error of LAP approaches that of the ML estimation at high signal-to-noise ratios.
osce Engagement in the Conflict Circle in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Bokonbaeva Janyl
Published: January 2015

This article examines the osce engagement in conflict cycle during June 2010 events in the south of Kyrgyzstan. osce has been actively involved in conflict cycle’s main segment areas, such as early warning, conflict management and post-conflict rehabilitation in Kyrgyzstan. Although there are certain critical observations to be made concerning osce effectiveness and efficiency in its engagement strategy, commitment to be present and to perform adequately on the part of the Organization has been firm. osce is fully capable of strengthening its’ potential for better crisis prevention in Kyrgyzstan. A solid, long-term prioritization of conflict cycle is needed not only on the part of osce, but also from all other key international actors.
Government Turnover and the Effects of Regime Type
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik , Wig Tore
Published: January 2015

Incumbents voluntarily leaving office after losing elections is a hallmark of democracy. Hence, the most prominent binary democracy measure (Democracy–Dictatorship/Alvarez–Cheibub–Limongi–Przeworski [DD/ACLP]) requires observed alternation in power to score regimes democratic. Such “alternation rules” may, however, lead to underestimating democracy’s effect on economic growth. As strong economic performance reduces the probability of incumbents losing democratic elections, young democracies with high growth may falsely be coded dictatorships; their popular governments have yet to lose an election. We identify the expected bias using different tests, for example, when following Przeworski et al.’s advice to re-estimate relationships after re-coding multi-party regimes without alternation as democratic, or when employing differences in information about alternation from different time points to contrast original DD estimates with our “real-time” DD estimates. We present resembling arguments on how alternation rules may bias democracy’s estimated relationships with civil war onsets and coups, but find fewer empirical indications of biases here.
Giant molluscum contagiosum: An unusual presenting complaint of paediatric HIV disease
Authors: Chatterjee Sayan , Banerjee Mukut , Bhattacharya Subhashish
Published: January 2015

We report a widely disseminated, disfiguring facial molluscum contagiosum (MC) as a presenting complaint in an 11-year-old girl secondary to human immune-deficiency virus infection. A biopsy specimen demonstrated lobulated epidermal growth consisting of keratinocytes with large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. The patient was treated with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The extent of MC in our patient was remarkable and subsequently improved dramatically after starting HAART. Normally MC does not similarly respond in patients with AIDS.
Effects of Past and Present Intergroup Communication on Perceived Fit of an Outgroup Member and Desire for Future Intergroup Contact
Authors: Harwood Jake , Joyce Nicholas , Chen Chien-Yu , Paolini Stefania , Xiang Jun , Rubin Mark
Published: January 2015

We examine predictors of outgroup partner “fit” (the extent to which an individual is seen as representative of a group), and whether fit determines generalization from a discrete intergroup communication experience to intentions for future contact with the outgroup. In an experiment, 288 undergraduate students imagined a conversation with an older target who was presented either positively or negatively. The positively valenced older adult was seen as being more representative of older people in general (high fit), and this link was stronger for those with more past positive and fewer past negative communication experiences. Fit moderated the effects of imagined interaction valence on intentions for future intergroup contact. A positive older partner perceived as fitting the category “older people” resulted in greater intention to communicate with older people in the future than a negative partner; individuals who saw their partner as atypical showed the reverse pattern—they were less likely to report intentions for future intergenerational contact after a positive than a negative manipulated interaction. The findings demonstrate that negative intergroup communication can, at times, have positive effects, and positive contact can have negative effects.
Dynamic simulation model of a biomimetic robotic fish with multi-joint propulsion mechanism
Authors: Korkmaz Deniz , Akpolat Z. Hakan , Soygüder Servet , Alli Hasan
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a biomimetic carangiform robotic fish is analysed based on dynamic and kinematic models. The carangiform fish can swim with features like high mobility, fast swimming and changing direction suddenly. Because it has these amazing features, a carangiform swimmer is modelled. Dynamic and kinematic models are analytically obtained to design a biomimetic carangiform robotic fish. The designed robotic fish consists of two parts: an anterior rigid body and a flexible tail, which is modelled as a four-joint propulsion mechanism, and each joint is driven by a servo motor. The dynamic model is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment using a Lagrange function and the state-space model is performed to linearize the obtained model. Each joint is controlled with conventional PID controller in the simulation. Furthermore, a solid model of the robotic fish prototype is drawn in SolidWorks and transferred to the MATLAB/Simmechanics environment, and the motion of the robotic fish is simulated using joint angles. Finally, experimental studies and simulation results show that a carangiform motion for autonomous swimming is developed and verified using controlled joint angles.
Intergenerational Solidarity and Individual Adjustment During Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Lee Chih-Yuan Steven , Dik Bryan J. , Barbara Lauren A.
Published: January 2015

In this study, we aimed to extend research on the theory of intergenerational solidarity by examining the associations between solidarity dimensions and individual adjustment among an ethnically diverse sample of college-attending emerging adults (age range: 18-25 years; N = 600). We proposed a multiple mediator model, hypothesizing that normative solidarity (familism) would be associated with individual adjustment, particularly academic satisfaction, psychological distress, and loneliness, directly and indirectly through associational solidarity, affectual solidarity, and functional solidarity. Analysis results showed that familism was directly and positively related to depressive symptoms. Indirect effects based on bootstrapping also were found in that affectual solidarity mediated the association between familism and loneliness, and functional solidarity mediated the relationships between familism and each of the three adjustment criterion variables examined in this study. Findings lend support to the importance of family influence, through intergenerational solidarity, on the well-being of emerging adults attending college.
Evaluation of a BCMA’s Electronic Medication Administration Record
Authors: Staggers Nancy , Iribarren Sarah , Guo Jia-Wen , Weir Charlene
Published: January 2015

Barcode medication administration (BCMA) systems can reduce medication errors, but sociotechnical issues are quite common. Although crucial to nurses’ work, few usability evaluations are available for electronic medication administration record (eMARs) screens. The purpose of this research was to identify current usability problems in the Veterans Administration’s (VA) eMAR/BCMA system and explore how these might affect nurses’ situation awareness (SA). Three expert evaluators used 10 tasks/elements, heuristic evaluation techniques, and explored potential impacts using a SA perspective. The results yielded 99 usability problems categorized into 440 heuristic violations with the largest volume in the category of Match With the Real World. Fifteen usability issues were rated as catastrophic with the Administer/Chart medications task having the most. Situational awareness was affected at all levels, especially at Level 2, Comprehension. Usability problems point to important areas for improvement, because these issues have the potential to affect nurses’ SA, “at a glance” information, nurse productivity, and patient safety.
Science on a Shoestring
Authors: Conn Vicki S. , Topp Robert , Dunn Susan L. , Hopp Lisa , Jadack Rosemary , Jansen Debra A. , Jefferson Urmeka T. , Moch Susan Diemert
Published: January 2015

Building the science for nursing practice has never been more important. However, shrunken federal and state research budgets mean that investigators must find alternative sources of financial support and develop projects that are less costly to carry out. New investigators often build beginning programs of research with limited funding. This article provides an overview of some cost-effective research approaches and gives suggestions for finding other sources of funding. Examples of more cost-effective research approaches include adding complementary questions to existing funded research projects; conducting primary analysis of electronic patient records and social media content; conducting secondary analysis of data from completed studies; reviewing and synthesizing previously completed research; implementing community-based participatory research; participating in collaborative research efforts such as inter-campus team research, practice-based research networks (PBRNs), and involving undergraduate and doctoral students in research efforts. Instead of relying on funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government agencies, nurse researchers may be able to find support for research from local sources such as businesses, organizations, or clinical agencies. Investigators will increasingly have to rely on these and other creative approaches to fund and implement their research programs if granting agency budgets do not significantly expand.
Love Shouldn’t Hurt
Authors: Corona Rosalie , Gomes Melissa M. , Pope Michell , Shaffer Carla , Yaros Anna
Published: January 2015

The healthy messages parents convey to their adolescents about risk behaviors may be related to better adolescent outcomes. Few studies have examined the types of messages or strategies caregivers use to discuss dating violence with their early adolescents. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 African American maternal caregivers of early adolescent girls. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and coded using an emergent process. Themes in dating violence conversations focused on the meaning of love, identifying red flags in relationships, and what to do when involved in a problem dating situation. Caregivers used teachable moments (e.g., watching a TV show) to start conversations, weaved dating violence topics into conversations about other sensitive topics, or included their young daughter in conversations with older siblings. The results of this study highlight strategies that can be implemented in family-based prevention programming and also the importance of helping caregivers communicate their values and expectations.
Dyadic Taxonomy of Delinquent Youth
Authors: Reid Joan A. , Sullivan Christopher J.
Published: January 2015

Using latent class analysis (LCA), this study identified a dyadic taxonomy of delinquent youth categorized by varying types of maternal-youth reporting discrepancies (i.e., youth < maternal, youth > maternal) within a sample of 764 14-year-old high-risk youth. Four distinctive subgroups of youth were identified, two of which reported more than a minimal degree of informant discrepancy across all domains of delinquent behavior. One subgroup exhibited higher maternal-reported delinquency in comparison with youth reports, and one subgroup exhibited higher youth-reported delinquency in comparison with maternal reports. Additionally, risk factors (e.g., peer delinquency, caregiver monitoring) and delinquency-related difficulties (e.g., police contact) were associated with youth placement in the LCA-identified subgroups. Study findings suggest that youth with higher levels of self-reported delinquency compared with maternal reports may be at greater risk for delinquency-related difficulties due to problems related to inadequate monitoring by caregivers combined with greater involvement with peer delinquency.
Acetyl-l-carnitine versus placebo for migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, triple-blind, crossover study
Authors: Hagen Knut , Brenner Eiliv , Linde Mattias , Gravdahl Gøril Bruvik , Tronvik Erling Andreas , Engstrøm Morten , Sonnewald Ursula , Helde Grethe , Stovner Lars Jacob , Sand Trond
Published: January 2015

Background

Preventive medication is indicated for many migraine patients, but is used in relatively few. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine as a prophylactic drug in migraine patients.

Methods

A single-center, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out. Men and women, age 18–65 years, with episodic migraine but otherwise healthy, were recruited mostly through advertisements. After a four-week run-in-phase, 72 participants were randomized to receive either placebo or 3 g acetyl-l-carnitine for 12 weeks. After a four-week washout, treatment was switched. The primary outcome was days with moderate or severe headache per four weeks. Secondary outcomes were days with headache, hours with headache, proportion of responders (>50% reduction in migraine days from baseline) and adverse events.

Results

In the complete case analyses, no statistically significant differences were found between acetyl-l-carnitine and placebo in severe or moderate headache days per month (3.0 versus 3.1, p = 0.80), headache days per month (5.1 versus 5.2, p = 0.73) or for the other secondary outcome measures.

Conclusion

In this triple-blind crossover study no differences were found in headache outcomes between acetyl-l-carnitine and placebo. Our results do not provide evidence of benefit for efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine as prophylactic treatment for migraine. Trial registration: EUDRACT (2012-001624-36), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01695317).
Praxis beyond the political
Authors: Pickle Jonathan
Published: January 2015

The works of György Márkus and Hannah Arendt represent two irreconcilable tendencies of contemporary radical philosophy. Whereas Márkus’s critical theory of culture actively refrains from attributing metaphysical significance to its heuristic concepts and the mutable practices they contingently designate, Arendt’s phenomenological methodology attempts to elucidate the constitution of the modern world in order to evince the ontological significance of the political. Due to the inimical nature of their respective projects, Márkus’s writings largely consign its references to Arendt to marginalia. In this article, I consider the exception by taking as my point of departure Márkus’s only substantive comments about Arendt in ‘Beyond the Dichotomy: Poiesis and Praxis’. From a culturological perspective, I then reconstruct the ambivalent conceptions tacitly inhering in Arendt’s principal accounts of culture. In doing so, I reaffirm that Arendt denigrates poiesis, but also show that she regards culture and cultural reception as derivative to the political and praxis. The purpose of this exposition is not to resolve the dispute in one or the other direction, but to render perspicuous the fundamental choice evident in their opposition.
Applying the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) Model to Juvenile Justice
Authors: Brogan Leah , Haney-Caron Emily , NeMoyer Amanda , DeMatteo David
Published: January 2015

Application of the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model in adult correctional research and practice is well developed, but remains underway in the juvenile justice system. The RNR model may facilitate a shift from punitive practices in the juvenile justice system toward individualized assessment and treatment of youth fostering rehabilitation and reintegration. This article reviews the history of the RNR model in adult correctional settings, its theoretical application to the juvenile justice system, and available tools and literature utilizing RNR principles in juvenile justice settings. Criticisms of applying the RNR model to the juvenile justice system and future research directions are addressed.
Reliability and Validity of Advanced Phonics Measures
Authors: Doty Sara J. , Hixson Michael D. , Decker Dawn M. , Reynolds Jennifer L. , Drevon Daniel D.
Published: January 2015

Two studies explored the technical adequacy of various measures of advanced phonics skills. In Study 1, the advanced phonics measures consisted of pseudowords, real words, or a combination of both. Participants included 39 students in the third grade. Test–retest correlations for all measures were above .8 and interrater reliability was high. Correlations between the three advanced phonics measures and two subtests from the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test–Second Edition (WIAT-II) and Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), nonsense word fluency (NWF), and oral reading fluency (ORF) were moderate to moderately strong. The measures containing real words or a combination of pseudowords and real words performed best. The real word and combined pseudoword and real word advanced phonics measures were further studied along with a measure of multisyllabic word reading in Study 2 with 162 second and third graders. The advanced phonics measures were strongly correlated with Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE) scores. In both studies, regression analyses indicated the probe containing a mix of real and pseudowords was one of the few variables that made a significant prediction to criterion measures of phonics skills when all predictors were entered at once.
Determination of genotoxic effects of fipronil in Vicia faba using random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis
Authors: Yildirim Nalan , Agar Guleray
Published: January 2015

This study was undertaken to appreciate genotoxic potential of fipronil herbicides in the roots of Vicia faba seedlings. Fipronil was clearly dose dependent on root growth inhibitors, total soluble protein, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assays. Increase in concentration of fipronil resulted in decreased amount of root length and increased level of protein. For the RAPD analyses, 15 RAPD primers were found to produce unique polymorphic band patterns and were subsequently used to produce a total of 110 bands of 45–1250 bp. Each primer generated 4–11 RAPD bands across 15 primers. The changes occurring in RAPD profiles following fipronil treatment included variation becoming evident as disappearance and/or appearance of DNA bands compared with the normal seedlings. These results indicated that genomic template stability was significantly affected at the above fipronil concentration. This study further confirmed that the RAPD assays are useful in determining potential genotoxicity of fipronil.
Microenvironmental changes in collagen/polyvinyl alcohol blends in the presence of ionic liquid: A spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Mehta Ami , Kanungo Ivy , Rao J Raghava , Fathima N Nishad
Published: January 2015

This study describes the microenvironmental changes due to various non-covalent interactions occurring in collagen/polyvinyl alcohol blends in the presence of ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, using spectroscopic techniques. These non-covalent interactions alter the hydration network of collagen. Electronic spectral analysis of collagen/polyvinyl alcohol/ionic liquid blends exhibited movement of tyrosine amino acid from the hydrophilic to hydrophobic core of collagen. Conformational studies investigating the influence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on the intramolecular H-bonds revealed increased helicity packing and reorientation of H-bonds. This signifies that 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride is likely to be involved in reorienting the hydration dynamics of collagen, namely, by altering the existing and promoting formation of new intramolecular H-bonds between collagen and polyvinyl alcohol. Surface morphology of collagen/polyvinyl alcohol/ionic liquid blends revealed porous matrix, indicating 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride could act as a pore generator. This phenomenon can be employed for developing novel biomaterials with tunable porosity.
Prevalence and Trends in Domestic Violence in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jae Yop , Oh Sehun , Nam Seok In
Published: January 2015

To examine trends in the prevalence of domestic violence since 1997, 1 year prior to the introduction of legislative countermeasures and accompanying services in South Korea, and to analyze what socio-demographic characteristics of perpetrators contribute to spousal violence and whether there were any changes in risk factors over time. This study used two sets of nationally representative household samples: married or cohabiting couples of 1,540 from the 1999 national survey and 3,269 from the 2010 National Survey of Domestic Violence. Frequency analysis was used to measure the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), and cross-tabulation, correlation, and logistic regression analyses were used to look for socio-demographic risk factors of spousal physical violence and patterns of change over time. The frequency analysis showed that the IPV prevalence dropped by approximately 50%, from 34.1% in 1999 to 16.5% in 2010, though it was still higher than many other countries. The cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses suggested that men with low socio-demographic characteristics were generally more violent, though this tendency did not apply to women. Instead, younger women seemed to be more violent than older women. Last, different levels of household income were associated with different levels of IPV in 2010, but no linear trend was detected. In this study, IPV prevalence trends and risk factors of two different time periods were discussed to provide implications for tackling the IPV problem. Future countermeasures must build on understanding about men with low socio-demographic status and younger women, who were more violent in marital relationships.
The Dynamic Identity Fusion Index
Authors: Jiménez Juan , Gómez Ángel , Buhrmester Michael D. , Vázquez Alexandra , Whitehouse Harvey , Swann William B.
Published: January 2015

We introduce a computer-based measure of “identity fusion,” a form of group alignment characterized by a visceral feeling of oneness with a group. Past measures of identity fusion (a single pictorial item and a 7-item verbal scale) have demonstrated a unique capacity to predict willingness to engage in extreme pro-group behaviors (e.g., fighting and dying for one’s group). The Dynamic Identity Fusion Index (DIFI) combines the simplicity of the single pictorial item with the higher fidelity afforded by a continuous scale. The DIFI runs on a script written in JavaScript and works on both traditional computers and modern touch-pad devices. It allows for simultaneous assessment of self-group distance and overlap, two conceptually distinct components of group alignment. Study 1 assessed the criterion validity of the two components of the DIFI and discovered that the overlap metric was a better indicator of identity fusion than the distance metric. Four more studies demonstrated DIFI’s temporal stability (Study 2), convergent and discriminant validity (Study 3), and predictive validity, specifically endorsement of pro-group behaviors (Study 4). We discuss implications of the DIFI for future research on identity fusion and recommend when it should be used.
Modelling and heuristic control of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Enang Wisdom , Bannister Chris , Brace Chris , Vagg Chris
Published: January 2015

Hybrid electric vehicles offer the potential for fuel consumption improvements when compared with conventional vehicle powertrains. The fuel consumption benefits which can be realised when utilising the hybrid electric vehicle architecture are dependent on how much braking energy is regenerated, and how well the regenerated energy is utilised. A number of power management strategies have been proposed in literature. Owing to the prospect of real-time implementation, many of these proposals have centred on the use of heuristics. Despite the research advances made, the key challenge with heuristic strategies remains achieving reasonable fuel savings without over-depleting the battery’s state of charge at the end of the trip. In view of this challenge, this paper offers two main contributions to existing energy management literature. The first is a novel, simple but effective heuristic control strategy which employs a tuneable parameter (the percentage of the maximum motor tractive power) to decide the control sequence, such that impressive fuel savings are achieved without over-depleting the final state of charge of the battery (the battery energy). The second is the quantitative exploration of braking patterns and its impact on kinetic energy regeneration. The potential of the proposed heuristic control strategy was explored over a range of driving cycles which reflect different driving scenarios. The results from this analysis show that fuel savings of as much as 19.07% can be achieved over the Japan 10–15 driving cycle. In comparison with a suboptimal controller whose control signals were derived from dynamic programming optimal control, our proposed strategy was found to be outperforming, in that it achieved impressive real-time fuel savings without much penalty to the final state of charge of the battery. Gentle braking patterns were also found to significantly improve brake energy regeneration by the electric motor.
Inverse sampling regression for pooled data
Authors: Montesinos-López Osval A , Montesinos-López Abelardo , Eskridge Kent , Crossa José
Published: January 2015

Because pools are tested instead of individuals in group testing, this technique is helpful for estimating prevalence in a population or for classifying a large number of individuals into two groups at a low cost. For this reason, group testing is a well-known means of saving costs and producing precise estimates. In this paper, we developed a mixed-effect group testing regression that is useful when the data-collecting process is performed using inverse sampling. This model allows including covariate information at the individual level to incorporate heterogeneity among individuals and identify which covariates are associated with positive individuals. We present an approach to fit this model using maximum likelihood and we performed a simulation study to evaluate the quality of the estimates. Based on the simulation study, we found that the proposed regression method for inverse sampling with group testing produces parameter estimates with low bias when the pre-specified number of positive pools (r) to stop the sampling process is at least 10 and the number of clusters in the sample is also at least 10. We performed an application with real data and we provide an NLMIXED code that researchers can use to implement this method.
Modulation of Sickle Red Blood Cell Adhesion and its Associated Changes in Biomarkers by Sulfated Nonanticoagulant Heparin Derivative
Authors: Alshaiban Abdulelah , Muralidharan-Chari Vandhana , Nepo Anne , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: January 2015

Abnormal cellular adhesion is one of the primary causes of vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease (SCD). Levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin are upregulated, resulting in increased adhesion of leukocytes and sickle red blood cells (RBCs) to endothelium. This study compares the inhibitory effect of a sulfated nonanticoagulant heparin (S-NACH) derivative with a low-molecular-weight heparin, tinzaparin, on the adhesion of sickle RBCs to endothelium. The S-NACH exhibits minimum effects on hemostasis and bleeding and interferes with the binding of pancreatic cancer cells to endothelial cells via P-selectin. We show by static binding assay that pretreatment of both erythrocytes and endothelial cells with S-NACH significantly inhibits the increased adhesion of sickle RBCs to endothelial cells. The S-NACH treatment also decreases the higher plasma levels of (adhesion biomarkers) ICAM-1 and P-selectin in SCD mice. This investigation signals further research into the potential use of S-NACH in treating vaso-occlusions with minimal bleeding events in patients with SCD.
Evaluation and Pharmacokinetics of Treatment Dose Enoxaparin in Hospitalized Patients With Morbid Obesity
Authors: Thompson-Moore Nathaniel R. , Wanat Matthew A. , Putney David R. , Liebl Phuong H. Nguyen , Chandler Wayne L. , Muntz James E.
Published: January 2015

Background:

The pharmacokinetic properties of enoxaparin may lead to supratherapeutic antifactor Xa (anti-Xa) levels and increased bleeding when standard treatment doses are used in patients with morbid obesity.

Objective:

To evaluate the dose of enoxaparin needed to achieve therapeutic anti-Xa levels in a prospective, masked observational cohort of heterogeneous inpatients with morbid obesity and to determine whether patients with morbid obesity treated with 1 mg/kg of enoxaparin are at increased risk of supratherapeutic levels and bleeding events compared to patients receiving lower doses.

Methods:

Hospitalized patients with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 or actual body weight ≥140 kg and prescribed treatment doses of enoxaparin >60 mg per day were enrolled and consented to phlebotomy for determination of anti-Xa levels.

Results:

Forty-one patients were included for data analysis. The dose of enoxaparin that resulted in therapeutic and supratherapeutic anti-Xa levels at steady state was 0.83 mg/kg and 0.98 mg/kg (−0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.20 to −0.01, P = .02), respectively. Enoxaparin dose as mg/kg of actual body weight was an independent predictor of having a supratherapeutic anti-Xa level. Patients with doses <0.95 mg/kg versus ≥0.95 mg/kg were less likely to have supratherapeutic levels (odds ratio 0.21 [95% CI 0.05-0.84], P = .02) and had similar rates of subtherapeutic levels. Doses <0.95 mg/kg and ≥0.95 mg/kg resulted in similar bleeding rates of 17.9% and 22.2% ( P = .71), respectively.

Conclusion:

Patients with morbid obesity required less than the recommended 1 mg/kg enoxaparin dose to achieve therapeutic peak anti-Xa levels; therefore, initiation with lower dosages is prudent and anti-Xa monitoring should guide dosage adjustments.
Elevated Levels of LDL-C are Associated With ApoE4 but Not With the rs688 Polymorphism in the LDLR Gene
Authors: Cahua-Pablo Gabriel , Cruz Miguel , Moral-Hernández Oscar del , Leyva-Vázquez Marco A. , Antúnez-Ortiz Diana L. , Cahua-Pablo José A. , Alarcón-Romero Luz del Carmen , Ortuño-Pineda Carlos , Moreno-Godínez Ma Elena , Hernández-Sotelo Daniel , Flores-Alfaro Eugenia
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) 4 isoform has been associated with elevated levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs), meanwhile several polymorphisms in the LDL receptor ( LDLR) gene have been associated with increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C.

Material and Methods:

We studied 400 women from Southwest Mexico. Anthropometric features and biochemical profile were evaluated, and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs429358 and rs7412 in the APOE gene and rs688 in the LDLR gene was determined by TaqMan assays.

Results:

We found significant association between LDL-C (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9-5.7) and marginal association with TG (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0-2.9) of atherogenic risk in women carriers of the ApoE4 isoform compared to ApoE3. The TT genotype of rs688 in the LDLR gene was not found to be associated with elevated levels of total cholesterol or LDL-C.

Conclusion:

Our results show that carrier women of the ApoE4 isoform are more likely to have elevated levels of LDL-C and therefore increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Young Scholars
Authors: Horn Carol V.
Published: January 2015

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Young Scholars model offers new language and ideas for thinking about giftedness that embrace expanded beliefs about the nature of intelligence and highlight the importance of nurturing intelligent behavior in children from diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds as early as possible. These expanded beliefs move beyond an exclusionary vocabulary that is based on a child’s proficiency in skills that are taught in school or a single score on a standard ability test and instead focus on a child’s ability to think, reason, and problem-solve through evidence and assessments that cross cultural, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries. The Young Scholars model is embedded in a continuum of gifted services offered to a broad range of learners, and it has the capacity to be an important vehicle for change. Young Scholars are students who historically have been underrepresented in gifted programs. This includes students from poverty, students whose primary language is not English, and twice exceptional learners. Staff at Young Scholars schools work together to find and nurture gifted potential as early as kindergarten to ensure that no student is overlooked. The model has two goals: (a) to identify students who may not be considered for gifted programs using traditional methods of identification, and who, without that opportunity, are less likely to pursue advanced levels of learning on their own; and (b) to nurture gifted potential at an early age so that Young Scholars will be prepared to engage in challenging subject matter and rigorous courses in elementary school, middle school, high school, and beyond.