bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin prevents hypochlorous acid‐mediated cyanocobalamin destruction and cyanogen chloride generation
Authors: Jeelani Roohi , Maitra Dhiman , Chatzicharalampous Charalampos , Najeemuddin Syed , Morris Robert T. , Abu‐Soud Husam M.
Published: December 2017

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a potent cytotoxic oxidant generated by the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chloride (Cl−). Elevated levels of HOCl play an important role in various pathological conditions through oxidative modification of several biomolecules. Recently, we have highlighted the ability of HOCl to mediate the destruction of the metal‐ion derivatives of tetrapyrrole macrocyclic rings such as hemoproteins and vitamin B12 (VB12) derivatives. Destruction of cyanocobalamin, a common pharmacological form of VB12 mediated by HOCl, results in the generation of toxic molecular products such as chlorinated derivatives, corrin ring cleavage products, the toxic blood agents cyanide (CN−) and cyanogen chloride (CNCl), and redox‐active free cobalt. Here, we show that melatonin prevents HOCl‐mediated cyanocobalamin destruction, using a combination of UV‐Vis spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, and colorimetric CNCl assay. Identification of several melatonin oxidation products suggests that the protective role of melatonin against HOCl‐mediated cyanocobalamin destruction and subsequent CNCl generation is at the expense of melatonin oxidation. Collectively, this work highlights that, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and as a MPO inhibitor, melatonin can also prevent VB12 deficiency in inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, among many others.
Alligator conservation and hunting efficiency
Authors: Kahui V. , Moyle B. , Brunell A. M.
Published: December 2017

The successful conservation of Florida's alligator rests, among other things, on a recreational harvest program that provides seasonal, nontransferable hunting permits. We develop an economic hunting model adapted from evolutionary ecology to show how the incentives under Florida's program still allow for efficient behavior. Hunters can select the length for kill from a given length‐frequency distribution and pursue alligators for revenue from hide and meat. We exploit extensive data sets on harvest reports, alligator population estimates, permit costs, and annual prices for wild hides and meat across 33 alligator management units in Florida between 2000 and 2015. We show that an increase in the abundance of bulls increases the minimum length of alligator for kill, while an increase in prices and cost of foraging time pushes hunters to accept smaller alligators for harvest. Understanding the drivers of human hunting behavior is essential for effective wildlife management.

Recommendations for Managers

Effective wildlife management relies on the understanding of both animal and human dynamics.

Alligator population levels are actively monitored but there is limited understanding of hunter behavior.

Our research shows that recreational alligator hunters in Florida respond to abundance levels of bulls, and prices and cost of foraging time by adjusting the smallest length of alligator for harvest.

Management of harvest quotas should actively consider behavioral responses of hunters.
Effectiveness of extended contact interventions for weight management delivered via text messaging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Job J. R. , Fjeldsoe B. S. , Eakin E. G. , Reeves M. M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Extended contact interventions provide support for continued weight management (weight loss/prevention of weight regain) following a weight loss intervention. Text messages offer a medium for delivery in a potentially cost‐effective, broad‐reach manner.

Objectives

This study aims to examine (i) the effectiveness of extended contact, text message interventions for adults in supporting weight management, and (ii) which intervention characteristics are common to those that are effective.

Methods

A systematic database search (to 19 September 2016) was conducted. Meta‐analyses were performed to quantify the average weight changes (kg) during the extended contact intervention, net of control (if a control group was present) and within‐group.

Results

Seven studies were eligible for inclusion. The pooled effect of the extended contact intervention compared with control (n = 3 studies) was −0.82 kg (95% confidence interval −1.43, −0.21), while the pooled within‐group weight loss (n = 6 studies) during the extended contact interventions was −2.16 kg (95% confidence interval −3.40, −0.91). Interventions considered ‘effective’ (n = 4) were more likely to be >12 weeks duration, compared with interventions considered ‘ineffective’ (n = 3).

Conclusion

Evidence from the small number of studies reviewed suggests that extended contact, text message‐delivered interventions are effective. Further research is required to elucidate effective intervention components and the longer‐term impact on weight, diet and physical activity behaviour.
Explaining Gun Deaths: Gun Control, Mental Illness, and Policymaking in the American States
Authors: Smith Jacob , Spiegler Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Seeking to test two commonly proposed solutions to gun deaths in the United States, we examine the extent to which (1) tougher gun control laws, (2) greater access to mental health services, and (3) a combination of both approaches affect the rate of gun deaths in American states. We find that tougher gun control laws, as well as a combination of both approaches, are associated with a lower overall rate of gun deaths, and with a lower rate of nonsuicide gun deaths, while only tougher gun control laws are significantly associated with a reduction in the rate of gun‐related suicides. Our findings serve as an initial guide to policymakers seeking to reduce the rate of gun deaths in their states.
Serum YKL‐40 in workers at an indium‐tin oxide production facility
Authors: Harvey R. Reid , Hawley Brie M. , Virji M. Abbas , Cummings Kristin J.
Published: December 2017

See Reply
The measurement of disaster risk: An example from tropical cyclones in the Philippines
Authors: Yonson Rio , Noy Ilan , Gaillard JC
Published: December 2017

What determines disaster fatalities? We develop a tool to estimate tropical cyclone‐induced fatalities in the Philippine provinces, and to explain the variability of these fatalities across provinces using an evidence‐based approach. We construct a new provincial‐level panel dataset, and use statistical methods to assess the influence of socioeconomic vulnerability (i.e., levels of economic and social development, urbanization, governance), exposure (i.e., population, topography, and geography), and hazard characteristics (i.e., rainfall volume and wind speed) on the resulting fatalities from tropical cyclones. We find strong evidence that socioeconomic development and good local governance reduces disaster fatalities, while unplanned urbanization is associated with more fatalities. Exposure, including topography, and tropical cyclone strength are likewise important determinants of fatalities. However, disaster fatalities appear to be influenced much more by socioeconomic vulnerability and exposure, than by the hazard itself. We quantify this difference in order to contribute to policy planning at national and subnational scales.
The effect of the National Food Reserve Agency on maize market prices in Tanzania
Authors: Pierre Guillaume , Pauw Karl , Magrini Emiliano
Published: December 2017

Tanzania's National Food Reserve Agency has a mandate to ensure food security through procuring, reserving and recycling grain (primarily maize) in a cost‐effective manner. This mandate excludes a price stabilization role. Procurement prices, based on production costs, are often set above market prices to encourage production. Several disbursements channels exist: grain provided free or at a discount to targeted vulnerable households; subsidized sales to millers; and sales to prisons or nongovernmental aid programs, typically at market‐related prices. Given the perception that these activities are distortive, we use time‐series econometrics to model maize price dynamics in select wholesale markets to capture the Agency's market impact. We find that its pricing strategy had an insignificant impact on prices during 2010/11–2014/15 despite a fairly significant presence in at least some regional markets. We recommend that the Agency reconsiders offering a price premium on procured maize or selling maize at discount to millers, as limited market spill‐over effects imply the benefits are captured by only a few, even though its practice of providing subsidized or free maize to vulnerable people is not in question. Furthermore, current storage capacity expansion plans are not required and inconsistent with its food security mandate.
Comparative outcomes between ameroid ring constrictor and cellophane banding for treatment of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 49 dogs (1998‐2012)
Authors: Traverson Marine , Lussier Bertrand , Huneault Louis , Gatineau Matthieu
Published: December 2017

Objective

To compare outcomes and identify prognostic factors in dogs with single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEHPSS) gradually attenuated with an ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) or cellophane banding (CB).

Study Design

Retrospective, multi‐institutional study.

Animals

Forty‐nine dogs with CEHPSS (n = 23 for ARC; n = 26 for CB).

Methods

Medical records of dogs with CEHPSS treated by ARC or CB were reviewed for postoperative (<1 month), midterm (1‐6 months), and long‐term (> 6 months) outcomes. Data were evaluated to detect factors associated with postoperative complications, residual shunting, and long‐term outcome.

Results

Postoperative complication rates did not differ between ARC (26.1%) and CB (23.1%, P = .89) and were negatively associated with body weight (P = .03). Overall, postoperative mortality was low (2.0%). Clinical long‐term outcome was excellent in 45.0% and 39.1% and good in 55.0% and 60.9% of dogs after ARC and CB, respectively. Suspected residual shunting rate upon abdominal ultrasonography was greater after CB (31.6%) than after ARC (0%).

Conclusion

ARC and CB were both effective for attenuation of CEHPSS, resulting in good to excellent outcomes with low morbidity and mortality. Residual shunting was suspected in a higher proportion of dogs treated with CB on the basis of abdominal ultrasonography results. However, further prospective randomized studies must be conducted with validated evaluation methods to verify this assumption.
Fluorescein sodium‐guided resection of intracranial lesions in 22 dogs
Authors: Nakano Yukiko , Nakata Kohei , Shibata Sanae , Heishima Yasuhiro , Nishida Hidetaka , Sakai Hiroki , Yano Hirohito , Kamishina Hiroaki
Published: December 2017

Objective

To evaluate the safety of an intraoperative fluorescein sodium (FS) injection and elucidate the relationships between the MRI findings, pathological diagnoses, and intraoperative staining characteristics of intracranial lesions in 22 dogs.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Animals

Twenty‐two dogs with intracranial lesions.

Methods

FS was intravenously administered to 22 dogs undergoing craniotomy for suspected intracranial tumors to evaluate perioperative and postoperative adverse effects. The intensities and patterns of gadolinium (Gd) enhancement on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative FS staining were graded, and their relationship was evaluated. Intraoperative FS staining characteristics and pathological diagnoses were compared.

Results

The only adverse effect noted was repetitive vomiting in 2 dogs. The intensities and patterns between preoperative Gd enhancement and intraoperative FS staining appeared to agree. High‐grade glioma and histiocytic sarcoma had more intense FS staining. Lesions with strong Gd enhancement, including meningiomas and choroid plexus tumors, also had intense FS staining.

Conclusion

The intraoperative use of FS is a simple and safe technique to guide the resection of intracranial lesions in dogs. The findings on Gd enhancement, FS staining, and histopathology appeared to agree but require validation in a larger set of cases.

Clinical Significance

The intraoperative use of FS may improve the prognosis of dogs with brain tumors by guiding the resection of lesions.
Numerical Analysis on the Impact of Interstage Flow Addition in a High-Pressure Steam Turbine
Authors: Kang Soo Young , Lee Jeong Jin , Kim Tong Seop , Park Seong Jin , Hong Gi Won
Published: December 2017

This study analyzes the fluid dynamic characteristics of an ultrasupercritical (USC) high-pressure turbine with additional steam supplied through an overload valve between the second and third stages. The mixing between the main and admission flows causes complex flow phenomena such as swirl and changes of velocity vectors of the main flow. This causes a pressure drop between the second-stage outlet and third-stage inlet, which could potentially affect the performance of the turbine. First, a single-passage computational analysis, which is usually preferred in predicting the performance of multistage turbomachines, was performed using a simple model of an admission flow path and a single passage (SP) for the second and third stages of the turbine. However, the actual flow in the overload valve is supplied through the admission flow path, which has the shape of a casing that circumferentially surrounds the turbine, after flowing in two directions perpendicular to the turbine axis. This necessitates full-passage computational analyses of the two stages and the flow paths of the admission flow. To achieve this, we implemented a full three-dimensional (3D) geometric model of the admission flow path and conducted a full-passage computational analysis for all the flow paths, including those of the second and third stages of the turbine. The focus of analysis was on the pressure drop due to the admission flow. The results of the single and full-passage analyses were compared, and the effects of two different methods were analyzed.
The Relevance of Damper Pre-Optimization and Its Effectiveness on the Forced Response of Blades
Authors: Gastaldi Chiara , Berruti Teresa M. , Gola Muzio M.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective strategy for the design of turbine blades with underplatform dampers (UPDs). The strategy involves damper “pre-optimization,” already proposed by the authors, to exclude, before the blades-coupled nonlinear calculation, all those damper configurations leading to low damping performance. This paper continues this effort by applying pre-optimization to determine a damper configuration which will not jam, roll, or detach under any in-plane platform kinematics (i.e., blade bending modes). Once the candidate damper configuration has been found, the damper equilibrium equations are solved by using both the multiharmonic balance method (MHBM) and the direct-time integration (DTI) for the purpose of finding the correct number of Fourier terms to represent displacements and contact forces. It is shown that contrarily to non-preoptimized dampers, which may display an erratic behavior, one harmonic term together with the static term ensures accurate results. These findings are confirmed by a state-of-the-art code for the calculation of the nonlinear forced response of a damper coupled to two blades. Experimental forced response functions (FRF) of the test case with a nominal damper are available for comparison. The comparison of different damper configurations offers a “high-level” validation of the pre-optimization procedure and highlights the strong influence of the blades mode of vibration on the damper effectiveness. It is shown that the pre-optimized damper is not only the most effective but also the one that leads to a faster and more flexible calculation.
Neutronics Analysis of Small Compact Prismatic Nuclear Reactors for Space Crafts
Authors: Yang Xie , She Ding , Shi Lei
Published: December 2017

Due to the advantages of small volume, light weight, and long-time running, nuclear reactor can provide an ideal energy source for space crafts. In this paper, two small compact prismatic nuclear reactors with different core block materials are presented, which have a thermal power of 5 MW for 10 years of equivalent full power operation. These two reactors use Mo-14%Re alloy or nuclear grade graphite IG110 as core block material, loaded with 50% and 39.5% enriched uranium nitride (UN) fuel and cooled by helium, whose inlet/outlet temperature of the reactor and operational pressure are 850/1300 K and 2 MPa, respectively. High temperature helium flowing out of the reactor can be used as the working medium for closed Brayton cycle power conversion with high efficiency (more than 20%). Neutronics analyses of reactors for the preliminary design in this paper are performed using reactor Monte Carlo (RMC) code developed by Tsinghua University. Both the reactors have enough initial excess reactivity to ensure 10 years of full power operation without refueling, have safety margin for reactor shutdown with one control drum failed, and remain subcritical in the submersion accident. Finally, the two reactors are compared in aspect of the 235U mass and the total reactor mass.
Serial Assessment of Strut Coverage of Biodegradable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stent at 1, 2, and 3 Months After Stent Implantation by Optical Frequency Domain Imaging
Authors: Chevalier Bernard , Smits Pieter C. , Carrié Didier , Mehilli Julinda , Van Boven Ad J. , Regar Evelyn , Sawaya Fadi J. , Chamié Daniel , Kraaijeveld Adriaan O. , Hovasse Thomas , Vlachojannis Georgios J.
Published: December 2017

Background—

To assess the vessel-healing pattern of Ultimaster drug-eluting stent using optical frequency domain imaging. Our hypothesis is that biodegradable polymer-based drug-eluting technology allows complete very early strut coverage.

Methods and Results—

The DISCOVERY 1TO3 study (Evaluation With OFDI of Strut Coverage of Terumo New Drug Eluting Stent With Biodegradable Polymer at 1, 2, and 3 Months) is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study. A total of 60 patients with multivessel disease requiring staged procedure at 1 month were treated with Ultimaster. Optical frequency domain imaging was acquired at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months. The primary end point is optical frequency domain imaging–assessed strut coverage at 3 months. Mean age of patients was 67.2±9.9 years, and 73.3% were male, and 36.7% presented with acute coronary syndrome. A total of 132 lesions were treated, with average 1.4 lesions per patient treated at baseline and 1.1 lesions treated at 1 month. Strut coverage at 3 months of single implanted stents (n=71, primary end point) was 95.2±5.2% and of combined single and overlapped stents was 95.4±4.9%. Strut coverage of combined single and overlapped stents at 1 (n=49) and 2 months (n=38) was 85.1±12.7% and 87.9±10.8%, respectively. The median neointimal hyperplasia thickness was 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06 mm, whereas mean neointimal hyperplasia obstruction was 4.5±2.4%, 5.2±3.4%, and 6.6±3.3% at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively.

Conclusions—

Nearly complete strut coverage was observed in this complex population very early after implantation of Ultimaster drug-eluting stent.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01844843.
Three-Year Outcomes of Surgical Versus Endovascular Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Iida Osamu , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Soga Yoshimitsu , Kodama Akio , Terashi Hiroto , Azuma Nobuyoshi
Published: December 2017

Background—

The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between surgical reconstruction and endovascular therapy (EVT) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in today’s real-world settings.

Methods and Results—

This multicenter, prospective, observational study registered and followed 548 Japanese CLI patients. The registration was in advance of revascularization; 197 patients were scheduled to receive surgical reconstruction, and the remaining 351 were scheduled to receive EVT. The primary end point was 3-year amputation-free survival, compared between the 2 treatments in an intention-to-treat manner, using propensity score matching. Interaction analysis was additionally performed to explore which subgroups had better outcomes with surgical reconstruction or EVT. After propensity score matching, the 3-year amputation-free survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups (52% [95% confidence interval, 43%–60%] and 52% [95% confidence interval, 44–60%];
P
=0.26). Subsequent interaction analysis identified (1) Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification W-3, (2) fI-2/3, (3) history of ipsilateral minor amputation, (4) history of revascularization after CLI onset, and (5) bilateral CLI as the factors more favorable for surgical reconstruction, whereas (1) diabetes mellitus, (2) renal failure, (3) anemia, (4) history of nonadherence to cardiovascular risk management, and (5) contralateral major amputation were as those less favorable for surgical reconstruction.

Conclusions—

The 3-year amputation-free survival was not different between surgical reconstruction and EVT in the overall CLI population. The subsequent interaction analysis suggested that there would be a subgroup more suited for surgical reconstruction and another benefiting more from EVT.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
. Unique identifier: UMIN000007050.
Successful Percutaneous Mitral Paravalvular Leak Closure Is Associated With Improved Midterm Survival
Authors: Alkhouli Mohamad , Zack Chad J. , Sarraf Mohammad , Eleid Mackram F. , Cabalka Allison K. , Reeder Guy S. , Hagler Donald J. , Maalouf Joseph F. , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: December 2017

Background—

Percutaneous closure of prosthetic mitral valve paravalvular leak (PVL) has emerged as an alternative to surgical treatment in high-risk patients. Limited data exist on the impact of successful percutaneous PVL closure on midterm outcomes.

Methods and Results—

We examined consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous mitral PVL closure at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, between January 2006 and January 2017. Procedural success, in-hospital outcomes, and midterm mortality were assessed. A total of 231 patients underwent percutaneous mitral PVL repair at a mean age of 67±12 years. Mean time from mitral valve replacement to percutaneous PVL repair was 1.25 (0.31–7.25) years. One hundred sixty-two patients (70%) had ≤mild PVL after the procedure. Compared with those who had >mild residual PVL, patients with ≤mild residual PVL had lower rates of repeat surgical interventions (6% versus 17%;
P
=0.004) and lower all-cause mortality at 30 days (1% versus 14%;
P
<0.001) and 1 year (15% versus 39%;
P
<0.001). Survival at 3 years was 61% in patients who had ≤mild residual leak and 47% in patients with higher grade of residual PVL (
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

In a large consecutive cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous mitral PVL closure, successful percutaneous reduction of the PVL to mild or less was associated with significant midterm survival benefit.
ACIST-FFR Study (Assessment of Catheter-Based Interrogation and Standard Techniques for Fractional Flow Reserve Measurement)
Authors: Fearon William F. , Chambers Jeffrey W. , Seto Arnold H. , Sarembock Ian J. , Raveendran Ganesh , Sakarovitch Charlotte , Yang Lingyao , Desai Manisha , Jeremias Allen , Price Matthew J.
Published: December 2017

Background—

Measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide coronary revascularization lags despite robust supportive data, partly because of the handling characteristics of traditional coronary pressure wires. An optical pressure-monitoring microcatheter, which can be advanced over a traditional coronary guidewire, facilitates FFR assessment but may underestimate pressure wire–derived FFR.

Methods and Results—

In this prospective, multicenter trial, 169 patients underwent FFR assessment with a pressure wire alone and with a pressure microcatheter over the pressure wire. An independent core laboratory performed quantitative coronary angiography and evaluated all pressure tracings. The primary end point was the bias or difference between the microcatheter FFR and the pressure wire FFR, as assessed by Bland–Altman analysis. The mean difference between the microcatheter and the pressure wire–derived FFR values was −0.022 (95% confidence interval, −0.029 to −0.015). On multivariable analysis, reference vessel diameter (
P
=0.027) and lesion length (
P
=0.044) were independent predictors of bias between the 2 FFR measurements. When the microcatheter FFR was added to this model, it was the only independent predictor of bias (
P
<0.001). The mean FFR value from the microcatheter was significantly lower than from the pressure wire (0.81 versus 0.83;
P
<0.001). In 3% of cases (95% confidence interval, 1.3%–6.7%), there was clinically meaningful diagnostic discordance, with the FFR from the pressure wire >0.80 and that from the microcatheter <0.75. These findings were similar when including all 210 patients with site-reported paired FFR data.

Conclusions—

An optical, pressure-monitoring microcatheter measures lower FFR compared with a pressure wire, but the diagnostic impact appears to be minimal in most cases.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02577484.
Effect of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Added to Statin Therapy on Coronary Artery Plaque in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alfaddagh Abdulhamied , Elajami Tarec K. , Ashfaque Hasan , Saleh Mohamad , Bistrian Bruce R. , Welty Francine K.
Published: December 2017

Background

Although statins reduce cardiovascular events, residual risk remains. Therefore, additional modalities are needed to reduce risk. We evaluated the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in pharmacologic doses added to statin treatment on coronary artery plaque volume.

Methods and Results

A total of 285 subjects with stable coronary artery disease on statins were randomized to omega‐3 ethyl‐ester (1.86 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1.5 g of docosahexaenoic acid daily) or no omega‐3 (control) for 30 months. Coronary plaque volume was assessed by coronary computed tomographic angiography. Mean (
SD
) age was 63.0 (7.7) years; mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤80 mg/dL. In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, our primary endpoint, noncalcified plaque volume, was not different between groups (
P
=0.14) but approached significance in the per protocol analysis (
P
=0.07). When stratified by age in the intention‐to‐treat analysis, younger omega‐3 subjects had significantly less progression of the primary endpoint, noncalcified plaque (
P
=0.013), and fibrous, calcified and total plaque. In plaque subtype analysis, controls had significant progression of fibrous plaque compared to no change in the omega‐3 ethyl‐ester group (median % change [interquartile range], 5.0% [−5.7, 20.0] versus −0.1% [−12.3, 14.5], respectively;
P
=0.018). Among those on low‐intensity statins, omega‐3 ethyl‐ester subjects had attenuation of fibrous plaque progression compared to controls (median % change [interquartile range], 0.3% [−12.8, 9.0] versus 4.8% [−5.1, 19.0], respectively;
P
=0.032). In contrast, those on high‐intensity statins had no difference in plaque change in either treatment arm.

Conclusions

High‐dose eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid provided additional benefit to statins in preventing progression of fibrous coronary plaque in subjects adherent to therapy with well‐controlled low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The benefit on low‐intensity statin, but not high‐intensity statin, suggests that statin intensity affects plaque volume.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01624727.
Establishing Measurement Equivalence Across Computer- and Paper-Based Tests of Spatial Cognition
Authors: Bailey Shannon K. T. , Neigel Alexis R. , Dhanani Lindsay Y. , Sims Valerie K.
Published: December 2017

Objective

The purpose of the present research is to establish measurement equivalence and test differences in reliability between computerized and pencil-and-paper-based tests of spatial cognition.

Background

Researchers have increasingly adopted computerized test formats, but few attempt to establish equivalence for computer-based and paper-based tests. The mixed results in the literature on the test mode effect, which occurs when performance differs as a function of test medium, highlight the need to test for, instead of assume, measurement equivalence. One domain that has been increasingly computerized and is thus in need of tests of measurement equivalence across test mode is spatial cognition.

Method

In the present study, 244 undergraduate students completed two measures of spatial ability (i.e., spatial visualization and cross-sectioning) in either computer- or paper-and-pencil-based format.

Results

Measurement equivalence was not supported across computer-based and paper-based formats for either spatial test. The results also indicated that test administration type affected the types of errors made on the spatial visualization task, which further highlights the conceptual differences between test mediums. Paper-based tests also demonstrated increased reliability when compared with computerized versions of the tests.

Conclusion

The results of the measurement equivalence tests caution against treating computer- and paper-based versions of spatial measures as equivalent. We encourage subsequent work to demonstrate test mode equivalence prior to the utilization of spatial measures because current evidence suggests they may not reliably capture the same construct.

Application

The assessment of test type differences may influence the medium in which spatial cognition tests are administered.
Statistics for, Death and Injury on the Roads: What Do They Tell Us about Risk and Safety Engineering?
Authors: Reinhardt-Rutland A. H.
Published: December 2017

A reasonable strategy for reducing road casualties should reside in safety engineering: seat-belts; airbags; ABS brakes; water-repellent road-surfaces; and the like. Yet, for some time there have been rumblings about whether engineering initiatives are ever effective over the long term. One crucial issue that has emerged concerns the interpretation of trends in casualty rates; the present article is directed primarily to this issue and, specifically, to what appears to be a paradox in the relationship between death and injury statistics.
The Internet: A Discussion of Some New and Emerging Threats to Young People
Authors: Bocij Paul , McFarlane Leroy
Published: December 2017

The Internet poses a number of threats to the safety of young people. Using numerous examples, this article discusses a wide range of such threats, including: cyberstalking; the ‘grooming’ of potential victims of sexual abuse; a new ‘wish list’ scene (where teenagers encourage contact with potential abusers); the creation and distribution of child pornography; and the emergence of services that create child pornography to order. It is suggested that the last has provided individuals with the ability to inflict sexual abuse on young people from a distance, an act the authors have termed virtual sex tourism. The final section of the article suggests that paedophiles and pornographers have been quick to adopt new technology as a means of concealing their activities. The article concludes by warning of the danger of overestimating or underestimating the threats described.
Police Recruitment: The Way Forward
Authors: Watson John , Robinson Emily
Published: December 2017

Much emphasis has been laid on the need for the police to be representative of all parts of the community. In this article the authors approach police recruitment from a different angle, arguing that a higher level of graduate recruitment would improve police effectiveness.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses the thorny problem of the motorist's attitude towards the police and gives his impressions of a large saloon fitted with a novel form of transmission.
The Licensing Act, 1961: 2
Authors: Jempson Keith
Published: December 2017

In this article, Chief Inspector Jempson deals with the remainder of Part II and Part III of the Act. Part I and the remainder of Part II were dealt with at p. 419 of last year's volume.
Current Trends in Crime
Authors: Carnill G. A.
Published: December 2017

In the following article a senior detective officer of great experience considers some aspects of criminal investigation today.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent reviews the lessons learnt on our longest motorway, considers the latest developments in the safety harness field, and gives advance information about an interesting experiment to make safer motorists and a determined effort by the British police to break a Continental monopoly.
The Police Station in the Stables
Authors: Frost Norman
Published: December 2017

Great credit is due to the Chief Constable of Bristol for saving and restoring to use a remarkable example of 18th century architecture, with the assistance of the Bristol Corporation and of Mr Albert H. Clarke, the city architect. Mr Frost's interest in the building goes back to 1954, when he took up his present appointment, and it must be immensely gratifying to him to see the results of his perseverance in the beautiful and functional conversion which he describes in the following article.
The Special Course
Authors: Knights P. D.
Published: December 2017

Mr. Knights, seconded from the Birmingham City Police to direct the Special Course at the Police College, Bramshill, explains the nature of the training the new Course will give.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent attempts to disprove a commonly-held theory, discusses some recent High Court decisions affecting the prosecution of motorists, and considers the problem of stopping motor vehicles.
The International Police Association
Authors: Hallett H. V. D.
Published: December 2017

The author of the following article is Editor of the I.P.A.'s quarterly magazine, POLICE WORLD, and Chairman of No. 7 Region (the South and West) of the Association. He is British representative on the International Bibliography Commission which is referred to in the article. Mr. Hallett has also served on the Directing Staff of the Police College.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses a recent decision of the Court of Criminal Appeal, considers what lessons for police work can be learnt from the Monte Carlo Rally, and reviews the Consumers' Association's recent publication, ‘The Law for Motorists’.
Scientific Aids
Authors: Scott H.
Published: December 2017

The pioneer rôle of the Durham County Constabulary in “scenes of crime” work is well established. The following article describes the excellent system of training in “scientific aids” which is now in operation within the Force.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses a new problem which the police may be called upon to solve, with special reference to the pioneer work carried out by the Southend-on-Sea Constabulary.
Procedure, Administration and Organization
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: December 2017

This is the first of a series of articles of special interest to candidates for the Promotion Exams. The articles all deal with aspects of police administration and organization, which is one of the subjects in Part II of the syllabus, and of those sections of Part I of the syllabus which deal with police procedure. Mr. Devlin is author of Police Procedure, Administration and Organization.
Criminal Investigation
Authors: Devlin James
Published: December 2017

Pseudonyms have been used for the victim and the thief in this article
The Police and the Security Industry
Authors: Hamilton Peter
Published: December 2017

This article follows Mr. Hamilton's “The Decline of Public Interest in Law and Order” which appeared in our last issue.
The Anatomy of Disorders
Authors: Chapman Samuel G.
Published: December 2017

Professor Chapman was a professional police officer before turning to academic life—five years a patrolman in the Berkeley, California, force, and later chief of police in Multnomah County, Oregon. He was Assistant Director of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. Since 1967 he has been Professor of Political Science at Norman, Oklahoma. He has studied, and acted as consultant on, many police forces and problems. He is co-author, with Colonel Sir Eric St. Johnston, of “The Police Heritage in England and America”.
Serious Assaults on Police
Authors: Stobart R. M.
Published: December 2017

Mr. Stobart's paper on assaults on police has attracted interest in the National and the Police Press. Here is the complete version, now revised by the author, of the enquiry he conducted in the Metropolitan Police, the Liverpool and Bootle Constabulary, and the South Wales Constabulary.
Labour-Management Relations in an American Police Department
Authors: Banton Michael
Published: December 2017

Professor Banton examines the relations of police unions and the police command in an American city.

His study of Race and Public Order in the same context appeared in our last issue.
Part-Time Courses in Criminology at Manchester
Authors: Luckham B.
Published: December 2017

Evening courses in Criminology have been among the leading factors in interesting police officers in University education. The University of Manchester was early in the field and the following article describes the latest developments in its courses.
The Emergency Treatment of Alcoholic Poisoning
Authors: Longmore Joy
Published: December 2017

The writer with police experience studied this difficult subject in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
The Sociology of the Police III
Authors: Banton Michael
Published: December 2017

A report to the Nuffield Foundation on the seminar “The Sociology of the Police”, held last April at the University of Bristol.
Urban Terrorist Operations
Authors: Wolf John B.
Published: December 2017

This is the fourth of a series of articles on Terrorism contributed to The Police Journal by Dr. Wolf. The others appeared in our January, April and July issues of this year.
Law Enforcement: A Look into the Future
Authors: Germann A. C.
Published: December 2017

A paper prepared for presentation at the Annual Convention of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (“Two Hundred Years of Criminal Justice”)
Socio-Economic Status, Test Bias and the Selection of Police
Authors: Winters Clyde A.
Published: December 2017

Many psychology tests used in the employment field have potential ethnic bias. In a study of college students in a mid-Western Junior College, students were asked to answer selected items from the Inwald Personality Inventory to determine the impact critical items from this inventory might have on the selection of police. The test results show that economic status can affect the score of minority applicants on the IPI test. This paper will show that a comparison of the test scores of the subjects of this study, and the overall success rate of African-American candidates for the Chicago Police Department indicate that selected “critical items” from the IPI test can negatively affect the employment opportunity of African-Americans as police officers.
Policing Maastricht
Authors: Baxter N.S.J.
Published: December 2017

In February 1992 the Treaty of European Union was signed at Maastricht. It committed member States to new Community goals which included increasing government cooperation in the fields of foreign and security policy along with justice and home affairs (Steiner, 1994). The following “pillars” to develop the Union were identified. First of all, the protection of the rights and interests of people was strengthened by introducing citizenship of the European Union (EU); secondly a commitment was made to implement a common foreign and security policy indicated a movement towards a common defence of the Union against third party States. The third pillar seeks to facilitate the free movement of persons, while ensuring their safety and security through member States, by working closely in the areas of justice and home affairs (Benyon et al, 1993). It is this latter aspect which has implications for policing within the EU.
Shop Thieves' Perceptions of Retail Security
Authors: Gill Martin , Turbin Vicky , Bilby Charlotte
Published: December 2017

Shop theft is both an expensive and prevalent crime. Despite the introduction of security measures into retailing and refinement of the technology, the war against shop thieves does not yet appear to have been won. Many of these “situational measures” work on the assumption that offenders perceive such technology to increase their risk of apprehension and will therefore act as a deterrent. This article examines offenders' perceptions of retail security measures. Evidence is presented from interviews with 38 shop thieves and this data is supplemented by a review of research on shop theft. The research concludes that a better understanding of how offenders perceive security, is crucial to the development of effective crime reducing strategies.
Incorporating a Discussion of Genetic Attributions Into Psychology Courses
Authors: Sheldon Jane P.
Published: December 2017

A highly relevant construct that may need more emphasis in our psychology courses is genetic attributions. Attributions are causal explanations people make for specific behaviors, characteristics, occurrences, or differences. Research has found that genetic attributions are related to numerous biopsychosocial phenomena (e.g., perceptions about one’s own health, attitudes toward others) that impact individuals and societies. Unfortunately, often these causal attributions are linked to problematic outcomes. For example, genetic attributions for the etiology of illness are often associated with decreased personal control and well-being. Additionally, genetic attributions for group differences are related to psychological essentialism (i.e., the belief that members of a group all share a deep, underlying “essence”), which, in turn, tends to be associated with stereotyping and prejudice. With the following brief overview of theoretical and empirical work related to genetic attributions, I discuss how instructors can incorporate discussions of this important concept into their psychology courses.
Reality or pretense? Renouncing nationality and organized hypocrisy of the sovereignty of Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Isabelle
Published: December 2017

Adopting Krasner’s thesis of organized hypocrisy, this research examined the institution of sovereignty in regard to the naturalization of migrant spouses in Taiwan. Using migrant spouses as a case study, this article argues that the hypocrisy of Taiwan’s sovereignty lies in demanding migrants to renounce their native nationality or cancel their household registration. This demand not only fails to prevent statelessness but also prompts the origin state to recognize or reject Taiwan’s sovereignty. The interactions between Taiwan and the origin states of migrant spouses from Japan, Vietnam and China underline the hypocrisy of Taiwan’s sovereignty. The more Taiwan insists on migrant spouses renouncing their original nationality, the more this destabilizes Taiwan’s sovereignty because of its lack of international recognition.
Should I stay or should I go? Migration trajectories of Chinese–Taiwanese couples in third countries
Authors: Tseng Yu-chin
Published: December 2017

This article explores the migration choices of Chinese–Taiwanese couples who have met in a third country as students and formed transnational and cross-cultural families. Being subject to three sets of regulations (those of China, Taiwan and the third country) has put these couples in a more restrictive situation in negotiating their life choices and mobility. Using qualitative data, this article elucidates the migration trajectories of these couples, the conflicts they face, how they negotiate conflict areas and the strategic use of marriage in a third country to be together. This article finds that the conjugal lives of these transnational couples cannot completely disengage from institutionalized cross-Strait relations and state ideologies which eventually push them to stay in a third country rather than return to either of their countries of origin.
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): Psychometric Properties and Discriminative Capacity in Several Chilean Samples
Authors: Vera-Villarroel Pablo , Urzúa Alfonso , Jaime Daniela , Contreras Daniela , Zych Izabela , Celis-Atenas Karem , Silva Jaime R. , Lillo Sebastian
Published: December 2017

We evaluated the factor structure, reliability, and discriminative capacity of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaire in four different samples: two general adult populations ( N = 1,548, N = 964), one adolescent population ( N = 1,044), and young people with depressive symptomatology ( N = 307). Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were performed with subsamples from Studies 1 ( n = 773) and 2 ( n = 527), finding that the two- and three-factor solutions had a good fit. In a confirmatory factor analysis, the two-factor solution resulted in an adequate fit in a second set of subsamples from both studies ( n = 775, n = 517). In Study 3, we found good convergent and divergent validity with adequate and significant correlations found for depression (Beck’s Depression Inventory), anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), and neuroticism and extroversion (Big Five Inventory). In Study 4, the results of an EFA performed in a subsample ( n = 154) found that the two- and three-factor solutions were appropriate with the former solution being confirmed in a second subsample ( n = 153). Reliability was α = .85 for positive affect and α = .87 for negative affect. The PANAS questionnaire showed adequate indicators of validity and reliability in adult and adolescent populations as well as in a sample with depressive symptoms.
Who Lives Alone During Old Age? Trends in the Social and Functional Disadvantages of Sweden’s Solitary Living Older Adults
Authors: Shaw Benjamin A. , Fors Stefan , Fritzell Johan , Lennartsoon Carin , Agahi Neda
Published: December 2017

This study identifies specific social and functional disadvantages associated with living alone during old age in Sweden and assesses whether these associations have changed during recent decades. Data came from repeated cross-sectional surveys of Swedish adults aged 77+ during 1992–2014. Findings indicate that several types of disadvantage are consistently associated with the probability of living alone including financial insecurity and having never married for women and having never married and mobility impairment for men. Also for older men, low education has become an increasing strong determinant of living alone. These findings suggest that older adults who live alone are a subgroup that is particularly, and in some cases increasingly, vulnerable with respect to social and functional status. This has important policy implications related to addressing the needs of this growing subgroup as well as methodological implications for studies on the health effects of living alone.