bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young driver perceptions of police traffic enforcement and self-reported driving offences
Authors: Bates Lyndel Judith , Scott-Parker Bridie , Allen Siobhan , Watson Barry
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Road policing is a key method used to improve driver compliance with road laws. However, the authors have a very limited understanding of the perceptions of young drivers regarding police enforcement of road laws. The paper aims to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Within this study 238 young drivers from Queensland, Australia, aged 17-24 years (M=18, SD=1.54), with a provisional (intermediate) driver’s licence completed an online survey regarding their perceptions of police enforcement and their driver thrill-seeking tendencies. This study considered whether these factors influenced self-reported transient (e.g. traveling speed) and fixed (e.g. blood alcohol concentration) road violations by the young drivers.

Findings

The results indicate that being detected by police for a traffic offence, and the frequency with which they display P-plates on their vehicle to indicate their licence status, are associated with both self-reported transient and fixed rule violations. Licence type, police avoidance behaviors and driver thrill seeking affected transient rule violations only, while perceptions of police enforcement affected fixed rule violations only.

Practical implications

This study suggests that police enforcement of young driver violations of traffic laws may not be as effective as expected and that the authors need to improve the way in which police enforce road laws for young novice drivers.

Originality/value

This paper identifies that perceptions of police enforcement by young drivers does not influence all types of road offences.
General strain and police misconduct: the role of organizational influence
Authors: Bishopp Stephen A. , Worrall John , Piquero Nicole Leeper
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the utility of general strain theory in explaining the relationship between organizational stress and police deviance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a non-random sample of 1,389 police officers in three large cities in Texas. The survey instrument used for this research was the Police Work Experience Survey. Results from regression analyses are presented.

Findings

Findings showed that the organization influenced police misconduct, but misconduct was dependent upon the specific type of strain encountered.

Research limitations/implications

Results show that instances of police deviance depend on the types of strains encountered. Additionally, anger plays a significant role when examining organizational strain. Police administrators should move to reduce organizational strains to reduce instances of police misconduct.

Originality/value

Currently, there is very little theoretical work in understanding police misconduct. And no studies have drawn linkages between organizational stressors and self-reported officer misconduct. At a time when police behavior is at the forefront of the social policy reform, the examination of potential correlates of police misconduct is the first step toward controlling it.
Burnout and violent victimization in police officers: a dual process model
Authors: Ellrich Karoline
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between burnout and violent victimization in terms of physical assaults in patrol police officers. A burnout-victimization model is proposed assuming emotional exhaustion and depersonalization to be associated with violent victimization via different mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study entails a cross-sectional survey of 1,742 German patrol police officers who reported 4,524 police encounters. The paper employs a binary logistic multilevel structural equation modeling approach to test the proposed model.

Findings

In line with the hypotheses, emotional exhaustion was found to reduce police officers’ self-protecting behavior, which in turn heightened their risk of victimization. Depersonalization was positively linked to a favorable attitude toward violence, which was linked to violent victimization but only to a small extent. Further analyses yielded an additional direct pathway from emotional exhaustion to victimization.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations include the cross-sectional design of the study and the lack of including police officers’ own aggressive and violent behavior. Multimethod studies also using observational data of police-citizen interactions would be desirable in future studies.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first investigating the burnout-victimization link in police officers. By proposing and examining two different pathways, it further enhances the understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Adapting to climate variability and change in rural Kenya: farmer perceptions, strategies and climate trends
Authors: Ochieng Justus , Kirimi Lilian , Makau Joyce
Published: December 2016

Climate change has had a significant impact on rain‐fed agricultural production in developing countries. Smallholder farmers are the most vulnerable, and currently must make production decisions in a high risk and uncertain environment with regard to rainfall and temperature. This paper uses climate and household survey data to analyse farmer perceptions regarding climate change, adaptation measures taken in response to these changes, and how well these perceptions correlate with meteorological data in Kenya. We find that a significant number of farmers perceive climate change as real, and that they are particularly concerned about changes in rainfall and temperature. Changing crop varieties is predominantly used as an adaptation measure since extension messages often encourage adoption of drought‐resistant varieties. Major factors influencing farmer perceptions include age of the farmer, which is often associated with more farming experience and subsequent extension service. Except in low potential zones, farmers' perceptions of climatic variability are in line with climatic data records. Better education, access to extension messages, farm size and credit facilities are necessary for farmers to decide to adapt to climate change. The paper further assesses barriers to the adoption of various adaptation strategies, and lack of finances and knowledge have been found to inhibit adaptation response within the smallholder farming sector. Findings imply that effective adaptation to threats posed by climate variability and change requires a multi‐dimensional collaborative approach, with different stakeholders playing key roles in providing support services in terms of education, extension, credit and meteorological information.
The Political Dynamics of Human Mobility: Migration out of, as and into Violence
Authors: Bank André , Fröhlich Christiane , Schneiker Andrea
Published: December 2016

Simplistic correlations between human mobility and political violence are on the rise in the European discourse on immigration, especially – but not only – in populist rhetoric. This not only lacks an empirical foundation, but also leads to simplistic solutions for a major political and humanitarian challenge of our time. However, we still lack comprehensive knowledge on the migration‐violence nexus. By bringing insights from migration studies and peace and conflict studies into fruitful dialogue, this contribution aims to fill this gap. It first maps some of the central questions regarding the migration‐violence nexus. Second, and on this basis, it proposes an analytical framework for future research which encompasses the interdependence of violence‐migration dynamics on and between the macro, meso and micro levels by examining human mobility as: (1) a movement out of (physical and structural) violence; (2) a violent process in and of itself; (3) a path into (physical and structural) violence; and (4) it formulates some recommendations that can provide a more holistic basis for policy programmes regarding human mobility.
Effects of incentives for naltrexone adherence on opiate abstinence in heroin‐dependent adults
Authors: Jarvis Brantley P. , Holtyn August F. , DeFulio Anthony , Dunn Kelly E. , Everly Jeffrey J. , Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie S. , Umbricht Annie , Fingerhood Michael , Bigelow George E. , Silverman Kenneth
Published: December 2016

Aim

To test whether an incentive‐based intervention that increased adherence to naltrexone also increased opiate abstinence.

Design

Post‐hoc combined analysis of three earlier randomized controlled trials that showed individually that incentives for adherence to oral and to extended‐release injection naltrexone dosing schedules increased naltrexone adherence, but not opiate abstinence.

Setting

Out‐patient therapeutic work‐place in Baltimore, MD, USA.

Participants

One hundred and forty unemployed heroin‐dependent adults participating from 2006 to 2010.

Interventions

Participants were hired in a model work‐place for 26 weeks and randomized to a contingency (n = 72) or prescription (n = 68) group. Both groups were offered naltrexone. Contingency participants were required to take scheduled doses of naltrexone in order to work and earn wages. Prescription participants could earn wages independent of naltrexone adherence.

Measures

Thrice‐weekly and monthly urine samples tested for opiates and cocaine and measures of naltrexone adherence (percentage of monthly urine samples positive for naltrexone or percentage of scheduled injections received). All analyses included pre‐randomization attendance, opiate use and cocaine use as covariates. Additional analyses controlled for cocaine use and naltrexone adherence during the intervention.

Findings

Contingency participants had more opiate abstinence than prescription participants (68.1 versus 52.9% opiate‐negative thrice‐weekly urine samples, respectively; and 71.9 versus 61.7% opiate‐negative monthly urine samples, respectively) based on initial analyses [thrice‐weekly samples, odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.7–6.5, P < 0.01; monthly samples, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.0–7.1, P = 0.06] and on analyses that controlled for cocaine use (thrice‐weekly samples, OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 3.3–4.5, P < 0.01; monthly samples, OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.1–11.1, P = 0.04), which was high and associated with opiate use. The difference in opiate abstinence rates between contingency and prescription participants was reduced when controlling for naltrexone adherence (monthly samples, OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.7–1.7, P = 0.84).

Conclusions

Incentives for naltrexone adherence increase opiate abstinence in heroin‐dependent adults, an effect that appears to be due to increased naltrexone adherence produced by the incentives.
Australian dermatologists’ perspective on skin of colour: Results of a national survey
Authors: Rodrigues Michelle A , Ross Angelique L , Gilmore Steven , Daniel Benjamin S
Published: December 2016

Background/Objectives

This study documents the perspectives of Australian dermatologists on the adequacy of teaching and training in skin of colour (SOC), and their confidence in diagnosing and treating common medical, surgical and cosmetic issues in SOC and to gauge their desire for further training in this area.

Methods

Surveys were distributed to Australasian Dermatologists during their annual scientific meeting in Melbourne, Australia in 2014. Completed surveys from dermatologists nationwide were collected and evaluated. Altogether 270 surveys were distributed.

Results

In total, 140 surveys were completed and returned. Four surveys were excluded as they were completed by dermatologists who were not practicing in Australia. Thus, 136 surveys were deemed appropriate for analysis. While 75% of participants were confident in managing common medical issues in SOC 85% were not confident in managing common cosmetic issues in SOC and 75% were not confident performing procedures on SOC. Over 80% stated they would have liked more teaching in SOC during their training and over 50% of those surveyed believe they had enough time to undertake further training in this area.

Conclusion

We propose here the first analysis of issues relating to SOC dermatology among Australian dermatologists in the context of the changing patient demographic in the country. The findings of this survey clearly demonstrate there is a need and desire for more training in medical, cosmetic and procedural aspects of SOC dermatology and that most of the Australian dermatologists surveyed have the desire and time to undertake such training.
Clinical evaluation of Statstrip® Lactate for use in fetal scalp blood sampling
Authors: Heinis Ayesha , van Dillen Jeroen , Oosting Janine , Rhöse Sarah , Vandenbussche Frank , Van Drongelen Joris
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Point‐of‐care testing of fetal scalp blood lactate is used as an alternative to pH analysis in fetal scalp blood sampling (FBS) during labor. Lactate measurements are not standardized and values vary with each device used. The aim of this study was to evaluate StatStrip® Lactate (SSL) in the clinical setting in comparison with lactate (RLL) and pH (RLpH) using RapidLab®.

Material and methods

We obtained 323 FBS samples from 139 women. Parallel sampling of SSL and RLL/RLpH was performed in 247 samples. Outcome measures were the agreement and discrepancy rates between SSL, RLL and RLpH and the failure rate of all three methods. We constructed a Bland–Altman graph to assess the variability between the measurements across the range of values. The discrepancy rates between methods were compared using previously established cut‐off values for SSL indicating reassurance (<5.7 mmol/L) and immediate delivery (>7.0 mmol/L) with those for RLpH (<7.20 and >7.25).

Results

SSL showed excellent agreement with RLL (R2 = 0.742) and poor agreement with RLpH (R2 = 0.204). Failure rates for SSL, RLL and RLpH were 7, 43 and 23%, respectively. Using the cut‐off values for reassurance and immediate delivery, the discrepancy rates between SSL and RLpH were 14 and 5%, respectively.

Conclusions

SSL is a reliable test to measure lactate in FBS with a low failure rate. As there are discrepancies between SSL and RLpH, and the cut‐off values have not yet been evaluated prospectively regarding intervention rates and neonatal outcome, we recommend using SSL in addition to pH in FBS.
Analysis of antioxidative factors related to AMD risk development in the polish patients
Authors: Mrowicka Malgorzata , Mrowicki Jerzy , Szaflik Jacek Pawel , Szaflik Marta , Ulinska Magdalena , Szaflik Jerzy , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in developed countries. Oxidative mechanisms may play a key role in the aetiology of AMD. The main aim of this study was to investigate antioxidative markers in the pathogenesis of AMD.

Methods

A total of 510 subjects including 240 patients with AMD (mean age 77.9 ± 8.5 year) and 270 controls (mean age 74.0 ± 10.4 year) were allowed in this study. We measured activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and examined their association with the SNPs of respective genes (SOD1 + 35A/C, CAT C‐262T and GPx Pro197Leu). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was used to determine the selected gene polymorphisms. Sixty subjects including 30 patients with AMD (mean age 69.4 ± 9.3) and 30 controls (mean age 64.6 ± 8.2) were enrolled to determine the activity of antioxidant enzymes by spectrometry method.

Results

A significant decrease in enzymes, SOD (p = 0.011), CAT (p = 0.002) and GPx (p ≤ 0.001) in AMD patients compared to controls, was indicated. The risk of susceptibility to AMD was significantly higher in patients with AMD who had Pro197Leu C/T genotype of GPx (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.78–4.35). The A/C genotype and the C allele frequencies of A/C polymorphism of SOD1 gene significantly reduce the risk of AMD (OR=0.48; 95% CI 0.27; 0.85).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data showed that insufficient antioxidant capacity may have an important role in age‐related macular degeneration. The polymorphism of GPx Pro197Leu may reduce the ability to scavenge free radicals in retina and contribute to the development of AMD.
Ocular traumas in working age adults in Finland – Helsinki Ocular Trauma Study
Authors: Sahraravand Ahmad , Haavisto Anna‐Kaisa , Holopainen Juha M. , Leivo Tiina
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To describe epidemiology, causes, treatments and outcomes of ocular injuries in adults aged 17 to 60 in southern Finland.

Methods

All new ocular trauma patients admitted to the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (HUEH), during 1 year in 2011–2012. The data were from hospital records and prospectively from patient questionnaires. The follow‐up time was 3 months.

Results

The incidence for ocular injury was 88/100 000/year. From 831 trauma patients, 80% were men, 34% were work‐related injuries, and 11% were assaults. Most of the injuries were minor traumas (54%). Contusions (22.5%) and chemical injuries and burns (13%) were common. Fractures (5%), lid wounds (3%), open globe injuries (OGI, 2%) and optic nerve injuries (0.5%) were rare. The main causes of ocular injury were superficial foreign bodies (33%), chemicals (13%), body parts (13%) and sports equipment (10%). The most dangerous objects were needles, stones, pellet guns, tools and guns. No patient with OGI used protective eyewear. All OGI and most of contusions needed a lifelong follow‐up. Permanent impairment (73 patients, 9%) was caused most often by body parts, sports equipment and work tools.

Conclusion

A typical ocular trauma patient was a man aged 31–45 with a minor trauma caused by a foreign body at work and a final visual acuity of 20/20. Most common serious injuries were contusion, OGI or fracture at home or at work and were caused by a body part, sport equipment or work tool. Factors causing common and serious eye injuries provide the targets for protective measures.
Parents reported higher satisfaction rates when children recognised hospital staff from photographs placed in prominent locations
Authors: Bretler Shlomi , Mizrachi Itai , Luder Anthony , Avraham Yaniv , Sharabi‐Nov Adi , Gilbey Peter
Published: December 2016

Aim

Improved communication with staff during a child's hospitalisation is an important determinant of family satisfaction. We examined whether displaying staff photographs in prominent locations would help children and their parents or guardians to recognise staff and whether this enhanced identification would improve parental satisfaction with their child's hospitalisation.

Methods

No photographs were displayed during the first part of the study. During the second part of the study, staff photographs were placed in prominent locations throughout the paediatric ward. Parents filled in a satisfaction questionnaire on discharge, and the children and their parents were asked how many staff members they could name.

Results

The children named a significantly larger number of staff members in phase two than phase one, while the parents' score was unchanged. Overall parental satisfaction was significantly higher in phase two. The parent's age, the duration of the child's hospitalisation and taking part in phase two of the study were significant predictors of parental satisfaction.

Conclusion

When children were more able to recognise and name hospital staff, this indirectly improved parental satisfaction, even if the number that parents could identify remained unchanged. Displaying staff photographs is a simple way of increasing parental satisfaction during a child's hospitalisation.
Surgical findings during exploratory laparotomy are closely related to mortality in premature infants with necrotising enterocolitis
Authors: Hansen ML , Juhl SM , Fonnest G , Greisen G
Published: December 2016

Aim

This study investigated whether a correlation existed between surgical findings during the first laparotomy for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and death and, or, disease progression.

Methods

We included infants admitted within one day of birth to our tertiary neonatal department at Rigshospitalet, Denmark, from 2006 to 2015, who underwent a laparotomy for acute NEC. They were classified according to the locality and extent of intestinal necrosis by a paediatric surgeon, based on the surgical findings. We correlated the surgical findings with postoperative outcomes, namely death and, or, progression of NEC.

Results

The first laparotomy showed that 48 infants had NEC, including 21 who demonstrated postoperative progression. Of these, six died before undergoing another laparotomy and 14 of the 15 infants who underwent relaparotomy also died. There was a significant association between surgical findings and NEC‐related mortality (p = 0.03). The association between surgical findings and the progression of NEC was also significant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Surgical findings during laparotomy for NEC were strongly correlated with mortality, which was close to 100% after relaparotomy. Considering the discouraging outcome, further studies should focus on alternative surgical approaches, such as proximal diverting jejunostomy and the clip and drop technique for the treatment of severe NEC.
Coeliac patients detected during type 1 diabetes surveillance had similar issues to those diagnosed on a clinical basis
Authors: Laitinen Anna U. , Agardh Daniel , Kivelä Laura , Huhtala Heini , Lähdeaho Marja‐Leena , Kaukinen Katri , Kurppa Kalle
Published: December 2016

Aim

Screening children with type 1 diabetes for coeliac disease is controversial, because they often appear asymptomatic. Our aim was to establish whether active screening should be recommended.

Methods

This study focused on 22 children whose coeliac disease was detected by serological screening during diabetes surveillance and 498 children diagnosed because of a clinical suspicion. We compared the clinical and histological data at diagnosis and the children's adherence and responses to a gluten‐free diet.

Results

The serological screening group suffered less from decreased growth (p = 0.016) and clinical symptoms (p < 0.001) at diagnosis than the clinical group. The groups did not differ in terms of age at diagnosis (p = 0.903), gender (p = 0.353), anaemia (p = 0.886), endomysial antibody titres (p = 0.789) and the severity of small‐bowel mucosal atrophy (p = 0.104). They also showed equal adherence (p = 0.086) and clinical responses (p = 0.542) to a gluten‐free diet after a median follow‐up of 13 months.

Conclusion

Coeliac patients detected during diabetes surveillance had signs of malabsorption and advanced mucosal damage that was similar to those diagnosed on a clinical basis. They often suffered from unrecognised gluten‐dependent symptoms and showed excellent adherence and responses to a gluten‐free diet. Our findings support active screening for coeliac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Cross‐sectional, school‐based study of 14–19 year olds showed that raised blood pressure was associated with obesity and abdominal obesity
Authors: Nascimento‐Ferreira Marcus Vinícius , De Moraes Augusto César Ferreira , Rendo‐Urteaga Tara , de Oliveira Forkert Elsie Costa , Collese Tatiana Sadalla , Cucato Gabriel Grizzo , Reis Victor M. M. , Torres‐Leal Francisco Leonardo , Moreno Luis A. , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa
Published: December 2016

Aim

Gaining weight has been directly associated with an increased probability of developing high blood pressure (HBP) and metabolic abnormalities. We examined the independent and combined effects of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity on blood pressure in adolescents.

Methods

This cross‐sectional school‐based study evaluated 869 adolescents (53.4% girls) from 14 to 19 years of age, and the data were collected in 2013 in the city of Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil. The outcome was HBP. The independent variables were overweight and obesity classified by body mass index, abdominal obesity classified by the waist‐to‐height ratio and the combination of obesity and overweight and abdominal obesity. The potential confounding variables were age, the socio‐economic status of the family, parental education, type of school and physical activity levels.

Results

The prevalence ratios of HBP were higher when male and female adolescents were overweight (1.61–3.11), generally obese (3.20–4.70), had abdominal obesity (2.18–3.02) and were both generally obese and had abdominal obesity (3.28–5.16) compared with normal weight adolescents.

Conclusion

Obesity or abdominal obesity increased the risk of HBP in adolescents aged 14–19. However, adolescents who were both generally obese and had abdominal obesity showed an even higher risk of having HBP.
Antipsychotic adjunctive therapy to mood stabilizers and 1‐year rehospitalization rates in bipolar disorder: A cohort study
Authors: Hochman Eldar , Krivoy Amir , Schaffer Ayal , Weizman Abraham , Valevski Avi
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Antipsychotic adjunctive therapy to mood stabilizers (MSs) may improve relapse prevention; however, only a few naturalistic studies, reflecting more generalizable bipolar disorder (BD) samples, support this notion. We compared the 1‐year rehospitalization rates of manic patients with bipolar I disorder (BD‐I) who were discharged with MS (lithium or valproate) monotherapy or with adjunctive atypical or typical antipsychotic therapy.

Methods

A total of 201 patients with BD‐I who were hospitalized with manic episodes between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively followed for 1‐year rehospitalization rates according to treatment at discharge: MS monotherapy, MS with atypical antipsychotics, and MS with typical antipsychotics. Additionally, time to rehospitalization during the 1‐year period after discharge was compared between treatment groups. Multivariable survival analyses adjusted for covariates known to influence rehospitalization were conducted.

Results

Rehospitalization rates within 1 year were significantly lower in the MS with atypical antipsychotics group (6.3%) compared to the MS monotherapy group (24.3%, P=.008) and to the MS with typical antipsychotics group (20.6%, P=.02). Time to rehospitalization was significantly longer for the MS with atypical antipsychotics group (345.5 days) compared to the MS monotherapy group (315.1 days, P=.006) and to the MS with typical antipsychotics group (334.1 days, P=.02). The MS with atypical antipsychotics group had a significantly reduced adjusted risk of rehospitalization (hazard ratio=0.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.05‐0.61, P=.007) compared to the MS monotherapy group.

Conclusions

Atypical antipsychotic adjunctive therapy to MSs may be more effective than MS monotherapy in preventing rehospitalization during the 1‐year period after a BD manic episode.
Anti‐atherosclerotic effect of the angiotensin 1–7 mimetic AVE0991 is mediated by inhibition of perivascular and plaque inflammation in early atherosclerosis
Authors: Skiba D S , Nosalski R , Mikolajczyk T P , Siedlinski M , Rios F J , Montezano A C , Jawien J , Olszanecki R , Korbut R , Czesnikiewicz‐Guzik M , Touyz R M , Guzik T J
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose

Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis. The protective role of angiotensin 1–7 (Ang‐(1–7)) in vascular pathologies suggested the therapeutic use of low MW, non‐peptide Ang‐(1–7) mimetics, such as AVE0991. The mechanisms underlying the vaso‐protective effects of AVE0991, a Mas receptor agonist, remain to be explored.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the effects of AVE0991 on the spontaneous atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice, in the context of vascular inflammation and plaque stability.

Key Results

AVE0991 has significant anti‐atherosclerotic properties in ApoE−/− mice and increases plaque stability, by reducing plaque macrophage content, without effects on collagen. Using the descending aorta of chow‐fed ApoE−/− mice, before significant atherosclerotic plaque develops, we gained insight to early events in atherosclerosis. Interestingly, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and adventitial infiltration with macrophages and T‐cells precedes atherosclerotic plaque or the impairment of endothelium‐dependent NO bioavailability (a measure of endothelial function). AVE0991 inhibited perivascular inflammation, by reducing chemokine expression in PVAT and through direct actions on monocytes/macrophages inhibiting their activation, characterized by production of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, CCL2 and CXCL10, and differentiation to M1 phenotype. Pretreatment with AVE0991 inhibited migration of THP‐1 monocytes towards supernatants of activated adipocytes (SW872). Mas receptors were expressed in PVAT and in THP‐1 cells in vitro, and the anti‐inflammatory effects of AVE0991 were partly Mas dependent.

Conclusions and Implications

The selective Mas receptor agonist AVE0991 exhibited anti‐atherosclerotic and anti‐inflammatory actions, affecting monocyte/macrophage differentiation and recruitment to the perivascular space during early stages of atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc
Tectonic compaction shortening in toe region of isolated listric normal fault, North Taranaki Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Morley Chris K. , Naghadeh Diako Hariri
Published: December 2016

Industry 2D and 3D seismic data across the North Taranaki Basin displays two listric normal faults that formed during Pliocene shelf edge clinoform progradation. The faults die out in the down‐transport direction with no evidence for contractional structures, except for two small thrust faults in one narrow zone. When active, the detachments lay at depths of about 1000 m below the seafloor. The overlying section had high initial porosities (30–60%). It is estimated that loss of about 17–20% pore volume by lateral compaction, and fluid expulsion over a distance of about 4–6 km in the transport direction occurred in place of folding and thrusting. Seismic and well evidence for abnormally highly compacted shales suggests there is about 6% less porosity than expected for in the prekinematic section, which possibly represents a residual of the porosity anomaly caused by lateral compaction. The observations indicate significant shortening (~20%) by lateral compaction and probably some layer parallel thickening are important deformation mechanisms in near‐surface deepwater sediments that needs to be incorporated into shortening estimates and ‘balanced’ cross‐sections. A key factor in listric fault initiation near the base of slope is inferred to be transient, increased pore fluid pressure due to lateral expulsion of fluids from beneath the prograding Giant Foresets Formation.
Danazol has potential to cause PKC translocation, cell cycle dysregulation, and apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Deka Suman Jyoti , Roy Ashalata , Ramakrishnan Vibin , Manna Debasis , Trivedi Vishal
Published: December 2016

Danazol, the established clinical drug, has given promising therapeutic results in a series of clinical trials with breast cancer patients. Danazol shares structural similarities with several known PKC agonists and fits well into the C1 domain. Danazol binds to the C1b domain of PKC with Kd of 5.64 ± 1.27 μm. MD simulation studies further support that the PKC–danazol molecular model is stable and showing minimum distortion to the structure during the simulation period. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting studies indicate that MDAMB‐231 cells stimulated with danazol exhibit translocation of PKCα to the plasma membrane. Cells stimulated with danazol causes appearance of several phosphorylated proteins in lysate and plasma membrane. In addition, danazol affects carcinogenic molecule (PMA)‐induced intracellular signaling in cancer cells. It halted the cancer cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and reduced the viability of ER+ve and triple‐negative breast cancer cells with an IC50 of 31 ± 2.63 and 65 ± 4.27 μg/ml, respectively. DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry experiments revealed that the cell death follows the apoptotic pathway. It affects mitochondrial membrane potentials and releases cytochrome‐C from mitochondria to induce downstream apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Hence, the current study may help clinicians to re‐design their treatment strategy to optimize therapeutic potentials of the molecule.
The Ghost in the Touchscreen: Social Scaffolds Promote Learning by Toddlers
Authors: Zimmermann Laura , Moser Alecia , Lee Herietta , Gerhardstein Peter , Barr Rachel
Published: December 2016

This study examined the effect of a “ghost” demonstration on toddlers’ imitation. In the ghost condition, virtual pieces moved to make a fish or boat puzzle. Fifty‐two 2.5‐ and 3‐year‐olds were tested on a touchscreen (no transfer) or with 3D pieces (transfer); children tested with 3D pieces scored above a no demonstration baseline, but children tested on the touchscreen did not. Practice on the touchscreen (n = 23) by 2.5‐ and 3‐year‐olds prior to the ghost demonstration did not improve performance. Finally, children who learned the puzzle task via a social demonstration and were tested on the touchscreen (n = 26) performed better than the ghost conditions. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that social demonstrations enhance learning from novel touchscreen tools during early childhood.
Pharmacogenomics of inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers: a systematic review
Authors: Farzan N. , Vijverberg S. J. H. , Arets H. G. , Raaijmakers J. A. M. , Maitland‐van der Zee A. H.
Published: December 2016

Background

Pharmacogenetics studies of anti‐inflammatory medication of asthma have expanded rapidly in recent decades, but the clinical value of their findings remains limited.

Objective

To perform a systematic review of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and leukotriene modifiers (LTMs) in patients with asthma.

Methods

Articles published between 1999 and June 2015 were searched using PubMed and EMBASE. Pharmacogenomics/genetics studies of patients with asthma using ICS or LTMs were included if ≥1 of the following outcomes were studied: lung function, exacerbation rates or asthma symptoms. The studies of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that had been replicated at least once were assessed in more detail.

Results

In total, 59 publications were included in the systematic review: 26 addressed LTMs (including two genomewide Genome‐Wide association studies [GWAS]) and 33 addressed ICS (including four GWAS). None of the GWAS reported similar results. Furthermore, none of the SNPs assessed in candidate gene studies were identified in a GWAS. No consistent reports were found for candidate gene studies of LTMs. In candidate gene studies of ICS, the most consistent results were found for rs28364072 in FCER2. This SNP was associated with all three outcomes of poor response, and the largest effect was reported with the risk of exacerbations (hazard ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.64–9.51).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

There is a lack of replication of genetic variants associated with poor ICS or LTM response. The most consistent results were found for the FCER2 gene [encoding for a low‐affinity IgE receptor (CD23)] and poor ICS response. Larger studies with well‐phenotyped patients are needed to assess the clinical applicability of ICS and LTM pharmacogenomics/genetics.
WEARING OUT YOUR WELCOME: EXAMINING DIFFERENTIAL MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY OF NEW ENTRANTS AND CONTINUING RECIPIENTS
Authors: Hamersma Sarah , Unel Burcin
Published: December 2016

Until recently, states were permitted to have different “new entrant” and “continuing recipient” income limits for parental Medicaid eligibility by implementing income disregards that changed with spell length. Some states utilized this option—either tightening income limits for the same family over time or loosening them. In this article, we construct a theoretical model of utility‐maximizing workers facing different time‐dependent eligibility thresholds to predict the Medicaid participation and employment behavior of workers with varying wage levels. The model reveals some inter‐temporally perverse incentives created by linking eligibility thresholds to Medicaid duration. Then, we empirically test these predictions using the Survey of Income and Program Participation and a unique compilation of state‐by‐family size Medicaid thresholds for both new and continuing recipients. We find that patterns of Medicaid participation and spell duration are consistent with the predictions of our model. There is also evidence that the individuals predicted by our model to lower their work hours may supply fewer hours of labor. As of January 2014, the Affordable Care Act disallows time‐varying income disregards; our findings suggest that states previously using this strategy will experience an adjustment in Medicaid caseloads and possibly labor market outcomes because of the change. (JEL H4, I1, J2)
Assessment of left atrial volume and function by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography in obese patients
Authors: Yagmur Julide , Cansel Mehmet , Kurtoglu Ertugrul , Hidayet Siho , Acıkgoz Nusret , Ermis Necip , Ozyalin Fatma
Published: December 2016

Objective

To evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions in obese subjects using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and also the relationship between LA mechanical functions and N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (NT‐proANP).

Methods

This study included 40 obese (26 females and 14 males, mean age 51.9 years) and 40 normal weight subjects (23 females and 16 males, mean age 53.5 years) with normal coronary angiograms. All the study participants underwent RT3DE to assess LA volume and mechanical function. Plasma NT‐proANP was determined by ELISA method.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups in left ventricular (LV) diameters and ejection fraction, which reflect LV systolic function. However, transmitral deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and peak late diastolic tissue Doppler velocity values, which reflect LV diastolic function, were found to be significantly higher in obese subjects when compared with controls. LA maximum volume (LAVmax), LAVmax index (LAVI), LA minimal volume (LAVmin), before atrial contraction volume (LAVpreA), LA active emptying volume, LA total emptying volume, and LA active emptying fraction, which reflect LA reservoir and pump functions, were also higher in obese subjects when compared with controls. LA passive emptying fraction was significantly lower in obese subjects than in controls. NT‐proANP levels were similar between groups. There were positive correlations between NT‐proANP level and LAVI, LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVpreA, and LA total and active emptying volumes.

Conclusions

Left atrial mechanical functions and volumes are impaired in obese subjects. These findings may be regarded as early markers of subclinical cardiac failure in obese subjects who have not yet exhibited any clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease.
Quantifying rates of random mating in western corn rootworm emerging from Cry3Bb1‐expressing and refuge maize in field cages
Authors: Taylor Sally V. , Smith Steven J. , Krupke Christian H.
Published: December 2016

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is the most significant pest of field maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), in the USA. Maize plants expressing Bt toxins targeting the corn rootworm complex have been widely adopted and are the primary insecticidal control measure for this pest in North America. Insect resistance management tactics using various refuge structures have been adopted to ensure Bt products will retain durability. An assumption of the refuge strategy is that males and females emerging from Bt and refuge plantings mate randomly; this has not been tested in the field. We conducted cage studies using field populations of WCR in Indiana, USA, to generate empirical field data on mating rates between beetles emerging from Cry3Bb1‐expressing Bt and refuge maize plants. Two refuge configurations were tested; all refuge plants were labeled using the stable isotope 15N. This mark persists in adult beetles after eclosion, allowing for collection and analysis of isotopic ratios of all beetles. Additional data collected included adult emergence rates, timing and sex ratios for each of the treatments, and head capsule size and dry weights of beetles collected. Treatment had a significant effect on dry weight; mean dry weight decreased in Bt‐only treatments. Fisher's exact test of proportions of mating pairs of refuge and Bt insects indicated that mating was not random in 20% strip refuges and 5% seed blend treatments. We found high percentages of beetles that fed on Bt‐expressing plants as larvae, suggesting that mating between resistant beetles may not be rare even if random mating did occur.
Why Should We Care About Nietzsche's ‘Higher Men’?
Authors: Ben‐Zvi Omri
Published: December 2016

This paper offers a new interpretation of Nietzsche's ‘higher men’ doctrine, which explains how he can simultaneously hold the following two positions: first, that higher types are especially important or valuable; and second, that all moral claims are false (i.e. a crude error theory regarding morality). Nietzsche can coherently subscribe to both views by arguing that higher types have wide inter‐subjective (prudential) value to lower types. More specifically, higher men, who are mainly characterized by their strong, commanding nature, fulfill a psychological need, common in most humans—the need to obey. The paper develops this conception of higher types and shows how it relates to Nietzsche's insights on culture, nihilism, and becoming.
Understanding the Immediacy of Other Minds
Authors: Gangopadhyay Nivedita , Pichler Alois
Published: December 2016

In this paper we address the epistemological debate between emerging perceptual accounts (PA) of knowing other minds and traditional theory of mind (ToM) approaches to the problem of other minds. We argue that the current formulations of the debate are conceptually misleading and empirically unfounded. Rather, the real contribution of PA is to point out a certain ‘immediacy’ that characterizes episodes of mindreading. We claim that while the intuition of immediacy should be preserved for explaining the nature and function of some cognitive processes of mindreading, the notion of immediacy should apply for describing a particular epistemic attitude and not a particular type of epistemic access. We draw on Wittgenstein's discussions of one's relation to other minds to elaborate our claims and to move the epistemological discussions beyond stalling debates between ToM and PA.
Preferential changes of skeletal muscle echogenicity in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Takamatsu N. , Sogawa K. , Nodera H. , Hashiguchi S. , Osaki Y. , Saito M. , Mori A. , Izumi Y. , Kaji R.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

In myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), weakness of distal limb muscles affects quality of life. Non‐invasive evaluation of muscular involvement by muscle sonography could be useful for characterizing muscle‐specific involvement.

Methods

Sonography of the lower leg and forearm was performed in 19 patients with DM1 and 10 control subjects. The mean echo intensities (EIs) of seven limb muscles were obtained by computer‐assisted histogram analysis and compared within DM1 according to the overall clinical severity.

Results

The EIs of the muscles were significantly higher in DM1 than in the controls (P < 0.01), except for the soleus (P = 0.4). Comparison of adjacent muscles showed the following: (i) greater EIs in flexor digitorum profundus than flexor carpi ulnaris (P < 0.01) and flexor digitorum superficialis (P = 0.02), and (ii) greater EIs in the medial head of the gastrocnemius than the soleus (P < 0.00001). In a subgroup analysis of DM1 according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the more severe subgroup (mRS = 4−5) had lower mean EIs than the less severe subgroup (mRS from 1−3) (P = 0.01) in the flexor digitorum superficialis but not in other muscles.

Conclusions

Preferential high echogenicity in the medial gastrocnemius and deep finger flexors is suggestive of DM1. Muscle echogenicity is not generally related to functional dysfunction in DM1.
Idiopathic eosinophilic colitis lesions of the equine small (descending) colon
Authors: de Bont M. P. , Malbon A. J. , Blundell R. , Archer D. C.
Published: December 2016

Five horses with a primary surgical lesion of the small (descending) colon were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis based on visual and histopathological examination. These were evident as visibly striking, hyperaemic, focal lesions of the small colon, with serosal petechiation, oedema and marked thickening of the intestinal wall at the site. Areas of focal necrosis were also evident. The gross appearance of the lesions were considered to be sufficiently severe in all cases to merit resection, due to concerns about intestinal necrosis and septic peritonitis. An inability to fully exteriorise the affected portion of intestine to perform a resection and anastomosis necessitated intraoperative euthanasia of one horse. A total of three horses survived to hospital discharge. Eosinophilic colitis lesions are a rare cause of severe small colon disease, but should be considered in cases with similar visual characteristics.
Simple additive simulation overestimates real influence: altered nitrogen and rainfall modulate the effect of warming on soil carbon fluxes
Authors: Ni Xiangyin , Yang Wanqin , Qi Zemin , Liao Shu , Xu Zhenfeng , Tan Bo , Wang Bin , Wu Qinggui , Fu Changkun , You Chengming , Wu Fuzhong
Published: December 2016

Experiments and models have led to a consensus that there is positive feedback between carbon (C) fluxes and climate warming. However, the effect of warming may be altered by regional and global changes in nitrogen (N) and rainfall levels, but the current understanding is limited. Through synthesizing global data on soil C pool, input and loss from experiments simulating N deposition, drought and increased precipitation, we quantified the responses of soil C fluxes and equilibrium to the three single factors and their interactions with warming. We found that warming slightly increased the soil C input and loss by 5% and 9%, respectively, but had no significant effect on the soil C pool. Nitrogen deposition alone increased the soil C input (+20%), but the interaction of warming and N deposition greatly increased the soil C input by 49%. Drought alone decreased the soil C input by 17%, while the interaction of warming and drought decreased the soil C input to a greater extent (−22%). Increased precipitation stimulated the soil C input by 15%, but the interaction of warming and increased precipitation had no significant effect on the soil C input. However, the soil C loss was not significantly affected by any of the interactions, although it was constrained by drought (−18%). These results implied that the positive C fluxes–climate warming feedback was modulated by the changing N and rainfall regimes. Further, we found that the additive effects of [warming × N deposition] and [warming × drought] on the soil C input and of [warming × increased precipitation] on the soil C loss were greater than their interactions, suggesting that simple additive simulation using single‐factor manipulations may overestimate the effects on soil C fluxes in the real world. Therefore, we propose that more multifactorial experiments should be considered in studying Earth systems.