bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-Related Differences and Short-Term Outcome of Stroke: Results from a Hospital-Based Registry in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mapoure Yacouba Njankouo , Eyambe Ngowo Lydia , Dzudie Anastase Tamdja , Ayeah Chia Mark , Ba Hamadou , Hentchoya Romuald , Luma Henry Namme
Published: November 2017

Background: Studies suggest that sex differences have an impact on patients with stroke, but existing data in Africa remain inconclusive about this inference. Objectives: To study sex differences in terms of the clinical profile and short-term outcome of stroke in the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon. Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital over an 8-year period, which included all patients admitted for confirmed acute stroke. Information about the history of stroke with emphasis on clinical profile and outcome was collected. Descriptive statistics, t test, and chi square test were used for comparisons, while the Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival rate analysis. Results: Of the 818 patients included, 455 (55.6%) were male patients. When compared to males, female patients are more likely to experience a stroke at an older age (mean age 62.3 ± 14.1 vs. 58.4 ± 12.9 years, p < 0.001), to be unmarried, to remain unemployed, and to have higher rates of cardio-embolic stroke (p = 0.049), body mass index (p = 0.031), altered levels of consciousness at presentation (p = 0.005), higher mean HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.001), and in-hospital complications (p = 0.011), especially urinary tract infections (p = 0.018). Males were more likely to have health insurance, to smoke, to consume alcohol (p < 0.001), and to have higher rates of dysarthria (p = 0.004), higher mean uric acid (p = 0.013), and creatinine (p < 0.001) concentrations. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were more prevalent in men (p = 0.003). There are no sex differences in terms of stroke severity, length-of-hospital stay, case fatality, and functional outcome on admission. Conclusions: Sex differences exist in the clinical profile of stroke but not in the outcome. Knowledge of these differences could help influence stroke prevention, thereby improving stroke burden in Africa.
Four Novel NR5A1 Mutations in 46,XY Gonadal Dysgenesis Patients Including Frameshift Mutations with Altered Subcellular SF-1 Localization
Authors: Rehkämper Jan , Tewes Ann-Christin , Horvath Judit , Scherer Gerd , Wieacker Peter , Ledig Susanne
Published: November 2017

46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (46,XY GD) is a disorder of sexual development caused by mutations in genes involved in early gonadal development (bipotential gonads) and testis differentiation. In 46,XY GD individuals, mutations of the SRY gene are detected most frequently, followed by mutations in the NR5A1 (SF-1) gene, but in a lot of cases, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we retrospectively performed sequence analyses of the NR5A1 (SF-1) gene in 84 patients with complete, partial, and syndromic forms of 46,XY GD. In total, 7 heterozygous mutations were found in 6 of 84 patients (7.1%). Among these, we identified 4 mutations that, to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported before (c.268G>T, c.369del, c.871-1G>C, and c.893T>C). Transfection of different mutations revealed altered subcellular localization of the mutant SF-1 protein in the case of the frameshift mutations, indicating an impaired protein function. In conclusion, we present 4 novel mutations of the NR5A1 gene associated with 46,XY GD together with in vitro data pointing towards a possible functional impairment of the mutant SF-1 proteins.
Critérios de delimitação de áreas de influência em Estudos de Impacto Ambiental de rodovias: abordagem de processos de dinâmica superficial
Authors: Menin Fernanda Asseff , Reis Fábio Augusto Gomes Vieira , Giordano Lucilia do Carmo , Amaral Ana Maria Carrascosa do , Gabelini Beatriz Marques , Cerri Rodrigo Irineu
Published: November 2017

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar os critérios de delimitação de áreas de estudo e de influência em Estudos de Impacto Ambiental (EIAs) de rodovias, com foco em componentes do meio físico associados aos processos de dinâmica superficial. Foram analisados os quatro processos de licenciamento ambiental da Rodovia dos Tamoios, localizada no litoral norte do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados demonstraram que o desmembramento e o licenciamento de um mesmo empreendimento em diferentes EIAs e Relatórios de Impacto Ambiental (Rima) em processos distintos em períodos de tempo curtos dificultam a avaliação integrada da viabilidade ambiental do empreendimento, inclusive a própria delimitação das áreas de estudo e de influência. Pode-se concluir, ainda, que não houve discussão sobre os critérios usados para estabelecer essas áreas nos EIAs analisados, inclusive nos próprios Termos de Referência, impossibilitando compreender como se chegou aos limites propostos, especialmente quando se trata de faixas fixas ao longo do traçado do empreendimento; verificou-se que essas porções não foram definidas de acordo com os diferentes componentes dos meios físico, biótico e socioeconômico. Como proposta, recomenda-se que os processos de dinâmica superficial sejam usados como os critérios básicos para delimitação das áreas de influência, principalmente da Área Diretamente Afetada (ADA), para os componentes de Geomorfologia, Geologia, Pedologia e Geotecnia. E que em estudos de empreendimentos lineares em ambientes os diferentes relevos e as bacias hidrográficas sejam as unidades de gerenciamento territorial usadas para desenvolvimento dos estudos, pelo menos no que se refere à Área de Influência Indireta (AII) e à Área de Influência Direta (AID). Outro ponto importante é que a discussão sobre os limites das áreas de estudo e de influência dos empreendimentos se inicie durante a elaboração dos estudos e dos projetos anteriores ao licenciamento ambiental.
Selective EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) Deletion in Myeloid Cells Limits Atherosclerosis—Brief Report
Authors: Zeboudj Lynda , Giraud Andréas , Guyonnet Lea , Zhang Yujiao , Laurans Ludivine , Esposito Bruno , Vilar Jose , Chipont Anna , Papac-Milicevic Nikolina , Binder Christoph J. , Tedgui Alain , Mallat Ziad , Tharaux Pierre-Louis , Ait-Oufella Hafid
Published: November 2017

Objective—

To determine the consequences of specific inhibition of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) in myeloid cells in atherosclerosis development.

Approach and Results—

Atherosclerotic lesion size was significantly reduced in irradiated
Ldlr
−/−
mice reconstituted with
LysM

Cre+

Egfr

lox/lox

bone marrow, compared with chimeric
Ldlr
−/−
mice reconstituted with
LysM

Cre−

Egfr

lox/lox

bone marrow, after 4 (−43%;
P
<0.05), 7 (−34%;
P
<0.05), and 12 weeks (−54%;
P
<0.001) of high-fat diet. Reduction of lesion size was associated with marked reduction in macrophage accumulation and necrotic core size. Specific deletion of
Egfr
in myeloid cells reduced TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL (interleukin)-6 production by stimulated macrophages but had no effect on IL-10 and IL-12p70 secretion. Finally, we found that myeloid deletion of
Egfr
limited cytoskeletal rearrangements and also lipid uptake by macrophages through a downregulation of the scavenger receptor CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36).

Conclusions—

Gene deletion of
Egfr
in myeloid cells limits IL-6 and TNF-α production, lipid uptake, and consecutively reduces atherosclerosis development.
Visit‐to‐Visit Variability of Fasting Plasma Glucose and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All‐Cause Mortality in the General Population
Authors: Wang Anxin , Liu Xiaoxue , Xu Jie , Han Xiaochen , Su Zhaoping , Chen Shuohua , Zhang Nan , Wu Shouling , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong
Published: November 2017

Background

The association of short‐term variability of fasting plasma glucose (
FPG
) and mortality has been well investigated. However, the relationships between visit‐to‐visit variability of
FPG
over longer periods of follow‐up and cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) and all‐cause mortality are unclear. This study aimed to investigate these relationships.

Methods and Results

The current analysis included 53 607 Chinese participants (mean age, 49.10 years) who were free of
CVD
in the Kailuan study. Participants were divided into 4 categories by quartiles of visit‐to‐visit variability of
FPG
. Visit‐to‐visit variability of
FPG
was defined as the coefficient of variation of 3 values of
FPG
that were measured from the examination periods of 2006 to 2007, 2008 to 2009, and 2010 to 2011. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for
CVD
and all‐cause mortality. After a mean follow‐up of 4.93 years, 4261 individuals developed
CVD
and 1545 individuals died. The incidence of
CVD
and all‐cause mortality was 5.04 and 5.85 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. After adjusting for mean
FPG
and other potential confounders, individuals in the highest quartile of variability of
FPG
compared with participants in the lowest quartile showed a 26% greater risk of developing
CVD
(hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.47) and a 46% greater risk for all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–1.70).

Conclusions

Independent of mean
FPG
and other baseline parameters, elevated visit‐to‐visit variability of
FPG
significantly increases the risk of
CVD
and all‐cause mortality in the general population. Measuring long‐term visit‐to‐visit variability of
FPG
is helpful for predicting the risk for
CVD
and all‐cause mortality.
Implicit Gender Bias and the Use of Cardiovascular Tests Among Cardiologists
Authors: Daugherty Stacie L. , Blair Irene V. , Havranek Edward P. , Furniss Anna , Dickinson L. Miriam , Karimkhani Elhum , Main Deborah S. , Masoudi Frederick A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Physicians' gender bias may contribute to gender disparities in cardiovascular testing. We used the Implicit Association Test to examine the association of implicit gender biases with decisions to use cardiovascular tests.

Methods and Results

In 2014, cardiologists completed Implicit Association Tests and a clinical vignette with patient gender randomly assigned. The Implicit Association Tests measured implicit gender bias for the characteristics of strength and risk taking. The vignette represented an intermediate likelihood of coronary artery disease regardless of patient gender: chest pain (part 1) followed by an abnormal exercise treadmill test (part 2). Cardiologists rated the likelihood of coronary artery disease and the usefulness of stress testing and angiography for the assigned patient. Of the 503 respondents (9.3% of eligible; 87% male, median age of 45 years, 58% in private practice), the majority associated strength or risk taking implicitly with male more than female patients. The estimated likelihood of coronary artery disease for both parts of the vignette was similar by patient gender. The utility of secondary stress testing after an abnormal exercise treadmill test was rated as “high” more often for female than male patients (32.8% versus 24.3%,
P
=0.04); this difference did not vary with implicit bias. Angiography was more consistently rated as having “high” utility for male versus female patients (part 1: 19.7% versus 9.8%; part 2: 73.7% versus 64.3%;
P
<0.05 for both); this difference was larger for cardiologists with higher implicit gender bias on risk taking (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

Cardiologists have varying degrees of implicit gender bias. This bias explained some, but not all, of the gender variability in simulated clinical decision‐making for suspected coronary artery disease.
Role of Depression and Social Isolation at Time of Waitlisting for Survival 8 Years After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Spaderna Heike , Zittermann Armin , Reichenspurner Hermann , Ziegler Corinna , Smits Jacqueline , Weidner Gerdi
Published: November 2017

Background

We evaluated depression and social isolation assessed at time of waitlisting as predictors of survival in heart transplant (
HT
x) recipients.

Methods and Results

Between 2005 and 2006, 318 adult
HT
x candidates were enrolled in the Waiting for a New Heart Study, and 164 received transplantation. Patients were followed until February 2013. Psychosocial characteristics were assessed by questionnaires. Eurotransplant provided medical data at waitlisting, transplantation dates, and donor characteristics; hospitals reported medical data at
HT
x and date of death after
HT
x. During a median follow‐up of 70 months (<1–93 months post‐
HT
x), 56 (38%) of 148 transplanted patients with complete data died. Depression scores were unrelated to social isolation, and neither correlated with disease severity. Higher depression scores increased the risk of dying (hazard ratio=1.07, 95% confidence interval, 1.01, 1.15,
P
=0.032), which was moderated by social isolation scores (significant interaction term; hazard ratio = 0.985, 95% confidence interval, 0.973, 0.998;
P
=0.022). These findings were maintained in multivariate models controlling for covariates (
P
values 0.020–0.039). Actuarial 1‐year/5‐year survival was best for patients with low depression who were not socially isolated at waitlisting (86% after 1 year, 79% after 5 years). Survival of those who were either depressed, or socially isolated or both, was lower, especially 5 years posttransplant (56%, 60%, and 62%, respectively).

Conclusions

Low depression in conjunction with social integration at time of waitlisting is related to enhanced chances for survival after
HT
x. Both factors should be considered for inclusion in standardized assessments and interventions for
HT
x candidates.
Cheering Artificial Intelligence Leader: Creative Writing and Materializing Design Fiction
Authors: Rogers Hannah Star
Published: November 2017

Bringing together science and literature for purposes of casting these knowledge areas into relief is a well-established analytical practice. Rather less studied is the turn toward material practice as it has unfolded across science studies and the arts. However, this trend has the potential to open up new methods for thinking about science and literature and new forms of public engagement. This paper explores one possibility for combining creative writing in the form of sports cheers. It posits a materialized future scenario designed to encourage the public to consider potential futures and explore their individual ideas about a particular technological development (in this case artificial intelligence) in a fun and imaginative way.
Can dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) indicate the status of Amazonia’s ecosystems? Insights integrating anthropogenic disturbance with seasonal patterns
Authors: Cajaiba Reinaldo L. , Périco Eduardo , da Silva Wully B. , Santos Mário
Published: November 2017

Temporal and spatial variation in dung beetles abundances is a pattern observed in many tropical forests. The present study evaluated the seasonal patterns of dung beetles in a range of increasingly disturbed ecosystems of the state of Pará, northern Brazil, to identify valuable disturbance indicators. The areas included native forest, agriculture, pasture for extensive livestock grazing and secondary forests. Fieldwork was carried out encompassing the complete range of environmental conditions encountered during the year. In total, 13,649 individuals were captured within 23 genera and 99 species but with pronounced differences among ecosystems and seasons. The obtained results seem to demonstrate that dung beetles can be used to help identify ecosystems under very complex and variable environmental conditions. The ecological drift observed also demonstrates the possibility of using dung beetles as ecological indicators of disturbance in Amazonia.
Tetraphylloides, a new replacement name for Tetraphyllum C.B.Clarke (Gesneriaceae) non Tetraphyllum Hosius & von der Marck (fossil Magnoliophyta)
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: November 2017

Tetraphyllum C.B.Clarke (1883) (extant Gesneriaceae) is replaced by a new name Tetraphylloides Doweld nom. nov., because of the earlier homonym, Tetraphyllum Hosius & von der Marck (1880) (fossil angiosperm). Three new combinations are made: Tetraphylloides bengalensis comb. nov., Tetraphylloides confertiflora comb. nov. and Tetraphylloides roseus comb. nov. A new subtribal name Tetraphylloidinae subtrib. nov. is validated instead of illegitimate subtribe name Tetraphyllinae, nom. illeg. Didissandra confertiflora Drake and Tetraphyllum roseum Stapf are lectotypified.
A new species of Rock Gecko of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Belitung Island, Indonesia
Authors: RIYANTO AWAL , HAMIDY AMIR , SIDIK IRVAN , GUNALEN DANNY
Published: November 2017

A new species of rock gecko of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch is described from Belitung Island, Indonesia. The new species is differentiated from all other species in the Southern Sunda clade (sensu Grismer et al. 2014a) by having a unique combination of characters including: (1) a maximum SVL of 54.1 mm, (2) five or six postmental scales, (3) enlarged submetacarpal scales on the first finger, (4) enlarged submetatarsal scales on the first toe, (5) keeled ventral scales, (6) absence of precloacal pores, (7) absence of enlarged femoral scales, (8) absence of shield-like subtibial scales, (9) caudal tubercles encircling the tail, (10) an interrupted median row of enlarged keeled subcaudals, (11) presence of a distinct furrow on the lateral surface of the tail (12) 22–24 lamellae beneath fourth toe, and (13) two postcloacal tubercles on each side of the tail base.
Revision of the Barsine cardinalis–anomala 'species-complex' (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL
Published: November 2017

The Barsine cardinalis–anomala 'species-complex' is revised. Five new species (B. pseudocardinalis Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. from Indochina, B. fansipana Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. from North Vietnam, B. nangkwak Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. from North Thailand, B. incompletostriga Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. from North-East India and B. rawanga Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. from North Burma) and one new subspecies (B. cardinalis gemina Volynkin & Černý, ssp. nov. from North Thailand) are described. A new combination (Barsine anomala (Elwes, 1890), comb. nov. ), new synonymy (Barsine cardinalis cardinalis (Hampson, 1900) = Miltochrista erubescens Rothschild, 1936, syn. nov.), and six new species-groups are established. Adults, male and female genitalia of all species are illustrated.
New Eurycorypha species (Orthoptera: Tettigonoidea: Phaneropteridae; Phaneropterinae from East Africa
Authors: HEMP CLAUDIA
Published: November 2017

Eight Eurycorypha species are newly described for Tanzania. These are E. binasuta n. sp. from the Nguru and Udzungwa Mountains, E. curviflava n. sp. from the eastern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, E. divertata n. sp., E. elongata n. sp. and E. flexata n. sp. from the East Usambara Mountains, E. pseudomeruensis n. sp. from Central-west Tanzania and western Kenya, E. pseudovaria n. sp. from the West and East Usambara Mountains and E. victoriae n. sp. from the shores of Lake Victoria. Further the hitherto unknown females of two Eurycorypha, E. combretoides Hemp and E. ligata Hemp are described. A key to the males of Tanzania and Kenya is provided.
Taxonomic review of the genus Euboeus s. str. Boieldieu, 1865 (= Probaticus s. str. Seidlitz, 1896, syn. n.) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)
Authors: NABOZHENKO M.V. , NIKITSKY N.B. , KESKIN B.
Published: November 2017

The taxonomic history and position of the genera Euboeus and Probaticus within the tribe Helopini are discussed. A new synonymy, based on morphological characters is established: Euboeus Boieldieu, 1865 = Probaticus (s. str.) Seidlitz, 1896, syn. n. As a result, 67 new combinations (from Probaticus to Euboeus) are estabished for all species formerly placed in Probaticus. A review of Euboeus s. str. with four species (Balkanian-Anatolian E. mimonti Boieldieu, 1865 and E. tentyrioides (Küster, 1851), Greek E. mori (Brullé, 1832), and Anatolian E. parvostriatus sp. n.) is given. Three new synonyms are established for Euboeus tentyrioides (= Micispa bysantica Motschulsky, 1858, syn. n.; = Micispa pyraei Motschulsky, 1858, syn. nov.; = Micispa graeca Motschulsky, 1858, syn. n.). The forgotten name Helops (Euboeus) parvicollis Baudi di Selve, 1876, nomen oblitum (junior synonym of E. tentyrioides) is discussed. A lectotype is designated for Helops tentyrioides. A key to the four species within the revised Euboeus sensu stricto, along with distributions and images, is provided.
Status of Nearctic subgenera of Microscydmus revisited (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: November 2017

Nearctic Microscydmus Saulcy & Croissandeau includes species placed in Microscydmus s. str. and subgenera Delius Casey and Neladius Casey. The two latter taxa were originally described as genera, and all Nearctic species of Microscydmus s. str. were placed in a genus Opresus Casey, currently treated as a junior synonym. Detailed examination of the type species of Opresus, Delius and Neladius leads to the following conclusions and changes: Opresus is removed from synonymy with Microscydmus s. str. and placed as a subgenus of Microscydmus; Delius and Neladius are restored as genera. The two latter taxa belong to a group of glandulariine genera characterized by the submentum with lateral sutures, whereas Microscydmus does not have such structures. The type species of the studied genera and subgenera are redescribed: Microscydmus (Opresus) misellus (LeConte), comb. rest., Delius robustulus Casey, comb. rest., and Neladius tenuis Casey, comb. rest. Lectotypes are designated for Scydmaenus misellus LeConte, Delius robustulus Casey and Neladius tenuis Casey.
Interaction of Superinertial Waves with Submesoscale Cyclonic Filaments in the North Wall of the Gulf Stream
Authors: Whitt Daniel B. , Thomas Leif N. , Klymak Jody M. , Lee Craig M. , D’Asaro Eric A.
Published: November 2017

High-resolution, nearly Lagrangian observations of velocity and density made in the North Wall of the Gulf Stream reveal banded shear structures characteristic of near-inertial waves (NIWs). Here, the current follows submesoscale dynamics, with Rossby and Richardson numbers near one, and the vertical vorticity is positive. This allows for a unique analysis of the interaction of NIWs with a submesoscale current dominated by cyclonic as opposed to anticyclonic vorticity. Rotary spectra reveal that the vertical shear vector rotates primarily clockwise with depth and with time at frequencies near and above the local Coriolis frequency f. At some depths, more than half of the measured shear variance is explained by clockwise rotary motions with frequencies between f and 1.7f. The dominant superinertial frequencies are consistent with those inferred from a dispersion relation for NIWs in submesoscale currents that depends on the observed aspect ratio of the wave shear as well as the vertical vorticity, baroclinicity, and stratification of the balanced flow. These observations motivate a ray tracing calculation of superinertial wave propagation in the North Wall, where multiple filaments of strong cyclonic vorticity strongly modify wave propagation. The calculation shows that the minimum permissible frequency for inertia–gravity waves is mostly greater than the Coriolis frequency, and superinertial waves can be trapped and amplified at slantwise critical layers between cyclonic vortex filaments, providing a new plausible explanation for why the observed shear variance is dominated by superinertial waves.
The Power of Political Image: Justin Trudeau, Instagram, and Celebrity Politics
Authors: Lalancette Mireille , Raynauld Vincent
Published: November 2017

This article explores dynamics of online image management and its impact on leadership in a context of digital permanent campaigning and celebrity politics in Canada. Recent studies have shown that images can play a critical role when members of the public are evaluating politicians. Specifically, voters are looking for specific qualities in political leaders, including honesty, intelligence, friendliness, sincerity, and trustworthiness, when making electoral decisions. Image management techniques can help create the impression that politicians possess these qualities. Heads of governments using social media to capture attention through impactful images or videos on an almost daily basis seems like a new norm. Specifically, this article takes interest in Justin Trudeau’s use of Instagram during the first year immediately following his election on October 19, 2015. Through a hybrid quantitative and qualitative approach, we examine how Trudeau and his party convey a specific image to voters in a context of permanent and increasingly personalized campaigning. We do so through an analysis of his Instagram feed focusing on different elements, including how he frames his governing style visually, how his personal life is used on his Instagram to support the Liberal Party of Canada’s values and ideas, and how celebrity culture codes are mobilized to discuss policy issues such as environment, youth, and technology. This analysis sheds light on the effects and implications of image management in Canada. More generally, it offers a much-needed look at image-based e-politicking and contributes to the academic literature on social media, permanent campaigning, as well as celebrity and politics in Canada.
Aspiration as a Function of Age, Sex, Liquid Type, Bolus Volume, and Bolus Delivery Across the Healthy Adult Life Span
Authors: Butler Susan G. , Stuart Andrew , Markley Lisa , Feng Xin , Kritchevsky Stephen B.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

The purpose of this investigation was to examine, via flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), factors that affect penetration and aspiration during swallowing across the adult lifespan.

Methods:

Healthy adults (N = 203) across the third to ninth decades of life participated. Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores were assessed during FEES as a function of age, sex, liquid type (water and skim, 2%, and whole milk), volume (5, 10, 15, and 20 ml), and delivery (cup and straw).

Results:

The PAS scores differed significantly by liquid type ( P < .0001) and age group ( P < .0001). In general, PAS scores were higher for milk versus water swallows and for older age groups. Significant interactions of liquid type by age ( P = .0042) and sex by volume ( P = .020) were also evidenced. In addition, the odds of penetration and aspiration increased significantly with milks compared to water and age ( P < .05). Increased bolus volume also increased the odds of aspiration ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Aspiration may be an underappreciated phenomenon in healthy adults. The inclusion of both water and milk test boluses of various volumes during FEES may be important for the appropriate assessment of adult penetration and aspiration.
Exploring young Australian adults’ asthma management to develop an educational video
Authors: Coombs Nicole , Allen Louise , Cooper Simon , Cant Robyn , Beauchamp Alison , Laszcyk Jacki , Giannis Anita , Hopmans Ruben , Bullock Shane , Waller Susan , McKenna Lisa , Peck Blake
Published: November 2017

Objective:

This study explored young university students’ (aged 18–24 years) health literacy, asthma experiences and help-seeking behaviours to inform the development of a web-based asthma education intervention relevant to this age group.

Design:

Exploratory mixed-methods design incorporateing a health literacy survey and interviews, plus the development of a web-based educational video.

Setting:

Participants were students at two universities in the state of Victoria, Australia.

Method:

In total, 20 asthma sufferers were interviewed by trained pairs of university students. Interpretative phenomenology underpinned the narrative analysis and enabled the description of the participants’ lived experience. A branching e-simulation video was developed.

Results:

A number of key themes were identified: ‘Life with asthma’, including ‘A life of vigilance’ regarding asthma triggers, lifestyle limitations and heightened sensitivities; ‘Asthma management – call Mum’, a lack of knowledge and support systems with substantial maternal reliance; ‘Health literacy: family and Dr Google’, denoting low health literacy levels with passive reluctant involvement in personal health management; and ‘Information gathering – one size doesn’t fit all’ – in the form of the need for immediate gratification and resource variety. Based on interviewees’ words and terminology, we designed an interactive branching educational video for YouTube portraying a young person (an actor) during an asthma flare-up.

Conclusion:

Young adults lacked insight into their condition and even after moving away from home, relied on Google searches and/or parents’ advice. To enhance health-seeking behaviours, interactive programmes with smartphone access may be valuable. Our open access programme Help Trent Vent provides an educational resource for young people with asthma and for health education teams, to reinforce asthma knowledge.
A physical activity intervention in a Bingo club: Significance of the setting
Authors: Evans Josie MM , Connelly Jenni , Jepson Ruth , Gray Cindy , Shepherd Ashley , Mackison Dionne
Published: November 2017

Objective:

A Bingo club was selected for the design and delivery of a health intervention (Well!Bingo) in order to engage with older women living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage. In the light of our experience, we discuss the significance of the setting in relation to a typology of health promotion settings.

Design and Setting:

The Well!Bingo physical activity intervention was piloted in a Bingo club in Scotland.

Methods:

In a pilot feasibility study, women were recruited face-to-face at a Bingo club over 2 weeks. The 12-week intervention consisted of three different structured exercise sessions per week, followed by refreshments, with trained instructors delivering a schedule of simple pre-defined health messages. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire, and in-depth qualitative interviews were carried out with participants and instructors post-intervention. For this paper, using the framework method, we retrieved and analysed the data coded as relating to the setting.

Results:

Eighteen women (55-92 years) took part in intervention sessions. Half lived in areas of socio-economic deprivation. Practical and social familiarity with the setting (a sense of belonging and being with people like themselves) encouraged them to take part, and implicit features of the setting may have enhanced recruitment and effectiveness.

Discussion:

In settings-based health promotion, a Bingo club could be seen as a ‘passive’ setting, simply facilitating access to a target population. It cannot be an ‘active setting’, because health promotion will never be a core activity and features cannot be drawn upon to influence change. However, calling it a passive setting overlooks the importance of characteristics that may enhance recruitment and effectiveness. This highlights the need to extend current concepts of ‘passive’ health promotion settings.
The Relationship Between Personality and Schadenfreude in Hypothetical Versus Live Situations
Authors: Greenier Keegan D.
Published: November 2017

This study sought to investigate how individual differences are related to schadenfreude (pleasure derived from another’s misfortune) by replicating past findings and extending them to additional personality traits. Because most past research on schadenfreude has relied heavily on the use of reactions to hypothetical scenarios, an attempt was made to demonstrate external validity by also including a reaction to a live event (confederate misfortune). For the scenarios, schadenfreude was positively correlated with the Dark Triad and just world beliefs; negatively correlated with empathy and agreeableness; and uncorrelated with dispositional envy, self-esteem, or the remaining Big Five traits. For the live event, no personality traits were correlated with schadenfreude, suggesting responses to hypothetical situations may not be representative of real-life schadenfreude events.
Embodied geographies of liveability and urban parks
Authors: Waitt Gordon , Knobel Hayden
Published: November 2017

Urban parks are currently enshrined within liveable forms of sustainable urban planning for high-density city living. This article draws on Giles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s idea of territory to critically explore the embodied geographies of liveability. The concept of territory draws attention to the emplacement of subjectivities constituted not only through the discursive but also the emotional and affectual forces or flows between and through bodies and proximate objects. We argue that the embodied geographies of liveability are both performed and folded through the emotional and affectual circulations flowing through the body. To investigate these performances, flows and connections, an affective mapping exercise of urban park visits was conducted with 18 apartment dwellers in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. We address the concerns about social exclusion raised by the agenda of liveable cities and how the concept of ‘territory’ offers policy-relevant conclusions.
Women on the Edge
Authors: Knight Kelly R.
Published: November 2017

The current “opioid epidemic” provides an opportunity to identify age-old social anxieties about drug use while opening up new lines of inquiry about how and why drug use epidemics become gendered. This paper reflects on the intertwined phenomena of opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing to U.S. women to examine how gender, race, and class inform social anxieties about reproduction and parenting. Multiple discourses abound about the relationship between women and the “opioid epidemic.” Epidemiological reports attribute premature death among White women to the deadly combination of opioids and antianxiety medications. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that “every 25 minutes a baby is born suffering from opioid withdrawal,” leading to costly hospital stays for infants and the potential for mother–child separation and other forms of family adjudication postpartum. Primary care providers are reluctant to distinguish diagnoses of chronic noncancer pain from anxiety among their female patients. Taken together, these discourses beg the question: What exactly are we worried about? I compare and contrast the narratives of two anxious women on opioids to raise larger structural questions about pregnancy, parenting, and drug use and to interrogate the public narrative that women on opioids threaten the American family and thwart the American Dream.
Effects of Continuity or Discontinuity in Actual Film Editing
Authors: Swenberg Thorbjörn , Eriksson Per Erik
Published: November 2017

The film editor’s task in refining film edits by frame-by-frame matching is an important undertaking in perceptual precision. This article investigates whether the failure of a few frames jeopardizes the perceived continuity of a film. Thirty-three Swedish students were eye-tracked while watching two versions of the same documentary film sequence; one version was completed to continuity satisfaction by a film editor, while the other had some frames altered toward discontinuity. Gaze hits in Areas-of-Interest appointed by the film editor, saccade frequency, and pupil dilation after edit points were measured. No significant difference was found for hits in Areas-of-Interest, whereas saccade frequency and relative pupil size increased after edits in the altered version of the film sequence. Results indicate that the altered film sequence constrained viewers with possible cognitive effects, implying that frame-by-frame matching of film edits achieved by film editors is crucial to film continuity.
Student satisfaction – What it means to teaching and learning of undergraduate engineering units
Authors: Mandal Nirmal
Published: November 2017

This paper describes teaching enhancements the author used to improve student satisfaction ratings in three higher year undergraduate Mechanical Engineering units. Improvements to student satisfaction and feedback rates were obtained by applying Central Queensland University’s seven principles of good teaching and the author’s new innovative teaching approach, called the ‘4-point teaching and learning strategy’ to make red units green and good units excellent. The research question is to analyse how effective is the author’s 4-point teaching and learning strategy to student satisfaction and their learning journey. Student satisfaction ratings and attrition rates, as well as student grades are compared over a few years to identify trends. These approaches were presented to other engineering colleagues, some of whom employed them with an overall improvement in student learning being noticed in recent terms. This paper deals with the Scholarship of Teaching where an instructor uses a systematic approach and a rational framework employing the new 4-point strategy to make changes to unit delivery to improve student learning and satisfaction, as well as to reduce attrition.
Parolee–Parole Officer Rapport: Does It Impact Recidivism?
Authors: Chamberlain Alyssa W. , Gricius Matthew , Wallace Danielle M. , Borjas Diana , Ware Vincent M.
Published: November 2017

Parole officers are an integral part of parolees’ reentry process and success. Few studies, however, have examined whether the quality of the relationship between parolees and their parole officer influences outcomes such as recidivism. This study assesses how recidivism is affected by the quality of the relationship that parolees have with their parole officers. Using the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) dataset, we use parolees’ perceptions of their relationship with their parole officer to determine whether they have established a positive or negative relationship, and whether these types of relationships differentially affect recidivism. Results show that parolees who have a negative relationship with their parole officer have higher rates of recidivism, while a positive relationship lowers parolees’ likelihood of recidivating. An implication of this study emphasizes parole officer training that develops positive, high-quality relationships with parolees. Further implications are discussed below.
Examining the Psychometric Properties of Maximally Efficient Items From the Social Skills Improvement System–Teacher Rating Scale
Authors: Anthony Christopher James , DiPerna James Clyde
Published: November 2017

The current study examined the psychometric properties of a set of maximally efficient items (SMIs) from the Social Skills Improvement System–Teacher Rating Scale (SSIS-TRS). Sixty-three teachers rated 302 second through sixth graders on these SMIs, and several concurrent validity measures were administered. Results provided initial support for the validity of scores from the SMIs. Implications for practice and psychological research are discussed.
Elevation of intracellular calcium and oxidative stress is involved in perfluorononanoic acid–induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Fang Xuemei , Wu Chao , Li Hongxia , Yuan Weifeng , Wang Xin
Published: November 2017

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is one of the major perfluorinated compounds found in both biological and abiotic samples and has recently been demonstrated to cause neurobehavioral defects in mammals. In this study, pheochromocytoma-12 (PC12) cells were exposed to various doses of PFNA to explore the cytotoxicity of PFNA to neurons and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. The results showed that exposure to PFNA dose-dependently decreased the viability of PC12 cells and increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase into cell culture media. Exposure to PFNA increased the malondialdehyde content and decreased the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity in PC12 cell culture supernatants. Exposure to PFNA increased the intracellular calcium level and upregulated the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) expression in PC12 cells. PFNA also decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax expression in PC12 cells. These results suggested that exposure to PFNA elevated the intracellular calcium level and activated the CaMKII signaling pathway, which may aggravate oxidative stress in PC12 cells and lead to cell damage or cell apoptosis.
Improving Formal Support After Sexual Assault: Recommendations From Survivors Living in Poverty in Canada
Authors: Sit Victoria , Stermac Lana
Published: November 2017

Despite the extensive and often long-lasting sequelae of sexual assault, a significant majority of survivors do not seek assistance from formal support sources, such as police, medical or mental health professionals, and community-based agencies. While growing attention has been directed toward understanding the help-seeking barriers faced by sexual assault survivors, few studies have explored the experiences of survivors living in poverty and how help-seeking can be improved for this marginalized population. The present study sought to understand these issues from perspectives of survivors themselves. Women sexual assault survivors who self-identified as living in poverty ( n = 15) were recruited from community-based agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, and participated in semistructured interviews focused on their personal decisions around help-seeking and broader views on access to and quality of formal assistance. Two research questions were of interest. First, what can be done to encourage service use among survivors living in poverty? Second, what is needed to improve the quality of assistance they receive? Thematic analysis revealed three key themes around which participants’ recommendations centered: (a) increased accessibility of information, (b) improved training for formal support providers, and (c) greater opportunities for empowerment. Practical implications of these findings improving the service utilization rates and experiences of formal help-seeking among marginalized women survivors of sexual assault are discussed.
Psychometric Properties of the Perceived Wellness Culture and Environment Support Scale
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Szalacha Laura A. , Amaya Megan
Published: November 2017

Objective:

This study reports on the psychometric properties of the 11-item Perceived Wellness Culture and Environment Support Scale (PWCESS) and its relationship with employee healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors.

Methods:

Faculty and staff (N = 3959) at a large public university in the United States mid-west completed the PWCESS along with healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors scales. Data were randomly split into 2 halves to explore the PWCESS’ validity and reliability and the second half to confirm findings.

Results:

Principal components analysis indicated a unidimensional construct. The PWCESS was positively related to healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors supporting the scale’s validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional construct (Cronbach’s α = .92).

Conclusion:

Strong evidence supports the validity and reliability of the PWCESS. Future use of this scale could guide workplace intervention strategies to improve organizational wellness culture and employee health outcomes.
Catalan universities and the entrepreneurial discovery process
Authors: Marinelli Elisabetta , Elena-Perez Susana
Published: November 2017

This article provides new insights into the role of public universities in regional development by looking at their involvement in Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (RIS3), a key element of the current European Cohesion Policy. In the latter, stakeholders from the triple or Quadruple Helix (public, private, research and nongovernmental sectors) jointly identify areas for research, development and innovation (RDI) investment. The analysis focuses on the region of Catalonia, which hosts a mix of higher education institutions (HEIs) with different characteristics and different relationships with local innovation stakeholders. The authors examine in-depth one of the main RIS3 funding instruments recently implemented in the region: the Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategy for Catalonia Communities. The Communities support the implementation of action plans for industrial research and development, jointly defined by research and private-sector stakeholders in RIS3 strategic areas. The instrument embeds the characteristics of a continuous EDP and enables exploration of the challenges and opportunities that emerge when researchers engage in strategic market-oriented RDI activities. The article highlights how HEIs are evolving and adapting to the new policy environment and concludes with policy implications.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of thermoplastic polyimides derived from 4,4’-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride in diethylene glycol dimethyl ether
Authors: Ma Liqun , Zhu Guangyu , Liu Changwei , Qu Chunyan , Jia Hongge , Li Liaoliao , Cao Zhibo , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2017

By regulating the order of monomer addition, four kinds of copolymer polyimides (PIs) were prepared using diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DEGDE) and N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as the solvents. The molecular weights of polyamide acids (PAAs) ranged from 3.8 × 105 to 9.2 × 105. All of the films displayed high glass transition temperatures ( Tgs) ranging from 313°C to 346°C. The polymer films show excellent thermal stabilities with 5% weight loss at temperatures of 505–524°C and char yields at 800°C were as high as 55% under nitrogen. The peel strengths of flexible copper (Cu) clads were in the range from 0.337 N cm−1 to 0.598 N cm−1. Compared to the molecular weight and peel strength of fresh PAA, those of PAAs prepared using DMAc significantly decreased after storage for 3 months at 0°C. However, when DEGDE was used as the solvent, the molecular weights of the PAAs and the thermal properties of the PIs were maintained after long storage time.
Shimming effect on the mechanical behaviors of composite assembly structures of aircraft
Authors: Gao Guoqiang , An Luling , Zhang Wei , Ge Ende , Yue Xuande , Yun Yishen , Han Ning
Published: November 2017

The mechanical behaviors of composite assembly structures of aircraft might change due to filling the fit-up gap between two components with liquid shim or laminated shim. In order to investigate the change qualitatively and quantitatively, a kind of implicit nonlinear finite element models are developed, and mixed failure criteria considering the nonlinear shear relationship between composite matrix and fiber, out-of-plane stresses, and buckling of fiber are incorporated into finite element models. And tensile experimental research is also performed to validate the finite element models. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental results builds confidence that the finite element models are effective in predicting the shimming effect. And it is also observed that the mechanical behaviors of composite assembly structures with different filling present obvious differences.
Wind tunnel test of a whirl flutter aeroelastic demonstrator
Authors: Cecrdle Jiri , Vich Ondrej , Malinek Petr
Published: November 2017

This article presents the design, development and wind tunnel testing of a whirl flutter demonstrator. First, the physical principle of the whirl flutter is explained. Next, the mechanical concept of the demonstrator is described, and preparatory experiments are outlined. The main focus is on the wind tunnel measurements, including the methodology and test equipment, the result assessment methodology, and the result examples. Finally, future activities are outlined, and outcomes are formulated.