bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of song-specific age and affective qualities of popular songs on music-evoked autobiographical memories (MEAMs)
Authors: Platz Friedrich , Kopiez Reinhard , Hasselhorn Johannes , Wolf Anna
Published: August 2015

Songs heard between the ages of 15 and 24 should be remembered better and have a stronger relationship to autobiographical memories when compared with music from other phases of life (“reminiscence bump effect”). Additionally, the proportion of music-evoked autobiographical memories (MEAMs) is at a maximum in these years of early adolescence and then declines up to the age of 60. In our study we tried both to replicate these important findings based on a German sample and to further investigate the influence of the affective characteristics of the songs on the frequency of participants’ autobiographical memories. In Experiment 1 a group of adults ( N = 48, Mage = 67.1 years) listened to excerpts from 80, number-one, popular music hits from 1930 to 2010 and gave written self-reports on MEAMs. In Experiment 2 the affective characteristics were rated by another group of adults ( N = 22, Mage = 66 years) and were used to predict the frequency of MEAMs. As a main result of Experiment 1, we confirmed the reminiscence bump and decline effect with a small effect size for the ratings of feelings evoked by the song and with a medium effect size for the song recognition performance of those songs released during the participants’ age range of 15 to 24 years. The total number of MEAMs was only marginally influenced by a memory bump and decline effect, and participants showed a significant proportion of MEAMs up to the fifth decade. Experiment 2 revealed that the affective ratings of the songs were unequally distributed over the two-dimensional emotion space unlike the average rate of MEAMs which was nearly equally distributed. In contrast to previous research, we therefore conclude that popular songs can be associated with autobiographical memory over five decades of life – independent of the affective character of the music.
Early memories: Clinical relevance and significance
Authors: van der Watt Gillian , Coall David , Sng Adelln , Janca Aleksandar
Published: August 2015

Objective:

The purpose of this research was to examine earliest memories in patients with a mental disorder and their clinical relevance to diagnosis and treatment.

Method:

A semi-structured early memory questionnaire was developed and 50 patients with anxiety, depression or a psychotic disorder were interviewed. A thematic analysis was conducted to extract dominant themes from the qualitative data.

Results:

Family events, play, and receiving attention were dominant themes of pleasant memories, while unpleasant memories consisted of fear-provoking situations, abuse/violence, and death-related themes. Participants were able to recall the feelings they had experienced at the time of their earliest memories and most participants stated that their first memories had significant impact in their lives.

Conclusions:

The findings of this exploratory study suggest that earliest memories may be of clinical significance for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in psychiatry.
A case report using the mental state examination scale (MSES): a tool for measuring change in mental state
Authors: Fernando Irosh , Carter Gregory
Published: August 2015

Objective:

There is a need for a simple and brief tool that can be used in routine clinical practice for the quantitative measurement of mental state across all diagnostic groups. The main utilities of such a tool would be to provide a global metric for the mental state examination, and to monitor the progression over time using this metric.

Method:

We developed the mental state examination scale (MSES), and used it in an acute inpatient setting in routine clinical work to test its initial feasibility.

Results:

Using a clinical case, the utility of MSES is demonstrated in this paper. When managing the patient described, the MSES assisted the clinician to assess the initial mental state, track the progress of the recovery, and make timely treatment decisions by quantifying the components of the mental state examination.

Conclusion:

MSES may enhance the quality of clinical practice for clinicians, and potentially serve as an index of universal mental healthcare outcome that can be used in clinical practice, service evaluation, and healthcare economics.
Tolerability of Vidaza (azacitidine) subcutaneous administration using a maximum volume of 3 ml per injection
Authors: Ferruccio Lauren F , Murray Cindy , Yee Karen W , Incekol Diana , Lee Roy , Paisley Emma , Ng Pamela
Published: August 2015

The azacitidine (Vidaza®) product monograph indicates that doses greater than 4 ml should be divided equally into two syringes and injected into different sites. Although 2 ml is a more commonly used maximum volume for subcutaneous injections, there is a lack of evidence to support the use of any given maximum volume with azacitidine. Applying the status quo of 2 ml to azacitidine results in patients receiving 3–4 injections per visit. This prospective study evaluated the frequency and type of injection site reactions when the maximum subcutaneous injection volume was increased from 2 to 3 ml per injection site. Among 30 patients, 309 doses were administered, and injection site reactions were noted in 92.9% of all doses, with the majority (82.2%) being grade 1; only 10.7% of doses resulted in grade 2 reactions, and there were no grade 3 or 4 reactions. There was no increase in frequency or severity of injection site reactions when the maximum volume was increased to 3 ml. The median number of injections that patients received per visit decreased from 3 to 2 after the volume was increased, and there was a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of pain. Decreasing the number of injections also facilitates ease of rotation of injection sites and decreases pharmacy preparation time. This is the first time that injection site reaction data relating to injection volume have been reported for azacitidine.
Variation in Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Children and Adolescents With ADHD Across European Countries
Authors: Setyawan Juliana , Fridman Moshe , Grebla Regina , Harpin Valerie , Korst Lisa M. , Quintero Javier
Published: August 2015

Objective: To characterize differences in presentation, diagnosis, and management of children/adolescents with ADHD in six European countries. Method: Physicians abstracted clinical records for patients aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 and treated for ≥2 years. Documentation included impairment due to core ADHD symptoms and additional ADHD symptoms/behaviors at diagnosis, diagnostic approach, and treatment modality. Results: Study included 779 patients treated by 340 physicians. Prevalence of ADHD subtypes (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or combined) was similar across countries. Mean scores for core and noncore symptom impairment varied and were highest in Italy and the United Kingdom. Variability was noted in diagnostic approach; 95% of physicians in the Netherlands used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) criteria versus 10% in Germany. Differences were reported for initial treatment modality, treatment switching, and physician-reported treatment outcomes. Conclusion: European countries varied in diagnostic approaches and practice management of children/adolescents with ADHD.
Screening Amazon’s Mechanical Turk for Adults With ADHD
Authors: Wymbs Brian T. , Dawson Anne E.
Published: August 2015

Objective: Researchers are increasingly using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk; www.mturk.com ) to recruit study participants. However, the utility of MTurk for investigations of ADHD in adulthood is unknown. Method: A total of 6,526 MTurk workers (median age range = 26-35 years) completed an online screening survey assessing their diagnostic histories and symptoms of ADHD, as well as relevant demographic correlates and diagnostic comorbidity. Results: The prevalence of MTurk workers who reported being diagnosed as children and as adults, and the percentage of workers whose ADHD appeared to persist from childhood into adulthood, are consistent with those observed in “offline” samples. Relative to MTurk workers diagnosed with ADHD as adults, workers diagnosed with ADHD as children were more likely to be male and without college degrees, as well as less likely to have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. Conclusion: Amazon’s MTurk holds promise as a recruitment tool for studying adults with ADHD.
Improving the installation of renewable heating technology in UK social housing properties through user centred design
Authors: Moore Natalie , Haines Victoria , Lilley Debra
Published: August 2015

Social housing organisations are increasingly installing renewable energy technologies, particularly for the provision of heating and hot water. To meet carbon reduction targets, uptake and installation must allow occupants to use the technology effectively. This paper describes research which investigated the service of installing heat pumps into UK social housing properties, from both landlords’ and tenants’ experiences. Adopting a user centred design approach, the research was in three phases: an exploration study to investigate landlords’ and tenants’ experiences of heat pump installation and use; refinement and development of the requirements for improved service delivery, primarily technology introduction and control; and the development and initial evaluation of an information leaflet as a key touchpoint in the service delivery. Recommendations for improved service delivery, to enable heat pumps to be accepted and used more effectively, are presented, as well as reflection on the process of applying user centred design in this context. In a relatively immature area of industry, installations to date have been heavily focused on technical aspects. This paper provides an insight into the human aspects of the service delivery of heat pumps in social housing, providing designers and social housing landlords with insight about how to improve the service.
Efficiency improvements with low heat rejection concepts applied to diesel low temperature combustion
Authors: Penny Michael A , Jacobs Timothy J
Published: August 2015

There is a strong motivation to decrease the production and release of harmful substances such as oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and particulate matter from internal combustion engines. Simultaneously, there are on-going efforts to increase fuel efficiency to curb usage of natural resources and emission of carbon. In general, improvements in one of these areas come at the cost of the other; however, the results of a previous computational study have indicated that emissions can be decreased while simultaneously increasing efficiency through the application of low heat rejection techniques to low temperature combustion. The goal of this study is to experimentally confirm these findings using a light-duty, multi-cylinder diesel engine. Low temperature combustion is realized through high levels of exhaust gas recirculation and retarded injection timings while different degrees of low heat rejection are achieved by means of higher coolant temperatures which should serve to decrease the temperature gradients across the cylinder walls. By applying low heat rejection techniques to diesel low temperature combustion operation, the undesirable side effects of low temperature combustion such as lower combustion and energy conversion efficiencies were found to be mitigated. Specifically, the emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons were reduced and the loss in fuel conversion efficiency was also diminished. NOX and smoke (an indicator of particulate matter) emissions did increase but they remained at acceptably low levels and below those of conventional combustion. While the full potential of improvements in low temperature combustion was not explored, these results point to the viability of further research into low heat rejection–low temperature combustion concepts.
Institutional pressure and an organization’s strategic response in Corporate Social Action engagement: The role of ownership and media attention
Authors: Aharonson Barak S , Bort Suleika
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the relationship between institutional pressure and a firm’s strategic behavior in the context of Corporate Social Action. We posit that as an organization’s susceptibility to institutional pressure increases, its proclivity to conform to and alleviate environmental concerns and pressures to establish or maintain its legitimacy increases. To explain variation in a firm’s strategic response to institutional pressures and its engagement in Corporate Social Action, we focus on two factors: public ownership and media attention. Analysis of the largest publicly traded German firms indicates that greater public ownership reduces a firm’s propensity to engage in Corporate Social Action, while firms with less public ownership are more proactive in social engagement. However, when confronting greater media attention, firms with greater public ownership are more reactive in pursuing conforming strategies and increasing Corporate Social Action engagement.
Holter monitoring for the screening of cardiac disease in diabetes mellitus: The non-invasive Holter monitoring observation of new cardiac events in diabetics study
Authors: Nakao Yoko M , Ueshima Kenji , Nohara Ryuji , Mizunuma Yoshimi , Segawa Ikuo , Tanaka-Mizuno Sachiko , Yasuno Shinji , Nakao Kazuwa , Hiramori Katsuhiko , Kihara Yasuki
Published: August 2015

We investigated the usefulness of Holter monitoring to detect cardiac disease and predict future cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic diabetic patients. This is a multi-centre, prospective study in 406 asymptomatic diabetic patients. They were categorized into three groups based on findings of Holter monitoring. A total of 377 met inclusion criteria and were classified as low ( n = 172), moderate ( n = 136) and high risk ( n = 69). In total, 86 in moderate and 53 in high risk receive further evaluation. In total, 29 in moderate and 25 in high risk were diagnosed as cardiac disease and 12 required additional treatment, including coronary intervention. Over 1.8 years of mean follow-up, 11 (16.5 per 1000 person-years) experienced cardiovascular events. The cumulative incidence in moderate and high risk was higher than that in low risk ( p = 0.029 and p = 0.014, respectively). Our study suggests that Holter monitoring may be a useful screening tool to detect cardiac disease and predict future cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic diabetic patients.
Proteomic research of high-glucose-activated endothelial microparticles and related proteins to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zu Lingyun , Niu Chenguang , Li Jizhao , Shan Liyang , Li Ling , Zhang Dongmei , Willard Belinda , Zheng Lemin
Published: August 2015

The study was designed to discover the biological function of endotheliocyte-derived microparticles in diabetes condition. A quantitative shotgun proteomics methodology was performed to study the proteome of these high-glucose-activated endothelial microparticles. A total of 1428 proteins were identified, containing 1421 and 1423 proteins in control and high-glucose groups, respectively. According to the ExoCarta database, 669 proteins have previously been identified in microparticles. The proteins associated with disease were identified in this study, and notably, 30 proteins have been reported to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta A4 protein. Besides, the peptide abundance of amyloid beta A4 protein from control group was much less than that from high-glucose group. In conclusion, this work revealed the proteome of endothelial microparticles in mimic diabetes condition and provided a new proteomic evidence for Alzheimer’s disease to be counted as the type 3 diabetes.
Violent Scenes in Brazil’s 2013 Protests
Authors: d’Andréa Carlos , Ziller Joana
Published: August 2015

The article discusses the unique contributions of audiovisual records made by ordinary people during the “June Journeys” protests, which took over the Brazilian streets in June and July 2013. Comparing national TV coverage with the videos made by protestors or by the alternative network Ninja Media, we draw on Jost’s concept of “violent scenes,” on Rancière’s discussion of distribution of the sensible and visibility, as well as Brazilian communication scholarship. We argue that ordinary people’s and Ninja Media’s “violent scenes,” as opposed to the “scenes of violence” shown by the national news, have particularly strong impacts on those who watch them because they spread easily via an engaged, connected audience. At the same time, violent scenes coexist with traditional media narratives, making visible a greater diversity of viewpoints and increasing the likelihood of contradiction.
Effects of filament cross section on the performance of automotive upholstery fabrics
Authors: Koral Koc Serpil , Mecit Diren , Boyaci Bekir , Ornek Munire , Hockenberger Asli
Published: August 2015

Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of filament cross section on the performance of automotive upholstery fabrics. Thirty-six yarns were produced by changing the cross section of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers (round, octolobal and W-channel) and the air-jet texturing parameters (overfeed and number of core and effect yarns). After heat-setting and dyeing the yarns were woven into fabrics and laminated. Performance tests of both the air-jet textured yarns and the fabrics were carried out. It was observed that W-channel gave the most different air-jet textured yarn structure. It formed a bulky, uneven yarn structure with many open loops. No pronounced difference in the recovery from strain behaviors of the air-jet textured yarns was recorded. For all the cross-section types, increase in the looped structure resulted in higher permanent elongation values. In case of fabrics, all the filament cross sections gave satisfactory results for the light fastness and the abrasion resistance tests. It was concluded that changing filament cross section had the most significant effect on air permeability. W-channel gave the lowest air permeability, while octolobal gave the highest one.
Addressing the Paraprofessional Dilemma in an Inclusive School: A Program Description
Authors: Giangreco Michael F. , Smith Carter S. , Pinckney Elaine
Published: August 2015

Many schools have increased their use of paraprofessionals as a primary mechanism to include more students with various disabilities in general education classes. Although intended to be supportive, service delivery that relies extensively on paraprofessionals has resulted in a host of challenges for public schools and questionable services for students with disabilities. This article offers an in-depth description of one elementary school over a 3-year period. It chronicles the school's use of an action planning tool to pursue alternatives to overreliance on paraprofessionals as well as service delivery and financial changes that occurred as a result of the school's actions. The impact of the actions the school implemented and intended next steps offer authentic perspectives for schools facing similar challenges as they seek to extend inclusive schooling opportunities.
The psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF in Japanese couples
Authors: Yoshitake Naomi , Sun Yi , Sugawara Masumi , Matsumoto Satoko , Sakai Atsushi , Takaoka Junko , Goto Noriko
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the WHOQOL-BREF among 10,693 community-based married Japanese men and women (4376 couples) who were either expecting or raising a child. Analyses of item-response distributions, internal consistency, criterion validity, and discriminant validity indicated that the scale had acceptable reliability and performed well in preliminary tests of validity. Furthermore, dyadic confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the theoretical factor structure was valid and similar across partners, suggesting that men and women define and value quality of life in a similar way.
Unburdening Stigma
Authors: Snedker Karen A.
Published: August 2015

A growing trend in the criminal justice system is the move toward problem-solving courts, including mental health courts. Using case studies of two mental health courts in a West Coast city, this article seeks to explore how mental health courts may operate by reducing stigma among clients. From observations of the court process in mental health courts and qualitative interviews with mental health court professional staff and mental health court clients, ritual process emerged as a powerful theme that underscores the management of social stigma. Drawing on Collins’s interaction ritual framework, the study demonstrates the benefits of rituals and how the focus on rituals in mental health courts is toward nonstigmatizing ends. Courtroom rituals work to reduce social stigma, manage spoiled identities, and attempt to reintegrate and restore the social self. Failed rituals and the subsequent reinforcement of stigma are also explored, which demonstrates that the posited effects of the ritual process are conditional.
The Racial Context of Convenience Voting Cutbacks
Authors: Weaver Russell
Published: August 2015

Classic models of democratic political behavior imply that eliminating opportunities to vote early in person (EIP) negatively affects the political participation of voters who prefer to use that option. Nevertheless, several U.S. state legislatures recently passed or proposed laws to scale back their EIP voting operations. Such efforts have met with opposition, as both academic researchers and federal courts have found that minority voters, especially African Americans, now utilize EIP voting at significantly higher rates than White voters. Prior to the 2012 presidential election, this argument was central to a federal court’s decision to temporarily block legislation in Ohio that sought to cut several days from the state’s EIP voting period. A post-election legal battle is reconsidering this matter, and the outcome will shape Ohio’s voting rules going forward. This article contributes empirical results to the discourse by estimating EIP voting take-up rates, by race, during the 2008 and 2012 U.S. presidential elections in Ohio’s three largest counties. Ecological inference models reveal that African Americans in all three study areas voted EIP at substantially higher rates than White voters during both elections. These results are supported by decile tables that report early voting behavior for relatively racially homogeneous geographies, and by geovisualizations that depict direct relationships between the spatial distributions of minority persons and EIP voting usage. Collectively, the findings suggest that the potential effects of Ohio’s proposed policy changes would not be equally distributed between racial groups.
Living Longer on Less
Authors: Weiss Catherine , Parkinson Debra , Duncan Alyssa
Published: August 2015

This article examines the paid work experiences of women aged more than 55 with less than Aus$100,000 in superannuation living in Victoria, Australia. In Australia, superannuation is a compulsory retirement scheme in which employers make contributions to employees’ superannuation accounts. This research attempts to discover how participants’ experiences of paid work were linked to their positions of low superannuation. We interviewed 32 participants, 18 from a metropolitan and 14 from a regional setting, and analyzed the results qualitatively. We found that although the participants experienced considerable discrimination in the paid workforce, which contributed to their low superannuation balances, the more important factors were outside the workforce, preventing them from accessing well-paid work. These factors included the deprioritization of women’s paid work compared with men’s, unpaid care, disability, ill health and older age, and violence.
The Islamic Principles of Social Justice: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Nonviolent Civil Disobedience
Authors: Alvi Hayat
Published: August 2015

The idea of nonviolent civil disobedience is to act against injustice and unjust laws. This has been Mahatma Gandhi’s motivation, as well as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s. For an Islamic religious authority of Maulana Azad’s stature and caliber to embrace nonviolent activism for the sake of social justice, it is a significant change in the course of action in Islam against oppression. The concepts of justice/injustice, oppression, and social justice need to be examined in historical context, beginning with early Islamic history, followed by the period of British colonial rule and the Indian struggle against it as led by Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Azad. This article analyzes the principles of Maulana Azad in the struggle against injustice, and how that compares to the principles and practices of Islamic militancy and jihadism. The latter are viewed as illegitimate, while Maulana Azad’s Islamic credentials render his acceptance of nonviolent civil disobedience as far more legitimate.
Arab Awakening and Its Impact on Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Imtiaz
Published: August 2015

Arab Awakening or Arab Spring has caught the imagination of many and has been a subject of intense discussions both at home and abroad. But then what impact did it have outside the Arab world, indeed, in places which remains related to it theologically, economically, socially, gastronomically, through ideas and dogmas such as Bangladesh? Will the impact be limited to politics or will it include the religious discourses as well? Will it boost the economy or see a decline? What about the Bangladeshi diaspora in the Middle East-will it play a different role and contribute to the economic and social discourses back home now that the Arab world is on the way of experiencing greater freedom? Will it transform the religious discourses that have lately infected Bangladesh? Or, will the spirit of the Arab spring be used for narrow political goals? Answers, however, may not be as easy as the queries. The article will try to explain as to why that is the case.
From Revolution to Political Participation: Institutionalization of Militant Islamic Movements
Authors: Sela Avraham
Published: August 2015

Social movements often undergo substantial changes as they grow more politically popular and influential, foremost of which is the shift from a single founding/charismatic leader to a hierarchic structure of representative institutions and rational political decision-making. Such changes are said to enable transformation from revolutionary to reformist strategies based on pragmatic calculations. Despite the wealth of studies on the political development of Islamic movements, this theoretical assumption is yet to be tested, especially in cases of popular Islamic movements identified with jihad as a core element in their ideology of resistance to an alien power. This article takes on to scrutinize the political trajectories of two jihadist-resistant movements, namely, Hamas and Hezbollah. Both Hamas and Hezbollah emerged as contentious, counter-elite movements adopting extreme Islamic agendas, yet along the years, they came to adopt national-Islamic attributes. Moreover, both movements moved from the fringes of opposition to the political center and government, each one establishing itself as ‘a state within a state’. Despite their different sectarian identities (Sunni and Shi`i, respectively) and domestic political arenas, these two movements share major attributes, especially their dedicated involvement in social and community concerns on the one hand, and ideological and practical commitment to jihad against Israel, on the other. At the same time, despite their involvement in violence (in the case of Hezbollah, also international terrorism), both movements made discernible efforts to win international recognition, especially by propagating their broad political constituency and civic activities. Whereas Hezbollah attained representation in the Lebanese governments since 1992, Hamas’s unexpectedly decisive victory in the 2006 elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council forced it to take responsibility as a government. Following its violent takeover of full control over the Gaza Strip in June 2007, Hamas has exercised full internal sovereignty over this territory and won a substantial international recognition, mainly from Islamic countries. Against this backdrop, what changes can be discerned in the thought and practice of these movements? Especially, what effect had the shift from ‘resistance’ to government—or rather, the mixture of both—had on these movements. The article’s working assumption is that notwithstanding processes of popular growth, institutionalization, and generational changes of leadership, neither Hezbollah nor Hamas deviated from their strategic goals and core principles. Nonetheless, on the tactical level, they proved to be innovative in legitimizing temporary deviations from stated ideologies and policies.
Teachers’ Perceptions on Current Piano Use in the Elementary General Music Classroom
Authors: Baker Valerie A.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify teacher opinion of piano use, the amount of piano use, and current purposes for pianos in elementary general music classrooms. A geographically diverse sample of general music teachers ( N = 189) completed a piano use survey. The data indicated that teachers felt piano was an important part of elementary music and that the piano should be used for accompaniment more than any other purpose. Pianos were most commonly used on a weekly basis. Teachers who began piano lessons at a younger age also tended to use more piano in their classrooms. Qualitative statements made about piano use were positive and enthusiastic. This study provides direction for future research in the investigation of relationships between amount of piano use and teacher variables, and the amount of a cappella singing in the elementary classroom.
Lung clearance index in cystic fibrosis subjects treated for pulmonary exacerbations
Authors: Sonneveld Nicole , Stanojevic Sanja , Amin Reshma , Aurora Paul , Davies Jane , Elborn J. Stuart , Horsley Alex , Latzin Philipp , O'Neill Katherine , Robinson Paul , Scrase Emma , Selvadurai Hiran , Subbarao Padmaja , Welsh Liam , Yammine Sophie , Ratjen Felix
Published: August 2015

Pulmonary exacerbations are important clinical events for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Studies assessing the ability of the lung clearance index (LCI) to detect treatment response for pulmonary exacerbations have yielded heterogeneous results. Here, we conduct a retrospective analysis of pooled LCI data to assess treatment with intravenous antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations and to understand factors explaining the heterogeneous response.

A systematic literature search was performed to identify prospective observational studies. Factors predicting the relative change in LCI and spirometry were evaluated while adjusting for within-study clustering.

Six previously reported studies and one unpublished study, which included 176 pulmonary exacerbations in both paediatric and adult patients, were included. Overall, LCI significantly decreased by 0.40 units (95% CI −0.60– −0.19, p=0.004) or 2.5% following treatment. The relative change in LCI was significantly correlated with the relative change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), but results were discordant in 42.5% of subjects (80 out of 188). Higher (worse) baseline LCI was associated with a greater improvement in LCI (slope: −0.9%, 95% CI −1.0– −0.4%).

LCI response to therapy for pulmonary exacerbations is heterogeneous in CF patients; the overall effect size is small and results are often discordant with FEV1.
Increased respiratory symptoms in COPD patients living in the vicinity of livestock farms
Authors: Borlée Floor , Yzermans C. Joris , van Dijk Christel E. , Heederik Dick , Smit Lidwien A.M.
Published: August 2015

Several studies have investigated the effect of livestock farm emissions on the respiratory health of local residents, but results are inconsistent. This study aims to explore associations between the presence of livestock farms and respiratory health in an area of high-density livestock farming in the Netherlands. We focused especially on associations between farm exposures and respiratory symptoms within subgroups of potentially susceptible patients with a pre-existing lung disease.

In total, 14 875 adults (response rate 53.4%) completed a questionnaire concerning respiratory health, smoking habits and personal characteristics. Different indicators of livestock farm exposures relative to the home address were computed using a geographic information system.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma was lower among residents living within 100 m of a farm (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24–0.91 and OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.93, respectively). However, >11 farms in 1000 m compared to fewer than four farms in 1000 m (fourth quartileversusfirst quartile) was associated with wheezing among COPD patients (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01–2.89). Using general practitioners' electronic medical records, we demonstrated that selection bias did not affect the observed associations.

Our data suggest a protective effect of livestock farm emissions on the respiratory health of residents. Nonetheless, COPD patients living near livestock farms reported more respiratory symptoms, suggesting an increased risk of exacerbations.
Time trends in surgery for lung cancer in France from 2005 to 2012: a nationwide study
Authors: Morgant Marie-Catherine , Pagès Pierre-Benoit , Orsini Bastien , Falcoz Pierre-Emmanuel , Thomas Pascal-Alexandre , Barthes Françoise Le Pimpec , Dahan Marcel , Bernard Alain
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of survival in patients treated surgically for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2005 and 2012.

From January 2005 to December 2012, 34 006 patients underwent pulmonary resection for NSCLC and were included in the French national database Epithor. Patients' characteristics, procedures and survival were analysed. Survival according to the management was evaluated for each 2-year period separately: 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010 and 2011–2012.

The proportions of early-stage cancers and adenocarcinomas increased significantly over the periods. 3-year overall survival (OS) increased significantly from 80.5% for the first period to 81.4% for the last period. For the periods 2005–2006 and 2007–2008, 3-year OS was lower after segmentectomy than after lobectomy (77 and 73%versus82 and 83%, respectively). For the periods 2009–2010 and 2011–2012, 3-year OS in the two sub-groups was similar. OS after bi-lobectomy or pneumonectomy was lower than after lobectomy for all periods analysed. Systematic nodal dissection increased OS for all periods. Chemotherapy but not radiotherapy improved OS in the first 12 postoperative months for all periods.

Changes in histological type and stage linked to advances in surgical and medical practices since 2005 led to an increase in OS in patients with surgical-stage NSCLC.
High D-dimer levels after stopping anticoagulants in pulmonary embolism with sleep apnoea
Authors: García Suquia Angela , Alonso-Fernández Alberto , de la Peña Mónica , Romero David , Piérola Javier , Carrera Miguel , Barceló Antonia , Soriano Joan B. , Arque Meritxell , Fernández-Capitán Carmen , Lorenzo Alicia , García-Río Francisco
Published: August 2015

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a risk factor for pulmonary embolism. Elevated D-dimer levels and other biomarkers are associated with recurrent pulmonary embolism. The objectives were to compare the frequency of elevated D-dimer levels (>500 ng·mL−1) and further coagulation biomarkers after oral anticoagulation withdrawal in pulmonary embolism patients, with and without obstructive sleep apnoea, including two control groups without pulmonary embolism.

We performed home respiratory polygraphy. We also measured basic biochemical profile and haemogram, and coagulation biomarkers (D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1+2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and soluble P-selectin).

64 (74.4%) of the pulmonary embolism cases and 41 (46.11%) of the controls without pulmonary embolism had obstructive sleep apnoea. Plasmatic D-dimer was higher in PE patients with OSA than in those without obstructive sleep apnoea. D-dimer levels were significantly correlated with apnoea–hypopnoea index, and nocturnal hypoxia. There were more patients with high D-dimer after stopping anticoagulants in those with pulmonary embolism and obstructive sleep apnoea compared with PE without obstructive sleep apnoea (35.4%versus19.0%, p=0.003). Apnoea–hypopnoea index was independently associated with high D-dimer.

Pulmonary embolism patients with obstructive sleep apnoea had higher rates of elevated D-dimer levels after anticoagulation discontinuation for pulmonary embolism than in patients without obstructive sleep apnoea and, therefore, higher procoagulant state that might increase the risk of pulmonary embolism recurrence.
Association of short-term ozone and temperature with sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Weinreich Gerhard , Wessendorf Thomas E. , Pundt Noreen , Weinmayr Gudrun , Hennig Frauke , Moebus Susanne , Möhlenkamp Stefan , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Teschler Helmut , Hoffmann Barbara
Published: August 2015

Scarce evidence suggests that ambient air pollution and temperature might play a role in incidence and severity of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). We investigated the association of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10)), ozone and temperature with SDB in the general population.

Between 2006 and 2008, 1773 participants (aged 50–80 years) of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study underwent screening for SDB, as defined by the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI). We assessed daily exposure to PM10, ozone, temperature and humidity. We used multiple linear regression to estimate associations of daily PM10, ozone levels and temperature on the day of screening, adjusting for relative humidity, season, age, sex, body mass index, education, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and physical activity.

In the study population, the mean±sdAHI was 11.2±11.4 events·h−1. Over all seasons, an interquartile range increase in temperature (8.6°C) and ozone (39.5 µg·m−3) was associated with a 10.2% (95% CI 1.2–20.0%) and 10.1% (95% CI 2.0–18.9%) increase in AHI, respectively. Associations for temperature were stronger in summer, yielding a 32.4% (95% CI 0.0–75.3%) increase in AHI per 8.6°C (p-value for season–temperature interaction 0.08). We observed that AHI was not associated with PM10.

This study suggests that short-term variations in ozone concentration and temperature are associated with SDB.
Gender differences in adult-onset asthma: results from the Swiss SAPALDIA cohort study
Authors: Hansen Sofie , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Keidel Dirk , Dratva Julia , Bettschart Robert , Pons Marco , Burdet Luc , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Schikowski Tamara , Schindler Christian , Rochat Thierry , Zemp Elisabeth
Published: August 2015

A higher incidence of asthma is reported in women compared with men, but evidence in later adulthood is limited. We aimed to determine the 20-year cumulative incidence of adult asthma in Switzerland and its relation to sex, taking into account age and allergic sensitisation.

We assessed incidence of self-report of doctor-diagnosed asthma between 1991/1992 and 2010/2011 in 5128 subjects without asthma, aged 18–60 years at baseline. The age-related probability of asthma onset was analysed by logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders and stratified by sex and allergic sensitisation at baseline.

Over 20 years, 128 (5.1%) men and 198 (7.5%) women newly reported doctor-diagnosed asthma. The adjusted odds ratio for female sex was 1.99 (95% CI 1.54–2.57) overall, 3.21 (95% CI 2.12–4.85) among nonsensitised subjects, and 1.43 (95% CI 1.02–2.02) in sensitised subjects. The probability of asthma onset decreased with increasing baseline age in women but not in men. The higher probability of new asthma in sensitised compared with nonsensitised men was unrelated to age, whereas in women it decreased with age.

Asthma incidence was higher in women than in men but decreased with increasing age. The female predominance was considerably stronger in nonsensitised adults compared with those with allergic sensitisation.
Incidence of rhinitis and asthma related to welding in Northern Europe
Authors: Storaas Torgeir , Zock Jan-Paul , Morano Ana Espinosa , Holm Mathias , Bjørnsson Eythor , Forsberg Bertil , Gislason Thorarinn , Janson Christer , Norback Dan , Omenaas Ernst , Schlünssen Vivi , Torén Kjell , Svanes Cecilie
Published: August 2015

Welding-related asthma is well recognised but less is known about rhinitis in relation to welding. The aim here, was to study associations between welding, rhinitis and asthma in a general population sample, and factors influencing selection into and out of a welding occupation.

Adult-onset asthma and non-infectious rhinitis were investigated in the international multicentre population-based Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study, including 16 191 responders aged 26–54 years. Ever welding (n=2181), welding >25% of working time (n=747), and welding in stainless steel >6 months (n=173) were assessed by questionnaire. Subjects with rhinitis or asthma onset when aged <18 years were excluded. Incidence rates for asthma and rhinitis were calculated from year of disease onset, and start and end of welding job. Cox's proportional hazard models adjusting for age, sex, parental education and study centre, and Kaplan–Meier curves were used.

Rhinitis incidence was higher among welders (hazard ratio (HR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.3–1.6), consistent in men and women, and across centres (pheterogeneity=0.4). In men, asthma incidence was higher among welders (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.04–1.97). Quitting welding was indicated higher after adult-onset rhinitis (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.3).

Adult-onset rhinitis and asthma was higher among welders, consistent across population samples from Northern Europe. No pre-employment selection was found, whereas selection out of welding jobs was suggested.
Long-term quality of life in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury treated with renal replacement therapy: a matched cohort study
Authors: Oeyen Sandra , De Corte Wouter , Benoit Dominique , Annemans Lieven , Dhondt Annemieke , Vanholder Raymond , Decruyenaere Johan , Hoste Eric
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We compared long-term outcome and quality of life (QOL) in ICU patients with AKI treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) with matched non-AKI-RRT patients.

Methods

Over 1 year, consecutive adult ICU patients were included in a prospective cohort study. AKI-RRT patients alive at 1 year and 4 years were matched with non-AKI-RRT survivors from the same cohort in a 1:2 (1 year) and 1:1 (4 years) ratio based on gender, age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and admission category. QOL was assessed by the EuroQoL-5D and the Short Form-36 survey before ICU admission and at 3 months, 1 and 4 years after ICU discharge.

Results

Of 1953 patients, 121 (6.2 %) had AKI-RRT. AKI-RRT hospital survivors (44.6 %; N = 54) had a 1-year and 4-year survival rate of 87.0 % (N = 47) and 64.8 % (N = 35), respectively. Forty-seven 1-year AKI-RRT patients were matched with 94 1-year non-AKI-RRT patients. Of 35 4-year survivors, three refused further cooperation, three were lost to follow-up, and one had no control. Finally, 28 4-year AKI-RRT patients were matched with 28 non-AKI-RRT patients. During ICU stay, 1-year and 4-year AKI-RRT patients had more organ dysfunction compared to their respective matches (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores 7 versus 5, P < 0.001, and 7 versus 4, P < 0.001). Long-term QOL was, however, comparable between both groups but lower than in the general population. QOL decreased at 3 months, improved after 1 and 4 years but remained under baseline level. One and 4 years after ICU discharge, 19.1 % and 28.6 % of AKI-RRT survivors remained RRT-dependent, respectively, and 81.8 % and 71 % of them were willing to undergo ICU admission again if needed.

Conclusion

In long-term critically ill AKI-RRT survivors, QOL was comparable to matched long-term critically ill non-AKI-RRT survivors, but lower than in the general population. The majority of AKI-RRT patients wanted to be readmitted to the ICU when needed, despite a higher severity of illness compared to matched non-AKI-RRT patients, and despite the fact that one quarter had persistent dialysis dependency.
New descent LQP alternating direction methods for solving a class of structured variational inequalities
Authors: Bnouhachem Abdellah , Al-Homidan Suliman , Ansari Qamrul Hasan
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we propose two descent alternating direction methods based on a logarithmic-quadratic proximal method for structured variational inequalities. The first method can be viewed as an extension of the method proposed by Bnouhachem and Xu (Comput. Math. Appl. 67:671-680, 2014) by performing an additional step at each iteration. The second method generates the new iterate by searching the optimal step size along a new descent direction, which can be viewed as a refinement and improvement of the first one. Under certain conditions, the global convergence of the both methods is proved.
Distributive politics at play in Harare, Zimbabwe: case for housing cooperatives
Authors: Chirisa Innocent , Bandauko Elmond , Mutsindikwa Nyasha Takawira
Published: August 2015

This paper is a case in distributive politics (and hinges on land-based power dynamics) arguing that in the absence of state capacity to provide for housing, housing cooperatives have emerged and controlled largely by patronage. In this case, there is exclusion of those individuals, households and families not politically connected; and this has deep and undesired consequences in the management of urban areas in the end. In the Greater Harare urban (and peri-urban) landscape, the housing cooperatives have the power to control their members with respect to the contributions that each member can make in terms of finance and sweat equity (labor). Nevertheless, land as a resource remains a prerogative of the state, which the ZANU PF regime has controlled for a span of more than 30 years now. Housing cooperatives in Harare, as elsewhere in the country, try to identify with ZANU PF as a party identifying with conservativism enshrined in the existing laws (albeit the New Constitution that came about in 2013) and a party advocating for equity in the distribution of the land. Cooperatives have become a tool in which ZANU PF has re-asserted its influence and hegemony.