bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐6 and the Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Patients After an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Observations From the SOLID‐TIMI 52 (Stabilization of Plaque Using Darapladib—Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 52) Trial
Authors: Fanola Christina L. , Morrow David A. , Cannon Christopher P. , Jarolim Petr , Lukas Mary Ann , Bode Christoph , Hochman Judith S. , Goodrich Erica L. , Braunwald Eugene , O'Donoghue Michelle L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Interleukin‐6 (
IL
‐6) is an inflammatory cytokine implicated in plaque instability in acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic implications of
IL
‐6 post‐
ACS
.

Methods and Results

IL
‐6 concentration was assessed at baseline in 4939 subjects in
SOLID
‐
TIMI
52 (Stabilization of Plaque Using Darapladib—Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 52), a randomized trial of darapladib in patients ≤30 days from
ACS
. Patients were followed for a median of 2.5 years for major adverse cardiovascular events; cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization. Primary analyses were adjusted first for baseline characteristics, days from index
ACS
,
ACS
type, and randomized treatment arm. For every
SD
increase in
IL
‐6, there was a 10% higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio [adj
HR
] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [
CI
] 1.01‐1.19) and a 22% higher risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure (adj
HR
1.22, 95%
CI
1.11‐1.34). Patients in the highest
IL
‐6 quartile had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (adj
HR
Q4:Q1 1.57, 95%
CI
1.22‐2.03) and cardiovascular death or heart failure (adj
HR
2.29, 95%
CI
1.6‐3.29). After further adjustment for biomarkers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A
2
activity, high‐sensitivity troponin I, and B‐type natriuretic peptide),
IL
‐6 remained significantly associated with the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (adj
HR
Q4:Q1 1.43, 95%
CI
1.09‐1.88) and cardiovascular death or heart failure (adj
HR
1.79, 95%
CI
1.22‐2.63).

Conclusions

In patients after
ACS
,
IL
‐6 concentration is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes independent of established risk predictors and biomarkers. These findings lend support to the concept of
IL
‐6 as a potential therapeutic target in patients with unstable ischemic heart disease.
Effect of Monthly, High‐Dose, Long‐Term Vitamin D Supplementation on Central Blood Pressure Parameters: A Randomized Controlled Trial Substudy
Authors: Sluyter John D. , Camargo Carlos A. , Stewart Alistair W. , Waayer Debbie , Lawes Carlene M. M. , Toop Les , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Thom Simon A. McG. , Hametner Bernhard , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Parker Kim H. , Hughes Alun D. , Scragg Robert
Published: October 2017

Background

The effects of monthly, high‐dose, long‐term (≥1‐year) vitamin D supplementation on central blood pressure (
BP
) parameters are unknown.

Methods and Results

A total of 517 adults (58% male, aged 50–84 years) were recruited into a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial substudy and randomized to receive, for 1.1 years (median; range: 0.9–1.5 years), either (1) vitamin D
3
200 000 IU (initial dose) followed 1 month later by monthly 100 000‐IU doses (n=256) or (2) placebo monthly (n=261). At baseline (n=517) and follow‐up (n=380), suprasystolic oscillometry was undertaken, yielding aortic
BP
waveforms and hemodynamic parameters. Mean deseasonalized 25‐hydroxyvitamin D increased from 66 nmol/L (SD: 24) at baseline to 122 nmol/L (SD: 42) at follow‐up in the vitamin D group, with no change in the placebo group. Despite small, nonsignificant changes in hemodynamic parameters in the total sample (primary outcome), we observed consistently favorable changes among the 150 participants with vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) at baseline. In this subgroup, mean changes in the vitamin D group (n=71) versus placebo group (n=79) were −5.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], −11.8 to 1.3) for brachial systolic
BP
(
P
=0.11), −2.8 mm Hg (95% CI, −6.2 to 0.7) for brachial diastolic
BP
(
P
=0.12), −7.5 mm Hg (95% CI, −14.4 to −0.6) for aortic systolic
BP
(
P
=0.03), −5.7 mm Hg (95% CI, −10.8 to −0.6) for augmentation index (
P
=0.03), −0.3 m/s (95% CI, −0.6 to −0.1) for pulse wave velocity (
P
=0.02), −8.6 mm Hg (95% CI, −15.4 to −1.9) for peak reservoir pressure (
P
=0.01), and −3.6 mm Hg (95% CI, −6.3 to −0.8) for backward pressure amplitude (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

Monthly, high‐dose, 1‐year vitamin D supplementation lowered central
BP
parameters among adults with vitamin D deficiency but not in the total sample.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier:
ACTRN
12611000402943.
Benefit of Vasodilating β‐Blockers in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Nationwide Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Chung Jaehoon , Han Jung‐Kyu , Kim Young Jo , Kim Chong Jin , Ahn Youngkeun , Chan Cho Myeong , Chae Shung Chull , Chae In‐Ho , Chae Jei Keon , Seong In‐Whan , Yang Han‐Mo , Park Kyung‐Woo , Kang Hyun‐Jae , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Hyo‐Soo , Ahn Tae Hoon , Cha Kwang Soo , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Hwang Jin‐Yong , Joo Seung Jae , Kim Doo‐il , Kim Kwon‐Bae , Oh Dong Joo , Oh Seok Kyu , Seung Ki‐Bae , Yoon Jung‐Han
Published: October 2017

Background

Although current guidelines recommend β‐blocker after acute myocardial infarction (
MI
), the role of β‐blocker has not been well investigated in the modern reperfusion era. In particular, the benefit of vasodilating β‐blocker over conventional β‐blocker is still unexplored.

Methods and Results

Using nation‐wide multicenter Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry data, we analyzed clinical outcomes of 7127 patients with acute MI who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stents and took β‐blockers: vasodilating β‐blocker (n=3482), and conventional β‐blocker (n=3645). In the whole population, incidence of cardiac death at 1 year was significantly lower in the vasodilating β‐blocker group (vasodilating β‐blockers versus conventional β‐blockers, 1.0% versus 1.9%;
P=
0.003). In 2882 pairs of propensity score–matched population, the incidence of cardiac death was significantly lower in the vasodilating β‐blocker group (1.1% versus 1.8%;
P=
0.028). Although incidences of
MI
(1.1% versus 1.5%;
P=
0.277), any revascularization (2.8% versus 3.0%;
P=
0.791), and hospitalization for heart failure (1.4% versus 1.9%;
P=
0.210) were not different between the 2 groups, incidences of cardiac death or
MI
(2.0% versus 3.1%;
P=
0.010), cardiac death,
MI
, or hospitalization for heart failure (3.0% versus 4.5%;
P=
0.003), cardiac death,
MI
, or any revascularization (3.9% versus 5.3%;
P=
0.026), and cardiac death,
MI
, any revascularization, or hospitalization for heart failure (4.8% versus 6.5%;
P=
0.011) were significantly lower in the vasodilating β‐blocker group.

Conclusions

Vasodilating β‐blocker therapy resulted in better clinical outcomes than conventional β‐blocker therapy did in patients with acute MI in the modern reperfusion era. Vasodilating β‐blockers could be recommended preferentially to conventional ones for acute MI patients.
The Odyssey of ʿAjamī and the Swahili People
Authors: Mugane John
Published: October 2017

This paper takes a look at the odyssey of the Arabic script in Swahili hands. It shows how the distinction between the Arabic script and Swahili ʿAjamī constitutes a hyphen whose meaning is saturated with the story of Swahili society and language. The hyphen represents a non-trivial record of Swahili agency as innovative users, authors, transcribers, translators, and interpreters of the Arabic script enlarged its use and versatility as a viable medium to write Swahili, a Bantu language. The paper identifies as resilience Swahili efforts to sustain the use of the unmodified Arabic script alongside the enriched one. The Swahili wrote because they were compelled to write, everyone in their dialect, with content not divorced from script. The Swahili ʿAjamī record is a bonafide source and terminus of Africa’s knowledge.
Seasonal and geographical adaption of two field crickets in China (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Gryllidae: Gryllinae: Teleogryllus)
Authors: HE ZHUQING , WANG XIAOYIN , LIU YUQING , LI KAI
Published: October 2017

Crickets of the genus Teleogryllus belong to Gryllidae, Orthoptera. Teleogryllus emma (Ohmachi and Matsumura) and T. occipitalis (Serville) are widely distributed in east Asia, but their distribution and life history have not been reported from China. We studied the seasonal and geographical adaptation by rearing these crickets and measuring specimens. The main results are as follows: T. emma belongs to short-day type, which means nymphs grow rapidly in short day conditions (LD 12:12); T. occipitalis belongs to long-day type, which means nymphs grow rapidly in long day conditions (LD 16:8). The nymphal growth rate accelerates with the increase of temperature by comparing their nymph developmental period at 25 and 30OC. T. emma is mainly distributed in the north of the Yangtze River, while T. occipitalis in the south of it. The body size decreases with the increase of latitude in both species, while the relative length of their ovipositor increases.
Indo-Pacific Variability on Seasonal to Multidecadal Time Scales. Part II: Multiscale Atmosphere–Ocean Linkages
Authors: Giannakis Dimitrios , Slawinska Joanna
Published: October 2017

The coupled atmosphere–ocean variability of the Indo-Pacific domain on seasonal to multidecadal time scales is investigated in CCSM4 and in observations through nonlinear Laplacian spectral analysis (NLSA). It is found that ENSO modes and combination modes of ENSO with the annual cycle exhibit a seasonally synchronized southward shift of equatorial surface zonal winds and thermocline adjustment consistent with terminating El Niño and La Niña events. The surface winds associated with these modes also generate teleconnections between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, leading to SST anomalies characteristic of the Indian Ocean dipole. The family of NLSA ENSO modes is used to study El Niño–La Niña asymmetries, and it is found that a group of secondary ENSO modes with more rapidly decorrelating temporal patterns contributes significantly to positively skewed SST and zonal wind statistics. Besides ENSO, fundamental and combination modes representing the tropospheric biennial oscillation (TBO) are found to be consistent with mechanisms for seasonally synchronized biennial variability of the Asian–Australian monsoon and Walker circulation. On longer time scales, a multidecadal pattern referred to as the west Pacific multidecadal mode (WPMM) is established to significantly modulate ENSO and TBO activity, with periods of negative SST anomalies in the western tropical Pacific favoring stronger ENSO and TBO variability. This behavior is attributed to the fact that cold WPMM phases feature anomalous decadal westerlies in the tropical central Pacific, as well as an anomalously flat zonal thermocline profile in the equatorial Pacific. Moreover, the WPMM is found to correlate significantly with decadal precipitation over Australia.
Eddy Diffusivity Estimates from Lagrangian Trajectories Simulated with Ocean Models and Surface Drifter Data—A Case Study for the Greater Agulhas System
Authors: Rühs Siren , Zhurbas Victor , Koszalka Inga M. , Durgadoo Jonathan V. , Biastoch Arne
Published: October 2017

The Lagrangian analysis of sets of particles advected with the flow fields of ocean models is used to study connectivity, that is, exchange pathways, time scales, and volume transports, between distinct oceanic regions. One important factor influencing the dispersion of fluid particles and, hence, connectivity is the Lagrangian eddy diffusivity, which quantifies the influence of turbulent processes on the rate of particle dispersal. Because of spatial and temporal discretization, turbulence is not fully resolved in modeled velocities, and the concept of eddy diffusivity is used to parameterize the impact of unresolved processes. However, the relations between observation- and model-based Lagrangian eddy diffusivity estimates, as well as eddy parameterizations, are not clear. This study presents an analysis of the spatially variable near-surface lateral eddy diffusivity estimates obtained from Lagrangian trajectories simulated with 5-day mean velocities from an eddy-resolving ocean model (INALT01) for the Agulhas system. INALT01 features diffusive regimes for dynamically different regions, some of which exhibit strong suppression of eddy mixing by mean flow, and it is consistent with the pattern and magnitude of drifter-based eddy diffusivity estimates. Using monthly mean velocities decreases the estimated diffusivities less than eddy kinetic energy, supporting the idea that large and persistent eddy features dominate eddy diffusivities. For a noneddying ocean model (ORCA05), Lagrangian eddy diffusivities are greatly reduced, particularly when the Gent and McWilliams parameterization of mesoscale eddies is employed.
Maternal Education, Changing Family Circumstances, and Children’s Skill Development in the United States and UK
Authors: Jackson Margot I. , Kiernan Kathleen , McLanahan Sara
Published: October 2017

Maternal education influences families’ socioeconomic status. It is strongly associated with children’s cognitive development and a key predictor of other resources within the family that strongly predict children’s well-being: economic insecurity, family structure, and maternal depression. Most studies examine the effects of these variables in isolation at particular points in time, and very little research examines whether findings observed among children in the United States can be generalized to children of a similar age in other countries. We use latent class analysis and data from two nationally representative birth cohort studies that follow children from birth to age five to answer two questions: (1) How do children’s family circumstances evolve throughout early childhood? and (2) To what extent do these trajectories account for differences in children’s cognitive development? Cross-national analysis reveals a good deal of similarity between the United States and UK in patterns of family life during early childhood, and in the degree to which those patterns contribute to educational inequality.
Education Outcomes of Immigrant Youth: The Role of Parental Engagement
Authors: Liu Zhen , White Michael J.
Published: October 2017

Using the 2009 to 2012 waves of the High School Longitudinal Survey, this article examines the role of parental engagement in academic achievement in the United States. Specifically, we examine the influence of parental engagement while also investigating the academic trajectories of racial/ethnic and immigrant groups, controlling for other standard factors. Results suggest that the progression of students’ academic performance varies substantially by race/ethnicity and by immigrant generational status. After controlling for ninth-grade test scores and family and other school-level characteristics, we find that first-generation immigrant youth generally have higher eleventh-grade test scores and lower probability of dropping out compared to native-born students who are second or third generation. Greater levels of parental engagement predict superior test scores and lower rates of dropout for youth of various racial and immigrant generation backgrounds, even in the presence of a variety of controls.
School Segregation and Disparities in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Areas
Authors: Logan John R. , Burdick-Will Julia
Published: October 2017

Much of the literature on racial and ethnic educational inequality focuses on the contrast between black and Hispanic students in urban areas and white suburban students. This study extends the research on school segregation and racial/ethnic disparities by highlighting the importance of rural areas and regional variation. Although schools in rural America are disproportionately white, they nevertheless are like urban schools, and disadvantaged relative to suburban schools, in terms of poverty and test performance. Native Americans are most affected by rural school disadvantage. While they are a small share of students nationally, Native Americans are prominent and highly disadvantaged in rural areas, particularly in certain parts of the country. These figures suggest a strong case for including rural schools in the continuing conversations about how to deal with unfairness in public education.
The Total Score With Maximal Reliability and Maximal Criterion Validity: An Illustration Using a Career Satisfaction Measure
Authors: Fu Yuanshu , Wen Zhonglin , Wang Yang
Published: October 2017

The maximal reliability of a congeneric measure is achieved by weighting item scores to form the optimal linear combination as the total score; it is never lower than the composite reliability of the measure when measurement errors are uncorrelated. The statistical method that renders maximal reliability would also lead to maximal criterion validity. Using a career satisfaction measure as an example, the present article calculated the maximal reliability and maximal criterion validity and compared them with the composite reliability and the scale criterion validity, respectively. The improvement of reliability and validity indicated that the optimal linear combination is preferred when forming a total score of a measure. The Mplus codes for analyzing maximal reliability, maximal criterion validity, and related parameters are provided.
The effects of STI education on Korean adolescents using smartphone applications
Authors: Jeong Sookyung , Cha Chiyoung , Lee Jacob
Published: October 2017

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of adolescents’ use of smartphone applications and educational booklets in an educational programme about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Design:

Non-equivalent control-group time-series design.

Setting:

The study was conducted in two public high schools located in two urban areas of South Korea.

Methods:

The following measures were developed using Roger’s protection-motivation theory as the study’s conceptual framework: STI knowledge, STI vulnerability, STI prevention self-efficacy and STI prevention intentions. Data from 88 senior students were analysed: 47 students in the smartphone application group (experimental) and 41 in the educational booklet group (control). The procedures consisted of a face-to-face lecture plus self-study and a period of self-study only. Participants were tested at three time points: pre-test, post-test 1 (immediately after the programme’s completion) and post-test 2 (5 weeks after the programme’s completion).

Results:

Significant group differences were found at different times in STI knowledge, vulnerability, prevention self-efficacy and prevention intentions. Smartphone applications were more effective in sustaining the effects of the educational programme than the educational booklets.

Conclusion:

Researchers and educators should examine the role of relevant learning materials in the promotion of adolescents’ development of self-study skills and their knowledge acquisition.
Shared decision-making for psychiatric medication: A mixed-methods evaluation of a UK training programme for service users and clinicians
Authors: Ramon Shulamit , Morant Nicola , Stead Ute , Perry Ben
Published: October 2017

Background:

Shared decision making (SDM) is recognised as a promising strategy to enhance good collaboration between clinicians and service users, yet it is not practised regularly in mental health.

Aims:

Develop and evaluate a novel training programme to enhance SDM in psychiatric medication management for service users, psychiatrists and care co-ordinators.

Methods:

The training programme design was informed by existing literature and local stakeholders consultations. Parallel group-based training programmes on SDM process were delivered to community mental health service users and providers. Evaluation consisted of quantitative measures at baseline and 12-month follow-up, post-programme participant feedback and qualitative interviews.

Results:

Training was provided to 47 service users, 35 care-coordinators and 12 psychiatrists. Participant feedback was generally positive. Statistically significant changes in service users’ decisional conflict and perceptions of practitioners’ interactional style in promoting SDM occurred at the follow-up. Qualitative data suggested positive impacts on service users’ and care co-ordinators confidence to explore medication experience, and group-based training was valued.

Conclusions:

The programme was generally acceptable to service users and practitioners. This indicates the value of conducting a larger study and exploring application for non-medical decisions.
Stigmatization towards the mentally ill: Perceptions of psychiatrists, pre-clinical and post-clinical rotation medical students
Authors: Eksteen Hendri-Charl , Becker Piet J , Lippi Gian
Published: October 2017

Background:

Stigma towards the mentally ill is a well-known phenomenon and it is not restricted to certain communities or countries. Stigma, be it self-stigma or public stigma, has a major influence in mental health care.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine whether stigmatizing attitudes towards the mentally ill differ according to the level of knowledge about psychiatric illnesses and whether the level of exposure towards the mentally ill plays a role in stigmatizing attitudes.

Method:

This study was carried out by assessing psychiatrists ( n = 68), pre-clinical ( n = 194) and post-clinical ( n = 354) medical students’ attitudes towards the mentally ill using the Mental Illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA) scale. The scale is scored on a Likert scale with higher scores indicating higher levels of stigmatization.

Results:

Participants in the three groups had statistical significant different levels of stigma with a decline in scores as you are more exposed to psychiatry. Familiarity with mental illness was associated with less stigma. Participants who had friends or family members who suffered from mental illness or they themselves suffered from a mental illness had less stigma.

Conclusion:

More exposure to mental health–related issues are needed not only in communities but also in medical schools. Medical students need to be targeted for educational intervention because they are the future doctors who might pursue psychiatry as their field of choice. Stigma against psychiatry as a medical profession should also be addressed. If psychiatry is to be respected as a medical profession, mental illness–related stigma interventions need to be put in place to raise awareness about the negative impact of stigma.
A risk-factor analysis of medical litigation judgments related to fall injuries in Korea
Authors: Kim Insook , Won Seonae , Lee Mijin , Lee Won
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to find out the risk factors through analysis of seven medical malpractice judgments related to fall injuries. The risk factors were analysed by using the framework that approaches falls from a systems perspective and comprised people, organisational or environmental factors, with each factor being comprised of subfactors. The risk factors found in each of the seven judgments were aggregated into one framework. The risk factors related to patients (i.e. the people factor) were age, pain, related disease, activities and functional status, urination state, cognitive function impairment, past history of fall, blood transfusion, sleep endoscopy state and uncooperative attitude. The risk factors related to the medical staff and caregivers (i.e. people factor) were observation negligence, no fall prevention activities and negligence in managing high-risk group for fall. Organisational risk factors were a lack of workforce, a lack of training, neglecting the management of the high-risk group, neglecting the management of caregivers and the absence of a fall prevention procedure. Regarding the environment, the risk factors were found to be the emergency room, chairs without a backrest and the examination table. Identifying risk factors is essential for preventing fall accidents, since falls are preventable patient-safety incidents. Falls do not happen as a result of a single risk factor. Therefore, a systems approach is effective to identify risk factors, especially organisational and environmental factors.
Crosslinking of lignin/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite fiber webs and their antimicrobial and ultraviolet-protective properties
Authors: Lee Eunsil , Song Youjung , Lee Seungsin
Published: October 2017

Lignin/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite fibers with different lignin concentrations were developed via electrospinning to investigate further possible applications of lignin, an under-utilized renewable biomass material. The antimicrobial and ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties of lignin/PVA nanocomposite fibers were evaluated to determine whether the inherent functionalities of lignin remain in the final material. An environmentally benign crosslinking method was sought to increase the stability of lignin/PVA nanocomposite fibers in aqueous media. The crosslinking and insolubilization of the lignin/PVA nanocomposite fibers was achieved by combining several crosslinking techniques: water vapor treatment at 80℃ for 180 min, photo-irradiation for 30 min under visible light at a distance of 17 cm, and heat treatment at 200℃ for 60 min. Both lignin/PVA nanocomposite fiber webs—containing 50 and 85 wt% of lignin at a 3.0 g/m2 web area density, respectively—showed a 99.9% reduction rate against Staphylococcus aureus, but no reduction against Escherichia coli. The same systems exhibited ultraviolet protection factors (UPF) of >50, indicating excellent UV protection. These findings demonstrate the potential of lignin-based composite fibers, and may widen the range of applications for this biomass material.
Desire lines and defensive architecture in modern urban environments
Authors: Smith Naomi , Walters Peter
Published: October 2017

Public space is being increasingly managed by defensive architecture, surveillance and other subtle filtering mechanisms to make it more palatable and attendant to the needs of capital. This reinforces social boundaries, making space inhospitable to those people whose presence is not welcome, and serves to ‘discipline’ city inhabitants into primarily consumption based modes of interacting with and in the city. However, disenfranchised urban populations still find ways to exist in and navigate these spaces. The purpose of this article is to highlight these ways by introducing the concept of ‘desire lines’ as a means of overcoming or re-imagining defensive space. We use Deleuze and Guattari’s theory of desire as productive force, combined with De Certeau’s notion of ‘walking the city’, to explore how individuals and social movements might practically, and in a metaphorical sense, create new collective paths, creating ‘desire lines’ of resistance and change within what is often an increasingly unforgiving and dominated urban environment, created by and for capital at the expense of a vibrant public realm.
Measuring Patient-Reported Outcomes Adaptively: Multidimensionality Matters!
Authors: Paap Muirne C. S. , Kroeze Karel A. , Glas Cees A. W. , Terwee Caroline B. , van der Palen Job , Veldkamp Bernard P.
Published: October 2017

As there is currently a marked increase in the use of both unidimensional (UCAT) and multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT) in psychological and health measurement, the main aim of the present study is to assess the incremental value of using MCAT rather than separate UCATs for each dimension. Simulations are based on empirical data that could be considered typical for health measurement: a large number of dimensions (4), strong correlations among dimensions (.77-.87), and polytomously scored response data. Both variable- ( SE < .316, SE < .387) and fixed-length conditions (total test length of 12, 20, or 32 items) are studied. The item parameters and variance–covariance matrix Φ are estimated with the multidimensional graded response model (GRM). Outcome variables include computerized adaptive test (CAT) length, root mean square error (RMSE), and bias. Both simulated and empirical latent trait distributions are used to sample vectors of true scores. MCATs were generally more efficient (in terms of test length) and more accurate (in terms of RMSE) than their UCAT counterparts. Absolute average bias was highest for variable-length UCATs with termination rule SE < .387. Test length of variable-length MCATs was on average 20% to 25% shorter than test length across separate UCATs. This study showed that there are clear advantages of using MCAT rather than UCAT in a setting typical for health measurement.
Interfaces of Strategic Leaders: A Conceptual Framework, Review, and Research Agenda
Authors: Simsek Zeki , Heavey Ciaran , Fox Brian Curtis
Published: October 2017

Interfaces are of growing importance for theorizing and testing the influence of strategic leaders on firm behavior and actions. But despite their relevance and ubiquity, the lack of a commonly accepted definition and unifying framework has hindered researchers’ ability to take stock, synthesize, and systematize extant knowledge. We first develop an encompassing definition and organizing framework to review 122 prior studies across three decades. We then chart promising directions for future research around three concepts central to the framework and review: (1) Why do interfaces occur? (2) What happens at these interfaces? and (3) What are the impacts of interfaces? Together, the encompassing definition, framework, review, and specific directions for future research provide the much needed platform to agglutinate research and advance strategic leader interfaces as the next frontier of strategic leadership research.
Incidental Effects of Automated Retweeting: An Exploratory Network Perspective on Bot Activity During Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election in 2015
Authors: Rathnayake Chamil , Buente Wayne
Published: October 2017

The role of automated or semiautomated social media accounts, commonly known as “bots,” in social and political processes has gained significant scholarly attention. The current body of research discusses how bots can be designed to achieve specific purposes as well as instances of unexpected negative outcomes of such use. We suggest that the interplay between social media affordances and user practices can result in incidental effects from automated agents. We examined a Twitter network data set with 1,782 nodes and 5,640 edges to demonstrate the engagement and outreach of a retweeting bot called Siripalabot that was popular among Sri Lankan Twitter users. The bot served the simple function of retweeting tweets with hashtags #SriLanka and #lk to its follower network. However, the co-use of #Sri Lanka and/or #lk with #PresPollSL, a hashtag used to discuss politics related to Sri Lanka’s presidential election in 2015, resulted in the bot incidentally amplifying the political voice of less engaged actors. The analysis demonstrated that the bot dominated the network in terms of engagement (out-degree) and the ability to connect distant clusters of actors (betweenness centrality) while more traditional actors, such as the main election candidates and news accounts, indicated more prestige (in-degree) and power (eigenvector centrality). We suggest that the study of automated agents should include designer intentions, the design and behavior of automated agents, user expectations, as well as unintended and incidental effects of interaction.
Safety and effectiveness of transarterial embolization for splenic artery hemorrhage in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy
Authors: Han Kichang , Kim Man-Deuk , Diffley Michael , Kwon Joon Ho , Kim Gyoung Min , Choi Woosun , Kim Yong Seek , Lee Junhyung , Won Jong Yun , Lee Do Yun
Published: October 2017

Background

Perigastric lymph nodes are dissected during gastrectomy, potentially resulting in life-threatening postoperative bleeding.

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transarterial embolization (TAE) for bleeding from the splenic artery in patients who underwent gastrectomy.

Material and Methods

Between January 2004 and December 2016, 14,523 patients underwent gastrectomy at our institution, and ten patients (nine men; mean age = 64.7 years; age range = 51–80 years) underwent TAE for postoperative bleeding from the splenic artery. The location of bleeding was classified as either: (i) the main splenic artery (MSA) or (ii) the parenchymal splenic artery (PSA). The clinical outcomes of TAE were explored.

Results

Bleeding occurred at a median of 13.5 days (range = 4–34 days) after gastrectomy. The onset of bleeding was late in all patients and clinically manifested as abdominal bleeding in seven patients and luminal bleeding in three patients. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 70%, respectively. The three major complications occurred only in patients with MSA bleeding, resulting in two 30-day mortality cases and one splenic abscess with fistula formation to the jejunum. The causes of death were infarctions in the spleen and/or remnant stomach and sepsis.

Conclusion

TAE seems to be effective in stabilizing patients with bleeding from the splenic artery. Moreover, TAE with curative intent may be performed for bleeding from the PSA; however, further resection of the remnant stomach and/or spleen seems to be required to avoid sepsis and mortality in case of bleeding from the MSA.
The relationship between musical preferences and Type D personality
Authors: Chung Yu-Chi , Greasley Alinka E. , Hu Li-Yu
Published: October 2017

Emotion regulation is one of the main reasons that people listen to music, and personality traits have been shown to exert significant influence in shaping musical preferences. Type D personality is a psychological risk factor for adverse health outcomes. However, no music studies have yet examined the effect of Type D personality on musical preferences, which may provide some preliminary insight into clinical applications. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between Type D personality and musical preferences. An online survey investigating musical preferences (Revised version of the Short Test of Musical Preferences [STOMP-R]) and Type D personality was administered. In total, 196 participants completed the survey, of which half were from an Eastern culture and half from a Western culture. Forty per cent of the participants were categorised as having Type D personality, and no significant association of gender or nationality with Type D classification was observed. However, the links between Type D personality and the Punk genre ( p = .047), and between non-Type D personality and the Jazz genre ( p = .008) were indicated. Moreover, differences were observed in the factor structure of STOMP-R. The exploratory results facilitate the understanding of links between personality traits and music listening and provide new insight into musical preference dimensions.
Efficacy of an Individually Tailored, Internet-Mediated Physical Activity Intervention in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rowley Taylor W. , Lenz Elizabeth K. , Swartz Ann M. , Miller Nora E. , Maeda Hotaka , Strath Scott J.
Published: October 2017

Objective: This study determined the effectiveness of an individually tailored, Internet-mediated physical activity (PA) intervention for increasing walking behavior in inactive older adults. Method: This 12-week randomly controlled intervention divided participants ( N = 170) into three groups: control (CON, n = 51), pedometer only (PED, n = 62), and an individually tailored, Internet-mediated pedometer (TI-PED, n = 57) group. The PED group was instructed to increase weekly step count by 10% until 10,000 steps per day was achieved. The TI-PED group was given the same goal and received tailored feedback via an online platform. Changes in average step count pre-to-post were assessed. Results: Total retention rate at postintervention was 75.3%. PED ( p < .001) and TI-PED ( p < .001) increased step count pre-to-post, which was higher than the CON group at 12 weeks (PED, p < .001; TI-PED, p < .001). The TI-PED group had a higher step count at 12 weeks than the PED group ( p < .001). Discussion: Individually tailored, Internet-mediated PA interventions are an effective way to significantly increase PA in older adults.
Incentives and Big E Engagement
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: October 2017

The kind of engagement industrial psychologists have shown can produce optimal performance relates more to a state of mind than to increasing participation in programs or motivating a workforce with financial incentives. In the context of quality improvement methodologies, the health promotion profession has yet to discover when, where and how large financial incentives should be and how they best fit in our processes. That is, there is no “standard work” for the use of extrinsic motivators. Yet, to argue against incentives given evidence to date has more to do with polemics than science.
Development and validation of an enhanced semi-empirical method for estimation of aerodynamic characteristics of light, propeller-driven airplanes
Authors: Rostami M , Bagherzadeh SA
Published: October 2017

This study is intended to introduce an enhanced semi-empirical method for estimation of longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control derivatives in the preliminary design phase of light airplanes. Specialised for light, single or twin propeller-driven airplanes, available state-of-the-art analytical procedures and design data compendia are combined and modified in a unique compatible method, and automated in NAMAYEH software. In the present study, modified procedures and the software structure are presented. Afterwards, the proposed method is applied to a four-place, low wing, single-engine, propeller-driven general aviation airplane. In order to validate the proposed method, the estimated aerodynamic characteristics are compared with the wind tunnel test data as well as DATCOM and VLM-based method estimations. The results indicate that the proposed method is able to predict the aerodynamic characteristics in an acceptable range of accuracy from zero-lift to stall conditions in all configurations.
Measurement of projectile’s in-bore yaw based on the optical lever principle
Authors: Zhou Qinbo , Rui Xiaoting , Yang Fufeng , Wang Guoping , Tu Tianxiong , Wang Nan
Published: October 2017

The initial disturbance of a projectile emerging from the gun muzzle is a major reason for the projectile dispersion. Therefore, measurements of initial disturbances have a great value in improving the understanding. This paper establishes a mathematical model of the measurement system for the projectile’s in-bore orientation, by utilizing the theory of ray tracing and kinematics. The layout of the optical apparatuses is attributed to an optimization problem, and the genetic algorithm is implemented to acquire an optimal layout scheme, which is further verified by test. Also, the linear time-invariant characteristics of the measurement system are numerically verified in the context of spatial ray. These investigations will provide a technical support for the experiment, the optical apparatuses’ layout and calibration of the measurement system.
Large amplitude flutter analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite plates with piezoelectric layers on nonlinear elastic foundation
Authors: Yazdi Ali A
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a study of geometrical nonlinear flutter of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite plates embedded with piezoelectric layers subjected to supersonic flow on nonlinear elastic foundation. The governing equations of the system are obtained using the classical plate theory and von Karman geometric nonlinearity. The linear piston theory is utilized to evaluate the aerodynamic pressure. Galerkin method is used to reduce the governing equations to an ordinary differential equation with respect to time in the form of Duffing equation. The homotopy perturbation method is employed to study the effect of large amplitude on the nondimensional flutter pressure. It is assumed that carbon nano-tubes are distributed along thickness in two different manners namely uniform distribution and functionally graded. The effects of volume fraction of carbon nanotubes, large amplitude, different distribution types, piezoelectric layers, and applied voltage on flutter pressure are studied.
Health literacy and current CD4 cell count in a multiethnic U.S. sample of adults living with HIV infection
Authors: Walker Rheeda L , Hong Judy H , Talavera David C , Verduzco Marizela , Woods Steven Paul
Published: October 2017

Hispanic and Black adults are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience poorer HIV-related health outcomes relative to non-Hispanic White adults. The current study adopted Sørensen’s integrated model to test the hypothesis that lower functional and critical health literacy competencies contribute to poorer HIV-related health and CD4 cell count for Hispanic and Black individuals. Eighty-one non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and Black HIV seropositive individuals from a large, Southwestern metropolitan area were administered measures of health literacy, including the Expanded Numeracy Scale, Newest Vital Sign, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Test of Functional Health Literacy (TOHFLA)-numeracy, and TOHFLA-reading. Hispanic and Black individuals demonstrated less HIV knowledge than non-Hispanic White individuals. Black participants demonstrated fewer health literacy appraisal skills. Importantly, lower levels of health literacy were linked to poorer CD4 cell count (an index of immune functioning) for Hispanic and Black individuals and not for non-Hispanic White individuals. These findings suggest race group differences for health literacy on current CD4 cell count such as very specific dimensions of low health literacy (e.g. poorer judgment of health-related information), but not other presumed deficits (e.g. motivation, access), play an important role in clinical health outcomes in HIV.
Strategic voices of care and compassion. Describing the mad, their afflictions and situations in Amsterdam and Utrecht in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
Authors: aan de Kerk MA Martje
Published: October 2017

Painting a picture of the lives of the early modern mad outside institutions has not yet been done in the Netherlands. However, by looking at notarial documents and admission requests, we can learn more about how the mad were cared for outside the institutions, and the impact their behaviour had on the people close to them. Investigating these sources for both Amsterdam and Utrecht in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries has unravelled a story of community care in which families played a key role and used their options strategically. Furthermore, it has also revealed a complicated story about the way communities dealt with the behaviour of the mad, involving great personal struggles, breaking points and compassion.
Antiphospholipid syndrome and IgA anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies: when Cinderella becomes a princess
Authors: Pérez D , Tincani A , Serrano M , Shoenfeld Y , Serrano A
Published: October 2017

IgA anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (IgA-aB2GPI) antibodies are currently not included as a laboratory criterion of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In the 13th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Galveston, TX, (USA) in 2010, these antibodies were accepted as an APS laboratory criterion in patients who had clinical manifestations of APS but were negative for “consensus” antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (IgG and IgM isotypes). Consequently, individuals with thrombotic events who are negative for consensus aPL may be undiagnosed for APS. The most recent publications have confirmed that IgA-aB2GPI antibodies are a risk factor for thrombotic events. In this viewpoint, we propose that IgA-aB2GPI antibodies should be included as an APS consensus criterion and that we have to help Cinderella become a princess.
From performance to performativity: The legitimization of US security contracting and its consequences
Authors: Krahmann Elke
Published: October 2017

Discussions about the legitimacy of private security companies (PSCs) in multilateral military interventions abound. This article looks at how the United States has sought to legitimize the outsourcing of security services to PSCs through performance-based contracting and performance assessments. Both mechanisms aim to demonstrate the effective provision of publicly desirable outcomes. However, the immaterial and socially constructed nature of security presents major problems for performance assessments in terms of observable and measurable outcomes. Performance has therefore given way to performativity – that is, the repetitive enactment of particular forms of behaviour and capabilities that are simply equated with security as an outcome. The implications of this development for the ways in which security has been conceptualized, implemented and experienced within US interventions have been profound. Ironically, the concern with performance has not encouraged PSCs to pay increased attention to their impacts on security environments and civilian populations, but has fostered a preoccupation with activities and measurable capabilities that can be easily assessed by government auditors.
Creating Value in Small-cap Firms by Mitigating Risks of Market Volatility
Authors: Khanra Sayantan , Dhir Sanjay
Published: October 2017

Extant research has explored numerous ideal approaches to predict and anticipate the unpredictability in stocks to mitigate business risks. This article attempts to offer an important insight on creating values in terms of financial returns dodging the risks associated with the market volatility in emerging market economies by exploring the context of National Stock Exchange (NSE), India. The study establishes that Small-cap companies, which are included in NSE Small 100 index, are less inclined to be impacted by the market volatility index (NVIX) compared to the Large-cap companies and Mid-cap companies that are under respective Broad Market Indices. Furthermore, this article examines 64 Small-cap companies, belonging to nine different sectors, to investigate the sector-wise impact of market volatility on Small-cap businesses in India.
Adolescents’ Market Segmentation: Using CSI as a Tool
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Singh Janmejay
Published: October 2017

Purpose of this article:

The study aims to examine the adolescents’ decision-making style and shopping orientation using consumer style inventory (CSI) as a segmentation tool. It proposes that adolescents’ decision-making styles are quite different from the adult consumers. Here, the researchers develop a typology that is based on the dimensions of CSI and its ability to predict the homogeneous cluster.

Design/methodology/approach:

The study is based on the clustering of adolescents on the basis of their decision-making styles. The study was carried out in India. A sample of 215 students has been taken. Factor analysis, cluster analysis which is followed by discriminant analysis, has been used in the study.

Findings:

The article provides a significant segmentation of adolescents’ market on the basis of their decision-making style. And at last in this article, we conclude that the adolescents have different decision-making styles than the adult consumers. Six out of eight dimensions of the Sproles and Kendall (1986) are relevant to the Indian adolescents. On the basis of these traits/styles, the adolescents are grouped into three different clusters, which are homogeneous and identifiable in nature.

Originality/value:

This article fulfils an identified need to study about the adolescents and how they have been clustered into different segments. The CSI is used as segmentation tool. This is the first study to segment the Indian adolescents market on the basis of their decision-making styles.