bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
United in diversity? The convergence of cultural values among EU member states and candidates
Authors: AKALIYSKI PLAMEN 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe European Union (EU) is considered to be a unique economic and political union that integrates most European countries. This article focuses on the cultural aspect of European integration, which has been increasingly debated over the course of deepening and widening integration and in the context of the legitimation crisis of the EU. Among the main goals of the EU is to promote certain values, which raises the question of whether it has been efficient in (or enabled) reducing cultural value gaps among the participating countries. World polity and institutional isomorphism theories suggest that cultural values may trickle down in a vertical manner from the institutions of the EU to its member states and candidates. Furthermore, hybridisation theory postulates that values diffuse horizontally through intensified interactions enabled by the EU. These two perspectives imply the possibility of cultural convergence among countries associated with the EU. By contrast, the culture clash thesis assumes that differences in cultural identity prevent value convergence across countries; growing awareness of such differences may even increase the pre‐existing cultural value distances. To test these different scenarios, distances in emancipative and secular values are compared across pairs of countries using combined repeated cross‐sectional data from the European Values Study and the World Values Survey gathered between 1992 and 2011. This study finds that the longer a country has been part of the EU, the more closely its values approximate those of the EU founding countries, which in turn are the most homogenous. Initial cultural distance to the founders’ average values appears irrelevant to acquiring membership or candidacy status. However, new member states experienced substantial cultural convergence with old member states after 1992, as did current candidates between 2001 and 2008. Since 1992, nations not participating in the integration process have diverged substantially from EU members, essentially leading to cultural polarisation in Europe. The findings are independent of (changes in) economic disparities and suggest the importance of cultural diffusion as one of the fundamental mechanisms of cultural change. This empirical study contributes to the literature on European integration, political and sociological theories of globalisation, and cross‐cultural theories of societal value change.
Does State Medicaid Coverage of Smoking Cessation Treatments Affect Quitting?
Authors: Kostova Deliana , Xu Xin , Babb Stephen , McMenamin Sara B. , King Brian A. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveCigarette smoking and smoking‐related diseases disproportionately affect low‐income populations. Health insurance coverage of smoking cessation treatments is increasingly used to encourage quitting. We assess the relationship between state Medicaid coverage of smoking cessation treatments and past‐year quitting in adult Medicaid beneficiaries.Data Sources2009–2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS); 2008–2013 indicators of state Medicaid coverage of smoking cessation treatments.Study DesignA triple‐differencing specification based on differences in Medicaid cessation coverage policies across states as well as within‐state differences between Medicaid beneficiaries and a counterfactual group of low‐income adults not covered by Medicaid.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsIndividual‐level NHIS data with restricted geographical identifiers were merged with state‐year Medicaid coverage indicators.Principal FindingsCombined coverage of both cessation counseling and medications in state Medicaid programs was associated with increased quitting, with an estimated mean increase in past‐year quitting of 3.0 percentage points in covered Medicaid beneficiaries relative to persons without coverage.ConclusionsCombined coverage of both smoking cessation counseling and medication by state Medicaid programs could help reduce cigarette smoking among Medicaid beneficiaries.
Male lifespan extension with 17‐α estradiol is linked to a sex‐specific metabolomic response modulated by gonadal hormones in mice
Authors: Garratt Michael , Lagerborg Kim A. , Tsai Yi‐Miau , Galecki Andrzej , Jain Mohit , Miller Richard A. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryLongevity in mammals is influenced by sex, and lifespan extension in response to anti‐aging interventions is often sex‐specific, although the mechanisms underlying these sexual dimorphisms are largely unknown. Treatment of mice with 17‐α estradiol (17aE2) results in sex‐specific lifespan extension, with an increase in median survival in males of 19% and no survival effect in females. Given the links between lifespan extension and metabolism, we performed untargeted metabolomics analysis of liver, skeletal muscle and plasma from male and female mice treated with 17aE2 for eight months. We find that 17aE2 generates distinct sex‐specific changes in the metabolomic profile of liver and plasma. In males, 17aE2 treatment raised the abundance of several amino acids in the liver, and this was further associated with elevations in metabolites involved in urea cycling, suggesting altered amino acid metabolism. In females, amino acids and urea cycling metabolites were unaffected by 17aE2. 17aE2 also results in male‐specific elevations in a second estrogenic steroid—estriol‐3‐sulfate—suggesting different metabolism of this drug in males and females. To understand the underlying endocrine causes for these sexual dimorphisms, we castrated males and ovariectomized females prior to 17aE2 treatment, and found that virtually all the male‐specific metabolite responses to 17aE2 are inhibited or reduced by male castration. These results suggest novel metabolic pathways linked to male‐specific lifespan extension and show that the male‐specific metabolomic response to 17aE2 depends on the production of testicular hormones in adult life.
Prevalence of youth gambling and potential influence of substance use and other risk factors throughout 33 European countries: first results from the 2015 ESPAD study
Authors: Molinaro Sabrina , Benedetti Elisa , Scalese Marco , Bastiani Luca , Fortunato Loredana , Cerrai Sonia , Canale Natale , Chomynova Pavla , Elekes Zsuzsanna , Feijão Fernanda , Fotiou Anastasios , Kokkevi Anna , Kraus Ludwig , Rupšienė Liudmila , Monshouwer Karin , Nociar Alojz , Strizek Julian , Urdih Lazar Tanja 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsAlthough generally prohibited by national regulations, underage gambling has become popular in Europe, with relevant cross‐country prevalence variability. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of underage gambling in Europe stratified by type of game and on‐/off‐line mode and to examine the association with individual and family characteristics and substance use.DesignOur study used data from the 2015 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) cross‐sectional study, a survey using self‐administered anonymous questionnaires.SettingThirty‐three European countries.ParticipantsSixteen‐year‐old‐year‐old students (n = 93 875; F = 50.8%).MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was prevalence of past‐year gambling activity. Key predictors comprised individual behaviours, substance use and parenting (regulation, monitoring and caring).FindingsA total of 22.6% of 16‐year‐old students in Europe gambled in the past year: 16.2% on‐line, 18.5% off‐line. High prevalence variability was observed throughout countries both for mode and types of game. With the exception of cannabis, substance use shows a higher association with gambling, particularly binge drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–1.53), life‐time use of inhalants (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.47–1.68) and other substances (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.65–1.92)]. Among life habits, the following showed a positive association: truancy at school (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.18–1.35), going out at night (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.26–1.38), participating in sports (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.24–1.37). A negative association was found with reading books for leisure (OR = 0.82%, 95% CI = 0.79–0.86), parents’ monitoring of Saturday night activities (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.77–0.86) and restrictions on money provided by parents as a gift (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84–0.94).ConclusionsUnderage gambling in Europe appears to be associated positively with alcohol, tobacco and other substance use (but not cannabis), as well as with other individual behaviours such as truancy, going out at night and active participation in sports, and is associated negatively with reading for pleasure, parental monitoring of evening activities and parental restriction of money.
Effectiveness, safety and feasibility of extended‐release naltrexone for opioid dependence: a 9‐month follow‐up to a 3‐month randomized trial
Authors: Solli Kristin Klemmetsby , Latif Zill‐e‐Huma , Opheim Arild , Krajci Peter , Sharma‐Haase Kamni , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Tanum Lars , Kunoe Nikolaj 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and aimThis is a follow‐up study of a previously published randomized clinical trial conducted in Norway that compared extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) to buprenorphine–naloxone (BP‐NLX) over 3 months. At the conclusion of the trial, participants were offered their choice of study medication for an additional 9 months. While BP‐NLX was available at no cost through opioid maintenance treatment programmes, XR‐NTX was available only through study participation, accounting for why almost all participants chose XR‐NTX in the follow‐up. The aim of this follow‐up study was to compare differences in outcome between adults with opioid dependence continuing XR‐NTX and those inducted on XR‐NTX for a 9‐month period, on measures of effectiveness, safety and feasibility.DesignIn this prospective cohort study, participants were either continuing XR‐NTX, changed from BP‐NLX to XR‐NTX or re‐included into the study and inducted on XR‐NTX treatment.SettingFive urban, out‐patient addiction clinics in Norway.ParticipantsOpioid‐dependent adults continuing (n = 54) or inducted on (n = 63) XR‐NTX.InterventionXR‐NTX administrated as intramuscular injections (380 mg) every fourth week.MeasurementsData on retention, use of heroin and other illicit substances, opioid craving, treatment satisfaction, addiction‐related problems and adverse events were reported every fourth week.FindingsNine‐month follow‐up completion rates were 51.9% among participants continuing XR‐NTX in the follow‐up and 47.6% among those inducted on XR‐NTX. Opioid abstinence rates were, respectively, 53.7 and 44.4%. No significant group differences were found in use of heroin and other opioids.ConclusionsOpioid‐dependent individuals who elect to switch from buprenorphine–naltrexone treatment after 3 months to extended‐release naltrexone treatment for 9 months appear to experience similar treatment completion and abstinence rates and similar adverse event profiles to individuals who had been on extended‐release naltrexone from the start of treatment.
FISH analysis of selected soft tissue tumors: Diagnostic experience in a tertiary center
Authors: Vargas Ana Cristina , Selinger Christina , Satgunaseelan Laveniya , Cooper Wendy A. , Gupta Ruta , Stalley Paul , Brown Wendy , Soper Judy , Schatz Julie , Boyle Richard , Thomas David M. , Tattersall Martin H.N. , Bhadri Vivek , Maclean Fiona , Bonar Sally Fiona , Scolyer Richard A. , Karim Rooshdiya Z. , McCarthy Stanley W. , Mahar Annabelle , O'Toole Sandra A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimFluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an important ancillary tool for the classification of bone/soft tissue (BST) tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of FISH to the final classification of common BST entities in the molecular pathology department of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), which is one of the most important referral centers for the management of sarcomas in Australia.MethodsAll routine diagnostic FISH tests performed on BST formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens at the RPAH in a 5‐year period (February, 2010–November, 2015) were reviewed. FISH analyses presented in this study include commercial break‐apart probes (SS18, FUS, DDIT3, FUS, USP6, PDGFB, TFE3 and ALK) and a single enumeration (MDM2) probe.ResultsThere were 434 interpretable FISH assays on BST samples including MDM2 (n=180), SS18 (n=97), FUS (n=64), DDIT3 (n=37), USP6 (n=30), PDGFB (n=13), TFE3 (n=8) and ALK (n=5). Discrepancies between the histopathological diagnosis and the FISH results were seen in 12% of the cases. In this subset of discordant cases, FISH contributed to the re‐classification of 7% of cases originally diagnosed as synovial sarcoma (SS18) and 6% of adipocytic neoplasms (MDM2) based on the presence or absence of the expected gene alteration.ConclusionOur study confirms that paraffin FISH is a sensitive and specific ancillary tool in the diagnosis of BST neoplasms when used in the appropriate clinicopathological context. These findings highlight the need for further ancillary molecular tools in the diagnosis and characterization of challenging cases.
The early in‐vivo effects of a single anti‐emetic dose of dexamethasone on innate immune cell gene expression and activation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Bain C. R. , Draxler D. F. , Taylor R. , Wallace S. , Gouldthorpe O. , Corcoran T. B. , Myles P. S. , L. Medcalf R. , Bozaoglu K. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryDexamethasone is often administered to surgical patients for anti‐emetic prophylaxis. This study examined the early (up to 24 h) in‐vivo effects of dexamethasone (8 mg) to demonstrate the magnitude and temporal nature of changes on circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression and activation in 10 healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were drawn at baseline, 2 h, 4 h and 24 h. Gene expression was measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine expression was measured using multiplex immuno‐assays. Innate immune cell phenotypes were examined with flow cytometry. Dexamethasone resulted in rapid transient changes in immunophilin (p = 0.0247), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (p = 0.0004), forkhead box P3 (p = 0.0068) and dual specific phosphatase‐1 (p = 0.0157) gene expression at 4 h compared with pre‐dexamethasone. Plasma interleukin‐10 levels increased within 2 h (p = 0.0071) and returned to baseline at 24 h. Reductions in classical (p = 0.0009) and intermediate monocytes (p = 0.0178) and dendritic cells (p = 0.0012) were followed by increases in the level of these populations at 24 h compared with pre‐dexamethasone (classical monocytes p = 0.0073, intermediate monocytes p = 0.0271, dendritic cells p = 0.0142). There was a profound reduction in the mean fluorescence intensity of the maturation marker, human histocompatibility leucocyte antigen, at 24 h in all monocyte subsets (p = 0.0002 for classical and non‐classical monocytes, p = 0.0001 for intermediate monocytes) and dendritic cells (p = 0.0001). This study confirms rapid transient effects of 8 mg dexamethasone on innate immune cells with the potential to alter the inflammatory response to surgery and provides support for the hypothesis that intra‐operative administration may be both immunosuppressive and immune‐activating in the immediate peri‐operative period.
Increased cardiovascular disease risk in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Wagner Marise M. , Beshay Mary M. , Rooijakkers Sophie , Hermes Wietske , Jukema J. Wouter , Le Cessie Saskia , De Groot Christianne J. M. , Ballieux Bart E. P. B. , Van Lith Jan M. M. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Observational studies suggest that women with a history of recurrent miscarriage have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Material and methodsWomen who visited the recurrent miscarriage clinic at Leiden University Medical Center between 2000 and 2010 and who had their third consecutive miscarriage before the age of 31 years, were invited to participate in this follow‐up study (between 2012 and 2014). The reference group consisted of women with at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and no miscarriage, matched by zip code, age, and date of pregnancy. All women were invited for risk factor screening, including physical examination and blood collection. Main outcome measures were the (extrapolated) 10‐ and 30‐year cardiovascular risk scores using the Framingham risk score. A subanalysis was performed for women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage.ResultsThirty‐six women were included in both groups. Mean follow up was 7.5 years. Women with recurrent miscarriage had a significantly higher extrapolated 10‐year cardiovascular risk score (mean 6.24%, SD 5.44) compared with women with no miscarriage (mean 3.56%, SD 1.82, P = .007) and a significantly higher 30‐year cardiovascular risk score (mean 9.86%, SD 9.10) compared with women with no miscarriage (mean 6.39%, SD 4.20, P = .04). Similar results were found in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage (n = 28).ConclusionsWomen with a history of recurrent miscarriage differ in cardiovascular risk profile at a young age compared with women with no miscarriage. The findings support an opportunity to identify women at risk of cardiovascular disease later in life and a possible moment for intervention.
Breaking Down the Language of Online Racism: A Comparison of the Psychological Dimensions of Communication in Racist, Anti‐Racist, and Non‐Activist Groups
Authors: Faulkner Nicholas , Bliuc Ana‐Maria 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Internet represents a powerful tool for racist groups to build a sense of group consciousness and promote their cause. In the current study, we examined the language used by racist (n = 87), anti‐racist (n = 50), and nonactivist (n = 1379) groups when describing their self‐defining beliefs online. We used computerized linguistic analysis software to measure psychological indicators and antecedents of group consciousness and to examine the persuasive techniques used in online group communication. Racist and anti‐racist groups were similar on some linguistic indicators of group consciousness (e.g., use of words reflecting perceived injustice), but differed on others (e.g., use of words reflecting group identification). Linguistic indicators of antecedents of group consciousness (moral foundations and focus on religion) differed across groups, with racist groups focused more on purity, respect for authority, and religion, and less on fairness than anti‐racist groups. Racist groups also used less cognitively complex language than nonactivist groups (but similar levels to anti‐racist groups). Our results contribute to understanding how racist groups promote their self‐defining beliefs online, and identify several key factors that should be considered when designing policies to reduce racist groups’ growth and impact.
Structural differences between myofibrillar protein, paratropomyosin, and tropomyosin as revealed by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Nishio Yuriko , Ushimura Yuichi , Ueda Shuji , Maeda Naoyuki , Hattori Akihito , Yamanoue Minoru 
Published: May 2018

AbstractParatropomyosin (PTM) composes myofibril functions to weaken the rigor linkages formed between actin and myosin during postmortem aging of muscles. PTM has the similar physico‐chemical properties as tropomyosin (TM) that is a regulatory protein of myofibrils. So far, it is unclear whether PTM is definitely different from TM, because the primary structure of PTM has not been determined yet. The aim of this study was to clarify structural difference of PTM from TM. PTM was prepared by column chromatography immediately after slaughter from broiler breast muscle, and purified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Purified PTM was successfully separated from TM, and the recovered PTM molecule was reduced with dithiothreitol to separate again by HPLC. Two subunits were obtained and peptides from each digested subunit by V8 protease were recovered by HPLC, and then amino acid sequences of the peptides were analyzed by protein sequencing. As a result, some amino acid residues were replaced from that of TMα1 isoform which is the major isoform of TM, and also was different between the two subunits. Therefore, it is concluded that PTM clearly differs from TM and it is suggested that functional difference in PTM from TM is attributed to amino acid replacements in subunits composing PTM.
Effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma β‐carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows
Authors: Ishida Maho , Nishijima Yoshitaka , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yoshitani Kenichi , Obata Atsutoshi , Sugie Yuji , Aoki Yoshikazu , Yamaji Taisuke , Fujita Masahiko , Nakatsuji Yoshinobu , Kume Shinichi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractData from 26 Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasma β‐carotene and Ig in the cows. Cows were assigned to control or β‐carotene groups from 21 days before the expected calving date to 60 days after parturition. Supplemental β‐carotene was provided at 500 mg/day in the β‐carotene group. Supplemental β‐carotene drastically increased plasma β‐carotene concentrations in the cows from parturition to 60 days after parturition, and plasma β‐carotene concentrations in the control and β‐carotene groups at parturition were 202 and 452 μg/dl, respectively. Supplemental β‐carotene had no effects on plasma IgG1, IgA or IgM concentrations at parturition. Supplemental β‐carotene increased colostral IgG1 concentrations in the cows, but colostral β‐carotene, IgA and IgM concentrations were not affected by supplemental β‐carotene. These results indicate that supplemental β‐carotene is effective to enhance colostral IgG1 concentrations and plasma β‐carotene concentrations in Japanese Black cows.
Chemical composition and nutritive values of cassava pulp for cattle
Authors: Keaokliang Ornvimol , Kawashima Tomoyuki , Angthong Wanna , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Narmseelee Ramphrai 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe evaluated the chemical compositions of cassava pulp samples produced by four cassava starch factories at different locations in northeast Thailand and the metabolizable energy (ME) of the cassava pulp for cattle. There were significant differences in the P (0.03% ± 0.02%) and K (0.36% ± 0.2%) contents of the samples from different factories (p < .05). Moreover, we found interactions between factory and season in the neutral detergent fiber (36.02% ± 8.8%) and nonfibrous carbohydrate contents (59.33% ± 9.1%) (p < .05). For the evaluation of ME, a crossover‐design experiment with four cattle maintained in each of two groups was conducted. There were two dietary treatments at a maintenance level of 1.27% body weight: (1) a control diet, and (2) a cassava pulp diet, containing the control diet at 70.2% and cassava pulp at 29.8% (dry matter [DM] basis). Feeding cassava pulp did not affect energy intake, energy loss, heat production, energy utilization efficiency (except for the urine‐to‐gross energy ratio), methane production, fecal N, or nutrient digestibility (except for crude protein digestibility). The total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, and ME contents of cassava pulp were 74.4%, 12.9 MJ/kg DM, and 11.3 MJ/kg DM, respectively.