bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drugs Around the Corner: Domestic Drug Markets and Violence in Colombia and Mexico
Authors: Durán-Martínez Angélica 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOver the past decade, drug consumption has increased in Colombia and Mexico, countries traditionally concerned with drug production and trafficking. Governments and observers have associated this growth with spikes in violence. Drawing on drug consumption surveys and fieldwork in four cities, this study argues that contrary to this perception, there is no automatic connection between domestic drug markets and violence. Violence depends on whether large drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs) control low-level street dealers and on whether those DTOs have a market monopoly at the local level. When dealers are independent, violence might be sporadic, but when DTOs control dealers, violence can explode (given competition between DTOs) or implode (if one organization holds a monopoly). Control over dealers provides DTOs not only income but also informants and armed muscle. This article also shows that domestic drug markets are not new, and have grown incrementally in the past two decades.
The Politics of Building Municipal Institutional Effectiveness in Chile
Authors: Pribble Jennifer 
Published: July 2015

AbstractInstitutional effectiveness varies widely across Chile's 346 municipalities. Whereas some local governments seem to work with impeccable precision, others struggle to deliver basic services and welfare benefits to the population. This article seeks to explain why such variation exists; it combines quantitative and qualitative evidence to show how mayors can play a crucial role in building institutional effectiveness. The study focuses on the administration of Chile's municipal job placement offices. It finds that municipalities where mayors have held office for three or more consecutive terms exhibit stronger institutional capacity than those localities where electoral turnover is the norm. The analysis, therefore, underscores an interesting finding: electoral competition has the potential both to improve and to undermine administrative capacity.
On the Rapid Synthesis of the Ternary Mo2GaC
Authors: Hu Chunfeng , Li Chao , Halim Joseph , Kota Sankalp , Tallman Darin J. , Barsoum Michel W. 
Published: July 2015

The reaction path to form the Mo2GaC MAX phase starting with Mo, Ga, and C (molar ratio, 2:1.2:1) powders was investigated in the 850°C and 1000°C temperature range. It was found that Mo2GaC could be synthesized from reactions between Mo3Ga and C or Mo2C and Ga. Powders that contained >90 wt% Mo2GaC were successfully fabricated by heating a 1:1.4 molar ratio of Mo2C:Ga to 900°C for 24 h under flowing argon, followed by the dissolution of excess Ga by HCl. The a‐ and c‐lattice parameters were measured to be 3.022(1) and 13.179(5) Å.
Nurse′s A‐Phase: Synthesis and Characterization in the Binary System Ca2SiO4–Ca3(PO4)2
Authors: Lugo Gerardo J. , Mazón Patricia , Baudin Carmen , De Aza Piedad N. 
Published: July 2015

In the present study, a new single phase Si–Ca–P‐based ceramic was obtained by conventional sintering of compacted mixtures of calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, calcium carbonate, and silicon oxide. The synthesis conditions were the followings: heated up to 1550°C for a total period of time of 72 h (3 d), with quenching in liquid nitrogen, milling, pressing, and reheating every 24 h. Second, heating at 1300°C/3 h and subsequent annealed at 1200°C/24 h. Mineralogical and microstructural characterization of the obtained Si–Ca–P‐based material was determined by Differential Thermal Analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy with attached wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, Micro‐Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer. The results showed a single Si–Ca–P phase material with a Ca2SiO4/Ca3(PO4)2 molar ratio equal to 2:1. The parameters of the Weibull distribution of strength, determined by diametrical compression of disks, were: modulus, m = 13, and characteristic strength σ0 = 0.60 MPa.
Direct Crystallization of Sulfate‐Type Layered Hydroxide, Derivation of (Gd,Tb)2O3 Green Phosphor, and Photoluminescence
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Li Ji‐Guang , Zhu Qi , Sun Xudong 
Published: July 2015

The sulfate‐type layered hydroxides of (Gd1−xTbx)2(OH)5(SO4)0.5·nH2O (x = 0.06–0.10) have been directly crystallized via hydrothermal reaction at 120°C and pH ~10.0, without the need of conventional anion exchange. The primary crystallites were found to be thin platelets having lateral sizes of ~450–1000 nm and thicknesses of ~65–85 nm. Combined analysis by DTA/TG, FTIR, and XRD revealed that the layered compounds convert into cubic (Gd1−xTbx)2O3 solid‐solutions through dehydration, dehydroxylation, and desulfuration up to ~1200°C and via a (Gd1−xTbx)2O2.5(SO4)0.5 intermediate phase. Optical spectroscopies found that the layered compounds and the derived oxides have their strongest 4f8→4f75d1 transition excitations at ~248 and 305 nm and optimal Tb3+ contents of 9 at.% (x = 0.09) and 8 at.%, respectively. Both the types of materials exhibit the strongest emission at ~544 nm (the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+), but the oxide has an emission intensity ~3 times that of the hydroxide. Fluorescence lifetime of the 544 nm green emission was found to decrease from 2.45 to 2.15 ms along with increasing Tb3+ content for the oxide, and smaller values of ~1.55 ms were derived for the layered hydroxides.
Evaluation of conceptual frameworks applicable to the study of isolation precautions effectiveness
Authors: Cohen Catherine Crawford , Shang Jingjing 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsA discussion of conceptual frameworks applicable to the study of isolation precautions effectiveness according to Fawcett and DeSanto‐Madeya's (2013) evaluation technique and their relative merits and drawbacks for this purpose.BackgroundIsolation precautions are recommended to control infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality, but effectiveness is not established due to numerous methodological challenges. These challenges, such as identifying empirical indicators and refining operational definitions, could be alleviated though use of an appropriate conceptual framework.DesignDiscussion paper.Data sourcesIn mid‐April 2014, the primary author searched five electronic, scientific literature databases for conceptual frameworks applicable to study isolation precautions, without limiting searches by publication date.Implications for nursingBy reviewing promising conceptual frameworks to support isolation precautions effectiveness research, this article exemplifies the process to choose an appropriate conceptual framework for empirical research. Hence, researchers may build on these analyses to improve study design of empirical research in multiple disciplines, which may lead to improved research and practice.ConclusionThree frameworks were reviewed: the epidemiologic triad of disease, Donabedian's healthcare quality framework and the Quality Health Outcomes model. Each has been used in nursing research to evaluate health outcomes and contains concepts relevant to nursing domains. Which framework can be most useful probably depends on whether the study question necessitates testing multiple interventions, concerns pathogen‐specific characteristics and yields cross‐sectional or longitudinal data. The Quality Health Outcomes model may be slightly preferred as it assumes reciprocal relationships, multi‐level analysis and is sensitive to cultural inputs.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in first‐time myocardial infarction patients: roles of attachment and alexithymia
Authors: Gao Wen , Zhao Jing , Li Yang , Cao Feng‐Lin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractsAimsTo explore the roles of attachment and alexithymia in the severity of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms and to specify the relationship between sub‐dimensions of attachment, alexithymia and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients with first‐time myocardial infarction in mainland China.BackgroundPatients experiencing myocardial infarction have a risk of developing post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms. However, there have been few studies on the roles of attachment and alexithymia.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsNinety‐seven patients participated in the assessment of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms, attachment and alexithymia from June–December in 2012. To assess post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms and their correlates, we administered the Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist‐Civilian Version, the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale 5‐17 days after the remission of first myocardial infarction attack.ResultsTwenty‐five (25·77%) patients met the criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Greater attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with more severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Except for externally oriented thinking, all dimensions of alexithymia were significantly correlated with post‐traumatic stress symptoms. In the regression model, attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying feelings were found to be predictive and the total regression equation explained 24·2% variance of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among myocardial infarction patients.ConclusionFirst‐time myocardial infarction patients were at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying feelings were positively associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in the early stage of myocardial infarction rehabilitation. It is essential to evaluate the causal relationship between attachment, alexithymia and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in longitudinal studies.
Functionally relevant climate variables for arid lands: a climatic water deficit approach for modelling desert shrub distributions
Authors: Dilts Thomas E. , Weisberg Peter J. , Dencker Camie M. , Chambers Jeanne C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimWe have three goals. (1) To develop a suite of functionally relevant climate variables for modelling vegetation distribution on arid and semi‐arid landscapes of the Great Basin, USA. (2) To compare the predictive power of vegetation distribution models based on mechanistically proximate factors (water deficit variables) and factors that are more mechanistically removed from a plant's use of water (precipitation). (3) To quantify the climate gradients that control shrub distributions in a cold desert environment.LocationThe central basin and range ecoregion of the western USA (36–42°N).MethodsWe used a modified Thornthwaite method to derive monthly water balance variables and to depict them using a water balance climograph. Eighteen variables were calculated from the climograph, representing different components of the seasonal water balance. These were used in boosted regression tree models to derive distribution models for 18 desert shrub species. The water balance approach was compared with an approach that used bioclimatic variables derived from the PRISM (Parameter‐elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model) climate data.ResultsThe water balance and bioclimatic approaches yielded models with similar performance in predicting the geographical distribution of most shrub species. Cumulative annual climatic water deficit was consistently the most important water balance variable for predicting shrub type distributions, although predictions were improved by the inclusion of variables that describe the seasonal distribution of water balance such as water supply in the spring, fall actual evapotranspiration, monsoonality and summer decline in actual evapotranspiration.Main conclusionsThe water balance and bioclimatic approaches to species distribution modelling both yielded similar prediction accuracies. However, the water balance approach offers advantages over the bioclimatic approach because it is mechanistically derived to approximate physical processes important for plant growth.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Implantable Defibrillators in Sweden: Inappropriate Shocks and Complications Requiring Surgery
Authors: MAGNUSSON PETER , GADLER FREDRIK , LIV PER , MÖRNER STELLAN 
Published: July 2015

Inappropriate ICD Shocks and Complications in HCMIntroductionThe expanded use of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) based on risk stratification in individuals without known previous ventricular arrhythmia is justified by an acceptable risk of device‐related adverse events. Such complications, leading to surgical procedures or inappropriate electrical shocks, may impact mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and cost‐effectiveness.Methods and ResultsFrom the Swedish ICD Registry, implants due to HCM since 1995 until November 2012 in patients aged ≥18 years were identified and medical records reviewed. Inappropriate ICD shock occurred in 14.3% (46 of 321 patients; mean follow‐up 5.4 years) with a recurrent episode in 28.2% of them. In multivariable analysis, hazard ratio (HR) for atrial fibrillation was 3.5 (95% confidence interval 1.8–6.8; P < 0.001) but showed no significant association to male sex (HR = 0.77), age (HR = 0.99), secondary indication (HR = 1.02) or device, ICD‐DR/CRTD vs. ICD‐VR (HR 1.07). Inappropriate shocks were triggered by atrial fibrillation/flutter or ectopic tachycardia (56.5%), sinus tachycardia (14.5%), lead dysfunction (14.5%), and T‐wave oversensing (13.0%). A reintervention, besides elective device replacement, occurred in 92 patients (totally 150 procedures). The majority were lead‐related (70.0%) procedures, especially of the ICD lead. Reintervention was associated with female sex (HR = 1.6 P = 0.04).ConclusionInappropriate ICD shock triggered by atrial arrhythmias, lead dysfunction, or complications requiring surgical interventions, is a concern in HCM patients who will be eligible for long‐term prevention of sudden death. Efforts to avoid adverse events and provide balanced risk‐benefit information are important, especially in primary prevention.
Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia as the First‐Line Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function: Long‐Term Results
Authors: CLEMENS MARCELL , PEICHL PETR , WICHTERLE DAN , PAVLŮ LUDĚK , ČIHÁK ROBERT , ALDHOON BASHAR , KAUTZNER JOSEF 
Published: July 2015

VT Ablation in Patients With Preserved LV FunctionIntroductionPatients with coronary artery disease (CAD), relatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and hemodynamically tolerated ventricular tachycardia (VT) may benefit from catheter ablation as the first‐line treatment. Our aim was to analyze the long‐term results of VT ablation in this population.Methods and ResultsThirty‐one patients (1 woman, mean age 67 ± 10 years) with CAD, tolerated VT, and LVEF ≥40% underwent catheter ablation as the first‐line treatment of the arrhythmia. Catheter ablation was performed in order to abolish all inducible VTs. An ICD was implanted if sustained VT of any morphology remained inducible after the procedure. The mean LVEF was 48 ± 6% and the mean VT cycle length reached 348 ± 70 milliseconds in the study cohort. Clinical and all inducible VTs were abolished in 90% (28/31) and 58% (18/31) of the patients, respectively. An ICD was subsequently implanted in 42% of cases. Over a mean follow‐up of 3.8 ± 2.9 years, 42% (13/31) patients died. Survival of the patients with or without the ICD was not significantly different (P = 0.47). VT recurrence was observed in 11% (2/18) of patients who had complete elimination of all inducible VTs. No sudden death occurred in patients without the ICD.ConclusionsCatheter ablation of VT as the first‐line treatment in patients with CAD and relatively preserved LVEF is a viable strategy. It may prevent implantation of the ICD in a considerable proportion of patients. Abolition of all inducible VTs confers low VT recurrence rate over a long‐term follow‐up.
Differing Effects of Aliskiren/Amlodipine Combination and High‐Dose Amlodipine Monotherapy on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Target Organ Protection
Authors: Mizuno Hiroyuki , Hoshide Satoshi , Fukutomi Motoki , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to compare an aliskiren/amlodipine combination with high‐dose amlodipine monotherapy on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and organ protection. The study was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open‐label trial in elderly essential hypertensive patients. A total of 105 patients with clinic BP (CBP) ≥140/90 mm Hg with amlodipine 5 mg were randomly allocated to aliskiren (150–300 mg)/amlodipine (5 mg) (ALI/AML group, n=53) or high‐dose amlodipine (10 mg) (h‐dAML group, n=52) and treated for 16 weeks. Each patient's CBP, ABPM, urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR), and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. The ALI/AML and h‐dAML groups showed similarly reduced mean 24‐hour SBP, daytime SBP, nighttime SBP, and baPWV. However, UACR reduction was significantly greater in the ALI/AML group (P=.02). ALI/AML was significantly less effective in reducing early‐morning BP (P=.002) and morning BP surge (P=.001) compared with h‐dAML.
JAK2 inhibition has different therapeutic effects according to myeloproliferative neoplasm development in mice
Authors: Debeurme Franck , Lacout Catherine , Moratal Claudine , Bagley Rebecca G. , Vainchenker William , Adrian Francisco , Villeval Jean‐Luc 
Published: July 2015

AbstractJAK2 inhibition therapy is used to treat patients suffering from myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Conflicting data on this therapy are reported possibly linked to the types of inhibitors or disease type. Therefore, we decided to compare in mice the effect of a JAK2 inhibitor, Fedratinib, in MPN models of increasing severity: polycythemia vera (PV), post‐PV myelofibrosis (PPMF) and rapid post‐essential thrombocythemia MF (PTMF). The models were generated through JAK2 activation by the JAK2V617F mutation or MPL constant stimulation. JAK2 inhibition induced a correction of splenomegaly, leucocytosis and microcytosis in all three MPN models. However, the effects on fibrosis, osteosclerosis, granulocytosis, erythropoiesis or platelet counts varied according to the disease severity stage. Strikingly, complete blockade of fibrosis and osteosclerosis was observed in the PPMF model, linked to correction of MK hyper/dysplasia, but not in the PTMF model, suggesting that MF development may also become JAK2‐independent. Interestingly, we originally found a decreased in the JAK2V617F allele burden in progenitor cells from the spleen but not in other cell types. Overall, this study shows that JAK2 inhibition has different effects according to disease phenotypes and can (i) normalize platelet counts, (ii) prevent the development of marrow fibrosis/osteosclerosis at an early stage and (iii) reduce splenomegaly through blockage of stem cell mobilization in the spleen.
The secretome of myocardial telocytes modulates the activity of cardiac stem cells
Authors: Albulescu Radu , Tanase Cristiana , Codrici Elena , Popescu Daniela I. , Cretoiu Sanda M. , Popescu Laurentiu M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) are interstitial cells that are present in numerous organs, including the heart interstitial space and cardiac stem cell niche. TCs are completely different from fibroblasts.TCs release extracellular vesicles that may interact with cardiac stem cells (CSCs)viaparacrine effects. Data on the secretory profile ofTCs and the bidirectional shuttle vesicular signalling mechanism betweenTCs andCSCs are scarce. We aimed to characterize and understand thein vitroeffect of theTCsecretome onCSCfate. Therefore, we studied the protein secretory profile using supernatants from mouse cultured cardiacTCs. We also performed a comparative secretome analysis using supernatants from rat cultured cardiacTCs, a pureCSCline andTCs‐CSCs in co‐culture using (i) high‐sensitivity on‐chip electrophoresis, (ii) surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and (iii) multiplex analysis by Luminex‐xMAP. We identified several highly expressed molecules in the mouse cardiacTCsecretory profile: interleukin (IL)‐6,VEGF, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP‐1α),MIP‐2 andMCP‐1, which are also present in the proteome of rat cardiacTCs. In addition, rat cardiacTCs secrete a slightly greater number of cytokines,IL‐2,IL‐10,IL‐13 and some chemokines like,GRO‐KC. We found thatVEGF,IL‐6 and some chemokines (all stimulated byIL‐6 signalling) are secreted by cardiacTCs and overexpressed in co‐cultures withCSCs. The expression levels ofMIP‐2 andMIP‐1α increased twofold and fourfold, respectively, whenTCs were co‐cultured withCSCs, while the expression ofIL‐2 did not significantly differ betweenTCs andCSCs in mono culture and significantly decreased (twofold) in the co‐culture system. These data suggest that theTCsecretome plays a modulatory role in stem cell proliferation and differentiation.
Resveratrol, a polyphenol phytoalexin, protects against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Gu Jun , Hu Wei , Zhang Da‐dong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDoxorubicin is the mainstay of treatment for various haematological malignancies and solid tumours. However, its clinical application may be hampered by dose‐dependent cardiotoxicity. The mechanism of doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity may involve various signalling pathways including free radical generation, peroxynitrite formation, calcium overloading, mitochondrial dysfunction and alteration in apoptosis and autophagy. Interestingly, the use of resveratrol in combination with doxorubicin has been reported to prevent cardiac toxicity as well as to exert a synergistic effect against tumour cells both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge and to elucidate the protective effect of resveratrol in doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity.
‘Reflexive Expectations’ in EU–China Relations: A Media Analysis Approach
Authors: Zhang Li 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTo reverse the downturn in and develop EU–China relations requires mutual understanding. However, the opaque nature of Chinese politics makes it difficult to track China's expectations and its changing views of the EU and their relationship. This paper examines the official Chinese media discourse on the EU's ‘actorness’ and partnership with China. This helps to bridge the gap between international relations and media studies by linking government foreign relations to media discourse. It argues that China's relations with the EU should be characterized neither as a case of a ‘Capability–Expectations Gap’ (Hill, ) nor as an ‘Expectation Deficit’ (Tsuruoka, ), but should rather be seen as a matter of ‘Reflexive Expectations’ by China. The media analysis shows that China's changing national identity, interests and perception of the EU's capability at various times and in various situations influence expectations.