bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and Safety of Dabigatran and Warfarin in Real‐World US Patients With Non‐Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie C. , Farley Joel F. , Gehi Anil K. , Rhoney Denise H. , Brookhart M. Alan , Fang Gang 
Published: April 2015

Background
The recent availability of dabigatran, a novel oral anticoagulant, provided a new treatment option for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation beyond warfarin, the main therapy for years. Little is known about their real‐world comparative effectiveness and safety, even less among patient demographic and clinical subgroups.

Methods and Results

Using a cohort of non‐valvular
AF
patients initiating anticoagulation from October 2010 to December 2012 drawn from a large
US
database of commercial and Medicare supplement claims, we applied propensity score weights to Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of dabigatran versus warfarin. Analyses were repeated among clinical and demographic subgroups using stratum‐specific propensity scores as an exploratory analysis. Of the 64 935 patients initiating anticoagulation, 32.5% used dabigatran. Compared with warfarin, dabigatran was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (composite adjusted Hazard Ratio [
aHR
], 95%
CI
: 0.86, 95%
CI
: 0.79 to 0.93), hemorrhagic stroke (
aHR
: 0.51, 0.40 to 0.65), and acute myocardial infarction (
aHR
: 0.88, 95%
CI
: 0.77 to 0.99), and no relation was seen between dabigatran and the composite harm outcome (
aHR
: 0.94, 95%
CI
: 0.87 to 1.01). However, dabigatran was associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (
aHR
: 1.11, 95%
CI
: 1.02 to 1.22). Estimates of effectiveness and safety appeared to be mostly similar across subgroups.

Conclusions
Dabigatran could be a safe and potentially more effective alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation managed in routine practice settings.
Courtesan vs. Literatus: Gendered Soundscapes and Aesthetics in Late-Ming Singing Culture
Authors: Xu Peng 
Published: April 2015

This article examines the gendering of singing in the last few decades of the Ming dynasty and its connections with certain specific sonic environments. By reading together an assemblage of texts of a hybrid nature and considering each one as a complex literary or pictorial production growing out of the vibrant singing culture of the day, the author reconstructs the way in which certain soundscapes influenced and harmonized with two contrasting modes of vocal performance—the intimate “oriole”-like singing and the more masculine “crane” performing style. One observes further the rise of a new singing style that mingled the gendered categories of singing prevailing at the time and was related to the flourishing of outdoor singing festivals starting from the 1570s. Cet article s’intéresse à la sexualisation de l’art du chant pendant les dernières décennies des Ming et à la façon dont elle était connectée avec certains environ-nements acoustiques particuliers. La lecture combinée d’une série de textes de nature hybride, considéré chacun comme une production littéraire ou picturale complexe née du dynamisme qui marquait la culture vocale de l’époque, permet à l’auteur de reconstituer la façon dont certains “paysages acoustiques” influençaient deux modes contrastés d’interprétation vocale — le style intime assimilé au chant du loriot et le mode d’interprétation plus masculin associé à celui de la grue — et s’harmonisaient avec eux. On observe en outre l’émergence d’un nouveau style vocal qui mêle les catégories sexualisées prévalant alors dans l’art du chant et qui est associé à l’essor des festivals de chant en plein air à partir des années 1570.
From ‘Chaos’ to ‘Order’: The Transition of the Media in Macedonia from 1989 to 2014
Authors: Spasovska Katerina , Rusi Iso 
Published: April 2015

The chapter examines the development of the media in Macedonia from 1989 to 2014 and their relationship with the political system, parties and government. It also looks at the legal environment that sets the rules or lack of such of engagement with political and economic forces.
The authors conclude that Macedonian media cannot be set outside the regressive political process. At the beginning of the 1990s it seemed that the media were part of the institutional structure leading democratization but generally, the media and the journalists in the last 22 years of independent Macedonia have played a negative role similar to that played by the political parties and politicians. The media and the journalists speeded up the transition of the society from closed to open, but at the same time helped create a hybrid of bogus democracy (intermediate) in which they are among its victims.
The Media and Politics: The Case of Serbia
Authors: Kisić Izabela 
Published: April 2015

For over a decade media legislation, controversial as it was, has been a matter of controversy in Serbia. It was only in 2011 that a newly adopted media strategy developed by European Union and Council of Europe criteria hinted at change for the better as it envisaged the amendment of the entire media legislation (about 18 laws). Consequently, three new laws were passed in 2014: on public information and the media; on broadcast media; and, on public broadcasting service. Ten laws are still pending – either to be amended or adopted.
After the change of the regime in 2000, the media legislation was changed but not in line with a democratic value system. This specially refers to media freedoms. Repression against the media characteristic of the 1990s was replaced by “soft censorship” and self-censorship.
Serbia’s media market is small and underdeveloped, and under strong influence of the government. The adopted strategy provides against state ownership of the media except in the case of the two public broadcasting services. Media outlets, especially electronic, are too many for such a limited media market; the state has a hand in media businesses in many ways, including subsidies and paid advertisements for large public enterprises. Non-transparent media ownership and money flow are among key problems of media transition.
Real-Time Applications of the Variational Version of the Local Analysis and Prediction System (vLAPS)
Authors: Jiang Hongli , Albers Steve , Xie Yuanfu , Toth Zoltan , Jankov Isidora , Scotten Michael , Picca Joseph , Stumpf Greg , Kingfield Darrel , Birkenheuer Daniel , Motta Brian 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The accurate and timely depiction of the state of the atmosphere on multiple scales is critical to enhance forecaster situational awareness and to initialize very short-range numerical forecasts in support of nowcasting activities. The Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) of the Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)/Global Systems Division (GSD) is a numerical data assimilation and forecast system designed to serve such very finescale applications. LAPS is used operationally by more than 20 national and international agencies, including the NWS, where it has been operational in the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) since 1995.
Using computationally efficient and scientifically advanced methods such as a multigrid technique that adds observational information on progressively finer scales in successive iterations, GSD recently introduced a new, variational version of LAPS (vLAPS). Surface and 3D analyses generated by vLAPS were tested in the Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) to gauge their utility in both situational awareness and nowcasting applications. On a number of occasions, forecasters found that the vLAPS analyses and ensuing very short-range forecasts provided useful guidance for the development of severe weather events, including tornadic storms, while in some other cases the guidance was less sufficient.
Intraseasonal Persistence of European Surface Temperatures
Authors: Kolstad Erik W. , Sobolowski Stefan P. , Scaife Adam A. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Recent periods of extreme weather in Europe, such as the cold winter of 2009/10, have caused widespread impacts and were remarkable because of their persistence. It is therefore of great interest to improve the ability to forecast such events. Weather forecasts at midlatitudes generally show low skill beyond 5–10 days, but long-range forecast skill may increase during extended tropospheric blocking episodes or perturbations of the stratospheric polar vortex, which can affect midlatitude weather for several weeks at a time. Here a simple, linear approach is used to identify previously undocumented persistence in northern European summer and winter temperature anomalies in climate model simulations, corroborated by observations and reanalysis data. For instance, temperature anomalies of at least one standard deviation above or below climatology in March were found to be about 20%–120% more likely than normal if the preceding February was anomalous by 0.5–1.5 standard deviations (with the same sign). The corresponding range for April (i.e., persistence over two months) is between 20% and 80%. The persistence is observed irrespective of the data source or driving mechanisms, and the temperature itself is a more skillful predictor of the temperatures one month ahead than the stratospheric polar vortex or the NAO and even than both factors together. The results suggest potential to conditionally improve the skill of long-range forecasts and enhance recent advancements in dynamical seasonal prediction.
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Assess Social Work Students’ Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes About Human Trafficking Questionnaire (PKA-HTQ)
Authors: Nsonwu Maura Busch , Welch-Brewer Chiquitia , Heffron Laurie Cook , Lemke Melinda A. , Busch-Armendariz Noel , Sulley Caitlin , Cook Sharon Warren , Lewis Mary , Watson Elizabeth , Moore Wayne , Li Jilan 
Published: April 2015

Objective: This study sought to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a tool designed to assess social work students’ knowledge of and perceptions and attitudes toward human trafficking. To achieve this aim, the Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes toward Human Trafficking Questionnaire (PKA-HTQ) was developed and its psychometric properties were evaluated. Specifically, the factor structure and the internal consistency of the PKA-HTQ were evaluated. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a replication EFA were conducted on two independent samples of university students, an initial validation ( n = 325), and cross-validation ( n = 212) sample. Findings: The EFA revealed a three-factor structure, that is, self-appraisal of knowledge/skills (α = .89), worldview (α =.78), and help-seeking behavior (α =.66); this three-factor structure was supported by replication EFA. Conclusion: The PKA-HTQ questionnaire shows promise as a meaningful, potentially reliable and valid measure.
Evaluation of Parent and Child Enhancement (PACE) Program
Authors: Leung Cynthia , Tsang Sandra , Lo Cyrus 
Published: April 2015

Objective: This study examined the efficacy of the Parent and Child Enhancement (PACE) program on child learning, child behavior problems, and parental stress, using randomized controlled trial design, in social services centers. Methods: Eligibility criteria were (1) children aged 2 years at program commencement, (2) low-income, new immigrant, or single-parent families, and (3) parent–child dyads being Hong Kong residents. Intervention group dyads were offered the PACE program (40 two-hour sessions on child learning and parenting). Primary outcomes included child preschool concepts, child behavior problems, and parental stress. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (76 dyads) and control group (73 dyads) using a random number table, without blinding. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis with 149 dyads indicated improvement in child preschool concepts, decrease in child behavior problems and parental stress in the intervention group, compared with the control group ( d = 0.12–0.73). Conclusions: The results provided evidence for the efficacy of the PACE program.
IgH-V(D)J NGS-MRD measurement pre- and early post-allotransplant defines very low- and very high-risk ALL patients
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Carlson Chris , Langholz Bryan , Wall Donna A. , Schultz Kirk R. , Bunin Nancy , Kirsch Ilan , Gastier-Foster Julie M. , Borowitz Michael , Desmarais Cindy , Williamson David , Kalos Michael , Grupp Stephan A. 
Published: April 2015

Key Points
IgH-V(D)J NGS-MRD detection pretransplant identifies a cohort at low risk for relapse, for which treatment modification could be considered. Positive NGS-MRD was highly predictive of relapse and survival as early as 30 days after HCT.
MeCP2 Plays an Analgesic Role in Pain Transmission through Regulating CREB / miR-132 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ran , Huang Min , Cao Zhijuan , Qi Jieyu , Qiu Zilong , Chiang Li-Yang 
Published: April 2015

Background The Methyl CpG binding protein 2 gene (MeCP2 gene) encodes a critical transcriptional repressor and is widely expressed in mammalian neurons. MeCP2 plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation, neural development, and synaptic plasticity. Mutations and duplications of the human MECP2 gene lead to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Rett syndrome and autism. In this study we investigate the role of MeCP2 in the spinal cord and found that MeCP2 plays an important role as an analgesic mediator in pain circuitry. Findings Experiments using MeCP2 transgenic mice showed that overexpression of MeCP2 weakens both acute mechanical pain and thermal pain, suggesting an analgesic role of MeCP2 in acute pain transduction. We found that through p-CREB/miR-132 signaling cascade is involved in MeCP2-mediated pain transduction. We also examined the role of MeCP2 in chronic pain formation using spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Strikingly, we found that development of neuropathic pain attenuates in MeCP2 transgenic mice comparing to wild type (WT) mice. Conclusions Our study shows that MeCP2 plays an analgesic role in both acute pain transduction and chronic pain formation through regulating CREB-miR-132 pathway. This work provides a potential therapeutic target for neural pathologic pain, and also sheds new lights on the abnormal sensory mechanisms associated with autism spectrum orders.
Impact of Adulthood Stage and Social-Environmental Context on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity of Individuals With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Hsieh Kelly , Heller Tamar , Bershadsky Julie , Taub Sarah 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIndividuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at risk for obesity and physical inactivity. We analyzed a subset of 2009–2010 National Core Indicators (NCI) database to examine (1) the impact of three adulthood stages– younger (20–39 years), middle (40–59 years), and older (60 years and older) on Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity (PA); and (2) the relationship between social-environmental context (i.e., residence type, everyday choices, and community participation) and BMI and PA, with adjustment for individual characteristics of the adults with ID. Findings highlight the need to pay more attention to obesity by providing health education and emphasizing healthy choices. Results also suggest the importance of community participation as a way of promoting more physical activity.
A Comparative Analysis of Adult Siblings' Perceptions Toward Caregiving
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Fish Thomas , Lawton Kathy 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are likely to become caregivers for their brothers and sisters. The expectations of and experiences with caregiving, however, may be different. In this study, using focus groups, we compared the perspectives of siblings who were current caregivers (n  =  25) to siblings who anticipated being caregivers (n  =  17). Responses were compared and contrasted across four areas: caregiving responsibilities, rewards, challenges, and opinions toward being paid as a caregiver. Both caregiver groups were knowledgeable about and invested in their brothers and sisters. Also, they both reported that they enjoyed bonding with their brothers and sisters. Challenges, for current caregivers, related to understanding and navigating the service system. In contrast, anticipated caregivers were concerned about planning for the future. Mixed viewpoints were expressed about receiving pay for providing care although a greater number of current caregivers were receptive to it as a means to supporting their own families.
Breast Cancer Screening for Women With Down Syndrome: Lessons Learned
Authors: Chicoine Brian , Roth Melody , Chicoine Laura , Sulo Suela 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This study examined mammogram reports of women with Down syndrome (DS) treated in the largest medical facility specifically serving adults with DS in the United States. Records of 684 women and results of 993 mammograms were reviewed, including 902 screening and 93 diagnostic mammograms. Only 2 (0.7%) women had a diagnosis of breast cancer. This study found a low rate of breast cancer among women with DS, a finding which is consistent with previous studies. The financial cost per finding was high, the benefit of the mammograms questionable, and the potential for harm greater. With less than 1% of the women with DS in this study developing breast cancer, further discussion is recommended to assess whether mammography is a beneficial, cost-effective part of health maintenance for women with DS.
Reordering (social) sensibilities: Balancing realisms in Neighbouring Sounds
Authors: Marsh Leslie L. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This article treats the film O Som Ao Redor/Neighbouring Sounds (Mendonça Filho, 2012), one of the most innovative Brazilian films in recent years. The film is examined as an example of a Latin American film that renovates film form and contributes to new debates concerning conceptual and sensorial realism. The film intervenes at sensory thresholds, combining realist and surrealist strategies and a hypo-real soundscape to reflect on deep social disjunctions and an uncertain social landscape. Neighbouring Sounds appears to portray the everyday activities of residents in an upper-middle class neighbourhood in Recife but it subtly reveals feelings of ennui and fear to offer a broader reflection on tensions between interdependent social classes and debates concerning contemporary social transformation. In its reflection on changing social sensibilities, Neighbouring Sounds develops a particular aesthetic and political liminality and plays on tensions between the visible and invisible.
Book Reviews
Authors: Martínez-Expósito Alfredo , Deleyto Celestino , Martí-Olivella Jaume , Navitski Rielle , Allbritton Dean , Donovan Mary Kate , Melgosa Adrián Pérez 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Spanish Cinema 1973–2010: Auteurism, Politics, Landscape and Memory, Maria M. Delgado and Robin Fiddian (eds) (2013) Manchester: Manchester University Press, xviii + 262 pp. ISBN: 9780719087110, h/bk, £65
The Three Amigos: The Transnational Film-Making of Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón, Deborah Shaw (2013) Manchester: Manchester University Press, 288 pp., ISBN: 9780719082702, h/bk, £70
Julio Medem, Rob Stone (2012) Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press, 236 pp., ISBN: 9780719072017, p/bk, £14.99
Experimental Latin American Cinema: History and Aesthetics, Cynthia Tompkins (2013) Austin: University of Texas Press, 306 pp., ISBN: 9780292744158, h/bk, $60.00
Spain On-Screen: Developments in Contemporary Spanish Cinema, Ann Davies (ed.) (2011) New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 200 pp., ISBN-13: 9780230236202, h/bk, £56
Gynocine: teoría de género, filmografía y praxis cinematográfica, Barbara Zecchi (ed.) (2013) Zaragoza: Prensas de la Universidad de Zaragoza, 328 pp., ISBN-13: 9788415770855, p/bk, £17.30
Desenfocadas: Cineastas españolas y discursos de género, BARBARA Zecchi (2014) Barcelona: Icaria Editorial, 246 pp., ISBN-13: 9788498885682, p/bk, £17.68
Transition Cinema: Political Filmmaking and The Argentine Left Since 1968, Jessica Stites Mor (2012) Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh University Press, 264 pp. ISBN: 9780822961918, p/bk, $22.46
The Segmented Third Rail: The Politics of Social Security from Carter to Obama
Authors: Béland Daniel 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSocial Security is widely known as “The Third Rail of American Politics” and the program has proved been remarkably stable and politically resilient, over time. While true, this basic story about the institutional stability of Social Security in the US should not hide the segmented, discontinuous nature of its politics over the last four decades. As suggested in this article, the changing nature of Social Security politics is reflected in the variety of the policy options debated, which range from incremental benefit cuts and revenue increases adopted during the Carter and the Reagan years to structural, path-shifting proposals associated with the idea of Social Security privatization, which only became a mainstream policy alternative during the Clinton years. The following analysis explores the debate about these diverse policy alternatives, if and when they entered the federal policy agenda during the periods under consideration.
Effects of Team-Based Learning on Self-Regulated Online Learning
Authors: Whittaker Alice A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOnline learning requires higher levels of self-regulation in order to achieve optimal learning outcomes. As nursing education moves further into the blended and online learning venue, new teaching/learning strategies will be required to develop and enhance self-regulated learning skills in nursing students. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of team-based learning (TBL) with traditional instructor-led (IL) learning, on self-regulated online learning outcomes, in a blended undergraduate research and evidence-based practice course. The nonrandomized sample consisted of 98 students enrolled in the IL control group and 86 students enrolled in the TBL intervention group. The percentage of total possible online viewing time was used as the measure of self-regulated online learning activity. The TBL group demonstrated a significantly higher percentage (p< 0.001) of self-regulated learning activities than the IL control group. The TBL group scored significantly higher on the course examinations (p= 0.003). The findings indicate that TBL is an effective instructional strategy that can be used to achieve the essential outcomes of baccalaureate nursing education by increasing self-regulated learning capabilities in nursing students.