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To assemble and characterize an electronic health record (EHR) dataset for a large cohort of US military Veterans diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). An EHR dataset for 19,662 Veterans diagnosed with ALS between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020 was compiled from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) EHR database by a query for ICD9 diagnosis (335.20) or ICD10 diagnosis (G12.21) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The cohort is predominantly male (98.94%) and white (72.37%) with a median age at disease onset of 68 years and median survival from the date of diagnosis of 590 days. With the designation of ALS as a compensable illness in 2009, there was a subsequent increase in the number of Veterans diagnosed per year in the VHA, but no change in median survival. The cohort included a greater-than-expected proportion of individuals whose branch of service at the time of separation was the Army. The composition of the cohort reflects the VHA population who are at greatest risk for ALS. The greater than expected proportion of individuals whose branch of service at the time of separation was the Army suggests the possibility of a branch-specific risk factor for ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Politics and Polemics of Culture in Ireland, 1800–2010" by Pat Cooke is a comprehensive and meticulously researched book that explores the transformation of Ireland's public culture from a colonial appendage to a culturally-emancipated free state. The book covers a wide range of sources, including official documents, newspapers, policy recommendations, and scholarly articles, to provide a thorough understanding of the politics and personalities that shaped Ireland's cultural history. Cooke examines key periods such as the Gaelic Revival, the Easter Rising, and the influence of the Catholic Church on cultural policy. The book also discusses the professionalization of the arts and culture in Ireland, as well as the decline in public funding for amateur cultural endeavors. Overall, "The Politics and Polemics of Culture in Ireland, 1800–2010" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in studying Ireland's complex cultural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection does not appear to be increased for psoriasis patients using biologics compared to those on other treatments, but evidence is still limited. (1) to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with psoriasis, (2) to compare SARS-CoV-2 infection rates for different psoriasis treatments groups (biologic vs. systemic conventional vs. topical therapy) corrected for confounders and (3) to describe patients with severe COVID-19 for all treatment groups. In this cross-sectional cohort study all patients received a questionnaire to gather data on psoriasis treatment, SARS-CoV-2 infections and related risk factors. Simultaneously, they underwent a blood test to screen for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 N-antigen. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was calculated and logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards models were performed to determine the association between treatment group and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, corrected for confounders. Patients with severe COVID-19 disease were described and the mortality rate per treatment group was calculated for the target population. Patients were included between April 12 2021 and October 31 2021. Of 551 patients, 59 (10.7% (CI95% 8.3–13.6)) had experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on questionnaire data combined with serological data. In our study cohort, corrected for confounders, biologic or non-biologic systemic therapy users did not appear to have increased SARS-CoV-2 infection risk compared to patients using other treatment. Only 4 hospitalizations (0.7% (CI95% 0.2–1.0) were reported in our study population and no ICU admissions were reported. The rough mortality rate in the target cohort was 0.32% (CI95% 0.13–0.66) in all treatment groups. Corrected for risk-mitigating behavior and vaccination status, a higher SARS-CoV-2 incidence for biologics or non-biologics systemics compared to other treatments could not be proven. Severe cases were infrequent in all treatment groups. This finding further strengthens treatment recommendations that systemic therapies for patients with psoriasis do not require preventive cessation for reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 1 by Jonathan Paquette and Carl Dholanda, looks at how arts and heritage policy served as a pillar for Canada's earliest identity formation. I Canadian Cultural Policy in Transition i , edited by Devin Beauregard and Jonathan Paquette of the University of Ottawa, makes a valuable contribution to the field of cultural policy in general. In its three sections, the book traces the historical beginnings of Canadian cultural policy, contemporary practices, and transitional approaches to culture that are coming to redefine policy engagements. [Extracted from the article]

The basis for understanding public support for the arts in the United States is the absence of any precedent for direct national involvement (Larson 1983). The American approach to culture has rejected any collective state intervention. At root, laissez-faire is a philosophy or practice characterized by the deliberate abstention from direction or planning by the state. It is a policy of non-interference especially with what is seen as individual freedom of choice and action. The belief is that the free market is the best means for allocating values. This ideological stance is often criticized, however, for failing to address questions of representativeness in a heterogeneous society. Support for public culture, by contrast, typically argues for policies that would promote greater diversity in the nation's cultural life with enhanced accessibility for broader segments of the public. What will be explored herein is a study of the implications of a 'laissez-faire cultural policy' for museums in the United States and the resulting specter of Cultural Darwinism from this privatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay evaluates the character of the unique French culture of the Acadiana region of Southwest Louisiana. This Cajun space represents twenty-two of the state's sixty-four parishes (counties) of Louisiana—about one-third of the state. What follows is a discussion of the persistence of a distinct way of life in the face of powerful forces of cultural homogenization. This entails (1) what it means to be Cajun; (2) the nature of the Acadiana homeland; (3) the survival and maintenance of distinguishing forms of cultural distinctiveness. A coda reflects on the contentious issue of cultural authenticity as imagined and reimagined. As a distinctive cultural space, Acadiana is a rarity in the dominant American ethos. It is an interesting case study of the survival of communal culture that has similarities with other spaces, such as Cornwall, Brittany, and Bavaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazard assessments of Irgarol 1051, diuron, 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB), dichloro-octylisothiazolin (DCOIT), chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, thiram, zinc pyrithione, copper pyrithione, triphenylborane pyridine (TPBP), capsaicin, nonivamide, tralopyril and medetomidine were performed to establish robust environmental quality standards (EQS), based on predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs). Microalgae, zooplankton, fish and amphibians were the most sensitive ecological groups to all the antifoulants evaluated, especially in the early life stages. No differences were identified between freshwater and seawater species. The use of toxicity tests with non-standard species is encouraged because they increase the datasets, allowing EQS to be derived from probabilistic-based PNECs whilst reducing uncertainties. The global ban of tributyltin (TBT) has been heralded as a major environmental success; however, substitute antifoulants may also pose risks to aquatic ecosystems. Environmental risk assessments (ERAs) have driven decision-makings for regulating antifouling products, but in many countries there is still a lack of regulation of antifouling biocides which should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section presents an interview with "Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society" emeritus editor Kevin V. Mulcahy. Topics discussed include the reconciliation of public culture and cultural policies, his book "Public Culture, Culture Identity, Cultural Policy: Comparative Perspectives," and comparison between Québec and Ukraine in terms of cultural identity and policy.

A data register study was performed in order to identify the amounts of hazardous substances in products related to motorized transport in Norway during 2012. The hazardous substances were selected from legislative investigations performed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), European Union (EU), and Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA). Information regarding hazardous substances in 52 selected product categories associated with traffic-related activities was obtained from the Norwegian Product Register administrated by the NEA. Substances present on ECHA list of substances of very high concern (SVHC), NEA national priority list, and priority substances under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) were given most attention, with substances from ECHA community rolling action plan (CoRAP) also included. Results showed that selected products contained a diverse range of substances that were classified as hazardous to either human or environmental health. The quantities of hazardous substances in the selected products were 120 tons (SVHC), 280 tons (Norway priority list), and 2,400 tons (WFD). It proved difficult to pinpoint these quantities only to traffic-related operations since product categories included compounds used for other activities. However, data illustrate that large quantities of hazardous substances are employed concurrent with being prioritized for reduction/elimination by national and international authorities. A list of substances with annual use in 2012 >1 ton was prepared to aid a prioritization for further actions such as substitution, phasing out, or environmental monitoring. The list contains substances that are toxic to humans, especially as adverse reproductive/carcinogenic agents, and/or pose a threat to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocides are extensively used and universally distributed. Some are highly toxic to algae, including antifoulants, herbicides, and fungicides. The inhibition of algal growth is an important regulatory endpoint for toxicity assessment of single compounds. However, in the aquatic environment, mixtures of compounds with unknown toxicities and mode of action (MoA) co-exist, making single toxicity assessment inadequate to ensure protection of the aquatic environment. This study aimed to characterize the combined toxicity of five environmentally relevant biocides—aclonifen, bifenox, dichlofluanid, metribuzin, and triclosan—with different MoA on growth and photosystem (PS) II efficiency ofChlamydomonas reinhardtii. For growth inhibition, herbicides bifenox and metribuzin were the most toxic, whereas triclosan was least. Only aclonifen and metribuzin exerted a significant effect on PSII, which was also correlated with reduced algal growth. The combined effect of the five biocides on growth inhibition was predominantly additive and presumed to act by independent MoA with potential antagonism observed only at low concentrations and at shorter duration of exposure. The binary mixture of metribuzin and aclonifen exhibited additive effects on diminished PSII efficiency, and effects were apparently induced by an independent MoA. Potential synergy of this mixture on growth inhibition was identified at the highest concentrations. Growth inhibition was found to be a more valuable endpoint for regulatory studies than PSII inhibition due to its environmental relevance, integration of multiple MoA and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The distinguishing characteristic of cultural policy in countries characterized by a legacy of coloniality is the importance of the identity formation and the politics that are involved in formulating its definition. At root, coloniality is an experience involving dominating influence by a stronger power over a subject state. However, this is not just a matter of external governance or economic dependency, but of a cultural dominance that creates an asymmetrical relationship between the ‘center’ and the ‘periphery,’ between the ruling ‘hegemon’ and the marginalized ‘other.’ In these circumstances, what constitutes an “authentic” culture, and how this informs national identity, is a central political and social concern. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Herring gull eggs from two locations in Norway, an island situated in the north (Musvær, 69.88° N, 18.55° E) and an island in the southeast (Reiaren, 59.15° N, 10.46° E) of the country, were analyzed for the presence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. AhR agonist activity was determined using the dioxin-responsive chemically activated luciferase expression (DR-CALUX) assay to calculate the toxic equivalent quotient (TEQ)CALUX. TEQCALUXranged from 16 to 401 pg TEQ/g lipid in the samples from the north (n= 11) and between 6 and 360 pg TEQ/g lipid (n= 12) in the southeastern samples. The large variance between the individual samples is postulated to be due to different feeding habits of individual birds. The levels of AhR agonists detected might lead to adverse effects for the developing embryo or to a significant increase of contaminant load for human consumers of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT. The objectives of this study were to describe demographic factors and self-reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, as well as to explore to what extent social factors were associated with self-reported STIs among formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) in New York City. FILM ages 18 to 49 years old (N= 259) who had been incarcerated within the past 5 years completed a closed-ended, self-administered survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association among social network factors (i.e., friends, spouses, relatives, parents) and self-reported STIs in the prior 12 months. More than one third (35.1%) of the sample reported at least one STI in the prior 12 months. Friendship networks were protective against STI risk. In our bivariate and multivariate models, having an STI in the prior 12 months for FILM was associated with: low quality of spousal relationship and high drug connectedness with relatives. STI risk reduction initiatives for FILM should consider: (1) the effect that drug use has on close kinship networks to increase STI risk during reentry, and (2) the potential of targeting friendship and kinship networks (i.e., spouses, family, relatives) to address drug dependence through peer and group counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American universities receive millions of dollars worth of media exposure every year via Public Service Announcements (PSAs) broadcast during their respective school's athletic competitions. This research explores the message strategies and executional devices used by NCAA FBS (National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision) classification schools during the 2010 football season. This study is the most comprehensive content analysis of this subject matter to date. 115 PSAs were examined, representing 111 of the 120 schools which comprise this tier of American higher education institutions. 51 variables were operationalised and are detailed in this article. These variables include messaging specific to institutional communications, as well as common creative approaches used within television advertising. Findings suggest that there is indeed a 'sea of sameness' across these communications and that few schools are creating unique messages. This article continues the theoretical work in this field by refining extant models for communication messages employed by higher education institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress responses of selected engineered carbon and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) primary hepatocytes. The engineered nanomaterials tested were C60 fullerenes, multiwall nanotubes (MWNT), single-wall nanotubes (SWNT) (functionalized and nonfunctionalized), and TiO2 of 5 and 200 nm in size. Characterization of these materials showed that they were typically present in solution as agglomerates. The engineered nanoparticle agglomerates were cytotoxic at nominal concentrations of >3 mg/L, and certain MWNT and SWNT produced significant intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as cytotoxicity. Analyses of the MWNT responsible for ROS production and cytotoxicity for selected transition metals demonstrated the presence of residual cobalt (Co), which was not present in the nonreactive/non-bioactive MWNT. Cobalt alone was not able to induce the observed effects in hepatocyte cells; however, coexposure with MWNT resulted in an increase in cytotoxicity. Data suggest that trace metals often associated with commercial nanotubes are responsible for the observed biological effects. In addition, other mechanisms, such as the proposed facilitated transport (e.g., Trojan horse) type mechanism of uptake, may provoke an increased response compared to aqueous exposures of trace metals in the absence of carbon nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental status of two polluted marine sites in Norway was investigated by a combination of target chemical analysis and effect-directed analysis (EDA). The two selected sites, the Grenland area and Oslo harbor, in addition to two reference sites, were classified according to the Norwegian environmental classification system based upon results of the target chemical analyses. The polluted sites were characterized by high levels of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). High levels of organotin compounds were also detected in Oslo harbor. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist activity in extracts of sediments from marine sites close to Oslo, Oslo harbor, and Grenland were investigated using the CALUX (chemical-activated luciferase expression) assay, which showed elevated levels of activity. As expected from the history of dioxin release into the Grenland area, the results were highest in this area. The presence of estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) antagonists was also detected in the sediment extracts. Following fractionation of the sediment extracts, EDA was used to tentatively identify the AhR agonists. The compounds responsible for AhR agonist activity in samples from Oslo harbor were isolated in fraction 13, and to a lesser extent in fractions 9-11. In Grenland, the main activity was found in the more polar fractions, namely fractions 14-18. The AhR agonists identified in Oslo harbor were mainly PAH, while in the Grenland area the compounds identified were mainly nitrogen/oxygen-containing polyaromatic compounds (N/O-PAC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-substrate adhesion is a critical factor in the development of biomaterials for use in applications such as implantable devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. In addition, cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is intertwined with a number of fundamental cell processes, and several diseases are characterized by cells with altered adhesion properties. While many approaches exist to characterize cell adhesion, only a fraction of the techniques provides quantitative measurements of the strength of adhesion by physically detaching cells through application of force or stress. In this review, the most commonly used techniques to measure the adhesion strength of cells adhered to substrates are summarized. These methods can be divided into three general categories: centrifugation, hydrodynamic shear and micromanipulation. For each method, the technique is described and its capabilities assessed. A comprehensive review of recent applications of the methods is given, and adhesion strength measurements performed using different techniques on fibroblasts, a commonly-studied cell, are compared. Finally, the strengths and drawbacks of the various techniques are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one on the development of museums within a marketing context, one on the legal dispute between the National Ballet of Canada and its principal dancer Kimberly Glasco, and another on the legal case about questions of intellectual property in the production of Australian Aboriginal art.

This article is a scholarly overview and analysis of Hurricane Katrina's social and cultural devastation of the unique, indigenous culture of New Orleans. This study has been prepared as a scholarly and academic endeavor. However, it is also the basis for consideration of measures that could be taken to facilitate the reconstitution of the living environment of New Orleans in a way that is respectful of its folk culture. The physical devastation caused by the hurricane severely compromised the precious cultural communities of the French colonial Gulf Coast. The impact was most devastating to New Orleans because of its distinctive folk culture, which includes vivid cultural rituals such as the Mardi Gras Indians, jazz, the jazz funeral tradition, second line parades, and local cuisine. This culture is potentially fragile because it is a living culture—not based on collections preserved within the walls of a museum, but rather in the lives of its people. It is indisputably worthy of respect and revitalization. This project, realized through intensive research, will surely benefit the academic community and, most important, the people of New Orleans, to whom this document is dedicated. The project has been interesting, but it is an even greater honor to have the opportunity to advocate the necessity of reconstituting the folk culture of New Orleans through positive action to sustain the city's unique way of life. This will not be easy, but it is crucial for any "new New Orleans." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various reports published within the issue including one by Monica Gattinger and Diane Saint-Pierre on "Toward Subnational Comparative Cultural Policy Analysis: The Case of Provincial Cultural Policy and Administration in Canada", Hyojung Cho on "Conservation of Indigenous Heritage in the U.S.: Issues and Policy Department", and Shang-Ying Chen on "Politics and Arts Administration in Taiwan."

Lentiviral-based genetic therapies offer a valuable addition to the current anti-HIV arsenal and allow for a rational directed approach to evolve HIV-1 to a less pathogenic state. Many lentiviral vector systems have been described that can be either replication incompetent, self-inactivating or conditionally replicating. Importantly, lentiviral vectors can be engineered to deliver anti-HIV-1 genes such as antisense RNAs, aptamers and siRNAs to those cells involved in HIV-1 infection: T-cells, hematopoietic stem cells and dendritic cells. Furthermore, the use of HIV-2-based vectors that can be mobilized by wild-type HIV-1 in vivo and spread to those cells targeted by the virus, as well as compete with HIV-1 viral RNA for packaging and access to viral proteins such as Tat and Rev required for viral replication, are of special interest. This review will focus on the rational design of therapeutic lentiviral vectors that can be used in combination with current antiretroviral therapies to essentially direct the evolution of HIV-1 to a less pathogenic state of existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the definitions and theoretical approaches of cultural policy. Definitions of culture according to the "Oxford English Dictionary" and "American Heritage Dictionary"; Justifications and objectives of public culture; Objective of the democratization of culture.

Discusses various articles about the observations of defining characteristics of Austria's contemporary cultural policies published within the issue, including one by Peter Tschmuck which discusses the quasi-privatization or operational autonomy and another by Andrea Grisold which analyzes the effects of liberalization in the television sector in Austria.

Examines the notion of a cultural entrepreneur showing its role in the American system of cultural patronage. Types of activities that can be supported by philanthropy; Scenarios that show an uncritical approach to privatization; Myths about public culture.

Discusses the history of state arts councils in the United States. Role of federalism in the establishment of the councils; Resistance to politicizing the councils; Funding for the councils; Relationships between the councils and the National Endowment for the Arts; Proposal for public support for the arts in the U.S.

Addresses the asymmetrical cultural difficulties that arise from the proximity of the U.S. to Canada. Overview of the Canadian assertion of a cultural exemption in its international trade agreements with the U.S.; Major cultural industries affected; Assessment of Canadian cultural protectionism as a defense against the imposition of a U.S. sphere of cultural influence.

Discusses issues related to the cultural imperialism and sovereignty in the U.S.-Canadian cultural relations as of Summer 2000. Identification of the case of 'Big Nation, Small Nation' syndrome; Arguments concerning cultural protectionism and free trade; Aspects of the free trade debates and the cultural exemption; Importance of the Canadian publishing industries in the internal market of U.S. cultural products.

Introduces a series of articles which deals with arts management, law and society.

Focuses on cultural diplomacy and exchange programs from 1938 to 1978 in the United States. Culture and foreign policy; Cultural exchanges in the country; Administration of cultural exchanges.

Discusses information on effective cultural diplomacy. Its importance in promoting understanding and good will; Two-dimensional nature of cultural diplomacy; Details on cultural diplomacy in the United States.

Analyzes government support for the arts in France, Germany, Norway, and Canada. Political cultures of cultural policies and institutions variability; Models of public funding for culture; Types of administrative entities of the countries; Generalizations about public policymaking.

Addresses the fact that Quebec's Ministry of Culture and its cultural policy are prevailing due to their administrative and political strategies. Principles of cultural policy and its relevance to Canada's future; Role of the Ministry of Culture in relation to the arts; How guidelines of cultural policy represent public commitment; Synopsis of Quebec's cultural position.

Questions the public support for culture in the United States (US) in relation to the political cause involving the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Private and public culture in the US; Need for reorganization within the NEA.

Introduces a series of articles on art and culture.