Learning to kill: Why a small handful of counties generates the bulk of US death sentences.

We demonstrate strong self-referential effects in county-level data concerning use of the death penalty. We first show event-dependency using a repeated-event model. Higher numbers of previous events reduce the expected time delay before the next event. Second, we use a cross-sectional time-series approach to model the number of death sentences imposed in a given county in a given year. This model shows that the cumulative number of death sentences previously imposed in the same county is a strong predictor of the number imposed in a given year. Results raise troubling substantive implications: The number of death sentences in a given county in a given year is better predicted by that county's previous experience in imposing death than by the number of homicides. This explains the previously observed fact that a large share of death sentences come from a small number of counties and documents the self-referential aspects of use the death penalty. A death sentencing system based on racial dynamics and then amplified by self-referential dynamics is inconsistent with equal protection of the law, but this describes the United States system well.

Adiposity and gingival crevicular fluid tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels in children.

AIM: To investigate whether adiposity is associated with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in children. We also examined whether this relationship is mediated through plasma fasting insulin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This preliminary study used cross-sectional data from the baseline-visit of the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth cohort, which is an ongoing longitudinal study investigating the natural history of obesity in Quebec children. Study participants (76 girls and 102 boys) include children aged 8-10 years and their families, living in the Montreal and Quebec City areas. TNF-alpha level was measured in pooled samples (N=4) for each child by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight/height(2) (kg/m(2)). Sex/age-specific BMI was categorized into normal (<85th percentile), overweight (85th-95th percentile) and obese (>or=95th percentile) defined by the 2000 US-CDC growth charts. Insulin resistance was measured using fasting plasma insulin in children. Data analysis involved descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Our results suggest that obesity in boys was associated with a 37% increase of GCF-TNF-alpha level. However, when accounting for insulin resistance this association was reduced and disappeared while the model's goodness of fit improved. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for the link between adiposity in children and GCF-TNF-alpha level, which appears to be mediated by insulin resistance.

Relation entre la mastication et la qualité de l'alimentation des aînés de l'Étude longitudinale québécoise sur la nutrition et le vieillissement (NuAge).

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the quality of mastication and dietary intake among community-dwelling older adults (67-84 years). A secondary analysis of data collected upon entry of participants in the NuAge study was effected. Perceived masticatory efficiency (n=1793) was measured using a questionnaire inspired by the Oral Health Impact Profile. Direct assessment of masticatory efficiency was carried out in a subsample (n=94), using a validated clinical test (Swallowing Threshold Test Index, 0-100%). Dietary intake was calculated from three non-consecutive 24h recalls. Mean scores indicate good perceived masticatory efficiency (Men:26.22±0.19/28;Women:25.81±0.21/28), but weak assessed efficiency (Men:60.8% [CI(57.3-64.2)]; Women:61.2% [CI(57.7-64.7)]). Multivariate regression analysis, adjusting for confounding variables (age, sex, schooling, living alone, income, smoking, chronic conditions, functional autonomy), showed that masticatory efficiency (measured or perceived) was not associated with intake of fruits/vegetables, protein, vitamin C or folic acid.

Assessing Older Adults' Masticatory Efficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To determine internal consistency and criterion validity of a questionnaire assessing perception of masticatory efficiency in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Secondary cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge). SETTING: NuAge is a 5-year (2003-08) observational study of 1,793 men and women aged 67 to 84 in good general health at recruitment. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 1,789 was used to determine internal consistency of the questionnaire. A subsample (n = 94) of the cohort who underwent a clinical test directly measuring masticatory efficiency was used to determine criterion validity of the questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS: The questionnaire was a subset of the Oral Health Impact Profile containing 7 Likert-scale questions (score 0-28 points). Masticatory efficiency was assessed using a validated clinical test measuring ability to chew a raw carrot (Swallowing Threshold Test Index, score 0-100%). For perceived and measured data, a higher score indicated better masticatory efficiency. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the questionnaire was deemed good (Cronbach alpha = 0.803). Mean scores were generally high (men, 25.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 24.7-25.9; women, 24.3, 95% CI = 23.7-25.0), indicating good perceived masticatory efficiency for men and women. Mean performance test scores were low (men, 60.8%, 95% CI = 57.3-64.2; women, 61.2%, 95% CI = 57.7-64.7). No significant relationship between perceived and measured masticatory efficiency was observed (Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.14, P = .22). CONCLUSION: Despite good internal consistency of the questionnaire and the recognized validity of the test, people's perception of their masticatory efficiency does not reflect objective efficiency as measured using a clinical test.