bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of d-galactosamine/lipopolysacharride–induced fulminant hepatic failure by nilotinib
Authors: El-Agamy DS , Shebl AM , Shaaban AA
Published: January 2017

This investigation was undertaken to test the effect of nilotinib against d-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Male Swiss albino mice were orally treated with nilotinib for 3 days prior to GalN/LPS challenge. The results revealed that administration of GalN/LPS caused elevation in the mortality rate. GalN/LPS-induced severe hepatic injury was manifested by increased serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels as well as histopathological hepatic necrosis and inflammation. In addition, GalN/LPS increased the hepatic oxidative stress as indicated by increased malondialdehyde level, decreased glutathione content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Furthermore, GalN/LPS increased nuclear factor kappa-B activation and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β. These biochemical and histopathological changes were markedly ameliorated by nilotinib pretreatment. On the other hand, the level of toll-like receptor-4 was increased upon GalN/LPS challenge, which was not alleviated by nilotinib pretreatment. These data demonstrate that nilotinib has hepatoprotective activity against GalN/LPS-mediated FHF in mice via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.
More Finance or Better Finance in Feldstein–Horioka Puzzle: Evidence from SSA Countries
Authors: Raheem Ibrahim Dolapo
Published: January 2017

This study examined the role of financial development in the Feldstein–Horioka (FH) puzzle for 31 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries for the period 1999–2011. Unlike previous studies that used traditional measures of finance (‘more finance’), we advocated for superior measures of financial development (‘better finance’). The baseline regression shows that ‘more finance’ increases the FH estimate, while ‘better finance’ serves as drag to the same retention coefficients. The reverse of these results was obtained when the baseline regression was extended to account for the interaction between savings and proxies for finance. The results obtained show a considerable improvement in the saving retention coefficient when ‘better finance’ was used as against ‘more finance’. This concretely reinforces the superior role of ‘better finance’ in mobilizing, distributing and utilizing savings for investment within these economies. Based on these findings, domestic resource mobilization can be a veritable vehicle for plugging the substantial investment gap in these SSA economies. However, such policy thrust must be complemented by far-reaching financial reforms.
Disclosure Studies – A Commentary on the Methods and Measures
Authors: D Kavitha , R Nandagopal
Published: January 2017

This paper purports to discuss the various perspectives and methodologies that have been used in disclosure studies across countries. Investigating disclosure in annual reports has been a topic of research interest for a long time. Adequate disclosure in the annual report is significant for the stakeholders of a firm and has been proven to create a favorable impact on the company. Researchers have used several methods to measure disclosures in the annual reports and have used different methodologies to analyze them. Numerous pros and cons for each of these methods have been identified in subsequent studies. This paper reviews the existing literature and reports the various concerns that have been raised by researchers and methodological changes required in disclosure studies to overcome these.
Corporate Governance in India: Investors' Perspective
Authors: Sharma Jai Prakash , Sachdeva Gurcharan
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study is to analyze the perceptual responses of investors with special reference to the study of corporate governance. Parameters included in the study pertain to the regulatory framework, corporate practices vis-à-vis corporate governance, behaviour of stock market intermediaries and stock market functioning for ensuring investors' protection. The results of the study show that the investors are of the opinion that the regulatory authorities are not able to provide the effective regulatory environment for ensuring corporate governance, however, respondents are satisfied with the behaviour of stock market intermediaries. Moreover, respondents are of the view that corporate practices are not investor-friendly. Dissatisfaction of respondents is more pronounced with regard to volatility of share prices and the involvement of companies in the insider trading. Respondents are also of the view that stock exchanges do not work in the interests of investors in general. The basic reason for this is the delisting of companies by stock exchanges in case of any violation of listing agreement or the provisions of voluntary delisting of companies. Investors are of the opinion that to ensure effective regulatory environment, stock exchanges should take disciplinary actions against directors and principal officers of the companies rather than resorting to delist the companies.
Board Ethnic Diversity in Newly Listed Malaysian Companies
Authors: Ahmad-Zaluki Nurwati A
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the ethnic profile of board members in 235 newly listed Malaysian companies at the time of public offerings during the period 1999 to 2006. Using Blau�s (1977) index of heterogeneity, this paper finds evidence of the existence of ethnic diversity among board members of these companies. Further analysis reveals that the boardrooms of the sample are dominated by the Chinese ethnic group that accounts for 57percent of board seats, followed by Malays, Indians and Others. Interestingly, on average, foreigners account for 7 percent of board seats. The results indicate that newly listed Malaysian companies are ethnically diversified.
Women on Corporate Boards: A Literature Review
Authors: Kang Lakhwinder Singh , Payal
Published: January 2017

The paper aims to comprehend the research work carried out about women directors to identify and highlight various issues, such as; status of women directors, factors hindering the growth of women directors, benefits of having women directors, strategies to promote women participation and directions for future research. The paper clears that the representation of women on the corporate boards across the globe is very low. Role perception, male dominance and stereotypes, proportion of women in management positions, mentoring and networking opportunities, nature of industries, size of the organization and board and a range of other factors determine the participation of women on the corporate boards. Awareness for social philanthropy, less incidences of sexual harassment, motivating women employees and improved corporate performance are the different benefits an organization can drive from having more women at the corporate boards.
Putting ‘Dignity at Workplace’ on the ‘Corporate Governance’ Agenda
Authors: Sunder DL
Published: January 2017

Dignity at workplace is increasingly on the agenda of many law-making bodies. While workplace bullying and harassment is not new, many researchers are now highlighting its enormity and negative consequences. There is a clarion call for laws to prevent bullying at workplace and some countries like Sweden have taken the lead with ordinances and laws on victimization at work. In an era where employees are considered the most valuable asset of an organization, the paper looks at what is bullying, mobbing and harassment along with its consequences on the individual and the organization. It explores various options available to the victim including legal options under the present laws. It argues that a work environment free from bullying and harassment is a prerequisite for developing a competitive advantage in a knowledge society. Finally it suggests that dignity at workplace is an important item to be put on the Corporate Governance agenda and organizations should proactively act to create an environment with zero tolerance for bullying.
CSR at Shipping Corporation of India
Authors: GD Bino Paul , R Venkatesha Murthy , Dave Puja
Published: January 2017

This paper brings out how the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), one of the top performing Indian public sector companies, organizes Corporate Social Responsibility activities, in particular selecting the panel of civil society organizations, funding, and monitoring of their activities. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), has been a partner in this process, involved in different phases of CSR such as vision setting, network building, monitoring of projects and impact assessment. Here, we discuss interesting interventions by Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), supported by SCI's CSR in M-East Ward of Mumbai Municipal Corporation. This ward of Mumbai Corporation is the poorest, showing the least human development index (HDI) and the highest infant mortality rate according to Mumbai Human Development Report (2009). Interestingly, these interventions aim to generate a critical push, which may improve human development profile of this region. More importantly, this initiative is in the process of building a network of organizations which would substantially contribute to the sustenance of interventions.
The Risk Adjusted Return on Indian Central Public Sector Enterprises
Authors: Duppati Geeta , Locke Stuart
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an empirical examination of financial performance and governance of 84 Indian Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Currently, most CPSEs are 100% owned by Government of India; however, there are a few which are listed on the Stock Exchange. The shareholding for the listed CPSEs includes both public holders and other CPSEs which acquire significant blocks.

The Government of India (GOI) has signalled an intention not to reduce its own holding below 51% and this is well below the average holding which is currently above 80%. As the GOI pursues an active campaign to raise funds through further sales of shareholdings this study is timely in considering the returns achieved and whether the governance structures put in place have impacted on the returns of CPSEs.
Interrelationship among Selected Voluntary Board Practices in Corporate Governance: Evidence from India
Authors: Sarpal Shivan
Published: January 2017

Past research discerns that companies following sound governance practices are valued better in the market. Since board of directors play a very crucial role in corporate governance, the present study has identified some selected voluntary board practices and examined them with the help of a sample of top listed companies in India. The analysis covered in this paper provide insights into the association between voluntary board practices followed by the companies with a special emphasis on CEO non-duality i.e. separating the roles of CEO and board Chairman. The other selected voluntary board practices include the existence of outsidercontrolled board, majority-independent board, super active board and the establishment of completely independent audit committee. The study also highlights the role of firm size in the relationships between selected voluntary board practices. In particular, this investigation divulges that there exists an association between some of the selected voluntary board practices and these relationships do vary according to the firm size status in magnitude as well as direction.
Companies Act 2013: Changed Approach to Regulate in Vicissitude Corporate and Economic Scenario
Authors: Kumar Abhishek
Published: January 2017

Enactment of new company legislation, Companies Act, 2013 requires us to understand the core essence and intent of legislators in replacing the Companies Act, 1956. This research article has traced the development of Company�s law in India from the very beginning i.e. right from the enactment of the Companies Act in 1913 to the existing law today.

The objective of this study is to examine the regulatory reach of the new company law and its transformation from �Merit Based Regulation� to �Disclosure Based regulations�. The paper urges that extant merit-based 1956 Act is deficient and a potential road block to sustainable economic development in a highly competitive and globally integrated environment, flawed with regulatory gaps and therefore abused by market participants. The paper is an attempt to find out the appropriateness of shifting to �Disclosure Based Regulations� the basic philosophy behind the New Company Law. The research suggests that the new companies Act, 2013 cater to the needs of the present economic scenario and has the potential to stimulus progress.
Book Review: Charles Villa Vicencio, Erik Doxtader and Ebrahim Moosa (Eds), The African Renaissance and the Afro-Arab Spring a Season of Rebirth
Authors: Siddiqui Fazzur Rahman
Published: January 2017

Charles Villa Vicencio, Erik Doxtader and Ebrahim Moosa (Eds), The African Renaissance and the Afro-Arab Spring a Season of Rebirth, Georgetown University Press, Washington DC, 2015, 225 pp., ISBN: 978-1-62616-197-9.
Emotional Reactions to Music in a Nationally Representative Sample of Swedish Adults: Prevalence and Causal Influences
Authors: Juslin Patrik N. , Liljeström Simon , Laukka Petri , Västfjäll Daniel , Lundqvist Lars-Olov
Published: January 2017

Empirical studies have indicated that listeners value music primarily for its ability to arouse emotions. Yet little is known about which emotions listeners normally experience when listening to music, or about the causes of these emotions. The goal of this study was therefore to explore the prevalence of emotional reactions to music in everyday life and how this is influenced by various factors in the listener, the music, and the situation. A self-administered mail questionnaire was sent to a random and nationally representative sample of 1,500 Swedish citizens between the ages of 18 and 65, and 762 participants (51%) responded to the questionnaire. Thirty-two items explored both musical emotions in general (semantic estimates) and the most recent emotion episode featuring music for each participant (episodic estimates). The results revealed several variables (e.g., personality, age, gender, listener activity) that were correlated with particular emotions. A multiple discriminant analysis indicated that three of the most common emotion categories in a set of musical episodes (i.e., happiness, sadness, nostalgia) could be predicted with a mean accuracy of 70% correct based on data obtained from the questionnaire. The results may inform theorizing about musical emotions and guide the selection of causal variables for manipulation in future experiments.
University Students' Strong Experiences of Music: Pleasure, Engagement, and Meaning
Authors: Lamont Alexandra
Published: January 2017

Research has begun to explore the nature of strong experiences of music listening, identifying a number of individual components from physiological through to psychological (Gabrielsson & Lindström Wik, 2003), but this has not yet been considered in relation to mainstream theories of happiness. Drawing on positive psychology, Seligman's (2002) framework for achieving balanced wellbeing includes the components of pleasure, engagement, and meaning. In the current study, 46 university students (median age 21) gave free reports of their strongest, most intense experiences of music listening. Accounts were analysed thematically using an idiographic approach, exploring the relevance of Seligman's framework. Most strong experiences were positive, and occurred at live events with others. A wide range of mainly familiar music was associated with reported strong experiences, from classical through jazz and folk to old and new pop music, and experiences lasted for varying time periods from seconds to hours. Unexpected musical or non-musical events were sometimes associated with strong experiences. None of the accounts could be characterized by a single route to happiness: in addition to hedonism, engagement and meaning (particularly in terms of identity) were present in every description, and the findings thus emphasize the power of music to evoke a state of authentic happiness. The importance of taking account of the music, the listener, and the situation in order to fully understand these experiences is underlined.
Psychotherapy and the older person
Authors: Jeyasingam Neil Raveen
Published: January 2017

Objective:

This article aims to provide a brief overview of the current evidence for psychotherapeutic approaches in older adults, together with clinical practice notes for interventions.

Conclusion:

There are a range of appropriate psychotherapeutic options for the older adult that merit further study, and further opportunities for enhancing clinical practice.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of chlamydia infection in youth who use drugs and alcohol: a good opportunity for early intervention
Authors: Akosile Wole , McDermott Brett M
Published: January 2017

Aims:

This study estimates the prevalence of chlamydia infection amongst teenage substance users aged 14–18years and investigates risk factors associated with a positive diagnosis of chlamydia infection.

Methods:

Data was collected from the medical files of adolescents who attended a statewide drug and alcohol treatment facility during a three-year period commencing June 2011.

Results:

The highest rate of chlamydia detection (18.0%) was found in the group with a reported history of abuse, a non-substance use psychiatric diagnosis, and individuals who did not complete year 10 education.

Conclusion:

Adolescents attending a detoxification facility are a suitable group for targeted chlamydia infection screening and early treatment.
Assessment of Service-Learning in the Deaf-Blind Community
Authors: Shaw Sherry , Jolley Carolyn S.
Published: January 2017

The concurrent conditions of deafness and blindness present a set of unique needs within a community that highly values independence and autonomy. This project assesses the service-learning initiative in a post-secondary Interpreter Education Program (IEP) in which students learn via civic engagement with the Deaf-Blind community to employ concepts and skills acquired from coursework. In 2005, several years after implementing service-learning in the Interpreting for Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind course, the program assessed project efficacy through reflective journal analysis and stakeholder interviews. Results indicated dominant themes around Deaf-Blind consumer empowerment, personal attitudes, coping strategies, and application of experiences to specific topics addressed in class. Outcomes of this assessment are being used to revise the course so as to align objectives more closely with needs of students and community entities that serve persons who are Deaf-Blind.
The Impact of Service-Learning on Ethnocentrism in an Intercultural Communication Course
Authors: Borden Amanda Welch
Published: January 2017

This study analyzes a project involving students enrolled in an intercultural communication class that employs service-learning. Participants were given the Generalized Ethnocentrism (GENE) scale developed by Neuliep and McCroskey at the beginning and conclusion of a semester of service-learning with a cultural group different than their own. Results indicate a significant decrease in ethnocentrism from the beginning to the end of the semester. Analysis of students' written reflections about their service experiences reinforces the conclusion that service-learning played a part in reducing ethnocentrism. Although further research is needed to provide a control for the manipulation, there is a preliminary indication that service-learning with diverse cultures may provide a type of consistent, deep, and meaningful contact that leads to lower levels of ethnocentrism.
Assessing the Development of Environmental Virtue in 7th and 8th Grade Students in an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound School
Authors: Martin Bruce , Bright Alan , Cafaro Philip , Mittelstaedt Robin , Bruyere Brett
Published: January 2017

This study attempted to assess the development of environmental virtue in 7th and 8th grade students in an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB) school using an instrument developed for this study—the Children's Environmental Virtue Scale (CEVS). Data for this study were obtained by administering the CEVS survey (pretest and posttest) to students in an ELOB school (n = 45) that included a 10-week expeditionary learning unit. The internal consistency of the survey instrument was determined using Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients. Mean environmental virtue scores were compared using paired samples t- tests. Significant results indicated a decrease in the mean environmental virtue scores for students who participated in the expeditionary learning unit. Limitations of the study are presented.
Into the Big Wide World: Sustainable Experiential Education for the 21st Century
Authors: Higgins Peter
Published: January 2017

This paper considers the complexity of learning and decision-making in modern society and argues that experiential education should embrace this complexity. It argues that experiential programmes should provide independent learning experiences that address the capacities of learners, the value contexts in which they learn, and that taking responsibility for actions should be an important programme focus. Furthermore, realising the limitations to learning through direct experience recognises the role of critical reflection on knowledge, understanding, and personal decision-making.

To make experiential education relevant to the needs of modern society, a focus on education about and action on the big issues of the day, (e.g., global climate change) is an imperative that outdoor educators are well equipped to address. However, action requires knowledge, and therefore programmes require content. Such an approach may prove attractive to educational policy makers and represents an opportunity for experiential education to contribute meaningfully to mainstream education.
An Evaluation of a Service-Learning Model for Criminal Justice Undergraduate Students
Authors: Hirschinger-Blank Nancy Beth , Simons Lori , Kenyon Alexandra
Published: January 2017

A triangulation mixed-methods design was used to measure differences in service-learning outcomes for 32 students enrolled in criminal justice courses during the academic years 2003 (n = 16) and 2005 (n = 16). Results show that service-learners increase their political awareness and course value but experience a decrease in problem-solving skills and preference for short-term and long-term participation in service projects over the course of the semester. Results further indicate that service-learning impacts the majority of students' attitudes regarding diversity, as well as their interpersonal, personal, and intellectual development.
Outdoor Recreation Participation and Environmental Concern: A Research Summary
Authors: Berns Gretchen Newhouse , Simpson Steven
Published: January 2017

Many experiential educators assume that participation in outdoor recreation creates an awareness and commitment to the environment through direct experience. This research summary looks to whether the research supports such an assumption. Specifically it reviews the key literature on this topic, examines the various classifications of outdoor recreation activities, discusses environmental terminology, and offers suggestions for future research directions.
Toward a Model of Embodied Environmental Education: Perspectives from Theatre and Indigenous Knowledges
Authors: Lane Julia
Published: January 2017

This paper suggests a model of embodied environmental education grounded in participant interviews, fieldwork, scholarly literature, and the author's own embodied relationship with the natural world. In this article, embodiment refers to a process that stems from Indigenous Knowledges and theatre. Although Indigenous Knowledges and theatre resonate with the goals of environmental education, they rarely find full expression in such programs. The participants in this empirical research project suggest that embodiment has the potential to enrich environmental education by promoting personal connections with and responsibility for the environment.
Learned Helplessness and Depressive Symptoms Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Smallheer Benjamin A. , Vollman Michael , Dietrich Mary S.
Published: January 2017

Psychosocial factors are known to impact depressive symptoms across clinical populations. Learned helplessness has the potential of affecting depressive symptoms following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), though little is known about this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between learned helplessness and depressive symptoms in patients following an AMI. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, participants with a diagnosed AMI within the past 12 months were recruited. Standardized instruments and measures were used to evaluate learned helplessness and depressive symptoms. A statistically significant direct relationship was found between learned helplessness and depressive symptoms, suggesting that individuals with higher self-reported levels of learned helplessness also reported more depressive symptoms. These results indicate learned helplessness is associated with depressive symptoms in individuals following an AMI. In developing post-AMI treatment plans, health care staff should focus on psychologic points of intervention to the same extent as physiologic interventions.
Meta-Organization Matters
Authors: Spillman Lyn
Published: January 2017

This article summarizes a cultural perspective on trade associations and its implications for understanding their organizational features, roles, and functions. I suggest that fruitful future research should examine over time the conditions under which particular association activities become consequential, and compare trade association organization with other forms of econonomic governance and nonprofit association.
Employing James Bond
Authors: Parker Martin
Published: January 2017

This article is concerned with the representation of one particular form of work within popular culture during a particular period, in order to understand just how much representations of work have altered over the past half century. I discuss the James Bond phenomenon and the ways in which it has been understood by cultural theorists. I then look at what the novels suggest about understandings of work and organizations in Britain in the 1950s before comparing that period to later Bonds. The latter operation necessarily involves thinking through the ways in which an understanding of historical context is crucial to thinking through the production and consumption of any text, whether about work and organizations, or any other topic. The article concludes with some thoughts on the impossibility of the Bond novels being written now, when the organization and its executives are assumed to be agents in generalized conspiracies.
5-2-1-0 Activity and Nutrition Challenge for Elementary Students
Authors: Lovell Cynthia Miller
Published: January 2017

Obesity prevention in youth is a health priority, and teaching healthy habits toward this end is one of a school nurse’s many responsibilities. A school nurse developed and implemented a school-wide, 2-week-long Activity and Nutrition Challenge (ANC) using the evidence-based 5-2-1-0 initiative to prevent and fight childhood obesity. Despite minimal promotion, nearly half of the students at two elementary schools participated and earned points by following the guidelines in the ANC. The amount of chocolate milk consumed by students dropped significantly during the ANC, showing that the healthy behavior of choosing beverages without added sugar had been positively impacted. Anecdotal evidence suggested positive changes in other healthy behaviors as well. This ANC was a new way for a school nurse to teach healthy habits to a large group of children in a short period of time, with limited extra work, and with promising results.
Development of a Scale to Measure Directive Guidance by Pharmacists
Authors: Gupchup Gireesh V , Wolfgang Alan P , Thomas Joseph
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To develop and test a questionnaire that can be used to measure directive guidance behaviors by pharmacists.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN:

The Purdue Pharmacist Directive Guidance (PPDG) scale was developed based on the directive guidance dimension of socially supportive behaviors, as described by Barrera and Ainlay. The final scale consists of 10 items.

SUBJECTS:

Individuals on the Walker Test Crew database who were 18 years of age or older and self-reported taking medications for asthma, hypertension, and/or diabetes in the past 3 months were eligible for inclusion. All data were collected through telephone interviews. A total of 464 contacts were made, resulting in 300 responses.

DATA ANALYSIS:

Principal components analysis was performed to determine the construct subscales of the PPDG. Internal consistency of the PPDG and its subscales was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and corrected item-total correlations. Pearson product-moment correlations of the PPDG with measures of family and friend support (FFS) and self-reported medication adherence were used to determine convergent validity. Spearman rank-order correlations of the PPDG with the total number of prescription medications as well as those for asthma, hypertension, and diabetes taken in the past 3 months were obtained. ANOVA and Student's t-tests were used to determine differences in PPDG across demographic characteristics.

RESULTS:

Principal components analysis yielded two subscales for the PPDG. These were named Instruction and Feedback and Goal Setting, based on their content. The PPDG scale had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86), and correlated positively and significantly with FFS (r = 0.27), giving some evidence of convergent validity. The PPDG scale and its subscales also had logically intuitive positive and significant correlations with the total number of prescription drugs taken in the past 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PPDG is short and easy to administer, and showed validity and reliability. The PPDG scale should be useful in developing a better understanding of the process by which pharmacists influence healthcare outcomes, assessing variations in pharmaceutical care, and as a tool in identifying means of overcoming barriers to higher levels of pharmaceutical care.
Anticoagulant Therapy Monitoring with International Normalized Ratio at us Academic Health Centers
Authors: Yim Josephine M , Albers Gregory W , Vlasses Peter H
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the extent of incorporation of international normalized ratio (INR) reporting in US academic hospitals.

DESIGN:

Survey of academic hospital clinical laboratories in January 1995.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS:

Fifty-eight academic hospital clinical laboratories at institutions that are members of the University HealthSystem Consortium.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The methods for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy at the surveyed laboratories were determined. The extent of reporting of prothrombin time (PT), PT ratio, INR, and INR therapeutic range was determined.

RESULTS:

All 58 of the responding hospital clinical laboratories reported INR in patients receiving oral anticoagulation. The median length of time that hospitals had been reporting INR was 24 months (range 3–108). A majority of hospitals continued to report PT values (95%) and PT reference ranges (93%) in addition to INR. Therapeutic INR ranges were reported by only 25 of the laboratories (43%). Of those that report INR ranges, many follow the published recommendations by the American College of Chest Physicians and the Food and Drug Administration. A majority of the hospitals (79%) do not confirm the accuracy of the international sensitivity index (ISI) for their own analyzers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Contrary to previous reports, academic hospital clinical laboratories have now adopted the more accurate system of reporting INR values in addition to PT values in patients receiving oral anticoagulation. However, better reporting of INR ranges, use of more sensitive thromboplastins, and confirmation of the accuracy of the ISI for local analyses would further improve the monitoring of oral anticoagulation.
Neuroleptics in Acute Mania: A Pharmacoepidemiologic Study
Authors: Chou James C-Y , Zito Julie Magno , Vitrai Jozsef , Craig Thomas J , Allingham Baerbel H , Czobor Pal
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To provide an epidemiologic descriptive analysis of the acute drug treatment of inpatients with bipolar mania in state psychiatric facilities in 1990.

METHODS:

We surveyed the first 3 weeks of drug treatment of all inpatients with bipolar mania who were admitted to 22 New York State adult psychiatric facilities during a 6-month period (n = 528).

RESULTS:

Almost all patients with mania were treated with neuroleptics. The mean ± SD neuroleptic dosage was 684 ± 543 mg/d chlorpromazine equivalents. Sixty-one percent of the patients received lithium and 12% received carbamazepine or valproate. Neuroleptic dosage was related to age, with older patients receiving lower dosages. Patients receiving combination treatment of a neuroleptic with either lithium, an anticonvulsant, or a benzodiazepine received a mean neuroleptic dosage similar to that of patients treated with a neuroleptic alone.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although their use has been widely discouraged for mood disorders, neuroleptics have been the standard treatment for acute mania.
Potential Interaction between Warfarin and Dicloxacillin
Authors: Mailloux Allan T , Gidal Barry E , Sorkness Christine A
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case and retrospective review of seven patients who experienced a decrease in prothrombin time during concomitant administration of warfarin and dicloxacillin.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 41-year-old man receiving warfarin 22 mg/wk with a final baseline prothrombin time (PT) of 20.7 sec was prescribed dicloxacillin 500 mg qid for 10 days. Plasma collected for PT determinations was also used to measure trough warfarin R-and S- enantiomer concentrations. The PT and S- and R-warfarin concentrations decreased 17%, 25%, and 20%, respectively, on day 5 after initiation of dicloxacillin. For the retrospective review, the mean PT decreased 17.0% (range 10.5–25.9%) as soon as 4 days after the initiation of dicloxacillin.

DISCUSSION:

Our observations, which are consistent with those of two previously published reports, suggest a close temporal relationship between the administration of dicloxacillin and a decreased anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Limited data from our patient further suggest that this may result from declines in systemic warfarin concentrations. The time course of the fall of PTs appears to occur within 4–5 days; return of the PT to baseline after dicloxacillin administration is stopped appears to take up to 3 weeks. Until further controlled studies are conducted to confirm this interaction, clinicians should be aware that patients may be at risk for a decreased anticoagulant effect of warfarin when dicloxacillin is given concomitantly.

CONCLUSIONS:

Careful monitoring of international normalized ratios and titration of the warfarin dosage is recommended on initiation and for 3 weeks after discontinuation of dicloxacillin in patients receiving warfarin.
Lansoprazole: A Proton Pump Inhibitor
Authors: Garnett William R
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To summarize the published data on lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of duodenal ulcer, erosive esophagitis, and pathologic hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

DATA SOURCES:

Published data on lansoprazole identified by MEDLINE searches (1985–1996), as well as other pertinent literature.

STUDY SELECTION:

Clinical efficacy trials discussed were limited to multicenter, double-blind, parallel group, prospective studies, where possible.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Lansoprazole inhibits gastric acid secretion via inhibition of gastric hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (H+,K+-ATPase), an enzyme of the gastric parietal cell membrane that forms part of the proton pump that performs the final step in the acid secretory process. Lansoprazole binds covalently to parietal cell H+,K+-ATPase, rendering it nonfunctional and inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid. In clinical trials, lansoprazole has been shown to be more effective than placebo and standard doses of histamine (H)2-receptor antagonists and as effective as standard doses of omeprazole for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug—induced lesions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lansoprazole is safe and effective for the treatment of acid-related disorders. It is more effective than the H2-receptor antagonists and comparable to omeprazole for these indications. The choice between lansoprazole and omeprazole is likely to be institution-specific and pharmacoeconomic.
Studies Evaluating High-Dose Acyclovir, Intravenous Immune Globulin, and Cytomegalovirus Hyperimmunoglobulin for Prophylaxis against Cytomegalovirus in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Dickinson Benjamin I , Gora-Harper Mary Lea , McCraney Scott A , Gosland Michael
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and critically analyze the studies evaluating the cost, safety, and efficacy of high-dose acyclovir, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), and CMV hyperimmunoglobulin (CMVIG) for prophylaxis against CMV in kidney transplant recipients.

DATA SOURCES:

Appropriate articles were identified by searching MEDLINE. Various combinations of the following medical subject heading terms were used: immunoglobulins, intravenous; acyclovir; CMVIG; CMV infections; kidney transplantation; IVIG; and prophylaxis.

STUDY SELECTION:

Studies evaluating or discussing the cost, safety, and efficacy of IVIG, high-dose acyclovir, and CMVIG in kidney transplant recipients were included.

DATA EXTRACTION:

The data were evaluated with respect to study design, patient population, prophylactic regimen, incidence of CMV complications, investigators' definitions of terminology, and cost analysis. The studies are summarized in tables and discussed in the text.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

The definitions of terminology used by the investigators varied widely among studies. The studies were reviewed and discussed using the following definitions: CMV infection was the presence of CMV antibodies in a previously CMV-seronegative patient or a fourfold rise in antibody titer after transplantation; CMV syndrome was CMV infection plus unexplained fever, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia in the absence of an identifiable cause; and CMV disease was CMV syndrome plus pneumonitis, enteritis, retinitis, hepatitis, or central nervous system involvement.

CONCLUSIONS:

All regimens appear to effectively reduce the incidence of CMV-associated complications compared with placebo. Due to the lack of trials comparing cost, efficacy, and safety, the most effective prophylactic treatment is unknown.
Is the End Really the End? Prevalence and Correlates of College Women’s Intentions to Return to an Abusive Relationship
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Palmer Kelly M. , Lindemann Kristin G. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: January 2017

Fifty-six college women completed surveys before and after terminating an abusive, heterosexual dating relationship. Whereas 64% of women had contact with their abusive partner post break-up, only 14% reported a moderate to high likelihood that they would return. Intentions to return were prospectively predicted by fewer perceived quality of alternatives, and cross-sectional correlates of intentions to return were being single, shorter time since relationship termination, having contact with one’s abusive ex-partner, and social pressure to return. These data can be used to inform intervention and advocacy efforts and to guide future research.
Propagation of Kelvin Modes
Authors: Cowin Steven C.
Published: January 2017

The Kelvin modes of isotropic elasticity are the dilatational mode and the deviatoric mode. Kelvin modes may be defined for all the anisotropic elastic symmetries. It is shown here that any plane wave may be considered as the sum of propagating Kelvin modes, but that the only Kelvin mode that will propagate by itself as a plane wave in any anisotropic elastic material (except a material with triclinic symmetry) is a single simple shear mode. However, other Kelvin modes may propagate in special elastic materials and single simple shear modes may propagate in special triclinic materials. These results generalized the paradigm of the shear and pressure waves of linear isotropic elasticity to all plane waves in anisotropic elasticity.
Stability and Bifurcation of Homogeneous Deformations of a Compressible Elastic Body under Pressure Load
Authors: Chen Yi-Chao
Published: January 2017

An analysis is given of the stability and bifurcation of homogeneous deformations of a compressible homogeneous isotropic elastic body under pressure loads. The energy minimum principle is used in the stability analysis and singularity theory in the bifurcation analysts. It is found that multiple equilibrium deformations are possible under pressure loads that describe the Cauchy traction over the boundary of the deformed body.
Smoothness of the Scalar Coefficients in Representations of Isotropic Tensor-Valued Functions
Authors: Scheidler Michael
Published: January 2017

For a three-dimensional space, an isotropic tensor-valued function Φ of a symmetric tensor A has the representation Φ(A) = α(A)I + β(A)A + γ(A)A2, where the coefficients α, β, γ are isotropic scalar-valued functions. It is known that these coefficients may fail to be as smooth as Φ at those tensors A that do not have three distinct eigenvalues. Serrin and Man determined conditions on the smoothness of Φ that guarantee the existence of continuous coefficients. We give a different proof of their results and also determine conditions on Φ that guarantee the existence of continuously differentiable coefficients.
Noteworthy Literature Published in 2016 for Cardiothoracic Critical Care
Authors: Evans Adam S. , Mazzeffi Michael , Ivascu Natalia , Noguera Edward , Gutsche Jacob
Published: January 2017

In 2016, demand for the presence of cardiothoracic anesthesiologists outside of the cardiac operating rooms continues to expand. This article is the second in this annual series to review relevant contributions in postoperative cardiac critical care that may impact the cardiac anesthesiologist. We explore the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), management of postoperative atrial fibrillation, coagulopathy, respiratory failure, and role of quality in cardiac surgery.
Impact of Louisiana’s HPV Vaccine Awareness Policy on HPV Vaccination Among 13- to 17-Year-Old Females
Authors: Pierre-Victor Dudith , Trepka Mary Jo , Page Timothy F. , Li Tan , Stephens Dionne P. , Madhivanan Purnima
Published: January 2017

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization for 11- to 12-year-old adolescents. In 2008, Louisiana required the school boards to distribute HPV vaccine information to parents or guardian of students in Grades 6 to 12. This article investigates the impact of this policy on HPV vaccination among 13- to 17-year-old female adolescents using National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) data. Drawing on the data from the 2008 to 2012 NIS-Teen, we compared the difference in proportions of females who have been vaccinated before and after the policy. Using difference-indifference estimation, we explored the change in vaccination rates before and after the policy implementation in Louisiana compared with Alabama and Mississippi, two states that did not have such a policy in place. The difference-in-differences estimates for HPV vaccination were not significant. Physician recommendation for HPV vaccination was significantly associated with vaccination among females in Louisiana and Alabama (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.74; 95% confidence interval [CI; 5.22, 11.5]), and for those in Louisiana and Mississippi (aOR = 7.05; 95% CI [4.6, 10.5]). Compared to the proportion of female adolescents who had received physician recommendation in Alabama or Mississippi, the proportion in Louisiana did not increase significantly in the postpolicy period. HPV vaccination rates did not increase significantly in Louisiana compared to Alabama or Mississippi following the implementation of the policy. Despite Louisiana’s policy, physician recommendation remains the key determinant of HPV vaccination. HPV vaccine awareness does not necessarily result in HPV vaccination.
Brennan and Walsh Reconsidered (Mutt and Jeff Ride Again)
Authors: Hochman Harold M. , Rodgers James D.
Published: January 2017

Geoffrey Brennan and Cliff Walsh contrast the different transfer patterns of Pareto-optimal redistribution of income resulting from our model (American Economic Review, 1969) and from the model used by von Furstenberg and Mueller (FM). They attempt to show that our model is inconsistent and that, when corrected, would produce a similar transfer pattern to that of FM. We argue that our paper was more general than they allege and that the differences between the transfer patterns in our model and that of FM reflect differences in the concept of horizontal equity and assumptions about utility interdependence, and not any inconsistency on our part.
Income Redistributive Effects of State and Local Fiscs: Connecticut, a Case Study
Authors: Eapen A. T. , Eapen Ana N.
Published: January 2017

Regardless of the alternative assumptions used to allocate taxes and benefits from expenditures of Connecticut state and local governments in 1967, this study shows that the incidence of taxes is regressive while that of expenditures is progressive. The regressivity of the tax structure is overwhelmingly due to the regressivity of the property tax. Progressivity of expenditures stems chiefly from transfer payments, housing, and hospitals which benefit primarily low-income families. On the basis of reasonable assumptions, it is shown that the state and local fiscs bring about, on the average a net redistribution of a mere two percent of income from families with annual incomes of $12,000 and above to those below that level.
The Equivalence of Flat Grants and Foundation Programs in State Education Aid Formulas
Authors: Gilmer Robert W. , Morgan Daniel
Published: January 2017

Conventional education finance literature, even including the reform literature surrounding the Serrano and Rodriguez cases, holds that foundation programs are more equalizing than flat grants. This article demonstrates that there is no theoretical basis for this conclusion. It further shows that equalized apportionment formulas are less cryptic approaches for achieving the goals of foundation programs than the approaches which attempt to “key” on particular school districts.