bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Countries or Hospitals With Longer Hospital Stays for Acute Heart Failure Have Lower Readmission Rates?
Authors: Eapen Zubin J. , Reed Shelby D. , Li Yanhong , Kociol Robb D. , Armstrong Paul W. , Starling Randall C. , McMurray John J. , Massie Barry M. , Swedberg Karl , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Teerlink John R. , Metra Marco , Whellan David J. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Califf Robert M. , Hernandez Adrian F.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Hospital readmission is an important clinical outcome of patients with heart failure. Its relation to length of stay for the initial hospitalization is not clear.

Methods and Results—

We used hierarchical modeling of data from a clinical trial to examine variations in length of stay across countries and across hospitals in the United States and its association with readmission within 30 days of randomization. Main outcomes included associations between country-level length of stay and readmission rates, after adjustment for patient-level case mix; and associations between length of stay and readmission rates across sites in the United States. Across 27 countries with 389 sites and 6848 patients, mean length of stay ranged from 4.9 to 14.6 days (6.1 days in the United States). Rates of all-cause readmission ranged from 2.5% to 25.0% (17.8% in the United States). There was an inverse correlation between country-level mean length of stay and readmission (
r
=–0.52;
P
<0.01). After multivariable adjustment, each additional inpatient day across countries was associated with significantly lower risk of all-cause readmission (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.98;
P
=0.02) and heart failure readmission (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.99;
P
=0.03). Similar trends were observed across US study sites concerning readmission for any cause (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–1.00;
P
=0.06) and readmission for heart failure (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.01;
P
=0.07). Across countries and across US sites, longer median length of stay was independently associated with lower risk of readmission.

Conclusions—

Countries with longer length of stay for heart failure hospitalizations had significantly lower rates of readmission within 30 days of randomization. These findings may have implications for developing strategies to prevent readmission, defining quality measures, and designing clinical trials in acute heart failure.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00475852.
The Prognostic Value of Normal Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Gargiulo Paola , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Bruzzese Dario , Savarese Gianluigi , Scala Oriana , Ruggiero Donatella , D’Amore Carmen , Paolillo Stefania , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Bossone Edoardo , Soricelli Andrea , Cuocolo Alberto , Trimarco Bruno , Filardi Pasquale Perrone
Published: June 2013

Background—

Ischemia detection with stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is typically based on induction of either myocardial perfusion defect or wall motion abnormality. Single-center studies have shown the high value of stress CMR for risk stratification. The aim of this study was to define the prognostic value of stress CMR for prediction of adverse cardiac events in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

Studies published between January 1985 and April 2012 were identified by database search. We included studies using stress CMR to evaluate subjects with known or suspected coronary artery disease and providing primary data on clinical outcomes of nonfatal myocardial infarction or cardiac death with a follow-up time ≥3 months. Total of 14 studies were finally included, recruiting 12 178 patients. The negative predictive value for nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death of normal CMR was 98.12% (95% confidence interval, 97.26–98.83) during a weighted mean follow-up of 25.3 months, resulting in estimated event rate after a negative test equal to 1.88% (95% confidence interval, 1.17–2.74). The corresponding annualized event rate after a negative test was 1.03%. Comparable negative predictive values for major coronary events were obtained in studies considering the absence of inducible perfusion defect compared with those evaluating the absence of inducible wall motion abnormality (98.39% versus 97.31%, respectively;
P
=0.227 by meta-regression analysis).

Conclusions—

Stress CMR has a high negative predictive value for adverse cardiac events, and the absence of inducible perfusion defect or wall motion abnormality shows a similar ability to identify low-risk patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.
Nanoparticle PET-CT Detects Rejection and Immunomodulation in Cardiac Allografts
Authors: Ueno Takuya , Dutta Partha , Keliher Edmund , Leuschner Florian , Majmudar Maulik , Marinelli Brett , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Figueiredo Jose-Luiz , Christen Thomas , Swirski Filip K. , Libby Peter , Weissleder Ralph , Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: June 2013

Background—

Macrophages predominate among the inflammatory cells in rejecting allografts. These innate immune cells, in addition to allospecific T cells, can damage cardiomyocytes directly.

Methods and Results—

We explored whether sensitive positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging of macrophages-avid nanoparticles detects rejection of heart allografts in mice. In addition, we used the imaging method to follow the immunomodulatory impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy on myeloid cells in allografts. Dextran nanoparticles were derivatized with the PET isotope copper-64 and imaged 7 days after transplantation. C57BL/6 recipients of BALB/c allografts displayed robust positron emission tomography signal (standard uptake value allograft, 2.8±0.3; isograft control, 1.7±0.2;
P
<0.05). Autoradiography and scintillation counting confirmed the in vivo findings. We then imaged the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (5 mg/kg enalapril). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor significantly decreased nanoparticle signal (
P
<0.05). Histology and flow cytometry showed a reduced number of myeloid cells in the graft, blood, and lymph nodes and diminished antigen presentation (
P
<0.05 versus untreated allografts). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor also significantly prolonged allograft survival (12 versus 7 days;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Nanoparticle macrophage PET-CT detects heart transplant rejection and predicts organ survival by reporting on myeloid cells.
Aortic Dilation in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Bissell Malenka M. , Hess Aaron T. , Biasiolli Luca , Glaze Steffan J. , Loudon Margaret , Pitcher Alex , Davis Anne , Prendergast Bernard , Markl Michael , Barker Alex J. , Neubauer Stefan , Myerson Saul G.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Ascending aortic dilation is important in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease, with increased risk of aortic dissection. We used cardiovascular MR to understand the pathophysiology better by examining the links between 3-dimensional flow abnormalities, aortic function, and aortic dilation.

Methods and Results—

A total of 142 subjects underwent cardiovascular MR (mean age, 40 years; 95 with BAV, 47 healthy volunteers). Patients with BAV had predominantly abnormal right-handed helical flow in the ascending aorta, larger ascending aortas (18.3±3.3 versus 15.2±2.2 mm/m
2
;
P
<0.001), and higher rotational (helical) flow (31.7±15.8 versus 2.9±3.9 mm
2
/s;
P
<0.001), systolic flow angle (23.1°±12.5° versus 7.0°±4.6°;
P
<0.001), and systolic wall shear stress (0.85±0.28 versus 0.59±0.17 N/m
2
;
P
<0.001) compared with healthy volunteers. BAV with right-handed flow and right-non coronary cusp fusion (n=31) showed more severe flow abnormalities (rotational flow, 38.5±16.5 versus 27.8±12.4 mm
2
/s;
P
<0.001; systolic flow angle, 29.4°±10.9° versus 19.4°±11.4°;
P
<0.001; in-plane wall shear stress, 0.64±0.23 versus 0.47±0.22 N/m
2
;
P
<0.001) and larger aortas (19.5±3.4 versus 17.5±3.1 mm/m
2
;
P
<0.05) than right–left cusp fusion (n=55). Patients with BAV with normal flow patterns had similar aortic dimensions and wall shear stress to healthy volunteers and younger patients with BAV showed abnormal flow patterns but no aortic dilation, both further supporting the importance of flow pattern in the pathogenesis of aortic dilation. Aortic function measures (distensibility, aortic strain, and pulse wave velocity) were similar across all groups.

Conclusions—

Flow abnormalities may be a major contributor to aortic dilation in BAV. Fusion type affects the severity of flow abnormalities and may allow better risk prediction and selection of patients for earlier surgical intervention.
Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes in Symptomatic Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy Patients Undergoing Surgical Relief of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: Desai Milind Y. , Bhonsale Aditya , Smedira Nicholas G. , Naji Peyman , Thamilarasan Maran , Lytle Bruce W. , Lever Harry M.
Published: June 2013

Background—

We report the predictors of long-term outcomes of symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients undergoing surgical relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Methods and Results—

We studied 699 consecutive patients who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe symptomatic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (47±11 years, 63% male) intractable to maximal medical therapy, who were referred to a tertiary hospital between January 1997 and December 2007 for the surgical relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We excluded patients <18 years of age, those with an ejection fraction <50%, those with hypertensive heart disease of the elderly, and those with more than mild aortic or mitral stenosis. Clinical, echocardiographic, and Holter data were recorded. A composite end point of death, appropriate internal cardioverter defibrillator discharges, resuscitated from sudden death, documented stroke, and admission for congestive heart failure was recorded. During a mean follow-up of 6.2±3 years, 86 patients (12%) met the composite end point with 30-day, 1-year, and 2-year event rates of 0.7%, 2.8%, and 4.7%, respectively. The hard event rate (death, defibrillator discharge, and resuscitated from sudden death) at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years was 0%, 1.5%, and 3%, respectively. Stepwise multivariable analysis identified residual postoperative atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio, 2.12; confidence interval, 1.37–3.34;
P
=0.001) and increasing age (hazard ratio, 1.49; confidence interval, 1.22–1.82;
P
=0.001) as independent predictors of long-term composite outcomes.

Conclusions—

Symptomatic adult hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients undergoing surgery for the relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction have low event rates during long-term follow-up; worse outcomes are predicted by increasing age and the presence of residual atrial fibrillation during follow-up.
Protein Kinase G Positively Regulates Proteasome-Mediated Degradation of Misfolded Proteins
Authors: Ranek Mark J. , Terpstra Erin J.M. , Li Jie , Kass David A. , Wang Xuejun
Published: June 2013

Background—

Proteasome functional insufficiency is implicated in a large subset of cardiovascular diseases and may play an important role in their pathogenesis. The regulation of proteasome function is poorly understood, hindering the development of effective strategies to improve proteasome function.

Methods and Results—

Protein kinase G (PKG) was manipulated genetically and pharmacologically in cultured cardiomyocytes. Activation of PKG increased proteasome peptidase activities, facilitated proteasome-mediated degradation of surrogate (enhanced green fluorescence protein modified by carboxyl fusion of degron CL1) and bona fide (CryAB
R120G
) misfolded proteins, and attenuated CryAB
R120G
overexpression–induced accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and cellular injury. PKG inhibition elicited the opposite responses. Differences in the abundance of the key 26S proteasome subunits Rpt6 and β5 between the PKG-manipulated and control groups were not statistically significant, but the isoelectric points were shifted by PKG activation. In transgenic mice expressing a surrogate substrate (GFPdgn), PKG activation by sildenafil increased myocardial proteasome activities and significantly decreased myocardial GFPdgn protein levels. Sildenafil treatment significantly increased myocardial PKG activity and significantly reduced myocardial accumulation of CryAB
R120G
, ubiquitin conjugates, and aberrant protein aggregates in mice with CryAB
R120G
-based desmin-related cardiomyopathy. No discernible effect on bona fide native substrates of the ubiquitin-proteasome system was observed from PKG manipulation in vitro or in vivo.

Conclusions—

PKG positively regulates proteasome activities and proteasome-mediated degradation of misfolded proteins, likely through posttranslational modifications to proteasome subunits. This may be a new mechanism underlying the benefit of PKG stimulation in treating cardiac diseases. Stimulation of PKG by measures such as sildenafil administration is potentially a new therapeutic strategy to treat cardiac proteinopathies.
Cardiovascular Effects of a Novel SIRT1 Activator, SRT2104, in Otherwise Healthy Cigarette Smokers
Authors: Venkatasubramanian Sowmya , Noh Radzi Mohd , Daga Shruti , Langrish Jeremy P. , Joshi Nikhil V. , Mills Nicholas L. , Hoffmann Ethan , Jacobson Eric W. , Vlasuk George P. , Waterhouse Brian R. , Lang Ninian N. , Newby David E.
Published: June 2013

Background

We examined the effect of the oral
SIRT
1 activator
SRT
2104 on cardiovascular function in otherwise healthy cigarette smokers.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐four otherwise healthy cigarette smokers participated in a randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial and received 28 days of oral
SRT
2104 (2.0 g/day) or matched placebo. Plasma
SRT
2104 concentrations, serum lipid profile, plasma fibrinolytic factors, and markers of platelet and monocyte activation were measured at baseline and at the end of each treatment period together with an assessment of forearm blood flow during intra‐arterial bradykinin, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside infusions. Three hours postdose, mean plasma
SRT
2104 concentration was 1328±748 ng/mL after 28 days of active treatment. Compared with placebo, serum lipid profile improved during
SRT
2104 administration, with reductions in serum total cholesterol (−11.6±20 versus 6±21 mg/dL), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−10±17 versus 3±21 mg/dL), and triglyceride (−39.8±77 versus 13.3±57 mg/dL) concentrations (
P
<0.05 for all). All vasodilators produced a dose‐dependent increase in blood flow (
P
<0.0001) that was similar during each treatment period (
P
>0.05 for all). No significant differences in fibrinolytic or blood flow parameters were observed between placebo and
SRT
2014.

Conclusions

SRT
2104 appears to be safe and well tolerated and associated with an improved lipid profile without demonstrable differences in vascular or platelet function in otherwise healthy cigarette smokers.

Clinical Trial Registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01031108.
Relationship Between Platelet and Urinary 8‐Iso‐PGF2α Levels in Subjects With Different Degrees of NOX2 Regulation
Authors: Carnevale Roberto , Iuliano Luigi , Nocella Cristina , Bartimoccia Simona , Trapè Stefano , Russo Roberta , Gentile Maria Cristina , Cangemi Roberto , Loffredo Lorenzo , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco ,   IPINET group
Published: June 2013

Background

Urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α, a marker of oxidative stress, is influenced by the activation of
NOX
2. It is unclear if platelets 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α contribute to urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α.

Methods and Results

In a cross‐sectional study, platelet, urinary, and serum 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α were determined in subjects with downregulation (X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease [
X‐CGD
], n=25) and upregulation (type
II
diabetic patients [T2D], n=121) of
NOX
2 and 153 controls matched for sex and age. In diabetic patients (n=18), the above variables were repeated before and after 7 days treatment with 100 mg/day aspirin or 100 mg/day aspirin plus 40 mg/day atorvastatin. In vitro study was performed to see the contribution of blood cells to serum 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α. Compared with controls,
X‐CGD
patients had lower platelet, serum, and urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α values; conversely, diabetic patients had higher values of 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α compared with controls. Urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α significantly correlated with both platelet and serum 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α in the 2 cohorts. A parallel increase of platelet, serum, and urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α by aspirin and a parallel decrease by aspirin plus atorvastatin were detected in the interventional study. In vitro study demonstrated that platelets contribute to 37% of serum 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α and that only 13% of it is of extravascular origin.

Conclusions

The study suggests that
NOX
2 contributes to the formation of 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α in both platelets and urine. The direct correlation between platelet and urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α suggests that, at least partly, urinary 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α reflects platelet 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α production. Analysis of serum 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α may represent a novel tool to investigate the production of 8‐iso‐
PGF
2α by blood cells including platelets.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique Identifier:
NCT01250340
.
Memory of prey larders in golden orb-web spiders, Nephila clavipes (Araneae: Nephilidae)
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael L. , Kolodziej Robb C. , Höbel Gerlinde
Published: June 2013

Nephila clavipes spiders accumulate prey larders on their webs. We conducted a field experiment to ask if the spiders search for larders that have been pilfered (experimentally mimicking the potential effect of kleptoparasites), and to ask if the spiders vary their search efforts according to the size of the larder. All spiders searched for larders removed from their web, and spiders that lost larger larders (i.e., consisting of more prey items) searched for longer intervals. We thus suggest that N. clavipes form memories of the size of the larders they have accumulated, and that they use those memories to regulate recovery efforts when the larders are pilfered. The content of those memories may include discrete prey counts or the accumulation of a continuous variable correlated with counts, such as the total mass of captured prey. We discuss the adaptive significance of this ability in the framework of costs related to kleptoparasites and the ecology of food hoarding.
Domestic Capacity and the Implementation Gap in Regional Trade Agreements
Authors: Gray Julia
Published: June 2013

Regional trade agreements (RTAs) all over the world share many of the same institutional features—from dispute-settlement mechanisms to legalized language to escape clauses—and espouse many of the same goals. But many of those features are unimplemented in different contexts across the world. Many observers have pointed to an “implementation gap” in RTAs—most of which promise much but deliver relatively little—but offer no explanation for this gap. I argue that this is explained by domestic capacity. In countries where the rule of law is weak and infrastructure is insufficient—and particularly when those elements interact—it is difficult to implement trade agreements. This article utilizes expert survey data to demonstrate that member states with poor infrastructure and little respect for the rule of law are unable to carry out the obligations they agree to in their trade agreements. Domestic capacity—both physical and institutional—can explain the implementation gap between what agreements promise and what they deliver, as well as the variation in the economic performance of these RTAs.
Evaluation of Alternate Category Structures for the Strain Index
Authors: Meyers Alysha R. , Gerr Fredric , Fethke Nathan B.
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to develop alternative Strain Index risk classification categories.

Background:

Strain Index scores are usually categorized into four Strain Index “risk categories.” The “original” risk categories were developed in the meat-packing industry and may not be fully applicable to other industries.

Method:

Daily Strain Index scores were estimated among 276 manufacturing workers participating in a cohort study of occupational risk factors for hand–arm musculoskeletal symptoms. Each score was categorized using the original method and a new method based on quartiles of Strain Index score values among symptomatic participants. Models examining associations between original Strain Index risk categories and incident hand–arm symptoms were compared to models examining associations between the alternative Strain Index risk categories and incident hand–arm symptoms.

Results:

Compared to the respective referent categories, a twofold or greater increase in the risk of incident hand–arm symptoms was observed for the highest original Strain Index risk category (HR = 2.06, 95% CI = [1.08–3.92]) and for the second highest alternate Strain Index risk exposure category (HR = 2.21, 95% CI = [1.26–3.85]). Although significant associations between Strain Index risk category and incident hand–arm symptoms were observed for both Strain Index categorization methods, model fit statistics favored the alternate approach.

Conclusion:

Results from this study suggests that the Strain Index risk category structure may need to be tailored to specific populations.

Application:

If verified, results from this study provide a better way to identify hazardous manufacturing jobs and target them for exposure reduction.
Mechanical behavior of the U-anchor of super-CFRP rod under tensile loading
Authors: Djamaluddin Rudy , Yamaguchi Kohei , Hino Shinichi
Published: June 2013

A suitable anchoring system is required to anchor a CFRP tendon due to its sensitivity in lateral pressure. Recent developed anchors are still relying on lateral pressure in anchoring CFRP tendons. A new CFRP unit equipped with U-anchor at both end of the rod body without any jointing (namely of Super CFRP, S-CFRP) has been developed. This paper presents the mechanical behavior as well as failure mechanism of U-anchor under direct loading and loaded under embedded within concrete, respectively. The rupture occurred on the circular part of U-anchor under direct loading. The stress concentration on circular loop was the cause of U-anchor rupture. Loading of U-anchor embedded within concrete indicated an optimum capacity. The failure was out of the anchor system. Finite element model of U-anchor embedded within concrete showed better stress distribution on anchor at rupture load such that the stress on U-anchor was lower than CFRP strength.
Are Lives a Substitute for Livelihoods? Terrorism, Security, and US Bilateral Imports
Authors: Mirza Daniel , Verdier Thierry
Published: June 2013

In this article, we assess the impact of counterterrorism measures on trade. Our work brings three value addition to the literature: (1) it develops a simple theory to emphasize the endogeneity between terrorism acts, counterterrorism measures, and trade; (2) it delivers an original strategy to identify empirically the effect of counterterrorism security measures on trade flows (using third country incidents); and (3) it uses a new data set on business visas issued by the United States to test further the hypothesis that terrorism is affecting trade through the security channel. Our results suggest that counterterrorism security measures matter for US imports. The level of the impact is up to three times higher when the acts result in a relatively high number of victims, when the products are sensitive to shipping time, or when they ask for networks and business people mobility in order to be sold.
Methamphetamine Use and Violent Behavior
Authors: Brecht Mary-Lynn , Herbeck Diane M.
Published: June 2013

This study describes the extent to which methamphetamine users perceive that their methamphetamine use has resulted in violent behavior, and describes the level of self-reported prevalence of specific violent criminal behaviors irrespective of methamphetamine use. Predictors of these two violence-related indicators, in terms of potential correlates from substance use history, criminal history, and health risk domains, are examined. Data were collected from extensive interviews of 350 methamphetamine users who received substance use treatment in a large California county. A majority (56%) perceived that their methamphetamine use resulted in violent behavior; 59% reported specific violent criminal behaviors. For more than half of those reporting violent criminal behavior, this behavior pattern began before methamphetamine initiation. Thus, for a subsample of methamphetamine users, violence may be related to factors other than methamphetamine use. Users’ perceptions that their methamphetamine use resulted in violence appears strongest for those with the most severe methamphetamine-related problems, particularly paranoia.
Patterns and Correlates of Adult American Indian Substance Use
Authors: Akins Scott , Lanfear Charles , Cline Sarah , Mosher Clayton
Published: June 2013

There is substantial literature on the patterns and correlates of substance use across minority youth populations, but comparatively little attention has been directed to substance use among adults. This is particularly the case for adult American Indians, generally due to sampling challenges. This article provides multivariate analyses of the correlates of substance use across five racial/ethnic groups and highlights analyses focused on American Indian adults. In addition to marijuana use and binge drinking, our analyses consider hard drug use, which remains understudied in the literature, and include a first consideration of “bender drinking,” a form of alcohol consumption that is most likely to lead to health, social, and legal problems. Our results indicate that although American Indians report higher levels of substance use and abuse than do those from other racial/ethnic groups, these differences are attenuated when sociodemographic and individual-level/risk protective factors are taken into account.
Buying and Selling Crack
Authors: Oteo Pérez Alberto , Benschop Annemieke , Korf Dirk J.
Published: June 2013

To assess key characteristics of the retail crack market and the role of users as buyers and sellers, data from a survey inside and outside institutional setting among 1,039 crack users in the three largest Dutch cities were analyzed to explore their role in the crack market as buyers and sellers. Of the total number of users, 42.3% bought crack in public places, 39.6% through home delivery, and 13.9% at dealer’s addresses. Near one-third reported participating in selling drugs, defining themselves as “go-betweens” (21.4%) or “dealers” (9.2%). User-sellers and nonselling users did not differ with regard to gender and ethnicity. Cluster analysis resulted in three distinct types of user-sellers (freelancers, assistants, and amateurs), each characterized by time spent selling drugs, type of drugs sold, and earnings. Amateurs seem quite similar to what scholars have labeled “social dealers” in recreational drugs markets. This study suggests the need for a more differentiated law enforcement policy toward drug-selling users.
“The Alcohol Just Pissed Me Off”
Authors: Rothman Emily Faith , Linden Judith A , Baughman Allyson L. , Kaczmarsky Courtney , Thompson Malindi
Published: June 2013

This exploratory study was designed to examine the beliefs of youth users of alcohol and marijuana about the connections between their substance use and dating violence perpetration. Eighteen youth (ages 14-20 years old), who were primarily of Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, participated in in-depth interviews about times when they had perpetrated dating violence. They were asked to reflect on whether and how they felt that alcohol and/or marijuana may have contributed. Responses coalesced around four major themes, which were that users believed that (a) Alcohol escalates minor conflict; (b) Alcohol exacerbates feelings of irritation and anger; (c) Marijuana reduces feelings of irritation and anger; and (d) Substances are used to cope with conflict-related stress. We conclude that momentary event-level research that investigates the immediate influence of alcohol and marijuana use on dating violence perpetration is needed and that dating violence prevention interventions should consider addressing substance use and substance-aggression expectancies.
Darwinism and Organizational Ecology
Authors: Reydon Thomas A. C. , Scholz Markus
Published: June 2013

Recently, Dollimore criticized our claim that Organizational Ecology is not a Darwinian research program. She argued that Organizational Ecology is merely an incomplete Darwinian program and provided a suggestion as to how this incompleteness could be remedied. Here, we argue that Dollimore’s suggestion fails to remedy the principal problem that Organizational Ecology faces and that there are good reasons to think of the program as deeply incompatible with Darwinian thinking.
Conceptualizing Audio Message Complexity as Available Processing Resources
Authors: Lang Annie , Gao Ya , Potter Robert F. , Lee Seungjo , Park Byungho , Bailey Rachel L.
Published: June 2013

This article describes and validates a human-centric measure of audio message complexity. Messages are coded in terms of the level of cognitive resources that would be automatically elicited and required to process the message. Indicators of automatic resources elicited come from counting the orienting eliciting audio content changes in radio messages (Acc). The indicator of resources required comes from counting the dimensions of audio information introduced (Aii) by these content changes. The combination produces an indicator of available resources that serves as the complexity variable. Messages high in available resources are low in complexity; messages low in available resources are high in complexity. Two experiments are presented exploring the empirical validity of the measures as both local (moment to moment) and global (message level) operationalizations of complexity. Results suggest the measures have high construct validity.
A Crack in the Crystal Ball? Prolonged Exposure to Media Portrayals of Social Roles Affect Possible Future Selves
Authors: Knobloch-Westerwick Silvia , Kennard Ashley R. , Westerwick Axel , Willis Laura E. , Gong Yuan
Published: June 2013

A prolonged-exposure experiment, spanning 10 days, investigated how gender-typed portrayals in magazines affect young women’s visions of their personal future. Competing hypotheses regarding impacts on possible future selves were derived from social cognitive theory and social comparison theory. Women ( N = 215) viewed magazine pages with females in either professional or caretaker roles, as beauty ideals, or without individuals (control group). Gender-typed roles remained salient 3 days after last exposure. Portrayals of professionals and caretakers instigated more negative responses related to personal future than beauty ideals. Thus, despite much advocacy for increasing the number of strong female role models in the media, the perpetuation of traditional beauty ideals makes women feel more positively about their future.
Grinding of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer vulcanizates
Authors: Prut Eduard , Solomatin Dmitry , Kuznetsova Olga , Tkachenko Larisa , Khalilov Dmitry
Published: June 2013

The grinding under the action of shear deformations of vulcanizates of oil-filled ethylene–propylene–diene elastomer cured by a sulfur-based system up to different degrees of cross-linking was studied. Monodisperse powders with a predominant fraction of particle sizes 0.315–0.63 mm were obtained. The effects of the cross-link density of the original vulcanizate on the content of sol fraction and the cross-link density of the rubber powder were estimated. The possibility of producing molding materials from rubber powders with enhanced rigidity using the method of high-temperature sintering was shown. The dependence of the structure and properties of molding materials on the parameters of rubber powders was studied. The mechanisms of the grinding and high-temperature sintering are proposed.
Conceptualizing Lay Participation in Professional Health Care Organizations
Authors: Marent Benjamin , Forster Rudolf , Nowak Peter
Published: June 2013

Lay participation in health care decision making lacks an adequate analysis from an organizational perspective. This article aims to develop conceptual devices to analyze policies and practices and the ways in which these could be further developed. By recapping established frameworks and drawing on theories of professional organizations, four participatory roles and their potential to adapt organizational decisions to internal requirements and external challenges are elaborated. While individual patient participation is widely acknowledged, there is still a lack of systematic approaches to the roles of significant others, patient groups, and the broader community and their implementation within health care organizations.
“I Like to Get Around”
Authors: Wiltse Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

This article examines the previously unstudied history of Chicago’s nineteenth-century music saloons, tracing their development from transplanted German beer halls to Americanized entertainment resorts to commercial dance halls. Drawing on evidence from scattered newspaper sources, the article documents women’s ubiquitous presence in music saloons as waiters, performers, prostitutes, and patrons and then interprets what their presence reveals about the public role of women in nineteenth century American cities. The women in music saloons asserted considerable social freedom, articulated a public identity that emphasized sexual expressiveness, and helped create a morally ambiguous environment that defied the prevailing Victorian distinctions between respectable and disreputable. In doing so, they helped define what it meant to be a modern city girl. The article also examines the affect that municipal regulation had upon the operation of Chicago’s music saloons. City officials restricted the presence of music and women but only periodically enforced the restrictions. The sporadic enforcement never removed women or music for long but nonetheless structured the social and cultural environment of the city’s music saloons.
Working better together? Empowerment, panopticon and conflict approaches to teamwork
Authors: Crowley Martha , Payne Julianne C , Kennedy Earl
Published: June 2013

Scholars often offer competing accounts of the consequences of workplace teams. Researchers in the empowerment tradition describe autonomy in teams as generating satisfaction and pro-social behaviors. The panopticon approach emphasizes the disciplinary aspect of teamwork – arguing that peer monitoring elicits intense effort and discourages resistance through visibility and normative control. The conflict school highlights variation in experiences of and responses to teamwork, calling particular attention to worker resistance. This study uses mixed methods to investigate these perspectives simultaneously, analyzing content-coded data on 204 work groups. Though evidence supports both empowerment and panopticon theories, especially when used in combination, the conflict perspective emerges as pivotal to understanding not only worker resistance but also consent to empowerment and even panoptic control.
Training Teachers to Conduct Trial-Based Functional Analyses
Authors: Kunnavatana S. Shanun , Bloom Sarah E. , Samaha Andrew L. , Dayton Elizabeth
Published: June 2013

The trial-based functional analysis (FA) is a promising approach to identification of behavioral function and is especially suited for use in educational settings. Not all studies on trial-based FA have included teachers as therapists, and those studies that have, included minimal information on teacher training. The purpose of this study was to determine whether teachers trained via an in-service training would be able to conduct trial-based FAs with high procedural integrity. We trained four teachers to conduct trial-based FAs using a combination of didactic teaching and practice with feedback. All four teachers improved performance following training. Performance remained above baseline levels during an in situ maintenance condition, but for three of four teachers, additional feedback was required to recapture performance observed immediately following training.
Effects of Music Therapy and Music-Assisted Relaxation and Imagery on Health-Related Outcomes in Diabetes Education
Authors: Mandel Susan E. , Davis Beth A. , Secic Michelle
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the feasibility study was to compare the effects of music-assisted relaxation and imagery, administered via compact disc recording (MARI CD) without therapeutic intervention, to the effects of music therapy (MT), facilitated by a board-certified music therapist, on selected health outcomes of patients enrolled in diabetes self-management education/training (DSME/T).

Methods

A 3-group, parallel, randomized controlled trial with 199 patients, aged 30 to 85 years with type 1, type 2, or prediabetes was employed. Patients were enrolled in a study from 2 hospital sites and randomly assigned to: DSME/T alone, DSME/T plus MARI CD, or DSME/T plus MT. The MARI CD included researcher-selected music and spoken suggestions, while MT included therapeutic experiences with personally preferred relaxing and energizing music. Outcome measures included blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), body mass index (BMI), trait anxiety, state anxiety, and stress.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 conditions in blood pressure, A1C, BMI, trait anxiety, or stress. Significant changes over time were evident in the MT condition from pre- to post-each session in systolic blood pressure, state anxiety, and stress. Blood pressure changes were compared pre- to postprogram for those patients with a comorbidity of hypertension between DSME/T alone and a combined music intervention group (MT and MARI CD). It was found that the music intervention group had a significantly larger decrease in systolic blood pressure. Themes derived from patient narratives further informed the data.

Conclusions

The study results support the relationship between DSME/T and improvement on all measured outcomes except blood pressure. Results suggest the feasibility of integrating MARI and MT with DSME/T to potentially lower systolic blood pressure of patients with diabetes and a comorbidity of hypertension. Collaboration between diabetes educators and board-certified music therapists is recommended.
Characterization of Factors Affecting Attainment of Glycemic Control in Asian Americans With Diabetes in a Culturally Specific Program
Authors: Le Hung , Wong Sophia , Iftikar Tracy , Keenan Hillary , King George L. , Hsu William C.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a culturally specific pilot clinic for Asian Americans (AA) in reaching glycemic target and to characterize factors affecting the attainment of glycemic control in comparison with white counterparts.

Methods

This electronic health record review included all new AA patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 109) in a culturally specific program and a randomly selected sample of new white patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 218) in the adult clinic within the same time period and diabetes center.

Results

AA and whites had a comparable proportion of patients with A1C ≤7% (32.1%, 34.9%; P = .621) at baseline and after 12 months of care (48.6%, 56.0%; P = .210), with a similar A1C decline (–0.9% ± 1.6%, –0.8% ± 1.7%, P = .710) by 12 months. Factors associated with the lack of success in reaching target in AA but not in whites included older age, lower educational attainment, less likelihood of having health insurance, and a need for more educational visits. The percentage of AA reaching A1C ≤7%, as compared to whites, worsened among those with highest initial A1C when stratified by ascending quartiles (96.7% vs 85.2%, P = .101; 61.9% vs 58.9%, P = .813; 24.0% vs 37.7%, P = .230; 15.2% vs 35.4%, P = .044).

Conclusion

While a culturally specific diabetes program in a specialty setting achieved a similar glycemic outcome for AA compared with whites, reasons for not reaching glycemic target differed. The findings suggest that the elimination of diabetes disparities requires not only culturally and linguistically specific programs, but must also identify and address the socio-environmental differences unique to each population.
Persistent Barriers and Strategic Practices
Authors: Rendle Katharine A. S. , May Suepattra G. , Uy Visith , Tietbohl Caroline K. , Mangione Carol M. , Frosch Dominick L.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the everyday barriers to and practices of low-income patients managing their diabetes.

Methods

The study team conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 20 patients with type 2 diabetes who were receiving care at safety-net clinics in Southern California. Transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory to identify emergent themes across participants.

Results

Participants described managing diabetes with limited financial resources as often a game of balance and negotiation, whereby purchasing healthy foods is abandoned because of a more pressing concern in their life. Although participants described strategic attempts at incorporating healthy dietary practices for diabetes management into their daily decisions, these efforts were significantly impeded by the existence of persistent and seemingly insurmountable barriers.

Conclusions

Although the challenges that low-income patients face in managing their diabetes may seem insurmountable at times, there are several ways that health care providers can help reduce the burden of these challenges, including tailoring their recommendations to incorporate the everyday socioeconomic environment of patients and engaging in clear, open communication with patients.
A Comparison of 2 Intravenous Lipid Emulsions
Authors: Nehra Deepika , Fallon Erica M. , Potemkin Alexis K. , Voss Stephan D. , Mitchell Paul D. , Valim Clarissa , Belfort Mandy B. , Bellinger David C. , Duggan Christopher , Gura Kathleen M. , Puder Mark
Published: June 2013

Objective. To assess the safety and efficacy of a fish oil–based intravenous fat emulsion (FIFE) in reducing the incidence of cholestasis in neonates compared with the traditional soybean oil–based intravenous fat emulsion (SIFE). Methods. A double‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Nineteen neonates were enrolled (10 SIFE; 9 FIFE). Nutrition assessments and laboratory studies were serially obtained for the duration of PN support or until 6 months’ corrected gestational age. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 6 and 24 months’ corrected age. Results. There were no differences between groups in demographic characteristics, with an overall median age of 2 days, gestational age of 36 weeks, and birth weight of 2410 g. There were no differences between groups in baseline laboratory values other than alkaline phosphatase (lower in the FIFE group) or in the duration of parenteral nutrition (PN), amount of enteral intake, or the number of operative procedures. The incidence of cholestasis among enrolled patients was significantly lower than expected, resulting in early study termination and an inability to assess for differences in the incidence of cholestasis. The FIFE was associated with no increased risk of growth impairment, coagulopathy, infectious complications, hypertriglyceridemia, or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. No patient developed essential fatty acid deficiency. Conclusion. The FIFE at 1 g/kg/d was well tolerated in the neonates recruited for this study. Given the necessary early termination of this study, a follow‐up trial with revised eligibility criteria is necessary to determine whether the provision of FIFE decreases the incidence of PN‐cholestasis compared with the traditional SIFE.
Habermas’ account of the role of religion in the public sphere
Authors: Aguirre Javier
Published: June 2013

This article is meant as a response to Cristina Lafont’s critiques of Habermas’ view of religion’s role in the public sphere. For Lafont, the burdens that Habermas places on secular citizens, by requiring them to avoid secularism, may entail dangerous consequences for a correct understanding of the concept of deliberative democracy. For this reason, she presents a proposal of her own in which no citizen, whether religious or secular, has the obligation to engage in a way of thinking alien to his or her own cognitive stance. Although subtle and revealing, Lafont’s critiques face two great problems. On the one hand, she does not discuss Habermas’ thoughts on the nature and value of religion, and, on the other, she overestimates sincerity as an element of an ethics of citizenship. I have divided my text in three sections. First, I will present Lafont’s criticism on Habermas’ proposal. For presenting Lafont’s objections I will use and expand an example mentioned by Lafont herself, namely, a political public debate about same-sex marriage. Second, I will answer Lafont’s objections, and finally, I will offer some conclusions regarding the philosophical bases on which Habermas’ account rests.
A cross-comparative international study on the concept of wisdom
Authors: Sánchez-Escobedo Pedro , Park Kyubin , Hollingworth Liz , Misiuniene Jurga , Ivanova Liena
Published: June 2013

The article aims to depict the most common ideas regarding wisdom from young people across different countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Republic of Korea and the United States. A questionnaire was administered to nearly 800 adolescents from these countries and comparisons by country and gender were made regarding participants’ perceptions of a wise man and a wise woman. Although differences were found between countries, more consistent differences by gender were reported. From a global perspective, factor analysis established three major traits to describe wise people: charismatic, goal oriented and unconventional. Also, participants consistently excluded a person from the concept of wise if they were poor, pessimistic, naïve or inconsistent. Results indicate a lack of values attached to the description of wisdom and it is argued that schools should foster the development of conceptions of wisdom as a desirable stage in human development that includes values such as justice, equity and respect for others. Difficulties in international comparative research are discussed.