bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Age on the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training to Reduce Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Female Athletes
Authors: Myer Gregory D. , Sugimoto Dai , Thomas Staci , Hewett Timothy E.
Published: October 2012

Background:

In female athletes, sports-related injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) increase during adolescence and peak in incidence during the mid- to late teens. Although biomechanical investigations indicate that a potential window of opportunity exists for optimal timing for the initiation of integrative neuromuscular training (NMT) in young female athletes, the influence of the timing of initiation of these programs on the efficacy of ACL injury reduction has yet to be evaluated.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose of the current report was to systematically review and synthesize the scientific literature regarding the influence of age of NMT implementation on the effectiveness for reduction of ACL injury incidence. The hypothesis tested was that NMT would show a greater effect in younger populations.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence 1a.

Methods:

Data were pooled from 14 clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria of (1) number of ACL injuries reported; (2) NMT program used; (3) female participants were included; (4) investigations used prospective, controlled trials; and (5) age of participants was documented or was obtainable upon contact with the authors. A meta-analysis with odds ratio (OR) was used to compare the ratios of ACL injuries between intervention and control groups among differing age categorizations.

Results:

A meta-analysis of the 14 included studies demonstrated significantly greater knee injury reduction in female athletes who were categorized in the preventive NMT group compared with those who were in the control group (OR: 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35, 0.83). Lower ACL injuries in mid-teens (OR 0.28; CI: 0.18, 0.42) compared with late teens (OR 0.48; CI: 0.21, 1.07) and early adults (OR 1.01; CI: 0.62, 1.64) were found in participants undergoing NMT.

Conclusion:

The findings of this meta-analysis revealed an age-related association between NMT implementation and reduction of ACL incidence. Both biomechanical and the current epidemiological data indicate that the potential window of opportunity for optimized ACL injury risk reduction may be before the onset of neuromuscular deficits and peak knee injury incidence in female athletes. Specifically, it may be optimal to initiate integrative NMT programs during early adolescence, before the period of altered mechanics that increase injury risk.
Effect of selenium on methimazole-induced liver damage and oxidative stress in adult rats and their offspring
Authors: Sefi Mediha , Amara Ibtissem Ben , Troudi Afef , Soudani Nejla , Hakim Ahmed , Zeghal Khaled Mounir , Boudawara Tahia , Zeghal Najiba
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of selenium (Se) on methimazole (MMI; an antithyroid drug)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats in each group: group I served as controls that received standard diet; group II received MMI in drinking water as 250 mg L−1 and standard diet; group III received both MMI (250 mg L−1, orally) and Se (0.5 mg kg−1 of diet); group IV received Se (0.5 mg kg−1 of diet) as sodium selenite. Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Exposure of rats to MMI promoted oxidative stress with an increase in liver malondialdehyde levels, advanced oxidation protein products and protein carbonyl contents and a decrease in the levels of glutathione, nonprotein thiols and vitamin C. A decrease in the activities of liver glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase and in the levels of plasma total protein and albumin was also observed. Plasma transaminase activities and total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels increased. Coadministration of Se through diet improved all biochemical parameters. The histopathological changes confirmed the biochemical results. Therefore, our investigation revealed that Se, a trace element with antioxidant properties, was effective in preventing MMI-induced liver damage.
Alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and proline content in pea leaves under long-term drought stress
Authors: Karataş İlhami , Öztürk Lokman , Demir Yavuz , Ünlükara Ali , Kurunç Ahmet , Düzdemir Oral
Published: October 2012

The effects of long-term drought stress on chlorophyll, proline, protein and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, malondialdehyde (MDA) in terms of lipid peroxidation and on the changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) and peroxidase (POX; EC 1.11.1.7) in the leaves of pea ( Pisum sativum L.) were studied in field conditions. Chlorophyll and protein contents in leaves decreased significantly with increased drought stress. The proline content increased markedly under water deficit. MDA amounts were elevated as a result of water shortage, whereas H2O2 content changed slightly in pea leaves exposed to drought stress. Drought stress markedly enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT and POX but slightly changed the activity of APX. We conclude that in field conditions, long-term water shortage increased the susceptibility to drought in peas.
Identification of shiga toxin and intimin genes in Escherichia coli detected from canary (Serinus canaria domestica)
Authors: Gholami-Ahangaran Majid , Zia-Jahromi Noosha
Published: October 2012

The pathogenicity of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains is, in large part, due to shiga toxin ( Stx) genes ( Stx1 and Stx2) and/or intimin ( eae) gene. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of domestic canaries ( Serinus canaria domestica) as a reservoir of Stx and intimin producing strains of E. coli. For this study, a total of 50 cloacal swabs were collected from 50 healthy domestic canaries. Cloacal swabs were cultured and tested using standard methods of microbiology. After primary identification of E. coli, DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primers for Stx1, Stx2 and eae genes. In this study, three of 50 samples were found to be Stx2 positive. In the present study, nine (18%) of 50 canaries tested were positive for eae gene. Only 2% of total canaries tested were positive for simultaneous Stx and eae genes. By considering the presence of Stx genes in E. coli isolated from cloacal contents of canary, this hypothesis expressed that the canaries may be the carriers of virulence genes that can risk human health. Canary was considered to be a reservoir of Stx and intimin genes and make these birds important vehicles for the spread of zoonosis infection.
Hydrolytic degradation of composites of poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) 70/30 and β-tricalcium phosphate
Authors: Ahola Niina , Veiranto Minna , Rich Jaana , Efimov Alexander , Hannula Markus , Seppälä Jukka , Kellomäki Minna
Published: October 2012

There is an increasing need for synthetic bone substitute materials that decrease the need for allografts and autografts. In this study, composites of β-tricalcium phosphate and a biodegradable poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) were manufactured using extrusion to form biodegradable composites with high β-tricalcium phosphate contents for osteoconductivity. The hydrolytic degradation of the composites containing 0, 10, 20, 35 and 50% of β-tricalcium phosphate was studied in vitro for 52 weeks. During the study, it was observed that β-tricalcium phosphate did not have an effect on the degradation rate of the polymer matrix. However, the crystallinity of the materials increased throughout the test series and changes in glass transition temperatures were also observed as the comonomer ratio of the polymer matrix changed as the degradation proceeded. The results show that the materials have desirable degradation properties and, thus, possess great potential as bioabsorbable and osteoconductive bone filling materials.
Polyurethane–magnetite composite shape-memory polymer
Authors: Weidenfeller Bernd , Anhalt Mathias
Published: October 2012

Shape-memory polymer–magnetite (Fe3O4) composite samples were prepared by extrusion compounding and injection molding. Thermal diffusivity, conductivity and specific heat capacity were measured from 290 K to 340 K. Increasing filler fraction decreases specific heat capacity and increases thermal diffusivity. Experimental results show a good agreement with Agari–Uno and Hashin–Shtrikman models but not with Bruggeman model. The interconnectivity of the particles is very poor. Agari–Uno model leads to a high influence of polymer on thermal properties. Below 350 K mainly the polymer and above 350 K mainly the Fe3O4 influences specific heat capacity that shows drastic changes around 310 K (recovery temperature) and 357 K.
Public opinion and conflict in the separation of powers: Understanding the Honduran coup of 2009
Authors: Taylor-Robinson Michelle M. , Ura Joseph Daniel
Published: October 2012

Formal constitutional systems of separated powers often fail to sustain meaningful systems of checks and balances in presidential-style democracies. What conditions support balance in the separation of powers and what conditions provoke instability and conflict? We draw on Madisonian political theory and research addressing the separation of powers in the United States to develop a game theoretical model of inter-institutional stability and conflict within a separation of powers system. Two factors emerge as catalysts for institutional instability and conflict among the branches of government: high-stakes institutional rivalry combined with uncertainty about the public’s relative support for various branches of government. We apply the model to the experience of Honduras in 2008–2009 that resulted in the coup ousting President Zelaya which illustrates the difficulty of developing credible checks and balances.
Preparation and performance of silver nanoparticle incorporated polyetherethersulfone nanofiltration membranes
Authors: Maheswari P. , Prasannadevi D. , Mohan D.
Published: October 2012

Studies on the preparation of nanofiltration (NF) membranes with silver nanoparticle (Ag-Np) were conducted. The membranes were synthesized with different concentrations of Ag-Np by the phase inversion method, using 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvent and deionized water as the coagulant. Ag-Np was prepared by the simple chemical reduction method. The formation, structure, morphology and size of Ag-Np were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Polyetherethersulfone/Ag-Np flat-sheet membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method and investigated in terms of compaction, pure water flux, water content, hydraulic resistance, molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), porosity, hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. The morphology of the membranes was studied by SEM. The elemental composition of the membranes was evaluated by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Performance of the membranes was evaluated by mono and divalent metal ion rejection studies. Antibacterial activity studies of the membranes were evaluated by the Muller-Hinton disk diffusion method, against the gram negative (bacterium) of Escherichia coli ( E.coli) and the gram positive bacterium of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results revealed that the incorporation of Ag-Np increases the performance of the membranes.
Finite-time attitude synchronization controllers design for spacecraft formations via behavior-based approach
Authors: Liang Haizhao , Sun Zhaowei , Wang Jianying
Published: October 2012

This article investigates the attitude synchronization problem of spacecraft formations. A class of continuous sliding mode control schemes with finite-time convergent property is developed. The control laws are designed by the utilization of behavior-based control approach. An improved version of terminal sliding mode is applied in both the reaching phase and the sliding phase of the control system. In the presence of external disturbances, the proposed control strategies are able to overcome the unexpected phenomenon and can steer the spacecraft formation to a dynamic reference attitude state coordinately subject to arbitrary communication topologies. Numerical simulations are provided to validate the theoretical analysis.
What coordination mechanisms work to manage regional development programmes? Insights from Southern Italian regions
Authors: Marra Mita
Published: October 2012

The European Structural Fund programmes are embedded in a multi-level governance system, which has grown in parallel with European integration. Decision-making power is increasingly delegated to territorial authorities on the assumption that local agents possess both contextual knowledge and political legitimacy to integrate different policy measures in a cooperative fashion. Within contexts of structural socioeconomic constraints, problems of coordination are associated with policy co-formulation, governance network management, meta-governance processes, and performance management and evaluation use. This paper aims to examine the variety of coordination mechanisms adopted by regional government agencies in order to collaborate with local authorities to stimulate economically lagging territories. The paper analyses management techniques of local organizational capacity and network building, project development, monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the rationale of regional development policies and the role of institutions. Building upon 2 years of field research on local development programmes in four regions in the south of Italy, this paper shows that cooperation co-exists with opportunistic behaviour during programme design and implementation, while bureaucratic culture and organizational weaknesses hamper managerial leadership and administrative decentralization. Findings highlight that centrally guided decentralization is a more sustainable capacity-building strategy. Furthermore, perceived efficiency, equity, uncertainty, and relational quality shape coordination and its evolution over time. Interpersonal relations may increase to reduce uncertainty, or higher procedural formalization may ensure efficiency, equity, and fair dealings. The evolution of coordination mechanisms has a bearing on administrative capacity of public spending absorption against corruption and waste as well as on the potential for economic development and social cohesion.
Determinants of Corporate Dividend Policy: A Tobit Model Approach
Authors: Singhania Monica , Gupta Akshay
Published: October 2012

Dividend is the return that a shareholder gets from a company, out of its profits, on his shareholding. Equity investors receive returns in two forms—dividends and capital gains. The factors that drive dividend policy of a company have been topic of extensive research for a long time now with various, sometimes even conflicting, theories trying to find some pattern in the behaviour vis-à-vis dividend payouts. The objective of the article is to find the validity of the different views on determinants of dividend policy in India and empirically prove their significance using Tobit regression model. We develop framework based on major theories on corporate dividends available in literature so as to examine the determinants of dividends comprehensively. The firm-level panel data of National Stock Exchange (Nifty 50) companies from 1999–2000 to 2009–2010 is taken for this purpose. Accuracy and validity of the results is ensured using various diagnostic tests and test procedures to find the best-fit models. The findings suggest that firm’s size (market capitalization) and firm’s growth and investment opportunity are significant determinants of corporate dividend policy in India. The firm’s debt structure, profitability and experience are found to be not significant in the Indian scenario and in this way the results do negate some theories. The results of the study can be used by investors to take informed decision while deciding on investments based on dividend yield for Nifty 50 Index companies and to predict dividend yields in future using the significant determinants.
Defining Cloud Computing in Business Perspective: A Review of Research
Authors: Madhavaiah C. , Bashir Irfan , Shafi Syed Irfan
Published: October 2012

Cloud computing is an emerging innovative IT-based business model which is attracting the attention of practitioners, for its potentiality of industry adoption, as well as of academicians, for research undertaking in different dimensions. Despite having a number of business benefits and research scope, there is no universally accepted comprehensive, conceptual definition for cloud computing. Though different experts and academicians have given different definitions to cloud computing, none of them have identified all the key characteristics of cloud computing.

 The purpose of the present article is to analyze the various definitions of cloud computing proposed by different researchers and practitioners, using content analysis methodology, and establish areas of ‘agreement’ and to construct such a ‘general’ definition of cloud computing in business perspective. This article is divided into three sections. In the first section, content analysis methodology used on cloud computing definitions is presented. The second section highlights the key words in 36 definitions of cloud computing and tabulates the definitions through a categorization of ‘substantive terms’. The last section discusses the results of research methodology followed by conclusion and limitations.
Foreign Institutional Investment Flows and Indian Financial Market: Relationship and Way Forward
Authors: Siddiqui Areej Aftab , Azad N.A.
Published: October 2012

The widespread pecuniary crises across the globe have raised a large number of questions regarding the interdependence of economies on the financial front. The interactions and linkages of global markets amongst each other have led to drastic breakdown of the financial machinery of the economies. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign institutional investment (FII) in recent years have been preferred over other sources of external finance as they are non-debt creating and non-volatile in nature. FDI and FII also facilitate international trade and transfer of knowledge, skills and technology. FIIs, which refer to capital flows across national borders, have risen sharply across the world and in India specifically since 1991. At present there exist widespread apprehensions regarding the nature and extent of FII flows to the Indian financial market. This research paper aims to analyze the relationship between the FII and market indices of the Indian stock market over a period of 10 years, that is, from 2000 to 2010. The study will also emphasize on the way forward for encouraging FII flows into the country and their impact on the economy of the country.
Measuring the Meaning of Meaningful Work
Authors: Lips-Wiersma Marjolein , Wright Sarah
Published: October 2012

In this article we build on two in-depth qualitative studies to systematically develop and validate a comprehensive measure of meaningful work. This scale provides a multidimensional, process-oriented measure of meaningful work that captures the complexity of the construct. It measures the dimensions of “developing the inner self”; “unity with others”; “serving others” and “expressing full potential” and the dynamic tensions between these through items on “being versus doing” and “self versus others.” The scale also measures inspiration and it’s relationship to the existential need to be real and grounded. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using multicultural samples from a broad range of occupations provide construct validity for the measure. Future research opportunities on the basis of our measure are outlined.
School Nurses Can Address Existing Gaps in School-Age Sleep Research
Authors: Willgerodt Mayumi A. , Kieckhefer Gail M.
Published: October 2012

Sleep has been linked to a host of physical, behavioral, and emotional outcomes, and research has documented that youth across the globe are experiencing inadequate sleep. Despite this knowledge, however, very little research has been conducted on school-age children; much of the extant research has focused on infants, toddlers, preschoolers, adolescents, and adults. School-age children exhibit increasing independence around health-related behaviors, which provide health professionals the opportunity to educate and promote healthy sleep behaviors. This commentary extends previous research reviews by identifying the current gaps in sleep research, highlighting future directions needed in sleep research, and explaining why school nurses are best suited to address this growing public health issue.
A Rat’s Whiskers Point the Way toward a Novel Stimulus-Dependent, Protective Stroke Therapy
Authors: Frostig Ron D. , Lay Christopher C. , Davis Melissa F.
Published: October 2012

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of long-term disability. Ischemic stroke, due to an interruption in blood supply, is particularly prevalent; 87% of all strokes are ischemic. Unfortunately, current options for acute treatment are extremely limited and there is a great need for new treatment strategies. This review will discuss evidence that mild sensory stimulation can completely protect the jeopardized brain from an impending stroke in a rodent model. When delivered within the first 2 hours following ischemic onset, this stimulation results in complete protection, including a full reestablishment of cortical function, sensorimotor capabilities, and blood flow. Identical stimulation, however, initiated 3 hours following ischemic onset, results in an increase in damage compared with untreated animals. The protective effect is not specific to a single sensory modality, anesthesia, or age, and increasing evoked cortical activity by increasing stimulation accelerates recovery. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that cortical activity is a critical factor for protection and suggest a new, exciting potential avenue for the development of acute stroke treatment strategies that may produce a noninvasive, drug-free, equipment-free, and side effect–free means of protecting from ischemic stroke.
Cetuximab-induced nephrotic syndrome in a case of metastatic rectal cancer
Authors: Ito Chiharu , Fujii Hirofumi , Ogura Manabu , Sato Hirotake , Kusano Eiji
Published: October 2012

Proteinuria is common adverse effect that occurs after the use of bevacizumab, but it occurs rarely during administration of cetuximab. We report the first case of nephrotic syndrome induced by cetuximab after completing mFOLFOX6 with bevacizumab followed by sLV5FU2 with bevacizumab for metastatic rectal cancer. Prior to the administration of cetuximab, the patient had never presented proteinuria. After the completion of the loading (400 mg/m2) and two subsequent maintenance (250 mg/m2) infusions of cetuximab, edema of the lower extremities occurred concomitantly with facial acneiform rash. Based on the laboratory data, diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome was made and secondary diseases of nephrotic syndrome were excluded. Oral administration of prednisolone (0.6 mg/kg/day) was initiated, resulting in no response. The trigger of nephrotic syndrome other than cetuximab was not suggested and attention on occurrence of proteinuria must be devoted to this medicine.
Randomized Feedback About Diagnosis Influences Statistical and Clinical Significance of Self-Report ADHD Assessment in Adults
Authors: Privitera Gregory J. , Agnello Jaela E. , Walters Shelby A. , Bender Stacy L.
Published: October 2012

Objective: An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that feedback about an ADHD diagnosis influences how a nonclinical sample scores on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) screener. Method: A total of 54 participants who scored below clinical significance on the ASRS in a pretest, that is, marked fewer than 4 of 6 items found to be most predictive of symptoms consistent with clinical diagnosis of adult ADHD, completed the assessment again 1 week later in a posttest with “negative,” “positive,” or no feedback written on the posttest to indicate how participants scored on the pretest. Results: In all, 8 of 10 participants who scored in the clinical significance range for ADHD in the posttest were those who received positive feedback. Scores for the positive feedback group increased most from pretest to posttest for inattentive domain items ( R2 = .19). Conclusion: Patient beliefs prior to a diagnostic screening can influence ASRS self-report ratings.
The Sale and Lease of Public Assets
Authors: Snyder Thomas P. , Luby Martin J.
Published: October 2012

In recent years cities and states have expanded the use of public–private partnerships (P3s) to the sale and lease of existing infrastructure and facilities for large sums of up-front cash. Proponents have viewed these practices as effective and innovative ways to raise sorely needed funds and address pressing fiscal problems. If P3 revenues are used to finance operating expenditures, these practices represent a fundamental departure from the traditional principles of balanced budgets for state and local governments. In financing capital project they are an expensive alternative to traditional tax-exempt financing and productive efficiencies in the private sector are unlikely to offset higher costs of capital. Furthermore, these practices are unlikely to improve infrastructure pricing and use and entail significant policy/economic risks as governments lose control of infrastructure for significant periods of time. The adoption of these sales or leases can be traced to political and institutional failures and inappropriate analysis.
Impact of Policy Environment Characteristics on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of Children Attending Afterschool Programs
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Huberty Jennifer , Beighle Aaron , Moore Justin B. , Webster Collin , Ajja Rahma , Weaver Glenn
Published: October 2012

State and national organizations recently developed policies focused on increasing physical activity (PA) in afterschool programs (ASPs). These policies emphasize “activity friendly” environment characteristics that, when present, should lead to higher levels of PA and reduce the amount of time children spend sedentary during an ASP. Currently, little is known about the impact of existing PA policies on children’s PA and sedentary behaviors in ASPs. A sample of 18 community-based ASPs serving 1,241 children (5-12 years) were audited for environment features outlined in existing PA policies (i.e., presence of a written policy to promote PA, collecting child feedback, staff training to promote PA and the quality of that training, holding parent workshops, use of PA curricula, evaluating PA, allocating time in the schedule for PA opportunities, and providing activities that appeal to both boys and girls). Children’s PA and sedentary behavior were measured via accelerometry. Unexpectedly, the presence of a written policy, collecting child feedback, and receiving 1 to 4 hours of staff training for PA was associated with an increase in time spent sedentary and a decrease in PA. Conversely, allocating 50% or more time in an ASP schedule for PA and providing activities that appealed to boys and girls was associated with a decrease of time spent sedentary and an increase in PA. The present state of practice in ASPs suggests that policy environment characteristics are largely unrelated to the amount of PA children accumulate while attending ASPs.
Clinical outcome in 19 cats with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of ischaemic myelopathy (2000–2011)
Authors: Theobald Anita , Volk Holger A , Dennis Ruth , Berlato Davide , De Risio Luisa
Published: October 2012

Previous publications on ischaemic myelopathy in cats are limited to single case reports and small case series. The overall prognosis appears poor, with 42% of cats being euthanased. In this study the clinical outcome of 19 cats with a presumptive diagnosis of ischaemic myelopathy [based on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings] was evaluated retrospectively. The degree of neurological dysfunction at the time of presentation was similar to previously reported cases, ranging from ambulatory paresis to plegia with intact nociception. The most common lesion localisations (based on MRI) were to the C1–C5 (30%) and C6–T2 (30%) spinal cord segments, with the T3–L3 and L4–S1 spinal cord segments accounting for 25% and 15%, respectively. Potential inciting or predisposing causes for development of spinal infarction were identified in 12 cats, including physical exertion, trauma, general anaesthesia, renal disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The median time to recovery of ambulation was 3.5 days (3–19 days). Four cats (21%) were euthanased within 2 months of diagnosis. The remaining 15 (79%) cats had a favourable outcome. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 10 years and 4 months, with a median of 3 years and 1 month. Even when plegia was present at the time of presentation, all surviving cats with long-term, owner-derived follow-up were reported to return to a normal quality of life, suggesting that the long-term prognosis for recovery from presumed ischaemic myelopathy is favourable in the majority of cats.
The two faces of congressional roll-call voting
Authors: Jessee Stephen A , Theriault Sean M
Published: October 2012

Most analyses of congressional voting, whether theoretical or empirical, treat all roll-call votes in the same way. We argue that such approaches mask considerable variation in voting behaviour across different types of votes. In examining all roll-call votes in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 93rd to the 110th Congresses (1973–2008), we find that the forces affecting legislators’ voting on procedural and final passage matters have exhibited important changes over time, with differences between these two vote types becoming larger, particularly in recent congresses. These trends have important implications not only on how we study congressional voting behaviour, but also in how we evaluate representation and polarization in the modern Congress.
Activists or money? Explaining the electoral success and persistence of political parties in Lithuania
Authors: Ibenskas Raimondas
Published: October 2012

The literature on post-communist party politics frequently suggests that membership organizations are not important for political parties in the region, as elections can be won with expensive media-based campaigns. The article tests this argument using the parliamentary elections in Lithuania in the 2000s held under a mixed electoral system. The results suggest that both party membership organization and campaign spending have roughly equal effects on the electoral persistence of political parties. New parties also benefit from both strong membership organizations and high campaign spending.
Legislators’ local roots
Authors: André Audrey , Depauw Sam , Deschouwer Kris
Published: October 2012

District magnitude structures the options open to voters and shapes the incentives legislators have to cultivate a personal reputation. But district magnitude can be a proxy of different ‘mechanisms’ tying to the electoral rules the one trait that is capable of attracting a personal vote across a wide range of electoral systems: that is, a legislator’s local roots. For the first time, recent alternative measures regarding the underlying causal variable are tested using new data in the six countries. On the one hand, district magnitude is found to have the predicted differential effect on legislators’ local office-holding in open-list and closed-list systems. Even as the number of legislators having held local office decreases as their electoral constituency grows in size, on the other hand it is intra-party competition that is the key.
Association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Choi Sung Jae , Ji Jong Dae , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: October 2012

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether the insertion (I) /deletion (D) polymorphism within intron 16 of angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods:

A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and SLE and LN.

Results:

A total of 1907 patients with SLE and 1842 controls in 18 comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis. The analysis showed a significant association between SLE and the DD genotype (recessive effect) of the ACE polymorphism (odds ratio [OR] 1.383, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.065–1.797, p = 0.015). Stratification by ethnicity indicated a marginal association between the DD genotype and SLE in Europeans (OR 1.210, 95% CI 0.964–1.519, p = 0.099; I2 = 0%). Meta-analysis also revealed a trend toward to an association between SLE and the ACE polymorphism using the allelic or additive models in Europeans. Furthermore, meta-analysis of the DD+ID genotype showed a significant association with LN (OR 0.582, 95% CI 0.425–0.797, p = 0.001; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis demonstrates a strong association between DD genotype and SLE in overall study and a marginal association between SLE and the ACE D/I polymorphism in Europeans, and suggests that this polymorphism might confer susceptibility to LN.
Fuzzy risk assessment on safety operations for exclusive container terminals at Kaohsiung port in Taiwan
Authors: Ding Ji-Feng , Tseng Wen-Jui
Published: October 2012

Because risk assessment of safety operations in exclusive container terminals at Kaohsiung port involves a host of complex considerations and uncertain information, we therefore use a fuzziness-based method to minimize the effect of such adverse factors and clarify the assessment process in this article. This article therefore uses fuzzy risk assessment steps to evaluate safety operations in exclusive container terminals at Kaohsiung port in Taiwan. This article first employs three risk assessment steps and then identifies a total of four dimensions with 16 risk factors from the literature and interviews with experts. After proposing a systematic fuzzy risk analysis and evaluation steps in order to determine risk levels, this article conducts an empirical study of Kaohsiung port by means of a survey. The empirical results reveal that (1) the leading factor influencing risk frequency is “communication misunderstanding,” (2) the leading factor influencing risk severity is “human negligence and error,” and (3) three risk factors are located in the high-risk area, while the other 13 risk factors are in the medium-risk area, and no risk factors are in the low-risk area. Furthermore, the analysis of the various risk factors suggests the adoption of three risk management strategies.
Aortic Augmentation Index is Independently Associated With N-Terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Shahin Yousef , Chetter Ian
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship of aortic augmentation index (AIx) with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) plasma levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with normal left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods:

Totally, 31 patients (23 males, mean age 65 ± 7.4) with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD of the lower limbs (ankle–brachial pressure index [ABPI] <0.90 in at least 1 leg) were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent pulse wave analysis by applanation tonometry of the radial artery using the SphygmoCor system and had a measurement of plasma NTproBNP levels.

Results:

Patients had a mean resting ABPI of 0.62 ± 0.19 and a mean AIx 32.6% ± 6.9. Median (interquartile range) NTproBNP plasma level was 75 (44-210) pg/mL. In a univariate analysis which included age, brachial systolic blood pressure (BSBP), brachial diastolic blood pressure (BDBP), ejection duration index (ED%), heart rate (HR), and NTproBNP, aortic AIx was significantly associated (Spearman rho) with NTproBNP, HR, and ED% ( r = .49, P = .006; r = −.72, P = .000, and r = −.42, P = .02, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AIx was associated with NTproBNP (β = 0.38, P = .02) independent of gender, HR, ED%, and use of β-blockers. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide explained 8% of the variance in aortic AIx, whereas HR explained 15% of the variance.

Conclusion:

In patients with PAD with normal LV systolic function, AIx is independently associated with NTproBNP. Structural changes in the myocardium might occur due to increased LV afterload as a result of increased wave reflections and arterial stiffness due to atherosclerosis leading to an increase in NTproBNP plasma levels.
Arterial Reconstruction for Atypical Mycotic Aneurysms
Authors: Malinowski Michael J. , Halandras Pegge
Published: October 2012

Our case involves a 67-year-old man with a  post lung transplantation status for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, who was initially referred to our institution for treatment of left hip septic arthritis due to Pseudallescheria boydii infection. One month following total hip arthroplasty, he noticed left upper thigh swelling with duplex imaging consistent with a 7-cm mid-superficial femoral artery aneurysm with popliteal vein compression and associated deep venous thrombosis. During operative resection, exploration of his contralateral saphenous vein showed inadequate conduit for use. Therefore, we proceeded with proximal and distal clamp control with intraoperative arterial shunting followed by cryoarterial reconstruction after complete aneurysm sac resection and debridement. Intraoperative arterial wall cultures remained negative for bacterial pathogens; however, final operative fungal cultures once again grew Pseudallescheria boydii. Our case highlights the complexity of adequate source control with effective arterial reconstruction in these immunosuppressed patient populations, particularly with fungal organisms that historically have poor therapeutic response to medical therapy alone.
Microelectromechanical Systems and Nanotechnology
Authors: Louizos Louizos-Alexandros , Athanasopoulos Panagiotis G. , Varty Kevin
Published: October 2012

Nanotechnology is the design and development of materials, structures, and devices with at least 1 dimension between the 1- and 100-nm-size scale. Manipulating matter at the atomic scale offers unique opportunities in material design particularly in biological interfaces. In this short review, we explore the disruptive technological opportunities that nanotechnology and microelectromechanical systems may offer in possible future stent designs along with safety issues that may surface with the use of nanoparticles in medical devices.
Deconstructing typologies
Authors: Herdin Thomas
Published: October 2012

Typologies are widely used in the field of intercultural communication to explain cultural differences. Especially the typology ‘individualism versus collectivism’ (I/C) is a central theoretical construct in cross-cultural comparison. But are such typologies really suited for explaining cultural phenomena? Is their explanatory power limited because the theoretical underpinnings are based on a Western mindset? And is using typologies as scientific models appropriate to explain intercultural incidents and uncover cultural patterns from a non-Western view as well? Do such typologies meet the demands of a modern view on the field of intercultural communication? This article casts a critical light on the appropriateness and applicability of typologies. The aim is twofold. The first part examines the limitations of typologies from an East Asian standpoint, bringing out the hidden cultural mindset on which this bipolar construct is built. The second part presents a model meant to contribute to a more profound debate between East Asian and Western views on intercultural communication.
Picturing defiance
Authors: Greenwood Keith
Published: October 2012

Photographs of international events influence the understanding viewers develop of the world. Emphasis on specific aspects of an event means other prominent aspects are overlooked. This study examines the visual framing in photographs related to Iran’s 2009 presidential election, comparing images photographers identified as their best work to those judged to be the Pictures of the Year. The analysis shows that while photographers primarily covered events leading up to the election and the violence that followed afterwards, they communicated a variety of frames through their images. The award-winning photographs, which set a standard for photojournalists, mainly depicted violent events, ignoring the civil participation of a wide range of Iranian citizens.
The visibility of disaster deaths in news images
Authors: Hanusch Folker
Published: October 2012

The extent to which newspapers display graphic images of death has rarely been studied in relation to the degree of the visibility of bodies, nor do many comparative analyses exist. This has led to a narrow understanding of how and why audiences are exposed to human suffering around the world. In examining newspaper images of the dead from the 2010 Haiti earthquake across 15 countries, this study develops a graphic image content scale to measure such visualizations. It finds significant differences in graphic images across the studied sample, both in terms of the amount of images and the degree of visibility of death. The study argues that major sociocultural influences, such as different religious traditions and societal levels of violence are part of the reason for the differences.
Atrial fibrillation following autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Sureddi Ravi K. , Amani Fariba , Hebbar Prabhat , Williams David K. , Leonardi Marino , Paydak Hakan , Mehta J.L.
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often develops in patients with multiple myeloma following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), but the exact incidence of, and the risk factors for AF have not been described. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence of AF in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing ASCT.

Methods:

Patients who received ASCT for multiple myeloma between January 2000 and December 2009 were identified using the ICD-9 codes for multiple myeloma and ASCT, and formed the basis of this report.

Results:

The study included 278 patients (mean age, 63 ± 9.5 years). A total of 75 (27%) patients developed AF at a mean duration of 14.8 days following ASCT. On multiple regression analysis, baseline renal dysfunction (odds ratio 15.2 [confidence interval 5.08–45.6]), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (9.55 [2.78–32.79]), dilated left atrium on echocardiogram (4.97 [1.8–13.78]), and hypertension (3.6 [1.36–9.52]) were significantly associated with the development of AF after ASCT. The presence of light-chain secretion (0.21 [0.07–0.6]) was associated with a lower incidence of AF. Age, gender, and race were not significantly associated with the development of AF after ASCT.

Conclusions:

AF is very frequent in patients with multiple myeloma when they receive ASCT. The presence of abnormal renal function, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilated left atrium, or hypertension at baseline identifies patients at high risk of developing AF following ASCT.
Buprenorphine augmentation in the treatment of refractory obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Liddell Malcolm B. , Aziz Victor , Briggs Patrick , Kanakkehewa Nimalee , Rawi Omar
Published: October 2012

Background:

OCD is often refractory to treatment. There is a need for the development of new, non-invasive treatments for severe OCD.

Rationale:

There is evidence that opiates can be a useful adjunctive treatment in OCD. We summarise our experience with sublingual buprenorphine augmentation of standard pharmacological management of severe OCD.

Methods:

Patients were recruited from a standard psychiatric outpatient clinic and gave their consent to the treatment trial. The severity of the OCD was rated with the Y-BOCS. The buprenorphine was introduced to their existing medication regime at a low dose and the dose increased according to response. In order to gauge the reproducibility of the response the buprenorphine was withdrawn and then reintroduced once symptoms had returned.

Results:

4 out of 7 patients with treatment resistant OCD showed a 30% reduction in the Y-BOCS score following buprenorphine augmentation. 3 of the responders were comorbid for other Axis 1 diagnoses. All of the responders had shown some improvement with SSRIs or clomipramine. Non-responders had not shown any improvement with either antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs. Typically improvement appeared within 2 days of initiating buprenorphine and waned within 1 to 2 days of its discontinuation. The dose of buprenorphine required varied between 400 µg and 600 µg a day. One responder managed on alternate day dosing. Reintroduction of buprenorphine resulted in symptom control within 2 to 3 days. The buprenorphine treatment was not associated with significant side-effects and the improvement was maintained without progressive dose escalation.

Conclusions:

Buprenorphine augmentation of standard treatment for OCD can result in clinically meaningful improvement in a proportion of refractory OCD cases. Further treatment trials are indicated.
TIG and A-TIG welding experimental investigations and comparison with simulation
Authors: Berthier A , Paillard P , Carin M , Pellerin S , Valensi F
Published: October 2012

In this part II, the comparison of physical mechanisms between tungsten inert gas (TIG) and active TIG (A-TIG) welding is shown. The plasma was monitored by a high speed camera to present the arc constriction phenomena while passing from TIG to A-TIG. The elemental analysis and the arc temperature measured by optical emission spectroscopy were performed according to the type of welding and the different fluxes in A-TIG welding. The two-dimensional axial symmetric model presented in part I was used to simulate the flow behaviour in the melting pool realised on a stainless steel disc (304L) melted by a stationary heat source and to study the influence of energy density.