bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacement of Reduced Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (HUFA Deficiency) in Dilative Heart Failure: Dosage of EPA/DHA and Variability of Adverse Peroxides and Aldehydes in Dietary Supplement Fish Oils
Authors: Rupp Thomas P. , Rupp Karin G. , Alter Peter , Rupp Heinz
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To explore the rationale for ω-3 fatty acids in heart failure treatment, the dosage of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for replacing low levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA deficiency) was examined. To judge the usefulness of various EPA/DHA preparations, their content of peroxides and aldehydes was determined. Methods: In 298 patients with dilative heart failure, the serum HUFA level was assessed by gas chromatography. In ω-3-acid ethyl esters 90 (Omacor/Lovaza, approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency) and 63 dietary supplement fish oils, oxidation products were determined by photometry. Results: Increasing serum HUFA from the lower (4.3 ± 1.0%) to the upper (9.5 ± 1.5%) tertile would be associated with an increased left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (34.1 ± 9.9 vs. 28.3 ± 9.5%, p < 0.01) and reduced LV enddiastolic diameter (63.5 ± 7.1 vs. 66.9 ± 7.4 mm) requiring at least 2 g EPA/DHA daily. In fish oils, the peroxide and alkenal level varied greatly, i.e. peroxide value ≤5 mEq/kg in only 7 and ≤10 mEq/kg in 38 fish oils. Compared with equivalent doses of ω-3-acid ethyl esters 90, the mean peroxide intake would be 8.6 ± 6.1 and the alkenal intake 10.9 ± 4.4 times higher in fish oils. Conclusions: Levels of adverse oxidation products should be considered when targeting HUFA deficiency or treating patients with myocardial infarction or high triglycerides.
The Negative Predictive Value of Typing Safe Local Anesthetics
Authors: Specjalski Krzysztof , Kita-Milczarska Karolina , Jassem Ewa
Published: June 2013

Background: Although allergy to local anesthetics (LA) is rare, patients often report unwanted reactions after their administration. A history of anaphylaxis or an atypical reaction related to LA is an indication for typing a safe anesthetic for future surgical or dental procedures. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of typing safe LA. Methods: A total of 154 patients with a history of an unwanted reaction to LA were enrolled into the study. Stepwise typing of a safe anesthetic included skin prick tests (SPT) and intracutaneous tests (ICT) with two or three of the following LA: lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and articaine. Skin tests were followed by provocations with one or two LA. Telephone follow-up visits were performed 4-12 months after drug typing. On the basis of follow-up questionnaire results, the NPV of the protocol was calculated. Results: The full protocol was performed in 148 patients. Positive results of SPT were observed in 2, of ICT in 19 and of provocations in 11 cases. Lidocaine was found safe in 44, bupivacaine in 14, mepivacaine in 34 and articaine in 61 patients. The drug typed at the clinical visit was administered in 78 patients, and 76 reported no reactions (NPV = 97%). Conclusion: Stepwise approach including SPT, ICT and provocations is safe and allows typing a safe anesthetic in a vast majority of patients.
Mapping of the Immunodominant Regions of Shrimp Tropomyosin Pan b 1 by Human IgE-Binding and IgE Receptor Crosslinking Studies
Authors: Myrset Heidi R. , Fæste Christiane K. , Kristiansen Per E. , Dooper Maaike M.B.W.
Published: June 2013

Background: Epitope mapping of an allergen is generally done by IgE-binding assays with short synthetic peptides, but this provides little information about which domains are responsible for IgE receptor crosslinking on effector cells. Our aim was to map the immunodominant regions of shrimp tropomyosin by both IgE-binding and IgE-receptor crosslinking studies. Methods: Five overlapping fragments covering Pandalus borealis tropomyosin were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy, native PAGE and bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate-crosslinking. IgE binding was detected by Western blot, indirect ELISA and inhibition ELISA, and IgE receptor crosslinking was investigated by basophil activation test and skin prick test with Norwegian shrimp allergic adults. Results: The N- and C-terminal fragments of tropomyosin showed the highest amount of secondary structure. Western blot studies showed preferential binding to the terminal fragments, while indirect and inhibition ELISA studies showed binding to all fragments, but with individual variations. Basophil CD63 expression was upregulated by all fragments at high concentrations (1 µg/ml) and showed individual variations comparable to ELISA results. A mixture of the fragments with equal molar ratios induced comparably strong CD63 activation as for tropomyosin. Skin prick test studies showed positive responses to the terminal and middle fragments and increased responses to the fragment mixture compared to whole tropomyosin. Conclusions: The terminal and middle fragments of tropomyosin had the highest IgE reactivity, but overall no clear immunodominant region was observed in this study. These results correlated well with previous studies with short peptides. Dividing shrimp tropomyosin into five fragments did not reduce the allergenicity of the protein.
De novo 15.5-Mb Interstitial Deletion in 5p in a Male Ascertained by Oligospermia
Authors: Papoulidis I. , Vetro A. , Kefalas K. , Orru S. , Thomaidis L. , Iliodromiti Z. , Zuffardi O. , Manolakos E.
Published: June 2013

We describe a case of a 34-year-old male presenting with oligospermia and an otherwise normal phenotype. Investigation with array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) revealed an interstitial deletion of about 15.5 Mb in chromosome 5p13.3p14.3. We compared the phenotype of our patient with recently reported patients studied by aCGH, who show an overlapping deletion. We also analyzed the gene content of the deleted region in order to propose a possible involvement of specific genes in the clinical phenotype.
Likelihood Ratios to Apply for Nasal Bone, Ductus Venosus and Tricuspid Flow at the 11-13 Weeks' Scan in Down Syndrome Screening
Authors: Illa Miriam , Mula Raquel , Arigita Marta , Grande Maribel , Gonce Anna , Borobio Virginia , Borrell Antoni
Published: June 2013

Objective: To assess the feasibility of nasal bone (NB), ductus venosus (DV) and tricuspid flow (TF) at the 11-13 weeks' scan, calculate likelihood ratios for each of the markers and evaluate their efficacy in expanded and contingent screening strategies for Down syndrome. Material and Methods: NB, DV and TF were assessed in 11,261 singleton fetuses undergoing first trimester combined screening. For each marker, Down syndrome detection rate (DR), false positive rate (FPR), positive, negative and isolated likelihood ratios (PLR, NLR and iLR) were calculated. Likelihood ratios were multiplied to the combined test risk either to the entire population or to the intermediate risk group (expanded and sequential strategies, respectively). Results: Down syndrome was diagnosed in 101 pregnancies. Feasibility for marker assessment ranged from 71 to 97%, DRs for isolated markers from 20 to 54% and FPRs from 1.3 to 5.3%. PLR ranged from 10 to 15, NLR from 0.5 to 0.8 and iLR from 3.9 to 5.6. When ultrasound markers were added to both strategies, a significant FPR reduction was observed. Conclusion: The application of NB, DV and TF likelihood ratios to the combined test risk, either in an expanded or contingent strategy, result in a FPR reduction.
Therapeutic Efficacy of AAV1.SERCA2a in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hadri Lahouaria , Kratlian Razmig G. , Benard Ludovic , Maron Bradley A. , Dorfmüller Peter , Ladage Dennis , Guignabert Christophe , Ishikawa Kiyotake , Aguero Jaume , Ibanez Borja , Turnbull Irene C. , Kohlbrenner Erik , Liang Lifan , Zsebo Krisztina , Humbert Marc , Hulot Jean-Sébastien , Kawase Yoshiaki , Hajjar Roger J. , Leopold Jane A.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by dysregulated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells leading to (mal)adaptive vascular remodeling. In the systemic circulation, vascular injury is associated with downregulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and alterations in Ca
2+
homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells that stimulate proliferation. We, therefore, hypothesized that downregulation of SERCA2a is permissive for pulmonary vascular remodeling and the development of PAH.

Methods and Results—

SERCA2a expression was decreased significantly in remodeled pulmonary arteries from patients with PAH and the rat monocrotaline model of PAH in comparison with controls. In human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro, SERCA2a overexpression by gene transfer decreased proliferation and migration significantly by inhibiting NFAT/STAT3. Overexpresion of SERCA2a in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells in vitro increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and activation. In monocrotaline rats with established PAH, gene transfer of SERCA2a via intratracheal delivery of aerosolized adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) carrying the human SERCA2a gene (AAV1.SERCA2a) decreased pulmonary artery pressure, vascular remodeling, right ventricular hypertrophy, and fibrosis in comparison with monocrotaline-PAH rats treated with a control AAV1 carrying β-galactosidase or saline. In a prevention protocol, aerosolized AAV1.SERCA2a delivered at the time of monocrotaline administration limited adverse hemodynamic profiles and indices of pulmonary and cardiac remodeling in comparison with rats administered AAV1 carrying β-galactosidase or saline.

Conclusions—

Downregulation of SERCA2a plays a critical role in modulating the vascular and right ventricular pathophenotype associated with PAH. Selective pulmonary SERCA2a gene transfer may offer benefit as a therapeutic intervention in PAH.
A Survey and Classification of Controlled Natural Languages
Authors: Kuhn Tobias
Published: June 2013

What is here called controlled natural language (CNL) has traditionally been given many different names. Especially during the last four decades, a wide variety of such languages have been designed. They are applied to improve communication among humans, to improve translation, or to provide natural and intuitive representations for formal notations. Despite the apparent differences, it seems sensible to put all these languages under the same umbrella. To bring order to the variety of languages, a general classification scheme is presented here. A comprehensive survey of existing English-based CNLs is given, listing and describing 100 languages from 1930 until today. Classification of these languages reveals that they form a single scattered cloud filling the conceptual space between natural languages such as English on the one end and formal languages such as propositional logic on the other. The goal of this article is to provide a common terminology and a common model for CNL, to contribute to the understanding of their general nature, to provide a starting point for researchers interested in the area, and to help developers to make design decisions.
Treatments of Low-priority and the Patient Mobility Directive 2011, an End to Legal Uncertainty for the English NHS?
Authors: Sheppard Maria K.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

The patient mobility case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union created legal uncertainty for the healthcare systems of EU Member States. The Patient Mobility Directive setting out patients’ cross-­border rights was adopted to end this uncertainty. With the Directive to be transposed into national law by October 2013 this article discusses whether the Directive achieves this objective for the English NHS. It contrasts the legal position of the NHS patient under case law and under the Directive regarding the need for prior authorisation of cross-border treatment, the level of reimbursement and the ambit of the healthcare benefits basket. It is argued that the risk of legal challenge may persist under the Directive, specifically regarding treatments which are classified by health authorities as low priority, namely treatments which are either not ‘generally’ available or only available subject to certain clinical criteria or access thresholds.
Decadal Freshening of the Antarctic Bottom Water Exported from the Weddell Sea
Authors: Jullion Loïc , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Meredith Michael P. , Holland Paul R. , Courtois Peggy , King Brian A.
Published: June 2013

Recent decadal changes in Southern Hemisphere climate have driven strong responses from the cryosphere. Concurrently, there has been a marked freshening of the shelf and bottom waters across a wide sector of the Southern Ocean, hypothesized to be caused by accelerated glacial melt in response to a greater flux of warm waters from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current onto the shelves of West Antarctica. However, the circumpolar pattern of changes has been incomplete: no decadal freshening in the deep layers of the Atlantic sector has been observed. In this study, the authors document a significant freshening of the Antarctic Bottom Water exported from the Weddell Sea, which is the source for the abyssal layer of the Atlantic overturning circulation, and trace its possible origin to atmospheric-forced changes in the ice shelves and sea ice on the eastern flank of the Antarctic Peninsula that include an anthropogenic component. These findings suggest that the expansive and relatively cool Weddell gyre does not insulate the bottom water formation regions in the Atlantic sector from the ongoing changes in climatic forcing over the Antarctic region.
SWAT-Based Streamflow Estimation and Its Responses to Climate Change in the Kadongjia River Watershed, Southern Tibet
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhang Xueqin , Sun Yang , Zheng Du , Fraedrich Klaus
Published: June 2013

Runoff estimation and its response to climate change in ungauged or poorly gauged basins based on hydrological models are frontier research issues of the hydrological cycle. For the Kadongjia River watershed (KRW), a poorly gauged watershed located in southern Tibet, China, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was adapted to model streamflow and its responses to climate change. The average annual streamflow was simulated to be roughly 124.6 mm with relatively small interannual variation during 1974–2010. The seasonal distribution of streamflow was uneven with a maximum in summer and a minimum in winter. Snowmelt, which was mainly produced in April–May, accounted for 4.0% of annual streamflow. Correlations and regression analysis between the interannual variations of major climatic and hydrological variables indicated that precipitation (temperature) had positive (negative) influence on the annual streamflow variation. For the interannual streamflow variations, warmer temperature was slightly more important than the variation of winter precipitation. Comparing streamflow changes in the current years (1980–99) with the future (2030–49), streamflow variations were more sensitive to changing climate in winter and spring than in the other two seasons. Model improvement is expected to enhance the simulation efficiency of SWAT and the analyses of hydrological responses to climatic change in KRW, thus supporting the model's credibility for hydrological cycle research in alpine regions.
China and the Arab Awakening: The Cost of Doing Business
Authors: Calabrese John
Published: June 2013

The popular unrest that has swept the Arab World since January 2011—occurring as China entered a period of leadership succession and delicate economic adjustment—presented Beijing with both domestic political and diplomatic challenges. This article examines how, and how well, China responded to the Arab Awakening at home and in the conduct of its diplomacy.
The Relationship Between Temperament, Gender, and Childhood Dysfunctional Voiding
Authors: Colaco Marc , Dobkin Roseanne D. , Sterling Matthew , Schneider Dona , Barone Joseph
Published: June 2013

Objective. Dysfunctional voiding (DV) is an extremely common pediatric complaint. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between DV and childhood temperament. Methods. Information about the voiding behaviors and temperaments of 50 children was examined using a case–control model. Caregivers were asked to fill out the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire in order to rate their child on the dimensions of surgency, negative affect, and effortful control. The relationship between DV and these dimensions was then evaluated. Results. Males with DV were found to have lower effortful control than males with normal voiding habits. Females with DV did not demonstrate a difference in effortful control, but did demonstrate a higher rate of surgency. Conclusions. The results suggest that temperament does have an association with DV. These findings are in line with temperamental associations with other externalizing trouble behaviors and may inform potential treatment strategies for DV.
Laryngeal anomalies: Pitfalls in adult forensic autopsies
Authors: Advenier AS , De La Grandmaison G Lorin , Cavard S , Pyatigorskaya N , Malicier D , Charlier P
Published: June 2013

Objective:

This is the first paper to group together most of adult laryngeal anomalies or malformations which may be misinterpreted by the forensic pathologist and taken for a proof of violence.

Material and methods:

A review of the literature, to list the main pitfalls, to explain their nature and their origins.

Results:

We found two main categories, the congenital defects and the acquired anomalies.

Conclusions:

The laryngeal region is complex. The pathologist must keep in mind anatomical variations or malformations, but also sequelae of old injuries and iatrogenic lesions. The survey, the patient’s clinical history, the findings of the whole autopsy and, if necessary, histology may help to interpret a laryngeal anomaly.
Fragmentation and diversification of climate change governance in international society
Authors: Palmujoki Eero
Published: June 2013

This article examines the discourses on the fragmentation and diversification of environmental governance through frames offered by the English School (ES) of International Relations (IR) scholars in order to apply their frame to climate change governance. It argues that the ES approach emphasises the pluralist starting-points of international law and governance. This article does not try to analyse pros and cons of fragmentation and diversification; rather, it examines whether the society is ‘thin’ or ‘thick’ regarding climate change governance. To what extent can the climate change practices established be spoken of as primary institutions? This is significant in order to weigh the future developments of governance. In the last section of the article, this discussion is realised by examining the developments of climate change governance both within and without the context of the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Gender Policies in Argentina after Neoliberalism
Authors: Lopreite Debora
Published: June 2013

After a decade of neoliberalism under the social-conservative administration of Carlos Menem (1989–1999), with its negative effects on women’s rights, the 2001–2002 economic crises created new opportunities for women. The Menem administration initiated a gender-equality agenda with its quota for women candidates for the Congress and its adoption of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, but it clashed with women’s groups on reproductive rights. While the two Kirchner administrations (2003–present) established programs for sexual health and responsible procreation, they reverted to maternalism in their programs for social assistance for poor mothers and family support. The Consejo Nacional de la Mujer (National Women’s Council), created during the Menem administration, took on more responsibility for delivering social assistance but abandoned its original gender-equality mandate.

Luego de una década de neoliberalismo bajo la administración conservadora-social de Carlos Menem (1989–1999), con sus efectos negativos sobre los derechos de las mujeres, las crisis económicas de 2001–2002 crearon nuevas oportunidades para las mujeres. La administración Menem inició una agenda de igualdad de género con la adopción de la cuota para candidatas mujeres para el Congreso y la adopción del Convención sobre la Eliminación de Todas las Formas de Discriminación contra la Mujer de la ONU, pero chocó con los grupos de mujeres sobre derechos reproductivos. Aunque las dos administraciones Kirchner (2003 al presente) establecieron programas para la salud sexual y la procreación responsable, volvieron al maternalismo en sus programas de asistencia social para mujeres pobres y el apoyo familiar. El Consejo Nacional de la Mujer, creado durante la administración Menem, se comprometió más en la entrega de asistencia social pero abandonó su mandato original de igualdad de género.
Social Revolution or Political Takeover?
Authors: Malamud Andrés
Published: June 2013

In 1995 the Peronist party held the Argentine presidency, a comfortable majority in both congressional chambers, and most provincial governorships and municipalities. In 2013 the political landscape looked exactly the same. However, between 2001 and 2002 the country arguably went through its most serious crisis ever, which led to massive popular uprisings, the early resignation of two presidents, and the largest debt default in international history. The political collapse did not, however, constitute a spontaneous or definite rupture with the past. Instead, the social revolt detonated in December 2001 was not only temporally and territorially limited but also politically nurtured and institutionally bounded. Conventional explanations have tended to overlook a crucial set of actors that was neither marching in the streets nor voting in the Congress. These actors were subnational power holders and they were Peronist, and their participation explains how the protest began, how the crisis unfolded, and how it was resolved.

En 1995, el partido peronista ocupaba la presidencia de la Argentina y gozaba de amplia mayoría en ambas cámaras, así como en las gobernaciones y municipios. En 2013, el panorama político lucía exactamente igual. Sin embargo, entre 2001 y 2002 el país sufrió una de las crisis más graves de su historia, que desembocó en levantamientos populares masivos, la renuncia anticipada de dos presidentes y el mayor incumplimiento de pago de una deuda soberana en la historia. El colapso político, sin embargo, no constituyó una ruptura espontánea ni definitiva con el pasado sino un acontecimiento que, además de temporal y territorialmente acotado, fue alimentado políticamente y digerido institucionalmente. Las explicaciones convencionales han pasado por alto a un conjunto de actores que no marchaba en las calles ni votaba en el Congreso. Estos actores tenían dos características: eran autoridades subnacionales y eran peronistas. Su participación explica el inicio de la protesta social, el desarrollo de la crisis y su resolución.
Output feedback controller design of discrete-time linear switching systems
Authors: Fan Guowei , Liu Zhiyuan , Chen Hong , Jin Guang
Published: June 2013

This paper presents some stability synthesis results for the discrete-time linear switching systems whose dynamics contain reset functions and are determined by exogenous and uncontrollable events. First, for autonomous linear switching systems, conditions of stability are given in terms of a new definition of [Formula: see text]-controlled invariant set, and existence conditions to obtain such a set are presented. Then, under the assumption that the discrete state is known and the continuous state is unavailable for feedback, this new result is used to find the sufficient conditions for the existence of an observer-based stabilizing controller and dynamic output feedback controller. Such a design can be formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which are numerically feasible with commercially available software. Finally, illustrative examples are given to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Evidence Synthesis for Decision Making 6
Authors: Dias Sofia , Sutton Alex J. , Welton Nicky J. , Ades A. E.
Published: June 2013

When multiple parameters are estimated from the same synthesis model, it is likely that correlations will be induced between them. Network meta-analysis (mixed treatment comparisons) is one example where such correlations occur, along with meta-regression and syntheses involving multiple related outcomes. These correlations may affect the uncertainty in incremental net benefit when treatment options are compared in a probabilistic decision model, and it is therefore essential that methods are adopted that propagate the joint parameter uncertainty, including correlation structure, through the cost-effectiveness model. This tutorial paper sets out 4 generic approaches to evidence synthesis that are compatible with probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis. The first is evidence synthesis by Bayesian posterior estimation and posterior sampling where other parameters of the cost-effectiveness model can be incorporated into the same software platform. Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods with WinBUGS software are the most popular choice for this option. A second possibility is to conduct evidence synthesis by Bayesian posterior estimation and then export the posterior samples to another package where other parameters are generated and the cost-effectiveness model is evaluated. Frequentist methods of parameter estimation followed by forward Monte Carlo simulation from the maximum likelihood estimates and their variance-covariance matrix represent’a third approach. A fourth option is bootstrap resampling—a frequentist simulation approach to parameter uncertainty. This tutorial paper also provides guidance on how to identify situations in which no correlations exist and therefore simpler approaches can be adopted. Software suitable for transferring data between different packages, and software that provides a user-friendly interface for integrated software platforms, offering investigators a flexible way of examining alternative scenarios, are reviewed.
Evidence Synthesis for Decision Making 1
Authors: Dias Sofia , Welton Nicky J. , Sutton Alex J. , Ades A. E.
Published: June 2013

We introduce the series of 7 tutorial papers on evidence synthesis methods for decision making, based on the Technical Support Documents in Evidence Synthesis prepared for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Decision Support Unit. Although oriented to NICE’s Technology Appraisal process, which examines new pharmaceutical products in a cost-effectiveness framework, the methods presented throughout the tutorials are equally relevant to clinical guideline development and to comparisons between medical devices, or public health interventions. Detailed guidance is given on how to use the other tutorials in the series, which propose a single evidence synthesis framework that covers fixed and random effects models, pairwise meta-analysis, indirect comparisons, and network meta-analysis, and where outcomes expressed in several different reporting formats can be analyzed without recourse to normal approximations. We describe the principles of evidence synthesis required by the 2008 revision of the NICE Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal and explain how the approach proposed in these tutorials was designed to conform to those requirements. We finish with some suggestions on how to present the evidence, the synthesis methods, and the results.
Public Administration Research in Taiwan
Authors: Sun Milan Tung-Wen , Lin Jessica Yu-Wen
Published: June 2013

This article presents a description of the discipline of public administration in Taiwan and a survey of research on the subject. A total of 1,090 articles appearing in five public administration journals during the period of 1990 to 2010 were examined from three aspects: authorship and productivity, research subject and keyword, and research purpose and method. Comparisons were made across time (1990-1999, 2000-2010) and by type of journal (TSSCI and Non-TSSCI). Research findings indicate that, in Taiwan, the focus of public administration research has been on such topics as public policy, new public management (NPM), public organization management, and intergovernmental relations. The style of scholarship is typically not empirical, though there is evidence of change here over time. In a broader perspective, public administration research has been conducted in an increasingly very competitive circumstance. It is argued that there will be ample opportunity for dialogue between scholars of public administration in Taiwan and the international community in the field.
The impact of pulmonary Acinetobacter baumannii infection on the prognosis of inpatients in a neurological intensive care unit
Authors: Mao Yong-xiang , Liu Guang-wei , Wang Liang , Wang Xue-feng , Li Feng
Published: June 2013

Objective

To investigate the impact of pulmonary Acinetobacter baumannii infection on the prognosis of patients in a Chinese neurological intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

Patients with pulmonary infection and positive sputum culture findings were retrospectively enrolled. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors influencing prognosis. Neurological disease improvement/nonimprovement and mortality rates were assessed.

Results

The study included 374 NICU patients with pulmonary infection (110 [29.4%] with A. baumannii, 264 [70.6%] with other micro-organisms). A. baumannii infection (OR = 2.987) and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 16.898) were independent factors in disease prognosis. A. baumannii infection was associated with longer NICU stay, fewer improved patients and increased mortality rate compared with other pulmonary infections.

Conclusions

A. baumannii infection prolongs the duration of the NICU stay and negatively impacts on prognosis. Prognosis of NICU patients could be improved by controlling A. baumannii infection.
Constituent Power beyond the State: An Emerging Debate in International Political Theory
Authors: Patberg Markus
Published: June 2013

In this review article, I suggest that the books under review should be conceived of as trailblazers of an emerging debate in international political theory. They all innovatively apply the concept of constituent power to the international realm and thereby contribute to establishing a new principle for the democratic legitimacy of international institutions. I argue that we should aim to develop a systematic theory of constituent power beyond the state because such a tool could considerably enhance the analytical categories of our research on democratic legitimacy beyond the state. Furthermore, I propose research questions for this new field of study, concerning conceptual, methodological and institutional aspects, and in turn apply these to the different conceptions of an international pouvoir constituant presented in the volumes under review in order to discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
Piloting a Psycho-Social Intervention for Incarcerated Women With Trauma Histories
Authors: Liebman Rachel E. , Burnette Mandi L. , Raimondi Christina , Nichols-Hadeed Corey , Merle Patricia , Cerulli Catherine
Published: June 2013

Trauma and related mental health disorders are common among incarcerated women, but empirically sound mental health interventions are lacking in prisons. Implementing such interventions is fraught with legal and logistical barriers. These barriers can be particularly detrimental for trauma-specific interventions given the unique needs of trauma survivors, yet there is little documentation of these issues or how to address them. This study describes a pilot study of an 8-week, strengths-based, trauma-focused intervention for 26 incarcerated women. Women reported considerable mental health problems and trauma. The study highlights the importance of adapting stringent research methodologies for prison-based trauma interventions. For instance, women with trauma were reluctant to participate in an intervention advertised as trauma-based. Moreover, a randomized wait list control design was unfeasible because women wanted the support of their friends when discussing trauma and could not control their schedules 9 weeks in advance. Ultimately, this work may inform future efforts to implement effective trauma-based interventions behind prison walls.
Compression after impact strength of out-of-autoclave processed laminates
Authors: Nettles Alan T , Jackson Justin R
Published: June 2013

Out-of-autoclave processable fiber/resin systems have been gaining much attention due to the elimination of needing a costly autoclave large enough to hold the part to be cured. For large composite structures this can pose a challenge. However, for these fiber/resin systems to replace conventional autoclave fiber/resin systems for use on aerospace structures, the damage tolerance capabilities need to meet (or exceed) those of current autoclave fiber/resin systems. In this experimental study, compression-after-impact strengths of two commercially available out-of-autoclave fiber/resin systems are compared to compression-after-impact strengths of a conventional autoclave fiber/resin system used as a baseline in this study. compression-after-impact testing was chosen since this is the most common method to assess laminates damage tolerance capabilities. Three different levels of impact severity were chosen and information on damage size and morphology are assessed along with compression-after-impact strength values. The results show the two out-of-autoclave fiber/resin systems examined in this study have similar damage tolerance characteristics to the autoclave fiber/resin system used in this study.
‘Talking bodies’
Authors: Åmot Ingvild , Ytterhus Borgunn
Published: June 2013

The article examines how children use bodily expressions as an instrument of power and a method of being heard when adults place them in positions of powerlessness in everyday life practice. The main focus is on children with social difficulties. The article focuses on children and adults in situations during time spent outdoors. The findings show that children and staff have different perceptions of what is desirable, and that they use different power mechanisms to change or maintain the power of definition.
Investigation of harmonic instability of laminar fluid flow past 2D rectangular cross sections with 0.5–4 aspect ratios
Authors: Dehkordi Behzad Ghadiri , Fallah Saleh , Niazmand Amirreza
Published: June 2013

The viscous, incompressible and laminar flow around rectangular cross sections is simulated via a Cartesian-Staggered grid finite volume method for various of aspect ratios. Simulations were carried out for a range of 10–150 Reynolds number and aspect ratios of 0.5–4. In the present work, The Great-Source Technique is used to satisfy directly the no slip condition. The grid is refined in the same size in the back and front regions of the body, but for increasing computation accuracy, the region of rectangular section has been refined more. Because of widespread application of rectangular cross sections and less attendance on it than circular sections, especially in laminar flow and low Reynolds, the aim of this study is to investigate the range of harmonic instability and estimation of its critical Reynolds number. For this purpose, The shedding frequency and The variation of lift and drag coefficients with time and Reynolds numbers have been analyzed for various of aspect ratios. The results show that increase in aspect ratios leads the rise in critical Reynolds number.
Strategizing Systematic HIV Intervention: A Case Study
Authors: Mathur Alok K.
Published: June 2013

For any intervention in public health, one needs to gather the evidence on the basis of which systematic plans and strategies can be built. In Rajasthan, for HIV and AIDS prevention, care and support activities apex organisation is Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society (RSACS). IIHMR, Jaipur, provided technical support to RSACS in targeted interventions, capacity building, strategic planning and public private partnership. In systematising the intervention with the sex workers living in district Sawai Madhopur, a situational analysis was carried out. The district is internationally known tourist place in Rajasthan and has remarkable mobility pattern among sex workers. It was found that in the district, the risk and vulnerabilities of sex workers has increased because of this mobility and illiteracy. It was reported that majority of sex workers in Sawai Madhopur knew that AIDS is not curable and the rest had either no idea or they thought AIDS could be cured. Amongst those who reported that they had no idea about the cure of HIV/AIDS, most of them were active sex workers. These active sex workers, hence, due to lack of awareness about STI, HIV and AIDS, were very vulnerable against HIV infection. Majority of the sex workers reported that they were not willing to use female condoms. Nearly half of the sex workers in Sawai Madhopur joined this profession as tradition of their families and caste. For HIV prevention and BCC, the better strategy is to use such IEC materials which contains pictures on various issues like condom negotiation, managing violence, sex workers collectives, correct and consistent use of condoms, STI, RTI, HIV and AIDS. Efforts should also be made to integrate the children from sex workers family into formal education process and, simultaneously, a little older children should be imparted skills in alternative trainings for joining other acceptable means of earning livelihood.
Sustainable Chinese Urban Development
Authors: Edelman David J. , Triantafillou Menelaos
Published: June 2013

Taking the Conceptual Plan of Anyang Eastern Town as the subject, the article presents key issues and learnings from the exercise carried out. The authors point out that sustainable development as a concept and practice is little known at the provincial level in China. Policy initiatives and regulations from the central government are aimed at broad environmental needs; their integration with urban planning has not yet taken place. This plan for the city of Anyang is innovative in that it is guided by principles such as the (i) creation of a city, capable of establishing livable neighbourhoods with an increased landscaped urbanism, (ii) development of an identity that connects the local cultural heritage with the new development, and (iii) provision of several typologies capable of defining neighbourhoods and accommodating varying densities, house typologies, commercial services and connectivity to the urban green space. [Formula: see text]
Boatmen and Status of Dal Lake and Its Environs: A Tale of Srinagar
Authors: Fazal Shahab , Amin Arshad
Published: June 2013

The paper explores how rapid urbanization in Srinagar (India) has led to the decay of the environment of Dal Lake – one of the most tourist frequented locations in India, and the impact it has had on the local aboriginal community of Hanjis who are dependent on the Lake for their livelihoods. Rapid urbanization has led to shrinking in the area of the Lake and deterioration in water quality, coupled with increasing exploitation of natural resource available. Ironically, most of the over-exploitation of resources and pollution of the lake is attributable to the Hanjis themselves as they are unable to perceive the harm their community is likely to face in the long-run of these actions as economic sustenance and livelihoods of this community is completely dependent on the well-being of the Lake. There is a need for taking immediate action both from the Hanjis community, as well as from the government, and a need for them to work collectively. Participatory development efforts in planning need to be taken up as the focus of managing the challenge rather than strict restrictions and enforcement alone by the government, and complete ignorant attitude of the local community. Most Hanjis feel they have been alienated from development plan preparation for conservation of the Dal Lake, which has in turn led them to over-exploit the lake’s resources as the sense of attachment and reliance is not there.

[Formula: see text]
The evolution of bookkeeping methods in China: A Darwinist analysis of developments during the twentieth-century
Authors: Ji Xu-dong , Lu Wei
Published: June 2013

This article reviews the historical development of bookkeeping methods in China during the twentieth century by applying the “Universal Darwinism” theory developed by Dawkins (1983) and Hodgson (2002). According to Dawkins and Hodgson, the biological principles of variation, selection and inheritance can be applied to cultural and other forms of evolution. This article applies these principles to critically evaluate the evolution of double-entry bookkeeping methods in China during the twentieth century. It concludes that bookkeeping methods are selected by their surrounding environment which is determined by the political, economic and cultural factors of that particular period. The methods selected are those that adapt best or are most suited to a change in the environment. Different methods compete for the dominant position. If a single method cannot be exclusively selected, then multiple methods may be permitted to co-exist. This conclusion can also explain why, in general, pluralism is a very prevalent phenomenon in accounting.
Competency based advanced training in Intellectual Disability Psychiatry: a NSW prototype
Authors: Johnson Keith , Bowden Michael , Coyne David , Trollor Julian
Published: June 2013

Objective:

This paper describes a competency based advanced training year in adult Intellectual Disability Psychiatry enabled through a partnership between disability and mental health sectors. This training experience could be viewed as a prototype for further specialised training schemes in Intellectual Disability Psychiatry, and has relevance for the implementation of competency based psychiatric training schemes in Australia.

Conclusions:

The need for a specific training curriculum in Intellectual Disability Psychiatry is outlined with reference to epidemiological evidence and human rights. The formulation of the training programme and the training experience itself is described and evaluated. Conclusions on the implications of this experience for the future competency based training schemes are drawn. Building a skilled workforce is necessary to address the significant inequalities in mental health experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A significant initial step for this would be the development of a specialised training curriculum. Service provision for this population is scattered across many disciplines and organisations with historically little mutual cooperation. Additionally, proposed competency-based training schemes stipulate that a medical expert develops a wide skill set across multiple domains. Thus, formal cross sector collaboration is fundamental for any competency based training scheme to be feasible.
Relationship Between Red Cell Distribution Width and Stroke in Patients With Stable Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Kaya Ahmet , Isik Turgay , Kaya Yasemin , Enginyurt Ozgur , Gunaydin Zeki Yuksel , Iscanli Murat Dogan , Kurt Mustafa , Tanboga Ibrahim Halil
Published: June 2013

Aim:

We aimed to investigate the association between baseline red cell distribution width (RDW) level and the risk of stroke in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods:

A total of 153 consecutive patients with HF (New York Heart Association [NYHA] I-III and left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%) were included in this prospective study. All the patients were followed up for 1 year, and during this period the cerebrovascular disease was questioned.

Results:

In matched population, using propensity score matching comparing patients with HF having stroke with patients without stroke, we found significantly increased basal RDW and serum uric acid. The receiver-operating characteristic curves of RDW for predicting stroke are performed. An RDW ≥15.2% measured on admission had 87% sensitivity and 74% specificity in predicting stroke in patients with HF (area under the curve: 0.923, 95% confidence interval: 0.852-0.994, P < .001).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that RDW may be important hematological indices for stroke in patients with HF using propensity score analysis.
Collapse mechanisms and the existence of equilibrium solutions for masonry bodies
Authors: Šilhavý M
Published: June 2013

The equilibrium equations of no-tension (masonry-like) bodies are analyzed. Unlike the existing proofs of the existence of the solution by Anzellotti or Giaquinta and Giusti, the present proof does not employ the uniform safe load condition. It is based on the assumption of the absence of a suitably defined collapse mechanisms. The collapse mechanism belongs to a generalized space BD(cl Ω) of displacements of bounded deformation on the closure cl Ω of the body Ω. This generalized displacement can have a jump discontinuity on the boundary of the body and the generalized strain is a measure on the closure of the body (instead of the standard interpretation as a measure supported by the interior). The equilibrium solution, however, belongs to the classical space of displacements of bounded deformation BD(Ω).
Advancing Multilevel Research Design
Authors: Kozlowski Steve W. J. , Chao Georgia T. , Grand James A. , Braun Michael T. , Kuljanin Goran
Published: June 2013

Multilevel theory and research have advanced organizational science but are limited because the research focus is incomplete. Most quantitative research examines top-down, contextual, cross-level relationships. Emergent phenomena that manifest from the bottom up from the psychological characteristics, processes, and interactions among individuals—although examined qualitatively—have been largely neglected in quantitative research. Emergence is theoretically assumed, examined indirectly, and treated as an inference regarding the construct validity of higher level measures. As a result, quantitative researchers are investigating only one fundamental process of multilevel theory and organizational systems. This article advances more direct, dynamic, and temporally sensitive quantitative research methods designed to unpack emergence as a process. We argue that direct quantitative approaches, largely represented by computational modeling or agent-based simulation, have much to offer with respect to illuminating the mechanisms of emergence as a dynamic process. We illustrate how indirect and direct approaches can be complementary and, appropriately integrated, have the potential to substantially advance theory and research. We conclude with a set of recommendations for advancing multilevel research on emergent phenomena in teams and organizations.
Conditional Agglomeration Externalities in Lodging Markets
Authors: Lee Seul Ki , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: June 2013

Citing the intense competition among products of similar quality, studies to date have largely advocated for the favorable effects of differentiated agglomeration on hotels. However, limited evidence also suggests that undifferentiated hotels may also have an incentive to agglomerate for favorable interactions such as resource and information sharing, heightened demand, and demand spillover. Under the framework of bounded price competition this study hypothesizes that for hotels agglomeration effects may be dependent on market demand, whereas undifferentiated competition may also create desirable externalities. Using data from the Texas lodging market for the year 2010, the current study tests the hypotheses and finds significant evidence of conditionality, in which undifferentiated agglomeration externalities can be more favorable on the operating performance of hotels. Implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research are discussed.