bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evidence for Pharmaconutrition in Major Elective Surgery
Authors: Braga Marco , Wischmeyer Paul E. , Drover John , Heyland Daren K.
Published: September 2013

In recent years, standard nutrition preparations have been modified by adding specific nutrients, such as arginine, ω‐3 fatty acids, glutamine, and others, which have been shown to upregulate host immune response, modulate inflammatory response, and improve protein synthesis after surgery. Most randomized trials and several meta‐analyses have shown that perioperative administration of enteral arginine, ω‐3 fatty acids, and nucleotides (immunonutrition) reduced infection rate and length of hospital stay in patients with upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The most pronounced benefits of immunonutrition were found in subgroups of high‐risk and malnourished patients. Promising but not conclusive results have been found in non‐GI surgery, especially in head and neck surgery and in cardiac surgery, but larger trials are required before recommending immunonutrition as a routine practice. Conflicting results on the real benefit of parenteral glutamine supplementation in patients undergoing elective major surgery have been published. In conclusion, enteral diets supplemented with specific nutrients significantly improved short‐term outcome in patients with cancer undergoing elective GI surgery. Future research should investigate a molecular signaling pathway and identify specific mechanisms of action of immune‐enhancing substrates.
Appropriate Use of Parenteral Nutrition Through the Perioperative Period
Authors: McClave Stephen A. , Martindale Robert , Taylor Beth , Gramlich Leah
Published: September 2013

Recent advances in nutrition therapy of the patient undergoing elective surgery have focused on greater utilization of the gut, feeding closer to the time of surgery, avoiding extensive bowel preparations or use of nasogastric tubes and drains, and measures to promote and maintain intestinal motility. Failure to have protocols in place for delivery of enteral nutrition (EN) through the perioperative period should not lead to inappropriate use of parenteral nutrition (PN) as a default therapy, because in many circumstances, standard therapy with no specialized nutrition support may be associated with better outcome. In cases where EN is not feasible and the patient shows evidence of malnutrition, surgery should be delayed 7–10 days to provide perioperative PN. For patients requiring urgent surgery where EN is not feasible, the initiation of PN postoperatively should be delayed 5–7 days. Whether alternative sources for lipid emulsion and availability of parenteral immune‐modulating agents in the future can improve the risk/benefit ratio of PN and expand its use through the perioperative period awaits further study.
The Surgically Induced Stress Response
Authors: Finnerty Celeste C. , Mabvuure Nigel Tapiwa , Ali Arham , Kozar Rosemary A. , Herndon David N.
Published: September 2013

The stress response to surgery, critical illness, trauma, and burns encompasses derangements of metabolic and physiological processes that induce perturbations in the inflammatory, acute phase, hormonal, and genomic responses. Hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism result, leading to muscle wasting, impaired immune function and wound healing, organ failure, and death. The surgery‐induced stress response is largely similar to that triggered by traumatic injuries; the duration of the stress response, however, varies according to the severity of injury (surgical or traumatic). This spectrum of injuries and insults ranges from small lacerations to severe insults such as large poly‐traumatic and burn injuries. Burn injuries provide an extreme model of trauma induced stress responses that can be used to study the long‐term effects of a prolonged stress response. Although the stress response to acute trauma evolved to confer improved chances of survival following injury, in modern surgical practice the stress response can be detrimental.
Nondilated abdominal aortic rupture caused by acute type B aortic dissection
Authors: Iba Yutaka , Fukazawa Kazutoshi , Minatoya Kenji , Matsuda Hitoshi , Sasaki Hiroaki , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: September 2013

A 31-year-old man presented with sudden abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed type B aortic dissection and a huge retroperitoneal hematoma. Accordingly, we diagnosed rupture of the abdominal aorta which was of almost normal caliber. Emergency open abdominal aortic repair was performed successfully. Pathology of the aortic wall revealed diffuse medial degeneration with severe elastin fragmentation, but gene analysis found no gene mutation that could lead to a connective tissue disorder.
Dynamic evaluation of the loop technique using the U-Clip
Authors: Moriyama Hideki , Tomita Shigeyuki , Watanabe Go
Published: September 2013

Background

We set out to evaluate mitral valve repair with the loop technique under dynamic conditions, using a U-Clip to anchor the loop unit to a papillary muscle.

Methods

Mitral valve prolapse was artificially developed by resecting 4 chordae tendineae of a resected porcine heart. The loop unit was anchored to the papillary muscle using U-Clips. Each chordal loop was fixed on the prolapsed leaflet. A roller pump perfused the left ventricle. The left ventricular pressure was maintained at 250 mm Hg. Morphological assessment of the loop reconstruction was performed using an endoscope.

Results

10 independent chordal reconstructions were performed. In all cases, the loop unit remained anchored against pressures exceeding 250 mm Hg. Upon increasing the water filling volume, rupture of a chorda tendinea occurred in 7 cases, rupture of the papillary muscle occurred in 2 cases, and left ventricle rupture occurred in 1 case. In all rupture cases, the loop unit remained anchored to the papillary muscle.

Conclusion

This dynamic evaluation of the loop technique using U-Clips to anchor the loop unit to a papillary muscle showed that the loop technique using U-Clips is a safe method.
Hybrid repair of right aortic arch aneurysm with a Kommerell's diverticulum
Authors: Tanaka Koyu , Yoshitaka Hidenori , Chikazawa Genta , Sakaguchi Taichi , Totsugawa Toshinori , Tamura Kentaro
Published: September 2013

We describe the case of a 74-year-old man who underwent a hybrid open and endovascular approach for repair of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm of a right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell's diverticulum. Total debranching using a tailored quadrifurcated graft and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for the transverse aortic lesion were performed. The procedures were successfully accomplished with complete exclusion of the aneurysm. This hybrid procedure for complex aortic arch disease may reduce perioperative complications compared to challenging conventional open approaches.
Anterior and posterior papillary muscle rupture after myocardial infarction
Authors: Morokuma Hiroyuki , Katayama Yuji , Koga Shugo , Ogura Yuji
Published: September 2013

A 66-year-old man was referred in cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction. Echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with prolapse of the posterior mitral leaflet due to papillary muscle rupture. Emergency coronary angiography showed subtotal occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. A percutaneous coronary intervention was performed immediately. After inducing percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, emergency mitral valve replacement was carried out. The anterior and posterior papillary muscles attached to the posterior mitral leaflet were completely ruptured. Pathological findings showed massive necrosis.
Church-based social support, religious commitment, and health among older Mexican Americans
Authors: Krause Neal , Hayward R. David
Published: September 2013

Research indicates that social support that is provided by fellow church members is associated with better health. The goal of the current study is to contribute to this literature in three potentially important ways. First, the effects of received support are contrasted with a second measure of support–satisfaction with support received. Second, it is hypothesized that the effects of church-based support on self-rated health will depend upon the level of religious commitment. Third, these issues are examined with data from a nationwide survey of older Mexican Americans. The findings suggest that satisfaction with support, but not received support, is associated with better health. However, the results further reveal that these potentially important benefits are only evident among older Mexican Americans who are more committed to their faith.
Early relationships of adolescents
Authors: Letcher Amber , Slesnick Natasha
Published: September 2013

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between attachment behavior, substance use, and sexual activity among adolescents in romantic relationships. Concepts from attachment theory have been proposed to explain adolescent risk behavior; however, research on adolescent attachment rarely assesses both members of the couple. A total of 21 adolescent couples (aged 15–18 years) were assessed on self-report and observed measures of romantic attachment, substance use, and sexual activity. Attachment anxiety was related to one’s own risk behavior. Self-reported attachment avoidance was also related to one’s own and his/her partner’s observed attachment behaviors. Given these results, risk prevention/intervention programs targeted toward adolescents may benefit from assessing attachment representations of adolescents, which may be related to participation in risk behavior.
Implementing evidence-based stroke Early Supported Discharge services: a qualitative study of challenges, facilitators and impact
Authors: Chouliara Niki , Fisher Rebecca J , Kerr Micky , Walker Marion F
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals and commissioners working with a stroke Early Supported Discharge service in relation to: (1) the factors that facilitate or impede the implementation of the service, and (2) the impact of the service.

Design:

Cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed by two researchers using a thematic analysis approach.

Setting:

Two Early Supported Discharge services in Nottinghamshire.

Participants:

Purposive sampling identified 35 key informants including practitioners, managers and commissioners.

Results:

The identified facilitators to the implementation of evidence-based services were: (1) the adaptability of the intervention to the healthcare context, (2) the role of rehabilitation assistants and (3) cross-service working arrangements. Perceived challenges included: (1) lack of clarity regarding the referral decision making process, (2) delays in securing social care input and (3) lack of appropriate follow-on services in the region. Most respondents perceived the impact of the services to be: (1) reducing in-hospital stay, (2) aiding the seamless transfer of care from hospital to the community and (3) providing intensive stroke specific therapy. Commissioners called for greater evidence of service impact and clarity regarding where it fits into the stroke pathway.

Conclusions:

Early Supported Discharge services were perceived as successful in providing home-based, stroke specific rehabilitation. Teams would benefit from capitalising on identified facilitators and developing strategies to address the challenges. The remit and impact of the services should be clear and demonstrable, with teams strengthening links with other health and social care providers.
Comparative Growth Dynamics in a Discrete-time Marxian Circuit of Capital Model
Authors: Basu Deepankar
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a discrete-time version of the Marxian circuit of capital model in Foley (1982, 1986a) is used to address two important theoretical issues of general interest to the heterodox economics tradition: profit-led versus wage-led growth, and the growth-reducing impact of non-production credit. First, it is demonstrated that both profit-led and wage-led growth regimes can be accommodated within the Marxian circuit of capital model. Second, it is demonstrated that, if the total flow of credit is large, the steady-state growth rate of a capitalist economy is negatively related to the share of consumption credit in total net credit.
Mortality Risk Prediction With an Updated Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Score in Critically Ill Obstetric Patients
Authors: Paternina-Caicedo Angel J. , Rojas-Suarez José A. , Dueñas-Castel Carmelo , Miranda-Quintero Jezid E. , Bourjeily Ghada
Published: September 2013

Background:

Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score has shown low prognostic ability to predict death in the obstetric population. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether an updated form of the APACHE II score would perform better in predicting mortality in critically ill obstetric patients.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of pregnant and postpartum women (up to 42 days after delivery) who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was carried out at an ICU at Rafael Calvo Maternity Hospital, a large obstetric hospital in Colombia. Data were collected on consecutive obstetric patients admitted to the ICU between 2006 and 2011. A discrimination and calibration analysis was completed on the original APACHE II score and an updated APACHE II score.

Results:

Data were collected on a total of 726 obstetric patients. The area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.80-0.93) for both APACHE II and the updated APACHE II scores. Mortality ratio for the original APACHE II was 0.30 (95% CI, 0.19-0.41) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.56-1.24) for the updated APACHE II.

Conclusions:

The APACHE II overestimates mortality in the sample population. The updated APACHE II model predicts mortality more accurately in the obstetric population. This formula may be useful in adapting the existing APACHE II to current mortality risk in obstetric critical care populations.
Adaptive slicing and speed- and time-dependent consolidation mechanisms in fused deposition modeling
Authors: Huang Bin , Singamneni Sarat
Published: September 2013

Fused deposition modeling involves line-by-line and layer-by-layer deposition of a semisolid polymer, and the material consolidation mechanisms eventually result in a composite of the polymer substrate with interspersed inter-road voids. Considering the potential capability of the process for direct digital production of end-use parts with materials of engineering significance, methods such as adaptive slicing were attempted targeting better part qualities together with improved production times. While adaptive slicing was attributed with several useful qualities, a careful consideration reveals that most of these attempts were mere mathematical approaches, with very little or no theoretical and experimental evaluation of the actual effects. Theoretical models predicting the mechanism of inter-road bonding through solid-state sintering existed for a while, and with the advent of advances made in understanding the inter-road coalescence and mechanism of material consolidation, it is necessary to revisit adaptive slicing and establish the true attributes. This article attempts this through mathematical and experimental evaluation, considering in particular, the time- and speed-dependent variation of the inter-road coalescence.
Prediction of surface roughness magnitude in computer numerical controlled end milling processes using neural networks, by considering a set of influence parameters: An aluminium alloy 5083 case study
Authors: Karagiannis Stefanos , Stavropoulos Panagiotis , Ziogas Christos , Kechagias John
Published: September 2013

A mastering of surface quality issues during machining helps avoiding failure, enhances component integrity and reduces overall costs. Surface roughness significantly affects the quality performance of finished components. A number of parameters, both material and process oriented, influence at a different extend the surface quality of the finished product. Aluminium alloy 5083 component surface quality, achieved in side end milling, constitutes the subject of the present case study. The design of experiment method is employed: that is, 18 carbide two-flute end mill cutters – manufactured by a five-axis grinding machine – have been assigned to mill 18 pockets in finishing conditions – having different combinations of geometry and cutting parameters values, according to the L18 (21× 37) standard orthogonal array. Process performance is estimated using the statistical surface texture parameters Rα, Ry and Rz– measured during three different passes on the side surface of the pockets. The results indicate that process parameters – such as the cutting speed, the peripheral second relief angle and the core diameter – mostly influence surface texture. The experimental values are used to train a feed forward back-propagation artificial neural network for the prediction of the yield surface roughness magnitude.
A proposed satisfaction function model to optimize process performance with multiple quality responses in the Taguchi method
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas
Published: September 2013

The Taguchi method has been found effective for optimizing a single quality response. In reality, customers are concerned about multiple quality responses of a product. Although several approaches have been proposed to deal with this issue, however they ignored engineers’ satisfaction regarding process factor settings. This research, therefore, proposes an approach for optimizing multiple responses in the application of the Taguchi method. The mathematical relationships between each response quality and process factors are first formulated. Then, a proper satisfaction function is selected to represent each response and process factor. A complete optimization model is developed. Three case studies are provided for illustration; in all of which the proposed approach provides the largest improvement percentages while considering process engineers’ satisfaction about process factors. Compared to previous approaches in literature, such as gray analysis and fuzzy-gray analysis, the proposed approach provides optimal solution within factor setting ranges, relies on mathematical relationships between response and process factors, and considers engineers’ preference regarding process factor settings. Definitely, the proposed approach shall provide practitioners a great assistance in optimizing performance with multiple responses while considering their preferences about responses as well as process factor settings.
Surface roughness (Ra) prediction model for turning of AISI 1019 steel using response surface methodology and Box–Cox transformation
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhuvnesh , Kumar Rajesh , Singh Pradeep K
Published: September 2013

In this present work, an attempt has been made to develop a more accurate surface roughness prediction model using response surface methodology based on center composite rotatable design with Box–Cox transformation in turning of AISI 1019 steel. The analysis has been carried out in three stages. In the first stage, a quadratic model has been developed in terms of feed, speed, depth of cut and nose radius. In the second stage, an improved prediction model has been developed by improving the normality, linearity and homogeneity of the data using a Box–Cox transformation. This improved model has been found to yield good prediction accuracy when compared to the previous one. In the third stage, confirmation experiments have been carried out, which clearly show that the Box–Cox transformation has a strong potential to improve the prediction capability of empirical models. An attempt has also been made to investigate the influence of cutting parameters on surface roughness. The result shows that the feed is the main influencing factor on the surface roughness while the depth of cut has no significant influence.
Prediction of formability of laser-welded dual-phase steel by finite element analysis
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Kaushik , Panda Sushanta K , Saha Partha
Published: September 2013

Dual-phase steels are being applied in the automobile sectors for their higher strength with reasonable work hardening exponent. However, applications of these steels in tailor welded blanks for automobile part manufacturing involve laser welding and subsequent sheet forming. The thermal cycle during laser welding changes the local properties of the weld zone, which affects the formability. Hence, the present study was targeted to understand the effect of laser welding in formability of dual-phase steel. Laser welding of 1.2-mm-thick dual-phase steel with tensile strength of 600 MPa (DP600) and 980 MPa (DP980) was performed using 2-kW fibre laser set-up to fabricate two different laser welded blanks. The laser power and scan speed during welding were selected as 1.8 kW and 1000 mm/min, respectively. Weld quality was accessed using microhardness, metallography and transverse tensile tests. Formability of the laser welded blanks was evaluated in terms of cup height by Erichsen cupping test. It was observed that formability of welded blanks reduced compared to parent metals. The soft zone was observed in the heat-affected zone of DP980 welded specimens, and hence, reduction in formability was more. Finite element simulation of Erichsen cupping test was performed using LS-DYNA explicit finite element code.
Evolution of tool wear and its effect on cutting forces during dry machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Sun Shoujin , Brandt Milan , Mo John PT
Published: September 2013

Variation of cutting forces has been investigated and correlated with the development of tool wear during dry machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at cutting speeds of 150 and 220 m/min, respectively. Both the average and maximum flank wear increased more significantly with volume of material removed at higher cutting speed. The tool failure mode is flank wear at both cutting speeds; however, the mechanisms for the excessive flank wear are different. The average width of flank wear reaches the criterion at cutting speed of 150 m/min after 57.2 cm3 of material has been removed as a result of the gradual recession of cutting edge due to crater wear, which led to significant rise of feed force only at the end of tool life. Both average width and maximum width of flank wear exceeds the criteria at cutting speed of 220 m/min after 20.8 cm3 of material has been removed because of severe plastic deformation of cutting edge at the nose radius, which resulted in dramatic increase in all three components of cutting forces at the end of tool life. The cutting edge at the nose radius was pushed up from the flank face in the chip flow direction due to the oversized built-up edge-induced compressive stress applied from the flank face.
An integrated cultural particle swarm algorithm for multi-objective reliability-based design optimization
Authors: Li Zhongkai , Tian Guangdong , Cheng Gang , Liu Houguang , Cheng Zhihong
Published: September 2013

Uncertainties in design variables and problem parameters are often inevitable in multi-objective optimizations, and they must be considered in an optimization task if reliable Pareto optimal solutions are to be sought. Multi-objective reliability-based design optimization has been raised as a question in design for reliability, but the disadvantages of fixed evolutionary parameters, nonuniformly distributed Pareto optimal solutions and high computational cost hinder engineering applications of reliability-based design. To deal with it, this work proposes an integrated multi-objective cultural-based particle swarm algorithm to solve the double-loop reliability-based design optimization. In the inner optimization loop, the cultural space is composed of the elitism, situational and normative knowledge to adjust the parameters for swarm space, and the crowding distance ranking is introduced to update the global and local optimum and control the maximum number of solutions in elitism knowledge. The hybrid mean value method is improved to perform reliability analysis in the outer loop to suit both concave and convex types of performance functions. In addition, the car side-impact and the injection molding machine are chosen as multi-objective reliability design examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Simultaneously, results of car side-impact problem are compared with two traditional multi-objective reliability optimization algorithms, i.e., nondominated sorting genetic algorithm and crowding distance ranking-based multi-objective particle swarm optimizer, to assess the efficiency of the proposed approach. The results denote the proposed cultural-based multi-objective particle swarm optimizer is effective and feasible to solve the reliability-based design optimization problems.
A preliminary study of thermal hydraulic models for virtual hazard and operability analysis and model-based design of rotating machine packages
Authors: Conti R , Presti G Lo , Pugi L , Quartieri E , Rindi A , Rossin S
Published: September 2013

Hazard and operability analysis is a decisive factor to evaluate safety and reliability of plants considering the propagated effects due to consecutive failures of known critical components. A good design and analysis practice increases the robustness of the considered system in different operating conditions; however, in the plant design process, the use of a model-based design approach is fundamental to increase speed, efficiency and reliability. In this work, a tool for the 1-D simulation of thermal hydraulic plants is presented and applied to the analysis of critical system for compressor and gas turbine units, e.g. the lubrication circuits. Different from known commercial products, the proposed tool is implemented to work in cooperation with PidXP™ (the GE Nuovo Pignone P&ID definition tool), and it is optimized for fixed step solvers in order to easily include the rotating machine control logics within the simulation environment (essential prerequisite for hazard and operability evaluations). All the above makes it suitable for the fast prototyping of real time code. Moreover, the proposed tool represents a general tool in the model-based approach, and it can be used as a Simulink™ library of components that have been optimized and specifically designed in order to make easier the automatic generation of simulation models from P&Id schemes and technical documentation, reducing errors associated to data transcription and operator misbehaviour. In this work, proposed approach and test bench on experimental data for validation purposes are shown.
Developing system models to help Great Britain's railways embrace innovative technologies with confidence
Authors: Bouch Christopher J , Roberts Clive
Published: September 2013

Railways are under pressure to become more efficient and cut their costs; innovation has a part to play in achieving these goals. The railway is, however, a complex and closely coupled system, making it difficult in the early stages of development, to be clear what the system-wide impact of innovation will be. The research covered in this paper stems from the idea that computer-based models of existing systems can help overcome this problem, by providing a baseline framework against which the impact of innovation can be identified. The paper describes development of a repeatable modelling methodology, which elicits objective system data from Railway Group Standards and integrates it using CORE®, a powerful system modelling tool, to create system models. The ability of such models to help identify impacts is verified, using as an example the introduction of RailBAM (a new technology that acoustically monitors the health of rolling stock axle bearings) into the existing hot axle bearing detection system.
Dynamic analysis of the upper limb during activities of daily living: Comparison of methodologies
Authors: Masjedi Milad , Duffell Lynsey D
Published: September 2013

Often researchers use kinematics and kinetics to evaluate the effect of limb pathology. The net forces and moments that cause motion depend on kinematics, body segment parameters and the external loads applied. This study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies caused by different methods and assumptions of kinetic analysis. Dynamic analysis was performed on 12 subjects with no known pathology while performing 12 activities of daily living. The recursive Newton–Euler method, along with two robotic models containing 7 and 14 degrees of freedom representing the upper limb, was used to calculate the net forces and moments across the shoulder. The data were calculated using different body segment parameter values from the literature and, in order to concentrate on the effects of kinematics only, these results were presented as both a percentage of the body weight and a novel technique using constant body segment parameter. The greatest net forces and moments on the glenohumeral joint were observed for lifting a 2-kg shopping bag task (forces: 60 ± 8 N and moments: 18 ± 2 N m) and the lowest was observed for drinking (forces: 40 ± 8 N and moments: 6 ± 1 N m). Overall, the results from different techniques (recursive Newton–Euler vs robotic 14 degrees of freedom) were similar, while the 7-DoF model showed less agreement. The use of different body segment parameter values resulted in a maximum increase of 25% in the glenohumeral moment. Following normalisation of the body segment parameter, dynamic parameters were found to have less variation. In order to focus on the effect of variation in movement in dynamic study, it is therefore necessary to normalise the body segment parameter.
What is AIDS in Guadeloupe? A descriptive and comparative study
Authors: Elenga Narcisse , Georger-Sow Marie-Thérèse , Messiaen Thierry , Lamaury Isabelle , Favre Isabelle , Nacher Mathieu , Beaucaire Gilles
Published: September 2013

Since the pathogen ecology differs between Caribbean regions, specific differences in the most frequent clinical presentations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may be expected. We therefore conducted the present retrospective cohort study in order to describe the main AIDS-defining events in Guadeloupe and to compare them with those observed in Metropolitan France and in French Guiana. We discuss the local pathogen ecology, the diagnostic limitations of hospitals in overseas territories and the drivers of the epidemic.
Cascading Reminiscence Bumps in Popular Music
Authors: Krumhansl Carol Lynne , Zupnick Justin Adam
Published: September 2013

Autobiographical memories are disproportionately recalled for events in late adolescence and early adulthood, a phenomenon called the reminiscence bump. Previous studies on music have found autobiographical memories and life-long preferences for music from this period. In the present study, we probed young adults’ personal memories associated with top hits over 5-and-a-half decades, as well as the context of their memories and their recognition of, preference for, quality judgments of, and emotional reactions to that music. All these measures showed the typical increase for music released during the two decades of their lives. Unexpectedly, we found that the same measures peaked for the music of participants’ parents’ generation. This finding points to the impact of music in childhood and suggests that these results reflect the prevalence of music in the home environment. An earlier peak occurred for 1960s music, which may be explained by its quality or by its transmission through two generations. We refer to this pattern of musical cultural transmission over generations as cascading reminiscence bumps.
Myocardial infarction with normal coronaries: an unexpected finding in a 13-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jasmin R , Ng C-T , Sockalingam S , Yahya F , Cheah T-E , Sadiq M Athar
Published: September 2013

We report a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with left-sided chest pain, with ECG changes and elevation troponins that were suggestive of an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Her multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiogram and standard angiogram were normal. The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed an area of infarcted myocardium that was in the right coronary artery territory. We believe her MI was most likely secondary to coronary vasospasm. MI is rare and coronary vasospasm is an uncommon cause of MI in children and adolescents with SLE.
Measuring and estimating treatment effect on dichotomous outcome of a population
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Jin Yin , Yin Li
Published: September 2013

In different studies for treatment effect on dichotomous outcome of a certain population, one uses different regression models, leading to different measures of the treatment effect. In observational studies, the common measures of the treatment effect are: the conditional risk difference based on a linear model, the conditional risk ratio based on a log-linear model, and the conditional odds ratio based on a logistic model; in randomized trials, the common measures are: the marginal risk difference based on a linear model, the marginal risk ratio based on a log-linear model, and the marginal odds ratio based on a logistic model. In this article, we instead express these measures in terms of the risk of a dichotomous outcome conditional on covariates and treatment, where the risk is then described by a regression model. These expressions of the measures do not explicitly depend on the regression model. As a result, we are able to use one regression model in one study to estimate all these measures by maximum likelihood. We show that these measures have causal interpretations and reflect different aspects of the same underlying treatment effect under the assumption of no unmeasured confounding covariate given observed covariates. We get confidence intervals for these measures by finding approximate distributions of the maximum likelihood estimates of these measures. As an illustration, we estimate these measures for the effect of a triple therapy on eradication of Helicobacter pylori among Vietnamese children and are able to compare the treatment effect in this study with those in other studies.
Sexual Health Policies around the World
Authors: Vemula Ravindra Kumar
Published: September 2013

Policy makers in India have been concerned about the high rates of STDs and the spread of HIV and AIDS. A major perception was that HIV/AIDS is a ‘foreign disease’, ironically its prevalence rate is much higher in India as compared to other countries. This article discusses approaches to sexual health in select countries that do substantially better on sexual health. This review indicates that the lessons may help a country like India to do better in providing for the sexual health of its citizens.
A Study on Green Advertisement and its Impact on Consumer Purchase Intention
Authors: Khandelwal Utkal , Bajpai Naval
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this article is to find out the green advertising factors affecting purchase intention literature, and then to develop a simpler and more precise model of purchase intention. In this article, green advertising is taken as the instrument of measuring difference in purchase intention for metro and non-metro consumers. It is obviously hypothesized that metro and non-metro customers exhibit different degree of purchase intention for eight variables taken in the present study.

The conceptual framework of factors affecting customer attitude—including credibility, consumers’ trust, viewers’ attitudes, brand image, the media, green education, reference group influence and perceived effectiveness of environmental behaviour—is developed by examining the theoretical foundation for general products and services. Linear regression and the z-test method were used to measure the impact of these attributes of green advertisement on purchase intention and difference in metro and non-metro customers, respectively. Results show that the purchase intention develops through the dimensions of green advertising, such as viewers’ attitudes, brand image, the media, green education, reference group influence and perceived effectiveness of environmental behaviour; these have a significant difference in these two regions and purchase intention based on credibility and consumers’ trust have no significant difference. Regression results establish a significant positive linear relationship between green advertising and purchase intention variables taken for the study in both the region.

The article proposes a conceptual framework of green advertising factors affecting purchase intention. Results on difference of the green advertisement lead to purchase intention in metro and non-metro customers and linear impact of the same on purchase intention will help marketers, academicians and strategists in better understanding of these markets in formulation of better policies.
Influence of Corporate Citizenship on Employee Job Attitudes
Authors: Mathew Romina , Krishnatray Pradeep
Published: September 2013

The study is an investigation of the influence of an organization’s citizenship practices on its employees, in the Indian context. The major objective of the research is to explore and empirically investigate whether the perception of being a responsible company leads to increased employee commitment. Primary data for the study was collected through a web-based questionnaire survey of a cross-sectional sample of business executives working in the Indian service industry. The results of the regression analyses show that the employee perception of corporate citizenship has a positive and significant influence on an employee’s affective commitment and the relationship is mediated by organizational identification. Providing empirical support to the social identity theory, the study indicates that employees identify more with a company when they believe it to be a good corporate citizen and this identification translates into increased commitment. This study thus provides insights into the employee outcomes that organizations can hope to achieve from their citizenship investments.
Problem music or problem stereotypes? The dynamics of stereotype activation in rock and hip-hop music
Authors: Neguţ Alexandra , Sârbescu Paul
Published: September 2013

The main objective of this research was examining the dynamics of stereotype activation in rock and hip-hop music, through the exposure of participants to priming (specific information of stereotypical nature, about the two music genres). The comparative experimental research was performed on a sample of 72 participants, aged between 19 and 21, using The Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (short form) and The Lyrics Evaluation Scale. The research used a one-factorial experimental design with the two experimental conditions (absence or presence of priming) realized between groups. In the experiment, participants listened to eight songs belonging to the two music genres and evaluated the lyrics of the songs. The results have shown that stereotype activation occurs in the experimental group, through the more negative evaluation of the songs listened to, in comparison with the control group. The dynamics of stereotype activation is discussed in relation to theories postulated in the field. The implications of these results are discussed, pointing out the idea that the negative outcomes related to these music genres might owe more to the negative stereotypes associated with them than to the music itself.
Building a Community of Young Leaders
Authors: Lough Benjamin J. , Thomas Margaret M. C.
Published: September 2013

This study assesses whether more frequent participation in Jewish activist learning events is associated with higher levels of engagement in social justice-related activities and conceptions of Jewish identity. The study design was cross-sectional and comparative. An online survey was completed by 165 participants in an activist learning program. Results indicated higher levels of social justice engagement, local engagement, ethical consumption and, Jewish social justice. However, there was no significant increase in Jewish identity. Results differed depending on the frequency of participation. Findings suggest that activist learning programs may be an effective method for teaching and promoting social justice engagement.
Manager-Led Group Meetings
Authors: Allen Joseph A. , Rogelberg Steven G.
Published: September 2013

Employee engagement is a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Using Kahn’s theory of engagement, we look at an organizational context where employee engagement may be promoted—the workgroup meeting. Two time-separated Internet-based surveys were used to query a sample of working adults ( N = 319). The findings provide support that the psychological conditions for engagement mediate the relationship between manager usage/facilitation of meetings and overall employee engagement. Specifically, as managers make their workgroup meetings relevant, allow for employee voice in their meetings where possible, and manage the meeting from a time perspective, employees appear poised to fully engage themselves in their work in general. The results suggest that managers can use a common workplace activity, workgroup meetings, to engage their employees when they use/facilitate meetings in an effective manner.
Posttraumatic Growth Among Men With Histories of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Easton Scott D. , Coohey Carol , Rhodes Alison M. , Moorthy M. V.
Published: September 2013

Despite an increased risk of long-term mental health problems, many survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience positive changes in areas such as appreciation for life, personal strength, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on life course theory, this study examined factors related to posttraumatic growth among a sample of men with CSA histories ( N = 487). Using multiple linear regression (i.e., ordinary least squares), we found that men who had a better understanding of the sexual abuse experience, who ascribed to less traditional masculine norms, and who experienced a turning point reported greater growth. To promote growth, practitioners can help survivors understand the meaning and impact of the abuse on their lives and deconstruct rigid gender norms. More research on growth is needed with male survivors, especially on the nature of turning points in the recovery process.
Pathways to Tax Reform Revisited
Authors: Burman Leonard E.
Published: September 2013

There is widespread agreement in Washington that the income tax needs to be reformed, although little agreement about how to do it. A common thread in most reform proposals is that they would slash most so-called tax expenditures—spending programs run through the tax system. This follows a long tradition. Stanley Surrey viewed cuts in tax expenditures as the “pathway to tax reform,” and in 1973 made the case in a book of that title. This article revisits Surrey’s pathway, examining various proposals to eliminate, reduce, or reformulate tax expenditures as part of tax reform, including overall limitations on tax expenditures, converting most tax expenditures to credits, and more radical reforms that would vastly reduce the number of people who would file tax returns. The efficacy of introducing a new tax such as a value-added tax or carbon tax to supplement to the income tax is also examined.
Evaluation of circulating osteopontin levels in an unselected cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis: relevance for biomarker development
Authors: Kivisäkk Pia , Healy Brian C , Francois Katiana , Gandhi Roopali , Gholipour Taha , Egorova Svetlana , Sevdalinova Velina , Quintana Francisco , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L , Khoury Samia J
Published: September 2013

Background:

Osteopontin (OPN) is a pleiotropic protein with important roles in inflammation and immunity that has been suggested as a candidate biomarker for disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We evaluated plasma levels of OPN in an unselected cohort of MS patients, to determine its potential as a biomarker for disease subtype and/or disease activity in a regular clinical setting.

Methods:

We analyzed OPN plasma levels in 492 consecutive MS patients, using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

OPN levels were higher in relapsing–remitting and secondary progressive MS, compared to healthy controls. Treatment with natalizumab or glatiramer acetate was associated with lower OPN levels. There was no significant association between the OPN levels and disease activity, as measured by clinical or radiological criteria. One-third of patients with high OPN levels had concurrent disorders that may also be associated with increased OPN expression, and which may mask a modest effect of MS disease activity on OPN levels.

Conclusion:

Our data do not support a role for circulating OPN levels as a biomarker for disease activity in a heterogeneous clinical setting, but does not rule out a potential role in the cerebrospinal fluid, in a controlled setting such as a clinical trial, or in concert with other biomarkers.
Leaving theory behind: Why simplistic hypothesis testing is bad for International Relations
Authors: Mearsheimer John J. , Walt Stephen M.
Published: September 2013

Theory creating and hypothesis testing are both critical components of social science, but the former is ultimately more important. Yet, in recent years, International Relations scholars have devoted less effort to creating and refining theories or using theory to guide empirical research. Instead, they increasingly focus on ‘simplistic hypothesis testing,’ which emphasizes discovering well-verified empirical regularities. Privileging simplistic hypothesis testing is a mistake, however, because insufficient attention to theory leads to misspecified empirical models or misleading measures of key concepts. In addition, the poor quality of much of the data in International Relations makes it less likely that these efforts will produce cumulative knowledge. This shift away from theory and toward simplistic hypothesis testing reflects a long-standing desire to professionalize and expand the International Relations field as well as the short-term career incentives of individual scholars. This tendency is also widening the gap between the ivory tower and the real world, making International Relations scholarship less useful to policymakers and concerned citizens. Unfortunately, this trend is likely to continue unless there is a collective decision to alter prevailing academic incentives.
The ends of International Relations theory: Stages of reflexivity and modes of theorizing
Authors: Guzzini Stefano
Published: September 2013

International Relations theory is being squeezed between two sides. On the one hand, the world of practitioners and attached experts often perceive International Relations theory as misleading if it does not correspond to practical knowledge, and redundant when it does. The academic study of international relations can and should not be anything beyond the capacity to provide political judgement which comes through reflection on the historical experience of practitioners. On the other hand, and within its disciplinary confines, International Relations theory is reduced to a particular type of empirical theory with increasing resistance to further self-reflection. Instead, this article argues that neither reduction is viable. Reducing theory to practical knowledge runs into self-contradictions; reducing theorizing to its empirical mode underestimates the constitutive function of theories, the role of concepts, and hence the variety of necessary modes of theorizing. I present this twofold claim in steps of increasing reflexivity in International Relations theory and propose four modes of theorizing: normative, meta-theoretical, ontological/constitutive and empirical.