bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycoconjugates and Related Molecules in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Sasaki Norihiko , Toyoda Masashi
Published: September 2013

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner lining of blood vessels. They are critically involved in many physiological functions, including control of vasomotor tone, blood cell trafficking, hemostatic balance, permeability, proliferation, survival, and immunity. It is considered that impairment of EC functions leads to the development of vascular diseases. The carbohydrate antigens carried by glycoconjugates (e.g., glycoproteins, glycosphingolipids, and proteoglycans) mainly present on the cell surface serve not only as marker molecules but also as functional molecules. Recent studies have revealed that the carbohydrate composition of the EC surface is critical for these cells to perform their physiological functions. In this paper, we consider the expression and functional roles of endogenous glycoconjugates and related molecules (galectins and glycan-degrading enzymes) in human ECs.
End-Therapy Positron Emission Tomography for Treatment Response Assessment in Follicular Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pyo Junhee , Won Kim Kyung , Jacene Heather A. , Sakellis Christopher G. , Brown Jennifer R. , Van den Abbeele Annick D.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: Use of 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in postchemotherapy response assessment in follicular lymphoma is still a controversial issue. Here, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the predictive value of FDG-PET in predicting outcome after chemotherapy of follicular lymphoma.

Experimental Design: Comprehensive literature search in Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies which evaluate predictive value of end-therapy PET and/or computed tomography (CT) in patients with follicular lymphoma. To quantitatively compare the predictive value of PET and CT, pooled hazard ratios (HRs) comparing progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with positive and negative results were adopted as the primary indicators for meta-analysis. To explore the efficiency in determining complete remission (CR), pooled CR rates of PET- and CT-based response criteria were calculated. Pooling of these parameters was based on the random-effects model.

Results: Review of 285 candidate articles identified eight eligible articles with a total of 577 patients for qualitative review and meta-analysis. The pooled HRs of end-therapy PET and CT were 5.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.7–7.2] and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.2–5.8), respectively, which implies that PET is more predictive of PFS after chemotherapy than CT. The pooled CR rates of PET- and CT-based response criteria were 75% (95% CI, 70–79%) and 63% (95% CI, 53–73%), respectively, which implies that PET is more efficient in distinguishing CR (without residual disease) from other states with residual disease. In addition, qualitative systematic review indicates the same findings.

Conclusions: Consistent evidence favoring PET-based treatment assessment should be considered in the management of patients with follicular lymphoma. Clin Cancer Res; 19(23); 6566–77. ©2013 AACR.
Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Function in Obese Children and Adolescents and Its Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Joo Turoni Claudio , Marañón Rodrigo O. , Felipe Verónica , Bruno María Elisa , Negrete Alejandro , Salas Nicolás , Bazán de Casella María Cristina , Peral de Bruno María
Published: September 2013

Background: Obesity is related to an increase in the rates of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To establish the impact of obesity on vascular function (endothelial function and arterial stiffness) in children and adolescents and its relationship to cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: In obese (OB) children and adolescents, endothelial function and arterial stiffness were evaluated by a pulse plethysmography method (reactive hyperemia and index of digital volume waveforms, respectively). Data were compared with the non-obese (non-OB) group (body mass index >10th to <97th percentile). Anthropometric parameters, body fat percentage, fasting glucose, lipid profile, insulinemia, HOMA-IR and hemodynamic parameters were determined in both groups. Results: Body mass index, weight, waist circumference, body fat, insulinemia and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the OB group. The OB group showed impaired endothelial function (15.8 ± 0.2%, n = 37) compared to the non-OB group (41.4 ± 5%, n = 20; p < 0.001) and increased arterial stiffness. Endothelial function was only negatively correlated with waist circumference and HOMA-IR in the OB group, whereas a positive correlation was found between insulinemia and HOMA-IR. Conclusions: This study shows that impaired vascular function is already present in OB children and adolescents. The fact that obesity is associated with some markers of cardiovascular risk suggests the importance of early lifestyle interventions in this population to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A Pilot Study of a Modified Radiographic Technique for Detecting Early Proximal Cavities
Authors: Akbari M. , Zarch H.H. , Movagharipour F. , Ahrari F.
Published: September 2013

Diagnosing the necessity of cavity preparation in demineralized proximal areas has been considered as a challenge in restorative treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical performance of a modified radiographic technique for the detection of proximal cavities. The sample consisted of 44 proximal surfaces in 38 dental students. The patients had radiolucent proximal lesions restricted to the inner half of enamel or the outer third of dentine in bitewing radiographs, and there was doubt regarding the presence or absence of cavities in the approximal areas. The suspected surfaces were then examined by secondary bitewing radiographs which were taken after pressing radiopaque material into the proximal areas. Finally, orthodontic elastic separators were placed in the contact areas to provide enough space for direct visual and tactile examination, thus detecting any proximal cavity (reference standard). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the modified bitewing radiography were calculated against the reference standard. Overall, 7 surfaces presented caries cavities according to the reference standard. All proximal radiolucencies observed in the inner half of enamel and 46% of those extended to the outer third of dentine were not cavitated when evaluated by direct visual and tactile examination. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bitewing radiography with opaque material for detecting proximal cavities (n = 7) were 86, 100 and 98%, respectively. The tested radiographic technique displayed good validity in this pilot study for detecting proximal cavities in posterior teeth and should be further investigated.
Transbaffle Mapping and Ablation for Atrial Tachycardias After Mustard, Senning, or Fontan Operations
Authors: Correa Rafael , Walsh Edward P. , Alexander Mark E. , Mah Douglas Y. , Cecchin Frank , Abrams Dominic J. , Triedman John K.
Published: September 2013

Background

In Fontan and atrial switch patients, transcatheter ablation is limited by difficult access to the pulmonary venous atrium. In recent years, transbaffle access (
TBA
) has been described, but limited data document its safety and utility.

Methods and Results

All ablative electrophysiological study cases of this population performed between
J
anuary 2006 and
D
ecember 2010 at
B
oston
C
hildren's
H
ospital were reviewed. Pre‐case and follow‐up clinical characteristics were documented. Adverse events were classified by severity and attributability to the intervention. We included 118 cases performed in 90 patients.
TBA
was attempted in 74 cases and was successful in 96%: in 20 via baffle leak or fenestration and in 51 (94%) of 54 using standard or radiofrequency transseptal techniques. There were 10 procedures with adverse events ranked as moderate or more severe. The event rate was similar in both groups (
TBA
8% versus non‐
TBA
9%,
P
=1), and no events were directly attributable to
TBA
. There was a trend to higher proportion of cases having a >5‐point drop in saturations from baseline in the
TBA
group versus the non‐
TBA
group in Fontan cases (15% vs 0%,
P
=0.14). When cases with follow‐up >90 and >365 days were analyzed, the median initial arrhythmia score of 5 significantly changed −3 points in both time periods (
P
≤0.001).

Conclusions

TBA
is feasible in this population; its use was not associated with a higher incidence of adverse events; and changes in clinical scores support its efficacy. Desaturation observed in some patients is of uncertain significance but warrants postablation monitoring and prospective study.
Bigger, Faster?
Authors: Bray Benjamin D. , Campbell James , Cloud Geoffrey C. , Hoffman Alex , Tyrrell Pippa J. , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Rudd Anthony G.
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—

There is evidence that high-volume hospitals may produce better patient outcomes. We aimed to identify whether there were any associations between hospital thrombolysis volume and speed of thrombolysis (tissue-type plasminogen activator [tPA]) administration in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Data were drawn from 2 national clinical audits in England: the Stroke Improvement National Audit Program and the 2012 Sentinel Stroke Audit. Hospitals were categorized into 3 groups based on the annualized volume of thrombolysis: 0 to 24, 25 to 49, and ≥50 cases per annum. Arrival-brain scan, onset-tPA, and arrival-tPA times were compared across groups and stratified by onset-arrival time. Multilevel logistic models were used to estimate the odds of receiving tPA within 60 minutes of arrival.

Results—

Of the 42 024 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to 80 hospitals, 4347 received tPA (10.3%). Patients admitted to hospitals with an annual thrombolysis volume of ≥50 cases per annum had median arrival-tPA times that were 28 and 22 minutes shorter than patients admitted to hospitals with volumes of 0 to 24 and 25 to 49, respectively. Onset-tPA times were shorter by 24 to 32 minutes across strata of onset-arrival times. In multivariable analysis, patients admitted to hospitals with a volume of ≥50 cases per annum had 4.33 (2.21–8.50;
P
<0.0001) the odds of receiving tPA within 60 minutes of arrival. No differences in safety outcomes were observed, with similar 30-day mortality and complication rates across the groups.

Conclusions—

Hospitals with higher volumes of thrombolysis activity achieve statistically and clinically significant shorter delays in administering tPA to patients after arrival in hospital.
Is there a Temporal Relationship between the Delineation and the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf beyond 200 Nautical Miles?
Authors: Magnússon Bjarni Már
Published: September 2013

Abstract

This article is a late response to Bjørn Kunoy’s article “The Admissibility of a Plea to an International Adjudicative Forum to Delimit the Outer Continental Shelf Prior to the Adoption of Final Recommendations by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf”, published in this journal in 2010 (25 IJMCL 237). It argues against Kunoy’s assertion that delineation and delimitation are not only two separate steps, but also temporally differentiated, and that the delineation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles must come first before it is delimited with respect to adjacent and coastal before an international court or tribunal.
What’s in a Name? The Illegality of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
Authors: Theilen Jens T.
Published: September 2013

Abstract

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing” or “IUU fishing” has become a common term in legal discourse, yet its exact meaning remains unclear. Taking the explanation offered in the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing as a starting point, this paper elucidates on the term’s meaning and draws conclusions as to its utility in international law.
The Arctic Exception and the IMO’s PSSA Mechanism: Assessing their Value as Sources of Protection for the Northwest Passage
Authors: Lalonde Suzanne
Published: September 2013

Abstract

For more than half a century, Canada has affirmed that all of the waters within its Arctic archipelago, including the Northwest Passage, are Canadian historic internal waters over which it exercises sovereign control. Canada’s detractors have qualified the Canadian position as excessive, arguing that the Northwest Passage is an international strait and that international legal regimes guarantee the preservation of the Arctic waterway. It is this contention, that international legal tools exist—specifically Article 234 of the LOSC and the IMO’s PSSA mechanism—and that they would adequately protect the Northwest Passage even if it came to be recognized as an international strait, which is the subject of investigation.
R2P: Implications for World Order
Authors: Newman Edward
Published: September 2013

According to supporters of R2P the principle now enjoys almost universal acceptance and the remaining challenges concern operationalization and implementation. In contrast, this article argues that R2P remains controversial both as a principle and in terms of its application, and these controversies reflect broader tensions in international politics related to international order and normative authority. Diplomatic debates related to R2P suggest that rising powers are resistant to aspects of the normative ‘rules of the game’, and that there are fundamental disagreements regarding the relationship between human rights and international order. This can be understood as a tension between pluralist and solidarist worldviews, but also a manifestation of friction regarding control of international institutions and decision-making. Although R2P is defined narrowly, therefore, this article argues that the controversies surrounding the principle must be understood within a wider political context. In conclusion, the article offers a number of suggestions as to the future of R2P based upon this analysis.
The Arbitrator as a Lawmaker: Jurisgenerative Processes in Investment Arbitration
Authors: Titi Catharine
Published: September 2013

With the exponential growth of international adjudication fora and of the number of known disputes submitted to them, the international system of investment dispute resolution has taken centre stage and has been placed in a unique position from which to formulate international investment law. At the heart of this system, the arbitrator possesses considerable ‘jurisgenerative’ powers that span over different aspects of the rules governing investment, from treaty provisions relating to jurisdictional and substantive standards to the interpretation of relevant rules of customary international law and the development of new treaty models. The article considers this de facto role of the arbitrator in investment rule-setting by canvassing arbitral interpretation as a jurisgenerative process per se, and by exploring its impact on future treatymaking.
Cotton-4 and the Cotton Subsidies Issue: A Litmus Test for the WTO’s Benefits to Least-Developed Countries
Authors: Dakouré Amanda Pamela
Published: September 2013

The World Trade Organization’s primary purpose is to promote trade liberalization for the benefit of all its members. Being a self-enforcing trading system, the Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) is its central pillar. Despite critics praising the DSM for its efficiency, the aim of this article is to demonstrate that litigation is not always an option for the WTO’s least-developed members. Through a case study of the cotton issue this article will analyze the efficiency of the WTO for its least-developed members. Part I of the article will set out why the issue of cotton is the perfect paradigm to examine how the WTO’s agriculture trade liberalization can benefit its least-developed members. Part II will examine the Brazil-US Upland Cotton Dispute and shed light on its repercussions on a group called Cotton-4. Part III will discuss how Cotton-4 has tried to resolve the cotton issue through negotiations. Finally, part IV will provide least-developed members, such as Cotton-4, with ways around the power inequalities that limit them from fully benefiting from the WTO’s agriculture trade liberalization.
The Vienna Convention as Authority for the Use of Precedent as Customary Practice in International Arbitrations of Oil Concessions and Investment Disputes in North Africa and the Gulf Arab States; or a Lex Mercatoria for a Lex Petrolea
Authors: Ayad Mary B.
Published: September 2013

General principles of law are a valid source of law for arbitral tribunals. The Vienna Convention1 allows recourse to general principles of law. In Bilateral Investment Treaty (hereinafter “BIT”) interpretation but also in International Commercial Arbitration (hereinafter “ICA”)/International Investment Arbitration (“hereinafter “IIA”), arbitrators can be guided by the Vienna Convention2 and in so doing may refer to a number of ‘rules’ and norms of ‘international law’ applicable to the relations between states, such as those mentioned herein including principles drawn from the lex mercatoria or other types of international customary law, e.g. the principle of pacta sunt servanda, which honours contracts between states and investors, as well as the principle of precedent. Additionally, they may refer to customary norms from other jurisdictions that can harmonise with Western law.
Leaf-litter thrips of the genus Adraneothrips from Asia and Australia (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae)
Authors: DANG LI-HONG , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: September 2013

The Oriental genus Stigmothrips Ananthakrishnan is synonymised with Adraneothrips Hood, a genus in which most species have been described from the Neotropics. Problems with descriptions by T.N. Ananthakrishnan of species from India are discussed, but cannot be fully resolved without access to the holotypes. A key is provided to 23 species of Adraneothrips from Asia and Australia, including four new species: darwini sp. n. from Northern Territory, Australia; hani sp. n. from Taiwan, China; yunnanensis sp. n. from Yunnan, China as well as Java, Indonesia; and waui sp. n. from Papua New Guinea. One species from the Philippines, Adraneothrips makilingensis (Reyes) comb. n., is transferred from Apelaunothrips, and the male of Adraneothrips russatus (Haga) is described and illustrated for the first time, from Yunnan, China. Two species are newly recorded from Australia: coloratus (Mound) previously known only from the Solomon Islands, and russatus (Haga) previously known from southern Japan and southern China but with one female recorded here from Fiji. Further new records are, coloratus from Java, and chinensis (Zhang & Tong) from Malaysia. Colonies of species in this genus are commonly found living on dead leaves, as fungus-feeders, and many species are brightly coloured or bicoloured in patterns of yellow and brown.
How Does the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation Affect the Stratospheric Polar Vortex?
Authors: Watson Peter A. G. , Gray Lesley J.
Published: September 2013

The stratospheric polar vortex is weaker in the easterly phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO-E) than in the westerly phase (QBO-W), but the mechanism behind the QBO's influence is not well understood. The composite difference of the atmospheric state between QBO-E and QBO-W is found to closely resemble the structure of the northern annular mode, the leading empirical orthogonal function of stratospheric variability, including its wave components. Studies of dynamical systems indicate that many different forcings could give rise to this response, and therefore this composite difference does not provide much information about the forcing mechanism. It is argued that the full transient response of a system to an applied forcing is likely to be much more informative about the dynamics of the forcing mechanism, especially the response on time scales shorter than the dynamical time scale, which is about a week for vortex variability. It is shown that the transient response of the vortex to forcing by the QBO in a general circulation model is consistent with the proposed mechanism of Holton and Tan, indicating that this mechanism has a role in the QBO modulation of vortex strength, in contrast to the conclusions of several recent studies. This novel approach of examining the transient response to a forcing on short time scales may be useful in various other outstanding problems.
Lagrangian Time Scales and Eddy Diffusivity at 1000 m Compared to the Surface in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans
Authors: Chiswell Stephen M.
Published: September 2013

Argo floats cannot be regarded as true Lagrangian drifters because they periodically rise to the surface. Hence, previous estimates of eddy diffusivity at depth using single-particle statistics have been limited to one submerged cycle. However, unless the Lagrangian time scale is significantly shorter than the Argo cycle time, this single-particle calculation can have a large bias. Here, eddy diffusivity computed from single-particle statistics using Argo data is compared to that computed by assuming that Eulerian scales at depth are the same as at the surface, and that the relationship between Lagrangian and Eulerian time scales derived by Middleton is valid. If the methods provide the same answer, one can have confidence in both methods. Eddy diffusivity calculated from the single-particle statistics shows the same spatial structure as that computed from inferred time scale, but is smaller by a factor of about 2. It is suggested that this is because the deep Lagrangian time scale over much of the region is comparable to, or longer than, the 10-day Argo submergence cycle.
The Effects of Human Finger and Chinese Character on Chinese Handwriting Performance on Mobile Touch Devices
Authors: Chen Zhe , Rau Pei-Luen Patrick , Chen Cuiling
Published: September 2013

Objective:

The aim of the present study is to investigate Chinese handwriting on mobile touch devices, considering the effects of three characteristics of the human finger (type, length, and width) and three characteristics of Chinese characters (direction of the first stroke, number of strokes, and structure).

Background:

Due to the popularity of touch devices in recent years, finger input for Chinese characters has attracted more attention from both industry and academia. However, previous studies have no systematical consideration on the effects of human finger and Chinese characters on Chinese handwriting performance.

Method:

An experiment was reported in this article to illustrate the effects of the human finger and Chinese characters on the Chinese handwriting performance (i.e., input time, accuracy, number of protruding strokes, mental workload, satisfaction, and physical fatigue).

Results:

The experiment results indicated that all six factors have significant effects on Chinese handwriting performance, especially on the input time, accuracy, and number of protruding strokes.

Conclusion:

Finger type, finger length, finger width, direction of the first stroke, number of strokes, and character structures are significantly influencing Chinese handwriting performance. These factors should be taken into more consideration in future research and the practical design for Chinese handwriting systems.
Information and International Institutions Revisited
Authors: Fey Mark , Jo Jinhee , Kenkel Brenton
Published: September 2013

In a recent article in this journal, Chapman presents a formal model of the informational role played by international institutions. Unfortunately, the equilibria given in the article are incorrect. In this article, we identify the errors in the analysis of Chapman and solve for correct equilibria to the model. Our results show little support for the empirical implications derived in the original article. Contrary to these original findings, we find that there may be no relationship between an institution’s policy position and its effect on domestic public opinion or the likelihood that leaders will consult the institution.
Clozapine-associated pneumonia and respiratory arrest secondary to severe constipation
Authors: Galappathie Nuwan , Khan Sobia
Published: September 2013

Clozapine is often the drug of choice within patients suffering from treatment-resistant paranoid schizophrenia. It has a complex side effects profile which includes potentially fatal agranulocytosis. Clozapine has also become increasingly associated with a range of other side effects including constipation and pneumonia. We report on a case of clozapine-induced severe constipation leading to a silent presentation of pneumonia with a subsequent respiratory arrest. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of pneumonia secondary to severe constipation occurring in the absence of respiratory aspiration of feculent vomitus. We suggest a new pathological mechanism by way of severe constipation leading to diaphragmatic dysfunction and subsequent clozapine-induced pneumonia. In addition, implications for clinical practice are outlined.
Why Freud matters: Psychoanalysis and international relations revisited
Authors: Jacobsen Kurt
Published: September 2013

Scholars of politics, not just international relations, have eschewed the discipline of psychoanalysis. The renewed attacks on Freud and his fractious followers over the last generation apparently discouraged political scientists from exploring the usefulness of psychoanalytic methods. This essay asks whether, and under what circumstances, psychoanalysis can be a useful interpretive approach. What is the significance in human behavior of the unconscious, that is, of motives and forces of which we are commonly unaware? The argument is that in most, if not all, cases, psychoanalytically attuned approaches yield important insights about the wielding of power.
Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker–led Diabetes Self-Management Education Program and Implications for CHW Involvement in Care Coordination Strategies
Authors: Collinsworth Ashley W. , Vulimiri Madhulika , Schmidt Kathryn L. , Snead Christine A.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Community Health Worker (CHW)–led diabetes self-management education (DSME) program and to understand how CHWs and primary care providers (PCPs) work together to provide comprehensive diabetes care.

Methods

A quantitative pre- and postassessment of change in patients’ blood glucose levels (A1C), blood pressure, and body mass index was performed to determine the clinical effectiveness of the program. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 5 CHWs and 7 PCPs were conducted to assess how CHWs were incorporated into clinical teams and their impact on care delivery and diabetes-related outcomes.

Results

Patients who participated in the program experienced a statistically significant decrease in mean A1C levels and systolic blood pressure readings 1 year post baseline. CHWs provided high-quality care and bridged the gap between patients and care providers through diabetes management support and education, medication assistance, access to community resources, and social support.

Conclusions

CHWs play a variety of roles in helping patients overcome barriers to diabetes control and can be successfully integrated into a health care system’s care coordination strategy.
Acculturation Attitudes and Social Adjustment in British South Asian Children
Authors: Brown Rupert , Baysu Gülseli , Cameron Lindsey , Nigbur Dennis , Rutland Adam , Watters Charles , Hossain Rosa , LeTouze Dominique , Landau Anick
Published: September 2013

A 1-year longitudinal study with three testing points was conducted with 215 British Asian children aged 5 to 11 years to test hypotheses from Berry’s acculturation framework. Using age-appropriate measures of acculturation attitudes and psychosocial outcomes, it was found that (a) children generally favored an “integrationist” attitude, and this was more pronounced among older (8-10 years) than in younger (5-7 years) children and (b) temporal changes in social self-esteem and peer acceptance were associated with different acculturation attitudes held initially, as shown by latent growth curve analyses. However, a supplementary time-lagged regression analysis revealed that children’s earlier “integrationist” attitudes may be associated with more emotional symptoms (based on teachers’ ratings) 6 months later. The implications of these different outcomes of children’s acculturation attitudes are discussed.
A Regression-constrained Optimization Approach to Estimating Suppressed Information using Time-series Data
Authors: Zhang Sumei , Guldmann Jean-Michel
Published: September 2013

Most regional economic databases (e.g., US Economic Census and County Business Patterns [CBP]) have some employment records suppressed and then represented as ranges, in order to guarantee the confidentiality of the data. This article incorporates the implicit temporal relationships between annual employment data over several years into an optimization model designed to estimate suppressed records. This model minimizes (1) the sum of the deviations between the estimates and target values within the corresponding ranges and (2) the sum of the deviations between the estimates and an employment trend curve endogenously determined through absolute-value regression. The 1999–2006 CBP data for Arizona are used to test the model. Two decision-theoretic criteria (Pareto frontier and concordance–discordance analysis) are used to analyze the results, pointing to a specific set of parameters yielding the best estimates.
Describing the development of molecular research in the context of nervous system diseases using year-based h-cores
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Rousseau Ronald
Published: September 2013

This article introduces year-based h-indices as a tool to produce easy-to-use research overviews. Based on PubMed data, a general framework is constructed to study the development of molecular research in the context of nervous system diseases. It is shown which molecular substances are the centre of attention and which have passed their peak. Year-based h-indices have the following interesting features for representing changes in a field or discipline: flexibility, sensitivity to dynamic changes, fluctuation detection and trend detection.
Mechanism of Bystander-Blaming
Authors: Levy Inna , Ben-David Sarah
Published: September 2013

Contemporary victimology recognizes that an understanding of the mechanism of blaming requires a comprehensive approach that includes the victim, the offender, and the bystander. However, most of the existing research on blaming focuses on the victim and the offender, ignoring the issue of bystander-blaming. This study highlights the bystander and investigates bystander-blaming by exploring some theoretical explanations, including counterfactual thinking, defensive attribution, and gender differences. The study included 363 young male and female participants, who read vignettes describing the behavior of the victim and the bystander in a rape scenario and answered questions regarding bystander-blaming. The results show that both counterfactual thinking and defensive attribution play a role in bystander-blaming. This article addresses the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Warnings, terrorist threats and resilience: A laboratory experiment
Authors: Bausch Andrew W. , Faria Joao R. , Zeitzoff Thomas
Published: September 2013

One of the main goals of terrorism is to instill fear in a targeted populace. We investigate how information precision about rare, but highly devastating terrorist attacks influences psychological resilience, which we operationalize as the ability to continue to take optimum risks. First, we develop a mathematical model of a citizen’s resilience in the face of a terrorist threat. We then test the model in a laboratory experiment in which individuals face a choice between lotteries that offer higher payoffs but have a small probability of a large negative loss and a safe option. In the experiment, we vary the nature of warnings about the lotteries to see how vague warnings vs precise information influence optimal risk-taking (resilience). We find that precise information increases subjects’ willingness to take risks. Warnings containing no information do not influence subjects’ willingness to accept risk, but can influence resilience through affecting which risks subjects take.
The Northern Ireland Research Initiative: Data on the Troubles from 1968 to 1998
Authors: Loyle Cyanne E. , Sullivan Christopher , Davenport Christian
Published: September 2013

In recent years the study of conflict has increasingly focused on the analysis of violence at the subnational level. Despite many advances, these efforts have been unable to address key questions within the literature, including inquires concerning the dynamic interactions between governments and challengers—the conflict–repression nexus. In this article, we present a new data project, the Northern Ireland Research Initiative or NIRI, and identify the ways in which this effort is particularly well suited to advance our understanding of the relationship between repression and dissent in Northern Ireland and beyond. NIRI is a disaggregated events-based dataset relying on new sources of conflict data that includes a broad range of actions (e.g. localized, short-term events and aggregate/larger-scale long-term activities) over the period of the Troubles in Northern Ireland (1968–1998).
Clinical outcomes and safety of rituximab treatment for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – results from a nationwide cohort in Germany (GRAID)
Authors: Witt M , Grunke M , Proft F , Baeuerle M , Aringer M , Burmester G , Chehab G , Fiehn C , Fischer-Betz R , Fleck M , Freivogel K , Haubitz M , Kötter I , Lovric S , Metzler C , Rubberth-Roth A , Schwarting A , Specker C , Tony H-P , Unger L , Wassenberg S , Dörner T , Schulze-Koops H
Published: September 2013

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate the safety and clinical outcome of rituximab treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients refractory to standard of care therapy in a real-life setting in Germany.

Methods

The GRAID registry included patients with different autoimmune diseases who were given off-label treatment with rituximab. Data on safety and clinical response were collected retrospectively. In SLE patients, clinical parameters included tender and swollen joint counts, fatigue, myalgia, general wellbeing, Raynaud’s and the SLEDAI index. Laboratory tests included dsDNA antibody titres, complement factors, hematologic parameters and proteinuria. Finally, the investigators rated their patients as non-, partial or complete responders based on clinical grounds.

Results

Data from 85 SLE patients were collected, 69 female and 16 male, with a mean disease duration of 9.8 years. The mean follow-up period was 9.6 ± 7.4 months, resulting in 66.8 patient years of observation. A complete response was reported in 37 patients (46.8%), partial response in 27 (34.2%), no response in 15 (19.0%). On average, major clinical as well as laboratory efficacy parameters improved substantially, with the SLEDAI decreasing significantly from 12.2 to 3.3 points. Concerning safety, one infusion reaction leading to discontinuation of treatment occurred. Infections were reported with a rate of 19.5 (including six severe infections) per 100 patient years.

Conclusion

With the restrictions of a retrospective data collection, the results of this study confirm data of other registries, which suggest a favourable benefit-risk ratio of rituximab in patients with treatment-refractory SLE.
Jane Austen (1775–1817) and the cultural history of health
Authors: Biddiss Michael
Published: September 2013

This paper provides a review of some aspects of the life and novels of Jane Austen that have particular bearing on her approach to issues of sickness and health. It is based on a Keynote Lecture given at the Annual Congress of the British Society for the History of Medicine on 1 September 2011 at the University of Surrey.
Demographical Study on Quality of Work Life in Nationalized Banks
Authors: Gupta Barkha , Hyde Anukool Manish
Published: September 2013

Quality of work life (QWL) refers to the level of happiness or dissatisfaction with one’s career. Those who enjoy their careers are said to have a high QWL, while those who are unhappy or whose needs are otherwise unfilled are said to have a low QWL. QWL is the quality of relationship between employees and total work environment, concern for the impact of work on individuals as well as on organizational effectiveness and the idea of participation in organizational problem-solving and decision-making. In concurrence with the ascertained importance of an employee’s role in the service exchange process, therefore, the present research is an attempt to study QWL in nationalized banks of Indore district. Data was collected from 150 employees of nationalized banks. T-test and One-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. The study reveals that a significant difference exists between income, experience, age and employees QWL and no significant difference exists between gender and QWL.
Market Efficiency and Anomalies: Evidences from S&P CNX NIFTY
Authors: Siddiqui Taufeeque Ahmad , Narula Isha
Published: September 2013

Seasonality in stock market is a well recognized postulation. The phenomenon stands for a regular or rhythmic pattern, apparent in stock returns. The present study investigates the persistence of such regularities in the form of weekend effect, monthly effect and holidays effect employing twelve-year data from 2000 to 2011 of S&P CNX Nifty. The article examines the survival of seasonalities in Indian stock market through Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1,1) model. The results indicate the occurrence of weekend effect in long run but reject the hypothesis of positive weekends and negative Mondays. On the contrary, the mean return on Tuesday is negative for the entire period. Instead of March effect, the study comes out with November effect and hence nullifies the ‘Tax-Loss Selling Hypothesis’. On dividing the entire period into three-year lags, anomalies instantaneously disappear confirming the fact that any seasonality takes some time to establish itself. Higher GARCH values validate that the Indian stock market is inefficient in its weak form and does not follow a random walk.
Book Review: Entrepreneurship a Global Perspective
Authors: Sharma Veeresh
Published: September 2013

Stephen Roper, Entrepreneurship a Global Perspective, New York, USA: Routledge, 2013, 153 pp., Price not mentioned. (Paperback)
Book Review: Why People Fail: The 16 Obstacles to Success and How You Can Overcome Them
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: September 2013

Siimon Reynolds, Why People Fail: The 16 Obstacles to Success and How You Can Overcome Them, Wiley India Pvt. Ltd., 2012, xx + 236 pp., ₹ 595, (Hardback)
Phenomenological versus Instructional Approach to Curriculum Formation for Sustainable Development: A Lithuanian Case Study
Authors: Duobliene Lilija
Published: September 2013

The policy and philosophy of school curriculum formation in this article is interpreted from phenomenological and critical pedagogy perspectives. The main features of the phenomenology, set against the instructional method for an individual’s development, and his/her relationship with the surroundings, are herein explicated. The distinction between these two methodological standpoints towards sustainable development results is presented using the Lithuanian case. The research hypotheses tested are: the Lithuanian common curriculum is not convenient for teaching dialogue and critical thinking and furthermore cannot help foster students’ abilities to understand unique world phenomena. Content analysis results of the national curriculum presented in this article help prove the tested hypotheses. Improving the curriculum appears to be merely an imitation of change and one that produces new instructions for setting limitations upon teachers’ creativity.
Tracing Sustainability: An International Comparison of ESD Implementation into Lower Secondary Education
Authors: Bagoly-Simó Péter
Published: September 2013

With the progress of the DESD, increasing numbers of researchers have been developing indicators to effectively measure the implementation of ESD in formal, informal and non-formal education. This paper aims to measure the implementation of ESD in secondary school curricula in three countries carrying the fingerprints of a developed (Germany), post-colonial (Mexico) and post-socialist (Romania) condition. The authors tested a set of four indicators measuring the depth and breadth of implementation. The results show that ESD continues to exist as (hyper-) specialized add-on knowledge in an overcrowded curriculum ( Jucker, 2011 ) that seems to further differentiate between high- and low-status knowledge ( Williams, 2008 ). The tested indicators offer an insight into the depth and breadth of ESD implementation across the entire curriculum.
Strategy of Coping With End-Stage Disease and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Terminally Ill Patients
Authors: Modlińska Aleksandra , Kowalik Bożena , Buss Tomasz , Janiszewska Justyna , Lichodziejewska-Niemierko Monika
Published: September 2013

The aim was to investigate whether there is a relationship between strategy of coping with end-stage disease and cancer-related fatigue. The study was conducted using the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale to specify patient’s strategy of coping. Finally, 51 hospice care patients with cancer were analyzed. Main Findings: The majority of responders adopted 1 of the 2 styles; avoidance (belongs to adaptive coping) or anxious preoccupation (destructive or maladaptive). Less often moderate fatalism and helpless/hopeless (H/H) or fighting spirit were observed. Significant correlation has been found between H/H or fatalism strategy and fatigue. Conclusions: High level of fatigue had a negative impact on almost all aspects of daily living among people with H/H or fatalism strategy.
Preferences of Patients With Parkinson’s Disease for Communication About Advanced Care Planning
Authors: Tuck Keiran K. , Brod Lissa , Nutt John , Fromme Erik K.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Despite shortening life, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often not considered “terminal.” Uncertainty exists about when to discuss end-of-life planning.

Methods:

A survey was sent to patients with PD assessing attitudes toward the timing and initiation of discussions regarding their disease. Data were analyzed for patient preferences regarding communication.

Results:

Of 585 surveys, 267 were returned. Ninety-four percent of patients wanted prognosis and treatment information early. Half of the patients wanted to discuss advanced care documents early. Some wanted early discussions about end-of-life care planning (27%) or end-of-life care options such as hospice (21%). The majority felt shared responsibility for initiating discussions about life expectancy, advance care documents, and end-of-life care planning.

Conclusions:

Preferences regarding end-of-life discussions vary. Consequently, neurologists should ask patients about their preferences for this information and offer discussion periodically.
End-of-Life Care Beliefs Among Hindu Physicians in the United States
Authors: Ramalingam Vijaya Sivalingam , Saeed Fahad , Sinnakirouchenan Ramapriya , Holley Jean L. , Srinivasan Sinnakirouchenan
Published: September 2013

Several studies from the United States and Europe showed that physicians’ religiosity is associated with their approach to end-of-life care beliefs. No such studies have focused exclusively on Hindu physicians practicing in the United States. A 34-item questionnaire was sent to 293 Hindu physicians in the United States. Most participants believed that their religious beliefs do not influence their practice of medicine and do not interfere with withdrawal of life support. The US practice of discussing end-of-life issues with the patient, rather than primarily with the family, seems to have been adopted by Hindu physicians practicing in the United States. It is likely that the ethical, cultural, and patient-centered environment of US health care has influenced the practice of end-of-life care by Hindu physicians in this country.
The Affective and Dispositional Consequences of Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Ma Emily , Qu Hailin , Wilson Marie
Published: September 2013

Despite its known impacts on organizational effectiveness, few studies have investigated organizational citizenship behavior’s (OCB’s) impact on the individual employee. This study explored the affective and dispositional consequences of OCB for hotel employees and their relationships with turnover intention. A cross-cultural comparison of U.S. and Chinese hotel employees was incorporated into the survey-based research design. The results supported positive emotion, continuance commitment, and workplace social inclusion as consequences of OCBs and mediators in the OCB–turnover relationship, with significant differences by OCB targets. The results also supported culture’s moderating role in the relationship of OCB and its consequences. The implications of the findings and directions for future research were discussed.
n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in peripheral artery disease: the OMEGA-PAD trial
Authors: Grenon S Marlene , Owens Christopher D , Alley Hugh , Chong Karen , Yen Priscilla K , Harris William , Hughes-Fulford Millie , Conte Michael S
Published: September 2013

Despite current consensus guidelines recommending intensive cardiovascular risk factor management for peripheral artery disease (PAD), patients suffering from PAD continue to experience significant morbidity and mortality. This excess morbid burden is at least partially related to impaired vascular function and systemic inflammation. Interventions bridging this gap are critical. Dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) has been shown to improve endothelial function and reduce inflammation in different cohorts, as well as to decrease cardiovascular events in secondary prevention trials in patients with coronary artery disease. Their effects in the PAD population are, however, less well understood. The OMEGA-PAD trial is a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that examines the impact of a high-dose, short-duration dietary oral supplementation of n-3 PUFA on vascular function and inflammation in patients with established PAD. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed description of the design and methods of the OMEGA-PAD trial, and a summary of baseline characteristics of the cohort. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01310270
The Personal is Political
Authors: Richmond Kate , Geiger Elizabeth , Reed Carly
Published: September 2013

The following case study highlights the application of a conceptual framework that incorporates feminist theory, trauma theory, and the importance of attending to identity development with individuals who have experienced gender-based violence. This case study illustrates the treatment of a 25-year-old female survivor of sexual assault suffering from depression, anxiety, and feelings of self-blame. Findings show a decrease in depression and anxiety, which provides support for the effectiveness of an integrated feminist and trauma-informed therapeutic approach. Because very few graduate training programs incorporate feminist theory and trauma theory in their curricula, recommendations for clinicians and students are provided.