bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Castleman’s disease and primary effusion lymphoma in a HIV-positive patient
Authors: Scott Michael J , Chihada Alhariri Bashar , Farghaly Hanan , Perez Rafael , Arnold Forest W
Published: November 2013

We present a case of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) occurring simultaneously with Castleman’s disease in the same patient. Castleman’s disease is distinct from PEL, although both are associated with HHV-8. Other cases have debated whether the coexistence of PEL and Castleman’s disease is a recurrence of an original PEL tumour in an extracavitary site, or a secondary HHV-8-associated lymphoma distinct from primary PEL. Our case, along with those described previously, show that co-occurrence of PEL and Castleman’s disease is possible and plausible. PEL needs to be included in the differential diagnosis in any HIV-positive patient who presents with a pleural effusion, and diagnosis requires only a simple thoracentesis and appropriate immunohistochemistry.
Avascular necrosis in a HIV patient receiving ritonavir and inhaled fluticasone
Authors: Pollett S , Graves B , Richards B , MacLeod C
Published: November 2013

We report a case of severe bilateral knee avascular necrosis in a HIV-positive man receiving ritonavir and inhaled fluticasone. This case highlights the need for a thorough medication history in patients on ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy, especially where multiple prescribers are involved in the patient's care.
Wet steam energy loss and related Baumann rule in low pressure steam turbines
Authors: Petr Vaclav , Kolovratnik Michal
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the results of a computational analysis of the wet steam energy loss occurring in a 210 MW fossil-fired and a 1000 MW nuclear LP steam turbine. The turbines operate under considerably different conditions as regards pressure level in the droplet nucleation zone, exit moisture level and droplet size spectra determined from optical extinction measurements. An evaluation of the basic wetness energy losses has been carried out including the thermodynamic loss, drag loss of the fine and coarse droplets, impact loss, collected water loss, centrifuging loss and exit loss. A statistical 2D evaluation method has been employed for the computational simulation of the loss. The objective of the analysis was to determine whether an equilibrium based Baumann factor of order 0.6 can be used for predicting the wet steam loss.
An experimental investigation of the vane clocking effects on the centrifugal compressor time-averaged performance
Authors: Xuechen Li , Wuqi Gong , Xiaohong Zhang , Guang Xi , Jiayi Zhao , Wenjin Cao
Published: November 2013

The clocking effect, known as a potential means to improve the aerodynamic performance of the turbomachinery, has been investigated widely in the multistage axial turbomachinery, but little reported on the radial turbomachinery. In the present paper, an experimental investigation was made on the vane clocking effect between the inlet guide vanes and the vaned diffuser in a medium-speed centrifugal compressor. The measured data show that the vane clocking has an effect on the aerodynamic performance of the researched centrifugal compressor stage. At the design point, the maximum efficiency variation is about 0.52 points and the maximum total pressure ratio variation is 0.004. When the inlet guide vane’s stagger angle was adjusted to −45°, the vane clocking effect is strengthened. The maximum efficiency and total pressure ratio variation for the design point, respectively, are 0.67 points and 0.006, and for the low flow rate point even, respectively, increases to 0.90 points and 0.007. The wake characteristics show that the maximum efficiency variation always arises at a similar clocking configuration, in which the upstream inlet guide vanes wake was detected to impinge on the diffuser blade leading edge. In addition, the profile pressure distribution on the diffuser blade was measured in detail and the blade loading analysis shows that there is no measureable variation for the vane clocking effect on the steady diffuser blade loading.
Does egalitarian pay add value? Pay compression, union structure and manufacturing productivity growth in the OECD
Authors: Vernon Guy
Published: November 2013

Unions reduce aggregate pay inequality. Where industrial, or encompassing, unionism predominates, movements have generally coherently pursued inter-enterprise or inter-occupational compression. However, pay compressions have generally been rather unstructured where unionism is segmented by enterprise or the craft-general divide. Analysis of labour productivity growth in manufacturing across 14 OECD countries between 1965 and 1995 shows that an emphasis on aggregate pay compression hampers productivity growth under encompassing unionism, but under segmented unionism promotes it.
Expression of caspase activation recruitment and pyrin domain levels of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein complex in the pancreas of rats subjected to experimental pancreatitis
Authors: Aruna R , Geetha A , Suguna P
Published: November 2013

The present study investigated the effect of rutin, a natural flavonoid, on the expression of caspase activation recruitment domain (CARD) and pyrin domain (PYD) of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), a mediator of inflammation, in the pancreas of rats administered with ethanol (EtOH) and high-fat diet (HFD). Pancreatitis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by administering EtOH (8–12 g/kg/day) and HFD (22% fat) for 90 days. In addition, rats also received 100 mg rutin/kg body weight orally from 31st day till the experimental period. Serum levels of cytokines, interleukin 18 (IL-18) and IL-6; activity levels of caspase-1 and myeloperoxidase (MPO); messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), caspase-1, CARD and PYD of ASC; and histological changes in pancreas were assessed. We observed a significant elevation in serum IL-18, IL-6, caspase-1 and MPO activities, mRNA expression of PYD, TNF-α and caspase-1 in the pancreas of rats administered with EtOH and HFD. Rutin administration along with EtOH and HFD significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of CARD and downregulated PYD, caspase-1, and TNF-α expressions. Rutin supplementation was also found to reduce IL-18 and IL-6 levels; and inflammatory changes in tissue architecture were evidenced by histological observations. The anti-inflammatory activity of rutin might be due to its effect on modulating the expression of ASC complex that mediates inflammation.
The King's anaesthetic
Authors: Conacher ID
Published: November 2013

King George VI underwent an operation for pneumonectomy in September 1951. Part of the operation anaesthetic record has survived. With conjecture, on a typical scenario of a 55-year-old male undergoing pulmonary resection for carcinoma in the early 1950s and other facts in the public domain, the King’s anaesthetic has been reconstructed to give an approximation of the events that in the last few months of his life caused his speech to change from that achieved by his personal voice coach and recently portrayed on celluloid in the film ‘The King's Speech'. The popularity and success of the film ‘The King’s Speech’ brought to mind that King George VI died of bronchogenic carcinoma, a result, not recognised at the time, of the cigarette smoking habit that is a prominent feature of the story in celluloid.
Book Review: Body Language: A Guide for Professionals, (3rd revised edition)
Authors: Chandra C.
Published: November 2013

Hedwig Lewis, Body Language: A Guide for Professionals, (3rd revised edition). New Delhi: SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd, 2012, 239 pp., ₹ 450 (ISBN: 978-81-321-0720-0 [Paperback])
Book Review: Build, Borrow or Buy: Solving the Growth Dilemma
Authors: Bajaj Divya
Published: November 2013

Laurence Capron and Will Mitchell, Build, Borrow or Buy: Solving the Growth Dilemma, Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Review Press, 2012, 244 pp., Price: ₹ 995 (ISBN No: 978-1-4221-4371-1 [HB])
Book Review: The Hidden Wealth of Customers: Realizing the Untapped Value of Your Most Important Asset
Authors: Gul Maleeha
Published: November 2013

Bill Lee, The Hidden Wealth of Customers: Realizing the Untapped Value of Your Most Important Asset. USA: Harvard Business Review Press, 2012, 222 pp., ₹ 995 (ISBN: 978-1-4221-7231-5 [HB])
Book Review: Organisational Schizophrenia: Impact on Customer Service Quality
Authors: Rai Snigdha
Published: November 2013

Gopal K. Gureja, Organisational Schizophrenia: Impact on Customer Service Quality. New Delhi: SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd, 2013, 346 pp., ₹ 550 (ISBN: 978-81-321-0956-3 [Paperback])
Sustainability Marketing Strategy: An Analysis of Recent Literature
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Rahman Zillur , Kazmi A.A.
Published: November 2013

The present study reviews the extant literature available on the emerging area of Sustainability Marketing Strategy (SMS), which hopefully, will prove to be a springboard for the future research. Tracing the origin of the concept of SMS, a detailed discussion on historic developments in the field is taken up with the help of definitions and pictorial representation of various related concepts followed by a survey of wide range of available databases from 1996 to 2011. After a rigorous search of numerous journals, those research papers exploring the field adequately have been selected. The selected papers are then classified according to various criteria for the purpose of comprehensive review of literature. Finally, after analyzing current status of research in the field of SMS, a probable agenda for future research has been formulated, which may serve as a useful guideline for the future investigators, as significant contribution need to be made in the area of SMS.
Exploring Consumer Purchase Behaviour: Foreign Versus Local Brands
Authors: Kashi Alireza Nalchi
Published: November 2013

In this study, we surveyed customers’ behaviour and influence of individual characteristics (tendency to uniqueness and orientation towards foreign brands) and characteristics of brands (perceived quality and emotional value) on intention to buy foreign brands in comparison to local brands. In this research, questionnaire is used to gather data and the Kokran formula is employed to determine the volume of sample of survey. Indeed, this research surveys the relationship between different variables using structural equation model. About 850 customers of Iranian shops are surveyed. The results reflect that the need to be unique, within customers, influences tendency to buy foreign products or services. What is more, increasing the tendency to purchase foreign brands causes customers to recognize quality and the emotional value of foreign brands in a better way. Hence, by increasing acceptance of perceived quality and emotional value of foreign brands, consumers are more motivated to buy foreign brands. Finally, in consumers’ point of view, variable ATFP to PQ is more important. because attitudes toward foren products that causes customer recognizing them of higher quality.
Impact of Client–Vendor Relationship on Firm’s Financial Performance: A Study of Outsourcing Firms
Authors: Jyoti Jeevan , Arora Himani
Published: November 2013

The success of any outsourced activity depends on the selection of right vendor and its relationship with the firm ( Arshad et al., 2008 ). The selection of the right vendor is the most difficult challenge for the outsourcing firm. The study examines the client–vendor relationship of outsourcing firm and its affect on the firm’s financial performance. The study is primarily based on first-hand information gathered from managers of medium-scale firms. The data has been collected through schedule. Based on theoretical considerations, a model has been proposed linking the client–vendor relation and the cost and quality of the product with the firm’s financial performance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis empirically tested and validated the underlying scales, namely, client–vendor relationship scale and financial performance scale. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the model. Data analysis revealed that there is significant impact of client–vendor relationship on firm’s financial performance as well as on cost and quality of the product. Further, direct and indirect effect of client–vendor relation, cost and quality on financial performance has been discovered.
Building Resilient Supply Chains against Natural Disasters: The Cases of Japan and Thailand
Authors: Abe Masato , Ye Linghe
Published: November 2013

Emerging global supply chains not only increased efficiency in production and delivery but also natural-disaster risks. Based on two recent major natural disasters in Japan and Thailand, this article discusses the increasing natural disaster risks due to the development of global supply chains and identifies the impact of natural disasters on global supply chains. The results indicate that the risk of natural disasters is not confined by geographical boundaries, as negative effects can spill over globally throughout the supply chains and affect all the entities involved including firms, governments, financial institutions and end consumers. The article argues that enhancing disaster resilience becomes increasingly important in this context for maintaining the competitiveness of firms and the health and strength of the whole economy. Both firms and governments need to take disaster risks into consideration in supply-chain management to avoid supply-chain disruptions and subsequent negative effects. The article proposes some strategies to build resilient supply chains against natural disasters, emphasizing collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Financial System Development and Foreign Direct Investment: A Panel Data Study for BRIC Countries
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yadav Surendra S. , Gautam Vinayshil
Published: November 2013

Developed financial system is one of the important determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The article analyzes the impact of financial system development on FDI with respect to BRIC countries for the period 1991 to 2010. Using the panel data analyses, fixed and random effect, our results conclude that FDI inflows to BRIC countries are influenced by banking sector and stock market variables, used as a proxy for financial development. FDI is positively influenced by size of banking sector and stock market capitalization. However, more domestic credit by banking sector negatively influences FDI inflows to these countries over the period of study. The study contributes to the existing literature as it analyzes the influence of financial sector development on China’s FDI too, not included in earlier cross-countries studies.
Vector Auto-regressive Analysis of Determinants of IPO Underpricing: Empirical Evidence from Bombay Stock Exchange
Authors: Bansal Rohit , Khanna Ashu
Published: November 2013

Underpricing of IPOs has been contemplated as a prevalent phenomenon across the world. The principal objective of the article is to investigate the difference in the firm and market specific factors that significantly affect the level of underpricing of IPOs. The sample for the study consists of 320 IPOs, listed at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). All the market and firm specific variables are regressed against the level of underpricing. Cross-sectional multiple regressions are used to reveal which variables are relevant in affecting the level of underpricing. A two-way ANOVA is done to see whether there is a statistically significant difference in the level of underpricing between book build issues and fixed price issues. Based on the multiple regression results, we found the values of R square and adjusted R square to be 43 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. In this study vector autoregressive (VAR) analysis is also the reason that it can be helpful in the understanding of interrelationships among worldly variables and in the formulation of a more structured economic model. The study revealed that there is a negative relationship between issue sizes—firm’s age, firms issuing IPO for the first time, book built pricing mechanism, and the number of underwriters (dummy variable) with the level of underpricing. However, there is positive relationship between subscription rate, market capitalization, and number of shares offered at the level of underpricing. On the other hand, there is no consequential difference between a level of underpricing and timing of the offer. Consequently, the study provides useful insight into which market and firm specific variables are significant in determining the extent of underpricing of IPOs. The study has important implications for investors who subscribe to different IPOs for listing day gain as this study would help them in understanding which type of firms are more likely to be underpriced.
e-Applications in Indian Agri-Food Supply Chain: Relationship among Enablers
Authors: Kumar Rupesh , Agrawal Rajat , Sharma Vinay
Published: November 2013

Information technology (IT) enablement helps in improving the agri-based Indian economy by focusing on supply-chain systems. This article aims at finding out the enablers of e-Applications in the Indian agri-food supply chain. Enablers were identified using secondary sources. These enablers were checked for relevance using a questionnaire that was surveyed among experts. Mutual relationship was developed among these enablers using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). ISM is applied to present a multilevel hierarchical model of identified enablers and a digraph, which shows their driving power and dependence. The study shows that there are certain enablers having strong driving power. From the hierarchy model, the enabler ‘continuously decreasing cost of hardware’ was found to have maximum driving power, which will further support other enablers for implementing IT applications in supply chain of Indian agri-food industries. All these enablers have their strategic importance for promoting usage of IT to serve the people and to improve the Indian agrarian economy. The paper is a blend of theoretical and practical applications, which employs structural analysis to draw an interventional roadmap to facilitate e-Applications in a supply chain. This paper provides a useful tool to supply-chain managers to differentiate between independent and dependent variables of e-Application interventions and their mutual relationship, which would help them to focus on those key variables that are most important for effective e-Applications in the agri-food supply chain. The IT enablers presented in a hierarchy model with their driving power and dependence rate is a unique effort made by the researcher in the area of Indian agri-food supply-chain management system. The use of IT is very useful for the common good of the society, which is not possible unless agriculture sector of India uses it for maximum benefit.
To Let Students Self-Select or Not
Authors: Rienties Bart , Alcott Peter , Jindal-Snape Divya
Published: November 2013

When students can self-select their group members, a common assumption is that students prefer to select friends from similar cultural backgrounds. However, when teachers randomize students in groups from different cultural backgrounds, students are “forced” to work together. The prime goal of this study is to understand the impact of two group selection methods on how students from diverse cultural backgrounds build learning and work relations, using an innovative quantitative method of Social Network Analysis in a pre–post test manner. In a quasi-experimental study of 2 × 69 students, in one condition the students were randomly allocated to groups by staff and in the other, students were allowed to self-select their group members. The results indicate that students in the self-selected condition primarily selected their friends from a similar cultural background. The learning networks after 14 weeks were primarily predicted by the group allocation and initial friendships. However, students in the random condition developed equally strong internal group relations but more “knowledge spillovers” outside their group, indicating that the random condition led to positive effects beyond the group.
Student Self-Formation in International Education
Authors: Marginson Simon
Published: November 2013

In research in cross-cultural psychology, international education is largely understood as an “adjustment” to host country norms and institutions, a notion that prioritizes social order and stability. The student is seen as in deficit in relation to these norms. The student’s home country identity becomes seen as a barrier to be broken down. In contrast, this article sees higher education, and within that international education, as a process of self-formation within conditions of disequilibrium in which student subjects manage their lives reflexively, fashioning their own changing identities, albeit under social circumstances largely beyond their control. International students form their self-trajectories somewhere between home country identity (which continues to evolve in the country of education), host country identity, and a larger set of cosmopolitan options. In piloting their pathways they draw on multiple identities and fashion new forms of hybrid identity. The article highlights the need for international education programs to strengthen the agency freedom of students, and its scope and resources, to facilitate this educational process of self-formation.
Nosocomial suicide
Authors: Large Matthew , Ryan Christopher , Walsh Gerard , Stein-Parbury Jane , Patfield Martyn
Published: November 2013

Objective and Method:

To consider the possibility that adverse aspects of psychiatric hospitalisation may precipitate suicide contributing significantly to the increased rate of suicide among inpatients, given little has been published about this.

Results and Conclusions:

It is likely that psychiatric hospitalisation itself contributes to some inpatient suicides. This has significant implications for the delivery of inpatient psychiatric care.
The art and science of using routine outcome measurement in mental health benchmarking
Authors: McKay Roderick , Coombs Tim , Duerden David
Published: November 2013

Objective:

To report and critique the application of routine outcome measurement data when benchmarking Australian mental health services.

Method:

The experience of the authors as participants and facilitators of benchmarking activities is augmented by a review of the literature regarding mental health benchmarking in Australia.

Results:

Although the published literature is limited, in practice, routine outcome measures, in particular the Health of the National Outcomes Scales (HoNOS) family of measures, are used in a variety of benchmarking activities. Use in exploring similarities and differences in consumers between services and the outcomes of care are illustrated. This requires the rigour of science in data management and interpretation, supplemented by the art that comes from clinical experience, a desire to reflect on clinical practice and the flexibility to use incomplete data to explore clinical practice.

Conclusions:

Routine outcome measurement data can be used in a variety of ways to support mental health benchmarking. With the increasing sophistication of information development in mental health, the opportunity to become involved in benchmarking will continue to increase. The techniques used during benchmarking and the insights gathered may prove useful to support reflection on practice by psychiatrists and other senior mental health clinicians.
Case formulation and management using pattern-based formulation (PBF) methodology: clinical case 1
Authors: Fernando Irosh , Cohen Martin
Published: November 2013

Objective:

A tool for psychiatric case formulation known as pattern-based formulation (PBF) has been recently introduced. This paper presents an application of this methodology in formulating and managing complex clinical cases.

Method:

The symptomatology of the clinical presentation has been parsed into individual clinical phenomena and interpreted by selecting explanatory models.

Results:

The clinical presentation demonstrates how PBF has been used as a clinical tool to guide clinicians’ thinking, that takes a structured approach to manage multiple issues using a broad range of management strategies. In doing so, the paper also introduces a number of patterns related to the observed clinical phenomena that can be re-used as explanatory models when formulating other clinical cases.

Conclusion:

It is expected that this paper will assist clinicians, and particularly trainees, to better understand PBF methodology and apply it to improve their formulation skills.
Somatoform disorders in patients with chronic pain
Authors: Mohan Indra , Lawson-Smith Christine , Coall David A , Van der Watt Gillian , Janca Aleksandar
Published: November 2013

Objective:

To assess the frequency and characteristics of somatoform disorders in patients with chronic pain.

Method:

The study took place in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a rehabilitation hospital. Participants were interviewed using the World Health Organization Somatoform Disorders Schedule (WHO-SDS) version 2.0. Thirty new and 30 current attendees to the clinic were interviewed following referral by pain medicine specialists.

Results:

Somatoform disorders were commonly co-morbid with chronic pain in the study population. Persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD) was the commonest somatoform disorder. There was a significant difference between women and men suffering from somatic autonomic dysfunction (SAD).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study confirm that somatoform disorders are common co-morbid diagnoses in patients with chronic pain. Combining psychological treatments with medication, appropriate physical treatments and attending to social issues, may indeed improve the well-being of such patients.
Baptism by conference: an effective Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists recruitment tool?
Authors: Sinha Shampa , Antao Shane , Gunn Jennifer , Yuen Tamara
Published: November 2013

Objective:

To explore common barriers medical students perceive to choosing psychiatry as a medical specialty as reflected in existing literature and the authors’ own experiences and whether funding student attendance of a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Congress serves to overcome some of these perceptions.

Conclusions:

Common barriers to selecting psychiatry as a career include stigma due primarily to lack of information about this specialty; concerns about personal safety; concerns about losing clinical skills and fear of burn-out. Bursaries funding student attendance to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2013 Congress were an excellent initiative that gave students a panoramic view of the variety of fields within the specialty and exposure to current debates and research, as well as the chance to discuss various subspecialties with keynote speakers and other professionals working in these areas. Undertaking more outreach activities and on-campus information sessions targeting final year students may help to further combat misperceptions and improve recruitment.
Design of a robust quantitative feedback theory position controller for an ionic polymer metal composite actuator using an analytical dynamic model
Authors: Moeinkhah Hossein , Akbarzadeh Alireza , Rezaeepazhand Jalil
Published: November 2013

Nowadays, ionic polymer metal composite actuators are widely used in many fields such as biometric, biomedical, and micro-manipulator devices. Although extensive research exists on control of the ionic polymer metal composite actuators, not much research has been done on robust control considering the nonlinear dynamics of the ionic polymer metal composite. In this study, for the first time, a closed-loop robust controller based on quantitative feedback theory is designed to overcome the actuation performance degradation of the ionic polymer metal composite actuators. First, an analytical electromechanical model is developed to fully describe dynamics of the flexible ionic polymer metal composite actuator. The model is based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and includes structural damping to model viscoelastic behavior of the ionic polymer metal composite actuator. Considering the highly nonlinear and uncertain dynamics of the ionic polymer metal composite actuator, a feedback controller based on quantitative feedback theory is designed to suppress the arbitrary external disturbances and consistently track desired input. Results indicate that the robust quantitative feedback theory control techniques can significantly improve the ionic polymer metal composite performance against nonlinearity and parametric uncertainties.
Individual Learning in Team Training
Authors: Ellington J. Kemp , Dierdorff Erich C.
Published: November 2013

Although many analysts recognize that team-level learning is reliant on the acquisition of learning content by individuals, very little research has examined individual-level learning during team training. In a sample of 70 teams ( N = 380) that participated in a simulation-based team training setting designed to teach strategic decision-making, we examined how self-regulation during team training influenced the extent to which team members subsequently demonstrated individual mastery of the team training content. We also investigated the extent to which team characteristics moderated the relationships between self-regulation and learning outcomes. Multilevel mediation results indicated that self-efficacy fully mediated the effects of metacognition, or self-monitoring of learning, on individual declarative and procedural knowledge of team training content. The results also revealed that these individual-level relationships were moderated by the team context. In particular, a team’s overall performance and quality of cooperation amplified the positive effects of individual self-regulation. Implications for team training research and practice are discussed.
Thinking Fast and Slow About Causality
Authors: Marsh Jeanne C.
Published: November 2013

Larry Palinkas advances the developing science of social work by providing an explanation of how social science research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, can improve our capacity to draw casual inferences. Understanding causal relations and making causal inferences -- with the promise of being able to predict and control outcomes -- is fundamental to the scientific enterprise. This response builds on Palinkas paper with two points: (1) The search for causality is inevitable, i.e., hard-wired into research decision-making process. (2) Thinking slowly about research methods, i.e., avoiding the influence of heuristics that may influence decision-making in predictable ways, will reduce bias and improve causal inferences.
A Review of “Wandering” Instruments for People With Dementia Who Get Lost
Authors: White Eleanor Bantry , Montgomery Paul
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

This study is the first review to be conducted to evaluate measures of wandering behavior for identifying people with dementia at risk of getting lost.

Method:

Drawing upon systematic review search strategies, the relevant literature was reviewed for wandering instruments using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The psychometric properties of these were evaluated with reference to establishing the risk of getting lost.

Results:

The search yielded 34 instruments. Of these, one wandering-specific measure and four measures of behavioral change in dementia met inclusion criteria. The ability of these to confidently evaluate the risk of getting lost remains uncertain.

Conclusion:

Further research is required to more fully evaluate the psychometric properties of the retrieved instruments. This process is made complex by difficulties in defining wandering and getting lost and methodologically, by the absence of a criterion reference. Methodological developments are required to enhance assessment-focused reviews in the psychosocial intervention field.
Effects of Combination Therapy With Olmesartan and Azelnidipine on Serum Osteoprotegerin in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Uzui Hiroyasu , Morishita Tetsuji , Nakano Akira , Amaya Naoki , Fukuoka Yoshitomo , Ishida Kentaro , Arakawa Kenichiro , Lee Jong-Dae , Tada Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

Background:

Vascular calcification is a potent predictor of plaque instability and cardiac events. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), well-known vascular calcification mediator, is a signaling molecule involved in bone remodeling, which has been implicated in the regulation of vascular calcification and atherogenesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the combination treatments of olmesartan/azelnidipine and olmesartan/diuretics on serum bone-related markers in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods and Results:

A total of 48 patients with hypertension treated with 20 mg olmesartan were randomized to receive combination treatment with 16 mg azelnidipine (O/A group) or diuretics (1 mg indapamide; O/D group) for 12 months. Osteoprotegerin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) were measured after 3 and 12 months of treatment. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was measured as the arterial stiffness using a VaSera CAVI instrument at the same time points. In both groups, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction is similar. Serum OPG, MMP-2, and hs-CRP were significantly decreased at 12 months in the O/A group ( P < .05), while there were no significant reductions in the O/D group. CAVI was significantly improved at 12 months in both the treatment groups. The improvement in CAVI was significantly greater in the O/A group than in the O/D group.

Conclusion:

Azelnidipine, but not indapamide, combined with olmesartan, improved arterial stiffness and were associated with significant decrease in OPG, MMP-2, and hs-CRP concentrations. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of the combination treatments of olmesartan/azelnidipine on arterial stiffness are mediated by alteration in bone-remodeling and inflammatory markers.
Compositional Differences in Commercially Available Prothrombin Complex Concentrates
Authors: Sadeghi Nasir , Kahn Daniel , Sayed Daneyal , Hoppenstadt Debra , Jeske Walter , Harenberg Job , DeChristopher Phillip , Fareed Jawed
Published: November 2013

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are used in the management of bleeding complications with conventional oral anticoagulant drugs. Since the activation of these complexes results in the generation of factor Xa and IIa, these agents may potentially neutralize the newly developed Xa and thrombin inhibitors. Although the potency of these agents is defined in units that represent the level of factor IX (FIX), other factors including factor II, VII, and X are also present. Protein C, protein S, and protein Z are also present. The purpose of this study is to compare the compositional differences in the currently available PCCs along with the older agents. Measurement of compositional parameters including protein and FIX, mass spectrometric analysis of the native and activated PCCs, Western blotting studies on the native and activated PCCs for the activation products including thrombin, and their effect on blood and plasma coagulation parameters were carried out.
Correlation of ELISA Optical Density With Clinical Diagnosis of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pearson Marc-André , Nadeau Chantal , Blais Normand
Published: November 2013

Background:

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antiplatelet factor 4 (anti-PF4)/heparin antibodies is expressed in terms of optical density (OD). Previous studies have shown correlation between OD and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) diagnosis. However, these were mainly laboratory based.

Objective:

Retrospective correlation of clinical HIT to ELISA OD.

Patients/Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study involving 104 patients with a positive ELISA for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies between 2008 and May 2012. For each patient, a clinical diagnosis was adjudicated based on different features including “4T scores,” laboratory results, and a 3-month clinical follow-up.

Results:

In this study, 28.8% of the patients were HIT positive, and 71.2% HIT negative. Patients with positive diagnosis had significantly higher mean OD (2.15 ± 0.76 vs 0.83 ± 0.62). Patients with OD <1.0 only had 3.4% positive diagnosis versus 45.5% for OD 1.0 to 2.0 and 78% for >2.0 units.

Conclusion:

This study is a clinical confirmation that ELISA OD results are correlated with the probability of a clinical diagnosis of HIT.
Clearance effects on dynamic behavior of a continuous mechanical system
Authors: Kordkheili Seyed Ali Hosseini , Massouleh Seyyed Hassan Momeni , Khorasani Reza
Published: November 2013

An analytical modified method is presented to investigate the clearance effects on the dynamic behavior of cantilever beams. In this work, apart from clearance, all other nonlinearities are avoided to be considered during the analytical solution. The beam is idealized using an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom structure. A tri-linear stiffness system is also adopted to simulate the beam together with the clearance. Subsequently the analytical solution is derived for a cantilever beam structure with and without considering structural damping. The experimental method is employed to verify the results from the presented analytical solutions. It is noted that the results obtained by the presented analytical solutions are in very good agreement with those from the experimental method.
Model development and harmonic current reduction in active magnetic bearing systems with rotor imbalance and sensor runout
Authors: Xu Xiangbo , Fang Jiancheng , Liu Gang , Zhang Huijuan
Published: November 2013

Harmonic currents, which are caused by rotor imbalance and sensor runout in active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, can induce undesirable harmonic vibrations and superfluous power consumption. To analyze and reduce these harmonic currents, a comprehensive model of the AMB system is developed and a repetitive control method is proposed. First, dynamics of the four radial degrees-of-freedom rotor with the rotor imbalance and the sensor runout are introduced, and electrical equations of the AMB control system including power amplifiers and motion induced voltage (MIV) are described. Next, how synchronous and multiple harmonic vibration forces and torques, which result from the harmonic currents through both the current stiffness and the displacement stiffness, are induced by static imbalance, dynamic imbalance, and the sensor runout through controllers and the MIV, are explained and analyzed in detail. Then the AMB system is divided into two subsystems related to translational and rotational motions, respectively. The dynamic equations for the two coupled rotational motions of the rotor are combined into a complex function. The rotor imbalance and the sensor runout are transformed to input disturbances of the power amplifiers, and a repetitive control method is proposed to suppress these periodic disturbances by reducing the harmonic currents. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulations with MATLAB and experiments on a test rig of a magnetically suspended control moment gyro. It is superior to existing techniques due to the comprehensive AMB model and the effective control method with a short computation time.
When new party X has the ‘X factor’
Authors: Arter David
Published: November 2013

There is no single, correct answer to the question ‘what type of party is new party X?’ nor is there a foolproof way of gauging new-party X’s prospects of survival as a parliamentary actor. The recent literature on new parties predicts a relatively low survival rate for ‘entrepreneur parties’, defined as parties formed without a measure of support from an external ‘promoter’ organisation. Charisma alone, the argument goes, is unlikely to be sufficient for party ‘sustainability’. This article, however, identifies a sustainable type of new party in which the founding entrepreneur, acting without specific external group support, combines charismatic leadership and organisational leadership to create a stable mass membership party. The article’s empirical section focuses on the evolution of one such ‘charisma plus’ or ‘resilient entrepreneurial party’ — the True Finns — and, based on personal interviews with its long-serving leader, it does so from the express standpoint of the party entrepreneur.
Democratic dynasties? Internal party democracy in Bangladesh
Authors: Amundsen Inge
Published: November 2013

First of all, this paper explores the rationale for internal party democracy, highlighting the ‘school for democracy’ argument. Second, it identifies three crucial processes as determinants for the level of intra-party democracy; a democratic process for the election of leaders, for the formulation of policies and for coalition making. The first is emphasized. Third, the quality of intra-party democracy in Bangladesh is analysed in terms of party leadership selection and the prevalent practice of dynastic rule. The overall finding is that the degree of internal democracy of political parties in Bangladesh is weak, due to the electoral parties’ weak organizations, strong centralization and prevalent informal decision-making processes controlled by a limited number of party elites (dynastic parties). This general result has important implications regarding the prospects of democratizing party politics and consolidating democracy in Bangladesh.
Correlates of reactive hyperemic index in men and postmenopausal women
Authors: Carnovale Valérie , Paradis Marie-Eve , Gigleux Iris , Ramprasath Vanu R , Couture Patrick , Jones Peter J , Lamarche Benoît , Couillard Charles
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences in digital reactive hyperemic index (RHI) in men and postmenopausal women. We investigated the differences in and correlates of RHI, measured by peripheral artery tonometry (PAT), in a group of 82 men (mean age ± SD: 55.6 ± 8.2 years; body mass index: 29.0 ± 4.2 kg/m2) and 125 postmenopausal women (58.9 ± 5.2 years; 27.7 ± 4.1 kg/m2). We also examined fRHI values (natural log of the PAT ratio of the 90–120 seconds post-occlusion interval) and augmentation index (AIx) as a measure of arterial stiffness. We found that RHI, fRHI and AIx were significantly lower in men compared to postmenopausal women ( p<0.0001). We also found that fRHI values were significantly lower in individuals with (MetS+) versus without (MetS–) the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Endothelial inflammation was present in MetS+ subjects as indicated by increased plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) ( p<0.001) and E-selectin ( p=0.0519) concentrations compared to MetS– individuals. No significant difference was found in RHI or AIx between MetS+ versus MetS– individuals. In summary, our study reveals that men have an impairment of endothelial function, assessed by digital PAT, compared to postmenopausal women. Furthermore, we show that the presence of the MetS is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, as suggested by lower fRHI, as well as by endothelial inflammation, which likely contributes to the increased cardiovascular disease risk associated with the MetS. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01085019
Reduced circulating endothelial progenitor cells in thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease)
Authors: Park Hyung Sub , Cho Kyung Hee , Kim Koung Li , Kim Duk-Kyung , Lee Taeseung
Published: November 2013

To determine the role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the pathogenesis of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), EPC numbers and colony-forming units, migratory function and tubular structure formation in vitro were compared between 13 young male TAO patients and two age-matched healthy control groups: 11 smokers and 12 non-smokers. TAO patients had significantly lower numbers of EPCs and EPC colonies compared to both non-smokers [190 (97.0–229) vs 528 (380–556), p < 0.001 for EPCs and 0.80 (0.53–1.00) vs 2.80 (2.08–4.00) per mm2, p = 0.001 for EPC colonies] and smokers [190 (97.0–229) vs 272 (229–326), p = 0.012 for EPCs and 0.80 (0.53–1.00) vs 2.80 (1.80–3.93) per mm2, p = 0.001 for EPC colonies]. However, there were no significant differences in migratory function or tube formation between the three groups. These results suggest that TAO patients have an intrinsic decrease in EPCs not entirely associated with smoking, which may be the cause of endothelial dysfunction seen in TAO patients leading to the development of this disease at early ages.
The association between resilience and diabetic neuropathy by socioeconomic position: Cross-sectional findings from the KORA-Age study
Authors: Perna Laura , Mielck Andreas , Lacruz Maria E , Emeny Rebecca T , von Eisenhart Rothe Alexander , Meisinger Christa , Ladwig Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2013

We investigated whether older adults with diabetes mellitus and lower resilience have an increased risk of diabetic neuropathy as compared to older adults with higher resilience, and whether this association varies by socioeconomic position. In total, 3942 individuals took part in a health survey in Augsburg, Germany, in 2008–2010 (KORA-Age study). We found that among participants with low socioeconomic position, those with higher resilience had a lower probability of suffering from neuropathy as compared to participants with lower resilience (absolute risk reduction = 10%). Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals for the outcome diabetic neuropathy also showed that lower resilience scores had an independent effect in increasing the risk of diabetic neuropathy among elderly individuals with a low socioeconomic position (odds ratio: 1.83; confidence interval: 1.09–3.08). Health-promoting strategies focussing on resilience should be further explored.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to identify key beliefs underlying chlamydia testing intentions in a sample of young people living in deprived areas
Authors: Booth Amy R , Norman Paul , Harris Peter R , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

The Theory of Planned Behavior was used to identify the key behavioural, normative and control beliefs underlying intentions to test regularly for chlamydia among young people living in socially and economically deprived areas – a high-risk group for infection. Participants ( N = 278, 53% male; mean age 17 years) were recruited from a vocational college situated in an area in the most deprived national quintile (England). Participants completed measures of behavioural, normative and control beliefs, plus intention to test regularly for chlamydia. The behavioural, normative and control beliefs most strongly correlated with intentions to test regularly for chlamydia were beliefs about stopping the spread of infection, partners’ behaviour and the availability of testing. These beliefs represent potential targets for interventions to increase chlamydia testing among young people living in deprived areas.
Theory of mind deficit in adult patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Chiavarino Claudia , Bianchino Claudia , Brach-Prever Silvia , Riggi Chiara , Palumbo Luigi , Bara Bruno G , Bosco Francesca M
Published: November 2013

This article provides the first assessment of theory of mind, that is, the ability to reason about mental states, in adult patients with congenital heart disease. Patients with congenital heart disease and matched healthy controls were administered classical theory of mind tasks and a semi-structured interview which provides a multidimensional evaluation of theory of mind (Theory of Mind Assessment Scale). The patients with congenital heart disease performed worse than the controls on the Theory of Mind Assessment Scale, whereas they did as well as the control group on the classical theory-of-mind tasks. These findings provide the first evidence that adults with congenital heart disease may display specific impairments in theory of mind.