bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Review: V. Santhakumar, Economics in Action: An Easy Guide for Development Practitioners
Authors: Ray Rupamanjari Sinha
Published: September 2014

V. Santhakumar, Economics in Action: An Easy Guide for Development Practitioners. New Delhi, India: SAGE Publications, 2013, 345 pp., ₹ 545. ISBN-13: 978-81-321-1124-5; ISBN-10: 8132111249.
Thieves of Bombay: United Artists, Colonial Copyright, and Film Piracy in the 1920s
Authors: Govil Nitin , Hoyt Eric
Published: September 2014

This article examines Hollywood’s attempts to curtail print duplication piracy in Bombay during the 1920s. The Thief of Bagdad, starring Douglas Fairbanks, was a massive international success for the Hollywood studio United Artists and their newly established Asian distribution network. Perhaps the most famous Hollywood release in India, Thief catapulted its star, Douglas Fairbanks, into the pantheon of Indian screen legends. In the late 1920s, United Artists discovered that Thief was being illegally distributed and exhibited in India and filed a series of legal actions in the Bombay courts. This article examines the extensive legal record of these cases—alongside letters, memos, and other studio correspondence—in order to reveal the topography of international distribution and its legal and non-legal circuits. We argue that Hollywood’s problems in curtailing the so-called “Bombay piracies” demonstrate the contradictions of international intellectual property enforcement at a critical early juncture in media globalization.
‘Nice Korea, Naughty Korea’: Media framings of North Korea and the inter-Korean relationship in the London 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Yoon Liv , Wilson Brian
Published: September 2014

This study examines mainstream news media framings of North Korea and the inter-Korean relationship in the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, focusing on the role that the media played in privileging particular understandings of nationalism, conflict and reconciliation. Print news articles from South Korea and English-speaking western nations were collected and analyzed. The results illustrate notable differences between South Korean and western media coverage of North Korea’s involvement and the inter-Korean relationship. Western representations of North Korea featured discussions of controversies pertaining to the North Korean government, and often deemphasized or dismissed athletes’ efforts. South Korean coverage included few reflections on socio-political problems related to North Korea, but highlighted athletic accomplishments. Emphasis on division was also found more often in western coverage of the inter-Korean relationship as compared to South Korean coverage.
I like the way it sounds: The influence of instrumentation on a pop song’s place in the charts
Authors: Nunes Joseph C. , Ordanini Andrea
Published: September 2014

The way a song sounds depends on, among other things, what instruments are audible to the listener. We document the systematic relationship between instrumentation, or the particular combination of instruments audible in a hit song, and its relative market appeal vis-à-vis its place on the charts. This is accomplished using mixed analytical methods under ecologically valid conditions. The data come from Billboard’s Hot 100 weekly popularity rankings from the past 55 years. We compare number 1 singles with songs that never climbed above number 90. First, using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), we identify two configurations of core instruments that result in a song being more popular such that these configurations are present far more consistently among the set of number 1 hit songs. We also identify three configurations of core instruments that result in a song being less popular such that these configurations are present far more consistently among songs that stagnate at the bottom of the charts. What stands out is popular (less popular) configurations always include (exclude) background vocals. Further, our qualitative results reveal number 1 songs tend to include a greater number of instruments. Second, we utilize logit regression to document how the absolute number of distinct instrument types perceptible in a song affects the chances it will be a number 1 hit as opposed to stay at or below number 90. Our results suggest songs that do not follow conventional instrumentation and instead include an atypically low or high number of instruments are more likely to stand out, becoming number 1 hits. Looking across time, a greater number of instruments increased the chances of being a number1 song during mid-1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s, while fewer instruments increased the chances during the 1960s and in the late 2000s.
Low-cost charge of electrostrictive polymers for efficient energy harvesting
Authors: Wang Liuqing , Lallart Mickaël , Petit Lionel , Lebrun Laurent , Cottinet Pierre-Jean , Guyomar Daniel
Published: September 2014

Energy harvesting has become a particularly hot topic over the last few years in order to replace batteries in autonomous devices. In particular, vibration energy scavenging has been the subject of many researches as such a source is widely available in many environments. While piezoelectric elements, electromagnetic devices or electrostatic systems have been studied since the beginning of such an interest, electrostrictive polymers that are flexible and lightweight have recently attracted the attention of the scientific community. However, in order to properly operate and convert energy efficiently, such materials require a relatively high electric field for polarization purposes and activation of the electromechanical activity. Hence, applying this electric field may lead to significant losses in the system that may compromise the operation of the microgenerator by a negative energy balance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of such an electric field in an efficient manner in order to limit the losses in the system, showing that a ramp input may decrease the loss factor from more than 50% to a few per cent only. The energy balance of the global system as well as a realistic implementation of the charging system is also discussed.
Physicians in Dual-Career Marriages
Authors: Fider Carlene O. , Fox Curtis A. , Wilson Colwick M.
Published: September 2014

The context of the lives of physicians has unique and challenging features for those in dual-career marriages. The empirical investigation of this phenomenon has remained relatively sparse. This study assesses dual-career couples that include a physician nurture marriage and family relationships while managing the heavy demands of their career. Using a sample of 15 dual-career couples with a key informant physician, a qualitative phenomenological lens investigated how these intimate relationships are nurtured as they manage the other demands of work and life. Two major themes evolved that were associated with intentionality to grow and maintain their relationship before having children and negotiating the demands of life and work after children come into the family. This study discusses important implications for theory, research, and practice as family counselors, therapists, and educators as they focus on adjustment to the unique experience of physicians in dual-career relationships.
Static mass imbalance identification and vibration control for rotor of magnetically suspended control moment gyro with active-passive magnetic bearings
Authors: Cui Peiling , He Jingxian , Fang Jiancheng
Published: September 2014

Identification of the static mass imbalance is critical to the control of magnetically suspended rotors. A static mass imbalance identification method without using the closed-loop transfer function is proposed in this paper. Then the null displacement control of the magnetically suspended rotor is realized by using the identified static mass imbalance. Because null vibration is the control target for the rotor of a magnetically suspended control moment gyro (MSCMG) with active-passive magnetic bearings, a null vibration control method depending on the displacement stiffness is introduced. However, the displacement stiffness of the passive magnetic bearing is hard to obtain accurately. Therefore, the least mean square method is utilized to adjust the uncertain displacement stiffness adaptively according to the centroid acceleration. Simulation results show that adaptive null vibration control based on the static mass imbalance identification can remove the synchronous magnetic bearing force effectively, thus enabling the rotor of the MSCMG with active-passive magnetic bearings to rotate about its initial axis.
On the internal resonance characteristics of curved beams
Authors: Patel Badri Prasad , Ibrahim Syed Muhammad , Nath Yogendra
Published: September 2014

In this article, the internal resonance characteristics of periodically excited curved beams are investigated. It was found that 2:1 internal resonance is predominant for a wide range of the linear frequency ratio of the first symmetric and antisymmetric modes. 1:1 internal resonance exists for a narrow range of the linear frequency ratio of the first two modes.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis approach using probabilistic principal component analysis denoising and cyclic bispectrum
Authors: Jiang Bingzhen , Xiang Jiawei , Wang Yanxue
Published: September 2014

A new approach for bearing fault diagnosis is proposed based on probabilistic principal component analysis and cyclic bispectrum with optimal cycle frequency. Generally, there are two procedures to accomplish the bearings fault diagnosis. The first one is signal denoising using probabilistic principal component analysis, which transfers the original signal to a principal component model. This procedure can keep a useful component of the signal completely and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The second employs cyclic bispectrum to extract fault frequency. Because the cyclic frequency is a vital parameter, the optical cyclic frequency is investigated and found to be equal to the bearing center frequency. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical simulation and experimental investigation of a rolling bearing with an outer race fault. The authors’ analyses also indicate that the proposed method can be used for fault diagnosis of rolling bearings.
Vibration control of collocated smart structures using H∞ modified positive position and velocity feedback
Authors: Omidi Ehsan , Mahmoodi S Nima
Published: September 2014

In this paper, H∞ modified positive position feedback (HMPPF) and H∞ modified positive velocity feedback (HMPVF) controllers are developed as two innovative controllers for active vibration reduction in flexible collocated structures. The controllers use the concept of modified positive feedback and are enhanced by the H∞ feedback design to provide effective vibration suppression of multiple modes. An aluminum cantilever beam is used to experimentally evaluate the performance of the two controllers. The objective of the HMPPF controller is to suppress vibration displacement when all of the fundamental modes are excited. In this case which considers the first three modes of the flexible structure, overall vibration displacement is reduced to 38% of the uncontrolled value. The HMPVF, on the other hand, uses the control energy to reduce the vibration velocity to the lowest possible value. Vibration velocity amplitude using the HMPVF approach was reduced more than displacement, which makes this controller more effective for fatigue failure prevention purposes.
Adult Talk in the Inclusive Classroom and the Socially Competent Behavior of Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Irvin Dwight W. , Boyd Brian A. , Odom Samuel L.
Published: September 2014

Difficulty with social competence is a core deficit of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to examine the link between adult talk and the socially competent behavior displayed by preschoolers with ASD concurrently and over time. A modified version of Kontos’s Teacher Talk classification was used to code videos of 73 children with ASD (ages 3–5) in inclusive classrooms ( n = 33). Supporting peer relation and positive social contact forms of adult talk were concurrently associated with children’s socially competent behavior. In comparison, higher amounts of supporting object play talk positively affected children’s social competence over time (i.e., 1 school year), and more behavior management talk was related to worsening social competence as perceived by teachers. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
You Gotta Kick Ass a Little Harder Than That
Authors: Johnston Matthew S. , Kilty Jennifer M.
Published: September 2014

This qualitative research explores the complex and dynamic ways in which eight hospital security men engage in hegemonic masculine practices that subordinate the gender identities of security women and marginalized men. These intensive, in-depth interviews reveal that alpha male status is accomplished through routine demonstrations of physicality and dominance over mental health patients and subordinated guards who present a feminine or queer gender identity. Security officers who resist the established codes of masculine conduct are excluded from social circles, and culturally devalued by their hypermasculine peers and superiors. Overall, this research calls for the revision of hospital security recruitment and training initiatives that privilege military background and skills, and invites scholars to give voice to the gendered voices of security women, gay men, and nursing staff.
The Receptivity of Officers to Empirical Research and Evidence-Based Policing: An Examination of Survey Data From Three Agencies
Authors: Telep Cody W. , Lum Cynthia
Published: September 2014

Police officer receptivity to empirical research and evidence-based policing is important to consider because officers are responsible for implementing approaches validated by research on the street. Officer survey data from Sacramento, California; Richmond, Virginia; and Roanoke County, Virginia suggest prospects and challenges for advancing evidence-based policing. Generally, officers use few tools to learn about research, but their views are in line with the evidence for some strategies. Officers typically value experience more than research to guide practice, but they also tend to recognize the importance of working with researchers to address crime. Officers show some willingness to conduct evaluations but are most interested in using less rigorous methodologies. The findings across agencies are fairly similar, although some differences do emerge.
Evidence-based, parent-mediated interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder: The case of restricted and repetitive behaviors
Authors: Harrop Clare
Published: September 2014

Restricted and repetitive behaviors represent a core symptom of autism spectrum disorders. While there has been an increase in research into this domain in recent years, compared to social-communication impairments experienced by children with autism spectrum disorders, much less is known about their development, etiology, and management. Parent-mediated interventions have become increasingly popular in the field, with a surge of studies reporting significant findings in social communication and cognitive development in early childhood. Restricted and repetitive behaviors are often not specifically targeted or measured as an outcome within these interventions. This article reviews how 29 parent-mediated interventions approached the management, treatment, and measurement of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Recommendations for research and practice are presented.
Child chest trauma with hypogenetic lung
Authors: Bhuiyan Mirza MZU , Kalanda Ntumba WB , Modishi MH
Published: September 2014

Trauma patients with hypogenetic lung could be difficult to diagnose and confused with post trauma haemothorax. This can lead to insertion of intercostal drain and result in serious iatrogenic injury. Differentiation between hypogenetic lung disease and haemothorax sometimes requires additional investigations like ultrasound scan or computed tomography.
The extent and nature of ideological selective exposure online: Combining survey responses with actual web log data from the 2013 Israeli Elections
Authors: Dvir-Gvirsman Shira , Tsfati Yariv , Menchen-Trevino Ericka
Published: September 2014

Do users tend to consume only like-minded political information online? We point to two problems with the existing knowledge about this debate. First, the measurement of media preferences by the typical means of surveys is less reliable than behavioral data. Second, most studies have analyzed only the extent of online exposure to like-minded content, not the users’ complete web-browsing repertoire. This study used both survey data and real-life browsing behavior (661,483 URLs from 15,976 websites visited by 402 participants) for the period 7 weeks prior to the 2013 Israeli national elections. The results indicate that (1) self-report measurements of ideological exposure are inflated, (2) exposure to online ideological content accounted for only 3% of total online browsing, (3) the participants’ media repertoires are very diverse with no evidence of echo chambers, and (4) in accordance with the selective exposure hypothesis, individuals on both sides are more exposed to like-minded content. The results are discussed in light of the selective exposure literature.
“He has a way gayer Facebook than I do”: Investigating sexual identity disclosure and context collapse on a social networking site
Authors: Duguay Stefanie
Published: September 2014

This study extends previous research into social networking sites (SNSs) as environments that often reduce spatial, temporal, and social boundaries, which can result in collapsed contexts for social situations. Context collapse was investigated through interviews and Facebook walkthroughs with 27 LGBTQ young people in the United Kingdom. Since diverse sexualities are often stigmatized, participants’ sexual identity disclosure decisions were shaped by both the social conditions of their online networks and the technological architecture of SNSs. Context collapse was experienced as an event through which individuals intentionally redefined their sexual identity across audiences or managed unintentional disclosure. To prevent unintentional context collapse, participants frequently reinstated contexts through tailored performances and audience separation. These findings provide insight into stigmatized identity performances in networked publics while situating context collapse within a broader understanding of impression management, which paves the way for future research exploring the identity implications of everyday SNS use.
Molecular dynamics simulation of simple polymer chain formation using divide and conquer algorithm based on the augmented Lagrangian method
Authors: Malczyk Paweł , Frączek Janusz
Published: September 2014

This paper presents an efficient multibody methodology for the simulation of molecular dynamics of simple polymer chains. The algorithm is formulated in terms of absolute coordinates. The augmented Lagrangian method is incorporated into the divide and conquer framework giving new parallel, logarithmic order algorithm suitable for the simulation of general multibody system topologies. The approach is robust in case of potential rank deficiencies of the Jacobian matrices that embrace the group of systems involving redundant constraints, and which may repeatedly enter singular configurations. Series of nanosecond-long molecular dynamics simulations of simplified polymer chain models are performed to demonstrate the correctness of the methodology and investigate the structure formation of the system subjected to non-bonded (Lennard–Jones) and bonded (torsional) interactions. Conformational changes and dynamic properties of the polymer chains are studied under gradual cooling of the system. The simulation results show that some of the homopolymers collapse into well-formed helices. The fraction of the succeeded runs, in which defect-free helices are found, is a function of initial conditions, chain length, and cooling rate. The employed computational multibody approach appeared to be useful in molecular dynamics simulations implying potential for future research and further development in this field.
Experimental investigation of pavement behavior after embankment widening using a fiber optic sensor network
Authors: Weng Xiaolin , Zhu Hong-Hu , Chen Jianxun , Liang Dongping , Shi Bin , Zhang Cheng-Cheng
Published: September 2014

In order to investigate the actual health condition of asphalt concrete pavements on widened road embankments, a full-scale model test study was conducted. A fiber Bragg grating–based sensor network was developed to monitor the strain distributions within the pavement structure, which was subjected to differential settlements. An improved packaging and installation method of the quasi-distributed sensor system was utilized, which not only ensured a high sensor survival rate but also achieved accurate measurement of axial strains in longitudinal and transverse directions. Based on the monitoring results, the strain characteristics of the pavement structure under different settlements were analyzed in detail. It is found that in general, the top layer of the asphalt pavement structure was subject to tension stress due to the differential settlement of the embankment. Plastic deformation of the pavement was observed when the differential settlement increased to 22 cm. The base layer of the pavement had the most significant response in comparison with the top and middle layers. The geogrid reinforcement in the embankment had a positive effect to alleviate the tension stress in the pavement. This experimental study also indicates the capability of fiber optic sensor networks to monitor the performance of pavements with a high degree of accuracy.
The Impact of Mental Illness Stigma on Seeking and Participating in Mental Health Care
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W. , Druss Benjamin G. , Perlick Deborah A.
Published: September 2014

Treatments have been developed and tested to successfully reduce the symptoms and disabilities of many mental illnesses. Unfortunately, people distressed by these illnesses often do not seek out services or choose to fully engage in them. One factor that impedes care seeking and undermines the service system is mental illness stigma. In this article, we review the complex elements of stigma in order to understand its impact on participating in care. We then summarize public policy considerations in seeking to tackle stigma in order to improve treatment engagement. Stigma is a complex construct that includes public, self, and structural components. It directly affects people with mental illness, as well as their support system, provider network, and community resources. The effects of stigma are moderated by knowledge of mental illness and cultural relevance. Understanding stigma is central to reducing its negative impact on care seeking and treatment engagement. Separate strategies have evolved for counteracting the effects of public, self, and structural stigma. Programs for mental health providers may be especially fruitful for promoting care engagement. Mental health literacy, cultural competence, and family engagement campaigns also mitigate stigma’s adverse impact on care seeking. Policy change is essential to overcome the structural stigma that undermines government agendas meant to promote mental health care. Implications for expanding the research program on the connection between stigma and care seeking are discussed.
Do-it-Yourself Urbanism
Authors: Talen Emily
Published: September 2014

In the last several years, interest has surged in the idea of small-scale, incremental, “do-it-yourself” (DIY) urban improvement. Also known as “tactical,” “pop-up,” or “guerilla” urbanism, this brand of urban intervention is resident-generated, low budget, and often designed to be temporary. The approach is distinguished by being in direct opposition to top-down, capital-intensive, and bureaucratically sanctioned urban change of the kind most often associated with urban planning. The purpose of this article is to review the broader, historical rootedness of these efforts. DIY urbanism has been energized by a recession and a “right to the city” spirit of guerrilla tactics, but it is actually rooted in a deeper tradition of nineteenth-century civic engagement. Focusing on the American experience, I show that the idea of bottom-up, tactical, DIY urbanism forms an essential tradition in American urbanism, an impulse that runs counter to the narrative of urban abandonment, and as such forms an essential platform upon which notions of any “back to the city” movement draw support.
Frontal Lobe Disinhibition, Rett Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Niedermeyer E.
Published: September 2014

Motor cortex hyperexcitability in Rett Syndrome (RS) has been ascribed to the failure of an inhibiting system arising from the frontal lobes, a system needed in childhood and early adolescence. It is also presumed that, on a virtually dysfunctional (nonstructural) basis, motor cortex hyperexcitability in ADHD is also due to insufficient frontal lobe inhibition (“lazy frontal lobe”).

A series of schematic illustrations is added for the sake of easier comprehension of the presented concept.
The Epileptic Pre-Aura
Authors: Niedermeyer E.
Published: September 2014

The term “pre-aura” is used for the designation of earliest pre-ictal manifestations that escape detection by conventional EEG and both objective and subjective behavioral signs. Fairly recent reports have indicated earliest pre-ictal vascular changes (perifocal ischemia and hyperemia) and also changes found in various methods of quantified EEG. These changes may precede the seizure onset (in conventional terms) by 1 to 20 minutes.

There is good reason to assume that pre-auras are limited to focal epilepsies and do not occur in the various subforms of primary generalized epilepsy. The electrodecremental type of seizure onset, mostly found in the frontal region, could also denote a pre-aura in the earliest decremental phase.

The very earliest pre-aura phenomena are most likely to be neuronal rather than vascular. Further proof could come with the use of ultrafast EEG frequency recordings.
Assessment of P3a and P3b after Moderate to Severe Brain Injury
Authors: Solbakk Anne-Kristin , Reinvang Ivar , Andersson Stein
Published: September 2014

The purpose of the study was to examine the P3a and P3b components of the event-related brain potential (ERP) in patients sustaining moderate to severe brain injury. Electrophysiological and behavioral responses were recorded in brain injured (N = 18) and healthy control (N = 21) participants during performance of an auditory 3-stimulus distractor paradigm. Auditory stimuli consisted of a series of repetitive standard tones (75 ms), occasionally interrupted by equiprobable target (25 ms) and distractor sounds (white noise). Tone duration discrimination accuracy was similar in patients and controls, but patients had prolonged reaction times to targets. The reaction time delay was paralleled by a prolongation of P3b latency to targets in the patient group relative to controls. The stimulus and task dependent modulation of ERP responses in the brain injury group was similar to that of controls in terms of the spatial distribution of ERPs over the scalp. However, the brain injury group had attenuated P3a and P3b amplitudes to distractor and target stimuli, respectively. The electrophysiological data suggest a deficit in the allocation of attentional resources to the processing of deviant stimuli in the brain injury group.
Topographic Quantitative EEG Response to Acute Caffeine Withdrawal: A Comprehensive Analysis of Multiple Quantitative Variables
Authors: Reeves Roy R. , Struve Frederick A. , Patrick Gloria
Published: September 2014

Most previous studies of the neurophysiological effects of caffeine have focused on the effects of caffeine ingestion, and few studies have examined the effects of caffeine withdrawal. This open study evaluated the quantitative EEG (QEEG) changes occurring during a 4-day period of abstinence in subjects who habitually consume 300 mg or more of caffeine daily. Thirteen subjects underwent QEEG studies during their usual caffeine consumption (baseline) and on days 1,2, and 4 of a 4-day period of caffeine abstinence. Ten of the subjects underwent a second QEEG on day 4 that consisted of a period of recording after reinstitution of caffeine. A comprehensive analysis of multiple quantitative variables was performed for each study during the abstinence period and compared to the variables obtained at baseline for each subject. Changes occurring during caffeine abstinence included: 1) increases in theta absolute power over all cortical areas, 2) increases in delta absolute power over the frontal cortex, 3) decreases in the mean frequency of both the alpha and beta rhythm, 4) increase in theta relative power and decrease in beta relative power, and 5) significant changes in interhemispheric coherence. Most of these changes tended to return to pre-abstinence baseline levels rapidly after resumption of caffeine consumption. The caffeine withdrawal state affects a number of neurophysiological variables. Further investigation of the neurophysiological aspects of caffeine withdrawal using placebo controlled double blind assessment methods is warranted.
Effects of Stimulus Modality and Response Mode on the P300 Event-Related Potential Differentiation of Young and Elderly Adults
Authors: Knott Verner , Bradford Lisa , Dulude Louise , Millar Anne , Alwahabi Fahad , Lau Tim , Shea Catherine , Wiens Andrew
Published: September 2014

The P300 event-related brain potential (ERP) was examined in 14 young (20–29 years of age) and 16 elderly (60–82 years of age) adult subjects during the performance of auditory and visual discrimination tasks requiring silent counting or key pressing in response to target stimuli. P300 latencies were longer in elderly (vs young) adults and in visual (vs auditory) tasks, and visual tasks elicited larger P300 amplitudes than auditory tasks in both age groups. Neither stimulus modality nor response mode affected P300 differentiation of young and elderly subjects. Steeper P300 anterior-posterior scalp amplitude gradients were seen in the young (vs elderly) adults, regardless of stimulus or response type. Examination of inter-subject variability with the coefficient of variation (CV) statistic found the lowest (i.e., best) CV values to be exhibited in the visual task requiring the counting of target stimuli. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to P300 applications in the clinical assessment of dementia and aging-associated cognitive alterations.
Olfactory Event-Related Potentials in Normal Subjects and Patients with Smell Disorders
Authors: Harada Hirofumi , Shiraishi Kimio , Kato Toshihiko
Published: September 2014

We developed a device to record olfactory event-related potentials (OERP) from the human scalp. Methyl-cyclopentenolone was used as the odorant element. A total of 50 stimuli were delivered. Each stimulus lasted 0.5 sec and was delivered once every three inspirations. Normal OERPs were obtained with this device. The positive peak latencies were approximately 350 msec (P1) and 700 msec (P2), respectively. OERPs were also recorded in 40 patients with smell disorders. A positive response at about 300–400 msec was recorded in 7 patients (all females, 15–59 years old). The other 33 patients showed no response. The high potential area of this positive peak was located in the centro-occipital region of the scalp. The latency and the high potential area of this peak were similar to P1 recorded in normal subjects. The source of this peak was considered identical to that of P1. This may be a response to the trigeminal nerve during odor administration. P2 was not recorded in the patients with smell disorders. P2 may therefore be a response to the olfactory nerve.
Sequential EEG Analysis during Intermittent Photic Stimulation in Never-Medicated Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kikuchi Mitsuru , Wada Yuji , Koshino Yoshifumi
Published: September 2014

To investigate sequential changes in electroencephalograms (EEGs) during intermittent photic stimulation (IPS), quantitative EEG analysis for the alpha band (related to stimulus frequency) was performed in 18 drug-naïve schizophrenic patients and 18 sex- and age-matched control subjects. IPS consisted of white flickers at 10 flashes/sec, lasting 10 sec and repeated six times at 10 sec intervals. The differences between the two groups were assessed for two conditions (i.e., during photic stimulation (PS) and inter-PS). During stimulus, the absolute 9–11 Hz band power of the patient group was higher at the posterior than that at the anterior sites throughout the 10 sec periods. However, this difference between sites was not seen during the first 1 sec in the control group. During the nonstimulus period, posterior dominance of 9–11 Hz band power was prominent in the patient group throughout. In the control group, however, this difference was minor, especially during the latter half of the period. These results suggest that schizophrenic patients show fewer changes in posterior alpha activity during both stimulus and nonstimulus, and this continuity of posterior dominance may reflect hyperarousal, which counteracts any decrease in vigilance throughout the IPS.
Quantitative Electroencephalography in Frontotemporal Dementia with Methylphenidate Response: A Case Study
Authors: Goforth Harold W. , Konopka Lukasz , Primeau Margaret , Ruth Amity , O'Donnell Kathleen , Patel Roopal , Poprawski Teresa , Shirazi Parvez , Rao Murali
Published: September 2014

Frontotemporal dementia is an underdiagnosed illness with predominant behavioral and executive manifestations. Historically, diagnosis has been based on a combination of clinical history, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging. No effective treatment currently exists for this disorder. A case is presented using quantitative EEG with methylphenidate challenge correlated with SPECT.

The patient underwent neuropsychological testing, a SPECT brain study, and a quantitative EEG, which was repeated after methylphenidate administration. SPECT was significant for hypoperfusion to the bilateral frontotemporal regions, with left-sided hypoperfusion greater than homologous right as demonstrated by LORETA analysis. QEEG correlated with SPECT, and demonstrated profound left greater than right bi-frontotemporal slowing, which normalized partially after methylphenidate administration. The patient has remained on methylphenidate as an outpatient, and has had significant behavioral improvement.

Quantitative EEG may provide both diagnostic and therapeutic data with regard to frontotemporal dementia. Further studies of methylphenidate in this population are needed to confirm these data.
Ring Chromosome 20 with Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus: Electroclinical Correlation of a Rare Epileptic Syndrome
Authors: Locharernkul Chaichon , Ebner Alois , Promchainant Chinvorn
Published: September 2014

The electroclinical features of two Thai women with ring chromosome 20 and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) were studied. Both have also had generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures of varying frequencies since adolescence. Their intellectual functions were normal. Twenty-four-hour video/EEG telemetry recorded during the NCSE showed fluctuating consciousness between overt unresponsiveness and normal awareness. The EEG consisted of long-lasting generalized rhythmic 3–5 Hz sharp or slow waves with a few spikes, lasting several days. Despite the continuous discharges, the patients had relatively subtle clinical episodes of seizures, during which they were sometimes responsive to verbal stimuli. Intravenous antiepileptic drugs (AED) had little effect on the rhythmic EEG. No lesion in their MRIs contributed to NCSE. Ring chromosome 20 was found in 20% of female karyotype in both patients [46,XX, r(20) (p13 q13)/46,XX] but were negative in four healthy siblings. Oral AEDs decreased more than 75% of the overt CPS episodes in both patients at 22 and 26 months of follow-up but had no effect on the natural history of electrical NCSE. The patients' daily activities were minimally affected by the ongoing electrical discharges.

These are the first two cases reported of ring chromosome 20 with NCSE in Thailand. Our patients present a rather benign and pharmacologically responsive course probably because of the low percentage of r(20) mosaicism. The electroclinical correlations in our cases raise the possibility that the mechanism of continuous rhythmic waves in this syndrome may be unrelated to epilepsy. Assessing the severity of this syndrome using both clinical seizures and EEG is crucial.
A Newly Described Ictal Pattern: The Initial Ictal Slow Shift
Authors: John R. Hughes , Fino John J. , Patel Ketan
Published: September 2014

This report deals with a newly described ictal pattern, called the initial ictal slow shift (IS) 2 . This pattern may be seen in subdural records as the first sign of an ictal event, occurring before the later typical rhythms of a seizure state appear. A positive shift, very similar in appearance from one seizure to another, usually lasted for 1–2 sec, followed by a negativity for 7–9 sec that included the typical rhythmical discharges. At times, a negative shift occurred first, seen up to 15 mV very high in amplitude, for a few seconds before the typical ictal rhythms were seen. Scalp records may also demonstrate slow shifts, and examples are shown of the typical 3/sec bilateral spike and wave (S+W) complexes of absence seizures. A slow shift occasionally appeared 1 sec before the onset of these complexes, but more often a few seconds after the onset. Finally, after the end of the S+W complexes, a positive shift, for as long as 5–6 sec may occur, up to 600 μV in amplitude. These shifts could relate to data showing that patients are not really back to a normal responsiveness for at least 5 sec after the end of the S+W complexes (see Discussion).
Somatic Implications of Generalized and/or Focal EEG Slowing in Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Struve Frederick A. , Boutros Nash N.
Published: September 2014

The extent of medical follow-up of abnormal screening EEGs secured from psychiatric patients, particularly those reporting slow wave dysrhythmias as the single finding, still varies widely. From an earlier routine EEG screening program for psychiatric inpatients, 103 consecutive cases of abnormal EEGs with generalized, focal, or paroxysmal slowing as the only EEG finding were identified. Despite suggestions for medical follow-up, less than half (44.6%) of the patients received subsequent study. However, 74.2% of patients considered to be without organic pathophysiology at the time of the EEG had positive organic findings on medical follow-up.
Age-Differences in Verbal Recognition Memory Revealed by ERP
Authors: Fjell Anders M. , Walhovd Kristine B. , Reinvang Ivar
Published: September 2014

Seventy-four participants (aged 20–82 years) went through a continuous performance recognition memory task with multiple repetitions of words and non-words while ERPs were recorded from the scalp. The old/new ERP effect (the difference in activation to stimuli correctly recognized as old and stimuli correctly recognized as new) for words but not non-words declined with increasing age in a linear pattern, but the relationship between the old/new effect and age varied throughout the ERP time window. Differences in topography between age groups were manifested in a frontal shift in activation for older age groups. Further, the data point to differences in semantic versus non-semantic processing across the adult life span, and it is concluded that specific cognitive memory processes are differentially involved at different ages.
The Lyapunov Exponent of the EEG after Administration of Topiramate
Authors: Li J.C. , Wang W.W. , Wang Y. H. , Wu X.
Published: September 2014

The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of topiramate (TPM) on the Lyapunov exponent of EEG by means of quantitative pharmacoelectroencephalography (QPEEG) and nonlinear analysis methods. One dose of TPM was administrated to epileptics and healthy adults. EEG samples were obtained prior to and at regular intervals (at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours) within the 24 hours following the administration of TPM. EEG activity was processed with nonlinear analysis methods. The Lyapunov exponent of the scalp areas was calculated through 60 s epochs without artifacts after each recording. The statistical difference between baseline predrug assessment and each postdrug control was calculated by computing the paired t test. Results showed that the Lyapunov exponent increased first, then decreased, then increased finally. We conclude that TPM can change the complexity of EEG.
An Animal Model to Study the Clinical Significance of Interictal Spiking
Authors: Barkmeier D.T. , Loeb J.A.
Published: September 2014

Interictal spikes (IIS) are paroxysmal discharges commonly observed in patients with epilepsy which represent an abnormally-synchronized population of hyperexcitable neurons firing as an aggregate. Due to conflicting studies on the clinical significance of IIS, research focusing on IIS has been sparse. However, recent attention on IIS has increased for patients undergoing surgery for intractable epilepsy as a means to identify epileptic foci for surgical resection. There is growing evidence that IIS are not asymptomatic as has been commonly accepted. Other than epilepsy, IIS have been associated with a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders and psychoses. For these reasons, a well-characterized animal model of interictal spiking which accurately mimics the human phenomenon would be a valuable tool to gain insights both into the pathophysiology of epilepsy as well as a broad variety of human neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we review the literature on the clinical significance of IIS in humans and on animal models where IIS has been observed. We then demonstrate the utility of using tetanus toxin to generate a reproducible pattern of progressive IIS for future studies into their clinical significance.
Consolidative autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in first remission for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: current indications and future perspective
Authors: Iams Wade , Reddy Nishitha M.
Published: September 2014

The non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases with variable clinical outcomes. Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) as frontline, consolidative therapy has been evaluated based upon histological subtype of NHL. In this review, we summarize the major clinical trials guiding the use of frontline ASCT in NHL. With the constantly changing landscape of upfront therapy and multiple promising novel agents, the ability to conduct randomized trials to evaluate the benefit of consolidative ASCT is not only challenging but may be considered by some an inept utilization of resources. Our recommendation for consolidative ASCT is based on analyzing the current available data.
Too many problems at home to help you: Domestic disincentives for military coalition participation
Authors: Tago Atsushi
Published: September 2014

Scholars have begun to examine the determinants of military coalition participation. Most studies pay closer attention to international (both systemic/dyadic) rather than domestic factors. While admitting the predominance of such international factors, this study claims that the domestic conditions of potential participants also determine if a state actually joins in a coalition. Specifically, domestic conditions work as suppressing factors for coalition participation. First, riots and violent domestic protests lead to a significant reduction in the probability of sending military troops for a coalition operation, because military resources cannot be deployed when they might be needed to maintain domestic order. Second, a state that is experiencing an economic recession cannot easily send its troops to a coalition operation because the domestic audience would prefer to prioritize resource allocations for domestic economic recovery.
Party relevance and party survival in new democracies
Authors: Bianco William , Kam Christopher , Sened Itai , Smyth Regina
Published: September 2014

We argue that the move to free and fair elections is only the first step in a democratic transition. With this change, competition moves into the legislative arena, where interests are defined not in terms of support or opposition to the old regime, but over competing visions of what government should do. Thus, examining legislative behavior and legislative outcomes helps us to understand the long-term political and policy trajectory of democratic transitions. Building on game-theoretic analysis of majority-rule decision-making, our hypothesis is that, after controlling for factors such as seat share, party survival depends on party relevance—the organization’s influence over legislative outcomes. Using legislative roll call data from Hungary, Poland, Russia and Ukraine, we show that relevance is a major influence on party survival, even after controlling for seat shares and other factors. The last section of the paper discusses the implications of these results for democracy assistance programs.
Wars without borders: Conditions for the development of regional conflict systems in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ansorg Nadine
Published: September 2014

How and under what conditions does war spread into regions and do regional conflict systems evolve? These systems are defined as geographically bound spaces of insecurity, ones that are characterized by interdependent armed conflicts in which a plurality of actors who concur and/or interact within complex networks, and on different levels of action, participate. The regionalization of armed conflict is conceptualized as either the geographical diffusion to a new territory or as the escalation of violence within the very same territory, with the involvement therein of a multiplicity of actors. The processes of diffusion and escalation of civil war in potential and existent regional conflict systems in sub-Saharan Africa between 1989 and 2010 are analyzed with the help of a multivalue Qualitative Comparative Analysis (mvQCA). By using such a QCA, it is possible to compare several different cases and produce results that go beyond the ones thus far discovered from small- N analyses. By comparing 12 cases it is also possible to identify the causal relationships and interactions between variables. The analysis shows that, in the cases compared, four specific conditions lead to a regional spread of violence: economic networks sustained through the support of neighboring countries; an intervention on the part of the government; militarized refugees; and, non-salient regional identity groups.
CeO2 based coating for high temperature oxidation protection
Authors: Ghosh D. , Mukherjee S. K. , Das S. , Mitra S. K.
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the influence of ceria (CeO2) coating on high temperature oxidation behaviour of 2·25Cr–1Mo steel. The superficial coating of CeO2 powder was prepared for experimental investigation. The isothermal corrosion study of uncoated and coated specimens was carried out in air oxidation environment at 973 K for 8 h. The corrosion rate and reaction kinetics were studied and the post corroded scales were characterised in scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results clearly indicate that CeO2 coated specimen improves the high temperature oxidation resistance than uncoated specimen. The improvement of oxidation resistance in presence of CeO2 coating can be attributed to the formation of fine grained oxide on the scale, changed mechanism of scale growth from outer cation migration to inner anion migration and enhancement of scale adhesion with the substrate. The detail mechanism of the oxidation of CeO2 coated and uncoated specimen was further discussed in this paper.