bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left Atrial Catheter Ablation and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Haeusler Karl Georg , Kirchhof Paulus , Endres Matthias
Published: December 2011

Left atrial catheter ablation (LACA) has become an established therapy to abolish drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Restoring sinus rhythm by LACA may help to prevent atrial fibrillation-related strokes, but presently there is no evidence from randomized clinical trials to support this notion. This review summarizes the current knowledge and uncertainties regarding LACA and procedure-related ischemic stroke. In fact, most patients who undergo LACA have a rather low annual stroke risk even when left untreated, whereas LACA imposes a risk of procedure-related stroke of ≈0.5% to 1%. In addition, LACA may cause cerebral microemboli, resulting in ischemic lesions. These cerebral lesions, detectable by high-resolution MRI, could contribute to neuropsychological deficits and cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, recurrent atrial fibrillaton episodes can be detected up to years after LACA and might cause ischemic strokes, especially in those patients in whom therapeutic anticoagulation was discontinued. Further prospective multicenter trials are needed to identify procedure-dependent risk factors for stroke and to optimize postprocedural anticoagulation management.
Variations in Quality Indicators of Acute Stroke Care in 6 European Countries
Authors: Wiedmann Silke , Norrving Bo , Nowe Tim , Abilleira Sònia , Asplund Kjell , Dennis Martin , Hermanek Peter , Rudd Anthony , Thijs Vincent , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Heuschmann Peter U.
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

Quality indicators serve as standards of care by which performance of individual hospitals is measured. Although several audits for monitoring quality of stroke care have been established in Europe, there is currently no consensus on quality indicators for acute stroke care or for methodology for collecting information on these measures.

Methods—

An up-to-date inventory on European stroke audits in place in 2006 was performed in the course of a project funded by the European Union (European Implementation Score Collaboration [EIS]). Two regional (Flanders, Belgium; Catalonia, Spain) and 4 national (Germany, Scotland, Sweden, England/Wales/Northern Ireland) stroke audits took part. Between November 2009 and July 2010, 2 standardized surveys and a series of interviews were performed to determine characteristics, methods, and content of these quality initiatives. For quality purposes, all summarized information was validated by representatives of the respective audits.

Results—

Overall, 123 quality indicators (91 process, 24 outcome, and 8 structural indicators) were identified. Anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and brain imaging were the only quality indicators used in all, whereas another 13 indicators were used in at least 2 of the quality initiatives. Substantial variations were found across the audits in terms of the development process of quality indicators, inclusion criteria, participation, population coverage, data documentation, follow-ups, benchmarking, and feedback of results to participants.

Conclusions—

There is a huge variety in measuring performance of acute stroke care in Europe, hampering valid comparisons of acute stroke care. Common standards for defining quality indicators and collecting information required for these measures should be defined in Europe.
MoCA, ACE-R, and MMSE Versus the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke–Canadian Stroke Network Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards Neuropsychological Battery After TIA and Stroke
Authors: Pendlebury Sarah T. , Mariz Jose , Bull Linda , Mehta Ziyah , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination–Revised (ACE-R) are proposed as short cognitive tests for use after stroke, but there are few published validations against a neuropsychological battery. We studied the relationship between MoCA, ACE-R, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with cerebrovascular disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods—

One hundred consecutive non-institutionalized patients had the MMSE, MoCA, ACE-R, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke–Canadian Stroke Network Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards Neuropsychological Battery ≥1 year after transient ischemic attack or stroke in a population-based study. MCI was diagnosed using modified Petersen criteria in which subjective cognitive complaint is not required (equivalent to cognitive impairment–no dementia) and subtyped by number and type of cognitive domains affected.

Results—

Among 91 nondemented subjects completing neuropsychological testing (mean/SD age, 73.4/11.6 years; 44% female; 56% stroke), 39 (42%) had MCI (amnestic multiple domain=10, nonamnestic multiple domain=9, nonamnestic single domain=19, amnestic single domain=1). Sensitivity and specificity for MCI were optimal with MoCA <25 (sensitivity=77%, specificity=83%) and ACE-R <94 (sensitivity=83%, specificity=73%). Both tests detected amnestic MCI better than nonamnestic single-domain impairment. MMSE only achieved sensitivity >70% at a cutoff of <29, mainly due to relative insensitivity to single-domain impairment.

Conclusions—

The MoCA and ACE-R had good sensitivity and specificity for MCI defined using the Neurological Disorders and Stroke–Canadian Stroke Network Vascular Cognitive Impairment Battery ≥1 year after transient ischemic attack and stroke, whereas the MMSE showed a ceiling effect. However, optimal cutoffs will depend on use for screening (high sensitivity) or diagnosis (high specificity). Lack of timed measures of processing speed may explain the relative insensitivity of the MoCA and ACE-R to single nonmemory domain impairment.
Sleep Apnea Risk Among Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White Stroke Survivors
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Lisabeth Lynda D. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Burgin William , Brown Devin L.
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

Sleep apnea is a modifiable independent stroke risk factor and is associated with poor stroke outcomes. Mexican Americans have a higher incidence of stroke than non-Hispanic whites. In a biethnic community, we sought to determine the frequency of screening, testing, and treatment of sleep apnea among stroke survivors and to compare self-perceived risk of sleep apnea with actual risk.

Methods—

A survey was mailed to ischemic stroke survivors in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project. The survey included the validated sleep apnea screening tool, the Berlin questionnaire, and queried the frequency of sleep apnea screening by symptoms, formal sleep testing, and treatment. Self-perceived risk and actual high risk of sleep apnea were compared using McNemar's test.

Results—

Of the 193 respondents (49% response rate), 54% were Mexican American. Forty-eight percent of respondents had a high risk of sleep apnea based on the Berlin questionnaire, whereas only 19% thought they were likely to have sleep apnea (
P
<0.01). There was no difference in the proportion of respondents at high risk of sleep apnea between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites (48% versus 51%,
P
=0.73). Less than 20% of respondents had undergone sleep apnea screening, testing, or treatment.

Conclusions—

Stroke survivors perceive their risk of sleep apnea to be lower than their actual risk. Despite a significant proportion of both Mexican American and non-Hispanic white stroke survivors at high risk of sleep apnea, few undergo symptom screening, testing, or treatment. Both stroke survivors and physicians may benefit from educational interventions.
An Efficient Way to Detect Poststroke Depression by Subsequent Administration of a 9-Item and a 2-Item Patient Health Questionnaire
Authors: de Man-van Ginkel Janneke M. , Hafsteinsdóttir Thóra , Lindeman Eline , Burger Huibert , Grobbee Diederick , Schuurmans Marieke
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

The early detection of poststroke depression is essential for optimizing recovery after stroke. A prospective study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic value of the 9-item and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, PHQ-2).

Methods—

One hundred seventy-one consecutive patients with stroke who could communicate adequately were included. In the 6th to 8th weeks after stroke, depression was measured using the PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 and diagnosed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results—

Of the participating patients, 20 (12.2%) were depressed. The PHQ-9 performed best at a score ≥10, a sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.62–0.98), and a specificity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.72–0.85) and the PHQ-2 at a score ≥2 with a sensitivity of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.56–0.94) and a specificity of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.69–0.83). Administering the PHQ-9 only to patients who scored ≥2 on the PHQ-2 improved the identification of depression (sensitivity, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.69–1.04).

Conclusions—

The diagnostic value is acceptable to good for PHQ-9 scores ≥10 and PHQ-2 scores ≥2. Conducting a PHQ-9 only in patients with a PHQ-2 score ≥2 generates the best results.
Modeling Potential Equilibrium States of Vegetation and Terrestrial Water Cycle of Mesoamerica under Climate Change Scenarios*
Authors: Imbach Pablo , Molina Luis , Locatelli Bruno , Roupsard Olivier , Mahé Gil , Neilson Ronald , Corrales Lenin , Scholze Marko , Ciais Philippe
Published: December 2011

The likelihood and magnitude of the impacts of climate change on potential vegetation and the water cycle in Mesoamerica is evaluated. Mesoamerica is a global biodiversity hotspot with highly diverse topographic and climatic conditions and is among the tropical regions with the highest expected changes in precipitation and temperature under future climate scenarios. The biogeographic soil–vegetation–atmosphere model Mapped Atmosphere Plant Soil System (MAPSS) was used for simulating the integrated changes in leaf area index (LAI), vegetation types (grass, shrubs, and trees), evapotranspiration, and runoff at the end of the twenty-first century. Uncertainty was estimated as the likelihood of changes in vegetation and water cycle under three ensembles of model runs, one for each of the groups of greenhouse gas emission scenarios (low, intermediate, and high emissions), for a total of 136 runs generated with 23 general circulation models (GCMs). LAI is likely to decrease over 77%–89% of the region, depending on climate scenario groups, showing that potential vegetation will likely shift from humid to dry types. Accounting for potential effects of CO2 on water use efficiency significantly decreased impacts on LAI. Runoff will decrease across the region even in areas where precipitation increases (even under increased water use efficiency), as temperature change will increase evapotranspiration. Higher emission scenarios show lower uncertainty (higher likelihood) in modeled impacts. Although the projection spread is high for future precipitation, the impacts of climate change on vegetation and water cycle are predicted with relatively low uncertainty.
RBF Neural Networks Combined with Principal Component Analysis Applied to Quantitative Precipitation Forecast for a Reservoir Watershed during Typhoon Periods
Authors: Wei Chih-Chiang
Published: December 2011

The forecast of precipitations during typhoons has received much attention in recent years. It is important in meteorology and atmospheric sciences. Hence, the study on precipitation nowcast during typhoons is of great significance to operators of a reservoir system. This study developed an improved neural network that combines the principal component analysis (PCA) technique and the radial basis function (RBF) network. The developed methodology was employed to establish the quantitative precipitation forecast model for the watershed of the Shihmen Reservoir in northern Taiwan. The results obtained from RBF, multiple linear regression (MLR), PCA–RBF, and PCA–MLR models included the forecasts of L-ahead (L = 1, 3, 6) hourly accumulated precipitations. The deducted prediction results were compared in terms of four measures [mean absolute error (MAE), RMSE, coefficient of correlation (CC), and coefficient of efficiency (CE)] and four skill scores [percentage error (PE), area-weighted error score (AWES), bias score (BIAS), and equitable threat score (ETS)]. The results showed that predictions obtained using RBF and PCA–RBF were better than those produced by MLR and PCA–MLR. Although both RBF and PCA–RBF can provide good results on average, the network architecture and the learning speed of the PCA–RBF network are superior to those of the simple RBF network. This is because PCA technique could greatly reduce the input parameters and simplify concurrently the network structure. Consequently, the PCA–RBF neural networks can be regarded as a reliable model for predicting precipitation during typhoons.
Views on Applying RKW Theory: An Illustration Using the 8 May 2009 Derecho-Producing Convective System
Authors: Coniglio Michael C. , Corfidi Stephen F. , Kain John S.
Published: December 2011

This work presents an analysis of the vertical wind shear during the early stages of the remarkable 8 May 2009 central U.S. derecho-producing convective system. Comments on applying Rotunno–Klemp–Weisman (RKW) theory to mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) of this type also are provided. During the formative stages of the MCS, the near-surface-based shear vectors ahead of the leading convective line varied with time, location, and depth, but the line-normal component of the shear in any layer below 3 km ahead of where the strong bow echo developed was relatively small (6–9 m s−1). Concurrently, the midlevel (3–6 km) line-normal shear component had magnitudes mostly >10 m s−1 throughout.

In a previous companion paper, it was hypothesized that an unusually strong and expansive low-level jet led to dramatic changes in instability, shear, and forced ascent over mesoscale areas. These mesoscale effects may have overwhelmed the interactions between the cold pool and low-level shear that modulate system structure in less complex environments. If cold pool–shear interactions were critical to producing such a strong system, then the extension of the line-normal shear above 3 km also appeared to be critical. It is suggested that RKW theory be applied with much caution, and that examining the shear above 3 km is important, if one wishes to explain the formation and maintenance of intense long-lived convective systems, particularly complex nocturnal systems like the one that occurred on 8 May 2009.
Masbirim Israel
Authors: Hershkovitz Shay
Published: December 2011

In 2010, Israel’s Ministry of Information and Diaspora Affairs launched a new campaign: Masbirim Israel. Its purpose was to “recruit” Israeli citizens to the task of improving the nation’s public image in the world. It was the first time a well-organized campaign was launched, systematically employing new-media tools and calling on Israeli citizens to independently take part in improving their country’s international image—all at the behest of a government ministry. The executive authority in effect delivered some of its responsibilities and obligations to private hands. This article discusses prosumption in the political sphere and expands the idea of prosumption to a domain in which the state itself is the producer and its citizens are the consumers. Prosumption is perceived as acts conducted by citizens who operate to fulfill aims (i.e., produce products) that traditionally have been in the purview of the state. The article presents two arguments: First, the campaign is an expression of the idea of prosumption in the political sphere. By integrating Israel’s citizens in the process of public relations (PR), they become prosumers in the sense that they participate in the production of a public good that traditionally has been supplied by the state. Second, the Masbirim Israel campaign is an expression of a glocalized and grobalized condition in Israeli reality, as it reflects trends of neoliberal values and practices of privatization and expresses the political opinions of (extreme) nationalism and particularism to nonformally “recruit” its citizens to the national PR effort.
Increased Cardiovascular and Renal Disease but not Reduced Life Expectancy Among Diabetic Participants in the General Northern Greek Population
Authors: Papanas N. , Trypsianis G. , Tiaka E. K. , Manolakis A. C. , Katsavaki D. , Birka S. , Natsiopoulos K. , Maltezos E. , Papazoglou N.
Published: December 2011

We compared life expectancy and causes of death based on death certificates of 269 diabetic participants (group A) and 5659 nondiabetic participants (group B) who died from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2010, in 3 small towns of Northern Greece. Age at death was significantly ( P = .011) higher in group A (77.2 ± 8.7 years) than in group B (75.7 ± 18.9 years). Males with diabetes lived longer with a mean difference of 4.7 (2.8-6.6) years ( P < .001), whereas females without diabetes lived longer, with a mean difference of 2.3 (1.1-5.6) years ( P = .004). Diabetic participants died more frequently of myocardial infarction ( P = .001), chronic renal failure ( P < .001), followed by pneumonia ( P = .010) and hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma ( P < .001). Nondiabetic participants died more frequently of lung cancer ( P < .001), old age ( P < .001), and car accidents ( P = .004). In conclusion, the cardiovascular and renal disease burden among diabetic participants did not reduce life expectancy, especially in men.
Prognostic Value of NT-proBNP at Rest and Peak Exercise in Patients With Impaired Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Kallistratos Manolis S. , Pavlidis Antonios N. , Chamodraka Eytixia S. , Varounis Christos , Dritsas Athanasios , Laoutaris Ioannis D. , Manolis Athanasios J. , Cokkinos Dennis V.
Published: December 2011

We aimed to identify whether N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at peak exercise can provide incremental clinical information over resting levels. A total of 90 patients with systolic heart failure were prospectively studied. Levels of plasma NT-proBNP were assessed at rest and at peak exercise during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Patients were followed-up for 30 ± 10 months. Levels of NT-proBNP at baseline and peak exercise were significantly correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction ([LVEF] r = −.629, P < .001 and r = −.630, P < .001, respectively) and peak oxygen uptake ([Vo2] r = −.752, P < .001 and r = −.740, P < .001, respectively). Levels of plasma NT-proBNP at peak exercise demonstrated similar predictive ability for the detection of patients with low peak Vo2 and LVEF <28%. Levels of plasma NT-proBNP can detect low-functional class patients and patients who may be the candidates for heart transplantation with high sensitivity and specificity. At baseline and peak exercise, NT–proBNP demonstrates similar prognostic and predictive ability.
Exergaming for Health
Authors: Christison Amy , Khan Huma Ali
Published: December 2011

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a multifaceted, community-based weight intervention program for children using exergaming technology (activity-promoting video gaming). Design and Methods. This is a prospective observational pilot study. Forty-eight children, between the ages of 8 and 16 years, who are overweight or obese, enrolled in Exergaming for Health, a multidisciplinary weight management program, which used active video gaming. Primary outcome measures were change in body mass index (BMI) z scores. Results. Most children (n = 40, 83%) completed the program and participated in outcome evaluations. The average BMI change was −0.48 kg/m2 (SD = 0.93), P < .002 (BMI z-score change was −0.072, SD = 0.14, P < .0001). The average Global Self-Worth score improved, screen time and soda intake reduced, and exercise hours per week increased. Conclusions. The Exergaming for Health program may be an effective weight management intervention that is feasible with high participation rates. A larger randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these results.
First Rib Fractures in Abused Infants
Authors: Melville John D. , Lukefahr James L. , Clarke Ewell A.
Published: December 2011

The authors describe 4 first rib fractures in 3 infants, highlighting the difficulty in detecting first rib fractures on skeletal survey. All 4 fractures were the result of physical abuse. A literature search does not find a case of first rib fracture in a healthy infant that is not the result of child abuse. The diagnosis of first rib fracture in an infant should prompt a thorough medical and social evaluation for child abuse.
Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infection Presenting as Purulent Pericarditis With Multiple Splenic Abscesses
Authors: Pemira Sree Mallikarjuna , Tolan Robert W.
Published: December 2011

Purulent pericarditis is a localized infection of the pericardium producing an effusion that is both microscopically and macroscopically purulent. Purulent pericarditis is most frequently caused by Staphylococcus, although rarely Streptococcus and other organisms are implicated. This article describes a case of invasive group A streptococcal disease presenting as purulent pericarditis with multiple splenic abscesses in a 4-year-old boy.
“Through the Kids . . . We Connected With Our Community”
Authors: Wood Lisa , Giles-Corti Billie , Zubrick Stephen R. , Bulsara Max K.
Published: December 2011

Both children and adults benefit from living in communities and neighborhoods that are rich in social capital. However, the research literature is relatively silent with respect to the influence that children may play as catalysts for the formation and maintenance of community or family stocks of social capital. This article investigates whether having dependent children living at home play a role in forging adult connections, community involvement, and social capital in a suburban context. The qualitative data were derived from 12 focus groups and the quantitative data from a survey of 339 residents in three Western Australian suburbs. Overall, the quantitative results found that social capital, neighborhood cohesion, and community participation were all significantly higher among respondents with dependent children living at home. The results have implications for urban design and community infrastructure, including the extent to which the built environment caters for children and fosters social connectedness among parents, families, and the broader community.
Combination of a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for fashion design scheme evaluation
Authors: Lin CH , Twu CH
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study is to propose a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to calculate the criteria weight for evaluating fashion design schemes. The criteria weight is used in the synthetic evaluation method to calculate the index value of each scheme for the selection of the best fashion design. There are four schemes and eight criteria to be evaluated. These four schemes are Academy Look (scheme 1), Country Girl (scheme 2), Ballerina (scheme 3), and Gypsy Girl (scheme 4). The eight criteria are Fashion Forecast, Theme Story, Best-seller Modification, New Idea, Product Position, User Value, Opponent Ability, and Brand Image. To test consistency, another method called the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) is also proposed to calculate the index value of each scheme for the best selection of the fashion design. We find out that the TOPSIS works better than the synthetic evaluation in the selection of fashion design scheme. The TOPSIS uses the concept of the positive-ideal solution and the negative-ideal solution. This method differentiates significantly one scheme from another. This feature makes it much easier for the fashion designer in the selection of the best fashion design.
Cognitive Structure and Foreign Policy Change: Israel’s Decision to Talk to the PLO
Authors: Ziv Guy
Published: December 2011

Rationalist explanations of foreign policy change are underdetermined because they overlook the decision-makers themselves. Insight from cognitive psychology shows that individuals’ cognitive structures provide a useful lens through which to understand why some people are more likely than others to change their core beliefs. Two related cognitive variables – cognitive openness and cognitive complexity – hold promise for enhancing extant explanations of foreign policy change. This article assesses the cognitive structure of the three leaders who dominated Israeli decision-making in the decade leading up to Israel’s dramatic policy change vis-à-vis the PLO in 1993: Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres. The article demonstrates that Peres, who is found to be the most cognitively open and complex, was quicker to embrace a dialogue with the PLO than Rabin, while Shamir, who is found to hold the lowest levels of openness and complexity, rejected this move altogether. Peres, and to a lesser extent Rabin, proved to be more sensitive to international, regional and domestic changes than Shamir. This case illustrates that systemic-structural and domestic political factors are necessary, but insufficient, conditions for foreign policy change. The levels of decision-makers’ cognitive openness and complexity are key to determining the likelihood that they will change their beliefs on a core policy issue that can, in turn, lead to foreign policy change. This article thus contributes to our understanding of both foreign policy change and the process leading up to the historic 1993 agreement between Israel and the PLO.
Leading by Example: South African Foreign Policy and Global Environmental Politics
Authors: Death Carl
Published: December 2011

Global environmental politics is emerging as a key field for South African diplomacy and foreign policy, in which Pretoria is endeavouring to lead by example. Environmental summits and conferences such as Johannesburg (2002) and Copenhagen (2009) have been crucial stages for the performance of this role as an environmental leader, and in December 2011 Durban will host the seventeenth Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are also signs from within policy-making circles that ‘the environment’ is seen as a field in which some of the lustre of South Africa’s post-1994 international high moral standing could be recovered. However, tensions remain between South Africa’s performance and rhetoric on the global stage, and domestic development paths which continue to be environmentally unsustainable. The article concludes by suggesting that while the visibility and prominence of South Africa as an actor in global environmental politics is likely to grow, it remains doubtful whether this represents a sustained and committed new direction in South African foreign policy.
Gilpinian Realism and International Relations
Authors: Wohlforth William C.
Published: December 2011

I argue that realism in particular and IR more generally erred by assigning Kenneth Waltz’s Theory of International Relations pride of place in revivifying realist thought. Had Robert Gilpin’s War and Change in World Politics been given equal billing, international relations research would have unfolded quite differently over the past three decades. Scholars would not have been bewildered by change, bewitched by the balance of power, blind to numerous potentially powerful realist theories, and bothered by endless and unproductive zero-sum debates among representatives of competing paradigms. And had all those pathologies been absent, we would be far better prepared today for the intellectual and policy challenges of a world in which underlying power balances appear to be changing quickly, and the status quo inter-state order is ever more contested.
Using Interviews to Understand the Assignment Mechanism in a Nonexperimental Study
Authors: Rickles Jordan H.
Published: December 2011

Many inquiries regarding the causal effects of policies or programs are based on research designs where the treatment assignment process is unknown, and thus valid inferences depend on tenuous assumptions about the assignment mechanism. This article draws attention to the importance of understanding the assignment mechanism in policy and program evaluation studies, and illustrates how information collected through interviews can develop a richer understanding of the assignment mechanism. Focusing on the issue of student assignment to algebra in 8th grade, I show how a preliminary data collection effort aimed at understanding the assignment mechanism is particularly beneficial in multisite observational studies in education. The findings, based on ten interviews and administrative data from a large school district, draw attention to the often ignored heterogeneity in the assignment mechanism across schools. These findings likely extend beyond the current research project in question to related educational policy issues such as ability grouping, tracking, differential course taking, and curricular intensity, as well as other social programs in which the assignment mechanism can differ across sites.
The effect of initial trust on user adoption of mobile payment
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: December 2011

Due to the high perceived risk and low switching cost, it is critical to building users' initial trust in mobile payment in order to facilitate their adoption and usage. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of initial trust on user adoption of mobile payment. We conducted data analysis with structural equation modeling. The results indicated that perceived security, perceived ubiquity and perceived ease of use have significant effects on initial trust, which in turn determines perceived usefulness and usage intention. We also found that perceived cost is a significant determinant of usage intention.
Making the case for development?
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: December 2011

Education for information was once a major focus for the attention of national governments and international development agencies. But this no longer seems to be the case. Have librarians failed to engage in an effective dialogue with them? Could this point to major shortcomings in curricula and teaching methods?
Content development and management processes of ICT initiatives in Indian agriculture
Authors: Glendenning Claire J. , Ficarelli Pier Paolo
Published: December 2011

In the last decade, many ICT projects in Indian agriculture have emerged, which either substitute or support extension services by enabling farmers' access to information. Information that is context specific to farmers' local situations can have important farm outcomes. The localization of content is influenced by how the ICT projects access, assess and deliver content. This paper develops a content development and management process framework, which is applied to six well-known ICT projects in Indian agriculture. Despite differences in scale, mechanisms of delivery and the extent of content localization, all projects use a network of experts in relevant fields to provide content. Yet, their collective knowledge cannot be tapped easily across the different platforms. To mainstream such ICT efforts and knowledge management in agriculture for rural livelihoods, a centralized search engine to access the dispersed agricultural information and network of experts is thus suggested.
Desoxypipradrol is more potent than cocaine on evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Davidson Colin , Ramsey John
Published: December 2011

Desoxypipradrol is a methylphenidate-like drug that has been recently found in a number of ‘legal highs’. Evidence from emergency room toxicology reports suggests that this drug might have led to a number of psychotic events in drug abusers in the UK and elsewhere. However, very little research has been done on the effects of this drug on the brain. Here we used rat brain slices from the nucleus accumbens core, which were exposed to either cocaine (1, 3 or 10 µM) or desoxypipradrol (1, 3 or 10 µM) for 60 min. Dopamine efflux was electrically evoked and recorded using fast cyclic voltammetry. Both drugs increased the peak dopamine efflux and also slowed dopamine re-uptake. Desoxypipradrol was more potent than cocaine causing a sevenfold increase in peak dopamine levels (versus a threefold increase for cocaine) and increasing dopamine re-uptake half-life 15-fold (versus fivefold for cocaine). These data suggest that desoxypipradrol is more potent than cocaine at dopamine terminals, and this could account for its psychotogenic effects.
Boosting serotonin in the brain: is it time to revamp the treatment of depression?
Authors: Torrente Mariana P , Gelenberg Alan J , Vrana Kent E
Published: December 2011

Abnormalities in serotonin systems are presumably linked to various psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and depression. Medications intended for these disorders aim to either block the reuptake or the degradation of this neurotransmitter. In an alternative approach, efforts have been made to enhance serotonin levels through dietary manipulation of precursor levels with modest clinical success. In the last 30 years, there has been little improvement in the pharmaceutical management of depression, and now is the time to revisit therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of serotonin. A recently discovered isoform, TPH2, is responsible for serotonin biosynthesis in the brain. Learning how to activate this enzyme (and its polymorphic versions) may lead to a new, more selective generation of antidepressants, able to regulate the levels of serotonin in the brain with fewer side effects.
Vietnam and Entrepreneurial Private Enterprises
Authors: Paswan Audhesh K. , Tran Trang P.
Published: December 2011

This study focuses on the phenomenon of entrepreneurial private enterprises and their macromarketing implications in Vietnam—a vibrant economy transitioning from a centrally planned economy to the current system of socialist-oriented market economy. Relying on the writings on entrepreneurship and associated theoretical frameworks (including the complex adaptive system [CAS] perspective), especially in emerging economies, this study develops a framework for capturing the macromarketing implications of entrepreneurial private enterprises. Further, this study suggests that entrepreneurial private enterprises play a crucial role in the economic well-being (a key aspect of quality of life) of citizens in Vietnam; and the growth in entrepreneurial private enterprises is influenced by nonroutine actions by key stakeholders such as the government; and associated with the availability of skilled human resources.
Vietnam
Authors: Shultz Clifford J.
Published: December 2011

Vietnam is an evolving political economy and marketing system. Since the implementation of Doi Moi, the 1986 policy to invoke a shift from central economic planning to a more market-oriented system, the country has made extraordinary progress on several socioeconomic indicators. Some observers contend Vietnam is a development model; others suggest the country still has numerous challenges to overcome before it can reach its development goals. This article provides an overview of Vietnam’s socioeconomic development; it introduces eight refereed articles and four commentaries that comprise the scholarly contributions to the first special issue of the Journal of Macromarketing to feature research on a single country. Vietnam is that country. Contributors provide detailed research, analysis, and reflection on the interplay of markets, marketing, and society. Topics studied include system complexity and entrepreneurship, retailing evolution, consumption dynamics and societal wellness, family policy and consumption, education and human resource development, living standards and quality of life, ethical/unethical foreign direct investment, ritualistic consumption, and marketing, trade and protectionism, land policy and environmental sustainability, and implications for Vietnam’s economic and geopolitical future.
Socio-technical regimes and sustainability transitions
Authors: Lawhon Mary , Murphy James T.
Published: December 2011

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a core focus of geography, linking subfields such as urban, economic, and political ecology, yet strategies for achieving this goal remain illusive. Socio-technical transition theorists have made important contributions to our knowledge of the challenges and possibilities for achieving more sustainable societies, but this body of work generally lacks consideration of the influences of geography and power relations as forces shaping sustainability initiatives in practice. This paper assesses the significance for geographers interested in understanding the space, time, and scalar characteristics of sustainable development of one major strand of socio-technical transition theory, the multi-level perspective on socio-technical regime transitions. We describe the socio-technical transition approach, identify four major limitations facing it, show how insights from geographers – particularly political ecologists – can help address these challenges, and briefly examine a case study (GMO and food production) showing how a refined transition framework can improve our understanding of the social, political, and spatial dynamics that shape the prospects for more just and environmentally sustainable forms of development.
Corporate governance and alternative performance measures: evidence from Australian firms
Authors: Pham Peter Kien , Suchard Jo-Ann , Zein Jason
Published: December 2011

We examine the extent to which individual monitoring mechanisms enhance firm performance and shareholder value. We use a sample of Australian firms, from 1994 to 2003, to analyse the relationship between firm performance and corporate governance. This provides a long time series of governance data by international standards and allows us to study governance–performance dynamics over an extensive period. We use Stern Stewart & Co’s economic value added (EVA) as an alternative performance measure and provide a comparison to Tobin’s Q. However, similar to the international evidence, we do not find a significant relationship between either of the performance measures and corporate governance. Using various econometric techniques we show that our results are also robust to endogeneity biases that can arise in the governance–performance relation.
Responsible or redundant? Engaging the workforce through corporate social responsibility
Authors: Smith Victoria , Langford Peter
Published: December 2011

Increasing attempts are being made to determine whether corporate social responsibility leads to commercial benefits. Research to date has demonstrated that corporate social responsibility is associated with attracting job-seekers and enhancing the engagement of employees. However, much of this research focuses on the impact of corporate social responsibility on employee outcomes independent of the impact of traditional human resource practices (e.g. training, rewards). Using a variation of an existing employee opinion survey, and applying Carroll’s (1979) model of corporate social responsibility, this paper assesses the relationship between employee engagement, traditional human resource practices, and corporate social responsibility. Data collected from 3147 employees showed a significant positive correlation between corporate social responsibility and employee engagement. However, corporate social responsibility explained little additional variance in engagement beyond that explained by traditional human resource practices. This paper concludes that allocating attention and resources to corporate social responsibility may not be as advantageous as investing in the improvement of core human resource practices, when the goal is to improve employee engagement. Future research needs to examine why corporate social responsibility explains little additional variance in employee engagement, specifically examining the manner in which employees perceive corporate social responsibility and the extent to which corporate social responsibility encompasses traditional human resource practices.
The impact of capital proposal guidelines and perceived preparer biases on reviewers’ investment evaluation decisions
Authors: Cheng Mandy M , Mahama Habib
Published: December 2011

Past literature has highlighted the importance of using reviewers in the evaluation of investment proposals. This study examines whether and how the decisions of these reviewers are influenced by a proposal’s conformance with company guidelines and practices, and the incentives facing the proposal preparer. Our experiment shows that, holding the proposal’s content constant, the reviewers’ evaluation decision is less favourable if the proposal does not follow the company guidelines. Further, we find that the preparer’s incentive to persist in a project negatively affects the proposal reviewers’ decisions only when the proposal deviates from company guidelines but not when it is compliant. This result suggests that company guidelines may lower the willingness of reviewers to make independent decisions.
Effectiveness of the Women’s Lacrosse Protective Eyewear Mandate in the Reduction of Eye Injuries
Authors: Lincoln Andrew E. , Caswell Shane V. , Almquist Jon L. , Dunn Reginald E. , Clough Mark V. , Dick Randall W. , Hinton Richard Y.
Published: December 2011

Background: In an effort to minimize the risk of catastrophic eye injury, US Lacrosse initiated mandatory use of protective eyewear in women’s lacrosse in the 2004-2005 season.

Purpose: The authors compared eye injury rates in girls’ scholastic lacrosse before and after implementation of protective eyewear. They also compared head/face injury rates, concussion rates, and overall injury rates before and after the rule change to assess possible unintended consequences of the change.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: The study group included female scholastic lacrosse players in the 25 public high schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, during the 2004-2009 spring seasons. Injury rates were compared with those from the same data source for the 2000-2003 seasons. Premandate versus postmandate injury rates were adjusted for athlete exposures, or total opportunities for injury throughout the season.

Results: The rate of eye injuries was reduced from 0.10 injuries per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs) in 2000 through 2003 before the use of protective eyewear to 0.016 injuries per 1000 AEs in 2004 through 2009 (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.42). The rate ratio of head/face injuries excluding concussion also decreased (IRR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.76). There was no change in the rate ratio of total injuries involving all body parts (IRR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.82-1.1) after introduction of protective eyewear. However, the rate ratio of concussion increased (IRR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3).

Conclusion: The use of protective eyewear in women’s lacrosse was associated with a reduction in the number of eye injuries. The number of head/face injuries decreased in this study group after introduction of protective eyewear, and there was no change in overall injury rates. The reason for the increase in concussion rate cannot be determined conclusively based on this study, but the authors speculate that this increase resulted largely from increased recognition and diagnosis because overall injury rates do not indicate rougher play with introduction of protective equipment.
Calcifying Tendinitis of the Shoulder
Authors: Balke Maurice , Bielefeld Rebecca , Schmidt Carolin , Dedy Nicolas , Liem Dennis
Published: December 2011

Background: Calcifying tendinitis is a common and painful disorder of the shoulder characterized by the presence of calcific deposits in the tendons of the rotator cuff. When nonoperative treatment over a prolonged period of time fails, surgical treatment should be considered. Midterm success rates are inconsistent, and the role of subacromial decompression is still unclear.

Hypothesis: Our hypotheses were that the rate of supraspinatus tears after arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis is comparable with that in the contralateral uninvolved shoulder and that subacromial decompression does not have beneficial effects compared with calcium removal alone.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: In 70 shoulders of 62 patients with a mean age of 54 years, arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits of the supraspinatus tendon was performed. In 44 shoulders, additional subacromial decompression was performed. After a mean follow-up of 6 years (range, 2-13 years), patients were clinically investigated, and function was statistically evaluated using Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. Affected and contralateral shoulders were examined by ultrasound in 48 shoulders, and rotator cuff tears were documented.

Results: The mean Constant scores of the operated shoulders were significantly lower than those of the healthy shoulders ( P < .001). The ASES scores significantly ( P < .001) increased after surgery but were still lower than the ASES scores of the healthy shoulders ( P < .001). Concerning the additional subacromial decompression, there were no significant differences in the overall ASES and Constant scores; the subitem “pain” was significantly better in the subacromial decompression group ( P = .048). Ultrasound examination at last follow-up (48 shoulders) showed a partial supraspinatus tendon tear in 11 operated and 3 contralateral shoulders.

Conclusion: Although the good clinical results after arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder persist midterm, the affected shoulders present significantly lower clinical scores than healthy shoulders. The rate of partial supraspinatus tendon tears seems to be higher after calcium removal. Additional subacromial decompression seems to reduce postoperative pain.
Evaluation of total oxidative status and total antioxidant capacity in patients with endemic fluorosis
Authors: Varol Ercan , Icli Atilla , Aksoy Fatih , Bas Hasan Aydin , Sutcu Recep , Ersoy Ismail Hakki , Varol Simge , Ozaydin Mehmet
Published: December 2011

The objective of the present study was to determine the plasma total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with endemic fluorosis. A total of 79 (35 males and 44 females; mean age 44.0 ± 11.9 years) patients with endemic fluorosis and 55 (23 males and 32 females; mean age 48.3 ± 8.5 years) age-, sex- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The urine fluoride levels and plasma TOS and TAC levels were measured. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than control subjects as expected (1.91 ± 0.15 vs. 0.49 ± 0.13 mg/L, respectively; p < 0.001). TOS was significantly higher in fluorosis group than in control group (17.55 ± 3.82 vs. 15.06 ± 4.31 μmol H2O2 Eq/L, respectively; p = 0.001). TAC was significantly lower in fluorosis group than in control group (1.60 ± 0.36 vs. 1.82 ± 0.51 mmol Trolox Eq/L, respectively; p = 0.004). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly higher in fluorosis group than in control group (11.5 ± 3.8 vs. 8.8 ± 3.7, respectively; p < 0.001). Correlation analysis in all the groups indicated that TAC was negatively correlated with urine fluoride ( r = −0.25, p = 0.003), TOS was positively correlated with urine fluoride ( r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and OSI was positively correlated with urine fluoride ( r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The results of our study demonstrate that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the endemic fluorosis.