bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethics and the public interest
Authors: Elcock Howard
Published: December 2012

Since 1979, under governments of both major parties, the thrust of British public policy has been radically changed in the direction of neoliberal economics and the ‘New Public Management’ (NPM). This has had profound effects on the priorities that politicians and the officials who advise them are expected to pursue. The traditional public service values of equity, probity and integrity have been displaced by the business values of economy, efficiency and effectiveness – the ‘Three Es’ ( Hood, 1991 ). Many of the provisions and regulations that were designed to reduce risks of corrupt or otherwise improper behaviour were relaxed in favour of generating more entrepreneurial attitudes among public servants and recruiting entrepreneurial talent from the business world. The benefits of enterprise have been significant in terms of gains in innovation, efficiency and improved relations with the public; but on the other hand, corrupt, selfish and greedy behaviour by some politicians and public servants has seriously eroded public respect for politics and public administration alike. More generally, markets and their values have increasingly dominated political, economic and social discourses and decision making, with the result that markets are now used to determine outcomes that would formerly have been regarded as inappropriate for the application of market methods and which arguably are still inappropriate issues for markets alone to determine (Sandel, 2012). Hence a review of the ethical issues that underpin public policymaking, administration and management is urgently required. Michael Sandel (2010) has argued that we need to rethink the importance of justice and related values in our public life, albeit that we disagree among ourselves about many moral and religious issues: ‘A politics of moral engagement is not only a more inspiring ideal than a politics of avoidance. It is also a more promising basis for a just society’ (Sandel, 2010: 269).
Accounting recognition of information as an asset
Authors: El-Tawy Nevine , Abdel-Kader Magdy
Published: December 2012

Attempts to recognize ‘information’ as an asset have led to an increased awareness of why and how this invisible valuable resource does not appear in the financial statements. This paper aims to develop a model based on three-circled sets of criteria for the pre-measurement phase of an asset recognition process. This model should be applicable to all types of assets, but we mainly focus on information as an intangible-based asset. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews and a questionnaire survey were used to provide triangulating perspectives to follow the grounded theory approach and generate artefact-based asset recognition criteria. The generated theory is applied to information as a candidate asset to explain how this invisible resource can be recognized in financial statements.
Ordinary search engine users carrying out complex search tasks
Authors: Singer Georg , Norbisrath Ulrich , Lewandowski Dirk
Published: December 2012

Web search engines have become the dominant tools for finding information on the Internet. Owing to their popularity, users of all educational backgrounds and professions use them for a wide range of tasks, from simple look-up to rather complex information-seeking needs. This paper presents the results of a study that investigates the behavioural search characteristics of ordinary Web search engines users. The aim of the study was to investigate (1) what makes complex search tasks distinct from simple search tasks and whether it is possible to find simple measures for describing their complexity, and (2) whether successful searchers show different search behaviours than unsuccessful searchers and whether good searchers can be identified via simple measures. The study included 56 ordinary Web users who carried out a set of 12 search tasks using current commercial search engines. Their behaviour was logged with the Search-Logger tool. The results confirm that the behaviour in the case of complex search tasks has significantly different inherent characteristics than in the case of simple search tasks. This can be proven by using simple measures such as task time, number of queries, or number of browser tabs used. We also observed that it is difficult to distinguish successful from unsuccessful search behaviour simply by using these measures. The implications of our findings for search engine vendors are discussed. The results of this study with a sample of ordinary users are insofar unique as they are valid for a wider population while most studies in the field are usually done using convenience samples such as university students.
Global justice, cosmopolitanism and moral path dependency
Authors: Ladwig Bernd
Published: December 2012

The article explains the essential features of a theory of global justice that combines justice for individuals with justice for political communities. It holds that arguing within the justificatory framework of cosmopolitanism is compatible with a conditional justification of states that are basically just. The justification rests on an argument I will name ‘the moral path dependency argument’. The article follows its normative consequences into the fields of a justly ordered community of legitimate states and of cosmopolitan principles of distributive justice. Thus, it reconciles the latter with claims to political autonomy of particular communities and with the fact of reasonable disagreement between them.
On stories of peoplehood and difficult memories
Authors: Hoskins Gregory
Published: December 2012

Most descriptive and normative theories of political identity can be plotted between two poles. At one end are accounts of particular cultural political identities, which are based on inherited and primarily homogeneous cultural elements. At the other pole are accounts of ‘civic’ identities, strictly political identities grounded in uncoerced consent to a set of laws, political procedures and institutions. My thesis is that to understand and to encourage the formation and maintenance of viable political identities within the context of multicultural, democratic societies it is necessary to attend to the role that memory, and particularly memory of suffering and shame, plays in that process. Working through memories of suffering and shame is a precondition for developing the cross-cultural and trans-national empathy and understanding that are instrumental in creating stable multicultural, democratic nations and, eventually, a just cosmopolitan global order.
Athlete Protection in Quebec’s Sport System
Authors: Parent Sylvie , Hlimi Karim El
Published: December 2012

Sport is often perceived as healthy and safe. However, research has demonstrated that problems involving sexual, psychological, and physical abuse exist in this context and that very few protection measures are available in sport organizations. Quebec’s sport organizations are not an exception. The research project presented here was part of Phase I of a broader project aimed at gathering information on the creation and functioning of the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) in England to assess the possibility of setting up a similar system in Quebec. The results presented here focuses on the analysis of the legal, political, and sociocultural context of sport in Quebec in an attempt to better understand the currently existing problems and challenges regarding the protection of athletes. The gap between policies and intended outcomes is recognized as problematic in the child protection field, but this article demonstrated how big the gap is in reality. Proposals arising from the findings will hopefully guide policy makers on this issue in the coming years.
Verification and validation for the vibration study of automotive structures modelled by finite elements
Authors: Lardeur Pascal , Scigliano Roberto , Scionti Marco
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this article is to investigate the so-called verification and validation methodology for the vibration study of automotive structures, in particular natural frequencies and frequency response functions. In computational mechanics, the main objective of verification and validation leading to numerical and experimental works is to assess and improve the predictive capability of finite element models. Three main applications are presented throughout the article. The first application deals with spot weld modelling techniques. Four spot weld models are critically investigated for this study, namely two point-to-point and two surface-to-surface approaches. Two examples are treated: an assembly of two plates with three spot welds and a cradle. The second application deals with modelling galvanized structures. The study is focussed on automotive engine cradles. Experimental comparison between welded and galvanized assemblies highlights the mechanical effects due to galvanization. Finite element models, specifically developed for galvanized assemblies, are presented. The third application deals with a vehicle windscreen that is a sandwich structure made of glass and polymers. The dynamic behaviour of the windscreen under free–free conditions, in the presence of intra variability due to temperature variation, is discussed. Solid finite element models and multilayer shell models are assessed and compared.
A Case of Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome With Absence of Hyperventilation
Authors: Inati Adlette , Abbas Hussein A. , Korjian Serge , Daaboul Yazan , Harajeily Mohamad , Saab Raya
Published: December 2012

Pitt-Hopkins syndrome is characterized by mental retardation, hyperventilation, and dysmorphic features due to TCF4 mutations. We report a case of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome in a 2½-year-old boy presenting with psychomotor retardation, recurrent respiratory tract infections, and dysmorphic features with absence of hyperventilation or other breathing abnormalities. Comparative genomic hybridization and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to confirm TCF4 haploinsufficiency. Pitt-Hopkins syndrome is a rare debilitating disease that should be in the differential diagnosis of other neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by mental retardation and hypotonicity despite the absence of hyperapnea and seizures. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction is another method to identify TCF4 and to confirm Pitt-Hopkins syndrome diagnosis.
School and Pupil Effects on Secondary Pupils’ Feelings of Safety in School, Around School, and at Home
Authors: Mooij Ton , Fettelaar Daan
Published: December 2012

In line with fear of crime research, schools should be secure places where pupils feel safe in order to function well. Various types of risk and promotive variables at school and pupil level may differently influence a pupil’s feelings of safety in school, the school surroundings, and at home. The aim is to elaborate and test a theoretical two-level model on risk and promotive variables by using national data from an Internet-based survey in all types of Dutch secondary education. The cross-sectional research involves 71,560 pupils from 185 schools. Confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel logistic regression analysis including latent variables are used to analyze the data. The results demonstrate that school size, pupil attainment level in education, and intactness of a pupil’s family have positive effects on a pupil’s feelings of safety in and around school and at home; overall negative effects concern the school’s curricular differentiation and a pupil’s playing truant and not feeling most at home in the Netherlands. A school’s social, teaching, and instructional qualities and a pupil’s being older, being a boy, and being baptized positively affect the feelings of safety in and around school. A school’s safety policy and rules of conduct have no effects. Attending a church or mosque has negative effects on a pupil’s feelings of safety around school and at home. The findings confirm part of the two-level model. The Internet-based data collection and feedback procedure enable each school to longitudinally assess and evaluate own results at school level; in addition, cross-sectional comparison of school results with national benchmarks is possible.
A Randomized Trial of a Community-Based Cognitive Intervention for Obese Senior Adults
Authors: Beck Cornelia , Fausett Jennifer Kleiner , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Cornell Carol E. , Prewitt T. Elaine , Lensing Shelly , Bursac Zoran , Felix Holly C. , Love ShaRhonda , McDougall Graham , West Delia Smith
Published: December 2012

Objectives: To determine whether a cognitive intervention delivered by lay health educators (LHEs) in senior centers was effective in improving cognition in obese older adults. Methods: This cluster randomized trial was conducted in 16 senior centers from which 228 senior adults were recruited. The centers were randomized to either the cognitive intervention or a control, weight-loss intervention. The primary outcome variable, cognitive function, was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Results: Analyses of RBANS indices as continuous variables did not indicate significant differences between arms. However, after adjusting for baseline delayed memory, gender, and baseline body mass index, seniors in the cognitive intervention arm had a 2.7 times higher odds of a reliable improvement (clinically significant) in delayed memory from baseline as compared to those in the control intervention (95% CI, 1.3-5.6, p = .011). The intervention effect was not significant for the proportion showing reliable improvement in immediate memory or in attention. Attendance at the 12-session program was high with an average of 83% (67%-92%) sessions attended and 87% of participants in the cognitive arm indicating they would recommend the program. Discussion: Cognitive interventions can be effectively delivered in the community by LHEs.
Continued and New Personal Relationships in Later Life
Authors: Broese van Groenou Marjolein , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , van Tilburg Theo G.
Published: December 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of declining network size with aging by differentiating between processes of loss and gain and studying the associations with various health problems. Methods: Six observations of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) across a time period of 16 years are used to study detailed network changes in a large sample of Dutch older adults aged 55 to 85 at baseline. Results: Results from multilevel regression analyses show that network size declines with aging, in particular for the oldest old. The decline in network size is to a large degree due to a lack of replacement of lost relationships with new relationships. Results show differential effects of health. Discussion: The older old and people in poor health have limited possibilities to compensate for network losses and may have a serious risk of declining network size in later life.
Early-Life Socioeconomic Status and Physical Activity in Later Life
Authors: Pudrovska Tetyana , Anishkin Andriy
Published: December 2012

Objectives: This study examines the association between early-life socioeconomic status (SES) at age 18 and physical activity (PA) at age 65, elucidates mechanisms explaining this association, and explores gender differences in mediating pathways. Methods: Multigroup structural equation modeling is applied to the 1957 to 2004 data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS). Results: Early-life SES is positively associated with exercise in later life. This association is mediated by socioeconomic resources, health problems, obesity, and depressive symptoms (women only) in 1993 and sports participation in 1957. All mediators explain over 95% of the effect of early-life SES. Discussion: This study emphasizes the importance of complex multiple pathways linking early family SES to later-life PA. We identify chains of risks that need to be broken to improve PA among older adults. Our findings also suggest that interventions aimed at maintaining optimal physical functioning in old age should begin at least at midlife.
Experimental investigation on effect of number and size of rectangular air pockets on air spindle vibrations in nanomachining
Authors: Akhondzadeh Mohammad , Vahdati Mehrdad
Published: December 2012

In order to achieve nanometer accuracies, the low vibration of air spindle and air table is vital. Number and size of air pockets in air spindles and air tables are important parameters in nanomachining vibrations. In this article, rotational speed as well as these parameters has been studied. Three levels are selected for each parameter and, in total, 27 experiments have been committed. Also, in this work, air pockets were rectangular. In this study, rotor considered externally which rotates about stator. Experiments were conducted with the help of a lathe machine. For vibration measurements, the VibroTest 60 was used. The results were analyzed using design of experiment method. Experimental results show that the air spindle with two air pockets with 200 mm2 area at a low rotational speed has minimum vibrations.
Retroperitoneal Schwannoma With Monoclonal Plasma Cell Infiltration
Authors: Damasena Iswadi , Low Irene , Carey-Smith Richard
Published: December 2012

Collision tumors within the retroperitoneum are rare. We present the case of a 54-year-old man with an incidental finding of a well-defined iliopsoas mass. He underwent marginal resection via an anterior superior ilio-inguinal approach. Histological examination revealed typical features of a schwannoma surrounded by a notable plasma cell infiltrate. On immunohistochemistry stains, the spindled cells displayed diffuse, strong nuclear and cytoplasmic positivity for S100, whereas epithelial membrane antigen, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and neurofilament stains were uniformly negative. The plasma cell infiltrate was diffusely positive for CD 138, with a majority of them demonstrating positive staining for lambda light chain and negative for kappa light chain. Hematological review found no evidence of marrow plasmacytosis and multiple myeloma was ruled out. At 12 month follow-up, the patient remains free of any recurrence. To our knowledge this is the second case of a schwannoma coexisting with a monoclonal plasma cell infiltrate and the first in the retroperitoneum.
A Case of Clear Cell Meningioma With Tyrosine-Rich Crystals
Authors: Schollenberg Erica , Easton Alexander S.
Published: December 2012

We present a case of clear cell meningioma with unusual clinical and pathologic features. The patient was a 54-year-old man who underwent laminectomy and durotomy for an intradural tumor in the lumbar spinal canal. Sections showed a predominance of dense collagenous tissue with irregularly shaped and irregularly sized magenta-colored extracellular deposits. On electron microscopy, these deposits were osmiophilic and “petaloid.” The final diagnosis of clear cell meningioma rested on relatively inconspicuous intervening nests of glycogen-containing clear cells that were positive for epithelial membrane antigen. The unusual extracellular deposits seen in this case have previously been characterized as tyrosine-rich crystals of the type most commonly seen in salivary gland tumors. Recognition of this tumor as a clear cell meningioma, despite misleading clinical features and initially challenging histologic findings, is not only a matter of diagnostic accuracy but also imparts important prognostic information.
Myxoid Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Dantey Kossivi , Cooper Kumarasen
Published: December 2012

Limited myxoid areas are usually encountered in solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), but SFT with abundant myxoid stroma has only been reported occasionally. Myxoid SFT is defined as having myxoid changes in 50% or more of the tumor. We review the literature on myxoid SFT and add 3 new cases to those previously described. Microscopically, the lesions were composed of spindle cells arranged in a haphazard or storiform pattern in a cellular and hypocellular myxoid background with thin-walled “staghorn” branching vessels. Atypical features (necrosis, hypercellularity, or increased mitotic figures) were not identified. All cases were positive for CD34 and CD99 and had a benign course with a follow-up ranging from 15 to 70 months. Our review suggests that like classical SFT, myxoid SFT is associated with an indolent clinical course and favorable prognosis. Their recognition is crucial to distinguish a variety of myxoid spindle cell neoplasms with different prognoses and treatment options.
Prostitution and Clients’ Responsibility
Authors: Serughetti Giorgia
Published: December 2012

In the last decades of the twentieth century, a major change has occurred in the public understanding of prostitution, with the focus shifting from the sex worker to the client. On the social scientific side, studies on clients have growingly shed light on motivations and behaviors of men who buy sex. On the juridical-political side, in many countries across the globe a trend has emerged towards the criminalization of clients, represented as responsible for the perpetuation and proliferation of the sex market and for its oppressive and victimizing effects on sex workers. The aim of this paper is to retrace this turn and to discuss its political and cultural meaning, showing how the discourse on male responsibility in prostitution involves the risk of unilateral stances and partial views on the sex market. What I argue is that new gender-sensitive thinking on prostitution is needed, context-rooted and free from prejudicial understandings.
Analysis of Frequency Domain of EEG Signals in Clinical Location of Epileptic Focus
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Xia Li , Liu Weifeng , Peng Yuhua , Chen Duanduan , Gao Tianxin , Zeng Yanjun
Published: December 2012

As a suddenly abnormal discharge of brain neurons, epilepsy can lead to encephalographic (EEG) abnormalities. Data of 3 epileptic patients recorded by depth intracranial electrodes are analyzed with time–frequency algorithms to observe the abnormal changes in different frequency ranges. Comparing the frequency domain of the normal and epileptic signals that contain several periods of clinical seizures and intervals, a remarkable range of high frequency is identified and corresponds to the seizure. According to the corresponding position of those channels that produced abnormal signals, the epileptic focus is determined theoretically and verified by comparison with the clinical diagnosis and surgical results. Furthermore, the order of the presence of different frequency ranges is listed. The finding proposed in this study could be a fresh method to improve the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Computing Sources of Epileptic Discharges Using the Novel BMA Approach
Authors: Bravo Elena Cuspineda , Martínez-Montes Eduardo , Farach-Fumero Miguel , Machado-Curbelo Calixto
Published: December 2012

Electroencephalography (EEG) source localization in epileptology continues to be a challenge for neuroscientists. A number of inverse solution (IS) methodologies have been proposed to solve this problem, and their advantages and limitations have been described. In the present work, a previously developed IS approach called Bayesian model averaging (BMA) is introduced in clinical practice in order to improve the localization accuracy of epileptic discharge sources.

For this study, 31 patients with the diagnosis of partial epilepsies were studied: 14 had benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and 17 had temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The underlying epileptic sources were localized using the BMA approach, and the results were compared with those expected from the clinical diagnosis. Additional comparisons with results obtained from 3 of the most commonly used distributed IS methods for these purposes (minimum norm [MN], weighted minimum norm [WMN], and low-resolution electromagnetic tomography [LORETA]) were carried out in terms of source localization accuracy and spatial resolutions. The BMA approach estimated discharge sources that were consistent with the clinical diagnosis, and this method outperformed LORETA, MN, and WMN in terms of both localization accuracy and spatial resolution. The BMA was able to localize deeper generators with high accuracy. In conclusion, the BMA methodology has a great potential for the noninvasive accurate localization of epileptic sources, even those located in deeper structures. Therefore, it could be a promising tool for clinical practice in epileptology, although additional studies in other types of epileptic syndromes are necessary.
Embedded Prediction in Feature Extraction
Authors: Hsu Wei-Yen
Published: December 2012

In this study, an analysis system embedding neuron-fuzzy prediction in feature extraction is proposed for brain–computer interface (BCI) applications. Wavelet-fractal features combined with neuro-fuzzy predictions are applied for feature extraction in motor imagery (MI) discrimination. The features are extracted from the electroencephalography (EEG) signals recorded from participants performing left and right MI. Time-series predictions are performed by training 2 adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) for respective left and right MI data. Features are then calculated from the difference in multi-resolution fractal feature vector (MFFV) between the predicted and actual signals through a window of EEG signals. Finally, the support vector machine is used for classification. The proposed method estimates its performance in comparison with the linear adaptive autoregressive (AAR) model and the AAR time-series prediction of 6 participants from 2 data sets. The results indicate that the proposed method is promising in MI classification.
Applicability of Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory to a Non-Western Culture
Authors: Kiyama Sachiko , Tamaoka Katsuo , Takiura Masato
Published: December 2012

To examine applicability of Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory to facework in a non-Western culture, we conducted a questionnaire survey of native Japanese speakers. A rank order of influences on facework behavior was investigated among the five factors: (a) intrinsic factor (Ri; that is, effects caused by difference in settings), (b) contextual factor (Rc; that is, effects caused by difference in types of interlocutor’s contradictory attitudes), (c) power factor (P; that is, effects caused by age difference with the interlocutor), (d) distance factor (D; that is, effects caused by difference in familiarity with the interlocutor), and (e) gender factor (G; that is, whether the participant is male or female). Results revealed that factors related to the intrinsic content of the situation (Ri) and the interlocutor’s attitudes (Rc) had stronger influences than those of the inter- and intrapersonal factors of P, D, and G. Based on these findings, we conclude that Brown and Levinson’s formula is applicable to a non-Western culture, Japan.
Adhesion GPCRs are widely expressed throughout the subsections of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Badiali Luca , Cedernaes Jonathan , Olszewski Pawel K , Nylander Olof , Vergoni Anna V , Schiöth Helgi B
Published: December 2012

Background

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest families of transmembrane receptors and the most common drug target. The Adhesion subfamily is the second largest one of GPCRs and its several members are known to mediate neural development and immune system functioning through cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The distribution of these receptors has not been characterized in detail in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here we present the first comprehensive anatomical profiling of mRNA expression of all 30 Adhesion GPCRs in the rat GI tract divided into twelve subsegments.

Methods

Using RT-qPCR, we studied the expression of Adhesion GPCRs in the esophagus, the corpus and antrum of the stomach, the proximal and distal parts of the duodenum, ileum, jejunum and colon, and the cecum.

Results

We found that twenty-one Adhesion GPCRs (70%) had a widespread (expressed in five or more segments) or ubiquitous (expressed in eleven or more segments) distribution, seven (23%) were restricted to a few segments of the GI tract and two were not expressed in any segment. Most notably, almost all Group III members were ubiquitously expressed, while the restricted expression was characteristic for the majority of group VII members, hinting at more specific/localized roles for some of these receptors.

Conclusions

Overall, the distribution of Adhesion GPCRs points to their important role in GI tract functioning and defines them as a potentially crucial target for pharmacological interventions.
Effect of low-dose gaseous ozone on pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Fontes Belchor , Cattani Heimbecker Ana Maria , de Souza Brito Glacus , Costa Silvia F , van der Heijden Inneke M , Levin Anna S , Rasslan Samir
Published: December 2012

Background

Treatment of chronically infected wounds is a challenge, and bacterial environmental contamination is a growing issue in infection control. Ozone may have a role in these situations. The objective of this study was to determine whether a low dose of gaseous ozone/oxygen mixture eliminates pathogenic bacteria cultivated in Petri dishes.

Methods

A pilot study with 6 bacterial strains was made using different concentrations of ozone in an ozone-oxygen mixture to determine a minimally effective dose that completely eliminated bacterial growth. The small and apparently bactericidal gaseous dose of 20 μg/mL ozone/oxygen (1:99) mixture, applied for 5min under atmospheric pressure was selected. In the 2nd phase, eight bacterial strains with well characterized resistance patterns were evaluated in vitro using agar-blood in adapted Petri dishes (105 bacteria/dish). The cultures were divided into 3 groups: 1- ozone-oxygen gaseous mixture containing 20 μg of O3/mL for 5 min; 2- 100% oxygen for 5 min; 3- baseline: no gas was used.

Results

The selected ozone dose was applied to the following eight strains: Escherichia coli, oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter baumannii susceptible only to carbapenems, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. All isolates were completely inhibited by the ozone-oxygen mixture while growth occurred in the other 2 groups.

Conclusion

A single topical application by nebulization of a low ozone dose completely inhibited the growth of all potentially pathogenic bacterial strains with known resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Aspects of functioning and environmental factors in medical work capacity evaluations of persons with chronic widespread pain and low back pain can be represented by a combination of applicable ICF Core Sets
Authors: Schwegler Urban , Anner Jessica , Boldt Christine , Glässel Andrea , Lay Veronika , De Boer Wout Ernst Lodewijk , Stucki Gerold , Trezzini Bruno
Published: December 2012

Background

Medical work capacity evaluations play a key role in social security schemes because they usually form the basis for eligibility decisions regarding disability benefits. However, the evaluations are often poorly standardized and lack transparency as decisions on work capacity are based on a claimant’s disease rather than on his or her functional capacity. A comprehensive and consistent illustration of a claimant’s lived experience in relation to functioning, applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the ICF Core Sets (ICF-CS), potentially enhances transparency and standardization of work capacity evaluations. In our study we wanted to establish whether and how the relevant content of work capacity evaluations can be captured by ICF-CS, using disability claimants with chronic widespread pain (CWP) and low back pain (LBP) as examples.

Methods

Mixed methods study, involving a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of medical reports. The ICF was used for data coding. The coded categories were ranked according to the percentage of reports in which they were addressed. Relevance thresholds at 25% and 50% were applied. To determine the extent to which the categories above the thresholds are represented by applicable ICF-CS or combinations thereof, measures of the ICF-CS’ degree of coverage (i.e. content validity) and efficiency (i.e. practicability) were defined.

Results

Focusing on the 25% threshold and combining the Brief ICF-CS for CWP, LBP and depression for CWP reports, the coverage ratio reached 49% and the efficiency ratio 70%. Combining the Brief ICF-CS for LBP, CWP and obesity for LBP reports led to a coverage of 47% and an efficiency of 78%.

Conclusions

The relevant content of work capacity evaluations involving CWP and LBP can be represented by a combination of applicable ICF-CS. A suitable standard for documenting such evaluations could consist of the Brief ICF-CS for CWP, LBP, and depression or obesity, augmented by additional ICF categories relevant for this particular context. In addition, the unique individual experiences of claimants have to be considered in order to assess work capacity comprehensively.
The R0 package: a toolbox to estimate reproduction numbers for epidemic outbreaks
Authors: Obadia Thomas , Haneef Romana , Boëlle Pierre-Yves
Published: December 2012

Background

Several generic methods have been proposed to estimate transmission parameters during an outbreak, especially the reproduction number. However, as of today, no dedicated software exists that implements these methods and allow comparisons.

Results

A review of generic methods used to estimate transmissibility parameters during outbreaks was carried out. Most methods used the epidemic curve and the generation time distribution. Two categories of methods were available: those estimating the initial reproduction number, and those estimating a time dependent reproduction number. We implemented five methods as an R library, developed sensitivity analysis tools for each method and provided numerical illustrations of their use. A comparison of the performance of the different methods on simulated datasets is reported.

Conclusions

This software package allows a standardized and extensible approach to the estimation of the reproduction number and generation interval distribution from epidemic curves.
Signs of dysregulated fibrinolysis precede the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a population-based study
Authors: Hernestål-Boman Jenny , Norberg Margareta , Jansson Jan-Hakan , Eliasson Mats , Eriksson Jan W , Lindahl Bernt , Johansson Lars
Published: December 2012

Background

Diabetic patients experience stimulated coagulation and dysfibrinolysis, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This imbalance may precede the manifest diagnosis. We investigated whether elevated antigen levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the tPA/PAI-1 complex, or von Willebrand Factor (VWF) precede type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis, and whether this elevation occurs before increased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) in individuals who later develop T2DM.

Methods

We conducted a prospective incident case-referent study within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme. Cardiovascular risk factor data as well as FPG and 2hPG and blood samples for future research were collected at a baseline health examination between 1989 and 2000, (n= 28 736). During follow-up in January 2001, 157 cases had developed T2DM. Referents without T2DM were matched for sex, age, and year of participation (n=277). Subgroup analysis was performed for cases with normal baseline glucose levels (FPG <6.1 mmol/L and 2hPG < 8.9 mmol/L) and cases with elevated levels (FPG 6.1-6.9 mmol/L and/or 2hPG 8.9-12.1 mmol/L).

Results

After adjusting for BMI, family history of diabetes, physical activity, smoking, systolic blood pressure and levels of C-reactive protein and triglycerides, independent associations were found between incident T2DM and elevated levels of tPA (OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.06-2.23), PAI-1 (OR=1.61, 95% CI 1.14-2.28), and tPA/PAI-1 complex (OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.56-3.84). In participants with normal glucose levels, PAI-1 (OR=2.06, 95% CI 1.10 - 3.86) exhibited an independent relationship with incident T2DM after the adjustments.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of fibrinolytic variables precede the manifestation of T2DM after adjusting for metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors and can be detected several years before changes in glucose tolerance.
Assessment of local wood species used for the manufacture of cookware and the perception of chemical benefits and chemical hazards associated with their use in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Mensah John Kenneth , Adei Evans , Adei Dina , Owusu Ansah Gwendolyn
Published: December 2012

Background

Historical proven wood species have no reported adverse health effect associated with its past use. Different historical proven species have traditionally been used to manufacture different wooden food contact items. This study uses survey questionnaires to assess suppliers’, manufacturers’, retailers’ and consumers’ (end-users’) preferences for specific wood species, to examine the considerations that inform these preferences and to investigate the extent of awareness of the chemical benefits and chemical hazards associated with wooden food contact material use.

Methods

Through the combined use of a cross sectional approach and a case study design, 25 suppliers, 25 manufacturers, 25 retailers and 125 consumers (end-users) of wooden food contact materials in four suburbs in Kumasi Metropolitan Area (Anloga junction, Ahinsan Bus Stop, Ahwia-Pankrono and Race Course) and Ashanti Akyim Agogo in the Ashanti Akyim North District of the Ashanti Region were administered with closed ended questionnaires. The questionnaires were prepared in English, but local language, Twi, was used to translate and communicate the content of the questionnaire where necessary.

Results

Suppliers’, manufacturers’ and retailers’ preferences for specific wood species for most wooden cookware differed from that of consumers (end-users). But all respondent groups failed to indicate any awareness of chemical benefits or chemical hazards associated with either the choice of specific wood species for specific wooden cookware or with the general use of wooden food contact materials. The lack of appreciation of chemical benefits or hazards associated with active principles of wooden cookware led to heavy reliance of consumers (end-users) on the wood density, price, attractive grain pattern and colour or on the judgement of retailers in their choice of specific species for a wooden cookware.

Conclusion

This study contributes some practical suggestions to guide national policy development on improvement in quality of available wooden food contact materials in Ghana.
Phase II Study of Bendamustine in Relapsed and Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Moskowitz Alison J. , Hamlin Paul A. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Gerecitano John , Horwitz Steven M. , Matasar Matthew J. , Noy Ariela , Palomba Maria Lia , Portlock Carol S. , Straus David J. , Graustein Tricia , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Moskowitz Craig H.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Limited data exist regarding the activity of bendamustine in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This phase II study evaluated the efficacy of bendamustine in relapsed and refractory HL.

Patients and Methods

Patients with relapsed and refractory HL who were ineligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT), or for whom this treatment failed, received bendamustine 120 mg/m2 as a 30-minute infusion on days 1 and 2 every 28 days with growth factor support. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). A secondary end point was referral rate to allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (alloSCT) for patients deemed eligible for alloSCT at the time of enrollment.

Results

Of the 36 patients enrolled, 34 were evaluable for response. Patients had received a median of four prior treatments, and 75% had relapsed after ASCT. The ORR by intent-to-treat analysis was 53%, including 12 complete responses (33%) and seven partial responses (19%). The response rate among evaluable patients was 56%. Responses were seen in patients with prior refractory disease, prior ASCT, and prior alloSCT; however, no responses were seen in patients who relapsed within 3 months of ASCT. The median response duration was 5 months. Five patients (20% of those eligible) proceeded to alloSCT after treatment with bendamustine. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were infrequent and most commonly included thrombocytopenia (20%), anemia (14%), and infection (14%).

Conclusion

This study confirms the efficacy of bendamustine in heavily pretreated patients with HL. These results support current and future studies evaluating bendamustine combinations in relapsed and refractory HL.
The Liguleless narrow mutation affects proximal-distal signaling and leaf growth
Authors: Moon Jihyun , Candela Héctor , Hake Sarah
Published: December 2012

How cells acquire competence to differentiate according to position is an essential question in developmental biology. Maize leaves provide a unique opportunity to study positional information. In the developing leaf primordium, a line is drawn across a field of seemingly identical cells. Above the line, the cells become blade, below the line the cells become sheath and at the line, the cells differentiate into the specialized tissues of ligule and auricle. We identified a new mutation, Liguleless narrow (Lgn), that affects this patterning and shows striking defects in lateral growth as well, thus linking proximal-distal patterning to medial-lateral growth. In characterizing the defect we discovered that both the auxin transport protein ZmPIN1a and the squamosa promoter-binding protein LIGULELESS1 are expressed precisely at this positionally cued line and are disrupted by Lgn. Positional cloning and a transposon-derived allele demonstrate that LGN is a kinase. These results suggest that LGN participates in setting up positional information through a signaling cascade. Interestingly, LGN has a paralog that is upregulated in the mutant, suggesting an important feedback mechanism involved in setting the positional boundary.
Women Empowerment and Economic Development
Authors: Duflo Esther
Published: December 2012

Women empowerment and economic development are closely related: in one direction, development alone can play a major role in driving down inequality between men and women; in the other direction, empowering women may benefit development. Does this imply that pushing just one of these two levers would set a virtuous circle in motion? This paper reviews the literature on both sides of the empowerment—development nexus, and argues that the interrelationships are probably too weak to be self-sustaining, and that continuous policy commitment to equality for its own sake may be needed to bring about equality between men and women. (JEL I14, I24, I32, I38, J13, J16, O15)
The Carnal Hand and Fetishism in Wong Kar-wai's The Hand
Authors: Wong Nicholas Y.B.
Published: December 2012

This article will look specifically into the representation of the carnal hand and the fetishized hand in Wong Kar-wai's The Hand (2004) in relation to the induction of sexual desire and its fulfillment. The first part of this article is to bring up my observation on the differences
between the male and female hand in the short film. The second part of this article will depart from the carnal hand and move to the discussion on various observable fetishes, which include the gloves, the cheongsam, and ultimately the hand itself. Furthermore, by using Freud's idea from his
1927 essay "Fetishism," I am going to suggest that the hand could be considered a substitute of the male's penis in the short film.
Effectiveness of Developmental Screening in an Urban Setting
Authors: Guevara James P. , Gerdes Marsha , Localio Russell , Huang Yuanshung V. , Pinto-Martin Jennifer , Minkovitz Cynthia S. , Hsu Diane , Kyriakou Lara , Baglivo Sofia , Kavanagh Jane , Pati Susmita
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effectiveness of developmental screening on the identification of developmental delays, early intervention (EI) referrals, and EI eligibility.

METHODS:

This randomized controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted from December 2008 to June 2010 in 4 urban pediatric practices. Children were eligible if they were <30 months old, term, without congenital malformations or genetic syndromes, not in foster care, and not enrolled in EI. Children were randomized to receive 1 of the following: (1) developmental screening using Ages and Stages Questionnaire-II (ASQ-II and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) with office staff assistance, (2) developmental screening using ASQ-II and M-CHAT without office staff assistance, or (3) developmental surveillance using age-appropriate milestones at well visits. Outcomes were assessed using an intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 2103 children were enrolled. Most were African-American with family incomes less than $30 000. Children in either screening arm were more likely to be identified with delays (23.0% and 26.8% vs 13.0%; P < .001), referred to EI (19.9% and 17.5% vs 10.2%; P < .001), and eligible for EI services (7.0% and 5.3% vs 3.0%; P < .001) than children in the surveillance arm. Children in the screening arms incurred a shorter time to identification, EI referral, and EI evaluation than children in the surveillance arm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children who participated in a developmental screening program were more likely to be identified with developmental delays, referred to EI, and eligible for EI services in a timelier fashion than children who received surveillance alone. These results support policies endorsing developmental screening.
Acute coronary syndrome – 2012
Authors: Becker Dávid , Merkely Béla
Published: December 2012

The acute coronary syndrome is the most severe form of coronary artery disease. It is an immediate threat of life and the mortality rate can be high without proper therapy and patient management. Based on the first ECG, two different forms can be distinguished: acute coronary syndrome with and without ST elevation. Besides adequate medication, management of these patients is an essential part of treatment. In case of ST elevation, coronarography and percutaneous coronary intervention is needed in general, within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. When ST elevation is not detected on the ECG, individual ischemic risk factors and predictable mortality of the patient may define the necessity and the date of the invasive examination. The Hungarian hemodynamic laboratory network covers almost the whole country and, therefore, practically each patient may receive a state-of-the-art therapy. Although indicators of cardiovascular diseases are still prominent, the mortality rate of myocardial Infarction is decreasing in Hungary due to the well-organized invasive care. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 2009–2015.
Um caso de uso espontâneo de ferramenta por um macaco-prego (Cebus apella) mantido em cativeiro
Authors: Lessa Miguel Angelo Monteiro , Galvão Olavo Faria , Delage Paulo Elias Gotardelo Audebert
Published: December 2012

No abstract
Registro ocasional da predação da pomba-de-bando (Zenaida auriculata Des Murs, 1847) pelo sagüi-do-cerrado (Callithrix penicillata É. Geoffroy, 1812) no interior de São Paulo, SP
Authors: Gomes Felipe Bittioli R. , Lima-Gomes Renata C.
Published: December 2012

No abstract