bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children’s emotional expressivity and teacher perceptions of social competence
Authors: Louie Jennifer Yu , Wang Shu-wen , Fung Joey , Lau Anna
Published: September 2014

Previous research suggests that adult perceptions of children’s social competence may vary depending on the socialization goals in a given cultural context. There is also ample evidence of cultural differences in values concerning emotional display, with East Asian collectivistic contexts favoring restraint and Western individualistic contexts favoring open expression of internal states. The present study examined an individualistic versus collectivistic comparison in the links between children’s emotional expressivity and teacher evaluations of their social competence. A sample of 127 Korean, Asian American (AA) and European American (EA) preschoolers participated in emotion eliciting tasks and were rated by their teachers on three dimensions of social competence (peer acceptance, prosocial behavior, and antisocial behavior). Moderation analyses revealed that for Korean children, sadness and happiness expressivity were associated with higher antisocial behavior scores, but these associations were reversed or not significant for EAs. For AA children, anger display was associated with lower ratings of peer acceptance and prosocial behavior, but this link did not hold for their EA counterparts. Overall, there was some support for the hypotheses that expressivity was related to lower teacher perceptions of child social competence for a collectivistic group (AA and Korean) but not for an individualistic group (EA). Thus, these findings indicate cultural group differences in teacher perceptions and values of children’s emotion expressivity.
The Effects of Neoliberalism and Trade Liberalization on China’s Environment Over Time
Authors: Xu Zhenning , Ramirez Edward , Xu Juanjuan , Liu Yu
Published: September 2014

Drawing on Kilbourne’s expanded macromarketing model, this research tests the effects of neoliberalism and trade liberalization on a set of environmental outcomes, shedding light on the relationships between importing and exporting, national, non-national, and foreign investment, and environmental stringency on major polluting accidents, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and wind energy deployment in China. The results from a moderated, fixed-effects regression model of longitudinal province-level data indicate that neoliberal policies impact environmental performance, while being region specific, sensitive to ownership type, and bidirectional. Additionally, non-national investment and innovation level were positively related with a reduction in major polluting accidents, whereas national investment were positively associated with reducing SO2 emissions and increasing wind energy deployment. China’s environmental policies, however, were found to catalyze pollution production in the landlocked central and underdeveloped western provinces. As such, policymakers and practitioners should adopt a stakeholder orientation, institute strict environmental regulations, and place community welfare and environmental stewardship above profits when encouraging economic growth.
MultiMo-Bat: A biologically inspired integrated jumping–gliding robot
Authors: Woodward Matthew A. , Sitti Metin
Published: September 2014

This paper presents the design, development, and verification of a miniature integrated jumping and gliding robot, the MultiMo-Bat, which is inspired by the locomotion strategy of vampire bats. This 115.6 g robot exhibits high jumping and gliding performance, reaching heights of over 3 m, to overcome obstacles in the environment. The MultiMo-Bat was developed by a novel integrated design strategy that combines jumping and gliding locomotion modes and minimizes the necessary actuation and structural components by sharing a significant portion of the components required for each mode; nearly 70% of the total robot mass is utilized by both modes. This results in overall low mass, low volume, and high co-operation between the modes which allows for the preservation of over 80% of the performance of the independent jumping locomotion mode when combined. This not only allows for two high-performance locomotion modes, but also for all of the necessary actuation components to be on board. Key considerations and components of the design are discussed in the context of the integrated design approach. A prototype of the system is constructed and experimentally tested in various configurations to elucidate the overall system and integration performance. Finally, metrics are developed to begin to quantify the level and performance of the integrated approach as well as allow it to be compared to other mechanical and biological systems. This type of jumping and gliding robot can be used to explore, inspect, and monitor unstructured environments for security and environment monitoring applications.
Forecasting smoke transport during compartment fires using a data assimilation model
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chun , Wang Liangzhu (Leon)
Published: September 2014

Forecasting simulation of an unknown compartment fire is challenging and usually accompanied with a large number of uncertainties. As the simulation progresses in time, the forecasted physical conditions such as fire heat release rate, room temperature, and vent airflow rate may sway from reality in a highly dynamic environment. Conventional deterministic fire simulation tools using one set of initial inputs to predict fire smoke transport may not easily generate satisfactory results. In this article, a new application of Ensemble Kalman Filter to forecast smoke dispersion during compartment fires is presented. The model utilizes measurement data from multiple sensors in multi-room compartments and is able to predict the fire heat release rate and smoke dispersions within several minutes. In addition, detailed formulation of the Ensemble Kalman Filter model and three case studies are also discussed in this article. The resulting model can be considered as a prototype forecast simulation system to assist occupant evacuation, firefighting, and smoke extraction in a building fire accident.
An improved wavelet adaptive logarithmic threshold denoising method for analysing pressure signals in a transonic compressor
Authors: Meng Bo , Li Zhiping , Wang Haihui , Li Qiushi
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes an improved wavelet threshold denoising algorithm based on orthogonal wavelet transform. The algorithm, called adaptive logarithmic threshold denoising algorithm based on wavelet (ALTDAW), processes the dynamic pressure signals generated by a transonic axial compressor. Combined with an adaptive logarithmic threshold function, it sets the optimal threshold for each decomposition level. In this way, noise is effectively identified and eliminated. Since ALTDAW is adaptable, it reduces the maximum decomposition level, thereby decreasing the processing time and improving the computational efficiency. In numerical experiments, the performance of ALTDAW was compared with that of the classical soft and hard threshold algorithms. Relative to the classical algorithms, ALTDAW increased the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by 27.9% and 44.2%, and reduced the processing time by 38.5% and 37.6%, respectively. The practicality of the algorithm was validated on the complex dynamic pressure signals of a transonic axial compressor. When processing these signals, the algorithm depicted that disturbance passes through the tips and the spike three revolutions before the compressor stalls, consistent with the physical properties of transonic axial compressors.
Zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test for drug safety signal detection
Authors: Huang Lan , Zheng Dan , Zalkikar Jyoti , Tiwari Ram
Published: September 2014

In recent decades, numerous methods have been developed for data mining of large drug safety databases, such as Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Adverse Event Reporting System, where data matrices are formed by drugs such as columns and adverse events as rows. Often, a large number of cells in these data matrices have zero cell counts and some of them are “true zeros” indicating that the drug-adverse event pairs cannot occur, and these zero counts are distinguished from the other zero counts that are modeled zero counts and simply indicate that the drug-adverse event pairs have not occurred yet or have not been reported yet. In this paper, a zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test method is proposed to identify drug-adverse event pairs that have disproportionately high reporting rates, which are also called signals. The maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters of zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test are obtained using the expectation and maximization algorithm. The zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test is also modified to handle the stratified analyses for binary and categorical covariates (e.g. gender and age) in the data. The proposed zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test method is shown to asymptotically control the type I error and false discovery rate, and its finite sample performance for signal detection is evaluated through a simulation study. The simulation results show that the zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test method performs similar to Poisson model based likelihood ratio test method when the estimated percentage of true zeros in the database is small. Both the zero-inflated Poisson model based likelihood ratio test and likelihood ratio test methods are applied to six selected drugs, from the 2006 to 2011 Adverse Event Reporting System database, with varying percentages of observed zero-count cells.
Book Review: Tavleen Singh, Durbar
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: September 2014

Tavleen Singh, Durbar. Gurgaon: Hachette India, 2012, xii + 312 pp., ₹ 599 (Hardback). ISBN: 9789350094440.
Book Review: Vivek Kaul, Easy Money: Evolution of Money from Robinson Crusoe to the First World War
Authors: Sahi Shalini Kalra
Published: September 2014

Vivek Kaul, Easy Money: Evolution of Money from Robinson Crusoe to the First World War. New Delhi, India: SAGE Publications, 2013, 300 pp., ₹ 395 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-81-321-1342-3.
SHG Bank Linkage: Lending a Helping Hand?
Authors: Bammi Ruchika
Published: September 2014

A world-wide study to index Financial Inclusion to assess the extent of penetration of banking services saw India rank a lowly 50, out of the 100 countries covered in the survey. This creates a need for dedicated initiatives in the field of financial inclusion and Economic Empowerment from across the Private, Public and Social Sectors. Various corporate firms have taken up the initiative of facilitating financial inclusion, Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) is one such organization involved in creation of Self Helf Groups (SHG) and its linkage to bank. The case discusses the issues pertaining to SHG Bank linkage and critically analyzes the initiatives of the government in the field. By examining the Loan utilization pattern, the paper analyzes the sustainability of the model and discusses the shadows and lights associated with the SHG Bank linkage model.
Human Resource Accounting Disclosure Practices in Indian Companies
Authors: Kaur Surinder , Raman A. Venkat , Singhania Monica
Published: September 2014

Human resources with their innate pool of knowledge, skill, leadership, creativity and talent assist companies in achieving their goals. However, the current accounting system is not able to provide the value of human resources. We find human resource accounting (HRA) disclosures to be very low in Indian companies with only five companies reporting HRA in their annual report that is just 1 per cent of the sample set of companies. Furthermore, HRA disclosures that are made by companies are unstructured and inconsistent, and incomparable across companies and industries. Therefore, we examine the extent of HRA measurement and reporting practices of selected Indian companies among the National Stock Exchange S&P CNX 500 companies. We critically analyze these and rank the companies on the basis of the extent of disclosure of HRA information in annual reports of companies.
Reflections on Using Biographical Approaches in End-of-Life Care
Authors: Lindqvist Olav , Threlkeld Guinever , Street Annette F. , Tishelman Carol
Published: September 2014

The therapeutic potential of nonpharmacologic interventions using biographical approaches at the end of life (EoL) is being increasingly recognized, but less attention is paid to processes impeding realization of this potential. In this article, Swedish and Australian researchers reflect on and problematize experiences using one biographical approach, dignity therapy (DT), in EoL care in Sweden. We use this as an example, focusing on critical examination of the process of applying DT in practice, examining frictions experienced in recruiting participants, collecting the data, and creating a biography. We discuss issues regarding agency, which became evident in the recruitment process and choices made about participation, and the power differentials manifested in the interactive process of eliciting stories and crafting them into a final product. We also raise salient questions about how research and practice with biographical approaches in EoL care might better build on and further existing knowledge to better reflect the complexities of everyday life.
The Effects of Surfing and the Natural Environment on the Well-Being of Combat Veterans
Authors: Caddick Nick , Smith Brett , Phoenix Cassandra
Published: September 2014

Although researchers have identified the benefits of physical activity on well-being, there is little evidence concerning the effects of nature-based physical activity. We investigated the effect of one nature-based activity—surfing—on the well-being of combat veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted interviews and participant observations with a group of combat veterans belonging to a United Kingdom-based veterans’ surfing charity. Our primary analytical approach was dialogical narrative analysis. Based on our rigorous analysis and findings, we suggest that surfing facilitated a sense of respite from PTSD. Respite was a fully embodied feeling of release from suffering that was cultivated through surfing and shaped by the stories veterans told of their experiences. We significantly extend previous knowledge on physical activity, combat veterans, and PTSD by highlighting how nature-based physical activity, encapsulated in the conceptual notion of the “blue gym,” can promote well-being among combat veterans.
Introducing Agile Project Management Strategies in Technical and Professional Communication Courses
Authors: Pope-Ruark Rebecca
Published: September 2014

Technical and professional communicators spend a good deal of time managing teams and documentation projects, and their organizations are increasingly introducing new project management practices. This article introduces Agile project management strategies that were created in software development environments, exploring how these iterative strategies can complement the traditional linear project management approaches that are taught in technical and professional communication (TPC) programs. To do so, the author presents a brief history of Agile, a case study of how the author applied specific Agile strategies in a grant writing course, and a comprehensive set of tips for implementing Agile in other TPC courses.
Can We Play Too? Experiential Techniques for Family Therapists to Actively Include Children in Sessions
Authors: Pereira Jennifer K.
Published: September 2014

Family therapists are in a position to provide therapeutic support to each member of a family system. Many family therapists however can feel at a loss as to how to actively include children in a session ensuring they gain the full benefit of the therapeutic interaction. This article provides relevant information on the rationale for actively including children in family sessions and specific experiential child-friendly techniques for use in family therapy.
Preparing Couples for an Enriched Marriage
Authors: Britzman Mark J. , Sauerheber Jill Duba
Published: September 2014

Alfred Adler’s wisdom regarding the major life task of love and intimacy is extremely relevant in today’s world of fragile marital relationships. The need to promote a feeling of significance and a sense of belonging is under attack from inadequate preparation, education, knowledge, and interpersonal skill development regarding the important life task of love and intimacy. Alfred Adler stated, “Of all the institutions which have been developed to better the relationship of sexes, co-education is the most important.” Obviously, he was acutely aware of the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and encouragement that is necessary to meet the needs of one’s spouse to ensure an enriched lifetime relationship. This article discusses the need for optimal process as well as the benefits of developing a premarital program that aims to help prepare and equip couples for the rigors and joy of a lifetime commitment.
Finite Element Analysis of Plantar Fascia During Walking
Authors: Chen Yen-Nien , Chang Chih-Wei , Li Chun-Ting , Chang Chih-Han , Lin Cheng-Feng
Published: September 2014

Background:

The plantar fascia is a primary arch supporting structure of the foot and is often stressed with high tension during ambulation. When the loading on the plantar fascia exceeds its capacity, the inflammatory reaction known as plantar fasciitis may occur. Mechanical overload has been identified as the primary causative factor of plantar fasciitis. However, a knowledge gap exists between how the internal mechanical responses of the plantar fascia react to simple daily activities. Therefore, this study investigated the biomechanical responses of the plantar fascia during loaded stance phase by use of the finite element (FE) modeling.

Methods:

A 3-dimensional (3-D) FE foot model comprising bones, cartilage, ligaments, and a complex-shaped plantar fascia was constructed. During the stance phase, the kinematics of the foot movement was reproduced and Achilles tendon force was applied to the insertion site on the calcaneus. All the calculations were made on a single healthy subject.

Results:

The results indicated that the plantar fascia underwent peak tension at preswing (83.3% of the stance phase) at approximately 493 N (0.7 body weight). Stress concentrated near the medial calcaneal tubercle. The peak von Mises stress of the fascia increased 2.3 times between the midstance and preswing. The fascia tension increased 66% because of the windlass mechanism.

Conclusion:

Because of the membrane element used in the ligament tissue, this FE model was able to simulate the mechanical structure of the foot. After prescribing kinematics of the distal tibia, the proposed model indicated the internal fascia was stressed in response to the loaded stance phase.

Clinical Relevance:

Based on the findings of this study, adjustment of gait pattern to reduce heel rise and Achilles tendon force may lower the fascia loading and may further reduce pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Wanted—Measurement in Home Health Needed
Authors: Suter W. Newton , Suter Paula M.
Published: September 2014

The authors discuss the value of sound measurement in home health with a focus on medication management risk, critically important but devoid of standardized and validated instrumentation in clinical practice. Abstract concepts including content, predictive, and construct validity are made concrete by providing an example of our ongoing effort to build and validate a tool to measure medication risk. They reveal how measurement relates to prediction, theory building, and the importance of planning validation studies during instrument construction. The authors also show how following principles of measurement and empirical testing, all within the context of medication risk, facilitate the delivery of evidence-based care delivery. They conclude that home health is valued by our stakeholders with data-driven decisions based on principles of measurement and sound reasoning.
External Validity of ADHD Inattention and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Dimensions in Spanish Children With ADHD
Authors: Fenollar Cortés Javier , Servera Mateu , Becker Stephen P. , Burns G. Leonard
Published: September 2014

Objective: Few studies have examined whether separate dimensions of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)—inconsistent alertness and slowness—have different external correlates from each other as well as symptoms of ADHD inattention (ADHD-IN). Method: Participants were 131 Spanish children (ages 6-16; 72% boys) diagnosed with ADHD. Results: In regression analyses, ADHD-IN was positively associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct problems, defiance/aggression, anxiety, peer relations problems, and learning problems. SCT-inconsistent alertness was positively associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity and peer relations problems. In contrast, SCT-slowness was negatively associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity and conduct problems and positively associated with depression and learning problems. Results were consistent after controlling for depression, medication status, and sex. Conclusion: The findings support SCT to be a construct with two dimensions that have unique correlates relative to each other as well as ADHD-IN. Future research on SCT should separate these dimensions of SCT to provide a better understanding of the construct.
Corruption as an obstacle to women’s political representation
Authors: Sundström Aksel , Wängnerud Lena
Published: September 2014

This article presents evidence from 18 European countries showing that where levels of corruption are high, the proportion of women elected is low. We hypothesize that corruption indicates the presence of ‘shadowy arrangements’ that benefit the already privileged and pose a direct obstacle to women when male-dominated networks influence political parties’ candidate selection. There is also an indirect signal effect derived from citizen’s experiences with a broad range of government authorities. The article uses data that are more fine-grained than usual in this literature. We conduct an empirical test on a new dataset on locally elected councilors in 167 regions in Europe. Using a novel measure of regional quality of government and corruption we perform a multi-level analysis with several regional- and national-level controls. This study provides a unique picture of the proportion of women in locally elected assemblies throughout Europe and a new way of understanding the variations found.
Assessing children in kindergarten: The narrowing of language, culture and identity in the testing era
Authors: Yoon Haeny S
Published: September 2014

In contemporary kindergarten classrooms, children’s literacy abilities are often assessed by tests used to determine a child’s ‘readiness’ for school. Readiness often means letter identification, phonemic awareness, letter-writing, and other functions related to language mechanics. This paper investigates the assessment tools (both locally and federally mandated) that are used to measure and evaluate children’s literacy abilities. Drawing from a 4-month ethnographic study on teaching and learning in kindergarten, I reveal the social, cultural and academic issues associated with labelling children as ‘below average’ readers and writers. Through observations made at collaboration meetings, interviews, classroom field notes and children’s written texts, I document how three kindergarten teachers and their principal assessed children using assessment tools. I, concurrently, studied the writing practices of the children in one classroom, focusing specifically on those children identified as ‘below average’. I trace the ideological issues behind assessment tests, the kinds of discourse that teachers take up in response to these tests, and the obvious race and class divisions that separate students. Finally, I look at the ‘below average’ children in one classroom to discuss the nonlinear, resourceful and innovative ways in which children arrive at language, many of which are not measurable.
A multi-helical ultrasonic imaging approach for the structural health monitoring of cylindrical structures
Authors: Dehghan-Niri Ehsan , Salamone Salvatore
Published: September 2014

In the past few years, several efforts have been made to combine guided ultrasonic waves and imaging algorithms such as tomography for detecting and locating damage in complex structures. In this article, we introduce a multi-helical ultrasonic imaging approach for the structural health monitoring of cylindrical structures. An array of permanently installed piezoelectric transducers is used to generate and receive high-order helical guided waves around the cylindrical structure to artificially increase the ray density/resolution without increasing the number of sensors. A probabilistic-based imaging algorithm is used to identify metal loss defects. Experimental tests are carried out on a steel pipe instrumented with six piezoelectric transducers to validate the proposed approach. Three thickness recesses simulating corrosion are considered. Results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach by identifying the simulated damage at the correct locations and qualitatively monitoring damage growth. No attempt is made in this study to quantify the extent of thinning.
Results of a Single Case Controlled Study of The Optimum Performance Program in Sports in a Collegiate Athlete
Authors: Chow Graig M. , Donohue Brad , Pitts Michelle , Loughran Travis , Schubert Kimberly N. , Gavrilova Yulia , Diaz Emma
Published: September 2014

In this study, a sport-specific adaptation of Family Behavior Therapy (i.e., The Optimum Performance Program in Sports [TOPPS]) in a collegiate athlete was examined, including a controlled evaluation of several of its intervention components utilizing multiple-baseline methodology. After a 3-week baseline consisting of program orientation, cultural enlightenment, and goal development was established for unsafe sexual practices, alcohol binge drinking (four or more drinks per occasion), and teammate relationships, the participant was sequentially and cumulatively exposed to three distinct intervention phases across 12 meetings. In the first phase, a Dynamic Goals and Rewards intervention was implemented with the intention of reducing unsafe sexual practices. In the second phase, alcohol avoidance was additionally targeted through Goal Inspiration (Consequence Review; that is, a motivational enhancement exercise), Self-Control, and Environmental Control. The third phase focused on teammate relationships using Communication Skills Training while the aforementioned target areas continued to be addressed. A brief probe assessment was administered immediately before each intervention meeting to assess frequency of unprotected sex, frequency of binge drinking, and relationship problems with teammates. Results indicated that each of the target behaviors reduced substantially, but only after they were targeted. The participant’s scores on a standardized measure of troublesome thoughts and stress substantially decreased across intervention meetings. Various mental health and sport performance outcome measures, in addition to the aforementioned target areas, improved up to 5 months post-intervention.
Lateralized EEG Findings in Patients with Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Glanz B. I. , Laoprasert P. , Schur P. H. , Robertson-Thompson A. , Khoshbin S.
Published: September 2014

Routine and quantitative EEG were used to determine whether there is a lateralized pattern of electrophysiologic dysfunction in patients with diverse neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE. Twenty consecutive patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms of SLE underwent 20-minute EEG recordings with an 18-channel polygraph. Ten 1-second intervals were randomly selected for each patient. Once selected, the intervals were analyzed for the presence of theta and delta slow activity. Mapping was done by four-point interpolation around the 18 acquired data points. On routine EEG, abnormalities were identified in 14/20 patients with SLE. In 12/14 patients, the abnormalities were localized to the left temporal region. Quantitative EEG analyses revealed theta and delta slow activity predominantly affecting the left hemisphere in 16/19 patients with SLE. Taken together, these findings suggest selective involvement of the left hemisphere in patients with diverse neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE.
Video-EEG Monitoring in Respiratory Chain Disorders
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Pelzl Georg , Zartl Max , Unger Elisabeth , Mamoli Bruno
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Subclinical epileptiform activity in patients with respiratory chain disorders (RCDs) has not been previously investigated by video-EEG monitoring. The purpose of this study was to look for the type and frequency of epileptiform activity during a 24h-video-EEG recording in RCD patients. Eleven patients with RCD, 7 women and 4 men, aged 24–72 years, underwent a clinical neurologic examination, blood tests, CT/MRI scans of the brain, routine scalp EEG and continuous video-EEG monitoring over 24 consecutive hours. Ten patients had normal 24h-video-EEG recordings. One of these patients had no CNS involvement; her resting EEGs showed diffuse background slowing. In one patient, automatic spike detection revealed 12 spikes during a 6 hour period. Resting scalp EEG in this patient showed extensive, bilaterally synchronous, pseudoperiodic polyspike-waves. In conclusion, subclinical epileptiform activity could be recorded by 24h-video-EEG monitoring in only 1 of 11 RCD patients. The single patient with subclinical epileptiform activity presented with intermittent myoclonic jerks.
Retinocortical Gain in the Foveal Pathway: The Effect of Spatial Frequency and Stimulus Size
Authors: Mari Z. , Sagliocco L. , Bodis-Wollner I.
Published: September 2014

The amplitude and the phase of the simultaneously recorded steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) were evaluated in humans as a function of the vertical diameter (D) of unidimensional Gabor stimuli. In the other dimension, parallel to the horizontal gratings, the patterns all had constant diameter (see Methods and Materials). Spatial frequencies (SFs) of 1 cycle per degree (cpd) and 5.3 cpd were counterphase modulated at a rate of 6.8 Hz. After off-line artifact rejection, the response was subject to Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). Amplitude and phase of the first and second harmonics of both ERG and VEP were displayed for each SF and stimulus diameter.

Both ERG and VEP amplitude were found to increase as a function of D. Using trend analysis we found that ERG amplitude increased linearly as a function of D. VEP amplitude was found to be both linear and cubic, as a function of D. We calculated the ratio of VEP amplitude and ERG amplitude at each D and termed it retinocortical gain (G). G normalized to stimulus area was high for small D and decreased with D independently of SF. Unity gain occurred at stimulus sizes of 6° to 7°.

ERG phase was found to be more negative at 5.3 cpd than at 1 cpd. Although no significant difference was found between VEP phases at the two SFs tested, neither ERG nor VEP phase changed as a function of D.

The results suggest that retinocortical gain is highest for the foveally centered low spatial frequency small patch Gabors. The results provide support for the notion of the “foveal window” in human vision.
Effects of Stimulus Intensity on Latency and Conduction Time of Short-Latency Somatosensory Evoked Potentials
Authors: Shiga Y. , Yamada T. , Ofuji A. , Fujita Y. , Kawamura T. , Inoue K. , Hada Y. , Yamazaki H. , Cheng M. H. , Yeh M. H.
Published: September 2014

We studied the effect of stimulus intensity on latencies of short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) by measuring both onset and peak latencies individually. The latencies of N9, N13, N20 and N9-N13 peripheral conduction time (PCT) of median nerve (MN) SSEP, and N8, N23, P37 and N8-N23 PCT of tibial nerve (TN) and sural nerve (SN) SSEP significantly shortened with increasing stimulus intensity by onset latency measurement. However, those latencies by peak latency measurement were less significantly shortened or had only a trend of latency shortening without statistical significance. In contrast to PCT, N13-N20 central conduction time (CCT) of MN-SSEP and N23-P37 CCT of TN- or SN-SSEP showed no latency changes with the increased stimulus intensity by both onset and peak latencies measurement. As peak latencies had greater interindividual variability than onset latencies shown by larger standard deviation, shortening of onset latencies were more consistent than that of peak latencies. We think shortening of onset latencies indicates the recruitment of faster conduction fiber along with increased stimulus intensity. As the degree of latency shortening was less if stimulus intensity was above 2.5 times sensory threshold, the stimulus intensity greater than 2.5 times the sensory threshold should be used for clinical application.
Prognostic Value of the Consistency of Lateralizing Ictal Features and Ictal EEG in Patients Undergoing Temporal Lobectomy for Refractory Complex Partial Seizures
Authors: Alsaadi Taoufik , Morris George L. , Mueller Wade M.
Published: September 2014

Purpose: Ictal and postictal clinical manifestations have lateralizing value in the presurgical evaluation of intractable seizures. The consistency and frequency of these signs during seizures and the associated implications for postoperative seizure outcome are unknown.

Methods: The videotaped complex partial seizures of 49 patients with known postoperative outcomes greater than 2 years after temporal lobectomy were blindly reviewed for: (1) unilateral hand posturing (UHP), (2) unilateral hand automatism (UHA), (3) forced and nonforced head turning (HT), and (4) postictal dysphasia (PID). The presence and laterality of each assessable sign were recorded. Data were analyzed as follows: (1) the prevalence of each sign in patients with Engel class 1 and Engel class 2–4, and (2) the postsurgical outcome when the sign was present in more than or less than 50% of the seizures for each patient. We reviewed patients' presurgical work-up, specifically ictal EEG and MRI.

Results: The prevalence of UHP, UHA, HT, and PID was similar for Engel class 1 and Engel class 2–4 patients. Engel class 1 outcome when UHP, UHA, HT, and PID were present for greater than 50% of seizures was no different compared to when these signs were present for less than 50% of seizures. Patients who had concordant ictal EEG and MRI abnormalities had the best postsurgical outcome.

Conclusions: The consistency and frequency of ictal manifestations in the presurgical evaluation of complex partial seizures does not predict seizure outcome. The presence of any specific lateralizing sign need not be present in every complex partial seizure for the sign to hold predictive value. Concordant ictal EEG and MRI abnormalities are still the best predictors of outcome.
The Effects of Donepezil on Quantitative EEG in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Reeves Roy R. , Struve Frederick A. , Patrick Gloria
Published: September 2014

Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor which has been previously shown to affect the cognitive evoked potentials (EPs) of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) during treatment with the drug. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of treatment with donepezil 5 mg daily for 1 month on quantitative EEG (QEEG) in patients with AD. Treatment was associated with no significant differences between the pre- and post-treatment QEEGs for (1) absolute power (all four frequency bands), (2) percent relative power (all four frequency bands), (3) total mean frequency, (4) mean frequency for theta and beta, (5) absolute power asymmetry across homologous electrode pairs (all four frequency bands), and (6) interhemispheric coherence across homologous electrode pairs (all four frequency bands). There were significant decreases in mean alpha and delta frequencies that were consistent across broad electrode arrays except for an increase in the delta frequency at T3. The implications of these changes are not yet clear. Studies of QEEG changes with higher doses of donepezil over longer periods of time may yield a better understanding of the neurophysiological effects of the medication.
Mario Gozzano: The Work of an EEG Pioneer
Authors: Mazza S. , Pavone A. , Niedermeyer E.
Published: September 2014

The study of the early history of electroencephalography can yield fascinating insights and surprises. A revisit to the work of Mario Gozzano (1898–1986) has proved to be particularly stimulating. His EEG study of 1935 is a classic and should be resurrected from the graveyard of history.

Gozzano was an eminent clinical neurologist-epileptologist and chairman of the neurological-psychiatric university departments in Cagliari, Pisa, Bologna and, from 1951 to his retirement, in Rome. He quickly recognized the significance of EEG and produced his major experimental EEG work in the wake of a stay at the Berlin-Buch Brain Institute. His prolonged corticograms of various regions in the rabbit demonstrated striking differences between various cortical areas. Topical cortical strychnine produced spikes (a barely known phenomenon at that time) and the evolution from interictal to ictal spiking. Spikes induced by visual stimuli may be regarded as precursors of evoked potentials.

While Hans Berger was a holist (“the brain working as a whole”), Gozzano (influenced by Vogt and Kornmueller) provided EEG support for the localizationists.
The Relationship between Slow and Sharp Waves (Spikes) and Also Clinical Seizures
Authors: Hughes John R. , Wang C. C.
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the relationship between slow waves and sharp waves (spikes) and also clinical seizures in 255 patients with 694 EEGs over a 25-yr period. Slow waves were quantified into five groups, sharp waves into three groups and clinical seizures also into three groups. In general, as clinical seizures increased, the number of patients with many discharges increased and the number with only rare discharges decreased. Also, as patients became seizure free, there was a decreasing incidence of many sharp waves and an increasing incidence of only rare sharp waves. No relationships could be found in patients with a typical number of discharges or a steady number of seizures. Thus, a relationship between sharp waves and seizures was found mainly when there were changes in these variables. For sharp and slow waves, rare discharges were most often associated with mild slowing, while many discharges were most often related to a marked degree of slow wave abnormality. The combination of slow and sharp waves together, compared with only one type of EEG abnormality, was associated with more clinical neurological symptoms, especially a mental status change. The EEG groups were divided into four types of findings of slow and sharp waves, appearing in at least a first and/or second record. The results from these four EEG groups allow for a prediction of the findings to be found in a second record, based on the results of the first EEG. In general, there was a relationship between more slow waves, more sharp waves and more seizures. Also minimal slowing and rare discharges on the first record tended to disappear in the next EEG.
Time Distribution of Seizures during Long Term Video-EEG Monitoring
Authors: Dericioglu Nese , Karatas Hulya , Geyik Pinar Ozdemir , Albakir Meryem , Saygi Serap
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the duration of monitoring, number of seizures recorded, and date and time of occurrence of seizures in different patient groups during video-EEG monitoring (VEEGM). Patients with partial or psychogenic seizures who were admitted to our VEEGM unit between September 1996 and March 2002 were retrospectively evaluated. Duration of monitoring, date and time of occurrence of seizures were identified in each patient. For practical reasons, a day was divided into 3 equal time periods (period I: 08–16; period II: 16–24 and period III: 24–08 hrs), and the period in which the seizure occurred was noted. Patients were classified in 5 groups: 1 -temporal; 2-frontal; 3-parieto-occipital; 4-psychogenic and 5-unclassified. Duration of monitoring, the number of seizures recorded and time distribution of seizures were identified in each group and compared statistically.

We evaluated 746 seizures in 209 patients. Seizures were more likely to occur in periods I and III in groups 1 (p=0.004) and 5 (p<0.001). In group 4 they were more likely to occur in periods I and II (p<0.001). Duration of monitoring was not statistically different between the groups. However, the number of seizures recorded varied significantly (p=0.006). Patients in group 5 had the greatest number of seizures and were followed by groups 2, 4, 3 and 1, respectively. Groups also differed according to date of seizure occurrence (p<0.001). We conclude that the number of seizures recorded and time distribution of seizures during VEEGM are influenced by the lobe of onset of seizures.
Current Status of the Utilization of Antiepileptic Treatments in Mood, Anxiety and Aggression: Drugs and Devices
Authors: Barry John J. , Lembke Anna , Bullock Kim D.
Published: September 2014

Interventions that have been utilized to control seizures in people with epilepsy have been employed by the psychiatric community to treat a variety of disorders. The purpose of this review will be to give an overview of the most prominent uses of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and devices like the Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of psychiatric disease states. By far, the most prevalent use of these interventions is in the treatment of mood disorders. AEDs have become a mainstay in the effective treatment of Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of valproic acid for acute mania, and lamotrigine for BAD maintenance therapy. AEDs are also effectively employed in the treatment of anxiety and aggressive disorders. Finally, VNS and TMS are emerging as possibly useful tools in the treatment of more refractory depressive illness.
Shared Mechanisms of Antidepressant and Antiepileptic Treatments: Drugs and Devices
Authors: Jobe Phillip C.
Published: September 2014

Many treatments for the epilepsies and affective disorder share the properties of seizure suppression and mood stabilization. Moreover, affective disorders and the epilepsies appear to share partially similar pathogenic mechanisms. A component of the shared predisposition appears to arise from noradrenergic and serotonergic deficits. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that noradrenergic and/or serotonergic elevation is a mechanism of therapeutic benefit shared by most antidepressants and many antiepileptic medications. Medication induced alterations in GABAergic, glutamatergic, and CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone) containing neurons may also contribute to the shared therapeutic properties of antidepressant and antiepileptic medications.
Epilepsy and Depression: Imaging Potential Common Factors
Authors: Theodore William H.
Published: September 2014

Patients with seizure disorders have an increased incidence of depression. This may be due in part to psychosocial factors, or side effects of antiepileptic drugs. However, there may be underlying physiologic mechanisms for the relationship. Neuroimaging studies, including structural magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography measurements of cerebral glucose metabolism, and, more recently, imaging of serotonin 1A receptors, may provide additional data to explain overlapping clinical manifestations of epilepsy and depression.
Quantitative EEG Findings of a Temporal Lobe Abnormality Not Detected by Magnetic Resonance or SPECT Imaging in a Patient with Dementia
Authors: Reeves Roy R. , Struve Frederick A. , Brannon Guy E. , Pinkofsky Harold B.
Published: September 2014

The last three decades have seen significant advances in structural neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These seem to have surpassed EEG as modalities for the identification of focal CNS lesions. Reported here is the case of a patient with a temporal lobe lesion not evident with magnetic resonance imaging or single photon emission computerized tomography but detected by EEG and positron emission tomography. EEG, particularly quantitative EEG, remains a valuable tool for the demonstration of the degree of dysfunctional changes associated with a cerebral lesion.
Somatosensory Evoked Potential and EEG in Children with Focal Idiopathic Epilepsies with and without Evoked Spikes by Tapping of the Feet or Hands
Authors: Tedrus Gloria Maria A. S. , Fonseca Lineu Corrêa , Quagliato Elizabeth Maria A. B.
Published: September 2014

The characteristics of SEP cortical components were studied in 40 children with focal idiopathic epilepsies of childhood. Twenty children had focal idiopathic epilepsies and evoked spikes (FIE-ES) on the EEG and 20 had benign focal epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes (CTE) but without evoked spikes (ES). These data were compared with those of a control group of 20 normal children.

N35 high-amplitude component was more frequent in the CTE group than in the control group (p<0.001). P98 showed high amplitude in 50% of the children of FIE-ES group, and in none of the CTE and control groups (p<0.001). The P98 high amplitude component was more common in the FIE-ES group than in the other groups, and so was the N35 high amplitude component in the CTE group. Lateralization of high-amplitude components of N35 in the CTE group and of P98 in FIE group was not correlated with lateralization of epileptiform activity and evoked spikes.

Based on our findings, there are SEPs cortical component differences in childhood focal idiopathic epilepsies according to occurrence or absence of ES.
Epileptiform EEG Spikes and Their Functional Significance
Authors: Gorji Ali , Speckmann Erwin-Josef
Published: September 2014

Field potentials detected in the space surrounding cellular elements of the nervous system are essential in the diagnosis of epileptic seizures. This article describes the elementary mechanisms underlying the generation of field potentials and the special functional conditions leading to epileptiform field potentials. Primary transmembranous currents generate secondary ional currents along the cell membranes in intra- and extracellular compartments. The portion of these currents that flows through the brain tissue to the cortical surface can be detected as field potentials. A high synchronization of these field potentials is needed to induce brain signals. Field potentials recorded during epileptic activity are based on alterations in neuronal membrane potentials. Paroxysmal depolarization shift has proved to be characteristic in the epileptiform activity of individual neurons. Epileptiform field potentials are generated in functionally different structures with different elementary mechanisms. In focal convulsive activity limited to the cortex, the surface potential does not necessarily reflect the bioelectrical events in deeper cortical laminae and can be interrupted in different ways. The discrepancy between superficial EEG potentials and neocortical output may be the basis for dissociation between EEG signals and clinical signs.