bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Aggregated System for Classifying Causes of Drug-Related Problems
Authors: Basger Benjamin J. , Moles Rebekah J. , Chen Timothy F.
Published: January 2015

Background: More than 20 different types of classification systems for drug-related problems (DRPs) and their causes have been developed. Classification is necessary to describe and assess clinical, organizational, and economic impacts of DRPs through documentation of collected data. However, many researchers have judged classification systems incomplete when describing their data, and have modified them or developed their own. This variability between systems has made study comparisons difficult. Objectives: To perform a category-by-category comparison of the content of selected DRP classification systems to construct an aggregated cause-of-DRP classification system containing the content of all systems. Method: DRP classification systems were identified after a literature review, with 7 chosen based on their use in varied health care settings, geographical diversity, frequency of use, and method of development. These systems were critically analyzed, and the content of each category was compared and aggregated where appropriate. A hierarchy of categories was constructed to include all content from all systems. Any modifications that previous studies may have made to the 7 systems were also cross-referenced to ensure that no concepts were missing from the newly aggregated system. Clinical examples to optimize application, and instructions for when or when not to use categories, were developed. Interrater agreement for classification of the causes of DRPs from 10 medication reviews was performed between 3 clinical pharmacists and the authors’ gold standard. Results: We found variation in developmental methods, category descriptions, number and types of categories, and validation methods between the 7 selected systems, together with intermingling of categories identified as causes of DRPs with DRPs themselves. A hierarchical classification system was constructed consisting of 9 cause-of-DRP categories, 33 subcategories, and 58 sub-subcategories, for which interrater agreements were 82.5%, 74.6%, and 58.8%, respectively. Conclusion: An aggregated classification system was constructed through a unique and transparent developmental process that may provide the most comprehensive description of causes of DRPs to date. This may facilitate teaching of pharmaceutical care, comparisons of clinical practice, and measurement of the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care interventions.
Liposomal Bupivacaine in Forefoot Surgery
Authors: Robbins Justin , Green Cynthia L. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: January 2015

Background:

Liposomal bupivacaine is increasingly being utilized in attempts to provide prolonged local analgesia in the immediate postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reduction in opioid consumption as well as postoperative pain scores in the postoperative period when liposomal bupivacaine is used at the conclusion of forefoot surgery.

Methods:

This was a prospective therapeutic cohort study with 20 patients receiving liposomal bupivacaine at the conclusion of their forefoot procedure in addition to our routine multimodal analgesic protocol and 20 patients as the control without the addition of liposomal bupivacaine. Pain scores, number of narcotic pills consumed on postoperative days 1 through 4, need for refill, time to first refill and wound complications were evaluated.

Results:

Mean number of narcotic pills consumed on postoperative day 1 (1.4 vs 3.6, P = .002) and day 2 (1.8 vs 3.6, P = .021) was significantly lower for the liposomal bupivacaine group than the control group. Daily pain scores were lower for those patients who received liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative days 1 through 4, although this was not statistically significant. Fewer patients required medication refills in the liposomal bupivacaine group compared to the control group, however this was not statistically significant (3 vs 7, P = .273). There was no increase in wound complications in the liposomal bupivacaine group when compared to the control (1 vs 4).

Conclusion:

Liposomal bupivacaine appears to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of postoperative pain when used as a part of a multimodal analgesic regimen in patients undergoing forefoot surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Validating the Accuracy of Reaction Time Assessment on Computer-Based Tablet Devices
Authors: Schatz Philip , Ybarra Vincent , Leitner Donald
Published: January 2015

Computer-based assessment has evolved to tablet-based devices. Despite the availability of tablets and “apps,” there is limited research validating their use. We documented timing delays between stimulus presentation and (simulated) touch response on iOS devices (3rd- and 4th-generation Apple iPads) and Android devices (Kindle Fire, Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy) at response intervals of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 milliseconds (ms). Results showed significantly greater timing error on Google Nexus and Samsung tablets (81–97 ms), than Kindle Fire and Apple iPads (27–33 ms). Within Apple devices, iOS 7 obtained significantly lower timing error than iOS 6. Simple reaction time (RT) trials (250 ms) on tablet devices represent 12% to 40% error (30–100 ms), depending on the device, which decreases considerably for choice RT trials (3–5% error at 1,000 ms). Results raise implications for using the same device for serial clinical assessment of RT using tablets, as well as the need for calibration of software and hardware.
Fixing the Problem With Empathy
Authors: Vachon David D. , Lynam Donald R.
Published: January 2015

Low empathy is a criterion for most externalizing disorders, and empathy training is a regular component of treatment for aggressive people, from school bullies to sex offenders. However, recent meta-analytic evidence suggests that current measures of empathy explain only 1% of the variance in aggressive behavior. A new assessment of empathy was developed to more fully represent the empathy construct and better predict important outcomes—particularly aggressive behavior and externalizing psychopathology. Across three independent samples ( N = 210-708), the 36-item Affective and Cognitive measure of Empathy (ACME) was internally consistent, structurally reliable, and invariant across sex. The ACME bore significant associations to important outcomes, which were incremental relative to other measures of empathy and generalizable across sex. Importantly, the affective scales of the ACME—particularly a new “Affective Dissonance” scale—yielded moderate to strong associations with aggressive behavior and externalizing disorders. The ACME is a short, reliable, and useful measure of empathy.
Psychometric Comparison of Self- and Informant-Reports of Personality
Authors: Olino Thomas M. , Klein Daniel N.
Published: January 2015

Self-reports are the most relied on assessment method in psychology. In the area of personality, informant-reports are a reasonable alternative assessment strategy. However, agreement between self- and informant-reports of personality is only moderately good. A portion of the observed discrepancies between self- and informant-reports of personality may come from differences in psychometric measurement across raters. That is, it is unknown whether the constructs assessed via self- and informant-reports are psychometrically identical. We examined four key personality scales—Well-Being, Social Closeness, Stress Reaction, and Harm Avoidance—in male and female dyads who provided self- and informant-reports for their partner. Similarities in self- and informant-reports of personality were evaluated by testing measurement invariance. Overall, models supported configural, metric, and scalar invariance for each of the four personality dimensions. These results suggest that the same psychometric constructs are assessed via self- and informant-reports of these personality dimensions. Informant-reports can be used in studies to avoid biases from relying solely on self-reports.
Latent Constructs of the Static-99R and Static-2002R
Authors: Brouillette-Alarie Sébastien , Babchishin Kelly M. , Hanson R. Karl , Helmus Leslie-Maaike
Published: January 2015

The most commonly used risk assessment tools for predicting sexual violence focus almost exclusively on static, historical factors (e.g., characteristics of prior offences). Consequently, they are assumed to be unable to directly inform the selection of treatment targets or evaluate change. In this article, we argue that this limitation can be mitigated by using latent variable models as a framework to link historical risk factors to the psychological characteristics of offenders. Accordingly, we conducted a factor analysis of the 13 nonredundant items from the two most commonly used risk tools for sexual offenders (Static-99R and Static-2002R) to identify the psychological information contained in these tools. Three factors were identified: (a) persistence/paraphilia, a construct related to sexual criminality, especially of the pedophilic type; (b) youthful stranger aggression, a construct centered on young age and offence seriousness; and (c) general criminality, a construct that reflected the diversity and magnitude of criminal careers. These constructs predicted sexual recidivism with similar accuracy, but only youthful stranger aggression and general criminality predicted nonsexual recidivism. These results indicate that risk tools for sexual violence are multidimensional, and support a shift from a focus on atheoretical risk markers to the assessment of psychologically meaningful constructs.
Effects of Dantrolene Treatment on Ventricular Electrophysiology and Arrhythmogenesis in Rats With Chronic β-Adrenergic Receptor Activation
Authors: Liu Tao , Shi Shao-bo , Qin Mu , Huang Cong-xin
Published: January 2015

Dantrolene, which is primarily used to treat malignant hyperthermia, has recently been suggested for the prevention of arrhythmogenesis in various animal models. In this study, the effects of dantrolene treatment on electrophysiological properties and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in rats with chronic β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation were investigated. Rats were randomized to treatment with saline (control group), isoproterenol (ISO; ISO group), or ISO + dantrolene (ID group) for 2 weeks. An electrophysiological study was performed to assess action potential duration restitution (APDR) and induce action potential duration (APD) alternans or VA in vitro. The protein levels of Cav1.2, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a), and ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) were detected by Western blot. Compared with the control group, chronic administration of ISO significantly increased APD, the maximum slope (Smax) of APDR curve, and the spatial dispersions of Smax and APD (all P < .01), and all effects were attenuated by dantrolene treatment (all P < .05). Additionally, chronic ISO administration significantly reduced the protein levels of SERCA2 and RyR2, but increased the Cav1.2 protein expression (all P < .05). However, compared with the ISO group, dantrolene treatment preserved SERCA2a and RyR2 protein levels and decreased Cav1.2 protein levels in the ID group (all P < .05). The intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels measured by incubating isolated cardiomyocytes with Fluo-3/alveolar macrophages were significantly increased in the ISO group compared with the control group ( P < .01). Dantrolene treatment markedly reduced the rise of [Ca2+]i levels caused by chronic administration of ISO ( P < .05). Dantrolene treatment also prevented the reductions in the APD alternans and VA thresholds induced by chronic ISO stimulation (all P < .05). These data suggest that dantrolene stabilizes ventricular electrophysiological characteristics and increases the expression of key sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling proteins to reduce vulnerability to VA in rats with chronic β-AR activation.
Predicting the Need for Upfront Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Bajwa Abubakr A. , Qureshi Tauseef , Shujaat Adil , Seeram Vandana , Jones Lisa M. , Al-Saffar Farah , Cury James D.
Published: January 2015

Background:

Combination therapy is commonly used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. We aimed to identify factors that may predict the need for future combination therapy.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with PAH in an aim to describe baseline clinical, echocardiogram, and hemodynamic characteristics of patients who eventually required combination therapy during the course of their disease and compared them to the ones who were maintained on monotherapy.

Results:

The monotherapy group was followed for an average of 31.8 ± 18.8 months and the combination therapy group was followed for an average of 28.7 ± 13.6 months. Among the 71 patients analyzed, a significantly higher number of patients who eventually required combination therapy belonged to World Health Organization functional class 3 (45% vs 37%) and 4 (23% vs 0) at baseline, compared with those on monotherapy ( P < .05). Combination group also had a higher Registry to Evaluate Early And Long-term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) PAH risk score at presentation. End of 6-minute walk test (6MWT), oxygen saturation (Spo2) was also lower in the combination therapy group, 86% ± 8% versus 91% ± 7% ( P < .05). Patients who eventually required combination therapy were more frequently noticed to have right ventricular enlargement, right atrial enlargement, and had a higher resting estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Right heart catheterization-derived hemodynamics data at baseline showed that the combination therapy group had a higher mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, lower pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, lower cardiac output, and higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). On univariate analysis, only PVR ≥300 dyne·s/cm5, mean PA pressure of ≥40 mm Hg, estimated RVSP ≥ 60 mm Hg, PAH risk score ≥ 10, and end of 6MWT saturation of ≤ 90% were of significance.

Conclusion:

Patients with PAH who require combination therapy in the course of their disease have worse hemodynamics, PAH risk score, functional class, and end of 6MWT oxygen saturation at the time of presentation compared to patients maintained on monotherapy.
Blind source separation for vibration-based diagnostics of rotorcraft bearings
Authors: Haile Mulugeta A , Dykas Brian
Published: January 2015

The vibration signals from sensors monitoring the activity of individual bearings in a power train unit may be linear instantaneous mixtures of vibrations generated by various dynamic components. Generally, an exact physical model describing the mixing process and the contribution of each dynamic component to the received sensor signal is not available. Vibration source signals from defective bearings often overlap in time and frequency, and, as such, the direct use of time- and frequency-domain methods may result in erroneous diagnostic information. This paper implements blind source separation (BSS) to demix sensor signals into correctly identifiable vibration source signals without the need of the vibration path property and sensor layout. Experimental vibration data from spalled, corroded, and healthy rotorcraft bearings are used with five representative BSS algorithms. The separation accuracy of these algorithms is then compared using various performance metrics. Results show that despite the inherent statistical dependence and near Gaussianity, it is possible to isolate vibration sources from mixed sensor signals using second- and higher-order statistics of the signals. The paper also identifies the limitations of the BSS technique and provides a remedy and recommendation for its implementation in rotorcraft bearing fault detection.
Numerical modeling of dynamic behavior of annular tuned liquid dampers for the application in wind towers under seismic loading
Authors: Ghaemmaghami Amir Reza , Kianoush Reza , Mercan Oya
Published: January 2015

In this study, an innovative technique is introduced for application of annular tuned liquid dampers (ATLD) in wind turbines subjected to seismic ground motions. The performance of ATLD in mitigating the vibration of wind turbines is investigated using numerical simulations. The wind tower is modeled using finite element method while the fluid domain is simulated by finite volume method. The numerical study considers the dynamic behavior of ATLD under different seismic records. Also, the effects of earthquake amplitude and frequency content, structural damping and detuning on the interaction between the tower and ATLD are investigated. The results of time-history analysis show that the ATLD is effective in mitigating the response of a wind turbine when subjected to large-amplitude seismic loading. The wind tower equipped with the proposed ATLD also behaves in the elastic range of response during the considered earthquake records which is critical for the integrity and safety of these structures.
Save the child: Photographed faces and affective transactions in NGO child sponsoring programs
Authors: Zarzycka Marta
Published: January 2015

The face of a child in need is a visual trope that is at the forefront of the politics of spectacle in emergency news and aid initiatives. Images of children’s faces work on both affective and ethical levels, appealing to compassion and to a discourse of universal human rights. Acknowledging both the cultural fascination with and distrust of images of children, this article focuses on the strategies of persuasion used by an international NGO Save the Children in their child sponsoring campaign. Identifying the ways that both NGO guidelines and strategies shape the way the image is composed and framed, and engaging with the concepts of ‘sponsoring,’ ‘saving,’ and ‘parenting,’ the article follows how the campaign configures financial help as an affective, rather than economic, relationship between the donor and the beneficiary.
The content, format and timing of a preparation for childhood hospitalization booklet
Authors: Gordon Bronwyn K , Crisp Jackie
Published: January 2015

The experience of childhood hospitalization may be improved by appropriate preparation. As part of a larger project to improve preparation practices for children and their families, a group of health-care professionals investigated the content, format and timing of a pre-existing preparation booklet for a particular procedure. This article analyses the evaluation of the preparation booklet that led to a finding that collaboration among health-care professionals enables improved practice and shared professional power and responsibility.
Evaluation of perceived service quality provided by tourism establishments in Egypt
Authors: Attallah Nashwa F
Published: January 2015

The tourism industry has recently become one of the most important components of developing economies and a main contributor toward their growth. As a multidimensional industry, it consists of several sectors including accommodation, transport, attractions, etc. Hence, the tourism product represents a complex of tangible and intangible elements, which are mutually, spatially and functionally integrated as a whole, apparent as a range of services arising from the needs, desires and demands of tourists. Recently, the fierce competitive business environment worldwide has made quality one of the most important sources of competitive advantage for tourism enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of international tourists concerning the service quality provided by three of the main tourism establishments in Egypt, including airlines, hotels and travel agencies, depending on the Service-Performance model. There were two main findings in this exploration. First, tourists had in general good perceptions as regards the services provided by the tourism establishments investigated; and hence, they were overall satisfied with their quality. However, there are some weak aspects that need improvement. Second, the five dimensions of the Service-Performance model had a significant effect on tourists’ overall satisfaction.
Laughter, non-seriousness and transitions in social research interview transcripts
Authors: Myers Greg , Lampropoulou Sofia
Published: January 2015

Laughter is the most frequently transcribed paralinguistic feature in social research interview transcripts, occurring even where the transcriber gives no other indication of how words were said. It is thus a useful starting point for reconstructing aspects of interaction from the traces in standard social science research transcripts. First, we examine the practices of a transcriber in recording laughter by comparing transcripts from one project to the audio recordings. We then analyse the placement of these tokens in transcripts from other projects, considering their relation to the immediately preceding and following talk, drawing on Wallace Chafe’s (2007) interpretation of laughter as the expression of a feeling of ‘non-seriousness’. The laughter marks a transition away from and back to a serious frame. We argue that attention to the recording of laughter as a variable transcription practice can draw the attention of researchers using standard orthographic transcripts to interviewees’ orientations to topics and to the interview process itself.
Agarra el momento/seize the moment: Developing communication activities for a drug prevention intervention with and for Latino families in the US Southwest
Authors: Ayón Cecilia , Baldwin Adrienne , Umaña-Taylor Adriana J , Marsiglia Flavio F , Harthun Mary
Published: January 2015

This article presents the development of parent–child communication activities by applying Community-Based Participatory Research and focus group methodology. Three parent–child communication activities were developed to enhance an already efficacious parenting intervention: (1) agarra el momento or seize the moment uses everyday situations to initiate conversations about substance use, (2) hay que adelantarnos or better sooner than later stresses being proactive about addressing critical issues with youth, and (3) setting rules and expectations engages parents in establishing rules and expectations for healthy and effective conversations with youth. Focus group data are presented to illustrate how thematic content from the focus groups was used to inform the development of the activities and, furthermore, how such methods supported the development of a culturally grounded intervention.
Development of an artificial neural network for source localization using a fiber optic acoustic emission sensor array
Authors: Fu Tao , Zhang Zhichun , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: January 2015

An intelligent algorithm was developed based on backpropagation artificial neural network for the acoustic emission source localization. The established and trained methods of the algorithm were stated with the time difference of arrival detected by a fiber optic acoustic emission sensor array and the coordinates of acoustic emission source. The response characteristic of fiber optic acoustic emission sensor was calibrated with the commercial piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) acoustic emission sensor, which provided that the fiber optic acoustic emission sensor was better suited to detect the low frequency of stress wave than the PZT sensor. Four fiber optic acoustic emission sensors were deployed in a square array in an aluminum plate for comparisons between different algorithms of source localization. Comparison results of acoustic emission source location provided that the intelligent algorithm improved the accuracy by reducing the nonlinear errors. For the anisotropic materials, a sensor array deployed in a diamond pattern was adopted. The velocities of stress waves in orthogonal directions were measured as the basic performance for both algorithms of source localization. Four sensors were integrated into a carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plate as a perfect structure for locating the acoustic emission source impacting on its surface. The experiment results provide that the maximum error is only 6.3 mm using the intelligent algorithm.
Bridging the Gap
Authors: Rodriguez Megan I. , Wackerle-Hollman Alisha K.
Published: January 2015

The Individual Growth and Development Indicator (IGDI): Which One Doesn’t Belong (WODB) task is an early comprehension screening assessment designed for use in pre-Kindergarten multi-tiered systems of support. This article summarizes the purpose, procedures, and evidence base currently available in the literature to support the WODB task. Example items and validity claims are reviewed.
Placebo-Controlled Trial of Familiar Auditory Sensory Training for Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pape Theresa Louise-Bender , Rosenow Joshua M. , Steiner Monica , Parrish Todd , Guernon Ann , Harton Brett , Patil Vijaya , Bhaumik Dulal K. , McNamee Shane , Walker Matthew , Froehlich Kathleen , Burress Catherine , Odle Cheryl , Wang Xue , Herrold Amy A. , Zhao Weihan , Reda Domenic , Mallinson Trudy , Conneely Mark , Nemeth Alexander J.
Published: January 2015

Background. Sensory stimulation is often provided to persons incurring severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but therapeutic effects are unclear. Objective. This preliminary study investigated neurobehavioral and neurophysiological effects related to sensory stimulation on global neurobehavioral functioning, arousal, and awareness. Methods. A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial where 15 participants in states of disordered consciousness (DOC), an average of 70 days after TBI, were provided either the Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST) or Placebo of silence. Global neurobehavioral functioning was measured with the Disorders of Consciousness Scale (DOCS). Arousal and awareness were measured with the Coma-Near-Coma (CNC) scale. Neurophysiological effect was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results. FAST (n = 8) and Placebo (n = 7) groups each showed neurobehavioral improvement. Mean DOCS change (FAST = 13.5, SD = 8.2; Placebo = 18.9, SD = 15.6) was not different, but FAST patients had significantly ( P = .049; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.51, −.005) more CNC gains (FAST = 1.01, SD = 0.60; Placebo = 0.25, SD = 0.70). Mixed-effects models confirm CNC findings ( P = .002). Treatment effect, based on CNC, is large ( d = 1.88, 95% CI = 0.77, 3.00). Number needed to treat is 2. FAST patients had more fMRI activation in language regions and whole brain ( P values <.05) resembling healthy controls’ activation. Conclusions. For persons with DOC 29 to 170 days after TBI, FAST resulted in CNC gains and increased neural responsivity to vocal stimuli in language regions. Clinicians should consider providing the FAST to support patient engagement in neurorehabilitation.
Does Action Observation Training With Immediate Physical Practice Improve Hemiparetic Upper-Limb Function in Chronic Stroke?
Authors: Sugg Kita , Müller Sean , Winstein Carolee , Hathorn David , Dempsey Alasdair
Published: January 2015

Background. The mirror neuron network provides a neural mechanism to prime the motor system through action observation in stroke survivors. Objective. To examine whether action observation training with immediate physical practice improves upper-limb function in chronic stroke. Methods. In a within-subject design, 14 chronic stroke survivors were assessed at baseline, then participated in 2 weeks of relaxation-sham plus physical practice (control) and reassessed. Thereafter, they participated in 2 weeks of action observation training coupled with immediate physical practice (intervention), followed by a final assessment. Duration of each action observation video sequence (priming exposure) was 30 s followed immediately by practice of the observed motor skill. Results. There were significant improvements in control and intervention phases on primary outcome measures—Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA) and Functional Test of the Hemiparetic Upper Extremity (FTHUE)—as well as secondary outcome measures of self-perceptions of arm use. Gains in the primary outcomes were greater during the intervention phase (action observation + physical practice; FMA, 10.64; FTHUE level, 0.79, and tasks, 1.57) than during the control phase (relaxation-sham plus physical practice; FMA, 6.64; FTHUE level, 0.43, and tasks, 1.00). Interviews with participants highlighted the added value of watching an actor perform the movement before physically attempting to perform the action. Conclusions. This study provides preliminary evidence of the additive value of action observation plus physical practice over relaxation-sham plus physical practice. There appears to be capacity for further recovery of upper-limb function in chronic stroke that persists at least in the short term.
Corticopontocerebellar Connectivity Disruption in Congenital Hemiplegia
Authors: Fiori Simona , Pannek Kerstin , Pasquariello Rosa , Ware Robert S. , Cioni Giovanni , Rose Stephen E. , Boyd Roslyn N. , Guzzetta Andrea
Published: January 2015

Background. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis is the disruption of functional connectivity between cerebrum and cerebellum after hemispheric unilateral brain lesions. In adults and to a lesser extent in children, crossed cerebellar diaschisis has been largely investigated by functional connectivity and demonstrated to influence paretic hand function. Objective. We aim to demonstrate a disruption in structural corticopontocerebellar (CPC) connectivity in children with congenital brain lesions and examine its correlation with paretic hand motor function. Methods. Thirty-six children (Manual Ability Classification System: I, n = 21; II, n = 15) with unilateral brain lesions and 18 controls were analyzed in a case-control study, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at 3T. High angular resolution diffusion imaging probabilistic tractography was employed for the region of interest–based reconstruction of CPC tracts. To identify statistical differences in structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity between case and control groups, an asymmetry index based on the number of streamlines of CPC tracts was used. In the case group, the correlation between asymmetry index and hand function measures was also determined. Results. Projections through the middle cerebellar peduncle to the contralateral cerebral cortex showed greater asymmetry in children with congenital unilateral brain lesion compared to controls ( P = .03), thus indicating a disruption of structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity. The degree of asymmetry index showed a correlation ( P < .03; r = −0.31) with impaired hand abilities in bimanual tasks. Conclusions. Disruption of structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity is present in patients with congenital unilateral brain injury and might be related to impaired hand function in bimanual skills, with potential implication in tailoring early intervention strategies.
Neurovascular compromise due to true brachial artery aneurysm at the site of a previously ligated arteriovenous fistula: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Cleveland Emily C , Sinno Sammy , Sheth Sharvil , Sharma Sheel , Mussa Firas F
Published: January 2015

True arterial aneurysms of the upper extremity are rare. The case described is that of a 48-year-old man presenting with median neuropathy and distal vascular compromise 4 years after ligation of a brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula. We describe our approach and present a review of the relevant literature.
Understanding the effects of decompaction maintenance on the infill state and play performance of third-generation artificial grass pitches
Authors: Fleming Paul R , Forrester Stephanie E , McLaren Nicholas J
Published: January 2015

Third generation artificial grass pitches have been observed to get harder over time. The maintenance technique of rubber infill decompaction is intended to help slow, or reverse, this process. At present, little is understood about either the science of the infill compaction process or the efficacy of decompaction maintenance. The objective of this study was to measure the changes in rubber infill net bulk density, force reduction (impact absorption) and vertical ball rebound under various levels of compactive effort in controlled laboratory-based testing. The assessments were repeated after the systems had been raked to simulate the decompaction maintenance techniques. These tests defined the limits of compaction (loose to maximally compacted) in terms of the change in rubber infill net bulk density, force reduction and vertical ball rebound. Site testing was also undertaken at four third generation pitches immediately pre and post decompaction, to determine the measurable effects in the less well controlled field environment. Rubber infill net bulk density was found to increase as compactive effort increased, resulting in increased hardness. Decompacting the surface was found to approximately fully reverse these effects. In comparison, the site measurements demonstrated similar but notably smaller magnitudes of change following the decompaction process suggesting that the field state pre and post decompaction did not reach the extremes obtained in the laboratory. The findings suggest that rubber infill net bulk density is an important parameter influencing the hardness of artificial grass and that decompactions can be an effective method to reverse compaction related hardness changes.
Recent Topics in Chemical and Clinical Research on Glycated Albumin
Authors: Ueda Yuki , Matsumoto Hideyuki
Published: January 2015

The measuring method for glycated albumin (GA) has been developed as a new glycemic control marker since the beginning of the 21st century. Since GA has an advantage in reflecting glycemic status over a shorter period than hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), much research and many reviews have been reported. However, so far there have been few reports on glycation sites based on the tertiary structure of human serum albumin (HSA) and the comparison of glycation rates between GA and HbA1c in detail. The present review discusses how the glycation sites of lysine residues in HSA are modified with glucose, whereas the glycation sites of lysine residues are located inside of HSA as well as the direct comparison of glycation rates between GA and HbA1c using human blood. Moreover, the most recent clinical researches on GA are described.
Device Connectivity
Authors: Walsh John , Roberts Ruth , Morris Richard , Heinemann Lutz
Published: January 2015

Patients with diabetes have to take numerous factors/data into their therapeutic decisions in daily life. Connecting the devices they are using by feeding the data generated into a database/app is supposed to help patients to optimize their glycemic control. As this is not established in practice, the different roadblocks have to be discussed to open the road. That large telecommunication companies are now entering this market might be a big help in pushing this forward. Smartphones offer an ideal platform for connectivity solutions.
Déjà Vu? An Updated Analysis of the Gender Wage Gap in the U.S. Hospitality Sector
Authors: Fleming Susan S.
Published: January 2015

Drawing on a random sample of 112,990 people working in the U.S. hospitality sector in 2010, this study found strong evidence that there remains a significant difference in the income of women and men working in the industry, even after accounting for likely explanations such as differences in educational attainment and hours worked, as well as structural forms of discrimination such as occupational crowding. Across the entire hospitality industry, after controlling for these factors, being a woman was associated with a loss of income of $620, relative to a mean income of $11,271 per year. For the food service sector, being a woman cost $542 relative to a mean income of $9,339, and for the lodging sector, the gender penalty was $2,368, compared with a mean income of $17,783. However, managers faced the most severe penalties, as being a woman cost $6,617 compared with a mean income of $30,577 (21.6%). This study echoed findings of a study that used 1989 data, which also found that women were paid substantially less than men across the entire industry. While the 2010 study data showed at least some progress toward wage equality, the wage difference remains noticeable despite the advancement of women in professional and executive positions in the United States in general, and specifically within the hospitality industry.
Trends in hospital admissions for Varicella and Zoster viruses in England, 2001/2002–2010/2011: time trend study
Authors: Abdalrahman Bayad , Laverty Anthony A , Beckett Gail , Majeed Azeem
Published: January 2015

Summary

Objectives

Varicella and Herpes Zoster are common infectious diseases. Various studies have estimated rates of infection for both manifestations of these infections; however rates of hospital admissions across the country have not previously been described. This paper presents data on hospital admissions in England for Varicella and Herpes Zoster from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011.

Design

Time trends study of all hospital admissions for Varicella and Herpes Zoster from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011 in England.

Setting

Hospital admissions across England from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011.

Participants

We included all patients admitted to hospital from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011 diagnosed with Varicella and Zoster according to the International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10).

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measures were admission rates by year and diagnosis and age-specific admission rates for Varicella and Zoster from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011.

Methods

We analysed data from Hospital Episode Statistics which include patient characteristics such as age which was used here in order to standardise rates to the relevant population. We also used mid-year population estimates from the Office for National Statistics for standardisation purposes. All analyses were conducted using Stata v12.0.

Results

The hospital admission rate for Varicella cases has risen by 1.8% over the 10-year study period. While the overall admission rates for Herpes Zoster have decreased by 4% from 2001/2002 levels. The vast majority of Varicella and Zoster admissions were not associated with any complications.

Conclusion

The introduction of Herpes Zoster vaccine is anticipated to decrease hospital admissions in older age groups further. A repeat of this study after a further period of time would help to evaluate the impact of the introduction of Herpes Zoster vaccine in England on hospital admissions.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Thyphonium flagelliforme (Lodd) Blume in Rats Induced by Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Nurrochmad Arief , Ikawati Muthi , Sari Ika Puspita , Murwanti Retno , Nugroho Agung Endro
Published: January 2015

The present study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory effect of ethanolic extract of Typhonium flagelliforme (Lodd) Blume in cyclophosphamide-treated rats. The immunomodulatory effects were determined by lymphocytes proliferation, phagocytic activity of macrophages, plasma cytokines of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α, interleukin-10 levels, and killer T cells (CD8+ T cells) counts. The results showed that the administration of ethanolic extract of T flagelliforme reduced immunosupessive effect on lymphocyte proliferation, increase the number and phagocytic activity of macrophages in cyclophosphamide-treated rats. Moreover, the ethanolic extract of T flagelliforme also significantly ( P < .05) improved the immune system activities especially the proliferation of CD8+T cells and reduced the suppressive effects on cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1α. In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of T flagelliforme has immunomodulatory properties in cyclophosphamide-treated rats. The results suggest that T flagelliforme can reduce immunosuppresive effect caused by a chemotherapeutic agent.
Identifying Effective Medicinal Plants for Cold in Lorestan Province, West of Iran
Authors: Delfan Bahram , Kazemeini Hamidreza , Bahmani Mahmoud
Published: January 2015

Cold is a kind of mild and self-limiting viral illness that is considered as a prevalent disease with global occurrence and is caused by more than 200 types of viruses. Ethnobotanical studies and the use traditional experiences have increased the probability of detecting effective medicinal substances for cold by 40%. This study aimed to identify effective medicinal plants for cold in Lorestan province. Traditional medical information of this work was obtained from information from indigenous people in 8 cities of Lorestan province. A previously prepared questionnaire was given to trained health liaisons to record the people’s beliefs about the plants. The results showed that 23 medicinal plants were used in Lorestan province for treating cold and its symptoms (cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, etc). Plants studied in this article contained bioactive substances that are recommended as the most popular traditional treatments. More research studies should be done on the efficacy and the potential harms of medicinal plants used by people, and in the case of their positive pharmacological impacts, they can be used to produce natural and effective drugs for cold.
Documentation of Prescriptions and Clinical Outcomes in a Homeopathic Hospital Setting in West Bengal, India
Authors: Saha Subhranil , Koley Munmun , Ghosh Shubhamoy , Giri Mohan , Das Asim , Goenka Rachna
Published: January 2015

Documentation of prescriptions and clinical outcomes in routine homeopathic practice is a prerequisite for conducting targeted research in homeopathy. Six homeopathic physicians participated in methodical data collection over a 3-month period in 6 outpatient departments of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India. A specifically designed Microsoft Excel spreadsheet enabled recording of consecutive appointments—date, patient identity, medical condition/complaint, whether chronic/acute, new/follow-up case, patient-assessed outcome (7-point Likert-type scale: −3 to +3), prescribed homeopathic medication, and whether other medication/s being taken for the condition. Spreadsheets were submitted monthly for data synthesis and analysis. A total of 1972 patients’ follow-up generated data of 2905 appointments, of which 2272 (78.2%) were positive, 183 (6.3%) negative, and 450 (15.5%) showed no change. Strongly positive outcomes (scores of +2/+3) were recorded in osteoarthritis, piles, cough, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, chronic suppurative otitis media, and conjunctivitis. This systematic recording short-listed promising areas of future homeopathic research.
Promoting Continuing Legal Education: A Step towards Implementing the Second Generation Legal Reforms for Creating Competent Lawyers in the New Century
Authors: Chakraborty Anirban , Ghosh Yashomati
Published: January 2015

An effective justice delivery system requires that justice be made available at the door step of people and for that we should have talented, dedicated and qualified legal professionals who serve at the grassroot level. The main focus of legal reform has historically been limited to improving infrastructure for the judiciary, but the one aspect that has been ignored is the lawyer—the most basic pillar of the judicial system. A lawyer must not only have improved legal skills but most importantly, embody social responsibility and a strong professional ethics along with a commitment to the integrity and working of the legal system. Continuing legal education is the need of the hour; legal education should be dynamic rather than static. In order to keep lawyers abreast with the changing law in the society, there is a need to organize seminars, conferences and workshops etc. very regularly and making it mandatory for professional lawyers to attain the same. This can go a long way in enhancing the standards and quality of the profession.
Catching Fire: A Case Study Illustration of the Need for an Interdisciplinary Clinical Case Partnership and Resulting Student Successes
Authors: Hagan Carrie A. , Boys Stephanie K.
Published: January 2015

There is an increasing pressure calling for legal education’s evolution into building more practical competencies to better prepare law students for practice upon graduation. Collaborative learning between law students and social work students in a clinical setting enriches their respective educations well beyond their respective traditional curricula. By working together, the students learn other methods on how to handle different clients and their unique situations and how to work with someone of a different disciplinary expertise with the same client. This article begins with a law student’s mishandling of an initial client interaction, discusses the advantages of an interdisciplinary education with social work students and then reimagines the initial encounter after the law student has been taught by an interdisciplinary partnership between law and social work schools. Law students gain a better and broader perspective when working alongside social work students to tackle problems that they not only face in a clinical setting, but also will encounter both in practice and in life.
Transgressing Caste Indignities through Reservation in Education: Debunking Myths on Systemic Equity and Fairness in India
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Devarshi
Published: January 2015

The sociological and political issues of caste and the rule of law in the annihilation of its victims continue to be the reasons behind a surge of scholarly literature that has existed within the domains of public discourse.

The researcher seeks to explore Amartya Sen’s conversion handicap thesis in the context of reservation strictly in higher education, followed by a brief relevance of Nussbaum’s human rights perspective in light of India’s international obligations as signatory and ratifier of the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), in 1979. This section makes way for an empirical enquiry into the failure of the governance initiatives towards capability building, by governance initiatives failing to provide for the gradual introduction of these communities into the social mainstream. The second section shall examine how the design and the model of implementation of the present reservation system fail to provide for adequate social justice. The third and final section shall sum up the major fronts where the government initiatives at ensuring substantive equality have failed, with a conclusion speaking about possible alternatives. The very purpose of this article is to debunk certain myths about the equity and as the degrees of equality that exist within the current reservation regime and the average disadvantage that a scheduled member faces today.