bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Hospice Patients Utilizing Hospice Inpatient/Residential Facilities
Authors: Chung Kyusuk , Burke Sloane C.
Published: December 2012

Given the increasing popularity of a hospice inpatient/residential facility (HIRF) among hospice patients and their family members, examining who uses HIRFs has been of increasing importance. Using the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey (NHHCS), we found that about 14% of the hospice patients received care in an HIRF in 2007. Characteristics of patients associated with HIRF use largely match the industry norm for a general inpatient level of care and include having no caregiver or having an incapable caregiver; having imminent death; and being directly admitted to a hospice after discharge from a hospital. Given a recent stricter enforcement of reimbursement rules, however, we call for close monitoring of any change in the number of HIRF beds—particularly in rural and low-income urban areas.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Activity of Palliative Care Teams in Portugal
Authors: Gonçalves Ferraz , Almeida Ana , Antunes Catarina , Cardoso Alice , Carvalho Margarida , Claro Maria , Coimbra Francisca , Diniz Inês , Fonseca Bruno , Fradique Emília , Gonçalves Edna , Gonçalves Florbela , Gonçalves Maria , Magalhães Américo , Pina Paulo , Pires Conceição , Silva Paula , Silva Ricardo , Silva Rui , Tavares Filipa , Teixeira Laura
Published: December 2012

Of the 21 Portuguese teams identified, 10 accepted to participate in the study. A total of 164 patients were included with a median of 15.5 per team (4-32). Of all the patients included,  60 (37%) were identified as inpatients in palliative care units; 59 (36%) by an intrahospital support team; 26 (16%) as outpatients; and 19 (12%) at home. The median age was 71 years (16-95). Fifty-one percent were females. The diagnosis was cancer in 151 (92%) patients. The most common cancer was colorectal in 22 (15%) patients, followed by gastric 17 (11%), head and neck 17 (11%), breast 15 (10%), and lung cancers 14 (9%). All patients were treated by doctors and nurses experienced in palliative care.
Correlation Between the Administration of Morphine or Oxycodone and the Development of Infections in Patients With Cancer Pain
Authors: Suzuki Miharu , Sakurada Tomoya , Gotoh Kazumi , Watanabe Satoshi , Satoh Nobunori
Published: December 2012

Morphine and oxycodone are widely used in the therapy for cancer pain. Although some previous studies have reported that morphine induces immunosuppression and oxycodone does not, whether this is true for human infections is unclear. We performed a retrospective study on the correlation between the administration of morphine or oxycodone and the development of infections in patients with cancer pain. This study was undertaken in 841 inpatients receiving only 1 opioid continuously for more than 10 days. Development of infections was based on (1) antibiotic administration and (2) diagnosis of infections, positive microbial culture test, or increase in white blood cells or C-reactive protein. Liver, kidney, and hematological cancer, antineoplastic drugs, radiotherapy, steroid, immunosuppressive agents, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and thyroid inhibitors were defined as the exclusion criteria in consideration of influence on immune system or metabolism and excretion of morphine and oxycodone. A total of 60 morphine and 74 oxycodone cases were included, which resulted in 18 and 10 infection cases. Significantly more patients treated with morphine developed infections than those patients treated with oxycodone (odds ratio = 3.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.40-9.26). No significant differences were seen in the other variables analyzed. Although perhaps some confounding variables were included because this was an observational rather than randomized study, these results suggested that morphine’s immunosuppressive effect may contribute to the development of infections in patients with cancer pain.
Analgesic Effect of Switching From Oral Opioids to a Once-a-Day Fentanyl Citrate Transdermal Patch in Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Takakuwa Osamu , Oguri Tetsuya , Maeno Ken , Yokoyama Midori , Hijikata Hisatoshi , Uemura Takehiro , Ozasa Hiroaki , Ohkubo Hirotsugu , Miyazaki Mikinori , Niimi Akio
Published: December 2012

Anew once-a-day fentanyl citrate transdermal patch was developed in Japan. We retrospectively investigated analgesic and adverse effects of this drug in 24 patients with lung cancer. All patients were started on this patch by switching from an oral opioid. The mean pain score before switching was 2.45 (0-5); 48 hours after switching, 15 of the 24 patients showed a decreased pain score and the mean score (2.00) was significantly lower than that before switching. Of the 16 patients who had adverse effects of oral opioids, 7 patients showed improvement in their symptoms after switching. Two patients showed adverse effects of the drug but their symptoms were mild, and no patient required dose decrease. This new transdermal patch could be a useful treatment option for cancer pain.
Retrospective Reports of the Lived School Experience of Adolescents After the Death of a Parent
Authors: Masterson Ann
Published: December 2012

This qualitative phenomenological study was done to better understand the school experience of adolescents after the death of a parent. The participants were adults over the age of 19 and between 3 and 43 years past the death of a parent during adolescence. The study involved personal, reflective interviews with each of the participants. The interviews were analyzed and compared to identify five recurring themes. Three essences were identified which evolved into one essential essence. Issues affecting participants’ reactions to parental death were identified. The limitations of the study were summarized. The implications for school nurses were discussed, and recommendations for future research were suggested.
Child-to-Child Training for Prevention of School Injuries in Odemis, Turkey
Authors: Ergün Sibel , Kalkım Aslı , Dolgun Eda
Published: December 2012

Students encounter many risks for injury, which can impact their health and educational success; prevention of these injuries are paramount for school nurses. These article report results of a study conducted to determine the efficacy of training given to children regarding prevention of school injuries and to compare the effectiveness of instructor-to-child training to that of the child-to-child training method in affecting student attitudes toward the prevention of school injuries. An interventional teaching program was developed with the objective of positively impacting students’ attitudes toward preventing school injuries. The health care training using instructor-to-child and child-to-child training produced a similar effect in changing the attitudes of students with respect to preventing school injuries. Given the high ratio of children to school nurses within the school systems in Turkey, nurses could consider the use of child-to-child training to supplement their own health care training to support changes in students’ attitudes toward prevention of school injuries.
Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators and Astrocyte Calcium Microdomains
Authors: Tong Xiaoping , Shigetomi Eiji , Looger Loren L. , Khakh Baljit S.
Published: December 2012

The discovery of intracellular Ca2+ signals within astrocytes has changed our view of how these ubiquitous cells contribute to brain function. Classically thought merely to serve supportive functions, astrocytes are increasingly thought to respond to, and regulate, neurons. The use of organic Ca2+ indicator dyes such as Fluo-4 and Fura-2 has proved instrumental in the study of astrocyte physiology. However, progress has recently been accelerated by the use of cytosolic and membrane targeted genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs). Herein, we review these recent findings, discuss why studying astrocyte Ca2+ signals is important to understand brain function, and summarize work that led to the discovery of TRPA1 channel-mediated near-membrane Ca2+ signals in astrocytes and their indirect neuromodulatory roles at inhibitory synapses in the CA1 stratum radiatum region of the hippocampus. We suggest that the use of membrane-targeted and cytosolic GECIs holds great promise to explore the diversity of Ca2+ signals within single astrocytes and also to study diversity of function for astrocytes in different parts of the brain.
Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Cilostazol to Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Stent Implantation
Authors: Ding Xiao Liang , Xie Cheng , Jiang Bin , Gao Jie , Zhang Ling Li , Zhang Hua , Zhang Jing Jing , Miao Li Yan
Published: December 2012

Background:

Aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) reduce ischemic events in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, recurrent ischemic event occurrence during DAT remains a major concern. This systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of adjunctive cilostazol to DAT in combination with DAT on reducing clinical adverse events.

Methods:

We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, clinicaltrial.gov, and Chinese Biomedical Database through July 2011. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated. Two independent reviewers evaluated the included studies. The extracted data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.1.2 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and GRADEprofiler 3.6 (GRADE Working Group).

Results:

A total of 7 RCTs (4351 patients) were included in the analysis, with a follow-up period of 6 to 12 months. Pooled analysis showed that cilostazol was associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; pooled RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.91; P = .008) and repeat revascularization (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61-0.89; P = .002); however, cilostazol was not associated with a reduction in the risk of stent thrombosis (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.41-2.45; P = 1.00). Cilostazol seems to be safe, with no significant increase in the risk of bleeding (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.72-1.56; P = .77). The 4 outcomes were low-quality evidence for MACE, moderate-quality evidence for repeat revascularization, and high-quality evidence for bleeding and stent thrombosis.

Conclusions:

When compared to the currently recommended DAT, triple antiplatelet therapy with cilostazol can reduce repeat revascularization with no increase in the risk of bleeding.
Glimepiride Treatment Facilitates Ischemic Preconditioning in the Diabetic Heart
Authors: Hausenloy Derek J. , Wynne Abigail M. , Mocanu Mihaela M. , Yellon Derek M.
Published: December 2012

Aims:

The diabetic heart is resistant to the myocardial infarct-limiting effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). This may be in part due to the downregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase-Akt pathway, an essential component of IPC protection. We hypothesized that treating the diabetic heart with the sulfonylurea, glimepiride, which has been reported to activate Akt, may lower the threshold required to protect the diabetic heart by IPC.

Methods:

Goto-Kakizaki rats (a type II lean model of diabetes) received glimepiride (20 mg/kg per d, by oral gavage) or vehicle for (a) 3 months (chronic treatment) or (b) 24 hours (subacute treatment). In the third group, glimepiride (10 μmol/L) was administered only to the isolated hearts on the Langendorff apparatus (acute treatment). All hearts were subjected to 35 minutes ischemia and 120 minutes reperfusion ex vivo, at the end of which infarct size was determined by tetrazolium staining. Preconditioning treatment comprised 1 (IPC-1) or 3 (IPC-3) cycles of 5 minutes global ischemia and 10 minutes reperfusion.

Results:

The diabetic heart was found to be resistant to IPC such that 3-IPC cycles, instead of the usual 1-IPC cycle, were required for cardioprotection. However, pretreatment with glimepiride lowered the threshold for IPC such that both 1 and 3 cycles of IPC elicited cardioprotection: chronic glimepiride treatment (IPC-1 31.9% ± 3.8% and IPC-3 33.5% ± 2.4% vs 43.9% ± 1.4% control, P < .05; N > 6 per group); subacute glimepiride treatment (IPC-1 31.1% ± 3.0% and IPC-3 29.3% ± 3.3% vs 42.2% ± 2.3% control, P < .05 N > 6 per group); and acute glimepiride treatment (IPC-1 28.2% ± 3.7% and IPC-3 24.6% ± 5.4% vs 41.9% ± 5.4% control, P < .05; N > 6 per group). This effect of glimepiride was independent of changes in blood glucose.

Conclusions:

We report for the first time that glimepiride treatment facilitates the cardioprotective effect elicited by IPC in the diabetic heart.
Symbolic Communication in Public Protest Over Genetic Modification
Authors: Bloomfield Brian P. , Doolin Bill
Published: December 2012

This article considers the protests through which a group of New Zealand women—MAdGE (Mothers Against Genetic Engineering in Food and the Environment)—enacted a campaign against genetic modification in food. Referring to the predominant visual/symbolic makeup of its efforts to communicate an alternative perspective on the research involved, the article examines the theatrics, posters, and disruptive protest of MAdGE’s campaign. A major feature of the analysis concerns a billboard that provoked outrage in some quarters and led to official deliberations concerning the advertising code of practice in which public morality and the epistemic authority of science were intertwined.
Does Anticoagulant Therapy Improve Pregnancy Outcome Equally, Regardless of Specific Thrombophilia Type?
Authors: Kovac Mirjana , Mikovic Zeljko , Mitic Gorana , Djordjevic Valentina , Mandic Vesna , Rakicevic Ljiljana , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: December 2012

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of anticoagulant therapy in women with thrombophilia and to detect the possible differences among carriers of mutations (factor V [FV] Leiden and FIIG20210) and those with natural anticoagulant deficiency. The 4-year prospective investigation included 85 pregnant women, with a history of recurrent fetal loss (RFL). They were treated with prophylactic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (nadroparin) starting from 6 to 8 weeks of gestation. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated based on the thrombophilia type. Carriers of thrombophilic mutations had a live birth rate of 93%, compared to 41.6% for women with natural anticoagulant deficiencies. Significant differences between the groups were also observed for intrauterine fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, and postpartum thrombosis. The optimal therapy for women with natural anticoagulant deficiency and RFL remains unclear and future prospective study with a large number of patients is required to determine the best treatment for these severe thrombophilic conditions.
Prethrombotic State and Cardiac Events in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease During Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Zheng Hong , Ma Hai-Ping , Chen Lin , Zhan Hai-Ting , Guo Hai
Published: December 2012

This study aimed to investigate the significance of the prethrombotic state (PTS) and 4 plasma markers in predicting perisurgical adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing abdominal surgery. Perioperative adverse effects were recorded in 128 consecutive patients with CHD undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Plasma d-dimer, P-selectin, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and thrombus precursor protein were measured before and after the surgery. Patients with abnormal values in one or more of the 4 PTS markers were identified as having PTS, and data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Abnormal presurgery levels of the 4 markers were found more frequently in those with adverse perioperative cardiac events than in those without. Multivariate analysis showed the odds ratios for adverse cardiac events to be 64.3 (PTS, P < .001), 25.7 (VWF, P = .003), and 23.5 (P-selectin, P = .04). Preoperative PTS is an independent risk factor for perioperative events in patients with CHD undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Relation of Coronary Collateral Circulation With Red Cell Distribution Width in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Tanboga Ibrahim Halil , Topcu Selim , Nacar Tuncer , Aksakal Enbiya , Kalkan Kamuran , Kiki Ilhami , Sevimli Serdar
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) value and coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods:

The study population consisted of 322 consecutive patients with NSTEMI. The patients were classified into impaired CCC (group 1, Rentrop grades 0-1) or good CCC (group 2, Rentrop grades 2-3). Baseline RDW was measured as part of the automated complete blood count.

Results:

The RDW values were significantly higher in patients with impaired CCC than in those with good CCC (17.2 ± 2.3 vs 14.5 ± 2.5, P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, RDW (odds ratio: 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-1.78, P < .001), baseline creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and absence of preinfarction angina were found to be the independent predictors of impaired CCC. In receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis, the RDW value >15.5 yielded an area under curve value of 0.783, with 77% sensitivity and 73% specificity.

Conclusions:

Our study results demonstrated that, high RDW, high CK-MB, and absence of preinfarction angina were found to be independent predictors of impaired CCC.
Characterization, modeling and vibration control of a flexible joint for a robotic system
Authors: Lessard Joël , Bigras Pascal , Liu Zhaoheng , Hazel Bruce
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the experimental characterization and vibration control of a flexible robotic system. For this work, a test bench was built to characterize the harmonic drive (HD) and joint components, while control algorithms were designed and compared to minimize vibration. Encoder accuracy was critical since the difference in the measurements between two encoders was used to evaluate the vibrational behavior of the test set-up. Therefore, a laser tracker was used to characterize the error of the output encoder. Real-time compensation using this technique achieved an angular position accuracy of 50 µrad. Four rosette strain gauges were fixed to the HD’s flexible spline to determine its torsion. To reduce torque ripple, a real-time correcting function was applied. It was thus possible to reduce the error to 0.3% of the full-scale error. Two vibration control strategies were developed, namely, singular perturbation and feed-forward control. Simulation results showed that both control strategies greatly reduced vibration response compared to a common rigid control. However, test results showed that good vibration control could only be achieved with the feed-forward approach: the singular perturbation technique generated too much torque ripple to the motor. A feed-forward controller can quickly stabilize the link, achieving the same settling time as with the rigid control algorithm.
Balancing and swinging-up control for cart-pendulum-seesaw system by decomposed fuzzy coordination control
Authors: Lin Jonqlan , Ding You Sheng , Chang Julian
Published: December 2012

Using a combination of the cart-seesaw and the inverted pendulum system, this paper presents a novel laboratory apparatus called the cart-pendulum-seesaw (CPS) system. The proposed pneumatic CPS is a classic example of a super articulated mechanical system. The resulting system has two inputs: a force applied to the cart and another force applied to the loading cart which tries to balance the seesaw test-bed. With two inputs and four available for the measurement outputs, the unstable multi-input-multi-output system offers an interesting control challenge. This study breaks down the system into several tasks, one for pendulum swinging up and the other for seesaw balancing. The pendulum is first swung up; then, balancing the pendulum at the upright position with a fuzzy controller, the seesaw is balanced by another fuzzy controller. This study incorporates a fuzzy coordinator into the seesaw system to take control action in extreme situations. The experimental device is used to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed methodology. Unlike other model-based methods, the proposed fuzzy control methodology does not need an accurate measurement of all state parameters; moreover, it is robust for parameter changes and other disturbances in the system.
A method for the design of robust controllers ensuring the quadratic stability for switching systems
Authors: HosseinNia S Hassan , Tejado Inés , Vinagre Blas M
Published: December 2012

In recent years, it has been remarkable to see the increasing number of studies related to the theory and application of fractional-order controllers, especially PIλDμ controllers, in many areas of science and engineering. Research activities are focused on developing new analysis and design methods to ensure robustness in new or classical control problems. In this paper, we investigate switching systems. A frequency-domain design method is developed for switching systems for both integer- or fractional-order controllers, taking into account specifications regarding performance and robustness and ensuring the quadratic stability of the controlled system. Some examples are given to show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed tuning method.
The Nuances of NIMBY
Authors: Scally Corianne Payton
Published: December 2012

This research investigates the nuances of local not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) attitudes and actions, asking why some communities support publicly assisted affordable rental housing development, while others do not. Six case studies within New York State explore local acceptance and avoidance of affordable rental housing development through the low-income housing tax credit program. Findings inform future marketing, planning, and programming toencourage local participation in affordable rental housing development. More research is needed on the contextualized nature of NIMBY, how NIMBYattitudes and actions can be effectively reduced, and whether this increases the supply of affordable rental housing.
Adopting Local Climate Policies
Authors: Wang Rui
Published: December 2012

Climate action at the local level represents an important and unique complement to global and national-level policies. This study provides one of the first systematic analyses of local climate actions in the State of California by comparing cities’ adoption of alternative policies and statistical modeling of local choices of climate actions. The pattern of adopting different climate actions incrementally suggests that cities prefer certain actions than others. Coastal location, instead of the usual predictors of local mitigation actions, is found to affect cities’ adaptation actions. Whether a city is more likely to keep its commitment to mitigate climate change depends on the nature of the commitment.
Subsonic propagation of a crack parallel to the boundary of a half-plane
Authors: Antipov YA , Smirnov AV
Published: December 2012

A two-dimensional steady-state model problem on a half-plane with a semi-infinite crack propagating at constant speed parallel to the boundary of the half-plane is considered. The crack faces are subjected to normal and tangential loads, while the boundary of the half-plane is free of traction. The problem is formulated as an order-2 vector Riemann–Hilbert problem and then reduced to a system of singular integral equations in a semi-infinite segment with respect to the derivatives of the displacement jumps. The solution to the system of integral equations is represented in a series form in terms of an orthonormal basis of the associated Hilbert space, the orthonormal Jacobi polynomials. The coefficients of the expansions solve an infinite system of linear algebraic equations of the second kind. The stress intensity factors and the weight functions are determined and computed. The Griffith energy criterion is applied to derive a crack growth criterion in terms of the K I- and K II-stress intensity factors, the crack speed, the shear and dilatational waves speeds and the Griffith material constant.
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning–Preschool (BRIEF-P) Applied to Teachers
Authors: Ezpeleta Lourdes , Granero Roser , Penelo Eva , de la Osa Núria , Domènech Josep M.
Published: December 2012

Objective: We provide validation data on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning–Preschool version (BRIEF-P) in preschool children. Method: Teachers of a community sample of six hundred and twenty 3-year-olds, who were followed up at age 4, responded to the BRIEF-P, and parents and children answered different psychological measures. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis achieved adequate fit of the original structure (five-first-order-factor plus three-second-order-factor model) after excluding four items. The derived dimensions obtained satisfactory internal consistency, moderate convergent validity with psychopathology and temperament, and good ability to discriminate between children with ADHD. BRIEF-P scales were not associated with a performance-based measure of attention. The teacher’s BRIEF-P adds significant clinical information for the diagnosis of ADHD (Δ R2 from 5.3 to 15.3) when used with other instruments for the assessment of psychopathology, functional impairment, or performance-based attention. Conclusion: The BRIEF-P may be useful in the identification of preschool children, specifically those with ADHD, who might have a dysfunction in executive functioning.
ADHD Undetected in Criminal Adults
Authors: Buitelaar Nannet J. L. , Ferdinand Robert F.
Published: December 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether adults with ADHD in a forensic sample had received the diagnosis earlier and to investigate reasons for missing the diagnosis earlier. Method: From December 1, 2007 until March 5, 2009, all patients from an outpatient clinic for forensic mental health care who were suspected of having ADHD were seen by a psychiatrist who assessed presence and severity of ADHD symptoms and other psychiatric disorders in a standardized way. Results: ADHD diagnosis was missed previously in life in 59 of 106 male adults (56%). ADHD diagnosis was missed more often in older men, in those with hyperactive/impulsive or combined subtype of ADHD, in those who reported fewer symptoms of ADHD in childhood or adolescence, in those with a comorbid mood disorder in adulthood, and in those who had never received mental health care before. Even in those who had previously received mental health care, the diagnosis had been missed in 42% of the cases. Prior contacts with police or court also predicted missing the diagnosis, an effect that was mediated by a lower chance to be referred to mental health care. Conclusion: General and forensic mental health care workers should be alert for the fact that ADHD is missed very often in individuals who have problems with delinquency and should realize that ADHD may be masked by various factors.
Goal Management Training in Adults With ADHD: An Intervention Study
Authors: In de Braek Dymphie M. J. M. , Dijkstra Jeanette B. , Ponds Rudolf W. , Jolles Jelle
Published: December 2012

Objective: This article describes a controlled, neuropsychological intervention study in adult ADHD. We examined whether adults with ADHD would benefit from a structured course based on Goal Management Training (GMT). The comprehensive course also included psycho-education on the important aspects of executive functioning as well as counseling with respect to coping behaviors. Method: The intervention group was compared with a control group of patients who received psycho-education only ( n = 12 and n = 15, respectively). The effects of the intervention were evaluated using subjective and objective test measures. In addition, a structured preassessment, an evaluation, and a group comparison were carried out by an experienced clinician, who was blinded to the intervention itself. Results: The results of the structured clinical interview obtained in the active intervention group were significantly better in the intervention group than those of the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the combination of GMT with psycho-education and counseling may have validity for adults with ADHD.
One Size Fits All? Slow Cortical Potentials Neurofeedback
Authors: Mayer Kerstin , Wyckoff Sarah N. , Strehl Ute
Published: December 2012

Objective: The intent of this manuscript was to review all published studies on slow cortical potentials (SCP) neurofeedback for the treatment of ADHD, with emphasis on neurophysiological rationale, study design, protocol, outcomes, and limitations. Method: For review, PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Google Scholar searches identified six studies and six subsequent publications. In addition to five studies focusing on children with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) –diagnosed ADHD, one study reports on adults. Results: SCP protocols utilize unipolar-electrode placement at Cz, randomized bidirectional signal regulation, feedback/transfer trials, and discrete feedback/rewards. Results demonstrated learning of SCP self-regulation, moderate to large within group effect sizes for core ADHD symptom reduction, and enhancement of event-related potentials/electroencephalogram components. Neurophysiological and session variables were predictive of treatment outcome, but open questions of specific and nonspecific effects remain. Study limitations and future directions are discussed. Conclusion: SCP is an efficacious and standardized neurofeedback protocol that addresses behavioral and neurophysiological deficits in ADHD.
Anesthesia for Electrophysiology Studies and Catheter Ablations
Authors: Kwak Jenny
Published: December 2012

Providing anesthesia in nonoperating room locations is becoming increasingly common. The field of electrophysiology and its patient population are growing, resulting in a greater need for anesthesiologists in the electrophysiology laboratory. The procedures are complex and of long duration with patients who have multiple comorbidities. The electrophysiology laboratory is a unique situation in that arrhythmias are sought and sometimes even provoked so that they may be eliminated. The focus of this review will be on anesthesia for electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation.
Strategic Learning by e-Service Suppliers in Service Value Networks
Authors: Haas Christian , Kimbrough Steven O. , Dinther Clemens van
Published: December 2012

This article examines strategic behavior of e-Service suppliers that offer electronic services in complex Service Value Networks (SVNs). In SVNs, consumers request a bundle of e-Services, and the SVN acts as an aggregator of single service instances, automatically configuring services from different e-Service suppliers into a complex service bundle, which is then offered to the consumers. In this context, e-Service suppliers who want to maximize their business success need to configure their services according to the (for them unknown) preferences of the consumers. Current literature, however, does not offer much guidance on how to find a fitting service offer in this situation, especially when the suppliers are faced with a changing consumer base. For this reason, we study two specific learning regimes that are able to capture and deal with the inherent complexity of the corresponding strategy space. Besides finding beneficial service offers, e-Service suppliers might also learn collusive behavior if it aligns with individual incentives. The potential occurrence of such behavior is the second aim of our work. Our results show that even with relatively simple learning regimes, e-Service suppliers are able to find beneficial offers and learn to collude tacitly (and presumably legally), which increases their profits.
Electronic Service Quality and Value
Authors: Barrutia Jose M. , Gilsanz Ainhize
Published: December 2012

Electronic service quality (ESQ) is essential for explaining consumer value perceptions in B2C e-commerce contexts. However, we argue that focusing too narrowly on ESQ without considering consumer knowledge-related resources could lead managers to devise myopic strategies. Our research is inspired by, and intends to contribute to, service-dominant logic, service logic, and service science. These perspectives suggest that firms and consumers cocreate value by integrating their resources. However, the literature in these areas relies on conceptual development, and further empirical research is needed. The empirical study reported here is the first cross-sectional test that confers similar salience to both consumer resources, in the form of consumer expertise (and its antecedents), and firm resources, as represented by ESQ (and its antecedents), to explain value perception in a B2C e-commerce context. We provide evidence that both consumer expertise and ESQ directly and positively affect value perception, the magnitude of the effect of consumer expertise (ESQ) on value perception being smaller as ESQ (consumer expertise) increases, and vice versa. Our results offer interesting insights for designing successful e-commerce strategies. For instance, the negative interaction effect we found suggests that consumer expertise and ESQ behave as substitutes to some extent. Therefore, firms might reduce the expert/nonexpert value gap by incorporating in their websites tools addressed to palliate nonexperts’ disadvantages, or by upgrading these tools when available. Thus, recommender systems might be upgraded using information derived from experts’ e-buying behavior and opinions, instead of considering only overall data from consumers with a similar taste profile.
Atypical feline sporotrichosis resembling vaccine-induced sarcoma: clinical and histopathological aspects
Authors: dos Santos Isabele Barbieri , Quintella Leonardo Pereira , de Miranda Luisa Helena Monteiro , de Sousa Trotte Marcele Nogueira , Schubach Tânia Maria Pacheco , Tortelly Rogerio
Published: December 2012

A 7-year-old Siamese cat presenting with three ulcerated cutaneous nodules in the lumbosacral region was seen at the Laboratory for Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Histopathological analysis showed that the lesions consisted of polyhedral and spindle-shaped voluminous mononuclear cells with loose chromatin and clearly visible nucleoli, few giant cells, and foci of coagulative and caseous necrosis — findings suggestive of a vaccine-induced sarcoma. No significant mitotic rate, cytological atypias or asteroid bodies were observed. Special histopathological staining with periodic acid-Schiff and Grocott’s silver stain demonstrated the presence of small yeast cells characterized by simple and narrow-base budding compatible with Sporothrix schenckii. Mycological culture grew S schenckii. Cytopathology was negative for yeast cells. These atypical clinical and histopathological signs support the importance of histopathological analysis with special staining techniques, in addition to mycological culture in the diagnosis of feline sporotrichosis.
Changes in haematology measurements with the Sysmex XT-2000iV during storage of feline blood sampled in EDTA or EDTA plus CTAD
Authors: Granat Fanny , Geffré Anne , Bourgès-Abella Nathalie , Braun Jean-Pierre , Trumel Catherine
Published: December 2012

In veterinary medicine a complete blood cell count (CBC) cannot always be performed within 24 h as usually recommended, particularly for specimens shipped to a reference laboratory. This raises the question of the stability of the variables, especially in ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) feline blood specimens, known to be prone to in vitro platelet aggregation. Citrate, theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole (CTAD) has been reported to limit platelet aggregation in feline blood specimens. The aim of this study was to measure the stability of the haematological variables and the platelet aggregation score in EDTA and EDTA plus CTAD (EDCT) feline blood specimens during 48 h of storage at room temperature. Forty-six feline EDTA and EDCT blood specimens were analysed with a Sysmex XT-2000iV analyser, and the platelet count and score of platelet aggregation were estimated immediately and after 24 and 48 h of storage. A significant increase in mean corpuscular volume, haematocrit, reticulocyte and eosinophil counts, and a significant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and monocyte count were observed. Haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and red blood cell, white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts remained stable. Changes in reticulocyte indexes with time (low fluorescence ratio, medium fluorescence ratio, high fluorescence ratio and immature reticulocyte fraction) were not significant. Changes were generally more pronounced in EDTA than in EDCT. Platelet aggregation decreased markedly in initially highly aggregated EDTA specimens, and increased slightly in initially non- or mildly-aggregated EDTA or EDCT specimens. Platelet counts increased and decreased, or remained stable, respectively. CTAD can reduce storage-induced changes of the haematological variables in feline samples, thus improving the reliability of a CBC and limiting clinical misinterpretations.
Factors associated with the effectiveness of plasma exchange for the treatment of NMO-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Lim Young-Min , Pyun So Young , Kang Bong-Hui , Kim Jimin , Kim Kwang-Kuk
Published: December 2012

To identify factors associated with plasma exchange response in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders, the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of 31 NMO-IgG-positive patients receiving plasma exchange for steroid-resistant exacerbations were analyzed. Functional improvement was observed in 65% of the patients. A lower baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with favorable response ( p = 0.040). Patients without cord atrophy had a higher success rate than patients with atrophy ( p = 0.016). Levels of NMO-IgG did not differ between responders and non-responders before and after plasma exchange. In conclusion, a minimal pre-existing disability is the primary determinant of the effectiveness of plasma exchange.
The curious case of marriage/civil partnership discrimination in Britain
Authors: Hand James
Published: December 2012

Discrimination on grounds of marital status was one of the first grounds to be protected in British discrimination law (as part of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975). However, it has always been a highly restricted provision and, seldom litigated, it faced abolition during the passage of the Equality Act 2010. Although marriage/civil partnership was retained as a protected characteristic, the Equality Act 2010 did nothing to clarify or expand its function. This article considers developments that could mean that marriage/civil partnership discrimination could have a much wider scope rather than, as some would have it, being relegated to being a quaint relic of the past.
The relationship between peripheral arterial tonometry and classic measures of endothelial function
Authors: Martin Billie-Jean , Gurtu Vikram , Chan Sammy , Anderson Todd J
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the association between peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and two more traditional measures of endothelial function – flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and its hyperemic stimulus, hyperemic peak velocity time integral (VTI). We related three vascular function measures (natural log transformed PAT, FMD, and VTI) from 304 patients (mean age 48.9 ± 12.5 years), including 105 with coronary artery disease (CAD). Using linear regression, we studied the relationships between lnPAT, FMD, and VTI, and compared differences in these parameters in those with and without CAD. Although FMD and lnPAT both had a correlation with VTI (Pearson’s r = 0.119, p = 0.039 and r = 0.167, p = 0.004, respectively), lnPAT had no correlation with FMD ( r = −0.0471, p = 0.414). lnPAT was also lower in patients with CAD compared to controls (mean 0.51 ± 0.19 versus 0.65 ± 0.26, respectively, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, VTI remained associated with lnPAT (standardized β = 0.1369, p = 0.04). Among this group of subjects with and without CAD, lnPAT was found to be unrelated to FMD but correlated with VTI. This would suggest that lnPAT is a measure of microvascular function. Although it is unrelated to FMD, lnPAT is decreased in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Further studies are required to determine if this can be used clinically as a tool for cardiac risk stratification and prediction of CAD.
Discourse, practice and the production of the polysemy of security
Authors: Ranasinghe Prashan
Published: December 2012

While ‘security’ has now become a central theme in criminology, the literature on it is limited (and, limiting). One of the major issues plaguing the literature is definitional, that is, that it is often unclear what is meant by ‘security’. As noted by numerous scholars, what is needed is empirical documentation about what ‘security’ is to a variety of actors. In this article, I explore what ‘security’ looks and feels like to particular actors working in an emergency shelter. In so doing, I explicate the discursive production of the polysemy of ‘security’ by exploring the ways that ‘security’ is thought about, made sense of and put into practice.
Nordic Exceptionalism revisited: Explaining the paradox of a Janus-faced penal regime
Authors: Barker Vanessa
Published: December 2012

Nordic penal regimes are Janus-faced: one side relatively mild and benign; the other intrusive, disciplining and oppressive. This paradox has not been fully grasped or explained by the Nordic Exceptionalism thesis which overstates the degree to which Nordic penal order is based on humaneness and social solidarity, an antidote to mass incarceration. This essay examines the split in the foundation of the Swedish welfare state: it simultaneously promotes individual well-being in the social sphere but enables intrusive deprivations of liberty and in some cases, violates the principles of human rights. The backbone of the welfare state, Folkhemmet, the People’s Home, is at once demos, democratic and egalitarian and ethnos, a people by blood, exclusionary and essentialist. The lack of individual rights and an ethno-cultural conception of citizenship make certain categories of people such as criminal offenders, criminal aliens, drug offenders and perceived ‘others’, particularly foreign nationals, vulnerable to deprivation and exclusion.
The collective action of data collection: A data infrastructure on parties, elections and cabinets
Authors: Döring Holger
Published: December 2012

Here, I introduce a novel approach towards data collection for comparative research and present a new data infrastructure on parties, elections and governments, the Parliament and Government Composition Database (ParlGov). This data infrastructure combines a database, data presentation in webpages and software scripts in order to generate more dynamic datasets and to facilitate cooperation. So far, it includes information about more than 1000 parties, around 600 elections (national and European Parliament) and almost 1000 governments with their party composition. These observations are linked to a wide set of information about party positions and make it possible to derive various datasets for studies in political science. To provide a first glance into the potential of this new data infrastructure, I map the political space of the European Union (EU) by drawing on this source.
Challenges to liberal intergovernmentalism
Authors: Franchino Fabio
Published: December 2012

Slapin (2011) and Finke et al. (2012) represent the best theory-based book-length studies of the most active period of treaty reform in the history of the European Union – from the Treaty of Amsterdam to the Treaty of Lisbon. These works offer the opportunity to assess the extent to which liberal intergovernmentalism – a ‘baseline’ theory of regional integration – has withstood empirical scrutiny. I first address what I consider a misinterpretation of liberal intergovernmentalism – the presumed pre-eminence given to a country’s relative capability. I then identify challenges to this framework. Methodologically, they concern the measurement of preferences, value of disagreement and opportunities for linkages in treaty negotiations. I then assess evidence of lower-than-unanimity thresholds for treaty reform, which may represent a theoretical challenge. Finally, I suggest that focal points and bargaining dynamics deserve greater scholarly attention.
Explaining negotiations in the conciliation committee
Authors: Franchino Fabio , Mariotto Camilla
Published: December 2012

The conciliation committee is the ultimate bicameral dispute settlement mechanism of the ordinary legislative procedure of the European Union. Who gets what, and why, in this committee? We argue that its institutional setup is biased in favour of the Council of Ministers. Employing the Wordfish algorithm, we show that the joint text is more similar to the Council common position than to the parliamentary reading in almost 70 percent of the dossiers that reached conciliation up to February 2012. The European Parliament is more successful in the post-Amsterdam period, when the Council decides by qualified majority voting, the rapporteur comes from a large party, the European Commission is supportive, and when national administrations are more involved in the implementation process than the Commission.
Control system for fuel consumption minimization–gas emission limitation of full electric propulsion ship power systems
Authors: Kanellos Fotis D , Prousalidis John M , Tsekouras George J
Published: December 2012

Environmental pollution caused by ships’ green house gas emissions and worldwide concern about air quality and oil supplies have led to stricter emissions regulations and fuel economy standards. In this regard, respective limits are set, while efforts to provide general guidelines for the achievement of economic and green ship operation with an urge to ship operators to apply them and return feedback. Also, specific design and operation indicators have been proposed in order to ensure compliance with new emissions regulations and fuel economy standards. Up to now, these indices are limited to ships comprising conventional propulsion systems, while full electric propulsion systems are not examined. In this article, an integrated control system that attains economically optimized and environmentally friendly operation is proposed. Moreover, appropriate reformulation of energy efficiency operation indicator is proposed for real-time assessment of gas emissions. The study is supported with the presentation of results obtained from the simulation of the operation of a ship power system comprising full electric propulsion.
Experimental study on water entry of model catamaran sections
Authors: Robinson Andrew K , Matveev Konstantin I
Published: December 2012

Marine vehicles may experience significant slamming loads due to water entry of hull sections in some unsteady regimes. This study focuses on a basic configuration consisting of two V-hulls connected with a flat-bottom platform. Drop tests on water of two-dimensional catamaran model sections with variable platform position and entry velocity have been carried out. Time-dependent acceleration signals and high-speed video records of the body falling into water were obtained. The acceleration peaks were identified and related to the chine wetting, spray hitting the platform bottom, and wetdeck slamming. The obtained results can be applied for validating mathematical models of water impacts and designing catamaran hulls.