bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helping Sex Offenders to Desist Offending
Authors: Höing Mechtild , Bogaerts Stefan , Vogelvang Bas
Published: June 2014

In Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA), a group of trained volunteers support sex offenders in their desistance process by engaging in a long-lasting empathic relationship. Is it safe to employ volunteers in this way? This literature review provides an overview of both theoretical explanations and empirical evidence of the possible impact of this type of volunteerism on the volunteers themselves. Fifty original research articles and reviews met the selection criteria of a systematic search. Results on effects of volunteering in general, effects of volunteer work with offenders, and effects of working with sex offenders on professionals are summarized and integrated. Generally, volunteering supports and improves physical health and mental well-being, personal growth, and citizenship. However, working with sex offenders in an empathic relationship generates both positive and negative effects on psychological and social function. Personal characteristics, task characteristics, and organizational characteristics moderate and mediate the impact.
Curvature-dependent surface energy for free-standing monolayer graphene
Authors: Sfyris D , Galiotis C
Published: June 2014

The purpose of the present work is to give a continuum model that can capture bending effects for free-standing graphene monolayers taking material’s symmetry properly into account. Starting from the discrete picture of graphene modelled as a hexagonal 2-lattice, we give the arithmetic symmetries. Confined to weak transformation neighbourhoods one is able to work with the geometric symmetry group. Use of the Cauchy–Born rule allows the transition from the discrete case to the continuum case. At the continuum level we use a surface energy that depends on an in-plane strain measure, the curvature tensor and the shift vector. Dependence of the energy on the curvature tensor allows for incorporating bending effects into the model. Dependence on the shift vector is motivated by the fact that discretely graphene is a 2-lattice. We lay down the complete and irreducible set of invariants for this surface energy amenable to available representation theory. This way we obtain the expression for the surface stress as well as the surface couple stress tensor, the first being responsible for the in-plane deformations and the second for the out-of-plane motions. Forms for the elasticities of the material are given accompanied by the field equations. The model, in its simplest form, predicts 13 independent scalar variables in the constitutive relations to be observed in experiments. The framework presented is valid for both materially and geometrically nonlinear theories. We also present the case where symmetry changes at the continuum level, without taking into account how energy behaves at the transition regime.
The Variance in Foreclosure Spillovers across Neighborhood Types
Authors: Ihlanfeldt Keith , Mayock Tom
Published: June 2014

The estimation of foreclosure spillover effects has been the subject of a number of studies following the most recent housing market crash. An important issue largely overlooked by these studies is the extent to which these spillovers vary across neighborhoods. In this article, we use data from the South Florida metropolitan area to study the variance in these foreclosure spillovers across neighborhoods with different income levels and racial concentrations. We find that the largest foreclosure spillovers occur in higher-income neighborhoods. In low-income, minority neighborhoods, we find no evidence of spillover effects. The results have important implications for local governments.
Service Quality and Price Perceptions by Internet Retail Customers
Authors: Cho Yun Kyung
Published: June 2014

One of an Internet retailer’s managerial goals is to create positive perceptions of retail prices among online customers. This study examines the relationship between customer perception of Internet retailers’ service quality and customer price perception. Unlike previous studies, this study extends the scope of service quality to three stages of service interaction: first, a retailer’s home page presentation; second, the overall retail website, which we call a retailer’s order-procurement quality; and third, the retailer’s order-fulfillment quality. To that end, this study samples 516 Internet retailers whose service quality information in their separate service interaction stages is available on their home pages and on a well-known rating site, Bizrate.com. The results verify a clear connection between service quality perception and price perception along the chronological flow of service interaction. In particular, both the presentation of an effective home page web format and the customer perception of a retailer’s order-procurement quality are significantly associated with customer price perception. The price perception is also significantly associated with order-fulfillment quality perception. These findings suggest that the configuration of customer perceptions of both service quality and price stands out as an important subject for managerial attention.
How Customer Participation in B2B Peer-to-Peer Problem-Solving Communities Influences the Need for Traditional Customer Service
Authors: Bone Sterling A. , Fombelle Paul W. , Ray Kristal R. , Lemon Katherine N.
Published: June 2014

Customer support is critical for the success of business-to-business (B2B) service firms. A key issue such firms face is how to reduce customers’ reliance on traditional support service. B2B companies are increasingly turning to firm hosted virtual peer-to-peer problem-solving (P3) communities to fulfill some of their customer support service needs. This raises the question: Does customer problem-solving participation in such communities reduce the demands associated with traditional customer support service? This research investigates the effects of problem-solving customer participation in a P3 community among global B2B customers. Results reveal that community problem-solving customer participation, in terms of helping oneself (posting questions) and helping others (responding to peer questions), reduces the participant’s use of traditional customer support service. Results show that the frequency of logging in to the community and breadth of community memberships both serve to increase the use of traditional customer support service. This is the first empirical study to investigate the longitudinal effects of problem-solving customer participation in a peer-to-peer problem-solving community of B2B customers. Promoting peer-to-peer customer interactions provides managers with strategic levers to increase the efficiencies and the effectiveness of their support service.
Coxofemoral joint kinematics using video fluoroscopic images of treadmill-walking cats: development of a technique to assess osteoarthritis-associated disability
Authors: Guillot Martin , Gravel Pierre , Gauthier Marie-Lou , Leblond Hugues , Tremblay Maurice , Rossignol Serge , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , de Guise Jacques A , Troncy Eric
Published: June 2014

The objectives of this pilot study were to develop a video fluoroscopy kinematics method for the assessment of the coxofemoral joint in cats with and without osteoarthritis (OA)-associated disability. Two non-OA cats and four cats affected by coxofemoral OA were evaluated by video fluoroscopy. Video fluoroscopic images of the coxofemoral joints were captured at 120 frames/s using a customized C-arm X-ray system while cats walked freely on a treadmill at 0.4 m/s. The angle patterns over time of the coxofemoral joints were extracted using a graphic user interface following four steps: (i) correction for image distortion; (ii) image denoising and contrast enhancement; (iii) frame-to-frame anatomical marker identification; and (iv) statistical gait analysis. Reliability analysis was performed. The cats with OA presented greater intra-subject stride and gait cycle variability. Three cats with OA presented a left–right asymmetry in the range of movement of the coxofemoral joint angle in the sagittal plane (two with no overlap of the 95% confidence interval, and one with only a slight overlap) consistent with their painful OA joint, and a longer gait cycle duration. Reliability analysis revealed an absolute variation in the coxofemoral joint angle of 2º–6º, indicating that the two-dimensional video fluoroscopy technique provided reliable data. Improvement of this method is recommended: variability would likely be reduced if a larger field of view could be recorded, allowing the identification and tracking of each femoral axis, rather than the trochanter landmarks. The range of movement of the coxofemoral joint has the potential to be an objective marker of OA-associated disability.
Videoconferencing for the pre-operative interaction between patient and surgeon
Authors: Del Signore Anthony G , Dang Rajan , Yerasi Arjun , Iloreta Alfred M , Malkin Benjamin D
Published: June 2014

We studied the use of videoconferencing for the pre-operative patient-surgeon interaction. Subjects were recruited from otolaryngology patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary hospital. They were randomised to a conventional face-to-face interaction with their surgeon or a videoconference call via tablet computer. Afterwards, subjects and surgeons completed questionnaires about the experience. Various time points in patient flow were also recorded. Thirty-one patients were enrolled and 25 completed the study; five surgeons participated. The mean overall patient satisfaction scores were similar in the face-to-face and videoconferencing groups (9.88 and 9.89, respectively), as were mean interaction times (119 and 82 s, respectively); neither difference was significant. The mean waiting times in the pre-operative holding area were not significantly different between the groups. Surgeons were satisfied with the videoconferencing and 60% indicated they were somewhat likely to incorporate the technology into their daily practice. Overall patient satisfaction with a pre-operative patient-surgeon interaction via videoconferencing did not differ significantly from that for a conventional face-to-face discussion. It is feasible to incorporate videoconferencing into a busy surgical practice and there is the potential for improved efficiency.
Telemedicine for corneal disease in rural Nepal
Authors: Peeler Crandall E , Dhakhwa Kavita , Mian Shahzad I , Blachley Taylor , Patel Sushila , Musch David C , Woodward Maria A
Published: June 2014

We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of slit-lamp photographs interpreted by telemedicine compared to a conventional clinical examination. A convenience sample of 21 patients with anterior segment disease was enrolled at the Lumbini Eye Institute (LEI) in Bhairahawa, Nepal. An ophthalmologist at the LEI examined each patient and assigned a diagnosis and follow-up interval; this represented the gold standard. An ophthalmic technician also obtained anterior segment photographs of each patient. Slit-lamp photographs and clinical histories were then uploaded to a server for access by three separate readers. These readers, one in Nepal and two in the US, provided a diagnosis and follow-up interval independently. The diagnostic agreement between the examiner and all readers was good (kappa = 0.75, P < 0.0001). The agreement regarding follow-up interval between the examiner and all readers was fair, with a kappa coefficient of 0.32 ( P < 0.0001). However, the agreement was high when comparing the examiner with the reviewer in Nepal (kappa = 0.90) and was moderate when comparing the two US-based readers with each other (kappa = 0.45). In general, the ophthalmologists in Nepal recommended more rapid follow-up than their US-based counterparts. Our results suggest that the transmission of slit-lamp photographs from satellite clinics and eye health screening camps to the LEI and elsewhere for review and triage is an effective means of identifying anterior segment pathology.
Screening electroencephalograms are feasible in the emergency department
Authors: Bastani Aveh , Young Esther , Shaqiri Blerina , Walch Rosemarie , Manthena Prasanth , Weimer Sarah , Kayyali Hani
Published: June 2014

We investigated the feasibility and quality of a wireless, four-channel screening electroencephalogram (EEG) device on patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a possible seizure disorder. A convenience sample was used of ED patients presenting with a preliminary diagnosis of syncope, potential partial-complex or generalized seizure disorder, head injury with prolonged symptoms or acute undiagnosed altered mental status. Study patients had a screening EEG in the ED, but the emergency physician and patient were blinded to the results of the EEG so that neither patient care nor disposition were affected by inclusion in the study. A total of 227 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 56 years. EEG quality was acceptable, i.e. a screening interpretation was able to be provided, in 208 of 227 cases (92%). The EEG interpretation was normal in 65%, identified generalized or focal slowing in 24% and identified sub-clinical epileptiform activity in 12% of patients. Screening EEGs performed in the ED are feasible, can be acquired with acceptable quality, and may identify sub-clinical seizure activity in a significant number of patients.
The relationship between adiposity-associated inflammation and coronary artery and abdominal aortic calcium differs by strata of central adiposity: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Hughes-Austin Jan M , Wassel Christina L , Jiménez Jessica , Criqui Michael H , Ix Joachim H , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J , Budoff Matthew J , Jenny Nancy S , Allison Matthew A
Published: June 2014

Adipokines regulate metabolic processes linked to coronary artery (CAC) and abdominal aorta calcification (AAC). Because adipokine and other adiposity-associated inflammatory marker (AAIM) secretions differ between visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, we hypothesized that central adiposity modifies associations between AAIMs and CAC and AAC. We evaluated 1878 MESA participants with complete measures of AAIMs, anthropometry, CAC, and AAC. Associations of AAIMs with CAC and AAC prevalence and severity were analyzed per standard deviation of predictors (SD) using log binomial and linear regression models. The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was dichotomized at median WHR values based on sex/ethnicity. CAC and AAC prevalence were defined as any calcium (Agatston score >0). Severity was defined as ln (Agatston score). Analyses examined interactions with WHR and were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Each SD higher interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen and CRP was associated with 5% higher CAC prevalence; and each SD higher IL-6 and fibrinogen was associated with 4% higher AAC prevalence. Associations of IL-6 and fibrinogen with CAC severity, but not CAC prevalence, were significantly different among WHR strata. Median-and-above WHR: each SD higher IL-6 was associated with 24.8% higher CAC severity. Below-median WHR: no association ( pinteraction=0.012). Median-and-above WHR: each SD higher fibrinogen was associated with 19.6% higher CAC severity. Below-median WHR: no association ( pinteraction=0.034). Adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were not associated with CAC or AAC prevalence or severity. These results support findings that adiposity-associated inflammation is associated with arterial calcification, and further add that central adiposity may modify this association.
Young age at first intercourse and subsequent risk-taking behaviour: An epidemiological study of more than 20,000 Danish men from the general population
Authors: Buttmann Nina , Nielsen Ann , Munk Christian , Frederiksen Kirsten , Liaw Kai–Li , Kjaer Susanne K
Published: June 2014

Aim: First intercourse at the age of 14 years or younger is usually considered high-risk behaviour for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It has been linked to other types of risky behaviour in women, while conflicting results have been obtained for men. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of first intercourse at a young age in various birth cohorts of men and to determine any association with later risky behaviour. Methods: We studied 22,979 randomly selected men aged 18–45 years from the Danish general male population who responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple sexual partners over a lifetime, multiple new sexual partners within the past 6 months, intercourse with a commercial sex worker, having an STI, binge drinking and current smoking were considered risky behaviour. Results: First intercourse at the age of 14 years or younger was more prevalent in younger (14%) than in older (10%) birth cohorts and among men with shorter schooling. Young age at sexual debut was associated with a more than twofold increase in the risks for subsequent risky behaviour. Conclusions: More than 10% of Danish men first had sex at an early age, and this was closely related to subsequent risk-taking behaviour.
Informal patient payments in publicly financed healthcare facilities in Lithuania
Authors: Riklikiene Olga , Jarasiunaite Gabija , Starkiene Liudvika
Published: June 2014

Background: Since the late 1990s Lithuania has had a mixed, solidary based healthcare system, predominantly funded from the National Health Insurance Fund through a compulsory health insurance scheme. The cultural tradition of informal payments in healthcare in Lithuania was inherited from the Soviet past and is still alive. Aim: This study reveals the extent and nature of informal patient payments, and identifies the motivation behind those payments occurring in publicly financed healthcare facilities in Lithuania. Methods: The quantitative household survey design was chosen for this study. The randomly selected sample was comprised of inhabitants aged 18 years and older, representing the entire population of Lithuania by county, place of residence (urban and rural), age and sex. The study sample consisted of 1067 participants interviewed in 2009 and 2010, and 1068 in 2011 (response rate ranged from 66.6% to 68.2%). Results: Users of healthcare services usually made informal payments for the visit to, and consultation with, a general practitioner or physician specialist and for diagnostic services. Females and older citizens, the disabled, public/private sector employees, retirees, those with higher education and those in the highest household monthly income group were more prone to pay informally for health services. The majority of respondents were against formalization of informal patient payment. Conclusions: National health insurance payments for healthcare services from the formal public fund for healthcare are further augmented by informal payments from service consumers, used routinely for better access to and higher quality of healthcare service.
Sickness benefit cuts mainly affect blue-collar workers
Authors: Aaviksoo E , Kiivet R-A
Published: June 2014

Aims: To analyse the impact of sick-pay cuts on the use of sickness absence by employees of different socioeconomic groups. In 2009 cuts in sick pay were implemented in reaction to an economic crisis in Estonia. Methods: Nationwide health survey data from the years 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 were used to evaluate sickness absence among blue-collar and white-collar workers. The dataset comprised 7,449 employees of 20–64 years of age. Difference in prevalence of absentees before and after the reform was assessed using the chi-squared test. Odds ratios (OR) for sickness absence were calculated in a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: After the reform, the proportion of blue-collar workers who had been on sick leave decreased from 51% to 40% ( p<0.001) and among white-collar employees from 45% to 41% ( p=0.026). This reduction had a similar pattern in all the subgroups of blue-collar employees as stratified according to gender, age, self-rated health, and presence of chronic disease, especially among those with low incomes; in white-collar employees it reached statistical significance only in those with good self-rated health ( p=0.033). In a multivariate model the odds of having lower sickness absence were highly significant only in blue-collar employees (OR 0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.77, p<0.001). Conclusions: The cuts in sickness benefits had a major impact on the use of sickness absence by blue-collar employees with low salaries. This indicates that lower income was a major factor hindering the use of sick leave as these employees are most vulnerable to the loss of income.
Field measurements of perceived air quality and concentration of volatile organic compounds in four offices of the university building
Authors: Kolarik Jakub , Toftum Jørn , Kabrhel Michal , Jordan Filip , Geiss Otmar , Kabele Karel
Published: June 2014

Field measurements of perceived air quality were conducted in four refurbished offices at the Czech Technical University in Prague. The offices were refurbished as part of the research project Clear-up to serve as a field test facility. The present paper describes measurements conducted to investigate the perceived air quality, sensory pollution load and concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the offices. As the refurbishment comprised also installation of demand controlled ventilation (DCV), its influence on the perceived air quality was also tested. Measurements comprised the assessments of perceived air quality and objective measurements of operative temperature, relative humidity, CO2 and VOCs concentrations. Results showed that the mean sensory pollution load in unoccupied offices was 0.09 ± 0.01 olf/m2 (mean ± SEM). This falls into the category of a low-polluting building according to CEN Report CR 1752. The acceptability of the air quality was worst in unoccupied offices ventilated with minimum air change rate (0.4 h-1). Application of DCV decreased the CO2 concentration, but did not result in statistically significant improvement of perceived air quality.
Radon exhalation rates from some building materials used in Sudan
Authors: Elzain Abd-Elmoniem A.
Published: June 2014

Measurements of radon concentration, surface and mass exhalation rates were made for 12 types (264 measurements) of building material samples frequently used in Sudan. In this survey, we used the can technique, containing CR-39, to estimate the radon exposure from building materials. The results of radon concentrations in the selected building materials ranged from 506 ± 79 Bq.m−3 in mud bricks of Aroma area to 128 ± 39 Bq.m−3 in ceramic material. The surface and mass exhalation rates ranged from 949 ± 70 mBq.m−2.h−1, 11.25 ± 1.76 mBq.kg−1 h−1 to 240 ± 35 mBq.m−2 h−1, 2.84 ± 0.87 mBq.kg−1.h−1, respectively. The effective dose was calculated that ranged from 3.59 ± 1.10 mSv.y−1 to 14.21 ± 2.23 mSv.y−1, for ceramic and mud materials, respectively. These results agreed with similar findings that mud contributes in a higher indoor concentration than the other investigated materials, mud was found to constitute an effective dose above the action level as quoted by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).
Iphoneography as an emergent art world
Authors: Halpern Megan , Humphreys Lee
Published: June 2014

The iPhone has come to be one of the most popular and widely used cameras because of its ubiquity and the ease with which images can be uploaded directly to sites like Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter. The introduction of photography “apps,” like Hipstamatic or Instagram, adds layers of aesthetic capabilities not previously available within the camera. These capabilities have attracted artists seeking technologies for new media of artistic expression. Drawing on Becker’s theory of “art worlds,” this article describes the ways in which iPhone photographers, or iphoneographers, engage in the process of art world building. Through online ethnography and semistructured interviews, this study reveals the ways iphoneographers are creating, sharing, and critiquing their work. The practices of iphoneographers are not unlike those of artists engaged with new media throughout history, and indicate patterns of remediation. Through their activities, the iphoneography community is grappling with issues about the values, practices, aesthetics, and even aura of iphoneography, and in doing so, they are building and legitimating a new art world.
What not to expect from the pragmatic turn in political theory
Authors: Erman Eva , Möller Niklas
Published: June 2014

The central ideas coming out of the so-called pragmatic turn in philosophy have set in motion what may be described as a pragmatic turn in normative political theory. It has become commonplace among political theorists to draw on theories of language and meaning in theorising democracy, pluralism, justice, etc. The aim of this paper is to explore attempts by political theorists to use theories of language and meaning for such normative purposes. Focusing on Wittgenstein's account, it is argued that these attempts are unsuccessful. It is shown that pragmatically influenced political theorists draw faulty epistemological, ontological and semantic conclusions from Wittgenstein's view in their normative theorising, and it is argued that pragmatically influenced theories of language and meaning, however full of insight, cannot be put to substantial normative use in political theory. The general scope of the thesis is motivated by pointing to the general form of the argument and by moving beyond Wittgenstein to other philosophers of mind and language, illustrating how similar overextensions are made with regard to Robert Brandom's theory of language and meaning.
What kind of international school leaders are in demand around the world? A test of differences by region and stability over time
Authors: Roberts Laura , Mancuso Steven V
Published: June 2014

This mixed-methods study of 84 job advertisements for international school leaders on six continents from 2006 to 2012 entailed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Job advertisements were obtained from the most active recruiting agency for school leaders worldwide. Conventional and summative content analysis procedures were used to identify and measure five different leadership styles as follows: Managerial, Instructional, Collaborative/Distributive, Child-Centered, and Transformational Leadership. The assessment of the Transformational Leadership style required the most detailed analysis. We deemed 22 different characteristics as indicators of four Transformational Leadership categories. Results showed that school boards around the world have a stable and high level of demand for Managerial, Instructional, and Collaborative/Distributive leaders, particularly Inspirational Motivators and leaders who express Individualized Consideration. Results can be generalized to independent international schools overseas. Implications for leadership practice and theory are discussed.
Reliability and validity of Leicester Cough Questionnaire Korean version
Authors: Han Jong-Min , Jung In-Chul , Kang Weechang , Kim Seung-Su , Yeo Yoon , Park Yang-Chun
Published: June 2014

The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) is a self-administered questionnaire developed in England and validated for reliability. We developed a Korean translation of this questionnaire by applying a sequential forward and backward translation approach. The purpose of this study is to validate the Korean version of the LCQ (LCQ-K) in Korean patients with chronic cough. A multicenter prospective study was undertaken with 100 chronic cough patients who consented to participate in the study. The LCQ-K includes eight physical items, seven psychological items, and four social items. Visual analog scale (VAS) of cough, Borg Cough Scale (BCS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used as external comparators. Participants included 52 women and 48 men with ages ranging from 18 years to 69 years. The concurrent validity comparing LCQ-K to VAS, BCS, and SF-36 yielded statistically significant Pearson correlation coefficients. The LCQ-K showed good reliability in three domains, with Cronbach’s α coefficients ranging from 0.84 to 0.87 (total: 0.91). Test–retest reliability was investigated with single measure intraclass correlation coefficients, which were found to be practically and statistically significant ( p = 0.005). Responsiveness was validated by effective size ranging from 1.16 to 1.40 in each domain. LCQ-K is a reliable, valid, and responsive disease-specific questionnaire for assessing symptoms and quality of life of Korean patients with chronic cough.
A Selective Egocentric Topographical Working Memory Deficit in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bianchini F. , Di Vita A. , Palermo L. , Piccardi L. , Blundo C. , Guariglia C.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to determine whether an egocentric topographical working memory (WM) deficit is present in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with respect to other forms of visuospatial WM. Further, we would investigate whether this deficit could be present in patients having AD without topographical disorientation (TD) signs in everyday life assessed through an informal interview to caregivers. Seven patients with AD and 20 healthy participants performed the Walking Corsi Test and the Corsi Block-Tapping Test. The former test requires memorizing a sequence of places by following a path and the latter is a well-known visuospatial memory task. Patients with AD also performed a verbal WM test to exclude the presence of general WM impairments. Preliminary results suggest that egocentric topographical WM is selectively impaired, with respect to visuospatial and verbal WM, even without TD suggesting an important role of this memory in the early stages of AD.
Clinical Presentation of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease as a Result of Mutation in Exon 12 of the PSEN-1 Gene
Authors: Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra , Bodzioch M. , Szczudlik A. , Slowik A.
Published: June 2014

Introduction:

Mutations in the gene for presenilin 1 ( PSEN-1) cause familial, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD). Diagnosis of EOAD is often a challenge because of the high frequency of atypical presentations. Clinical manifestation of EOAD may vary depending on underlying mutation; specific genetic mutations influence development of specific clinical phenotypes; however, intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity has also been noted in some pedigrees.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 36-year-old woman presenting with progressive behavioral disturbances, dementia, involuntary movements, pyramidal signs, epilepsy, and a family history of early-onset dementia accompanied by involuntary movements. On genetic testing, the mutation at codon 424 (Leu→Arg) in PSEN-1 gene was identified.

Conclusion:

Our case describes a new phenotype of a known mutation of PSEN-1 at codon 424.
Acupuncture Stimulation of Taichong (Liv3) and Hegu (LI4) Modulates the Default Mode Network Activity in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liang Peipeng , Wang Zhiqun , Qian Tianyi , Li Kuncheng
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

The acupuncture has been used in the therapy of Alzheimer disease (AD), however, its neural underpins are still unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the acupuncture effect on the default mode network (DMN) in AD by using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI).

Methods:

Twenty-eight subjects (14 AD and 14 normal controls (NC)) participated in this study. RS-fMRI data were acquired before and after acupuncture, while during the acupuncture, the procession of acupuncture stimulation on the acupoints of Tai chong (Liv3) and Hegu (LI4) lasted for 3 minutes.

Results:

Region of interest analysis showed that the impaired DMN connectivity in AD (identified by comparing the pre-acupuncture RS-fMRI of AD and NC), specifically the left cingulate gyrus (CG) and right inferior parietal lobule (IPL), were significantly changed for the better. The whole-brain exploratory analysis further demonstrated these results and found some new regions respond to the acupuncture effect on AD, with a cluster in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) together with right IPL showed increased within-DMN connectivity; and the bilateral CG and left PCu showed decreased within-DMN connectivity. Moreover, the acupuncture effect on the right MTG was significantly correlated with disease severity as measured by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.

Conclusion:

It was found that the acupuncture stimulation could modulate the DMN activity in AD. The current findings suggest that the acupuncture treatment on the relative earlier AD patients might have a better therapy effect.
Potential Similarities in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Bin-Yin , Chen Sheng-Di
Published: June 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is clinically characterized by insidious onset of memory and cognitive impairments, which are also presented in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Many studies have shown that seizures occur in some patients with AD, and AD is a risk factor for epilepsy, mainly complex partial and secondary generalized seizure. Here, we focus on the relationship between TLE and AD in clinical and pathological aspects, as they are having similar comorbidities and mechanisms. In this study, we first reviewed the clinical observations that showed concomitant AD and TLE. Then, we picked up common genetic and pathological changes in both the diseases from neurobiological researches. Although both the diseases have delicate differences in many aspects, their common characteristics intrigue more detailed research to be done by newer technology.
Beneficial Effects of Pranic Meditation on the Mental Health and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Castellar Juarez I. , Fernandes César A. , Tosta C. Eduardo
Published: June 2014

Background. Breast cancer survivors frequently present long-lasting impairments, caused either by the disease or its treatment, capable of compromising their emotional health and quality of life. Meditation appears to be a valuable complementary measure for overcoming some of these impairments. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the effect of pranic meditation on the quality of life and mental health of breast cancer survivors. Design. This study was a prospective single-arm observational study using before and after measurements. Methods. The subjects were 75 women submitted either to breast cancer therapy or to posttherapy control who agreed to practice pranic meditation for 20 minutes, twice a day, during 8 weeks, after receiving a formal training. The quality of life of the practitioners was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and EORTC BR-023 questionnaires, and the mental health status by the Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire. Results. After 8 weeks of pranic meditation practice, the subjects showed a significant improvement of their quality of life scores that included physical ( P = .0007), role ( P = .01), emotional ( P = .002), and social functioning ( P = .004), as well as global health status ( P = .005), fatigue ( P < .0001), pain ( P = .007), sleep disturbances ( P = .01), body image ( P = .001), arm symptoms ( P = .007), and breast symptoms ( P = .002). They also showed a reduction of the side effects of systemic therapy ( P = .02) and being upset by hair loss ( P = .02). Moreover, meditation was associated with improvement of the mental health parameters of the practitioners that included psychic stress ( P = .001), death ideation ( P = .02), performance diffidence ( P = .001), psychosomatic disorders ( P = .02), and severity of mental disorders ( P = .0003). The extension of the meditation period from 8 to 15 weeks caused no substantial extra benefits in practitioners. Conclusions. The results of this pilot study showed that breast cancer survivors presented significant benefits related to their mental health and quality of life scores after a short period of practice of pranic meditation, consisting of simple and easy-to-learn exercises. However, because of the limitations of the study, further research is required using a more rigorous experimental design to ascertain whether pranic meditation may be an acceptable adjunct therapy for cancer patients.
A Clinical Protocol Demonstrating Rapid, Safe, and Effective Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Cantor Ira
Published: June 2014

Vitamin D status has importance in the prevention and treatment of many malignancies. Patients with breast, colon, and lung malignancies with higher vitamin D status at the onset of treatment have an improved prognosis compared with those patients with a lower vitamin D status. Methods to improve vitamin D status are often unreliable and take time, often months, to be successful. A method that improves and normalizes the vitamin D status safely, quickly (within 1-2 weeks), and reliably is described herein. The use of this method will allow testing of the hypothesis that improving the vitamin D status of patients with various malignancies before treatment is initiated will improve their outcome.
Resilient Practices in Maintaining Safety of Health Information Technologies
Authors: Smith Michael W. , Ash Joan S. , Sittig Dean F. , Singh Hardeep
Published: June 2014

Electronic health record systems (EHRs) can improve safety and reliability of health care, but they can also introduce new vulnerabilities by failing to accommodate changes within a dynamic EHR-enabled health care system. Continuous assessment and improvement is thus essential for achieving resilience in EHR-enabled health care systems. Given the rapid adoption of EHRs by many organizations that are still early in their experiences with EHR safety, it is important to understand practices for maintaining resilience used by organizations with a track record of success in EHR use. We conducted interviews about safety practices with 56 key informants (including information technology managers, chief medical information officers, physicians, and patient safety officers) at two large health care systems recognized as leaders in EHR use. We identified 156 references to resilience-related practices from 41 informants. Framework analysis generated five categories of resilient practices: (a) sensitivity to dynamics and interdependencies affecting risks, (b) basic monitoring and responding practices, (c) management of practices and resources for monitoring and responding, (d) sensitivity to risks beyond the horizon, and (e) reflecting on risks with the safety and quality control process itself. The categories reflect three functions that facilitate resilience: reflection, transcending boundaries, and involving sharp-end practitioners in safety management.
Analysis of the carbonatation process of nanosized Ca(OH)2 particles synthesized by exchange ion process
Authors: Taglieri Giuliana , Felice Benito , Daniele Valeria , Volpe Roberto , Mondelli Claudia
Published: June 2014

Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in hydro-alcoholic dispersion are introduced as an effective conservation material for carbonatic substrates, thanks to their promising carbonation efficacy in ambient air. However, the current methods to synthesize such dispersions are characterized by some drawbacks that strongly limit applications. The aim of this work is to investigate structure, morphology and carbonatation efficacy of calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in aqueous suspension, produced by our alternative and original method of synthesis, based on the use of an ion exchange resin. Actually, the method allows to produce pure, nanosized and reactive Ca(OH)2 particles, operating at room temperature, without intermediate steps to eliminate undesired compounds, drastically reducing the time, and with a potential ability to be easily scaled up to provide larger amounts of nanoparticles. By X-ray diffraction techniques, we have investigated reactivity of the synthesized nanoparticles, in relation to the carbonatation process in air, by varying the suspension concentration. Preliminary results on the kinetics of the carbonatation process are presented too. Morphological analysis, performed by transmission electron microscopy, shows both hexagonal particles, often quarries, of side dimensions less than 100 nm, and spherical particles (<50 nm).
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of people with type 2 diabetes as related to self-management practices: Results of a cross-sectional study conducted in Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Ku Grace Marie V , Kegels Guy
Published: June 2014

Objective

This study measured factors that could be associated with self-management practices of people with type 2 diabetes from two different health systems in the Philippines in terms of diabetes knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of support and self-efficacy, and obesity/adiposity.

Methods

Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, obesity/adiposity measures, adherence to medications, diabetes diet, and exercise and the number of diabetes consultations of people with type 2 diabetes utilizing services of two different health systems were collected. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, obesity/adiposity, and demographic characteristics according to: proper/under-utilization of services; adherence/non-adherence to medications, diet and exercise; high/low perceived self-efficacy; and the health systems. Logistic regression was done to identify any associations with obesity/adiposity, self-management practices, and perceived self-efficacy.

Results

There were 549 respondents. Differences in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and some demographic characteristics between the two health systems and between those with high/low self-efficacy perceptions were significant. Perceived self-efficacy was significantly associated with all four self-management practices.

Conclusions/Interpretations

People consulting at the health service with a more supportive system had better perceived self-efficacy and self-care behavior. Higher knowledge, attitude, and perception scores were noted among those with better self-efficacy perceptions, which was associated with better self-care behavior.
‘Get real, don’t buy fakes’: Fashion fakes and flawed policy – the problem with taking a consumer-responsibility approach to reducing the ‘problem’ of counterfeiting
Authors: Large Joanna
Published: June 2014

Recent years have seen increasing concern in relation to intellectual property crime and as a result, pressure has mounted to tackle the ‘problem’ of counterfeiting. However, despite an increasing recognition of the responsibility of public policing agencies, a strong consumer-responsibility approach has emerged. This relies on the assumption that if consumers are ‘educated’ about the ‘dangers of buying fakes’ they will refrain from doing so – resulting in a reduced demand and thus, a reduced supply. This article, which is based upon a mixed-methods empirical study investigating people’s attitudes to, and consumption of, counterfeit fashion goods, seeks to problematize the responsibility being placed upon consumers and argues that fundamentally, this is a flawed approach for anti-counterfeiting policy. This article argues that not only does this approach fail to understand consumer attitudes, but it fails to understand the nature and consumption of fashion more generally.
Atropine first is safer than conventional atropine administration in older people undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiography
Authors: Shehata Mohamed
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Early injection of atropine during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has been demonstrated in retrospective analyses to reduce the duration and dose of dobutamine infusion, while preserving a similar diagnostic accuracy with a lower incidence of adverse effects. This study explores the safety of using atropine as a start drug before dobutamine infusion (ADSE protocol) in comparison with the conventional protocol (DASE protocol) in older patients undergoing DSE for ischemia evaluation.

Methods:

One hundred consecutive older patients were prospectively enrolled. When eligible, they were randomly assigned to undergo either the DASE protocol (group A, 50 patients) or the ADSE protocol (group B, 50 patients) when atropine (1.0 mg) was first administered 3 min before dobutamine infusion followed by 0.5 mg increments (maximum 1.0 mg) thereafter. Patients were monitored for adverse drug effects. Test duration was calculated.

Results:

The mean age of the whole study cohort was 67.8 ± 4.3 years and 58 (58%) were men. Patients in group A had longer test duration (21.8 ± 1.3 versus 13.7 ± 0.77 min, p < 0.001) and higher mean dobutamine infusion rate (39 ± 8.2 versus 28.2 ± 9.5 μg/kg/min, p < 0.001). The two groups received a similar total dose of atropine. Group A patients showed significantly higher incidence of extrasystoles, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and severe hypotension ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In older patients undergoing DSE, using atropine as a start drug, that is, adopting the ADSE protocol, is associated with shorter test duration, lower mean dobutamine infusion rate and consequently fewer adverse effects.
Accuracy of SCATT optoelectronic shooting system
Authors: Zanevskyy Ihor , Korostylova Yuliya , Mykhaylov Volodymyr
Published: June 2014

This article defines SCATT optoelectronic system accuracy of weapon movement registration. Three types of errors were found in defining the coordinates of the aiming point on a SCATT target: asymmetry of the left to right and up to down results, absolute errors in each direction and the dependence of the error upon the distance to the centre of the target. It was found that the optoelectronic registration shows the biggest errors in the left and up directions from the centre of the target (199%–283%) and relatively less errors in right (54%–188%) and down (18%–188%) directions. In order to make corrections while defining the aiming point coordinates on a SCATT target, one can use the correction factor based on the distance from the aiming point to the centre of the target.
A rare case of floating clavicle and a novel technique for stabilizing the sternoclavicular joint
Authors: Thyagarajan David , Webb Mark , Wallace Angus
Published: June 2014

We present the first ever case report of a floating clavicle with a unique combination of a posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation and an associated grade III acromioclavicular joint dislocation. We treated this injury surgically by stabilizing both ends of clavicle using a polyester surgical mesh device (LockDown™; Mandaco 569 Limited, Redditch, UK; previously called the Nottingham Surgilig).