bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cigarette Smoke and Inflammation: Role in Cerebral Aneurysm Formation and Rupture
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Ali Muhammad S. , Starke Robert M. , Jabbour Pascal M. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Koch Walter J. , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: December 2012

Smoking is an established risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage yet the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Recent data has implicated a role of inflammation in the development of cerebral aneurysms. Inflammation accompanying cigarette smoke exposure may thus be a critical pathway underlying the development, progression, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. Various constituents of the inflammatory response appear to be involved including adhesion molecules, cytokines, reactive oxygen species, leukocytes, matrix metalloproteinases, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Characterization of the molecular basis of the inflammatory response accompanying cigarette smoke exposure will provide a rational approach for future targeted therapy. In this paper, we review the current body of knowledge implicating cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in cerebral aneurysm formation/rupture and attempt to highlight important avenues for future investigation.
Rhabdomyolysis following Acute Extended-Release Quetiapine Poisoning: A Case Report
Authors: Liolios Antonios , Sentissi Othman
Published: December 2012

Background. During the past few years, there have been a number of case reports concerning rhabdomyolysis following quetiapine poisoning; however, there has been none concerning the medication in its extended-release form.Methods. We present the case report of a 48-year-old man presenting a major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder, who after voluntary intoxication with 12000 mg of quetiapine extended-release developed signs of acute rhabdomyolysis.Results. The rhabdomyolysis was confirmed by the laboratory and the clinical findings, with elevated levels of creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and CRP.Discussion. We would like to pinpoint the importance of this complication and our concern of prescribing it for psychiatric patients with chronic somatic comorbidities.
Combined Case of Blood-Injury-Injection Phobia and Social Phobia: Behavior Therapy Management and Effectiveness through Tilt Test
Authors: Ferenidou Fotini , Chalimourdas Theodoros , Antonakis Velissarios , Vaidakis Nikolaos , Papadimitriou Georgios
Published: December 2012

The efficacy of behavior therapy based mainly on real-life exposure situations as well as applied tension was examined for a combined case of blood-injury-injection (BII) phobia and social anxiety disorder. Treatment involved 28 behavior therapy sessions, while applied tension technique was also described and practiced. The specific contribution of social skills techniques, fantasy, and real-life situations exposure was examined in a single case design. The subject was a 39-year-old male with anxiety symptoms when confronting an audience, as well as symptoms of the autonomic nervous system (bradycardia and syncope), which were better explained by BII. All self-report measures regarding fear, social phobia, and anxiety were reduced after behavior therapy and remained maintained at followup, while BII decreased further after applied tension techniques. The contribution of behavior therapy to the overall outcome of the case is considered significant for many reasons that are discussed in the pape.
The Prevention of Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Children
Authors: Harrison Robert V.
Published: December 2012

Increasingly, our acoustic environment is filled with amplified sound sources (e.g., MP3 players, video game stations, and sports/entertainment venues). There is serious concern and also some controversy about the risks of acoustic trauma in children. This overview provides some basic information on the physiological mechanisms that lead to noise induced hearing loss, a survey of various studies that, on balance, indicates that there is cause for concern, and finally a discussion on measures that can help to prevent noise induced hearing loss in children. This paper is designed for public health and other healthcare professions (ENT, audiologists, family doctors, and pediatricians) who should understand the risks of noise induced hearing loss and its prevention.
Extension of Axiomatic Design Method for Fuzzy Linguistic Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making with Incomplete Weight Information
Authors: Li Ming
Published: December 2012

Axiomatic design (AD) provides a framework to describe design objects and a set of axioms to evaluate relations between intended functions and means by which they are achieved. It has been extended to evaluate alternatives in engineering under fuzzy environment. With respect to multiple criteria group decision making (MCDM) with incomplete weight information under fuzzy linguistic environment, a new method is proposed. In the method, the fuzzy axiomatic design based on triangle representation model is used to aggregate the linguistic evaluating information. In order to get the weight vector of the criteria, we establish a nonlinear optimization model based on the basic ideal of fuzzy axiomatic design (FAD), by which the criteria weights can be determined. It is based on the concept that the optimal alternative should have the least weighted information content. Then, the weighted information content is derived by summing weighted information content for each criterion. The alternative that has the least total weighted information content is the best. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the availability of the proposed method.
Enhancing the Accuracy of Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio after Adjustment for Large Platelet Count: A Pilot Study in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Seretis Charalampos , Seretis Fotios , Lagoudianakis Emmanuel , Politou Marianna , Gemenetzis George , Salemis Nikolaos S.
Published: December 2012

Background. The objective of our study is to investigate the potential effect of adjusting preoperative platelet to lymphocyte ratio, an emerging biomarker of survival in cancer patients, for the fraction of large platelets.Methods. A total of 79 patients with breast neoplasias, 44 with fibroadenomas, and 35 with invasive ductal carcinoma were included in the study. Both conventional platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the adjusted marker, large platelet to lymphocyte ratio (LPLR), were correlated with laboratory and histopathological parameters of the study sample.Results. LPLR elevation was significantly correlated with the presence of malignancy, advanced tumor stage, metastatic spread in the axillary nodes and HER2/neu overexpression, while PLR was only correlated with the number of infiltrated lymph nodes.Conclusions. This is the first study evaluating the effect of adjustment for large platelet count on improving PLR accuracy, when correlated with the basic independent markers of survival in a sample of breast cancer patients. Further studies are needed in order to assess the possibility of applying our adjustment as standard in terms of predicting survival rates in cancer.
A Unique Case of Unilateral Lower Extremity Sparing Systemic Peripheral Gangrene
Authors: Markelov Alexey , DeFroda Steven , Baccaro Leopoldo , Bastidas Jamie
Published: December 2012

We present here the case of a 70-year-old female who developed a systemic peripheral gangrene in both of her upper extremities (all fingers) and her right foot due to a severe septic shock requiring a systemic vasopressor therapy. Interestingly, the patient’s left foot remained spared from gangrenous changes possibly due to a chronic external iliac artery occlusion and thus the lower concentration of vasopressors in that extremity.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Hyperkalemia in a Patient with Normal Renal Function
Authors: Nickels L. Connor , Jones Christine , Stead Latha Ganti
Published: December 2012

The authors present a case of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced hyperkalemia in a patient with normal renal function. While toxicity of this drug has been reported in patients with renal insufficiency, this case highlights the toxicity associated with normal kidney function. Due to its popularity in the medical field and to the largely unrecognized effect of hyperkalemia, it is important to consider such adverse effects when prescribing TMX-SMX. One must be reminded of the possibility of the development of life-threatening hyperkalemia in relatively healthy patients.
Rapid Immunization Scheme for Spouses of Individuals Estabilished as Hepatitis B Carriers during Premarital Tests
Authors: Tosun Selma , Yücetürk Murat , Dönmez Aydın Bilal , Gündüz Turan
Published: December 2012

Background. The aim of this study was to monitor the cases identified as hepatitis B carriers during premarital tests, to vaccinate their prospective spouses with a rapid vaccination scheme, and to compare the anti-HBs responses with the traditional vaccination scheme.Methods. Blood samples of 1250 couple spouses were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs. HBsAg positive cases' fiancées which were found HBV negative were administered a rapid three-dose vaccination scheme on days 0, 7, and 21. Forty controls with similar age and gender were also were administered three doses of the same vaccine.Results. Out of 1250 cases (625 couples), 46 (3.6%) were HBsAg positive, and 40 of them aged between 18 and 39 were admitted to the rapid vaccination program.Conclusion. Upon determination of HBsAg positivity in premarital tests, a rapid vaccination program provides early protection, but the 6th and 12th month vaccinations are also required. Anti-HBs response should be monitored.
Redox Homeostasis in Pancreatic Cells
Authors: Ježek Petr , Dlasková Andrea , Plecitá-Hlavatá Lydie
Published: December 2012

We reviewed mechanisms that determine reactive oxygen species (redox) homeostasis, redox information signaling and metabolic/regulatory function of autocrine insulin signaling in pancreaticβcells, and consequences of oxidative stress and dysregulation of redox/information signaling for their dysfunction. We emphasize the role of mitochondrion inβcell molecular physiology and pathology, including the antioxidant role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein UCP2. Since in pancreaticβcells pyruvate cannot be easily diverted towards lactate dehydrogenase for lactate formation, the respiration and oxidative phosphorylation intensity are governed by the availability of glucose, leading to a certain ATP/ADP ratio, whereas in other cell types, cell demand dictates respiration/metabolism rates. Moreover, we examine the possibility that type 2 diabetes mellitus might be considered as an inevitable result of progressive self-accelerating oxidative stress and concomitantly dysregulated information signaling in peripheral tissues as well as in pancreaticβcells. It is because the redox signaling is inherent to the insulin receptor signaling mechanism and its impairment leads to the oxidative and nitrosative stress. Also emerging concepts, admiting participation of redox signaling even in glucose sensing and insulin release in pancreaticβcells, fit in this view. For example, NADPH has been firmly established to be a modulator of glucose-stimulated insulin release.
Impact of Tumor Microenvironment and Epithelial Phenotypes on Metabolism in Breast Cancer
Authors: Brauer Heather Ann , Makowski Liza , Hoadley Katherine A. , Casbas-Hernandez Patricia , Lang Lindsay J. , Romàn-Pèrez Erick , D'Arcy Monica , Freemerman Alex J. , Perou Charles M. , Troester Melissa A.
Published: December 2012

Purpose: Cancer cells have altered metabolism, with increased glucose uptake, glycolysis, and biomass production. This study conducted genomic and metabolomic analyses to elucidate how tumor and stromal genomic characteristics influence tumor metabolism.

Experimental Design: Thirty-three breast tumors and six normal breast tissues were analyzed by gene expression microarray and by mass spectrometry for metabolites. Gene expression data and clinical characteristics were evaluated in association with metabolic phenotype. To evaluate the role of stromal interactions in altered metabolism, cocultures were conducted using breast cancer cells and primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF).

Results: Across all metabolites, unsupervised clustering resulted in two main sample clusters. Normal breast tissue and a subset of tumors with less aggressive clinical characteristics had lower levels of nucleic and amino acids and glycolysis byproducts, whereas more aggressive tumors had higher levels of these Warburg-associated metabolites. While tumor-intrinsic subtype did not predict metabolic phenotype, metabolic cluster was significantly associated with expression of a wound response signature. In cocultures, CAFs from basal-like breast cancers increased glucose uptake and basal-like epithelial cells increased glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis, suggesting interplay of stromal and epithelial phenotypes on metabolism. Cytokine arrays identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a potential mediator of stromal–epithelial interaction and antibody neutralization of HGF resulted in reduced expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and decreased glucose uptake by epithelium.

Conclusions: Both tumor/epithelial and stromal characteristics play important roles in metabolism. Warburg-like metabolism is influenced by changes in stromal–epithelial interactions, including altered expression of HGF/Met pathway and GLUT1 expression. Clin Cancer Res; 19(3); 571–85. ©2012 AACR.
Biochemical Effects of Phosphate-Containing Replacement Fluid for Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration
Authors: Chua Horng-Ruey , Baldwin Ian , Ho Lisa , Collins Allison , Allsep Helen , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: December 2012

Aims: To examine biochemical effects of phosphate-containing replacement fluid (Phoxilium®) for continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Methods: Retrospective comparison of respective serum biochemistry with sequential use of Accusol™ and Phoxilium, each over 48 h of CVVH. Results: We studied 15 critically ill patients. Accusol was switched to Phoxilium after 5 (4–8) days of CVVH. Respective serum biochemistry after 36–42 h of Accusol versus Phoxilium were: phosphate 1.02 (0.82–1.15) versus 1.44 (1.23–1.78) mmol/l, ionized calcium 1.28 (1.22–1.32) versus 1.12 (1.06–1.21) mmol/l, bicarbonate 24 (23–25) versus 20 (19–22) mmol/l, base excess 0 (–2 to 1) versus –4 (–6 to –3) mmol/l (p < 0.001). Cumulative phosphate intakes during respective periods were 69.6 (56.6–76.6) versus 67.2 (46.6–79.0) mmol (p = 0.45). Plasma strong ion differences were narrower with Phoxilium (p < 0.05), with similar strong ion gaps. No additional intravenous phosphate was given during Phoxilium use. Seven patients had serum phosphate >1.44 mmol/l. Conclusions: Phoxilium versus Accusol use during CVVH effectively prevented hypophosphatemia but contributed to mild hyperphosphatemia, and is associated with relative hypocalcemia and metabolic acidosis.
Is a Nuclear Deal with Iran Possible? An Analytical Framework for the Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Authors: Sebenius James K. , Singh Michael K.
Published: December 2012

Varied diplomatic approaches by multiple negotiators over the past several years have failed to conclude a nuclear deal with Iran. Mutual hostility, misperception, and flawed diplomacy may be responsible. Yet, more fundamentally, no mutually acceptable deal may exist. To assess this possibility, a “negotiation analytic” framework conceptually disentangles two issues: (1) whether a feasible deal exists; and (2) how to design the most promising process to achieve one. Focusing on whether a “zone of possible agreement” exists, a graphical negotiation analysis precisely relates input assumptions about the parties' interests, their no-deal options, and possible deals. Under a plausible, mainstream set of such assumptions, the Iranian regime's no-deal options, at least through the fall of 2012, appear superior to potential nuclear agreements. If so, purely tactical and process-oriented initiatives will fail. Opening space for a mutually acceptable nuclear deal—one that avoids both military conflict and a nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable Iran—requires relentlessly and creatively worsening Iran's no-deal options while enhancing the value of a deal to the Iranian regime. Downplaying both coercive options and upside potential, as international negotiators have often done, works against this integrated strategy. If this approach opens a zone of possible agreement, sophisticated negotiation will be key to reaching a worthwhile agreement.
Bubble formation and transport in T-junction for application to Liquid Composite Molding: Wetting effect
Authors: Abdelwahed Mohamed Amine Ben , Wielhorski Yanneck , Bizet Laurent , Bréard Joël
Published: December 2012

The aim of this work is to underline the influence of the wetting behavior on bubble formation and transport during the impregnation of fibrous preforms for Liquid Composite Molding processes. The void prediction within the elaboration of composite material sparks off interest because it represents a significant issue to keep the expected mechanical properties of the final product. Voids or bubbles are mainly formed due to the resin flow competition inside and outside the tows. However, the experimental characterization of void formation and transport during the flow inside fibrous media remains delicate. Since the direct visualization of the liquid flow and the entrapped bubbles in a practical material is uneasy, we used model networks to study the formation of bubbles and their transport. Thus, our experimental study deals with a simple configuration of connected pores: two capillaries converging at a node perpendicularly (T-junction). We emphasized on microfluidic and millifluidic approaches where the wetting is significant during bubble formation mechanisms. For the same flow conditions, the experimental results reveal that the bubble lengths are higher for partially wetting liquids than for completely wetting ones. In a wetting case, it was demonstrated that the lubrication hypothesis can be a good approximation to describe the bubble transport in fibrous media.
Middle-class Mothers’ Moralities and ‘Concerted Cultivation’: Class Others, Ambivalence and Excess
Authors: Perrier Maud
Published: December 2012

Drawing on a small qualitative study of mothers in the UK, this article argues that although concerted cultivation and intensive parenting are legitimated as ‘good’ parenting, these discourses have uneven effects on middle-class mothers’ moral identities. My contention is that by focusing too much on processes of capital accumulation and transmission, studies of parenting risk simplifying the contradictory effects of these discourses on middle-class parents’ subjectivities. I argue that accounting for how power is enacted on as well as by middle-class mothers provides some resources for an account of contemporary parenting that better reflects the complexity and diversity of middle-class mothers’ experiences, including their ambivalence about concerted cultivation and their fears about the excesses of the middle-class emphasis on education.
Psychological well-being in professional orchestral musicians in Australia: A descriptive population study
Authors: Kenny Dianna , Driscoll Tim , Ackermann Bronwen
Published: December 2012

We report the major findings from the psychosocial questionnaire component of a cross-sectional population survey of the musicians in Australia’s eight full-time professional symphonic and pit orchestras. The response rate was 70% ( n = 377). Female musicians reported significantly more trait anxiety, music performance anxiety, social anxiety, and other forms of anxiety and depression than male musicians. The youngest musicians (<30 years) were significantly more anxious compared with the oldest musicians (51+). The youngest female musicians were most affected by music performance anxiety. Music performance anxiety was lowest for the older musicians (51+ years). Thirty-three per cent of musicians may meet criteria for a diagnosis of social phobia. Twenty-two per cent answered in the affirmative to a question screening for post-traumatic stress disorder. Thirty-two per cent returned a positive depression screen; this subgroup had higher scores on the anxiety measures. Linear regression analysis identified the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), the Anxiety and Depression Detector (ADD) and age as independent predictors of music performance anxiety severity. Significant numbers of musicians drank alcohol in a manner outside the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) alcohol guidelines (2009); only 6% were current smokers. This study has identified a significant pattern of anxiety, depression and health behaviours that require attention in occupational health and safety policies and programmes for this workforce.
The Headache Under-Response to Treatment (HURT) Questionnaire: Assessment of utility in headache specialist care
Authors: Westergaard Maria LS , Steiner Timothy J , MacGregor E Anne , Antonaci Fabio , Tassorelli Cristina , Buse Dawn C , Lipton Richard B , Jensen Rigmor H
Published: December 2012

The HURT Questionnaire consists of eight questions which the patient answers as a measure of effectiveness of intervention against headache. This first assessment of clinical utility was conducted in headache specialist centres in three countries in order to demonstrate that HURT was responsive to change induced by effective management. We administered HURT on three occasions to 159 consecutive patients seeking non-urgent care from centres in Denmark and the United Kingdom: the first before the initial visit to the centres; the second at the initial visit; and the third when the specialist judged that the best possible outcome had been achieved in each patient. Questionnaires were also answered by 42 patients at initial and final visits to a centre in Italy. Internal consistency reliability was very good ( α = 0.85) while test-retest reliability was fair to low ( κ = 0.38–0.62 and rs = 0.49–0.76), possibly because headache was unstable prior to start of management. There were significant changes in responses post-intervention compared with baseline ( p < 0.01), indicating a favourable outcome overall in up to 77% of patients, and responsiveness to change, but there was no improvement in patients’ concerns about side effects of medication ( p = 0.18). We conclude that the questionnaire has utility across headache disorders. It can help patients describe headache frequency and headache-attributed disability, medication use/efficacy/tolerability, self-efficacy and knowledge about headache. It may guide physicians in assessment of disability of individual patients, how to proceed with management towards the best possible outcome, and in evaluating the quality of management.
The Effects of EnhanceFitness (EF) Training on Dual-Task Walking in Older Adults
Authors: Agmon Maayan , Kelly Valerie E. , Logsdon Rebecca G. , Nguyen Huong , Belza Basia
Published: December 2012

Decline in dual-task walking performance is associated with increased risk of falls among older adults. The objective of this study is to determine whether 18 hr of participation in EnhanceFitness (EF), an evidence-based group exercise program, improves dual-task walking performance among community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-eight healthy, community-dwelling older adults were evaluated before participating in EF and after 18 hr of participation. Gait speed was evaluated under single task and dual tasks using the TUG (Timed Up and Go) and 1-min walk tests. Dual-task costs (DTC), the relative cost of dual-task performance compared to single-task performance, were calculated for both cognitive and motor tasks. Postural control and executive functions were evaluated as well. After 18 hr of EF, dual-task walking performance improved. Single-task performance improved as well as postural control and executive function. There was no significant change in DTC across all measurements, except for the cognitive task of the TUG.
Cardiac autonomic function in healthy young smokers
Authors: Erdem Alim , Ayhan Suzi Selim , Öztürk Serkan , Özlü Mehmet Fatih , Alcelik Aytekin , Sahin Safak , Tosun Mehmet , Erdem Fatma Hizal , Gumustekin Kenan , Yazici Mehmet
Published: December 2012

The present study examined the heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in healthy young smokers (<40 years) to assess the effects of smoking on cardiac autonomic function. The study included 75 smokers with a history of habitual smoking for at least 1 year (41 males and 34 females; mean age, 29.3 ± 7.3 years) and 30 nonsmokers (hospital staff; 16 males and 14 females; mean age, 29.0 ± 6.1 years). Addiction to smoking was evaluated using the modified Fagerström test for nicotine-dependence index (NDI). HRT, HRV, basic clinical and echocardiographic, and Holter test parameters were compared between groups. No significant differences between the two groups were found in the basic clinical and echocardiographic variables. Turbulence onset (TO) was significantly higher in the smoking group than in the controls, and turbulence slope was significantly lower in the smokers, than in the controls ( p < 0.05). Standard deviation of all normal-to-normal (NN) interval index (SDNNI) was the only HRV parameter that was significantly different between the smoking and control groups ( p < 0.05). The NDI was positively correlated with the TO ( p < 0.05). Smoking impairs the baroregulatory function in healthy young smokers, particularly the HRT parameters and SDNNI. Our findings highlight the importance of complete smoking cessation.
Sovereign Debt, Austerity, and Regime Change
Authors: Ban Cornel
Published: December 2012

Historically, high sovereign debt and austerity policies have coincided with regime-changing popular uprisings. Nicolae Ceausescu’s Romania was no exception. Why, when faced with a sovereign debt crisis in the 1980s, did his regime choose to pay its foreign debt as early as possible, at the cost of economic recession and dramatically compressed consumption? How did these choices relate to the regime’s failure to survive the end of the decade? The article argues that while exogenous shocks shattered the economic bases of the regime, it was the ideas with which the regime understood development and interpreted the crisis that shaped government policy responses in the 1980s. When the price of oil and development finance went up abruptly in 1979, the low energy efficiency of Romanian industry pushed the country into a situation where debt levels became unsustainable. Committed to a view of development that blended nationalist and Stalinist ideas, but with a focus on policy sovereignty, Ceausescu diagnosed the crisis as evidence that debt-financed development and policy independence were incompatible. Consequently the regime decided to pay off foreign debt through a mix of austerity, import substitution, and export-led accumulation of dollar reserves. By the time all debt was paid off in 1989, the regime’s economic sources of legitimacy were exhausted. In the external environment of 1989, this policy regime change contributed to political regime change even in the absence of an organized civil society. In addition to casting a new light on the causal mechanisms of the Romanian revolution of December 1989, the findings of this article contribute to emerging scholarship that stresses the nexus between debt-induced economic crisis and popular uprisings.
Secondary suspension of railway vehicles - air spring modelling: Performance and critical issues
Authors: Mazzola Laura , Berg Mats
Published: December 2012

This paper shows the importance of modelling the components of the suspension when performing dynamics simulations of a railway vehicle. Focusing on the air spring secondary suspension, a process to define an accurate component model is proposed based on a combination of laboratory tests and model identification techniques. Six models for the air spring secondary suspension are discussed and assessed based on comparison with experiments.
Modelling the Left Ventricle for Determination of the Elasticity of the Myocardium
Authors: Yettram A L , Grewal B S , Gibson D G
Published: December 2012

An analytical procedure has been developed for deriving an overall value of myocardial elasticity for patients in vivo. Here three other procedures for estimating myocardium stiffness, from other investigators, are applied to data representing the same set of patients. They relate to (a) myocardial stiffness as a function of pressure, (b) myocardial stiffness as a function of wall stress and (c) myocardial stiffness as a function of geometry and stress. An assessment of the validity of each of these three relationships is made. The first two of these are shown to be poor predictors of myocardial elastic modulus whereas the use of an ellipsoidal geometric model, as proposed in the third, was found to give qualitatively good results.
Financial markets and authoritative proximity in personal finance magazines
Authors: Davidson Roei
Published: December 2012

This study investigates how mediated discourse about finance developed in the USA in parallel to the shift from a corporate liberal political economic order to a neoliberal one. This is done by analyzing two personal finance magazines, Money and Kiplinger’s, utilizing both critical discourse analysis and longitudinal quantitative content analysis (1947–2008). I find that at the core of this discursive environment lies the phenomenon of authoritative proximity, which positions the magazines as trusted advisors guiding the audience, a collection of individuals, towards financial autonomy through immersion in financial markets. Authoritative proximity is constituted by second person address forms, imperative mood and paratactic syntax – all elements whose salience rises over time. This discourse, which makes the abstract financial system increasingly more concrete and focused on the individual, is compatible with the emergence of a neoliberal political economy.
Partnerships for community mental health in the Asia-Pacific: principles and best-practice models across different sectors
Authors: Ng Chee , Fraser Julia , Goding Margaret , Paroissien David , Ryan Brigid ,   on behalf of the Editorial Group of the Asia-Pacific Community Mental Health Development Project Stage 2 (listed in the Appendix*)
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

Stage Two of the Asia-Pacific Community Mental Health Development Project was established to document successful partnership models in community mental health care in the region. This paper summarizes the best-practice examples and principles of partnerships in community mental health across 17 Asia-Pacific countries.

Conclusions:

A series of consensus workshops between countries identified best-practice exemplars that promote or advance community mental health care in collaboration with a range of community stakeholders. These prototypes highlighted a broad range of partnerships across government, non-government and community agencies, as well as service users and family carers. From practice-based evidence, a set of 10 key principles was developed that can be applied in building partnerships for community mental health care consistent with the local cultures, communities and systems in the region. Such practical guidance can be useful to minimize fragmentation of community resources and promote effective partnerships to extend community mental health services in the region.
A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Signs of Impending Death and Symptoms in the Last 2 Weeks of Life
Authors: Kehl Karen A. , Kowalkowski Jennifer A.
Published: December 2012

To optimally manage patient care, knowledge of the prevalence of signs of impending death and common symptoms in the last days is needed. Two reviewers independently conducted searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO and the Web of Knowledge from January, 1996 to May, 2012. No limits to publication language or patient diagnosis were imposed. Peer reviewed studies of adults that included contemporaneous documentation of signs and symptoms were included. Articles were excluded if they assessed symptoms by proxy or did not provide information on prevalence. Reviewers independently extracted data. Twelve articles, representing 2416 patients, in multiple settings were analyzed. Of the 43 unique symptoms, those with the highest prevalence were: dyspnea (56.7%), pain (52.4%), respiratory secretions/death rattle (51.4%), and confusion (50.1%). Overall prevalence may be useful in anticipating symptoms in the final days and in preparing families for signs of impending death.
Ultrasonic fatigue testing on high strength steel: Effect of stress concentration factors associated with corrosion pitting holes
Authors: Almaraz Gonzalo M Dominguez , Mora Rubén Pérez
Published: December 2012

Ultrasonic fatigue tests at the frequency of 20 kHz were carried out on the hot rolled low alloy steel grade (known as R5), which according to the International Classification Society of offshore systems, it is a steel with the highest ultimate tensile strength to manufacture mooring chains and accessories intended to position mooring applications. Tests were carried out at constant load ratio R = −1 on pre-corroded and no-corroded hourglass shape specimens; pre-corrosion was implemented according to ASTM standard G85. Stress concentration between two and three close hemispherical pitting holes on hourglass shape specimen undergoing uniaxial loading were obtained by finite element method. Experimental results show that fatigue life decreases with the proximity of two close pitting holes on the fracture surface. An exponential law is proposed for the stress concentration factor evolution with the proximity of two close pitting holes of identical radius; the trend of this law is confirmed by experimental results. Finally, fracture surfaces were analyzed and conclusions were listed concerning fatigue life, proximity of pitting holes on fracture surface, and the associated stress concentration factors.
Vibration suppression of curved beam-type structures using optimal multiple tuned mass dampers
Authors: Yang F , Sedaghati R , Esmailzadeh E
Published: December 2012

This paper established a thorough optimization procedure of the multiple tuned-mass-damper system to suppress the vibration levels of the curved beam-type structures with multiple vibration dominant modes. A hybrid optimization methodology, which combines the global optimization method based on the Genetic Algorithm and the local optimization method based on Sequential Quadratic Programming, has been developed. The established hybrid optimization procedure is then utilized to find the optimum values of the design parameters, namely, the spring stiffness, damping factor and the position of the attached tuned-mass-damper systems, in order to suppress the vibration amplitude either at a particular mode or at several modes simultaneously.
Evaluation of sources to document extended shelf lives of compounded cytostatics
Authors: Larsson Iben , Kart Trine
Published: December 2012

Background:

Due to the increasing demand for compounded cytostatics, future compounding of these drugs has to include automated production and improved logistics, and in both cases batch production for stockholding is needed. This set-up would also meet future staff shortages. Stockholding requires documentation of extended shelf lives in the range of minimum 1–3 months. Documentation is often provided by summary of product characteristics, data provided by the industry which is not included in the summary of product characteristics and data from literature.

Objective:

To evaluate the quality of the three main stability data sources used by hospital pharmacies when assessing extended shelf lives of compounded cytostatics.

Methods:

A total of 150 summary of product characteristics for fluorouracil, cyclophosphamid, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, vincristin, irinotecan, epirubicin, gemcitabin, docetaxel, carboplatin and cytarabin were examined regarding available information on how to handle the compounded product. A survey of literature for shelf lives for cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and gemcitabine has been made. Dialogues with 14 suppliers of cytostatica have been conducted to clarify the possibility of expanding the fluorouracil information on shelf lives to include information on extended shelf lives of compounded products.

Results:

The analysis showed that often the information on shelf life stated in the summary of product characteristic is very short and sparse in basic information regarding the compounded product. The dialogues with the companies revealed that longer shelf lives will probably not be stated in the summary of product characteristic, and the literature review revealed very different stability data and uncertainty on the validity of the obtained data.

Conclusion:

None of these data sources can be applied as documentation for extended shelf lives and it is crucial to document the extended stability yourself.
Ultrasonographic appearance of adrenal glands in healthy and sick cats
Authors: Combes Anaïs , Pey Pascaline , Paepe Dominique , Rosenberg Dan , Daminet Sylvie , Putcuyps Ingrid , Bedu Anne-Sophie , Duchateau Luc , de Fornel-Thibaud Pauline , Benchekroun Ghita , Saunders Jimmy H
Published: December 2012

The first part of the study aimed to describe prospectively the ultrasonographic features of the adrenal glands in 94 healthy cats and 51 chronically sick cats. It confirmed the feasibility of ultrasonography of adrenal glands in healthy and chronically sick cats, which were not statistically different. The typical hypoechoic appearance of the gland surrounded by hyperechoic fat made it recognisable. A sagittal plane of the gland, not in line with the aorta, may be necessary to obtain the largest adrenal measurements. The reference intervals of adrenal measurements were inferred from the values obtained in the healthy and chronically sick cats (mean ± 0.96 SD): adrenal length was 8.9–12.5 mm; cranial height was 3.0–4.8 mm; caudal height was 3.0–4.5 mm. The second part of the study consisted of a retrospective analysis of the ultrasonographic examination of the adrenal glands in cats with adrenal diseases (six had hyperaldosteronism and four had pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism) and a descriptive comparison with the reference features obtained in the control groups from the prospective study. Cats with hyperaldosteronism presented with unilateral severely enlarged adrenal glands. However, a normal contralateral gland did not preclude a contralateral infiltration in benign or malignant adrenal neoplasms. The ultrasonographic appearance of the adrenal glands could not differentiate benign and malignant lesions. The ultrasonographic appearance of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was mainly a symmetrical adrenal enlargement; however, a substantial number of cases were within the reference intervals of adrenal size.
Effects of early treatment with glatiramer acetate in patients with clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Comi Giancarlo , Martinelli Vittorio , Rodegher Mariaemma , Moiola Lucia , Leocani Letizia , Bajenaru Ovidiu , Carra Adriana , Elovaara Irina , Fazekas Franz , Hartung Hans-Peter , Hillert Jan , King John , Komoly Samuel , Lubetzki Catherine , Montalban Xavier , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Preziosa Paolo , Ravnborg Mads , Rieckmann Peter , Rocca Maria A , Wynn Daniel , Young Carolyn , Filippi Massimo
Published: December 2012

Background:

The placebo-controlled phase of the PreCISe study showed that glatiramer acetate delayed onset of clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and brain lesions on MRI.

Objective:

To compare the effects of early versus delayed glatiramer acetate treatment in the open-label phase of PreCISe.

Methods:

Patients with a clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of MS with unifocal manifestation and ≥2 T2-weighted brain lesions were randomized to receive glatiramer acetate 20 mg/d (early-treatment, n=198) or placebo (delayed-treatment, n=211) for 36 months or until conversion to CDMS, followed by open-label glatiramer acetate treatment for two years.

Results:

Early glatiramer acetate treatment reduced CDMS conversion risk by 41% (hazard ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.80; p=0.0005) versus delayed-treatment, and was associated with a 972-day delay (185%) in conversion to CDMS, less brain atrophy (−28%, p=0.0209), fewer new T2 lesions/year (−42%, <0.0001) and lower T2 lesion volume (−22%, p=0.0005) versus delayed treatment. Adverse events were consistent with the established safety profile of glatiramer acetate.

Conclusions:

Effects of early glatiramer acetate treatment on the rate of conversion to CDMS and on MRI measures of disease activity and lesion burden support initiating glatiramer acetate treatment soon after the first clinical symptoms suggestive of MS and continuing treatment to sustain benefits.
A CAMHS Intensive Treatment Service: Clinical outcomes in the first year
Authors: Duffy Fiona , Skeldon Joanne
Published: December 2012

In 2005, the Scottish Executive recommended that young people with severe mental health difficulties should be managed in the community wherever possible. This study reports on the clinical outcomes associated with the development of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Intensive Treatment Service (ITS) embedded within a Tier Four CAMHS structure. Following intervention, mean CGAS ratings significantly improved by 16 points ( p<0.001) and HoNOSCA Clinical Scores significantly decreased by a mean of 6.94 points ( p<0.001). This trend was replicated in self-report measures, where service users reported significant clinical improvements in mental health symptoms and indicators of quality of life. A CAMHS ITS, with close links to an adolescent inpatient unit, can provide a balanced care approach where young people with severe mental health difficulties can be treated in the community, where possible, without compromising on patient safety and quality of care.
Paying the price? The impact of smoking and obesity on health inequalities in later life
Authors: Fors Stefan , Agahi Neda , Shaw Benjamin A
Published: December 2012

Aims: The aims of the study are twofold: (i) to explore the impact of socioeconomic position, as measured 13 years earlier, on cognitive functioning and mobility impairment in later life, and (ii) to explore the extent to which obesity and smoking status can explain socioeconomic inequalities in cognitive and mobility impairments in later life. Methods: Data from a nationally representative sample of Swedish adults aged 56–76 in 1991 who were re-interviewed 13 years later in 2004, was analysed to explore the impact of socioeconomic position, smoking, and obesity on cognitive and physical functioning in late life. Results: The results showed that both smoking and obesity in late mid-life were stratified by socioeconomic position. Moreover, the results showed significant associations between socioeconomic position and both cognitive and physical functioning in later life. However, these inequalities in late life function could only partially be explained by the socioeconomic differences in smoking and obesity. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that socioeconomic differences in the rates of smoking and obesity may explain some, but not all, of the socioeconomic inequalities in physical and cognitive functioning during old age.
‘Feminist theory is proper knowledge, but …’: The status of feminist scholarship in the academy
Authors: Pereira Maria do Mar
Published: December 2012

This article explores some of the most significant questions in feminist epistemology: how do academics demarcate what constitutes ‘proper’ academic knowledge? And to what extent is feminist theory and research recognised as such? I draw on material from an ethnographic study of academia in Portugal to examine the claims that non-feminist scholars make in classrooms and conferences about the epistemic status of feminist scholarship. I observed that feminist work was very commonly described as capable of generating credible and valuable knowledge, but only in some instances and in limited ways. I present examples of these adversative claims (i.e. propositions that express opposition or discrepancy through a ‘but’ or equivalent adversative conjunction) and analyse their structure, content and uses of caricature and humour, showing how epistemic boundaries are drawn in them and how feminist scholarship is positioned in relation to those boundaries. I argue that this boundary-work produces a representation of feminist scholarship as being located partly within, and partly outside, the realm of proper knowledge, a move which I designate as an epistemic splitting of that scholarship. I suggest that this splitting enables and legitimates a selective engagement with feminist work, because it provides non-feminist scholars with a recognised epistemological rationale for taking into account the feminist insights which broadly fit mainstream frameworks, while simultaneously rejecting as epistemologically unsound the feminist critiques of those frameworks.
Tracing Attentions
Authors: Hassoun Dan
Published: December 2012

Simultaneous media use has become a prominent part of the contemporary media landscape. While critical media scholars continue to presume that audiences engage media one at a time, industries and advertisers are increasingly examining how viewers split their attentions across multiple screens at once, and how best to integrate these screens into synergized content streams. This article relates industry discourses on simultaneous media to longer-standing interest in audience inattention, specifically the ways that producers are reconceptualizing multitasking from a distracting activity to a potentially interactive one. Examining these discourses provides a foundation from which critical scholars can engage with the multiscreen contexts in which audiences use new media, while critiquing the presumptions of interactivity at the heart of convergence culture.
The mediatization of the military
Authors: Maltby Sarah
Published: December 2012

Through an examination of military media management strategies, this article argues that the military are increasingly ‘mediatized’ where the media act as both a rationale and interface for communication within the military, and between the military and their audiences. Informed by ethnographic work with the British military, it is argued that military media management strategies are increasingly organised to appeal to, reassure and elicit support from multiple audiences – particularly the state and the military’s own internal personnel. In an attempt to move beyond conceptualisation of military media management as merely state propaganda, the author explores the degree to which the military, as a relatively autonomous institution, attempts to harness the power of media influence – whilst also protecting against it – in a manner that may be transforming the media–polity–military relationship and is reflective of the processes of mediatization.
Carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed using ultrasound as a first-line exam by the surgeon
Authors: Lange J.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluates the diagnostic value of ultrasound as a first-line exam in carpal tunnel syndrome. In 16 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 32 matched controls, evaluation of the median nerve was performed by the cross-sectional area at wrist level and wrist–forearm ratio. This study found statistically significant differences between patients and controls by both methods, and both showed high specificity and positive predictive values. Optimal cut-off values were identified at a 14 mm2 cross-sectional area and a 1.6 wrist–forearm ratio. This study implies that ultrasound evaluation of the median nerve is a valuable tool as a first-line diagnostic test used by the surgeon for examination of patients with presumed carpal tunnel syndrome. Owing to the high positive predictive value of ultrasound, the need for referral to nerve conduction study may be limited.