bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of self-regulation informed goal setting in people with traumatic brain injury
Authors: McPherson Kathryn M , Kayes Nicola , Weatherall Mark ,   on behalf of all members of the Goals-SR Research Group
Published: March 2009

Objective: To determine the acceptability and clinical application of two recently developed goal-setting interventions (Goal Management Training and Identity Oriented Goal Training) in people with traumatic brain injury.

Design: A three parallel group, randomized controlled pilot study.

Setting: Inpatient and community rehabilitation facilities.

Subjects: Thirty-four people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (Goal Management Training, n = 12; Identity Oriented Goal Training, n = 10; usual care, n = 12) and their rehabilitation clinicians.

Interventions: For both Goal Management Training and Identity Oriented Goal Training participants met face to face with their key worker weekly over a period of 6—8 weeks, during which time the key worker worked to engage them in goal setting and goal performance using the strategy prescribed by their group allocation. Usual care was provided to the other participants.

Main measures: Largely qualitative using observation, individual interviews and focus groups. Participants also completed a Goal Attainment Scale at baseline, post intervention and at three months follow-up.

Results: Both approaches were acceptable to the majority of participants with many reporting improved mood and goal attainment. Clinicians found working in a different way with patients both challenging and rewarding, with both experimental approaches enhancing a focus on the person's own goals. Identity Oriented Goal Training seemed particularly helpful in engaging people in the goal-setting process while Goal Management Training appeared particularly helpful in providing a structured framework for error prevention in attempting goal performance.

Conclusion: These theoretically informed approaches to goal setting showed promise but were time intensive and at times difficult for practitioners to utilize.
Areas of consensus and controversy about goal setting in rehabilitation: a conference report
Authors: Playford E Diane , Siegert Richard , Levack William , Freeman Jennifer
Published: March 2009

Objective: To consider clinical issues surrounding goal setting in neurological rehabilitation, and to identify priorities for future research.

Participants: Twenty-four rehabilitation professionals were invited to attend because they had taught or published on the topic of goal setting. In addition two patient groups were represented.

Evidence: (1) The results of a systematic literature review, (2) presentations given during the two-day conference by investigators working within the field of goal setting, (3) questions and statements from conference attendees during open discussion, (4) a report initially formulated by a panel composed of four of the conference attendees, and then circulated to all attendees for comment, (5) views of the conference attendees gathered using a modified Delphi technique.

Consensus: There were significant areas of consensus about goal setting. The Delphi studies highlighted and confirmed these areas of general agreement with consensus that goal setting is a core component of the rehabilitation process, and that goals should be specific, ambitious, relevant and time limited, with incremental steps that lead to progressive achievement. It was also agreed that that goal setting has a major impact on the relationship between patient and professional, with the availability of professional time and expertise being key to the success of the process.

Controversy: Areas in which there was more controversy centred on the evaluation of goal achievement and the benefits of ambitious rather than achievable goals. The need for patient-centred goal setting was recognized, although it was felt at times that there were conflicts that prevented this being attainable.
Between the Laboratory and the Deep Blue Sea
Authors: de Bont Raf
Published: March 2009

In the 1870s, the life sciences witnessed the rise of a new site for scientific research: the marine station. This new workplace brought the laboratory of the biologist closer to the natural surroundings of the marine organisms that he/she was studying. It was therefore a site where the lab could be `renaturalized'. In this paper, the extent of this `renaturalization' is studied with regard to two stations. The first, Anton Dohrn's Stazione zoologica in Naples, was to become an international centre for laboratory research, while the second, Alfred Giard's marine station in Wimereux (France), turned out to be an important hub for field studies. Field-oriented animal life studies could be developed in Wimereux, whereas these were largely outshone by physiological and morphological research in Naples. I argue that differences in the physical and social organization of the two stations — or their `ecologies' — accounted for the varying practices and types of knowledge found in Naples and Wimereux.
Alterations in Knee Joint Laxity During the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Women Leads to Increases in Joint Loads During Selected Athletic Movements
Authors: Park Sang-Kyoon , Stefanyshyn Darren J. , Ramage Barbara , Hart David A. , Ronsky Janet L.
Published: March 2009

Background

It has been speculated that the hormonal cycle may be correlated with higher incidence of ACL injury in female athletes, but results have been very contradictory.

Hypothesis

Knee joint loads are influenced by knee joint laxity (KJL) during the menstrual cycle.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Serum samples and KJL were assessed at the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases in 26 women. Knee joint mechanics (angle, moment, and impulse) were measured and compared at the same intervals. Each of the 26 subjects had a value for knee laxity at each of the 3 phases of their cycle, and these were ordered and designated low, medium, and high for that subject. Knee joint mechanics were then compared between low, medium, and high laxity.

Results

No significant differences in knee joint mechanics were found across the menstrual cycle (no phase effect). However, an increase in KJL was associated with higher knee joint loads during movement (laxity effect). A 1.3-mm increase in KJL resulted in an increase of approximately 30% in adduction impulse in a cutting maneuver, an increase of approximately 20% in knee adduction moment, and a 20% to 45% increase in external rotation loads during a jumping and stopping task ( P < .05).

Conclusion

Changes in KJL during the menstrual cycle do change knee joint loading during movements.

Clinical Relevance

Our findings will be beneficial for researchers in the development of more effective ACL injury prevention programs.
Temporary Diazepam Responsive Apneic Attacks and Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome
Authors: Yiş Uluç , Kurul Semra Hiz , Öztura Íbrahim , Özden Ömer , Akinci Gülçin , Dirik Eray
Published: March 2009

Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders affecting neuromuscular junction. Mutations in the gene encoding choline acetyltransferase cause presynaptic defects. The missense mutation I336T has been identified in Turkish population, and most of the cases carrying this mutation present with exercise-induced fatigability and ptosis. Although apneic attacks occur in these cases during febrile illness in childhood, the number of reported respiratory distress episodes during infancy is scarce. Another important feature of these cases is that response to esterase inhibitors is satisfactory. We present a case of congenital myasthenic syndrome with I336T choline acetyltransferase mutation who presented with numerous attacks of respiratory distress in the infancy period. Interestingly, the patient had myopathic findings on electromyography and diazepam decreased severity of apneic attacks. There was also no improvement with esterase inhibitors.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Appropriate and Small for Gestational Age Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Procianoy Renato S. , Koch Maike S. , Silveira Rita C.
Published: March 2009

Prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with neurodevelopment delay. A prospective cohort study included all 96 very low birth weight infants discharged from our neonatal unit from November 2003 to June 2005. The authors compared 41 appropriate and 55 small for gestational age very low birth weight infants' neurodevelopment at 24 months corrected age. Bayley Scales were similar between both groups at 8, 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age even after adjustment for gestational age and improved from 8 to 24 months corrected age. Small for gestational age infants with and without severe intrauterine growth restriction had similar neurodevelopment outcome. Neurodevelopment delay is frequent in very low birth weight infants with no differences between appropriate and small for gestational age. The authors suggest that Bayley Scales evaluation should be performed in every very low birth weight infant at least at 24 months corrected age to detect those requiring therapeutic stimuli.
Clinical Heterogeneity in Ethylmalonic Encephalopathy
Authors: Pigeon Nicole , Campeau Philippe M. , Cyr Denis , Lemieux Bernard , Clarke Joe T. R.
Published: March 2009

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy is a recently described inborn error of metabolism characterized clinically by developmental delay and regression, recurrent petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, and chronic diarrhea. We describe monochorionic twins presenting with hypotonia in infancy and diagnosed with ethylmalonic encephalopathy on the basis of biochemical findings. They are compound heterozygote for missense mutations in ETHE1. Magnetic resonance imaging changes affecting the white matter, corpus callosum, and basal ganglia were seen in both patients. At 10 years of age, they have severe axial hypotonia but never displayed petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, or chronic diarrhea. Their clinical courses differ markedly; one had an episode of coma when she was 3 years old and now has spastic quadraparesis and cannot speak. The other can freely use her upper extremities, her pyramidal syndrome being mostly limited to the lower extremities, and can speak 2 languages. These patients illustrate the clinical heterogeneity of ethylmalonic encephalopathy, even in monochorionic twins.
Family Social Capital, Venture Preparedness, and Start-Up Decisions
Authors: Chang Erick P. C. , Memili Esra , Chrisman James J. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Chua Jess H.
Published: March 2009

Using insights from the resource-based view, social capital, and network theories, the authors develop a model of how family social capital, as well as an entrepreneur’s knowledge capital and external social capital, influences the venture creation process. The model is tested on a sample of 85 nascent Hispanic entrepreneurs. Results indicate that family social capital, measured as family support, contributes to venture preparedness and the start-up decision, suggesting that it has both a direct and an indirect influence on venture creation.
The Structure of Heresthetical Power
Authors: Moser Scott , Patty John W. , Penn Elizabeth Maggie
Published: March 2009

This article considers manipulation of collective choice — in such environments, a potential alternative is powerful only to the degree that its introduction can affect the collective decision. Using the Banks set (Banks, 1985), we present and characterize alternatives that can, and those that can not, affect sophisticated collective decision-making. Along with offering two substantive findings about political manipulation and a link between our results and Riker's concept of heresthetic, we define a new tournament solution concept that refines the Banks set, which we refer to as the heresthetically stable set.
Vibration and Wave Propagation Control of Plates with Periodic Arrays of Shunted Piezoelectric Patches
Authors: Spadoni A. , Ruzzene M. , Cunefare K.
Published: March 2009

Periodic arrays of shunted, piezoelectric patches are employed to control waves propagating over the surface of plate structures, and corresponding vibrations. The shunted, piezoelectric patches act as sources of impedance mismatch, which gives rise to interference phenomena resulting from the interaction between incident, reflected and transmitted waves. Periodically distributed mismatch zones, i.e., the piezo patches, produce frequency dependent, wave-dynamic characteristics, which include the generation of band gaps, or stop bands in the frequency domain. The extent of induced band gaps depends on the mismatch in impedance generated by each patch. The total impedance mismatch, in turn, is determined by the added mass and stiffness of each patch as well as the shunting electrical impedance. Proper selection of the shunting electric-circuit thus provides control over the attenuation capabilities of the piezo-plate structure, as well as the ability to adapt to changing excitation conditions. Control of wave-propagation attenuation and vibration reduction for plates with periodic, shunted, piezoelectric patches is demonstrated numerically, employing finite-element models of the considered structures.
Non-linear Effects in Hydrogel-based Chemical Sensors: Experiment and Modeling
Authors: Guenther Margarita , Gerlach Gerald , Wallmersperger Thomas
Published: March 2009

`Stimuli-responsive' or `smart' hydrogels are capable of reversibly converting chemical energy into mechanical energy and therefore they are widely used as sensitive materials for chemical sensors. However, non-linear effects such as hysteresis and drift are observed in the swelling behavior of the hydrogels, complicating the calibration procedure for the sensor and affecting the signal reproducibility. In the present work, in order to realize pH and temperature sensors with high signal reproducibility and high long-term stable sensor sensitivity, the complicated kinetics of gel swelling/deswelling processes has been analyzed and the origin of the hysteresis non-linearities has been elucidated.
Social Capital and Childhood Psychiatric Disorders: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pearson Laura Jane , Oyebode Femi
Published: March 2009

The aim of this research was to determine whether social capital is associated with either the type or severity of psychiatric disorders of childhood, specifically, disorders of emotion and behaviour. Ninety parents of children between the ages of 4 and 18 years with an emotional disorder or behavioural disorder participated in the study. They completed two questionnaires: the Child Behaviour Checklist (to assess severity of disorder) and a questionnaire measuring social capital. There was no statistically significant association between total social capital score and either diagnosis or severity of illness. However, two components of social capital showed significant associations: `perceptions of the local area' was significantly associated with severity of illness and `social networks' with diagnosis. The findings of this study suggest that some components of social capital may be more important in relation to mental health than others.
Therapeutic Limits from an Attachment Perspective
Authors: O'Sullivan Lisha , Ryan Virginia
Published: March 2009

This article applies attachment theory and relevant research to therapeutic limit setting and focuses particularly on child-centred, non-directive play therapy (NDPT) practice. We review the role of limits in therapeutic change and examine whether therapeutic limit setting exhibits properties similar to those evident in typical adult—child relationships, a topic not previously considered in the literature. The first section identifies properties considered inherent in optimal attachment relationships from a limit setting perspective, drawing particularly on Heard and Lake's (1997) extension of Bowlby's attachment theory. The next section discusses therapists' use of limit setting from an attachment standpoint, distinguishing features of therapeutic limit setting which reflect properties evident in sensitive adult—child attachments. Finally, implications for further research and practice in child therapy are explored.
Adolescents' Ability to Read Different Emotional Faces Relates to their History of Maltreatment and Type of Psychopathology
Authors: Leist Tatyana , Dadds Mark R.
Published: March 2009

Emotional processing styles appear to characterize various forms of psychopathology and environmental adversity in children. For example, autistic, anxious, high- and low-emotion conduct problem children, and children who have been maltreated, all appear to show specific deficits and strengths in recognizing the facial expressions of emotions. Until now, the relationships between emotion recognition, antisocial behaviour, emotional problems, callous-unemotional (CU) traits and early maltreatment have never been assessed simultaneously in one study, and the specific associations of emotion recognition to maltreatment and child characteristics are therefore unknown. We examined facial-emotion processing in a sample of 23 adolescents selected for high-risk status on the variables of interest. As expected, maltreatment and child characteristics showed unique associations. CU traits were uniquely related to impairments in fear recognition. Antisocial behaviour was uniquely associated with better fear recognition, but impaired anger recognition. Emotional problems were associated with better recognition of anger and sadness, but lower recognition of neutral faces. Maltreatment was predictive of superior recognition of fear and sadness. The findings are considered in terms of social information-processing theories of psychopathology. Implications for clinical interventions are discussed.
Assessing Unrealistic Optimism
Authors: Hevey David , French David P. , Marteau Theresa M. , Sutton Stephen
Published: March 2009

The effects of measurement method on levels of unrealistic optimism for developing diabetes were examined in 323 UK adults. A mixed factorial design comprised direct and indirect measures of unrealistic optimism as the within-subjects variable, and between-subjects manipulations of the order of direct versus indirect assessment, the order of self—other comparison, the number of response options used and the polarity of the ratings. More unrealistic optimism was obtained using the direct method and using unipolar scales, and/or with the self—other order in the indirect method. The results indicate that levels of unrealistic optimism depend on its assessment method.
Social Support Coping Mediates the Relationship between Gender and Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Swickert Rhonda , Hittner James
Published: March 2009

Females tend to report greater levels of posttraumatic growth following trauma than males. Little is known about why such an association exists. This study examined whether social support coping might mediate the relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth. College students and community residing adults ( N = 221) recalled a stressful or traumatic event that they had recently experienced and responded to measures of posttraumatic growth and coping while keeping this event in mind. Gender was significantly associated with both social support coping and growth while social support coping was a partial mediator of the relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth.
Objectification Processes and Disordered Eating in British Women and Men
Authors: Calogero Rachel M.
Published: March 2009

The present study extended the applicability of Objectification Theory to predict disordered eating in British women and men. Participants completed measures of self-objectification, body surveillance, body shame and disordered eating. Path analyses indicated strong support for the theoretical model in women, with body shame fully mediating the relation between self-objectification and disordered eating. Patterns were similar for men with two exceptions; body shame increased with lower self-objectification and disordered eating was directly increased with higher self-objectification. Findings extend Objectification Theory as a useful framework for identifying sociocultural influences on disordered eating in British women and men.
The Interaction of Mindful-based Attention and Awareness and Disengagement Coping with HIV/AIDS-related Stigma in regard to Concurrent Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Adults with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Gonzalez Adam , Solomon Sondra E. , Zvolensky Michael J. , Miller Carol T.
Published: March 2009

This investigation examined the interaction of disengagement coping with HIV/AIDS-related stigma and mindful-based attention and awareness in regard to anxiety and depressive symptoms among people with HIV/AIDS. There was a significant interaction in regard to anxiety symptoms. Higher levels of disengagement coping paired with lower levels of mindful-based attention and awareness was related to the greatest degrees of anxiety symptoms, while lower levels of disengagement coping paired with higher levels of mindful-based attention and awareness was related to the lowest levels of anxiety symptoms. Although the interaction for depressive symptoms was not significant, a similar pattern of results was observed.
Patient and Physician Perceptions of the Physician's Explanation and Patient Responses to Physicians
Authors: Hagihara Akihito , Tarumi Kimio
Published: March 2009

Although theories on meta-cognition and self-monitoring imply the importance of meta-cognition in patient—physician interactions, there is no evidence to support this hypothesis. Thus, we evaluated patient and physician perceptions of the level of a physician's explanation and explored the possible influence of patient meta-cognition on patient responses to physicians. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 579 internist—patient pairs in Japan. The findings show that patient meta-cognition, and not perception, of the sufficiency of a physician's explanation plays a critical role in determining extreme patient responses to a physician, such as ignoring the physician's advice and doctor-shopping, whereas patient perception is a predictor of milder patient responses such as patient understanding and satisfaction.
`Natural versus Taught'
Authors: Locke Abigail
Published: March 2009

This article is an analysis of talk in breastfeeding workshops that are part of National Childbirth Trust antenatal classes. Using audio-recordings from breastfeeding workshops antenatal classes, the data were analysed using a qualitative, discursive methodology based in part on the premises outlined by Potter and Wetherell (1987) and Edwards and Potter (1992, 2001). The analysis demonstrates how there are two main discourses of breastfeeding constructed by the breastfeeding counsellor—breastfeeding as natural, and breastfeeding as learnt. In particular, it notes how these two main discourses of breastfeeding that are seemingly in competition with one another, operate concurrently within the teaching of breastfeeding, and enable the breastfeeding counsellor to manage issues and concerns around breastfeeding.
From Descartes to Desipramine: Psychopharmacology and the Self
Authors: Gold Ian , Olin Lauren
Published: March 2009

Despite the remarkably widespread use of the new generation of antidepressants, almost everything we know about their effects comes from animal studies and clinical trials in which the sole parameter of interest is depressive symptomatology. Almost nothing is known about the effects that antidepressants have on cognition, affect, or motivation when used over a period of months or years. Nor do we understand what effects, if any, antidepressants have on what we think of as the self. In this article, we argue that neither psychiatry nor philosophy, in their current state, are well equipped to think about these issues. In order to explore this idea, we consider the neurobiology of romantic love and its relation to antidepressant neurochemistry. This case study, we suggest, supports the view that antidepressants are very likely to have significant effects on personhood as well as the suggestion that we are in need of new ways of thinking about the self and its pathologies.
`Consumers are Patients!' Shared Decision-making and Treatment Non-compliance as Business Opportunity
Authors: Applbaum Kalman
Published: March 2009

This article describes an aspect of the progressive insertion of commercial interests into the relationship between patients and their clinicians, with particular reference to psychiatry. Treatment noncompliance, a long-standing problem for healthcare professionals, has lately drawn the attention of the pharmaceutical and allied industries as a site at which to improve return on investment (ROI). Newly founded corporate `compliance departments' and specialized consultancies that regard noncompliance as a form of marketing failure are seeking to rectify it with reinvigorated models and strategies. This intervention stands to impact patients' experience of illness as well as the participation of those formally (physicians, case managers, etc.) and informally (family, friends, etc.) involved in treatment. My analysis draws upon observation at compliance conferences to demonstrate the contrasting models of patient empowerment underlying the marketing vs. medical approaches. I propose a research agenda for measuring the effects of industry compliance programs.
Towards a `Foxification' of 24-hour news channels in Britain?
Authors: Cushion Stephen , Lewis Justin
Published: March 2009

Drawing on three media content analyses between 2004 and 2007, we examine the differences in news coverage between BBC News 24 (a public service broadcasting channel) and Sky News (a commercial provider). We explore this longitudinal data in the context of recent claims that 24-hour news channels in the UK are succumbing to the kind of decline in news standards exemplified by the Fox network in the USA.

While there are some signs of `Foxifixation', the existing public service regulations in UK broadcasting and the presence of a full-blown public service broadcaster like the BBC act as a break on `Foxification' in commercial providers like Sky. Although Fox and Sky are both Murdoch channels, Sky conforms to some of the expectations of public service broadcasting in a way that Fox does not.
Making good sense
Authors: Meadows Michael , Forde Susan , Ewart Jacqui , Foxwell Kerrie
Published: March 2009

Around four million listeners in an average week tune into community radio stations around Australia, primarily to hear local news and information — evidence of a failure by mainstream journalism to meet their diverse needs. This discussion draws from the authors' landmark national qualitative audience study of the Australian community broadcasting sector to explore the role being played by community journalism. The authors argue that journalism at the level of the local is playing a crucial role in the democratic process by fostering citizen participation in public life. This suggests a critique of mainstream journalism practices and the central place of audience research in understanding the nature of the relationships and processes involved. The authors argue that the nature of community journalism aligns it more closely with the complex `local talk' narratives at community level that play a crucial role in creating public consciousness.
Broader and deeper
Authors: Ryfe David M.
Published: March 2009

This essay offers an ethnographic analysis of The Daily Times,1 a mid-sized American corporately owned newsroom. During the period under study, a new editor changed the way that reporters produced the news. In particular, he asked his reporters to attend less closely to the public agencies that composed their beats. Over time, his reporters alternately expressed confusion and indignation about the new rules. I explain their reaction in terms of conclusions drawn from the original ethnographic studies of newsrooms conducted in the 1970s. These studies showed that journalistic practices like routine visits to public agencies serve important functional and symbolic needs for journalists. The changes introduced by this editor threatened several of these needs, and this ultimately led the reporters to reject the new rules. This case study shows that journalists rely on a deeply embedded culture of professionalism to respond to the experiments taking place in their newsrooms.
Being Fred: big stories, small stories and the accomplishment of a positive ageing identity
Authors: Phoenix Cassandra , Sparkes Andrew C.
Published: March 2009

This article is informed by recent trends in narrative research that focus on the meaning-making actions of those involved in describing the life course. Drawing upon data generated during a series of interactive interviews with a 70-year-old physically active man named Fred, his story is presented to illustrate a strategic model of narrative activity. In particular, using the concepts of `big stories' and `small stories' as an analytical framework, we trace Fred's use of two specific identities; being fit and healthy , and being leisurely to analyse the ways that he accomplishes an ontological narrative where the plot line reads; ` Life is what you make it'. The ways in which this narrative enables Fred to perform a narrative of positive self-ageing in his everyday life is illustrated. Finally, the analytical possibilities of being attentive to both big and small stories in narrative analysis are discussed.
Does Europe Need Common Values?
Authors: Lacroix Justine
Published: March 2009

This article argues that there is a discrepancy between Jürgen Habermas's initial plea for critical and rational identities and his more recent glorification of the European model. Initially, Constitutional Patriotism could be apprehended as a critical standard for existing political practices. However, Habermas's recent political texts tend to lose all kind of reflexive distance in their apprehension of the European identity — which is presented as distinct and even superior to its counter-model, the US. Such a `Europatriotic' temptation should be resisted. The `thick' European identity advocated by Habermas has no truly federative dimension and could undermine the unique normative potential of a political entity composed of distinct identities. Consequently, the article suggests an elucidation of liberal postnationalism with a view to explaining its refusal to tie Europe's legitimacy to an identification logic.
Switching from Donepezil Tablets to Rivastigmine Transdermal Patch in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sadowsky Carl H. , Dengiz Alan , Olin Jason T. , Koumaras Barbara , Meng Xiangyi , Brannan Stephen ,   US38 study group
Published: March 2009

Objective: Evaluate safety and tolerability of switching from donepezil to rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Prospective, parallel-group, open-label study to evaluate immediate or delayed switch from 5-10 mg/day donepezil to 4.6 mg/24 h rivastigmine following a 4-week treatment period. Results: Rates of discontinuation due to any reason or adverse events were similar between groups. Incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events were 3.8% in the immediate and 0.8% in the delayed switch group. No patients discontinued secondary to nausea and vomiting. Discontinuations due to application site reactions were low (2.3%). Asymptomatic bradycardia was more common following the immediate switch (2.3% vs 0%); however, these patients had coexisting cardiac comorbidities. Conclusion: Both switch strategies were safe and well tolerated. The majority of patients may be able to switch directly to rivastigmine patches without a withdrawal period. Appropriate clinical judgment should be used for patients with existing bradycardia or receiving β blockers.
Creating Teachable Moments: A Clinic-Based Intervention to Improve Young Men’s Sexual Health
Authors: Armstrong Bruce , Kalmuss Debra , Franks Molly , Hecker Gabrielle , Bell David
Published: March 2009

A multicomponent health education intervention for men was integrated into initial visits at the Young Men’s Clinic in New York City. In all, 157 predominantly low-income, Latino and African American patients completed pre- and post-test surveys to assess their sexual and reproductive health knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Paired t tests compared respondents’ scores on outcome variables at baseline and follow-up. Intervention participants significantly increased their knowledge (e.g., emergency contraception) and frequency of safer sexual behaviors (e.g., condom use) during the 3 months following their initial visit. The intervention was not as successful promoting positive beliefs about health care utilization or attitudes about condoms. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. This study provides evidence that it is feasible to effectively disseminate sexual health information to men at each step of a routine clinic visit, including down time in waiting rooms and individual encounters with health educators and medical providers.
Real Men Do…Real Men Don’t: Young Latino and African American Men’s Discourses Regarding Sexual Health Care Utilization
Authors: Kalmuss Debra , Austrian Karen
Published: March 2009

There is growing recognition that men as well as women need sexual health care (SHC) services. Despite this, male friendly sexual health services are not readily available in the United States, and men are underutilizing the services that are available. This situation needs to be rectified to improve sexual health outcomes for men and women. In this study we conducted 10 focus groups with young adult Latino and African American men to examine their perceptions of the factors influencing SHC utilization among the men they know, with an emphasis on how notions of what it means to be a man affects health care seeking. The findings both amplify and complicate the relationship between masculinity and SHC seeking. They suggest new directions for public health efforts to enhance men’s SHC utilization.
Men’s Adjustment to Spinal Cord Injury: The Unique Contributions of Conformity to Masculine Gender Norms
Authors: Burns Shaun Michael , Hough Sigmund , Boyd Briana L. , Hill Justin
Published: March 2009

Men constitute 82% of the approximately 250,000 people in the United States living with a spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, however, little is known about the impact of men’s adherence to gender norms on their adjustment to such injuries. The present investigation examined the utility of masculine norms in explaining variance in depression beyond that accounted for by commonly identified predictors of men’s adjustment following spinal cord injury. As hypothesized, results suggested that men’s adherence to masculine norms accounted for unique variance in their depression scores beyond that contributed by social support, environmental barriers/access, and erectile functioning. Respondents who adhered to norms stressing the primacy of men’s work demonstrated lower rates of depression, whereas those who conformed to norms for self-reliance demonstrated higher depression scores. The authors discuss future research directions and potential psychotherapeutic strategies for working with men with spinal cord injuries.
Issues of gender and class in the Mirror newspapers' campaign for the release of Edith Chubb
Authors: Seal Lizzie
Published: March 2009

In May 1958, Edith Chubb was tried at the Old Bailey for the murder of her sister-in-law, Lilian Chubb. She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years' imprisonment. She claimed to have accidentally killed Lilian by pulling on her scarf in a moment of `exasperation'. Edith was a married woman and mother of five children, whereas Lilian had never married. This article examines how the case was represented in the Daily and Sunday Mirror. In particular, it analyses these newspapers' persistent calls for Edith's release from prison. She was portrayed as an overworked, overburdened mother, who understandably snapped and killed her `lazy' sister-in-law. She was constructed as a respectable working-class woman who was undeserving of punishment. However, this construction relied upon portraying Lilian through negative stereotypes of the `spinster', as a `failed' woman of low social value. With reference to Innes's (2004a, 2004b) concept of the `signal crime', it is argued that Edith's case can be `read' by criminologists for mid 20th-century perceptions of gender, class, victimhood and the appropriateness of punishment.
Moral panic: From sociological concept to public discourse
Authors: Altheide David L.
Published: March 2009

This paper examines the nature and extent of news reports using the sociological concept, `moral panic' (MP). Qualitative content analysis reveals that moral panic is commonly used in news reports in the USA, UK, Australia, and other countries, but it is more likely to be compatible with print (e.g. newspaper) formats than television reports. It is also widely used in literary and art reviews, editorials and op-ed pieces, often by social scientists. Use of the concept has increased over the last decade, particularly in news reports as part of an `opposing' voice or the `other side' of articles about deviant behavior, sexual behavior, and drug use. It is suggested that moral panic as `opposition' fits the entertainment news format, and while this sustains its use by writers and familiarity to audience members, it also appears to be associated with certain topics (e.g. sex and drugs), but not others, such as terrorism in the mainstream media. Questions are raised for additional research.
The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway regulates Aβ oligomer induced neuronal cell cycle events
Authors: Bhaskar Kiran , Miller Megan , Chludzinski Alexandra , Herrup Karl , Zagorski Michael , Lamb Bruce T
Published: March 2009

Accumulating evidence suggests that neurons prone to degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) exhibit evidence of re-entry into an aberrant mitotic cell cycle. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that, in a genomic amyloid precursor protein (APP) mouse model of AD (R1.40), neuronal cell cycle events (CCEs) occur in the absence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and are still dependent upon the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). These data suggested that soluble Aβ species might play a direct role in the induction of neuronal CCEs. Here, we show that exposure of non-transgenic primary cortical neurons to Aβ oligomers, but not monomers or fibrils, results in the retraction of neuronal processes, and induction of CCEs in a concentration dependent manner. Retraction of neuronal processes correlated with the induction of CCEs and the Aβ monomer or Aβ fibrils showed only minimal effects. In addition, we provide evidence that induction of neuronal CCEs are autonomous to primary neurons cultured from the R1.40 mice. Finally, our results also demonstrate that Aβ oligomer treated neurons exhibit elevated levels of activated Akt and mTOR (mammalian Target Of Rapamycin) and that PI3K, Akt or mTOR inhibitors blocked Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal CCEs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Aβ oligomer-based induction of neuronal CCEs involve the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway.
Incidental carcinoma of the prostate gland presenting with initial manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (dic) in a middle aged man: a case report
Authors: Salako Ayo Abdulkadir , Arowolo Olukayode Adeolu , Omonisi Emmanuel Abidemi , Adisa Adewale Oluseye , Titiloye Nicholas Akinwale , Adelusola Kayode
Published: March 2009

Background

Incidental carcinoma of the prostate gland is a common clinical problem among elderly males but this malignancy presenting initially with features of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC) in the African blacks is rare. Disseminateded intravascular coagulathy is the most frequent coagulation disorder in patients with prostate cancer, However DIC as a first manifestation of prostate cancer is unusual.

Case report

This paper reports a case of a 56 year old Nigerian civil servant who presented initially with clinical features of DIC characterised by bleeding from multilple orifices but was subsequently diagnosed at autopsy to be infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Conclusion

This rare case of DIC should be considered especially in elderly men when no other cause can be found for coagulopathy.
Marked increase of procalcitonin after the administration of anti-thymocyte globulin in patients before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not indicate sepsis: a prospective study
Authors: Brodska Helena , Drabek Tomas , Malickova Karin , Kazda Antonin , Vitek Antonin , Zima Tomas , Markova Marketa
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are established markers of infection in the general population. In contrast, several studies reported falsely increased PCT levels in patients receiving T-cell antibodies. We evaluated the validity of these markers in patients scheduled for hemopoietic stem cell transplantation receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) during conditioning. We also assessed renal and liver functions and their relationship to PCT and CRP changes.

Methods

Twenty-six patients without clinical signs of infection were prospectively studied. ATG was administered in up to three doses over the course of 5 days. PCT, CRP, white blood cell (WBC) count, urea, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, bilirubin, alanin amino-transferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were assessed daily during ATG administration. Pharyngeal, nose, and rectal swabs and urine samples were cultured twice weekly. Blood cultures were obtained if clinical symptoms of infection were present.

Results

Baseline (BL) levels of both PCT and CRP before ATG administration were normal. WBC count decreased after ATG administration (P = 0.005). One day after ATG administration, both PCT and CRP levels increased significantly, returning to BL levels on day 4. Microbiological results were clinically unremarkable. There was no interrelationship between PCT levels and BL markers of renal or liver functions (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Bilirubin and GGT were increased on days 2 to 5 and ALT was increased on day 3 (P < 0.05 versus BL). No difference in renal functions was observed. Three patients developed bacterial infection on days 7 to 11 with different dynamics of PCT and CRP. There was no association between the number of ATG doses and PCT levels or between the risk of developing infection and previous PCT levels.

Conclusions

ATG triggered a marked early surge in PCT and CRP followed by a steady decrease over the course of 3 days. The dynamics of both PCT and CRP were similar and were not associated with infection. PCT levels were independent of renal and liver functions and were not predictive of further infectious complications. A direct effect of ATG on T lymphocytes could be the underlying mechanism. Hepatotoxic effect could be a contributing factor. Neither PCT nor CRP is a useful marker that can identify infection in patients receiving ATG.
Durable Long-Term Remission With Chemotherapy Alone for Stage II to IV Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Holsinger F. Christopher , Kies Merrill S. , Diaz Eduardo M. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Lewin Jan S. , Ginsberg Lawrence E. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Garden Adam S. , Ark Nebil , Lin Heather Y. , Lee J. Jack , El-Naggar Adel K. , Ki Hong Waun , Shin Dong M. , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

For patients with stage II to IV laryngeal cancer, radiation therapy (RT) either alone or with concurrent chemotherapy provides the highest rate of organ preservation but can be associated with functional impairment. Thus, we studied the use of induction chemotherapy with or without conservation laryngeal surgery (CLS). Our objectives were to study the sensitivity of laryngeal cancer to platinum-based chemotherapy alone and to highlight the efficacy of CLS in this setting.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-one previously untreated patients with laryngeal cancer (T2-4, N0-1, M0), who were resectable with CLS, were enrolled. Patients received three to four cycles of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) chemotherapy, and response was assessed histologically. Patients with partial response (PR) proceeded to CLS. Patients achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) received an additional three cycles of TIP and no other treatment.

Results

Thirty patients were assessable for response. With TIP chemotherapy alone, 11 patients (37%) achieved pCR, 10 of whom (33%) remain alive with durable disease remission and no evidence of recurrence over a median follow-up time of 5 years. Nineteen patients (63%) treated with TIP alone achieved PR. The overall laryngeal preservation (LP) rate was 83%, and only five patients (16%) required postoperative RT. No patient required a gastrostomy tube or tracheotomy.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy alone in selected patients with T2-4, N0-1 laryngeal cancer can provide durable disease remission at 5 years. For patients with PR, CLS provides a high rate of LP. This prospective study suggests that chemotherapy alone may cure selected patients with laryngeal cancer, warranting further prospective investigation.
Epistemic Relativism
Authors: Kalderon Mark Eli
Published: March 2009

In Fear of Knowledge, Paul Boghossian argues against the very coherence of epistemic relativism. This essay does two things. First, without questioning the truth of his conclusion, it argues that Boghossian's argument for that conclusion fails. Second, it argues that the avowed aim of Fear of Knowledge, to dislodge relativistic conviction, could not be served even if Boghossian's argument worked perfectly on its own terms. The eponymous fear, and not rational argument, is the source of much of the relativistic conviction to be found at large in the culture. And Fear of Knowledge simply does not address this fear.
Staffing to Maximize Profit for Call Centers with Alternate Service-Level Agreements
Authors: Baron Opher , Milner Joseph
Published: March 2009

To ensure quality from outsourced call centers, firms sign service-level agreements (SLAs). These define service measures such as what constitutes an acceptable delay or an acceptable abandonment rate. They may also dictate penalties for failing to meet agreed-upon targets. We introduce a period-based SLA that measures performance over a short duration such as a rush hour. We compare it to alternate SLAs that measure service by individual and over a long horizon. To measure the service levels for these SLAs, we develop several approximations. We approximate the probability an acceptable delay is met by generalizing the heavy-traffic quality and efficiency driven regime. We also provide a new approximation for the abandonment rate. Further, we prove a central limit theorem for the probability of meeting a service level measured by the percentage of customers acceptably served during a period. We demonstrate how an outsourced call center operating in an environment with uncertain demand and abandonment can determine its staffing policy to maximize the expected profit for these SLAs. Numerical experiments demonstrate a high degree of accuracy for the approximations and the resulting staffing levels. We indicate several salient features of the behavior of the period-based SLA.