bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A decision tree conceptualization of choice of knowledge transfer mechanism: the views of software development specialists in a multinational company
Authors: M. Jasimuddin Sajjad , Connell Con , H. Klein Jonathan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

–The purpose of this paper is to empirically study transfer mechanisms of technological knowledge, and to explore the interplay among the factors that influence the choice of a mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

–This paper reports on a qualitative case study designed to explore the reasons underlying the selection of intra-organizational knowledge transfer mechanisms. This research was carried out as an exploratory case study, which allowed one to observe the phenomenon in a natural setting.

Findings

–The results of the present study indicate the interplay between the factors, and link the factors in a sequence that help decide a mechanism. A decision to select a mechanism depends upon several variables; some of them override others, others are interlinked, and sometimes there is a causal link.

Research limitations/implications

–It is based on a sample of employees that may not be representative of the broader population. Since the samples were drawn only from a MNC, the results may not be generalised. The case study method which was employed in this research does not permit the generalisation of the results.

Originality/value

–The knowledge transfer literature has discussed the mechanisms used to transfer technological knowledge, but has failed to adequately address the rationale behind the selection of an appropriate knowledge transfer mechanism. The extant literature has isolatedly identified factors that impact on the choice of knowledge transfer mechanism. These issues are not effectively addressed in prior research. The findings are summarized diagrammatically in the form of a decision tree which provides a conceptualization of the decision processes involved in the selection of the medium for knowledge transfer.
Importance of women's political skill in male-dominated organizations
Authors: Baskerville Watkins Marla , Nicole Smith Alexis
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to investigate whether or not political skill helps women working in a male-dominated environment to obtain positions with authority.

Design/methodology/approach

– Surveys were emailed to female lawyers working full-time in a variety of law firms across the USA. Participants were 140 lawyers with an average of ten years of practicing law.

Findings

– In support of their hypotheses, the authors found that when working in male-dominated organizations, women with high levels of political skill fared better than women with low levels of political skill in terms of obtaining positions with authority.

Research limitations/implications

– Because the research design was cross-sectional, direction of causality cannot be established. Second, common method bias may have affected the observed relationships.

Practical implications

– Given that women with political skill may be able to recognize and break down the barriers that are especially present in male-dominated organizations, women and managers alike should consider training to help women understand and enhance their political skill.

Social implications

– This research highlights the particular challenge of workplace politics for women and presents political skill as a potential solution.

Originality/value

– This research is the first to demonstrate the benefit of having political skill for women working in male-dominated organizations.
Relating work engagement and workaholism to entrepreneurial performance
Authors: J. Gorgievski Marjan , Antonio Moriano Juan , B. Bakker Arnold
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Building on the dualistic approach to passion, the aim of this paper was to examine how work engagement and workaholism relate to entrepreneurs' performance (innovative behavior, business growth, and subjective business performance).

Design/methodology/approach

– Cross-sectional survey data of 180 Spanish entrepreneurs were analyzed using partial least squares modeling.

Findings

– Evidence was found for a dual affective pathway to performance. Work engagement related favorably to performance through its relationship with more positive affect and less negative affect. Workaholism related to more negative affect, which in turn related negatively to performance. After controlling for affective states, both work engagement and workaholism still had a direct and positive association with innovative behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations are the cross-sectional design and the reliance on self-report measures; although self-reports of business growth can be considered indicative of objective business performance. Bi-directional relationships between the study variables seem plausible. The dualistic approach to passion is a sound theoretical basis for future research on drivers and consequences of work engagement and workaholism.

Practical implications

– The findings imply that entrepreneurial success can be enhanced by improving entrepreneurs' emotion-regulation strategies to manage their affective states. Workaholics especially would benefit from such strategies.

Social implications

– Improving entrepreneurial performance has value for society via counteracting economic decline and creation of wealth and jobs.

Originality/value

– This study adds to our limited understanding of the consequences of work engagement and workaholism. It addresses entrepreneurs, who are an under researched occupational group.
Perceptions of product advantage, NPD and organisational performance
Authors: Healy Brian , Ledwith Ann , O'Dwyer Michele
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to extend previous studies on new product development (NPD) performance by identifying the product advantage, new product performance and organisational performance indicators that are considered by small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to be most relevant to their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 137 firms representing the industry sectors active within the Irish economy. The research instrument was based on existing recognised research measures.

Findings

– The results suggest that: large firms consider that their products derive advantage through product quality and cost, while SMEs are more concerned with satisfying customer needs; larger firms concentrate on market measures in measuring new product performance, while SMEs focus on customer acceptance measures; and in measuring organisational performance larger firms focus on market share and profitability, while SMEs concentrate on profitability and sales growth.

Research limitations/implications

– This study identifies the aspects of product advantage, new product performance and organisational performance on which firms concentrate, thereby increasing our ability to redirect their focus from what they consider to be important, to what will have an impact on their firm's performance.

Originality/value

– This study identifies the aspects of product advantage, new product performance and organisational performance on which firms concentrate, thereby increasing our ability to redirect their focus from what they consider to be important, to what will have an impact on their firm's performance.
Replacement of a deep brain stimulation implantable pulse generator with a rechargeable device
Authors: Chan Danny Tat‐Ming , Zhu Xian‐Lun , Lau Claire Ka‐Yee , Wong Rosanna Kit‐Man , Poon Wai‐Sang
Published: March 2014

Aim

In the present study, we report on the technical hiccups encountered while replacing the implantable pulse generator (IPG) for deep brain stimulation with a new rechargeable device.

Patients and Methods

Two dystonia patients suffered from inefficient recharging after replacement of the IPG to the rechargeable device. After identifying the problem, we employed a surgical technique on the third patient.

Results

The problem was the small size of the new device. The device had a freedom‐of‐transverse translation and a rocking movement inside the pocket. This unstable positioning lengthened the recharging time in these two patients. By fixing the device on to the adaptor and obliterating the lateral space, the third patient encountered no recharging problems.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, IPG should be fixed on a flat subcutaneous plane and obliterate the lateral space to avoid the problem.
Guanxi human resource management practices as a double‐edged sword: the moderating role of political skill
Authors: Yang Fu
Published: March 2014

Drawing on an expectancy theory framework, we examined the moderating effects of political skill on the relationship between guanxi human resource management practices and employee job performance. Analyses of multisource data from 78 management team supervisors and 286 subordinates indicated that guanxi human resource management practices were negatively related to employee job performance with low levels of political skill, whereas guanxi human resource management practices had a positive impact on employee job performance with high levels of political skill.
Comparison study of portable bladder scanner versus cone‐beam CT scan for measuring bladder volumes in post‐prostatectomy patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Ung KA , White R , Mathlum M , Mak‐Hau V , Lynch R
Published: March 2014

Introduction

In post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy to the prostatic bed, consistent bladder volume is essential to maintain the position of treatment target volume. We assessed the differences between bladder volume readings from a portable bladder scanner (BS‐V) and those obtained from planning CT (CT‐V) or cone‐beam CT (CBCT‐V). Interfraction bladder volume variation was also determined.

Methods

BS‐V was recorded before and after planning CT or CBCT. The percentage differences between the readings using the two imaging modalities, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals were determined. Data were analysed for the whole patient cohort and separately for the older BladderScan™ BVI3000 and newer BVI9400 model. Interfraction bladder volume variation was determined from the percentage difference between the CT‐V and CBCT‐V. Treatment duration, incorporating the time needed for BS and CBCT, was recorded.

Results

Fourteen patients were enrolled, producing 133 data sets for analysis. BS‐V was taken using the BVI9400 in four patients (43 data sets). The mean BS‐V was 253.2 mL, and the mean CT‐V or CBCT‐V was 199 cm3. The mean percentage difference between the two modalities was 19.7% (SD 42.2; 95%CI 12.4 to 26.9). The BVI9400 model produced more consistent readings, with a mean percentage difference of −6.2% (SD 27.8; 95% CI −14.7 to −2.4%). The mean percentage difference between CT‐V and CBCT‐V was 31.3% (range −48% to 199.4%). Treatment duration from time of first BS reading to CBCT was, on average, 12 min (range 6–27).

Conclusions

The BS produces bladder volume readings of an average 19.7% difference from CT‐V or CBCT‐V and can potentially be used to screen for large interfraction bladder volume variations in radiotherapy to prostatic bed. The observed interfraction bladder volume variation suggests the need to improve bladder volume consistency. Incorporating the BS into practice is feasible.
Predictors and outcomes of increases in creatine phosphokinase concentrations or rhabdomyolysis risk during statin treatment
Authors: van Staa Tjeerd P. , Carr Daniel F. , O'Meara Helen , McCann Gerry , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: March 2014

Aim

The aim was to evaluate clinical risk factors associated with myotoxicity in statin users.

Methods

This was a cohort study of patients prescribed a statin in UK primary care practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Outcomes of interest were creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentrations and clinical records of rhabdomyolysis.

Results

The cohort comprised 641 703 statin users. Simvastatin was most frequently prescribed (66.3%), followed by atorvastatin (24.4%). CPK was measured in 127 209 patients: 81.4% within normal range and 0.7% above <four times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Rhabdomyolysis was recorded in 59 patients. Patients with concomitant prescribing of CYP3A4‐interacting drugs had an increased odds ratio (OR) of rhabdomyolysis compared with controls (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.18, 11.61) and >four times ULN CPK compared with normal CPK (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01, 1.60). Rosuvastatin users had higher risk of >four times ULN CPK (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.22, 2.15) as did patients with larger daily doses of other statin types. A recent clinical record of myalgia was associated with an increased OR of >four times ULN CPK (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.37, 2.18). In patients who were rechallenged to statins and had repeat CPK measurements after >four times ULN CPK abnormalities, 54.8% of the repeat CPK values were within normal range, 32.1% between one to three times and 13.0% >four times ULN.

Conclusions

The frequencies of substantive CPK increases and rhabdomyolysis during statin treatment were low, with highest risks seen in those on large daily doses or interacting drugs and on rosuvastatin. CPK measurements appeared to have been done in a haphazard manner and better guidance is needed.
Effects of HM30181, a P‐glycoprotein inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of loperamide in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kim Tae‐Eun , Lee Howard , Lim Kyoung Soo , Lee SeungHwan , Yoon Seo‐Hyun , Park Kyung‐Mi , Han Hyesun , Shin Sang‐Goo , Jang In‐Jin , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Cho Joo‐Youn
Published: March 2014

Aims

HM30181 is a third generation P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor currently under development. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a single dose of HM30181 on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of loperamide, a P‐gp substrate, and to compare them with those of quinidine.

Methods

Eighteen healthy male subjects were administered loperamide alone (period 1) or with loperamide plus quinidine or HM30181 in period 2 or 3, respectively. In period 3, subjects randomly received one of three HM30181 doses: 15, 60 or 180 mg. Changes in pupil size, alertness, oxygen saturation and the oral bioavailability of loperamide were assessed in each period. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of HM30181 were determined.

Results

Pupil size, alertness and oxygen saturation did not change over time when loperamide alone or loperamide plus HM30181 was administered while HM30181 significantly increased the systemic exposure to loperamide, i.e. the geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of AUC(0,tlast) for loperamide with and without HM30181 was 1.48 (1.08, 2.02). Co‐administered quinidine significantly increased the systemic exposure to loperamide 2.2‐fold (1.53, 3.18), which also markedly reduced pupil size, resulting in a decrease of 24.7 mm h in the area under the effect curve of pupil size change from baseline compared with loperamide alone.

Conclusions

HM30181 inhibits P‐gp mainly in the intestinal endothelium, which can be beneficial because pan‐inhibition of P‐gp, particularly in the brain, could lead to detrimental adverse events. Further studies are warranted to investigate adequately the dose–exposure relationship of HM30181, along with its duration of effect.
Understanding the effect of the HCV polymerase inhibitor mericitabine on early viral kinetics in the phase 2 JUMP‐C and PROPEL studies
Authors: Chen Ya‐Chi , Bernaards Coen , Kulkarni Rohit , Moreira Sebastian , Zhu Yonghong , Chan Anna , Badman Ethan , Ackrill Andrew , Thommes James , Smith Patrick F.
Published: March 2014

Aims

The aim was to evaluate early viral kinetics in patients receiving mericitabine [hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleoside polymerase inhibitor] with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) and ribavirin in two clinical trials (PROPEL and JUMP‐C).

Methods

We examined rapid virological responses (RVRs; week 4 HCV RNA <15 IU ml−1) and complete early virological responses (cEVR; week 12 HCV RNA <15 IU ml−1) in HCV genotype 1/4‐infected patients receiving mericitabine (500 or 1000 mg) or placebo twice daily plus peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin.

Results

Among IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype patients receiving 500 or 1000 mg mericitabine or placebo, respectively, RVR rates were 64.3% (95% confidence interval: 38.8–83.7%), 95.1% (83.9–98.7%) and 33.3% (20.2–49.7%), and cEVR rates were 100% (78.5–100%), 100% (91.4–100%) and 80.6% (65.0–90.3%). Among non‐CC genotype patients, RVR rates were 26.5% (14.6–43.1%), 52.3% (43.0–61.3%) and 5.7% (2.2–13.8%), and cEVR rates were 76.5% (60.0–87.6%), 84.6% (76.6–90.1%) and 28.6% (19.3–40.1%), respectively. In multiple regression analysis, IL28B genotype (P < 0.0001), mericitabine dose (P < 0.0001) and bodyweight (P = 0.0009) were associated with first‐phase (α) slope (change in log10 HCV RNA from baseline to week 1).

Conclusions

Mericitabine‐containing triple therapy reduces the impact of IL28B genotype on RVR and cEVR compared with peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin dual therapy. The IL28B genotype, mericitabine dose and bodyweight are the most important factors associated with the α slope, and there is no evidence of a pharmacokinetic drug–drug interaction between mericitabine and ribavirin.
Increased local IgE production induced by common aeroallergens and phenotypic alteration of mast cells in Chinese eosinophilic, but not non‐eosinophilic, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Cao P.‐P. , Zhang Y.‐N. , Liao B. , Ma J. , Wang B.‐F. , Wang H. , Zeng M. , Liu W.‐H. , Schleimer R. P. , Liu Z.
Published: March 2014

Background

Eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) display distinct patterns of inflammation. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of CRSwNP need further investigation.

Objective

To investigate local immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and phenotype of mast cells in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP in Chinese.

Methods

Total and specific IgE levels were analysed by means of the ImmunoCAP system. The molecular steps involved in class‐switch recombination to IgE were investigated using RT‐PCR assays. Mast cell phenotypes, IgE‐ and high‐affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)‐positive cells, and allergen binding to specific IgE in sinonasal mucosa were determined by means of immunohistochemistry.

Results

Compared with controls and non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP, local total IgE levels were increased, and local specific IgE to common aeroallergens was more frequently found, in Chinese eosinophilic CRSwNP independent of atopy and without significant association with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins. The ε germline gene transcript was also more frequently detected in eosinophilic CRSwNP. The number of IgE‐ and FcεRI‐positive cells was increased in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Most IgE‐ and FcεRI‐positive cells were mast cells. Dust mite antigens could bind to IgE on mast cells in situ. The number of mast cells positive for both tryptase and chymase and activated mast cells was increased in eosinophilic CRSwNP and the number of activated mast cells positively correlated with local IgE level, eotaxin‐1 level, and eosinophil count in CRSwNP.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The local IgE induced by common aeroallergens may mediate mast cell activation and contribute to subsequent eosinophilic inflammation in Chinese CRSwNP. This study offers a rationale for considering intervention strategies designed to target ‘local allergy’ in eosinophilic CRSwNP.
A comparison of the provision of the My Choice Weight Management Programme via general practitioner practices and community pharmacies in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bush J. , Langley C. , Mills S. , Hindle L.
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a novel, community‐based weight management programme delivered through general practitioner (GP) practices and community pharmacies in one city in the United Kingdom. This study used a non‐randomized, retrospective, observational comparison of clinical data collected by participating GP practices and community pharmacies. Subjects were 451 overweight or obese men and women resident in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation (82% from black and minority ethnic groups, 86% women, mean age: 41.1 years, mean body mass index [BMI]: 34.5 kg m−2). Weight, waist circumference and BMI at baseline, after 12 weeks and after 9 months were measured. Costs of delivery were also analysed. Sixty‐four per cent of participants lost weight after the first 12 weeks of the My Choice Weight Management Programme. There was considerable dropout. Mean percentage weight loss (last observation carried forward) was 1.9% at 12 weeks and 1.9% at final follow‐up (9 months). There was no significant difference in weight loss between participants attending GP practices and those attending pharmacies at both 12 weeks and at final follow‐up. Costs per participant were higher via community pharmacy which was attributable to better attendance at sessions among community pharmacy participants than among GP participants. The My Choice Weight Management Programme produced modest reductions in weight at 12 weeks and 9 months. Such programmes may not be sufficient to tackle the obesity epidemic.
LOST IN TRANSLATION? TEACHER TRAINING AND OUTCOMES IN HIGH SCHOOL ECONOMICS CLASSES
Authors: VALLETTA ROBERT G. , HOFF K. JODY , LOPUS JANE S.
Published: March 2014

Using data from a 2006 survey of California high school economics classes, we assess the effects of teacher characteristics on student achievement. We estimate value‐added models of outcomes on multiple choice and essay exams, with matched classroom pairs for each teacher enabling random‐effects and fixed‐effects estimation. The results show a substantial impact of specialized teacher experience and college‐level coursework in economics. However, the latter is associated with higher scores on the multiple‐choice test and lower scores on the essay test, suggesting that a portion of teachers' content knowledge may be “lost in translation” when conveyed to their students. (JEL A21, I21)
Post‐crisis analysis of an ineffective tsunami alert: the 2010 earthquake in Maule, Chile
Authors: Soulé Bastien
Published: March 2014

Considering its huge magnitude and its location in a densely populated area of Chile, the Maule seism of 27 February 2010 generated a low amount of victims. However, post‐seismic tsunamis were particularly devastating on that day; surprisingly, no full alert was launched, not at the national, regional or local level. This earthquake and associated tsunamis are of interest in the context of natural hazards management as well as crisis management planning. Instead of focusing exclusively on the event itself, this article places emphasis on the process, systems and long‐term approach that led the tsunami alert mechanism to be ineffectual. Notably, this perspective reveals interrelated forerunner signs of vulnerability.
Outcomes of revascularization treatment in immature dog's teeth
Authors: Khademi Abbas Ali , Dianat Omid , Mahjour Faranak , Razavi Seyed Mohammad , Younessian Farnaz
Published: March 2014

Aim

The purpose of the current study was to examine the success rate of a revascularization treatment protocol involving canal space disinfection using copious irrigation, a triantibiotic dressing, and induction of a blood clot matrix in immature dog's teeth.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐six immature mongrel dog's teeth were divided into two experimental and two control groups. The experimental groups included a necrotic‐infected group (n = 20) and a vital group (n = 10). In the group with the necrotic‐infected teeth, periapical lesions were induced, and disinfection of the canals was carried out using copious irrigation and a triple antibiotic medication (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline). Subsequently, the periapical tissues were irritated to initiate bleeding, producing a blood clot. A double seal of the coronal access was then placed. In the vital group, the pulp was aseptically removed before the canal was irrigated and periapical tissues irritated to induce bleeding. The same protocol as that used for the necrotic‐infected group was used to seal the coronal access. In the positive control group (n = 3), after pulp removal, sterile sponges soaked in plaque suspension were placed in the pulp chambers of the teeth, after which the chambers were sealed. In the negative control group (n = 3), one untouched 1st premolar tooth in each dog was assigned and left to develop naturally. Radiographic and histological findings were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

The necrotic‐infected group radiographically demonstrated apical healing and apical closure in 70% of the cases and thickening of the walls in 40% after 6 months. The vital group showed apical closure in 77% and thickened walls in 44% of the cases after 3 months. Histological findings confirmed the radiographic findings. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

If necrotic‐infected canals are effectively disinfected and treated according to the protocol, the ensuing revascularization response is similar to that of vital immature teeth.
Intrusive luxation of permanent teeth: a systematic review of factors important for treatment decision‐making
Authors: AlKhalifa Jasem Dawood , AlAzemi Abdulaziz A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To conduct a literature review and assess the current strength of evidence of the available studies and to investigate factors important for treatment choice.

Methodology

Structured electronic and hand searches were performed, restricted to English records for all age groups. Only cohort studies comparing spontaneous eruption and surgical and orthodontic extrusion were assessed. Risk of bias assessment was made by the method introduced by the Cochrane collaboration and the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale for cohort studies, and the body of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach.

Results

One hundred seventeen studies were identified, but only three were suitable for inclusion; these were not meta‐analyzed because of methodological and clinical heterogeneity. Spontaneous eruption had a low failure rate of 5–12%.

Conclusion

Given that infection can be controlled by endodontic therapy, it appears that spontaneous eruption results in the fewest complications in immature teeth, regardless of the degree of intrusion. Furthermore, there appear to be no significant differences between surgical and orthodontic extrusion in terms of adverse outcomes. Limitations of the majority of current cohort studies include selection bias (no confounding adjustment and no demonstration that outcomes were absent at the start of the study), reporting bias, and no information on whether investigators were blinded from the outcomes assessed. Furthermore, there is a serious indirectness in the current body of evidence regarding each outcome. Therefore, guidelines for treatment are currently not based on strong evidence.
Stroke units in Italy: engaging the public in optimizing existing resources
Authors: Baldereschi M. , Di Carlo A. , Vaccaro C. , Toni D. , Polizzi B. , Inzitari D. ,   for the Promotion and Implementation of Stroke Care in Italy Project Working Group
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

The lack of a wide implementation of stroke units (SU)s in Italy appears to accompany the underuse of the operating units. Community awareness of acute stroke care options may affect stroke resource use. Our aim was to determine the level of knowledge about SUs and tissue‐plasminogen activator (t‐PA) treatment amongst Italian adults and investigate its relationship to local stroke services implementation.

Methods

A nation‐based telephone survey was carried out in a sample of 1000 residents aged >18 years in May–June 2010. The questionnaire included close‐ended questions regarding knowledge of SUs and t‐PA treatment. Number and location of both SUs and t‐PA treatments were provided by a concurrent national hospital‐based survey. The prevalence and distribution of acute stroke care awareness in the community was examined and multivariate analyses were generated.

Results

Amongst the 1000 participants (474 men, mean age 48.8 ± 17.2), only 26.2% reported knowing about the availability of t‐PA treatment and only 15% were aware of the existence of SUs. Awareness of both SUs and t‐PA was significantly associated only with education. These associations remained significant in the multivariate analyses. The degree of stroke services implementation (in terms of SUs/inhabitant rates and number of t‐PA treatments) was not associated with SU and t‐PA awareness.

Conclusions

This is the first European study that explored public knowledge about t‐PA treatment and SUs. Italian adults proved insufficiently educated about SUs and t‐PA; there is no higher awareness in areas with a greater supply of stroke services. This might partially explain the underuse of Italian SUs.
Butler and Heidegger: On the Relation between Freedom and Marginalization
Authors: Karademir Aret
Published: March 2014

Though the names “Judith Butler” and “Martin Heidegger” rarely come together in Butler and Heidegger scholarship, the critical encounter between these philosophers might help us conceptualize the relationship between freedom and marginalization. In this paper, I will read Butler from the perspective of the Heidegger of Being and Time and claim that what Butler's philosophy suggests is the radical dependency of one's freedom on the cultural resuscitation of socially murdered racial, sexual, ethnic, religious, and sectarian/confessional minorities. More specifically, I will claim that the socially sanctioned subject's freedom is dependent on the marginalized Other's freedom, and, conversely, the marginalized Other's freedom is dependent on the socially sanctioned subject's freedom.
Morphological brain imaging studies on major psychoses
Authors: OKAZAKI YUJI
Published: March 2014

The first application of computed tomographic scan to the schizophrenic brain by Johnstone et al. initiated a new neuroscience research era with new perspectives on the neurobiological aspects of major psychoses. The most common paradigm in the flurry of brain imaging studies following the first report was the case—control study comparing controls and patients with major psychoses. However, some application was also made of sophisticated case—control paradigms, such as comparisons between affected and non‐affected identical twins discordant for schizophrenia. Very few prospective cohort studies have been applied in this field. During the past two decades of studies, several brain morphological features have converged. Both schizophrenics and patients with affective disorders showed subtle but significant quantitative differences in brain structures compared with controls. For schizophrenia, the differences were in the lateral and third ventricles, medial temporal lobe, supratemporal gyrus, frontal lobe and such subcortical nuclei as striatum and thalamus. For affective disorders, they were in the cortical sulci, lateral ventricle, striatum, pituitary and adrenal glands. Generally, the differences were greater in schizophrenics, in males and on the left side than in patients with affective disorders, in females and on the right side. Qualitative morphological abnormalities such as T2‐weighted hyperintensity were also demonstrated in elderly patients with affective disorders. For both schizophrenia and affective disorders, abnormal anatomical neurocircuit models of the respective pathophysiologies have been proposed to explain the brain multi‐lesions. Some recommendations for future research in the structural brain imaging of major psychoses have also been proposed.
Magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain in autism
Authors: SAITOH OSAMU , COURCHESNE ERIC
Published: March 2014

Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder of social, cognitive, and language development. Cerebellar abnormality in autism has been shown consistently from autopsy and magnetic resonance image (MRI) studies. A new MRI study with careful methodologic designs identified two subgroups of autistic patients: hypoplasia and hyperplasia of cerebellar vermian lobules VI‐VII. The existence of these two subtypes was also supported via the meta‐analysis of data from separate research groups. In addition to the cerebellar abnormality, recent MRI studies in autism demonstrated abnormalities in the parietal lobe and the posterior subregions of the corpus callosum where parietal cortical fibers are concentrated. Furthermore, neurobehavioral correlates of cerebellar and parietal abnormalities have also been investigated. In contrast, there is a lack of significant difference in the cross‐sectional size of the posterior hippocampal formation between autistic and normal subjects, which is discrepant with predictions based on some autopsy studies.
Present status and prospect of psychotherapy in Japan
Authors: USHIJIMA SADANOBU
Published: March 2014

The author will describe the changing trend of psychotherapy since the 1960s. The main theme in the 1960s was to establish psychotherapy for schizophrenics, although the school of Morita therapy had been continuing to treat the neurotic patients, particularly obsessional areas of neuroses. When social therapy came to dominate the clinical situation of schizophrenia in the course of time, the dynamic psychotherapists turned their attention to borderline patients. It was during this time that the borderline patients had been becoming the main theme in the clinical practices and the new theories and techniques had been successively imported. This situation is continuing even now. The rapid change of family structure had changed the personality structures and had given rise to the necessity for the family therapy. It is also emphasized that the new personality with ego splitting, who were likely to involve many people in the course of psychotherapy, has been asking us not only for individual psychotherapy but also a team approach.
From Mental Health Law to Mental Health and Welfare Law
Authors: ASAI KUNIHIKO
Published: March 2014

In September 1987 in Japan, the Mental Hygiene Law was amended to the Mental Health Law. This Law emphasizes the protection of human rights of the mentally disabled as well as the promotion of their social rehabilitation. In 1993, Mental Health Law was partially revised in the following four areas: (i) social rehabilitation; (ii) special rules for large cities; (iii) definition of the mentally disabled; and (iv) hogogimusha seido. The Japanese Government amended the Mental Health Law to Mental Health and Welfare Law on 1 July 1995. This law is intended to promote the welfare of the mentally disabled.
Psychiatry teaching in China
Authors: XU TAO‐YUAN
Published: March 2014

A brief introduction of Psychiatry in China is presented, including the history, present status, content of textbooks and the arrangement of lecture hours and clinical practice.
Cross–cultural epidemiology
Authors: YAMAMOTO JOE , TAKEUCHI DAVID T. , SUE STANLEY , KURASAKI KAREN
Published: March 2014

Two issues led me into the area of cross‐cultural psychiatric epidemiology in the 1980s. The National Institute of Mental Health funded the Epidemiological Catchment Area Studies. One of them included a study of a Caucasian and Hispanic populations in Los Angeles. Dr Masaaki Kato, then the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health of Japan, was the consultant for a JAICA‐funded project in Lima, Peru. He was interested in fostering psychiatric research there, so I suggested an epidemiological study. This study was done in two phases with Drs Shunichiro Hayashi, Kimpei Minobe and Alberto Perales. Because it is extraordinarily expensive to undertake epidemiological studies in the USA, I met with colleagues regarding psychiatric epidemiological studies in Asia, Dr Chung‐kyoon Lee at the Seoul National University in Korea, Dr Eng‐Kung Yeh of the National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan, Dr Char‐nie Chen of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Dr Masaaki Kato in Japan. Studies have been completed in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, but not in Japan. In the meantime, very small pilot studies among Asian groups in Los Angeles were performed. The very recent results of the study of Chinese in Los Angeles, California, with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview are now available to compare the prevalence of selected psychiatric disorders among the Chinese in Los Angeles and the data from the National Co‐Morbidity Study.
A nationwide epidemiological study of mental disorders in Korea
Authors: LEE CHUNG KYOON
Published: March 2014

Epidemiological studies in Korea on mental illness began about four decades ago by Choi and Yoo. This was followed by more than 25 papers. Interviews by psychiatrists were not randomly selected samples. Consistent diagnostic tools were not used except by Yeon et al. The definition of prevalence was not definite and, therefore, not comparable. The research was confined to major psychoses such as schizophrenia, manic depressive illnesses, mental retardation and epilepsy. Most of the studies were performed in rural areas only. The present study was designed to meet the above described criteria as well as testing the applicability of Diagnostic Interview Schedule‐III (DIS‐III) in Korea. In order to accomplish those goals the Korean version of DIS‐III was constructed and the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was studied both in urban (Seoul) and rural areas.
An epidemiological survey on neuroses of urban elderly in Beijing
Authors: YUCUN SHEN , SHURAN LI , CHANGHUI CHEN , WEIXI ZHANG
Published: March 2014

With Present State Examination (PSE)‐12, PSE‐54 and General Health Questionnaire‐28, an epidemiological survey on neuroses in a sample aged 60 and over living in an urban area of Beijing showed that the prevalence of total neuroses was 20.56/1000 (35.27 in women and 3.98 in men), with the highest rate seen in those aged 60–64 years and a general decline in prevalence with increasing age. By subtype, it was 11.21/1000 for neurasthenia, 4.67/1000 for depressive neurosis and 2.80/1000 for anxiety neurosis. The onset age in the most patients was before the age of 60, with a course of 10 years or more. The implications of these findings and directions for the future study of neuroses in the elderly are also discussed.
Single and married patients with eating disorders
Authors: KIRIIKE NOBUO , NAGATA TOSHIHIKO , MATSUNAGA HISATO , NISHIURA WATARUTOBITAN , NISHIURA TAKEHIKO
Published: March 2014

Forty married and 22 unmarried female patients with eating disorders were studied to elucidate the relationship between eating disorders and marriage. Eating disorders developed in 14 patients before marriage (premarital onset) and in 26 patients at or after marriage (postmarital onset). The postmarital onset group was a significantly higher age at onset, but similar in age and duration of illness compared with the group of 22 unmarried patients. However, the various clinical features of the three groups did not differ. Four premarital onset patients showed exaggerated clinical features after marriage, but the other patients showed no change in clinical features after marriage. In the postmarital onset group, eating disorders were triggered in 18 (69%) patients by marital problems, separation or divorce. In contrast, eating disorders were triggered by dieting to be slim in eight (57%) patients of the premarital onset group and 12 (55%) patients of the unmarried group. These results suggest that marital discord plays an important role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders among married women.
Recurrent brief episodes with psychotic features in adolescence: Periodic psychosis of puberty revisited
Authors: ABE KAZUHIKO , OHTA MIKIO
Published: March 2014

There are many reports of adolescents with periodic episodes, each followed by complete remission within 2 weeks; however, the nosology and long‐term prognosis of such cases have not been elucidated. A prospective follow‐up study on 11 cases (nine girls and two boys) who met predetermined criteria is reported. The first several episodes were found to meet ICD‐10 symptomatic criteria for recurrent depressive disorder in all cases and, with the exception of two cases, showed psychotic features. The episodes were linked to one phase of the menstrual cycle in only two of six girls with regular menses. There were no recurrences while on lithium in eight of nine cases. Of nine patients followed up 5–14 years after the first onset, three had been well, three had become bipolar and three were still suffering from brief depressive episodes. Recurrent brief episodes in adolescence tend to show a near‐monthly rhythm and psychotic features. Most appear to be manifestations of affective illness and may be treated and prevented as such.
Psychoactive substance use in three sites in China: Gender differences and related factors
Authors: HAO WEI , YOUNG DERSON , LI LINGJIANG , XIAO SHUIYUAN
Published: March 2014

One year prevalence rates for psychoactive substance use are reported based on community surveys performed in three sites in China: Hunan, Heilongjiang and Jiangsu. The data were gathered on more than 14000 respondents (15–65 years old). The drinking rates were from 58.3 to 82.6% for men and from 16.3 to 31.4% for women. Smoking rates range from 64.9 to 68.1% for men and from 0.1 to 20.5% for women. Most drinkers were light users and most smokers were heavy users. Illicit drug use was observed at Hunan. Regarding frequency and quantity of psychoactive substance use, women are lighter consumers than their male counterparts except for use of minor tranquilizers and analgesics. The psychosocial factors related to drinking and smoking were also investigated in this study.
Progress of ICD‐10 (F) family in Japan: Research, field trials and publications
Authors: TAKADA KOICHI , NAKANE YOSHIBUMI
Published: March 2014

The Nagasaki Center, designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center in 1979, has taken the lead in generalizing ICD‐10 (F) in Japan. The progress of ICD‐10 (F)‐related research, trials and publications has been as follows. The field trials of ICD‐10 Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines (CDDG) 1986 draft were carried out with 129 patients by 61 clinicians in five institutions coordinated by Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Nagasaki University in 1988. The Japanese version of ICD‐10 CDDG was published by Tooru et al. in February 1993. The field trials of ICD‐10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research (DCR) 1990 version were conducted with 847 patients by 169 clinicians at 28 institutions and 2299 assessments were obtained. The Japanese version of ICD‐10 DCR final version was published by Nakane et al. in May 1994. The Japanese version of the Glossaries and Conversion Tables between ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 was published by Nakane et al. in October 1994. The field trials of ICD‐10 Multiaxial Presentation were conducted with 34 psychiatrists at six institutions in 1993 and the total of 676 assessments was obtained, and the adequacy and usefulness of the text were examined.
Community–based care for the mentally disordered in Kawasaki City: Experiences from Kawasaki City Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
Authors: OE MOTOI , OKAGAMI KAZUO
Published: March 2014

The basic aims of Kawasaki City Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center are: (i) taking some measures for the hospitalized patients unable to leave because of residential problems; (ii) providing a daily program for the discharged from psychiatric hospital; (iii) developing vocational rehabilitation for the mentally disordered; and (iv) developing a support network for the mentally disordered in the community. To fulfill these aims and to meet the various needs of our users, we have provided a very comprehensive program composed of a ward, outpatient section, day care groups, vocational service and half‐way house. According to the program, various services such as medical treatment in a narrow sense, basic training of social skills and human relations, vocational training system that meets the various needs and work abilities of the users, and after care services that enable them to support themselves living in the community are available. These services give them great comfort to live in the community; however, they might serve to increase their dependency on the center. Our future task is to cooperate with various social resources such as workshops, group homes and places to stay and rest during the day, which are being developed in Kawasaki City. By supporting those facilities, we expect to refer our members to them and we put more weight on the indirect service than the direct one, which would hopefully enable us to cover and care for more people in need.
Severity of hearing impairment is positively associated with urine albumin excretion rate in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shen Feng‐Chih , Hsieh Ching‐Jung
Published: March 2014

Aims/Introduction

To identify risk factors for hearing impairment among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Materials

A total of 68 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled between March and September of 2011. Pure‐tone auditory tests were carried out for each patient at the following speech frequencies: 250; 500; 1,000; 2,000; 4,000 and 8,000 Hz. Participants were classified as having hearing impairment if the average of the pure‐tone thresholds measured at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz in either ear exceeded 25 dBHL. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory parameters and diabetes‐associated complications were analyzed.

Results

Patients were divided into those with (n = 32) and without (n = 36) hearing impairment. Hearing impaired participants had a higher urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio than those without (223.1 vs 56.5 mg/g, respectively). After adjustment for age, sex and other risk factors, the urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio remained significantly associated with hearing impairment (odds ratio 9.07, 95% confidence interval 1.73–47.43, P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in oxidative stress between the two groups.

Conclusions

The present study showed increased albuminuria was positively associated with the severity of hearing impairment among patients with type 2 diabetes. Screening for hearing impairment in diabetic patients who develop albuminuria might provide early detection of hearing impairment.
Self‐Knowledge, Gender Roles, and the Making of the Secret Gospels: A Chapter in the Sociology of Nonknowledge
Authors: Gross Matthias
Published: March 2014

In addition to the four canonical gospels of theBible'sNewTestament, some so‐called apocryphal gospels have also been discovered to exist. Although the process by which the four gospels byMatthew,Mark,Luke, andJohn were determined to be the core gospels was completed by the late second centuryAD, it is generally held that the exclusion of other gospels was an incremental process that was finalized more than a century later. This article explores the inclusion and exclusion of texts in theNewTestament canon by reference to the sociological notion of ignorance, or “nonknowledge.” It is argued that the strategic use of nonknowledge can be shown to have achieved an “unknowing” of things that had previously been known among the early Christian community. Underpinning this argument is the suggestion that at least part of the success ofChristianity during the first 100 to 200 yearsADwas due to many Christian women not only occupying a special position in their communities but also being seen as having been favored with knowledge aboutGod. Such women were subsequently marginalized and knowledge about their role suppressed. The article concludes by noting that the formal exercise of control over what ought (not) to be known is part of the normal process of establishing stability and order in a bounded institution. This in turn promises to deliver insights for the sociological analysis of historical cases in many other areas.