bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight-Loss Diet Alone or Combined with Progressive Resistance Training Induces Changes in Association between the Cardiometabolic Risk Profile and Abdominal Fat Depots
Authors: García-Unciti Marisol , Izquierdo Mikel , Idoate Fernando , Gorostiaga Esteban , Grijalba Ana , Ortega-Delgado Francisco , Martínez-Labari Cristina , Moreno-Navarrete José M. , Forga Lluis , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ibáñez Javier
Published: December 2012

Background/Aims: A weight-loss diet alone or combined with a progressive resistance training program induced different adaptations on cardiometabolic risk, i.e. regional changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume distribution patterns. We hypothesized that a heterogeneous adipose tissue metabolism may exist between visceral fat at different discal levels. Methods: Thirty-four obese women, aged 40–60 years, were randomized to three groups: a control group (n = 9), a diet group (WL; n = 12) with a caloric restriction of 500 kcal/day during 16 weeks, or a diet-plus-resistance-training group (WL+RT; n = 13) with the same caloric restriction and a 16-week resistance training of 2 sessions per week. Results: The association pattern between abdominal fat depots and glucose metabolism variables showed a change from the L4-L5 region (preintervention) to VAT L2-L3 and SAT L2-L3 in the WL and WL+RT groups, respectively. It is noteworthy that accumulation of fat in the midthigh was not characterized by a more favorable lipid profile or glucose metabolism. Conclusion: Our results reinforce the importance of considering L2-L3 images to predict insulin resistance after a weight-loss diet, alone or combined with resistance training.
Spinal Transection Induces Widespread Proliferation of Cells along the Length of the Spinal Cord in a Weakly Electric Fish
Authors: Allen Antiño R. , Smith G. Troy
Published: December 2012

The ability to regenerate spinal cord tissue after tail amputation has been well studied in several species of teleost fish. The present study examined the proliferation and survival of cells following complete spinal cord transection rather than tail amputation in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. To quantify cell proliferation along the length of the spinal cord, fish were given a single bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection immediately after spinal transection or sham surgery. Spinal transection significantly increased the density of BrdU+ cells along the entire length of the spinal cord at 1 day posttransection (dpt), and most newly generated cells survived up to 14 dpt. To examine longer-term survival of the newly proliferated cells, BrdU was injected for 5 days after the surgery, and fish were sacrificed at 14 or 30 dpt. Spinal transection significantly increased cell proliferation and/or survival, as indicated by an elevated density of BrdU+ cells in the spinal cords of spinally transected compared to sham-operated and intact fish. At 14 dpt, BrdU+ cells were abundant at all levels of the spinal cord. By 30 dpt, the density of BrdU+ cells had decreased at all levels of the spinal cord except at the tip of the tail. Thus, newly generated cells in the caudal-most segment of the spinal cord survived longer than those in more rostral segments. Our findings indicate that spinal cord transection stimulates widespread cellular proliferation; however, there were regional differences in the survival of the newly generated cells.
Vitamin D Deficiency: A New Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mezza T. , Muscogiuri G. , Sorice G.P. , Prioletta A. , Salomone E. , Pontecorvi A. , Giaccari A.
Published: December 2012

Recent compelling evidence suggests a role of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and insulin secretion derangements, with a consequent possible interference with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism of this link is incompletely understood. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is usually detected in obesity in which insulin resistance is also a common finding. The coexistence of insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency has generated several hypotheses. Some cross-sectional and prospective studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in worsening insulin resistance; others have identified obesity as a risk factor predisposing individuals to exhibit both vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance. The available data from intervention studies are largely confounded, and inadequate considerations of seasonal effects on 25(OH)D concentrations are also a common design flaw in many studies. On the contrary, there is strong evidence that obesity might cause both vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance, leaving open the possibility that vitamin D and diabetes are not related at all. Although it might seem premature to draw firm conclusions on the role of vitamin D supplementation in reducing insulin resistance and preventing type 2 diabetes, this manuscript will review the circumstances leading to vitamin D deficiency and how such a deficiency can eventually independently affect insulin sensitivity.
Identification of Pediatric Brain Neoplasms Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Leslie David G. , Kast Rachel E. , Poulik Janet M. , Rabah Raja , Sood Sandeep , Auner Gregory W. , Klein Michael D.
Published: December 2012

Purpose: Raman spectroscopy can quickly and accurately diagnose tissue in near real-time. This study evaluated the capacity of Raman spectroscopy to diagnose pediatric brain tumors. Experimental Design: Samples of untreated pediatric medulloblastoma (4 samples and 4 patients), glioma (i.e. astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, ganglioglioma and other gliomas; 27 samples and 19 patients), and normal brain samples (33 samples and 5 patients) were collected fresh from the operating room or from our frozen tumor bank. Samples were divided and tested using routine pathology and Raman spectroscopy. Twelve Raman spectra were collected per sample. Support vector machine analysis was used to classify spectra using the pathology diagnosis as the gold standard. Results: Normal brain (321 spectra), glioma (246 spectra) and medulloblastoma (82 spectra) were identified with 96.9, 96.7 and 93.9% accuracy, respectively, when compared with each other. High-grade ependymomas (41 spectra) were differentiated from low-grade ependymomas (25 spectra) with 100% sensitivity and 96.0% specificity. Normal brain tissue was distinguished from low-grade glioma (118 spectra) with 91.5% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity. For these analyses, the tissue-level classification was determined to be 100% accurate. Conclusion: These results suggest Raman spectroscopy can accurately distinguish pediatric brain neoplasms from normal brain tissue, similar tumor types from each other and high-grade from low-grade tumors.
Serum Neurotrophin Concentrations in Polish Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika , Skibinska Maria , Slopien Agnieszka , Tyszkiewicz Marta , Pawlak Joanna , Maciukiewicz Małgorzata , Zaremba Dorota , Rajewski Andrzej , Hauser Joanna
Published: December 2012

Objectives: Several lines of evidence suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in weight regulation and eating behaviors as well as in the activity-dependent neuroplasticity underlying learning and memory behaviors involving the hippocampus. In anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, abnormal serum BDNF concentrations, cognitive impairments and specific personality traits have been traditionally observed. This study explores the levels of four serum neurotrophins [BDNF, neurotrophin 3 (NTF3), neurotrophin 4 (NTF4) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)] with respect to their use as potential biomarkers for AN. This study also investigates any associations that might exist between serum neurotrophin levels and neurocognitive impairment or personality traits. Methods: Serum neurotrophin concentrations were measured in 60 AN patients (AN group) and 45 healthy controls (HC group). We correlated the serum levels of the four neurotrophins BDNF, NTF3, NTF4 and GDNF and the clinical type of anorexia. We also analyzed the relationship between serum neurotrophin levels and the Beck Depression Inventory, body mass index, executive functions by the Wisconsin Card Sorting test (WCST) and personality dimensions by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) test. Results: Serum NTF4 concentrations were significantly lower when comparing all AN patients (34.7 ± 72.5 pg/ml) or restriction type AN patients (29.1 ± 62.5 pg/ml) with the HC group (58.4 ± 135.8 pg/ml; p = 0.004 and p = 0.005, respectively). A significant correlation (p < 0.005) between BDNF serum levels and patient personality dimensions as measured by the TCI test was observed. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between NTF4 and GDNF serum levels and executive function as measured by the WCST. Conclusions: These data suggest that NTF4 might serve as a biomarker for AN. Furthermore, BDNF and GDNF serum levels appear to be associated with personality traits and executive function.
Delayed Cyclic Activity Development on Early Amplitude-Integrated EEG in the Preterm Infant with Brain Lesions
Authors: Natalucci Giancarlo , Rousson Valentin , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Bernet Vera , Hagmann Cornelia , Latal Beatrice
Published: December 2012

Background: Maturation of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) activity is influenced by both gestational age (GA) and postmenstrual age. It is not fully known how this process is influenced by cerebral lesions. Objective: To compare early aEEG developmental changes between preterm newborns with different degrees of cerebral lesions on cranial ultrasound (cUS). Methods: Prospective cohort study on preterm newborns with GA <32.0 weeks, undergoing continuous aEEG recording during the first 84 h after birth. aEEG characteristics were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated using pre-established criteria. Based on cUS findings three groups were formed: normal (n = 78), mild (n = 20), and severe cerebral lesions (n = 6). Linear mixed models for repeated measures were used to analyze aEEG maturational trajectories. Results: 104 newborns with a mean GA (range) 29.5 (24.4–31.7) weeks, and birth weight 1,220 (580–2,020) g were recruited. Newborns with severe brain lesions started with similar aEEG scores and tendentially lower aEEG amplitudes than newborns without brain lesions, and showed a slower development of the cyclic activity (p < 0.001), but a more rapid increase of the maximum and minimum aEEG amplitudes (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04). Conclusions: Preterm infants with severe cerebral lesions manifest a maturational delay in the aEEG cyclic activity already early after birth, but show a catch-up of aEEG amplitudes to that of newborns without cerebral lesions. Changes in the maturational aEEG pattern may be a marker of severe neurological lesions in the preterm infant.
Spontaneous Hypothermia Is Not Able to Completely Counteract Cardiac Arrest-Induced Mitochondrial Impairment in the Rat Heart
Authors: Keilhoff Gerburg , Ebmeyer Uwe , Schild Lorenz
Published: December 2012

Vijlbrief et al. [Neonatology 2012;102:243–248] reported a beneficial effect of hypothermia on cardiac function after perinatal asphyxia indicated by low levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Elevated troponin I plasma levels, however, reflects impairment of cardiomyocytes under hypothermic conditions. The importance of BNP and cardiac troponin I as biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction that may supplement or substitute Doppler echocardiography has been outlined. Using an asphyxia cardiac arrest (ACA) animal model under spontaneous hypothermia, we found a decrease in the activities of NADH-cytochrome c-oxidoreductase and succinate-cytochrome c-oxidoreductase in comparison to normothermic sham-operated controls. This observation indicates the impairment of the respiratory chain of heart mitochondria, which is accompanied by morphological changes in these mitochondria. Changed cardiac troponin I levels and respiratory chain complexes activity represent different but corresponding steps within the process of cardiomyocyte injury. Interestingly, liver and brain mitochondria remained unchanged under this condition. Patients could benefit from the control of mitochondrial function during hypothermic intervention. When indicated, substances could be supplemented that support mitochondrial function, e.g. antioxidative-acting vitamins and ubiquinone.
Collectin-11/MASP Complex Formation Triggers Activation of the Lectin Complement Pathway - The Fifth Lectin Pathway Initiation Complex
Authors: Ma Ying Jie , Skjoedt Mikkel-Ole , Garred Peter
Published: December 2012

Collectins and ficolins are important in the clearance of endogenous and exogenous danger materials. A new human collectin-11 was recently identified in low concentration in serum in complex with mannose-binding lectin (MBL)/ficolin-associated serine proteases. Collectin-11 binds to carbohydrate residues present on various microorganisms. Thus, we hypothesized that collectin-11 could be a novel initiation molecule in the lectin pathway of complement. We can show that collectin-11 associates with all the known MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP-1, MASP-2 and MASP-3) as well as the lectin complement pathway regulator MAP-1. Furthermore, we found that complex formation between recombinant collectin-11 and recombinant MASP-2 on Candida albicans leads to deposition of C4b. Native collectin-11 in serum mediated complement activation and deposition of C4b and C3b, and formation of the terminal complement complex on C. albicans. Moreover, spiking collectin-11-depleted serum, which did not mediate complement activation, with recombinant collectin-11 restored the complement activation capability. These results define collectin-11 as the fifth recognition molecule in the lectin complement pathway in addition to MBL, ficolin-1, ficolin-2 and ficolin-3.
A Novel Aberrant Splice Site Mutation in RAB23 Leads to an Eight Nucleotide Deletion in the mRNA and Is Responsible for Carpenter Syndrome in a Consanguineous Emirati Family
Authors: Ben-Salem S. , Begum M.A. , Ali B.R. , Al-Gazali L.
Published: December 2012

Carpenter syndrome is caused by mutations in the RAB23 gene that encodes a small GTPase of the Rab subfamily of proteins. Rab proteins are known to be involved in the regulation of cellular trafficking and signal transduction. Currently, only few mutations in RAB23 have been reported in patients with Carpenter syndrome. In this paper, we report the clinical features, molecular and functional analysis of 2 children from an Emirati consanguineous family with this syndrome. The affected children exhibit the typical features including craniosynostosis, typical facial appearance, polysyndactyly, and obesity. Molecular analysis of the RAB23 gene revealed a homozygous mutation affecting the first nucleotide of the acceptor splice site of exon 5 (c.482-1G>A). This mutation affects the authentic mRNA splicing and activates a cryptic acceptor site within exon 5. Thus, the erroneous splicing results in an eight nucleotide deletion, followed by a frameshift and premature termination codon at position 161 (p.V161fsX3). Due to the loss of the C-terminally prenylatable cysteine residue, the truncated protein will probably fail to associate with the target cellular membranes due to the absence of the necessary lipid modification. The p.V161fsX3 extends the spectrum of RAB23 mutations and points to the crucial role of prenylation in the pathogenesis of Carpenter syndrome within this family.
Aldosterone Modulates Endothelial Permeability and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity by Rearrangement of the Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Kirsch Torsten , Beese Michaela , Wyss Kristin , Klinge Uwe , Haller Hermann , Haubitz Marion , Fiebeler Anette
Published: December 2012

Aldosterone (Aldo) is involved in vascular remodeling and inflammation; however, the mechanisms are imperfectly defined. We hypothesized that Aldo alters endothelial integrity and modifies paracellular permeability. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to Aldo (10
–9
mol/L) and alterations in paracellular permeability, assembly of tight and adherens junctions and activation of intracellular signaling pathways were determined. Aldo increased endothelial permeability for molecules ≤70 kDa within 60 minutes. A transient loss of cortical actin with formation of actin stress fibers and disruption of continuous adherens and tight junction strands accompanied these changes. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade, inhibition of RhoA, or disruption of extracellular-regulated protein kinase1/2 signaling pathways attenuated the Aldo-related effects. Moreover, Aldo-induced cytoskeletal rearrangement led to rapid dephosphorylation of protein kinase B and subsequent deactivation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Ex vivo tracer flux experiments with Evans blue–conjugated albumin demonstrated a concordant response to Aldo in freshly isolated umbilical arteries. Furthermore, low-dose cortisol (3×10
–10
to 3×10
–9
mol/L) mimics the effect of Aldo on endothelial integrity, and Aldo, by upregulating11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, might even aggravate this deleterious effect of low-dose cortisol. We suggest that these mechanisms may contribute to the vasculopathy induced by inappropriate mineralocorticoid receptor activation.
Simulation and Dynamical Prediction of the Summer Asian–Pacific Oscillation and Associated Climate Anomalies by the NCEP CFSv2
Authors: Chen Junming , Zhao Ping , Yang Song , Liu Ge , Zhou Xiuji
Published: December 2012

The Asian–Pacific Oscillation (APO) is a dominant teleconnection pattern linking the climate anomalies over Asia, the North Pacific, and other regions including North America. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) successfully simulates many summer-mean features of the upper-tropospheric temperature, the South Asian high, the westerly and easterly jet streams, and the regional monsoons over Asia and Africa. It also well simulates the interannual variability of the APO and associated anomalies in atmospheric circulation, precipitation, surface air temperature (SAT), and sea surface temperature (SST). Associated with a positive APO are a strengthened South Asian high; a weakened extratropical upper-tropospheric westerly jet stream over North America; strengthened subtropical anticyclones over the Northern Hemisphere oceans; and strengthened monsoons over North Africa, India, and East Asia. Meanwhile, increased precipitation is found over tropical North Africa, South Asia, northern China, and tropical South America; decreased precipitation is seen over subtropical North Africa, the Middle East, central Asia, southern China, Japan, and extratropical North America. Low SAT occurs in North Africa, India, and tropical South America and high SAT appears in extratropical Eurasia and North America. SST increases in the extratropical Pacific and the North Atlantic but decreases in the tropical Pacific. The summer APO and many of the associated climate anomalies can be predicted by the NCEP CFSv2 by up to 5 months in advance. However, the CFSv2 skill of predicting the SAT in the East Asian monsoon region is low.
Greenland Ice Sheet Mass Balance Reconstruction. Part I: Net Snow Accumulation (1600–2009)
Authors: Box Jason E. , Cressie Noel , Bromwich David H. , Jung Ji-Hoon , van den Broeke Michiel , van Angelen J. H. , Forster Richard R. , Miège Clement , Mosley-Thompson Ellen , Vinther Bo , McConnell Joseph R.
Published: December 2012

Ice core data are combined with Regional Atmospheric Climate Model version 2 (RACMO2) output (1958–2010) to develop a reconstruction of Greenland ice sheet net snow accumulation rate, Ât(G), spanning the years 1600–2009. Regression parameters from regional climate model (RCM) output regressed on 86 ice cores are used with available cores in a given year resulting in the reconstructed values. Each core site’s residual variance is used to inversely weight the cores’ respective contributions. The interannual amplitude of the reconstructed accumulation rate is damped by the regressions and is thus calibrated to match that of the RCM data. Uncertainty and significance of changes is measured using statistical models.

A 12% or 86 Gt yr−1 increase in ice sheet accumulation rate is found from the end of the Little Ice Age in ~1840 to the last decade of the reconstruction. This 1840–1996 trend is 30% higher than that of 1600–2009, suggesting an accelerating accumulation rate. The correlation of Ât(G) with the average surface air temperature in the Northern Hemisphere (SATNHt) remains positive through time, while the correlation of Ât(G) with local near-surface air temperatures or North Atlantic sea surface temperatures is inconsistent, suggesting a hemispheric-scale climate connection. An annual sensitivity of Ât(G) to SATNHt of 6.8% K−1 or 51 Gt K−1 is found.

The reconstuction, Ât(G), correlates consistently highly with the North Atlantic Oscillation index. However, at the 11-yr time scale, the sign of this correlation flips four times in the 1870–2005 period.
Performance Evaluation of a New Dual-Polarization Microphysical Algorithm Based on Long-Term X-Band Radar and Disdrometer Observations
Authors: Anagnostou Marios N. , Kalogiros John , Marzano Frank S. , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Montopoli Mario , Piccioti Errico
Published: December 2012

Accurate estimation of precipitation at high spatial and temporal resolution of weather radars is an open problem in hydrometeorological applications. The use of dual polarization gives the advantage of multiparameter measurements using orthogonal polarization states. These measurements carry significant information, useful for estimating rain-path signal attenuation, drop size distribution (DSD), and rainfall rate. This study evaluates a new self-consistent with optimal parameterization attenuation correction and rain microphysics estimation algorithm (named SCOP-ME). Long-term X-band dual-polarization measurements and disdrometer DSD parameter data, acquired in Athens, Greece, have been used to quantitatively and qualitatively compare SCOP-ME retrievals of median volume diameter D0 and intercept parameter NW with two existing rain microphysical estimation algorithms and the SCOP-ME retrievals of rain rate with three available radar rainfall estimation algorithms. Error statistics for rain rate estimation, in terms of relative mean and root-mean-square error and efficiency, show that the SCOP-ME has low relative error if compared to the other three methods, which systematically underestimate rainfall. The SCOP-ME rain microphysics algorithm also shows a lower relative error statistic when compared to the other two microphysical algorithms. However, measurement noise or other signal degradation effects can significantly affect the estimation of the DSD intercept parameter from the three different algorithms used in this study. Rainfall rate estimates with SCOP-ME mostly depend on the median volume diameter, which is estimated much more efficiently than the intercept parameter. Comparisons based on the long-term dataset are relatively insensitive to path-integrated attenuation variability and rainfall rates, providing relatively accurate retrievals of the DSD parameters when compared to the other two algorithms.
Wintertime Water Mass Modification near an Antarctic Ice Front
Authors: Årthun Marius , Nicholls Keith W. , Boehme Lars
Published: December 2012

Under ice measurements by seals carrying a miniaturized conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) instrument fill an important gap in existing observations. Here the authors present data from an instrumented Weddell seal that spent eight consecutive months (February–September) foraging in close proximity to the Filchner Ice Shelf, thus providing detailed information about the evolution of mixed layer hydrography during the austral autumn and winter. The resultant time series of hydrography shows strong seasonal water mass modification, dominated by an upper-ocean (0–300 m) salinity increase of 0.31, corresponding to 3.1 m sea ice growth, and the development of a 500-m thick winter mixed layer. Observations furthermore highlight a gradual salinity increase in a slow (3–5 cm s−1) southward flow on the continental shelf, toward the site, and suggest that the inferred ice production is better considered as a regional average rather than being purely local. No clear seasonality is observed in the properties of the underlying Ice Shelf Water.
Quality Control of Accumulated Fields by Applying Spatial and Temporal Constraints
Authors: Lakshmanan Valliappa , Miller Madison , Smith Travis
Published: December 2012

Accumulating gridded fields over time greatly magnifies the impact of impulse noise in the individual grids. A quality control method that takes advantage of spatial and temporal coherence can reduce the impact of such noise in accumulation grids. Such a method can be implemented using the image processing techniques of hysteresis and multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT). These steps are described in this paper, and the method is applied to simulated data to quantify the improvements and to explain the effect of various parameters. Finally, the quality control technique is applied to some illustrative real-world datasets.
Should long-acting (depot) antipsychotics be used in early schizophrenia? A systematic review
Authors: Taylor Mark , Ng Ka Ying Bonnie
Published: December 2012

Background:

The relapse rate after a first episode of schizophrenia is high, often due to non-adherence with medication. Long-acting injections of antipsychotics (LAI) are used to promote adherence to medication.

Objective:

To review the literature on the use of LAIs in first-episode and early schizophrenia.

Method:

A systematic electronic search of all original data containing peer-reviewed studies published in English using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane and PsychINFO from the onset of records. Reference lists from retrieved articles were examined for further relevant studies.

Results:

Ten studies were identified: two cohort studies; three randomised controlled trials; and five open studies. These studies, although limited, demonstrated the effectiveness of LAI in early schizophrenia. Seven of the 10 studies had risperidone long-acting injection as the only LAI.

Conclusion:

LAIs may be useful in the treatment of early schizophrenia in terms of symptom control and relapse reduction, particularly if chosen by the patient or when medication adherence is a priority. There is a need for a large-scale, randomised controlled trial comparing oral and LAI antipsychotics to assess long-term outcomes.
Incarcerated Sex Offenders’ Expectations for Reentry
Authors: Tewksbury Richard , Copes Heith
Published: December 2012

Returning to the community after incarceration can be a difficult challenge. These issues are exacerbated for sex offenders, who reenter society carrying strong stigmas and who are subject to a variety of both legal and extralegal restrictions. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 24 incarcerated, soon-to-be released sex offenders, this study examines their perceptions and expectations of reentry challenges and opportunities. Analysis shows that sex offenders have very limited understandings of reentry legal restrictions. In addition, offender accounts revealed sex offenders generally held positive expectations for community reentry. They reflect the belief that they will be able to draw upon personal, familial, and social resources to avoid the consequences of stigmatization.
Characteristics of effective schools in facing and reducing bullying
Authors: Kyriakides Leonidas , Creemers Bert Peter Maria
Published: December 2012

This article examines whether variation in school effectiveness in terms of reducing bullying can be attributed to differences in their classroom and school learning environment. All 6th grade students ( n = 1504) of 35 primary schools in Cyprus participated in this study. The revised Olweus bully/victim questionnaire was used to measure bullying at the beginning and at the end of the school year. A questionnaire measuring the classroom learning environment was also administered to the student sample. A teacher questionnaire was used in order to measure school policy and actions taken to improve the school learning environment. Multilevel modelling techniques were used to analyse our data. Almost all factors concerned with the school and the classroom learning environment and school evaluation were found to be associated with reduction of bullying. Implications of findings for research on bullying are drawn.
Symptom prevalence, severity and palliative care needs assessment using the Palliative Outcome Scale: A cross-sectional study of patients with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions
Authors: Saleem Tariq Z , Higginson Irene J , Chaudhuri K Ray , Martin Anne , Burman Rachel , Leigh P Nigel
Published: December 2012

Background:

Palliative care is rarely being offered to patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Aim:

To assess symptom prevalence, severity and palliative care needs in advanced stages of Parkinsonism.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey using a palliative care assessment tool, the Palliative Outcome Scale was administered to patients.

Setting/participants:

Eight-two patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, multiple systems atrophy or progressive supranuclear palsy were included in the study.

Results:

Their mean age and disease stages 3–5 Hoehn and Yahr were 67 years and 4.1, respectively. Patients reported a mean of 10.7 (standard deviation = 3.9) physical symptoms. Over 80% had pain, fatigue, day time somnolence and problems with mobility. Other symptoms in 50%–80% included constipation, loss of bladder control, swallowing difficulties, drooling, breathlessness and sleep problems. Symptoms rated as causing severe problems were pain, fatigue, constipation and drooling. Assessment of mood revealed 70% of the patients felt anxiety and 60% had felt depressed. Eight-five per cent felt their families were anxious or worried about them. Thirty-eight per cent would have liked more information and 42% had practical problems that still needed to be addressed. There was a positive correlation between number of symptoms and disease severity ( r = 0.39, p = 0.01). The total mean Palliative Outcome Scale score was 13.6 (standard deviation = 6.1), suggesting moderate palliative care needs.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to describe the care needs of people with Parkinson’s disease using the Palliative Outcome Scale tool. The burden of symptoms and concerns was high in advanced stages of disease. It might be appropriate that people severely affected by these conditions should be considered for referral to specialist palliative care services.
Creative Design of Digital Cognitive Games
Authors: Sedig Kamran , Haworth Robert
Published: December 2012

Digital cognitive games (DCGs) are games whose primary purpose is to mediate (i.e., support, develop, and enhance) cognitive activities such as problem solving, decision making, planning, and critical reasoning. As these games increase in popularity and usage, more attention should be paid to their design. Currently, there is a lack of design processes that provide both structure and room for creative development of such games. This article presents a preliminary process for design of DCGs. The design process involves the application of cognitive toys and isomorphism. Using this process, designers will use a cognitive toy to be inspired to develop DCGs, and isomorphism is intended to help them produce a diverse set of DCGs based on the same cognitive toy. The resulting DCGs will have deep similarity with the original cognitive toy but are unique in terms of their surface features.
The Evolution of Video Game Affordances and Implications for Parental Mediation
Authors: Jiow Hee Jhee , Lim Sun Sun
Published: December 2012

Video games have grown in number, variety, and consumer market penetration, encroaching more aggressively into the domestic realm. Within the home therefore, parents whose children play video games have to exercise mediation and supervision. As video games evolve, parental mediation strategies have also had to keep pace, albeit not always successfully. By transposing our appreciation of parental concerns over the historical development of video games, we propose an analytical framework identifying key affordances of video games, elucidating how their evolution has distinct implications for effective parental mediation. These affordances are portability, accessibility, interactivity, identity multiplicity, sociability, and perpetuity.
Red ear syndrome: A review of all published cases (1996–2010)
Authors: Ryan Suzanne , Wakerley Benjamin R , Davies Paul
Published: December 2012

Background

Red ear syndrome is characterised by episodic unilateral erythema of the ear associated with pain and burning sensation.

Patients and methods

We describe the case of a young woman with daily, frequent, recurrent episodes of red ear syndrome in the absence of any structural lesions, primary headache disorder or obvious triggers. We review all previously described cases and discuss postulated mechanisms for this syndrome.

Conclusions

The exact cause of this rare headache disorder remains unknown and treatment options vary considerably.
Introduction: Social regulation of diversity and equality
Authors: Hyman Richard , Klarsfeld Alain , Ng Eddy , Haq Rana
Published: December 2012

This article introduces the special issue on diversity and equality. We discuss the development of European Union anti-discrimination legislation, in particular as relates to gender and race/ethnicity, and the ways in which different European countries have implemented equality legislation. We also explore the complexities of the translation of the North American concept of diversity to European contexts. In conclusion we consider the interconnections between law and the ‘voluntary’ initiatives of employers and trade unions, and compare the contributions of the articles that follow.
Changing patterns of family time in adolescence: Parents’ and teens’ reflections
Authors: Ashbourne Lynda M , Daly Kerry J
Published: December 2012

Drawing on 20 qualitative family interviews with mothers, fathers, and adolescents (aged 16 to 19 years), we explore the experiences of time in parent–adolescent relationships. Changing time patterns comprised of a range of times including time spent together and apart, and more ambiguous times which incorporate elements of both being together and apart are described by participants. These descriptions highlight not only the amount of time and individual subjective experience of these times, but also the meaning that family members collectively make of these times, and how these elements of time contribute to the emergent relationship between parents and adolescents.
Dancing life into being: Genetics, resilience and the challenge of complexity theory
Authors: Rosenow Doerthe
Published: December 2012

A variety of scholars in critical security studies have recently argued that new modes of neoliberal world order are influenced by the emergence of complexity theory in the sciences, which manifests itself, for example, in the discourse of resilience. By contrast, this article aims to point at the number of governmental discourses and practices in which ‘old’ understandings of order are persistent. What will be argued is that such a set of practices can be found in the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in which the dominant approaches and strategies still rely on an understanding of life that is bound to a more traditional episteme that expresses the desire for predictable management with clearly controllable effects. The article then moves on to discourses of resilience to show how they are equally characterized by this episteme. In unravelling the struggle that exists between ‘old’ and ‘new’ epistemes, the article aims to elaborate on the potential of complexity discourses for challenging particular governmental rationales, manifested in both the resilience context and the GMO controversy.
Securitization, power, intertextuality: Discourse theory and the translations of organized crime
Authors: Stritzel Holger
Published: December 2012

While a range of recent accounts have suggested developing a more contextualist conceptualization of securitization theory, few analyses have actually provided detailed operationalizations of the interplay of language, power and context in securitizations. By suggesting and specifying a way of analysing securitizing moves in relation to intertextual linkages with popular culture, this article examines such interplay in processes of securitization. In doing so, the article not only suggests a contextualist operationalization of securitization theory but also hopes to contribute to studies on discourse, intertextuality and pop culture in international relations more generally.
An Institutional Analysis of Transition to Market: The Case of Shifting Cultivators in Mon, Nagaland
Authors: Saikia Abhinandan , Bhaduri Saradindu
Published: December 2012

Shifting cultivation (or locally called Jhum) is widely practiced in Mon district of Nagaland. Health-wise, the district ranks among the best in the state. However, establishment of a rural market has been very inadequate despite various policies introduced by the state government to promote commercialization of agriculture. Policy makers often blame the lack of infrastructure as the main deterring factor. Interestingly, such ‘mainstream’ arguments miss the roles of social norms and historical trajectory of the communities in accepting the logic of ‘market’. Drawing upon the conceptual framework of institutional and evolutionary economics for our analysis, we intend to offer an institutional view to understand the problems of establishing a market in rural areas of Nagaland based on a field survey of six villages in Mon district of Nagaland. We argue that the logic of a market is based on individualistic values and rights, while their existing system of governance–production and education focuses on collective rights and patronage, making transition to market difficult. We propose that a smooth and effective transition to market would depend very much on the way interdependent system of governance–production and education can be altered. Only relying on short-term incentives may prove to be ineffective to ensure such a transition.
An Exploration of Rural Community Branding Efforts from the Perspective of Community Residents
Authors: Swinney Jane , Lang Chunmin , Runyan Rodney
Published: December 2012

Community brand identity, as measured by brand image and positioning symbols, typically fails to reflect the perceptions of the residents of the community. The current study, focused on residents in four rural and culturally distinct communities in the mid-western United States, finds that residents feel neither agreement nor disagreement with either image or positioning constructs of community brand identity. The results suggest a need to strengthen image and positioning constructs and we urge co-creation of the community brand with greater involvement of the local residents. Recommendations are given for co-creating a meaningful community brand to further community economic development.
Redefining Rural Marketing: Insights from Touring Theatre
Authors: Walmsley Ben
Published: December 2012

There remains little academic consensus on a definition of rural marketing, and as a concept, rural marketing has therefore struggled to establish its own vocabulary and ideas. Modi (2009) argues that rural marketing should be defined in terms of the impact it has on the developmental of rural people. This article builds on this developmental concept of rural marketing by exploring the touring theatre sector and illustrating how theatre spaces and audiences differ fundamentally in urban and rural communities.

The article reviews the literature on rural touring theatre and applies it to rural marketing. It also analyses the results of audience questionnaires and a series of audience interviews carried out with rural theatre-goers in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The article illustrates how the definition of rural marketing can be further developed by analysing audience reactions to rural theatre and reviewing case studies of best practice for marketing touring theatre productions. This primary and secondary research reveals the tangible benefits of authentic rural marketing and confirms Modi’s (2009) contention that successful rural marketing should have a positive impact on rural people.

The article concludes that touring arts organizations and rural marketers working in other sectors should adjust their marketing strategies and activities to communicate more authentically and effectively with rural audiences. Finally, it uses the insights gained from touring theatre to propose a new definition of rural marketing.
The Rural Boom in India
Authors: Kashyap Pradeep
Published: December 2012

Rural markets, unaffected by the economic slowdown, have created a complete turnaround in the mindsets of the marketers. The present article tends to explore the changes in the rural infrastructure and economics during the past decade and touches fairly on the rural psychology and consumer behaviour that needs to be understood to penetrate the rural ecosystem. It also captures the impact of these changes on rural income and the consumption pattern. Finally, the article ideates the opportunities of future through rural markets and how business can leverage opportunities arising out of this rural boom.
Being, Knowing, and Doing
Authors: Bainbridge Roxanne , Whiteside Mary , McCalman Janya
Published: December 2012

Researchers working with Aboriginal Australian partners are confronted with an array of historical, social, and political complexities which make it difficult to come to theoretical and methodological decisions. In this article, we describe a culturally safe and respectful framework that maintains the intellectual and theoretical rigor expected of academic research. As an Aboriginal woman and two non-Aboriginal women, we discuss the arguments and some of the challenges of using grounded theory methods in Aboriginal Australian contexts, giving examples from our studies of Aboriginal empowerment processes. We argue that the ethics of care and responsibility embedded in Aboriginal research methodologies fit well with grounded theory studies of Aboriginal social processes. We maintain that theory development grounded in data provides useful insights into the processes for raising the health, well-being, and prosperity of Aboriginal Australians.
Respondent-driven sampling in a syringe exchange setting
Authors: Hakansson Anders , Isendahl Pernilla , Wallin Camilla , Berglund Mats
Published: December 2012

Aims: Respondent-driven sampling is a research technique, new to the Scandinavian setting, used in hard-to-reach populations, such as subjects at risk for HIV, including drug users. This study aimed to evaluate the use of respondent-driven sampling originating from syringe exchange clients, as a method to identify ‘hidden’ drug users without treatment or social service contact. Methods: Nine heroin and amphetamine injectors were recruited as ‘seeds’ and instructed to recruit up to three heavy drug users in a chain-referral process. Recruited clients were interviewed about drug use, social conditions and contacts with treatment, syringe exchange and other authorities. In order to estimate whether the recruitment managed to evolve into groups of ‘hidden’ drug users, clients included beyond the fourth wave of chain-referral were compared with seeds (wave 0) and clients recruited in waves 1–3. Results: Five seeds were generative, and in total, 66 clients were assessed. Except for one of the 35 variables studied, clients in waves 4–9 did not differ from clients in waves 0–3, and were no less likely to have contacts with authorities. All clients except one were injectors and syringe exchangers, and clients recruited later in the chain-referral even tended to attend the syringe exchange more frequently. Conclusions: Respondent-driven sampling originating from syringe exchange clients may have difficulty reaching beyond the population of injectors and syringe exchangers. The technique, new to this geographical setting, has potential for future studies, but particular efforts may be necessary to study out-of-treatment heavy drug users unknown to the syringe exchange program.
The significance of Isaiah Berlin’s Counter-Enlightenment
Authors: Yack Bernard
Published: December 2012

This paper takes a close look at Berlin’s claim that the emergence of Counter-Enlightenment pluralism marks a momentous historical watershed. It concludes that Berlin is right to draw our attention to the importance of this event, but that he seriously misinterprets its significance. He has good reason, in particular, to treat Herder as ‘the most formidable adversary of the French philosophes and their German disciples’, but not because Herder put a stop to the ancient creed of monism on which they relied. For Berlin’s monistic interpretation of the French Enlightenment, I shall show, badly misrepresents that intellectual movement and its impact on the world. The great significance of Herder’s pluralist critique of the Enlightenment lies, instead, in the way in which it rehabilitates prejudice as a source of human virtue and creativity, a critique that directly attacks the core mission of the philosophes: to remove the obstacles to the gathering, preservation and dissemination of useful knowledge.
Benefits of a Repetitive Facilitative Exercise Program for the Upper Paretic Extremity After Subacute Stroke
Authors: Shimodozono Megumi , Noma Tomokazu , Nomoto Yoshiko , Hisamatsu Noriaki , Kamada Katsuya , Miyata Ryuji , Matsumoto Shuji , Ogata Atsuko , Etoh Seiji , Basford Jeffrey R. , Kawahira Kazumi
Published: December 2012

Background. Repetitive facilitative exercise (RFE), a combination of high repetition rate and neurofacilitation, is a recently developed approach to the rehabilitation of stroke-related limb impairment. Preliminary investigations have been encouraging, but a randomized controlled evaluation has yet to be performed. Objectives. To compare the efficacy of RFE with that of conventional rehabilitation in adults with subacute stroke. Methods. A total of 52 adults with stroke-related upper-limb impairment (Brunnstrom stage ≥III) of 3 to 13 weeks’ duration participated in this randomized, controlled, observer-blinded trial. Participants were randomized into 2 groups and received treatment on a 4-week, 40 min/d, 5 d/wk schedule. Those assigned to RFE received 100 standardized movements of at least 5 joints of their affected upper extremity, whereas those in the control group participated in a conventional upper-extremity rehabilitation program. Primary and secondary outcomes (improvement in group Action Research Arm Test [ARAT] and Fugl-Meyer Arm [FMA] scores, respectively) were assessed at the end of training. Results. In all, 49 participants (26 receiving RFE) completed the trial. ARAT and FMA scores at baseline were 19 ± 21 and 39 ± 21 (mean ± standard deviation). Evaluation at the trial’s completion revealed significantly larger improvements in the RFE group than in the control group in both ARAT ( F = 7.52; P = .009) and FMA ( F = 5.98; P = .019) scores. Conclusions. These findings suggest that RFE may be more effective than conventional rehabilitation in lessening impairment and improving upper-limb motor function during the subacute phase of stroke.