bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Two-Term Exponential Functional Description of the Time Course of Sustained Attention
Authors: Giambra Leonard M. , Quilter Reginald E. 
Published: July 2017

A consensus of critical reviews of single-process theories of vigilance or sustained attention has supported the view that the vigilance decrement must be the result of two or more coacting or interacting processes or systems. One theoretical position, as well as the ubiquity of exponential functions in characterizing the time course of biological processes, led to the hypothesis that the time course of sustained attention could be best modeled by the function A[e-T1-time 11(1 + eT2*time)]. An experimental test (n = 613) using 23 points showed that this function accounted for 96.7% of the variance of detection accuracy and was 1.2 times better than a previously proposed single-term model. All parameter estimates were highly statistically significant. Fits to data from three other studies also supported the two-term exponential model. The model fitted target response time less well, accounting for 75.6% of the variance.
Does Target-hardening Result in Deadlier Terrorist Attacks against Protected Targets? An Examination of Unintended Harmful Consequences
Authors: Hsu Henda Y. , McDowall David 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: This study examines whether the use of target-hardening measures engenders greater amounts of casualty terrorist attacks against protected targets. Specifically, this study evaluates the impact of augmenting aviation security and protection of U.S. embassies and diplomats on the frequency and proportion of casualty attacks against aviation targets and U.S. diplomatic targets, respectively. Method: Using time-series data from the Global Terrorism Database (1970 to 2001), this study conducts time-series intervention analysis. To provide a more comprehensive test, a variety of supplementary analyses—consisting of data transformations, various onsets of the interventions, autoregressive integrated moving average, Poisson, and vector autoregression models of time-series data—are performed. Results: We found no increase in the frequency or proportion of casualty attacks against protected targets following target-hardening interventions. The results show that the typical ensuing terrorist attack against hardened targets is not violence based (i.e., maximizing casualties). Conclusions: Findings that attacks against hardened targets did not become deadlier provide support for the criminological message that unintended harmful effects from situational terrorism prevention strategies are the exception rather than the rule.
Low Frequency Noise Level Variations and Annoyance in Working Environments
Authors: Holmberg Kjell , Landström Ulf , Kjellberg Anders 
Published: July 2017

Indicators of noise level variations were correlated to noise annoyance in workplaces. This was made in a selected group exposed to low frequency noise. The low frequency noise group, consisting of 35 individuals, was selected from a group of 337 persons from various working environments. The noise was recorded at each person's workplace. The subjective annoyance response was rated in a questionnaire. Further questions regarding situational and individual factors were also included. The indicators were statistical countings of successive differences between discrete Leq values over short time periods. Interaction between noise level variations and other factors was also included in the study. The correlation was studied by multiple regression analysis with the rated annoyance as dependent variable. Personal control over the noise was entered into the analysis as a first independent variable. Change in R2 when entering the level variations reflected the relative importance of them in comparison to noise level. According to the results low frequency noise level variation explains about 11 percent of the annoyance variance in this material. In the study it was also found that personal control over the low frequency noise was strongly correlated to rated annoyance and that noise level was not.
Coagulation monitoring correlation with heparin dose in pediatric extracorporeal life support
Authors: Moynihan Katie , Johnson Kerry , Straney Lahn , Stocker Christian , Anderson Ben , Venugopal Prem , Roy John 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) risks thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Optimal anti-coagulation monitoring is controversial. We compared coagulation tests evaluating the heparin effect in pediatric ECLS. Methods: A retrospective study of children (<18yrs) undergoing ECLS over 12 months in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Variables included anti-Factor Xa activity (anti-Xa), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), activated clotting time (ACT) and thromboelastogram (TEG®6s) parameters: ratio and delta reaction (R) times (the ratio and difference, respectively, between R times in kaolin assays with and without heparinase). Test results were correlated with unfractionated heparin infusion rate (IU/kg/hr) at the time of sampling. Mean test results of each ECLS run were evaluated according to the presence/absence of complications. Results: Thirty-two ECLS runs (31 patients) generated 695 data-points for correlation. PICU mortality was 22% and the thrombotic complication rate was 66%. The proportion of variation in coagulation test results explained by heparin dose was 13.3% for anti-Xa, 11.9% for ratio R time, and 9.9% for delta R time, compared with <1% for ACT and aPTT. Incorporating individual variation, age and antithrombin activity in a model with heparin dose explained less than 50% of the variation in test results. Correlation varied according to age, day of ECLS run and between individuals, with parallel dose-response lines noted between patients. Significantly lower mean anti-Xa was observed in PICU non-survivors and runs with thrombosis. Conclusion: Lower anti-Xa was observed in ECLS runs with complications. Although absolute results from anti-Xa and TEG6®s showed the best correlation with heparin dose, a large proportion of variation in results was unexplained by heparin, while dose response was similar between individuals. Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling is required, as well as prospective trials to delineate the superior means of adjusting heparin therapy to prevent adverse clinical outcomes.
A multicentre study of how goal-setting is practised during inpatient stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Plant Sarah , Tyson Sarah F 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To describe goal-setting during inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Design: There were two stages: an electronic questionnaire for multidisciplinary teams and an analysis of goal-setting documentation for rehabilitation patients. Setting: Five inpatient stroke units. Participants: Staff involved in goal-setting and patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation. Results: A total of 13 therapists and 49 patients were recruited, and 351 documented goals were examined. All units used therapist-led goal-setting (60% of goals were set by therapists). In total, 72% of goals were patient-focused but patients and families were rarely directly involved. Goals focussed on basic mobility and activities of daily living (~50% and ~25% of goals, respectively). Only 41% of documented goals met the SMART criteria. Review of progress was limited: 48% of goals were never reviewed and 24% of the remainder were merely marked as ‘ongoing’ without a date or plan for completion. New goals and actions were often documented without any connection to previous goals. Integration between goals and treatment/action plans was mixed. In two units, goals were unconnected to a treatment or action plan, but for the remainder it was 90%–100%. However, that connection was generally vague and amounted to suggestions of the type of treatment modality that staff might employ. Conclusion: Goal-setting during inpatient stroke rehabilitation is therapist-led but discussed with the multidisciplinary team. Therapists mainly identified patient-focussed mobility and activities of daily living goals. Monitoring progress and revising goals were often uncompleted. Links between goals and treatment, action plans and progress were patchy.
Does cognition-specific computer training have better clinical outcomes than non-specific computer training? A single-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Ji-Hyuk , Park Jin-Hyuck 
Published: July 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between non-specific computer training (NCT) and cognition-specific computer training (CCT). Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Setting: Local community welfare center. Subjects: A total of 78 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were randomly assigned to the NCT ( n = 39) or CCT group ( n = 39). Intervention: The NCT group underwent NCT using Nintendo Wii for improving functional performance, while the CCT group underwent CCT using CoTras for improving function of the cognitive domain specifically. Subjects in both groups received 30-minute intervention three times a week for 10 weeks. Main measures: To identify effects on cognitive function, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) digit span subtests, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test–Part B (TMT-B), Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and Modified Taylor Complex Figure (MTCF) were used. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the Short-Form 36-item questionnaire. Results: After 10 weeks, the WAIS subtests (digit span forward: 0.48 ± 0.08 vs. 0.12 ± 0.04; digit span backward: 0.46 ± 0.09 vs. 0.11 ± 0.04) and HRQoL (vitality: 9.05 ± 1.17 vs. 2.69 ± 1.67; role-emotional: 8.31 ± 1.20 vs. 4.15 ± 0.71; mental health: 11.62 ± 1.63 vs. 6.95 ± 1.75; bodily pain: 4.21 ± 2.17 vs. 0.10 ± 0.38) were significantly higher in the NCT group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: NCT was superior to CCT for improving cognitive function and HRQoL of elderly adults with MCI.
Gadofosveset-enhanced thoracic MR venography: a comparative study evaluating steady state imaging versus conventional first-pass time-resolved dynamic imaging
Authors: See Teik C , Patterson Andrew J , Hilliard Nicholas J , Soh Ed , Winterbottom Andrew P , Patterson Ilse , Parker Richard A , Graves Martin J , Lomas David J 
Published: July 2017

Background Dedicated blood-pool contrast agents combined with optimal angiographic protocols could improve the diagnostic accuracy of thoracic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Purpose To assess the clinical utility of Gadofesveset-enhanced imaging and compare an optimized steady-state (SS) sequence against conventional first-pass dynamic multi-phase (DMP) imaging. Material and Methods Twenty-nine patients (17 men, 12 women; mean age = 42.7, age range = 18–72 years) referred for MR thoracic venography were recruited. Imaging was performed on a 1.5T MRI system. A blood-pool contrast agent (Gadofesveset) was administered intravenously. Thirty temporal phases were acquired using DMP. This was immediately followed by a high-resolution SS sequence. Three radiologists in consensus reviewed seven thoracic vascular segments after randomizing the acquisition order. Image quality, stenoses, thromboses, and artifacts were graded using a categorical scoring system. The image quality for both approaches was compared using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test. McNemar’s test was used to compare the proportions of stenosis grades, thrombus and artifacts. Results SS had significantly better image quality than DMP (3.14 ± 0.73 and 2.92 ± 0.60, respectively; P < 0.001). SS identified fewer stenoses (>50%) than DMP; the differences in stenosis categorizations was statistically significant ( P = 0.013). There was no significant difference in the proportions of vessels with thromboses ( P = 0.617). DMP produced more artifacts than SS (101 versus 85); however, the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.073). Conclusion Gadofesveset-enhanced thoracic angiography is clinically feasible. SS imaging produces better image quality and fewer artifacts than conventional DMP imaging.
Return to Sport After Shoulder Arthroplasty in Recreational Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Aim Florence , Werthel Jean-David , Deranlot Julien , Vigan Marie , Nourissat Geoffroy 
Published: July 2017

Background: One of the most frequent demands from patients after shoulder replacement surgery is to return to sport. Purpose: To determine the rate of return to sport after shoulder arthroplasty (total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty) in recreational athletes. Study Design: Meta-analysis and systematic review. Methods: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis of the results in the literature as well as the presentation of results. A search of the literature was performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) score. Inclusion criteria were studies in English evaluating return to sport after shoulder replacement surgery and on patients practicing a sport regularly, whatever the level, with all ages and sports included. The main criterion was the rate of patients who returned to a sport activity. Results: Nine studies were selected among the 35 identified, including a total of 613 patients (39% male and 61% female) with a mean age of 71.7 years (range, 22.6-92.6 years). All the included patients practiced sports before surgery. The most common reported sports were golf (n = 140), swimming (n = 128), and tennis (n = 54). The mean rate of return to sport was 80.7% (range, 57.1%-97.3%). All patients who returned to sport were practicing in the 3 months before surgery. No radiological data were reported in the literature. The subgroup analysis for resuming golf after shoulder arthroplasty revealed a rate of return to sport of 79.2% (95% CI, 62.9%-89.5%). In the swimming subgroup, the rate was 75.6% (95% CI, 61.3%-85.8%) and in the tennis subgroup was 63.5% (95% CI, 34.1%-85.5%). The subgroup analysis for reverse shoulder arthroplasty reported a lower rate of return to sport than for all types of shoulder arthroplasty combined: 76.5% (95% CI, 60%-87%) versus 80.7% (95% CI, 70.9%-87.8%), respectively. Conclusion: Most patients returned to sport after surgery, and all who returned to sport were practicing their sport in the 3 months before surgery. No radiological data were reported in the literature.
Reference Values for the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale in Adolescent Athletes by Sport and Sex
Authors: Snyder Valier Alison R. , Welch Bacon Cailee E. , Bay R. Curtis , Molzen Eileen , Lam Kenneth C. , Valovich McLeod Tamara C. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Effective use of patient-rated outcome measures to facilitate optimal patient care requires an understanding of the reference values of these measures within the population of interest. Little is known about reference values for commonly used patient-rated outcome measures in adolescent athletes. Purpose: To determine reference values for the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS) in adolescent athletes by sport and sex. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A convenience sample of interscholastic adolescent athletes from 9 sports was used. Participants completed the PedsQL and MFS during one testing session at the start of their sport season. Data were stratified by sport and sex. Dependent variables included the total PedsQL score and the 5 PedsQL subscale scores: physical functioning, psychosocial functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and school functioning. Dependent variables for the MFS included 3 subscale scores: general functioning, sleep functioning, and cognitive functioning. Summary statistics were reported for total and subscale scores by sport and sex. Results: Among 3574 males and 1329 female adolescent athletes, the PedsQL scores (100 possible points) generally indicated high levels of health regardless of sport played. Mean PedsQL total and subscales scores ranged from 82.6 to 95.7 for males and 83.9 to 95.2 for females. Mean MFS subscale scores (100 possible points) ranged from 74.2 to 90.9 for males and 72.8 to 87.4 for females. Conclusion: Healthy male and female adolescent athletes reported relatively high levels of health on the PedsQL subscales and total scores regardless of sport; no mean scores were lower than 82.6 points for males or 83.9 points for females. On the MFS, males and females tended to report low effect of general and cognitive fatigue regardless of sport; mean scores were higher than 83.5 points for males and 83.8 points for females. Clinically, athletes who score below the reference values for their sport have poorer health status than average adolescent athletes participating in that sport. Scores below reference values may warrant consideration of early intervention or treatment.
Disciplining Greece: Crisis Management and Its Discontents
Authors: Panageotou Steven 
Published: July 2017

The strategy intended to resolve the Greek financial crisis is not a resolution strategy at all—it is more accurately conceptualized as a crisis management strategy, which is insufficient to reduce the public debt and instead fuels a deflationary spiral. Consequently, power is wielded by unelected, international political and financial institutions and actors, the crisis management regime, who have engendered a wave of discipline, surveillance, and control alongside a neoliberal restructuring of the Greek economy. JEL Classification: G01, E62, P16
Intra-eurozone Payments Imbalances: Implications for the TARGET2 Payments System
Authors: Lucarelli Bill 
Published: July 2017

In the wake of the recent European debt crisis, there have emerged serious payments imbalances between the core/surplus countries and the peripheral/deficit countries, which threaten the internal cohesion of the eurozone. In the absence of political union or fiscal federalism, these centrifugal dynamics appear to be irreversible. This article examines the role performed by the TARGET2 (Trans-European Automated Real Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer System) payments system and the very real possibility of default by the indebted, peripheral countries as a result of the imposition of austerity policies by the European Central Bank (ECB)/European Union (EU)/International Monetary Fund (IMF) (Troika). It is proposed that the current, neoliberal path toward austerity and wage repression (or internal devaluation) is ultimately unsustainable and, indeed, self-defeating. JEL Classification: B5, B14, B16, B23
The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Special Patient Populations
Authors: Rabheru Kiran 
Published: July 2017

Background: Despite its well-established efficacy and its increasing use, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a controversial treatment. Lack of clarity in the issues related to its use in special patient populations (for example, in children, in adolescents, in pregnant women, in the elderly, and in the medically ill) often contributes to the debate about the use of ECT. Method: The literature on ECT use in special patient populations is reviewed, together with the commonly associated high-risk medical conditions in clinical practice. Specific reference is made in each case to the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the procedure. Results: Much of the literature surveyed consists of case studies, although a few controlled trials are available. In general, ECT use in special populations is relatively safe and extremely effective. In small case series, ECT use in children and adolescents is effective but requires further systematic study. In pregnant women, ECT is very effective, and with proper medical care, it is relatively safe in all trimesters of pregnancy, as well as in the postpartum period. The frail elderly are particularly good candidates for ECT because they are often unresponsive to or intolerant of psychotropic medication. Medical conditions that should receive particular attention during a course of ECT are disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and respiratory system. With modern anesthesia techniques and careful medical management of each high-risk patient, most can successfully complete a course of ECT. The process of obtaining informed consent also requires special consideration in this group of patients because their capacity to consent to treatment may be compromised. Conclusions: With careful attention to each patient's medical and anesthesia needs, ECT is an effective and relatively safe procedure in high-risk special patient populations.
Comorbidity of Phobic Disorders with Alcoholism in a Canadian Community Sample
Authors: Sareen Jitender , Chartier Mariette , Kjernisted Kevin D , Stein Murray B 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To examine the relation between phobic disorders and alcoholism in a Canadian community sample. Method: Data came from the Mental Health Supplement of the Ontario Health Survey. The University of Michigan revision of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (UM-CIDI) was used to diagnose DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in 8116 Canadian respondents between ages 15 and 64 years. Since the cross-system agreement (ICD-10 and DSM-III-R or DSM-IV) on the diagnosis of alcohol abuse is much lower than that for alcohol dependence, we also examined a WHO category, “hazardous alcohol use.” Logistic regression controlling for age and sex was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) for phobic disorders and alcohol-use diagnoses. Results: Individuals with lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence had two- to threefold increased odds of having a phobic disorder. Simple phobia and social phobia with multiple fears were significantly associated (ORs 1.5 to 2) with hazardous alcohol use (which had a prevalence of approximately 10%). Conclusions: Given the early onset of most phobic disorders, the findings suggest that these are a risk factor for hazardous patterns of alcohol use. Objectifs: Examiner la relation entre les troubles phobiques et l'alcoolisme dans un échantillon communautaire canadien.
Atypical Antipsychotic Use in Treating Adolescents and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Friedlander Robin , Lazar Susan , Klancnik Joseph 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To study the usage, efficacy, and side effects patterns of atypical neuroleptics (atypicals) in adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities (DDs) (mental retardation). Method: We undertook a chart review of adolescents and young adults (under age 25 years) seen by our specialized mental health team. Results: Risperidone and olanzapine were by far the most frequently prescribed atypicals. Robust clinical effects were noted for both psychotic and nonpsychotic disorders. Most patients tolerated atypicals well, although a significant minority did experience neuroleptic induced movement disorders (NIMDs), particularly dystonias and dyskinesias. Female patients with DDs appear to be at particular risk of NIMDs. Conclusions: Atypicals are useful in treating various conditions associated with DDs. This population, however, seems particularly sensitive to NIMDs, hence caution and close monitoring are required.