bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dynamic attention assessment and enhancement tool using computer graphics
Authors: Navalyal Geeta U , Gavas Rahul D 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTraining Programs to enhance Math Solving Skills, Memory, Visualization, etc in children are gaining popularity worldwide. Any skill is better acquired, when attention, the basic cognitive ability of the trainee is improved. This study makes an attempt to devise a technique in the form of a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Game, to assist the trainers in monitoring and evaluating the attention levels of the trainees, at regular intervals during the training period.The gaming environment is designed using Open Source Graphics Library (OpenGL) package and the game control is through the player’s brain waves using the BCI technology. The players control the movement of an object from a source to a destination location on the screen by focussing their thought processes. The time taken to complete one game can be recorded. More the time taken, lesser would be the attention sustaining capacity of the player.Thirteen subjects under different levels of the ABACUS Math Solving training program controlled the ball movement while solving math problems mentally, the time taken reduced for most of the subjects as they reached higher levels of their training course, indicating the benefit of such training programmes. The game was also played by eight non-abacus literates. The evaluation procedure was found to be very easy and fast.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (DE-71) Interferes With Thyroid Hormone Action Independent of Effects on Circulating Levels of Thyroid Hormone in Male Rats
Authors: Bansal Ruby , Tighe Daniel , Danai Amin , Rawn Dorothea F. K. , Gaertner Dean W. , Arnold Doug L. , Gilbert Mary E. , Zoeller R. Thomas 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are routinely found in human tissues including cord blood and breast milk. PBDEs may interfere with thyroid hormone (TH) during development, which could produce neurobehavioral deficits. An assumption in experimental and epidemiological studies is that PBDE effects on serum TH levels will reflect PBDE effects on TH action in tissues. To test whether this assumption is correct, we performed the following experiments. First, five concentrations of diphenyl ether (0–30 mg/kg) were fed daily to pregnant rats to postnatal day 21. PBDEs were measured in dam liver and heart to estimate internal dose. The results were compared with a separate study in which four concentrations of propylthiouracil (PTU; 0, 1, 2, and 3 ppm) was provided to pregnant rats in drinking water for the same duration as for diphenyl ether. PBDE exposure reduced serum T4 similar in magnitude to PTU, but serum TSH was not elevated by PBDE. PBDE treatment did not affect the expression of TH response genes in the liver or heart as did PTU treatment. PTU treatment reduced T4 in liver and heart, but PBDE treatment reduced T4 only in the heart. Tissue PBDEs were in the micrograms per gram lipid range, only slightly higher than observed in human fetal tissues. Thus, PBDE exposure reduces serum T4 but does not produce effects on tissues typical of low TH produced by PTU, demonstrating that the effects of chemical exposure on serum T4 levels may not always be a faithful proxy measure of chemical effects on the ability of thyroid hormone to regulate development and adult physiology.
Heterozygous Deletion of Ventral Anterior Homeobox (Vax1) Causes Subfertility in Mice
Authors: Hoffmann Hanne M. , Tamrazian Anika , Xie Huimin , Pérez-Millán María Inés , Kauffman Alexander S. , Mellon Pamela L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe known genetic causes of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) are often associated with the loss of GnRH neurons, leading to the disruption of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis and subfertility. The majority of IHH cases have unknown origins and likely arise from compound mutations in more than one gene. Here we identify the homeodomain transcription factor ventral anterior homeobox1 (Vax1) as a potential genetic contributor to polygenic IHH. Although otherwise healthy, male and female Vax1 heterozygous (HET) mice are subfertile, indicating dosage sensitivity for the Vax1 allele. Although Vax1 mRNA is expressed in the pituitary, hypothalamus, and testis, we did not detect Vax1 mRNA in the sperm, ovary, or isolated pituitary gonadotropes. Whereas Vax1 HET females produced normal numbers of superovulated oocytes, corpora lutea numbers were reduced along with a slight increase in circulating basal LH and estrogen. The subfertility originated in the hypothalamus in which kisspeptin and GnRH transcripts were altered along with a substantial reduction of GnRH neuron number. Although the pituitary responded normally to a GnRH challenge, diestrus females had reduced LHβ and FSHβ in diestrus. Furthermore, Vax1 HET males had reduced GnRH mRNA and neuron numbers, whereas the pituitary had normal transcript levels and response to GnRH. Interestingly, the Vax1 HET males had an 88% reduction of motile sperm. Taken together, our data suggest that Vax1 HET subfertility originates in the hypothalamus by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, male subfertility may also be due to an unknown effect of Vax1 in the testis.
A Data Set of Brands and Their Characteristics
Authors: Lovett Mitchell , Peres Renana , Shachar Ron 
Published: July 2014

Brands stand at the core of marketing. They are central to positioning, marketing communications, word of mouth, customer relationships, and firm profits. Brands have been studied from multiple perspectives using a variety of measures and scales. We offer a data set that contains 136 different measures of the brand characteristics for almost 700 of the top U.S. national brands across 16 categories measured by 2010. These measures cover a broad range of characteristics including brand personality, satisfaction, age, attributes related to Rogers' innovation scheme such as complexity, and the four brand equity pillars of Young and Rubicam's BrandAsset Valuator. The data were collected from a combination of sources including an original survey on 4,769 subjects. In addition, we provide quarterly data on the variables available from the BrandAsset Valuator for two and a half years between 2008 and 2010. These data can be used as a building block in research that aims to explore the antecedents of brand perceptions or connect brand characteristics with market and financial outcomes. This paper describes the data and some relevant research questions. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2014.0861 .
‘Cancer changes everything!’ Exploring the lived experiences of women with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Krigel Susan , Myers Jamie , Befort Christie , Krebill Hope , Klemp Jennifer 
Published: July 2014

Study purpose: The aim of this study was to further explore the lived experiences of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), to inform the development of interventions to enhance survivorship care for women with advanced disease. Methodology: Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted with women with MBC. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants described the challenges of living with uncertainty, as a result of a lack of information regarding treatment options and symptom management, and a sense of the unknown related to prognosis and survival. Of major concern were changes in role functioning, altered relationships, and self-image. Conclusion: Women with metastatic breast cancer must cope with dramatic changes in all aspects of their lives. Clinicians should tailor survivorship care and evidence-based interventions to individuals’ concerns with changes in role functioning, fatigue, relationships, and self-image. A multidisciplinary approach should be used to address practical and existential concerns focused on improving quality of life.
Supporting service change in palliative care: a framework approach
Authors: Tieman Jennifer , Rawlings Deb , Taylor Janet , Adams Amanda , Mills Shyla , Vaz Helen , Banfield Maree 
Published: July 2014

Background:Palliative care services are increasingly identifying areas for improvement, then trying to create appropriate changes in response. Nurses in particular are often expected to take leading roles in quality improvement (QI) but are not necessarily trained or supported in these processes.Methods:A framework approach to change was developed to guide services through a change cycle and delivered via workshops by representatives of three Australian national projects. Participants were predominantly nurses (80%), with the majority (63.7%) over the age of 50.Findings:The workshops and the framework were positively evaluated, with participants feeling confident in a number of QI-related activities following workshop training.Conclusion:Recognising and addressing problems in clinical practice and service delivery is an important way for nurses to ensure quality care for patients; however, they need support in developing the skills and knowledge that are essential to successful QI activities.
A novel objective classification method to discriminate and monitor recovery in subgroups of chronic low back pain
Authors: Sheeran L , Whatling G , Holt C , Beynon MJ , van Deursen R , Sparkes V 
Published: July 2014

Background: The heterogeneity of chronic low back pain (CLBP) can be deleterious to its successful management. Classification systems (CSs) that subclassify CLBP in order to target treatments rely on clinical judgement; therefore, less subjective classification is preferable. This study aims to determine whether the Cardiff Classifier (CC), which is an objective classification system based on Dempster-Shafer theory can discriminate between CLBP subgroups on the basis of spinal-pelvic repositioning errors (RE), and establish the most sensitive parameters for discriminating subgroups of CLBP and predicting recovery. Methods: Baseline and post-motor learning intervention (MLI) REs from 87 CLBP individuals with flexion (FP, n=50); passive extension (PEP, n=14); and active extension (AEP, n=23) pattern disorder (subclassified by a clinical multi-dimensional CS); and REs from 31 healthy (H) participants were recorded. These REs were inputted into the CC to provide objective and visual indicators of CLBP subgroups and MLI effect. REs were transformed into a set of three belief values: healthy (H); CLBP; and uncertainty. Each participant's status was visually represented as a single point in a simplex plot. Participants on the left of the central line were considered healthy and those on the right of it were considered to have CLBP characteristics. Results: The CC's accuracy in discriminating between: FP and H was 85.2%; AEP and H was 96.3%; and PEP and H was 100%. Combining all CLBP reduced the CC's accuracy to 68.6%. The most distinguishing parameter for FP was sitting lumbar RE, and for AEP/PEP it was standing lumbar RE. CC distinguished pre- and post-intervention REs with 85.7% accuracy for FP and 90% for AEP with respective sitting lumbar and standing pelvic RE as the most sensitive predictors of recovery. Conclusions: This is the first application of CC in CLBP. The CC accurately discerned three clinical CLBP subgroups and identified parameters that most accurately characterise each subgroup and best predict post-intervention recovery. The CC enhanced classification accuracy to discern between CLBP and H when patients were subclassified. CC should be further tested using clinical classification data. Implications: CLBP classification is a complex process requiring high level clinical expertise to synthesize a unique set of physical/clinical characteristics in each CLBP person. The CC can order complex data sets to aid clinicians’ interpretation to target therapy and identify the most sensitive parameters for monitoring recovery thus enhancing classification robustness.
The reliability of novel multiregional spinal motion measurement device
Authors: Alqhtani RS , Jones MD , Theobald PS , Williams JM 
Published: July 2014

Background: Current spinal range of motion (ROM) measurement methods have limitations ranging from the amount of detail obtained to environmental costs and complexity. In particular, limited regional spinal motion is obtained using the current methods. However, a new portable ‘string’ of accelerometers is proposed to overcome these limitations. Objectives: This study seeks to determine the reliability of this sensor string in measuring three-dimensional spinal ROM and to investigate the relative motions across six different regions. Methods: Two procedures were undertaken on 18 healthy participants. Protocol one: two sensors were placed on the forehead and T1 to measure cervical ROM; and protocol two: six sensors were placed on the spinous processes of T1, T4, T8, T12, L3 and S1 to measure thoraco-lumbar regional ROM. Results: The ICC values for all regions were found to be high, ranging from ICC=0.88–0.99 for all movements and regions of the spine, demonstrating that the proposed methods were highly reliable for repeated measures. The standard error of the means (SEMs) were small, ranging from 0.7–5.2°. The flexion/extension motion demonstrated a mean SEM of 1.9° and 1.1° for lateral bending motions. Slightly larger SEMs were observed for rotation, especially for the upper thoracic (UT) and mid thoracic (MT) region with an overall mean SEM of 3.1°. Minimum detectable change (MDC) values ranged from 1.9–14.4°. The flexion/extension motion demonstrated a mean MDC of 5.2° with 3.1° for lateral bending motions. Slightly larger MDCs were observed for rotation (mean MDC=8.4°), especially for the UT and MT region. Implications: This method was able to quantify the relative contribution of differing regions to the overall motion. The method described represents a reliable method of assessing spinal ROM across multiple spinal regions.
Does an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device improve sputum expectoration, lung function and HRQoL when compared to ACTs in bronchiectasis?
Authors: Green S 
Published: July 2014

Background: Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disorder managed with regular physiotherapy airway clearance techniques (ACTs). No systematic reviews have determined the efficacy of oscillating positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices for patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. This review aims to compare the effectiveness of oscillating PEP devices with ACTs in bronchiectasis. Methods: The electronic databases (CINHAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, AMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) were searched in November 2013 for peer-reviewed, English Language papers comparing oscillating PEP devices and ACTs. Studies included were systematic reviews, RCTs and meta analyses. Abstract and full text screening, quality assessment and data extraction was conducted by one reviewer. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro appraisal tool. Results: A total of five studies of 114 participants were identified. Two studies reported greater production of sputum volume using oscillating PEP and one study reported significant improvement in FEV1 after 4 weeks. None of the studies reported statistically significant results. All studies were of short duration and there was significant heterogeneity between studies in terms of interventions and outcome measures. The results were unable to demonstrate clear superiority of oscillating PEP devices over ACTs, although oscillating PEP devices were preferred to ACTs and reported to be more acceptable and tolerable. Conclusions: It was found that oscillating PEP devices were well tolerated and clearly preferred over ACTs. This could be attributable to the novelty of independently performing a new intervention. Due to the chronic nature of bronchiectasis, adherence to treatment is an important consideration. The review concludes that oscillating PEP offers a convenient and effective alternative to ACTs. Implications: Standardised research protocols need to be established to eliminate heterogeneity between studies and allow direct comparison for metaanalysis. Researchers need to agree on appropriate outcome measures that will accurately assess significant change, improving the validity and reliability of the results. Long-term studies using standardised outcome measures are required to investigate the effect of the intervention on disease progression of health-related quality of life.
Inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Beighton Score compared to the Contompasis Score to assess generalised joint hypermobility
Authors: Vallis A , Wray A , Smith T 
Published: July 2014

Background: Generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is a common connective tissue disorder associated with a range of musculoskeletal complaints. An effective screening tool to assess GJH may influence our understanding and choice of management. Diagnosis is clinical, using tools such as the Beighton Hypermobility Score and the Contompasis Scoring System. The comparable reliability of these tools has not been previously reported. The aim of the present study was to compare the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Beighton Score to the Contompasis Score to assess GJH. Methods: This was a randomised observational study assessing 36 pain-free participants: 27 females and nine males, with a mean age of 22.7 years ± 3.71 (range 18 to 32 years). Participants were assessed by two researchers over two sessions to allow for intra- and inter-rater analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted Kappa statistics were used to calculate the level of agreement. Results: The intra- (ICC=0.71–0.82) and inter-rater (ICC=0.72–0.80) reliability of the Beighton Score is substantial to almost perfect. The Contompasis Score displayed substantial to almost perfect intra-rater (ICC=0.73–0.82) reliability and moderate to substantial inter-rater (ICC=0.58–0.62) reliability. Conclusions: It is hypothesised that in clinical practice the Beighton Score is more appropriate due to greater inter-rater reliability, whereas in a research setting with experienced practitioners, the Contompasis Score would be more appropriate, due to almost perfect intra-rater reliability. Implications: The present study provides an indication of the measurement capabilities of the Beighton and Contompasis Scores, as well as providing a platform for further research.
Formative Evaluation of Project TEAM (Teens Making Environment and Activity Modifications)
Authors: Kramer Jessica M. , Roemer Kristin , Liljenquist Kendra , Shin Julia , Hart Stacy 
Published: July 2014

AbstractResearch documents the negative impact of physical and social environmental barriers on engagement in school, work, and the community for youth with intellectual and /or developmental disabilities (IDD). Project TEAM (Teens making Activity and Environment Modifications) was designed to teach youth to systematically identify environmental barriers, generate modification strategies, and request accommodations. This formative evaluation used a mixed methods expansion design to investigate outcomes, activities, and experiences. Trainees had a significant increase in knowledge of environmental factors and modification strategies but no changes in applied problem-solving. 76% attained at least one goal as measured through goal attainment scaling. Intervention activities ranged in quality. Trainees enjoyed the interactive and applied aspects of Project TEAM but found some concepts and materials difficult to understand. Lessons learned from this comprehensive evaluation can inform future revisions to Project TEAM and may be equally relevant for other researchers evaluating programs targeting transition-age youth with IDD.
Simulated stereotypes turning the unreal real: An analysis of representations of the ‘Other’ in traditional media forms and digital games
Authors: Naji Jeneen , Iwar Msughter 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
We live in a world in which we constantly interact with distant cultures through media forms. The media, as the name implies, does not provide a direct link to these different cultures but barely mediates this interaction by presenting constructions of these cultures. This article explores the representation of Muslims in traditional and digital media forms. Specifically the representation of Muslims in two contemporary image constructors, news and games, is explored as well as the corresponding interconnectedness of these representations. Whilst there has been previous research into the representation of Muslims in news and similarly in video games, none compare and contrast the representational methods of these two image constructors in the way this article does. This article performs a comparative study of Muslim representation in these two seemingly unconnected forms towards the goal of identifying similarities and differences of representation using Muslims as a case study.
The digital realm is often purported as a pantheon for society with the freedom of digital publishing and communication allowing minorities to represent themselves and yet there is evidence to suggest that this is not the case. Existing content incorporates and reflects the general imagination of the Middle East prevalent among the western public as well as the audience’s expectation of particular genres – which have themselves been influenced by news media. What exists here is a complete cycle of ignorance reproducing false representation. This logic seems to dictate construction of representation in both forms.
Cultural identity and social media in the Arab Spring: Collective goals in the use of Facebook in the Libyan context
Authors: Papaioannou Tao , Olivos Hugo Enrique 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
While the use of social media in articulating citizens’ actions and social change in the Arab Spring movement has challenged more traditional participation and public deliberation practices, important questions are emerging about the potential of the networked sphere to contribute to the democratic process in these countries. This article aims to analyse the role of cultural identity in facilitating civic participation and empowering citizens through the use of Facebook in the Libyan context. A content analysis of posts within three months in 2012 on three Libyan Facebook pages is performed in order to identify collective goals shared among the participants and their use of Facebook in reference to these objectives. The results reveal that new cultural values based on human rights and political freedom, in particular participation in free elections, are disseminated via Facebook, highlighting Libya’s transition from an authoritarian regime towards democracy. Second, Facebook is used to serve these collective goals through promoting civic journalism, encouraging freedom of speech and facilitating participation in civic and political activities. Facebook also supports among Libyan citizens an inclusive discourse which recognizes equal representation of all regions in the country and its cultural and political significance in the emergence of a new democracy.
Milin's coefficients, complex geometry of Teichmüller spaces and variational calculus for univalent functions
Authors: Krushkal Samuel L. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
We investigate the invariant metrics and complex
geodesics in the universal Teichmüller space and the
Teichmüller space of the punctured disk using
Milin's coefficient inequalities. This technique allows us to
establish that all non-expanding invariant metrics in either of
these spaces coincide with its intrinsic Teichmüller metric.
Other applications concern the variational theory for univalent
functions with quasiconformal extension. It turns out that geometric
features caused by the equality of metrics and connection with
complex geodesics provide deep distortion results for various
classes of such functions and create new phenomena which do not
appear in the classical geometric function theory.