bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conceptual History and the Philosophy of the Later Wittgenstein: A Critique of Quentin Skinner’s Contextualist Method
Authors: Burns Anthony 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAlthough first published in 1969, the methodological views advanced in Quentin Skinner’s “Meaning and Understanding in the History of Ideas” remain relevant today. In his article Skinner suggests that it would be inappropriate to even attempt to write the history of any idea or concept. In support of this view, Skinner advances two arguments, one derived from the philosophy of the later Wittgenstein and the other from that of J. L. Austin.In this paper I focus on the first of these arguments. I claim that the conclusion which Skinner draws from this particular argument does not necessarily follow and that an alternative assessment of the methodological significance of Wittgenstein’s philosophy for historians of ideas is possible. On this alternative view, far from ruling out conceptual history, an appeal to the view of meaning set out in Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations leads to a quite different conclusion, namely that the writing of such a history is arguably a necessary precondition for the elucidation of the meaning of a number of the core concepts in the canon of the history of political thought.Skinner’s views have changed somewhat since 1969. Indeed, from the mid 1970s onwards he came to relax the strict opposition to the idea of conceptual history to which he was then committed. The paper concludes by noting that this evolution in Skinner’s thinking has made him much more sympathetic than anybody reading “Meaning and Understanding in the History of Ideas” would have imagined to the research project of the Begriffgeschichte School of conceptual history.
Maximizing Players’ Anticipation by Applying the Proximity-Compatibility Principle to the Design of Video Games
Authors: Caroux Loïc , Le Bigot Ludovic , Vibert Nicolas 
Published: March 2011

Objective: Two experiments were conducted to investigate elements of the spatial design of video game interfaces. Background: In most video games, both the objects and the background scene are moving. Players must pay attention to what appears in the background to anticipate events while looking at head-up displays. According to the proximity-compatibility principle, game-related information should be placed as close as possible to the anticipation zone. Method: Participants played a video game where they had to anticipate the upward movement of obstacles. The score location was manipulated. The average vertical gaze position and dispersion were used to assess anticipation and extent of visual scanning, respectively. Results: Putting the score at the bottom rather than the top of the game window, within the anticipation zone, was expected to minimize attentional moves. Experiment 1 revealed lower average gaze positions and reduced extent of visual scanning in that condition, but the score performance did not improve significantly. Experiment 2 demonstrated that players’ performance increased compared with the bottom condition when the score was displayed just below but outside the game window, despite an increased extent of visual scanning. Conclusion: Positioning the score just outside the anticipation zone facilitated anticipation of the movement of obstacles and led to better performance than when the score overlapped with the game anticipation zone. Application: For games requiring visual anticipation, contextual information should be located in the direction of anticipation but not within the anticipation zone. This recommendation complements the proximity compatibility principle for simple dynamic displays.
A follow-up study of family burden in patients with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Maji K.R. , Sood Mamta , Sagar Rajesh , Khandelwal Sudhir K. 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Research in the last two decades has documented a high level of burden in caregivers of bipolar disorder. The present study is aimed at studying family burden among relatives of patients with bipolar affective disorder. Methods: Thirty four consecutive hospitalized patients with bipolar affective disorder currently in mania and their relatives were assessed twice: at the time of admission and during follow-up four weeks after discharge. A semi-structured performa designed for the study was completed. Patients were assessed on Young’s Mania Rating Scale and relatives were assessed on Family Burden Assessment Scale. Results: More than 90% of family members reported severe subjective (rated by relative) and objective burden (rated by interviewer) at admission; none of them was free of burden. At the time of follow-up, about one quarter (23.5%) and two thirds (64.7%) of family members did not experience any objective and subjective burden respectively; subjective and objective family burden was moderate in about one third (35.3%) and a half (52.9%), respectively. None of the family members reported severe burden subjectively, while the objective burden was rated to be severe in a quarter (23.5%) of family members. Limitations: The study was limited by the lack of a control group from an outpatient setting as hospitalization increases family burden. Also, the rater at the second assessment was not blind to ratings at the first assessment. Conclusions: Almost all the family members experienced severe burden initially. Even when symptoms subsided, family members continued to experience burden specifically related to finances. Objective burden was significantly higher than subjective burden.
Protecting self-esteem from stigma: A test of different strategies for coping with the stigma of mental illness
Authors: Ilic Marie , Reinecke Jost , Bohner Gerd , Hans-Onno Röttgers , Beblo Thomas , Driessen Martin , Frommberger Ulrich , Corrigan Patrick William 
Published: March 2011

Background: To date, there has been little research into effective strategies for preventing the detrimental effects of stigma on the well-being of people with mental illness. Aim: The present research set out to identify adaptive strategies for dealing with the stigma of mental illness. Methods: On the basis of the responses of 355 people with mental illness (PWMI) a standardized questionnaire assessing 10 identity management strategies was developed. Participants also reported their personal experiences with stigma, depression and self-esteem. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses showed that after controlling for depression and stigmatizing experiences, the strategies of community involvement, humour and positive ingroup stereotyping were related to higher self-esteem. Secrecy, selective disclosure and attempts at overcompensation or disproving stereotypes were related to lower self-esteem. The following strategies were unrelated to self-esteem: comparing the present social position of PWMI with that in the past, normalization of the illness within a medical model, information seeking and selective withdrawal. Conclusions: PWMI should be encouraged to seek support within their community and to develop a positive image of their ingroup.
Initiating communication about parental mental illness in families: An issue of confidence and security
Authors: Pihkala Heljä , Sandlund Mikael , Cederström Anita 
Published: March 2011

Background: Beardslee’s family intervention (FI) is a family-based intervention to prevent psychiatric problems for children of mentally ill parents. The parents’ experiences are of importance in family-based interventions. Method: Twenty five parents were interviewed about their experiences of FI. Data were analysed by qualitative methods. Discussion: Confidence and security in the professionals and in FI as a method were prerequisites for initiating communication about the parents’ mental illness with the children. Conclusions: FI provides a solid base for an alliance with the parents and might be a practicable method when parenthood and children are discussed with psychiatric patients.
Change in the health of tsunami-exposed mothers three years after the natural disaster
Authors: Wickrama Thulitha , Ketring Scott A. 
Published: March 2011

Background: Women’s experiences with secondary stressors resulting from natural disasters, such as increased economic insecurity, expanded caregiving responsibilities and disrupted family life, may contribute to women’s mental and physical health problems. Aims: The present study investigates change and stability in post-tsunami depressive symptoms and perceived physical health of tsunami-exposed mothers over three and a half years. Methods: Using data from 160 tsunami-affected mothers, the present study uses structural equation modelling to investigate (1) change, stability, cross-lagged reciprocal influences of mental and physical health and (2) the meditation effect of negative life events on the relationship between tsunami exposure and post-tsunami depressive symptoms and perceived physical health of tsunami-exposed mothers from 2005 to 2008. Results: Tsunami exposure contributed to depressive symptoms among mothers independently of pre-tsunami family adversities. Average depressive symptoms showed a decline whereas poor physical health showed an increase over this period. The results also revealed an interrelated health process between depression and physical health over time. Continuity of health problems were mediated by secondary stressors that also exerted an additive effect on later health problems. Conclusions: Post-disaster intervention and recovery programmes should focus not only on mothers’ exposure to natural disasters, but also their pre- and post-natural disaster adversities. They should reach disaster-exposed mothers directly and have an integrated health approach to disrupt continuities of health problems.
Delusion content across the 20th century in an American psychiatric hospital
Authors: Cannon Brooke J. , Kramer Lorraine Masinos 
Published: March 2011

Background: Differences in delusion content have been studied across time periods and in various international samples, with variations reflecting sociocultural influences. A similar analysis of delusion content in an American sample has yet to be reported. Aims: The current study seeks to contribute to this growing database by reporting delusion content from a sample in the US across a 100-year period. Methods: Archival medical records of 102 patients hospitalized for psychosis across the 20th century were examined for types of delusion content. Random samples were selected from each decade. All patients were hospitalized at the same state psychiatric facility in the US. Results: Persecutory was the most common delusion category, followed by religious, somatic and grandiose. Greater frequency of persecutory delusions occurred after 1950. Delusion content also reflected sociocultural factors during the associated time period. Conclusions: As in most samples internationally, persecutory was the most common delusion type. Delusion content paralleled sociocultural changes, as has been reported in non-American samples.
A preliminary study on the attitude of the Japanese public towards creative artwork by people with mental illness
Authors: Yamauchi Takashi , Takeshima Tadashi , Koh Eugen , Chiba Hisomu , Nakagawa Ryuji , Sudo Anju , Ono Sayaka , Okazaki Yuji , Kikkawa Takehiko 
Published: March 2011

Background: Although researchers have suggested that consumer art can help reduce the stigma of mental illness, there is little evidence of the attitudes of the Japanese public towards such artwork. Material: A total of 277 Japanese visitors attending an exhibition of visual arts by people with mental illness completed a short questionnaire. Discussion: After their visit, approximately 87% of the participants reported being strongly or fairly impressed by the creative art. Word frequency analysis implied generally positive attitudes towards the works. Conclusions: The Japanese public might generally have positive and empathetic attitudes towards artwork by people with mental illness.
Diabetes Management in the Nursing Home
Authors: Garcia Theresa J. , Brown Sharon A. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose Diabetes mellitus is a disease with debilitating potential. Growing numbers of elderly individuals are being admitted to under-resourced nursing homes with this often complicated, time-intensive, and costly diagnosis. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to determine the trends in diabetes management in nursing homes over the last decade including the use of clinical practice guidelines and the evaluation of management outcomes. Methods Ten medical, nursing, psychological, legal, and business databases were searched for articles written in English between 2000 and 2010 addressing diabetes management in nursing homes or long-term care settings. They were analyzed to determine diabetes management characteristics, use of clinical practice guidelines, resident outcomes associated with different regimens, and implications for improved management and outcomes. Results A total of 20 studies from 6 countries, primarily the United States, including both qualitative and quantitative designs and a combined sample of 779 707 residents, met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies described frequencies of various management practices and found rare clinical practice guideline adherence. Conclusion A severe lack of research relating management practices to health and quality-of-life outcomes was evident as was a lack of the voice of the resident in determining the diabetes regimen. Clear implications were found for improvement in diabetes management education for residents, families, and all health care providers in this setting.
Development of an Online Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Intervention Coaching Protocol for Use in Primary Care Practice
Authors: Simkin-Silverman Laurey R. , Conroy Molly B. , Bhargava Tina , McTigue Kathleen M. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose The translation of an evidence-based lifestyle intervention to an online delivery format has the potential to provide an effective treatment option for obesity in primary care practice. Research is needed, however, to standardize e-counseling procedures to promote the training of health coaches and the dissemination to primary care settings. This article describes the development of an online lifestyle intervention coaching protocol adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention curriculum. Conclusions The delivery of patient counseling via the Internet may enable the dissemination of high-quality lifestyle advice to prevent diabetes in patients whose schedules or geographic constraints prohibit their participation in in-person counseling sessions.
Effects of dual task balance training on dual task performance in elderly people: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hiyamizu Makoto , Morioka Shu , Shomoto Koji , Shimada Tomoaki 
Published: March 2011

Objective: To investigate the effects of dual task balance training in the elderly on standing postural control while performing a cognitive task. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Participants: Forty-three subjects (all >65 years old) were enrolled in the study and were assigned randomly to either an experimental group ( n = 21) or a control group ( n = 22). Interventions: Subjects in the experimental group were given strength and balance training while performing cognitive tasks simultaneously. Subjects in the control group were given strength and balance training only. The training was administered twice a week for three months. Measurements: The Chair Stand Test, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Trail Making Test were measured. The sway length of the centre of gravity was measured during standing while performing the Stroop task. The rate of Stroop task was also measured. All measurements were collected at baseline and after the training period. Results: There were no significant differences in Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and sway length at baseline and after training between the two groups. However, the rate of Stroop task ( P < 0.05) was significantly higher after training in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that dual task balance training in elderly people improves their dual task performance during standing postural control.
A description of a cognitive rehabilitation programme evaluated in brain tumour patients with mild to moderate cognitive deficits
Authors: Gehring K , Aaronson NK , Taphoorn MJB , Sitskoorn MM 
Published: March 2011

This series of articles for rehabilitation in practice aims to cover a knowledge element of the rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Nevertheless they are intended to be of interest to a multidisciplinary audience. The competency addressed in this article is cognitive rehabilitation. Background: There is a paucity of literature on the rationale, design, and content of successful cognitive rehabilitation programmes. In the current paper, we describe in detail a cognitive rehabilitation programme that has previously proven effective in a randomized controlled trial in patients with primary brain tumours. The programme’s content may be of practical interest to those working with populations of cognitively impaired patients. Programme: The programme consists of six weekly, individual, 2-hour sessions plus homework, and incorporates both strategy training and attention retraining. The elements were taken from two of the few programmes that are evidence-based. It's design consists of psycho-education, teaching of strategies to compensate for problems in attention, memory and executive functioning in daily life. The retraining was based on the assumption that a target process can be improved by frequently practising exercises. It is focused on attention as intact attention may also be necessary for adequate functioning of other cognitive domains. The hierarchically organized exercises, embedded in a game-like computer program, were tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Evaluation: Mean total training time was estimated to be 35 hours in seven weeks. Adherence to the programme was high. The majority of the participants found the programme to be (very) useful. However, older participants found the programme more burdensome than younger patients. Discussion: Splitting up and spreading out sessions may increase the feasibility and usefulness of the programme for older participants. Further suggestions for improvements and future studies on this programme are also provided.
Sustained improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale as a new efficacy measure of neurological change in multiple sclerosis: treatment effects with natalizumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Phillips J Theodore , Giovannoni Gavin , Lublin Fred D , O’Connor Paul W , Polman Chris H , Willoughby Ernie , Aschenbach William , Pace Amy , Hyde Robert , Munschauer Frederick E 
Published: March 2011

Background: Validated measures of sustained improvements in neurological function have not been established for multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical studies. Objective: To evaluate sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) change as a potential indicator of neurological improvement and as an outcome measure in MS clinical studies. Methods: Analyses were performed on patients ( n = 620) from the pivotal natalizumab study AFFIRM with baseline EDSS scores ≥2.0. Cumulative probabilities of neurological improvement, defined as a 1.0-point decrease in EDSS score sustained for ≥12 weeks, were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. A Cox proportional hazards model identified associated baseline factors and examined treatment effects. Results: Sustained improvement (as well as sustained worsening) in neurological disability was seen in AFFIRM patients. Sustained EDSS changes correlated well with quality of life measurements (SF36 and VAS). Natalizumab increased the cumulative probability of improvement over 2 years by 69% versus placebo (HR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.16–2.45; p = 0.006). Sensitivity analyses showed consistent benefits of natalizumab with variations in improvement magnitude and duration, and baseline disease activity. Conclusion: These analyses demonstrate that sustained EDSS improvement is an additional measure that is sensitive to treatment effects over 2 years and correlates with quality of life. Further research is warranted to validate its use as an MS study clinical outcome.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of candesartan and losartan in the management of essential hypertension
Authors: Zhenfeng Zheng  , Huilan Shi  , Junya Jia  , Dong Li  , Shan Lin  
Published: March 2011

Background: Candesartan is a relatively novel antihypertensive agent of the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Several clinical trials have compared candesartan with losartan in the management of essential hypertension. However, systematic assessment of efficacy and safety between candesartan and losartan is still lacking. Methods: We reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing candesartan with losartan for net reduction in blood pressure from baseline, response and control rates, and incidences of common and serious adverse events.Weighted mean differences (WMD), and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively. Results: A total of 12 RCTs with 3644 patients were included in this meta-analysis. When comparing the efficacy of candesartan and losartan in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the end of the follow-up period, results with candesartan were superior to losartan in the reduction SBP and DBP (WMD, -2.97; 95% CI, -4.18 — -1.77; p < 0.001; WMD, -1.76; 95% CI, -2.57 — -0.96; p < 0.001; respectively). Candesartan had better response and control rates than losartan. (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06—1.18; p < 0.01; RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06—1.50; p = 0.008). Reported common adverse events for the two agents were not significantly different (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.86—1.12; p = 0.78). The incidence of serious adverse events for candesartan was lower than for losartan (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25—0.92; p = 0.03). The net reduction of DBP showed negative correlation with baseline DBP in both candesartan and losartan groups (regression coefficient -1.81, p = 0.03 and regression coefficient -1.56, p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Candesartan is superior to losartan in reducing blood pressure. Candesartan also causes fewer serious adverse events than losartan.
Analysis of insertion/deletion polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in Malaysian end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Ali Aisyah , Vasudevan Ramachandran , Ismail Patimah , Thiam Seong Christoper Lim , Chakravarthi Srikumar 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms found in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene have been associated with hypertension, diabetes and renal disease. The present study sought to determine the association of I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in Malaysia. Materials and methods: A total of 380 subjects were recruited to determine the genotypes of I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene. Genotyping was performed using a PCR method. Statistical analyses were carried out using statistical software, and a level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The frequencies for II, ID and DD genotypes of the ACE gene were 24.7%, 65.80% and 9.47%, respectively, in ESRD patients, and in control subjects were 45.26%, 47.37% and 7.37% respectively. The frequency for the D allele was found to be higher (42.40%) in ESRD patients compared to control subjects (31.05%). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene differed significantly ( p < 0.05) between ESRD patients and control subjects in the Malaysian population. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene are a useful marker and are likely to play a major role in determining genetic susceptibility to ESRD in the Malaysian population.