bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic sensory information processing abnormalities across the illness course of schizophrenia
Authors: Jahshan C. , Cadenhead K. S. , Rissling A. J. , Kirihara K. , Braff D. L. , Light G. A. 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundDeficits in automatic sensory discrimination, as indexed by a reduction in the mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a event-related potential amplitudes, are well documented in chronic schizophrenia. However, MMN and P3a have not been sufficiently studied early in the course of psychotic illness. The present study aimed to investigate MMN, P3a and reorienting negativity (RON) across the course of schizophrenia.MethodMMN, P3a, and RON were assessed in 118 subjects across four groups: (1) individuals at risk for psychosis (n=26); (2) recent-onset patients (n=31); (3) chronic patients (n=33); and (4) normal controls (n=28) using a duration-deviant auditory oddball paradigm.ResultsFrontocentral deficits in MMN and P3a were present in all patient groups. The at-risk group's MMN and P3a amplitudes were intermediate to those of the control and recent-onset groups. The recent-onset and chronic patients, but not the at-risk subjects, showed significant RON amplitude reductions, relative to the control group. Associations between MMN, P3a, RON and psychosocial functioning were present in the chronic patients. In the at-risk subjects, P3a and RON deficits were significantly associated with higher levels of negative symptoms.ConclusionsAbnormalities in the automatic processes of sensory discrimination, orienting and reorienting of attention are evident in the early phases of schizophrenia and raise the possibility of progressive worsening across stages of the illness. The finding that MMN and P3a, but not RON, were reduced before psychosis onset supports the continued examination of these components as potential early biomarkers of schizophrenia.
Movement abnormalities and psychotic-like experiences in childhood: markers of developing schizophrenia?
Authors: MacManus D. , Laurens K. R. , Walker E. F. , Brasfield J. L. , Riaz M. , Hodgins S. 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundBoth involuntary dyskinetic movements and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are reported to be antecedents of schizophrenia that may reflect dysfunctional dopaminergic activity in the striatum. The present study compared dyskinetic movement abnormalities displayed by children with multiple antecedents of schizophrenia (ASz), including speech and/or motor developmental lags or problems, internalising/externalising problems in the clinical range, and PLEs, with those displayed by children with no antecedents (noASz).MethodThe sample included 21 ASz and 31 noASz children, aged 9–12 years old. None had taken psychotropic medication or had relatives with psychosis. The antecedents of schizophrenia were assessed using questionnaires completed by children and caregivers. A trained rater, blind to group status, coded dyskinetic movement abnormalities using a validated tool from videotapes of interviews with the children.ResultsASz children reported, on average, ‘certain experience’ of 2.5 PLEs, while noASz children, by definition, reported none. The ASz children, as compared with noASz children, displayed significantly more dyskinetic movement abnormalities in total, and in the facial and the upper-body regions, after controlling for sex and age. Receiver operator characteristics analyses yielded high area under the curve values for the total score (0.94), facial score (0.91) and upper-body score (0.86), indicating that these scores distinguished between the ASz and noASz children with great accuracy.ConclusionsBrief questionnaires identified children with multiple antecedents of schizophrenia who displayed significantly more involuntary dyskinetic movement abnormalities than children without antecedents. The presence of PLEs and dyskinesias could reflect early disruption of striatal dopamine circuits.
Affective functioning and social cognition in Noonan syndrome
Authors: Wingbermühle E. , Egger J. I. M. , Verhoeven W. M. A. , van der Burgt I. , Kessels R. P. C. 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundNoonan syndrome (NS) is a common genetic disorder, characterized by short stature, facial dysmorphia, congenital heart defects and a mildly lowered IQ. Impairments in psychosocial functioning have often been suggested, without, however, systematic investigation in a clinical group. In this study, different aspects of affective processing, social cognition and behaviour, in addition to personal well-being, were assessed in a large group of patients with NS.MethodForty adult patients with NS were compared with 40 healthy controls, matched with respect to age, sex, intelligence and education level. Facial emotion recognition was measured with the Emotion Recognition Task (ERT), alexithymia with both the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Bermond–Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ), and mentalizing with the Theory of Mind (ToM) test. The Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Scale for Interpersonal Behaviour (SIB) were used to record aspects of psychological well-being and social interaction.ResultsPatients showed higher levels of cognitive alexithymia than controls. They also experienced more social distress, but the frequency of engaging in social situations did not differ. Facial emotion recognition was only slightly impaired.ConclusionsHigher levels of alexithymia and social discomfort are part of the behavioural phenotype of NS. However, patients with NS have relatively intact perception of emotions in others and unimpaired mentalizing. These results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of social daily life functioning in this patient group.
Predictors of 1-year outcomes of major depressive disorder among individuals with a lifetime diagnosis: a population-based study
Authors: Wang J. L. , Patten S. B. , Currie S. , Sareen J. , Schmitz N. 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundExamining predictors of the outcomes of major depressive disorder (MDD) is important for clinical practice and population health. There are few population-based longitudinal studies on this topic. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the proportions of persistent and recurrent MDD among those with MDD over 1 year, and (2) identify demographic, socio-economic, workplace psychosocial and clinical factors associated with the outcomes.MethodFrom a population-based longitudinal study of the working population, participants with a lifetime diagnosis of MDD were selected (n=834). They were classified into two groups: those with and those without current MDD. The proportions of 1-year persistence and recurrence of MDD were estimated. MDD was assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview, CIDI-Auto 2.1, by telephone.ResultsThe proportions of persistent and recurrent MDD in 1 year were 38.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 31.1–46.5] and 13.3% (95% CI 10.2–17.1) respectively. Long working hours, negative thinking and having co-morbid social phobia were predictive of persistence of MDD. Perceived work–family conflict, the severity of a major depressive episode and symptoms of depressed mood were significantly associated with the recurrence of MDD.ConclusionsClinical and psychosocial factors are important in the prognosis of MDD. The factors associated with persistence and recurrence of MDD may be different. More large longitudinal studies on this topic are needed so that clinicians may predict potential outcomes based on the clinical profile and provide interventions accordingly. They may also take clinical action to change relevant psychosocial factors to minimize the chance of persistence and/or recurrence of MDD.
Financial Inclusion: Lessons from Rural South India
Authors: CNAAN RAM A. , MOODITHAYA M. S. , HANDY FEMIDA 
Published: July 2011

AbstractFinancial inclusion/exclusion has recently been emphasised as an important policy option aimed at alleviating poverty, minimising social exclusion and enhancing economic growth. In this article, we review the growing interest in financial exclusion and inclusion, define them and demonstrate their existence in developing and developed countries. Our empirical focus is on whether financial inclusion has been successfully implemented in four sites in rural South India where banks claimed that financial inclusion is complete. Although many rural people in South India are financially included, the concept of financial inclusion is more complex than usually portrayed. Our findings show that social and personal deprivation contributes to financial exclusion and should be viewed as key barriers to financial inclusion. We also suggest that financial inclusion is not a monolithic phenomenon and should be studied in a multi-layered fashion, ranging from having a bank account to making full use of modern financial instruments.
Insecurity and economic development in Colombia in the 1stcentury of independence
Authors: Deas Malcolm 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe article questions the degree of importance that has been attributed to insecurity in the recent analysis of Colombia's lack of development in the 19thcentury, and of the lack of development in post-independence Latin America generally. The author criticizes their lack of empirical evidence, and their lack of comparative focus, both within the hemisphere and outside it, and offers a series of arguments against their conclusions. His own evidence in the Colombian case indicates that neither «anarchy» nor deficiencies in property rights constituted significant brakes on the development of the country's economy. He also questions the direction of causation in institutionalist explanations.
Numerical study of ion acceleration and plasma jet formation in the interaction of an intense laser beam normally incident on an overdense plasma
Authors: Shoucri M. , Lavocat-Dubuis X. , Matte J.-P. , Vidal F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe present a numerical study of the acceleration of ions in the interaction of a high intensity circularly polarized laser beam normally incident on an overdense plasma target, and the subsequent formation of neutral plasma ejected toward the rear side of the target. We compare the results obtained from two different numerical codes. We use an Eulerian Vlasov code for the numerical solution of the one-dimensional relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell set of equations, for both electrons and ions, and a particle-in-cell code applied to the same problem. We consider the case when the laser free space wavelength λ0 is greater than the scale length of the jump in the plasma density at the target plasma edge Ledge (λ0 ≫ Ledge), and the ratio of the plasma density to the critical density is such that n/ncr ≫ 1. The ponderomotive pressure due to the incident high-intensity laser radiation pushes the electrons at the target plasma surface, producing a sharp density gradient at the plasma surface, which gives rise to a charge separation. The resulting electric field accelerates the ions that reach a free streaming expansion phase, where they are neutralized by the electrons. A neutral plasma jet is thus ejected toward the rear side of the target. Two cases are studied: In the first case, the laser intensity rises to a maximum and then remains constant, and in the second case, the laser intensity is a Gaussian-shaped pulse. The results show substantial differences in the phase-space structure of the ions and the electrons between these two cases. There is good agreement between the quantitative macroscopic results obtained by the two codes, and good qualitative agreement between the results showing the kinetic details of the phase-space structures. The low noise level of the Eulerian Vlasov code allows a more detailed representation of the phase-space structures associated with this system, especially in the low density regions of the phase-space where ions are accelerated.
Backlash elimination in parallel manipulators using actuation redundancy
Authors: Boudreau Roger , Mao Xu , Podhorodeski Ron 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYIn this work, accuracy enhancement through backlash elimination is considered. When a nonredundantly actuated parallel manipulator is subjected to a wrench while following a trajectory, required actuator torque switching (going from positive to negative or vice versa) may occur. If backlash is present in the actuation hardware for a manipulator, torque switching compromises accuracy. When in-branch redundant actuation is added, a pseudoinverse torque solution requires smaller joint torques, but torque switching may still occur. A method is presented where concepts of exploiting a nullspace basis of the joint torques are used to ensure that single sense joint torques can be achieved for the actuated joints. The same sense torque solutions are obtained using nonlinear optimization. The methodology is applied to several examples simulating parallel manipulators in machining applications.
Evaluation of 3D grasps with physical interpretations using object wrench space
Authors: Jeong Hyunhwan , Cheong Joono 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper we propose an intuitive and practical grasp quality measure for grasping 3D objects with a multi-fingered robot hand. The proposed measure takes into account the object geometries through the concept of object wrench space. Physically, the positive measure value has a meaning of the minimum single disturbance that grasp cannot resist, while the negative measure value implies the minimum necessary helping force that restores a non-force-closure grasp into a force-closure one. We show that the measure value is invariant between similar grasps and also between different torque origins. We verify the validity of the proposed measure via simulations by using computer models of a three-fingered robot hand and polygonal objects.
Getting the point: The role of gesture in managing intersubjectivity in a design activity
Authors: Donovan Jared , Heinemann Trine , Matthews Ben , Buur Jacob 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper illustrates the complexity of pointing as it is employed in a design workshop. Using the method of interaction analysis, we argue that pointing is not merely employed to index, locate, or fix reference to an object. It also constitutes a practice for reestablishing intersubjectivity and solving interactional trouble such as misunderstandings or disagreements by virtue of enlisting something as part of the participants’ shared experience. We use this analysis to discuss implications for how such practices might be supported with computer mediation, arguing for a “bricolage” approach to systems development that emphasizes the provision of resources for users to collaboratively negotiate the accomplishment of intersubjectivity rather than systems that try to support pointing as a specific gestural action.
Grasping gestures: Gesturing with physical artifacts
Authors: van den Hoven Elise , Mazalek Ali 
Published: July 2011

AbstractGestures play an important role in communication. They support the listener, who is trying to understand the speaker. However, they also support the speaker by facilitating the conceptualization and verbalization of messages and reducing cognitive load. Gestures thus play an important role in collaboration and also in problem-solving tasks. In human–computer interaction, gestures are also used to facilitate communication with digital applications, because their expressive nature can enable less constraining and more intuitive digital interactions than conventional user interfaces. Although gesture research in the social sciences typically considers empty-handed gestures, digital gesture interactions often make use of hand-held objects or touch surfaces to capture gestures that would be difficult to track in free space. In most cases, the physical objects used to make these gestures serve primarily as a means of sensing or input. In contrast, tangible interaction makes use of physical objects as embodiments of digital information. The physical objects in a tangible interface thus serve as representations as well as controls for the digital information they are associated with. Building on this concept, gesture interaction has the potential to make use of the physical properties of hand-held objects to enhance or change the functionality of the gestures made. In this paper, we look at the design opportunities that arise at the intersection of gesture and tangible interaction. We believe that gesturing while holding physical artifacts opens up a new interaction design space for collaborative digital applications that is largely unexplored. We provide a survey of gesture interaction work as it relates to tangible and touch interaction. Based on this survey, we define the design space of tangible gesture interaction as the use of physical devices for facilitating, supporting, enhancing, or tracking gestures people make for digital interaction purposes, and outline the design opportunities in this space.
Hepatitis B prevalence in the Turkish population of Arnhem: implications for national screening policy?
Authors: RICHTER C. , BEEST G. TER , SANCAK I. , AYDINLY R. , BULBUL K. , LAETEMIA-TOMATA F. , DE LEEUW M. , WAEGEMAEKERS T. , SWANINK C. , ROOVERS E. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYDespite the increased prevalence of hepatitis B and C in most migrant groups in The Netherlands, a national screening policy for these infections is not available. In order to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in the largest group of first-generation migrants (FGM) in The Netherlands, we conducted a screening project in the Turkish community of Arnhem. In a separate project we identified patients from the target population with chronic hepatitis B and C from hospital records (1990–2008). Educational meetings concerning hepatitis were organized, with all participants being offered a blood screening test. Participants were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). In total 709 persons were tested, a complete dataset was available for 647 patients. We found that 3·0% and 0·4% of Turkish FGM aged >24 years in Arnhem had active hepatitis B, defined as HBsAg positive, and tested positive for anti-HCV, respectively. The hospital records revealed another 32 patients, 28 with hepatitis B and four with hepatitis C representing 0·7% for hepatitis B and 0·1% for hepatitis C in relation to the total number of Turkish FGM in Arnhem. We believe that active hepatitis screening of FGM from Turkey should be part of the national health policy as it will benefit the individual and public health.
Le passé composé en usage futur et la pertinence au présent
Authors: DE SAUSSURE LOUIS 
Published: July 2011

RÉSUMÉCet article étudie les effets de sens du passé composé (PC) sous la portée d'un adverbe situeur futur en français. Nous partons de l'hypothèse de Sthioul (1998) selon laquelle cet usage du PC impose une représentation conçue comme passée depuis une projection allocentrique du moment de la parole située dans le futur. Cet article considère que le PC en usage futur est un usage métalinguistique du passé composé et donc un usage métareprésentationnel (ouinterprétatif, cf. Sperber & Wilson 1995) du langage. Nous explorons les restrictions d'emploi de cet usage par des critères sémantiques (télicité, agentivité) et concluons qu'aucun d'entre eux ne forme une contrainte forte alors qu'il y a une condition pragmatique d'emploi beaucoup plus contraignante pour l'usage futur du passé composé. En particulier, nous suggérons que i) ce qui est représenté au futur n'est pas le procès mais l'état résultant (ce qui le rapproche du PC de l'accompli), ii) que l'état résultant est typiquement désirable et a déclenche une inférence à propos de l'attitude ou du comportement à tenir dans le présent dans la perspective de l'état résultant au futur. Ainsi, le passé composé en usage futur prend sa pertinence au présent et non directement au futur.
Transcatheter closure of a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 and stenting of the inferior caval vein in a child
Authors: Baspinar Osman , Mete Ahmet , Davutoglu Vedat 
Published: July 2011

AbstractLeft ventricular pseudoaneurysm is especially rare in childhood, and its main treatment option should be surgery. We describe the case of a 9.5-year-old boy who first underwent mitral vegetation excision and then an unsuccessful pseudoaneurysm operation. Owing to pseudoaneurysmal sac dimensions, inferior caval vein syndrome developed. We delivered the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 into the pseudoaneurysm and treated the inferior caval vein syndrome with a bare Cheatham–Platinum stent. The patient was asymptomatic at the last follow-up.
Use of a self-expanding custom-made stent graft to treat lateral tunnel leak, stenosis, and fenestration in the Fontan pathway
Authors: Chadalavada Sucharitha , Boolkah Soodevi , Smith Benjamin Gregory 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA 12-year-old girl with hypoplastic right heart, double inlet left ventricle, and transposition of the great arteries had a lateral tunnel Fontan operation 8 years previously. She developed symptoms related to a combination of stenosis in the inferior caval venous pathway, a fenestration, and leak in the lateral tunnel. These were successfully treated with a custom-made stent graft.
Device closure of atrial septal defect: medium-term outcome with special reference to complications
Authors: Sadiq Masood , Kazmi Tehmina , Rehman Asif U. , Latif Farhan , Hyder Najam , Qureshi Shakeel A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundThere are concerns over the outcome of device closure of secundum atrial septal defect with special reference to erosions and aortic regurgitation.AimTo assess the medium-term outcome of device closure of atrial septal defects with special reference to complications.MethodsA total of 205 patients with secundum atrial septal defects underwent transcatheter closure from October, 1999 to April, 2009. The median age was 18 (1.4–55) years. Amplatzer Septal Occluder was used in all the patients. Medium-term follow-up was available in 176 of 200 (88%) patients.ResultsDevice closure was successful in 200 out of 205 (98%) patients. The device embolised in four patients and was associated with short inferior caval vein margin (p = 0.003). Balloon sizing in 71 patients (35%) resulted in implantation of a larger device (p = 0.002). Early complications included pericardial effusion, 2:1 heart block, and infective endocarditis (1 patient each). There were eight patients who reported migraine (3.9%). At median follow-up of 5.8 (0.6–10.3) years, complete closure occurred in 197 out of 200 patients. Short superior caval vein margin was associated with a residual shunt (p < 0.001). There were two patients who developed mild aortic regurgitation (1%), which correlated with a device-to-defect ratio of >1.3:1 (p = 0.001). There were no erosions, late embolisation, or thromboembolism. Atrial fibrillation occurred in three adults (1.5%).ConclusionsDevice closure of secundum atrial septal defects using Amplatzer Septal Occluder is safe and effective in the medium term. Short inferior caval vein margin correlates with increased risk of embolisation and short superior caval vein margin with a residual shunt. The risk of developing aortic regurgitation is low and correlates with increased device-to-defect ratio.
Persistent left superior caval vein with absent right superior caval vein: importance of awareness
Authors: Lee Sungwon , Cha Joo H. , Han Dae H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIsolated persistent left superior caval vein is a rare anomaly of the systemic venous return. We describe an unsuccessful pacemaker implantation through the right subclavian vein, which later turned out to be due to a venous anomaly. This case and some other cases show that with the help of a multidetector computed tomography, an isolated persistent left superior caval vein is not a contraindication for subclavian approached pacemaker insertion.