bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rejuvenation heat treatment's influence on the microstructure and properties of superalloys
Authors: Yang Han , Zhang Jianglong , Zhang Zheng
Published: January 2018

Rejuvenation heat treatment is an important technology to restore damaged microstructure and properties of superalloys. This investigation is conducted to figure out the effect of rejuvenation heat treatment on the superalloys. The microstructure and micro-hardness of K002 and DZ125 superalloys after different heat treatment procedures were evaluated. The results show that the heating temperature mainly affects the solubility of the carbides and γ′ phases, while the cooling rate has an effect on the morphology of secondary γ′ phase. Owing to the transition of carbides during the work process, rejuvenation heat treatment temperature has little effect on the amount of carbides in damaged alloys. Suggestions for rejuvenation heat treatment are proposed.
The history and recent advances in research of polyprenol and its derivatives
Authors: Sagami Hiroshi , Swiezewska Ewa , Shidoji Yoshihiro
Published: January 2018

The reduction pathway leading to the formation of dolichol was clarified in 2010 with the identification of SRD5A3, which is the polyprenol reductase. The finding inspired us to reanalyze the length of the major chain of polyprenol and dolichol from several plant leaves, including mangrove plants, as well as from animal and fish livers by 2D-TLC. Polyprenol- and dolichol-derived metabolites such as polyprenylacetone and epoxydolichol were found together with rubber-like prenol. This review focuses on analyses of polyprenol and its derivatives, including recently found epoxypolyprenol and polyprenylacetone. Attention has also been paid to the chromatographic behavior of rubber-like prenol on TLC.
Nitrite-reducing ability is related to growth inhibition by nitrite in Rhodobacter sphaeroides f. sp. denitrificans
Authors: Shimizu Takayuki , Horiguchi Kouhei , Hatanaka Yui , Masuda Shinji , Shimada Keizo , Matsuura Katsumi , Haruta Shin
Published: January 2018

Growth inhibition of Rhodobacter sphaeroides f. sp. denitrificans IL106 by nitrite under anaerobic-light conditions became less pronounced when the gene encoding nitrite reductase was deleted. Growth of another deletion mutant of the genes encoding nitric oxide reductase was severely suppressed by nitrite. Our results suggest that nitrite reductase increases the sensitivity to nitrite through the production of nitric oxide.
Light rhythmic exercise with dietary milk fat globule membrane improves physical fitness in an elderly Japanese population: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Yoshinaka Yasuko , Soga Satoko , Ota Noriyasu , Yokoyama Keiichi , Yamada Yosuke , Kimura Misaka
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of home-based, light gymnastic exercise plus dietary milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) intake on physical fitness of an elderly Japanese sample in a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-one subjects (male, n = 13; female, n = 58) were randomly assigned into two groups: placebo (n = 35 [male, n = 6; female, n = 29]) and MFGM group (n = 36 [male, n = 7; female, n = 29]). The intervention was eight weeks. Subjects ingested either MFGM (1 g/day) or placebo tablets daily and engaged in an exercise program daily. Physical function tests were performed at baseline and after four and eight weeks. Foot tapping and open–close stepping scores significantly increased from baseline to eight weeks in the MFGM group. Study results suggest daily MFGM ingestion might further enhance the effects of light-intensity exercise in healthy elderly people.
Fatigue behaviour and life estimation of Mg/Al ultrasonic spot weld bonding welds
Authors: Feng Meng-Nan , Chen Yao , Fu Dong-Hui , Qu Chuan , Luo Zhen
Published: January 2018

Mg/Al dissimilar joints with favourable static and dynamic mechanical properties were obtained utilising ultrasonic spot welding and ultrasonic spot weld bonding technology. The fatigue behaviour, fatigue failure mode, and typical fatigue fracture surface morphology of Mg/Al ultrasonic spot welding and ultrasonic spot weld bonding joints were compared and observed to get a better understanding of the fatigue failure mechanism. In general, the Mg/Al ultrasonic spot weld bonding joint exhibited better fatigue performance than the ultrasonic spot welding joint. The two kinds of joints presented different fatigue failure modes with decreasing applied load level. A fatigue life prediction model was established, and the fatigue life prediction results were in good agreement with the experimental fatigue results.
Indirect approaches for estimating the efficiency of the cold metal transfer welding process
Authors: Mezrag Bachir , Deschaux Beaume Frédéric , Rouquette Sebastien , Benachour Mustapha
Published: January 2018

In this work, two indirect approaches are compared to estimate the efficiency of the cold metal transfer welding process with two different current waveforms. The first approach is based on an analytical heat transfer model coupled with thermocouple measurements. The second method includes numerical heat transfer simulation of aluminium filler on the galvanised steel sheet. Then a diffusional-growth model allows evaluating the thickness of the Fe–Al intermetallic layer that was compared it to that of the experimental one. Results show that both methods give very similar process efficiencies. The process efficiency reaches a high value (0.92) with current waveforms using high-intensity pulses of short duration, whereas it decreases to 0.78 with current waveforms using low-intensity pulses of long duration.
Magnetic and structural depth profiles of Heusler alloy Co2FeAl0.5Si0.5 epitaxial films on Si(1 1 1)
Authors: Glover Stephanie E , Saerbeck Thomas , Achinuq Barat , Ghasemi Arsham , Kepaptsoglou Demie , Ramasse Quentin M , Yamada Shinya , Hamaya Kohei , Hase Thomas P A , Lazarov Vlado K , Bell Gavin R
Published: January 2018

The depth-resolved chemical structure and magnetic moment of

C
o

2

F
e
A
l

0.5

S
i

0.5

, thin films grown on Si(1 1 1) have been determined using x-ray and polarized neutron reflectometry. Bulk-like magnetization is retained across the majority of the film, but reduced moments are observed within 45

 

A
˚

of the surface and in a 25

 

A
˚

substrate-interface region. The reduced moment is related to compositional changes due to oxidation and diffusion, which are further quantified by elemental profiling using electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy. The accuracy of structural and magnetic depth-profiles obtained from simultaneous modeling is discussed using different approaches with different degree of constraints on the parameters. Our approach illustrates the challenges in fitting reflectometry data from these multi-component quaternary Heusler alloy thin films.
The Impact of Extension Services on Farm‐level Income: An Instrumental Variable Approach to Combat Endogeneity Concerns
Authors: Cawley Anthony , O’Donoghue Cathal , Heanue Kevin , Hilliard Rachel , Sheehan Maura
Published: January 2018

Agricultural extension is an important policy instrument utilized to diffuse knowledge and increase profitability among farmers. However, analyses on impact are subject to endogeneity concerns, causing multiple biases. Failure to combat endogeneity can lead to false inferences on impact. This article addresses this issue by applying an instrumental variable approach with distance to local advisory office and a policy change chosen as instruments for extension participation. The results show that participation significantly increased farm income and that OLS estimates underestimated the impact. Therefore, a superior estimate of impact is achieved which can be leveraged to better support accurate policy making.
The Identification of Risk Factors for Chronic Chikungunya Arthralgia in Grenada, West Indies: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Heath Claire J , Lowther Jason , Noël Trevor P , Mark-George Idis , Boothroyd Derek B , Mitchell George , MacPherson Calum , Desiree LaBeaud A
Published: January 2018

Background

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arboviral pathogen. In 2014, an explosive CHIKV outbreak occurred in Grenada, West Indies, infecting approximately 60% of the population. In approximately 50% of cases, CHIKV infection transitions to painful arthralgia that can persist for years. Elucidation of the risk factors for chronic disease is imperative to the development of effective risk management strategies and specific therapeutics.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 240 people who were tested for CHIKV during the outbreak. We administered questionnaires to examine demographic, behavioral, psychological, social, and environmental factors to identify associations with chronic disease. Physical examinations were performed and persistent symptoms were recorded.

Results

Ethnicity and socioeconomic status were not associated with risk of chronic joint pain. Female sex increased risk, and age was demonstrated to be predictive of chronic CHIKV sequelae. Mosquito avoidance behaviors did not reduce risk. Patients suffering joint pains, generalized body ache, and weakness in the extremities during acute infection were more likely to develop chronic arthralgia, and an increased duration of acute disease also increased risk.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that chronic CHIKV affects people across the ethnic and socioeconomic spectrum, and it is not reduced by vector avoidance activity. Increased duration of acute symptoms, in particular acute joint pain, was strongly correlated with the risk of persistent arthralgia, thus effective clinical management of acute CHIKV disease could reduce burden of chronic CHIKV.
Effectiveness of Sucrose Used Routinely for Pain Relief and Neonatal Clinical Risk in Preterm Infants
Authors: Valeri Beatriz O. , Gaspardo Cláudia M. , Martinez Francisco E. , Linhares Maria B.M.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Preterm infants (PI) requiring the neonatal intensive care unit are exposed to early repetitive pain/distress. Little is known about how pain relief strategies interact with infants’ clinical health status, such as severity of illness with pain responses. This study aimed to examine main and interactive effects of routine sucrose intervention and neonatal clinical risk (NCR) on biobehavioral pain reactivity-recovery in PI during painful blood collection procedures.

Methods:

Very low birth weight PI (<1500 g; n=104) were assigned to low and high clinical risk groups, according to the Clinical Risk Index for Babies. Sucrose group (n=52) received sucrose solution (25%; 0.5 mL/kg) 2 minutes before the procedures and control group received standard care. Biobehavioral pain reactivity-recovery was assessed according to the Neonatal Facial Coding System, sleep-wake state scale, crying time, and heart rate at 5 phases (baseline, antisepsis, puncture (P), recovery-dressing, and recovery-resting [R]). Repeated measure ANOVA with mixed-design was performed considering pain assessment phases, intervention group, and NCR.

Results:

Independent of NCR, sucrose presented main effect in decreasing neonates’ facial activity pain responses and crying time, during P and R. Independent of NCR level or routine sucrose intervention, all neonates displayed activated state in P and decreased biobehavioral responses in R phase. Although no sucrose or NCR effects were observed on physiological reactivity, all neonates exhibited physiological recovery 10 minutes after P, reaching the same heart rate patterns as the baseline.

Conclusions:

Independent of NCR level, sucrose intervention for pain relief during acute painful procedures was effective to reduce pain intensity and increase biobehavioral regulation.
Evaluation of the Relative Abuse of an OROS Extended-release Hydromorphone HCI Product
Authors: Butler Stephen F. , McNaughton Emily C. , Black Ryan A. , Cassidy Theresa A.
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Formulating prescription opioids to limit abuse remains a priority. OROS extended-release (ER) hydromorphone HCl (EXALGO) may have lower abuse potential than many other opioid products. Three postmarketing studies of the relative abuse liability of OROS hydromorphone ER were conducted.

Methods:

Estimates of abuse, unadjusted, and adjusted for prescription volume, were generated for OROS hydromorphone ER and comparators from Q2 2010 through Q2 2014 for a high-risk, substance abuse treatment population and the general population using poison control center data. Comparators were selected for compound, market penetration, and route of administration (ROA) profile. ROA comparisons were made among the substance abuse treatment population. Internet discussion was examined to determine abusers’ interest in and desire for the OROS formulation.

Results:

Examination of abuse prevalence among adults within substance abuse treatment, intentional poison exposures, and Internet discussion levels generally support the hypothesis that OROS hydromorphone ER may have lower abuse potential than many other opioid products. OROS hydromorphone ER also seems to be abused less often by alternate ROAs (eg, snorting and injection). Lower levels of online discussion were observed along with relatively low endorsement for abuse.

Discussion:

Abuse of OROS hydromorphone ER was observed in high-risk substance abuse and general population samples but at a very low relative prevalence compared to comparators. Evidence suggests it may be less often abused by alternate ROAs than some comparators. Online data did not find evidence of high levels of desire for OROS hydromorphone ER by recreational abusers. Continued monitoring of this product’s abuse liability is warranted.
A Multivariate Validity Analysis of the Pain-related Cognitive Processes Questionnaire
Authors: Day Melissa A. , Ward L. Charles , Jensen Mark P.
Published: January 2018

Background:

The Pain-related Cognitive Processes Questionnaire (PCPQ) provides a multifaceted assessment of different styles of pain-related attentional processing. The present study examined the construct validity of the 4 PCPQ composite scales.

Methods:

Exploratory structural equation modeling was applied to data from 2 college student samples (N=544) to derive reference-variable factors that provided the context for drawing inferences regarding the construct validity of the PCPQ scales.

Results:

PCPQ scales were regressed on 8 orthogonal reference-variable factors that captured the common variance in 17 pain-related measures. A substantial proportion of the variance in the PCPQ Pain Diversion scale was predicted by factors reflecting: (1) use of distraction to reduce negative thoughts; (2) belief in the ability to control pain; and (3) pain catastrophizing. The PCPQ Pain Distancing scale was associated with factors reflecting: (1) belief in control over pain; (2) use of distraction; (3) efforts to punish negative thoughts; and (4) pain disability. PCPQ Pain Focus was predicted mostly by a factor reflecting pain catastrophizing, although emotional distress contributed an additional amount of variance. The PCPQ Pain Openness scale had a small negative relationship with the factor reflecting pain catastrophizing.

Conclusions:

The associations found in the exploratory structural equation modeling approach, as well as the PCPQ scale content and intercorrelations, support the validity of the PCPQ Pain Diversion, Pain Distancing, and Pain Focus scales. Given the lack of strong associations with the validity criteria assessed in this study, questions remain regarding the construct validity of the Pain Openness scale.
Expressing Human Milk in the NICU
Authors: Bujold Maude , Feeley Nancy , Axelin Anna , Cinquino Claudia
Published: January 2018

Background:

Human milk has multiple benefits for human health; however, rates of infants receiving human milk at discharge in Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are far below recommendations of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative supported by the Canadian Pediatric Association. Mothers of infants requiring NICU care usually need to express their milk, especially mothers of premature infants, since for some time their infant is unable to feed directly at the breast. Expressing human milk for an extended period can be challenging for mothers.

Purpose:

To document maternal experiences expressing human milk for their infant in the NICU as a closeness or separation experience, and to discover what factors gave rise to these perceptions.

Methods:

In this descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study, 15 mothers whose infants were hospitalized in a level III NICU and who were expressing human milk audio recorded their thoughts and feelings with a smartphone application for 48 hours while they were expressing milk. A thematic content analysis was used to analyze data.

Findings:

Expressing human milk for their hospitalized infant was a difficult experience for all mothers, and most described both closeness and separation feelings while expressing milk. Their feelings fluctuated depending on their coping mechanisms, perceived challenges, as well as their location and environment. Mothers were all pursuing their goal of continued milk expression with various levels of motivation.

Implications for Practice:

NICUs should adopt a family-centered approach to care whereby mothers' care needs related to milk expression are addressed. Nurses can ask open-ended questions to explore how mothers are coping, and they can assist mothers to find effective coping strategies to minimize the challenges related to milk expression to promote mother–infant closeness.

Implications for Research:

The impact of environment and location on mothers with hospitalized infants should be explored, as unit designs could be altered to foster closeness.
THE CURRENT SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF LARGE, RECURRENT, OR PERSISTENT MACULAR HOLES
Authors: Tam Alex L. C. , Yan Peng , Gan Nicola Y. , Lam Wai-Ching
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the current surgical options available for the management of large (>400 μm), recurrent, or persistent macular holes (MHs).

Methods:

A review of the literature was performed, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and surgical treatments of large, recurrent, or persistent MHs. Based on this review, a comprehensive overview was provided regarding the topic of large, recurrent, or persistent MHs and focused on recent surgical management updates.

Results:

For large MHs, variations of the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique demonstrated promising rates of primary hole closure and significant visual acuity improvements. For recurrent or recalcitrant MHs, early repeat vitrectomy with extension of the internal limiting membrane peel remains the most straightforward and optimal surgical technique to achieve secondary closure. Regardless of the surgical approach, the goal of each technique described is to induce or aid in stimulating gliosis within the MH to maximize closure.

Conclusion:

Despite the high success rate of modern MH surgery, large, recurrent, or persistent MHs remain a challenge for retinal surgeons. This review provides a detailed summary on the rationality and efficacy of current surgical options.
Postoperative posterior reversible encephalopathy in Escherichia coli bacteremia
Authors: Rehana Rita W. , Jiwani Rahim A. , Olariu Adriana G.
Published: January 2018

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is clinically characterized by headaches, decreased cognition, cortical vision loss, confusion, seizures and it is associated with characteristic radiologic findings. The currently known etiologies of PRES include: hypertension, renal failure, immunomodulating drugs, infective processes, and shock. The relative infrequency combined with the broad differential diagnosis makes PRES a diagnostic challenge. The best imaging for detecting PRES is magnetic resonance imaging. Computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging of PRES shows specific damage to bilateral parietal and occipital lobes, specifically the cortical and subcortical regions, depicting vasogenic edema. The extent of brain damage and duration of onset without diagnosis essentially determines the “reversible” effects. Therefore, the absence of the more common etiologies in this case of PRES highlights the diagnostic value of maintaining a broad clinical differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient with new-onset postoperative seizures to correctly guide diagnostic work up and treatment. We describe the first case of PRES in the setting of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding, Escherichia coli bacteremia and recent general anesthesia.
Developing a core outcome domain set to assessing effectiveness of interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy: the VAPAIN consensus statement on core outcome domains
Authors: Kaiser Ulrike , Kopkow Christian , Deckert Stefanie , Neustadt Katrin , Jacobi Lena , Cameron Paul , De Angelis Valerio , Apfelbacher Christian , Arnold Bernhard , Birch Judy , Bjarnegård Anna , Christiansen Sandra , C de C Williams Amanda , Gossrau Gudrun , Heinks Andrea , Hüppe Michael , Kiers Henri , Kleinert Ursula , Martelletti Paolo , McCracken Lance , de Meij Nelleke , Nagel Bernd , Nijs Jo , Norda Heike , Singh Jasvinder A. , Spengler Ellen , Terwee Caroline B. , Tugwell Peter , Vlaeyen Johan W.S. , Wandrey Heike , Neugebauer Edmund , Sabatowski Rainer , Schmitt Jochen
Published: January 2018

Interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMPT) is a biopsychosocial treatment approach for patients with chronic pain that comprises at least psychological and physiotherapeutic interventions. Core outcome sets (COSs) are currently developed in different medical fields to standardize and improve the selection of outcome domains, and measurement instruments in clinical trials, to make trial results meaningful, to pool trial results, and to allow indirect comparison between interventions. The objective of this study was to develop a COS of patient-relevant outcome domains for chronic pain in IMPT clinical trials. An international, multiprofessional panel (patient representatives [n = 5], physicians specialized in pain medicine [n = 5], physiotherapists [n = 5], clinical psychologists [n = 5], and methodological researchers [n = 5]) was recruited for a 3-stage consensus study, which consisted of a mixed-method approach comprising an exploratory systematic review, a preparing online survey to identify important outcome domains, a face-to-face consensus meeting to agree on COS domains, and a second online survey (Delphi) establishing agreement on definitions for the domains included. The panel agreed on the following 8 domains to be included into the COS for IMPT: pain intensity, pain frequency, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, satisfaction with social roles and activities, productivity (paid and unpaid, at home and at work, inclusive presentism and absenteeism), health-related quality of life, and patient's perception of treatment goal achievement. The complexity of chronic pain in a biopsychosocial context is reflected in the current recommendation and includes physical, mental, and social outcomes. In a subsequent step, measurement instruments will be identified via systematic reviews.
Emerging therapies for neuropathic pain: new molecules or new indications for old treatments?
Authors: Bouhassira Didier , Attal Nadine
Published: January 2018

Neuropathic pain represents a highly unmet medical need because most of the available treatments have a modest efficacy or dose-limiting side effects. Hence, novel therapeutic perspectives are warranted. Many compounds acting on new pain targets are in preclinical or early clinical development. Only few clinical trials have suggested their clinical relevance in neuropathic pain. This concerns in particular NaV1.7 antagonists and angiotensin type II inhibitors. Another type of emerging drug therapy in neuropathic pain is represented by drugs largely used for other indications, such as botulinum toxin A and the antiepileptic oxcarbazepine, which have recently found to be effective in peripheral neuropathic pain. Emerging nondrug medical therapy with promising results in neuropathic pain also encompasses noninvasive brain neurostimulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct electrical stimulation. In this article, we review emerging medical treatments for neuropathic pain that are clinically available or with promising results from clinical trials.
Articular Cartilage: Injury Pathways and Treatment Options
Authors: Simon Timothy M. , Jackson Douglas W.
Published: January 2018

Articular cartilage injury and degeneration is a frequent occurrence in synovial joints. Treatment of these articular cartilage lesions are a challenge because this tissue is incapable of quality repair and/or regeneration to its native state. Nonoperative treatments endeavor to control symptoms, and include anti-inflammatory medication, viscosupplementation, bracing, orthotics, and activity modification. Techniques to stimulate the intrinsic repair (fibrocartilage) process include drilling, abrasion, and microfracture of the subchondral bone. Currently, the clinical biologic approaches to treat cartilage defects include autologous chondrocyte implantation, periosteal transfer, and osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation. Newer strategies employing tissue engineering being studied involve the use of combinations of progenitor cells, bioactive factors, and matrices, and the use of focal synthetic devices. Many new and innovative treatments are being explored in this exciting field. However, there is a paucity of prospective, randomized controlled clinical trials that have compared the various techniques, treatment options, indications and efficacy.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Ronga Mario , Maffulli Nicola
Published: January 2018

Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of disability. Despite the economic and social relevance of the problem, the causes and mechanisms of Achilles tendinopathy remain unclear. Tendon vascularity, gastrocnemius-soleus dysfunction, age, sex, body weight and height, pes cavus, and lateral ankle instability are considered common intrinsic factors. The essence of Achilles tendinopathy is a failed healing response, with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes, some evidence of degeneration in tendon cells and disruption of collagen fibers, and subsequent increase in noncollagenous matrix. Tendinopathic tendons have an increased rate of matrix remodeling, leading to a mechanically less stable tendon which is more susceptible to damage. The diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy is mainly based on a careful history and detailed clinical examination. The latter remains the best diagnostic tool. Over the past few years, various new therapeutic options have been proposed for the management of Achilles tendinopathy. Despite the morbidity associated with Achilles tendinopathy, many of the therapeutic options described and in common use are far from scientifically based. New minimally invasive techniques of stripping of neovessels from the Kager’s triangle of the tendo Achillis have been described, and seem to allow faster recovery and accelerated return to sports, rather than open surgery. A genetic component has been implicated in tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon, but these studies are still at their infancy.
The Family Meeting as Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Carney Maria Torroella , Liberman Tara
Published: January 2018

Background:

Acute care hospitals provide care for older adults who have complex medical needs and fluctuating caregiving demands. Often one's ability to live independently can be threatened when faced with an acute illness in a hospital setting. It is in this acute care setting that the family meeting is most needed and recommended for treatment planning.

Areas of Uncertainty:

Meetings are often needed to establish care plans. However, there are challenges to holding family meetings. Some families are unable or unwilling to participate and there may be limited availability of space and time to conduct an adequate family meeting. These can contribute to delays in decision making.

Therapeutic Advances:

A family meeting is, therefore, a form of therapeutic intervention to be used during a patient's hospital stay. This article highlights the importance of family meetings as a means of medical intervention; describing the purpose, challenges, and education on carrying out the intervention. The primary reason for a family meeting is to facilitate communication between the health care team, decision makers, and caregivers. Participants should prepare ahead and a successful family meeting should follow a structured format to help minimize barriers and maximize therapeutic goals, including why the meeting is being called, who will participate, and when/where it will be held. A structured format allows for information to be shared from care provider to patient/family, including diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and discharge plans and needs. At the end of the meeting, a summary should be provided.

Conclusions:

The population is aging and therefore these meetings need to become more common. The family meeting is an increasingly important component of a patient's care plan for those living longer and with complex medical conditions. Family meetings have shown improved outcomes and patient satisfaction, and therefore, should be viewed as a medical intervention.
Polygenic influences on dyslipidemias
Authors: Dron Jacqueline S. , Hegele Robert A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Rare large-effect genetic variants underlie monogenic dyslipidemias, whereas common small-effect genetic variants – single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – have modest influences on lipid traits. Over the past decade, these small-effect SNPs have been shown to cumulatively exert consistent effects on lipid phenotypes under a polygenic framework, which is the focus of this review.

Recent findings

Several groups have reported polygenic risk scores assembled from lipid-associated SNPs, and have applied them to their respective phenotypes. For lipid traits in the normal population distribution, polygenic effects quantified by a score that integrates several common polymorphisms account for about 20–30% of genetic variation. Among individuals at the extremes of the distribution, that is, those with clinical dyslipidemia, the polygenic component includes both rare variants with large effects and common polymorphisms: depending on the trait, 20–50% of susceptibility can be accounted for by this assortment of genetic variants.

Accounting for polygenic effects increases the numbers of dyslipidemic individuals who can be explained genetically, but a substantial proportion of susceptibility remains unexplained. Whether documenting the polygenic basis of dyslipidemia will affect outcomes in clinical trials or prospective observational studies remains to be determined.
Development of an Instrument for Evaluating Nurses' Knowledge and Attitude Toward End-of-Life Care
Authors: Arahata Tomoko , Miyashita Mitsunori , Takenouchi Sayaka , Tamura Keiko , Kizawa Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to develop a scale focusing on knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care and end-of-life care for nurses and to confirm the scale's validity and reliability. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey with 1745 nurses of 10 hospitals all over Japan. We also examined the test-retest reliability of items for 205 of the nurses, 2 weeks after the first survey was completed. We used item-response theory, factor analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficients. The response rate was 44.5% (n = 762). Ninety items in 9 domains about knowledge of palliative care and end-of-life care were selected by using item-response theory. For knowledge items, Kuder-Richardson-20 was 0.85, and intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.84 in all domains. Ten items in 3 domains about attitudes toward palliative care and end-of-life care were selected by using exploratory factor analysis. For attitude items, Cronbach's α coefficient was .90, and intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.80 in all domains. The developed scale, named the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium—Japan Core Quiz, has sufficient validity and reliability. This scale may contribute to assessing the effectiveness of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium—Japan Core Curriculum Nursing Education Program in Japan.
A Stepwise, Mixed-Method Study Approach to Identify the Barriers to Dysphagia Care in Hospice Care Nurses
Authors: Tan Laurence , Gan Grace , Hum Allyn , Lee Angel
Published: January 2018

Dysphagia is common in palliative patients and worsens quality of life. Nurses are the main provider of dysphagia care. An audit showed poor compliance with dysphagia measures among nurses, but little is known about what the barriers are. We sought to evaluate barriers to dysphagia care among hospice nurses. This was a stepwise, mixed-method study. Baseline knowledge and attitudes were assessed, and a lecture was crafted based on the assessment. The knowledge and attitudes were then reassessed to investigate for any change. A focus group and an open-ended questionnaire were then used to assess for other barriers and for the effectiveness of training. Knowledge scores were low at baseline, and training improved the scores. Nurses cited the lack of time and lack of families’ involvement as barriers to dysphagia care. While nurses believed that preventing aspiration is important, they also felt that most patients would refuse a modified diet and that respecting their wishes is important. Most nurses felt that the training increased their ability to care for patients with dysphagia. Our study demonstrated that knowledge deficit was an important barrier in dysphagia care for nurses, and this can be improved with a short training. Even though nurses rightly believed that patients’ preferences are important, they struggled with trying to balance these preferences with preventing aspiration. Supporting them in making these decisions, having more time for feeding patients, and involving family members may be important to reduce barriers to care for patients with dysphagia.
Palliative Nursing Summit
Authors: Welsh Sally , Matzo Marianne , Hultman Todd , Reifsnyder JoAnne
Published: January 2018

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, in conjunction with the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation, organized a Palliative Nursing Summit in Washington, DC, on May 12, 2017. The goal of the summit was to convene leaders from various nursing specialty organizations to develop a collaborative nursing agenda for primary palliative nursing. The work of the summit focused on 3 aspects of palliative nursing: communication/advance care planning, coordination/transitions of care, and pain and symptom management. The meeting objectives were to identify the current state of primary palliative nursing and to identify the greatest opportunities to advance primary palliative nursing within the 3 focus areas. Twenty-six nursing specialty organizations participated in the summit. This article describes the basis for the summit, the data and resources that informed the meeting’s participants, the outcomes in each of the 3 categories, and next steps.
Psoriatic Arthritis in Nigeria
Authors: Akpabio Akpabio Akanimo , Olaosebikan Babatunde Hakeem , Adelowo Olufemi Oladipo
Published: January 2018

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an extracutaneous manifestation of psoriasis occurring in 6% to 42% of patients. Both conditions are common among whites but rarely reported among black Africans.

Few African studies, however, have reported PsA frequencies of 0% to 4.6%, with a previous case report of 2 patients from a Nigerian rheumatology clinic.

Methods

Case records of PsA patients from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Rheumatology Clinic seen over a 5-year period from January 2012 to December 2016 were retrieved and documented.

Psoriatic arthritis was diagnosed using the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis. Data on demography, clinical features, laboratory parameters, imaging, and treatment were extracted from case records.

Results

Twelve PsA cases were identified out of 2330 patients (0.5%) seen during the study period. There were 9 males and 3 females. Age range was 24 to 67 years (mean, 45.3 ± 15.1 years). Duration of psoriasis ranged between 11 and 96 months (mean, 46.8 ± 33.6 months), whereas median duration of arthritis at presentation was 15 months (range, 4–72 months).

Oligoarthritis was the commonest presentation (58.3%). Dactylitis (66.7%) and enthesitis (44.7%) were frequent extra-articular features. All patients were negative for rheumatoid factor and human immunodeficiency virus. HLAB27 was negative in 5 patients tested.

Treatment was mostly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (100%) and methotrexate (75%). Only 1 patient received the biologic etanercept. Eight subjects (66.6%) showed initial improvement in skin and joint symptoms, of which 6 had a relapse within 6 to 12 months.

Conclusions

Psoriatic arthritis is rare among Nigerians and predominantly affects males in their fourth decade. Oligoarthritis is common, and extra-articular manifestations are frequent.
Evolution of the
SPX
gene family in plants and its role in the response mechanism to phosphorus stress
Authors: Liu Na , Shang Wenyan , Li Chuang , Jia Lihua , Wang Xin , Xing Guozhen , Zheng WenMing
Published: January 2018

Molecular and genomic studies have shown the presence of a large number of
SPX
gene family members in plants, some of which have been proved to act in P signalling and homeostasis. In this study, the molecular and evolutionary characteristics of the
SPX
gene family in plants were comprehensively analysed, and the mechanisms underlying the function of
SPX
genes in P signalling and homeostasis in the model plant species
Arabidopsis
(
Arabidopsis thaliana
) and rice (
Oryza sativa
), and in important crops, including wheat (
Triticum aestivum
), soya beans (
Glycine max
) and rapeseed (
Brassica napus
), were described. Emerging findings on the involvement of
SPX
genes in other important processes (i.e. disease resistance, iron deficiency response, low oxygen response and phytochrome-mediated light signalling) were also highlighted. The available data suggest that
SPX
genes are important regulators in the P signalling network, and may be valuable targets for enhancing crop tolerance to low P stress. Further studies on SPX proteins should include more diverse members, which may reveal SPX proteins as important regulatory hubs for multiple processes including P signalling and homeostasis in plants.
Colonization of weakened trees by mass-attacking bark beetles: no penalty for pioneers, scattered initial distributions and final regular patterns
Authors: Toffin Etienne , Gabriel Edith , Louis Marceau , Deneubourg Jean-Louis , Grégoire Jean-Claude
Published: January 2018

Bark beetles use aggregation pheromones to promote group foraging, thus increasing the chances of an individual to find a host and, when relevant, to overwhelm the defences of healthy trees. When a male beetle finds a suitable host, it releases pheromones that attract potential mates as well as other ‘spying’ males, which result in aggregations on the new host. To date, most studies have been concerned with the use of aggregation pheromones by bark beetles to overcome the defences of living, well-protected trees. How insects behave when facing undefended or poorly defended hosts remains largely unknown. The spatio-temporal pattern of resource colonization by the European eight-toothed spruce bark beetle,
Ips typographus
, was quantified when weakly defended hosts (fallen trees) were attacked. In many of the replicates, colonization began with the insects rapidly scattering over the available surface and then randomly filling the gaps until a regular distribution was established, which resulted in a constant decrease in nearest-neighbour distances to a minimum below which attacks were not initiated. The scattered distribution of the first attacks suggested that the trees were only weakly defended. A minimal theoretical distance of 2.5 cm to the earlier settlers (corresponding to a density of 3.13 attacks dm
−2
) was calculated, but the attack density always remained lower, between 0.4 and 1.2 holes dm
−2
, according to our observations.
How water availability influences morphological and biomechanical properties in the one-leaf plantMonophyllaea horsfieldii
Authors: Kampowski Tim , Mylo Max David , Poppinga Simon , Speck Thomas
Published: January 2018

In its natural habitat, the one-leaf plantMonophyllaea horsfieldii(Gesneriaceae) shows striking postural changes and dramatic loss of stability in response to intermittently occurring droughts. As the morphological, anatomical and biomechanical bases of these alterations are as yet unclear, we examined the influence of varying water contents onM. horsfieldiiby conducting dehydration–rehydration experiments together with various imaging techniques as well as quantitative bending and turgor pressure measurements. As long as only moderate water stress was applied, gradual reductions in hypocotyl diameters and structural bending moduli during dehydration were almost always rapidly recovered in acropetal direction upon rehydration. On an anatomical scale,M. horsfieldiihypocotyls revealed substantial water stress-induced alterations in parenchymatous tissues, whereas the cell form and structure of epidermal and vascular tissues hardly changed. In summary, the functional morphology and biomechanics ofM. horsfieldiihypocotyls directly correlated with water status alterations and associated physiological parameters (i.e. turgor pressure). Moreover,M. horsfieldiishowed only little passive structural–functional adaptations to dehydration in comparison with poikilohydrousRamonda myconi.
Novel ternary nanocomposites of MWCNTs/PANI/MoS
2
: preparation, characterization and enhanced electrochemical capacitance
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Liao Yu , Ye Shuangli , Zhu Ziqiang , Qian Jun
Published: January 2018

In this work, nanoflower-like MoS
2
grown on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyaniline (PANI) nano-stem is synthesized via a facile
in situ
polymerization and hydrothermal method. Such a novel hierarchical structure commendably promotes the contact of PANI and electrolyte for faradaic energy storage. In the meanwhile, the double-layer capacitance of MoS
2
is effectively used. The morphology and chemical composition of the as-prepared samples are characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The electrochemical performance of the samples is evaluated by cyclic voltammogram and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. It is found that the specific capacitance of the obtained MWCNTs/PANI/MoS
2
hybrid is 542.56 F g
−1
at a current density of 0.5 A g
−1
. Furthermore, the MWCNTs/PANI/MoS
2
hybrid also exhibits good rate capability (62.5% capacity retention at 10 A g
−1
) and excellent cycling stability (73.71% capacitance retention) over 3000 cycles.
Unifying models of dialect spread and extinction using surface tension dynamics
Authors: Burridge James
Published: January 2018

We provide a unified mathematical explanation of two classical forms of spatial linguistic spread. Thewavemodel describes the radiation of linguistic change outwards from a central focus. Changes can also jump between population centres in a process known ashierarchical diffusion. It has recently been proposed that the spatial evolution of dialects can be understood using surface tension at linguistic boundaries. Here we show that the inclusion of long-range interactions in the surface tension model generates both wave-like spread, and hierarchical diffusion, and that it is surface tension that is the dominant effect in deciding the stable distribution of dialect patterns. We generalize the model to allow population mixing which can induce shrinkage of linguistic domains, or destroy dialect regions from within.
The effectiveness of internal corporate governance and audit quality: the role of ownership concentration – Malaysian evidence
Authors: AlQadasi Adel , Abidin Shamharir
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study is motivated by the competing views on whether internal governance mechanisms complement or substitute for external auditing, and how this association is affected by ownership concentration. The complementary view predicts that good internal governance mechanisms are related to high-quality audit. On the other hand, corporate governance mechanisms may be substituted for each other, so more investment in governance mechanisms leads to less investment in external auditing. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association between internal governance mechanisms and the demand for audit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from Malaysian listed companies during the period 2009 to 2012 are used. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression is applied to analyse the data.

Findings

Companies with a higher concentration of ownership are less likely to demand extensive auditing. In addition, the study provides supporting evidence for the complementary association between a company’s governance and audit fees. However, the ownership concentration plays a minor role in the positive association between internal corporate governance and audit quality. Further tests are conducted and support the main findings.

Practical implications

Significant implications are provided for the audit profession in emerging economies, where concentrated ownership is common, to help policymakers and regulators in determining the power of controlling shareholders on audit quality and firm’s governance. The study’s findings open up avenues for further research.

Originality/value

This is the first work to address the role of ownership concentration in the association between corporate governance and audit quality; it suggests that the ownership structure must be considered in examining the effectiveness of corporate governance. The study also provides a comprehensive combination of internal governance mechanisms.
Multiple pathways linking environmental knowledge and awareness to employees’ green behavior
Authors: Safari Ali , Salehzadeh Reza , Panahi Razieh , Abolghasemian Samaneh
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the present research is to investigate the impact of environmental knowledge and awareness on green behavior with respect to behavioral intentions, environmental attitude and green commitment as mediator variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical population included the managers of Esfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company in Iran. In total, 135 questionnaires were distributed among relevant managers, out of which 120 questionnaires were returned and analyzed using structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that environmental knowledge and awareness has a significant direct effect on managers’ green behavior (β= 0.42). Also, environmental knowledge and awareness has a significant indirect effect on managers’ green behavior through behavioral intentions (β= 0.34), environmental attitude (β= 0.19) and green commitment (β= 0.33).

Originality value

This study is among the first to simultaneously investigate the multiple pathways from environmental knowledge and awareness to green behavior. The second contribution of the present study is considering green behavior of personnel in the iron and steel industry in a developing country.