bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for chronic constipation
Authors: Iqbal F. , Collins B. , Thomas G. P. , Askari A. , Tan E. , Nicholls R. J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Chronic constipation is difficult to treat when symptoms are intractable. Colonic propulsion may be altered by distal neuromodulation but this is conventionally delivered percutaneously. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is noninvasive and cheap: this study aimed to assess its efficacy in chronic constipation.

Method

Eighteen patients (median age 46 years, 12 female) with chronic constipation were recruited consecutively. Conservative and behavioural therapy had failed to improve symptoms in all 18. Thirty minutes of daily bilateral transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation was administered by each patient at home for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was a change in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC‐QoL) score. Change in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC‐SYM), weekly bowel frequency and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were also measured.

Results

Fifteen patients (12 female) completed the trial. The PAC‐QoL score improved significantly with treatment [pretreatment, median 2.95, interquartile range (IQR) 1.18; posttreatment, median 2.50, IQR 0.70; P = 0.047]. There was no change in PAC‐SYM score (pretreatment, median 2.36, IQR 1.59; posttreatment, median 2.08, IQR 0.92; P = 0.53). Weekly stool frequency improved as did VAS score, but these did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.229 and 0.161). The PAC‐QoL and PAC‐SYM scores both improved in four (26%) patients. Two patients reported complete cure. There were no adverse events reported.

Conclusion

Bilateral transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation appears to be effective in a quarter of patients with chronic constipation. Carefully selected patients with less severe disease may benefit more. This requires further study.
Corporate Governance and Bank Risk‐taking
Authors: Srivastav Abhishek , Hagendorff Jens
Published: September 2015

Manuscript type

Review

Research Question/Issue

Bank governance has become the focus of a flurry of recent research and heated policy debates. However, the literature presents seemingly conflicting evidence on the implications of governance for bank risk‐taking. The purpose of this paper is to review prior work and propose directions for future research on the role of governance on bank stability.

Research Findings/Insights

We highlight a number of key governance devices and how these shape bank risk‐taking: the effectiveness of bank boards, the structure of CEO compensation, and the risk management systems and practices employed by banks.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Prior work primarily views bank governance as a mechanism to protect the interests of bank shareholders only. However, given that taxpayer‐funded guarantees protect a substantial share of banks’ liabilities and that banks are highly leveraged, shareholder‐focused governance may well subordinate the interests of other stakeholders and exacerbate risk‐taking concerns in the banking industry. Our review highlights the need for internal governance mechanisms to mitigate such behavior by reflecting the needs of shareholders, creditors, and the taxpayer.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our review argues that the relationship between governance and risk is central from a financial stability perspective. Future research on issues highlighted in the review offer a footing for reforming bank governance to constrain potentially undesirable risk‐taking by banks.
Alcohol‐related crime in city entertainment precincts: Public perception and experience of alcohol‐related crime and support for strategies to reduce such crime
Authors: Tindall Jenny , Groombridge Daniel , Wiggers John , Gillham Karen , Palmer Darren , Clinton‐McHarg Tara , Lecathelinais Christophe , Miller Peter
Published: September 2015

Introduction and Aims

Bars, pubs and taverns in cities are often concentrated in entertainment precincts that are associated with higher rates of alcohol‐related crime. This study assessed public perception and experiences of such crime in two city entertainment precincts, and support for alcohol‐related crime reduction strategies.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional household telephone survey in two Australian regions assessed: perception and experiences of crime; support for crime reduction strategies; and differences in such perceptions and support.

Results

Six hundred ninety‐four people completed the survey (32%). Most agreed that alcohol was a problem in their entertainment precinct (90%) with violence the most common alcohol‐related problem reported (97%). Almost all crime reduction strategies were supported by more than 50% of participants, including visitors to the entertainment precincts, with the latter being slightly less likely to support earlier closing and restrictions on premises density. Participants in one region were more likely to support earlier closing and lock‐out times. Those at‐risk of acute alcohol harm were less likely to support more restrictive policies.

Discussion and Conclusions

High levels of community concern and support for alcohol harm‐reduction strategies, including restrictive strategies, provide policy makers with a basis for implementing evidence‐based strategies to reduce such harms in city entertainment precincts. [Tindall J, Groombridge D, Wiggers J, Gillham K, Palmer D, Clinton‐McHarg T, Lecathelinais C, Miller P. Alcohol‐related crime in city entertainment precincts: Public perception and experience of alcohol‐related crime and support for strategies to reduce such crime. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:263–272]
Functional independence of Taiwanese children with Down syndrome
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Chuang Chih‐Kuang , Chen Yen‐Jiun , Tu Ru‐Yi , Chen Ming‐Ren , Niu Dau‐Ming , Lin Shuan‐Pei
Published: September 2015

Aim

Information regarding the functional strengths and weaknesses of children with Down syndrome is important for early intervention programmes and for agencies providing family support and educational services.

Method

This study used the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) questionnaire for the parents or caregivers of 166 Taiwanese children (101 males and 65 females; median age 12y 7mo; range 3y 2mo–19y 1mo) with Down syndrome to assess their functional skills.

Results

Out of a potential score of 126, the mean total WeeFIM score was 101.2. There was no statistically significant difference between the scores from the male and female participants (100.4 [SD 21.4] vs 102.4 [SD 24.7]; p>0.05). The mean scores for three domains (self‐care, mobility, and cognition) were 45, 33, and 23 respectively (maximum of 56, 35, and 35 respectively). Performance was strongest in the mobility domain and weakest in the cognition domain. The total WeeFIM scores and 18 subscores for the three domains all positively correlated with age (p<0.05).

Interpretation

For children with Down syndrome, some support and supervision is required for cognition and self‐care tasks. The WeeFIM questionnaire may be useful for identifying the strengths and limitations of children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Circadian clocks, obesity and cardiometabolic function
Authors: Scott E. M.
Published: September 2015

Life on earth is governed by the continuous 24‐h cycle of light and dark. Organisms have adapted to this environment with clear diurnal rhythms in their physiology and metabolism, enabling them to anticipate predictable environmental fluctuations over the day and to optimize the timing of relevant biological processes to this cycle. These rhythms are regulated by molecular circadian clocks, and current evidence suggests that interactions between the central and peripheral molecular clocks are important in metabolic and vascular functions. Disrupting this process through mutations in the core clock genes or by interfering with the environmental zeitgebers that entrain the clock appear to modulate the function of cells and tissues, leading to an increased risk for cardiometabolic disease.
Shared environmental responses drive co‐occurrence patterns in river bird communities
Authors: Royan Alexander , Reynolds S. James , Hannah David M. , Prudhomme Christel , Noble David G. , Sadler Jonathan P.
Published: September 2015

Positive or negative patterns of co‐occurrence might imply an influence of biotic interactions on community structure. However, species may co‐occur simply because of shared environmental responses. Here, we apply two complementary modelling methodologies – a probabilistic model of significant pairwise associations and a hierarchical multivariate probit regression model – to 1) attribute co‐occurrence patterns in 100 river bird communities to either shared environmental responses or to other ecological mechanisms such as interaction with heterospecifics, and 2) examine the strength of evidence for four alternative models of community structure. Species co‐occurred more often than would be expected by random community assembly and the species composition of bird communities was highly structured. Co‐occurrence patterns were primarily explained by shared environmental responses; species’ responses to the environmental variables were highly divergent, with both strong positive and negative environmental correlations occurring. We found limited evidence for behaviour‐driven assemblage patterns in bird communities at a large spatial scale, although statistically significant positive associations amongst some species suggested the operation of facilitative mechanisms such as heterospecific attraction. This lends support to an environmental filtering model of community assembly as being the principle mechanism shaping river bird community structure. Consequently, species interactions may be reduced to an ancillary role in some avifaunal communities, meaning if shared environmental responses are not quantified studies of co‐occurrence may overestimate the role of species interactions in shaping community structure.
Delayed tooth replantation in rats: effect of systemic antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin and tetracycline
Authors: de Souza Gomes Weglis Dyanne , Silva Cristina Antoniali , Melo Moriel Evangelista , da Silva Vanessa Ferreira , de Almeida Melyna Marques , Pedrini Denise , Poi Wilson Roberto , Sonoda Celso Koogi , Panzarini Sônia Regina
Published: September 2015

Systemic antibiotic therapy (SAT) has usually been recommended after tooth replantation, but its actual value has been questioned. As there are no reports in the literature about its influence on tooth replantation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of systemic administration of antibiotics (amoxicillin and tetracycline) at the different phases of the repair process (7, 15, 30 days) in delayed rat tooth replantation. Ninety Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) had their maxillary right incisors extracted and bench‐dried for 60 min. The dental papilla, enamel organ, pulp tissue, and root surface‐adhered periodontal ligament were removed, and the teeth were replanted. The animals received no antibiotics (n = 30) or were medicated systemically with amoxicillin (n = 30) and tetracycline (n = 30), and were euthanized after 7, 15, and 30 days. Regardless of the evaluation period, the acute inflammatory infiltrate was less intense and root resorption presented smaller extent and depth in the group treated with amoxicillin. The results suggest that SAT has a positive influence on the repair process in delayed tooth replantation and that amoxicillin is an excellent treatment option.
New fabrication method to maintain proper mouthguard thickness
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of layering a second piece of ethylene vinyl acetate on the original sheet before fabrication to maintain the thickness of vacuum‐formed mouthguards.

Materials and methods

Two methods were used to form mouthguards. In the first, a 3.8‐mm ethylene vinyl acetate sheet was laminated after 3.0‐mm ethylene vinyl acetate sheet was formed at the anterior teeth area. In the second, a second piece of 3.0‐mm sheet was layered on the original 3.8‐mm sheet in the region mounted on the anterior teeth. Mouthguard thickness at specific sites on the central incisors and first molars was measured. The differences in mouthguard thickness according to measurement regions and forming methods were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and a post hoc test (Bonferroni method).

Results

Mouthguard thickness differed significantly among the measurement regions (P < 0.01). Mean thickness at the central incisors was significantly greater with the sheet‐layering method (5.5 mm) than with the laminate method (3.9 mm) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that adding a second layer of ethylene vinyl acetate to the original sheet effectively maintained the thickness of the mouthguard. This method is effective to maintain the mouthguard thickness and cost‐effective method.
Advances in first‐line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: current recommendations on management and first‐line treatment by the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG)
Authors: Cramer Paula , Langerbeins Petra , Eichhorst Barbara , Hallek Michael
Published: September 2015

The management of patients with CLL is undergoing significant changes; during the last decade, the outcome of first‐line therapies has been markedly improved with the addition of anti‐CD20 antibodies to chemotherapy. Today, chemoimmunotherapy for physically fit patients ≤65 years should consist of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR). The combination of bendamustine and rituximab (BR) should be considered in physically fit patients >65 years and in patients with a higher risk of infections. Patients with reduced fitness and/or relevant comorbidity should receive chlorambucil with a CD20 antibody, preferably obinutuzumab. Regardless of their fitness, patients with CLL carrying genetic aberrations such as del(17p) and/or TP53 mutation poorly respond to chemoimmunotherapy and therefore require different therapeutic approaches. An increasing understanding of the disease biology has led to the development of targeted drugs for the treatment of CLL, such as the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib and PI3K inhibitor idelalisib. These agents have shown efficacy in high‐risk and relapsed/refractory patients and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for first‐line therapy. It is anticipated that these compounds and further other novel agents will profoundly change the therapy of CLL.
Unprovoked seizures after traumatic brain injury: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Mahler Benno , Carlsson Sofia , Andersson Tomas , Adelöw Cecilia , Ahlbom Anders , Tomson Torbjörn
Published: September 2015

Objective

To quantify the risk of unprovoked seizures after traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Methods

We used the Stockholm Incidence Registry on Epilepsy to carry out a population‐based case–control study, including 1,885 cases with incident unprovoked seizures from September 1, 2000 through August 31, 2008, together with 15,080 matched controls. Information of prior hospitalizations for TBI was obtained through record linkage with the Swedish National Inpatient Registry for the period 1980–2008. Relative risks (RRs) for unprovoked seizures were estimated after various TBI diagnoses, and influences of TBI severity and time since trauma were studied in detail.

Results

After hospitalization for mild TBI, the RR was 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–2.7). The RR was higher after brain contusion (5.9, 95% CI 2.4–15.0) or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (4.5, 95% CI 2.2–9.0), whereas a combination of both diagnoses led to a further sevenfold increase in RR (42.6, 95% CI 12.2–148.5). The risk was greatest during the first 6 months after severe TBI (RR 48.9, 95% CI 10.9–218.9) or mild TBI (RR 8.1, 95% CI 3.1–21.7), but was still elevated >10 years after any TBI.

Significance

Herein we present a large population‐based case–control study on TBI as a risk factor for unprovoked epileptic seizures, including cases of all ages with individually validated seizure diagnoses. The risk for epileptic seizures was substantially increased after TBI, especially during the first 6 months after the injury and in patients with a combination of ICH and brain contusion.
Incidence, risk factors, and longitudinal outcome of seizures in long‐term survivors of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Ullrich Nicole J. , Pomeroy Scott L. , Kapur Kush , Manley Peter E. , Goumnerova Liliana C. , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: September 2015

Objective

Seizures are common during and after treatment for a primary brain tumor. Our objective was to describe the incidence and risk factors for seizures in long‐term survivors of pediatric brain tumors.

Methods

In a retrospective, longitudinal study, we reviewed all consecutive patients during a 12‐month period who were at least 2 years post initial diagnosis of a brain tumor. Data collection included age at diagnosis, length of follow‐up, extent of initial resection, tumor histology, and treatment modalities. For patients who had experienced seizures at any time, the timing and frequency of seizures, seizure semiology, electroencephalography results, and anticonvulsant use were recorded. Univariate analyses and logistic regression were performed to assess risk factors.

Results

The cohort included 298 patients (140 female). Average duration of follow‐up was 7.6 years. Initial surgical resection was gross‐total in 109 patients, and subtotal for 143. Twenty‐nine patients underwent biopsy alone and 17 had no surgical intervention. Tumor location included posterior fossa (104; 36%), midline (98; 34%), cortical (85; 29%), and other (11; 3%). Most frequent diagnoses were low grade glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Other treatments included cranial irradiation (N = 163) and chemotherapy (n = 127). Tumor recurrence occurred in 92 patients (30%). Seventy‐one patients had seizures (24%). Ongoing seizures at the time of most recent follow‐up were present in 42 patients. Risk factors for seizures included tumor location, tumor histology, tumor recurrence, and incomplete resection at time of initial presentation.

Significance

Seizures are a frequent comorbidity in pediatric brain tumor survivors, seen at presentation in 24% of patients and ongoing in 14%. Factors predisposing to seizures include tumor pathology (low/high grade glioma, glioneuronal tumor), cortical location, and subtotal resection. These data may assist in identification and management of patients at highest risk for seizures as well as identification of patients for potential treatment trials with antiepileptogenic agents.
Equine laryngeal dysplasia as a cause of acute respiratory distress in a neonatal foal
Authors: Koskinen M. , Hewetson M.
Published: September 2015

Equine laryngeal dysplasia (ELD) is a congenital disorder caused by hypoplasia or aplasia of the structures derived from the fourth and possibly sixth branchial arches. The severity of the clinical signs varies widely, and depends on which structures are involved and the extent of the defect. In most cases, affected horses present with abnormal respiratory noise during exercise and poor performance. Manifestation of the disease in foals is very rare. This case report describes an unusual presentation of ELD in a neonatal foal. The foal presented with severe respiratory distress and weakness. Equine laryngeal dysplasia was suspected on endoscopy and later confirmed on post mortem examination of the larynx. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing ELD as a cause of respiratory distress in a neonatal foal.
A novel accumulative fatigue damage model for multiaxial step spectrum considering the variations of loading amplitude and loading path
Authors: Xia T. , Yao W. , Zou J. , Gao D.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, based on the process of the fatigue crack initiation and the critical plane theory, a continuous stress parameter was proposed to quantify the driving force of the fatigue crack initiation for the fully reversed multiaxial fatigue loading. In this stress parameter, the shear stress amplitude and normal stress amplitude on the critical plane were combined with the variable coefficients which were affected by the normalized fatigue life and the loading non‐proportionality. Owing to these coefficients, for the multiaxial loadings with different non‐proportionalities, the driving force of the fatigue crack initiation during the whole life could be described. After that, a novel accumulative fatigue damage model was established for the multiaxial two‐stage step spectrum. In this model, the accumulative damage was calculated according to the variation of the proposed stress parameter on the critical plane. Considering the directionality of the multiaxial fatigue damage, for the spectrum in which the loading path was variable, the damage accumulation was carried out on the critical planes of the both loadings, and the larger one was chosen as the final accumulative fatigue damage. In order to verify the new model, up to 41 different multiaxial two‐stage step spectrum loading tests on 2024‐T4 aluminium alloy were collected. The new model, as well as other five commonly used models, was applied to calculate the accumulative fatigue damage. The final results showed that, compared with other commonly used models, the new model had the most accurate results with the smallest scatters.
Development of a community‐based oral healthcare model for Thai dependent older people
Authors: Prayoonwong Tipruthai , Wiwatkhunupakan Tidawan , Lasuka Duangruedee , Srisilapanan Patcharawan
Published: September 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop a community‐based oral healthcare model for Thai dependent older people in Tambon Tha Pla Duk, Amphur Mae Tha,Lamphun Province, in the north of Thailand.

Materials and methods

Participatory action research was conducted, taking an interdisciplinary approach. Data were collected through focus group discussions with key stakeholders in health care of older people in Amphur Mae Tha. Supplementary data were also collected with the stakeholders through a triangulation of in‐depth interviews, a self‐administered questionnaire, participant observations with field notes and a literature review. The model was subsequently refined and checked by the stakeholders. The data from all processes were coded, grouped, interpreted and thematically analysed for emerging themes and patterns, independently by the researcher (TP).

Results

This model consists of two key components: (i)primary careand (ii)other related factors. Primary care: This model provides a strong linkage between home, community and healthcare services to foster strong collaborations with dependent older people. This is the central focus of the model.Other related factorsconsist of the following: (i) Thai social norms and culture, (ii) the need for equity, (iii) the need for effectiveness, (iv) the need for efficiency and (v) the need for quality (that is, holistic, integrated and continuous). Finally, interdisciplinary collaboration was a strategy used to achieve improved quality of oral health care.

Conclusion

A community‐based care model to enhance oral health of dependent older people was developed for potential implementation and submitted to the stakeholders at the location of the study.
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of non‐refined sugarcane alternatives to white sugar
Authors: Seguí Lucía , Calabuig‐Jiménez Laura , Betoret Noelia , Fito Pedro
Published: September 2015

Antioxidant properties of commercial sugarcane‐derived products were analysed to study their suitability for being used as functional ingredients. Cane honey, several jaggeries and several brown sugars were selected from the market and analysed in terms of physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties, and compared with white refined sugar (twelve products in total). Moisture, water activity, total soluble solids, pH, colour and sugar profile are reported. As for antioxidant properties, total phenols and flavonoid content, as well as antiradical ability (DPPH˙ and the TEAC‐ABTS methods), are given. All sugarcane products contained phenols and flavonoids and exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity, determined by degree of refining. Among the alternatives analysed, jaggeries and cane honey showed the best antioxidant properties. Thermal treatment did not significantly affect the antioxidant capacity of sugarcane products, especially jaggeries. As sugar‐rich products are widely consumed worldwide, the use of non‐refined sugarcane derivatives in food formulation is encouraged.
A single type of cadherin is involved in Bacillus thuringiensis toxicity in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Park Y. , Herrero S. , Kim Y.
Published: September 2015

Cadherins have been described as one the main functional receptors for the toxins of the entomopathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). With the availability of the whole genome of Plutella xylostella, different types of cadherins have been annotated. In this study we focused on determining those members of the cadherin‐related proteins that potentially play a role in the mode of action of Bt toxins. For this, we mined the genome of P. xylostella to identify these putative cadherins. The genome screening revealed 52 genes that were annotated as cadherin or cadherin‐like genes. Further analysis revealed that six of these putative cadherins had three motifs common to all Bt‐related cadherins: a signal peptide, cadherin repeats and a transmembrane domain. From the six selected cadherins, only P. xylostella cadherin 1 (PxCad1) was expressed in the larval midgut and only the silencing of this gene by RNA interference (double‐stranded RNA feeding) reduce toxicity and binding to the midgut of the Cry1Ac type toxin from Bt. These results indicate that from the whole set of cadherin‐related genes identified in P. xylostella, only PxCad1 is associated with the Cry1Ac mode of action.
Management of refractory breathlessness with morphine in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Smallwood N. , Le B. , Currow D. , Irving L. , Philip J.
Published: September 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, incurable illness, which leads to significant morbidity over long periods of time and mortality. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms, improve exercise capacity and quality of life, reduce exacerbations, slow disease progression and reduce mortality. However, breathlessness is common in patients with advanced COPD and remains undertreated. As all reversible causes of breathlessness are being optimally managed, consideration should be given to specific non‐pharmacological and pharmacological treatment strategies for breathlessness. Low dose morphine has been shown to reduce safely and effectively breathlessness in patients with severe COPD and refractory dyspnoea. However, despite numerous guidelines recommending opioids in this clinical setting, many barriers limit their uptake by clinicians. Integration of palliative care earlier in the disease course can help to improve symptom control for people with severe COPD and refractory breathlessness. A multidisciplinary approach involving both respiratory and palliative care teams offers a new model of care for these patients.
Multi‐Scale Effects in the Strength of Ceramics
Authors: Cook Robert F.
Published: September 2015

Multiple length‐scale effects are demonstrated in indentation‐strength measurements of a range of ceramic materials under inert and reactive conditions. Meso‐scale effects associated with flaw disruption by lateral cracking at large indentation loads are shown to increase strengths above the ideal indentation response. Micro‐scale effects associated with toughening by microstructural restraints at small indentation loads are shown to decrease strengths below the ideal response. A combined meso‐micro‐scale analysis is developed that describes ceramic inert strength behaviors over the complete indentation flaw size range. Nano‐scale effects associated with chemical equilibria and crack velocity thresholds are shown to lead to invariant minimum strengths at slow applied stressing rates under reactive conditions. A combined meso‐micro‐nano‐scale analysis is developed that describes the full range of reactive and inert strength behaviors as a function of indentation load and applied stressing rate. Applications of the multi‐scale analysis are demonstrated for materials design, materials selection, toughness determination, crack velocity determination, bond rupture parameter determination, and prediction of reactive strengths. The measurements and analysis provide strong support for the existence of sharp crack tips in ceramics such that the nano‐scale mechanisms of discrete bond rupture are separate from the larger scale crack driving force mechanics characterized by continuum‐based stress‐intensity factors.
Bio‐Inspired Microstructure Design to Improve Thermal Ablation and Oxidation Resistance: Experiment on SiC
Authors: Fang Xufei , Liu Fangsheng , Lu Bingwei , Feng Xue
Published: September 2015

We propose a method to improve the ablation and oxidation resistance by designing specified microstructures on the surface of silicon carbide (SiC) based ceramic. Three different types of micropatterns were designed and simulations were carried out to compare their effects. Experiments on SiC ceramic at temperature of 1700°C–1750°C were conducted to validate the design. Results showed a favorable correlation between the pattern design, simulation, and experiments. These specifically designed microstructures can modify the local flow fields, change the local oxygen concentration and chemical reaction rate due to the structural influence on the fluids dynamics of high‐temperature gas flow. They can also tune the adhesion property between the liquid silica and SiC substrate by “locking in” the liquid silica on the surface to prevent further oxygen diffusion.
Physical Properties of La1−xEuxPO4,0 ≤ x ≤ 1, Monazite‐Type Ceramics
Authors: Thust Anja , Arinicheva Yulia , Haussühl Eiken , Ruiz‐Fuertes Javier , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren , Vogel Sven C. , Neumeier Stefan , Winkler Björn
Published: September 2015

Synthetic La1−xEuxPO4 monazite‐type ceramics with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 have been characterized by ultrasound techniques, dilatometry, and micro‐calorimetry. The coefficients of thermal expansion and the elastic properties are, to a good approximation, linearly dependent on the europium concentration. Elastic stiffness coefficients range from 182(1) to 202(1) GPa for c11 and from 53.8(7) to 61.1(4) GPa for c44. They are strongly dependent on the density of the sample. The coefficient of thermal expansion at 673 K is 8.4(3)  × 10−6 K−1 for LaPO4 and 9.9(3)  × 10−6 K−1 for EuPO4, respectively. The heat capacities at ambient temperature are between 101.6(8) J·(mol·K)−1 for LaPO4 and 110.1(8) J·(mol·K)−1 for EuPO4. The difference between the heat capacity of LaPO4 and the Eu‐containing solid solutions is dominated by electronic transitions of the 4f‐electrons at temperatures above 75 K.
Centres for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Attendees’ Perceptions of Benefit
Authors: Gajewska Urszula , Trigg Richard
Published: September 2015

Background

Day and community learning centres aim to provide intellectually disabled (ID) people with social support, life skills and greater control over their lives. However, there is little research exploring the benefits of attendance from the perspective of attendees and whether these goals are met.

Materials and methods

Unstructured interviews were held with four female and three male participants with a mild level of disability, from an East Midlands Mencap facility. Interviews were transcribed and analysed through the Grounded Theory approach.

Results

Themes of social support, life skills, control and self‐image emerged from the transcripts. This brief report focuses on issues of self‐image and internal control of behaviour and emotion, as these constructs have received less attention within existing literature.

Conclusions

Learning centres provide important psychological benefits for people with learning difficulties. These are often less accessible to evaluation, but are nonetheless key outcomes from the perspective of attendees.
Impact of Substrate‐Based Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia on Cardiac Mortality in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: KOMATSU YUKI , MAURY PHILIPPE , SACHER FRÉDÉRIC , KHAIRY PAUL , DALY MATTHEW , LIM HAN S. , ZELLERHOFF STEPHAN , JESEL LAURENCE , ROLLIN ANNE , DUPARC ALEXANDRE , MONDOLY PIERRE , AURILLAC‐LAVIGNOLLE VALERIE , SHAH ASHOK , DENIS ARNAUD , COCHET HUBERT , DERVAL NICOLAS , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , JAÏS PIERRE
Published: September 2015

Mortality After VT Substrate Ablation

Introduction

This study sought to determine if the acute procedural outcome of ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate ablation is associated with a mortality benefit in patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD).

Methods and Results

A total of 195 ICD recipients (65 ± 11years) with ischemic or nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent substrate‐based ablation targeting elimination of local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVA). Acute procedural success, which was defined as elimination of all identified LAVA in addition to the lack of VT inducibility, was achieved in 95 (49%) patients. During a median follow‐up of 23 months, patients with acute procedure success had a significantly lower incidence of ICD shocks compared to those with ablation failure (8% vs. 30%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, acute procedural success was associated with a lower risk of VT recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–0.49, P < 0.001) and all‐cause mortality (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17–0.60, P < 0.001). While the impact of ablation success on mortality was not statistically significant in patients with LVEF > 35% (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.15–1.34, P = 0.15) and those with NYHA class I/II (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.29–1.40, P = 0.26), it was marked in patients with LVEF ≤ 35% (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14–0.62, P = 0.001) and NYHA class III/IV (HR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05–0.57, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

LAVA elimination in addition to VT noninducibility as a procedural outcome for substrate‐based ablation is associated with reduced mortality and better VT‐free survival during follow‐up. This prognostic benefit may be most pronounced in patients with severe heart failure as indicated by severely depressed LV function and NYHA class III/IV symptoms.
The Clinical Value of Nongated Dual‐Source Computed Tomography in Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation
Authors: IWAYAMA TADATERU , ARIMOTO TAKANORI , ISHIGAKI DAISUKE , HASHIMOTO NAOAKI , KUMAGAI YU , KOYAMA YO , KIRIBAYASHI NOBUYUKI , NETSU SHUNSUKE , NISHIYAMA SATOSHI , TAKAHASHI HIROKI , SHISHIDO TETSURO , MIYAMOTO TAKUYA , SATO TOSHIMITSU , WATANABE TETSU , KUBOTA ISAO
Published: September 2015

Nongated DSCT for AF Catheter Ablation

Introduction

Using a high‐pitch dual‐source CT (DSCT), we aimed to quantify the amounts of contrast media, radiation doses, and image qualities in patients undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation.

Methods and Results

The study enrolled 60 patients who were randomly assigned in a 1: 1: 1 ratio to undergo ECG‐gated 64‐slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT; group I, n = 20), ECG‐gated 128‐DSCT (group II, n = 20), and nongated 128‐DSCT (group III, n = 20). The total amount of contrast media was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 54.7 ± 5.6, II: 26.6 ± 2.7, and III: 28.7 ± 6.9 mL, P < 0.001). The CT dose index was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 73.1 ± 5.2, II: 3.5 ± 0.1, and III: 3.7 ± 0.1 mGy, P < 0.001). The dose length product was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 1154.8 ± 82.8, II: 75.4 ± 2.3, and III: 77.2 ± 1.9 mGy × cm, P < 0.001). The total CT effective radiation dose was lower in groups II and III compared with group I (I: 16.2 ± 1.2, II: 1.1 ± 0.1, and III: 1.1 ± 0.1 mSv, P < 0.001). The total CT scan duration was shorter in group III compared with groups I and II (I: 30.8 ± 2.2, II: 23.4 ± 3.6, and III: 16.0 ± 2.4 minutes, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in quality for integrated electroanatomical mapping (EAM) and parameters associated with PV isolation among the 3 groups.

Conclusion

Nongated 128‐DSCT provides sufficient image quality to allow integrated EAM while exposing the patient to less contrast media, lower radiation doses, and shorter CT scan durations.
Relationships Between Blood Pressure and 24‐Hour Urinary Excretion of Sodium and Potassium by Body Mass Index Status in Chinese Adults
Authors: Yan Liuxia , Bi Zhenqiang , Tang Junli , Wang Linhong , Yang Quanhe , Guo Xiaolei , Cogswell Mary E. , Zhang Xiaofei , Hong Yuling , Engelgau Michael , Zhang Jiyu , Elliott Paul , Angell Sonia Y. , Ma Jixiang
Published: September 2015

This study examined the impact of overweight/obesity on sodium, potassium, and blood pressure associations using the Shandong‐Ministry of Health Action on Salt Reduction and Hypertension (SMASH) project baseline survey data. Twenty‐four–hour urine samples were collected in 1948 Chinese adults aged 18 to 69 years. The observed associations of sodium, potassium, sodium‐potassium ratio, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were stronger in the overweight/obese population than among those of normal weight. Among overweight/obese respondents, each additional standard deviation (SD) higher of urinary sodium excretion (SD=85 mmol) and potassium excretion (SD=19 mmol) was associated with a 1.31 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 0.37–2.26) and −1.43 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −2.23 to −0.63) difference in SBP, and each higher unit in sodium‐potassium ratio was associated with a 0.54 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.75) increase in SBP. The association between sodium, potassium, sodium‐potassium ratio, and prevalence of hypertension among overweight/obese patients was similar to that of SBP. Our study indicated that the relationships between BP and both urinary sodium and potassium might be modified by BMI status in Chinese adults.
Pictorial representation of illness and self measure (PRISM): an effective tool to assess the burden of psoriasis
Authors: Fotiou K. , Hofmann M. , Kaufmann R. , Thaci D.
Published: September 2015

Background

Psoriasis has a negative impact on patient's' quality of life, which may reflect the physical and psychosocial impact of the disease. However, little is known about the perceived burden of disease. Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM), a pictorial tool, was developed to measure this global suffering. Capturing quality of life impairments in psoriasis is an integral part of assessing the overall disease severity and planning effective treatment strategies.

Objective

To validate Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) in psoriasis patients.

Methods

An investigator initiated, prospective cohort study was performed in 108 outpatients with psoriasis to validate PRISM as an appropriate tool; Reliability was assessed in a cohort with controlled stable disease, repeated after 1 hour and after a 3‐month follow‐up phase; Convergent validity determined by correlation against measures of life quality (DLQI) and reported severity of psoriasis (PASI, PGA and BSA) was performed.

Results

For PRISM, we found a high reliability for short‐term measurements (ICC = 0.98, P < 0.001) and for follow‐up assessments at 3 months (ICC = 0.76, P < 0.001). Our investigation showed significant differences between patients with clear to minimal (PGA 0, 1), mild (PGA 2) and moderate‐to‐severe disease (PGA 3, 4) and significant (P < 0.001) correlation with DLQI, PGA, PASI and BSA (ρ = −0.62, −0.54, −0.44 and −0.39 respectively).

Conclusion

PRISM is a highly reliable tool and new approach to assess perceived burden of patients with psoriasis. It is easy to use and we recommend the application as an additional outcome measure in clinical trial settings.
Filtering Data for Detecting Differential Development
Authors: Brinkhuis Matthieu J. S. , Bakker Marjan , Maris Gunter
Published: September 2015

The amount of data available in the context of educational measurement has vastly increased in recent years. Such data are often incomplete, involve tests administered at different time points and during the course of many years, and can therefore be quite challenging to model. In addition, intermediate results like grades or report cards being available to pupils, teachers, parents, and policy makers might influence future performance, which adds to the modeling difficulties. We propose the use of simple data filters to obtain a reduced set of relevant data, which allows for simple checks on the relative development of persons, items, or both.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Self‐Paced and Collaborative Frame‐of‐Reference Training on Rater Accuracy in a Large‐Scale Writing Assessment
Authors: Raczynski Kevin R. , Cohen Allan S. , Engelhard George , Lu Zhenqiu
Published: September 2015

There is a large body of research on the effectiveness of rater training methods in the industrial and organizational psychology literature. Less has been reported in the measurement literature on large‐scale writing assessments. This study compared the effectiveness of two widely used rater training methods—self‐paced and collaborative frame‐of‐reference training—in the context of a large‐scale writing assessment. Sixty‐six raters were randomly assigned to the training methods. After training, all raters scored the same 50 representative essays prescored by a group of expert raters. A series of generalized linear mixed models were then fitted to the rating data. Results suggested that the self‐paced method was equivalent in effectiveness to the more time‐intensive and expensive collaborative method. Implications for large‐scale writing assessments and suggestions for further research are discussed.
The Effects of Cephalaria Syriaca Flour on Dough and Bread Containing Different Levels of Barley Flour
Authors: Boz Hüseyİn
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of substituting refined wheat flour (WF) by whole barley flour (WBF; 20, 40 and 60%) and defatted Cephalaria syriaca flour (DCSF; 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) on dough rheological and bread textural properties. Minimum dough height (Hmin) and gas retention increased with an increased level of DCSF, while the addition of WBF decreased the maximum dough height and gas retention of dough. The addition of WBF increased the water absorption and decreased the dough development time and stability. The presence of DCSF increased the specific volume, crumb cohesiveness and decreased firmness, springiness and chewiness of bread. According to the obtained results, DCSF can be used to improve the dough rheology and bread properties in the production of bakery products containing WBF.

Practical Applications

This research illustrated the effects of fatted Cephalaria syriaca flour (DCSF) on dough and bread containing different levels of barley flour. As expected, the addition of WBF affected the quality of bread negatively. On the contrary, the addition of DCSF in three different levels of WBF affected both the rheological properties of dough and the textural properties of bread in a positive way. However, this positive effect of DCSF decreased when the level of WBF increased.
The Effects of Thyme and Clove Essential Oil Fortified Edible Films on the Physical, Chemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Kashar Cheese
Authors: Kavas G. , Kavas N. , Saygili D.
Published: September 2015

About 1.5% (v/v) thyme and clove essential oils were added to 1.5% (w/v) sorbitol‐amended whey isolate‐based film. These films were used for coating traditional semi‐hard kashar cheese (traditional Turkish cheese). Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms were selected for the determination of antimicrobial properties of the films by artificial contamination. Additionally, some physical–chemical properties of the cheese were determined on storage time (1st, 15th, 30th and 60th). Based on the results, it was found that the thyme‐fortified film (WPIOF) and the clove‐fortified film (WPISF) both had positive effects on the physical–chemical properties of the kashar cheese. During the 60 days of storage, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus levels all increased in uncoated control samples but decreased in samples coated with WPIOF and WPISF. A significant relationship was detected between the coating of the cheese samples with film containing essential oils and antimicrobial activity (P < 0.05).

Practical Applications

In this study, essential oil‐fortified edible films were produced by adding 1.5% (v/v) thyme and clove essential oils to whey protein isolate (WPI) or emulsifying film (SWPI) obtained by the addition of sorbitol (S). Some of the kashar cheese samples were coated with these films and some of them were not (control samples). All of the cheese samples were artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus for determination of antimicrobial properties of the films. Kashar cheese samples were stored at 4 ± 1C and their microbiological and physical–chemical properties were examined on the 1st, 15th, 30th and 60th days of storage.
Theoretical Triangulation as an Extension of Feminist Intersectionality in Qualitative Family Research
Authors: Pitre Nicole Y. , Kushner Kaysi E.
Published: September 2015

We propose the theoretical triangulation of feminist intersectionality, critical, and symbolic interaction perspectives as an innovative qualitative family research approach. Theoretical triangulation draws on alternative theories as analytical frameworks to explore different viewpoints about research phenomena. Feminist intersectionality provides a rich examination of phenomena at the intersection of conditions of power, privilege, and oppression; critical and symbolic interaction theoretical perspectives provide for additional depth of analysis and critique of the complex dynamics that shape family life. Theoretical triangulation exposes underlying mechanisms that facilitate and constrain agency, as well as the forces and conditions that create or maintain inequities. Understanding these mechanisms extends knowledge beyond categories of difference and oppressed–oppressor dualities to illuminate the potential for social change with a social justice agenda.
The Ethical Phenomenology of Emmanuel Levinas: Drawing on Phenomenology to Explore the Central Features of Family Life
Authors: Knapp Stan J.
Published: September 2015

Phenomenology is introduced as a source of new insights into how family relations are lived and experienced today. The ethical phenomenology of Emmanuel Levinas holds particular promise in this endeavor, as his work highlights the ways in which family life emerges out of an ethical relationality that is operative in virtually all family relations. Through learning to see how ethical relationality informs the active, ongoing responsiveness of the ways of being of family members, forms of violence in family life, and the relation between family and other social organizations, interests, and institutions, ethical phenomenology can assist interpretive family research in making manifest dimensions of family life that were previously overlooked and unappreciated, and it can contribute to the development of theoretical innovations in understanding family.