bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Social and Non-Social Information Influence Classification Decisions: A Computational Modelling Approach
Authors: Puskaric Marin , von Helversen Bettina , Rieskamp Jörg
Published: June 2016

Social information such as observing others can improve performance in decision making. In particular, social information has been shown to be useful when finding the best solution on one's own is difficult, costly, or dangerous. However, past research suggests that when making decisions people do not always consider other people's behaviour when it is at odds with their own experiences. Furthermore, the cognitive processes guiding the integration of social information with individual experiences are still under debate. Here, we conducted two experiments to test whether information about other persons’ behaviour influenced people's decisions in a classification task. Furthermore, we examined how social information is integrated with individual learning experiences by testing different computational models. Our results show that social information had a small but reliable influence on people's classifications. The best computational model suggests that in categorization people first make up their own mind based on the non-social information, which is then updated by the social information.
Construct Stabilization and the Unity of the Mind-Brain Sciences
Authors: Sullivan Jacqueline Anne
Published: June 2016

This article offers a critique of an account of explanatory integration that claims that explanations of cognitive capacities by functional analyses and mechanistic explanations can be seamlessly integrated. It is shown that achieving such explanatory integration requires that the terms designating cognitive capacities in the two forms of explanation are stable but that experimental practice in the mind-brain sciences currently is not directed at achieving such stability. A positive proposal for changing experimental practice so as to promote such stability is put forward, and its implications for explanatory integration are briefly considered.
Integrative Modeling and the Role of Neural Constraints
Authors: Weiskopf Daniel A.
Published: June 2016

Neuroscience constrains psychology, but stating these constraints with precision is not simple. Here I consider whether mechanistic analysis provides a useful way to integrate models of cognitive and neural structure. Recent evidence suggests that cognitive systems map onto overlapping, distributed networks of brain regions. These highly entangled networks often depart from stereotypical mechanistic behaviors. While this casts doubt on the prospects for classical mechanistic integration of psychology and neuroscience, I argue that it does not impugn a realistic interpretation of either type of model. Cognitive and neural models may depict different, but equally real, causal structures within the mind/brain.
Vision, Perspectivism, and Haptic Realism
Authors: Chirimuuta M.
Published: June 2016

In this article I examine the perceptual metaphor at the heart of perspectivism, discussing three elements: partiality, interestedness, and interaction. I argue that perspectivists should drop the visual metaphor in favor of a haptic one. Because the sense of touch requires contact and purposeful exploration on the part of the perceiver, it is obvious that with touch one apprehends an extradermal reality in virtue of and not in spite of its interactive and interested nature. By analogy, perspectivists should investigate the thesis that scientific representations inform us about the natural world in virtue of their interactive and interested qualities.
Loose Talk Kills: What’s Worrying about Unity of Method
Authors: Cartwright Nancy
Published: June 2016

There is danger in stressing commonalities among methods because the differences matter in fixing the meaning of our claims. Different methods can, and often do, test the same claim. But it takes a strong network of theory and empirical results to ensure that. Failing that, we are likely to fall into inference by pun. We use one set of methods to establish a claim and then draw inferences licensed by a similar-sounding claim that calls for different methods of testing. Our inferences fail, and bridges we build (or policies we set) depending on them fall down.
Should Some Knowledge Be Forbidden? The Case of Cognitive Differences Research
Authors: Kourany Janet A.
Published: June 2016

For centuries scientists have claimed that women are intellectually inferior to men and blacks are inferior to whites. Although these claims have been contested and corrected for centuries, they still continue to be made. Meanwhile, scientists have documented the harm done to women and blacks by the publication of such claims. Can anything be done to improve this situation? Freedom of research is universally recognized to be of first-rate importance. Yet, constraints on that freedom are also universally recognized. I consider three of these constraints and argue for tighter restrictions on race- and gender-related cognitive differences research on their basis.
Do Humans Have Continental Populations?
Authors: Spencer Quayshawn
Published: June 2016

In this article I show that population geneticists are acknowledging a kind of biological population that has hitherto been unappreciated by philosophers. The new population talk occurs when population geneticists call continent-level human genetic clusters ‘populations’ in population structure research. My theory is that the kind of population being referred to is the K population, which is, roughly, a biological population whose members are united by common genomic ancestry and in which population membership is graded. After presenting and defending the theory, I show that the K population is indeed a kind of biological population. Finally, I address likely objections.
Reproduction Expanded: Multigenerational and Multilineal Units of Evolution
Authors: O’Malley Maureen A.
Published: June 2016

Reproduction is central to biology and evolution. Standard concepts of reproduction are drawn from animals. Nonstandard examples of reproduction can be found in unicellular eukaryotes that distribute their reproductive strategies across multiple generations, and in mutualistic systems that combine different modes of reproduction across multiple lineages. Examining multigenerational and multilineal reproducers and how they align fitness has implications for conceptualizing units of evolution.
Hamilton’s Two Conceptions of Social Fitness
Authors: Birch Jonathan
Published: June 2016

Hamilton introduced two conceptions of social fitness, which he called neighbor-modulated fitness and inclusive fitness. Although he regarded them as formally equivalent, a reanalysis of his own argument for their equivalence brings out two important assumptions on which it rests: weak additivity and actor’s control. When weak additivity breaks down, neither fitness concept is appropriate in its original form. When actor’s control breaks down, neighbor-modulated fitness may be appropriate, but inclusive fitness is not. Yet I argue that, despite its more limited domain of application, inclusive fitness provides a distinctively valuable perspective on social evolution.
Kin Selection and Its Discontents
Authors: Queller David C.
Published: June 2016

Kin selection is a core aspect of social evolution theory, but a small number of critics have recently challenged it. Here I address these criticisms and show that kin selection remains an important explanation for much (though not all) social evolution. I show how many of the criticisms rest on historical idiosyncrasies of the way the field happened to develop, rather than on the real logic and evidence.
The Evolution of Spite, Recognition, and Morality
Authors: Forber Patrick , Smead Rory
Published: June 2016

Recognition of and responsiveness to the behavioral dispositions of others are key features of moral systems for facilitating social cooperation and the mediation of punishment. Here we investigate the coevolutionary possibilities of recognition and conditional social behavior with respect to both altruism and spite. Using two evolutionary models, we find that recognition abilities can support both spite and altruism but that some can only coevolve with spite. These results show that it is essential to consider harmful social behaviors as both a product of and an influence on the core features of our moral systems.
On the Formal Consistency of the Principal Principle
Authors: Bana Gergei
Published: June 2016

Rédei and Gyenis suggest that Lewis’s Principal Principle is meaningful only if it satisfies certain consistency conditions: starting from any assignment of credences to some algebra of events, we must always be able to extend our algebra with events as “the value of the objective chance of event E is p” and assign credences to such events in a consistent manner. I show that this extension is possible. However, I also argue that this requirement is unnecessary: the Principal Principle concerns subjective beliefs about objective chance; hence, events concerning those probabilities are meant to be in the algebra initially.
The Newtonian Equivalence Principle: How the Relativity of Acceleration Led Newton to the Equivalence of Inertial and Gravitational Mass
Authors: Fox Craig W.
Published: June 2016

From late 1684 through mid-1685, Isaac Newton turned to developing and refining the conceptual foundations presupposed by his emerging physics. Analysis of his manuscripts from this period reveals that Newton’s understanding of the relativity of acceleration led him to seek a spatiotemporally invariant quantity of matter. He found two such quantities and then designed an experiment to discover their relationship. Interpreting the experiment, however, required distinguishing a new notion of force. Others have recognized the conceptual distinction between inertial and gravitational mass. I show here that Newton clearly saw this distinction and that he provisionally established their equivalence.
Structure as Abstraction
Authors: Hendry Robin Findlay
Published: June 2016

In this article I argue that structure in chemistry is a creature of abstraction: attending selectively to structural similarities, we neglect differences. There are different ways to abstract, so abstraction is interest dependent. So is structure. First, there are two different and mutually irreducible notions of structure in chemistry: bond structure and geometrical structure. Second, structure is relative to scale (of energy, time, and length): the same substance has different structures at different scales, and relationships of structural sameness and difference vary across the scales. However, these facts have no tendency to undermine structure’s claim to reality, or its metaphysical seriousness.
The Diversity of Model Tuning Practices in Climate Science
Authors: Steele Katie , Werndl Charlotte
Published: June 2016

Many examples of calibration in climate science raise no alarms regarding model reliability. We examine one example and show that, in employing classical hypothesis testing, it involves calibrating a base model against data that are also used to confirm the model. This is counter to the ‘intuitive position’ (in favor of use novelty and against double counting). We argue, however, that aspects of the intuitive position are upheld by some methods, in particular, the general cross-validation method. How cross-validation relates to other prominent classical methods such as the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion is also discussed.
Comparison of the Josephson Voltage Standards of the NIMT and the BIPM (part of the ongoing BIPM key comparison BIPM.EM-K10.b)
Authors: Solve S , Chayramy R , Stock M , Pimsut S , Rujirat N
Published: June 2016

A comparison of the Josephson array voltage standards of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) and the National Institute of Metrology - (Thailand), NIMT, was carried out in November 2015 at the level of 10 V. For this exercise, options A and B of the BIPM.EM-K10.b comparison protocol were applied. Option B required the BIPM to provide a reference voltage for measurement by the NIMT using its Josephson standard with its own measuring device. Option A required the NIMT to provide a reference voltage with its Josephson voltage standard for measurement by the BIPM using an analogue nanovoltmeter and associated measurement loop. In all cases the BIPM array was kept floating from ground.

The final results were in good agreement within the combined relative standard uncertainty of 2.6 parts in 1010 for the nominal voltage of 10 V.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K7 of the air-kerma standards of the CMI, Czech Republic and the BIPM in mammography x-rays
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D , Roger P , Sochor V
Published: June 2016

A first key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the CMI, Czech Republic and the BIPM in mammography x-ray beams. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the standard uncertainty for the comparison of 3.5 parts in 103. The results for an indirect comparison made at the same time are consistent with the direct results at the level of 1 part in 103. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Hsp90 induces increased genomic instability toward DNA-damaging agents by tuning downRAD53transcription
Authors: Khurana Nidhi , Laskar Shyamasree , Bhattacharyya Mrinal K. , Bhattacharyya Sunanda
Published: June 2016

It is well documented that elevated body temperature causes tumors to regress upon radiotherapy. However, how hyperthermia induces DNA damage sensitivity is not clear. We show that a transient heat shock and particularly the concomitant induction of Hsp90 lead to increased genomic instability under DNA-damaging conditions. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model eukaryote, we demonstrate that elevated levels of Hsp90 attenuate efficient DNA damage signaling and dictate preferential use of the potentially mutagenic double-strand break repair pathway. We show that under normal physiological conditions, Hsp90 negatively regulates RAD53 transcription to suppress DNA damage checkpoint activation. However, under DNA damaging conditions, RAD53 is derepressed, and the increased level of Rad53p triggers an efficient DNA damage response. A higher abundance of Hsp90 causes increased transcriptional repression on RAD53 in a dose-dependent manner, which could not be fully derepressed even in the presence of DNA damage. Accordingly, cells behave like a rad53 loss-of-function mutant and show reduced NHEJ efficiency, with a drastic failure to up-regulate RAD51 expression and manifestly faster accumulation of CLN1 and CLN2 in DNA-damaged G1, cells leading to premature release from checkpoint arrest. We further demonstrate that Rad53 overexpression is able to rescue all of the aforementioned deleterious effects caused by Hsp90 overproduction.
Kinesin-related Smy1 enhances the Rab-dependent association of myosin-V with secretory cargo
Authors: Lwin Kyaw Myo , Li Donghao , Bretscher Anthony
Published: June 2016

The mechanisms by which molecular motors associate with specific cargo is a central problem in cell organization. The kinesin-like protein Smy1 of budding yeast was originally identified by the ability of elevated levels to suppress a conditional myosin-V mutation (myo2-66), but its function with Myo2 remained mysterious. Subsequently, Myo2 was found to provide an essential role in delivery of secretory vesicles for polarized growth and in the transport of mitochondria for segregation. By isolating and characterizing myo2 smy1 conditional mutants, we uncover the molecular function of Smy1 as a factor that enhances the association of Myo2 with its receptor, the Rab Sec4, on secretory vesicles. The tail of Smy1—which binds Myo2—its central dimerization domain, and its kinesin-like head domain are all necessary for this function. Consistent with this model, overexpression of full-length Smy1 enhances the number of Sec4 receptors and Myo2 motors per transporting secretory vesicle. Rab proteins Sec4 and Ypt11, receptors for essential transport of secretory vesicles and mitochondria, respectively, bind the same region on Myo2, yet Smy1 functions selectively in the transport of secretory vesicles. Thus a kinesin-related protein can function intimately with a myosin-V and its receptor in the transport of a specific cargo.
Adaptation to different types of stress converge on mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Lahtvee Petri-Jaan , Kumar Rahul , Hallström Björn M. , Nielsen Jens
Published: June 2016

Yeast cell factories encounter physical and chemical stresses when used for industrial production of fuels and chemicals. These stresses reduce productivity and increase bioprocess costs. Understanding the mechanisms of the stress response is essential for improving cellular robustness in platform strains. We investigated the three most commonly encountered industrial stresses for yeast (ethanol, salt, and temperature) to identify the mechanisms of general and stress-specific responses under chemostat conditions in which specific growth rate–dependent changes are eliminated. By applying systems-level analysis, we found that most stress responses converge on mitochondrial processes. Our analysis revealed that stress-specific factors differ between applied stresses; however, they are underpinned by an increased ATP demand. We found that when ATP demand increases to high levels, respiration cannot provide sufficient ATP, leading to onset of respirofermentative metabolism. Although stress-specific factors increase ATP demand for cellular growth under stressful conditions, increased ATP demand for cellular maintenance underpins a general stress response and is responsible for the onset of overflow metabolism.
The N-terminal tropomyosin- and actin-binding sites are important for leiomodin 2’s function
Authors: Ly Thu , Moroz Natalia , Pappas Christopher T. , Novak Stefanie M. , Tolkatchev Dmitri , Wooldridge Dayton , Mayfield Rachel M. , Helms Gregory , Gregorio Carol C. , Kostyukova Alla S.
Published: June 2016

Leiomodin is a potent actin nucleator related to tropomodulin, a capping protein localized at the pointed end of the thin filaments. Mutations in leiomodin-3 are associated with lethal nemaline myopathy in humans, and leiomodin-2–knockout mice present with dilated cardiomyopathy. The arrangement of the N-terminal actin- and tropomyosin-binding sites in leiomodin is contradictory and functionally not well understood. Using one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and the pointed-end actin polymerization assay, we find that leiomodin-2, a major cardiac isoform, has an N-terminal actin-binding site located within residues 43–90. Moreover, for the first time, we obtain evidence that there are additional interactions with actin within residues 124–201. Here we establish that leiomodin interacts with only one tropomyosin molecule, and this is the only site of interaction between leiomodin and tropomyosin. Introduction of mutations in both actin- and tropomyosin-binding sites of leiomodin affected its localization at the pointed ends of the thin filaments in cardiomyocytes. On the basis of our new findings, we propose a model in which leiomodin regulates actin poly­merization dynamics in myocytes by acting as a leaky cap at thin filament pointed ends.
Evaluating and comparing biomarkers with respect to the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve in two-phase case–control studies
Authors: Huang Ying
Published: June 2016

Two-phase sampling design, where biomarkers are subsampled from a phase-one cohort sample representative of the target population, has become the gold standard in biomarker evaluation. Many two-phase case–control studies involve biased sampling of cases and/or controls in the second phase. For example, controls are often frequency-matched to cases with respect to other covariates. Ignoring biased sampling of cases and/or controls can lead to biased inference regarding biomarkers' classification accuracy. Considering the problems of estimating and comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for a binary disease outcome, the impact of biased sampling of cases and/or controls on inference and the strategy to efficiently account for the sampling scheme have not been well studied. In this project, we investigate the inverse-probability-weighted method to adjust for biased sampling in estimating and comparing AUC. Asymptotic properties of the estimator and its inference procedure are developed for both Bernoulli sampling and finite-population stratified sampling. In simulation studies, the weighted estimators provide valid inference for estimation and hypothesis testing, while the standard empirical estimators can generate invalid inference. We demonstrate the use of the analytical variance formula for optimizing sampling schemes in biomarker study design and the application of the proposed AUC estimators to examples in HIV vaccine research and prostate cancer research.
Histories of Design Pedagogy Virtual Special Issue for the Journal of Design History 2016
Authors: Oppenheimer Maya
Published: June 2016

‘Histories of Design Pedagogy’ gathers material from across three decades of the Journal of Design History to juxtapose distinct investigations into design education across various geographies, contexts, relationships and methodological concerns. By isolating three overarching themes to structure twelve articles, this introduction also makes an argument towards future design pedagogy, suggesting an Urmodell, or master plan, of elements in design pedagogy that is informed by key issues debated by and through the articles presented. ‘Design Systems and Projects’ addresses the meaning and concept of design, relationships between education and industry, and design training networks. ‘Ethics and Methods’ advocates greater attention to the identities, subjectivities and roles of the designer and of the user as stakeholders in a designed system, the increasing role of research in design practice, elements that affect practice from global design to emerging technologies, and object collections research. The final theme, ‘Critical Histories and Theories’, looks to changes in design history and design studies to inform interdisciplinary scholarship and the future of design practice. Tensions over proportions, boundaries and structures are addressed by this Urmodell, but in the preferred definition of modelling as a mediator, it exists here as a malleable framework over a steadfast solution.
Longitudinal Assessment of Self-Reported Recent Back Pain and Combat Deployment in the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Granado Nisara S. , Pietrucha Amanda , Ryan Margaret , Boyko Edward J. , Hooper Tomoko I. , Smith Besa , Smith Tyler C.
Published: June 2016

Study Design.

A prospective cohort study.

Objective.

Activities performed during military operations vary in complexity and physical demand. The risk for mental illness following military combat deployment has been well documented. However, information regarding the possible contribution of back pain to decreased mental and functional health is scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively assess deployment and self-reported recent back pain in a population-based U.S. military cohort.

Summary of Background Data.

The study consisted of Millennium Cohort participants who were followed for the development of back pain for an average of 3.9 years.

Methods.

Descriptive statistics and longitudinal analyses were used to assess the temporal relationship of deployment with self-reported recent back pain at follow-up (N = 53,933).

Results.

Recent back pain was self-reported by 8379 (15.5%) participants at follow-up. After adjusting for covariates, deployers with combat experiences had higher odds [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.28–1.50] of recent back pain than noncombat deployers. There was no association between recent back pain and nondeployers compared with noncombat deployers. Service support/supply handlers were at an increased odds of reporting recent back pain (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.21) than functional support/administration occupations. Occupations associated with a physically demanding work environment had a higher risk of back pain.

Conclusion.

Deployers with combat experiences were more likely to report back pain postdeployment. This well-defined group of military personnel may potentially benefit from integrated prevention efforts.

Level of Evidence: 3
Effects of Anesthetic Fluid Injectates on Lesion Sizes in Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Wang Haibin , Helm Eric R. , Yung Herbie
Published: June 2016

Study Design.

Nonrandomized trial.

Objective.

This is an ex vivo study using pork chops to simulate human vertebra to determine the effects of various anesthetic fluids injectates and concentrations on lesion size and shape created when using cooled radiofrequency ablation. Secondary objective is to determine the effects of various time durations of applied lesion on lesion size created. Our final objective is to determine the effects of fluid injectates on tissue temperature and impedance.

Summary of Background Data.

Radiofrequency neurotomy is a therapeutic procedure involving ablation of sensory afferent nerves to the vertebral zygapophyseal joints. Larger lesions increase the likelihood the target nerve is ablated.

Methods.

Before cooled radiofrequency ablation, tissue was injected with either 0.9% normal saline, 1% lidocaine, 2% lidocaine, 0.25% bupivacaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, 0.75% bupivacaine, 0.2% ropivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine, or 1% ropivacaine. Duration of cooled radiofrequency was either 45, 90, or 150 seconds.

Results.

There was no significant difference in the size of the lesion created when using different injectates and concentrations. There was no significant difference in the size of the lesion created when applying a 90 seconds duration lesion compared with a 150 seconds duration lesion.

Conclusion.

Applying a 90 seconds duration lesion can be considered in clinical use for cooled radiofrequency ablation. The use of an injectate did not significantly alter the size or desired spherical shape of the lesion created, did not significantly alter the time required to create the lesion, and did not significantly lower the temperature threshold. The study is limited by the use of ex vivo tissue which does not account for the effects of tissue perfusion. The use of an injectate before cooled radiofrequency ablation can be made at the interventionalist's discretion.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Promoting Nursing Students’ Clinical Learning Through a Mobile e-Portfolio
Authors: Lai Chin-Yuan , Wu Cheng-Chih
Published: June 2016

Portfolios have been advocated in nursing education to help student link theory and practice. In this study, we document the development of a mobile e-portfolio–based system, which was used to improve nursing education. The e-portfolio–based system has the advantage of allowing students to record, assess, and reflect upon their learning whether at school, a clinical site, or at home. This e-portfolio system was field tested in a 3-week psychiatric nursing practicum session involving 10 female students who were enrolled in a junior nursing college. A mixed-methods study combining qualitative and quantitative data was conducted to investigate the effects of using the system. The results of the study demonstrated that students made professional progress in both theory and practice after using the e-portfolio system. The system could also promote self-regulated learning in clinical context. Students displayed very positive attitudes overall when using the system, although there were some occasional stresses and technical difficulties. Important factors when implementing such a system included the following: adopting the proper mobile device, providing students with clear guidance on constructing the e-portfolio, and how to use the e-portfolio in a clinical setting.
Communication Needs of Critical Care Patients Who Are Voiceless
Authors: Koszalinski Rebecca S. , Tappen Ruth M. , Hickman Candice , Melhuish Tracey
Published: June 2016

Voice is crucial for communication in all healthcare settings. Evidence-based care highlights the need for clear communication. Clear communication methods must be applied when caring for special populations in order to assess pain effectively. Communication efforts also should be offered to patients who are in end-of-life care and would like to make independent decisions. A computer communication application was offered to patients in intensive care/critical care units in three hospitals in South Florida. Inclusion criteria included the age of 18 years or older, Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale between −1 and +1, ability to read and write English, and willingness to use the computer application. Exclusion criteria included inability to read and write English, agitation as defined by the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, and any patient on infection isolation protocol. Four qualitative themes were revealed, which directly relate to two published evidence-based guidelines. These are the End of Life Care and Decision Making Evidence-Based Care Guidelines and the Pain Assessment in Special Populations Guidelines. This knowledge is important for developing effective patient-healthcare provider communication.
The Role of Documentation Quality in Anesthesia-Related Closed Claims
Authors: Wilbanks Bryan A. , Geisz-Everson Marjorie , Boust Rebecca R.
Published: June 2016

Clinical documentation is a critical tool in supporting care provided to patients. Sound documentation provides a picture of clinical events that can be used to improve patient care. However, many other uses for clinical documentation are equally important. Such documentation informs clinical decision support tools, creates a legal record of patient care, assists in financial reimbursement of services, and serves as a repository for secondary data analysis. Conversely, poor documentation can impair patient safety and increase malpractice risk exposure by reflecting poor or inaccurate information that ultimately may guide patient care decisions.

Through an examination of anesthesia-related closed claims, a descriptive qualitative study emerged, which explored the antecedents and consequences of documentation quality in the claims reviewed. A secondary data analysis utilized a database generated by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Foundation closed claim review team. Four major themes emerged from the analysis. Themes 1, 2, and 4 primarily describe how poor documentation quality can have negative consequences for clinicians. The third theme primarily describes how poor documentation quality that can negatively affect patient safety.
A multidisciplinary approach to toxicity management of modern immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy
Authors: Kottschade Lisa , Brys Adam , Peikert Tobias , Ryder Mabel , Raffals Laura , Brewer Jerry , Mosca Paul , Markovic Svetomir
Published: June 2016

Immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs) are the most significant toxicities associated with the use of checkpoint inhibitors, and result from disinhibition of the host’s immune homeostasis. The adverse effects experienced from immunotherapy are significantly different from those of chemotherapy and, to a lesser extent, targeted therapy. Early recognition and diagnosis of these toxicities is often challenging, but is critically important because of the potentially life-threatening nature and associated morbidity. Gastrointestinal, dermatologic, endocrine, and liver toxicities are the most commonly observed. Less commonly, the eyes, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, bone marrow, or nervous system may be affected. Although most irAEs may resolve with supportive care or discontinuation of drug, in severe cases, they may require hospitalization and immune suppressants, such as steroids, and/or may even cause death. The management of immune-related side effects requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Effective Listening
Authors: Watson Kittie W.
Published: June 2016

For many nurses, especially when workloads are high, it can be difficult to listen carefully to patients. Federally mandated Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys that help determine insurance reimbursement are asking patients how carefully their nurses listened. For Christian nurses, effective listening demonstrates the compassion, understanding, and care modeled by Jesus. An exploration of Jesus' responses reveals five ways Christ effectively listened to people that can guide nurses.
Care Burden and Social Support Levels of Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Göriş Songül , Kılıç Züleyha , Elmalı Ferhan , Tutar Nuri , Takcı Özlem
Published: June 2016

This descriptive study was conducted to determine the care burden and social support levels of caregivers to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The primary caregivers of 112 patients with COPD hospitalized in the chest diseases service of a university hospital were involved in the study. Data of the study were collected by using the Patient and Caregiver Information Form, which was prepared by reviewing the literature, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, Zarit Burden Interview, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. While the care burden mean score of caregivers of patients with COPD was 40.91 ± 20.58, the mean score of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was 54.13 ± 18.84. In this study, it was determined that female caregivers, as well as individuals stating that their physical and psychological health was affected and those having difficulty giving care and needing help, had higher levels of care burden, whereas the spouses, as well as individuals with lower levels of income and those stating that their physical and psychological health was affected, had lower levels of social support.
Quality of Life and Symptom Experience of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Şahin Zümrüt Akgün , Tan Mehtap
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational interventions on breast cancer patients during chemotherapy, with a secondary aim of focusing on describing symptoms in patients during chemotherapy and their effects on the quality of life of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The study was quasi-experimental. A sample of 120 patients participated, of which 60 were in the experimental group and 60 were in the control group. Pre/posttest quality-of-life subgroups were compared in terms of their mean scores. In the posttest in the experimental group, mean scores of the Family subscale, Health and Functioning subscale, Psychological/Spiritual subscale, and Social and Economic subscale correlated negatively and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05).
Dose–Response Relationships of Multisensory Intervention on Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Cheng Sunny Chieh , Hsu Wen-Shin , Shen Shu-Hua , Hsu Mei-Chi , Lin Mei-Feng
Published: June 2016

Background:

Patients with chronic schizophrenia often show negative emotional responses because of cognitive impairment. Multisensory stimulation therapy has been shown effective in improving cognitive and emotional functions in cognitively impaired patients with dementia. However, very few studies have applied this multisensory intervention to patients with chronic schizophrenia. Furthermore, it is not known whether a dose–response relationship exists between the frequency and efficacy of this intervention.

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the effects and dose–response of the multisensory intervention on patients with chronic schizophrenia in a mental rehabilitation hospital.

Methods:

A crossover study design with a sample size of 60 was conducted. Participants were divided equally between an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received the intervention in a multisensory stimulation room. Six sessions of the 30-minute sensory intervention were conducted on experimental group participants, who were allowed to select their preferred stimulants. In contrast, the control group received routine care only. After a 2-week washout period, participants in the experimental group were reassigned to the control group, and those in the control group were reassigned to the experimental group. Standardized questionnaires were applied to evaluate psychotic symptoms, emotional responses, and well-being of all participants. The NeXus-4 model wireless biofeedback system was used to measure the psychological–physiological parameters of participants at baseline and after the first, third, and sixth sessions of the multisensory intervention. A generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the effects of the intervention

Results:

Although multisensory stimulation therapy had no significant effect on psychotic symptoms and well-being, this intervention may improve the negative emotional reactions of patients. In particular, the intervention significantly reduced the subjective anxiety level of participants and stabilized their objective respiratory and heart rates. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the efficacy of the treatment and the frequency of the intervention.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Evidence from this study validated the multisensory stimulation therapy protocol. Therefore, this protocol may be incorporated into clinical interventions to improve quality of care and to alleviate the negative emotions of patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Professional Values, Job Satisfaction, and Intent to Leave Among Nursing Managers
Authors: Kantek Filiz , Kaya Ayla
Published: June 2016

Background:

The professional values that are typically attributed to nursing managers influence the behaviors of staff nurses as well as of nursing managers. Therefore, the efficient planning and implementation of nursing services require that nursing managers raise their awareness of professional nursing values.

Purpose:

This study aims to investigate the correlations between professional values, job satisfaction, and intent to leave the job and the institution.

Methods:

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 216 nursing managers in nine different hospitals in Turkey. The data were collected using a personal information form, Nursing Professional Values Scale, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and scales on intent to leave the job and the institution.

Results:

Results indicate a positive correlation between the professional values of nurses and their job satisfaction and suggest a negative correlation between professional values and intent to leave the job and the institution. Furthermore, agency was found to be a determinant of job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

Strong professional values were found to increase job satisfaction and decrease the intent to leave the job and the institution.
Vitamin D and critical illness outcomes
Authors: Christopher Kenneth B.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

Although low vitamin D levels have been shown to be a risk factor for adverse outcomes in critical care, it is not clear to date if supplementation can alter such outcomes in all ICU patients. The focus of vitamin D research now is on interventional trials to identify a critically ill patient subset who may benefit from high-dose vitamin D supplementation.

Recent findings

The VITdAL-ICU trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single center trial of 475 heterogeneous critically ill patients, did not show improvement in hospital length of stay or overall mortality but did demonstrate in a secondary outcome that high-dose oral vitamin D3 improved mortality in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D supplementation may represent a personalized and targeted therapy for critical illness. Vitamin D regulates over 1000 genes in the human genome, and the mechanism of action is influenced by gene polymorphisms and epigenetics. The study of the metabolomics, transcriptomics and epigenetics of vitamin D status and supplementation holds promise generating insights into critical illness outcomes.
A Mixture of 3 Bifidobacteria Decreases Abdominal Pain and Improves the Quality of Life in Children With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Giannetti Eleonora , Maglione Marco , Alessandrella Annalisa , Strisciuglio Caterina , De Giovanni Donatella , Campanozzi Angelo , Miele Erasmo , Staiano Annamaria
Published: June 2016

Goals:

We assessed the efficacy of a probiotic mixture of Bifidobacterium infantis M-63, breve M-16V, and longum BB536 in improving abdominal pain (AP) and quality of life (QoL) in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD).

Background:

AP-associated functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly IBS and FD, are common in pediatrics, and no well-established treatment is currently available. Although probiotics have shown promising results in adults, data in children are heterogeneous.

Study:

Forty-eight children with IBS (median age, 11.2 y; range, 8 to 17.9 y) and 25 with FD (age, 11.6 y; range, 8 to 16.6 y) were randomized to receive either a mixture of 3 Bifidobacteria or a placebo for 6 weeks. After a 2-week “washout” period, each patient was switched to the other group and followed up for further 6 weeks. At baseline and follow-up, patients completed a symptom diary and a QoL questionnaire. AP resolution represented the primary outcome parameter.

Results:

In IBS, but not in FD, Bifidobacteria determined a complete resolution of AP in a significantly higher proportion of children, when compared with placebo (P=0.006), and significantly improved AP frequency (P=0.02). The proportion of IBS children with an improvement in QoL was significantly higher after probiotics than after placebo (48% vs. 17%, P=0.001), but this finding was not confirmed in FD.

Conclusions:

In children with IBS a mixture of Bifidobacterium infantis M-63, breve M-16V, and longum BB536 is associated with improvement in AP and QoL. These findings were not confirmed in FD subjects. Trial identifier: NCT02566876 (http://www.clinicaltrial.gov).
Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Duodenal Neoplasia in Japanese Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Yachida Tatsuo , Nakajima Takeshi , Nonaka Satoru , Nakamura Keiko , Suzuki Haruhisa , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Oda Ichiro , Moriya Yoshihiro , Masaki Tsutomu , Saito Yutaka
Published: June 2016

Background:

After colorectal cancer and desmoid tumors, duodenal adenocarcinoma is the next leading cause of death in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, but it has not been thoroughly investigated.

Patients and Methods:

To investigate the clinical course of duodenal neoplasia, including adenoma and cancer, we investigated 77 Japanese FAP patients treated at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. We evaluated the clinicopathologic features, Spigelman severity score, and management of duodenal neoplasms. Data were acquired from a prospectively enrolled database.

Results:

Fifty-one (66%) of the 77 FAP patients had duodenal neoplasia during this observational period, and 47 of 51 patients had extra-ampulla duodenal neoplasia; 42 (58%) had duodenal neoplasms (extra-ampulla), 4 had duodenal adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and 1 had invasive carcinoma. Among the 45 patients (extra-ampulla) with duodenal adenoma with HGD or low-grade dysplasia, 8 (18%) patients were treated using endoscopic resection (ER). During the short observation period, ER was performed only in HGD cases. None of the patients died from duodenal neoplasia. In total, during the surveillance period, duodenal HGD was detected in 5 (63%) of 8 patients graded as Spigelman stage IV; HGD was not detected in stage 0 (n=33), I (n=0), II (n=12), or III (n=20) patients.

Conclusions:

Short-interval endoscopic surveillance and appropriate ER may help prevent duodenal invasive carcinoma. In addition, there was little development of invasive carcinoma during the follow-up. The Spigelman classification is beneficial for the risk assessment of duodenal neoplasia in Japanese FAP patients.
Clinical Characteristics and the Dietary Response in Celiac Disease Patients Presenting With or Without Anemia
Authors: Saukkonen Johanna , Kaukinen Katri , Koivisto Anna-Maija , Mäki Markku , Laurila Kaija , Sievänen Harri , Collin Pekka , Kurppa Kalle
Published: June 2016

Background and Aims:

It remains unclear as to what are the clinical characteristics associated with the presence of anemia at celiac disease diagnosis, and how these are affected by a gluten-free diet. We investigated these issues in a prospective study.

Methods:

Clinical and demographic data, small-bowel mucosal histology, serology, and laboratory parameters, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density (BMD) both at diagnosis and after 1 year on a gluten-free diet were investigated in 163 adults with celiac disease. Gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological well-being were evaluated by validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Psychological General Well-Being questionnaires. All study variables were compared between participants with and without anemia at celiac disease diagnosis.

Results:

Altogether, 23% of the patients had anemia at diagnosis. Anemic patients were more often women (P=0.001) and had more gastrointestinal symptoms (P=0.004) and were less often screen detected (P=0.009). Further, they had higher celiac antibody values (P=0.007) and a lower total iron (P<0.001), BMI (P=0.003), and density of mucosal γδ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (P=0.033). After 1 year on a gluten-free diet, the anemia group had a lower mucosal villous height-crypt depth ratio (P=0.008) and BMI (P=0.050), and higher antibody values (P=0.012) and densities of CD3+ (P=0.008) and αβ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (P=0.022). There was no significant difference between the groups in their bone mineral density, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Psychological General Well-Being.

Conclusions:

Celiac patients with anemia had more severe disease than nonanemic patients in terms of the serology and a lower BMI. Further, they evinced a slower histologic response to the dietary treatment. An early diagnosis and careful follow-up are important in these patients.