bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
6. The effects of EU law in the national legal systems
Authors: Bobek Michal
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines how EU law interacts with national legal systems. It first explains the default rules for the national application of EU law. It then focuses on three key principles: direct effect, indirect effect, and primacy. It considers requirements formulated with respect to procedures for the national enforcement of EU law and state liability for breaches of EU law. The chapter concludes with a case study, which illustrates the interplay between the rules and principles introduced in this chapter.
10. Judicial protection before the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Albors-Llorens Albertina
Published: August 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the various procedural avenues to the Court of Justice of the European Union. It uses as a template the division between two main sets of proceedings: direct actions and preliminary references. Direct actions are brought directly either before the Court of Justice, the General Court, or the Civil Service Tribunal; these are dealt with in their entirety by these courts. By contrast, preliminary references begin before a national court. When this court encounters a question on the interpretation or the validity of EU law, it may (or sometimes must) make a preliminary reference on this particular point to the Court of Justice.
11. The internal market and the philosophies of market integration
Authors: Snell Jukka
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the nature of the European market, which the Treaties today call the ‘internal market’. It begins by setting out the three models of market integration - host country control, harmonized model, and home country control - each of which represents a very different approach to, or philosophy of, economic integration. It then considers how the nature of European market integration has changed in the course of the history of the EU. It argues that the original common market paradigm set out in the Spaak Report and incorporated into the Treaty of Rome gradually gave way to the single market paradigm first initiated by the European Court of Justice and subsequently embraced by the political institutions. Finally, the chapter investigates the principal tool the Treaty has created for the achievement of the internal market, namely Article 114 TFEU.
12. Free movement of goods
Authors: Oliver Peter , Navarro Martín Martínez
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses EU law on the free movement of goods This includes the so-called non-fiscal rules prohibiting quantitative restrictions on the free movement of goods, such as quotas; and measures having equivalent effect, like the national rules on the composition of beer and pastaIt also includes the fiscal rules prohibiting customs duties, charges having equivalent effect, and discriminatory internal taxation. Together these rules form the basis of the EU’s customs union.
14. Free movement of legal persons and the provision of services
Authors: Barnard Catherine , Snell Jukka
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses EU rules which apply to a legal person’s establishment rights under Article 49 TFEU and its rights to provide services under Article 56 and 57 TFEU. It begins by discussing the Treaty provisions on freedom of establishment and free movement of services. It then considers some key pieces of secondary legislation adopted in the field of freedom of establishment and free movement of services - legislation intended to facilitate the operation of the freedoms in respect of legal persons.
1. The origins of the European Union and EU law
Authors: Berry Elspeth , Homewood Matthew J. , Bogusz Barbara
Published: August 2017

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter discusses the history of the European Union. It covers the historical rationale for the EU; the aims of the EU; the four stages of economic integration; economic and political difficulties; expansion of membership; institutional developments; legal developments; closer European integration; the Treaty of Rome (1957), the Single European Act (1986); the Treaty on European Union (1992); the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997); the Charter of Fundamental Rights; the Treaty of Nice (2001); the Treaty of Lisbon (2007); and the potential process for and impact of ‘Brexit’.
9. Human rights in the EU
Authors: Berry Elspeth , Homewood Matthew J. , Bogusz Barbara
Published: August 2017

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter begins with a brief history of human rights protection in Europe, including the separate role of the Council of Europe and the ECHR, as well as that of the EU and EU law. It then discusses the development of human rights protection by the EU; the need for human rights protection against the EU and its Member States; the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU; the enforcement of human rights in EU law; and the possibility of EU accession to the ECHR.
4. Discrimination in Employment
Authors: Smith Ian , Baker Aaron , Warnock Owen
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses anti-discrimination law in the UK in the employment sphere. After providing a brief history of the development of UK discrimination law, it introduces the Equality Act 2010, explaining the forms of discrimination it covers and how it works. Key concepts of equality law are then discussed, such as direct and indirect discrimination and unique mechanisms for proving a discrimination claim. After outlining the remedies available in discrimination actions, the chapter then explores issues specific to discrete grounds of discrimination. This analysis tackles sex-discriminatory dress codes, the problem of what counts as an ‘ethnicity’, and the apparent clash between protections against sexual orientation discrimination and religious discrimination. Finally, the specialized approaches to disability and age discrimination under the Equality Act are explained, rounding out a comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of UK employment discrimination law.
7. Unfair Dismissal
Authors: Smith Ian , Baker Aaron , Warnock Owen
Published: August 2017

This chapter focuses on unfair dismissal, beginning with a consideration of the necessary procedures for a fair dismissal and the vital role of the ACAS Code of Practice. It continues by looking at the statutory definition of ‘dismissal’ and then tackles the central question of what the statute means by ‘fair’ and ‘unfair’. The wisdom and legitimacy of the ‘band of reasonable responses’ test are questioned. Particular cases—including incapability, misconduct (including the relevance of human rights protections and of online misconduct), and redundancy and reorganization—are dealt with in detail, as are automatically unfair dismissals that exist to give extra protection to certain employees. The chapter concludes with the complex law on remedies if a dismissal is unfair.
8. Redundancy, Reorganization, and Transfers of Undertakings
Authors: Smith Ian , Baker Aaron , Warnock Owen
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses issues concerning a company threatened by hard times or stiff competition, which may need to sell part of its operation, dismiss some employees, and change the terms and conditions of work for other employees. It tackles these situations together both for the practical benefit of grouping issues that arise from similar factual settings and for the analytical coherence of dealing together with protections designed to balance worker interests in job security with the general economic interest in lean, efficient, and flexible enterprise. ‘Redundancy’ is a statutory concept for these purposes, not a common-sense one, and so it is first necessary to devote some time to its statutory definition, which can still cause problems 40 years after the original statutory coverage. The discussion then focuses on distinctions in how tribunals assess the fairness of redundancy dismissals as opposed to other dismissals caused by reorganization. Finally, the chapter addresses the implications of the transfer of undertakings, governed by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006.
20. Freehold Covenants
Authors: Bogusz Barbara , Sexton Roger
Published: August 2017

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter discusses the difference between restrictive and positive covenants; the rules which govern the running of the burden of covenants; the rules regulating who initially has the right to enforce a covenant; the significance of s56 of the Law of Property Act 1925, and the impact of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999; the rules regarding assignment of restrictive covenants; the concept ‘building scheme’; and whether a positive or restrictive covenant will pass to successors in title.
21. Escaping from Restrictive Covenants
Authors: Bogusz Barbara , Sexton Roger
Published: August 2017

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter discusses the various options available to developers whose plans are obstructed by restrictive covenants. It covers ignoring restrictive covenants; attempting to buy out the dominant owners; modification or discharge of a covenant under s84(1) of the Law of Property Act 1925; and balancing interests of the parties.
22. The Creation of Mortgages
Authors: Bogusz Barbara , Sexton Roger
Published: August 2017

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter discusses mortgage creation. It covers the definition of a mortgage; form of a legal mortgage of a fee simple before 1926; legal mortgages after 1925; legal mortgages of registered land; types of mortgages; mortgages of leases; and equitable mortgages of legal estates.
23. The Remedies of Mortgagees
Authors: Bogusz Barbara , Sexton Roger
Published: August 2017

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter discusses the remedies of legal mortgagees. These include action on a mortgagor's covenant to repay; mortgagees taking possession; the mortgagee's statutory power of sale; power to appoint a receiver; foreclosure; and remedies of an equitable mortgagee or chargee.
Foster on EU Law
Authors: Foster Nigel
Published: August 2017

Foster on EU Law offers an account of the institutions and procedures of the EU legal system as well as focused analysis of key substantive areas including free movement of goods, free movement of persons, citizenship, and competition law including state aids. This clear two-part structure provides a solid foundation in the mechanisms and applications of EU law. The book considers the supremacy of EU law in relation to ordinary domestic, member state constitutional law, and international law including UN Resolutions. It includes a consideration of EU law and the UK, including a consideration of the Brexit referendum result and its possible consequences, also of Germany, and France as well as a briefer look at a number of other member states. It also contains discussion of human rights, in particular the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the moves of the EU to accede to the ECHR. It follows the further developments of Art 263 TFEU and has re-arranged the material on the free movement of persons to take account of the judgments of the Court of Justice.
1. The History and Constitutional Basis of the European Union
Authors: Foster Nigel
Published: August 2017

This chapter considers the rationale for the EU, why it was established, what it is, and some of the difficulties encountered along that path to the present day. The discussions cover the motives for European integration; the founding of the European Communities; the relationship of the UK with the European Communities and Union including the Brexit referendum result and possible consequences; the basic objectives and nature of the European Union; the widening and deepening of the Communities and Union; and future developments and conclusions.
4. EU Law: Sources, Forms, and Law-making
Authors: Foster Nigel
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the EU’s legal system. It begins by taking an overall view of the EU legal order, the different forms of EU law, and the various sources of law contributing to this legal order, in particular now the rich source of human and fundamental rights in the EU legal order. It considers the non-strictly legally binding rules known as ‘soft law’. It also looks at the ways or processes by which the binding laws are made and reviews alternative decision-making and law-making developments.
5. The Supremacy of EU Law
Authors: Foster Nigel
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the supremacy of EU law from both the point of view of the Union as understood by the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the point of view of member states. A consensus seems to be emerging from the national and constitutional courts that EU law supremacy is accepted only insofar as it does not infringe the individual rights protection of the national constitutions, in which case the constitutional courts will exercise their reserved rights over national constitutions to uphold them over inconsistent EU law or to review EU law in light of their own constitutions. The changing position of the UK and the EU is also considered including the Brexit referendum result and possible consequences of that.
2. Institutions of the Union: composition and powers
Authors: Woods Lorna , Watson Philippa , Costa Marios
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the institutions within the European Union (EU), their powers and the relationship between the institutions. The main EU institutions are the European Parliament, the Council, the European Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the Court of Auditors. The chapter explains that these institutions are given different powers, and that they are required to work together in order to provide the checks and balances within the Union legal order, or the so-called institutional balance.
6. General principles of law
Authors: Woods Lorna , Watson Philippa , Costa Marios
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the development of the general principles by the Court of Justice (CJ) to support the protection of human rights in the European Union (EU) law. It analyses the relationship of the general principles derived from the CJ’s jurisprudence to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights (EUCFR). It discusses the possible accession of the EU to the ECHR and the implications of Opinion 2/13. It suggests that although the protection of human rights has been more visible since the Lisbon Treaty and there are now more avenues to such protection, it is debatable whether the scope and level of protection has increased.
20. Free movement of payments and capital
Authors: Woods Lorna , Watson Philippa , Costa Marios
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the rules concerning free movement of payment and capital within the European Union provided in Articles 63–6 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It explains the scope of and exceptions to the free movement of capital. The chapter also considers restrictions on free movement of capital between Member States and third countries. It highlights the willingness of the Court of Justice (CJ) to borrow principles from the other freedoms. This chapter also considers briefly the provisions relating to monetary union and the developments in the light of the financial crisis.
21. Citizenship: rights of free movement and residence
Authors: Woods Lorna , Watson Philippa , Costa Marios
Published: August 2017

This chapter examines the European Union (EU) law concerning citizenship and the right of residence and free movement. It suggests that while citizenship provides a broad framework of rights, it is important to recognise the higher level of protection awarded to the economically active under Articles 45 (workers), 49 (establishment), and 56 (services) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The chapter also considers the link between migration and the rights claimed, and highlights the underlying concerns about the abuse of Union law rights. The chapter highlights the latest contribution of the CJ in relation to the interpretation of the Citizens’ Rights Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC). It also considers the position of Third Country Nationals (who are family members or dependents of an EU national).
7. Misrepresentation
Authors: Taylor Richard , Taylor Damian
Published: August 2017

Without assuming prior legal knowledge, books in the Directions series introduce and guide readers through key points of law and legal debate. Questions, diagrams and exercises help readers to engage fully with each subject and check their understanding as they progress. This chapter is concerned with the territory just beyond the borders of the contract, where we find the representations which are not part of the contract but which influenced its creation and which, if false, are remedied by the law on misrepresentation. The discussions cover the key elements of the definition of misrepresentation; the differences between fraudulent, negligent and innocent misrepresentations and the remedies of rescission and the various rights to damages. This also includes the bars on the right to rescind, the principles of assessment of damages and the controls on excluding liability for misrepresentation.
9. Duress, undue influence and unconscionable bargains
Authors: Taylor Richard , Taylor Damian
Published: August 2017

Without assuming prior legal knowledge, books in the Directions series introduce and guide readers through key points of law and legal debate. Questions, diagrams and exercises help readers to engage fully with each subject and check their understanding as they progress. This chapter focuses on the principles applicable where a contract is entered into after there have been threats or improper influence brought to bear on one party or where the one-sided nature of the contract suggests that one party has been taken advantage of. The discussions cover duress (duress and pressure, threats against the person, threats against goods and economic duress); undue influence (actual undue influence, presumed undue influence and third-party cases); and unfairness and unconscionable bargains.
2. Basic Concepts of Personal Property
Authors: Clarke MA , Hooley RJA , Munday RJC , Sealy LS , Tettenborn AM , Turner PG
Published: August 2017

This chapter explores some basic concepts of personal property and personal property law. It first explains the distinction between personal and real property before discussing the nature of personal property as well as the characteristics and significance of property rights. It then considers ownership and possession of chattels, the acquisition and transfer of legal and equitable ownership in chattels, and attornment in respect of chattels. It also describes the acquisition and transfer of legal and equitable ownership in choses in action and intangibles. Finally, it examines the remedies for recovery of, and interference with, personal property and remedies available for protection of equitable property, including claims to trust assets and claims for breach of trust.
11. Seller’s obligations as to quality
Authors: Clarke MA , Hooley RJA , Munday RJC , Sealy LS , Tettenborn AM , Turner PG
Published: August 2017

This chapter considers the seller's obligations as to the characteristics and quality of goods to be sold. Sections 13–15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 lay down a series of implied obligations for the seller with respect to quality and fitness of the goods to be delivered. This chapter first considers the express and implied terms as to quality before discussing the implied condition that the goods will correspond with their description. It also examines the implied terms as to quality and fitness in general, the implied condition that goods are of satisfactory quality, the implied condition as to fitness for purpose, and terms implied in sales of goods by sample. Finally, it looks at the contractual modification of the seller's obligations as to quality and the product liability of a seller or manufacturer.
12. Performance of the contract
Authors: Clarke MA , Hooley RJA , Munday RJC , Sealy LS , Tettenborn AM , Turner PG
Published: August 2017

This chapter considers the duties of the seller under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 to give a good title to the goods he sells. The seller has a duty to deliver the goods in accordance with the terms of the contract of sale. Unless otherwise agreed, the seller must be ready and willing to give possession of the goods to the buyer in exchange for a certain amount. The chapter first explains the meaning of the term ‘delivery’ before discussing the duties of the seller to deliver the goods and to give a good title. It also examines the provisions of the Sale of Goods Act relevant to the sale of a limited title and the implied warranties as to freedom from encumbrances and quiet possession. Finally, it describes the statutory duties of the buyer to take delivery, to accept the goods, and to pay the price.
17. Payment cards
Authors: Clarke MA , Hooley RJA , Munday RJC , Sealy LS , Tettenborn AM , Turner PG
Published: August 2017

This chapter focuses on the use of payment cards in commercial transactions. Contactless cards are becoming increasing popular and account for 49 per cent of all cards in issue. Contactless payment is made through the tap of a card on (or by waiving it over) a reader, without requiring a personal identification number or signature. With the increased availability of mobile payment technology, contactless payments are likely to shift from cards to smartphones. This chapter begins with a discussion of the main types of payment card in general circulation in the UK, including credit (and charge) cards, debit cards, and ATM cards. It then considers contractual networks and the regulation of contractual relationships, along with liability for unauthorised transactions under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (CCA) and Payment Services Regulations 2009. It also describes connected lender liability under CCA.
24. Introduction
Authors: Clarke MA , Hooley RJA , Munday RJC , Sealy LS , Tettenborn AM , Turner PG
Published: August 2017

This chapter serves as an introduction to commercial credit and security. Credit plays an important role in the world of commerce. In the sale of goods, for example, the seller may have to borrow money from a bank so that he can obtain the buyer's order and supply the goods as required. The bank loan is a form of credit. This chapter first considers the definition of credit before discussing two forms of credit: loan credit and sale credit. It then examines the relevant provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the nature and purpose of security, real security and security interest, and quasi-security. It also describes the three stages involved in the process of creating an effective security interest: attachment, perfection, and priorities. Finally, it analyses the agreement to give security over future property and the proposed reform of the applicable law.
Determinants of Gadolinium-Enhancement of the Aneurysm Wall in Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Backes Daan , Hendrikse Jeroen , van der Schaaf Irene , Algra Ale , Lindgren Antti E , Verweij Bon H , Rinkel Gabriel J E , Vergouwen Mervyn D I
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that gadolinium-enhancement of the aneurysm wall may reflect aneurysm wall inflammation, which might increase the risk of aneurysm growth or rupture.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of gadolinium-enhancement and its determinants in patients with predominantly small (<7 mm) unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

We performed 3 T MRI aneurysm wall imaging in patients with ≥1 unruptured aneurysm. With Poisson regression analysis, we calculated crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess determinants of gadolinium-enhancement.

RESULTS

Gadolinium-enhancement was observed in 25/79 patients (32%; 95% CI: 21%-42%) and 26/89 aneurysms (29%; 95% CI: 20%-39%). With aneurysms 1.0-2.9 mm as reference, RRs were 4.6 (95% CI: 0.6-36.5) for 3.0 to 4.9 mm, 9.4 (95% CI: 1.3-67.2) for 5.0 to 6.9 mm, and 14.8 (95% CI: 2.1-104.6) for ≥7.0 mm. With internal carotid artery as reference, RRs adjusted for aneurysm size were 3.6 (95% CI: 1.1-11.4) for posterior communicating artery and 3.0 (95% CI: 1.0-8.6) for middle cerebral artery. RRs were 0.8 (95% CI: 0.4-1.8) for acetylsalicylic acid use, 0.9 (95% CI: 0.5-1.8) for statin use, 1.4 (95% CI: 0.7-2.8) for hypertension, 0.9 (95% CI: 0.4-1.8) for previous smoking, 0.9 (95% CI: 0.3-2.6) for never smoking, and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.7-2.7) for irregular aneurysm shape.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of patients had gadolinium-enhancement. Because aneurysm size is the strongest determinant of gadolinium-enhancement and also an established predictor for aneurysm growth and rupture, prospective studies with serial imaging need to investigate if gadolinium-enhancement predicts aneurysm growth and rupture.
A Novel Mohs Precision Tool
Authors: Kanevsky Jonathan , Safran Tyler , Viezel-Mathieu Alex , Hemmings Kurt , Khanna Manish
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment by Mohs micrographic surgery requires preparation of high-quality slides.

OBJECTIVE

To examine a novel tissue alignment device designed to address variability in tissue processing because of excessive sample trimming.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A device was designed to account for angular errors and unparalleled tissue embedding. A retrospective chart review was performed both with and without the use of the device over the course of a 4-year period (2012–2015).

RESULTS

Between January 1, 2012, and June 10, 2014, before device implementation, mean number of stages per case was 1.65 (n = 3,680) and mean number of surgeries per day was 6.34 (n = 640). Between June 11, 2014, and October 02, 2015, with device implemented, the average number of stages per case between decreased to 1.58 (n = 2,562) and the number of daily surgeries increased to 7.05 (n = 358). This represents a significant decrease in number of stages per case by 0.07 stages (95% CI: −0.01 to −0.13, p = .02), as well as an increase in the number of cases per day by 0.71 cases (95% CI: 0.12–1.3, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Slide preparation using the novel alignment device may result in less tissue waste and more cases being performed daily.
Dexamethasone impairs encoding and expression of aversive conditioning promoted by pentylenetetrazole
Authors: Cavalli Juliana , Hoeller Alexandre A. , Dal Bó Silvia , Bertoglio Leandro J. , de Lima Thereza C.M. , Carobrez Antonio P.
Published: August 2017

Behavioral and neuroendocrine responses following threatening situations promote the release of corticosterone, which is known to modulate trauma-related learning and memory process. However, it remains unknown whether the aversive learning generated by interoceptive fear conditioning is affected by glucocorticoid modulation. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of dexamethasone suppression in encoding and expression of pentylenetetrazole-induced olfactory fear conditioning (OFC) and in contextual second-order conditioning promoted by the conditioned odor. Adult male Long-Evans rats were treated with dexamethasone 60 min before the encoding or the expression in both OFC and contextual second-order conditioning. Dexamethasone treatment impaired encoding and expression of the OFC, but failed to impair encoding and expression of the contextual second-order conditioning. Altogether, our results show that although OFC and thereafter contextual second-order conditioning may allow the study of traumatic memories, each order of conditioning seems to present specific features related to their pharmacological modulation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the role of neuromodulatory systems in first-order and second-order conditioning to gain a better understanding of these phenomena and support future therapies related to traumatic memories.
Preparing Nursing and Social Work Students to Care for Patients in Acute Alcohol Withdrawal
Authors: Gates Sharon A. , Brown James R.
Published: August 2017

Alcohol and other drug abuse has become a national crisis with approximately 26% of general medical patients having alcohol-related problems. New nurses and social workers are often not prepared to care for patients with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms because they lack experience in actual crisis situations. The purpose of this study was to prepare nursing and social work students to care for a patient undergoing an acute alcohol withdrawal process. Nine groups of 8–10 students participated in a 2.5-hour simulation event that included an alcohol withdrawal seizure, team meeting, and discharge of the patient. Students recognized the importance of all the professional roles and how each professional benefits patient care. Before the simulation, students thought they were prepared to care for patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal; however, the crisis of an alcohol seizure decreased the student’s ability to perform skills and communicate effectively. These findings suggest that new nurses and social workers may not be prepared to care for the acute alcohol withdrawal patient.
Development Trajectories and Predictors of the Role Commitment of Nursing Preceptors
Authors: WANG Wei-Fang , HUNG Chich-Hsiu , LI Chung-Yi
Published: August 2017

Background:

The commitment of nursing preceptors to their role is an important driving force that supports their clinical teaching and affects teaching quality. Role commitment undergoes dynamic development and thus changes over time. Existing studies have utilized only cross-sectional study designs and have not analyzed the changes in commitment trajectories with related factors.

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the development trajectories of the commitment of preceptors and to examine the predictors between the trajectories of role commitment among nursing preceptors.

Methods:

A single-group, repeated-measures design was adopted, and 59 participants completed the Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale and the Preceptor’s Perception of Support Scale. The latent class growth analysis method was used to estimate the trajectory class patterns. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, a nonparametric method, was used to compare the differences in demographic characteristics between the trajectories of commitment among nursing preceptors. Predictors were examined using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The two-class model was the best-fitting model to describe the trajectories of nursing preceptor commitment. The two classes in this model were “low commitment,” which accounted for 90.3% of all the participants, and “high commitment,” which accounted for 9.7%. A significant difference was found between the two classes in terms of motivation for being a preceptor (p = .048). Neither demographic characteristics nor organizational support had a predictive effect on the trajectories of commitment development.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

This study found a low level of role commitment among new preceptors. Moreover, internal motivation was found to be a significant factor affecting the trajectories of this commitment. Therefore, institutions should foster an appropriate environment to enhance the role identity of preceptors as well as cultivate and stimulate their commitment to this role.
Palliative Sedation
Authors: Nelson Bander Peg
Published: August 2017

Palliative sedation at the end of life is a necessary option for patients who have intractable symptoms and are suffering when other palliative interventions have been ineffective. Although recognized in palliative care as an ethically sound and legally sanctioned practice, some nurses continue to express concern that death is being hastened. The intent of this article is to provide clarity to the practice of palliative sedation at end of life.
End-of-Life Care Attitudes Among Middle-Aged Koreans
Authors: Hong Michin , Kim HaeJung , Hong Seunghye , Kim Mee Hye
Published: August 2017

Given the increasing number of older adults in South Korea, it is critical to understand their attitudes toward end-of-life (EOL) care. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with the willingness to receive hospice care and complete advance directives among 2026 middle-aged adults in South Korea. On the basis of Andersen's behavioral model and previous research, predisposing factors (age, sex, education, and religion), enabling factors (income), need factors (perceived health and depressive symptoms), and death-related factors (death of family members or friends and knowledge about EOL care planning) were included as predictors. The results showed that being older and having a higher educational level, a higher monthly income, and better knowledge of EOL care planning were associated with the willingness to use hospice services. On the other hand, a higher educational level, a higher monthly income, better knowledge of EOL care planning, and the death of a family or friend in the past year were associated with the willingness to complete advance directives. Implications for practice, policy, and research to better serve the needs related to EOL care among middle-aged adults in South Korea were discussed.
Access and Barriers to Utilization of Palliative Care in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Brown Anna M. , Nelson Brittany H. , Beuscher Linda M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a terminal disease that can be diagnosed in children and adults. Adverse effects of treatment combined with a terminal illness can lead to a plethora of unmet patient needs that can be addressed by palliative care (PC).

Aim

The primary aim was to assess access to PC among pediatric PAH programs. The secondary aim was to describe barriers to utilization.

Method

A survey using multiple choice and analog scale was distributed in May 2016 to query access and utilization of PC among PAH specialists in North America and attitudes regarding aspects of PC as it relates to PAH patients. The results were analyzed descriptively and reported as percentages and medians (interquartile range).

Results

Of 30 surveys completed, 93% reported having access. Of respondents with access, 82% reported that they had referred to PC in the past, and 64% in the last 12 months. The most common reason for using PC was for psychosocial, emotional, and/or spiritual needs related to terminal illness (86%). Concepts identified as barriers were negative connotation, timing of referral, increased anxiety, and lack of PC education.

Conclusion

Adequate access to PC is reported; however, utilization is suboptimal. Referral is also delayed, which may result in patients being less prepared for end of life. Provider perceptions of PC support the notion of PC, but incorporation of these services is difficult because of its negative connotation, lack of knowledge surrounding PC, fear of increased anxiety with referral, and difficulty knowing when to refer.
AFQ-Browser: Supporting reproducible human neuroscience research through browser-based visualization tools
Authors: Yeatman Jason D. , Richie-Halford Adam , Smith Josh K. , Keshavan Anisha , Rokem Ariel
Published: August 2017

Human neuroscience research faces several challenges with regards to reproducibility. While scientists are generally aware that data sharing is an important component of reproducible research, it is not always clear how to usefully share data in a manner that allows other labs to understand and reproduce published findings. Here we describe a new open source tool, AFQ-Browser, that builds an interactive website as a companion to a published diffusion MRI study. Because AFQ-browser is portable -- it runs in any modern web-browser -- it can facilitate transparency and data sharing. Moreover, by leveraging new web-visualization technologies to create linked views between different dimensions of a diffusion MRI dataset (anatomy, quantitative diffusion metrics, subject metadata), AFQ-Browser facilitates exploratory data analysis, fueling new scientific discoveries based on previously published datasets. In an era where Big Data is playing an increasingly prominent role in scientific discovery, so will browser-based tools for exploring high-dimensional datasets, communicating scientific discoveries, sharing and aggregating data across labs, and publishing data alongside manuscripts.
Co-mutation and exclusion analysis in human tumors, a means for cancer biology studies and treatment design
Authors: Ochoa Soledad , Martínez-Pérez Elizabeth , Zea Diego Javier , Molina-Vila Miguel Angel , Marino-Buslje Cristina
Published: August 2017

Background

Malignant tumors originate from genomic and epigenomic alterations, which lead to loss of control of the cellular circuitry. These alterations relate with each other in patterns of mutual exclusion and co-occurrence that affect prognosis and treatment response and highlight the need for multitargeted therapy. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no systematic reports in the literature of co-dependent and mutually exclusive mutations across all types of cancer. In addition, the studies reported so far generally deal with whole genes instead of specific mutations, ignoring the fact that different alterations in the same gene can have widely different effects.

Results

Here we present a systematic analysis of co-dependencies of somatic mutations across all cancer types. Combining multi testing with conditional and expected mutational probabilities, we have found pairs and networks of co-mutations and exclusions, some of them in particular types of cancer and others widespread. We have also determined that driver loci are present in more types of cancer than non driver loci, that they tend to pair within a single gene and that those pairs are more often exclusions than co-mutations.

Conclusions

Based on this properties, we propose new drivers that warrant experimental validation. Our analysis is potentially relevant for cancer biology and classification, as well as for the rational selection of multitargeted therapeutic approaches.
Discovering genetic interactions bridging pathways in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Fang Gang , Wang Wen , Paunic Vanja , Heydari Hamed , Costanzo Michael , Liu Xiaoye , Liu Xiaotong , Oately Benjamin , Steinbach Michael , Van Ness Brian , Schadt Eric E. , Pankratz Nathan D. , Boone Charles , Kumar Vipin , Myers Chad L.
Published: August 2017

Genetic interactions have been reported to underlie phenotypes in a variety of systems, but the extent to which they contribute to complex disease in humans remains unclear. In principle, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a platform for detecting genetic interactions, but existing methods for identifying them from GWAS data tend to focus on testing individual locus pairs, which undermines statistical power. Importantly, the global genetic networks mapped for a model eukaryotic organism revealed that genetic interactions often connect genes between compensatory functional modules in a highly coherent manner. Taking advantage of this expected structure, we developed a computational approach called BridGE that identifies pathways connected by genetic interactions from GWAS data. Applying BridGE broadly, we discovered significant interactions in Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, hypertension, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Our novel approach provides a general framework for mapping complex genetic networks underlying human disease from genome-wide genotype data.
Transposable elements are the primary source of novelty in primate gene regulation
Authors: Trizzino Marco , Park YoSon , Holsbach-Beltrame Marcia , Aracena Katherine , Mika Katelyn , Caliskan Minal , Perry George H. , Lynch Vincent J. , Brown Christopher D.
Published: August 2017

Gene regulation shapes the evolution of phenotypic diversity. We investigated the evolution of liver promoters and enhancers in six primate species using ChIP-seq (H3K27ac and H3K4me1) to profilecis-regulatory elements (CREs) and using RNA-seq to characterize gene expression in the same individuals. To quantify regulatory divergence, we compared CRE activity across species by testing differential ChIP-seq read depths directly measured for orthologous sequences. We show that the primate regulatory landscape is largely conserved across the lineage, with 63% of the tested human liver CREs showing similar activity across species. Conserved CRE function is associated with sequence conservation, proximity to coding genes, cell-type specificity, and transcription factor binding. Newly evolved CREs are enriched in immune response and neurodevelopmental functions. We further demonstrate that conserved CREs bind master regulators, suggesting that while CREs contribute to species adaptation to the environment, core functions remain intact. Newly evolved CREs are enriched in young transposable elements (TEs), including Long-Terminal-Repeats (LTRs) and SINE-VNTR-Alus (SVAs), that significantly affect gene expression. Conversely, only 16% of conserved CREs overlap TEs. We tested thecis-regulatory activity of 69 TE subfamilies by luciferase reporter assays, spanning all major TE classes, and showed that 95.6% of tested TEs can function as either transcriptional activators or repressors. In conclusion, we demonstrated the critical role of TEs in primate gene regulation and illustrated potential mechanisms underlying evolutionary divergence among the primate species through the noncoding genome.
An atlas of alternative splicing profiles and functional associations reveals new regulatory programs and genes that simultaneously express multiple major isoforms
Authors: Tapial Javier , Ha Kevin C.H. , Sterne-Weiler Timothy , Gohr André , Braunschweig Ulrich , Hermoso-Pulido Antonio , Quesnel-Vallières Mathieu , Permanyer Jon , Sodaei Reza , Marquez Yamile , Cozzuto Luca , Wang Xinchen , Gómez-Velázquez Melisa , Rayon Teresa , Manzanares Miguel , Ponomarenko Julia , Blencowe Benjamin J. , Irimia Manuel
Published: August 2017

Alternative splicing (AS) generates remarkable regulatory and proteomic complexity in metazoans. However, the functions of most AS events are not known, and programs of regulated splicing remain to be identified. To address these challenges, we describe the Vertebrate Alternative Splicing and Transcription Database (VastDB), the largest resource of genome-wide, quantitative profiles of AS events assembled to date. VastDB provides readily accessible quantitative information on the inclusion levels and functional associations of AS events detected in RNA-seq data from diverse vertebrate cell and tissue types, as well as developmental stages. The VastDB profiles reveal extensive new intergenic and intragenic regulatory relationships among different classes of AS and previously unknown and conserved landscapes of tissue-regulated exons. Contrary to recent reports concluding that nearly all human genes express a single major isoform, VastDB provides evidence that at least 48% of multiexonic protein-coding genes express multiple splice variants that are highly regulated in a cell/tissue-specific manner, and that >18% of genes simultaneously express multiple major isoforms across diverse cell and tissue types. Isoforms encoded by the latter set of genes are generally coexpressed in the same cells and are often engaged by translating ribosomes. Moreover, they are encoded by genes that are significantly enriched in functions associated with transcriptional control, implying they may have an important and wide-ranging role in controlling cellular activities. VastDB thus provides an unprecedented resource for investigations of AS function and regulation.
From famine to feast as dual diagnosis features in new UK government policy and strategy
Authors: Hamilton Ian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the latest policy announcements by the UK Government and how they relate to people who have co-occurring mental health and substance use problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A rapid review was undertaken of policy, strategy and guidance.

Findings

All three publications are united by their ambition to improve the care and treatment for people who have developed problems with substances and their mental health. The challenge will be to realise these ambitions in an environment where financial and human resources are contracting.

Originality/value

It is important for clinicians, commissioners of treatment and researchers to be kept informed of policy development and how these initiatives will affect people with mental health and substance use problems.
Practices and challenges of internationalization of higher education in China; international students’ perspective
Authors: Larbi Frank Okai , Fu Wangqian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to conceptualize international students’ perception on the internationalization of higher education in China and identify some challenges faced by some of the higher educational institutions (HEIs) in their internationalization practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized the qualitative research method, specifically, the researchers employed structured interview for investigation. The population of this research includes 15 international students and five Chinese professors teaching in BNU. Participants’ responses were categorized to provide a better understanding of the subject of study.

Findings

This study identified some push-pull factors that influenced international students’ decision making to pursue their studies in China. Some of the push factors identified include the high cost of graduate education, unavailability of some academic courses in some students’ home countries, international exposure, and unemployment, whereas the pull factors identified constitute scholarship opportunities, an alliance between BNU and others foreign universities, global job opportunity, universities’ prestige, and ranking, Chinese history and culture, and technological advancement. Finally, the challenges discovered are professors and students’ relationship, language barrier, separation of international and Chinese students, and lack of internship opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an in-depth understanding of the case presented and has outlined some key areas to be improved in the internationalization process of Chinese HEIs. Further studies in this area are encouraged to critically analyze foreign faculty members’ experiences and contributions to Chinese internationalization of HE process in different institutions and provide a substantial framework to help mitigate some of the challenges that will emerge.

Originality/value

This research collated and addressed the lived experiences and perception on matters relevant for international practices by Chinese HEIs. Researchers have explained the assumptions and theory used in this study to better understanding the issues that emerged.