bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Relocation Patterns and Psychosocial Stressors in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Among Earthquake Survivors
Authors: Salcioglu Ebru , Ozden Sahin , Ari Furkan
Published: December 2016

The psychological impact of relocation within and outside of a disaster region was examined in 541 survivors of the 2011 Van earthquake in Turkey at 16.5 months postdisaster. Relocation out of the region was determined by disaster-related property/financial losses and fear during the earthquake. Anticipatory fear of future earthquakes and less sense of control over life were the strongest predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms. Relocation within the disaster region predicted PTSD but not depression. Dissatisfaction with emotional support received from close ones was significantly associated with depression, but it was associated with PTSD at a marginally significant level. Survivors who experienced more intense fear during the earthquake displayed higher levels of anticipatory fear in the long term, whereas avoidance of trauma reminders and fear-evoking situations sustained anticipatory fear of future earthquakes. These findings suggest that interventions that reduce fear and avoidance behaviors would help survivors overcome traumatic stress and depressive symptoms.
Germ granules prevent accumulation of somatic transcripts in the adultC. elegansgermline
Authors: Kekūpa’a Knutson Andrew , Egelhofer Thea , Rechtsteiner Andreas , Strome Susan
Published: December 2016

The germ cells of multicellular organisms protect their developmental potential through specialized mechanisms. A shared feature of germ cells from worms to humans is the presence of non-membrane-bound ribonucleoprotein organelles called germ granules. Depletion of germ granules inCaenorhabditis elegans(i.e., P granules) leads to sterility and in some germlines expression of the neuronal transgeneunc-119::gfpand the muscle myosin MYO-3. Thus, P granules are hypothesized to maintain germ cell totipotency by preventing somatic development, although the mechanism by which P granules carry out this function is unknown. In this study, we performed transcriptome and single molecule RNA-FISH analyses of dissected P-granule-depleted gonads at different developmental stages. Our results demonstrate that P granules are necessary for adult germ cells to down-regulate spermatogenesis RNAs and to prevent the accumulation of numerous soma-specific RNAs. P-granule-depleted gonads that express theunc-119::gfptransgene also express many other genes involved in neuronal development and concomitantly lose expression of germ cell fate markers. Finally, we show that removal of either of two critical P-granule components, PGL-1 or GLH-1, is sufficient to cause germ cells to express UNC-119::GFP and MYO-3 and to display RNA accumulation defects similar to those observed after depletion of P granules. Our data identify P granules as critical modulators of the germline transcriptome and guardians of germ cell fate.
Finite-sites multiple mutations interference gives rise to wavelet-like oscillations of multilocus linkage disequilibrium
Authors: Garcia Victor , Glassberg Emily C. , Harpak Arbel , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: December 2016

Within-host adaptation of pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often occurs at more than two loci. Multiple beneficial mutations may arise simultaneously on different genetic backgrounds and interfere, affecting each other's fixation trajectories. Here, we explore how these adaptive dynamics are mirrored in multilocus linkage disequilibrium (MLD), a measure of multi-way associations between alleles. In the parameter regime corresponding to HIV, we show that deterministic early infection models induce MLD to oscillate over time in a wavelet-like fashion. We find that the frequency of these oscillations is proportional to the rate of adaptation. This signature is robust to drift, but can be eroded by high variation in fitness effects of beneficial mutations. Our findings suggest that MLD oscillations could be used as a signature of interference among multiple equally advantageous mutations and may aid the interpretation of MLD in data.
Tumor Origin Detection with Tissue-Specific miRNA and DNA methylation Markers
Authors: Tang Wei , Wan Shixiang , Zou Quan
Published: December 2016

Motivation

Cancer of unknown primary origin constitutes 3-5% of all human malignancies. Patients with these carcinomas present with metastases without an established primary site, which may not be found even by thorough histological search methods. Patients with cancer of unknown primary origin always have poor prognosis and hardly have efficient treatment since most cancers respond well to specific chemotherapy or hormone drugs. Many studies have proposed classifiers based on miRNAs or mRNAs to predict the tumor origins, but few study focus on high-dimensional DNA methylation profiles.

Results

We introduced three classifiers with novel feature selection algorithm combined with random forest to effectively identify highly tissue-specific epigenetics biomarkers such as microRNAs and CpG sites, which can help us predict the origin site of tumors. This algorithm, incorporating differential analysis and descending dimension algorithm, was applied on 14 histological tissues and over 5000 samples based on miRNA expression and DNA methylation profiles to assign given primary tumor to its origin tissue. Our study shows all of these three classifiers have an overall accuracy of 87.78% (72.55%-97.54%) based on miRNA datasets and an accuracy of 96.43% (MRMD: 87.85%-99.76%) or 97.06% (PCA: 92.44%-100%) based on DNA methylation datasets on predicting the origin of tumors and suggests that the biomarkers we selected can efficiently predict the origin of tumors and allow the clinicians to avoid adjuvant systemic therapy or to choose less aggressive therapeutic options. We also developed a user-friendly webserver which enables users to predict the origin site of tumors by uploading the miRNAs expression or DNA methylation profiles of those cancers.

Availability

The webserver, data, and code are accessible free of charge athttp://server.malab.cn/MMCOP/

Contact

zouquan@nclab.net

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Colorectal cancer mutational profiles correlate with defined microbial communities in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Burns Michael B. , Montassier Emmanuel , Abrahante Juan , Priya Sambhawa , Niccum David E. , Khoruts Alexander , Starr Timothy K. , Knights Dan , Blekhman Ran
Published: December 2016

Variation in the gut microbiome has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as to host genetic variation. However, we do not know whether, in addition to baseline host genetics, somatic mutational profiles in CRC tumors interact with the surrounding tumor microbiome, and if so, whether these changes can be used to understand microbe-host interactions with potential functional biological relevance. Here, we characterized the association between CRC microbial communities and tumor mutations using microbiome profiling and whole-exome sequencing in 44 pairs of tumors and matched normal tissues. We found statistically significant associations between loss-of-function mutations in tumor genes and shifts in the abundances of specific sets of bacterial taxa, suggestive of potential functional interaction. This correlation allows us to statistically predict interactions between loss-of-function tumor mutations in cancer-related genes and pathways, including MAPK and Wnt signaling, solely based on the composition of the microbiome. These results can serve as a starting point for fine-grained exploration of the functional interactions between discrete alterations in tumor DNA and proximal microbial communities in CRC. In addition, these findings can lead to the development of improved microbiome-based CRC screening methods, as well as individualized microbiota-targeting therapies.

Author summary

Although the gut microbiome - the collection of microorganisms that inhabit our gastrointestinal tract - has been implicated in colorectal cancer, colorectal tumors are caused by genetic mutations in host DNA. Here, we explored whether various mutations in colorectal tumors are correlated with specific changes in the bacterial communities that live in and on these tumors. We find that the genes and biological pathways that are mutated in tumors are correlated with variation in the composition of the microbiome. In fact, these changes in the microbiome are consistent enough that we can use them to statistically predict tumor mutations solely based on the microbiome. Our results may be used to understand the roles of specific microbes in CRC biology, and could also be the starting point of microbiome-based diagnostics for not only detection of CRC, but characterization of tumor mutational profiles.
The impact of ribosomal interference, codon usage, and exit tunnel interactions on translation elongation rate variation
Authors: Dao Duc Khanh , Song Yun S.
Published: December 2016

Previous studies have shown that translation elongation is regulated by multiple factors, but the observed heterogeneity remains only partially explained. To dissect quantitatively the different determinants of elongation speed, we use probabilistic modeling to estimate initiation and local elongation rates from ribosome profiling data. This model-based approach allows us to quantify the extent of interference between ribosomes on the same transcript. We show that neither interference nor the distribution of slow codons is sufficient to explain the observed heterogeneity. Instead, we find that electrostatic interactions between the ribosomal exit tunnel and specific parts of the nascent polypeptide govern the elongation rate variation as the polypeptide makes its initial pass through the tunnel. Once the N-terminus has escaped the tunnel, the hydropathy of the nascent polypeptide within the ribosome plays a major role in modulating the speed. We show that our results are consistent with the biophysical properties of the tunnel.
Forgotten classics: The Business Guide by James L. Nichols (1894)
Authors: Miller Darryl W.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review a popular business handbook – The Business Guide – by James L. Nichols, first published around the turn of the twentieth century. The analysis is geared toward determining how it fits within the development of marketing thought and education.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the marketing history literature focusing on marketing thought, education and practice around the turn of the twentieth century is conducted. The content of The Business Guide is analyzed and compared with the themes reflected in the literature review.

Findings

Most editions appeared in the era just proceeding the emergence of marketing as distinct discipline. It is unlikely that it had any appreciable influence on the development of marketing thought. However, it was used as a textbook at North-Western College in Naperville, IL, and may have been at other early business education programs in the USA and Canada. Nichols’ treatment of marketing topics was consistent with the era. It reflected commodities and functional views. For him, marketing was primarily distribution along with advertising, pricing, product management and credit. Consistent with modern marketing philosophy, Nichols placed heavy emphasis on ethics.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that this book was published in multiple editions over several decades, it seems to have been largely forgotten. As far as is known, this paper is the only recent treatment of this historical artifact.
Forgotten classics: Motivation in Advertising, by Pierre Martineau (1957)
Authors: Beard Fred
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and summarize Pierre Martineau’s Motivation in Advertising and to assess its status as a valid forgotten classic of the marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Motivation in Advertising is reviewed and summarized, and its contributions to marketing and advertising history, thought and practice are assessed.

Findings

Martineau was among a handful of figures behind the “motivation research” movement among marketers and advertisers during the late 1940s to the 1960s. His “new philosophy” regarding communication theory, persuasion and advertising message strategy and tactics remains highly influential and relevant. Written during a period of tremendous growth in consumption in the USA and a revolution in the use of qualitative research in marketing and advertising, Martineau’s book represents much more than a work about his experiences with motivation research, but a significant contribution to advertising communication theory as well.

Originality/value

Pierre Martineau was the subject of a historical biography (Martin, 1985), which also focused substantially on the principal themes and contributions of Motivation in Advertising. The book was also widely reviewed shortly after its publication. This more recent review and assessment, however, reveals the work’s valuable historical insights into how postmodern consumption evolved and many present-day perspectives of consumer behavior and advertising effects coalesced during the Consumer Revolution and at the outset of modern advertising’s “Golden Age”.
Advertising in a regulated economy: Swedish advertisements 1760-1800
Authors: Murhem Sofia
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the nature of newspaper advertisements for goods in Stockholm newspapers in the 18th century by studying what goods were advertised, how frequently they were advertised and what marketing strategies were used. The findings are discussed in relation to results from other countries and the institutional context.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary sources used are three Swedish papers published in Stockholm, one national, Inrikes tidningar, and two local. Stockholms Weckobladh and Dagligt Allehanda. In all, more than 1300 advertisements were examined. In addition, a number of secondary sources were used.

Findings

In contrast to most other countries, the guilds held a firm grip on Sweden’s (and Stockholm’s) business life throughout the 18th century, and enforced strict restrictions on market entry. Thereby, competition was reduced, the number of tradesmen was more or less constant and the need for marketing was low. The guilds also restricted advertising. This led to marketing strategies being underdeveloped in comparison to other countries, which affected Swedish marketing and Swedish advertisements all through the 19th century. Marketing was a viable option in 18th century Sweden, but only for those not restricted by guilds and societies.

Originality/value

There has been very little research on 18th century Swedish marketing. The paper also illustrates the need for including the institutional context when discussing historical marketing, which often has been neglected for this period in the international literature.
Cross-emotional infection among multi-flight groups in mass flight delays
Authors: Jia Meng , Yang Yingbao
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study dynamic evolution of passenger emotional contagion among different flights emerging in mass flight delays, so as to quantitatively analyze emotional variation tendencies and influences of concerned factors and intervention measures.

Design/methodology/approach

An intervening variable of group emotion was introduced into emotional contagion model to simulate passenger emotional evolution among multi-flight groups. Besides, personalities, characters and social relationships were considered to represent individual differences in emotional changes. Based on personal contact relationships, emotional contagion model was proposed to evaluate cross-emotion transition processes among different groups under scenarios of information shortage. Eventually, evolutionary processes of passenger emotions were fused in an agent-based simulation based on social force correction model.

Findings

Simulation experiment results revealed that passenger emotions suffer from combined impacts of individual emotional changes and emotional interactions among adjacent flights through a comparison with actual survey. Besides, emotional interactions accelerate processes of emotion transitions, and have significant impacts on adjacent flights when different measures are taken. Moreover, taking intervention measures simultaneously seems more effective than implementing intervention successively.

Originality/value

The proposed method makes up for deficiency of ignoring effects of emotional interactions among adjacent flights. It contributes to providing control methods and strategies for relevant departments and improving the efficiency and ability of handling passenger collective events in mass flight delays.
Selection of risk response actions considering risk dependency
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zuo Fei
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to address the problem of selecting risk response actions (RRAs) considering the risk dependency that is seldom considered in the existing studies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a method based on the Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical-Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH) is proposed to measure the dependencies between the risks, and then a preference coefficient denoting the relative importance of the risk dependency is introduced. Besides, an exponential utility function is used to describe the project manager’s (PM) risk-averse behaviour. Finally, a mathematical model that incorporates the risk dependency and risk preference of the PM is constructed for selecting the RRAs.

Findings

Risk dependency plays an important role in the process of RRA selection. First, more expected utility can be obtained when the risk dependency is considered. Second, more attention should be paid to the risk dependency for coping with critical risks when the budget is tight.

Practical implications

This method can be applied to determine the RRAs when the risk dependency exists between the project risks.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a model to select RRAs with consideration of the risk dependency, which is an important issue from a theoretical as well as a practical perspective in project risk management.
Customer credit scoring using a hybrid data mining approach
Authors: Abedini Mohammadali , Ahmadzadeh Farzaneh , Noorossana Rassoul
Published: December 2016

Purpose

A crucial decision in financial services is how to classify credit or loan applicants into good and bad applicants. The purpose of this paper is to propose a four-stage hybrid data mining approach to support the decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is inspired by the bagging ensemble learning method and proposes a new voting method, namely two-level majority voting in the last stage. First some training subsets are generated. Then some different base classifiers are tuned and afterward some ensemble methods are applied to strengthen tuned classifiers. Finally, two-level majority voting schemes help the approach to achieve more accuracy.

Findings

A comparison of results shows the proposed model outperforms powerful single classifiers such as multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine, logistic regression (LR). In addition, it is more accurate than ensemble learning methods such as bagging-LR or rotation forest (RF)-MLP. The model outperforms single classifiers in terms of type I and II errors; it is close to some ensemble approaches such as bagging-LR and RF-MLP but fails to outperform them in terms of type I and II errors. Moreover, majority voting in the final stage provides more reliable results.

Practical implications

The study concludes the approach would be beneficial for banks, credit card companies and other credit provider organisations.

Originality/value

A novel four stages hybrid approach inspired by bagging ensemble method proposed. Moreover the two-level majority voting in two different schemes in the last stage provides more accuracy. An integrated evaluation criterion for classification errors provides an enhanced insight for error comparisons.
Multi-scale numerical simulation analysis for influence of combined leaching and frost deteriorations on mechanical properties of concrete
Authors: Hu Jiang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The multi-scale numerical simulation method, able to represent the complexity of the random structures and capture phase degradation, is an effective way to investigate the long-term behavior of concrete in service and bridges the gap between research on the material and on the structural level. However, the combined chemical-physical deterioration mechanisms of concrete remain a challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the degradation mechanism of concrete at the waterline in cold regions induced by combined calcium leaching and frost damage.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of the NIST’s three-dimensional (3D) hydration model and the random aggregate model, realistic 3D representative volume elements (RVEs) of concrete at the micro-, the meso-, and the macro-scales can be reconstructed. The boundary problem method is introduced to compute the homogenized mechanical properties for both sound and damaged RVEs. According to the damage characteristics, the staggering method including a random dissolution model and a thermo-mechanical coupling model is developed to simulate the synergy deterioration effects of interacted calcium leaching and frost attacks. The coupled damage procedure for the frost damage process is based on the hydraulic pressure theory and the ice lens growth theory considering the relationship between the frozen temperature and the radius of the capillary pore. Finally, regarding calcium leaching as the leading role in actual engineering, the numerical methodology for combined leaching and frost damage on concrete property is proposed using a successive multi-scale method.

Findings

On the basis of available experimental data, this methodology is employed to explore the deterioration process. The results agree with the experimental ones to some extent, chemical leaching leads to the nucleation of some micro-cracks (i.e. damage), and consequently, to the decrease of the frost resistance.

Originality/value

It is demonstrated that the multi-scale numerical methodology can capture potential aging and deterioration evolution processes, and can give an insight into the macroscopic property degradation of concrete under long-term aggressive conditions.
An institutional perspective of the socioemotional-financial wealth relationship
Authors: Duran Patricio
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an institutional perspective of the Martin and Gomez-Mejia model. Specifically, this paper offers arguments of how institutions moderate the socioemotional wealth (SEW) and financial performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an individual commentary that explores country-level institutional contingencies that affect the predicted effect of SEW dimensions upon financial performance offered by Martin and Gomez-Mejia.

Findings

The paper offers arguments of how both formal and informal institutions, such as the legal protection of minority shareholders, labor and investors; freedom of expression and information; and the country’s culture, exacerbate or ameliorate the predicted effect of the five SEW dimensions upon financial performance.

Originality/value

By exploring an institutional perspective of the socioemotional and financial wealth relationship, this commentary offers additional boundary conditions to those offered by Martin and Gomez-Mejia to further refine their theory.
Understanding the environmental worldviews of Malaysian project managers
Authors: Lau Jasmine Leby , Hashim Ahmad Hariza , Samah Asnarulkhadi Abu , Salim Azizah Salim Syed
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dimensionality of the environmental concern scale (NEP) and to understand the environmental worldviews of Malaysian project managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among developer organisations registered with Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia in Klang Valley. Response was obtained from project managers and the final sample collected was 87 cases, representing a response rate of 24.5 per cent. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was conducted to investigate the underlying structure of the NEP items while frequency distribution for the data set was used to gauge the environmental worldviews of the respondents. In addition, face-to-face interviews were carried out to gather more information to complements the findings of quantitative analyses.

Findings

Five factors were extracted but due to heavy cross-loadings, two items from the original scale were dropped, reducing it to be a 13-item scale. The four factors retained explained 61.6 per cent of the variance and were duly named Human over nature, ecocrisis, rights of nature and limits of growth. High scores on both pro-NEP and pro-dominant social paradigm items revealed the co-existence of both ecological and utilitarian view of the environment among project managers. Similar outcome was obtained from interviews with project managers where they indicated efforts in finding compatibility between protecting the environment and exploiting natural resources for development.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was restricted to housing developers in Klang Valley, thus the findings cannot be generalised to all developer organisations or other construction occupational groups.

Practical implications

This research supported the multidimensionality claim of the environmental scale (NEP) where four distinctive dimensions were identified. The usage of individual subscales in understanding environmental beliefs may reveal interesting patterns in that each dimension could have positive and negative connotations on human behaviours. In addition, the co-existence of both an ecological and a utilitarian view of the environment revealed that these worldviews align well with sustainable development principles.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few local studies that attempt to understand the environmental worldviews of project managers.
Gestating times: women's accounts of the temporalities of pregnancies that end in abortion in England
Authors: Beynon‐Jones Siân M.
Published: December 2016

Tensions between the ‘clock time’ of medicine and the embodied times of its subjects are central to feminist writing concerning Western obstetric practice. In this article, I expand the focus of this literature by addressing the temporal dynamics of another site of reproductive healthcare: abortion provision. Echoing obstetric accounts of birth, time in legal, healthcare and social scientific discourse on abortion is routinely conceptualised as a finite resource contained within the pregnant/foetal body, which can be measured using clocks and calendars. I argue that women's interview accounts of their experiences of ending their pregnancies offer opportunities for critical reflection on this characterisation of pregnancy as linear ‘gestational time’. First, participants in this study re‐position the significance of gestational time by articulating its embodied meaning. Second, they provide alternative accounts of the temporality of pregnancy as a process which emerges through, and is disrupted by, the dynamics of socio‐material relations. The article considers the broader implications of women's accounts of pregnancy times for legal, healthcare and social scientific accounts of ‘later’ abortion.
The Effect of Certificate of Need Laws on All‐Cause Mortality
Authors: Bailey James
Published: December 2016

Objective

To test how Certificate of Need laws affect all‐cause mortality in the United States.

Data Sources

The data of 1992–2011 all‐cause mortality are from the Center for Disease Control's Compressed Mortality File; control variables are from the Current Population Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and Area Health Resources File; and data on Certificate of Need laws are from Stratmann and Russ ().

Study design

Using fixed‐ and random‐effects regressions, I test how the scope of state Certificate of Need laws affects all‐cause mortality within US counties.

Principal Findings

Certificate of Need laws have no statistically significant effect on all‐cause mortality. Point estimates indicate that if they have any effect, they are more likely to increase mortality than decrease it.

Conclusions

Proponents of Certificate of Need laws have claimed that they reduce mortality by concentrating more care into fewer, larger facilities that engage in learning‐by‐doing. However, I find no evidence that these laws reduce all‐cause mortality.
Physician Engagement Strategies in Care Coordination: Findings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Health Care Innovation Awards Program
Authors: Skillman Megan , Cross‐Barnet Caitlin , Singer Rachel Friedman , Ruiz Sarah , Rotondo Christina , Ahn Roy , Snyder Lynne Page , Colligan Erin M. , Giuriceo Katherine , Moiduddin Adil
Published: December 2016

Objective

To identify roles physicians assumed as part of new health care delivery models and related strategies that facilitated physician engagement across 21 Health Care Innovation Award (HCIA) programs.

Data Sources

Site‐level in‐depth interviews, conducted from 2014 to 2015 (N = 672) with program staff, leadership, and partners (including 95 physicians) and direct observations.

Study Design

NORC conducted a mixed‐method evaluation, including two rounds of qualitative data collected via site visits and telephone interviews.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We used qualitative thematic coding for data from 21 programs actively engaging physicians as part of HCIA interventions.

Principal Findings

Establishing physician champions and ensuring an innovation‐values fit between physicians and programs, including the strategies programs employed, facilitated engagement. Among engagement practices identified in this study, tailoring team working styles to meet physician preferences and conducting physician outreach and education were the most common successful approaches.

Conclusions

We describe engagement strategies derived from a diverse range of programs. Successful programs considered physicians' values and engagement as components of process and policy, rather than viewing them as exogenous factors affecting innovation adoption. These types of approaches enabled programs to accelerate acceptance of innovations within organizations.
More carrots, less sticks: the role of incentives in drug treatment
Authors: Wincup Emma
Published: December 2016

Commentary to: Making the hard work of recovery more attractive for those with substance use disorders
Adsorption as a Contributor for Inflammatory Mediators Removal by Different Hemofiltration Membranes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Malard Benjamin , Florens Nans , Lambert Corine , Juillard Laurent
Published: December 2016

Atherosclerosis is an important predictor of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with a wide inflammatory response. The aim of this study is to evaluate in vitro how different membranes can remove mediators associated with this pathology in a closed loop dialysis model. We performed experimental hemofiltration in vitro using three different membrane materials. Human plasma was preliminarily incubated with various inflammatory mediators and filtered in a closed loop circulation model for 240 min. Respective concentrations of 17 different mediators were measured over time to study the removal mechanisms of each membrane, including associated removal time course. The experiment was repeated three times for the assay of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α to document the model variability. Means were compared using Mann–Whitney test. Most of the investigated mediators were effectively removed with the different dialysis membranes. Adsorption mechanism was mainly at the origin of the decrease in mediators circulating concentrations and was maximized in the region 10 000–20 000 Da. Especially, the HeprAN membrane showed fast removal capacities of mediators with elevated isoelectric point including complement factors and chemokines or having basic groups located in the protein periphery, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI‐1), and TNF‐α‐like. The latter was further significantly removed with HeprAN and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) compared to polyethersulfone (PES) material (P < 0.01). We concluded that dialysis using ionic adsorptive membrane could have a beneficial impact for CKD patients with atherosclerosis and would deserve further clinical investigations.
Skull shape variation in extant and extinct Testudinata and its relation to habitat and feeding ecology
Authors: Foth Christian , Rabi Márton , Joyce Walter G.
Published: December 2016

Turtles (Testudinata) are a diverse group of reptiles that conquered a broad set of habitats and feeding ecologies over the course of their well‐documented evolutionary history. We here investigate the cranial shape of 171 representatives of the turtle lineage and the relationship of shape to different habitat and diet preferences using two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics. The skull shape of extant turtles correlates with both ecological proxies, but is more affected by habitat than diet. However, the application of these correlations to extinct turtles produces mostly flawed results, as least when compared to external data such as sedimentary environment, highlighting that the morphospace held by extant turtles is not necessarily the optimal location in tree space for a particular ecology. The inability of this study to correctly predict the ecology of extinct turtles is likely related to the fact that the shape of turtle skulls is dominated by the emarginations and jaw closure mechanisms, two shape features unrelated to habitat or feeding ecology. This indicates that various specializations that are apparent in the skull only contribute little to overall shape.
Service user satisfaction with cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis: Associations with therapy outcomes and perceptions of the therapist
Authors: Lawlor Caroline , Sharma Bina , Khondoker Mizanur , Peters Emmanuelle , Kuipers Elizabeth , Johns Louise
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Few studies have investigated service user satisfaction with cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp). This study explored its associations with clinical presentation and outcomes, retrospective expectations of progress, perceptions of the therapist, and demographic variables.

Design and methods

One hundred and sixty‐five service users completed self‐report questionnaires pre‐ and post‐CBTp in relation to the constructs of interest. Regression analyses explored associations with (1) overall satisfaction with therapy and (2) perceived progress, skills, and knowledge gained.

Results

Ninety‐six per cent of service users reported satisfaction with therapy. Higher levels of overall satisfaction with, and perceived benefit from, therapy were associated with positive therapy expectations, positive ratings of therapist's personal qualities, competence and trustworthiness, lower pre‐therapy depression, and improvements in quality of life. Symptom improvements were not related to overall satisfaction with therapy; however, with the exception of voices, better clinical outcomes were associated with subjective ratings of having made more progress and gained more CBT skills and knowledge. Demographic factors were not associated with satisfaction or perceived progress. In multiple regression analyses, expectations of progress showed the strongest associations with both satisfaction and perceived benefits. Other remaining significant associations consisted of perceptions of the therapist for satisfaction, and both pre‐therapy levels of, and changes in, depression for perceived benefits. Qualitative feedback emphasized the importance of the therapeutic relationship and developing new coping strategies.

Conclusions

The findings provide preliminary evidence that high levels of satisfaction with therapy are not contingent on good clinical outcomes and are instead associated with positive therapy expectations and perceptions of the therapist.

Practitioner points

Therapy expectations represent a neglected area of research and may have implications for levels of satisfaction with therapy and perceived benefit.

The findings reinforce the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) therapists demonstrating that they are supportive, competent, and trustworthy.

The findings suggest that positive experiences of therapy do not require changes in psychosis symptoms and are instead related to changes in quality of life.

Depressive symptoms at the start of therapy may adversely influence the extent to which CBT skills and knowledge are gained and levels of perceived progress at the end of therapy.

The present sample was restricted to service users who completed therapy.

Satisfaction levels were high. Further research is needed to explore factors associated with dissatisfaction with therapy.
The importance of romantic love to people with learning disabilities
Authors: Bates Claire , Terry Louise , Popple Keith
Published: December 2016

Accessible summary

Much research has taken place to understand love and what it means.

People with learning disabilities can have difficulties finding love for many reasons.

People with learning disabilities were interviewed, and they said that having a partner who loved them and who provided company and support was very important to them.

People enjoyed a physical relationship; this could be kissing, cuddling or having sex.

People who had been abused in some way said it felt good to have a partner who loves and supports them.

Good support from staff was important to help people to find love. A drawing was made to explain to staff how they can support people with relationships.

Background: Love is important aspect of life, including to people with learning disabilities both historically and more recently. Participants value the companionship, support and social status associated with a partner. Relationships are considered mechanisms to meet certain needs including feeling loved, company, intimacy and enabling individuals to marry and have children. This article examines the importance of romantic love to people with learning disabilities.

Methods: A hermeneutic phenomenological study, guided by the theory of Van Manen was conducted using interviews with eleven people with learning disabilities examining the importance of romantic love.

Results: The analysis revealed that love was important to them, specifically the companionship and support a loving partner provided. The physical expression of love by a partner was valued highly, especially kissing and cuddling. Most participants had experienced some form of abuse, but it appeared that the love of a partner was reparative and they were able to form satisfying relationships.

Conclusion: Participants’ narratives highlighted the role staff play in supporting them to fulfill their romantic needs. The romantic relationship needs of people with learning disabilities were examined in relation to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The hierarchy was revised to reflect the value of having a loving relationship to people with learning disabilities and to identify the support they required to facilitate and maintain this.
Prosocial Arousal in Children
Authors: Hepach Robert
Published: December 2016

Children's prosociality emerges early in life, which suggests that helping others is rooted deeply in human nature. At the same time, the motivation underlying young children's instrumental helping poses a puzzle. Children do not express a specific emotion such as sympathy when removing physical obstacles for others. Instead of being motivated by a concern for others’ well‐being, toddlers may act to tie up loose ends or engage in social interactions, or they may be motivated because their goals align with those of others. Recent research has addressed the underlying motivation of children's helping by directly measuring children's internal arousal via changes in the dilation of their pupils. In several studies, children's arousal in response to others’ unfulfilled needs is genuinely prosocial and linked to the well‐being of others. This prosocial arousal may lie at the heart of not only children's instrumental helping but also their prosociality in general.
The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Samimi Mansooreh , Zarezade Mehrizi Maryam , Foroozanfard Fatemeh , Akbari Hossein , Jamilian Mehri , Ahmadi Shahnaz , Asemi Zatollah
Published: December 2016

Background

Data on the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on metabolic profiles among subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce.

Objective

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in subjects with PCOS.

Design, patients and measurements

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted on 60 women diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to intake either 100 mg CoQ10 supplements (N = 30) or placebo (N = 30) per day for 12 weeks. Markers of insulin metabolism and lipid profiles were assessed at first and 12 weeks after the intervention.

Results

After 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the placebo, subjects who received CoQ10 supplements had significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (−0·24 ± 0·51 vs +0·01 ± 0·44 mmol/l, P = 0·04), serum insulin concentrations (−7·8 ± 14·4 vs +6·0 ± 15·0 pmol/l, P < 0·001), the homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (−0·3 ± 0·6 vs +0·2 ± 0·6, P = 0·001), the homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated B‐cell function (−5·4 ± 9·5 vs +4·5 ± 9·9, P < 0·001) and increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0·006 ± 0·009 vs −0·006 ± 0·01, P < 0·001). In addition, changes in serum total‐ (−0·10 ± 0·48 vs +0·19 ± 0·50 mmol/l, P = 0·02) and LDL‐cholesterol concentrations (−0·15 ± 0·40 vs +0·14 ± 0·49 mmol/l, P = 0·01) in supplemented women were significantly different from those of women in the placebo group. When we adjusted the analysis for baseline values of biochemical parameters, age and baseline BMI, serum LDL‐cholesterol (P = 0·05) became nonsignificant, and other findings did not alter.

Conclusions

Overall, CoQ10 supplementation for 12 weeks among subjects with PCOS had beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, serum total‐ and LDL‐cholesterol levels.
A Bi‐Directional Procedural Model for Architectural Design
Authors: Hua H.
Published: December 2016

It is a challenge for shape grammars to incorporate spatial hierarchy and interior connectivity of buildings in early design stages. To resolve this difficulty, we developed a bi‐directional procedural model: the forward process constructs the derivation tree with production rules, while the backward process realizes the tree with shapes in a stepwise manner (from leaves to the root). Each inverse‐derivation step involves essential geometric‐topological reasoning. With this bi‐directional framework, design constraints and objectives are encoded in the grammar‐shape translation. We conducted two applications. The first employs geometric primitives as terminals and the other uses previous designs as terminals. Both approaches lead to consistent interior connectivity and a rich spatial hierarchy. The results imply that bespoke geometric‐topological processing helps shape grammar to create plausible, novel compositions. Our model is more productive than hand‐coded shape grammars, while it is less computation‐intensive than evolutionary treatment of shape grammars.
The effectiveness of an outdoor adventure programme for young children with autism spectrum disorder: a controlled study
Authors: Zachor Ditza A , Vardi Shira , Baron‐Eitan Shani , Brodai‐Meir Inbal , Ginossar Noa , Ben‐Itzchak Esther
Published: December 2016

Aim

Outdoor adventure programmes aim to improve interpersonal relationships using adventurous activities. The current study examined the effectiveness of an outdoor adventure programme in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Method

The study included 51 participants (40 males, 11 females; age 3y 4mo–7y 4mo) enrolled in ASD special education kindergartens. Only the intervention group (n=30) participated in the outdoor adventure programme for 13 weeks, completing challenging physical activities that required cooperation and communication with peers and instructors. The control group (n=21) was not significantly different from the research group in age, sex, cognitive, and adaptive behaviour measures.

Results

Outcomes after the intervention revealed significant improvement in social‐communication and different directions in the two groups in the social cognition, social motivation, and autistic mannerisms subdomains of the Social Responsiveness Scale. While the group that received an outdoor adventure programme showed a tendency toward a reduction in severity, the control group showed the opposite (p<0.010).

Interpretation

The outdoor adventure programme required problem‐solving skills and forced the child to communicate in exciting situations. This study suggests that an outdoor adventure programme may be an effective intervention in addition to traditional treatments in young children with ASD. Future studies should examine the outcome of outdoor adventure programmes delivered for longer periods of time and maintenance of the achievements over time.
Investigation of residual stresses in a repair‐welded rail head considering solid‐state phase transformation
Authors: Jun H‐K , Kim D‐W , Jeon I‐S , Lee S‐H , Chang Y‐S
Published: December 2016

Repair welding for recovery from local damage of a rail head surface is known to cause high residual stress and can accelerate fatigue in the rail. This study examines repair‐welded rails by applying experimental and numerical approaches. In the former approach, two newly manufactured rail specimens and four repair‐welded rail specimens with two different weld depths were prepared, and their residual stresses were measured with a sectioning method. In the latter approach, a finite element repair welding simulation model was developed that adopted a prescribed temperature method with a moving block as an input heat source, and the thermal strain caused by the volume change due to solid‐state phase transformation was considered. Overall, the residual stresses correlated well between the experimental and numerical approaches. The measured high compressive residual stress of −290 MPa seems to be beneficial to prevent a crack initiation in the rail surface.