bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xanthippe: Shrew or Muse
Authors: Saxonhouse Arlene
Published: September 2018

Socrates's wife Xanthippe has entered the popular imagination as a shrewish character who dumps water on the inattentive Socrates. Such popular portrayals are intended largely to highlight what makes Socrates such an appealing character. But she also appears briefly in Plato's dialogue the Phaedo, the dialogue that takes place in Socrates's prison cell, recounts the conversation about death and immortality that took place there, and then reports the events surrounding Socrates's death after drinking the hemlock. After a review of the ancient anecdotes about Xanthippe and possible readings of those anecdotes, this article considers the significance of Xanthippe's presence early in the Phaedo for our understanding of the conversation between Socrates and his companions. In this way, Xanthippe moves from the role of the shrew to—if not exactly a muse—at least a question mark. That we even know her name may indicate a force of personality too readily scorned by those highlighting her shrewish nature.
CURRENCY UNION WITH OR WITHOUT BANKING UNION
Authors: Bignon Vincent , Breton Régis , Rojas Breu Mariana
Published: September 2018

We build a symmetric two‐country monetary model with credit to study the interplay between currency integration and credit markets integration. The currency arrangement affects credit availability through default incentives. We capture credit markets integration by the extra cost incurred to obtain credit for cross‐border transactions and, with the euro area context in mind, label as banking union a situation where this cost is low. For high levels of the cross‐border credit cost, currency integration may magnify default incentives, leading to more credit rationing and lower welfare. The integration of credit markets restores the optimality of the currency union.
Viscosities and working region predictions for bismuth aluminoborosilicate glasses
Authors: Gardner Levi D. , Riley Brian J. , Elliott Casey , Simpson Michael , Carlson Krista
Published: September 2018

Bismuth aluminoborosilicate glasses were prepared using a standard melt‐quench technique, and the viscosity and thermal properties were measured and analyzed. Electron microprobe analysis was used to examine glass homogeneity. Fragility was calculated based on Mauro–Yue–Ellison–Gupta–Allan model fits to the viscosity curves. The system is characterized by an open structure with high fragility (44‐59). Based on microanalysis and differential scanning calorimetry results, the addition of network intermediate Al2O3appears to mitigate both phase separation and crystallization. From thermal property data, mixture models were created to predict the glass transition temperatures and softening temperatures as functions of composition. Based on K‐fold validation findings, the first‐order mixture model predictions of glass transition and softening appear to approximate actual values better than models with any additional second‐order terms.
Differences of Mohs micrographic surgery in basal cell carcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Delgado Jiménez Yolanda , Camarero‐Mulas Celia , Sanmartín‐Jiménez Onofre , Garcés Joan R. , Rodríguez‐Prieto Manuel Ã. , Alonso‐Alonso Teresa , Miñano Medrano Roman , López‐Estebaranz Jose L. , de Eusebio Murillo Esther , Redondo Pedro , Ciudad‐Blanco Cristina , Toll Agusti , Artola Igarza Juan L. , Allende Markixana Irati , Suarez Fernández Ricardo , Alfaro Rubio Alberto , Alonso Pacheco Marãa L. , Vázquez‐Veiga Hugo , de la Cueva Dobao Pablo , Ruiz‐Salas Verónica , Vilarrasa Eva , Barchino Lucia , Morales‐Gordillo Victoriano , Ocerin‐Guerra Izascun , Navarro Tejedor Raquel , Hueso Luis , Mayor Arenal Matias , Seoane‐Pose Maria J. , Cano‐Martinez Natividad , Garcia‐Doval Ignacio , Descalzo Miguel A. ,   On behalf of REGESMOHS
Published: September 2018

Background

The two main tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There are no studies analyzing whether MMS is different when treating these two types of tumors.

Objective

We aim to compare the characteristics of the patients, the tumors, and MMS, and first‐year follow‐up of MMS in BCC and SCC.

Methods

REGESMOHS is a prospective cohort study of patients treated with MMS. The participating centers are 19 Spanish hospitals where at least one MMS is performed per week. Data on characteristics of the patients, tumors, and surgery were recorded. The follow‐up was done with two visits: the first visit within 1 month after surgery and the second one within the first year.

Results

From July 2013 to April 2017, a total of 2,669 patients who underwent MMS were included in the registry. Of them, 2,448 (93%) were diagnosed with BCC, and 181 (7%) were diagnosed with SCC. Patients with SCC were older than those with BCC (median age 73 years vs. 68 years) and presented immunosuppression more frequently. The tumor size was significantly larger in the SCC group. Regarding surgery, deeper invasion was more frequent in SCC, resulting in larger defects. Despite this, SCC did not require more stages to get clear margins or more time in the operating room. Incomplete Mohs was more frequent in the SCC group (6%) than in the BCC group (2%). The incidence of perioperative complications was higher when treating SCC. There were more relapses in the first‐year follow‐up in the SCC group.

Conclusion

There are significant differences when comparing MMS in BCC and SCC. Knowledge of these differences can help to prepare the patient and plan the surgery, optimizing results.
Effects of hot‐water and steam blanching of sliced potato on polyphenol oxidase activity
Authors: Moscetti Roberto , Raponi Flavio , Monarca Danilo , Bedini Giacomo , Ferri Serena , Massantini Riccardo
Published: September 2018

The worldwide potato production is considered the fourth‐most important food sector due to the increasing use of potatoes as raw materials for high‐convenience food. Enzymatic browning, due to polyphenol oxidase (PPO), is related to unacceptability by consumer. Among antibrowning agents, thermal treatments are viable alternatives. In this study, the efficacy of hot‐water and steam blanching at 80–90 °C of potato slices (1‐cm thick) was evaluated in terms of colour changes as well as PPO inactivation kinetics, substrate specificity and transition state parameters. In general, all treatments [1] bleached the slices, [2] inactivated PPO and [3] reduced its kinetic efficiency. Results from thermal inactivation kinetics promoted hot‐water blanching at 90 °C for approx. 2 min as the fastest treatment to obtain enzymatic‐stable potato slices. Moreover, steam blanching required more energy (53.93 ± 1.24 kJ mol−1) than hot‐water treatment (41.41 ± 4.51 kJ mol−1) to reach the transition state and then to unfold the PPO enzyme.
Weight‐based victimization from friends and family: implications for how adolescents cope with weight stigma
Authors: Himmelstein M. S. , Puhl R. M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Youth with overweight and obesity commonly experience weight‐based victimization. The ways that these youth cope with victimization can adversely impact their health. Despite considerable evidence that family members and friends are common perpetrators of weight‐based victimization, the relationships among different sources of victimization and coping responses of youth are unknown.

Objectives

The present study examined the relationships between weight‐based victimization from four sources (friends, peers, family members and teachers) and stigma‐specific coping responses in adolescents using linear regression.

Methods

Adolescents (ages 13–18 years; N = 148) enrolled in a national weight loss camp completed questionnaires about demographics, weight bullying, sources of teasing and internalized weight bias.

Results

Teasing sources explained a large proportion of the variance in coping strategies for weight‐based victimization. Weight teasing from friends was associated with greater frequency of negative emotions. Weight teasing from peers and friends were associated with greater frequency of coping via avoidance behaviours, while teasing from family was associated with fewer avoidance behaviours. Adolescents reported wanting more support from parents and stronger school policies to address weight‐bullying.

Conclusions

These results suggest associations between weight‐teasing sources and coping mechanisms. Interventions should examine the role of coping strategies to protect against adverse health effects of weight‐based victimization.
Experience coercion, post‐traumatic stress, and satisfaction with treatment associated with different coercive measures during psychiatric hospitalization
Authors: Guzmán‐Parra José , Aguilera‐Serrano Carlos , García‐Sanchez Juan Antonio , García‐Spínola Edgar , Torres‐Campos Daniel , Villagrán José María , Moreno‐Küstner Berta , Mayoral‐Cleries Fermín
Published: September 2018

Coercive measures are frequently used in psychiatric hospitalization. However, there are few studies that analyse perceived coercion, post‐traumatic stress, and subjective satisfaction with the hospitalization treatment associated with different types of coercive measures. The sample consisted of 111 patients admitted to two psychiatric units and divided into three groups based on the measure applied: involuntary medication (N = 41), mechanical restraint (N = 32), and combined measures (mechanical restraint and involuntary medication; N = 38). The outcome variables were perceived coercion evaluated with the Coercion Experience Scale (CES), post‐traumatic stress evaluated with the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), and satisfaction with the treatment evaluated with the Client's Assessment of Treatment (CAT). The results found higher levels of perceived coercion associated with the use of mechanical restraint (P = 0.002) and combined measures (P < 0.001) in comparison with involuntary medication. Additionally, in relation to post‐traumatic stress, mechanical restraint (P = 0.013) and combined measures (P = 0.004) were more stressful compared to involuntary medication. Finally, the use of combined measures was associated with lower satisfaction with inpatient psychiatric treatment compared to the use of involuntary medication (P = 0.006). The following recommendation would be consistent with the results found: if a patient does not specify a preference for some type of measure, involuntary medication could be used and mechanical restraint avoided, especially when used in combination with involuntary medication.
The roles of social identity and dynamic salient group formations for ERP program management success in a postmerger context
Authors: Mueller Stefan K. , Mendling Jan , Bernroider Edward W.N.
Published: September 2018

Large enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs and their critical success factors (CSFs) have been subject to intensive research in recent years. One of the key challenges is their complexity in terms of their duration, context, and social dynamics. The aim of this study is to investigate these matters with the help of an interpretative case study using the coding techniques of the grounded theory method. We extend extant ERP research by introducing a new theoretical perspective that helps to clarify how stakeholder perceptions and CSFs are interrelated, and evolve throughout the life cycle of a large ERP implementation conceptualized as a program in a postmerger context. Using Social Identity Theory as a metatheory for interpretation, we find that different perceptions of opposing salient groups are particularly important. Our result offers a dialectic process view of ERP program implementation success, which (1) considers the different perceptions of salient groups (2) at different points in time (phases) and (3) proposes that a low perceptual fit in relation to a specific CSF contributes to program failure as opposed to (4) a high perceptual fit in relation to the respective CSF, which contributes to program success. We offer a new theoretical lens and propositions for future work highlighting the importance of salient groups and their CSF perceptions for ERP program success. Practitioners can use our findings as a guide towards increasing the probability of success throughout the course of their ERP program life cycles.
Idea and innovation: Secure fixation between dermis and periosteum using perforator flap to prevent recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Liao Li‐Ying , Li Tzong‐Shiun , Chen Hung Chi
Published: September 2018

In the past decades, numerous surgical techniques and conservative treatments for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) had been discussed and published. There is still no consensus yet of the best techniques because of high recurrence rates and prolonged wound healing. In the case of complicated discharging sinus or recurrent PSD resistant to treatment with antibiotics, we recommend radical excision followed by a regional flap, which can obliterate the dead space with well‐vascularised tissue. In this article, we presented the technique of snug suture fixation between the dermis and periosteum using a superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap. The study demonstrates a few key concepts on the prevention of PSD recurrence, an off‐midline, well‐perfused flap that allows flattened natal cleft and obliteration of gluteal cleft and eventually showed good aesthetic results. We aim to demonstrate a reliable surgical technique for wound closure of recurrent pilonidal sinus after radical excision followed by reconstruction with an SGAP flap. The history, surgery, and images are described, and the literature is reviewed. The pitfalls of disease recurrence will be discussed in this literature. Keys to successful treatment will be elaborated. An 18‐year‐old female with recurrent pilonidal sinus disease over right medial gluteal region presented with sacral pain and infection. She developed progressive swelling and burst of abscess from several sinus tracts and did not respond to the treatment with antibiotics alone. After radical excision of the entire pilonidal sinus and adjacent fibrotic tissue, a deep and large defect was measured. A superior gluteal perforator flap was designed based on three perforators from the superior gluteal artery. A medial 3 cm of the SGAP flap was de‐epithelised to provide soft tissue bulk to obliterate the deep cavity. Strong sutures were applied to secure the flap to the periosteum. There was no recurrence at 3 years of follow up. The patient stood the operation well and had prompt recovery.
Observation and practical implications of nano‐scale phase separation in aluminosilicate glass optical fibers
Authors: Cavillon Maxime , Dragic Peter , Greenberg Bennett , Garofalini Stephen H. , Ballato John
Published: September 2018

This communication provides direct experimental evidence of nano‐scale phase separation in as‐fabricated high‐alumina content (>25 mole percent) optical fibers, experimentally corroborating recent molecular dynamic simulations. In addition, previously incorrect assumptions of glass homogeneity in low‐loss binary aluminosilicate optical fibers are corrected and practical implications for such intrinsically low nonlinearity glass optical fiber amplifiers and lasers are discussed.
Facile preparation of ultralight polymer‐derived SiOCN ceramic aerogels with hierarchical pore structure
Authors: Zhao Wanyu , Shao Gang , Han Shixian , Cai Chunhui , Liu Xingcen , Sun Mengran , Wang Hailong , Li Xinjian , Zhang Rui , An Linan
Published: September 2018

SiOCN ceramic aerogels with lightweight, high surface areas, and macro‐meso pores have been synthesized by a facile method combining freeze‐drying technique and polymer‐derived ceramic route. The wet gels are synthesized via the hydrosilylation reaction between polysilazane and divinylbenzene with cyclohexane as solvent. The solvent is then removed by a freeze‐drying process to form pre‐ceramic aerogels. The SiOCN ceramic aerogels are finally obtained by pyrolyzing the pre‐ceramic aerogels at 1000°C in ultrahigh purity N2. The thermogravimetric and mass spectrometry system (TG/DSC‐MS) is used to investigate the polymer‐to‐ceramic conversion process during pyrolysis. The phase composition, structure, and morphology of the SiOCN ceramic aerogels are investigated by XRD, FT‐IR, XPS, and SEM. The results show that SiOCN ceramic aerogels are composed of amorphous matrix phase and “free carbon” phase. The SiOCN aerogels possess three‐dimensional (3D) network porous structure with low density (0.19 g/cm3), high specific surface area (134 m2/g), large pore volume (0.49 cm3/g), and hierarchical pore structures of both macro and meso pores. The formation mechanism and evolution process of SiOCN ceramic aerogels are discussed.
Braving the Waves? Europe's Constitutional Settlement at Twenty
Authors: Nicolaidis Kalypso
Published: September 2018

This article reflects on the diagnosis proposed in 1998 by Moravcsik and Nicolaidis that the EU had reached an incipient constitutional settlement and makes two connected arguments. First, analytically, that contrary to the prevailing view, the EU's constitutional settlement is holding, although it has come under assault from federalists and sovereignists alike. The bicycle theory nevertheless continues to hold sway perhaps because paradigm shifts always exhibit significant lags. Second, normatively, to defend ‘the equilibrium’ does not amount to a defense of the status quo. On the contrary, and especially in the context of the eurozone crisis, we must reflect on the social foundations of the European project, of which intermittent democratic discontent is only one expression. The argument unfolds through four European cities, each regarding a different moment in the Constitutional saga of the last two decades, to conclude on the relationship between LI and demoicratic theory, as well as the promise of sustainable integration.
Short‐term change and prediction of suicidal ideation among adolescents: a daily diary study following psychiatric hospitalization
Authors: Czyz Ewa K. , Horwitz Adam G. , Arango Alejandra , King Cheryl A
Published: September 2018

Background

Our understanding of suicidal ideation (SI) and its risk precursors is largely informed by studies spanning over wide time intervals (weeks, months, years). Little is known about SI as it occurs in daily lives of individuals at risk for suicide, the extent to which suicidal thoughts are dynamic over short periods of time, and the degree to which theoretically informed risk factors predict near‐term SI.

Methods

Thirty‐four adolescents hospitalized due to last‐month suicide attempt and/or last‐week SI (76% female; ages 13–17) responded to daily surveys sent to their cell phones for four consecutive weeks after discharge (n = 652 observations).

Results

There was notable variability in day‐to‐day SI, with half of ideation ratings changing at least one within‐person standard deviation from one day to the next. Results of mixed effects models revealed concurrent (same‐day), but not short‐term prospective (next‐day), associations between SI (frequency, duration, urge) and well‐established predictors (connectedness, burdensomeness, hopelessness). However, synergistic effects of low connectedness with either high burdensomeness or high hopelessness were reliably associated with more severe same‐ and next‐day suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

This study adds to emerging literature indicating that suicidal thoughts fluctuate considerably among individuals at risk for suicide, further extending it by focusing on adolescents in the critical posthospitalization period. Fostering high‐risk adolescents’ sense of connectedness to others may be an especially promising intervention target. Frequent assessment of SI and its predictors, independently and in combination, could help identify promising predictors of short‐term risk and meaningful intervention targets in high‐risk teens.
Treatment use and satisfaction among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: results from the NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP)
Authors: Tveit K.S. , Duvetorp A. , Østergaard M. , Skov L. , Danielsen K. , Iversen L. , Seifert O.
Published: September 2018

Background

There are scarce data in Scandinavia about treatment satisfaction among patients with psoriasis (PsO) and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The number of patients receiving systemic treatment is unknown.

Objective

To describe patients’ experience of treatments for PsO/PsA in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, addressing communication with physicians, satisfaction with treatment and concerns regarding treatment options.

Methods

The NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP) asked 22 050 adults (randomly selected from the YouGov panels in Sweden, Denmark and Norway) whether they had PsO/PsA. A total of 1264 individuals who reported physician‐diagnosed PsO/PsA were invited to participate in the full survey; 96.6% responded positively.

Results

Systemic treatment use was reported by 14.6% (biologic: 8.1%) of respondents with PsO only and by 58.5% (biologic: 31.8%) of respondents with PsA. Biologic treatments were more frequently reported by respondents considering their disease severe (26.8% vs 6.7% non‐severe) and those who were members of patient organizations (40.7% vs 6.9% non‐members). Discussing systemic treatments with their physician was reported significantly more frequently by respondents with PsA, those perceiving their disease as severe (although 35.2% had never discussed systemic treatment with their physician) and those reporting being a member of a patient organization (P < 0.05). Many respondents reported health risk concerns and dissatisfaction with their treatment. Of special interest was that respondents aged 45–75 years reported less experience with biologics (8.1%) than those aged 18–44 years (21.5%). The older respondents also reported more uncertainty regarding long‐term health risks related to systemic treatments (most [66.7–72.9%] responded ‘do not know’ when asked about the risk of systemic options).

Conclusion

It appears likely that substantial numbers of Scandinavians suffering from severe PsO/PsA are not receiving optimal treatment from a patient perspective, particularly older patients. Also, one‐third of respondents with severe symptoms had never discussed systemic treatment with a physician.
Pregnancy complications, treatment characteristics and birth outcomes in women with atopic dermatitis in Denmark
Authors: Hamann C.R. , Egeberg A. , Wollenberg A. , Gislason G. , Skov L. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: September 2018

Background

The risk of prenatal, obstetric and birth complications in mothers with atopic dermatitis (AD), along with treatment use during pregnancy, is unknown.

Objectives

To examine the associations between prenatal, obstetric and birth complications in mothers with AD and describe the dermatologic care received during pregnancy.

Methods

Mother‐child pairs, in which the mother had a history of AD, were identified through the Danish Medical Birth Registry and matched 1 : 10 with non‐AD pairs. Data on dermatologic treatment and prenatal, obstetric and birth complications were obtained through linkage via nationwide registers. Multiple logistic regression was performed.

Results

We identified 10 668 births from 1997 through 2014 to women with AD. Women with a hospital/ambulatory contact for AD during pregnancy had increased topical corticosteroid and ultraviolet therapy use during pregnancy compared to prior. However, overall, women with AD received decreased dermatologic therapy during pregnancy compared to prior. In adjusted analysis, maternal AD was inversely associated with gestational diabetes [OR 0.79, 95% CI (0.68–0.92)], but positively associated with premature rupture of membranes [1.15 (1.05–1.27)] and staphylococcal neonatal septicemia [2.45 (1.33–4.49)]—albeit the latter was rare. These associations did not meet statistical significance in sub‐analysis where body mass index data were available. No associations were found with preeclampsia, prematurity or non‐staphylococcal neonatal septicaemia.

Conclusions

Women with AD during pregnancy mainly used topical corticosteroids and ultraviolet therapy to control their disease. While premature rupture of membranes and staphylococcal neonatal septicaemia were over‐represented in maternal AD, no associations were found with any other significant prenatal, obstetric or birth outcome.
Accuracy of tele‐consultation on management decisions of lesions suspect for melanoma using reflectance confocal microscopy as a stand‐alone diagnostic tool
Authors: Scope A. , Dusza S.W. , Pellacani G. , Gill M. , Gonzalez S. , Marchetti M.A. , Rabinovitz H.S. , Marghoob A.A. , Alessi‐Fox C. , Halpern A.C.
Published: September 2018

Background

Diagnostic accuracy of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) as a stand‐alone diagnostic tool for suspect skin lesions has not been extensively studied.

Objective

Primary aim was to measure experts’ accuracy in RCM‐based management decisions. Secondary aim was to identify melanoma‐specific RCM features.

Methods

The study enrolled patients ≥18 years that underwent biopsy of skin lesions clinically suspected to be melanoma. One hundred lesions imaged by RCM were randomly selected from 439 lesions prospectively collected at four pigmented lesion clinics. The study data set included 23 melanomas, three basal cell and two squamous cell carcinomas, 11 indeterminate melanocytic lesions and 61 benign lesions including 50 nevi. Three expert RCM evaluators were blinded to clinical or dermoscopic images, and to the final histopathological diagnosis. Evaluators independently issued a binary RCM‐based management decision, ‘biopsy’ vs. ‘observation’; these decisions were scored against histopathological diagnosis, with ‘biopsy’ as the correct management decision for malignant and indeterminate lesions. A subset analysis of 23 melanomas and 50 nevi with unequivocal histopathological diagnosis was performed to identify melanoma‐specific RCM features.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were 74%, 67% and 70% for reader 1, 46%, 84% and 69% for reader 2, and 72%, 46% and 56% for reader 3, respectively. The overall kappa for management decisions was 0.34. Readers had unanimous agreement on management for 50 of the 100 lesions. Non‐specific architecture, non‐visible papillae, streaming of nuclei, coarse collagen fibres and abnormal vasculature showed a significant association with melanoma in the evaluation of at least two readers.

Conclusions

Reflectance confocal microscopy tele‐consultation of especially challenging lesions, based on image review without benefit of clinical or dermoscopy images, may be associated with limited diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement. Architectural and stromal criteria may emerge as potentially useful and reproducible criteria for melanoma diagnosis.
Cytonuclear incongruences hamper species delimitation in the socially polymorphic desert ants of theCataglyphis albicansgroup in Israel
Authors: Eyer Pierre‐André , Hefetz Abraham
Published: September 2018

Assessing whether behavioural, ecological or geographical factors trigger population divergence provides key insights into the biological processes driving speciation. Recent speciation in restricted geographic area without obvious ecological barriers prompts the question of the behavioural mechanisms underlying species divergence. In this context, we investigated phylogenetic relationships in theCataglyphis albicansdesert ant complex in Israel. We first determined accurate species delimitation using two mitochondrial and six nuclear genes, as well as 11 microsatellite markers to investigate cryptic species in this group, assessing reduction in gene flow between populations. We then investigated whether different species in this group exhibit distinct reproductive strategies, inferring social structure and queen‐mating frequency in each species uncovered. Our findings highlight the presence of at least six distinctCataglyphis albicansspecies in the restricted range of Israel; four of them co‐occur in a 50 × 50 km area in North Negev, while two are endemic from there. However, our results reveal incongruences between nuclear and mitochondrial clustering, which complicate species identification and preclude the exclusive use of mtDNAto confidently delimit species in this group. Finally, we show that the different species of theC. albicansgroup in Israel exhibit quite similar reproductive strategies with most of them having colonies headed by a single queen mated with several males; colonies of one species were, however, headed by several queens. Overall, this weak variation across species thereby unlikely represents the main evolutionary force behind speciation of these sympatric species. We then discuss the potential evolutionary processes that underlie speciation in this group in the absence of clear geographical or ecological barriers.
Step‐counting accuracy of activity monitors in persons with Down syndrome
Authors: Bertapelli F. , Curtis J. S. , Carlson B. , Johnson M. , Abadie B. , Agiovlasitis S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Accelerometers and pedometers have been used to monitor the number of steps. However, the evidence on the step‐counting accuracy of these devices – especially accelerometers – is limited in persons with Down syndrome (DS). This study therefore examined the accuracy of accelerometers placed on the hip or wrist and of a pedometer with a uni‐axial accelerometer mechanism in measuring steps in persons with DS and whether device error is associated with walking speed, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, leg length, age or sex.

Method

Seventeen persons with DS (eight women and nine men; age 33 ± 15 years) walked over‐ground for 6 min at their preferred speed. The steps were measured with a hip‐worn and a wrist‐worn ActiGraph accelerometer using the manufacturer's default (DF) and low‐frequency extension (LFE) filters, and with the NL‐1000 New Lifestyles pedometer on the hip. Steps were also measured with hand tally which served as the criterion.

Results

Absolute percent error was considerable and differed statistically between devices (P = 0.001); however, error improved for accelerometers when LFE was applied (Hip‐DF: 31.6 ± 18.8%; Hip‐LFE: 9.7 ± 12.8%; Wrist‐DF: 32.7 ± 14.2%; Wrist‐LFE: 13.6 ± 10.2%; Pedometer: 23.2 ± 22.8%). Bland–Altman plots indicated underestimation of steps for accelerometers and the pedometer. Application of LFE, however, improved the prediction of the accelerometers. The number of steps measured by the hip accelerometer with LFE and by the pedometer did not differ statistically from actual steps. Steps by the remaining methods were significantly lower than hand tally (P ≤ 0.001). Correlations between percent error for each device and walking speed, anthropometry, age or sex ranged between −0.28 and +0.48, and were non‐significant, except for age.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that the pedometer and ActiGraph accelerometers have considerable error in measuring steps of persons with DS. Application of LFE, however, significantly improved the step‐counting performance of the Actigraph accelerometers.
Stressful Life Events and Physical and Psychological Health: Mediating Effects of Differentiation of Self in a Spanish Sample
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Martiño , Schweer‐Collins Maria , Skowron Elizabeth A. , Jódar Rafael , Cagigal Virginia , Major Sofia O.
Published: September 2018

The pathways between differentiation of self and health remain only partly elucidated. This cross‐cultural study sought to test Bowen's hypothesis about the associations between differentiation, stressful life events, and physical and psychological health, in a sample of 466 Spanish adults. Results show that people with higher levels of differentiation were less prone to physical ailments (e.g., heart disease, cancer, or blood disorders) and psychological symptoms (e.g., depression or anxiety). Further, differentiation mediated the association between stress (i.e., perceived negativity of stress in the past year and number of stressful events across the lifetime) and physical and psychological health. The current research provides cross‐cultural empirical evidence for the links between differentiation and mind and body health in a Mediterranean culture.
The Influence of Culture on Attitudes Towards Humanoid and Animal‐like Robots: An Integrative Review
Authors: Papadopoulos Irena , Koulouglioti Christina
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The aim of the present review is to explore the influence of culture on attitudes towards humanoid and animal‐like robots.

Design

An integrative review of current evidence.

Methods

Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched from 2000 to 2017. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria and were retrieved and analyzed.

Findings

Culture influences attitudes and preferences towards robots, but due to the limitations of the reviewed studies, concrete conclusions cannot be made. More consistent evidence was found with regard to the influence of culture on nonverbal behaviors and communication styles, with people being more accepting of a robot that behaved more closely to their own culture.

Conclusions

The research field of human–robot interaction provides the current evidence on the influence that culture has on attitudes towards humanoid and animal‐like robots, but more research that is guided by strong theoretical frameworks is needed.

Clinical Relevance

With the increased use of humanoid robots in the healthcare system, it is imperative that nurses and other healthcare professionals explore and understand the different factors that can affect the use of robots with patients.
Stressful Life Events in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in the U.S. T1D Exchange Clinic Registry
Authors: Joiner Kevin L. , Holland Margaret L. , Grey Margaret
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose was to test associations among stressful life events, frequency of missed insulin doses, and glycemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Design

The study was a cross‐sectional descriptive secondary analysis.

Methods

Data from 2,921 participants (ages 18–26 years) in the U.S. T1D Exchange Clinic Registry were analyzed. Report of a stressful life event was defined as one or more positive responses on a 17‐item stressful life events index and defined as a dichotomous variable (yes or no). Frequency of missed insulin doses was measured using a single self‐report item and collapsed into two levels (fewer than three times a week, three or more times a week). The glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level recorded at the time of enrollment was used to assess glycemic control.

Findings

Nearly half (48.6%) of the participants reported having a stressful life event during the previous year. The most frequently reported stressful life events were problems at work or school (16.1%), serious arguments with family members or a close friend (15.2%), and financial problems in the family (13.8%). Compared to the participants not reporting stressful life events, those who reported stressful life events were more likely to be older, female, with a higher educational attainment level, and not working or unemployed. Those who reported a stressful life event were more likely than those who did not to say they typically missed insulin doses at least three times a week and less likely to say they typically missed insulin doses fewer than three times a week (p < .001 adjusted for age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment level, duration of T1D diagnosis, and insulin delivery method). Mean A1c level was higher for the group who reported having a stressful life event in the past 12 months compared to the group who did not (8.7 ± 1.8% vs. 8.2 ± 1.6%; adjusted p < .001). The results of a mediation analysis suggest that the measure of frequency of missed insulin doses may be a mediator of the relationship between recent stressful life events and glycemic control (Sobel test: ab = .841, 95% confidence interval = 0.064–1.618).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that, for young adults with T1D, the experience of stressful life events may increase their risk for poorer glycemic control, possibly by disrupting adherence with insulin doses.

Clinical Relevance

Further exploration of these relationships may allow for the potential for identifying those at risk and assisting them with more positive approaches to managing stressful events.
Board Antecedents of CEO Duality and the Moderating Role of Country‐level Managerial Discretion: A Meta‐analytic Investigation
Authors: Wang Gang , DeGhetto Kaitlyn , Ellen B. Parker , Lamont Bruce T.
Published: September 2018

CEO duality reduces boards’ monitoring capacity. But governance substitution theory holds that boards of directors who can effectively monitor their CEOs are more likely to adopt the CEO duality governance structure. By examining relationships between board characteristics underlying their monitoring capacity and CEO duality, we bring evidence to bear on governance substitution theory. Further, by applying a managerial discretion theory lens to CEO duality, we extend governance substitution theory to the cross‐country context where institutional features vary in their constraints on managerial discretion. Meta‐analytic results from a dataset of 297 studies across 32 countries/regions provided support for the majority of our predictions. As predicted, board independence and certain types of board human capital were positively related to CEO duality. Unexpectedly, board ownership was negatively related to CEO duality. Additionally, country‐level managerial discretion significantly moderated the board independence‐ and human capital‐duality relationships (but not the board‐ownership‐duality relationship) as predicted.
Pain relief following a single‐dose intra‐articular injection of methylprednisolone in the temporomandibular joint arthralgia—A multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Isacsson Göran , Schumann Mohamad , Nohlert Eva , Mejersjö Christina , Tegelberg Åke
Published: September 2018

Background

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia is a painful condition assumed to be associated with local inflammation.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy for reducing pain of a single‐dose intra‐articular (IA) injection of methylprednisolone to the TMJ. The hypothesis was that methylprednisolone would effectively reduce TMJ pain.

Methods

This randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group, multicentre, controlled study included visits for enrolment, treatment and 4‐week follow‐up. The study included patients 18 years and older who had been diagnosed with unilateral TMJ arthralgia. All participants were randomly assigned to receive 1 mL IA injections of methylprednisolone or saline. The primary outcome was change in recorded pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at maximum jaw opening, analysed in the per protocol population.

Results

In total, 54 patients were randomly assigned to single‐dose IA injections with methylprednisolone (n = 27) or saline (n = 27). Between baseline and the 4‐week follow‐up, VAS‐rated pain intensity at maximum jaw opening decreased from a mean of 61.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.1; 70.7) to 33.9 (95% CI: 21.6; 46.2) in the methylprednisolone group and from 59.6 (95% CI: 50.7; 65.9) to 33.9 (95% CI: 23.8; 43.9) in the saline group. The between‐group difference was not significant (P = 0.812). Treatment‐related adverse events were doubled in the methylprednisolone group.

Conclusion

Methylprednisolone provided no additional benefit for reducing pain, but caused more harm compared with saline following a single‐dose IA injection in patients with TMJ arthralgia.
Enregistering authenticity in language revitalisation
Authors: Bodó Csanád , Fazakas Noémi
Published: September 2018

Authenticity is a key concept of language revitalisation; any attempt to restore the language practices of the past aims at achieving the authentic language. Since, as much of recent sociolinguistic scholarship has argued, this goal can only be met through metapragmatic activities, the emically defined success of language revitalisation also depends on such processes. The introduction of new linguistic practices is therefore inevitably linked to a value‐centred and preferably consensual comparison with older practices. In our study, we argue that during the reanalysis of this comparison, linguistic practices subject to revitalisation are interpreted as independent semiotic registers, i.e. enregistered. These metapragmatic activities are illustrated with the example of the Moldavian Hungarian (Csángó) language spoken in North‐East Romania, by analysing a new literacy practice created during language revitalisation. This practice results in travelling texts, such as books and letters to the supporters of the revitalising programme from Hungary. These are designed to fulfil the expectations of the sponsors regarding the ‘authentic’ Csángó dialect, with a linguistic production that is enregistered both as a locally unique language and as a dialect of Hungarian. The analysis shows that the quest for authenticity can be discursively achieved even if the success of restoring former language practices is debatable.
Predicting children's food choice using check‐all‐that‐apply questions
Authors: Verwaeren Jan , Gellynck Xavier , Lagast Sofie , Schouteten Joachim Jietse
Published: September 2018

Traditional descriptive methods for obtaining sensory profiles are difficult to apply with children because these measurements are complex, requiring lengthy concentration and adequate training. Therefore, research has examined the possibility of working with the check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method, which is quite easy to use, especially given the lack of scaling. However, the question arises as to what extent the CATA questions bear additional information compared to the hedonic assessment for food choice prediction. Therefore, this study examined the value of CATA questions for predicting actual food choice for 149 children (aged 11–13 years) using five biscuits. The data showed that including CATA questions resulted in significantly better prediction of actual food choice. Moreover, the CATA questions provided discriminating sensory profiles for the samples, and this method was even able to discriminate between similarly‐liked samples.

Practical applications

This study indicates that using CATA questions has an added value, not only to better discriminate between equally liked samples, but also to better predict children's food choice. Given the ease of use with (younger) children, this method could provide additional insights into how children perceive the sensory attributes of food products. Therefore, the CATA method could be useful for both scientific research, as well as for industry, in considering the input of children, which will better reflect their actual food choice.
Blood transfusion for anaemia of prematurity: Current practice in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Saito‐Benz Maria , Sandle Meghan E , Jackson Paul B , Berry Mary J
Published: September 2018

Aim

To characterise the current transfusion practice among clinicians in Australasian neonatal units and factors that influence their decision‐making.

Methods

Members of the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) and practitioners at their local institutions were invited to participate in a 15‐question web‐based survey between 1 June and 31 July 2016. The survey was designed to assess (i) haemoglobin‐based transfusion thresholds; (ii) presence of local guidelines; (iii) preference for a restrictive or liberal transfusion policy; (iv) perceived benefits and risks of transfusion; and (v) use of clinical adjuncts to assist decision‐making.

Results

Overall, 130 participants responded to at least one question. Haemoglobin transfusion thresholds for anaemia of prematurity (AOP) varied significantly from <60 to <120 g/L. Of 103 participants, 36 (35%) reported that they do not have access to local transfusion guidelines. The majority utilise multiple clinical and haematological parameters to guide their decision‐making, and approximately half (45/84, 54%) believe that tissue hypoxia detected by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may better inform transfusion thresholds. Of 102 participants, 51 (50%) support a restrictive rather than liberal transfusion policy. The most commonly reported perceived risks of transfusion for AOP were suppression of endogenous erythropoiesis and increased rates of necrotising enterocolitis.

Conclusions

There is a significant variation in transfusion practice in Australasian neonatal units. Quality and safety initiatives may assist with improved consistency of transfusion practice across the ANZNN. However, further research is required to better define optimal transfusion thresholds, quantify potential risks of transfusion and determine clinical utility of newer adjuncts such as NIRS.
Uptake and localization of fluorescently‐labeled Karenia brevis metabolites in non‐toxic marine microbial taxa
Authors: J. Kramer Benjamin , J. Bourdelais Andrea , Kitchen Sheila A. , Taylor Alison R.
Published: September 2018

Brevetoxin (PbTx) is a neurotoxic secondary metabolite of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. We used a novel, fluorescent BODIPY‐labeled conjugate of brevetoxin congener PbTx‐2 (B‐PbTx) to track absorption of the metabolite into a variety of marine microbes. The labeled toxin was taken up and brightly fluoresced in lipid‐rich regions of several marine microbes including diatoms and coccolithophores. The microzooplankton (20–200 μm) tintinnid ciliate Favella sp. and the rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis also took up B‐PbTx. Uptake and intracellular fluorescence of B‐PbTx was weak or undetectable in phytoplankton species representative of dinoflagellates, cryptophytes, and cyanobacteria over the same (4 h) time course. The cellular fate of two additional BODIPY‐conjugated K. brevis associated secondary metabolites, brevenal (B‐Bn) and brevisin (B‐Bs), were examined in all the species tested. All taxa exhibited minimal or undetectable fluorescence when exposed to the former conjugate, while most brightly fluoresced when treated with the latter. This is the first study to observe the uptake of fluorescently‐tagged brevetoxin conjugates in non‐toxic phytoplankton and zooplankton taxa, demonstrating their potential in investigating whether marine microbes can serve as a significant biological sink for algal toxins. The highly variable uptake of B‐PbTx observed among taxa suggests some may play a more significant role than others in vectoring lipophilic toxins in the marine environment.