bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of facilities management on the quality of life for the elderly in care and attention homes – Cross-validation by quantitative and qualitative studies
Authors: Leung Mei-yung , Yu Jingyu , Chong Ming L. A.
Published: August 2016

The rapid increase in elderly population has increased demand on care services and care and attention homes in Hong Kong. Elderly residents in care and attention homes rely heavily on facilities to maintain their quality of life. However, many care and attention homes are not purpose-built for elderly people. This paper investigates the relationship between facilities management of care and attention homes and elderly quality of life using both quantitative and qualitative data. A questionnaire was distributed among elders of eight recruited care and attention homes with four categories (government-financed non-purpose-built, government-financed purpose-built, self-financed non-purpose-built and self-financed purpose-built) in Hong Kong. Selected care and attention homes were a good mixture of operating types, building age and building types. A total of 56 questionnaires were completed by both elderly residents and staff in care and attention homes (37.5% were male and 62.5% were female), followed by semi-structured interviews; 48.2% of respondents were over 80 years of age and 93% had lived in C&A homes for more than one year. The findings identified 19 indoor facilities factors and also measured elderly quality of life. The results showed that space identification, distance, ventilation, furniture, non-slip floors and recreation facilities were positively related to elderly quality of life. Based on these findings, several practical recommendations are proposed, including allocating larger spaces for bedrooms, designing ventilation, installation of non-slip flooring, family-like furniture and the arrangement of recreational facilities.
Exposure level and emission characteristics of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in poultry buildings of South Korea
Authors: Kim Ki Y.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to estimate the concentrations and emission rates of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide released from poultry buildings situated in South Korea by field investigation. Mean concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide emitted from poultry buildings were 18.8 (±4.90) ppm and 945 (±519) ppb for caged layer house, 15.2 (±3.21) ppm and 603 (±274) ppb for broiler house, and 6.45 (±1.85) ppm and 247 (±184) ppb for layer house with manure belt, respectively. Seasonal variations in concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in poultry building were observed highest in winter, lowest in summer (p < 0.01). Based on animal unit (AU), mean emission rates of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide were 4493 (±2095) mg AU−1 h−1 and 4493 (±2095) mg AU−1 h−1, respectively. Those of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in terms of poultry building area were 278 (±130) mg m−2 h−1 and 12.3 (±9.20) mg m−2 h−1, respectively. Exposure level and emission rate of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide were highest in caged layer house, followed by broiler house and layer house with manure belt (p < 0.05). This finding implicates that the caged layer house among types of poultry building in South Korea should be managed optimally to lessen generation of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide.
An investigation on particle emission from a new laser printer using an environmental chamber
Authors: Wang Dawei , Guo Hai , He Congrong
Published: August 2016

In this study, emissions of ultrafine particles from a new laser printer were evaluated as a function of toner coverage, number of pages printed, fuser temperature and cartridge rotation during different printing orders. Eight combinations of printing jobs were specifically designed to represent eight printing orders. The toner coverage was found to be an important factor affecting particle emissions from the printer. The printing job without toner coverage (0%) acted as a cleaning process, which would tentatively reduce particle emissions in the next job. Particles generated in printing job with toner coverage (5%) could superimpose onto those emitted from the next job, leading to higher particle number emission in the next job than the previous one. Apart from toner coverage, cartridge rotation was an important factor enhancing particle emissions. Cartridge in rotation mode with/without toner coverage could both cause particle emissions and high fuser temperature. The relationship between the particle emission and the temperature of the fuser unit was very strong ( r2 = 0.96). The regression relationship satisfied a positive power law-rise equation. We also found that ventilation for a long period, printing with no cartridge rotation, and/or printing blank pages before toner page printing could reduce particle emissions.
A new robust controller to improve the lateral dynamic of an articulated vehicle carrying liquid
Authors: Saeedi Mohammad Amin , Kazemi Reza , Azadi Shahram
Published: August 2016

In this paper to improve manoeuvrability and jackknifing prevention, as well as increasing rollover stability of an articulated vehicle carrying liquid, a new control system coupled with an active roll control system and an active steering control system is presented. First, a 16-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of an articulated vehicle is developed. Next, the dynamic interaction of the liquid cargo with the vehicle is investigated by integrating a quasi-static liquid sloshing model with a tractor semi-trailer model. Initially, to improve the roll stability of the vehicle, an active roll control system is presented. The active anti-roll bar is employed as an actuator to generate the roll moment. Furthermore, the manoeuvrability increment and jackknifing prevention are targeted using the active steering control system. The main purpose of using the active steering controller is to track the desired values of tractor yaw rate, articulation angle and tractor lateral velocity in different roads, various filled volumes and different speeds. The active steering control system is designed based on a three-degrees-of-freedom dynamic model of the articulated vehicle carrying liquid and on the basis of sliding mode control. Simulation results confirmed robust performance of the control system for different filled volumes, especially during the critical manoeuvre. Further studies show that the tracking of the desired articulation angle has not only eliminated the off-tracking path, but also has made the semi-trailer rear end follow the fifth wheel path.
An offshore hydraulic wind turbine generator with variable-diameter rotor: Design, modeling and experiment
Authors: Chen Weixing , Gao Feng , Meng Xiangdun , Ren Anye , Zhou Songlin
Published: August 2016

Offshore wind power is more abundant and stronger than the onshore, and more and more research enthusiasms have been raised in recent years. However, there are still many issues in the utilization of the offshore wind power such as the cost of installations and maintenance and the ability to resist extreme weather conditions. In this article, an offshore hydraulic wind turbine generator with variable-diameter rotor is presented. The diameter of the rotor can be regulated according to the wind speeds to achieve the maximum power coefficient. The hydraulic energy working as the transmission medium can improve the output power quality. The high-speed gearbox is removed, and the generator is installed on the platform, which facilitates the installations and maintenance. Here, the power conversion principle of the wind turbine generator was introduced first. Then, the dynamics and performance of the wind turbine generator was obtained. The relationship between the diameter of the rotor and the wind speed was established according to the dynamics and the optimum tip-speed ratio. Relying on the specific parameters, the dynamic response was calculated in Simulink. The results show that the instantaneous output of the wind turbine generator is relatively stable. Based on the power recovery method, the test platform was built, and the efficiency of the energy conversion device was tested. The experimental results demonstrate that the efficiency of the energy conversion device can be 88%. Finally, the total efficiency of the offshore hydraulic wind turbine generator was predicted to be 33.7%.
Cutting Corners
Authors: Mayo Rachel , Parker Veronica G. , Sherrill Windsor W. , Coltman Kinneil , Hudson Matthew F. , Nichols Christina M. , Yates Adam M. , Pribonic Anne Paige
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

This study assessed health providers’ perceptions of factors related to professional interpretation services and the association between these factors and the potential use of ad hoc interpreters.

Method:

Data were collected from a convenience sample of 150 health services providers at a large, regional health system in South Carolina.

Results:

Providers rated “ability to communicate effectively during a clinical encounter” as paramount regarding the use of interpretation services. The most important factors related to the likely use of ad hoc interpreters (cutting corners) included locating a qualified interpreter, having to wait for a qualified interpreter, and technical difficulties regarding phone and video technology.

Conclusion:

Health care organizations may benefit from increasing staff awareness about patient safety and legal and regulatory risks involved with the use of ad hoc interpreters.
Ethnoracial Variation in Depression Symptoms
Authors: Montalvo-Liendo Nora , Grogan-Kaylor Andrew , Graham-Bermann Sandra
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

While there is a long-standing tradition of research on the predictors of depression among women exposed to violence, little of this research has been conducted across ethnic and racial groups.

Method:

A cross-sectional study comparing a total of 191 women with a history of intimate partner violence were recruited from commercial, medical, and educational settings and by contact with agencies serving the needs of abused women, for example, shelters, community outreach. The study examined intimate partner violence and the adjustment of mothers of children ages 5 to 12 to explore both commonalities and differences in the ways in which four groups of women (African American, Biracial, Latina, and White women) cope with violence in their lives. In addition to demographic information, depression symptoms were assessed by self-report with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.

Results:

The findings indicate that Latina women had significantly higher depression symptoms than did African American and White women.

Conclusion:

While it is important to assess the mental health needs of all abused women, these results show additional need for Latina women, those with low income and high violence exposure.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness as an Indicator of Depression in Hispanic Americans
Authors: Nuyen Brian A. , Fox Rina S. , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Wachsman Solenne I. , Sadler Georgia Robins
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been shown to be associated with depression; however, this relationship has not been confirmed among Hispanic Americans.

Method:

This study examined the link between EDS and depression among Hispanic Americans ( N = 411) and explored the potential moderating roles of age, gender, income, education, health status, and acculturation. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire–9 measured EDS and depression, respectively.

Results:

Hierarchical linear regression demonstrated that EDS was significantly related to depression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the Epworth Sleepiness Scale discriminated with adequate sensitivity and specificity between participants with moderately severe depression and those with less severe symptoms. No sociodemographic variables moderated the EDS–depression relationship.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that depression should be considered when Hispanic Americans present with EDS.
A Community Needs Assessment of the Physical Activity and Food Environment in a Predominantly Hispanic U.S. City
Authors: Lebron Cynthia , Stoutenberg Mark , Portacio Francia , Zollinger Terrell W.
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

Hispanics suffer disproportionately compared with non-Hispanic Whites from health conditions that are affected by physical inactivity and poor dietary habits.

Method:

A needs assessment was conducted in Hialeah, Florida, the largest enclave of Cubans in the United States, to assess the perspectives of community stakeholders and members regarding the roles of physical activity and nutrition environments. Interviews were performed with community stakeholders ( n = 21), and responses were grouped into major themes. Surveys were conducted with community members ( n = 85). Descriptive analyses were used to categorize responses and potential differences across responses were explored.

Results:

Both community members and stakeholders reported that the local park system was a major asset to healthy living in Hialeah and agreed that traffic issues and a lack of walkability were major barriers to being physically active; however, there was variability in the response to the quality of the food environment.

Conclusion:

The perspectives of the community members and stakeholders will be valuable in highlighting pathways to enhancing the health and wellness of the residents of Hialeah.
Theoretical, Critical, and Practical Reflections on the Long-Term Maintenance of Health Behavior Change
Authors: Giacobbi Peter R.
Published: August 2016

This commentary is in response to Joseph, Daniel, Thind, Benitez and Pekmezi (2014). They reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included long-term follow-up assessments at least 6 months post-intervention. Their main purpose was to understand which theory or model used by researchers could help explain the long-term maintenance of health behaviors once the intervention was withdrawn in trials focused on physical activity, dietary behavior, and excessive alcohol consumption. Results showed that social cognitive theory (SCT) and transtheoretical model (TTM) were used most often and associated with long-term behavior change compared to self-determination theory (SDT), theory of planned behavior (TPB), or the social-ecological model (SEM). SDT showed encouraging findings while the evidence was unclear for the TPB and the SEM. Here it is argued that scientists should continually reflect on the utility of theory over time and the efforts by Joseph and colleagues should be commended. It is also useful to distinguish theories, which are more specified and offer more generalized statements, than models. Models, such as the TPB and SEM, have incorporated elements of other theories but are typically viewed as tools to characterize behavior. For instance, in 10 studies reviewed by Joseph and colleagues the SCT and TTM were used in an integrative manner. An example of an integrated model is presented that incorporates elements of SDT, TPB, and SCT in an effort to highlight how integrating elements from multiple theories may be useful.
In sickness and in health: The strains and gains of caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse
Authors: Solomi Victoria L , Casiday Rachel E
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To examine the subjective experiences of spousal carers, focusing on positive, negative, and relational aspects of this role.

Methods

Mixed-methods exploratory study involving questionnaires ( N = 40) and in-depth interviews ( N = 8) with spousal carers in the southwest of England.

Results

Participants used a combination of negative and positive terms to describe their experiences, with the cared-for spouse's mental acuity, behavior towards the carer, and amount of care required, impacting on carers' subjective experience. Women were more likely to report neglecting their own health because of being a carer ( p = 0.02). The marital relationship itself was highly significant, and many carers took special measures to maintain and develop their marital bonds. Carers adapted to their roles in various ways, with those finding acceptance of their situation and accessing support appearing to cope best with the demands of the role.

Discussion

This study, though based on a small and geographically restricted sample, offers insight into the positive, negative, and relational experiences of spousal carers. Support that encourages carers to engage in health-promoting activities, and ideally provides opportunities for both partners to be involved in such activities together, may be particularly beneficial.
Developments in Trait Emotional Intelligence Research
Authors: Petrides K. V. , Mikolajczak Moïra , Mavroveli Stella , Sanchez-Ruiz Maria-Jose , Furnham Adrian , Pérez-González Juan-Carlos
Published: August 2016

Trait emotional intelligence (“trait EI”) concerns our perceptions of our emotional abilities, that is, how good we believe we are in terms of understanding, regulating, and expressing emotions in order to adapt to our environment and maintain well-being. In this article, we present succinct summaries of selected findings from research on (a) the location of trait EI in personality factor space, (b) the biological underpinnings of the construct, (c) indicative applications in the areas of clinical, health, social, educational, organizational, and developmental psychology, and (d) trait EI training. Findings to date suggest that individual differences in trait EI are a consistent predictor of human behavior across the life span.
Creating Emotionally Intelligent Schools With RULER
Authors: Nathanson Lori , Rivers Susan E. , Flynn Lisa M. , Brackett Marc A.
Published: August 2016

How educators and students process and respond to emotions can either enhance or impede the development of the whole child. Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to the processes of developing social and emotional competencies, which depend on individuals’ capacity to recognize, understand, and manage emotions (i.e., emotional intelligence or EI). Consensus across disciplines about the importance of EI highlights the need to advance the science of how to teach SEL. RULER, an evidence-based approach to teaching EI, provides an educational framework that encompasses a set of practices for comprehensive SEL integration across a school or district. In this article, we describe RULER, explain how it teaches EI, and summarize evidence of its effectiveness.
Comment: The Ability Model of Emotional Intelligence: Consistency With Intelligence Theory
Authors: Legree Peter J. , Mullins Heather M. , Psotka Joseph
Published: August 2016

Mayer, Caruso, and Salovey (2016) provide useful updates to the EI ability model and related concepts. However, they do not acknowledge conceptual limitations with the MSCEIT proportion scoring algorithm. In our view, failure to recognize these limitations has impeded refinements to the EI ability model and delayed support for positioning EI within the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) three-stratum theory of intelligence (Carroll, 1993). Fully appreciating algorithm-related issues justifies the reanalysis of MSCEIT data and may expand the range of metrics that are available to refine EI theory.
Comment: Trait EI Moderates the Relationship Between Ability EI and Emotion Regulation
Authors: Hughes David J. , Evans Thomas Rhys
Published: August 2016

Mestre, MacCann, Guil, and Roberts (2016) propose a model that suggests emotion regulation provides the mechanism through which ability emotional intelligence influences important outcomes. We argue that important nuance in our understanding of people’s choice of emotion regulation strategy can be gained by incorporating personality constructs such as trait emotional intelligence within this model.
Comment: Redefining Emotional Intelligence Based on the Componential Emotion Approach
Authors: Fontaine Johnny R. J.
Published: August 2016

Emotional intelligence can be comprehensively redefined based on the componential emotion approach. The componential emotion approach defines emotions as processes that are elicited by goal-relevant situations and that consist of an interplay between appraisals, action tendencies, bodily reactions, expressions, and feelings. Within the componential emotion approach, emotional intelligence can be redefined as the ability (a) to identify emotions based on information from one or more of the five emotion components, (b) to understand emotions in terms of the likely appraisals, action tendencies, bodily reactions, expressions, and feelings that are elicited by goal-relevant situations, and (c) to know how to regulate emotions by modifying one or more of these five components.
Shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review of clinical trial participant selection criteria
Authors: Watts Amy R. , Williams Ben , Kim Susan W. , Bramwell Donald C. , Krishnan Jeganath
Published: August 2016

Background

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common diagnosis for patients with pain and dysfunction of the shoulder. Variations in the signs and symptoms might lead to uncertainty regarding the definition of SIS. The aim of this review is to explore the participant selection criteria used in the literature when investigating SIS and to assess differences in criteria among treating professions.

Methods

This is a PRISMA systematic review of publications from 2009 to 2014 from MEDLINE, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL.

Results

Ninety-seven articles met inclusion criteria for this review. Twenty-five different surgical and nonsurgical treatments were investigated. Impingement-specific index tests were used in all studies. Exclusion index tests were used in 62% of studies. Twenty index tests were identified. Radiological investigations were reported in 53% of all studies, of which a further 53% reported using two or more radiological investigations.

Conclusions

This systematic review has illustrated that studies investigating SIS test for various signs and symptoms, which is in keeping with describing the condition as a ‘syndrome’. However, there are inconsistencies in participant selection criteria between health disciplines, highlighting a need for harmonization of the selection criteria in the form of an international editorial consensus.
Change in Health-Related Quality-of-Life at Group and Individual Levels Over Time in Patients Treated for Chronic Myofascial Neck Pain
Authors: Brodsky Marc , Spritzer Karen , Hays Ron D. , Hui Ka-Kit
Published: August 2016

Background.

This study evaluated change in health-related quality of life at the group and individual levels in a consecutive series of patients with chronic myofascial neck pain.

Methods.

Fifty patients with chronic neck pain self-administered the Short Form-36 Version 2 (SF-36 v2) before treatment and 6 weeks later. Internal consistency reliability was estimated for the 8 scale scores and Mosier’s formula was used to estimate reliability of the physical and mental health composite scores. Significance of group-level change was estimated using within-group t statistics. Significance of individual change was evaluated by reliable change index.

Results.

Statistically significant ( P < .05) group mean improvement over time was found for all SF-36 scores. At the individual level, 20% of the possible changes were statistically significant (17% improvement, 3% decline).

Conclusions.

Estimating the significance of individual change in health-related quality of life adds important information in comparing different treatment modalities for chronic myofascial neck pain.
Promoting High Expectations for Postschool Success by Family Members
Authors: Pleet-Odle Amy , Aspel Nellie , Leuchovius Deborah , Roy Sean , Hawkins Connie , Jennings Debra , Turnbull Ann , Test David W.
Published: August 2016

Parental expectations (having high expectations for their children) and parental involvement (having parents as active and knowledgeable participants in transition planning) have been identified as evidence-based predictors of improved postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. However, little is known about how education professionals can support and promote high expectations and involvement of families for their transition-aged youth with disabilities. Parent advocates for students with disabilities across the nation were asked for their ideas. The following provides a “to-do” list of seven strategies and 13 activities special education professionals can use in partnership with families to promote high expectations for postschool success for young adults with disabilities.
Family and Neighborhood Influences on Meeting College Expectations in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Mahatmya Duhita , Smith Ariel
Published: August 2016

This study examined how family socioeconomic status and social emotional climate together with neighborhood affluence predict the probability that college attainment in emerging adulthood (20–26 years old) matched college expectations reported during adolescence. Using three waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health ( n = 7,213, 54% female, 53% White, 21% Black, 15% Hispanic, 11% other), results from multilevel multinomial logistic models reported direct and positive effects of neighborhood and family affluence on the probability that college attainment in emerging adulthood matched or exceeded the expectations reported during adolescence. Family cohesion was associated with lower odds of overachievement. An interaction effect revealed that parents’ educational expectations were more strongly associated with college achievement outcomes in higher income families. Understanding how families and neighborhoods predict college achievement can help institutions focus on methods of intervention to best support the transition to adulthood.
Structure, morphology, thermal, and electro-magnetic shielding properties of polystyrene microsphere/polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Meer Sanaa , Iqbal Tahir
Published: August 2016

In this work, polystyrene microspheres (PSMS) and PSMS-based polymer nanocomposites have been prepared. PSMS were first synthesized by dispersion polymerization of styrene monomer. The microsphere- coated-multi-walled carbon nanotube (PSMS/MWCNT) nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating MWCNT into PSMS matrix. Aniline monomer was then introduced by means of in situ oxidative polymerization (PANI) route to PSMS, MWCNT, and PSMS/MWCNT. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy depicted the composite formation of PANI and MWCNT with PSMS matrix. PANI polymer was successfully polymerized in PSMS matrix and on carbon nanotube walls. According to scanning electron microscopy, all nanocomposites exhibited core-shell morphology. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of PSMS/PANI, PANI/MWCNT, and PSMS/PANI/MWCNT were found as 245℃, 287℃, and 289℃, while maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax) was 387℃, 575℃, and 580℃, respectively. Tetrahydrofuran was shown to be a suitable solvent for dispersing the nanocomposite. Toluene can also be used as suitable solvent for these nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction analysis depicted amorphous form of PSMS; however, PANI and MWCNT reduced the amorphous nature of the microspheres. PANI/MWCNT showed the highest crystallinity among all nanocomposites. Moreover, PSMS/PANI/MWCNT nanocomposite revealed electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of ∼23.2 dB.
Docosahexaenoic acid causes rapid pulmonary arterial relaxationviaKCa channel-mediated hyperpolarisation in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Nagaraj Chandran , Tang Bi , Nagy Bence M. , Papp Rita , Jain Pritesh P. , Marsh Leigh M. , Meredith Andrea L. , Ghanim Bahil , Klepetko Walter , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Weir E. Kenneth , Olschewski Horst , Olschewski Andrea
Published: August 2016

Cardioprotective benefits of ω-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well established, but the regulatory effect of DHA on vascular tone and pressure in pulmonary hypertension is largely unknown.

As DHA is a potent regulator of K+channels, we hypothesised that DHA modulates the membrane potential of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) through K+channels and thus exerts its effects on pulmonary vascular tone and pressure.

We show that DHA caused dose-dependent activation of the calcium-activated K+(KCa) current in primary human PASMCs and endothelium-dependent relaxation of pulmonary arteries. This vasodilation was significantly diminished in KCa–/–(Kcnma1–/–) mice.In vivo, acute DHA returned the right ventricular systolic pressure in the chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension animal model to the level of normoxic animals. Interestingly, in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension the KCa channels and their subunits were upregulated. DHA activated KCa channels in these human PASMCs and hyperpolarised the membrane potential of the idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension PASMCs to that of the PASMCs from healthy donors.

Our findings indicate that DHA activates PASMC KCa channels leading to vasorelaxation in pulmonary hypertension. This effect might provide a molecular explanation for the previously undescribed role of DHA as an acute vasodilator in pulmonary hypertension.
Topology-aware illumination design for volume rendering
Authors: Zhou Jianlong , Wang Xiuying , Cui Hui , Gong Peng , Miao Xianglin , Miao Yalin , Xiao Chun , Chen Fang , Feng Dagan
Published: August 2016

Background

Direct volume rendering is one of flexible and effective approaches to inspect large volumetric data such as medical and biological images. In conventional volume rendering, it is often time consuming to set up a meaningful illumination environment. Moreover, conventional illumination approaches usually assign same values of variables of an illumination model to different structures manually and thus neglect the important illumination variations due to structure differences.

Results

We introduce a novel illumination design paradigm for volume rendering on the basis of topology to automate illumination parameter definitions meaningfully. The topological features are extracted from the contour tree of an input volumetric data. The automation of illumination design is achieved based on four aspects of attenuation, distance, saliency, and contrast perception. To better distinguish structures and maximize illuminance perception differences of structures, a two-phase topology-aware illuminance perception contrast model is proposed based on the psychological concept of Just-Noticeable-Difference.

Conclusions

The proposed approach allows meaningful and efficient automatic generations of illumination in volume rendering. Our results showed that our approach is more effective in depth and shape depiction, as well as providing higher perceptual differences between structures.
Trends in CPAP adherence over twenty years of data collection: A flattened curve
Authors: Rotenberg Brian W. , Murariu Dorian , Pang Kenny P.
Published: August 2016

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder, and continuous airway positive pressure (CPAP) is considered to be the gold standard of therapy. CPAP however is known to have problems with adherence, with many patients eventually abandoning the device. The purpose of this paper is to assess secular trends in CPAP adherence over the long term to see if there have been meaningful improvements in adherence in light of the multiple interventions proposed to do so.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using the Medline-Ovid, Embase, and Pubmed databases, searching for data regarding CPAP adherence over a twenty year timeframe (1994–2015). Data was assessed for quality and then extracted. The main outcome measure was reported CPAP non-adherence. Secondary outcomes included changes in CPAP non-adherence when comparing short versus long-term, and changes in terms of behavioral counseling.

Results

Eighty-two papers met study inclusion/exclusion criteria. The overall CPAP non-adherence rate based on a 7-h/night sleep time that was reported in studies conducted over the twenty year time frame was 34.1 %. There was no significant improvement over the time frame. Behavioral intervention improved adherence rates by ∼1 h per night on average.

Conclusions

The rate of CPAP adherence remains persistently low over twenty years worth of reported data. No clinically significant improvement in CPAP adherence was seen even in recent years despite efforts toward behavioral intervention and patient coaching. This low rate of adherence is problematic, and calls into question the concept of CPAP as gold-standard of therapy for OSA.
Mentoring for Inclusion: The Impact of Mentoring on Undergraduate Researchers in the Sciences
Authors: Haeger Heather , Fresquez Carla
Published: August 2016

Increasing inclusion of underrepresented minority and first-generation students in mentored research experiences both increases diversity in the life sciences research community and prepares students for successful careers in these fields. However, analyses of the impact of mentoring approaches on specific student gains are limited. This study addresses the impact of mentoring strategies within research experiences on broadening access to the life sciences by examining both how these experiences impacted student success and how the quality of mentorship affected the development of research and academic skills for a diverse population of students at a public, minority-serving institution. Institutional data on student grades and graduation rates (n = 348) along with postresearch experience surveys (n = 138) found that students mentored in research had significantly higher cumulative grade point averages and similar graduation rates as a matched set of peers. Examination of the relationships between student-reported gains and mentoring strategies demonstrated that socioemotional and culturally relevant mentoring impacted student development during mentored research experiences. Additionally, extended engagement in research yielded significantly higher development of research-related skills and level of independence in research. Recommendations are provided for using mentoring to support traditionally underrepresented students in the sciences.
A Pseudomonas aeruginosa hepta-acylated lipid A variant associated with cystic fibrosis selectively activates human neutrophils
Authors: SenGupta Shuvasree , Hittle Lauren E , Ernst Robert K , Uriarte Silvia M , Mitchell Thomas C
Published: August 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease causes airway neutrophilia and hyperinflammation without effective bacterial clearance. We evaluated the immunostimulatory activities of lipid A, the membrane anchor of LPS, isolated from mutants of PA that synthesize structural variants, present in the airways of patients with CF, to determine if they correlate with disease severity and progression. In a subset of patients with a severe late stage of CF disease, a unique hepta-acylated lipid A, hepta-1855, is synthesized. In primary human cell cultures, we found that hepta-1855 functioned as a potent TLR4 agonist by priming neutrophil respiratory burst and stimulating strong IL-8 from monocytes and neutrophils. hepta-1855 also had a potent survival effect on neutrophils. However, it was less efficient in stimulating neutrophil granule exocytosis and also less potent in triggering proinflammatory TNF-α response from monocytes. In PA isolates that do not synthesize hepta-1855, a distinct CF-specific adaptation favors synthesis of a penta-1447 and hexa-1685 LPS mixture. We found that penta-1447 lacked immunostimulatory activity but interfered with inflammatory IL-8 synthesis in response to hexa-1685. Together, these observations suggest a potential contribution of hepta-1855 to maintenance of the inflammatory burden in late-stage CF by recruiting neutrophils via IL-8 and promoting their survival, an effect presumably amplified by the absence of penta-1447. Moreover, the relative inefficiency of hepta-1855 in triggering neutrophil degranulation may partly explain the persistence of PA in CF disease, despite extensive airway neutrophilia.
Initiation and duration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescribing over time: UK cohort study
Authors: McCrea Rachel L. , Sammon Cormac J. , Nazareth Irwin , Petersen Irene
Published: August 2016

Background

Recent media reports have focused on the large increase in antidepressants dispensed in England. We investigated this, focusing on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Aims

To examine the rate of initiation of SSRIs over time and changes over time in the duration of prescribing episodes.

Method

We estimated initiation and duration of SSRI prescribing from 7 025 802 individuals aged over 18 years and registered with a general practice that contributed data to The Health Improvement Network.

Results

Rates of SSRI initiation increased from 1.03 per 100 person-years in 1995 to 2.15 in 2001, but remained stable from then to 2012. The median duration of prescribing episodes increased from 112 to 169 days for episodes starting in 1995 to 2010.

Conclusions

Despite media reports describing an increasing rate of antidepressant prescribing, SSRI initiation rates have stabilised since 2001. However, our results suggest that individuals who take SSRIs are receiving treatment for longer.
Prognostic association of cardiac anxiety with new cardiac events and mortality following myocardial infarction
Authors: Van Beek Maria H. C. T. , Zuidersma Marij , Lappenschaar Martijn , Pop Gheorghe , Roest Annelieke M. , Van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Speckens Anne E. M. , Oude Voshaar Richard C.
Published: August 2016

Background

General anxiety and depressive symptoms following a myocardial infarction are associated with a worse cardiac prognosis. However, the contribution of specific aspects of anxiety within this context remains unclear.

Aims

To evaluate the independent prognostic association of cardiac anxiety with cardiac outcome after myocardial infarction.

Method

We administered the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) during hospital admission (baseline, n = 193) and 4 months (n = 147/193) after discharge. CAQ subscale scores reflect fear, attention, avoidance and safety-seeking behaviour. Study end-point was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE): readmission for ischemic cardiac disease or all-cause mortality. In Cox regression analysis, we adjusted for age, cardiac disease severity and depressive symptoms.

Results

The CAQ sum score at baseline and at 4 months significantly predicted a MACE (HRbaseline = 1.59, 95% CI 1.04–2.43; HR4-months = 1.77, 95% CI 1.04–3.02) with a mean follow-up of 4.2 (s.d. = 2.0) years and 4.3 (s.d. = 1.7) years respectively. Analyses of subscale scores revealed that this effect was particularly driven by avoidance (HRbaseline = 1.23, 95% CI 0.99–1.53; HR4-months = 1.77, 95% CI 1.04–1.83).

Conclusions

Cardiac anxiety, particularly anxiety-related avoidance of exercise, is an important prognostic factor for a MACE in patients after myocardial infarction, independent of cardiac disease severity and depressive symptoms.
Effect of psychotherapy for depression on quality of life: meta-analysis
Authors: Kolovos Spyros , Kleiboer Annet , Cuijpers Pim
Published: August 2016

Background

Several meta-analyses have shown that psychotherapy is effective for reducing depressive symptom severity. However, the impact on quality of life (QoL) is as yet unknown.

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness of psychotherapy for depression on global QoL and on the mental health and physical health components of QoL.

Method

We conducted a meta-analysis of 44 randomised clinical trials comparing psychotherapy for adults experiencing clinical depression or elevated depressive symptoms with a control group. We used subgroup analyses to explore the influence of various study characteristics on the effectiveness of treatment.

Results

We detected a small to moderate effect size (Hedges'g= 0.33, 95% CI 0.24–0.42) for global QoL, a moderate effect size for the mental health component (g= 0.42, 95% CI 0.33–0.51) and, after removing an outlier, a small but statistically significant effect size for the physical health component (g= 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.27). Multivariate meta-regression analyses showed that the effect size of depressive symptoms was significantly related to the effect size of the mental health component of QoL. The effect size of depressive symptoms was not related to global QoL or the physical health component.

Conclusions

Psychotherapy for depression has a positive impact on the QoL of patients with depression. Improvements in QoL are not fully explained by improvements in depressive symptom severity.
Clonidine Does Not Reduce Pain or Opioid Consumption After Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Turan Alparslan , Babazade Rovnat , Kurz Andrea , Devereaux Phillip J. , Zimmerman Nicole M. , Hutcherson Matthew T. , Naylor Amanda J. , Ali Sakr Esa Wael , Parlow Joel , Gilron Ian , Honar Hooman , Salmasi Vafi , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Clonidine is an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, which has analgesic properties. However, the analgesic efficacy of perioperative clonidine remains unclear. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that clonidine reduces both pain scores and cumulative opioid consumption during the initial 72 hours after noncardiac surgery.

METHODS:

Six hundred twenty-four patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery under general and spinal anesthesia were included in this substudy of the PeriOperative ISchemia Evaluation-2 trial. Patients were randomly assigned to 0.2 mg oral clonidine or placebo 2 to 4 hours before surgery, followed by 0.2 mg/d transdermal clonidine patch or placebo patch, which was maintained until 72 hours after surgery. Postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption were assessed for 72 hours after surgery.

RESULTS:

Clonidine had no effect on opioid consumption compared with placebo, with an estimated ratio of means of 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–1.38); P = 0.92. Median (Q1, Q3) opioid consumption was 63 (30, 154) mg morphine equivalents in the clonidine group, which was similar to 60 (30, 128) mg morphine equivalents in the placebo group. Furthermore, there was no significant effect on pain scores, with an estimated difference in means of 0.12 (95% confidence interval, −0.02 to 0.26); 11-point scale; P = 0.10. Mean pain scores per patient were 3.6 ± 1.8 for clonidine patients and 3.6 ± 1.8 for placebo patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clonidine does not reduce opioid consumption or pain scores in patients recovering from noncardiac surgery.
Lidocaine Impairs Proliferative and Biosynthetic Functions of Aged Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Bentov Itay , Damodarasamy Mamatha , Spiekerman Charles , Reed May J.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

The aged are at increased risk of postoperative wound healing complications. Because local anesthetics are infiltrated commonly into the dermis of surgical wounds, we sought to determine whether local anesthetics adversely affect proliferative and biosynthetic functions of dermal fibroblasts. We also evaluated the effect of local anesthetics on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), growth factors that are important regulators of wound healing.

METHODS:

Human dermal fibroblasts (HFB) from aged and young donors were exposed to local anesthetic agents at clinically relevant concentrations. We screened the effects of lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and ropivacaine on proliferation of HFB. Lidocaine was most detrimental to proliferation in HFB. We then evaluated the effect of lidocaine on expression and function of the growth factors, IGF-1 and TGF-β1. Lastly, concurrent exposure to lidocaine and IGF-1 or TGF-β1 was evaluated for their effects on proliferation and expression of dermal collagens, respectively.

RESULTS:

Lidocaine and mepivacaine inhibited proliferation in aged HFB (for lidocaine 88% of control, 95% confidence interval [CI], 80%–98%, P = .009 and for mepivacaine 90% of control, 95% CI, 81%–99%, P = .032) but not in young HFB. Ropivacaine and bupivacaine did not inhibit proliferation. Because of the clinical utility of lidocaine relative to mepivacaine, we focused on lidocaine. Lidocaine decreased proliferation in aged HFB, which was abrogated by IGF-1. Lidocaine inhibited transcripts for IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) in fibroblasts from aged donors (IGF-1, log2 fold-change −1.25 [42% of control, 95% CI, 19%–92%, P = .035] and IGF1R, log2 fold-change −1.00 [50% of control, 95% CI, 31%–81%, P = .014]). In contrast, lidocaine did not affect the expression of IGF-1 or IGF1R transcripts in the young HFB. Transcripts for collagen III were decreased after lidocaine exposure in aged and young HFB (log2 fold-change −1.28 [41% of control, 95% CI, 20%–83%, P = .022] in aged HFB and log2 fold-change −1.60 [33% of control, 95% CI, 15%–73%, P = .019] in young HFB). Transcripts for collagen I were decreased in aged HFB (log2 fold-change −1.82 [28% of control, 95% CI, 14%–58%, P = .006]) but not in the young HFB. Similar to the transcripts, lidocaine also inhibited the protein expression of collagen III in young and aged HFB (log2 fold-change −1.79 [29% of control, 95% CI, 18%–47%, P = .003] in young HFB and log2 fold-change −1.76 [30% of control, 95% CI, 9%–93%, P = .043] in aged HFB). The effect of lidocaine on the expression of collagen III protein was obviated by TGF-β1 in both young and aged HFB.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results show that lidocaine inhibits processes relevant to dermal repair in aged HFB. The detrimental responses to lidocaine are due, in part, to interactions with IGF-1 and TGF-β1.
The Patterns of Utilization of Interscalene Nerve Blocks for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Gabriel Rodney A. , Nagrebetsky Alexander , Kaye Alan D. , Dutton Richard P. , Urman Richard D.
Published: August 2016

The interscalene block (ISB) is a common adjunct to general anesthesia for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The aim of the study was to report the current national demographics of the patients who are receiving ISB for TSAs. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry from 2010 to 2015. Of 28,810 cases, 42.1% received an ISB. Only 0.83% of cases received regional anesthesia as the primary anesthetic. From 2010 to 2014, there has been an increase in ISB utilization for this surgery (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–1.23; P < .0001). Furthermore, we report a geographic distribution of block utilization in the United States. We have identified national patterns for the utilization of regional anesthesia for TSAs that may provide insight into future design of research studies.