bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triploporella ? edgelli n. sp., a new Dasycladalean alga from the Lower Cretaceous of Lebanon
Authors: Maksoud Sibelle , Granier Bruno , Azar Dany
Published: May 2017

The Dasycladalean assemblage of the Jezzinian strata (uppermost Barremian–lowermost Aptian) of Lebanon consists of two organo‐genera and eight genera with eleven species, including eight Triploporellaceae. Although Triploporella marsicana (Praturlon, 1964) was reported by Saint‐Marc from the same interval, it is not found in our material. However, a lookalike, which is herein described as Triploporella ? edgelli n. sp., is identified. This new species has cyst‐containers within the primary segments of its laterals but, because it lacks calcified secondary segments, it is left in open nomenclature.
Temporal stress variations along a seismogenic megasplay fault in the subduction zone: An example from the Nobeoka Thrust, southwestern Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Ryoji , Hamahashi Mari , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Otsubo Makoto , Yamaguchi Asuka , Kitamura Yujin , Kameda Jun , Hamada Yohei , Fukuchi Rina , Kimura Gaku
Published: May 2017

The Nobeoka Thrust, an ancient megasplay fault in the Shimanto Belt, southwestern Japan, contains fault rocks from the seismogenic zone, providing an accessible analog of active megasplay faults in deep subduction settings. In this study, the paleostress along the Nobeoka Thrust was analyzed using multiple inversion techniques, including k‐means clustering of fault datasets acquired from drillcores that intersected the thrust. The six resultant stress orientation clusters can be divided into two general groups: stress solutions with north–south‐trending σ1 axes, and those with east–west‐trending σ1 axes. These groups are characterized by the temporal changes for the orientations of the σ1 and σ3 principal stress axes that involve alternation between horizontal and vertical. The findings are probably due to a change in stress state before and after earthquakes that occurred on the fault; similar changes have been observed in active tectonic settings, such as the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake (Japan).
WHEN AND HOW THE PUNISHMENT MUST FIT THE CRIME
Authors: Mailath George J. , Nocke Volker , White Lucy
Published: May 2017

In repeated normal‐form (simultaneous‐move) games, simple penal codes (Abreu, Journal of Economic Theory 39(1) (1986), 191–225; and Econometrica 56(2) (1988), 383–96) permit an elegant characterization of the set of subgame‐perfect outcomes. We show that in repeated extensive‐form games such a characterization no longer obtains. By means of examples, we identify two types of settings in which a subgame‐perfect outcome may be supported only by a profile with the property that the continuation play after a deviation is tailored not only to the identity of the deviator but also to the nature of the deviation.
ENTRANTS' REPUTATION AND INDUSTRY DYNAMICS
Authors: Vial Bernardita , Zurita Felipe
Published: May 2017

This article analyzes entry–exit decisions in a market where reputation determines the price that firms may charge, within a rational‐expectation model of competition in a nonatomic market under heterogeneous reputations. The analysis focuses on the class of name‐switching reputational equilibria, in which a firm discards its name if and only if its reputation falls below the entrants' reputation. The main technical result is the existence of a unique steady‐state equilibrium within this class, in which the entrants' reputation is endogenous. The resulting industry dynamics is largely on agreement with the findings in the empirical literature.
ENDOGENOUS SCHEDULING PREFERENCES AND CONGESTION
Authors: Fosgerau Mogens , Small Kenneth
Published: May 2017

We consider the timing of activities through a dynamic model of commuting with congestion, in which workers care solely about leisure and consumption. Implicit preferences for the timing of the commute form endogenously due to temporal agglomeration economies. Equilibrium exists uniquely and is indistinguishable from that of a generalized version of the classical Vickrey bottleneck model, based on exogenous trip‐timing preferences, but optimal policies differ: the Vickrey model will misstate the benefits of a capacity increase, it will underpredict the benefits of congestion pricing, and pricing may make people better off even without considering the use of revenues.
EFFICIENT LARGE‐SIZE COORDINATION VIA VOLUNTARY GROUP FORMATION: AN EXPERIMENT
Authors: Yang Chun‐Lei , Xu Mao‐Long , Meng Juanjuan , Tang Fang‐Fang
Published: May 2017

Efficient coordination in large groups is a fundamental issue in economic organizations. We consider the weak‐link game with the feature of economies of scale that is necessary for voluntary group growth, in a minimal setup with exit and merger options. We show that large groups with efficient outcomes prevail in most communities. Seed groups form that seem to set a norm of both maximal effort level and mutual trust that there will be no panic when seeing noisy dips. Initial doubters are eventually converted into norm abiders. A restart further speeds up the process of coordination success.
The relationship between plumage colouration, problem‐solving and learning performance in great tits Parus major
Authors: Cauchard Laure , Doucet Stéphanie M. , Boogert Neeltje J. , Angers Bernard , Doligez Blandine
Published: May 2017

Recent studies suggest that individuals with better problem‐solving and/or learning performance have greater reproductive success, and that individuals may thus benefit from choosing mates based on these performances. However, directly assessing these performances in candidate mates could be difficult. Instead, the use of indirect cues related to problem‐solving and/or learning performance, such as condition‐dependent phenotypic traits, might be favored. We investigated whether problem‐solving and learning performance on a novel non‐foraging task correlated with sexually selected plumage colouration in a natural population of great tits Parus major. We found that males successful in solving the task had darker blue‐black crowns than non‐solvers, and that males solving the task more rapidly over multiple attempts (i.e. learners) exhibited blue‐black crowns with higher UV chroma and shorter‐wavelength hues than non‐learners. In contrast, we found no link between behavioural performance on the task and the yellow breast colouration in either sex. Our findings suggest that blue‐black crown colouration could serve as a signal of problem‐solving and learning performance in wild great tit males. Further research remains necessary to determine whether different sexually selected traits are used to signal cognitive performance for mate choice, either directly (i.e. cognitive performance influencing individual's health and ornamentation through diet for example) or indirectly (i.e. due to a correlation with a third factor such as individual quality or condition).
Influence of TNF‐alpha inhibitors and fumaric acid esters on male fertility in psoriasis patients
Authors: Heppt F. , Colsman A. , Maronna A. , Uslu U. , Heppt M.V. , Kiesewetter F. , Sticherling M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Is there any influence of a therapy with TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters and of disease activity status on male fertility and sperm quality in patients with psoriasis?

Methods

In this monocentric, open‐label, prospective study, semen samples were collected from patients receiving either TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Semen was analysed at baseline before onset of the systemic therapy and monitored every 3 months under therapy. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the current WHO definitions.

Results

In total, 101 semen specimens from 27 patients were obtained. Mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at baseline was 11.05. Only 14.8% of patients showed a normozoospermia without any other abnormal seminal values. 85.2% of patients had at least one sperm/seminal abnormality, including two patients showing an azoospermia. Interestingly, 48.1% showed sperm parameters indicative of genital tract inflammation. Therapy with TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters did not have any negative effects on relevant sperm parameters such as mean total sperm number, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility. No major gonadal dysfunction was observed in any patient.

Conclusion

At baseline, many patients with psoriasis showed abnormal semen/sperm parameters and remarkably elevated leukocytes and values of seminal polymorphonuclear elastase, indicating a genital tract inflammation. Thus, genital tract inflammation may represent an important comorbidity of psoriasis, little attention paid to so far. Regarding treatment with TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters, no major negative (side‐) effects on sperm quality were observed.
Cancer patients' perceptions of quality‐of‐care attributes—Associations with age, perceived health status, gender and education
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Stolt Minna , Berg Agneta , Katajisto Jouko , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Patiraki Elisabeth , Sjövall Katarina , Charalambous Andreas
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between patients' gender, education, health status in relation to assessments of patient‐centred quality and individuality in care and trust in nurses for those <65 (working age) and ≥65 years (older people).

Background

Patients' assessments of the quality of care they receive are essential for the development of the provision of patient care and services. Previous studies have revealed age of the patient is associated with their assessment of care quality attributes.

Design

The study employed a cross‐sectional, multicultural comparative survey design.

Methods

The data were collected using questionnaires among hospitalised cancer patients (N = 876, n = 599, 68%) in four European countries: Greece, Cyprus, Sweden and Finland. The data were divided into two subgroups based on age (cut point 65 years) and were analysed statistically.

Results

Cancer patients' age, gender and level of education were not related to their assessments of care quality attributes: person‐centred care quality, individuality in care and trust in nurses. Subgroup analysis of the older adults and those of working age showed clear associations with patients' assessments of quality‐of‐care attributes and perceived health status. The lower the perceived health status, the lower the assessment of care quality attributes.

Discussion

The results suggest that the cancer itself is the strongest determinant of the care delivered, rather than any patient characteristics, such as age, education or gender. Perceived health status, in association with cancer patient assessments of care quality attributes, may be useful in the development of patient‐centred, individualised care strategies alongside a stronger focus on people instead of cancer‐care‐related processes and duties.

Conclusions

Health status was the only factor associated with cancer patients' assessments of care quality attributes. Cancer itself may be the strongest determinant of the care quality perceptions, rather than any patient characteristics.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study have implications for cancer care professionals in terms of patient assessment and care planning. The measures may be useful in assessing quality of cancer nursing care.
Epidemiology update for HCV and HBV in ESRD in France: Still a lot to do
Authors: Parlati Lucia , Laurain Anne , Pol Stanislas
Published: May 2017

See Article on Page 820
Renal replacement therapy in critically ill cirrhotic patients: A challenging balance between efficacy and futility
Authors: Reverter Enric , Escorsell Angels , Fernández Javier
Published: May 2017

See Article on Page 843
The Quebec experience in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity: how can we do better?
Authors: Le Bodo Y. , Blouin C. , Dumas N. , De Wals P. , Laguë J.
Published: May 2017

Over the last years, many actions have been implemented in the Canadian province of Quebec to prevent health issues related to diet, physical activity and obesity. As a new public health programme is being launched, the ‘How can we do better?’ project aimed to identify priority areas for further action. An exhaustive search led to identify 166 interventions rolled out in Quebec between 2006 and 2014. We compared it with evidence‐based recommendations. Findings were challenged during a 2‐d deliberative forum gathering 25 key stakeholders. At the crossroads of these analyses, 50 proposals emerged to sustain/bolster current efforts or to implement new initiatives. Specific improvements were recommended, e.g. about food supply quality monitoring, healthy food accessibility and affordability, physical activity promotion through land use policies, schools and childcare facilities retrofit and urban planning. Crosscutting proposals stress the importance to implement a new governmental prevention strategy and to reinforce evaluation at all levels. This call for action takes place at a critical period for political commitment and should be maintained until and after curbing the prevalence of obesity and related diseases. Although Quebec‐focused, ‘How can we do better?’ project outcomes may be informative for other jurisdictions, and the methods may be inspiring for those interested in combining knowledge syntheses and deliberative processes to inform decision makers in a limited time frame.
Observations of the structural changes that occur during charcoalification: implications for identifying charcoal in the fossil record
Authors: Hudspith Victoria A. , Belcher Claire M.
Published: May 2017

All of our current understanding of fossil charcoal structure comes from observations of modern wood charcoal produced in furnaces. These charcoals consistently show cell wall homogenization after prolonged heating (>325°C) and this is therefore considered to be a key identifying feature of fossil charcoal. Yet furnaces are unable to replicate the full combustion processes that occur during a wildfire. Here, for the first time, we have studied the microscopic structural evolution of charcoal produced using calorimetry, wherein the wood is ignited under controlled conditions and the heat release rate and other parameters measured, and the resulting charcoal studied using reflected light microscopy. We show that homogenization of cell walls is actually only a short‐lived phase of charcoal formation that occurs during the early heating stages as the pyrolysis front traverses through the wood. Cell wall homogenization is then rapidly overprinted by the thinning, distortion and breakdown of cell walls, and a notable visual increase in reflectance. Our preliminary study therefore suggests that we need to first improve our understanding of charcoal formation in order to better understand the fossil record of wildfires.
Optimal Proliferation and Differentiation of Chlamydia Trachomatis
Authors: Wan Frederic Y. M. , Enciso Germán A.
Published: May 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that causes eye infection and blindness in humans. In the simplest form, it has an unusual life cycle involving two developmental forms. Within a cytoplasmic inclusion, the reticulate body (RB) repeatedly divides by binary fission and asynchronously differentiates into the infectious elementary body (EB). Upon the death of the mammalian cell that host many such inclusions, only the EB form of the bacteria survive and proceed to infect other cells. Given the bacteria's fast spreading infection, conventional wisdom would have the few initial EB turn into RB, divide and proliferate first, and then eventually start converting to maximize the terminal EB population upon host cell lysis. Several biological processes are seen as possible mechanisms for implementing such a conversion strategy. However, the optimality of an instinctual strategy with a period of proliferate without conversion prior to the onset of differentiation has never been substantiated theoretically or justified mathematically.

This paper formulates three relatively simple models that capture the essential features of the Chlamydia life cycle. When the initial infection is caused by the endocytosis of a small EB population well below the carrying capacity of the host cell, the Maximum Principle in control theory requires for these models an optimal conversion strategy that confirms and rigorously justifies the prevailing view of no conversion at the early stage of the host cell infection. However, the conventional supposition is found to be inappropriate for an initial EB (‐to‐RB) population near or above the carrying capacity. Previously suggested and new biological mechanisms are examined for their role in implementing the different optimal conversion strategies associated with models investigated herein.
Obstacles to reducing plasma levels of uremic solutes by hemodialysis
Authors: Sirich Tammy L.
Published: May 2017

More intensive hemodialysis has provided limited clinical benefit. The lack of benefit may be due in part to the failure of intensive dialysis to reduce uremic solute levels in plasma. Two well‐described factors limiting the reduction in these levels are the intermittency of dialysis treatment and the distribution of solutes in multiple body compartments. Efforts to increase the clearance of large solutes and protein‐bound solutes have revealed two other considerations—the presence of nonrenal clearance and increases in solute generation. For β2 microglobulin, a commonly measured large solute, nonrenal clearance limits reduction in its levels. For the bound solute p‐cresol sulfate, an increase in generation appears to limit its reduction. A variety of factors likely determine the behavior of different solutes. More data on solute toxicity are needed as is better knowledge of solute kinetics. We will then be better able to design optimal therapeutic interventions. A combination of dialytic and nondialytic strategies may well be needed to reduce the plasma levels of toxic solutes and improve patients’ health.
Análisis de las variables asociadas al estudio del liderazgo: una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Aguilar-Bustamante Maria Constanza , Correa-Chica Andrea
Published: May 2017

El presente trabajo analiza el liderazgo desde una perspectiva de la psicología social y de las organizaciones, a partir de un rigor científico, empírico, objetivo, sistemático y, probablemente, replicable. La literatura sobre el liderazgo, cuenta con un gran número de fuentes, diversas y heterogéneas que provienen de diferentes disciplinas sin embargo aún no hay acuerdos sobre su definición y tampoco existe un sólo modelo que lo explique en su totalidad. En este artículo se hace una descripción general sobre cómo se investiga el liderazgo, y se abordan tres dimensiones que, se espera, todas las teorías sobre el liderazgo contemplen: el líder, los seguidores y el contexto. A partir de una revisión sistemática (RS) de trabajos de autores iberoamericanos publicados en las bases Redalyc y Scopus, después de la búsqueda de artículos en las bases entre el 2005 y el 2015, se seleccionaron 68 estudios que cumplían los criterios de selección definidos. El análisis sistemático de los textos se desarrolló en tres etapas, primero, delimitación de estrategia de búsqueda y selección de los estudios; segundo, sistematización y lematización del corpus textual; y tercero, análisis estadístico descriptivo unidimensional y multidimensional de datos textuales. Los resultados a partir del SPSS y del SPAD, muestran aportes importantes de las investigaciones realizadas durante la última década pues se identifican sus componentes básicos, los modelos teóricos que lo explican, las diferentes metodologías para su medición; los desarrollos en cuanto a variables psicológicas asociadas y los aspectos organizacionales que la literatura científica evidencia en resultados de estudios sobre el liderazgo en las organizaciones.
Percepción de conflicto intergrupal y su relación causal en la adherencia a creencias esencialistas.
Authors: Estrada Goic Claudia Andrea
Published: May 2017

La presente investigación trata del efecto que la percepción de una relación de conflicto entre dos grupos (endogrupo y exogrupo), tiene sobre la adherencia a creencias esencialistas. La hipótesis es, entonces, que la percepción de un mayor nivel de conflicto entre el endogrupo y un exogrupo, tendrá como consecuencia el aumento en las creencias esencialistas, esto es, en pensar que los grupos existen como consecuencia de elementos profundos compartidos por sus miembros, que los convierten en grupos reales y naturales (no creados socialmente). Esta hipótesis se enmarca en una nueva mirada de esta teoría implícita que busca comprender, más que sus consecuencias negativas, sus posibles ganancias secundarias para el grupo que las posee. En dos estudios similares (N1 = 180, N2 = 162), que utilizaron un muestreo no aleatorio intencional y un diseño no experimental correlacional, se midieron las variables “percepción de conflicto” y “creencias esencialistas respecto al propio grupo y otro grupo”. Los resultados van en la dirección de nuestras predicciones indicando que, efectivamente, ambas variables se encuentran vinculadas. Se discute en torno a la interpretación causal de estos resultados y sus limitaciones.
Predictores de una interacción eficaz entre madre e hijo/a en contextos de riesgo psicosocial.
Authors: Álvarez Lorenzo Miriam , Rodrigo López María José , Rodríguez Suárez Guacimara
Published: May 2017

Resumen

Este estudio analiza la influencia de las prácticas, las metas, la representación materna de las propias acciones y la predictibilidad de prácticas y metas según los hijos/as sobre la interaccion entre madre-hijo/a observada en una tarea colaborativa. Los participantes fueron 82 diadas en riesgo psicosocial. Las madres reportaron las prácticas y las metas en situaciones hipotéticas y la representación de la propia acción en la interacción. Los hijos/as reportaron la predictibilidad de las prácticas y las metas de las propias madres. Los modelos de regresión muestran la influencia negativa de las prácticas coercitivas y restrictivas, la influencia positiva de la representación de la acción y de la predictibilidad de prácticas y metas en la dinámica de la interacción madre-hijo/a.
Some Closed-Form Results for Adhesive Rough Contacts Near Complete Contact on Loading and Unloading in the Johnson, Kendall, and Roberts Regime
Authors: Ciavarella Michele , Xu Yang , Jackson Robert L.
Published: May 2017

Recently, generalizing the solution of the adhesiveless random rough contact proposed by Xu, Jackson, and Marghitu (XJM model), the first author has obtained a model for adhesive contact near full contact, under the Johnson, Kendall, and Roberts (JKR) assumptions, which leads to quite strong effect of the fractal dimension. We extend here the results with closed-form equations, including both loading and unloading which were not previously discussed, showing that the conclusions are confirmed. A large effect of hysteresis is found, as was expected. The solution is therefore competitive with Persson's JKR solution, at least in the range of nearly full contact, with an enormous advantage in terms of simplicity. Two examples of real surfaces are discussed.
Tribological Characterization of Hypereutectic Al–25Si Alloy Under Dry and Lubricated Sliding Conditions
Authors: Kumar Parveen , Wani M. F.
Published: May 2017

Friction and wear properties of hypereutectic Al–25Si alloy were studied under dry and lubricated sliding conditions. Hypereutectic Al–25Si alloys were prepared by rapid solidification process (RSP) under the T6 condition. Experimental studies were conducted using a ball on disk type tribometer. The effect of the sliding distance and normal load on the friction and wear were investigated. The coefficient of friction (COF) remained stable with an increase in the sliding distance (250–1500 m) and decreased with an increase in the normal load (10–50 N), whereas the wear rate decreased with an increase in the sliding distance, and increased with the increase in the normal load up to 40 N and then attained a steady-state value under dry and lubricated sliding conditions. The improvements in COF and wear rate were mainly attributed to the morphology, size, and distribution of hypereutectic Si particles due to its fabrication process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), optical microscopy, and three-dimensional (3D)-surface profilometer were used for characterization of the wear tracks. The dominant wear mechanisms for a hypereutectic Al–25Si alloy were adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and plastic deformation.
Recent Developments of the Linear Matching Method Framework for Structural Integrity Assessment
Authors: Barbera Daniele , Chen Haofeng , Liu Yinghua , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: May 2017

The linear matching method (LMM) subroutines and plug-in tools for structural integrity assessment are now in extensive use in industries for the design and routine assessment of power plant components. This paper presents a detailed review and case study of the current state-of-the art LMM direct methods applied to the structural integrity assessment. The focus is on the development and use of the linear matching method framework (LMMF) on a wide range of crucial aspects for the power industry. The LMMF is reviewed to show a wide range of capabilities of the direct methods under this framework, and the basic theory background is also presented. Different structural integrity aspects are covered including the calculation of shakedown, ratchet, and creep rupture limits. Furthermore, the crack initiation assessments of an un-cracked body by the LMM are shown for cases both with and without the presence of a creep dwell during the cyclic loading history. Finally, an overview of the in house developed LMM plug-in is given, presenting the intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) developed. The efficiency and robustness of these direct methods in calculating the aforementioned quantities are confirmed through a numerical case study, which is a semicircular notched (Bridgman notch) bar. A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model is adopted, and the notched bar is subjected to both cyclic and constant axial mechanical loads. For the crack initiation assessment, different cyclic loading conditions are evaluated to demonstrate the impact of the different load types on the structural response. The impact of creep dwell is also investigated to show how this parameter is capable of causing in some cases a dangerous phenomenon known as creep ratcheting. All the results in the case study demonstrate the level of simplicity of the LMMs but at the same time accuracy, efficiency, and robustness over the more complicated and inefficient incremental finite element analyses.
Acousto-Elastic Interactions in High-Pressure CO2 Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Jith Jithin , Sarkar Sunetra
Published: May 2017

Accurate determination of acousto-elastic natural frequencies in centrifugal compressors is important in order to avoid resonance events that may lead to machine failure. Compressors operating with CO2 at high pressures, especially near its transition to supercritical state, deal with a wide variation in density and speed of sound. Natural frequency behavior under these conditions is studied here. A finite element method (FEM) based coupled acousto-elastic solver has been developed to study the modal coupling and interactions between the impeller and the side-cavity modes for an idealized compressor geometry. Pressure in the side-cavities is increased up to a very high value of 20 MPa and existence of fluid- and structure-dominant acousto-elastic modes is observed. The variation of the natural frequencies of these modes with pressure exhibits contrasting trends as CO2 transitions from gaseous to supercritical state.
Evaluation of Game Performance in Elite Male Sitting Volleyball Players
Authors: Molik Bartosz , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia , Marszałek Jolanta , Kosmol Andrzej , Rutkowska Izabela , Jakubicka Alicja , Kaliszewska Ewelina , Kozłowski Robert , Kurowska Monika , Ploch Elwira , Mustafins Pavel , Gómez Miguel-Ángel
Published: May 2017

The aims of the current study were (a) to analyze the differences in game performances of sitting volleyball athletes representing the different types of disabilities and (b) to assess whether the seated position vertical reach is one of the crucial factors in the game performance level of sitting volleyball athletes. One hundred male athletes from various national teams participating in the European Championships in Sitting Volleyball (2009) took part in this study. The athletes were categorized according to type of disability and the results of the vertical reach in a seated position. Thirtysix games were analyzed using the Game Performance Sheet for Sitting Volleyball. Twenty-three game performance parameters were studied. In addition, the sum and effectiveness of attacks, blocks, block services, services, ball receiving, and defensive actions were calculated. The main results indicated significant differences between athletes with minimal disability and athletes with single amputations from above the knee in the level of defensive performances and the summation of defensive actions. There was also a significant difference between athletes in relation to their vertical reach during activity and attacking actions, blocks, and ball receiving. In addition, there were strong relationships between the players’ vertical reach scores and their activity and effectiveness in sitting volleyball. In conclusion, the accuracy of the World Organization Volleyball for Disabled classification systems for sitting volleyball players was confirmed. There is a strong relationship between players’ vertical reach and their effectiveness in sitting volleyball.
Winning Mentality: A Reflective Account of Delivery to a Professional Football Academy
Authors: Godfrey Suzie , Winter Stacy
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a reflective account of the sport psychology support work delivered across one season at a professional football academy by a neophyte practitioner. The development of the sport psychology program, referred to as Winning Mentality, was guided by Harwood and Anderson's (2015) 5C guidelines to psychological skills training.The Winning Mentality program outlined within this paper was delivered to the U9-U12 age groups and focused on the three key topics: (1) growth mind-set; (2) emotional control; and (3) confidence.The intervention comprised predominantly of classroom-based workshops delivered at the team level that focused on one topic per training cycle. Working with these young age groups uncovered a number of challenges that form the basis of this reflective account.Drawing upon child developmental literature was a necessity to ensure the effective matching of session content to the relevant age group. In addition, the heavily classroom-based nature of the program limited the youth footballers application of sport psychology techniques on the football pitch.Finally, opportunities to empower coaches with the knowledge and skills to apply psychological concepts within their training sessions should be welcomed.
The Third Time Is a Charm: News Media, Policy Dynamics, and the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act
Authors: Denham Bryan E.
Published: May 2017

Designer steroids contain chemical structures “derived from, or substantially similar to” anabolic steroids, which became Schedule III controlled substances in the United States in 1990. Chemists create designer steroids by reverse engineering existing drugs, altering their chemical structures, and creating new compounds. Seeking to help curtail problems with steroid-spiked dietary supplements, the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014 classified 25 designer steroids, many contained in supplements, as controlled substances. Previous versions of the 2014 legislation, introduced in 2010 and 2012, had failed to become law despite consistent news accounts of supplements contaminated with conventional and designer steroids, as well as steroid precursors. Guided conceptually by a streams-of-influence model, the present article examines regulatory processes involving designer steroids and discusses limitations on the capacity of news outlets to build policy agendas.
Predictors of Postpartum Exercise According to Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Downs Danielle Symons , Leonard Krista S. , Beiler Jessica S. , Paul Ian M.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The study purposes were to examine (1) differences in postpartum exercise (EX) and related personal/psychological correlates in women according to prepregnancy weight and pregnancy gestational weight gain (GWG) status and (2) predictors of EX at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postpartum.

Methods:

Participants (N = 891) were recruited at maternity hospitalization and completed interviews to assess EX (Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire) and personal correlates (demographics, anxiety/depressive symptoms) before/during pregnancy. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess postpartum EX/psychological correlates. Women were categorized according to prepregnancy weight (normal and overweight) and pregnancy GWG status (above or within weight gain guidelines): normal-above, normal-within, overweight-above, and overweight-within.

Results:

Low levels of EX minutes were observed in all women with significant differences for strenuous EX minutes (overweight-within women had the lowest strenuous EX; normal-weight women had more strenuous EX than overweight women regardless of GWG). Correlates explained 14%–37% of the variance in postpartum EX; prepregnancy EX and pregnancy EX were strong determinants of early postpartum EX, and early postpartum EX predicted 6-month postpartum EX. Unique predictors of EX also emerged (eg, depressive symptoms for women with GWG above guidelines).

Conclusions:

These study findings highlight the benefits of EX before/during pregnancy for promoting postpartum EX and suggest tailoring postpartum EX interventions based on personal/psychological correlates to maximize effectiveness.
Graduate(d) Student Athletes in Division I Football: Redefining Archetypes and Disrupting Stereotypes or Invisible?
Authors: Haslerig Siduri J.
Published: May 2017

This article foregrounds the experiences of graduate(d) student athletes, defined as college athletes who earn a bachelor’s degree before exhausting their athletic eligibility and take postbaccalaureate or graduate coursework. Findings from semistructured phone interviews with 11 graduate(d) student athletes in Division I football suggest participants are able to marshal their academic credentials to negotiate stereotypes. Examining how simultaneously being a graduate(d) student and a football player impacted participants’ vulnerability to stereotyping, I find that despite the ability to disrupt stereotypes, obstacles both systemic and individual may inhibit this effect. In particular, I explore the themes: stereotyping, disrupting/disproving stereotyping, trailblazer/role model, and invisibility. I also attend to the factors contributing to this subpopulation of college athletes’ continued invisibility and offer implications and suggestions for practice.
Successful treatment of pneumatosis intestinalis with associated pneumoperitoneum and ileus with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Authors: Calabrese Evan , Ceponis Peter JM , Derrick Bruce J , Moon Richard E
Published: May 2017

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), or the presence of air in the bowel wall, is a rare disorder that is associated with a variety of underlying diseases, including connective tissue disorders. PI presents on a spectrum from asymptomatic to bowel obstruction and acute abdomen. In general, treatment of PI consists of treating the underlying disease. Both normobaric and hyperbaric oxygen have been used to treat PI directly. Here we report a symptomatic scleroderma-related case of PI that responded clinically to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This report adds to a growing body of literature supporting a role for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in symptomatic PI.
A cross-sectional survey using electronic distribution of a questionnaire to subscribers of educational material written by clinicians, for clinicians, to evaluate whether practice change resulted from reading the Clinical Communiqué
Authors: Cunningham Nicola , Pham Tony , Kennedy Briohny , Gillard Alexander , Ibrahim Joseph
Published: May 2017

Objective

To explore whether subscribers reported clinical practice changes as a result of reading the Clinical Communiqué (CC). Secondarily, to compare the characteristics of subscribers who self-reported changes to clinical practice with those who did not, and to explore subscribers’ perceptions of the educational value of the CC.

Design, setting and participants

Online cross-sectional survey between 21 July 2015 and 18 August 2015 by subscribers of the CC (response rate=29.9%, 1008/3373), conducted by a team from Monash University, Australia.

Main outcome measures

Change in clinical practice as a result of reading the CC.

Results

53.0% of respondents reported that their practice had changed after reading the CC. Respondents also found that the CC raised awareness (96.5%) and provided ideas about improving patient safety and care (94.1%) leading them to discuss cases with their colleagues (79.6%) and review their practice (75.7%). Multivariate analysis indicated that working in a residential aged care facility (p<0.05) and having taken part in an inquest (p<0.05) were significantly associated with practice change.

Conclusion

The design and content of the CC has generated a positive impact on the healthcare community. It is presented in a format that appears to be accessible and acceptable to readers and achieves its goals of promoting safer clinical care through greater awareness of the medico-legal context of practice.
Validation of asthma recording in electronic health records: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Nissen Francis , Quint Jennifer K , Wilkinson Samantha , Mullerova Hana , Smeeth Liam , Douglas Ian J
Published: May 2017

Background

Asthma is a common, heterogeneous disease with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. It can be difficult to define in epidemiological studies using electronic health records as the diagnosis is based on non-specific respiratory symptoms and spirometry, neither of which are routinely registered. Electronic health records can nonetheless be valuable to study the epidemiology, management, healthcare use and control of asthma. For health databases to be useful sources of information, asthma diagnoses should ideally be validated. The primary objectives are to provide an overview of the methods used to validate asthma diagnoses in electronic health records and summarise the results of the validation studies.

Methods

EMBASE and MEDLINE will be systematically searched for appropriate search terms. The searches will cover all studies in these databases up to October 2016 with no start date and will yield studies that have validated algorithms or codes for the diagnosis of asthma in electronic health records. At least one test validation measure (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value or other) is necessary for inclusion. In addition, we require the validated algorithms to be compared with an external golden standard, such as a manual review, a questionnaire or an independent second database. We will summarise key data including author, year of publication, country, time period, date, data source, population, case characteristics, clinical events, algorithms, gold standard and validation statistics in a uniform table.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is a synthesis of previously published studies and, therefore, no ethical approval is required. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Results from this systematic review can be used to study outcome research on asthma and can be used to identify case definitions for asthma.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016041798.
Relationship between dietary factors and the number of altered metabolic syndrome components in Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Cheng Maowei , Wang Huijun , Wang Zhihong , Du Wenwen , Ouyang Yifei , Zhang Bing
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To study the correlation between dietary factors and the number of altered metabolic syndrome components (MetS) in Chinese adults systematically.

Setting

A cross-sectional study using demographic and dietary data of adults aged 18–75 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2009) was conducted in nine provinces in China.

Participants

There were 6034 eligible subjects (2800 men and 3234 women) in this study.

Outcomes

The primary outcome of this study were diet assessments and the number of altered MetS components. Dietary intake was measured using a combination of a 3-day period with 24-hour and household food inventory; average daily intakes of nutrients were estimated according to the Chinese Food Composition Table. Blood samples were analysed in a national central laboratory and the number of clustering MetS components was calculated by adding the presence of each MetS component.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, and taking zero MetS as comparison, the high risk factors correlating with increased numbers of altered MetS components in men were higher intake of protein (70.4–73.4 g;Ptrend=0.0004), cholesterol (238.7–266.6 mg;Ptrend=0.004), meat (90.6–105.7 g;Ptrend=0.016), fish/seafood (30.4–42.3 g;Ptrend=0.001), and lower intake of coarse cereals (16.5–12.7 g;Ptrend=0.051), tubers (37.3–32.7 g;Ptrend=0.030), and dietary fibre (11.7–11.5 g; ANCOVA p=0.058). Meanwhile, the high risk factors correlating with the increased number of altered MetS components in women were higher intake of wheat (101.9–112.6 g;Ptrend=0.066) and sodium (3862.3–4005.7 mg,Ptrend=0.032), and lower intake of β-carotene (1578.6–1382.7 µg;Ptrend=0.007), milk, and dairy products (17.8–11.5 g;Ptrend=0.002).

Conclusions

Some foods and nutritional factors correlate with an increased number of altered MetS components in Chinese adults. More prospective, multicentre and clinical research work to further examine these associations is underway.
Trends in alcohol-related injury admissions in adolescents in Western Australia and England: population-based cohort study
Authors: O’Donnell Melissa , Sims Scott , Maclean Miriam J , Gonzalez-Izquierdo Arturo , Gilbert Ruth , Stanley Fiona J
Published: May 2017

Background

Alcohol-related harm in young people is now a global health priority. We examined trends in hospital admissions for alcohol-related injuries for adolescents in Western Australia (WA) and in England, identified groups most at risk and determined causes of injuries.

Methods

Annual incidence rates for alcohol-related injury rates were calculated using population-level hospital admissions data for WA and England. We compared trends in different types of alcohol-related injury by age and gender.

Results

Despite a decrease in the overall rate of injury admissions for people aged 13–17 years in WA, alcohol-related injuries have increased significantly from 1990 to 2009 (from 8 to 12 per 10 000). Conversely, alcohol-related injury rates have declined in England since 2007. In England, self-harm is the most frequently recorded cause of alcohol-related injury. In WA, unintentional injury is most common; however, violence-related harm is increasing for boys and girls.

Conclusion

Alcohol-related harm of sufficient severity to require hospital admission is increasing among adolescents in WA. Declining trends in England suggest that this trend is not inevitable or irreversible. More needs to be done to address alcohol-related harm, and on-going monitoring is required to assess the effectiveness of strategies.
Epidural analgesia in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis: the multicentre randomised controlled EPIPAN study protocol
Authors: Bulyez Stéphanie , Pereira Bruno , Caumon Elodie , Imhoff Etienne , Roszyk Laurence , Bernard Lise , Bühler Leo , Heidegger Claudia , Jaber Samir , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Chabanne Russell , Bertrand Pierre-Marie , Laterre Pierre-François , Guerci Philippe , Danin Pierre-Eric , Escudier Etienne , Sossou Achille , Morand Dominique , Sapin Vincent , Constantin Jean-Michel , Jabaudon Matthieu
Published: May 2017

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in its most severe forms. Most patients with severe AP require intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation, frequently for more than 7 days, which is associated with the worst outcome. Recent increasing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies support the beneficial effects of epidural analgesia (EA) in AP, such as increased gut barrier function and splanchnic, pancreatic and renal perfusion, decreased liver damage and inflammatory response, and reduced mortality. Because recent studies suggest that EA might be a safe procedure in the critically ill, we sought to determine whether EA reduced AP-associated respiratory failure and other major clinical outcomes in patients with AP.

Methods and analysis

The Epidural Analgesia for Pancreatitis (EPIPAN) trial is an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled two-arm trial with assessor-blinded outcome assessment. The EPIPAN trial will randomise 148 patients with AP requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) to receive EA (with patient-controlled epidural administration of ropivacaine and sufentanil) combined with standard care based on current recommendations on the treatment of AP (interventional group), or standard care alone (reference group). The primary outcome is the number of ventilator-free days at day 30. Secondary outcomes include main complications of AP (eg, organ failure and mortality, among others), levels of biological markers of systemic inflammation, epithelial lung injury, renal failure, and healthcare-associated costs.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the appropriate ethics committee (CPP Sud-Est VI). Informed consent is required. If the combined application of EA and standard care proves superior to standard care alone in patients with AP in the ICU, the use of EA may become standard practice in experienced centres, thereby decreasing potential complications related to AP and its burden in critically ill patients. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT02126332.