bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Correlation of Strain Indices with Cognitive Dysfunction with Inclusion of Adventitial Layer with Carotid Plaque
Authors: Wang X. , Mitchell C. C. , Varghese T. , Jackson D. C. , Rocque B. G. , Hermann B. P. , Dempsey R. J.
Published: May 2015

Plaque instability may lead to chronic embolization, which in turn may contribute to progressive cognitive decline. Accumulated strain tensor indices over a cardiac cycle within a pulsating carotid plaque may be viable biomarkers for the diagnosis of plaque instability. Using plaque-only carotid artery segmentations, we recently demonstrated that impaired cognitive function correlated significantly with maximum axial and lateral strain indices within a localized region of interest in plaque. Inclusion of the adventitial layer focuses our strain or instability measures on the vessel wall-plaque interface hypothesized to be a region with increased shearing forces and measureable instability. A hierarchical block-matching motion tracking algorithm developed in our laboratory was used to estimate accumulated axial, lateral, and shear strain distribution in plaques identified with the plaque-with-adventitia segmentation. Correlations of strain indices to the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Total score were performed and compared with previous results. Overall, correlation coefficients ( r) and significance ( p) values improved for axial, lateral, and shear strain indices. Shear strain indices, however, demonstrated the largest improvement. The Pearson correlation coefficients for maximum shear strain and cognition improved from the previous plaque-only analyses of −0.432 and −0.345 to −0.795 and −0.717 with the plaque-with-adventitia segmentation for the symptomatic group and for all patients combined, respectively. Our results demonstrate the advantage of including adventitia for ultrasound carotid strain imaging providing improved association to parameters assessing cognitive impairment in patients. This supports theories of the importance of the vessel wall plaque interface in the pathophysiology of embolic disease.
The Role of Substance-Specific Skills and Cognitions in the Effectiveness of a School-Based Prevention Program on Smoking Incidence
Authors: Maruska Karin , Hansen Julia , Hanewinkel Reiner , Isensee Barbara
Published: May 2015

“Eigenständig werden 5+6” (Becoming independent 5+6) is a German school-based smoking prevention program that draws on social competence and social influence approaches. It was investigated whether the program’s effect on smoking onset is mediated by substance-specific skills and cognitions such as knowledge, attitudes/risk perception, normative expectations, resistance skills, and refusal self-efficacy. Multiple mediation analyses revealed a statistically significant total indirect effect that accounted for 30.8% of the total effect. When considered separately, significant indirect effects could be found for normative expectations concerning peer smoking and the resistance skill of saying ‘no’. Between these two mediators, the percentage of total effect mediated varied between 9.8% and 10.3%. Results of the current study emphasize the importance of substance-specific skills and cognitions in the effectiveness of school-based programs combining social competence and social influence curricula in preventing adolescent smoking onset.
Notes From the Field
Authors: Lee Yeon Joo , Choi Sun Mi , Park Ju Hee , Yim Jae-Joon
Published: May 2015

To examine changes in the performance of physicians after working in busy outpatient clinics, we conducted a prospective study, involving full-time clinicians who held morning and afternoon outpatient clinics on the same day. The participants completed three measures of attention, the psychomotor vigilance task, two-back test, and trail-making test, and a measure of emotion, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), before and after the two clinic sessions. The physicians saw a mean of 91.3 patients in the two outpatient clinics on the day of testing. Overall, performance in the attention test did not deteriorate after the two successive outpatient sessions. However, we observed an increased STAXI score in 24 (54.3%) participants and saw a significant overall increase in STAXI scores. Our results indicate that busy outpatient sessions may increase physicians’ anger although their attentional capacity appears to be maintained.
Second-order networks, gambling, and corruption on Indian mobile phone networks
Authors: Agur Colin
Published: May 2015

This article explores unintended effects of recent growth in India’s mobile phone network. Using a case study of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – a popular cricket league that has encouraged mobile phone usage among fans – this article argues that India’s large and inclusive mobile phone networks have enabled significant new gambling and corruption. The spatial possibilities of mobile networks have led to new organizational forms in gambling and corruption, with small-scale local activity increasingly supplanted by organized syndicates located in Mumbai and Dubai. Based on interviews with mobile phone users and participants in betting rings, this article shows that the IPL mobile network enables second-order networks of criminal activity by making it easier to administer illegal action and easier to escape detection. This article emphasizes three ways that mobile networks facilitate gambling. First, their functionality, portability, and near-universality allow for new flows of information and capital. Second, mobile networks allow for new scale and new organizational forms, allowing a shift from local bookies to national and international syndicates. Third, mobile networks have dramatically enlarged the gambling sector in India. These changes have helped turn cricket gambling into a global industry with India at its center.
Exploring late Paleoindian and early Archaic unfluted lanceolate point classification in the Southern Plains
Authors: Jennings Thomas A , Smallwood Ashley M , Waters Michael R
Published: May 2015

During the late Paleoindian and early Archaic periods, the Southern Plains witnessed a diversification in unfluted lanceolate point styles. The classification of these points into distinct and meaningful typological groups continues to play a fundamental role in building an understanding of cultural changes at the end of the last Ice Age. In this study, we analyze a sample of points from the Hogeye site, Texas to explore unfluted lanceolate point classifications. The results suggest the presence of at least three late Paleoindian/early Archaic point hafting traditions in the Southern Plains, an Angostura/Thrall Tradition, a Dalton/Golondrina Tradition, and a Plainview/St. Mary's Hall Tradition.
A systematic review and thematic synthesis of quality of life in the informal carers of cancer patients with cachexia
Authors: Wheelwright Sally , Darlington Anne-Sophie , Hopkinson Jane B , Fitzsimmons Deborah , Johnson Colin
Published: May 2015

Background:

Informal carers of cancer patients with cachexia face additional challenges to those encountered by informal carers in general because of the central role food and eating play in everyday life. Patient weight loss and anorexia, core features of cancer cachexia, are frequent causes of distress in caregivers. Identification of quality of life issues can inform the development of interventions for both caregivers and patients and facilitate communication with healthcare professionals.

Aim:

To identify quality of life issues that are relevant to carers of cancer patients with cachexia.

Design:

A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the qualitative literature were conducted. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Data sources:

PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES were searched for publications dated from January 1980 to February 2015 using search terms relating to cancer, cachexia, quality of life and carers. Papers written in the English language, featuring direct quotes from the carers of adult patients with any cancer diagnosis and cachexia or problems with weight loss or anorexia, were included.

Results:

Five themes were extracted from the 16 identified studies. These highlighted the impact on everyday life, the attempts of some carers to take charge, the need for healthcare professional’s input, conflict with the patient and negative emotions.

Conclusion:

The complexity of caring for a cancer patient with cachexia translates into a range of problems and experiences for informal carers. By addressing the impact of caring for a patient with cancer cachexia on carers, both caregiver and patient quality of life may improve.
Self-Conscious Emotions and Materialism
Authors: Watson David C.
Published: May 2015

The relationship between materialism and the self-conscious emotions (e.g., gratitude, shame, pride, and regret) was investigated with a sample of University students. Materialism was related to shame, regret, low gratitude, and hubristic pride. Shame was strongly associated with the envy component of materialism and was on the opposite end of a scale with gratitude. With pride, materialism was related to being conceited or snobbish versus having self-worth or a sense of accomplishment. The results are consistent with materialism having a weaker sense of self as hubristic pride involves a distorted, self-aggrandized sense of self, shame is associated with a sense of the self as defective, and regret is associated with the unhappiness of maximization rather than satisficing in decision making.
An Analysis of Imagined Interactions With Pro-Ana (Anorexia)
Authors: Sheldon Pavica , Grey Stephanie Houston , Vickery Andrea Jean , Honeycutt James M.
Published: May 2015

For individuals suffering from an eating disorder, the Internet is a place of encouragement and support. To date, however, no comprehensive research has been done to examine particular entries on blogs used by those individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to fill that gap. It focuses on what types of messages individuals communicate to pro-anorexia (Pro-Ana) website and what types of imagined interactions they have with others about their disorder. A total of 587 Pro-Ana blog entries were content analyzed. The results indicated that individuals with an eating disorder blog to talk about their illness, to ruminate about the conflict with their parents and peers who often disapprove of their actions, and to ask for advice. Food is the most cited theme in the blog entries. This supports the evolutionary perspective that food is always on their mind, something those with eating disorders try to control. A logistic regression analysis revealed that mental imagery in the form of imagining interaction with significant others was .50 times less likely to reflect mental illness issues and .24 times less likely to reflect binging problems when compared with entries that did not feature imaginary conversation with others. In terms of the interaction partners, most bloggers imagined talking with family members, followed by peers, professionals, and romantic partners, while a small number of entries reported having imagined interactions with Ana in terms of personification followed by coworkers, kids, or strangers.
Software solutions alone cannot guarantee useful radiology requests
Authors: Van Borsel Mathias D , Devolder Pieter JD , Bosmans Jan ML
Published: May 2015

Background

The availability of clinical information and a pertinent clinical question can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the imaging process.

Purpose

To examine if an electronic request form forcing referring clinicians to provide separate input of both clinical information and a clinical question can improve the quality of the request.

Material and Methods

A total of 607 request forms in the clinical worklists for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax, the abdomen or their combination, were examined. Using software of our own making, we examined the presence of clinical information and a clinical question before and after the introduction of a new, more compelling order method. We scored and compared the quality of the clinical information and the clinical question between the two systems and we examined the effect on productivity.

Results

Both clinical information and a clinical question were present in 76.7% of cases under the old system and in 95.3% under the new system ( P < 0.001). Individual characteristics of the clinical information and the clinical question however, with the exception of incompleteness, showed little improvement under the new system. There was also no significant difference between the two systems in the number of requests requiring further search.

Conclusion

The introduction of electronic radiology request forms compelling referring clinicians to provide separate input of clinical information and a clinical question provides only limited benefit to the quality of the request. Raising awareness among clinicians of the importance of a well-written request remains essential.
Utility of creatinine/cystatin C ratio as a predictive marker for adverse effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Suzuki Kensuke , Furuse Hideaki , Tsuda Takeshi , Masaki Yasuaki , Okazawa Seisuke , Kambara Kenta , Inomata Minehiko , Miwa Toshiro , Matsui Shoko , Kashii Tatsuhiko , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Hayashi Ryuji , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine whether the creatinine/cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio, which is influenced by muscle mass, can be used as a predictive marker of the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Methods

This single-centre, retrospective, observational study assessed patients with lung cancer. Serum Cr and CysC levels were measured once within 1 month prior the commencement of chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 25 patients with lung cancer were enrolled in the study: 22 received first-line therapy; three received second-line therapy. A significant difference was noted regarding the Cr/CysC ratios between patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and those with small-cell lung cancer (0.78 versus 0.92, respectively). A significant difference was also noted in the Cr/CysC ratios of patients with NSCLC with toxicity grades <3 and ≥3 (0.84 versus 0.70, respectively). Similar findings were observed in patients with NSCLC who received platinum-based combination therapy (toxicity grade < 3, 0.85; toxicity grade ≥3, 0.69).

Conclusion

The Cr/CysC ratio could serve as a useful predictive marker for chemotherapy-related adverse effects in patients with NSCLC.
Diagnosis of a granular cell tumour at the abdominal wall using fine needle aspiration cytology and histology: Case report
Authors: Wang Lixia , Zhu Fang , Shi Hongqi , Lou Shanxian , Shen Wei
Published: May 2015

This case report describes the use of fine needle aspiration cytology to diagnose a granular cell tumour (GCT) that presented as a painless, palpable mass at the abdominal wall in a 50-year-old woman who had had the mass for ≥1 year prior to presentation. Routine haematoxylin and eosin staining of the cytological smears demonstrated that the specimen was predominantly cellular; it contained both cell clusters and single cells with abundant granular cytoplasm and indistinct cell borders. Cells were fragile and had fairly uniform naked nuclei that were scattered with vacuolated and prominent nucleoli. Background material on the smears included eosinophilic, granular cytoplasmic material and some adipose tissue. Neither mitoses nor necrosis were observed. A cytological diagnosis of a GCT was confirmed by histological examination of a surgical specimen stained with haematoxylin and eosin. This case report found that the GCT had a characteristic cytological appearance and that cells with prominent nucleoli can be present in benign GCTs.
Crafting the group: Care in research management
Authors: Davies Sarah R , Horst Maja
Published: May 2015

This article reports findings from an interview study with group leaders and principal investigators in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States. Taking as our starting point current interest in the need to enhance ‘responsible research and innovation’, we suggest that these debates can be developed through attention to the talk and practices of scientists. Specifically, we chart the ways in which interview talk represented research management and leadership as processes of caring craftwork. Interviewees framed the group as the primary focus of their attention (and responsibilities), and as something to be tended and crafted; further, this process required a set of affective skills deployed flexibly in response to the needs of individuals. Through exploring the presence of notions of care in the talk of principal investigators and group leaders, we discuss the relation between care and craft, reflect on the potential implications of the promotion of a culture of care and suggest how mundane scientific understandings of responsibility might relate to a wider discussion of responsible research and innovation.
Understanding the occupational performance experiences of individuals with low vision
Authors: Blaylock Sarah E , Barstow Beth A , Vogtle Laura K , Bennett Deborah K
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Occupational therapy practitioners who provide interventions for adults with low vision need to understand challenges with occupational performance from the individual’s perspective in order to implement effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to understand self-described occupational behaviors of persons with low vision.

Method

This qualitative study included semi-structured interviews regarding the occupational experiences of 22 individuals with varying levels of vision impairment. Transcribed data were organized according to the areas of occupation reported in the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Practice Framework.

Results

Participants described occupational performance of activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and leisure. Within each area of occupation, participants reported lighting, contrast, familiarity, and organization within the environment as facilitators or barriers to participation. Participants with increased vision loss relied heavily on assistive devices, task simplification, and others to perform desired occupations.

Conclusion

The information obtained in this study can assist practitioners in selecting more effective interventions to increase the independence and safety of individuals with low vision.
A constitutive model for hardness considering the effects of strain, strain rate and temperature
Authors: Majzoobi Gholam-Hossein , Mohammadi Jamal , Pipelzadeh Mohammad K , Lahmi Saeed , Hardy Stephen J
Published: May 2015

The relation between hardness, strain and temperature has been widely investigated over the past decades. However, less attention has been paid to the effect of strain rate on hardness induced in high rate deformations. In this investigation, the relation between strain, temperature and strain rate is studied and a new model is proposed. The investigation is performed by experiment and numerical simulation. The simulations are used to predict the distribution of the strain and strain rate within the specimen. The high rate experiments are conducted using Taylor test, compressive and tensile Hopkinson bar. Quasi-static tests are also carried out using Instron testing machine. The results show a quadratic relation between the hardness and strain rate. The results also indicate that the relation between hardness, strain and temperature is the same for the compressive and tensile loading but the relation between hardness and strain rate is different for the compression and tension. The hardness increases with the increase of the strain and strain rate but decreases with the temperature. The reason is believed to be due to dislocation pile up which is denser in compression than that in tension.
Defining the ‘sick society’: Discourses of class and morality in British right-wing newspapers during the 2011 England riots
Authors: Kelsey Darren
Published: May 2015

Between 6 and 10 August 2011, acts of violence and civil disobedience occurred in 66 locations across London and other cities in England. Initial responses from politicians and the press sought to explain why the riots were happening and what responses were necessary. This paper shows how the depoliticised actions of rioters were redefined as a politicised problem, symbolic of a sick society that could be cured by Conservative social policy. This paper explores the nuanced discursive and paradoxical mechanisms of right-wing newspapers. I argue that ideological consistencies operating beyond the foreground and immediacy of individual texts override the appearance of discursive contradiction across longitudinal contexts.
Perivascular spaces and headache: A population-based imaging study (HUNT-MRI)
Authors: Husøy Andreas Kattem , Indergaard Marit Kristina , Honningsvåg Lasse-Marius , Håberg Asta K , Hagen Knut , Linde Mattias , Gårseth Mari , Stovner Lars Jacob
Published: May 2015

Background

In four previous clinic-based MRI studies headache sufferers (in particular migraineurs) had more perivascular spaces (PVS) than individuals who were headache-free.

Methods

The present study was part of a large longitudinal, epidemiological study (Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT)). The 1006 participants, age 50–65 years at inclusion, had participated in all previous HUNT surveys (1–3), and been randomly selected to a population-based imaging study of the head (HUNT-MRI, 2007–2009). The number of visible PVS in the basal ganglia (BG) and hemispheric white matter (HWM) was compared in headache sufferers (migraine with and without aura, non-migrainous headache) and people who were headache-free.

Results

The results showed in general small differences between headache sufferers and headache-free participants. In the cross-sectional analysis migraineurs without aura had fewer PVS than headache-free individuals in BG (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76--0.94, p value = 0.003) and in BG and HWM together (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-1.00, p value = 0.046). No difference between long-term headache sufferers and long-term headache-free individuals with regard to number of PVS was found.

Discussion

In contrast to previous studies, the present large, blinded, population-based study showed no increase in number of dilated PVS among headache sufferers. Fewer PVS among those with migraine without aura may be a spurious finding.
Mode I fracture toughness of bio-fiber and bio-shell particle reinforced epoxy bio-composites
Authors: Gope Prakash Chandra , Singh Vinay Kumar , Rao Dinesh Kumar
Published: May 2015

The effect of bio-fibres and bio-particles on the fracture toughness has been investigated. Epoxy resin is used as matrix material and different bio-fibers such as banana fiber, bagasse fiber, coconut fiber and particles such as silica and walnut shell particle with different wt% are added as reinforcing material. The mode I fracture toughness tests are conducted in a servo hydraulic universal testing machine. The results show that the fracture toughness of bio-composites reinforced with 20 wt% bagasse or 10 wt% coconut fiber are 1.108 MPa √ m and 1.094 MPa √ m, respectively which are about 8% and 7% higher than neat epoxy. Addition of 2 wt% of silica with 20 wt% of bagasse shows 60% increment of fracture toughness with respect to bagasse and 72% increment with respect to neat epoxy. Hybridisation of bagasse with banana fibers shows 54% decrease in fracture toughness as compared to bagasse and 13% increase as compared to banana. The overall fracture toughness of hybrid bio-composite of 10 wt% coconut fiber and 20 wt% of walnut shell particle is 1.367 MPa √ m which is about 25% higher than coconut fiber reinforced bio-composite.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of CeO2/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Jia Run-Ping , Wang Cai-Feng , Zheng Kang-sheng , He Xin-Yao , Huang Mao-Song
Published: May 2015

In this paper, ceria (CeO2) nanoparticle was prepared through ultrasonic combined with calcine method, which was further introduced into thermoplastic polyurethane matrix via one-step in situ bulk polymerization technique, and thus CeO2/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites were obtained. SEM images revealed that CeO2 nanoparticles (with size of ∼60 nm) are uniformly dispersed into thermoplastic polyurethane matrix, which can lead to an increase of degree of phase separation. The degree of phase separation values were calculated according to the ratio of the 1701 and 1727 cm−1 absorbance areas in FTIR spectra. Effects of CeO2 amounts on thermoplastic polyurethane’s properties including blood compatibility, cell viability, chemical resistance, mechanical and thermal property, and so on were discussed in detail. Additionally, possible interaction mechanism of thermoplastic polyurethane with nano CeO2 is discussed initially.
A multiscale approach for fatigue life prediction of polymer matrix composite laminates
Authors: Sayyidmousavi Alireza , Bougherara Habiba , Fawaz Zouheir
Published: May 2015

The present study introduces a progressive fatigue damage model within a multiscale framework by incorporating a Simplified Unit Cell Micromechanical model into a Finite Element program. The use of micromechanics will allow the study of damage at the micro-scale which can therefore identify modes of failure in each of the composite’s constituents, separately. The use of finite element method at the macro-scale enables the model to capture the geometric complexities including regions of stress concentration, which expedites the failure of the material. Damage progression is modeled through the degradation of the material property corresponding to the failure mode detected by the micromechanical model. The results of the model are in good agreement with the experimental data for both unidirectional and multidirectional laminates. The present approach is capable of predicting the fatigue life of composite laminates of any arbitrary geometry and lay-up configuration with minimum dependence on empirical parameters.
Natural fiber reinforced polyester composites: A literature review
Authors: Haghdan Shayesteh , Smith Gregory D
Published: May 2015

Many composite products are made of thermosetting polymers reinforced with synthetic fibers. Despite the high mechanical properties associated with these fibers they are heavy and expensive compared with natural fibers. The use of natural plant fibres, combinations of natural and synthetic fibers, and wood furnish as reinforcement in polyester matrix for making low cost engineering materials has generated much interest recently. Natural fibers with good specific stiffness and strength, low density, low embodied energy, and good biodegradability have an advantage over synthetic fibers. Despite these benefits they have poor compatibility with the matrix due to their hydrophilic nature. This paper reviews the literature on the effects of chemical treatments on fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion and the wettability of natural fibers by polyester. The efficiency of incorporating glass fiber into the natural fiber for the purpose of reducing water uptake and increasing the stiffness of composite is also discussed.
Making Health Equity Planning Work
Authors: Corburn Jason , Curl Shasa , Arredondo Gabino , Malagon Jonathan
Published: May 2015

In this article, we ask how city planners can reorient urban governance to focus on health equity? We explore health equity planning in the City of Richmond, California, where planners are leading an integrated strategy to promote equity by addressing structural racism and many place-based “toxic stressors.” We explore the evolution of Richmond’s health equity planning from integrating health into a general plan, to neighborhood-based interventions, violence reduction programs, and drafting a Health in All Policies (HiAP) equity-focused strategy and ordinance. We suggest that making health equity planning work demands an explicitly relational approach to urban governance.
Factors Associated With Truancy
Authors: Dahl Patricia
Published: May 2015

Although truancy has been studied extensively, less attention has been given to the actual voices of the truants themselves. The current study helps fill that gap by examining recollections from a sample of 34 emerging adults (ages 18-25) who experienced various levels of high school truancy across different geographical settings. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to explore how former truants spent their time while being truant. The findings highlight factors in the contexts of the individual, home, and school that can impact the decision to be truant from school.
Validation of a Screening Tool to Identify Undernutrition in Ambulatory Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Booi Amy N. , Menendez Jerome , Norton H. James , Anderson William E. , Ellis Amy C.
Published: May 2015

Background: The prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing in the United States. Malnutrition is common as liver disease progresses. However, an accepted method to screen these patients for malnutrition is lacking. The 6‐question undernutrition screening tool was developed for professionals without nutrition training to identify a decline in the nutrition status of patients with liver cirrhosis. A 3‐phase validation study was completed to assess face, content, and clinical validity of the screening tool in ambulatory patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: In phase I, face validity was determined by surveying 13 liver disease professionals. In phase II, content validity was assessed by surveying 12 registered dietitians who specialize in liver disease. In phase III, a cross‐sectional investigation was completed to compare the agreement between the undernutrition screening tool and nutrition assessment by a registered dietitian (RD). Results: Twenty‐two patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis participated in phase III of the investigation. The RD assessment identified undernutrition in 82% of patients (95% CI, 60%–95%). The κ statistic indicated a fair agreement between the screening tool and RD assessment. Sensitivity and specificity of the tool were 72% and 75%, respectively, and positive predictive value was 93%. Conclusions: Feedback from phase I, II, and III indicate that the undernutrition screening tool is simple, is easy to use, and measures the constructs that have the strongest link with undernutrition in liver disease. Additional minor adjustments to the screening tool and a multicenter investigation are indicated to confirm clinical effectiveness and cross‐validity of the tool.
Investigation of Bone Health Subsequent to Vitamin D Supplementation in Children Following Burn Injury
Authors: Mayes Theresa , Gottschlich Michele M. , Khoury Jane , Kagan Richard J.
Published: May 2015

Background: The effect of supplemental vitamin D on fracture occurrence following burn injuries is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate postintervention incidence of fractures in children during the rehabilitative phase postburn (PB) following participation in a randomized clinical trial of vitamin D supplementation. Materials and Methods: Follow‐up for fracture evaluation was obtained in 39 of 50 patients randomized to daily enteral vitamin D2, D3, or placebo throughout the acute burn course. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, D2, D3, calcitonin, and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) measurements were obtained PB day 7, midpoint, discharge, and 1‐year PB. Urinary calcium was obtained PB day 7 and midpoint. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at discharge and 1‐year PB. Results: Fractures were reported in 6 of 39 respondents. Four fractures occurred in the placebo group, 2 in the D2 group, and none in the D3 group. Serum vitamin D, calcitonin, BAP, and urinary calcium were similar between fracture groups. The group with fracture morbidity had larger burn size (83.8% ± 4.9% vs 53.0% ± 2.9%, P < .0001), greater full‐thickness burn (69.7% ± 9.4% vs 39.4% ± 4.1%, P = .02), and increased incidence of inhalation injury (33% vs 6%, P = .04). Decreased bone mineral density z score was noted at discharge in the placebo fracture compared with no‐fracture group (P < .05). Conclusion: This preliminary report suggests there may be benefit of vitamin D3 in reducing postdischarge fracture risk. Results reaffirm the importance of monitoring bone health in pediatric patients postburn.
Nutrition Assessment With Indirect Calorimetry in Patients Evaluated for Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Yost Gardner , Gregory Mary , Bhat Geetha
Published: May 2015

Background: Malnutrition is known to negatively impact the clinical course of advanced heart failure and is associated with increased mortality following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Appropriate assessment of nutrition requirements in these patients is critical in their clinical care, yet there has been little discussion on how to best determine resting energy expenditure (REE) in the hospital setting. We investigated the use of indirect calorimetry in a group of patients with advanced heart failure. Materials and Methods: Results from preoperative indirect calorimetry testing in 98 patients undergoing evaluation for LVAD candidacy were collected. REE was compared with 10 predictive equations that estimated caloric need based on a range of patient‐specific demographic and clinical variables. Results: This study enrolled 22 female and 76 male patients with a mean age of 59.4 ± 12.5 years, body mass index of 29.6 ± 6.0 kg/m2, and ejection fraction of 19.4 ± 6.6%. The average REE by indirect calorimetry in this group was 1610.0 ± 612.7 kcal/d. All predictive equations significantly overestimated REE. However, those equations intended for use in the critically ill demonstrated the greatest accuracy, with the Brandi equation achieving both the highest correlation (r = 0.605, P < .001) and the lowest standard error of the estimate (504.8 kcal/d). Conclusions: Indirect calorimetry may be reliably and safely used to determine caloric requirements in patients with advanced heart failure. The use of predictive equations based on demographic and clinical parameters appears to generate inaccurate estimations of REE in these patients. However, equations designed for use in critically ill patients better estimate nutrition requirements than those designed for healthy individuals.
Low-Dose Ketamine in Chronic Critical Illness
Authors: Moitra Vivek K. , Patel Mona K. , Darrah Daniela , Moitra Alika , Wunsch Hannah
Published: May 2015

We report a case series on the observed effects of low-dose ketamine infusions in 4 critically ill patients with varying complications related to prolonged critical illness. Doses of ketamine infusion ranged from 0.5 to 4 μg/kg/min. A low-dose ketamine infusion was used to reduce agitation in a patient requiring high doses of sedatives and analgesics. In a second patient, ketamine improved depression and anxiety symptoms. In a third patient, ketamine may have facilitated liberation from mechanical ventilation. In a fourth patient, ketamine was used for palliation to avoid lethargy. Ketamine may be considered to help decrease agitation, manage pain, facilitate opioid and benzodiazepine withdrawal, prevent respiratory depression, and potentially manage depression and anxiety in chronically critically ill patients.
Analytical investigation of bilayer lipid biosensor based on graphene
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Buntat Zolkafle , Shahraki Elmira , Parvaz Ramtin , Kiani Mohammad Javad
Published: May 2015

Graphene is another allotrope of carbon with two-dimensional monolayer honeycomb. Owing to its special characteristics including electrical, physical and optical properties, graphene is known as a more suitable candidate compared to other materials to be used in the sensor application. It is possible, moreover, to use biosensor by using electrolyte-gated field effect transistor based on graphene (GFET) to identify the alterations in charged lipid membrane properties. The current article aims to show how thickness and charges of a membrane electric can result in a monolayer graphene-based GFET while the emphasis is on the conductance variation. It is proposed that the thickness and electric charge of the lipid bilayer (LLP and QLP) are functions of carrier density, and to find the equation relating these suitable control parameters are introduced. Artificial neural network algorithm as well as support vector regression has also been incorporated to obtain other models for conductance characteristic. The results comparison between analytical models, artificial neural network and support vector regression with the experimental data extracted from previous work show an acceptable agreement.
ADHD Symptoms as Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization
Authors: Wymbs Brian T. , Dawson Anne E. , Suhr Julie A. , Bunford Nora , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: May 2015

Preliminary evidence underscores links between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization. However, little is known about whether ADHD symptoms are uniquely associated with IPV perpetration and victimization beyond well-established risk factors of IPV commonly associated with the disorder. In a cross-sectional design, 433 college students rated their ADHD symptoms as well as frequencies of psychological and physical IPV perpetration and victimization. Additional risk factors of IPV included childhood maltreatment, primary psychopathy, alcohol abuse, and illicit drug use. Correlational analyses indicated that students with greater ADHD symptom severity reported higher rates of psychological and physical IPV perpetration, and higher rates of psychological IPV victimization. Regression analyses indicated that ADHD symptoms were not additive risk factors of psychological IPV perpetration and victimization. Students reporting any alcohol abuse or illicit drug use endorsed high rates of psychological IPV perpetration and victimization, regardless of their level of ADHD symptoms. However, students who reported no alcohol abuse or drug use, but did report greater ADHD symptom severity—particularly inattention, indicated higher rates of psychological IPV perpetration and victimization than those reporting no alcohol abuse or drug use and low ADHD symptoms. These findings extend prior research by indicating that alcohol abuse and illicit drug use moderate associations between ADHD symptoms and psychological IPV perpetration and victimization. Investigations are needed to identify mechanisms of the association between ADHD symptoms and IPV perpetration and victimization, particularly those abusing alcohol and drugs, for appropriate prevention and intervention efforts to be developed.
Relation Between Sexual Assault and Negative Affective Conditions in Female College Students
Authors: Chang Edward C. , Jilani Zunaira , Yu Tina , Lin Jiachen , Muyan Mine , Hirsch Jameson K.
Published: May 2015

The present study examined dispositional hope as a potential mediator of the association between sexual assault and negative affective conditions, namely, depressive and anxious symptoms in a sample of 223 female college students. Results from conducting bootstrapped mediation analyses indicated that hope agency, but not hope pathways, mediated the link between sexual assault victimization and negative affective conditions in females. Importantly, the associations of sexual assault with both depressive and anxious symptoms remained highly significant independent of hope. Some implications of the present findings are discussed.
How Do Intimate Partner Violent Men Talk About Self-Control?
Authors: Walker Kate , Goodman Simon
Published: May 2015

This study investigates discourses that male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) use regarding self-control when talking about their IPV. Literature addressing the role of self-control in committing and avoiding using violence toward partners is discussed; however, it is shown that self-control has not been investigated from a discursive psychological perspective, in which the function of talk, rather than what this talk says about speakers’ cognitions, is analyzed. Discourse analysis of interviews with six male perpetrators, currently attending treatment and selected for their recent and multiple uses of IPV, revealed that talk of lacking self-control was used to account for situations when individuals engaged in violence. Conversely, talk about having self-control was used to account for refraining from IPV. An improvement narrative in which perpetrators of violence talked about moving from lacking to gaining self-control was also evident. Talk about self-control however was not as simple as this suggests because of particular note is the situation where perpetrators offered varying levels of self-control within their accounts of violence where having and lacking self-control was presented simultaneously. This demonstrates that talk about self-control is a discursive device that is used flexibly by perpetrators to manage their accountability for acts of IPV.
Uncovering the Essence
Authors: Pfadenhauer Michaela , Grenz Tilo
Published: May 2015

Participation in phenomenology-based ethnography is about involvement and “doing-it-yourself,” which generates data derived from immediate experience that can contribute to the reconstruction of the internal viewpoint by uncovering the essence of a phenomenon. This phenomenological orientation is the main focus of interest of the present paper. Based on reflections on the ethnographer as a participant who voluntarily assumes the role of the stranger, we demonstrate how observation can be supplemented with participation. We exemplify it with an ongoing research project on the deployment of a so-called social robot in dementia care. Our aim is to show that a subjective perspective, which does not claim to be superior but rather to be of value in its own right, increases the knowledge yield.
Thinking Inside the Box
Authors: Hofelich Mohr Alicia , Sell Andrew , Lindsay Thomas
Published: May 2015

While the visual design of a question has been shown to influence responses in survey research, it is less understood how these effects extend to assessment-based questions that attempt to measure how, rather than just what, a respondent thinks. For example, in a divergent thinking task, the number and elaboration of responses, not just how original they are, contribute to the assessment of creativity. Using the Alternative Uses Task in an online survey, we demonstrated that scores on fluency, elaboration, and originality, core constructs of participants’ assessed creative ability, were systematically influenced by the visual design of the response boxes. The extent to which participants were susceptible to these effects varied with individual differences in trait conscientiousness, as several of these effects were seen in participants with high, but not low, conscientiousness. Overall, our results are consistent with previous survey methodology findings, extend them to the domain of creativity research, and call for increased awareness and transparency of visual design decisions across research fields.
The Use of Intercessory Prayer to Reduce Disruptive Behaviors of Patients With Dementia
Authors: Struve Ann Riesselman , Lu Der-Fa , Hart Laura K. , Keller Theresa
Published: May 2015

A prospective longitudinal design was used to identify the feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of 12 weeks of intercessory prayer to reduce the disruptive behaviors of six late-stage dementia patients. One group of Catholic nuns offered the Lord’s Prayer for assigned patients twice a day. Intercessory prayer for the entire subject group was also offered, by a second group of nuns, via a Latria (modality) called “Perpetual Adoration.” Disruptions were documented from 3 weeks preintervention to 3 weeks postintervention. Consents were received for two thirds of invited patients. Retention was reduced by the death of two patients. Fidelity, assessed by retrospective report, was maintained throughout the study. Use of off-label antipsychotic medications was reduced or discontinued in four patients during the trial. The repeated measures analysis of variance, while indicative of a trend, did not reach a level of significance, likely due to small sample size. However, the average effect on behavior resulted in a reduction of disruptive incidents, for the group, in approximately 27 behavior categories/week. This study suggests that it is feasible to improve the life quality of patients in the terminal phase of their illness through prayer reducing their need to respond to life in a disturbed manner.
Holistic Nursing in the Genetic/Genomic Era
Authors: Sharoff Leighsa
Published: May 2015

Holistic nursing practice is an ever-evolving transformative process with core values that require continued growth, professional leadership, and advocacy. Holistic nurses are required to stay current with all new required competencies, such as the Core Competencies in Genetics for Health Professional, and, as such, be adept at translating scientific evidence relating to genetics/genomics in the clinical setting. Knowledge of genetics/genomics in relation to nursing practice, policy, utilization, and research influence nurses’ responsibilities. In addition to holistic nursing competencies, the holistic nurse must have basic knowledge and skills to integrate genetics/genomics aspects. It is important for holistic nurses to enhance their overall knowledge foundation, skills, and attitudes about genetics to prepare for the transformation in health care that is already underway. Holistic nurses can provide an important perspective to the application of genetics and genomics, focusing on health promotion, caring, and understanding the relationship between caring and families, community, and society. Yet there may be a lack of genetic and genomic knowledge to fully participate in the current genomic era. This article will explore the required core competencies for all health care professionals, share linkage of holistic nurses in practice with genetic/genomic conditions, and provide resources to further one’s knowledge base.
The Personal Narrative of a Nurse
Authors: Edwards Sharon L.
Published: May 2015

This article examines my phases of holistic learning concerning how I became a nurse, using story presented in a personal narrative style. I have incorporated my own stories to elaborate my journey. First, my early life in the East End of London and how this influenced my becoming a nurse. Second, I give an account of my journey through practice, where I examine how I developed my own learning from professional practice, drawing on some personal illustrations presented as stories. I have set out to explore how my stories of practice have influenced my progress, and I present a personal account of such learning in general from the lens of a nurse educator.
Integrating power in institutional analysis: A micro-foundation perspective
Authors: Kashwan Prakash
Published: May 2015

Studies of social dilemmas consistently report higher than expected levels of cooperation, especially in the presence of appropriate institutions. At the same time, scholars have argued that institutions are manifestations of power relations. The higher than expected levels of cooperation amidst widespread power asymmetries constitute an important puzzle about the linkages between power asymmetries and the outcomes of local institutional deliberation. In this paper, I develop a microfoundation-based approach that examines incentives and imperatives to explain how power asymmetries shape individuals’ responses to institutional development and institutional change. I argue that local power asymmetries work across multiple interlinked institutional arenas. A fuller examination of the effects of power asymmetries, therefore, requires that scholars account for how interlinked institutional arenas shape strategic actions of the members and leaders within local communities.