bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Image Decomposition Using Multi‐Scale Measurements and Sparsity
Authors: Ding Shouhong , Sheng Bin , Hou Xiaonan , Xie Zhifeng , Ma Lizhuang
Published: June 2016

Automatic decomposition of intrinsic images, especially for complex real‐world images, is a challenging under‐constrained problem. Thus, we propose a new algorithm that generates and combines multi‐scale properties of chromaticity differences and intensity contrast. The key observation is that the estimation of image reflectance, which is neither a pixel‐based nor a region‐based property, can be improved by using multi‐scale measurements of image content. The new algorithm iteratively coarsens a graph reflecting the reflectance similarity between neighbouring pixels. Then multi‐scale reflectance properties are aggregated so that the graph reflects the reflectance property at different scales. This is followed by a L0 sparse regularization on the whole reflectance image, which enforces the variation in reflectance images to be high‐frequency and sparse. We formulate this problem through energy minimization which can be solved efficiently within a few iterations. The effectiveness of the new algorithm is tested with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) dataset, the Intrinsic Images in the Wild (IIW) dataset, and various natural images.
White Matter Hyperintensities on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in People with Epilepsy: A Hospital‐Based Study
Authors: Mao Yi‐Ting , Goh Enid , Churilov Leonid , McIntosh Anne , Ren Yi‐Fan , O'Brien Terence J. , Davis Stephen , Dong Qiang , Yan Bernard , Kwan Patrick
Published: June 2016

Aims

We aim to explore whether people with epilepsy have increased white matter hyperintensities (WMHs).

Methods

Eligible patients were categorized into newly diagnosed epilepsy (NE) and chronic epilepsy (CE); the latter were subdivided to those treated with enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) with or without non‐enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (NEIAEDs) and those with NEIAEDs only. WMHs were measured using age‐related white matter changes (ARWMC) scale and compared between patients and healthy control group. Higher scores indicate greater WMH changes. The strengths of associations were estimated as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 217 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 67 had NE, 45 had CE treated with NEIAEDs, and 105 had CE treated with EIAEDs. Age was positively associated with ARWMC score (IRR per year, 1.03; 95%CI, 1.03–1.04, P < 0.001). Compared with the healthy control group (n = 23), all patient groups had higher ARWMC score (P < 0.05). The difference was greatest in patients receiving EIAEDs (IRR, 2.13; 95%CI, 1.22–3.70, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

WMHs tended to be observed in people with epilepsy, especially in those treated with EIAEDs. People with epilepsy with white matter changes should be evaluated for stroke risk, particularly if they are receiving EIAEDs.
Reference Production as Search: The Impact of Domain Size on the Production of Distinguishing Descriptions
Authors: Gatt Albert , Krahmer Emiel , van Deemter Kees , van Gompel Roger P.G.
Published: June 2016

When producing a description of a target referent in a visual context, speakers need to choose a set of properties that distinguish it from its distractors. Computational models of language production/generation usually model this as a search process and predict that the time taken will increase both with the number of distractors in a scene and with the number of properties required to distinguish the target. These predictions are reminiscent of classic findings in visual search; however, unlike models of reference production, visual search models also predict that search can become very efficient under certain conditions, something that reference production models do not consider. This paper investigates the predictions of these models empirically. In two experiments, we show that the time taken to plan a referring expression—as reflected by speech onset latencies—is influenced by distractor set size and by the number of properties required, but this crucially depends on the discriminability of the properties under consideration. We discuss the implications for current models of reference production and recent work on the role of salience in visual search.
Analysis of Trade‐Offs Between Biodiversity, Carbon Farming and Agricultural Development in Northern Australia Reveals the Benefits of Strategic Planning
Authors: Morán‐Ordóñez Alejandra , Whitehead Amy L , Luck Gary W , Cook Garry D , Maggini Ramona , Fitzsimons James A , Wintle Brendan A
Published: June 2016

Australia's northern savannas are one of the few remaining large and mostly intact natural areas on Earth. However, their biodiversity and ecosystem values could be threatened if proposed agricultural development proceeds. Through land‐use change scenarios, we explored trade‐offs and synergies among biodiversity conservation, carbon farming and agriculture production in northern Australia. We found that if all suitable soils were converted to agriculture, habitat at unique recorded locations of three species would disappear and 40 species and vegetation communities could lose more than 50% of their current distributions. Yet, strategically considering agriculture and biodiversity outcomes leads to zoning options that could yield >56,000 km2 of agricultural development with a significantly lower impact on biodiversity values and carbon farming. Our analysis provides a template for policy‐makers and planners to identify areas of conflict between competing land‐uses, places to protect in advance of impacts, and planning options that balance agricultural and conservation needs.
Randomized, double‐blind clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 1 diabetes: IMAGINE 3
Authors: Bergenstal R. M. , Lunt H. , Franek E. , Travert F. , Mou J. , Qu Y. , Antalis C. J. , Hartman M. L. , Rosilio M. , Jacober S. J. , Bastyr E. J. ,   on behalf of the IMAGINE 3 Trial Investigators
Published: June 2016

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of basal insulin peglispro (BIL), which has a flat pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and a long duration of action, with insulin glargine (GL) in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and methods

In this phase III, 52‐week, blinded study, we randomized 1114 adults with type 1 diabetes in a 3 : 2 distribution to receive either BIL (n = 664) or GL (n = 450) at bedtime, with preprandial insulin lispro, using intensive insulin management. The primary objective was to compare glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the groups at 52 weeks, with a non‐inferiority margin of 0.4%.

Results

At 52 weeks, mean (standard error) HbA1c was 7.38 (0.03)% with BIL and 7.61 (0.04)% with GL {difference −0.22% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.32, −0.12]; p < 0.001}. At 52 weeks more BIL‐treated patients reached HbA1c <7% (35% vs 26%; p < 0.001), the nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate was 47% lower (p < 0.001) and the total hypoglycaemia rate was 11% higher (p = 0.002) than in GL‐treated patients, and there was no difference in severe hypoglycaemia rate. Patients receiving BIL lost weight, while those receiving GL gained weight [difference −1.8 kg (95% CI −2.3, −1.3); p < 0.001]. Treatment with BIL compared with GL at 52 weeks was associated with greater increases from baseline in levels of serum triglyceride [difference 0.19 mmol/l (95% CI 0.11, 0.26); p < 0.001] and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels [difference 6.5 IU/l (95% CI 4.1, 8.9), p < 0.001], and more frequent injection site reactions.

Conclusions

In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with BIL compared with GL for 52 weeks resulted in a lower HbA1c, more patients with HbA1c levels <7%, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia, but more total hypoglycaemia and injection site reactions and higher triglyceride and ALT levels.
Baseline factors associated with glycaemic response to treatment with once‐weekly dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wysham Carol , Guerci Bruno , D'Alessio David , Jia Nan , Botros Fady T.
Published: June 2016

Dulaglutide glycaemic efficacy has been demonstrated in the AWARD clinical trial programme. The objective of the present analysis was to determine the major baseline factors associated with the reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in response to dulaglutide. Baseline covariates from patients receiving dulaglutide in six phase III studies (n = 2806) were analysed using a gradient‐boosting method to assess their relative influence on the change in HbA1c after 26 weeks of treatment. Influential variables (relative influence >5%) were further evaluated in univariate and multivariable modelling. The gradient‐boosting analysis showed that the top influential baseline factors associated with HbA1c reduction were: HbA1c (48.8%), age (9.1%), fasting serum glucose (FSG; 8.2%), fasting serum insulin (FSI; 6.7%) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 5.4%). Multivariable regression showed that higher baseline HbA1c was the major factor associated with greater HbA1c reduction [coefficient estimates: −0.6% (−6.6 mmol/mol); p < 0.0001]. Age ≤65 years, lower FSG level, FSI level ≤55 pmol/L and eGFR ≤100 mL/min/1.73 m2 were associated with greater decreases in HbA1c, but the effect was very small [coefficient estimates: −0.05% to −0.2% (−0.6 to −2.2 mmol/mol)]. These data indicate that higher baseline HbA1c, reflecting poor glycaemic status, is the major factor associated with greater reduction in HbA1c in response to dulaglutide treatment.
Ecology and multilevel selection explain aggression in spider colonies
Authors: Biernaskie Jay M. , Foster Kevin R.
Published: June 2016

Progress in sociobiology continues to be hindered by abstract debates over methodology and the relative importance of within‐group vs. between‐group selection. We need concrete biological examples to ground discussions in empirical data. Recent work argued that the levels of aggression in social spider colonies are explained by group‐level adaptation. Here, we examine this conclusion using models that incorporate ecological detail while remaining consistent with kin‐ and multilevel selection frameworks. We show that although levels of aggression are driven, in part, by between‐group selection, incorporating universal within‐group competition provides a striking fit to the data that is inconsistent with pure group‐level adaptation. Instead, our analyses suggest that aggression is favoured primarily as a selfish strategy to compete for resources, despite causing lower group foraging efficiency or higher risk of group extinction. We argue that sociobiology will benefit from a pluralistic approach and stronger links between ecologically informed models and data.
Comparison of fecundity and longevity of Anoplophora malasiaca (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) adults fed on three different host‐plants
Authors: Fujiwara‐Tsujii Nao , Yasui Hiroe , Tanaka Seiji
Published: June 2016

Oocyte development, age at first reproduction, ovipositing activity and longevity were compared among three groups of Anoplophora malasiaca (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) female adults that were grown on an artificial diet and provided with mandarin orange (MO), blueberry (BB) and willow (WI) branches after adult emergence. The female adults that were fed with MO began to lay eggs earlier, produced more eggs and lived longer than those that were fed with BB or WI. None of the female adults that were fed with BB laid eggs. The BB‐fed female adults developed the lowest number of oocytes after one and three weeks of feeding. The female adults that were fed with WI and MO for one week developed similar numbers of oocytes. However, after three weeks the MO‐fed female adults developed significantly more oocytes than WI‐fed females. When female adults were first fed with MO for one week and then supplied with BB, subsequent ovarian development was strongly suppressed and the number of immature oocytes decreased. The results suggested that some immature oocytes degenerated. From these results it was concluded that MO was the most suitable adult host‐plant, followed by WI and BB. It is possible that adults that emerge from BB trees may shift their host‐plant during the adult stage in the field.
Teaching Neoliberal Emotions through Christian Pedagogies in Fijian Kindergartens
Authors: Brison Karen J.
Published: June 2016

This article examines a Fijian kindergarten using Accelerated Christian Education (ACE), a curriculum produced by an American corporation for Christian homeschoolers, which combines academic and emotion pedagogies. Pedagogies prompting children to label, reflect on, and control their emotions are popular in American schools and said to develop skills necessary to be self‐directed, risk‐taking entrepreneurs under neoliberalism. In contrast, in Fiji, children educated with the ACE curriculum are told that feeling the correct emotions is a “commitment” and that submitting to authority will benefit everyone. The ACE curriculum appears to turn working‐class American children and children in peripheral countries like Fiji into submissive workers in corporations while middle‐class Euro‐American children are socialized to become innovative entrepreneurs. But further examination shows that Fijian parents and teachers see the curriculum as giving their children the proper skills to succeed in a world outside of Fiji.
Emotion Pedagogies: What Are They, and Why Do They Matter?
Authors: Wilce James M. , Fenigsen Janina
Published: June 2016

This introductory essay defines “emotion pedagogies” by identifying their distinctive qualities—an inclusive embrace of emotions often presented in the form of lists of emotion words to be spoken as part of “I‐messages;” treating emotions as teachable skill bundles, like other sets of skills conveyed along the model of formal schooling and thus involving a high degree of curricularization; and finally, the spread of emotion pedagogies as reflections and facilitators of Charles Taylor's “subjective turn,” Foucault's “subjectification,” and a unique self‐managed and self‐responsible neoliberal selfhood. We introduce each of the articles in this special issue and conclude with reflections on the transformative potential of emotion pedagogies.

Tassä artikkelissa “tunnepedagogiikat” (emotion pedagogies) määritellään ilmiöksi, jonka ominaislaatuihin ja tavoitteisiin kuuluvat 1) tunteiden kattava hyväksyminen esimerkiksi tunnesanalistan avustamana, joita voidaan kayttää myös osana “minä‐viestejä” ja 2) tunteiden käsittäminen taitoina, joita voi oppia ja opettaa muodollisessa koulutuksessa kuten muitakin taitoja. Tunne‐pedagogiikkojen leviamistä ja suosiota käsitellään Charles Taylorin subjektiivisen käänteen ja Foucault'n subjektifikaation näkökulmista sekä heijastumina neoliberaalista tavasta nähdä minus uniikkina ja itsen päätöksistä riippuvaisena. Johdannossa esitellään myös kaikki erikoisnumeron artikkelit, ja lopuksi pohditaan tunnepedagogiikkojen transformatiivista potentiaalia.
Emotional Performance as Work Skill: Low‐Income Women in Israel Learning to Talk the Talk
Authors: Sa'ar Amalia
Published: June 2016

This article documents the use of emotion pedagogies (EP) during economic empowerment projects for low‐income Hebrew‐speaking women in Israel, where a significant part of business‐training curriculum is dedicated to narratives of self and performances of reflexive, emotional speech. Participant observations in weekly training sessions reveal contradictory effects: Despite clear neoliberal undertones of self‐reliance, individual responsibility, and depoliticizing women's economic vulnerability, participants actually enjoy the opportunity to talk about their emotions and are particularly inclined to describe their work using the words “love,” “care,” and “giving.” From their perspective, EP yields some important benefits even if their income remains low: The workshops give them an opportunity to acquire middle‐class emotional competence, to exercise community, to undergo personal growth, and more. Exploring the various layers of signification that emotion pedagogies assume on the ground reveals a multivocal vernacular version that combines globally circulating ideas and locally specific discourses.
Economic and policy considerations regarding hydropower and migratory fish
Authors: Nieminen Emmi , Hyytiäinen Kari , Lindroos Marko
Published: June 2016

Environmental standards have rarely been applied for promoting the joint production of hydropower and migratory fish. The objective of this study was to review existing research results on the effectiveness and costs of alternative measures improving fish migration, which are necessary for the development of environmental standards. The ranking of alternative measures indicates that cost‐effective combinations of measures are case‐specific and highly dependent on measure design, implementation and maintenance. In addition to tailored ex ante cost‐effectiveness analyses, other preconditions for cost savings include effective and affordable monitoring and enforcement, and cooperation among power companies that share water‐use rights within a river basin as well as among other stakeholders, such as the local community, fishermen and recreational users.
HER2 gene copy number and breast cancer‐specific survival
Authors: Biserni Giovanni B , Engstrøm Monica J , Bofin Anna M
Published: June 2016

Aims

HER2 amplification occurs in 10–15% of breast cancers. It is associated with poor breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS) and is an important prognostic and predictive marker. While it has been accepted that the HER2:chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) ratio determines HER2 status, recent guidelines acknowledge the significance of HER2 copy number alone. The aims of this study were to assess BCSS according to mean HER2 copy number and HER2 status expressed as a HER2:CEP17 ratio with and without increased CEP17 copy number.

Methods and results

The study population comprised breast cancer patients treated with surgery only and with long‐term follow‐up. In situ hybridization for HER2:CEP17 was performed on tissue microarrays and was successful in 679 cases. These were included in the study. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate BCSS. A total of 47 cases had ≥4 < 6 HER2 copies; 16 were HER2+ and 31 were HER2− by ratio. Eighty‐five cases had ≥6 copies of HER2 and only two of these were HER2− by ratio. The risk of death from breast cancer was increased among those with ≥6 HER2 compared to cases with 0–3.9 HER2 signals [hazard ratio (HR): 2.05; confidence interval (CI): 1.49–2.82 (unadjusted)]. After adjusting for stage, there was increased risk of death from breast cancer during the first 5 years after diagnosis in cases that were HER2− by ratio but with ≥4 < 6 HER2 (HR: 2.38; CI: 1.23–4.60).

Conclusions

Increased copy number of HER2 may confer an increased risk of death from breast cancer despite negative HER2 status by ratio.
Mutual ornamentation and the parental behaviour of male and female Collared Flycatchers Ficedula albicollis during incubation
Authors: Kötél Dóra , Laczi Miklós , Török János , Hegyi Gergely
Published: June 2016

One of the benefits of mate choice based on sexually selected traits is the greater investment of more ornamented individuals in parental care. The choosy individual can also adjust its parental investment to the sexual signals of its partner. Incubation is an important stage of avian reproduction, but the relationship between behaviour during incubation and mutual ornamentation is unclear. Studying a population of Collared Flycatchers Ficedula albicollis, we monitored the behaviour of both sexes during incubation in relation to their own and their partner's plumage traits, including plumage‐level reflectance attributes and white patch sizes. There was a marginally positive relationship between male feeding rate during incubation and female incubation rate. Female but not male behavioural traits were associated with the laying date of the first egg and clutch size. The behaviour of the two sexes jointly determined the relative hatching speed of clutches and the hatching success of eggs. Females with larger white wing patches spent less time incubating eggs and left the nestbox more frequently. Males with larger white wing patches fed females less frequently, whereas males with brighter white plumage areas visited the nestbox more regularly without feeding. Females tended to leave the nest less often when mated to males with larger wing patches, and females spent less time incubating when males had more UV chromatic plumage. The behaviour of both partners during incubation therefore predicted hatching patterns and was correlated with their own and sometimes with their partner's plumage ornamentation. These results call for further studies of mutual ornamentation and reproductive effort during incubation.
Effect of the gel elasticity of model skin matrices on the distance/depth‐dependent transmission of vibration energy supplied from a cosmetic vibrator
Authors: Jeong M. K. , Hwang C. , Nam H. , Cho Y. S. , Kang B. Y. , Cho E. C.
Published: June 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine how the energies supplied from a cosmetic vibrator are deeply or far transferred into organs and tissues, and how these depths or distances are influenced by tissue elasticity.

Methods

External vibration energy was applied to model skin surfaces through a facial cleansing vibrator, and we measured a distance‐ and depth‐dependent energy that was transferred to model skin matrices. As model skin matrices, we synthesized hard and soft poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) gels, as well as hydrogels with a modulus of 2.63 MPa, 0.33 MPa and 21 kPa, respectively, mostly representing those of skin and other organs. The transfer of vibration energy was measured either by increasing the separation distances or by increasing the depth from the vibrator.

Results

The energies were transmitted deeper into the hard PDMS than into the soft PDMS and hydrogel matrices. This finding implies that the vibration forces influence a larger area of the gel matrices when the gels are more elastic (or rigid). There were no appreciable differences between the soft PDMS and hydrogel matrices. However, the absorbed energies were more concentrated in the area closest to the vibrator with decreasing elasticity of the matrix. Softer materials absorbed most of the supplied energy around the point of the vibrator. In contrast, harder materials scattered the external energy over a broad area.

Conclusions

The current results are the first report in estimating how the external energy is deeply or distantly transferred into a model skins depending on the elastic moduli of the models skins. In doing so, the results would be potentially useful in predicting the health of cells, tissues and organs exposed to various stimuli.
Effect of sugar replacement with stevianna and inulin on the texture and predictive glycaemic response of muffins
Authors: Gao Jingrong , Brennan Margaret A. , Mason Susan L. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: June 2016

The application of sugar replacers used in bakery products is of growing interest to the food industry, as it provides the possibility of delivering products with reduced energy and sugar. The aim of this study was to investigate the textural properties and glycaemic responses of muffins made using stevianna and inulin. Two levels of sugar replacer were used (50% and 100%). Total replacement of sucrose gave muffins with a firmer texture than the control (P < 0.05); 50% replacement, however, gave a similar texture to control. The predicted glycaemic response was reduced in sugar‐replaced muffins compared to control samples. In particular, the replacement of sucrose with 100% stevianna caused a significant decrease in the standardised area under the curve values. Therefore, there exists the potential to regulate the glycaemic response of muffins by the incorporation of 50% stevianna or 50% inulin without affecting their textural properties.
Comparison of the effect of the anti‐Xa direct oral anticoagulants apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban on coagulation assays
Authors: Gosselin R. , Grant R. P. , Adcock D. M.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of increasing concentrations of direct anti‐Xa oral anticoagulants (DOAC) apixaban‐, edoxaban‐, and rivaroxaban‐enriched plasma samples on various prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), heparin calibrated anti‐Xa methods, and other coagulation assays.

Methods

Apixaban, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide and added to pooled normal plasma to obtain concentrations ranging from 0 ng/mL to approximately 600 ng/mL. The samples were tested using Innovin®, Neoplastine® CI Plus, Recombiplastin 2G, and Thromborel® S for PT testing and Actin, Actin® FS, Actin® FSL, APTT‐Automate, and SynthaSIL for APTT. Samples were also tested using four different anti‐Xa methods calibrated for unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin. Special coagulation assays included antithrombin activity, lupus anticoagulant assays, and others. For special coagulation assays, the concentration of DOAC that resulted in a >15% change from baseline value was determined. DOAC quantification was performed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

All PT and APTT reagents demonstrated a higher sensitivity for edoxaban and rivaroxaban than for apixaban. Anti‐Xa methods were able to detect low concentrations of DOAC. DOACs effected special coagulation assays to differing degrees, with lupus anticoagulant testing using dilute viper venom, the most sensitive test to the presence of anti‐Xa DOAC.

Conclusion

No PT or APTT reagent system effectively detected apixaban. All anti‐Xa methods demonstrated sensitivity to low concentrations of DOAC. Dilute viper venom methods are exquisitely sensitive to anti‐Xa DOAC, suggesting potential use of this assay for screening or measuring these drugs.
Sustaining a Global Social Network: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Benton D.C. , Ferguson S.L.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To examine the longer term impact on the social network of participating nurses in the Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI2013) through using differing frequencies of follow‐up to assess impact on maintenance of network cohesion.

Background

Social network analysis is increasingly been used by nurse researchers, however, studies tend to use single point‐in‐time descriptive methods.

Method

This study utilizes a repeated measures, block group, control‐intervention, quasi‐experimental design. Twenty‐eight nurse leaders, competitively selected through a double‐blind peer review process, were allocated to five action learning–based learning groups. Network architecture, measures of cohesion and node degree frequency were all used to assess programme impact.

Results

The programme initiated and sustained connections between nurse leaders drawn from a geographically dispersed heterogeneous group. Modest inputs of two to three e‐mails over a 6‐month period seem sufficient to maintain connectivity as indicated by measures of network density, diameter and path length.

Limitations

Due to the teaching methodology used, the study sample was relatively small and the follow‐up data collection took place after a relatively short time. Replication and further cohort data collection would be advantageous.

Conclusions and policy implications

In an era where many policy solutions are being debated and initiated at the global level, action learning leadership development that utilizes new technology follow‐up appears to show significant impact and is worthy of wider application. The approach warrants further inquiry and testing as to its longer term effects on nursing's influence on policy formulation and implementation.
Safety climate, emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction among Brazilian paediatric professional nurses
Authors: Alves D.F.S. , Guirardello E.B.
Published: June 2016

Background

International studies indicate that job satisfaction and burnout interfere with the safety climate and quality of care. However, no evidence of such relationships is available for Brazilian paediatric hospitals.

Aims

To assess the correlation and predictive effect of emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction on the perception of professional nurses at paediatric hospitals regarding safety climate and quality of care.

Design

Cross‐sectional correlational design.

Methods

The study was conducted with registered nurses, technician and assistant nurses from two Brazilian paediatric hospitals over 3 months in 2013–2014 using instruments to assess safety climate, quality of care, job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion.

Results

Data related to 267 professional nurses from 15 inpatient wards and 3 intensive care units were analysed. Overall, the respondents exhibited moderate emotional exhaustion, were satisfied with their jobs and considered the quality of care as good. However, the respondents exhibited low concordance as to the positive perception of the safety climate. The variables, emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction, exhibited significant correlations with safety climate and were considered predictive of the latter.

Conclusion

Emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction among professional nurses influence the safety climate at paediatric hospitals.

Implications for nursing or health policy

Investments to reduce emotional exhaustion and to improve job satisfaction among professional nurses allocated to paediatric hospitals might contribute to the patients' safety.
Effect of Oxygen Vacancy on Electrical Property of Acceptor Doped BaTiO3–Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Nb2O5 X8R Systems
Authors: Sun Yue , Liu Hanxing , Hao Hua , Zhang Shujun
Published: June 2016

In this study, we reported a new BaTiO3–Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Nb2O5–Mn2O3/Fe2O3/Co3O4/In2O3 X8R system with high dielectric constant (>2100) at room temperature. The impacts of oxygen vacancy ( ) on dielectric, electrical conductivity, and ferroelectric properties were systematically studied. The Curie point is largely depended on the concentration, which can be confirmed by the dielectric behavior and A1g octahedral breathing modes in Raman spectrum. In addition, the activation energy of diffusion is greatly reduced with the increase in concentration. It was found that the remnant polarization and coercive field were both decreased with increasing concentration, due to the facilitated defect dipoles reorientation and domain switching.
Effect of Finishing and Polishing on the Surface Roughness of Four Ceramic Materials after Occlusal Adjustment
Authors: Amaya‐Pajares Silvia P. , Ritter Andre V. , Vera Resendiz Carolina , Henson Brett R. , Culp Lee , Donovan Terence E.
Published: June 2016

Problem

Intraoral occlusal adjustment of ceramic restorations can create a significant increase in surface roughness that can produce wear of the opposing dentition.

Purpose

To compare the surface roughness of glazed and polished monolithic ceramics with the surface roughness produced by different intraoral polishing systems on adjusted monolithic ceramics.

Materials and Methods

Milled ceramic discs (10 mm diameter × 2 mm thickness) were manufactured and distributed according to the following groups (n = 10): BruxZir (glazed and polished), Zenostar (glazed and polished), IPS Empress CAD, and IPS e.max CAD. Surface roughness, expressed as arithmetic average height (Ra), was measured using atomic force microscope and profilometer before and after adjustment and polishing with the following intraoral polishing systems: BruxZir and Dialite ZR (for BruxZir), Zenostar and Dialite ZR (for Zenostar), and OptraFine and Dialite LD for IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD. Mean and standard error for each material and polishing system were calculated. T‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to analyze data.

Results

BruxZir zirconia presented smoother surfaces with Dialite ZR system compared to BruxZir system, Zenostar zirconia shown smoother surfaces with Zenostar system compared to Dialite ZR system and IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD presented smoother surfaces with OptraFine system in comparison to Dialite LD system.

Conclusion

All materials presented smoother surfaces at baseline than after adjustment and polishing.

Clinical Significance

This paper reveals the results of an in vitro study that provides information to clinicians regarding which intraoral polishing system will produce a smoother surface after the adjustment and polishing of IPS Empress CAD, IPS e.max CAD, BruxZir and Zenostar ceramic materials. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:382–396, 2016)
Evidence for spawning aggregations of the endangered Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara in southern Brazil
Authors: Bueno L. S. , Bertoncini A. A. , Koenig C. C. , Coleman F. C. , Freitas M. O. , Leite J. R. , De Souza T. F. , Hostim‐Silva M.
Published: June 2016

In this study, seasonal numerical abundance of the critically endangered Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara was estimated by conducting scuba dive surveys and calculating sightings‐per‐unit‐effort (SPUE) at three sites in southern Brazil. Seasonal differences in size and reproductive condition of captured or confiscated specimens were compared. The SPUE differed significantly with season, increasing in late spring and peaking during the austral summer months. A significant effect was observed in the number of fish relative to the lunar cycle. All females sampled during the summer were spawning capable, while all those sampled during other seasons were either regressing or regenerating. What these data strongly infer is that the E. itajara spawning aggregation sites have been located in the southern state of Paraná and the northern state of Santa Catarina and summer is the most likely spawning season. Size frequency distributions, abundance and reproductive state were estimated and correlated with environmental variables.
Tumor testing to identify lynch syndrome in two Australian colorectal cancer cohorts
Authors: Buchanan Daniel D , Clendenning Mark , Rosty Christophe , Eriksen Stine V , Walsh Michael D , Walters Rhiannon J , Thibodeau Stephen N , Stewart Jenna , Preston Susan , Win Aung Ko , Flander Louisa , Ait Ouakrim Driss , Macrae Finlay A , Boussioutas Alex , Winship Ingrid M , Giles Graham G , Hopper John L , Southey Melissa C , English Dallas , Jenkins Mark A ,   on behalf of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study and the Australasian Colorectal Cancer Family Registry Cohort investigators
Published: June 2016

Background and Aim

Tumor testing of colorectal cancers (CRC) for mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is an effective approach to identify carriers of germline MMR gene mutation (Lynch syndrome). The aim of this study was to identify MMR gene mutation carriers in two cohorts of population‐based CRC utilizing a combination of tumor and germline testing approaches.

Methods

Colorectal cancers from 813 patients diagnosed with CRC < 60 years of age from the Australasian Colorectal Cancer Family Registry (ACCFR) and from 826 patients from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) were tested for MMR protein expression using immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability (MSI), BRAFV600E somatic mutation, and for MLH1 methylation. MMR gene mutation testing (Sanger sequencing and Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification) was performed on germline DNA of patients with MMR‐deficient tumors and a subset of MMR‐proficient CRCs.

Results

Of the 813 ACCFR probands, 90 probands demonstrated tumor MMR deficiency (11.1%), and 42 had a MMR gene germline mutation (5.2%). For the MCCS, MMR deficiency was identified in the tumors of 103 probands (12.5%) and seven had a germline mutation (0.8%). All the mutation carriers were diagnosed prior to 70 years of age. Probands with a MMR‐deficient CRC without MLH1 methylation and a gene mutation were considered Lynch‐like and comprised 41.1% and 25.2% of the MMR‐deficient CRCs for the ACCFR and MCCS, respectively.

Conclusions

Identification of MMR gene mutation carriers in Australian CRC‐affected patients is optimized by immunohistochemistry screening of CRC diagnosed before 70 years of age. A significant proportion of MMR‐deficient CRCs will have unknown etiology (Lynch‐like) proving problematic for clinical management.
British Dietetic Association systematic review of systematic reviews and evidence‐based practice guidelines for the use of probiotics in the management of irritable bowel syndrome in adults (2016 update)
Authors: McKenzie Y. A. , Thompson J. , Gulia P. , Lomer M. C. E. ,   (IBS Dietetic Guideline Review Group on behalf of Gastroenterology Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association)
Published: June 2016

Background

Probiotics are often taken by individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which products are effective is unclear, despite an increasing research base. This project will systematically review which strain‐ and dose‐ specific probiotics can be recommended to adults with IBS to improve symptoms and quality of life (QoL). It is part of a broader systematic review to update British Dietetic Association guidelines for the dietary management of IBS in adults.

Methods

CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for systematic reviews (SRs) of randomised controlled trial (RCT)s recruiting adults with IBS comparing probiotic intervention with placebo. AMSTAR, risk of bias and diet bias tools were used to appraise methodological quality. Symptom and QoL data were appraised to develop probiotic‐specific evidence statements on clinically meaningful and marginal outcomes in various settings, graded clinical practice recommendations and practical considerations.

Results

Nine systematic reviews and 35 RCTs were included (3406 participants) using 29 dose‐specific probiotic formulations. None of the RCTs were at low risk of bias. Twelve out of 29 probiotics (41%) showed no symptom or QoL benefits. Evidence indicated that no strain or dose specific probiotic was consistently effective to improve any IBS symptoms or QoL. Two general clinical practice recommendations were made.

Conclusions

Symptom outcomes for dose‐specific probiotics were heterogeneous. Specific probiotic recommendations for IBS management in adults were not possible at this time. More data from high‐quality RCTs treating specific symptom profiles are needed to support probiotic therapy in the management of IBS.
The transplant team's support of kidney transplant recipients to take their prescribed medications: a collective responsibility
Authors: Williams Allison , Low Jac Kee , Manias Elizabeth , Crawford Kimberley
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To obtain an understanding of how health professionals support the kidney transplant patient to take their medications as prescribed long term.

Background

Kidney transplantation requires stringent adherence to complex medication regimens to prevent graft rejection and to maintain general well‐being. Medication nonadherence is common in kidney transplantation, emerging in the first few months post‐transplantation, leading to poor patient outcomes.

Design

Exploratory qualitative design.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted with a total of seven renal nurse transplant coordinators, two renal transplant nurse unit managers, seven nephrologists, seven pharmacists, four social workers, and one consumer representative representing all five hospitals offering adult kidney transplantation in Victoria, Australia in 2014. The views of two general practitioners who were unable to attend the focus groups were incorporated into the data set. All data underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed that adherence was a collective responsibility involving the whole of the transplant team and the patient via education blitz in hospital, identifying and managing nonadherence, promotion of self‐advocacy, and the partnership between the patient and health professional. Patients were directed how to take their complex medications to be self‐empowered, yet the partnership between the patient and health professional limited the patient's voice.

Conclusion

Although medication adherence was a collective responsibility, communication was often one‐way chiefly as a result of staffing and time constraints, hindering effective partnerships necessary for medication adherence. Expert skills in communication and adherence counselling are necessary to identify barriers affecting medication adherence. Patients need to be systematically screened, prepared and supported long‐term within an accommodating healthcare system for the reality of caring for their transplanted kidney.

Relevance to clinical practice

Kidney transplant recipients require systematic preparation and quality long‐term follow‐up to adhere to their prescribed medications.
Factors influencing a nurse's decision to question medication administration in a neonatal clinical care unit
Authors: Aydon Laurene , Hauck Yvonne , Zimmer Margo , Murdoch Jamee
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence nurse's decisions to question concerning aspects of medication administration within the context of a neonatal clinical care unit.

Background

Medication error in the neonatal setting can be high with this particularly vulnerable population. As the care giver responsible for medication administration, nurses are deemed accountable for most errors. However, they are recognised as the forefront of prevention. Minimal evidence is available around reasoning, decision making and questioning around medication administration. Therefore, this study focuses upon addressing the gap in knowledge around what nurses believe influences their decision to question.

Design

A critical incident design was employed where nurses were asked to describe clinical incidents around their decision to question a medication issue. Nurses were recruited from a neonatal clinical care unit and participated in an individual digitally recorded interview.

Results

One hundred and three nurses participated between December 2013–August 2014. Use of the constant comparative method revealed commonalities within transcripts. Thirty‐six categories were grouped into three major themes: ‘Working environment’, ‘Doing the right thing’ and ‘Knowledge about medications’.

Conclusions

Findings highlight factors that influence nurses’ decision to question issues around medication administration. Nurses feel it is their responsibility to do the right thing and speak up for their vulnerable patients to enhance patient safety. Negative dimensions within the themes will inform planning of educational strategies to improve patient safety, whereas positive dimensions must be reinforced within the multidisciplinary team.

Relevance to clinical practice

The working environment must support nurses to question and ultimately provide safe patient care. Clear and up to date policies, formal and informal education, role modelling by senior nurses, effective use of communication skills and a team approach can facilitate nurses to appropriately question aspects around medication administration.
Staff perceptions of barriers to physical restraint‐reduction in long‐term care: a meta‐synthesis
Authors: Kong Eun‐Hi , Choi Heeseung , Evans Lois K
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To critically review the existing qualitative studies to identify, from the perspective of staff, the barriers to physical restraint reduction in long‐term geriatric care facilities.

Background

Despite the adverse physical and psychosocial effects, physical restraints are still used frequently in many geriatric long‐term care facilities around the world. There is, however, no study that synthesises the existing qualitative literature regarding the barriers to the restraint reduction from the perspective of facility staff.

Design/Methods

The metastudy research process guided this qualitative synthesis. Five electronic databases were searched, and ten studies were included in this metastudy.

Results

Five themes were identified through metasynthesis of the findings: concern about and responsibility for safety, unclear and inconsistent definitions of restraint and restraint‐free care, difficulties in the transition from acceptance to removal, noninvolvement in decision‐making to remove restraint and insufficient resources and education.

Conclusion

A concept analysis of physical restraint is sorely needed, and future studies should explore the prevalence of restraint, the effects of education for staff and family on restraint reduction, and success stories related to restraint‐free care. More research is needed regarding the restraint reduction effectiveness and cost issues.

Relevance to clinical practice

Physical restraints, commonly used in many geriatric long‐term care facilities, result in many negative effects and ethical issues. To achieve success in reducing physical restraint use, governmental policies and long‐term care institutions should underpin staff efforts with legal, educational and practical support.
The relationship between breastfeeding self‐efficacy and LATCH scores and affecting factors
Authors: Gerçek Emine , Sarıkaya Karabudak Seher , Ardıç Çelik Nigar , Saruhan Aynur
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

This study investigates the relationship between breastfeeding self‐efficacy and LATCH scores and affecting factors in Turkish mothers.

Background

The benefits of breastfeeding for newborns and mothers are well documented. Type of birth, maternal and neonatal complications; lack of support from healthcare professionals during breastfeeding, hospital routines, time and duration of mother–newborn attachment; and insufficiency of husband and family support are the most significant factors affecting breastfeeding initiation and mothers’ breastfeeding self‐efficacy in early postpartum period. Therefore, it is important to determine how all these factors affect breastfeeding.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional, descriptive study.

Methods

The sample of the study consisted of 303 postpartum women who were recruited at the obstetrics clinic of maternity hospital in one of the three largest city of Turkey. The data were obtained using Personal Identification Form, Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale‐Short Form and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool to determine breastfeeding success. The mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentages, correlation analysis and Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis were used in data collection.

Results

The main finding of the study was a weak positive correlation between average LATCH scores and average Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale‐Short Form scores of women in the postpartum period. The women becoming pregnant four times or more got significantly higher average Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale‐Short Form and average LATCH scores, and the women married for 11 years or longer and the mothers starting to breastfeed their babies within 30 minutes of their birth got significantly higher average LATCH scores.

Conclusions

The results of the present research affirm the beneficial role of high self‐efficacy in successful breastfeeding.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is of great importance that midwives and obstetric nurses routinely evaluate breastfeeding self‐efficacy and the capability of breastfeeding for early detection of problems related to breastfeeding.