bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHAT DO USERS VALUE ABOUT THE EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE?
Authors: Togher Fiona , Turner Janette , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan , O'Cathain Alicia
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Response times have been used as a key quality indicator for emergency ambulance services in the United Kingdom, but criticised for their narrow focus. Consequently, there is a need to consider wider measures of quality. The patient perspective is becoming an increasingly important dimension in pre-hospital outcomes research. To that end, we aimed to investigate patients' experiences of the 999 ambulance service to understand the processes and outcomes important to them.

Methods

We employed a qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of people who had recently used a 999 ambulance in the East Midlands. We recruited patients of different age, sex, geographical location, and ambulance service response including ‘hear and treat’, ‘see and treat’ and ‘see and convey’.

Results

We interviewed 20 service users. Eleven men and nine women participated and 12 were aged 65 years and over. Users valued a quick response when they perceived the call to be an emergency. This was of less value to those who did not perceive their situation as an emergency and irrelevant to ‘hear and treat’ users. All users valued the professional approach and information and advice given by call handlers, crew and first responders, which provided them with reassurance in a worrying situation. ‘See and convey’ users valued a seamless handover to secondary care.

Limitations

We found it challenging to engage participants to consider quality indicators beyond response times because these were considered to be abstract in comparison with their concrete experiences.

Conclusions and recommendations

Aspects other than response times were important to patients, particularly in situations perceived by patients to be non-emergency. The results will be combined with issues identified from systematic reviews and used in a Delphi study to identify candidates for new outcome measures for emergency ambulance services.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLEX INTERVENTION IN EMERGENCY CARE OF FALLS FOR EVALUATION:IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MRC GUIDANCE
Authors: Chatters R , Mason S , Snooks H ,   The SAFER 2 team
Published: April 2015

Background

The Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance for the development and evaluation of complex interventions describes such an intervention as one which has several interacting components; the MRC recommends that complex interventions are developed through literature identification, modelling of processes and theory development. We describe the utilisation of this guidance to develop the SAFER 2 (Support and Assessment for Fall Emergency Referrals) study intervention—a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) looking to improve the care Ambulance Services provide to elderly patients who fall.

Methods

Literature was identified using MedLine and through applicant's previous work in this field. Two pilot studies were undertaken in two UK ambulance services; an economic evaluation was identified. A workshop, incorporating stakeholders from ambulance services, acute trusts and primary care, allowed further development and finalisation of the intervention. Specialist sub-groups were set-up to develop specific components of the intervention

Results

Literature review identified previous RCTs and a recent systematic review, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the ability of paramedics to safely make decisions to not convey elderly patients who fall to hospital and the effect of direct referral to multi-factorial community interventions on such patients. Pilot studies reinforced the need for an intervention that improves paramedic's decision making. The workshop resulted in the amalgamation of all evidence and agreement of the final intervention by all stakeholders.

The final definition of the intervention comprised of paramedic training, patient assessment tool, referral tool, process of referral, clinical support and Falls Prevention Service make-up and response.

Discussion

Thorough intervention development and effective implementation are vital to the success of SAFER 2 and other studies in this field. In order to produce generalisable evidence about clinical and cost effectiveness that is reproducible, the intervention needs to be clearly defined with input and agreement from study stakeholders.
DECISION MAKING AND SAFETY IN AMBULANCE SERVICE TRANSITIONS
Authors: O'Hara R , Johnson M , Hirst E , Weyman A , Shaw D , Mortimer P , Newman C , Storey M , Turner J , Mason S , Quinn T , Shewan J , Siriwardena A N
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Decisions made by ambulance staff are often time-critical and based on limited information. Wrong decisions could have serious consequences for patients but little is known about areas of risk associated with decisions about patient care. We aimed to examine system influences on decision making in the ambulance service setting focusing on paramedic roles.

Method

An exploratory mixed methods qualitative study was conducted in three Ambulance Service Trusts. A document search and 16 interviews were conducted to understand service delivery in each Trust, how they link with other services and potential influences on decisions about patient care. Researchers observed ambulance crews on 34 shifts and 10 paramedics completed ‘digital diaries’ to report challenges for decision making or patient safety. Three focus groups with staff (N=21) and three with service users (N=23) were held to explore their views on decision making and patient safety. Data were charted to produce a typology of decisions then coded and thematically analysed to identify influences on those decisions.

Findings

Nine types of decision were identified, ranging from specialist emergency pathways to non-conveyance. Influences on these decisions included communication with Control Room staff; patient assessment, decision support and alternative options to ED conveyance. Seven main issues influencing patient safety in decision making were identified: meeting demand; performance and priorities; access to care options; risk aversion; education, training and professional development for crews; communication and feedback to crews; resources and safety culture.

Conclusions

A range of decisions are made by ambulance staff in complex, time bound changing conditions. Training and development and access to alternative options to ED conveyance were identified as particularly important issues.
INVESTIGATING THE UNDERSTANDING, USE AND EXPERIENCES OF OLDER PEOPLE IN LINCOLNSHIRE ACCESSING EMERGENCY AND URGENT SERVICES VIA 999 AND NHS 111: A SCOPING STUDY
Authors: Togher Fiona , Windle Karen , Essam Nadya , Hardwick Jialin , Phung Viet-Hai , Vowles Valerie
Published: April 2015

Introduction

During 2011/12, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) received 776,000 emergency 999 calls of which 36% (277,000) did not require transportation to hospital. Inappropriate calls can be due to public misunderstanding of when it is appropriate to ring 999. NHS 111 is an alternative free telephone service that enables the public to access health care advice or resources when the matter is urgent but not a 999 emergency. However knowing which service to telephone is not always easy and such a decision can be particularly difficult for older people as symptom presentation across complex co-morbidities can be atypical.

A mixed method scoping project was carried out to explore the understanding, use and experiences of emergency (999) and urgent services (NHS 111) by older people aged 65 and over. Here, we report findings from the qualitative workstream.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups (n=25) using a topic guide were carried out with a purposive sample of older people who had used the 999 ambulance service and/or the NHS 111 service in the East Midlands.

Results

We found a lack of awareness as to the remit of NHS 111 and confusion as to when this number should be phoned. Older people's expectations of 111 seemed to be analogous to other primary care services. As a consequence, participants were often dissatisfied with the service response; it neither provided useful advice nor reassurance. Greater satisfaction was reported with the call handling process and hospital transportation through EMAS (999) and older people's reported rationale for phoning 999 would seem to suggest appropriate service use.

Conclusion

Developing a greater understanding of how older people decide to contact a service would support future policy and practice implementation. If the remit of a service is unclear and accompanying publicity confusing, older people will continue to dial 999.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON THE CARE OF OLDER PEOPLE WHO FALL AND USE OUT-OF-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SERVICES
Authors: Halter Mary , Chatters Robin , Koniotou Marina , Evans Bridie
Published: April 2015

Background

Older people who fall have been a priority area for the NHS since the publication of the National Service Framework for Older People. Evidence suggests falls prevention can reduce further falls. With rising numbers using Emergency Departments, there is a policy shift for ambulances to convey fewer patients and efforts to refer falls patients to other services

Objective

To review evidence about impact and implementation of interventions delivered by emergency medical services to treat older people who fall to reduce emergency admissions to hospital.

Method

We undertook a systematic literature search of 18 electronic databases and reference lists. References were downloaded into biographic software, screened by one of three researchers against pre-defined inclusion criteria. Data were systematically extracted and assessed for methodological quality; whilst narrative synthesis was used to analyze findings.

Results

Through our searching and screening process we identified 12 international studies. Interventions fell into two groups: (1) on-scene screening during patient assessment or triage at 999 call to refer them for falls prevention treatment or hospital conveyance; and (2) retrospective screening and referral to fall prevention treatment.

Up to half of patients screened on-scene were conveyed to hospital and referrals to falls services were low, except where undertaken automatically. One trial reported patients had fewer falls and increased confidence after undergoing rehabilitation; additionally, they found there was a significant reduction in ambulance calls over 12 months. The quality of studies was weak and data were very heterogeneous, limiting comparison and quality of results. 

Discussion

Despite national priority about preventing falls and calls for reduced emergency department use, there are few studies and weak evidence about the most effective ways to support paramedics to use alternative treatments to target best treatment for older people who fall.
Suspect anaphylaxis following intravenous buprenorphine administration in a dog
Authors: Rossanese Matteo , Rigotti Clara
Published: April 2015

A seven‐month‐old French Mastiff was scheduled to undergo exploratory laparotomy for the removal of gastric foreign bodies. Buprenorphine 20 μg/kg was administered intravenously as preanaesthetic medication. Five minutes after the injection, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, cyanosis and tachycardia developed; periorbital, labial and lingual oedema were also noted. Anaesthesia was induced with 4 mg/kg of propofol, and laryngeal visualisation revealed severe laryngeal oedema. The trachea was intubated with a 6 mm endotracheal tube and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Fluid therapy was started and glucocorticoids were administered. The exploratory laparotomy was completed and gastric foreign bodies were removed. A temporary tracheostomy was performed as no improvement of the laryngeal oedema was detected. The patient recovered uneventfully and after 48 hours the tracheostomy tube was removed successfully. The reaction may be attributed to histamine release following injection of buprenorphine.
From spolia to recycling: the reuse of traditional construction materials in built heritage and its role in sustainability today: a review
Authors: Frangipane Anna
Published: April 2015

The reuse of traditional construction materials attests to their high value over the long term. In fact, the practice has always demonstrated the inherent value of traditional raw materials and their products in confronting the issues of sustainability, in the broader sense of preserving resources – material and immaterial – for future generations. Throughout the history of building, the symbolic value of spolia (i.e. the use of ancient architectural elements in new construction) has gone hand-in-hand with the practice of recycling, demonstrating, at various levels, an intrinsic awareness of reuse as a tool for minimizing waste of materials and energy. Today, sustainability is rarely considered from a long-term perspective, and when it is, the approach tends to be from a broad theoretical standpoint. In the past, however, it was a common and necessary aspect of construction management, when the waste of materials was a forbidden luxury. This paper presents a review of the reuse of geomaterials, mainly stone, throughout the Italian history of construction, indicating major examples selected for their value as memorable references, describing common practices from antiquity to modern times, and concluding with a description of the actual state of the art of the practice, based on very recent and outstanding cases.
TNF-α antagonism ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by upregulating adiponectin
Authors: Gao Chao , Liu Yi , Yu Qiujun , Yang Qiang , Li Bing , Sun Lu , Yan Wenjun , Cai Xiaoqing , Gao Erhe , Xiong Lize , Wang Haichang , Tao Ling
Published: April 2015

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonism alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. However, the mechanisms by which the downstream mediators of TNF-α change after acute antagonism during MI/R remain unclear. Adiponectin (APN) exerts anti-ischemic effects, but it is downregulated during MI/R. This study was conducted to investigate whether TNF-α is responsible for the decrease of APN, and whether antagonizing TNF-α affects MI/R injury by increasing APN. Male adult wild-type (WT), APN knockout (APN KO) mice, and those with cardiac knockdowns of APN receptors via siRNA injection were subjected to 30 min of MI followed by reperfusion. The TNF-α antagonist etanercept or globular domain of APN (gAD) was injected 10 min before reperfusion. Etanercept ameliorated MI/R injury in WT mice as evidenced by improved cardiac function, and reduced infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. APN concentrations were augmented in response to etanercept, followed by an increase in AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Etanercept still increased cardiac function and reduced infarct size and apoptosis in both APN KO and APN receptors knockdown mice. However, its potential was significantly weakened in these mice compared with the WT mice. TNF-α is responsible for the decrease in APN during MI/R. The cardioprotective effects of TNF-α neutralization are partially due to the upregulation of APN. The results provide more insight into the TNF-α-mediated signaling effects during MI/R and support the need for clinical trials to validate the efficacy of acute TNF-α antagonism in the treatment of MI/R injury.
Mesomesenchymal transition of pleural mesothelial cells is PI3K and NF-κB dependent
Authors: Owens Shuzi , Jeffers Ann , Boren Jake , Tsukasaki Yoshikazu , Koenig Kathleen , Ikebe Mitsuo , Idell Steven , Tucker Torry A.
Published: April 2015

Pleural organization follows acute injury and is characterized by pleural fibrosis, which may involve the visceral and parietal pleural surfaces. This process affects patients with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions, empyema, and other pleural diseases prone to pleural fibrosis and loculation. Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) undergo a process called mesothelial mesenchymal transition (MesoMT), by which PMCs acquire a profibrotic phenotype characterized by cellular enlargement and elongation, increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and matrix proteins including collagen-1. Although MesoMT contributes to pleural fibrosis and lung restriction in mice with carbon black/bleomycin-induced pleural injury and procoagulants and fibrinolytic proteases strongly induce MesoMT in vitro, the mechanism by which this transition occurs remains unclear. We found that thrombin and plasmin potently induce MesoMT in vitro as does TGF-β. Furthermore, these mediators of MesoMT activate phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling prevented TGF-β-, thrombin-, and plasmin-mediated induction of the MesoMT phenotype exhibited by primary human PMCs. Similar effects were demonstrated through blockade of the NF-κB signaling cascade using two distinctly different NF-κB inhibitors, SN50 and Bay-11 7085. Conversely, expression of constitutively active Akt-induced mesenchymal transition in human PMCs whereas the process was blocked by PX866 and AKT8. Furthermore, thrombin-mediated MesoMT is dependent on PAR-1 expression, which is linked to PI3K/Akt signaling downstream. These are the first studies to demonstrate that PI3K/Akt and/or NF-κB signaling is critical for induction of MesoMT.
Blocking IL1β Pathway Following Paclitaxel Chemotherapy Slightly Inhibits Primary Tumor Growth but Promotes Spontaneous Metastasis
Authors: Voloshin Tali , Alishekevitz Dror , Kaneti Limor , Miller Valeria , Isakov Elina , Kaplanov Irena , Voronov Elena , Fremder Ella , Benhar Moran , Machluf Marcelle , Apte Ron N. , Shaked Yuval
Published: April 2015

Acquired resistance to therapy is a major obstacle in clinical oncology, and little is known about the contributing mechanisms of the host response to therapy. Here, we show that the proinflammatory cytokine IL1β is overexpressed in response to paclitaxel chemotherapy in macrophages, subsequently promoting the invasive properties of malignant cells. In accordance, blocking IL1β, or its receptor, using either genetic or pharmacologic approach, results in slight retardation of primary tumor growth; however, it accelerates metastasis spread. Tumors from mice treated with combined therapy of paclitaxel and the IL1 receptor antagonist anakinra exhibit increased number of M2 macrophages and vessel leakiness when compared with paclitaxel monotherapy-treated mice, indicating a prometastatic role of M2 macrophages in the IL1β-deprived microenvironment. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the dual effects of blocking the IL1 pathway on tumor growth. Accordingly, treatments using “add-on” drugs to conventional therapy should be investigated in appropriate tumor models consisting of primary tumors and their metastases. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1385–94. ©2015 AACR.
Incidence, Management, and Immediate- and Long-Term Outcomes After Iatrogenic Aortic Dissection During Diagnostic or Interventional Coronary Procedures
Authors: Núñez-Gil Iván J. , Bautista Daniel , Cerrato Enrico , Salinas Pablo , Varbella Ferdinando , Omedè Pierluigi , Ugo Fabrizio , Ielasi Alfonso , Giammaria Massimo , Moreno Raúl , Pérez-Vizcayno María José , Escaned Javier , De Agustin José Alberto , Feltes Gisela , Macaya Carlos , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio
Published: April 2015

Background—

Aortic dissection type A is a disease with high mortality. Iatrogenic aortic dissection after interventional procedures is infrequent, and prognostic data are scarce. Our objective was to analyze its incidence, patient profile, and long-term prognosis.

Methods and Results—

Between 2000 and 2014, we retrospectively analyzed 74 patients with dissection of the ascending aorta. Clinical and procedural data were reviewed, and later, we performed a prospective clinical follow-up by telephone or in the office. The incidence of aortic dissection was 0.06%. Our patients, predominantly male (67.6%), had a mean age of 66.9±10.8 years. With multiple cardiovascular risk factors, the main reason for cardiac catheterization was an acute coronary syndrome (n=54). The complication was detected acutely in all, trying to engage the right coronary artery in 47 and the left main artery in 30 and after other maneuvers in 2, mostly complex therapeutic procedures (78.4%). A coronary artery was involved in 45 patients (60.8%). Thirty-five patients underwent an angioplasty and stent implantation; 3 had cardiac surgery; and 36 were managed conservatively. Two patients died of cardiogenic shock after the dissection. After a median follow-up of 51.2 months (range, 16.4–104.8 months), none of the remaining patients developed complications as a result of the dissection, progression, ischemia, pain, or dissection recurrence.

Conclusions—

Iatrogenic catheter dissection of the aorta is a rare complication that carries an excellent short- and long-term prognosis with the adoption of a conservative approach. When a coronary artery is involved as an entry point, it usually can be safely sealed with a stent with good long-term outcomes.
Preprocedural N‐Terminal Pro‐Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT‐proBNP) Is Similar to the Mehran Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy (CIN) Score in Predicting CIN Following Elective Coronary Angiography
Authors: Liu Yong , He Yi‐ting , Tan Ning , Chen Ji‐yan , Liu Yuan‐hui , Yang Da‐hao , Huang Shui‐Jin , Ye Piao , Li Hua‐long , Ran Peng , Duan Chong‐yang , Chen Shi‐qun , Zhou Ying‐ling , Chen Ping‐Yan
Published: April 2015

Background

N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) has been associated with important risk factors for contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN). However, few studies have investigated the predictive value of NT‐proBNP itself. This study investigated whether levels of preprocedural NT‐proBNP could predict CIN after elective coronary angiography as effectively as the Mehran CIN score.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively observed 2248 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography. The predictive value of preprocedural NT‐proBNP for CIN was assessed by receiver operating characteristic and multivariable logistic regression analysis. The 50 patients (2.2%) who developed CIN had higher Mehran risk scores (9.5±5.1 versus 4.8±3.8), and higher preprocedural levels of NT‐proBNP (5320±7423 versus 1078±2548 pg/mL,
P
<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that NT‐proBNP was not significantly different from the Mehran CIN score in predicting CIN (C=0.7657 versus C=0.7729,
P
=0.8431). An NT‐proBNP cutoff value of 682 pg/mL predicted CIN with 78% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Multivariable analysis suggested that, after adjustment for other risk factors, NT‐proBNP >682 pg/mL was significantly associated with CIN (odds ratio: 4.007, 95% CI: 1.950 to 8.234;
P
<0.001) and risk of death (hazard ratio: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.49 to 4.30;
P
=0.0006).

Conclusions

Preprocedural NT‐proBNP >682 pg/mL was significantly associated with the risk of CIN and death. NT‐proBNP, like the Mehran CIN score, may be another useful and rapid screening tool for CIN and death risk assessment, identifying subjects who need therapeutic measures to prevent CIN.
A Novel Missense Mutation of NOG Interferes With the Dimerization of NOG and Causes Proximal Symphalangism Syndrome in a Chinese Family
Authors: Pang Xiuhong , Wang Zhaoyan , Chai Yongchuan , Chen Hongsai , Li Lei , Sun Lianhua , Jia Huan , Wu Hao , Yang Tao
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

NOG is an antagonist to bone morphogenetic proteins and plays an important role in proper bone and joint development. Dominant mutations in NOG may lead to a series of symphalangism spectrum disorders. In this study, we aimed to identify the genetic cause and the pathogenic mechanism of an autosomal dominant disorder with cosegregating proximal symphalangism and conductive hearing impairment in a Chinese family.

Methods:

Mutation screening of NOG was performed in the affected family members by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing. Western blotting analysis of NOG was performed in the leukocyte samples of the family members.

Results:

A novel p.W150C heterozygous mutation in NOG was identified cosegregating with the proximal symphalangism disorder in the family. Western blotting analysis showed that the p.W150C mutation interferes with the dimerization of the mutant NOG.

Conclusions:

Our results agreed with previously published results of in vitro studies and suggested that impaired dimerization of mutant NOG is an important pathogenic mechanism for the NOG-related symphalangism spectrum disorder.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A mRNA gene expression in clinical phases of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rasol Hoiyda A Abdel , Helmy Hanan , El-Mously Sherine , Aziz Margeret A , El bahaie Hossam
Published: April 2015

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor A stimulates angiogenesis, but is also pro-inflammatory and plays an important role in the development of neurological disease. This study aimed to investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA expression could be used as a marker for the prediction of susceptibility to multiple sclerosis and relate vascular endothelial growth factor to the clinical phases of multiple sclerosis.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, consisting of a total of 60 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 20 healthy controls. Subjects were subjected to history taking, neurological examination and peripheral blood sampling for vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression. Vascular endothelial growth factor A gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction using the SYBR Green technique.

Results

Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression level was significantly lower in the multiple sclerosis group than in the healthy control group ( P < 0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression level was higher in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients than in those in remission ( P < 0.001) and in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis compared with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis ( P < 0.001). There was no correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A gene expression levels and duration of disease, multiple sclerosis progression index or expanded disability status scale.

Conclusions

A lower vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression level was independently associated with a higher risk of multiple sclerosis.
Elastic modulus of low-density lipoprotein as potential indicator of its oxidation
Authors: Takeda Seiji , Subagyo Agus , Hui Shu-Ping , Fuda Hirotoshi , Shrestha Rojeet , Sueoka Kazuhisa , Chiba Hitoshi
Published: April 2015

Background

Evaluation of low-density lipoprotein oxidation is important in the risk assessment of cardiovascular disease. Atomic force microscope is widely used to evaluate the physical properties including stiffness on a single-particle scale. In this study, the effect of low-density lipoprotein oxidation on the low-density lipoprotein stiffness was investigated using an atomic force microscope.

Methods

Isolated low-density lipoprotein particles with or without oxidation were densely bound to an Au substrate on mica, and then pressed and deformed by the atomic force microscope tip. The stiffness of each low-density lipoprotein particle was estimated as the elastic modulus obtained by the force curve analysis. Biochemical change of low-density lipoprotein due to oxidation was studied by electrophoresis.

Results and conclusion

The elastic modulus of low-density lipoprotein particles ranged between 0.1 and 2 MPa. The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein increased the number of low-density lipoprotein particles with smaller elastic moduli, indicating the decrease in low-density lipoprotein stiffness. The elastic modulus of low-density lipoprotein might be potentially useful to evaluate low-density lipoprotein oxidation.
The relationship between children’s sensory processing patterns and their leisure preferences and participation patterns
Authors: Ismael Noor T. , Lawson Lisa A. Mische , Cox Jane A.
Published: April 2015

Background.

Sensory processing patterns may be associated with children’s preferences for different activities; however, knowledge about how different sensory processing patterns may relate to children’s participation in leisure activities is scarce.

Purpose.

This study investigated in what leisure activities children with extreme sensory processing patterns participate and if relationships exist between children’s sensory processing patterns and their leisure preferences and participation patterns.

Method.

This correlational study analyzed data from children’s Sensory Profiles and reported play and leisure preferences. All 91 children in the sample completed the Children’s Assessment for Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and the Preferences for Activities of Children (PAC). Parents of children ages 6 to10 years completed the Sensory Profile, and children ages 11 to 14 years completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile.

Findings.

Children with different sensory processing patterns preferred both similar and distinct leisure activities. Low-registration quadrant summary z scores negatively correlated with CAPE overall diversity scores ( rs = –.23, p = .03), sensitivity quadrant summary z scores negatively correlated with preferences for social activities ( rs = –.23, p = .03) and preferences for skill-based activities ( rs = –.22, p = .04), and avoiding quadrant summary z scores negatively correlated with preferences for social activities ( rs = –.26, p =.01).

Implications.

Children’s sensory preferences are related to leisure preferences and participation.
Complacency and Automation Bias in the Use of Imperfect Automation
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Clegg Benjamin A. , Vieane Alex Z. , Sebok Angelia L.
Published: April 2015

Objective

We examine the effects of two different kinds of decision-aiding automation errors on human–automation interaction (HAI), occurring at the first failure following repeated exposure to correctly functioning automation. The two errors are incorrect advice, triggering the automation bias, and missing advice, reflecting complacency.

Background

Contrasts between analogous automation errors in alerting systems, rather than decision aiding, have revealed that alerting false alarms are more problematic to HAI than alerting misses are. Prior research in decision aiding, although contrasting the two aiding errors (incorrect vs. missing), has confounded error expectancy.

Method

Participants performed an environmental process control simulation with and without decision aiding. For those with the aid, automation dependence was created through several trials of perfect aiding performance, and an unexpected automation error was then imposed in which automation was either gone (one group) or wrong (a second group). A control group received no automation support.

Results

The correct aid supported faster and more accurate diagnosis and lower workload. The aid failure degraded all three variables, but “automation wrong” had a much greater effect on accuracy, reflecting the automation bias, than did “automation gone,” reflecting the impact of complacency. Some complacency was manifested for automation gone, by a longer latency and more modest reduction in accuracy.

Conclusions

Automation wrong, creating the automation bias, appears to be a more problematic form of automation error than automation gone, reflecting complacency.

Implications

Decision-aiding automation should indicate its lower degree of confidence in uncertain environments to avoid the automation bias.
Attention Functioning Among Adolescents With Multiple Learning, Attentional, Behavioral, and Emotional Difficulties
Authors: Shalev Lilach , Kolodny Tamar , Shalev Nir , Mevorach Carmel
Published: April 2015

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by high levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; however, these symptoms can result from a variety of reasons. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the various difficulties of individuals with ADHD, especially when co-occurrence difficulties are present, it is essential to combine neuropsychological and subjective assessment tools. In the present field study the authors investigated a group of adolescents with multiple deficits (MD) using neuropsychological and subjective measures. Teachers’ ratings verified extremely high levels of symptoms of oppositional behavior, inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, social problems, and emotional problems in this group. As expected, MD group participants showed decreased abilities to maintain attention on task for a long period of time, focus attention and effectively inhibit adjacent distractors, and resist conflicting irrelevant information. Importantly, although significant differences in the attention measures were observed at the group level, not all MD participants displayed deviant performance. Thus, we conclude that the heterogeneous group of adolescents with MD comprises individuals with primary attention deficits as well as those with other nonattentional deficits that show equivalent behavioral symptoms. Using neuropsychological tools can be useful in differentiating between different core deficits and in guiding appropriate interventions.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Empirical Validity of Study Quality Appraisal
Authors: Cook Bryan G. , Dupuis Danielle N. , Jitendra Asha K.
Published: April 2015

When classifying the evidence base of practices, special education scholars typically appraise study quality to identify and exclude from consideration in their reviews unacceptable-quality studies that are likely biased and might bias review findings if included. However, study quality appraisals used in the process of identifying evidence-based practices for students with learning and other disabilities have not been empirically validated (e.g., studies classified as unacceptable quality shown to have different, and presumably more biased, effects than high-quality studies). Using Gersten et al.’s (2005) approach for appraising the quality of group experimental studies in special education, we examined whether (a) studies classified as unacceptable quality and high quality had meaningfully different effects and (b) unacceptable-quality studies were more likely to have outlying effects than high-quality studies among 36 group experimental studies that investigated the effectiveness of instructional practices for students with learning disabilities. Our preliminary analyses found that the effects of unacceptable-quality studies were not meaningfully different from the effects of high-quality studies. We discuss implications of these findings and call for more research to be conducted in this area.
Prickle and handle properties of fabrics produced from specialty animal fibers
Authors: Süpüren Mengüç Gamze , Özdil Nilgün , Hes Lubos
Published: April 2015

Specialty animal fibers are commercially valuable since they significantly enhance the comfort properties of apparel products. As they help to create niche products, use of special animal fibers has increased significantly. There are many types of specialty fibers, such as cashmere, mohair, alpaca, and angora rabbit fibers, that are natural, ecological, and sustainable. Each of them has distinguishing properties and increases the added value of garments. In this work, five different specialty animal fibers and wool were sourced from four different countries. Yarns were spun using two different spinning systems. In the first method, to spin the yarns in a short staple spinning system, animal fibers were blended with viscose fibers. In the second method, to produce fabrics from 100% animal fibers, core yarn spinning system was used. Later, the yarns were knitted in a single jersey structure. After the production of all fabrics, handle properties such as surface friction, stiffness, and prickliness were tested by using both subjective and objective measurement techniques. To measure inherent fabric prickle, a new objective measurement technique was developed. Subjective and objective evaluation results highly correlate and it is pointed out that the new technique could be an alternative method to test fabric prickliness. Fabrics produced from silk, angora, and cashmere fibers are found to have the smoothest, softest, and least prickly surfaces among the other researched fibers.
Strip quadratic method for determining the Poisson's ratio of woven fabrics
Authors: Penko Tadeja , Geršak Jelka
Published: April 2015

The aim of this research was to investigate the influences of different test methods on the transverse and longitudinal deformations of specimens and the introduction of the strip quadratic method for the determination of the Poisson's ratio. The research was conducted in two parts. In the first part strip biaxial and strip quadratic methods were investigated. Based on the test results the longitudinal and transverse deformations under tensile loading were analyzed, which resulted in a proposal for modifying the test method for determining the Poisson's ratio. In the second part the Poisson's ratios for five different fabrics were determined using a strip quadratic method. The analyses of the results showed that this test method influenced the values of longitudinal and transverse deformations for the test specimen and its constituents. The proposed tensile method, which is based on a square-shaped specimen, assures determination of the actual values for transverse deformation during the loading.
Examination of hairiness changes due to washing in knitted fabrics using a random walk approach
Authors: Ehrmann Andrea , Błachowicz Tomasz , Domino Krzysztof , Aumann Susanne , Weber Marcus O , Zghidi Hafed
Published: April 2015

The relaxation of knitted fabrics is usually described in terms of dimensional changes of knitted loop widths and heights or fabric widths and heights, respectively. Due to washing, however, additional changes in the optical appearance and the haptic properties of a knitted fabric can occur, such as a change in the regularity or the hairiness. This article uses the random walk statistical approach to estimate the structural complexity of knitted fabrics directly after production and up to 10 washing cycles and shows that the Hurst exponent, resulting from the random walk process, is partly related to the cover factor of the knitted fabrics under investigation; however, it depicts significant contributions of the hairiness. Thus, this novel approach offers a quantitative measure of structural changes in knitted fabrics that cannot be described by cover factor or dimensional changes.
When Politics Is a Woman’s Game
Authors: Meeks Lindsey , Domke David
Published: April 2015

Research on the interplay of gender and political party in voters’ candidate evaluations has long focused on all-male elections and more recently on mixed-gender elections. This study takes the next theoretical step and focuses on woman-versus-woman elections. Specifically, we examine political party- and gender-based “ownerships” of political issues and character traits in the context of female-only elections. With an experimental design, adult participants were randomly assigned to read news articles that presented either two Republican or two Democratic women competing for Governor. Candidates were presented as “owning” stereotypically masculine or feminine issues and traits. Findings show that self-identified Democrats and Republicans eschewed the so-called masculine candidate, and preferred instead a partisan woman who created a gender balance of masculinity and femininity.
Public Administration, Diversity, and the Ethic of Getting Things Done
Authors: Alkadry Mohamad G. , Blessett Brandi , Patterson Valerie L.
Published: April 2015

New public management, in its focus on outcomes and performance, provokes a question on whether there is a value-tradeoff between ethics and performance. The new–old creed of administrators have arguably been focused on a need to produce results—to get things done—to the extent that they could sometimes overlook unethical implications of their actions. This happens at a time when ethicists are looking at ways to emphasize non-teleological ethical reasoning, which creates a problem for public administration. This article uses the case of Overtown, a predominantly African American neighborhood near Downtown Miami that was once dubbed the Harlem of the South, to explore the ethics of administrative actions. Administrative actions, often driven by the pressure to get things done, in Overtown were behind the demise of this neighborhood. The article makes the case for ethics testing to accompany any moves to institutionalize managing-for-results in cases of community development, education, housing, health, and other areas that affect people directly.
American Exception: Hegemony and the Dissimulation of the State
Authors: Good Aaron
Published: April 2015

This article is a critical examination of the dissimulation and the disaggregation of the state in the context of U.S. hegemony. The account builds on dual state theory which posits that alongside the “democratic state,” there exists an authoritarian “security state.” America’s post–World War II hegemony has been accompanied by the rise of a security state operating in a de facto state of emergency, ostensibly to combat global Communist/terrorist conspiracy. The term developed here to describe this phenomenon is exceptionism. Finally, this article examines the prospect of a supra-national deep state and theorizes about the implications of a tripartite state.
Do Mean Guys Always Finish First or Just Say That They Do? Narcissists’ Awareness of Their Social Status and Popularity Over Time
Authors: Carlson Erika N. , DesJardins Nicole M. Lawless
Published: April 2015

Narcissists crave respect and admiration. Do they attain the status and popularity they crave, or do they just think that they do? In two studies ( Ns = 133 and 94), participants completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, described themselves on core personality traits (e.g., extraversion), and were described by an informant on those traits. Participants also provided self- and peer ratings of status and liking in small groups after an initial meeting and over the course of 4 months (Study 2). Relative to people lower, people higher in narcissism initially attained, but eventually lost status; yet, they were aware that they tended to lose status. Narcissists were not especially popular, although they tended to think they were more popular. These patterns differed among narcissism facets, providing further support for the idea that the mixed adaptiveness of narcissism may be due to the heterogeneity of the construct.
Quick Fix for Hospital‐Acquired Malnutrition?
Authors: Ochoa Gautier Juan B.
Published: April 2015

Hospital‐acquired malnutrition is universally present across the globe. Little progress has been made on overcoming hospital‐acquired malnutrition despite known presence for at least 40 years. Technologies and methods to deliver the recommended calories and protein are available in most healthcare settings. Despite this, inadequate nutrient delivery continues to be a problem. Correia and colleagues propose a simplified algorithm that assists clinicians in becoming aware of poor nutrient intake and suggest nutrition interventions.
Nutrition Modulation of Cardiotoxicity and Anticancer Efficacy Related to Doxorubicin Chemotherapy by Glutamine and ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Xue Hongyu , Ren Wenhua , Denkinger Melanie , Schlotzer Ewald , Wischmeyer Paul E.
Published: April 2015

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) has been one of the most effective antitumor agents against a broad spectrum of malignancies. However, DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity forms the major cumulative dose‐limiting factor. Glutamine and ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are putatively cardioprotective during various stresses and/or have potential chemosensitizing effects during cancer chemotherapy. Methods: Antitumor activity and cardiotoxicity of DOX treatment were evaluated simultaneously in a MatBIII mammary adenocarcinoma tumor‐bearing rat model treated with DOX (cumulative dose 12 mg/kg). Single or combined treatment of parenteral glutamine (0.35 g/kg) and ω‐3 PUFAs (0.19 g/kg eicosapentaenoic acid and 0.18 g/kg docosahexaenoic acid) was administered every other day, starting 6 days before chemotherapy initiation until the end of study (day 50). Results: Glutamine alone significantly prevented DOX‐related deterioration of cardiac function, reduced serum cardiac troponin I levels, and diminished cardiac lipid peroxidation while not affecting tumor inhibition kinetics. Single ω‐3 PUFA treatment significantly enhanced antitumor activity of DOX associated with intensified tumoral oxidative stress and enhanced tumoral DOX concentration while not potentiating cardiac dysfunction or increasing cardiac oxidative stress. Intriguingly, providing glutamine and ω‐3 PUFAs together did not consistently confer a greater benefit; conversely, individual benefits on cardiotoxicity and chemosensitization were mostly attenuated or completely lost when combined. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate an interesting differentiality or even dichotomy in the response of tumor and host to single parenteral glutamine and ω‐3 PUFA treatments. The intriguing glutamine × ω‐3 PUFA interaction observed draws into question the common assumption that there are additive benefits of combinations of nutrients that are beneficial on an individual basis.
Marriage and Divorce Among Firefighters in the United States
Authors: Haddock Christopher K. , Jahnke Sara A. , Poston Walker S. Carlos , Jitnarin Nattinee , Day R. Sue
Published: April 2015

It is a common belief in the fire service that the divorce rate for firefighters is higher than that in the general population. However, no data exists to substantiate this concern. We conducted surveys in 31 U.S. fire departments to assess relationship status, history of divorce, and key health outcomes. Prevalence of divorce among male firefighters was similar to the general population. In contrast, age-standardized prevalence of current divorce among female fighters (32.1%) was more than three times that for females in the general population (10.4%). Prevalence of ever divorce was substantially higher among female (40.0%) compared with male firefighters (24.4%). Married firefighters were less likely to report heavy alcohol use or depression, whereas single firefighters had more favorable body composition. These findings suggest that the rate of divorce among male firefighters is similar to that found in the general public. In contrast, female firefighters report high rates of divorce.