bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Wavelet Coherence Method to Investigate Karst Spring Discharge Response to Climate Teleconnection Patterns
Authors: Huo Xueli , Lei Liyuan , Liu Zhongfang , Hao Yonghong , Hu Bill X. , Zhan Hongbin
Published: August 2016

The impact of climate teleconnections on the regional hydrometeorology has been well studied, but very little effort has been made to relate climate teleconnections with groundwater flow variation. In this study, we used a wavelet coherence method to analyze monthly climate indices, precipitation, and spring discharge data, and investigated the relation between major teleconnection patterns (the Arctic Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, and Indian Ocean Dipole) and karst hydrological process in Niangziguan Springs Basin, China. The results indicate precipitation and spring discharges correlate well with climate indices at intra‐ and inter‐annual time scales. Further, the climate indices are mainly correlated with precipitation at shorter periodicities, but correlated with spring discharge at longer scales. The difference reflects the modulation of karst aquifers on precipitation‐spring discharge during the processes of precipitation infiltration into the ground, and subsequent transformation into spring discharge. When teleconnection signals are transmitted into spring discharge via precipitation infiltration and groundwater propagation, some high‐frequency climatic signals are likely to be filtered, attenuated, and delayed, thus only low‐frequency climatic signals are preserved in spring discharge.
The frontal executive function in exercise addicts, moderate exercisers, and exercise avoiders
Authors: Ryu Kwangmin , Kim Yujin , Kwon Minji , Kim Hyunji , Kim Jingu
Published: August 2016

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the frontal executive functions of exercise addicts, moderate exercisers, and exercise avoiders. We hypothesized that exercise addicts and avoiders would have poorer executive functions compared to moderate exercisers.

Methods

The Korean Exercise Addiction Scale was administrated to recruit participants. Electroencephalogram was recorded at the frontal scalp sites.

Results

The results showed that P3 and N2 latencies were shorter in the exercise addiction group than in the avoidance and moderate groups. Exercise addicts and moderate exercisers showed faster response time than exercise avoiders.

Discussion

P3 and N2 latencies and P3 and N2 amplitudes were discussed in terms of executive functions.

Scientific Significance

This study showed that exercise addiction did not impair executive functions, but increased cognitive functioning. (Am J Addict 2016;25:466–471)
Association of peripheral blood dendritic cells with recurrent pregnancy loss: a case‐controlled study
Authors: Huang Chunyu , Zhang Hongzhan , Chen Xian , Diao Lianghui , Lian Ruochun , Zhang Xu , Hu Lina , Zeng Yong
Published: August 2016

Problem

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been reported to play an important role in pregnancy. However, the role of DCs in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has not been investigated well.

Method of study

Forty‐three women affected by RPL and 16 fertile controls were recruited from June 2013 to December 2014. The peripheral blood DCs subsets, including myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), the levels (%) of CD80+, CD86+, and CD200+ DCs were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results

The levels of total DCs, mDCs, and CD86+ DCs were significantly higher (all P<.05); however, the level of CD200+ DCs in the RPL group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<.05). The logistical regression analyses showed that the elevated level of mDCs was significantly associated with RPL after adjustment for age (OR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.01–1.29, P<.05).

Conclusion

The elevated level of mDCs was significantly associated with RPL, which might lead to the intervention of targeted immunosuppression in women with RPL.
Sleep disturbance in patients taking opioid medication for chronic back pain
Authors: Robertson J. A. , Purple R. J. , Cole P. , Zaiwalla Z. , Wulff K. , Pattinson K. T. S.
Published: August 2016

Poor sleep is an increasingly recognised problem with chronic pain and further increases the effect on daily function. To identify the relationship between chronic pain, opioid analgesia and sleep quality, this study investigated activity and sleep patterns in patients taking opioid and non‐opioid analgesia for chronic back pain. Thirty‐one participants (10 healthy controls, 21 patients with chronic pain: 6 on non‐opioid medication; 15 on opioid medication) were assessed using actigraphy, polysomnography and questionnaires. Patients with chronic pain subjectively reported significant sleep and wake disturbances as shown by decreased overall sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, p < 0.001), increased symptoms of insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, p < 0.001) and increased fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, p = 0.002). They also spent increased time in bed (p = 0.016), took longer to get to sleep (p = 0.005) and had high interindividual variability in other measures of activity but no overall irregular rest‐activity pattern. Patients on high doses of opioids (> 100 mg morphine‐equivalent/day) demonstrated distinctly abnormal brain activity during sleep suggesting that polysomnography is necessary to detect sleep disturbance in this population in the absence of irregular rest‐activity behaviour. Night‐time sleep disturbance is common in individuals suffering from chronic pain and may be further exacerbated by opioid treatment. Considerations must be made regarding the appropriate use of combined actigraphy and miniaturised polysomnography for future population‐based studies.
High molecular weight PEGylation of human pancreatic polypeptide at position 22 improves stability and reduces food intake in mice
Authors: Thieme V , Jolly N , Madsen A N , Bellmann‐Sickert K , Schwartz T W , Holst B , Cox H M , Beck‐Sickinger A G
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose

Human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP) is known to suppress appetite and food intake, thereby representing a potential therapeutic approach against obesity and associated metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to improve hPP stability by covalent PEGylation with diverse molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEGs) at two positions using promising lead structures while maintaining target activity.

Experimental Approach

Modified peptides were synthesized by combined solid‐phase and solution‐phase peptide synthesis. Their potency was investigated in constitutively expressing human epithelial cells and isolated human colonic mucosa as well as receptor‐transfected artificial cell lines. Human blood plasma and porcine liver homogenates were used to examine the in vitro stability of the analogues. The most promising variants were injected s.c. in C57BL/6JRj mice to monitor fasting‐induced food intake and bioavailability.

Key Results

In human epithelia and colonic mucosal preparations, activity of the modified hPP peptides depended on the core sequence and latency of the peptides was related to PEG size. Peptides modified with a 22 kDa PEG (PEG22) remained intact in blood plasma and on incubation with liver homogenates for more than 96 h. Finally, hPP2–36, [K22(PEG22)]hPP2–36 and [K22(PEG22),Q34]hPP significantly reduced cumulative food intake in mice over 16 h after s.c. administration.

Conclusions and Implications

Modification with PEG22 at position 22 stabilizes hPP significantly while extending its biological activities and could be used in drug development prospectively.
Classifying sensory profiles of children in the general population
Authors: Little L. M. , Dean E. , Tomchek S. D. , Dunn W.
Published: August 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to subtype groups of children in a community sample with and without developmental conditions, based on sensory processing patterns.

Methods

We used latent profile analysis to determine the number of sensory subtypes in a sample of n = 1132 children aged 3–14 years with typical development and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.

Results

A five‐subtype solution was found to best characterize the sample, which differed on overall degree and differential presentation of sensory processing patterns. Children with and without developmental conditions presented across subtypes, and one subtype was significantly younger in age than others (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results show that sensory subtypes include both children with typical development and those with developmental conditions. Sensory subtypes have previously been investigated in ASD only, and our results suggest that similar sensory subtypes are present in a sample reflective of the general population of children including those largely with typical development. Elevated scores on sensory processing patterns are not unique to ASD but rather are reflections of children's abilities to respond to environmental demands.
Parents' Perceived Discrimination and Adolescent Adjustment in Chinese American Families: Mediating Family Processes
Authors: Hou Yang , Kim Su Yeong , Hazen Nancy , Benner Aprile D.
Published: August 2016

Parental discriminatory experiences can have significant implications for adolescent adjustment. This study examined family processes linking parental perceived discrimination to adolescent depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors by using the family stress model and incorporating family systems theory. Participants were 444 Chinese American adolescents (Mage.wave1 = 13.03) and their parents residing in Northern California. Testing of actor–partner interdependent models showed a significant indirect effect from earlier paternal (but not maternal) perceived discrimination to later adolescent adjustment through paternal depressive symptoms and maternal hostility toward adolescents. The results highlight the importance of including both parents and examining actor and partner effects to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how maternal and paternal perceived discrimination differentially and indirectly relate to adolescent adjustment.
What determines spatial bias in citizen science? Exploring four recording schemes with different proficiency requirements
Authors: Geldmann Jonas , Heilmann‐Clausen Jacob , Holm Thomas E. , Levinsky Irina , Markussen Bo , Olsen Kent , Rahbek Carsten , Tøttrup Anders P.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To understand how the integration of contextual spatial data on land cover and human infrastructure can help reduce spatial bias in sampling effort, and improve the utilization of citizen science‐based species recording schemes. By comparing four different citizen science projects, we explore how the sampling design's complexity affects the role of these spatial biases.

Location

Denmark, Europe.

Methods

We used a point process model to estimate the effect of land cover and human infrastructure on the intensity of observations from four different citizen science species recording schemes. We then use these results to predict areas of under‐ and oversampling as well as relative biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and ‘deserts’, accounting for common spatial biases introduced in unstructured sampling designs.

Results

We demonstrate that the explanatory power of spatial biases such as infrastructure and human population density increased as the complexity of the sampling schemes decreased. Despite a low absolute sampling effort in agricultural landscapes, these areas still appeared oversampled compared to the observed species richness. Conversely, forests and grassland appeared undersampled despite higher absolute sampling efforts. We also present a novel and effective analytical approach to address spatial biases in unstructured sampling schemes and a new way to address such biases, when more structured sampling is not an option.

Main conclusions

We show that citizen science datasets, which rely on untrained amateurs, are more heavily prone to spatial biases from infrastructure and human population density. Objectives and protocols of mass‐participating projects should thus be designed with this in mind. Our results suggest that, where contextual data is available, modelling the intensity of individual observation can help understand and quantify how spatial biases affect the observed biological patterns.
Mastery of the logic of natural numbers is not the result of mastery of counting: evidence from late counters
Authors: Jara‐Ettinger Julian , Piantadosi Steve , Spelke Elizabeth S. , Levy Roger , Gibson Edward
Published: August 2016

To master the natural number system, children must understand both the concepts that number words capture and the counting procedure by which they are applied. These two types of knowledge develop in childhood, but their connection is poorly understood. Here we explore the relationship between the mastery of counting and the mastery of exact numerical equality (one central aspect of natural number) in the Tsimane’, a farming‐foraging group whose children master counting at a delayed age and with higher variability than do children in industrialized societies. By taking advantage of this variation, we can better understand how counting and exact equality relate to each other, while controlling for age and education. We find that the Tsimane’ come to understand exact equality at later and variable ages. This understanding correlates with their mastery of number words and counting, controlling for age and education. However, some children who have mastered counting lack an understanding of exact equality, and some children who have not mastered counting have achieved this understanding. These results suggest that understanding of counting and of natural number concepts are at least partially distinct achievements, and that both draw on inputs and resources whose distribution and availability differ across cultures.
‘Learn From Every Patient’: implementation and early results of a learning health system
Authors: Lowes Linda P , Noritz Garey H , Newmeyer Amy , Embi Peter J , Yin Han , Smoyer William E ,   ‘Learn from Every Patient’ Study Group
Published: August 2016

Aim

The convergence of three major trends in medicine, namely conversion to electronic health records (EHRs), prioritization of translational research, and the need to control healthcare expenditures, has created unprecedented interest and opportunities to develop systems that improve care while reducing costs. However, operationalizing a ‘learning health system’ requires systematic changes that have not yet been widely demonstrated in clinical practice.

Method

We developed, implemented, and evaluated a model of EHR‐supported care in a cohort of 131 children with cerebral palsy that integrated clinical care, quality improvement, and research, entitled ‘Learn From Every Patient’ (LFEP).

Results

Children treated in the LFEP Program for a 12‐month period experienced a 43% reduction in total inpatient days (p=0.030 vs prior 12mo period), a 27% reduction in inpatient admissions, a 30% reduction in emergency department visits (p=0.001), and a 29% reduction in urgent care visits (p=0.046). LFEP Program implementation also resulted in reductions in healthcare costs of 210% (US$7014/child) versus a Time control group, and reductions of 176% ($6596/child) versus a Program Activities control group. Importantly, clinical implementation of the LFEP Program has also driven the continuous accumulation of robust research‐quality data for both publication and implementation of evidence‐based improvements in clinical care.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate that a learning health system can be developed and implemented in a cost‐effective manner, and can integrate clinical care and research to systematically drive simultaneous clinical quality improvement and reduced healthcare costs.
Histological changes in endocrine and exocrine pancreatic tissue from patients exposed to incretin‐based therapies
Authors: Ueberberg Sandra , Jütte Hendrik , Uhl Waldemar , Schmidt Wolfgang , Nauck Michael , Montanya Eduard , Tannapfel Andrea , Meier Juris
Published: August 2016

Aims

Incretin‐based therapies have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. Recently, various histological abnormalities have been reported in human pancreatic tissue from brain‐dead organ donors who had been exposed to incretin‐based drugs. In the present study we examined pancreatic tissue collected at surgery.

Methods

Human pancreatic tissue from 7 type 2‐diabetic patients treated with incretin‐based drugs (type 2‐I), 6 diabetic patients without incretin treatment (type 2‐NI), 11 patients without diabetes (no diabetes group) and 9 brain‐dead organ donors (BDOD group) was examined.

Results

Fractional beta‐cell area was reduced in the type 2‐NI group compared to the group without diabetes (P < .05), but there was no difference compared to the type 2‐I patients. Alpha‐cell area (P = .30), beta‐cell replication (P = .17) and alpha‐cell replication (P = .91) were not different. There were also no differences in acinar cell (P = .13) and duct cell replication (P = .099). Insulin‐positive duct cells were more frequent in the type 2‐I and the BDOD groups (P = .034). No co‐expression of insulin and glucagon was detected. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions were very rare, all low‐grade (PanIN 1a and 1b) and tended to occur more frequently in the type 2‐I group (P = .084).

Conclusions

The present results did not reveal marked histological abnormalities in the pancreas of incretin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes. Low numbers of specimens available and a large inter‐individual variability of the findings warrant caution regarding the interpretation of histological data concerning drug effects on the human pancreas.
The Coverage of Saudi Arabia in the “Introduction to Sociology” U.S. Textbooks between 2001 and 2015
Authors: Al‐Qazzaz Ayad
Published: August 2016

This article discusses the coverage of Saudi Arabia in “introduction to sociology” textbooks in the context of two variables — the September 11, 2001 attack, and globalization. The study covers 24 major textbooks, all published between 2001 and 2015. The textbooks were chosen with the help and consultation of many colleagues in numerous sociology departments throughout various parts of the United States. Also, the publishers of sociology textbooks were consulted throughout the process of selection. The method of investigation was content analysis which relied heavily upon studying the content of the text. The findings were organized in the following subsections: Islam; the Wahhabi version of Islam; Politics; September 11th and Bin Laden; Women in Saudi Arabia; Human Rights and Civil Rights Abuses; Social Media; Miscellaneous Positive or neutral comments on Saudi Arabia; Visual Sociology; and closing remarks. The finding of the article is more or less negative, as textbooks rarely mentioned positive things about Saudi Arabia.
Dynamic changes in phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity in green and black mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts
Authors: Gan Ren‐You , Wang Ming‐Fu , Lui Wing‐Yee , Wu Kao , Corke Harold
Published: August 2016

The mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprout is a popular fresh vegetable in many parts of the world. In this study, the dynamic change of ascorbic acid, phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in green and black mung bean sprouts. Germination increased ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in both mung beans. The green mung bean sprout generally had higher ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the black mung bean sprout. Most phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, gallic acid and rutin, were found to gradually increase after germination. Therefore, mung bean sprouts, especially green mung bean sprout possessing high level of antioxidant phytochemicals, can be valuable functional vegetables and good sources of natural antioxidants.
Synthesis and antioxidant property of hydroxycinnamoyl maltodextrin derivatives
Authors: Ma Yi , Hou Chang‐Jun , Fa Huan‐Bao , Huo Dan‐Qun , Yang Mei
Published: August 2016

This study was focused on developing new hydroxycinnamoyl maltodextrin derivatives to evaluate their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity. Vanillic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid were covalently attached to maltodextrin. The prepared derivatives were confirmed by ATR‐IR and 1H‐NMR. The thermal characteristics and viscosity were measured by thermogravimetric analysis and viscometer, respectively, and the studies revealed the grafted maltodextrins to be more thermal stable and viscous than the native maltodextrin. Moreover, the scavenging ability of most of the products was higher than 60% at 1 mg mL−1 against DPPH radical. The inhibitory effect of lipid peroxidation of caffeic acid and ferulic acid grafted maltodextrins attained 85% at 0.5 mg mL−1. It was also found that these compounds had no toxic effect (up to 100 μg mL−1) on the HEK 293 cells through the MTT test. These findings suggested that the prepared derivatives could potentially be used as a nontoxic antioxidant in food and drug industries.
Dental erosion in groups of Yemeni children and adolescents and the modification of an erosion partial recording system
Authors: Al‐Ashtal Amin , Johansson Anders , Omar Ridwaan , Johansson Ann‐Katrin
Published: August 2016

Background

The prevalence of dental erosion is rising especially among children and adolescents and its grading needs further investigation.

Aims

To determine the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in groups of Yemeni children and adolescents, and to clinically compare an erosion partial recording system (EPRS) with a proposed modified–simplified version (EPRS‐M).

Design

Of 6163 individuals aged 5–6, 13–14 and 18–19 years, 911 were randomly selected, of which 668 participated in the study. Dental erosion was graded using EPRS. EPRS‐M was proposed, and its sensitivity and specificity was calculated in relation to EPRS.

Results

Prevalence of erosion extending into dentine on at least one tooth was 6.8% among 5‐ to 6‐year‐olds, 3.0% among 13‐ to 14‐year‐olds and 14.6% among 18‐ to 19‐year olds. The highest prevalence was 19.2% among girls aged 18–19 years which was significantly higher than boys (10.4%) in the same age group (P = 0.044). Sensitivity and specificity for EPRS‐M in relation to EPRS were 85.7% and 100% for primary teeth, and 84.1% and 100% for permanent teeth.

Conclusions

Dental erosion was common among children and older teenagers and highest among older girls but less common among younger teenagers. The tested accuracy of EPRS‐M qualifies it to be used as an initial quick detection tool in future dental erosion research.
Epidermal skin grafting
Authors: Herskovitz Ingrid , Hughes Olivia B , Macquhae Flor , Rakosi Adele , Kirsner Robert
Published: August 2016

Autologous skin grafts, such as full‐ and split‐thickness, have long been part of the reconstructive ladder as an option to close skin defects. Although they are effective in providing coverage, they require the need for a trained surgeon, use of anaesthesia and operating room and creation of a wound at the donor site. These drawbacks can be overcome with the use of epidermal skin grafts (ESGs), which can be harvested without the use of anaesthesia in an office setting and with minimal to no scarring at the donor site. ESGs consist only of the epidermal layer and have emerged as an appealing alternative to other autologous grafts for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. In this article, we provide an overview of epidermal grafting and its role in wound management.
Epidermal skin grafting in vitiligo: a pilot study
Authors: Janowska Agata , Dini Valentina , Panduri Salvatore , Macchia Michela , Oranges Teresa , Romanelli Marco
Published: August 2016

Vitiligo is a multifactorial acquired dermatosis characterised by achromic or hypochromic macules and by the absence of functioning melanocytes. Treatment depends on the extent of the affected areas and on disease activity. Surgical techniques have proven to be effective in stable cases but can be time‐consuming and, in some cases, aesthetically unsatisfying or painful for the patients. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical safety and effectiveness of a new automatic epidermal skin harvesting device in patients with stable localised vitiligo over a minimum 12‐month period. This new system (CELLUTOME™ Epidermal Harvesting System, KCI, an ACELITY Company, San Antonio, TX) is a commercially available epidermal skin harvesting system that can be used without local anaesthesia or other pre‐treatments and has been shown to have low rates of donor site morbidity. Epidermal skin grafts can used in patients with acute and hard to heal chronic wounds, burns and stable vitiligo. The use of advanced therapies may improve the quality of life, have cost benefits and accelerate re‐pigmentation of patients with vitiligo. In our preliminary study, this system was seen to be a safe and efficacious means of harvesting epidermal micrografts containing melanocytes for use in patients with stable vitiligo unresponsive to standard therapies.
A solution for complex wounds: the evidence for negative pressure wound therapy with instillation
Authors: Anghel Ersilia L , Kim Paul J , Attinger Christopher E
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi‐d) is an adjunctive therapy that can be used in the management of complex wounds with infection. NPWTi‐d incorporates the intermittent instillation of a topical solution to the wound in a programmed manner. Unlike standard negative pressure wound therapy, NPWTi‐d delivers topical wound solutions directly to the wound, allows the solution to dwell over the wound bed, and removes the solution during the negative pressure phase. The authors review the evidence for using NPWTi‐d and the role it may potentially play in helping to reduce hospital stay, number of debridement operations and cost.
Formation of Technetium Salts in Hanford Low‐Activity Waste Glass
Authors: Soderquist Chuck Z. , Buck Edgar C. , McCloy John S. , Schweiger Mike J. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: August 2016

The distribution and physical form of technetium in a Hanford low‐activity waste (LAW) glass was examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). A simulated Hanford LAW glass was spiked with varying amounts of potassium pertechnetate and melted at 1000°C. The glass was melted in a sealed quartz ampoule with the air pumped out, so that volatile material could leave the glass but would not be lost from the system. Previous studies have shown that technetium remains in the glass up to about 2000 ppm, but rises to the top of the melt as a separate salt phase above this concentration. Examination by SEM shows that crystals of technetium compounds appear to grow out of the hot glass, which implies that the hot glass was supersaturated in technetium salts. Some of the technetium compound crystals had apparently melted, but other crystals had obviously not melted and must have formed after the glass had partially cooled. The technetium compounds in the salt layer are KTcO4 and NaTcO4, according to SEM and XRD. No TcO2 was found in the salt phase, even though Tc(IV) has been previously reported in the glass.
Resolving the Interface of Calcium Phosphate Formation on the Porous Bioceramics In Vitro
Authors: Ren Fuzeng , Wang Kefeng , Wang Bi , Lu Xiong , Leng Yang
Published: August 2016

Porous bioceramics have been widely studied for bone tissue engineering. A deep understanding on the mechanism of bone growth and biomineralization depends on the extracted interface information between the new precipitated calcium phosphates (CaPs) and the porous substrate at a nanometer scale. However, due to their intrinsic brittleness and the complexity of the sample shape, there is still lack of such information. Here, by a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in‐situ cross‐sectional electron transparent interface was prepared. The precipitated dense apatite layer is composed of individual microgranules which further consist of tiny flake‐like crystals. The new crystallites grow along c‐axis and are mostly oriented perpendicular to HA substrate. This preferred orientation is more pronounced in the presence of protein. This work offers a novel and feasible approach using FIB‐TEM to in situ image porous bioceramic scaffold and precipitated apatite layer interface and can be extended to study many other biointerfaces.
Just‐in‐Time Retail Distribution: A Systems Perspective on Cross‐Docking
Authors: Buijs Paul , Danhof Hans W. , Wortmann J.(Hans) C.
Published: August 2016

Cross‐docking is a just‐in‐time strategy for distribution logistics. It is aimed at reducing inventory levels and distribution lead times by creating a seamless flow of products from suppliers to customers. Prior supply chain literature has argued that creating such a seamless product flows requires a holistic view on cross‐docking management, aimed at synchronizing cross‐docking operations at the distribution center with its inbound and outbound network logistics. This paper provides an in‐depth case study illustrating how cross‐docking operations can be managed more holistically in a retail distribution context. A discrete event simulation model has been developed to understand and improve the cross‐docking operations of a large grocery retailer in the Netherlands. The model is used to quantitatively evaluate two proposed changes that exploit opportunities in the design and control of the retailer's distribution network. An extensive real‐world data set is used as input to the model. Overall, the case and simulation results show that a holistic cross‐docking management approach can indeed improve system‐wide performance, which further stresses the importance of making cross‐dock operational decisions making and network decisions together.
An analysis of young students' thinking when completing basic coding tasks using Scratch Jnr. On the iPad
Authors: Falloon G.
Published: August 2016

Recent government moves in many countries have seen coding included in school curricula, or promoted as part of computing, mathematics or science programmes. While these moves have generally been associated with a need to engage more young people in technology study, research has hinted at possible benefits from learning to program including fostering general thinking skills. However, little research has been carried out exploring these ideas. This study analysed data collected while 5‐ and 6‐year‐old students in a New Zealand primary school were using Scratch Jnr. to learn about basic shapes, as part of a numeracy topic. Analysis combined Brennan and Resnick's (2012) computational thinking skills framework and Krathwohl's (2002) revision of Bloom's Taxonomy to evaluate any role general thinking skills played in these students' coding work. Results suggest including basic coding in primary curricula provides teachers with an effective means of exercising their students' general and higher order thinking skills. They build on Brennan and Resnick's (2012) framework by including conceptualization as an important element in students' computational work and highlight the role of predictive thinking in debugging code. Findings support historical arguments that more needs to be done to investigate students' cognitive processes when undertaking computational work.

Lay description

What is already known about the topic:

Computational learning is an emerging area of school curricula;

Limited research exists exploring thinking processes within computational learning;

Early studies challenge more recent claims of thinking skill transfer from computational work.

What this paper adds:

Computational work supports a range of general and higher order thinking skills;

Task design and teacher skills are critical to achieving higher order thinking outcomes from computational work;

Computational work in teams can support collaborative, cooperative and self‐management key competencies.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

Findings broaden the base of empirical support for including computational work in school curricula;

Coding provides an engaging means of exercising complex thinking skills and key competencies in students;

The data methods used provide teachers with visible evidence of students' thinking processes during computational work.
FamilyPso – a new questionnaire to assess the impact of psoriasis on partners and family of patients
Authors: Mrowietz U. , Hartmann A. , Weißmann W. , Zschocke I.
Published: August 2016

Background

Psoriasis is a lifelong disease for which there is no cure. It has been conclusively shown across all ethnicities that patients suffering from psoriasis have a significantly reduced health‐related quality of life and a high disease burden.

Objective

Surprisingly little is known about the impact of a patient's psoriasis on partners or family members.

Methods

To address this issue a systematic literature search has been conducted and interviews with relatives of psoriasis patients living in the same household were performed. From this collected information, items were generated that were commonly mentioned to affect living and tested in a large group of relatives before the final item selection was done.

Results

A first set of 29 items was selected and tested in a study with 96 patient relatives. After adjustment and statistical analysis, the final FamilyPso questionnaire was condensed to 15 items to assess the burden of partners or family members living together with psoriasis patients.

Conclusion

The FamilyPso enables physicians to achieve a better understanding of the impact of psoriasis as a lifelong chronic disease on partners and the family environment.
Impact of immunogenicity on pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of adalimumab in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Mostafa N.M. , Nader A.M. , Noertersheuser P. , Okun M. , Awni W.M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Adalimumab is a tumour necrosis factor‐alpha antibody approved for treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Objective

To characterise population pharmacokinetics of adalimumab 40 mg every other week dosing regimen and impact of immunogenicity on pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety in psoriasis patients.

Methods

Patients were enrolled in a Phase 3 study comprising a 16‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled period, a 17‐week open‐label period for Week 16 Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 responders, and a 19‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled period for Week 33 PASI 75 responders. Serum adalimumab and anti‐adalimumab antibody (AAA) concentrations were measured and a population pharmacokinetic model devleoped to identify patient/disease factors affecting adalimumab pharmacokinetics. Impact of immunogenicity on treatment efficacy and safety was also assessed.

Results

Week 33 mean adalimumab concentration was 5.2 μg/mL. Week 16 responders had higher adalimumab concentrations than non‐responders (6.3 vs. 2.2 μg/mL). Bodyweight and study were significant covariates in population pharmacokinetic model with weight accounting for 19% and 29% of variability in adalimumab clearance and volume of distribution, respectively. A total of 8.8% of adalimumab‐treated patients tested AAA positive and had twofold higher adalimumab clearance. PASI 75 response rate was comparable between AAA+ and AAA− patients at Weeks 33 and 52 (Week 33: 36% vs. 22.5%, Week 52: 21.1% vs. 17.8%) and adverse events incidence was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Patient weight and study significantly affect adalimumab clearance and volume of distribution in psoriasis patients. Development of AAAs result in lower adalimumab exposure and efficacy with no effect on adverse events incidence.
Persistently elevated circulating Th22 reversely correlates with prognosis in HBV‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Mo Ruidong , Wang Peng , Lai Rongtao , Li Fanlu , Liu Yuhan , Jiang Shaowen , Zhao Gangde , Guo Simin , Zhou Huijuan , Lin Lanyi , Lu Jie , Cai Wei , Wang Hui , Yu Hong , Bao Shisan , Xiang Xiaogang , Xie Qing
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) is an acute deterioration of liver function on chronic liver disease with immune disorder. Th22 cells and IL‐22 were correlated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, Th22 cells and IL‐22 in the pathogenesis of HBV‐ACLF remains to be elucidated. It was investigated the correlation between Th22 and prognosis in HBV‐ACLF.

Methods

Seventy‐one HBV‐ACLF and 65 chronic hepatitis B patients were recruited. The peripheral frequencies of Th22, Th17 and Th1, or IL‐22 and IL‐17 were determined, using flow cytometry or ELISA, respectively. It was further analyzed the correlation between Th22 mediated circulating IL‐22 and survival rate of HBV‐ACLF patients.

Results

It was upregulated that the peripheral frequencies of Th22/Th17 cells as well as plasma IL‐22 and IL‐17 in HBV‐ACLF patients, but the frequency of Th1 cells was decreased, compared with health controls. Elevated Th22 cells and IL‐22 were correlated with HBV‐ACLF disease severity. Elevated plasma IL‐22 level (>29.5 pg/ml) was correlated with poor survival rate of HBV‐ACLF patients at baseline, using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Conclusions

Persistently elevated circulating Th22 reversely correlates with prognosis in HBV‐ACLF. Th22 cells/IL‐22 might be served as biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis of HBV‐ACLF.
Selecting Field Experiment Locations with Archival Data
Authors: Leonhardt James M. , Trafimow David , Niculescu Mihai
Published: August 2016

The selection of field experiment locations often requires that the control location be comparable to the treatment location. Recently, a method that employs the mathematics of potential performance theory was proposed for comparing field experiment locations by parsing random versus systematic effects. Here, we apply this method to archival data (i.e., household electricity consumption). In doing so, we are able to assess the effectiveness of this method at handling real‐world data, absent user‐defined variables. In addition, we provide consumer researchers with a step‐by‐step example on how to apply this method to the problem of selecting optimal treatment and control locations for field experiments. Finally, we consider how this method could apply to policy assessment more generally.
Septal Ablation and Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: 7 Years US Experience
Authors: Chothani Ankit , Panaich Sidakpal S. , Patel Nilay , Patel Nileshkumar J. , Arora Shilpkumar , Deshmukh Abhishek , Grines Cindy , Badheka Apurva O.
Published: August 2016

Background

Septal ablation (SA) is a key modality for left ventricular outflow tract gradient reduction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients with refractory symptoms. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate post‐procedural mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospitalization following SA.

Methods

We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2005 and 2011 using the ICD9 procedure code of 37.34 for ablation of heart tissue. Only adult patients with HOCM (ICD‐9‐CM: 425.1) were included. Patients with any arrhythmia diagnosis or open surgical ablation procedure code were excluded. Hierarchical mixed effects models were generated in order to identify the independent multivariate predictors of outcomes.

Results

A total of 358 SAs were available for analysis. There was no reported mortality during the study period; permanent pacemaker implantation rate was 8.7%. Highest hospital volume tertile (OR, 95%CI, P‐ value) predicted significantly lower post‐procedural complications (0.51, 0.26–0.98, P = 0.04). Univariate analysis of highest versus lowest tertile of hospital volume showed significant decrease in LOS (2.6 days vs. 3.8 days, P<0.01) and non‐significant decrease hospitalization costs (16,800$ vs. 19,500$, P = 0.29).

Conclusions

SA is a safe procedure and associated with low peri‐ procedural mortality rate. A higher burden of baseline comorbidities is associated with worse outcomes while higher annual hospital volume is associated with lower rate of post‐procedural complications, length of stay, and cost of care following SA.
Effectiveness of Alcohol Septal Ablation Versus Transaortic Extended Myectomy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Midventricular Obstruction
Authors: Yang Yin‐Jian , Fan Chao‐Mei , Yuan Jin‐Qing , Wang Shui‐Yun , Song Yun‐Hu , Qiao Shu‐Bin , You Shi‐Jie , Wang Zhi‐Min , Duan Fu‐Jian , Li Yi‐Shi
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Investigate the effectiveness of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and transaortic extended myectomy (TEM) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with midventricular obstruction (MVO).

Background

MVO is less common than subaortic obstruction. Data on the effectiveness of ASA and TEM in MVO are lacking.

Methods

The clinical profiles of 22 patients undergoing ASA and 37 patients undergoing TEM were compared. No patient had apical aneurysm, abnormal chordae, mitral valve replacement or repair.

Results

Baseline midventricular pressure gradient and symptoms were comparable between the ASA and TEM groups. During follow‐up, both groups demonstrated substantial reduction in pressure gradient (the ASA group: 79.7 ± 21.2 mm Hg to 43.7 ± 28.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001; the TEM group: 69.0 ± 23.9 mm Hg to 15.0 ± 16.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001). The reduction in pressure gradient was greater (78.9 ± 18.6% vs. 46.4 ± 33.4%, P < 0.001) and the residual pressure gradient was lower after TEM versus ASA (P < 0.001). Patients with New York Heart Association class III/IV dyspnea decreased from 59.1 to 18.2% (P = 0.022) in the ASA group and from 56.8 to 5.6% (P < 0.001) in the TEM group. Patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III/IV angina decreased from 40.9 to 9.1% (P = 0.016) in the ASA group and from 32.4 to 0% (P < 0.001) in the TEM group.

Conclusions

While ASA and TEM both improve gradients and symptoms, TEM may provide a more reliable reduction in gradients compared to ASA.
Longitudinal association of dentition status with dietary intake in Japanese adults aged 75 to 80 years
Authors: Iwasaki M. , Yoshihara A. , Ogawa H. , Sato M. , Muramatsu K. , Watanabe R. , Ansai T. , Miyazaki H.
Published: August 2016

Limited information is available on the temporal association between dentition status and dietary intake. The aim of this 5‐year prospective cohort study was to investigate whether impaired dentition was associated with subsequent decline in dietary intake in older Japanese adults. Two hundred and eighty‐six community‐dwelling Japanese individuals, all aged 75 years at baseline, were included in the study. Functional tooth units (FTUs), defined as a pair of opposing natural or prosthetic teeth excluding third molars (range: 0–14), were counted on the basis of baseline dental examinations. Individuals with ≤5 FTUs were defined as having impaired dentition. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and 5 years later, using a validated dietary questionnaire. Robust regression analyses were used to evaluate the differences in change in dietary intake between participants with and without impaired functional dentition, after adjustment for potential confounders. Sixty‐one study participants (21·3 %) were defined as having impaired dentition. Overall, mean values for all estimated dietary variables (energy, nutrients and food groups) declined over time. Notably, individuals with impaired dentition demonstrated a significantly (P < 0·05) greater degree of decline in the intake of multiple nutrients (protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E and dietary fibre) and food groups (vegetable and meat) than those without impaired dentition, after adjusting for potential confounders. The results of this study describe the temporal association of impaired dentition with the decline in selected nutrient and food group intake among older Japanese adults.
Pharmacological sedation management in the paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Baarslag Manuel A , Allegaert Karel , Knibbe Catherijne A J , van Dijk Monique , Tibboel Dick
Published: August 2016

Objective

This review addresses sedation management on paediatric intensive care units and possible gaps in the knowledge of optimal sedation strategies. We present an overview of the commonly used sedatives and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations in children, as well as the ongoing studies in this field. Also, sedation guidelines and current sedation strategies and assessment methods are addressed.

Key findings

This review shows that evidence and pharmacokinetic data are scarce, but fortunately, there is an active research scene with promising new PK and PD data of sedatives in children using new study designs with application of advanced laboratory methods and modelling. The lack of evidence is increasingly being recognized by authorities and legislative offices such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Conclusion

The population in question is very heterogeneous and this overview can aid clinicians and researchers in moving from practice-based sedation management towards more evidence- or model-based practice. Still, paediatric sedation management can be improved in other ways than pharmacology only, so future research should aim on sedation assessment and implementation strategies of protocolized sedation as well.
The Space Between: Exploring How Religious Leaders Reconcile Religion and Politics
Authors: Edwards Korie L.
Published: August 2016

Religious leaders, across religious traditions and demographic backgrounds, engage in politics in America. However, making sense of this is not an easy task, especially when their religious and political positions do not align. In these instances, they must somehow reconcile their incongruous positions. This article draws upon interview conversations with black religious leaders to explore how this is achieved. It is revealed that respondents bridge the space between their religious and political positions mainly by deploying three mechanisms: religious sequestration, issue minimization, and selective denial. This study contributes to our understanding of how religious leaders make sense of privileging civic and political positions over religious orthodoxy. It outlines the implications of this for black religious leaders specifically and the role of religious leaders in civic and political spheres more broadly.
The impact of rationing of health resources on capacity of Australian public sector nurses to deliver nursing care after‐hours: a qualitative study
Authors: Henderson Julie , Willis Eileen , Toffoli Luisa , Hamilton Patricia , Blackman Ian
Published: August 2016

Australia, along with other countries, has introduced New Public Management (NPM) into public sector hospitals in an effort to contain healthcare costs. NPM is associated with outsourcing of service provision, the meeting of government performance indicators, workforce flexibility and rationing of resources. This study explores the impact of rationing of staffing and other resources upon delivery of care outside of business hours. Data was collected through semistructured interviews conducted with 21 nurses working in 2 large Australian metropolitan hospitals. Participants identified four strategies associated with NPM which add to workload after‐hours and impacted on the capacity to deliver nursing care. These were functional flexibility, vertical substitution of staff, meeting externally established performance indicators and outsourcing. We conclude that cost containment alongside of the meeting of performance indicators has extended work traditionally performed during business hours beyond those hours when less staffing and material resources are available. This adds to nursing workload and potentially contributes to incomplete nursing care.