bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nomogram predicting severe adverse events after ureteroscopic lithotripsy: 12 372 patients in a Japanese national series
Authors: Sugihara Toru , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Kume Haruki , Ohe Kazuhiko , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Homma Yukio
Published: December 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy sometimes causes severe complications, e.g. septic shock, and the relationship between long operative duration and complication rate has been empirically recognised. But due to the rarity, evidence is limited.

We analysed 12372 cases and showed that the complication rate increased according to operative duration, especially for operations taking >90 min. Also, we found that high‐volume centres had lower complication rates.

Objective

To develop a nomogram to predict severe adverse events (AEs) after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) including the effects of operative duration and hospital volume.

Patients and Methods

We identified patients undergoing URSL from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between 2007 and 2010, and defined severe adverse events as (i) in‐hospital mortality; (ii) postoperative medication including catecholamine, γ globulin, protease inhibitors, medications for disseminated intravascular coagulation and transfusion; and (iii) postoperative interventions including percutaneous nephrostomy, central vein catheterisation, intensive care unit, dialysis, mechanical cardiopulmonary support.

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models addressed the occurrence of severe AEs.

Results

Of 12 372 patients, 296 patients (2.39%) had severe AEs. Multivariate analysis showed a positive linear trend of operative duration and severe AEs (odds ratio [OR] 1.58 in 90–119 min to OR 4.28 in ≥210 min compared with ≤ 59 min; each P < 0.05) and an inverse relationship between hospital volume and severe AEs (OR 0.64 in ≥39 URSLs/year compared with ≤ 15 URSLs/year; P = 0.004) with adjustment for other significant factors including sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, type of anaesthesia and type of admission.

A nomogram and a calibration plot based on these results were well‐fitted to predict a probability between 0.01 and 0.10 (concordance index 0.677).

Conclusion

Severe AEs after URSL were associated with longer operative duration and lower hospital volume, and were accurately predicted using the present nomogram.
A Bayesian Approach to Modelling Reticulation Events with Application to the Ribosomal Protein Generps11of Flowering Plants
Authors: Radice Rosalba
Published: December 2012

Traditional phylogenetic inference assumes that the history of a set of taxa can be explained by a tree. This assumption is often violated as some biological entities can exchange genetic material giving rise to non‐treelike events often called reticulations. Failure to consider these events might result in incorrectly inferred phylogenies. Phylogenetic networks provide a flexible tool which allows researchers to model the evolutionary history of a set of organisms in the presence of reticulation events. In recent years, a number of methods addressing phylogenetic network parameter estimation have been introduced. Some of them are based on the idea that a phylogenetic network can be defined as a directed acyclic graph. Based on this definition, we propose a Bayesian approach to the estimation of phylogenetic network parameters which allows for different phylogenies to be inferred at different parts of a multiple DNA alignment. The algorithm is tested on simulated data and applied to the ribosomal protein generps11 data from five flowering plants, where reticulation events are suspected to be present. The proposed approach can be applied to a wide variety of problems which aim at exploring the possibility of reticulation events in the history of a set of taxa.
Testing Semiparametric Hypotheses in Locally Stationary Processes
Authors: PREUSS PHILIP , VETTER MATHIAS , DETTE HOLGER
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we investigate the problem of testing semiparametric hypotheses in locally stationary processes. The proposed method is based on an empirical version of theL2‐distance between the true time varying spectral density and its best approximation under the null hypothesis. As this approach only requires estimation of integrals of the time varying spectral density and its square, we do not have to choose a smoothing bandwidth for the local estimation of the spectral density – in contrast to most other procedures discussed in the literature. Asymptotic normality of the test statistic is derived both under the null hypothesis and the alternative. We also propose a bootstrap procedure to obtain critical values in the case of small sample sizes. Additionally, we investigate the finite sample properties of the new method and compare it with the currently available procedures by means of a simulation study. Finally, we illustrate the performance of the new test in two data examples, one regarding log returns of the S&P 500 and the other a well‐known series of weekly egg prices.
The Redistribution of Methods: On Intervention in Digital Social Research, Broadly Conceived
Authors: Marres Noortje
Published: December 2012

This paper contributes to debates about the implications of digital technology for social research by proposing the concept of the redistribution of methods. In the context of digitization, I argue, social research becomes noticeably a distributed accomplishment: online platforms, users, devices and informational practices actively contribute to the performance of digital social research. This also applies more specifically to social research methods, and this paper explores the phenomenon in relation to two specific digital methods, online network and textual analysis, arguing that sociological research stands much to gain from engaging with their distribution, both normatively and analytically speaking. I distinguish four predominant views on the redistribution of digital social methods: methods-as-usual, big methods, virtual methods and digital methods. Taking up this last notion, I propose that a redistributive understanding of social research opens up a new approach to the re-mediation of social methods in digital environments. I develop this argument through a discussion of two particular online research platforms: the Issue Crawler, a web-based platform for hyperlink analysis, and the Co-Word Machine, an online tool of textual analysis currently under development. Both these tools re-mediate existing social methods, and both, I argue, involve the attempt to render specific methodology critiques effective in the online realm, namely critiques of the authority effects implicit in citation analysis. As such, these methods offer ways for social research to intervene critically in digital social research, and more specifically, to endorse and actively pursue the redistribution of social methods online.
De-Signing the Object of Sociology: Toward an ‘Idiotic’ Methodology
Authors: Michael Mike
Published: December 2012

This paper outlines a version of ‘live sociology’ that enacts and engages with the openness and processuality of events. This is initially explored through a focus on everyday objects that, in their relationality, ‘misbehave’, potentially challenging standard sociological framings. Drawing on the work of Isabelle Stengers, it is suggested that such objects can be understood as ‘idiotic’ – possessed of an incommensurability that enables social scientists to ‘slow down’ and reflect upon ‘what is busily being done’ (not least by the social scientists themselves). This responsiveness to the idiot object is then contrasted to the proactive idiocy of Speculative Design. Here, artefacts – probes and prototypes – are designed to have oblique and ambiguous functions that allow both their users and designers to open up what is at stake in particular events. Examples taken from past and current research are used to illustrate how speculative designs can open up what ‘the neighbourhood’ and ‘energy demand reduction’ can be. The paper ends with a discussion of a possible ‘idiotic methodology’ and its implications for the conceptual and practical doings of social scientific research.
The Federal Reserve, the Emerging Markets, and Capital Controls: A High‐Frequency Empirical Investigation
Authors: EDWARDS SEBASTIAN
Published: December 2012

In this paper, I use weekly data from seven emerging nations—four in Latin America and three in Asia—to investigate the extent to which changes in Fed policy interest rates have been transmitted into domestic short‐term interest rates during the 2000s. The results suggest that there is indeed an interest rates “pass‐through” from the Fed to emerging markets. However, the extent of transmission of interest rate shocks is different—in terms of impact, steady state effect, and dynamics—in Latin America and Asia. The results also indicate that capital controls are not an effective tool for isolating emerging countries from global interest rate disturbances. Changes in the slope of the U.S. yield curve, including changes generated by a “twist” policy, affect domestic interest rates in emerging countries. I also provide a detailed case study for Chile.
Withering Government Spending Multipliers
Authors: CANZONERI MATTHEW , COLLARD FABRICE , DELLAS HARRIS , DIBA BEHZAD
Published: December 2012

The empirical literature has documented a weakening of the consumption and output responses to an increase in government spending during the last 30 years. We show that a New Keynesian model in which real government spending is observed with measurement errors can account for the reduction in the size of government spending multipliers. The model implies—consistent with empirical evidence presented by Ilzetzki, Mendoza, and Vegh (2010)—that the evolution of monetary policy and greater globalization (increasing international trade and decreasing capital controls) are key factors in this development.
Representative Bureaucracy and Partisanship: The Implementation of Election Law
Authors: Kropf Martha , Vercellotti Timothy , Kimball David C.
Published: December 2012

Studies of representative bureaucracy argue that public administrators hold attitudes that are generally representative of the public and will implement policy in accordance with those attitudes. However, studies of representative bureaucracy generally have not considered the partisanship of local administrators. Many local election officials affiliate with a political party, and there is concern that partisan officials will manipulate election procedures to help their party. The authors analyze a survey of local election officials about their attitudes toward provisional voting. Findings show that Democratic local election officials have significantly more positive attitudes toward provisional voting programs in highly Democratic jurisdictions and significantly less positive attitudes in highly Republican jurisdictions. No such relationship occurs for Republican administrators. In addition, positive attitudes toward provisional voting are associated with more provisional votes being cast and counted in the 2004 presidential election. This work questions whether representative bureaucracy—when it concerns partisanship—is always a desirable outcome.
Acute Marchiafava‐Bignami Disease with Extensive Diffusion Restriction and Early Recovery: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wenz Holger , Eisele Philipp , Artemis Dimitrios , Förster Alex , Brockmann Marc A.
Published: December 2012

Marchiafava‐Bignami disease (MBD) is a neurological disorder that has been found to be associated with chronic alcoholism and malnutrition. MBD classically results in acute edema and demyelination of the corpus callosum. Edema of the complete corpus callosum has been described to be an unfavorable prognostic factor. We present an acute onset of MBD with diffusion restriction of the complete corpus callosum and symmetric bilateral extension into the semioval center, that almost completely resolved clinically as well as in MRI only 3 days later. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis of MBD may be good even in cases with severe diffusion restriction of the complete corpus callosum.
Correlation of Sonographic and Electrophysiological Findings in a Patient with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an acquired, immune mediated, and commonly associated with antiganglioside antibodies against GM1 lower motor neuropathy, with an incidence of 1 per 100,000. The usual age of onset is between 20 and 50 years and men appear to be more often affected than women. Patients usually present with multifocal weakness that can be localized to named nerve distributions.

METHODS

The gold standard for the diagnosis is the electrophysiological detection of focal, partial conduction block of motor fibers without involvement of sensory fibers, at sites that are uncommon areas of compression. The diagnostic sonography of the peripheral nervous system is a rapidly evolving and constantly expanding imaging field in the last years, especially in patients presenting with signs of polyneuropathy.

RESULTS

We report for the first time a correlation of the sonographic and electrophysiological findings in a patient with MMN.

CONCLUSION

We draw the attention on the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting and diagnosing segmental lesions of the peripheral nerves in MMN and other immune mediated neuropathies, especially in cases where a nervous segment cannot be easily explored in terms of inching technique.
Mouth colour components of begging are dynamic signals of quality in European starling nestlings
Authors: Jacob Staffan , Heeb Philipp
Published: December 2012

Offspring solicit food from their parents through begging signals. Nestling skin and flange coloration are begging signals that appear to convey information about nestling need or condition, and several experiments have shown that modifications of nestling coloration affect parental allocation decisions. However, it is important to examine the short‐term changes in these signalling components in response to food constraints since such dynamic changes are required for signals to indicate condition or need. Using a food deprivation experiment, we tested whether flange and skin reflectance in European starling Sturnus vulgaris nestlings change after a three‐hour interval. We investigated whether flange and skin reflectance changed according to the predictions arising from the ‘signal of quality’ or ‘signal of need’ hypotheses on the function of begging signals. We found that flange carotenoid and UV reflectance changed according to the signal of quality hypothesis with nestlings in good condition increasing their signal expression in response to the food deprivation, whereas those in poor condition decreased their signal expression. With the use of vision modelling, we show that changes in flange reflectance are detectable by starling parents. In contrast, we found a correlation going in the opposite direction for changes in skin UV reflectance. Nestlings with low lipid reserves increased their reflectance compared to nestlings with high reserves. However, vision modelling showed that short‐term changes in skin UV reflectance are not large enough to be detectable by the parents. Our study shows that flange carotenoid and UV reflectance are dynamic components of begging with short‐term variations that can be used by parents as signals of nestling quality.
Are functional traits and litter decomposability coordinated across leaves, twigs and wood? A test using temperate rainforest tree species
Authors: Jackson Benjamin G. , Peltzer Duane A. , Wardle David A.
Published: December 2012

Synthesis

This study compared the decomposability of leaf, twig and wood litter from 27 co‐occurring temperate rainforest tree species in New Zealand. We found that interspecific variation in decomposition was not coordinated across the three litter types. Analysis of the relationships between functional traits and decomposition revealed that traits predictive of wood decomposition varied among the species independently from traits predictive of the decomposition of leaf and twig litter. We conclude that efforts to understand how tree species influence C, N and P dynamics in forested ecosystems through the decomposition pathway need to consider the functional traits of multiple plant structures.

Plant functional traits are increasingly used to evaluate changes in ecological and ecosystem processes. However our understanding of how functional traits coordinate across different plant structures, and the implications for trait‐driven processes such as litter decomposition, remains limited. We compared the functional traits of green leaves and leaf, twig and wood litter among 27 co‐occurring tree species from New Zealand, and quantified the loss of mass, N and P from the three litter types during decomposition. We hypothesised that: a) the functional traits of green leaves, and leaf, twig and wood litter are co‐ordinated so that species which produce high quality leaves and leaf litter will also produce high quality twig and wood litter, and b) the decomposability of leaf, twig and wood litter is coordinated because breakdown of all three litter types is driven by similar combinations of traits. Trait variation across species was co‐ordinated between leaves, twigs and wood when angiosperm and gymnosperm species were considered in combination, or when angiosperms were considered separately, but trait coordination was poor for gymnosperms. There was little coordination among the three litter types in their decomposability, especially when angiosperms and gymnosperms were considered separately; this was caused by the decomposability of each of the three litter types, at least partially, being driven by different functional traits or trait combinations. Our findings indicate that although interspecific variation in the functional traits of trees can be coordinated among leaves, twigs and wood, different or unrelated traits predict the decomposition of these different structures. Furthermore, leaf‐level analyses of functional traits are not satisfactory proxies for function of whole trees and related ecological processes. As such, efforts to understand how tree species influence C, N and P dynamics in forested ecosystems through the decomposition pathway need to consider functional traits of other plant structures.
Facilitation of holm oak recruitment through two contrasted shrubs species in Mediterranean grazed woodlands
Authors: Rolo Víctor , Plieninger Tobias , Moreno Gerardo
Published: December 2012

Question

Regeneration failure and gradual tree dieback are major threats for the persistence of savanna‐like grazed oak woodlands. Current research has argued that the scarcity of ‘safe sites’, in particular shrubs, is the main cause of the lack of effective tree recruitment. But can different shrub species be considered as safe sites generally? Do two distinct shrub species, with contrasted life strategies, affect several life stages of tree regeneration in similar ways or do they specifically influence the recruitment process?

Location

Holm oak woodlands of SW Iberian Peninsula (40°02′ N, 06°06′ W).

Methods

We surveyed densities of recently emerged and surviving seedlings as well as small and large saplings over two consecutive years in 40 sites that were independently managed, comparing plots encroached by either Cistus ladanifer (a shallow‐rooted shrub, forming dense populations, with reported allelopathic compounds) or Retama sphaerocarpa (a N2‐fixing, deep‐rooted shrub that forms scattered populations) vs their respective control plots (without shrubs). To assess the effect of mature trees and both shrub species on the performance and survival of recently emerged oak seedlings, we established an acorn sowing experiment in the same surveyed microhabitats (open spaces, shrub, tree and tree–shrub).

Results

The survey showed that both shrubs species had a positive effect at early recruitment stages. At later life stages, this effect weakened under Cistus whereas it strengthened under Retama. The acorn sowing experiment showed that both shrub species buffered abiotic conditions and enhanced seedling functioning similarly, but Retama enhanced seedling survival to a higher extent than Cistus.

Conclusions

The two shrub species impose a specific template that is able to affect the long‐term dynamics of Mediterranean oak woodlands. Cistus shrubs are effective in protecting seedlings physically against herbivores and facilitate early survival, but may compete with older stages of oak regeneration. In contrast, Retama shrubs exert stronger biological facilitation and guarantee long‐term persistence of surviving seedlings. We argue that improved understanding of the effectiveness of different nurse plants and their contrasting factors is of major interest for the conservation and restoration of degraded oak woodlands.
Forestry as imperial careering: New Zealand as the end and edge of empire in the 1920s–1940s
Authors: Roche Michael
Published: December 2012

Forestry is interestingly situated within British imperial networks of the 19th and early 20th centuries whereby India was arguably the main node. Drawing on Lambert and Lester's concept of ‘imperial careering’ as a way of exploring imperial networks, this paper further extends its application to foresters as a group of middle‐level technical experts as well as carrying it into the 20th century when the British Empire was by some measures at its zenith. The forestry careers of Owen Jones and Hugh Corbin, principally in Australia and New Zealand, are used to illustrate the discussion which concludes with some more general observations about imperial careerists.
Placing geography in the New Zealand Curriculum
Authors: Baldwin Suzanne
Published: December 2012

The design of a school‐based geography curriculum presents opportunities and challenges for teachers in New Zealand secondary schools. This article discussed the considerations that teachers need to make when developing a school‐based curriculum that is suited to the needs and interests of the students in their school and community. An example of a programme that has been developed to meet the needs and interests of students in a particular secondary school in Christchurch, New Zealand, was outlined.
River Dog: Re‐imagining and re‐representing the environment and de‐idealising the rural in New Zealand film
Authors: Muir James Allan , Rock Jenny
Published: December 2012

The depiction of pristine countryside in New Zealand film has engendered a cultural disconnection with the environmental stories within the landscape. In this essay, we briefly examined the meaning of rural New Zealand landscape and its role in film. This research was done in part by making a short documentary, River Dog, a film about the rural New Zealand landscape. The character, plot and underlying message of River Dog were framed within visually relevant archetypes to form a constructive environmental message. Here, we examined River Dog's use of empathetic storytelling, an approach used to communicate an environmental issue without promulgating science or politics.
School Sport and Academic Achievement
Authors: Bradley John , Keane Francis , Crawford Susan
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) is an integral part of the school curriculum in Ireland. Historically the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” philosophy has promoted the inclusion of PESS alongside more cognitive school subjects. Research suggests that PESS can promote cognitive function and provide educational benefits. However, there is little research on how the choice of school sport influences academic achievement. This study investigated how participation in school sport influences the Leaving Certificate points score in an Irish secondary school. In particular, the study will investigate how the particular sport chosen by students participating in school sport during their Leaving Certificate years influences their Leaving Certificate results.

METHODS: We recorded the Leaving Certificate scores and sports participation from 402 boys graduating from a secondary school in the Ireland during 2008‐2011. Sports participation was assigned 1 of 4 categories: rugby, rowing, soccer, and no sport.

RESULTS: Participation in sports during the Leaving Certificate years conferred a 25.4‐point benefit to the final Leaving Certificate score. However, participation in rowing, the only individual sport available in the study, resulted in significantly higher Leaving Certificate scores than rugby, soccer and no sport (p < .05), conferring an additional 73.4‐point benefit over the next highest group, rugby.

CONCLUSION: Promoting participation in school sport and providing access to a range of team and individual sports throughout the secondary school years may be a beneficial way to improve students' Leaving Certificate results.
Dietary and Physical Activity Factors Related to Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Middle School Youth
Authors: Wang Monica L. , Walls Courtney E. , Peterson Karen E. , Richmond Tracy K. , Spadano‐Gasbarro Jennifer , Greaney Mary L. , Blood Emily , Mezgebu Solomon , McCormick Marie C. , Subramanian S. V. , Bryn Austin S.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: Dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviors can predict disordered weight control behaviors (DWCB) among youth. This study examines dietary and PA correlates of DWCB and differences by race/ethnicity and weight status in a diverse sample of youth.

METHODS: Self‐reported data on dietary weight management behaviors, strengthening/toning exercises, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, and DWCB (vomiting, taking laxatives, and/or taking diet pills without a prescription) were obtained from 15,260 sixth to eighth graders in 47 middle schools participating in the Massachusetts Healthy Choices Study at baseline (2005). Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate odds of DWCB associated with dietary and PA behaviors and to examine for differences by race/ethnicity and weight status, adjusting for covariates and clustering of individuals within schools.

RESULTS: Disordered weight control behaviors were reported by 3.6% of girls and 3.1% of boys. Youth who engaged in strengthening/toning exercises 7 days per week versus 0‐3 days per week had increased odds of DWCB (girls odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3 − 3.0; boys OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.0 − 2.2). Dietary weight management behaviors were associated with increased odds of DWCB (girls OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1 − 1.3; boys OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.2 − 1.4) for each additional behavior. These associations did not differ by race/ethnicity or weight status.

CONCLUSIONS: Persons promoting healthy dietary and PA behaviors among youth should consider the co‐occurrence of strengthening/toning and dietary weight management behaviors with DWCB and the consistency in these associations across racial/ethnic and weight status groups.
The Development and First Use of the QUEST Measures to Evaluate School Nurses' Knowledge and Skills for Depression Recognition and Management
Authors: Haddad Mark , Tylee Andre
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: Depression affects around 5% of adolescents and its identification and management is an important part of front‐line professionals' roles. There are few validated measures of knowledge and skills in this area. We describe a multiple‐choice question set to test nurses' depression knowledge and vignettes to examine case recognition skills.

METHODS: A 24‐item knowledge test and 12 vignettes were developed based on relevant literature and expert panel review. Three rounds of panel review assessed face and content validity and expert agreement of vignette depression status. The measures were piloted with 26 school nurses. Following amendments, administered to 146 school nurses. A depression attitude scale was used concurrently so that associations among knowledge, attitudes, and condition recognition could be explored.

RESULTS: Readability for the knowledge test and vignettes was satisfactory. Item difficulty and discrimination indices for most knowledge questions were acceptable; overall, participants scored 50% correctly, with less than 5% unanswered. The panel reached 89% agreement about vignette depression status, and nurse participants' judgments of the vignettes achieved 65% sensitivity and 47% specificity.

CONCLUSION: The study produced psychometrically tested instruments for measuring depression recognition and knowledge. There was evidence for content validity, and limited evidence of convergent validity from associations among measures. Some of the items may be modified, and a smaller set of vignettes having the best expert agreement may be useful in future research.
Antibodies identified by cell‐based assays in myasthenia gravis and associated diseases
Authors: Vincent Angela , Waters Patrick , Leite M. Isabel , Jacobson Leslie , Koneczny Inga , Cossins Judith , Beeson David
Published: December 2012

We have established cell‐based assays for the improved detection of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies in myasthenia gravis. This approach has enabled us to demonstrate antibodies to “clustered” AChRs in patients who were previously AChR antibody negative and can also be used to distinguish between adult and fetal AChR antibodies in mothers of babies with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. We summarize our recent evidence for the pathogenicity of MuSK and clustered AChR antibodies using in vivo models. Cell‐based assays are now also being used for the detection of other antibodies, such as those directed to components of the VGKC/CASPR2/LGI1 complex in Morvan's syndrome, and to AQP4 antibodies in neuromyelitis optica; both of these diseases can be associated with MG and sometimes thymoma. The cell‐based method is time consuming but has many advantages and may provide a gold standard for the future in the detection of pathogenic autoantibodies in patients with immune‐mediated diseases.
The Experiences of Staff Taking on the Role of Lay Therapist in a Group‐Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Anger Management Intervention for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Stimpson Aimée , Kroese Biza Stenfert , MacMahon Pamela , Rose Nicola , Townson Julia , Felce David , Hood Kerenza , Jahoda Andrew , Rose John , Willner Paul
Published: December 2012

Aim

To explore the experience of ‘lay therapists’ of a group‐based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) anger management intervention.

Background

Staff employed in daytime opportunity services for adults with intellectual disabilities took on the role of ‘lay therapist’ to facilitate CBT groups.

Methods

They were trained and supervised by clinical psychologists and interviewed 2–6 weeks after the last group session. Their experiences were explored by means of a qualitative approach, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results

Several key themes emerged from the interview data such as ‘hopes and fears’, ‘having a framework’, ‘making it work’, ‘observing progress’, ‘ingredients of success’, ‘the therapist role’ and ‘taking the group forward’.

Conclusions

These themes indicate that participants' experiences had been perceived as positive for themselves, the service users as well as the relevant organization although initially the therapist role had appeared daunting.
Neighborhood Perceptions and Emotional Well‐Being in Young Adulthood
Authors: Snedker Karen A. , Hooven Carole
Published: December 2012

Problem:

While mounting research suggests that neighborhood environment impacts mental health outcomes, for adolescents and adults, there is scant research on how perceived neighborhood context affects young adults. In this article, we explore the role of perceived neighborhood characteristics, specifically indicators of perceived neighborhood stressors, on emotional well‐being among young adults.

Method:

Using a regional sample of young adults, we estimate regression models to examine the relationship of perceived neighborhood stressors on three mental health outcomes (depressed affect, hopelessness, and anger), reflective of a general emotional well‐being, while controlling for key individual characteristics related to mental health outcomes.

Findings:

Results show perceived neighborhood effects for emotional well‐being consistent with a stress process model where the scale of perceived neighborhood stressors is associated with poor emotional well‐being for depressed affect and hopelessness. Specific perceived neighborhood measures were significant for each of the mental health outcomes whereby greater perceptions of unsafe conditions and economic hardship are positively associated with poor emotional well‐being and greater social intervention and more social attachments are associated with better emotional well‐being.

Conclusion:

For young adults, perceptions of neighborhood stressors are related to indicators of mental health. We discuss the implications of our findings for ongoing research on neighborhood contextual effects and mental health during the transition to adulthood.
COPE for Depressed and Anxious Teens: A Brief Cognitive‐Behavioral Skills Building Intervention to Increase Access to Timely, Evidence‐Based Treatment
Authors: Lusk Pamela , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: December 2012

Topic

Evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioral therapy skills building intervention—Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE)—for depressed and anxious teens in brief 30 min outpatient visits.

Purpose

Based on COPE training workshops, this article provides an overview of the COPE program, its development, theoretical foundation, content of the sessions, and lessons learned for best delivery of COPE to individuals and groups in psychiatric settings, primary care settings, and schools.

Sources

Published literature and clinical examples.

Conclusion

With the COPE program, the advanced practice nurse in busy outpatient practice can provide timely, evidence‐based therapy for adolescents and use the full extent of his/her advanced practice nursing knowledge and skills.
Impaired Ventricular Repolarization Dynamics in Patients with Early Repolarization Syndrome
Authors: TALIB AHMED KARIM , SATO NOBUYUKI , ASANOME AKIRA , MYOJO TAKUYA , NISHIURA TAKESHI , YAMAKI MASARU , NAKAGAWA NAOKI , SAKAMOTO NAKA , OTA HISANOBU , TANABE YASUKO , TAKEUCHI TOSHIHARU , KAWAMURA YUICHIRO , HASEBE NAOYUKI
Published: December 2012

QT Dynamics in Early Repolarization Syndrome

Introduction

Almost all current investigations on early repolarization syndrome (ERS) have focused on the J‐wave characteristics and ST‐segment configuration; however, few have reported on ventricular repolarization indexes in ERS.

Methods and Results

A total of 145 subjects were enrolled: 10 ERS patients, 45 uneventful ER pattern (ERP) subjects, and 90 healthy controls without J waves or ST‐segment elevation. Ambulatory ECG‐derived parameters (QT, QTc(B), QTc(F), T peak‐Tend(Tpe), and QT/RR slope) were measured and statistically compared. Among the groups, there was no significant difference in the average QT and QTc(B); however, ERS patients had the shortest QTc(F) and longest Tpe (QTc(F): 396.2 ± 19 vs 410.4 ± 20 vs 419.2 ± 19 milliseconds, P = 0.036, Tpe: 84.9 ± 12 vs 70.4 ± 11 vs 66.9 ± 15 milliseconds, P < 0.001, for the ERS, ERP, and control groups, respectively). Importantly, the 24‐hour QT/RR slope was significantly smaller in the ERS than ERP and control groups (QT/RR: 0.105 ± 0.01 vs 0.154 ± 0.02 vs 0.161 ± 0.03, respectively; P < 0.001). When analyzing the diurnal and nocturnal QT/RR slopes, ERS patients had small diurnal and nocturnal QT/RR slopes while the ERP and control groups had large diurnal and small nocturnal QT/RR slopes (diurnal QT/RR: 0. 077 ± 0.01 vs 0.132 ± 0.03 vs 0.143 ± 0.03, P < 0.001; nocturnal QT/RR: 0.093 ± 0.02 vs 0.129 ± 0.03 vs 0.130 ± 0.04, P = 0.02 in the ERS, ERP, and control groups, respectively).

Conclusion

ERS patients had a continuously depressed diurnal and nocturnal adaptation of the QT interval to the heart rate. Such abnormal repolarization dynamics might provide a substrate for reentry and be an important element for developing ventricular fibrillation in the ERS cohort.
Genetic and morphological studies ofNothobranchius(Cyprinodontiformes) from Malawi with description ofNothobranchius wattersisp. nov.
Authors: Ng'oma E. , Valdesalici S. , Reichwald K. , Cellerino A.
Published: December 2012

Molecular and morphological data were used to explore evolutionary differentiation among populations ofNothobranchiusin the Lake Malawi–upper Shire River and the Lakes Chilwa–Chiuta drainage systems in Malawi. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis thatNothobranchiusof the Malawi–Shire system constitute a separate evolutionary group fromNothobranchius kirki. Mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data show a strongly supported phylogenetic split into two monophyletic groups separating the Lake Malawi basin fish fromN. kirki. UnlikeN. kirki, Lake Malawi–Shire fish do not deviate from neutrality and express an excess of rare haplotypes and mutations in terminal branches, characteristic of recently expanded populations. Further, the two groups significantly differ in morphology. Two body characters (dorsal‐fin base length and pre‐pelvic–pre‐anal distance) are significantly different between the two species in both sexes. Several other characters are significantly different in either male or female comparisons with respect to both standard and head lengths, and robust morphological differentiation is detected by multivariate analysis. The two groups are readily distinguished on the basis of male colouration, especially in scale centres and the caudal fin. On the basis of this differentiation at the molecular and morphological levels, in addition to colouration, the Lake Malawi–Shire fish are hereby formally recognized as constituting a new species,Nothobranchius wattersi. This distinction is in agreement with the geomorphologic and recent climatic history in the region.
Oral Anticoagulation in Elderly Adults with Atrial Fibrillation: Integrating New Options with Old Concepts
Authors: Zarraga Ignatius Gerardo E. , Kron Jack
Published: December 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and the second most common cardiovascular condition in adults in the United States. It is prevalent in the elderly population and is an important risk factor for stroke. Oral anticoagulation offers significant protection against AF‐related thromboembolic events, but several complex issues that contribute to its underuse in elderly adults surround it. To aid clinicians in their approach to these problems, a comprehensive PubMed‐based search of the literature published in English from 1990 through July 2012 was conducted using the following terms or combination of terms: atrial fibrillation, elderly, antiplatelet, anticoagulation, stroke, bleeding, hemorrhage, and falls. Additional references were identified in a manual search of bibliographies in retrieved articles. The data were then synthesized to address the most relevant questions regarding anticoagulation in elderly adults, including fall risk, responsiveness to warfarin, physician perception of risks, and other barriers to the prescription of anticoagulants. Recently proposed risk‐stratification schemes for stroke and hemorrhage that could refine the selection of antithrombotic therapy for AF are highlighted. Finally, available data on the use of antiplatelet therapy, warfarin, and new oral anticoagulants (direct thrombin inhibitor and factor Xa inhibitors) in AF are summarized.
Intakes of nutrients in Italian children with celiac disease and the role of commercially available gluten‐free products
Authors: Zuccotti G. , Fabiano V. , Dilillo D. , Picca M. , Cravidi C. , Brambilla P.
Published: December 2012

Background

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic gluten‐sensitive enteropathy. Life‐long gluten‐free diet (GFD) is the only therapeutic option; however, it may contribute to the consumption of an unbalanced diet. The present study aimed to evaluate the dietary intake of CD affected children on a GFD and compare it with non‐celiac children and with Italian nutritional intakes recommendations, as well as evaluate the contribution of commercially available gluten‐free products (GFPs).

Methods

Eighteen celiac children, median age 7.6 years, median GFD duration 4.2 years, and 18 non‐celiac controls, were enrolled in a cross‐sectional age‐matched study. Dietary intakes of both groups were collected using a food frequency questionnaire and a 24‐hour dietary recall. Nutritional intakes were compared between the group and controls and with Italian dietary reference values. The contribution of GFPs to energy and macronutrient intakes was evaluated.

Results

Median energy intake was significantly higher in CD patients than in controls (8961.8 and 5761.0 kJ day−1; P < 0.001). CD subjects showed higher carbohydrate intakes and lower fat intakes compared to controls. Protein‐derived energy did not differ. By contrast to control subjects, energy derived from carbohydrate intakes in CD children met the Italian recommendations. Both children groups showed higher protein and fat intakes than recommended in Italy. GFPs consumption accounted for 36.3% of daily total energy intake.

Conclusions

Intakes of simple sugars, fats and protein exceeded the National recommendations for health. Children with CD had significantly higher energy intakes than controls, although body mass index was comparable across the groups. Lack of nutritional information for GFPs prevented complete dietary analysis of subfractions of fat and micronutrient intakes. This aspect need to be addressed if studies in this field are to be meaningful in the future.
Sleep disorders in infants and children
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , Davey Margot J
Published: December 2012

Sleep disorders in infants and children are common and often behavioural in origin. Problems include difficulties going to sleep and/or maintaining sleep. History taking should focus on the bedtime routine, consistency of caregiver approach to settling, sleep cues and exclusion of medical problems including atopy and obstructive sleep apnoea. Management includes ascertaining parent goals, ensuring these are realistic and then offering parents a choice of evidence‐based strategies, tailored to family need and capacity. Sleep diaries and parent education materials from evidence‐based web sites complement the consultation.
Parent Involvement in the Transition Process of Children With Intellectual Disabilities: The Influence of Inclusion on Parent Desires and Expectations for Postsecondary Education
Authors: Martinez Donna C. , Conroy James W. , Cerreto Mary C.
Published: December 2012

Students with disabilities and their families across the globe are increasingly setting postsecondary education (PSE) as a future goal, a relatively recent phenomenon. To supplement current knowledge on this goal, we studied parents' means of accessing information and the impact of K‐12 inclusive general education experiences on parents' desires and expectations for PSE. Key findings indicated that parents did not fully understand the transition process and had a low degree of knowledge and access to information about PSE. The data showed that levels of student inclusion related to parental desire and expectation for PSE and to parental involvement in transition planning activities. Implications for theory, measurement, practice, and public policy include a clear need for improved information and dissemination practices regarding PSE as a transition option. The data also imply that teacher education programs would be strengthened by the inclusion of information about PSE options.
One State's Initiative to Increase Access to Higher Education for People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Mock Martha , Love Kristen
Published: December 2012

This article focuses on a state‐based initiative to engage youth with intellectual disabilities (ID), their families, universities, schools, agencies, and funders in improving access to inclusive postsecondary education (PSE). As opportunities in higher education for students with ID continue to increase across United States, there are differing interpretations of federal and local policies that guide PSE initiatives. Regional interpretations of vocational and educational policies affect the services and supports students receive. During four regionally based summits in one U.S. state, stakeholders participated in a qualitative study to explore statewide policies, practices, and beliefs about access to higher education for students with ID. Participants discussed how to increase opportunities throughout the state—particularly how to address existing service, support, and attitudinal barriers, and determine options that currently exist for students. Using a qualitative approach, common themes among stakeholders were identified, such as improving access to information for families, enhancing collaborations with agencies and schools, and advocating for access to college courses and appropriate academic supports. Results indicate that throughout the state, tension exists between local and state level policy implementation. Inconsistent interpretation and implementation have led to more restrictive, less inclusive college‐based options.
Theoretical Estimation of Shear Rate during the Oral Phase of Swallowing: Effect of Partial Slip
Authors: Nicosia Mark A.
Published: December 2012

The goal of this study was to quantify the shear rate in a simplified model of the oral cavity during bolus ejection. Parallel plate squeezing flow was used to approximate the action of the tongue against the palate as a bolus is ejected from the mouth and into the pharynx during a swallow. The current work quantified variations in shear rate with respect to two main effects – the relative degree of boundary slip for Newtonian boluses of varying viscosity. The results suggest that a single shear rate that describes oropharyngeal swallowing is a too simplistic concept. Rather variation in bolus viscosity, level of lubrication as well as others may have a strong effect on shear rate.

Practical Applications

Mathematical modeling of oropharyngeal swallowing has the potential to play an important role in understanding the underlying mechanics of normal and abnormal swallowing, as well as in guiding the development and optimization of therapeutic strategies for swallowing disorders. The long‐term objective of this research is to develop a robust methodology for prediction of bolus flow characteristics in response to motions of the oropharyngeal structures, such as the tongue and pharyngeal walls. In addition to furthering our understanding of the normal swallow, such models could probe the physical basis of biomechanical treatment strategies, such as postural changes (e.g., chin‐tuck) or dietary medications (commonly referred to as “thickened liquids”), as well as optimizing such strategies or suggesting new strategies altogether.