bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient goods inspection demand at ports: a comparative forecasting approach
Authors: Ruiz‐Aguilar Juan‐Jesús , Turias Ignacio , Moscoso‐López Jose‐Antonio , Jiménez‐Come María‐Jesús , Cerbán‐Jiménez María
Published: March 2017

A high number of freight inspections carried out at Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) of ports could lead to significant time delays and congestion problems within the port system, decreasing the efficiency of the port. Therefore, this work is focused on achieving the most accurate prediction of the daily number of goods subject to inspection at BIPs. Five prediction methods were used for this aim: multiple linear regression, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity, artificial neural networks, and support vector regression models. Several nonlinear tests were used to study the nature of the time series and the best method was obtained by the comparison of the prediction results based on performance indexes that provide the goodness‐of‐fit. The result of this study may become a supporting tool for the prediction of the number of goods subject to inspection in BIPs of other international seaports or airports.
Wound management of ulcerated haemangioma of infancy – an audit
Authors: Lokmic Zerina , Grainger Taya , Atapattu Nadeeja V , Phillips Roderic J , Penington Anthony J
Published: March 2017

Haemangioma of infancy, a benign tumour of blood vessels, is the most common tumour of infancy. Ulceration, the most common complication, presents a unique wound care challenge. A retrospective audit of medical records of children with haemangioma of infancy who presented to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, between January 2000 and December 2014 was undertaken with an aim to examine wound management of ulcerated haemangioma of infancy. In total, 535 hospital medical records were identified as suitable, of which 352 were randomly selected and audited, of which 84 patients had ulcerated haemangioma of infancy, and 62 were subject to wound management. Of these, 35 were successfully managed by wound dressings, 9 were not fully healed at the time of last review, and 18 were referred for surgical excision. Patients attended an average of five outpatient visits, and the average time from presentation to documented healing was 105 days. There were a total of 225 episodes of wound dressing, for which there was a documented follow‐up appointment at which healing could be assessed. Although a wide range of dressings were used, there was no clear pattern of benefit of one dressing over another. Wounds were less likely to be healed after the use of a silver‐impregnated dressing. Pain was poorly documented. Clinical assessment of whether wounds were infected was of no help in planning treatment. There is considerable variability in the management of this difficult wound group, and further prospective studies are required.
Polycrystalline Ho: LuAG laser ceramics: Fabrication, microstructure, and optical characterization
Authors: Li Chaoyu , Xie Tengfei , Ye Zhang , Yao Baoquan , Kou Huamin , Pan Yubai , Li Jiang
Published: March 2017

Ho:Lu3Al5O12(LuAG) transparent ceramics are potential 2 μm eye‐safe laser materials. Polycrystalline 0.8 at.% Ho:LuAG ceramics with high optical quality were successfully fabricated by solid‐state reactive sintering of high‐purity oxide powders. The microstructure, the optical transmission, the spectrum characteristic, and the laser performance were investigated in this paper. The average grain size of Ho:LuAG ceramics vacuum sintered at 1830°C for 30 hour is about 14 μm. The in‐line transmittance of the sample is measured to be 81.7% and 82.0% at 1000 and 2250 nm, respectively. The absorption and the emission cross sections are calculated to be 0.88 × 10−20 cm2 at 1906 nm and 1.26 × 10−20 cm2 at 2094 nm. Using a thulium‐doped yttrium‐lithium‐fluoride (Tm:YLF) laser with the central wavelength of 1907.5 nm as the pump source, 2.67 W continuous wave (CW) laser operation at 2100.74 nm was obtained with a slope efficiency of 26.5%. The beam quality factor M2 was calculated to be 1.1, which indicated nearly diffraction‐limited beam propagation and the laser was the fundamental TEM00 Gaussian mode.
Matching Registered Nurse services with changing care demands (MatchRN): study protocol of a natural experiment multi‐centre study
Authors: Bachnick Stefanie , Ausserhofer Dietmar , Januel Jean‐Marie , Schubert Maria , Schwendimann René , De Geest Sabina , Simon Michael
Published: March 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine how patient safety indicators and processes and structures of nursing care have changed since the 2012 introduction of Swiss Diagnosis‐Related Groups.

Background

Diagnosis‐Related Groups have been implemented worldwide; yet, research findings regarding their impact on efficiency and quality of care remain inconsistent. The Matching Registered Nurse Services with Changing Care Demands study will assess how structures, processes and patient and nurse outcomes have changed in Swiss acute care hospitals since the introduction of Swiss Diagnosis‐Related Groups.

Design

A multi‐centre observational study nested in a natural experiment.

Methods

To explore the effect of implementing Diagnosis‐Related Groups in Switzerland we will compare nurse and patient survey data from 2010 with data from 2015 and eventually from 2017. Initially, we will match survey data from 78 medical and surgical units of 21 hospitals that participated in 2010 and 2015. Study variables related to structures and processes of nursing care (e.g. staffing/skill mix level, nurse work environment, rationing of nursing care), as well as patient and nurse outcomes, were assessed with well‐established instruments. In 2017, a follow‐up survey will be conducted to explore long‐term implications. Furthermore, 6 years’ medical and surgical patient discharge data (collected 2010–2015) will be analysed to assess changes in the severity of patient illness, length of stay and selected patient safety indicators.

Discussion

This study's results will provide evidence regarding Diagnosis‐Related Groups influences on Swiss nursing services and patient safety outcomes.
Quality of nursing intensity data: inter‐rater reliability of the patient classification after two decades in clinical use
Authors: Liljamo Pia , Kinnunen Ulla‐Mari , Ohtonen Pasi , Saranto Kaija
Published: March 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to measure the inter‐rater reliability of the Oulu Patient Classification and to discuss existing methods of reliability testing.

Background

The Oulu Patient Classification, part of the RAFAELA® System, has been developed to assist nursing managers with the proper allocation of nursing resources. Due to the increased intensity of inpatient care during recent years, there is a need for the reliability testing of the classification, which has been in clinical use for 20 years.

Design

Retrospective statistical study.

Methods

To test inter‐rater reliability, a pair of nurses classified the same patients, without knowledge of each other's ratings, as a part of annually conducted standardization. Data on the parallel classifications (n = 19,997) was obtained from inpatient units (n = 32) with different specialties at a university hospital in Finland during 2010–2015. Parallel classification practices were also analysed. The reliability of the overall classification and its subareas were calculated using suitable statistical coefficients.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability coefficients were a reliable or almost perfect means of considering the nursing intensity category and various practices, but there were detectable differences between subareas. The lowest agreement levels occurred in the subareas ‘Planning and Coordination of Nursing Care’ and ‘Guiding of Care/Continued Care and Emotional Support’.

Conclusions

There is a need to develop the descriptions of subareas and to clarify the related concepts. Precise nursing documentation can promote a high level of agreement and reliable results. The traditional overall proportion of agreement does not provide an adequate picture of reliability – weighted kappa coefficients should be used instead.
The Natural Principles of Love
Authors: Gottman John , Gottman Julie
Published: March 2017

In this Original Voices article we summarize the past four and a half decades of our work on relationship stability and happiness and explore the theoretical implications of that empirical research. First, we briefly review the laboratory research, clinical work, and the mathematics used to understand our results and build our theory. Then we describe the sound relationship house theory, constructive blueprints for managing conflict, and the three phases of love. We use the term love in the narrow sense of the primary emotions that draw people together to form a lasting, committed relationship between lovers, regardless of sexual orientation. Although we began with no theory at all, we were led by our data and our clinical work at the Gottman Institute.
Germline mutations in patients with multiple colorectal polyps in China
Authors: Li Chen‐Guang , Jin Peng , Yang Lang , Zang Wan‐Chun , Kang Qian , Li Na , He Yuqi , Xu Junfeng , Zhang Chen , Wang Xin , Sheng Jian‐Qiu
Published: March 2017

Background and Aim

Multiple colorectal polyps are relevant in hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes, which are thought to be caused by multiple events including germline mutations. This study was aimed to characterize germline mutations in Chinese patients with multiple colorectal polyps.

Methods

Patients with > 10 colorectal polyps at the Department of Gastroenterology of the PLA Army General Hospital were enrolled from January 2014 to December 2015. These patients were divided into the high‐risk, moderate‐risk, and mild‐risk groups. White blood cell samples were collected, and DNA was extracted to sequence a panel of 19 genes previously associated with CRC by next‐generation sequencing.

Results

A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study. Pathogenic germline mutations were found in 24 (24/33, 72.73%), nine (9/24, 37.5%), and three patients (3/39, 7.7%) in the high‐risk, moderate‐risk, and mild‐risk groups, respectively. Based on the results given, we suggested a strategy about gene sequencing test for the patients with multiple polyps, and the sensitivity and specificity of the screening strategy were 97% and 57%, respectively. Four of eight patients with MUTYH pathogenic germline mutations had the c.A934‐2G monoallelic germline mutation, whereas three of eight patients had the C55T MUTYH germline mutation. Concurrent pathogenic germline mutations in APC and MUTYH were also observed.

Conclusions

A genetic screening strategy comprising 19 genes was effective to screen for hereditary CRC syndromes in patients with multiple colorectal polyps. The MUTYH germline mutation hotspots in Chinese patients may be different from those in Caucasian patients.
Empirical Dynamic Material Flow Model for Tungsten in the USA
Authors: Watson Rachel , Nieradka Briana , Vaccari David A.
Published: March 2017

Multivariate polynomial regression (MPR) analysis was implemented to develop a nonlinear dynamic material flow model (DMFM) of tungsten in the United States for the years 1975–2000 without assumptions for lifetime distributions within reservoirs. Two external economic factors, the Consumer Price Index and the Industrial Production Index, were included as possible exogenous variables. Six types of vector time‐series models were developed using multilinear, simple interaction, and MPR models, each with and without the exogenous economic variables. The DMFMs developed in this work make one‐step‐ahead predictions. That is, the material flows in a given year were predicted using flows and exogenous variables from previous years. In contrast to approaches that utilize assumed lifetime distributions for material within reservoirs, such as the Weibull distribution, the approach used here is completely data driven. MPR models produced statistically better results than linear models for all 13 flows that were modeled. Four of these models used simple interaction terms (which we call linear interaction terms), and two of these incorporated exogenous variables. The other nine models utilized higher‐degree terms with interactions (called multivariate polynomial terms), and two of these incorporated exogenous variables. We conclude that nonlinear vector time series are capable of identifying complex relationships among material flows and exogenous variables. An understanding of these relationships has potential for managing, conserving, and/or forecasting the use of a resource.
Time‐Continuous Phosphorus Flows in the Indian Agri‐Food Sector: Long‐Term Drivers and Management Options
Authors: Keil Leonie , Folberth Christian , Jedelhauser Michael , Binder Claudia R.
Published: March 2017

Phosphorus (P) is a major agricultural nutrient and, in its mineable form, a potentially scarce resource. Countries with limited physical access to P should hence develop an effective national P governance. This requires analyses of trends and variations in P flows and stocks over time. Here, we present a long‐term P flow analysis for the Indian agri‐food sector from 1988 to 2011. Major P flows are imports of mineral P, fertilizer application, and uptake of animal fodder. The mineral P import dependency ratio is constant at around 93%. On average, 20% of P inputs to soils are lost through erosion. Key drivers of changes in P flows include population growth, dietary change, and agricultural intensification. To reduce its P fertilizer import dependence, India could, for example, substitute up to 19% of the presently applied mineral P if manure used as a household fuel were recycled, and up to 21% if P was fully recovered from wastewater and household waste. Comparing selected indicators for P use in agriculture with China and the European Union (EU) reveals that there are structural similarities, such as increasing fertilizer application rates and P accumulation in soils, with the first but large differences compared to the latter. The analyses highlight that in contrast to static indicators, the time‐continuous tracking of P flows provides substantial advantages, such as the identification of long‐term trends, drivers, and intervention options for sustainable P management, given that it allows for the interpretation of present indicators in the context of past trends and legacies.
High‐resolution study of the 3D collagen fibrillary matrix of Achilles tendons without tissue labelling and dehydrating
Authors: WU JIAN‐PING , SWIFT BENJAMIN JOHN , BECKER THOMAS , SQUELCH ANDREW , WANG ALLAN , ZHENG YONG‐CHANG , ZHAO XUELIN , XU JIAKE , XUE WEI , ZHENG MINGHAO , LLOYD DAVID , KIRK THOMAS BRETT
Published: March 2017

Knowledge of the collagen structure of an Achilles tendon is critical to comprehend the physiology, biomechanics, homeostasis and remodelling of the tissue. Despite intensive studies, there are still uncertainties regarding the microstructure. The majority of studies have examined the longitudinally arranged collagen fibrils as they are primarily attributed to the principal tensile strength of the tendon. Few studies have considered the structural integrity of the entire three‐dimensional (3D) collagen meshwork, and how the longitudinal collagen fibrils are integrated as a strong unit in a 3D domain to provide the tendons with the essential tensile properties. Using second harmonic generation imaging, a 3D imaging technique was developed and used to study the 3D collagen matrix in the midportion of Achilles tendons without tissue labelling and dehydration. Therefore, the 3D collagen structure is presented in a condition closely representative of the in vivo status. Atomic force microscopy studies have confirmed that second harmonic generation reveals the internal collagen matrix of tendons in 3D at a fibril level. Achilles tendons primarily contain longitudinal collagen fibrils that braid spatially into a dense rope‐like collagen meshwork and are encapsulated or wound tightly by the oblique collagen fibrils emanating from the epitenon region. The arrangement of the collagen fibrils provides the longitudinal fibrils with essential structural integrity and endows the tendon with the unique mechanical function for withstanding tensile stresses. A novel 3D microscopic method has been developed to examine the 3D collagen microstructure of tendons without tissue dehydrating and labelling. The study also provides new knowledge about the collagen microstructure in an Achilles tendon, which enables understanding of the function of the tissue. The knowledge may be important for applying surgical and tissue engineering techniques to tendon reconstruction.
Mechanisms of neuronal migration in the adult brain
Authors: Kaneko Naoko , Sawada Masato , Sawamoto Kazunobu
Published: March 2017

Adult neurogenesis was first observed nearly 60 years ago, and it has since grown into an important neurochemistry research field. Much recent research has focused on the treatment of brain diseases through neuronal regeneration with endogenously generated neurons. In the adult brain, immature neurons called neuroblasts are continuously generated in the ventricular‐subventricular zone (V‐SVZ). These neuroblasts migrate rapidly through the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb, where they mature and are integrated into the neuronal circuitry. After brain insult, some of the neuroblasts in the V‐SVZ migrate toward the lesion to repopulate the injured tissue. This notable migratory capacity of V‐SVZ‐derived neuroblasts is important for efficiently regenerating neurons in remote areas of the brain. As these neurons migrate for long distances through adult brain tissue, they are supported by various guidance cues and structures that act as scaffolds. Some of these mechanisms are unique to neuroblast migration in the adult brain, and are not involved in migration in the developing brain. Here, we review the latest findings on the mechanisms of neuroblast migration in the adult brain under physiological and pathological conditions, and discuss various issues that still need to be resolved.

This article is part of the mini review series “60th Anniversary of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry”.

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Stiffness mapping of lower leg muscles during passive dorsiflexion
Authors: Le Sant Guillaume , Nordez Antoine , Andrade Ricardo , Hug François , Freitas Sandro , Gross Raphaël
Published: March 2017

It is challenging to differentiate the mechanical properties of synergist muscles in vivo. Shear wave elastography can be used to quantify the shear modulus (i.e. an index of stiffness) of a specific muscle. This study assessed the passive behavior of lower leg muscles during passive dorsiflexion performed with the knee fully extended (experiment 1, n = 22) or with the knee flexed at 90° (experiment 2, n = 20). The shear modulus measurements were repeated twice during experiment 1 to assess the inter‐day reliability. During both experiments, the shear modulus of the following plantar flexors was randomly measured: gastrocnemii medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL), soleus (SOL), peroneus longus (PL), and the deep muscles flexor digitorum longus (FDL), flexor hallucis longus (FHL), tibialis posterior (TP). Two antagonist muscles tibialis anterior (TA), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were also recorded. Measurements were performed in different proximo‐distal regions for GM, GL and SOL. Inter‐day reliability was adequate for all muscles (coefficient of variation < 15%), except for TP. In experiment 1, GM exhibited the highest shear modulus at 80% of the maximal range of motion (128.5 ± 27.3 kPa) and was followed by GL (67.1 ± 24.1 kPa). In experiment 2, SOL exhibited the highest shear modulus (55.1 ± 18.0 kPa). The highest values of shear modulus were found for the distal locations of both the GM (80% of participants in experiment 1) and the SOL (100% of participants in experiment 2). For both experiments, deep muscles and PL exhibited low levels of stiffness during the stretch in young asymptomatic adults, which was unknown until now. These results provide a deeper understanding of passive mechanical properties and the distribution of stiffness between and within the plantar flexor muscles during stretching between them and thus could be relevant to study the effects of aging, disease progression, and rehabilitation on stiffness.
Implementation evaluation and refinement of an intervention to improve blunt chest injury management—A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Curtis Kate , Van Connie , Lam Mary , Asha Stephen , Unsworth Annalise , Clements Alana , Atkins Louise
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate uptake of a Chest Injury Protocol (ChIP), examine factors influencing its implementation and identify interventions for promoting its use.

Background

Failure to treat blunt chest injuries in a timely manner with sufficient analgesia, physiotherapy and respiratory support, can lead to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure and/or death.

Design

This is a mixed‐methods implementation evaluation study.

Methods

Two methods were used: (i) identification and review of the characteristics of all patients eligible for the ChIP protocol, and (ii) survey of hospital staff opinions mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. The characteristics and treatment received between the groups were compared using the chi‐square test or Fischer's exact test for proportions, and the Mann–Whitney U‐test for continuous data. Quantitative survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were coded in NVivo 10 using a coding guide based on the TDF and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Identification of interventions to change target behaviours was sourced from the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy Version 1 in consultation with stakeholders.

Results

Only 68.4% of eligible patients received ChIP. Fifteen facilitators and 10 barriers were identified to influence the implementation of ChIP in the clinical setting. These themes were mapped to 10 of the 14 TDF domains and corresponded with all nine intervention functions in the BCW. Seven of these intervention functions were selected to address the target behaviours and a multi‐faceted relaunch of the revised protocol developed. Following re‐launch, uptake increased to 91%.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated how the BCW may be used to revise and improve a clinical protocol in the ED context.

Relevance to clinical practice

Newly implemented clinical protocols should incorporate clinician behaviour change assessment, strategy and interventions. Enhancing the self‐efficacy of emergency nurses when performing assessments has the potential to improve patient outcomes and should be included in implementation strategy.
The nursing work environment and quality of care: A cross‐sectional study using the Essentials of Magnetism II Scale in England
Authors: Oshodi Titilayo O , Crockett Rachel , Bruneau Benjamin , West Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the structure of the Essentials of Magnetism II (EOMII) scale using data from nurses working in England; and to describe the impact of different aspects of the nursing work environment on nurse‐assessed care quality (NACQ).

Background

The EOMII Scale was developed in the United States to measure nursing work environments. It has been widely used in the United States and in a number of other countries, but has not yet been used in the UK.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Registered nurses (n = 247) providing direct patient care in two National Health Service hospitals in England completed the EOMII scale and a single‐item measuring NACQ. Principal components analysis was used to assess the structure of the scale. Correlation and regression analyses were used to describe the relationships between factors and NACQ.

Results

A solution with explanatory variance of 45.25% was identified. Forty items loaded on five factors, with satisfactory consistency: (i) ward manager support; (ii) working as a team; (iii) concern for patients; (iv) organisational autonomy; and (v) constraints on nursing practice. While in univariate analyses, each of the factors was significantly associated with NACQ, in multivariate analyses, the relationship between organisational autonomy and NACQ no longer reached significance. However, a multiple mediation model indicated that the effect of organisational autonomy on NACQ was mediated by nurse manager support, working as a team and concern for patients but not constraints on nursing practice.

Conclusions

Subscales of the EOMII identified in an English sample of nurses measured important aspects of the nursing work environment, each of which is related to NACQ.

Relevance to clinical practice

The EOMII could be a very useful tool for measuring aspects of the nursing work environment in the English Trusts particularly in relation to the quality of care.
Postoperative pain experiences in Chinese adult patients after thoracotomy and video‐assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Shanqing , Liang Naixin , Liu Wei , Liu Hongju , Liu Huaping
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate the developing course of postoperative pain in a Chinese sample of patients following thoracic surgery.

Background

Chronic postoperative pain following thoracic surgery including both thoracotomy and video‐assisted thoracic surgery is often reported. However, research on pain trends concerning this topic is scarce with a notable lack of culturally focused studies by nurses.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Methods

The sample included patients undergoing thoracotomy (n = 137) and video‐assisted thoracic surgery (n = 143). Pain intensity and interference of pain with function were assessed during hospitalisation (day 1 to day 7 postoperatively) and followed up by telephone at 2 weeks and then at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery.

Results

Moderate‐to‐severe pain when coughing and moving was reported in over 85% during hospitalisation, and a significant difference in pain was found between those undergoing a thoracotomy (61%) and those having video‐assisted surgery (34%). Many patients whose immediate postoperative pain was poorly managed tended to report high pain levels after discharge and continued to have clinically important chronic pain 6 months after surgery. The pain intensity mean score during movement in the first five postoperative days was an important predictor of clinically important chronic pain, and those experiencing severe acute pain during hospitalisation had a higher probability of developing chronic pain.

Conclusions

Postoperative pain after thoracic surgery warrants greater attention because those experiencing severe acute pain during hospitalisation have a higher probability of developing chronic pain. Aggressive pain management and multimodal analgesia are recommended to prevent long‐term suffering in patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Chronic pain after thoracic surgery remains a challenge in clinical nursing. To improve pain management quality and to prevent the transition of acute postoperative pain to chronic pain, standardised practice protocols and comprehensive physician and nurse education are highly recommended.
Ochratoxin A cytotoxicity on Madin–Darby canine kidney cells in the presence of alpha‐tocopherol: Effects on cell viability and tight junctions
Authors: Fusi E. , Giromini C. , Rebucci R. , Pinotti L. , Caprarulo V. , Cheli F. , Vitari F. , Domeneghini C. , Baldi A.
Published: March 2017

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxic fungi metabolite that affects animal and human health. At the cellular level, OTA is able to alter functions and viability by several mechanisms of action. Several strategies to counteract its toxicity have been studied. We investigated the role of α‐tocopherol in counteracting OTA oxidative damage in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by pre‐incubating the cells for 3 hr with the antioxidant (1 nm, 10 μm) and then adding OTA (0–1.2 μg/ml) for the following 24 hr. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, TUNEL staining and occludin and Zo1 localization by immunofluorescence were determined. Here, 1 nm α‐tocopherol was shown to significantly reduce (p < .05) the cytotoxicity, LDH release and apoptotic rate induced by OTA. The presence of the antioxidant at the same concentration maintained the localization of occludin and Zo1 in the rim of the MDCK cells after the 24‐hr OTA exposure. These results indicate that a low concentration of α‐tocopherol could block OTA toxicity, supporting its defensive role in the cellular membrane.
Giving Voice to Persons With Intellectual Disabilities About Family Quality of Life
Authors: Correia Raquel Alveirinho , Seabra‐Santos Maria João , Campos Pinto Paula , Brown Ivan
Published: March 2017

Research in the field of disability should include the voice of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), since these individuals are considered to be the experts on their own experiences. Quality of life (QoL) is a worldwide concept that has been studied in many areas, including ID. Since about the year 2000, researchers have studied QoL of families in many countries around the world, but this body of research has mostly reflected the views of the main caregiver of the person with ID. The major purpose of this study was to give voice to persons with ID, and to explore their perspectives about their FQoL. Four focus groups were conducted with 17 men and women with ID (mild and moderate), aged between 16 and 53 years old. Full transcriptions of the focus group discussions were analyzed with the NVivo 10 software. The findings showed that persons with ID identify family relationships as the most important dimension for FQoL and that some differences between younger and older participants existed. Ethical and practical challenges, as well as the implications for research and intervention are discussed. The inclusion of individuals with ID as informants in research is a way to value their point of view, empower them, and recognize the knowledge that they are able to bring to research.
Memory effects of sleep, emotional valence, arousal and novelty in children
Authors: Vermeulen Marije C. M. , van der Heijden Kristiaan B. , Benjamins Jeroen S. , Swaab Hanna , van Someren Eus J. W.
Published: March 2017

Effectiveness of memory consolidation is determined by multiple factors, including sleep after learning, emotional valence, arousal and novelty. Few studies investigated how the effect of sleep compares with (and interacts with) these other factors, of which virtually none are in children. The present study did so by repeated assessment of declarative memory in 386 children (45% boys) aged 9–11 years through an online word‐pair task. Children were randomly assigned to either a morning or evening learning session of 30 unrelated word‐pairs with positive, neutral or negative valenced cues and neutral targets. After immediately assessing baseline recognition, delayed recognition was recorded either 12 or 24 h later, resulting in four different assessment schedules. One week later, the procedure was repeated with exactly the same word‐pairs to evaluate whether effects differed for relearning versus original novel learning. Mixed‐effect logistic regression models were used to evaluate how the probability of correct recognition was affected by sleep, valence, arousal, novelty and their interactions. Both immediate and delayed recognition were worse for pairs with negatively valenced or less arousing cue words. Relearning improved immediate and delayed word‐pair recognition. In contrast to these effects, sleep did not affect recognition, nor did sleep moderate the effects of arousal, valence and novelty. The findings suggest a robust inclination of children to specifically forget the pairing of words to negatively valenced cue words. In agreement with a recent meta‐analysis, children seem to depend less on sleep for the consolidation of information than has been reported for adults, irrespective of the emotional valence, arousal and novelty of word‐pairs.
Homeostatic response to sleep/rest deprivation by constant water flow in larval zebrafish in both dark and light conditions
Authors: Aho Vilma , Vainikka Maija , Puttonen Henri A. J. , Ikonen Heidi M. K. , Salminen Tiia , Panula Pertti , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , Wigren Henna‐Kaisa
Published: March 2017

Sleep—or sleep‐like states—have been reported in adult and larval zebrafish using behavioural criteria. These reversible quiescent periods, displaying circadian rhythmicity, have been used in pharmacological, genetic and neuroanatomical studies of sleep–wake regulation. However, one of the important criteria for sleep, namely sleep homeostasis, has not been demonstrated unequivocally. To study rest homeostasis in zebrafish larvae, we rest‐deprived 1‐week‐old larvae with a novel, ecologically relevant method: flow of water. Stereotyped startle responses to sensory stimuli were recorded after the rest deprivation to study arousal threshold using a high‐speed camera, providing an appropriate time resolution to detect species‐specific behavioural responses occurring in a millisecond time‐scale. Rest‐deprived larvae exhibited fewer startle responses than control larvae during the remaining dark phase and the beginning of the light phase, which can be interpreted as a sign of rest homeostasis—often used as equivalent of sleep homeostasis. To address sleep homeostasis further, we probed the adenosinergic system, which in mammals regulates sleep homeostasis. The adenosine A1 receptor agonist, cyclohexyladenosine, administered during the light period, decreased startle responses and increased immobility bouts, while the adenosine antagonist, caffeine, administered during the dark period, decreased immobility bouts. These results suggest that the regulation of sleep homeostasis in zebrafish larvae consists of the same elements as that of other species.
Quantitative and qualitative approaches to early‐modern networks: The case of George Herbert (1593–1633) and his imitators
Authors: Townend Jenna
Published: March 2017

During the last two decades, studies of early‐modern networks (whether literary, social, religious, or intellectual) have often used the analytical concept of the network as a convenient metaphor. As a result, studies have not always recognized the benefits of analysing these structures through the methodologies of network analysis. The theoretical approaches and tools of network analysis have been employed in disciplines including social sciences, but only recently have scholars explored the usefulness of such quantitative methodologies within literary‐historical studies. Using a case study of the network of imitators surrounding the devotional poet, George Herbert, this essay reconsiders scholarly approaches to early‐modern literary and intellectual networks. It demonstrates how, when combined with qualitative data from textual analysis, the visual and mathematical tools of quantitative network analysis offer new ways of understanding the configurations of such groups. By moving away from using the term “network” as a metaphor, the essay shows how the perspective provided by quantitative network analysis can complement more familiar scholarly approaches of close textual analysis. Ultimately, its explication and application of these combined qualitative and quantitative research methods challenges scholars to consider how appropriating scientific methods from the field of network analysis can provide answers not only to questions about social relationships but also about questions of aesthetic practices and influence within early‐modern texts.
Can pulses play a role in improving cardiometabolic health? Evidence from systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Viguiliouk Effie , Blanco Mejia Sonia , Kendall Cyril W.C. , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: March 2017

Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) present important unmet prevention and treatment challenges. Dietary pulses are sustainable, affordable, and nutrient‐dense foods that have shown a wide range of health benefits in the prevention and management of these conditions. Despite these findings, recommendations for pulse intake continue to vary across chronic disease guidelines, and intake levels continue to remain low. Here, we summarize findings from recent systematic reviews and meta‐analyses assessing the relationship between dietary pulse consumption and cardiometabolic health and assess the overall strength of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. We conclude that systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of prospective cohort studies assessing the relationship between legumes and the risk of coronary heart disease appear to provide moderate‐quality evidence of a benefit, and several systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of pulses on cardiometabolic risk factors provide low‐ to moderate‐quality evidence of a benefit. There remains an urgent need, however, for more high‐quality prospective cohort studies and large, high‐quality, randomized trials to clarify the benefits of dietary pulses in the prevention and management of overweight/obesity, diabetes, and CVD.
Perceived Conflict and Leader Dominance: Individual and Contextual Factors Behind Preferences for Dominant Leaders
Authors: Laustsen Lasse , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: March 2017

Recent research finds that political candidates and leaders with dominant, masculine physical features are more preferred under conditions of conflict than of cooperation. Importantly, however, methodological limitations of past research have hindered the identification of whether this effect reflects that voters intuitively view (1) dominant leaders as more competent in solving problems of conflict, (2) nondominant leaders as more competent in solving problems of cooperation, or (3) both. In this article, we utilize recent advances in evolutionary psychology to form precise predictions on the nature of the underlying psychology and employ an unprecedented array of data types—including highly controlled experiments, natural experiments, and behavioral measures—to investigate the validity of these predictions. Using large approximately nationally representative surveys of 2,009 Poles and Ukrainians fielded during the Crimea crisis in 2014, we find that preferences for leader dominance are exclusively driven by the intuition that dominant leaders are better able to facilitate aggressive responses during social conflict and that these preferences are regulated by contextual conditions and individual predispositions related to such responses.
“Put Yourself in Their Shoes”: Testing Empathy's Ability to Motivate Cosmopolitan Behavior
Authors: Faulkner Nicholas
Published: March 2017

Political theorists have long contemplated the concept of cosmopolitanism, yet almost no empirical studies have investigated how individuals can be encouraged to act as ethical cosmopolitans in practice. This article reports the findings of an experiment designed to investigate the effect of empathy on cosmopolitan‐helping behavior. The extent to which empathy may be useful in motivating cosmopolitan behavior has been the subject of substantial debate among political theorists. Empathy was manipulated using a perspective‐taking technique adapted from social psychological research, and the extent to which individuals were willing to engage in cosmopolitan helping was measured. Results showed that perspective taking increased cosmopolitan helping and that empathy mediated that effect. Furthermore, empathy was found to predict cosmopolitan helping even after controlling for several related constructs. Overall, results indicate that increasing empathy by encouraging people to take the perspective of distant individuals is a promising way to foster cosmopolitan helping.
Estimating the Treatment Effect on the Treated Under Time-Dependent Confounding in an Application to the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Gran Jon Michael , Hoff Rune , Røysland Kjetil , Ledergerber Bruno , Young James , Aalen Odd O.
Published: March 2017

When comparing time varying treatments in a non-randomized setting, one must often correct for time-dependent confounders that influence treatment choice over time and that are themselves influenced by treatment. We present a new two-step procedure, based on additive hazard regression and linear increments models, for handling such confounding when estimating average treatment effects on the treated. The approach can also be used for mediation analysis. The method is applied to data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, estimating the effect of antiretroviral treatment on time to acquired immune deficiency syndrome or death. Compared with other methods for estimating the average treatment effects on the treated the method proposed is easy to implement by using available software packages in R.
Professional commitment: Does it buffer or intensify job demands?
Authors: Nesje Kjersti
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether professional commitment can be seen as a moderator in the relationship between job demands and emotional exhaustion among Norwegian nurses. Inspired by the job demands‐resources model, this study explores whether having a strong commitment to the nursing profession can be seen as a resource that buffers the effect of job demands on emotional exhaustion or, conversely, intensifies the impact of job demands. A survey that comprised Norwegian nurses who had graduated three years previously (N = 388) was conducted. Multiple regression was performed to test the hypothesis. The results provide support to a buffering effect; thus, individuals with a higher degree of professional commitment conveyed a weaker association between job demands and emotional exhaustion compared with nurses with a lower degree of commitment. Developing a better understanding of the potential buffering effect of professional commitment is of great interest. The present study is the first to utilize professional commitment as a resource within the job demands‐resources framework.
A Thermal Resistance Model for Problems Involving Chemical Reactions and Phase Transition
Authors: Mor Yoash , Gany Alon
Published: March 2017

This paper formulates a modified thermal resistance model (MTRM) for dealing with heat transfer situations involving heat sources from chemical reactions or phase transition. The modified thermal resistance model describes the various heat transfer mechanisms by three common thermal resistors, radiation, convection, and conduction (in media with no internal mass diffusion), adding a new coupled thermal resistor that stands for conduction and enthalpy flow in the gas phase. Similarly to the classical thermal resistance approach, the present model is valid for one-dimensional, quasi-steady heat transfer problems, but it can also handle problems with an internal chemical heat generation source. The new thermal resistance approach can be a useful modular tool for solving relatively easily and quickly complex problems involving chemical reactions and phase transition, such as combustion problems.
The Ability of the Landing Error Scoring System to Detect Changes in Landing Mechanics: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Pointer Claire E. , Reems Tyler D. , Hartley Emily M. , Hoch Johanna M.
Published: March 2017

Clinical Question:

Is there evidence to suggest that the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is able to detect functional changes in landing mechanics in healthy individuals after participation in an injury prevention program (IPP)?

Clinical Bottom Line:

In a healthy, physically active population, there is strong evidence to support the use of the LESS as an outcome measure for changes in landing mechanics after the implementation of IPPs. Clinicians should consider the LESS as an evaluative tool for measuring the efficacy of IPPs in clinical practice.
A Sodium Drink Enhances Fluid Retention During 3 Hours of Post-Exercise Recovery When Ingested With a Standard Meal
Authors: Evans Gethin H. , Miller Jennifer , Whiteley Sophie , James Lewis J.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of water and a 50 mmol/L NaCl solution on postexercise rehydration when a standard meal was consumed during rehydration. Eight healthy participants took part in two experimental trials during which they lost 1.5 ± 0.4% of initial body mass via intermittent exercise in the heat. Participants then rehydrated over a 60-min period with water or a 50 mmol/L NaCl solution in a volume equivalent to 150% of their body mass loss during exercise. In addition, a standard meal was ingested during this time which was equivalent to 30% of participants predicted daily energy expenditure. Urine samples were collected before and after exercise and for 3 hr after rehydration. Cumulative urine volume (981 ± 458 ml and 577 ± 345 mL; p = .035) was greater, while percentage fluid retained (50 ± 20% and 70 ± 21%; p = .017) was lower during the water compared with the NaCl trial respectively. A high degree of variability in results was observed with one participant producing 28% more urine and others ranging from 18–83% reduction in urine output during the NaCl trial. The results of this study suggest that after exercise induced dehydration, the ingestion of a 50 mmol/L NaCl solution leads to greater fluid retention compared with water, even when a meal is consumed postexercise. Furthermore, ingestion of plain water may be effective for maintenance of fluid balance when food is consumed in the rehydration period.
The Relationship Between Training Load and Injury in Men’s Professional Basketball
Authors: Weiss Kaitlyn J. , Allen Sian V. , McGuigan Mike R. , Whatman Chris S.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To establish the relationship between the acute:chronic workload ratio and lower-extremity overuse injuries in professional basketball players over the course of a competitive season.

Methods:

The acute:chronic workload ratio was determined by calculating the sum of the current week’s session rating of perceived exertion of training load (acute load) and dividing it by the average weekly training load over the previous 4 wk (chronic load). All injuries were recorded weekly using a self-report injury questionnaire (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Injury Questionnaire20). Workload ratios were modeled against injury data using a logistic-regression model with unique intercepts for each player.

Results:

Substantially fewer team members were injured after workload ratios of 1 to 1.49 (36%) than with very low (≤0.5; 54%), low (0.5–0.99; 51%), or high (≥1.5; 59%) workload ratios. The regression model provided unique workload–injury trends for each player, but all mean differences in likelihood of being injured between workload ratios were unclear.

Conclusions:

Maintaining workload ratios of 1 to 1.5 may be optimal for athlete preparation in professional basketball. An individualized approach to modeling and monitoring the training load–injury relationship, along with a symptom-based injury-surveillance method, should help coaches and performance staff with individualized training-load planning and prescription and with developing athlete-specific recovery and rehabilitation strategies.