bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rain‐induced deep‐seated catastrophic rockslides controlled by a thrust fault and river incision in an accretionary complex in the Shimanto Belt, Japan
Authors: Arai Noriyuki , Chigira Masahiro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo clarify the geological causes of rockslides induced by rainstorms in accretionary complexes, the geology and geomorphology of two large rockslides (volumes > 106 m3) induced by the heavy rainfall of Typhoon Talas in the Shimanto Belt, Kii Mountains, Japan in 2011 are investigated. Our analysis reveals that thrusts with brittle crush zones controlled the occurrence of the rockslides. The properties and distribution of thrusts were poorly constrained before this study. Flooding during the rainstorm removed surface materials along rivers, allowing thorough geological mapping to be performed. Gravitationally deformed slopes were studied using GIS analysis of 1 m digital elevation models (DEMs) and fieldwork, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, permeability, and direct shear tests were used to characterize the mineralogy and geotechnical properties of fault gouge. The Kawarabi thrust has a brittle crush zone up to 6 m thick and acts as the sliding surface for both landslides. The thrust dips 34° downslope and is cut by high‐angle faults and joints along one or both sides of each landslide body. Prior to failure, the upper part of the slope contained small scarps, suggesting that the slopes were already gravitationally deformed. The slope instability can be attributed to long‐term river erosion, which has undercut the slope and exposed the thrust at the base of the slope. The groundwater level, monitored in boreholes, suggests that the Kawarabi thrust is a barrier to groundwater flow. The weak and impermeable nature of the thrust played an essential role in the generation of gravitational slope deformation and catastrophic failure during periods of increased rainfall. Thrusts are a common feature of accretionary complexes, including in the Shimanto Belt, and the mechanism of slope failure stated above can be typical of rockslides in accretionary complexes and provide new insights into landslide disaster mitigation.
Aged neutrophils accumulate in lymphoid tissues from healthy elderly mice and infiltrate T‐ and B‐cell zones
Authors: Tomay Federica , Wells Kelsi , Duong Lelinh , Tsu Jean Wei , Dye Danielle E , Radley‐Crabb Hannah G , Grounds Miranda D , Shavlakadze Tea , Metharom Pat , Nelson Delia J , Jackaman Connie 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe average age of the human population is rising, leading to an increasing burden of age‐related diseases, including increased susceptibility to infection. However, immune function can decrease with age which could impact on processes that require a functional immune system. Aging is also characterized by chronic low‐grade inflammation which could further impact immune cell function. While changes to neutrophils in blood during aging have been described, little is known in aging lymphoid organs. This study used female C57BL/6J mice comparing bone marrow (BM), spleen and lymph nodes from young mice aged 2–3 months (equivalent to 18 human years) with healthy elderly mice aged 22–24 months (equivalent to 60–70 human years). Neutrophil proportions increased in BM and secondary lymphoid organs of elderly mice relative to their younger counterparts and presented an atypical phenotype. Interestingly, neutrophils from elderly spleen and lymph nodes were long lived (with decreased apoptosis via Annexin V staining and increased proportion of BrdUneg mature cells) with splenic neutrophils also demonstrating a hypersegmented morphology. Furthermore, splenic neutrophils of elderly mice expressed a mixed phenotype with increased expression of activation markers, CD11b and ICAM‐1, increased proinflammatory TNFα, yet increased anti‐inflammatory transforming growth factor‐beta. Elderly splenic architecture was compromised, as the marginal zone (required for clearing infections) was contracted. Moreover, neutrophils from elderly but not young mice accumulated in lymph node and splenic T‐ and B‐cell zones. Overall, the expansion of functionally compromised neutrophils could contribute to increased susceptibility to infection observed in the elderly.
Utility of the Hospital Admission Risk Programme diabetes risk calculator in identifying patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of unplanned hospital presentations
Authors: McGrath Rachel T. , Dryden Justin C. , Newlyn Neroli , Pamplona Elline , O'Dea Judy , Hocking Samantha L. , Glastras Sarah J. , Fulcher Gregory R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevention of hospitalisation is an important aspect of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management.AimsWe retrospectively determined the utility of the Hospital Admission Risk Programme (HARP) diabetes risk calculator (HARP tool) in identifying patients with T2D more likely to have unplanned hospital presentations.MethodsThe HARP tool includes a clinical assessment score (Part A) and a psychosocial and self‐management impact score (Part B), and categorises patients into low, medium, high or urgent risk of acute hospitalisation. It was completed for T2D patients attending Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, in 2013.ResultsWithin the cohort of 278 patients (age 65.3 ± 10.5 years; 62.9% male; diabetes duration 10.7 ± 6.6 years), 67.3% were classified as low risk, 32.7% as medium risk and none as high or urgent risk. Following adjustment for confounders, a medium HARP score was associated with a 3.1‐fold increased risk of unplanned hospital presentations in the subsequent 12 months (95% confidence interval: 1.35–7.31; P = 0.008). Part A scores were significantly higher for patients that presented to hospital compared to those that did not (14.2 ± 6.8 vs 11.4 ± 5.5; P = 0.034), whereas there was no difference in Part B scores (P = 0.860).ConclusionsIn patients with low and medium HARP scores, clinical features were more predictive of hospital presentations than certain psychosocial or self‐management factors in the present cohort. Further studies are required to characterise unplanned hospitalisation in patients with higher HARP scores, or whether additional psychosocial assessments could improve the tool's predictability.
Effect of dilute concentrations of Sm on the temperature‐dependent electrical and dielectric properties of ZnO
Authors: Arora Deepawali , Asokan Kandasami , Kumar Sunil , Kaur Simranpreet , Kaur Parvinder , Singh Gurinder Pal , Mahajan Aman , Kalia Sameer , Kalia Neerja , Seth Kriti , Kaur Puneet , Singh Davinder P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCompounds of undoped and samarium (Sm) doped ZnO have been prepared by standard solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Williamson‐Hall (W‐H) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), temperature‐dependent electrical and dielectric studies have been done to characterize these materials. Inclusion of Sm as dopant in hexagonal wurtzite ZnO changes the lattice parameters to a small extent with some Sm aggregation at higher concentration. Also, the mean particle sizes of ZnO:Sm compounds showed an inter‐correlation with the Scherrer method, W‐H analysis as well as with TEM results. The electrical resistivity depicts an exponential decay and metal‐semiconductor transition (MST) at ~300 K for the pristine sample whereas there is large decrement in the resistivity with Sm doping. The analysis of σac of ZnO suggests that the power law is obeyed and indicated an increase in the ac conductivity with Sm content. The mechanism behind this type of conductivity is elucidated by small polaron tunneling (SPT) model of conductivity. The dependence of ln dc on the temperature inverse shows that the traps of electrons are thermally activated such that low and high temperature activation energies confirm the presence of vacancies and interstitials of both O and Zn ions. Thus, a high value of dielectric constant makes these materials suitable for high frequency and charge storage device applications.
The experiences and preparedness of family carers for best interest decision‐making of a relative living with advanced dementia: A qualitative study
Authors: Carter Gillian , McLaughlin Dorry , Kernohan W. George , Hudson Peter , Clarke Mike , Froggatt Katherine , Passmore Peter , Brazil Kevin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimTo explore the experience and the preparedness of family carers in their caregiving role as best interest decision‐makers of a relative living with advanced dementia.BackgroundThe prevalence of dementia is a global issue. The role of being a carer of a relative living with dementia does not necessarily lessen once they are admitted to a nursing home. Best interest decision‐making including end‐of‐life care decisions need to be made and reaching these choices can be challenging. The preparedness of family carers in this role needs greater understanding.DesignDescriptive qualitative study.MethodsDuring 2015 twenty semi‐structured interviews were conducted of family carers of nursing home residents living with advanced dementia, then analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were identified: (1) Caring for someone living with dementia. The impact on the carer's holistic well‐being and their experience of being a best interest decision‐maker; (2) Accessing support. The influential nature of formal and informal networks; (3) Perceived knowledge and understanding of the dementia trajectory of carers and nursing staff.ConclusionThe experiences and preparedness of informal carers is a reflection of their personal response, but the distress experienced highlights the significant need of adequate support availability and of enhancing nursing staffs’ dementia expertise to maximize their role in facilitating best interest decision‐making. This has significant implications for nursing practice and for service user and nursing staff education. Considering the global impact of dementia, our findings have international relevance to similar nursing homes across the world.
Occupational mobility among individuals in entry‐level healthcare jobs in the USA
Authors: Snyder Cyndy R. , Dahal Arati , Frogner Bianca K. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to explore career transitions among individuals in select entry‐level healthcare occupations.BackgroundEntry‐level healthcare occupations are among the fastest growing occupations in the USA. Public perception is that the healthcare industry provides an opportunity for upward career mobility given the low education requirements to enter many healthcare occupations. The assumption that entry‐level healthcare occupations, such as nursing assistant, lead to higher‐skilled occupations, such as Registered Nurse, is under‐explored.DesignWe analysed data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, which is a nationally representative and publicly available longitudinal survey of US households.MethodsUsing longitudinal survey data, we examined the job transitions and associated characteristics among individuals in five entry‐level occupations at the aide/assistant level over 10 years timeline (2003–2013) to determine whether they stayed in health care and/or moved up in occupational level over time.Results/FindingsThis study found limited evidence of career progression in health care in that only a few of the individuals in entry‐level healthcare occupations moved into occupations such as nursing that required higher education. While many individuals remained in their occupations throughout the study period, we found that 28% of our sample moved out of these entry‐level occupations and into another occupation. The most common “other” occupation categories were “office/administrative” and “personal care/services occupations.” Whether these moves helped individuals advance their careers remains unclear.ConclusionEmployers and educational institutions should consider efforts to help clarify pathways to advance the careers of individuals in entry‐level healthcare occupations.
Crafting messages to promote water conservation: Using time‐framed messages to boost conservation actions in the United States and China
Authors: Zhuang Jie , Lapinski Maria Knight , Peng Wei 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGrounded in construal‐level theory (CLT), this experiment examines how messages with different temporal frames (i.e., present‐ vs. future‐framed) influence individuals' perceptions of, and reactions to, water conservation. One hundred ninety‐three participants, 99 from China and 94 from the United States, participated in this study. Results indicated that a present‐framed message results in more positive attitudes toward water conservation than the future‐framed message. Participants who scored higher on individual future‐time orientation show stronger behavioral intention to conserve water than participants who scored lower. A significant interaction between temporal message framing and country emerged such that the future‐framed message resulted in greater behavioral intention for Chinese participants than their U.S. counterparts whereas the present‐framed message did not differentially influence Chinese and U.S. participants. Implications of findings for theory‐building and application are discussed.
Bayesian analyses detect a history of both vicariance and geodispersal in Neotropical freshwater fishes
Authors: Machado Carolina Barros , Galetti Pedro Manoel , Carnaval Ana Carolina 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimAmong the main biogeographical hypotheses explaining the remarkable diversity of fishes in the Neotropics is the “palaeogeographical hypothesis”, focusing on vicariance, and the “hydrogeological hypothesis”, focusing on geodispersal. Yet while reflecting different processes, they may result in similar biogeographical patterns. We employed a model‐based Bayesian approach to test these alternative hypotheses and determine which shaped the phylogeographical patterns observed in a group of Neotropical fishes.LocationSouth America.TaxonSalminus.MethodsWe used mitochondrial and nuclear markers to infer phylogenetic relationships and estimate divergence times among Salminus species, associating the results with known geological events. We then employed approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to explore changes in population size over time, asking whether vicariance or geodispersal events best explain the phylogeographical signature observed in the data. Because geodispersal captures a few individuals from a parental population, which can then expand and lead to a new lineage, we expect to find genetic signatures of a founder event following population expansion under this scenario, but not under vicariance.ResultsThe analyses suggest that the diversification process in Salminus began in Upper Miocene, and ABC indicates that it involved both vicariance and geodispersal events: while a vicariance event better explains the phylogeographical structure within S. brasiliensis and the genetic patterns of differentiation between S. sp. Amazon and S. sp. Araguaia, geodispersal appears to have been the most important event structuring lineages of Salminus hilarii.Main ConclusionsBoth vicariance and geodispersal signatures were detected in our biological model, inferring a complex yet realistic demographic history of Salminus lineages. The correspondence between the ABC results and traditional phylogeographical interpretations provide further confidence in the models drawn and tested. This study reinforces the value of applying an ABC framework in phylogeographical studies, particularly for those interested in testing alternative and biologically plausible processes underlying similar biogeographical patterns.
Analysing successful massive open online courses using the community of inquiry model as perceived by students
Authors: Cohen A. , Holstein S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis research examines the characteristics that contributed to the success of massive open online courses (MOOCs) in the fields of software, sciences, and management using data mining and semantic analysis together with content analysis. A total of 3,460 reviews regarding 5 different MOOCs that received a 5/5 grade were extracted from the CourseTalk website and analysed according to the community of inquiry model. It was found that, as well as in academic online courses, the characteristics that contributed to MOOCs' success were distributed between all 3 presence elements according to the community of inquiry model: teaching (36%), social (23%), and cognitive (36%; and technological [5%]). This is contrary to the perception that MOOCs mostly contain teaching presence elements. The four leading characteristics were teacher, exercise, atmosphere, and workload. Cluster analysis resulted in 5 types of students with similar presence element preferences. This shows that successful MOOCs enable students with different preferences to consume content and activities according to their individual preferences. These findings could be the base of future research on the subject of adapting MOOC activities and content to students' varied preferences, as well as further understanding the characteristics that contribute to successful MOOCs or other fully online courses.
Challenges and limitations in the diagnosis of atrioesophageal fistula
Authors: Ha Francis J. , Han Hui‐Chen , Sanders Prashanthan , Teh Andrew W. , O'Donnell David , Farouque Omar , Lim Han S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionAtrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a dire complication of atrial fibrillation ablation. The diagnostic yield of computed tomography (CT) chest, the role and timing of repeat testing, and the value of other investigations in the diagnosis of AEF is uncertain.MethodsWe systematically reviewed published AEF cases to evaluate radiological, bedside, and biochemical investigations for AEF (registered on PROSPERO [CRD42017077493]).ResultsEighty‐seven articles with 126 patients (median age, 59 years; male, 71%) were included in the analysis. CT chest was performed in 88% (111/126) and was abnormal in 87%. A clear diagnosis of AEF (fistula/perforation) was only detected in 35% (34/97). Other major findings included free air in mediastinum (26%), left atrium (LA), or LA wall (24%). In 11 patients with normal/nonspecific initial CT chest, major abnormalities were detected in 91% (10/11) of repeat CT chest performed 6 days (median; range, 4–22) after initial scan. Initial CT head was normal in 51%; diffuse air emboli was identified in 79% (22/28). Initial transthoracic echocardiography was normal in 61% of cases. The spectrum of radiological abnormalities included Air (mediastinum/LA), Effusion (pleural/pericardial), Fistula/Perforation, and Thickening (esophagus/LA) ‐ “AEF‐Tests.” Esophagram demonstrated contrast extravasation in 87% (13/15). Blood culture was consistently positive (100%; 28/28), particularly for streptococcus species (93%; 26/28).ConclusionThe diagnosis of AEF remains challenging. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations in the yield of CT chest, the variety of major abnormalities reported, the need for repeat testing, unique brain imaging findings, and the importance of positive blood cultures and raised inflammatory markers.
Skin temperature in youth soccer players with functional equinus and non‐equinus condition after running
Authors: Rodriguez‐Sanz D. , Losa‐Iglesias M.E. , Becerro de Bengoa‐Vallejo R. , Palomo‐Lopez P. , Beltran‐Alacreu H. , Calvo‐Lobo C. , Navarro‐Flores E. , Lopez‐Lopez D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo check how a thermal IR camera can check skin temperature in gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus condition and non‐gastrocnemius‐soleus condition in youth soccer players and thus detect association between the extensibility of the triceps surae (with gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus and non‐gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus) and the muscle temperature pattern.DesignA cross‐sectional study secondary level of care.MethodsSample from an elite soccer academy in Madrid (Spain) 35 healthy male subjects (youth soccer players) age 12.82 ± 1.07 years, height 158.68 ± 10.79 cm, weight 49.19 ± 9.45 kg, body mass index 19.41 ± 2.25. The exclusion criteria were the presence of musculoskeletal and joint injuries, pelvic pain, ankle sprains, low back pain and use of drugs in the previous week, and scoliosis.ResultsTemperature value for gastrocnemius muscles and Achilles tendon were assessed in 35 youth soccer players from an academia before and after training in both 12 gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus and 23 non‐gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus soccer players conditions. State absolute for gastrocnemius soleus condition obtained a 0.34 value (0.19–0.5); we found a significant increase in temperature among these conditions for the gastrocnemius (P = 0.028) and the Achilles tendon (P = 0.007) (confidence interval 95%). The temperature of gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus for gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon was increased more than non‐gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus in youth soccer players.ConclusionsIR imaging captured temperature is associated with muscle pattern activation for lower limb. Based on our findings, we propose that infrared thermography evaluation of the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon is suitable to differ gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus and non‐gastrocnemius‐soleus equinus conditions in youth soccer players.
Bedside reasoning on causes and mechanisms of diseases in the era of precision medicine: a timeless story?
Authors: Lipsker D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis is a short reflection about bedside reasoning in clinical medicine, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between causes and mechanisms of diseases. All complex/sporadic diseases result from interactions between a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The main disease mechanisms resulting in clinical signs involve inflammation, insult of vessels or nerves, pharmacological or hormonal dysfunction, altered metabolism and overload, tumoral proliferations, intrinsic dysfunction, malformation and traumatism. Different mechanisms can occur during the same disease process. The practical consequences of identifying causes and mechanisms of diseases are illustrated. As a unifying concept, a very simple diagnostic flow chart that puts the patient, and not the disease, into centre of reflection and that bridges the gap between basic knowledge and patient care is provided. This diagnostic flow chart helps both the experienced physician and the medical student to perform a complete diagnostic process, addressing the specificities of the clinical findings, the pathogenesis and the causative factors, an aim that has become possible in the era of precision medicine. Two examples of patients with a dermatologic presentation highlight this diagnostic process, which paves the way to rational therapy and to translational research.
Précising definitions as a way to combat overdiagnosis
Authors: Rogers Wendy A. , Walker Mary J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRoughly, overdiagnosis (ODx) occurs when people are harmed by receiving diagnoses (often accompanied by interventions) that do not benefit them, usually because the diagnosed conditions do not pose a threat to their health. ODx is a theoretical as well as a practical problem as it relates to definitions of disease. Elsewhere, it has been argued that disease is a vague concept and that this vagueness may contribute to ODx. In response, we develop a stipulative or précising definition of disease, for the specific purpose of decreasing or preventing ODx. We call this diseaseODx, aimed at distinguishing cases where it would be beneficial to identify (and treat the condition) from those where diagnosis is more likely to harm than benefit. A preliminary definition of diseaseODx is that X is a diseaseODx iff there is dysfunction that has a significant risk of causing severe harm.This paper examines the 3 concepts in this definition, using a naturalistic account of function, a Feinbergian account of comparative harm, and a probabilistic understanding of risk. We then test the utility of this approach using examples of clinical conditions that are currently overdiagnosed.