bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Executive Function Declines in the First 6 Months After a Transient Ischemic Attack or Transient Neurological Attack
Authors: van Rooij Frank G. , Plaizier Nicole O. , Vermeer Sarah E. , Góraj Bozena M. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Richard Edo , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Kessels Roy P.C. , van Dijk Ewoud J. 
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose—
Although by definition transient, both transient ischemic attack (TIA) and transient neurological attack (TNA) are associated with cognitive impairment. Determinants and course of cognitive function afterward are, however, unclear. We prospectively determined cognitive performance after TIA and TNA in relation to clinical diagnosis and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) results.

Methods—

TIA and TNA patients aged ≥45 years without prior stroke or dementia underwent comprehensive cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging within 7 days after the qualifying event. Cognitive tests were repeated after 6 months. Domain-specific compound
z
scores based on the baseline mean and SD were calculated. Repeated-measures analysis was used to test for differences in domain-specific cognitive performance over time between DWI-positive and DWI-negative patients, as well as between TIA and TNA patients.

Results—

One hundred twenty-one patients were included (mean age (SD), 64.6 years (9.2 years), 60% TIA and 40% TNA) of whom 32 (26%) had a DWI lesion. Executive function performance decreased over time (mean change in compound score −0.23;
P
=0.01 adjusted for age, sex, education), whereas attention improved (0.11;
P
=0.02), and information processing speed and episodic memory remained unchanged. Patients with a DWI lesion had worse executive function at baseline than those without a DWI lesion (compound scores −0.26 versus 0.08;
P
=0.048), which persisted throughout the study period (
P
=0.04). Clinical diagnosis (TIA or TNA) was not related to cognitive function over time.

Conclusions—
Executive function declines during the first 6 months after TIA or TNA. Patients with an initial DWI lesion have persisting worse executive function than those without.
Modelling Evolutionary Algorithms with Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Heredia Jorge Pérez 
Published: November 2017

There has been renewed interest in modelling the behaviour of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) by more traditional mathematical objects, such as ordinary differential equations or Markov chains. The advantage is that the analysis becomes greatly facilitated due to the existence of well established methods. However, this typically comes at the cost of disregarding information about the process. Here, we introduce the use of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) for the study of EAs. SDEs can produce simple analytical results for the dynamics of stochastic processes, unlike Markov chains which can produce rigorous but unwieldy expressions about the dynamics. On the other hand, unlike ordinary differential equations (ODEs), they do not discard information about the stochasticity of the process.We show that these are especially suitable for the analysis of fixed budget scenarios and present analogues of the additive and multiplicative drift theorems from runtime analysis. In addition, we derive a new more general multiplicative drift theorem that also covers non-elitist EAs. This theorem simultaneously allows for positive and negative results, providing information on the algorithm's progress even when the problem cannot be optimised efficiently. Finally, we provide results for some well-known heuristics namely Random Walk (RW), Random Local Search (RLS), the (1+1) EA, the Metropolis Algorithm (MA), and the Strong Selection Weak Mutation (SSWM) algorithm.
Forming Judgements and Contributing to Debates: Religion and Contemporary Society
Authors: Carmichael Lucas 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This essay explores the materials, assignments, and approaches of a lower-division introductory undergraduate course, Religion and Contemporary Society. Based on my experiences at the University of Colorado at Boulder, I propose that, with support, sustained engagement with theory enriches more traditional approaches by cultivating critical thinking skills and inviting undergraduate students to learn about and participate in ongoing conversations and debates in the academic study of religion.
Semantics and the Study of Religion
Authors: Davis G. Scott 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis essay argues that the approach to meaning articulated by Donald Davidson supplies all the student of religion needs to know about this subject. By focusing on interpretation as understood by Davidson, we can understand, for example, the beliefs and practices of a people such as the Dogon of Mali. By adding to this the evidence of ethnography and history, students of religion can give a compelling account of change and adjudicate between competing analyses.
Relocation of Alona manueli Sinev &amp; Zawisza 2013 and a new closely related species from the Ecuadorian Andes to the new genus Alpinalona (Cladocera, Chydoridae, Aloninae)
Authors: ALONSO MIGUEL , SINEV ARTEM Y. 
Published: November 2017

Alpinalona gen. nov. is described for two species found in high altitude localities of continental North America and South America: Alona manueli (Sinev & Zawisza, 2013) from the Neovolcanic Mexican Axis and Alpinalona cajasi gen. et sp. nov from El Cajas National Park (Ecuador). The new genus is separated from Hexalona and allies by the absence of limb VI and filter plate V; from Anthalona, Coronatella and the elegans-group by having seven setae on exopodite III, and by the presence of a well-developed seta 1 on the IDL of limb III; from Alona s. str. (quadrangularis-group) and Ovalona, by two main head pores, lateral head pores located close to main pores, and by a bilobed exopodite V; from Ovalona by the presence of seta (i) and inner setae 2–3 on limb I, and setae 4–5 of exopodite III being of same size; and from Alona s. lato by weakly developed marginal denticles of postabdomen, clusters of thin setulae on ventral surface of limb I, and by plumose setae 5–6 of exopodite IV. Alpinalona cajasi sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from A. manueli by the following characteristics: prominent posterodorsal angle of carapace; broader headshield; longer PP distance; and postanal marginal denticles organized into groups.
Coronary bypass in left ventricular dysfunction and differential cardiac recovery
Authors: Lozonschi Lucian , Kohmoto Takushi , Osaki Satoru , De Oliveira Nilto C , Dhingra Ravi , Akhter Shahab A , Tang Paul C 
Published: November 2017

Background We aimed to examine the efficacy of surgical revascularization with respect to improvement in ventricular function and survival in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and poor left ventricular function. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 429 patients (median age 64.6 years, 81.1% male) with ejection fractions <40% undergoing isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting from 2000 to 2016. Techniques included on-pump cardioplegic arrest ( n = 312), off-pump ( n = 75), and on-pump beating heart ( n = 42). Propensity matching was performed to compare the cardioplegic arrest group ( n = 114) with the combined off-pump and beating heart groups ( n = 114). Results Postoperatively, ejection fraction increased by 10.1% ± 13.1% (from 31.4% ± 7.1% to 41.6% ± 13.6%; p < 0.001) and mitral regurgitation grade improved ( p < 0.001) but right ventricular function on echocardiographic assessment worsened over time ( p = 0.04). No difference in ejection fraction improvement was seen in the time periods <1 (9.8% ± 11.2%), 1–5 (11.6% ± 14.5%), and >5 (8.8% ± 14.2%) years ( p = 0.442). Following propensity matching, there was no significant difference between the combined off-pump/beating heart and cardioplegic arrest groups with respect to survival or postoperative complications. Conclusions Patients with moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction experience long-term improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction after coronary artery bypass. However, right ventricular function often continues to decline, contributing to persistent or worsening heart failure symptoms and late mortality. No difference in survival was seen between the 2 techniques.
Understanding how a palliative-specific patient-reported outcome intervention works to facilitate patient-centred care in advanced heart failure: A qualitative study
Authors: Kane Pauline M , Ellis-Smith Clare I , Daveson Barbara A , Ryan Karen , Mahon Niall G , McAdam Brendan , McQuillan Regina , Tracey Cecelia , Howley Christine , O’Gara Geraldine , Raleigh Caroline , Higginson Irene J , Murtagh Fliss EM , Koffman Jonathan 
Published: November 2017

Background: Palliative care needs of patients with chronic heart failure are poorly recognised. Policy makers advise a patient-centred approach to holistically assess patients’ needs and care goals. Patient-reported outcome measures are proposed to facilitate patient-centred care. Aim: To explore whether and how a palliative care–specific patient-reported outcome intervention involving the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale influences patients’ experience of patient-centred care in nurse-led chronic heart failure disease management clinics. Design: A feasibility study using a parallel mixed-methods embedded design was undertaken. The qualitative component which examined patients and nurses experience of the intervention is reported here. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using framework analysis. Setting/participants: Eligible patients attended nurse-led chronic heart failure disease management clinics in two tertiary referral centres in Ireland with New York Heart Association functional class II–IV. Nurses who led these clinics were eligible for inclusion. Results: In all, 18 patients and all 4 nurses involved in the nurse-led clinics were interviewed. Three key themes were identified: identification of unmet needs, holistic assessment and patient empowerment. The intervention impacted on processes of care by enabling a shared understanding of patients’ symptoms and concerns, facilitating patient–nurse communication by focusing on these unmet needs and empowering patients to become more involved in clinical discussions. Conclusion: This Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale–based intervention empowered patients to become more engaged in the clinical consultation and to highlight their unmet needs. This study adds to the evidence for the mechanism of action of patient-reported outcome measures to improve patient-centred care and will help inform outcome selection for future patient-reported outcome measure research.
Feasibility of a novel intervention to improve participation after stroke
Authors: Stark Susan , Keglovits Marian , Somerville Emily , Hu Yi-Ling , Conte Jane , Yan Yan 
Published: November 2017

Introduction Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. With shorter inpatient hospital stays, more time in rehabilitation is devoted to medical stabilization and less on skills to regain independence in daily activities. The transition home may be an opportunity for intervention focused on regaining independence. We propose an enhanced rehabilitation transition program called Community Participation Transition after Stroke. Method A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, parallel-group pilot study was completed with 15 participants to demonstrate feasibility. Findings Fidelity to the protocol was achieved: The Community Participation Transition after Stroke group received 81% of the planned minutes and 83% of the intervention visits. There was no difference between groups for healthcare utilization or falls. Adherence was 85% at three months and 71% at nine months for the home modification intervention. At 6 months, scores improved by 17.39 points for the Community Participation Transition after Stroke group, and 1.30 points for the control group. Environmental barriers decreased in both groups. Conclusion This pilot study demonstrated that it is feasible to implement a community participation intervention during the period of transitioning home from inpatient rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Additional studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of the intervention.
Peripheral vagal nerve stimulation modulates the nociceptive withdrawal reflex in healthy subjects: A randomized, cross-over, sham-controlled study
Authors: De Icco Roberto , Martinelli Daniele , Bitetto Vito , Fresia Mauro , Liebler Eric , Sandrini Giorgio , Tassorelli Cristina 
Published: November 2017

Introduction The mechanism of action of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation in the treatment of migraine is elusive. We studied its effect in a human model of pain, the nociceptive withdrawal reflex. Methods We enrolled 10 healthy subjects who underwent active non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation and sham treatment in a randomized, cross-over, sham-controlled study. Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation was delivered with gammaCore®. The assessment of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex was performed at baseline (T0) and at 5 (T5) and 30 (T30) minutes after stimulation. Results Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation significantly increased the reflex threshold to single stimulus at both T5 and T30 and the temporal summation threshold at T30. Sham treatment did not modify any parameters. Discussion These findings are consistent with a modulation of central descending pathways for pain control. An altered spinal and supraspinal control of pain has been described in primary headache, so this effect may partially explain the therapeutic effect of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation.
Palliative Care Issues and Challenges in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khraisat Omar Mohammad , Hamdan Mahmoud , Ghazzawwi Mohannad 
Published: November 2017

Background: Nurses are the heart of the palliative care team who provide high standards of care since they spend the longest time with patients. However, lack of adequate knowledge of palliative care is considered as one of the main obstacles to palliative care improvement. Aim: A survey was conducted to assess Saudi nursing students’ knowledge about palliative care. Methods: Using a descriptive design, 154 students who enrolled in first year and who will graduate within 1 year were surveyed in a nursing college located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN) was used to assess students’ knowledge. Results: The sample mean age was 22.1 (standard deviation (SD): 2.2), and most of the students were predominately female (93; 60.4%) and the majority were senior students who will be graduated within the current academic year (105; 68.2%). The total mean score of palliative care knowledge was low at 7.30 (SD: 0.56; range: 0-13), and the number of correctly answered statements ranged from 16 (10.4%, statement no. 7) to 91 (59.1%, statement no. 18). Eleven misconceptions about palliative care among participants are conceptually categorized into 3categories: principle and philosophy of palliative care, pain and symptom management, and psychological and spiritual care. Conclusion: Integrating palliative care education within the nursing programs is the backbone to improve nursing students’ knowledge, namely, in principles of palliative care and symptom management.
Estimation of overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening using a non-homogeneous multi-state model: A simulation study
Authors: Wu Wendy Y-Y , Nyström Lennarth , Jonsson Håkan 
Published: November 2017

Objectives Overdiagnosis is regarded as a harm of screening. We aimed to develop a non-homogeneous multi-state model to consider the age-specific transition rates for estimation of overdiagnosis, to validate the model by a simulation study where the true frequency of overdiagnosis can be calculated, and to compare our estimate with the cumulative incidence method. Methods We constructed a four-state model to describe the natural history of breast cancer. The latent disease progression and the observed states for each individual were simulated in a trial with biennial screening of women aged 51–69 and a control group of the same size without screening. We performed 100 repetitions of the simulation with one million women to evaluate the performance of estimates. A sensitivity analysis with reduced number of controls was performed to imitate the data from the service screening programme. Results Based on the 100 repetitions, the mean value of the true frequency of overdiagnosis was 12.5% and the average estimates by the cumulative incidence method and the multi-state model were 12.9% (interquartile range: 2.46%) and 13.4% (interquartile range: 2.16%), respectively. The multi-state model had a greater bias of overdiagnosis than the cumulative incidence method, but the variation in the estimates was smaller. When the number of unscreened group was reduced, the variation of multi-state model estimates increased. Conclusions The multi-state model produces a proper estimate of overdiagnosis and the results are comparable with the cumulative incidence method. The multi-state model can be used in the estimation of overdiagnosis, and might be useful for the ongoing service screening programmes.
Evolution of the National Breast Screening Programme in Ireland: Two-year interval analysis (2004–2013) of BreastCheck
Authors: Fitzpatrick Patricia E , Greehy Gráinne , Mooney Marie T , Flanagan Fidelma , Larke Aideen , Connors Alissa , O’Doherty Ann 
Published: November 2017

Objective Monitoring breast screening programmes is essential to ensure quality. BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme in the Republic of Ireland, commenced screening in 2000, with full national expansion in 2007, and digital mammography introduced in 2008. We aimed to review the performance of BreastCheck from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2013. Methods Using the customised clinical and administrative database, performance indicator data were collected from BreastCheck and compared with programme and European guideline standards. Results Over the decade, 972,236 screening examinations were performed. Uptake initially rose following national expansion, but fell in the subsequent years to <70% in 2012–2013. Following the introduction of digital mammography, initial recall rates increased from 5.2% in 2004–2005 to 8.1% in 2012–2013. Subsequent recall rates remained within the target of <3%. On average, invasive cancer detection rates were 6.6/1000 for initial and 4.5/1000 for subsequent women. Small cancer detection rates were for <15 mm 43.4% (initial women) and 51.7% (subsequent) and for ≤10 mm 24.0% (initial) and 29.5% (subsequent). Ductal carcinoma in situ detection as a percentage of all cancers averaged 21.2% for initial and 20.0% for subsequent women. The majority were intermediate or high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. The positive predictive value was 11.9% for initial and 21.8% for subsequent women. Standardized detection ratios remained above the programme target. Conclusion Revised indicators to reflect the digital mammography era are anticipated in revised European Guidelines on breast cancer screening.
Conflict between nursing student’s personal beliefs and professional nursing values
Authors: Pickles David , Lacey Sheryl de , King Lindy 
Published: November 2017

Background: Studies have established that negative perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS exist among nursing students throughout the world, perceptions which can be detrimental to the delivery of high-quality nursing care. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore socio-cultural influences on the perceptions of nursing students towards caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. Research design: The study was guided by stigma theory, a qualitative descriptive research approach was adopted. Data collected via semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. Participants and research context: Participants were 21 international and Australian undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing programme at an Australian university. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval was granted by the Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee at the study university. Participation was entirely voluntary; informed consent was obtained before the study commenced; confidentiality and anonymity were assured. Findings: Three major themes were found: blame, othering and values. Complex and interrelated factors constructed participant perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS, perceptions underscored by the prevailing culturally construed blame and othering associated with HIV/AIDS. The study found discordance between the negative personal beliefs and perceptions some nursing students have towards people living with HIV/AIDS, and the professional values expected of them as Registered Nurses. Discussion: There was considerable commonality between this and previous studies on how homosexuality and illicit drug use were perceived and stigmatised, correlating with the blame directed towards people living with HIV/AIDS. These perceptions indicated some nursing students potentially risked not fulfilling the ethical and professional obligations the Registered Nurse. Conclusion: Nursing curriculum should be strengthened in relation to comprehending the meaning of being stigmatised by society. Educational institutions need to work towards enhancing strategies that assist nursing students to reconcile any incongruity between their personal beliefs and requisite professional nursing values.
A Thematic Analysis of the Challenges and Work-Life Balance of Women Entrepreneurs Working in Small-Scale Industries
Authors: Pareek Purvi , Bagrecha Chaya 
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this research is to understand the various challenges and the work–life balance of women entrepreneurs working in small-scale industries (SSI), and to develop models for the same. The paper discusses the various viewpoints of women entrepreneurs of SSI given by them in personal interviews and explores in detail the difficulties and problems they face from generation to setting up of enterprise and making it run successfully. It also talks about the difficulties they face from society and the kind of anxiety and fear they have to overcome to reach this stage. This exploratory report is the result of a pilot study that has been conducted using thematic analysis to discover solutions for the same. Qualitative research method is being used for the pilot study conducted using thematic analysis by gathering data from personal interviews. The two most important challenges faced by women entrepreneurs managing small scale industries relate to socio-personal issues and managing relationships. Identification of challenges and work–life balance issues faced by women entrepreneurs in SSI and development of models for the same, that can be used for further research by academicians & by various Government and academic institutions for training and development, contributing to the growth of women entrepreneurs in India. The research is an honest attempt to realize the various challenges and work–life balance issues an Indian woman entrepreneur faces in SSI, so that models can be developed, leading to more woman participation and contributing to entrepreneurial growth.