bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medication adherence in women with epilepsy who are planning pregnancy
Authors: Ernst Lia de Leon , Harden Cynthia L. , Pennell Page B. , Llewellyn Nichelle , Lau Connie , Barnard Sarah , Bartfeld Eyal , French Jacqueline A. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectiveThis study examines medication adherence among women with epilepsy via use of an electronic diary, as part of a prospective multicenter observational study designed to evaluate fertility in women with epilepsy (WWE) versus age‐matched controls.MethodsWWE and healthy age‐matched controls, seeking pregnancy, were given an iPod Touch using a customized mobile application (the WEPOD App) for daily data tracking. Eighty‐six WWE tracked seizures and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Tracking of nonepilepsy medications was optional. Diary data were counted from enrollment date until date of delivery, or up to 12 months if pregnancy was not achieved. Each day that subjects reported missing one or more AED was counted as nonadherence. Because adherence can only be determined in women who track consistently, we elected to include adherence data only for women who tracked >80% of days in the study.ResultsApproximately 75% of WWE tracked >80% of days and were included in medication adherence data analysis. In this group, medication adherence rate was 97.71%; 44% of women admitted to missing an AED on at least 1 day. Among the subgroup of WWE who recorded nonepilepsy medications, AED adherence rate was 98.56%, versus 93.91% for non‐AEDs.SignificanceThe 75% compliance rate with an electronic diary suggests that it may be useful to track medication adherence in future studies and in the clinical setting. In those who tracked, the observed medication adherence rate was considerably higher than the 75% adherence rate seen in previous epilepsy studies. This might be explained in part by selection bias, but may also result from properties of the diary itself (daily reminders, real time feedback given to the provider). Women reported a higher rate of adherence to AEDs than to other prescribed medications and supplements, suggesting that perceived importance of medications likely influences medication adherence, and warrants future study.
The industrialization of farming may be driving virulence evolution
Authors: Rozins Carly , Day Troy 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFarming practices have changed dramatically over the years. The industrialization of farming has provided parasites with an abundance of hosts and is thought to have influenced parasite evolution. For example, the parasite that causes the highly contagious poultry disease, Marek's disease, has evolved over the past 60 years into a highly virulent pathogen. It is assumed that the industrialization of the industry and vaccination have selected for more virulent strains of the virus. Here, with the use of an impulsive differential equation model, we investigate how modern broiler farm practices could independently lead to virulence evolution. Our model suggests that longer cohort durations and more densely stocked barns both select for less virulent strains of the virus. Our model also suggests that if intensive cleaning between cohorts does not rid the barn of disease, it may drive evolution and cause the disease to become more virulent.
The Safe Yield and Climatic Variability: Implications for Groundwater Management
Authors: Loáiciga Hugo A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMethods for calculating the safe yield are evaluated in this paper using a high‐quality and long historical data set of groundwater recharge, discharge, extraction, and precipitation in a karst aquifer. Consideration is given to the role that climatic variability has on the determination of a climatically representative period with which to evaluate the safe yield. The methods employed to estimate the safe yield are consistent with its definition as a long‐term average extraction rate that avoids adverse impacts on groundwater. The safe yield is a useful baseline for groundwater planning; yet, it is herein shown that it is not an operational rule that works well under all climatic conditions. This paper shows that due to the nature of dynamic groundwater processes it may be most appropriate to use an adaptive groundwater management strategy that links groundwater extraction rates to groundwater discharge rates, thus achieving a safe yield that represents an estimated long‐term sustainable yield. An example of the calculation of the safe yield of the Edwards Aquifer (Texas) demonstrates that it is about one‐half of the average annual recharge.
Optimization of home treatment in haemophilia: effects of transmural support by a haemophilia nurse on adherence and quality of life
Authors: Lock J. , Raat H. , Peters M. , Scholten M. , Beijlevelt M. , Oostenbrink R. , Leebeek F.W.G. , Moll H.A. , Cnossen M.H. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundTransmural support by a haemophilia nurse may improve treatment and may empower parents and patients.AimTo measure the effect of structured home visits by a haemophilia nurse in (parents of) patient on aspects of prophylactic home treatment.MethodsA multicentre intervention study in two paediatric haemophilia treatment centres was performed. Primary outcome measures were: adherence to prescribed treatment, health‐related quality of life and behavioural scores. Secondary outcome measures were: total clotting factor consumption, self‐efficacy and number of joint bleeds.ResultsOver a period of 22 months (median, IQR 21–23), four to seven home visits in 46 patients (mean age 9.4 ± 4.2 years) were made. No difference in adherence to prescribed treatment was seen after the home visits when compared to baseline measurements. Both the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) scales on ‘Role functioning – Emotional/Behavioural’ (P = 0.02, d = 0.53) and ‘Parental Time Impact’ (P = 0.04, d = 0.33) were reduced after intervention. The disease‐specific Haemo‐QoL questionnaire showed improvement in domains: ‘Family’ (P = 0.04, d = −0.14), ‘Friends’ (P = 0.03, d = −0.29) and ‘Perceived support’ (P = 0.03, d = −0.37). Significant improvement was observed with regard to domain ‘Communication’ of the VERITAS‐Pro scale (P = 0.03, d = −0.28).ConclusionsAfter a period of transmural care by a haemophilia nurse, significant but small positive effects were demonstrated with regard to communication and increase of perceived support between parents and haemophilia treatment centre. No improvement was observed in other outcome measures.
Hydrophobicity‐modulating self‐assembled morphologies of α‐zein in aqueous ethanol
Authors: An Baozhen , Wu Xiaochen , Li Mingjie , Chen Yijun , Li Fei , Yan Xiaofei , Wang Jialin , Li Chaoxu , Brennan Charles 
Published: October 2016

SummaryProtein fibrillation serves a broad range of biological functions from surface colonising to mechanically reinforcing structures; it is also associated with the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Although fibrillation is considered to be an inherent ability of polypeptides to form backbones, relevant studies have long concentrated on aqueous‐soluble proteins rather than on insoluble structures. In this study, the self‐assembly of hydrophobic proteins into amyloid nanofibrils was studied using α‐zein as a model protein. The self‐assembled morphologies of α‐zein were determined by hydrophobic–hydrophilic characters of both the protein and the solvent. Upon thermally incubating in aqueous ethanol, α‐zein formed amyloid nanofibrils with lower ethanol compositions and near‐neutral pHs, while acidic conditions and high ethanol compositions result in the formation of spherical aggregations. The fibrillation of α‐zein shows a great potential in serving as bio‐based gels or reinforced fillers in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Oxygen‐ion conduction in scandia‐stabilized zirconia‐ceria solid electrolyte (xSc2O3–1CeO2–(99−x)ZrO2, 5 ≤ x ≤ 11)
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Jaiswal Abhishek , Sanbui Mohit , Omar Shobit 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at intermediate temperature (500°C‐700°C) provide advantages of better durability, lower cost, and wider target application market. In this work, we have studied Sc2O3 (5‐11 mol%) stabilized ZrO2–CeO2 as a potential solid electrolyte for application in IT‐SOFCs. Lower Sc2O3 doping range than the traditional 11 mol% Sc2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 is an interesting research topic as it could potentially lead to an electrolyte with reduced oxygen vacancy ordering, lower cost, and higher mechanical strength. XRD and Raman spectroscopy was used to study the phase equilibrium in ZrO2–CeO2–Sc2O3 system and impedance spectroscopy was done to estimate the grain, grain boundary, and total ionic conductivities. Maximum for the grain and grain‐boundary conductivities as well as the tetragonal‐cubic phase boundary was found at 8‐9 Sc2O3 mol% in ZrO2‐1 mol% CeO2 system. It is suggested that the addition of 1 mol% CeO2 in the ZrO2 host lattice has improved the phase stability of high‐conductivity cubic and tetragonal phases at the expense of low‐conductivity t′‐ and β‐phases.
Elastic constants of polycrystalline Ti3AlC2 and Ti3SiC2 measured using coherent inelastic neutron scattering
Authors: Gray Veronica , Kisi Erich H. , Kirstein Oliver , Stampfl Anton P. J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe magnitude of the single‐crystal elastic constant c44 in the MAX phase Ti3SiC2 is under debate. In this paper, estimates for the magnitude of c44 for MAX phases Ti3AlC2 and Ti3SiC2 are determined from a partially oriented polycrystalline sample via coherent inelastic neutron scattering. The largely quasi‐isotropic nature of these Mn+1AXn phase elastic constants as previously predicted by density functional theory calculations is confirmed experimentally for Ti3AlC2 to be c44=115.3 ± 30.7 GPa. In contrast, Ti3SiC2 is confirmed to be shear stiff with c44=402.7 ± 78.3 GPa supporting results obtained by earlier elastic neutron diffraction experiments.
Left Atrial Size and Left Ventricular End‐Systolic Dimension Predict the Progression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation
Authors: LIAO YING‐CHIEH , LIAO JO‐NAN , LO LI‐WEI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , HU YU‐FENG , CHAO TZE‐FAN , CHUNG FA‐PO , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , TE ABIGAIL LOUISE D. , WALIA ROHIT , YAMADA SHINYA , LIN CHUNG‐HSING , LIN CHIN‐YU , CHANG YAO‐TING , ALLAMSETTY SURESH , YU WEN‐CHUNG , HUANG JING‐LONG , WU TSU‐JUEY , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: October 2016

Predictors of AF Progression After AblationIntroductionAlthough rare, some paroxysmal atrial fibrillations (AF) still progress despite radiofrequency (RF) ablation. In the study, we evaluated the long‐term efficacy of RF ablation and the predictors of AF progression.MethodsA total of 589 paroxysmal AF patients (404 men and 185 women; aged 54 ± 12 years) who received 3‐dimensional mapping and ablation were enrolled. Their clinical parameters and electrophysiological characteristics were collected. They were divided into Group 1 (N = 13, with AF progression) and Group 2 (N = 576, no AF progression). AF progression was defined as recurrence of persistent AF.ResultsGroup 1 patients had larger left atrial (LA) diameter, larger left ventricle (LV) end‐systolic and end‐diastolic diameters, poorer LV systolic function, and more amiodarone use at baseline. After 1.2 ± 0.5 procedures, 123 (21%) patients experienced recurrence during 56 ± 29 months’ follow‐up. In the multivariate analysis, LA diameter (P = 0.018, HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02–1.24) and LV end‐systolic diameter (P = 0.005, HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03–1.17) independently predicted AF progression. LA diameter >43 mm and LV end‐systolic diameter >31 mm were the best cut‐off values for predicting AF progression by ROC analysis. AF progression rate achieved 19% if they had both larger LA diameter (>43 mm) and LV end‐systolic diameter (>31 mm).ConclusionRF ablation prevents the progression of paroxysmal AF effectively, except in patients with increased LA diameter and LV end‐systolic diameter on echocardiogram, suggesting more aggressive rhythm control therapies should be considered in these patients.
A new forest pest in Europe: a review of Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) invasion
Authors: Valenta V. , Moser D. , Kapeller S. , Essl F. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this publication, we review the biology, ecology, invasion history, impacts and management options of Emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus plannipennis, with a particular focus on its invasion in Europe. Agrilus planipennis (EAB) is a wood‐boring beetle native to East Asia. Having caused massive damages on ash species in North America in the last decades, it was first recorded in Europe in 2003 in Russia (Moscow). All ash (Fraxinus) species native to Europe and North America are known to be susceptible to EAB attacks, which cause high tree mortality even among formerly healthy trees. Recorded expansion rates are between 2.5 and 80 km/year in North America and between 13 and 41 km/year in European Russia. Given current expansion rates, EAB is expected to reach Central Europe within 15–20 years. A combination of mechanical, biological and chemical control and phytosanitary measures may reduce its impact, which nevertheless most likely will be substantial. There is an urgent need to identify native enemies in Europe, to test suitable biocontrol agents and to develop early detection and management measures. Although it is obvious that EAB will become a major pest in Europe, early and dedicated response will likely be able to reduce the level of ash mortality, and thus improve the opportunity for long‐term survival of ash as an important component in European forests.
Societal perceptions of male nurses inSouthKorea:A Q‐methodological study
Authors: Kim Ick‐Jee , Kim Sang‐Hee , Sohn Sue‐Kyung 
Published: October 2016

AimOne of the remarkable changes in today's nursing profession is the emergence of male nurses. In order to promote the development of nursing, it would be beneficial for a positive perception of male nurses to be established in society. This study identified the public perceptions of male nurses inSouthKorea by usingQmethodology and offered basic strategies for enhancing the perception of male nurses.MethodsAQ‐methodological approach, suitable for subjective research, was used for a survey. Q statements were based on 600Qconcourses that were collected through a literature review and individual interviews. Thirty‐seven finalQstatements were selected from those. ThePsample was collected from 45 persons who were likely to represent a diverse range of views about male nurses. The collected data were analyzed withPQMethod software; a principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify the patterns of the public's perception of male nurses.ResultsFour distinct perspectives were identified: progressive occupational; conservative occupational; negative occupational; and supportive occupational.ConclusionThis study provided strategies for improving the public's views of male nurses in a conservative country with gender stereotypes. These findings also could attract more male nurses into the profession and increase their retention.
Maternal protein restriction during gestation and lactation in the rat results in increased brain levels of kynurenine and kynurenic acid in their adult offspring
Authors: Honório de Melo Martimiano Paula , de Sa Braga Oliveira André , Ferchaud‐Roucher Véronique , Croyal Mikaël , Aguesse Audrey , Grit Isabelle , Ouguerram Khadija , Lopes de Souza Sandra , Kaeffer Bertrand , Bolaños‐Jiménez Francisco 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEarly malnutrition is a risk factor for depression and schizophrenia. Since the offspring of malnourished dams exhibit increased brain levels of serotonin (5‐HT), a tryptophan‐derived neurotransmitter involved in the pathophysiology of these mental disorders, it is believed that the deleterious effects of early malnutrition on brain function are due in large part to altered serotoninergic neurotransmission resulting from impaired tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. However, tryptophan is also metabolized through the kynurenine (KYN) pathway yielding several neuroactive compounds including kynurenic (KA), quinolinic (QA) and xanthurenic (XA) acids. Nevertheless, the impact of perinatal malnutrition on brain kynurenine pathway metabolism has not been examined to date. Here, we used ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous quantification of tryptophan and a set of seven compounds spanning its metabolism through the serotonin and kynurenine pathways, in the brain of embryos and adult offspring of rat dams fed a protein‐restricted (PR) diet. Protein‐restricted embryos showed reduced brain levels of Trp, serotonin and KA, but not of KYN, XA, or QA. In contrast, PR adult rats exhibited enhanced levels of Trp in the brainstem and cortex along with increased concentrations of 5‐HT, kynurenine and XA. The levels of XA and KA were also increased in the hippocampus of adult PR rats. These results show that early protein deficiency induces selective and long‐lasting changes in brain kynurenine metabolism. Given the regulatory role of KYN pathway metabolites on brain development and function, these changes might contribute to the risk of developing psychiatric disorders induced by early malnutrition.image
‘Clinical Chatter’: every nurse informed
Authors: Talbott Carolyn , Watson Lynn , Tariman Joseph , Sorenson Matthew 
Published: October 2016

Aims and objectivesTo assess the acceptability and usability of a standardised communication tool for nurses.Background and significanceCommunication is key in health care. On a daily, if not hourly, basis, nursing staff is inundated with new information regarding tools and resources, practice changes and the work environment. However, there is currently no standardised messaging or delivery method to effectively communicate new information. Even with a plethora of communication tools such as flyers, posters, emails, unit huddles and unit meetings, there is no means to guarantee attendance to crucial information.DesignDescriptive, cross‐sectional online survey, implemented at a nonacademic, suburban hospital with 280 nurses.MethodsThe Clinical Chatter, an online tool developed by nursing leadership to standardise messages regarding the organisation, new tools and resources, professional development, recognition and unit updates, was delivered to each nurse on a weekly basis followed by administration of Acceptability and Usability scales.ResultsThe Clinical Chatter tool has adequate acceptability and usability as a method of communication among nurses in a hospital organisation. Sociodemographic variables of age and years of experience had no statistically significant association with perceived acceptance and usefulness of the tool.ConclusionThe findings indicate that the Clinical Chatter tool can be used as a standardised communication tool to deliver key information among nurses working in a hospital organisation. Nursing leadership must establish and support a clear communication system to enhance patient care and outcomes and improve nursing job satisfaction.Relevance to clinical practiceCommunication is vital to advancing health care. Lack of communication among nursing has been linked to unsafe patient care: medication errors, unhealthy work environments and decreased nurse retention rates. Clinical Chatter is an effective communication tool for presentation of institutional information to nursing personnel.
Yihiella yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov. (suessiaceae, dinophyceae), a novel dinoflagellate isolated from the coastal waters of Korea
Authors: Jang Se Hyeon , Jeong Hae Jin , Moestrup Øjvind , Kang Nam Seon , Lee Sung Yeon , Lee Kyung Ha , Seong Kyeong Ah 
Published: October 2016

A small (7–11 μm long) dinoflagellate with thin amphiesmal plates was isolated into culture from a water sample collected in coastal waters of Yeosu, southern Korea, and examined by LM, SEM, and TEM, and molecular analyses. The hemispheric episome was smaller than the hyposome. The nucleus was oval and situated from the central to the episomal region of the cell. A large yellowish‐brown chloroplast was located at the end of the hyposome, and some small chloroplasts extended into the periphery of the episome. The dinoflagellate had a single elongated apical vesicle (EAV) and a type E eyespot, which are key characteristics of the family Suessiaceae. Unlike other genera in this family, it had two long furrow lines, one on the episome and the other on the hyposome, and encircling the dorsal, and lateral sides of the cell body. The pyrenoid lacked starch sheaths, but tubular invaginations into the pyrenoid matrix from the cytoplasm were observed. In the TEM, the dinoflagellate was observed to have cable‐like structures (CLSs) near the eyespot but so far not observed in other dinoflagellates. The SSU rDNA sequences examined were 1.2%–5.1% different from those of other genera in the family Suessiaceae, whereas the LSU (D1‐D3) rDNA sequences of this dinoflagellate were 15.1%–31.5% different. The dinoflagellate lacked a 51‐bp fragment in domain D2 of the LSU rDNA, but it had an ~100‐bp fragment in domain D2. This feature has been found previously only in the genera Leiocephalium and Polarella, two other genera of the Suessiaceae. The molecular phylogeny and sequence divergence based on SSU, and LSU rDNA indicate that the Korean dinoflagellate holds a taxonomically distinctive position and we consider it to be a new species in a new genus in the family Suessiaceae, named Yihiella yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov.
The promise and pitfalls of β‐diversity in ecology and conservation
Authors: Myers Jonathan A. , LaManna Joseph A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA key challenge in ecology and conservation is to determine how processes at different scales create variation in community composition (β‐diversity). In this issue, Oldén & Halme show that grazers increase β‐diversity through multiple processes at different scales. We discuss how β‐diversity can elucidate fundamental processes of community assembly, challenges in linking processes to patterns, and unresolved questions across scales.
It's Politics, Stupid! Political Constraints Determined Governments' Reactions to the Great Recession
Authors: Gunzinger Fabian , Sturm Jan‐Egbert 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThis paper quantifies the effect of political constraints, as measured by legislative control by the incumbent government, on the size of fiscal stimulus packages that have been put in place as a reaction to the Great Recession. On average, political constraints reduced the size of a country's fiscal stimulus package by between 1 and 2.7 percentage points of GDP. This finding is robust to a number of alternative dependent variables, control variables, and sample specifications and is in line with the widely held, but never tested, perception that political reality limits the de facto application of discretionary fiscal policy as reaction to economic shocks.
The Effects of 9/11 on Attitudes toward Immigration and the Moderating Role of Education
Authors: Schüller Simone 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe 9/11 terror attacks are likely to have induced an increase in anti‐immigrant and anti‐foreigner sentiments, not only among US residents but also beyond US borders. Using unique longitudinal data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel and exploiting exogenous variation in interview timing throughout 2001, I find that the 9/11 events caused an immediate shift of around 40 percent of one within‐standard deviation to more negative attitudes toward immigration and resulted in a considerable decrease in concerns over xenophobic hostility among the German population. The quasi‐experiment 9/11 provides evidence on the relevance of non‐economic factors in attitude formation and the role of education in moderating the negative terrorism shock. Additional descriptive analysis suggests that the effects have also been persistent in the years after the attacks.