bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of family needs in children with physical disabilities: development of a family needs inventory
Authors: Alsem M. W. , Siebes R. C. , Gorter J. W. , Jongmans M. J. , Nijhuis B. G. J. , Ketelaar M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundValid tools to assess family needs for children with physical disabilities are needed to help tune paediatric rehabilitation care processes to individual needs of these families. To create such a family needs inventory, needs of families of children with a physical disability (age 0–18 years) were identified. We examined differences in the number and type of needs listed by families when asked for by means of an interview compared with using an inventory.MethodsForty‐nine families of children with a wide variety of physical disabilities (mean age 7.7 years; SD 4.6) participated in semi‐structured interviews, focusing on family needs. They also checked an inventory of 99 items (based on a previously conducted literature review), regarding their family needs. In addition, individual interviews with healthcare professionals, and panel meetings with healthcare professionals and parents were held to further identify relevant family needs for the inventory.ResultsThe individual parent and healthcare professional interviews raised 41 needs that were not included in the original inventory of 99 items. Moreover, the panel meetings raised a further 49 needs. After restructuring and reformulating several items, a 187‐item Family Needs Inventory – Paediatric Rehabilitation (FNI‐PR) was created. The parent interviews revealed significantly less family needs (mean number of needs = 10.8; SD = 6.0) compared with using the inventory (mean number of needs = 31.7; SD = 19.7) (P < 0.0001). Most expressed family needs were related to both general and specific information concerning the child's development and treatment, aids and information about legislation and to rules relating to compensation of costs.ConclusionBased on responses of parents and healthcare professionals the FNI‐PR has been developed, a comprehensive inventory for family needs that can be used in paediatric rehabilitation. An inventory checked by parents resulted in more family needs than a single open‐ended question. The inventory may facilitate the implementation of family‐centred care.
Interactive Mesh Smoothing for Medical Applications
Authors: Mönch Tobias , Lawonn Kai , Kubisch Christoph , Westermann Rüdiger , Preim Bernhard 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSurface models derived from medical image data often exhibit artefacts, such as noise and staircases, which can be reduced by applying mesh smoothing filters. Usually, an iterative adaption of smoothing parameters to the specific data and continuous re‐evaluation of accuracy and curvature is required. Depending on the number of vertices and the filter algorithm, computation time may vary strongly and interfere with an interactive mesh generation procedure. In this paper, we present an approach to improve the handling of mesh smoothing filters. Based on a GPU mesh smoothing implementation of uniform and anisotropic filters, model quality is evaluated in real‐time and provided to the user to support the mental optimization of input parameters. This is achieved by means of quality graphs and quality bars. Moreover, this framework is used to find appropriate smoothing parameters automatically and to provide data‐specific parameter suggestions. These suggestions are employed to generate a preview gallery with different smoothing suggestions. The preview functionality is additionally used for the inspection of specific artefacts and their possible reduction with different parameter sets.
Counterfactual Graphical Models for Longitudinal Mediation Analysis With Unobserved Confounding
Authors: Shpitser Ilya 
Published: July 2013

AbstractQuestions concerning mediated causal effects are of great interest in psychology, cognitive science, medicine, social science, public health, and many other disciplines. For instance, about 60% of recent papers published in leading journals in social psychology contain at least one mediation test (Rucker, Preacher, Tormala, & Petty, 2011). Standard parametric approaches to mediation analysis employ regression models, and either the “difference method” (Judd & Kenny, 1981), more common in epidemiology, or the “product method” (Baron & Kenny, 1986), more common in the social sciences. In this article, we first discuss a known, but perhaps often unappreciated, fact that these parametric approaches are a special case of a general counterfactual framework for reasoning about causality first described by Neyman (1923) and Rubin (1924) and linked to causal graphical models by Robins (1986) and Pearl (2006). We then show a number of advantages of this framework. First, it makes the strong assumptions underlying mediation analysis explicit. Second, it avoids a number of problems present in the product and difference methods, such as biased estimates of effects in certain cases. Finally, we show the generality of this framework by proving a novel result which allows mediation analysis to be applied to longitudinal settings with unobserved confounders.
Localized esophageal eosinophilia: Is it an early manifestation of eosinophilic esophagitis or a subtype of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Authors: Abe Yasuhiko , Iijima Katsunori , Ohara Shuichi , Koike Tomoyuki , Kikuchi Ryousuke , Kato Katsuaki , Shibuya Daisuke , Inomata Yoshifumi , Oikawa Keisuke , Ueno Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2013

Background and AimWe recently encountered patients with localized esophageal eosinophilia in a small area of the esophagus. However, this condition remains to be described in detail, and its clinical significance has not been established. We investigated the clinical, endoscopic and histological features of localized esophageal eosinophilia in comparison with diffuse esophageal eosinophilia.MethodsWe investigated 10 patients with localized esophageal eosinophilia, and compared them with 23 who had diffuse esophageal eosinophilia. Whether esophageal eosinophilia was localized or diffuse was determined on the basis of endoscopic findings. Localized esophageal eosinophilia was defined endoscopically as a focal area of esophageal eosinophilia, whereas diffuse esophageal eosinophilia was defined as a widespread area of esophageal eosinophilia involving more than one of three locations: the upper, middle and lower esophagus. Histological esophageal eosinophilia in the mucosa showing endoscopic abnormality was confirmed by biopsy with a peak of ≥15 eosinophils/high‐power field.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, gender distribution, allergic conditions or peripheral eosinophilia between the two groups. In all cases but one, localized esophageal eosinophilia was observed in a small area above the esophagogastric junction. Esophageal symptoms such as dysphagia, heartburn or chest pain were present in 20% of the localized group and in 65% of the diffuse group, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). The maximum amounts of eosinophils infiltrating the esophageal mucosa did not differ between the groups.ConclusionsEsophageal eosinophilia can be localized in a small area, especially above the esophagogastric junction. Gastric acid reflux or contact may influence this condition in addition to its allergic pathogenesis.
Linking childhood poverty and cognition: environmental mediators of non‐verbal executive control in an Argentine sample
Authors: Lipina Sebastián , Segretin Soledad , Hermida Julia , Prats Lucía , Fracchia Carolina , Camelo Jorge López , Colombo Jorge 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTests of attentional control, working memory, and planning were administered to compare the non‐verbal executive control performance of healthy children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, mediations of several sociodemographic variables, identified in the literature as part of the experience of child poverty, between socioeconomic status and cognitive performance were assessed. Results show: (1) significant differences in performance between groups in most dependent variables analyzed – however, not in all variables associated with attentional control domains; (2) significant indirect effects of literacy activities on working memory and fluid processing domains, as well as computer resources effects on fluid processing; and (3) marginal indirect effects of computer resources on attentional control and working memory domains. These findings extend analysis of the impact of poverty on the development of executive control, through information based on the assessment of combined neurocognitive paradigms and the identification of specific environmental mediators.
Childhood poverty, chronic stress, and young adult working memory: the protective role of self‐regulatory capacity
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Fuller‐Rowell Thomas E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPrior research shows that childhood poverty as well as chronic stress can damage children's executive functioning (EF) capacities, including working memory. However, it is also clear that not all children suffer the same degree of adverse consequences from risk exposure. We show that chronic stress early in life (ages 9–13) links childhood poverty from birth to age 13 to young adult working memory. However, 9‐year‐olds high in self‐regulatory capacity, assessed by a standard delay of gratification protocol, are protected from such insults. Self‐regulatory skills may afford the developing prefrontal cortex some protection from childhood poverty.
Development of the Mini‐Assisting Hand Assessment: evidence for content and internal scale validity
Authors: Greaves Susan , Imms Christine , Dodd Karen , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena 
Published: July 2013

AimTo describe the development of the Mini‐Assisting Hand Assessment (Mini‐AHA) for children with signs of unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) aged 8 to 18 months, and evaluate aspects of content and internal scale validity.MethodThe ability of the video‐recorded Mini‐AHA play session to provoke bimanual performance in children with unilateral CP and typical development was evaluated. Original AHA test items were examined for their suitability for younger children and possible new items were generated. Data from 108 assessments of children with unilateral CP (86 children, 53 males, 33 females; mean age 13mo, SD 3mo, range 8–18mo) were entered into a Rasch measurement model analysis to evaluate internal scale validity. A Spearman's correlation analysis explored the relationship between age and ability measures for children with unilateral CP. The frequency of maximum scores in 40 children with typical development (22 males, 18 females; mean age 12mo, SD 3mo) was examined.ResultsThe Mini‐AHA play session provoked bimanual responses in typically developing children 99% of the time. Person and item fit criteria established 20 items for the scale. The resultant unidimensional scale also demonstrated excellent discriminative features through high separation reliability. The item calibration values covered the range of person ability measures well. Age was not related to the ability measures for children with unilateral CP (rs=0.178). All children with typical development achieved maximum scores.InterpretationAccumulated evidence shows that the Mini‐AHA validly measures use of the affected hand during bimanual performance for children with unilateral CP aged 8 to 18 months. The Mini‐AHA has the potential to be a useful assessment to evaluate functional hand use and the effects of intervention in an age group when potential for change is high.
Transesophageal Echocardiography for Coronary Sinus Imaging in Partially Unroofed Coronary Sinus
Authors: Sun Ting , Fei Hong‐Wen , Huang Huan‐Lei , Chen Ou‐Di , Zheng Zhi‐Chao , Zhang Cao‐Jin , Hou Yue‐Shuang 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundPartially unroofed coronary sinus (PUCS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly and prone to be misdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in CS imaging for the detection of PUCS and to develop a special two‐dimensional TEE‐based en face view of CS.MethodsTwenty adult patients with suspected PUCS, showing a dilated coronary sinus and an enlarged right heart on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), underwent TEE examination. In the mid‐esophageal plane and close to an angle of 120°, the en face view of the CS successfully imaged the roof of the CS, which was beyond the realm of the atrial septum, and the interatrial septum was obtained simultaneously in the same view. Meanwhile, the 3D zoom mode could clearly display the comprehensive volume image and the adjacent structures of the PUCS. The results of TEE were compared with the findings of surgery or catheterization.ResultsEn face view of the CS was obtained successfully by 2DTEE in 20 patients. In addition, 3DTEE was used for imaging of PUCS in 11 of the 20 patients. PUCS was ultimately confirmed in 13 patients either by surgery or catheterization. The TEE for PUCS diagnosis was consistent with the surgical findings.ConclusionTransesophageal echocardiography can be successfully applied to obtain the comprehensive view of CS and its surrounding structures. The en face view of CS provided by 2DTEE may be helpful in better understanding PUCS and discriminating it from associated atrial septal defects.
Left Atrial Work in Patients with Stable Chronic Heart Failure: Factors Associated and Prognostic Role
Authors: Mazzone Carmine , Cioffi Giovanni , Faganello Giorgio , Cherubini Antonella , Tarantini Luigi , Di Lenarda Andrea , Edoardo Russo Tiziano , Selmi Alessandro , Stefenelli Carlo , Furlanello Francesco 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundLimited information is available on left atrial (LA) work in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. We evaluated correlates and prognostic role of LA work in 243 CHF patients using as reference for normal LA work values 230 healthy controls.MethodsLeft atrial work was assessed by computation of LA kinetic energy (LAKE) from the formula: 0.5 × m × A2 where m is LA stroke volume × blood density, and A is transmitral Doppler peak atrial velocity. The prespecified primary endpoint of the study was major cardiovascular (CV) events, a composite endpoint defined as CV death + hospitalization for heart failure (HF).ResultsLeft atrial kinetic energy was 3.9 ± 2.7 in CHF patients and 2.6 ± 1.4 Kdynes/m2 in controls (P < 0.001). Abnormally high LAKE (>5.4 Kdynes/m2 = mean + 2 SD of the controls) was found in 19% of CHF patients and 4% of controls (P < 0.001). LAKE was independently associated with an increased shortening of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal fibers and renal dysfunction. CV death or hospitalization for decompensated HF occurred in 66% and 20% of patients with abnormally high and normal LAKE, respectively (P < 0.001). Abnormally high LAKE, not LA size, was an independent predictor of events hazard ratio (HR) 3.92 [95% CI 1.96–7.84] together with renal dysfunction and lower LV ejection fraction.ConclusionIn CHF patients, LAKE is significantly higher than in healthy controls, the prevalence of abnormally high LAKE is near fivefold higher in the former than in the latter. LAKE depends on systolic LV and renal function and is a strong predictor of CV death and hospitalization for HF. LA work has an incremental prognostic value over LA size.
Attractiveness and competitiveness of irradiated light brown apple moths
Authors: Stringer Lloyd D. , Sullivan Nicola J. , Sullivan Thomas E.S. , Mitchell Vanessa J. , Manning Lee‐Anne M. , Mas Flore , Hood‐Nowotny Rebecca Clare , Suckling David Maxwell 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe sterile insect technique (SIT) potentially provides a socially acceptable approach for insect eradication of new pest incursions. The light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was discovered in Berkeley (CA, USA) in 2006, leading to an incursion response that included this technology. In this study, we assessed factors affecting mating success from a bisex release of irradiated moths: effects of radiation dose on male multiple mating, male flight competition, female sex pheromone titre and attractiveness of irradiated females to males, and identification of successful mating in vineyards of either irradiated or wild males (identified by isotope analysis of spermatophores from sentinel females). There was a significant negative relationship between male radiation dose and mating frequency. In head‐to‐head flights of irradiated males against non‐irradiated males to a pheromone lure in a wind tunnel, irradiated males reached the lure first only 31% of the time. With increasing radiation dose, the production of the major sex pheromone component in females, (E)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate, dropped, from 0.7 ± 0.1 ng per female in non‐irradiated females to 0.2 ± 0.07 ng per female when irradiated at 300 Gy. Male catch was reduced to 11% of control females in traps containing females irradiated at 300 Gy. Isotope analysis of spermatophores found in the bursa copulatrix of females indicated that mating success of irradiated males inside the live (entry‐only) traps containing virgin females was lower (13.1 ± 3.3%) than suggested by male catch (21.2 ± 3.8%) in pheromone traps, the current standard for assessing field competitiveness. Impacts of irradiation on male and female moth fitness should be taken into account to improve estimates of irradiated to wild male E. postvittana overflooding ratios needed for population suppression.
Change in carbon stable isotope ratios of the predatory bug Orius majusculus after dietary shifts
Authors: Madeira Filipe , Di Lascio Antonella , Carlino Pasquale , Costantini Maria Letizia , Pons Xavier 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOrius majusculus Reuter (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is an important component of the pest predatory complex in arable crops in Mediterranean areas. It moves between crops searching for prey, and improving knowledge on its dispersal abilities will help to develop conservation biological control strategies. Stable isotope ratios may be used as a tool for tracking insect movements, as the isotopic composition of insect tissues changes to reflect that of their diet when they undergo dietary shifts on moving between isotopically distinct crops. We carried out laboratory diet switch experiments with a stable isotope approach to infer information on dispersal of O. majusculus individuals among C3 and C4 crops to better understand isotopic field data collections. Switching the aphid food source caused a quick change in δ13C signatures, regardless of the original and final food source. Changes in the δ13C ratio of O. majusculus after diet switching fitted with an exponential model that showed similar turnover rates, and thus half‐lives, between shifting diets up to 20 days. Subsequently, whereas individuals feeding on C4 aphids did not survive, turnover rate decreased in individuals that switched from C4 to C3 aphids. However, δ13C traces from the original source remained in the predator until 25 days after switching, and this is enough time to help determine the movement of O. majusculus between crops in the field and to plan the timing of predator sampling and crop practices that may enhance predator ecological services. Orius majusculus that switched to a maize aphid diet showed different turnover rates between sexes, although this did not influence the pattern of switchover.
To Be Or Not to Be? Variable selection can change the projected fate of a threatened species under future climate
Authors: Harris Rebecca M. B. , Porfirio Luciana L. , Hugh Sonia , Lee Greg , Bindoff Nathan L. , Mackey Brendan , Beeton Nicholas J. 
Published: July 2013

SummarySpecies distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used to project future changes in the geographic ranges of species, to estimate extinction rates and to plan biodiversity conservation. However, these models can produce a range of results depending on how they are parameterized, and over‐reliance on a single model may lead to overconfidence in maps of future distributions. The choice of predictor variable can have a greater influence on projected future habitat than the range of climate models used. We demonstrate this in the case of the Ptunarra Brown Butterfly, a species listed as vulnerable in Tasmania, Australia. We use the Maxent model to develop future projections for this species based on three variable sets; all 35 commonly used so‐called ‘bioclimatic’ variables, a subset of these based on expert knowledge, and a set of monthly climate variables relevant to the species’ primary activity period. We used a dynamically downscaled regional climate model based on three global climate models. Depending on the choice of variable set, the species is projected either to experience very little contraction of habitat or to come close to extinction by the end of the century due to lack of suitable climate. The different conclusions could have important consequences for conservation planning and management, including the perceived viability of habitat restoration. The output of SDMs should therefore be used to define the range of possible trajectories a species may be on, and ongoing monitoring used to inform management as changes occur.
Application of the 2010 revised criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis to patients with clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Runia T. F. , Jafari N. , Hintzen R. Q. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeRecently, the McDonald criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been revised, with the aims to diagnose earlier and to simplify the use of brain MRI. To validate the 2010 revised criteria they were applied to a cohort of patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS).MethodsIn all, 178 CIS patients were followed from onset. Test characteristics were calculated after 1, 3 and 5 years and compared between the 2005 and 2010 revised criteria. The time to diagnosis of the 2005 and 2010 criteria was compared using survival analysis and the log‐rank test. Clinical evidence for dissemination in space and time was the gold standard for clinically definite MS (CDMS).ResultsDuring follow‐up, 76 patients converted to CDMS (mean time to conversion 23.9 months). At 1 year, the specificity and accuracy of the 2005 criteria were a little higher than those of the 2010 criteria (98.0% and 98.4% vs. 86.3% and 88.5%). However, at 5 years, differences completely disappeared (specificity 85.7% and accuracy 93.3% for both criteria). MS diagnosis could be made significantly faster with the 2010 criteria (P = 0.007). Using the 2010 criteria, in 19% of patients the diagnosis could already be made at baseline.ConclusionsBy applying the 2010 revised criteria a diagnosis of MS can be made earlier, whilst prediction of disease progression is maintained. This validation brings along great advantages, for treatment possibilities as well as patient counselling.