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Champ RE, Adamou M, Gillibrand W, Arrey S, Tolchard B. The Creative Awareness Theory: A Grounded Theory Study of Inherent Self-Regulation in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Clin Med 2024; 13:5963. [PMID: 39408023 PMCID: PMC11477866 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13195963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine why and how adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience variable impairment and identify the processes and strategies adults with ADHD use to develop positive self-regulation skills. Methods: A mixed cohort of 11 participants (6 female and 5 male) from a university, an adult ADHD clinic and an ADHD support group in the UK were interviewed online between September 2021 and February 2022. Data were collected and analysed simultaneously, inspired by a constructivist grounded theory methodology. Results: Participants described a "polar awareness of difference" from others in terms of engagement and ADHD characteristics, and a "polar awareness of consciousness" experienced as the states of chaotic attention and hyperfocus, both of which impact core perceptions of self. Using an infinity paradigm, the results demonstrate unskilled attempts to self-regulate within and between these states using self-absorption or self-transcendence strategies, including their inherent challenges and energetic cost. Our results further indicate that at the centre of this dynamic paradigm, creative awareness strategies exist, which exemplify polarity awareness and the regulation of that awareness supported by an authentic inner compass (AIC). Conclusions: This paper presents the empirical foundation for the ADHD Creative Awareness Theory (CAT)-a new theory for understanding the experience of ADHD consciousness and environmental engagement. Practical implications are explored, and recommendations include use of the CAT as a framework for understanding and development of inherent self-regulation skills for adults with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Champ
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
| | - Marios Adamou
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
| | - Warren Gillibrand
- Department of Nursing, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (W.G.); (S.A.)
| | - Sally Arrey
- Department of Nursing, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (W.G.); (S.A.)
| | - Barry Tolchard
- Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Teesside, North Yorkshire, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK;
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de Vries LP, Demange PA, Baselmans BML, Vinkers CH, Pelt DHM, Bartels M. Distinguishing happiness and meaning in life from depressive symptoms: A GWAS-by-subtraction study in the UK Biobank. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2024; 195:e32954. [PMID: 37435841 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Hedonic (happiness) and eudaimonic (meaning in life) well-being are negatively related to depressive symptoms. Genetic variants play a role in this association, reflected in substantial genetic correlations. We investigated the overlap and differences between well-being and depressive symptoms, using results of Genome-Wide Association studies (GWAS) in UK Biobank. Subtracting GWAS summary statistics of depressive symptoms from those of happiness and meaning in life, we obtained GWASs of respectively "pure" happiness (neffective = 216,497) and "pure" meaning (neffective = 102,300). For both, we identified one genome-wide significant SNP (rs1078141 and rs79520962, respectively). After subtraction, SNP heritability reduced from 6.3% to 3.3% for pure happiness and from 6.2% to 4.2% for pure meaning. The genetic correlation between the well-being measures reduced from 0.78 to 0.65. Pure happiness and pure meaning became genetically unrelated to traits strongly associated with depressive symptoms, including loneliness, and psychiatric disorders. For other traits, including ADHD, educational attainment, and smoking, the genetic correlations of well-being versus pure well-being changed substantially. GWAS-by-subtraction allowed us to investigate the genetic variance of well-being unrelated to depressive symptoms. Genetic correlations with different traits led to new insights about this unique part of well-being. Our results can be used as a starting point to test causal relationships with other variables, and design future well-being interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne P de Vries
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Perline A Demange
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M L Baselmans
- Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Center location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Mood, Anxiety, Psychosis, Sleep and Stress Program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GGZ in Geest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk H M Pelt
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Nordby ES, Guribye F, Nordgreen T, Lundervold AJ. Silver linings of ADHD: a thematic analysis of adults' positive experiences with living with ADHD. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072052. [PMID: 37788928 PMCID: PMC10551976 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and explore positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as reported by adults with the diagnosis. DESIGN The current study used a qualitative survey design including the written responses to an open-ended question on positive aspects of ADHD. The participants' responses were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING The participants took part in trial of a self-guided internet-delivered intervention in Norway. As part of the intervention, the participants were asked to describe positive aspects of having ADHD. PARTICIPANTS The study included 50 help-seeking adults with an ADHD diagnosis. RESULTS The participants described a variety of positive aspects related to having ADHD. The participants' experiences were conceptualised and thematically organised into four main themes: (1) the dual impact of ADHD characteristics; (2) the unconventional mind; (3) the pursuit of new experiences and (4) resilience and growth. CONCLUSIONS Having ADHD was experienced as both challenging and beneficial, depending on the context and one's sociocultural environment. The findings provide arguments for putting a stronger emphasis on positive aspects of ADHD, alongside the challenges, in treatment settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04511169.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie S Nordby
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Frode Guribye
- Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Astri J Lundervold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Girard-Joyal O, Gauthier B. Creativity in the Predominantly Inattentive and Combined Presentations of ADHD in Adults. J Atten Disord 2022; 26:1187-1198. [PMID: 34894845 PMCID: PMC9096579 DOI: 10.1177/10870547211060547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: ADHD and its associated inhibition deficits might promote creativity. However, results in the literature are conflicting, possibly due to the heterogeneity of ADHD. To control for this heterogeneity, creativity, and inhibition were investigated in the predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I) and combined (ADHD-C) presentations. Method: Participants were males/females aged 18 to 51, diagnosed with ADHD-I (n = 21), ADHD-C (n = 19), or without ADHD (n = 43). Self-rated Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale and evaluator-rated figural Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) were used for measuring creativity, Stroop task for inhibition, and Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales for ADHD symptoms. Results: The ADHD-C group reported higher self-rated creativity than other groups and made more original drawings paired to more abstract titles in the figural TTCT than controls. Conclusion: ADHD-C participants were the most creative. This result was more importantly associated with higher degrees of ADHD symptoms rather than poorer inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Girard-Joyal
- University of Montreal, Laval, QC, Canada,Olivier Girard-Joyal, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, 1700 Jacques-Tétreault, Laval, Quebec, H7N 0B6, Canada.
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Stolte M, Trindade-Pons V, Vlaming P, Jakobi B, Franke B, Kroesbergen EH, Baas M, Hoogman M. Characterizing Creative Thinking and Creative Achievements in Relation to Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:909202. [PMID: 35845437 PMCID: PMC9283685 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research on ADHD and ASD has mainly focused on the deficits associated with these conditions, but there is also evidence for strengths. Unfortunately, our understanding of potential strengths in neurodevelopmental conditions is limited. One particular strength, creativity, has been associated with both ADHD and ASD. However, the distinct presentations of both conditions beg the question whether ADHD and ASD associate with the same or different aspects of creativity. Therefore, the current study investigated the links between ADHD and ASD symptoms, creative thinking abilities, and creative achievements. To investigate the spectrum of ADHD and ASD symptoms, self-reported ADHD and ASD symptoms, convergent (Remote Associations Test) and divergent thinking (Alternative Uses Task) and creative achievements (Creative Achievement Questionnaire) were assessed in a self-reportedly healthy sample of adults (n = 470). We performed correlation analysis to investigate the relation between ADHD/ASD symptoms and creativity measures. In a second phase of analysis, data from an adult ADHD case-control study (n = 151) were added to investigate the association between ADHD symptoms and divergent thinking in individuals with and without a diagnosis of ADHD. Our analysis revealed that having more ADHD symptoms in the general population was associated with higher scores on all the outcome measures for divergent thinking (fluency, flexibility, and originality), but not for convergent thinking. Individuals with an ADHD diagnosis in the case-control sample also scored higher on measures of divergent thinking. Combining data of the population based and case-control studies showed that ADHD symptoms predict divergent thinking up to a certain level of symptoms. No significant associations were found between the total number of ASD symptoms and any of the creativity measures. However, explorative analyses showed interesting links between the ASD subdomains of problems with imagination and symptoms that relate to social difficulties. Our findings showed a link between ADHD symptoms and divergent thinking abilities that plateaus in the clinical spectrum of symptoms. For ASD symptoms, no relation was found with creativity measures. Increasing the knowledge about positive phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions and their symptom dimensions might aid psychoeducation, decrease stigmatization and improve quality of life of individuals living with such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Stolte
- Educational Consultancy and Professional Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Victoria Trindade-Pons
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Priscilla Vlaming
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Babette Jakobi
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Matthijs Baas
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martine Hoogman
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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McBride M, Appling C, Ferguson B, Gonzalez A, Schaeffer A, Zand A, Wang D, Sam A, Hart E, Tosh A, Fontcha I, Parmacek S, Beversdorf D. Effects of stimulant medication on divergent and convergent thinking tasks related to creativity in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3533-3541. [PMID: 34477886 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Common pharmacological treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are central nervous system stimulants acting as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors. The noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems have been shown to impact performance on tasks assessing creativity. Some previous studies suggest higher performance on creativity tasks in ADHD. Stimulant medication has been shown to differentially impact creativity in those without ADHD. However, the full range of effects of stimulant medication on creativity in those with ADHD is not known. OBJECTIVES This study examined the effects of stimulants on convergent and divergent tasks associated with creativity in adults with ADHD. METHOD Seventeen adults diagnosed with ADHD who were prescribed stimulant medication attended two counterbalanced sessions: one after taking their prescribed stimulant dose and one after the dose was withheld. Participants completed convergent problem-solving (anagrams, Compound Remote Associates) and divergent generative (letter/semantic fluency, Torrance Test for Creative Thinking (TTCT)-Verbal) tasks. RESULTS There was a significant increase in words generated on the semantic fluency task for the stimulant session. Additionally, significant increases were found in the stimulant session for originality, flexibility, and fluency scores on the TTCT. Stimulant medication did not have an effect on any of the problem-solving tasks. CONCLUSIONS Stimulant medication enhanced verbal fluency in adults with ADHD but had no effect on convergent abilities. Furthermore, stimulants enhanced fluency, flexibility, and originality scores on the TTCT. Therefore, stimulants appear to have positive effects on divergent task performance in adults with ADHD, but not convergent tasks. This finding warrants further studies into the specific roles of norepinephrine and dopamine in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly McBride
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Carrina Appling
- University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bradley Ferguson
- University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Columbia, MO, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Amanda Zand
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - David Wang
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alinna Sam
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Eric Hart
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Aneesh Tosh
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ivan Fontcha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Sophia Parmacek
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - David Beversdorf
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. .,University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Columbia, MO, USA. .,Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. .,Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. .,Departments of Radiology, Neurology, and Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.
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Ibáñez de Aldecoa P, de Wit S, Tebbich S. Can Habits Impede Creativity by Inducing Fixation? Front Psychol 2021; 12:683024. [PMID: 34721137 PMCID: PMC8548374 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.683024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In a competitive and ever-changing world, the ability to generate outstanding ideas is crucial. However, this process can be impeded by factors such as fixation on ideas that emerged through prior experience. The aim of the present study was to shed light on the fixating effect of habits on creativity. To this end, healthy young adults were asked to generate alternative uses for items that differed in their frequency of use in the Alternative Uses Task (a standardized test for divergent thinking). We predicted that frequent past use of an item would lead to the formation of stimulus-response associations between the item and its most frequent use(s) and thereby hinder idea generation. Indeed, individuals were less flexible (but more fluent) in generating ideas for frequently used items than for unknown items. Additionally, we found that subjective automaticity of idea generation was negatively related with flexibility. Finally, we investigated whether individual differences in general habit tendency influence creativity, by relating performance on the Slips-of-Action task (an outcome devaluation paradigm extensively used in habit research) to performance on the Alternative Uses Task, the Candle Problem (a classic convergent thinking task) and two puzzles (non-conventional problem-solving tasks). While we did not find a significant relationship between habit tendency and the Alternative Uses Task or the Candle Problem scores, the tendency to rely on habits predicted probability to succeed and latency to solve one of the puzzles: less habit-prone participants were more likely to solve it and to do so faster. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the notion that habits can negatively impact creativity and opens promising future avenues of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sabine Tebbich
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Lee JW, Seo K, Bahn GH. The Positive Aspects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among Famous People. Psychiatry Investig 2020; 17:424-431. [PMID: 32321205 PMCID: PMC7265029 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2020.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The shortage of clinical data regarding adult patients with often results in adults with ADHD being stigmatized and being inadequately treated. In this paper, famous people who potentially have ADHD were analyzed to understand better, the life-long progression of ADHD. METHODS 131 people were analyzed as potential candidates for ADHD. A grading system for the candidates was developed: class 1, compatible with ADHD; class 2, likely; class 3, less likely; class 4, uncertain with a shortage of data; and class 5, not compatible. Initially, 39 subjects in class 4 and 12 in class 5 were excluded from the analysis. Finally, 80 subjects (30 in class 1, 33 in class 2, and 17 in class 3) were analyzed for sociodemographic data and psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS 88.8% were men and 47.5% of the subjects were married once. In terms of occupation, 45.0% of the subjects were cultural professionals and 25.0% were chief executives. Narcissistic personality disorder was the most frequently noted comorbidity, followed by substance-related and addictive disorder. CONCLUSION Famous people with ADHD in this study revealed high skill levels in occupation, offering positive aspects of ADHD in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Won Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon Ho Bahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Zabelina DL, Ganis G. Creativity and cognitive control: Behavioral and ERP evidence that divergent thinking, but not real-life creative achievement, relates to better cognitive control. Neuropsychologia 2018; 118:20-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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