bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced giant magneto-impedance effect in soft ferromagnetic amorphous ribbons with pulsed laser deposition of cobalt ferrite
Authors: Ruiz A. , Mukherjee D. , Devkota J. , Hordagoda M. , Witanachchi S. , Mukherjee P. , Srikanth H. , Phan M. H.
Published: March 2013

We have grown a 50 nm thick magnetic layer of cobalt ferrite (CFO) on two Co-based amorphous ribbons of compositions Co65Fe4Ni2Si15B14 (type I) and Co69Fe4Ni1Mo2B12Si12 (type II) by a pulsed laser deposition technique. A comparative study of the influence of this CFO layer on the giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect and field sensitivity (η) of the ribbons is presented. Our results reveal that the presence of the CFO layer enhanced both the GMI ratio and the field sensitivity of the ribbons. Relative to the plain ribbons, the GMI ratio and field sensitivity of the CFO-coated ribbons increased by 97% and 42% for type I and by 34% and 50% for type II, respectively. The enhanced effects are attributed to the modifications on the ribbon surface and closure of magnetic flux paths due to the CFO layer.
A medium frequency transformer with multiple secondary windings for medium voltage converter based wind turbine power generating systems
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Guo Youguang , Zhu Jianguo
Published: March 2013

Recent advances in magnetic materials have led to the development of compact and light weight, medium and high frequency transformers, which would be a possible solution to reducing the size and weight of wind turbine power generating systems. This paper presents the overall design and analysis of a Metglas amorphous alloy 2605SA1 based medium frequency transformer to generate the isolated balanced multiple DC supplies for medium voltage converter systems. A comprehensive electromagnetic analysis is conducted on the proposed design based on experimental results. The test stand, data analysis, and test results are discussed.
Ferromagnetic structures in Mn2CoGa and Mn2CoAl doped by Co, Cu, V, and Ti
Authors: Zhang Y. J. , Li G. J. , Liu E. K. , Chen J. L. , Wang W. H. , Wu G. H.
Published: March 2013

The structure and magnetic properties in doped Heusler alloys of Mn2CoGa and Mn2CoAl have been investigated by experiments and calculations. The main group elements of Ga or Al in the systems are substituted by the magnetic or non-magnetic transition metals, Co, Cu, V, and Ti. Three kinds of local ferromagnetic structures, Co-Mn-Co, Mn-Co-Mn, and Mn-Co-V, have been found. They embed in the native ferrimagnetic matrix and increase the magnetization with different increments. The Co-Mn-Co ferromagnetic structure shows the largest increment of 6.18μB/atom. In addition, interesting results for non-magnetic Cu increasing the magnetization and the V atom having a large ferromagnetic moment of about 1.0μB have been obtained. The exchange interaction energy can be increased by the newly added Co and depleted by supporting a ferromagnetic coupling in other substitution cases and showing the variation of the TC. Our calculation of electronic structure verifies the strong d-d hybridization when the three ferromagnetic structures are achieved. It has also been found that the covalent bonding from the Ga and Al determines the generation of the local ferromagnetic structure and the tolerance for dopant content.
Effects of double layer AlN buffer layers on properties of Si-doped AlxGa1−xN for improved performance of deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes
Authors: Al tahtamouni T. M. , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: March 2013

Si-doped Al0.77Ga0.23N epilayers were grown on AlN/sapphire templates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition using double AlN buffer layers. It was found that the use of double AlN buffer layers improved the overall material quality of the Si-doped Al0.77Ga0.23N epilayers, as evidenced in the decreased density of screw dislocations and surface pits and increased emission intensity ratio of the band-edge to the deep level impurity transition. Hall effect measurements also indicated improved n-type conductivity. The performance of the deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fabricated using double buffer layers was significantly improved, as manifested by enhanced output power and reduced turn-on voltage.
Intrinsic bistability in quantum point contacts with in-plane side gates
Authors: Charles J. , Cahay M. , Newrock R. S.
Published: March 2013

We study the onset of intrinsic bistability and accompanying hysteresis in a single quantum point contact (QPC) with in-plane side gates in the presence of lateral spin-orbit coupling. The hysteresis in the conductance versus common gate voltage applied to the two side gates exists only if the narrow portion of the QPC is long enough. The hysteresis is absent if the effects of electron-electron interaction are neglected but increases with the strength of the electron-electron interaction. The hysteresis appears in the region of conductance anomalies, i.e., less than 2e2/h, and is due to multistable spin textures in these regions.
Using rapid assessment and response to operationalise physical activity strategic health communication campaigns in Tonga
Authors: Turk Tahir , Latu Netina , Cocker‐Palu Elizabeth , Liavaa Villiami , Vivili Paul , Gloede Sara , Simons Allison
Published: March 2013

Issues addressed

The aim of the present study was to identify stakeholder and program beneficiary needs and wants in relation to a netball communication strategy in Tonga. In addition, the study aimed to more clearly identify audience segments for targeting of communication campaigns and to identify any barriers or benefits to engaging in the physical activity program.

Methods

A rapid assessment and response (RAR) methodology was used. The elicitation research encompassed qualitative fieldwork approaches, including semistructured interviews with key informants and focus group discussions with program beneficiaries. Desk research of secondary data sources supported in‐field findings.

Results

A number of potential barriers to behavioural compliance existed, including cultural factors, gender discrimination, socioeconomic factors, stigmatising attitudes, the threat of domestic violence, infrastructure and training issues. Factors contributing to participation in physical activity included the fun and social aspects of the sport, incentives (including career opportunities, highlighting the health benefits of the activity and the provision of religious and cultural sanctions by local leaders towards the increased physical activity of women.

Conclusions

The consultative approach of RAR provided a more in‐depth understanding of the need for greater levels of physical activity and opportunities for engagement by all stakeholders. The approach facilitated opportunities for the proposed health behaviours to be realised through the communication strategy. Essential insights for the strategy design were identified from key informants, as well as ensuring future engagement of these stakeholders into the strategy.

So what?

The expanded use of RAR to inform the design of social marketing interventions is a practical approach to data collection for non‐communicable diseases and other health issues in developing countries. The approach allows for the rapid mobilisation of scarce resources for the implementation of more strategic, targeted communication campaigns to support behavioural changes.
Language, nation and citizenship: Contrast, conflict and convergence in Estonia's debate with the international community
Authors: Hogan-Brun Gabrielle , Wright Sue
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates the clash of (language) ideologies in Estonia in the post-Communist period. In an analysis of changing Western recommendations and Estonian responses during the transition of Estonia from Soviet Socialist Republic to independent state, we trace the development of the discourses on language and citizenship rights. Different conceptions of the nation-state and of how citizenship is acquired, together with different approaches to human rights, led to disagreement between Estonian political elites and the political actors attached to international institutions. In particular, the Soviet demographic legacy posed problems.

We use a context-sensitive approach that takes account of human agency, political intervention, power, and authority in the formation of (national) language ideologies and policies. We find that the complexities of cultural and contextual differences were often ignored and misunderstood by both parties and that in their exchanges the two sides appeared to subscribe to ideal philosophical positions. In the following two decades both sides repositioned themselves and appeared to accommodate to the opposing view. In deconstructing the role of political intervention pressing for social and political inclusion and in documenting the profound feeling of victimhood that remained as a legacy from the Soviet period and the bargain that was struck, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the language ideological debates surrounding the post-Communist nation-(re)building process.
Distal Acquired Demyelinating Symmetric Neuropathy After Vaccination
Authors: Gable Karissa L. , Afshari Zahra , Sufit Robert L. , Allen Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2013

Neuropathy after vaccination is a rare event. Chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathy developing in the postvaccination period is distinctly unusual and not well described. Almost all such patients have been reported as having typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy, unlike classic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, is characterized by distally predominant sensory symptoms with no or mild distal weakness. We describe the clinical, laboratory, and neurophysiological findings of 2 patients who developed distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy after vaccination. Immunomodulatory therapy led to clinical improvement in both cases. The literature is reviewed with attention to the clinical features of chronic immune-mediated neuropathies that follow vaccination.
Phenotypic Variation and Long‐Term Outcome in Children With Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Rawat Dinesh , Kelly Deirdre A. , Milford David V. , Sharif Khalid , Lloyd Carla , McKiernan Patrick J.
Published: March 2013

Background and Objective:

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) and Caroli syndrome are frequently associated with renal cystic diseases. They have a variable clinical course, and the natural history is not well defined despite molecular advances. Our study describes the clinical manifestations and long‐term outcome in children with this disorder.

Methods:

A retrospective case review of children with CHF at a single centre diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, radiological and endoscopic evidence of portal hypertension (PHT), and compatible histopathological findings. Children were categorised based on hepatic phenotype—group 1 (Caroli syndrome) and group 2 (CHF). Hepatobiliary as well as renal manifestations were recorded at presentation, and their evolution followed up until transplant or last follow‐up.

Results:

There were 40 children (22 boys) with a median age of 1.3 years at clinical presentation. Fourteen of 40 (35%) children presented in the neonatal period with primarily renal disease, of whom 11 (78%) had Caroli syndrome (P = 0.02). Significant PHT with oesophageal varices was seen in 86%, with no difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and varices between Caroli syndrome and CHF. Cholangitis developed in 10 of 40 (25%) and was more common in the Caroli syndrome group (P = 0.009). A higher proportion of children with Caroli syndrome developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 and above as compared with CHF (85% vs 42%; P = 0.007). Twelve of 21 (57%) and 8 of 19 (42%) children in the Caroli syndrome and CHF groups required either combined liver‐kidney or isolated liver transplant, with the most common indication for renal transplantation being end‐stage renal disease (CKD5d) with or without advanced PHT or cholangitis. All 14 (100%) children with neonatal presentation developed CKD5d and required combined liver‐kidney transplant before 14 years of age, whereas 77% of children presenting beyond the neonatal period survived without liver‐kidney transplant (P < 0.001). Neonatal presentation was the best predictor of the need for transplant.

Conclusions:

Caroli syndrome is more likely to present in the neonatal period and these patients are more likely to develop CKD5d. CKD stage 3 or above with recurrent cholangitis is more common in Caroli syndrome presenting beyond the neonatal period and adds to the significant morbidity in these patients. Children presenting in the neonatal period have a more severe phenotype and should be considered early for combined liver‐kidney transplant.
Serum Bilirubin Level Is Inversely Associated With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Children
Authors: Puri Kanika , Nobili Valerio , Melville Katherine , Corte Claudia D. , Sartorelli Maria R. , Lopez Rocio , Feldstein Ariel E. , Alkhouri Naim
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and progression to the more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in children. We aimed to study the clinical correlation between bilirubin, a potent endogenous antioxidant with cytoprotective properties, and histopathological findings in pediatric patients with NAFLD.

Methods:

We included consecutive children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and obtained demographic, clinical, and histopathological data. We performed logistic regression analysis to assess the clinical factors associated with the histological features of NASH or fibrosis.

Results:

From a total of 302 biopsies, 67% (203) had evidence of NASH, whereas 64.2% had some degree of fibrosis (stage 1 in 51%, stage 2 in 6.3%, and stage 3 in 6.6%). Mean total bilirubin was significantly lower in the NASH group compared with the non‐NASH group (0.65 ± 0.24 vs 0.73 ± 0.22 mg/dL, P = 0.007). Higher total bilirubin levels were negatively correlated with the presence of steatosis and the NAFLD activity score (P < 0.05), whereas a trend in that direction was observed for presence of fibrosis and inflammation (P = 0.051). On multivariable analysis, higher bilirubin levels were significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of a histological diagnosis of NASH on biopsy (odds ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.85, P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

In children with NAFLD, there is an inverse relation between serum bilirubin levels and the presence of NASH on biopsy. This may be secondary to the antioxidant effect of bilirubin.
Application and Limitations of Transient Liver Elastography in Children
Authors: Goldschmidt Imeke , Streckenbach Carolin , Dingemann Carmen , Pfister Eva Doreen , di Nanni André , Zapf Antonia , Baumann Ulrich
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

Transient elastography (TE) using the FibroScan has gained popularity recently for the noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. Data on its use in children younger than 6 years are still scarce, and the influence of technical aspects such as probe choice and site of measurement on FibroScan results is not clear. Our study aims to clarify some technical issues concerning the use of the FibroScan in children and to deliver normal FibroScan values for reference.

Methods:

TE was performed in 527 children (229 girls, ages 0.1–17.8 [median 6.0] years, including 400 healthy controls). Feasibility of different sites of measurements, paired comparison of probe settings, and pre‐ and postprandial measurements were systematically performed. Sedated versus unsedated measurements were compared in age‐ and sex‐matched cohorts.

Results:

Success rate of TE in our population was 90%, but decreased to 83% in children younger than 24 months even in ideal conditions. General anesthesia significantly increased liver stiffness in healthy children (5.4 [3–9.5] vs 4.2 [2.8–8.15] kPa; P < 0.01). Probe choice equally influenced results in paired comparisons (S1 5.5 [3.5–17.9] vs S2 4.8 [2.1–15.4] kPa; P < 0.01), as did food intake (5.9 [3.6–75] vs 5.4 [3.6–63.9] kPa; P = 0.015). Inter‐ and intraobserver agreements were good. Normal liver stiffness was 4.5 (2.5–8.9) kPa and did not vary significantly with age or sex.

Conclusions:

TE is feasible even in extremely young children, but confounding influences on test results such as probe choice, sedation, or food intake need to be taken into account when interpreting results.
Recent Advances in the Molecular and Genetic Understanding of Congenital Gastrointestinal Malformations
Authors: Dauvé Véronique , McLin Valérie A.
Published: March 2013

Major developmental paradigms are highly conserved among vertebrates. The contribution of developmental biology to the understanding of human disease and regeneration has soared recently. We review advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of gastrointestinal development using evidence from both mammalian and nonmammalian models. When appropriate, we highlight relevance and applicability to human disease.
Barrett Esophagus and Esophagojejunal Anastomotic Stenosis as Complications of Esophagogastric Disconnection in Children With Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Gottrand Madeleine , Michaud Laurent , Guimber Dominique , Coopman Stéphanie , Sfeir Rony , Bonnevalle Michel , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Gottrand Frédéric
Published: March 2013

Total esophagogastric disconnection (TED) is an alternative surgical procedure in resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease. We report 2 severe, not yet described long‐term complications of TED occurring in 4 children with a history of esophageal atresia. Three children presented with stenosis of the esophagojejunal anastomosis 5 months to 9 years after TED, requiring repeated dilations associated with mitomycin C application in one of them. Barrett esophagus was observed in 3 children 8 to 9 years after TED. Careful long‐term clinical and endoscopic follow‐up of children who underwent TED is required.
Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens sp. nov., an astaxanthin-producing glycolipid-rich bacterium isolated from surface seawater and emended description of the genus

Sphingomicrobium
Authors: Shahina Mariyam , Hameed Asif , Lin Shih-Yao , Hsu Yi-Han , Liu You-Cheng , Cheng I-Chen , Lee Maw-Rong , Lai Wei-An , Lee Ren-Jye , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: March 2013

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, flagellated and non-spore-forming marine bacterium designated strain CC-AMO-30BT was isolated from coastal surface seawater, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMO-30BT synthesized astaxanthin [40 µg (g dry weight)−1] and formed reddish-orange-coloured colonies on marine agar (Difco 2216). The strain showed highest pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Sphingomicrobium lutaoense

CC-TBT-3T (96.4 %) followed by other members of the family

Sphingomonadaceae

(<94 %) and established a discrete phyletic lineage associated with the former. The polar lipid profile constituted a remarkable number of unidentified glycolipids (GL1–8), in addition to diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid and two unidentified lipids (L1–2). The major fatty acids (>5 % of total fatty acids) were C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8), C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3), C18 : 1 2-OH, methyl C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω6c and C16 : 0. DNA G+C content was 70.6 %; major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10; predominant polyamine was the triamine sym-homospermidine. Chemotaxonomic evidence including characteristic glycolipid profile, presence of significant amounts of C18 : 1 2-OH and absence of typical hydroxylated fatty acids such as C14 : 0 2-OH, C15 : 0 2-OH and C16 : 0 2-OH in considerable amounts, accompanied by phylogenetic distinctiveness and several other phenotypic features support the classification of strain CC-AMO-30BT as a representative of a novel species within the genus

Sphingomicrobium

for which the name Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is CC-AMO-30BT ( = JCM 18551T = BCRC 80465T).
A metabolic perspective on competition and body size reductions with warming
Authors: Reuman Daniel C. , Holt Robert D. , Yvon‐Durocher Gabriel
Published: March 2013

Temperature is a key driver of ecological processes and patterns. The ramifications of temperature for ecological communities include not only its direct effects on the physiology of individuals, but also how these effects play out in the context of other processes such as competition.

Apparently idiosyncratic or difficult to predict effects of temperature on competitive outcomes are well represented in the literature. General theoretical understanding of how physiological influences of temperature filter through community dynamics to determine outcomes is limited.

We present a theoretical framework for predicting the effects of temperature on competition among species, based on understanding the effects of temperature on the physiological and population parameters of the species. The approach helps unify formal resource competition theory with metabolic and physiological ecology.

Phytoplankton and many other ectotherms are smaller at higher temperatures. This has been observed experimentally, across geographical gradients, and as change accompanying climate warming, but it has not been explained in terms of competition. As a case study, we apply our theoretical framework to competition for nutrients among differently sized phytoplankton.

Based on this analysis, we hypothesize that the prevalence of smaller phytoplankton at higher temperatures is at least partly due to an accentuated competitive advantage of smaller cells at higher temperatures with respect to nutrient uptake and growth. We examine the scope for extending the approach to understand resource competition, generally, among ectotherms of different sizes.
Potential consequences of discard reform for seabird communities
Authors: Bicknell Anthony W. J. , Oro Daniel , Camphuysen Kees (C.J.) , Votier Stephen C.
Published: March 2013

Upcoming reform of the European Union (EU) Common Fisheries Policy will be the biggest change in European fisheries management for a generation. A central plank of this reform is a proposed ban on discards, to aid the creation of economically and environmentally sustainable fisheries. This, together with a global trend for declining discards, may have unforeseen knock‐on consequences for the large number of scavenging seabirds that consume this plentiful subsidy.

Discards have shaped many aspects of seabird foraging, distribution and population dynamics. Here, we review these effects and consider the potential for both negative and positive impacts of discard reforms for seabirds, with particular focus on the EU, and propose recommendations for ongoing research and conservation.

EU seabird scavengers are dominated by a relatively small number of large generalist taxa. Many of these occur at globally significant numbers within the EU, but may be able to buffer a decline in discards by switching to feed on alternative foods.

A discard ban may have negative consequences by creating a food shortage for scavenging birds. Some species may offset this by feeding more on other birds, with potentially negative population‐level impacts, or by moving into novel environments.

Benefits of a discard ban may be a reduction in seabird bycatch in fishing gears, as well as a reduction in populations of large generalist species that currently dominate some seabird communities.

Synthesis and applications. Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and global discard declines are essential components towards creating sustainable fisheries, but may have both detrimental and beneficial effects on seabird communities. The nature of these impacts is still poorly understood, highlighting the need for detailed long‐term seabird monitoring, as well as building resilience into populations through policy measures that incorporate remedial action on major seabird conservation priorities. Research should focus on understanding how seabird foraging, in terms of functional responses and searching behaviour, is influenced by both changing discards and natural fish prey availability, and how they impact upon fitness. It is also essential to link individual‐level responses with population‐, community‐ and ecosystem‐level change. Understanding these links is fundamental to ongoing seabird management and conservation, and an ecosystem‐based approach to fisheries management.
A systematic review and meta‐regression analysis of aggression during the First Episode of Psychosis
Authors: Winsper C. , Ganapathy R. , Marwaha S. , Large M. , Birchwood M. , Singh S. P.
Published: March 2013

Objective

The First Episode of Psychosis (FEP) represents a period of heightened risk for aggression. However, it is not known whether this risk is significantly altered following contact with mental health services.

Method

Meta‐analytic methods were used to estimate pooled prevalence of ‘any’ and ‘serious’ aggression during FEP, while meta‐regression analyses were conducted to explore reasons for heterogeneity between studies.

Results

Fifteen studies comprising 3, 294 FEP subjects were analysed. Pooled prevalence of ‘any aggression’ before service contact was 28% (95% CI: 22–34) and following contact 31% (95% CI: 20–42). Pooled prevalence of ‘serious aggression’ was 16% (95% CI: 11–20) before service contact and 13% (95% CI: 6–20) following contact. Four studies reporting repeated assessments within the same cohort revealed that aggression rates did not significantly differ post and pre service contact: Odds Ratios for any aggression: 1.18 (95% CI: 0.46–2.99) and serious aggression: 0.61 (95% CI: 0.31–1.21).

Conclusion

Rates of aggression are high during FEP, both before and following initial service contact, and seem not to alter following contact. This conclusion remains tentative due to considerable heterogeneity between studies and a lack of prospective cohort studies.
Does symptomatology at presentation correlate with successful expectant management of first trimester miscarriage: A prospective observational study
Authors: Casikar Ishwari , Lu Chuan , Reid Shannon , Condous George
Published: March 2013

Aims

To evaluate whether symptomatology at presentation correlates with successful expectant management of first‐trimester miscarriage.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on women managed expectantly for two weeks with first‐trimester miscarriage. Women diagnosed with incomplete, missed and empty sac miscarriage were included. The overall rate of successful expectant management was evaluated in terms of symptomatology. The rates of successful expectant management for each miscarriage group were also evaluated in terms of the type of symptoms. Main outcome measure was success of expectant management at two weeks.

Results

Spontaneous completion of miscarriage was observed in 76.7% (161/210) women. The overall rates of successful expectant management were significantly different between the symptomatic (79.1%) and asymptomatic (42.9%) groups (P‐value = 0.0003). In the incomplete miscarriage group, higher rates of success were associated with vaginal bleeding than without (89.4 vs 56.3%; P‐value = 0.0027). The presence or absence of pain was not found to be significant.

Conclusions

Symptomatology does appear to be a consistent predictor of outcome for expectant management of miscarriage. Overall, vaginal bleeding at presentation was associated with an increase in success of expectant management; but individually, only significant in the incomplete miscarriage group. The presence or absence of pain at presentation was not a predictor for the various types of miscarriage.
The ability of bispectral index to detect intra‐operative wakefulness during total intravenous anaesthesia compared with the isolated forearm technique
Authors: Russell I. F.
Published: March 2013

It has been suggested that monitoring during total intravenous anaesthesia should include aspects of brain function. The current study used a manually adjusted target‐controlled infusion of propofol for anaesthesia, guided to a bispectral index range of 55–60. Intra‐operative responsiveness, as assessed by the isolated forearm technique, was compared with whether the bispectral index predicted/identified a patient's appropriate hand movements in responses to commands. Twenty‐two women underwent major gynaecological surgery with total intravenous anaesthesia, propofol, remifentanil and atracurium. Sixteen women responded, on 80 occasions, with appropriate hand movements to commands during surgery, of which the bispectral index detected 47 (sensitivity 59%). The bispectral index suggested consciousness 220 times in the absence of movement responses (specificity 85%). The positive predictive value of a bispectral index response was 18%. While two women had vague recall about squeezing fingers, none had recall of surgery. For patients who responded more than once during surgery the bispectral index value associated with a response was not constant. Although there was no difference in the median (IQR [range]) effect site propofol concentration between intra‐operative responses (2.0 (1.5–2.3 [1.2–4.0]) μg.ml−1) and eye opening after surgery (2.1 (1.7–2.8 [1.5–3.9]) μg.ml−1), the median (IQR [range]) bispectral index value at eye opening after surgery was significantly higher than that associated with responses during surgery: 75 (70–78 [51–93]) vs 61 (52–67 [37–80]) respectively, (p < 0.001). The manual control of propofol intravenous anaesthesia to target a bispectral index range of 55–60 may result in an unacceptable number of patients who are conscious during surgery (albeit without recall).
Impact of mucosal healing on long‐term outcomes in ulcerative colitis treated with infliximab: a multicenter experience
Authors: Laharie D. , Filippi J. , Roblin X. , Nancey S. , Chevaux J.‐B. , Hébuterne X. , Flourié B. , Capdepont M. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L.
Published: March 2013

Background

Mucosal healing can be achieved with infliximab (IFX).

Aim

To assess the impact of mucosal healing on long‐term outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) when treated with infliximab (IFX) beyond 1 year.

Methods

All consecutive adult patients with refractory UC receiving maintenance treatment with IFX in five French referral centres were analysed retrospectively. Only patients who had endoscopic evaluation between 6 and 52 weeks following IFX initiation were included. According to their Mayo endoscopic sub‐score, patients were categorised into mucosal healing (sub‐score: 0–1) and no mucosal healing (2–3). Outcome measures were colectomy and IFX failure defined by drug withdrawal due to secondary failure among primary responders.

Results

Of the 63 patients (30 women; median age: 38 years), 30 (48%) achieved mucosal healing. The median follow‐up duration was 27 (3–79) months. Colectomy‐free survival rates at 12, 24 and 36 months were, respectively, 100%, 96% and 96% in patients with mucosal healing. The corresponding figures were, respectively, 80%, 65% and 65% in patients without mucosal healing (P = 0.004). By multivariate analysis, mucosal healing was the only factor associated with colectomy‐free survival, with an odds ratio of 18.01 (95%CI: 1.58–204.92). IFX failure‐free survival rates at 12, 24 and 36 months were, respectively, 76%, 69% and 64% in patients with mucosal healing, and 44%, 25% and 21% in those without mucosal healing (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Patients with refractory UC who achieved mucosal healing after IFX initiation had better long‐term outcomes, with significantly less colectomy and less IFX failure.
Mental health in female veterinarians: effects of working hours and having children
Authors: Shirangi A , Fritschi L , Holman CDJ , Morrison D
Published: March 2013

Background

Personal, interpersonal and organisational factors have been suggested as possible causes of stress, anxiety and depression for veterinarians. We used established psychological scales to measure (1) levels of distress and work‐related stress (anxiety and depression) and (2) the demographic and work characteristics of female veterinarians in relation to anxiety, depression and mental health.

Methods

A national cross‐sectional survey of a cohort population was conducted and self‐administered questionnaires were received from 1017 female veterinarians who completed the mental health section of the survey. Using linear and logistic regression analyses, we examined demographic and work‐related factors associated with overall stress measured by theGeneralHealthQuestionnaire scale and theAffectiveWell‐Being scale (Anxiety‐ContentmentAxis andDepression‐EnthusiasmAxis).

Results

More than one‐third (37%) of the sample was suffering ‘minor psychological distress’, suggesting the stressful nature of veterinary practice. Women with two or more children had less anxiety and depression compared with those who had never been pregnant or were childless. Longer working hours were associated with increased anxiety and depression in female veterinarians overall and in stratified samples of women with and without children.

Conclusion

Among the work characteristics of veterinary practice, long working hours may have a direct effect on a veterinarian's health in terms of anxiety, depression and mental health. The finding also indicates that women with two or more children have less anxiety and depression than women who have never been pregnant or childless women.
Origin of evolutionary change in avian clutch size
Authors: Haywood Sacha
Published: March 2013

Why different bird species lay different numbers of eggs is a question that has long been associated with factors external to the organism, that is, factors which operate on inherited variation in clutch size through the action of natural selection. Yet, while external factors are important, the extent of what is evolutionarily possible rests with the mechanisms developed by birds for clutch‐size control. Hitherto neglected, these mechanisms generate factors internal to the organism that are central to the origin of evolutionary change. They are related to the fact that a species‐specific range of clutch size arises from the differential survival of pre‐ovulatory follicles undergoing growth when the signal causing egg laying to end reaches the ovary. Herein, I examine three internal factors that, together with external factors, could impact the evolution of avian clutch size. Each factor acts by changing either the number of pre‐ovulatory follicles present in the ovary at the time of follicular disruption or the timing of this event. These changes to clutch size can be explained by the concept of heterochrony. In light of this, the role of phenotypic plasticity and genes determining clutch size is discussed. Finally, to account for the origin of evolutionary change in clutch size, I detail an hypothesis involving a process similar to Waddington's theory of genetic assimilation.
Changing channels: Managing channel integration and migration in public organizations
Authors: Kernaghan Kenneth
Published: March 2013

The integration and migration of service delivery channels are increasingly important issues for public organizations, involving investment of substantial resources. Designing and implementing a channel integration and migration strategy require attention to: 1) the collection of baseline data on the customers and channels involved with the delivery of each service; 2) an assessment of desirable and feasible changes to the current channel strategy; 3) consideration of the appropriate mix of service channels, with particular reference to incentives to encourage migration to self‐service channels; 4) the reduction or removal of barriers to effective channel management and migration. The pursuit of cost savings and improved service, together with the increasing number and upgrading of service channels, will keep channel management high on the service delivery agenda.
Development of Phonological Constancy: 19‐Month‐Olds, but Not 15‐Month‐Olds, Identify Words in a Non‐Native Regional Accent
Authors: Mulak Karen E. , Best Catherine T. , Tyler Michael D. , Kitamura Christine , Irwin Julia R.
Published: March 2013

By 12 months, children grasp that a phonetic change to a word can change its identity (phonological distinctiveness). However, they must also grasp that some phonetic changes do not (phonological constancy). To test development of phonological constancy, sixteen 15‐month‐olds and sixteen 19‐month‐olds completed an eye‐tracking task that tracked their gaze to named versus unnamed images for familiar words spoken in their native (Australian) and an unfamiliar non‐native (Jamaican) regional accent of English. Both groups looked longer at named than unnamed images for Australian pronunciations, but only 19‐month‐olds did so for Jamaican pronunciations, indicating that phonological constancy emerges by 19 months. Vocabulary size predicted 15‐month‐olds' identifications for the Jamaican pronunciations, suggesting vocabulary growth is a viable predictor for phonological constancy development.
Vitamin D status in primary hyperparathyroidism: a Southern European perspective
Authors: Tassone Francesco , Gianotti Laura , Baffoni Claudia , Visconti Gianluca , Pellegrino Micaela , Cassibba Sara , Croce Chiara Giulia , Magro Giampaolo , Cesario Flora , Attanasio Roberto , Borretta Giorgio
Published: March 2013

Background

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), and this could affect the clinical expression of the disease. However, few North American or North European studies have addressed this issue, showing vitamin D repletion in only about one‐third of the patients.

Subjects and methods

Vitamin D status was evaluated both in an observational study in a series of 206 consecutive patients with pHPT at diagnosis and in a case‐control analysis with 113 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy blood donors. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring plasma 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25OHD) levels and was defined as VDD or severe VDD if 25OHD was <20 ng/ml (<50 nm) and <10 ng/ml (<25 nm), respectively.

Results

No seasonal variability was observed in 25OHD levels. VDD was observed in 75 of 206 patients (36·4%). The VDD was severe in 24 of 75 patients (11·7%). There was no difference in prevalence of VDD between men and women nor between asymptomatic and ‘bone and stone’ symptomatic patients. 25OHD levels was negatively correlated with parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, and bone turnover markers, and positively correlated with phosphate. 25OHD levels were also positively correlated with bone mineral density at all sites measured. In the case‐control study, the overall prevalence of VDD and severe VDD was higher in patients with pHPT compared with controls (33·6% vs 10·6%, P < 0·0001, and 8·8% vs 1·8%, P = 0·0337, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study shows that VDD occurs in about one‐third of patients with pHPT resident in a Southern European area, a lower figure than previously reported. Moreover, VDD is related to a more severe bone disease, and its prevalence is higher in patients with pHPT than in healthy matched subjects.
Vitamin D levels during and after resolution of ketoacidosis in children with new onset Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Devidayal  , Singh M. K. , Sachdeva N. , Singhi S. , Attri S. V. , Jayashree M. , Bhalla A. K.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To study the effect of ketoacidosis on measured 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 in children with new onset Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Measurement of pH and bicarbonate levels was carried out in children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes at presentation with ketoacidosis. 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 estimation was carried out at presentation (timepoint 1) and 1 month later (timepoint 2). There was no significant difference in the mean (±sd) 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels [35.39 (±25.79) vs 39.63 (±48.03) nmol/L; P = 0.661) at the two timepoints in the study.

Results

Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between bicarbonate levels and timepoint 1, i.e. the lower the bicarbonate levels, the lower were the timepoint 1 levels and vice versa (correlation coefficient 0.538, P = 0.001). Timepoint 2 levels also showed a positive correlation with serum bicarbonate levels with a correlation coefficient of 0.379 (P = 0.032). None of the variables other than bicarbonate,.(age, gender, BMI, pH or time), was found to have the predictive ability for timepoint1 levels. Similarly for predicting timepoint 2 levels, BMI was found to have independent predictive ability in addition to bicarbonate.

Conclusions

Severe ketoacidosis, as judged by bicarbonate but not pH, may transiently lower 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in children with new onset Type 1 diabetes. Persistence of low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels after resolution of ketoacidosis suggests a state of permanent vitamin D deficiency in our patient population.
Oral Health Impact Profile, EuroQol, and Assessment of Quality of Life instruments as quality of life and health‐utility measures of oral health
Authors: Brennan David S.
Published: March 2013

Oral‐specific measures are often preferred to examine outcomes of oral disorders. However, generic measures can add additional information, including health utility. The aim was to assess the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), EuroQol (EQ‐5D), and Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instruments in relation to oral health in terms of their discriminative and convergent validities. Data were collected from adults, 30–61 yr of age, in Australia by mailed survey during 2009 and 2010, including the OHIP‐14, the EQ‐5D, and the AQoL, a range of self‐reported oral health variables, and by self‐rated oral and general health. Responses were collected from 1093 subjects (a response rate of 39.1%). The OHIP, the EQ‐5D, and the AQoL were associated with oral health variables, with effect sizes ranging from 0.6 to 1.1 for the OHIP, from 0.3 to 0.5 for the EQ‐5D, and from 0.4 to 0.6 for the AQoL. The OHIP tended to be more strongly correlated with self‐rated oral health (rho = −0.5) than with general health (rho = −0.3), whilst the EQ‐5D and the AQoL were less strongly correlated with oral health (rho = −0.3 and −0.3, respectively) than with general health (rho = −0.4 and −0.5, respectively). Whilst the OHIP was more sensitive to differences in oral health, the generic measures of EQ‐5D and AQoL both exhibited discriminative validity and convergent validity in relation to oral health variables, supporting their use in oral health studies.
Do Incumbents’ Mergers Influence Entrepreneurial Entry? An Evaluation
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K. , Moussawi Rabih , Yaylacicegi Ulku
Published: March 2013

This analysis has evaluated the impact of mergers on new entrepreneurial firm entry in the territories of firms making up the local exchange sector of the United States telecommunications industry. An analysis of first and second mergers undertaken by the local exchange companies has revealed that where mergers occurred there was significantly lower entrepreneurial entry. The results have implications for policy, since the approval of mergers has been shown to lead to lower entrepreneurial entry where mergers occur, and the approval of mergers may serve to impede entrepreneurship. Hence, greater thought should be given to merger approvals so that entrepreneurship and the process of economic growth are not compromised as a result.
The Creation and Configuration of Infrastructure for Entrepreneurship in Emerging Domains of Activity
Authors: Woolley Jennifer L.
Published: March 2013

Entrepreneurship is a perilous endeavor. Contextual changes, such as nascent technology emergence or new industry creation, can spawn entrepreneurial opportunities; however, these changes do not instantaneously create the resources and structures that new firms need to survive. This study examines the creation and configuration of the contextual infrastructure necessary for nascent technology entrepreneurship in new industries. Using the case of nanotechnology, I show how the elements of infrastructure emerge and configure through systemic coevolution. The data highlight how boundary crossing and obfuscation induces the configuration of separate elements into a cohesive infrastructure through heightened interaction and interdependence of organizations and institutions, both private and public.
Entrepreneurship, Social Capital, and Institutions: Social and Commercial Entrepreneurship across Nations
Authors: Estrin Saul , Mickiewicz Tomasz , Stephan Ute
Published: March 2013

We model and test the relationship between social and commercial entrepreneurship drawing on social capital theory. We propose that the country prevalence rate of social entrepreneurship is an indicator of constructible nation–level social capital and enhances the likelihood of individual commercial entry. We further posit that both social and commercial entrepreneurial entry is facilitated by certain formal institutions, namely strong property rights and (low) government activism, albeit the latter impacts each of these types of entrepreneurship differently. We apply bivariate discrete choice multilevel modeling to population–representative samples in 47 countries and find support for these hypotheses.
Organizational Social Capital, Formalization, and Internal Knowledge Sharing in Entrepreneurial Orientation Formation
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Dimov Dimo , Thongpapanl Narongsak (Tek)
Published: March 2013

This study considers the mediating role of internal knowledge sharing in the relationship between two critical aspects of organizational social capital (trust and goal congruence) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), as well as how this role might be moderated by the firm's level of formalization. It shows that higher levels of internal knowledge sharing relate to stronger EO, and such knowledge sharing in turn results from higher levels of trust and goal congruence. This study further provides a nuanced picture of the role of formalization in this process. The authors discuss both the study's implications and future research directions.
Do International Networks and Foreign Market Knowledge Facilitate SME Internationalization? Evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Musteen Martina , Datta Deepak K. , Butts Marcus M.
Published: March 2013

In this study we draw on the social network and international entrepreneurship literatures to examine the role of structural and relational embeddedness of international networks in firm internationalization. Based on a sample of 169 small– and medium–sized enterprises in the Czech Republic, we found that firms with chief executive officers who had developed strong and diverse international networks exhibited greater knowledge of foreign markets prior to internationalization. However, contrary to our expectations, no relationship was found between network density and such knowledge. In addition, our findings indicate that foreign market knowledge prior to the first international venture had a positive impact on venture performance.