bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presentation, management and outcomes in acute pituitary apoplexy: a large single‐centre experience from the United Kingdom
Authors: Bujawansa S. , Thondam S. K. , Steele C. , Cuthbertson D. J. , Gilkes C. E. , Noonan C. , Bleaney C. W. , MacFarlane I. A. , Javadpour M. , Daousi C.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To study the presentation, management and outcomes and to apply retrospectively the Pituitary Apoplexy Score (PAS) (United Kingdom (UK) guidelines for management of apoplexy) to a large, single‐centre series of patients with acute pituitary apoplexy.

Design

Retrospective analysis of casenotes at a single neurosurgical centre in Liverpool, UK.

Results

Fifty‐five patients [mean age, 52·4 years; median duration of follow‐up, 7 years] were identified; 45 of 55 (81%) had nonfunctioning adenomas, four acromegaly and six prolactinomas. Commonest presenting features were acute headache (87%), diplopia (47·2%) and visual field (VF) defects (36%). The most frequent ocular palsy involved the 3rd nerve (81%), followed by 6th nerve (34·6%) and multiple palsies (19%). Twenty‐three patients were treated conservatively, and the rest had surgery either within 7 days of presentation or delayed elective surgery. Indications for surgery were deteriorating visual acuity and persistent field defects. Patients presenting with VF defects (n = 20) were more likely to undergo surgery (75%) than to be managed expectantly (25%). There was no difference in the rates of complete/near‐complete resolution of VF deficits and cranial nerve palsies between those treated conservatively and those who underwent surgery. Endocrine outcomes were also similar. We were able to calculate the PAS for 46 patients: for the group treated with early surgery mean, PAS was 3·8 and for those managed conservatively or with delayed surgery was 1·8.

Conclusions

Patients without VF deficits or whose visual deficits are stable or improving can be managed expectantly without negative impact on outcomes. Clinical severity based on a PAS ≥ 4 appeared to influence management towards emergency surgical intervention.
Clinical Reliability of CAD/CAM Cross‐Arch Zirconia Bridges on Immediately Loaded Implants Placed with Computer‐Assisted/Template‐Guided Surgery: A Retrospective Study with a Follow‐Up between 3 and 5 Years
Authors: Pozzi Alessandro , Holst Stefan , Fabbri Giacomo , Tallarico Marco
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the implant and prosthetic survival and success rates of zirconia‐based, implant‐supported, screw‐retained, cross‐arch restorations up to 5 years after placement.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐two consecutive edentulous patients (11 males and females, each; mean age 68.3 years) received 26 CAD/CAM cross‐arch zirconia implant bridges (NobelProcera™ Implant Bridge Zirconia; Nobel Biocare AG, Zurich, Switzerland) supported by 4 to 10 implants each. All patients were followed for at least 3 years (range 36–60 months, mean 42.3 months). Clinical assessments were scheduled every 4 months during hygiene maintenance. Outcomes were implant and prosthetic survival rates, prosthetic success rate, any observed clinical complications, patient satisfaction, and soft tissue parameters. Fisher's exact test was used to assess associations between categorical variables.

Results

No dropouts occurred. The overall implant and prostheses survival rate up to 5 years was 100%. Three out of 26 restorations (five out of three hundred forty eight dental units) showed an adhesive chip‐off fracture of the veneering ceramic, scoring a cumulative prosthetic success rate of 88.5% at the prosthetic level and 98.6% at the unit level. All 22 patients were functionally and aesthetically highly satisfied with their restorations. Successful soft tissue parameters were found around all implants.

Conclusions

Industrially manufactured, zirconia‐based, implant‐supported, screw‐retained, cross‐arch restorations are a viable alternative to conventionally manufactured porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal restorations for rehabilitating the edentulous patient.
Pretense, Counterfactuals, and Bayesian Causal Models: Why What Is Not Real Really Matters
Authors: Weisberg Deena S. , Gopnik Alison
Published: August 2013

Young children spend a large portion of their time pretending about non‐real situations. Why? We answer this question by using the framework of Bayesian causal models to argue that pretending and counterfactual reasoning engage the same component cognitive abilities: disengaging with current reality, making inferences about an alternative representation of reality, and keeping this representation separate from reality. In turn, according to causal models accounts, counterfactual reasoning is a crucial tool that children need to plan for the future and learn about the world. Both planning with causal models and learning about them require the ability to create false premises and generate conclusions from these premises. We argue that pretending allows children to practice these important cognitive skills. We also consider the prevalence of unrealistic scenarios in children's play and explain how they can be useful in learning, despite appearances to the contrary.
A survey of South Asian attitudes to organ donation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Karim Asra , Jandu Surinder , Sharif Adnan
Published: August 2013

Background

South Asians in the United Kingdom are overrepresented on the organ transplant waiting list but underrepresented as organ donors. In this study, we surveyed South Asian opinion with regards to organ donation.

Methods

Voluntary completion of an anonymous survey was promoted amongst South Asians by both online and paper‐based approaches. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent predictors for organ donation approval.

Results

Five hundred and fifty‐six survey responses were analyzed in this study. 68.4% of respondents agreed with organ donation but only 13.3% were registered organ donors. Muslims were less likely than Hindus or Sikhs to agree with organ donation (59.3% vs. 92.2% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.001) or be registered donors (5.0% vs. 40.3% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001), respectively. Religious guidance was important for Muslims, but parental approval of greater importance for Hindus. On logistic regression analysis, variables independently associated with organ donation approval were; young age, independent living from parents, non‐Muslims, awareness of organ donation shortages, family member on dialysis/registered donor, and more liberal degrees of religious belief (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

South Asians in the United Kingdom are a heterogeneous group of different faiths, cultures, and values. We believe targeted strategies are required to raise awareness of organ donation amongst South Asians.
Determinants of developmental coordination disorder in 7‐year‐old children: a study of children in the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Faebo Larsen Rikke , Hvas Mortensen Laust , Martinussen Torben , Nybo Andersen Anne‐Marie
Published: August 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate early life determinants of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in 7‐year‐old children.

Method

The study was based on data from 33 354 women and their children who participated in the 7‐year follow‐up study of the Danish National Birth Cohort. Information on several potential determinants (maternal age at conception, maternal occupational status, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, child's sex, intrauterine growth restriction, degree of preterm birth, and age at walking) was obtained from population registries, from interviews during pregnancy and when the child was 18 months old. The outcome in this study was DCD at 7 years of age, measured by the validated Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. The associations between the potential determinants and DCD were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

The study population consisted of 17 065 males and 16 289 females (141 [0.4%] born very preterm [23+0–31+6wk]; 1281 [3.8%] born moderately preterm [32+0–36+6wk]; 29 044 [87.1%] were born term [37+0–41+6wk], and 2888 [8.7%] were born post‐term [≥42+0wk]). Independently of each other, the following determinants were predictors of DCD: being a female (odds ratio [OR] 0.36 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.31–0.41]); being born very preterm (OR 6.28 [95% CI 3.99–9.89]) or moderately preterm (OR 2.10 [95% CI 1.65–2.67]); being small for gestational age (OR 1.74 [95% CI 1.46–2.08]); being 15 months of age or more at walking attainment (OR 3.05 [95% CI 2.57–3.60]); and maternal occupational status (higher grade professionals (OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.02–1.61); economically inactive (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.07–1.91]). Young maternal age and smoking were risk factors among term‐born children.

Interpretation

The risk of DCD increases with decreasing gestational age. Intrauterine growth restriction is also a strong risk factor, as well as delayed walking.
Episodic ataxia type 1 without episodic ataxia: the diagnostic utility of nerve excitability studies in individuals with KCNA1 mutations
Authors: Tan S Veronica , Wraige Elizabeth , Lascelles Karine , Bostock Hugh
Published: August 2013

Episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1) is caused by mutations in the KCNA1 gene encoding the fast potassium channel Kv1.1 and is characterized clinically by brief episodes of ataxia and continuous and spontaneous motor unit activity. Atypical presentations, in which the predominant manifestation is related to the peripheral nervous system, may lead to the diagnosis being missed or delayed, with the potential risk of individuals receiving inappropriate or unnecessary investigations and treatment. We present a case of a 15‐year‐old female with EA1 who had never had episodes of ataxia, and whose hand movements were initially thought to represent a tremor. Genetic screening for KCNA1 mutations was precipitated by the results of the nerve excitability studies (TROND protocol), which showed changes typical of reduced fast potassium channel conductance. This case highlights the utility of nerve excitability studies in identifying individuals with KCNA1 mutations.
Why Agriculture Remains a Viable Means of Poverty Reduction in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Case of Ethiopia
Authors: Dorosh Paul A. , Mellor John W.
Published: August 2013

Although there is much empirical evidence of the importance of agricultureled economic growth, there is a renewed emphasis in development circles on the industrial sector as the main driver of growth, even for the low‐income countries of sub‐Saharan Africa. This article applies a simplified model of agricultural growth linkages to illustrate the importance of agricultural growth for increasing employment and accelerating poverty reduction in Ethiopia. Achieving rapid agricultural growth, however, will require the engagement of small commercial farmers, large enough to adopt new technologies and produce significant marketed surpluses, but small and numerous enough to have spending patterns that drive a large, vibrant rural non‐farm sector.
Relocating Civil Society in a Politics of Civic‐Driven Change
Authors: Fowler Alan , Biekart Kees
Published: August 2013

Politics is central to development discourse, yet remains peripheral. Over some twenty years, a civil‐society narrative has not fulfilled its potential to ‘bring politics back in’. Reasons can be found in conceptual confusion, in selectivity in donor thinking, in policies towards civil society and in the growth‐driven political economy of NGO‐ism. Remedies for the political lacunae are being sought through a focus on rights, citizenship and leadership that show valuable focused progress. This article examines a comprehensive complement to such efforts referred to as civic‐driven change (CDC). Originating in a grounded empirical approach, the constituent principles and elements of CDC offer a lens that can both sharpen and deepen insights and advance analysis of socio‐political processes.
An Elixir for Development? Olive Oil Policies and Poverty Alleviation in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Lybbert Travis J. , Elabed Ghada
Published: August 2013

The evolution of olive oil markets has sparked interest in policies that promote olive oil as a means of inducing rural development across the Middle East and North Africa. This article describes policies that link olive oil markets to rural development in Morocco, Syria and Tunisia and evaluate their effectiveness. It uses a framework that combines producer heterogeneity and market differentiation to describe how rural poverty impacts will be shaped by production, quality and marketing constraints. While the flow of olive oil from producers to the market may have increased, that of information and incentives in the reverse direction is still limited, something that too few olive oil policies aim to improve.
The Value of Domestic Supply Chains: Producers, Wholesalers, and Urban Consumers in Colombia
Authors: Guarín Alejandro
Published: August 2013

Global value chains are potential links between smallholder farmers in developing countries and lucrative markets in industrialised nations. However, food access for poor consumers in Third World cities depends largely on traditional domestic supply chains. This article focuses on the market for perishables in Colombia, which is dominated by peasant farming and ranching, wholesale (spot) markets, and small, family‐run corner stores and butchers. Here, evidence suggests that, despite characterisation of traditional supply chains as inefficient, they provide critical outlets for smallholders' heterogeneous production while simultaneously ensuring availability of cheap food for poor urban consumers.
Informality and Contributory and Non‐Contributory Programmes. Recent Reforms of the Social‐Protection System in Uruguay
Authors: Cruces Guillermo , Bérgolo Marcelo
Published: August 2013

Several countries in Latin America are expanding their social‐protection systems. There is an on‐going debate about the trade‐offs implied by these expansions, and by the resulting interactions between contributory and non‐contributory programmes with informality in the labour market. This article analyses the potential incentive effects for formal and informal employment from a set of social‐protection reforms implemented in Uruguay in the 1990s and 2000s. It presents empirical evidence of the expansion of health insurance to formal workers' dependants, and finds that this reform significantly increased formal employment. Finally, it discusses possible alternatives to extend social‐protection systems while maintaining incentives for formal work in Latin America's labour markets.
Factors Constraining Building Effective and Fair Geographical Indications for Coffee: Insights from a Dominican Case Study
Authors: Galtier Franck , Belletti Giovanni , Marescotti Andrea
Published: August 2013

The commodity nature of green coffee is the main cause of the ‘coffee paradox’ (falling producer prices and rising consumer prices). Geographical Indications (GIs) may be an effective ‘decommodifier’ of the coffee market, but many constraints have to be overcome. Based on an analysis of how the characteristics of the coffee production system shape the positions of local stakeholders and, thus, the GI building process, this article identifies some constraining factors that can seriously undermine the capacity the GI has to decommodify the market and attain a fairer distribution of the benefits for local producers.
GABAA receptors can initiate the formation of functional inhibitory GABAergic synapses
Authors: Fuchs Celine , Abitbol Karine , Burden Jemima J. , Mercer Audrey , Brown Laura , Iball Jonathan , Anne Stephenson F. , Thomson Alex M. , Jovanovic Jasmina N.
Published: August 2013

The mechanisms that underlie the selection of an inhibitory GABAergic axon's postsynaptic targets and the formation of the first contacts are currently unknown. To determine whether expression of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) themselves – the essential functional postsynaptic components of GABAergic synapses – can be sufficient to initiate formation of synaptic contacts, a novel co‐culture system was devised. In this system, the presynaptic GABAergic axons originated from embryonic rat basal ganglia medium spiny neurones, whereas their most prevalent postsynaptic targets, i.e. α1/β2/γ2‐GABAARs, were expressed constitutively in a stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cell line. The first synapse‐like contacts in these co‐cultures were detected by colocalization of presynaptic and postsynaptic markers within 2 h. The number of contacts reached a plateau at 24 h. These contacts were stable, as assessed by live cell imaging; they were active, as determined by uptake of a fluorescently labelled synaptotagmin vesicle‐luminal domain‐specific antibody; and they supported spontaneous and action potential‐driven postsynaptic GABAergic currents. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of characteristics typical of active synapses. Synapse formation was not observed with control or N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐expressing HEK293 cells. A prominent increase in synapse formation and strength was observed when neuroligin‐2 was co‐expressed with GABAARs, suggesting a cooperative relationship between these proteins. Thus, in addition to fulfilling an essential functional role, postsynaptic GABAARs can promote the adhesion of inhibitory axons and the development of functional synapses.
Equine haemothorax
Authors: Groover E. S. , Wooldridge A. A.
Published: August 2013

Haemothorax is an uncommon, although clinically important, condition in horses of all ages and has a wide range of aetiologies. Clinical signs can include tachypnoea, dyspnoea, tachycardia, absence of bronchovesicular sounds, haemoptysis, colic and death. The most common aetiologies are associated with trauma, neoplasia, coagulation disorders, iatrogenic causes and vessel rupture. Diagnosis is made if there is evidence of thoracic fluid on ultrasonography and confirmation of haemorrhage by thoracocentesis. The goals of treatment are to address the primary cause and provide supportive care. Prognosis depends on aetiology, severity of active bleeding and volume of blood loss.
Blue light from individual light masks directed at a single eye advances the breeding season in mares
Authors: Murphy B. A. , Walsh C. M. , Woodward E. M. , Prendergast R. L. , Ryle J. P. , Fallon L. H. , Troedsson M. H. T.
Published: August 2013

Reasons for performing study

Artificial lighting is commonly used to advance the breeding season in horses. Light masks have been developed that direct light at a single eye to inhibit the production of melatonin, the decoder of photoperiod for seasonally breeding animals.

Objectives

To investigate whether low‐intensity blue light from light masks was effective at advancing the breeding season in mares.

Study design

Controlled experiment.

Methods

Data on reproductive activity was collected from 3 groups of mares maintained on Kentucky horse farms under various lighting conditions between 20 November 2011 and 10 February 2012: 59 nonpregnant, healthy Thoroughbred mares were used. On 1 December 2011, Group 1 (n = 16) was housed indoors under barn lighting (250 Lux) until 23.00 h daily. Group 2 (n = 25) wore light masks programmed to turn on from 16.30 h until 23.00 h daily and was maintained outdoors. Group 3 (n = 19) was maintained outdoors under the natural photoperiod as control. At 2‐week intervals, rectal ultrasound examinations were performed and blood was collected for progesterone analysis. Oestrous cyclicity was defined as the presence of follicles >20 mm diameter detected in conjunction with serum progesterone >1 ng/ml and confirmation of ovulation by transrectal ultrasound examination.

Results

On 10 February, the number of mares exhibiting oestrous cyclicity was 14/16 (87.5%) in Group 1; 20/25 (80%) in Group 2; and 4/19 (21%), in Group 3. Pairwise comparison of groups revealed no difference in the number of cycling mares between Groups 1 and 2 (χ2 test, P = 0.3348) whereas differences were observed between Groups 1 and 3 (χ2 test, P<0.0001) and Groups 2 and 3 (χ2 test, P<0.0003).

Conclusions

Low‐intensity blue light to a single eye from a light mask is an effective alternative to maintenance of mares indoors under lights for advancing the breeding season. Mobile light therapy for horses could have economic benefits for the breeder by reducing the costs of maintaining mares indoors, and welfare benefits for horses by permitting outdoor maintenance.
Do radiographic signs of sesamoiditis in yearlingThoroughbreds predispose the development of suspensory ligament branch injury?
Authors: McLellan J. , Plevin S.
Published: August 2013

Reasons for performing study

Sesamoiditis is believed to be associated with injury to the suspensory branch attachment and is a common radiographic finding in yearlingThoroughbreds. No study has investigated relationships between yearling sesamoiditis and subsequent development of suspensory ligament branch injury (SLBI) in early racehorse training.

Objectives

To establish the prevalence ofSLBIwithin a population of juvenile training racehorses and retrospectively investigate relationships between clinical signs ofSLBIand sesamoiditis to determine if sesamoiditis is a risk factor for clinical suspensory branch injury.

Study design

Retrospective case control study.

Methods

Presale radiographs of 291 clinically normal yearlingThoroughbreds were reviewed for sesamoiditis and graded using 3 objective scales. Medical records encompassing the first year of race training were reviewed to identify cases ofSLBIand the remaining unaffected controls from the cohort. Statistical analysis determined the relationship between sesamoiditis and the development ofSLBIduring training.

Results

The prevalence ofSLBIwas 9.97%. Case and control horses demonstrated a similar prevalence of sesamoiditis overall butSLBIcases demonstrated increased severity of sesamoiditis on yearling radiographs compared with unaffected controls. This significant relationship between sesamoiditis and cases ofSLBIwas only observed using one of the 3 scales. Using that scale, sesamoids exhibiting more pronounced sesamoiditis on yearling radiographs were 5 times more likely to developSLBIin the adjacent suspensory branch (OR4.56, 95%CI2.18–9.53, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study reveals that the grading scale used is important when providing prognostic advice on the significance of radiographic signs of sesamoiditis. Evidence of significant sesamoiditis implies a 5 times greater risk of developing clinicalSLBIwith the onset of training. Clinicians should be aware that sesamoiditis may be an indicator of futureSLBIin yearlings which are clinically normal at the time of sale.
A Critical Methodological Review of Discourse and Conversation Analysis Studies of Family Therapy
Authors: Tseliou Eleftheria
Published: August 2013

Discourse (DA) and conversation (CA) analysis, two qualitative research methods, have been recently suggested as potentially promising for the study of family therapy due to common epistemological adherences and their potential for an in situ study of therapeutic dialog. However, to date, there is no systematic methodological review of the few existing DA and CA studies of family therapy. This study aims at addressing this lack by critically reviewing published DA and CA studies of family therapy on methodological grounds. Twenty‐eight articles in total are reviewed in relation to certain methodological axes identified in the relevant literature. These include choice of method, framing of research question(s), data/sampling, type of analysis, epistemological perspective, content/type of knowledge claims, and attendance to criteria for good quality practice. It is argued that the reviewed studies show “glimpses” of the methods’ potential for family therapy research despite the identification of certain “shortcomings” regarding their methodological rigor. These include unclearly framed research questions and the predominance of case study designs. They also include inconsistencies between choice of method, stated or unstated epistemological orientations and knowledge claims, and limited attendance to criteria for good quality practice. In conclusion, it is argued that DA and CA can add to the existing quantitative and qualitative methods for family therapy research. They can both offer unique ways for a detailed study of the actual therapeutic dialog, provided that future attempts strive for a methodologically rigorous practice and against their uncritical deployment.
Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas: application of the Turin proposal provides prognostic results similar to those from the assessment of high‐grade features
Authors: Gnemmi Viviane , Renaud Florence , Do Cao Christine , Salleron Julia , Lion Georges , Wemeau Jean‐Louis , Copin Marie‐Christine , Carnaille Bruno , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Pattou François , Aubert Sébastien
Published: August 2013

Aims

To investigate the performance of two proposed methods for assessing the prognosis of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDTC): the Turin proposal and Hiltzik's histological grade (HHG). This was done using a series of 82 thyroid carcinomas of follicular origin.

Results

The two methods were able to classify patients accurately into two different prognosis groups. Although the Turin proposal and HHG displayed discrepant cases, they provided similar prognostic information. The Turin proposal gave accurate numbers and thresholds of PTDC criteria (loss of follicular architecture and mitoses, necrosis or convoluted nuclei). One Turin criterion, convoluted nuclei, failed to provide any prognostic value. Hiltzik's histological grade was also a simple and reliable method, allowing detection of tumours with high‐grade features (mitosis and/or tumour necrosis), notably some papillary carcinomas that displayed an intermediate prognosis. We show that Ki67 labelling (≥ 4%) was an independent factor and predictor of cause‐specific survival.

Conclusion

With similar performances in predicting prognosis, the Turin proposal and HHG provided complementary results in identifying a larger group of ‘intermediate prognosis’ thyroid carcinomas, which require adequate treatment and follow‐up.
An Investigation on Dip‐Coating Technique for Fabricating Anode‐Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Lei Libin , Bai Yaohui , Liu Yan , Liu Jiang
Published: August 2013

To cut down the energy consumption and processing period, Ni‐YSZ anode‐supported thin YSZ electrolyte SOFCs have been fabricated by an improved dip‐coating technique, in which the electrolyte layer was dip‐coated on green anode substrates instead of prefired ones, followed by co‐firing. The film formation mechanisms of dip‐coating were analyzed with liquid entrainment and capillary effect assumptions. According to the mechanisms, a typical YSZ electrolyte slurry formula of conventional dip‐coating technique was modified for the improved technique by increasing the binder content and the solid loading. With the improved dip‐coating technique, along with an optimized electrolyte slurry formula, a SOFC with dense electrolyte, revealing a maximum power density of 460 mW/cm2 at 800°C, was obtained. Factors affecting the coating layers were also investigated by SEM and AC impedance analyses.
CW CO2‐Laser‐Induced Formation of Fulgurite on Lime–Pozzolan Mortar
Authors: Martinez‐Ramirez Sagrario , Diaz Luis , Camacho Joaquin J.
Published: August 2013

A glassy material similar to fulgurites (fusion of the soil which has been struck by lightning) was prepared by continuous wave (CW) CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm) ablation of lime–pozzolan mortar at medium‐vacuum conditions and atmospheric pressure. In all the irradiated samples, the determined surface temperature is higher than the melting temperature of mortar (1556 K), so the surface is melted and converted into an amorphous glassy when cooled. The samples were studied combining laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy. The emission induced by the CW CO2 laser is mainly due to electronic relaxation of Na, K, Si, Si+, Ca, O, N, and CaOH species along with an intense continuum due to blackbody emission. The emission induced on both natural and produced fulgurite is mostly due to electronic relaxation of Ca, Ca+, Si, Si+, Si2+, Si3+, H, Na, K, Mg, N, O, CaOH, and OH species with different relative intensities in some of them. Raman spectra show that the glassy formed material is similar to natural fulgurites, with the main difference arising from portlandite formed over the surface of the lime–pozzolan mortar. As the laser power increases, less density SiO2 glass is formed with more Q4 and Q1 units present.
Selective Stress Relaxation on Chemically Strengthened Glass Sheets for Conventional Wheel Cutting
Authors: Lee Hoikwan , Lee Jihoon , Choi Hosam , Lee Jaeho
Published: August 2013

We introduce, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the use of variable frequency microwave (VFM)‐assisted second ion exchange to selectively modify the compressive stress CS in chemically strengthened glass sheets, which allows for separation of these glass sheets into smaller pieces using a conventional cutting tool. The CS in paste‐coated zones, in the regions where it is desired for separation of the glass sheets, was successfully manipulated via VFM‐assisted second ion exchange, substituting the larger alkali ions in glass by smaller ions of the paste. Its effect on chemically strengthened glass was characterized using a strain viewer, an optical microscope, and an electron probe microanalyzer. We also report on the scribability and breakability across the stress relaxation zones. The results reveal a CS loss of only 3%, from 677 to 656 MPa, in the paste‐uncoated zones, and complete CS relaxation, down to 0 MPa, in the paste‐coated regions. The areas of relaxed CS enable the separation of the strengthened glass sheets using conventional wheel cutting.
The effect of subliminal priming on sleep duration
Authors: Shimizu Mitsuru , Sperry Jesse J. , Pelham Brett W.
Published: August 2013

Two experiments primed college students with either sleep‐related or neutral words and then assessed sleep during a 25 minute nap period. Both experiments showed that participants primed with sleep‐related words reported having slept longer than did those primed with neutral words. Furthermore, both experiments showed that sleep‐primed participants exhibited lower heart rate. Experiment 2 also revealed that the effect of the priming manipulation was especially strong among participants who had trouble sleeping. This suggests that priming might be a cost‐effective treatment for inducing sleep among people with sleep problems.
The role of the self‐fulfilling prophecy in young adolescents' responsiveness to a substance use prevention program
Authors: Madon Stephanie , Guyll Max , Scherr Kyle C. , Willard Jennifer , Spoth Richard , Vogel David L.
Published: August 2013

This research examined whether naturally occurring self‐fulfilling prophecies influenced adolescents' responsiveness to a substance use prevention program. The authors addressed this issue with a unique methodological approach that was designed to enhance the internal validity of research on naturally occurring self‐fulfilling prophecies by experimentally controlling for prediction without influence. Participants were 321 families who were assigned to an adolescent substance use prevention program that either did or did not systematically involve parents. Results showed that parents' perceptions about the value of involving parents in adolescent substance use prevention predicted adolescents' alcohol use more strongly among families assigned to the prevention program that systematically involved parents than to the one that did not. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
In Praise of a Doctor Who Welcomes the Newborn Infant Person
Authors: Trevarthen Colwyn
Published: August 2013

This article recalls how Dr. Berry Brazelton, in the past 50 years, has transformed pediatrics and childcare and supported parents' understanding of their young children. Berry's work as a pediatrician and basic research in the psychobiology of childbirth and infant communication and care have proved to be richly complementary. Brazelton and the author were fortunate to meet in the context of the wide exploration of human nature and adaptations of human intelligence for cooperative life encouraged by Jerome Bruner's vision of how cultural awareness of meaning may be generated in affectionate relations from infancy. This opened a new awareness of the adaptations of the human mind for sharing the creation of a meaningful world by exploring playful imagination with companions.
The Limits of Entrapment: The Negotiations on EU Reduction Targets, 2007–11
Authors: Skovgaard Jakob
Published: August 2013

In 2007, the EU decided to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20/30 per cent, something which was considered a proof of the EU's willingness to take on high targets independently of others. In the period 2009–11, the EU was debating but could not reach an agreement on stepping up to a 30 per cent reduction target. This raises the question: why did the EU go from being capable of adopting high targets independently of others to being incapable of agreeing whether it should increase its mitigation effort? It is argued that whereas actors sceptical of a high target could be rhetorically entrapped in 2007, such entrapment was impossible in the 2009–11 period. The lack of entrapment can be explained in terms of changes in the international and socio‐economic contexts, which led to changes in the policy processes and the normative environment, which again made effective entrapment impossible.
Age‐associated changes of islet endocrine cells and the effects of body mass index in Japanese
Authors: Mizukami Hiroki , Takahashi Kazunori , Inaba Wataru , Osonoi Sho , Kamata Kosuke , Tsuboi Kentaro , Yagihashi Soroku
Published: August 2013

Aims/Introduction

Impaired growth and premature death of β‐cells are implicated in the progression of islet pathology in type 2 diabetes. It remains unclear, however, how aging affects islet cells, or whether the islet change in diabetes is an augmented process of aging. We studied age‐related changes of the islet structure in Japanese non‐diabetic subjects and explored the underlying mechanism of the changes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 115 non‐diabetic autopsy cases were subjected to morphometric analysis for volume densities of islets, β‐ and non‐β‐cells, as well as their masses. Proliferation activity identified by Ki67, and expressions of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox (PDX)‐1, cell cycle inhibitor P16, and oxidative stress marker γH2AX were also examined.

Results

There was a gradual and marginal decline of volume densities of islets, β‐ and non‐β‐cells with aging, while masses of these components were increased during maturation and slowly decreased after the 40s. Islet density was high in the young, but reduced after maturation. There was only a minimal influence of increased body mass index (BMI) on the increase in β‐cell mass, but not on the other variables. Ki67 positivity and PDX‐1 expressions were high in the young, but low after maturation, whereas expressions of P16 and γH2AX were elevated in the aged.

Conclusions

Age‐associated decline of β‐cell mass is marginal after maturation, and the reduction of β‐cell mass could be a specific process in diabetes. The impact of BMI on the islet structure is limited in Japanese with normal glucose tolerance.
Correlation of nerve ultrasound, electrophysiological, and clinical findings in post Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Behrendt Volker , Gold Ralf , Yoon Min‐Suk
Published: August 2013

We aimed to correlate functional disability, electrophysiology, and nerve ultrasound in patients after Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). Seventy‐five healthy controls and 41 post‐GBS patients (mean 3.4 years, SD ± 2.91 years after onset) underwent clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological evaluation. Compared to healthy controls, the post‐GBS patients showed: (1) a mean Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale score of 31.8 (SD ± 11.6), modified Rasch‐built fatigue severity scale score of 15.6 (SD ± 3.2), Medical Research Council sum score of 22 (SD ± 5.6); (2) electrophysiological signs of permanent axonal loss in the majority of the peripheral nerves; (3) sonographical evidence of higher cross‐sectional area values (CSA) of the ulnar (elbow, p < 0.001), radial (spiral groove, p < 0.001), tibial nerve (popliteal fossa, p < 0.001) and brachial plexus (supraclavicular space, p < 0.001). No correlation between sonographic and electrophysiological findings was found. Neither nerve ultrasound nor electrophysiology correlated with muscle strength, overall disability, and fatigue scale. Compared to healthy controls, post‐GBS patients had significant functional disability. Despite significant abnormalities in both electrophysiology and ultrasound compared to healthy controls, neither electrophysiology nor nerve ultrasound correlated with functional disability of these patients.
Two novel MPZ mutations in Chinese CMT patients
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Xiaobo , Zi Xiaohong , Huang Shunxiang , Zhan Yajing , Jiang Mingming , Guo Jifeng , Xia Kun , Tang Beisha , Zhang Ruxu
Published: August 2013

To investigate the myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene mutation and related clinical features in Chinese Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) patients, we screened the coding sequence of MPZ in 70 unrelated CMT index patients after excluding the PMP22 duplication, Cx32 and MFN2 mutations. We found four different missense mutations: c.194C>T, c.242A>T, c.371C>T, and c.419C>G. The frequency of MPZ mutation was approximately 4.35% of the total, 3.08% of CMT1, and 6% of CMT2. Mutations c.242A>T and c.419C>G are novel. The mutation c.242A>T exhibited late onset and rapidly progressive CMT2 phenotype. The mutation c.419C>G exhibited relatively late onset and slowly progressive CMT1 phenotype.
A meta‐analysis of the relationships of age and tenure with innovation‐related behaviour
Authors: Ng Thomas W. H. , Feldman Daniel C.
Published: August 2013

One particularly persistent and prevalent negative age stereotype is that older workers are less innovative and more resistant to change. Because older workers are also more likely to have longer organizational tenure, negative age stereotypes contribute to the perception that long‐tenured workers are less innovative and more resistant to change, too. Guided by human capital theory, this study argues that the capacity to contribute to innovation‐related behaviours (IRB) might actually grow with age and tenure, counteracting the presumed age‐related declines in this type of job performance. Using a meta‐analysis that included 98 empirical studies, the present research examines the relationships of age and organizational tenure with the generation, dissemination, and implementation of new ideas. Overall, the pattern of results in the study suggests that older workers and longer‐tenured workers do not engage in less innovation‐related behaviour than their younger and more junior counterparts. In addition, there is little evidence of curvilinearity in the relationships of age and tenure with IRB; workers at the high end of the age and tenure distributions did not perform especially poorly on these tasks.

Practitioner points

Contrary to common belief, the results of this study show that age and tenure are not negatively related to innovation‐related behaviours.

That is, older and longer‐tenured workers do not engage in less innovation‐related behaviour than younger, more junior workers.

These results hold true even at the high end of the age and years‐of‐service continuum.

This study concludes that the negative stereotype that older and longer‐tenured workers are less innovative is not based on accumulated empirical evidence.

As such, excluding older workers from innovation‐related tasks is counterproductive.
Influence of Cement Film Thickness on the Retention of Implant‐Retained Crowns
Authors: Mehl Christian , Harder Sönke , Steiner Martin , Vollrath Oliver , Kern Matthias
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The main goal of this study was to establish a new, high precision procedure to evaluate the influence of cement film thickness on the retention of cemented implant‐retained crowns.

Materials and Methods

Ninety‐six tapered titanium abutments (6° taper, 4.3 mm diameter, Camlog) were shortened to 4 mm. Computer‐aided design was used to design the crowns, and selective laser sintering, using a cobalt‐chromium alloy, was used to produce the crowns. This method used a focused high‐energy laser beam to fuse a localized region of metal powder to build up the crowns gradually. Before cementing, preset cement film thicknesses of 15, 50, 80, or 110 μm were established. Glass ionomer, polycarboxylate, or resin cements were used for cementation. After 3 days storage in demineralized water, the retention of the crowns was measured in tension using a universal testing machine.

Results

The cement film thicknesses could be achieved with a high level of precision. Interactions between the factors cement and cement film thickness could be found (p ≤ 0.001). For all cements, crown retention decreased significantly between a cement film thickness of 15 and 50 μm (p ≤ 0.001). At 15 μm cement film thickness, the resin cement was the most retentive cement, followed by the polycarboxylate and then the glass ionomer cement (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that cement film thickness has an influence on the retentive strength of cemented implant‐retained crowns.
Peer Networks and the Development of Illegal Political Behavior Among Adolescents
Authors: Dahl Viktor , van Zalk Maarten
Published: August 2013

This study examined to what extent peer influence explains the development of illegal political behavior controlling for peer selection, legal political peer influence, and gender effects. Late adolescents who filled out questionnaires at two annual measurements were used in a longitudinal social network approach (N = 1006; Mage = 16.62). Results showed that peers' involvement in illegal political behavior predicted adolescents' increases in illegal political behavior. Adolescents did not select other peers with similar illegal political behavior. Nevertheless, adolescents selected peers with similar legal political behavior. Findings were discussed in light of a stage process where adolescents initially chose peers with similar legal political behavior. Subsequently, peers influence adolescents on both legal and illegal political behavior.
Moderating Effects of School Climate on Outcomes for the Multisite Violence Prevention Project Universal Program
Authors: Dymnicki Allison B. ,   Multisite Violence Prevention Project
Published: August 2013

This study examines to what extent baseline school climate moderates the effects of a randomized controlled trial of a universal violence prevention intervention. School climate was assessed by teacher ratings of the quality of relationships among school members and the seriousness of school problems. Cluster analysis revealed three climate types: distressed, average, and conducive. Mixed‐effects regression models of data from 5,256 students suggested limited overall positive program outcomes for students in schools assigned to the universal intervention versus students in schools assigned to control conditions. There was, however, evidence of differential effects of the universal intervention by climate type. These findings have important implications for identifying school characteristics that researchers and practitioners should consider in planning universal school‐based interventions.
Importance of Correct Instructions in the Tetrad Test
Authors: Rousseau Benoît , Ennis John M.
Published: August 2013

Use of the tetrad test has increased recently as both theoretical and experimental results have shown that it is statistically more powerful than the triangle test. In this article, although, we show that this power advantage depends on the choice of instructions. Specifically, we show that if experimenters ask respondents to select the two most similar samples out of four, instead of asking respondents to group the four samples into two groups of two based on similarity, then the resulting test will have approximately the same power as the triangle test. This fact serves as a reminder of the importance of correct test instructions in difference testing, as specific wording can clearly affect a test power and thus the final conclusion of an investigation.

Practical Applications

Businesses are increasingly considering the tetrad test as an alternative to the triangle test within their difference testing programs. This article clarifies the correct test instructions for the tetrad test, and shows that its power advantage over the triangle test will be compromised if incorrect instructions are given. Thus, it is essential that practitioners provide correct task instructions in order to realize the full potential of the tetrad test.
Comparative Molecular Analyses of Phytoplasmas infecting Sophora japonica cv. golden and Robinia pseudoacacia
Authors: Ren Zheng Guang , Lin Cai Li , Li Yong , Song Chuan Sheng , Wang Xi Zhuo , Piao Chun Gen , Tian Guo Zhong
Published: August 2013

Phytoplasmas were detected in Sophora japonica cv. golden and Robinia pseudoacacia with diseased branches of witches'‐broom collected in Haidian district, Beijing, China. Phytoplasma cells were observed in phloem sieve elements of symptomatic S. japonica cv. golden by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of phytoplasmas was further confirmed by sequence determination of partial gene sequences of 16S rDNA, rp (ribosomal protein) and secY. Phylogenetic trees and virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses indicated that the phytoplasmas causing S. japonica cv. golden witches'‐broom (SJGWB) and R. pseudoacacia witches'‐broom (RPWB) belong to the 16SrV (elm yellows) group, and they are most closely related to subgroup 16SrV‐B, rpV‐C and secYV‐C jujube witches'‐broom (JWB) phytoplasma. Comparative analyses indicated that the phytoplasma of RPWB was closer to the JWB and that R. pseudoacacia might serve as an alternative host plant of JWB phytoplasma.
Assessing a Measurement of Organizational Preparedness for Corporate Entrepreneurship
Authors: Hornsby Jeffrey S. , Kuratko Donald F. , Holt Daniel T. , Wales William J.
Published: August 2013

Research has shown that the manifestation of corporate entrepreneurship is an important strategy for the success of private‐ and public‐sector organizations. The Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) is an instrument that was developed to measure the key internal organizational factors that influence a firm's entrepreneurial activities and outcomes. The present research employs three studies to assess the content, construct, and convergent validity of the CEAI using a well‐established framework for scale development and refinement. The CEAI was found to be a relatively stable instrument, although the factor structure that emerged varied slightly from the original instrument. In sum, as a result of our analyses, a more parsimonious and psychometrically sound set of items for each factor was derived yielding an 18‐item instrument based upon the original 48‐item measure. Our studies of the CEAI present a timely contribution toward advancing research in the area of organizational preparedness for corporate entrepreneurship.