bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chapter 15: Impact of Tobacco Control on Lung Cancer Mortality in the United States Over the Period 1975–2000—Summary and Limitations
Authors: Boer Rob , Moolgavkar Suresh H. , Levy David T.
Published: August 2012

Background: A consortium of six research groups estimated the impact on lung cancer mortality of changes in smoking behavior that began around the publication of the Surgeon General's report (SGR). This chapter presents the results of that effort. We quantified the cumulative impact of changes in smoking behaviors on lung cancer mortality in the United States over the period 1975–2000. Methods: The six groups used common inputs and independent models to estimate the number of U.S. lung cancer deaths averted over the period 1975–2000 as a result of changes in smoking behavior beginning in the mid fifties, and the number of deaths that could have been averted if tobacco control had completely eliminated all smoking following issuance of the first SGR on Smoking and Health in 1964. Results: Approximately 795,000 deaths (550,000 men and 245,000 women) were averted over the period 1975–2000 as a result of changes in smoking behavior since in 1950s. In the year 2000 alone approximately 70,000 lung cancer deaths were averted (44,000 among men and 26,000 among women). However, these represent approximately 30% of lung cancer deaths that could have potentially been averted over the period 1975–2000 if smoking was eliminated completely. In the 10‐year period 1991–2000, this fraction increased to about 37%. Conclusions: Our results show the substantial impact of changes in smoking behavior since the 1950s. Despite a major impact of changing smoking behaviors, tobacco control effort are still needed to further reduce the burden of this disease.
Progress and Challenges with Iraq's Multilevel Governance
Authors: Mingus Matthew S.
Published: August 2012

Nations in the Arab world are largely unitary states, yet Iraq has embarked on a seemingly ambitious agenda of decentralization and devolution mixed with federalism. While local elections have been delayed at least until 2012, and indeed may never take place, Iraq's constitutional commitment to decentralize and subsequent statutory enactments appear to be turning provincial governments into significant actors in Iraqi governance. Progress has taken place at a slower, more deliberate pace than both proponents and opponents feared in 2002–6. This article discusses the current state of implementation of this process as a cornerstone of Iraqi democratic development, from the perspective of a former U.S. Department of State senior governance specialist who served on an embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team in 2009–10. These reconstruction teams were dismantled in the year leading up to September 6, 2011, as the American relationship with Iraq was “normalized,” though they likely will continue in Afghanistan into 2013.
Moral Leadership and Administrative Statesmanship: Safeguards of Democracy in a Constitutional Republic
Authors: Newswander Chad B.
Published: August 2012

The pursuit of the common good must be understood from the reality that governing is ugly. The ability to grapple with situations that are ambiguous requires administrators to be cognizant of action that might be suspect but necessary to accomplish the public interest. This often requires them to become active players. John Rohr postulates that the U.S. Supreme Court's standards of strict scrutiny is one approach that could be used to justify such action. Building on this line of thinking, the strict scrutiny test can be used as a guide to shape the constitutive character of administrative statesmanship while simultaneously restraining it. The ability to balance formative action and restraint provides a different dimension to an understanding of administrative statesmanship. Even though this process is not easy, it helps administrators refrain from going beyond the mark and enables them to act like statesmen in seemingly unresolvable situations.
Policy Diffusion: Seven Lessons for Scholars and Practitioners
Authors: Shipan Charles R. , Volden Craig
Published: August 2012

The scholarship on policy diffusion in political science and public administration is extensive. This article provides an introduction to that literature for scholars, students, and practitioners. It offers seven lessons derived from that literature, built from numerous empirical studies and applied to contemporary policy debates. Based on these seven lessons, the authors offer guidance to policy makers and present opportunities for future research to students and scholars of policy diffusion.
Feasibility of Defibrillation and Automatic Arrhythmia Detection Using an Exclusively Subcutaneous Defibrillator System in Canines
Authors: CAPPATO RICCARDO , CASTELVECCHIO SERENELLA , ERLINGER PAUL , SANGHERA RICK , SCHECK DONALD , OSTROFF ALAN , RISSMANN WILLIAM , GROPPER CHARLES , BARDY GUST H.
Published: August 2012

Subcutaneous Defibrillation in Canines. Introduction: This study reports the experimental process leading to development of an automatic totally subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (SICD) system engineered for human use.

Methods and Results: Two studies were conducted to test defibrillation and detection feasibility of an SICD system located in the left chest. In the first study, 2 pockets were created in 15 canines for placement of an anterior electrode adjacent to the left edge of the sternum and a lateral electrode at the site along the axillary line between the 4th and 6th intercostal space. Stainless steel flat electrodes with active surface areas of 5, 10, 20, and 25 cm2 or rod electrodes were subsequently positioned and the defibrillation threshold (DFT) was measured for multiple combinations. In the second study, the ability to induce, detect, and provide shock delivery in response to ventricular fibrillation (VF) using an SICD system engineered for clinical use was tested in 5 canines. One hundred and three DFT tests with 11 different dual electrode combinations were performed. All combinations terminated VF with a DFT of 35 ± 16 J (range: 9–79 J). Nineteen VF episodes were induced and recognized by the chronic SICD, leading to automatic capacitor charge and shock delivery in all cases.

Conclusions: Subcutaneous defibrillation using different electrode combinations with shock energies less than 80 J terminated all induced VFs. An automatic SICD proved effective in detecting and activating shock delivery in all cases. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 77‐82, January 2013)
Cognizance and Consultation of Randomized Controlled Trials among Ministerial Policy Analysts
Authors: Bédard Pierre‐Olivier , Ouimet Mathieu
Published: August 2012

Consultation of scientific evidence by policy actors has been the foci of attention of knowledge utilization scholars for decades. The present study questioned the extent to which randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—generally seen as the gold standard of scientific research—are known and consulted by policy analysts in ministerial settings. Using cross‐sectional data collected in 17 ministries inQuébec (Canada), our study showed that fairly high levels of policy analysts report never having heard ofRCTs, thus possibly hindering effective communication of scientific results to relevant policy makers. Statistical analyses reveal the importance of cognitive factors in explaining both phenomena.
Conviction without Being Convinced: Maintaining Islamic Certainty in Minangkabau, Indonesia
Authors: Simon Gregory M.
Published: August 2012

In Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, Indonesia, Islam provides the solid ground of truth and morality. I examine the role that a notion of conviction plays in allowing Minangkabau people to maintain a sense of commitment to that truth despite practices and experiences that contradict it. Drawing from person‐centered research, I argue that individuals can maintain the certainty of Islam and the Islamic nature of their own selves in the subjective realm of conviction. The ambiguity of conviction gives individuals the room to creatively manage the disparities between experience and a totalizing conception of Islamic Truth. Situated within a discussion about selfhood and moral subjectivity in Muslim societies, I develop this article to demonstrate how notions of belief can be used to maintain the sense of an absolute commitment to a totalizing truth even in the context of ambiguous experience, obviating the motivation to pursue a fundamentalist agenda.
The welfare implications of Brazil's coffee export price subsidies during the ICA
Authors: Jarvis Lovell S.
Published: August 2012

To increase coffee export revenues during the International Coffee Agreement, Brazil provided selected purchasers with export rebates that could be used to pay for future coffee purchases. This subsidy mutated and grew over time, encouraged by rent seeking. The subsidy had huge cost to the Brazilian Treasury, $9.8 billion in constant 1982 US dollars, or about 13% of coffee export revenues. As exports were usually quota‐constrained, the subsidy increased Brazil's international coffee price, particularly during 1980–1986, absolutely and relative to its competitors’ prices. The unexpected variation in Brazil's price also caused the New York Coffee, Sugar, and Cocoa Exchange to terminate trading in Brazilian coffee futures, making it more costly to hedge Brazilian coffee until today. The econometric evidence is mixed, but it seems likely the subsidy reduced Brazil's net economic welfare and redistributed income from the Treasury to foreign roasters, domestic exporters, and government bureaucrats.
Studying composite demand using scanner data: the case of ground beef in the US
Authors: Schulz Lee L. , Schroeder Ted C. , Xia Tian
Published: August 2012

This article reports tests of aggregation over elementary ground beef products and estimates composite demand elasticities. Results suggest that we obtain reliable information on consumers’ actual ground beef purchases by grouping data according to either lean percentage or brand type. The results also suggest that we obtain reliable information by using the data to form a single ground beef composite. By testing for valid aggregates and providing estimates of composite demand elasticities the analysis provides economists and policymakers with information regarding the effects of food and agricultural policies on consumers and producers that buy and produce ground beef.
Reoccurrence of retained placenta at vaginal delivery: an observational study
Authors: NIKOLAJSEN SYS , LØKKEGAARD ELLEN CHRISTINE LETH , BERGHOLT THOMAS
Published: August 2012

Objective. To estimate the prevalence and validate the diagnosis of retained placenta in nulliparous women and the risk of reoccurrence at subsequent vaginal delivery. Design. Nested cohort study. Setting. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, university‐affiliated teaching hospital. Population. 10 334 nulliparous singleton pregnancies who delivered vaginally at the hospital during 2000–2009. Methods. Data from a computerized database information system were used to identify 287 women who had an ICD‐10 diagnosis of retained placenta and 572 randomly selected controls matched by the date of first delivery. At chart review the diagnosis was confirmed by: (1) excessive bleeding <30 minutes after delivery without placental separation, (2) placenta not separated 30 minutes after delivery or (3) confirmation of retained placental tissue >2 hours postpartum. Main outcome measures. Confirmation of the diagnosis and prevalence of retained placenta. Risk of reoccurrence in a subsequent vaginal delivery. Results. The prevalence of retained placenta increased from 2.8 to 7.0% after confirmation according to the set criteria. Of the selected women, 48.4% had a subsequent vaginal delivery. Of these women, 25.3% (23/91) with a previous retained placenta and 5.3% (11/206) without previously retained placenta, experienced retained placenta in subsequent delivery. This corresponds to an adjusted odds ratio of 5.5 (95% confidence interval 2.6–12.7) in the multivariate analysis for recurrence of retained placenta in a subsequent vaginal delivery. Conclusions. The use of the ICD‐10 diagnosis of retained placenta underestimated the prevalence. The risk of reoccurrence of retained placenta is significantly increased in a subsequent vaginal delivery.
Follow‐up of gynecological cancer patients after treatment – the views of European experts in gynecologic oncology
Authors: VISTAD INGVILD , CVANCAROVA MILADA , SALVESEN HELGA B.
Published: August 2012

Objective. Follow‐up after treatment for gynecological cancer demands large resources. There is a lack of evidence of efficacy. The aim of this survey was to explore follow‐up routines and views on follow‐up care among European experts in gynecological oncology. Design. Web‐based structured survey. Setting. Survey distributed to members of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) and the Nordic Society of Gynecologic Oncology (NSGO). Population. The study population comprised members of NSGO and ESGO. Methods. An anonymous e‐survey was sent with two additional reminders by e‐mail through an electronic web‐link to all members of both societies. Main outcome measures. Surveillance routines. The clinical experts’ evaluation of evidence and view of follow‐up in hospitals vs. at general practitioners (GPs). Results. The number of visits recommended by a majority of the responders was in line with current guidelines. The use of surveillance tests varied considerably. Significantly more responders from low economy countries preferred conventional hospital follow‐up for all patients compared with responders from high economy countries, who considered follow‐up by GPs adequate in low‐risk groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Follow‐up routines after gynecological cancer vary in Europe. According to the majority of the responders of this survey targeting European experts in gynecological oncology, follow‐up by GPs may be an option for low‐risk patients. New follow‐up routines should preferentially be based on prospective trials comparing conventional follow‐up of gynecological cancer patients with alternative methods of care, assessing survival, detection of recurrence, and quality of life.
Long‐term results of implant‐supported over‐dentures retained by double crowns: a practice‐based retrospective study after minimally 10 years follow‐up
Authors: Frisch Eberhard , Ziebolz Dirk , Rinke Sven
Published: August 2012

Background

Different concepts regarding the number of implants and attachment systems for the preparation of implant‐supported over‐dentures (IODs) have been discussed. Nonetheless, long‐term results for double‐crown‐retainedIODs with an observational period of more than 10 years are still rare in the literature.

Objective

The aim of this practice‐based study was to retrospectively evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome (success/survival rates, technical/biological complications) ofIODs retained by double crowns.

Material and methods

In a private practice, 36 non‐smoking edentulous patients were restored between 1991 and 2002 with double‐crown‐retainedIODs supported by 2–6 implants. For the retrospective evaluation of implant and prosthetic survival (in‐situcriterion) and success (event‐free observational period), only those patients were included who regularly (at least once a year) participated in a professional maintenance programme and who had a functional period for the restoration of more than 10 years.

Results

Twenty‐two patients (12 Women/10 men, mean age 60.1 ± 9.8 years) with 89 implants supporting nine maxillary and 13 mandibulary dentures (mean number of implants/prosthesis = 4) met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow‐up period was 14.1 ± 2.8 years. One implant failed after 4.9 years (cumulative‐survival rate: 98.9%). Seven implants in two patients showed peri‐implantitis (prevalence: patient‐based = 9.1%/implant‐based = 8%). Five dentures were renewed (prosthetic‐survival rate 77.3% Maintenance procedures (i.e. screw loosening or acrylic fractures) were required at a rate of 0.31/year and patient.

Conclusion

This study indicates thatIODs retained with double crowns offer predictable long‐term performance with a limited incidence of biological and technical complications.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of cow’s milk protein allergy and gastrointestinal motility
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Gottrand Frederic , Veereman‐Wauters Gigi , De Greef Elisabeth , Devreker Thierry , Hauser Bruno , Benninga Marc , Heymans Hugo SA.
Published: August 2012

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) may cause gastrointestinal motility disorders. Symptoms of both conditions overlap and diagnostic tests do not reliably differentiate between both. A decrease of symptoms with an extensive hydrolysate and relapse during challenge is not a proof of allergy, because hydrolysates enhance gastric emptying, a pathophysiologic mechanism of gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GER). Thickened formula reduces regurgitation, and failure to do so suggests CMPA. A thickened extensive hydrolysate may induce more rapid improvement, but does not always differentiate between CMPA and GER. Different hypotheses are discussed: is the overlap between CMPA and functional disorders coincidence, or do both entities present with identical symptoms, or does the fact that symptoms are identical indicates that there is only one entity involved? Studies on the prevention of CMPA focused on ‘at‐risk families’, and resulted in a decrease of CMPA and atopic dermatitis, but did not provide data on the incidence of GER.

Conclusion:  As long as there are no objective diagnostic tools to separate GER from CMPA, the physician has two options: first treat the most likely diagnosis, and switch if after 2–4 weeks there is no improvement, or treat both conditions with one intervention, what will not result in a diagnosis.
Temporal changes in forest plant communities at different site types
Authors: Verstraeten Gorik , Baeten Lander , Van den Broeck Tine , De Frenne Pieter , Demey Andreas , Tack Wesley , Muys Bart , Verheyen Kris
Published: August 2012

Aims

Given the significance of the herbaceous understorey layer for temperate forest ecosystem biodiversity and functioning, it is important to have a thorough understanding of its dynamics in response to environmental change. However, site‐specific factors such as soil type may cause differential temporal herb layer changes within a single study area under comparable external pressure. Surprisingly, relatively few studies have examined herb layer changes on different site types within the same forest complex. The aim of this study is to determine the temporal differences in herb vegetation and to compare these for two differing site types in the same forest complex.

Location

Ancient broad‐leaved woodlands traditionally managed as coppice with standards in South Belgium, an area with secondary deposits and a mild temperate climate.

Methods

In 2008 we re‐inventoried 43 vegetation recordings from 1953 to 1954 in forests on two site types (acid and neutral forests). First, we described differences in soil pH, litter and overstorey characteristics between the sites. Next, multivariate analysis, Ellenberg indicator value and CSR signature were used to determine differences in herb layer diversity and composition between both the two survey times and the two site types. Finally, we analysed temporal differences in individual species abundances and frequencies.

Results

The two site types clearly differed with respect to soil, litter and overstorey characteristics. Temporal changes between the surveys were mostly highly significant on the neutral sites and mostly not significant on the acid sites. On both site types, the species pool size declined. On the neutral site, the mean plot species richness also declined. Based on the plant‐derived characteristics (Ellenberg indicator values) of the plots, light availability decreased and nitrogen availability significantly increased on the neutral sites.

Conclusion

Input of eutrophying deposits and management changes are seen as key drivers of herb layer changes in the study area over the last half‐century. However, our study suggests that site characteristics such as parent material and soil pH should also be considered. Together with the key drivers, incorporating differences in site characteristics may improve our understanding of temporal shifts in herb layer vegetation in response to environmental change.
Colonization of limestone grasslands by woody plants: the role of seed limitation and herbivory by vertebrates
Authors: Laborde J. , Thompson K.
Published: August 2012

Questions

Why are some woody species able to colonize open grassland while others are not? How important are seed limitation and grazing by vertebrates for the colonization of grasslands by woody species? What are the effects of the grassland turf on seedling emergence, growth and survival? How frequently are seedlings killed by grazers, and how different are woody species in their resistance to herbivory?

Location

Limestone grassland of Cressbrook Dale, Derbyshire, in the Peak District National Park, UK

Methods

The emergence, growth and survival of the seedlings of eight scrub species were evaluated using sheep exclosures and paired open plots in the grassland. The grassland turf was clipped in half the area of each plot, to determine the effect on seedling establishment. Seeds of the selected species were sown in the field during autumn 2001 and followed through spring 2004.

Results

Dense grassland turf reduces the germination of some woody species and also slows growth of all seedlings. Seeds germinate better in short turf and, having germinated, the most important factor for seedling survival is resistance to browsing, which varies widely among species. The two most successful colonizers – Corylus avellana and Crataegus monogyna – have different routes to establishment. Corylus has very successful seed dispersal and is moderately resistant to herbivory. Crataegus is less successful in dispersal but its seedlings are very resistant to browsing. Other species, such as Prunus spinosa, are as resistant to browsing as Crataegus, but are limited by seed availability.

Conclusions

Grazing by vertebrates exerts a dual control on scrub invasion. Livestock maintains a dense, compact turf that interferes with the seed germination and seedling growth of woody plants. Grazing also gives rise to differential survival of woody species as a function of their ability to resist browsing. The density and composition of the heterogeneous patchwork of developing scrub vary continually in accordance with the differential success of species in seed dispersal into the open grassland and the mortality of woody seedlings caused by the temporal and spatial variability of grazing.
Do Firms Learn to Manage Alliance Portfolio Diversity? The Diversity‐Performance Relationship and the Moderating Effects of Experience and Capability
Authors: Duysters Geert , Heimeriks Koen H. , Lokshin Boris , Meijer Elise , Sabidussi Anna
Published: August 2012

Building on organizational learning theory, this study examines whether firms learn to manage alliance portfolio diversity. We argue that alliance portfolio diversity may be advantageous as well as disadvantageous for alliance portfolio performance. Subsequently, we theorize that the diversity‐performance relationship is moderated by the firm's alliance experience and capability. Bridging the previously separated literature of diversity and learning, our findings show a curvilinear relationship between diversity and performance. More important, using survey data, we reveal some key processes through which firms learn to manage alliance portfolio diversity.
Attributional Assumptions of Organizational Schools of Thought: Classification, Evaluation and Managerially Relevant Knowledge
Authors: Lakshman C.
Published: August 2012

Using an attribution theory lens, this paper classifies and comparatively evaluates the prevailing paradigms in organizational research. It provides critical comments on multiple schools in organizational theory, a field that suffers from paradigm proliferation, in terms of their adequacy as contributors to management theory. It presents a framework that is an improvement over prior attempts and is drawn from existing theories in organizational behaviour, namely, attribution theory. This paper identifies the attributional assumptions made by different schools of thought and classifies these on three attributional dimensions, that is, locus, stability and controllability. Implications for researchers to develop broader, more managerially relevant knowledge bases are provided. Insightful and novel ideas and analysis, for bridging the research‐practice gap in management are identified as a result of the attributional analysis and subsequent classification.
Concept analysis of reflection in nursing professional development
Authors: Tashiro Junko , Shimpuku Yoko , Naruse Kazuko , Maftuhah  , Matsutani Miwako
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The aim of this concept analysis was to describe attributes, antecedents, and consequences of reflection in nursing professional development, as well as surrogate terms and a model case to inform nursing educators, students, and nurses about developing reflective skills.

Methods:  Rodgers' evolutionary cycle for concept analysis was used. The published work search was conducted using five databases: Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Ichushi, and British Nursing Index. The inclusion criteria were: (i) academic articles; (ii) written in English or Japanese; and (iii) including descriptions about reflection. From the pool of extant published work, 50 articles were selected for the thematic analysis.

Results:  For the concept of reflection in nursing professional development, four antecedents were identified: (i) theory and practice gap; (ii) expansion of the role and competency in nursing; (iii) educational and learning needs; and (iv) educational responsibility. The major attribute was the process of learning from experience, and the circular process included emotional reaction, description, internal examination, critical analysis, evaluation, and planning new action. The consequences were transforming new perspective, enhanced communication, professional development, and quality of care.

Conclusion:  Reflection is used as a method or tool that connects knowledge and experiences. Through the process of reflection, students/nurses become aware of themselves, which helps them review and improve clinical skills. They also become more able to communicate with patients and colleagues. Reflection enhances self‐directed learning and professional maturity. Nurses who use reflection can be better positioned to provide excellent patient care.
Identification of mycotoxin‐producing Fusarium spp. isolated from corn and the changes in concentration of fumonisin during the cultivation period
Authors: Uegaki Ryuichi , Kobayashi Hisami , Tohno Masanori , Tsukiboshi Takao
Published: August 2012

We estimated the prevalence of mycotoxin‐producing Fusarium fungi and the levels of fumonisin in corn (maize; Zea mays L.) grown and harvested in Tochigi, Japan, in 2009. Fusarium fujikuroi was the species most frequently isolated from ear samples collected after the yellow‐ripe stage, and these isolates produced fumonisin in incubation tests on corn grain medium. Other Fusarium species were also isolated. The concentration of fumonisin in corn grown in the field increased abruptly after the dough‐ripe stage and kept increasing until the full‐ripe stage. The mean concentrations of fumonisin B1 and B2 each exceeded 2000 μg kg–1 fresh matter at the full‐ripe stage, and almost all of the fumonisin was found in ears. Fungi capable of producing fumonisin were consistently isolated from ears sampled after the dough‐ripe stage; we conclude that these fungi produced fumonisin in ears. Although fumonisin‐producing fungi were isolated also from stems and leaves after the dough‐ripe stage, concentrations of fumonisin in these tissues were very low and did not increase over time. It appears that fumonisin‐producing fungi such as F. fujikuroi, F. incarnatum and F. verticillioides were present in the plants from the dough‐ripe stage to full‐ripe stage and the conditions for fumonisin production became more favorable in ears as the plants matured.
Establishment of a Blood Purification System for Renal Failure Rats Using Small‐Size Dialyzer Membranes
Authors: Yorimitsu Daisuke , Satoh Minoru , Koremoto Masahide , Haruna Yoshisuke , Nagasu Hajime , Kuwabara Atsunori , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki
Published: August 2012

Hemodialysis techniques for small animals have not been established because no small dialysis apparatus has been available. We recently developed a small‐size dialyzer and established an appropriate blood purification system for small animals. To confirm the appropriate dialysate flow rate, bovine blood was dialyzed for 60 min at a fixed blood flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and variable dialysate flow rates. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels decreased significantly at a dialysate flow rate of 5 mL/min (from 13.7 ± 0.2 to 10.3 ± 1.2 mg/dL and 1.07 ± 0.15 to 0.61 ± 0.12 mg/dL, respectively, P < 0.05). To determine the appropriate in vivo conditions, extracorporeal circulation was performed in anesthetized male Sprague‐Dawley rats at a dialysate flow rate of 0.0 mL/min, for 240 min, and at variable blood flow rates. Extracorporeal circulation was successful at a blood flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, but not 1.5 mL/min. To establish in vivo hemodialysis conditions, we used the animal model of end stage renal failure. Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a 0.75% adenine‐containing diet for 3 weeks, after which they received hemodialysis for 120 min at a dialysate and blood flow rate of 5.0 and 1.0 mL/min, respectively. There were no significant changes in systolic blood pressure or heart rate during dialysis. Thus, this blood purification system can be safely used for small animals at a dialysate flow rate of 5.0 mL/min and a blood flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. This system provides a basis for further research on hemodialysis therapy.
Survey of Depression by Beck Depression Inventory in Uremic Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Su Shu‐Fen , Ng Hwee‐Yeong , Huang Tiao‐Lai , Chi Po‐Jui , Lee Yueh‐Ting , Lai Chun‐Ren , Lin Yau‐Hsing , Huang Pei‐Chen , Lee Chien‐Te
Published: August 2012

High prevalence of depression has been reported in patients with end stage kidney disease and depression is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression in patients receiving standard hemodialysis (SHD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF) and compare the associated factors between these treatment modalities. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to survey for major depressive symptoms. Demographic and biochemical data were reviewed and collected. Point prevalence of depression in HDF patients was significantly lower than SHD patients (23.9% vs. 43.1%, P < 0.05). The BDI score was also higher in SHD than HDF group (13.2 ± 11.6 vs. 8.7 ± 11.2, P < 0.05). SHD patients with major depressive symptoms had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, sodium and hand grip strength but had higher prevalence of diabetes and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels. In HDF patients, phosphorus level was significantly lower in patients with major depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that hs‐CRP, serum sodium and hand grip strength were significantly associated with major depressive symptoms in patients treated with SHD; while serum phosphorus was identified in HDF groups. We concluded that prevalence of depression was high in dialysis patients. Patients receiving HDF had a lower mean BDI score and a nearly 50% lower prevalence rate of major depressive symptoms than that of SHD. Factors associated with depression were different between two modalities
GUIDING THE SWITCH FROM TRIANGLE TESTING TO TETRAD TESTING
Authors: ENNIS JOHN M.
Published: August 2012

Tetrad testing is theoretically more powerful than Triangle testing, yet the addition of a fourth stimulus raises questions – it is possible that the addition of a fourth stimulus places such an additional demand on subjects that the theoretical advantage of the Tetrad test is lost. In this paper, we provide a guideline to compare results of Tetrad and Triangle. Specifically, it is roughly correct to say that as long as the effect sizes do not drop by more than one third for the same stimuli, then the Tetrad test remains more powerful than the Triangle test. We explain this guideline in terms of perceptual noise, illustrate its use in several examples and discuss the statistical considerations that accompany its use. To assist with statistical evaluation, we provide a table for finding the variance in the Tetrad‐based measurement of the effect size. Finally, we show how the Thurstonian framework helps us to improve discrimination testing efficiency even when we do not seek additional power.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Discrimination testing programs based on Triangle testing might be made more sensitive or more efficient by the use of Tetrad testing. This paper develops a guideline to assist sensory scientists who are considering a switch from the Triangle test to the Tetrad test. The paper displays the use of this guideline in several examples, discusses the relevant statistical considerations, provides a helpful table and demonstrates how Thurstonian theory can be used to improve efficiency even in an already successful discrimination testing program.
RELATING CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE TO DESCRIPTIVE ATTRIBUTES BY THREE‐WAY EXTERNAL PREFERENCE MAPPING OBTAINED BY PARALLEL FACTOR ANALYSIS (PARAFAC)
Authors: NUNES CLEITON A. , BASTOS SABRINA C. , PINHEIRO ANA CARLA M. , PIMENTA CARLOS J. , PIMENTA MARIA EMÍLIA S. GOMES
Published: August 2012

This work considers the hypothesis of using Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) for relating consumer acceptance to descriptive attributes by employing three‐way external preference maps. A pilot case study with a real data set from six commercial samples of grape juice was conducted. The results revealed that PARAFAC was useful for relating consumer acceptance to descriptive attributes, by simultaneously considering the various analyzed attributes by three‐way external preference maps. The three‐way external preference maps provided a general interpretation of the data, thereby making it possible to simultaneously relate consumer preferences, sensorial attributes and descriptive characteristics.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Three‐way external preference mapping enables the simultaneous analysis of the correlations (interactions) among consumer preferences, products and different evaluated attributes, as in the previously proposed three‐way internal preference mapping; but in this approach, descriptive parameters are also considered in the analysis. It enables an analysis of the overall performance of the samples in the acceptance test using a single map and to simultaneously correlate the descriptive attributes to acceptance for all consumer attributes. The three‐way approach is able to access overall performance of samples in the consumer acceptance test without the need to evaluate overall liking attribute. This is advantageous, e.g., to prevent the halo effect of attributes on overall liking.
QUESTIONNAIRE ON MEXICANS' FAMILIARITY WITH ODOR NAMES
Authors: SEVERIANO‐PÉREZ PATRICIA , CADENA‐AGUILAR ARELY ARGENTINA , VARGAS‐CHANES DELFINO , GUEVARA‐GUZMÁN ROSALINDA
Published: August 2012

Our aim was to identify culture‐specific odors to design an olfactory assessment (identity and recognition, threshold, olfactory discrimination and memory tests) for Mexican population.

A survey was made using 1,308 Mexicans. We asked them about their familiarity, preference and frequency with which they smelled 58 different kinds of odors. The most familiar odor names were guava, orange and lime, with orange, cinnamon and rose as the most preferred.

Significant differences in familiarity were found between genders for some floral and spicy odors. Age and occupation were associated with people's ability to recognize floral, herbal, spicy, fruity and other odor names. Certain floral odor names are only familiar to people born in specific places. Overall, the variables age, gender and occupation had influence over the familiarity of odor names, with citrus as the most familiar scent for the Mexican population.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

We determined the most familiar and preferred scents to Mexicans, which will form the basis for designing a methodology suitable for olfactory assessment (identity and recognition, threshold, olfactory discrimination and memory tests) in this population, allowing the clinical use and study of correlation with chemoreception, chemosensory and chemical senses.
IMPACT OF SAMPLE THICKNESS ON DESCRIPTIVE TEXTURE ANALYSIS OF CHEDDAR CHEESE
Authors: BARDEN L.M. , DRAKE M.A. , FOEGEDING E.A.
Published: August 2012

Cheeses are available with different levels of fat and in different sizes and shapes (e.g., slices or cubes). This research investigated the effect of moving from a slice to a cube (constant 2‐D surface area, increased volume) on textural evaluation of Cheddar cheese at three different fat levels using both descriptive sensory analysis and consumer testing. Thin slices (2 mm thickness) were generally judged to be less firm and hard than thicker (8–20 mm) samples. However, there was no difference because of sample thickness in texture terms evaluated after five chews. Consumer liking (flavor, texture and overall) was not altered by sample thickness and decreased with fat reduction. Consumers preferred large sized (8 and 14 mm) samples over the thin slices. The potential benefit from a less hard, thin slice did not result in improved preference. It can be concluded that sample size does not alter the overall sensory perception such that differences because of fat content are diminished.

Practical Applications

Sensory analysis requires a choice in sample volume and shape. Some foods, such as cheese, are sold in a range of sizes, varying from slices to cubes. This research was designed to determine if sample size altered the textural perception of Cheddar cheese. Descriptive analysis indicated that slices, the thinnest sample, were generally rated as less firm/hard, but there was no consistent sample size effect on terms evaluated after chewing. Consumer testing showed that differences in liking (flavor, texture and overall) were due to fat level alone and not altered by sample size.
Temperature‐Activated Auto‐Decomposition Reactions: An Under‐Utilized In Situ Remediation Solution
Authors: Suthersan Suthan , Horst John , Klemmer Mark , Malone Don
Published: August 2012

The remediation industry has witnessed multiple innovations arising from a greater understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that control the fate and transport of chemicals in the subsurface environment. In addition, increasing emphasis is being placed on remediation solutions that are greener, simpler, and more resource efficient. The positive impacts that can be derived from this emphasis include reduced energy consumption, reduced waste emissions, and lower costs. Temperature‐activated auto‐decomposition reactions represent a potentially underutilized option for the in situ remediation of certain organic contaminants, and an option that can be both highly effective and greener than other available technologies.
The Links between Early‐Life Cognition and Schooling and Late‐Life Financial Knowledge
Authors: HERD PAMELA , HOLDEN KAREN , SU YUNG TING
Published: August 2012

Using the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a sample of Wisconsin high school graduates from the class of 1957, we explore the relationship between late‐life financial knowledge and human capital formed in early life. Specifically, we examine the associations between early‐life cognition and schooling experiences—such as academic performance and coursework—and late‐life financial knowledge. Financial knowledge is measured as individuals' knowledge of their own financial situations, which we argue is a prerequisite for good financial behavior. We find that those with lower early‐life cognitive functioning, especially those without college degrees, have lower levels of financial knowledge in late life. We find more limited evidence for independent associations of academic performance and math course work with late‐life financial knowledge.
Bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of maize and the surrounding carbonate‐rich bulk soil
Authors: García‐Salamanca Adela , Molina‐Henares M. Antonia , van Dillewijn Pieter , Solano Jennifer , Pizarro‐Tobías Paloma , Roca Amalia , Duque Estrella , Ramos Juan L.
Published: August 2012

Maize represents one of the main cultivar for food and energy and crop yields are influenced by soil physicochemical and climatic conditions. To study how maize plants influence soil microbes we have examined microbial communities that colonize maize plants grown in carbonate‐rich soil (pH 8.5) using culture‐independent, PCR‐based methods. We observed a low proportion of unclassified bacteria in this soil whether it was planted or unplanted. Our results indicate that a higher complexity of the bacterial community is present in bulk soil with microbes from nine phyla, while in the rhizosphere microbes from only six phyla were found. The predominant microbes in bulk soil were bacteria of the phyla Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, while Gammaproteobacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Lysobacter were the predominant in the rhizosphere. As Gammaproteobacteria respond chemotactically to exudates and are efficient in the utilization of plants exudate products, microbial communities associated to the rhizosphere seem to be plant‐driven. It should be noted that Gammaproteobacteria made available inorganic nutrients to the plants favouring plant growth and then the benefit of the interaction is common.
Projections of 21st Century Sierra Nevada Local Hydrologic Flow Components Using an Ensemble of General Circulation Models1
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Stewart Iris T. , Maurer Edwin P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Sierra Nevada snowmelt and runoff is a key source of water for many of California’s 38 million residents and nearly the entire population of western Nevada. The purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of expected 21st Century climatic changes in the Sierra Nevada at the subwatershed scale, for all hydrologic flow components, and for a suite of 16 General Circulation Models (GCMs) with two emission scenarios. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was calibrated and validated at 35 unimpaired streamflow sites. Results show that temperatures are projected to increase throughout the Sierra Nevada, whereas precipitation projections vary between GCMs. These climatic changes drive a decrease in average annual streamflow and an advance of snowmelt and runoff by several weeks. The largest streamflow reductions were found in the mid‐range elevations due to less snow accumulation, whereas the higher elevation watersheds were more resilient due to colder temperatures. Simulation results showed that decreases in snowmelt affects not only streamflow, but evapotranspiration, surface, and subsurface flows, such that less water is available in spring and summer, thus potentially affecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Declining spring and summer flows did not equally affect all subwatersheds in the region, and the subwatershed perspective allowed for identification for the most sensitive basins throughout the Sierra Nevada.
Bioretention Design for Xeric Climates Based on Ecological Principles1
Authors: Houdeshel C. Dasch , Pomeroy Christine A. , Hultine Kevin R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract: Bioretention as sustainable urban stormwater management has gathered much recent attention, and implementation is expanding in mesic locations that receive more than 1,000 mm of annual precipitation. The arid southwestern United States is the fastest growing and most urbanized region in the country. Consequently, there is a need to establish design recommendations for bioretention to control stormwater from expanding urban development in this ecologically sensitive region. Therefore, we review the ecological limits and opportunities for designing bioretention in arid and semiarid regions. We incorporated USEPA Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) simulations to synthesize ecologically based design recommendations for bioretention in arid climates. From our review, an ideal bioretention garden area should be 6 to 8% of the contributing impervious drainage area (depending on region) with two layers of media, a 0.5‐m low‐nutrient topsoil layer above a 0.6‐m porous media layer that acts as temporary storage during a storm event. When planted with the suggested vegetation, this design maximizes stormwater treatment by promoting ecological treatment in the topsoil while promoting infiltration and evapotranspiration of stormwater by deep‐rooted shrubs that require no irrigation after establishment. This synthesis improves water resources management in arid and semiarid regions by introducing a sustainable bioretention design that protects local surface waters while reducing regional water demands for irrigation.
A Pilot Metabolic Profiling Study in Serum of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Based on 1H‐NMR‐Spectroscopy
Authors: Qi Suwen , Ouyang Xin , Wang Linqian , Peng Wujian , Wen Jinli , Dai Yong
Published: August 2012

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the end point of a number of renal and systemic diseases. The metabolomics with a highly multiplexed and efficient manner is a challenging goal in nephrology.

Methods: A 1H‐NMR based metabolomics approach was applied to establish a human CKD serum metabolic profile. Serum samples were obtained from CKD patients with four stages (N= 80) and healthy controls (N= 28). The data acquired by CMPG spectrum were further processed by pattern recognition (PR) analysis. Principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least‐squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was capable of clustering the disease groups and establishing disease‐specific metabolites profile.

Results: The classification models could grade CKD patients with considerably high value of Q2 and R2. The significant endogenous metabolites that contributed to distinguish CKD in different stages included the products of glycolysis (glucose, lactate), amino acids (valine, alanine, glutamate, glycine), organic osmolytes (betaine, myo‐inositol, taurine, glycerophosphcholine), and so on. Based on these metabolites, the model for diagnosing patients with CKD achieved the sensitivity and specificity of 100%.

Conclusion: The study illustrated that serum metabolic profile was altered in response to renal dysfunction and the progression of CKD. The identified metabolic biomarkers may provide useful information for the diagnosis of CKD, especially in early stages. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 379–385
Translation to Practice of an Intervention to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening Among African Americans
Authors: Smith Selina , Johnson Larry , Wesley Diane , Turner Kim B. , McCray Gail , Sheats Joyce , Blumenthal Daniel
Published: August 2012

In a previous report, we demonstrated the efficacy of an intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening among African Americans in a controlled community intervention trial. Participants in the intervention, named EPICS (Educational Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening), were twice as likely to be screened after six months as those in the control group. In the current project, we put the intervention into practice through an academic‐health department partnership, and the intervention performed as well as it had in the controlled trial. This success may be due to the community‐based participatory methods used in designing and testing the intervention. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 412–415