bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution X‐ray diffractometric, topographic and reflectometric studies of epitaxial layers on porous silicon destined for exfoliation
Authors: Mazur K. , Wieteska K. , Wierzchowski W. , Sarnecki J. , Lipiński D. , Brzozowski A. , Paulmann C.
Published: July 2015

The presently studied substrates for manufacturing freestanding silicon epitaxial layers contained two porous layers with different porosities. The upper layers of significantly lower porosity after annealing provided smooth surfaces for deposition of epitaxial layers and the deeper layers of greater porosity enabling easier exfoliation epitaxial foil. The layered structures have been studied by means of synchrotron diffraction topography and by recording of rocking curves from small local area. The most effective method of revealing defects in freestanding exfoliated layers were Bragg‐case projection topographs and ‘zebra’ pattern monochromatic beam topographs providing a map of sample curvature. The samples have been additionally examined by means of high‐resolution diffractometry and reflectometry.

The porous layers without epitaxial deposition provided strong narrow maximum at low angle side of the substrate maximum common for both of the porous layers. The most probable effect of the deposition of epitaxial layer is the decrease of lattice parameter in the upper layer with lower porosity, which provided the maxima in the diffraction curves located on low angle side of the substrate maximum. The topographic investigations revealed some defects in deposited epitaxial layers, connected with some irregularities of the annealed porous layer. Very characteristic common defects were large caverns, overgrown in the epitaxial process with the diameters of several tenths of micrometers and defects (possibly the overgrown submicron caverns), associated with some bundles of dislocations resolved in the topographs. In layers of large thickness, the characteristic long black and white stripes along <110> have also been observed, which most probably were stacking faults with dislocation loops. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of undersized (12.5 mm diameter) low‐dilution glass beads for X‐ray fluorescence determination of 34 components in 200 mg of igneous rock for applications with geochemical and archeological silicic samples
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Onuma Hiroaki , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: July 2015

A low‐dilution, undersized (12.5 mm diameter) glass–bead technique was developed for X‐ray fluorescence determination of 34 components (Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, Fe2O3, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Hf, W, and Pb) in precious silicic samples for geochemistry and archeology. This preparation was consolidated based on the properties of the specimen, including disk formability and detachability from a small crucible, through variation of the amounts of the two samples (basaltic and granitic rocks) and releasing reagent. The specimen was prepared by fusing a mixture of 200 mg of powdered sample, 200 mg of lithium tetraborate as a flux, and 60 µl of 18.42 mass% lithium chloride solution as a releasing agent in a small platinum crucible. Calibration curves were drawn using synthetic calibration standards, which were prepared by compounding chemical reagents, such as oxides, carbonates, and diphosphates containing analytes. The calibration curves showed good linearity with correlation coefficient values greater than 0.990. Using the proposed method, we determined 34 components in five igneous rock reference samples. The results were in agreement with the recommended values, accounting for uncertainties. With this method, preparation requires only small amounts of the powdered sample and alkali flux; however, still allowing for determination of many analytes, which is advantageous when dealing with limited quantities of precious samples. The present method has potential applications in the chemical characterization of various geological and archeological samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Sympathetic Inhibition on Metabolic and Cardiopulmonary Responses to Exercise in Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Scalzo Rebecca L. , Peltonen Garrett L. , Binns Scott E. , Klochak Anna L. , Szallar Steve E. , Wood Lacey M. , Larson Dennis G. , Luckasen Gary J. , Irwin David , Schroeder Thies , Hamilton Karyn L. , Bell Christopher
Published: July 2015

Objective

Pre-exertion skeletal muscle glycogen content is an important physiological determinant of endurance exercise performance: low glycogen stores contribute to premature fatigue. In low-oxygen environments (hypoxia), the important contribution of carbohydrates to endurance performance is further enhanced as glucose and glycogen dependence is increased; however, the insulin sensitivity of healthy adult humans is decreased. In light of this insulin resistance, maintaining skeletal muscle glycogen in hypoxia becomes difficult, and subsequent endurance performance is impaired. Sympathetic inhibition promotes insulin sensitivity in hypoxia but may impair hypoxic exercise performance, in part due to suppression of cardiac output. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that hypoxic exercise performance after intravenous glucose feeding in a low-oxygen environment will be attenuated when feeding occurs during sympathetic inhibition.

Methods

On 2 separate occasions, while breathing a hypoxic gas mixture, 10 healthy men received 1 hour of parenteral carbohydrate infusion (20% glucose solution in saline; 75 g), after which they performed stationary cycle ergometer exercise (∼65% maximal oxygen uptake) until exhaustion. Forty-eight hours before 1 visit, chosen randomly, sympathetic inhibition via transdermal clonidine (0.2 mg/d) was initiated.

Results

The mean time to exhaustion after glucose feeding both with and without sympathetic inhibition was not different (22.7 ± 5.4 minutes vs 23.5 ± 5.1 minutes; P = .73).

Conclusions

Sympathetic inhibition protects against hypoxia-mediated insulin resistance without influencing subsequent hypoxic endurance performance.
Using electronic medical records to determine prevalence and treatment of mental disorders in primary care: a database study
Authors: Gleeson M. , Hannigan A. , Jamali R. , Su Lin K. , Klimas J. , Mannix M. , Nathan Y. , O’Connor R. , O’Gorman C. , Dunne C. , Meagher D. , Cullen W.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

With prevention and treatment of mental disorders a challenge for primary care and increasing capability of electronic medical records (EMRs) to facilitate research in practice, we aim to determine the prevalence and treatment of mental disorders by using routinely collected clinical data contained in EMRs.

Methods

We reviewed EMRs of patients randomly sampled from seven general practices, by piloting a study instrument and extracting data on mental disorders and their treatment.

Results

Data were collected on 690 patients (age range 18–95, 52% male, 52% GMS-eligible). A mental disorder (most commonly anxiety/stress, depression and problem alcohol use) was recorded in the clinical records of 139 (20%) during the 2-year study period. While most patients with the common disorders had been prescribed medication (i.e. antidepressants or benzodiazepines), a minority had been referred to other agencies or received psychological interventions. ‘Free text’ consultation notes and ‘prescriptions’ were how most patients with disorders were identified. Diagnostic coding alone would have failed to identify 92% of patients with a disorder.

Conclusions

Although mental disorders are common in general practice, this study suggests their formal diagnosis, disease coding and access to psychological treatments are priorities for future research efforts.
Guanxi Practice and Quality: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese Managers’ Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government Ties
Authors: Bu Nailin , Roy Jean-Paul
Published: July 2015

This study provides new insight into guanxi practice and quality differences between business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) ties in China. The results, based on data obtained through structured interviews with 108 Chinese managers across eight cities in China, reveal stark differences between the practices used in developing B2B ties and those used in developing B2G ties. More specifically, these two tie types differ in a variety of guanxi initiation, building, and utilization practices. This study also builds upon the process model of guanxi development by highlighting the dissimilar role of gift giving practices in B2B and B2G ties. Furthermore, this study measures guanxi quality as a separate concept from guanxi process and demonstrates that guanxi quality is a multidimensional concept that is composed of affective attachment and felt obligation, both of which vary across B2B and B2G ties. Implications of these results for theory development and managerial practice in China are also discussed.
Advancing Indigenous Management Theory: Executive Rationale as an Institutional Logic
Authors: Redding Gordon , Witt Michael A.
Published: July 2015

With this perspective paper, we seek to help open up an additional and, we believe, especially promising avenue for indigenous management research. We explore the potential for progress through the investigation of executive rationale, an institutional logic guiding managerial action and enabling strategies, structures, and formal integration mechanisms. Drawing on interviews with an elite group of executives including some of the world's most powerful managers, we illustrate variance in executive rationale across five major economies – Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and the United States – and suggest that action and structures in these economies are broadly aligned with the respective expressions of executive rationale. We consequently hold that indigenous management research may benefit from a focus on executive rationale in particular, and we propose a concrete research agenda.
From Market Despotism to Managerial Hegemony: The Rise of Indigenous Chinese Management
Authors: Zhang Jianjun
Published: July 2015

Through examining executive rationale on why firms exist, Redding and Witt's (2015) paper serves as a window through which we can view varieties of capitalism and management models in several societies. However, though rationales are the socially constructed, historical patterns of material practices, they are after all ideational factors. The economic action and organizational practices, as Redding and Witt acknowledge, are often the result of the interplay of the material and ideational forces in society. Meanwhile, as the studied five economies are all relatively mature economies, executive rationales are rather stable, which is not the case for China. This commentary thus examines the evolution of Chinese management along with the shift of political economic parameters.
Groups generated by iterations of polynomials over finite fields
Authors: Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: July 2015

Given a finite field of q elements, we consider a trajectory of the map associated with a polynomial ]. Using bounds of character sums, under some mild condition on f, we show that for an appropriate constant C > 0 no N ⩾ Cq½ distinct consecutive elements of such a trajectory are contained in a small subgroup of , improving the trivial lower bound . Using a different technique, we also obtain a similar result for very small values of N. These results are multiplicative analogues of several recently obtained bounds on the length of intervals containing N distinct consecutive elements of such a trajectory.
Algebraic Cycles on Quadric Sections of Cubics in ℙ4under the Action of Symplectomorphisms
Authors: Guletskiĭ V. , Tikhomirov A.
Published: July 2015

Letτbe the involution changing the sign of two coordinates in ℙ4. We prove thatτinduces the identity action on the second Chow group of the intersection of aτ-invariant cubic with aτ-invariant quadric hypersurface in ℙ4. LetlτandΠτbe the one- and two-dimensional components of the fixed locus of the involutionτ. We describe the generalized Prymian associated with the projection of aτ-invariant cubic𝓵⊂ P4fromlτontoΠτin terms of the Prymians𝓅2and𝓅3associated with the double covers of two irreducible components, of degree 2 and 3, respectively, of the reducible discriminant curve. This gives a precise description of the induced action of the involutionτon the continuous part of the Chow group CH2(𝓵). The action on the subgroup corresponding to𝓅3is the identity, and the action on the subgroup corresponding to𝓅2is the multiplication by —1.
The Antillean Jewel and the European Imaginary: The Language of the Unspeakable in Denis Diderot's Les bijoux indiscrets
Authors: LEZRA ESTHER
Published: July 2015

In the mid-1700s, when Denis Diderot wrote Les bijoux indiscrets, the French modern nation-state was being actively imagined through philosophical and revolutionary discourse as distinct from the monarchical and feudal structures of the ancien régime. At the core of the emerging, transformative vision of Enlightenment thought lay knowledge produced by colonial and enslaved peoples, symbolized in the black female body that is positioned in Diderot's novel as disruptive of and yet central to European social, economic, and cultural norms.
Predictors of treatment dropout in self-guided web-based interventions for depression: an ‘individual patient data’ meta-analysis
Authors: Karyotaki E. , Kleiboer A. , Smit F. , Turner D. T. , Pastor A. M. , Andersson G. , Berger T. , Botella C. , Breton J. M. , Carlbring P. , Christensen H. , de Graaf E. , Griffiths K. , Donker T. , Farrer L. , Huibers M. J. H. , Lenndin J. , Mackinnon A. , Meyer B. , Moritz S. , Riper H. , Spek V. , Vernmark K. , Cuijpers P.
Published: July 2015

Background

It is well known that web-based interventions can be effective treatments for depression. However, dropout rates in web-based interventions are typically high, especially in self-guided web-based interventions. Rigorous empirical evidence regarding factors influencing dropout in self-guided web-based interventions is lacking due to small study sample sizes. In this paper we examined predictors of dropout in an individual patient data meta-analysis to gain a better understanding of who may benefit from these interventions.

Method

A comprehensive literature search for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapy for adults with depression from 2006 to January 2013 was conducted. Next, we approached authors to collect the primary data of the selected studies. Predictors of dropout, such as socio-demographic, clinical, and intervention characteristics were examined.

Results

Data from 2705 participants across ten RCTs of self-guided web-based interventions for depression were analysed. The multivariate analysis indicated that male gender [relative risk (RR) 1.08], lower educational level (primary education, RR 1.26) and co-morbid anxiety symptoms (RR 1.18) significantly increased the risk of dropping out, while for every additional 4 years of age, the risk of dropping out significantly decreased (RR 0.94).

Conclusions

Dropout can be predicted by several variables and is not randomly distributed. This knowledge may inform tailoring of online self-help interventions to prevent dropout in identified groups at risk.
A Possible Mid-Fourth-Century Altar Platform at Marcham/Frilford, Oxfordshire
Authors: Warry Peter
Published: July 2015

Marcham/Frilford is a large religious site with a temple, an amphitheatre and a central shrine feature. Adjacent to the shrine is a large fourth-century structure containing a significant deposit of coins, hobnails and bones. The absence of diffusion of the tiles from the temple roof to the wider site suggests that it continued to function as a religious complex throughout the Roman period; therefore the large structure is unlikely to have been a building which would have blighted the shrine but was more probably an altar platform where rituals were performed in conjunction with it.
Bone- and Antler-Working at Silchester: Evidence from Early Excavations
Authors: Bacon Joanna , Crummy Nina
Published: July 2015

Craft debris and finished artefacts in Reading Museum's Silchester Collection are used alongside current understanding of Romano-British urban intensive carcass processing and object assemblages to re-assess the evidence for bone- and antler-working in the town over that period.
Unifying the Ancestral Land: The CCP's “Taiwan” Frames
Authors: Brady Anne-Marie
Published: July 2015

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government engages in a vast range of measures aimed at moulding global and domestic public opinion on the Taiwan issue. The Taiwan frames set by the CCP are not just aimed at shaping domestic Chinese public opinion and global discourse on Taiwan-related matters; they also succeed in curtailing the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan's global political and commercial space. The CCP's Taiwan frames are in direct conflict with the evolving “Taiwanese identity” frames coming out of the ROC. Moreover, they form part of the CCP government's wider ideological project to frame global concepts of “Chineseness,” which is aimed at combating other ideological challenges to that trope such as the Falun Gong movement, Tibetan independence activism and Chinese democracy groups. Yet, political, economic and technological changes in the PRC and globally suggest that, despite the CCP government's increased efforts, it may be harder than ever to ensure that the CCP frames have the desired effect.
Boundedness of integral operators on decreasing functions
Authors: Carro María J. , Ortiz-Caraballo Carmen
Published: July 2015

We continue the study of the boundedness of the operator

on the set of decreasing functions in Lp(w). This operator was first introduced by Braverman and Lai and also studied by Andersen, and although the weighted weak-type estimate was completely solved, the characterization of the weights w such that is bounded is still open for the case in which p > 1. The solution of this problem will have applications in the study of the boundedness on weighted Lorentz spaces of important operators in harmonic analysis.
A stereological study on organelle distribution in human oocytes at prophase I
Authors: Pires-Luís Ana Sílvia , Rocha Eduardo , Bartosch Carla , Oliveira Elsa , Silva Joaquina , Barros Alberto , Sá Rosália , Sousa Mário
Published: July 2015

The ultrastructural analysis of human oocytes at different maturation stages has only been descriptive. The aim of this study was to use a stereological approach to quantify the distribution of organelles in oocytes at prophase I (GV). Seven immature GV oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy and a classical manual stereological technique based on point-counting with an adequate stereological grid was used. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–WhitneyU-test with Bonferroni correction were used to compare the means of the relative volumes occupied by organelles in oocyte regions: cortex (C), subcortex (SC) and inner cytoplasm (IC). Here we first describe in GV oocytes very large vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), vesicles containing zona pellucida-like materials and coated vesicles. The most abundant organelles were the very large vesicles of the SER (6.9%), mitochondria (6.3%) and other SER vesicles (6.1%). Significant differences in organelle distribution were observed between ooplasm regions: cortical vesicles (C: 1.3% versus SC: 0.1%, IC: 0.1%,P= 0.001) and medium-sized vesicles containing zona pellucida-like materials (C: 0.2% versus SC: 0.02%, IC: 0%,P= 0.004) were mostly observed at the oocyte cortex, whereas mitochondria (C: 3.6% versus SC: 6.0%, IC: 7.2%,P= 0.005) were preferentially located in the subcortex and inner cytoplasm, and SER very large vesicles (IC: 10.1% versus C: 0.9%, SC: 1.67%,P= 0.001) in the oocyte inner cytoplasm. Further quantitative studies are needed in immature metaphase-I and mature metaphase-II oocytes, as well as analysis of correlations between ultrastructural and molecular data, to better understand human oocytein vitromaturation.
Effects of surgical en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk on the conduction system in children with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Prandstetter Christoph , Tulzer Andreas , Mair Rudolf , Sames-Dolzer Eva , Tulzer Gerald
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The standard surgical management of patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis is the Rastelli operation. Recently, en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk, by cutting out the aortic and the pulmonary root in one block and by rotating it 180°, has been introduced as a new option for anatomical repair.

Methods

To evaluate the effects of this surgical method on the conduction system, pre-operative, post-operative, and follow-up electrocardiograms as well as patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 16 consecutive patients with transposition of the great arteries and left outflow tract obstruction were treated with en bloc rotation.

Results

During the post-operative period, there were two patients with complete atrio-ventricular block, one with junctional ectopic tachycardia, one with ventricular tachycardia, and one with supraventricular tachycardia. None of the patients had a typical right bundle branch block pattern before surgery; however, this pattern was detectable after surgery in eight out of 16 patients (50%), which persisted during the follow-up. All patients without typical right bundle branch block pattern showed a median QRS duration of 65 ms (54–112 ms) before surgery, 62 ms (54–122 ms) after surgery, and 84 ms (66–128 ms) at the last follow-up visit. This compares well with a similar Rastelli cohort, where a right bundle branch block prevalence of 77% was reported. Out of 16 patients, 12 showed non-specific ST changes and negative T-waves, which persisted during follow-up with an unknown significance for the future.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk seems not to have more negative effects on the conduction system than the Rastelli operation.
Impact of school lunch type on nutritional quality of English children’s diets
Authors: Evans Charlotte EL , Mandl Vera , Christian Meaghan S , Cade Janet E
Published: July 2015

Objective

Nutrient and food standards exist for school lunches in English primary schools although packed lunches brought from home are not regulated. The aim of the present study was to determine nutritional and dietary differences by lunch type.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2007 assessing diet using the Child and Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET), a validated 24 h estimated food diary. The data were analysed to determine nutritional and dietary intakes over the whole day by school meal type: school meals and packed lunches.

Setting

Fifty-four primary schools across England.

Subjects

Children (n 2709) aged 6–8 years.

Results

Children having a packed lunch consumed on average 11·0 g more total sugars (95 % CI 6·6, 15·3 g) and 101 mg more Na (95 % CI 29, 173 mg) over the whole day. Conversely, children having a school meal consumed, on average, 4·0 g more protein (95 % CI 2·3, 5·7 g), 0·9 g more fibre (NSP; 95 % CI 0·5, 1·3 g) and 0·4 mg more Zn (95 % CI 0·1, 0·6 mg). There was no difference in daily energy intake by lunch type. Children having a packed lunch were more likely to consume snacks and sweetened drinks; while children having a school meal were more likely to consume different types of vegetables and drink water over the whole day.

Conclusions

Compared with children having a school meal, children taking a packed lunch to school consumed a lower-quality diet over the whole day, including higher levels of sugar and Na and fewer vegetables. These findings support the introduction of policies that increase school meal uptake.
Intake of energy-dense snack foods and drinks among Dutch children aged 7–12 years: how many, how much, when, where and which?
Authors: Gevers Dorus WM , Kremers Stef PJ , de Vries Nanne K , van Assema Patricia
Published: July 2015

Objective

To describe the energy-dense snack food (EDSF) and energy-dense drink (EDD) consumption of children in the Netherlands and investigate subgroup differences. The amounts consumed, eating occasions, places of consumption and consumed types are reported.

Design

Twenty-four hour dietary recall data were used to describe the EDSF and EDD consumption. Subgroup differences concerning these intakes were identified with ANCOVA.

Setting

Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–2010.

Subjects

Children (n860) aged 7–12 years.

Results

The mean number of EDSF events was 3·3 (sd1·6) per day, yielding 1569·7 (sd928·7) kJ. Average EDD consumption was 594·2 (sd342·3) ml/d, yielding 737·2 (sd495·9) kJ. Over 90 % of the children consumed more energy from non-core foods per day than recommended. Differences in EDSF and EDD consumption were found between several subgroups. Most importantly, we found higher intakes among older children and children with low educated mothers. Almost half of the EDSF events took place in the afternoon and at home. Cookies and sweets were consumed during half of the EDSF events. Almost one-third of the EDD were consumed in the afternoon. The majority of these drinks were consumed at home and most were soft drinks.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that snack food and drink consumption is highly prevalent among Dutch children. Health promotion efforts addressing these behaviours are warranted and the present study could accelerate these initiatives. Focusing on children with low educated parents and on snacking at home after school offers the greatest potential to reduce snack food and drink intakes.
Acceptability and feasibility of smartphone-assisted 24 h recalls in the Chinese population
Authors: Zang Jiajie , Song Jun , Wang Zhengyuan , Yao Chunxia , Ma Jianhong , Huang Cuihua , Zhu Zhenni , Smith Lindsey P , Du Shufa , Hua Jenna , Seto Edmund , Popkin Barry M , Zou Shurong
Published: July 2015

Objective

To examine the acceptability and feasibility of using smartphone technology to assess beverage intake and evaluate whether the feasibility of smartphone use is greater among key sub-populations.

Design

An acceptability and feasibility study of recording the video dietary record, the acceptability of the ecological momentary assessment (EMA), wearing smartphones and whether the videos helped participants recall intake after a cross-over validation study.

Setting

Rural and urban area in Shanghai, China.

Subjects

Healthy adults (n 110) aged 20–40 years old.

Results

Most participants reported that the phone was acceptable in most aspects, including that videos were easy to use (70 %), helped with recalls (77 %), EMA reminders helped them record intake (75 %) and apps were easy to understand (85 %). However, 49 % of the participants reported that they had trouble remembering to take videos of the beverages before consumption or 46 % felt embarrassed taking videos in front of others. Moreover, 72 % reported that the EMA reminders affected their consumption. When assessing overall acceptability of using smartphones, 72 % of the participants were favourable responders. There were no statistically significant differences in overall acceptability for overweight v. normal-weight participants or for rural v. urban residents. However, we did find that the overall acceptability was higher for males (81 %) than females (61 %, P=0·017).

Conclusions

Our study did not find smartphone technology helped with dietary assessments in a Chinese population. However, simpler approaches, such as using photographs instead of videos, may be more feasible for enhancing 24 h dietary recalls.
The feasibility and acceptability of reducing salt in partially baked bread: a Spanish case study
Authors: Quilez Joan , Salas-Salvado Jordi
Published: July 2015

Objective

Bread is a staple of the Mediterranean diet but contributes substantially to its salt content (19 % in Spain). The objective of the present study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of salt reduction in partially baked breads, partly replacing salt (NaCl) with a potassium salt, with subsequent follow-up.

Design

During 2013, nine breads already on the market (1·8 % NaCl flour basis) had 0·5 % of NaCl replaced with potassium citrate (27·7 % reduction in sodium) and were commercialized in Spain. Later, breads were baked in bake-off stores and sold ready-to-eat to consumers. This market test was evaluated by comparing the sales between standard- v. reduced-salt breads and the complaints related to flavour attributes. The wholesalers involved in the market test were then surveyed.

Setting

Spain.

Results

The market test confirmed good acceptance of the reduced-salt breads, as 2013 sales were 3678 tonnes v. 2012 sales of 3577 tonnes for the same standard breads. No complaints were received. The wholesaler survey showed, in general, little awareness of salt reduction.

Conclusions

It is feasible that potassium citrate can reduce the salt content of bread without negatively affecting sales or complaints. This shows potential for introducing this type of bread on a larger scale.
Gender-specific association of weight perception and appearance satisfaction with slimming attempts and eating patterns in a sample of young Norwegian adolescents
Authors: Oellingrath Inger M , Hestetun Ingebjørg , Svendsen Martin V
Published: July 2015

Objective

To examine gender-specific associations of weight perception and appearance satisfaction with slimming attempts and eating patterns among young Norwegian adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Adolescent dietary data were reported by parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Adolescents’ reported weight perception, appearance satisfaction and slimming attempts were analysed using cross-tabulation and Pearson’s χ2 test. Associations between perceived weight, appearance satisfaction and slimming attempts/eating patterns were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Setting

Primary schools, Telemark, Norway.

Subjects

Children (n 469), mean age 12·7 (sd 0·3) years, and parents.

Results

Gender differences were observed in self-perceived weight and appearance satisfaction. Girls were most satisfied with appearance when feeling thin, boys when feeling just the right weight. Perceived overweight was the main predictor of slimming attempts across genders (adjusted OR=15·3; 95 % CI 6·0, 39·1 for girls; adjusted OR=18·2; 95 % CI 5·8, 57·3 for boys). Low appearance satisfaction was associated with slimming attempts (adjusted OR=3·3; 95 % CI 1·0, 10·5) and a dieting eating pattern (adjusted OR=2·8; 95 % CI 1·5, 5·2) in girls. Perceived underweight was associated with a junk/convenience eating pattern in boys (adjusted OR=2·8; 95 % CI 1·2, 6·4).

Conclusions

Gender differences were observed in subjective body concerns. Perceived overweight was the main predictor of slimming attempts by both genders. Different aspects of body dissatisfaction were related to different food behaviours in boys and girls. Health professionals should be aware of these gender differences when planning health promotion programmes targeting young adolescents.
Assessment of heterogeneity in types of vegetables served by main household food preparers and food decision influencers
Authors: Yi Sunghwan , Kanetkar Vinay , Brauer Paula
Published: July 2015

Objective

While vegetables are often studied as one food group, global measures may mask variation in the types and forms of vegetables preferred by different individuals. To explore preferences for and perceptions of vegetables, we assessed main food preparers based on their preparation of eight specific vegetables and mushrooms.

Design

An online self-report survey.

Setting

Ontario, Canada. Measures included perceived benefits and obstacles of vegetables, convenience orientation and variety seeking in meal preparation.

Subjects

Of the 4517 randomly selected consumers who received the invitation, 1013 responded to the survey (22·4 % response). Data from the main food preparers were analysed (n 756).

Results

Latent profile analysis indicated three segments of food preparers. More open to new recipes, the ‘crucifer lover’ segment (13 %) prepared and consumed substantially more Brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus than the other segments. Although similar to the ‘average consumer’ segment (54 %) in many ways, the ‘frozen vegetable user’ segment (33 %) used significantly more frozen vegetables than the other segments due to higher prioritization of time and convenience in meal preparation and stronger ‘healthy=not tasty’ perception. Perception of specific vegetables on taste, healthiness, ease of preparation and cost varied significantly across the three consumer segments. Crucifer lovers also differed with respect to shopping and cooking habits compared with the frozen vegetable users.

Conclusions

The substantial heterogeneity in the types of vegetables consumed and perceptions across the three consumer segments has implications for the development of new approaches to promoting these foods.
Empirically derived dietary patterns and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis on prospective observational studies
Authors: Maghsoudi Zahra , Ghiasvand Reza , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: July 2015

Objective

To systematically review prospective cohort studies about the association between dietary patterns and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incidence, and to quantify the effects using a meta-analysis.

Design

Databases such as PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS and Google Scholar were searched up to 15 January 2015. Cohort studies which tried to examine the association between empirically derived dietary patterns and incident T2DM were selected. The relative risks (RR) and their 95 % confidence intervals for diabetes among participants with highest v. lowest adherence to derived dietary patterns were incorporated into meta-analysis using random-effects models.

Results

Ten studies (n 404 528) were enrolled in the systematic review and meta-analysis; our analysis revealed that adherence to the ‘healthy’ dietary patterns significantly reduced the risk of T2DM (RR=0·86; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·90), while the ‘unhealthy’ dietary patterns adversely affected diabetes risk (RR=1·30; 95 % CI 1·18, 1·43). Subgroup analysis showed that unhealthy dietary patterns in which foods with high phytochemical content were also loaded did not significantly increase T2DM risk (RR=1·06; 95 % CI 0·87, 1·30).

Conclusions

‘Healthy’ dietary patterns containing vegetables, fruits and whole grains can lower diabetes risk by 14 %. Consuming higher amounts of red and processed meats, high-fat dairy and refined grains in the context of ‘unhealthy’ dietary patterns will increase diabetes risk by 30 %; while including foods with high phytochemical content in these patterns can modify this effect.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among low-income South Asian Americans
Authors: Khan Saira A , Jackson Robert T
Published: July 2015

Objective

The purpose of the present paper is to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components using the harmonized definition in an interviewed sub-sample of diverse, low-income, adult South Asians (SA) of both sexes residing in Maryland. We also wanted to derive a BMI cut-off value that was highly correlated with the recommended waist circumference (WC) that we could apply to a larger sample of SA Americans for whom only BMI values were available from clinic files. We also examined differences in MetS prevalence among various Asian ethnic groups (defined by country of origin) and the clustering pattern of their MetS components.

Design

Clinical data extraction on subjects (n1002) and interviewees (n401) were used in a cross-sectional study of SA Americans.

Setting

Two community health centres in Montgomery and Baltimore County, MD, USA.

Subjects

SA adult males and females (n1403) aged 20–68 years.

Results

The prevalence of MetS using harmonized WC cut-offs (90 cm in men and 80 cm in women) was 47 % in men and 54 % in women. Using a BMI of 23·0 kg/m2gave a similar prevalence of MetS for males (48 %) and females (47 %). Of the five MetS components, the prevalence pattern differed among the ethnic groups, particularly for SA Indians.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MetS in a diverse, low-income, SA American immigrant group using the harmonized definition was 51 %. Derived lowered BMI cut-off of 23·0 kg/m2should be used by clinicians in studies on SA when WC values are not available for detecting metabolic risk. SA Indians had a higher prevalence of abnormal TAG and blood glucose values compared with other SA, and therefore results for SA Indians should not be generalized to all SA ethnic groups.
Snacking between main meals is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome in a Mediterranean cohort: the SUN Project (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra)
Authors: Pimenta Adriano M , Bes-Rastrollo Maira , Gea Alfredo , Sayón-Orea Carmen , Zazpe Itziar , Lopez-Iracheta Roberto , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel A
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the association of snacking between main meals with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Design

A dynamic prospective cohort study (the SUN Project; Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra). Snack consumption was evaluated using the question: ‘Do you have the habit of snacking between main meals?’ Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the updated harmonizing criteria. We estimated multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RR) of metabolic syndrome and their 95 % confidence intervals using Poisson regression models. An exploratory factor analysis was also used to identify patterns of snacking.

Setting

University of Navarra, Spain.

Subjects

The study included 6851 university graduates, initially free of metabolic syndrome, and followed-up them for a median of 8·3 years.

Results

Among our participants, 34·6 % reported usual snacking between main meals. The cumulative incidence of metabolic syndrome was 5·1 % (9·5 % among men and 2·8 % among women). Snacking between main meals was significantly associated with higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome after multivariable adjustment (RR=1·44; 95 %CI 1·18, 1·77). Higher adherence to an ‘unhealthy snacking pattern’ was also independently associated with increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (fourth quartile of adherence compared with non-snacking: RR=1·68; 95 % CI 1·23, 2·29; P for trend <0·001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that avoidance of snacking between main meals can be included among the preventive approaches to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome development, especially when snacks contain foods of poor nutritional quality.
Accurate Nanoscale Crystallography in Real-Space Using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Dycus J. Houston , Harris Joshua S. , Sang Xiahan , Fancher Chris M. , Findlay Scott D. , Oni Adedapo A. , Chan Tsung-ta E. , Koch Carl C. , Jones Jacob L. , Allen Leslie J. , Irving Douglas L. , LeBeau James M.
Published: July 2015

Here, we report reproducible and accurate measurement of crystallographic parameters using scanning transmission electron microscopy. This is made possible by removing drift and residual scan distortion. We demonstrate real-space lattice parameter measurements with <0.1% error for complex-layered chalcogenides Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, and a Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 nanostructured alloy. Pairing the technique with atomic resolution spectroscopy, we connect local structure with chemistry and bonding. Combining these results with density functional theory, we show that the incorporation of Se into Bi2Te3 causes charge redistribution that anomalously increases the van der Waals gap between building blocks of the layered structure. The results show that atomic resolution imaging with electrons can accurately and robustly quantify crystallography at the nanoscale.
A Comparison of Youth Policy in England and Wales under New Labour
Authors: King Hannah
Published: July 2015

Although there has been a divergence in the development of youth policy across the UK, no country comparisons have been undertaken and a gap exists in the literature. This article focuses on the emergence of youth policy in England and Wales under New Labour (1997–2010), providing a cross-national comparison of policy developments in both countries. It critically explores the impact of the context for policy development and the policy content of both countries' key youth policies. The research found significant differences between the two, despite their common goals, with implications for future policy makers. This article identifies these differences, and the key similarities, providing a theoretical understanding of them and indicating lessons to inform future youth policy.
The Growing Discontents of Older British Employees: Extended Working Life at Risk from Quality of Working Life
Authors: Smeaton Deborah , White Michael
Published: July 2015

A key component of sustainable welfare policy is the extension of working life (EWL). Currently this aim is chiefly pursued by financial policies, neglecting the potential role of quality of working life (QWL) in attracting people to remain employed. National survey data for Britain in the years 1992, 2006 and 2012 demonstrate deteriorating overall job attitude among older employees, following the changed competitive and technological conditions of the 1990s. The investigation goes on to diagnose aspects of the work situation implicated in adverse experience of work among older employees. Work demands and the nature of work emerge as key areas of discontent, with additional evidence of insecurity, and dissatisfaction with pensions, emerging over the recent recession. Policies potentially addressing QWL, with particular attention to the role of employers, are reviewed in the conclusion.
Intensive symptom control of opioid-refractory dyspnea in congestive heart failure: Role of milrinone in the palliative care unit
Authors: Silvestre Julio , Montoya Maria , Bruera Eduardo , Elsayem Ahmed
Published: July 2015

Objective:

We describe an exemplary case of congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms controlled with milrinone. We also analyze the benefits and risks of milrinone administration in an unmonitored setting.

Method:

We describe the case of a patient with refractory leukemia and end-stage CHF who developed severe dyspnea after discontinuation of milrinone. At that point, despite starting opioids, she had been severely dyspneic and anxious, requiring admission to the palliative care unit (PCU) for symptom control. After negotiation with hospital administrators, milrinone was administered in an unmonitored setting such as the PCU. A multidisciplinary team approach was also provided.

Results:

Milrinone produced a dramatic improvement in the patient's symptom scores and performance status. The patient was eventually discharged to home hospice on a milrinone infusion with excellent symptom control.

Significance of Results:

This case suggests that milrinone may be of benefit for short-term inpatient administration for dyspnea management, even in unmonitored settings and consequently during hospice in do-not-resuscitate (DNR) patients. This strategy may reduce costs and readmissions to the hospital related to end-stage CHF.
Development and psychometric evaluation of patient needs assessment in palliative care (PNAP) instrument
Authors: Buzgova Radka , Kozakova Radka , Sikorova Lucie , Zelenikova Renata , Jarosova Darja
Published: July 2015

Objective:

Although assessment of palliative patients' needs is a key issue in palliative care, a suitable instrument for identification of such needs is not available in Central European countries. Our objectives were to produce an adequate tool for identifying the importance and satisfaction of palliative patients' needs and to verify its psychometric properties.

Method:

The patient needs assessment in palliative care (PNAP) instrument was constructed based on a literature review and qualitative research (focus groups,n= 5). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were verified by a cross-sectional study. The convergent validity of the questionnaire was determined by confirmatory factor analysis. Furthermore, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity were also tested. The qualitative research group comprised 30 participants (27 experts in palliative care, 1 patient, and 2 family members). Psychometric properties were evaluated in a group of 349 hospital inpatients terminally ill with chronic disease or cancer and receiving palliative care.

Results:

Based on the qualitative data analysis, a questionnaire was constructed that contained 42 items grouped into 5 domains. When testing the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, a new model containing 40 items in 7 domains was produced. Cronbach's α for the entire PNAP questionnaire was 0.89 on the importance scale and 0.80 on the satisfaction scale. Test–retest reliability was higher than 0.7 for all domains in both scales.

Significance of Results:

The results of tests on the psychometric properties of the PNAP questionnaire showed at least satisfactory validity and reliability, and it can be employed to assess the needs of palliative care patients in Central European countries.
Enhancing student communication during end-of-life care: A pilot study
Authors: Bloomfield Jacqueline G. , O'Neill Bernadette , Gillett Karen
Published: July 2015

Background:

Quality end-of-life care requires effective communication skills, yet medical and nursing students report limited opportunities to develop these skills, and that they lack confidence and the related competence.

Objectives:

Our purpose was to design, implement, and evaluate an educational intervention employing simulated patient actors to enhance students' abilities to communicate with dying patients and their families.

Methods:

A study employing a mixed-methods design was conducted with prequalification nursing and medical students recruited from a London university. The first phase involved focus groups with students, which informed the development of an educational intervention involving simulated patient actors. Questionnaires measuring students' perceptions of confidence and competence levels when communicating with dying patients and their families were administered before and after the intervention.

Results:

The themes from focus groups related to responding to grief and anger, difficulties dealing with emotions, knowing the “right thing” to say, and a lack of experience. A significant increase (p< 0.5) in competence and confidence from baseline levels followed participation in the simulated scenarios.

Significance of Results:

Simulation was found to be an effective means of preparing students to communicate with dying patients and their families. The opportunity to develop communication skills was valued. Integration of educational interventions employing simulated patient actors into nursing and medical curricula may assist in improving the care provided to patients at the end of life.