bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whither ‘training and development’ in Vietnam?: learning from United States and Japanese MNCs' practice
Authors: Cox Anne , Warner Malcolm
Published: January 2013

This paper focuses on training and development (T&D) policies and practices to explore how multinational companies (MNCs) localise their human resources within their subsidiaries in a developing country. It uses qualitative research methods to examine three US and three Japanese MNCs operating in the automotive and fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in Vietnam. The paper identifies both home‐ and host‐country effects as significant factors in the transfer of MNCs' T&D policies and practices. Clear home‐country effects are evident in rigorous attempts of both US and Japanese MNCs to transfer and implement formalised and centrally controlled training programs. Host‐country effects manifest themselves in the instability of the institutional environment, weak associations among employers’ groups, and fragmented bargaining practices that encourage employer and employee opportunism, particularly ‘poaching’ and ‘job‐hopping’. These lead to MNCs' hesitation to invest in T&D, and the lack of job rotation and a tendency to train ‘specialists’ rather than ‘generalists’ in the Japanese firms. The paper also discusses the interaction of foreign owned and indigenous firms in a very tight labour market at the highly skilled end that results in a ‘brain drain’ phenomenon on human resource development (HRD).
Enhanced employee participation and the influence from below
Authors: Do Quynh Chi
Published: January 2013

Despite its one‐party regime, recent changes in industrial relations policy in Vietnam have been increasingly influenced by interactions between grassroots initiatives and the policy‐making institutions. By examining how strike‐hit enterprises adopted ‘fence‐breaking’ initiatives to improve employee participation and how these grassroots changes influenced the policy debates in Hanoi, the paper argues that the driving force of the industrial relations reform in Vietnam has come from the continuous negotiations and interactions between the rules, the rule‐makers and the rule‐takers at the grassroots level.
Industrial disputes in Vietnam: the tale of the wildcat
Authors: Van Gramberg Bernadine , Teicher Julian , Nguyen Tien
Published: January 2013

Vietnam has experienced a combination of sustained high economic growth and high inflation over the last ten years. This has been a ‘double‐edged sword’ for the country as rapid price rises have also fuelled the growth in labour conflicts and strikes, which have the potential to negatively affect Vietnam's continuing economic growth. Added to this potent mix is the increasing evidence that some employers' strict use of managerial prerogative combined with poor working conditions and harsh treatment of employees have precipitated the growth of ‘wildcat’ strikes particularly in the country's growing export‐oriented private sector. In the absence of publicly available statistics on industrial action in Vietnam, this paper draws on an analysis of strikes reported in the nation's key newspapers and three elite interviews to explore the types of disputes and their causes as well as the industries most affected. We find that in order to improve the management of workplace conflict, reform to the Labour Code alone is insufficient. There is also a need to train all parties in dispute resolution and to ensure that unions are independent of management.
An Hegelian in Strange Costume? On Peirce’s Relation to Hegel II
Authors: Stern Robert
Published: January 2013

In this paper, which is the second in a series, I continue to consider the relation between the American pragmatist Charles Sanders Peirce and the German idealist G. W. F. Hegel. This article focuses on their views of epistemology and inquiry, and their accounts of the relation between language and thought. As with the earlier paper, it is argued that fruitful similarities between their positions on these issues can be found.
Is it Rational to Trust?
Authors: Wanderer Jeremy , Townsend Leo
Published: January 2013

It is common in popular depictions to portray the attitude of trusting and the norms associated with rationality as standing in some kind of tension. In this article, we suggest a way of capturing this tension, and explore some recent attempts at resolving it.
Network Epistemology: Communication in Epistemic Communities
Authors: Zollman Kevin J.S.
Published: January 2013

Much of contemporary knowledge is generated by groups not single individuals. A natural question to ask is, what features make groups better or worse at generating knowledge? This paper surveys research that spans several disciplines which focuses on one aspect of epistemic communities: the way they communicate internally. This research has revealed that a wide number of different communication structures are best, but what is best in a given situation depends on particular details of the problem being confronted by the group.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Microstructure and Fracture Strength of SiC Coatings
Authors: Zhang Huixing , Xiao Ping
Published: January 2013

SiC coatings in tri‐structural isotropic‐coated (TRISO) particles were thermally treated at 2000°C for 1 h in argon atmosphere. The fracture strength of the SiC decreased while change in the Weibull modulus of the failure strength is more complex after the thermal treatment. The variation in both fracture strength and Weibull modulus can be explained by the formation of the pores in SiC due to thermal treatments, as annihilation of the stacking faults and diffusion of intrinsic defects lead to the pore formation.
Extremely Enhanced Nonlinear Current–Voltage Properties of Tb‐Doped CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics
Authors: Thongbai Prasit , Boonlakhorn Jakkree , Putasaeng Bundit , Yamwong Teerapon , Maensiri Santi
Published: January 2013

Nonlinear current–voltage properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics were extremely enhanced by doping with Tb. Substitution of Tb to CaCu3Ti4O12 resulted in a decrease in grain size due to the ability of Tb ions to inhibit grain boundary mobility. The dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics were degraded after doping with Tb. Surprisingly, the nonlinear electrical properties were strongly enhanced. The best properties with a nonlinear coefficient of ~29.67 and breakdown electric field strength of ~1.52 × 104 V/cm were obtained in the Ca0.775Tb0.15Cu3Ti4O12 ceramic. These extremely enhanced properties were attributed to modification of grain boundary electrical response due to the effect Tb substitution.
A New Flood Index for Use in Evaluation of Local Flood Severity: A Case Study of Small Ungauged Catchments in Korea1
Authors: Ahn Jae Hyun , Choi Hyun Il
Published: January 2013

Ahn, Jae Hyun and Hyun Il Choi, 2013. A New Flood Index for Use in Evaluation of Local Flood Severity: A Case Study of Small Ungauged Catchments in Korea. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 49(1): 1‐14. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12025

Abstract:  The aim of this article is to develop a new index measuring the severity of floods in small ungauged catchments for initial local flood information by the regression analysis between the new flooding index and rainfall patterns. Although a rapid local flood caused by heavy storm in a short period of time is now one of common natural disasters worldwide, such a sudden and violent hydrologic event is difficult to forecast. As local flooding rises rapidly with little or no advance warning, the key to local flood forecasting is to quickly identify when and where local flooding above a threshold is likely to occur. The new flooding index to characterize local floods is measured by the three normalized relative severity factors for the flood magnitude ratio, the rising curve gradient, and the flooding duration time, quantifying characteristics of flood runoff hydrographs. The new flooding index implemented for the two selected small ungauged catchments in the Korean Peninsula shows a very high correlation with logarithm of the 2‐h maximum rainfall depth. This study proposes 30 mm of rainfall in a 2‐h period as a basin‐specific guidance of precaution for the incipient local flooding in the two study catchments. It is expected that the best‐fit regression equation between the new flooding index and a certain rainfall rate can provide preliminary observations, the flood threshold, and severity information, for use in a local flood alert system in small ungauged catchments. Editor's note: This paper is part of a featured series on Korean Hydrology. The series addresses the need for a new paradigm of river and watershed management for Korea due to climate and land use changes.
Optimal outcome in individuals with a history of autism
Authors: Fein Deborah , Barton Marianne , Eigsti Inge‐Marie , Kelley Elizabeth , Naigles Letitia , Schultz Robert T. , Stevens Michael , Helt Molly , Orinstein Alyssa , Rosenthal Michael , Troyb Eva , Tyson Katherine
Published: January 2013

Background:  Although autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are generally considered lifelong disabilities, literature suggests that a minority of individuals with an ASD will lose the diagnosis. However, the existence of this phenomenon, as well as its frequency and interpretation, is still controversial: were they misdiagnosed initially, is this a rare event, did they lose the full diagnosis, but still suffer significant social and communication impairments or did they lose all symptoms of ASD and function socially within the normal range?

Methods:  The present study documents a group of these optimal outcome individuals (OO group, n = 34) by comparing their functioning on standardized measures to age, sex, and nonverbal IQ matched individuals with high‐functioning autism (HFA group, n = 44) or typical development (TD group, n = 34). For this study, ‘optimal outcome’ requires losing all symptoms of ASD in addition to the diagnosis, and functioning within the nonautistic range of social interaction and communication. Domains explored include language, face recognition, socialization, communication, and autism symptoms.

Results:  Optimal outcome and TD groups’ mean scores did not differ on socialization, communication, face recognition, or most language subscales, although three OO individuals showed below‐average scores on face recognition. Early in their development, the OO group displayed milder symptoms than the HFA group in the social domain, but had equally severe difficulties with communication and repetitive behaviors.

Conclusions:  Although possible deficits in more subtle aspects of social interaction or cognition are not ruled out, the results substantiate the possibility of OO from autism spectrum disorders and demonstrate an overall level of functioning within normal limits for this group.
Whole‐body MRI with diffusion‐weighted sequences compared with 18 FDG PET‐CT, CT and superficial lymph node ultrasonography in the staging of advanced cutaneous melanoma: a prospective study
Authors: Jouvet J.C. , Thomas L. , Thomson V. , Yanes M. , Journe C. , Morelec I. , Bracoud L. , Durupt F. , Giammarile F. , Berthezene Y.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The aim of our study was to compare the diagnostic performances of non‐radiating whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (wbMRI), either volumetric, with Volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (VIBE) or metabolic, with diffusion‐weighted sequences (wbMRI), with classical irradiating techniques such as PET‐CT, CT and with lymph node ultrasonography (US) for the staging of advanced melanoma.

Patients and methods

Thirty‐seven melanoma AJCC stage IV patients were prospectively included. All images were independently interpreted without prior knowledge of the results of studies performed with concurrent techniques, and all imaging techniques were scheduled within a mean interval of 7 days. The overall and site‐specific diagnosis performances of each imaging modality were studied, as well as the interest of combined MRI VIBE and diffusion sequences.

Results

The number of visceral or lymph node metastases spotted was, respectively, 218, with 125 metastases for wbMRI, 191/103 for PET‐CT, 209/115 for CT and 33/13 for lymph node US. No statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) of overall diagnostic performances between wbMRI (Se 84%, Sp 87.1%, PPV 89.8%, NPV 80.2%) and PET‐CT (Se 79.8%, Sp 93.1%, PPV 93.2%, NPV 79.4%) was observed. No statistically significant difference was found between wbMRI and PET‐CT with two channels for CT with respect to different metastatic sites. Compared with the CT, wbMRI had significantly better overall specificity (P = 0.0011) and PPV (P = 0.02). For lung exploration, sensitivity of wbMRI (51.6%) was inferior to CT (71.4%). To detect superficial metastatic lymph nodes, wbMRI and US both showed high diagnostic accuracy with no statistically significant difference. Intra‐observer agreement was almost perfect for all imaging modalities considering the overall staging. Inter‐observer agreement for wbMRI and diffusion alone was almost perfect except for bone and lymphatic sites. Overall diagnostic performance of diffusion alone was significantly inferior to those of combined VIBE and diffusion sequences.

Conclusions

Whole‐body MRI, using diffusion weighted sequences, was a reliable non‐radiating imaging for staging of melanoma and offers the same diagnostic performances than combined CT, PET‐CT and lymph node US.
Regulatory T cells in skin lesions and blood of patients with bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Antiga E. , Quaglino P. , Volpi W. , Pierini I. , Del Bianco E. , Bianchi B. , Novelli M. , Savoia P. , Bernengo M.G. , Fabbri P. , Caproni M.
Published: January 2013

Background

Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) are affected in several autoimmune skin diseases, only two studies have been performed in patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) with contrasting results.

Objective

To characterize Tregs and to determine the serum levels of regulatory cytokines in patients with BP.

Methods

In BP lesional skin, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were performed for CD4+, CD25+, forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FOXP3)+, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β+ and interleukin (IL)‐10+ cells. In addition, the number of CD4+CD25++FOXP3+ Tregs in peripheral blood was assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of TGF‐β and IL‐10 were determined in serum samples by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay before and after steroid therapy. Controls included patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy donors.

Results

The frequency of FOXP3+ cells was significantly reduced in skin lesions from patients with BP (P < 0.001) compared with psoriasis and AD. Moreover, the number of IL‐10+ cells was lower in BP than in psoriasis (P < 0.001) and AD (P = 0.002), while no differences were observed in the number of TGF‐β+ cells. CD4+CD25++FOXP3+ Treg in the peripheral blood of patients with BP was significantly reduced compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001), and augmented significantly after steroid therapy (P = 0.001). Finally, TGF‐β and IL‐10 serum levels were similar in patients with BP compared with healthy controls. However, after therapy, BP patients showed significantly higher IL‐10 serum levels than before therapy (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggest that the depletion of Tregs and of IL‐10 in patients with BP may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Pricing Damages for Pain and Suffering in Court: The Impact of the Valuation Method
Authors: Flatscher‐Thöni Magdalena , Leiter Andrea M. , Winner Hannes
Published: January 2013

We analyze the pricing of pain and suffering and, in particular, whether the corresponding compensation for pain and suffering is affected by a court's approach to valuing such damages. For this purpose, we use data on pain and suffering verdicts in Austria, where courts are generally free to choose between a per‐diem and a lump‐sum scheme to assess damages for pain and suffering. The per‐diem approach was introduced in 1990 but was not adopted in all Austrian provincial courts. This enables us to estimate the causal impact of the change in calculation schemes. Applying a difference‐in‐difference framework to estimate this treatment effect, we observe that courts increased their compensation by about 38 percent to 59 percent after the implementation of the per‐diem scheme.
Do the “Haves” Come Out Ahead in Shanghai Courts?
Authors: He Xin , Su Yang
Published: January 2013

Drawing on 2,724 documents of adjudication decisions from Shanghai courts, this article tests theGalanter thesis that the stronger party tends to prevail over the weaker party in litigation. We find that the stronger parties not only win more often, but also do so by a large margin. Overall, institutional litigants fare better than individual litigants. When the litigants are classified by their organizational and social status, government agencies or government‐related companies are the biggest winners, enjoying an enormous advantage, and farmers are the most disadvantaged underdogs, with other individuals and companies in between. When controlling for legal representation, these winning gaps remain significant and sizable. The edge of the stronger parties recurs across categories of cases in different issue areas of the law. Echoing previous comparative studies, we cast doubt on the party capability theory. We speculate that the causes of judicial inequality inChina lie not only in resource gaps but also in the roots of the law and the nature of the court.
Nisin‐Loaded Chitosan/Alginate Nanoparticles: A Hopeful Hybrid Biopreservative
Authors: Zohri Maryam , Shafiee Alavidjeh Mohammad , Mirdamadi Seyed Saeed , Behmadi Homa , Hossaini Nasr Seyed Mehdi , Eshghi Gonbaki Sima , Shafiee Ardestani Mehdi , Jabbari Arabzadeh Ali
Published: January 2013

To improve the deficiencies concerning the physicochemical instability of nisin, a hybrid of nisin at concentration of 450 IU/mL with chitosan/alginate nanoparticles was prepared. Antibacterial strength of the hybrid was compared with free nisin against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 19117 in ultra filtered (UF) Feta cheese. The effects of nisin and the nisin‐loaded nanoparticles on the chemical composition, rheological parameters, color indices and sensory attributes of UF Feta cheese were studied. Antibacterial experiments indicated that the nisin‐loaded nanoparticles were able to decrease the populations of S. aureus and L. monocytogenes up to five‐ and sevenfold on a logarithmic scale in comparison with free nisin, respectively. Sensory acceptance and physicochemical features of UF Feta cheese were also significantly improved using the nisin‐loaded nanoparticles as compared with those of free nisin. Overall, greater antibacterial strengths and less undesirable influences of this hybrid than those of free nisin on the original quality of UF Feta cheese would make this hybrid a promising biopreservative in dairy products.

Practical Applications

This study investigates the use of chitosan/alginate nanoparticles as an auxiliary adjuvant in food preservation process. Considering our former promising antibacterial strength observed for this hybrid against S. aureus in the milk samples and also our new findings, it can be concluded that this hybrid would actually be an effectual potential biopreservative against common foodborne pathogens without any harmful side effects on the original qualities of the assessed dairy products. These outstanding features would be an incentive for further future investigation and probable industrialization of this hybrid as a highly productive biopreservative in food preservation technology.
H2O2‐induced Leaf Cell Death and the Crosstalk of Reactive Nitric/Oxygen SpeciesF
Authors: Wang Yiqin , Lin Aihong , Loake Gary J. , Chu Chengcai
Published: January 2013

In plants, the chloroplast is the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing site under high light stress. Catalase (CAT), which decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is one of the controlling enzymes that maintains leaf redox homeostasis. The catalase mutants with reduced leaf catalase activity from different plant species exhibit an H2O2‐induced leaf cell death phenotype. This phenotype was differently affected by light intensity or photoperiod, which may be caused by plant species, leaf redox status or growth conditions. In the rice CAT mutant nitric oxide excess 1 (noe1), higher H2O2 levels induced the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and higher S‐nitrosothiol (SNO) levels, suggesting that NO acts as an important endogenous mediator in H2O2‐induced leaf cell death. As a free radical, NO could also react with other intracellular and extracellular targets and form a series of related molecules, collectively called reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Recent studies have revealed that both RNS and ROS are important partners in plant leaf cell death. Here, we summarize the recent progress on H2O2‐induced leaf cell death and the crosstalk of RNS and ROS signals in the plant hypersensitive response (HR), leaf senescence, and other forms of leaf cell death triggered by diverse environmental conditions.

image

[ Chengcai Chu (Corresponding author)]
Basic competence in intensive and critical care nursing: development and psychometric testing of a competence scale
Authors: Lakanmaa Riitta‐Liisa , Suominen Tarja , Perttilä Juha , Ritmala‐Castrén Marita , Vahlberg Tero , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To develop a scale to assess basic competence in intensive and critical care nursing. In this study, basic competence denotes preliminary competence to practice in an intensive care unit.

Background

There is a need for competence assessment scales in intensive care nursing practice and education. The nursing care performed in the intensive care unit is special by its nature and needs to be assessed as such. At this moment, however, there is no tested, reliable and valid scale in this field.

Design

A multi‐phase, multi‐method development and psychometric testing of the scale was conducted.

Methods

The scale was developed in three phases. First, following a literature review andDelphi study, the items were created. Second, the scale was pilot tested twice by nursing students (n1 = 18,n2 = 56) and intensive care nurses (n1 = 12,n2 = 54), and revisions were made. Third, reliability and construct validity were tested by graduating nursing students (n = 139) and intensive care nurses (n = 431).

Results

The Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale (ICCN‐CS‐1) is a self‐assessment test consisting of 144 items. Basic competence is divided into patient‐related clinical competence and general professional competence. In addition, basic competence is comprised of knowledge base, skill base, attitude and value base and experience base. ICCN‐CS‐1 is a reliable and tolerably valid scale.

Conclusions

The ICCN‐CS‐1 is a promising scale for use among nursing students and nurses. Future research is needed to evaluate its construct validity further and to assess its suitability for completion during intensive care unit's orientation programmes and nursing students' clinical practice in an intensive care unit.

Relevance to clinical practice

The ICCN‐CS‐1 can be used for basic competence assessment in professional development discussions in intensive care units, in mentor evaluation situations during nursing students' clinical practice and in intensive care nursing education.
Shared decision‐making in home‐care from the nurse's perspective: sitting at the kitchen table – a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Truglio‐Londrigan Marie
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To come to know, understand and describe the experience of shared decision‐making in home‐care from the nurse's perspective.

Background

The literature presents the concept of shared decision‐making as a complex process characterised by a partnership between the healthcare provider and the patient, which is participatory and action oriented with education and negotiation leading to agreement. Few studies have been carried out to explore and describe the events that make up the experiences of shared decision‐making in home‐care from the nurse's perspective.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study was implemented.

Method

Semi structured interviews were performed with 10 home‐care nurses who were asked to reflect on a time in their practice when they were involved in a shared decision‐making process with their patient. All data were analysed using Colaizzi's method.

Findings

The following Themes were uncovered: Begin where the patient is; Education for shared decision‐making; The village and shared decision‐making; and Whose decision is it? Each of the four Themes contained Subthemes.

Conclusions

The findings of this study present shared decision‐making as a complex, multidimensional and fluid process. A thorough understanding of shared decision‐making is essential within the multiple contexts in which care is delivered.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses in clinical practice need to know and understand the events of the experience of shared decision‐making. A more comprehensive understanding of these facts can assist home‐care nurses in their practice with regard to the application of shared decision‐making.
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ARGUMENTS FOR MODELING LABOR SUPPLY AS A CHOICE AMONG LATENT JOBS
Authors: Dagsvik John K. , Jia Zhiyang , Kornstad Tom , Thoresen Thor O.
Published: January 2013

Models of labor supply derived from stochastic utility representations and discretized sets of feasible hours of work have gained popularity because they are more practical than the standard approaches based on marginal calculus. In this paper we argue that practicality is not the only feature that can be addressed by means of stochastic choice theory. This theory also offers a powerful framework for developing a more realistic model for labor supply choices, founded on individuals having preferences over jobs and facing restrictions on the choice of jobs and hours of work. We discuss and clarify how this modeling framework deviates from both the conventional discrete approach [Van Soest, A. () Structural models of family labor supply. A discrete choice approach. Journal of Human Resources 30: 63–88), as well as the standard textbook approach based on marginal calculus (Hausman, J.A. () The econometrics of nonlinear budget sets. Econometrica 53: 1255–1282]. We furthermore discuss how the model based on job choice can be applied to simulate effects of alternative restrictions on hours of work.
The Association of Self‐Reported Sleep, Weight Status, and Academic Performance in Fifth‐Grade Students
Authors: Stroebele Nanette , McNally Janise , Plog Amy , Siegfried Scott , Hill James O.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

To improve support and justification for health promotion efforts in schools, it is helpful to understand how students' health behaviors affect academic performance.

METHODS

Fifth‐grade students completed an online school‐administered health survey with questions regarding their eating behavior, physical activity, academic performance, and sleep patterns. Differences in health behaviors were examined by sex, self‐reported weight status, and sufficient (≥9 hours) versus insufficient sleep. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between academic performance and the health behaviors.

RESULTS

One third of the sample did not get the recommended amount of physical activity and more than half of the students watched television ≥ 2 hours/day. Self‐reported overweight status was related to lower self‐reported academic performance, fewer lunch and breakfast occasions, less physical activity, not meeting the recommendations for vegetable and soda consumption as well as hours of television watching. Sufficient sleep (≥9 hours/night) was associated with better grades, meeting the recommended hours of daily television watching and video game playing, being more physically active and increased breakfast and lunch frequency. Percentage of serving free/reduced lunch, soda consumption, breakfast frequency, amount of physical activity, and television watching were associated with academic performance.

CONCLUSION

More positive health behaviors generally were associated with better academic performance. Promoting healthy behaviors in schools might improve not only students' health academic performance as well.
Identifying Relationships Between High‐Risk Sexual Behaviors and Screening Positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in School‐Wide Screening Events
Authors: Salerno Jennifer , Darling‐Fisher Cindy , Hawkins Nicole M. , Fraker Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

This article describes a school‐wide sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening to identify adolescent high‐risk sexual behaviors, STI history/incidence, and presence of chlamydia and gonorrhea, and examines relationships between high‐risk behaviors and screening positive for chlamydia and gonorrhea in an alternative high school setting.

METHODS

School‐wide chlamydia and gonorrhea education and screening was provided to 869 adolescents; 226 males and 282 females 14‐20 years (mean age = 17.07) consented to urine screening. Relationships were examined between screening positive, history of STIs, and high‐risk sexual behaviors.

RESULTS

A majority (69%) of the adolescents consented to screening: 17.76% (92) had a history of STI; 8.83% (46) tested positive at screening. More females than males tested positive (p = .001). Significant relationships existed between history of STIs and ≥ 4 sexual partners (p = .0022), no condom use (p = .06), and sexual intercourse in last 3 months (p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

School‐Based Health Center (SBHC) screening was well accepted by students and staff. Sexually transmitted infection history was correlated with all identified high‐risk sexual behaviors supporting the need for in‐depth assessment, counseling, and testing of adolescents wherever they present for care. This study also provides an example of the role SBHCs can play in the national strategy to control chlamydia and gonorrhea in adolescents.
Exploration of the Link Between Tobacco Retailers in School Neighborhoods and Student Smoking
Authors: Adams Monica L. , Jason Leonard A. , Pokorny Steven , Hunt Yvonne
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

School smoking bans give officials the authority to provide a smoke‐free environment, but enacting policies within the school walls is just one step in comprehensive tobacco prevention among students. It is necessary to investigate factors beyond the school campus and into the neighborhoods that surround schools. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the density of tobacco retailers and the illegal tobacco sales rate within school neighborhoods and smoking behaviors among students.

METHODS

This study utilized secondary data from the baseline of the Youth Tobacco Access Project. Data were collected from 10,662 students attending 21 middle schools and 19 high schools, in addition to 512 tobacco retailers, all within 24 towns in Illinois during 2002. A random‐effects regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the density of tobacco retailers and illegal tobacco sales rates on current smoking and lifetime smoking prevalence.

RESULTS

Schools had a range between 0 and 9 tobacco retailers within their neighborhood with a mean of 2.76 retailers (SD = 2.45). The illegal sales rate varied from 0% to 100%, with a mean of 13%. The density of tobacco retailers was significantly related to the prevalence of ever smoking among students (b = 0.09, t(29) = 2.03, p = .051, OR = 1.10), but not to current smoking (p > .05); the illegal tobacco sales rate was not related to current smoking or lifetime smoking prevalence (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that tobacco retailer density may impact smoking experimentation/initiation.
Providing Assistance to the Victims of Adolescent Dating Violence: A National Assessment of School Nurses' Practices
Authors: Khubchandani Jagdish , Telljohann Susan K. , Price James H. , Dake Joseph A. , Hendershot Candace
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the perceptions and practices of school nurses regarding adolescent dating violence (ADV).

METHODS

The membership list of the National Association of School Nurses was used to identify a national random cross‐sectional sample of high school nurses in the United States (N = 750). A valid and reliable survey instrument was developed and a 3‐wave postal mailing procedure was used to maximize the return rate (57%).

RESULTS

Most school nurses (86.4%) reported that they did not have a protocol in their schools to respond to an incident of ADV. The majority of nurses reported that in the past 2 years, training to assist victims of ADV had not been provided to personnel in their schools (88.1%) and their schools did not conduct periodic student surveys that include questions on teen dating abuse behaviors (71.5%). Nurses who had a school protocol for responding to an incident of ADV perceived significantly fewer barriers to assisting victims of ADV and assisted more victims. Over half (55.3%) of high school nurses reported assisting a victim of ADV in the past 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Nurses appear to need more training in ADV. In addition, nurses found a number of barriers (eg, lack of training on ADV, lack of time, and lack of private space) to assisting student victims of ADV. Schools need to establish a means for assessing the status of ADV in their student population. Schools also need to provide in‐service education for school personnel regarding prevention, assessment, and interdiction of ADV.
Distressing perineal and vaginal pain in prepubescent girls: An aetiology
Authors: Dennie Joëlle , Grover Sonia R
Published: January 2013

Aim

To propose an aetiology and treatment for distressing perineal and vaginal pain in a paediatric female population.

Methods

Between 1997 and 2011, we saw 24 prepubertal girls (mean age of seven years, 11 months) with distressing vaginal pain, both before and after we suspected that pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) were the cause.

Results

Prior to 2005, two of six girls had resolution of their symptoms, one of whom had repeated courses of mebendazole. After 2005, when pinworms were discovered in one patient, treatment with mebendazole 100 mg weekly for three weeks resolved symptoms in 18 girls. Three girls had a recurrence of symptoms within 2–4 months, and repeat treatment with mebendazole was successful.

Conclusions

Pinworms should be considered when prepubertal girls present with distressing perineal or vaginal pain, and treatment with weekly mebendazole should be offered.
A Method for the Enhancement of Environmental Stress Resistance of Endoparasitic Fungus Esteya vermicola
Authors: Xue Jianjie , Hou Jingang , Zhang Yongan , Wang Yuzhu , Wang Chunyan , Wang Zhen , Wang Yunbo , Sung Changkeun
Published: January 2013

Abstracts

Esteya vermicola is the first recorded endoparasitic fungus of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which is the causal agent for the pine wilt disease. Culture on modified agar media with herbal extraction (0.5%) was found to be able to induce resistance to UV radiation, heat and drought conditions in Esteya vermicola. Herba Houttuyniae, Tatraxacum officinale and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi exhibited the highest improvement on environmental competence of Esteya vermicola at all the tested time points under the stress conditions. In addition, improved quality and effective viability of Esteya vermicola were observed amended with the three herbal extractions in culture media. Enhanced stress resistance was associated with herbal metabolites. These findings provided a green, feasible, economical method for developing an open‐field spay application of fungal biocontrol agents against pine wilt disease.
Thermostability of seven hepatitis C virus genotypes in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Doerrbecker J. , Meuleman P. , Kang J. , Riebesehl N. , Wilhelm C. , Friesland M. , Pfaender S. , Steinmann J. , Pietschmann T. , Steinmann E.
Published: January 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted primarily through percutaneous exposure to contaminated blood especially in healthcare settings and among people who inject drugs. The environmental stability of HCV has been extrapolated from studies with the bovine viral diarrhoea virus or was so far only addressed with HCV genotype 2a viruses. The aim of this study was to compare the environmental and thermostability of all so far known seven HCV genotypes in vitro and in vivo. Incubation experiments at room temperature revealed that all HCV genotypes showed similar environmental stabilities in suspension with viral infectivity detectable for up to 28 days. The risk of HCV infection may not accurately be reflected by determination of HCV RNA levels. However, viral stability and transmission risks assessed from in vitro experiments correlated with viral infectivity in transgenic mice containing human liver xenografts. A reduced viral stability for up to 2 days was observed at 37 °C with comparable decays for all HCV genotypes confirmed by thermodynamic analysis. These results demonstrate that different HCV genotypes possess comparable stability in the environment and that noninfectious particles after incubation in vitro do not cause infection in an HCV in vivo model. These findings are important for estimation of HCV cross‐transmission in the environment and indicate that different HCV genotypes do not display an altered stability or resistance at certain temperatures.
Impact of plant invasions on functional diversity in the vegetation of Central Europe
Authors: Hejda Martin , de Bello Francesco
Published: January 2013

Questions

How is the loss of plant species richness, associated with invasions, related to changes in functional diversity? What is the relationship between the traits of invasive species and those of invaded communities?

Location

Different Central European vegetation types within the Czech Republic.

Methods

Functional diversity was calculated for 260‐paired relevés, half non‐invaded and half invaded by one of 13 widespread invasive species in Central Europe. Four traits (height, SLA, seed mass and clonal index) were considered as a way to understand the functional space occupied by native and alien species in the data set (410 species altogether).

Results

Some of the functional diversity (FD) indices used (mean trait dissimilarity, mean nearest neighbour dissimilarity and SD of the mean nearest neighbour dissimilarity) revealed higher trait diversity for the invaded vegetation and negative relationship with species richness, while functional richness and evenness gave higher values for the uninvaded vegetation and positive relationship with species richness. Adding hypothetically the invader into the FD calculations for the uninvaded vegetation was found to increase most of the FD indices used, while excluding it from the FD calculations of the invaded vegetation decreased functional richness and also mean trait dissimilarity.

Conclusions

Results suggest that invading aliens tend to be functionally different from native species and are therefore likely to occupy an empty niche in the invaded vegetation. Similarly, the resident species in the non‐invaded communities are not likely to occupy the whole potential niche space, which could remain available for the invasive species with different traits. This study suggests that the probability of a successful invasion is related to functional dissimilarities between the alien invader and native species of the resident communities.
Fueling phocids: Divergent exploitation of primary energy sources and parallel ontogenetic diet switches among three species of subarctic seals
Authors: Tucker Strahan , Stenson Garry B. , Don Bowen W. , Iverson Sara J.
Published: January 2013

Determining how marine predators partition resources is hindered by the difficulty in obtaining information on diet and distribution. Stable isotopes (SI) of carbon (13C/12C, δ13C) and nitrogen (15N/14N, δ15N) provide a two‐dimensional estimate of the dietary space of consumers; an animal's isotopic composition is directly influenced by what they consume and where they feed. Harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded (Cystophora cristata) seals are abundant phocid species found in the North Atlantic. We measured and contrasted SI values between seals sampled at nearshore and offshore sites to test for effects of sampling location, sex, age‐class, and body size to gain insight into how these species partition space and prey resources. In addition we contrasted previously published results for gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). Isotope values differed significantly by age class and location in harp and hooded seals. We found significant differences in SI values (mean δ13C and δ15N ± SE) between all species. Hooded seals, a continental shelf‐edge, deep‐diving species, exhibited low SI values (juveniles: −20.9‰ ± 0.03‰, 13.36‰ ± 0.05‰; adults: −20.41‰ ± 0.03‰, 14.81‰ ± 0.04‰) characteristic of feeding on meso‐ to bathypelagic prey. Harp seals, which dive to moderate depths primarily on the shelf had intermediate SI values (juveniles: −20.53‰ ± 0.01‰, 13.91‰ ± 0.01‰; adults: −20.13‰ ± 0.01‰, 14.96‰ ± 0.01‰) characteristic of feeding on epipelagic prey, whereas gray seals, which feed on or near the sea floor in shallow shelf waters, had high SI values (juveniles: −19.74‰ ± 0.04‰, 17.51‰ ± 0.05‰; adults: −18.86‰ ± 0.01‰, 17.23‰ ± 0.02‰) characteristic of feeding on demersal prey. In all species, δ13C values increased with body size and age in the same manner, indicating that seals exploit or forage in deeper habitats as they get larger and older. We hypothesize that the consistent ontogenetic shift in foraging niche, despite large differences between species in their diving behavior, geographic range and habitat use, not only reflects increased access to different prey due to increased diving capacity, but a progressive adjustment to balance energy budgets by reducing foraging costs.
Level Two Negotiations: Helping the Other Side Meet Its “Behind‐the‐Table” Challenges
Authors: Sebenius James K.
Published: January 2013

A long analytic tradition has explored the challenge of productively synchronizing “internal” with “external” negotiations, with a special focus on how each side can best manage internal opposition to agreements negotiated “at the table.” Implicit in much of this work has been the view that each side's leadership is best positioned to manage its own internal conflicts, often by pressing for deal terms that will overcome internal objections and by effectively “selling” the agreement to key constituencies. Far less frequently have analysts considered how each side can help the other side with its “behind‐the‐table” barriers to successful agreement. Following Robert Putnam's two‐level games schema, I characterize such “behind‐the‐table” or “Level Two” barriers more broadly, offer several innovative examples of how each side can help the other overcome them, and develop more general advice on doing so most effectively. As a fuller illustration of a Level Two negotiator helping the other side with its formidable behind‐the‐table challenges, I pay special attention to the end‐of‐Cold‐War negotiations over German reunification in which former American Secretary of State James Baker played a key role.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of deferasirox in subjects with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Maker Garth L , Siva Brian , Batty Kevin T , Trengove Robert D , Ferrari Paolo , Olynyk John K
Published: January 2013

Aim

Treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes parenteral iron therapy, and these infusions can lead to iron overload. Secondary iron overload is typically treated with iron chelators, of which deferasirox is one of the most promising. However, it has not been studied in patients with CKD and iron overload.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of deferasirox in eight haemodialysis‐dependent patients, who were receiving intravenous iron for treatment of anaemia of CKD. Deferasirox was administered at two doses (10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg), either acute (once daily for 2 days) or steady‐state (once daily for 2 weeks).

Results

A dose of 10 mg/kg in either protocol was not sufficient to achieve a plasma concentration in the therapeutic range (acute peak 14.1 and steady‐state 22.8 μmol/L), while 15 mg/kg in either protocol maintained plasma concentration well above this range (acute peak 216 and steady‐state 171 μmol/L). Plasma concentration observed at 15 mg/kg was well above that expected for this dose (40–50 μmol/L), although no adverse clinical events were observed.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need to profile drugs such as deferasirox in specific patient groups, such as those with CKD and iron overload.
Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels in relation to body mass index: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saneei P. , Salehi‐Abargouei A. , Esmaillzadeh A.
Published: January 2013

Background

Although several cross‐sectional studies have investigated serum vitamin D levels in relation to body mass index (BMI), findings are inconsistent.

Objective

This systematic review and meta‐analysis of published cross‐sectional data was conducted to summarize the evidence on the link between serum vitamin D levels and BMI in adults.

Methods

PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Google scholar database were searched to May 2012 for all relevant published papers. We found 34 articles that reported the correlation coefficients between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and BMI in apparently healthy adults (>18 years). The primary analysis was done on these 34 papers that reported 37 correlation coefficients. To find the source of between‐study heterogeneity, our secondary analysis was confined to eight studies that had used random sampling method and reported the correlations for the whole population.

Results

Our meta‐analysis on 34 relevant papers revealed an overall significant inverse, but weak, association between serum 25(OH)D levels and BMI (Fisher's Z = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.19, −0.11) with a significant heterogeneity between studies. In the subgroup analysis based on gender and study location (East vs. West), the inverse associations were significant in both genders (male: Fisher's Z = −0.11, 95% CI: −0.14, −0.08 and female: −0.14, 95% CI: −0.21, −0.08) and both study locations (East: −0.09, 95% CI: −0.14, −0.04 and West: −0.23, 95% CI: −0.31, −0.17). In the subgroup analysis based on developmental status of countries, the weak inverse association remained significant in developed countries (−0.17, 95% CI: −0.21, −0.14), but not in developing nations (−0.10, 95% CI: −0.20, 0.01). Using meta‐regression, we found that latitude (P = 0.91) or longitude (P = 0.2) of cities did not significantly contribute to the computed effect sizes. When we restricted our analysis to eight selected studies that used random sampling method, we reached the same findings. In this analysis, gender and developmental status of countries explained the between‐study heterogeneity.

Conclusion

There is a significant inverse weak correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and BMI in adult population, except for women living in developing countries. Further research particularly in developing countries and populations living near the equator is needed.