bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of sunk costs, personal responsibility and culture on the tendency of accountants to facilitate escalation of commitment
Authors: Fukofuka Peni , Fargher Neil , Wang Zhe
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This purpose of this study is to further the study of escalation of commitment by considering the supportive role of accountants in providing reports that favour continuation of unprofitable projects and whether this role is influenced by culture. Research on the escalation of commitment suggests that the decision to commit resources to a failing project is due to several factors that include sunk costs, personal responsibility and culture.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study employs a between-subjects design to examine accountants’ willingness to provide a report that facilitates continuation of an unprofitable project. The manipulated independent variables are sunk cost (present or absent), the level of reporting responsibility (high or low) and culture (Pacific Islands or Australia).

Findings

– Our results show that the presence of sunk cost is a motivation for accountants to provide reports that favour continuation of an unprofitable project. The results on cultural difference are also consistent with the contention that culture is influential in decision-making with respect to providing reports that favour continuation of an unprofitable project. We do not, however, find evidence consistent with a personal responsibility affect using the manipulation defined in this study.

Research limitations/implications

– Consistent with this type of research, the results must be interpreted with respect to the specific design choices used in the experiment.

Practical implications

– Continued research is needed to examine the impact of sunk costs and specific attributes of culture, such as the willingness to follow superiors, on the escalation of commitment to unprofitable projects. The mitigation of such effects through education of accountants to provide reports that do not favour continuation of unprofitable projects would, for example, be of interest to aid agencies and others investing in projects in developing economies in particular.

Originality/value

– While previous research generally examines the decision-making role of managers in escalation of commitment to unprofitable projects, this study examines the supportive role that accountants play in facilitating managers’ escalation decisions. This issue is studied within a context examining the potential cultural impact of respect for authority.
Why is it important to consider so-called “invisible” older people in UK healthcare?
Authors: Tinker Anthea , Gilani Nesar , Luthra Isabella , Richardson Olivia , Howells Alexander , Kureeman Zaid , Oshunniyi Olamide
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to start a debate about older people who are in groups that are not readily visible to policy makers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on information obtained from academic literature, government statistics and other publications from relevant organisations. The authors investigated one “invisible” group each and comparisons and conclusions were then made collaboratively.

Findings

– Many groups of older people seem to be absent from statistics and from policy making. The paper suggests that there needs to be more research to identify the scale of any problems and how they may be solved.

Research limitations/implications

– This is not a systematic review but a preliminary account of the problem.

Practical implications

– There are practical implications for health and social care professionals if they do not recognise that there are groups in society about whom little is known. Lack of knowledge and empathy may affect their approach to these groups.

Social implications

– There are implications for society if these groups are not taken into account in decision making and especially over the allocation of resources.

Originality/value

– There is little written which brings together the lack of attention paid to these groups as a whole.
Strategy, IT and control @ eBay, 1995-2005
Authors: N. Stone Dan , N. Nikitkov Alexei , C. Miller Timothy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to adapt Simons’ (1995b) theory of the role of information technology (IT) in shaping and facilitating the levers of control (i.e. the Levers of Control Applied to Information Technology – LOCaIT) as a framework for investigating how eBay’s business strategy was realized through its management control system (MCS) in the first 10 years of the online auction market.

Design and method

– The qualitative method uses data from public record interviews, teaching cases, books, Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other archival sources to longitudinally trace the realization of eBay’s strategy through its MCS and IT.

Findings

– Realizing its strategy through the eBay MCS necessitated a diagnostic control system unlike any previously seen. This system created a close-knit online community and enabled buyers and sellers to monitor one another’s performance and trustworthiness.

Research limitations and implications

– The LOCaIT theory facilitated understanding the core aspects of the realization of eBay’s strategy through its MCS and IT. However, LOCaIT largely omits the strong linkages evident among elements of the MCS, the importance and necessity of building a core IT infrastructure to support eBay’s strategy and the central role of building consumer trust in the realization of this strategy.

Practical and social implications

– eBay’s MCS is now, perhaps, the world’s most widely imitated model for creating online trust and user interactions (e.g. Yelp, TripAdvisor, Amazon). In addition, eBay’s MCS was “sold” as a consumer product that was instrumental in facilitating consumer trust in the online auction market.

Originality/value

– Contributions include: tracing the creation, growth and evolution of, perhaps, the world’s largest and most widely imitated MCS, which redefined the boundaries of accounting systems monitoring; and testing the range, usefulness and limitations of Simons’ LOCaIT theory as a lens for understanding eBay’s use of IT in their MCS.
Unpacking fun food and children’s leisure: mothers’ perspectives on preparing lunchboxes
Authors: Harman Vicki , Cappellini Benedetta
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between lunchboxes, fun food and leisure. Looking beyond concerns focusing solely on health and nutrition, this article unpacks how mothers seek to provide lunchtime food that is also a source of leisure and pleasure.

Design/methodology/approach

– Photo-elicitation interviews and a focus group were conducted with 11 mothers who regularly prepare lunchboxes for their children aged between 9 and 11 years.

Findings

– Mothers intend the food they provide to act as a leisure experience and a break from the pressures of school. Mothers understand that lunchboxes must fit with children’s other activities taking place in their lunch-hour. Lunchboxes should support children’s future leisure opportunities by providing nutrition and variety to support their growth and development. The discussion of lunchboxes also shows that fun food is not simply understood in opposition to healthy food. Mothers have a wider understanding of the transgressive nature of fun through food, which goes beyond the market offer and understanding of fun.

Research limitations/implications

– As the study is based on a small sample of relatively affluent families in the UK, caution is needed in generalising the findings to wider groups. However, the study offers qualitative insights and highlights the connections between leisure, fun food and lunchboxes that can be explored in further research.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to explore the interconnections between lunchboxes, fun food and leisure. It provides valuable insight into mothers’ views about food prepared at home for consumption at school.
The Applicability of theLamendin Method to Skeletal Remains Buried for a 16‐Year Period: A Cautionary Note
Authors: De Angelis Danilo , Mele Elia , Gibelli Daniele , Merelli Vera , Spagnoli Laura , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: November 2014

TheLamendin method is widely reported as one of the most reliable means of age estimation of skeletal remains, but very little is known concerning the influence of burial in soil. This study aimed at verifying the reliability of theLamendin method on corpses buried for 16 years in a cemetery. TheLamendin and thePrince andUbelaker methods were applied. In all age groups except the 40‐ to 49‐year–olds, the error was higher in the buried sample. The age‐at‐death error ranged between 10.7 and 36.8 years for theLamendin method (vs. the reported 7.3–18.9 years) and 9.5 and 35.7 for thePrince andUbelaker one (vs. the original 5.2–32.6 years); in all age groups, the error is closer to that found on archeological populations. These results suggest caution in applying theLamendin method to forensic cases of human remains buried even for a brief period under soil.
Prevalence of incidental or unexpected findings on low‐dose CT performed during routine SPECT/CT nuclear medicine studies
Authors: Yap Kelvin Kwok‐Ho , Ramaseshan Ganesh , Sutherland Tom , Shafik‐Eid Raymond , Taubman Kim , Schlicht Stephen
Published: November 2014

Introduction

In nuclear medicine, single‐photon‐emission computed tomography (SPECT) is often combined with ‘simultaneous’ low‐dose CT (LDCT) to provide complementary anatomical and functional correlation. As a consequence, numerous incidental and unexpected findings may be detected on LDCT. Recognition of these findings and appropriate determination of their relevance can add to the utility of SPECT/CT. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and categorise the relevance of incidental and unexpected findings on LDCT scans performed as part of routine SPECT/CT studies.

Methods

All available LDCT scans performed as part of SPECT/CT studies at St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne in the year 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Two qualified radiologists independently reviewed the studies and any previous available imaging and categorised any detected incidental findings.

Results

A total of 2447 LDCT studies were reviewed. The relevance of the findings was classified according to a modified version of a scale used in the Colonography Reporting and Data System: E1 = normal or normal variant (28.0%); E2 = clinically unimportant (63.5%); E3 = likely unimportant or incompletely characterised (6.2%); E4 = potentially important (2.5%).

Conclusion

Imaging specialists need to be cognisant of incidental and unexpected findings present on LDCT studies performed as part of SPECT/CT. Appropriate categorisation of findings and communication of potentially important findings to referring clinicians should form part of routine practice. The overall prevalence of potentially significant incidental and unexpected findings in our series was 8.7% (E3, 6.2%; E4, 2.5%) and was comparable to rates in other published imaging series.
Pathological evaluation and quality of surgery in radical cystectomy in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Ahmadi Nariman , Delprado Warick J. , Brooks Andrew J. , Brenner Phillip C. , Coombes Graham M. , Grant Alexander , Patel Manish I.
Published: November 2014

Background

Australian bladder cancer patients especially women are thought to have worse outcomes when compared to the other international series. The objective of this study was to assess the pathological pattern of primary bladder cancer at the time of radical cystectomy as well as assessing the quality of resection in New South Wales.

Method

Pathology reports of radical cystectomy performed for primary bladder cancer were reviewed for a period of 10 years in a single major pathology centre servicing the state of New South Wales.

Results

Two hundred one specimens reviewed over 10 years. The tumour stage at the time of cystectomy was: CIS 29 (14%), Tx,a 5 (2%), T1 24 (12%), T2 49 (24%), T3 57 (28%) and T4 37 (18%). Lymphovascular invasion was seen in 94 (47%). Soft tissue margins were positive in 31 (15%), pelvic lymph node dissection was not performed in 64 (32%) of patients and only 32 (16%) of the patients had 10 or more lymph nodes harvested. No significant differences between men and women were noted in tumour stages, soft tissue positive margin rates and performance of pelvic lymph node dissection. Improving trends were noted in rates of negative soft tissue margins and the lymph node count during this period.

Conclusion

Pattern of disease at the time of cystectomy was similar to the North American and European cohorts. Higher main specimen margin rates as well as lower lymph nodes retrieval rates were observed. No sex discrimination was observed. Further study is recommended to investigate the survival impact of this finding.
Effect of estradiol‐17β during in vitro growth culture on the growth, maturation, cumulus expansion and development of porcine oocytes from early antral follicles
Authors: Kubo Naoko , Cayo‐Colca Ilse Silvia , Miyano Takashi
Published: November 2014

Growing porcine oocytes from early antral follicles can acquire meiotic and developmental competence under suitable culture conditions, but at lower rates compared to full‐grown oocytes. We postulated that estradiol‐17β (E2) supported the acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence as well as cumulus‐expansion ability during growth culture. Growing oocytes from early antral follicles (1.2 to 1.5 mm in diameter) were grown in vitro for 5 days in a medium containing 0, 10−7, 10−6, 10−5 or 10−4 mol/L E2; after in vitro maturation, 35, 58, 47, 74 and 49% of oocytes matured to metaphase II, 25, 79, 77, 90 and 97% acquired cumulus‐expansion ability, and 23, 54, 63, 89 and 64% were fully surrounded by cumulus cells, respectively. Following maturation, electro‐stimulation was applied to the oocytes grown with 10−5 mol/L E2. After 6 days of culture, in vitro‐grown oocytes developed to the blastocyst stage at a rate similar to that for full‐grown oocytes (31% and 40%, respectively). Therefore, we suggest that the use of E2 during growth culture improves the meiotic and developmental competence of oocytes, cumulus‐expansion ability, and cumulus cell attachment to the oocytes.
Mitochondrial (dys)function – a factor underlying the variability of efavirenz‐induced hepatotoxicity?
Authors: Polo M , Alegre F , Funes H A , Blas‐Garcia A , Victor V M , Esplugues J V , Apostolova N
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

The non‐nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz is associated with hepatic toxicity and metabolic disturbances. Although the mechanisms involved are not clear, recent evidence has pinpointed a specific mitochondrial action of efavirenz accompanied by the induction of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/unfolded protein response in human hepatic cells. The aim of this study was to further investigate the involvement of this organelle by evaluating efavirenz's effects in cells lacking functional mitochondria (rho°) and comparing them with those of the typical mitotoxic agent rotenone, a standard complex I inhibitor, and the ER stress inducer thapsigargin.

Experimental Approach

Hep3B rho+ and rho° cells were treated with clinically relevant concentrations of efavirenz, then mitochondrial function and cytotoxicity were studied using standard cell biology techniques.

Key Results

Efavirenz‐treated rho° cells exhibited a substantial reduction in parameters indicative of mitochondrial interference, such as increased superoxide production, mitochondrial mass/morphology alterations and enhanced expression of LONP, a highly conserved mitochondrial protease. In line with these results, the cytotoxic effect (cell number, chromatin condensation, cell cycle alterations and induction of apoptosis) of efavirenz was less pronounced in Hep3B respiration‐depleted cells than in wild‐type cells. The effect of efavirenz was both similar and different from those of two distinct mitochondrial stressors, thapsigargin and rotenone.

Conclusions and Implications

Cells lacking normal mitochondria (rho°) are less vulnerable to efavirenz. Our results provide further evidence that the hepatic damage induced by efavirenz involves acute interference with mitochondria and extend our knowledge of the response of mitochondria/ER to a stress stimulus.
The Short Life of an Aortic Cusp Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Vahdat Khashayar , Patel Srujal , Banchs Jose
Published: November 2014

This report describes a 42‐year‐old man with a history of lymphoma who is admitted with symptoms of chest pain, ST elevation changes, and elevated troponins. Immediate bedside echocardiographic evaluation led to an aborted urgent coronary angiography and a diagnosis of presumed endocarditis. Transesophageal echocardiography (TTE) subsequently revealed an aortic noncoronary cusp aneurysm masking as vegetation. The rapid assessment by TTE and transesophageal echocardiogram prevented an alternate course for this patient's management. We reviewed the necessity of heart catheterization in patients with significantly elevated troponins, pericarditis symptoms, and the rare sighting of aortic valve cusp aneurysms.
Explaining cross‐national variations in the prevalence of envelope wages: some lessons from a 2013Eurobarometer survey
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this article is to evaluate competing theories that variously explain the greater prevalence of envelope wages in some countries either as: a legacy of under‐development (modernisation thesis); due to high taxes, state corruption and burdensome regulations and controls (neo‐liberal thesis), or a result of inadequate state intervention in work and welfare arrangements, which leaves workers less than fully protected (political economy thesis). Reporting a 2013 survey of cross‐national variations in the prevalence of envelope wages, the finding is that the results refute the neo‐liberal thesis but support both the modernisation and political economy theses, revealing that this illegitimate wage practice is more common in poorer, less equal countries with lower taxation and social protection levels and less effective redistribution via social transfers. The theoretical and policy implications are then discussed.
Serum Cortisol Concentrations in Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism and Atypical Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Frank L.A. , Henry G.A. , Whittemore J.C. , Enders B.D. , Mawby D.I. , Rohrbach B.W.
Published: November 2014

Background

Atypical hyperadrenocorticism (AHAC) is considered when dogs have clinical signs of hypercortisolemia with normal hyperadrenocorticism screening tests.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare cortisol concentrations and adrenal gland size among dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), atypical hyperadrenocorticism (AHAC), and healthy controls.

Animals

Ten healthy dogs, 7 dogs withPDH, and 8 dogs withAHAC.

Method

Dogs were prospectively enrolled between November 2011 and January 2013. Dogs were diagnosed withPDHorAHACbased on clinical signs and positive screening test results (PDH) or abnormal extended adrenal hormone panel results (AHAC). Transverse adrenal gland measurements were obtained by abdominal ultrasound. Hourly mean cortisol (9 samplings), sum of hourly cortisol measurements and adrenal gland sizes were compared among the 3 groups.

Results

Hourly (control, 1.4 ± 0.6 μg/dL;AHAC, 2.9 ± 1.3;PDH, 4.3 ± 1.5) (mean,SD) and sum (control, 11.3 ± 3.3;AHAC, 23.2 ± 7.7;PDH, 34.7 ± 9.9) cortisol concentrations differed significantly between the controls andAHAC(P < .01) andPDH(P < .01) groups. Hourly (P < .01) but not sum (P = .27) cortisol concentrations differed betweenAHACandPDHdogs. Average transverse adrenal gland diameter of control dogs (5.3 ± 1.2 mm) was significantly less than dogs withPDH(6.4 ± 1.4;P = .02) andAHAC(7.2 ± 1.5;P < .01); adrenal gland diameter did not differ (P = .18) between dogs withAHACandPDH.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum cortisol concentrations in dogs withAHACwere increased compared to controls but less than dogs withPDH, while adrenal gland diameter was similar between dogs withAHACandPDH. These findings suggest cortisol excess could contribute to the pathophysiology ofAHAC.
H and Cl isotope systematics of apatite in brecciated lunar meteorites Northwest Africa 4472, Northwest Africa 773, Sayh al Uhaymir 169, and Kalahari 009
Authors: Tartèse Romain , Anand Mahesh , Joy Katherine H. , Franchi Ian A.
Published: November 2014

We have investigated the H and Cl systematics in apatite from four brecciated lunar meteorites. In Northwest Africa (NWA) 4472, most of the apatites contain ∼2000–6000 ppm H2O with δD between −200 and 0‰, except for one grain isolated in the matrix, which contains ∼6000 ppm H2O with δD of ∼500–900‰. This low‐δD apatite contains ∼2500–7500 ppm Cl associated with δ37Cl of ∼15–20‰, while the high‐δD grain contains ∼2500 ppm Cl with δ37Cl of ∼7–15‰. In NWA 773, apatites in a first group contain ∼700–2500 ppm H2O with δD values averaging around ∼0 ± 100‰, while apatites in a second group contain ∼5500–16500 ppm H2O with δD ∼250 ± 50‰. In Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 169 and Kalahari (Kal) 009, apatites are similar in terms of their H2O contents (∼600–3000 ppm) and δD values (−100 to 200‰). In SaU 169, apatites contain ∼6000–10,000 ppm Cl, characterized by δ37Cl of ∼5–12‰. Overall, most of the analyzed apatite grains have δD within the range reported for carbonaceous chondrites, similar to apatite analyzed in ancient (>3.9 Ga) lunar magmatic. One grain in NWA 4472 has H and Cl isotope compositions similar to apatite from mare basalts. With an age of 4.35 Ga, this grain could be a representative of the oldest known lunar volcanic activity. Finally, since numerous evolved clasts in NWA 773 formed through silicate liquid immiscibility, the apatite grains with extremely high H2O contents, reaching pure hydroxylapatite composition, could provide insights into the effects of such process on the evolution of volatiles in lunar magmas.
Tracing an L2 Learner's Motion Constructions Over Time: A Usage‐based Classroom Investigation
Authors: Li Peiwen , Eskildsen Søren W. , Cadierno Teresa
Published: November 2014

Informed by cognitive linguistics, this article discusses the learning of second language motion constructions from the perspective of usage‐based linguistics (UBL). It considers how specific motion constructions and their underlying semantic components are expressed and developed over time. The developmental analyses are based on the assumptions of the UBL path of language learning, in which constructions evolve from concrete items to gradually abstract constructions (e.g., Ellis, 2002; Eskildsen & Cadierno, 2007; Tomasello, 2000). The motion constructions and their components are analyzed on the basis of Talmy's (2000) typological framework. The article draws on a longitudinal audio–video database of classroom interaction. Tracing the development of motion constructions in one learner in the corpus over three and a half years, we show that the inventory of motion constructions becomes increasingly productive with emergent patterns building on previous experience.
Aromatase P450 expression in human pituitary adenomas
Authors: Gonzales Paulo Henrique , Mezzomo Lisiane Cervieri , Ferreira Nelson Pires , Roehe Adriana Vial , Kohek Maria Beatriz Fonte , Oliveira Miriam da Costa
Published: November 2014

Estrogen has been shown to play an important role in pituitary tumor pathogenesis. In humans, this biosynthesis is mediated by aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. Just a few studies about aromatase expression in human pituitary gland, both in normal and pathological ones, are found in the literature. This study aimed to assess aromatase enzyme expression in human pituitary adenomas and associate it with gender, tumor size and tumor subtype. We conducted a cross‐sectional study, reviewed clinical data and surgical specimens of consecutive 65 patients (35 women and 30 men) with anatomopathologic diagnosis of pituitary adenoma who underwent adenomectomy at a neurosurgical referral center in southern Brazil. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess aromatase expression and define tumor subtype, and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to estimate aromatase gene expression. Mean patient age was 45.6 (±13.3) years (range, 18 to 73 years), 86.2% of our samples were macroadenomas while 13.8% were classified as microadenomas. Based on clinical and immunohistochemical data, 23 (35.4%) patients had non‐functioning adenomas, 19 (29.2%) had somatotroph adenomas (acromegaly), 12 (18.5%) had lactotroph adenomas (hyperprolactinemic syndrome), and 11 (16.9%) had corticotroph adenomas (Cushing's disease). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 59 cases, and 58 (98.3%) showed no aromatase expression. Quantification by qRT‐PCR was performed in 43 samples, and 36 (83.7%) revealed no gene expression. Among tumor specimens examined by both techniques (37 cases), 30 showed no gene or protein expression (concordance index, 0.81). It is possible to mention that aromatase expression was lost in most pituitary adenomas, regardless of gender, tumor subtype, or tumor size.
Non‐digestible oligosaccharides modulate intestinal immune activation and suppress cow's milk allergic symptoms
Authors: Kerperien J. , Jeurink P. V. , Wehkamp T. , van der Veer A. , van de Kant H. J. G. , Hofman G. A. , van Esch E. C. A. M. , Garssen J. , Willemsen L. E. M. , Knippels L. M. J.
Published: November 2014

Background

Cow's milk allergy is a common food allergy in childhood and no effective preventive or curative treatment is available. This study aimed at comparing single short‐chain galacto‐ (scGOS), long‐chain fructo‐ (lcFOS) or pectin‐derived acidic oligosaccharides (pAOS) and/or mixtures of scGOS/lcFOS (GF) or scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS (GFA) to prevent or treat food allergy.

Methods

In the preventive protocol, C3H/HeOuJ mice were fed diets containing single oligosaccharides or mixtures GF or GFA throughout the study protocol. In the treatment protocol, GF or GFA was provided for 4 wk starting after the last sensitization. The allergic skin response and anaphylaxis scores were determined, after oral challenge whey‐specific immunoglobulins were measured, and qPCR for T‐cell markers and Foxp3 counts using immunohistochemistry were performed on the small intestine and colon.

Results

Only in the preventive setting, the GF or GFA mixture, but not the single oligosaccharides, reduced the allergic skin response and whey‐IgG1 levels in whey‐sensitized mice, compared to the control diet. Both GF and GFA increased the number of Foxp3+ cells in the proximal small intestine of whey – compared to sham‐sensitized mice. Expression of Th2 and Th17 mRNA markers increased in the middle part of the small intestine of whey‐sensitized mice, which was prevented by GF. By contrast, GFA enhanced Tbet (Th1), IL‐10 and TGF‐β mRNA expression compared to GF which was maintained in the distal small intestine and/or colon.

Conclusions

Dietary supplementation with scGOS/lcFOS or scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS during sensitization, both effectively reduce allergic symptoms but differentially affect mucosal immune activation in whey‐sensitized mice.
Getting entangled with body image: Development and validation of a new measure
Authors: Ferreira Cláudia , Trindade Inês A. , Duarte Cristiana , Pinto‐Gouveia José
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Several studies have highlighted the role of cognitive fusion on human suffering and a wide range of psychopathological conditions. Namely, this process has been regarded as a core aspect in eating disorders. Nevertheless, the study of cognitive fusion on eating psychopathology is scarce and a measure that specifically concerns body image was still to be created. The present study aimed therefore at developing and validating such measure, the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire – Body Image (CFQ‐BI).

Design and methods

The current study was conducted using different samples of both genders, collected in the general and student populations. The dimensionality of the CFQ‐BI was tested through an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The scale's internal reliability and other psychometric qualities were also analysed.

Results

The CFQ‐BI's final structure was one‐dimensional and comprised 10 items that assess body image‐related cognitive fusion. This final structure explained a total of 73.41% of the variance. The adequacy of the questionnaire was corroborated through a CFA which revealed that CFQ‐BI presents good global and local adjustment values and goodness‐of‐fit indices. Results also showed that the CFQ‐BI holds a very good internal consistency (α = .96), convergent, divergent and temporal reliabilities, and is able to discriminate cases from non‐cases of eating psychopathology.

Conclusions

The CFQ‐BI was thus established as a short, robust, and reliable measure of body image‐related cognitive fusion. This new measure may correspond to a significant contribution to research and clinical practice in the field of body image and eating‐related difficulties.

Practitioner points

A new measure of body image‐related cognitive fusion (CFQ‐BI) was developed.

The CFQ‐BI was proved to be a short, robust, and reliable measure.

Body image‐related cognitive fusion was strongly linked to eating psychopathology.

CFQ‐BI may be useful in eating psychopathology's research and clinical practice.
Cultural Worldview and Preference for Childhood Vaccination Policy
Authors: Song Geoboo , Silva Carol L. , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C.
Published: November 2014

In the face of the reemerging threat of preventable diseases and the simultaneous vaccine risk controversy, what explains variations in Americans’ policy preferences regarding childhood vaccinations? Using original data from a recent nationwide Internet survey of 1,213 American adults, this research seeks to explain differing public opinions on childhood vaccination policies and related issues of governance. As Mary Douglas and Aaron Wildavsky's grid‐group cultural theory of policy preference formation suggests, cultural biases have a significant impact on the formation of preferences toward various vaccination policies. Hierarchs are in support of mandatory vaccination, oppose religious and philosophical exemption, and believe the government should preside over vaccination‐related decisions. Fatalists strike a bold contrast in their opposition to mandatory vaccination policy and support for religious and philosophical exemptions and the role of parents in deciding on vaccinations. Falling between hierarchs and fatalists, egalitarian support for vaccinations is stronger than individualists‘.
Curvature Theory of Envelope Curve in Two-Dimensional Motion and Envelope Surface in Three-Dimensional Motion
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Delun
Published: November 2014

The curvature theories for envelope curve of a straight line in planar motion and envelope ruled surface of a plane in spatial motion are systematically presented in differential geometry language. Based on adjoint curve and adjoint surface methods as well as quasi-fixed line and quasi-fixed plane conditions, the centrode and axode are taken as two logical starting-points to study kinematic and geometric properties of the envelope curve of a line in two-dimensional motion and the envelope surface of a plane in three-dimensional motion. The analogical Euler–Savary equation of the line and the analogous infinitesimal Burmester theories of the plane are thoroughly revealed. The contact conditions of the plane-envelope and some common surfaces, such as circular and noncircular cylindrical surface, circular conical surface, and involute helicoid are also examined, and then the positions and dimensions of different osculating ruled surfaces are given. Two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the curvature theories.
Dysprosium oxide and dysprosium-oxide-doped titanium oxide thin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Tamm Aile , Kozlova Jekaterina , Aarik Lauri , Aarik Jaan , Kukli Kaupo , Link Joosep , Stern Raivo
Published: November 2014

Dysprosium oxide and dysprosium-oxide-doped titanium oxide thin films were grown by atomic layer deposition on silicon substrates. For depositing dysprosium and titanium oxides Dy(thd)3-O3 and TiCl4-O3 were used as precursors combinations. Appropriate parameters for Dy(thd)3-O3 growth process were obtained by using a quartz crystal microbalance system. The Dy2O3 films were deposited on planar substrates and on three-dimensional substrates with aspect ratio 1:20. The Dy/Ti ratio of Dy2O3-doped TiO2 films deposited on a planar silicon substrate ranged from 0.04 to 0.06. Magnetometry studies revealed that saturation of magnetization could not be observed in planar Dy2O3 films, but it was observable in Dy2O3 films on 3D substrates and in doped TiO2 films with a Dy/Ti atomic ratio of 0.06. The latter films exhibited saturation magnetization 10−6 A cm2 and coercivity 11 kA/m at room temperature.
Nucleation and growth of ZnO on PMMA by low-temperature atomic layer deposition
Authors: Napari Mari , Malm Jari , Lehto Roope , Julin Jaakko , Arstila Kai , Sajavaara Timo , Lahtinen Manu
Published: November 2014

ZnO films were grown by atomic layer deposition at 35 °C on poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates using diethylzinc and water precursors. The film growth, morphology, and crystallinity were studied using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The uniform film growth was reached after several hundreds of deposition cycles, preceded by the precursor penetration into the porous bulk and island-type growth. After the full surface coverage, the ZnO films were stoichiometric, and consisted of large grains (diameter 30 nm) with a film surface roughness up to 6 nm (RMS). The introduction of Al2O3 seed layer enhanced the initial ZnO growth substantially and changed the surface morphology as well as the crystallinity of the deposited ZnO films. Furthermore, the water contact angles of the ZnO films were measured, and upon ultraviolet illumination, the ZnO films on all the substrates became hydrophilic, independent of the film crystallinity.
A three‐dimensional head‐and‐neck phantom for validation of multimodality deformable image registration for adaptive radiotherapy
Authors: Singhrao Kamal , Kirby Neil , Pouliot Jean
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To develop a three‐dimensional (3D) deformable head‐and‐neck (H&N) phantom with realistic tissue contrast for both kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) imaging modalities and use it to objectively evaluate deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms.

Methods:

The phantom represents H&N patient anatomy. It is constructed from thermoplastic, which becomes pliable in boiling water, and hardened epoxy resin. Using a system of additives, the Hounsfield unit (HU) values of these materials were tuned to mimic anatomy for both kV and MV imaging. The phantom opens along a sagittal midsection to reveal radiotransparent markers, which were used to characterize the phantom deformation. The deformed and undeformed phantoms were scanned with kV and MV imaging modalities. Additionally, a calibration curve was created to change the HUs of the MV scans to be similar to kV HUs, (MC). The extracted ground‐truth deformation was then compared to the results of two commercially available DIR algorithms, from Velocity Medical Solutions and mim software.

Results:

The phantom produced a 3D deformation, representing neck flexion, with a magnitude of up to 8 mm and was able to represent tissue HUs for both kV and MV imaging modalities. The two tested deformation algorithms yielded vastly different results. For kV–kV registration, mim produced mean and maximum errors of 1.8 and 11.5 mm, respectively. These same numbers for Velocity were 2.4 and 7.1 mm, respectively. For MV–MV, kV–MV, and kV–MC Velocity produced similar mean and maximum error values. mim, however, produced gross errors for all three of these scenarios, with maximum errors ranging from 33.4 to 41.6 mm.

Conclusions:

The application of DIR across different imaging modalities is particularly difficult, due to differences in tissue HUs and the presence of imaging artifacts. For this reason, DIR algorithms must be validated specifically for this purpose. The developed H&N phantom is an effective tool for this purpose.
Effect of Physical Activity, Nutritional Education, and Consumption of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Lipid, Physiological, and Anthropometric Profiles in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Muros José Joaquín , Zabala Mikel , Oliveras-López María Jesús , Bouzas Paula Rodríguez , Knox Emily , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , de la Serrana Herminia López-García
Published: November 2014

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nutritional education and vigorous physical activity on health-related parameters.

Methods:

The sample group consisted of 134 children from 5 rurally located schools. Participants were divided between 5 different experimental groups: control group (CG), physical activity group (PA), nutritional education group (NE), combined intervention group (PA+NE), and a combined intervention group with additional substitution of normally used oil for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO; PA+NE+EVOO). The intervention consisted of 60 minute sessions of physical activity held twice a week as well as nutritional education sessions held over 6 months.

Results:

Students in the groups receiving physical activity reduced their fat percentage and increased their muscle mass post intervention. At posttest the lipid profile improved in all intervention groups. The proportion of macronutrients and dietary cholesterol improved in the groups receiving nutritional education. The posttest comparison showed significantly lower fat percentage, sum of skinfolds and waist circumference in NE relative to CG and PA relative to CG. Diastolic blood pressure and glycaemia were significantly lower in PA+NE+EVOO relative to CG.

Conclusion:

A school-based program consisting of nutritional education or nutritional education plus a physical activity program showed a positive effect on health-related parameters in children.
The art of culture: Developing cell lines
Authors: Dove Alan
Published: November 2014

Immortalized cell lines are critical for biomedical research, but establishing new lines can be tricky and frustrating. Researchers who've succeeded at it recommend a combination of old and new tools and techniques.
Exit of E.U. science adviser triggers furor
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: November 2014

New European Commission says it hasn't decided how it will organize its scientific advice.
The mystery of the dead galaxies
Authors: Finkbeiner Ann
Published: November 2014

Astronomers thought they knew why all galaxies eventually redden and die. They were wrong.
Shedding light on skin color
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: November 2014

Nina Jablonski explores how it evolved—and what happens when it does not match the environment.
More
Science
in the Classroom
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: November 2014

About a year ago, Bruce Alberts and I announced the launch of
Science
in the Classroom (
scienceintheclassroom.org
), an online resource of annotated research papers published in
Science
, with associated teaching materials designed to help pre-college and college students understand how science moves forward as a structured way of revealing the laws of nature. Since its fledgling beginning last year, the project has expanded its subject diversity and continues to add articles at the rate of two per month. These articles have reached about 3000 users per month. But now it is time to take this project to the next level—and you can help, by annotating new papers and designing creative activities to accompany them.
Rational design of small molecules as vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Wu Tom Y.-H. , Singh Manmohan , Miller Andrew T. , De Gregorio Ennio , Doro Francesco , D’Oro Ugo , Skibinski David A. G. , Mbow M. Lamine , Bufali Simone , Herman Ann E. , Cortez Alex , Li Yongkai , Nayak Bishnu P. , Tritto Elaine , Filippi Christophe M. , Otten Gillis R. , Brito Luis A. , Monaci Elisabetta , Li Chun , Aprea Susanna , Valentini Sara , Calabrό Samuele , Laera Donatello , Brunelli Brunella , Caproni Elena , Malyala Padma , Panchal Rekha G. , Warren Travis K. , Bavari Sina , O’Hagan Derek T. , Cooke Michael P. , Valiante Nicholas M.
Published: November 2014

Small-molecule immune potentiators can be engineered to be potent adjuvants with localized innate immune activation and short in vivo residence times.
Detection of Chikungunya Virus Antigen by a Novel Rapid Immunochromatographic Test
Authors: Okabayashi Tamaki , Sasaki Tadahiro , Masrinoul Promsin , Chantawat Nantarat , Yoksan Sutee , Nitatpattana Narong , Chusri Sarunyou , Morales Vargas Ronald E. , Grandadam Marc , Brey Paul T. , Soegijanto Soegeng , Mulyantno Kris Cahyo , Churrotin Siti , Kotaki Tomohiro , Faye Oumar , Faye Ousmane , Sow Abdourahmane , Sall Amadou Alpha , Puiprom Orapim , Chaichana Panjaporn , Kurosu Takeshi , Kato Seiji , Kosaka Mieko , Ramasoota Pongrama , Ikuta Kazuyoshi
Published: November 2014

Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne disease of key public health importance in tropical and subtropical countries. Although severe joint pain is the most distinguishing feature of chikungunya fever, diagnosis remains difficult because the symptoms of chikungunya fever are shared by many pathogens, including dengue fever. The present study aimed to develop a new immunochromatographic diagnosis test for the detection of chikungunya virus antigen in serum. Mice were immunized with isolates from patients with Thai chikungunya fever, East/Central/South African genotype, to produce mouse monoclonal antibodies against chikungunya virus. Using these monoclonal antibodies, a new diagnostic test was developed and evaluated for the detection of chikungunya virus. The newly developed diagnostic test reacted with not only the East/Central/South African genotype but also with the Asian and West African genotypes of chikungunya virus. Testing of sera from patients suspected to have chikungunya fever in Thailand (n= 50), Laos (n= 54), Indonesia (n= 2), and Senegal (n= 6) revealed sensitivity, specificity, and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) agreement values of 89.4%, 94.4%, and 91.1%, respectively. In our study using serial samples, a new diagnostic test showed high agreement with the RT-PCR within the first 5 days after onset. A rapid diagnostic test was developed using mouse monoclonal antibodies that react with chikungunya virus envelope proteins. The diagnostic accuracy of our test is clinically acceptable for chikungunya fever in the acute phase.
Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Molds of the Fusarium Genus
Authors: Triest David , Stubbe Dirk , De Cremer Koen , Piérard Denis , Normand Anne-Cécile , Piarroux Renaud , Detandt Monique , Hendrickx Marijke
Published: November 2014

The rates of infection with
Fusarium
molds are increasing, and a diverse number of
Fusarium
spp. belonging to different species complexes can cause infection. Conventional species identification in the clinical laboratory is time-consuming and prone to errors. We therefore evaluated whether matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a useful alternative. The 289
Fusarium
strains from the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM)/Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology Mycology (IHEM) culture collection with validated sequence-based identities and comprising 40 species were used in this study. An identification strategy was developed, applying a standardized MALDI-TOF MS assay and an in-house reference spectrum database.
In vitro
antifungal testing was performed to assess important differences in susceptibility between clinically relevant species/species complexes. We observed that no incorrect species complex identifications were made by MALDI-TOF MS, and 82.8% of the identifications were correct to the species level. This success rate was increased to 91% by lowering the cutoff for identification. Although the identification of the correct species complex member was not always guaranteed, antifungal susceptibility testing showed that discriminating between
Fusarium
species complexes can be important for treatment but is not necessarily required between members of a species complex. With this perspective, some
Fusarium
species complexes with closely related members can be considered as a whole, increasing the success rate of correct identifications to 97%. The application of our user-friendly MALDI-TOF MS identification approach resulted in a dramatic improvement in both time and accuracy compared to identification with the conventional method. A proof of principle of our MALDI-TOF MS approach in the clinical setting using recently isolated
Fusarium
strains demonstrated its validity.
Comparison of Chromogenic Media for Recovery of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and Evaluation of CPE Prevalence at a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center
Authors: Pence Morgan A. , Hink Tiffany , Burnham Carey-Ann D.
Published: November 2014

We evaluated the performance characteristics of chromID CARBA and HardyCHROM Carbapenemase for the detection of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE). A CPE prevalence study was conducted using chromID CARBA; this demonstrated that in low-prevalence settings, CPE screening agars may lack specificity, and confirmation of putative isolates is necessary.
Alternating hemidystonia following traumatic brain injury as an unusual presentation of paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia syndrome
Authors: Buerger Kelly J , Salazar Richard
Published: November 2014

A 20-year-old man presented to the neurotrauma intensive care unit following blunt head injury. MRI revealed subarachnoid haemorrhage and multiple intraparenchymal haemorrhages suggesting severe brain injury. During recovery, the patient displayed intermittent episodes of alternating hemibody spasms with decerebrate/decorticate dystonic posturing. Episodes presented with autonomic dysregulation including hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tachypnoea, tachycardia and hypertension. Concern for seizure activity prompted simultaneous video monitoring and EEG testing. Results were without epileptiform activity suggesting against seizure as cause for alternating hemibody spasms. Paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia (PAID) was considered despite the unusual presentation. Intravenous hydromorphone was used for treatment, which relieved symptoms of autonomic dysregulation and dystonic posturing. PAID syndrome was diagnosed based on presentation with intermittent episodes of dystonia, autonomic dysregulation, absence of epileptiform activity and rapid response to opioid treatment. This case illustrates the clinical variability of this uncommon syndrome because alternating hemidystonia as main manifestation has not been previously described.
Unusual presentation of Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Bouraoui Aicha , Bari Syed Farhan , Nash Julian , Dawson Kenneth
Published: November 2014

We present a case of a 67-year-old woman admitted from the neurology clinic for further investigations of progressive ataxia and sensory symptoms. Neurological examination showed reduced pinprick and absent vibration sensations in the lower limbs. Motor system examination was normal. Her antinuclear antibodies titre was 1:100 with positive Ro antibodies. Her initial nerve conduction studies were normal. However, the lower limb somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) demonstrated impairment of central sensory conduction pathway. Rheumatology review revealed a history of fatigue and Sicca symptoms and her Schirmer's test was strongly positive. This lead to the diagnosis of ganglionopathy associated to Sjögren's syndrome. She had an excellent response to intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide infusions. This case highlights that dorsal column involvement can precede the diagnosis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome.