bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variants in the human glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ) gene in fertile and infertile men
Authors: Jamsai D. , Grealy A. , Stahl P. J. , Schlegel P. N. , McLachlan R. I. , Morand E. , O'Bryan M. K.
Published: March 2013

Sertoli cell only (SCO) syndrome is the predominant histology for men with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and is usually of unexplained aetiology. Studies in mouse models indicated that the X‐linked gene glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ) is essential for survival and differentiation of spermatogonia, and meiosis. GILZ deficiency results in a rapid and progressive loss of germ cells with SCO tubules and sterility in adults. The role of GILZ in human fertility has not been examined. Here we show that GILZ is localized to spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the human testis in a pattern analogous to that seen in mice. To assess the potential for an association between GILZ variants and human infertility, we sequenced the entire protein‐coding regions of the GILZ gene in 65 SCO and 87 fertile Australian men. We identified six genetic variants, three of which had not been reported previously. Three variants, 107018665 G>A, 107018485 C>G and 106959283 C>T, were found at a low frequency only in SCO men. Although none of the identified variants changed the protein code, sequence analysis indicated that two variants, 107018665 G>A and 107018485 C>G, would completely abolish the exonic splicing enhancer (ESE)‐binding motifs for the splicing factors SF2/ASF and SC35 respectively. This result prompted an assessment of whether these two variants were associated with male infertility in a separate population of men. We used a PCR‐based SNP detection approach to screen an additional 52 NOA and 153 fertile Australian men, and 86 SCO and 54 fertile American men. None of these men carried either of these two variants. The cumulative allelic frequency of these variants is less than 1% in SCO men and no association with fertility status was observed. Our study suggests that GILZ variants are not common causes of SCO and NOA in Australian or American men.
Involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the adverse effect exerted by seminal plasma from men with spinal cord injury on sperm motility
Authors: Barbonetti A. , Vassallo M. R. C. , Di Rosa A. , Leombruni Y. , Felzani G. , Gandini L. , Lenzi A. , Necozione S. , Francavilla S. , Francavilla F.
Published: March 2013

The aetiology of severe asthenozoospermia in men with spinal cord injury includes an adverse impact of seminal plasma (SP) on sperm motility. In this study we investigated the effect exerted by SP from men with SCI on donor sperm mitochondrial activity and its reflection on motility. Donor spermatozoa were exposed (1 h) to SP from 22 ejaculates of men with SCI. Only SP from samples exhibiting both a low fructose level and an inhibitory effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), assessed at flow cytometry with JC‐1, affected donor sperm motility when evaluated 1 h after co‐incubation. This effect was reverted by washing from SP and sperm re‐suspension in medium containing glucose, in spite of persistently depressed ΔΨm. In the same samples, sperm motility and vitality dramatically decreased when evaluated 6 h after washing and re‐suspension in the glucose‐containing medium. Seminal plasmas which induced a disruption of ΔΨm, also enhanced a mitochondrial ROS generation, as assessed by MitoSOX red. The enhanced mitochondrial ROS generation was associated with a late induction of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, as assessed by BODIPY C11, when evaluated at 6 h, but not at 1 h, after washing from SP. Furthermore, activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 accompanied the loss of ΔΨm. In conclusion, a double energetic blockage (glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration) can represent a metabolic determinant of the early adverse effect exerted by SP from men with SCI on sperm motility. Mitochondrial dysfunction‐related oxidative/apoptotic mechanisms can account for later consequences on sperm motility/vitality.
The chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 are implicated in human seminoma metastasis
Authors: McIver S. C. , Loveland K. L. , Roman S. D. , Nixon B. , Kitazawa R. , McLaughlin E. A.
Published: March 2013

Seminoma and non‐seminoma tumours increasingly occur within the western population. These tumours originate from carcinoma in situ (CIS) cells, which arise from dysfunctional gonocytes. CXCL12 and its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, have been implicated in migration, proliferation and survival of gonocytes and their precursors and progeny, primordial germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells respectively. We previously found evidence that several miRNA molecules predicted to modulate CXCR4 signalling are differentially expressed during the differentiation of gonocytes into spermatogonia in mice. Bioinformatic analysis predicted these miRNA to modulate CXCR4 signalling, leading us to hypothesize that CXCL12‐mediated CXCR4 signalling is involved in the disrupted differentiation of gonocytes that underpins CIS formation. Indeed, we detected CXCL12 in Sertoli cells of normal human testis, and relatively high expression in tumour stroma with concomitant weak staining in dispersed tumour cells. In contrast, CXCR4 was expressed in spermatogonial and meiotic germ cells of normal testis and in the majority of tumour cells. Quantitative RT‐PCR identified elevated CXCR4 transcript levels in seminoma compared with normal testis and to non‐seminoma, potentially reflecting the higher proportion of dysfunctional germ cells within seminomas. In the normal testis, expression of CXCR4 downstream signalling molecules phospho‐MEK1/2 and phospho‐ERK1/2 correlated with CXCR4/CXCL12 expression. Strikingly, this correlation was absent in seminoma and non‐seminoma samples, suggesting that CXCL12 signalling is disrupted. Proliferation rate and cell survival were not altered by CXCL12 in either seminoma (TCam‐2) or non‐seminoma (833ke) cell lines. However, CXCL12 exposure induced TCam‐2 cell invasion though simulated basement membrane, while in contrast, we provide the novel evidence that CXCR4‐expressing non‐seminoma cell lines 833ke and NTera2/D1 do not invade in response to CXCL12. These findings indicate that CXCL12 expression in the human testis may selectively influence seminoma migration and metastasis, correlating with its importance in gonocyte and spermatogonial stem cell biology.
Oxidation of Polymer‐Derived HfSiCNO up to 1600°C
Authors: Terauds Kalvis , Marshall David B. , Raj Rishi
Published: March 2013

Oxidation behavior of HfSiCNO ceramics for Hf/Si ratio of 0.09 at 1400°C–1600°C in ambient air is reported. Quantitative X‐ray analysis of oxidized powders shows crystalli‐zation of the amorphous phase into tetragonal hafnia, hafnon, and cristobalite (carbides, seen in inert atmosphere heat treatments are absent). Cross‐sectional SEM shows the oxide overgrowth on the particles to contain precipitates of hafnia/hafnon, while the interior of the particles is decorated with nanoscale grains of hafnia in a necklace‐like formation. The oxidation kinetics of these materials, determined both from weight‐change measurements and from direct observation of oxide overgrowth, are shown to be comparable to the oxidation of SiC single crystals. Oxidation of SiC–SiC minicomposites (straight fiber bundles infiltrated with a SiC matrix), coated with thin films of HfSiCNO prepared by dip‐coating was studied. The overgrowth thicknesses for oxidation time of 1000 h at 1600°C are compared for uncoated, SiCN(O)‐coated, and HfSiCNO‐coated minicomposites.
Processing and Properties of Porous PZT Ceramics from Particle‐Stabilized Foams via Gel Casting
Authors: Liu Wei , Xu Jing , Wang Yanzhong , Xu Hong , Xi Xiaoqing , Yang Jinlong
Published: March 2013

In the present work, porous lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics with porosity ranging from 27.8% to 72.4% were fabricated by the gel‐casting process of particle‐stabilized wet foams with the initial solid loading of 10–30 vol%. The phase, the microstructure, the dielectric property, and the piezoelectric property were characterized. The relative permittivity (εr) and longitudinal piezoelectric strain coefficient (d33) of the investigated samples decreased with increasing porosity. Both the values of hydrostatic strain coefficient (dh) and hydrostatic voltage coefficient (gh) increased moderately with the increase in porosity, which was beneficial for enhancing the value of hydrostatic figure of merit (HFOM). As a result, the prepared sample possessed a maximal HFOM value of 15236 × 10−15 Pa−1 with the porosity of 72.4%. The acoustic impedance (Z) of specimens decreased linearly with increasing porosity, and had the lowest value of 1.95 MRayls, making them promising candidates for application of medical ultrasonic imaging or underwater sonar detectors.
Photoluminescence Characteristics of a New Thiogallate‐Based Green‐Emitting Phosphor: MgGa2S4:Eu2+
Authors: Yu Ruijin , Noh Hyeon Mi , Moon Byung Kee , Choi Byung Chun , Jeong Jung Hyun , Jang Kiwan , Yi Soung Soo , Jang Jun Kyu
Published: March 2013

A new thiogallate‐based green‐emitting phosphor, MgGa2S4:Eu2+, was first synthesized via a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction in a CS2 atmosphere. We then investigated the structures and luminescent properties of the MgGa2S4:Eu2+ phosphors. The MgGa2S4:Eu2+ phosphors can be excited efficiently by UV–visible light in the wavelength range from 350 to 520 nm and they emit an intensely green light with emission bands peaking at 538 nm. The optimal concentration for Eu2+ in MgGa2S4 was found to be about 6 mol%, and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was the electric multipole–multipole interaction. The quenching temperature was calculated to be 402 K, and the Huang–Rhys factor was about 4. The energy barrier for thermal quenching was calculated to be 0.28 and 0.27 eV by the two types of the Arrhenius equations. The small variation in the color coordinates of MgGa2S4:Eu2+ under high temperatures indicates that the as‐synthesized phosphor has good color stability. Due to their broadband absorption in the 350–520 nm wavelength range, these phosphors may be able to fulfill the requirements for application in the development of Ga(In)N‐based white LEDs.
Preparation and Luminescence Properties of Blue‐emitting Phosphor Ba2Ca(PO4)2:Eu2+
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Xia Zhiguo , Wu Weiwei
Published: March 2013

Using the conventional high temperature solid‐state reaction method Ba2Ca(PO4)2:Eu2+ phosphors were prepared. The phase structure, photoluminescence (PL) properties, and the PL thermal stability of the samples were investigated, respectively. Under the excitation at 365 nm, the phosphor exhibited an asymmetric broad‐band blue emission with peak at 454 nm, which is ascribed to the 4f–5d transition of Eu2+. It was further proved that the dipole–dipole interactions results in the concentration quenching of Eu2+ in Ba2Ca1−x (PO4)2:xEu2+ phosphors. When the temperature turned up to 150°C, the emission intensity of Ba2Ca0.99(PO4)2:0.01Eu2+ phosphor was 59.07% of the initial value at room temperature. The activation energy ΔE was calculated to be 0.30 eV, which proved the good thermal stability of the sample. All the properties indicated that the blue‐emitting Ba2Ca(PO4)2:Eu2+ phosphor has potential application in white LEDs.
First‐Principles Study of Elastic, Structural, Electronic, Thermodynamical, and Optical Properties of Yttria (Y2O3) Ceramic in Cubic Phase
Authors: Badehian Hojat Allah , Salehi Hamdolah , Ghoohestani Marzieh
Published: March 2013

Structural, elastic, optical, thermodynamical, and electronic properties of yttrium oxide compound in cubic phase have been studied using the full‐potential augmented plane waves (FP‐LAPW) within density functional theory (DFT) framework. Four different approximations were used for exchange‐correlation potentials terms, comprised Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized parameterization of gradient approximation (GGA‐PBE), Wu–Cohen (WC‐GGA), local‐density approximation (LDA), and new approximation modified Becke and Johnson (mBJ‐GGA). The structural properties such as equilibrium lattice parameter, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative have been obtained using optimization method. Moreover, Elastic constants, Young's modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, sound velocities for longitudinal and shear waves, Debye average velocity, Debye temperature, and Grüneisen parameters have been calculated. Obtained structural, elastic and other parameters are consistent with experimental data. Moreover pressure dependence of the elastic moduli was studied. From electronic calculations, it has been found that the band gap was 5.7 eV at Г point in the Brillouin zone usingmBJ‐GGAapproximation. Optical properties, such as the dielectric function, refractive index, extinction index, and optical band gap, were calculated for radiation up to 14 eV. In addition, the unique type of bonding inY2O3was discussed by three method including effective charge, B/G ratio, and charge density distribution.
Reach‐Scale Geomorphic and Biological Effects of Localized Streambank Armoring
Authors: Stein Eric D. , Cover Matthew R. , Elizabeth Fetscher A. , O'Reilly Clare , Guardado Roxana , Solek Christopher W.
Published: March 2013

Armoring of streambanks is a common management response to perceived threats to adjacent infrastructure from flooding or erosion. Despite their pervasiveness, effects of reach‐scale bank armoring have received less attention than those of channelization or watershed‐scale hydromodification. In this study, we explored mechanistic ecosystem responses to armoring by comparing conditions upstream, within, and downstream of six stream reaches with bank armoring in Southern California. Assessments were based on four common stream‐channel assessment methods: (1) traditional geomorphic measures, (2) the California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands, (3) bioassessment with benthic macroinvertebrates, and (4) bioassessment with stream algae. Although physical responses varied among stream types (mountain, transitional, and lowland), armored segments generally had lower slopes, more and deeper pools and fewer riffles, and increased sediment deposition. Several armored segments exhibited channel incision and bank toe failure. All classes of biological indicators showed subtle, mechanistic responses to physical changes. However, extreme heterogeneity among sites, the presence of catchment‐scale disturbances, and low sample size made it difficult to ascribe observed patterns solely to channel armoring. The data suggest that species‐level or functional group‐level metrics may be more sensitive tools than integrative indices of biotic integrity to local‐scale effects.
Assessment of Residential Rain Barrel Water Quality and Use in Cincinnati, Ohio1
Authors: Shuster William D. , Lye Dennis , De La Cruz Armah , Rhea Lee K. , O'Connell Katharine , Kelty Amanda
Published: March 2013

The collection, storage, and reuse of rainwater collected in rain barrels from urban rooftop areas assists municipalities in achieving stormwater management objectives and in some areas also serves as an adjunct resource for domestic water supplies. In this study, rainwater reuse and levels of select microbial indicators were monitored for six residential rain barrels located in the Shepherd Creek watershed of Cincinnati, Ohio. Water from rain barrels typically had poor microbial quality and was used for watering indoor and outdoor plants. Rain barrel water chemistry was slightly acidic, exhibited wide ranges in conductivity, turbidity, and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations and gave no evidence of the presence of cyanobacterial microcystin toxins. Selected microbial water‐quality indicators indicated that counts of total coliform and enterococci were consistently above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for secondary recreational contact water‐quality standards. Residential rain barrels can provide water appropriate for low‐contact reuses (such as plant watering), although there may be transient periods of high levels of indicator bacteria in the collected water.
Water Supply and Stormwater Management Benefits of Residential Rainwater Harvesting in U.S. Cities
Authors: Steffen Jennifer , Jensen Mark , Pomeroy Christine A. , Burian Steven J.
Published: March 2013

This article presents an analysis of the projected performance of urban residential rainwater harvesting systems in the United States (U.S.). The objectives are to quantify for 23 cities in seven climatic regions (1) water supply provided from rainwater harvested at a residential parcel and (2) stormwater runoff reduction from a residential drainage catchment. Water‐saving efficiency is determined using a water‐balance approach applied at a daily time step for a range of rainwater cistern sizes. The results show that performance is a function of cistern size and climatic pattern. A single rain barrel (190 l [50 gal]) installed at a residential parcel is able to provide approximately 50% water‐saving efficiency for the nonpotable indoor water demand scenario in cities of the East Coast, Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, but <30% water‐saving efficiency in cities of the Mountain West, Southwest, and most of California. Stormwater management benefits are quantified using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Management Model. The results indicate that rainwater harvesting can reduce stormwater runoff volume up to 20% in semiarid regions, and less in regions receiving greater rainfall amounts for a long‐term simulation. Overall, the results suggest that U.S. cities and individual residents can benefit from implementing rainwater harvesting as a stormwater control measure and as an alternative source of water.
Truth and Evidence in Validity Theory
Authors: Borsboom Denny , Markus Keith A.
Published: March 2013

According to Kane (this issue), “the validity of a proposed interpretation or use depends on how well the evidence supports” the claims being made. Because truth and evidence are distinct, this means that the validity of a test score interpretation could be high even though the interpretation is false. As an illustration, we discuss the case of phlogiston measurement as it existed in the 18th century. At face value, Kane's theory would seem to imply that interpretations of phlogiston measurement were valid in the 18th century (because the evidence for them was strong), even though amounts of phlogiston do not exist and hence cannot be measured. We suggest that this neglects an important aspect of validity and suggest various ways in which Kane's theory could meet this challenge.
Validation as a Pragmatic, Scientific Activity
Authors: Kane Michael T.
Published: March 2013

This response to the comments contains three main sections, each addressing a subset of the comments. In the first section, I will respond to the comments by Brennan, Haertel, and Moss. All of these comments suggest ways in which my presentation could be extended or improved; I generally agree with their suggestions, so my response to their comments is brief. In the second section, I will respond to suggestions by Newton and Sireci that my framework be simplified by employing only one kind of argument, a validity argument, and dropping the interpretation/use argument (IUA); I am sympathetic to their desire for greater simplicity, but I see considerable value in keeping the IUA as a framework for the validation effort and will argue for keeping both the IUA and the validity argument. In the third section, I will respond to Borsboom and Markus, who raise a fundamental objection to my approach to validation, suggesting that I give too much attention to justification and too little to truth as a criterion for validity; I don't accept their proposed conception of validity, and I will indicate why.
Boron fertilizers in rape – a risk for honey bees?
Authors: Siede R. , Dyrba W. , Augustin T. , Wiegand A. , Ellinghaus R.
Published: March 2013

Rape (Brassica napus L.) is foraged intensively by honey bees (Apis mellifera). Pesticide applications during bloom are sometimes combined with foliar boron fertilizer applications. Boron has insecticidal properties, and therefore, risk to honey bees cannot be excluded. This study was conducted to test whether foliar boron fertilizers could be hazardous for bees under real field conditions. Six colonies were transferred to a rape field in bloom which was treated with boron (1 kg/ha). Six control colonies were transferred to an untreated rape field approximately 7 km away. Performance parameters of the colonies were measured. Samples of honey and beebread were collected from all colonies before and after boron fertilizer application. The contents of boron and of Al, Cd, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, S and Zn were measured in honey by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP MS) and by ICP–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). No significant differences were found in honey yield (P = 0.622), number of capped brood (P = 0.089), number of uncapped brood (P = 0.123) or number of bees (P = 0.87). Application of boron fertilizer did not affect the concentration of boron in honey (P = 0.656) or beebread (P = 0.665). The concentrations of other elements confirmed the suitability of rape nectar for bee nutrition. This study suggests that the application of foliar boron fertilizers in blooming rape is not hazardous for bee colonies.
Using PET/CT imaging to characterize 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose utilization in fish
Authors: Browning Z S , Wilkes A A , MacKenzie D S , Patterson R M , Lenox M W
Published: March 2013

Fish are becoming an increasingly important research species as investigators seek alternatives to mammalian models. Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG‐PET/CT) is a powerful new technology that has been extensively applied for high‐resolution imaging in mammals but not fish. CT scanning provides detailed anatomical three‐dimensional imaging. PET scanning detects areas of cellular activity using radio‐labelled molecular probes with specific uptake rates appropriate to the tissue involved. FDG‐PET is used in oncology because tissues with high glucose uptake, such as neoplasms, are intensely radio‐labelled. PET/CT combines the two technologies, so that images acquired from both devices are merged into one superimposed image, thus more precisely correlating metabolic activity with anatomical three‐dimensional imaging. Our objective was to determine if fish can be viable replacement animals in cancer studies using this technique by analysing the similarities between fish and humans in glucose uptake in select organs across multiple fish species. Rapid, quantifiable glucose uptake was demonstrated, particularly in brain, kidneys and liver in all imaged fish species. Standard uptake values for glucose uptake in the major organ systems of fish were more similar to those of humans than mice or dogs, indicating that fish may serve as effective alternative animal models using this technology. Applications for this technique in fish may include oncogenesis and metabolism studies as well as screening for environmental carcinogenesis.
Extending the Range of Questioning in Family Studies Through Ideas From the Exact Sciences
Authors: Sprey Jetse
Published: March 2013

This article argues that the scope and depth of understanding in the field of family studies would be advanced if some theoretical questioning were at a higher level of abstraction. A way to achieve this is to shift some of the focus of questioning from individuals to social relationships. The potential benefits of 3 concepts drawn from the exact sciences—attractors, nonlinearity, and chaos—are discussed in turn to demonstrate that their metaphorical use can lead to new questions about process that may advance theoretical understanding of the institutions of the family and marriage.
Seeking Health Care Through International Medical Tourism
Authors: Eissler Lee Ann , Casken John
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was the exploration of international travel experiences for the purpose of medical or dental care from the perspective of patients from Alaska and to develop insight and understanding of the essence of the phenomenon of medical tourism.

Study Design and Methods

The study is conceptually oriented within a model of health‐seeking behavior. Using a qualitative design, 15 Alaska medical tourists were individually interviewed. The data were analyzed using a hermeneutic process of inquiry to uncover the meaning of the experience.

Findings

Six themes reflecting the experiences of Alaska medical tourists emerged: “my motivation,” “I did the research,” “the medical care I need,” “follow‐up care,” “the advice I give,” and “in the future.” Subthemes further categorized data for increased understanding of the phenomenon. The thematic analysis provides insight into the experience and reflects a modern approach to health‐seeking behavior through international medical tourism.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide increased understanding of the experience of obtaining health care internationally from the patient perspective. Improved understanding of medical tourism provides additional information about a contemporary approach to health‐seeking behavior.

Clinical Relevance

Results of this study will aid nursing professionals in counseling regarding medical tourism options and providing follow‐up health care after medical tourism. Nurses will be able to actively participate in global health policy discussions regarding medical tourism trends.
Changes in Healthy Childhood Lifestyle Behaviors in Japanese Rural Areas
Authors: Nakano Takahiro , Kasuga Kosho , Murase Tomohiko , Suzuki Kazuhiro
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy lifestyles during childhood constitute a public health problem in Japan. However, current health education in Japan is ineffective in counteracting them. Previous studies contend that healthy lifestyles in children vary by academic grade and sex. This study examined changes throughout childhood suggests some intervention points for lifestyle education.

METHODS

The participants were 2833 elementary and junior high school students living in Japanese rural areas. Data on 26 variables assigned to 5 subfactors were collected. We estimated the composite score of each subfactor on the basis of item response theory. A 2‐way ANOVA and a graph review were performed to explore the differences and changes by sex and grade.

RESULTS

Most of the main effects for sex and grade were statistically significant. Lifestyle behaviors acquired early in elementary school were lost as students progressed to higher grades.

CONCLUSIONS

The research indicated the following emphases: (1) Physical activity and leisure habits should be focused on girls and hygiene habits on boys; (2) Continuous education for a healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain good health among children; (3) Education for healthy lifestyle can be classified into 2 important stages such as for dietary and sleeping habits, education from the upper grades of elementary school is important, whereas for other routine activities, reeducation in junior high school is effective.
Advantages of Coordinated School Health Portfolios: Documenting and Showcasing Achievements
Authors: Shipley Meagan , Lohrmann David , Barnes Priscilla , O'Neill Jim
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Thirteen school district teams from Michigan and Indiana participated in the Michiana Coordinated School Health Leadership Institute with the intent of Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine if portfolios served as an effective approach for documenting teams' accomplishments and health programming efforts.

METHODS

Data were gathered through a combined survey/interview process and portfolio analysis. The survey was developed by the Institute's core team of experts and designed to assess the Institute's goals and objectives. Interviews elicited greater detail pertaining to survey questions. Content analysis yielded a detailed and descriptive summary of each team's portfolio.

RESULTS

Portfolios proved useful for providing rich descriptions and artifacts documenting each team's process and progress toward achieving CSHP. They were not limited to the 12 required Michiana categories and contained additional items related to other aspects of health programming. Portfolios also served as a record‐keeping and CSHP marketing tool.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the advantages of portfolios for documenting the process of CSHP development and implementation and teams' health programming efforts. The portfolios provided evidence of team achievements related to Institute goals and objectives—those that included greater documentation were indicative of fuller implementation. Teams with portfolios that used both categorical and scrapbook formats provided richer portrayals of successes to a broader variety of audiences.
The Development of the Lunchtime Enjoyment of Activity and Play Questionnaire
Authors: Hyndman Brendon , Telford Amanda , Finch Caroline , Ullah Shahid , Benson Amanda C.
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Enjoyment of physical activity is as an important determinant of children's participation in physical activity. Despite this, there is an absence of reliable measures for assessing children's enjoyment of play activities during school lunchtime. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the reliability of the Lunchtime Enjoyment of Activity and Play (LEAP) Questionnaire.

METHODS

Questionnaire items were categorized employing a social‐ecological framework including intrapersonal (20 items), interpersonal (2 items), and physical environment/policy (17 items) components to identify the broader influences on children's enjoyment. An identical questionnaire was administered on 2 occasions, 10 days apart, to 176 children aged 8‐12 years, attending a government elementary school in regional Victoria, Australia.

RESULTS

Test‐retest reliability confirmed that 35 of 39 LEAP Questionnaire items had at least moderate kappa agreement ranging from .44 to .78. Although 4 individual kappa values were low, median kappa scores for each aggregated social‐ecological component reached at least moderate agreement (.44‐.60).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the LEAP Questionnaire to be a reliable, context‐specific instrument with sound content, and face validity that employs a social‐ecological framework to assess children's enjoyment of school play and lunchtime activities.
Use of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions to Reduce Transmission of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (pH1N1) in Pennsylvania Public Schools
Authors: Miller Jeffrey R. , Short Vanessa L. , Wu Henry M. , Waller Kirsten , Mead Paul , Kahn Emily , Bahn Beth A. , Dale Jon W. , Nasrullah Muazzam , Walton Sabrina E. , Urdaneta Veronica , Ostroff Stephen , Averhoff Francisco
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

School‐based recommendations for nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were issued in response to the threat of 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1). The implementation and effectiveness of these recommendations has not been assessed.

METHODS

In November 2009, a Web‐based survey of all Pennsylvania public schools was conducted to assess the use of recommended NPIs.

RESULTS

Overall, 1040 (31%) of 3351 schools participated in the survey. By fall 2009, 820 (84%) of 979 respondents reported that their school had an influenza plan in place, a 44% higher proportion than in the spring 2009 (p < .01). Most schools communicated health messages (eg, staying home when sick), implemented return to school requirements, and made hand sanitizer available. Schools with a spring influenza plan (N = 568) were less likely to report substantial influenza‐like illness (ILI) during the fall wave of influenza than the 299 schools without a spring influenza plan (63% vs 71%, p = .02). This association persisted after controlling for schools with substantial ILI in the spring.

CONCLUSION

The reported use of NPIs in participating Pennsylvania public schools improved substantially from spring to fall and was generally consistent with issued recommendations. The proactive implementation of a number of NPIs and the early implementation of communication and education initiatives might have cumulatively reduced the impact of pH1N1 in some schools.
Incorporating Physical Activity Into the Schools Using a 3‐Tiered Approach
Authors: Fedewa Alicia L. , Candelaria Ashley , Erwin Heather E. , Clark Teresa P.
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Public health models have been used to address a number of school‐based concerns, notably in the identification and treatment of students at‐risk for academic or behavioral deficits. Significant benefits are associated with this model as, compared to a traditional approach, the focus is shifted from remediation to prevention, and from student pathology to student strengths.

METHODS

Although this model has been applied to multiple populations and used across a variety of settings, it has yet to be conceptualized as a framework for the integration of school‐based physical activity (PA).

RESULTS

This article first reviews the public health service delivery model as well as the benefits of PA on children's physical health, mental health, and cognitive outcomes. Second, suggestions for incorporating PA into the schools using a 3‐tiered system and as barriers to success are discussed.

CONCLUSION

School‐based PA is a promising tool—and yet an overlooked and undervalued intervention—for a number of concerns applicable to children's academic achievement and overall mental health.
Pain management strategies used during early childhood immunisation in Victoria
Authors: Harrison Denise , Elia Sonja , Royle Jenny , Manias Elizabeth
Published: March 2013

Aim

The study aims to identify pain management practices used during scheduled childhood immunisation.

Methods

A survey of members of the Australian Nurses Federation (Victorian Branch) Immunisation Nurses Special Interest Group. Questions included frequency of use of pain reduction strategies during immunisations for infants, toddlers and children, injection techniques and existence of an articulated pain management policy.

Results

The survey was emailed to 274 Immunisation Nurses Special Interest Group members with registered email addresses, and 125 (46%) completed the survey. Nineteen respondents (15.2%) stated their main place of employment had a pain management policy during immunisations and 20 (16.0%) respondents were not sure. Distraction strategies were frequently used during immunisation for all age groups, with 95 (76.0%) replying that distraction was used often or always. Breastfeeding during immunisation for infants younger than 6 months was used occasionally (n = 54, 44.6%), often (n = 11, 9.1%) or never (n = 55, 45.5%) and was used even less frequently for infants aged 6–12 months. Sucrose or other sweet solutions were almost never used for infants prior to, or during, immunisation. As a reward, lollies were frequently given to children after immunisations. Topical anaesthetics were almost never used in any age groups. Over half the respondents used a rapid injection technique; 55 (44.7%) used a slow technique and four respondents aspirated the needle before injections.

Conclusions

Many distraction strategies were used during and following immunisation but sweet solutions, breastfeeding or topical anaesthetics were rarely used. Use of these strategies where feasible, should be facilitated in diverse settings where immunisations take place.
Development of a pediatric cariogenicity index
Authors: Evans E. Whitney , Hayes Catherine , Palmer Carole A. , Bermudez Odilia I. , Naumova Elena N. , Cohen Steven A. , Must Aviva
Published: March 2013

Objectives

This study was designed to develop food and liquid cariogenicity indices and to preliminarily test their utility using dietary data from a study of children with and without severe early childhood caries (S‐ECC), defined as 3 + smooth surface carious lesions, including at least one pulpally involved tooth.

Methods

Data were collected in a diverse cohort of low‐income preschool‐aged children made up of 454 children with S‐ECC and 429 caries‐free children who presented for care at pediatric dental clinics in Washington, DC, Columbus, OH, and Cincinnati, OH. The cariogenicity indices were used to score dietary data from a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24‐hour recall (24HR).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in mean food cariogenicity scores between groups. The liquid cariogenicity score was higher in the S‐ECC group as compared with caries‐free children (24HR: 5.28 versus 4.66, respectively, P < 0.001; FFQ: 5.03 versus 4.38, P < 0.001). The food cariogenicity score did not discriminate between those with and without S‐ECC, while the liquid cariogenicity score did differentiate between the two groups (24HR: OR: 1.2; 95 percent CI: 1.1, 1.3; FFQ: 1.7; 95 percent CI 1.4, 2.0). The liquid cariogenicity score was also associated with number of carious lesions.

Conclusions

The liquid cariogenicity index has potential in research and clinical settings to provide a liquid cariogenicity score and help quickly identify modifiable risk factors within a child's diet. Further research is needed to test its utility in clinical and public health settings.
Inhomogeneous Spatial Distribution of Aroma Compounds in Food Gels for Enhancement of Perceived Aroma Intensity and Muscle Activity during Oral Processing
Authors: Nakao Satomi , Ishihara Sayaka , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro
Published: March 2013

Effects of inhomogeneous spatial aroma distribution in food gels were investigated for the enhancement of perceived intensity and the muscle activity during oral processing. A polysaccharide mixture was used as the gel matrix, in which small cubes from the same gelling agent were dispersed at 50% weight ratio. Degree of inhomogeneous spatial aroma distribution was arranged by its concentration in both the matrix and the dispersed gels although the overall aroma concentration within one gel sample was constant. There were no differences in mechanical properties between structured gel samples. A greater degree of inhomogeneous spatial aroma distribution increased perceived intensity, increased the duration of oral processing and the suprahyoid musculature activity, decreased the particle size of the expectorated bolus before swallowing, and increased the saliva content in the bolus using healthy adults as subjects. Importance of food structure design for enhanced perceived aroma intensity and human eating behavior was suggested.

Practical Application

Results from this study can contribute to the food structure design, particularly for foods for the elderly or people with chewing and swallowing difficulties, because the texturally soft gels used can serve as a model of these foods in that they do not necessarily require chewing for size reduction and are often easy to form a bolus before swallowing. Because of some heterogeneity of food structure (fabricated by bi‐phase gel in this study), perceived aroma intensity is increased, and people eat proactively. Gel technology that stimulates the five human senses may be a key for food texture innovation, for which the manufacturers should manipulate gelling and thickening polysaccharides as a texture modifier.
Trait‐based classification and manipulation of plant functional groups for biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments
Authors: Fry Ellen L. , Power Sally A. , Manning Pete
Published: March 2013

Aim

Biodiversity–ecosystem function (BDEF) experiments commonly group species into arbitrary a priori functional groups, e.g. the grass/forb/legume (GFL) classification. As a result, the causes of functional group diversity effects are often poorly understood. This paper presents a new process that uses functional trait data to create customized plant functional groups that can be tailored to address specific questions. This method is illustrated throughout with an example taken from a temperate mesotrophic grassland in southern England.

Location

Silwood Park, Berkshire, UK.

Methods

The method described applies divisive hierarchical cluster analysis to plant functional trait data (from either field or greenhouse conditions) in order to cluster species into a user‐specified number of groups. In our example, this was done using unweighted traits with clear links to C and N cycling. To ensure between‐group variance had been maximized, we used a linear discriminant analysis. ANOVA should also be used to compare the mean trait values of groups, in order to make specific hypotheses regarding the effect that each group has upon ecosystem functioning. We compared the resulting groups with the GFL classification to see which was more likely to deliver functionally distinct groups.

Results

The resulting groups had discrete functional characteristics, so simple hypotheses could be formulated. These groups also appeared to show stronger trait value differences than the GFL classification. Results from the experiment demonstrate that hypothesized removal effects on function were supported, thus validating our approach.

Conclusions

The method described is applicable to a wide range of communities and is able to recognize functionally distinct groups of species. General use of this approach could result in a more mechanistic understanding of biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships as it can establish experimentally validated links between functional effects traits and ecosystem functioning.
Associations of depression, anxiety and antidepressants with histological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Youssef Nagy A. , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Binks Martin , Guy Cynthia D. , Omenetti Alessia , Smith Alastair D. , Diehl Anna Mae E. , Suzuki Ayako
Published: March 2013

Background

Depression and anxiety are common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, their associations with histological severity of NAFLD are unknown.

Aim

This study examined the association(s) of depression, anxiety and antidepressant pharmacotherapy with severity of histological features in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

We analysed 567 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD enrolled in the Duke NAFLD Clinical Database. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). The associations of depression and anxiety with severity of histological features of NAFLD were analysed using multiple logistic (or ordinal logistic) regression models with and without adjusting for confounding factors.

Result

Subclinical and clinical depression was noted in 53% and 14% of patients respectively. Subclinical and clinical anxiety was noted in 45% and 25% of patients respectively. After adjusting for confounders, depression was significantly associated with more severe hepatocyte ballooning in a dose‐dependent manner (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.0201); adjusted cumulative odds ratio (COR) of subclinical and clinical depression for having a higher grade of hepatocyte ballooning were 2.1 [95% CI, 1.0, 4.4] and 3.6 [95% CI, 1.4, 8.8].

Conclusions

In patients with NAFLD, depression was associated with more severe hepatocyte ballooning. Further investigation exploring pathobiological mechanisms underlying the observed associations and potential effects of antidepressant pharmacotherapy on NAFLD liver histology is warranted.
Competing Normative Frameworks and the Limits of Deterrence Theory: Comments on Baker and Griffith's Ensuring Corporate Misconduct
Authors: Short Jodi L.
Published: March 2013

This essay reviews the contributions to deterrence theory that Tom Baker and Sean Griffith make inEnsuring Corporate Misconduct(2010) and argues that their work highlights the limits of deterrence theory for shaping corporate conduct. Baker and Griffith extend the deterrence framework to account for the mediating effect of third-party institutions, like insurers, on deterrence calculations, and they suggest how corporate governance decisions, such as what type of insurance coverage to purchase, encode signals about corporations' compliance motivations and capacity. Although these insights might prove useful for enhancing the efficacy of deterrence regimes aimed at white-collar crime and other types of corporate misconduct, they suggest the difficulty of shaping corporate conduct that is influenced not only by the norms embodied in securities law, but also by the alternative normative system of shareholder value maximization. I discuss the failure of deterrence theory to address adequately noncompliant behavior that springs not solely from material self-interest, but from adherence to an alternative set of norms, and I explore the possibility of viewing corporate compliance as a norm-change project.
Effects of Saw Palmetto Extract on Urodynamic Parameters, Bladder Muscarinic and Purinergic Receptors and Urinary Cytokines in Rats with Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Cystitis
Authors: NASRIN Sweety , MASUDA Eiji , KUGAYA Haruna , OSANO Ayaka , ITO Yoshihiko , YAMADA Shizuo
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To clarify the effect of saw palmetto extract (SPE), a phytotherapeutic agent, on urodynamic parameters, bladder muscarinic and purinergic receptors, and urinary cytokines in rats with cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP).

Methods

Saw palmetto extract (60 mg/kg per day) was administered orally twice a day for 7 days to rats. The urodynamic parameters in CYP (150 mg/kg i.p.)‐treated rats were monitored by a cystometric method under anesthesia. The muscarinic and purinergic receptors in the bladder and submaxillary gland were measured by radioreceptor assays using [N‐methyl‐3H] scopolamine chloride([3H]NMS) and αβ‐methylene‐ATP [2,8‐3H] tetrasodium salt ([3H]αβ‐MeATP), respectively. Urinary cytokines (interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], IL‐6 and L‐17) were measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

Micturition interval and micturition volume were significantly decreased and the frequency of micturition and basal pressure were significantly increased in the CYP‐treated rats compared with sham‐operated rats. Orally administered SPE significantly increased the micturition interval and micturition volume and decreased the frequency of micturition and basal pressure. The maximal number of sites (Bmax) for the specific binding of [3H]NMS and [3H]αβ‐MeATP was significantly decreased in the bladder. The decrease in receptors was attenuated by repeated treatment with SPE. An elevation in urinary cytokine (IL‐1β and IL‐17) levels were seen, and this increase was effectively suppressed by SPE treatment.

Conclusions

Saw palmetto extract attenuates the alteration of urodynamic parameters, pharmacologically relevant receptors, and urinary cytokines in CYP‐treated rats. Therefore, SPE may be a potential therapeutic agent for improving the clinical symptoms of cystitis.