bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Duration of Breastfeeding and Its Association with Metabolic Syndrome among Obese Children
Authors: Yakubov Renata , Nadir Erez , Stein Roni , Klein-Kremer Adi
Published: July 2015

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether duration of breastfeeding is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese children. Methods. A retrospective analysis of obese children aged 3 to 18 years followed at a pediatric outpatient clinic at a single center between the years 2008 and 2012. The children were divided according to their breastfeeding duration: no breastfeeding, a short period of breastfeeding, and a long term breastfeeding. Also, they were divided into metabolic and nonmetabolic syndrome groups, based on physical examination and laboratory tests. Results. Out of 4642 children who visited the clinic, 123 were obese and were included in the study. About half of them matched the metabolic syndrome criteria. There was no correlation between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the duration of breastfeeding. Hypertension, abnormal low levels of HDL, high levels of HbA1c, and high fasting triglyceride levels were very common in our study population, yet no statistical significance was noted among the different breastfeeding groups. Conclusion. In this study, breastfeeding was not associated with a reduced risk for metabolic syndrome, compared with formula feeding, in children who are obese.
Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities ofCananga odorata(Ylang-Ylang)
Authors: Tan Loh Teng Hern , Lee Learn Han , Yin Wai Fong , Chan Chim Kei , Abdul Kadir Habsah , Chan Kok Gan , Goh Bey Hing
Published: July 2015

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorataHook. F. & Thomson) is one of the plants that are exploited at a large scale for its essential oil which is an important raw material for the fragrance industry. The essential oils extracted via steam distillation from the plant have been used mainly in cosmetic industry but also in food industry. Traditionally,C. odoratais used to treat malaria, stomach ailments, asthma, gout, and rheumatism. The essential oils or ylang-ylang oil is used in aromatherapy and is believed to be effective in treating depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Many phytochemical studies have identified the constituents present in the essential oils ofC. odorata. A wide range of chemical compounds including monoterpene, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids have been isolated from this plant. Recent studies have shown a wide variety of bioactivities exhibited by the essential oils and the extracts ofC. odorataincluding antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, antivector, insect-repellent, antidiabetic, antifertility and antimelanogenesis activities. Thus, the present review summarizes the information concerning the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities ofC. odorata. This review is aimed at demonstrating thatC. odoratanot only is an important raw material for perfume industry but also considered as a prospective useful plant to agriculture and medicine.
Numerical Investigation of Vertical Plunging Jet Using a Hybrid Multifluid–VOF Multiphase CFD Solver
Authors: Shonibare Olabanji Y. , Wardle Kent E.
Published: July 2015

A novel hybrid multiphase flow solver has been used to conduct simulations of a vertical plunging liquid jet. This solver combines a multifluid methodology with selective interface sharpening to enable simulation of both the initial jet impingement and the long-time entrained bubble plume phenomena. Models are implemented for variable bubble size capturing and dynamic switching of interface sharpened regions to capture transitions between the initially fully segregated flow types into the dispersed bubbly flow regime. It was found that the solver was able to capture the salient features of the flow phenomena under study and areas for quantitative improvement have been explored and identified. In particular, a population balance approach is employed and detailed calibration of the underlying models with experimental data is required to enable quantitative prediction of bubble size and distribution to capture the transition between segregated and dispersed flow types with greater fidelity.
Second-Order Integrals for Systems inE2Involving Spin
Authors: Yurduşen İsmet
Published: July 2015

In two-dimensional Euclidean plane, existence of second-order integrals of motion is investigated for integrable Hamiltonian systems involving spin (e.g., those systems describing interaction between two particles with spin 0 and spin 1/2) and it has been shown that no nontrivial second-order integrals of motion exist for such systems.
Efficacy of Mouthwashes Containing Hydrogen Peroxide on Tooth Whitening
Authors: Karadas Muhammet , Hatipoglu Omer
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide compared with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel. Fifty enamel‐dentin samples were obtained from bovine incisors and then stained in a tea solution. The stained samples were randomly divided into five groups according to the whitening product applied (n = 10): AS: no whitening (negative control), with the samples stored in artificial saliva; CR: Crest 3D White mouthwash; LS: Listerine Whitening mouthwash; SC: Scope White mouthwash; and OP group: 10% CP Opalescence PF (positive control). Color measurements were carried out with a spectrophotometer before staining, after staining, and on the 7th, 28th, and 56th day of the whitening period. The data were analyzed using two‐way analysis of variance followed by a Tukey post hoc test. The color change (ΔE) was significantly greater in all the groups compared to that of the AS group. After 56 days, no significant differences were found among the mouthwash products with respect to color change (P > 0.05). The whiteness of the teeth treated with the mouthwashes increased significantly over time. Nevertheless, the color change achieved with the mouthwashes was significantly lower than that achieved with the 10% CP at‐home bleaching gel.
Calcipotriol Targets LRP6 to Inhibit Wnt Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Arensman Michael D. , Nguyen Phillip , Kershaw Kathleen M. , Lay Anna R. , Ostertag-Hill Claire A. , Sherman Mara H. , Downes Michael , Liddle Christopher , Evans Ronald M. , Dawson David W.
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy in need of more effective treatment approaches. One potential therapeutic target is Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which plays important roles in PDAC tumor initiation and progression. Among Wnt inhibitors with suitable in vivo biologic activity is vitamin D, which is known to antagonize Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer and have antitumor activity in PDAC. For this study, the relationship between vitamin D signaling, Wnt/β-catenin activity, and tumor cell growth in PDAC was investigated through the use of calcipotriol, a potent non-hypercalcemic vitamin D analogue. PDAC tumor cell growth inhibition by calcipotriol was positively correlated with vitamin D receptor expression and Wnt/β-catenin activity. Furthermore, vitamin D and Wnt signaling activity were found to be reciprocally linked through feedback regulation. Calcipotriol inhibited autocrine Wnt/β-catenin signaling in PDAC cell lines in parallel with decreased protein levels of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a requisite coreceptor for ligand-dependent canonical Wnt signaling. Decrease in LRP6 protein seen with calcipotriol was mediated through a novel mechanism involving transcriptional upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1). Finally, changes in LRP6 or LDLRAP1 expression directly altered Wnt reporter activity, supporting their roles as regulators of ligand-dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Implications: This study provides a novel biochemical target through which vitamin D signaling exerts inhibitory effects on Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as well as potential biomarkers for predicting and following tumor response to vitamin D–based therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 13(11); 1509–19. ©2015 AACR.
Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in Disabled Older Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Screening Tool of Older Persons' Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions versus Beers 2012 Criteria
Authors: Yang Po-Jen , Lee Yuan-Ti , Tzeng Shu-Ling , Lee Huei-Chao , Tsai Chin-Feng , Chen Chun-Chieh , Chen Shiuan-Chih , Lee Meng-Chih
Published: July 2015

Objective: To evaluate the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM), using the Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) and Beers criteria, to disabled older people. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and forty-one patients aged ≥65 years with Barthel scale scores ≤60 and a regular intake of medication for chronic diseases at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital from July to December 2012 were included, and their medical records were reviewed. Comprehensive patient information was extracted from the patients' medical notes. The STOPP and Beers 2012 criteria were used separately to identify PIM, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for PIM. The optimal cutoff for the number of medications prescribed for predicting PIM was estimated using the Youden index. Results: Of the 141 patients, 94 (66.7%) and 94 (66.7%) had at least one PIM identified by the STOPP and Beers criteria, respectively. In multivariate analysis, PIM identified by the Beers criteria were associated with the prescription of multiple medications (p = 0.013) and the presence of psychiatric diseases (p < 0.001), whereas PIM identified by the STOPP criteria were only associated with the prescription of multiple medications (p = 0.008). The optimal cutoff for the number of medications prescribed for predicting PIM by using the STOPP or Beers criteria was 6. After adjustment for covariates, patients prescribed ≥6 medications had a significantly higher risk of PIM, identified using the STOPP or Beers criteria, compared to patients prescribed <6 medications (both p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed a high frequency of PIM in disabled older patients with chronic diseases, particularly those prescribed ≥6 medications.
Medical Therapy of Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Bürger Martin , Schmidt Carsten , Teich Niels , Stallmach Andreas
Published: July 2015

Background: Medical therapy of mild and moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) of any extent is evidence-based and standardized by national and international guidelines. However, patients with steroid-refractory UC still represent a challenge. Methods: A literature search using PubMed (search terms: ulcerative colitis, therapy, new, 1-2008-2015) resulted in 821 publications. For the current article, 88 citations were extracted including 36 randomized controlled studies, 18 reviews, and 8 meta-analyses. Results: In steroid-refractory UC, early intensive therapy using anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies or the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus is indicated in any case to prevent progression to a toxic megacolon and/or to avoid proctocolectomy. In patients with chronic disease activity, treatment with anti-TNF antibodies has a higher level of evidence than azathioprine therapy and should therefore be preferred. However, there is a subgroup of UC patients who may achieve prolonged steroid-free remission on azathioprine monotherapy. The importance of vedolizumab, a newly registered inhibiting antibody against integrin, has not yet been fully clarified since direct comparison studies are lacking, in particular in relation to anti-TNF antibodies. Conclusion: There is a great need for additional innovative therapies, especially in cases of primary non-response or secondary loss of response to anti-TNF antibodies. New small molecules (Janus kinase inhibitors) are promising with an acceptable safety profile and efficacy in UC. Further, strategies that target the intestinal microbiome are currently considered for patients with active or relapsing UC, and may in the future open up new therapeutic options.
History of previous bleeding and C-reactive protein improve assessment of bleeding risk in elderly patients (≥80 years) with myocardial infarction
Authors: Koller Lorenz , Rothgerber David-Jonas , Sulzgruber Patrick , El-Hamid Feras , Forster Stefan , Wojta Johann , Goliasch Georg , Maurer Gerald , Niessner Alexander
Published: July 2015

We aimed to assess whether the CRUSADE risk score represents a robust instrument for stratification of bleeding risk in elderly myocardial infarction (MI) patients (≥80 years) and further aimed to identify age-specific predictors of major bleeding events. Binary logistic regression models were applied to assess the effect of variables on the occurrence of bleeding events during hospital stay. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the discriminatory power. Out of 387 patients in the final study cohort, 74 patients (19.1 %) experienced a major bleeding event according to the definition of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. The CRUSADE risk score demonstrated only a weak discriminatory power to predict bleeding in this group of patients (area under the ROC curve: 0.57 [0.51–0.65]; p=0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, history of bleeding with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 3.21(95 % confidence interval: 1.29–8.03, p=0.01) and C-reactive protein with an adjusted HR per increase of 10 mg/l of 1.05 (1.01–1.10) were independent predictors of major bleeding. Integration of both variables into the CRUSADE score demonstrated a significantly improved performance for bleeding as indicated by a significant increase in the ROC analysis (area under the curve: 0.64 vs 0.57; for comparison p<0.045), net reclassification index (35.6 0 %; p=0.006) and integrated discrimination increment (0.0242; p=0.02). In conclusion, bleeding history and C-reactive protein significantly improve the modest predictive power of the CRUSADE risk score in elderly patients with MI. These results point towards a specific risk profile for bleeding events in this high-risk group of patients.
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Enhances Post-error Slowing
Authors: Sellaro Roberta , van Leusden Jelle W. R. , Tona Klodiana-Daphne , Verkuil Bart , Nieuwenhuis Sander , Colzato Lorenza S.
Published: July 2015

People tend to slow down after they commit an error, a phenomenon known as post-error slowing (PES). It has been proposed that slowing after negative feedback or unforeseen errors is linked to the activity of the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine (LC–NE) system, but there is little direct evidence for this hypothesis. Here, we assessed the causal role of the noradrenergic system in modulating PES by applying transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), a new noninvasive and safe method to stimulate the vagus nerve and to increase NE concentrations in the brain. A single-blind, sham-controlled, between-group design was used to assess the effect of tVNS in healthy young volunteers (n = 40) during two cognitive tasks designed to measure PES. Results showed increased PES during active tVNS, as compared with sham stimulation. This effect was of similar magnitude for the two tasks. These findings provide evidence for an important role of the noradrenergic system in PES.
Diversity in NIME Research Practices
Authors: Gurevich Michael
Published: July 2015

This article advocates for a dialogue about research traditions and paradigms within the community around New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME). Although the research community collectively values interdisciplinarity, the author argues that we have not done enough to acknowledge and account for the inevitable epistemological differences that emerge with disciplinary diversity. Over time, NIME has seen a rise in the proportion of technical reporting and a concomitant decline in practice-based research, which historically played a more central role. Exploration and explication of the values, assumptions, and expectations that circumscribe legitimacy in practice-based research are needed in order to maintain and advocate for its relevance.
Validation of the name Aristolochia compressicaulis and lectotypification of A. championii and A. punjabensis (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Do Truong Van , Neinhuis Christoph , Wanke Stefan
Published: July 2015

Aristolochia Linnaeus (1753: 960) subg. Siphisia (Rafinesque 1828: 62) Duchartre (1854: 29) (Aristolochiaceae) comprises about 70 species, 50 of which occur in East and South Asia while the remaining species occur from Central- to North America (Wagner et al. 2012, 2014, González et al. 2014). In this study, the taxonomic history of A. championii Merrill & Chun (1940: 47) and A. punjabensis Lace (1911: 273) is discussed, and the lectotypes for these two species are designated. Additionally, the name A. compressicaulis Yang (1988: 32) is validated by designating the holotype.
On Roxburgh’s Gelonium bifarium (Euphorbiaceae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: Ramana Munigela Venkat , Potharaju Venu , Munivenkatappa Sanjappa
Published: July 2015

The taxonomic identity and diagnosis of Suregada bifaria (= Gelonium bifarium) is reviewed in comparison with Suregada multiflora (= Gelonium multiflorum), and the synonymy of the former with the latter, as found in Indian floras and the world checklist of Euphorbiaceae, is discussed. The distinct identity of S. bifaria and its presence in the Andamans is ascertained, and the name lectotypified.
Mallomonas cattiensis, sp. nov. (Synurales, Chrysophyceae), a new species from Viet Nam
Authors: Gusev Evgeniy Sergeevich , DOAN-NHU HAI , NGUYEN-NGOC LAM
Published: July 2015

Mallomonas cattiensis, sp. nov. is described from Ta Lai reservoir, located in Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai Province, Southeastern Viet Nam). The description is based on silica-scale morphology studied by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. This new species has thick, heavily silicified tripartite scales. The most remarkable features of the new taxon are thick secondary layer in form of lobate structures on the anterior flange of the scales and wide proximal border, covering the posterior flange and often overlapping the V-rib. Mallomonas cattiensis belongs to the section Mallomonas and is most morphologically similar to Mallomonas morrisonensis.
Superrotation in Terrestrial Atmospheres
Authors: Laraia Anne L. , Schneider Tapio
Published: July 2015

Atmospheric superrotation with prograde equatorial winds and an equatorial angular momentum maximum is ubiquitous in planetary atmospheres. It is clear that eddy fluxes of angular momentum toward the equator are necessary to generate it. But under what conditions superrotation arises has remained unclear. This paper presents simulations and a scaling theory that establish conditions under which superrotation occurs in terrestrial atmospheres. Whether superrotation arises depends on the relative importance of factors that favor or disfavor superrotation. Convection preferentially generates Rossby waves near the equator, where the Rossby number is O(1). Since the Rossby waves transport angular momentum toward their source regions, this favors superrotation. Meridional temperature gradients preferentially lead to baroclinic instability and wave generation away from the equator. Eddy transport of angular momentum toward the baroclinic source region implies transport out of low latitudes, which disfavors superrotation. Simulations with an idealized GCM show that superrotation tends to arise when the equatorial convective generation of wave activity and its associated eddy angular momentum flux convergence exceed the baroclinic eddy angular momentum flux divergence. Convective and baroclinic wave activity generation is related through scaling arguments to mean-flow properties, such as planetary rotation rates and meridional temperature gradients. The scaling arguments show, for example, that superrotation is favored when the off-equatorial baroclinicity and planetary rotation rates are low, as they are, for example, on Venus. Similarly, superrotation is favored when the convective heating strengthens, which may account for the superrotation seen in extreme global warming simulations.
Renato Poggioli traduttore e comparatista
Authors: Alcini Laura
Published: July 2015

Questo lavoro bio-bibliografico costituisce un excursus della vita e dell’opera di Renato Poggioli ripercorrendo le vicende del duplice esilio di uno spirito eclettico e cosmopolita, nel nome della libertà di pensiero. Oltre a rappresentare un contributo alla memoria del traduttore e comparatista, il saggio costituisce anche una doverosa introduzione prospettica alla traduzione ed edizione italiana del carteggio tra Poggioli e Stevens di cui Laura Alcini è autrice. Il saggio intende altresì mettere in risalto la scarsa considerazione che la figura di Renato Poggioli, studioso cosmopolita e illuminato, ha avuto e purtroppo ancora ha, in Italia (se si esclude il settore specialistico degli studi di slavistica). Poggioli, esule durante il fascismo, è stato sfortunatamente vittima di diversi ma similmente ottusi ostracismi culturali e politici che hanno offuscato la sua fama di raffinato traduttore e fondatore della comparatistica ad Harvard.
An evaluation of asthma education project targeting the Traveller and Roma community
Authors: Brady Anne-Marie , Keogh Brian
Published: July 2015

Objective:

The aim of this evaluation was to determine the cultural and educational appropriateness of a pilot asthma education programme developed for the Traveller and Roma community in Ireland.

Design:

A participatory multi-stakeholder and qualitative approach.

Setting:

Prevalence and inadequate control of asthma have been found to be high among members of the Traveller and Roma community. Barriers to health care among these groups have been reported. A train-the-trainer approach was undertaken to build capacity among Traveller Community Health Workers around specialist asthma knowledge.

Method:

A total of 29 Traveller community health care workers completed and graduated successfully with a certificate of attendance. Interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders ( n = 8) and focus groups ( n = 24) with participants.

Results:

The train-the-trainer approach was shown to be an effective, transferable and cost effective strategy to building capacity to outreach specialist asthma education to a wider population. There was a very positive response to the programme among the stakeholders, facilitators and the participants generally. Participants felt confident in their ability to teach other health care workers about what they had learned during the programme.

Conclusion:

The cascade provided by the pilot work offers an economical approach to building capacity and outreach specialist asthma knowledge to Community Health Workers and to families affected by asthma in the Traveller community. The use of energisers and the approach to local evaluation should be adapted to respond to the requirements of the group. It is recommended that regular evaluation and reporting of outcome indicators be undertaken.
SNS Dependency and Community Engagement in Urban Neighborhoods: The Moderating Role of Integrated Connectedness to a Community Storytelling Network
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Shin Euikyung , Cho Ahra , Jung Eunjean , Shon Kyungeun , Shim Hongjin
Published: July 2015

The purposes of the current study were (1) to examine the relationship between social networking service (SNS) dependency and local community engagement among Seoul residents, (2) to test the hypothesis that integrated connectedness to a community storytelling network (ICSN) is positively related to local community engagement, and (3) to investigate the moderating role of ICSN between SNS dependency and local community engagement. The current study is theoretically guided by communication infrastructure theory (CIT). We used online survey data collected during summer 2013 from a sample of 890 SNS users between the ages of 19 and 59 who lived in 25 districts in Seoul. We focused on four variables as local community engagement outcomes: neighborhood belonging, two collective efficacy variables (informal social control and social cohesion), and community activity participation. We found that SNS dependency and ICSN were positively associated with all local community engagement variables. We also identified the moderating role of ICSN between SNS dependency and the two collective efficacy variables. In addition, we found that closed SNSs (e.g., KakaoTalk) are more likely to facilitate community engagement than open SNSs (e.g., Facebook or Twitter).
Revelation 21:1–22:5. An Early Christian Locus Amoenus?
Authors: King Fergus J.
Published: July 2015

The visions of the Heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21) have a utopian feel. In this article I suggest that ancient writers from a Graeco-Roman background might have read these visions through the lens of the locus amoenus (pleasant place)—a utopian prototype. While associated primarily with vision poetry, the motif also served wider theological and philosophical purposes in the late Roman Republic and early Imperial periods and had spread beyond purely literary confines. The genre also engaged with philosophical, theological and eschatological themes. Thus engaging with Revelation 21 as a locus amoenus, as a contextually appropriate form, may have served as a jumping-off point into the less familiar realms of Judaic eschatological symbolism. Lastly, it is suggested that the appearance of the motif within what would become the Scriptures of emerging Christianity may provide a reason for the later more explicit developments of the genre in patristic writing.
Shear work, viscous dissipation and axial conduction effects on microchannel heat transfer with a constant wall temperature
Authors: Ramadan K , Tlili Iskander
Published: July 2015

Convective heat transfer in a microchannel rarefied gas flow with a constant wall temperature boundary condition is investigated numerically. The boundary shear work, viscous dissipation and axial conduction are all included in the study. An analytical solution is also derived for the fully developed flow condition including the boundary shear work. The proper thermal boundary condition considering the sliding friction at the wall is implemented. A comparative study is performed to quantify the effect of the shear work on heat transfer in the entrance – and the fully developed – regions of the microchannel for both gas cooling and heating. The results demonstrate that the effect of shear work on heat transfer is significant and it increases with increasing both the Knudsen number and Brinkman number. Neglecting the shear work in a microchannel slip flow leads to over- or under estimation of the Nusselt number considerably. For a fully developed flow in a microchannel with constant wall temperature boundary condition, the contribution of the shear work to heat transfer can be around 55% in the vicinity of the upper limit of the slip flow regime, regardless of how small the non-zero Brinkman number can be. Including the shear work is therefore crucial in the analysis of microchannel heat transfer and should not be neglected.
Pollen productivity estimates from old-growth forest strongly differ from those obtained in cultural landscapes: Evidence from the Białowieża National Park, Poland
Authors: Baker Ambroise G , Zimny Marcelina , Keczyński Andrzej , Bhagwat Shonil A , Willis Kathy J , Latałowa Małgorzata
Published: July 2015

Pollen productivity estimates of individual plant taxa are necessary when determining changes of vegetation cover during the Holocene. To date, studies describing this parameter in lowland temperate Europe have been carried out in cultural landscapes showing low forest cover and dominated by human activities. However, these may be of limited use when applied to reconstruct past land cover, for instance, from pre-agricultural landscapes. The aim of this paper is to ascertain whether pollen productivity from the closed-canopy old-growth forest in the Białowieża National Park, Poland, where human impact has been minimal for nearly a century, is different from that calculated in much more open landscapes. We ask: how much does forest antiquity and structure influence the amount of pollen released from particular taxa? We implemented maximum likelihood estimation of relative pollen productivity for seven tree species and for Poaceae using 18 modern pollen assemblages and distance-weighted plant abundances. Our results demonstrate that the ratio of pollen productivity between high producers ( Pinus sylvestris and Quercus robur) and low producers ( Poaceae, Corylus avellana) is on an average six times greater in Białowieża than across other European cultural landscapes. Pollen from forest Poaceae and C. avellana is six times more under-represented in old-growth forest than hitherto estimated from cultural landscapes. This finding reinforces the idea that pollen productivity can vary in response to changes in the prevailing environmental settings and we present for the first time a quantification of this variability, likely induced by differences in light availability.
Correction factors for self-selection when evaluating screening programmes
Authors: Spix Claudia , Berthold Frank , Hero Barbara , Michaelis Jörg , Schilling Freimut H.
Published: July 2015

Objective

In screening programmes there is recognized bias introduced through participant self-selection (the healthy screenee bias). Methods used to evaluate screening programmes include Intention-to-screen, per-protocol, and the “post hoc” approach in which, after introducing screening for everyone, the only evaluation option is participants versus non-participants. All methods are prone to bias through self-selection. We present an overview of approaches to correct for this bias.

Methods

We considered four methods to quantify and correct for self-selection bias. Simple calculations revealed that these corrections are actually all identical, and can be converted into each other. Based on this, correction factors for further situations and measures were derived. The application of these correction factors requires a number of assumptions.

Results

Using as an example the German Neuroblastoma Screening Study, no relevant reduction in mortality or stage 4 incidence due to screening was observed. The largest bias (in favour of screening) was observed when comparing participants with non-participants.

Conclusions

Correcting for bias is particularly necessary when using the post hoc evaluation approach, however, in this situation not all required data are available. External data or further assumptions may be required for estimation.
The Mediating Role of Emotions
Authors: Lecheler Sophie , Bos Linda , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: July 2015

Emotions play an important role in explaining why news framing has effects on opinions about immigration. Yet, our knowledge regarding which emotions are relevant for different types of news frames is limited. This survey experiment ( N = 715) determines to what extent positive and negative emotions mediate framing effects about immigration, and whether mediation depends on the type of frame at stake. We exposed participants to one of four preestablished frames: the emancipation, multicultural, assimilation, or victimization frame. Results show that the emancipation and multicultural frames cause the most emotional response. Positive emotions function as mediators of framing effects on immigration opinions.
Safety Assessment of Galactomannans as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Heldreth Bart , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: July 2015

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of 16 galactomannans as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are legume polysaccharides that function mostly as hair/skin-conditioning agents and viscosity-increasing agents in cosmetic products. Their substantial molecular sizes suggest that skin penetration of these ingredients would be unlikely. The Panel concluded that these galactomannans are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
A trickster as a quest for Self in B. Hrabal’s I Served the King of England
Authors: Golovátina-Mora Polina
Published: July 2015

This article argues that social activism is inherent in the nature of the trickster figure, namely through the productive and therapeutic power of the imagination. Analysing the author’s style of writing, the novel’s composition in the broader context of Czech folklore studies, artistic and literary movements inside the socialist bloc in the 1960s and 1970s, the Jungian archetype, and the Lacanian mirror-stage theories, I explore how the trickster serves that social purpose in Bohumil Hrabal’s novel I Served the King of England. Enabling an externalization of the problems accompanying the process of individual and collective Self-development, the trickster provides for both the author and reader a shelter for reflection and a possible reconsideration of Self. The trickster character and narrative thus presents a soothing action and, through that, a warning and a suggestion for society. Of course, such externalization creates the possibility of neither overcoming the distance nor understanding the warning a trickster sends.
Micro-skills of group formulations in care settings: Working with expressions of staff distress
Authors: Jackman Louisa , Fielden Amy , Pearson Steven
Published: July 2015

The help of specialist clinicians is often sought to advise staff in residential and nursing care homes about how to work with people with dementia whose behaviour is challenging. The Newcastle Model ( James, 2011 ) is a framework and a process developed to help care staff understand and improve their care of this group. The model emphasises the use of sharing information with staff to develop effective care plans. In the Shared Formulation Sessions characteristic of the Newcastle Model, clinicians take the role of a group facilitator, helping the staff reach a consensus about what needs to change. These sessions can be difficult to manage as intra and inter-group processes emerge and the group express their anxieties. This paper aims to explore the processes that might be in play Shared Formulation Sessions and to suggest ways in which the facilitator might approach this to manage effective collaborative working.
Quebec’s bifurcated schools: Tensions between democratic and commercial values
Authors: LeVasseur Louis
Published: July 2015

In education decentralization policy may be beneficial in terms of overcoming an overly cumbersome bureaucracy in educational systems. However, it can also have adverse effects in terms of competition, yielding new kinds of inequalities. This is true in Quebec, where the division of educational labor and the emergence of technical work were indirectly made necessary by the decentralization of the education system, leading to a destandardization of school programming. Students turned away by schools that set standards for excellence turn to schools defined by their educational and social vocation. How do public-sector teachers view all of these changes? As we will see, for many teachers, an attachment to the Quebec education system’s democratic values is not incompatible with buying into free-market values in education.
The Willie Lomans of a Market Society: Addressing Political-Economic Sources of Suffering in Pastoral Counseling
Authors: LaMothe Ryan
Published: July 2015

This article focuses on the culture of state-corporate capitalism as a source of psychological suffering for some people who seek the aid of pastoral counselors. An underlying premise of this article and, more particularly, the work of pastoral counseling comes from Frantz Fanon’s view that the aims of psychotherapy are (a) ‘to ‘consciousnessize’ [the patient’s] unconscious, to no longer be tempted by a hallucinatory lactification’, and (b) ‘to enable [the patient] to choose an action with respect to the real source of the conflict, i.e., the social structure’. An aim of pastoral counseling, then, is to facilitate recognition of a person’s sources of suffering so that s/he can decide how to respond. By contrast, it is argued that a pastoral counselor, in leaving a client unaware that his/her suffering is partially the result of a capitalistic culture, fosters hermeneutical mystification, and the patient is not able to choose an action directed toward a major source of his/her depression.
Elective endovascular vs. open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarians
Authors: Morisaki Koichi , Matsumoto Takuya , Matsubara Yutaka , Inoue Kentaro , Aoyagi Yukihiko , Matsuda Daisuke , Tanaka Shinichi , Okadome Jun , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the operative mortality and short-term and midterm outcomes of treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm in Japanese patients over 80 years of age.

Methods

Between January 2007 and December 2011, 207 patients underwent elective repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Comorbidities, operative morbidity and mortality, midterm outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The average age (endovascular aneurysm repair, 84.4 ± 0.3; open, 82.8 ± 0.3, P < 0.01) and the percentage of hostile abdomen (endovascular aneurysm repair, 22.2%; open repair, 11.1%, P < 0.05) were higher in the endovascular aneurysm repair group. Percentage of outside IFU was higher in open repair (endovascular aneurysm repair, 38.5%; open repair, 63.3%, P < 0.01). The cardiac complication (endovascular aneurysm repair, 0%; open repair, 5.6%, P < 0.01) and length of postoperative hospital stay (endovascular aneurysm repair, 10.3 ± 0.8 days; open, 18.6 ± 1.6 days, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the endovascular aneurysm repair group. There were no differences in operative mortality (endovascular aneurysm repair, 0%; open, 1.1%, P = 0.43) and the aneurysm-related death was not observed. The rate of secondary interventions (EVAR, 5.1%; open repair, 0%, P < 0.01) and midterm mortality rate were much higher in the endovascular aneurysm repair group.

Conclusions

Endovascular aneurysm repair is less invasive than open repair and useful for treating abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarians; however, open repair can be acceptable treatment in the inappropriate case treated by endovascular aneurysm repair.
Aortic aneurysm trials in octogenarians: Are we really measuring the outcomes that matter?
Authors: Aitken SJ , Naganathan V , Blyth FM
Published: July 2015

Purpose

This study is a systematic review to determine the types of outcomes reported in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) studies of patients aged 80 and over. Specifically, it determines the types of patient-centered outcomes reported.

Method

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 2000 to 2014 for studies on AAA surgery with outcome data on patients aged 80 and over. Outcomes were categorized according to Donabedian’s framework for health quality indicators, with further classification as procedural, complication, resource or patient-centered outcome indicators.

Findings

Forty studies were reviewed. Patient-centered outcomes were infrequently reported (13%, n=5), with limited outcomes specifically relevant to older patients. No studies reported physical function, activities of daily living or cognition using validated assessment methods. Short-term mortality (95%, n=38) and complications (85%, n=34) were reported most frequently.

Conclusion

Reporting of aortic surgery outcomes in patients aged 80 and over requires a focus upon outcomes of primary importance to people of this age.
Heparin-free continuous vena-venous hemofiltration as a veno-venous bypass in inferior vena cava reconstruction
Authors: Ouyang Sha-Xi , Fu Jia , Liu Ji-Tong , Shi Wen-Jian , Liu Kang-Han
Published: July 2015

Objective

This paper investigated the effects of continuous vena-venous hemofiltration on inferior vena cava reconstruction.

Method

Totally, 11 patients were observed, vascular access in right internal jugular vein and femoral vein catheterization was established guided by ultrasound, and heparin-free continuous vena-venous hemofiltration was used to substitute for extracorporeal veno-venous bypass. Furthermore, blood pressure, central venous pressure, urine volume, blood platelet, serum albumin, renal function, serum cystatin C, CRP, TBil, AST, ALT, serum amylase, serum lipase, PLT, PT, APTT, Fig, D-mier, and adverse events were determined.

Results

All operations were completed successfully. Average time of continuous vena-venous hemofiltration was 2.96 ± 0.76 h. No hematoma and blood leakage was occurred when catheters were inserted, and no luminal stenosis and catheter-related infections were observed. Visceral congestion was observed when the inferior vena cava was clamped, but significantly improved immediately after the continuous vena-venous hemofiltration was begun. No hemofilter was changed due to clotting during continuous vena-venous hemofiltration therapy. Blood pressure, central venous pressure, and urine volume of the patients maintained stable. No significant change was observed in blood platelet, serum albumin, and serum creatinin. Serum cystatin and hsCRP increased after operation, but still in normal level.

Conclusion

Heparin-free continuous vena-venous hemofiltration was an effective mode as veno-venous bypass in the treatment of inferior vena cava interruption and reconstruction.
Forbidden audience: Media reception and social change in North Korea
Authors: Yoon Sunny
Published: July 2015

This study is an attempt to investigate the cultural aspects of North Korea by examining the everyday lives of the people, a topic that has been a blind spot in the body of previous research on North Korea. Although there are ample studies on North Korea due to its significance for world peace, they are limited to military and political aspects. To look into the micro-aspects of the social practice of ordinary people in North Korea, the method of post-modern ethnography is adopted. In-depth interviews and participatory observation of North Korean refugees in a special high school for them were conducted by focusing on their experiences of viewing South Korean media, which is absolutely prohibited in North Korea. Watching South Korean media is a fad among young North Koreans these days, although it is seen as delinquent behaviour by the authorities and the young people have to take the risk of being caught and sent to jail. The viewing patterns of media in people’s daily lives may be one of the few indicators of social change in such closed societies as North Korea. Due to persistent poverty and pervasive corruption, social minorities exist without social care and control. Young people as a social minority are free to create their own resistant culture in the social underside. With little hope for the future, the visual fantasy of South Korean media allows youth to dream of an alternative way of life. Watching South Korean TV is not simply a means of entertainment or escaping from reality, but also a means of signifying social change. This audience study of young North Koreans is meaningful in the sense that a marginal activity like watching TV in a social minority group could signify major social changes in the most stagnant society in the world.
Evaluation of experimental methods for nitric oxide release from cardiovascular implants; bypass grafts as an exemplar
Authors: Naghavi Noora , Seifalian Alexander M. , Hamilton George , de Mel Achala
Published: July 2015

Background:

There is a great potential for nitric oxide (NO) eluting biomaterials in biomedical applications. These include the development of cardiovascular implants, wound healing products, or applications in cancer and respiratory therapy. While the potential of these materials as a therapy is becoming clearer, the real-time monitoring of NO is not easy and the success in the development of such materials depends on the accurate quantification of NO release.

Method:

To emphasize on the importance of a measurement technique on the outcome of an experiment, we compared total NO released from S-nitroso- N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP) incorporated nanocomposite polymer in the form of bypass grafts under simulated physiological conditions using amperometric and chemiluminescence techniques.

Results:

We found that the total amount of NO measured by the amperometric technique was 35.8% of the theoretical amount. Similarly, on measuring NO release from the bypass grafts, we demonstrated that the chemiluminesence technique detected NO at a relatively higher level.

Conclusions:

The results of this study clearly demonstrate the relative difference between analysis techniques for accurate NO detection that can be applied to distinct experimental models associated with NO-eluting cardiovascular implants.
Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? Factors Influencing Public Perceptions of Current Party Popularity and Electoral Expectations
Authors: Zerback Thomas , Reinemann Carsten , Nienierza Angela
Published: July 2015

This study analyzes how perceptions of the popularity of political parties (i.e., the current opinion climate) and expectations about parties’ future electoral performance (i.e., the future opinion climate) are formed. Theoretically, the paper integrates research on the sources of public opinion perception and empirically draws on a representative survey carried out before the 2013 German federal election. We show that the perceived media slant and opinions perceived in one’s personal surroundings are closely related to perceptions of party popularity, whereas individual recall of poll results and personal opinions about the parties are not. However, poll results are shown to be the single most important predictor of expectations about the parties’ future electoral success.
An Overview of Metformin and Implications in the Workplace
Authors: Grant Joan S. , Steadman Laura A.
Published: July 2015

Diabetes mellitus is expensive; one of the top 10 most costly health concerns for employers. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who achieve glycemic targets through healthy lifestyles and appropriate glucose-lowering agents lessen diabetes-related complications. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief review of a first-line agent used in treating T2DM, the biguanide metformin hydrochloride. Implications for health providers who assist employees who use metformin also are addressed.
Immunodeficiency and severe susceptibility to bacterial infection associated with a loss-of-function homozygous mutation of MKL1
Authors: Record Julien , Malinova Dessislava , Zenner Helen L. , Plagnol Vincent , Nowak Karolin , Syed Farhatullah , Bouma Gerben , Curtis James , Gilmour Kimberly , Cale Catherine , Hackett Scott , Charras Guillaume , Moulding Dale , Nejentsev Sergey , Thrasher Adrian J. , Burns Siobhan O.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

MKL1 deficiency results in actin cytoskeletal disruption in myeloid and lymphoid cell lineages. MKL1 deficiency impairs neutrophil migration associated with downregulation of myosin II.