bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocontrol of Gray Mold Disease on Strawberry Fruit by Integration of Lactobacillus plantarum A7 with Ajwain and Cinnamon Essential Oils
Authors: Zamani‐Zadeh Maryam , Soleimanian‐Zad Sabihe , Sheikh‐Zeinoddin Mahmoud
Published: September 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (L. Plantarum), ajwain and cinnamon essential oils (AO and CO, respectively) in suppressing gray mold rot in strawberry fruit. AO and CO showed over 90% inhibition of radial mycelia growth with lower concentration of the oils per plate for all tested pathogens. Combined application of L. plantarum with AO and CO was tested to assess the possible synergistic effects of these 3 elements on the control of tested plant pathogens. In this case both combinations of L. plantarum + AO and L. plantarum + CO inhibited the mycelia growth of the pathogens completely. Results showed that the combined treatment of strawberry fruits with L. plantarum + AO (50 μL) and L. plantarum + CO (100 μL) resulted in remarkably improved control of Botrytis infections, in comparison with application of L. plantarum or essential oils alone. Quality attributes (that is pH, acidity, vitamin C, and total soluble solid) of the strawberry fruits did not change significantly (P < 0.01) when combination of Lactobacillus and essential oils was used. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of combination of a Lactobacillus as an antagonist bacterium with essential oils to increase the shelf life of strawberry.
Sensory Evaluation of Dry‐fermented Sausage Containing Ground Deodorized Yellow Mustard
Authors: Li Shuliu , Aliani Michel , Holley Richard A.
Published: September 2013

Ground deodorized yellow mustard is used as a binder and meat protein substitute in cooked processed meat products. Recent studies have shown that it has the potential to be used in uncooked processed meat products because of its natural antimicrobial properties. In the present study, ground deodorized yellow mustard was added to uncooked dry‐fermented sausage during manufacture at 1% to 4% (w/w) and analyzed for its effects on starter cultures, physico‐chemical properties, and consumer acceptability. Mustard had a nondose‐dependent inhibitory effect on the Staphylococcus starter culture, had no effect on water activity or instrumental texture, and tended to accelerate sausage pH reduction. At 3% and 4% mustard, consumer scores on all sensory attributes as well as overall acceptability were significantly lower. The appearance and color of 3% and 4% mustard‐treated sausages were liked slightly, whereas flavor, texture, and overall acceptability scores were reduced. The control without mustard and 1% mustard‐treated sausages had similar sensory properties and were the most acceptable, while 2% mustard‐treated sausages were given “like moderately” and “like slightly” descriptors. Sensory results mean that at concentrations necessary for mandated regulatory control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in dry sausages, mustard may have a negative effect on consumer acceptance.
Sharing Risks of Labour Market Transitions: Towards a System of Employment Insurance
Authors: Schmid Günther
Published: September 2013

The increasing polarization of the labour market is closely related to the spread of non‐standard employment relationships that largely results from poor risk management of critical transitions over the life course. The question, therefore, arises whether labour market regulation, in particular unemployment insurance, is still properly designed for the new world of work. This article argues for an extension of unemployment insurance towards a system of employment insurance by summarizing the concept of transitional labour markets, indicating the risks that challenge current and future labour markets, laying the theoretical groundwork, and discussing the main features of an employment insurance system.
On the asymptotic standard error of a class of robust estimators of ability in dichotomous item response models
Authors: Magis David
Published: September 2013

In item response theory, the classical estimators of ability are highly sensitive to response disturbances and can return strongly biased estimates of the true underlying ability level. Robust methods were introduced to lessen the impact of such aberrant responses on the estimation process. The computation of asymptotic (i.e., large‐sample) standard errors (ASE) for these robust estimators, however, has not yet been fully considered. This paper focuses on a broad class of robust ability estimators, defined by an appropriate selection of the weight function and the residual measure, for which theASEis derived from the theory of estimating equations. The maximum likelihood (ML) and the robust estimators, together with their estimatedASEs, are then compared in a simulation study by generating random guessing disturbances. It is concluded that both the estimators and theirASEperform similarly in the absence of random guessing, while the robust estimator and its estimatedASEare less biased and outperform theirMLcounterparts in the presence of random guessing with large impact on the item response process.
ChildWell‐BeingScales (CWBS) in the assessment of families and children in home‐care intervention: an empirical study
Authors: Serbati Sara , Pivetti Monica , Gioga Gianmaria
Published: September 2013

This paper reports research carried out inItaly designed to investigate the usability ofChildWell‐BeingScale (CWBS) for the outcome evaluation of home‐care interventions for vulnerable families and children in need. Using a pre‐ and post‐test design, the study traces the changes in 18 vulnerable families and 23 children in need included in a programme of home‐care intervention over a period of 11 months. All the families and children were assessed twice: at intake and at the end of the intervention (after 6 months). Furthermore, 10 families and 11 children had a longer intervention and were assessed three times. Moreover, two focus groups involving 13 home‐care workers and 11 face‐to‐face interviews were used to collect practitioners' points of views onCWBS.

The results generally support the idea that families' and children's situation improved over time, as shown by an improvement in almost all of the considered dimensions after 6 months and after 11 months. Specifically, the families improved more on household adequacy in the long term while children on the child performance dimension improved in the short term.

Practitioners reported thatCWBSwas an aid to multi‐professional decision‐making, as the systematic evaluation of the subscales was a practical base upon which to activate shared decision‐making during the casework.
Tibial Cancellous Bone Grafting in Jaw Reconstruction: 10 Years of Experience in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Edward Chengchuan , Chang Chia‐Ming , Chang Peiying , Kao Chu‐Chiang , Chen Kwei‐Jing , Wu I‐Fan , Chen Michael Yuanchien
Published: September 2013

Background

Use of proximal tibia as a donor site has been applied in jawbone reconstruction since the 1990s. Catone and colleagues described a U‐shaped incision made on the iliotibial tract during tibial cancellous bone procurement for maxillofacial reconstruction in 1992. We used a curvilinear incision on the iliotibial tract in lateral approach in our tibial cancellous bone harvesting procedure.

Objectives

The objectives of this retrospective study are to describe our modified lateral approach for procuring cancellous graft from the proximal tibia and to assess the bone volume, donor site morbidity, and associated complications.

Material and Methods

Eighty consecutive jawbone reconstructions utilizing autogenous tibial cancellous bone grafts in 78 patients from March 1998 through March 2008 were reviewed. The patient group consisted of 45 males and 33 females, ages 18 to 76 (average age 36.1 ± 12.3). Minimal postoperative follow‐up period was 3 months. Unlike the traditional U‐shaped trapdoor incision on the iliotibial tract, our curvilinear incision was made almost parallel to the fibers of that tract.

Result

Only mild complications were observed at donor sites, including temporary paresthesia, gait disturbance, and an unpleasant scar. The average procured graft volume was 17.8 mL. We also present the first case of reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects of up to 6 to 7 cm lengthwise by tibial cancellous bone grafting, which has not previously been reported in the English literature.

Conclusion

The modified incision on the iliotibial tract allowed access to obtain an equally good bone volume from the lateral aspect of the proximal tibia, and it rendered wound closure much easier than the procuring techniques described in the earlier literature.
Prosthetic restoration in the single‐tooth gap: patient preferences and analysis of the WTP index
Authors: Augusti Davide , Augusti Gabriele , Re Dino
Published: September 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the preference of a patients' population, according to the index of willingness to pay (WTP), against two treatments to restore a single‐tooth gap: the implant‐supported crown (ISC) and the 3‐unit fixed partial denture prosthesis (FPDP) on natural teeth.

Materials and methods

Willingness to pay values were recorded on 107 subjects by asking the WTP from a starting bid of €2000 modifiable through monetary increases or decreases (€100). Data were collected through an individually delivered questionnaire. The characteristics of the population and choices made, the median values and WTP associations with socio‐demographic parameters (Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests), correlations between variables (chi‐square test in contingency tables) and significant parameters for predicting WTP values obtained in a multiple linear regression model were revealed.

Results

The 64% of patients expressed a preference for ISC, while the remaining 36% of the population chose the FPDP. The current therapeutic choice and those carried out in the past were generally in agreement (>70% of cases, P = 0.0001); a relationship was discovered between the anterior and posterior area to the same method of rehabilitation (101 of 107 cases, 94.4%). The WTP median values for ISC were of €3000 and of €2500 in the anterior and posterior areas, respectively. The smallest amount of money has been allocated for FPDP in posterior region (median of €1500). The “importance of oral care” for the patient was a significant predictor, in the regression model analysis, for the estimation of both anterior (P = 0.0003) and posterior (P < 0.0001) WTP values. The “previous therapy” variable reached and was just close to significance in anterior (P = 0.0367) and posterior (P = 0.0511) analyses, respectively.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, most of the population (64%) surveyed indicated the ISC as a therapeutic solution for the replacement of a single missing tooth, showing a higher WTP index in the anterior area. Among investigated socio‐demographic variables, the importance assigned by the patient to oral care appeared to influence WTP values of the rehabilitation, regardless the location of the single gap in the mouth.
Small bowel obstruction in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis related desmoid disease
Authors: Xhaja X. , Church J.
Published: September 2013

Aim

Intra‐abdominal desmoid disease is one of the most common extra‐intestinal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis. Small bowel obstruction occurs frequently in affected patients and is notoriously difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to review the management and outcome of desmoid‐related small bowel obstruction.

Method

This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and intra‐abdominal desmoid disease who developed small bowel obstruction. Demographic data and data concerning the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of the bowel obstructions were abstracted from the polyposis database or patients’ records. Patients with obstruction unrelated to desmoid disease were excluded.

Results

There were 47 patients (30 women and 17 men). Median age at first bowel obstruction was 24.2 (interquartile range 19.2–34.2) years. The median time from index surgery to first bowel obstruction was 4.1 (interquartile range 1.5–9.0) years. Twenty‐two patients had a colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis and 21 a proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch. Obstruction was treated medically in 29% of cases and surgically in 69%. Thirteen patients had total parental nutrition. Thirty (63.8%) had a second episode of small bowel obstruction at a mean of 5.3 years after the first, 50% of which were treated medically. Eighteen (37.5%) patients had more than two episodes of bowel obstruction. There were 118 operations, including lysis of adhesions (29), small bowel resection (14), bypass (12), ileostomy (12), desmoid excision (9) and stricturoplasty (2).

Conclusion

Desmoid‐related small bowel obstruction in familial adenomatous polyposis patients requires multiple surgical strategies to restore a patent gastrointestinal tract.

What does this paper add to the literature?

This is the only series in the literature specifically addressing small bowel obstruction in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and intra‐abdominal desmoid disease. The data show that small bowel obstruction is common, tends to recur, but can be successfully managed by a combination of medical and well selected surgical treatment.
Organ donation: what else can be done besides legislature?
Authors: Goh George Boon Bee , Mok Zhun Wei , Mok Zhun Rui , Chang Jason Pik Eu , Tan Chee Kiat
Published: September 2013

With the ongoing organ shortage for transplantation, Singapore has adopted an organ opt‐out scheme: Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) that presumes consent unless specified otherwise. Likewise, receptivity of doctors and medical students (MS), as future doctors, can positively influence organ donation (OD) rates. We explored the knowledge and attitudes of MS toward OD. MS from all five yr of medical school were recruited using self‐administered questionnaires. There were 294 completed questionnaires with 49.3% males and 45.6% pre‐clinical students. The MS were generally knowledgeable about organ transplantation, but deficient in the knowledge of some aspects of HOTA. The majority of the MS were receptive toward OD. Traditional values rather than religion were possible barriers toward OD. 50.7% of the MS were concerned that donated organs may be inappropriately used, while 32% had concerns that doctors would prematurely terminate treatment if the patient is a potential organ donor. Fewer clinical students shared such concerns, compared with the pre‐clinical students. The MS have a good understanding of basic tenets of OD and are receptive toward OD. Potential barriers for OD advocation are local traditional values and reservations regarding the appropriate use of harvested organs and provision of appropriate care to donor patients. These concerns are areas to address.
Insulin induces proliferation and cardiac differentiation of P19CL6 cells in a dose‐dependent manner
Authors: Li Wen‐Yan , Song Yang‐Liu , Xiong Cheng‐Juan , Lu Pei‐Qi , Xue Li‐Xiang , Yao Chun‐Xia , Wang Wei‐Ping , Zhang Shu‐Feng , Zhang Shan‐Feng , Wei Qing‐Xia , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Zhao Ji‐Min , Zang Ming‐Xi
Published: September 2013

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas. The roles of insulin in energy metabolism have been well studied, with most of the attention focused on glucose utilization, but the roles of insulin in cell proliferation and differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we observed for the first time that 10 nmol/L insulin treatment induces cell proliferation and cardiac differentiation of P19CL6 cells, whereas 50 and 100 nmol/L insulin treatment induces P19CL6 cell apoptosis and blocks cardiac differentiation of P19CL6 cells. By using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting analysis, we found that the mRNA levels of cyclin D1 and α myosin heavy chain (α‐MHC) are induced upon 10 nmol/L insulin stimulation and inhibited upon 50/100 nmol/L insulin treatment, whereas the mRNA levels of BCL‐2‐antagonist of cell death (BAD) exists a reverse trend. The similar results were observed in P19CL6 cells expressing GATA‐6 or peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα). Our results identified the downstream targets of insulin, cyclin D1, BAD, α‐MHC, and GATA‐4, elucidate a novel molecular mechanism of insulin in promoting cell proliferation and differentiation.
Effects of various mixing techniques on physical properties of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Authors: Saghiri Mohammad Ali , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Gutmann James L. , Lotfi Mehrdad , Asatourian Armen
Published: September 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different mixing techniques on surface microhardness, initial setting time, and phase formation of white mineral trioxide aggregate.

Methods

Twenty‐one cylindrical glass tubes were selected and divided into three groups of seven in each (n = 7). White mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) in groups A, B, and C were mixed by conventional, trituration, and ultrasonic techniques, respectively. Cements were mixed and packed into the glass tubes and incubated at 37°C for 3 days. After incubation, samples were subjected to microhardness evaluation, and four specimens from each group were prepared and observed under a scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. For setting time assessment, WMTA was mixed in three parts again, and Gilmore needle test was performed until the initial setting time of cement. Data were analyzed by one‐way anova and post hoc Tukey's test.

Results

Samples mixed by trituration technique significantly showed the highest microhardness (P < 0.001) and the lowest setting time, while the ultrasonically mixed specimens significantly revealed the highest setting time in comparison with other groups (P < 0.001). Samples mixed by trituration technique showed the highest uniformity in the bulk and highest amount of hydrated calcium silicate (CS) phases, while the lowest value was observed in ultrasonically mixed cements, which also showed the highest amount of anhydrated CS phases.

Conclusion

Trituration and conventional techniques were more suitable mixing methods for mineral trioxide aggregate in comparison with ultrasonic technique. Trituration resulted in better hydration and crystallization, which prevents clustering of powder and reduces voids and setting time of mixed cement.
Quantifying the direct and indirect effects of flow‐related disturbance on stream fish assemblages
Authors: Jellyman Phillip G. , Booker Doug J. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: September 2013

Flood‐related disturbances are predicted to be seriously altered by climate change effects, and this will have strong implications for stream communities. Predicting how and why community structure responds to changes in disturbance regimes will require measures of disturbance that are closely linked to community variability. A range of disturbance measures have been tested for their ability to explain patterns in stream periphyton and invertebrate assemblages, but assessments of fish have largely focussed on flow measures as predictors. Consequently, the mechanisms driving fish assemblage responses to disturbance are poorly known.

Stream disturbance was quantified using seven measures, three based on disturbance of the streambed (assessed using painted tracer particles), three associated with variation in stream discharge and one from a subjective measure of stream channel stability. Twenty streams were sampled on five occasions to evaluate which disturbance measure explained the most variation in fish assemblages and also to quantify the influence of disturbance on spatial and temporal assemblage variability. To determine whether disturbance affected fish directly or via its effect on benthic food supply (i.e. stream invertebrates), a one‐off survey of 52 streams was conducted.

Path analysis on data from the 20 streams indicated that fish biomass responded most strongly to flow‐mediated bed movement, not flow variability. Consequently, bed‐movement measures were better predictors of spatial and temporal variability in fish biomass and assemblage structure than purely hydrological measures. Furthermore, variations in fish biomass and assemblage structure were higher in more disturbed streams. A second path analysis conducted on data from the 52 stream survey compared the effects of physical habitat and food‐related components of bed disturbance on fish biomass. It indicated that both had a similar influence on disturbance‐related reductions in fish biomass.

These results indicate that variation in fish assemblages can best be understood by measuring or predicting bed movement, because bed disturbance is likely to encompass more effectively major factors that influence stream fish, such as habitat availability and food supply. A shift in disturbance regime is likely to change the biomass of fish a habitat can support and fish assemblage structure.
Assessing global biome exposure to climate change through the Holocene–Anthropocene transition
Authors: Benito‐Garzón Marta , Leadley Paul W. , Fernández‐Manjarrés Juan F.
Published: September 2013

Aim

To analyse global patterns of climate during the mid‐Holocene and conduct comparisons with pre‐industrial and projected future climates. In particular, to assess the exposure of terrestrial biomes and ecoregions to climate‐related risks during the Holocene–Anthropocene transition starting at the pre‐industrial period.

Location

Terrestrial ecosystems of the Earth.

Methods

We calculated long‐term climate differences (anomalies) between the mid‐Holocene (6 ka cal bp, mH), pre‐industrial conditions and projections for 2100 (middle‐strength A1B scenario) using six global circulation models available for all periods. Climate differences were synthesized with multivariate statistics and average principal component loadings of temperature and precipitation differences (an estimate of climate‐related risks) were calculated on 14 biomes and 766 ecoregions.

Results

Our results suggest that most of the Earth's biomes will probably undergo changes beyond the mH recorded levels of community turnover and range shifts because the magnitude of climate anomalies expected in the future are greater than observed during the mH. A few biomes, like the remnants of North American and Euro‐Asian prairies, may experience only slightly greater degrees of climate change in the future as compared with the mH. In addition to recent studies that have identified equatorial regions as the most sensitive to future climate change, we find that boreal forest, tundra and vegetation of the Equatorial Andes could be at greatest risk, since these regions will be exposed to future climates that are well outside natural climate variation during the Holocene.

Conclusions

The Holocene–Anthropocene climate transition, even for a middle‐strength future climate change scenario, appears to be of greater magnitude and different from that between the mH and the pre‐industrial period. As a consequence, community‐ and biome‐level changes due to of expected climate change may be different in the future from those observed during the mH.
Validation study of Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting mortality in Chinese older adults
Authors: Chan Tuen‐Ching , Luk James Ka‐Hay , Chu Leung‐Wing , Chan Felix Hon‐Wai
Published: September 2013

Aim

The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is commonly studied for predicting mortality, but there is no validation study of it in Chinese older adults. The objective of the present study was to validate the use of CCI in Chinese older adults for predicting mortality.

Method

We carried out a retrospective cohort study from 2004 to 2013 for patients discharged from a geriatric day hospital in Hong Kong. Comorbidity was quantified using CCI, and patients were divided into six groups according to their score of CCI: CCI‐0, CCI‐1, CCI‐2, CCI‐3, CCI‐4 and CCI ≥ 5. Other data collected included demographics, and functional, nutritional, cognitive and social assessment. The outcome measure was 1‐year mortality.

Results

At 1‐year follow up, 3.8% (n = 17), 5.9% (n = 37), 9.2% (n = 35), 12.9% (n = 20), 16.9% (n = 23) and 19.3% (n = 60) of CCI‐0, CCI‐1, CCI‐2, CCI‐3, CCI‐4 and CCI ≥ 5 died, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that CCI‐1, CCI‐2, CCI‐3, CCI‐4 and CCI ≥ 5 have a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.34 (confidence interval [CI] 1.04–2.12), 2.18 (CI 1.03–4.61), 3.44 (CI 1.52–7.81), 3.74 (CI 1.35–10.39) and 4.63 (CI 2.28–9.43), respectively, compared with CCI‐0. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves of CCI in predicting 1‐year mortality for older adults was 0.68 (CI 0.64–0.72).

Conclusion

There is a significant dose–response relationship in the hazard ratio between CCI and 1‐year mortality in Chinese older adults, but involvements of functional, nutritional and social assessments are important for comprehensive quantification of health status in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 452–457.
Sumatriptan Iontophoretic Transdermal System: History, Study Results, and Use in Clinical Practice
Authors: Pierce Mark , O'Neill Carol , Felker Ezra , Sebree Terri
Published: September 2013

Nausea is a common symptom of migraine, and current treatment guidelines recommend non‐oral formulations for nauseated or vomiting patients. Transdermal delivery of sumatriptan, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine1B1D agonist with established efficacy in patients with migraine, represents a novel approach to acute treatment. The sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system circumvents the gastrointestinal tract by using low‐level electrical energy to transport sumatriptan across the skin. In multiple well‐controlled studies, the sumatriptan transdermal system has shown that it provides consistent drug delivery with low interpatient variability, rapid relief of migraine pain and associated symptoms, and an excellent overall safety profile, with a low incidence of triptan‐sensation adverse events. Patients and health care professionals who have used the sumatriptan transdermal system give it high ratings for ease of use/application. The sumatriptan transdermal system will allow a wide range of patients, especially those who experience migraine‐related nausea or vomiting, to receive the benefits of migraine‐specific therapy.
A Review of Needle‐Free Sumatriptan Injection for Rapid Control of Migraine
Authors: Rothrock John F. , Freitag Frederick G. , Farr Stephen J. , Smith Edward F.
Published: September 2013

The treatment of migraine was transformed in 1992 with the introduction of the first triptan‐based therapy, subcutaneous (SC) sumatriptan. SC sumatriptan has high efficacy and a rapid onset of action compared with other available triptans and formulations presumably because of its short Tmax, high Cmax, and avoidance of enteral absorption. Because of these characteristics, SC sumatriptan is still considered the most reliably and rapidly effective self‐administered medication available for acute migraine. Even so, it is relatively little used possibly in part because of patient “needle‐phobia.” The needle‐free sumatriptan injection system (Sumavel DosePro) was developed to address this concern. Clinical trials have shown that the needle‐free system is bioequivalent to needle‐based injection systems, easy to use, and capable of providing rapid and effective symptom relief for many migraine episodes. Sumavel DosePro is an effective treatment for migraine and should be part of the therapeutic armamentarium, particularly in cases where a rapid onset of action is critical or where oral administration is problematic.
Long‐term clinical response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy under a multidisciplinary model
Authors: O'Donnell D. , Lin T. , Swale M. , Rae P. , Flannery D. , Srivastava P. M.
Published: September 2013

Background

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is established in the management of cardiac failure in patients with systolic dysfunction. Clinical response to CRT is not uniform, and response has been difficult to predict.

Aim

Patient management within a high volume, multidisciplinary service focused on optimal delivery of CRT would improve response rates.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty‐five consecutive patients who underwent CRT under a multidisciplinary heart failure service were enrolled prospectively over a 5‐year period. Medically optimised, symptomatic patients with an ejection fraction (EF) <35%, widened QRS or abnormal dyssynchrony index were included. Left ventricular lead position was targeted anatomically to the segment of latest mechanical activation, and electrically to a site with maximal intrinsic intracardiac electrogram separation. Routine device and clinical follow up, as well as CRT optimisations, were performed at baseline and at 3‐monthly intervals. Responders were defined as having an absolute reduction in left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter >10% and an improvement in EF >5%.

Results

With a mean follow up of 53 ± 11 months, response rate to CRT was 81%. Mean EF improved from 26 ± 10% to 37 ± 11%, and mean left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter reduced from 68.6 ± 9.2 mm to 57.8 ± 9.3 mm. Predictors of response were sinus rhythm, high dyssynchrony index and intrinsic electrical dyssynchrony >80ms. Successful LV lead implantation at initial procedure was achieved in 99.1%, and at latest follow up 94.6% of initial LV leads were still active.

Conclusion

CRT undertaken with a unit focus on optimal LV lead positioning and device optimisation, along with a multidisciplinary follow‐up model, results in an excellent response rate to CRT.
GARAGE LAND
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: September 2013

Garage start‐ups have launched a thousand businesses. Some have conquered the world. Others have remained where they began, constrained by location and inspiration as surely as others have found garage‐land an inspiration.
THE ULTIMATE EYE TEST
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian
Published: September 2013

Julian Birkinshaw examines innovative approaches to seeing the world through the eyes of your employees.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: GETTING CLOSE TO THE CUSTOMER
Authors: Fisman Raymond , Paravisini Daniel , Vig Vikrant
Published: September 2013

Raymond Fisman, Daniel Paravisini, Vikrant Vig, “Cultural Proximity and Loan Outcomes”, National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 18096.
The Future Composition of the Canadian Labor Force: A Microsimulation Projection
Authors: Bélanger Alain , Bastien Nicolas
Published: September 2013

This article charts the future transformations of the Canadian labor force population using a microsimulation projection model. The model takes into account differentials in demographic behavior and labor force participation of individuals according to their ethnocultural and educational characteristics. As a result of a rapid fall in fertility, the Canadian population is expected to age rapidly as baby boomers start to retire from the labor market in large numbers. In response to declining fertility, Canada raised its immigration intake at the end of the 1980s, and immigration is now the main driver of Canadian population growth. At the same time, immigrants to Canada are becoming more culturally diversified. Over the last half century, the main source regions have shifted from Europe to Asia. Results of the microsimulation show that Canada's labor force population will continue to increase, but at a slower rate than in the recent past. By 2031, almost one third of the country's total labor force could be foreign‐born, and almost all its future increase is expected to be among university graduates, while the less‐educated labor force is projected to decline.
Pertya multiflora sp. nov. (Asteraceae, Pertyeae) from Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Fei , Li Liang‐Qian , Gao Tian‐Gang
Published: September 2013

Pertya multiflora Cai F. Zhang & T. G. Gao (Asteraceae, Pertyeae) sp. nov. from Zhejiang Province of China is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. pubescens and P. pungens which all have leaves with small spherical glassy tawny glands, but differ by narrowly ovate to nearly elliptic leaves, capitula solitary or in pairs on terminal branches, capitula with 20–30 florets and 9–12‐seriate involucres. Information on phenology, distribution and ecology of P. multiflora is presented, along with a conservation assessment as Critically Endangered (CR) using the IUCN red list criteria. A key to the known species of Pertya in southeast China is provided.
Deep freedom: Why the left should abandon equality
Authors: Unger Roberto Mangabeira
Published: September 2013

The left will only renew itself, argues Roberto Mangabeira Unger, if it gives up on equality and champions instead the cause of ‘deep freedom’ and permanent institutional innovation.
What's wrong with predistribution
Authors: Kenworthy Lane
Published: September 2013

Lane Kenworthy questions whether predistribution is up to the task of ensuring a fair distribution of incomes and says that the best way to tackle the squeeze in wages is through good old‐fashioned public insurance.
The middle classes: An historic actor in today's global world
Authors: Sassen Saskia
Published: September 2013

Saskia Sassen draws lines of shared experience between the protests of the ‘modest middle classes’ in diverse countries around the world, focusing on a common sense that the modern state is failing its people and a new conception of ‘the street’ as a space for political action and history‐making.
What the modernisers did next: From opposition to government – and beyond
Authors: Bale Tim
Published: September 2013

After three years of a Conservative‐led Coalition government, Tim Bale asks what is left of the modernisation of the Tory party and who among its leading lights might carry the torch for party modernisation after David Cameron steps down.
The dilemma at the heart of Europe: Germany and the German question
Authors: Kluth Andreas
Published: September 2013

Andreas Kluth highlights the issue that has been conspicuous by its absence from Germany's election campaign: the relationship between Europe and the economic powerhouse that is too small to lead, too large simply to fall into line.
Mapping the central structure core in social representation of pain
Authors: Lin Feng , He Danjun , Jin Yi , Tao Ye , Jiang Zhongli
Published: September 2013

Previous evidence had revealed gender differences in perception of pain and its socialization. The present research studies gender differences by mapping the central structure core in social representation of pain. Eighty males and eighty females participated in a free evocation task for collecting cognitive elements of “pain.” By defining the elements as nodes and their co‐occurrences as lines, structural characteristics of social representation are analyzed by network analysis. Females have a central structure core in their network structure of social representation of pain. In contrast, males have no such core. These results suggest gender differences in socialization processes around the concept of pain and extend practical methods for studies of the central nucleus theory of social representation.
Assisting failure‐prone individuals to navigate achievement transitions using a cognitive motivation treatment (attributional retraining)
Authors: Boese Gregory D. B. , Stewart Tara L. , Perry Raymond P. , Hamm Jeremy M.
Published: September 2013

Transitions to novel achievement settings are often accompanied by unfamiliar learning conditions and unanticipated failure that undermine how individuals adapt to such situations. For first‐year students, the transition to college is imbued with adverse learning conditions that can result in decreased motivation and academic performance. This study examined the efficacy of a motivation‐enhancing treatment, attributional retraining (AR), to assist students who are at risk because of a high‐failure avoidance orientation (tendency to maintain self‐worth by avoiding failure). For high‐ (but not low) failure avoidance students, AR fostered an adaptive psychological mindset (course grade expectations, judgments of course responsibility) and better academic performance (course grade, grade point average). Findings suggest the utility of AR to offset the negative effects of a high‐failure avoidance self‐worth orientation.
Emotional disrupt‐then‐reframe technique of social influence
Authors: Dolinski Dariusz , Szczucka Katarzyna
Published: September 2013

Davis and Knowles proposed a social influence technique, which they named disrupt‐then‐reframe (DTR). In a series of four experiments, they demonstrated that compliance could be increased by a subtle disruption to the sales request, followed immediately by a reframing that provided additional reasons for purchasing the goods. The DTR technique is strictly cognitive in nature: The person, hearing simple argumentation during the short state of her or his cognitive disorganization, becomes more inclined to fulfill the requests made of her or him. In three experiments presented in this article, it is shown that a similar effect can be obtained when the fear‐then‐relief state, which could be seen as an emotional disruption, is followed by an argument.
Indirect effects of phytochemicals on offspring performance of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Kumaran N. , Clarke A. R.
Published: September 2013

Phytochemical lures such as methyl eugenol (ME) and cue‐lure are used in the management of Bactrocera fruit flies for monitoring and control. These lures are not just attractants, but also trigger physiological changes in males that lead to enhanced mating success. Additionally, in the cue‐lure‐responsive Bactrocera tryoni, females mated with lure‐fed males exhibit changes in fecundity, remating receptivity and longevity. While the lures show current generation effects, no research has been carried out on possible multigenerational effects, although such effects have been hypothesized within a ‘sexy‐son’ sexual selection model. In this study, we test for indirect, cross‐generational effects of lure exposure in F1offspring of B. tryoni females mated with cue‐lure‐fed, zingerone‐fed and lure‐unfed (=control) males. The F1 attributes we recorded were immature development time, immature survival, adult survival and adult male lure foraging. No significant differences were found between treatments for any of the three life‐history measurements, except that the offspring sired by zingerone‐fed males had a longer egg development time than cue‐lure and control offspring. However, indirect exposure to lures significantly enhanced the lure‐foraging ability of F1 adult males. More offspring of cue‐lure‐fed males arrived at a lure source in both large flight cages and small laboratory cages over a 2‐h period than did control males. The offspring of zingerone‐fed males were generally intermediate between cue‐lure and control offspring. This study provides the first evidence of a next generation effect of fruit fly male lures. While the results of this study support a ‘sexy‐son’ sexual selection mechanism for the evolution of lure response in Bactrocera fruit flies, our discussion urges caution in interpreting our results in this way.
Immunohistochemical and FISH analysis of EGFR and its prognostic value in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gröbe Alexander , Eichhorn Wolfgang , Fraederich Meike , Kluwe Lan , Vashist Yogesh , Wikner Johannes , Smeets Ralf , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Heiland Max , Blessmann Marco
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To study immunohistochemical expression of the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in oral carcinomas and the head and neck region to examine possible associations with various features of the tumors and survival of the patients.

Materials and methods

Sections were made from two tissue arrays composed of 206 oral squamous cell carcinomas and 427 squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region, respectively, and examined for EGFR expression and Ki‐67 labeling index by means of immunohistochemistry, and for EGFR gene amplification by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization. Correlation between resulting parameters and with clinical features was evaluated using chi‐square test and Kaplan–Meyer analysis.

Results

A statistically significant association was observed for strong EGFR immunohistochemical (IHC) expression with advanced lymph node involvement (P = 0.02). EGFR immunohistochemical expression did not significantly correlate with patient disease specific (DS) or overall survival (OS). EGFR gene amplification was not correlated with any of the tumor features nor to survival of the patients (DS and OS).

Discussion

Epithelial growth factor receptor IHC expression and gene amplification might be suitable to predict locoregional control in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients but an inappropriate predictor for patients survival.
The Nutritional Role of Flavored and White Milk in the Diets of Children
Authors: Nicklas Theresa A. , O'Neil Carol E. , Fulgoni Victor L.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Some schools are removing flavored milk from lunchrooms based on the perception that consumption has a negative impact on the overall dietary quality. The goal of this study was to assess the contribution of flavored and white milk in the diets of children.

METHODS

Intake data from children 2 to 18 years (N = 7332) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003‐2006 were obtained from in‐person 24‐hour dietary recalls. Mean ± standard error of energy and nutrients were determined.

RESULTS

Flavored and white milk contributed, respectively, 2‐6% of total energy consumed, 3‐12% of saturated fats, 1‐3% of sodium, and 4‐0% of added sugars. The percent contribution of white milk to intakes of vitamin A (21%), vitamin D (54%), calcium (29%), potassium (17%), magnesium (12%), and phosphorus (19%) exceeded 10% of total intake. Consumption of flavored milk contributed a smaller percentage to total intake. For total dairy consumed the percent contribution to intake of vitamins A and D, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus ranged from 19% to 68%.

CONCLUSIONS

Milk has an important nutritional role in the diets of children. More research is needed to understand the barriers to consuming milk and potential unintended nutrition consequences of removing flavored milk from the lunchrooms.
Trends in Professional Development for and Collaboration by Health Education Teachers—41 States, 2000‐2010
Authors: Brener Nancy D. , McManus Tim , Wechsler Howell , Kann Laura
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Professional development (PD) and collaboration help ensure the quality of school health education. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the percentage of lead health education teachers (LHETs) receiving PD on health topics and collaborating with other school staff on health education activities.

METHODS

This study analyzed representative data from 41 states participating in School Health Profiles surveys between 2000 and 2010. Logistic regression examined linear trends in the percentage of LHETs who received PD on 12 topics and who collaborated on health education activities.

RESULTS

Significant increases in the percentage of LHETs receiving PD on nutrition and physical activity and significant decreases in the percentage of LHETs receiving PD on alcohol‐ and other drug‐use prevention and human immunodeficiency virus prevention were seen. Significant increases in the percentage of LHETs who collaborated with physical education staff and nutrition services staff were seen in 29 and 39 states, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although 10‐year increases in PD and collaboration in the areas of nutrition and physical activity are encouraging, PD and collaboration in other topic areas still need improvement. These results will help states target more resources toward PD and collaboration in areas where they have been decreasing.
Molecular and Serological Identification of Cucumber leaf spot virus in Iran
Authors: Bananej Kaveh , Kianfar Nasibeh , Vahdat Aisan , Winter Stephan , Menzel Wulf
Published: September 2013

During surveys conducted in 2012–2013, viruslike symptoms of chlorotic spots with, in some cases, a necrotic centre in older leaves were observed in field‐ and greenhouse‐grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), melon (C. melo L.) and squash (Cucurbita sp.) in the major cucurbit cultivation regions in Iran. Leaf samples were collected and tested for the presence of Cucumber leaf spot virus (CLSV, genus Aureusvirus, family Tombusviridae) by a virus specific double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA). CLSV was detected in four of eight surveyed provinces in melon, cucumber and squash. When plant sap of ELISA positive samples was used to mechanically inoculate healthy squash plants, chlorotic spots with, in some cases, necrotic centres were observed on the inoculated leaves 20–25 days postinoculation. The presence of CLSV was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions using specific primers amplifying the entire coat protein gene of CLSV. Sequence comparison with sequences available at GenBank showed 93% nucleotide sequence identity to CLSV isolates from Israel (DQ227315) and Canada (EU127904), the only CLSV coat protein sequences available. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of CLSV in Iran.
A Complementarity of Social and Legal Perspectives on What Is Abusive Practice and What Constitutes Abuse
Authors: Petitpierre Geneviève , Masse Manon , Martini‐Willemin Britt‐Marie , Delessert Yves
Published: September 2013

Is taking the arm of a woman with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) and pulling her along in order to carry out a routine domestic task an abusive practice? In spite of the existence of some approved definitions, the interpretation of the situation observed may lead to different opinions about what is considered abuse. With this in mind, the authors compare social and legal points of view via an exploratory study. A vignette was submitted to a legal adviser, two groups of parents of people with I/DD (n = 11 and n = 7) and two groups of direct‐care professionals (n = 12 and n = 11). The vignette portrayed a realistic scenario in which a care professional, bristling with impatience at the slow pace of activity of a middle‐aged woman with I/DD, urges her—in what may or may not appear to be an excessively forceful manner—to attend to a task. The corpus is composed of the legal adviser's analysis, data from the focus group and questionnaires filled out by the focus group participants. The legal analysis concludes that although they are not trivial, it is quite unlikely that the facts subjected for review would lead to legal proceedings. On the other hand, from the social perspective, both the parents and direct‐care professionals saw the actions as an unacceptable infringement and a violation. The authors address the risk of the legal system only being concerned with more extreme “caregiving” practices. The application of a case study approach showed the usefulness of looking at “borderline” situations that are not actually covered by existing laws. The results indicate the need for more pronounced action, specifically in devising professional codes of practice.