bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of nasal packing in surgical outcome for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis
Authors: Verim Ayşegül , Şeneldir Lütfü , Naiboğlu Bariş , Karaca Çiğdem Tepe , Külekçi Semra , Toros Sema Zer , Oysu Çağatay
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze the differences between biodegradable and nondegradable nasal dressings with regard to their effects on wound healing in the short and medium term and on surgical outcomes in the long term, after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design

A prospective, randomized, partly blinded, controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 56 patients undergoing bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis were enrolled and randomized to receive biodegradable (Nasopore; Stryker, Hamilton, ON, Canada) on one side and nondegradable packing (Merocel; Medtronic Xomed, Minneapolis, MN) on the opposite side. Postoperative morbidities (pain, bleeding, facial edema, nasal blockage) related to dressings were assessed on postoperative day 6. Wound healing (edema, crusting, secretions, synechia, granulation tissue formation, and percentage re‐epithelialization) were evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months using modified Lund‐Kennedy scores. Long‐term assessment at 12 months was done using validated Lund‐Kennedy scores.

Results

Morbidities related to nondegradable packing were significantly higher than with degradable packing (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < .01). Pain, bleeding, nasal blockage, and facial edema were significantly less with absorbable packing. No statistically significant difference was found between sinonasal cavities packed with biodegradable or nondegradable materials with regard to healing scores and percentage of re‐epithelialization at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and surgical outcomes at 1 year (P > .05). However, healing at 6 months was correlated with the preoperative Lund‐Mackay radiology and surgery scores (Spearman's rho correlation test, P < .05 and P < .01, respectively).

Conclusions

No significant healing or surgical outcome differences were found between biodegradable and nondegradable packing. However pain, bleeding, nasal blockage, and facial edema were lower with biodegradable packing.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 124:1529–1535, 2014
Human Capital Intangibles and Performance of Franchise Networks: A Complementary View between Agency and Critical Resource Perspectives
Authors: Perdreau Frédéric , Le Nadant Anne‐Laure , Cliquet Gérard
Published: November 2013

This article examines the impact of human capital intangibles on the governance structure of franchise networks (i.e., proportion of franchised outlets) and the joint impact of human capital intangibles and governance on the performance of franchisors. Agency theory focuses on the free‐riding hazard and the costs associated with franchising in the context of high human capital intangibles. The critical resources theory highlights the weakness of company ownership and the advantages of using franchising in this context. Tests of the hypotheses derived from these theoretical frameworks indicate that these complementarily explain the governance structure and financial performance of franchise networks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Easy Identification of Residues Involved on Structural Differences Between Nonphosphorylated and Phosphorylated CDK2Cyclin A Complexes Using Two‐Dimensional Networks
Authors: Riadi Gonzalo , Caballero Julio
Published: November 2013

The structures of proteins in Protein Data Bank (PDB) contain a lot of information that can be revealed through the use of tools to facilitate their organization and analysis. The increase in available structural data of nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated CDK2cyclin A (npCDK2cycA and pCDK2cycA) complexes has enabled a more realistic description of the fine structural details of the interface residues of these proteins. This work reports the application of two‐dimensional network representations (TDNRs) to the structures deposited in PDB to distinguish the differences in the surface between both complexes due to phosphorylation. As a result, a detailed map of the hydrogen bonds (HBs) and hydrophobic interactions between the T‐loop residues of CDK2 and the residues of cycA that are different among nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated complexes were described. In addition, we found some interesting subtle differences in the CDK2cycA interface between nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated complexes due to residues that are not located at the T‐loop of CDK2. We noted that some HB interactions in CDK2cycA complex are reinforced when the CDK2 is phosphorylated.
A collocation method based on reproducing kernel for a modified anomalous subdiffusion equation
Authors: Jiang Wei , Chen Zhong
Published: November 2013

In this article, we proposed a collocation method based on reproducing kernels to solve a modified anomalous subdiffusion equation problem. We give constructively the ‐approximate of the equation whose coefficients are determined optimally by solving a system of linear equations. The final numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is simple, effective, and easy to implement. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 289–300, 2014
H2 ∕ H ∞  control for discrete TDS with application to networked control systems: Periodic and asynchronous communication
Authors: Orihuela L. , Millán P. , Vivas C. , Rubio F.R.
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with the design of mixed H2 ∕ H ∞  controllers for discrete‐time delay systems and networked control systems. The controllers are obtained by solving a constrained optimization problem. Those constraints are suitably transformed into linear matrix inequalities, in such a way that the problem is solved using available algorithms. The stability is ensured resorting to the Lyapunov–Krasovskii theory. Additionally, the paper investigates an asynchronous event‐based sampling policy that allows a reduction of the bandwidth usage and the energy consumption. The relation between the boundedness of the stability region and the threshold that triggers the events is studied. The robustness and performance of the proposed technique is showed by numerical simulations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Chromosome‐centric Human Proteome Project at FEBS Congress
Authors: Ponomarenko Elena , Baranova Ancha , Lisitsa Andrey , Albar Juan Pablo , Archakov Alexander
Published: November 2013

In the summer of 2013, distinguished global representatives of proteome science gathered to discuss the futuristic visions of the chromosome‐centric human proteome project (C‐HPP) (Cochairs: Y. K. Paik, G. Omenn; hosted by A. Archakov, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Russia) that was broadcast to the annual Federation of European Biochemical Societies Congress (St. Petersburg, Russia, July 10–11, 2013). Technology breakthroughs presented included a new ultra‐sensitive Tribrid mass‐spectrometer from Thermo and SOMAmers—Slow Off‐rate Modified Aptamers (SOMAlogic, USA), a new type of protein capture reagents. Professor Archakov's group introduced the “rectangle” concept of proteome size as a product of proteome width and depth. The discussion on proteome width culminated with the introduction of digital biomarkers—low‐copied aberrant proteins that differ from their typical forms by PTMs, alternative splicing, or single amino acid polymorphisms. The aberrant proteoforms, a complement to whole‐genome proteomic surveys, were presented as an ultimate goal for the proteomic community.
Determinants of psychology service utilization in a palliative care outpatient population
Authors: Azuero Casey , Allen Rebecca Sue , Kvale Elizabeth , Azuero Andres , Parmelee Patricia
Published: November 2013

Objective

Research has demonstrated that treating cancer patients' psychological and physical health leads to improved overall health. This may be especially true for palliative care patients facing serious illness. This study examines the proportion and determinants of psychology service utilization in an outpatient palliative care population.

Methods

Data from an existing clinical database in an outpatient palliative clinic utilizing a collaborative care model to deliver psychology services were explored. This study was framed by Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use, which incorporates three main components: predisposing, enabling, and need factors to model health service utilization. The sample (N = 149) was majority middle aged, female, and White with a primary diagnosis of cancer. Cross‐tabulations were conducted to determine how many patients who met screening criteria for depression or anxiety sought psychology services. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess for predisposing, enabling, and need factor determinants of psychology service utilization.

Results

Among patients who met criteria for moderate depression or anxiety, 50% did not access readily available psychology services. Enabling factors were the strongest determinant of psychology utilization. Factors associated with need for psychology services (i.e., emotional distress and psychological symptom burden) did not reach significance in determining psychology service use.

Conclusions

This study extends current knowledge about psychology utilization to palliative care outpatients receiving care within a collaborative care model. Directions for future research include further investigation of care models that optimize enabling strategies to enhance access to these services, and examination of patient‐reported barriers to receiving this care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The tensor track, III
Authors: Rivasseau V.
Published: November 2013

We provide an informal up‐to‐date review of the tensor track approach to quantum gravity. In a long introduction we describe in simple terms the motivations for this approach. Then the many recent advances are summarized, with emphasis on some points (Gromov‐Hausdorff limit, Loop vertex expansion, Osterwalder‐Schrader positivity...) which, while important for the tensor track program, are not detailed in the usual quantum gravity literature. We list open questions in the conclusion and provide a rather extended bibliography.
Low‐mobility‐pass filter between atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization sources and a single quadrupole mass spectrometer: computational models and measurements
Authors: Menlyadiev Marlen R. , Tadjimukhamedov Fatkhulla Kh. , Tarassov Alexander , Wollnik Hermann , Eiceman Gary A.
Published: November 2013

RATIONALE

Mixtures of ions produced in sources at atmospheric pressure, including chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) can be simplified at or near ambient pressure using ion mobility based filters.

METHODS

A low‐mobility‐pass filter (LMPF) based on a simple mechanical design and simple electronic control was designed, modeled and tested with vapors of 2‐hexadecanone in an APCI source and with spray of peptide solutions in an ESI source. The LMPF geometry was planar and small (4 mm wide × 13 mm long) and electric control was through a symmetric waveform in low kHz with amplitude between 0 and 10 V.

RESULTS

Computational models established idealized performance for transmission efficiency of ions of several reduced mobility coefficients over the range of amplitudes and were matched by computed values from ion abundances in mass spectra. The filter exhibited a broad response function, equivalent to a Bode Plot in electronic filters, suggesting that ion filtering could be done in blocks ~50 m/z units wide.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefit of this concept is that discrimination against ions of high mobility is controlled by only a single parameter: waveform amplitude at fixed frequency. The effective removal of high mobility ions, those of low mass‐to‐charge, can be beneficial for applications with ion‐trap‐based mass spectrometers to remove excessive levels of solvent or matrix ions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The future workplace of young Europeans
Authors: Francis James , Scheers Carolien
Published: November 2013

As the twenty-first century continues to bear witness to technological advancements, so our workplace will be changed increasingly by technology and the digital world. In this article, we try to explain the view of young Europeans on this inevitable process, the workplace that is changing. After all, the majority of the people who have to work in this new and modern workplace are the young Europeans themselves. We can conclude that young Europeans are aware of and feel part of this digitisation process. However, they still consider human contact to be a vital aspect of the relationships between employees and employers. Moreover, there is a belief that traineeships and internships help young Europeans to better develop their skills and adapt to the new workplace. Due to technological advancements, the workplace is changing in several ways. The differences between work and home can sometimes become blurred, but for many young Europeans it remains very important to be able to distinguish between home and the workplace.
Stability engineering of the human antibody repertoire
Authors: Rouet Romain , Lowe David , Christ Daniel
Published: November 2013

Human monoclonal antibodies often display limited thermodynamic and colloidal stabilities. This behavior hinders their production, and places limitations on the development of novel formulation conditions and therapeutic applications. Antibodies are highly diverse molecules, with much of the sequence variation observed within variable domain families and, in particular, their complementarity determining regions. This has complicated the development of comprehensive strategies for the stability engineering of the human antibody repertoire. Here we provide an overview of the field, and discuss recent advances in the development of robust and aggregation resistant antibody therapeutics.
CBT Guided Self-Help Compares Favourably to Gold Standard Therapist-Administered CBT and Shows Unique Benefits Over Traditional Treatment
Authors: Priemer Margaret , Talbot France
Published: November 2013

CBT guided self-help (CBTgsh) can produce treatment outcomes comparable to therapist-administered CBT (CBTta) for the treatment of anxiety and depression. The efficacy of CBTgsh compared to gold standard CBTta, however, remains to be examined. The current article addresses this issue, as well as how CBTgsh may have unique benefits over CBTta. It further highlights ways in which CBTgsh may be used for disorders of increasing severity, using eating disorders and personality pathology for illustrative purposes. A literature review of PsycINFO, PsyARTICLES, and PubMED was conducted to identify relevant studies published since 1990. Studies directly comparing CBTgsh to gold standard CBTta for anxiety and depression, as well as bulimia nervosa, revealed no significant differences between the two interventions. Furthermore, CBTgsh may have unique benefits by encouraging continued improvement over time. Innovative eating disorder studies also show that CBTgsh can be used for more severe disorders as a supplementary treatment, and produces treatment outcomes superior to CBTta or treatment as usual alone. Based on these findings, CBTgsh applications to personality pathology are suggested. Traditional stepped care models, as they pertain to CBTgsh, may gain to be broadened both in their focus and methods of delivery.
A Preliminary Study of Anxiety, Negative Affect, Experiential Avoidance, and Delaying of Aversive Events
Authors: Salters-Pedneault Kristalyn , Diller James W.
Published: November 2013

The current study examined the role of anxiety, negative affect, and trait experiential avoidance in choices between immediate and delayed aversive outcomes. Undergraduate students (N = 34) completed self-report measures and a laboratory-based delay-discounting task in which they made choices between electric shocks delivered immediately versus shocks delivered after various time delays. The hypotheses that higher levels of anxiety, greater negative affectivity, and greater tendency to engage in experiential avoidance would predict choices of an objectively worse delayed aversive stimulus over an immediate (but less severe) aversive stimulus were supported. These findings may have implications for interventions that target behavioural and experiential avoidance in anxiety.
Using a Behavioural Family Intervention to Produce a Three-Generational Benefit on Family Outcomes: A Case Report
Authors: Kirby James N. , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: November 2013

Background:Grandparents have a significant role in providing regular child care to their grandchildren. As such, they are in a unique position to help with the prevention of child disruptive disorders. However, the child-care role grandparents provide can also negatively impact the grandparent-parent relationship.Aims:This case study examined the impact of a parenting program designed specifically for grandparents on a grandparent providing regular child care to her granddaughter.Method:A case study is presented of a 56-year-old grandmother providing between 31–40 hours of care per week to her granddaughter, who is at risk of developing an early onset child disruptive disorder. The grandparent was measured on outcomes of child behaviour; parenting style; parenting confidence; psychological wellbeing in terms of stress, depression, and anxiety; and relationship satisfaction with the parent. The parent was also measured on child behaviour outcomes and relationship satisfaction with the grandparent. Measures were given at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.Results:The grandparent reported significant reductions in stress, anxiety and depression; improved relationship satisfaction with the parent; and decreased reliance on dysfunctional parenting practices. The parent also reported decreased child behaviour problems and increased relationship satisfaction with the grandparent. No findings were found for parenting confidence.Conclusion:This case study provides encouraging findings for a new parenting program designed specifically for grandparents, and it is recommended that future research evaluate its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial.
Human resources retention and knowledge transfer in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Castro-Casal Carmen , Neira-Fontela Edelmira , Álvarez-Pérez M. Dolores
Published: November 2013

Mergers and acquisitions can be a mechanism used by firms to access innovative knowledge, including intellectual property, and to strengthen and expand their core capabilities. In the mergers and acquisition context, the creation of value depends on the transfer of capabilities and knowledge being carried out successfully during the post-acquisition integration process. The paper adopts this view. It examines the role of the top management and personnel who hold knowledge and skills linked to the capability of the acquired firm considered most valuable by the acquiring firm in the transfer of knowledge from the acquired firm to the acquiring firm. The paper also examines whether the impact of the retention of the acquired firm's high-value human resources (HVHR) on knowledge transfer is moderated by the degree of embeddedness of the knowledge to be transferred. Furthermore, the study identifies the factors that influence the retention of the acquired firm's HVHR. We tested the model using data from a sample of 57 domestic, related, friendly Spanish mergers and acquisitions belonging to a wide variety of industries. The results support the notion that the more embedded the knowledge, the greater the impact of the acquired firm's HVHR retention on the knowledge transfer. They also show that the autonomy granted to the acquired firm, the frequency of use of rich media among the personnel of both firms, and the acquired firm's pre-acquisition profitability are factors encouraging the acquired firm's HVHR to remain. The study contributes to the literature on knowledge transfer in mergers and acquisitions by highlighting the relevance of retention of the acquired firm's HVHR for knowledge transfer, as well as demonstrating the importance of taking into consideration the nature of the knowledge to be transferred. It also contributes to the literature on the implementation process in mergers and acquisitions by identifying factors available to managers to favor HVHR continuity in the acquiring firm or the one resulting from the merger.
When do firms implement corporate social responsibility? A study of the Spanish construction and real-estate sector
Authors: Cambra-Fierro Jesus , Wilson Alan , Polo-Redondo Yolanda , Fuster-Mur Ana , Lopez-Perez Maria Eugenia
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this paper is to examine firms’ adoption of corporate social responsibility activities and the efficacy of such activities in specific contexts and industries. This paper analyses the specific context of the Spanish construction and real-estate industry. By using a longitudinal multi-case approach, the study suggests links between market orientation and corporate social responsibility. The research also identifies two profiles of firms. The first group, which is proactive (e.g., market oriented), demonstrate altruistic concerns about consumers and corporate social responsibility; for the second, which is more reactive, their concerns about corporate social responsibility are more opportunistic and aimed at attracting additional customers or responding to competitive pressures.
Outsourcing frontline functions and implications on customer-oriented behaviors: A case of a telecommunications company and its partners in South Korea
Authors: Song Chanhoo , Lee Sunhee , Lee Euehun
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine whether outsourcing frontline functions warrants equivalent level of customer-orientated behaviors as provided by a principal organization, and, if not, what the causes of the differences are. A total of 753 frontline workers of a leading South Korean telecommunications company and its partner companies responded to a survey regarding their levels of customer-oriented behaviors, their supervisor's degree of customer orientation, and their organization's training on customer orientation. Structural equation models were then utilized to examine the proposed relationships. The results show that the frontline workers of the partner organizations have a significantly lower level of customer-oriented behaviors compared with those of the principal organization. The immediate supervisor's degree of customer orientation and customer-orientation training accounted for a significant amount of difference found between the principal and partner organizations.
How entrepreneurial orientation, environmental dynamism, and resource rareness influence firm performance
Authors: Lee TingKo , Chu Wenyi
Published: November 2013

Prior studies on strategic management and entrepreneurship have argued that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is positively associated with performance when firms face certain contingencies, specifically, the dynamism of the external environment and the attributes of resources/capabilities owned by the firm. However, the current empirical evidence is inconclusive. This study advances the argument that the interactive effects of EO, environmental dynamism, and the rareness of resource–capability (rareness) combinations positively influence firm performance. By combining data collected via a secondary database and a questionnaire survey from 237 public firms in Taiwan, this study finds that EO positively influences firm performance. The EO–performance relationship is further moderated by the rareness of resource–capability combinations and environmental dynamism. It is also found that firm performance is collectively determined by the three-way interactions of EO, rareness, and environmental dynamism. That is, when firms own rare resources and are located in a dynamic environment, EO will lead to improved performance.
Undergraduate management students’ perceptions of feedback in a New Zealand university
Authors: Retna Kala S. , Cavana Robert Y.
Published: November 2013

Feedback to students is an important feature of assessment in higher education. Constructive and timely feedback guides students to improve on a continuous basis in the process of their tertiary education. This paper outlines an exploratory study based on survey research, which was conducted on a large sample of undergraduate students on management courses in a New Zealand university. Following a review of the relevant literature a conceptual model was developed using systems thinking principles. A questionnaire was designed consisting of 20 closed Likert questions and two open questions designed to explore students’ perceptions of the feedback given to them on their formative assessments. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were undertaken of the data collected from over 600 valid responses. The quantitative analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, an exploratory factor analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis. The four main factors to emerge were: improvement of work quality, improvement of results, need for feedback and quality of feedback. The qualitative analysis was based on these themes. The results of these analyses are discussed in this paper. This paper attempts to contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the better understanding of the complex relationships between feedback and student learning in tertiary level management education.
Modelled evaluation of multi-component meningococcal vaccine (Bexsero®) for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease in infants and adolescents in the UK
Authors: HUELS J. , CLEMENTS K. M. , McGARRY L. J. , HILL G. J. , WASSIL J. , KESSABI S.
Published: November 2013

Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in the UK, and can potentially be lethal or cause long-term sequelae. Bexsero® (4CMenB) is a new multi-component vaccine approved by the European Commission for use in individuals aged ⩾2 months. A theoretical transmission model was constructed to assess the long-term effectiveness of Bexsero compared to standard care. The model was populated with UK-specific demographic data and calibrated to ensure that the transmission dynamics of meningococcal disease in the UK were adequately simulated. The model showed the best strategy to be a routine vaccination programme at ages 2, 3, 4, 12 months and 14 years combined with a 5-year catch-up programme in toddlers aged 12–24 months and adolescents aged 15–18 years. This would lead to a 94% reduction in meningococcal cases or 150 000 cases and 15 000 deaths over a 100-year time-frame.
Almost exactly: realism at ⅞ scale
Authors: Kulper Amy
Published: November 2013

As a discipline, architects pride themselves on the precision and exactitude of their spatial endeavors – no minutiae is too small, no details too inconsequential. However, when exactitude becomes the representational aspiration of architecture, when the images architects produce ‘almost exactly’ deliver the reality they hope to soon conjure, a tautology ensues. This article explores the exigencies of the ⅞ scale – a scale that is almost exactly but not quite the same as reality. It is the remaining ⅛ that eschews representational tautology, that produces the effect of exactness, and that populates architecture's historical and spatial imaginaries. Through the lens of one highly symbolic and historically configured room, the Oval Office, this article attempts to map the hazards and pitfalls of realism as a disciplinary aspiration, while simultaneously embracing the figurative realm of the ⅛ and the promise of its imaginative potential.
Autonomy and presupposition in architecture: Lebbeus Woods' Berlin and Sarajevo projects
Authors: Fahey Carolyn
Published: November 2013

The architectural theories of Lebbeus Woods present a number of philosophical problems. Of particular interest in this paper is Woods' thinking about autonomy and self-determinism in architecture. He claims that the architect should ‘recognise his own autonomy’ before ‘designing for other self-determining individuals’. The logical impossibility inherent in the juxtaposition of these claims is investigated with reference to the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Wittgenstein provides a critique of metaphysics that is based on a strong valuing of socio-cultural context. Woods, on the other hand, proposes theoretical accounts of architecture that contain the fallacious appeal to autonomy. The appeal, however logically false, is critical to the theoretical position cast in terms of ‘heterarchy’. The appeal also supports the presupposition of society and culture that in turn allows for a sense of architectural solution. In the case of Woods' proposals for Berlin and Sarajevo projects, it is shown that the sense of architectural solution cannot amount to a real solution to the socio-cultural problems facing the people of these war torn cities.
Conventions of a competition system: jury reports and competition briefs published in Wettbewerbe Aktuell
Authors: Schmiedeknecht Torsten
Published: November 2013

‘Conventions of a competition system: jury reports and competition briefs published in Wettbewerbe Aktuell’ is part of a broader enquiry into the relationship between architectural competitions in Germany in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's and the dissemination of competition results in the form of drawings, model photographs, abbreviated contents of competition briefs and jury reports, in the journal Wettbewerbe Aktuell. The paper briefly introduces the German competition system and its regulations relevant at the time, before charting Wettbewerbe Aktuell's beginnings and publishing format. A close reading of primary school and museum competitions published in the journal then provides the platform for an analysis of the content and format of the briefs and jury reports published with the prize-winning schemes. The objective of the paper is to identify principles, similarities and regularities and their possible effects on competition architecture, in the texts – briefs and jury reports – which describe and analyse architectural competitions in Wettbewerbe Aktuell.
Evaluation of tools used to measure calcium and/or dairy consumption in children and adolescents
Authors: Magarey Anthea , Yaxley Alison , Markow Kylie , Baulderstone Lauren , Miller Michelle
Published: November 2013

Objective

To identify and critique tools that assess Ca and/or dairy intake in children to ascertain the most accurate and reliable tools available.

Design

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were included on the basis that they reported on a tool measuring Ca and/or dairy intake in children in Western countries and reported on originally developed tools or tested the validity or reliability of existing tools. Defined criteria for reporting reliability and validity properties were applied.

Setting

Studies in Western countries.

Subjects

Children.

Results

Eighteen papers reporting on two tools that assessed dairy intake, ten that assessed Ca intake and five that assessed both dairy and Ca were identified. An examination of tool testing revealed high reliance on lower-order tests such as correlation and failure to differentiate between statistical and clinically meaningful significance. Only half of the tools were tested for reliability and results indicated that only one Ca tool and one dairy tool were reliable. Validation studies showed acceptable levels of agreement (<100 mg difference) and/or sensitivity (62–83 %) and specificity (55–77 %) in three Ca tools. With reference to the testing methodology and results, no tools were considered both valid and reliable for the assessment of dairy intake and only one tool proved valid and reliable for the assessment of Ca intake.

Conclusions

These results clearly indicate the need for development and rigorous testing of tools to assess Ca and/or dairy intake in children and adolescents.
Investigating the historic long-term population health impact of the US National School Lunch Program
Authors: Peterson Cora
Published: November 2013

Objective

The present research aimed to compare historic participation in the US National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during childhood and subsequent prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults at the population level.

Design

Regression models examined cross-sectional, state- and age-based panel data constructed from multiple sources, including the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System, US Congressional Record, US Census and the US Department of Agriculture. Models controlled for cohorts’ racial/ethnic composition and state poverty rates.

Subjects

Adult-age cohorts (18–34, 35–49, 50–64 and 18–64 years) by US state over a 25-year period (1984–2008).

Setting

The cohorts’ prevalence of overweight and obesity was compared with the cohorts’ estimated NSLP participation during schooling (1925–2007; the NSLP began in 1946).

Results

Among adults aged 18–64 years, a one percentage-point increase in estimated NSLP participation during schooling between 1925 and 2007 was significantly associated with a 0·29 percentage-point increase in the cohort's later prevalence of overweight and obesity. Analysis of narrower age cohorts and different schooling periods produced mixed results.

Conclusions

The NSLP might have influenced population health historically. Longitudinal analysis of individuals from studies now underway will likely facilitate more robust conclusions about the NSLP's long-term health impact based on more recent experiences.
High-Resolution Radial Distribution Function of Pure Ion-Implanted Amorphous Silicon Measured Using Tilted-Illumination Selected-Area Electron Diffraction
Authors: Gorecki Alexander , Liu Amelia C.Y. , Petersen Timothy C.
Published: November 2013

High-resolution radial distribution functions of as-implanted and thermally relaxed amorphous silicon created by ion implantation were measured using tilted-illumination selected area electron diffraction at room temperature. The diffracted intensities were measured out to a maximum scattering vector 2 sin(θ)/λ of 3.3–3.7 Å−1. The volume-averaged pair-correlation statistics of as-implanted and relaxed ion-implanted amorphous silicon are virtually indistinguishable with coordination numbers of 3.7 ± 0.3 and 3.9 ± 0.3 (for neighbors closer than 3 Å) and average bond angles of 109 ± 0.5° and 110 ± 0.6°, respectively. The atomic rearrangements in ion-implanted amorphous silicon due to a low temperature anneal are subtle.
Cartan subgroups of groups definable in o-minimal structures
Authors: Baro Elías , Jaligot Eric , Otero Margarita
Published: November 2013

We prove that groups definable in o-minimal structures have Cartan subgroups, and only finitely many conjugacy classes of such subgroups. We also delineate with precision how these subgroups cover the ambient group.
An exploratory study of primary-care therapists' perceived competence in providing cognitive behavioural therapy to people with medically unexplained symptoms
Authors: Lewis Hilary
Published: November 2013

The scope of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative has been extended to include the treatment of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). However, MUS was not one of the original common mental health problems that the therapists were trained to treat. No studies have explored whether primary-care cognitive behavioural therapists feel competent to treat people with MUS. This paper aimed to explore and gain an understanding of primary-care therapists’ perceived competence in providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to people with MUS. Eight CBT therapists working in primary care participated in semi-structured interviews; the Framework approach was used to analyse the data. Five themes were generated by the data analysis, regarding the therapists’ perceived competence. The therapists described unfamiliarity with MUS. They also described some issues in engaging clients in therapy and that progress in therapy could sometimes be slow. Participants often used more general CBT skills and techniques, rather than models and interventions designed specifically for MUS. They had a number of different emotional reactions to this work. CBT therapists in primary care described unfamiliarity with MUS, in comparison to common mental health problems. They identified some difficulties in treatment, but most did not see this group as being more complex to treat. All were interested in receiving training about this client group.
Lead, cadmium and mercury levels in pregnancy: the need for international consensus on levels of concern
Authors: Taylor C. M. , Golding J. , Emond A. M.
Published: November 2013

For heavy metals that have any degree of transfer though the placenta to the fetus, it is unlikely that there are safe limits for maternal blood levels. The only means of reducing fetal exposure is to minimise maternal exposure. There are few recommendations for levels of concern. With the exception of US recommendations for maternal Pb levels, but there are no international levels of concern or cut-off levels specifically for pregnancy for heavy metals, so that comparisons can generally only be made with national reference values relating to similar physiological statuses or age groups. These include recommendations for Cd levels by Germany (reference value for non-smoking adults aged 18–69 years, 1 µg/l) and for Hg by Germany (reference value for adults age 18–60 years with fish intake ⩽3 times per month, 2.0 µg/l) and the USA (cut-off level for women, 5.8 µg/dl). To illustrate the lack of cohesion, we present data on blood Pb, Cd and Hg levels from pregnant women enroled in the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children study and compare the values with present levels of concern and recommended cut-off values. We also compare the levels with those found in other groups of pregnant women worldwide to strengthen the database for the development of levels of concern in pregnancy. The need for clarity of terminology in describing levels of concern is discussed. There is a pressing need for international consensus on levels of concern for all age groups and physiological statuses, particularly for pregnancy.
Perceived Personality Similarity and Perceptions of Expert Testimony
Authors: Gardner Brett O. , Titcomb Caroline , Cramer Robert J. , Stroud Caroline H. , Bate Brittany P.
Published: November 2013

This study examined perceived similarity in a mock juror-expert witness paradigm. Using a Five-Factor Model (FFM) perspective, 328 mock jurors provided self-rated personality characteristics and rated the expert witness on personality as well as testimony-related outcomes of credibility and agreement (as indicated by sentencing recommendations). Results showed that perceived similarity in all FFM traits predicted perceptions of expert credibility. Openness and Conscientiousness predicted agreement with the witness. Global perceived personality similarity was associated with credibility, but not agreement with the witness, when simultaneously evaluated with trait-level similarity. Findings support the utility of a multidimensional trait-based model of perceived similarity.
Interactive Effects of Personality and Emotional Suppression on Sympathetic Activation
Authors: Gračanin Asmir , Kardum Igor , Hudek-Knežević Jasna
Published: November 2013

The present research examined the moderating effects of four personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism) and their facets as measured by NEO-PI-R ( Costa & McCrae, 2005 ) on the relationship between emotion suppression and sympathetic activation. Peripheral pulse amplitude (PPA), spontaneous skin conductance response fluctuations (SCR), and skin conductance level (SCL) were recorded in 129 university students, who were given instruction to behave as usual or to suppress their emotions while watching neutral and emotional movie clips. The results show that only agreeableness and one of its facets, tendermindedness (A6), moderated the effects of suppression on changes in PPA and SCR. While participants were watching emotional movie clip under the instruction to suppress, the level of sympathetic arousal in high agreeable persons increased more compared to those with lower agreeableness. These results were explained by the mechanisms related to the arousability and trait-incongruence responses.
Construct Validation of a General Social Attitudes Scale (SAS_G)
Authors: Milas Goran , Mlačić Boris , Mikloušić Igor
Published: November 2013

In this article, we describe the construct validation of a General Social Attitudes Scale (SAS_G), designed to measure the basic dimensions of social attitudes in both self-reports and peer-ratings. A large sample of Croatian university students (N = 452) used the SAS_G to describe their own social attitudes, which were also described by 452 of their acquaintances using the same instrument. All SAS_G subscales showed reasonably high internal consistency reliability estimates as well as appropriate convergent and discriminant validity based on self/peer correlations. Separate Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) of both self-reports and peer ratings yielded five replicable factors and acceptable indices of fit. However, the validation analyses against lexically based Saucier’s (2008 ) ISMS instrument showed little convergence, indicating that these two approaches to general social attitudes scale construction can lead to the identification of different basic constructs.
TRAF1 is a critical regulator of cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury and neuronal death
Authors: Lu Yan-Yun , Li Zuo-Zhi , Jiang Ding-Sheng , Wang Lang , Zhang Yan , Chen Ke , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Liu Yi , Fan Guo-Chang , Chen Yingjie , Yang Qinglin , Zhou Yan , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Liu De-Pei , Li Hongliang
Published: November 2013

Stroke is a leading global cause of mortality and disability. Less than 5% of patients are able to receive tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis within the necessary timeframe. Focusing on the process of neuronal apoptosis in the penumbra, which lasts from hours to days after ischaemia, appears to be promising. Here we report that tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1) expression is markedly induced in wild-type mice 6 h after stroke onset. Using genetic approaches, we demonstrate that increased neuronal TRAF1 leads to elevated neuronal death and enlarged ischaemic lesions, whereas TRAF1 deficiency is neuroprotective. In addition, TRAF1-mediated neuroapoptosis correlates with the activation of the JNK pro-death pathway and inhibition of the Akt cell survival pathway. Finally, TRAF1 is found to exert pro-apoptotic effects via direct interaction with ASK1. Thus, ASK1 positively and negatively regulates the JNK and Akt signalling pathways, respectively. Targeting the TRAF1/ASK1 pathway may provide feasible therapies for stroke long after onset.
High-Throughput Nanofabrication of Infra-red and Chiral Metamaterials using Nanospherical-Lens Lithography
Authors: Chang Yun-Chorng , Lu Sih-Chen , Chung Hsin-Chan , Wang Shih-Ming , Tsai Tzung-Da , Guo Tzung-Fang
Published: November 2013

Various infra-red and planar chiral metamaterials were fabricated using the modified Nanospherical-Lens Lithography. By replacing the light source with a hand-held ultraviolet lamp, its asymmetric light emission pattern produces the elliptical-shaped photoresist holes after passing through the spheres. The long axis of the ellipse is parallel to the lamp direction. The fabricated ellipse arrays exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance in mid-infra-red and are ideal platforms for surface enhanced infra-red absorption (SEIRA). We also demonstrate a way to design and fabricate complicated patterns by tuning parameters in each exposure step. This method is both high-throughput and low-cost, which is a powerful tool for future infra-red metamaterials applications.
Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Acquire Distinct DNA-Hypermethylation During in vitro Culture
Authors: Weidner Carola Ingrid , Walenda Thomas , Lin Qiong , Wölfler Monika Martina , Denecke Bernd , Costa Ivan Gesteira , Zenke Martin , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: November 2013

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPCs) can be maintained invitro, but the vast majority of their progeny loses stemness during culture. In this study, we compared DNA-methylation (DNAm) profiles of freshly isolated and culture-expanded HPCs. Culture conditions of CD34+ cells - either with or without mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) - had relatively little impact on DNAm, although proliferation is greatly increased by stromal support. However, all cultured HPCs - even those which remained CD34+ - acquired significant DNA-hypermethylation. DNA-hypermethylation occurred particularly in up-stream promoter regions, shore-regions of CpG islands, binding sites for PU.1, HOXA5 and RUNX1 and it was reflected in differential gene expression and variant transcripts of DNMT3A. Low concentrations of DNAm inhibitors slightly increased the frequency of colony-forming unit initiating cells. Our results demonstrate that HPCs acquire DNA-hypermethylation at specific sites in the genome which is relevant for the rapid loss of stemness during in vitro manipulation.
Electrochemical monitoring systems of demembranated flagellate algal motility for ATP sensing
Authors: Shitanda Isao , Tanaka Koji , Hoshi Yoshinao , Itagaki Masayuki
Published: November 2013

The ATP-induced behavior of the unicellular flagellate alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was recorded as changes in the redox currents for a coexisting redox marker.
Characterization of glue sizing under calcium carbonate ground layers in Flemish and Luso-Flemish painting – analysis by SEM-EDS, μ-XRD and μ-Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Antunes Vanessa , Oliveira M. José , Vargas Helena , Serrão Vitor , Candeias António , Carvalho Maria Luísa , Coroado João , Mirão José , Dias Luís , Longelin Stéphane , Seruya Ana Isabel
Published: November 2013

This work regards the methodology used on the preparation of ground layer techniques in Portuguese and Flemish workshops of the 15th and early 16th centuries.
A novel hydride generation spectral method for trace Se based on resonance Rayleigh scattering of Cu2O–Se nanoparticles
Authors: Liang Aihui , Huang Shanshan , Zhang Xinghui , Jiang Zhiliang
Published: November 2013

3.3 ng mL−1 Se can be determined by resonance Rayleigh scattering, based on SeH2 reducing Cu(ii) to produce Cu2O–Se particles.
A molecular dynamics study on pH response of protein adsorbed on peptide-modified polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel
Authors: Sun Tian-Yang , Liang Li-Jun , Wang Qi , Laaksonen Aatto , Wu Tao
Published: November 2013

Molecular dynamics simulation of the protein adsorption on peptide modified PVA hydrogel and the response of hydrogel chains to different pHs.
Coupling of tyrosine deprotonation and axial ligand exchange in nitrocytochrome c
Authors: Capdevila Daiana A. , Álvarez-Paggi Damián , Castro María A. , Tórtora Verónica , Demicheli Verónica , Estrín Darío A. , Radi Rafael , Murgida Daniel H.
Published: November 2013

Nitration of Tyr74 in cytochromectriggers a Met/Lys ligand exchange that results in a gain-of-peroxidatic function.
Carbon nanofibres from fructose using a light-driven high-temperature spinning disc processor
Authors: Lu Hai-bo , Boulos Ramiz A. , Chan Benjamin C. Y. , Gibson Christopher T. , Wang Xiaolin , Raston Colin L. , Chua Hui Tong
Published: November 2013

A high flux bright light-driven high temperature spinning disc processor affords carbon nanofibres within minutes and with controlled length.
Water-dispersible nanospheres of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers and their application for mimicking light-harvesting systems
Authors: Peng Hui-Qing , Xu Jiang-Fei , Chen Yu-Zhe , Wu Li-Zhu , Tung Chen-Ho , Yang Qing-Zheng
Published: November 2013

Water-dispersible nanospheres of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers were prepared by using the miniemulsion method.
A low pH sensor from an esterified pillar[5]arene
Authors: Kothur Raghuram Reddy , Hall Jessica , Patel Bhavik Anil , Leong Chi Leng , Boutelle Martyn G. , Cragg Peter J.
Published: November 2013

An esterified pillar[5]arene, incorporated into a PVC membrane, displays a non-Nernstian response to changes in pH.