bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of surfactant protein‐D levels in children with ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Authors: Said Ahmed S. , Abd‐ElAziz Manal M. , Farid Mohamed M. , Abd‐ElFattah Magid A. , Abdel‐Monim Mahmoud T. , Doctor Allan
Published: September 2011

Rationale

The pathobiology of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) in children is poorly understood; investigation has been limited by lack of universally applied diagnostic criteria and reliable biomarkers for this condition.

Objectives

We evaluated the clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) in diagnosing VAP and prospectively characterized the relationship between surfactant protein‐D (SP‐D) metabolism and VAP.

Methods

Children admitted to an Egyptian PICU requiring intubation were screened for the absence of primary pulmonary pathology. Thirty‐nine children underwent two evaluations: during the first 36 hr following intubation and after 4 days of mechanical ventilation. During both, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained for culture and SP‐D assay. CPIS was computed during the second evaluation.

Results

Optimum performance of the CPIS against BALF culture occurred at a cutoff value of 6, (ROC AUC of 0.89 ± 0.05). Children who developed VAP had significantly higher SP‐D levels, both preceding (129.9 ± 33.5 ng/ml at the 1st BAL)—and following positive BALF culture (249.5 ± 51.2 ng/ml at the 2nd BAL), compared to children whose BALF remained sterile (62.6 ± 18.1 ng/ml and 64.9 ± 9.4 ng/ml; P < 0.001). This increase in SP‐D levels was most evident in children infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to children with Klebsiella pneumonia or S. aureus.

Conclusions

The CPIS performed well against BALF culture. We observed a bacterial species‐specific difference in SP‐D levels in children who developed VAP; this change preceded detection of infection by CPIS or BALF culture. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:292–299. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical predictors of nasal continuous positive airway pressure requirement in acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Evans Jordan , Marlais Matko , Abrahamson Ed
Published: September 2011

Introduction

There is growing use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (nCPAP) for infants with bronchiolitis, based on clinical assessment of severity. Despite this there have been no studies which identify clinical predictors for the requirement of nCPAP.

Objective

To identify clinical factors in infants with acute bronchiolitis in the emergency department (ED), which might predict a requirement for nCPAP following admission.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of pediatric ED case notes was conducted on bronchiolitis admissions to one dedicated Paediatric ED over a 12‐month period. Potential predictors were identified through literature review. Data extraction of predictors was carried out and recorded for each case. Logistic regression was conducted for each variable to identify statistically significant predictors of nCPAP requirement.

Results

Twenty‐eight (17%) of the 163 admitted infants received nCPAP. The strongest predictors of nCPAP requirement in were as follows: oxygen requirement within the ED (P < 0.001), lower oxygen saturation (P < 0.001), younger age at presentation (P = 0.002), higher respiratory rate (P = 0.002), higher heart rate (P = 0.003), lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (0.006), and younger gestational age (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

We have identified clinical variables that were predictive of nCPAP requirement in infants admitted to our unit with bronchiolitis, oxygen requirement in the ED being the strongest single predictor. This is the first such study in the UK, and we hope it may be a starting point for further work that may provide an evidence base to aid clinicians in predicting the use of nCPAP in infants with bronchiolitis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:381–385. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ventilation homogeneity improves with growth early in life
Authors: Chakr Valentina C. , Llapur Conrado J. , Sarria Edgar E. , Mattiello Rita , Kisling Jeffrey , Tiller Christina , Kimmel Risa , Poindexter Brenda , Tepper Robert S.
Published: September 2011

Some studies have suggested that lung clearance index (LCI) is age‐independent among healthy subjects early in life, which implies that ventilation distribution does not vary with growth. However, other studies of older children and adolescents suggest that ventilation becomes more homogenous with somatic growth. We describe a new technique to obtain multiple breath washout (MBWO) in sedated infants and toddlers using slow augmented inflation breaths that yields an assessment of LCI and the slope of phase III, which is another index of ventilation inhomogeneity. We evaluated whether ventilation becomes more homogenous with increasing age early in life, and whether infants with chronic lung disease of infancy (CLDI) have increased ventilation inhomogeneity relative to full‐term controls (FT). FT (N = 28) and CLDI (N = 22) subjects between 3 and 28 months corrected‐age were evaluated. LCI decreased with increasing age; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (9.3 vs. 9.5; P = 0.56). Phase III slopes adjusted for expired volume (SND) increased with increasing breath number during the washout and decreased with increasing age. There was no significant difference in SND between full‐term and CLDI subjects (211 vs. 218; P = 0.77). Our findings indicate that ventilation becomes more homogenous with lung growth and maturation early in life; however, there is no evidence that ventilation inhomogeneity is a significant component of the pulmonary pathophysiology of CLDI. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:373–380. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serial interferon‐γ release assay in children with latent tuberculosis infection and children with tuberculosis
Authors: Nenadić Nataųa , Kirin Branka Kristić , Letoja Ivka Zoričić , Plavec Davor , Topić Renata Zrinski , Dodig Slavica
Published: September 2011

Background

Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) release assay (IGRA) is used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and for serial testing of active tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of IGRA for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of children with LTBI and children with TB. IGRA was performed in BCG vaccinated children before and six months after the beginning of treatment.

Methods

A total of 59 BCG vaccinated children aged 4–18 years were investigated due to exposure to active TB. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1, children with LTBI (N = 41), and Group 2, children with TB (N = 18). IGRA (QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube) was performed twice, i.e., before treatment and at the end of prophylaxis and therapy.

Results

There was no significant difference in IFN‐γ concentrations between Group 1 and Group 2 subjects either before or after the treatment. Difference between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment IFN‐γ concentrations compared in either Group 1 or Group 2 was not statistically significant. During follow‐up, children with LTBI did not develop active TB. In addition, in children with TB, signs and symptoms of TB improved with anti‐TB therapy.

Conclusion

This study showed that the concentrations of IFN‐γ did not differ in children with LTBI and TB either before or at the end of treatment. IGRA may remain positive over a long period of time. It seems that IGRA is not useful for monitoring treatment of children with LTBI and children with TB. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:401–408. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calculation of rate spectra from noisy time series data
Authors: Voelz Vincent A. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: September 2011

As the resolution of experiments to measure folding kinetics continues to improve, it has become imperative to avoid bias that may come with fitting data to a predetermined mechanistic model. Toward this end, we present a rate spectrum approach to analyze timescales present in kinetic data. Computing rate spectra of noisy time series data via numerical discrete inverse Laplace transform is an ill‐conditioned inverse problem, so a regularization procedure must be used to perform the calculation. Here, we show the results of different regularization procedures applied to noisy multiexponential and stretched exponential time series, as well as data from time‐resolved folding kinetics experiments. In each case, the rate spectrum method recapitulates the relevant distribution of timescales present in the data, with different priors on the rate amplitudes naturally corresponding to common biases toward simple phenomenological models. These results suggest an attractive alternative to the “Occam's razor” philosophy of simply choosing models with the fewest number of relaxation rates. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electron‐beam induced phase transformation in β‐Ag2Se thin films
Authors: Yin Kuibo , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo , Yin Jiang , Sun Litao
Published: September 2011

The microstructure of room‐temperature silver selenide thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Two phases existed in room‐temperature silver selenide. One was orthorhombic phase (O) and the other was identified as monoclinic phase (M) by TEM tilting experiments. The monoclinic phase can transform to orthorhombic phase along [100]M direction under the irradiation of electron beam. Thermal stress induced by the difference of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Ag2Se and Cu gridding/NaCl substrate is thought to play an important role in this phase transformation.
Effects of B2O3–Li2O additions on the dielectric properties of screen printing Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 thick films
Authors: Zeng Yike , Gao Can , Zhang Guangzu , Jiang Shenglin
Published: September 2011

Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST) thick films were fabricated on Al2O3 substrate via the screen printing technology by using B2O3–Li2O additions as liquid‐phase sintering aids. The effects of doping of B2O3 and Li2CO3 on the phase compositions, microstructures, and dielectric tunable properties of the thick films were investigated systematically. The X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that BST diffraction peaks shifted toward higher angle with the B2O3–Li2O doping content, which indicated the substitution of B3+ and Li+ in Ba2+ site. It was also found that the grain size and electrical properties of the thick film were strongly affected by the glass content. The grain size and the relative permittivity decreased obviously with the increase of B2O3–Li2O additive. In addition, for the thick film with 4.5 wt% glass content, optimized sintering, and electrical properties were obtained: the sintering temperature of 900 °C, relative permittivity of 312 (at 10 kHz), dielectric loss of 0.0039, tunability of 16.2% (at 3 kV/mm). These good sintering and electrical properties indicate that BST thick film with B2O3–Li2O addition is benefit for the development of LTCC technology and tunable devices.
Origin of the waves in ‘A case‐study of mesoscale spectra of wind and temperature, observed and simulated’: Lee waves from the Norwegian mountains
Authors: Larsén Xiaoli Guo , Larsen Søren , Hahmann Andrea N.
Published: September 2011

This note uses SAR images, satellite cloud pictures and point measurements together with simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to identify the origin of the gravity waves over Denmark on 6 November 2006, studied recently. The wave characteristics, concerning their initiation and ending, propagation, spatial orientation and wavelength, are consistent among the different data sources. This evidence and the key wave parameters derived from the WRF simulation, including the Scorer parameter and wave tilt, all suggest that the waves are lee waves generated by uplift from the Norwegian mountains. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Differential heating influence on hailstorm vortex pair evolution
Authors: Ćurić M. , Janc D.
Published: September 2011

We study herein the relationship between hailstorm vortex pair evolution and complex orography. In particular, the effects of differential heating are analysed to evaluate how they can affect the propagation of split hailstorms over complex terrain and impact on the spatial distribution of hail. For these reasons, this investigation is targeted at the characteristics of intense hailstorms over a particular area which is well‐known as their source, as well as the hail point‐frequency spatial distribution over such an area. The methods used include observations and a numerical cloud model. The investigations lead to the following findings.

The key mechanism for a favoured right‐moving split hailstorm under strong low‐level directional shear is found. This is differential heating of the sunward and sunshaded sides of the valley. For this reason, stronger convection over the sunward side of the valley compared to that over its sunshaded side leads to a weaker vertical wind shear. In such a scenario, additional vertical vorticity components are generated that weaken the former existing vortices. The resulting effect is stronger weakening of the anticyclonic part of the cloud than its cyclonic counterpart. Finally, we have established the conceptual model of the vortex pair modified by differential heating.

The other findings are as follows: the spatial distribution of the maximum values of hail point‐frequency associated with air‐mass hailstorms is well correlated with the tracks of split hailstorms. It shows the regular spatial pattern due to the corresponding cell‐regeneration behaviour. As a consequence, hail point‐frequency maxima more often occur in the valley than over the nearby areas. Hail point‐frequency maximum locations associated with frontal clouds are more or less uniform in the along‐line direction of a front. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Moving average correction method for compensation of differential column shortenings in high‐rise buildings
Authors: Woo Park Sung , Woon Choi Se , Seon Park Hyo
Published: September 2011

The differential length changes of vertical members in a high‐rise building due to elastic, creep and shrinkage shortenings are of primary concern since the differential shortening of the vertical members causes unexpected damages on structural and nonstructural members. In contrast to researches on prediction methods for calculation of the amount of the shortenings, only few methods or algorithms of compensation of the differential column shortenings have been reported. In this paper, a practical compensation method using moving average correction is presented. The proposed method is applied to the compensation of the differential shortenings of the vertical members in a 70‐story high‐rise building. The performance of the moving average correction method is compared with the optimal compensation method based on simulated annealing algorithm. It is demonstrated that the magnitude of the differential shortening or the degree of the slab tilt due to the length changes in the vertical members can be controlled without using structural optimization techniques. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Slowmation: Preservice elementary teachers representing science knowledge through creating multimodal digital animations
Authors: Hoban Garry , Loughran John , Nielsen Wendy
Published: September 2011

Research has identified the value of learners using technology to construct their own representations of science concepts. In this study, we investigate how learners, such as preservice elementary teachers, design and make a narrated animation to represent their science knowledge. The type of animation exemplified is called a “Slowmation” (abbreviated from “Slow Animation”), which is a simplified way for preservice teachers to make an animation that integrates features from claymation, object animation, and digital storytelling. Drawing on semiotic theory, a case study of three preservice elementary teachers, who were audio and video recorded as they created a slowmation, illustrates how the construction process enabled them to engage with a science concept in multiple ways. Findings suggest that when preservice teachers create a slowmation, they design and make a sequence of five representations, each being a semiotic system with particular affordances that link as a semiotic progression: (i) research notes; (ii) storyboard; (iii) models; and (iv) digital photographs, which culminate in (v) a narrated animation. In this study, the authors present their theoretical framework, explain how the preservice teachers created a slowmation using a sequence of representations to show their science knowledge and discuss the implications of these findings for learners in universities and schools. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 985–1009, 2011
Student learning in science simulations: Design features that promote learning gains
Authors: Scalise Kathleen , Timms Michael , Moorjani Anita , Clark LaKisha , Holtermann Karen , Irvin P. Shawn
Published: September 2011

This research examines science‐simulation software available for grades 6–12 science courses. The study presented, funded by the National Science Foundation, had two objectives: a literature synthesis and a product review. The literature synthesis examines research findings on grade 6–12 student learning gains and losses using virtual laboratories and science‐simulation software, derived from a review of 79 relevant studies identified. Based on that literature, significant aspects of how such products influence student learning are identified. Tables summarize the research‐based evidence about best practices in instructional design for such virtual lab and simulation products. Some products were then reviewed as case studies to determine in what ways and to what extent they implement such research‐identified best practices. The overall goal was to consider where the most progress is being made in effective virtual‐lab and simulation products, and what directions future development should take. The intent is to inform science educators, teachers, administrators, and policy makers who are using, buying, and examining middle and high school instructional materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 1050–1078, 2011
Metals (Ag+, Cd2+, Cr6+) affect ATPase activity in the gill, kidney, and muscle of freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus following acute and chronic exposures
Authors: Atli Gülüzar , Canli Mustdafa
Published: September 2011

Freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus were individually acutely exposed to different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg/mL) of Cd2+, Cr6+, and Ag+ for 96 h and 0.05 μg/mL concentration of the same metals for different periods (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days) chronically. Following each experimental protocol, Na+/K+‐ATPase, Mg2+‐ATPase, and Ca2+‐ATPase activities were measured in the gill, kidney, and muscle of O. niloticus. In vitro experiments were also performed to determine the direct effects of metal ions (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg/mL) on ATPases. Except Ag+, none of the metals caused fish mortality within 30 days. Silver killed all the fishes within 16 days. Metal exposures generally decreased Na+/K+‐ATPase and Ca2+‐ATPase activities in the tissues of O. niloticus, although there were some fluctuations in Mg2+‐ATPase activity. Ag+ and Cd2+ were found to be more toxic to ATPase activities than Cr6+. It was also observed that metal efficiency was higher in the gill than in the other tissues. Results indicated that the response of ATPases varied depending on metals, exposure types, and tissues. Because ATPases are sensitive to metal toxicity, their activity can give valuable data about fish physiology. Therefore, they may be used as a sensitive biomarker in environmental monitoring in contaminated waters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 28: 707–717, 2013.
Air–liquid biofilm formation is dependent on ammonium depletion in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae flor strain
Authors: Zara Giacomo , Budroni Marilena , Mannazzu Ilaria , Zara Severino
Published: September 2011

Air–liquid biofilm formation appears to be an adaptive mechanism that promotes foraging of Saccharomyces cerevisiae flor strains in response to nutrient starvation. The FLO11 gene plays a central role in this phenotype as its expression allows yeast cells to rise to the liquid surface. Here, we investigated the role of ammonium depletion in air–liquid biofilm formation and FLO11 expression in a S. cerevisiae flor strain. The data obtained show that increasing ammonium concentrations from 0 to 450 m m reduce air–liquid biofilm in terms of biomass and velum formation and correlate with a reduction of FLO11 expression. Rapamycin inhibition of the TOR pathway and deletion of RAS2 gene significantly reduced biofilm formation and FLO11 expression. Taken together, these data suggest that ammonium depletion is a key factor in the induction of air–liquid biofilm formation and FLO11 expression in S. cerevisiae flor strains. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and energy budget of pressure-driven collapsible channel flows
Authors: Liu H. F. , Luo X. Y. , Cai Z. X.
Published: September 2011

Although self-excited oscillations in collapsible channel flows have been extensively studied, our understanding of their origins and mechanisms is still far from complete. In the present paper, we focus on the stability and energy budget of collapsible channel flows using a fluid–beam model with the pressure-driven (inlet pressure specified) condition, and highlight its differences to the flow-driven (i.e. inlet flow specified) system. The numerical finite element scheme used is a spine-based arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method, which is shown to satisfy the geometric conservation law exactly. We find that the stability structure for the pressure-driven system is not a cascade as in the flow-driven case, and the mode-2 instability is no longer the primary onset of the self-excited oscillations. Instead, mode-1 instability becomes the dominating unstable mode. The mode-2 neutral curve is found to be completely enclosed by the mode-1 neutral curve in the pressure drop and wall stiffness space; hence no purely mode-2 unstable solutions exist in the parameter space investigated. By analysing the energy budgets at the neutrally stable points, we can confirm that in the high-wall-tension region (on the upper branch of the mode-1 neutral curve), the stability mechanism is the same as proposed by Jensen & Heil. Namely, self-excited oscillations can grow by extracting kinetic energy from the mean flow, with exactly two-thirds of the net kinetic energy flux dissipated by the oscillations and the remainder balanced by increased dissipation in the mean flow. However, this mechanism cannot explain the energy budget for solutions along the lower branch of the mode-1 neutral curve where greater wall deformation occurs. Nor can it explain the energy budget for the mode-2 neutral oscillations, where the unsteady pressure drop is strongly influenced by the severely collapsed wall, with stronger Bernoulli effects and flow separations. It is clear that more work is required to understand the physical mechanisms operating in different regions of the parameter space, and for different boundary conditions.
A falling film down a slippery inclined plane
Authors: Samanta A. , Ruyer-Quil C. , Goyeau B.
Published: September 2011

A gravity-driven film flow on a slippery inclined plane is considered within the framework of long-wave and boundary layer approximations. Two coupled depth-averaged equations are derived in terms of the local flow rate$q(x, t)$and the film thickness$h(x, t)$. Linear stability analysis of the averaged equations shows good agreement with the Orr–Sommerfeld analysis. The effect of a slip at the wall on the primary instability has been found to be non-trivial. Close to the instability onset, the effect is destabilising whereas it becomes stabilising at larger values of the Reynolds number. Nonlinear travelling waves are amplified by the presence of the slip. Comparisons to direct numerical simulations show a remarkable agreement for all tested values of parameters. The averaged equations capture satisfactorily the speed, shape and velocity distribution in the waves. The Navier slip condition is observed to significantly enhance the backflow phenomenon in the capillary region of the solitary waves with a possible effect on heat and mass transfer.
Natto and viscous vegetables in a Japanese-style breakfast improved insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in overweight subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Taniguchi-Fukatsu Akiko , Yamanaka-Okumura Hisami , Naniwa-Kuroki Yuko , Nishida Yuka , Yamamoto Hironori , Taketani Yutaka , Takeda Eiji
Published: September 2011

We previously suggested that the consumption of natto and viscous vegetables as part of a Japanese-style meal based on white rice (WR) reduced postprandial glucose and insulin levels in healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to assess whether a single breakfast of natto and viscous vegetables or the same breakfast consumed for 2 weeks could improve glucose control, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in overweight subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A total of eleven free-living subjects with IGT followed a randomised, crossover breakfast intervention for 2 weeks. The test meal included boiled WR with natto (viscous fermented soyabeans), Japanese yam and okra. The control meal included WR with non-viscous boiled soyabeans, potatoes and broccoli. Both meals contained comparable amounts of carbohydrate, fat, protein and fibre. The test meal reduced acute glucose and insulin responses compared to the control meal in the study participants. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the composite insulin sensitivity index (CISI) after both the test and control meal periods. The test meal resulted in improvements in CISI compared to the baseline, whereas no significant changes were observed after the control meal period. Serum levels of both total and LDL-cholesterol were assessed before and after the test meal period and found to decrease significantly. There was also a tendency towards reduced serum malondialdehyde-modified LDL and Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine. No differences were observed in the measures of chronic glycaemic control. Thus, we conclude that a breakfast of natto and viscous vegetables consumed for 2 weeks improves insulin sensitivity, serum lipid and oxidative stress.
YouTube resources for the otolaryngology trainee
Authors: Hughes J P , Quraishi M S
Published: September 2011

Contemporary surgical training faces many challenges. However, modern technology, including internet-based resources, provides the trainee with a wealth of materials to complement their traditional teaching. YouTube is an online repository of video clips, and contains many instructional resources of value to the otolaryngology trainee.
Non-parametric parametricity
Authors: NEIS GEORG , DREYER DEREK , ROSSBERG ANDREAS
Published: September 2011

Type abstraction and intensional type analysis are features seemingly at odds—type abstraction is intended to guarantee parametricity and representation independence, while type analysis is inherently non-parametric. Recently, however, several researchers have proposed and implemented “dynamic type generation” as a way to reconcile these features. The idea is that, when one defines an abstract type, one should also be able to generate at runtime a fresh type name, which may be used as a dynamic representative of the abstract type for purposes of type analysis. The question remains: in a language with non-parametric polymorphism, does dynamic type generation provide us with the same kinds of abstraction guarantees that we get from parametric polymorphism?

Our goal is to provide a rigorous answer to this question. We define a step-indexed Kripke logical relation for a language with both non-parametric polymorphism (in the form of type-safe cast) and dynamic type generation. Our logical relation enables us to establish parametricity and representation independence results, even in a non-parametric setting, by attaching arbitrary relational interpretations to dynamically generated type names. In addition, we explore how programs that are provably equivalent in a more traditional parametric logical relation may be “wrapped” systematically to produce terms that are related by our non-parametric relation, and vice versa. This leads us to develop a “polarized” variant of our logical relation, which enables us to distinguish formally between positive and negative notions of parametricity.
Occurrence of CorncrakesCrex crexin mosaic farmland landscapes in south-central Sweden – effects of habitat and landscape structure
Authors: BERG ÅKE , HIRON MATTHEW
Published: September 2011

Most studies of Corncrakes have been conducted in grasslands used for hay-cutting, and earlier hay-cutting has been suggested as the main cause of population decline in this species. Less is known about habitat preferences in relation to other land-uses and landscape structure. This paper investigated habitat composition and landscape structure in territories and at random sites in arable fields and meadows in south-central Sweden. Calling Corncrakes preferred sites with tall vegetation, moist ground, and locations close to ditches (55% of territories). Suitable conditions occurred on abandoned unmanaged wet meadows (31% of territories), mown wet meadows (14%), leys (30%) and non-rotational set-asides (15% of territories). Corncrakes avoided annual crops and other crops with short vegetation in the spring. Cutting of vegetation before mid-July was recorded in 21% of the territories and resulted in 100% abandonment of these sites. In contrast to many other ground nesting farmland birds, Corncrakes did not avoid forest edges (42% of territories within 100 m of edges). A strategy to conserve Corncrake populations should focus on maintenance of moist natural and sown grasslands (unmanaged or mown late) with tall vegetation and prevention of succession to woodland. Target areas should be in forested landscapes, because many other meadow birds that are more dependent on management (e.g. yearly mowing or grazing) prefer open landscapes.
DECENTRALIZED EXCHANGE AND FACTOR PAYMENTS: A MULTIPLE-MATCHING APPROACH
Authors: Laing Derek , Li Victor E. , Wang Ping
Published: September 2011

The emergence of fiat money is studied in a multiple-matching environment in which exchange is organized around trading posts and prices are determined with a dynamic monopolistically competitive framework. Each household consumes a bundle of commodities and has a preference for consumption variety. We determine the endogenous organization of exchange between firms and shoppers, the means of factor payment (remuneration), and the prices at which these trades occur. We verify that the endogenous linkage of factor payments with the medium of exchange can lead to a monetary equilibrium outcome where only fiat money trades for goods, an ex ante feature of cash-in-advance models. We also examine the long-run effects of money growth on equilibrium exchange patterns. A key finding, consistent with documented hyperinflationary episodes, is that a sufficiently rapid expansion of the money supply leads to the gradual emergence of barter, where sellers accept both goods and cash payments and workers receive part of their remuneration in goods.
Food insecurity among adults residing in disadvantaged urban areas: potential health and dietary consequences
Authors: Ramsey Rebecca , Giskes Katrina , Turrell Gavin , Gallegos Danielle
Published: September 2011

Objective

Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability or access to nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate and safe foods. Food insecurity may result in inadequate dietary intakes, overweight or obesity and the development of chronic disease. Internationally, few studies have focused on the range of potential health outcomes related to food insecurity among adults residing in disadvantaged locations and no such Australian studies exist. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations between food insecurity, sociodemographic and health factors and dietary intakes among adults residing in disadvantaged urban areas.

Design

Data were collected by mail survey (n505, 53 % response rate), which ascertained information about food security status, demographic characteristics (such as age, gender, household income, education) fruit and vegetable intakes, takeaway and meat consumption, general health, depression and chronic disease.

Setting

Disadvantaged suburbs of Brisbane city, Australia, 2009.

Subjects

Individuals aged ≥ 20 years.

Results

Approximately one in four households (25 %) was food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with lower household income, poorer general health, increased health-care utilisation and depression. These associations remained after adjustment for age, gender and household income.

Conclusions

Food insecurity is prevalent in urbanised disadvantaged areas in developed countries such as Australia. Low-income households are at high risk of experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity may result in significant health burdens among the population, and this may be concentrated in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs.
Measures of the home environment related to childhood obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Pinard Courtney A , Yaroch Amy L , Hart Michael H , Serrano Elena L , McFerren Mary M , Estabrooks Paul A
Published: September 2011

Objective

Due to a proliferation of measures for different components of the home environment related to childhood obesity, the purpose of the present systematic review was to examine these tools and the degree to which they can validly and reliably assess the home environment.

Design

Relevant manuscripts published between 1998 and 2010 were obtained through electronic database searches and manual searches of reference lists. Manuscripts were included if the researchers reported on a measure of the home environment related to child eating and physical activity (PA) and childhood obesity and reported on at least one psychometric property.

Results

Of the forty papers reviewed, 48 % discussed some aspect of parenting specific to food. Fifty-per cent of the manuscripts measured food availability/accessibility, 18 % measured PA availability/accessibility, 20 % measured media availability/accessibility, 30 % focused on feeding style, 23 % focused on parenting related to PA and 20 % focused on parenting related to screen time.

Conclusions

Many researchers chose to design new measures for their studies but often the items employed were brief and there was a lack of transparency in the psychometric properties. Many of the current measures of the home food and PA environment focus on one or two constructs; more comprehensive measures as well as short screeners guided by theoretical models are necessary to capture influences in the home on food and PA behaviours of children. Finally, the current measures of the home environment do not necessarily translate to specific sub-populations. Recommendations were made for future validation of measures in terms of appropriate psychometric testing.
A bean-free diet increases the risk of all-cause mortality among Taiwanese women: the role of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Chang Wan-Chi , Wahlqvist Mark L , Chang Hsing-Yi , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Lee Meei-Shyuan , Wang Wuan-Szu , Hsiung Chao A
Published: September 2011

Objective

To evaluate the associations with chronic disease risk and mortality of the consequences of bean-free diets in Taiwanese adults with regard to gender.

Design

A sub-sample of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2001 agreed to physical examination in the subsequent year. This group then took part in the Taiwanese Survey of Hyperglycaemia, Hyperlipidaemia and Hypertension (TwSHHH) in 2002.

Setting

Individual records were linked to the eventual death files from 2002 to 2008.

Subjects

Up to the end of 2008, a total of 2820 men and 2950 women were tracked by death registry over the 6·8 years of follow-up.

Results

Among 38 077 person-years, an average follow-up 6·5 years, 225 all-cause deaths were identified. Generalized linear models showed beans to be favourable for metabolic syndrome (other than for fasting glucose) in men; in women, beans were favourable for waist circumference and HbA1c. Cumulative logistic regression models for the effect of a bean-free diet on metabolic syndrome scores according to the Taiwanese-modified National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-tw) gave adjusted odds ratios of 1·83 in men and 1·45 in women. Cox regression models for the bean-free diet showed an increased hazard ratio for all-cause mortality among women (1·98, 95 % CI 1·03, 3·81) but not men (1·28, 95 % CI 0·76, 2·16).

Conclusions

A bean-free diet may play a role in developing the metabolic syndrome in both genders, and is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in Taiwanese women but not men.
Breakfast consumption and daily physical activity in 9–10-year-old British children
Authors: Vissers Pauline AJ , Jones Andy P , Corder Kirsten , Jennings Amy , van Sluijs Esther MF , Welch Ailsa , Cassidy Aedin , Griffin Simon
Published: September 2011

Objective

To examine the association between breakfast consumption and physical activity in a well-characterised sample of English children.

Design

Cross-sectional study using food diaries to record breakfast consumption and accelerometry to assess physical activity.

Setting

Norfolk county, England.

Subjects

Children (n 1697) aged 9–10 years from the SPEEDY (Sport, Physical Activity and Eating behaviour: Environmental Determinants in Young people) study.

Results

Boys who consumed a poor-quality breakfast based on dairy product, cereal and fruit intakes spent approximately 7 min more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekday afternoons and evenings compared with those who did not consume breakfast (P < 0·05). On weekend days, boys who consumed a poor- or good-quality breakfast spent approximately 6 and 5 min less time respectively being sedentary during the mornings compared with breakfast non-consumers (P < 0·05). Boys who consumed a good-quality breakfast spent almost 3 min more in MVPA during the morning on weekend days compared with non-consumers, and boys who consumed a poor- or good-quality breakfast were 22 % and 16 % more active overall respectively than breakfast non-consumers (P < 0·05). During the rest of the day, boys who consumed a good-quality breakfast spent about 11 min less time being sedentary (P < 0·05) and 7 min more time in MVPA (P < 0·01).

Conclusions

Although some associations between breakfast consumption and physical activity were detected for boys, the present study does not provide strong evidence that failing to consume breakfast, or having a low energy intake at breakfast time, is detrimental to children's physical activity levels.
Reference curves for BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio for Azorean adolescents (Portugal)
Authors: Santos Rute , Moreira Carla , Ruiz Jonatan R , Vale Susana , Soares-Miranda Luisa , Moreira Pedro , Lopes Luis , Marques Ana I , Oliveira-Tavares Antonio , Santos Paula C , Abreu Sandra , Coelho-Silva Manuel J , Mota Jorge
Published: September 2011

Objective

There are no percentile curves for BMI, waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) available for Portuguese children and adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to develop age- and sex-specific BMI, WC and WHtR percentile curves for a representative sample of adolescents living in the Portuguese islands of Azores, one of the poorest regions of Europe, and to compare them with those from other countries.

Design

Cross-sectional school-based study. Weight, height and WC were objectively measured according to standard procedures. Smoothed percentile curves were estimated using Cole's LMS method.

Setting

Azores, Portugal.

Subjects

Proportionate stratified random sample of 1500 adolescents, aged 15–18 years.

Results

Results showed some sex differences in the shape of the BMI curves: in girls, the upper percentile values tend to decrease by the age of 16 and 17 years; whereas in boys, the upper percentiles tend to be flat between 15 and 16 years and then increase until the age of 18 years. In both sexes, the upper percentile values of both WC and WHtR decreased slightly by the age of 16 years and then increased steeply. In both sexes, the Azorean values for the 50th and 90th WC percentiles were higher than those reported for adolescents from the majority of other countries.

Conclusions

The reference curves presented herein provide baseline data for the long-term surveillance of Azorean adolescents, as well as for national and international comparisons.
Who is missing the message? Targeting strategies to increase food label use among US adults
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Jahns Lisa , Gittelsohn Joel , Wang Youfa
Published: September 2011

Objective

To evaluate the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics and food label (FL) use in US adults.

Design

Data from the 1994–1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey were used. High socio-economic status (SES) was defined as >high school education and poverty–income ratio (PIR) >350 %, low SES as <high school level or PIR <130 %. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24 h recalls.

Setting

Metropolitan statistical area-central city, -suburban, and rural areas in the USA.

Subjects

US adults (n2797; 1460 men, 1337 women) aged 20–64 years.

Results

Approximately 80 % of Americans reported using FL, including checking the nutrition panel, list of ingredients, short phrases, serving size, or health benefits. Only 26 % used all FL information. Compared with white women of higher SES, white men, black men and women with lower SES were 77–90 % less likely to use FL. Rural residents were 40 % less likely (OR = 0·60; 95 % CI 0·42, 0·86). Participants with good nutrition knowledge, perceptions and beliefs were twice as likely to check FL for nutrient content of foods (OR = 2·28; 95 % CI 1·53–3·40). Those who were unaware of diet–disease relationships were less likely to use FL (OR = 0·53; 95 % CI 0·32–0·85). Among overweight/obese Americans (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), those who perceived their weight ‘about right’ were 51 % less likely to use FL than those perceiving themselves as overweight.

Conclusions

Men, especially black men, women of low SES, rural residents and overweight Americans with inaccurate self-perception of body weight are less likely to use FL and should be targeted for increased intervention.
USING BIG WORDS TO EXPLAIN LITTLE WORDS
Authors: Chrisman Matthew
Published: September 2011

Sometimes, when I go to dinner parties organized by my partner, people ask me what I do, and I say that I'm a philosopher. But when I fumble at their questions about ‘my philosophy’, my partner will describe what I do by saying, ‘He uses big words to explain little words.’ Although this is meant tongue in cheek, it's basically right. My philosophical research is mainly in metaethics and the philosophy of language with a focus on the semantics of moral words. This means, for better or worse, that I use big words to explain little words.
A FIRST NAME BASIS?
Authors: Benatar David
Published: September 2011

Many societies are now characterized by much more informality than they were before. One manifestation of this is that whereas children would previously address adults more deferentially (as Mr or Mrs Bloggs, for example), they are now much more likely to call (some) adults by their first names. The same is true of younger adults addressing considerably older adults. Is this greater familiarity acceptable or should it be avoided?
ON FUTURE PEOPLE
Authors: Read Rupert
Published: September 2011

It is no longer socially-acceptable to exhibit prejudice against ethnic minority people on grounds of their ethnicity, women on grounds of their gender, or working-class people on grounds of their class. The last bastions of discrimination are being overcome: such as prejudice against gay and lesbian people, and against disabled people. …Or, is there one more, crucial bastion of discrimination still strongly in place?
HOW TO DELIBERATE WELL ABOUT ACTING BADLY: WHY MORAL IMAGINATION IS A BETTER RESOURCE THAN MORAL THEORY
Authors: Chappell Timothy
Published: September 2011

Tim the terrorist: We have Tim the terrorist in custody, and we know that he knows where the bomb is that his group have secretly planted somewhere in central London, and we know that if we torture him hard enough he will reliably tell us where it is in time for us to defuse it, and we know that there is no other way of getting him to tell us, and we know that if we don't defuse it the bomb will kill thousands of innocent people. So: what to do?
MORAL LORE AND THE ETHICS OF EATING
Authors: Bass Robert
Published: September 2011

Your mother was wise to teach you that just because everybody's doing it, that doesn't make it right. She would have been wise to add that just because everybody thinks it, that doesn't make it right, either. On the other hand, she would not have been wise to add (and probably did not) that when everybody agrees, that is no evidence whatsoever. When nearly everybody believes something, that's a reason in its favor.
PROOF-THEORETIC SEMANTIC VALUES FOR LOGICAL OPERATORS
Authors: FRANCEZ NISSIM , BEN-AVI GILAD
Published: September 2011

The paper proposes a semantic value for the logical constants (connectives and quantifiers) within the framework of proof-theoretic semantics, basic meaning on the introduction rules of a meaning conferring natural deduction proof system. The semantic value is defined based on Frege’s Context Principle, by taking “contributions” to sentential meanings as determined by the function-argument structure as induced by a type-logical grammar. In doing so, the paper proposes a novel proof-theoretic interpretation of the semantic types, traditionally interpreted in Henkin models. The compositionality of the resulting attribution of semantic values is discussed. Elsewhere, the same method was used for defining proof-theoretic meaning of subsentential phrases in a fragment of natural language. Doing the same for (the simpler and clearer case of) logic sheds more light on the proposal.