bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate of cognitive decline in relation to sex after 60 years‐of‐age: A systematic review
Authors: Ferreira Leandro , Ferreira Santos‐Galduróz Ruth , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro , Fernandes Galduróz José Carlos
Published: May 2013

Some studies have shown differences in specific cognitive ability domains between the sexes at 60 years‐of‐age. However is important to analyze whether the rate of cognitive decline is also similar between the sexes after this age. The present study examined previously published literature to investigate whether cognitive decline is distinct between men and women after the age of 60 years. A systematic review was carried out with the PubMed, LILACS and PsycINFO databases (2001–2011) using the following search terms: aging, aged, cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, mental health and cognition. We analyzed longitudinal research that used neuropsychological tests for evaluating cognitive function, showed results separated by sex and that excluded participants with dementia. Elderly women showed better performance in tests of episodic memory, whereas elderly men had a better visuospatial ability. Only one study detected distinct rates of cognitive decline in specific tests between the sexes. Despite differences observed in some domains, most of the studies showed that this rate is similar between the sexes until the age of 80 years. It is unclear whether sex influences the rate of cognitive decline after the age of 80 years. The present review observed that sex does not determine the rate of cognitive decline between 60 and 80 years‐of‐age. The contextual and cultural factors that involve men and women might determine a distinct decline between them, rather than sex alone. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 23–31.
Falls and fractures in participants and excluded non‐participants of a fall prevention exercise program for elderly women with a history of falls: 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kim Hunkyung , Yoshida Hideyo , Suzuki Takao
Published: May 2013

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a strength and balance enhancing exercise intervention as a means of preventing falls in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese women with a history of falls, while comparing functional fitness, fall and fracture rate in excluded subjects.

Methods

A 1‐year follow‐up trial was carried out on 105 participants over the age of 70 years, who were randomly assigned to the exercise or education group, and also on 91 women excluded based on the exclusion criteria. The exercise group attended a 60‐min exercise class twice a week for 3 months. Falls, injuries, fractures, and functional fitness assessments were measured at baseline, post‐intervention and 1‐year follow up.

Results

During the follow up, fall rates were 19.6% in the exercise group, 40.4% in the education group and 40.8% in excluded subjects (χ2 = 7.069, P = 0.029). Compared with the exercise group, the odds ratio (OR) for falls was greater in the education group (OR 2.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–6.96) and excluded participants (OR 2.83, 95%CI 1.25–6.80). The OR for fractures was over fourfold greater in excluded participants (OR 4.30, 95% CI 1.02–9.70) than the exercise group.

Conclusions

The exercise intervention for participants with fall history effectively decreased incidences of falls and fractures. However, fall and fracture rates in excluded people were high. Further research focusing on feasible countermeasures for falls in excluded people who are at high risk of fractures is required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 285–292.
Family meetings for older adults in intermediate care settings: the impact of patient cognitive impairment and other characteristics on shared decision making
Authors: Milte Catherine M. , Ratcliffe Julie , Davies Owen , Whitehead Craig , Masters Stacey , Crotty Maria
Published: May 2013

Background

Clinicians, older adults and caregivers frequently meet to make decisions around treatment and lifestyle during an acute hospital admission. Patient age, psychological status and health locus of control (HLC) influence patient preference for consultation involvement and information but overall, a shared‐decision‐making (SDM) approach is favoured. However, it is not known whether these characteristics and the presence of cognitive impairment influence SDM competency during family meetings.

Objective

To describe meetings between older adults, caregivers and geriatricians in intermediate care and explore patient and meeting characteristics associated with a SDM communication style.

Methods

Fifty‐nine family meetings involving geriatricians, patients in an intermediate care setting following an acute hospital admission and their caregivers were rated using the OPTION system for measuring clinician SDM behaviour. The geriatric depression scale and multidimensional HLC scale were completed by patients. The mini‐mental state exam (MMSE) assessed patient's level of cognitive impairment.

Results

Meetings lasted 38 min (SD 13) and scored 41 (SD 17) of 100 on the OPTION scale. Nine (SD 2.2) topics were discussed during each meeting, and most were initiated by the geriatrician. Meeting length was an important determinant of OPTION score, with higher SDM competency displayed in longer meetings. Patient characteristics, including MMSE, HLC and depression did not explain SDM competency.

Conclusion

Whilst SDM can be achieved during consultations frail older patients and their caregivers, an increased consultation time is a consequence of this approach.
Problems and hopes perceived by mothers, fathers and physicians of children receiving palliative care
Authors: Hill Douglas L. , Miller Victoria A. , Hexem Kari R. , Carroll Karen W. , Faerber Jennifer A. , Kang Tammy , Feudtner Chris
Published: May 2013

Background

The quality of shared decision making for children with serious illness may depend on whether parents and physicians share similar perceptions of problems and hopes for the child.

Objective

(i) Describe the problems and hopes reported by mothers, fathers and physicians of children receiving palliative care; (ii) examine the observed concordance between participants; (iii) examine parental perceived agreement; and (iv) examine whether parents who identified specific problems also specified corresponding hopes, or whether the problems were left ‘hopeless’.

Method

Seventy‐one parents and 43 physicians were asked to report problems and hopes and perceived agreement for 50 children receiving palliative care. Problems and hopes were classified into eight domains. Observed concordance was calculated between parents and between each parent and the physicians.

Results

The most common problem domains were physical body (88%), quality of life (74%) and medical knowledge (48%). The most common hope domains were quality of life (88%), suffering (76%) and physical body (39%). Overall parental dyads demonstrated a high percentage of concordance (82%) regarding reported problem domains and a lower percentage of concordance on hopes (65%). Concordance between parents and physicians regarding specific children was lower on problem (65–66%) and hope domains (59–63%). Respondents who identified problems regarding a child's quality of life or suffering were likely to also report corresponding hopes in these domains (93 and 82%, respectively).

Conclusion

Asking parents and physicians to talk about problems and hopes may provide a straightforward means to improve the quality of shared decision making for critically ill children.
Oesophageal hyperkeratosis: clinicopathological associations
Authors: Taggart Melissa W , Rashid Asif , Ross William A , Abraham Susan C
Published: May 2013

Aims

Oesophageal hyperkeratosis is rarely described. In contrast to hyperkeratosis of orolaryngeal mucosa, where its risk factors and association with squamous neoplasia are well‐studied, the prevalence and clinicopathological features of oesophageal hyperkeratosis are unknown.

Methods and results

We reviewed prospectively 1845 oesophageal biopsies and found hyperkeratosis in 37 (2.0%). Among 98 patients studied, hyperkeratosis occurred in two distinct settings: group 1 [within Barrett's oesophagus (BO)/adenocarcinoma, n = 61, 62%] and group 2 (outside BO/adenocarcinoma, n = 37, 38%). In contrast to group 1, hyperkeratosis in group 2 was more often multifocal (>3 foci in 51% versus 16%, P = 0.0001), involved mid‐oesophagus (51% versus 2%, P < 0.0001), showed endoscopic leucoplakia (24% versus 3%, P = 0.003) and involved current/former alcohol users (51% versus 19%, P = 0.0012). Importantly, invasive squamous carcinoma and squamous dysplasia were seen only in group 2 (47% and 19% versus 0%, P < 0.0001). Further, 42% of group 2, but none of group 1, had benign or malignant squamous lesions of the oral cavity/larynx (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Hyperkeratosis involves ~2% of oesophageal biopsies and can be divided into cases occurring within BO/adenocarcinoma and those occurring outside BO/adenocarcinoma. The former lack clinical significance, whereas the latter are associated frequently with oesophageal squamous neoplasia and squamous pathology of the head and neck region.
What are the key endodontic factors associated with oral health–related quality of life?
Authors: Liu P. , McGrath C. , Cheung G.
Published: May 2013

Aim

To determine the associations between endodontic factors and oral health–related quality of life (OHQoL), controlling for socio‐demographics, pain and other oral health clinical factors.

Methodology

OHQoL assessments were conducted amongst a consecutive sample of 412 Chinese patients requiring endodontic treatment employing the short‐form Oral Heath Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). Information on (i) number of teeth requiring endodontic treatment, (ii) tooth type, (iii) retreatment requirements, (iv) periapical radiolucency assessment and (v) diagnostic classification was obtained. In addition, socio‐demographic information (age, gender, educational attainment and family income), pain ratings on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and other clinical oral health status information were collected.

Results

Bivariate analyses identified association between number of teeth requiring endodontic treatment and summary OHIP‐14 score (P < 0.01) and four of its seven domain scores (P < 0.05). Need for endodontic retreatment was associated with summary OHIP‐14 score (P < 0.05) and two of its seven domain scores (P < 0.05). In regression analyses having controlled for socio‐demographics, other clinical factors and pain rating amongst 15 confounding variables, patients requiring endodontic treatment for multiple teeth were more than twice as likely to have poor OHQoL (upper quintile OHIP‐14 scores) compared with those requiring endodontic treatment for a single tooth (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.17, 3.98, P < 0.05). Pain VAS rating and age also emerged as significant factors associated with poor OHQoL in the regression analysis.

Conclusion

OHQoL is compromised amongst patients requiring endodontic treatment. Number of teeth requiring endodontic treatment is associated with poor OHQoL, controlling for socio‐demographic and other oral health clinical and pain factors.
Lycopene (Z) – isomers enrichment and separation
Authors: Kessy Honest N. , Zhang Lianfu , Zhang Huanwei
Published: May 2013

(All‐E)‐ Lycopene undergoes geometrical isomerisation into (Z)‐lycopene isomers with thermal treatment. Influence of three isomerisation methods including ethyl acetate reflux, microwave‐assisted reflux and ultrasound/microwave‐assisted reflux, and isolation of (all‐E)‐lycopene from other carotenoids and (Z) lycopene isomers through selective inclusion by deoxycholic acid (3α, 12α dihydroxy‐5βcolan‐24‐oic‐acid, DCA) were investigated. The results showed that microwave and ultrasound/microwave‐assisted reflux were not significantly different at P < 0.05, but both were significantly different (P < 0.05) over refluxing in ethyl acetate, proportion of (Z)‐lycopene isomers reached 54% after refluxing for 5 h. Heterogeneous mixture of isomerised tomato oleoresin containing 54% (Z)‐lycopene isomers and 40% (all‐E)‐lycopene and deoxycholic acid in dichloromethane was incubated at 25 °C for 2 h. Then, the mixture was filtered and from the filtrate 96.6% (Z)‐isomers enriched lycopene was obtained. The processes can be used in the production of enriched (Z)‐lycopene isomers for food supplements and functional food industry as a natural bioactive ingredient.
Soft starchy candy as a food model to study the relationship between sensory and selected physicochemical properties
Authors: Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: May 2013

Soft starchy candy is a dessert with unique characteristics of thin sugar crust, soft internal texture and coconut milk flavour. Eight commercial samples were selected to represent commercially available products. Sensory liking were evaluated and analysed by preference mapping techniques. A lexicon consisting of 17 attributes was developed by a trained descriptive panel. Principal component analysis yielded four dimensions with 95.04% total variance explained. The product, having the highest liking scores in most of the sensory attributes evaluated, contained moisture and fat contents of 17.77% and 16.32%, respectively, which affected its aroma, flavour and texture. A significant relationship between sensory liking and some descriptive analysis attributes was observed. Sensory characteristics influencing overall liking were ‘coconut milk’ and ‘scented candle’ aroma and flavour, ‘hardness’ and ‘crust hardness’. This study revealed selected chemical composition and critical sensory attributes of soft starchy candy products that would help manufacturers develop acceptable products.
Extractability of antioxidants from legume seed flour after cooking and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in comparison with methanolic extraction of the unprocessed flour
Authors: Stanisavljević Nemanja , Jovanović Živko , Čupić Tihomir , Lukić Jovanka , Miljuš Đukić Jovanka , Radović Svetlana , Mikić Aleksandar
Published: May 2013

Antioxidant activities were studied in methanolic and water extracts of nonprocessed, cooked and in vitro enzymatically digested seed flour, as well as in total protein hydrolysates and small peptide fractions (<3 and <10 kDa) of three pea and five grass pea cultivars. The antioxidative properties were determined by three spectrophotometric methods: 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, Folin‐Ciocalteu (FC) reducing capacity assay and H2O2 scavenging. We also applied one luminometric assay for hydroxyl radical scavenging. The study showed that cooking and enzymatic digestion strongly enhanced the release of phenolic compounds in methanolic extracts of four analysed cultivars. Scavenging activity against DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide was increased in majority of analysed flour specimens subjected to processing. Our findings indicate that, besides the phenolic compounds, the small peptide fraction, especially the MW <3 kDa, in methanolic and aqueous extracts of cooked and digested seed flour significantly contribute to free radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity in all investigated cultivars. Our data strongly suggest that simple cooking treatment and in vitro digestion of seed flour applied prior to extraction with methanol could improve antioxidative activity of obtained extracts.
Quality attributes and firming kinetics of partially baked frozen wholewheat bread with sourdough
Authors: Novotni Dubravka , Čukelj Nikolina , Smerdel Bojana , Ćurić Duška
Published: May 2013

Partially baked frozen (PBF) process prolongs bread shelf life, but diminishes its volume and crumb texture. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of using sourdough for the quality improvement in PBF wholewheat bread. Sourdough was fermented with either Lactobacillus plantarum, Lb. brevis or Leuconostoc mesenteroides mixed with yeast Candida humilis and added at 7.5, 15, 22.5 or 30% on bread dough basis. The choice of sourdough starter significantly affected bread acidity characteristics, flavour, specific volume, shape and crumb firmness. The sourdough amount and acetic acid content of bread inversely correlated to flavour score, specific volume, shape and crumb softness. The overall quality of PBF wholewheat bread was most efficiently improved after adding Lb. plantarum sourdough at 15–22.5%, resulting in retarded firming rate (74–94%) and improved specific volume (25–28%) in comparison with PBF bread without sourdough. Such sourdough has lactic to acetic acid higher than previously recommended for traditional sourbreads.
Characteristics and antioxidant activity of leaf essential oil–incorporated fish gelatin films as affected by surfactants
Authors: Tongnuanchan Phakawat , Benjakul Soottawat , Prodpran Thummanoon
Published: May 2013

Characteristics of film from fish skin gelatin incorporated with four leaf essential oils (lemongrass, basil, citronella and kaffir lime), as influenced by different surfactants (Tween‐20, Tween‐80 and soy lecithin), were investigated. Films incorporated with all essential oils had lower tensile strength with higher elongation at break and thickness, compared with control film (P < 0.05). Films added with Tween‐20 showed higher TS, compared with those containing other surfactants (P < 0.05). Water vapour permeability of films incorporated with all essential oils markedly decreased in comparison with control (P < 0.05). Films generally became darker and more yellowness, when incorporated with essential oils. Film containing basil essential oil had the highest DPPH radical– and ABTS radical–scavenging activities, compared with those added with other essential oils. Higher antioxidative activity was obtained in films containing essential oils when soy lecithin was used as surfactant, probably due to the combined effect of both constituents.
Non-response in a pharmacy and patient-based intensive monitoring system: a quantitative study on non-response bias and reasons for non-response
Authors: Härmark Linda V D , Huls Harmen J , de Gier J J (Han) , van Grootheest A C (Kees)
Published: May 2013

Objective

Worldwide pharmacists play an increasingly important role in pharmacovigilance. Lareb Intensive Monitoring (LIM) in the Netherlands is a new form of active pharmacovigilance where pharmacists play a key role. Patients using drugs which are monitored are identified in the pharmacy and invited to participate in the active monitoring. Not all invited patients participate. This study aimed to investigate non-response bias in LIM, as well as reasons for non-response in order to identify barriers to participation.

Methods

The study population consisted of patients who received a first dispensation of an antidiabetic drug monitored with LIM between 1 July 2010 and 28 February 2011. Possible non-response bias was investigated by comparing age, gender and the number of drugs used as co-medication. Reasons for non-response were investigated using a postal questionnaire.

Key findings

Respondents were on average 4.5 years younger than non-respondents and used less co-medication. There were no differences regarding gender. The main reason for non-response was that information in the pharmacy was lacking.

Conclusion

Differences between respondents and non-respondents should be taken into account when analysing and generalising data collected through LIM, as this might contribute to non-response bias. The relatively high response to the postal questionnaire, together with the answers about reasons for non-response, show that patients are willing to participate in a web-based intensive monitoring system, when they are informed and invited in the pharmacy.
Screening for major diseases in community pharmacies: a systematic review†
Authors: Ayorinde Abimbola Adebukola , Porteous Terry , Sharma Pawana
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the published evidence about the feasibility and acceptability of community pharmacy-based screening for major diseases.

Method

Studies published between January 1990 and August 2012 involving community pharmacy-based screening interventions, published in the English language, were identified from electronic databases. Reference lists of included studies were also searched.

Key findings

Fifty studies (one randomised controlled trial, two cluster randomised studies, five non-randomised comparative studies and 42 uncontrolled studies) were included. The quality of most of these was assessed as poor. Screening was mostly opportunistic and screening tools included questionnaires or risk assessment forms, medical equipment to make physiological measurements, or a combination of both. Few studies assessed the accuracy of pharmacy-based screening tools. More than half of the screening interventions included an element of patient education. The proportion of screened individuals, identified with disease risk factors or the disease itself, ranged from 4% to 89%. Only 10 studies reported any economic information. Where assessed, patient satisfaction with pharmacy-based screening was high, but individuals who screened positive often did not follow pharmacist advice to seek further medical help.

Conclusion

Available evidence suggests that screening for some diseases in community pharmacies is feasible. More studies are needed to compare effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pharmacy-based screening with screening by other providers. Strategies to improve screening participants' adherence to pharmacist advice also need to be explored. This systematic review will help to inform future studies wishing to develop community pharmacy-based screening interventions.
Noncanonical expression of caudal during early embryogenesis in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum: maternal cad‐driven posterior development is not conserved
Authors: Chang C‐c. , Hsiao Y‐m. , Huang T‐Y. , Cook C. E. , Shigenobu S. , Chang T‐H.
Published: May 2013

Previously we identified anterior localization of hunchback (Aphb) mRNA in oocytes and early embryos of the parthenogenetic and viviparous pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, suggesting that the breaking of anterior asymmetry in the oocytes leads to the formation of the anterior axis in embryos. In order to study posterior development in the asexual pea aphid, we cloned and analysed the developmental expression of caudal (Apcad), a posterior gene highly conserved in many animal phyla. We found that transcripts of Apcad were not detected in germaria, oocytes and embryos prior to the formation of the blastoderm in the asexual (viviparous) pea aphid. This unusual expression pattern differs from that of the existing insect models, including long‐ and short‐germ insects, where maternal cad mRNA is passed to the early embryos and forms a posterior–anterior gradient. The first detectable Apcad expression occurred in the newly formed primordial germ cells and their adjacent blastodermal cells during late blastulation. From gastrulation onward, and as in other insects, Apcad mRNA is restricted to the posteriormost region of the germ band. Similarly, in the sexual (oviparous) oocytes we were able to identify anterior localization of Aphb mRNA but posterior localization of Apcad was not detected. This suggests that cad‐driven posterior development is not conserved during early embryogenesis in asexual and sexual pea aphids.
Measuring the impacts of seclusion on psychiatry inpatients and the effectiveness of a pilot single‐session post‐seclusion counselling intervention
Authors: Whitecross Fiona , Seeary Amy , Lee Stuart
Published: May 2013

Despite the accumulation of evidence demonstrating patients' accounts of trauma associated with seclusion, the use of evidence‐based post‐seclusion debriefing is not apparent in the published work. This study aimed to identify the impacts seclusion has on an individual using the Impact of Events – Revised (IES‐R), a standardized and widely used measure of trauma symptoms, and measure the effectiveness of a post‐seclusion counselling intervention in mitigating the experience of seclusion‐related trauma and reducing time spent in seclusion. The study design involved a comparison of the seclusion‐related trauma and time in seclusion that was experienced by consenting patients managed on the two inpatient wards of Alfred Psychiatry. To investigate the efficacy of post‐seclusion counselling to reduce event‐related trauma as well as the use of seclusion, a brief single‐session intervention was piloted comparing outcomes for patients treated on a ward implementing semistructured post‐seclusion counselling and patients treated on a ward continuing with post‐seclusion support as usual. A total of 31 patients consented to participate, with approximately 47% reporting trauma symptoms consistent with ‘probable post‐traumatic stress disorder’ (IES‐R total score, >33), although there was no difference in trauma experience between groups. Significantly fewer hours were spent in seclusion for patients treated on the ward piloting the post‐seclusion counselling intervention. Findings, therefore, highlight not only the potential for significant trauma stemming from a seclusion event, but also the capacity for the implementation of such interventions as post‐seclusion counselling to raise awareness of the need to minimize time spent in seclusion for patients.
Transfer of labour‐management partnership in multinational companies
Authors: Rolfsen Monica
Published: May 2013

There has been a growing interest in how multinational corporations transfer various management practices from one country to another. The positions vary from an extreme where all practices will become globally standardised; to claims that the local context will be a decisive factor. In this article, the research question is why anMNCwould want to transfer the partnership practice and what the key elements to success might be. As pointed to, partnership is a part of the company's business system, the way they are used to operating. Also important is that the risk of failing in terms of technological issues was important, and thus commitment and cooperation are crucial. Success can be understood by their effort to reduce the institutional distance as much as possible, including the choice of location, hiring policy emphasis on education and training, the strategy of building strong connections to the senior shop steward.
Meeting the Health‐care Needs of the Rural Elderly: The Unique Role of Village Doctors
Authors: Babiarz Kimberly Singer , Yi Hongmei , Luo Renfu
Published: May 2013

Despite their recent deterioration, village clinics have historically been an important source of health care for the poor and elderly in rural China. In this paper, we examine the current role of village clinics, the patients who use them and some of the services they provide. We focus specifically on the role of village clinics in meeting the health‐care needs of the rural poor and elderly. We find that although clinics are continuing to decline financially, they remain a source of care for the rural elderly and poor. We estimate that the elderly are 10–15 percent more likely than young individuals to seek care at a clinic. We show that clinics provide many unique services to support the rural elderly (and the elderly poor), such as in‐home patient care, the option for patients to pay on credit, and free and discounted services.
How Are Secondary Vocational Schools in China Measuring up to Government Benchmarks?
Authors: Yi Hongmei , Zhang Linxiu , Liu Chengfang , Chu James , Loyalka Prashant , Maani May , Wei Jianguo
Published: May 2013

Drawing on a survey of 106 secondary vocational schools and 7309 students in two provinces of China, this descriptive paper assesses whether vocational schooling is measuring up to government benchmarks for quality and whether poor students are able to access quality schools. We find that secondary vocational schools have met government benchmarks for teacher qualification and training, student opportunities for practical training and adequate facilities. Furthermore, poor students access schools of similar quality to non‐poor students, even though 34 percent of poor students do not receive financial aid. We conclude that recent policies are successfully ensuring secondary vocational school quality and equity of access to school quality between poor and non‐poor students. However, financial aid policies should be re‐examined, such that poor students receive sufficient coverage. Moreover, given that input‐based measures only proxy school quality, the government should consider holding schools accountable for outcomes such as student learning.
Edge Chipping Resistance of Alumina/Zirconia Laminates
Authors: Quinn George D. , Melandri Cesare , de Portu Goffredo
Published: May 2013

The edge chipping test was used to measure the fracture resistance of alumina/alumina‐zirconia laminated structures. Tailored, symmetrical laminated structures were prepared with a variety of layer thickness. The laminates had a significantly greater edge chipping resistance. Laminates with thin layers were just as effective in impeding edge chips as laminates with thick layers.
The Influence of Slate Waste Activation Conditions on Mineralogical Changes and Pozzolanic Behavior
Authors: Frías Moisés , Vigil de la Villa Raquel , García Rosario , Sánchez de Rojas M. Isabel , Juan Valdés Andrés
Published: May 2013

The transformation process of clay minerals into pozzolanic products for use as active additives in cement matrixes has been closely studied by both the scientific community and the cement industry. Sourcing these additions from recycled waste products is widely prioritized in environmental policies, because of their associated environmental benefits. This article reports an exhaustive analysis of slate waste in Spain, for its eventual use as an alternative source of pozzolans, based on activated phyllosilicates. The analysis examines the effect of activation conditions on mineralogy and the formation and evolution of the hydrated phases that form during the pozzolanic reaction at 28 days. The results show good pozzolanic activity in the starting slate wastes activated between 800°C and 1100°C of temperature for 2 h of retention, on which basis 1000°C and 2 h were recommended as the more suitable activation conditions for these activated slate wastes (ASW), as total destruction of all phyllosilicates is ensured under those conditions. The hydrated phases formed during the pozzolanic reaction in theASW/Ca(\OH)2system were calcium silicate hydrate gels (CSH), randomly interstratified chlorite (Cl) /smectite with variables containing chlorite/smectite ratios 30% chlorite, 40% chlorite, 50% chlorite, 60% chlorite, respectively, and monosulfoaluminate (C3A·SO4Ca·12H2O) directly related to the activation process used in this article. All of these findings support the viability of slate waste for use as a pozzolanic addition.
Piezoelectric Property and Strain Behavior ofPb(Yb0.5Nb0.5)O3–PbHfO3–PbTiO3Polycrystalline Ceramics
Authors: Tang Hua , Zhang Shujun , Feng Yujun , Li Fei , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: May 2013

(1−x)Pb(Hf1−yTiy)O3–xPb(Yb0.5Nb0.5)O3(x = 0.10–0.44,y = 0.55–0.80) ceramics were fabricated. The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of the ternary system was determined byX‐ray powder diffraction. The optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties were achieved in 0.8Pb(Hf0.4Ti0.6)O3–0.2Pb(Yb0.5Nb0.5)O3ceramics withMPBcomposition, where the dielectric permittivity εr, piezoelectric coefficientd33, planar electromechanical couplingkp, and Curie temperatureTcwere found to be on the order of 1930,480 pC/N, 62%, and 360°C, respectively. The unipolar strain behavior was evaluated as a function of applied electric field up to 50 kV/cm to investigate the strain nonlinearity and domain wall motion under large drive field, where the high field piezoelectricd33* was found to be 620 pm/V for 0.82Pb(Hf0.4Ti0.6)O3–0.18Pb(Yb0.5Nb0.5)O3. In addition, Rayleigh analysis was carried out to study the extrinsic contribution, where the value was found to be in the range 2%–18%.
Silicon Carbide Whiskers: Preparation and High Dielectric Permittivity
Authors: Kuang Jianlei , Cao Wenbin
Published: May 2013

Silicon Carbide whiskers have been synthesized using silica sol and activated carbon as reagents via microwave heating without the presence of any of the catalysts, such as Fe, Ni, and Al etc.. The synthesized whiskers were separated and concentrated from the as‐synthesized products using the gravity concentration process. The dielectric properties of the concentrated SiC whiskers were investigated in the frequency range 2–18 GHz. The results indicate that the SiC whiskers exhibit higher dielectric permittivity and loss tangent than those of SiC powders, respectively, due to the high density of stacking faults formed in the SiC whiskers prepared by microwave heating.
Correlation Between Crystallization Behavior and Network Structure in GeS2–Ga2S3–CsI Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Lin Changgui , Qu Guoshun , Li Zhuobin , Dai Shixun , Ma Hongli , Xu Tiefeng , Nie Qiuhua , Zhang Xianghua
Published: May 2013

Diagram of the phase transformation behavior of GeS2–Ga2S3–CsI glasses is realized in this article and the structure‐property dependence of the chalcogenide glasses is elucidated using differential scanning calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy. We observe the compositional threshold of crystallization behavior locates at x = 6–7 mol% in (100−x)(0.8GeS2–0.2Ga2S3)–xCsI glasses, which is confirmed by the thermodynamic studies. Structural motifs are derived from the Raman result that [Ge(Ga)S4], [S2GeI2], [S3GaI], and [S3Ga–GaS3] were identified to exist in this glass network. Combined with the information of structural threshold, local arrangement of these structural motifs is proposed to explain all the experimental observations, which provides a new way to understand the correlation between crystallization behavior and network structure in chalcogenide glasses.
Modification of a simple clinical scoring system as a diagnostic screening tool for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nakamura Akinobu , Yoneda Masato , Sumida Yoshio , Eguchi Yuichiro , Fujii Hideki , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ono Masafumi , Suzuki Yasuaki , Kawaguchi Takumi , Aoki Noriaki , Okanoue Takeshi , Nakajima Atsushi , Maeda Shin , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: May 2013

Aims/Introduction

We reinvestigated the clinical usefulness of the modified NAFIC scoring system, modified by changing the weightage assigned to the fasting serum insulin level based on the importance of hyperinsulinemia in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who had undergone liver biopsy.

Materials and Methods

The NAFIC score is conventionally calculated as follows: serum ferritin ≥200 ng/mL (female) or ≥300 ng/mL (male), 1 point; serum fasting insulin ≥10 μU/mL, 1 point; and serum type IV collagen 7 s ≥5.0 ng/mL, 2 points. A total of 147 patients with NAFLD who had undergone liver biopsies were included in the estimation group. To validate the modified scoring system, 355 patients from nine hepatology centers in Japan were also enrolled.

Results

In the estimation group, 74 (50.3%) patients were histologically diagnosed as having NASH, whereas the remaining 73 (49.7%) were diagnosed as not having NASH. As the percentage of NASH patients increased not only among participants with serum insulin levels greater than 10 μU/mL, but also in those with serum levels greater than 15 μU/mL, we advocated use of the modified NAFIC score, as follows: serum fasting insulin 10–15 μU/mL, 1 point and ≥15 μU/mL, 2 points. The modified NAFIC score showed improved sensitivity and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of NASH. This finding was also confirmed in the validation group.

Conclusions

The modified NAFIC scoring system could be a clinically useful diagnostic screening tool for NASH.
Ontogenetic trajectories in the ornithischian endocranium
Authors: Lautenschlager S. , Hübner T.
Published: May 2013

Understanding ontogenetic and developmental patterns is critical for reconstructing the life history of fossil vertebrates. In dinosaurs, ontogenetic studies have nearly exclusively focused on changes in the cranial and post‐cranial skeleton, whereas ontogenetic changes in the endocranium have received little attention. Here, we present digital reconstructions of the brain and inner ear anatomy of two ontogenetic stages of the Jurassic ornithischian dinosaur Dysalotosaurus lettowvorbecki. Results show that the endocranial anatomy underwent considerable changes during growth, including a rostrocaudal elongation of the olfactory apparatus, a reduction in the cephalic and pontine flexure and an increase in cerebellum size. Functional elements, such as the cerebral hemispheres and the inner ear, were already well developed in early ontogenetic stages, indicating a large degree of precociality. The anisotropic pattern of size and shape changes in the endocranium further indicates that ontogenetic trajectories may be controlled by functional and environmental demands in the different growth stages in Dysalotosaurus lettowvorbecki. The occurrence of similar ontogenetic patterns in the endocranial anatomy of derived ornithopod dinosaurs suggests a more widespread distribution of this growth trajectory.
Sociodemographic and Health Indicators of Older Women with Urinary Incontinence: 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities
Authors: De Gagne Jennie C. , So Aeyoung , Oh Jina , Park Sunah , Palmer Mary H.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To describe the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and urinary incontinence (UI) in older women (≥65) living in residential care facilities (RCFs).

Design

Cross‐sectional, retrospective survey of a population‐based sample, the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities (NSRCF).

Setting

United States.

Participants

Participants in the 2010 NSRCF (N = 8,094).

Measurements

Sociodemographic and health indicators associated with UI.

Results

Data from 4,930 women were available for analysis, 44.6% of whom had UI. Statistically significant differences were found between the samples of continent women and incontinent women in marital status (P = .001), educational level (P = .04), and length of stay (P = .03). Significant differences were also found between continent and incontinent women in activity of daily living (ADL) scores (P < .001), overall health status (P < .001), and comorbidities (P < .001). The strongest association was severe impairment in ADLs (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 21.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.07–29.01), followed by moderate impairment in ADLs (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.61–4.44).

Conclusion

UI is highly prevalent in older women residing in RCFs and is associated with severe impairment in ADLs. A comprehensive assessment including physical function status or early detection in physically functional impairment in RCFs is suggested to prevent or delay onset of or improve existing UI.
Systematic Review: Health‐Related Characteristics of Elderly Hospitalized Adults and Nursing Home Residents Associated with Short‐Term Mortality
Authors: Thomas John M. , Cooney Leo M. , Fried Terri R.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To identify the domains of health‐related characteristics of older hospitalized adults and nursing home residents most strongly associated with short‐term mortality.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

Studies published in English in MEDLINE, Scopus, or Web of Science before August 1, 2010.

Participants

Prospective studies consisting of persons aged 65 and older that evaluated the association between at least one health‐related participant characteristic and mortality within a year in multivariable analysis.

Measurements

All health‐related characteristics associated with mortality in multivariable analysis were extracted and categorized into domains. The frequency, with all studies combined, with which particular domains were associated with mortality in multivariable analysis was determined.

Results

Thirty‐three studies (28 in hospitalized individuals, five in nursing home residents) reported a large number of characteristics associated with mortality that could be categorized in seven domains: cognitive function, disease diagnosis, laboratory values, nutrition, physical function, pressure ulcers, and shortness of breath. Measures of physical function and nutrition were the domains most frequently associated with mortality up to 1 year from the time of evaluation for hospitalized individuals and nursing home residents; measures of physical function, cognitive function, and nutrition were the domains most frequently associated with in‐hospital mortality for hospitalized individuals.

Conclusion

Of a large number of health‐related characteristics of older persons shown to be associated with short‐term mortality, measures of nutrition, physical function, and cognitive function were the domains of health most frequently associated with mortality. These domains provide easily measurable factors that may serve as helpful markers for individuals at high mortality risk.
Acute Care for Elders Components of Acute Geriatric Unit Care: Systematic Descriptive Review
Authors: Fox Mary T. , Sidani Souraya , Persaud Malini , Tregunno Deborah , Maimets Ilo , Brooks Dina , O'Brien Kelly
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To describe the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model components implemented as part of acute geriatric unit care and explore the association between each ACE component and outcomes of iatrogenic complications, functional decline, length of hospital stay, nursing home discharges, costs, and discharges home.

Design

Systematic descriptive review of 32 articles, including 14 trials reporting on the implementation of ACE components or the effectiveness of their implementation in improving outcomes. Mean effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using trial outcome data. Information describing implementation of the ACE components in the trials was analyzed using content analysis.

Setting

Acute care geriatric units.

Participants

Acutely ill or injured adults (N = 6,839) with an average age of 81.

Interventions

Acute geriatric unit care was characterized by the implementation of one or more ACE components: medical review, early rehabilitation, early discharge planning, prepared environment, patient‐centered care.

Measurements

Falls, pressure ulcers, delirium, functional decline, length of hospital stay, discharge destination (home or nursing home), and costs.

Results

Medical review, early rehabilitation, and patient‐centered care, characterized by the implementation of standardized and individualized function‐focused interventions, had larger standardized mean ESs (all ES = 0.20) averaged across all outcomes, than did early discharge planning (ES = 0.17) or prepared environment (ES = 0.11).

Conclusion

Specific ACE component interventions of medical review, early rehabilitation, and patient‐centered care appear to be optimal for overall positive outcomes. These findings can help service providers design and evaluate the most‐effective ACE model within the contexts of their respective institutions to improve outcomes for acutely ill or injured older adults.
Genome‐Wide Analysis of the Sus Gene Family in Cotton
Authors: Zou Changsong , Lu Cairui , Shang Haihong , Jing Xinrui , Cheng Hailiang , Zhang Youping , Song Guoli
Published: May 2013

Sucrose synthase (Sus) is a key enzyme in plant sucrose metabolism. In cotton, Sus (EC 2.4.1.13) is the main enzyme that degrades sucrose imported into cotton fibers from the phloem of the seed coat. This study demonstrated that the genomes of Gossypium arboreum L., G. raimondii Ulbr., and G. hirsutum L., contained 8, 8, and 15 Sus genes, respectively. Their structural organizations, phylogenetic relationships, and expression profiles were characterized. Comparisons of genomic and coding sequences identified multiple introns, the number and positions of which were highly conserved between diploid and allotetraploid cotton species. Most of the phylogenetic clades contained sequences from all three species, suggesting that the Sus genes of tetraploid G. hirsutum derived from those of its diploid ancestors. One Sus group (Sus I) underwent expansion during cotton evolution. Expression analyses indicated that most Sus genes were differentially expressed in various tissues and had development‐dependent expression profiles in cotton fiber cells. Members of the same orthologous group had very similar expression patterns in all three species. These results provide new insights into the evolution of the cotton Sus gene family, and insight into its members' physiological functions during fiber growth and development.
Family demands, social support and family functioning in Taiwanese families rearing children with Down syndrome
Authors: Hsiao C‐Y.
Published: May 2013

Background

Down syndrome (DS) affects not only children but also their families. Much remains to be learned about factors that influence how families of children with DS function, especially families in non‐Western populations. The purpose of this cross‐sectional, correlational study was to examine how family demographics, family demands and social support relate to family functioning as well as the potential mediating effect of social support on the relationship between family demands and family functioning in Taiwanese families of children with DS.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐five parents (80 mothers and 75 fathers) from 83 families independently completed mailed questionnaires. Data were analysed using a principal component analysis and mixed linear modelling.

Results

Families having older children with DS, greater parental education, higher family income, fewer family demands and greater social support contributed to healthier family functioning. Social support partially mediated the effects of family demands on family functioning.

Conclusions

Family demographics, family demands and social support appear to be important factors that may play a critical role in how Taiwanese families respond to the birth of a child with DS. Care of children with DS and their families is likely to be more effective if professionals working with these families are aware of factors that contribute to healthy family functioning.
Application of combined EBSD and 3D‐SEM technique on crystallographic facet analysis of steel at low temperature
Authors: MOHSENI P. , SOLBERG J.K. , KARLSEN M. , AKSELSEN O.M. , ØSTBY E.
Published: May 2013

Electron backscatter diffraction has been increasingly used to identify the crystallographic planes and orientation of cleavage facets with respect to the rolling direction in fracture surfaces. The crystallographic indices of cleavage planes can be determined either directly from the fracture surface or indirectly from metallographic sections perpendicular to the plane of the fracture surface. A combination of electron backscatter diffraction and 3D scanning electron microscopy imaging technique has been modified to determine crystallographic facet orientations. The main purpose of this work has been to identify the macroscopic crystallographic orientations of cleavage facets in the fracture surfaces of weld heat affected zones in a well‐known steel fractured at low temperatures. The material used for the work was an American Petroleum Institute (API) X80 grade steel developed for applications at low temperatures, and typical heat affected zone microstructures were obtained by carrying out weld thermal simulation. The fracture toughness was measured at different temperatures (0°C, −30°C, −60°C and −90°C) by using Crack Tip Opening Displacement testing. Fracture surfaces and changes in microstructure were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Crystallographic orientations were identified by electron backscatter diffraction, indirectly from a polished section perpendicular to the major fracture surface of the samples. Computer assisted 3D imaging was used to measure the angles between the cleavage facets and the adjacent polished surface, and then these angles were combined with electron backscatter diffraction measurements to determine the macroscopic crystallographic planes of the facets. The crystallographic indices of the macroscopic cleavage facet planes were identified to be {100}, {110}, {211} and {310} at all temperatures.