bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Dynamics of Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Cessation
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J.
Published: October 2014

Background.  Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) results in an ongoing burden of poliomyelitis due to vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs). This motivates globally coordinated OPV cessation after wild poliovirus eradication.

Methods.  We modeled poliovirus transmission and OPV evolution to characterize the interaction between population immunity, OPV-related virus prevalence, and the emergence of cVDPVs after OPV cessation. We explored strategies to prevent and manage cVDPVs for countries that currently use OPV for immunization and characterized cVDPV emergence risks and OPV use for outbreak response.

Results.  Continued intense supplemental immunization activities until OPV cessation represent the best strategy to prevent cVDPV emergence after OPV cessation in areas with insufficient routine immunization coverage. Policy makers must actively manage population immunity before OPV cessation to prevent cVDPVs and aggressively respond if prevention fails. Sufficiently aggressive response with OPV to interrupt transmission of the cVDPV outbreak virus will lead to die-out of OPV-related viruses used for response in the outbreak population. Further analyses should consider the risk of exportation to other populations of the outbreak virus and any OPV used for outbreak response.

Conclusions.  OPV cessation can successfully eliminate all circulating live polioviruses in a population. The polio end game requires active risk management.
Modeling the spectral energy distribution of 3C 454.3 in a “flat” broad-line region scenario
Authors: Lei Maichang , Wang Jiancheng
Published: October 2014

The broad-line region (BLR) of flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) could have a “flat” geometrical structure to allow GeV gamma-ray photons to escape, to produce the observed gamma-ray flares with short timescales. In this paper, we collect the quasi-simultaneous spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the FSRQ 3C 454.3 obtained by the multi-wavelength campaigns spanning from 2007 July to 2011 January, and use a model with a “flat” structure BLR, an accretion disc and a dust torus to explain the SEDs of gamma-ray outbursts. We obtain the following results: (i) the jet is almost in equipartition between magnetic and particle energy densities during the outbursts; (ii) when the emitting region is located inside the cavity of the BLR, the covering factor fBLR of the BLR is very small—as the emitting region goes into the BLR structure, fBLR increases; (iii) the aperture angle α describing the BLR structure is about 45°; (iv) the central black hole mass is about 5 × 108 M⊙ rather than 4.4 × 109 M⊙.
Influences of Breast Milk Composition on Gastric Emptying in Preterm Infants
Authors: Perrella Sharon L. , Hepworth Anna R. , Simmer Karen N. , Geddes Donna T.
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to determine whether specific biochemical and energy concentrations influence gastric emptying of unfortified and fortified mother's own milk (MOM) in stable preterm infants, and whether gastric emptying differs between feeds of unfortified MOM and feeds fortified with S‐26 or FM 85 human milk fortifier (HMF) when infants are fed the same volume under similar conditions. Influences of infant gestation, age, and weight, and feed characteristics were also explored.

Methods:

Stomach volumes of 25 paired unfortified and fortified MOM feeds were monitored prefeed and postfeed delivery and at 30‐minute intervals thereafter. For each feed, MOM samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of total protein, casein, whey, carbohydrate, lactose, fat, and energy. Fortified feed compositions were calculated by adding fortifier biochemical and energy concentrations to unfortified MOM concentrations. Ultrasound images were used to calculate infant stomach volumes. Statistical comparisons were made of paired stomach volume measurements.

Results:

Higher feed concentrations of casein were associated with faster gastric emptying during feed delivery (P = 0.007). When compared with unfortified MOM, S‐26 fortified feeds emptied similarly, whereas FM 85 fortified feeds emptied more slowly both during feed delivery and during the postprandial period (P = 0.002, <0.001, respectively). Gastric emptying was slower for 2‐hourly feeds compared with that for 3‐hourly feeds (P = 0.003) and in supine position compared with that in prone (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Breast milk composition influences gastric emptying in stable preterm infants, with feeds of higher casein concentration emptying faster during feeding than otherwise equivalent feeds, and FM 85 fortified MOM emptying more slowly than unfortified MOM.
Risks of hormonally active pharmaceuticals to amphibians: a growing concern regarding progestagens
Authors: Säfholm Moa , Ribbenstedt Anton , Fick Jerker , Berg Cecilia
Published: October 2014

Most amphibians breed in water, including the terrestrial species, and may therefore be exposed to water-borne pharmaceuticals during critical phases of the reproductive cycle, i.e. sex differentiation and gamete maturation. The objectives of this paper were to (i) review available literature regarding adverse effects of hormonally active pharmaceuticals on amphibians, with special reference to environmentally relevant exposure levels and (ii) expand the knowledge on toxicity of progestagens in amphibians by determining effects of norethindrone (NET) and progesterone (P) exposure to 0, 1, 10 or 100 ng l−1(nominal) on oogenesis in the test speciesXenopus tropicalis. Very little information was found on toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of pharmaceuticals on amphibians. Research has shown that environmental concentrations (1.8 ng l−1) of the pharmaceutical oestrogen ethinylestradiol (EE2) cause developmental reproductive toxicity involving impaired spermatogenesis in frogs. Recently, it was found that the progestagen levonorgestrel (LNG) inhibited oogenesis in frogs by interrupting the formation of vitellogenic oocytes at an environmentally relevant concentration (1.3 ng l−1). Results from the present study revealed that 1 ng NET l−1and 10 ng P l−1caused reduced proportions of vitellogenic oocytes and increased proportions of previtellogenic oocytes compared with the controls, thereby indicating inhibited vitellogenesis. Hence, the available literature shows that the oestrogen EE2and the progestagens LNG, NET and P impair reproductive functions in amphibians at environmentally relevant exposure concentrations. The progestagens are of particular concern given their prevalence, the range of compounds and that several of them (LNG, NET and P) share the same target (oogenesis) at environmental exposure concentrations, indicating a risk for adverse effects on fertility in exposed wild amphibians.
Ecological effects of pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems—impacts through behavioural alterations
Authors: Brodin Tomas , Piovano Susanna , Fick Jerker , Klaminder Jonatan , Heynen Martina , Jonsson Micael
Published: October 2014

The study of animal behaviour is important for both ecology and ecotoxicology, yet research in these two fields is currently developing independently. Here, we synthesize the available knowledge on drug-induced behavioural alterations in fish, discuss potential ecological consequences and report results from an experiment in which we quantify both uptake and behavioural impact of a psychiatric drug on a predatory fish (
Perca fluviatilis
) and its invertebrate prey (
Coenagrion hastulatum
). We show that perch became more active while damselfly behaviour was unaffected, illustrating that behavioural effects of pharmaceuticals can differ between species. Furthermore, we demonstrate that prey consumption can be an important exposure route as on average 46% of the pharmaceutical in ingested prey accumulated in the predator. This suggests that investigations of exposure through bioconcentration, where trophic interactions and subsequent bioaccumulation of exposed individuals are ignored, underestimate exposure. Wildlife may therefore be exposed to higher levels of behaviourally altering pharmaceuticals than predictions based on commonly used exposure assays and pharmaceutical concentrations found in environmental monitoring programmes.
Crystal structure of 2,4-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-7-tert-pentyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one
Authors: Park Dong Ho , Ramkumar V. , Parthiban P.
Published: October 2014

The title compound, C25H29Cl2NO, which is a chloro analog of 2,4-bis(2-bromophenyl)-7-(tert-pentyl)-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one [Park, Ramkumar & Parthiban (2012).Acta Cryst.E68, o2946], exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial orientation of the 2-chlorophenyl groups. Thetert-pentyl group on the cyclohexanone adopts an exocyclic equatorial position and is disordered between two orientations in a ratio 0.520 (8):0.480 (8). The crystal packing shows no directional contacts beyond van der Waals contacts.
Crystal structure of 1,3-diallyl-1,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydro-4,7-methano-2-benzothiophene 2,2-dioxide
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Gunta Rama
Published: October 2014

The title compound C15H20O2S, was identified as a product of diallylation of themeso-isomer of the corresponding norbornene sulfone, and it is an achiral compound. The five-membered heterocycle adopts an envelope conformation with the S atom deviating by 0.795 (3) Å from the other atoms of the ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0131). Both allyl groups areanti-oriented relative to the S atom but their double bonds are directed in opposite directions relative to the plane of the heterocycle.
Evaluation of factors and approaches affecting emergency department space planning
Authors: Pascale Federica , Achour Nabil , D.F. Price Andrew , Polverino Francesco
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate emergency department (ED) design space planning approaches and draw lessons for developing more resilient and integrated ED guidelines. Two key objectives have been set; these include: exploring potential factors affecting the ED performance, and investigate how ED space planning is addressed internationally through the evaluation of international case studies and design guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

– A robust research method has been adopted including comprehensive literature review in addition to 76 case studies from Italy and the USA.

Findings

– Findings show that the important factors in defining ED space requirements are attendance variability, vulnerable groups and mass casualty events. The study concludes that current design guidelines and approaches need to be updated to meet with the current and future demand by taking into account design performance: effectiveness, efficiency and resilience, to avoid underestimating ED space; and that the US EDs are in a better position, than Italian EDs, to increase capacity when needed.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this study is in providing a tangible “understanding” of factors influencing ED design and prepares a firm ground to develop more resilient and integrated design guidelines, able to meet current, exceptional and long-term needs of EDs. The study also shows that research can provide a valuable contribution to improve ED design which needs to feed more in practice to improve design process and guidelines.
The alternative futures of the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture: from salinity research to greening the desert
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail , A. Elouafi Ismahane
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present findings, based on a report for the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), of the preferred visions, scenarios and strategies of stakeholders articulated at a workshop held in Dubai from November 25 to 26, 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

– The “six pillars” approach to foresight was used to articulate visions of preferred futures of over 50 international stakeholders, including representatives from the UAE Government, national and international donors, the private sector and leading scientists from universities and international scientific institutions. These visions were then translated into a strategic and business plan for ICBA.

Findings

– The research center was successfully able to use foresight methods to develop a long-term strategic plan, continuing its history of innovation in knowledge-based research relating to saline and marginal environments. Novel visions and strategies for water and food futures were developed. A risk assessment of each vision was conducted.

Research limitations/implications

– This case study presents visions with scenarios and strategic pathways. It illustrates the utility in setting long-term visions first and then linking with strategic plans. Limitations include that the success of such a venture cannot be judged for at least five to six years. While in the short run, resources – human, partnerships, capital and leadership – have been mobilized, it is too soon to gauge real success of the foresight workshop, project.

Practical implications

– The study shows links between visions, scenarios and strategic pathways.

Social implications

– The study includes valuable discussions by leading scientists of water and food futures as well as the organizational and leadership capabilities required to deliver alternative futures.

Originality/value

– One of the few workshop-oriented interventions in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) region using the anticipatory action learning six pillars framework is included. The study contrasts normal expert-based conferencing in the MENA region.
Slack in family firms: evidence from Italy (2006-2010)
Authors: Laffranchini Giacomo , Braun Mike
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between available slack and firm performance in Italian family-controlled public firms (FCPFs) from 2006 to 2010. In addition the authors analyze the moderating effects of specific board structure variables on the relationship between slack resources and firms’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A pooled cross-section of family and non-family publicly traded firms was drawn from COMPUSTAT global and matched with corporate governance and family firm variables hand-collected from companies’ standard profiles from Italy's primary stock exchange, Borsa Italiana. The hypotheses were tested using the feasible generalized least square method in order to analyze the data from 583 firms-observations, controlling for self-selection bias and reverse causality.

Findings

– The study shows that FCPFs with available slack experience less than proportionate increases in performance, suggesting a concave curvilinear slack-performance relationship. However, the slack-performance relationship is contingent on board independence and board size: greater board independence and larger boards in FCPFs relate to higher performance when the firm lacks or has too much slack available. The findings suggest that a balanced approach of oversight and stewardship helps families to make better resources allocation, to the benefit of outside shareholders as well.

Research limitations/implications

– The slack measure was restricted to available slack. Future studies can expand this research inquiry with other forms of slack, including potential and recoverable slack. The sample included only publicly traded family and non-family firms, thereby limiting the generalizability of the findings to other types of family enterprises. Lastly, the results only attend to the slack-performance relationship by controlling whether the firm's performance is below or above the industry average.

Practical implications

– Policy makers and non-family stakeholders may rely on the findings better understand the factors that can alter the family's propensity for risks and its related strategic decisions in the Italian context. Procedures to fully monitor family management's decision making or, at the other extreme, to give the family free reign are likely to disadvantage families, their business, and their outside stakeholders.

Originality/value

– The study reconciles the debate on the role of slack on firms’ performance by proposing a curvilinear relationship. The study is one of only a handful of research inquiries centrally addressing the role of slack in family-owned businesses, and the only analysis focussed on Italian FCPFs.
Factors that influence perceptions of work-life balance in owners of copreneurial firms
Authors: R. Helmle Jill , C. Botero Isabel , R. Seibold David
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence perceptions of work-life balance among owners of copreneurial firms. Research on work-life balance in the context of family firms has focussed on the effects that perceptions of balance can have on the emotional well-being of business owners and performance of the firm. Less attention has been given to understanding the factors affecting an owner's perceptions of work-life balance. This paper not only explores the antecedents of perceptions of work-life balance but does so with copreneurs, or couples who own and manage a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data for this study were collected using surveys. In all, 210 copreneurs with businesses in nearly 20 industries answered questions about their perceptions of work-life balance, work-life conflict (WLC), life-work conflict, communication practices, characteristics of their jobs, and spousal support.

Findings

– WLC was negatively related to perceptions of work-life balance. Job involvement, flexibility at work, and permeability of communication were significantly related to perceptions of WLC. Interestingly spousal support did not affect individual perceptions of life-work balance, but had a direct influence on perceptions of work-life balance.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample was not randomly selected, and participants were surveyed at only one point in time. Notwithstanding these limitations, the findings have implications for advancing research and theory in the areas of family business, work-life issues, and communication. While the paper focus on copreneurial firms, the findings may have implications for family firms and co-founded ventures.

Practical implications

– The potential benefits of copreneurs’ increased awareness of these findings (from readings or through coaching) are important given prior research demonstrating that family to work conflict and work to family conflict affect the emotional well-being of family business owners, their satisfaction with work, and firm performance.

Originality/value

– This project offers two important contributions to research in family firms. First, it focusses on copreneurial firms as a unique type of family firm which has the potential to shed light on the differences between family firms. Second, results from this study provide a picture of the predictors of work-life balance for couples who are firm owners.
The US brewing industry, strategic windows and survival
Authors: A. Walter Lynn , F. Edelman Linda , J. Hatten Keneth
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate how dynamic capabilities enabled survival in a select group of brewers, during one of the lengthiest and most severe industry consolidations in history. In doing so, we advance Abell’s (1978) theory of strategic windows through integration with the resource-based view of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a mixed method approach, we first apply case study methods to develop hypotheses around the timing and level of operational capability required for survival. In the second phase, we test these hypothesized estimations on the USA Brewing population.

Findings

– Indicate that brewers which had advanced distribution and manufacturing operational capabilities before the strategic window of opportunity closed had higher survival rates.

Practical implications

– This study reinforces the importance of making timely strategic investments in capabilities.

Originality/value

– The integration of strategic window and capability theories advances our understanding of the roles that capabilities and time play in determining firm survival.
Reflections on aspects of executive behaviour in the early railway companies in Britain
Authors: Proctor Tony
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the article is to examine aspects of executive behaviour relating to social responsibility in the British railway companies from their beginnings in 1830 until 1860. It offers a fruitful contribution to the literature and the understanding of responsibility, noting specifically the impact of the overall business and social culture prevalent at the times.

Design/methodology/approach

– Discussion of the railways touches on various stakeholders. It uses the four responsibilities of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) [economic, legal, ethical and discretionary (philanthropic)] as a framework against which to examine some of the actions taken in the railway companies. Reference is also made to the prevailing business culture of the times and how it may have impacted management practices of the times. The study considers real-world phenomena, where management is an applied field and where scholarship ties to the real-world phenomena practitioners face.

Findings

– A lack of Government participation in setting up the railways resulted in a slow reaction in terms of providing legislation to regulate the development and running of the railways. This, in turn, meant firms having to rely sometimes on their own discretion regarding what they considered responsible actions. While economic and social benefits of railways were in evidence, there was some evidence of financial irregularities, and safety issues for passengers were prominent issues of the day. Moreover, a lack of an efficient public relations function hindered dealing with public concerns. Despite impressive engineering achievements, some mistakes were made which involved loss of life and substantial financial costs.

Originality/value

– The combination of a historical approach and the use of the theoretical framework of the four responsibilities of CSR provide a novel view on aspects of entrepreneurial activity in a early industrialisation context. The case here also underlines the importance of understanding the context in which innovations, influential in and to society, are introduced.
Continuous improvement of maintenance process for the cement industry – a case study
Authors: Shafeek Hani
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the most important areas of maintenance management system for heavy industries for helping maintenance mangers to focus on measuring the effectiveness of maintenance system. This work aimed at inferring relationships between maintenance management, maintenance practices and maintenance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

– In relation to maintenance management, as a case study approach, it can be applied to continuous improvement maintenance systems through 15 maintenance process areas.

Findings

– The general picture evidences some criticalities, such as those areas which help in the success of maintenance management and areas which lead to the failure of maintenance management. It was found that by using the maintenance management system in the cement industry, it was possible to measure and improve about 15 percent maintenance performance which can be achieved by enhancing maintenance in the suggested areas.

Practical implications

– Continuous maintenance improvement (CMI) is an ongoing effort to improve maintenance aimed at maintenance process simplification and reduction or elimination of maintenance process waste. To support CMI, maintenance engineers continually examine maintenance processes to discover and eliminate problems.

Originality/value

– Other researchers have reported on the maintenance management system, but most of them have focussed on limited areas. The lack of useful and practical research has been determined. It seems that the scientific knowledge of maintenance management still needs more effort. This study is one of the first in-depth studies into actual condition-based maintenance practice to test 15 maintenance process areas.
Downtime analysis of drilling machines and suggestions for improvements
Authors: S. Al-Chalabi Hussan , Lundberg Jan , Wijaya Andi , Ghodrati Behzad
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse and compare the downtime of four drilling machines used in two underground mines in Sweden. The downtime of these machines was compared to show what problems affect downtime and which strategies should be applied to reduce it.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study collects failure data from a two-year period for four drilling machines and performs reliability analysis. It also performs downtime analysis utilising a log-log diagram with a confidence interval.

Findings

– There are notable differences in the downtime of most of the studied components for all machines. The hoses and feeder have relatively high downtime. Depending on their downtime, the significant components can be ranked in three groups. The downtime of the studied components is due to reliability problems. The study suggests the need to improve the reliability of critical components to reduce the downtime of drilling machines.

Originality/value

– The method of analysing the downtime, identifying dominant factors and the interval estimation for the downtime, has never been studied on drilling machines. The research proposed in this paper provides a general method to link downtime analysis with potential component improvement. To increase the statistical accuracy; four case studies was performed in two different mines with completely different working environment and ore properties. Using the above method showed which components need to be improved and suggestions for improvement was proposed and will be implemented accordingly.
Time‐lapse seismic imaging using regularized full‐waveform inversion with a prior model: which strategy?
Authors: Asnaashari A. , Brossier R. , Garambois S. , Audebert F. , Thore P. , Virieux J.
Published: October 2014

Full‐waveform inversion is an appealing technique for time‐lapse imaging, especially when prior model information is included into the inversion workflow. Once the baseline reconstruction is achieved, several strategies can be used to assess the physical parameter changes, such as parallel difference (two separate inversions of baseline and monitor data sets), sequential difference (inversion of the monitor data set starting from the recovered baseline model) and double‐difference (inversion of the difference data starting from the recovered baseline model) strategies. Using synthetic Marmousi data sets, we investigate which strategy should be adopted to obtain more robust and more accurate time‐lapse velocity changes in noise‐free and noisy environments. This synthetic application demonstrates that the double‐difference strategy provides the more robust time‐lapse result. In addition, we propose a target‐oriented time‐lapse imaging using regularized full‐waveform inversion including a prior model and model weighting, if the prior information exists on the location of expected variations. This scheme applies strong prior model constraints outside of the expected areas of time‐lapse changes and relatively less prior constraints in the time‐lapse target zones. In application of this process to the Marmousi model data set, the local resolution analysis performed with spike tests shows that the target‐oriented inversion prevents the occurrence of artefacts outside the target areas, which could contaminate and compromise the reconstruction of the effective time‐lapse changes, especially when using the sequential difference strategy. In a strongly noisy case, the target‐oriented prior model weighting ensures the same behaviour for both time‐lapse strategies, the double‐difference and the sequential difference strategies and leads to a more robust reconstruction of the weak time‐lapse changes. The double‐difference strategy can deliver more accurate time‐lapse variation since it can focus to invert the difference data. However, the double‐difference strategy requires a preprocessing step on data sets such as time‐lapse binning to have a similar source/receiver location between two surveys, while the sequential difference needs less this requirement. If we have prior information about the area of changes, the target‐oriented sequential difference strategy can be an alternative and can provide the same robust result as the double‐difference strategy.
Bats as the main prey of wintering long‐eared owl (Asio otus) in Beijing: Integrating biodiversity protection and urban management
Authors: TIAN Long , ZHOU Xuwei , SHI Yang , GUO Yumin , BAO Weidong
Published: October 2014

The loss of biodiversity from urbanized areas is a major environmental problem challenging policy‐makers throughout the world. Solutions to this problem are urgently required in China. We carried out a case study of wintering long‐eared owls (Asio otus) and their main prey to illustrate the negative effects of urbanization combined with ineffective conservation of biodiversity in Beijing. Field monitoring of owl numbers at two roosting sites from 2004 to 2012 showed that the owl population had fallen rapidly in metropolitan Beijing. Analysis of pellet contents identified only seven individuals of two species of shrew. The majority of mammalian prey comprised four bat and seven rodent species, making up 29.3% and 29.5% of the prey items, respectively. Prey composition varied significantly among years at the two sample sites. At the urban site the consumption of bats and rodents declined gradually over time, while predation on birds increased. In contrast, at the suburban site the prey composition showed an overall decrease in the number of bats, a sharp increase and a subsequent decrease in bird prey, and the number of rodent prey fell to a low point. Rapid development of real estate and inadequate greenfield management in city parks resulted in negative effects on the bird and small mammal habitat of urban areas in Beijing. We suggest that measures to conserve biodiversity should be integrated into future urban planning to maintain China's rich biodiversity while also achieving sustainable economic development.
Enhancing Antioxidant Activity of Sesamol at Frying Temperature by Addition of Additives through Reducing Volatility*
Authors: Hwang Hong‐Sik , Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Vermillion Karl , Liu Sean X.
Published: October 2014

Additives were evaluated to investigate their effects on volatility of sesamol at frying temperature with the hypothesis that the interaction between an additive and sesamol would reduce sesamol volatility. Twenty‐two additive : sesamol combinations were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nitrogen in neat form and in soybean oil. The results indicate that these additives could bind to or interact with sesamol and consequently reduced its volatility. 1H NMR study provided evidence for hydrogen bonding between sesamol and a hydroxyl group, an amino group, and ether groups. Subsequent heating tests were conducted to investigate the effect of the reduced volatility of sesamol on antioxidant activity in soybean oil at 180 °C. Oxidation of soybean oil was monitored with gel permeation chromatography for formation of polymerized triacylglycerols and with 1H NMR for loss of olefinic and bisallylic protons. Sesamol retained in soybean oil during the heating process was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. A strong correlation between the retained sesamol and the antioxidant activity was observed. The mixture of 830 ppm sesamol and mono‐/diglycerides, polysorbate 20 or l‐carnosine showed much improved antioxidant activity compared to sesamol itself and slightly better antioxidant activity than 200 ppm tert‐butylhydroquinone. It is believed that this method can also be used for many other antioxidants for which volatility is a problem.
Lidocaine increases the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 following mechanical ventilation in healthy mice
Authors: VAN DER WAL S. , VANEKER M. , STEEGERS M. , VAN BERKUM B. , KOX M. , VAN DER LAAK J. , VAN DER HOEVEN J. , VISSERS K. , SCHEFFER G. J.
Published: October 2014

Background

Mechanical ventilation (MV) induces an inflammatory response that may result in (acute) lung injury. Lidocaine, an amide local anesthetic, has anti‐inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo, possibly due to an attenuation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and reduction of neutrophils influx. We hypothesized an attenuation of MV‐induced inflammatory response with intravenously administered lidocaine.

Methods

Lidocaine (Lido) (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg/h) was intravenously administered during 4 h of MV with a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg, positive end expiratory pressure 1,5 cmH2O and FiO2 0.4. We used one ventilated control (CON) group receiving vehicle. After MV, mice were euthanized, and lungs and blood were immediately harvested, and cytokine levels and ICAM‐1 levels were measured in plasma and lung homogenates. Pulmonary neutrophils influx was determined in LEDER‐stained slices of lungs. Anesthetic need was determined by painful hind paw stimulation.

Results

Lidocaine‐treated animals (Lido 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg/h) showed higher interleukin (IL)‐10 plasma levels compared to control animals. Lidocaine treatment with 8 mg/kg/h (Lido 8) resulted in higher IL‐10 in lung homogenates. No differences were observed in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, ICAM‐1, and pulmonary influx between the different ventilated groups.

Conclusions

Intravenously administered lidocaine increases levels of plasma IL‐10 with infusion from 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg/h and pulmonary levels of IL‐10 with 8 mg/kg/h in a murine mechanical ventilation model. Intravenously administered lidocaine appears to reduce anesthetic need in mice.
Milk sales and dietary diversity among the Maasai
Authors: Loos Tim K. , Zeller Manfred
Published: October 2014

In Maasai culture, responsibilities are traditionally divided between genders. Men are in charge of grazing and managing the livestock herds. Women take care of the family, administer food supplies, and are responsible for milking. For them, balancing home consumption of milk (for the family and for the calves), milk sale, and food purchase is a major task. In this article, we first investigate how different milk sales groups vary regarding the use of different food items and the respective quantities consumed by the enkaji, i.e., a Maasai subhousehold. Then, we address the commercialization decision and assess the effect of milk sales on the enkaji's food item use and food consumption. Using the data of Maasai enkajijik in the milk catchment area of a milk collection center in Ngerengere, Tanzania, we estimate the effects by employing propensity score matching procedures. Our findings suggest that milk sellers, especially those selling to the milk collection center, have a more diverse diet. In terms of per person consumption, the groups are markedly similar. Therefore, we conclude that income generated by milk sales is invested in diet diversification rather than in increasing the quantity of food consumed, hence the enkajijik appear not to make use of caloric terms of trade.
Risk factors of delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liu Qi‐Yu , Li Li , Xia Hong‐Tian , Zhang Wen‐Zhi , Cai Shou‐Wang , Lu Shi‐Chun
Published: October 2014

Background

This study aims to explore the morbidity and risk factors of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods

Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, data from 196 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were recorded retrospectively. A total of 17 factors were examined with univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate relative risks.

Results

DGE occurred in 71 patients (36.2%). The incidence rates of grade A, grade B and grade C DGE were 22.4% (44/196), 6.1% (12/196) and 7.7% (15/196), respectively. There were three post‐operative deaths for the entire series, with an overall mortality rate of 1.5%. Braun enteroenterostomy, clinically relevant post‐operative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) and intra‐abdominal collection correlated with DGE rates significantly in univariate analysis, whereas CR‐POPF and intra‐abdominal collection were independent risk factors in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, CR‐POPF and intra‐abdominal collection correlated with clinically relevant DGE rates significantly and were independent risk factors in univariate analysis and multivariate regression.

Conclusion

Only post‐operative complications instead of operative methods were associated with DGE. Early diagnosis and timely treatment for pancreatic fistula and intra‐abdominal collection were helpful to decrease morbidity and promote recovery of DGE.
Personal attributes, organizational conditions, and ethical attitudes: a social cognitive approach
Authors: Holtbrügge Dirk , Baron Anastasia , Friedmann Carina B.
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the impact of personal attributes and organizational conditions on attitudes toward corporate misdeeds. On the basis of social cognitive theory, we develop hypotheses that are tested against data collected from 215 German employees using an online survey. Our findings suggest that personal attributes (i.e. gender, age, Big five personality traits) have a much greater impact on ethical attitudes than organizational conditions (i.e. organizational culture). Further, a moderating effect of control‐oriented culture on the relationship between personality traits (i.e. conscientiousness, extraversion) and attitudes toward corporate misdeeds is found. We derive implications for human resource management and further theory development.
‘Chaos, Through a Veil of Order’: The Dialectic of Theory and Spontaneity in Psychoananalytic Work
Authors: Holmes Jeremy
Published: October 2014

The theme of the paper is the quotidian debate about the role of theory in analytic practice. Based on examples from recent psychoanalytic publications, I argue that psychoanalytic theory may influence therapists as ideology, heuristics, or empiricism, or combinations thereof. Bion's eschewing of theory, and advocacy of an analytic stance ‘beyond memory and desire’ as a precondition for psychoanalytic creativity is questioned. Buber's advocacy of I–Thou relatedness is compared with the concept of mentalizing, and related to recent findings in developmental psychopathology. Parallels are drawn between the therapeutic relationship – bringing together theory and spontaneity in a hermeneutic enterprise – and the infant's use of security‐promoting care‐givers.
The Relevance of Human Fetal Subplate Zone for Developmental Neuropathology of Neuronal Migration Disorders and Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Kostović Ivica , Sedmak Goran , Vukšić Mario , Judaš Miloš
Published: October 2014

The human fetal cerebral cortex develops through a series of partially overlapping histogenetic events which occur in transient cellular compartments, such as the subplate zone. The subplate serves as waiting compartment for cortical afferent fibers, the major site of early synaptogenesis and neuronal differentiation and the hub of the transient fetal cortical circuitry. Thus, the subplate has an important but hitherto neglected role in the human fetal cortical connectome. The subplate is also an important compartment for radial and tangential migration of future cortical neurons. We review the diversity of subplate neuronal phenotypes and their involvement in cortical circuitry and discuss the complexity of late neuronal migration through the subplate as well as its potential relevance for pathogenesis of migration disorders and cortical dysplasia. While migratory neurons may become misplaced within the subplate, they can easily survive by being involved in early subplate circuitry; this can enhance their subsequent survival even if they have immature or abnormal physiological activity and misrouted connections and thus survive into adulthood. Thus, better understanding of subplate developmental history and various subsets of its neurons may help to elucidate certain types of neuronal disorders, including those accompanied by epilepsy.
Postoperative nasal debridement following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Green R. , Banigo A. , Hathorn I.
Published: October 2014

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a significant health problem, and the optimal postoperative treatment regime for patients post functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been a topic debated for years.

Objective of review

To systematically review and critically evaluate the evidence relating to postoperative debridement of the nasal cavity following functional endoscopic sinus surgery to guide best practice.

Search strategy

A search of the following databases was performed: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials. Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed. The following key words were used: Postoperative, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, sinus surgery, debridement, follow‐up, from 1970 to 2013.

Evaluation method

Two independent reviewers assessed the relevant articles using the consort guidance on systematic reviews Moher et al. BMJ 2010; 340: c869.

Results

The best evidence available was 1B, with six Randomsied control trial (RCTs) identified. Four studies compared debridement against no debridement, and two looked at the frequency of the debridement. Cumulatively, results for 337 patients were included. Visual analogue scores were used in all studies. None of the results at the long‐term follow‐up showed any difference in sino‐nasal outcome test scores or objective endoscopic scores. Four of the six studies demonstrated some benefit in symptom scores but only one in the long term. Two papers demonstrated the debridement group suffered more pain in the postoperative period.

Conclusions

Currently, there is no clear evidence for frequent postoperative debridement. Further well‐designed RCTs are required to establish clear benefit, optimal frequency, extent and timing of debridement.
Advanced colonoscopic imaging using endocytoscopy
Authors: Neumann Helmut , Kudo Shin‐Ei , Kiesslich Ralf , Neurath Markus F.
Published: October 2014

Optical biopsy techniques were recently introduced to luminal gastrointestinal endoscopy. These include confocal laser endomicroscopy, spectroscopic imaging techniques and endocytoscopy. Optical biopsy techniques allow on demand in vivo histology during ongoing endoscopy, thereby potentially accelerating clinical diagnosis and specific therapy. In the present review, we focus on endocytoscopy as one of the rapidly emerging optical biopsy techniques. We provide technical details of currently available endocytoscopy systems and give tips on their use in clinical practice. We also summarize applications of endocytoscopy for colorectal pathologies.
Utilization of the emergency department by older residents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Amin , Pin Tan Maw , Zakaria Mohd Idzwan , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul Bahiyah , Vyrn Chin Ai , Hua Philip Poi Jun
Published: October 2014

Aim

To determine the pattern of utilization of emergency department (ED) services by older patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, compared with younger patients in the same setting.

Methods

The sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and resource utilization of consecutive patients attending the adult ED at the University Malaya Medical Center were recorded during a typical week.

Results

A total of 1649 patients were included in the study; 422/1649 (25.6%) were aged ≥60 years and 1077 (74.4%) were aged <60 years. Older adult patients were more likely to be diagnosed with ischemic heart disease (12.6% vs 2.5%, P < 0.001), and more likely to require investigations such as electrocardiogram (68.1% vs 16.6%, P < 0.001) or chest X‐rays (67.6% vs 24.0%, P < 0.001) than their younger counterparts. Logistic regression methods showed that older adults remained an independent predictor of hospital admission (OR 2.75, 95% CI 2.11–3.57).

Conclusion

The ratio of older adult patients attending our ED over the proportion of older people in the general population was 26:6, which is far higher than reported in previous published studies carried out in other countries. Older ED attenders are also more likely to require investigations, procedures and hospital admissions. With the rapidly aging population in Malaysia, reconfiguration of resources will need to occur at a compatible rate in order to ensure that the healthcare needs of our older adults are met. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 944–950.
A micro‐computed tomography evaluation of long‐oval canal preparation using reciprocating or rotary systems
Authors: Busquim S. , Cunha R. S. , Freire L. , Gavini G. , Machado M. E. , Santos M.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To evaluate, using micro‐computed tomography, the preparation of long‐oval root canals using a single reciprocating system versus a multiple‐file rotary system.

Methodology

Distal canals of thirty mandibular molars were selected and randomly assigned to one of two instrument groups (n = 15): Reciproc 40 (VDW, Munich, Germany) or BioRaCe system (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux‐de‐Fonds, Switzerland). The teeth were scanned before and after preparation of the canal by a SkyScan 1172 micro‐computed tomography scanner at 11‐μm resolution. Morphometric variations were measured by volume increases and by the remaining untreated canal surface area in the entire canal and as well as in each third of the canal. Data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

The Reciproc system left significantly more areas untouched (P < 0.001) in the cervical and middle thirds (18.14% and 21.82%) as compared to BioRaCe (8.14% and 11.35%). The Reciproc system had the greatest increase in volume of both the entire canal and the apical third (P < 0.5).

Conclusions

Neither technique was able to completely prepare the outline of long‐oval canals. The Reciproc system removed more tooth structure. The BioRaCe left fewer untouched dentine walls in the more coronal thirds of the canal, whilst Reciproc left fewer in the apical third.