bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviews
Authors: Powell Ann , Cunningham Colin J.K. , Wine Humphrey , Jordan Caroline , Gaughan Martin , Curtis Barry
Published: December 2013

The Mysterious Fayum Portraits: Faces from Ancient Egypt by Euphrosyne Doxiadis, London: Thames and Hudson, 1995, 247 pp., 124 col. plates, 150 b. & w. illus., £48.00

Architecture and Meaning on the Athenian Acropolis by Robin Francis Rhodes, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995, 224 pp., 92 b. & w. illus., £40.00 hdbk, £13.95 pbk

Kings and Connoisseurs. Collecting Art in Seventeenth‐Century Europe by Jonathan Brown, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1995, 264 pp., 85 col. plates, 140 b. & w. illus., £35.00

The Quarantined Culture: Australian Reactions to Modernism 1913–1939 by John F. Williams, Melbourne: Cambridge University Press, 1995, 228 pp., 18 b. & w. illus., £35.00

Bakhtin and the Visual Arts by Deborah J. Haynes, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995, 217 pp., 29 b. & w. illus., £45.00

The Independent Group: Modernism and Mass Culture in Britain by Anne Massey, Manchester & New York: Manchester University Press, 1995, 160pp., 50 b. & w. illus., £45.00 hdbk, £16.99 pbk
Fatigue Threshold R‐curves Predict Fatigue Endurance Strength for Self‐Reinforced Silicon Nitride
Authors: Greene Rawley B. , Fünfschilling Stefan , Fett Theo , Hoffmann Michael J. , Kruzic Jamie J.
Published: December 2013

There is a need for methods that can help predict and avoid fatigue failures of silicon nitride ceramic components. The fatigue threshold R‐curve has been proposed as potential solution to this problem. In this study, the fatigue threshold R‐curve for small, semielliptical surface cracks was calculated for a silicon nitride ceramic using the published bridging stress distribution developed from fatigue threshold tests on macroscopic crack specimens. To test the accuracy of the endurance strengths predicted using the fatigue threshold R‐curve, fatigue tests were conducted using four‐point bend beams of silicon nitride containing semielliptical surface cracks introduced by Knoop indentation. The effectiveness of the methodology was verified; indeed, 77% of the beams tested at stress levels above the predicted endurance strength failed within 107 cycles and 0% of the beams tested below the predicted endurance strength failed within 107 cycles. Furthermore, using the bridging stress distribution, which is thought to be a material property, the need for prohibitively difficult fatigue threshold experiments on small surface cracks is avoided. Accordingly, this methodology is potentially quite practical for use in the engineering design of ceramic mechanical components.
Polysiloxane‐Derived Ceramics Containing Nanowires with Catalytically Active Tips
Authors: Adam Michael , Vakifahmetoglu Cekdar , Colombo Paolo , Wilhelm Michaela , Grathwohl Georg
Published: December 2013

By direct foaming of a Pt‐containing polysiloxane precursor, macroporous ceramics were generated by pyrolysis at 1400°C under nitrogen or argon. The growth of nanowires was induced via a vapor–liquid–solid mechanism in which the Pt particles acted as deposition site for the decomposition gases released upon pyrolyzing the preceramic polymer. SEM, HR‐SEM, TEM/EDX, and XRD investigations revealed that pyrolysis under argon atmosphere leads to short SiC nanowires of only a few micrometers length and under nitrogen atmosphere Si3N4 nanowires evolved, with length of several 10 μm. In both cases the tips of the nanowires mainly consisted of PtSi. In contrast to samples pyrolyzed at 600°C, the components after higher temperature pyrolysis showed moderate‐specific surface areas of 55–67 m2/g. In CO oxidation experiments, a good catalytic activity was found for the Pt silicide particles, suggesting that despite their relatively large size, their location at the tips of the nanowires affords them good reactivity.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of BaTiO3 Nanopowders Using TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Han Jae‐Min , Joung Mi‐Ri , Kim Jin‐Seong , Lee Youn‐Seon , Nahm Sahn , Choi Youn‐Kyu , Paik Jong‐Hoo
Published: December 2013

Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, obtained by hydrolyzing titanium isopropoxide in distilled water, were used to synthesize BaTiO3 (BT) nanopowder by the hydrothermal method. When titanium isopropoxide was used, BT nanopowder with a low tetragonality of 1.0070 was formed because of the presence of OH− ions in the oxygen sites and Ba vacancies. However, by changing the titanium source from titanium isopropoxide to TiO2 nanoparticles, a homogeneous BT nanopowder with similar particle size and a high tetragonality of 1.0081 was synthesized. The size of the BT nanopowder particles was decreased by reducing the synthesis time. In particular, the BT nanopowder that was synthesized at 220°C for 16 h with a Ba/Ti molar ratio of 4.0 exhibited a high tetragonality of 1.0083 and a small particle size of 126.0 nm.
Synthesis of Red‐Emitting AgGd0.9Eu0.1(MoO4)2 Phosphors by Precipitation at Room Temperature
Authors: Song Jie , Du Yanrong , Xu Ling , Wei Hengwei , He Diping , Jiao Huan
Published: December 2013

A series of Eu3+‐doped AgGd(MoO4)2 red phosphors with well‐defined shape and size were prepared via a precipitation method at room temperature. The samples were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The crystallinity, particle size, morphology, and luminescent properties of the as‐prepared products were tuned by controlling the reaction conditions such as the precipitation reagents used and the pH of the initial solution. XRD results showed that all of the synthesized samples adopted a pure tetragonal structure. The formation mechanism of AgGdMo2O8 was investigated in detail, and two intermediates were found to be essential. Photoluminescence properties of the as‐prepared AgGd0.9Eu0.1(MoO4)2 phosphors under diverse experimental conditions were also studied systematically, and their emission spectra showed emission characteristic of Eu3+.
A biogeographical history and timeline for the evolution of Australian snapping turtles (Elseya: Chelidae) in Australia and New Guinea
Authors: Todd Erica V. , Blair David , Georges Arthur , Lukoschek Vimoksalehi , Jerry Dean R.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Our aim was to investigate the evolutionary response of a freshwater Gondwanan relictual lineage to ongoing aridification of the Australian landmass. Australian snapping turtles (Elseya spp.) are riverine specialist species and were used to examine biogeographical hypotheses associated with changes to riverine connectivity through eustatic sea‐level change, landform development and aridity across this understudied region.

Location

Northern and Eastern Australia and New Guinea.

Methods

Phylogenetic relationships were inferred for all extant species of Elseya plus two putative species not yet described, from molecular data comprising mitochondrial (control region, ND4 and 16S) and nuclear (R35 intron) loci, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. A calibrated relaxed molecular clock was used to estimate divergence times. Intraspecific lineage structure and diversity were investigated using control region sequences analysed via haplotype networks and AMOVA.

Results

Elseya species exhibited a striking degree of local endemism across their range. Four divergent clades corresponded geographically to New Guinea, southern New Guinea plus northern Australia, north‐eastern Australia, and south‐eastern Australia. These arose in the late Miocene (c. 5.82–9.7 Ma), diversifying further in the early Pleistocene (c. 2.2–2.43 Ma and 1.36–1.66 Ma), coincident with major phases of aridity and climatic upheaval.

Main conclusions

The genus Elseya has a long vicariant history in Australia, closely tied to disconnection of fluvial habitat through landform evolution, sea‐level rise and ongoing aridification. Our analysis paints a more complete picture of Australian freshwater biogeography, including evidence for periodic connectivity with New Guinea, important regional biogeographical barriers, and the location of potential freshwater refugia. Congruence with patterns described for terrestrial groups implies a collective response of the Australian fauna to aridification.
THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF INDIA
Authors: Desmet Klaus , Ghani Ejaz , O'Connell Stephen , Rossi‐Hansberg Esteban
Published: December 2013

This paper studies the recent spatial development of India. Services, and to a lesser extent manufacturing, are increasingly concentrating in high‐density clusters. This stands in contrast with the United States, where in the last decades services have tended to grow fastest in medium‐density locations, such as Silicon Valley. India's experience is not common to all fast‐growing developing economies. The spatial growth pattern of China looks more similar to that in the United States than to that of India. Our findings suggest that certain frictions are keeping medium‐density places in India from growing faster.
Cholangitis in children with biliary atresia: Health‐care resource utilisation
Authors: Lee Jie Ying , Lim Leon Tak Keet , Quak Seng Hock , Prabhakaran Krishnan , Aw Marion
Published: December 2013

Aim

Cholangitis is a well‐known complication that contributes to morbidity, mortality, as well as health‐care utilisation in children with biliary atresia who have undergone the Kasai portoenterostomy. The aim of the study was to determine the common causative organisms for cholangitis and characterise its burden, health‐care resource and service utilisation and cost.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of children who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy in our institution from 1988 to 2011. The causative organisms were identified based on culture reports. The burden of the disease was estimated based on the number of patients experiencing one or more episodes of cholangitis. Health‐care resource and service utilisation were based on different categories, and cost was computed based on the charges at the institution.

Results

Twenty‐seven (64.3%) out of 42 children included in the analysis experienced at least one episode of cholangitis. There were a total of 97 episodes of cholangitis, with an average of 3.6 (1–15) episodes per patient. The average length of stay per episode of cholangitis was 14.8 (2–64) days. Common organisms isolated during blood cultures were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The estimated cost per in‐patient admission of 15 days (rounded off) for a single episode of cholangitis was $SG 8986.61 ($US 7369.02).

Conclusion

The knowledge about the incidence and cost of cholangitis will allow physicians to counsel parents of children newly diagnosed with biliary atresia and to better prepare them both emotionally and financially for what to expect.
Epidemiology of enteroviral meningoencephalitis in neonates and young infants
Authors: March Brayden , Eastwood Keith , Wright Ian M , Tilbrook Lynelle , Durrheim David N
Published: December 2013

Aim

To describe the epidemiology of enteroviral meningoencephalitis in northern New South Wales, Australia, with a specific focus on neonatal and young infant cases.

Methods

A retrospective review of PCR‐confirmed enteroviral meningoencephalitis cases in the Hunter New England Local Health District of northern NSW was conducted for the period 2008–2012.

Results

One hundred nine patients met the case definition. There was summer seasonality, with 50% (55/109) of cases occurring between December and February. Neonates and young infants (<3 months of age) accounted for 42% (46/109) of cases, with 20% (9/46) being premature births. Fever (83%) was the most common presentation in this age group, followed by irritability (40%), feeding difficulties (40%) and rash (17%). All received at least one antibiotic during their admission, with 26% (12/46) also treated empirically with acyclovir. There was one death. Where testing was undertaken, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels were high in 90% (28/31) of neonates and young infants, but the CSF white cell count was variable, with 57% <10/mm3 and 21% >100/mm3.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of enteroviral meningoencephalitis could alter management, potentially reducing the period of treatment with empirical antimicrobials and permitting earlier discharge.
Management of duplex‐system ureterocele
Authors: Mariyappa Bhanu , Barker Andrew , Samnakay Naeem , Khosa Japinder
Published: December 2013

Aim

To analyse different treatment modalities, functional outcome and continence in children treated for duplex‐system ureterocele and to review the relevant literature.

Methods

The medical records of patients with duplex‐system ureterocele treated between 2001 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Twenty‐two cases were identified. Five patients underwent incision of the ureterocele as initial procedure. It was curative in only one patient. Seven patients underwent upper‐pole nephroureterectomy. It was curative in 4 cases. Five patients underwent excision of ureterocele and common‐sheath reimplant, and the remaining 5 patients had upper‐pole nephroureterectomy and simultaneous excision of ureterocele with lower‐moiety ureteric reimplantation. These surgeries were curative in all patients. Follow‐up ranged from 4 to 84 months. Functional outcome was good in all patients. Fourteen patients were continent at follow‐up, and continence was not assessed in the other 8 because of young age.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a higher rate of secondary procedures if there is retained ureterocele. Data also suggest that complete reconstruction can be safely performed in a young infant without any adverse effect on continence.
‘Beyond Milestones’: A randomised controlled trial evaluating an innovative digital resource teaching quality observation of normal child development
Authors: Connolly Anne M , Cunningham Clare , Sinclair Adriane J , Rao Arjun , Lonergan Amy , Bye Ann ME
Published: December 2013

Aims

The study aimed to create and evaluate the educational effectiveness of a digital resource instructing paediatric trainees in a systematic approach to critical and quality observation of normal child development.

Methods

A digital educational resource was developed utilising the skills of an expert developmental paediatrician who was videoed assessing normal early child development at a series of critical stages. Videos illustrated aspects of language, sophistication of play and socialisation, cognition, and motor progress. Expert commentary, teaching text and summaries were used. A randomised controlled trial evaluated the resource. Paediatric trainees were recruited from The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Outcome measures were repeated at three time points (pre‐teaching, immediate‐post and 1 month) and included self‐rated attitudes, knowledge of markers of development and observational expertise. Qualitative data on teaching usefulness were obtained through open‐ended questions.

Results

Fifty‐six paediatric trainees (registrar 79%, women 82%; mean age 31 years) completed the pre‐assessment, 46 the immediate‐post and 45 the 1‐month follow‐up (20% attrition). Compared with the Control group, the Teaching group scored higher over time on markers of development (P = 0.006), observational expertise (P < 0.0001), confidence (P = 0.035) and satisfaction (P < 0.0001). Teaching participants valued the video and expert commentary and reported improvement in confidence and understanding and acquiring a more structured approach.

Conclusions

The ‘Beyond Milestones’ free online resource for medical professionals  improves knowledge, increases confidence and is useful, providing a structured approach to developmental assessment. The techniques taught can be applied to every paediatric consultation.
HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B: Why do I treat my patients with Nucleos(t)ide Analogs?
Authors: Buti Maria
Published: December 2013

The ultimate goal of therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is to obtain a clinical benefit for the patient by reducing infection‐related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Two main types of antiviral agents have been approved to treat patients in the immune clearance phase: interferon (IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). NAs are used in most HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients for several reasons. They are oral drugs that are taken once a day and can be prescribed to all chronic hepatitis B patients, even those with contraindications for IFN. The current first‐line NA options, entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir (TDF), have minimal or no risk of long‐term resistance, and the sustained virological response is achieved in almost 100% of adherent HBeAg‐positive patients. Tolerance is excellent and the safety profile is good, whereas IFN can be associated with adverse events that affect the patients’ quality of life. There is considerable evidence to show that NAs modify the natural history of chronic hepatitis B, and increasing evidence that they reduce the risk of developing HCC. The need for long‐term, perhaps indefinite treatment in patients who do not achieve anti‐HBe seroconversion is the main limitation of NAs, but this is offset by their excellent tolerance and safety profile.
Hepatitis B: are non‐invasive markers of liver fibrosis reliable?
Authors: Castera Laurent
Published: December 2013

Liver biopsy, which was traditionally considered to be the gold standard for the staging of fibrosis, has been challenged in the past decade by non‐invasive techniques. These techniques rely on two distinct but complementary approaches: a ‘biological’ approach, based on the quantification of biomarkers of fibrosis in serum, and a ‘physical’ approach, based on the measurement of liver stiffness using elastography‐based technologies. Advantages of serum biomarkers include their high applicability (>95%) and good reproducibility. However, as none are liver specific their results can be influenced by comorbid conditions (risk of false positive results with FibroTest® in patients with Gilbert's syndrome or with APRI in case of acute hepatitis). Transient elastograpy has the advantages of being a user's friendly procedure that can be performed at the bedside or in an outpatient clinic with high performance for detecting cirrhosis. However, its applicability is lower (80%) than that of serum biomarker (particularly in case of ascites, obesity and limited operator experience) with the risk of false positive results in case of ALT flares. Although these non‐invasive methods were initially developed and validated in patients with chronic hepatitis C, they are now increasingly used in patients with hepatitis B, reducing the need for liver biopsy.
HBsAg quantification: useful for monitoring natural history and treatment outcome
Authors: Martinot‐Peignoux Michelle , Lapalus Martine , Asselah Tarik , Marcellin Patrick
Published: December 2013

The template of hepatitis B virus transcription, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), plays a key role in the life cycle of the virus and permits the persistence of infection. It has been suggested that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification reflects the concentration of cccDNA in the liver. In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B, HBsAg levels are higherduring the immune tolerance phase than during the immune clearance phase. During the natural history of chronic hepatitis B, serum HBsAg declines progressively from the immune‐tolerant to the low replicative phase. In HBeAg negative patients, the combination of low hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (<2000 IU/ml) and low HBsAg levels (<1000 IU/ml) can predict inactive carrier status, low risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the probability of HBsAg loss. HBsAg in combination with HBV DNA predicts the outcome of Peg‐Interferon therapy: An absence of decline at week 12 is a good predictor of non‐response and to stop therapy. Any decline at week 24, suggests that therapy should be continued to 48 weeks. Although the decrease in HBsAg decline slow with nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy, a rapid decline can predict future HBsAg seroclearance. A level <100 IU/ml during six consecutive months could be a marker of a sustained response after treatment cessation.
HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B: why do I treat my patients with pegylated interferon‐alfa?
Authors: Vlachogiannakos Jiannis , Papatheodoridis George V.
Published: December 2013

HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most frequent and aggressive type of CHB. The current therapeutic options for CHB include pegylated‐interferon‐alfa (PEG‐IFNα) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). NAs are well‐tolerated and safe agents that effectively inhibit viral replication, but they should be given as long‐term, probably lifelong therapy, in particular in HBeAg‐negative CHB. Thus, the finite, usually 48‐week, duration is the main advantage of PEG‐IFNα, providing sustained virological responses (SVR) off‐therapy in approximately one‐fourth of patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB and often leading to HBsAg loss. However, the limited efficacy is the main factor restricting the use of PEG‐IFNα in CHB and therefore identifying the predictors of response is of great clinical importance. No reliable baseline predictors of response to PEG‐IFNα have been identified to date, but certain studies have identified satisfactory predictors of post‐PEG‐IFNα response using on‐treatment serological markers, mostly HBsAg levels. In particular, in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients mostly with genotype D a lack of decline in HBsAg levels and a lack of decrease in HBV DNA levels ≥2 log10 copies/ml at week‐12 has a nearly 100% negative predictive value for SVR off‐treatment and is now recommended as a stopping rule for early discontinuation of ineffective PEG‐IFNα. Prolonging PEG‐IFNα therapy to 96 weeks seems to provide higher SVR rates but the application and efficacy of this approach requires further study. The combination of PEG‐IFNα with NAs, mostly lamivudine, has not resulted in any therapeutic benefit so far, but newer combined approaches with PEG‐IFNα and NA(s) are currently under study.
Management of HCV transplant patients with triple therapy
Authors: Coilly Audrey , Roche Bruno , Duclos‐Vallée Jean‐Charles , Samuel Didier
Published: December 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the leading causes of end‐stage liver disease and the main indication for liver transplantation (LT) in most countries. All patients who undergo LT with detectable serum HCV RNA experience graft reinfection. Between 20 and 30% of patients have developed cirrhosis at 5 years post‐LT. The outcome of transplant patients with cirrhosis on the graft is severe, with a rate of decompensation at 1 year of approximately 40%. To date, retransplantation is the only option in patients with decompensated liver disease. Until 2011, standard antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), was the only effective therapy. Obtaining a sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with LT greatly improves overall and graft survival but this only occurs in 30% of transplanted patients. Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) such as protease inhibitors (PI), polymerase or other non‐structural proteins inhibitors represent a new era in HCV associated liver disease. Although their use in the field of LT will certainly be essential there are some limitations because of safety and tolerance. One limitation is the potential interaction with calcineurin inhibitors. We describe the results of triple therapy with boceprevir (BOC) or telaprevir (TVR) for efficacy and safety and comment on future therapeutic strategies in liver transplant recipients.
Dynamic imaging of cytosolic zinc in Arabidopsis roots combining FRET sensors and RootChip technology
Authors: Lanquar Viviane , Grossmann Guido , Vinkenborg Jan L. , Merkx Maarten , Thomine Sébastien , Frommer Wolf B.
Published: December 2013

Zinc plays a central role in all living cells as a cofactor for enzymes and as a structural element enabling the adequate folding of proteins. In eukaryotic cells, metals are highly compartmentalized and chelated. Although essential to characterize the mechanisms of Zn2+ homeostasis, the measurement of free metal concentrations in living cells has proved challenging and the dynamics are difficult to determine.

Our work combines the use of genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors and a novel microfluidic technology, the RootChip, to monitor the dynamics of cytosolic Zn2+ concentrations in Arabidopsis root cells.

Our experiments provide estimates of cytosolic free Zn2+ concentrations in Arabidopsis root cells grown under sufficient (0.4 nM) and excess (2 nM) Zn2+ supply. In addition, monitoring the dynamics of cytosolic [Zn2+] in response to external supply suggests the involvement of high‐ and low‐affinity uptake systems as well as release from internal stores.

In this study, we demonstrate that the combination of genetically encoded FRET sensors and microfluidics provides an attractive tool to monitor the dynamics of cellular metal ion concentrations over a wide concentration range in root cells.
Elevated [CO2] does not ameliorate the negative effects of elevated temperature on drought‐induced mortality in Eucalyptus radiata seedlings
Authors: DUAN HONGLANG , DUURSMA REMKO A. , HUANG GUOMIN , SMITH RENEE A. , CHOAT BRENDAN , O'GRADY ANTHONY P. , TISSUE DAVID T.
Published: December 2013

It has been reported that elevated temperature accelerates the time‐to‐mortality in plants exposed to prolonged drought, while elevated [CO2] acts as a mitigating factor because it can reduce stomatal conductance and thereby reduce water loss. We examined the interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and temperature on the inter‐dependent carbon and hydraulic characteristics associated with drought‐induced mortality in Eucalyptus radiata seedlings grown in two [CO2] (400 and 640 μL L−1) and two temperature (ambient and ambient +4 °C) treatments. Seedlings were exposed to two controlled drying and rewatering cycles, and then water was withheld until plants died. The extent of xylem cavitation was assessed as loss of stem hydraulic conductivity. Elevated temperature triggered more rapid mortality than ambient temperature through hydraulic failure, and was associated with larger water use, increased drought sensitivities of gas exchange traits and earlier occurrence of xylem cavitation. Elevated [CO2] had a negligible effect on seedling response to drought, and did not ameliorate the negative effects of elevated temperature on drought. Our findings suggest that elevated temperature and consequent higher vapour pressure deficit, but not elevated [CO2], may be the primary contributors to drought‐induced seedling mortality under future climates.
Interpretation of commonly used statistical regression models
Authors: Kasza Jessica , Wolfe Rory
Published: December 2013

A review of some regression models commonly used in respiratory health applications is provided in this article. Simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression are considered. The focus of this article is on the interpretation of the regression coefficients of each model, which are illustrated through the application of these models to a respiratory health research study.
Modern statistical methods in respiratory medicine
Authors: Wolfe Rory , Abramson Michael J
Published: December 2013

Statistics sits right at the heart of scientific endeavour in respiratory medicine and many other disciplines. In this introductory article, some key epidemiological concepts such as representativeness, random sampling, association and causation, and confounding are reviewed. A brief introduction to basic statistics covering topics such as frequentist methods, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, P values and Type II error is provided. Subsequent articles in this series will cover some modern statistical methods including regression models, analysis of repeated measures, causal diagrams, propensity scores, multiple imputation, accounting for measurement error, survival analysis, risk prediction, latent class analysis and meta‐analysis.
Influence of Hyperthermia on Efficacy and Uptake of Carbon Nanohorn-Cisplatin Conjugates
Authors: DeWitt Matthew R. , Pekkanen Allison M. , Robertson John , Rylander Christopher G. , Nichole Rylander Marissa
Published: December 2013

Single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) have significant potential for use in photothermal therapies due to their capability to absorb near infrared light and deposit heat. Additionally, their extensive relative surface area and volume makes them ideal drug delivery vehicles. Novel multimodal treatments are envisioned in which laser excitation can be utilized in combination with chemotherapeutic-SWNH conjugates to thermally enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the transported drug. Although mild hyperthermia (41–43 °C) has been shown to increase cellular uptake of drugs such as cisplatin (CDDP) leading to thermal enhancement, studies on the effects of hyperthermia on cisplatin loaded nanoparticles are currently limited. After using a carbodiimide chemical reaction to attach CDDP to the exterior surface of SWNHs and nitric acid to incorporate CDDP in the interior volume, we determined the effects of mild hyperthermia on the efficacy of the CDDP-SWNH conjugates. Rat bladder transitional carcinoma cells were exposed to free CDDP or one of two CDDP-SWNH conjugates in vitro at 37 °C and 42 °C with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for each treatment. The in vitro results demonstrate that unlike free CDDP, CDDP-SWNH conjugates do not exhibit thermal enhancement at 42 °C. An increase in viability of 16% and 7% was measured when cells were exposed at 42 deg compared to 37 deg for the surface attached and volume loaded CDDP-SWNH conjugates, respectively. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed a decreased uptake of CDDP-SWNH conjugates at 42 °C compared to 37 °C, revealing the importance of nanoparticle uptake on the CDDP-SWNH conjugate's efficacy, particularly when hyperthermia is used as an adjuvant, and demonstrates the effect of particle size on uptake during mild hyperthermia. The uptake and drug release studies elucidated the difference in viability seen in the drug efficacy studies at different temperatures. We speculate that the disparity in thermal enhancement efficacy observed for free drug compared to the drug SWNH conjugates is due to their intrinsic size differences and, therefore, their mode of cellular uptake: diffusion or endocytosis. These experiments indicate the importance of tuning properties of nanoparticle-drug conjugates to maximize cellular uptake to ensure thermal enhancement in nanoparticle mediated photothermal-chemotherapy treatments.
Combined Associations of Sitting Time and Physical Activity With Obesity in Young Adults
Authors: Cleland Verity , Schmidt Michael , Salmon Jo , Dywer Terry , Venn Alison
Published: December 2013

Background:

We investigated associations of total sedentary behavior (SB) and objectively-measured and self-reported physical activity (PA) with obesity.

Methods:

Data from 1662 adults (26–36 years) included daily steps, self-reported PA, sitting, and waist circumference. SB and PA were dichotomized at the median, then 2 variables created (SB/self-reported PA; SB/objectively-measured PA) each with 4 categories: low SB/high PA (reference group), high SB/high PA, low SB/low PA, high SB/low PA.

Results:

Overall, high SB/low PA was associated with 95 –168% increased obesity odds. Associations were stronger and more consistent for steps than self-reported PA for men (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.36–5.32 and OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.01–3.79, respectively) and women (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.58–4.49 and OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.21–3.31, respectively). Among men, obesity was higher when daily steps were low, irrespective of sitting (low SB/low steps OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.03–4.17; high SB/low steps OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.36–5.32).

Conclusions:

High sitting and low activity increased obesity odds among adults. Irrespective of sitting, men with low step counts had increased odds of obesity. The findings highlight the importance of engaging in physical activity and limiting sitting.
Children’s Enjoyment of Play During School Lunchtime Breaks: An Examination of Intraday and Interday Reliability
Authors: Hyndman Brendon P. , Benson Amanda C. , Ullah Shahid , Finch Caroline F. , Telford Amanda
Published: December 2013

Background:

Enjoyment and play during school lunchtime are correlated with children’s physical activity. Despite this, there is an absence of studies reporting children’s enjoyment of play during school lunchtime breaks. The purpose of this study was to examine the intraday and interday reliability of children’s enjoyment of school lunchtime play.

Methods:

Surveys used to assess children’s enjoyment of lunchtime play were distributed to and completed by 197 children (112 males, 85 females), aged 8–12 years attending an elementary school in Victoria, Australia. Children completed the surveys during class before lunch (expected enjoyment) and after lunch (actual enjoyment) for 5 days. The intra- and interday enjoyment of school lunchtime play reliability were determined using a weighted kappa.

Results:

Intraday kappa values ranged from fair (0.31) to substantial (0.75) within each of the 5 days (median kappa = 0.41). In comparison, “expected” (0.09–0.40; median 0.30) and “actual” (0.05–0.46; median 0.28) interday enjoyment of lunchtime play displayed low reliability.

Conclusions:

Children’s enjoyment of lunchtime play appears to be more consistent within days than across days. The findings suggest that assessment of children’s enjoyment of lunchtime play once on a single day would be representative of a particular day but not necessarily that particular school week.
Individual and Environmental Factors Related to Stage of Change in Exercise Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Japanese Undergraduate Students
Authors: Yasunaga Akitomo , Kawano Yukari , Kamahori Yumiko , Noguchi Kyoko
Published: December 2013

Background:

The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between the level of exercise behavior and individual and environmental factors related to exercise behavior among female Japanese undergraduate students.

Methods:

The participants were 2482 female Japanese undergraduate students. Participants’ level of exercise behavior was measured by the stage of change to exercise in the transtheoretical model. Individual and environmental factors related to exercise behavior were assessed using body mass index, self-efficacy, social support, perceived positive and negative aspects of exercise, perceived neighborhood environment, attitude toward physical education lessons in childhood and puberty, and depression.

Results:

Scores for self-efficacy, social support, positive aspects of exercise, and perceived neighborhood environment were significantly higher among women who were more active compared with those who were inactive. On the other hand, scores for negative aspects of exercise and depression were greater among inactive women compared with those who were insufficiently active and/or active. In addition, past attitude toward exercise in primary school, junior high school, and high school was associated with current level of exercise behavior.

Conclusions:

This cross-sectional study confirmed that psychosocial and environmental factors were closely associated with level of exercise behavior among female Japanese undergraduate students.
Physical Activity and Survival After Cancer Diagnosis in Men
Authors: Lee I-Min , Wolin Kathleen Y. , Freeman Sarah E. , Sattlemair Jacob , Sesso Howard D.
Published: December 2013

Background:

The number of cancer survivors is increasing rapidly; however, little is known about whether engaging in physical activity after a cancer diagnosis is associated with lower mortality rates in men.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1021 men (mean age, 71.3 years) who were diagnosed with cancer (other than nonmelanoma skin cancer). Men reported their physical activities (walking, stair climbing, and participation in sports and recreational activities) on questionnaires in 1988, a median of 6 years after their cancer diagnosis. Physical activity was updated in 1993 and men were followed until 2008, with mortality follow-up > 99% complete, during which 777 men died (337 from cancer, 190 from cardiovascular disease).

Results:

In multivariate analyses, the relative risks for all-cause mortality associated with expending < 2100, 2100–4199, 4200–8399, 8400–12,599, and ≥ 12,600 kJ/week in physical activity were 1.00 (referent), 0.77, 0.74, 0.76, and 0.52, respectively (P-trend < 0.0001). Higher levels of physical activity also were associated with lower rates of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease (P-trend = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions:

Engaging in physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with better survival among men.
Steps That Count: The Association Between the Number and Intensity of Steps Accumulated and Fitness and Health Measures
Authors: Pillay Julian David , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy Lynn , van Mechelen Willem , Lambert Estelle Victoria
Published: December 2013

Background:

Pedometer-based recommendations for accumulating steps/d largely focus on volume, with less emphasis on intensity and fitness/health outcomes. We aim to examine this relationship.

Methods:

A convenience sample (N = 70, 35 men, 32 ± 8yrs) wore a pedometer (4 days). The pedometer classified steps as “aerobic” (≥ 60 steps/minute, minimum duration of 1 minute) or “non-aerobic” (< 60 steps/minute and/or < 1 minute). Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), derived from a 12-minute submaximal step-test, and health outcomes: blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and waist circumference (WC) were correlated with pedometer data. Participants were grouped according to number and intensity of steps: LOW (< 5000 steps/d), HIGH-LOW (≥ 5000 steps/d, no aerobic steps), HIGH-HIGH (≥ 5000 steps/d, including some aerobic steps). Analyses of covariance, adjusting for age, gender, and total steps/d were used to compare groups.

Results:

Average steps/d was 6520 ± 2306. Total steps/d and total time spent accumulating “aerobic” steps (minutes/day) were inversely associated with %BF, BMI, WC, and systolic BP (P < .05). After adjusting for gender and total steps/d, %BF was different between all 3 groups, VO2max was different between the LOW and HIGH-HIGH groups, WC was lower in the HIGH-HIGH versus the other 2 groups (P < .03, respectively).

Conclusion:

Intensity seems an important factor to consider in steps/d cut-points.
Promoting Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Vitoria, Brazil: Evaluation of the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) Program
Authors: Reis Rodrigo S. , Hino Adriano Akira F. , Cruz Danielle K. , da Silva Filho Lourival Espiridião , Malta Deborah C. , Domingues Marlos R. , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: December 2013

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between exposure to the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) program and physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) in adults from Vitoria, Brazil.

Methods:

A phone survey was conducted with 2023 randomly selected participants (≥ 18 years) to measure awareness about the program, participation in the program, PA levels, and QoL. The associations were tested using Poisson and Linear regression models.

Results:

31.5% reported awareness about the program, 1.5% reported current participation, and 5.8% reported previous participation. Participation was higher among women (2.1%), older subjects (2.8%), and those reporting morbidities (2.4%). Awareness was higher among middle-aged persons (36.0%) and highly educated participants (37.1%). Current participation (PR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.65–2.99) and awareness (PR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02–1.30) were associated with leisure-time PA (LTPA).

Conclusion:

Exposure to the program was not associated with QoL but was consistently associated with sufficient levels of LTPA among adults from Vitoria, Brazil.
Opportunity Meets Planning: An Assessment of the Physical Activity Emphasis in State Obesity-Related Plans
Authors: Eyler Amy , Chriqui Jamie , Maddock Jay , Cradock Angie , Evenson Kelly R. , Gustat Jeanette , Hooker Steven , Lyn Rodney , Segar Michelle , Tompkins Nancy O’Hara , Zieff Susan G.
Published: December 2013

Background:

In the United States, health promotion efforts often begin with state-level strategic plans. Many states have obesity, nutrition, or other topic-related plans that include physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to assess PA content in these state plans and make recommendations for future plan development.

Methods:

Publically available plans were collected in 2010. A content analysis tool was developed based on the United States National PA Plan and included contextual information and plan content. All plans were double coded for reliability and analyzed using SPSS.

Results:

Forty-three states had a statewide plan adopted between 2002 and 2010, none of which focused solely on PA. Over 80% of PA-specific strategies included policy or environmental changes. Most plans also included traditional strategies to increase PA (eg, physical education, worksite). Few plans included a specific focus on land use/community design, parks/recreation, or transportation. Less than one-half of plans included transportation or land use/community design partners in plan development.

Conclusions:

Though the majority of states had a PA-oriented plan, comprehensiveness varied by state. Most plans lacked overarching objectives on the built environment, transportation, and land use/community design. Opportunities exist for plan revision and alignment with the National PA Plan sectors and strategies.
Self-Reported and Objective Physical Activity in Postgastric Bypass Surgery, Obese and Lean Adults: Association With Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: Ramirez-Marrero Farah A. , Miles John , Joyner Michael J. , Curry Timothy B.
Published: December 2013

Background:

This study aimed to 1) describe physical activity (PA) in 15 post gastric bypass surgery (GB), 16 obese (Ob), and 14 lean (L) participants (mean ± se: age = 37.1 ± 1.6, 30.8 ± 1.9, 32.7 ± 2.3 yrs.; BMI = 29.7 ± 1.2, 38.2 ± 0.8, 22.9 ± 0.5 kg/m2, respectively); and 2) test associations between PA, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max).

Methods:

Participants completed a PA questionnaire after wearing accelerometers from 5–7 days. Body composition was determined with DEXA and CT scans, and VO2max with open circuit spirometry. ANOVA was used to detect differences between groups, and linear regressions to evaluate associations between PA (self-reported, accelerometer), body composition, and VO2max.

Results:

Self-reported moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) in GB, Ob, and L participants was 497.7 ± 215.9, 988.6 ± 230.8, and 770.7 ± 249.3 min/week, respectively (P = .51); accelerometer MVPA was 185.9 ± 41.7, 132.3 ± 51.1, and 322.2 ± 51.1 min/week, respectively (P = .03); and steps/day were 6647 ± 141, 6603 ± 377, and 9591 ± 377, respectively (P = .03). Ob showed a marginally higher difference between self-report and accelerometer MVPA (P = .06). Accelerometer-MVPA and steps/day were inversely associated with percent fat (r = –0.53, –0.46), and abdominal fat (r = –0.36, –0.40), and directly associated with VO2max (r = .36).

Conclusions:

PA was similar between GB and Ob participants, and both were less active than L. Higher MVPA was associated with higher VO2max and lower body fat.
Treatment with nebivolol combined with physical training promotes improvements in the cardiovascular responses of hypertensive rats
Authors: Goessler Karla Fabiana , Martins-Pinge Marli , Veronez da Cunha Natalia , Karlen-Amarante Marlusa , de Andrade Fábio Goulart , Brum Patricia Chakur , Polito Marcos Doederlein
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether exercise training combined with beta-blocker treatment promotes additional cardiovascular benefits compared with either intervention on its own. For this we used 76 Wistar rats distributed among different groups: normotensive sedentary (NS), normotensive trained (NT), normotensive sedentary treated with beta-blocker (NS_BB), normotensive trained treated with beta-blocker (NT_BB), hypertensive sedentary (HS), hypertensive trained (HT), hypertensive sedentary treated with a beta-blocker (HS_BB), and hypertensive trained rats treated with beta-blocker (HT_BB). Exercise training consisted of 4 weeks of swimming for 60 min a day, 5 days a week. Hypertension was induced with l-NAME (4 weeks), whereas the control rats received saline, and both the control and test rats received nebivolol. The animals underwent surgery to directly record their blood pressure. The HS group showed higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P = 0.000), systolic arterial pressure (P = 0.000), and diastolic arterial pressure (P = 0.000) compared with NS. MAP was higher in the HS compared with the HT (P = 0.002), HS_BB (P = 0.018), and HT_BB (P = 0.015) groups. Hearts from the HS group had a higher percentage of collagen compared with the NS and HS_BB groups. The HT_BB and HT groups only had a higher percentage of cardiac collagen by comparison with the HS_BB group. The HT_BB group showed higher levels of macrophages and neutrophils by comparison with the HT and HS_BB groups. Thus, treatment with a beta-blocker combined with physical training was associated with increased cardiovascular benefits over either intervention alone.
TECHNOLOGY UNCERTAINTY AND PROJECT MANAGERS' INFORMATION SHARING — A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF TWO NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Authors: JEPSEN LISBETH BRØDE , DIETRICH PERTTU
Published: December 2013

Research has focused primarily on either intra-organizational information sharing (between actors within an organization) or inter-organizational information sharing (between organizations). This paper explores both intra- and inter-organizational information sharing and the role of technology uncertainty during various phases of new product development (NPD) projects. In this study, we compare two longitudinal NPD sub-projects that differ in uncertainty within the same large NPD project, in which the data source is the complete email exchange between a project manager and various actors (consisting of 3979 emails). The results show high levels of information sharing with the customer in both the early and late phases of high uncertainty. Interestingly, in the low uncertainty project, information sharing with the production department and the supplier is higher during the late phase of the NPD project. Unexpectedly, in both sub-projects, the project manager shares information with a wider range of both intra- and inter-organization actors in the early phases of the projects than in the late phases.