bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Four‐Probiotics Regimen Reduces Postoperative Complications After Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Kotzampassi Katerina , Stavrou George , Damoraki Georgia , Georgitsi Marianna , Basdanis George , Tsaousi Georgia , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Heterogeneous results of published studies led to conduct a randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a new formulation of four probiotics as prophylaxis for complications after colorectal surgery.

Methods

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study was conducted enrolling patients undergoing colorectal surgery for cancer. Capsules of placebo or of a formulation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces boulardii were administered starting one day before operation and continuing for another 15 days postoperatively. Patients were followed up for 30 days with the development of postoperative complications as the primary outcome. Gene expression and serum levels of cytokines were measured on postoperative day 4 (www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02313519).

Results

The study was prematurely stopped after enrolment due to efficacy in the primary outcome. Administration of probiotics significantly decreased the rate of all postoperative major complication (28.6 vs. 48.8 % of the placebo arm, p 0.010, odds ratio 0.42). Major benefit was found in the reduction of the rate of postoperative pneumonia (2.4 vs. 11.3 %, p 0.029), of surgical site infections (7.1 vs. 20.0 %, p 0.020) and of anastomotic leakage (1.2 vs. 8.8 %, p 0.031). The time until hospital discharge was shortened as well. Gene expression of SOCS3 was positively related with gene expression of TNF and of circulating IL‐6 in the probiotic group but not in the placebo group.

Conclusions

The studied probiotic formulation significantly decreased the risk of postoperative complications, namely mechanical ventilation, infections and anastomotic leakage. Modulation of the gene expression of SOCS3 is one suggested mechanism (www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02313519).
Brief report: Borderline personality symptoms and perceived caregiver criticism in adolescents
Authors: Whalen Diana J. , Malkin Mallory L. , Freeman Megan J. , Young John , Gratz Kim L.
Published: April 2015

Despite findings of an association between adolescent psychopathology and perceived parental criticism, the relation between adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms and perceived parental criticism has not been examined. Given the centrality of interpersonal sensitivity to BPD (relative to other forms of psychopathology), we hypothesized that adolescent BPD symptoms would be uniquely related to perceived caregiver criticism, above and beyond other forms of psychopathology and general emotion dysregulation. Adolescents (N = 109) in a residential psychiatric treatment facility completed self‐report measures of BPD symptoms, perceived caregiver criticism, emotion dysregulation, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Results revealed a unique relation of adolescent BPD symptoms to perceived caregiver criticism, above and beyond age, gender, and other forms of psychopathology. Findings suggest that adolescent BPD symptoms may have unique relevance for adolescents' perceptions of caregivers' attitudes and behaviors, increasing the likelihood of negative perceptions.
Engendering West Central African History: The Role of Urban Women in Benguela in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Candido Mariana P.
Published: April 2015

This study stresses the role of common women in the history of Benguela in the nineteenth century. I emphasize the importance of parish records to unveil sectors of the society that tend to be invisible in the history of Angola, such as farmers, poor women who acted as vendors in the urban centers, and particularly, enslaved women. While some attention has been paid to merchant women, the so-calleddonas, and on political leaders, particularly Queen Nzinga, the same cannot be said about the poor and the enslaved women. Parish records allow us to access bits of information on the lives of women who did not leave written records and did not gain attention from the Portuguese authorities.
“One Nature of the Word Enfleshed”
Authors: Edwards Mark
Published: April 2015

According to the least charitable view of Cyril's part in the “Nestorian controversy,” it was for him nothing more than that—a political scheme to eject a man whose scrutiny he had come to fear from a see whose power he had always envied. This account suggests that his apparent tergiversations tell us nothing of his theology: as a Christian he believed what the rest of Christendom believed, but as a prince of the church he turned his coat whenever this would serve to disguise his malice or change the wind. The more generous account reproaches Cyril not with bad faith but with bad logic: throughout his work, he oscillates between conflicting paradigms, in one of which the true subject of Christology is the Word who assumes the flesh, while in the other Christ has only the “compositional” unity that results from the coming together of two natures. The first prefigures the Chalcedonian shibboleth “one person in two natures”; the second Cyril himself encapsulated in the formula “from two natures,” which can be taken to entail that after the union there were no longer two natures but one. That Cyril himself drew this conclusion, contradicting the Chalcedonian Definition before he had heard it, is put beyond doubt for many by his defiant reiteration of a formula that he derived without knowing it from Apollinarius: “one nature [phusis] of the Word enfleshed.”
Assessment of Bt cotton genotypes for the Cry1Ac transgene and its expression
Authors: CHEEMA H. M. N. , KHAN A. A. , KHAN M. I. , ASLAM U. , RANA I. A. , KHAN I. A.
Published: April 2015

Genetically modified (GM) plants expressing Bt toxin provide protection against lepidopteran pests. The only GM crop in Pakistan is Bt cotton, which was illegally imported and adopted rapidly by cotton producers. Farmers gained access to the seed of many unapproved Bt genotypes before the matter was picked up and formal approval granted by the relevant governmental agencies. The present study was conducted to evaluate the samples of Bt cotton, collected from farmers and seed dealer, for transgene integration and expression. Seeds of 52 cotton genotypes, labelled as Bt, were collected from various farmers and seed dealers. An immunoblot strip test was carried out, which showed that only 0·86 of the samples collected were synthesizing Cry1Ac toxin. According to multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, 0·86 of the genotypes tested were positive for the Mon531 event (an ‘event’ is a specific genetic modification in a specific species) and 0·14 were negative for any transgene. Transcript analysis of transgenes in positive genotypes by real-time Rt-PCR confirmed the synthesis of mRNA in all genotypes but with significant variation. The concentration of Bt toxin revealed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that only 0·02 genotypes had the reported optimum level. The real-time PCR and ELISA results further confirmed the attenuation of transgene expression at transcriptional and translational level by various internal and external factors. The same type of event was found in all genotypes, with significant variation in toxin level, revealing the impact of genetic background on transgene expression. The findings support the recommendation to improve the existing quality criteria for transgenic cotton variety approval and certification in Pakistan, with the inclusion of toxin concentration in the list of parameters to be considered.
STRONG LAW OF LARGE NUMBERS FOR MARKOV CHAINS INDEXED BY SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC TREES
Authors: Weicai Peng , Weiguo Yang , Zhiyan Shi
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we main consider spherically symmetric tree T. First, under the condition lim supn→∞ |T(n)|/|Ln|<∞, we investigate the strong law of large numbers (SLLNs) for T-indexed Markov chains on the nth level of T. Then, combining the Stolz theorem, we obtain the SLLNs on T. Finally, we get Shannon–McMillan theorem for T-indexed Markov chains. The obtained theorems are generalizations of some known results on Cayley tree TC, N and Bethe tree TB, N.
Nanocrystalline and stacking-disordered β-cristobalite AlPO4: the now deciphered main constituent of a municipal sewage sludge ash from a full-scale incineration facility
Authors: Peplinski B. , Adam C. , Adamczyk B. , Müller R. , Michaelis M. , Krahl T. , Emmerling F.
Published: April 2015

For the first time evidence is provided that a nanocrystalline and stacking-disordered, chemically stabilized β-cristobalite form of AlPO4 occurs in a sewage sludge ash (SSA). This proof is based on a combined X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray fluorescence investigation of an SSA produced at a large-scale fluidized bed incineration facility serving a catching area with a population of 2 million. The structural and chemical characterization was carried out on ‘as received’ SSA samples as well as on solid residues remaining after leaching this SSA in sodium hydroxide solution. Thus, it was ascertained that the observed nanocrystalline and stacking-disordered cristobalite-like component belongs to the aluminum phosphate component of this SSA, rather than to its silicon dioxide component. In addition, a direct proof is presented that the chemically stabilized β-cristobalite form of AlPO4 does crystallize from X-ray amorphous precursors under conditions that mimic the huge heating rate and short retention time (just seconds at T ≈ 850°C), typical for fluidized bed incinerators.
Plutonium concentration and isotopic ratio in soil samples from central-eastern Japan collected around the 1970s
Authors: Yang Guosheng , Zheng Jian , Tagami Keiko , Uchida Shigeo
Published: April 2015

Obtaining Pu background data in the environment is essential for contamination source identification and assessment of environmental impact of Pu released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident. However, no baseline information on Pu isotopes in Fukushima Prefecture has been reported. Here we analyzed 80 surface soil samples collected from the central-eastern Japan during 1969–1977 for 239+240Pu activity concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio to establish the baseline before the FDNPP accident. We found that 239+240Pu activity concentrations ranged from 0.004 –1.46 mBq g−1 and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios varied narrowly from 0.148 to 0.229 with a mean of 0.186 ± 0.015. We also reconstructed the surface deposition density of 241Pu using the 241Pu/239Pu atom ratio in the Japanese fallout reference material. The obtained results indicated that, for the FDNPP-accident released 241Pu, a similar radiation impact can be estimated as was seen for the global fallout deposited 241Pu in the last decades.
A Conserved Signalling Pathway for Amoebozoan Encystation that was Co-Opted for Multicellular Development
Authors: Kawabe Yoshinori , Schilde Christina , Du Qingyou , Schaap Pauline
Published: April 2015

The evolution of multicellularity required novel mechanisms for intercellular communication, but their origin is unclear. Dictyostelium cells exchange signals to position specialized cell types in multicellular spore-bearing structures. These signals activate complex pathways that converge on activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Genes controlling PKA were detected in the Dictyostelid unicellular ancestors, which like most protists form dormant cysts when experiencing environmental stress. We deleted PKA and the adenylate cyclases AcrA and AcgA, which synthesize cAMP for PKA activation, in the intermediate species Polysphondylium, which can develop into either cysts or into multicellular structures. Loss of PKA prevented multicellular development, but also completely blocked encystation. Loss of AcrA and AcgA, both essential for sporulation in Dictyostelium, did not affect Polysphondylium sporulation, but prevented encystation. We conclude that multicellular cAMP signalling was co-opted from PKA regulation of protist encystation with progressive refunctionalization of pathway components.
Electric discharge during electrosurgery
Authors: Shashurin Alexey , Scott David , Zhuang Taisen , Canady Jerome , Beilis Isak I. , Keidar Michael
Published: April 2015

Electric discharge utilized for electrosurgery is studied by means of a recently developed method for the diagnostics of small-size atmospheric plasma objects based on Rayleigh scattering of microwaves on the plasma volume. Evolution of the plasma parameters in the near-electrode sheaths and in the positive column is measured and analyzed. It is found that the electrosurgical system produces a glow discharge of alternating current with strongly contracted positive column with current densities reaching 103 A/cm2. The plasma electron density and electrical conductivities in the channel were found be 1016 cm−3 and (1-2) Ohm−1cm−1, respectively. The discharge interrupts every instance when the discharge-driving AC voltage crosses zero and re-ignites again every next half-wave at the moment when the instant voltage exceeds the breakdown threshold.
Dual wavelength asymmetric photochemical synthesis with circularly polarized light
Authors: Richardson Robert D. , Baud Matthias G. J. , Weston Claire E. , Rzepa Henry S. , Kuimova Marina K. , Fuchter Matthew J.
Published: April 2015

An asymmetric photchemical synthesis of a dihyrohelicene demonstrates two wavelengths of circularly polarized (CP) light can be used to ensure the enantiomeric induction intrinsic to each step can combine additively; significantly increasing the asymmetric induction possible over a single wavelength approach.
Qualitative analysis of edible oil oxidation by FTIR spectroscopy using a mesh “cell”
Authors: Xu Lirong , Fei Tao , Li Qinghua , Yu Xiuzhu , Liu Lei
Published: April 2015

To develop a feasible, green, and fast qualitative detection method for identifying edible oil oxidation, the qualitative discrimination between oxidised and non-oxidised oils was calibrated based on FTIR procedures, which used a mesh cell as a spectral acquisition accessory in combination with Mahalanobis analysis.
Theoretical study of exciton dissociation through hot states at donor–acceptor interface in organic photocell
Authors: Shimazaki Tomomi , Nakajima Takahito
Published: April 2015

We theoretically study the dissociation of geminate electron–hole pairs (i.e., excitons) through vibrational hot states at the donor–acceptor interface of organic photocells.
Predicting the binding modes and sites of metabolism of xenobiotics
Authors: Mukherjee Goutam , Lal Gupta Pancham , Jayaram B.
Published: April 2015

Metabolism studies are an essential integral part of ADMET profiling of drug candidates to evaluate their safety and efficacy.
Direct C–H arylation synthesis of (DD′AD′DA′)-constituted alternating polymers with low bandgaps and their photovoltaic performance
Authors: Shaker Mohamed , Trinh Cuc Kim , Kim Wonbin , Kim Heejoo , Lee Kwanghee , Lee Jae-Suk
Published: April 2015

The alternating copolymers possess a planar backbone structure and high intramolecular charge transfer, and they contain a strong push–pull (D–A) system and gave a power conversion efficiency up to 2.36%.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotics by reduced graphene oxide–CdS/ZnS heterostructure photocatalysts
Authors: Tang Yanfeng , Liu Xinlin , Ma Changchang , Zhou Mingjun , Huo Pengwei , Yu Longbao , Pan Jianming , Shi Weidong , Yan Yongsheng
Published: April 2015

Ternary RGO–CdS/ZnS heterostructures with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal method.
Crystalline structures and crystallization behaviors of poly(l-lactide) in poly(l-lactide)/graphene nanosheet composites
Authors: Li Jingqing , Xiao Peitao , Li Hongfei , Zhang Yao , Xue Feifei , Luo Baojing , Huang Shaoyong , Shang Yingrui , Wen Huiying , de Claville Christiansen Jesper , Yu Donghong , Jiang Shichun
Published: April 2015

GNS existence in PLLA favors α′ crystal formation more than α crystal formation resulting in a shift of α′–α crystal formation transition toward high Tcs.
Exceptional thermal stability of undoped anatase TiO2 photocatalysts prepared by a solvent-exchange method
Authors: Krivtsov Igor , Ilkaeva Marina , Avdin Viacheslav , Amghouz Zakariae , Khainakov Sergei A. , García José R. , Díaz Eva , Ordóñez Salvador
Published: April 2015

A new solvent-exchange method for preparation of undoped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with unprecedented thermal stability has been presented.
The effect of anode support on the electrochemical performance of microtubular solid oxide fuel cells fabricated by gel-casting
Authors: Morales M. , Laguna-Bercero M. A. , Navarro M. E. , Espiell F. , Segarra M.
Published: April 2015

Different cell configurations of anode-supported microtubular solid oxide fuel cells (mT-SOFCs) using samaria-doped ceria (SDC) as the electrolyte were fabricated.
One-pot preparation of nanocrystalline Ag–WO3 catalyst for the selective oxidation of styrene
Authors: Ghosh Shilpi , Acharyya Shankha S. , Kumar Malika , Bal Rajaram
Published: April 2015

Cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-mediated water-based preparation of nanocrystalline Ag–WO3 catalyst has been reported in a one-pot preparation method.
A general method for the preparation of a thickness-controllable fluoro-containing organic film as a solid lubricant
Authors: Liang Hongyu , Bu Yongfeng , Ding Jianning , Zhang Junyan
Published: April 2015

A general method for the preparation of thickness-controllable heteroatom-containing (H, Cl, F, N, and S) organic films as superior solid lubricants.
Layer-by-layer assembled protein nanotubes with high DNA affinity
Authors: Jiao Peipei , Guo Yanli , Niu Aihua , Kang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2015

Layer-by-layer assembled protein nanotubes show extremely high adsorption capacity for DNA molecules.
Promoting bone-like apatite formation on titanium alloys through nanocrystalline tantalum nitride coatings
Authors: Xu Jiang , Liu Linlin , Munroe Paul , Xie Zong-Han
Published: April 2015

The study aims to advance the applicability of titanium alloys as bone implant materials by tackling some important aspects of surface robustness and bioactivity.
Synergistic effects of a novel free-standing reduced graphene oxide film and surface coating fibronectin on morphology, adhesion and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jin Lin , Zeng Zhiping , Kuddannaya Shreyas , Yue Dan , Bao Jingnan , Wang Zhenling , Zhang Yilei
Published: April 2015

Fabrication of free-standing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) films by vacuum filtration of graphene oxide aqueous solution through a nanofiber membrane in combination with chemical reduction.
Gold nanostars functionalized with amine-terminated PEG for X-ray/CT imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Tian Ying , Luo Song , Yan Huaijiang , Teng Zhaogang , Pan Yuanwei , Zeng Leyong , Wu Jiang , Li Yanjun , Liu Ying , Wang Shouju , Lu Guangming
Published: April 2015

We present the great potential of gold nanostars decorated with amine-terminated PEG in the application of X-ray/CT-guided photothermal therapy.
Medium‐frequency disturbance attenuation for the spacecraft via virtual‐gimbal tilting of the magnetically suspended reaction wheel
Authors: Yu Yuan‐Jin , Yang Zhao‐Hua , Fang Jian‐Cheng
Published: April 2015

A medium‐frequency disturbance attenuation strategy based on the virtual‐gimbal effect of the active magnetically suspended reaction wheels (MSRWs) is proposed to improve the pointing stability for the high‐resolution observation of the spacecraft. The disturbances decreasing the pointing stability include not only the space environment disturbances with low frequency but also the flexible modes and vibrations with medium frequency which are excited by the flexible appendix and the rotating components. The model of the MSRW is constructed firstly and the model of the spacecraft with one MSRW is then developed. Furthermore, a hybrid three‐loop control strategy is designed to stabilise the pointing of the spacecraft and the MSRW, where the compensation loop is used to attenuate the medium‐frequency disturbances beyond the bandwidth of the attitude control loop. The bandwidth of the MSRW is expanded by tilting the rotor shaft, and the attitude angular velocity is directly feedback to the compensation loop. In addition, the cross feedback control is introduced to attenuate the medium‐frequency disturbances. Finally, simulations are constructed and the results indicate the medium‐frequency disturbances are effectively attenuated.
Event‐triggered output‐feedback ℋ∞ control for networked control systems with time‐varying sampling
Authors: Peng Chen , Zhang Jin
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the problem of event‐triggered output‐feedback ℋ∞ control for networked control systems (NCSs) with non‐uniform sampling. First, an event‐triggered communication scheme is proposed, in which the output of the system is taken sample with a non‐uniform sampling period, while whether or not the sampled data should be transmitted is determined by a predetermined well‐designed event‐triggering condition. Second, the event‐triggered NCSs are modelled as a time‐delay system, which regards the measured output‐error between the output at the current sampling instant and the output at the last transmitted sampling instant. As a result, the stability and synthesis criteria are derived to guarantee the uniform ultimate bounded stability and the desired performance while using the less communication bandwidth. Finally, three illustrative examples are used to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Integral sliding mode control for non‐linear systems with mismatched uncertainty based on quadratic sliding mode
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2015

In this study, uncertainty and disturbance compensations are addressed for non‐linear systems by an integral sliding mode (ISM) design. It is divided into two steps for implementation of the ISM control. First, an ISM switching surface in quadratic form is designed to construct the attractiveness and reachability. Then, the control law design ensures the stability of the sliding mode on the switching surface. The compensation design is applicable for both matched and mismatched perturbations. Preliminary results show that more relaxed design assumptions of this design, compared with other methods. In the end, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated with simulation results.
Glass-forming ability of TeO2 and temperature induced changes on the structure of the glassy, supercooled, and molten states
Authors: Kalampounias A. G. , Tsilomelekis G. , Boghosian S.
Published: April 2015

Polarized (VV) and depolarized (VH) Raman spectra are obtained for glassy, supercooled, and molten TeO2 at temperatures up to 1000 K in order to elucidate the temperature evolution of the pertinent structural and vibrational properties. The intrinsic tendency of the system for crystallization is avoided by means of a newly applied protocol, thereby enabling the recording of Raman spectra of pure TeO2 on going from the molten to the supercooled liquid and to the room temperature glass states. Following an appropriate fitting procedure, the revealed bands are assigned to specific modes of structural polymorphs. A weak polarised band at ∼880 cm−1 is assigned to Te=O terminal stretching in agreement with the literature ab initio molecular orbital calculations. Subtle changes to the relative band intensities within the 550-900 cm−1 stretching region are caused by temperature increase. The network-like structure of the glass/melt is composed by TeO4 trigonal bipyramid and TeO3 trigonal pyramid units. With increasing temperature, TeO4 units convert to TeO3 units with a concurrent increase in the number of Te=O sites resulting from cleavages within the network structure. The fraction of such terminal oxygen atoms has been directly estimated from the spectroscopic data. The relative populations of the basic building blocks and the average number of O atoms around Te have been estimated for a wide temperature range directly from the Raman spectra, implying a gradual transformation of TeO4/2 to TeO2/2(= O) trigonal pyramid units. The results are discussed in the context of the current phenomenological and theoretical status of the field.
The uses of social capital among Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg
Authors: Hungwe Chipo
Published: April 2015

This paper analyses the role of family and church networks as sources of social capital in aiding migration, settlement and social integration of Zimbabwean migrants. It also shows how these networks sometimes inhibit migrant integration into the host community. The study was carried out among Zimbabwean migrants in Tembisa and Kempton Park in Johannesburg. This study adds to the growing literature on bonding and bridging social capital while at the same time revealing how social capital is both a blessing and blight to Zimbabwean migrants. This paper makes an important contribution to the literature by arguing that while sometimes migrant social integration is hindered by the activities of the host population (e.g. xenophobic attitudes among South African locals), in some cases, the migrants themselves could hinder their own social integration through their migrant social networks. I argue that this is an unintended consequence of migrant family and religious networks.
Amiodarone-Induced Lung Injury With Bilateral Lung Pneumonitis and Peripheral Eosinophilia
Authors: Alqaid Ammar , Baskaran Gautam , Dougherty Christopher
Published: April 2015

Amiodarone is a widely used antiarrhythmic that is used in the management of a variety of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Amiodarone-induced lung injury is an adverse effect in 5% of patients taking amiodarone, usually within 12 months of commencing therapy. Different mechanisms of injury and histopathological changes have been proposed and described. Eosinophilic pneumonia is one uncommon presentation of amiodarone-induced lung injury. The following is a case report of a 62-year-old woman who, after taking 400 mg of amiodarone twice daily for 8 months, developed bilateral interstitial pneumonitis with peripheral eosinophilia. After cessation of amiodarone, she had significant improvement in terms of her clinical symptoms and partial regression of pulmonary infiltrates on radiological imaging. The case underlies the importance of vigilance monitoring patients who are taking potentially pneumotoxic drugs as well as describing a classic example of drug-induced pneumonitis.
Accuracy of Nutritional Screening Tools in Assessing the Risk of Undernutrition in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Huysentruyt Koen , Devreker Thierry , Dejonckheere Joachim , De Schepper Jean , Vandenplas Yvan , Cools Filip
Published: April 2015

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of screening tools for assessing nutritional risk in hospitalized children in developed countries.

Methods:

The study involved a systematic review of literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases up to January 17, 2014) of studies on the diagnostic performance of pediatric nutritional screening tools. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified QUADAS tool. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each screening tool per validation method. A meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the risk ratio of different screening result categories of being truly at nutritional risk.

Results:

A total of 11 studies were included on ≥1 of the following screening tools: Pediatric Nutritional Risk Score, Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics, Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score, and Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth. Because of variation in reference standards, a direct comparison of the predictive accuracy of the screening tools was not possible. A meta‐analysis was performed on 1629 children from 7 different studies. The risk ratio of being truly at nutritional risk was 0.349 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–0.78) for children in the low versus moderate screening category and 0.292 (95% CI 0.19–0.44) in the moderate versus high screening category.

Conclusions:

There is insufficient evidence to choose 1 nutritional screening tool over another based on their predictive accuracy. The estimated risk of being at “true nutritional risk” increases with each category of screening test result. Each screening category should be linked to a specific course of action, although further research is needed.
Impact of the species compartment definition on quantitative modeling of microbial communities
Authors: Budinich Marko , Bourdon Jérémie , Eveillard Damien
Published: April 2015

Recent advances in genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction paved the way to the use of quantitative modelings such as FBA. However, despite the great interest of these techniques to tackle quantitative features, microbial community modeling remains unclear. Whereas studies represent a microbial community with several compartments for each microbial strains and their common pool, others advocate for the use of a single compartment that combines all reactions. Here we show that both modelings lead to different optimal quantitative solutions. This study illustrates this difference by the use of the flux module technique, that describes, in a compact way, the optimal solution space as computed by FBA-like techniques. For application, this paper computes the flux modules of a hot spring microbial community (represented bySynechococcus spp., Chloroflexus and Roseiflexus spp.) and a microbial methagenic system (Desulvovibrio vulgarisandMethanococcus maripaludis) sulfate reducing bacteria), while emphasizing the quantitative changes that occurs when one assumes either the consortium as a “single compartment” or a multiple compartment.
Medial auditory thalamus is necessary for acquisition and retention of eyeblink conditioning to cochlear nucleus stimulation
Authors: Halverson Hunter E. , Poremba Amy , Freeman John H.
Published: April 2015

Associative learning tasks commonly involve an auditory stimulus, which must be projected through the auditory system to the sites of memory induction for learning to occur. The cochlear nucleus (CN) projection to the pontine nuclei has been posited as the necessary auditory pathway for cerebellar learning, including eyeblink conditioning. However, the medial auditory thalamic nuclei (MATN), consisting of the medial division of the medial geniculate, suprageniculate, and posterior interlaminar nucleus have also been implicated as a critical auditory relay to the pontine nuclei for cerebellum-dependent motor learning. The MATN also conveys auditory information to the amygdala necessary for avoidance and fear conditioning. The current study used CN stimulation to increase activity in the pontine nuclei, relative to a tone stimulus, and possibly provide sufficient input to the cerebellum for acquisition or retention of eyeblink conditioning during MATN inactivation. Primary and secondary effects of CN stimulation and MATN inactivation were examined using 2-deoxy-glucose autoradiography. Stimulation of CN increased activity in the pontine nuclei, however, this increase was not sufficient for cerebellar learning during MATN inactivation. Results of the current experiment provide additional evidence indicating the MATN may be the critical auditory relay for many associative learning tasks.
Oxytocin signaling in basolateral and central amygdala nuclei differentially regulates the acquisition, expression, and extinction of context-conditioned fear in rats
Authors: Campbell-Smith Emma J. , Holmes Nathan M. , Lingawi Nura W. , Panayi Marios C. , Westbrook R. Frederick
Published: April 2015

The present study investigated how oxytocin (OT) signaling in the central (CeA) and basolateral (BLA) amygdala affects acquisition, expression, and extinction of context-conditioned fear (freezing) in rats. In the first set of experiments, acquisition of fear to a shocked context was impaired by a preconditioning infusion of synthetic OT into the CeA (Experiment 1) or BLA (Experiment 2). In the second set of experiments, expression of context fear was enhanced by a pre- or post-extinction CeA infusion of synthetic OT (Experiments 3–6) or a selective OT receptor agonist, TGOT (Experiment 4). This enhancement of fear was blocked by coadministration of an OT receptor antagonist, OTA (Experiment 5) and context fear was suppressed by administration of the antagonist alone (Experiment 6). In the third set of experiments, expression of context fear was suppressed, not enhanced, by a preextinction BLA infusion of synthetic OT or a selective OT receptor agonist, TGOT (Experiments 7 and 8). This suppression of fear was blocked by coadministration of the OT receptor antagonist, OTA (Experiment 8). Taken together, these findings show that the involvement of the CeA and BLA in expression and extinction of context-conditioned fear is dissociable, and imply a critical role for oxytocin signaling in amygdala-based regulation of aversive learning.
Data acquisition system for X-ray free-electron laser experiments at SACLA
Authors: Joti Yasumasa , Kameshima Takashi , Yamaga Mitsuhiro , Sugimoto Takashi , Okada Kensuke , Abe Toshinori , Furukawa Yukito , Ohata Toru , Tanaka Ryotaro , Hatsui Takaki , Yabashi Makina
Published: April 2015

A data acquisition system for X-ray free-electron laser experiments at SACLA has been developed. The system has been designed for reliable shot-to-shot data storage with a high data stream greater than 4 Gbps and massive data analysis. Configuration of the system and examples of prompt data analysis during experiments are presented. Upgrade plans for the system to extend flexibility are described.
The Atomic, Molecular and Optical Science instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Ferguson Ken R. , Bucher Maximilian , Bozek John D. , Carron Sebastian , Castagna Jean-Charles , Coffee Ryan , Curiel G. Ivan , Holmes Michael , Krzywinski Jacek , Messerschmidt Marc , Minitti Michael , Mitra Ankush , Moeller Stefan , Noonan Peter , Osipov Timur , Schorb Sebastian , Swiggers Michele , Wallace Alexander , Yin Jing , Bostedt Christoph
Published: April 2015

The Atomic, Molecular and Optical Science (AMO) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) provides a tight soft X-ray focus into one of three experimental endstations. The flexible instrument design is optimized for studying a wide variety of phenomena requiring peak intensity. There is a suite of spectrometers and two photon area detectors available. An optional mirror-based split-and-delay unit can be used for X-ray pump–probe experiments. Recent scientific highlights illustrate the imaging, time-resolved spectroscopy and high-power density capabilities of the AMO instrument.
Overview of the SACLA facility
Authors: Yabashi Makina , Tanaka Hitoshi , Ishikawa Tetsuya
Published: April 2015

In March 2012, SACLA started user operations of the first compact X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facility. SACLA has been routinely providing users with stable XFEL light over a wide photon energy range from 4 to 15 keV and an ultrafast pulse duration below 10 fs. The facility supports experimental activities in broad fields by offering high-quality X-ray optics and diagnostics, as well as reliable multiport charge-coupled-device detectors, with flexible experimental configurations. A two-stage X-ray focusing system was developed that enables the highest intensity of 1020 W cm−2. Key scientific results published in 2013 and 2014 in diverse fields are reviewed. The main experimental systems developed for these applications are summarized. A perspective on the facility upgrade is presented.
Task conflict asymmetries: effects on expectations and performance
Authors: Jehn Karen A. , De Wit Frank R. C. , Barreto Manuela , Rink Floor
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of asymmetric perceptions of task conflict (i.e. one person experiencing more conflict than the other) on the anticipated relationship with the partner, as well as subjective and objective performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– In a 2 × 2 between-participants experimental design, we manipulated participants’ perception of task conflict (perceive task conflict vs does not perceive task conflict) and the perceptual conflict composition of their group (asymmetry vs symmetry). Participants were randomly allocated to each of the four experimental conditions. Eighty-four psychology students at a Dutch university participated (25 men and 59 women; average age = 21).

Findings

– Results show that when individuals realize that they have asymmetric task conflict perceptions, they have lower expectations about having a positive relationship with their partner and perform worse compared to when they have symmetric task perceptions (i.e. both experiencing either low or high levels of conflict).

Originality/value

– Past research on conflict has not often taken into account that individuals involved in a conflict can experience different amounts of conflict. By conducting an experimental study, in contrast to past research on conflict asymmetry, we can better understand the causal relationship between (a)symmetry of conflict and outcomes. We also provide insight into the mediating chain that examines how conflict asymmetry interferes with work processes and leads to negative work outcomes.
Improving care coordination for African American and Hispanic children with special healthcare needs
Authors: Bronheim Suzanne M. , Can Elif , Anthony Bruno J.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of family-to-family (F2F) information centres by health care providers serving Hispanic and African American families of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) and how that information can be used to enhance effective collaboration to address disparities in access to services.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this second phase of a formative, qualitative multi-phase, collaborative study by a university centre and three F2Fs to develop strategies to increase the use of their centres by Hispanic and African American populations, the authors report the results of key informant interviews with healthcare providers serving the African American and Hispanic families who participated in focus groups at the three centres.

Findings

– Healthcare providers reported that F2Fs play a unique role in providing families support and skills to advocate within systems. However, barriers to healthcare providers recommending F2Fs to families include a lack of knowledge about the specific services provided, the need for face-to-face contact to feel comfortable making a referral and a lack of a formalised referral and feedback process that is in line with their experiences in the medical services system.

Practical implications

– F2Fs can increase use of their centres by African American and Hispanic families through provider referrals by: promoting specific services and supports they offer families, rather than describing their programmes; promoting how they can help providers with the care coordination functions that are time consuming; offering providers training opportunities; and developing processes for referrals that include feedback to providers.

Originality/value

– There are no studies that currently address strengthening the collaboration between medical homes and F2F centres to improve care coordination, access to information and receiving needed services for Hispanic and African American CSHCN and their families. Understanding how healthcare providers serving Hispanic and African American CSHCN perceive F2Fs and currently work with them will enhance this collaboration.
Understanding abusive child labor practices in the shadow of the Arab spring
Authors: Al Ganideh Saeb F. , Good Linda K
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The Syrian civil war that forced hundreds of thousands of Syrian women and children into Jordan as refugees dramatically increased the number of child labourers in that country. The current investigation aims to establish a body of knowledge on the issues surrounding child labour in Jordan by providing an exploratory diagnosis of the phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to explore verbal and physical abusive practices towards working children and investigate whether there are differences between the treatment of domestic and Syrian refugee child labourers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design is quantitative; however, we use a qualitative technique to support and expand the research findings. Data were collected from 124 Jordanian and Syrian working children over a seven-month period in 2013.

Findings

– The results reveal that it is poverty that forces Jordanian children into work while Syrian children are driven by the need for asylum. Of the abusive practices directed towards working children, verbal abuse is the most common. Older children, children from unstable families and those who work long hours are more vulnerable to this form of abuse, while children from unstable family structures and who work long hours are more likely to experience physically abuse. The results reveal that Syrian children are paid much less, are less verbally abused, had better schooling and perceive working conditions more positively than do their Jordanian counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations of this research arise from the size the sample.

Social implications

– The current study aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventing abusive practices towards local and refugee children working in Jordan.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very little is known about refugee child labour and how it might differ from domestic child labour.
Factors affecting consumers’ green product purchase decisions
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Ghodeswar Bhimrao M
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The literature on green consumer behaviour recently focuses upon the Asian markets. Though environmental consciousness in Indian consumers is observed in the literature, their purchase behaviour towards green products is not yet clearly understood. So, the purpose of this paper is to study the factors affecting consumers’ green product purchase decisions in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research employs a survey-based method to test a theoretically grounded set of hypotheses. Using a 38-item questionnaire and snowball sampling method, the data were collected from 403 working Indian respondents in Mumbai. The data were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

– The results witnessed that the respondents possess willingness to support environmental protection, realization of environmental responsibilities, and inclination towards searching green product-related information and learning about green products. Supporting environmental protection, drive for environmental responsibility, green product experience, environmental friendliness of companies and social appeal are identified as important factors affecting green product purchase decisions.

Research limitations/implications

– Results of the research are useful for marketing professionals for green products to develop effective green marketing strategies emphasizing personal relevance, social importance and environmental significance of purchasing, using and disposing green products that produce increased levels of satisfaction for customers and influence their decisions to buy green products.

Originality/value

– This research provides valuable insights into green consumer behaviour in Indian context by examining the factors that influence their purchase decisions towards green products.
Internet banking acceptance in the United States and Malaysia: a cross-cultural examination
Authors: Yuen Yee Yen , Yeow Paul HP , Lim Nena
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cultural differences in internet banking adoption between the USA and Malaysia. It aims to provide marketing recommendations based on specific cultural dimensions to promote internet banking.

Design/methodology/approach

– With four added variables (attitude towards use, perceived credibility, self-efficacy, and anxiety), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model was used. A questionnaire was developed based on the research model and distributed to 1,050 internet banking users from two countries. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to 666 valid questionnaires to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

– Results show that due to cultural differences, global consumers have different internet banking adoption patterns. Consumers in the USA have a more positive attitude towards use. Moreover, perceived credibility plays an important role in influencing internet banking in the USA. On the other hand, performance expectancy has a direct influence on internet banking adoption in Malaysia. Cultural dimensions such as individualism/collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, monochronic/polychromic, and high context/low context were used to explain these findings. Based on the findings, marketing recommendations that help promote internet banking in both countries were provided.

Originality/value

– This is the one of the pioneer studies that highlights the importance of cultural differences in promoting internet banking services. It contributes to the literature by developing and testing a comprehensive research model using SEM.
The contemporary experience of work: older workers’ perceptions
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a cohort of Brazilian mature workers perceives their contemporary experience in the workplaces by identifying their perceptions, feelings and how they are treated.

Design/methodology/approach

– This investigation drew on grounded theory regarding that it enabled to identify data, describe the observed events, answer vital questions thereof and develop theoretical categories to understand what was taking place.

Findings

– Definitely, the current situation of older workers shows clearly a dual landscape, which is permeated by strong contrasts. On the one hand, one may envision the benefits of a career and participation in the corporate life even though performing humbler roles. On the other hand, one may find people simply struggling to complement their poor pensions and doing everything possible to sustain themselves. Overall, this study found seven themes, namely: current work experience, treatment of older workers, (un)support and benefits provided toward work–family balance and quality of work life, the experience of having a job, meaning of work, working with younger generations and future perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the method used, the results cannot be generalized and herein resides the major limitation of this investigation. In addition, the sample was made up of only people working and living in the main state of Brazil.

Practical implications

– The results of this study bring useful managerial implications for organizations interested in improving their relationships with older workers by suggesting the need of enhancing or implementing a set of human resources and internal marketing policies and practices.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the understanding of a broader general frame of older workers aspirations, needs, difficulties and challenges, particularly focusing on Brazilian reality whose research has paid scant attention on this topic. In addition, it adds to the understanding of older workers’ reality and research toward mature workers’ career, expectations and desires, productivity, adaptability, engagement and learning capacity. Moreover, it suggests that at least some Brazilian organizations are getting to enhance the job designing and development opportunities to their older workforce. However, it also found that there is room for considerable improvements in such tasks.