bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Supplier Satisfaction: Social Capital and Resource Dependence Frameworks
Authors: Schiele Holger , Ellis Scott C. , Eßig Michael , Henke John W. , Kull Thomas J.
Published: May 2015

Recently, supplier satisfaction has gained more attention both in practice and in academic research. However, the knowledge accumulation process is still in an embryonic and explorative phase. Likewise, supplier satisfaction measuring in practice may still benefit from an impetus from academia to be more widely used. This paper aims at considerably expanding understanding of supplier satisfaction by proposing to apply a social capital and a resource dependence theory perspective. We expect an abundance of social capital in a relationship to relate positively to supplier satisfaction, whilst power disequilibrium and dependence from the buyer are expected to negatively relate to supplier satisfaction. It is worth highlighting that, according to research rooted in Hofstede's cultural dimensions model, the perception and acceptance of power differences resulting from a situation of dependency is highly culture specific. We therefore further hypothesise that supplier satisfaction will be moderated by cultural differences and ask researchers to take the cultural dimension into account.
A Vascular Access Team's Journey to Central Venous Catheter and Arterial Line Placement
Authors: Girgenti Constance , Donnellan Elizabeth , Smith Teon
Published: May 2015

Background: The frequency with which vascular access specialists (VASs) are placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCS) has allowed for the improvement and expansion of the skill set by using advanced insertion techniques such as the modified Seldinger technique and ultrasound for real-time imaging. The use of real-time imaging has decreased complications such as arterial puncture and has improved success rates. Due to this positive influence on patient outcomes, many VASs are moving to the placement of central venous catheters (CVC).

Method: We describe the service improvement process of expanding a vascular access team (VAT) practice to include the placement of CVCs and arterial lines in a large community hospital in Illinois. We also outline the history of vascular access and the journey of a VAT.

Results: By following a methodic approach toward implementation of practice expansion, our VAT has gone from solely placing PICCS to the placement of CVCs in the internal jugular, axillary/subclavian, and femoral veins and to the placement of arterial lines.

Conclusions: VASs have the capacity to positively influence patient safety and outcomes even further by placing CVCs, rather than simply staying with the current scope of practice by placing intravenous lines, midlines, and PICCs. Patient outcomes will improve as VASs move to the placement of CVCs, and the costs associated with potential complications will improve also. Moving to the placement of CVCs is vital to the specialty of vascular access and will continue the breadth and depth of service provided by VASs.
DYNAMIC EFFECTS OF DROUGHT ON U.S. CROP AND LIVESTOCK SECTORS
Authors: LEISTER AMANDA M. , PAARLBERG PHILIP L. , LEE JOHN G.
Published: May 2015

This study investigates the long-term adjustments to drought by crop and livestock sectors using a dynamic partial equilibrium quarterly model of the U.S. agricultural economy. Results show that short-term drought effects including increases in crop and forage prices are in tandem with decreased live cattle prices resulting from drought-induced beef cattle herd liquidation. Crop price increases in the long run cause livestock inventory reductions, leading to fewer animals moving through the U.S. meat supply chain and increased livestock prices. Longer-term market adjustments cause a significant decrease in consumer surplus, and prolonged drought amplifies and extends the model-predicted results.
Acquired Brain Injury Results in Specific Impairment of Planning Knowledge
Authors: Shears Connie , Gauvain Mary
Published: May 2015

Assessment of executive functions, such as planning, often relies on tasks such as the Tower of Hanoi, which assess plan execution but not planning knowledge. Survivors of brain injury may perform within normal ranges on plan execution tasks yet have profound deficits in planning knowledge required for daily life. We examined survivors of brain injury and non-injured participants on an errand-planning task, to assess planning knowledge, and on a reading comprehension task, to distinguish inference-based knowledge of planning versus physical cause and effect. Errand-planning performance discriminated survivors of brain injury from non-injured participants. Additionally, survivors with higher scores performed similarly to non-injured participants on both inference tasks, whereas survivors with lower scores did not discriminate these two types of inferences. Findings suggest that the errand-planning task may be a useful measure of planning comprehension for survivors of brain injury and suggest a cognitive retraining strategy.
Enhancing the Relevance of Incident Management Systems in Public Health Emergency Preparedness: A Novel Conceptual Framework
Authors: Bochenek Richard , Grant Moira , Schwartz Brian
Published: May 2015

We outline a conceptual framework developed to meet the needs of public health professionals in the province of Ontario for incident management system-related education and training. By using visual models, this framework applies a public health lens to emergency management, introducing concepts relevant to public health and thereby shifting the focus of emergency preparedness from a strict “doctrine” to a more dynamic and flexible approach grounded in the traditional principles of incident management systems. These models provide a foundation for further exploration of the theoretical foundations for public health emergency preparedness in practice. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:415–422)
Residence in Skilled Nursing Facilities Is Associated with Tigecycline Nonsusceptibility in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: van Duin David , Cober Eric , Richter Sandra S. , Perez Federico , Kalayjian Robert C. , Salata Robert A. , Evans Scott , Fowler Vance G. , Bonomo Robert A. , Kaye Keith S.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rates of and risk factors for tigecycline nonsusceptibility among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKPs) isolated from hospitalized patients

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective observational study

SETTING

Acute care hospitals participating in the Consortium on Resistance against Carbapenems in Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRaCKle)

PATIENTS

A cohort of 287 patients who had CRKPs isolated from clinical cultures during hospitalization

METHODS

For the period from December 24, 2011 to October 1, 2013, the first hospitalization of each patient with a CRKP during which tigecycline susceptibility for the CRKP isolate was determined was included. Clinical data were entered into a centralized database, including data regarding pre-hospital origin. Breakpoints established by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) were used to interpret tigecycline susceptibility testing.

RESULTS

Of 287 patients included in the final cohort, 155 (54%) had tigecycline-susceptible CRKPs. Of all index isolates, 81 (28%) were tigecycline-intermediate and 51 (18%) were tigecycline resistant. In multivariate modeling, independent risk factors for tigecycline nonsusceptibility were (1) admission from a skilled nursing facility (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.51–4.21; P=.0004), (2) positive culture within 2 days of admission (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.06–3.15; P=.03), and (3) receipt of tigecycline within 14 days (OR, 4.38, 95% CI, 1.37–17.01, P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In hospitalized patients with CRKPs, tigecycline nonsusceptibility was more frequently observed in those admitted from skilled nursing facilities and occurred earlier during hospitalization. Skilled nursing facilities are an important target for interventions to decrease antibacterial resistance to antibiotics of last resort for treatment of CRKPs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(8):942–948
Central Compact Objects in Kes 79 and RCW 103 as ‘Hidden’ Magnetars with Crustal Activity
Authors: Popov S. B. , Kaurov A. A. , Kaminker A. D.
Published: May 2015

We propose that observations of ‘hidden’ magnetars in central compact objects can be used to probe crustal activity of neutron stars with large internal magnetic fields. Estimates based on calculations by Perna & Pons, Pons & Rea and Kaminker et al. suggest that central compact objects, which are proposed to be ‘hidden’ magnetars, must demonstrate flux variations on the time scale of months–years. However, the most prominent candidate for the ‘hidden’ magnetars — CXO J1852.6+0040 in Kes 79 — shows constant (within error bars) flux. This can be interpreted by lower variable crustal activity than in typical magnetars. Alternatively, CXO J1852.6+0040 can be in a high state of variable activity during the whole period of observations. Then we consider the source 1E161348 − 5055 in RCW103 as another candidate. Employing a simple 2D-modelling we argue that properties of the source can be explained by the crustal activity of the magnetar type. Thus, this object may be supplemented for the three known candidates for the ‘hidden’ magnetars among central compact objects discussed in literature.
International Migration Decision-Making and Destination Selection Among Skilled Migrants
Authors: Tabor Aidan S. , Milfont Taciano L. , Ward Colleen
Published: May 2015

This research explored how skilled, self-selected migrants make a decision to leave their country of origin and choose a destination. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 pre-departure and 26 post-arrival migrants to New Zealand from the United Kingdom/Ireland, India and South Africa. A thematic analysis was conducted separately for each country's data. For these migrants, the decision process contained three major decisions: whether, where and when to go. Regarding the question of whether to go, key factors were both intrapersonal and social. New Zealand was selected as a destination of choice due to quality of life, safety, environment, cultural similarity, job opportunities and the perception that migrants were wanted. On the question of when to go, the decision process was a negotiation between partners, and often extended family, which occurred over a long period of time.
Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are related to a reduced risk of depression
Authors: Jääskeläinen Tuija , Knekt Paul , Suvisaari Jaana , Männistö Satu , Partonen Timo , Sääksjärvi Katri , Kaartinen Niina E. , Kanerva Noora , Lindfors Olavi
Published: May 2015

Vitamin D has been suggested to protect against depression, but epidemiological evidence is scarce. The present study investigated the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders. The study population consisted of a representative sample of Finnish men and women aged 30–79 years from the Health 2000 Survey. The sample included 5371 individuals, of which 354 were diagnosed with depressive disorder and 222 with anxiety disorder. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was determined from frozen samples. In a cross-sectional study, a total of four indicators of depression and one indicator of anxiety were used as dependent variables. Serum 25(OH)D was the risk factor of interest, and logistic models used further included sociodemographic and lifestyle variables as well as indicators of metabolic health as confounding and/or effect-modifying factors. The population attributable fraction (PAF) was estimated. Individuals with higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations showed a reduced risk of depression. The relative odds between the highest and lowest quartiles was 0·65 (95 % CI 0·46, 0·93;Pfor trend = 0·006) after adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle and metabolic factors. Higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with a lower prevalence of depressive disorder especially among men, younger, divorced and those who had an unhealthy lifestyle or suffered from the metabolic syndrome. The PAF was estimated to be 19 % for depression when serum 25(OH)D concentration was at least 50 nmol/l. These results support the hypothesis that higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations protect against depression even after adjustment for a large number of sociodemographic, lifestyle and metabolic factors. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Lipid hydrolysis products affect the composition of infant gut microbial communitiesin vitro
Authors: Nejrup Rikke G. , Bahl Martin I. , Vigsnæs Louise K. , Heerup Christine , Licht Tine R. , Hellgren Lars I.
Published: May 2015

Some lipid hydrolysis products such as medium-chained NEFA (MC-NEFA), sphingosine and monoacylglycerols (MAG) possess antibacterial activity, while others, including oleic acid, are essential for the optimal growth ofLactobacillusspecies. Thus, changes in the concentrations of NEFA and MAG in the distal ileum and colon can potentially selectively modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, especially in early life when lipid absorption efficacy is reduced. As medium-chained fatty acids are enriched in mothers' milk, such effects may be highly relevant during gut colonisation. In the present study, we examined the effect of selected NEFA, MAG and sphingosine on the composition of faecal microbial communities derived from infants aged 2–5 months during a 24 h anaerobicin vitrofermentation. We tested lipid mixtures in the concentration range of 0–200 μm, either based on MC-NEFA (10 : 0 to 14 : 0 and MAG 12 : 0) or long-chained NEFA (LC-NEFA; 16 : 0 to 18 : 1 and MAG 16 : 0) with and without sphingosine, representing lipid hydrolysis products characteristic for intestinal hydrolysis of breast milk lipids. Ion Torrent sequencing of the bacterial16Sribosomal RNA gene revealed that the relative abundance of lactic acid-producing genera, includingLactobacillusandBifidobacterium, was generally increased in the presence of 50 μmor higher concentrations of MC-NEFA. ForBifidobacterium, the same effect was also observed in the presence of a mixture containing LC-NEFA with sphingosine. On the contrary, the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was significantly decreased in the presence of both lipid mixtures. Our findings suggest that the high concentration of medium-chained fatty acids in breast milk might have functional effects on the establishment of the gut microbiota in early life.
Oligosaccharides in infant formula: more evidence to validate the role of prebiotics
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Zakharova Irina , Dmitrieva Yulia
Published: May 2015

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota differs between breast-fed and classic infant formula-fed infants. Breast milk is rich in prebiotic oligosaccharides (OS) and may also contain some probiotics, but scientific societies do not recommend the addition of prebiotic OS or probiotics to standard infant formula. Nevertheless, many infant formula companies often add one or the other or both. Different types of prebiotic OS are used in infant formula, including galacto-oligosaccharide, fructo-oligosaccharide, polydextrose and mixtures of these OS, but none adds human milk OS. There is evidence that the addition of prebiotics to infant formula brings the GI microbiota of formula-fed infants closer to that of breast-fed infants. Prebiotics change gut metabolic activity (by decreasing stool pH and increasing SCFA), have a bifidogenic effect and bring stool consistency and defecation frequency closer to those of breast-fed infants. Although there is only limited evidence that these changes in GI microbiota induce a significant clinical benefit for the immune system, interesting positive trends have been observed in some markers. Additionally, adverse effects are extremely seldom. Prebiotics are added to infant formula because breast milk contains human milk OS. Because most studies suggest a trend of beneficial effects and because these ingredients are very safe, prebiotics bring infant formula one step closer to the golden standard of breast milk.
USING APSIM-MODEL AS A DECISION-SUPPORT-TOOL FOR LONG-TERM INTEGRATED-NITROGEN-MANAGEMENT AND MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS IN KENYA
Authors: KISAKA M. OSCAR , MUCHERU-MUNA M. , NGETICH F. K. , MUGWE J. N. , MUGENDI D. N. , MAIRURA F. , MURIUKI J.
Published: May 2015

There is continued decline in per capita agricultural productivity in the drier parts of Kenya's central highlands. The declines have been linked to low and declining soil fertility, soil water, high atmospheric heat, prolonged dry-spells and erratic rainfall. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies have been developed and tested in the region. Despite their significant impacts, high variability in local soils and climate contributes to large variations and inconsistency in research results among replications. Experimentation is expensive and limited to a few years, sites and scenarios. Crop-growth simulation models suitably complement experimental research, to support decision making regarding soil fertility and water management. This study evaluated the performance of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. APSIM was parameterized and calibrated based on a rain-fed randomized complete block trial (2009–2012) at a research station in Machang’a, Embu County. The study further reported on long-term effects of integrated Nitrogen (N) management from organic residues (goat manure, Lantana camara, Tithonia diversifolia and Mucuna pruriens) and their combination with mineral fertilizers in maize production. The model adequately reproduced the observed trends of maize leaf area index (LAI) and yield response to the test N amendments. Long-term simulations showed that application of 0, 20 and 40 Kg N ha−1 had low inter-seasonal variations (CV = 18–33%) in yields. High yield variability (CV > 56%) was observed in the application of 60 and 80 Kg N ha−1. Application of 40 Kg N ha−1 by combining mineral fertilizer and manure showed 80% chance of harvesting more than 2.5 Mg ha−1 of maize grain yield. Maize stover mulching at 5 and 6 Mg ha−1 with the same N application increased long-term guaranteed grain harvests to 3.5 Mg ha−1. This is when complemented with 90 Kg P ha−1. This integrated N and soil water management is thus recommended. For subsistence farming, low-cost recommendations are geared towards some ‘guaranteed’ yield stability each cropping season. This recommendation underpins low-cost technologies that reduce production risks among small-holder farmers who faced with intermittent financial problems, to improve food security. However, there is need to evaluate and verify that there is a positive balance of primary nutrients such as N, P and K in such a fertility and water management option. Its effects on C:N levels ought to be evaluated as well.
Losing Face and Sinking Costs: Experimental Evidence on the Judgment of Political and Military Leaders
Authors: Renshon Jonathan
Published: May 2015

Status has long been implicated as a critical value of states and leaders in international politics. However, decades of research on the link between status and conflict have yielded divergent findings, and little evidence of a causal relationship. I attempt to resolve this impasse by shifting the focus from status to relative status concerns in building a theory of status from the ground up, beginning with its behavioral microfoundations. I build on and extend previous work through an experimental study of status threats and the escalation of commitment, operationalized here as a new behavioral escalation task using real financial incentives and framed around a narrative of war and peace. I utilize a unique sample of high-profile political and military leaders from the Senior Executive Fellow (SEF) program at the Harvard Kennedy School, as well as a group of demographically matched control subjects, allowing me to evaluate the moderating effect of power on status concerns while also addressing typical concerns about external validity in IR experiments. I find strong evidence that the fear of losing status impedes decision making and increases the tendency to “throw good money after bad,” but that power aids decision making by buffering high-power subjects against the worst effects of status loss.
Migration and Foreign Aid
Authors: Bermeo Sarah Blodgett , Leblang David
Published: May 2015

When it comes to linkages between migration and the global allocation of foreign development assistance, the size of the immigrant population from a recipient country residing in a donor country is an important determinant of dyadic aid commitments. Two complementary hypotheses probe this relationship. First, donors use foreign aid to achieve their broader immigration goals, targeting migrant-sending areas to increase development and decrease the demand for entry into the donor country. Second, migrants already residing in the donor country mobilize to lobby for additional aid for their homeland. Empirical tests on a large sample of country pairs made up of twenty-two donors and more than 150 recipients over the period 1993 to 2008 show robust support for these hypotheses.
Consecutive wheat sequences: effects of contrasting growing seasons on concentrations ofGaeumannomyces graminisvar.triticiDNA in soil and take-all disease across different cropping sequences
Authors: BITHELL S. L. , McKAY A. C. , BUTLER R. C. , CROMEY M. G.
Published: May 2015

The extent and severity of wheat take-all (caused byGaeumannomyces graminisvar.tritici(Ggt)) can vary considerably between growing seasons. The current study aimed to identify climatic factors associated with differing concentrations ofGgtDNA in soil and take-all disease at different stages of a sequence of wheat crops. Pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations and subsequent take-all disease in consecutive wheat crop sequences were compared across six seasons in 90 commercial cropping fields in Canterbury and Southland, New Zealand, between 2003 and 2009. Disease progress was assessed in additional fields in 2004/05 and 2005/06. While a general pattern in inoculum and disease fluctuations was evident, there were exceptions among wheat crop sequences that commenced in different years, especially for first wheat crops. In three consecutive growing seasons, there was very low inoculum increase in the first wheat crop, while increases in first wheat crops during the following three seasons was much greater. Low spring–summer rainfall was associated with low build-up of inoculum in first wheat crops. The inoculum derived from the first wheat then determined the amount of primary inoculum for the subsequent second wheat, thereby influencing the severity of take-all in that crop. Differing combinations of weather conditions during one wheat crop in a sequence and the conditions experienced by the next crop provided explanations of the severity of take-all at grain fill and the resulting post-harvest soilGgtDNA concentrations in second wheat crops. Examples of contrasting combinations were: (a) a moderate take-all epidemic and high post-harvest inoculum that followed high rainfall during grain fill, despite low pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations; (b) severe take-all and moderate to high inoculum build-up following high pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations and non-limiting rainfall; and (c) low spring and early summer rainfall slowing epidemic development in second wheat crops, even where there were high pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations. The importance of the environmental conditions experienced during a particular growing season was also illustrated by differences between growing seasons in take-all progress in fields in the same take-all risk categories based on pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations.
Response of grapevine phenology to recent temperature change and variability in the wine-producing area of Sremski Karlovci, Serbia
Authors: RUML M. , KORAĆ N. , VUJADINOVIĆ M. , VUKOVIĆ A. , IVANIŠEVIĆ D.
Published: May 2015

The historical temperature (1981–2007) and phenological (1986–2011) data were analysed for the region of Sremski Karlovci, one of the oldest grapevine growing areas in Europe, with the aim of detecting trends of changes in the data, evaluating the sensitivity of grapevine phenology to temperature and revealing diversity among cultivars in their response to observed changes in temperature. The onset dates of four major phenological stages (budburst, flowering, veraison and harvest), along with the corresponding growth intervals between them, were examined for 20 wine grape cultivars. A number of climatically important parameters for viticulture were calculated for the calendar year, growing season and different grapevine growth periods. Significant increases were detected in average and heat-related extreme temperature indices. The greatest rate of change in temperature variables across the growing season was observed during the period from the beginning of flowering to the beginning of veraison and the smallest during the ripening period. Linear trends indicated that all phenological stages, except budburst, have advanced significantly. Averaged across all cultivars, detected trends were –0·4, –0·7 and –0·6 days/year for the beginning of flowering, the beginning of veraison and harvest date, respectively. Observed warming and change in the timing of phenological events did not significantly affect the duration of the growth intervals, which can be explained by significant inter-correlation between the phenological stages’ onset. Ripening was occurring under warmer conditions due to earlier flowering and veraison, rather than because of considerably higher temperatures preceding harvest or shortening of the ripening period. Most of the variation in phenology timing (74–90%) can be explained by a linear relationship between the onset date of phenological stage and temperature, with mean and maximum temperatures being more important than minimum temperatures. According to the current results, a 1 °C increase in the most influential temperature variable during the most relevant periods for the onset of phenological stages led to an advancement in the beginning of budburst, the beginning of flowering, the beginning of veraison and harvest by 3·6, 3·1, 5·2 and 7·4 days, respectively, on average for all cultivars. Among the cultivars studied, Pinot Noir displayed the greatest phenology advancement in response to increased temperature.
Use of tracheal stenting in the palliation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: tertiary centre experience
Authors: Varadharajan K , Mathew R , Odutoye B , Williamson P , Madden B
Published: May 2015

Background:

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is rare but carries a poor prognosis. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma leads to tracheal compression, airway compromise and eventually death. Airway compromise, a particularly distressing symptom, can be palliated with tracheal stenting.

Method:

A retrospective case note analysis was conducted of patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma between July 2003 and July 2013.

Results:

Twelve patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma were identified. Four patients underwent palliative tracheal stenting. Three patients had no dyspnoea at the time of stenting. Two stented patients subsequently developed dyspnoea secondary to stent migration; this was managed successfully with stent exchange. The other stented patient remained asymptomatic with regards to dyspnoea. All non-stented patients died with or from airway compromise.

Conclusion:

Tracheal stenting is a relatively safe and effective method for palliation of distressing airway symptoms in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Early prophylactic tracheal stenting in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma may be an effective option to prevent development of airway compromise as the disease progresses.
Formalising land rights based on customary tenure: community delimitation and women's access to land in central Mozambique
Authors: Kaarhus Randi , Dondeyne Stefaan
Published: May 2015

The Mozambican Land Law of 1997 intends to provide flexible rules of access to land, while securing local people's customary rights, as well as equal rights for women and men. Drawing on participant observation during a ‘land delimitation’ process in central Mozambique, this article analyses the complex negotiation ensuing from the implementation of the Land Law in a local community. It shows how the delimitation process provided spaces for asserting – male – roles of power and authority, while local women were increasingly marginalised in the process. By presenting oral testimonies from women in the community, the authors seek to balance the account, providing women's perspectives on the highly gendered character of interests in, access to, and exclusion from land. The analysis ends with the question: What would be required to provide a space for local women to articulate their interests in a secure access to land during the delimitation process itself?
Coping with urban food insecurity: findings from Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Pottier Johan
Published: May 2015

Research carried out in two densely populated wards of Kampala in 2012 shows that food-insecure households dropped, or significantly decreased, their consumption of matoke, the plantain staple, soon after its availability declined and the market price rose. They shifted to a diet for which the base was a stiff maize porridge (posho), eating just one meal a day. Many such households were headed by grandparents, single grandmothers especially. For the full set of household heads interviewed (118), access to rural family land (kibanja) stood out as critical for achieving year-round urban food security. With few exceptions, households that farmed ‘at home’ – about half the sample – saw themselves as food secure. Access negotiations, however, could be difficult, especially for women. The growing number of grandparents responsible for raising grandchildren and nieces/nephews, many of whom were orphaned, has given rise to a new discourse whereby care is increasingly given to maternal grandchildren.
Seasonal shift in community pattern of planktonic diatoms and environmental drivers in Jiaozhou Bay, northern China
Authors: Qi Hongli , Xu Yuping , Hu Xiaozhong , Ma Honggang , Xu Henglong
Published: May 2015

Diatoms are a primary producer and play an important role in the functioning of microbial food webs. Temporal variations in community patterns of planktonic diatom assemblages were studied during a 1-year cycle (June 2007–May 2008) in Jiaozhou Bay, northern China. Samples were collected biweekly at a depth of 1 m from five sampling stations. A total of 75 diatom species representing 40 genera, 28 family, 19 orders and three classes were recorded. Of these species, 11 distributed in all four seasons, while 27, 35, 56 and 28 forms occurred only in spring, summer, autumn and winter season, respectively. The species number and total abundance peaked in autumn, with minimum values in May. All three species biodiversity measures (Shannon diversity, Pielou's evenness and Marglef's richness) peaked in spring and autumn. There was a significant difference in diatom community patterns among seasons, except the pair of spring and winter. The environmental variables, especially temperature and the nutrients, could significantly drive the seasonal variation in diatom community patterns. Of 11 dominant species, four (Paralia sulcata, Skeletonema costatum, Guinardia delicatulaandNitzschia lorenziana) were significantly related with temperature, pH and/or nutrients. These findings suggest that the seasonal shift in community pattern of planktonic diatoms was driven by both temperature and nutrients in this eutrophic basin ecosystem.
Food preferences and underlying mechanisms after bariatric surgery
Authors: Behary Preeshila , Miras Alexander D.
Published: May 2015

Bariatric surgery leads to significant long-term weight loss, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The mechanisms underlying weight loss have not been fully uncovered. The aim of this review is to explore the changes in food preferences, as a novel mechanism contributing to weight loss, and also focus on the underlying processes modulating eating behaviour after bariatric surgery. Patients after gastric bypass are less hungry and prefer healthier food options. They develop an increased acuity to sweet taste, which is perceived as more intense. The appeal of sweet fatty food decreases, with functional MRI studies showing a corresponding reduction in activation of the brain reward centres to high-energy food cues. Patients experiencing post-ingestive symptoms with sweet and fatty food develop conditioned aversive behaviours towards the triggers. Gut hormones are elevated in RYGB and have the potential to influence the taste system and food hedonics. Current evidence supports a beneficial switch in food preferences after RYGB. Changes within the sensory and reward domain of taste and the development of post-ingestive symptoms appear to be implicated. Gut hormones may be the mediators of these alterations and therefore exploiting this property might prove beneficial for designing future obesity treatment.
Toxoplasma gondiiseropositivity and cognitive functions in school-aged children
Authors: MENDY A. , VIEIRA E. R. , ALBATINEH A. N. , GASANA J.
Published: May 2015

Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) infects one-third of the world population, but its association with cognitive functions in school-aged children is unclear. We examined the relationship betweenToxoplasmaseropositivity and neuropsychological tests scores (including math, reading, visuospatial reasoning and verbal memory) in 1755 school-aged children 12–16 years old who participated to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, using multiple linear regressions adjusted for covariates.Toxoplasmaseroprevalence was 7·7% and seropositivity to the parasite was associated with lower reading skills (regression coefficient [β] = −5·86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −11·11, −0·61,P= 0·029) and memory capacities (β= −0·86, 95% CI: −1·58, −0·15,P= 0·017). The interaction betweenT. gondiiseropositivity and vitamin E significantly correlated with memory scores. In subgroup analysis,Toxoplasma-associated memory impairment was worse in children with lower serum vitamin E concentrations (β= −1·61, 95% CI: −2·44, −0·77,P< 0·001) than in those with higher values (β= −0·12, 95% CI: −1·23, 0·99,P= 0·83). In conclusion,Toxoplasmaseropositivity may be associated with reading and memory impairments in school-aged children. Serum vitamin E seems to modify the relationship between the parasitic infection and memory deficiency.
Identifying neuroanatomical signatures of anorexia nervosa: a multivariate machine learning approach
Authors: Lavagnino L. , Amianto F. , Mwangi B. , D'Agata F. , Spalatro A. , Zunta-Soares G. B. , Abbate Daga G. , Mortara P. , Fassino S. , Soares J. C.
Published: May 2015

Background

There are currently no neuroanatomical biomarkers of anorexia nervosa (AN) available to make clinical inferences at an individual subject level. We present results of a multivariate machine learning (ML) approach utilizing structural neuroanatomical scan data to differentiate AN patients from matched healthy controls at an individual subject level.

Method

Structural neuroimaging scans were acquired from 15 female patients with AN (age = 20,s.d.= 4 years) and 15 demographically matched female controls (age = 22,s.d.= 3 years). Neuroanatomical volumes were extracted using the FreeSurfer software and input into the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) multivariate ML algorithm. LASSO was ‘trained’ to identify ‘novel’ individual subjects as either AN patients or healthy controls. Furthermore, the model estimated the probability that an individual subject belonged to the AN group based on an individual scan.

Results

The model correctly predicted 25 out of 30 subjects, translating into 83.3% accuracy (sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 80.0%) (p< 0.001;χ2test). Six neuroanatomical regions (cerebellum white matter, choroid plexus, putamen, accumbens, the diencephalon and the third ventricle) were found to be relevant in distinguishing individual AN patients from healthy controls. The predicted probabilities showed a linear relationship with drive for thinness clinical scores (r= 0.52,p< 0.005) and with body mass index (BMI) (r= −0.45,p= 0.01).

Conclusions

The model achieved a good predictive accuracy and drive for thinness showed a strong neuroanatomical signature. These results indicate that neuroimaging scans coupled with ML techniques have the potential to provide information at an individual subject level that might be relevant to clinical outcomes.
Longitudinal trajectories of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake in China
Authors: Fan F. , Long K. , Zhou Y. , Zheng Y. , Liu X.
Published: May 2015

Background

This study examines the patterns and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom trajectories among adolescent survivors following the Wenchuan earthquake in China.

Method

A total of 1573 adolescent survivors were followed up at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-earthquake. Participants completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PTSD-SS), Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Social Support Rate Scale, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Distinct patterns of PTSD symptom trajectories were established through grouping participants based on time-varying changes of developing PTSD (i.e. reaching the clinical cut-off on the PTSD-SS). Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine predictors for trajectory membership.

Results

PTSD prevalence rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 21.0, 23.3, 13.5 and 14.7%, respectively. Five PTSD symptom trajectories were observed: resistance (65.3% of the sample), recovery (20.0%), relapsing/remitting (3.3%), delayed dysfunction (4.2%) and chronic dysfunction (7.2%). Female gender and senior grade were related to higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms in at least one time point, whereas being an only child increased the possibility of recovery relative to chronic dysfunction. Family members’ injury/loss and witness of traumatic scenes could also cause PTSD chronicity. More negative life events, less social support, more negative coping and less positive coping were also common predictors for not developing resistance or recovery.

Conclusions

Adolescents’ PTSD symptoms showed an anniversary reaction. Although many adolescents remain euthymic or recover over time, some adolescents, especially those with the risk factors noted above, exhibit chronic, delayed or relapsing symptoms. Thus, the need for individualized intervention with these adolescents is indicated.
Revisiting neighborhood density: Adult perception of phonological similarity
Authors: FREEDMAN SKOTT E. , GENNARO MEREDITH , DITOMASO AMANDA
Published: May 2015

Phonological similarity (i.e., neighborhood density) has been operationalized in the literature as a single phonemic difference between words. However, few studies have assessed the validity of such a measure. In the present study, 50 typical adults were presented with 70 nonwords and asked to name a similar-sounding real word for each item. Results indicated that participants changed an average of one segment per word, although a fifth of productions involved changing more than one of the segments; substitutions were the most common change. Targets that received a wide variety of responses and that did not phonologically resemble many real words resulted in the greatest number of changes. Using a single-segmental metric to index phonological similarity has its limitations, and may inadequately incorporate other influential elements of a word such as the frequencies of its neighbors.
Upsetting the agenda: the clout of external focusing events in the European Council
Authors: Alexandrova Petya
Published: May 2015

Focusing events are sudden, striking large-scale occurrences that attract political attention. However, not all potential focusing events appear on the agenda. Combining data from multiple sources, this study conducts an analysis of the determinants of prioritisation of external focusing events in the European Council over a period longer than two decades. The results demonstrate that decisions regarding the placement of crises on the agenda are underscored by exogenous (humanitarian) and endogenous (geopolitical interest) considerations. Those events with a higher likelihood of agenda access include manmade incidents (versus natural disasters), events with larger death tolls and crises in the neighbourhood. Stronger competition between potential focusing events across time and space reduces the chances of access. The level of attention each event receives depends on purely strategic interests. Focusing events in neighbouring countries gain a higher portion of attention, as do occurrences in states having a larger trade exchange with the European Union.
INTRODUCTION OF INNOVATIVE MEDICAL DEVICES AT FRENCH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS: AN OVERVIEW OF HOSPITAL-BASED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES
Authors: Martelli Nicolas , Billaux Mathilde , Borget Isabelle , Pineau Judith , Prognon Patrice , van den Brink Helene
Published: May 2015

Objectives: Local health technology assessment (HTA) to determine whether new health technologies should be adopted is now a common practice in many healthcare organizations worldwide. However, little is known about hospital-based HTA activities in France. The objective of this study was to explore hospital-based HTA activities in French university hospitals and to provide a picture of organizational approaches to the assessment of new and innovative medical devices.

Methods: Eighteen semi-structured interviews with hospital pharmacists were conducted from October 2012 to April 2013. Six topics were discussed in depth: (i) the nature of the institution concerned; (ii) activities relating to innovative medical devices; (iii) the technology assessment and decision-making process; (iv) the methodology for technology assessment; (v) factors likely to influence decisions and (vi) suggestions for improving the current process. The interview data were coded, collated and analyzed statistically.

Results: Three major types of hospital-based HTA processes were identified: medical device committees, innovation committees, and “pharmacy & management” processes. HTA units had been set up to support medical device and innovation committees for technology assessment. Slow decision making was the main limitation to both these committee-based approaches. As an alternative, “pharmacy & management” processes emerged as a means of rapidly obtaining a formal assessment.

Conclusions: This study provides an overview of hospital-based HTA initiatives in France. We hope that it will help to promote hospital-based HTA activities in France and discussions about ways to improve and harmonize practices, through the development of national guidelines and/or a French mini-HTA tool, for example.
A NOVEL SEARCH BUILDER TO EXPEDITE SEARCH STRATEGIES FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
Authors: Kamdar Biren B. , Shah Pooja A. , Sakamuri Sruthi , Kamdar Bharat S. , Oh Jiwon
Published: May 2015

Objectives: Developing a search strategy for use in a systematic review is a time-consuming process requiring construction of detailed search strings using complicated syntax, followed by iterative fine-tuning and trial-and-error testing of these strings in online biomedical search engines.

Methods: Building upon limitations of existing online-only search builders, a user-friendly computer-based tool was created to expedite search strategy development as part of production of a systematic review.

Results: Search Builder 1.0 is a Microsoft Excel®-based tool that automatically assembles search strategy text strings for PubMed (www.pubmed.com) and Embase (www.embase.com), based on a list of user-defined search terms and preferences. With the click of a button, Search Builder 1.0 automatically populates the syntax needed for functional search strings, and copies the string to the clipboard for pasting into Pubmed or Embase. The offline file-based interface of Search Builder 1.0 also allows for searches to be easily shared and saved for future reference.

Conclusions: This novel, user-friendly tool can save considerable time and streamline a cumbersome step in the systematic review process.
Migrant Girls in Shenzhen: Gender, Education and the Urbanization of Aspiration
Authors: Goodburn Charlotte
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the impact of rural–urban migration on primary school-age migrant girls in China, providing important data on this unexplored group as well as drawing several larger conclusions about the evolving relationship between migration and women's autonomy. Much recent literature has focused on Chinese young unmarried women migrants. However, there has been no attempt to distinguish the effect of migration on children by gender, and little research on the “new generation” of married women migrants. This paper focuses on two aspects of migrant girls' well-being, education and migration satisfaction, and compares girls' assessments with those of their parents, particularly their mothers. It analyses differences between the views of both girls and parents, arguing that specific parental concerns about daughters shape girls' futures in ways that do not apply to migrant boys. A further, broader, implication of this analysis is that certain benefits of migration, previously thought to apply exclusively to single women, extend also to married women, influencing mothers when forming goals for their daughters' futures.
The Rise of the Chinese Security State
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Minzner Carl
Published: May 2015

Over the past two decades, the Chinese domestic security apparatus has expanded dramatically. “Stability maintenance” operations have become a top priority for local Chinese authorities. We argue that this trend goes back to the early 1990s, when central Party authorities adopted new governance models that differed dramatically from those of the 1980s. They increased the bureaucratic rank of public security chiefs within the Party apparatus, expanded the reach of the Party political-legal apparatus into a broader range of governance issues, and altered cadre evaluation standards to increase the sensitivity of local authorities to social unrest. We show that the origin of these changes lies in a policy response to the developments of 1989–1991, namely the Tiananmen democracy movement and the collapse of communist political systems in Eastern Europe. Over the past twenty years, these practices have developed into an extensive stability maintenance apparatus, whereby local governance is increasingly oriented around the need to respond to social unrest, whether through concession or repression. Chinese authorities now appear to be rethinking these developments, but the direction of reform remains unclear.
Exploration des cadres de construction des rampes d’accessibilité
Authors: Yip Julie , Herbane Hakim , Poldma Tiiu , Rousseau Jacqueline
Published: May 2015

Accessibility to buildings promotes social participation through the application of inclusive design. However, architectural frameworks for constructing accessibility ramps are based on scant scientific evidence. This article presents a statement of established standards for construction criteria for accessibility ramps and makes recommendations from the perspective of inclusive design. A literature review was performed using the databases Medline, OTseeker, PsycINFO, and CINAHL (2000 to 2013), combining keywords referring to: universal accessibility, inclusive design, accessibility ramps, biomechanics, obesity, and disabilities. Non-scientific literature was also explored (e.g. building codes). The fifty-eight articles selected were grouped under five themes: 1) ramps and users; 2) materials and climate; 3) visual reference; 4) "wayfinding"; 5) durability, aesthetics and culture. Recommendations encouraging interdisciplinary practice, pegged to inclusive design, are exhibited (e.g. tracking, tilt, contrast).