bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interobserver variability of Clavien–Dindo scoring in urology
Authors: Poletajew Sławomir , Zapała Łukasz , Piotrowicz Sebastian , Wołyniec Paweł , Sochaj Marta , Buraczyński Paweł , Lisiński Janusz , Świniarski Piotr , Radziszewski Piotr ,   Residents Section of Polish Urological Association
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess the interobserver variability of Clavien–Dindo scoring in urology.

Methods

A thematic survey was carried out simultaneously in nine Polish urological centers among 171 responders – 81 urologists and 90 urologists‐in‐training, made up of 16 women and 155 men. After Clavien–Dindo classification was presented, respondents were asked to grade nine typical urological complications according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Interobserver agreement, reproducibility of answers, as well as the influencing factors were analyzed. Questions in the survey related to complications of variable severity after basic urological operations, including four open, one laparoscopic and four endourological.

Results

Agreement on the grade of complication was moderate (κ = 0.45) and it was noticed in 69% of respondents (range 38–87%). No effect of surgical approach (classic vs endoscopic, 70% vs 67%, P = 0.64), or physician professional experience (resident vs urologist, 71% vs 66%, P = 0.77) was observed. The most significant discrepancies were found in cases of local complications after transurethral surgery (accordance in 39%) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (accordance in 55%), and in cases of severe general complications after Bricker operation (accordance in 58%).

Conclusions

The variability of Clavien–Dindo classification scoring among urologists is significant. Thus, the Clavien–Dindo classification might require detailing before its eventual implementation in urology, together with appropriate training of specialists. However, despite some disadvantages, the simplicity, reproducibility and logical scheme of the Clavien–Dindo classification make it a promising tool for quality assessment in different fields of urology.
Two CYP4 genes of the Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), and their transcript levels under different development stages and treatments
Authors: Dai L. , Wang C. , Zhang X. , Yu J. , Zhang R. , Chen H.
Published: July 2014

Bark beetles oxidize the defensive monoterpenes of their host trees both to detoxify them and to convert them into components of their pheromone system. This oxidation is catalysed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and occurs in different stages of the insect. We identified two new CYP4 genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi), and carried out bioinformatic analysis one the full‐length nucleic acid sequences and deduced amino acid sequences. Differential expression of the CYP4 genes was observed between sexes, and within these significant differences amongst development stages, fed on phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to stimuli((±)‐ α‐pinene, (R)‐(+)‐ α‐pinene, (S)‐(−)‐α‐pinene, (S)‐(−)‐β‐pinene and (+)‐3‐carene) at 8 and 24 h, and their interactions were found upon exposure to host monoterpenes. Increased expression of CYP4 genes suggested that they play a role in the detoxification of monoterpenes released by the host trees. The differential transcript accumulation patterns of these bark beetle CYP4 genes provides insight into the ecological interactions of D. armandi with its host pine.
Discrepancy between Registered and Actual Unemployment Rates in China: An Investigation in Provincial Capital Cities
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Sun Wenkai
Published: July 2014

The unemployment rate is a key indicator of labor market and economic performance. Based on a unique survey, we estimate the unemployment rate at 13.44 percent in 30 provincial capital cities in China in 2007, which is well above the officially announced registered unemployment rate. The discrepancy results from inaccuracy in the calculation of registered unemployment. The discrepancy is not stably evolving across regions or over the years, making it difficult to recover the true unemployment rate using a simple multiplier approach. We further investigate the sources of the discrepancy by examining the determinants of unemployment registration. It is evident that participation in certain public activities, which would facilitate the spread of knowledge related to job‐searching and unemployment registration, encouraged unemployment registration. Social attention to government anti‐unemployment programs also encouraged unemployment registration. These findings confirm the behavioral hypothesis that incomplete knowledge and limited attention can cause deviation from optimal choice. The policy implications of the findings of the study are discussed.
Role of Institutional Quality in Determining the R&D Investment of Chinese Firms
Authors: Zhou Yixiao
Published: July 2014

This study adds to the understanding of China's innovation prospects by examining how variations in institutional quality within China impact on the R&D efforts of firms located in different provincial regions. In the process of identifying the effect of institutional quality, the roles of other factors such as ownership types and market structures are revealed, which provides interesting insight into firms' R&D behavior. The key findings suggest that institutional quality positively affects the decision of firms to engage in R&D activities. Once firms start to engage in R&D, the subsequent expansion of firm‐level R&D intensity depends on factors such as market structure. Therefore, strengthening domestic institutional quality is the first critical step towards the goal of building a knowledge‐intensive economy in China. Efforts to nurture market development are also important for achieving this goal.
CO2 Emissions Embodied in China's Foreign Trade: An Investigation from the Perspective of Global Vertical Specialization
Authors: Zhao Yuhuan , Zhang Zhonghua , Wang Song , Wang Shaojun
Published: July 2014

In light of the growth in vertically specialized in global trade, the present paper uses input– output tables from the World Input–Output Database to construct an environmental multi‐regional input–output model to calculate the CO2 emissions embodied in China's international trade during 1995–2009. The advantage of this model lies in its incorporation of the re‐exported CO2 emissions component embodied in trade and its ability to differentiate domesticsourced CO2 emissions from foreign‐sourced CO2 emissions in trade. The results show that carbon emissions embodied in both China's exports and imports increased significantly during 1995–2009. One important reason for this is that the re‐exported carbon emissions embodied in China's imported intermediate inputs increased substantially during this period. Our research reveals that accelerating the transformation of trade pattern and upgrading processing trade should be emphasized in the formulation of policy to prompt CO2 emissions abatement in China.
Effect of Simulating Drought in Various Phenophases on the Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat
Authors: Varga B. , Vida G. , Varga‐László E. , Bencze S. , Veisz O.
Published: July 2014

In Central Europe, drought is the most important limiting factor for autumn‐sown cereals. Due to the decline in groundwater, it is a priority to use less water‐demanding forms of crop production. Water use efficiency (WUE) can only be increased if cultivars with satisfactory water management traits are grown, so that they can exploit the water reserves of the soil even if drought occurs during the vegetation. Water consumption and water use efficiency of winter wheat genotypes were investigated in a model experiment carried out in a climate‐controlled glasshouse. The plants were grown either with optimum water supplies or with simulated drought in three phenophases, and measurements were made on the yield parameters, phenological traits and water use parameters of the plants. Substantial differences were observed between the water demands of the cultivars, and it was found that the later the phenophase in which drought was simulated, the greater the decline in water uptake. The analysis of WUE led to the conclusion that the WUE values of cultivars with short vegetation periods dropped to the greatest extent when water deficit was suffered at first node appearance, while cultivars with longer vegetation periods were more sensitive to drought during the heading and grain‐filling stages.
Eu‐Doped β‐SiAlON Phosphors: Template‐Assistant Low Temperature Synthesis, Dual Band Emission, and High‐Thermal Stability
Authors: Yang Hua , Liu Qian , Wei Qinhua , Zhou Zhenzhen , Wan Jieqiong , Liu Guanghui , Xie Rong‐Jun
Published: July 2014

A hard template route has been successfully developed for synthesis of β‐SiAlON:Eu phosphors at low temperatures. The synthesis utilizes mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) skeleton as an active Si source, combined with the carbothermal reduction and nitridation method. It has been shown that the additional driving force from high surface area and porosity of SBA‐15 enables β‐SiAlON:Eu (with compositions of Si6−zAlz−xOz+xN8−z−x: xEu, x = 0.010–0.200 and z = 1.000) phosphors to be formed as a dominant phase at low temperature of 1400°C. The resultant β‐SiAlON:Eu phosphor powders exhibit a typical rod‐like morphology and a well dispersed state. By tailoring the Eu2+ concentration in the phosphors, a continuous change in emission band can be realized, that is a blue emission dominated for low Eu2+ concentrations and a green emission dominated for high Eu2+ doping concentrations. Furthermore, the resultant phosphors exhibit a small thermal quenching up to high temperature of 250°C. Therefore, the developed method is beneficial to synthesize LED phosphors of oxynitride systems at lower temperatures.
The Effects of Catheter‐Based Radiofrequency Renal Denervation on Renal Function and Renal Artery Structure in Patients With Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Hui , Yang Kan , Jiang Feng‐Lin , Zeng Li‐Xiong , Jiang Wei‐Hong , Wang Xiao‐Yan
Published: July 2014

There are no clinical studies on the effects of catheter‐based radiofrequency renal denervation (RDN) on renal artery structure using 64‐detector computed tomography (CT). A total of 39 patients with resistant hypertension received RDN and 38 patients received drug treatment. Mean systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in the RDN group decreased after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of procedure (P<.05) and urinary protein level significantly decreased after 6 and 12 months (P<.05). The diameter, length, and sectional area of the renal artery; number of cases of atherosclerosis; and plaque burden of 64‐detector CT renal arteriography did not change at 12 months of follow‐up (P<.05), whereas the plaque burden increased significantly in the control group (P<.05). RDN significantly and persistently reduced blood pressure and decreased urinary protein excretion rate in patients with resistant hypertension and did not exhibit any adverse effect on renal function and renal artery structure.
Fear of falling: association between the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, in‐hospital falls and hospital length of stay
Authors: Gettens Stephanie , Fulbrook Paul
Published: July 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Falls in hospital are costly and may impact psychologically on fallers causing them to avoid mobilization, thereby affecting recovery rate and hospital length of stay. The study aim was to investigate the relationships between fear of falling, falls risk, in‐hospital falls and hospital length of stay.

Method

A convenience sample (n = 141) of patients from a large tertiary hospital was recruited. Data were collected over 6 months using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) on ward admission, prior to discharge, and in the event of a fall.

Results

A third of the sample (n = 44) was admitted to hospital following a fall. The majority (65%) was categorized as medium falls risk. Twenty‐five participants sustained a total of 30 falls during their hospital admission of which 13 sustained a total of 15 falls on the study wards. The mean admission MFES score was 5.5, which increased to 6.1 on hospital discharge. Fallers scored significantly lower admission MFES scores than non‐fallers (P = 0.003). Receiver‐operating curve analysis indicated that admission MFES score was a ‘fair’ predictor of sustaining a fall (area under curve = 0.71, P = 0.013). With a cut‐off score of 5, admission MFES sensitivity was 77% and specificity was 55%. Study ward fallers had significantly longer hospital length of stay (49 days) than non‐fallers (27 days; P = 0.037). Furthermore, regardless of whether the participant was a faller or not, significantly longer hospital stay was associated with an admission MFES score of less than 5.

Conclusions

An admission MFES score of less than 5 is an effective predictor of patient falls and is associated with a significantly longer hospital length of stay.
The effect of shelter on welfare of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar reared under a feed restriction regimen
Authors: Persson L. , Alanärä A.
Published: July 2014

This study investigated whether shelter (presence or absence) affected the frequency of fin damage in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar exposed to feed restrictions (0·73 or 0·33% of body mass day−1). The presence of shelter had a positive effect on the pectoral fins at both feed ration levels and on the dorsal fin at the higher ration level but it had a negative effect on survival. The reduced feed rations resulted in fish of the same size and nutritional status as wild fish. The provision of shelter has potential to mitigate the negative effects of feed restrictions on fin quality, but the optimal shelter design requires some additional investigation.
Validated age, growth and maturity of the bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo in the western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Frazier B. S. , Driggers W. B. , Adams D. H. , Jones C. M. , Loefer J. K.
Published: July 2014

The age, growth and maturity of bonnetheads Sphyrna tiburo inhabiting the estuarine and coastal waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean (WNA) from Onslow Bay, North Carolina, south to West Palm Beach, Florida, were examined. Vertebrae were collected and aged from 329 females and 217 males ranging in size from 262 to 1043 mm and 245 to 825 mm fork length, LF, respectively. Sex‐specific von Bertalanffy growth curves were fitted to length‐at‐age data. Female von Bertalanffy parameters were L∞ = 1036 mm LF, k = 0·18, t0 = −1·64 and L0 = 272 mm LF. Males reached a smaller theoretical asymptotic length and had a higher growth coefficient (L∞ = 782 mm LF, k = 0·29, t0 = −1·43 and L0 = 266 mm LF). Maximum observed age was 17·9 years for females and 16·0 years for males. Annual deposition of growth increments was verified by marginal increment analysis and validated for age classes 2·5+ to 10·5+ years through recapture of 13 oxytetracycline‐injected specimens at liberty in the wild for 1–4 years. Length (LF50) and age (A50) at 50% maturity were 819 mm and 6·7 years for females, and 618 mm and 3·9 years for males. Both female and male S. tiburo in the WNA had a significantly higher maximum observed age, LF50, A50 and L∞, and a significantly lower k and estimated L0 than evident in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). These significant differences in life‐history parameters, as well as evidence from tagging and genetic studies, suggest that S. tiburo in the WNA and GOM should be considered separate stocks.
Comparison of Anthocyanin Concentration in Blueberries Processed Using Hydrothermodynamic Technology and Conventional Processing Technologies
Authors: Satanina V. , Kalt W. , Astatkie T. , Havard P. , Martynenko A.
Published: July 2014

Hydrothermodynamic (HTD) processing technology was compared with simulated conventional (SC) processing technology in the production of a blueberry (BB) purée. HTD technology is a single unit operation that combines the physical processes of cavitation, mechanical friction and temperature to create a fruit purée with 100% mass recovery. In HTD processing, frozen wild BBs (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) were thawed and pasteurized at 95C to yield a pasteurized purée. In SC processing, BBs were mechanically puréed and pasteurized at the same heating rate as the HTD processing (1.9C/min). BB purées produced with HTD and SC technologies were compared in terms of their anthocyanin (ACN) concentration and percent polymeric color values, which indicate the level of process‐related phenolic oxidation. ACN concentration in purée from both HTD and SC technologies was significantly lower than that in frozen BBs. However, within 48 h after processing, ACN retention (%) in the purée produced using HTD technology was almost two times higher than that in the purée produced using SC processing (81% versus 43% of that in frozen berries). ACN concentration was the highest in the purée produced using HTD when compared with that in commercially available BB‐based products. These results suggest that higher ACN concentration may be achieved in purées produced using HTD technology compared with conventional methods.

Practical Applications

The potential of hydrothermodynamic (HTD) technology to prevent quality losses of heat‐sensitive blueberry products was evaluated. Anthocyanin retention of blueberry purée processed using HTD technology was significantly higher than that in blueberry products (e.g., juice, purée) processed commercially using thermal processing. This new technology has a great potential for maintaining food quality during product storage by reducing the negative effects of oxygen and prolonged exposure to enzymes.
Pomegranate Seed Oil‐Loaded Particles of the Zein Cross‐Linked with Citric Acid
Authors: Tavakolipour Hamid , Bagheri Leila , Madadlou Ashkan
Published: July 2014

Zein was cross‐linked chemically with citric acid in the presence of sodium hydroxide as the reaction catalyst. Water was then used to desolvate the zein and generate core‐free or pomegranate seed oil‐loaded particles. Mean size of the particles obtained from noncross‐linked and cross‐linked zein was 350 and 246 nm, respectively. Cross‐linking reaction caused an increase in the oil encapsulation efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the spherical morphology of particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the occurrence of chemical linkages between citric acid and zein. As well, it suggested that oil entrapment inside the zein particles was merely physical. Particulation of zein increased the upper limit of the glass transition phenomenon of biopolymer from 78C to ∼120C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was also affected by the cross‐linking of zein and oil encapsulation. The amount of encapsulated oil released from particles via the peptic hydrolysis was lower for the cross‐linked sample.

Practical Applications

Many biologically active ingredients including the pomegranate seed oil are extensively susceptible to oxidation, as well as, some are hydrolyzed considerably by enzymes leading to diminished bioactivity. Encapsulation of these hydrophobic cores within sub‐micron zein particles generated via desolvation with water (an easily scale‐up able method) leads not only to increased oxidative stability but also the wider application of core in aqueous foods. Citric acid‐mediated cross‐linking of zein molecules before the desolvation stage increased considerably the gastric digestion stability of particles, which assures that the encapsulated core may pass the stomach without being hydrolyzed with pepsin or acid. The particles prepared from the cross‐linked zein were also more heat resistant. This suggested that the particles can be heat‐treated to higher temperatures in food processing practices.
Does Walking Speed Mediate the Association Between Visual Impairment and Self‐Report of Mobility Disability? The Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study
Authors: Swenor Bonnielin K. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Muñoz Beatriz , West Sheila K.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To determine whether performance speeds mediate the association between visual impairment and self‐reported mobility disability over an 8‐year period.

Design

Longitudinal analysis.

Setting

Salisbury, Maryland.

Participants

Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study participants aged 65 and older (N = 2,520).

Measurements

Visual impairment was defined as best‐corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 in the better‐seeing eye or visual field less than 20°. Self‐reported mobility disability on three tasks was assessed: walking up stairs, walking down stairs, and walking 150 feet. Performance speed on three similar tasks was measured: walking up steps (steps/s), walking down steps (steps/s), and walking 4 m (m/s).

Results

For each year of observation, the odds of reporting mobility disability was significantly greater for participants who were visually impaired (VI) than for those who were not (NVI) (odds ratio (OR) difficulty walking up steps = 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32–1.89; OR difficulty walking down steps = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.59–2.28; OR difficulty walking 150 feet = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.77–2.51). Once performance speed on a similar mobility task was included in the models, VI participants were no longer more likely to report mobility disability than those who were NVI (OR difficulty walking up steps = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.65–1.11; OR difficulty walking down steps = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.74–1.24; OR difficulty walking 150 feet = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.98–1.50).

Conclusion

Slower performance speed in VI individuals largely accounted for the difference in the odds of reporting mobility disability, suggesting that VI older adults walk slower and are therefore more likely to report mobility disability than those who are NVI. Improving mobility performance in older adults with visual impairment may minimize the perception of mobility disability.
Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Effect on Chemotherapy‐Related Toxicity and Hospitalization During Treatment
Authors: Maggiore Ronald J. , Dale William , Gross Cary P. , Feng Tao , Tew William P. , Mohile Supriya G. , Owusu Cynthia , Klepin Heidi D. , Lichtman Stuart M. , Gajra Ajeet , Ramani Rupal , Katheria Vani , Zavala Laura , Hurria Arti ,   the Cancer and Aging Research Group
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and the association between these and chemotherapy‐related adverse events in older adults with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Design

Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data.

Setting

Outpatient oncology clinics in seven academic medical centers.

Participants

Adults aged 65 and older with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Measurements

Measures included number of daily medications (polypharmacy); PIM use based on three indices (Beers, Zhan, and Drugs to Avoid in the Elderly criteria), and use of six “high risk” medication classes for adverse drug events (anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, opioids, insulin, oral hypoglycemics, antiarrhythmics). Using multivariate logistic regression, the relations were evaluated between these criteria and Grade 3 to 5 chemotherapy‐related toxicity and between these criteria and hospitalization during chemotherapy.

Results

Participants (N = 500; mean age 73, 61% Stage IV disease) took a mean of 5 ± 4 daily medications (range 0–23). PIM use was common (up to 29% according to Beers criteria). No association was found between number of daily medications (reference 0–3 medications) and toxicity (4–9 medications, odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92–1.97; ≥10 medications, OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.45–1.49) or hospitalization (≥4 medications, OR=1.34, 95% CI=0.82–2.18, P = .24). There was also no association between PIM use and toxicity (P = .93) or hospitalization (P = .98). No medication class was associated with either outcome.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy and PIM use were common but were not associated with chemotherapy‐related toxicity or hospitalization in older adults with cancer.
Cognitive Function, Behavioral Problems, and Physical Function in Long‐Term Care Insurance Beneficiaries with Dementia in South Korea: Comparison of Home Care and Institutional Care Services
Authors: Lee Tae Wha , Yim Eunsil , Cho Eunhee , Chung Jane
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To examine, in beneficiaries with long‐term care (LTC) insurance (LTCI) with dementia in Korea, changes in cognitive function, behavioral symptoms, and physical function over time in relation to LTCI service type and to determine the 2‐year effects of service type on those health outcomes.

Design

Secondary analyses of the existing LTCI data set from 2008 to 2010.

Setting

South Korea.

Participants

LTCI beneficiaries with dementia aged 65 and older (N = 31,319). Participants were divided according to the service type that they were receiving home care (HC), institutional care (IC), and combined care (CC).

Measurements

A LTC approval checklist was used to determine the level of LTCI coverage of each participant and to assess cognitive function, behavioral symptoms, and physical function. Linear mixed models and multiple regression models were used.

Results

There were significant differences in cognitive function, behavioral symptoms, and physical function at baseline between individuals receiving the three service types (P < .001) and overall improvements in those outcomes over 2 years in the three groups (P < .001). After limiting the sample to those who had received LTCI services for the full 2 years (2008–2010) and adjusting for baseline characteristics, individuals receiving HC were more likely to have better cognitive and physical function than those receiving IC or CC but were likely to have more behavioral symptoms 2 years after the LTCI enrollment (P < .001).

Conclusion

LTCI service type (HC, IC, CC) predicted cognitive function, behavioral symptoms, and physical function at 2‐year follow‐up in beneficiaries with dementia. Further research is necessary to examine the effect of LTC services on health outcomes in a longer observational cohort.
‘Seeing me through my memories’: a grounded theory study on using reminiscence with people with dementia living in long‐term care
Authors: Cooney Adeline , Hunter Andrew , Murphy Kathy , Casey Dympna , Devane Declan , Smyth Siobhan , Dempsey Laura , Murphy Edel , Jordan Fionnuala , O'Shea Eamon
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives

To understand people with dementia, staff and relatives perspectives on reminiscence, its impact on their lives and experience of care and care giving.

Background

The quality of life of people with dementia living in long‐term care is an important question for providers and policymakers. Reminiscence is thought to have potential for increasing resident–staff interaction, thereby contributing to enhanced personhood for people with dementia. Relatively little is known about the effects of reminiscence on people with dementia or staff.

Design

This is a grounded theory study. This design was chosen because of its focus on understanding people's behaviour, interaction and response to events.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with residents with dementia (n = 11), relatives (n = 5), healthcare assistants (n = 10), nurses (n = 9) and nurse managers (n = 3).

Results

Reminiscence enabled staff tosee and knowthe person beneath the dementia. It acted as… a keyrevealing the person to staff, enabling them to engage with the person with dementia in a different way. Knowing the person enabled staff tounderstand(through the lens of the person's past) and sometimes toaccommodatethe person's current behaviour.

Conclusion

The theory of ‘seeing me (through my memories)’ was generated from the data. This theory explains that through reminiscing and engaging with the person with dementia, staff begin to see the person (their personhood) through the mirror of their memories.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study found that reminiscence enhanced the experience of living in long‐term care for residents with dementia and working in long‐term care settings for staff.
Sibling Facilitation Mediates the Association Between Older and Younger Sibling Alcohol Use in Late Adolescence
Authors: Samek Diana R. , McGue Matt , Keyes Margaret , Iacono William G.
Published: July 2014

Previous research has shown adolescent siblings are similar in their alcohol use and that this similarity is largely due to their shared environment. Using a genetically informed sibling sample (196 full‐biological pairs, 384 genetically unrelated pairs), we confirmed that the extent to which older siblings facilitate younger siblings' alcohol use (i.e., help them get alcohol) was one factor contributing to this shared environmental association. All analyses controlled for parent and peer influences. Findings were not moderated by sibling differences in genetic relatedness, gender, or ethnicity. Proximity in sibling age strengthened these associations, somewhat. Results were especially strong for sibling pairs where the older sibling was of legal drinking age. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis in children: An update for 2014
Authors: Lemberg Daniel A , Day Andrew S
Published: July 2014

Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have become increasingly common in Australasian children and adolescents in recent years. Furthermore, CD and UC are seen more often in younger children. These conditions are typically more extensive in children and tend to follow more severe disease courses than in adults. Although many children may present with typical symptoms (such as abdominal pain or bloody diarrhoea), others have atypical features (including oral ulceration, short stature or skin manifestations). In addition, many children with IBD will have altered growth or nutrition, which may compromise normal linear growth and pubertal development. Early identification and full assessment of children presenting with possible IBD are essential to avoid consequences of diagnostic delay and to optimise short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Management of IBD encompasses various options and should be undertaken within a team‐based, child and family‐focused, multidisciplinary setting.
Leveraging Social Network Sites in New Product Development: Opportunity or Hype?
Authors: Roberts Deborah L. , Candi Marina
Published: July 2014

Leveraging social network sites is high on the list of priorities for a lot of businesses that are eager to find more effective ways to reach, learn about, and engage customers in new product development (NPD). However, the rapidly changing landscape of social network sites can be difficult to navigate successfully and doubts remain about whether and how they can be used to good effect. In fact, empirical research confirming a positive relationship between the use of social network sites inNPDand business performance is scarce.

This paper reports on research examining the use of social network sites for three purposes, namely for market research guiding the development of new products, for getting customers to collaborate in theNPDprocess, and for new product launch. The results of this research suggest that the benefits expected from using social network sites inNPDare largely not being realized by businesses. Using social network sites to conduct market research leading into theNPDprocess was not found to contribute to business performance, and in fact was found to have negative relationships with both profitability and market growth. Using social network sites to get customers to collaborate in theNPDprocess was found to be positively related with innovativeness but not with market growth or profitability. Finally, using social network sites for new product launch was where the most positive indications were seen, since this was found to be positively related with innovativeness, market growth, and profitability.

Thus, it appears that while businesses may get good results from using social network sites for product launch, they still have a learning curve to traverse before they can successfully use them for market research or customer collaboration inNPD. While there is currently a great deal of enthusiasm—even hype—about the potential opportunities of using social network sites forNPD, this research suggests that businesses should move carefully and recognize that just jumping on the social network bandwagon will not insure success.
Cognitive Frames, Learning Mechanisms, and Innovation Ambidexterity
Authors: Lin Hsing‐Er , McDonough Edward F.
Published: July 2014

While there is general agreement about the need for firms to both exploit and explore, there has been little empirical research that has focused on understanding how firms can manage the tension that arises from engaging in these two activities. Some writers have theorized that the cognitive frames that individuals, teams, and organizations possess may play an important role in managing these tensions and fostering ambidextrous outcomes. However, a review of the extant literature on cognition and cognitive frames reveals that their role in managing this tension has not been examined at any level, including the strategic business unit (SBU) level. This paper has taken a first step in providing empirical validation for the notion that ambidextrous cognitive frames play an important role in generating innovation ambidexterity.

To test the hypotheses, primary data were gathered from 178 Taiwanese companies (190 SBUs) operating in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, financial management, mechanical engineering, and electronic engineering sectors. Questionnaires were administered to senior level managers and middle‐level managers in each SBU. Because the theory and hypotheses of this study require an SBU level of analysis, respondents' individual scores on each variable were aggregated, and the SBU mean responses for each question were computed. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the hypotheses.

Different cognitive styles were found to impact different types of learning. An independent cognitive style was found to have a positive impact on intra‐SBU learning, while a reflection cognitive style had a positive impact on inter‐SBU learning. More importantly, ambidextrous cognitive frames, i.e., the combination of these two styles, were found to indirectly foster innovation ambidexterity by facilitating intra‐SBU learning and inter‐SBU learning simultaneously.

These results suggest that managing the tension that arises from exploiting and exploring begins with the presence of dual cognitive styles. Ambidextrous cognitive frames enable SBUs to cognitively juxtapose contradictions and tensions in ways that allow them to “embrace” rather than avoid or deny these tensions. These findings provide validation for viewing SBUs as separate, holistic entities that collaboratively shape their cognitive frames. And it is these cognitive frames that enable their information processing which in turn causes the SBU to act or perform in a distinctive or characteristic manner. Additionally, these findings suggest that management teams may need to adopt ambidextrous cognitive frames that broaden the “problem space” to include multiple sources of learning that emanate from inside, as well as outside of the SBU or organization.
The Impact of Family Ownership, Management, and Governance on Innovation
Authors: Matzler Kurt , Veider Viktoria , Hautz Julia , Stadler Christian
Published: July 2014

Previous research suggests that the distinctive nature of family firms, including both specific advantages and disadvantages related to their particular agency situation, influences innovation activities. Most studies, however, view family firms as homogeneous entities and thus neglect the heterogeneity of family firms when comparing them with nonfamily firms. One important factor of this firm heterogeneity is family influence in terms of ownership, management, and governance. A data set of large German publicly traded firms between 2000 and 2009 is used to test how these three dimensions of family influence predict innovation input and output. The results show that family participation in management and governance has a negative impact on innovation input and a positive influence on innovation output. This suggests that family members are risk averse and reluctant to invest in innovation, but at the same time do so more effectively.
Retracted: Determination of some blood and seminal plasma ions in the beluga, Huso huso (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Aramli M. S. , Habibi E. , Aramli S. , Nouri H. A.
Published: July 2014

Blood and seminal plasma ionic parameters are essential for monitoring health status, detecting illnesses, fish stock conservation and development of artificial propagation methods via extender improvement. In this study, comparison of blood and seminal plasma ionic parameters in beluga, Huso huso (30–45 kg, 1–2 m, n = 10), was made. The results obtained show that Na+ (82.54 ± 5.46), Cl‐ (15.95 ± 0.72) and K+ (3.57 ± 0.15) were predominant ions in the seminal plasma (as mm). Blood ionic values (as mm) were determined for Na+ (110.2 ± 1.26), K+ (3.77 ± 0.081), Cl− (60.12 ± 1.5), Ca2+ (2.05 ± 0.35) and Mg2+ (1.9 ± 0.16). Results of the comparison between ionic parameters of seminal and blood plasma indicated that the concentrations of all parameters of blood plasma with the exception of K+ were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of seminal plasma.
Tooth length and incisal wear and growth in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) fed diets of different abrasiveness
Authors: Müller J. , Clauss M. , Codron D. , Schulz E. , Hummel J. , Kircher P. , Hatt J.‐M.
Published: July 2014

Dental diseases are among the most important reasons for presenting guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and other rodents to veterinary clinics, but the aetiopathology of this disease complex is unclear. Clinicians tend to believe that the ever‐growing teeth of rabbits and rodents have a constant growth that needs to be worn down by the mastication of an appropriate diet. In this study, we tested the effect of four different pelleted diets of increasing abrasiveness [due to both internal (phytoliths) and external abrasives (sand)] or whole grass hay fed for 2 weeks each in random order to 16 guinea pigs on incisor growth and wear, and tooth length of incisors and cheek teeth. There was a positive correlation between wear and growth of incisors. Tooth lengths depended both on internal and external abrasives, but only upper incisors were additionally affected by the feeding of whole hay. Diet effects were most prominent in anterior cheek teeth, in particular M1 and m1. Cheek tooth angle did not become shallower with decreasing diet abrasiveness, suggesting that a lack of dietary abrasiveness does not cause the typical ‘bridge formation’ of anterior cheek teeth frequently observed in guinea pigs. The findings suggest that other factors than diet abrasiveness, such as mineral imbalances and in particular hereditary malocclusion, are more likely causes for dental problems observed in this species.
Speciation in the marine crop Pyropia yezoensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Niwa Kyosuke , Kobiyama Atsushi
Published: July 2014

In the marine red alga Pyropia yezoensis, commonly known in Japan as nori, sympatric occurrence of two cryptic species Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 on the same rock in a natural habitat has been confirmed by molecular analysis and detailed morphological observations. To confirm whether Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 were reproductively isolated in the sympatric population, 170 blades that had previously been studied using a maternally inherited plastid marker were examined with a nuclear gene marker. The results suggested that Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 with identical morphological features were reproductively isolated in the sympatric population and that they were different species based on the biological species concept. Although gametophytic blades of Pyropia were usually assumed to be haploid, 18 of 170 blades possessed both of the two genotypes derived from Pyropia sp. 2 and from Pyropia sp. 3. These results inferred that allodiploid blades were generated from the interspecific hybridization between these two cryptic species. The present findings provide insights for future studies on the speciation mechanism in seaweeds, particularly for genera that contain numerous species.
Root coverage by coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft and/or enamel matrix derivative: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng G.‐L. , Fu E. , Tu Y.‐K. , Shen E.‐C. , Chiu H.‐C. , Huang R.‐Y. , Yuh D.‐Y. , Chiang C.‐Y.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objective

Previous systematic reviews have reported that the use of a coronally advanced flap (CAF) combined with a connective tissue graft (CTG) or enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is more likely to achieve complete root coverage (CRC) than other modalities. However, the details of periodontal parameters and comparisons among a variety of combinations of CAF with CTG and/or EMD are left to be investigated. This study aimed to analyze the differences in periodontal parameters between these treatment modalities.

Material and Methods

A literature search was performed using the Cochrane library and MEDLINE (PubMed) for studies focused on the treatment of gingival recession (Miller Class I, II and III) with CAF alone or combined with CTG, EMD or both up to December 2011. Randomized controlled clinical trials with a follow‐up duration ≥ 6 mo were included. The outcome analysis included changes in periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level, recession depth (RED) and keratinized tissue width (KTW).

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled clinical trials, including 529 Miller Class I–III defects from 321 patients were included. For an increase in KTW, CAF + CTG significantly improved more than CAF alone. CAF + EMD also gained more KTW than CAF alone. EMD reduced PPD, however, a significant difference was not found. Furthermore, the effects on changes of RED and clinical attachment level were not identified in the study.

Conclusion

When combined with CAF, CTG contributed more in the increase of KTW, while EMD seemed helpful for wound healing by its potential in PPD reduction. However, further research is needed to clarify the effects on changes in RED and clinical attachment level.
Distance as a Predictor of Treatment Attendance in a Family Based Pediatric Weight Management Program in Rural Areas
Authors: Klitzman Page , Armstrong Bridget , Janicke David M.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether demographic variables and distance to treatment were significant predictors of treatment attendance in a family based healthy lifestyle intervention program held in rural counties.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐nine children aged 8‐12 who were overweight or obese and their parents participated in a 21‐session healthy lifestyle intervention. Measures were obtained at baseline, and attendance included the number of the first core 12 sessions attended. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to identify variables that significantly predicted treatment attendance, and exploratory moderation analyses were conducted to examine if demographic variables moderated effects of distance to treatment site predicting group attendance.

Findings

Results support significant inverse relationships between distance to treatment and treatment attendance. Additionally, parents’ marriage status significantly moderated the relationship between distance to treatment and treatment attendance.

Conclusions

These results expand the literature to a rural sample and indicate the importance of marital status for treatment attendance. Knowledge of these barriers to treatment provides information to tailor interventions to improve attendance in the future. Possible strategies include addressing cultural norms, providing resources to overcome time and travel barriers, and implementing e‐health interventions.
Multiple factors in the assessment of firesetters' fire interest and attitudes
Authors: Ó Ciardha Caoilte , Barnoux Magali F. L. , Alleyne Emma K. A. , Tyler Nichola , Mozova Katarina , Gannon Theresa A.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The number of measures available to practitioners to assess fire interest and other fire‐related attitudes is limited. To help establish the utility of such measures, this study explored whether three fire measures contained multiple factors and whether such factors related to firesetting behaviour.

Method

The Fire Interest Rating Scale, the Fire Attitude Scale, and the Identification with Fire Questionnaire were administered to 234 male prisoners (117 firesetters, 117 non‐firesetters) and results were factor analyzed. To determine the relationship of the resulting factors with firesetting behaviour, their ability to discriminate firesetters from controls was examined and compared to the original scales.

Results

Responses were best represented by five factors, four of which discriminated firesetters from non‐firesetters. One factor demonstrated significant accuracy in discriminating single offence firesetters from repeat firesetters. Taken together the factors offered more clarity than using the original scale outcomes and showed equivalent predictive accuracy.

Conclusions

The five factors identified may aid practitioners in helping to formulate the specific treatment needs of identified firesetters.
What is genetic differentiation, and how should we measure it—GST, D, neither or both?
Authors: Verity Robert , Nichols Richard A.
Published: July 2014

Estimates of the fixation index, FST, have been used as measures of population differentiation for many decades. However, there have been persistent voices in the literature suggesting that these statistics do not measure true differentiation. In particular, the statistics Nei's GST and Wier and Cockerham's θ have been criticized for being ‘constrained’ to not equal one in some situations that seem to represent maximal differentiation. Here, we address the issue of how to evaluate exactly how much information a particular statistic contains about the process of differentiation. This criterion can be used to counter most concerns about the performance of GST (and related statistics), while also being reconciled with the insights of those who have proposed alternative measures of differentiation. In particular, the likelihood‐based framework that we put forward can justify the use of GST as an effective measure of differentiation, but also shows that in some situations GST is insufficient on its own and needs supplementing by another measure such as Jost's D or Hedrick's G′ST. This approach will become increasingly important in the future, as greater emphasis is placed on analysing large data sets.
Prion‐promoted phosphorylation of heterologous amyloid is coupled with ubiquitin‐proteasome system inhibition and toxicity
Authors: Yang Zi , Stone David E. , Liebman Susan W.
Published: July 2014

Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with conversion of a soluble protein into amyloid deposits, but how this is connected to toxicity remains largely unknown. Here, we explore mechanisms of amyloid associated toxicity using yeast. [PIN+], the prion form of the Q/N‐rich Rnq1 protein, was known to enhance aggregation of heterologous proteins, including the overexpressed Q/N‐rich amyloid forming domain of Pin4 (Pin4C), and Pin4C aggregates were known to attract chaperones, including Sis1. Here we show that in [PIN+] but not [pin−] cells, overexpression of Pin4C is deadly and linked to hyperphosphorylation of aggregated Pin4C. Furthermore, Pin4C aggregation, hyperphosphorylation and toxicity are simultaneously reversed by Sis1 overexpression. Toxicity may result from proteasome overload because hyperphosphorylated Pin4C aggregation is associated with reduced degradation of a ubiquitin‐protein degradation reporter. Finally, hyperphosphorylation of endogenous full‐length Pin4 was also facilitated by [PIN+], revealing that a prion can regulate post‐translational modification of another protein.