bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing uncertainty in refraction seismic traveltime inversion using a global inversion strategy
Authors: Rumpf M. , Tronicke J.
Published: April 2015

To analyse and invert refraction seismic travel time data, different approaches and techniques have been proposed. One common approach is to invert first‐break travel times employing local optimization approaches. However, these approaches result in a single velocity model, and it is difficult to assess the quality and to quantify uncertainties and non‐uniqueness of the found solution. To address these problems, we propose an inversion strategy relying on a global optimization approach known as particle swarm optimization. With this approach we generate an ensemble of acceptable velocity models, i.e., models explaining our data equally well. We test and evaluate our approach using synthetic seismic travel times and field data collected across a creeping hillslope in the Austrian Alps. Our synthetic study mimics a layered near‐surface environment, including a sharp velocity increase with depth and complex refractor topography. Analysing the generated ensemble of acceptable solutions using different statistical measures demonstrates that our inversion strategy is able to reconstruct the input velocity model, including reasonable, quantitative estimates of uncertainty. Our field data set is inverted, employing the same strategy, and we further compare our results with the velocity model obtained by a standard local optimization approach and the information from a nearby borehole. This comparison shows that both inversion strategies result in geologically reasonable models (in agreement with the borehole information). However, analysing the model variability of the ensemble generated using our global approach indicates that the result of the local optimization approach is part of this model ensemble. Our results show the benefit of employing a global inversion strategy to generate near‐surface velocity models from refraction seismic data sets, especially in cases where no detailed a priori information regarding subsurface structures and velocity variations is available.
Effect of Filling Type and Heating Method on Prevalence of Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes in Dumplings Produced in Poland
Authors: Szymczak Barbara , Dąbrowski Waldemar
Published: April 2015

The count of Listeria monocytogenes was determined, before and after heat treatment, in 200 samples of dumplings of 9 brands and with different types of stuffing. Analyses were conducted according to ISO 11290–1 standard and with real‐time PCR method. The highest count of L. monocytogenes was found in meat dumplings (102 to 104 CFU/g), whereas products with white cheese‐potato stuffing and vegetable‐mushroom stuffing contained significantly less Listeria, 20 to 80 and 5 to 32 CFU/g, respectively. In cooled meat dumplings the extent of contamination depended significantly on the producer. In addition, a significant (P < 0.05) correlation was determined between contamination level and meat content in the stuffing (rho = 0.418), especially in stuffing containing pork meat (0.464), contrary to beef‐containing stuffing (0.284). Heating dumplings in boiling water for 2 min completely eliminated L. monocytogenes in meat dumplings. In contrast, the microwave heating applied for 2 min at 600 W only reduced the count of L. monocytogenes by 1 to 2 logs. Hence, the microwave heating failed to reduce the risk of infection with this pathogen below the level permissible in the EU regulation, especially in the most contaminated samples. In this case, the efficacy of microwave heating was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the initial count of L. monocytogenes (rho = 0.626), then by meat content in the stuffing (0.476), and to the lowest extent—by the type of meat (0.415 to 0.425). However, no Listeria sp. and L. monocytogenes were isolated from cooked dumplings with fruits (strawberries or blueberries).
Microbial Ecology of Watery Kimchi
Authors: Kyung Kyu Hang , Medina Pradas Eduardo , Kim Song Gun , Lee Yong Jae , Kim Kyong Ho , Choi Jin Joo , Cho Joo Hyong , Chung Chang Ho , Barrangou Rodolphe , Breidt Frederick
Published: April 2015

The biochemistry and microbial ecology of 2 similar types of watery (mul) kimchi, containing sliced and unsliced radish and vegetables (nabak and dongchimi, respectively), were investigated. Samples from kimchi were fermented at 4, 10, and 20 °C were analyzed by plating on differential and selective media, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and high‐throughput DNA sequencing of 16S rDNA. Nabak kimchi showed similar trends as dongchimi, with increasing lactic and acetic acids and decreasing pH for each temperature, but differences in microbiota were apparent. Interestingly, bacteria from the Proteobacterium phylum, including Enterobacteriaceae, decreased more rapidly during fermentation at 4 °C in nabak cabbage fermentations compared with dongchimi. Although changes for Proteobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae populations were similar during fermentation at 10 and 20 °C, the homolactic stage of fermentation did not develop for the 4 and 10 °C samples of both nabak and dongchimi during the experiment. These data show the differences in biochemistry and microbial ecology that can result from preparation method and fermentation conditions of the kimchi, which may impact safety (Enterobacteriaceae populations may include pathogenic bacteria) and quality (homolactic fermentation can be undesirable, if too much acid is produced) of the product. In addition, the data also illustrate the need for improved methods for identifying and differentiating closely related lactic acid bacteria species using high‐throughput sequencing methods.
Efficacy of Antimicrobial Pullulan‐Based Coating to Improve Internal Quality and Shelf‐Life of Chicken Eggs During Storage
Authors: Morsy Mohamed K. , Sharoba Ashraf M. , Khalaf Hassan H. , El‐Tanahy Hassan H. , Cutter Catherine N.
Published: April 2015

There has been a growing interest in the use of natural materials as a delivery mechanism for antimicrobials and coatings in foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pullulan coatings to improve internal quality and shelf‐life of fresh eggs during 10 wk of storage at 25 and 4 °C. Three treatments of eggs were evaluated as follows; non‐coated (control; C), coated with pullulan (P), and coated with pullulan containing nisin (N). The effects of the pullulan coatings on microbiological qualities, physical properties, and freshness parameters were investigated and compared with non‐coated eggs. For non‐coated eggs, as storage time increased, yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit value decreased and weight loss increased. However, pullulan coatings (P or N) minimized weight loss (<1.5%) and preserved the albumen and yolk quality of eggs (with a final B grade) 3 wk longer than non‐coated eggs at 25 °C. At 4 °C, both P‐ and N‐coated eggs went from AA to A grade after 9 wk and maintained the grade for 10 wk (4 wk longer than that of non‐coated eggs). This study is the first to demonstrate that pullulan coatings can preserve the internal quality, prolong the shelf‐life, and minimize weight loss of fresh eggs.
A Nexus Between Child Labour and Microfinance: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Chakrabarty Sayan
Published: April 2015

This research aims to discover whether access to microinsurance might make any difference for the microcredit receivers in reducing child labour by decomposing households into three broad groups: microcredit participants with microinsurance, microcredit participants without microinsurance and non‐participants of microcredit and microinsurance. In extremely poor households, quasi health and/or microlife insurance in combination with microcredit have a significant effect of reducing child labour. In moderately poor households, microinsurance does not make any difference in determining child labour. Microfinance has no role in determining child labour in households above the poverty level.
Comparing methods to separate components of beta diversity
Authors: Baselga Andrés , Leprieur Fabien
Published: April 2015

Two alternative frameworks have been proposed to partition compositional dissimilarity into replacement and nestedness‐resultant component or into replacement and richness‐difference components. These are, respectively, the BAS (Baselga 2010, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 19, 134–143) and POD (Podani & Schmera . Oikos, 120, 1625–1638) frameworks.

We conduct a systematic comparison of parallel components in alternative approaches. We test whether the replacement components derived from the BAS and POD frameworks are independent of richness difference. We also evaluate whether previously reported tests of monotonicity between indices and ecological processes are informative to assess the performance of indices. Finally, we illustrate the consequences of differences between the BAS and POD frameworks using the North American freshwater fish fauna as an empirical example.

In the BAS framework, the nestedness‐resultant component (βjne or βsne) accounts only for richness differences derived from nested patterns while, in the POD framework, richness‐difference dissimilarity (βrich or βrich.s) accounts for all kind of richness differences. Likewise, the replacement components of both alternative methods account for different concepts. Only the replacement component of the BAS framework (βjtu or βsim) is independent of richness difference, while the parallel component in the POD framework (β−3 or β−3.s) is not (i.e. it is mathematically constrained by richness difference).

Therefore, only the BAS framework allows separating (i) the variation in species composition derived from species replacement which is independent of richness difference (i.e. not mathematically constrained by it) and (ii) the variation in species composition derived from nested patterns.
Effects of Ethanol Exposure In Utero on Cajal–Retzius Cells in the Developing Cortex
Authors: Skorput Alexander G. J , Yeh Hermes H.
Published: April 2015

Background

Prenatal exposure to ethanol exerts teratogenic effects on the developing brain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to ethanol in utero alters the disposition of Cajal–Retzius cells that play a key role in orchestrating proliferation, migration, and laminar integration of cortical neurons in the embryonic cortex.

Methods

Pregnant Ebf2‐EGFP mice, harboring EGFP‐fluorescent Cajal–Retzius cells, were subjected to a 2% w/w ethanol consumption regimen starting at neural tube closure and lasting throughout gestation. Genesis of Cajal–Retzius cells was assessed by means of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunofluorescence at embryonic day 12.5, their counts and distribution were determined between postnatal day (P)0 and P4, patch clamp electrophysiology was performed between P2 and P3 to analyze GABA‐mediated synaptic activity, and open‐field behavioral testing was conducted in P45‐P50 adolescents.

Results

In Ebf2‐EGFP embryos exposed to ethanol in utero, we found increased BrdU labeling and expanded distribution of Cajal–Retzius cells in the cortical hem, pointing to increased genesis and proliferation. Postnatally, we found an increase in Cajal–Retzius cell number in cortical layer I. In addition, they displayed altered patterning of spontaneous GABA‐mediated synaptic barrages and enhanced GABA‐mediated synaptic activity, suggesting enhanced GABAergic tone.

Conclusions

These findings, together, underscore that Cajal–Retzius cells contribute to the ethanol‐induced aberration of cortical development and abnormal GABAergic neurotransmission at the impactful time when intracortical circuits form.
Abstinence and relapse among smokers who use varenicline in a quit attempt—a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Agboola Shade A. , Coleman Tim , McNeill Ann , Leonardi‐Bee Jo
Published: April 2015

Background and aims

Varenicline increases the likelihood of long‐term abstinence following a quit attempt. It has been suggested that (1) part of its benefit arises from ‘recruiting into abstinence’ smokers who are not able to stop on the target quit date and (2) there may be a higher rate of relapse after treatment. This study addressed these issues.

Methods

Meta‐analyses of data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of varenicline identified from the 2012 Cochrane review of nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation were used to compare the abstinence and relapse patterns on active drug and placebo. Studies of varenicline compared with placebo in adult daily smokers with longest follow‐up at either 6 or 12 months and with at least three follow‐ups in the first month were included. Biochemically verified abstinence rates at each of six follow‐up time‐points (2, 3, 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks) were pooled for studies reporting point prevalence abstinence. Biochemically verified abstinence rates at three follow‐up time‐periods (9–12 weeks, 9–24 weeks and 9–52 weeks) were pooled for studies reporting continuous abstinence. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Nineteen RCTs were included. In varenicline‐treated participants, point‐prevalence abstinence increased by 22 percentage points from week 2 [32%: 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25–40%] to week 12 (54%: 95% CI = 48–61%). The increase was 8 percentage points in the placebo group: 16% (95% CI = 11–21%) to 24% (95% CI = 17–33%). In varenicline‐treated participants the relapse from weeks 9–12 to week 52 was 55%: 49% abstinent in weeks 9–12 (95% CI = 45–53%) versus 22% at week 52 (95% CI = 19–25%). In placebo‐treated participants it was 53%: 17% (95% CI = 13–25%) in weeks 9–12 versus 8% (95% CI = 6–12%) at week 52.

Conclusions

Varenicline recruits smokers into abstinence following the target quit date to a greater extent than placebo. Relapse rates from end of treatment to 52 weeks are similar in varenicline‐ and placebo‐treated smokers.
The Role of C5a Receptor Signaling in Endotoxin‐Induced Miscarriage and Preterm Birth
Authors: Denny Kerina J. , Coulthard Liam G. , Mantovani Susanna , Simmons David , Taylor Stephen M. , Woodruff Trent M.
Published: April 2015

Problem

Complement factor 5a (C5a), a potent pro‐inflammatory mediator of the complement system, has been implicated in fetal rejection throughout gestation, from miscarriage to preterm birth. This study aimed to investigate the role of the principal C5a receptor, C5aR1 (CD88), in both miscarriage and preterm birth, in a bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) murine model.

Method of study

Wild‐type and C5ar1 knockout mice were administered LPS at 9.5 or 15.5 days post‐conception to induce miscarriage or preterm birth, respectively.

Results

C5ar1 knockout mice were protected against miscarriage in response to administration of LPS in early gestation. However, the absence of C5aR1 had no effect on the rates of preterm birth when LPS was administered in late gestation.

Conclusion

There may be a gestational window in which excessive activation of C5a can exert deleterious effects in pregnancy. Future strategies targeting the C5a‐C5aR1 signaling axis should be considered to ameliorate miscarriages in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.
CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ Monocytes in Peripheral Blood are Quantitatively Correlated with the Severity of Pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Tang Mao‐Xing , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Hu Lian , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Liao Ai‐Hua
Published: April 2015

Problem

We aim to investigate the proportion and absolute counts of peripheral blood monocyte subsets in women with normal pregnancy (NP) and pre‐eclampsia (PE), and their correlation with the clinical manifestation and severity of PE.

Method of study

Peripheral blood was obtained from women with NP (n = 30), mild PE (MPE, n = 15) and severe PE (SPE, n = 30). The proportion and absolute counts of CD16+ monocytes and the subsets including intermediate (CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+) and non‐classical (CD14+CD16++HLA‐DR+) monocytes were determined by flow cytometric analysis.

Results

Women with MPE and SPE had significantly increased absolute count of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocyte subsets (P < 0.01 each) as compared to NP women. In addition, there were significant differences in the absolute count of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocyte subsets between MPE and SPE groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocyte subsets was significantly increased in SPE compared to MPE and NP (P < 0.01 each). The absolute count (r = 0.332, P < 0.05) and proportion (r = 0.447, P < 0.01) of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocytes were positively correlated with the severity of PE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed that the absolute count of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocytes was a potential marker for PE (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

A preferential increase in peripheral blood CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocytes is quantitatively correlated with clinical manifestation of PE.
Constructing the ‘Child at Risk’ in Social Work Reports: A Way of Seeing is a Way of not Seeing
Authors: Roets Griet , Rutten Kris , Roose Rudi , Vandekinderen Caroline , Soetaert Ronald
Published: April 2015

In the context of the changing relationship between children, parents and the welfare state, professionals have to deal with notions of the ‘child at risk’. In child welfare and protection, the issue of normative judgement in (risk) assessment and documentation is an essential area for exploration for social workers. We examine the practice of report writing in which future professionals exercise power while assessing, documenting and judging the child as ‘at risk’. We report on a study about a fictional social work case conducted with 152 students in Belgium, in which we developed a rhetorical analysis of the ‘terministic screens’ used in writing reports.
Does Cigarette Smoking Affect Body Weight? Causal Estimates from the Clean Indoor Air Law Discontinuity
Authors: Pieroni L. , Salmasi L.
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the causal effect of smoking on body weight in Italy. We take advantage of the discontinuity in smoking habits introduced by the Italian smoking ban in 2005. Our estimates indicate that the ban reduced smoking intensity by half a cigarette per day and smoking participation rate by 2 percentage points. We estimate a significant effect on body weight of about 1 kg. Heterogeneous effects are also found, highlighting a smaller impact on men, employees and overweight and obese people. Most of the weight variations are attributed to quitting smoking, whereas reductions in cigarette consumption are not significant.
A Tale of Two Anomalies: Higher Returns of Low‐Risk Stocks and Return Seasonality
Authors: Fiore Christopher , Saha Atanu
Published: April 2015

Prior studies have shown that low beta and low volatility stocks earn higher average returns than high beta and high volatility stocks, contradicting the prediction of the capital asset pricing model and the fundamental relationship between risk and return. In this paper, we demonstrate that this phenomenon is driven by the seasonality of stock returns. We show that the risk‐return tradeoff does hold in the nonsummer months, and that switching to a portfolio of low‐risk stocks in summer outperforms—both in terms of absolute and in risk‐adjusted returns—buy and hold strategies as well as the Sell in May strategy of switching to treasury bills in summer.
Mobile technology and forgotten consumers: the young‐elderly
Authors: Nikou Shahrokh
Published: April 2015

The advancement in mobile technology and the increasing number of aging people have given rise to a need for better understanding on how mobile (smart) phones can be used to the advantage of the aging populations. The benefits of mobile technology and its merits to individuals have been phenomenal while young‐elderly (aged 60–75), an important segment of the society, are lagging behind in using mobile technology and specifically using mobile health and wellness applications. Through a systematic literature review, this study examines our current understanding of the adoption of mobile health and wellness applications by young‐elderly and highlights factors which may influence the adoption decision of this age group. The review shows that due to specific physical and functional challenges of this group, mere focus on traditional technology adoption and acceptance models provides necessary, but not sufficient insights into the dynamics of the mobile technology adoption. More specifically, the review results suggest that other relevant determinants such as sociological and psychological factors in addition to the aging‐specific characteristics provide the means to better understand the dynamics of mobile technology adoption by the young‐elderly. Based on the results obtained from the review of literature and other relevant studies, this study suggests a conceptual framework to be applied in the young‐elderly studies.
Youth physical activity self‐efficacy: a concept analysis
Authors: Voskuil Vicki R. , Robbins Lorraine B.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of youth physical activity self‐efficacy.

Background

Physical activity self‐efficacy is a concept that has been frequently examined as a key variable in research aimed at increasing physical activity among youth. Different conceptual definitions and empirical measures indicate the need for concept analysis to advance knowledge of the concept.

Design

Rodger's evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to collect and analyse the data. Social cognitive theory guided the analysis.

Data sources

The PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo, Educational Resources Information Center and Sociological Abstracts databases were searched for publications from 1990–2013. Search terms included self‐efficacy, physical activity, youth, children, adolescent and teen.

Review methods

A total of 276 articles were identified. Fifty‐five articles meeting inclusion criteria were included in the review. Data were analysed with particular focus on the attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept.

Results

Defining attributes of physical activity self‐efficacy were identified as personal cognition/perception, self‐appraisal process, related action, power to choose physical activity, dynamic state and bi‐dimensional nature. Antecedents and consequences were consistent with social cognitive theory. Youth physical activity self‐efficacy is defined as a youth's belief in his/her capability to participate in physical activity and to choose physical activity despite existing barriers.

Conclusions

This concept analysis provided an in‐depth analysis and clarification of youth physical activity self‐efficacy. Future research should be aimed at establishing consistency in conceptual definitions and empirical measurement to further develop the concept across disciplines.
Understanding Sources of Knowledge for Coaches of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: MacDonald Dany J. , Beck Katie , Erickson Karl , Côté Jean
Published: April 2015

Background

Recent research has investigated development of coaching knowledge; however, less research has investigated the development of coaches who coach athletes with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this study was to understand how coaches of athletes with intellectual disabilities gain their knowledge.

Method

Forty‐five Special Olympics Canada coaches participated in structured telephone interviews investigating actual and ideal sources of coaching knowledge. Coaching knowledge was categorized across the dimensions of competition, organization and training.

Results

Coaches primarily learned by doing and by consulting with coaching peers. Information about ideal sources of coaching knowledge demonstrates that coaches would value structured coaching courses, learning from mentors and from administrative support, in addition to learning on their own and from peers.

Discussion

Results suggest that a broader approach to education should be incorporated into coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities. Recommendations for achieving such goals are provided.
Health and Economic Outcomes Associated with Use of an Antimicrobial Envelope as a Standard of Care for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation
Authors: SHARIFF NASIR , EBY ELIZABETH , ADELSTEIN EVAN , JAIN SANDEEP , SHALABY ALAA , SABA SAMIR , WANG NORMAN C. , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID
Published: April 2015

Outcomes with Routine Use of Antimicrobial Envelope

Introduction

Infection of cardiac implanted electrical devices (CIED) is a problem. In selected patients, use of an “antibacterial envelope” (AIGISRx®) is associated with low CIED infection rates. The value of this device when used as a standard of care is unclear.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis of all patients (N = 1,476) who underwent CIED implantation at a single hospital. During the study period, some implanters used the AIGISRx as a standard of care (Yes‐AIGISRx Group, N = 365), whereas others did not use it at all (No‐AIGISRx Group, N = 1,111). A risk score based on preoperative factors was calculated for each patient. Rates of CIED infection within 6 months were measured, and associated costs were estimated. The Yes‐AIGISRx and No‐AIGISRx groups had similar preoperative infection risk. In the No‐AIGISRx group, 19 infections were observed (1.7%), versus 0 in the Yes‐AIGISRx group (P = 0.006). The 6‐month mortality rate among patients with infection was significantly greater than among those without infection (15.7% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.021). The average hospital duration for infection care was 13 days. By extrapolating the infection rate and costs observed in the No‐AIGISRx group to the Yes‐AIGISRx group, we estimated that there would have been 6.2 additional infections costing approximately $340,000. This cost was similar to the actual cost of the devices in the Yes‐AIGISRx group, estimated at $320,000.

Conclusions

Standard of care use of an antibacterial envelope as a standard of care was associated with a significantly lower rate of CIED infection, and appeared to be economically reasonable. Prospective trials to address these findings may be worthwhile.
Peritumoral dermis of squamous cell carcinomas in renal transplant recipients contains less CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells and FoxP3+ T cells compared to immunocompetent controls
Authors: Sandvik L.F. , Skarstein K. , Krynitz B. , Volchenkov R. , Sviland L. , Leivestad T. , Jonsson R. , Appel S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have an increased risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). These SCC are often more aggressive than SCC in immunocompetent individuals.

Objectives

In this comparative study, we analysed the cell composition in the tissue immediately surrounding invasive SCC in immunosuppressed RTR and immunocompetent controls in an effort to further elucidate the role of the local immune system.

Methods

Morphology and quantity of various dendritic cell (DC) subsets, macrophages and FoxP3+ T cells were analysed by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

The number of CD11c+ myeloid DC and FoxP3+ T cells was significantly reduced in RTR, whereas the number of plasmacytoid DC, Langerhans cells and macrophages was similar in RTR and controls.

Conclusions

A reduction in CD11c+ mDC in peritumoral dermis in RTR might contribute to impaired immunosurveillance thus giving rise to an increased risk to develop aggressive SCC in these patients.
Backward Capitalism in Rural South Africa: Prospects for Accelerating Accumulation in the Eastern Cape
Authors: Sender John
Published: April 2015

The forces of production in rural South Africa and the performance of the agricultural sector form the central theme of this paper. It shows that the long‐term lack of dynamism of capitalist development in South Africa as a whole is reflected in and is responsible for failures of rural development. These failures have resulted in acute suffering, not least in Eastern Cape province, where barriers to dynamic capitalist growth remain very high. The paper concludes with proposals for promoting more rapid wage employment growth and capitalist development and for protecting vulnerable rural residents from the worst consequences of such development. The proposals are contrasted with the conventional wisdom in South Africa, especially the rural development strategies proposed by the current government.
Investigating Stakeholder Attitudes and Opinions on School‐Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Programs
Authors: Nodulman Jessica A. , Starling Randall , Kong Alberta S. , Buller David B. , Wheeler Cosette M. , Woodall W. Gill
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

In several countries worldwide, school‐based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs have been successful; however, little research has explored US stakeholders' acceptance toward school‐based HPV vaccination programs.

METHODS

A total of 13 focus groups and 12 key informant interviews (N = 117; 85% females; 66% racial/ethnic minority) were conducted with 5 groups of stakeholders: parents of adolescent girls, parents of adolescent boys, adolescent girls, middle school nurses, and middle school administrators throughout the 5 public health regions of New Mexico.

RESULTS

All groups of stakeholders lacked knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccines. Stakeholders were interested in—but apprehensive about—the benefits of HPV vaccination. Despite previous literature showing the benefits of using middle schools as an HPV vaccination site, stakeholders did not deem middle schools as a viable site for vaccination. Nurses reported that using the school as an HPV vaccination site had not occurred to them; parents and adolescents stated they were uncertain about using this type of program. School administrators indicated that they lacked implementation authority.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovered barriers to using middle schools as a site of HPV vaccination. Resources should be directed toward increased support and education for middle school nurses who function as opinion leaders relevant to the uptake of HPV vaccination.
Generalized Morality, Institutions and Economic Growth, and the Intermediating Role of Generalized Trust
Authors: James Harvey S.
Published: April 2015

Generalized morality reflects ethical norms in society about the inappropriateness of behaviors that can cause harm to others. Generalized morality may be an important factor affecting the economic performance of countries. An indicator of generalized morality is constructed from data from the World Values Survey. One question examined is whether generalized morality is correlated with economic growth rates in per capita GDP across a sample of countries, controlling for institutions and other factors expected to affect economic performance. A second question examined is whether the path by which generalized morality affects growth is direct or indirect through generalized trust. The findings reveal that generalized morality is moderately correlated with economic growth, but its effect appears to be manifested through generalized trust when economic institutions are weak.
Rikkunshito induces gastric relaxation via the β‐adrenergic pathway in Suncus murinus
Authors: Mondal A. , Takehara A. , Aizawa S. , Tanaka T. , Fujitsuka N. , Hattori T. , Sakai T. , Sakata I.
Published: April 2015

Background

Rikkunshito (RKT) is a gastroprotective herbal medicine. In this study, we investigated the role of RKT in the relaxation of the gastric body (fundus and corpus) and antrum.

Methods

We used Suncus murinus, a unique small model animal with similar gastrointestinal motility to humans and dogs. RKT was added at 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/mL to induce relaxation in vitro; the outcome measure was the intensity of relaxation. The number of spontaneous antral contractions in the absence or the presence of RKT was also counted.

Key Results

Rikkunshito induced the relaxation of the gastric body and antrum and decreased the number of spontaneous antral contractions in a dose‐dependent manner. The responses to RKT (1.0 mg/mL) were not affected by pretreatment with atropine, N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, ritanserin, or ondansetron. On the other hand, timolol almost completely reversed the relaxation induced by RKT (1.0 mg/mL) on the gastric body and antrum and the occurrence of the spontaneous antral contractions. Both butoxamine, a β2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, and L 748337, a β3‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, but not CGP 20712, a β1‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, significantly reversed the RKT‐induced (1.0 mg/mL) gastric relaxation.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results indicate that RKT stimulates and modulates gastric relaxation through β2‐ and β3‐adrenergic, but not β1‐adrenergic, pathways in S. murinus.
LEARNING FROM SUCCESS: ARE SUCCESSFUL GOVERNMENTS ROLE MODELS?
Authors: LUNDIN MARTIN , ÖBERG PEROLA , JOSEFSSON CECILIA
Published: April 2015

Do local governments learn from their successful peers when designing public policies? In spite of extensive research on policy diffusion and learning, there is still a lack of studies on how success relates to learning patterns. We address this deficiency by examining which other governments local administrative units draw lessons from. More precisely, we investigate whether public managers learn from the experiences of local governments whose citizens are satisfied with government services. Using a large dyadic dataset on all Swedish municipalities from 2010, we find that senior public managers in local administrations learn from similar local governments and from neighbours. But we also find clear evidence that they learn from local governments whose citizens are pleased with local public services. This indicates that best practices are spread among local governments.
Risk assessment for Puccinia psidii becoming established in South Africa
Authors: Roux J. , Germishuizen I. , Nadel R. , Lee D. J. , Wingfield M. J. , Pegg G. S.
Published: April 2015

Puccinia psidii, the causal agent of myrtle rust, was first recorded from Latin America more than 100 years ago. It occurs on many native species of Myrtaceae in Latin America and also infects non‐native plantation‐grown Eucalyptus species in the region. The pathogen has gradually spread to new areas including Australia and most recently South Africa. The aim of this study was to consider the susceptibility of selected Eucalyptus genotypes, particularly those of interest to South African forestry, to infection by P. psidii. In addition, risk maps were compiled based on suitable climatic conditions and the occurrence of potential susceptible tree species. This made it possible to identify the season when P. psidii would be most likely to infect and to define the geographic areas where the rust disease would be most likely to establish in South Africa. As expected, variation in susceptibility was observed between eucalypt genotypes tested. Importantly, species commonly planted in South Africa show good potential for yielding disease‐tolerant material for future planting. Myrtle rust is predicted to be more common in spring and summer. Coastal areas, as well as areas in South Africa with subtropical climates, are more conducive to outbreaks of the pathogen.
Female sex of older patients is an independent risk factor for red blood cell alloimmunization after transfusion
Authors: Verduin Esther P. , Brand Anneke , Middelburg Rutger A. , Schonewille Henk
Published: April 2015

Background

More women than men are encountered with red blood cell (RBC) antibodies. It is not clear whether this difference is explained by more immunizing events in women or by a different acting immune system. To assess whether there is a difference in the posttransfusion RBC alloimmunization rate between women and men, a study on RBC alloimmunization during a 5‐year period was conducted in patients with at least one antibody follow‐up more than 14 days after transfusion.

Study design and methods

Data on transfusion and antibody follow‐up characteristics in female and male transfusion recipients from the Leiden University Medical Center laboratory database were collected. Hazard ratios of alloimmunization, according to sex of the transfusion recipient, were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models taking possible confounders into account.

Results

From a total of 1699 women and 1969 men who were eligible, 4.2% of women and 3.4% of men (relative risk, 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9‐1.8) developed posttransfusion antibodies. Adjustment for confounders resulted in a relative 80% higher risk in women older than 45 years of age.

Conclusion

Elder women beyond childbearing age have a higher risk of posttransfusion antibody formation compared to men.
Asymmetries in the exploitation of phonetic features for word recognition
Authors: Martin Alexander , Peperkamp Sharon
Published: April 2015

French listeners' reliance on voicing, manner, and place was tested in a mispronunciation detection task. Mispronounced words were more likely to be recognized when the mispronunciation concerned voicing rather than manner or place. This indicates that listeners rely less on the former than on the latter for the purposes of word recognition. Further, the role of visual cues to phonetic features was explored by the task being conducted in both an audio-only and an audiovisual version, but no effect of modality was found. Discussion focuses on crosslinguistic comparisons and lexical factors that might influence the weight of individual features.
The effect of calcitriol on endoplasmic reticulum stress response
Authors: Haddur Ela , Ozkaya Ali Burak , Ak Handan , Aydin Hikmet Hakan
Published: April 2015

Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is known for its anticancer properties including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and metastasis. Calcitriol also increases intracellular calcium triggering apoptosis in a calpain-dependent manner. Since the main storage unit for cellular calcium is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and a decrease in ER calcium levels might induce ER stress associated cell death, we hypothesized that the cellular actions of calcitriol occur via ER stress. We have evaluated induction of ER stress by assessing BIP expression and XBP-1 splicing in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A. Our results suggest that cytotoxic concentrations of calcitriol induce an ER stress related response indicated as increased BIP levels and XBP-1 splicing not only in breast cancer cells but also in mammary epithelial cell line. However, vehicle treatment also induced a similar response de-emphasizing the importance of such effect. Calcitriol also failed to activate calpains, further weakening the idea of ER stress as the main mechanism for apoptotic effects of calcitriol. Taken together our results suggest an association between ER stress and vitamin D signaling. However present data indicates that ER stress by itself is not sufficient to explain anticancer properties of calcitriol.
Logging operations in pine stands in Belgium with additional harvest of woody biomass: yield, economics, and energy balance
Authors: Vangansbeke P. , Osselaere J. , Van Dael M. , De Frenne P. , Gruwez R. , Pelkmans L. , Gorissen L. , Verheyen K.
Published: March 2015

Due to the enhanced demands for woody biomass, it is increasingly relevant to assess possibilities to harvest forest residues in addition to logs. Here, eight strategies for whole-tree harvesting from clearcuts and early thinnings of pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) stands in northern Belgium are evaluated. A detailed cost analysis using the machine-rate method was conducted along with scenario and sensitivity analyses of the variables affecting the harvesting cost. On average, we found much higher revenue for logs than for wood chips from forest residues. In clearcuts, a mobile chipper was more profitable than a roadside chipper. On the other hand, the harvesting cost of logs was higher for early thinnings than for clearcuts. However, the revenue remained higher than for chips, making the separate harvesting of logs and chips more cost effective than chipping whole trees. In the latter case, an excavator, a forwarder, and a roadside chipper were more cost effective than a harvester, a tractor with trailer, and a mobile chipper, respectively. Harvest of additional woody biomass required limited energy input compared with processing and intercontinental transportation of wood pellets. However, at present, we find very small profits from local additional biomass harvests. The low and fragmented forest cover and important sustainability issues further impede the development of a viable production sector in this region.
A framework for urban–woodland naturalization in Canada
Authors: Toni Sydney A. , Duinker Peter N.
Published: April 2015

Urban forest naturalization has gained momentum within municipal planning and non-governmental organizations. As the interest in naturalization increases, so does the impetus for exploring its conceptual and practical dimensions. Naturalization is a form of ecological restoration with prominent social dimensions. One motivation is reintegrating the urban forest to a greater extent into its surroundings, increasing the habitat available for native species. However, naturalization is not always desirable, as we may want to use and modify certain areas for cultural purposes, or feasible, as some species may be unable to establish in an urban setting. This paper examines the concepts underlying naturalization and how they influence naturalization decisions and goals. It then provides a framework for urban forest naturalness and explores potential applications of naturalness assessments in urban forest management. The framework outlines 37 different biotic and abiotic dimensions of naturalness that can help urban forest decision-makers visualize and manage the urban forest through understanding its individual parts and thus the whole. If a site is weak in particular dimensions, actions can be directed to increase the naturalness of these components. Similarly, some dimensions may be of more interest than others, such as increasing habitat suitability for a particular species. We then offer real and hypothetical examples of applying the framework to urban forest management. The benefits of a naturalized urban forest are many. It provides habitat for native species and has an important role as a biological teaching tool for urban residents. In developing this framework, we hope to expand the discussion on naturalization beyond simply planting native species and ceasing mowing to positioning urban forests in a broader landscape.
Deep Belief Network Training Improvement Using Elite Samples Minimizing Free Energy
Authors: Keyvanrad Mohammad Ali , Homayounpour Mohammad Mehdi
Published: April 2015

Nowadays, it is very popular to use deep architectures in machine learning. Deep Belief Networks (DBNs) are deep architectures that use stack of Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs) to create a powerful generative model using the training data. In this paper, we present an improvement in a common method that is usually used in training RBMs. The new method uses free energy as a criterion to obtain elite samples from generative model. We argue that these samples can compute gradient of log probability of training data more accurately. According to the results, an error rate of 0.99% was achieved on MNIST test set. This result shows that the proposed method outperforms the method presented in the first paper introducing DBN (1.25% error rate) and general classification methods such as SVM (1.4% error rate) and KNN (1.6% error rate). In another test using ISOLET dataset, letter classification error dropped to 3.59% compared to 5.59% error rate achieved in the papers using this dataset.
On subgroups of right angled Artin groups with few generators
Authors: Minasyan Ashot
Published: April 2015

For each d ∈ ℕ, we construct a 3-generated group Hd, which is a subdirect product of free groups, such that the cohomological dimension of Hd is d. Given a group F and a normal subgroup N ⊳ F we prove that any right angled Artin group containing the special HNN-extension of F with respect to N must also contain F/N. We apply this to construct, for every d ∈ ℕ, a 4-generated group Gd, embeddable into a right angled Artin group, such that the cohomological dimension of Gd is 2 but the cohomological dimension of any right angled Artin group, containing Gd, is at least d. These examples are used to show the non-existence of certain "universal" right angled Artin groups. We also investigate finitely presented subgroups of direct products of limit groups. In particular, we show that for every n ∈ ℕ there exists δ(n) ∈ ℕ such that any n-generated finitely presented subgroup of a direct product of finitely many free groups embeds into the δ(n)-th direct power of the free group of rank 2. As another corollary we derive that any n-generated finitely presented residually free group embeds into the direct product of at most δ(n) limit groups.
The dark energy signature
Authors: Sidharth B. G.
Published: April 2015

Though the concept of a dark energy driven accelerating universe was introduced by the author in 1997, to date dark energy itself, as described below has remained a paradigm. We quickly review these and find a second cosmological signature of the 1997 model, consistent with latest observations.
Evaluating the Enhancement of Corporate Social Responsibility Websites Quality Based on a New Hybrid MADM Model
Authors: Chen Fu Hsiang , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung , Chang Chih Chieh
Published: April 2015

Corporations would utilize advanced information technologies for generating corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and communicating with their stakeholders. However, corporations often could not determine whether their CSR websites are capable of effective communication with the stakeholders. The purpose of this study would be to analyze websites of benchmark companies for establishing an evaluation model to be a reference for CSR website design. Information from expert interviews carried out in this study underwent DEMATEL method for analyzing the mutual relationships between the quality criteria and dimensions of CSR websites. DANP was then used to calculate the weight of each criterion. Finally, we would make use VIKOR method to prioritize the performance CSR website satisfaction. The following provides the recommended improvement priorities according to results of the expert interviews: service quality (C) followed by information quality (B) followed by technical quality (A).
First principle simulation on oxidation mechanism of diethyl ether by nitrogen dioxide
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Hu Wei , Chi Xuhui , Li Cuihua , Gui Dayong , Wang Mingliang , Liu Jianhong , Ma Xingang , Pang Aimin
Published: April 2015

The oxidation mechanism of diethyl ethers by NO2was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31+G (d, p) level. The oxidation process of ether follows four steps. First, the diethyl ether reacts with NO2to produce HNO2and diethyl ether radical with an energy barrier of 20.62 kcal ⋅ mol-1. Then, the diethyl ether radical formed in the first step directly combines with NO2to form CH3CH ( ONO ) OCH2CH3. In the third step, the CH3CH ( ONO ) OCH2CH3was further decomposed into the CH3CH2ONO and CH3CHO with a moderately high energy barrier of 32.87 kcal ⋅ mol-1. Finally, the CH3CH2ONO continues to react with NO2to yield CH3CHO , HNO2and NO with an energy barrier of 28.13 kcal ⋅ mol-1. The calculated oxidation mechanism agrees well with Nishiguchi and Okamoto's experiment and proposal.