bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
House Calls for Seniors: Building and Sustaining a Model of Care for Homebound Seniors
Authors: Beck Robin A. , Arizmendi Alejandro , Purnell Christianna , Fultz Bridget A. , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: April 2009

Homebound seniors suffer from high levels of functional impairment and are high‐cost users of acute medical services. This article describes a 7‐year experience in building and sustaining a physician home visit program. The House Calls for Seniors program was established in 1999. The team includes a geriatrician, geriatrics nurse practitioner, and social worker. The program hosts trainees from multiple disciplines. The team provides care to 245 patients annually. In 2006, the healthcare system (62%), provider billing (36%), and philanthropy (2%) financed the annual program budget of $355,390. Over 7 years, the team has enrolled 468 older adults; the mean age was 80, 78% were women, and 64% were African American. One‐third lived alone, and 39% were receiving Medicaid. Reflecting the disability of this cohort, 98% had impairment in at least one instrumental activity of daily living (mean 5.2), 71% had impairment in at least one activity of daily living (mean 2.6), 53% had a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 23 or less, 43% were receiving services from a home care agency, and 69% had at least one new geriatric syndrome diagnosed by the program. In the year after intake into the program, patients had an average of nine home visits; 21% were hospitalized, and 59% were seen in the emergency department. Consistent with the program goals, primary care, specialty care, and emergency department visits declined in the year after enrollment, whereas access and quality‐of‐care targets improved. An academic physician house calls program in partnership with a healthcare system can improve access to care for homebound frail older adults, improve quality of care and patient satisfaction, and provide a positive learning experience for trainees. J Am Geriatr Soc 57:1103–1109, 2009
Involvement in Knowledge–Acquisition Activities by Venture Team Members and Venture Performance
Authors: Chandler Gaylen N. , Lyon Douglas W.
Published: April 2009

This research uses concepts of organizational learning to analyze knowledge acquisition by management teams in emerging firms. Involvement in ongoing knowledge–acquisition activities is positively and significantly related to venture performance. In addition, task environment dynamism is a positive moderator of the relationship between involvement in knowledge–acquisition activities and venture performance.
Entrepreneurial Job Characteristics: An Examination of Their Effect on Entrepreneurial Satisfaction
Authors: Schjoedt Leon
Published: April 2009

The present study examined the effect of four core job characteristics on job satisfaction for entrepreneurs and a comparison group of nonfounding top managers. Significant mean differences were found between the entrepreneurs and nonfounding top managers on job satisfaction and all four job characteristics. Moreover, the results showed similar patterns of significant associations between the job characteristics and job satisfaction for the entrepreneurs and nonfounding top managers. Yet, the regression lines were found to be significantly different. Lastly, the results showed the following job characteristics were significant predictors of entrepreneurial job satisfaction: autonomy, variety, and feedback.
Small–Business Group Formation as an Entrepreneurial Development Model
Authors: Lechner Christian , Leyronas Christophe
Published: April 2009

Why do small–business groups in developed countries exist? Research has shown the strong economic impact of business groups throughout the world but remains heavily focused on large–business groups and on emerging economies. Theoretical approaches to explain the existence of highly diversified business groups range from market power to the resource–based view and include market failure, transaction costs, agency theory, and cultural embeddedness. These approaches, however, are not very appropriate to explain the existence of small to medium–size firms in developed countries. What we know is that these smaller groups exist and that they are largely the outcome of related diversification.

We investigate relatively small and young–business groups organized in a holding structure. What are the perceived benefits of this kind of group for entrepreneurs and how can we explain the phenomenon theoretically?

Based on case study research, we argue that the small–business group is both the outcome and the antecedent of growth. It enables, and helps to realize and manage the growth of entrepreneurial firms. The enabling function consists in increasing reputation, attracting complementary resources that facilitate the exploitation of new opportunities, overcoming overembeddedness, and dealing with coopetition (concurrent cooperative and competitive relationships with another company). The group is also the outcome of realized internationalization and related diversification. Interestingly, for the emergence of the small–business group, just as important as diversification is the integration of activities as well as the separation of closely linked activities. Finally, the small–business group corresponds to an entrepreneurial management style. The main contribution of this article is to link organizational structure to the management and growth of entrepreneurial firms.
A Measure of Adaptive Cognition for Entrepreneurship Research
Authors: Haynie Michael , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: April 2009

To sense and adapt to uncertainty may characterize a critical entrepreneurial resource. In this research, we employ a metacognitive lens toward the development of a 36–item inventory designed to assess cognitive adaptability, defined as the ability to be dynamic, flexible, and self–regulating in one's cognitions given dynamic and uncertain task environments. Construction of the inventory, and subsequent factor analysis, is confirmatory in nature based on five theoretically justified dimensions of metacognition. We describe the development of the instrument, discuss its implications for entrepreneurship, and finally offer suggestions for further development and testing.
The Life Cycle of an Internet Firm: Scripts, Legitimacy, and Identity
Authors: Drori Israel , Honig Benson , Sheaffer Zachary
Published: April 2009

We study, longitudinally and ethnographically, the construction of legitimacy and identity during the life cycle of an entrepreneurial Internet firm, from inception to death. We utilize organizational scripts to examine how social actors enact identity and legitimacy, maintaining that different scripts, both contested and consent–oriented, become the source of action for acquiring legitimacy and creating organizational identity. We show that scripts enable entrepreneurs and other social actors to invoke a set of interactions within and outside the organization. Scripts construct values and interests, form social bonding and consented actions, and eventually shape and reshape the individual and institutional contexts of identity and legitimacy. We found that the strategic action of organizational members in pursuing and enacting their preferred scripts depends on their position and role in the organization. We observed that the institutionalization of simultaneously competing scripts created a path–dependent process leading to organizational conflict and eventual failure.
Blue Moon Natural Foods
Authors: Kammermeyer Jill A. , Naumes Margaret J.
Published: April 2009

Blue Moon began as a natural foods market and deli in Exeter, New Hampshire, added a small restaurant, and had just opened an upstairs space for classes by local instructors. Founder Kathy Gallant had a vision that had evolved over time and a strong commitment to her customers and employees. At the end of 2002, Kathy was considering future paths for Blue Moon and herself. She was contemplating ways eventually to leave the business but still had many ideas for Blue Moon and its community.
Apical Thrombus Associated with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Young Woman
Authors: Tobar Ricardo , Rotzak Renee , Rozenman Yoseph
Published: April 2009

We report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicated by left ventricular apical thrombus in a young woman; the thrombus and wall motion abnormalities disappeared after 3 weeks of anticoagulant therapy. These findings suggest that appropriate anticoagulation therapy should be performed in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy until wall motion abnormalities improve.
The Echocardiographic Assessment of Dyssynchrony: Insights from a Consecutive Series of General Cardiology Patients with Normal LVEF and Narrow QRS
Authors: Costa Salvatore , O’Mara John , Young Christine , Gama Michelle , Palac Robert
Published: April 2009

Background: Prior studies have described the potential benefit of using echocardiographic rather than ECG techniques to help select the subgroup of heart failure patients that are most likely to benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Currently, the most commonly used echocardiographic techniques to assess dyssynchrony include discrepancies in radial motion derived from M‐mode and in longitudinal motion derived from tissue Doppler; however, there are little data available on the range of these measurements in the general cardiology population. Methods and Results: A consecutive series of patients referred for a stress echocardiogram were screened for normal LV systolic function and normal QRS width. Fifty‐one patients met inclusion criteria and underwent dyssynchrony measurements in addition to their baseline echo. Previously proposed cutoff values were applied. We observed 17% of study subjects were above the reported normal values for radial dyssynchrony and 41% were above the reported normal values for longitudinal dyssynchrony. However, when both criteria were required to be abnormal only 4% were classified as dyssynchronous. Conclusions: Echocardiographic indices in general cardiology patients appear most accurate when radial and longitudinal parameters are used in combination. While the ideal cutoff values remain to be determined, this combination may optimize patient selection for CRT response.
Subepicardial Aneurysm: Echocardiographic Evaluation and Evolution
Authors: Roldán Francisco‐Javier , Vargas‐Barrón Jesús , Aguirre‐Espìnosa Marlon , Romero‐Cárdenas Ángel , Vázquez‐Antona Clara , Erdmenger‐Orellana Julio , Exaire José‐Emilio , Martínez‐Ríos Marco‐Antonio
Published: April 2009

Subepicardial aneurysms (SEA) are an infrequent and serious form of subacute cardiac rupture complicating myocardial infarction. An early diagnosis and surgical repair may be life saving. SEA comprise an abrupt interruption of the myocardium, with a narrow neck and thin wall containing only the epicardium. It may progress to fatal cardiorrhexis. We describe the echocardiographic evolution of this type of cardiac rupture and the contribution of contrast‐enhanced echocardiography. A possible pathophysiological mechanism is proposed.
Which Protocol for Which Segment: A Comparative Study of Different Pharmacological Stress Echocardiography Protocols for Predicting Viability in Segments with Varying Degrees of Dyssynergy
Authors: Abdel‐Salam Zainab , Nammas Wail
Published: April 2009

Objective: Pharmacological stress echocardiography is widely accepted for identifying potential contractile recovery after revascularization. We sought to compare the prognostic power of three pharmacological stress protocols for predicting contractile recovery of myocardial segments at varying degrees of dyssynergy. Methods: We enrolled 100 consecutive patients with significant coronary stenosis amenable for revascularization and regional wall motion abnormality in the distribution of the affected artery. All patients underwent an assessment of regional wall motion according to the standard 16‐segment model. The patients underwent three stress echocardiography protocols in separate sessions: low‐dose dobutamine, infra‐low‐dose dipyridamole, and combined protocol. The patients underwent thereafter coronary revascularization either by percutaneous coronary angioplasty or by surgical bypass grafting. A follow‐up echocardiography was performed 8 weeks after revascularization to assess regional wall motion abnormality. The predicted recovery by any of the three protocols for each category of segments was compared with actual contractility improvement. Results: The combined protocol had a significantly higher sensitivity for predicting contractility recovery in all segment categories compared with the other two protocols. In addition, it had a similar specificity in hypokinetic and dyskinetic segments, though with a lower specificity in akinetic segments when compared with the low‐dose dobutamine protocol, and a similar specificity in dyskinetic segments, though with a lower specificity in hypokinetic and akinetic segments when compared with the infra‐low‐dose dipyridamole protocol. Conclusion: In patients with predominantly akinetic/dyskinetic segments, the combined pharmacological stress protocol would better predict functional recovery after revascularization, as compared with the low‐dose dobutamine and the infra‐low‐dose dipyridamole protocols.
Biventricular Loeffler's Endomyocarditis
Authors: Rajani Ronak , Beeson Claire , Takeda Scott
Published: April 2009

A rare case of biventricular Loeffler's endomyocarditis is reported in a 61 year old gentleman who presented with heart failure. After four months treatment with immunosuppressive therapy and anticoagulation, the echocardiographic findings had regressed and the patient had symptomatically improved. This case demonstrates that the institution of prompt medical therapy, even in advanced cases of Loeffler's endomyocarditis, may be effective and negate the need for surgical intervention.
Incremental Value of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Right Ventricular Masses
Authors: Reddy Venkataramana K. , Faulkner Michael , Bandarupalli Naveen , Nanda Navin C. , Singh Preeti , Dutta Rajarshi , Singh Anurag , Pothineni Koteswara R. , Dod Harvinder S. , Bhardwaj Ravindra , Warden Bradford E. , Beto Robert J. , Jain Abnash C.
Published: April 2009

This case series demonstrates the incremental value of three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) over two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) in the assessment of 11 patients with right ventricular (RV) masses or mass‐like lesions (three cases of RV thrombus, one myxoma, one fibroma, one lipoma, one chordoma, and one sarcoma and three cases of RV noncompaction, which are considered to be mass‐like in nature). 3D TTE was of incremental value in the assessment of these masses in that 3D TTE has the capacity to section the mass and view it from multiple angles, giving the examiner a more comprehensive assessment of the mass. This was particularly helpful in the cases of thrombi, as the presence of echolucencies indicated clot lysis. In addition, certainty in the number of thrombi present was an advantage of 3D TTE. Also, sectioning of cardiac tumors allowed more confidence in narrowing the differential diagnosis of the etiology of the mass. In addition, 3D TTE allowed us to identify precise location of the attachments of the masses as well as to determine whether there were mobile components to the mass. Another noteworthy advantage of 3D TTE was that the volumes of the masses could be calculated. Additionally, the findings by 3D TTE correlated well with pathologic examination of RV tumors, and some of the masses measured larger by 3D TTE than by 2D TTE, which was also validated in one case by surgery. As in the case of RV fibroma, another advantage was that 3D TTE actually identified more masses than 2D TTE. RV noncompaction was also well studied, and the assessment with 3D TTE helped to give a more definitive diagnosis in these patients.
Goals and Social Relationships: Windows Into the Motivation and Well‐Being of “Street Kids”1
Authors: Usborne Esther , Lydon John E. , Taylor Donald M.
Published: April 2009

Research investigating homeless youth or, as they prefer, “street kids,” has primarily described their dysfunction. In order to more thoroughly document their psychological reality and account for variability in their functioning, this study explored the close relationships and personal projects of 50 street kids. Self‐determination theory provides a theoretical framework for hypotheses concerning the relationships that social networks and goals have with motivation and subjective well‐being. The size of participants' social networks was positively related to internalization and positive well‐being. Goal pursuit was also positively related to internalization and positive well‐being. These findings—along with descriptive information documenting street kids' motivation, well‐being, and family contact—afford us a view beyond their dysfunction, and elucidate factors associated with their optimal functioning.
Narcissism and Cardiovascular Reactivity to Rejection Imagery1
Authors: Sommer Kristin L. , Kirkland Kristen L. , Newman Stacey R. , Estrella Patricia , Andreassi John L.
Published: April 2009

This study examined the interactive effects of imagined rejection and narcissism on cardiovascular reactivity (CVR). Participants completed measures of overt narcissism (Narcissistic Personality Inventory, NPI; Raskin & Hall, 1979), overt–covert narcissism (Margolis & Thomas, 1980), and trait self‐esteem. They then imagined 2 scenarios culminating in either interpersonal acceptance or rejection. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were assessed before, during, and after the imagery. Overt–covert narcissism was positively associated with task increases in SBP and DBP and recovery elevation of HR following rejection, but not acceptance. Similar effects on SBP were found for the Entitlement/Exploitativeness dimension of the NPI. Lower self‐esteem predicted greater task increases in SBP, DBP, and HR across conditions. Implications for health are discussed.
Nationalism, Internationalism, and Perceived UN Irrelevance: Mediators of Relationships Between Authoritarianism and Support for Military Aggression as Part of the War on Terror
Authors: Crowson H. Michael
Published: April 2009

The present research tests a model of predicted relationships among right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), nationalism, internationalism, perceived United Nations (UN) irrelevance, and support for the use of aggressive military action against countries perceived to support terrorism. In the hypothesized model, nationalism and internationalism were expected to mediate the relationship between authoritarian dispositions and support for aggressive military policies, while internationalism was expected to predict perceived UN irrelevance. Perceived UN irrelevance was also expected to predict support for military aggression directly. Across samples of community adults, hypotheses were largely supported, with only minor changes being made to the proposed model in order to improve model fit.
Social Cognitive Determinants of Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity in College Freshmen
Authors: Doerksen Shawna E. , Umstattd M. Renée , McAuley Edward
Published: April 2009

This paper examined the relationship among social cognitive factors and physical activity in college freshmen. Students from a midwestern university (N = 69; 56.5% female) participated in this prospective study. Psychosocial data were collected at the beginning of a semester, and physical activity measurement by accelerometry was completed at semester's end. Multiple regression analyses indicated that self‐efficacy and physical activity goals were significant predictors of vigorous activity (r2 = .16). However, these constructs were not significant for moderate activity (r2 = .16). Social cognitive constructs appear to be related to vigorous, but not moderate activity in college freshmen. Future studies should consider assessing social cognitive and physical activity variables at multiple time points across extended durations.
Changing Patterns of Gender Portrayals in Portuguese Television Advertisements1
Authors: Neto Félix , Silva M. Carolina
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns in Portuguese television advertisements and interpret changes in the portrayal of gender roles using data collected 7 years apart: 1996 and 2003. We grouped 11 attributes of the central figure displayed in 623 evening commercials using a k‐means cluster procedure. There were 4 distinct groups of advertisements that emerged, 2 of them characterizing a predominantly male central figure and the other 2 a female central figure. The overall increase in women portrayed in advertisements from 1996 (32.9%) to 2003 (40.8%) is reflected in a shift toward an increase of advertisements with a female central figure in the typically male “narrator” cluster. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Bactrocera dorsalis preference for and performance on two mango varieties at three stages of ripeness
Authors: Rattanapun Wigunda , Amornsak Weerawan , Clarke Anthony R.
Published: April 2009

Most tropical fruit flies only lay into mature fruit, but a small number can also oviposit into unripe fruit. Little is known about the link between adult oviposition preference and offspring performance in such situations. In this study, we examine the influence of different ripening stages of two mango, Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), varieties on the preference and performance of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a fly known to be able to develop in unripe fruit. A series of laboratory‐based choice and no‐choice oviposition experiments and larval growth trials were carried out. The results demonstrated a general preference by B. dorsalis for mango variety Oakrong over variety Namdorkmai, but in most cases the single largest dependent variable influencing results was fruit ripening stage. Ripe and fully‐ripe mangoes were most preferred for oviposition by B. dorsalis. In contrast, unripe mango was infrequently used by ovipositing females, particularly in choice trials. Consistent with the results of oviposition preference, ripe and fully‐ripe mangoes were also best for offspring survival, with a higher percentage of larval survival to pupation and shorter development times in comparison to unripe mango. Changes in total soluble solids and pericarp toughness correlated with changing host use across the ripening stages. Regardless of the mango variety or ripeness stage, B. dorsalis had difficulty penetrating the pericarp of all fruits offered in experiments. Larval survival was also often poor in all experiments. We discuss the possibility that there may be differences in the ability of laboratory and wild flies to penetrate fruit for oviposition, or that in the field flies more regularly utilize natural fruit wounds as oviposition sites.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation mediates nicotine‐induced enhancement of experimental periodontitis
Authors: Breivik T. , Gundersen Y. , Gjermo P. , Von Hörsten S. , Opstad P. K.
Published: April 2009

Background and Objective:  Smokers have an increased risk of developing periodontitis as well as showing more rapid progression and resistance to treatment of the disease, but the biological mechanisms are poorly understood. This study was designed to investigate putative biological mechanisms by which nicotine may enhance the susceptibility and thus the course of periodontitis in an animal model.

Material and Methods:  Ligature‐induced periodontitis was applied in periodontitis‐susceptible Fischer 344 rats. The animals were either given daily intraperitoneal injections of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine (1 mg/kg) 45 min before subcutaneous injections in the neck skin of nicotine (0.8 mg/kg), or treated with the same amount of saline intraperitoneally and nicotine subcutaneously, or treated with mecamylamine and saline. Control animals received intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injections of saline only. Periodontal bone loss was assessed when the ligatures had been in place for 3 wk. Two hours before decapitation, all rats received lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) to induce a robust immune and stress response.

Results:  Compared with saline/saline‐treated control animals, saline/nicotine‐treated rats developed significantly more periodontal bone loss, and LPS provoked a significantly smaller increase in circulating levels of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐1β and interleukin‐10. Mecamylamine pretreatment of nicotine‐treated rats abrogated the increased periodontal bone loss and the LPS‐induced decrease in tumour necrosis factor‐α, but had no significant effects on the levels of transforming growth factor‐1β and interleukin‐10, or the stress hormone corticosterone.

Conclusion:  The results indicate that nicotine enhances the susceptibility to periodontitis via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which may act by suppressing protective immune responses through the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome in Brazilian patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: de Almeida Karla Mathias , de Macedo-Soares Márcia B. , Kluger Issler Cilly , Antonio Amaral José , Caetano Sheila C. , da Silva Dias Rodrigo , Lafer Beny
Published: April 2009

Objective:

We aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (O/MetS) in a sample of Brazilian outpatients with bipolar disorder.

Methods:

Eighty-four patients with bipolar disorder were evaluated. We used the definition of MetS established in the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults, modified by the American Heart Association (AHA). Patients were classified as obese if their body mass index (BMI) was ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Results:

We found that 28.6% of our sample met the AHA criteria for MetS and 35.7% were obese. The percentage of patients meeting each criterion of the AHA was as follows: 46% for abdominal obesity; 44% for hypertriglyceridemia or cholesterol-lowering medication use; 26% for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or being on a lipid-lowering medication; 45% for hypertension; and 20% for high fasting glucose or anti-diabetic medication use.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of obesity in our sample of outpatients with bipolar disorder was higher than that observed for the general population of Brazil. The rate of MetS was similar to that observed for the general population. Our data indicate the need for prevention, early detection and treatment of O/MetS in patients with bipolar disorder.
Visuospatial encoding deficits and compensatory strategies in schizophrenia revealed by eye movement analysis during a working memory task
Authors: Cocchi Luca , Bosisio Francesca , Berchtold André , Orita Alina , Debbané Martin , Wood Stephen J. , Schenk Françoise
Published: April 2009

Objective:

To investigate scanpath abnormalities during the encoding of static stimuli in schizophrenia and their interaction with visuospatial working memory (VSWM) dysfunction.

Methods:

Outpatients with schizophrenia and control subjects were asked to encode a static pattern for subsequent recognition after a short delay. We measured the number of correct and incorrect choices. We also assessed the number and the distribution of fixations, the scanning time in specific regions of interest (ROIs) and the head movements during the encoding of the stimuli. The distributions of fixations and scanning time in definite ROIs during the discrimination of the correct pattern from the foils were also measured.

Results:

Patients recognised fewer correct patterns than controls. Correct trials in patients were characterised by a specific exploration of the central part of the stimulus during its presentation, whereas this feature was absent in incorrect trials. However, the scanning time and the numbers of fixations and head movements during encoding were similar in both groups and unrelated to recognition accuracy. In both groups, correct trials were associated with a selective exploration of the correct pattern amongst the six possibilities during recognition. Furthermore, patients gave more attention to incorrect patterns with a leftmost element identical to that of the correct response and also those approximating its global structure.

Conclusion:

Patients showed a VSWM deficit independent of oculomotor dysfunctions and head movements during encoding. Patients’ correct trials were related to specific scanning during encoding and discrimination phases. Analysis of these patterns suggests that patients try to compensate for reduced VSWM ability by using specific encoding strategies.
Early‐life nutritional and environmental determinants of thymic size in infants born in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Moore SE , Prentice AM , Wagatsuma Y , Fulford AJC , Collinson AC , Raqib R , Vahter M , Persson LÅ , Arifeen SE
Published: April 2009

Aim:  The aim was to assess the impact of nutritional status and environmental exposures on infant thymic development in the rural Matlab region of Bangladesh.

Methods:  In a cohort of Nmax 2094 infants born during a randomized study of combined interventions to improve maternal and infant health, thymic volume (thymic index, TI) was assessed by ultrasonography at birth and at 8, 24 and 52 weeks of age. Data on birth weight, infant anthropometry and feeding status were also collected.

Results:  At all ages, TI was positively associated with infant weight and strongly associated with the month of measurement. Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding resulted in a larger TI at 52 weeks. TI at birth and at 8 weeks correlated positively with birth weight, but by 24 and 52 weeks and when adjusted for infant weight this effect was no longer present. Thymic size was not affected by pre‐natal maternal supplementation or by socioeconomic status but was correlated to arsenic exposure during pregnancy.

Conclusion:  In this population of rural Bangladeshi infants, thymic development is influenced by both nutritional and environmental exposures early in life. The long‐term functional implications of these findings warrant further investigation.
Family correlates of adolescents’ emotional/behavioural problems: evidence from a Greek school‐based sample
Authors: Giannakopoulos G , Mihas C , Dimitrakaki C , Tountas Y
Published: April 2009

Aim:  To investigate the associations of some family characteristics with adolescents’ self‐reported emotional/behavioural problems.

Methods:  Questionnaires were administered to a Greek nation‐wide random sample of adolescents (N = 1194) aged 11–18 years and their parents (N = 973) in 2003. The present analysis included the questionnaires completed by mothers and their offspring (639 families). Adolescents’ emotional/behavioural problems, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, were assessed in relation to family socioeconomic status and residence type, parental marital status, educational attainment and subjective mental health, family cohesion and parent–child relations.

Results:  The analysis showed that parental marital status other than being married, poor parent–child relations and low levels of maternal subjective mental health were independently correlated with significantly more adolescents’ emotional/behavioural problems.

Conclusion:  Family factors are potential determinants of adolescent emotional/behavioural problems and therefore are potential targets for prevention and/or intervention.
Fairy Tale and Folklore in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Sumpter Caroline
Published: April 2009

Fairies and fairy tales continue to intrigue both academic and popular audiences. This article, while exploring the diverse approaches of recent scholars in this field, also raises disciplinary questions. Should the study of folklore and of the literary fairy tale be seen as separate research areas, one the preserve of the cultural historian and folklorist, the other the remit of the literary scholar? Can we even make a clear distinction in the nineteenth century between authored, literary fairy tales and orally collected supernatural folktales? If it is reductive to assume that the fairy tale can always be classified (and potentially dismissed) as children's literature, how might recent trends in Victorian studies suggest new ways of seeing and teaching the genre? Discussing the fairy tale in the context of debates over orality and authenticity, literature and science, all of these questions will be examined below.
Old English Literature and Same‐Sex Desire: An Overview
Authors: Clark David
Published: April 2009

The study of same‐sex desire in the medieval period has been heavily influenced by the work of John Boswell and Michel Foucault, and the debate between essentialism and social constructionism. The year 1990 was a watershed year for queer theory, with the publication of influential work by Sedgwick and Butler. However, work on medieval gender and sexuality has often ignored Old English literature and research in Old English studies has sometimes suffered from an emphasis on the heteronormative. Allen Frantzen's book,Before the Closet, put same‐sex desire in Old English literature on the map, and subsequent and current research draws productively on the insights of gender and queer theory. More work remains to be done in applying more recent queer theoretical writings to an early medieval context, and in researching the representations of female same‐sex interactions.
Continuing Medical Education: The Impact of Mental Illness and Psychotropic Medications on Sexual Functioning: The Evidence and Management (CME)
Authors: Clayton Anita H. , Balon Richard
Published: April 2009

Background

Sexual dysfunction (SD) occurs frequently in patients with psychiatric illness.

Methods

The published literature on SD in patients with a psychiatric illness and/or taking psychotropic medications was reviewed.

Results

SD prevalence and type was found to vary with the specific psychiatric illness and medication treatment. Assessment is complicated by the presence of preexisting or comorbid sexual disorders or medical illness affecting sexual function. Direct questioning about sexual function before treatment and throughout the course of therapy is essential to establish baseline sexual functioning, patient preferences regarding medication side effects, and to identify medication-associated SD. A limited number of management strategies for SD in psychiatric patients have been systematically studied.

Conclusions

SD with psychiatric illness and its treatment requires early identification, and incorporation of patient preferences for successful management.
RELATIONSHIP OF PROP (6‐N‐PROPYLTHIOURACIL) TASTER STATUS WITH THE BODY MASS INDEX AND FOOD PREFERENCES OF FILIPINO ADULTS
Authors: VILLARINO BLANCA J. , FERNANDEZ CARLENETH P. , ALDAY JUDIT C. , CUBELO CHRISTLE GRACE R.
Published: April 2009

The study determined the 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) status of Filipino adults and how it relates to their body mass indices (BMI) and food preferences. Self‐reported food preference checklists were administered to 100 male and female adults aged 18–60, classified according to BMI. Increasing concentrations of PROP and NaCl solutions were rated in labeled magnitude scale to establish the PROP taster status of the selected respondents. The Filipino adult respondents were composed of 12% nontasters, 45% medium tasters and 43% supertasters. No association (P > 0.05) between BMI and PROP taster status was found. Sweet‐tasting foods were the most preferred and bitter‐tasting foods were the least preferred within each taster status. Furthermore, medium tasters and supertasters had the highest acceptance for meats, fish and poultry, and least acceptance for beverages, which were mostly bitter. Decreased preferences for fats and oils, sugars and confectionery, and beverages were correlated (P < 0.05) with responsiveness to PROP.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The research provides a general baseline data of the PROP taster status of Filipino adults. The findings from this study can be used as a reference and can be compared to similar studies conducted in other countries. Likewise, the information from the study can add to the scarce data for taste genetics specifically for the Asian population. The relationship of PROP taster status with body mass index and food preferences can be a guide in the design of products and dietary plans. Likewise, the study would be a means to understand why people vary in liking for particular food items and how these can be reflected in their food consumption and nutritional status.
BITTERNESS IN YERBA MATE (ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS) LEAVES
Authors: PAGLIOSA C.M. , PEREIRA S.M. , VIEIRA M.A. , COSTA L.A. , TEIXEIRA E. , AMBONI R.D. DE M.C. , AMANTE E.R.
Published: April 2009

Yerba mate is traditionally consumed in South America, and it has recently been highly publicized for its health benefits; however, consumers have felt differences in bitterness even in products of the same brand. The aim of this research was to compare the intensity of bitterness in native leaves and in cultivated leaves from 5‐ and 15‐year‐old trees, and determine the content of caffeine, reducing sugars and tannin in yerba mate leaves to explain their influence in bitterness. Bitterness was associated with age and cultivation of the plant, both of which can contribute to different blends of yerba mate. Sensory analysis revealed a significant difference between 5‐year‐old cultivated leaves and leaves from native trees and that bitterness decreases according to the age of the plant. Chemical analysis showed that caffeine and sugar content have no influence on its bitterness. However, tannin concentration is higher in younger plants, which are considered more bitter than older plants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumption of yerba mate (maté) is a social habit in South America; it is consumed as an infusion of theIlex paraguariensisleaves. The increase of maté consumption has raised the need for the cultivation of this plant in monoculture (cultivated trees) and also the interest of the industries to standardize the flavor of beverages made with yerba mate. Bitterness is the principal sensorial difference between several maté teas,chimarrãoandtereré. There are several practical observations on the relation between the age of the plant and bitter taste. Nowadays, it is common to use yerba mate leaves from cultivated plants, which are considered more bitter than native plants. Tannin, caffeine and sugar are also related to the taste characteristics of yerba mate. In this work, native and cultivated yerba mate leaves from three different farms were used with the objective of explaining those relations with the taste of yerba mate.
COMPARISON OF PREFERENCE MAPPING TECHNIQUES FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF STRAWBERRY YOGURT
Authors: LOVELY CAROLINE , MEULLENET JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: April 2009

Many product optimization methods, known in general terms as preference mapping, have been described in the literature. However, a direct comparison of some of the different approaches (e.g., internal versus external mapping) has not been undertaken. This was attempted here by formulating strawberry yogurt prototypes according to an experimental design including three factors, investigating four approaches of optimization, comparing the sensory profiles of the ideal solutions and formulating the ideal solutions for validation with consumers. Results of this study show that the optimization methods did not yield identical ideal solutions but tended to agree on the ideal level for two of the three sensory dimensions investigated. These results warrant further investigation and comparison of the preference mapping methods available today.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The research conducted in this study may be useful to consumer scientists and product developers as it provides a direct comparison of preference mapping methodology performance for the optimization of product formulations. Although the work is not intended to establish superiority of one method over another, it provides a template for others who may wish to compare these methodologies.
SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS, SENSORY ACCEPTABILITY AND EXPECTATION STUDIES ON BISCUITS WITH REDUCED ADDED SALT AND INCREASED FIBER
Authors: VÁZQUEZ MARISA BEATRIZ , CURIA ANA , HOUGH GUILLERMO
Published: April 2009

The aims of this study were to formulate biscuits with 50% more fiber and 50% less added salt than classic formulations, to describe their sensory characteristics, to measure expectation/sensory acceptability, and to investigate if sensory acceptability for these biscuits was related to the interest in consuming food products with less salt and/or more fiber content. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to develop four formulations: conventional fiber/conventional salt; conventional fiber/reduced salt; increased fiber/conventional salt; and increased fiber/reduced salt. Differences in the sensory profiles measured by a trained panel were of low magnitude, except for presence and taste of bran. Adolescent and adult consumers evaluated acceptability in three stages: blind with three‐digit codes; expectation of the label only; and biscuit + label. The low salt formulations received the lowest scores in the expectation stage, but in the blind and biscuit + label stages acceptability of all formulations was similar. The variables that explained overall acceptance were: measurement stage; formulation salt level; interest in reducing consumption of high salt foods; and interest in consuming bakery products with fiber.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Increasing fiber content of biscuits by 40 to 50% helps achieve recommendations to increase fiber intake in daily diets. Also, as biscuits currently on the Argentine and other world markets present two extreme varieties – with or without added salt – formulating a biscuit with 50% less added salt facilitate sodium reduction. In our research we have found that these goals can be achieved without seriously affecting sensory acceptability. We propose the articulation of the necessary strategies with the food industry to market biscuits with less added salt and more fiber for the general population; and the use of these healthier biscuits by institutional food services.
EFFECTS OF BACTERIAL STRAINS ON SENSORY QUALITY OF PU‐ERH TEA IN AN IMPROVED PILE‐FERMENTATION PROCESS
Authors: CHEN CHIN‐SHUH , CHAN HUI‐CHUN , CHANG YAW‐NAN , LIU BING‐LAN , CHEN YUH‐SHUEN
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory quality differences between microbe‐inoculated and noninoculated tea infusions. Fifteen strains isolate from samples of the 15‐year Ta‐Huang‐In and 25‐year Ta‐Hon‐In of Pu‐erh tea were inoculated into the tea leaves and then an improved pile‐fermentation process under 60–70% relative humidity at 37C for 42 days was commenced. The results showed that there were significant effects on tea infusion mustiness, floral aroma, caramelness, sweetness, grassiness, fullness and sweet aftertaste. The sensory evaluation of odor, flavor and aftertaste of tea infusions inoculated with strains R8, R9, R15, Y11 and Y21 achieved higher scores than that of the blank. Thus, these strains governed the better performance in the overall acceptability of tea infusion. This was also demonstrated in the principal component analysis score plot. Furthermore, the tea infusion color of inoculated samples was similar to the commercial Pu‐erh tea product. By this indicated way of using isolated microbe with shortened fermentation time (6 weeks), the sensory quality of tea infusions may be the same as that of old commercial Pu‐erh tea.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this report, we studied the effects of isolated microbes on the sensory quality (i.e., mustiness, floral aroma, caramelness, sweetness, grassiness, fullness and sweet aftertaste) differences between microbe inoculated and non‐inoculated tea infusions for Pu‐erh tea in an improved pile‐fermentation process. By using the results from this study, the tea infusion color of inoculating sample was also similar to the commercial Pu‐erh tea product. By this indicated way of using isolated microbe with shortened the fermentation time (6 weeks), the sensory quality of tea infusion may be the same as that of old commercial Pu‐erh tea. What is crucial in this study is isolation of useful strains that governed a remarkable action in improving tea‐leaf quality in a pile‐fermentation process. The results of the research developed herein could effectively reduce fermentation time and could be suitably applied to the field of tea technology for large‐scale commercial purposes.
GIS Design: A Review of Current Issues in Interoperability
Authors: Manso Miguel‐Ángel , Wachowicz Monica
Published: April 2009

The evolution of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has witnessed an important step towards achieving interoperability through the communication, exchange, cooperation and sharing of resources between systems. The main developments in interoperability include the use of standards for transfer and exchange of geographical information, the integration of different data types up to the development of comprehensive interoperability models. This article aims to review the main advances in interoperability of GIS and provide a basis to identify the future research issues in this field. It first considers the various points of view from which interoperability can be defined and then examines the concept of interoperability itself. An overview is provided on how interoperability can be modelled by discussing the main aspects that directly have an effect on how interoperability levels have been created according to different contexts and purposes of use. It also points out the significant advances in terms of measures that can determine the ability of a GIS to interoperate with other systems, predict the resources needed for successful interoperation, and discover techniques useful to achieving interoperability. We conclude with some suggestions where the research will go next.
Towards evolution‐proof malaria control with insecticides
Authors: Koella Jacob C. , Lynch Penelope A. , Thomas Matthew B. , Read Andrew F.
Published: April 2009

As many strategies to control malaria use insecticides against adult mosquitoes, control is undermined by the continual evolution of resistant mosquitoes. Here we suggest that using alternative insecticides, or conventional insecticides in alternative ways might enable effective control, but delay considerably or prevent the evolution of resistance. Our reasoning relies on an epidemiological and an evolutionary principle: (i) the epidemiology of malaria is strongly influenced by the life‐span of mosquitoes, as most infected mosquitoes die before the malaria parasite has completed its development; and (ii) evolutionary pressure is strongest in young individuals, for selection on individuals that have completed most of their reproduction has little evolutionary effect. It follows from these principles, first, that insecticides that kill mosquitoes several days after exposure can delay considerably the evolution of resistance and, second, that the evolution of resistance against larvicides can actually benefit control, if it is associated with shorter life‐span or reduced biting in adults. If a late‐acting insecticide and a larvicide are combined, the evolution of resistance against larvicides can in some circumstances prevent the evolution of resistance against the more effective, late‐acting insecticide, leading to sustainable, effective control. We discuss several potential options to create such insecticides, focussing on biopesticides.
Imaging of the haemorrhagic complications of the haemophilias
Authors: Constantine S , Buckley J , Heysen J
Published: April 2009

Haemorrhage is the main manifestation of the haemophilias. Although acute haemorrhages can be life threatening, especially if involving the central nervous system, repeated haemorrhages involving the musculoskeletal system lead to two conditions unique to patients with haemophilias. This pictorial essay reviews the typical imaging appearances of haemorrhages and consequences in those with haemophilias, with particular emphasis on haemophilic arthropathy and pseudotumours.