bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating Climate Change through ICT-Based Visualization: Towards an Analytical Framework
Authors: Wibeck Victoria , Neset Tina-Simone , Linnér Björn-Ola
Published: November 2013

The difficulties in communicating climate change science to the general public are often highlighted as one of the hurdles for support of enhanced climate action. The advances of interactive visualization using information and communication technology (ICT) are claimed to be a game-changer in our ability to communicate complex issues. However, new analytical frameworks are warranted to analyse the role of such technologies. This paper develops a novel framework for analyzing the content, form, context and relevance of ICT-based visualization of climate change, based on insights from literature on climate change communication. Thereafter, we exemplify the analytical framework by applying it to a pilot case of ICT-based climate visualization in a GeoDome. Possibilities to use affordable advanced ICT-based visualization devices in science and policy communication are rapidly expanding. We thus see wider implications and applications of the analytical framework not only for other ICT environments but also other issue areas in sustainability communication.
Do Local Food Networks Foster Socio-Ecological Transitions towards Food Sovereignty? Learning from Real Place Experiences
Authors: Lutz Juliana , Schachinger Judith
Published: November 2013

Drawing on transition theory, we conceptualize local food networks as innovations that initially function and develop in local niches within a given food regime. As niche-innovations local food networks induce socio-ecological changes on the local level and they have the potential to foster wider transformations of the dominant food regime. Many local food networks adopt the concept of food sovereignty as a kind of “leitmotif”. At the core of this concept lies the question of how to create an agro-food system that, (i) allows for democratic participation and civic engagement in food production, and (ii) sets up new relationships that avoid social inequity and the exploitation of both humans and nature. In this paper we shed light on how the Austrian local food network “SpeiseLokal” addresses the challenge of operationalizing the concept of food sovereignty. The case study captures the strategies which local food networks embark on and depicts the difficulties they encounter. The paper aims to identify critical points of intersection that either strengthen or constrain local food networks from becoming established, operating, and up-scaling in the ways they wish; that is, in accordance with the principles and aims of food sovereignty, while avoiding a later assimilation into the dominant food regime.
From the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) to the Kidneys: Live Bacterial Cultures (Probiotics) Mediating Reductions of Uremic Toxin Levels via Free Radical Signaling
Authors: Vitetta Luis , Linnane Anthony , Gobe Glenda
Published: November 2013

A host of compounds are retained in the body of uremic patients, as a consequence of progressive renal failure. Hundreds of compounds have been reported to be retention solutes and many have been proven to have adverse biological activity, and recognized as uremic toxins. The major mechanistic overview considered to contribute to uremic toxin overload implicates glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, hexosamine, increased polyol pathway activity and the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Until recently, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its associated micro-biometabolome was a neglected factor in chronic disease development. A systematic underestimation has been to undervalue the contribution of GIT dysbiosis (a gut barrier-associated abnormality) whereby low-level pro-inflammatory processes contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. Gut dysbiosis provides a plausible clue to the origin of systemic uremic toxin loads encountered in clinical practice and may explain the increasing occurrence of CKD. In this review, we further expand a hypothesis that posits that environmentally triggered and maintained microbiome perturbations drive GIT dysbiosis with resultant uremia. These subtle adaptation responses by the GIT microbiome can be significantly influenced by probiotics with specific metabolic properties, thereby reducing uremic toxins in the gut. The benefit translates to a useful clinical treatment approach for patients diagnosed with CKD. Furthermore, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different anatomical locales is highlighted as a positive process. Production of ROS in the GIT by the epithelial lining and the commensal microbe cohort is a regulated process, leading to the formation of hydrogen peroxide which acts as an essential second messenger required for normal cellular homeostasis and physiological function. Whilst this critical review has focused on end-stage CKD (type 5), our aim was to build a plausible hypothesis for the administration of probiotics with or without prebiotics for the early treatment of kidney disease. We postulate that targeting healthy ROS production in the gut with probiotics may be more beneficial than any systemic antioxidant therapy (that is proposed to nullify ROS) for the prevention of kidney disease progression. The study and understanding of health-promoting probiotic bacteria is in its infancy; it is complex and intellectually and experimentally challenging.
Roles of microRNAs in the Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Related Diseases
Authors: Thirion Muriel , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: November 2013

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped DNA virus that belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family. HBV can cause acute and persistent infection which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the main cellular events. The dysregulation of their expression has been linked to the development of the cancer as well as to viral interference. This chapter will describe the involvement of miRNAs in the case of HBV infection and their implication in the development of the HBV-related diseases.
Considering Cultural Influences in Volunteer Satisfaction and Commitment
Authors: Fairley Sheranne , Lee Younghan , Green B. Christine , Kim Mi Lyang
Published: November 2013

Volunteers are crucial to the delivery of sport events worldwide. This research examines the efficacy of Western models of volunteering for Korean volunteers. Specifically, this research examines the relationship between benefits, sense of community, satisfaction, and commitment in a Korean context. A survey of 218 volunteers at the 2011 Formula One Grand Prix in Seoul, Korea was conducted. The results indicate that the structure of benefits obtained was less differentiated than previous research that has been conducted in Western cultures where volunteering is more prevalent. Further, the results show that the two benefits that Korean volunteers believed they obtained, excitement and professional development, do not impact satisfaction or commitment. Instead, sense of community was found to directly impact satisfaction and commitment, which is congruent with the collectivist values of Korean society.
A Study of Psychological Support from Local Residents for Hosting Mega-Sporting Events: A Case of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl XLVI
Authors: Lee Soonhwan , Krohn Brian D.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of the current study was to assess local residents' psychological support prior to hosting a mega-sporting event and to report preliminary results as to which factors of support affect local residents' attitudes toward hosting future mega-sporting events, using the case
of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. This study provides a theoretical model to examine local residents' psychological support factors using structural equation modeling, which helps the understanding of local residents in the process of supporting the hosting of mega-sporting events in
the future. The results of this study indicate that the perceptions of positive outcomes from the event have the strongest relationship to feelings toward hosting future events. Therefore, governing bodies of the host community and the event should rely most heavily on the positive outcomes.
While the negative factors were not as strongly related, they were still significant indicators of feelings toward future events. The part of the plans pertaining to growing community support should include ways that the negative impacts might be mitigated.
Segmentation of Cycling Event Participants: A Two-Step Cluster Method Utilizing Recreation Specialization
Authors: Lamont Matthew , Jenkins John
Published: November 2013

Recreation specialization is a widely applied concept for segmenting recreation participants according to their levels of skill and expertise in particular activities; however, few studies have employed this concept as a segmentation variable in event management research. A segmentation
method incorporating two-step cluster analysis, underpinned by recreation specialization, is proposed and tested for segmenting attendees at a participatory sporting event. The research used data collected through a survey conducted at the 2010 Audax Alpine Classic, a participatory cycling
event held each February (Summer) in Australia's Victorian Alpine region. Participants in this event exhibited high levels of recreation specialization in relation to cycling and could be segmented into two distinct clusters: Intermediate cyclists and Expert cyclists. The two clusters demonstrated
statistically significant differences in terms of the distance they chose to ride, their motivations for participating in the event, and their opinions regarding a variety of operational aspects to do with the event. Data indicated that the event catered to a specialized, yet nuanced, participant
base. The advantages of employing exploratory segmentation methods through application of the concept of recreation specialization in event management research are discussed.
Large Sporting Events and Economic Growth: Evidence from Economic Consequences of Event Infrastructure and Venues
Authors: Li Shina
Published: November 2013

One of the most important reasons to hold a large sporting event is the large potential of an economic windfall. Findings of many studies show that holding large sporting events can bring large positive economic benefits. However, most existing literature assessing the economic impacts of mega-events neither properly considers the impact of costs of building event facilities nor captures physical legacies. This research designs a framework to measure both benefits and costs brought by event infrastructure and venues. Then this framework is applied to estimate the economic impact of the 2008 Beijing Olympics using CGE modeling.
Les représentations sociales sur les violences conjugales : des résistances bien partagées
Authors: Houel Annik
Published: November 2013

Le dossier d’instruction d’une affaire criminelle est un matériau de seconde main. Le Code pénal postule que l’instruction vise à la « manifestation de la vérité ». Mais on peut considérer qu’au contraire, ce qui se construit dans ce processus doit s’analyser comme une fiction à plusieurs auteurs : la police, le parquet, la psychiatrie. L’intérêt pour le psychosociologue est de saisir les représentations à l’œuvre quant au genre.
Violences conjugales, violences théoriques. La psychanalyse à l'épreuve du genre
Authors: Ayouch Thamy , Salomão de la Plata Cury Tardivo Leila
Published: November 2013

Cet article a pour visée d’analyser certaines théorisations psychanalytiques de la violence conjugale, à la lumière d’une expérience clinique auprès de femmes souffrant de violences conjugales dans la banlieue de São Paulo. Cette recherche s’inscrit dans une étude mettant en correspondance la psyché et le champ social.Traduisant une indissociabilité entre recherche, clinique et théorisation, la psychanalyse n’est point d’abord une théorie mais une méthode liée à un objet, l’inconscient, rendu positif par une procédure de recherche et une technique.Comment penser alors une théorisation susceptible de rendre compte de la singularité social-historique de la violence conjugale contre les femmes ? Littéralisant ou imaginarisant des textes freudiens ou lacaniens, bien des interprétations psychanalytiques font état d’une position masochiste féminine essentialisée, ou d’une lecture réduite du phallus.La violence conjugale contre les femmes repose, à nouveaux frais, la question de l’historicité de la théorisation, de son inscription sociale, culturelle, politique, autant d’interrogations que les théories du genre ne manquent pas de formuler à la psychanalyse.La confrontation à la signification clinique et historique de la violence conjugale contre les femmes est alors une occasion d’éviter qu’une métapsychologie figée, an-historique, ne devienne paradoxale résistance à la psychanalyse.
Quelques éléments pour « briser le silence » des violences conjugales
Authors: Uriburu Maria Eugenia
Published: November 2013

Cet article interroge le chemin qui va du silence, imposé par la violence, à la violence nécessaire à l’appropriation de la parole. L’auteure se propose d’analyser avec les éléments de l’expérience psychanalytique les fragments de dénonciation des violences. Ces fragments sont susceptibles d’apporter des éléments pour briser le silence des violences, fragments qui, s’ils n’ont pas l’ambition d’élucider totalement ces questions, du moins permettraient de les poser autrement.
Interruptions volontaires de grossesse et violences : étude qualitative auprès de médecins généralistes d'Île-de-France
Authors: Pelizzari Mélanie , Lazimi Gilles , Ibanez Gladys
Published: November 2013

Le lien entre les interruptions volontaires de grossesse ( IVG ) et les violences est connu dans la littérature étrangère. En France il n’est pratiquement pas mentionné dans la littérature. Le but de cette étude est de savoir si le lien est connu et abordé par les médecins généralistes et quelles en sont les raisons. Les médecins interrogés ont une représentation des IVG et des femmes les réalisant révélant une méconnaissance de la fréquence, de la gravité, et de la prise en charge des violences. Ils se sentent concernés par le sujet et sont prêts à suivre une formation.
Violences masculines et angoisses d'abandon
Authors: De Neuter Patrick
Published: November 2013

L’auteur déplie dans cet article la cause la plus fréquente de la violence masculine au sein du couple : l’abandon et la crainte de l’abandon par la compagne. À partir de son expérience clinique et de son enquête bibliographique envisageant le texte freudien, les témoignages de responsables de maisons d’hébergement spécialisé, les publications psychiatriques et les enquêtes psychosociologiques, il propose diverses hypothèses explicatives, notamment l’importance subjective du lien amoureux et la répétition de « l’abandon » par la Mère de la petite enfance. Il précise bien que comprendre n’est pas justifier .
Le fantasme de la mère cruelle
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie
Published: November 2013

La cruauté féminine apparaît pour l’homme comme l’image fantasmatique du pouvoir maternel illimité tel que tout enfant l’éprouve ou comme celle de la femme-enfant, séductrice narcissique aussi indifférente à la souffrance de l’autre que le fauve ou le grand criminel. À travers l’analyse des images de la cruauté au féminin, l’auteur distingue quelques dimensions afin de penser la violence conjugale.
Une femme, objet d'amour ou fétiche ?
Authors: Lippi Silvia
Published: November 2013

Paradoxalement, une femme peut être maltraitée car elle est trop aimée : la dépendance amoureuse d’un homme pour une femme peut être à l’origine de sa violence. La femme devient alors l’ objet dont l’homme se sert – ou mieux, croit se servir – à sa guise.Certaines femmes se plaignent d’être considérées comme des objets par leurs hommes. C’est le cas de Véronique, qui est venue me voir pour sortir d’une relation douloureuse avec un homme qui la rabaisse et la considère comme un objet, me dit-elle, un objet censé satisfaire toutes ses envies et ses caprices. Véronique est pour cet homme un bel objet, un objet précieux, irremplaçable, et pourtant, il ne veut pas reconnaître qu’il l’aime en tant que femme . Pourquoi ce bel objet ne peut-il pas être en même temps, pour cet homme, une femme aimée  ? Est-il plus facile, pour certains hommes, d’être dépendants d’un objet plutôt que d’une personne ?
Attaques cumulées des liens de filiation et d'affiliation : quel devenir pour l'enfant ?
Authors: Feldman Marion
Published: November 2013

Pour échapper à la déportation qui menaçait tous les Juifs d’Europe pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, un certain nombre d’enfants ont été contraints de vivre cachés pour assurer leur survie. Ces enfants ont été exposés à des pertes, des privations et des frayeurs multiples. Les attaques des liens de filiation et d’affiliation sont au cœur de la problématique traumatique des « enfants cachés ». Elles ont des répercussions sur leur construction individuelle. La plupart d’entre eux connaissent une errance affiliatoire, avec souvent une recherche renouvelée d’appartenance à un groupe. Déculturés, les « enfants cachés » cherchent alors à adhérer à un groupe dans l’intention de refermer un processus resté en suspens. En parallèle, nombreux sont ceux qui ont maintenu enfouie leur affiliation originelle, jusqu’à la reconnaissance collective tardive de leur souffrance, en 1991.
Acarnidae (Porifera: Demospongiae: Poecilosclerida) from the Mexican Pacific Ocean with the description of six new species
Authors: Aguilar-Camacho Jose Maria , Carballo Jose Luis , Cruz-Barraza Jose Antonio
Published: November 2013

The family Acarnidae is characterized by sponges with ectosomal diactinal spicules and choanosomal monactinal spicules. Microscleres include palmate isochelae, toxas and echinating acanthostyles. We described ten species from the Mexican Pacific Ocean. Six of them are new to science: Acarnus michoacanensis n. sp., Acarnus oaxaquensis n. sp., Acarnus sabulum n. sp., Acheliderma fulvum n. sp., Megaciella toxispinosa n. sp. and Iophon bipocillum n. sp. Four are known in Eastern Pacific waters: Acarnus erithacus, Acarnus peruanus, Megaciella microtoxa and Iophon indentatum.
Identification of TLR10 as a Key Mediator of the Inflammatory Response to Listeria monocytogenes in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Regan Tim , Nally Ken , Carmody Ruaidhri , Houston Aileen , Shanahan Fergus , MacSharry John , Brint Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause septicemia and meningitis. TLRs are central receptors of the innate immune system that drive inflammatory responses to invading microbes such as L. monocytogenes. Although intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) represent the initial point of entry used by L. monocytogenes for infection, the innate immune response to L. monocytogenes in these cells has been poorly characterized to date. The aim of this study was to determine which TLRs are involved in mediating the immune response to L. monocytogenes in IECs. We performed an RNA interference screen of TLRs 1–10 in the HT-29 IEC cell line and observed the most significant reduction in chemokine output following silencing of TLR10. This effect was also observed in the macrophage cell line THP-1. The chemokines CCL20, CCL1, and IL-8 were reduced following knockdown of TLR10. Silencing of TLR10 resulted in increased viability of L. monocytogenes in both HT-29 and THP-1 cells. TLR10 was found to be predominantly expressed intracellularly in epithelia, and activation required viable L. monocytogenes. NF-κB activation was seen to require TLR2 in addition to TLR10. Taken together, these data indicate novel roles for TLR10 in sensing pathogenic infection in both the epithelium and macrophages and have identified L. monocytogenes as a source of ligand for the orphan receptor TLR10.
Differential Reconstitution of T Cell Subsets following Immunodepleting Treatment with Alemtuzumab (Anti-CD52 Monoclonal Antibody) in Patients with Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Tao Yazhong , Chopra Manisha , Ahn Mihye , Marcus Karen L. , Choudhary Neelima , Zhu Hongtu , Markovic-Plese Silva
Published: November 2013

Alemtuzumab (anti-CD52 mAb) provides long-lasting disease activity suppression in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The objective of this study was to characterize the immunological reconstitution of T cell subsets and its contribution to the prolonged RRMS suppression following alemtuzumab-induced lymphocyte depletion. The study was performed on blood samples from RRMS patients enrolled in the CARE-MS II clinical trial, which was recently completed and led to the submission of alemtuzumab for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval as a treatment for RRMS. Alemtuzumab-treated patients exhibited a nearly complete depletion of circulating CD4+ lymphocytes at day 7. During the immunological reconstitution, CD4+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cells preferentially expanded within the CD4+ lymphocytes, reaching their peak expansion at month 1. The increase in the percentage of TGF-β1–, IL-10–, and IL-4–producing CD4+ cells reached a maximum at month 3, whereas a significant decrease in the percentages of Th1 and Th17 cells was detected at months 12 and 24 in comparison with the baseline. A gradual increase in serum IL-7 and IL-4 and a decrease in IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IFN-γ levels were detected following treatment. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IL-7 induced an expansion of CD4+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cells and a decrease in the percentages of Th17 and Th1 cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that differential reconstitution of T cell subsets and selectively delayed CD4+ T cell repopulation following alemtuzumab-induced lymphopenia may contribute to its long-lasting suppression of disease activity.
Permafrost investigation by well logs, and seismic velocity and repeated shallow temperature surveys, Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin
Authors: Hu K , Issler D R , Chen Z , Brent T A
Published: November 2013

This report presents exploration well data and interpretations relevant for mapping the variation in the depth to the base of ice-bearing permafrost (IBPF) for the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin. This work is part of a larger government-industry funded petroleum
systems study of the Beaufort-Mackenzie region that was active from 2001-2013. Geophysical well logs, well seismic surveys, shallow repeated temperature surveys, and deeper borehole temperature-depth profiles are utilized to determine the base of IBPF for 265 wells in the basin. Composite plots of
log, seismic velocity and shallow temperature data illustrate typical geophysical responses and provide multi-parameter evidence for integrated interpretations of the IBPF zone. IBPF determinations are quality-assessed in terms of their reliability using a standardised scale based on the type of
methods used and the quality of data available.
For many of the wells, a sharp change in electrical and acoustic properties marks the base of the interpreted fully frozen IBPF zone which may represent the base of ice-bonded permafrost. For 135 wells, there is an underlying transition zone between 7 m to 210 m in thickness that is interpreted to
represent partially-frozen IBPF. The interpreted co-existence of water and ice may be the result of changes in lithology, grain size, texture and/or pore water salinity which can affect the freezing point. There is a good correlation between the geophysically-determined base of IBPF and the depth to
the base of permafrost from temperature surveys. This suggests that the mapped IBPF zone is a useful thermal boundary condition for thermal modelling and heat flow studies.
For most of the wells, IBPF is confined to sandstones and conglomerates within Cenozoic sediments of the post-rift succession. Beneath the Beaufort Shelf, base of IBPF occurs within highly porous sediments of the Plio-Pleistocene Iperk Sequence. For central onshore areas (Richards Island and areas
to south), base of IBPF occurs in progressively older, more deeply exhumed Cenozoic strata in a southward direction. Along the southeastern basin margin on Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, IBPF extends into the Paleocene-Eocene Aklak Sequence. In the southernmost part of the basin and in the fold belt to the
west, IBPF is encountered in Lower Cretaceous syn-rift and Upper Cretaceous post-rift strata. Permafrost occurs in exhumed Paleozoic strata in the Anderson Plain southwest of Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula. Depth to the base of IBPF varies from 0 m (no IBPF) to > 700 m across the study area. It is
thinnest along the southern (landward) basin margin and in the deformed and exhumed western part of the basin, and is thickest in the rapidly deposited Cenozoic strata of the eastern shelf beneath the Beaufort Sea. IBPF may be absent over much of the modern delta area around Mackenzie
Bay.
Formation water and gas analyses of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin
Authors: Grasby S E , Chen Z
Published: November 2013

Formation waters of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Arctic Canada, show a broad range of salinity and water chemistry. Three main water types are defined: freshwaters related to a gravity-driven flow system, original trapped seawater with minor diagenetic
alteration, and low TDS - high alkalinity waters. High alkalinity waters are isolated in overpressured fault blocks characterized by rapid sedimentation and burial. The high alkalinities (up to 9000 mg/l) are interpreted to be related to in situ CO2 generation through anaerobic methanogenesis during
burial.
Mobile Technology, Cancer Prevention, and Health Status among Diverse, Low-Income Adults
Authors: Purnell Jason Q. , Griffith Julia , Eddens Katherine S. , Kreuter Matthew W.
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Characterize mobile technology ownership, use, and relationship to self-reported cancer prevention behaviors and health status in a diverse, low-income sample of callers to 2-1-1.

Design.

Secondary analyses of cross-sectional survey data from a larger trial collected from June 2010 to December 2012.

Setting.

United Way Missouri 2-1-1 serves 99 of 114 counties and received 166,000 calls in 2011.

Subjects.

The respondents (baseline, n = 1898; 4 month, n = 1242) were predominantly female, non-Hispanic Black, younger than 50 years, with high-school education or less and annual income < $20,000.

Measures.

Cell phone ownership and use and its relationship to cancer prevention services and health status were assessed via telephone-based survey, using items adapted from previous research and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Smartphone ownership and use were also assessed.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate associations between cell phone ownership and prevention and health status are reported.

Results.

Three-fourths (74%) of study participants owned a cell phone and 23% owned a smartphone. Text messaging was the most popular use. Ownership was significantly associated with good to excellent health status and presence of smoke-free home policies in multivariate models.

Conclusion.

Cell phone ownership is growing and has potential to deliver health information to low-income populations. With 16 million calls annually, the national 2-1-1 system may be a promising model and platform.
Childhood Obesity Prevention Interventions in Childcare Settings: Systematic Review of Randomized and Nonrandomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhou Yuan E. , Emerson Janice S. , Levine Robert S. , Kihlberg Courtney J. , Hull Pamela C.
Published: November 2013

Objective.

Childcare settings are an opportune location for early intervention programs seeking to prevent childhood obesity. This article reports on a systematic review of controlled trials of obesity prevention interventions in childcare settings.

Data Source.

The review was limited to English language articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) between January 2000 and April 2012.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

Inclusion criteria: childhood obesity prevention interventions in childcare settings using controlled designs that reported adiposity and behavior outcomes. Exclusion criteria: no interventions, non-childcare settings, clinical weight loss programs, non-English publications.

Data Extraction.

Publications were identified by key word search. Two authors reviewed eligible studies to extract study information and study results.

Data Synthesis.

Qualitative synthesis was conducted, including tabulation of information and a narrative summary.

Results.

Fifteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Seven studies reported improvements in adiposity. Six of the 13 interventions with dietary components reported improved intake or eating behaviors. Eight of the 12 interventions with physical activity components reported improved activity levels or physical fitness.

Conclusion.

Evidence was mixed for all outcomes. Results should be interpreted cautiously given the high variability in study designs and interventions. Further research needs long-term follow-up, multistrategy interventions that include changes in the nutrition and physical activity environment, reporting of cost data, and consideration of sustainability.
Organization of Primary Care Practice for Providing Energy Balance Care
Authors: Klabunde Carrie N. , Clauser Steven B. , Liu Benmei , Pronk Nicolaas P. , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Huang Terry T.-K. , Smith Ashley Wilder
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) may not adequately counsel or monitor patients regarding diet, physical activity, and weight control (i.e., provide energy balance care). We assessed the organization of PCPs' practices for providing this care.

Design.

The study design was a nationally representative survey conducted in 2008.

Setting.

The study setting was U.S. primary care practices.

Subjects.

A total of 1740 PCPs completed two sequential questionnaires (response rate, 55.5%).

Measures.

The study measured PCPs' reports of practice resources, and the frequency of body mass index assessment, counseling, referral for further evaluation/management, and monitoring of patients for energy balance care.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression modeling were used.

Results.

More than 80% of PCPs reported having information resources on diet, physical activity, or weight control available in waiting/exam rooms, but fewer billed (45%), used reminder systems (< 30%), or received incentive payments (3%) for energy balance care. A total of 26% reported regularly assessing body mass index and always/often providing counseling as well as tracking patients for progress related to energy balance. In multivariate analyses, PCPs in practices with full electronic health records or those that bill for energy balance care provided this care more often and more comprehensively. There were strong specialty differences, with pediatricians more likely (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–2.51) and obstetrician/gynecologists less likely (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.44) than others to provide energy balance care.

Conclusion.

PCPs' practices are not well organized for providing energy balance care. Further research is needed to understand PCP care-related specialty differences.
Household Food Insecurity and Dietary Intake among Mexican-American Women Participating in Federal Food Assistance Programs
Authors: Hilmers Angela , Chen Tzu-An , Cullen Karen W.
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

To explore the association between food insecurity and dietary intake among Mexican-American women after controlling for sociocultural and economic factors including participation in federal food assistance programs.

Design.

Cross-sectional.

Setting.

Three cities in Texas.

Subjects.

Seven hundred seven Mexican-American women (26–44 years).

Measures.

Demographics, anthropometrics, acculturation, and food security status were obtained using validated measures. Dietary intake was assessed by a 24-hour dietary food record.

Analysis.

Logistic regression was used to examine the association between individual and household characteristics on food security status. One-way analysis of covariance tested the association between food security status and dietary intake after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, acculturation, body mass index, participation in federal food assistance programs, and energy intake.

Results.

About 77% of food-insecure women participated in at least one federal food assistance program. Each additional child in the household increased the odds of being food insecure by 25%. A higher proportion of obese women was found in the food-insecure group. No significant differences in dietary intake were found by food security status.

Conclusion.

Food insecurity did not negatively influence dietary intake independently of women's participation in federal food assistance programs. Food security did not ensure consumption of nutritionally adequate foods. Educational and food assistance programs need to be optimized to facilitate enrollment and improve the nutritional status of this ethnic group, food secure or not.
Time Perspective and Exercise, Obesity, and Smoking: Moderation of Associations by Age
Authors: Guthrie Lori C. , Butler Stephen C. , Lessl Kristen , Ochi Onyinyechukwu , Ward Michael M.
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Time perspective, a psychological construct denoting subjective orientation to either present or future concerns, has been inconsistently associated with healthy behaviors in adults. We hypothesized that associations would be stronger in young adults, who are first developing independent attitudes, than in older adults.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

The study was conducted in three cities in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Subjects.

Subjects were 790 patrons of barber and beauty shops.

Measures.

Measures used were the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory future, present-fatalistic, and present-hedonistic subscales and current smoking, days per week of recreational exercise, and height and weight, by self-report.

Analysis.

We tested if associations between time perspective and exercise, obesity, and current smoking differed by age group (18–24 years, 25–34 years, and 35 years and older) using analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results.

Higher future time perspective scores, indicating greater focus on future events, was associated with more frequent exercise, whereas higher present-fatalistic time perspective scores, indicating more hopelessness, was associated with less frequent exercise in 18- to 24-year-olds, but not in older individuals. Lower future time perspective scores, and higher present-hedonistic time perspective scores, indicating interest in pleasure-seeking, were also associated with obesity only in 18- to 24-year-olds. Current smoking was not related to time perspective in any age group.

Conclusion.

Time perspective has age-specific associations with exercise and obesity, suggesting stages when time perspective may influence health behavior decision making.
The Effects of Short-Term Relaxation Therapy on Indices of Heart Rate Variability and Blood Pressure in Young Adults
Authors: Pal Gopal Krushna , Ganesh Venkata , Karthik Shanmugavel , Nanda Nivedita , Pal Pravati
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Assessment of short-term practice of relaxation therapy on autonomic and cardiovascular functions in first-year medical students.

Design.

Case-control, interventional study.

Setting.

Medical college laboratory.

Subjects.

Sixty-seven medical students, divided into two groups: study group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32).

Intervention.

Study group subjects practiced relaxation therapy (shavasana with a soothing background music) daily 1 hour for 6 weeks. Control group did not practice relaxation techniques.

Measures.

Cardiovascular parameters and spectral indices of heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded before and after the 6-week practice of relaxation therapy.

Analysis.

The data between the groups and the data before and after practice of relaxation techniques were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Student t-test. In the study group, prediction of low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF-HF) of HRV, the marker of sympathovagal balance, to blood pressure (BP) status was assessed by logistic regression.

Results.

In the study group, there was significant reduction in heart rate (p = .0001), systolic (p = .0010) and diastolic (p = .0021) pressure, and rate pressure product (p < .0001), and improvement in HRV indices, following 6 weeks of relaxation therapy. As determined by regression model, prediction of LF-HF to BP status was more significant (odds ratio, 2.7; p = .009) after practice of relaxation therapy. There was no significant alteration in these parameters in control subjects.

Conclusion.

Short-term practice of relaxation therapy can improve autonomic balance and promote cardiovascular health of medical students. Sympathovagal balance is directly linked to BP status in these individuals.
A Program of Exercise Throughout Pregnancy. Is it Safe to Mother and Newborn?
Authors: Barakat Ruben , Perales Maria , Bacchi Mariano , Coteron Javier , Refoyo Ignacio
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of a program of moderate physical exercise throughout pregnancy on maternal and fetal parameters.

Design.

The study design was a randomized controlled trial.

Setting.

The study took place at the Hospital of Fuenlabrada in Madrid, Spain.

Sample.

Analyzed were 200 pregnant women (31.54 ± 3.86 years), all of whom had uncomplicated and singleton gestation. Of these subjects, 107 were allocated to the exercise group (EG) and 93 to the control group (CG).

Intervention.

Women from EG participated in a physical conditioning program throughout pregnancy, which included a total of 55- to 60-minute weekly sessions, 3 days per week.

Measures.

Pregnancy outcomes. Maternal: gestational age, weight gain, type of delivery, blood pressure during pregnancy, gestational diabetes (n/%). Fetal: birth weight, birth size, head circumference, Apgar score, pH of umbilical cord.

Analysis.

Student's unpaired t-test and χ2 test were used; p values of ≤ .05 indicated statistical significance. Cohen's d was used to determine the effect size.

Results.

There were significantly more pregnant women in the CG who gained excessive weight during their pregnancies than in the EG group (CG: N = 31, 35.6% versus N = 22, 21.2%; χ2 = 4.95; p =.02). The effect size was small (Phi value =.16). Other pregnancy outcome showed no differences between groups.

Conclusion.

A regular and moderate physical exercise program throughout pregnancy is not a risk to maternal and fetal well-being, and it helps to control excessive weight gain.
Relationship between Employment Characteristics and Obesity among Employed U.S. Adults
Authors: Park Sohyun , Pan Liping , Lankford Tina
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

This study examined associations between employment characteristics and obesity among a sample representing civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults.

Design.

Quantitative, cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Workplace.

Subjects.

The 2010 National Health Interview Survey data for 15,121 employed adults (>18 years).

Measures.

The outcome variable was weight status, and exposure variables were employment characteristics (number of employees, work hours, paid by the hour, paid sick leave, and health insurance offered).

Analysis.

Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for employment characteristics associated with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) after controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, family income, fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking, and occupations.

Results.

Nationwide, 28% of employed adults were obese. From multivariate logistic regression, the odds of being obese was significantly greater among adults who worked at a company with 100 to 499 employees (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.39) vs. with 1 to 24 employees and those who worked >50 hours/week (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.05–1.65) vs. < 30 hours/week.

Conclusion.

Approximately 3 out of 10 employees were obese and 6 out of 10 were overweight or obese. A better understanding of why these employment characteristics are associated with obesity could help employers better develop and target interventions for obesity prevention and treatment in the worksites.
Associations between Childhood Obesity and the Availability of Food Outlets in the Local Environment: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Miller Laura J. , Joyce Sarah , Carter Shannon , Yun Grace
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Examine whether individual-level childhood obesity is related to residential availability of fast food and healthy food outlets.

Design.

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Perth, Western Australia

Subjects.

A total of 1850 children aged 5 to 15 years in 2005–2010 who participated in the Western Australian Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System survey.

Measures.

Geographical Information Systems were used to calculate a range of measures of fast food and healthy food outlet access and availability. For example, distance to nearest and access and density measures within 800 m and 3 km of each child's residence were all tested.

Analysis.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for individual-level sociodemographic factors and lifestyle behaviors.

Results.

An increasing number of healthy food outlets within 800 m of a child's home was associated with a significantly reduced risk of being overweight/obese in all models tested. After controlling for age, physical activity, time spent sedentary, weekly takeaway consumption, area disadvantage, and count of fast food outlets, each additional healthy food outlet within 800 m was associated with a 20% decrease in the likelihood of a child being overweight or obese (odds ratio: .800, 95% confidence intervals: .686–.933).

Conclusion.

The local food environment around children's homes has an independent effect on child weight status. These findings highlight the importance of the built environment as a potential contributor towards child health, which should be considered when developing community health promotion programs.
Meat Intake Increases Risk of Weight Gain in Women: A Prospective Cohort Investigation
Authors: Tucker Larry A. , Tucker Jared M. , Bailey Bruce , LeCheminant James D.
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Examine the extent to which meat consumption influences risk of weight gain in women during a 20-month period. Additionally, to determine the extent to which demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors influence the meat-weight gain association.

Design.

Prospective cohort.

Setting.

Two metropolitan areas of the Mountain West.

Subjects.

Two hundred thirty-seven middle-aged women.

Measures.

Diet was assessed by using 7-day weighed food records, and physical activity was measured by using accelerometers. Other potential confounders included age; initial body weight; energy intake; percentage of energy from fat, protein, and carbohydrate; dietary fiber intake per 1000 kcal; and time in the investigation. Two meat variables were studied: very lean meat (VLM) and other meat (Meat).

Analysis.

Multiple regression, partial correlation, and relative risk.

Results.

Each additional serving (1 ounce) of Meat consumed at baseline per 1000 kcal was associated with a 1.19-kg gain in weight over time (F = 7.3, p = .0073). Controlling for physical activity, fiber, and macronutrient intake, individually, strengthened the relationship. Servings of VLM per 1000 kcal were not predictive of weight change (F= .00, p = .9576). With all potential confounders controlled, the relative risk of gaining weight (>5 pounds) for women with Low Meat intake was .36 (95% confidence interval = .17–.76) compared to women with High Meat intake.

Conclusion.

Consuming meats other than those in the VLM category is associated with increased risk of weight gain over time.
Frequency of deep convective clouds in the tropical zone from 10 years of AIRS data
Authors: Aumann H. H. , Ruzmaikin A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Deep convective clouds (DCCs) have been widely studied because of their association with heavy precipitation and severe weather events. Changes in the properties of DCCs are likely in a changing climate. Ten years of data collected by Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) allow us to identify decadal trends in frequency of occurrence of DCCs over land and ocean. In the past, DCCs have been identified in the thermal infrared by three methods: (1) thresholds based on the absolute value of an atmospheric window channel brightness temperature; (2) thresholds based on the difference between the brightness temperature in an atmospheric window channel and the brightness temperature centered on a strong water vapor absorption line; and (3) a threshold using the difference between the window channel brightness temperature and the tropopause temperature based on climatology. Simultaneous observations of these infrared identified DCCs with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit–Humidity Sounder for Brazil (AMSU-HSB) using 183 GHz water channels provide a statistical correlation with microwave deep convection and overshooting convection. In the past 10 years, the frequency of occurrence of DCCs has decreased for the tropical ocean, while it has increased for tropical land. The area of the tropical zone associated with DCCs is typically much less than 1%. We find that the least frequent, more extreme DCCs show the largest trend in frequency of occurrence, increasing over land and decreasing over ocean. The trends for land and ocean closely balance, such that the DCC frequency changed at an insignificant rate for the entire tropical zone. This pattern of essentially zero trend for the tropical zone, but opposite land/ocean trends, is consistent with measurements of global precipitation. The changes in frequency of occurrence of the DCCs are correlated with the Niño34 index, which defines the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the east-central Pacific. This is also consistent with patterns seen in global precipitation. This suggests that the observed changes in the frequency are part of a decadal variability characterized by shifts in the main tropical circulation patterns, which does not fully balance in the 10-year AIRS data record. The regional correlations and anti-correlations of the DCC frequency anomaly with the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) provide a new perspective for the regional analysis of past events, since the SST anomaly in the Nino34 region is available in the form of the extended MEI from 1871.