bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards standby‐ability: Swedish and Danish activation policies in flux
Authors: Bengtsson Mattias
Published: January 2014

The article analyses Scandinavian activation policies through the study of Swedish and Danish labour market policies since the early 1990s. Active labour market policies have been an important component in the social investment policies of the Scandinavian countries, defined as ‘an active corner’ in Europe. In this study of the trajectories of Swedish and Danish labour market policies during the last two decades, I examined official documents and analysed OECD data on public expenditures on labour market programmes. The analysis shows that institutional change of activation policies has increasingly developed towards an incentive‐strengthening, work‐first approach. The policy development, specifically in the case of Sweden, is here conceptualised as demands on ‘standby‐ability’, a specific policy configuration of stricter work incentives, contractualisation of citizenships rights, less generous unemployment benefits and less costly forms of activation.
Heuristics and matheuristics for a real‐life machine reassignment problem
Authors: Lopes Ramon , Morais Vinicius W.C. , Noronha Thiago F. , Souza Vitor A.A.
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses a real‐life machine reassignment problem proposed in the Google ROADEF/EURO Challenge (). In this paper, we propose a linear integer programming (IP) formulation and iterated local search (ILS) heuristics for approximately solving this problem. Different versions of the ILS heuristics are presented. Two of these versions rely on IP‐based perturbations, whereas the other two are based on randomized perturbations. We also propose efficient restricted versions of the classic perturbation and local search procedures based on the “shift” and “swap” neighborhoods. Computational experiments showed that the IP‐based heuristics are competitive with the best heuristics in the literature.
Appendix II: A revised classification of Von Willebrand disease*
Authors: Sadler J. Evan
Published: January 2014

Summary. A simplified phenotypic classification of Von Willebrand disease is proposed that is based on differences in pathophysiology. Quantitative defects are divided into partial deficiency (type 1) and severe deficiency (type 3). Qualitative defects (type 2) are divided into four subcategories. Type 2A refers to variants with decreased platelet‐dependent function associated with the loss of high‐molecular weight Von Willeband factor multimers. Type 2B refers to variants with increased affinity for platelet glycoprotein Ib. Type 2M refers to qualitatively abnormal variants with decreased platelet‐dependent function not associated with the loss of high‐molecular weight multimers. Type 2N refers to variants with decreased affinity for factor VIII. When recognized, mixed phenotypes caused by compound heterozygosity are indicated by separate classification of each allele. Standard amino acid and nucleotide numbering schemes are recommended for the description of mutations.
Craniomaxillofacial Abnormalities in Dogs With Congenital Palatal Defects: Computed Tomographic Findings
Authors: Nemec Ana , Daniaux Lise , Johnson Eric , Peralta Santiago , Verstraete Frank J.M.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate craniomaxillofacial abnormalities in dogs with congenital palatal defects.

Study Design

Retrospective computed tomography (CT) study.

Animals

Dogs with congenital palatal defects (n = 9).

Methods

Medical records and CT reports (1995–2012) were searched for dogs with a diagnosis of cleft palate that had a CT study. Data retrieved were: breed, age, sex, weight, physical examination, and laboratory findings, number of previous palate surgeries, and oral/dental examination findings with the diagnosis of the cleft for each dog. CT studies of the head were reviewed on a structure‐by‐structure basis.

Results

Tympanic bullae were most commonly found to be abnormal (8 dogs), followed by nasal turbinates (6), nasal septum, vomer, cribriform plate (4), frontal sinuses, and lateral ventricles (3). Other abnormalities were related to occlusion, teeth, incisive bones, maxillary bones, mandibles, hyoid apparatus, cranial bones, and nasopharynx. The soft tissue defect of the cleft was always smaller than the bony defect.

Conclusions

Craniomaxillofacial abnormalities in dogs with congenital palatal defects are common and some of these may negatively affect the quality of life. Importantly for surgical planning, the soft tissue component of the cleft may underestimate the extent of the bony defect, especially in failed repairs.
ULCER, ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AND SUICIDE
Authors: Viskum K.
Published: January 2014

Attempted suicide and suicide have been investigated among 2,619 patients suffering from duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and ulcer dyspepsia without ulcer demonstrable by x‐ray. There was no difference in the percentage of attempted suicides and suicides among the three ulcer groups or between the sexes. Within well‐defined periods, there was a statistically significant greater excess of attempted suicides among patients operated on than among unoperated patients.

The distribution according to psychiatric diagnosis was very similar to the one observed among persons in general in Copenhagen attempting suicide.

The number of patients committing suicide exceeded the expected number significantly, for men as well as for women, but there was no difference between patients operated on and unoperated patients. The psychiatric diagnoses of those committing suicide were predominantly neuroses and psychopathy.
ULCER DISEASE AND THE LAW
Authors: Viskum K.
Published: January 2014

Among 1,780 male persons with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and ulcer dyspepsia without ulcer demonstrable by x‐ray, 737 (21 %) had been convicted of law offences. There were no differences among the three ulcer groups with regard to the frequencies of the different crimes or the percentage of persons in each of the groups. The percentage of persons admitted to a psychiatric department was higher among those convicted than in the material in general. The dominating psychiatric diagnosis among those convicted was psychopathy. Among patients operated on, the percentage of convicted persons was significantly higher than among those not operated on. Among 168 persons convicted for offences committed while under the influence of alcohol, the percentage of heavy drinkers was higher than in the material in general. Only 3.1 % of 771 women had been convicted for an offence. The observed frequencies of law breakers among the patients in the three ulcer group did not exceed the frequencies in the general population.
Interventions to Reduce Clinical Inertia in Cardiac Risk Factor Management in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kohok Dhanashri D. , Shah Silvi , Kumar Rakesh , Venuto Lisa , Gudleski Gregory , Venuto Rocco
Published: January 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Clinical inertia (CI) is defined as “recognition of the problem, but failure to act.” The effect of educational interventions in minimizing CI in CVD risk factor management was assessed. Educational sessions were conducted among 201 RTRs to inform them about their goals for blood pressure (BP), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Physicians were reminded about treatment goals using checklists. Pre‐intervention and post‐intervention CI was measured as “no action” or “appropriate action” by the physicians. Post‐intervention percentage of RTRs with “no clinical action” for BP, LDL‐C, and HbA1c control decreased from 10.8% to 3.8% (P=.02), 28.2% to 11.1% (P=.008), and 10.3% to 4.5% (P=.05), respectively, while those with “appropriate action” increased from 66.2% to 83.3% (P<.001), 68.7% to 79.4% (P=.008), and 85.1% to 93.2% (P=.03), respectively. Educational interventions and patient participation were shown to reduce CI.
Litigation and Social Capital: Divorces and Traffic Accidents in Japan
Authors: Ramseyer J. Mark
Published: January 2014

Using regression and factor analysis with prefecture‐level data, I ask whether Japanese in communities with high levels of “social capital” more readily settle their disputes out of court. Although studies of litigation rates often measure suits per capita, the more appropriate measure may involve suits per “dispute.” We lack information about the number of disputes in many fields, but we do have it for Japanese divorces and traffic accidents—and I focus on those two sets of disputes. Disputes over divorce and traffic accidents differ fundamentally, and social capital does not lower litigation rates among either. I find that: (1) couples in communities with low social capital are more apt to divorce; (2) couples in low‐social‐capital communities are not more likely to litigate their disputes; (3) couples in communities with more lawyers are not more likely to litigate their divorces; and (4) parties in communities with low social capital are not more likely to litigate their disputes over traffic accidents; but (5) parties in communities with more lawyers are indeed more likely to litigate their disputes over those accidents.
Influence of the Addition of Extruded Flours on Rice Bread Quality
Authors: Martínez Mario M. , Oliete Bonastre , Román Laura , Gómez Manuel
Published: January 2014

The extrusion may improve coeliac bread quality by modifying the functional properties of flour. This study investigates the influence of the substitution of 10% of rice flour by extruded rice flours (three intensities of treatment and two particle sizes) on the characteristics of gluten‐free bread (specific volume and texture) at constant consistency. The microstructure and rheology of the doughs obtained and their behavior during fermentation have also been analyzed. The extruded flours increase dough consistency, and the effect is more noticeable with increasing intensities of treatment. The use of extruded flours requires the addition of a larger volume of water to obtain a constant consistency. The addition of extruded flour decreases dough development, producing a lower specific volume and greater bread hardness. This effect is minimized by increasing the particle size. The staling of bread from 24 to 72 h is less noticeable with a larger particle size.

Practical Applications

This study evidences that the use of extruded flours in rice bread making allows increasing dough hydration and therefore the bread yield while decreasing bread staling. However, the correct selection of extrusion treatment and flour particle size is essential to achieve appropriate results, being preferable the use of coarse flours with more intense extrusion treatment.
Cognitive Performance in Orthostatic Hypotension: Findings from a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Frewen John , Savva George M. , Boyle Gerard , Finucane Ciaran , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To compare the cognitive profile of a population representative sample with orthostatic hypotension (OH) with the profile of a sample without.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective nationally representative population study.

Setting

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

Participants

TILDA participants (N = 5,936; mean age 63 ± 9, 54% female).

Measurements

OH was defined as a drop of 20 mmHg or more in systolic blood pressure or of 10 mmHg or more in diastolic blood pressure on standing from a seated position. Cognitive performance was assessed using comprehensive cognitive tests measuring domains of global function, executive function, processing speed, attention, and memory, from which composite standardized scores were computed. Multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounders was performed to compare cognitive performance according to OH status.

Results

Prevalence of OH was 6.1% (95% confidence interval = 5.4–6.7%). A significant negative association between OH status and global cognitive function (β = −0.21, P = .01) and memory (β = −0.26, P = .002) was found in women aged 65 and older after adjustment for demographic characteristics, mental health, cardiovascular disease, and medications (antihypertensive and antipsychotic), but other specific cognitive domains were not affected.

Conclusion

OH was associated with poorer global cognitive function and poorer memory, independent of potential confounders, in women in a large population‐based sample of older adults. Longitudinal studies with concomitant assessment of cerebral perfusion are needed to determine causal relationships.
Case‐Mix and Quality Indicators in Chinese Elder Care Homes: Are There Differences Between Government‐Owned and Private‐Sector Facilities?
Authors: Liu Chang , Feng Zhanlian , Mor Vincent
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To assess the association between ownership of Chinese elder care facilities and their performance quality and to compare the case‐mix profile of residents and facility characteristics in government‐owned and private‐sector homes.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Census of elder care homes surveyed in Nanjing (2009) and Tianjin (2010).

Participants

Elder care facilities located in urban Nanjing (n = 140, 95% of all) and urban Tianjin (n = 157, 97% of all).

Measurements

A summary case‐mix index based on activity of daily living (ADL) limitations and cognitive impairment was created to measure levels of care needs of residents in each facility. Structure, process, and outcome measures were selected to assess facility‐level quality of care. A structural quality measure, understaffing relative to resident levels of care needs, which indicates potentially inadequate staffing given resident case‐mix, was also developed.

Results

Government‐owned homes had significantly higher occupancy rates, presumably reflecting popular demand for publicly subsidized beds, but served residents who, on average, have fewer ADL and cognitive functioning limitations than those in private‐sector facilities. Across a range of structure, process, and outcome measures of quality, there is no clear evidence suggesting advantages or disadvantages of either ownership type, although when staffing‐to‐resident ratio is gauged relative to resident case‐mix, private‐sector facilities were more likely to be understaffed than government‐owned facilities.

Conclusion

In Nanjing and Tianjin, private‐sector homes were more likely to be understaffed, although their residents were sicker and frailer on average than those in government facilities. It is likely that the case‐mix differences are the result of selective admission policies that favor healthier residents in government facilities than in private‐sector homes.
Eliciting perceptions of satisfaction with services and supports from persons with intellectual disability and developmental disabilities: a review of the literature
Authors: Copeland S. R. , Luckasson R. , Shauger R.
Published: January 2014

Background

Assessing the perceptions of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and developmental disabilities (DD) is an essential part of evaluating and planning services and an important component of respect for self‐direction and autonomy. It can be difficult, however, to assess satisfaction in such a way that individuals with disabilities' actual perceptions of satisfaction are accurately represented because of intellectual and communication difficulties they may have, the restricted range and nature of service systems, and the limitations of strategies used by some researchers.

Method

The purpose of this literature review was to systematically examine research studies designed to solicit personal satisfaction information from individuals with ID and DD. We reviewed 29 studies that met inclusion criteria to determine (1) who were participants in the studies, (2) what processes researchers used to obtain opinions and perspectives of persons with ID and DD, and (3) how researchers ensured the credibility, accuracy and voluntariness of participants' responses.

Results

Findings revealed that most of the research participants had ID with higher IQs and limited needs for supports. Researchers utilised a variety of processes to elicit perceptions of satisfaction. Most studies employed individual interviews; researchers addressed comprehensibility of questions in a number of ways (e.g. use of visuals, adjusting wording of questions, providing clear examples). Few studies reported training interviewers or taking into account participants' primary language or cultural background. No studies reported educating participants about how to understand the satisfaction information data or how to use it in advocating for more appropriate supports.

Conclusions

Assessing the satisfaction with supports and services of individuals with ID and DD is complex particularly for persons with extensive support needs. Continued research using varied conceptual frameworks and new technologies is needed. Also helpful will be teaching persons with disabilities about the assessment process and how to use its results.
Labor Mobility: Implications for Asset Pricing
Authors: DONANGELO ANDRÉS
Published: January 2014

Labor mobility is the flexibility of workers to walk away from an industry in response to better opportunities. I develop a model in which labor flows make bad times worse for shareholders who are left with capital that is less productive. The model shows that firms face greater operating leverage by providing flexibility to mobile workers. I construct an empirical measure of labor mobility consistent with the model and document an economically significant cross‐sectional relation between mobility, operating leverage, and stock returns. I find that firms in mobile industries earn returns over 5% higher than those in less mobile industries.
The Cross‐Section of Credit Risk Premia and Equity Returns
Authors: FRIEWALD NILS , WAGNER CHRISTIAN , ZECHNER JOSEF
Published: January 2014

We explore the link between a firm's stock returns and credit risk using a simple insight from structural models following Merton (): risk premia on equity and credit instruments are related because all claims on assets must earn the same compensation per unit of risk. Consistent with theory, we find that firms' stock returns increase with credit risk premia estimated from CDS spreads. Credit risk premia contain information not captured by physical or risk‐neutral default probabilities alone. This sheds new light on the “distress puzzle”—the lack of a positive relation between equity returns and default probabilities—reported in previous studies.
Post‐partum recovery course in patients with gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Mikami Yukiko , Takagi Kenjiro , Itaya Yukiko , Ono Yoshihisa , Matsumura Hideyoshi , Takai Yasushi , Seki Hiroyuki
Published: January 2014

Aim

We examined the post‐partum recovery course in patients with pre‐eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) and evaluated the associated factors.

Methods

In a retrospective review of 145 patients with GH or PE who gave birth between 1 January 2008 and 30 October 2011 at our institution, there were 125 PE and 20 GH cases. Data collected included the gestational age at initial examination and delivery, delivery mode, time for normalization of blood pressure (BP), and time until resolution of proteinuria in PE patients. Comparisons were made between singleton and multiple pregnancies, onset (early, <32 weeks; late, ≥32 weeks) and fetal growth restriction in singleton pregnancies.

Results

The mean interval for normalization of BP was 41.8 ± 29.4 days (median, 31.5). The mean interval for resolution of proteinuria was 30.0 ± 39.6 days (median, 27.0). Ninety percent of patients required 77 and 60 days to recover from hypertension and proteinuria, respectively. The time for BP normalization was longer in the early‐onset group. The time for resolution of proteinuria was not affected by any factor examined.

Conclusion

A post‐partum observation period of 12 weeks is acceptable for differentiating PE and GH from chronic hypertension or renal disease. GH severity did not affect the recovery period, but proteinuria severity did. Onset time was a factor influencing the recovery from PE and GH.
Differentiation of acute fatty liver of pregnancy from syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts
Authors: Minakami Hisanori , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takahiro , Yamada Takashi , Akaishi Rina , Nishida Ryutaro
Published: January 2014

As proposed criteria (Swansea criteria) for the diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) do not include antithrombin (AT) activity, diagnosis of AFLP may be delayed. The aim of this review is to underscore problems in the differential diagnosis of AFLP and the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts (HELLP syndrome) and to facilitate prompt diagnosis of AFLP. Published works dealing with liver dysfunction in pregnancy, HELLP syndrome and AFLP were reviewed. AFLP and HELLP syndrome shared common clinical, laboratory, histological and genetic features, and differential diagnosis between them was often difficult. However, HELLP syndrome was likely to occur in patients with hypertension, but AFLP occurred often in the absence of hypertension. In addition, AFLP was exclusively associated with pregnancy‐induced antithrombin deficiency (PIATD). Approximately 50% of patients with AFLP did not have thrombocytopenia at presentation. As the Swansea criteria for AFLP did not include PIATD, diagnosis of AFLP was delayed until manifestation of life‐threatening complications; 60% of women were admitted to intensive care and 15% to a specialist liver unit. In conclusion, incorporation of AT activity of less than 65% into the diagnostic criteria for AFLP may facilitate suspicion and prompt diagnosis of AFLP, decrease uncertainty regarding the diagnosis of AFLP, and contribute to better investigation and understanding of the process leading to the development of liver dysfunction.
Associations of maternal pre‐pregnancy underweight with small‐for‐gestational‐age and spontaneous preterm birth, and optimal gestational weight gain in Japanese women
Authors: Fujiwara Kana , Aoki Shigeru , Kurasawa Kentaro , Okuda Mika , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: January 2014

Aim

To determine associations of maternal pre‐pregnancy underweight with poor outcomes and evaluate how gestational weight gain affects risks for such outcomes in pre‐pregnancy underweight Japanese women.

Methods

By analyzing the January 2001–December 2012 hospital database, we retrospectively identified 6954 women with pre‐pregnancy normal weights (body mass index, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and 1057 pre‐pregnancy underweight women (body mass index, <18.5 kg/m2) who delivered at the Perinatal Maternity and Neonatal Center of Yokohama City University. These women were stratified by weekly weight gain during the second/third trimesters to investigate associations of gestational weight gain with spontaneous preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA). Spontaneous preterm birth and SGA incidences were compared with those of women meeting Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines to determine optimal weight gain in Japanese women.

Results

Preterm birth and SGA incidences were significantly higher in pre‐pregnancy underweight than in pre‐pregnancy normal weight women (4.6% vs 2.4% [P = 0.005] and 13.9% vs 9.7% [P = 0.003], respectively). For pre‐pregnancy normal weight women, preterm birth incidence was significantly higher in those with weight gain of less than 0.2 kg/week than in those IOM guidelines. For pre‐pregnancy underweight women, preterm birth and SGA incidences were significantly higher in those with weight gain of less than 0.3 kg/week than in those meeting IOM guidelines.

Conclusion

Preterm birth and SGA incidences did not differ significantly between pre‐pregnancy normal weight women with weight gain of 0.2 kg/week or more and pre‐pregnancy underweight women with weight gain of 0.3 kg/week or more, as compared to women meeting IOM guidelines. These results suggest that IOM guidelines for gestational weight gain may lack external validity in Japanese women.
Maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome occurring concomitantly with the development of fetal congenital mesoblastic nephroma
Authors: Takahashi Hironori , Matsubara Shigeki , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Ohkuchi Akihide , Mukoda Yukiko , Saito Koyomi , Usui Rie , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: January 2014

Various fetal or placental disorders cause Ballantyne's (mirror) syndrome. For the first time, we report a maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome occurring concomitantly with the development of fetal congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN). In a pregnant woman with a CMN fetus, lung edema, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and high serum human chorionic gonadotrophin level occurred, all of which characterize maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome. The fetus and placenta were devoid of ‘edema’, lacking ‘triple edema’, and thus this condition was not diagnosed as Ballantyne's syndrome; however, we considered this condition as the maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome. We performed emergent cesarean section at 28 weeks. Delivery acutely ameliorated maternal symptoms. Tumor was resected and was confirmed as CMN. Maternal manifestations of Ballantyne's syndrome, such as lung edema and hypertension, can occur in a mother with fetal CMN even without fetal and/or placental edema. The clinical course of this patient may suggest an etiology of Ballantyne's syndrome.
Procedural Results with the Self‐Expanding 31 mm CoreValve Aortic Bioprosthesis in Patients with Large Annuli
Authors: MURRAY MARIE‐ISABEL , GEIS NICOLAS , PLEGER SVEN T. , KATUS HUGO A. , BEKEREDJIAN RAFFI , CHORIANOPOULOS EMMANUEL
Published: January 2014

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become an established treatment for severe aortic stenosis in patients with high surgical risk. Due to its specific design, the self‐expanding 31 mm CoreValve prosthesis can be technically challenging. This is especially true for patients with large annuli above 27.5 mm for which the CoreValve 31 mm device is the only option.

Objectives

To evaluate procedural results and short‐term outcome with the 31 mm CoreValve device in patients with large annuli.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients in whom we implanted a 31 mm self‐expanding CoreValve bioprosthesis and compared them to 50 consecutive patients implanted with the smaller 29 mm device within the same period of time.

Results

Patients with the 31 mm prosthesis had significantly higher rates of postinterventional pacemaker implantations (35% vs. 20%; P = 0.036) despite similar implantation depths (6.5 ± 4 vs. 7.5 ± 4; P = 0.34). However, the number of deep implantations (>8 mm) was significantly higher (P = 0.045). No significant difference could be observed with respect to cases with ≥Grade 2 postinterventional aortic regurgitation (8% vs. 12.9%; P = 0.5294). Major vascular complications (4% vs. 3.7%; P = ns), 30‐day mortality (8% vs. 7.7%; P = ns), and major stroke (3.8% vs. 2%; P = ns) were not different between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Despite the technical challenges, procedural results with the 31 mm self‐expanding CoreValve prosthesis in large anatomies were similar to those with the smaller sized 29 mm version of the device. However, postinterventional pacemaker rates were significantly higher in the 31 mm cohort despite comparable implantation depths, which might be the result of the specific design of the device. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:191–198)
Insurance Premium Calculation Using Credibility Analysis: An Example From Livestock Mortality Insurance
Authors: Pai Jeffrey , Boyd Milton , Porth Lysa
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

A major problem facing livestock producers is animal mortality risk. Livestock mortality insurance is still at the initial stages, and premium computation approaches are still relatively new and will require more research. This study seeks to provide a first step for developing a better understanding of livestock insurance as a solution to mortality risk, as it explores improved methods for livestock mortality insurance modeling procedures, and premium computation, using credibility analysis. The purpose of this study is to develop improved estimates for livestock mortality insurance premiums for Canada under a credibility framework. We illustrate our approach through one example using livestock data from 1999 to 2007.
Cost as a barrier to accessing dental care: findings from a Canadian population‐based study
Authors: Thompson Brandy , Cooney Peter , Lawrence Herenia , Ravaghi Vahid , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: January 2014

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Canadians who report cost barriers to dental care.

Methods

An analysis of data collected from the 2007/09 Canadian Health Measures Survey was undertaken from a sample of 5,586 Canadian participants aged 6–79. Cost barriers to dental care were operationalized through two questions: “In the past 12 months, have you avoided going to a dental professional because of the cost of dental care?” and “In the past 12 months, have you avoided having all the dental treatment that was recommended because of the cost?” Logistic regressions were conducted to identify relationships between covariates and positive responses to these questions.

Results

Approximately 17.3 percent of respondents had avoided a dental professional because of cost within the previous year, and 16.5 percent had declined recommended dental treatment because of cost. Adjusted estimates demonstrate that respondents with lower incomes and without dental insurance were over four times more likely to avoid a dental professional because of cost and approximately two and a half times more likely to decline recommended dental treatment because of cost.

Conclusions

Nearly one out of five Canadians surveyed reported cost barriers to dental care. This study provides valuable baseline information for future studies to assess whether financial barriers to dental care are getting better or worse for Canadians.
Intermanual differences on neuropsychological motor tasks in a Japanese university student sample
Authors: Yamashita Hikari
Published: January 2014

We explored the intermanual difference scores of 128 Japanese university students for five typical neuropsychological motor tasks (grip strength, finger tapping, two versions of the grooved pegboard, and the dot‐filling test) and examined the relation between hand preference and intermanual difference in motor proficiency. Using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, 18 and 110 participants were identified as left‐ and right‐handed, respectively. Although the right hand performed better than the left for right‐handed participants, and vice versa, in all five tasks, the degree of intermanual difference varied between tasks. A discriminant function analysis using the laterality quotients of the five motor tasks as independent variables indicated that hand preference was predictable from the task performances with an accuracy of 90% or more. The dot‐filling test and finger tapping had stronger canonical loadings than the other tasks.
Developmental trajectory in the relationship between calculation skill and finger dexterity: A longitudinal study
Authors: Asakawa Atsushi , Sugimura Shinichiro
Published: January 2014

A 2‐year longitudinal study of 33 children aged 4–6 years was conducted to clarify the developmental relationship between calculation skill and finger dexterity, as well as the selectivity of the predictive power of finger dexterity on later calculation skill. We examined individual developmental change in the relationship between addition performance and finger dexterity and observed whether children fit a linear developmental pattern. Multiple regression analysis showed that participants' performance on addition tests was strongly predicted by their finger dexterity. However, their performance on vocabulary tests was not strongly influenced by finger dexterity. These findings suggest that calculation skill in children aged 4–6 years is strongly related to finger dexterity.
Examining the factor structure of the Psychological Mindedness Scale in the Japanese population through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses
Authors: Takagishi Yukihiro , Uji Masayo , Adachi Keiichiro
Published: January 2014

Psychological mindedness (PM) is a psychological construct that represents the tendency and ability to understand the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This study examined the statistical properties, particularly the factor structure, of the Psychological Mindedness Scale (PMS) in a non‐clinical Japanese sample through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The relationship between PMS and depression was also examined for predictive validity. The results suggested that the PMS tested on a Japanese sample contains the following four factors: (a) belief in the benefits of discussing one's problems; (b) access to feelings; (c) openness to new ideas and capacity to change; and (d) interest in the meaning and motivation of own and others' behavior. Whereas the total PM score and Factors 2 and 3 had negative correlations with depression, there was a positive correlation between Factor 4 and depression. The 4‐factor structure of the scale is deemed to be applicable to the Japanese population.
Comparison of theEPOCand i‐STATanalysers for canine blood gas and electrolyte analysis
Authors: West E. , Bardell D. , Senior J. M.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVES

A prospective study to evaluate agreement and precision of a new point‐of‐care portable analyser, theEPOCanalyser, compared with the i‐STATanalyser in canine blood.

METHODS

Blood samples (68 venous and 32 arterial) were obtained from 63 client‐owned dogs for clinical reasons and surplus blood was used to analyse agreement between theEPOCand i‐STATanalysers. Precision of theEPOCanalyser was also assessed by repeat analysis of 20 samples. Measured analytes includedpH, partial pressures of carbon dioxide and oxygen and concentrations of sodium, potassium, ionised calcium, glucose and haematocrit. Haemoglobin, base excess, bicarbonate and saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen were calculated.

RESULTS

EPOCprecision was acceptable, but agreement was poor for sodium, haematocrit, haemoglobin and base excess. Overall, method comparison was poor forpH, partial pressure of oxygen, sodium, haematocrit, haemoglobin and base excess.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

TheEPOCanalyser is useful for dogs, although clinically significant differences between theEPOCand i‐STATanalysers exist for some analytes, and as such these analysers should not be used interchangeably.
Testosterone Improves Antidepressant-Emergent Loss of Libido in Women: Findings from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fooladi Ensieh , Bell Robin J. , Jane Fiona , Robinson Penelope J. , Kulkarni Jayashri , Davis Susan R.
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction is a side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)/serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) therapy.

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of transdermal testosterone (TT) as a treatment for SSRI/SNRI-emergent loss of libido.

Methods

This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Forty-four women, aged 35–55 years, on a stable dose of SSRI or SNRI with treatment-emergent loss of libido were randomly allocated to treatment with a TT patch delivering 300 mcg of testosterone/day or an identical placebo patch (Pl) for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the change in the Sabbatsberg Sexual Self-rating Scale (SSS) total score over 12 weeks. The 4-week frequency of Satisfactory Sexual Events (SSEs) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) were also measured.

Results

At baseline, there were no differences between the treatment groups. At week 12, the change in the SSS score did not differ between the two groups. The increase in the 4-week frequency of SSEs was significantly greater for the TT group than for the Pl group (an increase of 2.3 events vs. 0.1, P = 0.02). The between-group difference in the change in the FSDS-R score approached statistical significance (P = 0.06). The mean total serum testosterone level at 12 weeks in the TT group was 2.1 nmol/L. No women withdrew because of androgenic adverse events.

Conclusions

TT therapy resulted in a significant increase in the number of SSEs compared with Pl therapy in women with SSRI/SNRI-emergent loss of libido. The lack of improvement in the SSS total score may reflect lack of sensitivity of this instrument for the measurement of change in sexual function. This provides the first evidence that TT therapy may be a treatment option for women with SSRI/SNRI-emergent loss of libido who need to remain on their antidepressant therapy.
Clinical Findings, Diagnostic Test Results, and Treatment Outcome in Cats with Spontaneous Hyperadrenocorticism: 30 Cases
Authors: Valentin S.Y. , Cortright C.C. , Nelson R.W. , Pressler B.M. , Rosenberg D. , Moore G.E. , Scott‐Moncrieff J.C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is rare in cats. Clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and response to various treatment options must be better characterized.

Objectives

To report the clinical presentation, clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic imaging results, and response to treatment of cats withHAC.

Animals

Cats with spontaneousHAC.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive case series.

Results

Thirty cats (15 neutered males, 15 spayed females; age, 4.0–17.6 years [median, 13.0 years]) were identified from 10 veterinary referral institutions. The most common reason for referral was unregulated diabetes mellitus; dermatologic abnormalities were the most frequent physical examination finding. Low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test results were consistent withHACin 27 of 28 cats (96%), whereasACTHstimulation testing was suggestive ofHACin only 9 of 16 cats (56%). Ultrasonographic appearance of the adrenal glands was consistent with the final clinical diagnosis ofPDHorADHin 28 of 30 cats (93%). Of the 17 cats available for follow‐up at least 1 month beyond initial diagnosis ofHAC, improved quality of life was reported most commonly in cats withPDHtreated with trilostane.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dermatologic abnormalities or unregulated diabetes mellitus are the most likely reasons for initial referral of cats withHAC. The dexamethasone suppression test is recommended overACTHstimulation for initial screening of cats with suspectedHAC. Diagnostic imaging of the adrenal glands may allow rapid and accurate differentiation ofPDHfromADHin cats with confirmed disease, but additional prospective studies are needed.
Intrapopulational variation of ejaculate traits and sperm depletion in red‐sided garter snakes
Authors: Friesen C. R. , Squire M. K. , Mason R. T.
Published: January 2014

Female sexual promiscuity is a prevalent element of mating systems. One consequence of female sexual promiscuity is that male‐male competition often continues post‐copulation within the female's reproductive tract. According to theory, the number of sperm a male inseminates relative to his rivals strongly predicts his fertilization success. However, sperm quality is also important, especially when males are sperm limited and female sperm storage is prevalent. In this study, we examined intrapopulational variation in sperm numbers and ejaculate quality (sperm mobility) in male red‐sided garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis, and determined whether these traits varied with male body size and condition over successive matings. We obtained sperm by dissolving copulatory plugs collected from natural matings, which enabled us to also test whether males allocated more sperm to larger, more fecund females. We found significant variation in ejaculate quality among males and that small males transferred as many sperm as large males. Total sperm numbers declined significantly from a male's first to second ejaculate suggesting that males may become significantly sperm depleted across successive matings. The mass of the relatively sperm‐free posterior portion of the copulatory plug that remained after liberation of sperm was correlated with copulation duration. Males copulated longer with larger females; however, longer copulation durations did not correlate with total sperm. Thus, males may allocate more copulatory plug material to larger females to guard against her remating, instead of allocating more sperm.
Being the underdog: an elusive small carnivore uses space with prey and time without enemies
Authors: Bischof R. , Ali H. , Kabir M. , Hameed S. , Nawaz M. A.
Published: January 2014

Rare and elusive species are seldom the first choice of model for the study of ecological questions, yet rarity and elusiveness often emerge from ecological processes. One of these processes is interspecific killing, the most extreme form of interference competition among carnivores. Subdominant species can avoid falling victim to other carnivores through spatial and/or temporal separation. The smallest carnivore species, including members of the Mustelidae, are typically the most threatened by other predators but are also exceedingly challenging to study in the wild. As a consequence, we have only limited knowledge of how the most at‐risk members of carnivore communities deal with being both hunters and hunted. We explored whether activity and space use of a little‐known small carnivore, the Altai mountain weasel Mustela altaica, reflect the activity and distribution of its main prey, pika Ochotona sp., and two sympatric predators, the stone marten Martes foina and the red fox Vulpes vulpes. Spatial and temporal patterns of photographic captures in Pakistan's northern mountains suggest that weasels may cope with being both predator and prey by frequenting areas used by pikas while exhibiting diurnal activity that contrasts with that of the mostly nocturnal/crepuscular stone marten and red fox. Camera trap studies are now common and are staged in many different ecosystems. The data yielded offer an opportunity not only to fill knowledge gaps concerning less‐studied species but also to non‐invasively test ecological hypotheses linked with rarity and elusiveness.
The fossil record of bird behaviour
Authors: Naish D.
Published: January 2014

Between the Middle Jurassic and Holocene, birds evolved an enormous diversity of behaviours. The distribution and antiquity of these behaviours is difficult to establish given a relatively poor fossil record. Rare crop, stomach and gut contents typically reveal diets consistent with morphology but stem‐members of some lineages (including Cariamae and Coraciiformes) seem to have been different in ecology from their extant relatives. Most of our ideas about the behaviour of fossil birds are based on analogy (with skull form, limb proportions and claw curvature being used to guide hypotheses). However, this has limitations given that some extinct taxa lack extant analogues and that some extant taxa do not behave as predicted by osteology. Reductionist methods have been used to test predation style and running ability in fossil taxa including moa, Gastornis and phorusrhacids. Virtually nothing is known of nesting and nest‐building behaviour but colonial nesting is known from the Cretaceous onwards. Rare vegetative nests demonstrate modern nest‐building from the Eocene onwards. Ornamental rectrices indicate that sexually driven display drove some aspects of feather evolution and evidence for loud vocal behaviour and intraspecific combat is known for some taxa. Our knowledge of fossil bird behaviour indicates that ‘modern’ behaviours are at least as old as crown birds. Stem‐members of extant lineages, however, may sometimes or often have differed from extant taxa.
Aridity shapes cyanogenesis cline evolution in white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Kooyers Nicholas J. , Gage Lily R. , Al‐Lozi Amal , Olsen Kenneth M.
Published: January 2014

Adaptive differentiation between populations is often proposed to be the product of multiple interacting selective pressures, although empirical support for this is scarce. In white clover, populations show adaptive differentiation in frequencies of cyanogenesis, the ability to produce hydrogen cyanide after tissue damage. This polymorphism arises through independently segregating polymorphisms for the presence/absence of two required cyanogenic components, cyanogenic glucosides and their hydrolysing enzyme. White clover populations worldwide have evolved a series of recurrent, climate‐associated clines, with higher frequencies of cyanogenic plants in warmer locations. These clines have traditionally been hypothesized to reflect a fitness trade‐off between chemical defence in herbivore‐rich areas (warmer climates) and energetic costs of producing cyanogenic components in areas of low herbivore pressure (cooler climates). Recent observational studies suggest that cyanogenic components may also be beneficial in water‐stressed environments. We investigated fitness trade‐offs associated with temperature‐induced water stress in the cyanogenesis system using manipulative experiments in growth chambers and population surveys across a longitudinal precipitation gradient in the central United States. We find that plants producing cyanogenic glucosides have higher relative fitness in treatments simulating a moderate, persistent drought stress. In water‐neutral treatments, there are energetic costs to producing cyanogenic components, but only in treatments with nutrient stress. These fitness trade‐offs are consistent with cyanogenesis frequencies in natural populations, where we find clinal variation in the proportion of plants producing cyanogenic glucosides along the precipitation gradient. These results suggest that multiple selective pressures interact to maintain this adaptive polymorphism and that modelling adaptation will require knowledge of environment‐specific fitness effects.
A Yin-Yang Model of Organizational Change: The Case of Chengdu Bus Group
Authors: Jing Runtian , Van de Ven Andrew H.
Published: January 2014

The Chinese cultural logics of change offer a rich understanding of organizational change. We address three key aspects of the Chinese yin-yang view of change: context, process, and actions. A case study of Chengdu Bus Group CBG enables us to develop a conceptual model that examines organizational change in a Chinese indigenous context. The model reflects the key functions ofshi(situational momentum, 势), the action strategies ofying-shi(leveraging momentum, 应势)andzao-shi(building momentum, 造势), and the dialectics ofnonaction(无为). Our findings will help researchers and practitioners better understand organizational change from a unique yin-yang perspective, and will also contribute general knowledge to process theories of organizational change.