bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the role of social capital in adolescents' Big Five personality effects on school‐to‐work transitions
Authors: Baay Pieter E. , van Aken Marcel A.G. , de Ridder Denise T.D. , van der Lippe Tanja
Published: May 2014

The school‐to‐work transition constitutes a central developmental task for adolescents. The role of Big Five personality traits in this has received some scientific attention, but prior research has been inconsistent and paid little attention to mechanisms through which personality traits influence job‐search outcomes. The current study proposed that the joint effects of Big Five personality traits and social capital (i.e., available resources through social relations) would shed more light on adolescents' job‐search outcomes. Analyses on 685 Dutch vocational training graduates showed that extraversion and emotional stability were related to better job‐search outcomes after graduation. Some relations between Big Five personality traits and job‐search outcomes were explained by social capital, but no relations were dependent on social capital. Social capital had a direct relation with the number of job offers. Contrary to popular belief, this study shows that Big Five personality traits and social capital relate to job‐search outcomes largely independently.
Señales de valor de marca de las franquicias en México. Su efecto en el crecimiento del sistema franquiciador
Authors: Ayup-González Jannett , Calderon-Monge Esther
Published: May 2014

La valoración de marca en la franquicia es aún insuficiente. Estos negocios estimulan el desarrollo económico de los países emergentes como México. El propósito de este trabajo es analizar las señales de valor de las marcas de franquicias que impulsaron el crecimiento de establecimientos de 2002 a 2008. Se empleó la metodología de datos de panel con 911 firmas operativas en el sistema franquiciador mexicano. Los resultados reflejan un efecto de endogeneidad y crecimiento negativo del sector. La decisiónde franquiciar tuvo en cuenta la situación económica y el tama˜no entre otros aspectos que confirman los argumentos teóricos.
Decentralizing postabortion care in Senegal with misoprostol for incomplete abortion
Authors: Gaye Alioune , Diop Ayisha , Shochet Tara , Winikoff Beverly
Published: May 2014

Objective

To expand access to postabortion care (PAC) services in Senegal by introducing misoprostol as a first‐line treatment at the community level.

Methods

The present prospective study enrolled 481 women seeking treatment for incomplete abortion at 11 community health posts in Senegal between September 2011 and August 2012. Participants were given 400 μg of sublingual misoprostol and asked to return to the clinic 1 week later to confirm clinical status. At study completion, all women were asked to respond to a series of questions regarding their experience with this method. All care was provided by nurse midwives.

Results

All but three of the study women (99.4%; 474/477) had successful complete abortion after taking misoprostol. Almost all women were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment (99.6%; 469/471), would select the method again if needed (98.9%; 465/470), and would recommend the method to a friend (99.8%; 468/469).

Conclusion

The results provide further evidence that 400 μg of misoprostol is highly effective for first‐line treatment of incomplete abortion. Furthermore, this regimen can be fully provided by nurse midwives, and can be easily and successfully introduced in community health settings where other methods of PAC may not previously have been available. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01939457
A comparison of trends in cesarean delivery in Paraguay between 1995 and 2008
Authors: Yuen Jiasong , Painter Ian , Abraham Linta , Melian Mercedes , Denno Donna M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To identify maternal factors associated with the rise in the cesarean delivery rate in Paraguay.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the 1995 and the 2008 National Survey on Demographic and Sexual and Reproductive Health data using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In 2008, 1094 (37.3%) deliveries were cesarean compared with 781 (19.3%) in 1995. Home births had decreased by 72.9%, accounting for 33.3% of the change in the proportion of cesarean deliveries. Private facilities were associated with an increased odds ratio of cesarean delivery of 2.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–3.34) and 4.89 (95% CI, 3.67–6.51) in 1995 and 2008, respectively, and accounted for 32.8% of the increase in cesarean deliveries between 1995 and 2008. Cesarean delivery was also associated with a prior cesarean, insurance status, and maternal higher educational and economic status.

Conclusion

Between 1995 and 2008 the cesarean delivery rate in Paraguay almost doubled. More than one‐third of deliveries were cesarean. Shifts toward facility‐ (particularly private) based deliveries and repeat cesarean for women with a previous cesarean influenced this increase. Practice guidelines, regulation, and oversight of facilities, along with education and information for pregnant women, are needed to curb unnecessary and potentially harmful surgical delivery interventions.
Female autonomy and reported abortion‐seeking in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Rominski Sarah D. , Gupta Mira , Aborigo Raymond , Adongo Phillip , Engman Cyril , Hodgson Abraham , Moyer Cheryl
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate factors associated with self‐reported pregnancy termination in Ghana and thereby appreciate the correlates of abortion‐seeking in order to understand safe abortion care provision.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data from the Ghana 2008 Demographic and Health Survey were used to investigate factors associated with self‐reported pregnancy termination. Variables on an individual and household level were examined by both bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. A five‐point autonomy scale was created to explore the role of female autonomy in reported abortion‐seeking behavior.

Results

Among 4916 women included in the survey, 791 (16.1%) reported having an abortion. Factors associated with abortion‐seeking included being older, having attended school, and living in an urban versus a rural area. When entered into a logistic regression model with demographic control variables, every step up the autonomy scale (i.e. increasing autonomy) was associated with a 14.0% increased likelihood of reporting the termination of a pregnancy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although health system barriers might play a role in preventing women from seeking safe abortion services, autonomy on an individual level is also important and needs to be addressed if women are to be empowered to seek safe abortion services.
Influence of sphincter defect on biofeedback outcomes in patients with fecal incontinence
Authors: Kaiser Roberto L. Junior , da Silva Giovanna , Braile Domingo M. , Wexner Steven D.
Published: May 2014

Objective to evaluate the effect of sphincter defect (SD) on biofeedback (BF) response in patients with fecal incontinence.

Methods two hundred and forty-two patients with fecal incontinence undergoing BF as exclusive treatment were identified from a BF database. Patients were evaluated with fecal incontinence score (Cleveland Clinic Florida – Fecal Incontinence Score, CCF-FI) and anorectal physiology tests. The pre- and immediate post-treatment outcomes were obtained from the chart, and the long-term outcomes by CCF-FI score that was sent by mail.

Results 242 patients underwent BF for fecal incontinence. 143 (59.1%) underwent ultrasonography, 43 (30.1%) of whom had sphincter defect detected on US. The immediate outcomes were not affected by the presence of absence of SD. The second CCF-FI questionnaire was mailed after a mean of 6.1 years after treatment. 31 (57.4%) exhibited improvement, 4 (7.4%) remained unchanged, and 19 (35.2%) had worsening function, which was significantly inferior in patients with SD (p = 0.021). Electromyography demonstrated increased electrical activity in the contraction phase after BF in both groups.

Conclusions the majority of patients experience improvement in fecal incontinence after BF. However, patients with SD detected on US prior to treatment seem to have worse function at long term.
Outcomes of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Chu Samuel K. , McCormick Zachary , Hwang Sarah , Sliwa James A. , Rydberg Leslie
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate the benefits of comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An urban academic inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Patients

This study included 58 patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after LVAD implantation between 2009 and 2012.

Methods

Chart review of demographic, clinical, and functional data for patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after LVAD implantation was performed.

Main Outcome Measurements

Length of stay, admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and FIM efficiency.

Results

The study included 47 male and 11 female patients ages 21.8‐84.1 years (mean [standard deviation {SD}], 64.2 ± 11.2 years). The mean (SD) length of time between LVAD implantation and admission to rehabilitation was 27.0 ± 15.3 days. Twenty‐one patients (36%) required transfer to an acute care hospital. Ten patients returned after transfer and completed inpatient rehabilitation. For the 47 total patients who completed inpatient rehabilitation, the mean (SD) length of stay was 20.3 ± 10.8 days (range, 7‐50 days). Mean (SD) admission and discharge FIM scores were 68.4 ± 13.6 and 91.7 ± 11.8, respectively, with a mean (SD) difference between admission and discharge FIM scores of 23.4 ± 11.2. The mean (SD) FIM efficiency was 1.33 ± 0.65. Complications during rehabilitation included anemia that required transfusion, respiratory distress, epistaxis, gout flare, automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator firing, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conclusions

Patients with LVADs demonstrate functional gains in inpatient rehabilitation. However, there is a high incidence of complications in this population, which often requires transfer to an acute care setting.
Self‐Perceived Health Care Needs and Delivery of Health Care Services 5 Years After Moderate‐to‐Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Andelic Nada , Soberg Helene L. , Berntsen Svein , Sigurdardottir Solrun , Roe Cecilie
Published: May 2014

Objective

To describe the self‐perceived health care needs of patients with moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to assess the impact of the functional level at 1 year after injury on patients' unmet needs at the 5‐year follow‐up.

Design

A prospective follow‐up study.

Setting

Clinical research.

Participants

A total of 93 patients participated in the 5‐year follow‐up.

Methods

We registered demographic and injury‐related data at the time of admission and the scores for the Disability Rating Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended, and Short Form 36 subscales for physical functioning and mental health at 1 and 5 years. The patients' self‐perceived health care needs and use of health care services at 5 years were the main outcome measurements.

Results

At the 5‐year follow‐up, 70% of patients reported at least 1 perceived need. The self‐perceived health care needs were met for 39% of the patients. The patients with unmet needs (n = 29 [31%]) reported frequent needs in emotional (65%), vocational (62%), and cognitive (58%) domains. These patients were significantly more likely to present a less severe disability on the Disability Rating Scale at the 1‐year follow‐up (odds ratio [OR] 0.11 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.02‐0.7]; P = .02). Worse mental health at the 1‐year follow‐up and a younger age (16‐29 years) largely predicted unmet needs at the 5‐year follow‐up (OR 3.28 [95% CI, 1.1‐10.04], P = .04; and OR 4.93 [95% CI, 0.16‐15.2], P = .005, respectively).

Conclusion

Gaps between self‐perceived health care needs and health care services received at the 5‐year follow‐up were found. An important message to clinicians who provide health care services in the late TBI phase is that they should be aware of patients' long‐term needs regarding cognitive and emotional difficulties. Of equal importance is an emphasis on long‐term vocational rehabilitation services. To ensure the appropriateness of health care service delivery, health care services after TBI should be better targeted at less‐severe TBI population as well.
DEFENDING THE COHERENCE OF CONTEXTUALISM
Authors: Montminy Martin , Skolits Wes
Published: May 2014

According to a popular objection against epistemic contextualism, contextualists who endorse the factivity of knowledge, the principle of epistemic closure and the knowledge norm of assertion cannot coherently defend their theory without abandoning their response to skepticism. After examining and criticizing three responses to this objection, we offer our own solution. First, we question the assumption that contextualists ought to be interpreted asassertingthe content of their theory. Second, we argue that contextualists need not hold that high epistemic standards govern contexts in which they defend their theory.
SUPERBOSONIZATION VIA RIESZ SUPERDISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: ALLDRIDGE ALEXANDER , SHAIKH ZAIN
Published: May 2014

The superbosonization identity of Littelmann, Sommers and Zirnbauer is a new tool for use in studying universality of random matrix ensembles via supersymmetry, which is applicable to non-Gaussian invariant distributions. We give a new conceptual interpretation of this formula, linking it to harmonic superanalysis of Lie supergroups and symmetric superspaces, and in particular, to a supergeneralization of the Riesz distributions. Using the super-Laplace transformation of generalized superfunctions, the theory of which we develop, we reduce the proof to computing the Gindikin gamma function of a Riemannian symmetric superspace, which we determine explicitly.
A FURTHER PROPERTY OF SPHERICAL ISOMETRIES
Authors: TANAKA RYOTARO
Published: May 2014

In this paper, it is proved that every isometry between the unit spheres of two real Banach spaces preserves the frames of the unit balls. As a consequence, if$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}X$and$Y$are$n$-dimensional Banach spaces and$T_0$is an isometry from the unit sphere of$X$onto that of$Y$then it maps the set of all$(n-1)$-extreme points of the unit ball of$X$onto that of$Y$.
BORNOLOGIES AND LOCALLY LIPSCHITZ FUNCTIONS
Authors: BEER GERALD , GARRIDO M. I.
Published: May 2014

Let$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\langle X,d \rangle $be a metric space. We characterise the family of subsets of$X$on which each locally Lipschitz function defined on$X$is bounded, as well as the family of subsets on which each member of two different subfamilies consisting of uniformly locally Lipschitz functions is bounded. It suffices in each case to consider real-valued functions.
Double Character Sums over Subgroups and Intervals
Authors: CHANG MEI-CHU , SHPARLINSKI IGOR E.
Published: May 2014

We estimate double sums$$\begin{eqnarray}S_{{\it\chi}}(a,{\mathcal{I}},{\mathcal{G}})=\mathop{\sum }\limits_{x\in {\mathcal{I}}}\mathop{\sum }\limits_{{\it\lambda}\in {\mathcal{G}}}{\it\chi}(x+a{\it\lambda}),\quad 1\leq a
0$is arbitrary. We obtain a nontrivial estimate in a wider range of parameters$H$and$T$. We also estimate double sums$$\begin{eqnarray}T_{{\it\chi}}(a,{\mathcal{G}})=\mathop{\sum }\limits_{{\it\lambda},{\it\mu}\in {\mathcal{G}}}{\it\chi}(a+{\it\lambda}+{\it\mu}),\quad 1\leq a<p-1,\end{eqnarray}$$and give an application to primitive roots modulo$p$with three nonzero binary digits.
Influence of night-time protein and carbohydrate intake on appetite and cardiometabolic risk in sedentary overweight and obese women
Authors: Kinsey Amber W. , Eddy Wyatt R. , Madzima Takudzwa A. , Panton Lynn B. , Arciero Paul J. , Kim Jeong-Su , Ormsbee Michael J.
Published: May 2014

The present study investigated whether whey (WH) protein, casein (CAS) protein or a carbohydrate placebo (PLA) consumed 30 min before sleep could acutely alter appetite or cardiometabolic risk the following morning. A total of forty-four sedentary overweight and obese women (BMI: 25·7–54·6 kg/m2) completed this stratified, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (WH: n 16, age 27·4 (sd 5·0) years; CAS: n 15, age 30·3 (sd 8·1) years; PLA: n 13, age 28·5 (sd 7·2) years). The participants came to the laboratory at baseline (visit 1) and again in the morning after night-time ingestion of either protein or PLA (visit 2). Visit 2 was conducted at least 48 h after visit 1. During visits 1 and 2, the following parameters were measured: appetite (hunger, satiety and desire to eat); resting metabolism; blood lipid and glucose levels; the levels of insulin, leptin, C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor-1, cortisol and adiponectin. Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA. No group × time interactions were observed for the measured variables; however, a main effect of time was observed for increased satiety (P= 0·03), reduced desire to eat (P= 0·006), and increased insulin levels (P= 0·004) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance values (P= 0·01) after the consumption of either protein or PLA. The results of the present study reveal that night-time consumption of protein or carbohydrate by sedentary overweight and obese women improves their appetite measures but negatively affects insulin levels. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of chronic consumption of low-energy snacks at night on body composition and cardiometabolic risk.
Enteral supplementation of bovine lactoferrin improves gut barrier function in rats after massive bowel resection
Authors: Wu Jiang , Chen Jie , Wu Wenjie , Shi Jia , Zhong Yan , van Tol Eric A. F. , Tang Qingya , Cai Wei
Published: May 2014

Previous studies have shown that bovine lactoferrin (bLF) exerts antibacterial, immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of enteral bLF supplementation on intestinal adaptation and barrier function in a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 4 weeks were randomised into three groups (n10 per group): Sham group (rats submitted to bowel transection and reanastomosis); SBS group (rats submitted to 80 % small-bowel resection); SBS-bLF group (rats submitted to 80 % small-bowel resection plus treatment with bLF (0·5 g/kg per d) by oral administration from day 2 to day 20). Despite similar food intake, both the SBS and SBS-bLF groups exhibited significantly lower body weight gain, but increased villus height and crypt depth and a higher intestinal epithelial cell proliferation index (P< 0·05) when compared with the Sham group. Compared with that in the SBS group, in the SBS-bLF group, bacterial translocation to regional organs was low and intestinal permeability was significantly reduced. The SBS-bLF group also had increased secretory IgA (sIgA) concentrations in ileal contents (29·9 (23·8–33·0) ng/ml), when compared with the other two groups having similar sIgA concentrations (17·5 (12·6–29·1) and 19·3 (11·5–27·0) ng/ml, respectively). The relative expression levels of two tight junction (TJ) proteins, occludin and claudin-4, in the SBS-bLF group were significantly higher than those in the SBS group (P< 0·05), but did not exhibit any significant differences when compared with those in the Sham group. In conclusion, enteral bLF supplementation up-regulates small-bowel sIgA concentrations and TJ protein expression and reduces intestinal permeability and could thus support intestinal barrier integrity and protect against bacterial infections in SBS.
Branched-chain fatty acid content of foods and estimated intake in the USA
Authors: Ran-Ressler Rinat Rivka , Bae SangEun , Lawrence Peter , Wang Dong Hao , Thomas Brenna J.
Published: May 2014

Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are bioactive food components that constitute about 2 % of fatty acids in cows' milk fat. There are few systematic data available on the BCFA content of other foods to estimate dietary intakes. In the present study, we report BCFA distribution and content of fresh and processed foods representing the major foods in the American diet and estimate BCFA intake. BCFA are primarily components of dairy and ruminant food products, and are absent from chicken, pork and salmon. The mean BCFA intake of 500 mg/d was delivered primarily from dairy and beef food products; by comparison, average intake of the widely studied long-chain PUFA EPA and DHA has been estimated to be 100 mg/d. Common adjustments in the diet could double the daily intake of BCFA. The fermented foods sauerkraut and miso had appreciable fractions of BCFA, but, overall, they are low-fat foods providing very small amounts of BCFA in the diet, and other fermented foods did not contain BCFA as might have been expected from the influence of microbial exposure. These data support the quantitative importance of BCFA delivered primarily from dairy and beef food products and highlight the need for research into their effects on health.
Everyday emotional experience of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: evidence for reactive and endogenous emotional lability
Authors: Skirrow C. , Ebner-Priemer U. , Reinhard I. , Malliaris Y. , Kuntsi J. , Asherson P.
Published: May 2014

Background.

Emotional lability (EL), characterized by negative emotional traits and emotional instability, is frequently reported in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, EL is primarily assessed using retrospective self-report, which is subject to reporting bias and does not consider the potential influence of positive and negative everyday experiences.

Method.

Ambulatory assessment was carried out in 41 men with ADHD without co-morbidity, current medication or substance abuse, and 47 healthy control participants. Reports of negative and positive emotions (irritability, frustration, anger, happiness, excitement) and the occurrence of bad and good events were completed eight times daily during a working week. Group differences in emotional intensity and instability were investigated using multilevel models, and explored in relation to bad and good events and the Affective Lability Scale – Short Form (ALS-SF), an EL questionnaire.

Results.

The ADHD group reported significantly more frequent bad events, heightened intensity and instability of irritability and frustration, and greater intensity of anger. The results for positive emotions were equivocal or negative. Bad events significantly contributed to the intensity and instability of negative emotions, and showed a stronger influence in the ADHD group. However, covariation for their effect did not eliminate group differences. Small-to-moderate correlations were seen between intensity and instability of negative emotions and the ALS-SF.

Conclusions.

Adults with ADHD report heightened intensity and instability of negative emotions in daily life. The results suggest two components of EL in ADHD: a reactive component responsive to bad events and an endogenous component, independent of negative everyday events.
Written traces of the Buddhist past:MantrasandDhāraṇīs in Indonesian inscriptions
Authors: Griffiths Arlo
Published: May 2014

This article examines a group of ten Indonesian inscriptions citing a range ofgāthās,mantras anddhāraṇīs. The texts, contextualized and in some cases read and identified for the first time, underline the pan-Asian character of Buddhism and the integral place the Indonesian archipelago once held in the ancient Buddhist world. The identification of the sources of several of these texts in known Sanskrit scriptures raises the question whether some of these texts, none of which survives as such in the archipelago, were once transmitted there in manuscript form.
Brain mechanisms of acoustic communication in humans and nonhuman primates: An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Ackermann Hermann , Hage Steffen R. , Ziegler Wolfram
Published: May 2014

Any account of “what is special about the human brain” (Passingham 2008) must specify the neural basis of our unique ability to produce speech and delineate how these remarkable motor capabilities could have emerged in our hominin ancestors. Clinical data suggest that the basal ganglia provide a platform for the integration of primate-general mechanisms of acoustic communication with the faculty of articulate speech in humans. Furthermore, neurobiological and paleoanthropological data point at a two-stage model of the phylogenetic evolution of this crucial prerequisite of spoken language: (i) monosynaptic refinement of the projections of motor cortex to the brainstem nuclei that steer laryngeal muscles, presumably, as part of a “phylogenetic trend” associated with increasing brain size during hominin evolution; (ii) subsequent vocal-laryngeal elaboration of cortico-basal ganglia circuitries, driven by human-specificFOXP2mutations.;>This concept implies vocal continuity of spoken language evolution at the motor level, elucidating the deep entrenchment of articulate speech into a “nonverbal matrix” (Ingold 1994), which is not accounted for by gestural-origin theories. Moreover, it provides a solution to the question for the adaptive value of the “first word” (Bickerton 2009) since even the earliest and most simple verbal utterances must have increased the versatility of vocal displays afforded by the preceding elaboration of monosynaptic corticobulbar tracts, giving rise to enhanced social cooperation and prestige. At the ontogenetic level, the proposed model assumes age-dependent interactions between the basal ganglia and their cortical targets, similar to vocal learning in some songbirds. In this view, the emergence of articulate speech builds on the “renaissance” of an ancient organizational principle and, hence, may represent an example of “evolutionary tinkering” (Jacob 1977).
Processing collocations in a second language: A case of first language activation?
Authors: WOLTER BRENT , YAMASHITA JUNKO
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the possible influence of first language (L1) collocational patterns on second language (L2) collocational processing. A lexical decision task was used to assess whether collocational patterns acceptable in the L1 but not the L2 would still be activated when processing language entirely in the L2. The results revealed no such activation. Furthermore, L2 speakers did not produce accelerated processing for control collocations that were acceptable in the L2 but not the L1. Based on these findings, we put forth some theoretical suggestions regarding recent research indicating accelerated processing for congruent over incongruent collocations. Finally, our NS control group revealed some unexpected tendencies that cannot be easily accounted for with our current understanding of L1 language processing.
Automatization in second language sentence processing: A partial, conceptual replication of Hulstijn, Van Gelderen, and Schoonen's 2009 study
Authors: LIM HYOJUNG , GODFROID ALINE
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the automatization of sentence processing using the coefficient of variation (CV), a measure of intraindividual processing stability (Segalowitz & Segalowitz, 1993). A smaller CV (i.e., standard deviation to reaction time [RT] ratio) and a positive CV-RT correlation are taken to index increased automatization. Hulstijn, Van Gelderen, and Schoonen (2009) were the first to try to validate the use of CV at the sentence level; however, they did not find any evidence for automatization in their CV analyses. Forty Korean English as a second language students (20 intermediate, 20 advanced) and 20 native speakers performed three speeded tasks in English: a semantic classification task, a sentence verification task, and a sentence construction task. The results revealed that, consistent with findings from previous word recognition studies, the CV in the sentence-level tasks decreased as participants’ proficiency level increased. Although the CV-RT correlation in the sentence verification task was not always significant, no counterevidence against Segalowitz and Segalowitz’ (1993) hypothesis was found. The sentence construction task discriminated better between groups than the sentence verification task. We argue that the CV may be a valid measure of automatization at the sentence level, provided the tasks used target lower-level processes such as word recognition, parsing, and semantic proposition formation.
X-ray investigations of solid solutions of monocalcium aluminate and monostrontium aluminate important phases in cement and phosphorescence materials
Authors: Pöllmann H. , Kaden R.
Published: May 2014

Calcium monoaluminate is the main phase in calcium aluminate cements and participates in the hydration, forming calcium aluminate hydrates. The amount of incorporation of foreign ions influences the hydration behaviour. Strontium aluminate is an important phase in producing phosphorescent materials when doped with rare-earth elements (REE) such as Eu, Dy, and La. These monoaluminates occur in different forms. Monocalcium aluminate forms a monoclinic and an orthorhombic modification, whereas monostrontium aluminate forms a monoclinic low-temperature and a hexagonal high-temperature form. Monoclinic calcium monoaluminate and monoclinic strontium aluminate form a partial solid-solution series. The hydration behaviour of different solid solutions was also investigated using calorimetry. The newly formed strontium aluminate hydrates could be identified while similar strontium aluminate hydrates are formed. Solid solutions of strontium- and calcium-aluminate hydrates will be investigated.
The electronic age: energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and other modern techniques to the present and beyond
Authors: Mantler Michael
Published: May 2014

This paper summarizes an oral presentation of the same title presented at the occasion of recognizing the “The 100th Anniversary of X-ray Spectroscopy” at DXC 2013. It gives an overview of the development in electronics with focus on (mainly) energy-dispersive X-ray detectors and related data processing. Naturally this has its origin in the early transistors and the first semiconductor junction detectors of the late 1940s. It was followed by refinement of semiconductor detector technology in general and particularly by the invention of Li-drifting and employment of low-noise field effect transistors until such devices matured sufficiently to be marketed by the late 1960s. Further improvement followed in resolution, speed, operability at room temperature, and development of junction arrays with imaging capabilities. An important aspect is the development of related software requiring affordable laboratory computers, programming languages, and databases of fundamental parameters. Today x-ray fluorescence analysis (and not only the energy-dispersive variant) is widely employed as an analytical tool for the traditional technical and industrial applications but notably also, at an expanding rate as well as variety, in other fields including environmental, medical, archaeological, space, arts, and many more.
Laboratory monitoring of bacterial gastroenteric pathogens Salmonella and Shigella in Shanghai, China 2006–2012
Authors: ZHANG J. , WANG F. , JIN H. , HU J. , YUAN Z. , SHI W. , YANG X. , MENG J. , XU X.
Published: May 2014

In 2006 we initiated an enhanced laboratory-based surveillance of Salmonella and Shigella infections in Shanghai, China. A total of 4483 Salmonella and 2226 Shigella isolates were recovered from stool specimens by 2012. In 80 identified Salmonella serovars, Enteritidis (34·5%) and Typhimurium (26·2%) were the most common. Shigella (S.) sonnei accounted for 63·9% of human Shigella infections over the same time period, and replaced S. flexneri to become the primary cause of shigellosis since 2010. Overall, a high level of antimicrobial resistance was observed in Salmonella and Shigella, particularly to nalidixic acid, ampicillin, and tetracycline. Ciprofloxacin resistance was common in Salmonella Typhimurium (21·0%) and S. flexneri (37·6%). The cephalosporin resistance in both pathogens also increased over the years, ranging from 3·4% to 7·0% in Salmonella, and from 10·4% to 28·6% in Shigella. Resistance to multiple antimicrobials was also identified in a large number of the isolates. This study provides insight into the distribution of Salmonella and Shigella in diarrhoeal diseases.
THE VECTOR-VALUED TENT SPACES AND
Authors: KEMPPAINEN MIKKO
Published: May 2014

Tent spaces of vector-valued functions were recently studied by Hytönen, van Neerven and Portal with an eye on applications to $H^{\infty }$-functional calculi. This paper extends their results to the endpoint cases $p=1$ and $p=\infty $ along the lines of earlier work by Harboure, Torrea and Viviani in the scalar-valued case. The main result of the paper is an atomic decomposition in the case $p=1$, which relies on a new geometric argument for cones. A result on the duality of these spaces is also given.
Iniadi pearl millet germplasm as a valuable genetic resource for high grain iron and zinc densities
Authors: Rai K. N. , Velu G. , Govindaraj M. , Upadhyaya H. D. , Rao A. S. , Shivade H. , Reddy K. N.
Published: May 2014

Crop biofortification is increasingly being recognized as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to address the widespread micronutrient malnutrition arising from Fe and Zn deficiencies. Pearl millet as a cereal crop species has higher Fe density than all other major cereals. Earlier studies in pearl millet have shown that breeding lines, hybrid parents, improved populations and composites having high Fe and Zn densities were often based largely or entirely on iniadi pearl millet germplasm. In an attempt to identify additional sources of high Fe density in this group of germplasm, 297 accessions were screened using Perl's Prussian Blue staining, of which 191 accessions (118 from Togo, 62 from Ghana and 11 from Burkina Faso) were re-evaluated during the 2010 rainy and 2012 summer seasons using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy method. On the basis of the mean performance over the two seasons (environments), large variability was observed for both Fe (51–121 mg/kg) and Zn (46–87 mg/kg) densities. There was a highly significant and positive correlation between the two micronutrients (r= 0.77, P< 0.01). Of these re-evaluated accessions, 49% had higher Fe density than the high-Fe control commercial cultivar ICTP 8203 (81 mg/kg), and most of these accessions also had Zn density ≥ 61 mg/kg (59 mg/kg for ICTP 8203). A total of 27 accessions (20 from Togo and seven from Ghana) having a Fe density of 95–121 mg/kg (1 standard error of difference above that for ICTP 8203) and a Zn density of 59–87 mg/kg were selected as a valuable germplasm resource for genetic improvement of these two micronutrients in pearl millet.
Stochastic economic models for actuarial use: an example from China
Authors: Huang Fei , Butt Adam , Ho Kin-Yip
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the first study of stochastic economic modelling with Chinese data is conducted for actuarial use. Univariate models, vector autoregression and two cascade systems (equity-driving cascade system and price-inflation-driving cascade system) are described and compared. We focus on six major economic assumptions for modelling purposes, which are price inflation rate, wage inflation rate, long-term interest rate, short-term interest rate, equity total return and bond total return. Granger causality tests are used to identify the driving force of a cascade system. Robust standard errors are estimated for each model. Diagnostic checking of residuals, goodness-of-fit measures and out-of-sample validations are applied for model selection. By comparing different models for each variable, we find that the equity-driving cascade system is the best structure for actuarial use in China. The forecasts of the variables could be applied as economic inputs to stochastic projection models of insurance portfolios or pension funds for short-term asset and liability cash flow forecasting.
Aggressive Behavior in Children: the Role of Temperament and Family Socialization
Authors: González-Peña Paloma , Egido Begoña Delgado , Carrasco Miguel Á. , Tello Francisco Pablo Holgado
Published: May 2014

This study’s objective is to analyze temperament and parenting variables as they relate to proactive and reactive aggression in children. To be specific, profiles based on these variables were analyzed in children with high levels of proactive versus reactive aggression. The sample was made up of two groups: 482 children (52.3% boys) between 1 and 3 years-old, and 422 children (42.42% boys) 3 to 6 years-old. Statistical analyses of the two age groups included: Pearson´s correlations to explore the relationships among variables, Cluster Analysis to create groups with different levels of aggression, and finally discriminant analysis to determine which variables discriminate between groups. The results show that high levels of frustration/negative affect in the 1–3 year-old group and low effortful control in children 3 to 6 years old are the most relevant variables in differentiating between aggressive and non-aggressive subjects. Nevertheless, differential profiles of subjects with high levels of proactive versus reactive aggression were not observed. The implications of these different types of aggression in terms of development and prevention are discussed.
Human leukocyte telomere length is associated with DNA methylation levels in multiple subtelomeric and imprinted loci
Authors: Buxton Jessica L. , Suderman Matthew , Pappas Jane J. , Borghol Nada , McArdle Wendy , Blakemore Alexandra I. F. , Hertzman Clyde , Power Christine , Szyf Moshe , Pembrey Marcus
Published: May 2014

In humans, leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is positively correlated with lifespan and shorter LTL is associated with increased risk of age-related disease. In this study we tested for association between telomere length and methylated cytosine levels. Measurements of mean telomere length and DNA methylation at >450,000 CpG sites were obtained for both blood (N = 24) and EBV-transformed cell-line (N = 36) DNA samples from men aged 44–45 years. We identified 65 gene promoters enriched for CpG sites at which methylation levels are associated with leukocyte telomere length and 36 gene promoters enriched for CpG sites at which methylation levels are associated with telomere length in DNA from EBV-transformed cell-lines. We observed significant enrichment of positively associated methylated CpG sites in subtelomeric loci (within 4 Mb of the telomere) (P < 0.01) and also at loci in imprinted regions (P < 0.001). Our results pave the way for further investigations to help elucidate the relationships between telomere length, DNA methylation and gene expression in health and disease.
Microbial degradation of terrigenous dissolved organic matter and potential consequences for carbon cycling in brown-water streams
Authors: Fasching Christina , Behounek Barbara , Singer Gabriel A. , Battin Tom J.
Published: May 2014

Streams receive substantial terrestrial deliveries of dissolved organic matter (DOM). The chromophoric (CDOM) fraction of terrestrial deliveries confers the brown colour to streamwater, often understood as browning and plays a central role in aquatic photochemistry and is generally considered resistant to microbial metabolism. To assess the relevance of terrigenous DOM for carbon fluxes mediated by stream microorganisms, we determined the bioavailable fraction of DOM and microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) and related these measures to partial pressure of CO2 in headwater streams spanning across a browning gradient. Fluorescence and absorbance analyses revealed high molecular weight and aromaticity and elevated contributions from humic-like components to characterize terrestrial CDOM. We found that microorganisms metabolized this material at the cost of low CUE and shifted its composition (from fluorescence and absorbance) towards less aromatic and low-molecular weight compounds. Respiration (from CUE) was related to CO2 supersaturation in streams and this relationship was modulated by DOM composition. Our findings imply that terrigenous DOM is respired by microorganisms rather than incorporated into their biomass and that this channelizes terrigenous carbon to the pool of CO2 potentially outgassing from streams into the atmosphere. This finding may gain relevance as major terrigenous carbon stores become mobilized and browning progresses.
A novel nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis method for effective separation and simultaneous determination of aurantio-obtusin, emodin and rhein in semen cassiae and cassia seed tea
Authors: Wang Ning , Wu Yuanyuan , Wu Xingqiang , Liang Shuxuan , Sun Hanwen
Published: May 2014

A novel method using nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis-UV detection was used for the effective separation and rapid simultaneous determination of anthraquinones, aurantio-obtusin, emodin and rhein, in semen cassiae and cassia seed tea.
A signal on aptamer-based electrochemical sensing platform using a triple-helix molecular switch
Authors: Du Yudan , Mao Yinfei , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin , Yan Genping , Liu Jinquan , Wang Yonghong
Published: May 2014

A signal on aptamer-based electrochemical sensing platform was demonstrated by taking advantage of a triple-helix molecular switch, which contained a label-free target specific aptamer sequence and a hairpin-shaped structured signal transduction probe.
Visual detection of Cu(ii) ions based on a simple pyrene derivative using click chemistry
Authors: Yang Yanbo , Yao Zhiyi , Tang Baiyang , Yu Junhua , Bi Xiaolin , Zhao Yuliang , Wu Hai-Chen
Published: May 2014

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for the visual detection of Cu2+in aqueous media has been developed based on a “click” reaction between a pyrene azide and a positively charged terminal alkyne.
Development of a highly sensitive sensing platform for T4 polynucleotide kinase phosphatase and its inhibitors based on WS2nanosheets
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Ge Jia , Wang Xiangyu , Wu Zhan , Shen Guoli , Yu Ruqin
Published: May 2014

A novel strategy for nucleotide kinase phosphatase activity assay based on WS2nanosheets.
Variable-composition structural optimization and experimental verification of MnB3and MnB4
Authors: Niu Haiyang , Chen Xing-Qiu , Ren Weijun , Zhu Qiang , Oganov Artem R. , Li Dianzhong , Li Yiyi
Published: May 2014

Variable-composition evolutionary algorithm calculations combined with first-principles calculations have uncovered four viable group compounds, Mn2B, MnB, MnB4and previously never reported MnB3, in the well-known Mn–B binary system.
Polymer-supported catalysts for clean preparation of n-butanol
Authors: Jiang Haibin , Lu Shuliang , Zhang Xiaohong , Peng Hui , Dai Wei , Qiao Jinliang
Published: May 2014

Embedding of alloy particles into a polymer surface ensures both firm supporting and easy activation.
Short-range Li diffusion vs. long-range ionic conduction in nanocrystalline lithium peroxide Li2O2—the discharge product in lithium-air batteries
Authors: Dunst A. , Epp V. , Hanzu I. , Freunberger S. A. , Wilkening M.
Published: May 2014

Conductivity spectroscopy and 7Li spin-locking NMR relaxometry reveal enhanced ion dynamics in nanocrystalline Li2O2 prepared by high-energy ball milling.
Advanced materials from corn: isosorbide-based epoxy resins
Authors: Hong J. , Radojčić D. , Ionescu M. , Petrović Z. S. , Eastwood E.
Published: May 2014

Water soluble epoxy resins were prepared from diglycidyl ethers of isosorbide (DGEI) and isosorbide diamine (ISODA).
Catalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid via copper–polypyridyl complex immobilized on glass
Authors: Singh Vikram , Mondal Prakash Chandra , Chhatwal Megha , Jeyachandran Yekkoni Lakshmanan , Zharnikov Michael
Published: May 2014

A monolayer of redox-active copper–polypyridyl complexes on glass support was utilized for catalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid showing high performance.
Viral nanoparticles as antigen carriers: influence of shape on humoral immune responses in vivo
Authors: Wei Deqiang , Zhao Xia , Chen Limin , Lan Xingguo , Li Yuhua , Lin Yuan , Wang Qian
Published: May 2014

Rod-shaped viral nanoparticles serve as effective carriers for small molecular haptens with improved humoral immune responses in vivo.
LiV3O8 nanorods as cathode materials for high-power and long-life rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Mei Peng , Wu Xing-Long , Xie Haiming , Sun Liqun , Zeng Yanping , Zhang Jingping , Tai Linghua , Guo Xin , Cong Lina , Ma Shunchao , Yao Cen , Wang Rongshun
Published: May 2014

Much enhanced capacity retention abilities, improved high-rate performance and long-term stability have been attained for LiV3O8 nanorods synthesized by a two-step route using VO2(B) nanosheets as the precursor.
The smallest organocatalyst in highly enantioselective direct aldol reaction in wet solvent-free conditions
Authors: Bhowmick Sudipto , Kunte Sunita S. , Bhowmick Kartick C.
Published: May 2014

The catalytic efficacy of the smallest organocatalyst, l-proline hydrazide, prepared from a cheaply available natural amino acid, such as l-proline, was studied for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction of various ketones with aromatic aldehydes at room temperature in the presence of several acid additives.
Creation of a superhydrophobic surface from a sublimed smectic liquid crystal
Authors: Kim Dae Seok , Cha Yun Jeong , Kim Hanim , Kim Mun Ho , Kim Yun Ho , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: May 2014

Dual-scale structures showing superhydrophobic characteristics have been fabricated using sublimable smectic liquid crystals.
Pore structure controllable synthesis of mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)s by copolymerization of alkylvinylimidazolium salts and divinylbenzene
Authors: Feng Xuping , Gao Chenjue , Guo Zengjing , Zhou Yu , Wang Jun
Published: May 2014

By chain radical copolymerizations of imidazolium-type ionic liquids and divinylbenzene, mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)s with tunable pore structures were synthesized.
Structure and properties of 1-amino-2-nitroguanidinium nitrate
Authors: Jin Xinghui , Hu Bingcheng , Liu Zuliang , Lv Chunxu
Published: May 2014

A nitrogen-rich energetic material 1-amino-2-nitroguanidinium nitrate was fully investigated.
Structural and electronic properties of Pd-decorated graphene oxides and their effects on the adsorption of nitrogen oxides: insights from density functional calculations
Authors: Tang Shaobin , Zhu Jiayi
Published: May 2014

The Pd decoration on graphene oxides effectively modifies the structural and electronic properties of nanomaterials and improves the adsorption of nitrogen oxides.
Antigenically shielded universal red blood cells by polydopamine-based cell surface engineering
Authors: Wang Ben , Wang Guangchuan , Zhao Binjie , Chen Jiajun , Zhang Xueyun , Tang Ruikang
Published: May 2014

A strategy of surface engineering by using polydopamine was developed to shelter antigens on red blood cells and prevent coagulation reactions.
Buckling of dielectric elastomeric plates for soft, electrically active microfluidic pumps
Authors: Tavakol Behrouz , Bozlar Michael , Punckt Christian , Froehlicher Guillaume , Stone Howard A. , Aksay Ilhan A. , Holmes Douglas P.
Published: May 2014

Experiments on the voltage-induced buckling instability of thin, flexible plates to pump fluids within a microfluidic channel.
PAM/graphene/Ag ternary hydrogel: synthesis, characterization and catalytic application
Authors: Hu Huawen , Xin John H. , Hu Hong
Published: May 2014

Development of a 3D monolithic ternary composite architecture consisting of polyacrylamide network, functionalized graphene and silver nanoparticles using a facile, fast, and inexpensive water-based approach for highly efficient catalytic applications.