bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Social Constructivist Pedagogy to Implement Liberal Learning in Business Education
Authors: Chandler Jennifer D. , Teckchandani Atul
Published: July 2015

This article outlines how decision sciences instructors, by pairing Liberal Learning (LL) philosophy with Social Constructivist Pedagogy (SCP), can lead the way in transforming business education. It outlines how these educators can cultivate more critical thinking and creativity in their classrooms in order to prepare students for the ‘real problems’ they will face in today's complex and global world. Instructors can accomplish this when they adjust ‘how’ they teach (rather than ‘what’ they teach) so that students become active learners rather than passive listeners. The purpose of the article is to outline the outcomes advocated by the LL philosophy (Colby, Ehrlich, Sullivan, & Dolle, 2011), and describe how SCP, a pedagogical process, can help decision sciences instructors achieve these outcomes (Vygotsky, 1978). Instructors essentially become facilitators of discussion and dialogue rather than the sole distributor of knowledge in the classroom. Two sample implementations of SCP and LL are also discussed.
Could zoledronic acid prevent root resorption in replanted rat molar?
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Kim Mi Sun , Kwon Yong–dae , Kim Eun‐Cheol , Kim Kwang Chul , Choi Sung Chul
Published: July 2015

Background/Aim

In this study, we evaluated whether zoledronate could suppress the progression of external root resorption in rat due to delayed replantation by inhibiting osteoclastic activity. Also, we estimated the optimal dosage of zoledronate in root treatment of the rat model for a maximum effect of zoledronate.

Material and methods

Maxillary first molars in Sprague Dawley rats (N = 84) were extracted, dried for 60 min, and then replanted. The rats were divided into 6 groups (1 mM alendronate, and 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μM zoledronate). At 4 and 8 weeks postreplantation, the animals were sacrificed and evaluated by radiographic and histological analysis.

Results and Conclusion

There were no significant differences at 4 weeks. However, at 8 weeks, 10, 20, and 40 μM ZOL showed more increased radiopaque and smaller periapical lesion in radiographic analysis. In histological analysis, all groups showed similar inflammatory root resorption rate at 4 weeks. However, at 8 weeks, 20 and 40 μM ZOL showed lower rate than those of other groups (P < 0.05). In concerning of replacement resorption, there were no significant differences statistically. In this animal experiment, zoledronate was capable of limiting the occurrence of root resorption in delayed replantation model. In particular, 20 μM dosage of zoledronate solution showed the most effective dose in long‐term follow up and might be suitable for inhibition of root resorption in delayed tooth replantation.
High incidence of engraftment syndrome after haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chen Yao , Xu Lan‐Ping , Liu Kai‐Yan , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐Hong , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Yu , Wang Feng‐Rong , Han Wei , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Yan Chen‐Hua , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Sun Yu‐Qian , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: July 2015

We determined the incidence, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of engraftment syndrome (ES) in haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipients. We compared the incidence of ES between the patient group that received haploidentical SCT (n = 516) and the patient group that received HLA‐identical sibling SCT (n = 393). The transplantations were performed in the Peking University People's Hospital in the period between October 2001 and October 2012. The ES incidence data were collected retrospectively. Patients that presented non‐infectious fever or skin rash within the 24‐h window before or after the beginning of neutrophil recovery were diagnosed with ES in accordance with the Maiolino criteria. ES incidence in haploidentical SCT recipients (21.9%) was significantly higher than that in HLA‐identical sibling SCT recipients (2.0%; P < 0.001). Major symptoms included fever (119/121, 98.3%), skin rash (98/121, 81.0%), and diarrhea (51/121, 42.1%), with the median time of +10 d (range: 6–20 d). The median C‐reactive protein level of the ES group (99.0 mg/L; n = 13) was significantly higher than that of the non‐ES group (13.9 mg/L; n = 38; P < 0.001). Similarly, the results showed that the median C3 plasma concentration of the ES group (1.30 g/L) was higher than that of the non‐ES group (1.16 g/L, P = 0.003). ES was not associated with non‐relapse mortality or overall survival. High incidence of ES was observed in haploidentical SCT recipients; however, ES did not predict poor clinical outcomes.
Influences of extreme weather, climate and pesticide use on invertebrates in cereal fields over 42 years
Authors: Ewald Julie A. , Wheatley Christopher J. , Aebischer Nicholas J. , Moreby Stephen J. , Duffield Simon J. , Crick Humphrey Q. P. , Morecroft Michael B.
Published: July 2015

Cereal fields are central to balancing food production and environmental health in the face of climate change. Within them, invertebrates provide key ecosystem services. Using 42 years of monitoring data collected in southern England, we investigated the sensitivity and resilience of invertebrates in cereal fields to extreme weather events and examined the effect of long‐term changes in temperature, rainfall and pesticide use on invertebrate abundance. Of the 26 invertebrate groups examined, eleven proved sensitive to extreme weather events. Average abundance increased in hot/dry years and decreased in cold/wet years for Araneae, Cicadellidae, adult Heteroptera, Thysanoptera, Braconidae, Enicmus and Lathridiidae. The average abundance of Delphacidae, Cryptophagidae and Mycetophilidae increased in both hot/dry and cold/wet years relative to other years. The abundance of all 10 groups usually returned to their long‐term trend within a year after the extreme event. For five of them, sensitivity to cold/wet events was lowest (translating into higher abundances) at locations with a westerly aspect. Some long‐term trends in invertebrate abundance correlated with temperature and rainfall, indicating that climate change may affect them. However, pesticide use was more important in explaining the trends, suggesting that reduced pesticide use would mitigate the effects of climate change.
Back to the future: using historical climate variation to project near‐term shifts in habitat suitable for coast redwood
Authors: Fernández Miguel , Hamilton Healy H. , Kueppers Lara M.
Published: July 2015

Studies that model the effect of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems often use climate projections from downscaled global climate models (GCMs). These simulations are generally too coarse to capture patterns of fine‐scale climate variation, such as the sharp coastal energy and moisture gradients associated with wind‐driven upwelling of cold water. Coastal upwelling may limit future increases in coastal temperatures, compromising GCMs’ ability to provide realistic scenarios of future climate in these coastal ecosystems. Taking advantage of naturally occurring variability in the high‐resolution historic climatic record, we developed multiple fine‐scale scenarios of California climate that maintain coherent relationships between regional climate and coastal upwelling. We compared these scenarios against coarse resolution GCM projections at a regional scale to evaluate their temporal equivalency. We used these historically based scenarios to estimate potential suitable habitat for coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens D. Don) under ‘normal’ combinations of temperature and precipitation, and under anomalous combinations representative of potential future climates. We found that a scenario of warmer temperature with historically normal precipitation is equivalent to climate projected by GCMs for California by 2020–2030 and that under these conditions, climatically suitable habitat for coast redwood significantly contracts at the southern end of its current range. Our results suggest that historical climate data provide a high‐resolution alternative to downscaled GCM outputs for near‐term ecological forecasts. This method may be particularly useful in other regions where local climate is strongly influenced by ocean–atmosphere dynamics that are not represented by coarse‐scale GCMs.
Global patterns of functional diversity and assemblage structure of island parasitoid faunas
Authors: Santos Ana M. C. , Cianciaruso Marcus V. , De Marco Paulo
Published: July 2015

Aim

The processes leading to the assembly of ecological communities can determine their functional structure. We assess the influence of biogeographical correlates associated with species diversity gradients on the global patterns of functional diversity of island parasitoid assemblages (Hymenoptera,Braconidae). We also evaluate whether island assemblages present a non‐random functional structure.

Location

Fifty‐three archipelagos distributed world‐wide.

Methods

Six traits related to morphology, attack strategy and development were used to measure functional diversity and determine the level of departure from randomness on trait diversity between islands and their corresponding species pool, through null models. We used generalized and partial regressions to determine the influence of different predictors (climate, regional and local island characteristics) on the functional diversity of island assemblages, comparing results with those obtained for species richness. We also evaluated whether any of the predictors or particular species traits were related to the patterns obtained when comparing island assemblages with null models.

Results

Most of the geographical variation in functional diversity was not explained by the predictors evaluated, while for species richness these explained over 70% of spatial variation. The abiotic characteristics of islands with functionally clustered parasitoid biotas (c. 40% of all islands) did not differ from those of other islands. Comparisons between functionally clustered assemblages and those expected randomly from the species pool indicated a higher percentage of that the former included proportionally fewer ectoparasitoid and idiobiont species, which attack fewer host orders and prefer the egg and larval stages of their hosts.

Main conclusions

The predictors correlated with functional diversity differ from those driving species richness patterns. We argue that biotic filters associated with the structure of the host communities may be important determinants of the assembly of many island parasitoid faunas, leading to assemblages dominated by species presenting particular ranges of trait values that differ from those in their pool of potential colonists.
The contribution of patch‐scale conditions is greater than that of macroclimate in explaining local plant diversity in fragmented forests across Europe
Authors: Valdés Alicia , Lenoir Jonathan , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Andrieu Emilie , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Closset‐Kopp Déborah , Cousins Sara A. O. , Deconchat Marc , De Frenne Pieter , De Smedt Pallieter , Diekmann Martin , Hansen Karin , Hermy Martin , Kolb Annette , Liira Jaan , Lindgren Jessica , Naaf Tobias , Paal Taavi , Prokofieva Irina , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Wulf Monika , Verheyen Kris , Decocq Guillaume
Published: July 2015

Aim

Macroclimate is a major determinant of large‐scale diversity patterns. However, the influence of smaller‐scale factors on local diversity across large spatial extents is not well documented. Here, we quantify the relative importance of local (patch‐scale), landscape‐scale and macroclimatic drivers of herbaceous species diversity in small forest patches in agricultural landscapes across Europe.

Location

Deciduous forest patches in eight regions along a macroclimatic gradient from southern France to central Sweden and Estonia.

Methods

The diversity of forest specialists and generalists at three levels (whole forest patch, sampling plots within patches and between scales) was related to patch‐scale (forest area, age, abiotic and biotic heterogeneity), landscape‐scale (amount of forest, grasslands and hedgerows around the patch, patch isolation) and macroclimatic variables (temperature and precipitation) using generalized linear mixed models and variation partitioning for each group of variables.

Results

The total amount of explained variation in diversity ranged from 8% for plot‐scale diversity of generalists to 54% for patch‐scale diversity of forest specialists. Patch‐scale variables always explained more than 60% of the explained variation in diversity, mainly due to the positive effect of within‐patch heterogeneity on patch‐scale and between‐scale diversities and to the positive effect of patch age on plot‐scale diversity of forest specialists. Landscape‐scale variables mainly contributed to the amount of explained variation in plot‐scale diversity, being more important for forest specialists (21%) than for generalists (18%). Macroclimatic variables contributed a maximum of 11% to the plot‐scale diversity of generalists.

Main conclusions

Macroclimate poorly predicts local diversity across Europe, and herbaceous diversity is mainly explained by habitat features, less so by landscape structure. We show the importance of conserving old forest patches as refugia for typical forest species, and of enhancing the landscape context around the patches by reducing the degree of disturbance caused by agriculture.
Concomitant occurrence of Mikulicz's disease and immunoglobulin G4‐related chronic rhinosinusitis: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases
Authors: Piao Yingshi , Wang Chengshuo , Yu Wenling , Mao Meiling , Yue Changli , Liu Honggang , Zhang Luo
Published: July 2015

Aims

Concomitant occurrence of Mikulicz's disease (MD) and immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related chronic rhinosinusitis (IgG4‐related CRS) is extremely rare. We evaluated the clinicopathological features of MD patients with concomitant IgG4‐related CRS (CRS‐MD).

Methods and results

Twelve CRS‐MD patients were evaluated clinically and biopsy samples were taken from the lacrimal/salivary glands (n = 12) and nasal mucosa (n = 7) for assessment of IgG4‐positive cells, using immunohistochemical techniques. Similarly, nine MD patients and 10 patients with common CRS were evaluated as controls. CRS‐MD patients had higher serum IgG and IgG4 concentrations than MD patients (P < 0.05 for both). Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, lymphoid follicle formation and sclerosis was prominent in the lacrimal/salivary glands in both groups; however, the magnitude of IgG4‐positive plasma cells infiltration in the CRS‐MD group was significantly higher compared to the MD group (P = 0.004). Similarly, evaluation of nasal mucosa revealed greater lymphocyte, plasma cell and eosinophil infiltration and lymphoid follicle formation, together with significantly higher IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration in the CRS‐MD group compared to the common CRS group (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Concomitant MD and IgG4‐related CRS were characterized by a combination of IgG4‐positive plasma cells infiltration in the lacrimal/salivary glands and the nasal mucosa and increased serum IgG4.
Physical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of starch‐based film containing ethanolic propolis extract
Authors: de Araújo Grace Kelly P. , de Souza Silvio J. , da Silva Marcos V. , Yamashita Fabio , Gonçalves Odinei H. , Leimann Fernanda V. , Shirai Marianne A.
Published: July 2015

Propolis is a natural product that meets the requirements as functional additive for food packaging due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this work, ethanolic propolis extract (EPE) was incorporated in cassava starch films, and characterisations with respect to their microstructure, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture sorption kinetics as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities were performed. The results showed that tensile strength was not affected (P > 0.05) by the presence of EPE but Young's modulus decreased about 50% when compared to control films possibly because of EPE plasticiser effect. When 1% EPE was used, changes in moisture sorption properties were detected by a slightly hydrophobic character at films WVP. When extracted from the films, propolis retained its antioxidant activity. The films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli even at low EPE concentrations (0.5%) mainly due to its phenolic compounds.
‘Pharmacists have been left out of the loop’: exploring the role of pharmacists in the management of HIV/AIDS in South Africa
Authors: Gilbert Leah
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this paper is to portray and critically analyse the role played by pharmacists in the management of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

Methods

The data used for this article originate in secondary and primary sources. They were collected by means of a documentary analysis of all relevant documents of significance as well as exploratory telephone interviews conducted with a systematic random sample of community pharmacies in Greater Johannesburg in 2004 and 2010.

Key findings

It is clear from the original strategic framework that the government envisaged pharmacists playing a significant role in the various facets of the epidemic. Following these intentions, the South African Pharmacy Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa embarked on a process of establishing AIDS Resource Centres in pharmacies. However, although in some areas pharmacists are contributing to the management of HIV/AIDS, the overall scenario revealed is that of lack of willingness to go for additional training and/or to invest in restructuring the pharmacy to ‘accommodate’ the activities of an ‘AIDS Resource Centre’ without the prospects of adequate financial gains. In a parallel process, the original, more meaningful role for pharmacists in the management of HIV/AIDS has not been featured in recent professional and governmental documentation.

Conclusion

The reality on the ground is that of a missed opportunity as the pharmacists have not risen to the challenge and they remain on the margins, and not at the centre, of those professionals managing HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
Potential application of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Hu Liang‐Hao , Ji Jun‐Tao , Li Zhao‐Shen
Published: July 2015

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disease typified by end‐stage fibrosis. This disease can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The associated diagnosis, pain and other complications further add to the burden of disease management. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in identifying miRNAs and their physiological functions, including mRNA repression and protein expression control. Given the extensive effort made on miRNA research, a close correlation has been discovered between certain types of miRNAs and disease progression, particularly for tissue fibrosis. Designing miRNA‐related tools for disease diagnosis and therapeutic treatments presents a novel and potential research frontier. In the current review, we discuss various miRNAs closely interacting with CP, as well as the possible development of targeted miRNA therapies in managing this disease.
Analysis of provider specialties in the treatment of patients with clinically diagnosed back and joint problems
Authors: Wilson Fernando A. , Licciardone John C. , Kearns Cathleen M. , Akuoko Mathias
Published: July 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Although several studies have compared patient outcomes by provider specialty in the treatment of back and joint pain, little is known about the cost‐effectiveness of improving patient outcomes across specialties. This study uses a large‐scale, nationally representative database to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of being treated by specific provider specialists for back and joint pain in the United States.

Method

The 2002–2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were used to examine patients diagnosed with back and/or joint problems seeking treatment from doctors (internal medicine, family/general, osteopathic medicine, orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology) or other providers (chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, massage therapist). A total of 16 546 respondents aged 18 to 85 and clinically diagnosed with back/joint pain were examined. Self‐reported measures of physical and mental health and general quality of life (measured by the EuroQol‐5D) were compared with average total costs of treatment across medical providers.

Results

Total annual treatment costs per person ranged from $397 for family/general doctors to $1205 for rheumatologists. Cost‐effectiveness analysis suggests that osteopathic, family/general, internal medicine doctors and chiropractors and massage therapists were more cost‐effective than other specialties in improving physical function to back pain patients. For mental health measures, family/general and orthopaedic doctors and physical therapists were more cost‐effective compared with other specialties. Similar to results on physical function, family/general, osteopathic and internal medicine doctors dominated other specialties. However, only massage therapy was cost‐effective among non‐doctor providers in improving quality of life measures.

Conclusions

Patients seeking care for back and joint‐related health problems face a wide range of treatments, costs and outcomes depending on which specialist provider they see. This study provides important insight on the relationship between health care costs and patients' perceived physical and mental health status from receiving treatment for diagnosed back/joint problems.
School Gardens Enhance Academic Performance and Dietary Outcomes in Children
Authors: Berezowitz Claire K. , Bontrager Yoder Andrea B. , Schoeller Dale A.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Schools face increasing demands to provide education on healthy living and improve core academic performance. Although these appear to be competing concerns, they may interact beneficially. This article focuses on school garden programs and their effects on students' academic and dietary outcomes.

METHODS

Database searches in CABI, Web of Science, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Education Full Text, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsychINFO were conducted through May 2013 for peer‐reviewed literature related to school‐day garden interventions with measures of dietary and/or academic outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 12 identified garden studies with dietary measures, all showed increases/improvements in predictors of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption. Seven of these also included self‐reported FV intake with 5 showing an increase and 2 showing no change. Four additional interventions that included a garden component measured academic outcomes; of these, 2 showed improvements in science achievement and 1 measured and showed improvements in math scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This small set of studies offers evidence that garden‐based learning does not negatively impact academic performance or FV consumption and may favorably impact both. Additional studies with more robust experimental designs and outcome measures are necessary to understand the effects of experiential garden‐based learning on children's academic and dietary outcomes.
Extracurricular Activities and Bullying Perpetration: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Riese Alison , Gjelsvik Annie , Ranney Megan L.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Bullying is a widespread problem for school‐aged children and adolescents. Interventions to reduce bullying are not well disseminated. Extracurricular involvement is, however, common. This study aims to examine the relationship between parent‐reported participation in extracurricular activities and bullying perpetration.

METHODS

Using the 2011 National Survey of Children's Health, 62,215 interviews with parents of children 6 to 17 were analyzed. Extracurricular categories of sports only, sports + nonsport, nonsport only, and no activities were based on parental response to questions regarding sport teams/lessons, clubs, and organizations. Bullying was derived from report of the child “bullying or being cruel/mean to others.” Weighted bivariate analyses, logistic regression, and sex/race/ethnicity/age stratified analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of children participated in extracurricular activities: 8% sports, 48% sports + nonsports, and 24% nonsports. Bullying perpetration was reported in 15% of the sample. Compared with those not participating in extracurricular activities, the odds of bullying were significantly lower for children who participated in sports + nonsports (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57‐0.79) and nonsport only (AOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70‐0.97). Stratified analyses showed attenuated effects of extracurricular activities for boys and for Hispanics.

CONCLUSIONS

Children who participate in a variety of extracurricular activities exhibit the least frequent bullying perpetration.
Adoption of Safe Routes to School in Canadian and the United States Contexts: Best Practices and Recommendations
Authors: Macridis Soultana , García Bengoechea Enrique
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Declines in physical activity (PA) in children and youth have contributed to increases in childhood overweight and obesity. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program was developed to promote school active transportation (AT) and reverse the trend.

METHODS

Adopting concepts of a realist approach, this article seeks to understand strategies of adoption that worked in the Canadian and United States context. Inclusion criteria consisted of adoption of SRTS program, identification and definition of SRTS, implementation in Canada /United States, and partnership identified.

RESULTS

Partnerships focused on increasing the number of children using AT to school. With unique political and funding atmospheres, a common strategy was developing multilevel comprehensive partnerships to mobilize knowledge and resources, as well as to align intervention planning. Key successes, tools used to measure success, as well as benefits, challenges and lessons learned from partnerships were identified.

CONCLUSION

This article is the first attempt to examine SRTS at the state/provincial/city level to understand key adoption strategies using a realist approach. It found collaborative community‐research partnerships that initiated SRTS and created cultural shifts in communities from the individual to policy level. Researchers, schools and communities interested in increasing school AT should consider SRTS as a valuable approach.
Correlates to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Status and Willingness to Vaccinate in Low‐Income Philadelphia High School Students
Authors: Bass Sarah B. , Leader Amy , Shwarz Michelle , Greener Judith , Patterson Freda
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination or willingness to be vaccinated in urban, minority adolescents.

METHODS

Using responses to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Philadelphia, a random sample of high schools provided weighted data representing 20,941 9th to 12th graders. Stratified by either having had or willingness to have the vaccine, bivariate analysis with sexual behavior, preventive health behaviors, mental health, substance use, and demographic characteristics were examined and then multivariable regression models were developed to estimate significant correlates.

RESULTS

Respondents were 52.3% female, 84.4% non‐White, and 65.9% ≥16 years; 43% reported having had the HPV vaccine, and of those not vaccinated, 66% reported willingness to be vaccinated. Logistic regression models indicate that females (odds ratio [OR] = 3.12, p < .01) and those reporting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing (OR = 2.10, p < .01) were more likely to be vaccinated. Those reporting condom use during last intercourse (OR = 0.40; p = .05) and current marijuana use (OR = 0.37; p = .03) were less likely to indicate willingness to be vaccinated.

CONCLUSIONS

Important areas for intervention include addressing misconceptions or feelings of “immunity,” especially for those using condoms. Understanding the correlation between HIV testing and HPV vaccination is also an important intervention opportunity for schools hoping to increase adolescent vaccination rates.
School‐Based Sex Education and Neuroscience: What We Know About Sex, Romance, Marriage, and Adolescent Brain Development
Authors: Ballonoff Suleiman Ahna , Johnson Megan , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Galván Adriana
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Many school‐based abstinence‐only sex education curricula state that sexual activity outside of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological effects. Recent advances in neuroscience have expanded our understanding of the neural underpinnings of romantic love, marriage, sexual desire, and sexual behavior and improved our understanding of adolescent brain development.

METHODS

In this article, we review recent advances in neuroscience and clarify what is known about the link between neural development and adolescent romantic and sexual behavior and what opportunities exist for future research.

RESULTS

Whereas the evidence from neuroscience does not yet allow for clear conclusions about the cost or benefits of early romantic relationships and sexual behavior, it does indicate that providing developmentally appropriate education contributes to lifelong sexual health.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing policies and practices for school‐based sex education that reflect current research will best support the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents throughout their lives.
Effect of White Wheat Flour Substitution with Whole Oat Flour on Physical Properties of Part‐Baked Frozen Bread
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Raissjalali Aida , Jamalian Jalal , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to improve the shelf life and nutrition quality of bread by combination of part‐baked frozen technology and white wheat flour replacement with 0, 10, 20 and 30% (w/w) of whole oat flour (WOF). Part‐baked breads were produced at 200C for 7 min followed by freezing at −18C for 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and re‐baking at 230C for 8.5 min. Increasing the level of WOF enhanced water absorption, dough development time and dough softening while reduced dough stability time. Peak viscosity, trough and final viscosities reduced while pasting temperature increased. Baking weight loss increased with frozen storage time but reduced with addition of WOF. Frozen storage time and flour replacement enhanced bread density and firmness. Inclusion of maximum 10% WOF resulted in bread with similar sensory properties to those of control with a minimum shelf life of 28 days at −18C.

Practical Applications

Oat grains are well known for their health benefits and have been used in bread and other foods to improve their nutritional value. Oat bread has been produced already by conventional methods, while there is little information to show the possibility of production of oat bread using part‐baked frozen breads technology. This technology has a growing market as it can enhance the quality and shelf life of the bread. The results of this research indicated that replacement of maximum 10% wheat flour with whole oat flour can result in satisfactory part‐baked bread with frozen shelf life of 28 days. This study can provide further information on application of whole oat flour as an excellent source of dietary fiber (mainly β‐glucan) and bioactive compounds with health benefits in bread production industry in order to respond to the increasing demand for a wider variety of healthy breads with longer shelf life.
A blindsnake that decapitates its termite prey
Authors: Mizuno T. , Kojima Y.
Published: July 2015

Almost all snakes swallow their prey whole. However, a few species are known as exceptions. Two species ofAsian crab‐eating snakes tear off crab legs and ingest them one at a time to eat prey that is otherwise too large. Two species of leptotyphlopid blindsnakes break off the head of termites or suck abdominal contents of termites, discarding remains of termites. Here, we show that a typhlopid blindsnakeIndotyphlops braminusdecapitates its termite prey and consumes only the thorax and abdomen. In our feeding trials,I. braminusdecapitated a median of 47% of termites they eat, while swallowing the remaining termites whole. Decapitation did not affect ingestion speed, and therefore, it is unlikely that decapitation assists for fast ingestion. Ingested termite heads often remain undigested in the feces, implying that the decapitation functions to remove an indigestible part of termites. Decapitation might also be related to circumvention of chemical defenses of termites because termite heads often contain toxic compounds. These observations showed unusual feeding behavior used by a basal snake, which could be associated with removal of indigestible and/or toxic parts of prey items.
Rights Restoration and the Entanglement of US Criminal and Civil Law: A
Study of New York's “Certificates of Relief”
Authors: Ewald Alec C.
Published: July 2015

Despite burgeoning interest in prisoner re‐entry and the “collateral
consequences” of criminal convictions, we know little about the practical
operation of policies governing the rights and privileges of people with
criminal convictions. This study examines New York's Certificates of Relief
from Civil Disabilities to explore the workings of the US carceral state at
the intersection of criminal and civil law. These certificates remove some
legal restrictions accompanying convictions, particularly licensure
barriers, and are easier to achieve than pardons; other states have used New
York's policy as a model. Interviews with judges and probation officers
reveal deep variations in how they understand and award certificates. In
some cases, differences stem from informal local agreements, particularly
concerning firearms in rural communities; in others, from discretionary
judgments in a context of legal ambiguity. These practices demonstrate how
specific legal, organizational, and cultural factors contribute to
complexity and variation in the US carceral state.
Flail arm syndrome with cytoplasmic vacuoles in remaining anterior horn motor neurons: A peculiar variant of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Hino Shuji , Sasaki Shoichi
Published: July 2015

Flail arm (FA) syndrome, a minor subtype of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is characterized by progressive weakness and upper girdle wasting, but the associated pathological changes remain unclear. A 59‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with a 3‐year history of upper girdle weakness. Bulbar symptom and gait disturbance gradually developed, and he was clinically diagnosed with FA syndrome. After a 10‐year disease course, he died of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Neuropathological examination revealed severe motor neuronal loss in the brain stem and anterior horn of the cervical spinal cord with bilateral pyramidal tract degeneration. The histological findings were consistent with typical ALS, including Bunina bodies and Lewy body‐like and skein‐like inclusions. Cytoplasmic vacuoles were found in the remaining anterior horn motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord. This is a unique autopsy case with a long‐standing clinical course that suggests that FA syndrome is an atypical form of ALS.
Margaret Cavendish on Perception, Self‐Knowledge, and Probable Opinion
Authors: Boyle Deborah
Published: July 2015

Scholarly interest in Margaret Cavendish's philosophical views has steadily increased over the past decade, but her epistemology has received little attention, and no consensus has emerged; Cavendish has been characterized as a skeptic, as a rationalist, as presenting an alternative epistemology to both rationalism and empiricism, and even as presenting no clear theory of knowledge at all. This paper concludes that Cavendish was only a modest skeptic, for she believed that humans can achieve knowledge through sensitive and rational perception as well as through self‐knowledge and can form probable opinions through reasoning.
Philosophy and the Biology of Male Homosexuality
Authors: Lemeire Olivier , De Block Andreas
Published: July 2015

This paper is a review of how biological as well as other scientific theories, concepts and findings have been used to answer philosophical questions regarding the nature of male homosexuality. We argue that while these sciences are certainly relevant for present philosophical debates, few of the different philosophical issues surrounding male homosexuality can be settled by science alone. In the first section, we introduce a number of various essentialist and constructivist views on (male) homosexuality. The second section focuses on the innateness debate over homosexuality. In the last section, we assess the typically constructivist critiques of biological research into homosexuality.
Conscientious Objection by Health Care Professionals
Authors: Wester Gry
Published: July 2015

Certain health care services and goods, although legal and often generally accepted in a society, are by some considered morally problematic. Debates on conscientious objection in health care try to resolve whether and when physicians, nurses and pharmacists should be allowed to refuse to provide medical services and goods because of their ethical or religious beliefs. These debates have most often focused on issues such as how to balance the interests of patients and health care professionals, and the compatibility of conscientious objection with professional obligations, but it is also possible to think about conscientious objection in terms of how to respond to moral disagreement and the requirements of liberal neutrality.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast with prominent osteoclastic giant cells: A case expressing receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)
Authors: Tajima Shogo , Koda Kenji , Fukayama Masashi
Published: July 2015

Primary sarcomas of the breast are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast neoplasms. Leiomyosarcoma is one of the least common breast sarcoma subtypes, and less than 50 cases of primary breast leiomyosarcomas have been reported in the English literature. In other types of leiomyosarcoma, osteoclastic giant cells (OGCs) are occasionally admixed with tumor cells; however, this is rarely seen in primary breast leiomyosarcoma. We herein present the case of a 50‐year‐old woman with OGC‐containing primary breast leiomyosarcoma whose tumor cells showed positive immunostaining for receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). The presence of OGCs in tumors generally indicates tumor aggressiveness. This is true for leiomyosarcoma of the soft tissue and might be true for leiomyosarcoma of primary breast origin. Regarding RANKL expression, in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in which OGCs expressing RANK were abundant, tumor cells are known for expressing RANKL. Therapy targeting RANKL decreases the number of tumor cells of GCTB. Our findings are clinically relevant as they indicate that RANKL expression should be investigated in various tumors containing OGCs. This might lead to the development of future molecule‐targeted therapy.
Non‐anaemic iron deficiency impairs response to pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD
Authors: Barberan‐Garcia Anael , Rodríguez Diego Agustín , Blanco Isabel , Gea Joaquim , Torralba Yolanda , Arbillaga‐Etxarri Ane , Barberà Joan Albert , Vilaró Jordi , Roca Josep , Orozco‐Levi Mauricio
Published: July 2015

Background and objective

Non‐anaemic iron deficiency (NAID) might alter the oxygen pathway in health and disease. The current study aims at assessing the impact of NAID on aerobic capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A prospective sample of 70 non‐anaemic COPD patients candidate to participate in an 8‐week pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme was studied. Incremental cycling exercise to peak oxygen uptake (V'O2peak) and constant work‐rate exercise at 80% V'O2peak to exhaustion were assessed pre‐ and post‐PR. Training‐induced increase of endurance time (ET) ≥33%, which represented the minimal clinically important difference, classified patients as responders to exercise training.

Results

The prevalence of NAID was 48% (n = 34) showing no relationship with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages (P = 0.209). Patients with NAID showed lower pre‐training ET (P = 0.033) and V'O2peak (P = 0.007) than normal iron status (NIS) patients after adjustment for potential covariates. Significant training‐induced physiological changes were seen in the NIS group (ΔV'O2peak 68(132) mL/min; P = 0.009), but not in the NAID group (ΔV'O2peak 26 (126) mL/min; P = 0.269). The NAID group showed lower percentage of responders to training (56%) than the NIS group (78%) (P = 0.041).

Conclusions

COPD patients with NAID showed lower pre‐training aerobic capacity and reduced training‐induced response than NIS patients after adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Outsourcing, Importing and Innovation: Evidence from Firm‐level Data for Emerging Economies
Authors: Fritsch Ursula , Görg Holger
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates two sourcing strategies of firms, outsourcing and importing, and links these to innovation activities. The authors examine this empirically using firm‐level data for 28 emerging market economies and find robust evidence that outsourcing increases the likelihood to spend on R&D and via this channel raises innovation output, whereas importing increases innovation output, but not R&D. The results hold when implementing an instrumental variables approach. It is found that results crucially depend on the institutional environment in the economy, e.g. property rights and intellectual property rights protection. The results suggest that better institutions magnify the gains from importing, but not from outsourcing. EU countries also reap additional positive innovation effects from importing compared with non‐EU countries.
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Classroom Peer Context Questionnaire
Authors: Boor‐Klip Henrike J. , Segers Eliane , Hendrickx Marloes M. H. G. , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: July 2015

Children's view on the peer context in their classroom may differ from that of other informants, but no measure systematically examines children's own view. Therefore, we developed the Classroom Peer Context Questionnaire (CPCQ) and evaluated its reliability, validity, and stability in two studies. In Study 1, 464 children (Mage = 10.8 years, 53.2% girls) from 18 Grade 5 classrooms participated in 2 waves of data collection. In Study 2, 1538 children (Mage = 10.6 years, 47.2% girls) from 59 Grade 5 classrooms participated in 3 waves of data collection. Exploratory factor analyses in Study 1 revealed 5 dimensions labeled comfort, cooperation, conflict, cohesion, and isolation. Confirmatory factor analyses in Study 2 supported these 5 dimensions. Study 2 also demonstrated good reliability, validity, and stability for each dimension. Researchers and professionals in schools may use the CPCQ to obtain reliable and quick information on how children perceive the peer context in their classroom.
A survey of Lolium rigidum populations in citrus orchards: Factors explaining infestation levels
Authors: Atanackovic Valentina , Juárez‐Escario Alejandro , Recasens Jordi , Torra Joel
Published: July 2015

The presence of herbicide‐resistant Lolium rigidum in Mediterranean (Spanish) citrus orchards was reported in 2005 and it poses a serious threat to crop management. The main objective of this research was to investigate which components could be responsible for the persistence of annual ryegrass populations in Mediterranean mandarin and orange orchards. This is the first study regarding L. rigidum populations in Mediterranean citrus orchards. Surveys were conducted in 55 commercial citrus orchards in eastern Spain in 2013 by interviewing technicians who were working in cooperatives about crop management. The level of infestation by L. rigidum and the presence of harvester ants (Messor barbarus) then were estimated in the same orchards. The variables were subjected to a two‐dimensional analysis and both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted for each of the three L. rigidum density levels that had been established. The multivariate models showed the significant factors that were associated with various L. rigidum densities: (i) at a low density, the herbicides that were applied, the number of applications in 2013 and the type of irrigation (flood or drip); (ii) at a medium density, the presence of harvester ants; and (iii) at a high density, the herbicides that were applied in 2013. The results indicated that drip irrigation and one application of glyphosate mixed with other herbicides (or herbicides other than glyphosate) were associated with a lower L. rigidum density. The alternative management options that are presented here should help farmers to reduce weed problems in Mediterranean citrus orchards. Future research is required to better understand the presence of herbicide‐resistant populations, as well as the possible beneficial presence of granivorous ant species.
A hybrid PSO-PID approach for trajectory tracking application of a liquid level control process
Authors: Erguzel Turker Tekin
Published: July 2015

Water level control is a crucial step for steam generators (SG) which are widely used to control the temperature of nuclear power plants. The control process is therefore a challenging task to improve the performance of water level control system. The performance assessment is another consideration to underline. In this paper, in order to get better control of water level, the nonlinear process was first expressed in terms of a transfer function (TF), a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller was then attached to the model. The parameters of the PID controller was finally optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach can make an effective tracking of a given level set or reference trajectory.
Exact boundary controllability of Galerkin approximations of Navier-Stokes system for soret convection
Authors: Ravindran Sivaguru S.
Published: July 2015

We study the exact controllability of finite dimensional Galerkin approximation of a Navier-Stokes type system describing doubly diffusive convection with Soret effect in a bounded smooth domain in Rd (d = 2, 3) with controls on the boundary. The doubly diffusive convection system with Soret effect involves a difficult coupling through second order terms. The Galerkin approximations are introduced undercertain assumptions on the Galerkin basis related to the linear independence of suitable traces of its elements over the boundary. By Using Hilbert uniqueness method in combination with a fixed point argument, we prove that the finite dimensional Galerkin approximations are exactly controllable.