bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Japanese development and testing of the Network Establishment Practices Scale for Community and Public Health Nurses
Authors: Koshida Mihoko , Morita Takae 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe practices required by community and public health nurses to establish community networks mainly involve communicative competencies. Assessment through development and testing of such competencies is necessary for community and public health nurse educators and practitioners around the world to create and maintain a mutual support network. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a scale for community and public health nurse practices to establish and maintain community networks, and to then determine construct validity in a factorial structure model. The participants were 3970 community and public health nurses in Japan. A 43‐item list was developed from a literature review, individual interviews, and repeated examinations. The secondary structural model consisted of four factors with 21 items. The internal consistency of the 21 items was highly reliable (Cronbach's α = 0.915). Confirmatory factor analysis by structural equation modeling showed the fit criteria to be statistically significant. Attributes of the community and public health nurses (age, years of experience, work municipalities, work positions, and educational institutions) showed significant relationships with the scale scores. The findings validated the efficacy of the Network Establishment Practices Scale to assess community and public health nurse practices to establish community networks.
Phonological and articulation treatment approaches in Portuguese children with speech and language impairments: a randomized controlled intervention study
Authors: Lousada M. , Jesus Luis M. T. , Capelas S. , Margaça C. , Simões D. , Valente A. , Hall A. , Joffe V. L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn Portugal, the routine clinical practice of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in treating children with all types of speech sound disorder (SSD) continues to be articulation therapy (AT). There is limited use of phonological therapy (PT) or phonological awareness training in Portugal. Additionally, at an international level there is a focus on collecting information on and differentiating between the effectiveness of PT and AT for children with different types of phonologically based SSD, as well as on the role of phonological awareness in remediating SSD. It is important to collect more evidence for the most effective and efficient type of intervention approach for different SSDs and for these data to be collected from diverse linguistic and cultural perspectives.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of a PT and AT approach for treatment of 14 Portuguese children, aged 4.0–6.7 years, with a phonologically based SSD.Methods & ProceduresThe children were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment approaches (seven children in each group). All children were treated by the same SLT, blind to the aims of the study, over three blocks of a total of 25 weekly sessions of intervention. Outcome measures of phonological ability (percentage of consonants correct (PCC), percentage occurrence of different phonological processes and phonetic inventory) were taken before and after intervention. A qualitative assessment of intervention effectiveness from the perspective of the parents of participants was included.Outcomes & ResultsBoth treatments were effective in improving the participants’ speech, with the children receiving PT showing a more significant improvement in PCC score than those receiving the AT. Children in the PT group also showed greater generalization to untreated words than those receiving AT. Parents reported both intervention approaches to be as effective in improving their children's speech.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe PT (combination of expressive phonological tasks, phonological awareness, listening and discrimination activities) proved to be an effective integrated method of improving phonological SSD in children. These findings provide some evidence for Portuguese SLTs to employ PT with children with phonologically based SSD.
Participation and power in Indonesian oil palm plantations
Authors: Gillespie Piers 
Published: December 2012

AbstractParticipation is commonly accepted to be a process that brings stakeholders together to define issues and create mutually beneficial outcomes. In the fields of development and natural resource management, participation is such a widely accepted part of policy that it is rare to find a project or programme that does not exhort the practice of participation and stakeholder engagement. However, despite the considerable weight of orthodoxy advocating greater participation and stakeholder engagement in development, the participative processes and power relations underpinning such engagement are rarely analysed in careful detail. This is particularly the case with oil palm plantations in frontier Indonesia and the interactions between the principal stakeholders at the plantation‐community level. There has been minimal analysis to date appraising how such stakeholders interact in relation to a plantation, and there is limited description outlining the divergent viewpoints from such stakeholders. The paper argues that one local stakeholder group, oil palm smallholders, usually possess some agency in their decision‐making and interactions with a plantation organisation but that existing structural and informal modes of interaction often limit the transformative potential of participation for all stakeholders.
Oil palm and rural livelihoods in theAsia–Pacific region: An overview
Authors: Cramb Rob , Curry George N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe expansion of oil palm cultivation in theAsia–Pacific region in the past half century has engendered a major agro‐environmental transformation with significant implications for rural livelihoods. The transformation has taken different forms within and between countries, depending on local contexts, as well as involving an important transnational dimension in terms of regional flows of labour and capital, transboundary and global environmental impacts, and efforts to build international governance structures. This special issue is devoted to seven comparative case studies from across the region to highlight the complexity and diversity of the processes underway. In this introductory paper, we provide an overview of the major economic, social and environmental issues, the different modes of production that have been employed and the varying ways in which land, labour and capital have been mobilised in the region. This overview contextualises the specific studies that follow and emphasises the insights that arise from comparative analysis.
Condition-Number-Regularized Covariance Estimation
Authors: Won Joong-Ho , Lim Johan , Kim Seung-Jean , Rajaratnam Bala 
Published: December 2012

SummaryEstimation of high dimensional covariance matrices is known to be a difficult problem, has many applications and is of current interest to the larger statistics community. In many applications including the so-called ‘large p, small n’ setting, the estimate of the covariance matrix is required to be not only invertible but also well conditioned. Although many regularization schemes attempt to do this, none of them address the ill conditioning problem directly. We propose a maximum likelihood approach, with the direct goal of obtaining a well-conditioned estimator. No sparsity assumptions on either the covariance matrix or its inverse are imposed, thus making our procedure more widely applicable. We demonstrate that the proposed regularization scheme is computationally efficient, yields a type of Steinian shrinkage estimator and has a natural Bayesian interpretation. We investigate the theoretical properties of the regularized covariance estimator comprehensively, including its regularization path, and proceed to develop an approach that adaptively determines the level of regularization that is required. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of the regularized estimator in decision theoretic comparisons and in the financial portfolio optimization setting. The approach proposed has desirable properties and can serve as a competitive procedure, especially when the sample size is small and when a well-conditioned estimator is required.
Robust Estimation for Homoscedastic Regression in the Secondary Analysis of Case–Control Data
Authors: Wei Jiawei , Carroll Raymond J. , Müller Ursula U. , Keilegom Ingrid Van , Chatterjee Nilanjan 
Published: December 2012

SummaryPrimary analysis of case–control studies focuses on the relationship between disease D and a set of covariates of interest (Y, X). A secondary application of the case–control study, which is often invoked in modern genetic epidemiologic association studies, is to investigate the interrelationship between the covariates themselves. The task is complicated owing to the case–control sampling, where the regression of Y on X is different from what it is in the population. Previous work has assumed a parametric distribution for Y given X and derived semiparametric efficient estimation and inference without any distributional assumptions about X. We take up the issue of estimation of a regression function when Y given X follows a homoscedastic regression model, but otherwise the distribution of Y is unspecified. The semiparametric efficient approaches can be used to construct semiparametric efficient estimates, but they suffer from a lack of robustness to the assumed model for Y given X. We take an entirely different approach. We show how to estimate the regression parameters consistently even if the assumed model for Y given X is incorrect, and thus the estimates are model robust. For this we make the assumption that the disease rate is known or well estimated. The assumption can be dropped when the disease is rare, which is typically so for most case–control studies, and the estimation algorithm simplifies. Simulations and empirical examples are used to illustrate the approach.
Characterization of stress response in human retinal epithelial cells
Authors: Giansanti Vincenzo , Villalpando Rodriguez Gloria E. , Savoldelli Michelle , Gioia Roberta , Forlino Antonella , Mazzini Giuliano , Pennati Marzia , Zaffaroni Nadia , Scovassi Anna Ivana , Torriglia Alicia 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) involves demise of the retinal pigment epithelium and death of photoreceptors. In this article, we investigated the response of human adult retinal pigmented epithelial (ARPE‐19) cells to 5‐(N,N‐hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA), an inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchangers. We observed that ARPE‐19 cells treated with HMA are unable to activate ‘classical’ apoptosis but they succeed to activate autophagy. In the first 2 hrs of HMA exposure, autophagy is efficient in protecting cells from death. Thereafter, autophagy is impaired, as indicated by p62 accumulation, and this protective mechanism becomes the executioner of cell death. This switch in autophagy property as a function of time for a single stimulus is here shown for the first time. The activation of autophagy was observed, at a lesser extent, with etoposide, suggesting that this event might be a general response of ARPE cells to stress and the most important pathway involved in cell resistance to adverse conditions and toxic stimuli.
Nocturnal Penile Erections: The Role of RigiScan in the Diagnosis of Vascular Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Elhanbly Samir , Elkholy Ayman 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
To determine the etiology of cases with organic erectile dysfunction (ED), invasive techniques are needed that can induce patient anxiety and disturb test results.

Aim
To find any special patterns of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) records in cases of vasculogenic impotence that can differentiate cases of arterial and venous origin without resorting to the more invasive diagnostic tests.

Methods
This study included 95 cases of ED (77 cases with abnormal NPTR records plus 18 cases with normal NPTR). History taking and clinical examination with estimation of serum androgen hormones and postprandial blood glucose were done. All patients were then subjected to the following: NPTR monitoring using RigiScan device (Dacomed Corporation, Minneapolis, MN, USA), pharmacopenile duplex ultrasound examination, and redosing pharmacocavernosometry. According to the results of these tests, patients were classified into four groups: psychogenic, arteriogenic, venogenic, and combined arteriogenic–venogenic ED groups. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the different RigiScan parameters of venogenic group vs. the arteriogenic group was done. Best parameters were then retested by using them in prediction of veno-occlusive dysfunction (VOD) in all studied patients.

Main Outcome Measures
Different RigiScan parameters: number of events, duration of best episode, base tumescence, base rigidity, tip tumescence, and tip rigidity.

Results
RigiScan parameters were statistically lower in venogenic than in arteriogenic group and were more correlated with flow to maintain than the peak systolic velocity. ROC curve analysis showed that VOD can be predicted if the duration of the best event is &lt;11.5 minutes (diagnostic accuracy 83.7%) or tip rigidity is &lt;36.5% (diagnostic accuracy 81.6%). On generalizing these values in all patients, duration of best event showed diagnostic accuracy of 88.4%.

Conclusion
VOD can be predicted if duration of the best event of NPTR monitoring is less than 11.5 minutes, but the presence of concomitant arterial dysfunction cannot be excluded.
The Influence of Bolus to Infusion Delays on Plasma Tissue Plasminogen Activator Levels
Authors: Smith Curtis , Al-Nuaimi Yusur , Wainwright Jane , Sherrington Charles , Singh Arun , Kallingal Jouher , Douglass Christopher , Parry-Jones Adrian , Smith Craig , Dixit Anand , Majid Arshad 
Published: December 2012

Background Estimates of neuronal loss in acute ischemic stroke show that the typical patient may lose 1·9 million neurons each minute that treatment is delayed. Consequently, significant emphasis has been placed on early evaluation and thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), the only approved thrombolytic therapy. TPA should be administered as a bolus followed by an immediate infusion because of its short half life. However, in the real life clinical situation, delays in starting the infusion after the bolus can occur. Similarly, once infusion has started, interruptions in the infusion of TPA can also occur. These scenarios may result in lower serum concentrations which could decrease the effectiveness of thrombolysis. We sought to simulate, the influence of bolus infusion delays and also the influence of different intervals of interruptions in the infusion of TPA on serum TPA concentrations. Methods We simulated the effect of multiple intervals of delay after the bolus on serum TPA concentrations using known pharmacokinetics parameters of TPA. The effect of different intervals of interruptions in the infusion of TPA was also determined. The effect of rebolusing with TPA on serum concentrations in the event of significant bolus to infusion delays or significant infusion interruption was also simulated. Results Our data show that delays in starting the infusion may have significant effects on serum TPA concentrations. After the initial bolus, there is a rapid decrease in serum TPA concentrations unless the infusion is started immediately. Greater than 5 min delays in starting the infusion results in a slow gradual increase in serum TPA levels and levels stay well below the target concentrations for significant periods of time. Similarly, interruptions in the infusion of TPA lasting longer than 5 min can also significantly influence TPA levels. Rebolusing with TPA in these scenarios rapidly restores TPA levels to target concentrations. Conclusion Because of its short half life, TPA should be administered as a bolus followed by an immediate infusion. Bolus to infusion delays or interruptions in the infusion of TPA after the bolus may significantly impact serum TPA levels and may reduce the efficacy of thrombolysis. Protocols or administration regimens should be employed to prevent delays or interruptions in the infusion. When delays do occur, rebolusing of TPA may be needed to rapidly restore TPA to target levels.
Transferrin Saturation and Hospital Length of Stay and Mortality in Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Mainous Arch G. , Diaz Vanessa A. , Knoll Michele E. , Hulihan Mary M. , Grant Althea M. , Wright Robert U. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate in a large, nationally representative cohort the association between high serum transferrin saturation (TS) and hospital length of stay and mortality in older adults.DesignProspective cohort.SettingLongitudinal analyses of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey linked to Medicare claims from 1991 through 2006.ParticipantsMedicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older at baseline.MeasurementsTransferrin saturation collected on each participant at baseline was characterized as <20.0%, 20.0% to 54.9%, and 55.0% and greater. Length of stay in the hospital and death in the hospital were primary outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, and severity of illness.ResultsIndividuals hospitalized during the study period (79.4%) with high (odds ratio (OR) = 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–6.12) or low (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.07–1.62) TS had a significantly greater risk of death than those with moderate TS. Individuals with high TS had longer average length of stay per hospitalization (11.1 days, (standard error, SE 1.7 days), P = .01) than those with moderate TS (8.4 (0.3) days). Individuals with high TS also had more hospital days per year (8.6 (2.0) days, P = .04) than those with moderate TS (6.7 (0.5) days).ConclusionHigh TS is associated with longer length of stay and death in the hospital (unweighted N = 3,847, weighted N = 28,395,464).
Smoking as a risk factor for oral candidiasis in HIV‐infected adults
Authors: Chattopadhyay Amit , Patton Lauren L 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine if smoking is an independent predictor of oral candidiasis (OC) among HIV‐1 infected persons.MethodsThe cross‐sectional part of this study evaluated 631 adult dentate HIV‐1 seropositive persons examined for OC from 1995–2000 at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. In the second part, from the above sample, a total of 283 individuals who were free of HIV‐associated oral diseases at baseline were followed up for 2 years to assess incident OC events. Data collected from medical record review, interview questionnaires, and clinical examinations were analyzed using chi‐squared tests and t‐tests. Logistic regression models were developed for prevalent OC employing the likelihood ratio test, whereas Poisson regression models were developed for assessing cumulative incidence of OC. These models included a variety of independent variables to adjust for confounding.ResultsThirteen percent of participants had OC only; 4.6% had OC with Oral Hairy Leukoplakia; and 69.7% had neither. Smoking was associated with OC in all models [prevalent OC – current smokers: logistic regression – Odd ratio (95% CI) = 2.5 (1.3, 4.8); Incident OC – current smokers: Poisson regression (main effects model) – Incidence rate ratio (95% CI) = 1.9 (1.1, 3.8)]. Other Poisson regression models suggested evidence for effect modification between CD4 cell count and incident OC by smoking.ConclusionSmoking is an independent risk factor for the development of OC in HIV‐1 infected persons, and the risk of OC is modified by CD4 cell count which measures strength of the immune system.
Feeding untreated and pasteurized waste milk and bulk milk to calves: effects on calf performance, health status and antibiotic resistance of faecal bacteria
Authors: Aust V. , Knappstein K. , Kunz H.‐J. , Kaspar H. , Wallmann J. , Kaske M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryNon‐saleable milk (waste milk, WM) is contaminated with an undefined spectrum of potentially harmful pathogens and antimicrobial residues. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of feeding bulk milk (BM) or WM – both pasteurized or not – on calf performance, health and the antibiotic resistance of specific faecal bacteria. A total of 114 calves from a large‐scale dairy were housed outdoors in individual hutches and were randomly assigned to one of four feeding groups. The calves were fed either WM, pasteurized WM (pWM), BM or pasteurized BM (pBM) from day 3 to 56 of life. Milk samples taken from the pasteurizer and calves’ nipple buckets were investigated at regular intervals for total plate count and counts of thermoduric bacteria, coliforms and mastitis pathogens. Faecal samples were taken on days 2, 14, 28 and 56 of life from randomly selected calves of the WM, pWM and BM groups (eachN = 8–9) and processed to obtain from each sample preferably two isolates ofEscherichia (E.) coliandEnterococcusspp. respectively. Isolates were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility to 25 antimicrobial agents by broth microdilution. Daily weight gain, milk and calf starter intake and health parameters did not differ significantly between the calves of the four feeding groups. The proportion of resistantE. coliisolates was significantly higher in calves fed WM and in calves fed pWM (most pronounced for cephalosporins) than in calves receiving BM. No differences in resistance were found forEnterococusspp. Thus, the concerns for selecting resistant faecal bacteria by feeding WM seem to be justified. Nonetheless, pasteurized WM of cows not treated with antimicrobials represents an acceptable feed for young calves.
Structure and diversity of intertidal benthic diatom assemblages in contrasting shores: a case study from the Tagus estuary1
Authors: Ribeiro Lourenço , Brotas Vanda , Rincé Yves , Jesus Bruno 
Published: December 2012

The structure of intertidal benthic diatoms assemblages in the Tagus estuary was investigated during a 2‐year survey, carried out in six stations with different sediment texture. Nonparametric multivariate analyses were used to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of the assemblages and to link them to the measured environmental variables. In addition, diversity and other features related to community physiognomy, such as size‐class or life‐form distributions, were used to describe the diatom assemblages. A total of 183 diatom taxa were identified during cell counts and their biovolume was determined. Differences between stations (analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), R = 0.932) were more evident than temporal patterns (R = 0.308) and mud content alone was the environmental variable most correlated to the biotic data (BEST, ρ = 0.863). Mudflat stations were typically colonized by low diversity diatom assemblages (H′ ~ 1.9), mainly composed of medium‐sized motile epipelic species (250–1,000 μm3), that showed species‐specific seasonal blooms (e.g., Navicula gregaria Donkin). Sandy stations had more complex and diverse diatom assemblages (H′ ~ 3.2). They were mostly composed by a large set of minute epipsammic species (<250 μm3) that, generally, did not show temporal patterns. The structure of intertidal diatom assemblages was largely defined by the interplay between epipelon and epipsammon, and its diversity was explained within the framework of the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. However, the spatial distribution of epipelic and epipsammic life‐forms showed that the definition of both functional groups should not be over‐simplified.