bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of aligning conductive particles on the piezoresistivity of composites
Authors: Xiao Huigang , Liu Min , Jiang Jinbao 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of alignment of conductive particles on the piezoresistivity of composite based on a theoretical model. The piezoresistivity of composite is associated with the characteristics of conductive network formed by the conductive particles distributed in the composite, which can be changed through aligning the conductive particles.

Design/methodology/approach
– The orientations of the tunnel resistors formed by each two adjacent conductive particles are dependent on the aligned level of the conductive particles, and different orientations induce different deformations for a tunnel resistor under external strain, which determines the piezoresistivity of the composites. To investigate the resistance behavior of composites with various characteristics of conductive networks, a piezoresistivity model is developed in this paper by considering the aligned level of conductive particles.

Findings
– The results obtained from the proposed piezoresistivity model indicate that the sensitivity and stability of composites can be enhanced through aligning the conductive particles. Also, the piezoresistivity of composites filled with randomly distributed conductive particles is isotropic, and it turns to be anisotropic when the conductive particles are aligned.

Originality/value
– The change and its mechanism of the piezoresistivity upon the aligned level of conductive particles have been pointed out in this paper based on the proposed model. The achievement of this paper will help the people understand, predict and optimize the piezoresistivity of composites, and provide a new approach to design a strain sensor based on the piezoresistivity.
Perceptions of family functioning in adolescents who self‐harm
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth , Welsh Patrick , Tiffin Paul Alexander 
Published: January 2015

This study compares the self‐reported family functioning of 21 adolescents presenting at four UK medical wards with self‐harming behaviour with those obtained from a sample of adolescents drawn from the local community. Adolescents hospitalized for self‐harm reported that their families were more dysfunctional than healthy controls on the family perceptions scale. However, this difference was not observed when covariates such as emotional and behavioural distress were controlled for. Poor levels of agreement between adolescents and adult family members in relation to family perceptions were also observed. The findings suggest that adolescents who engage in significant self‐harm perceive impairments in their family functioning. These reported impairments may be the result of concurrent emotional and behavioural distress or some form of interaction between family functioning and distress. A comprehensive family assessment to detect absolute changes and disparities in perceived family functioning may therefore help guide family interventions in this context.Practitioner points

Adolescents who are hospitalized for self‐harm report significant impairments in family functioning compared with healthy controls.
Adolescent and adult family members appear to disagree on the degree of impaired family functioning.
A comprehensive family assessment may therefore help guide family interventions in hospitalized adolescents.
Developing a model of sustained change following multisystemic therapy: young people's perspectives
Authors: Paradisopoulos Daphne , Pote Helen , Fox Simone , Kaur Pinder 
Published: January 2015

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an empirically validated, family and community‐based intervention for young people presenting with antisocial and offending behaviour. This qualitative study aimed to explore young people's experiences of MST and learn what had helped them to sustain positive outcomes over time. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight young people at an average of 14 months after MST (range: 5–21 months). A constructivist version of grounded theory was employed to analyse the data, leading to the development of a model of sustained change in MST. Themes from the model included therapeutic alliance, increases in systemic awareness, recognizing responsibility, positive peer relationships, acknowledging and celebrating success, continued use of specific strategies (for example, worry boxes) and the identification and creation of a preferred future. This research presents an understanding of how change may be sustained after MST, highlighting systemic, developmental and individual factors in relation to this. Clinical implications and a proposed model of sustained change in MST are discussed.Practitioner points
The therapeutic alliance was perceived by young people as central to the process of change and sustained change following MST
Young people's contribution to sustaining therapeutic gains at follow up, alongside caregivers, highlighted the importance of actively engaging them in therapy
Peer relationships were identified as relevant to sustaining change, particularly in relation to shared values and goals for the future
Qualitative study of patients and health‐care professionals' views on the efficacy of the nutrition as medication oral nutrition supplement program
Authors: Lambert Kelly , Potter Jan , Lonergan Maureen , Tapsell Linda , Charlton Karen E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe use of concentrated oral nutrition supplements dispensed in small volumes throughout the day at medication rounds is a common nutrition support strategy. Often termed ‘Nutrition as Medication’ or NAM, it is associated with excellent rates of patient consumption. However, administration of NAM has been described as suboptimal. The aim of the present study was to identify and explore factors influencing the efficacy of the NAM program from a qualitative perspective. This included exploring issues relating to knowledge, administration and patient consumption from a patient and health professional perspective.MethodsSemistructured interviews with patients (n = 7) and eight focus groups with nursing, medical, pharmacy and dietetic staff (n = 63) were conducted. Interviews were conducted in the workplace and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed from a realist theoretical position using the thematic framework approach.ResultsFive themes were identified that impact on the efficacy of the NAM program. These include the need for clear role delineation among health professionals regarding responsibility for each aspect of NAM. Other themes that emerged included misconceptions about the importance and relevance of the treatment; perceptions of poor palatability and issues associated with the logistics of providing the supplements within the hospital setting.ConclusionsDietitians should be aware that there are a range of factors that influence the efficacy of the NAM strategy, including the knowledge and values of individual health professional staff. In addition, increased awareness is required by dietitians regarding the structural barriers to administration and receiving of NAM at the ward level.
Dispersion in the Presence of Acetic Acid or Ammonia Confers Gliadin‐Like Characteristics to the Glutenin in Wheat Gluten
Authors: Murakami Tetsuya , Kitabatake Naofumi , Tani Fumito 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSpray‐dried gluten has unique properties and is commercially available in the food industry worldwide. In this study, we examined the viscoelastic properties of gluten powder prepared by dispersion in the presence of acetic acid or an ammonia solvent and then followed by lyophilization instead of a spray drying. Mixograph measurements showed that the acid‐ and ammonia‐treated gluten powders had marked decreases in the time to peak dough resistance when compared with the control gluten powder. The integrals of the dough resistance and bandwidth for 3 min after peak dough resistance decreased in both treated gluten powders. Similar phenomena were observed when gliadin was supplemented to gluten powders. Basic and acidic conditions were applied to the acid‐ and ammonia‐treated gluten powders, respectively, and the viscoelastic behaviors were found to depend on the pH in the gluten dispersion just before lyophilization. These behaviors suggest that gluten may assume a reversible change in viscoelasticity by a fluctuation in pH during gluten dispersion. SDS‐PAGE showed that the extractable proteins substantially increased in some polymeric glutenins including the low molecular weight‐glutenin subunit (LMW‐GS) when the ammonia‐treated gluten powder was extracted with 70% ethanol. In contrast, the extractable proteins markedly increased in many polymeric glutenins including the high molecular weight‐glutenin subunit and/or the LMW‐GS when the acid‐treated gluten powder was extracted with 70% ethanol. It thus follows that the extractability of polymeric glutenin to ethanol increases similarly to gliadin when gluten is exposed to an acidic or a basic pH condition; therefore, glutenin adopts gliadin‐like characteristics.
Microbial Quality of Industrial Liquid Egg White: Assumptions on Spoiling Issues in Egg‐Based Chilled Desserts
Authors: Techer Clarisse , Daoud Amina , Madec Marie‐Noëlle , Gautier Michel , Jan Sophie , Baron Florence 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAs a 1st step, this study aimed at investigating the microbial quality of liquid egg white in a French egg processing company. Thirty raw and 33 pasteurized liquid egg white samples were analyzed. Pasteurization was globally found efficient on mesophilic contaminants (1.7 ± 1.6 and 0.8 ± 0.9 log CFU/mL in raw and pasteurized samples, respectively), including for the control of Salmonella. However, Gram‐positive enterococci were still detected in the pasteurized samples. As a 2nd step, a representative bacterial collection was built for exploring the spoilage issue in egg‐based chilled desserts. Custard cream was chosen as growth medium since this food is widely used for the production of French chilled desserts. All of the 166 isolates of the bacterial collection were shown to be able to grow and to induce spoilage of the custard cream at refrigeration temperature (10 °C). Several spoilage types were highlighted in the custard cream, on the basis of changes regarding pH, consistency, production of holes or gas. As a 3rd step, bacterial enzymatic activities were explored on custard cream‐based agar media. The bacterial collection was reduced to 43 isolates, based on further selection regarding the genera and the spoilage types previously highlighted. Albeit to different degrees, all these isolates were able to produce proteases. A large part of these isolates also expressed lipolytic and amylolytic activities. This study emphasizes the need to control egg white contamination and especially with Gram‐positive heat‐resistant Enterococi, in order to guarantee the shelf life of egg‐based chilled desserts.
Is modern external beam radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy still a viable alternative for prostate cancer in an era of robotic surgery and brachytherapy: A comparison of Australian series
Authors: Wilcox Shea William , Aherne Noel J. , McLachlan Craig Steven , McKay Michael J. , Last Andrew J. , Shakespeare Thomas P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntroductionWe compare the results of modern external‐beam radiotherapy (EBRT), using combined androgen deprivation and dose‐escalated intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with MRI‐CT fusion and daily image guidance with fiducial markers (DE‐IG‐IMRT), with recently published Australian series of brachytherapy and surgery.MethodsFive‐year actuarial biochemical disease‐free survival (bDFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCaSS) were calculated for 675 patients treated with DE‐IG‐IMRT and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Patients had intermediate‐risk (IR) and high‐risk (HR) disease. A search was conducted identifying Australian reports from 2005 onwards of IR and HR patients treated with surgery or brachytherapy, reporting actuarial outcomes at 3 years or later.ResultsWith a median follow‐up of 59 months, our 5‐year bDFS was 93.3% overall: 95.5% for IR and 91.3% for HR disease. MFS was 96.9% overall (99.0% IR, 94.9% HR), and PCaSS was 98.8% overall (100% IR, 97.7% HR). Prevalence of Grade 2 genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity at 5 years was 1.3% and 1.6%, with 0.3% Grade 3 genitourinary toxicity and no Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity. Eight reports of brachytherapy and surgery were identified. The HDR brachytherapy series' median 5‐year bDFS was 82.5%, MFS 90.0% and PCaSS 97.9%. One surgical series reported 5‐year bDFS of 65.5% for HR patients. One LDR series reported 5‐year bDFS of 85% for IR patients.ConclusionsModern EBRT is at least as effective as modern Australian surgical and brachytherapy techniques. All patients considering treatment for localised prostate cancer should be referred to a radiation oncologist to discuss EBRT as an equivalent option.
The role of forest structure and human occupation in structuring mammal assemblages in oligotrophic ecosystems ofCentralAmazonia
Authors: Tardio Bruno Marchena Romão , Da Silveira Ronis 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLarge mammals are vulnerable to extinction, and respond directly to ecological gradients within the forest and to the intensity of forest product use by humans. In this study, we evaluated the effects of differences in forest structure and human occupation history on the composition of medium and large‐sized mammal assemblages of theterra‐firmeforests of theAnavilhanasNationalPark, one of the most oligotrophicAmazonian ecosystems. Mammal surveys were conducted along 11 linear transects of 4 km, six of which were located in areas once inhabited by people and managed until the year that the park was created (over 30 years ago), and five in areas that were not inhabited at that time. We detected 469 individuals of 26 species during diurnal and nocturnal sampling, and 11 additional species outside transects. Human occupation history was strongly related to forest structure components. Fruit biomass, canopy cover and tree size were strongly associated with uninhabited areas, and influenced the structure of mammal assemblages. A direct relationship between diet category and species size was observed. Large frugivore‐herbivores and carnivores were more closely associated with areas with more fruit, larger trees and greater canopy cover. In contrast, small arboreal frugivore‐omnivores associated more closely with open canopy and smaller trees. Our study indicated that the effects of human occupation history on forest structure are still evident three decades after the removal of local people from the park. This long‐term effect can be explained by the low resilience of theAnavilhanas environments, demonstrating the fragility of mammal assemblages in face of anthropogenic variation in forest structure in the oligotrophic ecosystems of theNegroRiver basin.
Sectoral and poverty impacts of agricultural policy adjustments in Colombia
Authors: Argüello Ricardo , Valderrama‐Gonzalez Daniel 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe aim to assess the sectoral and poverty impacts of changes in agricultural policy in Colombia. For this, we use an agriculture specialized static computable general equilibrium model, together with a microsimulation model that allows employment to shift between sectors. Results indicate that the sectoral impact from policy changes tends to be small and that it considerably varies across crops. The macro model yields some gains in wages and capital rents, a relatively larger increase in land rents, and limited labor reallocation, together leading to small poverty impacts as calculated through the microsimulation model. The incidence of rural poverty decreases by less than 1% and the same happens to the poverty gap. In addition, poverty reductions are concentrated among households near the middle of the income distribution.
A Clinical and Molecular Analysis of Branchio‐Oculo‐Facial Syndrome Patients in Russia Revealed New Mutations in TFAP2A
Authors: Meshcheryakova Tatiana I. , Zinchenko Rena A. , Vasilyeva Tatiana A. , Marakhonov Andrey V. , Zhylina Svetlana S. , Petrova Nika V. , Kozhanova Tatiana V. , Belenikin Maxim S. , Petrin Alexander N. , Mutovin Gennady R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBranchio‐oculo‐facial syndrome (BOFS, OMIM# 113620) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterised by branchial cleft sinus defects, ocular anomalies and facial dysmorphisms, including lip or palate cleft or pseudocleft, and is associated with mutations in the TFAP2A gene. Here, we performed clinical analysis and mutation diagnostics in seven BOFS patients in Russia. The phenotypic presentation of BOFS observed in three patients showed high heterogeneity, including variation in its main clinical manifestations (linear loci of cervical cutaneous aplasia, ocular anomalies and orofacial cleft). In certain other cases, isolated ocular anomalies, or an orofacial cleft with accessory BOFS symptoms, were observed. In five BOFS patients, conductive hearing loss was diagnosed. Direct sequencing of the coding region of the TFAP2A gene revealed missense mutations in four BOFS patients. One patient was observed to have a previously described mutation (p.Arg251Gly), while three patients from two families were found to have novel mutations: p.Arg213Ser and p.Val210Asp. These novel mutations were not present in healthy members of the same family and therefore should be classified as de novo.
Sports‐related eye injuries: the current picture
Authors: Leivo Tiina , Haavisto Anna‐Kaisa , Sahraravand Ahmad 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to represent the epidemiologies, findings, treatments, use of resources, outcomes and protective‐eyewear‐use recommendations in sports‐related eye injuries by sport type.MethodsThe study population is comprised of all new eye injury patients in 1 year in Helsinki University Eye Hospital. Data were collected from patient questionnaires and hospital records. The follow‐up period was 3 months.Results149/1151 (12.9%) of eye injuries were sports‐related. Thirty two percent were related to floorball (type of hockey played on a mat with a stick and a ball); football, tennis and ice hockey were the next most common eye‐injury‐causing sports. Relatively, the most dangerous sports were rink bandy, (bandy played on ice hockey rink with a stick and a ball) (0.50 injuries in 12 months/1000 participants, CI 0.10–1.46), floorball (0.47, CI 0.34–0.62) and tennis (0.47, CI 0.26–0.77). Contusion was the primary diagnosis in 77% of cases; 41% of contusion patients had severe, mainly retinal findings. The number of outpatient visits was 459; inpatient days 25 and major surgeries 31. One hundred and eight patients were estimated to need life‐long follow‐up. Seventeen patients had a permanent functional impairment, 4 in ice hockey, 3 in floorball, 2 each in tennis and badminton.ConclusionCompared to a previous study, ice hockey eye injuries are increasing and relatively severe, and a third of these injuries occurred despite visor use. Floorball eye injury incidence has significantly declined, mainly due to recently enforced mandatory protective eyewear for younger age groups. Based on these findings, we recommend, in floorball, that protective eyewear should be mandatory in all age groups. Universally in ice hockey, the proper use of a visor should be emphasised.
Macular pigment optical density in a healthy Chinese population
Authors: Ji Yuying , Zhang Xiongze , Wu Kunfang , Su Yu , Zuo Chengguo , Chen Hui , Li Meng , Wen Feng 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeTo measure the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) values in a healthy Chinese population using the one‐wavelength reflectometry method and to investigate the relationships of MPOD with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking and lens opacities.MethodsA total of 441 healthy participants, aged 3–81 years old (242 male and 199 female subjects), were enrolled in this study. Demographic and lifestyle data were recorded based on physical examinations and questionnaires. Lens opacities were measured according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III). MPOD values were measured at 7° of eccentricity, using the one‐wavelength reflectometry method (Visucam 200; Carl Zeiss Meditec). MPOD values were reported in parameters including ‘max’ and ‘mean’ optical density (OD). The original MPOD values without automated correction were used for analysis.ResultsThe average values were 0.303 ± 0.097 d.u. (initials of density units) for the max OD and 0.109 ± 0.031 d.u. for the mean OD. A significant inverse relationship was found between age and MPOD (for max OD, β = −0.716, p < 0.001; for mean OD, β = −0.669, p < 0.001). Participants with no lens opacities had higher MPOD values than those with moderate lens opacities (p < 0.001). The MPOD values were not associated with sex, BMI or smoking status.ConclusionMPOD within 7° of eccentricity, as measured by one‐wavelength reflectometry, was found to decrease with increasing age in a healthy Chinese population, and lens opacities had an impact on these measurements. These results provide a reference value for future studies in the Chinese population.
The combined effects of alcohol consumption and body mass index on hepatic steatosis in a general population sample of European men and women
Authors: Lau K. , Baumeister S. E. , Lieb W. , Meffert P. J. , Lerch M. M. , Mayerle J. , Völzke H. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundResearch on the association between alcohol consumption and hepatic steatosis revealed conflictive results.AimTo investigate the associations between average daily alcohol consumption and binge drinking with hepatic steatosis, and to analyse combined effects of average daily alcohol consumption and binge drinking with body mass index (BMI) on hepatic steatosis.MethodsData from the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) conducted in north‐east Germany comprising 4009 adults were used. Alcohol consumption was assessed by self‐report. Serum carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) was analysed as biomarker for alcohol consumption. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by ultrasonography.ResultsAnalyses revealed a dose–response relationship between average daily alcohol consumption and hepatic steatosis in men starting with a consumption of 20 g of alcohol per day [adjusted odds ratio (OR) compared to abstainers 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.05]. Using CDT as alternative exposure variable confirmed these results. Binge drinking was associated with hepatic steatosis in men (adjusted OR of binge drinkers compared to nonbinge drinkers 1.36, 95% CI 1.06–1.74). The likelihood of having hepatic steatosis increased in men and women with increasing levels of average daily alcohol consumption in combination with overweight or obesity. Similarly, binge drinking in combination with overweight or obesity enhanced the likelihood of having hepatic steatosis.ConclusionsOverweight or obesity substantially enhanced the effect of high levels of average daily alcohol consumption and binge drinking on hepatic steatosis in the present study population. This finding underlines the necessity to screen for multiple risk factors in the prevention of hepatic steatosis.