bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of narrowband UVB irradiation of serum on autologous serum skin test results
Authors: Kaar Nida , Taşli Levent , Şanlı Berna , Topsakal Mustafa 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground  Autologous serum skin test (ASST) is an in vivo test to demonstrate circulating endogenous proinflammatory or wheal‐inducing factors in urticaria patients. While ASST was negative in a patient with solar urticaria and in a patient with localized heat urticaria, test results turned to positive when performed with visible light‐irradiated and heated serums, respectively. These data suggest that some factors and/or antibodies in serum may be activated or inhibited with different factors. We aimed to investigate whether or not ASST results change when performed with narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB)‐irradiated serum.Materials and methods  Seventy‐seven patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria underwent ASST twice in consecutive days. The second ASST was performed with narrowband UVB‐irradiated serum. The results of the first and second ASSTs were compared.Results  The first ASST results were positive in 46 (59.7%) patients. ASST results reversed oppositely in 36 (46.8%) patients, turned from negative to positive in 19 patients, and turned from positive to negative in 17 patients when performed with narrowband UVB‐irradiated serum.Conclusion  Our results suggest that narrowband UVB may have modifying effects on some wheal‐inducing factors and/or antibodies. On which factors in serum narrowband UVB has effects may be investigated.
Are Cooperative Banks a Lever for Promoting Bank Stability? Evidence from the Recent Financial Crisis in OECD Countries
Authors: Chiaramonte Laura , Poli Federica , Oriani Marco Ercole 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBased on a sample of cooperative, savings, and commercial banks from OECD countries, this paper examines whether and to what extent cooperative banks affected average bank soundness during 2001–2010. To account for the impact of the recent financial crisis, we analyse separately the pre‐crisis period (2001–2006) and crisis years (2007–2010). Unlike published claims that blame the fragility of banking systems on the presence of non–profit‐maximising entities, our main finding is that cooperative banks have explanatory power for stabilisation during the crisis years, but only above a certain market share threshold.
A companionship between strangers – the hospital environment as a challenge in patient–patient interaction in oncology wards
Authors: Larsen Lene Søndergård , Larsen Birte Hedegaard , Birkelund Regner 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo present an identification and discussion of the impact of the hospital environment on interaction among people with cancer.BackgroundIn recent years, researchers have focused on identifying and describing features of the hospital environment that promote healing, recovery and well‐being. It has been discovered that architectural features affect hospitalized patients both positively and negatively. But the research has failed to include fellow patients as part of the hospital environment.DesignA qualitative approach influenced by ethnography.MethodParticipant observation and individual qualitative interviews were used to collect data. From a total of 85 observed people with cancer 10 men and 10 women were interviewed. Data were collected over 6 months in 2010–2011 and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.FindingsPatients had ambiguous views regarding their fellow patients and the hospital environment. The hospital environment imposed conditions that caused stress factors such as the loss of personal privacy and control, but it also offered the possibility of good company and support from fellow patients. Refuge from fellow patients was hard to achieve and the fact that personal conversations might be overheard by fellow patients caused patients to withhold important information from healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, patients accepted the hospital environment uncritically, with resignation or with silent rebellion. Despite the challenges, 18 of 20 patients preferred multiple‐bed rooms with the company of fellow patients.ConclusionThe influence of the hospital environment on hospitalized people with cancer and their interpersonal interaction needs to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals. In addition, evidence‐based hospital design must include research into patient preferences and arguments. Further investigation is needed.
Appraisals of self and situation as determinants of upward influencing tactics
Authors: Geertshuis Susan A. , Cooper‐Thomas Helena D. , Price Mnthali 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study considers subordinate upward influencing as a proactive behavior and applies this lens to an investigation into the contributions of appraisals of self and situation in predicting tactic choice. One hundred seventy‐eight employees assessed the frequency with which they used influencing tactics in interactions with their direct line manager. The results indicated that favorable appraisals of self were associated with increased use of rationality and unfavorable appraisal of situation were associated with increased the use of ingratiation, assertiveness, and upward appeal. While the use of rationality could be explained within approaches to positive proactive work behaviors, the use of the remaining five tactics could not. The results are interpreted within a wider perspective of proactive discretionary behaviors.
Helping with all your heart: the effect of cardioid dishes on tipping behavior
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSome studies have shown that figurative cues, presented in the immediate environment of an individual, affect his/her later behavior. This effect was studied in a tipping behavior context. In three restaurants, each bill was placed under a dish, which had a cardioid shape, a round shape, or a square shape. Results showed that more tips were left in the bill dish with the cardioid shape. The activation spreading theory is used to explain these results.
Effects of simulation‐based learning on students' statistical factual, conceptual and application knowledge
Authors: Novak E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to (1) examine the effects of a storyline on learners' factual, conceptual and application knowledge with the use of a simulation for teaching introductory statistical skills and to (2) explore students' subjective enjoyment of various learning activities often used in statistics education. In order to conduct the study, two versions of a simulation were developed that differed in the presence or absence of a storyline attribute. Sixty‐four graduate students were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention conditions. Both intervention groups demonstrated significantly higher learning gains after interacting with the simulation. Particularly, both simulation‐based interventions had a positive significant effect on the acquisition of application knowledge and skills. However, no significant differences between the intervention groups on any learning outcome explored in the study were found. Results also showed that students rated the simulation used in the study as a more enjoyable learning activity in comparison to reading a textbook, lecture or teamwork. Students from the simulation without a storyline intervention reported higher enjoyment than the other intervention group. Implications of the findings for understanding the instructional benefits and shortcomings of embedding a storyline in digital learning content are discussed.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality Evaluation of Vacuum‐Packed Argentine Beef Imported into Italy
Authors: Stella S. , Ripamonti B. , Vandoni S. , Bernardi C. , Sgoifo Rossi C.A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA total of 8 lots of vacuum‐packed bovine rump hearts (Gluteus medius muscle) imported in Italy from Argentina were submitted to microbiological (total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Lactobacilli, sulfite‐reducing Clostridia, Listeria monocytogenes) and physicochemical analyses (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, color measurement and shear force) after different storage times (35, 75 and 100 days). Lactobacilli were the predominant microbial population (about 6 log cfu/cm2), causing a microbial stabilization and acidification of meat. Seventy‐three Lactobacilli isolates were submitted to random amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction and identified, showing a high prevalence of Lactobacillus sakei (in all the samples) and Lactobacillus curvatus (in samples stored for 75 or 100 days). We observed high total volatile basic nitrogen levels (>27 mgN/100 g) in all the samples and a discoloration of beef after the opening of the packs. Our results suggest the need for a higher standardization of production conditions.Practical ApplicationsVacuum‐packed raw beef from Argentina is globally commercialized, and it is frequently shipped to European markets. Considering the perishability of this product and the very long shelf life assigned, the availability of microbiological and physicochemical data could be useful for quality evaluations purposes. Our data indicate that a long shelf life (3–4 months) is potentially achievable, but the application of the best hygienic practices during meat production and an optimal stabilization of microflora by the selection (or addition) of lactic acid bacteria must be assured. As protein degradation and microbial population showed to be stable during the shelf life, quality characteristics that are perceived by the consumer (such as color indexes) become important parameters for a proper evaluation of meat quality.
Racial Malleability and the Sensory Regime of Politically Conscious Brazilian Hip Hop
Authors: Roth‐Gordon Jennifer 
Published: July 2013

ResumoAo examinar as práticas corporais de jovens pobres do sexo masculino afiliados ao hip hop politicamente consciente no Brasil na virada do Século XXI, esse artigo revisa os conhecimentos atuais sobre a “flexibilidade racial” no Brasil. Primeiro, discuto uma variedade de exemplos globais e históricos que mostram como o corpo é percebido como racialmente flexível, incluindo teorias eugênicas do Século XX e estudos dos contextos coloniais, nos quais as populações brancas e de cor foram submetidas a regimes sensoriais que potencialmente tiveram o poder de alterar sua aparência física. Logo, sugiro que os rappers brasileiros demonstram flexibilidade racial à medida que eles alteram a estética dos seus corpos, seus padrões de consumo e práticas linguísticas. Em uma era de alto intercâmbio comercial com os Estados Unidos e influência cultural norte americana jovens brasileiros pobres do sexo masculino utilizam da construção de conexões (contestadas) com os Estados Unidos e com a modernidade global para mudar sua aparência racial em uma escala onde a branquitude e a falta de branquitude se encontram em posições relativas entre si.
INSTITUTIONS, ECONOMICS AND THE DEVELOPMENT QUEST
Authors: Leite Duarte N. , Silva Sandra T. , Afonso Oscar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractInstitutions crucial for the analysis of how agents deal with uncertainty have been gaining increasing relevance on the economic research agenda. In this paper, we analyze the institutional literature aiming to explain why this perspective obtains better results than others in development economics. In particular, we stress the relevance of New Institutional Economics as an adequate framework for a broad understanding of development issues.
Leader–member exchange, organizational identification, and job satisfaction: A social identity perspective
Authors: Loi Raymond , Chan Ka W. , Lam Long W. 
Published: July 2013

This study examines the influence of leader–member exchange (LMX) on employee organizational identification and job satisfaction. Drawing upon the current literature of social identity theory, we propose a moderated mediation model with organizational identification as the mediator of the relationship between LMX and job satisfaction, and with job security as the moderator on such positive indirect link between LMX, organizational identification, and job satisfaction. We tested our hypotheses using a two‐phase survey data collected from 306 employees of two companies in southern China. Implications of our findings for research and practice are discussed.Practitioner points

Organizations should train managers to maintain high‐quality LMX.

Appropriate human resource practices for cultivating LMX and employee organizational identification should be adopted.

Supervisors should pay more attention to their LMX quality with those employees having low levels of job security.
An Evaluation of Public School District Tobacco Policies in St. Louis County, Missouri
Authors: Barbero Colleen , Moreland‐Russell Sarah , Bach Laura E. , Cyr Julianne 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDOne way to address tobacco use by youth is for primary and secondary schools to adopt and implement comprehensive tobacco policies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the comprehensiveness of tobacco policies in St. Louis County, Missouri public school districts.METHODSWe evaluated the strength of tobacco policies from all 23 public school districts located in the county using the Center for Tobacco Policy Research's School Tobacco Policy Index, a standardized tool for rating school tobacco policies.RESULTSThe districts averaged a score of 24.4 of 40 possible points on the Index. Policies scored highest on the Tobacco‐Free Environment domain and lowest on the Enforcement domain. Policies averaged about half of the total possible points for the Prevention and Treatment Services and Policy Organization domains.CONCLUSIONDespite more than a decade of efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve school tobacco policies, this study shows that policies in St. Louis County districts have yet to meet the standard of comprehensiveness. It is recommended that schools adopt policies that are comprehensive and that address all domains of the School Tobacco Policy Index.
The Role of Social Cognitive Theory in Farm‐to‐School‐Related Activities: Implications for Child Nutrition
Authors: Berlin Linda , Norris Kimberly , Kolodinsky Jane , Nelson Abbie 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDFarm‐to‐school (FTS) programs are gaining attention for many reasons, one of which is the recognition that they could help stem the increase in childhood overweight and obesity. MostFTSprograms that have been evaluated have increased students' selection or intake of fruits and vegetables following the incorporation ofFTScomponents. However, the wide range of activities that are typically part ofFTSprograms make it difficult to pinpoint which components have the greatest potential to improve students' health behaviors. Within the field of nutrition education, theory‐based interventions that target the key underlying factors influencing health behavior offer the most promise.METHODSWe review existing research on dietary health impacts and implications of 3 keyFTS‐related activities and explore the component activities ofFTSin terms of their potential to address the key constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT)—which is a current best practice in the field of nutrition—suggesting thatFTSprograms incorporating a diverse set of activities appear to be most promising.RESULTSWe find that components ofFTSprograms incorporate many of the key theoretical constructs inSCT, and show thatFTSprograms have great potential to facilitate movement toward desired dietary changes. However, it is unlikely that a set of activities in any one currentFTSprogram addresses multiple constructs of the theory in a systematic manner.CONCLUSIONMore intentional inclusion of diverse activities would likely be beneficial. Future research can test these assertions.
Three years of paediatric morbidity and mortality at the national hospital in Dili, East Timor
Authors: Bucens Ingrid Kirsten , Reid Alison , Barreto Aniceto Cardoso , Dwivedi Vikas , Counahan Megan 
Published: July 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to undertake a retrospective review of admissions and discharges to the paediatric wards at the National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, as the epidemiology of hospitalised children in East Timor cannot be easily understood from the hospital health management information system.MethodData were sourced from unit registers for 3 years, 2008–2010 inclusive. Demographic characteristics and principal diagnoses were related to the risk of dying using stepwise multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThere were 5909 children admitted to the wards over the study period and 60% were <2 years of age. The commonest reasons for admission were lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) and gastroenteritis (43% and 16%, respectively). Severe malnutrition (MN) was recorded in only 5% of admissions. Overall, 6% of children died, mainly attributed to LRI (28%), central nervous system infections (16%) and MN (11%). Younger age, residence outside of Dili and admission during a busier period were independently associated with an increased risk of death. Nine per cent of hospitalised infants aged 1–6 months of age died and half of all deaths occurred within 2 days of admission.ConclusionsThe study provides, for the first time, an understanding of the admissions and outcomes of the busiest paediatric inpatient unit in East Timor. It emphasises important health system issues which impact on both data quality and hospital outcomes.
Specific and Rapid Detection of Lily symptomless virus and Arabis mosaic virus in Lily by Dual IC‐RT‐PCR
Authors: Zheng Yun , Zhang Weifeng , Lu Xiaoyu , Zhang Guiming , Wang Hongying , Zhang Xueying , Feng Jianjun , Long Hai 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLily symptomless virus (LSV) and Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) cause severe losses of quantity and quality of lily flower and bulb production. Specificity, sensitivity and speed of detection methods for viruses need to be improved greatly to prevent LSV and ArMV from spreading from infected lilies. A dual IC‐RT‐PCR procedure for detection was developed in which the antibodies of LSV and ArMV were mixed and the mixture used to coat the PCR tubes. The particles of the two viruses were captured by the respective antibodies. Interference by other RNA viruses in infected lily was eliminated in the RT‐PCR. Also, an RNA extraction step was omitted. The dual IC‐RT‐PCR products of LSV and ArMV were 521 bp and 691 bp, respectively. The specificity of the method was validated; only LSV and ArMV of four viruses were detected by dual IC‐RT‐PCR. The sensitivity of the detection method is 1 mg leaf tissue and higher than DAS‐ELISA due to enrichment by dual immunocapture.
Change of Mating Type in an EU1 Lineage Isolate of Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Chandelier Anne , Heungens Kurt , Werres Sabine 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAll Phytophthora ramorum EU1 lineage isolates tested are of A1 mating type, except for three rare isolates from 2002 to 2003 from Belgium, which were originally assigned the A2 mating type. In one of these isolates (2338), a switch from A2 to A1 mating type was observed in 2006. This observation initiated a larger study in which all cultures and subcultures of the original three EU1 A2 isolates, maintained in three laboratories under different storage conditions, were checked for mating type change. The A2 to A1 mating type switch was observed in four of seven independently maintained isolates that were derived from isolate 2338 in two laboratories, using different transfer regimes and storage conditions. Following the mating type switch to A1 in these four derived isolates, no reversion back to A2 mating was observed, even after up to 5 years of additional isolate maintenance and several more subculturing events. The three other isolates that were derived from isolate 2338 as well as the other EU1 A2 isolates collected in 2002 and 2003 and stored in the same conditions did not display such mating type change. The potential causes of the mating type conversions as well as their epidemiological implications are discussed.
The role of melatonin in the cells of the innate immunity: a review
Authors: Calvo Juan R. , González‐Yanes C. , Maldonado M. D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMelatonin is the major secretory product synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland and shows both a wide distribution within phylogenetically distant organisms from bacteria to humans and a great functional versatility. In recent years, a considerable amount of experimental evidence has accumulated showing a relationship between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. The molecular basis of the communication between these systems is the use of a common chemical language. In this framework, currently melatonin is considered one of the members of the neuroendocrine–immunological network. A number of in vivo and in vitro studies have documented that melatonin plays a fundamental role in neuroimmunomodulation. Based on the information published, it is clear that the majority of the present data in the literature relate to lymphocytes; thus, they have been rather thoroughly investigated, and several reviews have been published related to the mechanisms of action and the effects of melatonin on lymphocytes. However, few studies concerning the effects of melatonin on cells belonging to the innate immunity have been reported. Innate immunity provides the early line of defense against microbes and consists of both cellular and biochemical mechanisms. In this review, we have focused on the role of melatonin in the innate immunity. More specifically, we summarize the effects and action mechanisms of melatonin in the different cells that belong to or participate in the innate immunity, such as monocytes–macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, and natural killer cells.
Melatonin synergizes with low doses of L‐DOPA to improve dendritic spine density in the mouse striatum in experimental Parkinsonism
Authors: Naskar Amit , Manivasagam Thamilarasan , Chakraborty Joy , Singh Raghavendra , Thomas Bobby , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan , Mohanakumar Kochupurackal P 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe dopamine precursor, L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), is the preferred drug for Parkinson's disease, but long‐term treatment results in the drug‐induced dyskinesias and other side effects. This study was undertaken to examine whether melatonin could potentiate low dose L‐DOPA effects in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced experimental parkinsonism. Mice were treated with the parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPTP, and different doses of melatonin and low doses of L‐DOPA. Behavior, striatal histology, and dopamine metabolism were evaluated on the 7th day. MPTP‐induced striatal dopamine loss was not modified by melatonin administration (10–30 mg/kg; i.p. at 10‐hr intervals, 6 times; or at 2‐hr intervals, by day). However, low doses of L‐DOPA (5 mg/kg, by oral gavage) administered alone or along with melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) twice everyday for 2 days, 10 hr apart, after two doses of MPTP significantly attenuated striatal dopamine loss and provided improvements in both catalepsy and akinesia. Additionally, Golgi‐impregnated striatal sections showed preservation of the medium spiny neurons, which have been damaged in MPTP‐treated mouse. The results demonstrated that melatonin, but not L‐DOPA, restored spine density and spine morphology of medium spiny neurons in the striatum and suggest that melatonin could be an ideal adjuvant to L‐DOPA therapy in Parkinson's disease, and by the use of this neurohormone, it is possible to bring down the therapeutic doses of L‐DOPA.