bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Still too much socialism in Britain’: The legacy of Margaret Thatcher
Authors: Beynon Huw 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMargaret Thatcher's death in 2013 was followed by extensive tributes to her achievements, often describing her role in ‘saving Britain’. Other more sceptical voices pointed to the destructive aspects of her politics. This article explores these issues through an examination of the major confrontation with the coal miners and their trade union the NUM. Through published sources and interviews with key actors it argues that the dispute epitomised Mrs Thatcher's concern to weaken trade unionism and defeat socialism. This (rather than issues of employment or energy policy) is seen as her strategic objective and her success can be measured in the changed nature of the Labour Party. In this the exercise of state power was decisive. However, the article questions the extent to which ‘Thatcherism’ and the associated individualism has prevailed as an hegemonic force. It provides examples of a continuing patterns of collective behaviour and beliefs and raises the possibility of an emerging and different form of labour movement.
Synthetic Aragonite (CaCO3) as a Potential Additive in Calcium Phosphate Cements: Evaluation in Tris‐FreeSBFat 37°C
Authors: Lee Jin H. , Madden Andrew S. , Kriven Waltraud M. , Tas A. Cuneyt 
Published: July 2014

Conventional SBF (simulated/synthetic body fluid) solutions are buffered atpH7.4°C and 37°C using 50 mM Tris [(HOCH2)3CNH2]. Tris is not present in human blood or metabolism and its high concentration makes it the third major component of SBF solutions. All three crystalline polymorphs of calcium carbonate (calcite, aragonite and vaterite) have never been tested simultaneously in an SBF solution. This study presents the SBF‐testing of the particles of these polymorphs at 37°C in Na‐L‐lactate (22 mM)‐bufferedLac‐SBF solution. While the calcite rhombohedra remained completely inert in the solution, vaterite spherulites and aragonite needles accrued apatiticCaP(calcium phosphate) deposits on their surfaces. Mg‐doped (1050 ppm) synthetic aragonite particles did not transform into calcite for 96 h in theLac‐SBF solution while increasing their BET surface area by about 560% via the apatiticCaPdeposits. Given the well‐established use of calcite powders inCaPcement formulations, synthetic aragonite particles may be a potential replacement for calcite due to their rapid response to blood plasma‐like solutions in between 24 and 48 h at 37°C.
Visible Reserves in Banks – Determinants of Initial Creation, Usage and Contribution to Bank Stability
Authors: Bornemann Sven , Homölle Susanne , Hubensack Carsten , Kick Thomas , Pfingsten Andreas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe opportunity of building up visible “Reserves for General Banking Risks” by the bank management represents a peculiarity in the German financial accounting framework for banks. We investigate German banks' motives for the creation and usage of these reserves and assess their role in financial stability. We find that banks primarily create and use GBR reserves to build up Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital management and earnings management purposes. Most importantly, however, we also reveal that banks using these reserves are less likely to experience a future distress or a bank default event. We therefore conclude that the existence of GBR reserves within the financial accounting framework represents both a convenient capital and earnings management tool for bank managers and a beneficial regulatory instrument to enhance bank stability.
The red island and the seven dwarfs: body size reduction in Cheirogaleidae
Authors: Masters Judith C. , Génin Fabien , Silvestro Daniele , Lister Adrian M. , DelPero Massimiliano 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimSmall body size in Madagascar's dwarf and mouse lemurs (Cheirogaleidae) is generally viewed as primitive. We investigated the evolution of body size in this family and in its sister‐taxon, the Lepilemuridae, from phylogenetic, ontogenetic and adaptive perspectives.LocationMadagascar.MethodsWe used a phylogenetic method to reconstruct the evolution of body size in lemurs, and allometric regression models of gestation periods and static and growth allometries in Cheirogaleidae and Lepilemuridae to test the hypothesis that dwarfing occurred as a result of truncated ontogeny (progenesis). We also examined adaptive hypotheses relating body size to environmental variability, life history, seasonality of reproduction, hypothermy (use of torpor), and a diet rich in plant exudates.ResultsOur results indicated that cheirogaleids experienced at least four independent events of body size reduction from an ancestor as large as living Lepilemuridae, by means of progenesis. Our interpretation is supported by the paedomorphic appearance and parallel ontogenetic trajectories of the dwarf taxa, as well as their very short gestation periods and increased fecundity. Lepilemur species that occupy more predictable environments are significantly larger than those occupying unpredictable habitats.Main conclusionsCheirogaleidae appear to be paedomorphic dwarfs, a consequence of progenesis, probably as an adaptation to high environmental unpredictability. Although the capacity to use hypothermy is related to small body size, this advantage is unlikely to have driven dwarfing in cheirogaleids. We propose that gummmivory/exudativory co‐evolved with body size reduction in this clade, probably from a folivorous ancestor. Their small size is derived, and their suitability as models for the ‘ancestral primate’ is therefore dubious.
Hospital pharmacy services in the Pacific Island countries
Authors: Penm Jonathan , Chaar Betty , Moles Rebekah 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesNon‐communicable diseases have become an increasing problem in the Pacific Island countries (PICs). With the medical supply system often attached to hospitals in PICs, the training of hospital pharmacy staff has become increasingly important. This study aimed to explore hospital pharmacy services in the PICs using these validated surveys (BS26–27 and BS28–31 surveys) focusing upon hospital pharmacists' influence on prescribing and quality use of medicines.MethodThe BS26–27 and BS28–31 surveys were distributed online to pharmacy directors in hospitals in the PICs in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Surveys were made available in both English and French.ResultsIn total, data from 55 hospitals were received (77% of the hospital sample in PICs) for either the BS26–27 or BS28–31 survey. From the responses received, 97% (36/37) of hospitals had a formulary, with 81% (26/32) of hospitals having a Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee. Furthermore, 67% (24/36) of respondents stated that they provided some sort of clinical pharmacy service. On average, hospitals had two pharmacists involved in clinical pharmacy services. In BS28–31, over 75% (n = 27) of respondents believed having a strong relationship with other health care professionals, having effective communication skills and taking professional responsibility for the medicines prescribed as ‘mostly’ or ‘strongly’ facilitating clinical services.ConclusionsHospital pharmacists' participation on P&T committee and clinical services is common in the PICs. Such services enhance medication selection and reduce wastage. Although there are still too few hospital pharmacists in PICs, additional support aimed at enhancing their team building and communication skills will allow them to expand their roles and continue to improve patient health outcomes.
Evidence for Gene Duplication and Allelic Codominance (not Hierarchical Dominance) at the Mating‐Type Locus of the Ciliate, Euplotes crassus
Authors: Vallesi Adriana , Alimenti Claudio , Federici Sergio , Di Giuseppe Graziano , Dini Fernando , Guella Graziano , Luporini Pierangelo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe high‐multiple mating system of Euplotes crassus is known to be controlled by multiple alleles segregating at a single locus and manifesting relationships of hierarchical dominance, so that heterozygous cells would produce a single mating‐type substance (pheromone). In strain L‐2D, now known to be homozygous at the mating‐type locus, we previously identified two pheromones (Ec‐α and Ec‐1) characterized by significant variations in their amino acid sequences and structure of their macronuclear coding genes. In this study, pheromones and macronuclear coding genes have been analyzed in strain POR‐73 characterized by a heterozygous genotype and strong mating compatibility with L‐2D strain. It was found that POR‐73 cells contain three distinct pheromone coding genes and, accordingly, secrete three distinct pheromones. One pheromone revealed structural identity in amino acid sequence and macronuclear coding gene to the Ec‐α pheromone of L‐2D cells. The other two pheromones were shown to be new and were designated Ec‐2 and Ec‐3 to denote their structural homology with the Ec‐1 pheromone of L‐2D cells. We interpreted these results as evidence of a phenomenon of gene duplication at the E. crassus mating‐type locus, and lack of hierarchical dominance in the expression of the macronuclear pheromone genes in cells with heterozygous genotypes.
Influence of Sucrose Content on Expansion of Extruded, Starch‐Based Pellets during Microwave Vacuum Processing
Authors: Kraus Stefan , Enke Nathanael , Schuchmann Heike P. , Gaukel Volker 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe influence of sucrose content on microwave‐induced expansion of starch‐based, extruded pellets under vacuum was investigated. Expansion of extruded pellets with different sucrose contents (0, 10 and 20%) was investigated in a microwave vacuum‐drying system. With increasing sucrose content, volume expansion showed a nearly linear increase. Also, the number of pores increased with increasing sucrose content. A softening of the matrix might facilitate nucleation. Pore areas decrease with increasing number of pores. We therefore assume that nucleation has the strongest impact on pore area distribution. Mainly pillow‐shaped and round final products were found. The shape of the final products could be related to the glass transition temperature Tg of the intermediate products and to heating and drying characteristics of the pellets during microwave vacuum processing. Tg decreases with increasing sucrose contents. If expansion of the initially cylindrical pellets takes place within the rubbery state, round final products are formed. If a glassy outer layer is built due to evaporation cooling of the surface and high Tg of the matrix, the pellets rupture upon expansion and the pillow shape forms.Practical ApplicationsIn contrast to direct expanded extruded snacks, third‐generation snacks are generally produced by pre‐drying nonexpanded, extruded pellets, followed by a separated expansion process. By this process route, extrusion can be performed at high moisture contents, moderate temperatures and moderate shearing conditions. This is beneficial in terms of preserving thermal‐ and mechanical‐sensitive ingredients. A special feature of the process investigated in this study is that the expansion is achieved by microwave vacuum processing that allows an indirect expansion without a time‐ and energy‐consuming pre‐drying process. This study shows that total volume and inner structure of the expanded pellets is strongly influenced by the amount of sucrose added to the starch‐based matrix. With these information producers can turn structure‐related properties such as appearance, crispiness and crunchiness to target values.
Effectiveness and Safety of a High‐Dose Weekly Vitamin D (20,000 IU) Protocol in Older Adults Living in Residential Care
Authors: Feldman Fabio , Moore Crystal , da Silva Liz , Gaspard Gina , Gustafson Larry , Singh Sonia , Barr Susan I. , Kitts David D. , Li Wangyang , Weiler Hope A. , Green Timothy J. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo report 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations, an indicator of vitamin D status, in older adults living in residential care 1 year after a protocol of weekly 20,000 IU of vitamin D was started.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingFive residential care facilities in British Columbia, Canada.ParticipantsResidents aged 65 and older from five facilities (N = 236).MeasurementsParticipants provided a blood sample. Demographic and health information was obtained from the medical record.ResultsMean 25OHD was 102 nmol/L (95% confidence interval (CI) = 98–106 nmol/L). Three percent of residents had a 25OHD concentration of less than 40 nmol/L, 6% <50 nmol/L, and 19% <75 nmol/L. In those who received 20,000 IU/wk or more for 6 months or longer (n = 147), mean 25OHD was 112 nmol/L (95% CI = 108–117 nmol/L), and none had a 25OHD level of less than 50 nmol/L. Hypercalcemia (>2.6 mmol/L), a potential consequence of too much vitamin D, was present in 14%, although 25OHD levels did not differ in those with and without hypercalcemia (108 vs 101 nmol/L; P = .17).ConclusionTwelve months after implementation of a 20,000‐IU/wk vitamin D protocol for older adults in residential care, mean 25OHD concentrations were high, and there was no evidence of poor vitamin D status. Given the absence of demonstrated benefit of high 25OHD concentrations to the residential care population, dosages less than 20,000 IU/wk of vitamin D are recommended.
Causes of Death Determined in Medicolegal Investigations in Residents of Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kennedy Briohny , Ibrahim Joseph E. , Bugeja Lyndal , Ranson David 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo systematically review published research characterizing the nature and circumstances surrounding the death of older people in nursing homes specifically using information generated for medicolegal death investigations.DesignSystematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Statement using the key words death, nursing homes, and medicolegal death investigation.SettingCross‐sectional data from original, peer‐reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2013 describing deaths of nursing home residents.MeasurementsInformation was extracted for analysis about study and population characteristics, number and type of deaths, study design, findings, and limitations.ResultsThirteen studies were identified. The studies examined external causes of deaths from suicide, choking, restraint or bed‐related injuries, falls, and pressure injuries. Deaths were more frequent in women with existing comorbidities. Suicide was predominant in men. Identified risk factors and opportunities to reduce harm were identified at individual, organizational, and structural levels. Overall, the quality of the studies limited the aggregation and comparability of findings.ConclusionThis systematic review informs researchers, clinicians and policy‐makers about how to reduce external causes of death in nursing homes.
Quality of Psychopharmacological Medication Prescribing and Mortality in Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes
Authors: Wei Yu‐Jung , Simoni‐Wastila Linda , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Huang Ting‐Ying J. , Brandt Nicole , Moyo Patience , Lucas Judith A. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the influence of quality measures of psychopharmacological medication (PPM) prescribing on all‐cause mortality in a Medicare long‐stay nursing home (NH) population.DesignLongitudinal.Setting2007–09 Medicare data linked to Minimum Data Set 2.0 files.ParticipantsFour new‐user cohorts of residents initiating antipsychotic (n = 13,105), antidepressant (n = 14,251), anxiolytic and sedative–hypnotic (n = 10,789), and any PPM (n = 14,568) medication.MeasurementsThree measures of PPM prescribing quality were assessed monthly with a 6‐month look‐back: evidence of appropriate indication, dose (modified standardized daily dose (mSDD); below (<1), at (1), and above (>1) recommended geriatric dose), and duration of therapy (DOT; ≤30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–180 days from medication initiation). Complementary log–log models with quality measures as time‐dependent variables were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality.ResultsAppropriate use of antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedative–hypnotics, and any PPMs, as evidenced by appropriate indications, was significantly associated with lower mortality risk (HRantidepressants = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76–0.86; HRanxiolytics and sedative–hypnotics = 0.81, 0.75–0.88; HRPPM = 0.89, 0.83–0.95). Antipsychotic and anxiolytic and sedative–hypnotic users with a mSDD of less than 1 had lower mortality risk than those with a mSDD greater than 1, whereas a protective effect was observed in antidepressant users with a mSDD greater than 1. In all four cohorts, those with a DOT of 91 to 180 days had lower mortality than those with a DOT of 1 month or less; the lower risk of mortality was detected after antipsychotic use for 31 days or longer.ConclusionOptimal PPM prescribing quality, as measured by indication and duration, is associated with low mortality. The benefit related to drug dosage varied by therapeutic class. When prescribing PPMs to NH residents, providers should consider not only drug choice, but also dose and duration of prescribed regimens.
Comorbidity in Dementia: Update of an Ongoing Autopsy Study
Authors: Magaki Shino , Yong William H. , Khanlou Negar , Tung Spencer , Vinters Harry V. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine systemic and central nervous system (CNS) comorbidities of individuals with dementia evaluated during general autopsy.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA large tertiary academic medical center in Los Angeles, California.ParticipantsIndividuals with clinically and neuropathologically diagnosed dementia who received complete autopsies (n = 86) and individuals with dementia who received partial (brain only) autopsies (n = 132).MeasurementsInformation on cause of death and systemic and CNS comorbidities was obtained from autopsy reports and clinical information as available from the medical records. Findings were tabulated with respect to type of dementia, semiquantitative assessment of the severity of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, semiquantitative assessment of the severity of cerebrovascular disease, and evidence of ischemic damage in the brain.ResultsOf 218 subjects with dementia, 175 (80.3%) had Alzheimer's disease alone or in combination with other lesions that might contribute to cognitive impairment, such as cerebrovascular disease and diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD), 14 (6.4%) had frontotemporal dementia, and seven (3.2%) had isolated DLBD. The most common cause of death in participants with dementia was pneumonia (n = 57, 66.3%), followed by cardiovascular disease (n = 14, 16.3%). Eighteen subjects (20.9%) had lung disease, and 16 (18.6%) had evidence of an old or recent myocardial infarction. Clinically undiagnosed neoplasms included colonic adenocarcinoma, metastatic pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma, meningioma, and Schwannoma.ConclusionSignificant comorbidities were discovered at autopsy in individuals with dementia. Understanding the causes of death and associated comorbidities in individuals with various subtypes of dementia is important in the assessment of end‐of‐life care in these individuals.
Fatigue and quality of life in women treated for various types of gynaecological cancers: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sekse Ragnhild Johanne Tveit , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Vika Margrethe Elin 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectivesTo examine the prevalence of cancer‐related fatigue in women treated for various types of gynaecological cancers and, for these cancers, to assess fatigue in relation to distress, health‐related quality of life, demography and treatment characteristics.BackgroundAdvances in treatment of cancer have improved the likelihood of survival. Consequently, there are a growing number of patients who become survivors after cancer and who face side effects even years after treatment. One of the most frequently reported side effects across all types and stages of the disease is cancer‐related fatigue.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional study.MethodsOne hundred and twenty women treated for gynaecological cancers who were participants in an intervention study were included. Fatigue, psychological distress, health‐related QoL and demographics were assessed by questionnaires. Disease and treatment characteristics were extracted from medical records.ResultsCancer‐related fatigue was reported in 53% of the women treated for gynaecological cancers, with a higher proportion in the group of cervical cancer, followed by ovarian cancer. Younger participants reported fatigue more frequently than older participants. When adjusting for age, the type of cancer a woman experiences was shown to have little impact on her risk of experiencing fatigue. The participants with fatigue reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than participants without fatigue. There was a relationship between fatigue and quality of life as measured by SF‐36 domains.ConclusionThe findings underscore the importance of screening for fatigue, patient education and symptom management. This should be included in a standard procedure during treatment and follow‐up. Both somatic and psychological aspects of fatigue should be emphasised.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings imply the need for health personnel to have focus on fatigue during the entire cancer trajectory of women after gynaecological cancers, as well as the need for screening, information, guidance and symptom management.
Steroid plus antiviral treatment for Bell's palsy
Authors: Kang H. M. , Jung S. Y. , Byun J. Y. , Park M. S. , Yeo S. G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe effectiveness of antiviral agents for the treatment of Bell's palsy is uncertain. We evaluated whether a steroid with an antiviral agent (S + A group) provided better recovery outcomes than a steroid alone (S group) in patients with Bell's palsy.Subjects and designA total of 1342 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy who visited the Kyung Hee Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from 2002 to 2012 were included in this study. Patients in the S + A group were treated with prednisolone and antiviral agents (n = 569) and those in the S group with prednisolone alone (n = 773). Outcomes were measured using the House–Brackmann (HB) scale according to age, initial disease severity, electroneurography (ENoG) findings and underlying comorbidities.ResultsThe rate of recovery (HB grades I and II) with initially severe Bell's palsy (HB grades V and VI) was higher in the S + A than in the S group (P = 0.001). However, the rates of recovery were similar with initially moderate palsy (HB grades II–IV) (P = 0.502). In patients classified according to age and ENoG‐determined severity of palsy, the overall recovery rate was higher in the S + A than in the S group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05 for both). The recovery rate without diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) was higher in the S + A group than in the S group (P = 0.031). But in the patients with HTN and DM, the difference in recovery rates between the S + A and S groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.805).ConclusionsTreatment with a steroid plus antiviral agent resulted in significantly higher recovery rates than steroid therapy alone in patients with initially severe Bell's palsy and without either HTN or DM, and a nonsignificant trend towards higher recovery rates in all patients with Bell's palsy in this study. Antiviral agents may therefore help in the treatment of Bell's palsy.