bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Difficult button battery ear foreign body removal: the magnetic solution
Authors: Nivatvongs W , Ghabour M , Dhanasekar G 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground:Removing a button battery from the ear can be a tricky and challenging procedure.Method and Results:We describe the innovative use of a magnetic telescopic rod to successfully remove a button battery from the ear canal of a nine-year-old boy.Conclusion:We propose that this equipment should be available in ENT clinics and operating theatres to be used for removing foreign bodies made from ferrous materials.
Rapid extraction of invertebrates from tropical forest litter using modified Winkler apparatus
Authors: Semenina Eugenia E. , Anichkin Alexander E. , Shilenkova Oksana L. , Ermilov Sergey G. , Tiunov Alexei V. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract:The Winkler extractor is widely used for collecting both micro- and macrofauna from large samples of forest litter, but the long period of extraction that it demands and that allows continuous feeding and reproduction of target organisms is a serious drawback when samples are collected for subsequent stable isotope analysis. This problem is exacerbated in a humid tropical climate. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of the modified Winkler apparatus equipped with heating plates placed inside each mesh bag. The study was performed at the end of the wet season in a mature forest and young forest plantation at Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam. The heating plates increased the temperature within the extractors by about 8ºC and accelerated the desiccation of litter in the mesh bags. The extraction speed of macrofauna from the forest litter was strongly increased and the number of mites collected nearly doubled in the modified extractors, though the extraction rates of collembolans were not affected significantly. Overall, our results suggest that the application of heating plates accelerates the extraction process while yielding large quantities of litter-dwelling animals.
Mock theta functions and weakly holomorphic modular forms modulo 2 and 3
Authors: AHLGREN SCOTT , KIM BYUNGCHAN 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe prove that the coefficients of the mock theta functions

\begin{eqnarray*}
f(q) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{ q^{n^2}}{(1+q)^2 (1+q^2)^2 \cdots (1+q^n)^2 }
\end{eqnarray*}

and

\begin{eqnarray*}
\omega(q)=1+\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{q^{2n^2+2n}}{(1+q)^2(1+q^3)^2\cdots (1+q^{2n+1})^2}
\end{eqnarray*}

possess no linear congruences modulo 3. We prove similar results for the moduli 2 and 3 for a wide class of weakly holomorphic modular forms and discuss applications. This extends work of Radu on the behavior of the ordinary partition function.
Mothers’ restrictive eating and food neophobia and fathers’ dietary quality are associated with breast-feeding duration and introduction of solid foods: the STEPS study
Authors: Vaarno Jenni , Niinikoski Harri , Kaljonen Anne , Aromaa Minna , Lagström Hanna 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to examine the association between parental eating behaviours and dietary patterns and feeding practices of infants and young children.DesignData on infant-feeding practices were collected from each infant’s birth via parentally self-administered follow-up diaries. Three questionnaires, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Food Neophobia Scale and the Index of Diet Quality, were administered when the children were aged 4 and 13 months.SettingSouth-western Finland.SubjectsFamilies participating in the STEPS longitudinal cohort study (n1797).ResultsMean duration of exclusive breast-feeding was 2·4 months and total duration of breast-feeding averaged 8·1 months. The first solid food was introduced into children’s diets at the age of 3·9 months, on average. Mothers with highly restrictive eating were more likely to introduce solid foods sooner than mothers who ranked lower in these behaviours (3·8 monthsv.4·0 months,P=0·012). Neophobic mothers breast-fed exclusively (2·0v. 2·6 months,P=0·038) and in total (7·2v. 8·5 months,P=0·039) for shorter times than average mothers, even after adjusting for various demographic characteristics. Fathers’ diet quality was associated with total breast-feeding duration and with introduction of complementary foods in unadjusted analyses and with total breast-feeding duration also after adjusting for confounding factors.ConclusionsMothers’ and fathers’ eating patterns and practices are associated with the feeding practices of infants and young children. Health promotion interventions seeking to improve parents’ eating patterns might lead to more favourable feeding practices for infants and young children.
Policy outcomes of applying different nutrient profiling systems in recreational sports settings: the case for national harmonization in Canada
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , Poirier Kelly , Naylor Patti-Jean , Shearer Cindy , Kirk Sara FL 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess agreement among three nutrient profiling systems used to evaluate the healthfulness of vending machine products in recreation and sport settings in three Canadian provinces. We also assessed whether the nutritional profile of vending machine items in recreation and sport facilities that were adhering to nutrition guidelines (implementers) was superior to that of facilities that were not (non-implementers).DesignTrained research assistants audited the contents of vending machines. Three provincial nutrient profiling systems were used to classify items into each province’s most, moderately and least healthy categories. Agreement among systems was assessed using weightedκstatistics. ANOVA assessed whether the average nutritional profile of vending machine items differed according to province and guideline implementation status.SettingEighteen recreation and sport facilities in three Canadian provinces. One-half of facilities were implementing nutrition guidelines.SubjectsSnacks (n531) and beverages (n618) within thirty-six vending machines were audited.ResultsOverall, the systems agreed that the majority of items belonged within their respective least healthy categories (66–69 %) and that few belonged within their most healthy categories (14–22 %). Agreement among profiling systems was moderate to good, withκwvalues ranging from 0·49 to 0·69. Implementers offered fewer of the least healthy items (P<0·05) and these items had a better nutritional profile compared with items in non-implementing facilities.ConclusionsThe policy outcomes of the three systems are likely to be similar, suggesting there may be scope to harmonize nutrient profiling systems at a national level to avoid unnecessary duplication and support food reformulation by industry.
Real-time earthquake monitoring using a search engine method
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Haijiang , Chen Enhong , Zheng Yi , Kuang Wenhuan , Zhang Xiong 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhen an earthquake occurs, seismologists want to use recorded seismograms to infer its location, magnitude and source-focal mechanism as quickly as possible. If such information could be determined immediately, timely evacuations and emergency actions could be undertaken to mitigate earthquake damage. Current advanced methods can report the initial location and magnitude of an earthquake within a few seconds, but estimating the source-focal mechanism may require minutes to hours. Here we present an earthquake search engine, similar to a web search engine, that we developed by applying a computer fast search method to a large seismogram database to find waveforms that best fit the input data. Our method is several thousand times faster than an exact search. For an Mw 5.9 earthquake on 8 March 2012 in Xinjiang, China, the search engine can infer the earthquake’s parameters in <1 s after receiving the long-period surface wave data.
Molecular mechanism of G-quadruplex unwinding helicase: sequential and repetitive unfolding of G-quadruplex by Pif1 helicase
Authors: Hou Xi-Miao , Wu Wen-Qiang , Duan Xiao-Lei , Liu Na-Nv , Li Hai-Hong , Fu Jing , Dou Shuo-Xing , Li Ming , Xi Xu-Guang 
Published: December 2014

Recent advances in G-quadruplex (G4) studies have confirmed that G4 structures exist in living cells and may have detrimental effects on various DNA transactions. How helicases resolve G4, however, has just begun to be studied and remains largely unknown. In the present paper, we use single-molecule fluorescence assays to probe Pif1-catalysed unfolding of G4 in a DNA construct resembling an ongoing synthesis of lagging strand stalled by G4. Strikingly, Pif1 unfolds and then halts at the ss/dsDNA junction, followed by rapid reformation of G4 and ‘acrobatic’ re-initiation of unfolding by the same monomer. Thus, Pif1 unfolds single G4 structures repetitively. Furthermore, it is found that Pif1 unfolds G4 sequentially in two large steps. Our study has revealed that, as a stable intermediate, G-triplex (G3) plays an essential role in this process. The repetitive unfolding activity may facilitate Pif1 disrupting the continuously reforming obstructive G4 structures to rescue a stalled replication fork. The proposed mechanism for step-wise unfolding of G4 is probably applicable to other helicases that resolve G4 structures for maintaining genome stability.
The Effect of Hepatitis C Virologic Clearance on Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection
Authors: Chew Kara W. , Hua Lei , Bhattacharya Debika , Butt Adeel A. , Bornfleth Lorelei , Chung Raymond T. , Andersen Janet W. , Currier Judith S. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background.  Successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and improve levels of CVD biomarkers produced outside the liver (nonhepatic biomarkers).
Methods.  Stored serum or plasma from before and 24 weeks after end of HCV treatment (EOT) from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected subjects who received up to 72 weeks of peginterferon/ribavirin, 27 with and 27 without sustained virologic response (SVR) matched by race, ethnicity and sex, were tested for nonhepatic (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1], soluble P-selectin [sP-selectin], interleukin [IL]-6, d-dimer, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]) and hepatic (cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) CVD and macrophage activation markers (soluble CD163 [sCD163] and soluble CD14). Changes in biomarkers and their association with SVR were examined by t tests or Wilcoxon tests and regression models.
Results.  Of the 54 subjects, 30 were white, 24 were black, and 44 were male. Pretreatment levels of nonhepatic biomarkers were high: sICAM-1 overall median, 439.2 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 365.6–592.8]; sP-selectin, 146.7 ng/mL (IQR, 94.1–209.9), and IL-6, 2.32 pg/mL (IQR, 1.61–3.49). Thirty-seven of 52 (71%) subjects had Lp-PLA2 &gt;235 ng/mL. Sustained virologic response was associated with decrease in sICAM-1 (P = .033) and sCD163 (P = .042); this result was attenuated after controlling for changes in the alanine aminotransferase level. At 24 weeks after EOT, 17 (63%) SVRs had Lp-PLA2 &gt;235 ng/mL vs 25 (93%) non-SVRs (P = .021).
Conclusions.  Hepatitis C virus clearance may reduce hepatic and, subsequently, systemic inflammation and CVD risk in HIV/HCV coinfection.
Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Consecutive Extractions of Fatty Acids and Polyphenols from Vitis Vinifera Grape Wastes
Authors: Aizpurua‐Olaizola Oier , Ormazabal Markel , Vallejo Asier , Olivares Maitane , Navarro Patricia , Etxebarria Nestor , Usobiaga Aresatz 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this study, supercritical fluid extraction has been successfully applied to a sequential fractionation of fatty acids and polyphenols from wine wastes (2 different vitis vinifera grapes). To this aim, in a 1st step just fatty acids were extracted and in a 2nd one the polyphenols. The variables that affected to the extraction efficiency were separately optimized in both steps following an experimental design approach. The effect of extraction temperature flow, pressure, and time were thoroughly evaluated for the extraction of fatty acids, whereas the addition of methanol was also considered in the case of the polyphenols extraction. A quantitative extraction with high efficiency was achieved at a very short time and low temperatures. Concerning quantification, fatty acids were determined by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry after a derivatization step, whereas the polyphenols were analyzed by means of high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and the Folin–Ciocalteu method.
Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of “Wet” Alginate and Composite Films Containing Various Carbohydrates
Authors: Harper B. Allison , Barbut Shai , Smith Alexandra , Marcone Massimo F. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractComposite “wet” alginate films were manufactured from alginate–carbohydrate solutions containing 5% alginate and 0.25% pectin, carrageenan (kappa or iota), potato starch (modified or unmodified), gellan gum, or cellulose (extracted or commercial). The “wet” alginate films were used as a model to understand co‐extruded alginate sausage casings that are currently being used by several sausage manufacturers. The mechanical, optical, and microstructural properties of the calcium cross‐linked composite films were explored. In addition, the water holding capacity and textural profile analysis properties of the alginate–carbohydrate gels were studied. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of “wet” alginate films/casings can be modified by adding various carbohydrates to them. Alginate films with pectin, carrageenan, and modified potato starch had significantly (P < 0.05) greater elongation values than pure alginate films. The alginate–pectin films also had greater (P < 0.05) tensile strengths than the pure alginate films. Alginate films with extracted cellulose, commercial cellulose, and modified potato starch had lower (P < 0.05) puncture force, distance, and work values than the alginate control films. Transmission electron microscopy images showed a very uniform alginate network in the control films. Several large cellulose fibers were visible in the films with extracted cellulose, while the cellulose fibers in the films with commercial cellulose were difficult to distinguish. Despite these apparent differences in cellulose fiber length, the 2 cellulose films had similar puncture and tensile properties.
Use of the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP) and the Screening Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatment (START) in hospitalised older people
Authors: Manias Elizabeth , Kusljic Snezana , Lam Di‐Luu 
Published: December 2014

AimsTo determine the prevalence and nature of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) in patients aged 65 years and over.MethodA retrospective clinical audit was undertaken (N = 200) in an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital.ResultsThe prevalence of at least one PIM was 51% (n = 101) whereas the prevalence of at least one PPO was 74% (n = 147). The most common PIM was prescribing aspirin to patients with no history of coronary, cerebral or peripheral arterial disease or occlusive arterial events. The most commonly detected PPO was the failure to prescribe statins to patients with a documented history of coronary, cerebral or peripheral vascular disease. Overall, 80 (24%) of the 335 PIMs identified were possibly associated with an adverse clinical outcome experienced by patients.ConclusionsInappropriate prescribing continues to be a problem as shown by complexities associated with the risk–benefit trade‐offs of managing medications in older patients.
Feedback in technology‐based instruction: Learner preferences
Authors: Lefevre David , Cox Benita 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis research investigates learner preferences for the format of feedback when using technology‐based instruction (TBI).The primary method of data collection was to provide subjects with a range of options for TBI feedback following responses to multiple‐choice questions and then observe their choices. A software tool both presented the feedback options and tracked subsequent interactions. Over a 3‐year period, data were collected relating to 2066 postgraduate students studying one or more of three items of TBI. These students responded to a total of 61 929 questions. In addition, a series of semi‐structured interviews were conducted which investigated why subjects made their choices and the factors that affect these choices.Recommendations to educators regarding the content, timing and delivery of TBI feedback are suggested.
A social network analysis of teaching and research collaboration in a teachers' virtual learning community
Authors: Lin Xiaofan , Hu Xiaoyong , Hu Qintai , Liu Zhichun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAnalysing the structure of a social network can help us understand the key factors influencing interaction and collaboration in a virtual learning community (VLC). Here, we describe the mechanisms used in social network analysis (SNA) to analyse the social network structure of a VLC for teachers and discuss the relationship between face‐to‐face and online collaborations. In contrast to previous research applying SNA to analyse measuring indexes alone, we emphasise the mechanisms combining SNA, questionnaires, content analysis and focus group interviews—the key methodology to analyse complex interaction in a VLC. On this basis, we present an analysis model for teachers' VLC and apply it to a teachers' VLC known as ‘IRIS’. The study participants comprised 172 K12 teachers aged between 25 and 55 years. This study collected collaboration data from 2006 to 2012 and analysed the social network structure using sociograms, centrality, cohesive subgroups, clique phenomenon, and matrix correlation of SNA. These findings suggest that face‐to‐face and online collaborations are both indispensable in teaching and in research and continuously supplement and remedy each other in professional development. Moreover, the model succeeded in accessing, describing and analysing the social network structure of a VLC.
The Relationships between Atrial Electromechanical Delay and CHA2DS2‐VASc Score in Patients Diagnosed with Paroxysmal AF
Authors: Nar Gökay , İnci Sinan , Aksan Gökhan , Soylu Korhan , Demirelli Selami , Nar Rukiye 
Published: December 2014

AimThis study aims to evaluate the relationship between atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) times and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores in patients diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).Materials and MethodsThe study included a total of 74 patients, 34 of whom were diagnosed with PAF and 40 were included in the control group. The CHA2DS2‐VASc score was calculated for each patient. Additionally, blood samples were taken from all patients and transthoracic echocardiographic measurements were made. Left atrial mechanical functions and AEMD were calculated.ResultsMean CHA2DS2‐VASc score measured was 2.24 ± 1.53 in PAF group. There was no significant difference between the groups when the patients were evaluated for baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters (P > 0.05) The echocardiographic evaluation of LA mechanical functions showed that only LA minimum volume (19 ± 6.4 vs. 16.7 ± 4.6, P = 0.02) and LA presystolic volume (28.9 ± 7 vs. 25.1 ± 5.7, P = 0.01) were higher in the PAF group. When AEMD was compared between the groups; lateral PA, septal PA, tricuspid PA, Interatrial EMD, and intraatrial EMD were significantly extended compared to control group (P < 0.001) CHA2DS2‐VASc score was correlated with Lateral atrial PA (P < 0.001, r = 0.524), Septal atrial PA (P < 0.001, r = 0.45), Interatrial EMD (P < 0.001, r = 0.54), and intraatrial EMD (P < 0.001, r = 0.51) times.ConclusionThe present study shows that AEMD times increase in patients with PAF compared to the control group. Furthermore, this study revealed a correlation between AEMD times and CHA2DS2‐VASc score, as well showed that extended AEMD time may be associated with thromboembolism risk.
Community participation for rural health: a review of challenges
Authors: Kenny Amanda , Farmer Jane , Dickson‐Swift Virginia , Hyett Nerida 
Published: December 2014

AbstractContextInternationally, community participation is highlighted in health policy reform as good for rural communities. Implicit in this policy is the message that the complexities of the rural environment are too difficult for easy solutions and that community participation will somehow build resilient, self‐determining communities capable of dealing with complex rural access and equity issues and poorer health outcomes. The underpinning proposition is that by giving decision‐making powers to community members, health care will be locally responsive, costs will be contained, and health outcomes will improve. What happens in the practice of enacting community participation in health‐care decision making is less clear.ObjectiveDespite the growing body of work that documents different levels and models of community participation, significant gaps that outline the practical challenges inherent in rural community participation remain. In this article, we draw on a body of literature to outline the practical considerations in implementing community participation policy in health settings in rural areas. Through a critical review, we aim to stimulate debate, progress ideas and provide a conceptual representation of the somewhat ‘messy’ nature of rural community participation at a grass‐roots organizational level.Discussion and conclusionBased on our analysis of the current literature, we provide a summary of challenges and practical strategies that might mitigate some of these challenges. Our review highlights that despite policymakers suggesting that community participation is good for rural communities, policy enactment must move beyond mandated tokenism for there to be a recognition that meaningful participation is neither easy nor linear.
Internal Capital Markets and the Funding of Subsidiaries of Multinational Banks
Authors: Gulamhussen Mohamed Azzim , Lavrador Isabel Maria Monteiro 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe study the factors that determine the debt funding of subsidiaries of multinational banks. Our findings indicate that the funding of subsidiaries is determined by the internalization advantages of the parent bank and the home country, in addition to the characteristics of the subsidiary and the host country. Subsidiaries of multinational banks adjust the level of their funding by virtue of their affiliation with their parent's multinational network. Multinational banks may exploit their internalization advantages to secure funding via subsidiaries. Our findings suggest that gaps in regulation and supervision between host and home countries have the potential to undermine the sound functioning of the global financial system.