bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eating fish for two
Authors: Strain J. J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article is based on the British Nutrition Foundation's Annual Lecture 2013, which focused on maternal fish consumption and the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on fetal development, with respect to current guidance and policy on fish consumption during pregnancy. Fish makes a valuable contribution to nutrient intakes across the globe and is the primary protein source for many individuals, particularly those in the developing world. Populations with a high fish consumption, such as in the Republic of the Seychelles, have a greater exposure to MeHg, which is present in varying amounts in all fish. MeHg is a toxic pollutant, which is known to impair neurodevelopment. The dose of MeHg from fish consumption, however, needed to impair neurodevelopment is unknown. Current UK and US guidance on fish consumption during pregnancy tend to focus more on avoiding risks rather than highlighting the benefits that can be obtained from eating fish. Such recommendations have been mainly based on data arising from epidemiological studies in the Faroe Islands, where MeHg exposure was largely from pilot whale consumption. Although small adverse effects on child development have been reported in data from the Faroe Islands, data from the ongoing Seychelles Child Development Studies have shown no adverse effects of pre‐natal MeHg exposure from high maternal fish consumption (9–12 meals containing fish per week) on developmental outcomes. Instead these data suggest that nutrients, including long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs), provided by fish may offer a beneficial effect and attenuate or modify any effects of MeHg on developmental outcomes. Recent expert consultations have concluded that the health benefits of fish consumption outweigh the risks posed by MeHg exposure and have argued the need for improved education and guidance to highlight the importance of consuming nutrients, including LC‐PUFAs, from fish for optimal child development and to encourage fish consumption during pregnancy.
Diet of an Olympian: Food with a purpose
Authors: Currell K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOlympic medals are often decided by a fraction of a per cent. Over the last 20 years, elite athletes have taken a systematic approach to improving their performance. Performance nutrition is the systematic use of nutrition science to improve sporting performance and is increasingly being used by elite athletes. There are three areas of sporting performance where performance nutrition may be applied, namely the prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of adaptation from training and improvement of competition performance.Performance nutrition can help prevent illness by providing the correct amount of energy and macronutrients to match the energy needs of training and to prevent fatigue. Post‐exercise carbohydrate and protein intake supports recovery from exercise and enables athletes to be in a position to train again. Nutrients such as calcium can promote bone health and prevent injury. Nutrient intake around training facilitates the adaptation to exercise. Protein intake post resistance exercise enhances the hypertrophy adaptation to exercise and manipulation of carbohydrate intake facilitates the adaptive response to endurance exercise. Use of both macronutrients and ergogenic aids (such as beetroot juice) around competition can enhance the sporting performance.
Long‐term efficacy of NASHA Dx injection therapy for treatment of fecal incontinence
Authors: Mellgren A. , Matzel K. E. , Pollack J. , Hull T. , Bernstein M. , Graf W. ,   The Nasha Dx Study Group
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundInjectable bulking treatment for fecal incontinence (FI) is intended to expand tissue in the anal canal and prevent fecal leakage. Use of injectable bulking agents is increasing because it can be performed in an outpatient setting and with low risk for morbidity. This study evaluated the long‐term (36‐month) clinical effectiveness and safety of injection of non‐animal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer (NASHA Dx) on FI symptoms.MethodsIn a prospective multicenter trial, 136 patients with FI received the NASHA Dx bulking agent. Treatment success defined as a reduction in number of FI episodes by 50% or more compared with baseline (Responder50). Change from baseline in Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL), and adverse events were also evaluated.Key ResultsSuccessful decrease in symptoms was achieved in 52% of patients at 6 months and this was sustained at 12 months (57%) and 36 months (52%). Mean CCFIS decreased from 14 at baseline to 11 at 36 months (p < 0.001). Quality‐of‐life scores for all four domains improved significantly between baseline and 36 months of follow‐up. Severe adverse events were rare and most adverse events were transient and pertained to minor bleeding and pain or discomfort.Conclusions & InferencesSubmucosal injection of NASHA Dx provided a significant improvement of FI symptoms in a majority of patients and this effect was stable during the course of the follow‐up and maintained for 3 years.
Convergent phylogenetic and functional responses to altered fire regimes in mesic savanna grasslands of North America and South Africa
Authors: Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Donoghue Michael J. , Smith Melinda D. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe importance of fire in the creation and maintenance of mesic grassland communities is well recognized. Improved understanding of how grasses – the dominant clade in these important ecosystems – will respond to alterations in fire regimes is needed in the face of anthropogenically driven climate and land‐use change.Here, we examined how grass communities shift in response to experimentally manipulated fire regimes at multiple levels of community diversity – taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional – in C4‐dominanted mesic savanna grassland sites with similar structure and physiognomy, yet disparate biogeographic histories.We found that the grass communities were similar in their phylogenetic response and aspects of their functional response to high fire frequency. Both sites exhibited phylogenetic clustering of highly abundant species in annually burned plots, driven by species of the Andropogoneae, and a narrow range of functional strategies associated with rapid post‐fire regeneration in a high‐light, nitrogen‐limited environment.By examining multiple facets of diversity in a comparative context, we identified convergent phylogenetic and functional responses to altered fire regimes in two mesic savanna grasslands. Our results highlight the importance of a common filtering process associated with fire that is consistent across grasslands of disparate biogeographic histories and taxonomic representation.
Dependence on benzodiazepines in patients with panic disorder: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fujii Kazuhito , Uchida Hiroyuki , Suzuki Takefumi , Mimura Masaru 
Published: May 2014

AimsThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the prevalence of psychological dependence on benzodiazepines in outpatients with panic disorder and elucidate demographic and clinical characteristics associated with this condition.MethodsSubjects were eligible if they were outpatients in four clinics in Tokyo, Japan, aged 18 years or older and met the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder according to the ICD‐10. The subjects received the following assessments: the Severity of Dependence Scale, Japanese Version (SDS), the Self‐Report Version of Panic Disorder Severity Scale, Japanese Version (PDSS‐SR), and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology‐Self Report, Japanese Version. The following information was also collected: age, sex, ethnicity, duration of illness, physical and psychiatric comorbidities, and details of prescribed psychotropic medications.ResultsThe data from 51 outpatients showed that 31 patients (60.8%) showed psychological dependence (i.e. a total score of ≥5 in the SDS). The proportion of patients with dependence was significantly lower in remitted patients (i.e. a total score of ≤4 in the PDSS) (44.1%, n = 15/34) than those who were not (94.1%, n = 16/17) (Pearson χ2 = 11.9, P < 0.001). A multiple regression analysis showed that the PDSS scores showed a positive correlation with the SDS total scores (β = 0.60, 95% confidence interval = 0.30–0.90, P = 0.0001).ConclusionThese findings emphasize the need for enhanced awareness about benzodiazepine dependence in patients and psychiatrists, as well as especially close attention to patients with panic disorder who present severe symptomatology.
Bidirectional associations between family factors and Internet addiction among adolescents in a prospective investigation
Authors: Ko Chih‐Hung , Wang Peng‐Wei , Liu Tai‐Ling , Yen Cheng‐Fang , Chen Cheng‐Sheng , Yen Ju‐Yu 
Published: May 2014

AimsThis study aimed at evaluating the effect of family factors on the occurrence of Internet addiction and determining whether Internet addiction could make any difference in the family function.MethodsA total of 2293 adolescents in grade 7 participated in the study. We assessed their Internet addiction, family function, and family factors with a 1‐year follow up.ResultsIn the prospective investigation, inter‐parental conflict predicted the incidence of Internet addiction 1 year later in forward regression analysis, followed by not living with mother and allowance to use Internet more than 2 h per day by parents or caregiver. The inter‐parental conflict and allowance to use Internet more than 2 h per day also predicted the incidence in girls. Not cared for by parents and family APGAR score predicted the incidence of Internet addiction among boys. The prospective investigation demonstrated that the incidence group had more decreased scores on family APGAR than did the non‐addiction group in the 1‐year follow‐up. This effect was significant only among girls.ConclusionsInter‐parental conflict and inadequate regulation of unessential Internet use predicted risk of Internet addiction, particularly among adolescent girls. Family intervention to prevent inter‐parental conflict and promote family function and Internet regulation were necessary to prevent Internet addiction. Among adolescents with Internet addiction, it is necessary to pay attention to deterioration of family function, particularly among girls.
Differences in female reproductive success between female and hermaphrodite individuals in the subdioecious shrub Eurya japonica (Theaceae)
Authors: Wang H. , Matsushita M. , Tomaru N. , Nakagawa M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSubdioecy is thought to occupy a transitional position in the gynodioecy–dioecy pathway, explaining one of the evolutionary routes from hermaphroditism to dioecy. Quantifying any female reproductive advantage of females versus hermaphrodites is fundamental to examining the spectrum between subdioecy and dioecy; however, this is challenging, as multiple interacting factors, such as pollen limitation and resource availability, affect plant reproduction. We compared the female reproductive success of females and hermaphrodites via a field experiment in which we hand‐pollinated individuals of the subdioecious shrub Eurya japonica of similar size growing under similar light conditions. Effects of pollen limitation and seed quality were also evaluated through comparing the results of hand‐ and natural‐pollination treatments and performing additional laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Overall, females had higher fruit set and produced heavier fruit and more seeds than hermaphrodites, and these results were more pronounced for hand‐pollinated than for natural‐pollinated plants of both sexes. We also found that seeds naturally produced by females had a higher mean germination rate. These results indicate that females had a pronounced advantage in female reproductive success under conditions of no pollen limitation. The sexual difference in the degree of pollen limitation suggests a pollinator‐mediated interaction, whereas the higher female reproductive success of females even under natural conditions implies that E. japonica is a good model species for elucidating the later stages of the gynodioecy–dioecy pathway.
Enhanced response to music in pregnancy
Authors: Fritz Thomas Hans , Ciupek Marian , Kirkland Ambika , Ihme Klas , Guha Anika , Hoyer Jana , Villringer Arno 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGiven a possible effect of estrogen on the pleasure‐mediating dopaminergic system, musical appreciation in participants whose estrogen levels are naturally elevated during the oral contraceptive cycle and pregnancy has been investigated (n = 32, 15 pregnant, 17 nonpregnant; mean age 27.2). Results show more pronounced blood pressure responses to music in pregnant women. However, estrogen level differences during different phases of oral contraceptive intake did not have any effect, indicating that the observed changes were not related to estrogen. Effects of music on blood pressure were independent of valence, and dissonance elicited the greatest drop in blood pressure. Thus, the enhanced physiological response in pregnant women probably does not reflect a protective mechanism to avoid unpleasantness. Instead, this enhanced response is discussed in terms of a facilitation of prenatal conditioning to acoustical (musical) stimuli.
Why Reflective Equilibrium?II: Following Up onRawls's Comparison of His Own Approach with aKantian Approach
Authors: Eng Svein 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInA Theory of Justice(1971), John Rawls introduces the concept of “reflective equilibrium.” Although there are innumerable references to and discussions of this concept in the literature, there is, to the present author's knowledge, no discussion of the most important question:Whyreflective equilibrium? In particular, the question arises: Is the method of reflective equilibrium applicable to the choice of this methoditself?Rawls's drawing of parallels between Kant's moral theory and his own suggests that his concept of “reflective equilibrium” is on a par withKant's concept of “transcendental deduction.” Treating these two approaches to justification as paradigmatic,Iconsider their respective merits in meeting the reflexive challenge, i.e., in offering a justification for choice of mode of justification. My enquiry into this topic comprises three parts. In the first part (Eng 2014a),Iraised the issue of the reflexivity of justification and questioned whether the reflexive challenge can be met within the framework ofA Theory of Justice. In this second part,Ishall outline aKantian approach that represents a paradigmatic alternative toRawls.
On the Nature of Norms
Authors: Koller Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper deals with the question of how norms are to be conceived of in order to understand their role as guidelines for human action within various normative orders, particularly in the context of law on the one hand and conventional morality on the other. After some brief remarks on the history of the term “norm,” the author outlines the most significant general features of actually existing social norms, including legal and conventional norms, from which he arrives at two basic requirements on an appropriate conception of such norms: the actuality and the normativity requirements. On this basis, he enters into a critical discussion ofKelsen's highly influential view of norms, arguing that this view is doomed to failure. In the last part of the paper, the author scrutinizes the more promising “practice theory of norms” byH.L.A.Hart, which, in his view, also suffers from some shortcomings, but may be modified in a way that leads to a conception of social norms providing us with a plausible explication of their actual existence and their normative force.
A Realist Sexual Ethics
Authors: Newman Micah 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA very liberal sexual ethics now holds sway in Western culture, such that mutual consent alone is widely seen as morally legitimizing almost any sexual activity between adults. It is further commonly assumed by both philosophers and nonphilosophers that arguing for some alternative to liberal sexual ethics requires appeal to ethical commands specific to some religious tradition or other. The purpose of this paper is to challenge that assumption by suggesting some purely naturalistic and independently‐plausible premises that can be used to argue for a much more conservative system of sexual ethics than is widely accepted today.
Evaluation of Potassium Levels Before Hemodialysis Access Procedures
Authors: Ross Jamie , DeatherageHand Deborah 
Published: May 2014

AbstractFew prospective studies have looked at the incidence of hyperkalemia in outpatient hemodialysis access procedures. Our study prospectively evaluated 167 procedures using a preadmit venous blood gas (VBG) and found that 14.3% had moderate or severe hyperkalemia. When the individual procedures were analyzed it was found that 38% of malfunctioning tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) patients, 20% of new start TDC patients, 22% of thrombectomy patients, and only 5.8% of the angioplasty patients had moderate or severe hyperkalemia. We have changed our practice and now monitor the preprocedure potassium in all but the routine angioplasty patients and treat with the protocol described in the body of the article.
Ichnodiversity and ichnoabundance: Revealing depositional trends in a confined turbidite system
Authors: Knaust Dirk , Warchoł Michał , Kane Ian A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIchnological studies are still in their infancy when it comes to the interpretation of deep‐marine deposits. The Eocene–Oligocene turbidite system of the Grès d'Annot Formation in south‐east France is well‐studied sedimentologically, but its trace‐fossil content is poorly known. Here, an integrated ichnological–sedimentological study is presented from the Annot sub‐basin for the first time, which demonstrates its value for interpreting proximal to distal and axial to marginal trends in confined turbidite systems. A comprehensive trace‐fossil data set was collected from seven outcrops situated in the southern part of the basin. These data are presented following a morphology‐based classification scheme to allow easy recognition and characterization of ichnotaxa. Ichnodiversity and the abundance of ichnotaxa are regarded as important parameters in such interpretations. Instead of simply counting ichnotaxa per outcrop or stratigraphic unit, an equation has been developed in which the ‘ichnoabundance’ (new term) of each counted ichnotaxon is calculated. An exponential growth factor is applied to the increase of the frequency of trace fossils, and is assumed in this equation to better reflect the population dynamics of benthic organisms. A comparison of the solution for pre‐turbidite and post‐turbidite trace‐fossil suites seems to be more suitable for revealing regional and stratigraphic trends compared with conventional approaches. Despite varying size and conditions of the studied outcrops, the results achieved from the Grès d'Annot Formation can help in the reconstruction of sedimentary processes acting in this confined turbidite basin.
Public Policy and Inequalities of Choice and Autonomy
Authors: Burchardt Tania , Evans Martin , Holder Holly 
Published: May 2014

AbstractChoice by service users has been promoted in social policy across many developed welfare states, often on the grounds that it will incentivize providers to enhance quality and efficiency. But this instrumental motivation for the promotion of choice overlooks the possibility that choice, understood in the deeper sense of autonomy, has intrinsic value, as suggested by egalitarian and capability‐based theories of social justice. This article argues that the narrow motivation of choice policies leads to a focus on services rather than outcomes for individuals and fails to address deep‐seated inequalities in the opportunities people have for real autonomy. We test this concept using newly collected data for the UK. Our empirical findings indicate that disabled people are more likely to experience constrained autonomy in all respects, while being from a low socio‐economic group and/or lacking educational qualifications is a risk factor across several components. We conclude that improving the ‘choice’ agenda for policy requires: (1) adopting a more sophisticated concept of ‘choice’ such as the conceptualization of ‘choice as autonomy’ outlined here; (2) developing a better understanding of existing inequalities in autonomy, such as we begin to explore in our empirical results; and (3) tackling these inequalities through, for example, the removal of obstacles to active decision‐making by providing effective support and advocacy, especially for disabled people, and addressing the major structural barriers – poverty, ill health and geographical inequality – which place significant restrictions on the autonomy of those who are already disadvantaged.
Daptomycin is safe and effective for the treatment of gram‐positive cocci infections in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Len O. , Montejo M. , Cervera C. , Fariñas M.C. , Sabé N. , Ramos A. , Cordero E. , Torre‐Cisneros J. , Martín‐Dávila P. , Azanza J.R. , Pahissa A. , Gavaldà J. ,   DAPTOSOT (Daptomycin in Solid Organ Transplantation) Study Group
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionInfections caused by resistant gram‐positive cocci (GPC), especially to glycopeptides, are difficult to treat in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients as a result of lower effectiveness and high rates of renal impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of daptomycin in this population.MethodsOver a 2‐year period (March 2008–2010) in 9 Spanish centers, we enrolled all consecutive recipients who received daptomycin to treat GPC infection. The study included 43 patients, mainly liver and kidney transplant recipients.ResultsThe most frequent infections were catheter‐related bacteremia caused by coagulase‐negative staphylococci (23.2%), skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus (11.5%), and intra‐abdominal abscess caused by Enterococcus faecium (20.9%). The daily daptomycin dose was 6 mg/kg in 32 patients (74.4%). On day 7 of daptomycin treatment, median estimated area under the curve was 1251 μg/mL/h. At the end of follow‐up, analytical parameters were similar to the values at the start of therapy. No changes were observed in tacrolimus levels. No patient required discontinuation of daptomycin because of adverse effects. Clinical success at treatment completion was achieved in 37 (86%) patients. Three patients died while on treatment with daptomycin.ConclusionIn summary, daptomycin was a safe and useful treatment for GPC infection in SOT recipients.
Identifying Determinants of Branch Performances in Agricultural Bank of China: A Spatial Econometric Approach
Authors: Liu Yi‐Cheng , Yang Wen , Mai Chao‐Cheng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper identifies determinants of branches’ performances in Agricultural Bank of China using the spatial econometric approach. Studies on changes of spatial patterns of a financial industry are scarce, especially at the branch level. This paper is the first attempt to take spatial interdependence and urbanisation effects into account to investigate the determinants of China's bank branches’ performances from 1997 to 2011. We have chosen the world's 10th largest bank, the Agricultural Bank of China, because it discloses the most complete panel data of all. Empirical evidence indicates that spatial effects and urbanisation have large, statistically significant impacts on branches’ performances. It highly and positively corresponds to tertiary industry output (domestic consumption) and urbanisation. This signals that the ABC has evolved from a state‐owned specialised bank to a listed commercial bank.