bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed Tomographic Analysis of Left Ventricular Volumes and Function after Implantation of the Parachute® Endoventricular Partitioning Device
Authors: MENON PRAHLAD G. , LUDWIG DANIEL , LACOMIS JOAN , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , TOMA CATALIN 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundPreliminary clinical experience with a percutaneous endoventricular partitioning device (Parachute®, CardioKinetix Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA) suggests that it ameliorates global LV dysfunction and heart failure symptoms in selected patients who have suffered previous anterior myocardial infarction. Less is known of its effect on regional LV function.ObjectiveTo gain insight into device effect on regional LV function by analysis of cardiac computed tomographic (CT) images obtained before and after device implantation.MethodsComparative analysis of pre and 6 months post‐implantation contrast‐enhanced CT images from 6 subjects enrolled in the phase 1 Parachute clinical trials, including regional LV volume and systolic excursion, as well as device motion.ResultsAfter implantation, a significant reduction in volume of the “dynamic” LV compartment (that which was not excluded by the device) was accompanied by a significant reduction in dykinetic motion and a trend toward an improved ejection fraction. Penetration of contrast into the excluded compartment was still present at 6 months, however the apical motion was significantly less diskinetic in 3 subjects and unchanged in the other 3. Overall device surface motion was inward in systole, a significant improvement relative to the overall dyskinetic LV apex pre‐implantation. Device motion was spatially heterogeneous, which appeared to be dependent on the motility of the myocardium that anchored its individual splines.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the Parachute device acts as a functional impediment to flow and stretch, effectively depressurizing the apical segment.
From flexibility human resource management to employee engagement and perceived job performance across the lifespan: A multisample study
Authors: Bal P. Matthijs , De Lange Annet H. 
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the effects of flexibility human resource management (HRM) on employee outcomes over time, as well as the role of age in these relations. Based on work adjustment theory and AMO theory, it was predicted that availability and use of flexibility HRM would be positively related to employee engagement, as well as higher job performance. Moreover, we postulated different hypotheses regarding the role of employee age. While generation theory predicts that younger generations would react more strongly to flexibility HRM in relation to engagement, selection, optimization, and compensation theory of ageing predicts that older workers respond more strongly in relation to job performance. A longitudinal study among US employees and a study among employees in 11 countries across the world showed that engagement mediated the relationships between availability of flexibility HRM and job performance. Moreover, we found partial support for the moderating role of age in the relations of flexibility HRM with the outcomes: Flexibility HRM was important for younger workers to enhance engagement, while for older workers, it enhanced their job performance. The study shows that the effectiveness of flexibility HRM depends upon employee age and the type of outcome involved, and consequently, theory on flexibility at work should take the age of employees into account.Practitioner points

Flexibility HRM can be used by organizations to enhance younger workers’ engagement, while it can be used for older workers to enhance their job performance.

It is important for organizations to not only offer flexibility to their employees, but also to make sure that employees take advantage of these HR practices.

Flexibility HRM is important across the world, because it enables people across the world to balance demands from work as well as from private life.
Xerostomia relates to the degree of asthma control
Authors: Alcázar Navarrete Bernardino , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Guardia Javier , Romero Palacios Pedro José 
Published: August 2014

Few studies have assessed the relationships between xerostomia and the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia in a respiratory outpatient clinic and its relationship with bronchial asthma and ICS use. A cross‐sectional observational study of patients recruited in an outpatient setting divided them according to previous diagnoses of bronchial asthma. Data about pulmonary function, concomitant medication, medical comorbidities, Xerostomia Inventory test (XI test), and the degree of asthma control by ACT (asthma control test) were collected for each patient. A linear regression model was applied, using the XI score as dependent variable and the ACT score as independent variable. The 57 patients were divided into asthmatics (40 patients, 70.2%) and control group without asthma (17, 29.8%). The prevalence of xerostomia was 87.7% (50 patients), with no differences between the study groups or current dose of ICS. In the asthmatic group, patients with uncontrolled asthma had worse XI scores than those with partially or totally controlled asthma (30.43 ± 8.71 vs. 24.92 ± 8.08; P < 0.05). In a logistic regression model, the XI test was significantly associated to ACT scores with a moderately strong correlation (r = 0.55; P = 0.005) after adjusting for the current daily dose of ICS. Xerostomia is a common symptom in the ambulatory setting. There is a moderate relationship between the degree of asthma control and the severity of xerostomia.
Diabetes causes morphological changes in human submandibular gland: a morphometric study
Authors: Lilliu Maria Alberta , Solinas Paola , Cossu Margherita , Puxeddu Roberto , Loy Francesco , Isola Raffaella , Quartu Marina , Melis Tiziana , Isola Michela 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundDataon structural alterations in human diabetic salivary glands are scanty and conflicting. The goal of this study is based on the evaluation of the morphological changes in submandibular glands of subjects with well‐controlled diabetes and without evident salivary malfunctions.MethodsSubmandibular gland pieces from diabetic and non‐diabetic patients were fixed, dehydrated, and processed to obtain sections for light and electron microscopy. Randomly selected micrographs were statistically analyzed to reveal variations in serous acini.ResultsMorphometrical evaluation allowed us to reveal significant changes such as enlargement of acinar and granule size, reduction of mitochondrial size, increased density of microbuds and protrusions along luminal membranes.ConclusionsThe results indicate that diabetes affects submandibular gland structure even when glandular function appears unaltered and suggest that morphological changes reflect functional changes chiefly regarding the secretory activity.
Low basal salivary flow and Burning Mouth Syndrome: new evidence in this enigmatic pathology
Authors: Spadari Francesco , Venesia Paolo , Azzi Lorenzo , Veronesi Giovanni , Costantino Dario , Croveri Fabio , Farronato Davide , Tagliabue Angelo , Tettamanti Lucia 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundBurning mouth syndrome remains a puzzling condition. One symptom commonly associated with the burning sensation is xerostomia. The current study measured basal and stimulated salivary flow in a group of burning mouth syndrome patients.MethodsThree groups of patients were recruited: 44 burning mouth syndrome patients, 27 oral lichen planus patients and 40 healthy patients. We chose to measure basal salivary flow and stimulated salivary flow in the three groups of patients using the ‘spitting’ method. Thus, the patients were asked to spit every minute for 5 min. Afterwards, they were asked to repeat the procedure a second time, but a drop of citric acid was positioned on their tongue every minute to stimulate salivary secretion. After 14 days, the same procedure was repeated for 15 min.ResultsAlthough there was no significant difference between the burning mouth syndrome group and the other two groups regarding the stimulated volumes, an important difference was found in the basal volumes, with the burning mouth syndrome patients showing lower values.ConclusionsThe outcomes of our research demonstrate the presence of very low basal salivary flow in burning mouth syndrome patients compared with the other two groups, but the stimulated salivary flow was equal, if not higher, in the burning mouth syndrome patients. This study contributes new topics for further investigation of a solution to the very mysterious pathology represented by burning mouth syndrome.
Intra‐epithelially entrapped blood vessels in ameloblastoma
Authors: Siar Chong Huat , Ishak Ismadi , Ng Kok Han 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. While significant progress has been made in our understanding regarding the role of tumoral vasculature relative to the diverse behavioral characteristics of this tumor, no attention has been paid to a distinct subset of blood vessels entrapped within its epithelial compartment. As vascular niches are known to influence tumoral growth, clarification of these vessels is important. The objectives of this study were to investigate the morphologic characteristics of intra‐epithelially entrapped blood vessels (IEBVs) in ameloblastoma and to speculate on their relevance.Materials and methodHere, we evaluated the frequency, microvessel density (MVD), morphology, and distribution pattern of IEBVs in 77 ameloblastoma of different subtypes based on their immunoreactivity for endothelial markers (CD34, CD31, CD105), vascular tight junction protein (claudin‐5), pericyte [α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐sma)], and vascular basement membrane (collagen IV).ResultsIEBVs were heterogeneously detected in ameloblastoma. Their mean MVD (CD34 = 15.46 ± 7.25; CD31 = 15.8 ± 5.04; CD105 = 0.82 ± 0.51) showed no significant correlation with different subtypes, and between primary and recurrent tumors (P > 0.05). These microvessels may occur as single/clusters of capillary sprouts, or formed compressed branching/non‐branching slits entrapped within the epithelial compartment, and in direct apposition with polyhedral/granular neoplastic epithelial cells. They expressed proteins for endothelial tight junctions (claudin‐5‐positive) and pericytes (α‐sma‐positive) but had deficient basement membrane (collagen IV weak to absent). Aberrant expression for CD34, CD31, and CD105 in tumor epithelium was variably observed.ConclusionsAlthough rare in occurrence, identification of IEBVs in ameloblastoma could potentially represent a new paradigm for vascular assessment of this neoplasm.
Childhood Secondhand Smoke Exposure andADHD‐Attributable Costs to the Health and Education System
Authors: Max Wendy , Sung Hai‐Yen , Shi Yanling 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChildren exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) have higher rates of behavioral and cognitive effects, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the costs to the health care and education systems have not been estimated. We estimate these costs for school‐aged children aged 5‐15.METHODSThe relative risk (RR) of ADHD from SHS exposure was obtained from our previous work. SHS exposure was measured using 2 alternative approaches—reported exposure and serum cotinine‐measured exposure. RRs and SHS exposure were used to determine the number of children with SHS‐attributable ADHD, and mean costs of ADHD‐related health care and education services were applied to obtain SHS‐attributable health care and education costs.RESULTSAnnual health care costs of SHS‐attributable ADHD ranged from $644 million (using reported SHS exposure) to $2.05 billion (using cotinine‐measured exposure). SHS‐attributable costs to the education system ranged from $2.90 to $9.23 billion.CONCLUSIONSThe costs of SHS‐attributable ADHD to the education system may total more than 4 times the costs for health care. The huge economic impact of SHS exposure on the education system has not been documented previously, and suggests that reducing childhood exposure to tobacco smoke will release substantial funds that could be used for general education of all children.
Physical Fitness in Spanish Schoolchildren Aged 6–12 Years: Reference Values of the Battery EUROFIT and Associated Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Gulías‐González Roberto , Sánchez‐López Mairena , Olivas‐Bravo Ángel , Solera‐Martínez Montserrat , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPhysical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in children. The aims of this study were to (1) provide sex‐ and age‐specific EUROFIT battery levels of fitness in Spanish children; (2) compare Spanish children's fitness levels with those of children from other countries; and (3) determine the percentage of Spanish children with cardiovascular risk associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).METHODSPhysical fitness was assessed using the EUROFIT tests in 1725 children, aged 6 to 12, from Castilla‐La Mancha, Spain. We derived specific values for physical fitness using LMS method. FITNESSGRAM 2010 criteria were used to estimate the percentage of children with cardiovascular risk associated with low CRF.RESULTSBoys scored higher in all the physical fitness tests, except for the flexibility test. Physical fitness improved as age increased, except for flexibility, which worsened in boys, and VO2max, which decreased in both sexes. The prevalence of boys and girls with cardiovascular risk associated to low CRF was 13% and 26%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSSpecific fitness test scores for children and adolescents can represent the fitness status of schoolchildren accurately. Schools need to make efforts to improve the fitness level of the schoolchildren to prevent cardiovascular risk.
Multilevel Analyses of School and Children's Characteristics Associated With Physical Activity
Authors: Gomes Thayse Natacha , dos Santos Fernanda K. , Zhu Weimo , Eisenmann Joey , Maia José A. R. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChildren spend most of their awake time at school, and it is important to identify individual and school‐level correlates of their physical activity (PA) levels. This study aimed to identify the between‐school variability in Portuguese children PA and to investigate student and school PA correlates using multilevel modeling.METHODSThe sample included 1075 Portuguese children of both sexes, aged 6‐10 years, from 24 schools. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was estimated. Physical activity was estimated using the Godin and Shephard questionnaire (total PA score was used); cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated with the 1‐mile run/walk test. A structured inventory was used to access information about the school environment. A multilevel analysis (level‐1: student‐level; level‐2: school‐level) was used.RESULTSStudent‐level variables (age, sex, 1‐mile run/walk test) explained 7% of the 64% variance fraction of the individual‐level PA; however, school context explained approximately 36% of the total PA variance. Variables included in the model (school size, school setting, playground area, frequency and duration of physical education class, and qualification of physical education teacher) are responsible for 80% of the context variance.CONCLUSIONSSchool environment is an important correlate of PA among children, enhancing children's opportunities for being active and healthy.
The Social Environment of Schools and Adolescent Nutrition: Associations Between the School Nutrition Climate and Adolescents' Eating Behaviors and Body Mass Index
Authors: Cvjetan Branko , Utter Jennifer , Robinson Elizabeth , Denny Simon 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to determine the association between the school nutrition climate and students' eating behaviors and body mass index (BMI).METHODSData were collected as part of Youth'07, a nationally representative health survey of high school students in New Zealand. Overall, 9107 randomly selected students from 96 randomly selected schools participated. School‐level measures were created by aggregating students' reports within schools. Analyses were conducted using multilevel modeling, accounting for student‐level characteristics.RESULTSThere was a positive association between the school nutrition climate and students' consumption of fruits and vegetables. This relationship was statistically significant after controlling for the background characteristics of students. There were no associations between the school nutrition climate and students' junk food consumption or BMI.CONCLUSIONSThe school nutrition climate appears to have a positive influence on adolescents' healthy eating behaviors (fruit and vegetable intake), but a limited effect on unhealthy eating behaviors and ultimately body weight. This may reflect the pervasiveness of junk food in the environments of adolescents outside of school and the difficulty in limiting its consumption.
Overweight and obesity in 4–5‐year‐old children in New Zealand: Results from the first 4 years (2009–2012) of the B4School Check programme
Authors: Rajput Nitin , Tuohy Pat , Mishra Suryaprakash , Smith Ash , Taylor Barry 
Published: August 2014

AimWe describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in four‐year‐old children in New Zealand, variations with ethnicity and socio‐economic status, and changes over the study duration using body mass index (BMI) measurements collected as part of the B4School Check programme.MethodsDemographic and BMI data were extracted for all children measured between 2009 and 2012. Overweight and obesity rates were estimated using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) 2012 standards and the 85th (overweight) and 95th (obese) percentiles for BMI‐for‐age of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2006, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 and UK 1990 reference standards.ResultsA total of 168,744 BMI measurements were included in the analysis with a coverage rate of 66.5%. Mean BMI was 16.30 kg/m2 in girls and 16.44 kg/m2 in boys. Mean BMI z‐score (WHO 2006 standards) was 0.601 in girls and 0.785 in boys. Using WHO 2006 standards, 16.9% of girls and 19.6% of boys were overweight and 13.8% of girls and 18.7% of boys were obese. Using IOTF standards, 18.3% of girls and 16.2% of boys were overweight and 5.7% of girls and 4.7% of boys were found obese. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in Pacific and Maori children and those living in more socio‐economically deprived areas than other children. No definite time‐trends were observed over the study duration.ConclusionsThe study reaffirms the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in pre‐school children in New Zealand, and demonstrates the variations in prevalence when using different reference standards.
The Processing of Plural Expressions
Authors: Patson Nikole D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper reviews the psycholinguistic work on the processing of plurals and offers a novel account of how plural expressions are represented during comprehension. The evidence suggests that there are three distinct types of plural representation. The first type of representation is completely underspecified such that the plural expression may denote a singleton. The second type of representation specifies that the plural expression refers to multiple entities without individuating any of the entities. Finally, the last type of plural expression is fully specified in that the number of entities is known and the entities are differentiated. This account of plural representation is consistent with the semantic proposal that plurals are left unmarked for number compared to singulars. This proposal is also consistent with theories of sentence processing that allow some semantic information to be left unresolved during comprehension.
21st Century Virtual Language Learning Environments (VLLEs)
Authors: Mroz Aurore 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLearning a foreign language (L2) has never been more efficiently done than through immersion in the target culture. By comparison, learning in a traditional classroom has proven to lead only to limited proficiency. But traveling to the target country is still inaccessible for many L2 learners. Investing in the tremendous array of technologies that have emerged since the beginning of the 21st century could bring us one step closer. This essay overviews the body of research on Virtual Language Learning Environments (VLLEs), considered as promising venues to approximate the type of naturalistic learning that happens in real‐life immersion. Drawing on research in Computer‐Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theories, this paper intends to provide a clearer picture of what virtuality entails for the L2 learning process, and to offer research‐based suggestions on what to look for to integrate VLLEs in the L2 curriculum.
Proteomic profiling of a robust Wolbachia infection in an Aedes albopictus mosquito cell line
Authors: Baldridge Gerald D. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Witthuhn Bruce A. , Higgins LeeAnn , Markowski Todd W. , Fallon Ann M. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryWolbachia pipientis, a widespread vertically transmitted intracellular bacterium, provides a tool for insect control through manipulation of host–microbe interactions. We report proteomic characterization of wStr, a Wolbachia strain associated with a strong cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotype in its native host, Laodelphax striatellus. In the Aedes albopictus C/wStr1 mosquito cell line, wStr maintains a robust, persistent infection. MS/MS analyses of gel bands revealed a protein ‘footprint’ dominated by Wolbachia‐encoded chaperones, stress response and cell membrane proteins, including the surface antigen WspA, a peptidoglycan‐associated lipoprotein and a 73 kDa outer membrane protein. Functional classifications and estimated abundance levels of 790 identified proteins suggested that expression, stabilization and secretion of proteins predominate over bacterial genome replication and cell division. High relative abundances of cysteine desulphurase, serine/glycine hydroxymethyl transferase, and components of the α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex in conjunction with above average abundances of glutamate dehydrogenase and proline utilization protein A support Wolbachia genome‐based predictions for amino acid metabolism as a primary energy source. wStr expresses 15 Vir proteins of a Type IV secretion system and its transcriptional regulator. Proteomic characterization of a robust insect‐associated Wolbachia strain provides baseline information that will inform further development of in vitro protocols for Wolbachia manipulation.