bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Challenges of Nanotechnology Policy Making PART 1. Discussing Mandatory Frameworks
Authors: Auplat Claire A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn the context of the development of nanotechnologies policy making faces specific challenges, because of the nature of the technologies themselves, and because of the evolution of international governance. Policymakers need to integrate these parameters, but their task is made difficult by the number of coexisting different frameworks and by the way stakeholders use them. This two part survey outlines these frameworks and draws from new institutional theory as well as from the policy and innovation literatures to discuss the challenges of nano policy making. The first part of the survey introduces nano policy making and the reasons for its complexity, and offers a panorama of the set of mandatory tools that are currently available to regulate nanotechnologies. The second part, which will appear in a following issue of Global Policy, provides an outlook of the set of voluntary tools that coexist with the mandatory ones, followed by a discussion of the use of all these tools by the different stakeholders. The survey concludes by debating two major directions which nano policy making may follow.
Antimicrobial Use in Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery
Authors: Dallap Schaer B.L. , Linton J.K. , Aceto H. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundRecommendations for antimicrobial prophylaxis for surgery are well‐described in human medicine, but information is limited for veterinary practice.ObjectiveTo characterize antimicrobial use in horses undergoing emergency colic surgery.AnimalsA total of 761 horses undergoing emergency colic surgery (2001–2007).MethodsRetrospective case review. Antimicrobial dose and timing, surgical description, and duration of treatment were collected from medical records. Associations between antimicrobial use and the occurrence of fever, incisional inflammation or infection, catheter‐associated complications, orSalmonellashedding during hospitalization were analyzed using rank‐sum methods and logistic regression.ResultsA total of 511 (67.2%) horses received an inappropriate amount of drug preoperatively. Median time from preoperative dose to incision was 70 (IQR55–90) minutes; median total surgery time was 110 (IQR80–160) minutes. Seventy‐three horses were euthanized under anesthesia because of poor prognosis. Of 688 horses, 438 should have been redosed intraoperatively based on the duration of surgery. Only 8 (1.8%) horses were redosed correctly. Horses remained on perioperative antimicrobials a median of 3 (IQR2–4.5) days. Antimicrobial therapy was reinstituted in 193 (28.9%) horses, and median days of total treatment were 3.8 (IQR2–6). Signs that led to reinstituting therapy were fever (OR3.13,P = .001) and incisional inflammation/infection (OR2.95,P = .001). Horses in which treatment was reinstituted had 2.3 greater odds of sheddingSalmonella(P = .003). Increased surgical time was associated with longer duration of antimicrobial therapy (OR1.02,P = .001).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceDespite published recommendations regarding antimicrobial prophylaxis, compliance is poor; improvement might reduce postoperative complications.
A controlled study of lifestyle treatment in primary care for children with obesity
Authors: Mårild S. , Gronowitz E. , Forsell C. , Dahlgren J. , Friberg P. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
Lifestyle intervention is the most common treatment strategy for children with obesity.
Specialized units for the care of children with obesity report significant effects of lifestyle treatment.
In children, the physical activity component in lifestyle treatment is often well accepted.
What this study adds
Two lifestyle treatment programmes in primary care for children with obesity both gave a reduction of body mass index significantly greater than the change observed in a non‐intervention comparison group of children with obesity.
Substituting one‐third of nurse‐led treatment sessions with sessions led by physiotherapists in one of the programmes did not improve the outcome.
The efficacy of treatment in primary care seems to be comparable to that reported in the literature.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of lifestyle treatment in primary care for children with obesity.MethodsIn a multicentre study, sixty‐four 9‐ to 13‐year‐old children with obesity were randomized to one of two 12‐month lifestyle treatment programmes. The only difference between the programmes was that a physiotherapist substituted the nurse in one‐third of the sessions in an attempt to stimulate physical activity. For comparison, children with normal weight and overweight, and an age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched non‐intervention group of children with obesity were used.ResultsAnthropometry and laboratory data differed significantly between children with obesity and normal weight at baseline. The follow‐up at the end of treatment was attended by 55 children with obesity, 28 and 27 in each treatment arm. The mean (standard deviation) body mass standard deviation score changed by −0.36 (0.3) in the arm involving a physiotherapist and by −0.33 (0.2) in the other arm. These outcomes were not significantly different. Both reductions were significantly greater than the change of −0.14 (0.3) observed in the non‐intervention comparison group of children with obesityConclusionThe efficacy of treatment in primary care for children with obesity seems to be comparable to that reported in the literature. ISRCTN44919688.
ZnO Submicrometer Rod Array by Soft Lithographic Micromolding with High Solid Loading Nanoparticle Suspension
Authors: Chen Bo , Lu Kathy , Ramsburg Kelly 
Published: November 2012

Microfabrication by soft lithography has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Ceramic microfabrication by soft lithography normally utilizes ceramic precursor solutions or sol–gel process. However, the low solids loading of the starting materials compromises the fidelity of soft lithography, causing the aspect ratio of obtained submicrometer ceramic features to be very small. In this study, well‐dispersed, high solids loading ZnO nanoparticle suspensions are prepared by electrosterically stabilizing 20 nm ZnO nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticle‐based submicrometer rod arrays with an aspect ratio around 1 are fabricated by micromolding the ZnO nanoparticle suspension into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds. Modified PDMS molds are exploited to optimize the filling depth of the suspension into the mold cavities, producing ZnO submicrometer rods with the same dimensions as the mold features. ZnO rods with various diameters and shapes are fabricated, and the effect of solids loading on soft lithography fidelity is discussed. A mechanism describing the effects of surface wetting on the fidelity of soft lithographic micromolding is proposed.
Enhanced Electron Correlation in the In‐doped Misfit‐Layered Cobaltite Ca3Co4O9 Ceramics
Authors: Huang Yanan , Zhao Bangchuan , Ang Ran , Lin Shuai , Huang Zhonghao , Yin Lihua , Tan Shugang , Liu Yu , Song Wenhai , Sun Yuping 
Published: November 2012

The structural, magnetic, electrical and thermal transport properties of the polycrystalline samples Ca3Co4−xInxO9 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) have been investigated systematically. The results indicate that the In‐substitution has a negative effect on the low‐temperature ferrimagnetic transition and the propagation of spin‐density‐wave. All In‐doped samples have a much larger resistivity than that of the un‐doped sample. And the temperature region where the Fermi liquid transport mechanism dominates is remarkably widened via In‐doping. However, for the In‐doped samples, as the In‐doped content increases, the value of resistivity ρ decreases monotonously and the electronic correlation in the system enhances. With the addition of In‐ions in Ca3Co4O9 system, the thermopower S and the ZT value decrease. The results are suggested to originate from the variations of carrier concentration and lattice disharmony in this system induced by In‐doping.
Near‐Zero Thermal Expansion in In(HfMg)0.5Mo3O12
Authors: Miller Kimberly J. , Romao Carl P. , Bieringer Mario , Marinkovic Bojan A. , Prisco Luciana , White Mary Anne 
Published: November 2012

In(HfMg)0.5Mo3O12, which can be considered as a 1:1 mole ratio solid solution of the low‐positive thermal expansion material HfMgMo3O12 and the low‐negative thermal expansion (NTE) material In2Mo3O12 was prepared. From DSC and XRPD results, we show that In(HfMg)0.5Mo3O12 exists in a monoclinic (P21/a) structure at low temperature and undergoes a phase transition at ~425 K to an orthorhombic phase (Pnma), with an associated enthalpy change of 0.89 kJ mol−1. Thermal expansion is large and positive in the low‐temperature monoclinic phase (average αℓ = 16 × 10−6 K−1 and 20 × 10−6 K−1, from dilatometry and XRPD, respectively). Remarkably, this material has a near‐zero thermal expansion (ZTE) coefficient over the temperature range ~500 to ~900 K in the high‐temperature orthorhombic phase, both intrinsically and for the bulk sample. The average linear intrinsic (XRPD) value is αℓ = −0.4 × 10−6 K−1, and the average bulk (dilatometric) value is αℓ = 0.4 × 10−6 K−1 with an uncertainty of ± 0.2 × 10−6 K−1. The slight difference between intrinsic and bulk thermal expansion is attributed to microstructural effects. XRPD results show that the thermal expansion is more isotropic than for the parent compounds HfMgMo3O12 and In2Mo3O12.
Competitive Phase Separation to Controllable Crystallization in 80GeS2·20In2S3 Chalcogenide Glass
Authors: Li Zhuobin , Lin Changgui , Nie Qiuhua , Dai Shixun 
Published: November 2012

Glass–ceramics of 80GeS2·20In2S3 were fabricated by heat‐treating the base glass at 402°C (Tg + 30°C) for different durations. The glass–ceramics exhibited some improved mechanical properties such as hardness and resistance to crack propagation, and meanwhile remained an excellent infrared (IR) transmission. The XRD and Raman results showed that only In2S3 crystals were precipitated inside glassy matrix. The evolution of two crystallization peaks (CPs) in differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves were studied with samples heat‐treated at 402°C for different durations. It was found that the precipitation of In2S3 crystal phase is responsible for the low‐temperature (first) CP, whereas the high‐temperature (second) CP shifts to a higher temperature with the elongation of the heat‐treatment duration. The crystallization of the higher temperature phase was inhibited with the precipitation of In2S3. Furthermore, crystallization mechanism was investigated using the nonisothermal method. The computed results showed that strictly more energy (higher activation energy, Ec) is essential for the precipitation of the higher temperature phase, which is in accordance with the DSC study of crystallized samples. More noticeable, the crystallization rate constant (K) value of 6.639 × 10−8 s−1 for the second CP is ~ 5 orders of magnitude smaller than that of the In2S3 phase, and this significant difference makes the crystallization of higher temperature crystal phase very hard. Consequently, controllable crystallization of 80GeS2·20In2S3 chalcogenide glass–ceramics with sole In2S3 crystallites can be achieved easily.
Microstructural Effects on the Mechanical Properties of SiC‐15 vol% TiB2 Particulate‐Reinforced Ceramic Composites
Authors: King Derek S. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Greg E. 
Published: November 2012

The microstructures and mechanical properties were studied for two different SiC ceramics containing 15 vol% of TiB2 particulates. The first was prepared from commercially available spray‐dried granules and the second by blending individual SiC and TiB2 powders. The average TiB2 particle sizes were 2.7 μm for the ceramic prepared from blended powders, which had a uniform distribution of TiB2, and 2.3 μm for the ceramic prepared from spray‐dried granules, which had a nonuniform distribution of TiB2 agglomerates. Although the two ceramics had hardness values of 26 GPa, the other properties were different. For example, the fracture toughness was 4.3 MPa·m1/2 for the ceramic prepared from blended powders compared to 3.1 MPa·m1/2 for the ceramic prepared from spray‐dried granules. In contrast, the Weibull modulus for the ceramic prepared from spray‐dried granules was 21 compared to 12 for the other. Calculations predicted spontaneous microcracking in the ceramic prepared from spray‐dried granules, which was confirmed by analysis of the microstructure. The presence of microcracks accounted for the higher Weibull modulus, but lower flexural strength, Young's modulus and fracture toughness for the ceramic prepared from spray‐dried granules.
Statins, Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, and Physical Performance in Older Women
Authors: Gray Shelly L. , Aragaki Aaron K. , LaMonte Michael J. , Cochrane Barbara B. , Kooperberg Charles , Robinson Jennifer G. , Woods Nancy F. , LaCroix Andrea Z. 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo examine associations between angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and statin medications and baseline and mean annual change in physical performance measures and muscle strength in older women.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsParticipants from the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trials aged 65 to 79 at baseline who had physical performance measures, self‐report of health insurance, and no prior history of stroke or congestive heart failure were included (N = 5,777). Women were recruited between 1993 and 1998.MeasurementsMedication use was ascertained through a baseline inventory. Physical performance measures (timed 6‐m walk, repeated chair stands in 15 seconds) and grip strength were assessed at baseline and follow‐up Years 1, 3, and 6. Multivariable‐adjusted linear repeated‐measures models were adjusted for demographic and health characteristics.ResultsACE inhibitor use was associated with lower mean grip strength at baseline (22.40 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.89–22.91 vs 23.18 kg, 95% CI 23.02–23.34; P = .005) and greater mean annual change in number of chair stands (−0.182, 95% CI −0.217 to −0.147 vs −0.145, 95% CI −0.156 to −0.133; P = .05) than nonuse. Statin use was not significantly associated with baseline measures or mean annual change for any outcome. A subgroup analysis suggested that statin use was associated with less mean annual change in chair stands (P = .006) in the oldest women.ConclusionThese results do not support an association between statin or ACE inhibitor use and slower decline in physical performance or muscle strength and thus do not support the use of these medications for preserving functional status in older adults.
Factors affecting quality of life in Korean patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: CHU Sang Hui , LEE Won Hee , YOO Ji Soo , KIM So Sun , KO Il Sun , OH Eui Geum , LEE JuHee , CHOI Mona , CHEON Joo Young , SHIM Chi Young , KANG Seok‐Min 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimPoor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) may be one of the most common predictors of mortality and rehospitalization. This study was conducted to identify factors affecting HRQOL in Korean patients with CHF using two HRQOL measurements.MethodsThe study included a sample of 114 patients. HRQOL was measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Instrument – Short Version (WHOQOL‐BREF). Multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between the factors and HRQOL.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between MLHFQ and WHOQOL‐BREF in total and component scores, with the two exceptions of WHOQOL‐BREF psychological and MLHFQ physical or total. The perceived economic status, functional status, and sex were factors identified as having an effect on HRQOL.ConclusionThe MLHFQ was better able to differentiate sex, comorbidity, and functional status. Further studies are needed to implement cost‐effective nursing interventions for patients with CHF to improve their HRQOL.
Subchondral osteopenia and accelerated bone remodelling post‐ovariectomy – a possible mechanism for subchondral microfractures in the aetiology of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee?
Authors: Holland J.C. , Brennan O. , Kennedy O.D. , Rackard S. , O'Brien F.J. , Lee T.C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOsteopenia and subchondral microfractures are implicated in the aetiology of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK). The ovine tibia shows significant alterations of the trabecular architecture within the subchondral bone of the medial tibial plateau post‐ovariectomy (OVX), including reduced trabecular bone volume fraction. We hypothesise that accelerated subchondral bone resorption may also play a role in increasing microfracture risk at this site. Twenty‐two sheep were examined in this study; 10 of the sheep underwent OVX, while the remainder (n = 13) were kept as controls (CON). Five fluorochrome dyes were administered intravenously at 12‐week intervals via the jugular vein to both groups, to label sites of bone turnover. These animals were then killed at 12 months post‐operatively. Bone turnover was significantly increased in the OVX group in both trabecular bone (2.024 vs. 1.047 no. mm−2; P = 0.05) and within the subchondral bone plate (4.68 vs. 0.69 no. mm−2; P < 0.001). In addition to the classically described turnover visible along trabecular surfaces, we also found visual evidence of intra‐trabecular osteonal remodelling. In conclusion, this study shows significant alterations in bone turnover in both trabecular bone and within the subchondral bone plate at 1 year post‐OVX. Remodelling of trabecular bone was due to both classically described hemi‐osteonal and intra‐trabecular osteonal remodelling. The presence of both localised osteopenia and accelerated bone remodelling within the medial tibial plateau provide a possible mechanism for subchondral microfractures in the aetiology of SPONK. Further utilisation of the OVX ewe may be useful for further study in this field.
Oligosaccharides of hyaluronic acid increased epidermal cell stemness by modulation of integrin expression
Authors: Choi Hye‐Ryung , Kang Youn‐A , Na Jung‐Im , Huh Sun Young , Huh Chang‐Hun , Kim Ki Ho , Park Kyoung‐Chan 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundsHyaluronic acid (HA) is an abundant matrix component and is degraded into polymers of various sizes. These generated fragments appear to have properties that affect wound healing of the skin. In industry, small‐sized HA is used as a moisturizing agent but can have biologic effects when it is absorbed through the skin with barrier disruption.AimsIn this study, the regenerative effects of these molecules were investigated using skin equivalent (SE) models.MethodsNormal human keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated, and the effects of oligosaccharides of HA were tested in cultured keratinocytes and in the SE model.ResultsIn the monolayer of cultured keratinocytes, oligosaccharides of HA did not affect the proliferation of keratinocytes. However, the epidermis became thicker when oligosaccharides of HA were added during the culture of SE models. The data also showed that oligosaccharides of HA promote the differentiation of the epidermis. Furthermore, the expression of p63, integrin‐α6 and integrin‐β1 was increased. Western blot analysis also showed increased expression of both integrins.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that oligosaccharides of HA increase the differentiation of the epidermis. In addition, increased number of p63, a putative stem cell marker of the skin, showed that oligosaccharides of HA promote the survival of basal stem cells by modulating the expression of integrin‐α6 and integrin‐β1. Finally, it can be said that inflammation‐induced small‐sized oligosaccharides can have beneficial effects on epidermal regeneration and topically applied oligosaccharide of HA can have healing effects in skin problems.
Reliability and internal consistency of questionnaire for evaluating weight cycling in Southern Brazil
Authors: Panarotto Daniel , Bosi Guilherme R , Neumann Márcio , de Braga Gustavo L , Hickmann Sheila , Marcki Carolina R 
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectivesTo determine the reliability and internal consistency of a questionnaire that was designed to assess weight cycling.BackgroundA large part of the obese population attempt to lose weight. Of those who had lost at least 10% of their initial weight, 33·5% regained weight. This weight loss and regain is termed ‘weight cycling’. So far, no available validated instruments exist that are capable of identifying these patients.DesignA quantitative study for the validation of a questionnaire.MethodsThe selected patients received a phone call from the researchers. On that occasion, they answered a questionnaire that contained eight questions about their current weight, their weight at 18 years of age and their history of weight cycling over the past two years. Approximately 20 days after the first phone call, the patients were re‐contacted and asked to respond again to the proposed questionnaire. The internal consistency and reliability were examined through a kappa index and a chi‐squared test. The questions that showed evidence of reliability and consistency composed the final questionnaire.ResultsThe final questionnaire consisted of six questions. An analysis of the test–retest kappa coefficient was moderate or greater for four of the six objective questions. One of the two quantitative questions showed a strong correlation for the test/retest reliability, and the other showed a strong correlation with the gold standard. An analysis of the internal consistency between a composition of questions 5 and 6 with question 4 showed moderate agreement, which increased when it was adjusted for the same cut‐off point. The agreement between patients classified as ‘weight cyclers’ was higher than 80% in both tests.ConclusionsThe Questionnaire to Assess Weight Cycling provided evidence of reliability and internal consistency.Relevance to clinical practiceEvaluating weight cycling.
Implementing Sensory Analysis Principles in the Quality Control of PDO Products: A Critical Evaluation of a Real‐World Case Study
Authors: Endrizzi I. , Aprea E. , Biasioli F. , Corollaro M L. , Demattè M L. , Penasa M. , Bittante G. , Gasperi F. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis study describes and analyses a practical implementation of basic sensory analysis principles in a productive context related to typical products. As a case study, we investigated the quality control (QC) system of Trentingrana cheese, a variety of the protected designation of origin Grana Padano. The production of Trentingrana cheese factories is supervised by their consortium through the assessment of sensory quality attributes by an expert panel; and, depending on the evaluation, the associated dairies receive price premiums or penalties. The procedures applied and the data collected over 8 years were evaluated, and critical points were identified. Ameliorations were suggested in accordance with good sensory practice and were verified over an additional 3‐year period. The QC system has been improved by increasing the number of evaluated samples proportionally to the amount of the production of each dairy, by introducing a balanced experimental design, by monitoring experts' performance and by controlling the sample presentation to avoid systematic effects and psychological errors.Practical ApplicationsWith this work, we demonstrate the viability of applying the sensory approach to quality control (QC) within the food industry of typical products. The QC proposed here is a compromise between the practical constraints of implementing sensory testing procedures in an industrial context and the basic requirements of good sensory practice for collecting reliable data. Nevertheless, the implemented QC represents an example of an efficient strategy for protected designation of origin product valorization, fundamental for preserving both market position and consumer confidence and loyalty toward the product.