bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coping with the cold – exploring relationships between cold housing, health and social wellbeing in a sample of older people in Ireland
Authors: Cotter Noëlle , Monahan Eugene , McAvoy Helen , Goodman Patrick 
Published: March 2012

PurposeOlder people are vulnerable to fuel poverty on the island of Ireland. This paper seeks to explore the lived experiences of older people in cold weather with a view to informing fuel poverty policy and service responses.Design/methodology/approachA postal and online survey utilising an opportunistic sample of older people living in Ireland and linked with a range of services/community and voluntary groups was undertaken in January‐April 2011. Data on the experiences of 722 older people in the cold weather of winter 2010/2011 were analysed in the context of socio‐economic, health, and housing circumstances.FindingsDuring the period of extreme cold weather half of the sample reported that they went without other household necessities due to the cost of home‐heating. In general, 62 per cent of those surveyed worried about the cost of home‐heating. Homes considered “too cold” were more likely to lack central heating and experience damp/draughts. Staying indoors, keeping the heating on, and eating hot food/drinks were common responses to cold weather but a diverse range of behaviours was observed. Associations were observed between living in a cold home and higher levels of chronic illness, falls and loneliness, and fewer social activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample cannot be considered nationally representative; single occupancy and social housing units were overrepresented.Originality/valueThis research found significant associations between living in a cold home/difficulty paying for heating, and aspects of ill‐health and social exclusion. While no causal association can be assumed, this phenomenon has implications for policies supporting healthy ageing.
Rational choice and institutional factors underpinning state‐level interagency collaboration initiatives
Authors: Williams Christine B. , Fedorowicz Jane 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on Public Safety Networks (PSNs) created and used in the USA at the state level. Empirical analysis describes the formation and use of extant state‐level PSNs, based upon factors representing rational choice and institutional theories.Design/methodology/approachContextual data representing 160 different characteristics and descriptors of state‐level attributes produces two factors that evidence an underlying structure consistent with rational choice and institutional theories. Using these factors as predictors, the authors employ multiple regression analysis to explain differences in size and maturity among state public‐safety collaborations. The size and maturity indicators come from extensive survey data collected in phone interviews with senior personnel at 80 PSNs.FindingsConsistent with rational choice theory, higher needs and resources predict larger PSN size. Contrary to expectations, institutionalization rather than a culture of innovation is associated with PSN maturity, and suggests that maturity brings positive benefits, such as more experience, better operational routines and increased organizational competence.Research limitations/implicationsThis study moves beyond the usual case study approach to empirically investigate theoretical explanations for state‐level collaboration characteristics.Originality/valueThe authors' research investigates the social and environmental backdrop against which PSNs are implemented, to improve understanding of the state‐specific settings in which PSNs currently reside and develop. Given the financial and human resources involved in PSN creation and implementation, their initiators would benefit from a better understanding of governmental settings linked to PSN success. Identification of potential success or risk factors advances understanding of the underlying dynamics of interagency collaboration efforts.
Directors' duties with a particular focus on the Companies Act 2006
Authors: Ashraf Tahir 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an easy‐to‐read article for academics, lawyers, directors and those advising directors, to be able to gain an appreciation of the duties that directors owe to their companies in light of the Companies Act 2006, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, 2007 and the Bribery Act 2010.Design/methodology/approachUsing a range of case law and statutory materials, as well as published works, including material from the Financial Reporting Council, the Institute of Directors and the Health and Safety Executive, the paper aims to provide practical advice (as opposed to merely academic listing) on directors' duties.FindingsIt has been noted that there are not enough resources which combine the three aspects of legislation that impact upon directors' duties.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on directors' duties for private limited companies within the law relating to England and Wales, specifically the Companies Act 2006, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, 2007 and the Bribery Act. The implications are that those wishing to conduct business outside of the UK would need to look elsewhere for guidance. Conversely, UK‐based businesses seeking to conduct business internationally will need to be aware of not just directors' duties but also the potential conduct of those authorised to act on behalf of directors abroad, particularly in the context of the Bribery Act 2010.Practical implicationsThe paper is an easy‐to‐read, useful source of impartial information for academics, lawyers directors and those advising directors to gain an understanding of directors' duties under English law.Originality/valueThe paper brings together three different areas of legal practice into one, as they have a significant impact upon businesses and appear not to have been addressed previously in such a manner.
A new metric for quantifying performance impairment on the psychomotor vigilance test
Authors: RAJARAMAN SRINIVASAN , RAMAKRISHNAN SRIDHAR , THORSLEY DAVID , WESENSTEN NANCY J. , BALKIN THOMAS J. , REIFMAN JAQUES 
Published: March 2012

SummaryWe have developed a new psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) metric for quantifying the effects of sleep loss on performance impairment. The new metric quantifies performance impairment by estimating the probability density of response times (RTs) in a PVT session, and then considering deviations of the density relative to that of a baseline‐session density. Results from a controlled laboratory study involving 12 healthy adults subjected to 85 h of extended wakefulness, followed by 12 h of recovery sleep, revealed that the group performance variability based on the new metric remained relatively uniform throughout wakefulness. In contrast, the variability of PVT lapses, mean RT, median RT and (to a lesser extent) mean speed showed strong time‐of‐day effects, with the PVT lapse variability changing with time of day depending on the selected threshold. Our analysis suggests that the new metric captures more effectively the homeostatic and circadian process underlying sleep regulation than the other metrics, both directly in terms of larger effect sizes (4–61% larger) and indirectly through improved fits to the two‐process model (9–67% larger coefficient of determination). Although the trend of the mean speed results followed those of the new metric, we found that mean speed yields significantly smaller (∼50%) intersubject performance variance than the other metrics. Based on these findings, and that the new metric considers performance changes based on the entire set of responses relative to a baseline, we conclude that it provides a number of potential advantages over the traditional PVT metrics.
Oral Sumatriptan and Almotriptan – Delimiting the MAOI Effect
Authors: Oberhardt Florian , Fox Anthony W. 
Published: March 2012

(Headache 2012;52:765‐772)Objectives/Background.— (1) To investigate whether a parsimonious model for sumatriptan pharmacokinetics can apply to oral administration; (2) for a successful model, whether a monoamine oxidase A inhibitor (MAOI‐A) perturbs it; and (3) whether such a model is generalizable to oral almotriptan. These goals respond to statements in US product labeling.Methods.— Extension of a previous model for subcutaneous sumatriptan. Numerical solutions to 3 concurrent differential equations were found, with prospective criteria for model acceptance based upon comparison with clinically observed data.Results.— The model was successfully extended by inserting a time factor into the absorption phase. This extension was robust: it imitated clinical data for 3 oral sumatriptan dose sizes (both without and with a concomitant MAOI‐A) and also for oral almotriptan.Conclusion.— A model for oral sumatriptan pharmacokinetics can be found using the differential calculus, and it is generalizable to oral almotriptan. The model suggests that an MAOI‐A probably has greater effect on elimination kinetics than first‐pass metabolism, and that this interaction appears to be overstated in product labeling.
Feminist Heuristics: Transforming the Foundation of Food Quality and Safety Assurance Systems*
Authors: Kimura Aya Hirata 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFood safety and quality assurance systems have emerged as a key mechanism of food governance in recent years and are also popular among alternative agrofood movements, such as the organic and fair trade movements. Rural sociologists have identified many problems with existing systems, including corporate cooptation, the marginalization of small producers, and the depoliticization of consumer consciousness. Tackling these problems requires an epistemological shift. This article argues that the existing systems are based on positivist epistemology and calls for a feminist intervention. To show a concrete example of a feminist departure from the conventional assurance systems, I look at the case of a Japanese women's food cooperative and analyze its unique system, comparing it to its conventional counterpart, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Feminist epistemology can change assurance systems from being closed, nondiscriminatory, and technical to being participatory, differentiated, and normative.
Perspective‐Taking and Depth of Theory‐of‐Mind Reasoning in Sequential‐Move Games
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hedden Trey , Chia Adrian 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTheory‐of‐mind (ToM) involves modeling an individual’s mental states to plan one’s action and to anticipate others’ actions through recursive reasoning that may be myopic (with limited recursion) or predictive (with full recursion). ToM recursion was examined using a series of two‐player, sequential‐move matrix games with a maximum of three steps. Participants were assigned the role of Player I, controlling the initial and the last step, or of Player II, controlling the second step. Appropriate for the assigned role, participants either anticipated or planned Player II’s strategy at the second step, and then determined Player I’s optimal strategy at the first step. Participants more readily used predictive reasoning as Player II (i.e., planning one’s own move) than as Player I (i.e., anticipating an opponent’s move), although they did not differ when translating reasoning outcome about the second step to optimal action in the first step. Perspective‐taking influenced likelihood of predictive reasoning, but it did not affect the rate at which participants acquired it during the experimental block. We conclude that the depth of ToM recursion (related to perspective‐taking mechanisms) and rational application of belief–desire to action (instrumental rationality) constitute separate cognitive processes in ToM reasoning.
Transplantation of novel human GDF5‐expressing CHO cells is neuroprotective in models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Costello Daniel J. , O'Keeffe Gerard W. , Hurley Fiona M. , Sullivan Aideen M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractGrowth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) is a neurotrophic factor that promotes the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo and as such is potentially useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study shows that a continuous supply of GDF5, produced by transplanted GDF5‐overexpressing CHO cells in vivo, has neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects on midbrain dopaminergic neurons following 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced lesions of the adult rat nigrostriatal pathway. It also increases the survival and improves the function of transplanted embryonic dopaminergic neurons in the 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rat model of PD. This study provides the first proof‐of‐principle that sustained delivery of GDF5 in vivo may be useful in the treatment of PD.
The enigmatic black hole candidate and X-ray transient IGR J17091–3624 in its quiescent state as seen with XMM—Newton
Authors: Wijnands R. , Yang Y. J. , Altamirano D. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
We report on two short XMM—Newton observations performed in 2006 August and 2007 February during the quiescence state of the enigmatic black hole candidate system IGR J17091−3624. During both observations the source was clearly detected. Although the errors on the estimated fluxes are large, the source appears to be brighter by several tens of per cent during the 2007 February observation compared to the 2006 August observation. During both observations, the 2–10 keV luminosity of the source was close to ∼1033 erg s−1 for an assumed distance of 10 kpc. However, we note that the distance to this source is not well constrained and it has been suggested it might be as far as 35 kpc which would result in an order of magnitude higher luminosities. If the empirically found relation between the orbital period and the quiescence luminosity of black hole transients is also valid for IGR J17091−3624, then we can estimate an orbital period of &gt;100 h (&gt;4 d) for a distance of 10 kpc but it could be as large as tens of days if the source is truly much further away. Such a large orbital period would be similar to GRS 1915+105 which has an orbital period of ∼34 d. Orbital periods this large could possibly be connected to the fact that both sources exhibit the same very violent and extreme rapid X-ray variability which has so far not yet been seen from any other black hole system. Alternatively the orbital period of IGR J17091−3624 might be more in line with the other systems (&lt;100 h), but we happened to have observed the source in an episode of elevated accretion which was significantly higher than its true quiescent accretion rate. In that case, the absence or presence of extreme short-term variability properties as is seen for IGR J17091−3624 and GRS 1915+105 is not related to the orbital periods of these black hole systems.
Resource implications of SNOT22 data submission
Authors: Atfeh M. , Williams A.T. 
Published: March 2012

Background:  Continuous clinical audit tools are important in the maintenance of good medical practice and will doubtlessly be used for revalidation purposes. Accordingly, ENT.UK and BRS developed The Rhinology Minimum Electronic Dataset, which is completed via online submission of pre‐ and postoperative SNOT22 scores of patients visiting the outpatient department. According the web tool guidance notes, once familiar with the system, any data entry relating to a single patient should take between 30 and 60 s. It also advises entering data in real time rather than at a later date to save time.Aim:  This study assesses the resource requirements for submitting patients’ SNOT22 data using the Rhinology Minimum Electronic Dataset web tool.Method:  SNOT22 scores were collected over a week of ENT outpatient sessions in April 2011. The number of patients (n) was 31. The data were submitted in a single sitting for each OPD session to avoid delays arising from automatic website logout. The study was carried out using a fast Internet connection (20 Mb) and an advanced computer operating system (Windows 7®, Intel core i3), compared with those available locally.Results:  The number of SNOT 22 scores collected was 31. The total submission time for SNOT22 results was 125 min, with an average time of 4 min per single patient’s data. The automatic logout time for the website was 20 min.Discussion:  Our results show that the time required to enter patients’ data to the website is far longer (300% delay per patient) than the time suggested by the guidance notes. This would be even longer in real time using clinic‐based computers and Internet connection. The study suggests that the best results would be achieved by entering patients’ data at one sitting, rather than individually, following every OPD session, as a result of automatic logout time of the web browser. If our rhinology service were to use the web tool to register patients’ data, it would have a significant impact on our service resource and OPD consultation time.
Federal supports for state oral health plans
Authors: Edelstein Burton L 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe past decade has witnessed both a proliferation of state oral health plans that include very specific proposals for action and an emergence of federal laws that include support for oral health. This paper provides an overview of state oral health priorities for action as reflected in 40 oral health plans that were developed independently by states. It examines four federal laws – the 2002 Safety Net Improvement Act, the 2009 CHIP Reauthorization Act, the 2009 economic stimulus law, and the 2010 health reform law – to identify opportunities for alignment with action steps proposed in state plans. This analysis identifies 23 categories of activity proposed by states in their action plans and determines that all but six of these activities are now supported by one or more of these four federal laws. State activities undertaken through grants provided under the 2002 Safety Net Improvement Act are analyzed as an example of how states can leverage federal legislation to advance their oral health plans. The paper concludes with consideration of the steps needed for states to promote their oral health plans by leveraging the full capacity of federal legislation.
Potential to improve oral health care through evidence, protocols, and payment models
Authors: Tinanoff Norman 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEvidence‐based health care aims to utilize the best available evidence from scientific methods and apply this evidence to clinical and public health practice. Evidence of the benefits and risks of treatment is derived from randomized controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews, and expert panels. Evidence‐based clinical parameters and guidelines should foster the best health outcomes for individuals or populations at reduced costs. By incorporating evidence‐based guidelines into payment models, the payers – private or public – have the capacity to improve oral health care and ultimately oral health outcomes. This paper uses examples from pediatric dentistry to show how adoption of caries risk factors, clinical management protocols, and a reimbursement system based on evidence‐based guidelines may allow for better quality of care to more individuals and at a lower cost.
The role of pleural fluid MAGE RT‐nested PCR in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Jeon Eun Ju , Park Hye Kyeong , Jeon Kyeongman , Koh Won‐Jung , Suh Gee Young , Chung Man Pyo , Kim Hojoong , Kwon O. Jung , Ki Chang‐Seok , Kim Jong‐Won , Shim Young Mog , Um Sang‐Won 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Melanoma antigen (MAGE) genes are expressed in tumor cells, the testis and the placenta. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), MAGE reverse transcriptase‐nested polymerase chain reaction (RT‐nested PCR), and cytology of pleural fluid in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.Methods:  Patients in whom unilateral pleural effusion was identified on chest radiography from January to December 2009 were included in the study. MAGE genes were analyzed by RT‐nested PCR using MAGE A1‐6 common primers.Results:  Of 81 enrolled patients, 46 were diagnosed as malignant pleural effusion, and 24 were diagnosed as benign pleural effusion. The diagnoses of 11 patients were not confirmed in this study. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MAGE RT‐nested PCR were 61.4%, 95.7%, and 73.1%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivities of cytology and CEA (>5 ng/mL) were 61.4% and 75.0%, respectively. Among 17 patients with negative cytology who had malignant pleural effusion, 12 and 10 patients were positive for CEA (>5.0 ng/mL) and MAGE RT‐nested PCR, respectively. However, of five patients with malignant pleural effusion that was not recognized by cytology and CEA, MAGE RT‐nested PCR correctly predicted a malignant etiology in only one additional patient (20%).Conclusions:  MAGE RT‐nested PCR seems to add little on the combination of conventional methods in the diagnosis of malignant effusion.
Correction factors for A1SL ionization chamber dosimetry in TomoTherapy: Machine‐specific, plan‐class, and clinical fields
Authors: Gago‐Arias Araceli , Rodríguez‐Romero Ruth , Sánchez‐Rubio Patricia , Miguel González‐Castaño Diego , Gómez Faustino , Núñez Luis , Palmans Hugo , Sharpe Peter , Pardo‐Montero Juan 
Published: March 2012

Purpose:Recently, an international working group on nonstandard fields presented a new formalism for ionization chamber reference dosimetry of small and nonstandard fields [Alfonsoet al., Med. Phys. 35, 5179–5186 (2008)] which has been adopted by AAPM TG‐148. This work presents an experimental determination of the correction factors for reference dosimetry with an Exradin A1SL thimble ionization chamber in a TomoTherapy unit, focusing on: (i) machine‐specific reference field, (ii) plan‐class‐specific reference field, and (iii) two clinical treatments.Methods:Ionization chamber measurements were performed in the TomoTherapy unit for intermediate (machine‐specific and plan‐class‐specific) calibration fields, based on the reference conditions defined by AAPM TG‐148, and two clinical treatments (lung and head‐and‐neck). Alanine reference dosimetry was employed to determine absorbed dose to water at the point of interest for the fields under investigation. The corresponding chamber correction factors were calculated from alanine to ionization chamber measurements ratios.Results:Two different methods of determining the beam quality correction factor for the A1SL ionization chamber in this TomoTherapy unit, where reference conditions for conventional beam quality determination cannot be met, result in consistent values. The observed values of overall correction factors obtained for intermediate and clinical fields are consistently around 0.98 with a typical expanded relative uncertainty of 2% (k = 2), which when considered make such correction factors compatible with unity. However, all of them are systematically lower than unity, which is shown to be significant when a hypothesis test assuming a t‐student distribution is performed (). Correction factors and , which are needed for the computation of field factors for relative dosimetry of clinical beams, have been found to be very close to unity for two clinical treatments.Conclusions:The results indicate that the helical field deliveries in this study (including two clinical fields) do not introduce changes on the ion chamber correction factors for dosimetry. For those two specific clinical cases, ratios of chamber readings accurately represent field output factors. The values observed here for intermediate calibration fields are in agreement with previously published data based on alanine dosimetry but differ from values recently reported obtained via radiochromic dosimetry.