bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microduplications encompassing the Sonic hedgehog limb enhancer ZRS are associated with Haas‐type polysyndactyly and Laurin‐Sandrow syndrome
Authors: Lohan S. , Spielmann M. , Doelken S.C. , Flöttmann R. , Muhammad F. , Baig S.M. , Wajid M. , Hülsemann W. , Habenicht R. , Kjaer K.W. , Patil S.J. , Girisha K.M. , Abarca‐Barriga H.H. , Mundlos S. , Klopocki E.
Published: January 2014

Laurin‐Sandrow syndrome (LSS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by polysyndactyly of hands and/or feet, mirror image duplication of the feet, nasal defects, and loss of identity between fibula and tibia. The genetic basis of LSS is currently unknown. LSS shows phenotypic overlap with Haas‐type polysyndactyly (HTS) regarding the digital phenotype. Here we report on five unrelated families with overlapping microduplications encompassing the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) limb enhancer ZPA regulatory sequence (ZRS) on chromosome 7q36. Clinically, the patients show polysyndactyly phenotypes and various types of lower limb malformations ranging from syndactyly to mirror image polydactyly with duplications of the fibulae. We show that larger duplications of the ZRS region (>80 kb) are associated with HTS, whereas smaller duplications (<80 kb) result in the LSS phenotype. On the basis of our data, the latter can be clearly distinguished from HTS by the presence of mirror image polysyndactyly of the feet with duplication of the fibula. Our results expand the clinical phenotype of the ZRS‐associated syndromes and suggest that smaller duplications (<80 kb) are associated with a more severe phenotype. In addition, we show that these small microduplications within the ZRS region are the underlying genetic cause of Laurin‐Sandrow syndrome.
Does It Pay to Increase Competition in Combinatorial Conservation Auctions?
Authors: Iftekhar M. S. , Hailu A. , Lindner R. K.
Published: January 2014

Conservation auctions allow landholders to propose conservation projects and associated payments (bids) for consideration by a conservation agency. Recently, the application of iterative combinatorial auction designs has been proposed to improve outcomes of conservation auctions. In combinatorial auctions, landholders are allowed to offer projects each of which involves activities aimed at providing one or multiple services. An iterative format allows bidders the opportunity to gradually explore the type of projects they want to offer, with this process being facilitated through price feedback provided based on intermediate auction round results. Auction designs vary with the type of feedback and respond differently to market conditions. At present there is a lack of information about their performance in markets with varying degrees of competition (in terms of number of bidders and level of target). Therefore, using an agent‐based simulation model, we evaluate a number of iterative auction designs. We observe that a higher degree of competition leads to a higher auction efficiency. In a high competition environment, efficiency outcomes tend to be less sensitive to auction design choices. Therefore, an auctioneer could enjoy freedom in design choice if adequate competition could be ensured. In weak competition environments, however, some auction designs perform better than others.
Peri‐implant soft tissue and marginal bone adaptation on implant with non‐matching healing abutments: micro‐CT analysis
Authors: Finelle Gary , Papadimitriou Dimitrios E. V. , Souza André B. , Katebi Negin , Gallucci German O. , Araújo Mauricio G.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To assess (i) the outcome of changing the horizontal‐offset dimension on the peri‐implant soft tissues and the crestal bone and (ii) the effect of different healing abutments (flared vs. straight) on the marginal peri‐implant soft tissues and crestal bone.

Materials and Methods

Two‐piece dental implants diameters of 3.5 and 4.5 mm were placed at least 1 mm subcrestal in five beagle dogs. Three different investigational groups: (i) 3.5‐mm‐diameter implant with narrow healing abutment (3.5N), (ii) 4.5‐mm‐diameter implant with narrow healing abutment (4.5N), and (iii) 3.5‐mm‐diameter implant with wide healing abutment (3.5W), were assessed. After 4 months of healing, the vertical distance from the marginal crestal bone (MB) to the implant shoulder (IS); the vertical distance from the IS to the first bone‐to‐implant contact; and the horizontal distance of bone ingrowth on the implant platform were measured with a high‐resolution micro‐CT (Xradia MicroXCT‐200 system).

Results

Implants with a narrow healing caps showed an interproximal MB located between 0 and 1 mm above the implant shoulder, while the 3.5W group exhibits a mean value −0.50 mm. As all implants in group 3.5N presented a fBIC located at the level of the IS. For the 4.5N group, the mean fBIC‐IS distance was −0.52 mm apically to the IS. For the 3.5WC group, the mean fBIC‐IS distance was −1.42 mm. Horizontal bone apposition was only observed for the 3.5N group and the 4.5N group.

Conclusion

The dimension of the horizontal offset would play a minimal role in reducing bone remodeling, whereas the configuration of the transmucosal component would directly influence marginal bone remodeling.
Analysis of the dimensions of the labial bone wall in the anterior maxilla: a cone‐beam computed tomography study
Authors: El Nahass Hani , N. Naiem Suzy
Published: January 2014

Background

Immediate implant placement in extraction socket does not appear to prevent the resorption of the labial wall. It has been recommended that a minimal thickness of 1–2 mm of buccal bone should be available to preclude the resorption of the facial vertical dimension of the socket wall.

Objective

The aim was to determine the dimension of the facial buccal plate of bone in the anterior esthetic zone at different levels and relate it to immediate implant placement.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐three patients' cone‐beam tomographic scans were included in the study (42 female and 31 male, mean age 39.6 years). The images were acquired using OnDemand software. The measurements taken included:

Distance between the CEJ and the alveolar crest.

The labial bone thickness at different levels in relation to alveolar crest: at 1, 2, and 4 mm

The results

The measurements demonstrated that the distance between the CEJ and the crest was 2.10 ± 0.85 for the central and 2.09 ± 0.72 for the lateral incisor. The measurement taken at M0 (crestal level) revealed that only 1% of the incisors showed a thick labial bone (1–2 mm) and 73% showed a thin bony wall (0.5–1 mm) and 25% showed very thin wall <0.5 mm. At the M1, 7% showed very thin bony wall and 86% showed a thin bony wall while only 6% exhibited a thick bony wall. The M2 showed only 1% of very thin bony wall, and about 85% showed a thin bony wall and 14% exhibited a thick bony level. The M4 demonstrated very thin bony wall and about 75% thin bony wall and 23% showed thick bony wall. Males showed statistically significantly higher mean distance between cemento–enamel junction and alveolar crest (CEJ‐AC) than females at the central as well as lateral incisors. To obtain good results, meticulous preoperative analysis is recommended. Thus, to chose an adequate treatment approach, the utilization of CBCT is recommended.
Homocysteine Metabolism in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Kundal Mohan , Saha Abhijeet , Dubey N.K. , Kapoor Kanika , Basak Trayambak , Bhardwaj Gaurav , Tanwar Vinay Singh , Sengupta Shantanu , Batra Vinita , Upadhayay Ashish Dutt , Bhatt Ajay
Published: January 2014

Background

Homocysteine metabolism is altered in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor of early atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis and may occur at time of first occurrence of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Methods

Thirty children with first episode of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (FENS) aged 1–16 years along with 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Homocysteine and cysteine were measured with HPLC; vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured with electro‐chemilumiscence immunoassay. Primary outcome measure was plasma homocysteine level in children with FENS and in controls. Secondary outcome measures were (1) plasma and urine homocysteine and cysteine levels in children with FENS at 12 weeks and 1 year (remission) and (2) plasma and urine levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid in children with FENS, at 12 weeks and 1 year (remission).

Results

Plasma homocysteine and cysteine levels were comparable to controls in children with FENS, at 12 weeks and 1‐year remission. Plasma levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were significantly decreased compared to controls in FENS due to increased urinary excretion, which normalize during remission at 12 weeks and 1 year. Urinary homocysteine and cysteine levels were significantly raised in FENS compared to controls and continued to be raised even at 12‐week and 1‐year remission.

Conclusion

Homocysteine metabolism is deranged in children with FENS. Renal effects of long‐term raised urinary homocysteine levels need to be studied.
Electrical stimulation vs. standard care for chronic ulcer healing: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Barnes Rachel , Shahin Yousef , Gohil Risha , Chetter Ian
Published: January 2014

Background

We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on ulcer healing compared to usual treatment and/or sham stimulation. This systematic review also aimed to investigate the effect of different types of electrical stimulation on ulcer size reduction.

Materials and Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from inception to October 2013 on randomised controlled trials (RCTs), in English and on human subjects, which assessed the effect of electrical stimulation on ulcer size as compared to standard care and/or sham stimulation. Data from included RCTs were pooled with use of fixed and random effects meta‐analysis of the weighted mean change differences between the comparator groups. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed with the I2 statistic.

Results

Twenty‐one studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. In six trials (n = 210), electrical stimulation improved mean percentage change in ulcer size over total studies periods by 24·62%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 19·98–29·27, P < 0·00001 with no heterogeneity. In three trials (n = 176), electrical stimulation insignificantly improved mean weekly change in ulcer size by 1·64%, 95% (CI) −3·81 to 7·09, P = 0·56 with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 96%, P < 0·00001). In six trials (n = 266), electrical stimulation decreased ulcer size by 2·42 cm2, 95% (CI) 1·66–3·17, P < 0·00001, with significant heterogeneity. In one trial (n = 16), electrical stimulation also insignificantly improved the mean daily percentage change in ulcer size by 0·63%, 95% (CI) −0·12 to 1·37, P = 0·10, with significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Electrical stimulation appears to increase the rate of ulcer healing and may be superior to standard care for ulcer treatment.
Complex Vocal Responses to Conspecific Calls in Whistling Frogs Eleutherodactylus johnstonei: Playback Experiments in the Field
Authors: Tárano Zaida , Fuenmayor Eloisa
Published: January 2014

We simulated the presence of an acoustic competitor by broadcasting conspecific playbacks to males of Johnstone's whistling frog, Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, in the field. We broadcast calls that differed in duration (short, typical, and long), dominant frequency (high, typical, and low), and period (short, typical, and long), and analyzed male vocal responses. We tested the hypothesis that males respond by escalating vocally when they are exposed to female‐attractive calls and by ignoring unattractive ones. At the population level, males responded to playbacks in ways that would potentially increase their attractiveness with regard to solo calling: males increased the duration, reduced the dominant frequency, and increased their calling effort (duty cycle), despite an increase in call period. The modification of call duration occurred only in response to playbacks of low‐frequency calls, long calls, and short‐period calls (selective response), while the modification of the dominant frequency was independent of the characteristic of the playback (fixed response). Contrary to the expected, males did not reduce the call period when they were exposed to attractive playbacks. At the ultimate level, the results suggest energy‐saving strategies. In addition, males seem to trade off call period for the avoidance of acoustic interference with attractive calls as calling effort was typically increased by increasing call duration but only rarely by reducing the call period. Interactive playbacks are necessary to better understand the calling strategies of males of E. johnstonei.
The need for markers and predictors of Rituximab treatment resistance
Authors: Sitaru Cassian , Thiel Jens
Published: January 2014

CD20‐specific antibodies show remarkable therapeutic efficacy in B‐cell malignancy and autoimmune diseases, but due to the occurrence of a significant treatment resistance, a critical, unmet need for improving B‐cell‐depleting approaches remains. A CD20 transcript variant (D393–CD20) appears to be associated with Rituximab treatment resistance in malignant B cells, but is lacking in patients with autoimmune dermatoses as shown by Gamonet et al. While CD20‐specific factors certainly play a major role in the pathogenesis of Rituximab treatment resistance, the D393‐CD2 transcript may greatly facilitate the development of clinical markers for monitoring the therapy in B‐cell malignancies and (auto)antibody‐mediated diseases. Its association with systemic autoimmune diseases should be therefore explored in further studies.
Influences of Community and Organizational Participation, Social Support, and Sense of Community on Psychological Empowerment: Income as Moderator
Authors: Christens Brian D. , Lin Cynthia S.
Published: January 2014

Empowerment has been theorized as a mechanism by which people and groups can gain greater control over their own affairs. Previous studies have found psychological empowerment to be linked with other positive indicators of well‐being in different contexts and populations. Understanding the personal experiences and features of community and organizational contexts that can promote psychological empowerment has therefore emerged as a focus for applied community research. The current study examines community and organizational participation, sense of community, and perceptions of organizational social support as predictors of psychological empowerment in a sample of 1,322 adult participants in local community organizations. Structural equation modeling is used to test for mediation effects, as well as moderation effects of socioeconomic status. Results demonstrate that community organizations play important mediating roles in empowering processes and that these processes likely differ among groups according to income.
Successes and Challenges in a Statewide Relationship Education Initiative
Authors: Bradford Kay , Huffaker Stacey , Stewart Joshua Wade , Skogrand Linda , Higginbotham Brian J.
Published: January 2014

Although healthy relationship initiatives are becoming more common, relatively little is known about the processes of these initiatives. This study uses a phenomenological qualitative approach to examine the experiences ofFamily andConsumerScience (FCS) Extension faculty in the implementation of couple and relationship education in theUtahHealthyRelationshipInitiative. Data were collected through quarterly report forms submitted by Extension faculty describing successes and challenges to their work. Successes in the project related to collaborative partnerships, attendance or participation, and positive outcomes for participants. Collaborative partnerships were instrumental in reaching more participants and finding cultural resources. The challenges included constraints for participants and limited faculty resources. The findings underscore the benefits of creating flexible, low‐intensity, and low‐cost activities that attract participants and reduce some of the barriers to participation, as well as partnering with community organizations.
Understanding Consumer Recycling Behavior: Combining the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Norm Activation Model
Authors: Park Joohyung , Ha Sejin
Published: January 2014

This study proposed and tested a comprehensive model of the intention to recycle in which the norm activation model and the theory of planned behavior were combined. Data on consumer intention to recycle were collected from a panel of U.S. consumers. The final sample consisted of 421 participants. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed model. The results support the hypotheses in that personal norms (from the norm activation model) together with attitude and perceived behavioral control (from the theory of planned behavior) influence the intention to recycle. In addition, subjective norms (from the theory of planned behavior) influenced the intention to recycle indirectly through attitude, personal norms, and perceived behavioral control. Also, awareness of consequences (from the norm activation model) influenced intention to recycle indirectly through attitude, subjective norms, and personal norms.
Increased topsoil carbon stock across China's forests
Authors: Yang Yuanhe , Li Pin , Ding Jinzhi , Zhao Xia , Ma Wenhong , Ji Chengjun , Fang Jingyun
Published: January 2014

Biomass carbon accumulation in forest ecosystems is a widespread phenomenon at both regional and global scales. However, as coupled carbon–climate models predicted, a positive feedback could be triggered if accelerated soil carbon decomposition offsets enhanced vegetation growth under a warming climate. It is thus crucial to reveal whether and how soil carbon stock in forest ecosystems has changed over recent decades. However, large‐scale changes in soil carbon stock across forest ecosystems have not yet been carefully examined at both regional and global scales, which have been widely perceived as a big bottleneck in untangling carbon–climate feedback. Using newly developed database and sophisticated data mining approach, here we evaluated temporal changes in topsoil carbon stock across major forest ecosystem in China and analysed potential drivers in soil carbon dynamics over broad geographical scale. Our results indicated that topsoil carbon stock increased significantly within all of five major forest types during the period of 1980s–2000s, with an overall rate of 20.0 g C m−2 yr−1 (95% confidence interval, 14.1–25.5). The magnitude of soil carbon accumulation across coniferous forests and coniferous/broadleaved mixed forests exhibited meaningful increases with both mean annual temperature and precipitation. Moreover, soil carbon dynamics across these forest ecosystems were positively associated with clay content, with a larger amount of SOC accumulation occurring in fine‐textured soils. In contrast, changes in soil carbon stock across broadleaved forests were insensitive to either climatic or edaphic variables. Overall, these results suggest that soil carbon accumulation does not counteract vegetation carbon sequestration across China's forest ecosystems. The combination of soil carbon accumulation and vegetation carbon sequestration triggers a negative feedback to climate warming, rather than a positive feedback predicted by coupled carbon–climate models.
Application of segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy to the assessment of skeletal muscle cell mass in elderly men
Authors: Yamada Yosuke , Matsuda Kaori , Björkman Mikko P , Kimura Misaka
Published: January 2014

Aim

It is important to assess not only the total skeletal muscle mass, but also the intracellular and extracellular compartments of skeletal muscle to examine the actual relationship between skeletal muscle mass and physical functions. Segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy is a unique tool with which to assess intracellular and extracellular water in the limbs. The aim of the present study was to examine the application of segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy to the assessment of skeletal muscle mass in the elderly.

Methods

A total of 73 healthy elderly men and 20 elderly men requiring care and using an ambulatory day‐care service of the public long‐term care insurance system participated in the present study. The intracellular and extracellular water in the upper and lower legs were assessed by segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. The gait speed, grip strength and maximal isometric knee extension strength were measured.

Results

The elderly requiring care had significantly lower intracellular water than did healthy elderly in the upper and lower legs. A significant relative expansion of extracellular water against total water was observed in the elderly requiring care. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the area under the curve for the intracellular water index was similar to that for muscle strength in the discrimination of elderly requiring care.

Conclusions

The elderly requiring care had a relative expansion of extracellular water in the legs, which could have masked actual muscle atrophy. Segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy would be useful for the assessment of skeletal muscle cell mass and sarcopenia in the elderly.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 1): 129–134.
Incidence, reversibility, risk factors and the protective effect of high body mass index against sarcopenia in community‐dwelling older Chinese adults
Authors: Yu Ruby , Wong Moses , Leung Jason , Lee Jenny , Auyeung Tung Wai , Woo Jean
Published: January 2014

Aim

We examined the incidence and the reversibility of sarcopenia and their associated factors over a 4‐year period using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria.

Methods

A total of 4000 community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years were evaluated for which detailed information regarding demographics, socioeconomic, medical history, lifestyle, and clinical factors were documented at baseline, 2 years, and 4 years later. Sarcopenia was defined according to the EWGSOP algorithm. Incident sarcopenia and its reversibility were documented at each follow‐up year, and related to possible factors.

Results

At baseline, of the 4000 participants, 361 (9.0%) had sarcopenia. Between baseline and 2‐year follow‐up, 6.0% of the participants without sarcopenia at baseline had developed sarcopenia, and 18.8% of the initially sarcopenic participants had reverted to normal. Between baseline and 4‐year follow‐up, the corresponding figures were 6.3% and 14.1%, respectively. The average annual incidence over 4 years was 3.1%. After multivariate adjustments, older age, female sex, presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, presence of stroke, higher physical activity levels, presence of instrumental activities of daily living impairments, and lower body mass index were associated with incident sarcopenia, whereas younger age, female sex, higher body mass index and absence of instrumental activities of daily living impairments, but not physical activity, were associated with its reversibility. Protein and vitamin D intake were not significantly associated with sarcopenia incidence or its reversibility.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia incidence increases with age, but is potentially reversible in a Chinese elderly population. High body mass index is protective against sarcopenia incidence and its reversibility. Increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight could be beneficial in the prevention of sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 1): 15–28.
Intraductal papillary neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms of the hepatobiliary system: demographic differences between Asian and Western populations, and comparison with pancreatic counterparts
Authors: Zen Yoh , Jang Kee‐Taek , Ahn Soomin , Kim Dong Hun , Choi Dong Wook , Choi Seong Ho , Heo Jin Seok , Yeh Matthew M
Published: January 2014

Aims

To improve the characterization of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) and mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN‐L).

Methods and results

A retrospective review of pathology archives (1999–2011) in our three institutions identified cases of IPNB (n = 138) and MCN‐L (n = 54). The IPNB/MCN‐L ratio was 5.7:1 at Samsung Medical Centre in Seoul, which was significantly higher than those at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle (1:3.0) and King's College Hospital in London (1:6.3). This difference was mainly attributable to the considerably larger number of patients with IPNB in Seoul (n = 131) than in Seattle and London (n = 7). Western patients with IPNB were all non‐Asian in ancestry. IPNB differed from pancreatic intraductal papillary neoplasm in its higher histological grade, more advanced stage of an associated invasive cancer, and worse prognosis. In contrast, MCN‐L showed significantly lower histological grade than its pancreatic counterpart (P = 0.022). Unlike in pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm, malignant transformation was very rare in MCN‐L (10% versus 2%).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated demographic differences in IPNB and MCN‐L among regions. IPNB and MCN‐L differ from their pancreatic counterparts in the risk of malignant transformation and patients' prognosis.
Efficacy of xylene and passive ultrasonic irrigation on remaining root filling material during retreatment of anatomically complex teeth
Authors: Cavenago B. C. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Duarte M. A. H. , del Carpio‐Perochena A. E. , Villas‐Bôas M. H. , Marciano M. A. , Bramante C. M. , Moraes I. G.
Published: January 2014

Aim

To evaluate the volume of remaining filling material in the mesial root canals of mandibular molars after root canal retreatment with different procedures performed sequentially.

Methodology

The mesial root canals of 12 human first mandibular molars were instrumented using the BioRace system until a size 25, .06 taper instrument. The mesial roots were filled with gutta‐percha and AH‐Plus using a vertical compaction technique. The specimens were scanned using microcomputed tomography with a voxel size of 16.8 μm before and after the retreatment procedures. To remove the filling material, the root canals were enlarged until the size 40, .04 taper instrument. The second step was to irrigate the root canals with xylene in the attempt to clean the root canals with paper points. In the third step, the passive ultrasonic irrigation technique (PUI) was performed using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The initial and residual filling material volume (mm3) after each step was evaluated from the 0.5 to 6.5 mm level. The obtained data were expressed in terms of percentage of residual filling material. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test (P < 0.05).

Results

All specimens had residual filling materials after all retreatment procedures. Passive ultrasonic irrigation enhanced the elimination of residual filling material in comparison with the mechanical stage at the 0.5–2.5 mm and 4.5–6.5 mm levels (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between xylene and PUI methods.

Conclusions

Filling materials were not completely removed by any of the retreatment procedures. The use of xylene and PUI after mechanical instrumentation enhanced removal of materials during endodontic retreatment of anatomically complex teeth.
VALUE OF INFORMATION IN COMPETITIVE ECONOMIES WITH INCOMPLETE MARKETS
Authors: GOTTARDI PIERO , RAHI ROHIT
Published: January 2014

We study the value of public information in competitive economies with incomplete markets. We show that generically the welfare effect of a change in the information available prior to trading can be in any direction: There exist changes in information that make all agents better off and changes for which all agents are worse off. In contrast, for any change in information, a Pareto improvement is feasible, that is, attainable by a planner facing the same informational and asset market constraints as agents. In this sense, the response of competitive markets to changes in information is typically not socially optimal.
A SEARCH‐EQUILIBRIUM APPROACH TO THE EFFECTS OF IMMIGRATION ON LABOR MARKET OUTCOMES
Authors: CHASSAMBOULLI ANDRI , PALIVOS THEODORE
Published: January 2014

We analyze the impact of the U.S. skill‐biased immigration influx that took place between 2000 and 2009 within a search and matching model that allows for skill heterogeneity, differential search cost, and capital‐skill complementarity. We find that although the skill‐biased immigration raised the overall net income to natives, it had distributional effects. Specifically, unskilled native workers gained in terms of both employment and wages. Skilled native workers, however, gained in terms of employment but lost in terms of wages. Nevertheless, in an extension where skilled natives and immigrants are imperfect substitutes, even the skilled wage rises.
GLOBALIZATION, TRADE, AND WAGES: WHAT DOES HISTORY TELL US ABOUT CHINA?
Authors: MITCHENER KRIS JAMES , YAN SE
Published: January 2014

Newly assembled data show that, as China opened up to global trade during the early 20th century, its exports became more unskilled‐intensive and its imports more skill‐intensive. Difference‐in‐differences estimates show that World War I dramatically increased Chinese exports, raising the relative demand for the unskilled workers producing them. When the war ended, trade costs declined and China's terms of trade increased, further stimulating exports. A simulation of a dynamic general equilibrium model demonstrates that the effects of the war on China's terms of trade produces a decline in the skill premium similar to what China experienced in the 1920s.
Applying neutralization theory to fair trade buying behaviour
Authors: Brunner Thomas A.
Published: January 2014

More and more consumers are willing to pay a premium for fair trade products. However, great potential remains as the market shares of these products are still low. In the present study, neutralization theory was applied to investigate the reasons for consumers hesitating to buy more fair trade products. A postal paper‐and‐pencil survey was sent out using random addresses from the telephone book in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland, resulting in a final sample size of n = 620. The results show that the techniques of neutralization are used to various degrees. A principal component analysis resulted in two strategies of neutralization: an internal strategy (focusing on the consumers themselves) and an external strategy (focusing on the farmers in developing countries). A regression analysis proved that the internal neutralization strategy was an important predictor for fair trade buying behaviour, even when controlling for attitudes towards fair trade.
Erectile dysfunction
Authors: McMahon C. G.
Published: January 2014

In the past 30 years, advances in basic science have been instrumental in the evolution of the male sexual health treatment paradigm from a psychosexual model to a new model, which includes oral and intracavernosal injection pharmacotherapy, vacuum constriction devices and penile prostheses for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This progress has coincided with an increased understanding of the nature of male sexual health problems, and epidemiological data that confirm that these problems are widely prevalent and the source of considerable morbidity, both for individuals and within relationships.
Body‐weight perception and related preoccupations in a large national sample of adolescents
Authors: Deschamps V. , Salanave B. , Chan‐Chee C. , Vernay M. , Castetbon K.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between body‐weight (BW) perception, weight preoccupation and behaviour, including weight control practices and compulsive over‐eating episodes, across gender and actual BW classes.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional observational study.

Participants

A large, nationally representative sample of 6404 ninth‐grade French adolescents was randomly selected from schools throughout France.

Methods

Weight and height were measured, and BW preoccupation, BW control practices and compulsive over‐eating were self‐reported using standardized questionnaires.

Results

Nearly one‐third of adolescents misperceived their BW. Misperception was more frequent among girls than boys (42.2% vs. 27.3%, P < 0.01). Underestimation of BW among overweight adolescents, like BW overestimation among underweight adolescents, was associated with less preoccupation with weight and fewer weight control practices than accurate perception of BW. Normal weight adolescents who overestimated their BW were more likely to declare weight preoccupations (ORa = 8.66 [6.67–11.25]), dieting (ORa = 4.81 [3.68–6.27]) and recurrent compulsive over‐eating episodes (ORa = 2.36 [1.72–3.23]) compared with their counterparts who correctly estimated their BW.

Conclusion

Our study underlines the role of these associations in each category of actual BW (underweight, normal weight and overweight) in a large national sample.
Thermal physiology and species distribution models reveal climate vulnerability of temperate amphibians
Authors: Gerick Alyssa A. , Munshaw Robin G. , Palen Wendy J. , Combes Stacey A. , O'Regan Sacha M.
Published: January 2014

Aim

High‐latitude ectotherms are predicted to be less physiologically vulnerable to climate warming than tropical species based on their larger thermal safety margins, the distance between ambient temperatures and species' thermal optima. We sought to test the prediction that high latitude amphibians are buffered against the impacts of climate warming.

Location

British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

We estimated the risk from climate change for three high‐latitude amphibian species (Spea intermontana, Rana aurora and Pseudacris regilla) by combining thermal performance experiments with species distribution models and predicted changes in maximum summer temperatures through the 2080s, in order to demonstrate temporal and geographical trends in vulnerability to climate warming among and within species.

Results

We found that species have thermal safety margins of 3.2–3.8 °C based on current maximum summer temperatures. However, by the 2080s (emissions scenario A1B), we estimate that 45–82% of our focal species' current distributions will experience maximum summer temperatures above their thermal optima. We also found that by using long‐term average temperatures, as some studies have done, there were almost no scenarios in which populations of any species were experiencing temperatures greater than their thermal optima.

Main conclusions

Combining spatially explicit species distribution models with performance physiology allows us to predict where limiting temperatures will occur in the coming decades, and can guide climate mitigation and conservation efforts before populations decline. Despite moderate thermal safety margins, high‐latitude ectotherms can be highly vulnerable to climate warming when spatio‐temporal variation is incorporated into estimates of risk as a result of climate change.
Low‐dose angiostatic tyrosine kinase inhibitors improve photodynamic therapy for cancer: lack of vascular normalization
Authors: Weiss Andrea , van Beijnum Judy R. , Bonvin Debora , Jichlinski Patrice , Dyson Paul J. , Griffioen Arjan W. , Nowak‐Sliwinska Patrycja
Published: January 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective clinical treatment for a number of different cancers. PDT can induce hypoxia and inflammation, pro‐angiogenic side effects, which may counteract its angio‐occlusive mechanism. The combination of PDT with anti‐angiogenic drugs offers a possibility for improved anti‐tumour outcome. We used two tumour models to test the effects of the clinically approved angiostatic tyrosine kinase inhibitors sunitinib, sorafenib and axitinib in combination with PDT, and compared these results with the effects of bevacizumab, the anti‐VEGF antibody, for the improvement of PDT. Best results were obtained from the combination of PDT and low‐dose axitinib or sorafenib. Molecular analysis by PCR revealed that PDT in combination with axitinib suppressed VEGFR‐2 expression in tumour vasculature. Treatment with bevacizumab, although effective as monotherapy, did not improve PDT outcome. In order to test for tumour vessel normalization effects, axitinib was also applied prior to PDT. The absence of improved PDT outcome in these experiments, as well as the lack of increased oxygenation in axitinib‐treated tumours, suggests that vascular normalization did not occur. The current data imply that there is a future for certain anti‐angiogenic agents to further improve the efficacy of photodynamic anti‐cancer therapy.
Rater Comparability Scoring and Equating: Does Choice of Target Population Weights Matter in This Context?
Authors: Puhan Gautam
Published: January 2014

When a constructed‐response test form is reused, raw scores from the two administrations of the form may not be comparable. The solution to this problem requires a rescoring, at the current administration, of examinee responses from the previous administration. The scores from this “rescoring” can be used as an anchor for equating. In this equating, the choice of weights for combining the samples to define the target population can be critical. In rescored data, the anchor usually correlates very strongly with the new form but only moderately with the reference form. This difference has a predictable impact: the equating results are most accurate when the target population is the reference form sample, least accurate when the target population is the new form sample, and somewhere in the middle when the new form and reference form samples are equally weighted in forming the target population.
Adjoined Piecewise Linear Approximations (APLAs) for Equating: Accuracy Evaluations of a Postsmoothing Equating Method
Authors: Moses Tim
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of adjoined and piecewise linear approximations (APLAs) of raw equipercentile equating functions as a postsmoothing equating method. APLAs are less familiar than other postsmoothing equating methods (i.e., cubic splines), but their use has been described in historical equating practices of large‐scale testing programs. This study used simulations to evaluate APLA equating results and compare these results with those from cubic spline postsmoothing and from several presmoothing equating methods. The overall results suggested that APLAs based on four line segments have accuracy advantages similar to or better than cubic splines and can sometimes produce more accurate smoothed equating functions than those produced using presmoothing methods.
Overexpression of OsKTN80a, a katanin P80 ortholog, caused the repressed cell elongation and stalled cell division mediated by microtubule apparatus defects in primary root in Oryza sativa
Authors: Wan Lei , Wang Xiuwen , Li Shaoqing , Hu Jun , Huang Wenchao , Zhu Yingguo
Published: January 2014

Katanin, a microtubule‐severing enzyme, consists of two subunits: the catalytic subunit P60, and the regulatory subunit P80. In several species, P80 functions in meiotic spindle organization, the flagella biogenesis, the neuronal development, and the male gamete production. However, the P80 function in higher plants remains elusive. In this study, we found that there are three katanin P80 orthologs (OsKTN80a, OsKTN80b, and OsKTN80c) in Oryza sativa L. Overexpression of OsKTN80a caused the retarded root growth of rice seedlings. Further investigation indicates that the retained root growth was caused by the repressed cell elongation in the elongation zone and the stalled cytokinesis in the division zone in the root tip. The in vivo examination suggests that OsKTN80a acts as a microtubule stabilizer. We prove that OsKTN80a, possibly associated with OsKTN60, is involved in root growth via regulating the cell elongation and division.
AtPEPTIDE RECEPTOR2 mediates the AtPEPTIDE1‐induced cytosolic Ca2+ rise, which is required for the suppression of Glutamine Dumper gene expression in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Ma Chunli , Guo Jie , Kang Yan , Doman Kohei , Bryan Anthony C. , Tax Frans E. , Yamaguchi Yube , Qi Zhi
Published: January 2014

AtPEPTIDE RECEPTOR2 (AtPEPR2) is a member of leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase family and binds to a group of AtPROPEP gene‐encoded endogenous peptides, AtPeps. Previously, we found that AtPEPR2 plays a moderate role in the AtPep1‐mediated innate immunity responses in Arabidopsis leaf. In this study, we found that AtPEPR2 promoter has strong activity in the vascular tissues of the roots and the atpepr2 mutants showed a moderate but significantly shorter root phenotype. AtPEPR2 partially mediated AtPep1‐induced root elongation inhibition. AtPep1‐triggered cytosolic Ca2+ transient rise in roots showed partial dependence on AtPEPR2 and fully on extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]ext). Transcriptional profiling analysis found that expression of 75% of AtPep1‐modulated genes in roots was fully dependent on AtPEPR2, of which two dramatically induced genes showed partial dependence on the [Ca2+]ext. Arabidopsis genome contains seven Glutamine Dumpers genes (AtGDUs), encoding amino acid exporters. Three of them (AtGDU2, 3, 5) were among the top 10 genes that were downregulated by AtPep1 through AtPEPR2 fully dependent pathway. Treatment with AtPep1 strongly suppressed promoter activity of AtGDU3 in roots, which was relieved by chelating [Ca2+]ext. Arabidopsis overexpressing AtGDU3 showed a shorter root phenotype and decreased sensitivity to the AtPep1‐mediated inhibition of root elongation. Taken together, this study demonstrated a significant role of AtPEPR2 in the AtPep1‐mediated signaling in the roots.
Impact of Myocardial Reperfusion Status on QT Dispersion After Successful Recanalization of the Infarct‐Related Artery in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: FUKUSHIMA NORITOSHI , TSURUMI YUKIO , JUJO KENTARO , FUKUSHIMA KEIKO , SEKIGUCHI HARUKI , HONDA ATSUSHI , YUMINO DAI , KAWANA MASATOSHI , HAGIWARA NOBUHISA
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine whether adequate myocardial perfusion status after transluminal recanalization is associated with prompt improvement of QT dispersion (QTd).

Background

Transluminal recanalization of the infarct‐related coronary artery in acute myocardial infarction aims to promptly restore myocardial perfusion, to maximize electrical and mechanical recovery. QTd represents the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization, which may affect electrical stability.

Methods

Forty patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for their first anterior acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled. Myocardial reperfusion status was assessed by myocardial blush grade (MBG) on the final angiogram after successful recanalization (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Grade 3 flow).

Results

Preprocedural QTd was similar in patients with final MBG 0–1, 2, and 3 (76 ± 24, 67 ± 13, and 69 ± 13 milliseconds, respectively; P = 0.661). After recanalization, QTd decreased in patients with MBG 3 (39 ± 16 milliseconds, P < 0.001) but not in patients with MBG 0–1 (74 ± 20 milliseconds) or MBG 2 (82 ± 16 milliseconds). Multivariate analysis showed that postprocedural MBG was an independent predictor of QTd after recanalization (standardized regression coefficient = –0.628, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adequate tissue perfusion may be crucial for electrical stability of the myocardium after reperfusion. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:252–259)
Impact of Contrast Agent Viscosity on Coronary Balloon Deflation Times: Bench Testing Results
Authors: MOGABGAB OWEN , PATEL VISHAL G. , MICHAEL TESFALDET T. , KOTSIA ANNA , CHRISTOPOULOS GEORGE , BANERJEE SUBHASH , BRILAKIS EMMANOUIL S.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To assess the impact of viscosity on angioplasty balloon deflation times.

Background

Lower contrast viscosity could result in more rapid coronary balloon deflation times.

Methods

We performed a bench comparison of coronary balloon deflation times using 2 contrast agents with different viscosity (ioxaglate and iodixanol), 3 contrast dilutions, and 2 inflation syringe filling volumes. Ten identical pairs of coronary angioplasty balloons were used to conduct each comparison after balloon inflation to 12 atmospheres. Simultaneous deflations were performed under cineangiography. The time to full contrast extraction and the area of contrast remaining after 5 seconds of deflation (quantified by opaque pixel count) were compared between groups.

Results

The mean time to full contrast extraction during balloon deflation was 8.3 ± 2.5 seconds for ioxaglate (lower viscosity) versus 10.1 ± 2.9 seconds for iodixanol (higher viscosity) (17.4% decrease, P = 0.005), with a 35.6% (P = 0.004) reduction in contrast area at 5 seconds. Compared to 1:1 ioxaglate–saline mixture, 1:2 and 1:3 ioxaglate/saline mixes resulted in 26.7% (P < 0.001) and 39.0% (P < 0.001) reduction in mean balloon deflation time, respectively, but at the expense of decreased balloon opacity. Filling the inflation syringe with 5 versus 15 ml of contrast/saline solution was associated with 7.5% decrease in balloon deflation time (P = 0.005), but no difference in contrast area at 5 seconds (P = 0.749).

Conclusions

Use of a lower viscosity contrast agent and higher contrast dilution significantly reduced coronary balloon deflation times, whereas use of lower syringe filling volume had a modest effect. Rapid coronary balloon deflation could improve the safety of interventional procedures. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:177–181)
Oxidative stress in bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws
Authors: Bagan Jose , Sáez Guillermo T. , Tormos M. Carmen , Gavalda‐Esteve Carmen , Bagan Leticia , Leopoldo‐Rodado Manuel , Calvo Javier , Camps Carlos
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To analyze whether oxidative stress (OS) changes are present in patients with bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) versus controls.

Materials and Methods

Oxidative stress was analyzed in serum and unstimulated saliva of three groups: Group 1 consisted of 24 patients who had been treated with intravenous bisphosphonates (ivBPs) and developed BRONJ, group 2 consisted of 20 patients who had received ivBPs and did not develop BRONJ, and group 3 comprised 17 control subjects. Reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and 8–oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxo‐dG) levels, as well as the GSSG/GSH ratio, were measured.

Results

Mean serum and saliva levels of MDA, GSSG, and 8‐oxo‐dG and the GSSG/GSH ratio were significantly higher in patients with BRONJ than in controls. We found no significant difference in OS according to BRONJ stage, sex, or location in the jaws. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the GSSG/GSH ratio was a significant factor predicting the development of BRONJ (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Oxidative stress was detected in patients with BRONJ, and the GSSG/GSH ratio was the most significant OS variable found; it was a significant factor predicting the development of BRONJ.