bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Information Maintained by US Credit Bureaus: Frequency of Errors and Effects on Consumers' Credit Scores
Authors: SMITH L. DOUGLAS , STATEN MICHAEL , EYSSELL THOMAS , KARIG MAUREEN , FREEBORN BETH A. , GOLDEN ANDREA
Published: October 2013

A representative sample of 1,000 US consumers reviewed their credit reports from the three major US credit bureaus with help from university research associates. Twenty‐six percent of study participants claimed to find at least one potentially material error and filed formal disputes with the relevant bureau(s). For 78% of the 263 consumers who filed disputes (20% of participants overall) at least one bureau altered the credit report accordingly. Thirty‐three percent of disputants (8.7% of participants) experienced a resulting increase of 10+ points in one or more of their FICO® scores; 21% of disputants (5.5% of study participants) had one or more scores cross a threshold that would typically result in more favorable terms of credit. Our findings suggest that credit‐bureau data are accurate enough to facilitate efficient lending and creditors' management of accounts, but individual consumers need to be vigilant to protect themselves against potentially costly errors in their files.
Conceptualization and Exploration of Attitude toward Advertising Disclosures and Its Impact on Perceptions of Manipulative Intent
Authors: THOMAS VERONICA L. , FOWLER KENDRA , GRIMM PAMELA
Published: October 2013

Significant research has been conducted in an effort to understand how varying elements of disclosures (e.g., size, placement, complexity) in advertisements impact consumers' abilities to understand and recall the disclosed message. Although it is important to research the effectiveness of disclosures, advertisers may have additional concerns if the mere presence of a disclosure impacts consumers' perceptions of the company, advertisement, or brand. Little research currently exists examining the notion of consumers' attitudes toward advertising disclosures or how they might impact the effectiveness of the disclosed message, attitude toward a given communication, or overall evaluation of the brand. We introduce the concept of attitude toward advertising disclosures and develop a scale to measure consumers' attitudes toward disclosed messages. The resultant 14‐item, multidimensional scale is then used to demonstrate how attitude toward advertising disclosures plays a moderating role in influencing consumers' perceptions of manipulative intent.
‘Touching people in relationships’: a qualitative study of close relationships for people with an intellectual disability
Authors: Sullivan Faye , Bowden Keith , McKenzie Karen , Quayle Ethel
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences and perceptions of close and sexual relationships of people with an intellectual disability.

Background

Positive interpersonal relationships are beneficial for people with an intellectual disability, acting as a protective barrier against, social stigma and negative outcomes such as physical and mental health problems. The social networks of people with an intellectual disability are, however, often more restricted than those of the general population. There has been very little research exploring the views and experiences of people with an intellectual disability about social and sexual relationships.

Design

Exploratory study using a qualitative research design.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 (6 male, 4 female) participants. Data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

‘Touching other people in relationships’ was identified as a superordinate theme. The theme was represented by five subthemes: ‘Is wrong’; ‘Unsafe to talk about’; ‘Suggesting is safe’; ‘No freedom or fun’; and ‘Being touched’. The findings presented are drawn from a larger qualitative study.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of touch and sexual behaviours in the close relationships of participants. Negative perceptions were observed to surround sexual behaviours. Rules and restrictions regarding physical contact were also described.

Relevance to clinical practice

Disseminating these findings may increase awareness of the importance of physical contact in the close relationships of people with an intellectual disability and promote positive support arrangements.
Who Writes the News? Corporate Press Releases during Merger Negotiations
Authors: AHERN KENNETH R. , SOSYURA DENIS
Published: October 2013

Firms have an incentive to manage media coverage to influence their stock prices during important corporate events. Using comprehensive data on media coverage and merger negotiations, we find that bidders in stock mergers originate substantially more news stories after the start of merger negotiations, but before the public announcement. This strategy generates a short‐lived run‐up in bidders' stock prices during the period when the stock exchange ratio is determined, which substantially impacts the takeover price. Our results demonstrate that the timing and content of financial media coverage may be biased by firms seeking to manipulate their stock price.
Molecular investigation of menstrual tissue for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis collected by women with a history of infertility
Authors: Michou I. Vassiliki , Constantoulakis Pantelis , Makarounis Kostantinos , Georgoulias Giorgos , Kapetanios Vassilis , Tsilivakos Vassilis
Published: October 2013

Aim

At present, routine laboratory investigation of the infectious agents implicated in female genital infections is mainly based on culture/direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) (immunofluorescence antibody test) results of cervicovaginal secretions. In this study the use of the menstrual tissue is introduced for the molecular detection of pathogens which are implicated in female infertility.

Material and Methods

Cervicovaginal secretions and menstrual tissue samples of 87 women (mean age 34.07 ± 5.17) experiencing infertility problems were screened for Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis presence using polymerase chain reaction (PCR, light cycler‐PCR). Cervicovaginal secretions were also tested by the culture/DFA technique. The results were compared using the binomial test.

Results

In the overall study group, the prevalence of C. trachomatis was 25.3%, 18.3%, and 13.8%, the prevalence of U. urealyticum was 18.3%, 16.09% and 12.6% and the prevalence of M. hominis was 13.7%, 19.5% and 8.0% in the menstrual tissue, cervicovaginal secretions using PCR and cervicovaginal secretions culture/DFA, respectively. A statistically significant difference was revealed between the two methods for all three microbes and between menstrual tissue and cervicovaginal secretions PCR for chlamydia.

Conclusions

The use of menstrual tissue along with the PCR method seems to be an effective and thus novel alternative for the investigation of the infectious agents lying in the genital tract. One of the main advantages of this technique compared to cervicovaginal secretions is that it is non‐invasive and the sample can be collected at home, thus allowing the early detection and treatment of a condition that can otherwise lead to serious consequences, such as tubal obstruction, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortions and unexplained infertility.
Expression of Concern: Novel modification of B‐Lynch uterine compression sutures for management of atonic postpartum hemorrhage: VV uterine compression sutures
Authors: El‐Refaeey Abdel‐Aziz , Gibreel Ahmed , Fawzy Muhammad
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a novel modification of uterine compression sutures for use in women with primary postpartum hemorrhage and to evaluate its effectiveness.

Material and Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Nineteen patients with atonic postpartum hemorrhage were subjected to the novel VV uterine compression sutures at the time of cesarean delivery.

Results

The procedure was successful in 18 out of 19 women (94.7%) in controlling the bleeding and preserving the patient's uterus. Only one patient required supravaginal hysterectomy.

Conclusions

VV compression sutures comprise an easy, safe and effective procedure that can be applied in cases of atonic postpartum hemorrhage.
Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among the women of the western part of Nepal: A case–control study
Authors: Thapa Subash , Angdembe Mangesh , Chauhan Deepak , Joshi Ranjila
Published: October 2013

Aim

This study was carried out in order to identify the determinants of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among the women of the western part of Nepal.

Methods

This was a matched case–control study. Cases were defined as women diagnosed with third and fourth degree POP, and the control group consisted of women who were screened and confirmed of not having any degree of POP. Cases (n = 183) and controls (n = 183) were randomly selected and for each case, one control was selected, matched by age and place of residence. A semistructured interview was carried out to obtain the information for both groups. Bivariate analysis along with conditional logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the association between selected variables with POP.

Results

The results showed the significant association between number of vaginal deliveries, tear of vagina in the last childbirth, sphincter damage in the last childbirth and duration of labor in the last childbirth with POP, after adjusting for educational status of the women, carrying heavy loads, type of usual work and incidence of diarrhea.

Conclusion

The results suggest that prolonged labor along with vaginal delivery having sphincter and vaginal tear are the determinants of POP and program managers should strongly consider these factors to develop interventions targeting the prevention of POP.
Asymmetrical fetal growth is not associated with altered trophoblast apoptotic activity in idiopathic intrauterine growth retardation
Authors: Roje Damir , Zekic Tomas Sandra , Capkun Vesna , Marusic Jelena , Resic Jasminka , Kuzmic Prusac Ivana
Published: October 2013

Aim

To investigate whether there is difference in trophoblast apoptosis between infants with asymmetrical idiopathic intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and those with symmetrical fetal growth appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Methods

Data and placentas from 52 singleton term pregnancies with idiopathic IUGR, from which a subgroup of 33 (63.4%) infants with asymmetrical growth and malnutrition was identified using the ponderal index served as a study group. The control group included 60 (86.9%) infants with symmetrical growth, identified by the same criterion among 69 normal singleton pregnancies with AGA. IUGR was defined by birthweight less than the 10th percentile of standard values. Ponderal index value was considered as the measurement of fetal growth proportionality.

Results

The proportion of fetal thinness up to ponderal index value was greater in the IUGR group than control (χ2 = 9.2; P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the cytotrophoblast proliferation (t = 0.88; P = 0.373), trophoblast expression of the Bcl‐2 anti‐apoptotic factor (z = 0.66; P = 0.505), total trophoblast apoptotic index (t = 0.45; P = 0.651), as in cytotrophoblast (t = 0.01; P = 0.988) and syncytiotrophoblast apoptotic index (t = 0.34; P = 0.730) between the idiopathic asymmetrical IUGR and control group.

Conclusion

Asymmetry of fetal growth is a result of rather long‐term placental nutritive insufficiency in which trophoblasts have a central role. Although being crucial for its functioning, the proliferative and apoptotic trophoblast activity remains unaltered in the placentas from pregnancies with idiopathic IUGR and asymmetrical fetal growth. The results obtained in this study indicate that placental nutritive insufficiency may develop without any deviation in the physiological trophoblast regeneration via apoptosis.
Perinatal complications of monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations with discordant crown–rump length determined at mid‐first trimester
Authors: Nakayama Soichiro , Ishii Keisuke , Kawaguchi Haruna , Yamamoto Ryo , Murata Masaharu , Hayashi Shusaku , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of discordance of crown–rump length (DCRL) at mid‐first trimester to predict adverse outcomes in monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations (MD).

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of the perinatal outcome in MD pregnancies managed from the first trimester onward. DCRL was evaluated between 8 and 10 weeks of gestation. The association between DCRL and perinatal complications, including fetal death, twin–twin transfusion syndrome, severe discordant birthweight (DB), and twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence, was assessed.

Results

Among 126 cases, a single fetal demise occurred in two (2%) and demise of both fetuses occurred in eight (6%). Five pregnancies (4%) were complicated with twin–twin transfusion syndrome; one case (1%) was twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence and 13 (10%) were DB. Neonatal death occurred in one pair. At 28 days of age, in 115 cases (91%) both twins were alive. In 117 cases (93%), at least one twin survived until 28 days of age. DCRL >12.0% was not related to any perinatal complications but DB (P < 0.01; relative risk: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.84).

Conclusions

DCRL in MD during the mid‐first trimester might be useful for predicting DB.
18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and clinicopathological features of recurrent or metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma
Authors: Inoue Kayo , Tsubamoto Hiroshi , Kawata Shuji , Hao Hiroyuki , Ikeda Yuki , Oku Naohiko , Hirota Seiichi
Published: October 2013

Aim

Maximum standardized uptake value on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was evaluated as a predictive surrogate marker in developing treatment strategies for recurrent or metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma.

Methods

Clinical information was obtained from records of patients with recurrent or metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma who underwent surgery or biopsy following 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Pathological features – including estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and Ki‐67 expression – were immunohistochemically evaluated. We classified lesions as ‘positron emission tomography positive’ if the maximum standardized uptake value was 3.0 or higher. Clinicopathological features were compared between patients with positive and negative positron emission tomography findings by using the χ2‐test.

Results

Among eight recurrent and one metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma patients, four (44%) had positron emission tomography‐positive findings. Two positron emission tomography‐positive patients were estrogen receptor negative and the five positron emission tomography‐negative patients were estrogen receptor positive (P = 0.073). The Ki‐67 index was 10% or higher in the four positron emission tomography‐positive patients, but less than 5% in the five positron emission tomography‐negative patients (P = 0.003). Three patients with positron emission tomography‐positive tumors received more aggressive treatment (e.g. cytotoxic chemotherapy and additional surgery) than did those with positron emission tomography‐negative tumors. One patient who died of disease had positron emission tomography‐positive tumors, was negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors, and had a 20% Ki‐67 index.

Conclusion

18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was associated with tumor biology of recurrent or metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography was useful for developing treatment strategies for recurrent or metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma.
Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome: Two case reports and review of the published work
Authors: Zhang HuiYing , Geng Nv , Wang YingMei , Tian WenYan , Xue FengXia
Published: October 2013

Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome is characterized by a long‐standing history of hypothyroidism, high levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone, uni‐ or bilateral ovarian cysts, isosexual precocity and a delayed bone age. All of the features can be reversed with treatment of the underlying hypothyroidism. Here, we describe two cases of Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome presenting with bilateral multicystic ovaries and enlargement of the pituitary gland. One patient suffered from ovarian cyst and hypophysoma resection, the other patient promptly responded to L‐thyroxine with complete regression of the ovarian cyst and other symptoms.
Endodermal sinus tumor of vagina posing a diagnostic challenge and managed by chemotherapy and novel posterior sagittal surgical approach: Lessons learned
Authors: Goyal Surbhi , Puri Archana , Mishra Kiran , Aggarwal Satish Kumar , Kumar Manisha , Sonaker Pitamber
Published: October 2013

Vaginal germ cell tumor (GCT) is a rare gynecological malignancy with no more than 100 reported cases in the international medical literature. It is an unusual, but an important, cause of premenarchal vaginal bleeding in a child. This article describes a 2‐year‐old child with vaginal GCT, initially misdiagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma (on imprint smear cytology) and then as clear cell adenocarcinoma. The authors highlight the salient differentiating clinical, radiological and histological features to prevent misdiagnosis in future. The report emphasizes the need for increased awareness and screening for vaginal GCT by estimation of serum α‐fetoprotein levels, in all patients with premenarchal vaginal bleeds, to prevent inadvertent operative interventions.
Octreotide therapy for the management of refractory chylous ascites after a staging operation for endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Eun Ah , Park Hyun , Jeong Sang Geun , Lee Chan , Lee Joon Mo , Park Chong Taik
Published: October 2013

Chylous ascites after para‐aortic lymphadenectomy is caused by a rupture in the retroperitoneal lymphatic channels. The incidence of postoperative chylous ascites is increasing as para‐aortic lymphadenectomy for the management of gynecologic malignancies becomes more common. However, management of this condition remains unsatisfactory because some patients do not respond to conservative methods and have to undergo surgical intervention, even though they may be malnourished and immunosuppressed. We report the case of a patient who underwent a standard staging operation for endometrial cancer and experienced a large amount of lymphatic leakage, in spite of treatment with total parenteral nutrition and a low‐fat diet for over 40 days. As a step‐up approach, octreotide, a somatostatin analog, was added and the disease resolved completely. This case demonstrated that octreotide therapy is highly effective in refractory cases of chylous ascites where a large amount of leakage is observed and cases that are otherwise indicated for surgical intervention.
Fetal intracranial injuries following motor vehicle accidents with airbag deployment
Authors: Matsushita Hiroshi , Harada Atsuko , Sato Takashi , Kurabayashi Takumi
Published: October 2013

The effects of airbag deployment in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) on the fetus are poorly understood. A 22‐year‐old woman at 24 weeks of gestation collided with a telephone pole while driving. She was restrained and an airbag deployed. Although she had no major injuries, she experienced decreased fetal movements. Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring revealed loss of variability without any evidence of abruptio placentae, and 4 days later, the variability spontaneously recovered. Two weeks after the MVA, ultrasonography showed unilateral ventricular dilatation suggestive of fetal brain injury. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed subdural hematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage and cystic lesions, interpreted as indirect (hypoxic–ischemic) and direct (hemorrhagic) intracranial injuries. After MVA with airbag deployment, FHR monitoring can show a transient loss of variability, which may precede the appearance of fetal brain injury.
Septal Perforator Anatomy and Variability of Perfusion Bed by Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography: A Study of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients Undergoing Alcohol Septal Ablation
Authors: WALLACE ERIC L. , THOMPSON J. JENKINS , FAULKNER MICHAEL W. , GURLEY JOHN C. , SMITH MIKEL D.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To characterize the perfusion bed of the first septal perforator by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA).

Background

MCE is used to define the septal perforator anatomy prior to ASA. Occasionally, ASA cannot be performed due to unfavorable septal anatomy or perfusion outside the interventricular septum. Despite the standard use of MCE for septal mapping, there are no reports describing the territory of septal perforator perfusion.

Methods

Forty‐seven consecutive patients underwent ASA between 1/1/2004 and 12/30/2012. Blinded individuals retrospectively evaluated patients for septal perforator anatomic findings. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on presence or absence of extra‐septal perfusion (ESP) as visualized by apical views after intracoronary contrast injection. The groups' procedural outcomes were compared, including infarct size, new conduction abnormalities, and major adverse events.

Results

Over 25% demonstrated ESP, of which 83% predominantly involved the right ventricular (RV) moderator band. The first septal perforator (FSP) was statistically larger in ostial diameter (1.69 mm vs. 1.23 mm, P = 0.04) and numerically more likely dominant in patients with ESP (63.6% vs. 47.2%, P = 0.22). In those with ESP, the odds ratio comparing FSP diameter of 2.0 mm to the mean was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.01–3.80).

Conclusions

Downstream capillary perfusion may be discordant from epicardial territory and this study emphasizes the importance of MCE prior to ASA. Over 25% of our patients demonstrated ESP, most commonly involving the RV moderator band. The size of the FSP was the strongest predictor of ESP.
Awareness, Attitude, and Expectations Toward Dental Implants Among Removable Prostheses Wearers
Authors: AL‐Dwairi Ziad N. , El Masoud Bilal Mohammed , AL‐Afifi Sanaa A. , Borzabadi‐Farahani Ali , Lynch Edward
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To assess removable denture patient awareness, expectations, and source of information about dental implants (DIs).

Materials and Methods

Three hundred patients [150 removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and 150 complete denture wearers (CDWs)] attended the removable prosthodontic clinic at Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Patients were evaluated using a pilot‐tested, 21‐question questionnaire.

Results

Ninety‐six percent of participants were aware of DIs, with no difference between CDWs and RPD wearers (p > 0.05). The participants’ friends and relatives were the main source of information (63.4%), followed by dentists (32.4%). Improvement in function was the predominant reason (55.7%) for patients to consider DIs. Fear of unknown side effects was the major factor in preventing patients from choosing DIs (11.7%), followed by high cost (9.7%) and surgical risk (8.7%). Approximately 89% had no information or were poorly informed about DIs. Over two‐thirds of patients did not know about the care (78.3%) of DIs, causes of DI failure (69.7%), or DI duration of service (80.7%). Only 24.7% knew that DIs would be anchored to the jawbone; however, 27.3% and 56.7% of CDWs and RPD wearers, respectively, preferred (p < 0.05) to have their teeth replaced with DIs. High costs were considered the major disadvantage of DIs in 45% of participants, followed by fear of surgery (27.3%), and long treatment times (24.7%).

Conclusions

There was a high awareness about DIs among removable denture patients; however, this awareness was associated with a low level of accurate information.
Prosthodontic Considerations in the Implant‐Supported All‐Ceramic Restoration of Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisor: A Clinical Report
Authors: Martínez‐Rus Francisco , Rivera Begoña , Özcan Mutlu , Pradíes Guillermo
Published: October 2013

The congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor is the most common agenesis in the anterior region. There are several treatment options for this anomaly, which causes severe deficiencies: orthodontic space closure, tooth‐supported restoration, or single‐tooth implant. Each of these solutions has a high degree of success if used in the correct situation. An implant‐supported restoration with an interdisciplinary approach provides a predictable outcome. This article describes the treatment of a patient with agenesis of the maxillary left lateral incisor. After orthodontic space management, it was decided to restore the tooth with an all‐ceramic crown cemented on a zirconia custom abutment, which fractured after only 6 weeks of service. Fractographic analysis revealed that the failure was due to over‐reduction of the buccal wall to correct the labial emergence of the implant. Zirconia abutments should be designed with even wall thicknesses of at least 0.8 mm to avoid areas that may compromise functional success.
Influence of Activation Mode of Resin Cement on the Shade of Porcelain Veneers
Authors: Magalhães Ana Paula Rodrigues , Cardoso Paula de Carvalho , de Souza João Batista , Fonseca Rodrigo Borges , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri , Lopez Lawrence Gonzaga
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of resin luting cement's activation mode in the final shade of porcelain veneers after accelerated artificial aging (AAA).

Materials and Methods

Porcelain veneers (IPS Empress Esthetic) were produced using a standardized shade (ET1) and thickness (0.6 mm). Twenty bovine teeth were collected, prepared, and divided into two groups: group I (n = 10)—light‐cured group, only base paste was applied to the veneers; group II (n = 10)—dual‐cured group, in which the same base paste used in group I and a transparent catalyst were proportionally mixed for 20 seconds and then applied to the veneers. The specimens were light‐cured for 60 seconds each and were next subjected to AAA. They were submitted to color readings with a spectrophotometer in three instances: in the tooth surface (only the substrate), after the cementation and polymerization of the veneers, and after the AAA. The values of L*, a*, and b* were obtained and the total color change was calculated (∆E*). Values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis, with a significance of 0.05.

Results

There were no significant differences between dual‐ and light‐cured modes considering ∆E*, L*, a*, and b* values obtained after aging (p > 0.05). Within the dual‐cured mode there were no significant differences in ∆E*, L*, a*, and b* values (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

No relevant differences were found between the two activation modes in color change. When submitted to aging, dual‐ and light‐cured modes of the resin cement showed visually perceptible (∆E* > 1.0) color changes; however, within the threshold of clinical acceptance (∆E* > 3.3).
A Complete Denture Impression Technique Survey of Postdoctoral Prosthodontic Programs in the United States
Authors: Mehra Mamta , Vahidi Farhad , Berg Robert W.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to survey program directors of postdoctoral prosthodontic programs in the United States regarding their programs’ complete denture impression techniques. The key objectives of the survey were to identify the current trends in complete denture impression making and to determine which techniques and materials are taught in US postdoctoral prosthodontic programs.

Materials and Methods

An online survey was sent to all program directors of US postdoctoral prosthodontic programs. The survey comprised two sections: preliminary impressions and final impressions. The survey contained 22 questions that would take approximately 5 minutes to complete. All responses remained anonymous throughout the survey.

Results

The response rate for the survey was 87%. A majority of the programs did not separately border mold the tray prior to making the preliminary impressions (82%). The impression material of choice for the preliminary impression was irreversible hydrocolloid (88%). Selective pressure was the predominantly used impression philosophy (80%). All programs border molded the custom tray, and 95% recorded the borders in sections. The material of choice for border molding the custom tray was modeling plastic impression compound (71%). The most commonly used impression material for the final impressions was polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) (42%), and the second most commonly used impression material was polysulphide (32%). The most common technique for locating the posterior palatal seal was marking intraorally and transferring onto the final impression (65%). Most programs routinely advised their patients not to wear their existing dentures for at least 24 hours before the final impressions were made (83%).

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) The most commonly used material for the preliminary impression was irreversible hydrocolloid and for the final impression was PVS. (2) Modeling plastic impression compound was used by most programs to border mold the custom trays. (3) Selective pressure was the predominantly used impression philosophy. (4) A majority of the programs made a special consideration for excessive movable (flabby) tissue. (5) Most programs routinely advised their patients to not wear their existing dentures for at least 24 hours before the final impressions were made.
Corrosive and Cytotoxic Properties of Compact Specimens and Microparticles of Ni‐Cr Dental Alloy
Authors: Ristic Ljubisa , Vucevic Dragana , Radovic Ljubica , Djordjevic Snezana , Nikacevic Milutin , Colic Miodrag
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Nickel‐chromium (Ni‐Cr) dental alloys have been widely used in prosthodontic practice, but there is a permanent concern about their biocompatibility due to the release of metal ions. This is especially important when Ni‐Cr metal microparticles are incorporated into gingival tissue during prosthodontic procedures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine and compare the corrosion and cytotoxic properties of compact specimens and microparticles of Ni‐Cr dental alloy.

Materials and Methods

Ni‐Cr alloy, Remanium CSe bars (4 mm diameter), were made by the standard casting method and then cut into 0.5‐mm‐thick disks. Metal particles were obtained by scraping the bars using a diamond instrument for crown preparation. The microstructure was observed by an optical microscope. Quantitative determination and morphological and dimensional characterization of metal particles were carried out by a scanning electron microscope and Leica Application Suite software for image analysis. Corrosion was studied by conditioning the alloy specimens in the RPMI 1640 medium, containing 10% fetal calf serum in an incubator with 5% CO2 for 72 hours at 37°C. Inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry was used to assess metal ion release. The cytotoxity of conditioning medium (CM) was investigated on L929 cells using an MTT test. One‐way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results

After casting, the microstructure of the Remanium CSe compact specimen composed of Ni, Cr, Mo, Si, Fe, Al, and Co had a typical dendritic structure. Alloy microparticles had an irregular shape with a wide size range: from less than 1 μm to more than 100 μm. The release of metal ions, especially Ni and Mo from microparticles, was significantly higher, compared to the compact alloy specimen. The CM prepared from compact alloy was not cytotoxic at any tested dilutions, whereas CM from alloy microparticles showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity (90% CM and 45% CM versus control; p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Ni‐Cr microparticles showed less corrosion resistance and lower biocompatibility than compact alloy. This could affect health on long‐term exposure, especially in sensitized individuals.
Restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion thresholds in very low birth weight infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Masitah , Ho Selina Kah Ying , Yeo Cheo Lian
Published: October 2013

Aim

A systematic review was conducted to examine the effects of restrictive versus liberal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion thresholds on clinically important outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of varying RBC transfusion thresholds in VLBW infants were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, all of the Cochrane Library and other supplementary sources. Selected studies included one of the following outcomes: total number of red blood cell transfusions, donor exposure rate, cranial ultrasonographically diagnosed brain injury, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotising enterocolitis or death. Studies to be included were selected by two reviewers who also assessed the risk of bias of each trial. Data extraction and analyses were independently performed by two reviewers. All data were analysed using RevMan 5.

Results

Six RCTs were identified. One trial did not meet the inclusion criteria, while two had inadequate methodological quality. Pooled analysis of two trials showed that the restrictive transfusion group received a significantly lower mean number of transfusions per infant (mean difference (MD) −1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−2.61, −0.09]) and donor exposure rate (MD −0.54, 95% CI [−0.93, −0.15]). No other statistically significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

Restrictive RBC transfusion thresholds in VLBW infants may be utilised without incurring clinically important increases in the risk of death or major short‐term neonatal morbidities.
Laboratory Federalism: The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) as an Evolutionary Learning Process
Authors: ANIA ANA B. , WAGENER ANDREAS
Published: October 2013

In view of the concept of laboratory federalism, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), adopted by the EU as a mode of governance, can be interpreted as an imitative learning dynamics of the type considered in evolutionary game theory. Its iterative design and focus on good practice are captured by the behavioral rule “imitate the best.” In a redistribution game with utilitarian governments and mobile welfare recipients, we compare the outcomes of imitative behavior (long‐run evolutionary equilibria) and decentralized best‐response behavior (Nash equilibria). The learning dynamics leads to coordination on a strict subset of Nash equilibria, favoring policy choices that can be sustained by a simple majority of Member States.
Counterexamples on the Superiority of Approval versus Plurality
Authors: DE SINOPOLI FRANCESCO , IANNANTUONI GIOVANNA , PIMIENTA CARLOS
Published: October 2013

We present a simple voting environment with three candidates where the Condorcet winner exists. Under plurality rule, the derived game has a stable set where such a candidate is elected with probability one. However, no stable set of the approval game elects the Condorcet winner with positive probability. We also analyze the robustness of such an example to changes in the number of voters and their preferences. To conclude, we present a generic four‐candidate voting environment with the same properties.
Higher Education: Subsidizing Tuition versus Subsidizing Student Loans
Authors: ECKWERT BERNHARD , ZILCHA ITZHAK
Published: October 2013

We use a simple two‐period equilibrium framework to explore the effects of two different subsidization regimes for higher education on the formation of human capital and on the distribution of incomes. Individuals finance their investments in higher education through income‐contingent education loans as well as subsidies from the government. The subsidy is tax‐financed. We compare an egalitarian subsidy scheme, which reduces by a uniform amount the tuition charged to students, with a student loan subsidy which is proportional to the student's debt service obligation. We show that both types of subsidies reduce the economy‐wide underinvestment in higher education and lead to a more equal income distribution. Furthermore, according to some social welfare criterion, the student loan subsidy regime dominates the tuition subsidy regime if the subsidy level is predetermined, while the converse is true if the subsidy level constitutes a choice variable of the government.
Tax Rate Harmonization, Renegotiation, and Asymmetric Tax Competition for Profits with Repeated Interaction
Authors: EGGERT WOLFGANG , ITAYA JUN‐ICHI
Published: October 2013

This paper analyzes a model of corporate tax competition with repeated interaction and with strategic use of profit shifting within multinationals. We show that international tax coordination is more likely to prevail if the degree of asymmetry in terms of productivity differences between countries is smaller, or if concealment costs of profit shifting are larger when the tax authorities adopt grim‐trigger strategies. Allowing for renegotiation in the tax harmonization process requires more patient tax authorities to implement tax harmonization as a weakly renegotiation‐proof equilibrium. In this case, we find somewhat paradoxical situations where higher costs of profit shifting make tax harmonization less sustainable.
Non‐Governmental Public Norm Enforcement in Large Societies as a Two‐Stage Game of Voluntary Public Good Provision
Authors: BUCHHOLZ WOLFGANG , FALKINGER JOSEF , RÜBBELKE DIRK
Published: October 2013

In small groups, norm enforcement is achieved through mutual punishment and reward. In large societies, norms are enforced by specialists such as government officials. However, not every public cause is overseen by states, for instance those organized at the international level. This paper shows how nongovernmental norm enforcement can emerge as a decentralized equilibrium. As a first stage, individuals voluntarily contribute to a nongovernmental agency that produces an incentive system. The second stage is the provision of a public good on the basis of private contributions. The incentive system increases contributions by means of public approval or disapproval of behavior. It is shown that, even in large populations, nongovernmental norm enforcement can be supported in a noncooperative equilibrium of utility‐maximizing individuals. This result is in sharp contrast to those obtained in the standard situation of voluntary provision of an intrinsic public good which—without altruism or related motives—is eroded by free‐riding. Reliance on altruistic behavior is not required in supplying the second‐order public good “norm enforcement” in large societies.
Allocation of Resources in Educational Production: The Budget Puzzle
Authors: HATSOR LIMOR
Published: October 2013

This study examines why educational expenditures seem to be unrelated to educational achievements according to empirical evidence. An overlapping generations model of budgetary and allocation decisions is presented in a political dynamic equilibrium framework. The model's key feature is that the size of the budget is predetermined according to majority voting, taking into account the subsequent allocation decisions. Then, funds are allocated either efficiently or inefficiently on a quality–quantity frontier in hiring teachers. Under these assumptions, this study highlights the implications of existing inefficiencies and demonstrates how they might explain stylized facts. First, the majority of voters may channel more funds to an inefficient education system, in case its return to the marginal units of funding is higher, which helps explain the difficulty in finding budget effects in the data. Second, in certain circumstances, the majority of voters may actually prefer an inefficient education system. Finally, other disadvantages of inefficient education systems, in addition to low educational achievements, include high income inequality and low teacher quality in the long run.
Super‐Majorites, One‐Dimensional Policies, and Social Surplus
Authors: CARDONA DANIEL , PONSATÍ CLARA
Published: October 2013

In the setting of a one‐dimensional legislative bargaining game, we characterize qualified majority rules maximizing social surplus, that is, the sum of individual benefits. The simple majority rule maximizes social surplus when individual utilities are tent‐shaped. When the utilities are strictly concave, the surplus maximizing rule is a strict supermajority.
Vildagliptin: an anti-diabetes agent ameliorates cognitive deficits and pathology observed in streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kosaraju Jayasankar , Murthy Vishakantha , Khatwal Rizwan Basha , Dubala Anil , Chinni Santhivardhan , Muthureddy Nataraj Satish Kumar , Basavan Duraiswamy
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Adults who develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) at later stages are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacological agents such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors that increase the levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and ameliorate T2D have also become promising candidates as disease-modifying agents in the treatment of AD. The present study investigates the efficacy of vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of AD.

Methods

Three months following the induction of AD by intracerebral injection of STZ, animals were orally administered with vildagliptin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) for 30 days. Dose-dependent and time-course effects of vildagliptin on memory retention were investigated during the course of treatment. Following treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and brain tissues were used to evaluate the effects of vildagliptin on hippocampal and cortical GLP-1 levels, amyloid beta (Aβ) burden, tau phosphorylation and inflammatory markers.

Key findings

The results reveal a time-dependent improvement in memory retention and a dose-dependent attenuation of Aβ, tau phosphorylation and inflammatory markers and increased GLP-1 levels.

Conclusions

These robust therapeutic effects of vildagliptin demonstrate a unique mechanism for Aβ and tau clearance and reverse the cognitive deficits and pathology observed in AD.
Self‐Reflection and Articulated Consumer Preferences
Authors: Hauser John R. , Dong Songting , Ding Min
Published: October 2013

Accurate measurement of consumer preferences reduces development costs and leads to successful products. Some product‐development teams use quantitative methods such as conjoint analysis or structured methods such as Casemap. Other product‐development teams rely on unstructured methods such as direct conversations with consumers, focus groups, or qualitative interviews. All methods assume that measured consumer preferences endure and are relevant for consumers' marketplace decisions. This article suggests that if consumers are not first given tasks to encourage preference self‐reflection, unstructured methods may not measure accurate and enduring preferences. This paper provides evidence that consumers learn their preferences as they make realistic decisions. Sufficiently challenging decision tasks encourage preference self‐reflection which, in turn, leads to more accurate and enduring measures. Evidence suggests further that if consumers are asked to articulate preferences before self‐reflection, then that articulation interferes with consumers' abilities to articulate preferences even after they have a chance to self‐reflect. The evidence that self‐reflection enhances accuracy is based on experiments in the automotive and mobile phone markets. Consumers completed three rotated incentive‐aligned preference measurement methods (revealed‐preference measures [as in conjoint analysis], a structured method [Casemap], and an unstructured preference‐articulation method). The stimuli were designed to be managerially relevant and realistic (53 aspects in automobiles, 22 aspects for mobile phones) so that consumers' decisions approximated in vivo decisions. One to three weeks later, consumers were asked which automobiles (or mobile phones) they would consider. Qualitative comments and response times are consistent with the implications of the measures of predictive ability.
Top Management Involvement in New Product Development: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Felekoglu Burcu , Moultrie James
Published: October 2013

Established literature on new product development (NPD) management recognizes top management involvement (TMI) as one of the most critical success factors. With increasing pressure to sustain competitive advantage and growth, NPD activities remain the focus of close interest from top management in many organizations. TMI in the NPD domain is receiving increasing academic attention. Despite its criticality, there is no systematic review of the existing literature to inform and stimulate researchers in the field for further investigation. This paper introduces the current state of literature on TMI in NPD, synthesizes important findings, and identifies the gaps and deficiencies in this research stream. The contents of the selected articles, which investigated TMI in NPD, are analyzed based on the type of the study, level of analysis, research methodology, operationalization of TMI, and main findings. Additionally, other studies, which did not directly investigate TMI and support in NPD, but were sufficiently related, are briefly summarized. As a result of this detailed literature review, it can be stated that both exploratory and relational studies provide rich evidence on the critical role of top management in NPD. However, the identified gaps and deficiencies in this research stream call for a better theoretical understanding and well‐defined constructs of TMI in the NPD domain for different levels of analysis for future studies.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Financial Resource Constraints and Innovation
Authors: Gibbert Michael , Hoegl Martin , Valikangas Liisa
Published: October 2013

This is an introduction to the JPIM special issue on the link between resource constraints and innovation. Before introducing the papers, we briefly review two perspectives on the role of resources in innovation management. The first, mainstream argument views adequate or even slack (rather than constrained) resources as an enabler of innovation. The second argument, currently frequented in the bottom‐of‐the‐pyramid literature but originating much earlier, suggests that resource constraints provide a potentially highly valuable opportunity for innovation.