bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the evaluation of risk of bias in periodontology and implant dentistry comprehensive? A systematic review
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano , Listl Stefan , Alarcón Marco Antonio
Published: March 2015

Background/Objective

The objective of this study was to assess how authors of systematic reviews (SRs) with meta‐analyses published in periodontology and implant dentistry evaluate risk of bias (ROB) in primary studies included in these reviews.

Material/Methods

A literature search for SRs with meta‐analyses was performed in PubMed and Cochrane library databases up to July 20th 2014. The reference lists of included articles were screened for further reviews. The standards of evaluating ROB in primary studies were evaluated by using a 14‐item checklist based on the Cochrane approach for evaluating ROB. Standards in ROB evaluations in Cochrane and paper‐based SRs were compared using the Fisher's exact test. All searches, data extraction and evaluations were performed independently and in duplicate.

Results

Seventy SRs were included (45 paper‐based and 25 Cochrane SRs, respectively). The median percentage of items addressed was 58% (interquartile range 4–100%). Cochrane SRs more frequently included ROB assessments than paper‐based reviews in terms of examiner blinding (p = 0.0026), selective outcome reporting (p = 0.0207) and other bias (p = 0.0241).

Conclusions

The ROB evaluation in primary studies currently included in SRs with meta‐analyses in periodontology and implant dentistry is not sufficiently comprehensive. Cochrane SRs have more comprehensive ROB evaluation than paper‐based reviews.
Fructose induces glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and insulin secretion: Role of adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channels
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Ogata Hidetada , Maekawa Ryuya , Izumoto Takako , Iida Atsushi , Harada Norio , Miki Takashi , Seino Susumu , Inagaki Nobuya , Tsunekawa Shin , Oiso Yutaka , Hamada Yoji
Published: March 2015

Adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels play an essential role in glucose‐induced insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells. It was recently reported that the KATP channel is also found in the enteroendocrine K‐cells and L‐cells that secrete glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), respectively. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the KATP channel in fructose‐induced GIP, GLP‐1 and insulin secretion in mice. Fructose stimulated GIP secretion, but pretreatment with diazoxide, a KATP channel activator, did not affect fructose‐induced GIP secretion under streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycemic conditions. Fructose significantly stimulated insulin secretion in Kir6.2+/+ mice, but not in mice lacking KATP channels (Kir6.2−/−), and fructose stimulated GLP‐1 secretion in both Kir6.2+/+ mice and Kir6.2−/− mice under the normoglycemic condition. In addition, diazoxide completely blocked fructose‐induced insulin secretion in Kir6.2+/+ mice and in MIN6‐K8 β‐cells. These results show that fructose‐induced GIP and GLP‐1 secretion is KATP channel‐independent and that fructose‐induced insulin secretion is KATP channel‐dependent.
Conventional vs. daylight methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis of the face and scalp: an intra‐patient, prospective, comparison study in Italy
Authors: Fargnoli M.C. , Piccioni A. , Neri L. , Tambone S. , Pellegrini C. , Peris K.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL‐PDT) with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a simplified PDT procedure that was recently shown in a few trials to be effective for grade I actinic keratosis (AK), with improved tolerability and reduced time of clinical attendance as compared to conventional PDT (c‐PDT).

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of DL‐PDT vs. c‐PDT with MAL in the treatment of grade I AK on the face and scalp in Italy.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients with AKs on the face (n = 17) or scalp (n = 18) were prospectively enrolled in an intra‐patient, left‐right, prospective, comparison study between DL‐PDT and c‐PDT at a single centre between September and October 2013. Weather conditions and outdoor temperature during daylight exposure were recorded for each DL‐PDT session. Pain was assessed after the PDT session and local adverse events 2 days after treatment. Lesion response rate was evaluated on both sides at 3 months. AKs with complete regression were followed until 6 months. Patient's preference for either treatment was recorded.

Results

There was no difference in complete response (CR) rate of AK I at 3 months between DL‐PDT and c‐PDT (87% vs. 91%; RR = 0.96; P = 0.16). A lower CR rate was observed with DL‐PDT than with c‐PDT for AK II (36% vs. 61%; RR = 0.58, P = 0.06) and III (25% vs. 46%; RR = 0.50, P = 0.20). Recurrence rate at 6 months was slightly higher for cleared AK I after DL‐PDT than after c‐PDT (17% vs. 12%, RR = 1.50, P < 0.05). DL‐PDT was associated with lower pain (ΔVAS = −2.2, P < 0.01) and reduced severity of local adverse events (ΔLSR = −1.4, P < 0.01) than c‐PDT. Increasing outdoor temperature was associated with the efficacy of DL‐PDT and the severity of adverse events. DL‐PDT was preferred by 88% of the patients.

Conclusion

MAL DL‐PDT showed similar efficacy to c‐PDT in the treatment of AK I of the face/scalp but was less effective than c‐PDT for AKs II and III. DL‐PDT was better tolerated being associated with lower pain and occurrence of fewer adverse events. Clinical response to DL‐PDT was significantly moderated by outdoor temperature, increasing at higher temperatures.
HPyV6, HPyV7 and TSPyV DNA sequences detection in skin disease patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Fava P. , Merlino C. , Novelli M. , Ponti R. , Galliano I. , Montanari P. , Tovo P.A. , Fierro M.T. , Bergallo M.
Published: March 2015

Background

The discovery, from 2007, of eight new human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) has revived interest in the Polyomaviridae family and their association with human diseases and cancer. In particular, HPyV6 and HPyV7 were discovered in skin swabs of healthy donors and TSPyV was discovered in a heart transplant recipient affected by virus‐associated Trichodysplasia Spinulosa (TS), a rare skin disease, exclusively found in immunocompromised patients.

Objective

The presence of HPyV6, HPyV7 and TSPyV DNA in skin biopsies from patients affected by different skin diseases (cancers and inflammatory disorders) has been evaluated to confirm their skin tropism and the possible pathological association.

Methods

DNA extracted was amplified with HPyV6, HPyV7 and TSPyV specific PCR real time on Taqman platform with standard profile.

Results

HPyV7 and TSPyV sequences were not found in any skin specimen analysed. HPyV6, on the other hand, was detected in 30% of samples from healthy subjects vs. 14.3% of skin cancer patients and 2.9% of inflammatory disorders. HPyV6 sequences have been detected in primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients (in 18.6% out of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) patients and in 16.7% out of CTCL not MF/SS(Sèzary syndrome) but have not been detected in primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (CBCL) patients.

Conclusion

Our preliminary data suggest that these three novel human polyomaviruses seem not to play a significant role neither in the pathogenesis of cutaneous malignancies nor in that of inflammatory disorders but, according to literature, can inhabit the skin. On the basis of our data regarding the HPyV6 DNA presence with decreasing percentages in healthy subjects, skin cancer and inflammatory disorders patients, it could be an intriguing matter to study if the activated innate immune response in inflammatory disorders can suppress the virus. Further investigations are needed to better understand their relationship with the human host and its innate immune system.
A qualitative study of the relationship between the Scottish Medicines Consortium and their clinical experts
Authors: Newham Rosemary , Corcoran Emma Dunlop , Dear James W. , Hems Sharon , McTaggart Stuart , Bennie Marion
Published: March 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Internationally, health technology assessments (HTAs) are ubiquitous drivers to health policy. Within Scotland, the Scottish Medicines Consortium undertakes the medicine review process. Input from clinical experts, involved in frontline care, is an integral component of the assessment process. This paper explores the relationship between the clinical experts and the HTA agency within Scotland to better understand what motivates expert clinicians to devote their time to the medicine review process with no remuneration.

Methods

Twenty‐seven clinical experts from 16 different clinical specialties took part in one‐to‐one interviews at their place of work between October 2011 and March 2012. Data analysis was inductive and comprised the organization of data into a framework and a subsequent thematic analysis.

Results

Three distinct themes were identified: (1) recruitment, which identified two types of explanations for the experts' appointment: external justification (nominated by another) and internal justification (being recognized as an expert); (2) flexibility of the procedures, with experts able to determine their own response style and negotiate timelines; (3) health care systems, demonstrating that their affiliation to the health system underpinned the relationship and their motivation to be clinical experts.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide insight into the elements important to clinicians who voluntarily contribute to HTA processes. Examination of these elements in the context of the organizational citizenship behavior literature provides a foundation on which to improve understanding of this relationship and sustain and improve clinical expert participation in an increasingly intensified clinical environment and within cash‐limited HTA systems.
CANCELING LIQUIDITY
Authors: Van Ness Bonnie F. , Van Ness Robert A. , Watson Ethan D.
Published: March 2015

We document an increase in limit order cancellation activity over the last decade and examine the impact of cancellation activity on market quality. Additionally, we test theoretical models pertaining to cancellation activity and study the differences in cancellation activity among the three largest exchanges. We find cancellation activity is detrimental to market quality. As predicted by theory, we find that cancellation activity increases with increases in the frequency with which traders contact the market and with increases in the uncertainty of the arrival rate of impatient traders. Finally, we document significant differences in cancellation activity between exchanges.
STAR‐ANALYSTS' FORECAST ACCURACY AND THE ROLE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Authors: Kerl Alexander , Ohlert Martin
Published: March 2015

In this article we examine whether star‐analysts have better forecasting abilities than non‐star‐analysts. Our results reveal that star‐analysts' earnings forecasts outperform their peers' forecasts. Because the level of corporate governance plays an important role for the general level of forecast accuracy, we furthermore investigate whether star‐analysts benefit from higher levels of governance. Our findings suggest that forecast accuracy of star‐analysts increases with the level of both country‐ and company‐specific corporate governance. Investors in capital markets do not seem to be aware of this fact because they do not react differently to forecasts issued by star‐analysts compared to those of non‐star‐analysts.
Effects of the Processing on the Distribution of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Corn Fractions and Feeds
Authors: Coradi Paulo C. , Maier Dirk E. , Channaiah Lakshmikantha H. , Campabadal Carlos
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the processing on the distribution of aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in corn fractions and feeds. The small, coarse, fines and dust from corn represented 6.79% of the total lot and 70–80% of contamination of the feeds. The conditional times of 30 and 45 s before pelleting increased the aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in the feed to 151.7 μg/kg and 14.5 μg/g, respectively. In 60 s of exposition of feed, there was a better distribution of aflatoxins (2.3 μg/kg) and fumonisins (0 μg/g) in the final feeds. The treatments with higher levels of contamination affected positively the distribution of aflatoxin and fumonisin levels when they were exposed for 60 s. It was concluded that dry milling of corn and the steps of processing of feed affects the distribution and reduces the fumonisin and aflatoxin levels in the final feeds.

Practical Applications

This work was to approach the reduction and distribution of mycotoxins in corn fractions and feed using a suitable management in the processing of products. The separation of small fractions of corn and the use of different exposure times of feed pelleting temperature allow some parameters to validate the reduction of contamination and distribution throughout the processing steps. The experimental results have benefits to the feed industry in order to control the high levels of contamination with aflatoxins and fumonisins in the final feed.
How important is the {103} plane of stable Ge2Sb2Te5 for phase‐change memory?
Authors: ZHANG W. , ZHENG W.T. , KIM J.‐G. , CUI X.Q. , LI L. , QI J.G. , KIM Y.‐J. , SONG S.A.
Published: March 2015

Closely correlating with {200} plane of cubic phase, {103} plane of hexagonal phase of Ge2Sb2Te5 plays a crucial role in achieving fast phase change process as well as formation of modulation structures, dislocations and twins in Ge2Sb2Te5. The behaviors of {103} plane of hexagonal phase render the phase‐change memory process as a nanoscale shape memory.
The long‐term outcome of extremely preterm (<28 weeks’ gestational age) infants with and without severe retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Molloy Carly S. , Anderson Peter J. , Anderson Vicki A. , Doyle Lex W.
Published: March 2015

Background

Severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with an increased risk for ophthalmologic morbidity, but the long‐term impact in other domains is less clear. The aim of the current study was to determine whether severe ROP was related to poorer visual, cognitive, and educational outcomes in a representative sample of EP adolescents, and whether this persisted after adjusting for confounding neonatal risk factors.

Method

One hundred and eighty extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks) adolescents (17–18 years) were assessed on a range of neurodevelopmental measures, including visual processing, IQ, visual learning, visual‐motor integration, and academic achievement. EP adolescents were grouped according to ROP status, (1) severe ROP (stage 3 or greater) in the worse eye; or (2) no or mild ROP and were compared on each outcome. Longitudinal data were compared at 2, 5, 8, and 17–18 years for general cognitive outcome.

Results

The severe ROP group performed more poorly and had more impairments than the non‐severe ROP group on measures of visual processing, visual‐motor integration, visual learning, IQ, and some academic achievement tests at 17–18 years of age. Group differences diminished after controlling for perinatal risk factors (severe white matter injury, post‐natal corticosteroid, and surgery in the neonatal period), and only visual acuity scores remained significantly different between the groups. IQ scores remained consistently lower in the severe ROP group over time, but the magnitude reduced after adjusting for perinatal risk factors.

Conclusions

Extremely preterm children with severe ROP are at increased risk for ongoing visual processing difficulties and lower IQ compared with EP peers without severe ROP. While severe ROP is a predictor of long‐term impairments, this association is largely mediated by other neonatal risk factors.
The Coal Crisis in Appalachia: Agrarian Transformation, Commodity Frontiers and the Geographies of Capital
Authors: Marley Benjamin J.
Published: March 2015

Capital's commodity frontiers strategy has at once woven together regional differences within an expanding world‐system and remade the productive and reproductive activities of humans and the rest of nature. The development of successive commodity frontiers gave way to long waves of economic expansion that have been pivotal to accelerating accumulation and transcending capital's recurrent crises. In short, commodity frontiers are constitutive of world‐ecological moments premised on booms and crises of accumulation. In this paper, I examine the coal commodity frontier in Appalachia, to illustrate the region's history as one of succeeding frontiers in and out of the region over the long twentieth century of American capitalism. I argue that the origin of Appalachia's coal frontier was decisively made through the nineteenth‐century agricultural revolution expressed outside of the region. Appalachia's full‐fledged development was an outcome of capital's under‐reproduction strategies. The crisis of the region's frontier turned on a lack of surplus from under‐reproduction strategies, competing coal basins, economic diversification and competing energy sources. I find that the commodity frontier concept not only illuminates regional political economies and ecologies of difference, but also explains the production of nature of historical capitalism.
Cross‐protection between a Naturally Occurring Mild Isolate of Potato virus M (PVM) and a More Virulent Isolate in Datura metel Plants
Authors: Grupa Anna , Syller Jerzy
Published: March 2015

Cross‐protection is a phenomenon that occurs when infection with a mild virus prevents or suppresses the harmful effects of subsequent infection by a related severe virus. Isolates of Potato virus M (PVM, genus Carlavirus, family Betaflexiviridae), like isolates of other viruses, are likely to occur in plants in multiple infections, but the knowledge about intrahost interactions between PVM isolates and their impact upon the host response to infection is none. Here, we report that pre‐infection with a mild isolate I‐38 successfully protected Datura metel plants against destructive effects of infection by a severe isolate Uran. The latter was not detected by reverse transcription‐PCR in plants pre‐inoculated 7 days earlier by I‐38, which indicates that it was excluded by host defence mechanisms triggered by the low virulent isolate. Our results provide the first evidence for the occurrence of cross‐protection between PVM isolates within a common host plant.
Expression of cytokeratins in enamel organ, junctional epithelium and epithelial cell rests of Malassez
Authors: Li S. , Ge S. , Yang P.
Published: March 2015

Background and Objective

After tooth formation is complete, it is suggested that continuity exists between the epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM), reduced enamel epithelium (REE) and subsequently the junctional epithelium. However, the junctional epithelium was reported to differ from REE and ERM. The developmental relationships between and among them remain controversial. Therefore, in the present study we examined the expression of cytokeratins in the three types of epithelia to investigate the epithelial phenotypes.

Material and Methods

The maxillae of Wistar rats, 1, 2, 3 and 7 wk of age, were used, and the expression of CK14, CK17, CK19, CK10/CK13 and AE1/AE3 was detected using immunoperoxidase techniques.

Results

There was negative staining for CK10/CK13 in all the epithelia. ERM stained strongly for AE1/AE3, CK14, CK17 and CK19. During the transformation of inner enamel epithelial (IEE) cells into reduced ameloblasts and subsequently into junctional epithelium, strong staining for CK14 was evident in IEE, REE and junctional epithelium, whereas the expression of AE1/AE3 and of CK19 were initially negative in IEE and then strong in REE and junctional epithelium, respectively. In particular, the expression of CK17 was strongly positive in ERM and REE, but was negative in IEE and junctional epithelium.

Conclusion

ERM are of odontogenic origin and junctional epithelium has an epithelial phenotype different from REE and ERM. This is the first report to demonstrate that CK17 can be used as a marker to distinguish junctional epithelium from ERM.
Anandamide Reduces the Ejaculatory Threshold of Sexually Sluggish Male Rats: Possible Relevance for Human Lifelong Delayed Ejaculation Disorder
Authors: Rodríguez-Manzo Gabriela , Canseco-Alba A.n.a.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The sexually sluggish (SLG) male rat has been proposed as an animal model for the study of lifelong delayed ejaculation, a sexual dysfunction for which no treatment is available. Low endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) doses facilitate sexual behavior display in normal sexually active and in noncopulating male rats through the activation of CB1 receptors.

Aim

To establish whether low AEA doses reduced the ejaculatory threshold of SLG male rats by acting at CB1 receptors.

Methods

SLG male rats were intraperitoneally injected with different doses of AEA (0.1–3.0 mg/kg), the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.1–3.0 mg/kg), or their vehicles and tested for copulatory behavior during 60 minutes. Animals receiving AEA effective doses were subjected to a second sexual behavior test, 7 days later under drug-free conditions. To determine the participation of CB1 receptors in AEA-induced actions, SLG rats were pretreated with AM251 prior to AEA.

Main Outcome Measures

The sexual parameters, intromission latency, number of mounts and intromissions, ejaculation latency, and interintromission interval.

Results

All sexual behavior parameters of SLG rats were significantly increased when compared with normal sexually experienced animals. Low AEA doses (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) significantly lowered the ejaculatory threshold of SLG rats, reducing the number of pre-ejaculatory intromissions and ejaculation latency. IL, M number, and locomotor activity were unaffected by AEA. Facilitation of the ejaculatory response of SLG rats disappeared 7 days after AEA injection. AM251 lacked an effect on copulation of SLG rats but blocked the AEA-induced lowering of the ejaculatory threshold.

Conclusions

AEA appears to specifically target the ejaculatory threshold of SLG rats through the activation of CB1 receptors. This specificity along with the fact that AEA's effects are exerted acutely and at low doses makes this drug emerge as a promising treatment for the improvement of the ejaculatory response in men with primary delayed ejaculation.
Life after death: shallow‐water Mediterranean invertebrate communities associated with mammal bones
Authors: Taboada Sergi , Bas Maria , Leiva Carlos , Garriga Mariona , Sardá Rafael , Avila Conxita
Published: March 2015

Invertebrate and microbial marine communities associated with mammal bones are interesting and poorly understood habitats, mainly known from studies on deep‐water whale remains. In order to characterize these communities in the shallow‐water Mediterranean, we present here the results of a pioneering experiment using mammal bones. Minke whale, pig and cow bones were experimentally deployed on three different background communities: rocky substrate, soft‐bottom and a Posidonia oceanica meadow. Bones were deployed for a year at about 20 m depth and collected every 3 months, and the invertebrate fauna colonizing the bones was identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. As expected, mammal bones showed remarkable differences when compared with background communities. Within bones, four different clusters could be identified, primarily on the basis of the polychaete fauna, the most abundant and diverse group in the survey. Clusters A1–A3 corresponded to high to moderately altered successional stages composed by a fauna closer to that of anthropogenically enriched shallow‐water environments. These clusters were characterized by the occurrence of the opportunist polychaetes Ophryotrocha puerilis, Neanthes caudata (Cluster A1), Protodorvillea kefersteini (Cluster A2) and Ophryotrocha alborana (Cluster A3). Cluster B was characterized by the presence of the polychaete Oxydromus pallidus together with typical invertebrate background fauna, which suggests that this community, after a year of deployment, was closer to that found in natural conditions. As opposed to similar shallow‐water studies in other geographic areas, no occurrence of the polychaete Osedax (commonly known as bone‐eating worms) was reported from our experiments. Apart from the study on the invertebrate communities, insights about the population dynamics of three of the most abundant species (O. puerilis, O. alborana, N. caudata) are given as well as remarks on a hypothetical trophic network based on fecal pellet analysis.
Why the Keynesian Multiplier Increases During Hard Times: A Theoretical Explanation Based on Rentiers' Saving Behaviour
Authors: Charles Sébastien , Dallery Thomas , Marie Jonathan
Published: March 2015

This article analyses the Keynesian multiplier from a new perspective. Recent empirical studies emphasize that the multiplier is endogenous to the level of economic activity, increasing during recessions and declining in expansions. Here, we propose a plausible explanation for this established fact based on the procyclicality of capitalists' propensity to save. Then, using a standard Kaleckian model of growth and distribution, we perform some simple simulations showing that fiscal multipliers increase during turbulent times. Consequently, this argues against cutting public spending for economies in recession.
Epidemiology and outcomes of invasive fungal infections in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in the era of antifungal prophylaxis: a single‐centre study with focus on emerging pathogens
Authors: Corzo‐León Dora E. , Satlin Michael J. , Soave Rosemary , Shore Tsiporah B. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Jacobs Samantha E. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: March 2015

With increased use of expanded‐spectrum triazoles for antifungal prophylaxis, the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) continues to evolve. To define the contemporary epidemiology of IFIs in this population, we reviewed all European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Mycoses Study Group proven and probable IFIs in adults transplanted from 2002 to 2011 and determined the incidence and risk factors for IFI and post‐IFI mortality. All patients received antifungal prophylaxis. Fifty‐three (14%) of 378 allogeneic HSCT recipients developed an IFI. There were 62 IFI episodes, of which aspergillosis (n = 31; 50%) and candidaemia (n = 15; 24%) were most common. Sixteen episodes (26%) were caused by other fungi, including Mucorales (n = 6; 10%) and the following uncommon pathogens: Trichosporon asahii, Arthrographis sp., Cladosporium sp., Geosmithia argillacea and Hormographiella aspergillata. Independent IFI risk factors were hospitalisation in an intensive care unit [ICU; odds ratio (OR) = 6.0], graft‐versus‐host disease (OR = 5.3), central venous catheter use (OR = 5.2) and hypoalbuminaemia (OR = 0.3 g−1 dl−1 increase in albumin). The 90‐day mortality rate after IFI was 57%. Non‐cytomegalovirus systemic viral co‐infection (OR = 3.5) and stay in an ICU (OR = 2.9) were independent risk factors for death. Despite antifungal prophylaxis, IFIs remain common after allogeneic HSCT and previously uncommon pathogens are emerging.
TheBalkanWars and the rise of the reactionary modernist utopia in youngTurk thought and the journalTürk Yurdu[Turkish Homeland]
Authors: Kurt Ümİt , Gürpınar Doğan
Published: March 2015

The article examines the rise of the ‘reactionary modernist’ project that developed after the devastating defeat of theBalkan Wars and which was promoted by theYoungTurks by means of articles published inTurkishHomeland, the intellectual platform of theYoungTurks. The article argues that the outlines of this project to a large extent shaped the contours ofTurkish nationalism then, and that they have hence been constitutive ofTurkish nationalism ever since.
Leaf anatomical characters in relation to the C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathway in Cyperus (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Ayeni Oluwaseyi Blessing , Jimoh Mahboob Adekilekun , Saheed Sefiu Adekilekun
Published: March 2015

Leaf anatomical characters of twelve species from the genus Cyperus, a genus known to contain species with both C3 and C4 plants, have been investigated. We investigated and established the usefulness of all‐inclusive functional leaf anatomical characters for identifying the photosynthetic pathways of these species. The species investigated were C. articulatus L., C. compressus L., C. difformis L., C. dilatatus Schum. & Thonn., C. distans L., C. esculentus L., C. haspan L., C. imbricatus Retz., C. iria L., C. rotundus L., C. sphacelatus Rottb. and C. tenuiculmis (Boeck.) Hooper, collected from locations in southwestern Nigeria. Standard anatomical procedures for examining epidermal and cross sections of leaves were employed. Our data suggested that a combination of characters, such as the occurrence of Kranz tissue, maximum cell distant count, maximum lateral cell count, interveinal distance, and to some extent leaf and mesophyll thickness, provide a reliable basis for the assessment of the photosynthetic pathways of the investigated species as compared to the isolated characters used previously. The study indicate that C. difformis and C. haspan are C3 species while the rest follow the C4 photosynthetic pathway. A salient feature of this study is the identification of C. dilatatus as belonging to the C4 group.
Instability of the Inflation–Output Trade‐Off and Time‐Varying Price Rigidity
Authors: López‐Villavicencio Antonia , Mignon Valérie
Published: March 2015

This paper studies the time instability of the Phillips curve by paying particular attention to the inflation environment and price stickiness. We identify various inflation episodes and investigate the changing nature of the curve across these periods for five advanced countries over 1960–2013. We show that the mean inflation, the slope of the curve and the threshold mean inflation that erodes price rigidity are time varying. The inflation environment is a key determinant of the inflation–output relationship, rejecting the evidence of a flat curve and restoring the inflation–output trade‐off above certain inflation thresholds.
Impact of Consumption and Cost Forecasting on United States Defense Fuel Budgeting
Authors: Lloyd Shannon M. , Schmitt Ketra A. , Rotteveel Nicholas M. , Schwartz Timothy B. , Stanley Cameron
Published: March 2015

Between 2000 and 2011, Department of Defense (DOD) annual fuel expenditures were between $1 and $9 billion higher than budget estimates (excluding 2009, when DOD underestimated fuel expenditures). Fuel budget variance is generally attributed to increasing fuel prices. However, DOD fuel expenditures are driven by two parameters—the unit cost of fuel and the amount of fuel consumed. Cost variance was responsible for 80 percent of the fuel budget variance on average. Crude oil price increase drove most of this cost variance. Consumption variance was responsible for the remainder of the fuel budget variance, and was particularly important during initial wartime operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Consumption variance was driven by DOD's planned use of emergency rather than base appropriations to pay for overseas contingency operations. Both increasing fuel prices and reliance on emergency appropriations puts defense operations at risk and increases costs to taxpayers. Improvements to current planning, budgeting, and financing practices are needed to manage this risk.
Effects of Silencing Heme Biosynthesis Enzymes on 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid‐mediated Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Weihua , Palasuberniam Pratheeba , Myers Kenneth A. , Wang Chenguang , Chen Bin
Published: March 2015

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐mediated protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) production is being explored for tumor fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT). As a prodrug, ALA is converted in heme biosynthesis pathway to PpIX with fluorescent and photosensitizing properties. To better understand the role of heme biosynthesis enzymes in ALA‐mediated PpIX fluorescence and PDT efficacy, we used lentiviral shRNA to silence the expression of porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS), porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) and ferrochelatase (FECH) in SkBr3 human breast cancer cells. PBGS and PBGD are the first two cytosolic enzymes involved in PpIX biosynthesis, and FECH is the enzyme responsible for converting PpIX to heme. PpIX fluorescence was examined by flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed after ALA‐mediated PDT. Silencing PBGS or PBGD significantly reduced ALA‐stimulated PpIX fluorescence, whereas silencing FECH elevated basal and ALA‐stimulated PpIX fluorescence. However, compared with vector control cells, the ratio of ALA‐stimulated fluorescence to basal fluorescence without ALA was significantly reduced in all knockdown cell lines. PBGS or PBGD knockdown cells exhibited significant resistance to ALA‐PDT, while increased sensitivity to ALA‐PDT was found in FECH knockdown cells. These results demonstrate the importance of PBGS, PBGD and FECH in ALA‐mediated PpIX fluorescence and PDT efficacy.
Overexpression of barley oxalate oxidase gene induces partial leaf resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in transgenic oilseed rape
Authors: Liu F. , Wang M. , Wen J. , Yi B. , Shen J. , Ma C. , Tu J. , Fu T.
Published: March 2015

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is a severe disease of oilseed rape, which severely impacts the crop productivity worldwide. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes SSR, resulting in the secretion of oxalic acid (OA), which can be further degraded to carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by oxalate oxidase (OXO). In the present investigation, the barley oxalate oxidase (BOXO, Y14203) gene was introduced into oilseed rape by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation to investigate the mechanism by which OXO promotes resistance to S. sclerotiorum. Compared to the control 72 h post‐inoculation, there were c. 15–61% fewer lesions on leaves of the transgenic oilseed rape, which thus exhibited a detectable level of partial resistance in leaf tissue to S. sclerotiorum. Transgenic oilseed rape also showed decreased oxalate and increased hydrogen peroxide levels compared to the control, and the expression of defence response genes involved in the hydrogen peroxide signalling pathway was also induced. Therefore, the improved resistance of oilseed rape could be attributed to the enhanced OA metabolism, production of hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide‐mediated defence levels during infection.
Synthesizing Econometric Evidence: The Case of Demand Elasticity Estimates
Authors: DeCicca Philip , Kenkel Don
Published: March 2015

Econometric estimates of the responsiveness of health‐related consumer demand to higher prices are often key ingredients for risk policy analysis. We review the potential advantages and challenges of synthesizing econometric evidence on the price‐responsiveness of consumer demand. We draw on examples of research on consumer demand for health‐related goods, especially cigarettes. We argue that the overarching goal of research synthesis in this context is to provide policy‐relevant evidence for broad‐brush conclusions. We propose three main criteria to select among research synthesis methods. We discuss how in principle and in current practice synthesis of research on the price‐elasticity of smoking meets our proposed criteria. Our analysis of current practice also contributes to academic research on the specific policy question of the effectiveness of higher cigarette prices to reduce smoking. Although we point out challenges and limitations, we believe more work on research synthesis in this area will be productive and important.
Workers’ Risk Tolerance and Occupational Injuries
Authors: Galizzi Monica , Tempesti Tommaso
Published: March 2015

This study explores the relationship between individuals’ risk tolerance and occupational injuries. We analyze data from a national representative survey of U.S. workers that includes information about injuries, risk tolerance, cognitive and noncognitive attributes, and risky behaviors. We measure risk tolerance through questions regarding individuals’ willingness to gamble on their lifetime income. We estimate zero‐inflated count models to assess the role played by such measures on workers’ recurrent injuries. We discuss some implications of our results for future research and occupational safety policies.

Our results highlight the concurrent and changing role played by individual, work, and environmental factors in explaining recurrent incidents. They show that risk tolerance affects recurrent injuries, although not in the direction that proponents of the concept of proneness would expect. Our measure of risk aversion shows that individuals who are somewhat more risk tolerant have fewer recurrent injuries than those who are risk averse. But the estimated relationship is U‐shaped, not monotonic and, therefore, not easy to predict. At the same time, we find that individuals’ “revealed risk preferences”—specific risky behaviors—are related to higher injury probabilities. Demanding working conditions, measures of socioeconomic status, health, and safety problems experienced by workers during their youth remain among the most important factors explaining the phenomena of recurrent injuries. So our results contribute also to the important debate about the relationship between health and socioeconomic status.
Framing Effects in Narrative and Non‐Narrative Risk Messages
Authors: Steinhardt Joseph , Shapiro Michael A.
Published: March 2015

Narrative messages are increasingly popular in health and risk campaigns, yet gain/loss framing effects have never been tested with such messages. Three experiments examined framing in narrative messages. Experiment 1 found that only the character's decision, not framing, influenced judgments about characters in a narrative derived from a prospect theory context. Experiment 2 found that a framing effect that occurred when presented in a decision format did not occur when the same situation was presented as a narrative. Using a different story/decision context, Experiment 3 found no significant difference in preference for surgery over radiation therapy in a narrative presentation compared to a non‐narrative presentation. The results suggest that health and risk campaigns cannot assume that framing effects will be the same in narrative messages and non‐narrative messages. Potential reasons for these differences and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Development of an Interspecies Nested Dose‐Response Model for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Authors: Breuninger Kirk J. , Weir Mark H.
Published: March 2015

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes chronic inflammation of the intestines in humans, ruminants, and other species. It is the causative agent of Johne's disease in cattle, and has been implicated as the causative agent of Crohn's disease in humans. To date, no quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for MAP utilizing a dose‐response function exists. The objective of this study is to develop a nested dose‐response model for infection from oral exposure to MAP utilizing data from the peer‐reviewed literature. Four studies amenable to dose‐response modeling were identified in the literature search and optimized to the one‐parameter exponential or two‐parameter beta‐Poisson dose‐response models. A nesting analysis was performed on all permutations of the candidate data sets to determine the acceptability of pooling data sets across host species. Three of four data sets exhibited goodness of fit to at least one model. All three data sets exhibited good fit to the beta‐Poisson model, and one data set exhibited goodness of fit, and best fit, to the exponential model. Two data sets were successfully nested using the beta‐Poisson model with parameters α = 0.0978 and N50 = 2.70 × 102 CFU. These data sets were derived from sheep and red deer host species, indicating successful interspecies nesting, and demonstrate the highly infective nature of MAP. The nested dose‐response model described should be used for future QMRA research regarding oral exposure to MAP.
The Resurgence Properties of the Incomplete Gamma Function II
Authors: Nemes Gergő
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we derive a new representation for the incomplete gamma function, exploiting the reformulation of the method of steepest descents by Howls 1992. Using this representation, we obtain numerically computable bounds for the remainder term of the asymptotic expansion of the incomplete gamma function with large a and fixed positive λ, and an asymptotic expansion for its late coefficients. We also give a rigorous proof of Dingle's formal result regarding the exponentially improved version of the asymptotic series of .
Dips and Floors in Workplace Training: Gender Differences and Supervisors
Authors: Fitzenberger Bernd , Muehler Grit
Published: March 2015

This article provides a detailed decomposition analysis of the gender differences in workplace training throughout the working life with a particular focus on parental leave and supervisors using personnel records from a large German firm. Females obtain less training during the early career, and more at higher age. The timing of the training gap seems to be driven by diverging career paths associated with employment interruptions. However, we find no evidence for catching‐up effects after parental leave. Furthermore, including supervisor‐fixed effects cannot explain the gender differences in training. The training of both male and female employees is positively associated with the training of the supervisor.
Ball flight kinematics, release variability and in‐season performance in elite baseball pitching
Authors: Whiteside D. , McGinnis R. S. , Deneweth J. M. , Zernicke R. F. , Goulet G. C.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to quantify ball flight kinematics (ball speed, spin rate, spin axis orientation, seam orientation) and release location variability in the four most common pitch types in baseball and relate them to in‐season pitching performance. Nine NCAA Division I pitchers threw four pitching variations (fastball, changeup, curveball, and slider) while a radar gun measured ball speed and a 600‐Hz video camera recorded the ball trajectory. Marks on the ball were digitized to measure ball flight kinematics and release location. Ball speed was highest in the fastball, though spin rate was similar in the fastball and breaking pitches. Two distinct spin axis orientations were noted: one characterizing the fastball and changeup, and another, the curveball and slider. The horizontal release location was significantly more variable than the vertical release location. In‐season pitching success was not correlated to any of the measured variables. These findings are instructive for inferring appropriate hand mechanics and spin types in each of the four pitches. Coaches should also be aware that ball flight kinematics might not directly relate to pitching success at the collegiate level. Therefore, talent identification and pitching evaluations should encompass other (e.g., cognitive, psychological, and physiological) factors.
The validity and reliability of the functional rating index for evaluating low back pain in athletes
Authors: Naghdi S. , Nakhostin Ansari N. , Yazdanpanah M. , Feise R. J. , Fakhari Z.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of the present study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Functional Rating Index (FRI) for athletes with low back pain (LBP). In this cross‐sectional and prospective cohort study, the validated Persian FRI (PFRI) was tested in 100 athletes with LBP and 50 healthy athletes. From the athletes with LBP, data were recollected among 50 athletes with a 7‐day interval to examine test‐retest reliability. The content validity was excellent, and the athletes with LBP responded to all items with no floor or ceiling effects. The discriminative validity was supported by a statistically significant difference in PFRI total scores between the athletes with LBP and healthy athletes. The concurrent criterion validity was good (rho = 0.72). The construct, convergent validity was good (r = 0.83). The internal consistency reliability estimate was high (Cronbach's α = 0.90). Factor analysis demonstrated a single‐factor structure with an explained variance of 52.22%. The test‐retest reliability was excellent, indicated by an ICCagreement of 0.97, and the agreement observed in the Bland and Altman plot demonstrated no systematic bias. It is concluded that the PFRI has excellent psychometric properties for assessing athletes with LBP.
Learning‐related Social Skills as a Mediator between Teacher Instruction and Child Achievement in Head Start
Authors: Ansari Arya , Gershoff Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Using a subsample of the Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) 2006, this study examined the associations between the amount of teacher instruction in 292 Head Start classrooms with changes in young children's (n =936) early academic achievement and learning‐related social skills from ages three to five. In general, during the early years, children exhibited relatively stable academic and learning‐related social skills. Although the amount of teacher instruction did not predict children's short‐term academic growth directly, it did predict it indirectly through improvements in learning‐related social skills, with benefits lasting through the end of kindergarten. These findings demonstrate that gains in children's learning‐related social skills may be necessary before academic gains can be realized.
The trichotillometry: a technique for hair assessment
Authors: El‐Rifaie A. A. , Abdel Wehab A. M. , Gohary Y. , El‐Rifaie A. E.
Published: March 2015

Background

There are many different non‐invasive or invasive techniques for studying the hair state either in the normal or diseased conditions.

Objective

A technique is used to evaluate the current hair status through setting a normal standard value or range of the epilating force of different hair follicle types in normal individuals.

Methods

The trichotillometer is used to record in grams the force exerted to epilate a single hair in different locations of scalp.

Results

Of all the plucked hairs from all the volunteers, the epilating force, the diameter, and the follicular length were calculated. The shear strain needed for epilating different hair types is calculated.

Conclusion

Using the trichotillometry technique to identify the normal range of the shear strain for different hair types is important as it may aid in diagnostic, prognostic, or even therapeutic decision making for many hair diseases.
Novel alleles of the transforming growth factor β‐1 regulatory region and exon 1
Authors: Arrieta‐Bolaños E. , Madrigal J. A. , Shaw B. E.
Published: March 2015

Transforming growth factor β‐1, encoded by the TGFB1 gene, is a cytokine that plays a central role in many physiologic and pathogenic processes with pleiotropic effects. Regulatory activity for this gene has been shown for 3.0 kb between positions −2665 and +423 from its translational start site. At least 17 TGFB1 regulatory region and exon 1 alleles have been defined on the basis of 18 polymorphic sites. Polymorphisms in TGFB1's regulatory region have been associated with differential levels of expression of this cytokine and to genetic risk in cancer and transplantation. In this report, we present 19 novel TGFB1 regulatory region and exon 1 alleles: p018–p036. Amplification of TGFB1's regulatory region was performed with an in‐house protocol, and novel alleles were defined by either allele‐specific amplification and/or molecular cloning of the amplicons, followed by sequencing in isolation. Three of these novel alleles (p018, p019, and p020) are shown to be formed by novel combinations of the aforementioned known polymorphic positions. Another 16 novel alleles are shown to carry additional known and unknown single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Polymorphism in TGFB1's regulatory region could have an impact on important processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune responses, and transplantation, making its characterization necessary.