bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review on oral health care oral health outcomes of four different health care systems
Authors: Brondani Mario , Mathu-Muju Kavita , Skott Pia , Sandborgh-Englund Gunilla , Hugo Fernando N , Ardenghi Thiago , Smith Moira , Thomson W Murray 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : A universal approach to oral health is said to improve oral health outcomes and lessen inequity, but research has shown mixed results. This study aimed at critically reviewing the oral health care systems of four countries in terms of structure, scope, and delivery, along with their impact on oral health outcomes. Methods : A comparative literature review of the oral health care systems in Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, and Sweden was performed between August 2017 and January 2018 using PubMed/MEDLINE and the key words ‘universal’ AND ‘dental OR oral’ AND ‘care OR access’ AND ‘outcome’. This is a critical essay based on evidence available in the literature and interactive conversations with 12 key informants from these countries. Results : All four countries provide some form of universal health care, but the administration, funding, and delivery of oral health care varied. Approximately 6% of oral health care expenditure in Canada is publicly funded. Brazil provides full publicly-funded oral health care at the point of use via salaried dental professionals, while Sweden offers a high-cost protection plan favouring those with greater needs, and New Zealand delivers publicly-funded oral health care to children–up to their eighteenth birthday. With service utilization varying, 61% of Canadian children, 67% of Swedish children, 50% of Brazilian children, and 45% of New Zealand children are caries-free at age 12, while 6.4%, 0.8%, 6.5%, and 9.6% of adults between the ages of 20 and 79 years are edentulous, respectively. Conclusions : All countries have some form of publicly-funded oral health care, but vary in the way that the services are delivered, from salary-based providers to private-practice models. Service utilization and oral health outcomes differ in each country.
Two-adjacent-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus one-level corpectomy and fusion in cervical degenerative disc disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Dongying , Wang Shanzheng , Yuan Feng , Fan Weimin , Sun Jun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to compare whether anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cage was superior to anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) with a titanium mesh cage (TMC) in the treatment of two-adjacent-level cervical degenerative disease.
Methods: From May 2014 to December 2015, 47 patients with cervical degenerative disease who underwent ACDF with PEEK or ACCF with TMC were included in this retrospective analysis. Perioperative parameters (hospital stay, blood loss, operation time, and complications), clinical outcomes (Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and visual analogue scale scores for neck and arm pain), and radiological outcomes (the overall cervical sagittal angle, segmental angle of the treated vertebral level, the height of the treated vertebral level, and fusion status) were evaluated.
Results: The operative time was significantly shorter (P = 0.006) and blood loss was higher (P = 0.081) in the ACCF with TMC group. The early hardware failure rate was 4% and 0% in the ACCF with TMC group and the ACDF with PEEK group, respectively. The subsidence rate was higher in the ACCF with TMC group (8%) than in the ACDF with PEEK group (0%).
Conclusions: The two procedures yielded comparable results in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes during 1-year follow-up. However, when compression at the vertebral level is mild to moderate, we suggest the use of ACDF than ACCF because of the possibility of early hardware failure. Allograft or heterotopic autograft can be avoided in both groups.
Younger Patients and Men Achieve Better Recovery of Function Than Older Patients and Women with Surgically Treated Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Lou Tengfei , Li Xujun , Hamushan Musha , Cai Weijie , Han Pei , Yin Xiaofan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Distal radial fractures (DRF), which are commonly managed by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a volar fixed-angle plate, are a common upper limb fracture. The potential influence of age and gender on the results of postoperative functional recovery of patients with DRF has not been studied. In this study we therefore reviewed a large cohort of patients with DRF who had undergone ORIF with a volar plate to determine if functional measures as well as pain score differed according to gender and age.
Methods: This was a retrospective study using routinely collected data. Between November 2013 to November 2018, we performed open reduction and volar locking plate to treat 1396 patients with DRF. Of those, 1089 (78%) patients were found eligible and entered the analysis. We compared a series of measures including ROM (flexion, extension, supination and pronation), grip strength and pain score according to gender and age at one month, three months and six months postoperatively.
Results: Male patients had greater ROM, lower pain score and better grip strength at each time interval from one to six months postoperatively. However, the differences were attenuated over time. At the final follow-up piont, the differences in terms of flexion, grip strength and pain relief were still statistically significant. Younger patients had more favorable outcomes for almost all measures including flexion, extension, supination, pronation and grip strength. The differences had statistical significance at each follow up point and were more obvious with the development of time. There were no significant differences between younger and older groups with regard to pain scores during the entire follow-up period.
Conclusions: Male and younger patients with volar ORIF of distal radial fractures achieve outcomes that are superior to female and older patients.
Keywords: Distal radial fractures, Age, Gender, Functional recovery
Effect of hyaluronic acid on osteoblast function in vivo and on fracture healing in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Li xiang , Xie Ruimin , Wang xiong , Li bohua , Wang Yongping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Fracture healing is regulated by endocrine hormones and biochemical and biophysical factors, including hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a component of the extracellular matrix. The prerequisites for biological responses that promote fracture healing, such as biomechanical conditions, and molecular factors, can be investigated in bone cell cultures. Methods: In this study, HA promoted the formation of calcium nodules and the expression of runt-related transcription factor (Runx)2 and osteocalcin (OCN) proteins in MC3T3-E1 cells. Results: In a rabbit tibial fracture model, HA promoted formation of larger calluses than those in control or sham-treated animals at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Osteophytes were larger in HA-treated than in control animals at 4 and 6 weeks (P < 0.05). Bone mineral density was greater in HA-treated than in control animals at 4, 6, and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that HA promoted the formation of calcified nodules in bone cell cultures and healing of rabbit tibial fractures.
EFFICACY OF SOLID WASTE COMPOST AS A PROPAGATION MEDIUM
Authors: Verkade S. D. , Fitzpatrick G. E. 
Published: October 2019

The availability of organic components of potting media is limited due to supply and shipping costs. Disposal of solid waste has also become a serious problem for many municipalities. The utilization of solid waste compost in agricultural production promises to be a solution for both concerns. The objective of this experiment was to determine the efficacy of sol id waste compost from Miami, Dade County, Florida as a propagation medium for vegetative reproduction of ornamental and landscape plants.
Cuttings of Podocarpus macrophylla, Chrysobalanus icaro, and Impatiens spp. 1-13 cm long, treated with .2% NAA ppm IBA were rooted in media composed of sphagnum peatmoss: perlite (1:1) or Agrisoil (TM) solid waste compost: perlite (1:). Cutting rooted well in both media. Data included number of roots and root weight.
THE EFFECT OF SEVERE PRUNING ON THE NEW GROWTH OF TWO TREE SPECIES.
Authors: Rose Mary Ann , Kuhns Larry J. 
Published: October 2019

Large bare-root liners of Gleditsia triacanthos `Moraine' and Pyrus calleryana `Aristocrat' were planted in spring, 1989. Five trees of each species were pruned by removing 50% of the length of each shoot at planting; 5 control trees were not pruned. After 4 months the trees were harvested and the following measurements were taken on the season's new growth increment: total number of elongated shoots and unelongated shoots (< 1 cm in length), total and average length of elongated new shoots, stem and leaf dry weights.
Growth responses of the 2 species to treatments were nearly identical. Pruned trees had fewer shoots than controls but a much higher proportion of elongated to unelongated shoots. This could be the result of a release of apical dominance. The average new shoot length of pruned trees was 2-3 times that of controls, and the total new shoot length was significantly greater. New stem dry weights of the pruned trees were also greater than the controls, but leaf dry weights were not significantly different. Total shoot weights (stems plus leaves) were not different. In this study there was no difference between treatments in the total seasonal growth increment as measured by weight. An equivalent amount of new growth was distributed on fewer, but more rapidly-elongating branches in the pruned trees.
ROLE OF CARBOHYDRATE DEPLETION AND ETHYLENE IN FLOWER BUD ABSCISSION OF HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS L.
Authors: Poole Barbara C. , Nell Terril A. , Barrett James E. 
Published: October 2019

Premature flower bud abscission imposes a serious limitation on longevity of potted Hibiscus in interiorscape situations, Ethylene is known to be one causative factor. Past research has suggested that carbohydrate depletion of buds may also be involved,
A series of experiments was conducted to examine the relationship between carbohydrate levels and ethylene sensitivity of flower buds under low irradiance levels. Two cultivars were used: `Pink Versicolor', which is very susceptible to bud abscission, and the more resistant `Vista', In the first experiment, plants were harvested twice weekly after placement in interiorscape rooms (8.5 μmol m-2 s-1 for 12 hrs per day; 26.5°C day/night) until all buds had abscissed. At each harvest, buds from four size groups were collected for analysis. In the second experiment, source/sink strength of buds was manipulated by selective daily removal of certain sized buds. Remaining buds were collected just prior to abscission for analysis. In two additional experiments, `Pink Versicolor' plants were treated with either silver thiosulfate or ethephon prior to placement in interiorscape rooms. Plants were harvested twice weekly and buds collected. For all experiments, bud dry wt, total soluble sugars and starch content were determined.
EFFECTS OF MOIST HEAT TREATMENTS ON THE POSTHARVEST BEHAVIOR OF `CHANDLER STRAWBERRY
Authors: Yoshikawa F. T. , Mitchell F. G. , Mayer G. 
Published: October 2019

Three successive experiments were included in this trial. The first experiment was a derailed screening program to test the effects of various temperatures and durations on the fruit quality of strawberry fruit. Fruit were exposed to temperatures of 37, 40, 43, and 46°C for durations of 20, 40, 60, 80, end 100 minutes at each temperature level. The temperatures and durations which were detrimental to fruit quality were eliminated; then experiments 2 & 3 were conducted using the remaining temperature and duration levels to study their effects on fruit quality, respiration, and ethylene production.
Strawberries heated to 46° C were too severely damaged for other test comparisons. Those exposed to temperature treatments of 43 °C for 30 or 60 mins were consistently less firm, had more heat damage, developed less decay, and had lower CO2 and ethylene production than fruit from lower temperature treatments or control fruit. Differences were sometimes significant.
While the heat damage scores from fruit exposed to the 43°C treatments indicated some serious injury, the fruit were stiff judged to be marketable. There were no significant differences in soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, SSC/acid ratio, or juice pH among any of the treatments.
Structural Balance and Signed International Relations
Authors: Doreian Patrick , Mrvar Andrej 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We use balance theoretic ideas to study the dynamics of the international system of nations in a network of signed relations from 1946 through 1999. Using the Correlates of War data for this period, we apply pre-specified signed blockmodeling to characterize the fundamental structure of this network. Even though the system expanded greatly with many ties being created and/or destroyed, the basic structure remained the same but with new positions being added over time. The blockmodels generated temporal measures of imbalance, as did the counts of imbalanced triples. Regardless of using the line index of imbalance or the number of imbalanced 3-cycles, the results provided decisive evidence contradicting the balance theoretic hypothesis of signed networks moving towards balanced states. Structural balance theory remains very useful by pointing to the more important study of how and why signed networks move towards and away from balance at different points over time. Some major methodological problems for studying signed networks, regardless of whether they involve nations or human actors, were raised and addressed. Proposals for future research are suggested for modeling and understanding the dynamics of signed networks.
Understanding the Influential People and Social Structures Shaping Compliance
Authors: Smith Rachel A. , Fink Edward L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This study integrated efforts to identify influential people and to extend theories of structural predictors of compliance. Adults (N = 195) were shown a sociogram of 11 people who were connected by friendships. Participants were asked to imagine themselves in this group, identify a position for themselves, select another member for an interaction, and predict their likelihood of complying with the member’s request. Connectors (those wanting to link others) identified with more central positions for themselves and selected more central interaction partners. Agents with greater persuasive impact were more successful in gaining compliance from participants; for connectors, targets’ supportive impact also reduced their likelihood of compliance. Findings have implications for diffusion efforts that depend on interpersonal compliance, and for theories of social influence.
Using Lord of the Flies to Teach Social Networks
Authors: adams jimi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Lord of the Flies is commonly assigned reading for high school and college students. The novel about shipwrecked boys is often analyzed thematically to examine how the boys’ perceived isolation on the island effects their attitudes and behavior. However, what is similarly apparent is that the society they develop while on the island establishes certain patterns, and is governed by collective rules (some more explicit than others). Here I demonstrate how those behavioral patterns and norms are useful for interpreting the concepts and analytic tools found in social network literature. I describe how I used the novel as a “capstone” project in four sections of an undergraduate Social Networks course. This demonstrates how students’ readings of the text revealed several common families of social network measures leveraged in the book’s plot.
I would like to thank Ryan Light, David Schaefer and Skye Bender-deMoll for helpful comments in preparing this manuscript. Any errors that remain are my own.
U.S. and Whom? Structures and Communities of International Economic Research
Authors: Heiberger Raphael H. , Riebling Jan R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Most studies concerned with empirical social networks are conducted on the level of individuals. The interaction of scientists is an especially popular research area, with the growing importance of international collaboration as a common sense result. To analyze patterns of cooperation across nations, this paper investigates the structure and evolution of cross-country co-authorships for the field of economics from 1985 to 2011. For a long time economic research has been strongly US centered, while influencing real-world politics all over the globe. We investigate the impact of the general trend of increasing international collaboration on the hegemonic structures in the “global department of economics.” A dynamic map of economic research is derived and reveals communities that are hierarchical and structured along the lines of external social forces, i.e. historical and political dimensions. Based on these findings, we discuss the influence of the core-periphery structure on the production of economic knowledge and the dissemination of new ideas.
A Family of Affiliation Indices for Two-Mode Networks*
Authors: Tutzauer Frank 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
An affiliation network consists of actors and events. Actors are affiliated with each other by virtue of the events they mutually attend. This article introduces a family of affiliation measures that captures the extent of actors’ affiliations in the network. At one extreme, one might have an actor who attended many events, but none of these events were attended by any of the other actors in the network. Although of high degree, in no reasonable interpretation would such an actor be considered highly affiliated with other actors in the network. At the other extreme, one might have an actor defined by a collection of events, all of which were attended by another actor(s), making the actor as enmeshed in the network as possible. Most actors will be between these extremes, with some events being shared by varying others, and some not. This article introduces a family of affiliation measures based on the entries of the co-occurrence matrix. After defining the measures, the cumulative distribution function of first-order affiliation is derived and expressed as a difference of binomials.
Methods to Access 2-aminobenzimidazoles of Medicinal Importance
Authors: Cruz Alejandro , Martínez Itzia I. Padilla , Ramos-Organillo Angel A. 
Published: October 2019

:Benzimidazole (BI) and derivatives are interesting because several of these compounds have been found to have a diversity of biological activities with clinical applications. In view of their importance, the synthesis of BI and its derivatives is still considered as a challenge for synthetic chemists. Examples of compounds used in medicinal chemistry containing BI, as important nucleus, are Astemizole (antihistaminic), Omeprazole (antiulcerative) and Rabendazole (fungicide), some of these compounds have the 2- aminobenzimidazole (2ABI) as base nucleus. The structure of 2ABI derivatives contains a cyclic guanidine moiety, which is interesting because of its free lone pairs, labile hydrogen atoms and planar delocalized structure. The delocalized 10-π electron system and the extension of the electron conjugation with the exocyclic amino group, in 2ABI, making these heterocycles to have amphoteric character. The 2ABI has been used as building blocks for the synthesis of several BI derivatives as medicinally important molecules. On these bases, herein, we present a bibliographic review concerning the recent methodologies used in the synthesis of 2ABIs, including the substituted ones.
Osteoprotegerin and Osteopontin Serum Levels are Associated with Vascular Function and Inflammation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Maniatis Konstantinos , Siasos Gerasimos , Oikonomou Evangelos , Vavuranakis Manolis , Zaromytidou Marina , Mourouzis Konstantinos , Paraskevopoulos Thodoros , Charalambous Georgios , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. , Tousoulis Dimitris 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Osteoprotegerin and osteopontin have recently emerged as key factors in both
vascular remodelling and atherosclerosis progression. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine
with a key role in atherosclerosis. The relationship of osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, and IL-6 serum levels
with endothelial function and arterial stiffness was evaluated in patients with coronary artery disease
(CAD).

Methods:
We enrolled 219 patients with stable CAD and 112 control subjects. Osteoprotegerin, osteopontin
and IL-6 serum levels were measured using an ELISA assay. Endothelial function was evaluated
by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)
was measured as an index of aortic stiffness.

Results:
There was no significant difference between control subjects and CAD patients according to
age and sex. Compared with control subjects, CAD patients had significantly impaired FMD (p<0.001)
and increased PWV (p=0.009). CAD patients also had significantly higher levels of osteoprotegerin
(p<0.001), osteopontin (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p=0.03), compared with control subjects. Moreover, IL-6
levels were correlated with osteoprotegerin (r=0.17, p=0.01) and osteopontin (r=0.30, p<0.001) levels.
FMD was correlated with osteoprotegerin levels independent of possible confounders [b coefficient= -
0.79, 95% CI (-1.54, -0.05), p=0.04].

Conclusion:
CAD patients have increased osteoprotegerin, osteopontin and IL-6 levels. Moreover, there
is a consistent association between osteoprotegerin and osteopontin serum levels, vascular function and
inflammation in CAD patients. These findings suggest another possible mechanism linking osteoprotegerin
and osteopontin serum levels with CAD progression through arterial wall stiffening and inflammation.