bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of sex and age factors in neuroleptic malignant syndrome diagnosis frequency
Authors: Gurrera Ronald J. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo examine sex and age distributions in neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) patients based on a systematic literature review.MethodEMBASE and PubMed databases were searched to identify any observation of NMS published from January 1, 1998 through November 1, 2014 that was accessible and interpretable (using language translation software). Redundant and equivocal reports were excluded. Sex ratio and age distributions were examined using standard graphical techniques and measures of association.ResultsTwenty‐eight independent sex ratio estimates were included. Males predominated in most (75%) estimates with an overall median sex ratio of 1.47 (95% CI, 1.20–1.80). NMS incidence peaked at age 20–25 years and declined steadily thereafter, with males consistently outnumbering females at all but the oldest age intervals.ConclusionNMS patients are 50% more likely to be males, and NMS is most likely to occur in young adulthood.
Spatial Models of Legislative Effectiveness
Authors: Hitt Matthew P. , Volden Craig , Wiseman Alan E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSpatial models of policymaking have evolved from the median voter theorem to the inclusion of institutional considerations such as committees, political parties, and various voting and amendment rules. Such models, however, implicitly assume that no policy is better than another at solving public policy problems and that all policy makers are equally effective at advancing proposals. We relax these assumptions, allowing some legislators to be more effective than others at creating high‐quality proposals. The resulting Legislative Effectiveness Model (LEM) offers three main benefits. First, it can better account for policy changes based on the quality of the status quo, changing our understanding of how to overcome gridlock in polarized legislatures. Second, it generalizes canonical models of legislative politics, such as median voter, setter, and pivotal politics models, all of which emerge as special cases within the LEM. Third, the LEM offers significant new empirical predictions, some of which we test (and find support for) within the U.S. Congress.
The CYP3A biomarker 4β‐hydroxycholesterol does not improve tacrolimus dose predictions early after kidney transplantation
Authors: Størset Elisabet , Hole Kristine , Midtvedt Karsten , Bergan Stein , Molden Espen , Åsberg Anders 
Published: February 2017

AimsTacrolimus is a cornerstone in modern immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. Tacrolimus dosing is challenged by considerable pharmacokinetic variability, both between patients and over time after transplantation, partly due to variability in cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the endogenous CYP3A marker 4β‐hydroxycholesterol (4βOHC) for tacrolimus dose individualization early after kidney transplantation.MethodsData were obtained from 79 adult kidney transplant recipients who contributed a total of 625 4βOHC measurements and 1999 tacrolimus whole blood concentrations during the first 2 months after transplantation. The relationships between 4βOHC levels and individual estimates of tacrolimus apparent plasma clearance (CL/Fplasma) at different time points after transplantation were investigated using scatterplots and population pharmacokinetic modelling.ResultsThere was no significant correlation between pre‐transplant 4βOHC levels and tacrolimus CL/Fplasma the first week (r = 0.19 [95% CI −0.03‐0.40]) or between 4βOHC and tacrolimus CL/Fplasma 1 week (r = 0.20 [−0.11‐0.47]), 4 weeks (r = 0.21 [−0.07‐0.46]) or 2 months (r = 0.24 [−0.03‐0.48]) after transplantation (P ≥ 0.06). In the population analysis, time‐varying 4βOHC was not a statistically significant covariate on tacrolimus CL/Fplasma, neither in terms of absolute values (P = 0.11) nor in terms of changes from baseline (P = 0.17). 4βOHC values increased between 1 week and 2 months after transplantation (median change +57% [IQR +22–83%], P < 0.001), indicating increasing CYP3A activity. Contradictorily, tacrolimus CL/Fplasma decreased over the same period (median change −13% [IQR −3 to −26%], P < 0.001).Conclusions4βOHC does not appear to have a clinical potential to improve individualization of tacrolimus doses early after kidney transplantation.
Using the SIRDE model of social change to examine the vote of Scottish teenagers in the 2014 independence referendum
Authors: Grant Peter R. , Bennett Mark , Abrams Dominic 
Published: February 2017

Five hundred and seventy‐three Scottish high school students were surveyed in the 2 months following the 2014 referendum on Scotland's independence. We used the Social Identity, Relative Deprivation, collective Efficacy (SIRDE) model of social change to examine the social psychological factors that should have influenced the voting choices of these teenagers. Structural equation modelling indicated that the SIRDE model fit the data and largely supported four sets of hypotheses derived from the model. Specifically, (1) those with a stronger Scottish identity, (2) those who felt frustrated and angry that Scottish people are discriminated against in British society, and (3) those who believed that Scottish people are not able to improve their relatively poor social conditions within the United Kingdom (a lack of collective efficacy) were more likely to hold separatist beliefs. Further, the relationships between identity, relative deprivation, and collective efficacy, on the one hand, and voting for Scotland's independence, on the other, were fully mediated by separatist social change beliefs. Consistent with the specificity of the model, neither political engagement nor personal relative deprivation were associated with voting choice, whereas the latter was associated with lower life satisfaction. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Quantitative Linguistic Predictors of Infants’ Learning of Specific English Words
Authors: Swingley Daniel , Humphrey Colman 
Published: February 2017

To evaluate which features of spoken language aid infant word learning, a corpus of infant‐directed speech (M. R. Brent & J. M. Siskind, 2001) was characterized on several linguistic dimensions and statistically related to the infants’ vocabulary outcomes word by word. Comprehension (at 12 and 15 months) and production (15 months) were predicted by frequency, frequency of occurrence in one‐word utterances, concreteness, utterance length, and typical duration. These features have been proposed to influence learning before, but here their relative contributions were measured. Mothers’ data predicted learning in their own children better than in other children; thus, vocabulary is measurably aligned within families. These analyses provide a quantitative basis for claims concerning the relevance of several properties of maternal English speech in facilitating early word learning.
Fluoride in the diet of 2‐years‐old children
Authors: Martinez‐Mier E. A. , Spencer Kathryn L. , Sanders Brian J. , Jones James E. , Soto‐Rojas Armando E. , Tomlin Angela M. , Vinson LaQuia A. , Weddell James. A. , Eckert George J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to calculate the fluoride concentrations of commonly consumed foods and beverages for 2‐years‐old children utilizing market basket information for the US Midwest region.MethodsTotal Diet Study food lists were cross‐referenced with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—What We Eat in America data to determine the foods and beverages to be included. Fluoride concentrations were determined using a modification of the hexamethyldisiloxane microdiffusion technique. Fluoride concentrations were summarized for each of the food categories. Daily dietary fluoride intake was estimated using a simulation analysis.ResultsFood and beverage fluoride concentrations varied widely, ranging from nondetectable for some oils and dairy products to more than 3.0 μgF/g food for some processed meats, fish and fruits. The estimated mean (±SD) daily dietary fluoride intake, excluding dentifrice and supplements, was 412±114 μgF/d. The estimated average ingestion for a 2‐years‐old weighing 12.24 kg was 0.034±0.009 mg/kg/d. A diet based on foods and beverages in the fifth percentile of fluoride intake distribution for an average child would result in 247 μgF/d or 0.020 mg/kg/d, while a diet with foods and beverages in the 95th percentile would result in a total intake of 622 μgF/d or 0.051 mg/kg/d.ConclusionsThe fluoride concentrations of foods and beverages vary widely, and, if items in the 95th percentile of fluoride intake distribution are ingested, children could consume more fluoride than the recommended 0.05 mg/kg/d. Fluoride intake calculated in this study was higher than historically reported dietary levels.
Explant culture: An advantageous method for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from human tissues
Authors: Hendijani Fatemeh 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research progressively moves towards clinical phases. Accordingly, a wide range of different procedures were presented in the literature for MSC isolation from human tissues; however, there is not yet any close focus on the details to offer precise information for best method selection. Choosing a proper isolation method is a critical step in obtaining cells with optimal quality and yield in companion with clinical and economical considerations. In this concern, current review widely discusses advantages of omitting proteolysis step in isolation process and presence of tissue pieces in primary culture of MSCs, including removal of lytic stress on cells, reduction of in vivo to in vitro transition stress for migrated/isolated cells, reduction of price, processing time and labour, removal of viral contamination risk, and addition of supporting functions of extracellular matrix and released growth factors from tissue explant. In next sections, it provides an overall report of technical highlights and molecular events of explant culture method for isolation of MSCs from human tissues including adipose tissue, bone marrow, dental pulp, hair follicle, cornea, umbilical cord and placenta. Focusing on informative collection of molecular and methodological data about explant methods can make it easy for researchers to choose an optimal method for their experiments/clinical studies and also stimulate them to investigate and optimize more efficient procedures according to clinical and economical benefits.
Analysis of gene expression profiles between apical papilla tissues, stem cells from apical papilla and cell sheet to identify the key modulators in MSCs niche
Authors: Diao Shu , Lin Xiao , Wang Liping , Dong Rui , Du Juan , Yang Dongmei , Fan Zhipeng 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe microenvironmental niche plays the key role for maintaining the cell functions. The stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) are important for tooth development and regeneration. However, there is limited knowledge about the key factors in niche for maintaining the function of SCAPs. In this study, we analyse the gene expression profiles between apical papilla tissues, SCAPs and SCAPs cell sheet to identify the key genes in SCAPs niche.Materials and methodsMicroarray assays and bioinformatic analysis were performed to screen the differential genes between apical papilla tissues and SCAPs, and SCAPs and SCAPs cell sheet. Recombinant human BMP6 protein was used in SCAPs. Then CCK‐8 assay, CFSE assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining, quantitative calcium analysis and real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were performed to investigate the cell proliferation and differentiation potentials of SCAPs.ResultsMicroarray analysis found that 846 genes were up‐regulated and 1203 genes were down‐regulated in SCAPs compared with apical papilla tissues. While 240 genes were up‐regulated and 50 genes were down‐regulated in SCAPs compared to in SCAPs cell sheet. Moreover, only 31 gene expressions in apical papilla tissues were recovered in cell sheet compared with SCAPs. Bioinformatic analysis identified that TGF‐β, WNT and MAPK signalling pathways may play an important role in SCAPs niche. Based on the analysis, we identified one key growth factor in niche, BMP6, which could enhance the cell proliferation, the osteo/dentinogenic, neurogenic and angiogenic differentiation potentials of SCAPs.ConclusionsOur results provided insight into the mechanisms of the microenvironmental niche which regulate the function of SCAPs, and identified the key candidate genes in niche to promote mesenchymal stem cells‐mediated dental tissue regeneration.
Fatigue crack closure: a review of the physical phenomena
Authors: Pippan R. , Hohenwarter A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPlasticity‐induced, roughness‐induced and oxide‐induced crack closures are reviewed. Special attention is devoted to the physical origin, the consequences for the experimental determination and the prediction of the effective crack driving force for fatigue crack propagation. Plasticity‐induced crack closure under plane stress and plane strain conditions require, in principle, a different explanation; however, both types are predictable. This is even the case in the transition region from the plane strain to the plane stress state and all types of loading conditions including constant and variable amplitude loading, the short crack case or the transition from small‐scale to large‐scale yielding. In contrast, the prediction of roughness‐induced and oxide‐induced closures is not as straightforward.
An analytical expression for the J2‐integral of an interfacial crack in orthotropic bimaterials
Authors: Tafreshi A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a new analytical expression relating the J2‐integral and stress intensity factors (SIF) in an in‐plane traction‐free crack between two orthotropic elastic solids using the complex function method. The singular oscillatory near tip field of a bimaterial interfacial crack is usually characterized by a pair of SIFs. In linear elastic interfacial fracture mechanics, the majority of numerical and experimental methods rely on the analytical equations relating Jk‐integrals and SIFs. Although an analytical equation relating J1‐integral or strain energy release rate and SIFs is available, a similar relation for J2‐integral in debonded anisotropic solids is non‐existent. Using this new analytical expression, in conjunction with the values of Jk, the SIFs can be computed without the need for an auxiliary relation. An example with known analytical solutions for SIFs is presented to show the variation of the J2‐integral near the crack tip of a bimaterial orthotropic plate. Different bimaterial combinations are considered, and the effect of material mismatch on Jk is demonstrated.
Nonlinear response of nitric oxide fluxes to fertilizer inputs and the impacts of agricultural intensification on tropospheric ozone pollution in Kenya
Authors: Hickman Jonathan E. , Huang Yaoxian , Wu Shiliang , Diru Willy , Groffman Peter M. , Tully Katherine L. , Palm Cheryl A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCrop yields in sub‐Saharan Africa remain stagnant at 1 ton ha−1, and 260 million people lack access to adequate food resources. Order‐of‐magnitude increases in fertilizer use are seen as a critical step in attaining food security. This increase represents an unprecedented input of nitrogen (N) to African ecosystems and will likely be accompanied by increased soil emissions of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a precursor to tropospheric ozone, an air pollutant and greenhouse gas. Emissions of NO from soils occur primarily during denitrification and nitrification, and N input rates are a key determinant of emission rates. We established experimental maize plots in western Kenya to allow us to quantify the response function relating NO flux to N input rate during the main 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. NO emissions followed a sigmoid response to fertilizer inputs and have emission factors under 1% for the roughly two‐month measurement period in each year, although linear and step relationships could not be excluded in 2011. At fertilization rates above 100 kg N ha−1, NO emissions increased without a concomitant increase in yields. We used the geos‐chem chemical transport model to evaluate local impacts of increased NO emissions on tropospheric ozone concentrations. Mean 4‐hour afternoon tropospheric ozone concentrations in Western Kenya increased by up to roughly 2.63 ppbv under fertilization rates of 150 kg N ha−1 or higher. Using AOT40, a metric for assessing crop damage from ozone, we find that the increased ozone concentrations result in an increase in AOT40 exposure of approximately 110 ppbh for inputs of 150 kg N ha−1 during the March–April–May crop growing season, compared with unfertilized simulations, with negligible impacts on crop productivity. Our results suggest that it may be possible to manage Kenyan agricultural systems for high yields while avoiding substantial impacts on air quality.
Modelling habitat persistence and impacts of management on the habitats of an endangered butterfly
Authors: Fabritius Henna , McBride Marissa 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

In dynamic landscapes, effective species conservation requires an understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of species’ habitats.

In this study, vegetation data across differently aged sites, site management history data and expert elicitation are used to estimate (i) expected habitat patch lifetimes and (ii) the impacts of habitat management history on how habitat quality changes through time for an early‐successional habitat specialist, the endangered false heath fritillary butterfly (Melitaea diamina).

Results demonstrate the accelerated temporal dynamics experienced by false heath fritillary habitats, with the quality of false heath fritillary habitats peaking 2–3 years after management, and a median‐sized habitat patch initially without tree cover predicted to become unsuitable 15 years after management due to overgrowth.

As a co‐product of habitat management patterns, habitat succession and land use changes, non‐conserved false heath fritillary habitats had an expected lifetime of 13.1 years.

This study demonstrates a method that can be used to estimate habitat network dynamics for an early‐successional habitat specialist economically in situations where the urgency of conservation challenges favours fast decision‐making.
The “bundle” approach to reduce the surgical site infection rate
Authors: Bert Fabrizio , Giacomelli Sebastian , Amprino Viola , Pieve Giulio , Ceresetti Daniela , Testa Marco , Zotti Carla M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesIn Italy, since 2008, the surveillance of surgical site infections (SSIs) has been conducted following ECDC recommendations, according to the protocol of the National System of Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections.In 2009, in Piedmont region, where the study was conducted, it was introduced a survey of a “bundle” for every patient under SSIs surveillance. The bundle includes 5 items: infection risk index calculation, preoperative shower, trichotomy, antibiotic prophylaxis, and body temperature control. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the incidence rate of the SSIs in relation to the implementation of the bundle from January 1st to December 31st, 2012.MethodThis study is an observational study (retrospective cohort). The regional surveillance system collected 3314 surgical operations during the year 2012 from 37 hospitals. The represented surgical categories were hip prosthetic surgery (HPRO: 1992 cases) and colon surgery (COLO: 1322 cases). The bundle was implemented in 1114 and 671 operations, respectively.Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted stratifying the sample for hip surgery and colorectal surgery, with the purpose to identify an association between the implementation of the bundle and a decrease of the rate of SSIs.ResultsFrom the analysis, the bundle resulted as a protective factor for the infection risk in colon surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38‐0.78). The main risk factors were American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 3 (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.10‐2.24) and contamination class ≥ 3 (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.37‐2.97). In the hip surgery, the application of the bundle was not statistically associated to a decrease of the risk of infection.ConclusionThe use of surgical bundle seems to reduce significantly the SSIs rate in the colon surgery.
A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new monophasic hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine 0.3% in the correction of nasolabial fold
Authors: Suh Joon Hyuk , Oh Chang Taek , Im Song I , Lim Jung Soo , Kim Beom Joon , Lee Jong Hun 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundMany new brands of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are being introduced, but comparative research on the characteristics of similar products is limited.ObjectiveTo test the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a HA filler with lidocaine, Dermalax implant plus™ (Across), which is used for correcting nasolabial folds (NLFs), and to compare the performance of that of Restylane Sub‐Q® (Q‐Med).MethodsA total of 52 subjects with visible NLFs were enrolled in this randomized, multicenter, patient/evaluator‐blind, active‐controlled, matched‐pair clinical study. Each subject was injected with Dermalax implant plus™ in one NLF and Restylane Sub‐Q® in the other. All participants were reassessed for cosmetic changes at 2, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks. Wrinkle severity was rated using the 5‐point Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS).ResultsAt week 24, the mean improvement in the WSRS compared to baseline was 1.06±0.54 for the PLUS side and 0.69±0.58 for the Sub‐Q side (week 2: 1.67±0.58 and 1.21±0.67, week 8: 1.60±0.63 and 1.23±0.65, week 12: 1.58±0.61 and 1.15±0.61, week 16: 1.02±0.54 and 0.60±0.53). Average values of pain evaluated by self‐assessment 100‐mm VAS score within 30 minutes after the procedure in the PLUS and Sub‐Q groups were 14.65±16.23 and 38.29±27.27, respectively. Both fillers were well tolerated, and adverse reactions were mild.ConclusionWe confirmed that the monophasic HA containing pre‐incorporated lidocaine (PLUS) is not inferior to well‐studied biphasic HA (Sub‐Q) in correcting to severe nasolabial folds for 24 weeks and less painful than biphasic HA not containing lidocaine.
Age of Sexual Debut and Physical Dating Violence Victimization: Sex Differences Among US High School Students
Authors: Ihongbe Timothy O. , Cha Susan , Masho Saba W. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDResearch has shown that early age of sexual debut is associated with physical dating violence (PDV), but sex‐specific associations are sparse. We estimated the prevalence of PDV victimization in high school students who have initiated sexual intercourse and examined sex‐specific association between age of sexual debut and PDV victimization.METHODSData on 8637 students in grades 9 through 12 who had initiated sex was obtained from the 2009‐2011 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The association was examined using multiple logistic regression, accounting for the complex survey design, and stratified by sex.RESULTSApproximately 15% of sexually active students reported past‐year PDV victimization. The odds of PDV victimization among girls who had sexual debut at <12 years was 2.46 (95% CI = 1.50‐4.02) and 2.20 (95% CI = 1.42‐3.41) for boys, compared to those who initiated sex at 16 years and older.CONCLUSIONSEvidence supports the belief that early sexual debut is associated with higher odds of PDV victimization, particularly for girls. Healthcare providers, school counselors, and educators should be aware of this sex difference in the association between early sexual debut age and PDV victimization while focusing PDV interventions on adolescents with early sexual debut age.