bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous selection for seed and forage production in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata): application of drought tolerance and susceptibility indices
Authors: Majidi M. M. , Hoseini B. , Barati M. , Mirlohi A. , Araghi B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to estimate drought tolerance of some cocksfoot genotypes based on seed and forage yield and related indices (including tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, reduction percentage index, stress tolerance index and stress susceptibility index) and to identify relationships between measured traits. Twenty‐five genotypes were evaluated in the field under control and drought‐stress environments over 2 years. The results revealed a high variation for seed yield and forage yield and the measured indices under both moisture conditions. No correlation was observed between seed yield and forage yield under the control treatment, but this correlation was positively significant under the water‐stress treatment. Drought‐tolerant and susceptible genotypes were identified based on seed and forage yield performance. Genotypes 2, 4 and 7 had high seed yield, while genotypes 7 and 10 had high forage yield under both stressed and non‐stressed conditions and were identified as the most tolerant genotypes in each category. The results also revealed that genotypes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 24 had relatively high seed and forage yield in both control and drought‐stressed conditions. These genotypes can be used for further studies to improve both seed and forage yields concurrently.
Accurate Determination of Chlorine, Bromine and Iodine in U.S. Geological Survey Geochemical Reference Materials by Radiochemical Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Sekimoto Shun , Ebihara Mitsuru 
Published: September 2016

Trace amounts of three halogens (chlorine, bromine and iodine) in seventeen U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) geochemical reference materials were determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA). The materials analysed were AGV‐2 (andesite), BCR‐2, BHVO‐2 and BIR‐1a (basalts), CLB‐1 (coal), COQ‐1 (carbonatite), DGPM‐1 (disseminated gold ore), DNC‐1a (dolerite), DTS‐2b (dunite), GSP‐2 (granodiorite), Nod‐A‐1 and Nod‐P‐1 (manganese nodules), QLO‐1a (quartz latite), SBC‐1 (marine shale), SDC‐1 (mica schist), SGR‐1b (shale rock) and W‐2a (diabase). The chlorine, bromine and iodine contents were determined to be 5.64 mg kg−1 (BIR‐1a) to 4410 mg kg−1 (Nod‐A‐1), 0.039 mg kg−1 (BIR‐1a) to 52.1 mg kg−1 (CLB‐1), and 0.041 mg kg−1 (BIR‐1a) to 599 mg kg−1 (CLB‐1), respectively. The RNAA data of the three halogens were compared with the corresponding data in the literature.
Non–Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the ACute Treatment of Cluster Headache: Findings From the Randomized, Double‐Blind, Sham‐Controlled ACT1 Study
Authors: Silberstein Stephen D. , Mechtler Laszlo L. , Kudrow David B. , Calhoun Anne H. , McClure Candace , Saper Joel R. , Liebler Eric J. , Rubenstein Engel Emily , Tepper Stewart J. ,   on Behalf of the ACT1 Study Group
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate non‐invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) as an acute cluster headache (CH) treatment.BackgroundMany patients with CH experience excruciating attacks at a frequency that is not sufficiently addressed by current symptomatic treatments.MethodsOne hundred fifty subjects were enrolled and randomized (1:1) to receive nVNS or sham treatment for ≤1 month during a double‐blind phase; completers could enter a 3‐month nVNS open‐label phase. The primary end point was response rate, defined as the proportion of subjects who achieved pain relief (pain intensity of 0 or 1) at 15 minutes after treatment initiation for the first CH attack without rescue medication use through 60 minutes. Secondary end points included the sustained response rate (15‐60 minutes). Subanalyses of episodic cluster headache (eCH) and chronic cluster headache (cCH) cohorts were prespecified.ResultsThe intent‐to‐treat population comprised 133 subjects: 60 nVNS‐treated (eCH, n = 38; cCH, n = 22) and 73 sham‐treated (eCH, n = 47; cCH, n = 26). A response was achieved in 26.7% of nVNS‐treated subjects and 15.1% of sham‐treated subjects (P = .1). Response rates were significantly higher with nVNS than with sham for the eCH cohort (nVNS, 34.2%; sham, 10.6%; P = .008) but not the cCH cohort (nVNS, 13.6%; sham, 23.1%; P = .48). Sustained response rates were significantly higher with nVNS for the eCH cohort (P = .008) and total population (P = .04). Adverse device effects (ADEs) were reported by 35/150 (nVNS, 11; sham, 24) subjects in the double‐blind phase and 18/128 subjects in the open‐label phase. No serious ADEs occurred.ConclusionsIn one of the largest randomized sham‐controlled studies for acute CH treatment, the response rate was not significantly different (vs sham) for the total population; nVNS provided significant, clinically meaningful, rapid, and sustained benefits for eCH but not for cCH, which affected results in the total population. This safe and well‐tolerated treatment represents a novel and promising option for eCH. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01792817.
Does the Type of Family Control Affect the Relationship Between Ownership Structure and Firm Value?
Authors: Martínez Beatriz , Requejo Ignacio 
Published: September 2016

AbstractOur objective is to disentangle which family business characteristics enable family ownership to be an effective corporate governance mechanism. To this aim, we investigate whether the relationship between ownership concentration and firm value is moderated by the type of family influence. This study shows that family control positively affects performance, primarily when family members serve on the board and when the founder is still influential. Our findings hold when we control for the general blockholder effect and they are robust to a battery of tests. We conclude that the impact of ownership concentration on firm value differs across family firms.
Variation in Corporate Governance and Firm Valuation – an International Study
Authors: Fan Steve Z. , Yu Linda 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the types of firms that are likely to deviate from common practice in corporate governance of their home countries and examine how the deviation is correlated with firm value. Our results show that firms with higher institutional holdings, lower insider holdings, and higher sales growth are more likely to deviate from common practice in civil law countries, whereas, in common law countries, especially in the USA, firms with lower institutional holdings, higher insider holdings, and lower sales growth are likely to deviate from common practice. We document a strong positive correlation between governance deviation and firm value in civil law countries. This relationship is robust to different testing and sample selection methods. The results, however, are mixed for US firms and not significant in other common law countries. Using the deviation from common practice as a proxy of firm‐level impact on corporate governance, our results provide evidence that firm‐level effect matters in governance quality and the effect varies across countries.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy plus wide local excision vs. wide location excision alone for primary cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santos‐Juanes J. , Fernández‐Vega I. , Galache Osuna C. , Coto‐Segura P. , Martínez‐Camblor P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundSentinel lymph node biopsy and wide local excision of the primary melanoma (SLNB) is now a standard staging procedure for patients with melanomas 1 mm or more in thickness, but its therapeutic benefit is not clear.ObjectiveTo determine whether there is an association between performance of SLNB and patient prognosis.MethodsStudies assessing the association between performance of SLNB and patient prognosis were pooled from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar. From each study, first author's last name, publication year, origin country, type of study design, characteristics of participants and the Hazard risk (HR) for melanoma specific survival (MSS) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were collected. Methodological assessment of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale (NOS) and the ‘Risk of bias’ tool detailed in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Meta‐analyses for the global HR were performed. In addition, in order to explore the sources of heterogeneity among the studies, sensitivity analyses are also provided.ResultsA total of six studies with 8764 patients who had undergone SLNB and 11054 patients who had undergone wide location excision alone (WLEA) were identified for the analysis. The indicators suggest that the heterogeneity is low: τ2 = 0; H = 1 [1; 1.74]; I2 = 0% [0%; 66.5%]. Evidence for publication bias was not found (Egger's test P = 0.4654). The pooled MSS HR from fixed effects analysis was determined to be 0.88 (95% CI = 0.80–0.96).ConclusionsAlthough no significant survival difference was observed in four of the six series, the pooling summary data from all the studies that deal with this issue suggested that SLNB is associated with a significantly better outcome compared with WLEA for localized melanoma.
Exposure to fine particulate matter associated with senile lentigo in Chinese women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Peng F. , Xue C.‐H. , Hwang S.K. , Li W.‐H. , Chen Z. , Zhang J.‐Z. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundSkin ageing especially senile lentigo directly affects self‐esteem. For decades, senile lentigo has been associated with chronic exposure to solar radiation. However, a study conducted recently in Caucasian subjects suggested that exposure to air pollution was significantly correlated with extrinsic skin ageing, in particular senile lentigines.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and skin ageing, particularly senile lentigo and seborrheic keratosis.MethodsThe study enrolled 400 Chinese women aged 40–90 years including 210 from the Yanqing county in Beijing (low PM2.5 exposure group) and 190 from the Xuanwumen in Beijing (high PM2.5 exposure group). Skin ageing symptoms, particularly senile lentigines and seborrheic keratoses, were clinically assessed using scores of intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to analyse the effect of PM2.5 on skin ageing adjusted for factors underlying skin ageing.ResultsIn the study population of Xuanwumen, we found that senile lentigo on cheeks and back of hands was 1.48 times and 2.8 times higher, respectively, compared with those from Yanqing county. However, no association was found between PM2.5 and seborrheic keratosis. We found that other variables such as smoking, second‐hand smoking, contact with fossil fuels and skin types were significantly associated with skin ageing.ConclusionThese results indicate that PM2.5 was another extrinsic factor promoting skin ageing.
Impact of farm management on expression of early mortality syndrome/acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (EMS/AHPND) on penaeid shrimp farms in Thailand
Authors: Boonyawiwat V , Patanasatienkul T , Kasornchandra J , Poolkhet C , Yaemkasem S , Hammell L , Davidson J 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAsian shrimp farming industry has experienced massive production losses due to a disease caused by toxins of Vibrio bacteria, known as early mortality syndrome/acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (EMS/AHPND) for the last 5 years. The disease can cause up to 100% cumulative pond mortality within a week. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with AHPND occurrence on shrimp farms. A case–control study was carried out on shrimp farms in four provinces of Thailand. Factors related to farm characteristics, farm management, pond and water preparation, feed management, post‐larvae (PL) shrimp and stock management were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors affecting AHPND occurrence at the pond level. Chlorine treatment, reservoir availability, use of predator fish in the water preparation, culture of multiple shrimp species in one farm and increased PL stocking density contributed to an increased risk of AHPND infection, while delayed first day of feeding, polyculture and water ageing were likely to promote outbreak protection. Additionally, the source of PL was found to be associated with AHPND occurrence in shrimp ponds, which requires further study at the hatchery level. Identification of these factors will facilitate the development of effective control strategies for AHPND on shrimp farms.
Parasite fecundity decreases with increasing parasite load in the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis infecting Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Ugelvik M S , Skorping A , Mennerat A 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAggregation is common amongst parasites, where a small number of hosts carry a large proportion of parasites. This could result in density‐dependent effects on parasite fitness. In a laboratory study, we explored whether parasite load affected parasite fecundity and survival, using ectoparasitic salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis Krøyer, 1837) infecting Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) hosts. We found a significant reduction in fecundity with higher parasite load, but no significant effect on survival. Together with previous findings, this suggests that stronger competition amongst female lice under high parasite load is a more likely explanation than increased host immune response.
A nurse‐led intervention improves detection and management of AKI in Malawi
Authors: Kirwan Christopher J. , Wright Kelly , Banda Peter , Chick Aylwin , Mtekateka Mwayi , Banda Enos , Kawale Zuze , Evans Rhys , Dobbie Hamish , Dreyer Gavin 
Published: September 2016

SUMMARYBackgroundAcute kidney injury is common and has significant impact on mortality and morbidity. There is a global drive to improve the lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding the recognition, diagnosis and management of patients with AKI in resource poor healthcare systems.ObjectivesWe propose a nurse‐led education programme to medical and nursing staff of the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi, will improve the overall care and understanding of patients with AKI that will still be effective 3 months later.MethodsThis was a three phase, prospective interventional pilot study which evaluated base line knowledge and clinical practice amongst healthcare workers, provided a comprehensive combination nurse‐led class room and ward based teaching programme and evaluated the change in knowledge and clinical management of patients in the high dependency areas of the hospital immediately, and 3 months, after the teaching intervention.ResultsThe nurse‐led intervention significantly improved the healthcare workers attitudes towards detecting or managing patients with suspected AKI (p < 0.0001). There were also significant improvements in the completion of fluid charts and recording of urine output (p < 0.0001), corner stones of AKI management. Knowledge and clinical intervention was still present three months later. There was however little change in the understanding that AKI could be a significant clinical problem in QECH and that it may have a major impact on mortality and working practice and this needs to be addressed in future teaching programmes.ConclusionsA low cost, nurse‐led AKI educational intervention improved the knowledge and management of AKI at QECH, which was still evident 3 months later.
Parents’ experiences in registering with and accessing funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme for early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Ranasinghe Tharangi , Jeyaseelan Deepa , White Deirdre , Russo Ray 
Published: September 2016

AimTo evaluate parents’ feedback regarding their experience in registering and accessing funding with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and communicating with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).MethodsParents of children less than 7 years of age, who were assessed through the Child Development Unit (CDU) at the Women's and Children's Health Network from July 2013 to June 2014 and referred to the NDIS, were invited to complete a study questionnaire regarding their experience with the NDIS. The questionnaire was initially mailed to the parents. If no response was returned, families were telephoned to complete the questionnaire by phone or to be sent another copy of the questionnaire to complete.ResultsOf 121 children eligible for the study, 42 (34.7%) parents completed the questionnaire. Thirty‐six (85.7%) parents reported having no difficulty with the NDIS registration process, while six parents (14.3%) had difficulty. With regards to accessing funding, 27 (64.3%) reported having no difficulty, 11 (26.2%) stated that it was difficult and 4 parents did not comment. Twenty‐six parents (61.9%) reported that it was easy to communicate with the NDIA, while 12 (28.6%) found it difficult. Overall, 26 (61.9%) parents were satisfied with the NDIS and NDIA, 6 (14.8%) were unsatisfied and 9 (21.4%) were neutral.ConclusionThe majority of parents were satisfied with both the processes required to register and access funding through the NDIS for early intervention services for their children with developmental disabilities, and their ability to communicate with the NDIA.
Infant and toddler drowning in Australia: Patterns, risk factors and prevention recommendations
Authors: Gaida Fellon J , Gaida James E 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDrowning is a leading cause of death among infants and toddlers. Unique physiological and behavioural factors contribute to high mortality rates. Drowning incidents predominantly occur during warmer months and holidays. Recent studies link high socio‐economic status and drowning, in contrast to earlier studies. Cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy and autism are strong risk factors for drowning incidents. Prevention strategies have substantially lowered drowning rates. While legislation‐compliant pool fencing substantially reduces drowning risk, compliance levels are low, and penalties are minor. Active supervision education for parents and carers is an effective drowning prevention strategy. Bystanders provide basic life support in only 30% of cases; strategies to increase training uptake are needed. Fencing costs should be a mandatory inclusion for pool installations, with high penalties for non‐compliance. Basic life support training should be compulsory for pool owners, and tax incentives should be used as a lever to increase training uptake.
A clinical audit cycle of post‐operative hypothermia in dogs
Authors: Rose N. , Kwong G. P. S. , Pang D. S. J. 
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVESUse of clinical audits to assess and improve perioperative hypothermia management in client‐owned dogs.METHODSTwo clinical audits were performed. In Audit 1 data were collected to determine the incidence and duration of perioperative hypothermia (defined as rectal temperatures <37·0°C). The results from Audit 1 were used to reach consensus on changes to be implemented to improve temperature management, including re‐defining hypothermia as rectal temperature <37·5°C. Audit 2 was performed after 1 month with changes in place.RESULTSAudit 1 revealed a high incidence of post‐operative hypothermia (88·0%) and prolonged time periods (7·5 hours) to reach normothermia. Consensus changes were to use a forced air warmer on all dogs and measure rectal temperatures hourly post‐operatively until temperature ≥37·5°C. After 1 month with the implemented changes, Audit 2 identified a significant reduction in the time to achieve a rectal temperature of ≥37·5°C, with 75% of dogs achieving this goal by 3·5 hours. The incidence of hypothermia at tracheal extubation remained high in Audit 2 (97·3% with a rectal temperature <37·5°C).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPost‐operative hypothermia was improved through simple changes in practice, showing that clinical audit is a useful tool for monitoring post‐operative hypothermia and improving patient care. Overall management of perioperative hypothermia could be further improved with earlier intervention.
Factors affecting the efficiency of aerosolized salbutamol delivery via a metered dose inhaler and equine spacer device
Authors: Pirie R. S. , McGorum B. C. , Owen C. , Carr O. , Oakley H. , McLachlan G. 
Published: September 2016

Despite frequent use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and spacers in equine practice, limited information exists on the efficiency of aerosol delivery using such devices. We determined the particle size distribution within anMDI‐generated salbutamol aerosol delivered via an equine spacer using ‘best practice’ delivery technique and assessed the effect of variations inMDIuse technique (shaking prior to each actuation, rapid repetitive actuations, andMDIangulation) on aerosol delivery efficiency. Under optimal conditions, only 53(±18) μg salbutamol per 100 μg actuation was delivered beyond the spacer. Although this aerosol had a high [89.6% (±2.4)] fine particle (<5 μm) fraction, and a low mass median aerodynamic diameter [2.52 (±0.29) μm], and particle size variability [geometricSD– 1.66 (±0.16) μm], within all particle size fractions, there was a high coefficient of variance (31–79%) of the percentage salbutamol delivered between experimental runs, thus impeding any effort to predict drug delivery to the patient during equine inhalation therapy. Despite observable trends and with the exception of minor statistically significant changes in the least abundant particle sizes, none of the deviations from a ‘best practice’ delivery technique significantly altered the relative salbutamol delivery beyond the spacer, a finding which has potential relevance with regard to maintaining user compliance.
On Government‐Subsidized Training Programs for Older Workers
Authors: Dauth Christine , Toomet Ott 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe analyze the impact of subsidized training programs for older workers. We apply a dynamic matching approach using German registry data. We find that subsidized training improves the probability to remain in paid employment by approximately 2.5 percentage points in the 2 years following treatment. The impact on benefit claims is small and largely insignificant. Effects are more pronounced for part‐time workers, for long‐duration program participants, and for workers older than 55 years. The results suggest that the main driver of these outcomes is postponed retirement, potentially because of improved job satisfaction.