bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Success Rates for Notification of Enrollment in Exception From Informed Consent Clinical Trials
Authors: Brienza Ashley M. , Sylvester Raeanne , Ryan Christopher M. , Repine Melissa , DiFiore Sara , Barone Jean , Callaway Clifton W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesException from informed consent (EFIC) for research in emergency settings requires investigators to notify enrolled subjects, family members, or legally authorized representatives about inclusion in the study. We examined the success rate of a notification strategy including mail services for subjects enrolled in EFIC trials.MethodsWe describe notification attempts for subjects in three out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest clinical trials in both urban and rural areas around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, between the years 2000 and 2014. We examined the time required to notify subjects and the success of contacting subjects or their representatives when notified in person (if alive), by mail (if alive and unable to reach in person), or by mail (if the subject was deceased). We characterized comments received from subjects or their representatives as positive, neutral, or negative.ResultsWe attempted notification on a total of 1,912 subjects, 1,762 by mail, and 163 in person. Of these, 1,767 (92%) notification forms were successfully delivered, and 431 (24%) were signed and returned. Only 16 subjects or representatives (0.91%) requested to withdraw from the study. In‐person notifications were more likely to be signed than mailed notifications (69% vs. 20%; p < 0.001). A total of 3.2% of recipients contacted investigators by phone or letter in response to notifications, but only five recipients expressed negative attitudes toward the trial. Ninety percent of subjects were notified within 35 days of the incident. Time to notification was shorter for in person (median = 5 days, interquartile range [IQR] = 2 to 10 days) than for deceased and mailed (11 days, IQR = 8 to 14 days) or alive and mailed (20 days, IQR = 14 to 29 days).ConclusionsIt is possible to successfully notify recipients of enrollment in a study using EFIC over 90% of the time within 35 days, although only 24% of recipients will sign and return a form. Fewer than 1% of subjects withdraw from the study, and fewer than 5% contact investigators, usually for neutral reasons.
Exploratory study of collaborative behaviour in gaming and interactions of students in Second Life
Authors: Olasina Gbolahan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe current research is conducted in the context of Second Life (SL) users in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. The research uses the Symbolic Interactionism Theory (SIT), a social science based theory as theoretical framework to underpin it and help inform the research. The overriding purpose is to analyze evidence of collaborative behaviour in the contexts of gaming, entertainment and socializing to support further exploitation of SL and overall improvement in the gaming experiences of users. The paradigmatic framework chosen is the interpretivist. The research design is a qualitative description. The population is made up of 20 matriculation students. The research uses focus group and interviews. In addition, reliability is considered before and after data collection by trustworthiness using criteria such as credibility, transferability and an audit trail. The methods of analysis involve reading of interview and focus group transcripts, developing own codes, coding the data and examining the patterns and themes using thematic analysis. The research is significant as it uses the SIT theory to improve the understanding of collaborative behaviour in the context of SL. The key results suggest that the SL can support not only collaboration but building citizenship and national identity.
(Un)stable vertical collusive agreements
Authors: Gabszewicz Jean J. , Zanaj Skerdilajda 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we extend the concept of stability to vertical collusive agreements involving downstream and upstream firms, using a setup of successive Cournot oligopolies. We show that a stable vertical agreement, the unanimous vertical agreement involving all downstream and upstream firms, always exists. Thus, stable vertical collusive agreements exist even for market structures in which horizontal cartels would be unstable. We also show that there are economies for which the unanimous agreement is not the only stable one. Furthermore, the Stigler statement according to which the only ones who benefit from a collusive agreement are the outsiders need not be valid in vertical agreements.
Trade liberalization and credit constraints: Why opening up may fail to promote convergence
Authors: Peters Katrin , Schnitzer Monika 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper examines credit constraints as one channel held responsible for hampering economic convergence between countries. Specifically, we extend a Melitz and Ottaviano type trade model with variable mark‐ups to allow for endogenous technology adoption. We consider a framework with two countries that potentially differ with respect to credit market development. Firms have the option to adopt a more efficient technology by paying some fixed cost that is more costly to finance for financially constrained firms. We find that technology adoption increases in both countries after trade liberalization but more so in the financially more developed country: the productivity gap widens. Simulations show that the welfare gap widens too. Opening up without sufficient access to external funding thus fails to promote convergence.
Product quality and firm heterogeneity in international trade
Authors: Gervais Antoine 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper quantifies the separate contributions of product quality and technical efficiency in explaining variation in export outcomes across US manufacturing plants. Unlike previous studies that rely on unit values, I estimate idiosyncratic demand from price and quantity information. I find substantial across‐plant heterogeneity in demand, and consistent with the quality interpretation, demand is positively correlated with advertising expenditures, wage rates and material costs. I use this variation to explain across‐plant heterogeneity in export outcomes. The results show that, in addition to productivity, idiosyncratic demand is an important determinant of selection into exporting and the levels of foreign sales.
Assessment of the needs of mothers and primary healthcare providers to support early childhood development in Egypt: a qualitative study
Authors: Elgibaly O. , Aziz M. M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe early childhood period is considered the most important developmental phase in an individual's lifespan. However, it is not addressed in the Egyptian health system. We aimed to explore mothers' and healthcare providers' perceptions about early childhood development (ECD) and identify their needs to support ECD in Egypt.MethodsFocus group discussions with 79 mothers of children younger than 2 years old from different socio‐economic backgrounds and residing in urban and rural areas and 26 primary healthcare providers were used to collect data. Emerging themes and subthemes were identified from the data analysis.ResultsUrban and rural mothers in Egypt of all educational levels are not well prepared to support their children's early development, especially the cognitive and emotional aspects. Limited sources of information about ECD, the large families of rural women and an absence of developmental health services and family support were the most important factors that led to a neglect of mother–child communication and stimulation.ConclusionRaising community awareness and training primary healthcare providers to counsel mothers about ECD are important prerequisites for supporting ECD in Egypt. Rural and first‐time mothers would be the most valuable starting point.
A 6‐year Follow‐up survey of health status in middle‐aged women with Turner syndrome
Authors: Fjermestad Krister W. , Naess Eva E. , Bahr David , Gravholt Claus H. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectiveStudies suggest younger women with Turner syndrome (TS) have good quality of life. Less is known about everyday functioning in adults with TS. In a 6‐year follow‐up study, multiple areas of functioning were compared between TS women and controls. Design: Women with TS and controls were mailed a self‐report survey 6 years after a baseline study.PatientsFifty‐seven women with TS (M age 40·6 ± 11·1 years) and 101 controls (M age 38·8 ± 10·6 years, ns) responded.MeasurementsMeasures of background information, experienced life strain and presence/impact of health conditions were developed for this study. The QPS Nordic measured perceived workload challenges. The LiSat‐9 measured life satisfaction. The Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale measured self‐esteem.ResultsMore TS women lived alone, fewer had biological children, and more had adoptive children. TS women reported fewer sex partners and less sexual confidence. Controls had higher education. There was no difference in employment status. More TS women received disability pensions. TS women reported their work as more physically challenging, less positively challenging and requiring less knowledge skills. TS women experienced more life strain in school, adolescence and late working life. Controls reported higher overall life satisfaction, with no difference between samples on specific domains. TS women reported lower self‐esteem. For TS women only, physical health at baseline predicted length of education and mental health at baseline predicted self‐esteem.ConclusionsWomen with TS face more challenges than controls on several domains of functioning. Early physical and mental health may influence later educational achievement and self‐esteem for women with TS.
Dental implant surface chemistry and energy alter macrophage activation in vitro
Authors: Hotchkiss Kelly M. , Ayad Nancy B. , Hyzy Sharon L. , Boyan Barbara D. , Olivares‐Navarrete Rene 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the effects of dental implant surface chemistry and energy on macrophage activation in vitro.Materials and MethodsDisks made from two clinically used implant materials (titanium [Ti], titanium zirconium alloy [TiZr]) were produced with two different surface treatments (sandblast/acid‐etch [SLA], hydrophilic‐SLA [modSLA]). Surface roughness, energy, and chemistry were characterized. Primary murine macrophages were isolated from 6‐ to 8‐week‐old male C57Bl/6 mice and cultured on test surfaces (Ti SLA, TiZr SLA, Ti modSLA, TiZr modSLA) or control tissue culture polystyrene. mRNA was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction after 24 h of culture. Pro‐ (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐4, IL‐10) protein levels were measured by ELISA after 1 or 3 days of culture.ResultsQuantitatively, microroughness was similar on all surfaces. Qualitatively, nanostructures were present on modSLA surfaces that were denser on Ti than on TiZr. modSLA surfaces were determined hydrophilic (high‐energy surface) while SLA surfaces were hydrophobic (low‐energy surface). Cells on high‐energy surfaces had higher levels of mRNA from anti‐inflammatory markers characteristic of M2 activation compared to cells on low‐energy surfaces. This effect was enhanced on the TiZr surfaces when compared to cells on Ti SLA and Ti modSLA. Macrophages cultured on TiZr SLA and modSLA surfaces released more anti‐inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionsThe combination of high‐energy and altered surface chemistry present on TiZr modSLA was able to influence macrophages to produce the greatest anti‐inflammatory microenvironment and reduce extended pro‐inflammatory factor release.
The policy and practices of New South Wales drug treatment providers in responding to the possession of illicit substances on premises
Authors: Stirling Robert , Day Carolyn 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsResponding to possession of illicit substances on the premises of drug treatment services is a complex issue. Providers are challenged by balancing duty‐of‐care and staff safety while attempting to provide a therapeutic environment. This study assessed the current policy and practice of non‐government drug treatment services in New South Wales, Australia in responding to possession of illicit substances on their premises.Design and MethodsNon‐government drug treatment services were invited to participate in a survey that aimed to elicit information about existing policy and practices and how often it occurred. Analysis explored the differences between services that had a written policy and those that did not against service setting, accreditation status, reporting of an illicit drug possession in the last 12 months and having a sharps disposal unit.ResultsFifty‐one responses were included in the analysis, 29 (57%) of which reported having a policy and/or procedure. There was no statistically discernible difference between inpatient and outpatient settings, accreditation status of services or availability of a sharps disposal unit on the premises. However, services that reported a possession incident in the previous 12 months were more likely to report having a written policy than those that did not (37% vs. 12%; odds ratio: 4.75, 95% confidence interval 1.32–17.11, P = 0.014).Discussion and Conclusions.The policy and practice in these settings vary greatly, with many services reporting no documented policy to guide staff. The findings suggest the need to develop organisational policy to support service providers in responding to possession of illicit substances on premises. [Stirling R, Day C. The policy and practices of New South Wales drug treatment providers in responding to the possession of illicit substances on premises. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:644‐649]
Cannabis policy and the uptake of treatment for cannabis‐related problems
Authors: Adam Christian , Raschzok Andreas 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsWe examine public health effects of steps towards more permissive cannabis policies introduced in Belgium, Finland, France and Portugal between 1999 and 2004. Public health effects are captured in terms of cannabis‐induced treatment uptake as reported by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.Design and MethodsWe use a quasi‐experimental difference‐in‐differences design drawing on observational data.ResultsWhile the number of clients with primary cannabis problems per reporting treatment unit has generally increased, this increase does not seem to be substantially stronger in the countries that introduced more permissive cannabis policies.Discussion and ConclusionsThe specific reforms carried out in the group of reforming countries can thus not be shown to have had adverse effects on public health in terms of treatment uptake.
Decrease in winter respiration explains 25% of the annual northern forest carbon sink enhancement over the last 30 years
Authors: Yu Zhen , Wang Jingxin , Liu Shirong , Piao Shilong , Ciais Philippe , Running Steven W. , Poulter Benjamin , Rentch James S. , Sun Pengsen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAim Winter snow has been suggested to regulate terrestrial carbon (C) cycling by modifying microclimate, but the impacts of change in snow cover on the annual C budget at a large scale are poorly understood. Our aim is to quantify the C balance under changing snow depth.Location Non‐permafrost region of the northern forest area.Methods Here, we used site‐based eddy covariance flux data to investigate the relationship between depth of snow cover and ecosystem respiration (Reco) during winter. We then used the Biome‐BGC model to estimate the effect of reductions in winter snow cover on the C balance of northern forests in the non‐permafrost region.Results According to site observations, winter net ecosystem C exchange (NEE) ranged from 0.028 to 1.53 gC·m−2·day−1, accounting for 44 ± 123% of the annual C budget. Model simulation showed that over the past 30 years, snow‐driven change in winter C fluxes reduced non‐growing season CO2 emissions, enhancing the annual C sink of northern forests. Over the entire study area, simulated winter Reco significantly decreased by 0.33 gC·m−2·day−1·year−1 in response to decreasing depth of snow cover, which accounts for approximately 25% of the simulated annual C sink trend from 1982 to 2009.Main conclusion Soil temperature is primarily controlled by snow cover rather than by air temperature as snow serves as an insulator to prevent chilling impacts. A shallow snow cover has less insulation potential, causing colder soil temperatures and potentially lower respiration rates. Both eddy covariance analysis and model‐simulated results show that both Reco and NEE are significantly and positively correlated with variation in soil temperature controlled by variation in snow depth. Overall, our results highlight that a decrease in winter snow cover restrains global warming as less C is emitted to the atmosphere.
von Thünen: Capital, Production Functions, Marginal Productivity Wages, and the Natural Wage
Authors: Jensen Bjarne S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper puts seminal contributions to theory of production functions and maximization of explicit quantitative objective functions by Johann Heinrich von Thünen into a systematic historical perspective. We show that his comprehensive ‘Tableau Economiques’ do imply two exact parametric production functions. Moreover, the renowned ‘geometric mean wage’ formula is restated as an exact CES marginal labor productivity wage for σ= 2. We review four alternative modes of normative (natural) wage calculations without an explicit production function, and conclude that von Thünen’s natural wage differentiation formulas are bona fide alternatives for deriving the natural wage formula.
Extremes of heat, drought and precipitation depress reproductive performance in shortgrass prairie passerines
Authors: Conrey Reesa Y. , Skagen Susan K. , Yackel Adams Amy A. , Panjabi Arvind O. 
Published: March 2016

Climate change elevates conservation concerns worldwide because it is likely to exacerbate many identified threats to animal populations. In recent decades, grassland birds have declined faster than other North American bird species, a loss thought to be due to habitat loss and fragmentation and changing agricultural practices. Climate change poses additional threats of unknown magnitude to these already declining populations. We examined how seasonal and daily weather conditions over 10 years influenced nest survival of five species of insectivorous passerines native to the shortgrass prairie and evaluate our findings relative to future climate predictions for this region. Daily nest survival (n = 870) was best predicted by a combination of daily and seasonal weather variables, age of nest, time in season and bird habitat guild. Within a season, survival rates were lower on very hot days (temperatures ≥ 35 °C), on dry days (with a lag of 1 day) and on stormy days (especially for those species nesting in shorter vegetation). Across years, survival rates were also lower during warmer and drier breeding seasons. Clutch sizes were larger when early spring temperatures were cool and the week prior to egg‐laying was wetter and warming. Climate change is likely to exacerbate grassland bird population declines because projected climate conditions include rising temperatures, more prolonged drought and more intense storms as the hydrological cycle is altered. Under varying realistic scenarios, nest success estimates were halved compared to their current average value when models both increased the temperature (3 °C) and decreased precipitation (two additional dry days during a nesting period), thus underscoring a sense of urgency in identifying and addressing the current causes of range‐wide declines.
Health perceptions of young adults living with recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy
Authors: Aho Anna Carin , Hultsjö Sally , Hjelm Katarina 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe health perceptions related to sense of coherence among young adults living with recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy.BackgroundLimb‐girdle muscular dystrophy refers to a group of progressive muscular disorders that may manifest in physical disability. The focus in health care is to optimize health, which requires knowledge about the content of health as described by the individual.DesignA descriptive study design with qualitative and quantitative data were used.MethodInterviews were conducted between June 2012–November 2013 with 14 participants aged 20‐30 years. The participants also answered the 13‐item sense of coherence questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed with content analysis and related to self‐rated sense of coherence.FindingsHealth was viewed as intertwined physical and mental well‐being. As the disease progressed, well‐being was perceived to be influenced not only by physical impairment and mental strain caused by the disease but also by external factors, such as accessibility to support and attitudes in society. Factors perceived to promote health were having a balanced lifestyle, social relations and meaningful daily activities. Self‐rated sense of coherence varied. The median score was 56 (range 37‐77). Those who scored ≥56 described to a greater extent satisfaction regarding support received, daily pursuits and social life compared with those who scored <56.ConclusionCare should be person‐centred. Caregivers, with their knowledge, should strive to assess how the person comprehends, manages and finds meaning in daily life. Through dialogue, not only physical, psychological and social needs but also health‐promoting solutions can be highlighted.
Beyond Integration Theory: The (Anti‐)Constitutional Dimension of European Crisis Governance
Authors: Kreuder‐Sonnen Christian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPolitical science analyses of the governance of the euro crisis largely build on conventional theories of European integration to account for the extent to which institutional developments either reflect supranationalism, inter‐governmentalism or historical path‐dependencies. This analytical focus captures the usual integration dynamics and institutional design outcomes, but overlooks the constitutional dimension of how the crisis affects the EU's legal order. In this agenda‐setting article, I draw attention to legal scholarship that highlights important deviations from the EU's ‘legal normalcy’. Legal studies find that a number of emergency measures were taken on an extra‐legal basis and through quasi‐autocratic procedures. Normative reconstructions interpret this practice as a form of transnational state of exception which transitions into permanent traits of authoritarianism in the EU's legal order. I argue that their findings offer a new terrain for political science research which transcends the explanatory categories of integration theory.
The Effect of Removing Voting Rules: Consultation Practices in the Commission's Delegated Act Expert Groups and Comitology Committees
Authors: Siderius Katrijn , Brandsma Gijs Jan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Lisbon Treaty changed the system of delegating executive powers to the European Commission: it introduced the delegated acts system as an alternative to comitology, which continues to exist in parallel. This new system allocates veto power to the European Parliament and the Council, in which Member State expert groups are consulted without having a formal vote. The Council fears that the absence of formal voting will tempt the Commission to ignore Member State input in the expert groups. This article investigates to what degree this fear is justified. To what degree do formal voting rights affect the consultation of Member State experts? On the basis of interviews with Member State experts who participate both in expert groups as well as in comitology committees, we demonstrate how consultation patterns differ between the two settings.