bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political Stability in the Open Society
Authors: Thrasher John , Vallier Kevin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe argue that the Rawlsian description of a just liberal society, the well‐ordered society, fails to accommodate deep disagreement and is insufficiently dynamic. In response, we formulate an alternative model that we call the open society, organized around a new account of dynamic stability. In the open society, constitutional rules must be stable enough to preserve social conditions that foster experimentation, while leaving room in legal and institutional rules for innovation and change. Systemic robustness and dynamic stability become important for the open society in a way that they are not in the well‐ordered society. This model of the open society and the corresponding model of stability have interesting implications for thinking about the goals, norms, and institutions of liberal political systems.
Content analysis of consumer information about knee arthroscopy in Australia
Authors: Buchbinder Rachelle , Bourne Allison 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundDespite the availability of consistent guidelines recommending against arthroscopic treatment for people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, Australian data indicate continued use of this treatment modality. A paucity of easy to understand and reliable consumer information about knee arthroscopy may be one explanatory factor. The aim of this study was to determine whether consumer information about knee arthroscopy available in Australia is adequate to inform evidence‐based decision‐making for people with symptomatic osteoarthritis.MethodsWe performed a content analysis of consumer information about knee arthroscopy for symptomatic osteoarthritis. Information sources were identified from the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care and Internet searches conducted 20–28 May 2015. Search terms were ‘knee arthroscopy’, ‘knee pain’, ‘osteoarthritis knee’ and ‘meniscal tear’, and ‘orthopaedic surgeon’ linked to each Australian capital city. Two independent reviewers selected documents for inclusion and extracted data. Main outcomes were specific advice regarding use of arthroscopic treatment for people with knee osteoarthritis, mention of guidelines, and/or supporting evidence.ResultsNinety‐three documents were analyzed (44 were a paragraph or less). Only eight made a clear recommendation against use of arthroscopy for all/most people with knee osteoarthritis. None included an explicit statement attributed to a guideline, while only six provided any research evidence to support their advice. Wikipedia provided the most valid information but it may be incomprehensible to the average reader.ConclusionCurrently available consumer information about knee arthroscopy in Australia may be inadequate to help people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis make informed decisions about this treatment.
Ticagrelor attenuates myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury possibly through downregulating galectin‐3 expression in the infarct area of rats
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Gu Ye , Liu Yufeng , Zhang Mingjing , Wang Yuting , Hu Liqun 
Published: January 2018

AimsThe full benefits of myocardial revascularization strategies applied to acute myocardial infarction patients might be reduced by myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. It is known that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of I/R injury and galectin‐3, a known inflammatory factor, is actively involved in ischaemia‐induced inflammation and fibrosis of various organs. Previous studies demonstrated that anti‐platelets therapy with ticagrelor, a new P2Y12 receptor antagonist, could effectively attenuate myocardial I/R injury and I/R injury‐related inflammatory responses. It remains unknown whether the cardioprotective effects of ticagrelor are also mediated by modulating myocardial galectin‐3 expression.MethodsWe determined the ratio of infarct area (IA)/area at risk (AAR), expression of galectin‐3, TNF‐α and IL‐6 in infarct area of rats treated with placebo (equal volume saline per gastric gavage immediately after LAD ligation, then once daily till study end) or ticagrelor (150 mg kg−1 dissolved in saline per gastric gavage immediately after LAD ligation, then once daily till study end) at 24 h, 3 and 7 days post I (45 min)/R injury. Sham‐operated rats served as control.ResultsOur results showed that ticagrelor treatment significantly reduced IA/AAR ratio at 3 and 7 days post I/R, downregulated mRNA and protein expression of galectin‐3, as well as mRNA expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in infarct area at 24 h, 3 and 7 days post I/R.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the cardioprotective effects of ticagrelor might partly be mediated by downregulating galectin‐3 expression in infarct area in this rat model of myocardial I/R injury.
The Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Analogue FTY720 Alleviates Seizure‐induced Overexpression of P‐Glycoprotein in Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Gao Fei , Gao Ying , Meng Fangling , Yang Chunmei , Fu Jiangfeng , Li Yajun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOverexpression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in the brain is an important factor leading to drug‐resistant epilepsy. Clinical use of P‐gp inhibitors is limited by their systemic toxicity. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that FTY720, a sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) analogue used for treating multiple sclerosis, modulates the up‐regulation of P‐gp and improves brain delivery of phenytoin (PHT) through S1P receptor 1 in the hippocampus of a pilocarpine‐induced rat model of status epilepticus (SE). We administered vehicle, FTY720 or FTY720+ W146 (an S1P receptor 1 antagonist) to SE rats. Forty‐eight hours after SE, we dissected the hippocampus and measured P‐gp expression, NF‐κB activity and levels of inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α and COX‐2) by Western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We also measured hippocampal and plasma concentrations of PHT 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min. after an intraperitoneal injection of PHT (50 mg/kg) 48 hr after SE, using microdialysis and high‐performance liquid chromatography. FTY720 alleviated the overexpression of hippocampal P‐gp in SE rats and reduced NF‐κB activity and TNF‐α and COX‐2 expression, and W146 blocked the effects of FTY720. Furthermore, SE rats that received FTY720 showed significantly greater hippocampal extracellular PHT concentrations than those that received vehicle, and W146 abolished this effect. Our results suggest that FTY720 alleviates seizure‐induced overexpression of P‐gp by inhibiting S1P receptor 1‐mediated inflammation in rat hippocampus and improves PHT delivery to brain. FTY720 shows potential as an adjuvant therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy.
Novel SYNGAP1 variant in a patient with intellectual disability and distinctive dysmorphisms
Authors: Kimura Yuichi , Akahira‐Azuma Moe , Harada Noriaki , Enomoto Yumi , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Kurosawa Kenji 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTWe describe a novel de novo heterozygous variant in SYNGAP1 (c.1741C>T, p.R581W), identified through targeted resequencing in an 8‐year‐old boy with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, distinctive dysmorphic features, and no seizures. Our data strongly suggest that the SYNGAP1 variant is causative of intellectual disability in this patient.
Bone and soft tissue outcomes, risk factors, and complications of implant‐supported prostheses: 5‐Years RCT with different abutment types and loading protocols
Authors: Göthberg Catharina , Gröndahl Kerstin , Omar Omar , Thomsen Peter , Slotte Christer 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundData on risk factors and complications after long‐term implant treatment is limited. The aims were to evaluate the role of various fixation modes and to analyze complications and risks that affect long‐term use of implant‐supported partial fixed dental prostheses.Materials and MethodsFifty partially edentulous subjects received three Brånemark TiUnite™ implants. Superstructures were attached directly at implant level (IL) or via abutments: machined surface (AM) and an oxidized surface (AOX, TiUnite™). Implants were immediately loaded (test) or unloaded for 3 months (control). Examinations occurred over a 5‐year period.ResultsForty‐four subjects were re‐examined after 5 years. Cumulative survival rates in test and control groups were 93.9% and 97.0%, respectively. Marginal bone loss (MBL; Mean [SEM]) was significantly lower at superstructures connected to AM (1.61 [0.25] mm) than at sites with no abutment IL (2.14 [0.17] mm). Peri‐implantitis occurred in 9.1% of subjects and in 4.0% of implants. Multiple linear regression indicated that increased probing pocket depth (PPD), periodontal disease experience, deteriorating health, and light smoking (≤10 cigarettes/day) predict greater MBL, whereas increased buccal soft tissue thickness and higher ISQ predict lower MBL.ConclusionsThe results show that MBL was influenced by the connection type. A machined abutment, instead of connecting the superstructure directly at the implant level, was beneficial. The following factors influenced MBL: PPD, periodontal disease experience, deteriorating health, light smoking, buccal soft tissue thickness, and ISQ. The results on peri‐implantitis underscore the need for long‐term maintenance care. Further, the abutment material surface properties constitute additional target for strategies to minimize MBL.
Should countries be more like shopping malls? A proposal for Service Performance Guarantees
Authors: Gelb Alan , Ramachandran Vijaya , Juden Matthew , Rossignol Alice 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThrough an examination of existing guarantee mechanisms, this article sets out and explains a proposal for the adoption of Service Performance Guarantees (SPGs) by developing countries working to attract foreign investment. The proposed approach is to offer investing firms the opportunity to purchase insurance against a wider range of risks than is currently possible, with highly visible payouts if service delivery standards fall short of those expected from the programme. The SPG contracts would be covered by a “domestic reserve” funded from premiums paid in by the firms and backed up by a further guarantee issued by a development partner. This approach restructures accountability to create a partnership of donors and recipient governments, accountable to their investor clients.
Unfair incentives: A behavioural note on sharecropping
Authors: Kemper Niels , Czura Kristina , Schumacher Heiner 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe conducted a laboratory‐in‐the‐field experiment with real‐life tenants in Ethiopia to test the incentive effects of fixed wage, sharecropping, fixed rent, and ownership contracts. The experimental task resembles a common process in agricultural production. The sharecropping contract is a piece rate scheme framed as a profit‐sharing agreement. Sharecropping output was about 12 percent smaller than the fixed rent output. Surprisingly, it is statistically indistinguishable from the fixed wage output, despite substantial piece rates. This effect is driven by real‐life sharecroppers. Their sharecropping output was smaller than that of non‐sharecroppers, especially in a region where a controversial land reform took place. We argue that our subjects dislike sharecropping contracts because of the unfair profit sharing and the disputed allocation of land. Fairness concerns, therefore, may be another impediment to efficiency under the sharecropping contract.
Use of polyphenols as a strategy to prevent bond degradation in the dentin–resin interface
Authors: Porto Isabel C. C. M. , Nascimento Ticiano G. , Oliveira José M. S. , Freitas Pedro H. , Haimeur Asmaa , França Rodrigo 
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated the effect of dentin pretreatment with the polyphenols quercetin and resveratrol on the resin‐dentin microtensile bonding strength (μTBS) and collagen fibrils stability of the adhesive interface. Different concentrations (100, 250, 500, or 1,000 μg ml−1) of quercetin or resveratrol, or a mixture of quercetin and resveratrol (3:1, 1:1, 1:3; vol:vol), as well as distilled water or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, were applied to etched dentin. Then, a two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive was applied followed by composite restoration. Measurements of resin–dentin μTBS were made after 1 and 120 d. The stability of collagen fibrils in the hybrid layer was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. The Student's t‐test and two‐way factorial anova with Tukey's test were used to analyze the effects of dentin pretreatment and storage time on μTBS values. Comparisons between μTBS measurements made on 1 and 120 d showed that resveratrol had the best performance, with significantly higher μTBS values after 120 d for all concentrations of resveratrol tested. Quercetin pretreatment resulted in a significant rise of μTBS when used at concentrations of 100 and 500 μg ml−1. Quercetin + resveratrol at the ratio of 1:1 performed better than when used at ratios of either 3:1 or 1:3. Resveratrol might represent a potential approach to achieve desirable bonding stability and reduce the frequent replacement of composite restorations.
Creep‐fracture resistance parameters determination based on stress and ductility damage models
Authors: Shlyannikov V. , Tumanov A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe stress, strain rate, and process zone with respect to the creep‐crack growth in pure modes I and II are analysed by using damage‐evolution equations. The damage models for the fracture of the process zone are represented using a stress‐ and ductility‐based formulation. According to the stress‐based model, 2 expressions are proposed to describe the stress‐sensitive nature of a multiaxial rupture behaviour. Following the ductility model, new multiaxial failure strain conditions are derived. Both damage‐free and defective creeping solids have been studied. The variations in the creep stress or strain and crack‐tip governing parameter in terms of the creep In‐integral with respect to time and the evolution of creep damage are analysed using a finite element model. The effect of the introduced creep stress intensity factor as a function of the creep time, loading biaxiality, and creep damage models is discussed in detail.
Critical review of turbulence models for CFD for fatigue analysis in large steel structures
Authors: Lorenzon A. , Antonello M. , Berto F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe determination of wind‐induced fatigue load in large structures and buildings with complex geometries, which do not fall in typical cases of building codes and standards, represents a consuming task, and it is usually evaluated through the aid of wind tunnel tests, while computational approaches do not yet have a large application.The practical use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques in civil engineering applications has in fact been rare outside the framework of steady‐state analyses, because of the limitations of RANS approaches and of the higher cost of LES, but with the increase in computing resources and with the introduction of new and more efficient turbulence models, the practical use of CFD to evaluate fluctuating features of wind flow is much more feasible now. With it, it is possible to foresee the possibility for the evaluation of wind‐induced fatigue loads in steel structures by using CFD. This paper has the purpose to discuss the feasibility of a procedure that uses CFD as the first step in a chain of numerical simulations that leads to the fatigue calculation of a large, complex structure.The state of the art of turbulence models for CFD is here shown by performing literature review, with particular attention to their application to case studies related to large steel structures. A special focus in this paper lies in the use of PANS models, which reduce computational cost and grid sensitivity compared with LES, while providing comparable accuracy.
Sulfur isotope's signal of nanopyrites enclosed in 2.7 Ga stromatolitic organic remains reveal microbial sulfate reduction
Authors: Marin‐Carbonne J. , Remusat L. , Sforna M. C. , Thomazo C. , Cartigny P. , Philippot P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMicrobial sulfate reduction (MSR) is thought to have operated very early on Earth and is often invoked to explain the occurrence of sedimentary sulfides in the rock record. Sedimentary sulfides can also form from sulfides produced abiotically during late diagenesis or metamorphism. As both biotic and abiotic processes contribute to the bulk of sedimentary sulfides, tracing back the original microbial signature from the earliest Earth record is challenging. We present in situ sulfur isotope data from nanopyrites occurring in carbonaceous remains lining the domical shape of stromatolite knobs of the 2.7‐Gyr‐old Tumbiana Formation (Western Australia). The analyzed nanopyrites show a large range of δ34S values of about 84‰ (from −33.7‰ to +50.4‰). The recognition that a large δ34S range of 80‰ is found in individual carbonaceous‐rich layers support the interpretation that the nanopyrites were formed in microbial mats through MSR by a Rayleigh distillation process during early diagenesis. An active microbial cycling of sulfur during formation of the stromatolite may have facilitated the mixing of different sulfur pools (atmospheric and hydrothermal) and explain the weak mass independent signature (MIF‐S) recorded in the Tumbiana Formation. These results confirm that MSR participated actively to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur during the Neoarchean and support previous models suggesting anaerobic oxidation of methane using sulfate in the Tumbiana environment.
Antimicrobial activity of buckwheat starch films containing zinc oxide nanoparticles against Listeria monocytogenes on mushrooms
Authors: Kim Sujin , Song Kyung Bin 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBuckwheat starch (BS) films containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐N; 0%, 1.5%, 3% and 4.5%) were prepared, and their physical, optical and antimicrobial properties were examined. As ZnO‐N content increased from 0% to 4.5%, TS increased from 14.99 to 19.09 MPa and E decreased from 25.60% to 20.65%. In addition, L* and a* values decreased, whereas b*, ΔE and opacity increased. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the BS/ZnO‐N films had the reductions of 2.96–3.74 log CFU mL−1 against Listeria monocytogenes after 8 h based on viable cell count assay. The BS film containing 3% ZnO‐N, an optimal concentration chosen in this study, was applied to fresh‐cut mushroom packaging, and the film exhibited antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, resulting in a reduction of 0.86 log CFU g−1 after 6 days of storage. Thus, these results indicate that the BS/ZnO‐N film can be used as a biodegradable packaging material.
Unlicensed medicines use: a UK guideline analysis using AGREE II†
Authors: Donovan Gemma , Parkin Lindsay , Brierley-Jones Lyn , Wilkes Scott 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
There is widespread use of unlicensed medicines within primary and secondary care but little information is available around how these medicines are used. This analysis examines and evaluates the content and quality of relevant guidance documentation currently in use within the UK.

Methods
Guidance documents were identified through a literature search as well as email requests to pharmacy organisations throughout the UK. Unlicensed medicine documentation suitable for inclusion in the analysis underwent thematic analysis and quality assessment using the AGREE II tool.

Key findings
Thematic analysis of 52 guidelines revealed four parent themes: (1) Professional responsibility (2) Usage practicalities (3) Risk versus benefit (4) Controlling use. There was variability in scores across the AGREE II domains with areas covering Scope and Purpose and Clarity of Presentation scoring well. Conversely, an area needing attention was Rigour of Development.

Conclusion
Healthcare organisations would benefit from agreeing a ‘core content’ for the development of unlicensed medicines guidelines to ensure consistency and the presence of robust operating systems to deliver safe, effective treatment to all NHS patients.
Effectiveness and acceptability of continuous glucose monitoring for type 2 diabetes management: A narrative review
Authors: Taylor Pennie J , Thompson Campbell H , Brinkworth Grant D 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe present narrative review discusses the role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in glycemic and weight control, and lifestyle behavior adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes. A literature search from January 2001 to November 2017 was carried out (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus). Eligible studies were trials evaluating the use of CGM with the aim of achieving glucose control or lifestyle‐related treatment adherence over a period of ≥8 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with usual care or another comparison intervention, or observational trials reporting CGM user experience. A total of 5,542 participants were recruited into 11 studies (eight randomized controlled trials [n = 5,346] and three observational studies [n = 196]). The sample size ranged 6–4,678 participants, the mean age was 51.7–60.0 years and diabetes duration was 2.1–19.2 years, with high heterogeneity between studies. Overall, the available evidence showed, compared with traditional self‐monitoring of blood glucose levels, CGM promoted greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin, bodyweight and caloric intake; higher adherence rating to a personal eating plan; and increases in physical activity. High compliance to CGM wear‐time and device calibration was reported (>90%). The addition of lifestyle and/or behavioral counseling to CGM appeared to further potentiate these improvements. Preliminary evidence suggests that CGM use promotes glycemic and weight control, and lifestyle behavior adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes. These benefits might be further enhanced with integration of diet, exercise, and glucose excursion education and counseling. However, specific attributes of effective interventions and the application of CGM information for promoting improved outcomes and healthier choices remain unclear.
Fluctuating selection and its (elusive) evolutionary consequences in a wild rodent population
Authors: Bonnet T. , Postma E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTemporal fluctuations in the strength and direction of selection are often proposed as a mechanism that slows down evolution, both over geological and contemporary timescales. Both the prevalence of fluctuating selection and its relevance for evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood however, especially on contemporary timescales: unbiased empirical estimates of variation in selection are scarce, and the question of how much of the variation in selection translates into variation in genetic change has largely been ignored. Using long‐term individual‐based data for a wild rodent population, we quantify the magnitude of fluctuating selection on body size. Subsequently, we estimate the evolutionary dynamics of size and test for a link between fluctuating selection and evolution. We show that, over the past 11 years, phenotypic selection on body size has fluctuated significantly. However, the strength and direction of genetic change have remained largely constant over the study period; that is, the rate of genetic change was similar in years where selection favoured heavier vs. lighter individuals. This result suggests that over shorter timescales, fluctuating selection does not necessarily translate into fluctuating evolution. Importantly however, individual‐based simulations show that the correlation between fluctuating selection and fluctuating evolution can be obscured by the effect of drift, and that substantially more data are required for a precise and accurate estimate of this correlation. We identify new challenges in measuring the coupling between selection and evolution, and provide methods and guidelines to overcome them.