bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is estrogen exposure a protective factor for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours in female patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1?
Authors: Qiu Wei , Christakis Ioannis , Stewart Ashley A. , Vodopivec Danica M. , Silva‐Figueroa Angelica , Chen Huiqin , Woodard Terri L. , Halperin Daniel M. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Yao James C. , Perrier Nancy D. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectivePancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are the most common cause of death in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Women have been shown to have improved survival, which may suggest a possible protective effect of female sex hormones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between estrogen exposure and PNET tumourigenesis, tumour growth and survival in female MEN1 patients with these tumours.DesignWe performed a retrospective chart review of the existing MEN1 database in our institution. Detailed information about female patients’ menstrual and reproductive history, and PNET clinicopathologic characteristics was collected. Questionnaires regarding estrogen exposure were used to collect information that was missing in the database.PatientsOf 293 confirmed MEN1 cases, 141 women met the inclusion criteria.MeasurementsWe used measures of cumulative estrogen exposure time (CEET), parity, live birth pregnancies and bilateral oophorectomy to estimate estrogen exposure.ResultsThere was no significant association between CEET and time to PNET diagnosis (hazard ratio = 0·966, P = 0·380). For the correlation between estrogen exposure and PNET type, size, numbers, distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) stage and overall survival, only CEET was significantly correlated with PNET size (P = 0·043).ConclusionsIn female patients with MEN1, estrogen exposure may inhibit PNET growth. A demonstrable protective effect against PNET tumourigenesis, tumour growth and survival of patients with these tumours may require a larger cohort.
Localized scleroderma: clinical and epidemiological features with emphasis on adulthood‐ versus childhood‐onset disease differences
Authors: Lis‐Święty A. , Skrzypek‐Salamon A. , Ranosz‐Janicka I. , Brzezińska‐Wcisło L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundLocalized scleroderma is a rare inflammatory skin disorder that affects the skin and sometimes underlying subcutaneous tissue, muscles or bones. The disease has two modes of onset: juvenile‐ (JLS) and adult‐onset (aLoS). Clinical features have impact on diagnostic and treatment recommendations, but no consensus on the disease management depending on the age at diagnosis was given.ObjectiveTo identify these features which differentiate aLoS from JLS.MethodsA review of the literature was carried out using the MEDLINE to identify studies assessing demographics, subtype distribution, extracutaneous manifestations, comorbidities, delay at diagnosis and outcome in JLS and aLoS. Non‐English articles, reviews, case reports, treatment trials that did not investigate long‐term outcomes and studies with the fused data for children and adults were excluded. The analysed papers were published between June 1986 and December 2016.ResultsFifty‐five studies describing JLS or/and aLoS were included for analysis. Female: male ratio in aLoS was higher than in JLS. Adults presented with plaque and generalized subtype more often than paediatric patients. Linear subtype, musculoskeletal, neurologic and ophthalmologic involvement were more frequent, among children. aLoS was likely to be associated with increased prevalence of lichen sclerosus. There was significant delay in diagnosis in both groups of patients. Recurrences of disease were independent of its onset mode. aLoS patients had more poor quality of life scores than did JLS patients. As only a few studies or no studies assessing specified disease subtypes were identified, this limited the ability to compare the adult and paediatric patients with these subtypes.ConclusionDespite more favourable course of aLoS, a thorough understanding of the broad spectrum of domains related to physical, mental, emotional and social functioning of patients seems to be important to the proper management of disease. LoS heterogeneity makes it important to develop universal classification criteria.
In Search of a Consistent Solution to Allocation of Joint Production
Authors: Weidema Bo P. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThree consistency problems are identified that arise when partitioning a product system with joint production according to an allocation key, such as revenue or mass of the joint products, namely: lacking consistency of rationales and procedures; lacking consistency of monetary, mass, and energy balances in the partitioned product systems; and lacking consistency of results across model resolution and classification of the intermediate flows. Different solutions to these consistency problems are described, including the attempt of ecoinvent to solve the third consistency problem with a system model that uses revenue allocation at the point of substitution. The problems with the different practical implementations are described. For each of the three consistency problems, a solution is proposed and combined into a single consistent solution. The consistency of rationales and procedures is ensured by asking only one question at a time and performing a separate allocation and calculation for each question. The problem of maintaining monetary, mass, and energy balances is solved by a generalized allocation correction. The identified problem with consistency of results across model resolution and classification is solved by redefining the point of substitution. It is described what consequences the solutions will have if their results are misused for decision making that will shift demand between products.
Characterization of anti-inflammatory effect and possible mechanism of action of Tibouchina granulosa
Authors: Sobrinho Andrea P , Minho Alan S , Ferreira Leide L C , Martins Gabriel R , Boylan Fabio , Fernandes Patricia D 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Tibouchina granulosa, popularly known as ‘quaresmeira’, belong to a genus widely used in the traditional medicine as infusions from their leaves. Other species of Tibouchina are used as antibacterial, antioxidant or antileishmanial. In this work, our objectives were to investigate the biological effects of T. granulosa in models of acute inflammation.

Methods
Chemical analysis showed the presence of proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. Infusions from leaves of T. granulosa (1, 3, 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice, and the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by the formalin-induced licking response, inhibition of carrageenan-induced cell migration into subcutaneous air pouch (SAP) and inhibition of inflammatory mediator production in inflammatory exudate collected from SAP.

Key findings
Our data indicate that tested doses of T. granulosa infusion reduced cell migration, protein extravasated to SAP and cytokine production (i.e. TNF-α and IL-10). All doses also inhibited the first and second phase of formalin-induced licking response.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results indicate that leaves of T. granulosa present anti-inflammatory effect and can be useful in the preparation of new phytomedicines.
Trigonelline and vildagliptin antidiabetic effect: improvement of insulin signalling pathway
Authors: Aldakinah Amat-Alrazaq A , Al-Shorbagy Muhammad Y , Abdallah Dalaal M , El-Abhar Hanan S 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Trigonelline (TRG) is known to have an antidiabetic efficacy; however, its mechanism is not entirely elucidated.

Methods
Hence, its effect on insulin signaling, besides its effectiveness in combination with vildagliptin (VLD) in a Type 2 diabetes model has been tested.

Key findings
TRG (50 mg/kg; p.o) lowered serum glucose, fructosamine, insulin, and HOMA-IR index and increased insulin sensitivity in soleus muscle via augmenting insulin receptor autophosphorylation (IR-PH), pT308-Akt, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Additionally, it reduced muscle advanced glycation end products and lipid peroxides with increased glutathione. TRG showed an anti-lipidemic effect lowering serum and/or muscle total cholesterol, triglycerides, and FFAs to decrease body weight, and visceral/epididymal indices. Furthermore, VLD (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o) increased IR-PH, pT308-Akt, and GLUT4 to improve insulin signaling. The combined effect of TRG with the low dose of VLD was mostly confined to the reduction of the aberrant lipid profile.

Conclusions
The beneficial effect of TRG on insulin sensitivity and glucose/ lipid homeostasis is mediated by the enhancement of the insulin signaling and antioxidant property. Moreover, the positive impact of VLD on pT308-Akt is an integral part in insulin signaling, and hence its antidiabetic effect.
Self‐reported sleep quantity, quality and sleep hygiene in elite athletes
Authors: Knufinke Melanie , Nieuwenhuys Arne , Geurts Sabine A. E. , Coenen Anton M. L. , Kompier Michiel A. J. 
Published: March 2017

SummarySleep is essential for recovery and performance in elite athletes. While actigraphy‐based studies revealed suboptimal sleep in athletes, information on their subjective experience of sleep is scarce. Relatively unexplored is also the extent to which athletes’ sleep is adversely affected by environmental conditions and daytime behaviours, that is sleep hygiene. This study aimed to provide insight in sleep quantity, quality and its putative association with sleep hygiene. Participants were 98 elite (youth) athletes competing at the highest (inter‐)national level. Sleep quantity, quality and sleep hygiene were assessed once covering a 1‐month period by using established (sub)clinical questionnaires, and repeatedly during 7 consecutive days. Sleep quality was generally healthy, although 41% of all athletes could be classified as ‘poor sleeper’, and 12% were identified as having a sleep disorder. Daily self‐monitoring revealed sleep durations of 8:11 ± 0:45 h, but elevated wake after sleep onset of 13 ± 19 min. Sleep quality, feeling refreshed, and morning vigor were moderate at best. Regarding sleep hygiene, general measures revealed irregular sleep–wake patterns, psychological strain and activating pre‐sleep behaviours. At the daily level, blue‐light exposure and late‐evening consumption of heavy meals were frequently reported. General sleep hygiene revealed significant associations with sleep quality (0.45 < r > 0.50; P < 0.001). Results indicate that there is ample room for optimization, specifically in onset latency and in wake after sleep onset. Subtle improvements in sleep seem possible, and optimizing sleep hygiene, such as regular sleep–wake patterns and reducing psychological strain, may facilitate this sleep upgrading process.
Long‐term trends in chronic hepatitis B virus infection associated liver transplantation outcomes in the United States
Authors: Young K. , Liu B. , Bhuket T. , Younossi Z. , Saab S. , Ahmed A. , Wong R. J. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryWith effective antiviral therapies, rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and decompensated liver disease requiring liver transplantation (LT) are expected to decrease. We aim to evaluate overall trends in LT waitlist registrations, waitlist survival and likelihood of receiving LT among chronic HBV patients in the United States. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we retrospectively evaluated adults (age≥18) with chronic HBV (with and without HCC) listed for LT from 1992 to 1996 (Era 1) vs 1997 to 2004 (Era 2) vs 2005‐2015 (Era 3). Multivariate Cox‐regression models evaluated probability of waitlist survival and receiving LT. Overall, 6797 chronic HBV adults were listed for LT. While the total number of HBV patients listed for LT remained stable, the proportion of HBV patients with HCC increased from 5.4% in Era 1 to 39.0% in Era 3. Compared to Era 1, waitlist mortality was higher in Era 2 (HR: 4.55, P<.001) and Era 3 (HR: 3.63, P<.001). However, in the most recent era, waitlist mortality significantly improved (compared to 2005‐2007: 2008‐2011: HR: 0.74, P=.05, 95% CI: 0.55‐0.99; 2012‐2015: HR: 0.53, P<.001, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.75). Probability of receiving LT was also lower with latter time periods (compared to 2005‐2007: 2008‐2011: HR: 0.77, P<.001 95% CI: 0.68‐0.86; 2012‐2015: HR: 0.61, P<.001, 95% CI: 0.54‐0.69). Although the number of HBV patients requiring LT remained stable, the proportion of HBV patients with HCC continues to rise. The decrease in waitlist mortality and lower likelihood of LT among HBV patients may reflect the effectiveness of antiviral therapies in delaying disease progression in the current era.
Quine against Lewis (and Carnap) on Truth by Convention
Authors: Morris Sean 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMany commentators now view Quine's ‘Truth by Convention’ as a flawed criticism of Carnap. Gary Ebbs argued recently that Quine never intended Carnap as his target. Quine's criticisms were part of his attempt to work out his own scientific naturalism. I agree that Carnap was not Quine's target but object that Quine's criticisms were wholly internal to his own philosophy. Instead, I argue that C.I. Lewis held the kind of truth‐by‐convention thesis that Quine rejects. This, however, leaves Carnap out of the picture. I then show how Quine came to see the earlier criticisms as also having force against Carnap.
Disasters and Social Capital: Exploring the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Gulf Coast Counties
Authors: Wang Lili , Ganapati Nazife Emel 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveThis article examines the impact of disasters on social capital in the context of Hurricane Katrina.MethodOne hundred eighty‐two counties affected by Hurricane Katrina are included in the study. Disaster‐related data, social capital, and community characteristics of these counties three years before and three years after the disaster are analyzed using a longitudinal fixed‐effect model.ResultsHurricane Katrina slowed down the growth of social capital, but growth gradually recovered following the disaster. After controlling for community characteristics, areas that received more federal government assistance experienced stronger growth in social capital post‐Katrina. Additionally, metropolitan areas with a higher percentage of senior population, higher ethnic diversity, more per capita housing units, and lower population density appear to have had higher levels of social capital.ConclusionDisasters could hinder the growth of social capital and federal disaster assistance could potentially alleviate the negative impact.
Do Airports Boost Economic Development by Attracting Talent? An Empirical Investigation at the Subcounty Level
Authors: Chen Xinxiang , Chi Guanghua , Chi Guangqing 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to examine (1) the linkage from airports to regional talent distribution and (2) the effect of talent on regional economic development.MethodsUsing the data collected in Wisconsin at the municipal level, a subcounty level, in a region of the North Central United States from 1970 to 2010 and the American Community Survey 2006–2010 five‐year estimates, and random effects models and structural equation models, we employ descriptive and inferential statistics to examine the linkage from airports to talent to regional economic development.ResultsWe find that the farther a location is away from the airport, the lower its talent share tends to be, while greater passenger flow at the nearest airport increases a location's talent share. Given the quantity of passenger flow, a longer distance from the airport also reduces a location's talent share. The results furthermore suggest that economic development is impacted positively by passenger flow and talent share and negatively by distance to an airport.ConclusionOur results underscore the intermediate role of talent between airports and regional economic development; building the linkage from airports to talent within the context of regional economic development provides important insights for local policy making aimed at attracting talented migrants.
Hispanics’ Behavioral Intentions Toward Energy Conservation: The Role of Sociodemographic, Informational, and Attitudinal Variables
Authors: Takahashi Bruno , Duan Ran , Van Witsen Anthony 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesThis study is aimed at examining energy‐related behavioral intention among Hispanics in the United States. It examines the role of nationality and geographic location, as well as informational and attitudinal factors.MethodThe study used survey data from the University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and regressions analysis.ResultsResults show that Hispanics overall in the West had higher levels of intention to save energy than those in any other region, while there is no clear pattern indicating that intentions to save energy were linked to Hispanics' ethnic groups. Besides information dissemination and various measures of environmental concern, belief and interest were strongly related to energy‐related behavioral intentions.ConclusionsFindings contribute to the understanding of Hispanics’ energy behaviors, concluding that environmentalism and information dissemination are important predictors of behavioral intention within the Hispanic population.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery 
Published: March 2017

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 1 Andrzej Niemiec, Poznań University of Economics and Business, PolandChrister Thörnqvist, University of Skövde, SwedenGongyan Yang, Liaoning University, ChinaJulia Stefanova, Nagoya Gakuin University, BulgariaMike Rayner, University of Portsmouth, UKMohammad Soliman, Fayoum University, EgyptMythili Kolluru, Ibra College of Technology, OmanOlha Komelina, Yuri Kondratyuk University, UkraineOnur Dogan, Dokuz Eylül University, TurkeyRashedul Hasan, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaRegina Lenart-Gansiniec, Jagiellonian University, PolandRocsana Tonis, Spiru Haret University, RomaniaRuoniu Wang, University of Florida, USAXhavit Islami, University of Prishtina, KosovoZeki Atıl Bulut, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey Ellery WillianmsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Business and Management StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://bms.redfame.com
Higher symmetries of powers of the Laplacian and rings of differential operators
Authors: Levasseur T. , Stafford J. T. 
Published: March 2017

We study the interplay between the minimal representations of the orthogonal Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}=\mathfrak{so}(n+2,\mathbb{C})$ and the algebra of symmetries$\mathscr{S}(\Box ^{r})$ of powers of the Laplacian $\Box$ on $\mathbb{C}^{n}$. The connection is made through the construction of a highest-weight representation of $\mathfrak{g}$ via the ring of differential operators ${\mathcal{D}}(X)$ on the singular scheme $X=(\mathtt{F}^{r}=0)\subset \mathbb{C}^{n}$, for $\mathtt{F}=\sum _{j=1}^{n}X_{i}^{2}\in \mathbb{C}[X_{1},\ldots ,X_{n}]$. In particular, we prove that $U(\mathfrak{g})/K_{r}\cong \mathscr{S}(\Box ^{r})\cong {\mathcal{D}}(X)$ for a certain primitive ideal $K_{r}$. Interestingly, if (and only if) $n$ is even with $r\geqslant n/2$, then both $\mathscr{S}(\Box ^{r})$ and its natural module ${\mathcal{A}}=\mathbb{C}[\unicode[STIX]{x2202}/\unicode[STIX]{x2202}X_{n},\ldots ,\unicode[STIX]{x2202}/\unicode[STIX]{x2202}X_{n}]/(\Box ^{r})$ have a finite-dimensional factor. The same holds for the ${\mathcal{D}}(X)$-module ${\mathcal{O}}(X)$. We also study higher-dimensional analogues $M_{r}=\{x\in A:\Box ^{r}(x)=0\}$ of the module of harmonic elements in $A=\mathbb{C}[X_{1},\ldots ,X_{n}]$ and of the space of ‘harmonic densities’. In both cases we obtain a minimal $\mathfrak{g}$-representation that is closely related to the $\mathfrak{g}$-modules ${\mathcal{O}}(X)$ and ${\mathcal{A}}$. Essentially all these results have real analogues, with the Laplacian replaced by the d’Alembertian $\Box _{p}$ on the pseudo-Euclidean space $\mathbb{R}^{p,q}$ and with $\mathfrak{g}$ replaced by the real Lie algebra $\mathfrak{so}(p+1,q+1)$.
Gene editing for skin diseases: designer nucleases as tools for gene therapy of skin fragility disorders
Authors: March Oliver P. , Reichelt Julia , Koller Ulrich 
Published: March 2017

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
This review concerns current gene editing strategies for blistering skin diseases with respect to individual genetic constellations and distinct conditions.

What advances does it highlight?
Specificity and safety dominate the discussion of gene editing applications for gene therapy, where a number of tools are implemented. Recent developments in this rapidly progressing field pose further questions regarding which tool is best suited for each particular use.

The current treatment of inherited blistering skin diseases, such as epidermolysis bullosa (EB), is largely restricted to wound care and pain management. More effective therapeutic strategies are urgently required, and targeting the genetic basis of these severe diseases is now within reach. Here, we describe current gene editing tools and their potential to correct gene function in monogenetic blistering skin diseases. We present the features of the most frequently used gene editing techniques, transcription activator‐like effector nuclease (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), determining their preferential application for specific genetic conditions, including the type of mutational inheritance, the targeting site within the gene or the possibility to target the mutation specifically. Both tools have traits beneficial in specific situations. Promising developments in the field engender gene editing as a potentially powerful therapeutic option for future clinical applications.