bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healing at implant sites prepared conventionally or by means of Sonosurgery®. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Viganò Paolo , Botticelli Daniele , Salata Luiz A. , Schweikert Michael T. , Urbizo Velez Joaquin , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare peri‐implant tissue healing at implants installed in sites prepared with conventional drills or a sonic device.Material and methodsIn six Beagle dogs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months, full‐thickness muco‐periosteal flaps were elevated and recipient sites were prepared in both sides of the mandible. In the right side (control), the osteotomies were prepared using conventional drills, while, at the left side (test), a sonic device (Sonosurgery®) was used. Two implants were installed in each side of the mandible. After 8 weeks of non‐submerged healing, biopsies were harvested and ground sections prepared for histological evaluation.ResultsThe time consumed for the osteotomies at the test was more than double compared to the conventional control sites. No statistically significant differences were found for any of the histological variables evaluated for hard and soft tissue dimensions. Although not statistically significant, slightly higher mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact was found at the test (65.4%) compared to the control (58.1) sites.ConclusionsSimilar healing characteristics in osseointegration and marginal hard tissue remodeling resulted at implants installed into osteotomies prepared with conventional drills or with the sonic instrument (Sonosurgery®).
Beyond vitiligo guidelines: combined stratified/personalized approaches for the vitiligo patient
Authors: Anbar Tag S. , Hegazy Rehab A. , Picardo Mauro , Taieb Alain 
Published: February 2014

Abstract‘Vitiligo’ is a word that bears endless possibilities and no promises. Each vitiligo patient has a different story that demands a different therapeutic approach. Even though great efforts have been made to evaluate, study, compare and document the different therapeutic modalities available for vitiligo, clearly handling their modes of actions as well as their side effects and establishing clear stratified guidelines, numerous dilemmas are frequently met on practical grounds. ‘Stabilize’, ‘repigment’, ‘depigment’ or ‘camouflage’? ‘for whom and how do we achieve the best results’ ? ‘Separately or in combination ? – questions that need to be answered and decisions need to be taken in the appropriate timing and altered when the necessity arises. In the current viewpoint, we have utilized the available knowledge and exploited years of experience in an attempt to go beyond the guidelines to set the rationale for an optimal and personalized therapy, within the framework of a stratified approach.
Does prostaglandin D2 hold the cure to male pattern baldness?
Authors: Nieves Ashley , Garza Luis A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLipids in the skin are the most diverse in the entire human body. Their bioactivity in health and disease is underexplored. Prostaglandin D2 has recently been identified as a factor which is elevated in the bald scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and has the capacity to decrease hair lengthening. An enzyme which synthesizes it, prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS or lipocalin‐PGDS), is hormone responsive in multiple other organs. PGD2 has two known receptors, GPR44 and PTGDR. GPR44 was found to be necessary for the decrease in hair growth by PGD2. This creates an exciting opportunity to perhaps create novel treatments for AGA, which inhibit the activity of PTGDS, PGD2 or GPR44. This review discusses the current knowledge surrounding PGD2, and future steps needed to translate these findings into novel therapies for patients with AGA.
Crafting an Antidote to Fast Fashion: The Case of Toronto's Independent Fashion Design Sector
Authors: Leslie Deborah , Brail Shauna , Hunt Mia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe fashion industry has undergone a profound transformation in business practices and production systems over the past several decades. These shifts include the globalisation of production chains and the emergence of a new model of “fast fashion.” This paper investigates the response of independent fashion designers in Toronto, Canada to the growing competition posed by fast fashion. It identifies a number of strategies utilised by designers to compete, arguing that they are increasingly adopting a new model of “slow fashion,” which opens up possibilities for forging locally and ethically based relationships in the fashion sector.
A Mixed‐Method Approach to Evaluate a Pharmacist Intervention for Veterans With Hypertension
Authors: Parker Christopher P. , Cunningham Cassie L. , Carter Barry L. , Vander Weg Mark W. , Richardson Kelly K. , Rosenthal Gary E. 
Published: February 2014

This paper examines blood pressure (BP) control after 6 months of an intensive pharmacist‐managed intervention in a mixed‐methods randomized controlled trial conducted at the Iowa City Veteran Affairs Health Care System and two community‐based outreach clinics. Patients received the pharmacist intervention for the first 6 months. The study coordinator conducted a summative evaluation with 37 patients 18 to 24 months following the initial 6‐month intervention period. BP was significantly reduced in diabetic patients following an intensive pharmacist intervention (−8.0/−4.0±14.4/9.1 mm Hg systolic/diastolic, P<.001 and P=.001, respectively). BP was reduced even more in nondiabetic patients (−14.0/−5.0±1.9/10.0 mm Hg, P<.001). Medication adherence significantly improved from baseline to 6 months (P=.017). BPs were significantly lower at 6 months following an intensive pharmacist intervention. Patients also expressed a high level of satisfaction with and preference for co‐management of their hypertension, as well as other chronic diseases.
Adolescent deviant peer clustering as an amplifying mechanism underlying the progression from early substance use to late adolescent dependence
Authors: Van Ryzin Mark J. , Dishion Thomas J. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundEarly substance use co‐occurs with youths' self‐organization into deviant peer groups in which substance use is central to social interaction. We hypothesized that the social dynamics of deviant peer groups amplify the risk of progressing from early use to later dependence, and that this influence occurs over and above escalations in use that typically accompany early substance use and membership in deviant groups.MethodsOur study used a longitudinal, multimethod dataset consisting of 998 adolescents and their families. Participants were recruited from middle schools in a large metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. The sample was 47.3% female and ethnically diverse (42.3% European American, 29.1% African American, and 28.6% other, including biracial). We examined deviant peer clustering as a mediator between early substance use and later dependence, controlling for proximal levels of use, SES, early antisocial behavior, and parental monitoring. Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use were assessed at ages 12, 13, and 16–17. Past‐year nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana dependence (DSM‐IV) was assessed at age 19. Youth and parent reports and observational data were used to assess deviant peer clustering at age 16–17, and youth reported on antisocial behavior and parental monitoring at ages 12 and 13.ResultsEarly substance use predicted increased likelihood of dependence on tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana by late adolescence. Deviant peer affiliation mediated these links, even when accounting for proximal levels of substance use.ConclusionsEarly substance use not only promotes escalations in use across adolescence but also provides entry into a deviant social context that contributes to increased risk of dependence. Our results emphasize the importance of identifying and intervening in early substance use before it becomes an organizing factor in friendship selection and interaction. Deviant peer clusters are clearly an important avenue for intervention when seeking to interrupt the progression to substance dependence.
Quantitative genetic analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters in maize in the field environments
Authors: Šimić Domagoj , Lepeduš Hrvoje , Jurković Vlatka , Antunović Jasenka , Cesar Vera 
Published: February 2014

AbstractChlorophyll fluorescence transient from initial to maximum fluorescence (“P” step) throughout two intermediate steps (“J” and “I”) (JIP‐test) is considered a reliable early quantitative indicator of stress in plants. The JIP‐test is particularly useful for crop plants when applied in variable field environments. The aim of the present study was to conduct a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for nine JIP‐test parameters in maize during flowering in four field environments differing in weather conditions. QTL analysis and identification of putative candidate genes might help to explain the genetic relationship between photosynthesis and different field scenarios in maize plants. The JIP‐test parameters were analyzed in the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) maize population of 205 recombinant inbred lines. A set of 2,178 molecular markers across the whole maize genome was used for QTL analysis revealing 10 significant QTLs for seven JIP‐test parameters, of which five were co‐localized when combined over the four environments indicating polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy. Our results demonstrate that QTL analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was capable of detecting one pleiotropic locus on chromosome 7, coinciding with the gene gst23 that may be associated with efficient photosynthesis under different field scenarios.
Aiming to be a breastfeeding mother in a neonatal intensive care unit and at home: a thematic analysis of peer‐support group discussion in social media
Authors: Niela‐Vilén Hannakaisa , Axelin Anna , Melender Hanna‐Leena , Salanterä Sanna 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPreterm infants are usually breastfed less than full‐term infants, and successful breastfeeding requires a supportive environment and special efforts from their mothers. A breastfeeding peer‐support group, utilising social media, was developed for these mothers in order to support them in this challenge. Mothers were able to discuss breastfeeding and share experiences. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants based on the postings in peer‐support group discussions in social media. The actively participating mothers (n = 22) had given birth <35 gestational weeks. They were recruited from one university hospital in Finland. The social media postings (n = 305) were analysed using thematic analysis. A description of the process of breastfeeding a preterm infant from the point of view of a mother was created. The process consisted of three main themes: the breastfeeding paradox in hospital, the ‘reality check’ of breastfeeding at home and the breastfeeding experience as part of being a mother. The mothers encountered paradoxical elements in the support received in hospital; discharge was promoted at the expense of breastfeeding and pumping breast milk was emphasised over breastfeeding. After the infant's discharge, the over‐optimistic expectations of mothers often met with reality – mothers did not have the knowledge or skills to manage breastfeeding at home. Successful breastfeeding was an empowering experience for the mothers, whereas unsuccessful breastfeeding induced feelings of disappointment. Therefore, the mothers of preterm infants need evidence‐based breastfeeding counselling and systematic support in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and at home.
Benefits of repeated individual dietary counselling in long‐term weight control in women after delivery
Authors: Jaakkola Johanna , Isolauri Erika , Poussa Tuija , Laitinen Kirsi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAs pregnancy may trigger overweight in women, new means for its prevention are being sought. The aim here was to investigate the effect of individual dietary counselling during and after pregnancy on post‐partum weight and waist circumference up to 4 years post‐partum. A cohort of women (n = 256) were randomized to receive repeated individual dietary counselling by a nutritionist during and after pregnancy, or as controls not receiving dietary counselling, from the first trimester of pregnancy until 6 months after delivery. Counselling aimed to bring dietary intake into line with recommendations, with particular focus on the increase in the intake of unsaturated fatty acids instead of saturated. Pre‐pregnancy weight was taken from welfare clinic records. Weight and waist circumference were measured at 4 years after delivery. The proportion of overweight women increased from 26% prior to pregnancy to 30% at 4 years after delivery among women receiving dietary counselling, as against considerably more, from 32% to 57%, among controls. The prevalence of central adiposity was 31% in women receiving dietary counselling, 64% in controls. Likewise, both the risk of overweight (odds ratio: 0.23, 0.08–0.63, P = 0.005) and central adiposity (odds ratio: 0.18, 0.06–0.52, P = 0.002) were lower in women receiving dietary counselling compared with controls. Repeated dietary counselling initiated in early pregnancy can be beneficial in long‐term weight control after delivery.
Overexpression of BnWRKY33 in oilseed rape enhances resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Wang Zheng , Fang Hedi , Chen Yu , Chen Keping , Li Guanying , Gu Shoulai , Tan Xiaoli 
Published: February 2014

SummarySclerotinia sclerotiorum causes a devastating disease in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) resulting in a tremendous yield loss worldwide. Studies on various host–pathogen interactions have shown that plant WRKY transcription factors are essential for defence. For the B. napus–S. sclerotiorum interaction, little direct evidence has been found with regard to the biological roles of specific WRKY genes in host resistance. In this study, we isolated a B. napus WRKY gene, BnWRKY33, and found that the gene is highly responsive to S. sclerotiorum infection. Transgenic B. napus plants overexpressing BnWRKY33 showed markedly enhanced resistance to S. sclerotiorum, constitutive activation of the expression of BnPR1 and BnPDF1.2, and inhibition of H2O2 accumulation in response to pathogen infection. Further, we isolated a mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase substrate gene, BnMKS1, and found that not only can BnWRKY33 interact with BnMKS1, which can also interact with BnMPK4, using the yeast two‐hybrid assay, consistent with their collective nuclear localization, but also BnWRKY33, BnMKS1 and BnMPK4 are substantially and synergistically expressed in response to S. sclerotiorum infection. In contrast, the three genes showed differential expression in response to phytohormone treatments. Together, these results suggest that BnWRKY33 plays an important role in B. napus defence to S. sclerotiorum, which is most probably associated with the activation of the salicylic acid (SA)‐ and jasmonic acid (JA)‐mediated defence response and inhibition of H2O2 accumulation, and we propose a potential mechanism in which BnMPK4–BnMKS1–BnWRKY33 exist in a nuclear localized complex to regulate resistance to S. sclerotiorum in oilseed rape.
Identification of quantitative trait loci with main and epistatic effects for plant architecture traits in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Li Cheng‐Qi , Song Li , Zhao Hai‐Hong , Wang Qing‐Lian , Fu Yuan‐Zhi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPlant architecture is important for cotton cultivation and breeding. In this study, two mapping generations/populations F2 and F2:3 in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), derived from ‘Baimian1’ and TM‐1, were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 10 plant architecture traits. A total of 55 main‐effect QTLs (M‐QTLs) were detected. Four common M‐QTLs, qTFB‐10(F2/F2:3) for total fruit branches, qFBL‐26b(F2)/qFBL‐26(F2:3) for fruit branch length, qFBA‐5(F2/F2:3) for fruit branch angle and qFBN‐26b(F2)/qFBN‐26(F2:3) for fruit branch nodes, were found. The synergistic alleles and the negative alleles can be utilized in cotton plant architecture breeding programmes according to specific breeding objectives. Altogether 54 pairs of epistatic QTLs (E‐QTLs) exhibiting the interactions of additive‐by‐additive (AA), additive‐by‐dominant (AD), dominant‐by‐additive (DA) and dominant‐by‐dominant (DD) were detected. The epistasis appeared to be an important contributor to genetic variation in cotton plant architecture traits. Therefore, the identified markers associated with E‐QTLs as well as M‐QTLs will be of importance in future breeding programmes to develop cotton cultivars exhibiting desirable plant architecture.
Do patients of delirium have catatonic features? An exploratory study
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Ghosh Abhishek , Ghormode Deepak 
Published: February 2014

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of catatonic symptoms, as per the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), in patients with delirium and to evaluate the prevalence of catatonia as defined by the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument and DSM‐5 criteria in patients with delirium.MethodTwo hundred five consecutive subjects with delirium were assessed on the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised 98 version, the amended Delirium Motor Symptom Scale and the BFCRS.ResultsOn the BFCRS, two‐fifths (n = 80; 39%) of the study participants had two or more catatonic symptoms. When the diagnosis of catatonic syndrome was considered, 32% and 12.7% were observed to have catatonia as per the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument and proposed DSM‐5 criteria, respectively. Delirium with catatonic syndrome was more common in women and in those who had onset of delirium prior to hospitalization. Amongst the delirium subtypes, hypoactive delirium was more commonly associated with catatonic syndrome.ConclusionThe present study suggests that a substantial number of patients with delirium have catatonic symptoms and a significant proportion have catatonic syndrome. This high prevalence makes the concurrent diagnosis of delirium and catatonia plausible. The association of catatonia with a specific motor subtype of delirium could encourage the expansion or even modification of the existing subtypes of delirium.
Interaction Effects in the Design of Computer Simulation Experiments for Architecting Systems‐of‐Systems
Authors: Kujawski Edouard 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper demonstrates the applicability and benefits of optimal design of experiments (ODOE) for architecting systems‐of‐systems (SoSs). All experiments depend on appropriate models for their design and analysis. In keeping with the sparsity‐of‐effects principle, a general linear model with main‐effects‐plus‐two‐factor‐interactions (MEPTFI) is assumed to realistically characterize the relationship between the SoS elements and the response of interest. The designed experiment requires additional simulations to account for the two‐factor interaction effects, and the main effects cannot be interpreted as defining the optimal solution. The optimal performance architecture is determined by optimizing the fitted MEPTFI model. The proposed method is applied to the problem of architecting a SoS to protect against small boat attacks. A statistical analysis confirms that the MEPTFI model has excellent predictive capability. It also proves the fallacy of the applicability of the standard Taguchi method for architecting SoSs by demonstrating that it gives misleading results because of the omission of active interactions. The ODOE method can be implemented using commercially available general‐purpose statistics software. Given its mathematical formulation, it can be generalized to solve systems engineering and architecting problems that require complex models beyond the MEPTFI model.
A survey of O RhD‐negative red cells in the South West: stocks and distribution compared to use and wastage
Authors: Page J. , Jones A. , MacRate E. , Webb M. , Birchall J. ,   on behalf of the South West Regional Transfusion Committee
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundO RhD‐negative (ONeg) red cells can be used in an emergency for recipients of other blood groups. Matching supply and demand is currently a challenge; therefore, any service redesign, using more remote blood fridges, must consider ONeg red cell availability.ObjectivesTo identify whether the number of fridges stocking emergency ONeg units correlates with use and wastage.MethodsThe number and distribution of ONeg red cells was requested from the hospitals in South West England. For NHS Hospitals, comparison was made with ONeg National Health Service (NHS) organisation – NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) issues (ONeg as a proportion of all red cells), wastage and the proportion of ONeg units given to ONeg patients (ONeg‐to‐ONeg use). Correlations were performed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsOf the 23 hospitals, 21 responded. Four hundred and forty three ONeg units were held across the region – 56% as stock and the remaining as emergency units. ONeg issues increased with the number of fridges holding emergency units (ρ = 0·48, significance 0·046). No correlation was found between the number of fridges and ONeg wastage or ONeg‐to‐ONeg use. A longer unit shelf life on rotation back to stock was associated with lower wastage (ρ = −0·597, significance 0·009).ConclusionsAlthough there was a weak correlation between fridge numbers and overall percentage ONeg use, there was no correlation with ONeg wastage.
US–Brazil Cotton Dispute and the World Cotton Market
Authors: Ridley William , Devadoss Stephen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractUS policies for its cotton producers depress world cotton prices, adversely affecting exporters such as Brazil, which filed a complaint to the WTO. Despite WTO rulings in Brazil's favour, meting out the right to enact retaliatory countermeasures, the United States continues to subsidise its cotton farmers. After prolonged negotiations, Brazil and the United States reached an agreement which allowed the United States to pay Brazil to refrain from enforcing the countermeasures. To capture the adverse effects of US policies, theoretical analyses are conducted. The theoretical model is extended by constructing an empirical model of the world cotton market. The adverse effects of US policies on Brazil are estimated and compared to the compensation the United States pays Brazil.
Origin of Foreign Direct Investment and Firm Performance: Evidence from Foreign Acquisitions of Chinese Domestic Firms
Authors: Kamal Fariha 
Published: February 2014

AbstractUsing a newly created panel of domestic Chinese firms who receive foreign direct investment (FDI), this paper finds that Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)‐acquired firms outperform those acquired by investors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (HMT). To control for possible endogeneity of the FDI decision, I employ propensity score matching combined with a difference‐in‐differences approach. The results indicate that relative to HMT‐acquired firms, OECD‐acquired firms experience significantly higher productivity in the initial year of acquisition and this productivity differential persists in subsequent years, reaching 27.8 per cent by the third year. Further, OECD‐acquired firms exhibit higher profits, average wages and capital per worker compared to HMT‐acquired firms. These results suggest that the origin of the foreign investor differentially affects target firm performance.