bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prices, institutions, and determinants of supply in the Malian cotton sector
Authors: Theriault Veronique , Serra Renata , Sterns James A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCotton, both a source of livelihood for millions of poor rural households and a major source of export revenues, is a vital commodity for the economic and social development of Mali. Inefficiencies in the Malian cotton system at the ginnery and producers’ cooperative levels (e.g., late payment to farmers and poorly functioning credit schemes) have recently led to an important decline in supply, threatening the sustainability of the sector. Using regional data from 1998/1999 to 2008/2009, this study aims to quantitatively assess the contribution of key determinants, such as cotton prices and timely payment, toward the downward trend in cotton area. A dynamic supply model, based on adaptive expectations and partial adjustment, is employed to estimate the effects of prices and institutional factors, such as credit recovery rates and date of payment to farmers, on the Malian cotton supply. Results show that supply responds significantly to cotton prices relative to cereal and fertilizer prices. Date of payment varies across agricultural cycles and late payment negatively influences land devoted to cotton. Low credit repayment rates create disincentives to grow cotton. Therefore, the revitalization of the Malian cotton sector depends upon getting both prices and institutions right.
The effects of the Food Reserve Agency on maize market prices in Zambia
Authors: Mason Nicole M. , Myers Robert J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOver the last decade, governments throughout eastern and southern Africa have increasingly used strategic reserves and/or marketing boards to influence grain market outcomes, yet little is known about how these activities are affecting grain markets. This article estimates the effects of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) on maize market prices in production and consumption regions in Zambia using a vector autoregression model and monthly data from July 1996 through December 2008. In recent years, FRA has become the dominant buyer of smallholder maize in Zambia. Simulations show that FRA activities stabilized market prices throughout the July 1996–December 2008 study period and raised mean prices between July 2003 and December 2008 by 17–19%. The price raising effects of FRA policies have assisted surplus maize producers but adversely affected net buyers of maize in Zambia, namely urban consumers and the majority of the rural poor. The increase in maize price stability is unlikely to have had substantial welfare effects on poor households. In contrast, relatively wealthy producers are likely to have benefited from the higher average and more stable maize prices resulting from FRA policies.
Potential benefits and pitfalls of respiratory‐gated radiotherapy in the treatment of thoracic malignancy
Authors: Hau Eric , Rains Melissa , Pham Trang , Muirhead Rebecca , Yeghiaian Alvandi Roland 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimDespite advances in radiotherapy delivery, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor. Higher doses of radiation have been associated with improved outcomes but may result in higher toxicities. Respiratory gated radiotherapy (RGRT) has the potential to reduce pulmonary toxicity but there are significant limitations and pitfalls to its use. The aim of this article is to (i) describe the RGRT technique currently employed at Nepean and Westmead Hospitals; (ii) discuss the practical issues of implementing such a program; (iii) present the results of our RGRT program and (iv) review the potential uncertainties in using this technique and the methods we have used to overcome these.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients who had a 4D‐computed tomography (4D‐CT) scan was undertaken. Records from treatment planning systems were used to assess the prospective gating program.ResultsBetween September 2007 and June 2011, 53 patients at Nepean and 26 patients at Westmead Hospital underwent a 4D‐CT. Between April and August 2011, 26 patients at Westmead Hospital underwent a prospective 4D‐CT scan as treatment verification. Two of the 26 patients (7.7%) were found to have incomplete coverage of the planning target volume. Both patients underwent respiratory re‐coaching, alleviating the need for replanning.ConclusionRGRT may reduce doses to organs at risk with the potential for dose escalation. However its implementation requires significant staff training, treatment time and resources. Treatment verification with image guided radiation therapy are essential for safe delivery.
Role of octreotide in post chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy diarrhea: prophylaxis or therapy?
Authors: Sun Ju‐Xian , Yang Ning 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimThe clinical efficacy of octreotide in controlling chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea remains controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing octreotide with placebo in the prevention or therapy of chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea.MethodsA computerized literature search of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and BIOSIS databases were performed for RCT comparing the use of octreotide versus placebo in the management of patients with chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea. The main outcome measure was the response of the diarrhea.ResultsWe included eight RCT comprising 572 patients. We found octreotide was significantly effective compared with the placebo (OR, 4.9; 95%, 1.58–15.2).The overall effect of octreotide was 69% (204/294), while that of placebo was 54% (149/278). When divided into prophylactic and therapeutic subgroups, the prophylactic subgroup had an OR of 2.11 (95% CI, 0.51–2.89) for chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea and the therapeutic subgroup had an OR of 7.30 (95% CI, 4.09–13.04).ConclusionIn chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea, octreotide is best used as a therapeutic rather than a prophylactic agent against diarrhea.
Feeding behaviour and performance of preterm neonates on Paladai feeding
Authors: Dalal Shamsher Singh , Mishra Satish , Agarwal Ramesh , Deorari Ashok K , Paul Vinod K , Sankar M Jeeva 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the feeding behaviour and performance of preterm neonates receiving feeds by paladai (a small beaked receptacle).MethodsWe enrolled stable neonates – 10 each in 28–30 weeks [group I] and 31–32 weeks gestation [group II], and offered them paladai feeds. We recorded the feeding sessions on alternate days until they were on full enteral feeds. The outcome variables were (1) feeding behaviour, as assessed by changes in states of wakefulness, oromotor functions and coordination between breathing and swallowing; (2) feeding performance, as assessed by proficiency and efficiency.ResultsA total of 47 and 27 sessions were studied in groups I and II, respectively. The median postconceptional age (PCA) at start of paladai feeding was 30 (range, 29–32) and 32 (31–32) weeks in the two groups. The infants accepted paladai feedings in all behavioural states. Incoordination between feeding and breathing was observed in about 25% of the sessions in both the groups.We observed a rapid improvement in feeding performance with experience – the median proficiency improved from 5.5 to 10.1 mL/min and 6.2–11.5 mL/min in groups I and II, respectively. The proficiency of group I infants at a median PCA of 30.9 weeks was higher than that of group II infants at median PCA 31.7 weeks.ConclusionStable preterm neonates can be fed with paladai from 30 weeks PCA. The oropharyngeal ability is possibly influenced more by the postnatal experience than by maturity at birth.
Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of boys and parents about circumcision
Authors: Corduk Nergul , Unlu Gulsen , Sarioglu‐Buke Akile , Buber Ahmet , Savran Bircan , Zencir Mehmet 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo determine the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of parents and previously circumcised early adolescent boys about circumcision.MethodsHalf of the boys attending the sixth class of the primary school in our city centre and their parents were included in this cross‐sectional, descriptive study. Questionnaires were prepared by the authors, which include 38 questions for parents and 25 questions for boys.ResultsSixty‐six per cent of the students were circumcised at the age of 7 years and above, 26% between three and 6 years and 8% below 3 years of age. Forty‐two per cent of boys were circumcised by a traditional circumciser and 64% were circumcised at home. Main reasons of circumcision for parents were religious purposes (79%) and health issues (51%). When the boys were asked about their thoughts during circumcision, they mostly stated that ‘it was necessary to become a man’ (58%) and ‘it would hurt much’ (50%). Thirty‐eight per cent of boys were frightened during circumcision and 46% were worried. Boys circumcised in the 7 years and above age group were most content about their age of circumcision.ConclusionsWe consider that it is reasonable to wait up to an age at which the child could understand and participate in the decision of the concept and timing of circumcision.
Newborn oxygen saturation at mild altitude versus sea level: implications for neonatal screening for critical congenital heart disease
Authors: Samuel Tal Y. , Bromiker Reuben , Mimouni Francis B. , Picard Elie , Lahav Sigalit , Mandel Dror , Goldberg Shmuel 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo determine the normal SpO2 in healthy term newborns at mild altitude (MA, 780 metres) compared with sea level (SL), within the context of universal screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).MethodsWe studied 199 (119 at MA and 80 at SL) consecutively born healthy newborns. SpO2 recordings were at 24–72 h using Masimo SET Radical‐7 on the right hand and left foot.ResultsMean SpO2 was lower at MA compared with SL in the right hand (97.86 ± 1.58 vs 98.28 ± 1.41, p = 0.05) and left foot (98.49 ± 1.35 vs 98.90 ± 1.16, p = 0.03). No infant with SpO2 <95% had CCHD. Extrapolating with predicted regression lines set at 95% CI, a SpO2 cut‐off of 95% would result in up to 3.5 times more false‐positive screens at MA compared with SL.ConclusionsAt MA, SpO2 is approximately 0.4% lower compared with SL. Our study supports the AAP recommendation suggesting algorithm cut‐offs may need adjustment in high‐altitude nurseries and suggest broadening it to MA as well.
TP53 mutations in myelodysplastic syndrome are strongly correlated with aberrations of chromosome 5, and correlate with adverse prognosis
Authors: Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Smith Alexander E. , Mian Syed A. , Mohamedali Azim M. , Krishnamurthy Pramila , Lea Nicholas C. , Gäken Joop , Pennaneach Coralie , Ireland Robin , Czepulkowski Barbara , Pomplun Sabine , Marsh Judith C. , Mufti Ghulam J. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThis study aimed to determine the incidence/prognostic impact of TP53 mutation in 318 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients, and to correlate the changes to cytogenetics, single nucleotide polymorphism array karyotyping and clinical outcome. The median age was 65 years (17–89 years) and median follow‐up was 45 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 27–62 months]. TP53 mutations occurred in 30 (9·4%) patients, exclusively in isolated del5q (19%) and complex karyotype (CK) with ‐5/5q‐(72%), correlated with International Prognostic Scoring System intermediate‐2/high, TP53 protein expression, higher blast count and leukaemic progression. Patients with mutant TP53 had a paucity of mutations in other genes implicated in myeloid malignancies. Median overall survival of patients with TP53 mutation was shorter than wild‐type (9 versus 66 months, P < 0·001) and it retained significance in multivariable model (Hazard Ratio 3·8, 95%CI 2·3–6·3,P < 0·001). None of the sequentially analysed samples showed a disappearance of the mutant clone or emergence of new clones, suggesting an early occurrence of TP53 mutations. A reduction in mutant clone correlated with response to 5‐azacitidine, however clones increased in non‐responders and persisted at relapse. The adverse impact of TP53 persists after adjustment for cytogenetic risk and is of practical importance in evaluating prognosis. The relatively common occurrence of these mutations in two different prognostic spectrums of MDS, i.e. isolated 5q‐ and CK with ‐5/5q‐, possibly implies two different mechanistic roles for TP53 protein.
S1‐1/RBM10: Multiplicity and cooperativity of nuclear localisation domains
Authors: Xiao Sheng‐Jun , Wang Ling‐Yu , Kimura Masatsugu , Kojima Hirotada , Kunimoto Hiroyuki , Nishiumi Fumiko , Yamamoto Naoki , Nishio Koji , Fujimoto Shunsuke , Kato Takayuki , Kitagawa Seiichi , Yamane Hideo , Nakajima Koichi , Inoue Akira 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground informationS1‐1, also called RBM10, is an RNA‐binding protein of 852 residues. An alteration of its activity causes TARP syndrome, a severe X‐linked disorder with pre‐ or post‐natal lethality in affected males. Its molecular function, although still largely unknown, has been suggested to be transcription and alternative splicing. In fact, S1‐1 localises in the nucleus in tissue cells and cultured cells.ResultsBy deletion and substitution mutagenesis, a classical 17‐amino‐acid (aa) nuclear localisation sequence (NLS1) was identified at aa 743–759 in the C‐terminal region of S1‐1. NLS1 was bipartite, with its N‐terminal basic cluster weakly contributing to the NLS activity. S1‐1 contained two additional NLSs. One was in the aa 60–136 RNA recognition motif region (NLS2), and the other was a novel NLS motif sequence in the aa 481–540 octamer‐repeat (OCRE) region (NLS3). The OCRE is a domain known to be critical in splicing regulation, as shown with RBM5, a close homologue of RBM10 [Bonnal et al. (2008) Mol. Cell 32, 81–95]. The NLS activities were verified by expressing each DNA sequence linked to EGFP or a FLAG tag. These multiple NLSs acted cooperatively, and S1‐1 became completely cytoplasmic after the concomitant removal of all NLS domains. In some cell types, however, S1‐1 was partly cytoplasmic, suggesting that cellular localisation of S1‐1 is subjected to regulation.ConclusionsThe present results indicate that S1‐1 contains multiple NLSs that act cooperatively. Among them, the OCRE is a hitherto unreported NLS. The nuclear localisation of S1‐1 appears to be regulated under certain circumstances. We discuss these NLSs in relation to the biochemical processes they are involved in.
Novel 3‐substituted rimonabant analogues lack Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol‐like abuse‐related behavioural effects in mice
Authors: Walentiny DM , Vann RE , Mahadevan A , Kottani R , Gujjar R , Wiley JL 
Published: January 2013

Background and PurposePrevious structure–activity relationship studies with analogues of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant have demonstrated that a subset of these analogues with 3‐substituent replacements of rimonabant's pyrazole core displayed cannabimimetic profiles seemingly independent of CB1 receptors. We sought to further evaluate these analogues in several behavioural models sensitive to detecting THC‐like abuse liability.Experimental ApproachSelected analogues were tested in a battery of tests in mice to replicate previous findings. Cross‐generalization tests were conducted in mice trained to discriminate either THC or O‐6629 from vehicle. Rimonabant and its analogues were also evaluated in substitution and challenge tests. Finally, development of cross‐tolerance between THC and O‐6211 in the mouse test battery was assessed.Key ResultsO‐6629 and O‐6658 produced dose‐dependent acute cannabimimetic activity in mice, but neither substituted for nor antagonized THC's discriminative stimulus. Cross‐substitution was observed with O‐6658 in mice discriminating O‐6629, whereas rimonabant neither substituted for nor attenuated the O‐6629 discriminative stimulus. THC and morphine did not generate O‐6629‐like responding. Cross‐tolerance did not develop in mice repeatedly treated with THC when tested with O‐6211 in the mouse test battery.Conclusions and ImplicationsWhile some overlap exists between the pharmacological profiles of THC and these 3‐substituent rimonabant analogues, the effects are mediated by distinct neural targets. Notably, these analogues are unlikely to possess marijuana‐like abuse liability in humans, but general abuse liability has not yet been determined. Efforts to determine the mechanism(s) of action of this seemingly unique class of compounds are underway.
Size at birth, morning cortisol and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy Indian children
Authors: Krishnaveni G. V. , Veena S. R. , Dhube A. , Karat S. C. , Phillips D. I. W. , Fall C. H. D. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryObjectivePrenatal programming of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis may link reduced foetal growth with higher adult chronic disease risk. South Asians have a high prevalence of low birth weight and a thin‐fat phenotype, which is associated with subsequent type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Altered HPA activity could be one of the pathological processes underlying this link.MethodsPlasma morning cortisol and corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) concentrations were determined in 528 children aged 9·5 years from a prospective birth cohort in India. They had detailed anthropometry at birth, and current measurements of anthropometry, plasma glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations and blood pressure. Insulin resistance (Homeostasis Model Assessment) and insulin secretion (the 30‐min insulin increment) were also assessed.ResultsNone of the birth measurements were associated with cortisol concentrations, but both birth weight (P = 0·03) and length (P = 0·004) were inversely associated with CBG concentrations. Cortisol concentrations were inversely associated with current body mass index (P = 0·02), and positively associated with glucose (fasting: P < 0·001; 30‐min: P = 0·002) concentrations, and systolic blood pressure (P = 0·005), but not insulin resistance or the insulin increment.ConclusionHigher morning cortisol is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk markers in Indian children. Although cortisol concentrations did not appear to be related to birth size, small size at birth was associated with higher CBG levels, and may be one of the processes by which foetal undernutrition affects adult health. The findings suggest a need for dynamic testing of HPA axis activity (such as measuring stress responses).
Baicalin Regulates Neuronal Fate Decision in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells and Stimulates Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Adult Rats
Authors: Zhuang Peng‐Wei , Cui Guang‐Zhi , Zhang Yan‐Jun , Zhang Mi‐Xia , Guo Hong , Zhang Jin‐Bao , Lu Zhi‐Qiang , Isaiah Adejobi‐Oluwaniyi , Lin Ying‐Xue 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundRecent studies revealed that baicalin, a flavonoid compound derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, could promote neuron differentiation of NSPCs after commencing the differentiation process in vitro. However, this may not be the most efficacious strategy to determinate cell fate. Here, we have investigated whether baicalin can influence early events of neuron generation and stimulate adult neurogenesis.ResultsTransient exposure of NSPCs to baicalin during proliferation could activate Mash1 to alter the differential fate and increase the proportion of cells expressing neuronal markers. Seven days after, rats were exposed to transient cerebral ischemia, they were treated for 3 weeks with baicalin, BrdU labeling study showed that exposure to baicalin increased the number of newly generated cells in hippocampus, BrdU/NeuN double staining analysis indicated that baicalin could promote new neuron production after cerebral ischemia. Additionally, Morris water maze test showed that delayed postischemic treatment with baicalin improved cognitive impairment.ConclusionsThese results identify the existence of a single molecule, baicalin, which can specify the neuronal fate of multipotent NSPCs and stimulate neurogenesis, making it a promising candidate for developing clinically relevant strategies to manipulate neuronal fate of NSPCs for brain repair.
Striatum‐dependent habits are insensitive to both increases and decreases in reinforcer value in mice
Authors: Quinn Jennifer J. , Pittenger Christopher , Lee Anni S. , Pierson Jamie L. , Taylor Jane R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe mouse has emerged as an advantageous species for studying the brain circuitry that underlies complex behavior and for modeling neuropsychiatric disease. The transition from flexible, goal‐directed actions to inflexible, habitual responses is argued to be a valid and reliable behavioral model for studying a core aspect of corticostriatal systems that is implicated in certain forms of psychopathology. This transition is thought to correspond to a progression of behavioral control from associative to sensorimotor corticobasal ganglia networks. Habits form following extensive training and are characterized by reduced sensitivity of instrumental responding to reinforcer revaluation; few studies have examined this form of behavioral control in mice. Here we examined the involvement of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum in this transition in the C57BL/6 inbred mouse strain. We provided evidence that damage to the dorsolateral striatum disrupted habitual responding, i.e. it preserved sensitivity to changes in outcome value following either outcome devaluation or, shown for the first time in mice, outcome inflation. Together, these data show that instrumental responding in lesioned mice tracks the current value of a reinforcer and provide evidence that neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying habit learning in rats are preserved in the mouse. This will allow for the genetic and molecular dissection of neural factors involved in decision‐making and mechanisms of aberrant habit formation.
Using Relational and Transactional MCSs to Manage the Delivery of Outsourced Public Services: Evidence from Twelve Cases in the USA
Authors: Longo Francesco , Barbieri Dario 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe successful management of the purchaser–provider relationship is essential for the effective delivery of public services, and entails the use of both transactional and relational approaches. We herein analyse the degree and complementarity of transactional and relational management control systems in the management of purchaser–provider relationships for the successful delivery of public services using evidence from 12 US case studies. We demonstrate that transactional and relational management control systems are controlled differently in order to improve contracting efficiency. We also show how a combination of these management control systems offers a framework for structured public accountability and service flexibility.
Making Sense of Social Practice: Theoretical Pluralism in Public Sector Accounting Research: A Comment
Authors: Modell Sven 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper offers a comment on Jacobs (2012) published previously in this journal. Particular attention is paid to how theoretical pluralism may be defended on paradigmatic grounds whilst being mobilised as a vehicle of generating practice‐relevant insights. My critique of Jacobs focuses on his ambiguous positioning of multi‐paradigm research and the possibilities of developing some ‘indigenous’ accounting theory to render research relevant for practice. As an alternative mode of addressing these issues I propose a position based on critical realism and elaborate on how it may be used to stimulate and defend theoretical pluralism in public sector accounting research.