bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside
Authors: Takagi Y. , Shimizu M. , Morokuma Y. , Miyaki M. , Kiba A. , Matsuo K. , Isoda K. , Mizutani H. 
Published: March 2014

SynopsisObjectiveSodium laureth sulphate (SLES) is an anionic detergent, which has been used globally for personal care products because of its mildness and good foaming ability. However, SLES is somewhat invasive and stimulatory to the skin, and many consumers with sensitive skin desire milder detergents for daily use skin cleansers. We enhanced the mildness of SLES by formulating it with sodium laureth carboxylate (AEC) and lauryl glucoside (LG).MethodsIn skin soak tests, 5% detergent solutions were applied to the forearms of 10 Japanese healthy volunteers for 30 min followed by washing with tap water once a day for 4 days. Twenty‐four hours after the last treatment, cutaneous capacitance measurements and visual analyses were performed. In a controlled usage study, 16 Japanese healthy volunteers used the test body cleanser for 4 weeks. Assessment of efficacy and mildness was conducted prior to the start of the study and at the end of week 4 by cutaneous conductance, dermoscopic evaluation of the stratum corneum and visual assessment by a dermatologist.ResultsIn soak tests, cutaneous capacitance was significantly decreased on the soap‐treated region and on the SLES‐treated region. No significant decrease was identified on the SLES/AEC/LG‐treated region with less induction of erythema or dryness. In the controlled usage study, no significant changes in cutaneous conductance or texture or damage of corneocytes on the forearm and lower thigh were found. However, visual assessment revealed a significant decrease in scaling and erythema on the lower thigh after 4 weeks of usage with an improvement of the discomfort of the consumer. The favourability rating of this formulated detergent in several questionnaire items was very good.ConclusionThe newly formulated skin cleanser with the combination of anionic surfactants SLES and AEC and the non‐ionic surfactant LG provides a mild surfactant with a satisfactory cleansing activity for body washing.
Nucleotide sequence and polymorphism ofMHCclassIIDQBexon 2 alleles inChinese yakow (Bos grunniens × Bos taurus)
Authors: Xi D. , Hao T. , He Y. , Leng J. , Sun Y. , Yang Y. , Mao H. , Deng W. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe objective of this study is to describe the gene characteristics of the bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)‐DQBexon 2 locus inChinese yakow (Bos grunniens × Bos taurus) and to compare it with previously reported patterns in other bovidae species to investigate genetic factors for disease resistance. The exon 2 of theMHCclass IIDQBgene was cloned and sequenced. It was revealed by sequence analyses that there are 36DQBexon 2 alleles among 44Chinese yakow. These alleles exhibited a high degree of nucleotide and amino acid polymorphism with most amino acid variations occurring at positions forming the peptide‐binding sites (PBS). TheDQBloci were analysed for patterns of synonymous (dS) and nonsynonymous (dN) substitution. The Chinese yakow was observed to be under strong positive selection in theDQBexon 2 peptide‐binding sites (dN = 0.147,P < 0.01). It appears that this variability amongChinese yakow confers the ability to mount immune responses to a wide variety of peptides or pathogens.
Economic Causes and Cures of Social Instability in China
Authors: Knight John 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChina's leaders have often expressed concerns about social instability, viewed as a threat both to the political order and to continued rapid growth. Slower growth might, in turn, further undermine social stability. Using survey data, the present paper examines the economic determinants of social instability. Four main determinants are identified: past and expected growth of income, income inequality, economic insecurity and misgovernance. The paper then considers possible policies to reduce social instability, examining each of the determinants in turn.
Enhancing China's Innovation Performance: The Policy Choices
Authors: Fu Xiaolan , Mu Rongping 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTransforming China into an innovation‐driven economy has been one of the top priorities of the Chinese Government. This paper examines the policy choices involved in the extended national innovation performance framework for creating an open innovation system. Innovation capabilities, incentives and institutional frameworks are examined. The paper argues that China should continue to increase its investment in R&D and in education, and that there should also be an attempt to strengthen the incentive system at the macro, meso and micro levels. This strengthening may include reforms to: release the power of competition and guide resources towards innovative sectors; adopt appropriate human resource management, such as appraisal and remuneration systems; create effective policies for research funding management; and evaluate the efficiency of research to encourage the creativity of researchers, managers and employees. The paper also discusses the space for industrial policy in the 21st century.
Market Reaction to Corporate Social Responsibility Announcements: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Liang , Wang Tie‐nan , Fung Hung‐Gay 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study uses an event study methodology to examine how the Chinese market reacts to announcements of involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Southern Weekend (a Chinese newspaper) for Chinese firms from 2008 to 2012. Our results show significant and positive market reactions, supporting the instrumental stakeholder theory. We attribute the positive market response to social capital development and real growth options related to the CSR involvement by the Chinese firms.
A repeated measures study of changes in health‐related quality of life during pregnancy and the relationship with obstetric factors
Authors: Chang Shiow‐Ru , Chen Kuang‐Ho , Lin Ming‐I , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Huang Lian‐Hua , Lin Wei‐An 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine changes in health‐related quality of life throughout the course of pregnancy and among three pairs of consecutive periods (pre‐pregnancy to early pregnancy, early to middle pregnancy and middle to late pregnancy), as well as to identify associated obstetric factors during the entire period of pregnancy.BackgroundOnly sparse data are available concerning the profiles of health‐related quality of life throughout pregnancy.DesignA within‐subject comparison was undertaken.MethodsIn total, 358 women completed the Taiwanese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 Health Questionnaire and a demographic‐obstetric questionnaire at three stages of pregnancy at a medical centre. The participants were recruited between 2009–2010. A generalized estimating equation regression model was employed for the repeated measures.ResultsThe scores for physical component summary decreased significantly throughout early, middle and late pregnancy. The scores for mental component summary increased. The scores for physical, mental component summary and the eight domains of health‐related quality of life decreased significantly from pre‐pregnancy to early pregnancy. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, significant factors predicting physical component summary during pregnancy included stage of pregnancy and previous infertility. The factors predicting mental component summary included stage of pregnancy, parity and medical condition.ConclusionsThe results revealed the dynamic pattern of perceived health status by the Taiwanese pregnant women in their surrounding socio‐cultural context and identified the stage of pregnancy and obstetric factors predicting health‐related quality of life.
Students' perceptions of self‐directed learning and collaborative learning with and without technology
Authors: Lee K. , Tsai P.‐S. , Chai C.S. , Koh J.H.L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study explored students' perceptions of self‐directed learning (SDL) and collaborative learning (CL) with/without technology in an information and communications technology‐supported classroom environment. The factors include SDL, CL, SDL supported by technology, and CL supported by technology. Based on the literature review, this study hypothesized that students' perceptions of learning without technology positively predict their perceptions of learning supported by technology. An instrument was developed and two studies, a pilot study and a main study, were undertaken. The pilot study surveyed 219 secondary school students and established the factors through exploratory factor analysis with good validity and reliability. The main study surveyed 500 secondary school students to confirm the factors and to establish the relationships between these factors through structural equation modeling. The results validated the four‐factor structure model and revealed that students who reportedly engaged in SDL and CL in face‐to‐face contexts also engaged in these forms of learning in technology‐supported contexts. The findings indicate that students' learning without technology support is related to their use of technology for learning. It may be advisable for teachers to develop students' learning processes in the face‐to‐face context without technology before engaging them in technology‐supported learning.
Regional variation in sex ratios and sex allocation in androdioecious Mercurialis annua
Authors: Pannell J. R. , Eppley S. M. , Dorken M. E. , Berjano R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn androdioecious metapopulations, where males co‐occur with hermaphrodites, the absence of males from certain populations or regions may be explained by locally high selfing rates, high hermaphrodite outcross siring success (e.g. due to high pollen production by hermaphrodites), or to stochastic processes (e.g. the failure of males to invade populations or regions following colonization or range expansion by hermaphrodites). In the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, the presence of males with hermaphrodites in the wind‐pollinated androdioecious plant Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) varies both among populations within relatively small regions and among regions, with some regions lacking males from all populations. The species is known to have expanded its range into the Iberian Peninsula from a southern refugium. To account for variation in male presence in M. annua, we test the following hypotheses: (1) that males are absent in areas where plant densities are lower, because selfing rates should be correspondingly higher; (2) that males are absent in areas where hermaphrodites produce more pollen; and (3) that males are absent in areas where there is an elevated proportion of populations in which plant density and hermaphrodite pollen production disfavour their invasion. We found support for predictions two and three in Morocco (the putative Pleistocene refugium for M. annua) but no support for any hypothesis in Iberia (the expanded range). Our results are partially consistent with a hypothesis of sex‐allocation equilibrium for populations in Morocco; in Iberia, the absence of males from large geographical regions is more consistent with a model of sex‐ratio evolution in a metapopulation with recurrent population turnover. Our study points to the role of both frequency‐dependent selection and contingencies imposed by colonization during range expansions and in metapopulations.
Impact of pancreatic stent caliber on post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram pancreatitis rates in patients with confirmed sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
Authors: Ramesh Jayapal , Kim Hwasoon , Reddy Kartika , Varadarajulu Shyam , Wilcox C Mel 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundDespite proven clinical benefit, there are no studies that have examined the relationship between pancreatic stent caliber and its impact on PEP [post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) pancreatitis] in high‐risk patients.AimTo study the relationship between stent caliber and PEP rates in patients with confirmed sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD).MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of ERCP's in patients with SOD from 2002 to 2012 from a prospectively maintained, Institutional Review Board approved database.ResultsA total of 243/7659 (3.2%) patients underwent 3Fr or 5Fr pancreatic stent placement following sphincterotomy for manometry‐proven SOD. Of these, 133 (54.7%) underwent 3Fr stent placement, while 110 (45.3%) underwent 5Fr stent placement. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics, demographics, and previous cholecystectomy. Cannulation and stent placement success rates were 100% in both groups. There was no significant difference in rates of PEP and overall complications, 12% versus 12.7%; P = 0.89 and 13.5% versus 15.5%; P = 0.54, between the 3Fr and 5Fr cohorts, respectively. There were more mild PEP rates recorded in 5Fr group (93% vs 56% P = 0.0549) that was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThere appears to be no relationship between stent characteristics and the risk or severity of PEP in patients with manometrically proven SOD.
The enzyme lecithin‐cholesterol acyltransferase esterifies cerebrosterol and limits the toxic effect of this oxysterol on SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: La Marca Valeria , Spagnuolo Maria Stefania , Cigliano Luisa , Marasco Daniela , Abrescia Paolo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCholesterol is mostly removed from the CNS by its conversion to cerebrosterol (24(S)‐hydroxycholesterol, 24(S)OH‐C), which is transported to the circulation for bile formation in liver. A neurotoxic role of this oxysterol was previously demonstrated in cell culture. Here, we provide evidence that the enzyme lecithin‐cholesterol acyltransferase, long known to esterify cholesterol, also produces monoesters of 24(S)OH‐C. Proteoliposomes containing apolipoprotein A‐I or apolipoprotein E were used to stimulate the enzyme activity and entrap the formed esters. Proteoliposomes with apolipoprotein A‐I were found to be more active than those with apolipoprotein E in stimulating the production of oxysteryl esters. Cholesterol and 24(S)OH‐C were found to compete for enzyme activity. High levels of haptoglobin, as those circulating during the acute inflammatory phase, inhibited 24(S)OH‐C esterification. When highly neurotoxic 24(S)OH‐C was treated with enzyme and proteoliposomes before incubation with differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells, the neuron survival improved. The esters of 24(S)OH‐C, embedded into proteoliposomes by the enzyme and isolated from unesterified 24(S)OH‐C by gel filtration chromatography, did not enter the neurons in culture. These results suggest that the enzyme, in the presence of the apolipoproteins, converts 24(S)OH‐C into esters restricted to the extracellular environment, thus preventing or limiting oxysterol‐induced neurotoxic injuries to neurons in culture.
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24‐hydroxycholesterol (24(S)OH‐C) is neurotoxic. The enzyme lecithin‐cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) synthesizes monoesters of 24(S)OH‐C in reaction mixtures with proteoliposomes containing phospholipids and apolipoprotein A‐I or apolipoprotein E. The esters, also produced by incubation of cerebrospinal fluid only with tritiated 24(S)OH‐C, are embedded into lipoproteins that do not enter neurons in culture. The enzyme activity limits the toxicity of 24‐hydroxycholesterol in neuron culture.
Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Over 6 Months Increases the Risk of Bleeding after Biodegradable Polymer‐Coated Sirolimus Eluting Stents Implantation: Insights from the CREATE Study
Authors: ZHANG LEI , LI YI , JING QUAN‐MIN , WANG XIAO‐ZENG , MA YING‐YAN , WANG GENG , XU BO , GAO RUN‐LIN , HAN YA‐LING ,   for the CREATE Investigators
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation remains controversial. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of optimal DAPT duration on bleeding events between 6 and 12 months after biodegradable polymer‐coated DES implantation. The secondary aim is to determine the predictors and prognostic implications of bleeding.MethodsThis study is a post hoc analysis of the Multi‐Center Registry of EXCEL Biodegradable Polymer Drug Eluting Stents (CREATE) study population. A total of 2,040 patients surviving at 6 months were studied, including 1,639 (80.3%) who had received 6‐month DAPT and 401 (19.7%) who had received DAPT greater than 6 months. Bleeding events were defined according to the bleeding academic research consortium (BARC) definitions as described previously and were classified as major/minor (BARC 2–5) and minimal (BARC 1). A left censored method with a landmark at 6 months was used to determine the incidence, predictors, and impact of bleeding on clinical prognosis between 6 and 12 months.ResultsAt 1‐year follow‐up, patients who received prolonged DAPT longer than 6 months had a significantly higher incidence of overall (3.0% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.021) and major/minor bleeding (1.1% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.050) compared to the patients who received 6‐month DAPT. Multivariate analysis showed that being elderly (OR = 1.882, 95% CI: 1.109–3.193, P = 0.019), having diabetes (OR = 1.735, 95% CI: 1.020–2.952, P = 0.042), having a history of coronary artery disease (OR = 2.163, 95% CI: 1.097–4.266, P = 0.026), and duration of DAPT longer than 6 months (OR = 1.814, 95% CI: 1.064–3.091, P = 0.029) were independent predictors of bleeding. Patients with bleeding events had a significantly higher incidence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis.ConclusionsProlonged DAPT (greater than 6 months) after biodegradable polymer‐coated DES increases the risk of bleeding, and is associated with adverse cardiac events at 1‐year follow‐up. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:119–126)
The fibroblast growth factor‐23 and Vitamin D emerge as nontraditional risk factors and may affect cardiovascular risk
Authors: Masson S. , Agabiti N. , Vago T. , Miceli M. , Mayer F. , Letizia T. , Wienhues‐Thelen U. , Mureddu G. F. , Davoli M. , Boccanelli A. , Latini R. ,   The Investigators of the PREDICTOR study
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesFibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) and vitamin D are hormones involved in phosphate homoeostasis. They also directly influence cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We examined whether the relationships between levels of vitamin D or FGF‐23, cardiac phenotype and outcome were independent of established cardiac biomarkers in a large cohort of community‐dwelling elderly subjects.Design and SettingPlasma levels of FGF‐23 and vitamin D were measured in 1851 men and women (65–84 years) resident in the Lazio region of Italy. Participants were referred to eight cardiology centres for clinical examination, electrocardiography, comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and blood sampling. All‐cause mortality or hospitalizations were available after a median follow‐up of 47 months with record linkage of administrative data.ResultsVitamin D deficiency (<20 ng mL−1) was found in 72.3% of subjects, but FGF‐23 levels were normal [74 (58–97) RU per mL]. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and morbidities, low concentrations of vitamin D and high levels of FGF‐23 were associated with a higher left ventricular (LV) mass index. Levels of FGF‐23 [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.71 (1.28–2.28), P < 0.0001] but not vitamin D [0.76 (0.57–1.01), P = 0.08] were independently associated with mortality after adjustment for clinical risk factors and two cardiac markers together (N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T), but did not predict hospital admission. People with above median values of FGF‐23 and below median values of vitamin D had greater LV hypertrophy and higher mortality.ConclusionsIn community‐dwelling elderly individuals with highly prevalent vitamin D deficiency, FGF‐23 levels were associated with LV hypertrophy and predicted mortality independently of two robust cardiac biomarkers. A causal relationship was not demonstrated, but the hormones involved in mineral metabolism emerged as nontraditional risk factors and may affect cardiovascular risk.
Impact on Staff of Improving Access to the School Breakfast Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Haesly Blair , Nanney Marilyn S. , Coulter Sara , Fong Sherri , Pratt Rebekah J. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDProject BREAK! was designed to test the efficacy of an intervention to increase student participation in the reimbursable School Breakfast Program (SBP). Two schools developed grab‐n‐go menus, added convenient serving locations, and allowed eating in the hallway. This follow‐up study investigated faculty and staff perspectives of how the SBP changes influenced schools.METHODSProject BREAK! high schools were located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, enrolled over 1200 students each and were 70% to 90% white. Interviews with school personnel (N = 11) and focus groups with teachers (N = 16) from the 2 intervention schools were conducted. The Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) framework guided the question development.RESULTSAnalysis of the interviews identified the following DOI constructs as most prominently mentioned by school personnel and teachers: advantages for students and faculty/staff, minimal staff time required, communication of the changes, support of social relations between students and faculty/staff and trialability of the program.CONCLUSIONThere appears to be numerous advantages for both students and school personnel to improving SBP access. The relative advantages of Project BREAK! appear to outweigh the negatives associated with extra time and effort required by staff. Communication about the changes is an area that needs strengthening.
Can School Choice Improve More Than Just Academic Achievement? An Analysis of Post‐Katrina New Orleans
Authors: Hutchinson Paul L. , Ferrell Natalie , Broussard Marsha , Brown Lisanne , Chrestman Sarah K. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDRecent evaluations of school choice school reforms have focused on improving academic achievement but have ignored associations with adolescent health and the risk of interpersonal violence. The innovative school choice model implemented in post‐Katrina New Orleans provides a unique opportunity to examine these effects.METHODSUsing a sample of approximately 1700 students from the 2009 School Health Connection Survey, the relationships between the type of school attended and depression, suicide planning, absences attributable to fears for personal safety, and threats of violence at school are examined. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for self‐selection into the type of school attended—a city‐run high‐performing school, a state‐run failing school, or an independent charter school—estimates the effects of school type on student health.RESULTSRelative to students at state‐run schools, students who choose to attend city‐run schools are less likely to plan for suicide or to miss school because they are afraid of becoming victims of violence. These beneficial effects tend to be larger for students traveling from higher violence neighborhoods. The effects for charter schools are similar but less robust.CONCLUSIONSLocal school jurisdictions that implement reforms allowing adolescents and their families greater freedom in school choice may also improve adolescent health.