bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multifactorial explanation of youth unemployment and the special case of Austria
Authors: Tamesberger Dennis 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges currently facing European society is the dramatically high level of youth unemployment. Commonly, political solutions and strategies can be found in those countries that have been able to keep youth unemployment low in spite of the financial and economic crises. Austria is such a case. On the basis of European Union Member State data, the article gives a multifactorial explanation of youth unemployment and asks whether these factors can explain relatively low youth unemployment in Austria. With the country's “youth safety net” presented in detail, it is shown that active labour market policy reduces youth unemployment in Austria. The article also points out the limitations of cross‐country comparisons of youth unemployment rates and proposes the use of a greater number of indicators. Finally, the article argues for economic policies to stimulate demand, which have to be based on a political and social commitment to full employment.
Disability benefit reform in Great Britain from the perspective of the United States
Authors: Morris Zachary A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn 2008, Great Britain overhauled its disability benefit programme by introducing a new disability determination process called the Work Capability Assessment and a new earnings replacement programme called Employment and Support Allowance. This article examines the British reforms from the perspective of the United States, which may consider changes to its disability benefit programme, the Social Security Disability Insurance programme, in the near future. The article provides an overview of the steps leading to the reform in Great Britain, details how the new programme operates, reviews research on its initial implementation and effects, and identifies lessons for the potential reform of the disability benefit programme in the United States.
Severe postoperative wound healing disturbance in a patient with alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency: the impact of augmentation therapy
Authors: Cathomas Marionna , Schüller Alexandra , Candinas Daniel , Inglin Roman 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWound healing disturbance is a common complication following surgery, but the underlying cause sometimes remains elusive. A 50‐year‐old Caucasian male developed an initially misunderstood severe wound healing disturbance following colon and abdominal wall surgery. An untreated alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency in the patient's medical history, known since 20 years and clinically apparent as a mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was eventually found to be at its origin. Further clinical work‐up showed AAT serum levels below 30% of the lower reference value; phenotype testing showed a ZZ phenotype and a biopsy taken from the wound area showed the characteristic, disease‐related histological pattern of necrotising panniculitits. Augmentation therapy with plasma AAT was initiated and within a few weeks, rapid and adequate would healing was observed. AAT deficiency is an uncommon but clinically significant, possible cause of wound healing disturbances. An augmentation therapy ought to be considered in affected patients during the perioperative period.
Estimating the costs associated with the management of patients with chronic wounds using linked routine data
Authors: Phillips Ceri J , Humphreys Ioan , Fletcher Jacqui , Harding Keith , Chamberlain George , Macey Steven 
Published: March 2015

AbstractChronic wounds are known to represent a significant burden to patients and National Health Service (NHS) alike. However, previous attempts to estimate the costs associated with the management of chronic wounds have been based on literature studies or broad estimates derived from incidence rates and extrapolations from relatively small‐scale studies. The aim of this study is therefore to determine the extent of resource utilisation by patients classed as having chronic wounds within Wales using linked routine data – available through the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) database – to estimate the costs associated with the management of these patients by the NHS in Wales. The SAIL database brings together, and anonymously links, a wide range of person‐based data from general practitioner (GP) practices within Wales, which includes primary and secondary care consultations to create an encrypted anonymised linking field for each individual. This linkage allows the patient pathway to be tracked through the NHS system both retrospectively and prospectively from a specific reference date. The estimated costs were derived by extrapolating to an all‐Wales level from the results gleaned from the SAIL database using the respective READ codes to capture relevant patients with chronic wounds. The number of patients identified as having chronic wounds within the SAIL database was 78 090, which equates to 190 463 across Wales as a whole and a prevalence of 6% of the Welsh population. The total cost of managing patients with chronic wounds in Wales amounted to £328·8 million – an average cost of £1727 per patient and 5·5% of total expenditure on the health service in Wales. A relatively few READ codes represented a significant proportion of expenditure, with diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, foot ulcers, varicose eczema, bed sores and postoperative wound care constituting 93% of total expenditure. When a more conservative perspective was used in relation to classification of chronic wounds, the total cost amounted to £303 million. However, these are likely to be underestimates because of the lack of information for patients with treatments lasting over 6 months and not including patients who might have entered the health care system of wound management elsewhere – such as patients contracting pressure ulcers in hospitals and having surgical wound infections.
Gas‐Phase and Solid‐State Simultaneous Mechanism for Two‐Step Carbothermal AlON Formation
Authors: Xie Xiumin , Wang Ying , Qi Jianqi , Wei Nian , Shi Qiwu , Wang Shanshan , Wu Huajun , Lu Tiecheng 
Published: March 2015

AlON powders were synthesized by two‐step carbothermal reduction nitridation method, which includes thermal treatment of Al2O3/C mixtures at 1200°C–1600°C for 2 h, followed by subsequent heating at 1750°C for 1.5 h in N2 flow. The effects of soaking temperatures of the first step on phase compositions and morphologies of the final products were investigated. It is found that the variation in precalcination does not have impact on phase compositions of the final products, which are all single‐phase AlON. However, it impacts the AlON morphology significantly. Lower precalcining temperature results in severer agglomeration of AlON powder. Obvious terrace surface morphology was also observed on AlON particles with lower precalcination. Both the agglomeration and terrace‐like morphology are attributed to the gas‐phase reaction induced by the residual carbon in the AlON formation process. An AlON formation mechanism including simultaneous solid‐state reaction between Al2O3 and AlN, and gas‐phase reaction among Al (g), O2 (g), and N2 (g) with the presence of residual carbon is proposed based on the experiment, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The mechanism was further examined by carefully designed control experiments, which was confirmed to be both experimentally and theoretically valid.
Genetic heteroscedasticity of teat count in pigs
Authors: Felleki M. , Lundeheim N. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe genetic improvement in pig litter size has been substantial. The number of teats on the sow must thus increase as well to meet the needs of the piglets, because each piglet needs access to its own teat. We applied a genetic heterogeneity model to teat counts in pigs, and estimated a medium heritability for teat counts (0.35), but found a low heritability for residual variance (0.06), indicating that selection for reduced residual variance might have a limited effect. A numerically positive correlation (0.8) was estimated between the breeding values for the mean and the residual variance. However, because of the low heritability of the residual variance, the residual variance will probably increase very slowly with the mean.
GLTSCR2 is an upstream negative regulator of nucleophosmin in cervical cancer
Authors: Kim Jee‐Youn , Cho Young‐Eun , An Yong‐Min , Kim Sang‐Hoon , Lee Yong‐Gwan , Park Jae‐Hoon , Lee Sun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNucleophosmin (NPM)/B23, a multifunctional nucleolar phosphoprotein, plays an important role in ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and cancer pathogenesis. The role of NPM in cells is determined by several factors, including total expression level, oligomerization or phosphorylation status, and subcellular localization. In the nucleolus, NPM participates in rRNA maturation to enhance ribosomal biogenesis. Consistent with this finding, NPM expression is increased in rapidly proliferating cells and many types of human cancers. In response to ribosomal stress, NPM is redistributed to the nucleoplasm, where it inactivates mouse double minute 2 homologue to stabilize p53 and inhibit cell cycle progression. These observations indicate that nucleolus‐nucleoplasmic mobilization of NPM is one of the key molecular mechanisms that determine the role of NPM within the cell. However, the regulatory molecule(s) that control(s) NPM stability and subcellular localization, crucial to the pluripotency of intercellular NPM, remain(s) unidentified. In this study, we showed that nucleolar protein GLTSCR2/Pict‐1 induced nucleoplasmic translocation and enhanced the degradation of NPM via the proteasomal polyubiquitination pathway. In addition, we showed that GLTSCR2 expression decreased the transforming activity of cells mediated by NPM and that the expression of NPM is reciprocally related to that of GLTSCR2 in cervical cancer tissue. In this study, we demonstrated that GLTSCR2 is an upstream negative regulator of NPM.
The Mutualization of Sovereign Debt: Comparing the American Past and the European Present
Authors: Steinbach Armin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study identifies commonalities between two historical incidents of debt assumption – in the United States in 1791 and in present‐day Europe. By comparing the interests and behaviour of key players in these two incidents, we find three major parallels: first, in their strategic interactions, parties both for and against debt mutualization raise arguments based on notions of fairness and morality; second, in both historical episodes we find harsh rhetoric levelled against private creditors, who are derided as greedy speculators; third, bargaining is an essential element of the debt assumption process. Bargaining is directed toward limiting or expanding the scope of debt assumption. Further, bargaining typically leads to some form of conditionality imposed in order to increase the chances of the debts being repaid or to ensure benefits accrue to the parties assuming the debt.
A prediction model for periodontal disease: modelling and validation from a National Survey of 4061 Taiwanese adults
Authors: Lai Hongmin , Su Chiu‐Wen , Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Chiu Sherry Yueh‐Hsia , Fann Jean Ching‐Yuan , Wu Wendy Yi‐Ying , Chuang Shu‐Lin , Liu Hsing‐Chih , Chen Hsiu‐Hsi , Chen Li‐Sheng 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to predict periodontal disease (PD) with demographical features, oral health behaviour, and clinical correlates based on a national survey of periodontal disease in Taiwan.Materials and MethodsA total of 4061 subjects who were enrolled in a cross‐sectional nationwide survey on periodontal conditions of residents aged 18 years or older in Taiwan between 2007 and 2008 were included. The community periodontal index (CPI) was used to measure the periodontal status at the subject and sextant levels. Information on demographical features and other relevant predictive factors for PD was collected using a questionnaire.ResultsIn our study population, 56.2% of subjects had CPI grades ≥3. Periodontitis, as defined by CPI ≥3, was best predicted by a model including age, gender, education, brushing frequency, mobile teeth, gingival bleeding, smoking, and BMI. The area under the curve (AUC) for the final prediction model was 0.712 (0.690–0.734). The AUC was 0.702 (0.665–0.740) according to cross‐validation.ConclusionsA prediction model for PD using information obtained from questionnaires was developed. The feasibility of its application to risk stratification of PD should be considered with regard to community‐based screening for asymptomatic PD.
Rate of evolutionary change in cranial morphology of the marsupial genus Monodelphis is constrained by the availability of additive genetic variation
Authors: Porto A. , Sebastião H. , Pavan S. E. , VandeBerg J. L. , Marroig G. , Cheverud J. M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that the rate of marsupial cranial evolution is dependent on the distribution of genetic variation in multivariate space. To do so, we carried out a genetic analysis of cranial morphological variation in laboratory strains of Monodelphis domestica and used estimates of genetic covariation to analyse the morphological diversification of the Monodelphis brevicaudata species group. We found that within‐species genetic variation is concentrated in only a few axes of the morphospace and that this strong genetic covariation influenced the rate of morphological diversification of the brevicaudata group, with between‐species divergence occurring fastest when occurring along the genetic line of least resistance. Accounting for the geometric distribution of genetic variation also increased our ability to detect the selective regimen underlying species diversification, with several instances of selection only being detected when genetic covariances were taken into account. Therefore, this work directly links patterns of genetic covariation among traits to macroevolutionary patterns of morphological divergence. Our findings also suggest that the limited distribution of Monodelphis species in morphospace is the result of a complex interplay between the limited dimensionality of available genetic variation and strong stabilizing selection along two major axes of genetic variation.
Interplay of robustness and plasticity of life‐history traits drives ecotypic differentiation in thermally distinct habitats
Authors: Liefting M. , van Grunsven R. H. A. , Morrissey M. B. , Timmermans M. J. T. N. , Ellers J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity describes the ability of an individual to alter its phenotype in response to the environment and is potentially adaptive when dealing with environmental variation. However, robustness in the face of a changing environment may often be beneficial for traits that are tightly linked to fitness. We hypothesized that robustness of some traits may depend on specific patterns of plasticity within and among other traits. We used a reaction norm approach to study robustness and phenotypic plasticity of three life‐history traits of the collembolanOrchesella cinctain environments with different thermal regimes. We measured adult mass, age at maturity and growth rate of males and females from heath and forest habitats at two temperatures (12 and 22 °C). We found evidence for ecotype‐specific robustness of female adult mass to temperature, with a higher level of robustness in the heath ecotype. This robustness is facilitated by plastic adjustments of growth rate and age at maturity. Furthermore, female fecundity is strongly influenced by female adult mass, explaining the importance of realizing a high mass across temperatures for females. These findings indicate that different predicted outcomes of life‐history theory can be combined within one species' ontogeny and that models describing life‐history strategies should not assume that traits like growth rate are maximized under all conditions. On a methodological note, we report a systematic inflation of variation when standard deviations and correlation coefficients are calculated from family means as opposed to individual data within a family structure.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation to Determine Combined Mode to Conserve Energy in Refrigerated Vehicles
Authors: Han Jia‐Wei , Zhao Chun‐Jiang , Yang Xin‐Ting , Qian Jian‐Ping , Xing Bin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this work, to improve the rate at which cool air ventilates the tail of a refrigerated compartment and thereby reduces the temperature difference between the front and rear of the cargo area, we increase the length of an air conduit in the direction of the air outlet of the refrigerating unit. In addition, minimizing the cooling time during transportation reduces energy consumption and improves the economics of cold‐chain transport. To address this problem, we created a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of a transport compartment and used potatoes as test cargo. The unsteady shear stress transport κ‐ω model was adopted to simulate air flow and heat transfer inside the compartment. The results show that the additional air conduit inside the compartment should significantly improve the spatial uniformity of the temperature inside the cargo area. The results of the simulation are consistent with experiments.Practical ApplicationsAlthough cold‐chain transport must ensure a constant low‐temperature environment for perishable foods, more important is the requirement to maintain temperature uniformity in the cargo area. This is the basis by which the quality, safety and shelf life of perishable food are ensured. In this study, we have investigated how to minimize the cooling time during transportation in order to reduce energy consumption and improve the rate at which cool air ventilates the tail of a refrigerated compartment. This research provides reliable theoretical arguments for enhancing temperature uniformity in the cargo enclosure of refrigeration trucks and for reducing unnecessary energy consumption during transportation.
Settlement adaptation on a seawater tide overflow area at the north part of Semarang, Indonesia
Authors: Khadiyanto P. , Soetomo S. , Hadi S.P. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA particular living area in the north part of Semarang has been renowned for its improper environmental conditions due to intensively increasing sea water tide overflow (inundation) every year. Many buildings do not meet the lowest standards of appropriate living place. Due to the salinity of sea water overflowing to the area, metal and electronic appliances are easily damaged. Regardless of this condition, occupants of the living area prefer to stay. This paper aims at explaining how occupants of the living area in the north part of Semarang city respond to the degradation of the living environment due to inundation. To gain the knowledge of the occupants' response towards the continuous degradation of their living environment, comprehensive interviews were undertaken. In addition, questionnaires were deployed to collect data on factors that influence the occupants to take adaptive actions; these data were analysed quantitatively. A survey was carried out by visually observing morphological changes in the surrounding environment. The changes were recorded ethnographically through a track record by interviews involving sketch/imaging tools. Ultimately, we provide an explanation of our observations based on responses and their influencing factors from the occupants in living environment with deteriorating conditions (inundation).
Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal–dermal junction modifications using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications
Authors: Mondon Philippe , Hillion Mélanie , Peschard Olivier , Andre Nada , Marchand Thibault , Doridot Emmanuel , Feuilloley Marc GJ , Pionneau Cédric , Chardonnet Solenne 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis study was conducted to establish a new methodology for evaluating elements of dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), of epidermal–dermal junction (EDJ), and effects of molecules which can modulate their synthesis. This methodology is based on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI‐MSI). In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (in vivo RCM) and echography were also used. Using immunohistochemistry methods on explants, age‐related modification data were obtained for selected dermal ECM and EDJ proteins (collagen I, collagen IV, collagen VII, collagen XVII, nidogen I, decorin/decorunt) and used as reference for MALDI‐MSI studies. A methodology was developed with MALDI‐MSI to map epidermis and dermis proteins. Then MALDI‐MSI was used to study age modifications. In vivo RCM and high‐frequency ultrasounds were used to evaluate ECM and EDJ undulation modifications caused by aging. Anti‐aging molecule evaluations were performed with a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide‐7. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that the selected proteins were found to be less abundant in aged group explants vs. young group except for decorin. MALDI‐MSI studies correlated the results obtained for decorin. In vivo RCM measurements indicated a decrease of EDJ undulation depth with age and ECM modifications in the upper part of dermis. Echography demonstrated that the peptide blend reduced subepidermal low‐echogenic band thickness and improved its density. In vivo RCM studies indicated that the peptides improved the ECM structure vs. placebo. This preliminary MALDI‐MSI study raised some technical difficulties that were overcome. Further studies will be conducted to identify more proteins and to demonstrate the interest of this method for cosmetic evaluations.
SHARP VERSUS BLUNT DIALYSIS NEEDLE USE WITH BUTTONHOLE METHOD: OPEN RANDOMISED TRIAL
Authors: Morselli Claudio , Chiari Paolo , Aliberti Tiziana , Celli Guglielmo , Catalani Silvia , Miale Ignazia , Melandri Vanessa , Bianchi Lorenza 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYBackgroundCurrent protocols recommend the use of a blunt needle to access the arteriovenous fistula via a buttonhole. This study aims to demonstrate whether a sharp needle can be used at the same buttonhole site without causing complications.GoalTo measure and compare fistula cannulation failures between the use of blunt and sharp needles.PlanOpen‐crossover randomised controlled trial.ParticipantsAdult out‐patients who had provided consent and were on dialysis with a mature arteriovenous fistula and buttonhole cannulation.Outcome measuresFailed cannulation—difficulty in inserting the needle and the trampoline effect; incidence of complications, such as infection and haematomas; times to haemostasis; patients’ pain; and patients’ preferences.ResultsBased on analysis of the data from the 35 patients enrolled, no significant differences were detected in failed cannulation of the fistulae between the use of a blunt needle and a sharp needle for the 335 venous accesses (p = 0.071). However, a significant difference was detected for the 335 arterial accesses (p = 0.001), in which the sharp needle was more effective. Significant differences were also detected in the difficulty of insertion and in the trampoline effect for both venous and arterial access (p < 0.05); the use of a sharp needle was more favourable.ConclusionThis study demonstrates an increased incidence of failed cannulation using a blunt needle compared with using a sharp needle, although this was not significant. In addition, the use of a sharp needle did not result in any increase in complications.