bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress‐tolerator leaf traits determine population dynamics in the endangered New Caledonian conifer Araucaria muelleri
Authors: Enright Neal J. , Miller Ben P. , Perry George L. W. , Goldblum David , Jaffré Tanguy 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDemographic and ecophysiological data for the endangered New Caledonian conifer, Araucaria muelleri (Araucariaceae), were analysed to: (i) evaluate population viability in relation to site conditions and human impacts; and (ii) advance our understanding of how stress‐tolerator plant functional traits affect the population dynamic behaviour and conservation requirements of long‐lived tree species. Growth, survivorship and recruitment in four A. muelleri populations were monitored across 9 years. Demographic rates were analysed using stage‐based transition matrices. Leaf δ13C, %N and photosystem II stress (Fv/Fm) were measured for seedlings, saplings and trees, and leaf mass per area (LMA) for trees, and correlations among ecophysiological and demographic variables explored. Seedling, sapling and tree stem growth were among the slowest, and annual survivorship among the highest, reported for any tree. Transition matrix analyses yielded stable estimated population growth rates, λ, not significantly different from 1.0 for all populations. Leaf δ13C was positively correlated with seedling and sapling height growth, while daytime photosystem II stress (Fv/Fm) was high in seedlings, but low in saplings and trees. Ecophysiological measures suggest that individuals transition from moisture‐limited growth at the seedling stage to nutrient‐limited growth as adults. High levels of environmental stress result in slow stand dynamics, characterized by low recruitment and growth rates counterbalanced by equally low mortality rates. These dynamics result in populations with limited capacity to increase in size quickly, but potentially highly vulnerable to decline should the rate of adult mortality increase. This combination of traits is likely typical of extreme stress‐tolerator woody species and suggests a conservation focus on the preservation of mature individuals.
Foetal and childhood growth and asthma in adult life
Authors: Barker David JP , Osmond Clive , Forsén Tom J , Thornburg Kent L , Kajantie Eero , Eriksson Johan G 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimRecent research suggests that asthma may originate through defects in the airway epithelium, acquired in utero, and an altered response to infections after birth. Here, we examine whether asthma in adult life is associated with reduced body size at birth and poor living conditions in childhood.MethodsWe studied 658 people taking medication for asthma in a cohort of 13 345 men and women born in Helsinki, Finland, during 1934–1944. Their body and placental size at birth, and their living conditions and growth in childhood, had been recorded.ResultsThe odds ratios for asthma were 0.93 (95% CI 0.89–0.97, p = 0.001) per cm increase in birth length and 0.92 (0.89–0.96, p < 0.001) per cm increase in the length of placental surface. After allowing for size at birth, growth during childhood was unrelated to asthma. People who were born into families of low socio‐economic status were at increased risk of later asthma.ConclusionSlow linear growth in utero, which could be a result of impaired placentation, increases the risk of later asthma. Slow linear growth may be associated with impaired development of the airways. Babies with impaired lung development born into families of low socio‐economic status may be most vulnerable to the disease.
Infant feeding practices in the first 24–48 h of life in healthy term infants
Authors: Johns HM , Forster DA , Amir LH , Moorhead AM , McEgan KM , McLachlan HL 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo examine in‐hospital infant feeding practices, focusing on initiation and prevalence of breastmilk expression and to describe the proportion of women having a breast pump immediately after birth.MethodsPostpartum women were recruited from three hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, between 2009 and 2011. Inclusion criteria: having had a healthy singleton term infant, intending to breastfeed and fluency in English. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsJust over 1000 women were recruited at 24–48 h postpartum; 50% were primiparous. Forty‐seven per cent of infants had been fully breastfeeding at the breast from birth, and another 47% had received at least some expressed breastmilk. Forty per cent of first‐time mothers reported having had a problem breastfeeding, and 46% already had a breast pump prior to the birth of their infant.ConclusionsEarly breastfeeding problems were common, and less than half the infants had fed only at the breast in the first days of life. Given the normalization of breastmilk expression, more evidence is needed regarding the impact of expressing on duration of breastmilk feeding and maternal health outcomes.
Hospital Numerical Flexibility and Nurse Economic Security in China and India
Authors: Nyland Chris , Härtel Charmine E.J. , Vu Thin , Zhu Cherrie Jiuhua 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis article contrasts the flexibility of Chinese and Indian urban hospitals and the security of nurses. The study draws on a survey of 55 urban hospitals, and finds that national context generates different flexibility–security outcomes even when workers with similar skills are considered. Our findings support claims that China is constructing a flexibility–security regime that aims to promote both security and flexibility, and that India remains attached to employer‐based social protection, but challenges the claim that economic growth is higher in China because India's employers have relatively less capacity to utilize labour‐time as they wish.
The Greek Public Sector Wage Premium before the Crisis: Size, Selection and Relative Valuation of Characteristics
Authors: Christopoulou Rebekka , Monastiriotis Vassilis 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe examine the Greek public–private wage differential before the debt crisis to evaluate the prospective impact of the recent public sector pay cuts. We find a large public premium which persists after controlling for individual and job characteristics. For men, much of this is accounted for by self‐selection into the sector that rewards better their characteristics, while for women it is largely driven by sectoral differences in returns. We attribute these effects to more egalitarian pay structures in the public sector and to demand problems in the private sector. The recent policy measures only partially change this situation, as wage deflation extends to the private sector, preserving public premia for the low paid.
Effectiveness of dysphagia training for adult learning disabilities support workers
Authors: Tredinnick Gerlind , Cocks Naomi 
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary

It is important to notice problems with eating, drinking and swallowing in people with a learning disability.

People who have problems with eating, drinking and swallowing need support from staff to help them stay healthy.

This study shows that training gives staff a better understanding and more confidence when identifying problems and supporting a person with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.

SummaryThis study investigated the effectiveness of a 1‐day dysphagia training package delivered to support workers who work with adults with a learning disability. Thirty‐eight support staff took part in this study. Twenty‐five support staff received training, and 13 did not receive training and therefore acted as a control group. Three questionnaires were completed by each participant: immediately before, immediately after and a month after the training delivery. Questionnaires measured both confidence and knowledge. Findings indicated that there was a significant increase in knowledge and confidence scores in the trained group. These increases were largely maintained over a 1‐month period. There was no significant change in confidence or knowledge scores in the untrained group.
Self‐directed support policy: challenges and possible solutions
Authors: Harkes Mary A. , Brown Michael , Horsburgh Dorothy 
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary

Self‐Directed Support is the latest system of social care giving vulnerable people in the UK a budget instead of a service provided by local authorities.

There is a lack of evidence to demonstrate how people with intellectual disabilities access information and make choices about Self‐Directed Support.

Self‐Directed Support is not yet available to all individuals with an intellectual disability.

There is a need for further education and training for professionals and support staff to ensure that people who have intellectual disabilities are assisted to make informed choices about care provision.

SummaryA systematic literature review was conducted between September 2010 and April 2011 and published earlier in this journal, paper 1. The findings indicated that few studies of Self‐Directed Support focused specifically on people with intellectual disabilities. The range of individuals' ability and distinction between adults with or without legal capacity have not been addressed. It is clear that Self‐Directed Support is not, as yet, a viable option for all individuals with an intellectual disability. However, some who have accessed it reported an improvement in their quality of life. For Self‐Directed Support to succeed for people with a wide range of intellectual disabilities, the level of awareness of its existence, and the potential barriers in relation to uptake, must be identified and addressed. This paper suggests possible strategies to maximise access to Self‐Directed Support and identifies areas in which further research is required.
Maternal mental distress influences child outcomes in brief parent training
Authors: Kjøbli John , Nærde Ane , Bjørnebekk Gunnar , Askeland Elisabeth 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundBrief Parent Training (BPT) promotes effective parenting in parents of children with conduct problems. As previous research has provided inconsistent results, this study explored the impact of maternal mental distress on outcomes of BPT.MethodParticipants included 216 families randomized to BPT or a comparison group.ResultsMaternal distress negatively predicted five of eight outcomes, regardless of intervention allocation. Low‐maternal distress predicted lower conduct problems (parent‐ and teacher‐reported), whereas high distress predicted higher teacher‐reported conduct problems in BPT relative to comparisons.ConclusionsRefinement of interventions to help children with conduct problems and distressed mothers should be prioritized.
Osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation on SLA and hydrophilic modified SLA titanium surfaces
Authors: Bang Sung‐Moon , Moon Ho‐Jin , Kwon Yong‐Dae , Yoo Ji‐Yeon , Pae Ahran , Kwon Il Keun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurposeWe evaluated the activities of both osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation on sandblasted/acid etched (SLA), hydrophilic SLA surfaces (modSLA) and pretreatment titanium (PT).Material and methodsThe osteoblastic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase analysis and Alizarin Red S staining, and the expression of bone‐related proteins, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN), was investigated by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Primary mice monocytes were expanded and differentiated in the presence of macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF), and osteoclastic differentiation was evaluated by actin ring formation assay and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity assay. Real‐time PCR tests were performed to investigate the expression of gene mRNA expression levels in osteoclast cells.ResultDifferentiation of osteoblasts in the Alizarin Red S test staining and ALP assay was significantly increased in the modSLA surface. The preceding results were supported by the result of RT‐PCR for the expression of Runx2, OPN, and OCN. As for osteoclastic activity, differentiated osteoclasts rarely existed on the SLA and modSLA surface with actin ring. The results of real‐time PCR and TRAP activity supported the preceding results.ConclusionIt may be concluded that the modSLA surface promotes osteogenic effect and prevents osteoclastic differentiation. Promotion of osteoblastic proliferation after a short‐term cell culture might be responsible for stimulated bone regeneration implying that early loading may be possible. Also, the anti‐osteoclastic effect of the modSLA surface may contribute to maintenance of the marginal bone level of dental implants, implying long‐term stability would be provided by this surface technology. The modSLA surface may not only make early loading possible but possibly reduce marginal bone loss during the maintenance phase.
Cone‐beam computed tomographic analysis of sinus membrane thickness, ostium patency, and residual ridge heights in the posterior maxilla: implications for sinus floor elevation
Authors: Shanbhag Siddharth , Karnik Prabodh , Shirke Prashant , Shanbhag Vivek 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine, using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), the residual ridge height (RRH), sinus floor membrane thickness (MT), and ostium patency (OP) in patients being evaluated for implant placement in the posterior maxilla.Materials and methodsCBCT scans of 128 patients (199 sinuses) with ≥1 missing teeth in the posterior maxilla were examined. RRH and MT corresponding to each edentulous site were measured. MT >2 mm was considered pathological and categorized by degree of thickening (2–5, 5–10 mm, and >10 mm). Mucosal appearance was classified as “normal”, “flat thickening”, or “polypoid thickening”, and OP was classified as “patent” or “obstructed”. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed.ResultsMT >2 mm was observed in 60.6% patients and 53.6% sinuses. Flat and polypoid mucosal thickening had a prevalence of 38.1% and 15.5%, respectively. RRH ≤4 mm was observed in 46.9% and 48.9% of edentulous first and second molar sites, respectively. Ostium obstruction was observed in 13.1% sinuses and was associated with MT of 2–5 mm (6.7%), 5–10 mm (24%), and >10 mm (35.3%, P < 0.001). Polypoid mucosal lesions were more frequently associated with ostium obstruction than flat thickenings (26.7% vs. 17.6%, P < 0.001).ConclusionThickened sinus membranes (>2 mm) and reduced residual ridge heights (≤4 mm) were highly prevalent in this sample of patients with missing posterior maxillary teeth. Membrane thickening >5 mm, especially of a polypoid type, is associated with an increased risk for ostium obstruction. In the presence of these findings, an ENT referral may be beneficial prior to implant‐related sinus floor elevation.
Dense‐type crypt opening seen on magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging is a feature of gastric adenoma
Authors: Kanesaka Takashi , Sekikawa Akira , Tsumura Takehiko , Maruo Takanori , Osaki Yukio , Wakasa Tomoko , Shintaku Masayuki , Yao Kenshi 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundMagnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (ME‐NBI) can visualize crypt openings (CO) as slit‐like structures in gastric epithelial neoplasia. Visualization of numerous CO is characteristic of low‐grade adenoma (LGA). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether visualization of CO by ME‐NBI is useful for discriminating between LGA and early gastric cancer (EGC).Patients and MethodsFifty‐one superficial elevated‐type gastric neoplasias (10 LGA and 41 EGC) were retrospectively evaluated. The presence of CO and the number of CO were evaluated in endoscopic photos obtained at high‐power endoscopic magnification by ME‐NBI. The optimal cut‐off value for the number of CO visualized to discriminate between LGA and EGC was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsThe mean number of CO visualized was significantly larger in the LGA group than in the EGC group (31.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.3–46.1 vs 6.3, 95% CI 3.6–9.0; P < 0.001). When the cut‐off for the number of CO visualized was set at 20, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of dense‐type CO for discriminating between LGA and EGC were 90.0%, 87.8%, and 88.2%, respectively.ConclusionDetermining the number of CO visualized in superficial elevated‐type gastric neoplasias by ME‐NBI appears to be a useful method for discriminating between LGA and EGC.
Long‐term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Kosaka Takashi , Endo Masaki , Toya Yosuke , Abiko Yukito , Kudara Norihiko , Inomata Masaaki , Chiba Toshimi , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Sugai Tamotsu 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) based on the long‐term outcomes.Patients and MethodsFrom June 2002 to March 2007, ESD was carried out in 472 cases and 570 lesions of EGC. Post‐surgical cases and status‐unknown cases were excluded. The following long‐term outcomes were examined in 438 patients who were reliably followed up for at least 5 years after treatment (range: 5 years [60 months] to 9 years, 9 months [117 months]): local recurrence, metachronous recurrences, and the survival rate.ResultsThe overall en bloc resection rate was 97.7% for all lesions treated by ESD. The median procedure time was 47.0 min (range 8–345 min). The incidence of positive horizontal andvertical margins was 3.7% and 3.4%, respectively. The incidence of perforation and postoperative bleeding was 5.3% and 4.3%, respectively. There were no deaths related to ESD. Local recurrence was observed in five patients (1.1%), and metachronous recurrences in 7.8% of the patients. The post‐treatment 5‐year survival was 83.1%. There were no deaths as a result of gastric cancer associated with sites treated by ESD.ConclusionESD can be considered a standard treatment for EGC based on its expanded indications and low incidences of local recurrence and lymph node metastasis.
Linagliptin provides effective, well‐tolerated add‐on therapy to pre‐existing oral antidiabetic therapy over 1 year in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Inagaki N. , Watada H. , Murai M. , Kagimura T. , Gong Y. , Patel S. , Woerle H.‐J. 
Published: April 2013

AimsTo evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of linagliptin as add‐on therapy to one approved oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and insufficient glycaemic control.MethodsThis 52‐week, multicentre, open‐label, parallel‐group study evaluated once‐daily linagliptin 5 mg as add‐on therapy to one OAD [biguanide, glinide, glitazone, sulphonylurea (SU) or α‐glucosidase inhibitors (A‐GI)] in 618 patients. After a 2‐week run‐in, patients on SU or A‐GI were randomized to either linagliptin (once daily, 5 mg) or metformin (twice or thrice daily, up to 2250 mg/day) as add‐on therapy. Patients receiving the other OADs received linagliptin add‐on therapy (non‐randomized).ResultsAdverse events were mostly mild or moderate, and rates were similar across all groups. Hypoglycaemic events were rare, except in the SU group. Overall, 26 (5.8%) hypoglycaemic events were reported in patients receiving linagliptin (non‐randomized). Hypoglycaemic events were similar for linagliptin and metformin added to A‐GI (1/61 vs. 2/61, respectively) or SU (17/124 vs. 10/63, respectively). Significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (between −0.7 and −0.9%) occurred throughout the study period for the background therapy groups that received linagliptin (baseline HbA1c 7.9–8.1%). The decline in HbA1c levels was indistinguishable between linagliptin and metformin groups when administered as add‐on therapy to A‐GI or SU.ConclusionsOnce‐daily linagliptin showed safety and tolerability over 1 year and provided effective add‐on therapy leading to significant HbA1c reductions, similar to metformin, over 52 weeks in Japanese patients.
Spreadsheet Modeling of () Inventory Policies
Authors: Cobb Barry R. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis teaching brief describes a method for finding an approximately optimal combination of order quantity and reorder point in a continuous review inventory model using a discrete expected shortage calculation. The technique is an alternative to a model where expected shortage is calculated by integration, and can allow students who have not had a calculus‐based statistics course to better understand how uncertainty affects inventory decisions.
Beat the Instructor: An Introductory Forecasting Game
Authors: Snider Brent R. , Eliasson Janice B. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis teaching brief describes a 30‐minute game where student groups compete in‐class in an introductory time‐series forecasting exercise. The students are challenged to “beat the instructor” who competes using forecasting techniques that will be subsequently taught. All forecasts are graphed prior to revealing the randomly generated actual demand. Experiential learning and forecasting exercises are reviewed before detailing how the game is administered and debriefed. Student survey results (n = 247) provide evidence of teaching effectiveness, including that 78% of students said that playing the game increased their interest in learning the forecasting techniques that were used by the instructor.
Coloured and Toxic Nectar: Feeding Choices of the Madagascar Giant Day Gecko, Phelsuma grandis
Authors: Minnaar Ingrid A. , Köhler Angela , Purchase Cromwell , Nicolson Susan W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractColoured nectar is a rare phenomenon best known from islands and insular habitats. Islands are also known for lizard pollination, where coloured nectar potentially acts as a visual cue to attract pollinators, advertising the sweet reward. However, nectar may also contain secondary metabolites with toxic or deterrent effects. The aim of this study was to determine which factors are important as artificial nectar choice determinants to the Madagascar giant day gecko, Phelsuma grandis, an island pollinator: artificial nectar colour, artificial nectar colour saturation, artificial nectar conspicuousness and/or the presence of the alkaloid nicotine. Coloured artificial nectar and the darkest artificial nectar colour saturation were found to be important visual cues for the geckos, while the contrast between artificial nectar and petal colour was not. Geckos were deterred only by high nicotine concentrations (1000 μm in 0.63 m sucrose) and may even prefer low nicotine concentrations to sucrose‐only solutions. Given their overall fondness for sugar solutions, Madagascar giant day geckos are likely to be important pollinators of Malagasy plant species that produce enough nectar to attract them, and plants with coloured nectar and/or secondary metabolites may have evolved those traits to attract the geckos in particular.
Bullous pemphigoid: role of complement and mechanisms for blister formation within the lamina lucida
Authors: Iwata Hiroaki , Kitajima Yasuo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBullous pemphigoid (BP), an autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease, demonstrates tense blisters with or without widespread erythema, blistering along the lamina lucida, immunoglobulin G and/or complement deposits at the basement membrane zone, and the presence of circulating autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal molecules. These autoantibodies usually react against 180‐kDa and/or 230‐kDa proteins, designated as BP180 and BP230, respectively. The precise blistering mechanisms after autoantibodies bind to antigens are not fully understood. Immune complexes are thought to initially activate the complement cascade, which may induce activation of proteases and/or cytokines and cause dermal–epidermal separation. However, why does separation run specifically within the lamina lucida in a space as narrow as 500 nm wide? This review mainly focuses on the possible mechanisms of BP‐specific blistering and how separation occurs along the lamina lucida, based on existing evidence.