bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of DNA damage in lymphocytes of radiology personnel by comet assay
Authors: Khisroon Muhammad , Khan Ajmal , Naseem Maryam , Ali Naheed , Khan Sardar , Rasheed Syed Basit 
Published: March 2015

Evaluation of DNA damage in lymphocytes of radiology personnel by comet assay: Muhammad Khisroon, et al. Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, PakistanObjectiveThe importance of X‐rays as a diagnostic medical tool cannot be denied. However, continuous exposure to X‐rays can cause DNA damage. This study aimed to use the comet assay technique to investigate the level of DNA damage in lymphocytes due to X‐rays in occupationally exposed personnel.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 74 exposed and 70 control subjects for analysis. A total of 100 randomly captured cells from each slide were examined using an epifluorescent microscope. The comets were analyzed by a visual scoring method according to comet tail length.ResultsThe results indicated a significant increase (p<0.05) in DNA damage in X‐rays technicians (129.8 ± 17.2) as compared with the control group (53.0 ± 25.0). A significant increase (p<0.02) in DNA damage was also observed with an increase in exposure duration of technicians because of their service length.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that the exposed radiology personnel should carefully comply with radiation protection procedures such as wearing of lead apron during diagnostic procedures and minimize radiation exposure where possible to avoid potential genotoxic effects due to X‐rays.
Is suicidal ideation linked to working hours and shift work in Korea?
Authors: Yoon Chang‐Gyo , Bae Kyu‐Jung , Kang Mo‐Yeol , Yoon Jin‐Ha 
Published: March 2015

Is suicidal ideation linked to working hours and shift work in Korea? : Chang‐Gyo Yoon, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine, Armed Forces Medical Command, Republic of KoreaObjectiveThis study attempted to use the community health survey (CHS) to identify the effect of long working hours (long WHs) and night/shift work on suicidal ideation among the employed population of Korea.MethodsThis study used data from 67,471 subjects who were administered the 2008 CHS which obtained information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors and working environment, using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. We adopted multiple logistic regression models for gender and employment stratification.ResultsAmong male employees, suicidal ideation was significantly associated with only moderately long WHs (51−60 hours), after controlling covariates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.07 to 1.57). Self‐employed/male employer populations had higher suicidal ideation when they had moderately long WHs (aOR, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.01 to 1.50) and very long WHs (over 60 hours) (aOR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.08 to 1.59). Among the female population, suicidal ideation was significantly association with moderately long WHs in the employee group (aOR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.08 to 1.58) and moderately (aOR, 1.35; 95%CI, 1.08 to 1.69) and very (aOR, 1.33; 95%CI, 1.07 to 1.65) long WHs in the self‐employed/employer group. Shift work was a significant predictor only in the female population in the employee groups (aOR, 1.45; 95%CI, 1.23 to 1.70).ConclusionsLong WHs and shift work were associated with suicidal ideation when taking into account gender and employment differences. The harmful effects of exceptionally long WHs in Korea, among other Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries, raise concerns about public and occupational health. To address the issue of long WHs, labor policies that reduce maximum working hours and facilitate job stability are needed.
Mating system and female reproductive success of the endemic, epiphytic Prosthechea aff. karwinskii (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Camacho-Domínguez Ericka , Ávila-Díaz Irene 
Published: March 2015

Prosthechea aff. karwinskii (Mart.) Soto Arenas & Salazar (unpublished name) is an endemic Mexican epiphytic orchid with a restricted distribution. It occurs in deciduous oak forests, particularly on Quercus deserticola in the northern portion of Michoacán state. Due to their ornamental uses, this and other orchid species have been heavily collected from their natural populations. Learning about the reproductive biology of this species is important, as we may gain knowledge about the probable repercussions of overcollecting on their genetics and ecology. This will be a useful tool for the management and conservation of the species. The objectives were to 1) study the mating system of P. aff. karwinskii, 2) determine if the species requires an external pollinating agent for sexual reproduction, and 3) evaluate female reproductive success of this species. Exclusions (150) were made before anthesis. Once the flowers opened, we applied four pollination treatments: manual selfing, outcrossing, spontaneous autogamy, and open pollination. We subsequently quantified the production of fruits and viability of the seeds. Preliminary results showed that outcrossing and selfing treatments exhibited statistically higher fruit set than spontaneous autogamy and open pollination treatments, meaning that P. aff. karwinskii has the capability to reproduce via self-pollination. Prosthechea aff. karwinskii is pollinator-dependent for sexual reproduction, taking into account that the spontaneous autogamy treatment showed nil fruit production. Female reproductive success in open pollinated flowers was lower compared to fruit set of hand pollination treatments. This indicates that this species, as other species of tropical orchids, is pollination-limited.
A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Pleurothallis, with emphasis on Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae, using nuclear ITS and chloroplast DNA sequencing
Authors: Wilson M. , Belle C. , Dang A. , Hannan P. , Kenyon C. , Low H. , Stayton T. , Woolley M. 
Published: March 2015

Several revisions of the genus Pleurothallis have been proposed. Luer has proposed that Pleurothallis species in subgenus Scopula be segregated into the genera Colombiana and Ancipitia. Szlachetko and Margonska (2001) proposed the genus Zosterophyllanthos for Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae. As an alternative, Luer (2005) proposed the genus Acronia by uniting Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae with subsections Acroniae and Amphygiae. The molecular phylogenetic studies by Pridgeon and Chase (2001), however, suggested that these taxonomic revisions might not be justified. We report here a more detailed phylogenetic analysis of the genus Pleurothallis, with emphasis on subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae, with data primarily from nuclear ITS sequencing, supplemented with preliminary data from plastid DNA (rpoB2, rpoC1, and ycf1) sequencing. Some initial, tentative conclusions can be drawn. In the strict consensus maximum-parsimony tree of ITS data, many of the clades collapse, leaving a polytomy with a single, highly supported node that tentatively could be used to delimit the genus Pleurothallis. Such a tree would argue for an expanded concept of the genus Pleurothallis, in which the groups Ancipitia, Colombiana, and Acronia/Zosterophyllanthos, if shown to be monophyletic, are relegated to subgenera.
Phylogenetic analysis of the Andean genus Brachycladium Luer (syn. Oreophilus Higgins & Archila) and closely related genera based on nuclear ITS sequencing
Authors: Wilson Mark , Jost Lou 
Published: March 2015

We previously reported that nrITS sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed at least four cryptic species within Brachycladium nummularium (syn. Oreophilus nummularius). Sequencing of additional species in the genus revealed two major clades within Brachycladium, the “nummularium”-complex plus B. stalactites and Luer’s section Amplectentes. Since the relationship of Brachycladium to Andinia had been noted earlier, a number of Andinia species were also included. Two clades were observed, a clade containing A. lappacea, A. pensilis, and A. vestigipetala that was closely related to Brachycladium and a second, more distantly related clade containing A. dalstroemii, A. pogonion, and A. schizopogon. Samples of two additional genera, Masdevalliantha Szlachetko & Margonska and Xenosia Luer, were included in the analysis based upon morphological similarity to Andinia. These two genera formed a clade that was sister to both Brachycladium and Andinia. Only the node subtending clades of all four genera had a high level of bootstrap support, whereas nodes subtending clades of Brachycladium plus Andinia, or Brachycladium alone, had much lower support. If future chloroplast sequencing produces phylogenies congruent with nrITS, this would indicate that Andinia, Brachycladium (syn. Oreophilus), Masdevalliantha, and Xenosia should all be placed in the same genus.
The Utility of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8 Response Patterns in Prediction of Site‐Level Clinical Treatment Outcome
Authors: Leppilahti Jussi M. , Sorsa Timo , Kallio Mikko A. , Tervahartiala Taina , Emingil Gülnur , Han Buket , Mäntylä Päivi 
Published: March 2015

Background: Different gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 response patterns were studied among non‐smoking and smoking patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) to test the utility of GCF MMP‐8 levels predicting the site‐level treatment outcome.Methods: Data from four independent longitudinal studies were combined. Altogether, the studies included 158 periodontal sites from 67 patients with CP and 32 patients with GAgP, and GCF samples were collected at baseline, after the treatment, and during the 6‐month maintenance period. All GCF samples were analyzed by immunofluorometric assay for MMP‐8. Different site‐level MMP‐8 response patterns were explored by the cluster analysis. Most optimal MMP‐8 cutoff levels were searched with receiver operating characteristic analyses, and the predictive utility of defined levels was tested.Results: Distinct types of MMP‐8 response patterns were found in both smokers and non‐smokers. MMP‐8 levels exceeding the optimal cutoff levels separately defined for smokers and non‐smokers indicated increased risk for compromised treatment outcome at baseline and during the maintenance period. Seventy‐one percent of non‐smokers (positive likelihood ratio of 4.22) and 88% of smokers (positive likelihood ratio of 5.00) with positive test results at both baseline and the maintenance period had compromised treatment outcome. The double‐positive result indicated 46% and 39% point risk increase for the compromised outcome, respectively.Conclusion: GCF MMP‐8 analysis with defined cutoff levels could be used to predict the site‐level treatment outcome and for longitudinal monitoring of the disease status during the maintenance period.
The Influence of Triclosan on Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients in the Cardiovascular and Periodontal Study (CAPS): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cullinan Mary P. , Palmer Janet E. , Faddy Malcolm J. , Westerman Bill , Carle Anne D. , West Malcolm J. , Seymour Gregory J. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Triclosan toothpaste is effective in controlling plaque and gingivitis and slowing progression of periodontitis; however, its influence on inflammatory biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as on kidney and liver function, is unknown.Methods: Patients recruited from the Cardiovascular Unit at Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, were randomized to triclosan (n = 193) or placebo (n = 190) groups and assessed for total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, total white cell count (WCC), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and liver function enzymes, annually for 5 years. A standard mixed model for each marker included group, sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, periodontal status, statin and anti‐inflammatory drug use, and smoking as covariates. Changes in eGFR, WCC, and ESR were further analyzed using transition modeling.Results: Triclosan toothpaste led to a greater decrease in TC (P = 0.03), LDL cholesterol (P = 0.04), and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.05) than placebo toothpaste. ESR increased at a slower rate in the triclosan group (P ≈ 0.06) and was less likely to increase and more likely to improve in males on statins but not anti‐inflammatory drugs in the triclosan group versus the placebo group. Markov modeling of the binary response for eGFR (greater than or less than/equal to the baseline median value) showed that patients with diabetes in the placebo group were significantly (P ≈ 0.05) more likely to deteriorate than either patients with diabetes in the triclosan group or patients without diabetes in each group.Conclusions: These data suggest that triclosan toothpaste may influence some inflammatory biomarkers of CVD, but not kidney or liver function. However, it is unclear if this influence is clinically significant.
Performance Target Levels and Effort: Reciprocity across Single- and Repeated-Interaction Settings
Authors: Fisher Joseph G. , Peffer Sean A. , Sprinkle Geoffrey B. , Williamson Michael G. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
We examine how reciprocity affects the relation between performance target levels and effort across single- and repeated-interaction settings. Using a laboratory experiment where participants make choices from a payoff matrix representing target and effort levels, we model a setting where employee-participants have economic incentives to respond to higher target assignments by superior-participants with higher effort. However, reciprocity could lead employees to reward low target assignments with high effort and punish high target assignments with low effort. In a single-interaction setting where only innate preferences can drive reciprocal behavior, we find that superiors select higher targets and that employees generally respond with higher effort. In a repeated-interaction setting where reciprocal behavior can emerge for strategic reasons, we find that superiors set lower targets and that employees generally respond to low targets with high effort and to high targets with low effort. Collectively, our results suggest that reciprocity plays a limited role in affecting target and effort levels in a single-interaction setting. Rather, reciprocity appears to emerge for more strategic reasons brought on by repeated interactions. As most work relationships extend over multiple periods, our results may help explain why organizations tend to set readily achievable performance targets.
Performance of Zebu Heifers under Heat Mitigation Measures in a Humid-Tropical Environment
Authors: Olorunnisomo Olusola Adeyanju , Akinpelu Wasiu Abiodun , Oni Ayodeji Ayotunde 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Productivity of bovine species is drastically reduced when the animals are subjected to heat stress as often occurs in tropical regions. Although zebu cattle are considered to be heat tolerant, their productivity could improve when cooling measures are applied to mitigate the effects of heat stress. In this study, twenty four Sokoto Gudali heifers under mean ambient temperature of 27.4 ­°C and temperature humidity index (THI) of 78 were subjected to four cooling treatments: no cooling (control), fan, shower and shower with fan. Rectal temperature of heifers reduced from 39.3 °C (in the afternoon) to 39.2, 38.5, 38.5 and 38.0 °C for control, fan, shower and shower with fan, respectively, one hour after administration of treatments. Dry matter intake (DMI) and growth rate of heifers increased significantly (P < 0.05) when cooling measures were applied. DMI of heifers varied from 2.08 to 3.78% of body weight (BW) while average daily gain (ADG) varied from 0.38 to 0.86 kg/d with cooled animals having the higher values. Application of cooling measures significantly improved the performance of zebu heifers raised in a hot and humid environment.
Rice Marketing as a Means of Poverty Alleviation in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatoyin Olorunsanya Eniola , Utsunu Ugbong Josephine 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This study examined rice marketing as a means of poverty alleviation in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Ninety-eight representative rice marketers’ households were used for the study. Descriptive statistics, Foster, Greer and Thorbecke poverty measures as well as logistic regression model were used as the analytical tools for the study. The result of the descriptive statistics shows that forty-nine percent of the rice marketers have no western education and majority of the rice marketers’ households used open spaces for defecation. The result of the poverty profile shows that all the representative households were poor using 1.25 dollar a day poverty benchmark and only 32 percent were poor using the estimated relative poverty benchmark of N 1,894.2 per capita. The result of the logistic regression model shows the following factors influenced the poverty status of the rice marketers’ households in the study area. These are age and gender of the rice marketers, household size, other sources of income, marital status of the rice marketers and their educational status. The study recommends manageable household size as well as improved level of education for members of the rice marketers’ households for poverty reduction in the study area.
An Andean Ancient Crop, Chenopodium quinoa Willd: A Review
Authors: Tuisima Coral Lady Laura , Fernández Cusimamani Eloy 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is the oldest pseudocereal native from the Andean Region from 20° N in Columbia to 40°S in Chile, it grows from sea level to an altitude of 3 800 m, adapted to several agroclimates and abiotic stress. Quinoa is an annual plant that reaches a height of 0.2 to 3.0 m, it can display a variety of colours from the leaves and inflorescences. Quinoa seeds present a rich source of a variety of minerals, vitamins and higher contents of most essential amino acids, especially lysine which reveals its potential for a valuable ingredient in the preparation of highly nutritious food and also its nutraceutical properties. The high genetic variability and premises properties of quinoa make it potential to be grown worldwide, even it has been declared “The International Year of the Quinoa” (IYQ) by the United Nations in the year 2013.
Comparison of Two-Phase Pressure Drop Models for Condensing Flows in Horizontal Tubes
Authors: Filip Alina , Băltăreţu Florin , Damian Radu-Mircea 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
An important parameter in the hydraulic design of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems is the two-phase flow pressure drop. In this paper, the authors compare the numerical results obtained by using seven two-phase pressure-drop models with the experimental results found in the scientific literature, for the condensation of R600a and R717 (Ammonia = NH3) in horizontal tubes. Different mass flow rates and different conditions have been considered in order to see which correlation is applicable under specific operation conditions.
Puisque ton navire n'est pas fait de planches…
Authors: Bertrand Romain 
Published: March 2015

Au début de l’époque moderne, au xvi e siècle, des relations commerciales, diplomatiques et militaires intermittentes s’établissent entre l’Europe et le monde insulindien (l’Asie du Sud-Est insulaire). Les premiers voyages des Portugais, des Hollandais et des Britanniques aux Indes Orientales sont l’une des occasions privilégiées de la mise au point – et à l’épreuve – de techniques spécifiques de navigation hauturière, qui toutes visent à jauger et prévenir le péril du naufrage. Mais cette élaboration technique se double d’une préoccupation d’ordre spirituel : il s’agit d’éviter le décès sans sacrement ni sépulture. Quantité de rituels de supplique ont ainsi pour finalité de conjurer le danger de la « malemort » en mer. Ces précautions rituelles s’observent aussi bien côté malais et javanais que côté hollandais et britannique.
Attention aux loups !
Authors: Doré Antoine 
Published: March 2015

Partant d’une enquête sur la gestion des loups en France, cet article s’attache à comprendre empiriquement quelles sont les conditions de la mesure de la menace lorsque le rapport à l’animal est ambivalent. Il montre que la mise en œuvre d’opérations ponctuelles de prélèvement létal de loups – dispositif central de la prise en charge publique des conflits relatifs à cette espèce en France – suppose et engendre l’articulation de deux modes d’existence de ces animaux. D’un côté, des « loups menaçants mangeurs de bétail » sont appréhendés, via une métrologie locale et circonstanciée, orientée vers le traitement et la prise en charge de « cas » ; de l’autre, des « loups menacés » sont saisis via une métrologie dynamique, généralisée, envisagée à l’échelle nationale et orientée vers la gestion d’une « population ».
Cellular Mechanisms of CCL22-Mediated Attenuation of Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Bischoff Loraine , Alvarez Sigrid , Dai Derek L. , Soukhatcheva Galina , Orban Paul C. , Verchere C. Bruce 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells in type 1 diabetes and islet transplantation involves a variety of immune pathways but is primarily mediated by self-reactive T cells. Chemokines can modulate local immune responses in inflammation and tumors by recruiting immune cells. We have reported that expression of the chemokine CCL22 in pancreatic β cells in the NOD mouse prevents autoimmune attack by recruiting T regulatory cells (Tregs), protecting mice from diabetes. In this study we show that invariant NKT cells are also recruited to CCL22-expressing islet transplants and are required for CCL22-mediated protection from autoimmunity. Moreover, CCL22 induces an influx of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which correlates with higher levels of IDO in CCL22-expressing islet grafts. In addition to its chemotactic properties, we found that CCL22 activates Tregs and promotes their ability to induce expression of IDO by dendritic cells. Islet CCL22 expression thus produces a tolerogenic milieu through the interplay of Tregs, invariant NKT cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which results in suppression of effector T cell responses and protection of β cells. The immunomodulatory properties of CCL22 could be harnessed for prevention of graft rejection and type 1 diabetes as well as other autoimmune disorders.