bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A ‘missing not at random’ (MNAR) and ‘missing at random’ (MAR) growth model comparison with a buprenorphine/naloxone clinical trial
Authors: McPherson Sterling , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Mamey Mary Rose , McDonell Michael , Enders Craig K. , Roll John 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimsTo compare three missing data strategies: (i) the latent growth model that assumes the data are missing at random (MAR) model; (ii) the Diggle–Kenward missing not at random (MNAR) model, where dropout is a function of previous/concurrent urinalysis (UA) submissions; and (iii) the Wu–Carroll MNAR model where dropout is a function of the growth factors.Design Secondary data analysis of a National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network trial that examined a 7‐day versus 28‐day taper (i.e. stepwise decrease in buprenorphine/naloxone) on the likelihood of submitting an opioid‐positive UA during treatment.Setting11 out‐patient treatment settings in 10 US cities.ParticipantsA total of 516 opioid‐dependent participants.MeasurementsOpioid UAs provided across the 4‐week treatment period.FindingsThe MAR model showed a significant effect (B = −0.45, P < 0.05) of trial arm on the opioid‐positive UA slope (i.e. 28‐day taper participants were less likely to submit a positive UA over time) with a small effect size (d = 0.20). The MNAR Diggle–Kenward model demonstrated a significant (B = −0.64, P < 0.01) effect of trial arm on the slope with a large effect size (d = 0.82). The MNAR Wu–Carroll model showed a significant (B = −0.41, P < 0.05) effect of trial arm on the UA slope that was relatively small (d = 0.31).ConclusionsThis performance comparison of three missing data strategies (latent growth model, Diggle–Kenward selection model, Wu–Carrol selection model) on sample data indicates a need for increased use of sensitivity analyses in clinical trial research. Given the potential sensitivity of the trial arm effect to missing data assumptions, it is critical for researchers to consider whether the assumptions associated with each model are defensible.
The relationship between length of Barrett's oesophagus mucosa and body mass index
Authors: Abdallah J. , Maradey‐Romero C. , Lewis S. , Perzynski A. , Fass R. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundLength of Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer. The underlying mechanisms that determine BE length are nor fully known.AimTo determine if there is a correlation between obesity and length of BE.MethodsUsing a population‐based study, 381 patients diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus between 1999 and 2013 were included. Body mass index (BMI) at the time of BE diagnosis was calculated. Upper endoscopy reports were reviewed to obtain the length of BE. Spearman's correlation coefficient was performed to assess the strength of the relationship between Barrett's length and BMI. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to further examine the association between BMI and length of BE.ResultsThe adjusted odds ratio for each five‐point increase in BMI was 1.5 (95% CI 1.24–1.81, P < 0.001). The mean BMI was significantly higher in patients with long segment BE as compared to patients with short segment BE (32.7 vs. 30.3, P = 0.001). There was also a positive trend in long segment BE as patients entered into higher BMI categories (Z = 4.25, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between BMI and length of BE (r = 0.25, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe study demonstrated a correlation between BMI and the length of Barrett's oesophagus mucosa. Thus, increased BMI is associated with longer segment of Barrett's oesophagus.
Building a construction procurement negotiation training game model: Learning experiences and outcomes
Authors: Dzeng Ren‐Jye , Lin Ken‐Yu , Wang Pei‐Ru 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGame‐based education is a promising method for encouraging student learning. Although learning construction procurement and negotiation require hands‐on practice, in most construction management courses at the college level, this subject is taught by using lectures and case studies. In this study, a construction procurement and negotiation game was developed, and paper‐based and web‐based versions were implemented. The game enables students to play the role of contractors or suppliers and generate profits by negotiating and procuring or selling reinforcing steel in a simulated market with a probabilistic nature. The experimental results indicate that playing both versions of the game increased student learning motivation, satisfaction and outcomes. Students awarded the web‐based game higher assessment scores than they did for the paper‐based game. Students playing either version of the game also achieved higher test scores than students who were taught using the traditional approach did. However, for students with work experience, playing the paper‐based game resulted in higher scores than the web‐based game scores.
Feeling like a group after a natural disaster: Common ingroup identity and relations with outgroup victims among majority and minority young children
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Cadamuro Alessia , Versari Annalisa , Giovannini Dino , Trifiletti Elena 
Published: October 2014

We conducted a field study to test whether the common ingroup identity model (Gaertner & Dovidio, 2000, reducing intergroup bias: The common ingroup identity model. Philadelphia, PA: Psychology Press) could be a useful tool to improve intergroup relations in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Participants were majority (Italian) and minority (immigrant) elementary school children (N = 517) living in the area struck by powerful earthquakes in May 2012. Results revealed that, among majority children, the perceived external threat represented by the earthquake was associated with greater perceptions of belonging to a common ingroup including both ingroup and outgroup. In turn, heightened one‐group perceptions were associated with greater willingness to meet and help outgroup victims, both directly and indirectly via more positive outgroup attitudes. Among immigrant children, perceived disaster threat was not associated with any of the dependent variables; one‐group perceptions were positively associated with outgroup attitudes, helping and contact intentions towards outgroup victims. Thus, one‐group perceptions after a natural disaster may promote more positive and supporting relations between the majority and the minority group. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
Anaesthetics as cardioprotectants: translatability and mechanism
Authors: Kikuchi C , Dosenovic S , Bienengraeber M 
Published: October 2014

The pharmacological conditioning of the heart with anaesthetics, such as volatile anaesthetics or opioids, is a phenomenon whereby a transient exposure to an anaesthetic agent protects the heart from the harmful consequences of myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of anaesthetic conditioning appear largely to mimic those of ischaemic pre‐ and post‐conditioning. Progress has been made on the understanding of the underlying mechanisms although the order of events and the specific targets of anaesthetics that trigger protection are not always clear. In the laboratory, the protection afforded by certain anaesthetics against cardiac ischaemia and reperfusion injury is powerful and reproducible but this has not necessarily translated into similarly robust clinical benefits. Indeed, clinical studies and meta‐analyses delivered variable results when comparing in the laboratory setting protective and non‐protective anaesthetics. Reasons for this include underlying conditions such as age, obesity and diabetes. Animal models for disease or ageing, human cardiomyocytes derived from stem cells of patients and further clinical studies are employed to better understand the underlying causes that prevent a more robust protection in patients.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Oestrogen inhibits BMP4‐induced BMP4 expression in cardiomyocytes: a potential mechanism of oestrogen‐mediated protection against cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chun , Xiao Xiao‐Lin , Li Na , Yang Di , Xing Yue , Huo Rong , Liu Ming‐Yu , Zhang Yan‐Qiu , Dong De‐Li 
Published: October 2014

Background and PurposeOestrogen inhibits cardiac hypertrophy and bone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP4) induces cardiac hypertrophy. Here we have studied the inhibition by oestrogen of BMP4 expression in cardiomyocytes.Experimental ApproachCultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used in in vitro experiments. Bilatαl ovariectomy (OVX) was carried out in female Kunming mice and cardiac hypertrophy was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC).Key ResultsOestrogen inhibited BMP4‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and BMP4 expression in vitro. The inhibition of BMP4‐induced BMP4 protein expression by oestrogen was prevented by the inhibitor of oestrogen receptor‐β, PHTPP, but not by the inhibitor of oestrogen receptor‐α MPP. BMP4 induced smad1/5/8 activation, which was not affected by oestrogen in cardiomyocytes. BMP4 induced JNK but not ERK1/2 and p38 activation, and activated JNK was inhibited by oestrogen. Treatment with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited BMP4‐induced BMP4 expression in cardiomyocytes, but the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 increased BMP4‐induced BMP4 expression, indicating that JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs were all involved, although only JNK activation contributed to the inhibition of BMP4‐induced BMP4 expression by oestrogen. TAC induced significant heart hypertrophy in OVX mice in vivo and oestrogen replacement inhibited TAC‐induced heart hypertrophy in OVX mice. In parallel with the data of heart hypertrophy, oestrogen replacement significantly reduced the increased BMP4 protein expression in TAC‐treated OVX mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsOestrogen treatment inhibited BMP4‐induced BMP4 expression in cardiomyocytes through stimulating oestrogen receptor‐β and inhibiting JNK activation. Our results provide a novel mechanism underlying oestrogen‐mediated protection against cardiac hypertrophy.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
Teaching Lean Six Sigma within A Supply Chain Context: The Airplane Supply Chain Simulation
Authors: Ellis Scott C. , Goldsby Thomas J. , Bailey Ana M. , Oh Jae‐Young 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTLean six sigma is a management methodology that firms can employ to achieve substantial improvement in supply chain performance. However, few pedagogical exercises facilitate students’ use of a comprehensive set of lean six sigma principles within a supply chain context. We describe the Airplane Supply Chain Simulation that helps students understand how lean six sigma concepts may be leveraged to improve supply chain performance. The basis of this simulation is a four‐tier supply chain, consisting of suppliers (two tiers), a manufacturer, and a customer, that produces three models of paper airplanes to meet randomly distributed customer demand. In the first of three successive runs, a highly structured simulation is executed in which supply chain roles are well defined, material flows are convoluted, and a “push” production strategy is followed. The first simulation as the “current state” and, for the second and third simulation runs, challenge competing student teams to leverage lean six sigma concepts to develop a “future state” that enables the fulfillment of all customer orders at the lowest cost. Results based on statistical analyses of survey response data from 194 MBA students show that the Airplane Supply Chain Simulation is an effective participative, team‐based learning tool.
Using Contests to Provide Business Students Project‐Based Learning in Humanitarian Logistics: PSAid Example
Authors: Özpolat Koray , Chen Yuwen , Hales Doug , Yu Degan , Yalcin Mehmet G. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTBusiness students appreciate working on classroom projects that are both enjoyable and useful in preparing them for future careers. Promoting competition among project teams is also used as a method to motivate students. The Humanitarian Logistics Project (HLP) teaches undergraduate students the logistical implications of unsolicited material donations in disaster relief. To encourage competition, students are organized into teams of three and tasked with designing humanitarian public service announcements (PSAs) that improve their understanding of humanitarian issues in the general public. These announcements are then submitted to the national PSAid (Public Service Announcements for International Disasters) contest for American college students. The exercise is rigorous because it requires students to collect logistical data and use it to communicate the principle of smart compassion to the public in a creative fashion. Moreover, not only do students learn about topics related to humanitarian logistics by competing with other college students nation‐wide, but also do they make a socially responsible contribution to the public. Analysis of survey data shows that students’ learning outcomes from the HLP are significantly greater than those for other supply chain topics covered in class, and that student satisfaction with the HLP is high.
W. H. Hutt (1899–1988): Free Markets and Social Justice
Authors: Dawson Graham 
Published: October 2014

AbstractW.H. Hutt reaffirmed the principles of classical economics and classical liberalism and, by applying them to urgent issues he observed in the world around him, he demonstrated the contemporary relevance of freedom and competitive institutions. A wide‐ranging critique of Keynes was founded upon a classical analysis of the labour market, while his trenchant opposition to apartheid advanced along economic and political paths. Hutt questioned the justice of the accumulation of wealth from the exploitation of monopoly power over generations. In all of these respects there are affinities between Hutt's thought and that of ‘Bleeding Heart Libertarians’.
Involvement of interleukin‐21 in the pathophysiology of aplastic anemia
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Wu Qingqing , Shi Jun , Ge Meili , Li Xingxin , Shao Yingqi , Yao Jianfeng , Zheng Yizhou 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveRecently enhanced T‐helper type 17 (Th17) immune responses and deficient CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported in acquired aplastic anemia (AA). Interleukin‐21 (IL‐21), a CD4+ T‐cell‐derived proinflammatory cytokine, modulates the balance between Th17 cells and Tregs. However, its role in AA remains unclear.MethodsIL‐21 gene expression was examined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Cytokines in plasma and cell culture supernatants were detected by ELISA. Cytokines‐producing T cells and Tregs were evaluated by flow cytometry.ResultsIL‐21 mRNA levels in circulating CD4+ T cells and IL‐21 levels in blood plasma were markedly increased in patients with newly diagnosed AA. Moreover, elevated IL‐21‐producing CD4+ T cells were accompanied by Th17 cells accumulation and Tregs decrease, and correlated with AA activity. In vitro, IL‐21 not only inhibited the expression of FoxP3, but also induced the expression of IL‐17 in CD4+ T cells of AA patients. More importantly, we found that T cells within the bone marrow (BM) of AA patients were in a heightened activation state, which may be related to IL‐21.ConclusionOur data suggested a critical role of IL‐21 in breaking immune homeostasis in AA by promoting Th17 cells, activating BM T cells and suppressing Tregs.
Runt‐related transcription factor 2 attenuates the transcriptional activity as well as DNA damage‐mediated induction of pro‐apoptotic TAp73 to regulate chemosensitivity
Authors: Ozaki Toshinori , Sugimoto Hirokazu , Nakamura Mizuyo , Hiraoka Kiriko , Yoda Hiroyuki , Sang Meixiang , Fujiwara Kyoko , Nagase Hiroki 
Published: October 2014

Although runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) is known to be an essential key transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, RUNX2 also plays a pivotal role in the regulation of p53‐dependent DNA damage response. In the present study, we report that, in addition to p53, RUNX2 downregulates pro‐apoptotic TAp73 during DNA damage‐dependent cell death. Upon adriamycin (ADR) exposure, human osteosarcoma‐derived U2OS cells underwent cell death in association with an upregulation of TAp73 and various p53/TAp73‐target gene products together with RUNX2. Small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing of p73 resulted in a marked reduction in ADR‐induced p53/TAp73‐target gene expression, suggesting that TAp73 is responsible for the ADR‐dependent DNA damage response. Immunoprecipitation and transient transfection experiments demonstrated that RUNX2 forms a complex with TAp73 and impairs its transcriptional activity. Notably, knockdown of RUNX2 stimulated ADR‐induced cell death accompanied by a massive induction of TAp73 expression, indicating that RUNX2 downregulates TAp73 expression. Consistent with this notion, the overexpression of RUNX2 suppressed ADR‐dependent cell death, which was associated with a remarkable downregulation of TAp73 and p53/TAp73‐target gene expression. Collectively, our present findings strongly suggest that RUNX2 attenuates the transcriptional activity and ADR‐mediated induction of TAp73, and may provide novel insights into understanding the molecular basis behind the development and/or maintenance of chemoresistance. Thus, we propose that the silencing of RUNX2 might be an attractive strategy for improving the chemosensitivity of malignant cancers.Structured digital abstract

p73 and RUNX2 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

RUNX2 physically interacts with p73 by anti bait coip (1, 2)
Market Liquidity and Ambiguity: The Certification Role of Corporate Governance
Authors: X. Jiang Christine , Kim Jang‐Chul , Kuvvet Emre 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe investigate how firm‐specific certification practices through corporate governance can reduce perceived ambiguity and thus enhance liquidity of a firm in the stock market. We show that better corporate governance helps reduce ambiguity. In addition, a reduction in ambiguity is significantly related to higher liquidity of firms. Our results are robust to alternative model specifications and measures of ambiguity, and remain statistically significant after controlling for other known determinants of ambiguity and liquidity. Our results shed light on how ambiguity can be moderated through firm‐level certification practices and on the channel through which a moderation of ambiguity affects shareholder wealth.
Long‐term change in a behavioural trait: truncated spawning distribution and demography in Northeast Arctic cod
Authors: Opdal Anders Frugård , Jørgensen Christian 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHarvesting may be a potent driver of demographic change and contemporary evolution, which both may have great impacts on animal populations. Research has focused on changes in phenotypic traits that are easily quantifiable and for which time series exist, such as size, age, sex, or gonad size, whereas potential changes in behavioural traits have been under‐studied. Here, we analyse potential drivers of long‐term changes in a behavioural trait for the Northeast Arctic stock of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, namely choice of spawning location. For 104 years (1866–1969), commercial catches were recorded annually and reported by county along the Norwegian coast. During this time period, spawning ground distribution has fluctuated with a trend towards more northerly spawning. Spawning location is analysed against a suite of explanatory factors including climate, fishing pressure, density dependence, and demography. We find that demography (age or age at maturation) had the highest explanatory power for variation in spawning location, while climate had a limited effect below statistical significance. As to potential mechanisms, some effects of climate may act through demography, and explanatory variables for demography may also have absorbed direct evolutionary change in migration distance for which proxies were unavailable. Despite these caveats, we argue that fishing mortality, either through demographic or evolutionary change, has served as an effective driver for changing spawning locations in cod, and that additional explanatory factors related to climate add no significant information.
Genetic background and risk of postpartum haemorrhage: results from an Italian cohort of 3219 women
Authors: Biguzzi E. , Franchi F. , Acaia B. , Ossola W. , Nava U. , Paraboschi E. M. , Asselta R. , Peyvandi F. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryPostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, particularly in the developing countries, and of severe maternal morbidity worldwide. To investigate the impact of genetic influences on postpartum haemorrhage, in association with maternal and intrapartum risk factors, using a candidate gene approach. All women (n = 6694) who underwent a vaginal delivery at the Obstetric Unit of a large University hospital in Milan (Italy) between July 2007 and September 2009 were enrolled. The first consecutive 3219 women entered the genetic study. Postpartum haemorrhage was defined as ≥500 mL blood loss. Eight functional polymorphisms in seven candidate genes were chosen because of their potential role in predisposing to or protecting from haemorrhagic conditions: tissue factor (F3), factor V (F5), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa (ITGA2), prothrombin (F2), platelet glycoproteins Ibα (GP1BA) and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). After correction for the already known PPH risk factors, only the promoter polymorphism of the tissue factor gene (F3 ‐603A>G) showed a significant association with PPH, the G allele exerting a protective effect (P = 0.00053; OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69–0.90). The protective effect against PPH of the TF ‐603A>G polymorphism is biologically plausible since the G allele is associated with an increased protein expression and Tissue Factor is strongly represented in the placenta at term, particularly in decidual cells of maternal origin.