bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does post‐grazing sward height influence sward characteristics, seasonal herbage dry‐matter production and herbage quality?
Authors: Ganche E. , O'Donovan M. , Delaby L. , Boland T. M. , Kennedy E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractExtending the grazing season through the production and utilization of high‐quality forage is a key objective in grassland‐based dairy production systems. Grazing swards to a low post‐grazing sward height (PGSH) is a strategy for improving grass utilization. A grazing experiment conducted in Ireland investigated immediate and subsequent effects ofPGSHon sward production, utilization and structural characteristics. Swards were grazed to 2·7 cm (severe; S1) or 3·5 cm (moderate; M1) from 10 February to 18 April 2010 (Period 1; P1). From 19 April, each P1 paddock was halved and grazed to either 3·8 cm (S2) or 4·8 cm (M2), until 30 October (Period 2; P2). The first grazing rotation was +7 d on S1 swards compared with M1 swards (45 d), due to greater herbage utilization (+0·22). Herbage production during P1 was not affected byPGSHbut a severePGSHduring this period reduced subsequent herbage production: 13·9 (S1) vs. 15·5 t dry matter (DM) ha−1(M1) by the end of the study. Leaf proportion was increased (+0·10) on S2 swards compared with M2 swards, but M2 swards produced 1·2 tDMha−1more herbage during P2. Despite the relatively lower level of sward utilization obtained from moderate grazing in P1 (3·5 cm) and P2 (4·5–5·0 cm), such levels ofPGSHincreasedDMproduction while maintaining sward quality, compared with severe grazing (2·7 cm in P1 and 3·5–4·0 cm in P2).
European mitochondrial haplogroups are not associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment response in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Guzmán‐Fulgencio M , Rallón N , Berenguer J , Fernández‐Rodríguez A , Soriano V , Miralles P , Jiménez‐Sousa MA , Restrepo C , López JC , García‐Álvarez M , Aldámiz T , Benito JM , Resino S 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesMitochondria are multifunctional organelles with a key role in the innate immune response against viral infections. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups have been related to AIDS progression and CD4 T‐cell recovery in HIV‐infected patients, and to a delay in the development of liver fibrosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected patients. We performed a study to investigate whether mtDNA haplogroups may be associated with HCV treatment response in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients on pegylated interferon (pegIFN) plus ribavirin (RBV).MethodsWe performed a retrospective study in 304 patients who completed a course of HCV therapy. mtDNA polymorphisms were genotyped using Sequenom's MassARRAY platform. The interleukin‐28B (IL‐28B) polymorphism (rs12980275) was genotyped using the GoldenGate® assay. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as an undetectable HCV viral load at week 24 after the end of treatment. The statistical analysis was carried out using on‐treatment data.ResultsThe SVR rates were 52.6% (160 of 304) for all patients, and 37.8% (46 of 201) for patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 vs. 81.4% (83 of 102) for patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 (P < 0.001). No significant associations were found between mtDNA haplogroup and SVR when all patients were included in the analysis and when patients were stratified by HCV genotype (i.e. those with genotypes 1/4 and 2/3 analysed separately) or IL‐28B rs12980275 genotype.ConclusionsEuropean mtDNA haplogroups were not related to HCV treatment response in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients on pegIFN‐α/RBV therapy.
A quantitative evaluation method of skin texture affected by skin ageing using replica images of the cheek
Authors: Ryu J. H. , Seo Y. K. , Boo Y. C. , Chang M. Y. , Kwak T. J. , Koh J. S. 
Published: February 2014

SynopsisObjectiveSkin texture is a fine structure of skin surface where the hill and furrow were crossed to form a star shape. This study was performed to establish a quantitative evaluation method of skin texture affected by skin ageing using replica images of the cheek.MethodsAfter producing replicas of the left cheek areas of 80 female subjects, representative replica images were chosen to establish six‐level facial skin texture index. Using this new index, skin texture of different‐aged subjects was visually assessed by multiple examiners. The number of star configurations was also analysed using the same replica images. Other factors contributing to skin texture, such as skin elasticity, roughness, dermal density, moisture and gloss, were also analysed.ResultsThe concordance between skin texture scores evaluated by three researchers was high (0.896), and there was a high correlation between skin texture score and age (r = 0.642). The number of star configurations showed high correlations with skin texture scores (r = 0.753) and with age (r = 0.776). Skin texture scores were highly correlated with skin roughness and dermal density, but not with moisture, gloss and elasticity.ConclusionThis study suggests that visual grading of skin texture score based on new facial skin texture index and quantification of star configurations will be useful in evaluating skin ageing.
Aldehyde reductase activity in the antennae of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Guo H. , Del Corso A. , Huang L‐Q. , Mura U. , Pelosi P. , Wang C‐Z. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn the present study, we identified two aldehyde reductase activities in the antennae of Helicoverpa species, NADH and NADPH‐dependent activity. We expressed one of these proteins of H. armigera, aldo‐keto reductase (AKR), which bears 56% identity to bovine aldose reductase, displays a NADPH‐dependent activity and is mainly expressed in the antennae of adults. Whole‐mount immunostaining showed that the enzyme is concentrated in the cells at the base of chemosensilla and in the nerves. The enzyme activity of H. armigera AKR is markedly different from those of mammalian enzymes. The best substrates are linear aliphatic aldehydes of 8–10 carbon atoms, but not hydroxyaldehydes. Both pheromone components of H. armigera, which are unsaturated aldehydes of 16 carbons, are very poor substrates. Unlike mammalian AKRs, the H. armigera enzyme is weakly affected by common inhibitors and exhibits a different behaviour from the action of thiols. A model of the enzyme suggests that the four cysteines are in their reduced form, as are the seven cysteines of mammalian enzymes. The occurrence of orthologous proteins in other insect species, that do not use aldehydes as pheromones, excludes the possibility of classifying this enzyme among the pheromone‐degrading enzymes, as has been previously described in other insect species.
Refractory sickle cell leg ulcer: is heparan sulphate a new hope?
Authors: Hayek Shady , Dibo Saad , Baroud Joe , Ibrahim Amir , Barritault Denis 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPatients with sickle cell disease are known to have recurrent lower extremity ulcers that have a high pain score and are resistant to conventional means of wound therapy. This study reports the successful use of synthetic heparan sulphate (Cacipliq20®, OTR3, Paris, France) in the treatment of a sickle cell ulcer that had failed to respond to several other means of treatment. Therapeutic success was assessed by complete wound coverage and vast improvement in pain score. This is the first study to report use of heparan sulphate in sickle cell ulcers.
Conditional Cash Transfers and the Effect on Recent Murder Rates in Brazil and Mexico
Authors: Lance Justin Earl 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article examines whether conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs have had a significant effect on reducing murder rates in Mexico and Brazil, using time-series municipal-level data on murders in both countries. The findings, over the period 2005–8, show that the greater the proportion of beneficiaries enrolled in a CCT program in each municipality, the lower the number of murders. There are, however, important differences between the two countries, with a much larger effect in Brazil than in Mexico. This holds even when controlling for GDP and levels of development.
The Organization of the Executive Branch in Latin America: What We Know and What We Need to Know
Authors: Bonvecchi Alejandro , Scartascini Carlos 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article proposes a research agenda for the organization of the executive branch in Latin America by reviewing the literature on the U.S. and Latin American presidencies and outlining the research gap between them. The study finds that while strong, regionwide patterns have been established about cabinets in Latin America, research is lagging behind on the presidential center, presidential advisory networks, and their effects in policymaking. The article sets forth a series of research questions and suggests a combination of quantitative, social network, and case study strategies to address them.
Effect of the Amount of H2O on the Crystallization of TiO2 Films Prepared from Alkoxide Solutions Containing Acetylacetone
Authors: Uchiyama Hiroaki , Okada Momoto , Kozuka Hiromitsu 
Published: February 2014

Sol–gel‐derived TiO2 films were prepared by dip‐coating from Ti(OC3H7i)4–CH3COCH2COCH3–HNO3–H2O–C2H5OH solutions, and the effect of the H2O content in solutions on the crystallization of TiO2 films during the heat treatment at 800°C was discussed. The crystalline phase, crystallite size, grain size, and refractive index of the TiO2 films depended on the H2O/Ti(OC3H7i)4 mole ratios (x) in the coating solutions. Highly dense and crystalline rutile films were obtained at x = 0.5–10, where the crystallites and grains became larger with increasing x. The further increase in x from 10 to 50 reduced the crystallite size and refractive index of the films, where anatase phase appeared at x = 30–50.
Forecasts in IPO Prospectuses: The Effect of Corporate Governance on Earnings Management
Authors: Cormier Denis , Lapointe‐Antunes Pascale , McConomy Bruce J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPrior research suggests that managers may use earnings management to meet voluntary earnings forecasts. We document the extent of earnings management undertaken within Canadian Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and study the extent to which companies with better corporate governance systems are less likely to use earnings management to achieve their earnings forecasts. In addition, we test other factors that differentiate forecasting from non‐forecasting firms, and assess the impact of forecasting and corporate governance on future cash flow prediction. We find that firms with better corporate governance are less likely to include a voluntary earnings forecast in their IPO prospectus. In addition, we find that while IPO firms use accruals management to meet forecasts; the informativeness of the discretionary accruals depends on whether or not the firm would have missed its forecast without the use of discretionary accruals.
The Impact of Earnings Guidance Cessation on Information Asymmetry
Authors: Hu Bill , Hwang Joon Ho , Jiang Christine 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper studies the impact of quarterly earnings guidance cessation on information asymmetry using a large sample of firms during the years 2002–11. After earnings guidance cessation, information asymmetry may increase because less information is provided to the market. Alternatively, information asymmetry may decrease if managers have less pressure to manage reported earnings to meet guidance numbers. Our study shows guidance cessation significantly reduces information asymmetry compared to matched non‐guiders and guidance maintainers. We also find that firms engage in less earnings management after guidance cessation, especially for firms that had provided guidance on a persistent basis.
Market Implied Ratings and Financing Constraints: Evidence from US Firms
Authors: Tsoukas Serafeim , Spaliara Marina‐Eliza 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFinancing constraints have been found to play an important role in several aspects of firm behavior, but no attention has been given to their effects on credit ratings. In this paper we analyze a unique and comprehensive data set for US firms rated by Fitch over the period 2001–07. We employ Fitch's market implied ratings derived from bond and equity prices. The analysis finds evidence that financial variables are more important in predicting credit ratings for firms likely to face financing constraints. We conclude that the financing constraint is an important dimension in the market implied ratings process. Our findings are of relevance to managers, investors and rating agencies seeking to understand the mechanism through which financing constraints affect credit ratings.
Thresholds and the species–area relationship: a synthetic analysis of habitat island datasets
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Tzirkalli Elli , Triantis Kostas A. , Whittaker Robert J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimThe application of island biogeography theory in habitat fragmentation research assumes a simple relationship between species richness and fragment area. However, previous work has suggested that in some cases thresholds can be detected, at which the form of the island species–area relationship (ISAR) changes abruptly. Piecewise regression has been advocated as a suitable statistical technique to model such thresholds. Here we first provide a comparative analysis of piecewise regression models to determine the prevalence and type of thresholds in habitat island ISARs. Second, we evaluate piecewise regression as a method for locating thresholds in the ISAR, with particular emphasis on the implications of data transformation.LocationWorld‐wide.MethodsSeventy‐six habitat island datasets were sourced from the literature. An information theoretic approach was employed to compare linear regression ISAR models with piecewise regression models. The models were applied to untransformed (species–area), semi‐log (species–log area) and log–log (log species–log area) data. Three types of piecewise regression models were evaluated: continuous, discontinuous and zero slope. Model performance was compared using the Akaike information criterion. We also examined the influence on model performance of taxon, number of habitat islands, and area of smallest island.ResultsLinear regression models performed best, although piecewise models were preferred in a number of cases. Cases in which no model was significant were most prevalent in untransformed space relative to the semi‐log and log–log transformations. Piecewise fits were more prevalent in datasets with a larger numbers of islands.Main conclusionsData transformation is a key part of model selection and needs to be explicitly considered, especially in terms of drawing inferences from models. Piecewise models, even if selected as the favoured model in our analyses, were often ecologically unintelligible in relation to area alone. When detected, breakpoint values ranged over five orders of magnitude, although with one exception all were under 50 ha. Our findings highlight the limitations of using individual threshold values to inform conservation practice.
‘Short‐term treatment with methotrexate does not affect microvascular endothelial function in patients with psoriasis’
Authors: Gyldenløve M. , Jensen P. , Løvendorf M.B. , Zachariae C. , Hansen P.R. , Skov L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly due to chronic low‐grade systemic inflammation. Systemic anti‐inflammatory treatment might reduce the risk of CVD.ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate if short‐term treatment with methotrexate influences microvascular endothelial function (MEF), an early surrogate marker of atherosclerosis, in patients with psoriasis.MethodsWe prospectively studied a hospital cohort of patients with psoriasis. Measurements of MEF were performed with the Endo‐PAT2000© device at baseline and after 8–10 weeks of treatment with methotrexate. At the same time points, we recorded anamnestic information, measured body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure, and drew blood samples (lipid profile, HbA1 and hs‐CRP). Psoriasis severity was evaluated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and the dermatology life quality index (DLQI).ResultsA total of 32 patients with psoriasis were included. Median age was 46 (range 18–82) years, and 50% were men. Twenty‐seven patients completed the study. After 8–10 weeks, median PASI had decreased significantly by 6.2 (from 9.8 to 3.6), and DLQI had decreased by 7 (from 9 to 2). No significant changes were observed in MEF, expressed by reactive hyperaemia index and augmentation index. Also, we saw no significant changes in BMI, waist–hip ratio, blood pressure and blood samples.ConclusionShort‐term treatment with methotrexate did not affect MEF in patients with psoriasis. Further studies are warranted.
Radiotherapy of morphea‐type basal cell carcinoma: results in 127 cases
Authors: Caccialanza M. , Piccinno R. , Çuka E. , Alberti Violetti S. , Rozza M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe morphea‐type basal cell carcinoma (MBCC) is a rare form of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with lower response to treatments than other types of BCC.ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of radiotherapy (RT) in the therapeutic strategy of MBCC.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 127 patients affected with MBCC, who underwent RT in the period 1982–2013. RT was delivered with conventional energies ranging from 50 to 120 kV and the administration of a total dose ranging from 40 to 70 Gy (mean 56.17 Gy). The irradiated fields included a margin of 1.5 cm around the lesion.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 29 months (range 1–324 months). Complete remission was observed in 122 patients (96.06%), partial remission in one (0.78%). Three cases were non‐responsive (2.36%). In one case (0.78%), the lesion failed to heal after RT, since the onset of radiodermatitis histologically ascertained. The cure rate was 81.08% after 5 years and 78.02% after 10 years from the end of RT. Twelve cases relapsed (10.2%).ConclusionBecause of the frequent diagnostic delay and its ill‐defined margins, MBCC is difficult to cure. Our results after 5 years from RT (cure rate 81.08%) are more satisfactory respect to the others reported in the literature (69% and 72.3%), but less good than those obtained in other forms of primary malignant neoplasms of the skin (92.43%). Nevertheless, we consider that RT plays an important role in the therapeutic strategy of MBCCs. In fact, it can be applied easily in elderly patients, and in peculiar localization of the disease (eyelid, nose and ear), without being invasive.
Evolution in the sabre‐tooth cat, Smilodon fatalis, in response to Pleistocene climate change
Authors: Meachen J. A. , O'Keefe F. R. , Sadleir R. W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe late Pleistocene was a time of environmental change, culminating in an extinction event. Few fossil localities record a temporal series of carnivore fossil populations from this interesting interval as well as Rancho La Brea (RLB). We analysed mandibles of Smilodon fatalis from RLB using 2‐D geometric morphometrics to examine whether, and how, mandibular shape changes through time. Smilodon fatalis shows mandibular evolution with oscillations between a small, ancestral‐type morph in pits 77 (≈37 Kybp) and 2051 (≈26 Kybp), a larger, more derived morph in pits 91 (≈28 Kybp) and 61‐67 (≈13.6 Kybp), and an intermediate morph from pit 13 (≈17.7 Kybp). These oscillations end in pit 61‐67, with greatest body size, and are estimated to have its widest gape and lowest bite force. Additionally, variation is lowest in pit 61‐67, which was deposited concurrent with the Bølling–Allerød warming event, which may have important implications for the timing or conditions during the extinction event. Contra to a temporal Bergmann's rule, such rapid warming events appear to be correlated with larger, derived, morphologies whereas static, cooler, climates correlate with gracile, ancestral morphologies.
Autofluorescence imaging endoscopy for predicting acid reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Wang Weifeng , Uedo Noriya , Yang Yunsheng , Peng Lihua , Bai Diane , Lu Zhongsheng , Fan Kaichun , Wang Juan , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Yunlong , Yu Zhiping 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains challenging. Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) can identify indistinct mucosal lesions; however, its ability to diagnose GERD has not been determined. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic capabilities of standard white light imaging (WLI) and AFI using pH/impedance testing as gold standard.MethodsIn this prospective observational trial, 95 consecutive patients with classic reflux symptoms were screened in two tertiary care referral hospitals and 82 were included. GerdQ questionnaire was administered to each patient. Endoscopy with WLI and AFI, and ambulatory 24‐h pH/impedance monitoring were performed. Erosive esophagitis on WLI was defined as positive for GERD, whereas on AFI endoscopy, the appearance of one or more longitudinal purple lines > 1 cm was defined as indicative of GERD. We assessed the diagnostic capacities of each method, as well as inter‐observer agreement on AFI findings. We also looked at factors associated with having a positive AFI finding.ResultsThe sensitivity and accuracy of AFI (77% and 67%, respectively) in detecting GERD were higher than those of WLI (21% and 52%, respectively), although the specificity of AFI (53%) was lower than that of WLI (97%); McNemar test showed a significant difference (P = 0.000). Inter‐observer reliability analysis of AFI findings indicated substantial agreement (Kappa = 0.630, P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis showed that abnormal AFI findings significantly correlated with positive pH/impedance result (odds ratio = 0.242, 95% confidence interval = 0.087–0.673, P = 0.007).ConclusionsAFI can reveal GERD‐related mucosal changes, invisible on conventional WLI, thus improve the endoscopic diagnosis of GERD.