bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Labor progress indices and dynamics of the individual uterine contraction during the active stage of labor
Authors: Ophir Ella , Bornstein Jacob , Odeh Marwan , Kaminsky Svetlana , Shnaider Oleg , Megel Yuri , Barnea Ofer 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo obtain and study new data on the dynamics of the labor process and to develop a contraction‐based index of labor progress.MethodsThis study was carried out at the Delivery Room, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel, using a new device (Birth Track). We continuously monitored cervical dilatation (CD) and head descent (HD) in 30 nulliparaous women during active labor with (augmented group) and without (study group) oxytocin augmentation. This led to the development and validation of progress indices based on features extracted from continuous monitoring.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the average of each parameter in the study and augmented groups, except for HD velocity. Average HD velocity was faster in the study group. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that head station (HS) amplitude and Toco amplitude were the best parameters for predicting HD velocity in both groups. In the study group, average HD velocity was also significantly related to Toco rate and contraction efficiency. In the augmented group, only a weak correlation with Toco rate was seen, and no correlation with contraction efficiency.ConclusionWith the assistance of the Birth Track device, we can obtain continuous data on the labor process and indices to estimate the labor progress process without the use of vaginal (manual) examination.
An emerging double burden of disease: the prevalence of individuals with cardiovascular disease and cancer
Authors: Kreatsoulas C. , Anand S. S. , Subramanian S. V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveCardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the United States; at the same time, the number of survivors is increasing as therapies continue to improve. The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of individuals affected by both CVD and cancer.Design and settingWe conducted a prevalence study using the 2009 and 2010 national Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System population survey. Data from a random sample of individuals (aged 25–99 years) from all states were collected. All participants provided information regarding their CVD and cancer status. Multivariable regression identified associations between participants’ characteristics and the prevalence of double disease burden.ResultsAmongst 442 964 study participants, the overall prevalence rates were 11% for CVD and 15% for cancer; 3% of participants reported being survivors of both CVD and cancer. The prevalence of CVD+cancer increased twofold by 65 years of age (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–2.5) and doubled again at ≥75 years (OR 4.9, 95% CI 4.6–5.1) and was higher amongst men (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.6–1.7), multiracial individuals (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5–2.0) and those without a high school diploma (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.4). Amongst individuals with CVD, 25% also reported having cancer, whilst 19% of all cancer survivors reported having CVD.ConclusionsThe prevalence of the double burden of disease increased with age; this is particularly important as the ‘baby boomers’ reach this high‐risk age group. Future studies should explore potential common upstream or downstream mechanisms of CVD and cancer as well as public health strategies to cope with the double burden of disease.
Posttraumatic Carotid Artery Dissection in Children: Not to be missed!
Authors: Orman Gunes , Tekes Aylin , Poretti Andrea , Robertson Courtney , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPost‐traumatic carotid artery dissection (PTCAD) may result in acute arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). Pediatric PTCAD is rarely diagnosed prior to onset of neurological symptoms. We report on neuroimaging findings in a series of children with PTCAD.METHODSFive children with head or neck trauma were included in this study. Clinical histories were reviewed for mechanism of trauma, symptoms, complications, therapy, and outcome. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT/MR angiography (CTA, MRA) studies were retrospectively evaluated for signs and complications of PTCAD and presence and extent of skull base fractures.RESULTSPTCAD was located at the level of the skull base in all children and was associated with a skull base fracture in two. The diagnosis was made in five children by combined MRI/MRA and in two by CTA. Air in the carotid canal suggested skull base injury with PTCAD in two children. PTCAD was complicated by AIS in three children.CONCLUSIONPTCAD may result from neck and head trauma. To avoid secondary AIS, radiologists should be familiar with neuroimaging findings in children, especially as acute PTCAD may initially be clinically silent. Consequently, pediatric neuroradiologists should actively exclude PTCAD in children with head and neck trauma.
Oral lichen planus in Arab countries : a review
Authors: Al‐Nasser Lubna , El‐Metwally Ashraf 
Published: November 2013

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology with a potential for malignant transformation. Little is known about the epidemiology of this condition in the Arab world. A computer‐based literature search was conducted using relevant keywords to retrieve studies conducted in Arab world pertaining to OLP, 28 articles were identified initially. After screening for exclusion criteria/retrieving full texts, a total of 15 articles were used for this review. Three studies were cross‐sectional and found a prevalence ranging from 0.35% to 1.7%. Studies about risk factors and prognostic markers were conducted in clinical settings, using a case–control design mostly (n = 9), cohort (n = 2), and clinical trial (n = 1). Genetic expressions of various proteins (e.g., BCL family), cultural determinants (Deram chewing), bacterial and viral infections [Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis C virus (HCV)] were among factors investigated. Evidence extracted from these studies shows a possible link between OLP and Deram use, H. pylori and HCV Infections with a prevalence of the latter infection ranging from 14.7% to 26.3% in patients with OLP. However, paucity of population‐based studies limits generalizability of such evidence. Future studies in the Arab world should focus upon surveying the extent of OLP, identifying cultural risk factors, utilization of OLP genetic markers in diagnostic, and prognostic applications.
IN SEARCH OF CREATIVE CHAMPIONS IN HIGH‐TECH SPACES: A SPATIAL APPLICATION OF STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe business performance of firms in the creative high‐tech sector shows much variation. This paper examines whether the geographical location of such business firms influences the performance of these firms. The overarching analysis framework of this paper emerges from the recently developed Strategic Performance Management (SPM) concept for individual firms, which in the present study is extended with spatial meso‐attributes related to the location of these firms. SPM aims to improve the firms’ competitive performance through the application of strict internal management principles. Our study thus adopts a micro‐business perspective on the organizational determinants of a firm's economic performance and its links with distinct spatial entrepreneurship conditions and general economic moderator variables. The present study focuses on both large and small and medium‐sized (SME) firms, mainly operating in the creative high‐tech sector in the Netherlands. The research methodology uses stepwise the following analytical tools: multivariate analysis of an extensive micro‐ and meso‐data set on the internal performance of firms and regional covariates; Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and its recent extension to super‐efficient DEA for mapping out in a comparative way the achievements of both regions and firms; a GIS‐oriented statistical analysis to identify geographically discriminating factors in the firms’ performance; and the design and estimation of a Structural Equations Model (SEM) for assessing the performance of the firms concerned (using what is called the “flying disc” model). Our results show significant differences in the performance of large vis‐à‐vis SME firms that have adopted SPM, while their geographical position in the country, in general, also plays a significant role.
Efficient Management of Insecure Fossil Fuel Imports through Taxing Domestic Green Energy?
Authors: EICHNER THOMAS , PETHIG RÜDIGER 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA small open economy produces a consumer good as well as renewable (green) and fossil fuel based (brown) energy. It imports fossil fuel at an uncertain price and suffers from carbon emission damages. Unregulated competitive markets are shown to be inefficient. The implied market failures are due to the agents' attitudes toward risk, to risk shifting, and the uniform price for both types of energy. Under the plausible assumptions that consumers are prudent and at least as risk‐averse as the producers of brown energy, the risk can be efficiently managed by placing a tariff on fuel imports (which is equivalent to taxing carbon emissions in the model at hand) and taxing green energy. The need to tax green energy contradicts the widespread view that subsidization of green energy is an appropriate means to enhance energy security in countries depending on risky fossil fuel imports.
Elections, Information, and State‐Dependent Candidate Quality
Authors: JENSEN THOMAS 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe quality of political candidates often depends on the current state of the world, for example because their personal characteristics are more valuable in some situations than in others. We explore the implications of state‐dependent candidate quality in a model of electoral competition where voters are uncertain about the state. Candidates are fully informed and completely office‐motivated. With a reasonable restriction on voters' beliefs, an equilibrium where candidates' positions reveal the true state does not exist. Nonrevealing equilibria always exist. Some main findings are that candidates' positions can diverge more in equilibrium when they differ more in state‐dependent quality and when the electorate is less well informed.
Ligulate Desmarestia (Desmarestiales, Phaeophyceae) revisited: D. japonica sp. nov. and D. dudresnayi differ from D. ligulata
Authors: Yang Eun Chan , Peters Akira F. , Kawai Hiroshi , Stern Rowena , Hanyuda Takeaki , Bárbara Ignacio , Müller Dieter Gerhard , Strittmatter Martina , van Reine Willem F. Prud'Homme , Küpper Frithjof C. 
Published: November 2013

The phylogeny of ligulate and sulfuric‐acid containing species of Desmarestia, occurring worldwide from polar to temperate regions, was revised using a multigenic and polyphasic approach. Sequence data, gametophyte characteristics, and sporophyte morphology support reducing a total of 16 taxa to four different species. (1) D. herbacea, containing broad‐bladed and highly branched forms, has dioecious gametophytes. The three other species have monoecious gametophytes: (2) D. ligulata which is profusely branched and, except for one subspecies, narrow‐bladed, (3) Japanese ligulate Desmarestia, here described as D. japonica sp. nov., which is morphologically similar to D. ligulata but genetically distant from all other ligulate taxa. This species may have conserved the morphology of original ligulate Desmarestia. (4) D. dudresnayi, including unbranched or little branched broad‐bladed taxa. A figure of the holotype of D. dudresnayi, which was lost for decades, was relocated. The taxonomy is complemented by a comparison of internal transcribed spacer and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) as potential barcode loci, with cox1 offering good resolution, reflecting species delimitations within the genus Desmarestia.
Positive selection and intragenic recombination contribute to high allelic diversity in effector genes of Mycosphaerella fijiensis, causal agent of the black leaf streak disease of banana
Authors: Stergiopoulos Ioannis , Cordovez Viviane , Ökmen Bilal , Beenen Henriek G. , Kema Gert H. J. , de Wit Pierre J. G. M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryPreviously, we have determined the nonhost‐mediated recognition of the MfAvr4 and MfEcp2 effector proteins from the banana pathogen Mycosphaerella fijiensis in tomato, by the cognate Cf‐4 and Cf‐Ecp2 resistance proteins, respectively. These two resistance proteins could thus mediate resistance against M. fijiensis if genetically transformed into banana (Musa spp.). However, disease resistance controlled by single dominant genes can be overcome by mutated effector alleles, whose products are not recognized by the cognate resistance proteins. Here, we surveyed the allelic variation within the MfAvr4, MfEcp2, MfEcp2‐2 and MfEcp2‐3 effector genes of M. fijiensis in a global population of the pathogen, and assayed its impact on recognition by the tomato Cf‐4 and Cf‐Ecp2 resistance proteins, respectively. We identified a large number of polymorphisms that could reflect a co‐evolutionary arms race between host and pathogen. The analysis of nucleotide substitution patterns suggests that both positive selection and intragenic recombination have shaped the evolution of M. fijiensis effectors. Clear differences in allelic diversity were observed between strains originating from South‐East Asia relative to strains from other banana‐producing continents, consistent with the hypothesis that M. fijiensis originated in the Asian‐Pacific region. Furthermore, transient co‐expression of the MfAvr4 effector alleles and the tomato Cf‐4 resistance gene, as well as of MfEcp2, MfEcp2‐2 and MfEcp2‐3 and the putative Cf‐Ecp2 resistance gene, indicated that effector alleles able to overcome these resistance genes are already present in natural populations of the pathogen, thus questioning the durability of resistance that can be provided by these genes in the field.
Remote Past Left Ventricular Function before Chronic Right Ventricular Pacing Predicts Responses to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Upgrade
Authors: CHANG PO‐CHENG , WO HUNG‐TA , CHEN TIEN‐HSING , WU DELON , LIN FEN‐CHIUNG , WANG CHUN‐CHIEH 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThis study examined factors that could predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) upgrade in patients who developed heart failure (HF) after long‐term right ventricular (RV) pacing.MethodsTwenty‐five consecutive patients who received CRT upgrade for long‐term RV pacing (RVP) were enrolled in this study. None of these patients were eligible for CRT at the moment of starting RVP. After 5.7 ± 4.0 years chronic RVP, these 25 patients developed HF symptoms and received CRT upgrade. Echocardiography was conducted at the moment of CRT upgrade and 6 months after CRT. Remote past left ventricular ejection fraction (RP‐LVEF) at the moment of starting RVP was retrospectively obtained from the echocardiographic and cardiac catherization reports. Responders were defined as a reduction in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) ≥15%. Their clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed and compared.ResultsResponders had significant higher RP‐LVEF as compared to nonresponders (53.6 ± 16.5% vs 31.4 ± 11.6%, P = 0.002). RP‐LVEF correlated with reduction in LVESV after CRT upgrade (P < 0.001). RP‐LVEF ≥ 43.5% as a cutoff value predicted response to CRT upgrade with an area under the receiver‐operating curve of 0.87, a sensitivity of 78%, and a specificity of 100%. Intrinsic QRS width, septal‐posterior wall motion delay, or tissue Doppler‐derived dyssynchrony indexes did not predict responses to CRT upgrade.ConclusionIn long‐term RVP patients who developed HF and received CRT upgrade, RP‐LVEF ≥ 43.5% predicts good response. Conventional dyssynchrony indexes do not predict responses to CRT upgrade in these patients.
A diverse chasmataspidid (Arthropoda: Chelicerata) fauna from the Early Devonian (Lochkovian) of Siberia
Authors: Marshall David J. , Lamsdell James C. , Shpinev Evgeniy , Braddy Simon J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractExamination of material held at the Palaeontological Institute, Moscow, enables the identification of two novel chasmataspidid species: Nahlyostaspis bergstroemi gen. et sp. nov. and Skrytyaspis andersoni gen. et sp. nov. ‘Eurypterus’ stoermeri and ‘Tylopterella’ menneri are both redescribed as chasmataspidids, having previously been assigned to Eurypterida. ‘T’. menneri is transferred to the new genus Dvulikiaspis gen. nov. An identical prosomal structure is identified in ‘Eurypterus’ stoermeri and Heteroaspis novojilovi from the Devonian of Germany and the two species are synonymized, with ‘E’ stoermeri having priority. The previous synonymy of H. novojilovi with Diploaspis casteri is rejected. The presence of ophthalmic ridges is confirmed within Diploaspididae, and new structural characteristics of their bucklers are identified.
Does a Boar's Season of Birth Determine Semen Parameters and Reproductive Performance?
Authors: Knecht D , Środoń S , Duziński K 
Published: November 2013

ContentsThis article studies the effect of a boar's birth season and breed on semen parameters and its further reproductive performance. Research material consisted of 72 boars from three breeds (24 Polish Large White PLW, 24 Polish Landrace PL, 24 Duroc × Pietrain D×P). During the whole period of the study, selected semen parameters were analysed: semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total number of motile spermatozoa, number of insemination doses and also reproductive indicators: farrowing rate, total born litter size, total number of piglets born live and still, and average piglet weight. Boars born in the winter and summer months demonstrated the highest spermatozoa concentrations (383.25 and 392.37 × 106/ml), total number of spermatozoa (91.75 and 93.21 × 109), total number of motile spermatozoa (76.10 and 77.99 × 109) and number of insemination doses (24.53 and 24.89; p ≤0.01). Statistically lower values for these parameters were observed for boars born in the spring and especially in autumn (p ≤0.01). The significant impact of birth season on farrowing rate (p ≤ 0.05) and average piglet weight (p ≤ 0.05) was confirmed for PLW boars. For the PL breed, only the total number of piglets born live was proven to be significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05). No impact of birth season was shown on semen quality or reproductive performance for D×P boars. In our study, we showed that the birth season of a boar had a more impact on the level of semen parameters, and less on the reproductive performance indicators. The results indicated that both the quality of semen and reproductive performance varied in terms of the study factors, as well as between individual breeds of boars involved in the experiment.
The Personal Experience of Community Among Urban Gay Men, Lesbians, and Bisexuals: Melting Pot or Mosaic?
Authors: Easterbrook Adam , Carpiano Richard M. , Kelly Brian C. , Parsons Jeffrey T. 
Published: November 2013

Objective“Gay community” is often conceptualized as a “melting pot” in which gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) persons are united and integrated into one sexual minority community. Evidence, however, indicates that GLB community may also be conceptualized as a mosaic of sexual minority communities with differing goals and ideologies. We test the validity of these conceptions of community with respect to two facets of the personal experiences of GLB individuals: socializing with GLB persons and GLB community cohesion perceptions.MethodsAnalyses of the 2005 Sex and Love survey of New York City area GLB persons.ResultsGLB persons tended to socialize most with their own sexual identity group. Compared to gay men, only bisexual women reported higher perceptions of GLB community cohesion.ConclusionOur findings indicate the presence of a mosaic sexual minority community. The extent of sexual‐identity‐group‐specific socializing patterns suggests that personal perceptions of GLB cohesion may either be idealized rather than based on routine interactions or reflect assessments of within‐group (not across‐group) cohesion.
Expectations in Mass Elections: Back to the Future?
Authors: Guinjoan Marc , Simón Pablo , Bermúdez Sandra , Lago Ignacio 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThis article examines whether voters look to the past or the future when forming their perceptions of the parties’ chances of winning.MethodsWe use OLS regression models to analyze panel survey data from the districts where the incumbent was defeated in the 2011 provincial election in Ontario (Canada).ResultsWe find that voters’ expectations in the districts are mainly affected by the results of the upcoming election and not by the outcome of the previous election. We also find that expectations are influenced by the phenomenon of wishful thinking.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on how voters form their perceptions of the parties’ chances of winning.
Nicotianamine synthase 2 localizes to the vesicles of iron‐deficient rice roots, and its mutation in the YXXφ or LL motif causes the disruption of vesicle formation or movement in rice
Authors: Nozoye Tomoko , Nagasaka Seiji , Bashir Khurram , Takahashi Michiko , Kobayashi Takanori , Nakanishi Hiromi , Nishizawa Naoko K. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryGraminaceous plants release mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs) to acquire iron from the soil. Here, we show that deoxymugineic acid (DMA) secretion from rice roots fluctuates throughout the day, and that vesicles accumulate in roots before MAs secretion. We developed transgenic rice plants that express rice nicotianamine (NA) synthase (NAS) 2 (OsNAS2) fused to synthetic green fluorescent protein (sGFP) under the control of its own promoter. In root cells, OsNAS2–sGFP fluorescence was observed in a dot‐like pattern, moving dynamically within the cell. This suggests that these vesicles are involved in NA and DMA biosynthesis. A tyrosine motif and a di‐leucine motif, which have been reported to be involved in cellular transport, are conserved in all identified NAS proteins in plants. OsNAS2 mutated in the tyrosine motif showed NAS activity and was localized to the vesicles; however, these vesicles stuck together and did not move. On the other hand, OsNAS2 mutated in the di‐leucine motif lost NAS activity and did not localize to these vesicles. The amounts of NA and DMA produced and the amount of DMA secreted by OsNAS2–sGFP plants were significantly higher than in non‐transformants and domain‐mutated lines, suggesting that OsNAS2–sGFP, but not the mutated forms, was functional in vivo. Overall, the localization of NAS to vesicles and the transport of these vesicles are crucial steps in NA synthesis, leading to DMA synthesis and secretion in rice.