bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BILATERAL OLIGOPOLY IN POLLUTION PERMIT MARKETS: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE
Authors: SCHNIER KURT , DOYLE MARTIN , RIGBY JAMES R. , YATES ANDREW J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe experimentally investigate behavior in a bilateral oligopoly using a supply function equilibria model discussed by Klemperer and Meyer (1989), Hendricks and McAfee (2010), and Malueg and Yates (2009). We focus on the role that market size and the degree of firm heterogeneity have on the market equilibrium. Our results indicate that subjects within the experiment recognize the strategic incentives in a bilateral oligopoly, but they do not exploit these incentives to the exact magnitude predicted by theory. We find weaker support for predicted market outcomes, as market efficiency does not depend on market size, and in some cases buyers or sellers are more successful at extracting the rents from the market. (JEL L13, Q5, C9)
Visual system integrity and cognition in early Huntington's disease
Authors: Wolf Robert C. , Sambataro Fabio , Vasic Nenad , Baldas Eva‐Maria , Ratheiser Iris , Bernhard Landwehrmeyer Georg , Depping Malte S. , Thomann Philipp A. , Sprengelmeyer Reiner , Süssmuth Sigurd D. , Orth Michael 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPosterior cortical volume changes and abnormal visuomotor performance are present in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). However, it is unclear whether posterior cortical volume loss contributes to abnormal neural activity, and whether activity changes predict cognitive dysfunction. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we investigated brain structure and visual network activity at rest in patients with early HD (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20). The symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and subtests of the Visual Object and Space Perception Battery were completed offline. For functional MRI data, a group independent component analysis was used. Voxel‐based morphometry was employed to assess regional brain atrophy, and ‘biological parametric mapping’ analyses were included to investigate the impact of atrophy on neural activity. Patients showed significantly worse visuomotor and visual object performance than controls. Structural analyses confirmed occipitotemporal atrophy. In patients and controls, two spatiotemporally distinct visual systems were identified. Patients showed decreased activity in the left fusiform cortex, and increased left cerebellar activity. These findings remained stable after correction for brain atrophy. Lower fusiform cortex activity was associated with lower SDMT performance and with higher disease burden scores. These associations were absent when cerebellar function was related to task performance and disease burden. The results of this study suggest that regionally specific functional abnormalities of the visual system can account for the worse visuomotor cognition in HD patients. However, occipital volume changes cannot sufficiently explain abnormal neural function in these patients.
Neural correlates of endogenous attention, exogenous attention and inhibition of return in touch
Authors: Jones Alexander , Forster Bettina 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSelective attention helps process the myriad of information constantly touching our body. Both endogenous and exogenous mechanisms are relied upon to effectively process this information; however, it is unclear how they relate in the sense of touch. In three tasks we contrasted endogenous and exogenous event‐related potential (ERP) and behavioural effects. Unilateral tactile cues were followed by a tactile target at the same or opposite hand. Clear behavioural effects showed facilitation of expected targets both when the cue predicted targets at the same (endogenous predictive task) and opposite hand (endogenous counter‐predictive task), and these effects also correlated with ERP effects of endogenous attention. In an exogenous task, where the cue was non‐informative, inhibition of return (IOR) was observed. The electrophysiological results demonstrated early effects of exogenous attention followed by later endogenous attention modulations. These effects were independent in both the endogenous predictive and exogenous tasks. However, voluntarily directing attention away from a cued body part influenced the early exogenous marker (N80). This suggests that the two mechanisms are interdependent, at least when the task requires more demanding shifts of attention. The early marker of exogenous tactile attention, the N80, was not directly related to IOR, which may suggest that exogenous attention and IOR are not necessarily two sides of the same coin. This study adds valuable new insight into how we process and select information presented to our body, showing both independent and interdependent effects of endogenous and exogenous attention in touch.
Bleomycin‐induced fibrosis in MC1 signalling‐deficient C57BL/6J‐Mc1re/e mice further supports a modulating role for melanocortins in collagen synthesis of the skin
Authors: Böhm Markus , Stegemann Agatha 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1) binds α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) with high affinity and has a physiological role in cutaneous melanin pigmentation. Previously, we reported that human dermal fibroblasts also express functional MC1. α‐MSH suppressed transforming growth factor‐β1‐ and bleomycin (BLM)‐induced collagen synthesis in vitro and in vivo. Using MC1 signalling‐deficient C57BL/6J‐Mc1re/e mice, we tested as to whether MC1 has a regulatory role on dermal collagen synthesis in the BLM model of scleroderma. Notably, mice with a C57BL/6J genetic background were previously shown to be BLM‐non‐susceptible. Interestingly, treatment of C57BL/6J‐Mc1re/e but not of C57BL/6J‐wild‐type mice with BLM increased cutaneous collagen type I content at RNA and protein level along with development of skin fibrosis. Cutaneous levels of connective tissue growth factor and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 were also increased in BLM‐treated C57BL/6J‐Mc1re/e mice. Primary dermal fibroblasts from C57BL/6J‐wt mice further expressed MC1, suggesting that these cells are directly targeted by melanocortins to affect collagen production of the skin. Our findings support the concept that MC1 has an endogenous regulatory function in collagen synthesis and controls the extent of fibrotic stress responses of the skin.
Governmental Financial Reporting of Heritage Assets From a User Needs Perspective
Authors: Aversano Natalia , Christiaens Johan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe implementation of IPSASs in European Union countries and the harmonization of governmental financial reporting are intended to respond to the needs of citizens. An important characteristic of reforms to governmental accounting and financial reporting is the incorporation within the accounting systems of all public authority assets, which include the case of ‘heritage assets’. This paper investigates to what extent IPSAS 17 responds to user needs of governmental financial reporting about heritage assets by conducting a survey of mayors and councillors in the Italian local government.
From New Public Management to New Public Governance? Hybridization and Implications for Public Sector Consumerism
Authors: Wiesel Fredrika , Modell Sven 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper examines how variations in the notion of public sector consumerism become embedded in diverse governance practices. To this end, we extend the literature on public governance logics with insights from research on public sector consumerism and hybridization in public sector management reforms. Through a comparative, multi‐level analysis we trace the development of two governance logics largely corresponding to the distinction between New Public Management (NPM) and New Public Governance (NPG) in Swedish transport infrastructure policy. In contrast to research predicting or prescribing a relatively radical shift between such governance logics we show how they partly co‐evolved along two reform paths entailing notable variations in the degree of hybridization and the embedding of consumerist notions in emerging governance practices. In doing so, we draw attention to how the hybridization of governance logics is contingent on the alignment of diverse interests and differences in the process through which such logics are brought together. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research into public sector consumerism and hybridization in public sector management reforms.
Relations between fatigue strength and other mechanical properties of metallic materials
Authors: Pang J. C. , Li S. X. , Wang Z. G. , Zhang Z. F. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe relations between fatigue strength and other mechanical properties especially the tensile strength of metallic materials are reviewed. After analyzing the numerous fatigue data available, the qualitative or quantitative relations between fatigue strength and hardness, strength (tensile strength and yield strength) and toughness (static toughness and impact toughness) are established. Among these relations, the general relation between fatigue strength σw and tensile strength σb, σw = σb(C − P ⋅ σb), where C and P are parameters, (hereafter, the general fatigue formula) can well predict the fatigue strength with increasing the tensile strength in a wide range for many materials such as conventional metallic materials, newly developed materials and engineering components. On the basis of the experimental results of many materials, the fatigue damage mechanism, especially for high‐strength steels, is proposed. It is suggested that the general fatigue formula can provide a new clue to predict the fatigue strength and design the materials by adjusting material parameters P and C adequately.
Constraint‐corrected J–R curve based on three‐dimensional finite element analyses
Authors: Huang Y. , Zhou W. , Wang E. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThree‐dimensional (3D) finite element analyses are carried out on single‐edge bend [SE(B)] specimens for which the J‐integral resistance curves (J–R curves) have been experimentally determined to develop the constraint‐corrected J–R curves for the X80 grade pipe steel. The constraint parameters considered in this study include QHRR, QSSY, QSSY_m, QLM, QBM1, QBM2, A2, h and Tz. The constraint‐corrected J–R curves were developed on the basis of the constraint parameters obtained from finite element analysis and experimentally determined J–R curves associated with deeply cracked and medium‐cracked SE(B) specimens and validated against shallow‐cracked SE(B) specimens. The analysis results indicate that all the constraint parameters considered in this study except QHRR, QSSY, QSSY_m and QLM lead to reasonably accurate constraint‐corrected J–R curves if the crack extensions are relatively small (≤0.7 mm). For larger crack extensions (≤1.5 mm), the QBM1‐based constraint‐corrected J–R curve leads to the most accurate predictions of J among all the constraint parameters considered.
Efficacy and safety of a recombinant factor IX (Bax326) in previously treated patients with severe or moderately severe haemophilia B undergoing surgical or other invasive procedures: a prospective, open‐label, uncontrolled, multicentre, phase III study
Authors: Windyga J. , Lissitchkov T. , Stasyshyn O. , Mamonov V. , Ghandehari H. , Chapman M. , Fritsch S. , Wong W.‐Y. , Pavlova B. G. , Abbuehl B. E. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryHaemostatic management of haemophilia B patients undergoing surgery is critical to patient safety. The aim of this ongoing prospective trial was to investigate the haemostatic efficacy and safety of a recombinant factor IX (rFIX) (Bax326) in previously treated subjects (12–65 years, without history of FIX inhibitors) with severe or moderately severe haemophilia B, undergoing surgical, dental or other invasive procedures. Haemostatic efficacy was assessed according to a predefined scale. Blood loss was compared to the average and maximum blood loss predicted preoperatively. Haemostatic FIX levels were achieved peri‐ and postoperatively in 100% of subjects (n = 14). Haemostasis was ‘excellent’ intraoperatively in all patients and postoperatively in those without a drain, and ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ at the time of drain removal and day of discharge in those with a drain employed. Following the initial dose, the mean FIX activity level rose from 6.55% to 107.58% for major surgeries and from 3.60% to 81.4% for minor surgeries. Actual vs. predicted blood loss matched predicted intraoperative blood loss but was equal to or higher than (but less than 150%) the maximum predicted postoperative blood loss reflecting the severity of procedure and FIX requirements. There were no related adverse events, severe allergic reactions or thrombotic events. There was no evidence that BAX326 increased the risk of inhibitor or binding antibody development to FIX. BAX326 was safe and effective for peri‐operative management of 14 subjects with severe and moderately severe haemophilia B.
Impact of health instructions on improving knowledge and practices of haemophilia A adolescents: a single centre experience
Authors: El Dakhakhny A. M. , Hesham M. A. , Hassan T. H. , El Awady S. , Hanfy M. M. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIntroductionNowadays, health education has been elevated to a higher standing in healthcare systems in managing chronic illness; yet, this approach has not received sufficient support in developing countries as these societies still tend to the traditional stage of ‘treatment after disease’. Adolescence is a critical period and voyage into adulthood can be more challenging for haemophilia teens. For teens with haemophilia, learning to care for their own disorder is a giant step forward in asserting their independence and preparation for adult life.AimWe aimed to determine impact of health instructions on improving knowledge and practices of haemophilia A adolescents.MethodsAn interventional study was conducted on 50 haemophilia A adolescents at outpatient clinic of Pediatric Hematology Unit of Zagazig University Hospitals. Three tools were used. The first was a structured interview sheet to evaluate patients' knowledge. The second was a clinical checklist to evaluate patients' practices. The third was health instructions program. Tools were developed by the researchers based on a thorough review of related literature and a full understanding of the needs of haemophilic adolescents. Evaluation of health instructions success was based on comparing scores of tool I and tool II before health instructions (pretest) and after health instructions immediately (posttest) and after 2 months (follow‐up test).ResultsThere was a significant improvement in knowledge and practices of haemophilia A adolescents in posttest and follow‐up test compared to pretest.ConclusionHealth instructions have an impact on improving knowledge and practices of haemophilia A adolescents.
Inhibitor development after switching of FVIII concentrate in multitransfused patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Aznar J. A. , Moret A. , Ibáñez F. , Vila C. , Cabrera N. , Mesa E. , Bonanad S. 
Published: April 2014

SummarySwitching between different therapeutic FVIII concentrate types has been postulated as a possible cause of inhibitor development in patient with haemophilia A. In this single‐centre, retrospective study, the incidence, titre and duration of inhibitor development in multitransfused patients, defined as patients with more than 150 exposure days (ED), were analysed from January 1970 to December 2007 in relation to ED and the number of switches between different products. Inhibitor titre was assessed by Bethesda assay (before 1998) or Nijmegen assay (after 1998). Medical records of 167 patients were screened, of which 97 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen products of plasmatic origin (different purities) and five recombinant (three generations) were used. Nine patients (9%) developed inhibitors, all transient, low‐titre (1.41 ± 0.54 BU) after 323 ± 287 ED in average. Seventeen patients had no product switches of which four patients (23%) developed inhibitors (97 ED in average), whereas 13 patients (77%) did not (ED: 230). Fifty patients switched between plasmatic products only (median: 10 changes) of which five patients (10%) developed inhibitors (ED: 503), whereas 45 patients did not (ED: 932). Five patients switched between recombinant products only (seven changes) of which no patient developed inhibitors (748 ED). Twenty‐five patients switched between plasmatic and recombinant products (13 changes) of which no patient developed inhibitors (ED: 1654). No statistically significant differences between patient groups were observed. Neither the number of different FVIII products administered nor the switching of products influenced the incidence of inhibitor in multitransfused patients.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Characteristics of Eradication Therapy of Helicobacter pylori in Japan: A Multi‐Generational Comparison
Authors: Okamura Takuma , Suga Tomoaki , Nagaya Tadanobu , Arakura Norikazu , Matsumoto Takehisa , Nakayama Yoshiko , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundEradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) at a younger age is considered to be effective in preventing gastric cancer. This study assessed the characteristics of eradication therapy in young patients.Materials and MethodsWe enrolled 1073 patients with H. pylori infection between 2000 and 2013. The subjects were divided into three groups according to age into the young (≤30 years), middle‐aged (31–50 years), and elder (≥51 years) groups. We also examined 472 cases to investigate clinical eradication characteristics.ResultsThe rate of clarithromycin (CAM) resistance was 57.9%, 34.5%, and 35.2% in the young, middle‐aged, and elder group, respectively, in 2012–2013 and was significantly higher in the young group than in the elder group (p = .01). Metronidazole (MNZ) resistance was similar among the three groups at each time point. While CAM resistance rose over the study period, MNZ resistance was noted to have decreased of late. The overall initial eradication success rate was 91.9% (95% CI, 89.1–94.1) in our cohort. Eradication efficiency was comparable in the young, middle‐aged, and elder group at 94.3% (95% CI, 87.4–97.5), 90.2% (95% CI, 82.9–94.6), and 91.8% (95% CI, 88.1–94.5) respectively. Side effects such as skin rash were observed in 14.8%, 3.9%, and 3.5% of the respective groups. There were significant differences in the incidence of side effects between the young group and other groups (p < .05, respectively).ConclusionSince CAM resistance and the incidence of side effects are higher in young individuals, it is especially important to select eradication regimens based on testing for antimicrobial susceptibility.
Comparative evaluation of the shaping ability of ProTaper Next, iRaCe and Hyflex CM rotary NiTi files in severely curved root canals
Authors: Saber S. E. D. M. , Nagy M. M. , Schäfer E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the shaping ability of ProTaper Next, iRaCe and Hyflex CM rotary NiTi files during the preparation of severely curved root canals in extracted human molar teeth.MethodologySixty mandibular molars with mesio‐buccal canals having angles of curvature ranging from 25° to 35° were divided according to the instrument used into three groups of 20 teeth each: group PTN (ProTaper Next), group IR (iRaCe) and group HF (Hyflex CM). Using standardized pre‐ and post‐instrumentation radiographs, straightening of canal curvature was determined using image analysis software. A double‐digital standardized radiographic technique was used to determine apical transportation 0.5 mm from the working length (1.5‐mm coronal of the major foramen). Preparation time and instrument failures were also recorded. Data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and post hoc Tukey's test, and significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsDuring root canal preparation, no instruments fractured. The use of PTN resulted in significantly greater canal straightening than IR and HF (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between IR and HF (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to apical transportation (P > 0.05). IR and HF were significantly faster than PTN (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between IR and HF (P > 0.05).ConclusionsUnder the conditions of this study, PTN, IR and HF respected original canal curvature well and were safe to use.
Adoption of photoprotection measures on lip and perioral regions among beach workers in North Brazil
Authors: Lucena Eudes Euler de Souza , Costa Danielle Clarisse Barbosa , Silveira Éricka Janine Dantas da , Lima Kenio Costa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundWorkers from various occupational groups stand out as being more susceptible to photodamage. Behaviors that can reduce the risk of onset of these disorders include the limitation or reduction of sun exposure, use of photoprotective clothing, and correct use of sunscreen. The present study aimed to verify the use of photoprotection measures by beach workers on the lips and perioral regions, as well as investigate possible associations with sociodemographic, occupational, and health variables.Materials and methodsFor this purpose, calibrated researchers applied validated questionnaires. The participants were 362 beach workers with a minimum age of 18 years. Data were analyzed using chi‐square tests and robust Poisson regression.ResultsIn regard to photoprotection measures, most of the population studied reported using some form of protection (80.1%). Among these, the most common were the use of a cap/hat (66.2%) and sunscreen (41.6%). Applying lipstick (3.6%) and using some other measure (4.2%) were the least reported. When compiling a multivariate analysis model, type of work (P = 0.001) was the only variable that explained the adoption of photoprotection measures, regardless of daily and accumulated exposure and the presence of habits.ConclusionsIn general, most workers reported using some form of photoprotection in the oral and perioral regions, and those exposed to direct solar radiation effectively confirmed this.
Childhood and adolescent psoriasis in Greece: a retrospective analysis of 842 patients
Authors: Moustou Aikaterini‐Evangelia , Kakourou Talia , Masouri Sofia , Alexopoulos Alexis , Sachlas Athanasios , Antoniou Christina 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildhood and adolescent psoriasis is not an uncommon disease, but epidemiological information from a large series of studies is still lacking.ObjectiveOur purpose was to present the demographics, clinical features, and outcome of psoriasis appearing in Greek patients from infants up to adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 842 children and adolescents who diagnosed with psoriasis over a period of twenty years.ResultsThe mean age of psoriasis onset was 7.33 years, and the sex distribution was equal between boys and girls. Plaque‐type psoriasis was the most frequent type (82.1%), followed by perianal, inverse, and guttate. The limbs and the scalp were the main body areas affected. The affected body surface area (BSA) was more than 10% in only 1.7% of patients, and the overall disease manifestations were considered to be mild. Psoriatic nails were detected in 11.8% of patients, while psoriatic arthritis in only six (0.7%) patients. An additional autoimmune disease was present in 3.8% of patients, and 16.7% had a positive family history for first‐degree relatives. The main choice of therapy was topical treatment.ConclusionGender distribution, type of psoriasis, and body area affection is almost the same as in adults. Most of the patients presented with mild disease of little extent, possibly indicating the favorable effect of sun in a Mediterranean country. The most often prescribed treatment for the majority of patients was topical.