bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Geomorphic Change in Constructed Two‐Stage Ditches
Authors: D'Ambrosio Jessica L. , Ward Andrew D. , Witter Jonathan D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStraight, trapezoidal‐shaped surface drainage channels efficiently drain the soil profile, but their deviations from natural fluvial conditions drive the need for frequent maintenance. Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of drainage ditch maintenance activities can be significant, leading to harmful algal blooms and increased sedimentation. We developed a two‐stage ditch design that is more consistent with fluvial form and process. The approach has potential to enhance ecological services while meeting drainage needs essential for agricultural production. We studied geomorphic change of the inset channel, benches and banks of seven two‐stage ditches in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Three to 10 years after construction, inset channel changes reflected natural adjustments, but not all ditches had reached their quasi‐equilibrium state. Ditches had experienced both degradation and aggradation on the benches at a rate of 0.5‐13 mm/yr. Aggradation on the benches was not likely to threaten tile drain outlets. Localized scour was observed on the banks at some sites, but at all but one site changes were not statistically significant. Except for the removal of woody vegetation, none of the ditches required routine maintenance since construction. Two‐stage ditches can be a stable, viable option for drainage ditch management if designed and installed properly on the landscape.
Systemic lupus erythematosus observations of travel burden: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Williams Edith M. , Ortiz Kasim , Flournoy‐Floyd Minnjuan , Bruner Larisa , Kamen Diane 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsExplorations of travel impediments among patients suffering from rheumatic diseases have been very limited. Research has consistently indicated a shortage of rheumatologists, resulting in patients potentially having to travel long distances for care. The purpose of our study was to explore how systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience travel issues differentially by race and socio‐economic status.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews and a brief demographic survey with 10 patients diagnosed with SLE. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using NVivo Analysis Software to facilitate the reporting of recurrent themes and supporting quotations, and an initial codebook was independently developed by two researchers on the study team and then verified together.ResultsPatients described three major areas of concern with respect to travel burden in accessing their rheumatologists: reliance on caregivers; meeting financial priorities; and pain and physical limitations.ConclusionsOur data suggest general traveling challenges interfering with medical appointment compliance for several participants and the importance of socio‐economic issues when considering travel issues. This study highlights an important area with implications for adherence to medical appointments and participation in research among patients with SLE.
A retrospective study on 158 Thai patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis followed in a single center over a 15‐year period
Authors: Vilaiyuk Soamarat , Soponkanaporn Sirisucha , Jaovisidha Suphaneewan , Benjaponpitak Suwat , Manuyakorn Wiparat 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Thai children.MethodsA retrospective cohort study. All JIA patients in a rheumatology clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, between July 1997 and December 2012 were enrolled. The patient data were reviewed from medical records. At the most recent follow‐up visit, patient outcomes were assessed in three aspects: disease status, functional outcomes and structural damage.ResultsOf 168 patients, 158 (94.0%) were assessed in disease status and functional outcomes, with 114 patients (67.9%) assessed in three aspects over 4 years of disease. The most common JIA category was systemic JIA (SJIA) (33.8%), followed by enthesitis‐related arthritis (ERA) (24.8%), oligoarthritis (18.5%), rheumatoid factor (RF)‐negative polyarthritis (15.3%), RF‐positive polyarthritis (7.6%) and one undifferentiated arthritis. SJIA had the highest remission rate due to early diagnosis and prompt treatment compared to other categories, whereas RF‐positive polyarthritis carried the worst prognosis in three aspects, followed by ERA. Moreover, ERA patients had the highest failure rate in conventional therapy, half of whom had combined treatment with biologic agents and presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 was a predictor for biologic treatment in ERA patients. In addition, disease duration > 2 years or failure of conventional therapy was a predictor of structural bone damage.ConclusionsSJIA had the highest remission rate, whereas RF‐positive polyarthritis had the worst outcome in three aspects. Prolonged disease duration or failure of conventional therapy was a predictor of structural bone damage, while HLA‐B27 was a predictor for biologic treatment in ERA patients.
Anti‐centromere antibody‐positive Sjögren's syndrome: A distinct clinical subgroup?
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Eun , Kang Ji‐Hyoun , Lee Jeong‐Won , Wen Lihui , Park Dong‐Jin , Kim Tae‐Jong , Park Yong‐Wook , Lee Shin‐Seok 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate whether patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) can be distinguished based on the positivity of anti‐centromere antibody (ACA), and if so, whether the subgroups differ in their clinical and laboratory features.MethodsEleven patients with ACA‐positive and 71 patients ACA‐negative SS were examined. All patients had minor salivary gland biopsy; sociodemographic data, glandular and extraglandular manifestations, and laboratory findings, including autoantibodies, complement and immunoglobulin levels, were analyzed. European League Against Rheumatism SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) and SS disease damage index (SSDDI) were also measured.ResultsThe prevalence of ACA among SS patients was 13.4%. ACA‐positive SS patients had a higher prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly and autoimmune thyroiditis and a lower prevalence of anti‐SSA/Ro and anti‐SSB/La antibodies compared to ACA‐negative patients. Disease activity was higher in ACA‐positive patients than in ACA‐negative patients, but the damage index did not differ between the two groups. None of the patients who originally had ACA evolved to having full‐blown systemic sclerosis.ConclusionPatients with SS who have ACA differ from classic SS patients in several clinical and laboratory parameters. ACA should be considered one of the pathogenically relevant autoantibodies for SS.
The association between CTLA‐4 (+49 A/G) polymorphism and susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhang Liang , Zhou Yixin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe objective of the present meta‐analysis was to investigate whether or not cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) polymorphisms are associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility.MethodsA systematic search was conducted from the PubMed, ENBASE, and Springer link database up to April 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of association between CTLA‐4 (+49 A/G) and AS risk. A subgroup analysis based on geographic region and a sensitivity analysis were also conducted.ResultsFive studies were eligible for meta‐analysis, including 918 cases and 845 controls. The results showed that no significant association was found between AS and CTLA‐4 (+49 A/G) for the additive model (G vs. A), dominant model (GG + AG vs. AA), co‐dominant model (GG vs. AA, AG vs. AA) and recessive model (GG vs. AG + AA). The OR was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.87–1.38), 1.16 (95% CI, 0.89–1.51), 1.05 (95% CI, 0.75–1.46), 1.15 (95% CI, 0.86–1.52) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.79–1.23), respectively. Although subgroup analysis demonstrated no association between CTLA‐4 (+49 A/G) polymorphisms and susceptibility to AS in Europe and Taiwan, an association was found in Iran through both the co‐dominant and dominant models. Exclusion of any individual study did not alter the significance of the final outcome, excepting the result by omitting the study by Huang et al.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that the CTLA‐4 may not be a major susceptibility locus in humans with AS. The relationship between them may be affected by different geographic populations.
Expression of Pax8 is decreased and bortezomib does not increase the iodine uptake in thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Huan‐jun , Yao Jin‐ming , Zhang Zhong‐wen , Zhao Jun‐yu , Shang Hong‐xia , Liao Lin , Dong Jian‐jun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractFundamental treatment for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) involves total or subtotal thyroidectomy. Iodine‐131 (131I) is routinely utilized to target remnant thyroid cancer and metastasis after thyroidectomy. The effectiveness of other therapeutic modalities remains unsatisfactory; thus, these patients have a poor prognosis. The manner in which the ability of 131I uptake can be improved is vital for their prognosis. Bortezomib has been used as a re‐differentiation agent for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma; however, little is reported about the role of bortezomib in thyroid cancer. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of bortezomib in a human PTC cell line, expression of paired‐box 8 (Pax8) protein was determined using Western blot in PTC, normal thyroid, and anaplastic/undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells. The expression of Pax8 protein in PTC cells pretreated with bortezomib was determined using the same method. Iodine uptake was determined using 131I radioactivity assay. The level of Pax8 protein in normal thyroid cells was significantly higher than in PTC (P < 0.05) and ATC cells (P < 0.05); its expression in PTC cells was also significantly higher than in ATC cells (P < 0.05). The PTC cells in the bortezomib‐treated group showed a higher expression of Pax8 protein than the control group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that bortezomib can increase the expression of Pax8, but does not significantly increase the iodine uptake of PTC cells.
To Comply or Not to Comply: Understanding the Discretion in Reporting Public Float and SEC Regulations
Authors: Gao Feng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper documents how firms exercise discretion in defining affiliates and reporting public float in response to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. I find that firms with higher expected compliance costs under section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 tend to classify more shares as affiliated and report lower public float. In contrast, firms issuing seasoned equity are less likely to underreport public float, possibly due to favorable regulatory treatment for large issuers. These incentives are weakened when future regulatory changes render float less important.
Abnormal Accruals and Managerial Intent: Evidence from the Timing of Merger Announcements and Completions
Authors: Louis Henock , Sun Amy X. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe examine acquiring managers' opportunistic reporting behavior around stock‐for‐stock acquisitions. Using the timing of merger announcements and completions to infer managerial intent, we show that acquirers with the most inflated earnings tend to announce mergers on Fridays, and that they manage earnings several quarters before the merger announcement date. Friday announcers exhibit a stronger negative association between pre‐merger announcement abnormal accruals and post‐merger announcement market performance than non‐Friday announcers. This effect is driven mainly by mergers that are completed relatively quickly after they are announced. Overall, the evidence supports the notion that some acquiring managers inflate earnings prior to announcing the mergers, and time the merger announcements to exploit investor inattention.
IGF‐1 deficiency impairs neurovascular coupling in mice: implications for cerebromicrovascular aging
Authors: Toth Peter , Tarantini Stefano , Ashpole Nicole M. , Tucsek Zsuzsanna , Milne Ginger L. , Valcarcel‐Ares Noa M. , Menyhart Akos , Farkas Eszter , Sonntag William E. , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAging is associated with marked deficiency in circulating IGF‐1, which has been shown to contribute to age‐related cognitive decline. Impairment of moment‐to‐moment adjustment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) via neurovascular coupling is thought to play a critical role in the genesis of age‐related cognitive impairment. To establish the link between IGF‐1 deficiency and cerebromicrovascular impairment, neurovascular coupling mechanisms were studied in a novel mouse model of IGF‐1 deficiency (Igf1f/f‐TBG‐Cre‐AAV8) and accelerated vascular aging. We found that IGF‐1‐deficient mice exhibit neurovascular uncoupling and show a deficit in hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory test, mimicking the aging phenotype. IGF‐1 deficiency significantly impaired cerebromicrovascular endothelial function decreasing NO mediation of neurovascular coupling. IGF‐1 deficiency also impaired glutamate‐mediated CBF responses, likely due to dysregulation of astrocytic expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors and impairing mediation of CBF responses by eicosanoid gliotransmitters. Collectively, we demonstrate that IGF‐1 deficiency promotes cerebromicrovascular dysfunction and neurovascular uncoupling mimicking the aging phenotype, which are likely to contribute to cognitive impairment.
Calpain‐mediated cleavage of DARPP‐32 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cho Kwangmin , Cho Mi‐Hyang , Seo Jung‐Han , Peak Jongjin , Kong Kyoung‐Hye , Yoon Seung‐Yong , Kim Dong‐Hou 
Published: July 2015

SummaryToxicity induced by aberrant protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes synaptic disconnection and concomitant progressive neurodegeneration that eventually impair cognitive function. cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor involved in the molecular switch that converts short‐term to long‐term memory. Although disturbances in CREB function have been suggested to cause memory deficits in both AD and AD animal models, the mechanism of CREB dysfunction is still unclear. Here, we show that the dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein 32 kDa (DARPP‐32), a key inhibitor of protein phosphate‐1 (PP‐1) that regulates CREB phosphorylation, is cleaved by activated calpain in both AD brains and neuronal cells treated with amyloid‐β or okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase‐2A inhibitor that induces tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal death. We found that DARPP‐32 is mainly cleaved at Thr153 by calpain and that this cleavage of DARPP‐32 reduces CREB phosphorylation via loss of its inhibitory function on PP1. Our results suggest a novel mechanism of DARPP‐32–CREB signalling dysregulation in AD.
Cannabis use among Swedish men in adolescence and the risk of adverse life course outcomes: results from a 20 year‐follow‐up study
Authors: Danielsson Anna‐Karin , Falkstedt Daniel , Hemmingsson Tomas , Allebeck Peter , Agardh Emilie 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo examine associations between cannabis use in adolescence (at age 18) and unemployment and social welfare assistance in adulthood (at age 40) among Swedish men.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 49 321 Swedish men born in 1949–51, who were conscripted to compulsory military service at 18–20 years of age.MeasurementsAll men answered two detailed questionnaires at conscription and were subject to examinations of physical aptitude psychological functioning and medical status. By follow‐up in national databases, information on unemployment and social welfare assistance was obtained.FindingsIndividuals who used cannabis at high levels in adolescence had increased risk of future unemployment and of receiving social welfare assistance. Adjusted for all confounders (social background, psychological functioning, health behaviours, educational level, psychiatric diagnoses), an increased relative risk (RR) of unemployment remained in the group reporting cannabis use > 50 times [RR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.53] only. For social welfare assistance, RR in the group reporting cannabis use 1–10 times was 1.15 (95% CI = 1.06–1.26), RR for 11–50 times was 1.21 (95% CI = 1.04–1.42) and RR for > 50 times was 1.38 (95% CI = 1.19–1.62).ConclusionsHeavy cannabis use among Swedish men in late adolescence appears to be associated with unemployment and being in need of social welfare assistance in adulthood. These associations are not explained fully by other health‐related, social or behavioural problems.
Early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcus sepsis following national risk‐based prevention guidelines
Authors: Darlow Brian A. , Voss Lesley , Lennon Diana R. , Grimwood Keith 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundNeonatal infection with group B streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of infant mortality. Intrapartum antibiotics reduce early‐onset GBS sepsis, but recommendations vary as to whether they should be offered following antenatal screening or based on risk factors alone. We aimed to determine the incidence of early‐onset GBS sepsis in New Zealand five years after the publication of national risk‐based GBS prevention guidelines.Materials and MethodsProspective surveillance of early‐onset GBS sepsis (defined as infection in the first 48 h of life) was undertaken between April 2009 and March 2011 through the auspices of the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit as part of a survey of infection presenting in the first week of life.ResultsThere were 29 cases of confirmed early‐onset GBS sepsis, including one case of meningitis, giving an incidence rate of 0.23 per 1000 (95% CI 0.16–0.33) live births. Three infants (10.3%) died. In 16 cases (55%), a maternal risk factor qualifying the mother for intrapartum antibiotics was present, but only five (31%) received this intervention. A retrospective review of the major hospital laboratory databases for this period identified two additional cases. A secondary sensitivity analysis taking account of these cases provided an estimated national incidence of 0.26 (95% CI 0.18–0.37) per 1000 live births.ConclusionsTen years after a similar survey and five years after promoting a single, risk‐based prevention protocol nationally, the incidence of early‐onset GBS disease in New Zealand has more than halved, but opportunities remain to further reduce the rate.
Prevalence of celiac disease in patients with severe food allergy
Authors: Pillon R. , Ziberna F. , Badina L. , Ventura A. , Longo G. , Quaglia S. , De Leo L. , Vatta S. , Martelossi S. , Patano G. , Not T. , Berti I. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe association between food allergy and celiac disease (CD) is still to be clarified. We screened for CD 319 patients with severe food allergy (IgE > 85 kU/l against food proteins and a history of severe allergic reactions) who underwent specific food oral immunotherapy (OIT), together with 128 children with mild allergy who recovered without OIT, and compared the prevalence data with our historical data regarding healthy schoolchildren. Sixteen patients (5%) with severe allergy and one (0.8%) with mild allergy tested positive for both genetic and serological CD markers, while the prevalence among the schoolchildren was 1%. Intestinal biopsies were obtained in 13/16 patients with severe allergy and in the one with mild allergy, confirming the diagnosis of CD. Sufferers from severe food allergy seem to be at a fivefold increased risk of CD. Our findings suggest that routine screening for CD should be recommended in patients with severe food allergy.
The Construction of Public and Domestic Spheres in the Preclassic Maya Lowlands
Authors: Inomata Takeshi , MacLellan Jessica , Burham Melissa 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThere exists a significant theoretical imbalance in the archaeological study of domestic and public domains. Although the domestic has been an important focus of theoretical discussion, there is not an adequate archaeological theory on the public, and the study of the public is often confused with that of elite strategies. We believe that this theoretical imbalance strongly shapes interpretations of early Maya society, leading to the problematic assumption that the domestic existed before the public. Jürgen Habermas's concept of public sphere provides a logical starting point for the exploration of this issue. At the lowland Maya site of Ceibal, Guatemala, a public ceremonial complex was built around 1000 B.C.E. when some groups began to adopt a sedentary and agricultural way of life, but some populations probably maintained residential mobility and a mixed economy for the next few centuries. During this period of profound social change, the new public sphere probably served as an arena of negotiation between diverse groups through communal rituals. The construction of minor temples and the disappearance of figurines several centuries later signal a transformation of domestic ritual through its integration into a more homogeneous system of ritual practice rooted in earlier public rites. [public sphere, political process, Maya, archaeology]
Ultrasonographic imaging of abomasal milk clotting and abomasal diameter in healthy and diarrheic calves
Authors: Kirchner Daniela , Schwedhelm Lea , Wenge Julia , Steinhöfel Ilka , Heinrich Christian , Coenen Manfred , Bachmann Lisa 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn case of diarrhea calves are treated with oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which are known to increase abomasalpHand inhibit milk clottingin vitro. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown thatORSwithHCO3‐≤ 62 mmol/L do not interfere with abomasal milk clotting in healthy calves. However, in diarrheic calves, feedingORSand milk simultaneously may disturb abomasal curd formation and exacerbate diarrhea due to faster abomasal passage of ingesta. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to ultrasonographically examine abomasal milk clotting and diameter after feeding milk and milk replacer (MR) with and withoutORSto healthy and diarrheic calves. Abomasal curd formation and diameter in healthy and diarrheic calves were ultrasonographically imaged before and after feeding milk,MRandORSprepared in milk orMR. Feeding mixtures of milk orMRwithORSdid not cause any remarkable differences in the ultrasonographic images of abomasal content. Moreover, abomasal milk clotting was not disturbed due to diarrhea. Statistically significant differences of abomasal diameter after feeding between healthy and diarrheic calves indicated that abomasal emptying is delayed in diarrheic calves. Hence, further studies are needed to determine reasons for decelerated abomasal passage in calves suffering from diarrhea.
Is Minocycline an Antiviral Agent? A Review of Current Literature
Authors: Nagarakanti Sandhya , Bishburg Eliahu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMinocycline is a second‐generation semi‐synthetic derivative of tetracycline and has well‐known anti‐bacterial effects. The drug possesses anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, anti‐apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects. The drug is widely used in bacterial infections and non‐infectious conditions such as acne, dermatitis, periodontitis and neurodegenerative conditions. Minocycline was shown to have antiviral activity in vitro and also against different viruses in some animal models. Some studies have been done on human patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. We have review the available data regarding minocycline activity as an antiviral agent.