bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Fiscal Policy Procyclical in the Euro Area?
Authors: Huart Florence 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe test the relationship between the cyclically adjusted primary balance and alternative indicators of cyclical conditions for the euro area and 18 OECD countries over the period 1970-2009. A countercyclical stance of discretionary fiscal policy is found during bad times after 1999 in the euro area as a whole and in a few member countries only (France, Ireland and The Netherlands). It is also associated with high public deficits or low public debts. There is no significant case of procyclical fiscal policy after 1999, neither in good times nor in bad times.
Candida colonisation and the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate on soft silicone‐lined dentures of diabetic and non‐diabetic patients
Authors: Mantri Sneha S. , Parkhedkar RamBhau D. , Mantri Shivkumar P. 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate Candida colonisation in the dentures with silicone soft liner in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients and to assess the antifungal efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate on Candida colonies.Materials and methodsThirty patients with resorbed ridges, fifteen each in the diabetic and non‐diabetic group, were selected. The mandibular denture of each patient was lined with heat‐polymerised silicone resilient liner. Patients were instructed to clean the dentures with soap water and brush. Samples from the fitting surface of mandibular dentures were collected at 15, 21 and 30 days. Subsequently, samples were collected at 15, 21 and 30 days, after cleaning the dentures with a detergent solution of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, and incubated for the evaluation of Candida growth. These data were subjected to statistical analysis by Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsNormal oral flora in diabetics and non‐diabetics showed no difference (p > 0.05). The density of colonies increased after 21 and 30 days in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). Number of Candida colonies significantly reduced in both the groups after 21 and 30 days of cleaning the dentures with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (p < 0.05).ConclusionDentures with silicone resilient liner exhibit increased Candida growth in diabetic patients. Four per cent chlorhexidine gluconate solution effectively disinfects these dentures.
Association between Genetic Polymorphisms of NOD 1 and Helicobacter pylori‐Induced Gastric Mucosal Inflammation in Healthy Korean Population
Authors: Kim Eun Jung , Lee Jeong Rok , Chung Woo Chul , Jung Sung Hoon , Sung Hae Jung , Lee Yang Woon , Oh You Suk , Kim Sang Bae , Paik Chang Nyol , Lee Kang‐Moon , Noh Seung June 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer is supposed to be a result of inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD 1) is required for the innate immune response to H. pylori. We aim to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in NOD 1 gene is associated with H. pylori‐induced gastric mucosal inflammation in a healthy Korean population.MethodsThe study was conducted on 412 adults who visited two different healthcare centers for health examinations. The G796A (E266K) NOD 1 SNP was detected by using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism. A gastritis score was calculated by the summed values of the grade and the activity of gastritis scored according to the updated Sydney system. The expression of IL‐8 and COX‐2 mRNA was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In the group with H. pylori infection, the complete screening of the genes comprising the cag PAI was performed.ResultsThe genotype frequencies were 26.7% (AA type), 58.3% (GA), and 15.0% (GG). In H. pylori‐positive patients, gastritis score of the AA genotype was significantly higher than those of the others (p = .04). Also, the IL‐8 and COX‐2 mRNA levels increased in the AA genotype. In the group with H. pylori infection, 31.9% were found to carry the complete cag PAI. When the subjects were infected with intact cag PAI, the IL‐8 and COX‐2 mRNA levels were significantly high in AA genotype.ConclusionG796A (E266K) NOD 1 polymorphism is closely correlated with H. pylori‐associated gastric mucosal inflammation in the Korean population.
Shaping ability of different single‐file systems in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth
Authors: Bürklein S. , Benten S. , Schäfer E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo compare the shaping ability of three different single‐file systems with Mtwo rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted teeth.MethodologyA total of 80 root canals with curvatures ranging between 25° and 35° were divided into four groups of 20 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared to the following apical sizes: Mtwo: size 30 using the single‐length technique; Reciproc, F360, and OneShape: size 25. Using pre‐ and post‐instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis programme. Preparation time, changes in working length, and instrument failures were also recorded. These data were analysed statistically using anova and Student–Newman–Keuls test.ResultsDuring preparation, no file fractured. All instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the instrument systems (P = 0.792). Instrumentation with Reciproc and OneShape was significantly faster than with F360 and Mtwo (P < 0.05), while F360 was significantly faster than Mtwo (P < 0.05). No significant differences were obtained regarding changes in working length during instrumentation with the different instruments (P = 0.784).ConclusionsUnder the conditions of this study, all instruments respected the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. The use of Reciproc and OneShape instruments required less time to prepare the curved canals compared with Mtwo and F360.
16th IHIW: A Website for Antibody‐Defined HLA Epitope Registry
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J. , Marrari M. , Sousa L. C. D. da M. , Barroso J. R. P. de M. , Aita K. M. de S. U. , da Silva A. S. , do Monte S. J. H. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe concept that HLA antibodies are specific for epitopes rather than HLA antigens is important not only for the determination of mismatch acceptability for sensitized patients but also for a better understanding of the antibody response to an HLA mismatch. Numerous publications describe epitope‐specific antibodies, but there is no standardized information about the repertoire of clinically relevant HLA epitopes. Under auspices of the 16th IHIW, we have developed a website‐based registry of antibody‐verified HLA epitopes. Epitope notations are based on HLA molecular modelling of amino acid residues in polymorphic sequence positions. Informative epitope‐specific antibodies had been induced by a transplant, transfusion or pregnancy and were monoclonal antibodies or eluates of sera absorbed with single HLA alleles. Antibody reactivity was determined in binding assays with single‐allele panels. Antibody producer/immunizer HLA types enhanced the characterization of specific epitopes. The Registry also includes epitopes described in original research publications. Based on the extent of antibody reactivity information, we assigned epitope status as confirmed (well documented) or provisional (more data are needed). At present, the Registry has 69 HLA‐ABC, 53 DRB1/3/4/5, 17 DQ, 8 DP and 22 MICA antibody‐verified epitopes and will be updated on a quarterly basis. Laboratories worldwide continue to submit data about previously unreported antibody‐specific epitopes. For each epitope, the website shows its amino acid composition and HLA alleles that share the epitope. Links show antibody reactivity patterns, sensitization information and references. Other links show molecular modelling of corresponding structural epitopes and polymorphic residue information for epitope‐carrying alleles. The website will also have a link to epitope frequency information in different populations. Search functions will list mismatched epitopes on mismatched alleles for selected HLA types. The HLA Epitope Registry will become a valuable resource for researchers interested in HLA compatibility at the epitope level and investigating antibody responses to HLA mismatches.
Context‐dependent effects of mycorrhizae on herbivore density and parasitism in a tritrophic coastal study system
Authors: MOON DANIEL C. , BARNOUTI JWAN , YOUNGINGER BRETT 
Published: November 2012

1. Stressful abiotic conditions and mycorrhizal fungi have both been shown to influence plant quality significantly, yet the interactive effects of these factors on relationships among plants, herbivores, and natural enemies remain unclear.2. In this study, the results of a factorial field experiment are reported in which the effects of plant stress and mycorrhizae on density and parasitism of three herbivores of Baccharis halimifolia L. were examined.3. Plant stress was increased by adding salt to the soil, and association with mycorrhizal fungi was increased by inoculating plant roots.4. Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi resulted in increased density of all three herbivore species, but the effects of mycorrhizae on parasitism varied by species and with soil salinity levels. For the gall maker Neolasioptera lathami Gagne, mycorrhizae decreased parasitism regardless of soil salinity levels. For the leaf miners Amauromyza maculosa Malloch and Liriomyza trifolii Burgess, mycorrhizae effectively negated the decrease in parasitism resulting from increased salinity.5. The results of this study show that the effects of mycorrhizae on parasitism may be context dependent, and can be positive or negative depending upon species and environmental conditions.
Assessing the state of Greek marine fisheries resources
Authors: Tsikliras A.C. , Tsiros V.‐Z. , Stergiou K.I. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAnnual fish landings for the Greek seas were analysed for the period 1982–2007 and classified into exploitation categories based on a catch‐based stock classification method. In 2007, about 65% of the Greek stock were characterised as overfished, 32% as fully exploited and only 3% were characterised as developing; collapsed stocks were not recorded. The cumulative percentage of fully exploited and overfished stocks has been increasing over the past 20 years suggesting overexploitation of resources. The results were contrasted against total landings, the fishing‐in‐balance index (FiB) and fishing effort, and some irregularities on the dataset were explained based on current legislation and management measures. A positive correlation between FiB and total fishing effort confirmed the expansion of the Greek fisheries up to 1994, but contraction thereafter. The results suggest that the apparently stable overall catches and decreasing effort may be deceiving, as they hide an underlying pattern of overexploitation in some of the stocks. It was concluded that the Greek fisheries are no longer sustainable and radical management measures are needed.
Development and validation of the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index, a scale for the rapid scoring of lesion severity in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Plant Jon D. , Gortel Kinga , Kovalik Marcel , Polissar Nayak L. , Neradilek Moni B. 
Published: November 2012

Background – The third iteration of the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐03) is the only tool rigorously validated for canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) lesion scoring. The CADESI‐03 requires 248 evaluations, limiting its widespread use.Hypothesis/Objectives – The goal of the study was to develop and validate a practical method of grading CAD lesions that requires scoring only the frequently affected body regions.Animals – Fifty‐seven privately owned atopic dogs were used in the study.Methods – The Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI) was evaluated in an open, multicentre reliability study. Validity was assessed with expert opinion (content validity) and comparison of CADLI with existing disease severity measures (construct and criterion validity). Reliability was evaluated by analysing repeated observations of each dog. Convenience was assessed in terms of the time required to complete the scale.Results – The CADLI scores correlated with overall assessment scores (r = 0.60,P < 0.001, linear mixed model) and pruritus severity scores (r = 0.53,P < 0.001, linear mixed model), establishing construct validity. The CADLI was strongly correlated with CADESI‐03 (r = 0.84,P < 0.001, linear mixed model), establishing criterion validity. The CADLI values obtained by two observers correlated very strongly (r = 0.91,P < 0.001), as did the repeat values for the same observer (r = 0.98,P < 0.001). The mean time to complete the CADLI was less than that required for CADESI‐03 (1.9 and 12.6 min, respectively), a highly significant difference (P < 0.001).Conclusion and clinical importance – The CADLI was found to be an effective measure of CAD lesion severity, strongly correlating with CADESI‐03. The convenience of CADLI makes it suitable for use in both clinical research and practice.
Confocal Imaging of Trans‐epithelial Trafficking by Immune and Umbilical Cord Stem Cells in the Neonatal Porcine Intestine
Authors: Miller D. , Packthongsuk K. , Rathbun T. , Boyle D. , Troyer D. , Davis D. L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryMaternal colostral leucocytes (CL) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) enter the neonatal circulation after ingestion in pigs and cattle. Porcine umbilical cord matrix stem cells (PUCs) are relatively non‐immunogenic after initial allogeneic transplantation. Using intestinal explant cultures incubated with labelled cells and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated trans‐epithelial trafficking of exogenous CL, PBMC and PUCs below the luminal surface after 72 h of culture. We orally administered PBMC and PUCs to pre‐colostral neonatal pigs and tracked their location 8 or 24 h later. Both PBMC and PUCs were found in the intestinal wall of all samples. Exposure to 25% of acellular colostrum had no detected effect on trafficking. Labelled PUCs and PBMC were detected on the surface of the epithelium and in the lamina propria 8 h post‐treatment and PBMC were also in the superficial submucosa. At 24 h, PUCs and PBMC were observed on the surface of the epithelium, in the lamina propria, superficial submucosa and deep submucosa. Our findings show the potential of PUCs for allogeneic engraftment in the neonatal intestine and may lead to cell‐based delivery of therapeutics.
Influence of phonotactic probability/neighbourhood density on lexical learning in late talkers
Authors: MacRoy‐Higgins Michelle , Schwartz Richard G. , Shafer Valerie L. , Marton Klara 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundToddlers who are late talkers demonstrate delays in phonological and lexical skills. However, the influence of phonological factors on lexical acquisition in toddlers who are late talkers has not been examined directly.AimsTo examine the influence of phonotactic probability/neighbourhood density on word learning in toddlers who were late talkers using comprehension, production and word recognition tasks.Methods & ProceduresTwo‐year‐olds who were late talkers (n = 12) and typically developing toddlers (n = 12) were exposed to 12 novel pseudo‐words for unfamiliar objects in ten training sessions. Pseudo‐words contained high or low phonotactic probability English sound sequences. The toddlers’ comprehension, speech production and detection of mispronunciation of the newly learned words were examined using a preferential looking paradigm.Outcomes & ResultsLate talkers showed poorer performance than toddlers with typical language development in all three tasks: comprehension, production and detection of mispronunciations. The toddlers with typical language development showed better speech production and more sensitivity to mispronunciations for high than low phonotactic probability/neighbourhood density sequences. Phonotactic probability/neighbourhood density did not influence the late talkers’ speech production or sensitivity to mispronunciations; they performed similarly for pseudo‐words with high and low phonotactic probability/neighbourhood density sound sequences.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe results indicate that some late talkers do not recognize statistical properties of their language, which may contribute to their slower lexical learning.
The Institution ofHukou‐based Social Exclusion: A Unique Institution Reshaping the Characteristics of Contemporary UrbanChina
Authors: Zhang Mingqiong , Zhu Cherrie Jiuhua , Nyland Chris 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis conceptual article contributes to institutional analysis and the neo‐institutional theory literature by identifying and analysing the linked rules, values, norms and patterned practices that surround and structure the way rural migrant workers are treated in urban areas ofChina in terms of Scott's integrated model of institutions. It argues that thesehukou‐based rules, values, norms and patterned practices that discriminate against rural migrants can be considered to be a unique institution — the institution ofhukou‐based social exclusion (IHSE).IHSEhas dominatedChinese urban society for 3 decades and significantly shaped the lives of millions of rural migrant workers, the character of contemporaryChina and the nature of managerial practices amongChinese firms. This is the first article to examine the social exclusion of rural workers from the perspective of neo‐institutionalism, providing the first systematic analysis of the regulative, normative and cognitive dimensions that together socially exclude migrants in urban areas ofChina. It presents a holistic picture of the newly identified institution that offers new insights intoChina's urban society and management, and a new starting point for research.
Specifying the Arena of Possibilities: Post‐structuralist Narrative Analysis and theEuropean Commission's Legitimation Strategies
Authors: Biegoń Dominika 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThroughout its history, the legitimacy of theEuropeanUnion has constantly been challenged. Eroding levels of political support have not left political elites unaffected. This article focuses on legitimation strategies formulated by theCommission between 1973 and 1994 and applies a post‐structuralist framework to account for the development of legitimation strategies over time. The formulation of legitimation strategies becomes possible within distinct discourses while other plans of action to generate political support remain unthinkable. Narrative analysis is proposed as a useful methodological tool to analyze structures of meaning that restrain theCommission in its choice of legitimation strategies.
Improving Compliance with European Union Law via Agencies: The Case of the European Railway Agency
Authors: Versluis Esther , Tarr Erika 
Published: November 2012

AbstractEuropean Union agencies are increasingly used to stimulate domestic compliance with EU law, without concrete evidence for whether and how these bodies actually realize this. Through in‐depth analysis of the European Railway Agency, this article enhances our empirical understanding of the working and functioning of EU agencies, and advances our thinking about compliance in international settings. It leads us to the insight that – in order to be capable of stimulating domestic compliance – agencies should be flexible to resort to a mix of compliance strategies in order to be able to cope with the varying domestic compliance situations.
Integrating frugivory and animal movement: a review of the evidence and implications for scaling seed dispersal
Authors: Côrtes Marina Corrêa , Uriarte María 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTGeneral principles about the consequences of seed dispersal by animals for the structure and dynamics of plant populations and communities remain elusive. This is in part because seed deposition patterns emerge from interactions between frugivore behaviour and the distribution of food resources, both of which can vary over space and time. Here we advocate a frugivore‐centred, process‐based, synthetic approach to seed dispersal research that integrates seed dispersal ecology and animal movement across multiple spatio‐temporal scales. To guide this synthesis, we survey existing literature using paradigms from seed dispersal and animal movement. Specifically, studies are discussed with respect to five criteria: selection of focal organisms (animal or plant); measurement of animal movement; characterization of seed shadow; animal, plant and environmental factors included in the study; and scales of the study. Most studies focused on either frugivores or plants and characterized seed shadows directly by combining gut retention time with animal movement data or indirectly by conducting maternity analysis of seeds. Although organismal traits and environmental factors were often measured, they were seldom used to characterize seed shadows. Multi‐scale analyses were rare, with seed shadows mostly characterized at fine spatial scales, over single fruiting seasons, and for individual dispersers. Novel animal‐ and seed‐tracking technologies, remote environmental monitoring tools, and advances in analytical methods can enable effective implementation of a hierarchical mechanistic approach to the study of seed dispersal. This kind of mechanistic approach will provide novel insights regarding the complex interplay between the factors that modulate animal behaviour and subsequently influence seed dispersal patterns across spatial and temporal scales.
Lethal Effects of Water Quality on Threatened California Salamanders but Not on Co‐Occurring Hybrid Salamanders
Authors: RYAN MAUREEN E. , JOHNSON JARRETT R. , FITZPATRICK BENJAMIN M. , LOWENSTINE LINDA J. , PICCO ANGELA M. , SHAFFER H. BRADLEY 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBiological invasions and habitat alteration are often detrimental to native species, but their interactions are difficult to predict. Interbreeding between native and introduced species generates novel genotypes and phenotypes, and human land use alters habitat structure and chemistry. Both invasions and habitat alteration create new biological challenges and opportunities. In the intensively farmed Salinas Valley, California (U.S.A.), threatened California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) have been replaced by hybrids between California tiger salamander and introduced barred tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium). We conducted an enclosure experiment to examine the effects habitat modification and relative frequency of hybrid and native California tiger salamanders have on recruitment of salamanders and their prey, Pacific chorus frogs (Pseudacris regilla). We tested whether recruitment differed among genetic classes of tiger salamanders (hybrid or native) and pond hydroperiod (seasonal or perennial). Roughly 6 weeks into the experiment, 70% (of 378 total) of salamander larvae died in 4 out of 6 ponds. Native salamanders survived (n = 12) in these ponds only if they had metamorphosed prior to the die‐offs. During die‐offs, all larvae of native salamanders died, whereas 56% of hybrid larvae died. We necropsied native and hybrid salamanders, tested water quality, and queried the California Department of Pesticide Regulation database to investigate possible causes of the die‐offs. Salamander die‐offs, changes in the abundance of other community members (invertebrates, algae, and cyanobacteria), shifts in salamander sex ratio, and patterns of pesticide application in adjacent fields suggest that pesticide use may have contributed to die‐offs. That all survivors were hybrids suggests that environmental stress may promote rapid displacement of native genotypes.Efectos Letales de la Calidad del Agua sobre Salamandras de California Amenazadas pero no sobre Salamandras Híbridas Concurrentes