bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress index for positive end‐expiratory pressure titration in prone position: a piglet study
Authors: Pan C. , Tang R. , Xie J. , Xu J. , Liu S. , Yu T. , Huang Y. , Guo F. , Yang Y. , Qiu H. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundProne position ventilation is an important treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but chest wall elastance increases in prone position ventilation, and stress index may not reflect the changes in lung mechanics. We therefore investigated the effects of stress index guided PEEP titration on pulmonary mechanics and hemodynamics in the prone position in a piglet acute lung injury model.MethodsTen piglets with severe lavage‐induced lung injury were mechanically ventilated in a decremental PEEP trial after full lung recruitment in the prone position. Stress‐index PEEP was the level at which the airway pressure stress index was 1, and open‐lung PEEP was the level at which it was required to keep the lung open according to computed tomography (CT) scans. Respiratory mechanics, blood gases, hemodynamics, and whole‐lung CT were recorded at the two PEEP levels.ResultsRespiratory system elastance and lung elastance were improved in the prone position but the ratio of chest wall elastance and respiratory system elastance was higher in the prone position. There was no significant difference between open‐lung and stress‐index guided PEEPs in the prone position (P = 0.46). There was no significant difference between collapsed lung volume (P = 0.07) and hyperinflation lung volume (P = 0.76) in the two groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference between open‐lung and stress‐index guided PEEPs in terms of oxygenation index (P = 0.95) and PaCO2 (P = 0.42).ConclusionsStress index can be used to titrate PEEP in the prone position in a surfactant‐depleted lung injury model.
Lipoarabinomannan‐specific TNF‐α and IFN‐γ as markers of protective immunity against tuberculosis: a cohort study in an endemic setting
Authors: Belay Mulugeta , Legesse Mengistu , Mihret Adane , Bekele Yonas , Bjune Gunnar , Abebe Fekadu 
Published: July 2015

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a virulent factor used for entry and survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in macrophages. Although the role of LAM for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) has been extensively investigated, its cytokine response during natural Mtb infection in humans is largely unknown. In this study, LAM‐specific IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 levels following whole blood assay were measured in untreated pulmonary TB patients, their contacts and community controls at baseline. In treated patients and contacts, cytokines were also measured at 6 and 12 months. At entry, 52.8% and 74.8% of controls and contacts were QFT‐GIT positive, respectively. At baseline, untreated TB patients and contacts had significantly lower IFN‐γ and TNF‐α response compared to community controls (p < 0.0001). Besides, untreated patients had significantly higher TNF‐α and IL‐10 response compared to their contacts (p < 0.0001). At 6 months, contacts and treated TB patients had significantly increased INF‐γ and TNF‐α response (p < 0.0001). In TB patients, IFN‐γ increased 10‐fold following chemotherapy suggesting its potential role for treatment monitoring. The data suggests that LAM might have an anti‐inflammatory effect during clinical TB and early Mtb infection. The data also suggests that LAM‐induced IFN‐γ and TNF‐α could be used as biomarkers of protective immunity.
Effects of reflection type in the here and now mobile learning environment
Authors: Martin Florence , Ertzberger Jeffrey 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHere and now mobile learning has the capability to engage learners anytime and anywhere and situate them in their learning context. Mobile devices provide opportunity for learners to participate in reflective activities with experts, peers or self while being situated in the learning context such as being in a museum or gallery and using mobile content to learn about exhibits. This study examined the effects of here and now mobile learning on student achievement and attitude based on different types of reflection (no reflection, self‐guided reflection and reflection with virtual expert). Students (n = 103) who were enrolled in teacher preparation courses at a public regional university in the United States participated in the here and now mobile learning intervention on art content in one of three reflection groups. The participants completed a posttest and attitude survey. One‐way ANOVAs were conducted on data obtained from the achievement pretest and posttest and on the attitude survey results for the Likert‐type items. Analysis of achievement data revealed positive significant differences on the reflection type whereas attitude data did not reveal any significant differences. The implications of the findings are discussed for those designing and implementing mobile‐based learning.
Aging, growth and the allocation of public expenditures on health and education
Authors: Dioikitopoulos Evangelos V. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper, I develop an overlapping generations endogenous growth model in which both public education and health are sources of growth by affecting the accumulation rate of the human capital stock and the savings rate over life expectancy. I first find that dynamic complementarities of public expenditures lead to minimum threshold levels of public education and health expenditures that ensure sustainable growth. I then show how governments can use the allocation of public expenditures as an alternative policy instrument to maximize growth without increasing the tax rate or the retirement age, as usually happens in aging economies.
Proinsulin multi-peptide immunotherapy induces antigen-specific regulatory T cells and limits autoimmunity in a humanized model
Authors: Gibson V B , Nikolic T , Pearce V Q , Demengeot J , Roep B O , Peakman M 
Published: July 2015

Summary
Peptide immunotherapy (PIT) is a targeted therapeutic approach, involving administration of disease-associated peptides, with the aim of restoring antigen-specific immunological tolerance without generalized immunosuppression. In type 1 diabetes, proinsulin is a primary antigen targeted by the autoimmune response, and is therefore a strong candidate for exploitation via PIT in this setting. To elucidate the optimal conditions for proinsulin-based PIT and explore mechanisms of action, we developed a preclinical model of proinsulin autoimmunity in a humanized HLA-DRB1*0401 transgenic HLA-DR4 Tg mouse. Once proinsulin-specific tolerance is broken, HLA-DR4 Tg mice develop autoinflammatory responses, including proinsulin-specific T cell proliferation, interferon (IFN)-γ and autoantibody production. These are preventable and quenchable by pre- and post-induction treatment, respectively, using intradermal proinsulin-PIT injections. Intradermal proinsulin-PIT enhances proliferation of regulatory [forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+)CD25high] CD4 T cells, including those capable of proinsulin-specific regulation, suggesting this as its main mode of action. In contrast, peptide delivered intradermally on the surface of vitamin D3-modulated (tolerogenic) dendritic cells, controls autoimmunity in association with proinsulin-specific IL-10 production, but no change in regulatory CD4 T cells. These studies define a humanized, translational model for in vivo optimization of PIT to control autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes and indicate that dominant mechanisms of action differ according to mode of peptide delivery.
Bone reactions around dental implants subjected to progressive static load: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Podaropoulos Leonidas , Veis Alexander A. , Trisi Paolo , Papadimitriou Serafim , Alexandridis Constantinos , Kalyvas Demos 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate histologically and histomorphometrically, the peri‐implant bone reaction around implants subjected to controlled progressive orthodontic loading.Materials and methodsIn three beagle dogs, bilateral edentulous flat alveolar ridges were created in the maxillary area posterior to the canines. After 8 weeks of healing, 24 implants (Biomet 3i) were inserted in the edentulous sites. Two experimental groups were created. Progressive loading group: Twelve implants were left to heal for 8 weeks uncovered, and abutments were adapted and connected by pairs with Ni‐Ti orthodontic springs. A gradual static force of 100, 200 and 300 g was applied for a 3‐week period each. Thus, a total progressive loading period of 9 weeks was exercised. Unloaded control group: Twelve implants were left to heal undisturbed. At the end of the experimental period, all implants of both groups were removed with the surrounding bone. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed, and the following parameters were measured: bone‐to‐implant contact, bone density 1 and 2 mm distant to the implant threads and crestal bone resorption. Median regression models are used for statistical analysis.ResultsImplants of the progressive loading group exhibited significantly higher percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact compared to the unloaded control implants (P = 0.018). Bone density 1 and 2 mm distant to the threads was found to be the same between the two groups (P = 0.734 and P = 0.961, respectively). Crestal bone resorption did not differ between loaded and unloaded implants (P = 0.813).ConclusionThe application of progressive loading by controlled orthodontic force on osseointegrated implants provoked significant increase in the percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact of the low‐density bone of the dog maxilla.
CEO Overpayment and Dismissal: The Role of Attribution and Attention
Authors: He Lerong , Fang Junxiong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis study investigates the moderating role of CEO overpayment on the relationship between firm performance and CEO dismissal. We also examine how contextual factors, including compensation disclosure regulation, firm index status, and firm age, influence board attention and attribution, and consequently affect the sensitivity of CEO dismissal to firm performance.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a sample of Chinese listed firms between 2002 and 2011, we find that overpaid CEOs are associated with a larger likelihood of dismissal in case of poor firm performance compared to their underpaid counterparts. In addition, CEO overpayment has a larger influence on the turnover‐performance relationship when executive compensation disclosure is mandatory, when a firm is index‐included, or younger.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study provides empirical support for attribution theory and the attention‐based view. Built on the concept of bounded rationality, it demonstrates that board sense‐making and causal attributions affect the CEO dismissal decision. Our study also sheds light on the influence of situational cues on shaping board attention and subsequent corporate governance decisions.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study offers insights to policymakers interested in enhancing the design of corporate governance mechanisms by paying attention to cognitive processes in the boardroom.
Transforming Central Bank Liabilities into Government Debt: The Case of China
Authors: McCauley Robert , Ma Guonan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWhere policy has substantially increased central bank assets, the corresponding liabilities present an opportunity to increase the breadth, depth and liquidity of the government bond market. In China's case, transformed illiquid central bank liabilities could double or triple the stock of government bonds. Central bank liabilities can be transformed into government bonds either through the government's purchase of foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank or by the government overfunding its borrowing requirement and depositing the proceeds in the central bank. The overfunding approach is preferred if, for financial stability reasons, it is judged prudent to leave the central bank with sufficient resources to serve itself as lender of last resort in foreign currency to the banking system. In the case of China, public debt consolidation could also contribute to further liberalizing the Chinese banking system, wider international use of the renminbi and more balanced holdings of key currency government bonds.
How does Bank Capital Affect Bank Profitability and Risk? Evidence from China's WTO Accession
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Ning Shao‐Lin , Lee Chi‐Chuan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper examines how bank capital affects bank profitability and risk in China, and how its impact differed before and after the nation entered the WTO. Our study uses the dynamic generalized method of moments approach with a panel database containing 171 Chinese commercial banks. We find that bank capital has significant influence on bank profitability and risk, but its impact has declined since China joined the WTO in 2001. For different sized groups, the impact of capital on profitability exhibits a distinct trend. The effects of capital on bank risk are different for large and small banks depending on the risk variables used for the Chinese banking industry.
Value, Structure and Spatial Distribution of Interprovincial Trade in China
Authors: Xing Weibo , Whalley John , Li Shantong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study uses two different datasets to explore the stylized facts of interprovincial trade in China during the recent two decades. One dataset provides the magnitude of bilateral interprovincial goods trade calculated using firms' value‐added tax invoices. The other supplies estimates of interprovincial trade using provincial input–output tables. We find that China has both a large value and a high growth rate of interprovincial trade, but there still exists a home bias in internal trade for most provinces. In addition, disaggregation by product shows that the manufacturing sector has the largest share of interprovincial trade and this share continues to grow. Finally, the spatial distribution of trade suggests that all provinces can be clustered into a smaller number of trade areas with large intra‐cluster trade. Therefore, China's central government should make more effort to reduce local protection, stimulate domestic demand and coordinate interregional trade among local jurisdictions.
Comparison of the heart failure risk stratification performance of the CKD–EPI equation and the MDRD equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Y. , Katzmarzyk P. T. , Horswell R. , Zhao W. , Johnson J. , Hu G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo investigate the risk prediction and the risk stratification performances of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD–EPI) equation and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCKD–EPI vs. eGFRMDRD) on heart failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study cohort included 12 258 White and 16 886 African American low‐income patients with Type 2 diabetes who were 30–90 years old at baseline. Heart failure risk according to different eGFRCKD–EPI and eGFRMDRD categories was prospectively assessed.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up of 6.5 years, 5043 incident heart failure cases were identified. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of heart failure associated with the eGFRCKD–EPI categories [≥ 90 (reference group), 75–89, 60–74, 30–59 and < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2] were 1.00, 1.11, 1.31, 1.75 and 2.93 (Ptrend < 0.001) for African American patients, and 1.00, 1.11, 1.08, 1.59 and 2.92 (Ptrend < 0.001) for White patients, respectively. The model with eGFRCKD–EPI and the other risk factors had significantly higher Harrell's C than the model with eGFRMDRD and other risk factors. Patients reclassified downward from eGFRMDRD 60–74 to eGFRCKD–EPI 30–59 and from eGFRMDRD 30–59 to eGFRCKD–EPI < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 showed higher heart failure risk than those who were not reclassified.ConclusionsImpaired kidney function (i.e. GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), and even mildly decreased GFR (60–74 ml/min/1.73 m2) estimated by both equations is associated with an increased risk of heart failure. Compared with GFR estimated using the MDRD equation, GFR estimated using the CKD–EPI equation added more predictive power to the model with the other risk factors. Also, eGFRCKD–EPI provided more accurate heart failure risk stratification than eGFRMDRD .
Longitudinal relationship of diabetes‐related distress and depressive symptoms: analysing incidence and persistence
Authors: Ehrmann D. , Kulzer B. , Haak T. , Hermanns N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the longitudinal bi‐directionality of diabetes‐related distress and depressive symptoms.MethodsA total of 509 patients receiving intensified insulin therapy completed the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale questionnaire for the assessment of depressive symptoms as well as the Problem Areas in Diabetes questionnaire for the assessment of diabetes‐related distress at baseline and at 6‐month follow‐up. Separate logistic and linear regression analyses for incidence and persistence were performed with demographic (age, gender, BMI) and medical (diabetes type, HbA1c, diabetes duration, late complications) control variables.ResultsDiabetes‐related distress at baseline increased the risk of the incidence of elevated depressive symptoms by 2.56‐fold (odds ratio 2.56; 95% CI 1.15–5.72; P = 0.02) when controlling for demographic and medical variables. In addition, diabetes‐related distress at baseline doubled the chance of the persistence of elevated depressive symptoms (odds ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.04–3.99; P = 0.04) when controlling for demographic and medical variables. The chance of having persistent elevated diabetes‐related distress was increased 5.94‐fold (odds ratio 5.94, 95% CI 2.60–13.59; P < 0.0001) when elevated depressive symptoms were present at baseline. None of the medical variables had an influence on incidence or persistence.ConclusionsDiabetes‐related distress was identified as a risk factor for the incidence and persistence of depressive symptoms. Reducing diabetes‐related distress could help to prevent the development of elevated depressive symptoms. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were identified as an amplifier for diabetes‐related distress. Diabetes‐related distress and depressive symptoms were independent risk factors for each other and should be monitored in routine care to disentangle their influence.
The SAD–MEN questionnaire: a new and reliable questionnaire for assessing sexual dysfunction in Asians with diabetes
Authors: Chung C. M. , Lu M. Z. H. , Wong C. Y. T. , Goh S. G. K. , Azhar M. I. M. , Lim Y. M. , Rusli B. N. , Khalid B. A. K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to construct a new tool for the assessment of sexual dysfunction among men with diabetes that is valid and reliable across different ethnicities, languages and socio‐economic backgrounds in South East Asia.MethodsFocus group interviews were conducted to determine the construct of the questionnaire. Content and face validity were assessed by a panel of experts. A pilot study was conducted to validate the Sexual Dysfunction in Asian Men with Diabetes (SAD–MEN) questionnaire in English and Malay. The International Index of Erectile Function–5 (IIEF–5) was used for comparison. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis, reliability was determined using Cronbach's α (> 0.700), and test–retest reliability using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsThe SAD–MEN questionnaire yielded moderate face and content validity, with high reliability as shown by Cronbach's α values of 0.949 for sexual performance and 0.775 for sexual desire for the English version. The Malay language questionnaire had a Cronbach's α value of 0.945 for sexual performance and 0.750 for sexual desire. Test–retest reliability using Spearman's test gave correlation coefficients of r = 0.853, P = 0.000 for the English language questionnaire and r = 0.908, P = 0.000 for the Malay language questionnaire.ConclusionThe SAD–MEN questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool by which to assess sexual dysfunction in English‐ and Malay‐speaking Malaysian and South East Asian men with diabetes.
Giant Caseous Calcification on Tricuspid Annulus Mimicking Cardiac Metastasis in a Patient with Colon Cancer
Authors: Yesin Mahmut , Toprak Cüneyt , Kalçık Macit , Bayam Emrah , İnanır Mehmet , Özkan Mehmet 
Published: July 2015

Mini‐AbstractCaseous calcification is usually an incidental finding on the atrioventricular valvular annulus. The exact mechanism of pathogenicity for the caseous calcifications has not been defined yet. Differential diagnosis includes vegetation, thrombus, or metastatic tumors. We presented a case of a large tricuspid mass as an incidental finding by transthoracic echocardiography in a patient with metastatic colon cancer. The distinction between caseous calcification and metastatic tumor was made based on the typical location of calcification, possible extension to the whole mitral annulus, well‐defined borders, and the internal echolucent area.
Large‐scale migration synchrony between parasitoids and their host
Authors: PÉREZ‐RODRÍGUEZ JESICA , SHORTALL CHRIS R. , BELL JAMES R. 
Published: July 2015

1. Parasitoids are a valuable group for conservation biological control. In their role as regulators of aphid pests, it is critical that their lifecycle is synchronised with their hosts in both space and time. This is because a synchronised parasitoid community is more likely to strengthen the overall conservation biological control effect, thus damping aphid numbers and preventing potential outbreaks. One component of this host–parasitoid system was examined, that of migration, and the hypothesis that peak summer parasitoid and host migrations are synchronised in time was tested.2. Sitobion avenae Fabricius and six associated parasitoids were sampled from 1976 to 2013 using 12.2‐m suction‐traps from two sites in Southern England. The relationship between peak weekly S. avenae counts and their parasitoids was quantified.3. Simple regression models showed that the response of the peak parasitoids to the host was positive: generally, more parasitoids migrated with increasing numbers of aphids. Further, when averaged over time, the parasitoid migration peak date corresponded with the aphid migration peak. The co‐occurrence of the peaks was between 51% and 64%. However, the summer peak in aphid migration is not steadily shifting forward with time unlike spring first flights of aphids. Cross‐correlation analysis showed that there were no between‐year lagged effects of aphids on parasitoids.4. These results demonstrate that the peak in migration phenology between host and parasitoid is broadly synchronised within a season. Because the threshold temperature for flight (> 12 °C) was almost always exceeded in summer, the synchronising agent is likely to be crop senescence, not temperature. Studies are needed to assess the effects of climate change on the mismatch potential between parasitoids and their hosts.