bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial‐Temporal Model of Insect Growth, Diffusion and Derivative Pricing
Authors: Richards T.J. , Eaves J. , Manfredo M. , Naranjo S.E. , Chu C.-C. , Henneberry T.J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractInsect derivatives represent an important innovation in specialty crop risk management. An active over‐the‐counter market in insect derivatives will require a transparent pricing method. This paper develops an econometric model of the spatio‐temporal process underlying a particular insect population and develops a pricing model based on this process. We show that insect derivatives can play an important risk management role in mitigatingB. tabaci(whitefly) damage in cotton. Beyond developing a new risk management instrument, the key methodological contribution of this paper lies in pricing derivatives with stochastic properties in both space and time dimensions.
Credit Constraints: Their Existence, Determinants, and Implications for U.S. Farm and Nonfarm Sole Proprietorships
Authors: Briggeman Brian C. , Towe Charles A. , Morehart Mitchell J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study is to determine the effect of credit constraints on production for farm and nonfarm sole proprietorships. A propensity score‐matching estimator is employed to provide unbiased estimates of the production impacts of being denied credit. The empirical results demonstrate that the value of production is significantly lower for credit‐constrained sole proprietorships. If this drop in the value of production is aggregated to a national level, it constitutes only 3% and 13% of total value of production for farm and nonfarm sole proprietorships, respectively.
Bundling and Licensing of Genes in Agricultural Biotechnology
Authors: Shi Guanming 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe examine the strategic incentive for gene holders to vertically integrate with seed companies and chemical input companies. With homogeneous conventional seeds, we find that a pure bundling strategy (produce the genetically modified seed only) is dominant. When the gene holder and breeder are, respectively, the monopolistic producers of genetically modified and conventional seeds, they may commit to mixed bundling (supply both genetically modified and conventional seed) to deter potential entry to the conventional seed market. A vertical merger may solve the credibility issue of the mixed bundling commitment through third party licensing agreements in the conventional seed market.
Consistency of the Babinski reflex and its variants
Authors: Singerman J. , Lee L. 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  The Babinski Reflex, first described in 1896, is still an integral part of the neurological examination. Many have studied the consistency of this reflex, but none have compared the inter‐ and intra‐observer consistency of the Babinski reflex and its variants.Methods:  Thirty‐four subjects were examined by six neurologists. The Babinski, Gordon, Chaddock, and Oppenheim reflexes were tested, and each neurologist concluded if the plantar response was flexor or extensor. Six subjects were re‐tested 1 week later to determine intra‐observer consistency.Results:  The Babinski reflex had the highest interobserver consistency with a kappa value of 0.5491. The Chaddock, Oppenheim, and Gordon reflexes had kappa values of 0.4065, 0.3739, and 0.3515, respectively. For intra‐observer consistency, Gordon was the most consistent with a kappa value of 0.6731. When reflexes were combined in pairs, the Babinski and Chaddock reflexes together were the most reliable.Conclusions:  The Babinski reflex was shown to be the most consistent between examiners. The Gordon reflex had the highest intra‐observer consistency; however, the small sample size should limit conclusions drawn from this calculation. Clinicians often utilize more than one reflex to examine the plantar response; the combination of the Babinski and Chaddock reflexes was the most reliable.
GAD65 IgG autoantibodies in stiff person syndrome: clonality, avidity and persistence
Authors: Skorstad G. , Hestvik A. L. , Torjesen P. , Alvik K. , Vartdal F. , Vandvik B. , Holmøy T. 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  Persistent intrathecal production of IgG autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65 IgG) and oligoclonal IgG of undetermined specificity has been reported in stiff person syndrome (SPS).Methods:  To chart the avidity and clonal patterns of GAD65 IgG, we performed scatchard plot of binding characteristics and isoelectric focusing‐immunoblot of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from five SPS patients.Results:  Oligoclonal GAD65 IgG bands, predominantly restricted to the IgG1 subclass, were detected in CSF and serum in all patients. The distribution of GAD65‐specific IgG bands in serum and CSF revealed intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal GAD65 IgG in all five patients, whilst radioimmunoassay demonstrated intrathecal synthesis of GAD65 IgG in four. The binding avidity of GAD65 IgG from CSF was more than 10 times higher than in serum in two of the patients but did not differ substantially in the remaining three. These differences were not related to symptom severity. The pattern of oligoclonal GAD65 IgG bands in CSF and serum in three patients examined remained unchanged for up to 7 years after symptom debut.Conclusion:  This study confirms the persistent systemic and intrathecal production of GAD65‐specific IgG in SPS, and further shows that this immune response is oligoclonal and mediated by a stable population of affinity maturated B cell clones.
No evidence of association between frontotemporal dementia and major European mtDNA haplogroups
Authors: Rose G. , Longo T. , Maletta R. , Passarino G. , Bruni A. C. , De Benedictis G. 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inherited variability (haplogroup/sub‐haplogroup) is currently emerging as not being neutral with respect to several complex traits like neurodegenerative diseases. Here we investigated the association of European mtDNA haplogroups/sub‐haplogroups with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).Method and Results:  A case‐control study was carried out on 114 patients with FTD (68 sporadic and 46 familial) and 180 controls, matched for age, gender and ethnicity. No association was found.Conclusions:  European mtDNA haplogroups/sub‐haplogroups are unlikely to play a major role in the risk of developing the disease.
Proxy ratings from multiple sources: disagreement on the impact of multiple sclerosis on daily life
Authors: Van Der Linden F. A. H. , D’hooghe M. B. , Nagels G. , Van Nunen A. , Polman C. H. , Uitdehaag B. M. J. 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  The use of self‐report measurements may be problematic in patients with limitations that interfere with reliable self‐assessment like cognitive impairment, as may be the case in multiple sclerosis (MS). In these situations proxy respondents, such as close relatives or healthcare providers, may provide valuable information. To examine the accuracy and value of healthcare providers and close relatives to assess disease impact of MS.Methods:  MS patients, close relatives and healthcare providers completed the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS‐29) before and after a rehabilitation program. Agreement between outcomes was assessed by calculating mean absolute and directional differences and intraclass correlation coefficients.Results:  Comparison of ratings between patients and proxy respondents revealed low levels of agreement. Close relatives appeared to significantly overestimate the disease impact of MS whereas healthcare providers tended to underestimate the disease impact of MS.Conclusion:  Caution is advised when incorporating close relatives and healthcare providers as proxy respondents in a rehabilitation setting. However, when close relatives are consulted, one should expect a certain level of overestimation of disease impact. When consulting healthcare providers, one should expect a certain level of underestimation of disease impact.
Lessons Public Health Professionals Learned From Past Disasters
Authors: Rebmann Terri , Carrico Ruth , English Judith F. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: Delineate the lessons that public health professionals learned during past disasters and information/resources found to be lacking during past disasters.Design/sample: Qualitative research consisting of 32 participants who attended the 2006 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Conference and participated in 1 of 3 focus groups.Measurements: Focus group sessions were audiotaped; tapes were transcribed verbatim. Content analysis included identifying, coding, and categorizing participants' responses. Major themes were identified and categorized.Results: Disasters can result in public health crises if infection prevention/control interventions are not implemented rapidly and appropriately. Gaps in past public health disaster response include infection prevention/control in mass casualty incidents, public education, internal and external communication, mental health, physical plant, and partnerships with outside agencies. Participants emphasized the need to provide consistent messages to the public, communicate between agencies, and provide public education on disaster preparedness. These tasks can be challenging during infectious disease emergencies when recommendations change. Effective communication is necessary to maintain public trust. Infection control issues in shelters, such as hand hygiene products/facilities, sanitation, outbreaks of unusual infectious diseases, overcrowded conditions, and poor environmental decontamination, were identified as critical to prevent secondary disease transmission.Conclusion: Public health and infection control nurses must partner and continue to address gaps in disaster planning.
Action of Progesterone and Progesterone Metabolites in Menstrual‐Cycle–Related Disorders
Authors: Sundström‐Poromaa Inger 
Published: July 2008

Progesterone and progesterone metabolites are important modulators of central nervous system function through their interactions with the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor. GABA, neurosteroids, and other modulators of GABAA, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol, typically inhibit neuronal excitability. The resulting anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and anesthetic effects are involved in mood, response to stress, and cognition.The impact of neurosteroids has been demonstrated in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: onset of negative mood symptoms has been correlated with peak progesterone levels, and symptoms intensified with progesterone withdrawal in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms were not present during anovulatory cycles without the corpus luteum, the primary source of progesterone and metabolites.The focus of this article is the paradox of why high levels of progesterone and neurosteroids, which typically are associated with anxiolytic activity, instead induce irritability, anxiety, and mood fluctuations in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Cumulative Burden of Atherosclerotic Risk Genotypes and the Age at Onset of a First Myocardial Infarction: A Case‐Only Carriership Approach
Authors: Goldenberg Ilan , Moss Arthur J. , Ryan Daniel , Pietrasik Grzegorz , Zareba Wojciech , McNitt Scott , Eberly Shirley W. 
Published: July 2008

Background: Previously identified atherosclerotic genetic factors have been studied mostly in case‐control studies and in nonuniform ethnic populations, whereas data on the cumulative contribution of genetic factors to an earlier onset of a first myocardial infarction (MI) are limited. We hypothesized that several genetic atherosclerotic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may exert an additive effect on the earlier occurrence of coronary atherothrombotic disease after adjustment for clinical factors. Methods: Eighteen atherosclerotic high‐risk SNPs were selected based upon meta‐analyses of 614 published reports, and were incorporated into a carriership model. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify the independent contribution of selected genotypes to the age at onset of a first MI in a cohort of 814 white (n = 622) and nonwhite (n = 192) patients enrolled in the Thrombogenic Factors and Coronary Events Study. Results: The analysis demonstrated that selected genotypes were significantly associated with an earlier occurrence of a first MI among white patients (an average of 0.6 year reduction per carried genotype; P = 0.027), whereas the contribution of genotypes to MI onset among nonwhite patients was not significant (an average of 0.7 year increase per carried genotype; P = 0.16), with a significant ethnic × genotype interaction effect (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that currently identified atherosclerotic genetic factors confer an independent additive contribution to the earlier onset of coronary atherothrombotic disease among white patients. The lack of a significant association between these genotypes and outcome in other ethnic groups suggests that cardiovascular genetic risk should be studied directly in these populations.
Quality Assessment of Perinatal and Infant Postmortem Examinations in Turkey
Authors: Pakis Isil , Karapirli Mustafa , Karayel Ferah , Turan Arzu , Akyildiz Elif , Polat Oguz 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:An autopsy examination is important in identifying the cause of death and as a means of auditing clinical and forensic practice; however, especially in perinatal and infantile age groups determining the cause of death leads to some difficulties in autopsy practice. In this study, 15,640 autopsies recorded during the years 2000–2004 in the Mortuary Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine were reviewed. Autopsy findings of 510 cases between 20 completed weeks of gestation and 1 year of age were analyzed retrospectively. The quality of each necropsy report was assessed using a modification of the system gestational age assessment described by Rushton, which objectively scores aspects identified by the Royal College of Pathologists as being part of a necropsy. According to their ages, the cases were subdivided into three groups. Intrauterine deaths were 31% (158 cases), neonatal deaths were 24% (123 cases), and infantile deaths were 45% (229 cases) of all cases. Scores for the quality of the necropsy report were above the minimum acceptable score with 44% in intrauterine, 88% in neonatal and infantile deaths.
Positive and useful auditory vocal hallucinations: prevalence, characteristics, attributions, and implications for treatment
Authors: Jenner J. A. , Rutten S. , Beuckens J. , Boonstra N. , Sytema S. 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Auditory hallucinations that are viewed by patients as positive and useful may be barriers to treatment‐seeking. The aim was to assess prevalence, impact, and course of, and attributions to, these voices in psychotic and non‐psychotic patients.Method:  One hundred thirty‐one patients of a Voices Clinic and 65 members of the Dutch Resonance Foundation were assessed with the Positive and Useful Voices Inquiry. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi‐square, one‐way anova, and Crohnbach’s alpha statistics.Results:  First voices are most often reported as negative. Positive voices occur more among non‐psychotic subjects, but the specific characteristics and diagnosis are not significantly associated. Lifetime prevalence of positive and useful voices ranged between 40% and 60%, with varied prevalence rates over time. Positive voices are experienced by subjects as direct addresses in the third person. Perceived control of voices is significantly associated with the wish to preserve them. Attribution of protective power to positive voices has the strongest association with positive experience.Conclusion:  Many patients express a desire to preserve these voices. Voice characteristics do not allow for validly discriminating psychotic from non‐psychotic disorders.
Alpha rhythm and hypofrontality in schizophrenia
Authors: Knyazeva M. G. , Jalili M. , Meuli R. , Hasler M. , De Feo O. , Do K. Q. 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To reveal the EEG correlates of resting hypofrontality in schizophrenia (SZ).Method:  We analyzed the whole‐head EEG topography in 14 patients compared to 14 matched controls by applying a new parameterization of the multichannel EEG. We used a combination of power measures tuned for regional surface mapping with power measures that allow evaluation of global effects.Results:  The SZ‐related EEG abnormalities include i) a global decrease in absolute EEG power robustly manifested in the alpha and beta frequency bands, and ii) a relative increase in the alpha power over the prefrontal brain regions against its reduction over the posterior regions. In the alpha band both effects are linked to the SZ symptoms measured with Positive and Negative Symptom Scales and to chronicity.Conclusion:  As alpha activity is related to regional deactivation, our findings support the concept of hypofrontality in SZ and expose the alpha rhythm as a sensitive indicator of it.
Histologic and clinical evaluation for maxillary sinus augmentation using macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate in human
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Jung Ui Won , Kim Chang Sung , Choi Seong Ho , Cho Kyoo Sung 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives: This study evaluated both the clinical and histological aspects of bone formation in maxillary sinus augmentation using MBCP as the bone‐grafting material.Material and methods: MBCP was used as a primary bone substitute for maxillary sinus augmentation. Fifty‐two patients were selected after a medical and dental examination, and were divided into the following three groups: those augmented with MBCP only; MBCP combined with irradiated cancellous bone; and MBCP combined with intraoral autogenous bone. After a healing period (average 6.78 months after surgery), bone cores were harvested for a histological evaluation and the implant fixtures were installed. These bone cores were evaluated via light microscope and implants were followed up for at least six months after loading.Results: Four to ten months after surgery, new vital bone surrounding the MBCP particles was observed in 18 bone biopsies. Two out of the 130 implants installed were explanted due to a failure of osseointegration before the prosthetic procedure. All the remaining implants were functioning for 6 to 27 months (average 12.96 months). The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 98.46%.Conclusion: These results show that MBCP can be used as a grafting material for sinus floor augmentation, whether combined with other bone graft materials or not, and lead to a predictable prognosis for dental implants in the posterior maxillary area where there is insufficient vertical height for fixture installation.
Adsorption of salivary and serum proteins, and bacterial adherence on titanium and zirconia ceramic surfaces
Authors: Lima Emilena Maria Castor Xisto , Koo Hyun , Vacca Smith Anne M. , Rosalen Pedro Luiz , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of salivary and serum proteins present in pellicles formed on titanium (Ti) and zirconia ceramic (ZrO2) surfaces, and the ability of bacterial cells to adhere to the experimental pellicles. In addition, the protein profiles and bacterial binding properties of pellicles on Ti and ZrO2 were compared to those formed on hydroxyapatite (HA) surface.Methods: The pellicles were formed in vitro by incubating the materials with whole saliva, serum or saliva+serum. Protein composition in each of the pellicles was investigated by SDS‐PAGE and immunodetection. The adherence of radiolabeled Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces naeslundii to uncoated surfaces and experimental pellicles was determined by means of scintillation counting. Statistical analyses were done using ANOVA and Tukey's test at significance level at P<0.05. In general, the electrophoretic analysis of the pellicles formed on HA, Ti and ZrO2 revealed few qualitative differences of the composition of proteins of the pellicles formed on HA, Ti and ZrO2 surfaces. Pellicle components identified included amylase, IgA, IgG, albumin, fibronectin and fibrinogen. The number of S. mutans cells adhered to uncoated Ti and ZrO2 was significantly higher than those adhered to HA (P<0.05). In contrast, lower number of A. naeslundii cells adhered to uncoated Ti and ZrO2 than to HA (P<0.05). However, the presence of saliva and saliva+serum pellicles greatly reduced the number of S. mutans cells bound to each of the surfaces. The data showed that Ti and ZrO2 display similar pellicle protein composition and bacterial binding properties; however, significant differences were observed when both materials were compared to HA.
Titanium allergy in dental implant patients: a clinical study on 1500 consecutive patients
Authors: Sicilia Alberto , Cuesta Susana , Coma Gerardo , Arregui Ignacio , Guisasola Cristina , Ruiz Eduardo , Maestro Antonio 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: In dentistry, allergic reactions to Ti implants have not been studied, nor considered by professionals. Placing permanent metal dental implants in allergic patients can provoke type IV or I reactions. Several symptoms have been described, from skin rashes and implant failure, to non‐specific immune suppression.Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the presence of titanium allergy by the anamnesis and examination of patients, together with the selective use of cutaneous and epicutaneous testing, in patients treated with or intending to receive dental implants of such material.Material and methods: Thirty‐five subjects out of 1500 implant patients treated and/or examined (2002–2004) were selected for Ti allergy analysis. Sixteen presented allergic symptoms after implant placement or unexplained implant failures [allergy compatible response group (ACRG)], while 19 had a history of other allergies, or were heavily Ti exposed during implant surgeries or had explained implant failures [predisposing factors group (PFG)]. Thirty‐five controls were randomly selected (CG) in the Allergy Centre. Cutaneous and epicutaneous tests were carried out.Results: Nine out of the 1500 patients displayed positive (+) reactions to Ti allergy tests (0.6%): eight in the ACRG (50%), one in the PFG (5.3%)(P=0.009) and zero in the control group. Five positives were unexplained implant failures (five out of eight).Conclusions: Ti allergy can be detected in dental implant patients, even though its estimated prevalence is low (0.6%). A significantly higher risk of positive allergic reaction was found in patients showing post‐op allergy compatible response (ACRG), in which cases allergy tests could be recommended.