bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining Shoe Length from Partial Shoeprints
Authors: Zhang He , Liu Luoxi , Luo Yaping , Chang Ran 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe length of a shoe has significant value in reflecting characteristics of the owner, and thereby, it can help in tracking suspects in criminal cases. However, the shoeprints left at a crime scene are often incomplete, resulting in difficulties in assessing shoe length. To find a way to estimate the shoe length from a partial shoeprint, 109 shoes with different sizes and general patterns were collected, and their prints were lifted using magnetic powder. Four feature points were defined on a shoeprint, and the longest distance between the feature points was defined as shoe length. Using linear, quadratic, and cubic regression analyses, a total of 15 equations were obtained between the shoe length and the other distances between the feature points. Out of these, the five most accurate equations were selected as the optimal equation. The verified test, including another 18 pairs of shoes, showed an average error of equations between 0.591 cm and 0.732 cm. The equations were also applied in two practical cases, resulting in good accuracy. The study demonstrates that shoe length could be determined from partial shoeprints through the proven equations.
Safety and effectiveness of pirfenidone combined with carboplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamamoto Yuji , Yano Yukihiro , Kuge Tomoki , Okabe Fukuko , Ishijima Mikako , Uenami Takeshi , Kanazu Masaki , Akazawa Yuki , Yamaguchi Toshihiko , Mori Masahide 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPirfenidone is an antifibrotic agent that is potentially effective for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, no study has reported on its prophylactic value against chemotherapy‐associated acute IPF exacerbations when combined with chemotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study assessed the safety and effectiveness of pirfenidone combined with carboplatin‐based chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with IPF and NSCLC.MethodsA total of 14 patients with IPF and NSCLC who received treatment from 2013 to 2019 were included. Patients were treated with pirfenidone combined with carboplatin and nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel or S‐1 as first‐line chemotherapy. After confirming disease progression, patients received cytotoxic agents or ICIs, including nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Pirfenidone was continued regardless of chemotherapy changes. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) for lung cancer and IPF were calculated. Moreover, the cumulative incidence of acute exacerbation of IPF (AE‐IPF) within one year was evaluated.ResultsMedian PFS for lung cancer was 110 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57–199 days), while the median OS was 362 days (95% CI: 220–526 days). Moreover, PFS for IPF was 447 days (95% CI: 286–indeterminate days), and the cumulative incidence of AE‐IPF within one year was 18%. Notably, none of the patients developed AE‐IPF associated with first‐line chemotherapy. Among the included patients, four received ICIs, none of whom developed ICI‐associated AE‐IPF.ConclusionsThe present study found that pirfenidone combined with carboplatin‐based regimens or ICIs might be safe first‐line chemotherapy for patients with IPF and NSCLC.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study
No patients with IPF and NSCLC who received pirfenidone in combination with first‐line carboplatin‐based chemotherapy or late‐line ICIs developed acute IPF exacerbations.
What this study adds
Pirfenidone might have a prophylactic effect against chemotherapy‐associated AE‐IPF.
Challenging Global Group Audits: The Perspective of US Group Audit Leads*
Authors: Downey Denise Hanes , Westermann Kimberly D. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTRegulators are concerned about the quality of group audits because of poor inspection results, recent enforcement actions against component auditors, and the significance of these audits to the global economy. Yet research in this area is nascent. In response, we survey and interview US‐based global group audit leads to better understand the group audit process and their perceptions of challenges that arise on such engagements. Our findings indicate that group auditors organize their audits consistent with the client's structure, which drives component auditor selection, scoping, and fees. Group auditors routinely find fault with component auditors, perceiving that work performed and/or documentation provided is not sufficient, not appropriate and/or not communicated timely, to comply with US standards and reporting deadlines. In some cases, they perceive that the component auditor is unable and/or unwilling to comply and in others, that the component auditor misunderstands group instructions due to language proficiency or differing interpretation of the standards. Notably this perspective is ethnocentric, as group auditors almost exclusively attribute issues to component auditors. While ethnocentric tendencies appear myopic, they provide insight into unrecognized or overlooked aspects of the global firm model of cooperative arrangements. This study highlights the significance of the global firm's network structure to global group audits. Thus, we encourage intercommunity research, among (quantitative and qualitative) scholars and standard setters, to consider group audits in the broader context of firm networks.
Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis reveals potential candidate genes affecting drip loss in pork
Authors: Zhao X. , Wang C. , Wang Y. , Zhou L. , Hu H. , Bai L. , Wang J. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryDrip loss is an essential evaluation indicator for pork quality. It is closely related to other meat quality indicators, including water‐holding capacity, water loss rate and pH value at 45 min (pH1) and 24 h post‐mortem (pH2), and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors and their interactions. We previously conducted differentially expressed gene analysis to identify candidate genes affecting drip loss using eight individuals with extremely high‐ and low‐drip loss selected from 28 purebred Duroc pigs. Using 28 identical samples, in the present study, we performed weighted gene co‐expression network analysis with drip loss and drip loss‐related traits, including water‐holding capacity, water loss rate, pH1 and pH2. A total of 25 modules were identified, and five of them correlated with at least two drip loss or drip loss‐related traits. After functional enrichment analysis of genes in the five modules, three modules were found to be critical, as their genes were significantly involved in amino acid metabolism, immune response and apoptosis, which have potential relationships with drip loss. Furthermore, we identified five candidate genes affecting drip loss in one critical module, AASS, BCKDHB, ALDH6A1, MUT and MCCC1, as they overlapped with differentially expressed genes detected in our previous study, exhibited protein–protein interactions and had potential biological functions in affecting drip loss according to the literature. The outcomes of the present study enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying drip loss and will aid in improving the pork quality.
Mammographic interpretation in Vietnam: Tailored educational strategies are needed to increase clinicians’ expertise
Authors: Caspar Felix , Copps Emily , Diplas Adrienne , Hackney Logan , Jackson Kyle , Kearins Imogen , Lynch Marcus , McPherson Dominique , Pisconeri Bellah , Purkiss Zara , Thomas Lucy , Colley Brooke , Tapia Kriscia , Ho Karen , (Yun) Trieu Phuong Dung , Brennan Patrick , Puslednik Louise 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimBreast cancer incidence is rapidly increasing throughout South East Asia, highlighting the need for high‐quality early diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of mammography detection in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, using data from Australian radiologists as a benchmark; factors that influence performance will be highlighted.MethodsA total of 53, 35 and 52 clinicians from Australia, HCMC and Hanoi, respectively, examined and diagnosed a test set of 60 mammograms, 20 of which contained cancers. Each clinician completed an accompanying questionnaire establishing demographic and experiential characteristics. The performance metrics of specificity, sensitivity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), location sensitivity and Jackknife free‐response ROC (JAFROC) figure of merit were used to evaluate clinicians performance. Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis statistical methods were employed to establish significance.ResultsVietnamese radiologists demonstrated significantly lower sensitivity, AUC, lesion sensitivity and JAFROC scores compared to Australian radiologists. There was no difference in performance between clinicians from Hanoi and HCMC. However, certain performance features (older and more experienced clinicians compared with their younger, less experienced counterparts, readers who read more compared with fewer mammograms per week, clinicians with greater radiological experience and clinicians that completed a fellowship) demonstrated significantly better performances.ConclusionsThe significant difference in diagnostic efficacy of mammograms between Vietnam and Australia identifies the need for improvements in breast radiology training, management and practice. Cost‐effective solutions are available that can improve the reading efficacy of clinicians, and consequently health outcomes for Vietnamese women.
Distinguishing Central African rodents and shrews using their hair morphology
Authors: Guibinga Mickala Amour , Ntie Stephan , Nicolas Violaine 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSpecies identification methods are needed for small mammals. Herein, we present a simple and efficient identification key based on the hair morphology of Central African rodents (Rodentia) and shrews (Soricomorpha). A total of 1,320 museum hair samples from 51 species were analysed with an optical light microscope. One‐third (31.37%) of these samples could be identified to the species level using four morphological characters (medulla, cuticle, size and colour). The remaining species formed nine groups of two to 10 species each which could not be discriminated because of overlapping characteristics between different taxa. In addition, shrew, dormice and squirrel hair samples were clearly distinguishable from the other samples because they were either shorter (0.68 ± 0.19 cm) or longer (1.86 ± 0.3 and 1.85 ± 0.63 cm), respectively. In addition, 19 (43.18%) field‐collected samples of unknown origin were successfully identified to the level of species or group of species. Thus, to increase the efficiency of this identification key, the inclusion of more morphological characteristics (i.e. hair diameter and shape, cuticle index, cortex types) and DNA barcoding should be considered. Finally, the proposed identification key could be used as a simple and efficient tool for species inventories and ecological studies of targeted taxa in Central Africa.
Does Transparency Inhibit Political Compromise?
Authors: Harden Jeffrey J. , Kirkland Justin H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGovernments around the world face an apparent tension when considering whether to allow public access to the governing process. In principle, transparent institutions promote accountability and good governance. However, politicians and scholars contend that such reforms also constrain politicians' capacity to negotiate and compromise, producing inefficiency and gridlock. This argument—that transparency inhibits compromise—is widely accepted, but rarely empirically tested. We develop a theoretical framework around the claim and evaluate it in the context of American state legislatures. We leverage temporal variation in state “sunshine law” adoptions and legislative exemptions to identify the effects of transparency on several observable indicators of compromise: legislative productivity, polarization, partisanship, policy change, and budget delay. Our analyses generally do not support the argument; we mostly report precisely estimated negligible effects. Thus, transparency may not be the hindrance to policy making that conventional wisdom suggests. Effective governance appears possible in state legislatures even under public scrutiny.
Workforce supply of pharmacists in Queensland communities from James Cook University Pharmacy Graduates
Authors: Drovandi Aaron , Woolley Torres 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates whether the regional pharmacy school at James Cook University in North Queensland is providing graduates geared to address the pharmaceutical needs of the state's regional, rural and remote communities.DesignA cross‐sectional study of practice locations of James Cook University pharmacy graduates in 2019 compared to those from other Australian pharmacy schools.ParticipantsPharmacists from the James Cook University pharmacy program and those from other Australian pharmacy schools working in Queensland.Main outcome measuresComparison of the proportion of James Cook University pharmacy graduates practising in the seven Modified Monash Model rurality classifications in Queensland to graduates from other pharmacy schools. Comparison of Index of Relative Social Advantage and Disadvantage for local government areas in these practice locations. Association between Modified Monash Model for hometown and Australian practice locations for domestic James Cook University pharmacy graduates.ResultsOf 973 James Cook University pharmacy graduates, 640 (65.8%) practised within Queensland in 2019. Compared to other Australian pharmacy graduates practising in Queensland at this time, James Cook University graduates had significantly higher odds of practising in local government areas with greater social disadvantage (lower Index of Relative Social Advantage and Disadvantage indices [<975]) and in rural and remote locations. Of 822 domestic James Cook University graduates, 84.5% were from a regional, rural or remote area, and compared to their hometown Modified Monash Model classification, two‐thirds of these graduates practised in settings with the same or more rural Modified Monash Model classification.ConclusionsThis study indicates that regional pharmacy schools have potential to attract and retain graduates in regional, rural and remote areas, including disadvantaged and/or rural towns.
Outcomes of patients suffering unwitnessed hypothermic cardiac arrest rewarmed with extracorporeal life support: A systematic review
Authors: Podsiadło Paweł , Darocha Tomasz , Svendsen Øyvind S. , Kosiński Sylweriusz , Silfvast Tom , Blancher Marc , Sawamoto Keigo , Pasquier Mathieu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractProlonged cardiac arrest (CA) may lead to neurologic deficit in survivors. Good outcome is especially rare when CA was unwitnessed. However, accidental hypothermia is a very specific cause of CA. Our goal was to describe the outcomes of patients who suffered from unwitnessed hypothermic cardiac arrest (UHCA) supported with Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS). We included consecutive patients’ cohorts identified by systematic literature review concerning patients suffering from UHCA and rewarmed with ECLS. Patients were divided into four subgroups regarding the mechanism of cooling, namely: air exposure; immersion; submersion; and avalanche. A statistical analysis was performed in order to identify the clinical parameters associated with good outcome (survival and absence of neurologic impairment). A total of 221 patients were included into the study. The overall survival rate was 27%. Most of the survivors (83%), had no neurologic deficit. Asystole was the presenting CA rhythm in 48% survivors, of which 79% survived with good neurologic outcome. Variables associated with survival included the following: female gender (P < .001); low core temperature (P = .005); non‐asphyxia‐related mechanism of cooling (P < .001); pulseless electrical activity as an initial rhythm (P < .001); high blood pH (P < .001); low lactate levels (P = .003); low serum potassium concentration (P < .001); and short resuscitation duration (P = .004). Severely hypothermic patients with unwitnessed CA may survive with good neurologic outcome, including those presenting as asystole. The initial blood pH, potassium, and lactate concentration may help predict outcome in hypothermic CA.
Long‐term success after trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma – a study with up to 35 years follow‐up
Authors: Kessel Line , Pedersen Karen Bjerg , Siersma Volkert , Kappelgaard Per , Bach‐Holm Daniella 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the surgical success after trabeculotomy for primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in Denmark in the last 40 years.MethodsRetrospective review of medical files on children who all underwent trabeculotomy as the first surgical intervention between January 1rst, 1977 and December 31, 2016. Information on diagnosis and surgical procedures were extracted. Primary outcome was surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) < 21 mmHg without medications one year after surgery. Secondary outcome was the number of reoperations needed.ResultsOut of 118 children with PCG, 96 children (144 eyes) had an ab externo trabeculotomy as primary IOP lowering procedure opening Schlemm’s channel 4 clock hours into the anterior chamber. Complete surgical success at one year was achieved in 73% (106 of 144 eyes). On the long term, IOP could be controlled by one surgical procedure in 2/3 of children, eight eyes required >5 surgical procedures to control IOP. In 12.1% of children the second glaucoma procedure was performed >5 years after the initial trabeculotomy. There was a tendency towards greater risk of needing a second procedure in patients < 3 months of age at primary trabeculotomy (hazard ratio, HR, 2.01, 95% CI 0.96–4.22) and in boys (HR 2.02, 95% CI 0.97–4.18) and a lower risk of requiring a third surgery if the second surgery was trabeculectomy with MMC.ConclusionDedicated follow‐up of patients with PCG is essential as the disease may continue to progress even after years of quiescence and some children need multiple surgeries to control IOP. Additional glaucoma procedures are required in 1/3 of children and boys and younger patients seem to be at greater risk.
Impact of PCV‐13 vaccine on invasive pneumococcal disease in hospitalised children: A multi‐institutional analysis
Authors: Dreyzin Alexandra , McCormick Meghan , Zullo James , Shah Samir S. , Kalpatthi Ramasubramanian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimWe aimed to describe changes in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) hospitalisations after introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, including children with IPD pre‐PCV13 (2004‐2009) and post‐PCV13 (2012‐2017). Healthy children and those with chronic conditions were analysed separately. The primary outcome was IPD incidence. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation and mortality.Results9160 hospitalisations for IPD were included. The IPD rate per 100 000 discharges was 180 pre‐PVC13 and 150 post‐PCV13 [17% decrease (P = 0.085)]. The observed IPD rate in 2017 was 45.5% lower than the rate predicted by the pre‐PCV13 trend (95% CI: 44%‐46%). While a significant decrease in IPD (32%, P = 0.026) was observed among healthy children, there was no change in those with chronic conditions (9%, P = 0.24). In the post‐PCV13 period, more IPD patients had chronic conditions, ICU admissions and longer ICU stays.ConclusionAlthough there was no overall reduction in IPD after PCV13, we observed a significant decrease in IPD among healthy patients. Further research is needed to elucidate microbiology or other factors contributing to persistent IPD hospitalisations.
Risk attitudes within farmer cooperative organizations: Evidence from China's fresh apple industry
Authors: Jin Shaoze , Jia Xiangping , James Harvey S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe consider whether participation in cooperative organizations known as Farm Bases correlates with a farmer's risk attitudes in China. Specifically, we seek to determine if farmers see cooperative‐like organizations as a means of reducing risk or as a way of accessing riskier opportunities. Using data from a risk experiment involving 348 apple farmers, we estimate risk attitudes and correlate those indicators with participation in Farm Bases and other controls. In the case of Chinese apple producers, we find that considerations of risk are an important feature of organizational forms that involve collective decision‐making, although the correlation between risk and cooperative organizational participation is nuanced.
Postponement of cardiovascular outcomes by statin use: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Hansen Morten Rix , Hróbjartsson Asbjørn , Pottegård Anton , Damkier Per , Madsen Kenneth Grønkjær , Pareek Manan , Olesen Morten , Hallas Jesper 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the average outcome postponement (gain in days to an event) for cardiovascular outcomes in a meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled statin trials, including any myocardial infarction, any stroke and cardiovascular death.DesignSystematic review of large randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of statin use, including a random‐effects meta‐analysis of all included trials.Data sourcesWe searched MEDLINE (15 July 2019) and ClinicalTrials.gov (16 October 2019).Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesRandomized, placebo‐controlled trials of statin use that included at least 1000 participants. We identified 15 cardiovascular outcomes that were reported in more than 2 trials.ResultsWe included 19 trials. The summary outcome postponements for the 15 cardiovascular outcomes varied between −1 and 38 days. For four major outcomes, the summary outcome postponement in days was as follows: cardiovascular mortality, 9.27 days (95% CI: 3.6 to 14.91; I2 = 72%; 9 trials) non‐vascular and non‐cardiovascular mortality, 1.5 days (95% CI: −2.2 to 5.3; I2 = 0%; 6 trials) any myocardial infarction 18.0 days (95% CI; 12.1 to 24.1; I2 = 92%; 15 trials); and any stroke, 6.1 days (95% CI; 2.86 to 9.39; I2 = 66%; 14 trials).ConclusionStatin treatment provided a small, average postponement of cardiovascular outcomes during trial duration.
Hiring Frictions in a Regulated Occupation: Evidence from US Laboratories
Authors: Weaver Andrew 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDetermining the nature and source of hiring frictions is an important topic for policymakers, as these frictions impact both worker outcomes and economic growth. To date, there has been very little US‐based research that has combined detailed measures of employer skill requirements, market structure, organizational characteristics and hiring difficulties at the establishment level. Prior to this study, there has been almost no research that has investigated these issues in the context of a highly regulated industry such as healthcare, which employs more workers than either retail or manufacturing. Using a unique, nationally representative dataset, this study finds that organizational practices and market structure are more relevant predictors of hiring difficulties for laboratory technologists than factors, such as skill mismatch, that are often assumed to be of primary importance.