bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A graphical causal model for resolving species identity effects and biodiversity–ecosystem function correlations
Authors: Schoolmaster Donald R. , Zirbel Chad R. , Cronin James Patrick 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIdentifying and clearly communicating the drivers of ecosystem function is a crucially important goal for both basic and applied ecology. This has proven difficult because the putative causes (e.g., environment, species identity, biodiversity, and functional traits) are numerous and correlated. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of a formal framework for unambiguously relating theoretical language to precise, quantitative expressions of that language. Using a formal framework for the graphical expression of complex causal hypotheses, we developed a causal diagram of the concepts required to comprehensively test whether hypothesized sets of functional traits mediate the relationship between community structure and ecosystem function. We then used causal analysis, simulations, and field data to develop and test analytical strategies for understanding how community structure influences ecosystem functions via functional traits. Formal causal analysis showed that biodiversity–ecosystem function correlations are noncausal associations. Using simulations, we showed how biodiversity correlations and species identity effects can arise from misspecification or incomplete mediation by functional trait composites. We also found that different types of model misspecification result in different patterns of residuals, which may be used to diagnose gaps in functional trait hypotheses. Treating the model misspecifications eliminated associations between species identity or biodiversity and ecosystem function. Finally, we provide an example of the analysis of field data to demonstrate how to use these insights to conduct a research program that has the goal of understanding the mechanistic trait relationships that link community structure to ecosystem function.
A multi‐center international study of acupuncture for lateral elbow pain ‐ Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gadau Marcus , Zhang Shi Ping , Wang Fu Chun , Liguori Stefano , Li Wei Hong , Liu Wei Hong , Bangrazi Sergio , Berle Christine , Razavy Shohreh , Bian Zhao Xiang , Filomena Petti , Hao Yang , Jiang Hai Lin , Lei Li , Li Tie , Zaslawski Christopher , Liguori Aldo , Liu Yan Song , Lu Ai Ping , Tan Yuan Sheng , Yim Wendy Wansze , Xie Chuan Long 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundLateral elbow pain (LEP) due to tendinosis is one of the most common musculoskeletal pains of the upper limbs, yet there is no satisfactory treatment. This study was an international, prospective, multi‐centre, randomized, controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture compared to sham laser in the treatment of LEP.MethodsThe study used a parallel and stratified design (1:1 allocation using a computer‐generated sequence) and was participant‐, outcome assessor‐ and statistician‐blinded. Subjects from 18 to 80 years with unilateral chronic LEP (minimum three months) were recruited at four centres in Australia, China, Hong Kong and Italy. The treatment group received manual acupuncture at acupoints LI 10 and LI 11 on the affected side whereas the control group received sham laser acupuncture at the same acupoints. The primary endpoint was disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire score at the three‐week post‐treatment follow‐up visit. Three VAS scales (pain at rest, pain on motion and pain during exertion) were secondary outcomes measures. Ninety‐six subjects were allocated to either the treatment group (n = 47) or control group (n = 49) and were all included in the analysis.ResultsAt the follow‐up visit, we found significant differences in DASH score between the two groups (p = .015). The median change to baseline for the treatment group was −11.7 (interval: −50.83 to 23.33), and for the control group −7.50 (interval: −36.67 to 29.10). The estimated effect size was 0.47, indicating a medium effect. Significant differences were also found for secondary outcome measures for VAS of pain. There were no severe adverse events. Our findings suggest that acupuncture has a moderate efficacy in the treatment of LEP.ConclusionsAcupuncture was shown to be efficacious in improving the function of the arm associated with lateral elbow tendinosis. Both the DASH score and the pain VAS on two occasions (at rest and during motion) showed a significant change over time indicating acupuncture as a potential treatment for LEP due to tendinosis.
Quality evaluation of living and postmortem Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis)
Authors: Wang Yahui , Zhu Yaozhou , Shi Wenzheng , Wang Xichang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTotal volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), biogenic amine, total viable count (TVC), volatile compounds, and sensory evaluation were conducted to assess the quality of Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) at living, zero, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 24 hr postmortem. The sensory evaluation found a noticeable odor of spoilage becoming evident 10 hr postmortem. The TVBN value increased and then decreased as time increased, reaching 23.67 mg N/100 g at 24 hr postmortem. Although biogenic amines were detected at 5 hr postmortem, by 24 hr postmortem these had not reached dangerous levels of toxicity. The initial TVC (6.06 Log CFU/g) of the living crab samples was relatively high and climbed further postmortem, reaching 10.00 Log CFU/g 24 hr postmortem. Trimethylamine was detected in the living sample in belly meat and 2 hr postmortem in crab roe and reached 8.33 µg/g in the roe 24 hr postmortem. Indole was detected at 0 hr (belly meat) and 10 hr (crab roe) postmortem, but did not change significantly during the observation period. Sulfur‐containing compounds were detected 5 hr after death and gradually increased over the observation period. Most indicators showed major changes at 5 hr and 10 hr postmortem. By 10 hr postmortem, the crab had entered the putrefaction stage and was thus no longer safe for consumption.
Survival and behavior of free and encapsulated probiotic bacteria under simulated human gastrointestinal and technological conditions
Authors: Zeashan Muhammad , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Ahmed Aftab , Tufail Tabussam , Ahmed Awais , Anjum Faqir Muhammad 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study was designed with the objective to compare the viability and stability of free and encapsulated probiotics under simulated technological and human gastrointestinal conditions. L. acidophilus was encapsulated using two wall materials (sodium alginate, soy protein isolate, and SA‐SPI) by extrusion method for enhanced viability under stressed conditions. Free and encapsulated probiotics were subjected to some simulated technological and gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, free and encapsulated probiotics were also incorporated in dairy dessert to evaluate the viability and stability during storage. Encapsulation using sodium alginate and SPI as a coating materials significantly (p < .05) improved the survival of probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal and thermal conditions. The buffering effect of microbeads prolonged their survival and stability of under simulated conditions. The number of surviving probiotic cells encapsulated with sodium alginate, SPI, and SA‐SPI over 120 days of product storage was 7.85 ± 0.39, 7.45 ± 0.37, and 8.50 ± 0.43 cfu/ml, respectively. In case of free cells, the surviving cells were just 3.5 ± 0.18 cfu/ml over the period of storage. In short, the study depicted that encapsulation provides protection during exposure to various hostile conditions.
Exchange rate predictability and dynamic Bayesian learning
Authors: Beckmann Joscha , Koop Gary , Korobilis Dimitris , Schüssler Rainer Alexander 
Published: April 2020

SummaryWe consider how an investor in the foreign exchange market can exploit predictive information by means of flexible Bayesian inference. Using a variety of vector autoregressive models, the investor is able, each period, to learn about important data features. The developed methodology synthesizes a wide array of established approaches for modeling exchange rate dynamics. In a thorough investigation of monthly exchange rate predictability for 10 countries, we find that using the proposed methodology for dynamic asset allocation achieves substantial economic gains out of sample. In particular, we find evidence for sparsity, fast model switching, and exploitation of the exchange rate cross‐section.
Secular Trends in the Incidence of Hip Fracture Among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Berry Sarah D , Daiello Lori A , Lee Yoojin , Zullo Andrew R , Wright Nicole C , Curtis Jeffrey R , Kiel Douglas P 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
A recent study suggested a decline in the incidence of hip fracture among US women between 2002 and 2012, followed by a leveling in the incidence rate from 2013 to 2015. Newly admitted nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to hip fracture, and it is unclear whether that trend is observed in this high risk group. The purpose of our study was to describe trends in hip fracture rates and postfracture mortality among 2.6 million newly admitted US nursing home residents from 2007 to 2015, and to examine whether these trends could be explained by differences in resident characteristics. Medicare claims data were linked with the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a clinical assessment performed quarterly on all nursing home residents. In each year (2007–2015), we identified newly admitted long-stay (ie, 100 days in the same facility) nursing home residents. Hip fracture was defined using Medicare Part A diagnostic codes. Follow-up time was calculated from the index date until the first event of hospitalized hip fracture, Medicare disenrollment, death, or until 1 year. Poisson regression was used to adjust rates of hip fracture for age and sex. The number of newly admitted nursing home residents ranged from 324,508 in 2007 to 257,350 in 2015. Although mean age remained similar (83 years), residents were more functionally dependent over time. There was a small absolute decrease in the incidence rate of hip fracture between 2007 (3.32/100 person-years) and 2013 (2.82/100 person-years), with an increase again in 2015 (3.03/100 person-years). Adjusting for patient characteristics somewhat attenuated these trends. One-year mortality was high following fracture in all years (42.6% in 2007, 42.1% in 2014). In summary, we observed a recent slight rise in the incidence rates of hip fracture among nursing home residents that was at least partially explained by differences in resident characteristics over time. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of bubble size on the gas–liquid mass transfer of bubble swarms with Sauter mean diameters of 0.38–4.88 mm in a co‐current upflow bubble column
Authors: Wang Zhengchao , Guo Kai , Liu Hui , Liu Chunjiang , Geng Yao , Lu Zhe , Jiao Boya , Chen Dengyue 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDBubble columns have found a wide range of application in biochemical industry. Mass transfer in the bubble column can be manipulated by adjusting the bubble size. Thus, for the design of bubble columns, it is necessary to investigate the behaviors of different‐sized bubbles. This work attempts to study the global hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics of bubble swarms with Sauter mean diameters (d32) of 0.38–4.88 mm, from microbubbles to millimeter‐sized bubbles, in a co‐current bubble column.RESULTSThe specific interfacial areas of the bubble swarms with d32 of 0.38–1.47 (generated by ceramic membrane module) and 1.05–4.88 mm (generated by plate gas distributor) are 250–1100 and 7–270 m−1, respectively. The liquid‐side mass transfer coefficient (kL) of those two kinds of bubbles are (0.45–1.16) × 10−4 and (0.58–7.65) × 10−4 m s−1, respectively.CONCLUSIONDecreasing the bubble size can effectively increase the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa), especially when the bubble size decreases to several micrometers. The major contribution to the mass transfer enhancement results from the increase of the specific interfacial area. Conversely, the kL decreases clearly. It is demonstrated that Higbieʼs and Frosslingʼs equations can approximate the kL of the bubble swarms with d32 > 2 mm and d32 < 2 mm in the bubble column, respectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Implementation of risk assessment tools in psychiatric services
Authors: Chaimowitz Gary A. , Mamak Mini , Moulden Heather M. , Furimsky Ivana , Olagunju Andrew T. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractViolence remains a major risk management concern in psychiatric services with implications on the safety and well‐being of patients, staff, and the public. Serious physical and psychological consequences of violence involving property damage, bodily injuries, and threat to life have been reported in mental health services. Risk assessment tools are important safeguard measures; however, research on clinical implementation is presently limited. Structured professional judgment (SPJ) risk management tools that incorporate professional discretion with analytical understanding of evidence‐based risk factors are widely accepted for risk assessment. However, clinical utility is suboptimal due to several barriers, including those related to the tool, the clinical setting, and resistance from health professionals. To better understand the challenges militating against optimal implementation of risk assessment tools, we reviewed and presented some lessons from the implementation of clinical practice guidelines on a general scale and our experience implementing an SPJ tool called Hamilton Anatomy of Risk Management across a variety of psychiatric services. In summary, the clinical utility of risk assessment tools improves if the tool is psychometrically sound, concise, consensus rated, time efficient, and practical for planning risk management. User feedbacks on the tool utility are also important to sustain implementation.
The howl of Rancho La Brea: Comparative anatomy of modern and fossil canid hyoid bones
Authors: Flores Deanna , Eldridge Emma I. , Elminowski Erin E. , Dickinson Edwin , Hartstone‐Rose Adam 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Rancho La Brea (RLB) fossil collection housed at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles, California, is one of the richest collections of carnivoran fossils in the world. The collection is also particularly well known for the preservation of rare and understudied bones in the tar, including the small bony apparatus that is of particular interest to this study, the hyoid. The La Brea collection houses hyoids from several extinct carnivoran species, some of the most common being those of Canis dirus (the dire wolf) and Canis latrans (the coyote). In this study, we compare fossilized hyoid elements from these two canids to samples from modern large congeners, namely: Canis lupus (the gray wolf), Canis rufus (the red wolf), and modern C. latrans. Seven or nine measurements were taken on each bone of the hyoid apparatus, and principal component analyses were performed in order to determine statistical significance between species. For most of the bones, the majority of the variation was driven by size. Dire wolves could be clearly differentiated from all other canids for all elements; the hyoid apparatus of C. dirus is larger and more robust than that of C. lupus. Most of the bony elements could not be distinguished between red wolves or modern coyotes. However, there are enough, complete fossil coyote basihyoids to compare with those of their modern relatives, and in several metrics (both PC shapes and overall size), RLB and modern C. latrans are significantly different. As larger hyoids have been associated with a lower vocal frequency, this distinction would have resulted in the vocalizations of C. dirus occurring at a lower frequency than those produced by C. lupus and perhaps lower vocalizations in ice age coyotes than their modern relatives.Research HighlightsWe quantify morphological differences in the hyoid of dire wolves (Canis dirus) relative to extant grey wolves (Canis lupus), and hypothesize that, as larger hyoids have been associated with a lower vocal frequency, the vocalizations of C. dirus might have occurred at a lower frequency than those by C. lupus. Likewise, modern and fossil coyotes (Canis latrans) show a significant difference in basihyoid size and shape, potentially indicating that modern and ancient coyotes might have sounded differently.
A novel bioassay for the monitoring of carcinoembryonic antigen in human biofluid using polymeric interface and immunosensing method
Authors: Moradkhani Mahbubeh , Farshchi Fatemeh , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a member of a family of cell surface glycoproteins. Recognition of CEA is needed to monitor the physiological status of the patient for treatment and also it is important to assess the severity of the disease. In this work, we reported a novel sandwich‐type electrochemical immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles functionalized cysteamine‐glutaraldehyde (AuNPs‐CysA‐GA) and it successfully designed to detection of the CEA biomarker in a human plasma sample. The AuNPs‐CysA‐GA provides a large surface area for the effective immobilization of CEA antibody, as well as it ascertains the bioactivity and stability of immobilized CEA antigens. Biotinylated‐anti‐CEA antibody (Ab1) was immobilized on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified AuNPs‐CysA‐GA. Also, secondary antibody (HRP‐Ab2) was costed immobilized to complete the sandwich part of immunosensor. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM and EDS), was employed to monitor the sensor fabrication procedure. The immunosensor was used for the detection of CEA using differential pulse voltammetry (DPVs) technique. The proposed interface led to enhancement of accessible surface area for immobilizing high amount of anti‐CEA antibody, increasing electrical conductivity, boosting stability, and biocompatibility. Finally, the low limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of the proposed immunosensor was obtained as 7 ng/mL with the linear range of 0.001‐5 μg/L. The proposed immunoassay was successfully applied for the monitoring of the CEA in unprocessed human plasma samples. Obtained results paved that the proposed bioassay can be used as a novel bioassay for the clinical diagnosis of cancer based on CEA monitoring.
Pain Perception and Side Effects During Saline Infusion Sonohysterography With a Balloon Catheter
Authors: Ahmadi Firoozeh , Jahangiri Nadia , Zafarani Fatemeh , Vosough Ahmad 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate whether the site of the balloon placement into either the uterine cavity or cervical canal can affect the intensity of pain during sonohysterography.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, women who underwent saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) were randomized to intracervical or intrauterine balloon placement between May 2012 and May 2014. The examination was scheduled at the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The primary outcome measures included the degree of pain after inflation and then after deflation of the balloon catheter. Data were analyzed on the basis of the intention‐to‐treat principle for each woman who underwent SIS.ResultsA total of 300 infertile women were assigned to the treatment groups. There were no significant differences in inflation and deflation pain and the total procedure time between the 2 groups. The total volume of required saline for adequate distention of the cavity was significantly lower in the cervical group than the intrauterine group (p = .015). Nulliparous women had insignificantly more pain after the initial inflation of the balloon compared with multiparous women (p = .069). The pain score was not associated with patients’ age, the volume of the saline infused, the presence of intrauterine abnormality, and the procedure time.ConclusionsIntracervical catheter placement did not reduce pain during or after SIS. However, intracervical balloon insertion requires a less‐significant volume of saline compared with intrauterine placement, leading to a reduced risk of intrauterine infection and the spread of malignant endometrial cells into the peritoneal cavity at the time of the procedure.
THE ARC OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Horan Thomas A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe author, the dean of the School of Business at the University of Redlands, in California, writes about integrating various concepts and approaches to leadership into a broad framework that can guide teaching, research, and consultations. This has led to the “Arc of Purposeful Leadership,” ranging from self‐management to team management to organizational strategy to societal responsibilities. The author explains that the arc represents levels that identify purpose from self to teams to organization to society. Within Self, the focus is on four domains: character, competence, commitment, and compassion. Next, connecting teams to the clear purpose of an organization is a core strategy to achieve high performance from empowered stakeholders. The next level is defined by the themes of clear mission/strategy, alignment of strength and resources, performance‐driven change management, and a supportive culture. Finally, the societal dimension of the Arc encompasses community engagement and philanthropy. The author points out that leadership comes from every corner and every function of the organization—whether in middle management, an individual contributor, or even at the most entry level. No matter the level of status, every employee can play a vital role in shaping and fulfilling the purpose of the organization.
Specific absorption rate implications of within‐scan patient head motion for ultra‐high field MRI
Authors: Kopanoglu Emre , Deniz Cem M. , Erturk M. Arcan , Wise Richard G. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study investigates the implications of all degrees of freedom of within‐scan patient head motion on patient safety.MethodsElectromagnetic simulations were performed by displacing and/or rotating a virtual body model inside an 8‐channel transmit array to simulate 6 degrees of freedom of motion. Rotations of up to 20° and displacements of up to 20 mm including off‐axis axial/coronal translations were investigated, yielding 104 head positions. Quadrature excitation, RF shimming, and multi‐spoke parallel‐transmit excitation pulses were designed for axial slice‐selection at 7T, for seven slices across the head. Variation of whole‐head specific absorption rate (SAR) and 10‐g averaged local SAR of the designed pulses, as well as the change in the maximum eigenvalue (worst‐case pulse) were investigated by comparing off‐center positions to the central position.ResultsIn their respective worst‐cases, patient motion increased the eigenvalue‐based local SAR by 42%, whole‐head SAR by 60%, and the 10‐g averaged local SAR by 210%. Local SAR was observed to be more sensitive to displacements along right–left and anterior–posterior directions than displacement in the superior–inferior direction and rotation.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the effect of all 6 degrees of freedom of motion on safety of practical pulses. Although the results agree with the literature for overlapping cases, the results demonstrate higher increases (up to 3.1‐fold) in local SAR for off‐axis displacement in the axial plane, which had received less attention in the literature. This increase in local SAR could potentially affect the local SAR compliance of subjects, unless realistic within‐scan patient motion is taken into account during pulse design.