bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Service facilities with risk‐averse customers: a simulation approach
Authors: Delgado‐Alvarez Carlos A. , van Ackere Ann , Larsen Erik R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, a one‐dimensional cellular automata model is used to represent a self‐organized queueing system with local interaction between captive and boundedly rational customers who repeatedly choose a facility for service. While previous work has focused on decision rules based on adaptive expectations, the present work expands this analysis by explicitly incorporating customers’ attitude toward risk to study the impact of risk aversion on the collective behavior and the average system sojourn time. The customers’ decision process is modeled using adaptive expectations and incorporating the uncertainty involved in these expectations. Customers update their expectations based on their own experience and that of their neighbors. Simulation analysis is used to compare the aggregated behavior for different degrees of customer risk aversion. Risk‐neutral customers base their decisions only on their expected sojourn time, while risk‐averse customers account for uncertainty by estimating an upper bound of the sojourn times. The results indicate that the more risk‐averse the customers, the longer the transient period, and the more slowly the system converges to an almost stable average sojourn time. Systems where customers have an intermediate level of risk aversion achieve the worst average sojourn times.
The determinants of high‐interest entrusted loans in China
Authors: Yu Yan , Lee Yi‐Tsung , Fok Robert C.W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe examine the determinants of high‐interest entrusted loans in China from the perspective of corporate risk‐taking. The results of a baseline model illustrate that the propensity to offer high‐interest entrusted loans increases with loose monetary policies, corporate cash holdings and firm age, and it decreases with firm size and growth opportunity. These findings support the claim that firms offer high‐interest entrusted loans mainly for short‐term profits. Other determining factors include CEO behavior traits, market imperfections and the intensity of corporate governance. Specifically, market imperfections create an opportunity for risk‐taking while CEO behavior and the intensity of corporate governance affect a firm's tendency to take risk and engage in high‐interest entrusted loans.
CD‐1db/db mice: A novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney fibrosis
Authors: Mizunuma Yuiko , Kanasaki Keizo , Nitta Kyoko , Nakamura Yuka , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Takagaki Yuta , Kitada Munehiro , Li Shaolan , Liu Haijie , Li Jinpeng , Usui Isao , Aso Yoshimasa , Koya Daisuke 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo establish novel therapies to combat diabetic kidney disease, a human disease‐relevant animal model is essential. However, a type 2 diabetic mouse model presenting progressive kidney fibrosis has not yet been established. Kidneys of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic CD‐1 mice showed severe fibrosis compared with other backgrounds of mice associated with the suppression of antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline. The BKS background (BKSdb/db) is often utilized for diabetic kidney disease research; the kidney fibrosis in the BKSdb/db phenotype is minimal.Materials and MethodsWe generated CD‐1db/db mice by backcrossing the db gene into the CD‐1 background, and analyzed phenotypic differences compared with BKSdb/db and CD‐1db/m mice.ResultsMale CD‐1db/db mice appeared to have elevated blood glucose levels compared with those of BKSdb/db mice. Fasting insulin levels declined in CD‐1db/db mice. Plasma cystatin C levels tended to be elevated in CD‐1db/db mice from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age. Male CD‐1db/db mice showed significantly progressive kidney and heart fibrosis from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age when compared with that of age‐matched BKSdb/db mice. The gene expression profile showed fibrogenic program‐associated genes in male CD‐1db/db mice. Male CD‐1db/db mice displayed significantly lower urine antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline when compared to that of BKSdb/db at 24 weeks‐of‐age. The gene expression of prolyl oligopeptidase, the enzyme essential for antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline production from thymosin β4, was significantly lower in the CD‐1 mice. Thymosin β4 levels were also lower in CD‐1 mice.ConclusionsThese results suggest that CD‐1db/db mice are a novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney and heart fibrosis.
Improved prediction of mortality by combinations of inflammatory markers and standard clinical scores in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure and acute decompensation
Authors: Grønbæk Henning , Møller Holger Jon , Saliba Faouzi , Zeuzem Stefan , Albillos Agustin , Ariza Xavier , Graupera Isabel , Solà Elsa , Amoros Alex , Pavesi Marco , Bossen Lars , Jalan Rajiv , Gines Pere , Arroyo Vicente 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a sinister prognosis, and there is a need for accurate biomarkers and scoring systems to better characterize ACLF patients and predict prognosis. Systemic inflammation and renal failure are hallmarks in ACLF disease development and progression. We hypothesized that the combination of specific inflammatory markers in combination with clinical scores are better predictors of survival than the originally developed CLIF‐C acute decompensation (AD) and CLIF‐C ACLF scores.MethodsWe reevaluated all previously measured inflammatory markers in 522 patients from the CANONIC study, 342 without and 180 with ACLF. We used the Harrell's C‐index to determine the best marker alone or in combination with the original scores and calculated new scores for prediction of mortality in the original CANONIC cohort.ResultsThe best markers to predict 90‐day mortality in patients without ACLF were the plasma macrophage activation markers soluble (s)CD163 and mannose receptor (sMR). Urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (UNGAL) and sCD163 were predictors for 28‐day mortality in patients with ACLF. The newly developed CLIF‐C AD + sMR score in patients without ACLF improved 90‐day mortality prediction compared with the original CLIF‐C AD score (C‐index 0.82 [0.78–0.86] vs 0.74 [0.70–0.78, P = 0.004]). Further, the new CLIF‐C ACLF + sCD163 + UNGAL improved the original CLIF‐C ACLF score for 28‐day mortality (0.85 [0.79–0.91] vs 0.75 [0.70–0.80], P = 0.039).ConclusionsThe capability of these inflammatory markers to improve the original prognostic scores in cirrhosis patients without and with ACLF points to a key role of macrophage activation and inflammation in the development and progression of AD and ACLF.
Action Seniors! Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of a Secondary Falls Prevention Strategy Among Community‐Dwelling Older Fallers
Authors: Davis Jennifer C. , Khan Karim M. , Hsu Chun Liang , Chan Patrick , Cook Wendy L. , Dian Larry , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUNDThe Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has demonstrated cost‐effectiveness for the primary prevention of falls in a general community setting. The cost‐effectiveness of exercise as a secondary falls prevention (ie, preventing falls among those who have already fallen) strategy remains unknown. The primary objective was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness (incremental cost‐effectiveness/utility ratio) of the OEP from a healthcare system perspective.DESIGNA concurrent 12‐month prospective economic evaluation conducted alongside the Action Seniors! randomized critical trial (OEP compared with usual care).SETTINGVancouver Falls Prevention Clinic (Vancouver, BC, Canada; http://www.fallsclinic.ca).PARTICIPANTSA total of 344 community‐dwelling older adults, aged 70 years and older, who attended a geriatrician‐led Falls Prevention Clinic in Vancouver, after sustaining a fall in the previous 12 months.MEASUREMENTSMain outcome measures included: incidence rate ratio for falls, healthcare costs, incremental cost per fall prevented, and incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained.RESULTSThe OEP costs $393 CAD per participant to implement. The incremental cost per fall prevented resulted in a savings of $2 CAD. The incremental cost per QALY gained (where QALYs were estimated using the Euro‐Qol 5D three‐level version [EQ‐5D‐3L]) indicated the OEP was less effective than usual care. The incremental cost per QALY gained (where QALYs were estimated using the Short Form 6D [SF‐6D]) indicated the OEP was more effective and less costly than usual care. The incremental QALYs estimated using the EQ‐5D‐3L and the SF‐6D were not clinically significant and close to zero, indicating no change in quality of life.CONCLUSIONCompared with usual care, healthcare system costs are saved and falls are prevented when older fallers who attend a geriatrician‐led falls clinic are allocated to, and provided, the physiotherapist‐guided exercise‐based falls prevention program (the OEP).
Family members' prioritisation of care in residential aged care facilities: A case for individualised care
Authors: Ludlow Kristiana , Churruca Kate , Ellis Louise A. , Mumford Virginia , Braithwaite Jeffrey 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate family members' prioritisation of care in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).Introduction and backgroundFamily members are often involved in the care of their older relatives even after these relatives transit to a RACF. Understanding family members' priorities regarding care (i.e., what is most important to them) can provide valuable insights into how to better meet residents' needs.DesignA multisite mixed‐methods study comprising qualitative methods and Q methodology. The qualitative component of the study was guided by the COREQ checklist.MethodsParticipants comprised 27 family members of residents living in one of five participating Australian RACFs. Participants rank‐ordered 34 cards, each representing an aspect of care, on a predefined grid from “Least important” (−4) to “Most important” (+4). Participants also engaged in a think‐aloud task, demographic questionnaire, post‐sorting interview and semi‐structured interview. Q data were analysed using inverted factor techniques to identify factors that each represent a portion of shared meaning. Factors were interpreted as viewpoints using data from the think‐aloud task and interviews. These data were further analysed using inductive content analysis to reveal influences on prioritisation decision‐making.ResultsThree distinct viewpoints were identified through Q methodology: prioritisation of residents' physical needs, maintaining residents' independence, and human connection. Inductive content analysis revealed four influences on prioritisation decision‐making: residents' capabilities and support requirements, unmet needs, family bridging the gaps, and family knowledge of residents.ConclusionsThe study indicated that to meet residents' needs and family members' priorities, individualised approaches to care are warranted. It also demonstrated the vital role family members play in residents' care when needs are not fully met.Relevance to Clinical PracticeStrategies to improve individualised care in clinical practice include flexibility of routines, supporting family members' involvement in care, workforce training focused on family–staff communication, and safer staffing ratios.
Volumetric and Functional Activity Lateralization in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Focal Epilepsy: Initial Findings in a 7T MRI Study
Authors: Canjels Lisanne P.W. , Backes Walter H. , van Veenendaal Tamar M. , Vlooswijk Marielle C.G. , Hofman Paul A.M. , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Rouhl Rob P.W. , Jansen Jacobus F.A. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIn 30% of the patients with focal epilepsy, an epileptogenic lesion cannot be visually detected with structural MRI. Ultra‐high field MRI may be able to identify subtle pathology related to the epileptic focus. We set out to assess 7T MRI‐derived volumetric and functional activity lateralization of the hippocampus, hippocampal subfields, temporal and frontal lobe in healthy subjects and MRI‐negative patients with focal epilepsy.METHODSTwenty controls and 10 patients with MRI‐negative temporal or frontal lobe epilepsy (TLE and FLE, respectively) underwent a 7T MRI exam. T1‐weigthed imaging and resting‐state fMRI was performed. T1‐weighted images were segmented to yield volumes, while from fMRI data, the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations was calculated. Subsequently, volumetric and functional lateralization was calculated from left‐right asymmetry.RESULTSIn controls, volumetric lateralization was symmetric, with a slight asymmetry of the hippocampus and subiculum, while functional lateralization consistently showed symmetry. Contrarily, in epilepsy patients, regions were less symmetric. In TLE patients with known focus, volumetric lateralization in the hippocampus and hippocampal subfields was indicative of smaller ipsilateral volumes. These patients also showed clear functional lateralization, though not consistently ipsilateral or contralateral to the epileptic focus. TLE patients with unknown focus showed an obvious volumetric lateralization, facilitating the localization of the epileptic focus. Lateralization results in the FLE patients were less consistent with the epileptic focus.CONCLUSIONMRI‐derived volume and fluctuation amplitude are highly symmetric in controls, whereas in TLE, volumetric and functional lateralization effects were observed. This highlights the potential of the technique.
Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Relating to Performance of All‐Ceramic Implant Abutments, Frameworks, and Restorations
Authors: AL‐Rabab'ah Mohammad A. , AlTarawneh Sandra , Jarad Fadi D. , Devlin Hugh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeTo assess the methodological quality of published systematic reviews relating to all ceramic implant frameworks, abutments and restorations.Materials and MethodsPublished systematic reviews relating to all ceramic implant restorations for single tooth and multiple teeth replacements were retrieved to assess their methodological qualities. Sixteen systematic reviews were included for methodological quality assessment by two independent assessors using AMSTAR‐2 critical appraisal tool. Inter‐rater agreement was assessed using the weighted Cohen's Kappa statistic.ResultsMost systematic reviews included randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized studies of intervention. The majority of included systematic reviews (15 out of 16) scored critically low on quality with more than one critical flaw when assessed using the AMSTAR‐2 tool. Most systematic reviews assessed lacked analysis of the effects of the risk of bias and heterogeneity of the included studies. The inter‐rater agreement of the independent assessors was substantial (0.63).ConclusionsConfidence in the evidence presented in these systematic reviews was undermined by their tendency to overlook the effect of risk of bias and heterogeneity in evidence synthesis.
Cultural Factors Influencing Young Adult Indian Women's Beliefs about Disclosing Domestic Violence Victimization
Authors: Stephens Dionne , Eaton Asia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAccording to India's National Family Health Survey (Ghosh, 2007), over one third of women in India have experienced domestic violence (DV). In this study, we examined young adult Indian women's attitudes toward domestic violence DV help seeking behaviors using a reproductive justice framework. A total of 81 young adult women age 18–24 from Mysore, India, participated via in‐depth qualitative focus groups. Findings suggested that informal familial systems and gender‐focused formal support systems were viewed as the most acceptable networks for disclosing DV victimization. Women's organizations emerged as the second most appropriate network, particularly when it was deemed that an escalated response to DV victimization was needed. If the DV was perceived as severe or escalating, seeking judicial support was deemed appropriate. However, there were several cultural barriers that informed the women's perceptions of these systems effectiveness, including cultural beliefs about privacy, gender roles, and prior experiences. These results highlight the importance of addressing the multilevel cultural processes that serve to both facilitate and limit young adult Indian women's ability to address DV victimization. In contrast to the popular perception of abused women as passive victims, these women's assertions valuing empowerment highlight culturally specific responses to effectively addressing DV.
Comparison of MAFLD and NAFLD diagnostic criteria in real world
Authors: Lin Su , Huang Jiaofeng , Wang Mingfang , Kumar Rahul , Liu Yuxiu , Liu Shiying , Wu Yinlian , Wang Xiaozhong , Zhu Yueyong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsMetabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a novel concept proposed in 2020, the utility of which has not been tested and validated in real world. We aimed to compare the characteristics of MAFLD and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsThe data was retrieved from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of the United States, which is an unbiased survey dataset and frequently used for the study of fatty liver disease.ResultsA total of 13 083 cases with completed ultrasonography and laboratory data were identified from the NHANES III database. MAFLD was diagnosed in 4087/13 083 (31.24%) participants, while NAFLD in 4347/13 083 (33.23%) amongst the overall population and 4347/12 045 (36.09%) in patients without alcohol intake and other liver diseases. Compared with NAFLD, MAFLD patients were significantly older, had higher BMI level, higher proportions of metabolic comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension) and higher HOMA‐IR, lipid and liver enzymes. MAFLD patients with alcohol consumption were younger than those without, and more likely to be male. They had less metabolic disorder but higher liver enzymes. There were more cases with advance fibrosis in MAFLD patients with alcohol consumption.ConclusionMAFLD definition is more practical for identifying patients with fatty liver disease with high risk of disease progression.
Footprint tunnels are effective for detecting dormouse species
Authors: Melcore Ilaria , Ferrari Giulia , Bertolino Sandro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGlirids are arboreal rodents that are difficult to monitor due to their nocturnal activity and their relatively low density. We compared results from footprint tunnels with those from two other monitoring methods (nest boxes and nesting tubes) for three dormouse species in an occupancy framework. Footprint tunnels performed better than the other two methods for the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius and the edible dormouse Glis glis, and were the only method which detected the garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus. Our findings provide evidence to support the effectiveness of footprint tunnels in monitoring the occurrence of dormouse species in comparison with other methods.
A case of triple seronegative myasthenia gravis with Graves' disease ameliorated after the removal of enlarged thymus with elevated uptake in fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
Authors: Matsumoto Namiko , Omote Yoshio , Nakano Yumiko , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Sato Kota , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Toji Tomohiro , Abe Koji 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe report on a 35‐year‐old woman who complained of myasthenia in ocular, bulbar, and limb muscles, but who was negative for antibodies against acetylcholine receptor, muscle‐specific kinase, or low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4, accompanied by the suppression of thyroid‐stimulating hormone with elevated free T3 and free T4. Administration of edrophonium significantly ameliorated blepharoptosis, and electromyography revealed 13.9% waning after 3 Hz repetitive stimulation in the left accessory nerve. Thus, she was suspected of having triple seronegative myasthenia gravis or thyrotoxic myasthenia. She was remitted after the resection of her enlarged thymus with an elevated uptake in fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, suggesting an unknown autoimmune target that escaped detection by current autoantibody screens. Consequently, thymectomy may still be effective in patients with seronegative MG plus hyperthyroidism.
Microbiota changes induced by microencapsulated sodium butyrate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Facchin Sonia , Vitulo Nicola , Calgaro Matteo , Buda Andrea , Romualdi Chiara , Pohl Daniel , Perini Barbara , Lorenzon Greta , Marinelli Carla , D’Incà Renata , Sturniolo Giacomo Carlo , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundButyrate has shown anti‐inflammatory and regenerative properties, providing symptomatic relief when orally supplemented in patients suffering from various colonic diseases. We investigated the effect of a colonic‐delivery formulation of butyrate on the fecal microbiota of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).MethodsIn this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, pilot study, 49 IBD patients (n = 19 Crohn's disease, CD and n = 30 ulcerative colitis, UC) were randomized to oral administration of microencapsulated‐sodium‐butyrate (BLM) or placebo for 2 months, in addition to conventional therapy. Eighteen healthy volunteers (HVs) were recruited to provide a healthy microbiota model of the local people. Fecal microbiota from stool samples was assessed by 16S sequencing. Clinical disease activity and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated before and after treatment.Key ResultsAt baseline, HVs showed a different microbiota composition compared with IBD patients. Sodium‐butyrate altered the gut microbiota of IBD patients by increasing bacteria able to produce SCFA in UC patients (Lachnospiraceae spp.) and the butyrogenic colonic bacteria in CD patients (Butyricicoccus). In UC patients, QoL was positively affected by treatment.Conclusions and InferencesSodium‐butyrate supplementation increases the growth of bacteria able to produce SCFA with potentially anti‐inflammatory action. The clinical impact of this finding requires further investigation.
Species diversity of fungal endophytes across a stress gradient for plants
Authors: Oono Ryoko , Black Danielle , Slessarev Eric , Sickler Burton , Strom Amanda , Apigo Austen 
Published: May 2020

Summary

Foliar fungal endophytes are one of the most diverse guilds of symbiotic fungi found in the photosynthetic tissues of every plant lineage, but it is unclear how plant environments and leaf resource availability shape their diversity.

We explored correlations between leaf nutrient availability and endophyte diversity among Pinus muricata and Vaccinium ovatum plants growing across a soil nutrient gradient spanning a series of coastal terraces in Mendocino, California.

Endophyte richness decreased in plants with higher leaf nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus ratios for both host species, but increased with sodium, which may be toxic to fungi at high concentrations. Isolation frequency, a proxy of fungal biomass, was not significantly predicted by any of the same leaf constituents in the two plant species.

We propose that stressed plants can exhibit both low foliar nutrients or high levels of toxic compounds, and that both of these stress responses predict endophyte species richness. Stressful conditions that limit growth of fungi may increase their diversity due to the suppression of otherwise dominating species. Differences between the host species in their endophyte communities may be explained by host specificity, leaf phenology, or microclimates.