bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting operative difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute biliary presentations
Authors: Wennmacker Sarah Z. , Bhimani Nazim , van Dijk Aafke H. , Hugh Thomas J. , de Reuver Philip R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundEarly laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is advocated in patients with an acute biliary presentation but may require some precaution. We aimed to assess the intra‐operative difficulty of cholecystectomy in patients who underwent early intervention, and to establish a prediction model for a ‘complicated’ LC.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients presenting to the emergency department with acute biliary symptoms, and who subsequently underwent early LC between 2015 and 2018. Operative difficulty was assessed by standardized grading of intra‐operative findings (grades 1–4). Pre‐operative predictors for a ‘complicated’ LC (grades 3/4) were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A prediction model was created using variable regression coefficients. Cut‐off and accuracy of the model were assessed using a receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsA total of 185 patients were included and 59% presented with acute cholecystitis. In this cohort 113 (61%) patients underwent a ‘complicated’ LC. A prediction model for a ’complicated’ LC (0–4.5 points) included: clinical diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (2 points), C‐reactive protein >10.5 mg/L (1.5 points) and pericholecystic fluid on pre‐operative imaging (1 point). A score ≥2.5 had a sensitivity of 77.7%, specificity of 81.7% and positive and negative predictive values of 87.0% and 69.9%, respectively.ConclusionEarly LC may be ‘complicated’ in up to 60% of cases. The presented prediction model uses readily available information in the emergency department and is a simple but accurate way to predict a likely ‘complicated’ LC in patients with acute biliary presentations.
Extraction and characterization of collagens from yak rumen smooth muscle
Authors: Li Shengsheng , Yu Qunli 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study reports an effective method using enzymatic methods to extract collagen from yak rumen smooth muscle. The enzymatic extraction methods were optimized by response surface methodology. Additionally, the properties of the extracted collagen were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The results showed that the optimal conditions were as follows: the pepsin addition was 0.95%, the enzymatic hydrolysis time was 21 hr, and the solid‐to‐solvent ratio was 1:11. Under these conditions, the collagen extraction rate could reach 3.62/100 g. The results of FT‐IR revealed that the amide A, amide B, amide I, amide II, and amide III bands of the collagen appeared at 3,293.18, 3,068.18, 1654.94, 1,540.58, and 1,236.58 cm−1, respectively. The MS identified seven types of collagen, which were type I, type III, type IV, type V, type VI, type VIII, and type XII. The results demonstrated that the enzymatic method can extract collagen from yak rumen smooth muscle with a considerably high yield and can preserve the intact structure of the collagen.
The profile inter‐unit reliability
Authors: He Kevin , Dahlerus Claudia , Xia Lu , Li Yanming , Kalbfleisch John D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTo assess the quality of health care, patient outcomes associated with medical providers (eg, dialysis facilities) are routinely monitored in order to identify poor (or excellent) provider performance. Given the high stakes of such evaluations for payment as well as public reporting of quality, it is important to assess the reliability of quality measures. A commonly used metric is the inter‐unit reliability (IUR), which is the proportion of variation in the measure that comes from inter‐provider differences. Despite its wide use, however, the size of the IUR has little to do with the usefulness of the measure for profiling extreme outcomes. A large IUR can signal the need for further risk adjustment to account for differences between patients treated by different providers, while even measures with an IUR close to zero can be useful for identifying extreme providers. To address these limitations, we propose an alternative measure of reliability, which assesses more directly the value of a quality measure in identifying (or profiling) providers with extreme outcomes. The resulting metric reflects the extent to which the profiling status is consistent over repeated measurements. We use national dialysis data to examine this approach on various measures of dialysis facilities.
Atmospheric pressure plasma‐induced decolorisation of cotton knitted fabric dyed with reactive dye
Authors: Liu Yao‐hui , To Chester Kin‐man , Ngai Mei‐ki , Kan Chi‐wai , Chua Hong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the decolorisation effect of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on knitted fabrics dyed with reactive dyes under different processing parameters, ie, air concentration, treatment duration and water content. The fabrics were dyed with reactive dye of a blue colour, and the colour depths were 0.5%, 1.5% and 3.0% on weight of fabric. The colour properties of untreated and plasma‐treated fabric samples were evaluated by means of reflectance, K/S and relative unlevelness index. The colour properties were evaluated instrumentally and quantitatively in order to study the decolorisation effect induced by atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. Experimental results revealed that the desired decolorisation effect was heavily influenced by the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment processing parameters. Although the desired decolorisation effect could be obtained by controlling the processing parameters of the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, the treatment did not provide any significant reduction in the bursting strength of the fabric.
Confronting the scarcity of digital skills among the poor in developing countries
Authors: James Jeffrey 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMotivationAs part of the second digital divide”, the scarcity of digital skills among the “bottom billion” in poor countries has been noted in the literature. The typical policy response to this daunting situation is to directly increase the supply of these missing resources. The article does not dispute the need for such policy, but argues in favour of supplementary interventions that bypass this scarcity in a bid to bring the benefit of digital technologies to people living in poverty.PurposeTo describe and compare the components of a package of policies to address the scarcity of digital skills in poor countries. The package comprises an increase in the supply of these skills, a choice of technologies that make few demands on them, and to find substitutes that can indirectly supply information from the Internet to those who need it.Approach and methodsThe approach is based on Albert Hirshman’s distinction between trait‐making, which seeks to increase the supply of resources in short supply, and trait‐taking, which accepts those resources as being given temporarily in the making of policy. The complementary approaches are explained and compared in detail with the use of numerous examples.FindingsThe brief answer of how best to respond to the lack of digital skills in poor countries is that all components of the policy package are needed, because they make different demands, deal with different aspects of the problem, use different methods and operate in different time periods. With respect to the trait‐taking alternatives, I show the need to make better use of local resources, institutions and cultures, because these are what are available.Policy implicationsAlthough most policies to deal with the scarcity of digital skills in poor countries seek directly to increase their supply in schools and other places, this will often be a long and difficult process. For this and other reasons, supplementary policies are also needed to bypass the shortage and yield the benefits of information technology to people living in poverty, within a relatively short period of time.
Effects of plant sex on insect abundance across three trophic levels in the perennial shrub Buddleja cordata
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Romero‐Pérez Araceli , Luna‐Chaparro Ethel , Orona‐Tamayo Domancar , Quintana‐Rodríguez Elizabeth , Reyes‐Chilpa Ricardo , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Cano‐Santana Zenon , Hernández‐Cumplido Johnattan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAlthough there is a growing interest in the effects of intra‐specific plant genetic variation on species interactions, the effects of plant sex, an important axis of genetic variation, have been less studied. In addition, previous work investigating plant sex effects on species interactions has frequently focused on bitrophic interactions (e.g., herbivory), usually ignoring plant sex effects on higher trophic levels (i.e., natural enemies). Here, we investigated the effects of plant sex on herbivore abundance and that of their natural enemies associated with the dioecious shrub Buddleja cordata Kunth (Scrophulariaceae). Furthermore, we measured a subset of plant traits frequently involved in herbivore resistance and the potentially underlying plant sex effects. To this end, we recorded the abundances of a specialist leaf‐chewing caterpillar [Acronyctodes mexicanaria Walker (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)] throughout an entire growing season. We also recorded information about the caterpillar’s parasitoids, as well as leaf water content, phenolic compounds, phosphorus, and nitrogen for male and female plants of B. cordata. Plant sex did not significantly influence caterpillar abundance but did have an effect on natural enemies, with parasitoid abundance being 2.4‐fold greater on female than on male plants. The effect of plant sex on parasitoids remained significant after accounting for caterpillar abundance, suggesting that it was underlain by a trait‐mediated (rather than density‐mediated) mechanism. Finally, we found that male plants had a higher concentration of phenolic compounds (other traits did not differ between plant sexes). These results provide valuable evidence for the extended effects of plant sex on the third trophic level and point at plant traits potentially mediating such effects.
Individual placement and support in Italian young adults with mental disorder: Findings from the Reggio Emilia experience
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Ficarelli Maria L. , Vignali Elisabetta , Artoni Simona , Franzini Maria C. , Montanaro Serenella , Andreoli Maria V. , Marangoni Sara , Ciampà Elizabeth , Erlicher Diana , Troisi Elisa , Pupo Simona 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimIndividual placement and support (IPS) has a considerable body of evidence for its effectiveness in helping people with mental disorder to achieve and maintain competitive jobs. However, little data in young adult populations are currently available, especially in Europe. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of IPS in Italian young adults with moderate‐to‐severe mental illness, examining the main competitive employment outcomes and drop out rates during a 3‐year follow‐up period.MethodsParticipants (n = 54) were recruited from patients receiving psychiatric treatment in one of the seven adult Community Mental Health Centers of the Reggio Emilia Department of Mental Health. Together with drop out rates, we investigated job duration (total number of days worked), job acquisition (employment in the labour market for at least 1 day during the follow‐up), total hours per week worked, and job tenure (weeks worked on the longest‐held competitive job).ResultsA crude competitive employment rate of 40.7% and a crude drop out rate of 22.2% over the 3‐year follow‐up period were found. However, 66% of 42 clients who remained in the program over 3 years gained competitive employment at some time during the 3‐year period.ConclusionsThis research shows the feasibility of an IPS intervention model in the public mental health care system in Italy, especially for a young adult target population.
The first detection of the olive leaf moth Palpita vitrealis (Rossi) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a serious pest in Biskra province (Algeria)
Authors: Tahar Chaouche Souad , Bengouga Khalila , Fadlaoui Haroune 
Published: October 2019

In Algeria, little is known about the jasmine moth Palpita vitrealis (Rossi) [synonym Palpita unionalis (Hubner)]. It was not previously considered to have significant economic impacts on olives. However, during 2018, in several localities in Biskra province, Algeria, damage caused by larvae feeding on terminal buds, young leaves and shoots attracted the attention of farmers and researchers. In this province, this is the first time that P. vitrealis has been reported as a pest associated with olive trees. A morphological description of this species is given, as well as information on the symptoms and damage that have been observed.
The brokerage role of small states and territories in global corporate networks
Authors: Martinus Kirsten , Sigler Thomas , Iacopini Iacopo , Derudder Ben 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGlobal economic activity is networked through cross‐national linkages between firm headquarters, branches, and subsidiaries. Brokerage emerges as a key territorial function of this network, with some places acting as gateways or intermediaries for flows of global knowledge, information, or trade. This function is particularly salient for small states and territories leveraging the benefits of borrowed size by offering global professional services, warehousing, logistics, shipping, and finance to wealthy nations or high net individuals. Nonetheless, to date our understanding of how small states and territories facilitate wealth accumulation is limited to broad concepts of their role as “gateways” or “brokers.” Drawing on a typology of brokerage and a network analysis applied to the ties between approximately 700,000 firm headquarter and subsidiary locations of 13 of the world's largest stock exchanges, we explore the brokerage role of small states and territories through case studies of Luxembourg, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Panama. Brokerage is found to play an important role in the economy of all four. We argue that each of these small states and territories is uniquely positioned as a broker in global corporate networks, but that this role differs according to geo‐economic and political positionality.
What drives urban population growth and shrinkage in postsocialist East Germany?
Authors: Heider Bastian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMost cities in East Germany experienced drastic shrinkage between 1990 and 2014, but in recent years some have stabilized or even switched toward new growth paths, while others have been continuously declining. A descriptive analysis of subgroups of cities with diverging population growth trajectories reveals that this recent phase of “urban resurgence” accounts to a large share to the growth of the largest cities and some smaller cities in their hinterland and is strongly related to the residential preferences of families and young adults. Furthermore, the estimation of spatial regression models for the period 2004–2014 including a comprehensive set of control variables, such as agglomeration effects, initial demographic conditions, labor market characteristics, climate, and quality of life‐related factors, reveals that recent patterns of urban population development are negatively correlated to historical growth rates during times of socialism. This indicates that postsocialist urban development can be interpreted as a direct outcome of the transition process and as a backlash against the socialist past when urban development was dominated by central planning policies. However, the relevance of the individual determinants included in our regression model differs strongly with respect to the population dynamics in different age groups.
Cancer gland rupture as a potential risk factor for lymph node metastasis in early colorectal adenocarcinoma with deep submucosal invasion
Authors: Oishi Katsumi , Ito Takashi , Sakonishi Daisuke , Uchida Keisuke , Sekine Masaki , Negi Mariko , Kobayashi Daisuke , Miura Keiko , Akashi Takumi , Eishi Yoshinobu 
Published: October 2019

AimsLymph node metastasis (LNM) has not been found in more than 85% of patients with early invasive colorectal adenocarcinoma (T1‐CRAC) who undergo surgery after therapeutic endoscopy due to the risk for LNM. Better histological risk assessment for LNM of endoscopically resected T1‐CRAC is important to avoid unnecessary additional surgery.Methods and resultsWe evaluated cancer gland rupture (CGR), i.e. cancer glands with a discontinuous epithelial lining, at the invasive front, as a potential risk factor for LNM by histological examination of differentiated T1‐CRAC from 217 patients who underwent surgery with or without therapeutic endoscopy. CGR was represented by C‐shaped neoplastic glands with a variable inflammatory or stromal reaction, and was occasionally accompanied by mucus lake or abscess formation. CGR was observed in 168 (77%) cases, including all 20 cases with LNM, and the odds ratio of LNM was higher for CGR than for deep invasion (depth of submucosal invasion ≥1000 μm). All cases with LNM were found among 148 cases with deep invasion and positive CGR, whereas no LNM was detected in 29 cases with deep invasion and negative CGR, regardless of vascular invasion or tumour budding. In the 148 cases, LNM was detected in 18 (19%) of 93 cases with positive vascular invasion or high‐grade tumour budding, and in two (4%) of 55 cases without either.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that CGR is an easily applied and objective histological finding for predicting LNM that could be useful for assessing the risk for LNM of endoscopically resected T1‐CRAC with deep invasion.
Annexin V expression on CD4+ T cells with regulatory function
Authors: Bollinger Anna‐Lena , Bollinger Thomas , Rupp Jan , Shima Kensuke , Gross Natalie , Padayachy Laura , Chicheportiche Rachel , Puga Yung Gisella L. , Seebach Jörg Dieter 
Published: October 2019

SummaryRegulatory T (Treg) cells induce immunologic tolerance by suppressing effector functions of conventional lymphocytes in the periphery. On the other hand, immune silencing is mediated by recognition of phosphatidylserine (PS) on apoptotic cells by phagocytes. Here we describe expression of the PS‐binding protein Annexin V (ANXA5) in CD4+ CD25hi Treg cells at the mRNA and protein levels. CD4+ ANXA5+ T cells constitute about 0·1%–0·6% of peripheral blood CD3+ T cells, exhibit co‐expression of several Treg markers, such as Forkhead box P3, programmed cell death protein‐1, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 and CD38. In vitro, ANXA5+ Treg cells showed enhanced adhesion to PS+ endothelial cells. Stimulated by anti‐CD3 and PS+ syngeneic antigen‐presenting cells CD4+ ANXA5+ T cells expanded in the absence of exogenous interleukin‐2. CD4+ ANXA5+ T cells suppressed CD4+ ANXA5− T‐cell proliferation and mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation, partially dependent on cell contact. CD4+ ANXA5+ T‐cell‐mediated suppression was allo‐specific and accompanied by an increased production of anti‐inflammatory mediators. In vivo, using a model of delayed type hypersensitivity, murine CD4+ ANXA5+ T cells inhibited T helper type 1 responses. In conclusion, we report for the first time expression of ANXA5 on a subset of Treg cells that might bridge classical regulatory Treg function with immune silencing.
Electric and magnetic properties of lanthanum barium cobaltite
Authors: Szpunar Iga , Wachowski Sebastian , Miruszewski Tadeusz , Dzierzgowski Kacper , Górnicka Karolina , Klimczuk Tomasz , Sørby Magnus Helgerud , Balaguer María , Serra José M. , Strandbakke Ragnar , Gazda Maria , Mielewczyk‐Gryń Aleksandra 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe cubic Ba0.5La0.5CoO3‐δ was synthesized using solid state reaction. The structural properties were determined by the simultaneous refinement of Synchrotron Powder X‐ray Diffraction and Neutron Powder Diffraction data. Iodometric titration was used to examine the oxygen stoichiometry and average cobalt oxidation state. Low‐temperature magnetic studies show soft ferromagnetic character of fully oxidized material, with θP = 198(3) K and µeff = 2.11(2) µB. Electric measurements show the thermally activated nature of conductivity at low temperatures, whereas, due to the variable oxidation and spin state of cobalt, a single charge transport mechanism cannot be distinguished. Around room temperature, a wide transition from thermally activated conductivity to semi‐metallic behavior is observed. Under the inert atmosphere, the oxygen content lowers and the cation ordering takes place, leading to coexistence of two, ordered and disordered, phases. As a result of this change, thermally activated conductivity is observed also at high temperatures in inert atmosphere.
A nurse—led lifestyle intervention using mobile application versus booklet for adults with metabolic syndrome—Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wong Eliza Mi‐Ling , Leung Doris Y. P. , Wang Qun , Leung Angela Y. M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsTo compare the effect of a lifestyle intervention programme using mobile application versus booklet for adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) living in the community.DesignA multisite randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms, namely metabolic syndrome app group, booklet group, and control group.MethodsThe research study has been supported by the Health and Medical Research fund in Hong Kong in 2019. The protocol was approved by the study university and the selected community centres. Three hundred and sixty subjects will be recruited from community centres and randomized into either one arm. Inclusion criteria are those adult with MetS, able to use a smart phone. All participants received a 30‐min health educational session. App group participants will receive a mobile application while booklet group participants will receive a specific booklet of MetS care and the control group receive a placebo booklet only. The primary outcomes comprises of body weight. The secondary outcomes include total physical exercise, cardiometablolic risk factors, cardiovascular endurance, self‐efficacy for exercise, and stress level. Data will be collected at baseline, weeks 4, 12, and 24. SPSS and generalized estimating equations model will be employed for data analysis.DiscussionMetabolic syndrome is a common health problem associated with the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and the risks are potentially amenable to lifestyle intervention. The results will compare the relative effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention using an app versus a booklet on physical and psychological outcomes for adults with MetS.ImpactWhat problem will the study address? The results will inform the healthcare professional and nurses about the effective way for health promotion, to enhance patient's lifestyle modification and exercise sustainability that will be beneficial to the clients’ health.