bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Men, women and unions
Authors: Haile Getinet Astatike 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe paper examines whether workplace gender dynamics contributed to the decline of unions. To this end, it reviews relevant literature and proposes three hypotheses, which it then tests using alternative empirical analyses and data from Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS) and British Social Attitudes Survey (BSAS). The results from employee‐level analysis reveal that, compared with women, (i) men were significantly less likely to have never been union members and (ii) they were also significantly more likely to have been union members in the past. In addition, workplace‐level analysis using WERS reveals that there is an inverse link between union membership and the share of women in workplaces, which is also found to have a non‐linear form. The paper ponders if unions may need to encompass broader agenda than those informed by the median voter to improve their fate.
Information technology as a resource to counter domestic sex trafficking in the United States
Authors: Giddens Laurie , Petter Stacie , Fullilove Michael H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGlobally, millions of individuals are victims of sex trafficking and are compelled to perform sexual acts through force, fraud, or coercion. Law enforcement agencies, non‐profit organisations, and social entrepreneurs increasingly are using information technology as a resource to locate, identify, and rescue victims and find, arrest, and convict traffickers. In this qualitative case study, we partnered with a non‐profit organisation that trains law enforcement officers to use information technology to counter sex trafficking. For this research study, we observed training courses, interviewed law enforcement officers and non‐profit staff, and reviewed technology usage logs and other data sources. Some officers readily used the new information technology post‐training, while others failed to use the new technology. Using conservation of resources theory as a sensitising lens, we identify two factors affecting the use of new technology post‐training: the level of organisational resources available to individuals and the individual's perceptions of the new information technology as a resource. With these findings, we develop the Resources Model of Information Technology Use to explain how perceptions of organisational and technology resources affect information technology usage patterns and outcomes.
TGF‐β activates pericytes via induction of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition protein SLUG in glioblastoma
Authors: Wirsik Naita M. , Ehlers Jakob , Mäder Lisa , Ilina Elena I. , Blank Anna‐Eva , Grote Anne , Feuerhake Friedrich , Baumgarten Peter , Devraj Kavi , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel , Naumann Ulrike 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsIn primary central nervous system tumours, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression is associated with increased malignancy. However, it has also been shown that EMT factors in gliomas are almost exclusively expressed by glioma vessel‐associated pericytes (GA‐Peris). In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanism of EMT in GA‐Peris and its impact on angiogenic processes.MethodsIn glioma patients, vascular density and the expression of the pericytic markers platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)‐β and smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were examined in relation to the expression of the EMT transcription factor SLUG and were correlated with survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Functional mechanisms of SLUG regulation and the effects on primary human brain vascular pericytes (HBVP) were studied in vitro by measuring proliferation, cell motility and growth characteristics.ResultsThe number of PDGFR‐β‐ and αSMA‐positive pericytes did not change with increased malignancy nor showed an association with the survival of GBM patients. However, SLUG‐expressing pericytes displayed considerable morphological changes in GBM‐associated vessels, and TGF‐β induced SLUG upregulation led to enhanced proliferation, motility and altered growth patterns in HBVP. Downregulation of SLUG or addition of a TGF‐β antagonising antibody abolished these effects.ConclusionsWe provide evidence that in GA‐Peris, elevated SLUG expression is mediated by TGF‐β, a cytokine secreted by most glioma cells, indicating that the latter actively modulate neovascularisation not only by modulating endothelial cells, but also by influencing pericytes. This process might be responsible for the formation of an unstructured tumour vasculature as well as for the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier in GBM.
Dentofacial characteristics and age in association with incisor bony support in adult female patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion
Authors: Xia Kai , Wang Jing , Yu Liyuan , Sun Wentian , Huang Xinqi , Zhao Zhihe , Liu Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between incisor alveolar bone thickness (IABT) and dentofacial characteristics or age in adult female patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion (BDP). Evaluating the contribution of these characteristics may help to predict the IABT differences in this patient population.Setting and sample populationA retrospective study whose sample comprised 80 pretreatment adult female patients with BDP (mean age 24.6 years).Materials and MethodsThe IABT of the bimaxillary central incisors was measured by cone‐beam computed tomography. Among the types of IABT, the apical trabecular bone thickness was measured with a quantitative method. The sagittal skeletal pattern, facial divergence, the incisor inclination angle, and mandibular plane angulation were determined by cephalometric analysis. A backward linear multiple regression was performed to analyse the associations between IABT and these characteristics.ResultsThree dentofacial traits and age were associated with IABT. Patients with increased age and facial divergence tended to have a thinner mandibular incisor bone support, while increased root length was associated with a thicker mandibular incisor apical bone thickness. Increased U1‐SN and facial divergence may lead to a thinner maxillary incisor palatal bone, while increased U1‐SN resulted in a thicker maxillary incisor labial bone.ConclusionsThe bony support of the incisors is associated with age and dentofacial traits. Increasing age and facial divergence are considered risk factors for alveolar defects in female patients with BDP. In contrast, increased root length is associated with a thicker mandibular incisor apical bone support.
The presence of Prevotella melaninogenica within tissue and preliminary study on its role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus
Authors: Zheng Sai‐wei , Xu Pan , Cai Li‐ting , Tan Zheng‐wu , Guo Yi‐ting , Zhu Rui‐xin , He Yuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the oral mucosa with characteristic white striations lesions, recurrent erosions, and pains. The etiology and pathogenesis of OLP are still unclear.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the bacterial community structure of buccal mucosa in patients with OLP and normal controls by high‐throughput sequencing. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect Prevotella melaninogenica (P. melaninogenica) in 13 OLP samples and 10 controls. The amounts of P. melaninogenica in OLP buccal mucosa and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in co‐culture of mouse‐derived macrophages with P. melaninogenica were detected by RT‐qPCR.ResultsThe P. melaninogenica was more abundant in OLP than in healthy controls, and the differences were significant at the level of the phylum, family, genus, and species (p < .05). FISH showed that P. melaninogenica can invade the epithelium and even the lamina propria of OLP, while no invasion was found in the normal mucosa. Prevotella melaninogenica can adhere to and invade macrophages and then activate the transcription of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in NF‐κB signaling pathway.ConclusionPrevotella melaninogenica may be involved in the pathogenic process of OLP, and its specific mechanism deserves further study.
Safety of an improved pediatric epidural tunneling technique for catheter shear
Authors: Sakai Wataru , Tachibana Shunsuke , Chaki Tomohiro , Nakazato Naofumi , Horiguchi Yuri , Nawa Yuko , Yamakage Michiaki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEpidural tunneling could help with prolonged catheterization and be effective in preventing infection and dislodgement. However, epidural tunneling techniques carry a risk of catheter shear or needlestick injuries.AimsThis study aimed to examine the safety of our epidural tunneling technique in terms of catheter shear.MethodsThis study was designed as a double‐blinded, single‐crossover, in vitro study. Each of the operators performed two techniques to create a subcutaneous tunnel. We compared outcomes between the control tunneling technique (group C) and our improved technique (group I). Microscopic findings of catheter shear were assessed as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the tension and displacement required to break the epidural catheter and the frequency of catheter breakage due to catheter shear. Data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test and Mann‐Whitney U test. A p‐value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsTen catheters were assessed in each group. The frequency of catheter shear was 10% in group I and 90% in group C (odds ratio, 0.019; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.31; p < .001). The frequency of catheter breakage due to catheter shear was significantly lower in group I (0%) than in group C (80%; p < .001). The mean tension and displacement required to break the catheter were significantly higher in group I than in group C (4.13 ± 0.37 N vs. 3.14 ± 1.00 N; mean difference, 0.99 N; 95% CI, 0.25–1.73 N; p = .013 and 222 ± 59.9 mm vs. 122 ± 77.7 mm; mean difference, 100 mm; 95% CI, 34.1–165 mm; p = .005).ConclusionsOur improved epidural tunneling technique, which was designed for pediatric cases, could reduce the risk of catheter shear.
Metabolic engineering of astaxanthin‐rich maize and its use in the production of biofortified eggs
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Ma Xuhui , Wang Hao , Li Suzhen , Yang Wenzhu , Nugroho Ramdhan Dwi , Luo Lili , Zhou Xiaojin , Tang Chaohua , Fan Yunliu , Zhao Qingyu , Zhang Junmin , Chen Rumei 
Published: March 2021

SummaryProduction of the high‐value carotenoid astaxanthin, which is widely used in food and feed due to its strong antioxidant activity and colour, is less efficient in cereals than in model plants. Here, we report a new strategy for expressing β‐carotene ketolase and hydroxylase genes from algae, yeasts and flowering plants in the whole seed using a seed‐specific bidirectional promoter. Engineered maize events were backcrossed to inbred maize lines with yellow endosperm to generate progenies that accumulate astaxanthin from 47.76 to 111.82 mg/kg DW in seeds, and the maximum level is approximately sixfold higher than those in previous reports (16.2–16.8 mg/kg DW) in cereals. A feeding trial with laying hens indicated that they could take up astaxanthin from the maize and accumulate it in egg yolks (12.10–14.15 mg/kg) without affecting egg production and quality, as observed using astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. Storage stability evaluation analysis showed that the optimal conditions for long‐term storage of astaxanthin‐rich maize are at 4 °C in the dark. This study shows that co‐expressing of functional genes driven by seed‐specific bidirectional promoter could dramatically boost astaxanthin biosynthesis in every parts of kernel including embryo, aleurone layer and starch endosperm other than previous reports in the starch endosperm only. And the staple crop maize could serve as a cost‐effective plant factory for reliably producing astaxanthin.
The Effect of Tightening Standards on Automakers’ Non‐compliance
Authors: Hu Kejia , Chopra Sunil , Chen Yuche 
Published: March 2021

This study investigates how tightening standards can result in greater non‐compliance, especially when market and regulatory interests are misaligned. We confirm a causal relationship that explains the highly publicized auto industry non‐compliance phenomenon where on‐road NOx emissions exceeded standards. Based on a 15‐year on‐road vehicle emissions dataset covering 148,837 vehicles from 42 automakers in the EU, we use regression discontinuity to identify the causal impact of standards tightening on non‐compliance by controlling other confounding factors. Our results suggest that in the absence of effective monitoring, tightening standards directly drives up automakers’ non‐compliance. Furthermore, we find that automakers facing more intense substitution pressure from competitors or with less advanced emissions control technology have a higher non‐compliance rate. Our findings speak to both policymakers as well as managers in the private sector. When setting limit‐based performance goals in situations with conflicting interests and imperfect monitoring, they should anticipate non‐compliance from the regulated parties. Our results suggest that tightening standards in such situations should be accompanied by stricter monitoring or other actions that discourage non‐compliance.
Reducing rates of discharge against medical advice in the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital in South India: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Bosco Ashish N. , A. Shashidhar , Rees Chris A. , Wheeler Andrew D. , Britto Carl D. , P. N. Suman Rao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate characteristics among neonates and their mothers who were discharged against medical advice (DAMA), providers’ perspectives on DAMA and the effect of an intervention to reduce DAMA in a tertiary care hospital in South India.MethodsWe conducted a mixed‐methods study to identify neonates at risk of DAMA. We reviewed charts of neonates and their mothers who were DAMA and conducted logit regression analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine associations with DAMA. We conducted focus group discussions with nurses and doctors. We developed an intervention that included family counselling, supplemental funds for hospital bills and involving family members to reduce DAMA.ResultsOf 10 834 neonates, 179 (1.7%) were DAMA over the study period. Maternal characteristics associated with DAMA included higher previous parity (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–2.3, P = 0.001). Mothers who received antenatal care had lower odds of DAMA (aOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.7, P = 0.039). Neonates with lower birth weight (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–9.4, P = 0.002) and congenital malformations (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.3, P = 0.005) also had higher odds of DAMA. The most commonly cited reasons for DAMA were financial constraints, inadequate counselling and perceived poor prognosis. The average monthly number of neonates who were DAMA decreased from 3.6 (1.6%) to 1.5 (0.6%) after our multi‐pronged intervention.ConclusionsNeonates with severe illness and poor prognosis had higher odds of DAMA. A multi‐pronged intervention demonstrated reductions in the rates of DAMA. This intervention may be trialled in similar settings to reduce DAMA.
Use of a negative pressure wound therapy system over closed incisions option in preventing post‐sternotomy wound complications
Authors: Brega Carlotta , Calvi Simone , Albertini Alberto 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPost‐sternotomy surgical site infections may be serious complications responsible for increased morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. A variety of wound‐healing strategies can be used over closed surgical incisions, including negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The aim of the study is to assess sternal wound complications after heart surgery using NPWT in patients at risk for surgical site complication. Considered risk factors affecting wound healing were type 2 diabetes, Body Mass Index (BMI) >30, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic renal failure (CRF) and myocardial revascularization by double mammary artery harvesting. With these premises, 90 patients were selected: 30 patients received traditional gauze dressings, 30 advanced dressings (hydrocolloid and carboxymethyl cellulose) and 30 patients NPWT. Thirty‐four patients (37.7%) had two risk factors, 41 patients (45.5%) were affected by three risk factors and 15 patients (16.6%) by four risk factors. The NPWT group had lower rates of diabetes and CRF and only one patient presented four risk factors. With regard to surgical times and types of surgical procedure, no significant differences were observed within the three groups. The patients who received NPWT over closed incision experimented a significantly lower rate of deep sternal complication over traditional gauze and hydrocolloid and carboxymethyl cellulose dressings.
Associations between faecal pathogen detection, E. coli concentrations and youth exhibitor biosecurity practices at California county fairs
Authors: Daniels Miles E. , Smith Martin H. , Packham Andrea E. , Meehan Cheryl L. , Bautois Audrey , Byrne Barbara , Smith Woutrina A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInteractions with livestock in public settings such as county and state fairs can expose people and other livestock to faecal material capable of spreading zoonotic enteric pathogens. The goal of this study was to understand these risks by screening livestock faeces (n = 245) and livestock bedding (n = 155) for common zoonotic pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella and Campylobacter spp.) and by measuring faecal indicator, Escherichia coli, concentrations in drinking water (n = 153), feed containers (n = 124) and bedding material (n = 157) in four livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats and swine) from county fairs in California, USA. Results indicated that sheep were most likely to have pathogens detected in faeces and that Giardia was the most frequently detected pathogen in both faeces (11%) and bedding (21%) across all livestock species. Additionally, increasing the number of animals in a holding pen at fairs, increasing the stocking density of animals in transport trailers to fairs, and having access to water in transport trailers significantly increased the odds of detecting pathogens in livestock faeces of any animal species. Observing solid material in water, stale feed and soiled bedding was associated with detecting higher E. coli concentrations. These findings provide evidence of faecal pathogens present at county fairs and suggest that site observations can aid in assessing levels of faecal exposure. The findings also indicate that the use of biosecurity measures such as (a) routine changing of livestock drinking water, feed and bedding, (b) not overstocking animals in holding pens and trailers and (c) keeping species in separate holding areas may reduce the risk of humans and livestock being exposed to faecal pathogens.
Segmentation of the Wassuk Range normal fault system, Nevada (USA): Implications for earthquake rupture and Walker Lane dynamics
Authors: Surpless Ben , Thorne Sarah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNormal faults are commonly segmented along strike, with segments that localize strain and influence propagation of slip during earthquakes. Although the geometry of segments can be constrained by fault mapping, it is challenging to determine seismically relevant segments along a fault zone. Because slip histories, geometries, and strengths of linkages between normal fault segments fundamentally control the propagation of rupture during earthquakes, and differences in segment slip rates result in differential uplift of adjacent footwalls, we used along-strike changes in footwall morphology to detect fault segments and the relative strength of the mechanical links between them.We applied a new geomorphic analysis protocol to the Wassuk Range fault, Nevada, within the actively deforming Walker Lane. The protocol examines characteristics of footwall morphology, including range-crest continuity, bedrock-channel long profiles, catchment area variability, and footwall relief, to detect changes in strike-parallel footwall characteristics. Results revealed six domains with significant differences in morphology that we used to identify seismically relevant fault segments and segment boundaries. We integrated our results with previous studies to determine relative strength of links between the six segments, informing seismic hazard assessment. When combined with recent geodetic studies, our results have implications for the future evolution of the Walker Lane, suggesting changes in the accommodation of strain across the region. Our analysis demonstrates the power of this method to efficiently detect along-strike changes in footwall morphology related to fault behavior, permitting future researchers to perform reconnaissance assessment of normal fault segmentation worldwide.
Widespread hydrothermal vents and associated volcanism record prolonged Cenozoic magmatism in the South China Sea
Authors: Zhao Fang , Berndt Christian , Alves Tiago M. , Xia Shaohong , Li Lin , Mi Lijun , Fan Chaoyan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The continental margin of the northern South China Sea is considered to be a magma-poor rifted margin. This work uses new seismic, bathymetric, gravity, and magnetic data to reveal how extensively magmatic processes have reshaped the latter continental margin. Widespread hydrothermal vent complexes and magmatic edifices such as volcanoes, igneous sills, lava flows, and associated domes are confirmed in the broader area of the northern South China Sea. Newly identified hydrothermal vents have crater- and mound-shaped surface expressions, and occur chiefly above igneous sills and volcanic edifices. Detailed stratigraphic analyses of volcanoes and hydrothermal vents suggest that magmatic activity took place in discrete phases between the early Miocene and the Quaternary. Importantly, the occurrence of hydrothermal vents close to the present seafloor, when accompanied by shallow igneous sills, suggest that fluid seepage is still active, well after main phases of volcanism previously documented in the literature. After combining geophysical and geochemical data, this study postulates that the extensive post-rift magmatism in the northern South China Sea is linked to the effect of a mantle plume over a long time interval. We propose that prolonged magmatism resulted in contact metamorphism in carbon-rich sediments, producing large amounts of hydrothermal fluid along the northern South China Sea. Similar processes are expected in parts of magma-poor margins in association with CO2/CH4 and heat flow release into sea water and underlying strata.