bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ZIF‐8/ZIF‐67‐Derived Co‐Nx‐Embedded 1D Porous Carbon Nanofibers with Graphitic Carbon‐Encased Co Nanoparticles as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Yao Xiuyun , Zhou Shengnan , Li Xiaowei , Li Ling , Yu Ze , Gu Lin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHerein, an approach is reported for fabrication of Co‐Nx‐embedded 1D porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with graphitic carbon‐encased Co nanoparticles originated from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which is further explored as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Electrochemical results reveal that the electrocatalyst prepared by pyrolysis at 1000 °C (CoNC‐CNF‐1000) exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward ORR that favors the four‐electron ORR process and outstanding long‐term stability with 86% current retention after 40 000 s. Meanwhile, it also shows superior electrocatalytic activity toward OER, reaching a lower potential of 1.68 V at 10 mA cm−2 and a potential gap of 0.88 V between the OER potential (at 10 mA cm−2) and the ORR half‐wave potential. The ORR and OER performance of CoNC‐CNF‐1000 have outperformed commercial Pt/C and most nonprecious‐metal catalysts reported to date. The remarkable ORR and OER catalytic performance can be mainly attributable to the unique 1D structure, such as higher graphitization degree beneficial for electronic mobility, hierarchical porosity facilitating the mass transport, and highly dispersed CoNxC active sites functionalized carbon framework. This strategy will shed light on the development of other MOF‐based carbon nanofibers for energy storage and electrochemical devices.
SO(32) heterotic line bundle models
Authors: Otsuka Hajime 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe search for the three-generation standard-like and/or Pati-Salam models from the SO(32) heterotic string theory on smooth, quotient complete intersection Calabi-Yau threefolds with multiple line bundles, each with structure group U(1). These models are S- and T-dual to intersecting D-brane models in type IIA string theory. We find that the stable line bundles and Wilson lines lead to the standard model gauge group with an extra U(1)B−Lvia a Pati-Salam-like symmetry and the obtained spectrum consists of three chiral generations of quarks and leptons, and vector-like particles. Green-Schwarz anomalous U(1) symmetries control not only the Yukawa couplings of the quarks and leptons but also the higher-dimensional operators causing the proton decay.
Personal growth initiative’s relation to life meaning and satisfaction in a polish sample
Authors: Borowa Dominika , Kossakowska Marlena M. , Harmon Kevin Andrew , Robitschek Christine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to develop and validate a Polish version of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale - II (PGIS-II; Robitschek et al.Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59(2), 274–287, 2012). The PGIS-II assesses skills for intentional cognitive, behavioral, or affective change in one’s life. These skills may promote positive mental health (Robitschek and HershbergerJournal of Counseling & Development, 83(4), 457–469, 2005) that could benefit Polish individuals following cultural and political transformation since the late 1980’s when Poland regained sovereignty from communism (Muszczynski 2015). The second aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that Personal Growth Initiative (RobitschekMeasurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 30, 183–198, 1998,Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 31, 197–210, 1999) may be related to life satisfaction indirectly via presence of meaning in life. Participants were 530 Polish citizens (65.1% female) aged 15–84. Participants completed the PGIS-II (Polish version) and measures to assess construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor structure similar to the original PGIS-II structure, with slight differences in item loadings. Internal consistency estimates for the scale and subscales were adequate to strong. PGIS-II (Polish version) scores correlated positively with measures of well-being, providing evidence for concurrent validity of the scale. There was a significant indirect effect of PGI’s relationship with life satisfaction via presence of meaning in life. The Polish version of the PGIS-II shows sound psychometric properties and may be used with Polish populations.
Incorporating Neighborhood Choice in a Model of Neighborhood Effects on Income
Authors: van Ham Maarten , Boschman Sanne , Vogel Matt 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Studies of neighborhood effects often attempt to identify causal effects of neighborhood characteristics on individual outcomes, such as income, education, employment, and health. However, selection looms large in this line of research, and it has been argued that estimates of neighborhood effects are biased because people nonrandomly select into neighborhoods based on their preferences, income, and the availability of alternative housing. We propose a two-step framework to disentangle selection processes in the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and earnings. We model neighborhood selection using a conditional logit model, from which we derive correction terms. Driven by the recognition that most households prefer certain types of neighborhoods rather than specific areas, we employ a principle components analysis to reduce these terms into eight correction components. We use these to adjust parameter estimates from a model of subsequent neighborhood effects on individual income for the unequal probability that a household chooses to live in a particular type of neighborhood. We apply this technique to administrative data from the Netherlands. After we adjust for the differential sorting of households into certain types of neighborhoods, the effect of neighborhood income on individual income diminishes but remains significant. These results further emphasize that researchers need to be attuned to the role of selection bias when assessing the role of neighborhood effects on individual outcomes. Perhaps more importantly, the persistent effect of neighborhood deprivation on subsequent earnings suggests that neighborhood effects reflect more than the shared characteristics of neighborhood residents: place of residence partially determines economic well-being.
Predictors of Erectile Function Normalization in Men With Erectile Dysfunction Treated With Placebo
Authors: Mulhall John P. , Carlsson Martin , Stecher Vera , Tseng Li-Jung 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical study and practice data have shown sildenafil improves sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). However, some men treated with placebo in double-blind, placebo-controlled sildenafil studies also report improved erectile function as measured by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)–Erectile Function Domain (EFD) scores.AimThis analysis estimated the relationship between post-baseline IIEF-EFD scores and demographic variables, including co-morbidities, in men with ED receiving placebo in flexible-dose sildenafil studies.MethodsPlacebo-treated participants in the intent-to-treat population of 42 double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, sildenafil studies were included. A participant was classified as a placebo responder if the IIEF-EFD score was ≥26 at the last visit.OutcomesVariables assessed were age (&lt;45, 45–64, ≥65 years), race, body mass index, co-morbidities (cardiovascular disease/hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression), date the last study dose was taken, study completion date, ED etiology (psychogenic, organic, mixed), history of cigarette smoking, ED duration, baseline IIEF-EFD score (≤10, 11–16, ≥17), and treatment duration. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression models assessed the odds of being a responder vs a non-responder for each variable.ResultsA total of 4,360 men were included; 13.5% were responders. Odds estimates indicated the largest likelihood of placebo response occurred in men who were black (odds = 20.2, P &lt; .0001), were younger than 45 years (odds = 7.3, P &lt; .0001), had mild ED (baseline IIEF-EFD ≥17; odds &gt;100, P &lt; .0001), and did not have diabetes (odds = 4.5, P &lt; .0001). The likelihood of a placebo response decreased as ED duration increased (odds = 0.74, P &lt; .0001). The frequency of common adverse events was similar between placebo responders and non-responders.Clinical TranslationThese findings contribute to the improved understanding of predictors of placebo response in sildenafil clinical studies. Elucidation of these factors may contribute to the development of further interventions and treatment strategies and best practices for clinical trials.Strengths and conclusionsStrengths of this analysis include the large and diverse population and the duration of follow-up. Limitations include those associated with retrospective analyses and the inability to ascertain to what extent other demographic factors might have contributed to the placebo responses or how these placebo responses might be related to the natural course of ED.ConclusionsCertain demographics, co-morbidities, and condition characteristics predicted the odds of a placebo response in sildenafil clinical studies of ED. Underlying reasons behind a placebo response warrant further evaluation.
A Comparative Study Between 2 Different Grafts Used as Patches After Plaque Incision and Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Implantation for End-Stage Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Falcone Marco , Preto Mirko , Ceruti Carlo , Timpano Massimiliano , Garaffa Giulio , Sedigh Omidreza , Sibona Mattia , Oderda Marco , Gontero Paolo , Rolle Luigi 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background
Although many grafts have been used for plaque incision with grafting (PIG) and penile prosthesis (PP) implantation, there is no evidence that favors 1 specific graft over another.

Aim
To compare fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoSil; Baxter International, Deerfield, IL, USA) with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS; Cook Biotech, West Lafayette, IN, USA) as grafts.

Methods
From January 2007 to January 2015, 60 non-randomized consecutive patients affected by end-stage Peyronie disease underwent PIG and PP implantation (AMS 700CX; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). All patients underwent preoperative penile dynamic duplex ultrasound. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were divided in 2 different groups according to the graft used to cover the albuginea defect. SIS was used for grafting in 34 patients (group A) and TachoSil was used in 26 patients (group B).

Outcomes
Overall hospital stay, operative time, 5-point Likert hematoma scale, visual analog scale, incidence of postoperative complications, and PP mechanical failure were selected as outcome measures. Functional outcomes were assessed through validated questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction, and Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3) preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results
The patients' median age was 63 years. No statistically significant differences were detected between groups for age and type and degree of curvature (median = 65°). Average follow-up was 35 months. No major intraoperative complications were reported. The average operative time was 145 minutes for group A and 120 minutes for group B. No statistically significant differences between groups were detected for postoperative complications. Only 3 patients developed a major postoperative complication requiring a 2nd surgical intervention: 1 patient in group A for mechanic failure and 1 patient in group A and 1 in group B for inflatable PP infection. Multivariate statistical analysis showed no significant difference for all variables analyzed between the 2 groups, except for operative time, which was significantly shorter for group B.

Clinical Implications
TachoSil could represent a valuable option for grafting, considering its advantages in operative time and cost compared with SIS.

Strengths and Limitations
Long-term follow-up represents a strength factor. Main limitations are the non-randomized nature of the study and the small number of patients.

Conclusions
TachoSil seems to represent an effective solution for grafting after PIG and PP implantation. However, additional studies are warranted to confirm our results.
TECHNICAL AND SCALE EFFICIENCIES OF U.S. GRASS-FED BEEF PRODUCTION: WHOLE-FARM AND ENTERPRISE ANALYSES
Authors: QUSHIM BERDIKUL , GILLESPIE JEFFREY M. , BHANDARI BASU DEB , SCAGLIA GUILLERMO 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA stochastic production frontier approach was used to estimate input distance functions for U.S. grass-fed beef (GFB) production. Average technical efficiencies of 0.84 and 0.79 were found for U.S. GFB whole farms and enterprises, respectively. Producer education level, experience, farm size, annual net farm income from the GFB operation, annual net household income from off-farm sources, and regional differences are the efficiency drivers of U.S. GFB farms. Increasing returns to scale were found for U.S. GFB farms. Our results suggest that U.S. GFB farms can be scale efficient if the optimal size of the operation is greater than approximately 100 GFB animals.
How Does Firm Life Cycle Affect Board Structure? Evidence from China's Listed Privately Owned Enterprises
Authors: Li Yunhe , Zhang Xiaotian Tina 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTUsing data from China's listed privately owned enterprises (POEs) during the period from 2002 to 2014, we explore the effects of firm life cycle on board structure. We find that the board size of China's listed POEs declines over firm life cycle, and there is a trend of separation for board chair-CEO duality while board independence remains almost static. We further provide evidence that board size and independence are determined by the benefits of monitoring and advisory roles of the boards through all the stages of firms’ life cycle with different drivers. The impact of CEO power on board chair-CEO duality is determined by the benefits and costs of separation of board chair, and CEOs are supported at all stages of firms’ life cycle. This article sheds light on the dynamic board structure in an emerging economy where the external corporate governance is weaker than that of developed countries. Our findings suggest that the board structures of China's listed POEs are adjusted at various stages of firms’ life cycle, and the adjustments are mostly based on the resources brought by the new board of directors.
The benefit of simultaneously encountered exemplars and of exemplar variability to verb learning
Authors: SNAPE Simon , KROTT Andrea 
Published: May 2018

AbstractYoung children are conservative when extending novel verbs to novel exemplars. We investigated whether multiple, simultaneously presented exemplars would aid young children's verb learning, as well as the importance of exemplar variability. Three-year-olds were taught novel verbs, while viewing either one action-scene featuring a novel action performed on a novel object, or two action-scenes side-by-side in which the action performed was the same but the object varied, or two action-scenes side-by-side in which no aspect of the scenes varied. They were asked to extend the novel verbs to one of two scenes: one that maintained the action and one that maintained the object. Findings indicated that children were only able to extend verbs correctly after viewing two action-scenes in which the content varied. These findings suggest that simultaneously presented exemplars of a verb can support verb learning in younger children, but only when the content of the exemplars varies.
Look before you speak: children's integration of visual information into informative referring expressions
Authors: DAVIES Catherine , KREYSA Helene 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChildren's ability to refer is underpinned by their developing cognitive skills. Using a production task (n = 57), we examined pre-articulatory visual fixations to contrast objects (e.g., to a large apple when the target was a small one) to investigate how visual scanning drives informativeness across development. Eye-movements reveal that although four-year-olds fixate contrast objects to a similar extent as seven-year-olds and adults, this does not result in explicit referential informativeness. Instead, four-year-olds frequently omit distinguishing information from their referring expressions regardless of the comprehensiveness of their visual scan. In contrast, older children make greater use of information gleaned from their visual inspections, like adults. Thus, we find a barrier not to theincidenceof contrast fixations by younger children, but to theiruseof them in referential informativeness. We recommend that follow-up work investigates whether younger children's immature executive skills prevent them from describing referents in relation to contrast objects.
WHEN THE PRESENT MISUNDERSTANDS THE PAST HOW A MODERN ARAB INTELLECTUAL RECLAIMED HIS OWN HERITAGE
Authors: Tahiri Hassan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe beginning of the 20th century has witnessed a significant development that has renewed and stimulated the long passionate historical relationship between two great civilisations which are traditionally known as the West and the East. Following their ancestors who cultivated the quest for knowledge tradition, some Arab scholars have come to leading European countries to learn the latest advancement in knowledge. They did not expect they would be confronted with what seems to be the poor showing of their scientific and cultural heritage according to the assessment that was carried out in the previous century by Western scholars and historians. The Western study of the Eastern heritage had such influence that it has generated new Arab intellectual elite which blames the past for the present difficulties. Following the discovery of major scientific Arabic works in the second half of the 20th century, some Arab scholars like Ibrahim Madkour realised that they had in fact just misunderstood their own tradition. What is the source of their misunderstanding? How did they become aware of it? And how can a better understanding of the past change present attitudes and guide future actions? By attempting to provide some answers to such questions, the aim of this paper is to shed light on what seems to be a turning point in modern Arabic intellectual history.
Police Trauma and Rorschach Indicators
Authors: Pavšič Mrevlje Tinkara 
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study is the first to our knowledge to focus on posttraumatic symptomatology among crime scene investigators (CSIs) and explore its relationship with their personality functioning as measured by Rorschach. Considering that posttraumatic symptomatology can affect decision-making, which is of crucial importance in police work, police officers’ evaluations should include an assessment of trauma-related impairments. The study was carried out on a sample of 64 male CSIs (85% of all Slovene CSIs). Posttraumatic symptomatology was found to be more frequent among CSIs than among the general population. Avoidance appears to be a predominant personality characteristic defending CSIs from emotionally overwhelming work situations. CSIs show less conventional, but still appropriate, cognitive mediation; however, a more detailed analysis indicates that the group with the highest posttraumatic symptomatology exhibits severely disrupted mediational processes, presumably because of negative affect. Rorschach was found to be a suitable method for such assessments, particularly because it unfolds psychological functioning related to traumatic experience but not necessarily linked to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and not necessarily recognized by the traumatized individual.
Quality Evaluation of IGS GIMs Based on the Statistical Characteristics of VTEC/RMS Eigenvalues: A Macro Perspective
Authors: Liu Chen , Liu Changjian , Feng Xu , Quan Wei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWith the expanded application scope of the International GNSS Service (IGS) global ionospheric maps (GIMs), it is of great theoretical significance and practical value to evaluate the quality of IGS ionospheric products. A new methodology is proposed to mosaic ionospheric grid maps, and GIMs‐based solutions for global ionosphere vertical total electron content (VTEC)/Root Mean Square (RMS) eigenvalues are put forward for subsequent quality assessment. Moreover, based on the proposed method and the strategy, it is the first time that the quality of IGS GIMs from a macro perspective is assessed using the extracted daily global maxima of ionosphere VTEC/RMS (1998–2016). The results show that there are some abnormal maxima values in the GIMs data between 1998 and 2004, while products from 2005 to 2016 are of relatively better quality and are suitable for use as follow‐up experimental data. In addition, we analyze the statistical characteristics of spatial and temporal distribution of GIMs‐based VTEC/RMS eigenvalues and the correlation between eigenvalues and solar activity, in order to verify the conformity between ionosphere physics characteristic and eigenvalues statistical properties which is for further data quality assessment of GIMs. By analyzing the spatial distribution of VTEC/RMS maxima and minima, we found that VTEC maxima are located on both sides of the geomagnetic equator and there is a “dual‐hump” phenomenon in the distribution, and VTEC minima are concentrated in the high latitudes, while RMS minima are distributed throughout the globe but RMS maxima in the low latitudes. Meanwhile, in terms of time distribution, VTEC maxima distribute mainly in the local time from 13:00 to 17:00, while VTEC minima are mainly at nighttime; for RMS, the maxima are mostly distributed in the daytime, while the minima are of a slightly higher distribution proportion at night than in the daytime. At the same time, it was found that the eigenvalues, except RMS minima, are strongly correlated with solar activity but there are lags of 2 to 3 days. Consequently, the above statistical characteristics of GIMs‐based VTEC/RMS eigenvalues are in conformity with ionospheric physics. It verifies the availability and reliability of GIMs from a macroscopic perspective and provides a favorable support for the further application and promotion of GIMs.