bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate interests within transnational advocacy networks: The International Coalition Against Plain Packaging
Authors: SMITH JULIA , LEE KELLEY 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMost of the research on transnational advocacy networks documents progressive, voluntary movements, motivated by values associate with human rights and public goods. There is little critical reflection on the role of corporations within such networks or on the material motivations behind movements. Meanwhile literature on corporate political strategies related to partnerships with civil society is limited to national level analysis. This article presents a case study of the International Coalition Against Plain Packaging, which is conceptualized as a transnational advocacy network, and documents its links to the tobacco industry. We find that, not only have tobacco companies provided network members – publicly presented and perceived as independent – with financial resources, but they have also been involved in producing the information used by the network to debate the benefits of plain packaging. In return, the tobacco industry is able to propagate ideas favorable to its interests through organizations perceived as legitimate experts, and to maintain a network of allies ready to counter tobacco control regulations when and where they arise. Considering the multiple benefits corporations might derive from engaging with transnational advocacy networks, there is need for greater research on private actors’ influence within advocacy networks and on those networks that aim to counter or advance alternatives to progressive ideals.
Assessment of Bed Hydraulics and Metal Loadings in a Passive Vertical Flow Bioreactor in Commerce, Oklahoma
Authors: Cremeans M.M. , Devlin J.F. , Osorno T.C. , Nairn R.W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA treatment pond, with an engineered bed that served as a passive vertical flow bioreactor (VFBR), was operated as part of a passive sequenced treatment system for the removal of metals from groundwater at the Mayer Ranch in Commerce, Oklahoma. The groundwater was contaminated by mining activities in west Commerce and discharges at this location occurred as artesian springs through improperly abandoned, over‐drilled, and cased legacy boreholes. The VFBR operated by establishing reducing conditions in the organic bed of a pond to promote metal sorption and precipitation as sulfides. In order to verify that operations were unhindered by nonuniform flow in the VFBR, an assessment of the flow uniformity in the pond was undertaken using the streambed point velocity probe (SBPVP). The velocity data were independently validated with a water balance. The outflow calculated from the SBPVP data came within 30% of the value suggested by measured inflow rates to the pond, supporting the conclusion that the SBPVP measurements were representative of flow in the VFBR, and that flow through the bed was occurring with a satisfactory level of uniformity. Water flow rates through the reactive bed were found to be up to an order of magnitude greater than those employed in the prior column testing, contributing to metal loading rates (of Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni) estimated to be two orders of magnitude greater than those tested in the columns (4.2 × 104 and 3.2 × 102 mg/m3/d, respectively). However, apparently rapid chemical reactions that likely occurred close to the pond water‐sediment interface contributed to the treatment system achieving its design objectives.
Effects of group size and group density on trade‐offs in resource selection by a group‐territorial central‐place foraging woodpecker
Authors: Garabedian James E. , Moorman Christopher E. , Peterson M. Nils , Kilgo John C. 
Published: April 2019

Trade‐offs in resource selection by central‐place foragers are driven by the need to balance the benefits of selecting resources against the costs of travel from the central place. For group‐territorial central‐place foraging birds, trade‐offs in resource selection are likely to be complicated by a competitive advantage for larger groups at high group density that may limit accessibility of high‐quality distant resources to small groups. We used the group‐territorial, central‐place foraging Red‐cockaded Woodpecker Leuconotopicus borealis (RCW) as a case study to test predictions that increases in group density lead to differences in foraging distances and resource selection for groups of different sizes. We used GPS tracking and LiDAR‐derived habitat data to model effects of group size on foraging distances and selection for high‐quality pines (≥ 35.6 cm diameter at breast height (dbh)) and lower quality pines (25.4–35.6 cm dbh) by RCW groups across low (n = 14), moderate (n = 10) and high group density (n = 10) conditions. At low and moderate group density, all RCW groups selected distant high‐quality pines in addition to those near the central place because competition for resources was low. In contrast, at high group density, larger groups travelled further to select high‐quality pines, whereas smaller groups selected high‐quality pines only when they were close to the central place and, conversely, were more likely to select lower quality pines at greater distances from the central place. Selection for high‐quality pines only when close to the cavity tree cluster at high group density is important to long‐term fitness of small RCW groups because it allows them to maximize benefits from both territorial defence and selecting high‐quality resources while minimizing costs of competition. These relationships suggest that intraspecific competition at high group density entails substantive costs to smaller groups of territorial central‐place foragers by limiting accessibility of distant high‐quality foraging resources.
Additive manufacturing of architected catalytic ceramic substrates based on triply periodic minimal surfaces
Authors: Al‐Ketan Oraib , Pelanconi Marco , Ortona Alberto , Abu Al‐Rub Rashid K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe exhibited geometry of catalytic substrates can have a significant influence on the chemical activity and efficiency. Controlling their geometry can be challenging using the traditional techniques. In this work, we propose new and novel catalytic substrates with architected and controllable topologies based on the minimal surfaces framework. A novel design approach and an additive manufacturing (AM) technique were proposed to manufacture the catalytic substrates using ceramic materials. After 3D printing, their mechanical and flow properties were investigated experimentally. An elastic‐plastic‐damage coupled model was employed to investigate the underlying deformation mechanism of the investigated substrates. Results showed that the CLP substrate exhibited the highest mechanical properties as well as the least pressure drop among the tested substrates. Also, numerical simulations showed that the strut‐based substrates exhibit stress localization which leads to faster failure, while stress is distributed more homogeneously in the sheet‐based substrates. While the model showed to have a good agreement in the experimental and simulation stress‐strain responses, the damage mechanism was not fully captured by the numerical simulations. This was attributed mainly to the process‐induced defects in the form of microcracks and microvoids that can alter the nature of deformation and damage.
Anti‐sebum efficacy of guava toner: A split‐face, randomized, single‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Pongsakornpaisan Pongpaka , Lourith Nattaya , Kanlayavattanakul Mayuree 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundGuava has benefit phytochemicals that are important for skin‐disorder treatment. Nevertheless, its efficacy against oily skin has never been reported.AimsThe guava toner was developed and clinical evaluated.MethodsThe base toner was formulated, accelerated stability tested, and sensory‐evaluated in 10 volunteers. The highest preference base was incorporated with guava extract, stability examined, and skin irritation assessed in 21 volunteers by a single application close patch test. Anti‐sebum efficacy was split‐face, randomized, single‐blind placebo‐controlled evaluated in 21 volunteers for 28 days and monitored by Sebutape® on forehead and nose.ResultsThe stable toner base with the greatest preference (83.20 ± 1.85%) was incorporated with 3%, 4.5%, and 6% of guava extract. The toners were stable with none of skin irritation. The toner with 6% guava extract was selected for efficacy evaluation. Guava toner significantly reduced oiliness of forehead (13.10 ± 3.67%, P < 0.05) and nose (21.43 ± 3.21%, P < 0.001) better than the base toner. The activity on nose was significantly noted (10.72 ± 3.51%, P < 0.05) since the 3rd week of application.ConclusionsAnti‐sebum guava toner was efficiently evidence approved and suitable for a daily application to improve the efficacy.
Gene copy number variations as signatures of adaptive evolution in the parthenogenetic, plant‐parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Castagnone‐Sereno Philippe , Mulet Karine , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Koutsovoulos Georgios D. , Karaulic Mégane , Da Rocha Martine , Bailly‐Bechet Marc , Pratx Loris , Perfus‐Barbeoch Laetitia , Abad Pierre 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAdaptation to changing environmental conditions represents a challenge to parthenogenetic organisms, and until now, how phenotypic variants are generated in clones in response to the selection pressure of their environment remains poorly known. The obligatory parthenogenetic root‐knot nematode species Meloidogyne incognita has a worldwide distribution and is the most devastating plant‐parasitic nematode. Despite its asexual reproduction, this species exhibits an unexpected capacity of adaptation to environmental constraints, for example, resistant hosts. Here, we used a genomewide comparative hybridization strategy to evaluate variations in gene copy numbers between genotypes of M. incognita resulting from two parallel experimental evolution assays on a susceptible vs. resistant host plant. We detected gene copy number variations (CNVs) associated with the ability of the nematodes to overcome resistance of the host plant, and this genetic variation may reflect an adaptive response to host resistance in this parthenogenetic species. The CNV distribution throughout the nematode genome is not random and suggests the occurrence of genomic regions more prone to undergo duplications and losses in response to the selection pressure of the host resistance. Furthermore, our analysis revealed an outstanding level of gene loss events in nematode genotypes that have overcome the resistance. Overall, our results support the view that gene loss could be a common class of adaptive genetic mechanism in response to a challenging new biotic environment in clonal animals.
The Effect of Perception of Teacher Characteristics on Spanish EFL Learners’ Anxiety and Enjoyment
Authors: DEWAELE JEAN–MARC , MAGDALENA ANDREA FRANCO , SAITO KAZUYA 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study explores the relationship between Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) and Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) and a number of teacher‐centered variables within the Spanish classroom context. Participants were 210 former and current learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) from all over Spain who filled out an online questionnaire with Likert scale items. A moderate negative relationship emerged between FLE and FLCA. Participants who had an L1 English speaker as a teacher reported more FLE and less FLCA than those with a foreign language user of English. Teacher characteristics predicted close to 20% of variance in FLE but only 8% of variance in FLCA. The strongest positive predictor of FLE was a teacher's friendliness while a teacher's foreign accent was a weaker negative predictor. Teacher‐centered variables predicted much less variance for FLCA. Participants experienced more FLCA with younger teachers, very strict teachers, and teachers who did not use the foreign language much in class. The findings confirm earlier research that FLE seems to be more dependent on the teachers’ pedagogical skills than FLCA.
Uncovering the genomic signature of ancient introgression between white oak lineages (Quercus)
Authors: Crowl Andrew A. , Manos Paul S. , McVay John D. , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Hipp Andrew L. 
Published: April 2019

Summary

Botanists have long recognised interspecific gene flow as a common occurrence within white oaks (Quercus section Quercus). Historical allele exchange, however, has not been fully characterised and the complex genomic signals resulting from the combination of vertical and horizontal gene transmission may confound phylogenetic inference and obscure our ability to accurately infer the deep evolutionary history of oaks.

Using anchored enrichment, we obtained a phylogenomic dataset consisting of hundreds of single‐copy nuclear loci. Concatenation, species‐tree and network analyses were carried out in an attempt to uncover the genomic signal of ancient introgression and infer the divergent phylogenetic topology for the white oak clade. Locus and site‐level likelihood comparisons were then conducted to further explore the introgressed signal within our dataset.

Historical, intersectional gene flow is suggested to have occurred between an ancestor of the Eurasian Roburoid lineage and Quercus pontica and North American Dumosae and Prinoideae lineages.

Despite extensive time past, our approach proved successful in detecting the genomic signature of ancient introgression. Our results, however, highlight the importance of sampling and the use of a plurality of analytical tools and methods to sufficiently explore genomic datasets, uncover this signal, and accurately infer evolutionary history.
What is the impact on the readmission ratio of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hekkert Karin , Borghans Ine , Cihangir Sezgin , Westert Gert P , Kool Rudolf B 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesReadmissions are used widespread as an indicator of the quality of care within hospitals. Including readmissions to other hospitals might have consequences for hospitals. The aim of our study is to determine the impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals on the readmission ratio.Design and settingWe performed a cross-sectional study and used administrative data from 77 Dutch hospitals (2 333 173 admissions) in 2015 and 2016 (97% of all hospitals). We performed logistic regression analyses to calculate 30-day readmission ratios for each hospital (the number of observed admissions divided by the number of expected readmissions based on the case mix of the hospital, multiplied by 100). We then compared two models: one with readmissions only to the same hospital, and another with readmissions to any hospital in the Netherlands. The models were calculated on the hospital level for all in-patients and, in more detail, on the level of medical specialties.Main outcome measuresPercentage of readmissions to another hospital, readmission ratios same hospital and any hospital and C-statistic of each model in order to determine the discriminative ability.ResultsThe overall percentage of readmissions was 10.3%, of which 91.1% were to the same hospital and 8.9% to another hospital. Patients who went to another hospital were younger, more often men and had fewer comorbidities. The readmission ratios for any hospital versus the same hospital were strongly correlated (r=0.91). There were differences between the medical specialties in percentage of readmissions to another hospital and C-statistic.ConclusionsThe overall impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals seems to be limited in the Netherlands. However, it does have consequences for some hospitals. It would be interesting to explore what causes this difference for some hospitals and if it is related to the quality of care.
Workshops on diagnosis and management of dementia for general practitioners: a pre–post intervention study of dementia knowledge
Authors: Tierney Laura , Mason Ron , Doherty Kathleen , Winbolt Margaret , Long Marita , Robinson Andrew 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo assess improvements in dementia knowledge among general practitioner (GP) registrars and supervisors following their participation in dementia workshops.DesignPre–post intervention study.SettingGeneral practice education in Australia.Participants296 GP registrars and 91 GP supervisors.InterventionsRegistrars participated in a 3-hour face-to-face workshop on diagnosing and managing dementia. Supervisors participated in a 2-hour modified version of the workshop designed to support them in teaching registrars.Main outcome measuresThe Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) was used to assess overall dementia knowledge as well as knowledge on four subscales (causes and characteristics; communication and behaviour; care considerations; risks and health promotion). Changes in mean scores and the proportion of participants obtaining a threshold score (90th percentile score preworkshop) were used as measures of improvement.ResultsFew registrars and supervisors identified previous experience of formal dementia education. At baseline, mean dementia knowledge scores were 36 for registrars and 37 for supervisors of a total score of 50. Both groups had significantly improved overall dementia knowledge following the workshop with a mean score of 43. Improvements in knowledge were observed for all four DKAS subscales. Between preworkshop and postworkshop periods, there was an increase in the proportion of registrars and supervisors obtaining the threshold score for total DKAS as well as the four subscales. A significantly higher proportion of registrars compared with supervisors obtained the threshold score postworkshop in the areas of causes and characteristics and risks and health promotion.ConclusionsPrior to the workshop, no differences in overall dementia knowledge were observed between registrars and supervisors. While knowledge improved in all areas for both groups postworkshop, findings from this study suggest the need to include foundational content such as the causes and characteristics of dementia in educational workshops for both trainee and experienced GPs.
The Future of US–China Relations: A Scientific Investigation
Authors: Baaquie Belal Ehsan , Richmond Peter , Roehner Bertrand M , Wang Qing-hai 
Published: April 2019

In earlier centuries kings and governments employed astrologists to help them take the best decisions. Present-day governments no longer employ astrologists but still have no clear analytical tool to replace them. Over the past two decades we have developed a methodology for the scientific investigation of recurrent historical events. It consists in two steps. (i) Identification and comparison of historical episodes driven by a common mechanism. (ii) Under the reasonable assumption that what has happened several times in the past is likely to happen again, one then derives testable predictions. This of course is nothing other than the protocol used in experimental science when exploring new phenomena. We believe such a tool can give decision makers much better insight. In the present paper we illustrate this analysis by considering challenges, that span more than a century, to US hegemony in the Pacific. The outcomes suggest that it is only through the side-lining of one of the contenders that the confrontation will end. At the time of writing (early 2019) early evidence of this confrontation is already visible at three levels. (i) Growing US concerns for domestic security that are leading to a new form of McCarthyism. (ii) Political instability due to China–US polarization in several Asian countries as well as in the countries participating in the “Belt and Road Initiative.” (iii) Tension and sanctions in procurement and trade.
Complementary Longitudinal Serum Biomarkers to CA125 for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Simmons Archana R. , Fourkala Evangelia Ourania , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Ryan Andy , Sutton Margie N. , Baggerly Keith , Zheng Hui , Lu Karen H. , Jacobs Ian , Skates Steven , Menon Usha , Bast Robert C. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Early detection of ovarian cancer has the potential to impact mortality. A multimodal screening strategy where rising CA125 values over time, analyzed with the risk of ovarian cancer algorithm (ROCA), triggers transvaginal sonography and possible surgery has high sensitivity and specificity, but still fails to detect the 20% of early-stage cases that do not express CA125. Use of multiple biomarkers could detect cases missed by CA125. We have studied the sensitivity and lead time of a multi-marker panel (CA125, HE4, MMP-7, and CA 72-4) compared with CA125 alone. We used PRoBE design principles to select preclinical longitudinal specimens from 75 women (50 screen-positive, 25 screen-negative) who developed invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (3–5 serial specimens each) and 547 corresponding healthy controls (1–10 serial specimens each) from the ovarian cancer screening trial, UKCTOCS, in a blinded fashion. We measured the multi-marker concentrations in ultra-low serum volumes (16 μL) utilizing multiplexed bead-based immunoassays with low detection limits, high inter- and intra-assay precision, negligible cross-reactivity, and good correlation with standard immunoassays. While, at least one of the complementary biomarkers rose with CA125 in 44% (22/50) of screen-positive cases, there was no advantage in lead time over CA125. Therefore, we developed single-marker longitudinal algorithms (ROCA-like) to determine the presence of a change point to distinguish between the cases and controls. Using these algorithms, at 98% specificity, HE4 and CA72-4 identified 16% (4/25) of screen-negative cases, while MMP-7 identified none. Taken together, HE4 and CA72-4 show promise as complementary biomarkers to CA125 for longitudinal screening.
Ejaculation Sparing Bladder Neck Incision with Holmium Laser in Patients with Urinary Symptoms and Small Prostates: Short-Term Functional Results
Authors: Porreca Angelo , Mineo Bianchi Federico , D’Agostino Daniele , Sadini Paolo , Romagnoli Daniele , Del Rosso Alessandro , Cindolo Luca , Corsi Paolo , Schiavina Riccardo , Brunocilla Eugenio , Giampaoli Marco 
Published: April 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The treatment options for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) widely range from self-monitoring to oral medications to surgical procedures. As far as concerns surgical treatment of obstructive LUTS, transurethral incision of the prostate is considered as the gold standard in patients with mild benign prostatic enlargement. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of our study is to describe this novel approach to perform ejaculation sparing Holmium laser bladder neck incision (ES-HoBNI), with particular regard to its effect on ejaculation and LUTS relief. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We evaluated prospective clinical data from 143 consecutive patients who underwent ES-HoBNI at our institution from January 2012 to February 2018. Procedures were performed with a continuous flow 26 Ch resectoscope and a 550 µm holmium laser end-fire fiber. The stenotic bladder neck was deeply incised at 3 and 9’o clock down to the prostatic capsule in a retrograde direction to either side in front of the veromontanum. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Median Qmax, postvoid residual volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, and quality of life were 9 mL/s (7.4–10.2), 130 mL (100–190), 15 (13–19), and 3 (2–4), respectively. In total, 110 (76.9) reported regular anterograde ejaculation. Median operative time was 20 min (15–26). Median catheterization time and hospital stay were 3 days (3–4) and 22 h (20–24), respectively. Moreover, we have compared the frequency of anterograde ejaculation, which slightly increases after ES-HoBNI (77 vs. 81.2%) when compared to baseline data, despite not reaching statistical significancy. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> ES-HoBNI is a safe, reproducible technique to relieve obstructive LUTS in men with small prostates while preserving ejaculation in younger and sexually active individuals.