bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factor analysis of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students in a cross‐cultural occupational therapy undergraduate student sample
Authors: Bonsaksen Tore , Småstuen Milada C. , Thørrisen Mikkel M. , Fong Kenneth , Lim Hua Beng , Brown Ted 
Published: July 2018

Background/aimTheApproaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students(ASSIST) has been used previously to assess the learning approaches among students in higher education, but reports of its use with occupational therapy students are rare. This study investigated the factor structure of theASSISTin a cross‐cultural sample of undergraduate occupational therapy students, and examined whether the factor structure from specific participant groups from different cross‐cultural contexts was consistent.MethodsOccupational therapy students (n = 712) from education programmes in Australia, Norway, Hong Kong and Singapore completed theASSIST. To assess the factor structure of the instrument, a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) using a confirmatory approach, was completed. Cronbach's coefficient α and inter‐item correlations were used to assess the internal consistency of theASSISTand its subscales.ResultsFor the whole sample, thePCAconfirmed the three primary factors as previously established. Five subscales loaded on the first factor (strategicapproach). Four subscales loaded on the second factor (surfaceapproach), whereas the remaining four subscales loaded on the third factor (deepapproach). Repeating the analysis for each of the country‐specific samples produced slightly diverging factor structures for the samples from Australia and Hong Kong.ConclusionConsidering all the data, theASSISTsubscales that emerged from thePCAused with a confirmatory approach in this study revealed a good degree of concordance with the established original factor, scale and subscale structure. The slightly deviating results obtained for the Hong Kong student group indicate that the established factor structure may not be the best fit across all settings, cultural contexts and sample groups.
The CpxRA stress response system regulates virulence features of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Matter Letícia B. , Ares Miguel A. , Abundes‐Gallegos Judith , Cedillo María L. , Yáñez Jorge A. , Martínez‐Laguna Ygnacio , De la Cruz Miguel A. , Girón Jorge A. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAvian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes localized and systemic avian infections and is responsible for considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. This organism adheres and invades human and avian cells, however, the regulatory networks that dictate its virulence are largely unknown. The CpxRA two‐component system is responsible for sensing and controlling outer‐membrane stress and detecting misfolded proteins in the bacterial periplasmic space. CpxA is a membrane sensor kinase and CpxR is a cytoplasmic transcriptional regulator. In this study, we found that the CpxRA system regulates the virulence properties of APEC. Adherence, invasiveness, motility, production of type 1 fimbriae and biofilm were negatively affected in the ΔcpxA mutant indicating that the CpxA is required for full manifestation of these phenotypes. We also found that CpxR‐P directly bound to the fimA promoter, locking the fimS region of type 1 fimbriae in the phase‐OFF orientation. In addition, the absence of CpxA also reduced flagella production strongly suggesting that CpxRA regulates these two important surface organelles in APEC. This study provides compelling evidence of the role of the CpxRA two‐component system in the regulation of virulence factors of avian pathogenic E. coli.
Dragon CEOs and Firm Value
Authors: Chen Tao 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article investigates a traditional belief of the Chinese zodiac that individuals born in the dragon year are superior and perform better. Using a sample of listed firms in China, supporting evidence is found for this pervasive superstition that CEOs born in dragon years are positively associated with firm value as measured by Tobin's Q and return on assets. This positive relationship becomes even stronger when the exact birth date of CEOs is known. Finally, the Dragon Survivors Hypothesis and the CEO Self‐fulfillment Hypothesis are examined to explain why dragon CEOs matter to firm value.
Timing of Dialysis Initiation and Mortality Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yaya , Pei Xiaohua , Zhao Weihong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe optimal time of dialysis initiation among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear in recent years. We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the association of early vs. late initiation of dialysis with estimated glomerular filtration rate. PUBMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and article reference lists were searched for relevant observational trials. A pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI was used to estimate the mortality risk. Twenty‐six cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial were identified. Early start of dialysis was associated with the increased risk of mortality (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.43) compared with late start of dialysis. In the subgroup analysis, age younger than 65 years at the early start of dialysis demonstrated higher mortality (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05–1.35) than the late start. Compared with peritoneal dialysis, the pooled HR with HD was 1.25 (95% CI: 1.17–1.34). Early start of dialysis increased the mortality risk compared with late start among patients with CKD.
‘The Lowest Degree of Freedom’: The Right to Petition Parliament, 1640–1800
Authors: Knights Mark 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe essay examines the right to petition from the revolutions of the 17th century to the start of the age of reform. It shows that, by legislating for a right to petition the monarch, the revolution of 1688 appeared to resolve some of the uncertainty about the right to petition that had been apparent since the 1640s, but failed to confirm a right to petition parliament and left considerable ambiguities about the legitimacy of popular pressure exerted in this way. Throughout the 18th century, the right to petition parliament, and hence to exert popular pressure on it, thus remained contested. Indeed, a history of the points of conflict in Georgian Britain could be written through a study of petitioning controversies. Government supporters asserted the supremacy of formal parliamentary representation over informal representation of the popular voice through petitions and frequently sought to curtail, limit and emasculate any right to petition, and even, in 1795, to ban public petitioning altogether. Such attacks, nevertheless, provoked strong responses: claims to popular sovereignty over parliament, to natural rights, and to the notion that the right to petition was part of a set of interlinking rights of free speech and assembly. The 18th‐century arguments were also played out with explicit reference to 17th‐century ones, with the 1689 settlement in particular, providing a key reference point.
Conversations with Parliament: Women and the Politics of Pressure in 19th‐Century England
Authors: Richardson Sarah 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the long 19th century, women seized new opportunities offered by parliament and played a growing role in public politics long before well‐known campaigns for the right to vote. As parliamentary politics grew more restrictive and formalised, women utilised older forms of interaction with the state and occupied spaces that were not explicitly barred to them. By looking at women's appearances before royal commissions and select committees, or women's participation in petitioning, this essay argues that women successfully pressured parliament and won their place in the blue books of government long before their names appeared on the electoral registers or in the columns of Hansard.
Social Reform and the Pressure of ‘Progress’ on Parliament, 1660–1914
Authors: Goldman Lawrence 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn modern Britain, pressure on parliament for social reform has been transmitted not only by mass movements of the people, but by well‐organised pressure groups and small coteries of experts. Driven by intellectual imperatives and by differing ideas of ‘progress’, these experts and activists have directed the impetus for measures to tackle poverty, working conditions, or inequality, mediating a broader sense of pressure from without. In contrast to political histories of social reform, this essay offers a history of ideas for social reform and the methods by which reformers shaped parliament's agenda.
Reforming Expectations: Parliamentary Pressure and Moral Reform
Authors: Moniz Amanda B. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract‘Reforming Expectations’ argues that English and British moral reformers’ agendas, including their relation to, and expectations of, parliament, were shaped, and increasingly so, by the world beyond England and Britain from the 17th to the early 20th century. Reformers’ efforts have fallen into three distinct eras of reform activity – the European phase, the Atlantic phase, and the global phase – which each had a distinct emphasis. In the European, early‐modern phase, activists participated in European conversations about the moral regulation and care of the poor, but they worked locally. In the Atlantic phase, from the Glorious Revolution to the American revolution, transatlantic ties supplanted European connections and activists aimed to reform morals both locally and at a distance. With the American revolution and the sustained attention it gave to parliament's role in governing the nation, reformers’ expectations about parliament's role in governing moral life expanded. In the global phase, from the end of the French revolutionary wars to the early 20th century, activists sought to have a worldwide impact. British reformers undertook moral improvement projects aimed at peoples throughout Britain's now more heterogeneous empire. Building on the new expectations of the previous era, they looked to parliament and foreign legislatures to achieve those aims. For over three centuries, English and British moral reformers’ approach to parliament was influenced by interactions with foreign colleagues.
Creeping fat in patients with ileo‐colonic Crohn's disease correlates with disease activity and severity of inflammation: A preliminary study using energy spectral computed tomography
Authors: Feng Qi , Xu Xi Tao , Zhou Yi , Yan Yun Qi , Ran Zhi Hua , Zhu Jiong 
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between creeping fat and inflammatory activity as well as the prognosis of ileo‐colonic Crohn's disease (CD), based on a quantitative analysis of energy spectral computed tomography (CT).METHODSA total of 40 patients with CD and 40 with other gastrointestinal diseases who underwent an energy spectral CT scanning between March 2014 and March 2015 were retrospectively enrolled. The endoscopic severity of CD was evaluated by the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES‐CD). The slope of the Hounsfield unit (HU) curve (λHU) was measured and calculated on energy spectral CT images. Visceral and subcutaneous fat areas were also measured. The relationship between the quantitative data of creeping fat as well as the fat area and CD inflammation were analyzed.RESULTSThe λHU of creeping fat in patients with CD increased with the severity of intestinal inflammation (moderate/severe vs mild: −0.17 ± −0.68 vs −0.49 ± −0.61, P < 0.01). Moreover, the λHU of creeping fat around the intestinal segments without lesions in CD was significantly larger than that in the controls (−1.19 ± −0.56 vs − 1.42 ± −0.45, P < 0.01). The λHU was more accurate for detecting inflammatory lesions in CD than for calculating visceral fat. It was significantly correlated with SES‐CD (r = 0.66, P < 0.01) and moderately correlated with the Harvey–Bradshaw index (r = 0.414, P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONThe quantitative analysis of creeping fat using energy spectral CT is an effective method in inflammatory evaluation in patients with CD.
Retrospective analysis of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children in a single center
Authors: Li Meng , Bian Xiuju , Jing Rui , Zhang Aijun , Sun Nianzheng , Ju Xiuli , Li Fuhai 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThis study was conducted to explore the influence of clinical features of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and a refined therapeutic protocol on the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in children in the past five years.MethodsForty children diagnosed with RMS were retrospectively studied, using a version of the therapeutic protocol refined by Shanghai Children's Medical Center (version 2009.9.1). The patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, pathological features, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis were analyzed.ResultsOf the 40 children, 17 abandoned treatment. Of the remaining 23 cases, two children were rated as low risk, 12 as medium risk, and nine as high risk, and all received treatment. Patients in the low and medium‐risk groups had better prognosis than those in the high‐risk group, and treated patients had higher survival rates and longer survival than untreated patients.ConclusionChildren with RMS should be treated positively. Combined treatment shows better therapeutic efficacy and prognosis. The refined therapeutic protocol seems more effective than the standard treatment, with a significant impact on long‐term RMS prognosis.
Accumulation of deleterious mutations in the domestic yak genome
Authors: Xie X. , Yang Y. , Ren Q. , Ding X. , Bao P. , Yan B. , Yan X. , Han J. , Yan P. , Qiu Q. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDeleterious mutations play an important functional role, affecting trait phenotypes in ways that decrease the fitness of organisms. Estimating the frequency of occurrence and abundance has been a topic of much interest, especially in crops and livestock. The processes of domestication and breeding allow deleterious mutations to persist at high frequency, and identifying such deleterious mutations is particularly important for breed improvement. Here, we assessed genome‐wide patterns of deleterious variation in 59 domestic and 13 wild yaks using genome resequencing data. Based on the intersection of results given by three methods (provean, polyphen2 and sift4g), we identified 3187 putative deleterious mutation sites affecting 2586 genes in domestic yaks and 2067 affecting 1701 genes in wild yaks. Multiple lines of evidence indicate a significant increase in the load of deleterious mutations in domesticated yaks compared to wild yaks. Private deleterious genes were found to be associated with the perception of smell and detection of chemical stimulus. We also identified 36 genes related to Mendelian genetic diseases involved in sensory perception, skeletal development and the nervous and immune systems. This study not only adds to the understanding of the genetic basis of yak domestication but also provides a rich catalog of variants that will facilitate future breeding‐related research on the yak genome and on other bovid species.
PETscan: measuring incidence of disease phenotypes to prioritize genetic studies in companion animals
Authors: Keijser S. F. A. , Vernooij J. C. M. , Rothuizen J. , Fieten H. , Nielen M. , Hesselink J. W. , van Steenbeek F. G. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryReliable incidence measurement of diseases is necessary for identification of hereditary diseases in companion animal populations. The data collection system ‘PETscan’ was developed to facilitate standardized registration of diagnoses in veterinary practice. In the development, we attempted to counter challenges known from other primary practice data systems. PETscan includes a comprehensive list of potential diagnoses and supports the veterinary professionals in the diagnostic process. Demographics, individual data and standardized diagnostic data are collected through practice management software in a central database for epidemiological analysis. A preliminary data analysis from PETscan showed specific health issues in four canine breeds. As a real‐time prospective monitoring tool, PETscan summaries can objectively assess the incidence of disorders in companion animal populations and can be used to prioritize disease–gene identification studies and evaluate the effects of breeding strategies, for example, after implementation of a new DNA test in the breeding strategy.
The influence of fixation on the cardiac tissue in a 1‐year observation of swine hearts
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Hołda Jakub , Koziej Mateusz , Tyrak Kamil , Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of formaldehyde‐based fixation on dimension, weight and shape of cardiac tissue during a 1‐year observation.Materials and methodsSeven measuring sites were permanently marked in 40 swine hearts prior to fixation. Four study groups (n = 10 each) were assembled that differed only in concentration and the type of fixative. The fixatives were 2%, 4% or 10% formaldehyde phosphate‐buffered solution (FPBS) and alcoholic formalin. The samples were measured before fixation and then after fixation at 1 week, 3, 6 and 12 months.ResultsAt the 3‐month point, the 10% FPBS had caused significant changes in the smallest number of parameters, while the 2% FPBS affected the greatest number of dimensions. The most significant changes included chordae tendineae shrinkage and an increase in muscle thickness. After 6 months, the most significant changes were observed in 2% and 4% FPBSs and were also mainly associated with an increase in muscle thickness and chordae tendineae shrinkage. 1‐year preservation compared to the baseline showed the most significant changes in muscle tissue thickness and hearth weight. The artery diameter decreased in long‐term fixation in every tested solution. For atrial and angle measurements, 4% FPBS caused most significant changes among investigated fixatives.ConclusionsIn all tested solutions, long‐term fixation significantly changed cardiac tissue dimension compared to the nonpreserved samples. Short‐term to 1‐year fixation changes are smaller, but they should not be neglected. Different fixatives should be used depending on the character of the planned measurements.
Does inferior mesenteric artery ligation affect outcome in elective colonic resection for diverticular disease?
Authors: De Nardi Paola , Gazzetta Paolo 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to analyse the role of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation during elective colonic resection for diverticular disease (DD) with respect to surgical outcome.MethodsAll patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or open colonic resection for DD from January 2006 to December 2012 were studied. The patients were divided into two groups based on IMA ligation or preservation. The primary end point was to compare anastomotic leakage in the two groups. The secondary end points were operative time, stoma formation, overall post‐operative complications, restoration of bowel function and length of post‐operative hospital stay.ResultsDuring the study period, 219 elective colonic resections with primary anastomosis for DD were performed. A laparoscopic technique was employed in 132 (60.3%) cases. IMA ligation was performed in 66 patients (30.1%). Overall anastomotic leakage rate was 4.1%, 4.5% in IMA ligation and 3.9% in IMA preservation group, respectively (P = ns). Mean operative time was 225 ± 43.4 and 191 ± 41.7 min in IMA ligation and preservation group, respectively (P = 0.002). No differences were observed in the rate of overall complications, stoma formation, restoration of bowel function and post‐operative length of hospital stay.ConclusionsNo differences were observed in surgical outcome in IMA ligation and preservation groups, particularly preservation or ligation of the IMA did not affect leakage rate.
Accurate Method of Quantification of Aortic Insufficiency During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support by Thermodilution Analysis: Proof of Concept and Validation by a Mock Circulatory System
Authors: Akiyama Daichi , Nishimura Takashi , Sumikura Hirohito , Iizuka Kei , Mizuno Toshihide , Tsukiya Tomonori , Takewa Yoshiaki , Ono Minoru , Tatsumi Eisuke 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAortic insufficiency (AI) is an intractable complication during long term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Conventional evaluation of AI depends on ultrasound evaluation, which is mainly a qualitative, not a quantitative method. The pathophysiology of AI during LVAD is shunt formation. Conversely, the methods to quantify the shunt of congenital heart disease are already established, and among these is the thermodilution technique. To develop an accurate quantification method for AI (namely, a shunt), we have adopted this conventional thermodilution technique. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this technique could calculate the shunt magnitude accurately in a simulated cardiac circuit. The magnitude of AI was represented by the recirculation rate (RR), defined by regurgitant flow (RF) divided by pump flow (PF). A mock circulatory system for an LVAD endurance test (Laboheart NCVC; Iwaki & Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) was used. A centrifugal LVAD was equipped in the Laboheart in parallel from the left ventricle to the aorta. A parallel shunt circuit was created across the aortic valve to mimic AI. To control the magnitude of AI, the resistance of the AI circuit was changed. Heart failure was simulated by controlling the parameters of the Laboheart. The LVAD was driven in full bypass condition, confirming that the heart did not eject forward flow via the aortic valve. PF, RF, and the temperatures of two points of the outflow graft measured with two thermistors were monitored. Analyses were started after confirming that circuit water temperature was the same as room temperature. Hot water was injected from a port between the two thermistors of the outflow conduit. The time–temperature curves of both thermistors were recorded, and RR was calculated. Two values of RR calculated in two different ways (by analyzing thermistors and by calculating from flowmeter values) were compared. Multiple measurements were done by changing the magnitude of AI. The existence of AI could be easily confirmed by analyzing the temperature data. There was a good correlation between RR by thermistor and RR by flowmeter data (r = 0.984). Furthermore, the two RR values were almost the same. This novel technique could provide an accurate method for quantifying AI during LVAD support. This method can be clinically applied by left‐sided cardiac catheterization if a dedicated catheter with two thermistors and an injection hole is developed.