bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Note on Using Weighted Sum Scores in the P‐DIF Statistic
Authors: Guo Hongwen , Dorans Neil J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe Mantel–Haenszel delta difference (MH D‐DIF) and the standardized proportion difference (STD P‐DIF) are two observed‐score methods that have been used to assess differential item functioning (DIF) at Educational Testing Service since the early 1990s. Latent‐variable approaches to assessing measurement invariance at the item level have been proposed and studied since then as well. Previous research showed that using the weighted sum score as the matching variable may close the gap between the MH D‐DIF statistic based on observed scores and its counterpart based on latent ability. In this study, we show that weighting reduces the difference between the STD P‐DIF statistic and its counterpart based on latent ability. In addition, we discuss the factors that influence the gap and examine approaches that may facilitate the use of weighted STD P‐DIF.
Understanding the evolution of ecological sex differences: Integrating character displacement and the Darwin-Bateman paradigm
Authors: De Lisle Stephen P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSex differences in selection arise for at least two possible reasons: (1) differences originating from anisogamy—the Darwin-Bateman paradigm—and (2) competition-driven ecological character displacement (ECD), agnostic of anisogamy. Despite mounting evidence of ECD and increasing focus on the ecological causes and consequences of sexual dimorphism, progress in understanding the evolution of ecological sex differences has likely been hindered because ecological dimorphisms are not exclusive to ECD. I argue that embracing nonexclusivity of causal models of sexual dimorphism itself may provide insight into evolution of sex differences. This integrated view of the evolution of sexual dimorphism leads to four predictions for how sex-specific selection and phenotypic divergence between the sexes change over the course of the evolution of sexual dimorphism. First, dimorphism resulting directly from anisogamy likely precedes evolution of ecological dimorphism driven by ECD. Second, ecological sexual dimorphism driven by ECD may (initially) evolve in directions in trait space favored by other sources of sex-specific selection. Third, we may expect correlated evolution of ecological dimorphism and other forms of sexual dimorphism. Finally, ecological optima may be sex specific even when competition plays a role in reaching them. Rather than simply a less-parsimonious alternative explanation for ecological sex differences, ECD should be seen as one likely contributor to sex-specific selection that could act at predictable times during the evolution of ecological sexual dimorphisms.
Factors influencing missed nursing care in public hospitals in Australia: An exploratory mixed methods study
Authors: Albsoul Rania , FitzGerald Gerard , Finucane Julie , Borkoles Erika 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBackgroundMissed nursing care (MNC) is a significant health care issue that impacts on the quality of health care and patient safety. It refers to delayed or omitted aspects of nursing care (totally or partially). MNC is an under‐researched area in the Australian health care context.ObjectiveThis research sought to further explore the MNC phenomenon in the context of an acute care hospital and to identify its common elements and the factors influencing its occurrence.DesignA convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed involving secondary analysis of routinely collected hospital data and a survey of 44 nursing staff using the MISSCARE survey instrument. The two sources of data were converged to address the objective.FindingsThe study found that the most common elements of missed nursing care include failure of patient ambulation, emotional support for patients and/or family, and the provision of full documentation. These elements are consistent with previous international studies conducted in acute care hospital settings. This study identified that local context impacting on MNC was also important and included interruptions to workflow, “perceived” lack of management support, poor handover, and communication breakdown between the nursing team and medical staff.ConclusionConsideration of the local health care context is foundational in understanding the MNC phenomenon. The findings of this research may help nursing managers mitigate the possible effects of MNC and therefore improve patient safety in their acute care environment. Additional multisite studies are required to further explore factors associated with MNC in both general and local contexts.
Computational unsteady flow analysis for third‐grade fluid from an isothermal vertical cylinder through a Darcian porous medium
Authors: Hiremath Ashwini , Reddy G. Janardhana , Bég O. Anwar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe present study describes a mathematical model for free‐convective laminar incompressible boundary layer flow of a third‐grade fluid of the Reiner‐Rivlin differential type, external to an evenly heated semi‐infinite vertical cylinder through a two‐dimensional porous medium. Assuming a homogenous‐isotropic porous medium, simulation of bulk drag effects at low Reynolds number is conducted with the Darcy model. The resulting partial differential equation boundary value problem is normalized using suitable transformation variables. The highly nonlinear time‐dependent coupled conservation equations along with boundary conditions are resolved computationally with an optimized Crank‐Nicolson finite difference code. Validation with previous studies is included. The heat transport and skin‐friction coefficients are computed for different values of emerging nondimensional parameters. Furthermore, steady‐state and transient fluid flow variables are shown graphically. An enhanced fluid velocity is observed for increased Darcy number and the reverse trend is computed for higher values of third‐grade viscoelastic parameter. Also, the rate of heat transfer is observed to increase with greater Darcy number and a reduction in third‐grade viscoelastic parameter. A key observation which is drawn from the present study is that for third‐grade fluid the flow variables deviate significantly from a hot cylindrical wall as compared with a Newtonian fluid. The study is relevant to thermal polymer coating applications in aerospace materials processing.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND ADAPTATION FOR CROP MANAGEMENT OF WINTER WHEAT AND MAIZE IN THE SEMI‐ARID REGION OF IRAN
Authors: Khordadi Mohammad Javad , Olesen Jørgen Eivind , Alizadeh Amin , Nassiri Mahallati Mehdi , Ansari Hossein , Sanaeinejad Hossein 
Published: August 2019

AbstractClimate change is expected to lead to declining crop yields in semi‐arid regions due to higher temperatures and more severe droughts, which calls for adaptations in crop management. We used the WOFOST and AquaCrop crop simulation models to examine the response of crop yield in winter wheat and maize to a set of climate change scenarios up to 2040 in the semi‐arid climate of Mashhad in north‐east Iran. Modelled climate change from six AOGCMs including GFCM21, HADCM3, INCM3, IPCM4, MPEH5 and NCCCSM under IPCC SRES A2 and B1 emission scenarios was used. The crop models were calibrated and validated against 7 years of observed crop yield data, confirming that the models adequately simulated yields of wheat and maize in the study area. The bootstrap method was used to estimate the uncertainty of crop yield projections. The results showed a mean yield decrease of 10–34% for winter wheat and 8–18% for maize, depending on the crop model and climate change scenario. The period of flowering to maturity of winter wheat and maize would be shortened on average by 9 and 5 days, respectively. Changes in crop management were considered for adaptation to climate change. Simulation results indicated that early sowing of winter wheat and late sowing of maize enhanced yield and water productivity across all climate change scenarios and that late‐maturity cultivars of winter wheat and early‐maturity hybrids of maize generally have higher productivity than standard cultivars. Increasing heat tolerance of the crops and changing irrigation management of winter wheat were also found to be beneficial adaptation options. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and economic burden of pre‐emptive therapy of cytomegalovirus infection in hospitalized allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: El Haddad Lynn , Ghantoji Shashank S. , Park Anne K. , Batista Marjorie V. , Schelfhout Jonathan , Hachem Jack , Lobo Yadira , Jiang Ying , Rondon Gabriela , Champlin Richard , Chemaly Roy F. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). We conducted a retrospective study to determine the clinical and economic burden of pre‐emptive therapy (PET) for CMV infection in 100 consecutive hospitalized adult CMV positive serostatus allo‐HCT recipients and compared their hospitalization cost with allo‐HCT recipients hospitalized with graft vs host disease without CMV infection (control group) and across 19 US cancer centers for hospitalized patients with CMV infection between 2012 and 2015 (Vizient database). A total of 192 CMV episodes of PET for CMV infection occurred within 1 year post‐HCT. PET consisted of ganciclovir (41% of episodes), foscarnet (40%), and valganciclovir (38%) with the longest average length of stay in foscarnet‐treated patients (41 days). The average direct cost per patient admitted for PET was $116 976 (range: $7866‐$641 841) compared with $12 496 (range: $2004‐$43 069) in the control group (P < .0001). The total direct cost per encounter was significantly higher in patients treated with foscarnet and had nephrotoxicity ($284 006) compared with those who did not ($112 195). The average cost amongst the 19 US cancer centers, including our institution, was $42 327 with major disparities in cost and clinical outcomes. PET for CMV infection is associated with high economic burden in allo‐HCT recipients.
Intergenerational differences in customer engagement behaviours: An analysis of social tourism websites
Authors: Bravo Rafael , Catalán Sara , Pina José Miguel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper explores differences among Generations X, Y, and Z in customer engagement behaviours. Specifically, it analyses differences in customer behaviours in social tourism websites and the effects of self‐efficacy and satisfaction on these behaviours. On the basis of an empirical study with a sample of 346 social tourism websites users, the results show that, in Generation X, self‐efficacy exerts a higher effect on word of mouth than in the other generations. In Generation Y, satisfaction influences information searches and hotel bookings more than for the others. Generation Z is more prone to give referrals than are the other two generations.
Clinical Results of Ultrasound‐Guided Carpal Tunnel Release Performed by a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
Authors: Joseph Anthony E. , Leiby Braeden M. , Beckman John P. 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of ultrasound‐guided carpal tunnel release (USCTR) in a consecutive group of patients treated by a single primary care sports medicine physician.MethodsThe study group consisted of 35 USCTRs performed on 22 consecutive patients for whom clinical outcomes were available before USCTR and at 1 to 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after USCTR. All procedures were performed by the same operator using a single USCTR technique. Outcomes included complications, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity and functional status scores, and a 5‐point global satisfaction score.ResultsThe 22 patients included 13 female and 9 male patients (ages 31–82 years). Eleven patients (22 wrists) had bilateral simultaneous USCTRs; 2 patients (4 wrists) had staged bilateral USCTRs; and 9 patients had unilateral USCTRs. No complications occurred in any patient. Statistically and clinically significant reductions in Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity and functional status scores occurred by 1 to 2 weeks after USCTR (mean 1‐ to 2‐week changes, –29.23, –1.74, and –1.18, respectively), and further improvements occurred during the 3‐month follow‐up period (mean 3‐month changes, –51.11, –2.29, and –1.91; P < .0001 for all values versus before USCTR). Mean global satisfaction scores at 1 to 2 weeks and 3 months were 4.63 and 4.66.ConclusionsUltrasound‐guided CTR is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed by an experienced primary care sports medicine physician and typically results in significant improvements within the first 2 weeks after the procedure. Furthermore, bilateral simultaneous USCTRs are feasible and may provide significant advantages for patients who are candidates for bilateral CTRs.
Factors associated with black bear density and implications for management
Authors: Welfelt Lindsay S. , Beausoleil Richard A. , Wielgus Robert B. 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTWildlife density estimates are important to accurately formulate population management objectives and understand the relationship between habitat characteristics and a species’ abundance. Despite advances in density and abundance estimation methods, management of common game species continues to be challenged by a lack of reliable population estimates. In Washington, USA, statewide American black bear (Ursus americanus) abundance estimates are predicated on density estimates derived from research in the 1970s and are hypothesized to be a function of precipitation and vegetation, with higher densities in western Washington. To evaluate current black bear density and landscape relationships in Washington, we conducted a 4‐year capture‐recapture study in 2 areas of the North Cascade Mountains using 2 detection methods, non‐invasive DNA collection and physical capture and deployment of global positioning system (GPS) collars. We integrated GPS telemetry from collared bears with spatial capture‐recapture (SCR) data and created a SCR‐resource selection model to estimate density as a function of spatial covariates and test the hypothesis that density is higher in areas with greater vegetative food resources. We captured and collared 118 bears 132 times and collected 7,863 hair samples at hair traps where we identified 537 bears from 1,237 detections via DNA. The most‐supported model in the western North Cascades depicted a negative relationship between black bear density and an index of human development. We estimated bear density at 20.1 bears/100 km2, but density varied from 13.5/100 km2to 27.8 bears/100 km2depending on degree of human development. The model best supported by the data in the eastern North Cascades estimated an average density of 19.2 bears/100 km2, which was positively correlated with primary productivity, with resulting density estimates ranging from 7.1/100 km2to 33.6 bears/100 km2. The hypothesis that greater precipitation and associated vegetative production in western Washington supports greater bear density compared to eastern Washington was not supported by our data. In western Washington, empirically derived average density estimates (including cubs) were nearly 50% lower than managers expected prior to our research. In eastern Washington average black bear density was predominantly as expected, but localized areas of high primary productivity supported greater than anticipated bear densities. Our findings underscore the importance that black bear density is not likely uniform and management risk may be increased if an average density is applied at too large a scale. Disparities between expected and empirically derived bear density illustrate the need for more rigorous monitoring to understand processes that affect population numbers throughout the jurisdiction, and suggest that management plans may need to be reevaluated to determine if current harvest strategies are achieving population objectives. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
A Walker exponent corrected model for estimating fatigue life of metallic materials in loading with mean stress
Authors: Li J. , Qiu Y.Y , Li C.W. , Zhang Z.P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMean stress significantly influence the fatigue life predictions of metallic materials. The Walker mean stress equation with its additional material parameter w provides good predictions for a wide range of materials. Unfortunately, additional tests are necessary to determine the Walker exponent w. In order to overcome this shortcoming, for aluminum alloys, the Walker exponent w was correlated linearly with the sum of ultimate tensile strength and true fracture strength. Then, a Walker exponent corrected effective strain energy density criterion was developed by incorporating the Walker mean stress equation into the strain life curve. The capability of fatigue life prediction for the developed model was checked against the tested data of 304 L stainless steel, SAE 1045 steel, 7075‐T651 aluminum alloy, and Incoloy 901 superalloy, and comparisons were also performed by using the Lv's Walker exponent corrected model. The developed model provides more satisfactory results, especially for the considered materials in loading with mean stress.
Home‐Based Monitoring of Falls Using Wearable Sensors in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Silva de Lima Ana Lígia , Smits Tine , Darweesh Sirwan K. L. , Valenti Giulio , Milosevic Mladen , Pijl Marten , Baldus Heribert , de Vries Nienke M , Meinders Marjan J. , Bloem Bastiaan R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionFalling is among the most serious clinical problems in Parkinson's disease (PD). We used body‐worn sensors (falls detector worn as a necklace) to quantify the hazard ratio of falls in PD patients in real life.MethodsWe matched all 2063 elderly individuals with self‐reported PD to 2063 elderly individuals without PD based on age, gender, comorbidity, and living conditions. We analyzed fall events collected at home via a wearable sensor. Fall events were collected either automatically using the wearable falls detector or were registered by a button push on the same device. We extracted fall events from a 2.5‐year window, with an average follow‐up of 1.1 years. All falls included were confirmed immediately by a subsequent telephone call. The outcomes evaluated were (1) incidence rate of any fall, (2) incidence rate of a new fall after enrollment (ie, hazard ratio), and (3) 1‐year cumulative incidence of falling.ResultsThe incidence rate of any fall was higher among self‐reported PD patients than controls (2.1 vs. 0.7 falls/person, respectively; P < .0001). The incidence rate of a new fall after enrollment (ie, hazard ratio) was 1.8 times higher for self‐reported PD patients than controls (95% confidence interval, 1.6–2.0).ConclusionHaving PD nearly doubles the incidence of falling in real life. These findings highlight PD as a prime “falling disease.” The results also point to the feasibility of using body‐worn sensors to monitor falls in daily life. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
NEMA NU‐4 2008 performance evaluation of Xtrim‐PET: A prototype SiPM‐based preclinical scanner
Authors: Amirrashedi Mahsa , Sarkar Saeed , Ghafarian Pardis , Hashemi Shahraki Reza , Geramifar Parham , Zaidi Habib , Ay Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2019

PurposeXtrim‐PET is a newly designed Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs)‐based prototype PET scanner dedicated for small laboratory animal imaging. We present the performance evaluation of the Xtrim‐PET scanner following NEMA NU‐4 2008 standards to help optimizing scanning protocols which can be achieved through standard and reliable system performance characterization.MethodsThe performance assessment was conducted according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU‐4 2008 standards in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity, counting rate performance, scatter fraction and image quality. The in vivo imaging capability of the scanner is also showcased through scanning a normal mouse injected with 18F‐FDG. Furthermore, the performance characteristics of the developed scanner are compared with commercially available systems and current prototypes.ResultsThe volumetric spatial resolution at 5 mm radial offset from the central axis of the scanner is 6.81 µl, whereas a peak absolute sensitivity of 2.99% was achieved using a 250–650 keV energy window and a 10 ns timing window. The peak noise‐equivalent count rate (NECR) using a mouse‐like phantom is 113.18 kcps at 0.34 KBq/cc with 12.5% scatter fraction, whereas the NECR peaked at 82.76 kcps for an activity concentration level of 0.048 KBq/cc with a scatter fraction of 25.8% for rat‐like phantom. An excellent uniformity (3.8%) was obtained using NEMA image quality phantom. Recovery coefficients of 90%, 86%, 68%, 40% and 12% were calculated for rod diameters of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 mm, respectively. Spill‐over ratios for air‐filled and water‐filled chambers were 35% and 25% without applying any correction for attenuation and Compton scattering effects.ConclusionOur findings revealed that beyond compactness, lightweight, easy installation and good energy resolution, the Xtrim‐PET prototype presents a reasonable performance making it suitable for preclinical molecular imaging‐based research.
Evidence for mouse sulfhydryl oxidase‐assisted cross‐linking of major seminal vesicle proteins
Authors: Balu Rubhadevi , Ramachandran Shiyam Sundar , Paramasivam Sudhakar Gandhi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCopulatory plug formation in animals is a general phenomenon by which competition is reduced among rival males. In mouse, the copulatory plug formation results from the coagulation of highly viscous seminal vesicle secretion (SVS) that is rich in proteins, such as dimers of SVS I, SVS I + II + III, and SVS II. These high‐molecular‐weight complexes (HMWCs) are also reported to be the bulk of proteins in the copulatory plug of the female mouse following copulation. In addition, mouse SVS contributes to the existence of sulfhydryl oxidase (Sox), which mediates the disulfide bond formation between cysteine residues. In this study, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)‐dependent Sox was purified from mouse SVS using ion exchange and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The purified enzyme was identified to be Sox, based on western blot analysis with Sox antiserum and its capability of oxidizing dithiothreitol as substrate. The pH optima and thermal stability of the enzyme were determined. Among the metal ions tested, zinc showed an inhibitory effect on Sox activity. A prosthetic group of the enzyme was identified as FAD. The Km and Vmax of the enzyme was also determined. In addition to purification and biochemical characterization of seminal vesicle Sox, the major breakthrough of this study was proving its cross‐linking activity among SVS I–III monomers to form HMWCs in SVS.