bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time Radically AltersEx SituEvidentiary Soil 16S Bacterial Profiles Produced Via Next‐Generation Sequencing,,
Authors: Badgley Alyssa J. , Jesmok Ellen M. , Foran David R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrevious research has revealed the potential of soil bacterial profiling for forensic purposes; however, investigators have not thoroughly examined fluctuations in microbial profiles from soil aged on evidence. In this research, soils collected from multiple habitats were placed on evidence items and sampled over time, and then bacterial profiles were generated via next‐generation sequencing of the 16SrRNAlocus. Bacterial abundance charts and nonmetric multidimensional scaling plots provided visual representation of bacterial profiles temporally, while supervised classification was used to statistically associate evidence to a source. Theex situevidence soils displayed specific, consistent taxonomic changes as they aged, resulting in their drift in multidimensional space, but never toward a different habitat. Ninety‐five percent of the 364 evidentiary profiles statistically classified to the correct habitat, with misclassification generally stemming from evidence type and increased age. Ultimately, understanding bacterial changes that occur temporally inex situsoils should enhance their use in forensic investigations.
The Effect of Individual and Pooled Profit Sharing Plans on Honesty in Managerial Reporting
Authors: Boster Charles , Majerczyk Michael , Tian Yu 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTMany organizations offer profit sharing plans to motivate increased effort and goal congruence. However, an unintended consequence of such plans may be to reduce honesty in managerial reporting. We investigate two commonly observed profit sharing plans (individual and pooled) in a laboratory experiment where multiple agents with private cost information submit budget requests to an employer. Consistent with our prediction based on crowding theory, our findings suggest that honesty is reduced in the presence of an individual profit sharing plan. However, when a pooled profit sharing plan is used, the adverse effects on honesty are partially mitigated. Our results suggest that an unintended consequence of profit sharing (decreased honesty) can be mitigated through interdependency from pooled plans. The results have practical implications, given that organizations have flexibility in establishing both the size and scope of their profit sharing plans. Our study also contributes to our understanding of reporting behavior, particularly in multi‐agent settings.
Nonlinear Effect of Board Size on Corporate Performance: Impact of the Cultural Backgrounds of Directors in Hong Kong
Authors: Yeung Jim C. K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOur results reveal a curvilinear relationship between board size and firm performance after controlling the cultural backgrounds of directors. We demonstrate that the board size effect on performance is contingent on the cultural backgrounds of directors for firms listed in major Hong Kong exchanges. The proportion of Anglo‐American directors on a board negatively moderates this effect when the board is small and positively moderates the effect when the board is large. Our findings call for appropriate board sizes for listed firms and suggest that cultural diversity can positively moderate the board size effect for large boards.
Reliability of histologic assessment in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Warners M. J. , Ambarus C. A. , Bredenoord A. J. , Verheij J. , Lauwers G. Y. , Walsh J. C. , Katzka D. A. , Nelson S. , van Viegen T. , Furuta G. T. , Gupta S. K. , Stitt L. , Zou G. , Parker C. E. , Shackelton L. M. , D`Haens G. R. , Sandborn W. J. , Dellon E. S. , Feagan B. G. , Collins M. H. , Jairath V. , Pai R. K. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe validity of the eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) histologic scoring system (EoEHSS) has been demonstrated, but only preliminary reliability data exist.AimFormally assess the reliability of the EoEHSS and additional histologic features.MethodsFour expert gastrointestinal pathologists independently reviewed slides from adult patients with EoE (N = 45) twice, in random order, using standardised training materials and scoring conventions for the EoEHSS and additional histologic features agreed upon during a modified Delphi process. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability for scoring the EoEHSS, a visual analogue scale (VAS) of overall histopathologic disease severity, and additional histologic features were assessed using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs).ResultsAlmost perfect intra‐rater reliability was observed for the composite EoEHSS scores and the VAS. Inter‐rater reliability was also almost perfect for the composite EoEHSS scores and substantial for the VAS. Of the EoEHSS items, eosinophilic inflammation was associated with the highest ICC estimates and consistent with almost perfect intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability. With the exception of dyskeratotic epithelial cells and surface epithelial alteration, ICC estimates for the remaining EoEHSS items were above the benchmarks for substantial intra‐rater, and moderate inter‐rater reliability. Estimation of peak eosinophil count and number of lamina propria eosinophils were associated with the highest ICC estimates among the exploratory items.ConclusionThe composite EoEHSS and most component items are associated with substantial reliability when assessed by central pathologists. Future studies should assess responsiveness of the score to change after a therapeutic intervention to facilitate its use in clinical trials.
Linguistic Intergroup Bias About the 2016 U.S. Presidential Candidates As a Function of Political Ideology
Authors: Ruscher Janet B. , Tipler Caroline N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe present study investigated preference for linguistically biased characterization of events attributed to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential election cycle. The linguistic intergroup bias (LIB) reflects abstract characterization of positive events attributed to ingroup members and negative events attributed to outgroup members; conversely, it also reflects concrete characterization of negative events attributed to outgroup members and positive events attributed to outgroup members. University students (N = 117) who preferred Hillary Clinton completed on‐line measures before and after the 2016 Presidential election, including liberal‐conservative ideology and measures of LIB. Participants showed clear preference for characterizations consistent with LIB (e.g., Clinton is intelligent; Trump is quick‐tempered). This pattern was more pronounced as strength of liberal ideology increased; it also was more pronounced immediately following the election than after time had passed. A smaller sample of Trump supporters also showed LIB favoring Trump. This study is the first to demonstrate that members of the electorate gravitate towards linguistic characterizations that favor their preferred political candidates and that this tendency is exacerbated by a relevant individual difference. Findings have implications for the continued polarization of the American electorate.
Is the laparoscopic approach appropriate for pediatric subhepatic appendicitis?
Authors: Aneiros Castro Belén , Cano Novillo Indalecio , García Vázquez Araceli , Yuste García Pedro , Ferrero Herrero Eduardo , Gómez Fraile Andrés 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionSubhepatic appendicitis in children is an unusual condition that can be challenging for the pediatric surgeons to treat. The aim of our study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomies based on the position of the appendix.MethodsThe data of 1736 patients who had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy in our tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. We compared two groups: subhepatic location (n = 56) and non‐subhepatic location (n = 1680). A P‐value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the demographic variables of the groups. More than half of the subhepatic appendicitises were gangrenous (44.6%) or perforated (16.1%), whereas most of the non‐subhepatic appendicitises were phlegmonous (56.9%). Extracorporeal ligation of the appendix was the preferred technique in both the subhepatic and non‐subhepatic groups (69.6% and 89.8%, respectively). The subhepatic group had a statistically significant higher incidence of technical difficulties (1.6%) and abdominal drain (18.6%) than the non‐subhepatic group, as well as a longer operative time and hospital stay. However, intraoperative and postoperative complications were similar in both groups.ConclusionLaparoscopic subhepatic appendectomy is safe and does not lead to increased complications. However, the technique is made difficult by the fact that the appendix is an atypical location, and the rate of complicated appendicitis is higher.
Exploration of assistive technology for uniform laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Sato Masakazu , Koizumi Minako , Hino Takahiro , Takahashi Yu , Nagashima Natsuki , Itaoka Nao , Ueshima Chiharu , Nakata Maki , Hasumi Yoko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic surgery is less invasive than open surgery and is now common in various medical fields. However, laparoscopic surgery is more difficult than open surgery and often requires additional time for the operator to achieve mastery. Therefore, we investigated the use of assistive technology for uniform laparoscopic surgery.MethodsWe used the OpenCV2 library for augmented reality with an ArUco marker to detect and estimate forceps positioning. We used Sense HAT as the gyro sensor. The development platforms used were Mac OS X 10.11.3 and Raspberry Pi 3, model B.ResultsBy attaching the ArUco marker to the needle holder, we could draw a line vertically to the marker. When the needle was held, a cube could be imagined, and both the needle and lines could be used to determine the appropriate position. By attaching the gyro sensor to the camera, we could detect its angle of rotation. We obtained stabilized images by rotating the image by the detected degrees; this was possible for any camera position.ConclusionsAssistive technology allowed us to obtain consecutive converted images in real time and may be readily applicable to clinical practice.
Dihydrodiosgenin protects against experimental acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury through mitochondrial protection and PI3Kγ/Akt inhibition
Authors: Shen Yan , Wen Li , Zhang Rui , Wei Zeliang , Shi Na , Xiong Qiuyang , Xia Qing , Xing Zhihua , Zeng Zhi , Niu Hai , Huang Wen 
Published: February 2018

Background and PurposeAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a painful and distressing disorder of the exocrine pancreas with no specific treatment. Diosgenyl saponins extracted from from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright have been reported to protect against experimental models of AP. Diosgenin, or its derivatives are anti‐inflammatory in various conditions. However, the effects of diosgenin and its spiroacetal ring opened analogue, dihydrodiosgenin (Dydio), on AP have not been determined.Experimental ApproachEffects of diosgenin and Dydio on sodium taurocholate hydrate (Tauro)‐induced necrosis were tested, using freshly isolated murine pancreatic acinar cells. Effects of Dydio on mitochondrial dysfunction in response to Tauro, cholecystokinin‐8 and palmitoleic acid ethyl ester were also assessed. Dydio (5 or 10 mg·kg‐1) was administered after the induction in vivo of Tauro‐induced AP (Wistar rats), caerulein‐induced AP and palmitoleic acid plus ethanol‐induced AP (Balb/c mice). Pancreatitis was assessed biochemically and histologically. Activation of pancreatic PI3Kγ/Akt was measured by immunoblotting.Key ResultsDydio inhibited Tauro‐induced activation of the necrotic cell death pathway and prevented pancreatitis stimuli‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Therapeutic administration of Dydio ameliorated biochemical and histopathological responses in all three models of AP through pancreatic mitochondrial protection and PI3Kγ/Akt inactivation. Moreover, Dydio improved pancreatitis‐associated acute lung injury through preventing excessive inflammatory responses.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese data provide in vitro and in vivo mechanistic evidence that the diosgenin analogue, Dydio could be potential treatment for AP. Further medicinal optimization of diosgenin and its analogue might be a useful strategy for identifying lead candidates for inflammatory diseases.
The impact of robotic surgery on quality of life, urinary and sexual function following total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a propensity score‐matched analysis with laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Kim H. J. , Choi G.‐S. , Park J. S. , Park S. Y. , Yang C. S. , Lee H. J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimQuality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes are at risk of being impaired after rectal surgery, but there has been no large prospective study to thoroughly assess QoL according to surgical approach. We have investigated the impact of laparoscopic and robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) on QoL and functional outcomes.MethodPatients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic TME for rectal cancer between 2009 and 2013 were prospectively included in this questionnaire‐based survey of QoL together with variations in urinary and sexual function. A propensity score analysis was retrospectively conducted to compare outcomes between groups in a cohort matched 1:1 for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative chemoradiation status and tumour height. The survey was performed preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.ResultsGlobal health status/QoL was similar between the two groups for 130 matched pairs, but the robotic group showed better role, emotional and social functioning and experienced less fatigue and financial difficulty. International Prostatic Symptom Scores in men increased postoperatively, with significantly less impairment in the robotic group at 6 months. These scores were comparable to preoperative scores at 6 months in the robotic group and at 12 months in the laparoscopic group. Of 48 sexually active men in each group, International Index of Erectile Function‐5 scores decreased postoperatively, returning to preoperative levels at 6 months in the robotic group and at 12 months in the laparoscopic groups.ConclusionThe robotic approach for TME was associated with less impairment of urinary and sexual function; QoL was comparable to the laparoscopic approach.
Information and communication technology adoption in micro and small firms: Can internet access improve labour productivity?
Authors: Viollaz Mariana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe rapid spread of information and communication technologies (ICT) may increase firms’ productivity with important consequences for job creation and for economic growth. This article contributes to this discussion by analysing the impact of internet adoption on labour productivity and the mechanisms shaping this relationship in Peruvian micro and small manufacturing firms over the period 2011–2013. The article estimates a reduced form where labour productivity is a function of internet adoption and other explanatory factors. Internet adoption is instrumented using a measure of the availability of financial opportunities for micro and small firms in Peru. Findings indicate that internet adoption: (a) increases firms’ labour productivity; (b) reallocates employment away from temporary administrative workers and non‐remunerated workers and expands employment of permanent production workers; (c) leads to the formalization of labour relationships, to the implementation of new organizational practices and to the improvement of training measures. While changes in employment and formalization of workers are linked to labour productivity gains, increases in training measures and organizational changes do not generate any additional productivity increase. Policies oriented to promote the adoption ofICTin micro and small firms can be beneficial to close the productivity gap with larger firms in Peru. Moreover, policies directed to the formalization of the workforce can provide an extra benefit, i.e. additional labour productivity gains in firms adopting the internet. Finally, policies oriented to the development of digital skills are also important to ease the re‐employment of those workers losing their jobs and the achievement of additional productivity gains that new organizational practices can provide.
Angiography vs transesophageal echocardiography‐guided patent foramen ovale closure: A propensity score matched analysis of a two‐center registry
Authors: Scacciatella Paolo , Meynet Ilaria , Giorgi Mauro , Biava Lorenza M. , Matranga Ivana , Biasco Luigi , Omedè Pierluigi , Orzan Fulvio , Gaita Fiorenzo 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to compare the long‐term outcomes of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure using angiography or transesophageal echocardiography as procedural guidance.BackgroundThe interventional treatment is emerging as a safe and efficient option for patients with high likelihood of PFO‐related cryptogenic stroke and high risk of recurrence. The “gold‐standard” guidance technique remains an issue.MethodsTwo cohorts of patients undergoing PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke in two catheterization laboratories of the same institution, using similar inclusion criteria but different guidance, were compared with propensity score matching.ResultsA total of 374 patients were enrolled, 161 in Angio‐group and 213 in Echo‐group. No difference was detected in the procedural complication rate. In Angio‐group, radiological exposure (P = .001) and 6‐month residual shunt (16.8% vs 8.0%, P = .015) were higher. After a mean follow‐up of 41 ± 30 months, 28 patients (7.5%) presented any adverse event (death, recurrent cerebral ischemia, device‐related complications, reintervention), with a higher rate in Angio‐group (13.0% vs 3.3%, P = .001), mainly due to repeated percutaneous intervention (10.6% vs 1.4%, P = .001). The results were confirmed after propensity score matching (118 patients/group). The rate of recurrent cerebral ischemia was 1.9% and was not significantly different in the two groups. Intra‐procedural guidance and atrial septum aneurysm were independent predictors of the composite primary endpoint (OR 1.2, P = .016).ConclusionsThe use of intra‐procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance for PFO closure allows lower residual shunt rate, radiological exposure, and adverse events, mainly driven by a significant reduction in percutaneous reintervention.
When things don't add up: quantifying impacts of multiple stressors from individual metabolism to ecosystem processing
Authors: Galic Nika , Sullivan Lauren L. , Grimm Volker , Forbes Valery E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEcosystems are exposed to multiple stressors which can compromise functioning and service delivery. These stressors often co‐occur and interact in different ways which are not yet fully understood. Here, we applied a population model representing a freshwater amphipod feeding on leaf litter in forested streams. We simulated impacts of hypothetical stressors, individually and in pairwise combinations that target the individuals' feeding, maintenance, growth and reproduction. Impacts were quantified by examining responses at three levels of biological organisation: individual‐level body sizes and cumulative reproduction, population‐level abundance and biomass and ecosystem‐level leaf litter decomposition. Interactive effects of multiple stressors at the individual level were mostly antagonistic, that is, less negative than expected. Most population‐ and ecosystem‐level responses to multiple stressors were stronger than expected from an additive model, that is, synergistic. Our results suggest that across levels of biological organisation responses to multiple stressors are rarely only additive. We suggest methods for efficiently quantifying impacts of multiple stressors at different levels of biological organisation.
Surface and cross–section characteristics and friction–wear properties of high velocity oxy fuel sprayed WC–12Co coating
Authors: Hui Shen , Tianyuan Sheng , Dejun Kong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA WC–12Co coating was sprayed on H13 hot work mould steel using a high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF). The surface and cross–section morphologies, chemical compositions, and phases of obtained coatings were analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X–ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The friction–wear properties were investigated using a wear test, the wear mechanism of WC–12Co coating was also discussed. The results show that the WC–12Co coating primarily is composed of WC hard phase with high hardness and Co as a binder, which is evenly distributed on the coating surface, no atom–rich zones. There is no W3O phase appearing in the HVOF spraying, showing that the WC–12Co coating has high oxidation resistance, the new phases of W2C and C are produced due to the decarburization of WC. The coating thickness is ~200 μm, which is combined the substrate with the mechanical binding and local micro–metallurgical bonding. The average coefficient of friction (COF) of WC–12Co coating is 0.272, showing good friction performance, the wear mechanism is primarily abrasive wear, accompanied with fatigue wear.
Self‐adaptive piezoelectric ceramic vibration system based on asymmetric piezoelectric cantilever for energy harvesting
Authors: Fang Mingwei , Liao Qingwei , Wang Jiawen , Qin Lei , Zhong Chao , Zhang Di 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMicropower energy harvesting is one of key technologies for the micromation and practical development of wireless sensor and communication node networks. A self‐adaptive piezoelectric vibration system based on modified homogeneous strain asymmetric PZT piezoelectric ceramic cantilever beam for the micropower energy harvesting was designed and prepared. A vertical cantilever was designed at the first time to obtain the homogeneous state of stress which can largely increase the power output and energy harvesting efficiency of piezoelectric cantilevers. In order to achieve the self‐adaptive vibration, the asymmetric structure was adopted. Asymmetric cantilevers moved horizontally and changed the length of main cantilevers when affected by the variation in external frequency excitation, thus, the switching of resonant frequency was archived automatically without dissipating additional energy.