bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of sustainable development and innovation on firm performance
Authors: Guerrero‐Villegas Jaime , Sierra‐García Laura , Palacios‐Florencio Beatriz 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the new economic scenario, characterized by a rapidly changing environment, companies are pushed into seeking new responses in order to survive and succeed. Companies are looking for new activities to improve their economic performance. Furthermore, these activities have been focused on innovation and/or socially responsible aspects. This paper analyzes the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), innovation and its effect on performance. Especially, it shows if innovation has a fundamental role in the development of socially responsible practices or if social issues are responsible for practices that lead to greater innovation and, consequently, to greater performance. Data were collected from a sample of 121 Spanish wineries. The results show that CSR and innovation act as a mediator depending on the measurement of performance used. CSR, specifically, acts as a mediator between innovation and objective performance. However, managers perceive that the relationship between CSR and performance improves through innovation activities.
A 2.4‐mW interference‐resilient receiver front end with series N‐path filter–based balun for body channel communication
Authors: Liu Zexue , Zheng Yongan , Wang Jiayi , Hao Xiucheng , Jiang Haoyun , Yang Fan , Liu Junhua , Liao Huailin 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper presents an interference‐resilient receiver front end for body channel communication, which uses the human body as the signal transmission medium in the band of 40 to 60 MHz. To tackle strong out‐of‐band interference resulting from the human body antenna effect, a series N‐path filter–based balun preceding a low‐noise amplifier is proposed to improve the frequency modulation radio interference suppression and realize single‐to‐differential transformation of input body channel communication signals. Besides, an enhanced harmonic rejection with combination of a series N‐path filter and a harmonic rejection passive mixer using 8‐phase 12.5% duty‐cycle clocks as local oscillator is presented. The transconductance amplifier sharing is used to reduce the power consumption of the mixer. Fabricated in a standard 0.18‐μm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor process, the proposed receiver front end occupies an area of 780 × 660 μm2 including pads. Operating at 50 MHz, the front end consumes 1.35 mA from a 1.8‐V supply and achieves a maximum gain of 50.5 dB with a noise figure of 11.2 dB, 28.5 dB frequency modulation interference suppression at the second‐order harmonic rejection, and 53.9 dB at the third‐order harmonic rejection.
Sensitivity of filter bank SCFDMA to carrier frequency offset and its compensation using firefly algorithm
Authors: Deepak P. M. , Ali C. K. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes an efficient wireless uplink strategy named filter bank single carrier frequency division multiple access. The proposed system combines the low peak‐to‐average power ratio of precoded orthogonal frequency division multiple access with the reduced out‐of‐band emission of filter bank multicarrier scheme. We present a complete mathematical analysis of the proposed model and derive the conditions to be fulfilled by the transmit filter for perfect data recovery. We further introduce a transmit filter design to enhance the peak‐to‐average power ratio and out‐of‐band emission characteristics of the proposed system. This paper also analyzes the sensitivity of the filter bank single carrier frequency division multiple access system to carrier frequency offset (CFO) and suggests a low complexity interference compensation scheme, under the assumption of perfect knowledge of CFO at the receiver. Later on, the assumption on CFO parameter is removed, and a blind interference compensation technique based on firefly algorithm is developed. Finally, a detailed simulation study is performed to substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Glycemic variability in the development of cardiovascular complications in diabetes
Authors: Nusca Annunziata , Tuccinardi Dario , Albano Marzia , Cavallaro Camilla , Ricottini Elisabetta , Manfrini Silvia , Pozzilli Paolo , Di Sciascio Germano 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDiabetes mellitus represents a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease and other vascular complications. Glycated haemoglobin, fructosamine, and fasting blood glucose levels are partial parameters to exhaustively describe patient dysglycemic status. Thus, recently the new concept of glycemic variability has emerged, including information about two major aspects: the magnitude of blood glucose excursions (from nadir to peak, thus lower and higher spikes) and the time intervals in which these fluctuations occur. Despite the lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate definition and tools for its assessment, glycemic variability seems to have more deleterious effects than sustained hyperglycemia in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular complications. This manuscript aimed to review the most recent evidence on glycemic variability and its potential use in everyday clinical practice to identify diabetic patients at higher risk of cardiovascular complications and thus needing stricter monitoring and treatment.
Herbicides and herbivory interact to drive plant community and crop‐tree establishment
Authors: Stokely Thomas D. , Verschuyl Jake , Hagar Joan C. , Betts Matthew G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLand management practices often directly alter vegetation structure and composition, but the degree to which ecological processes such as herbivory interact with management to influence biodiversity is less well understood. We hypothesized that large herbivores compound the effects of intensive forest management on early seral plant communities and plantation establishment (i.e., tree survival and growth), and the degree of such effects is dependent on the intensity of management practices. We established 225‐m2 wild‐ungulate (deer and elk) exclosures, nested within a manipulated gradient of management intensity (no‐herbicide control, light herbicide, moderate herbicide, and intensive herbicide treatments), replicated at the scale of whole harvest units (10–19 ha). Vegetation structure, composition, and crop‐tree responses to herbivory varied across the gradient of herbicide application during the first two years of stand establishment, with herbivory effects most evident at light and moderate herbicide treatments. In the moderate herbicide treatment, which approximates management applied to >2.5 million hectares in the Pacific Northwest, United States, foraging by deer and elk resulted in simplified, low‐cover plant communities more closely resembling the intensive herbicide treatment. Herbivory further suppressed the growth of competing vegetation in the light herbicide treatment, improving crop‐tree survival, and providing early evidence of an ecosystem service. By changing community composition and vegetation structure, intensive forest management alters foraging selectivity and subsequent plant–herbivore interactions; initial shifts in early seral communities are likely to influence understory plant communities and tree growth in later stages of forest development.
Incorporation of topological defects and atomic impurities on the carbon nanotube surface: A DFT study of AD‐dimer defects
Authors: Anafcheh Maryam , Naderi Fereshteh , Zahedi Mansour 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe applied density functional calculations to investigate the 7‐5‐5‐7 defects obtained by the addition of an X2 dimer (X = B, Al, Ga, C, Si, Ge, N, P, As, O, S, and Se) to the zigzag (6, 0), (7, 0), and (8, 0) and armchair (4, 4), (5, 5), (6, 6) single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Two different orientations for X2 ad‐dimer defects were considered. According to our results, defect formation energies depend strongly on the nanotube diameter and the orientation of the defect. Moreover, it was found that defect formation energies of the X2 ad‐dimer‐defective SWCNTs depend upon the nature of X–X, being in the series of B/C/N/O (first row atoms) < Ga/Ge/As/Se (third‐row atoms) < Al/Si/P/S (second‐row atoms). X2 ad‐dimer defects reduce the HOMO‐LUMO gaps (Eg) of the zigzag (n, 0) SWCNTs by only about 1.06%‐8.53%, while decrease the Eg of the armchair (n, n) SWCNTs by about 10.03%‐42.29%, in comparison with those of perfect SWCNTs. Our results indicated that tube diameter has a very slight effect on the adsorption energy of two hydrogen atoms on the exterior sidewalls of XAD‐defective SWCNTs. Moreover, the adsorption of hydrogen atoms on the XAD‐defective armchair SWCNTs is stronger than on the XAD‐defective zigzag ones, depending strongly on the type of ad‐dimer dopants. A decreasing trend is observed for Er/H values as the absolute values of the natural charge of the X atoms increases.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anacetrapib in Black and White Healthy Subjects
Authors: Krishna Rajesh , Gheyas Ferdous , Corr Christy , Cote Josee , Liu Yang , Wagner John , Gutstein David E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAnacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor intended for the treatment of dyslipidemia. A phase 1 study was conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of multiple doses of anacetrapib in black compared to white healthy subjects. Although there was no apparent race‐related pharmacokinetic effect, attenuation of the lipid response was observed in black subjects. Specifically, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol percentage increased 18.1% (absolute percentage points) less in black subjects (89.9%) when compared to increases in white subjects (108.0%). Similarly, the decrease in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was 17.8% (absolute percentage points) less in blacks (–21.2%) relative to whites (–39.0%). In contrast, there were no apparent race‐related differences in cholesteryl ester transfer protein mass or activity. Anacetrapib was generally well tolerated in this study. The results of this study suggest that there may be race‐related differences in pharmacodynamics of anacetrapib independent of pharmacokinetics.
Combined treatment with GSNO and CAPE accelerates functional recovery via additive antioxidant activities in a mouse model of TBI
Authors: Khan Mushfiquddin , Shunmugavel Anandakumar , Dhammu Tajinder S. , Khan Hamza , Singh Inderjit , Singh Avtar K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major cause of physical disability and emotional vulnerability. Treatment of TBI is lacking due to its multimechanistic etiology, including derailed mitochondrial and cellular energy metabolism. Previous studies from our laboratory show that an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) metabolite S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) provides neuroprotection and improves neurobehavioral function via anti‐inflammatory and anti‐neurodegenerative mechanisms. To accelerate the rate and enhance the degree of recovery, we investigated combining GSNO with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a potent antioxidant compound, using a male mouse model of TBI, controlled cortical impact in mice. The combination therapy accelerated improvement of cognitive and depressive‐like behavior compared with GSNO or CAPE monotherapy. Separately, both GSNO and CAPE improved mitochondrial integrity/function and decreased oxidative damage; however, the combination therapy had greater effects on Drp1 and MnSOD. Additionally, while CAPE alone activated AMPK, this activation was heightened in combination with GSNO. CAPE treatment of normal animals also significantly increased the expression levels of pAMPK, pACC (activation of AMPK substrate ACC), and pLKB1 (activation of upstream to AMPK kinase LKB1), indicating that CAPE activates AMPK via LKB1. These results show that while GSNO and CAPE provide neuroprotection and improve functional recovery separately, the combination treatment invokes greater recovery by significantly improving mitochondrial functions and activating the AMPK enzyme. Both GSNO and CAPE are in human consumption without any known adverse effects; therefore, a combination therapy‐based multimechanistic approach is worthy of investigation in human TBI.
Left atrial appendage isolation in atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: AlTurki Ahmed , Huynh Thao , Dawas Ahmed , AlTurki Hussain , Joza Jacqueline , Healey Jeff S. , Essebag Vidal 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA significant proportion of patients’ experience recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) despite pulmonary venous isolation (PVI), especially those with persistent AF. Isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) may reduce AF recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of LAA isolation in addition to PVI compared with PVI alone. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, up to April 21st, 2017, for all studies comparing the effect LAA electrical isolation or ligation in addition to PVI, as opposed to PVI alone, on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis models to summarize the studies. One RCT and four observational studies enrolling 781 patients were retained. Four studies assessed the added effect of LAA catheter ablation, and one study evaluated the effect of LAA ligation with the aim of LAA electrical isolation. Four studies exclusively enrolled patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and one study predominantly enrolled patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Follow‐up ranged from 12 to 15 months. The addition of LAA isolation to PVI reduced AF recurrence compared with the latter alone (odds ratio (OR) = 0.19; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.10‐0.37; P < 0.00001). Left atrial appendage isolation was also associated with a reduction in AF recurrence after repeat ablation (OR = 0.40; CI = 0.25‐0.65; P = 0.0003). The addition of LAA isolation to PVI was associated with a decrease in AF recurrence in patients with persistent AF. Further studies are needed to assess the effect on long‐term risk of stroke.
Nutritional Challenges in Patients After Intestinal Autotransplantation and Ex Vivo Surgery
Authors: Ravella Shilpa , Liou Peter , Velasco Monica , Harrison Alycea , Kato Tomoaki , Martinez Mercedes 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal autotransplantation (IATx) and ex vivo resection is a novel surgical strategy to treat patients with unresectable abdominal neoplasms involving the mesenteric root. Nutritional challenges after IATx and ex vivo surgery have not been well described.MethodsEleven patients, aged 7–68 years (median, 49 years) underwent IATx and ex vivo resection at our center from 2009 to 2016. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate nutrition status, tolerance of an oral diet, and need for parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral (EN) nutrition. These factors were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.ResultsPrior to surgery, 10 of 11 patients were tolerating oral diets without need for additional PN or EN. Postoperatively, PN was initiated in all patients from 1–15 days after surgery (median, 5 days) and continued from 12–122 days (median, 32.5 days), except for of 1 patient who underwent a total enterectomy and required subsequent allotransplantation with ongoing PN. EN was initiated in 9 patients from 4–117 days after surgery (median, 17 days) and has been ongoing in 5 patients. Oral diets were initiated in all patients from 5–115 days (median, 14 days) postoperatively; at 3 months, 11 of 12 patients were tolerating oral diets.ConclusionIATx and ex vivo resection presents a unique challenge with respect to nutrition management. Patients undergoing these complex surgeries may have difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition with an oral diet alone in the immediate postoperative period and beyond and may require prolonged nutrition support.
Quantification of eight active ingredients in crude and processed radix polygoni multiflori applying miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion microextraction followed by UHPLC
Authors: Du Kun‐ze , Chen Ying , Li Jin , Tang Ge , Tian Fei , He Jun , Chang Yanxu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA rapid, efficient, and green sample preparation method has been developed to extract eight active ingredients (gallic acid, catechins, epicatechin, polydatin, 2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, resveratrol, emodin, and physcion) in radix polygoni multiflori by miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion microextraction. Simple and sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet detection has been applied to analyze the multiple compounds. The best results were obtained by adding 25 mg sample into 25 mg adsorbent and grinding for 2 min with disorganized silica as adsorbent and 1 mL 150 mM 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide as a green eluting solvent. Good linearity (r2 > 0.998) for each analyte was obtained by this method. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision (RSD) were both below 5.31%, and the recoveries of the analytes ranged from 93.3 to 100.0%. This simple miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion microextraction method for analyzing the compounds in radix polygoni multiflori needs a short time and requires little sample and reagent. Thus, this method is far more eco‐friendly and efficient than traditional extraction methods (reflux and ultrasound‐assisted extraction). The present investigation provided a promising method for the fast preparation and discrimination of chemical differences in crude and processed radix polygoni multiflori.
The Indirect Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms on Current Alcohol Use Through Negative Cognitions in Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Banerjee Nikhil , Ironson Gail , Fitch Calvin , Boroughs Michael S. , Safren Steven A. , Powell Alexis , O'Cleirigh Conall 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSelf‐medication theory posits that some trauma survivors use alcohol to cope with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but the role of negative posttraumatic cognitions in this relationship is not well defined. We examined associations among PTSD symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions, and alcohol intoxication frequency in 290 men who have sex with men (MSM), who reported a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Using a bootstrap approach, we examined the indirect effects of PTSD symptoms on alcohol intoxication frequency through posttraumatic cognitions regarding the self, world, and self‐blame. In separate regression models, higher levels of PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic cognitions were each associated with more frequent intoxication, accounting for 2.6% and 5.2% of the variance above demographics, respectively. When examined simultaneously, posttraumatic cognitions remained significantly correlated with intoxication frequency whereas PTSD symptoms did not. Men reporting elevated posttraumatic cognitions faced increased odds for current alcohol dependence, odds ratio (OR) = 2.19, 95% CI [1.13, 4.22], compared with men reporting low posttraumatic cognitions, independent of current PTSD diagnosis. A higher level of PTSD symptom severity was indirectly associated with more frequent alcohol intoxication through cognitions about the self and world; the indirect to total effect ratios were 0.74 and 0.35, respectively. Negative posttraumatic cognitions pertaining to individuals’ self‐perceptions and appraisals of the world as dangerous may play a role in self‐medication with alcohol among MSM with a history of CSA. Interventions targeting these cognitions may offer potential for reducing alcohol misuse in this population, with possible broader implications for HIV‐infection risk.
Right Ventricular Dissipative Energy Loss Detected by Vector Flow Mapping in Children: Characteristics of Normal Values
Authors: Chen Zhongxiu , Li Yajiao , Li Chen , Tang Hong , Wang Hui , Zhong Yue , Cai Yuyan , Rao Li 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe feasible application of vector flow mapping (VFM)–derived right ventricular (RV) energy loss (EL) is lacking. This study was designed to determine reference values of VFM–derived EL within the right ventricle and evaluate potential correlated variables.MethodsA total of 90 healthy children were enrolled. Velocity vector fields of the intra‐RV outflow tract and pulmonary trunk (OP) and RV blood flow were obtained from the parasternal short‐axis view and RV focused apical 4‐chamber view, respectively. RV‐EL and OP‐EL values during diastole and systole were calculated using VFM analysis. The potential relationships between demographic and echocardiographic parameters and the dissipative EL were also identified.ResultsMean subject age was 8.99 ± 5.35 years. The median (interquartile range) values were 8.82 (5.47–14.30) W/m for RV diastolic EL, 3.17 (2.11–5.54) W/m for RV systolic EL, 18.82 (13.93–24.92) W/m for OP diastolic EL, and 29.88 (20.62–40.78) W/m for OP systolic EL, respectively. The dissipative EL values were negatively correlated with age and RV global strain, and positively correlated with heart rate and RV Tei index. Multivariate analysis showed that age was the primary independent predictor of these 4 types of EL, while heart rate and strain were contributors of the RV diastolic EL and OP systolic EL.ConclusionsThe present study initially validated the application of vector flow mapping–derived EL analysis in right ventricle and established reference values for the future assessment of children with cardiopulmonary disease. Age, heart rate, and strain were independent variables correlated with the dissipative EL.
Does Patient Posture Affect the Ultrasound Evaluation of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Authors: Braverman Meirav , Kamisan Atan Ixora , Turel Friyan , Friedman Talia , Dietz Hans Peter 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTranslabial ultrasound (US) imaging is an emerging method for the evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Normative data to date are limited to imaging in the supine position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of posture changes on US pelvic organ mobility.MethodsThis work was a retrospective study of 175 women seen in a tertiary urogynecologic center for symptoms of lower urinary tract and pelvic floor dysfunction. All underwent a standardized interview, POP quantification prolapse assessment, and 4‐dimensional translabial US examination in supine and standing positions. Offline measurement of organ descent on the Valsalva maneuver was undertaken at a later date and was blinded against all other data.ResultsThe mean age was 58 (SD, 13.5; range, 17 to 89) years, with a mean body mass index of 29 (SD, 6.1; range, 18 to 53) kg/m2. In total, 58.9% (n = 103) presented with symptoms of prolapse. Clinically, 82.8% (n = 145) had substantial prolapse on the POP quantification assessment. On imaging, bladder, uterine, and rectal ampulla positions were significantly lower, and the hiatal area on the Valsalva maneuver was larger in the standing position (P < .03). On receiver operating characteristic statistics assessing correlations between POP symptoms and US pelvic organ descent, the area under the curve was higher in the standing position, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsMeasurements of organ descent and hiatal dimensions are generally higher in the standing position. However, they are not reflected in a stronger association between symptoms and organ descent. Hence, imaging in the standing position can be limited to those patients in whom a false‐negative assessment result is suspected.