bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brexit: How Will UK Agriculture Fare?
Authors: Hubbard Carmen , Davis John , Feng Siyi , Harvey David , Liddon Anne , Moxey Andrew , Ojo Mercy , Patton Myles , Philippidis George , Scott Charles , Shrestha Shailesh , Wallace Michael 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThere is little doubt that Brexit would have significant implications for UK agriculture, a sector with strong trade links to the EU and strong reliance on CAP income support. This article reports preliminary results from employing a Computable General Equilibrium Model, a Partial Equilibrium Model and Farm Level Models to explore selected trade and domestic policy scenarios post‐Brexit. These allow for the estimation of changes in producer prices, production and farm incomes against a baseline scenario of continued EU membership. Under a Free Trade Agreement with the EU, agricultural impacts are relatively modest. By contrast, unilateral removal of import tariffs has significant negative impacts on prices, production and incomes. Adoption of the EU's WTO tariff schedule for all imports favours net importers (e.g. dairy) and harms net exporters (e.g. sheep). Given the strong dependence of most UK farms on direct payments, their removal worsens negative impacts of new trade arrangements and offsets positive impacts. Impacts vary across different types and sizes of farm, but also regionally. However, the period of adjustment to new trade and domestic policy conditions may prove very challenging for a large number of farm businesses.
Biological Connectivity of Seasonally Ponded Wetlands across Spatial and Temporal Scales
Authors: Smith L.L. , Subalusky A.L. , Atkinson C.L. , Earl J.E. , Mushet D.M. , Scott D.E. , Lance S.L. , Johnson S.A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMany species that inhabit seasonally ponded wetlands also rely on surrounding upland habitats and nearby aquatic ecosystems for resources to support life stages and to maintain viable populations. Understanding biological connectivity among these habitats is critical to ensure that landscapes are protected at appropriate scales to conserve species and ecosystem function. Biological connectivity occurs across a range of spatial and temporal scales. For example, at annual time scales many organisms move between seasonal wetlands and adjacent terrestrial habitats as they undergo life‐stage transitions; at generational time scales, individuals may disperse among nearby wetlands; and at multigenerational scales, there can be gene flow across large portions of a species’ range. The scale of biological connectivity may also vary among species. Larger bodied or more vagile species can connect a matrix of seasonally ponded wetlands, streams, lakes, and surrounding terrestrial habitats on a seasonal or annual basis. Measuring biological connectivity at different spatial and temporal scales remains a challenge. Here we review environmental and biological factors that drive biological connectivity, discuss implications of biological connectivity for animal populations and ecosystem processes, and provide examples illustrating the range of spatial and temporal scales across which biological connectivity occurs in seasonal wetlands.
China's Expanding Security Involvement in Africa: A Pillar for ‘China–Africa Community of Common Destiny’
Authors: Yu Lei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChina has been committed to creating an ‘all weather’ relationship with Africa particularly since the new century by persistently expanding its economic, political and, more recently, security involvement in Africa. China's intensified peacekeeping efforts in Africa reveals not only China's desire for maintaining the regional peace and stability for its economic cooperation and trade with Africa, but also China's strategic intention of creating its own sphere of influence in the forms of Sino‐African ‘Community of Common Destiny’. In so doing, China wishes to cement its relations with Africa that it identifies, together with those with other developing nations, as the ‘basis of China's international relations’ and provide itself with a safe access to African markets, resources and investment destinations in order to sustain its economic growth that bases its long cherished dream of restoring its past glory of ‘Fuqiang’ (wealth and power) and rise in the global power hierarchy.
Auditing Complex Estimates: How Do Construal Level and Evidence Formatting Impact Auditors' Consideration of Inconsistent Evidence?
Authors: Backof Ann G. , Carpenter Tina D. , Thayer Jane 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTThe Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is concerned about auditors' tendency to ignore relevant information that is inconsistent with management's assumptions underlying complex estimates. We find that priming auditors to consider how management arrived at a particular assumption helps curb aggressive reporting by encouraging auditors to engage in low‐level, concrete thinking regarding the direct evidence underlying the assumption. Low‐level, concrete thinking enhances auditors' sensitivity to relevant contradictory evidence. We also find that auditors reviewing graphical (versus textual) evidence are more skeptical of aggressive assumptions underlying a complex estimate. Evidence suggests that this is because graphs provide a better cognitive fit for tasks requiring comparisons and associations among data points. Our study is important to practitioners, regulators, and researchers as it sheds light on how a simple prime and the presentation format of audit evidence influence auditors' professional skepticism in this area. Additionally, it supports audit firms' initiatives to transform data to more visual formats by highlighting a context in which graphs improve auditors' judgments. Finally, we provide evidence as to how different primes affect auditors' evaluation of evidence, which can be useful in designing more effective audit plans.
How dependent is the alcohol industry on heavy drinking in England?
Authors: Bhattacharya Aveek , Angus Colin , Pryce Robert , Holmes John , Brennan Alan , Meier Petra S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimsTo understand the extent of the alcohol industry's financial dependence on drinking above government low‐risk guidelines in England.DesignScenario modelling using descriptive analyses of pooled data from the 2013 and 2014 waves of two nationally representative surveys: the Health Survey for England (HSE) and the Living Costs and Food Survey (LCF). We estimated the proportion of alcohol sales revenue accounted for by drinkers above guideline levels, and how this varies between different beverage and retailer types. We then estimated the impact on sales revenue if the entire population reduced their drinking to within guideline levels, as well as the average price increases necessary to compensate for such a loss of revenue.SettingEngland.ParticipantsA total of 16 872 individual (HSE) and 9975 household (LCF) survey respondents.MeasurementsTransaction‐level estimates of volume of alcohol purchased and price paid by beverage type and trade sector.FindingsThose drinking above guideline levels are estimated to account for 68% of total alcohol sales revenue in 2013/14: 81% of off‐trade revenue and 60% of on‐trade revenue. This represents 77% of beer, 70% of cider, 66% of wine and 50% of spirits sales value. The heaviest drinking 4% of the population account for 30% of all consumption and 23% of all industry revenue. If all consumers reduced their drinking to within guideline levels, alcohol sales revenue could decline by 38% (£13 billion). To mitigate this loss, average prices paid would have to rise substantially—for example, by £2.64 for a pint of on‐trade beer or £12.25 for a 70 cl bottle of off‐trade spirits.ConclusionsIn England, the alcohol industry appears to be highly financially dependent upon heavy drinking, and might face significant financial losses were consumers to drink within guideline levels.
Transvaginal and transperineal ultrasound follow‐up after laparoscopic correction of uterine retrodisplacement in women with posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Seracchioli Renato , Raimondo Diego , Del Forno Simona , Leonardi Deborah , De Meis Lucia , Martelli Valentina , Arena Alessandro , Paradisi Roberto , Mabrouk Mohamed 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundRetrodisplacement of the uterus (retroflexion and/or retroversion) may be associated with pelvic pain symptoms and posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Previous studies in symptomatic women with retrodisplacement of the uterus showed the efficacy of hysteropexy in terms of pain symptoms improvement.AimTo evaluate sonographic, clinical and surgical outcomes of a hysteropexy techniqueMaterials and MethodsLaparoscopic round ligament plication and tilting of the uterine fundus in women with uterine retrodisplacement and posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis was performed. Forty‐two symptomatic women were enrolled and the sonographic data of each (angle of uterine version and uterine flexion, uterine mobility) was assessed before and after surgery with transvaginal and transperineal approaches. Women were also evaluated at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery for pain symptoms with a numerical rating scale (dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain), intraoperative data and surgical complications.ResultsThe additional mean operative time of hysteropexy procedure was 8 ± 3 min. At early follow‐up both the uterine angles were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced. At 12‐month follow‐up, seven patients (16.7%) presented a retroverted uterus, while 12 (28.6%) presented a retroflexed uterus; the sliding sign remained negative in four patients (9.5%). A significant improvement of symptoms (P < 0.001) was observed during the follow‐up.ConclusionLaparoscopic hysteropexy appears as an effective additional surgical procedure, which can temporarily correct the uterine position in order to reduce the risk of postoperative adhesions.
Minimally invasive surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: state of art and future perspectives
Authors: Hu Hai‐Jie , Wu Zhen‐Ru , Jin Yan‐Wen , Ma Wen‐Jie , Yang Qin , Wang Jun‐Ke , Liu Fei , Li Fu‐Yu 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundHilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) occurs in the core section of the biliary system and has a strong tendency to broadly invade the surrounding vascular system, perineural tissue and major liver parenchyma. Thus, minimally invasive resection can only be achieved in limited cases. This article reviews the current laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques for HCCA and analyses the difficulties and limitations of the current minimally invasive surgical techniques for HCCA.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases. All studies involving minimally invasive resections of HCCA were included (up to November 2017).ResultsTwelve studies were included, of which eight concerned laparoscopic surgery of HCCA and four involved robotic surgery for HCCA. For laparoscopic surgery, most of the surgical procedures were limited to partial hepatectomy or even bile duct resection; the post‐operative morbidity rate was approximately 38.9% (range 0–100%); those with fewer complications were mostly restricted to Bismuth type I or type II carcinomas. For robotic surgery, only one study concerned caudate lobectomy of HCCA, with a reported median operative time of 703 min and post‐operative morbidity of 90%.ConclusionsMinimally invasive surgery for HCCA is restricted to highly selected cases and is deemed technically achievable in experienced hands. However, technical and instrumental improvement is needed to reduce the relevant morbidity and popularize the use of minimally invasive surgery to treat HCCA.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis without cirrhosis compared to other liver diseases
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Wentworth Brian J. , Zimmet Alex , Rinella Mary E. , Loomba Rohit , Caldwell Stephen H. , Argo Curtis K. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundGiven the lack of long‐term prospective studies, it is challenging for clinicians to make informed decisions about screening and treatment decisions regarding the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who do not have cirrhosis.AimTo characterise the pooled risk of HCC in the non‐cirrhosis population.MethodsPublished studies were identified through April 2016 in MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Citation Index, AMED and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers screened citations and extracted data. Random effect odds ratios (OR) were calculated to obtain aggregate estimates of effect size between NASH and non‐NASH groups. Between‐study variability and heterogeneity were assessed.ResultsNineteen studies with 168 571 participants were included. Eighty‐six per cent of included subjects had cirrhosis. The prevalence of HCC in non‐cirrhotic NASH was 38.0%; among other aetiologies in non‐cirrhotics, it was 14.2% (P < 0.001). Non‐cirrhotic NASH subjects were at greater odds of developing HCC than non‐cirrhotic subjects of other aetiologies (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.27‐5.35, P = 0.009). When examining all NASH subjects either with or without cirrhosis, those with NASH as the underlying liver disease did not have a significantly increased risk of HCC (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.77‐2.65, P = 0.250).ConclusionsIn non‐cirrhotic subjects, those with NASH have a higher risk of HCC compared to other aetiologies of liver disease. Further study investigating the risk factors of HCC among non‐cirrhotic NASH patients is needed.
Variable efficacy of TIPSS in the management of ectopic variceal bleeding: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Oey Rosalie C. , de Wit Koos , Moelker Adriaan , Atalik Tugce , van Delden Otto M. , Maleux Geert , Erler Nicole S. , Takkenberg R. Bart , de Man Robert A. , Nevens Frederik , van Buuren Henk R. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundEvidence for the efficacy of TIPSS in ectopic variceal bleeding (EctVB) is largely based on relatively small series.AimTo define the efficacy of TIPSS in EctVB.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients with chronic liver disease who presented with EctVB and received TIPSS in three tertiary centres in 1992‐2016.ResultsThe study included 53 patients (70% male, median age 61 years, median model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score 11). The ectopic varices were located around the insertion of stomas (40%), duodenum (23%), rectum (17%) and at other sites (20%). Three‐quarters of the patients had previously received unsuccessful medical, endoscopic or surgical therapy. The median follow‐up was 14.0 months. Following TIPSS, bleeding recurred in 12 patients: 6 of 12 (50%) with duodenal varices, 2 of 9 (22%) with rectal varices and one each with stomal (1/21), intraperitoneal (1/3), hepaticojejunostomy (1/2) and ascending colon varices (1/2). The risk factors for re‐bleeding were MELD score at TIPSS placement (HR: 1.081 per point; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.012‐1.153; P = 0.034), varices located at site other than an enterostomy (HR: 9.770; 95%CI: 1.241‐76.917; P = 0.030) and previous local therapy (HR: 5.710; 95%CI: 1.211‐26.922; P = 0.028). The estimated cumulative re‐bleeding rate was 23% at 1 year, 26% at 3 years and 32% at 5 years. Post‐TIPSS hepatic encephalopathy manifested or worsened in 16 of 53 patients (30%).ConclusionTIPSS provides long‐term control of bleeding in most cirrhotic patients with EctVB. TIPSS is particularly effective in stomal EctVB, the most frequent cause of EctVB, but might not be as effective in duodenal EctVB.
Randomised clinical trial: oral taurine supplementation versus placebo reduces muscle cramps in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Vidot Helen , Cvejic Erin , Carey Sharon , Strasser Simone Irene , McCaughan Geoffrey William , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret , Shackel Nicholas Adam 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundPainful muscle cramps occur in the majority of patients with cirrhosis impacting significantly on quality of life and sleep patterns. They are frequently unrecognised or overlooked. Current management is based on anecdotal evidence or case study reports.AimTo investigate the effect of oral taurine supplementation on frequency, duration, and intensity of muscle cramps in patients with chronic liver disease.MethodsPatients with chronic liver disease who experienced three or more muscle cramps/week were enrolled in a double‐blinded, randomised control, crossover, taurine dose‐variable study. Each participant received either taurine supplementation or placebo for 4 weeks then crossed to the alternative arm. Primary outcome data for frequency, duration, and intensity of muscle cramps was recorded by participants. Participants recorded frequency, duration, and location of muscle cramps. Biochemical parameters, including serum taurine and methionine levels, were measured at each time point. Linear mixed models were used to analyse outcomes.ResultsForty‐nine patients were enrolled in the study and 30 patients completed the protocol. Participants who were unable to complete the protocol were not included in the final analysis due to the absence of outcome data. The mean age of participants was 54.7 years and 70% were males. Oral taurine supplementation increased serum taurine levels (P < 0.001). There were no adverse side effects associated with taurine supplementation. Participants receiving 2 g taurine/d experienced a reduction in cramp frequency (seven cramps fewer/fortnight, P = 0.03), duration (89 minutes less/fortnight P = 0.03), and severity (1.4 units less on a Likert scale P < 0.004) compared to placebo.ConclusionsOral supplementation with 2 g taurine/d results in a clinically significant reduction in the frequency, duration, and intensity of muscle cramps in patients with chronic liver disease. Taurine should be considered as a safe and effective intervention in the management of muscle cramps in individuals with chronic liver disease.This study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12612000289819.
Differentiated mitochondrial function in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and human epithelial or endothelial cells in response to chemical exposure
Authors: Boncler Magdalena , Lukasiak Magdalena , Dastych Jaroslaw , Golanski Jacek , Watala Cezary 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMouse 3T3 fibroblasts are commonly used for in vitro toxicity testing; however, their sensitivity to stimuli is not well defined. To assess the sensitivity of the 3T3 cell line, the study compared the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) occurring after exposure to eight chemicals known to demonstrate pro‐apoptotic activity (glycerol, isopropanol, ethanol, paracetamol, propranolol, cobalt chloride, formaldehyde and atropine). Five cell lines were used as follows: mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, human epithelial cells (A549, Caco‐2 and HepG2) and human endothelial cells (HMEC‐1). Cell sensitivity was assessed based on the total area under and over the dose‐response curves (AUOC) in relation to baselines. The 3T3 fibroblasts had the highest AUOC values and were the most sensitive to the action of all the examined chemicals, with the exception of formaldehyde. Significant changes in MMP between the 3T3 cell line and other cells were observed after cell treatment with atropine (A549, Caco‐2 or HMEC‐1 cells vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.05), propranolol (A549 vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.01; HepG2 vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.05), cobalt chloride (A549 cells vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.01) or ethanol (HMEC‐1 vs 3T3, P < 0.05). Formaldehyde appeared the most toxic compound for Caco‐2 cells (Caco‐2 vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.05). The surface areas (AUOC) calculated for each other chemical and obtained for HepG2, Caco‐2, A549 and HMEC‐1 did not differ significantly between cell lines. We postulate that mouse 3T3 fibroblasts demonstrate significantly higher relative sensitivity to many agents with toxic potential.
The developmental basis of disease: Update on environmental exposures and animal models
Authors: Heindel Jerrold J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAt the Prenatal Programming and Toxicity (PPTox) Conference I in 2008, I presented an overview of the developmental origins of health and disease field focusing on environmental chemical exposures and disease outcomes. At that time, I noted that the field was getting off the ground with a focus on developmental exposure to a small number of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and disease outcomes across the lifespan in animal models. In this update, I note that the DOHaD field has changed significantly over the last decade. There are new windows of susceptibility including preconception, prepuberty, a focus on the mother and not just the offspring, and a significant focus on the new field of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. New disease focus areas have sprung up including obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, all with a connection to developmental exposures to EDCs. There is also a focus on the study of new EDCs, molecular mechanisms, the development of new biomarkers of exposure and disease outcomes and studies focusing on intervention and prevention studies.
Towards the successful integration of e‐learning systems in higher education in Iraq: A student perspective
Authors: Ameen Nisreen , Willis Robert , Abdullah Media Noori , Shah Mahmood 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study aims to analyse the factors that can explain the adoption and effective use of a new e‐learning system in Iraq. To achieve this, it uses a selection of factors that are present in the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, and it includes three additional factors. The study hypothesises new relationships between the selected factors. Questionnaires were distributed to 300 university students in Iraq. Partial least squares‐structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) was used to analyse the data received. The findings suggest that perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), subjective norms (SNs), information quality (IQ), system quality (SQ), technical support (TS) and self‐efficacy (SE) have significant effects on behavioural intention (BI). In turn, BI and TS have significant direct effects on the actual use (AU) of e‐learning systems. The factors age, gender and experience significantly moderated some of the relationships in the model. The research has several implications for policy makers, universities and the management of e‐learning systems.