bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program: Needs, Establishment, and Goals of a Water Census
Authors: Michelsen Ari M. , Jones Sonya , Evenson Eric , Blodgett David 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMany reports have recognized the need for a national water census for the United States and have called upon the U.S. Geological Survey to undertake this challenge. For example, the National Science and Technology Council stated: “The United States has a strong need for an ongoing census of water that describes the status of our Nation's water resource at any point in time and identifies trends over time.” Responding to the need for this information, the U.S. Congress established the SECURE Water Act. The directives are to provide a more accurate assessment of the status of the water resources of the United States; determine the quantity of water available for beneficial uses; identify long‐term trends in water availability; assist in determination of the quality of the water resources; and develop the basis for an improved ability to forecast the availability of water for future economic, energy production, and environmental uses. This article provides summary and new information on the process and progress on work to estimate water budget components nationwide, involvement of stakeholder interests, efforts to examine water‐use characteristics throughout the Nation, studies of water availability in geographically focused areas and the initiation of methods to provide open access to existing and new water resources information contributing to Open Water Data Initiative (OWDI) efforts and objectives.
Transfer Pricing: Strategies, Practices, and Tax Minimization
Authors: Klassen Kenneth J. , Lisowsky Petro , Mescall Devan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUsing a survey of tax executives from multinational corporations, we document that some firms set their transfer pricing strategy to minimize tax payments, but more firms focus on tax compliance. We estimate that a firm focusing on minimizing taxes has a GAAP effective tax rate that is 6.6 percentage points lower and generates about $43 million more in tax savings, on average, than a firm focusing on tax compliance. Available COMPUSTAT data on sample firms confirm our survey‐based inferences. We also find that transfer pricing‐related tax savings are greater when higher foreign income, tax haven use, and R&D activities are combined with a tax minimization strategy. Finally, compliance‐focused firms report lower FIN 48 tax reserves than tax‐minimizing firms, consistent with the former group using less uncertain transfer pricing arrangements. Collectively, our study provides direct evidence that multinational firms have differing internal priorities for transfer pricing, and that these differences are strongly related to the taxes reported by these firms.
Spatial and temporal patterns of home range use by olive baboons (Papio anubis) in eastern Laikipia, Kenya
Authors: Musyoki Charles M. , Strum Shirley C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe study investigated the relationship between topography, seasonal food availability and home range use by a troop of olive baboons (Papio anubis) in a dry savannah environment. Valleys were the most utilized parts of the home range in dry seasons while old boma sites were more frequently used in the wet season. Herb‐layer food biomass decreased significantly in dry seasons. The flowers of both Acacia tortilis and Acacia etbaica were available only in dry seasons with valleys having the highest biomass. The biomass of Acacia nilotica seeds was higher in valleys than on other locations. Leaves of the shrub Lycium europaeum were available on all locations in the wet season but valleys had the highest biomass of this food type. Herb‐layer baboon food biomass at ridge tops, slopes, valleys and old boma sites showed similar trends in productivity between seasons. Baboons tracked food along the soil catenas by feeding at ridge tops and old boma sites where foods were available during the wet season and exploiting food sources at the valleys during the dry seasons. Food availability was related to the catena effect and baboons used the catenas in the home range in a predictable manner.
Trial of labor after myomectomy and uterine rupture: a systematic review
Authors: Gambacorti‐Passerini Zita , Gimovsky Alexis C. , Locatelli Anna , Berghella Vincenzo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionThere is concern about the risk of uterine rupture in the subsequent pregnancy after myomectomy. This risk is reported in literature to be around 0.7–1%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of uterine rupture and associated risk factors in women who had a trial of labor after prior myomectomy.Material and methodsA systematic review of the literature was performed including all cohort studies with at least five cases reporting outcomes of pregnancies after prior myomectomy. The terms “myomectomy”, “pregnancy”, “trial of labor” and “uterine rupture” were used in PubMed and EMBASE searches for identification purposes. Every reference was reviewed for possible inclusion and all eligible cases of uterine rupture were considered.ResultsTwenty‐three studies with at least five cases of pregnancy after myomectomy were identified, with an overall incidence of uterine rupture of 0.6% (0.3–1.1%) (n = 11/1825). Of these 23 studies, 11 studies reported detailed data about trial of labor after myomectomy and related pregnancy outcomes, including 1034 pregnancies and 756 viable (≥24 weeks) deliveries. The overall incidence of uterine rupture after myomectomy in the included studies was 0.93% (0.45–1.92%) (n = 7/756); specifically, it was 0.47% (0.13–1.70%) (n = 2/426) in women undergoing trial of labor after myomectomy, and 1.52% (0.65–3.51%) (n = 5/330) in women before the onset of labor. Of the seven uterine ruptures, five (71%) occurred within 36 weeks (range 24–40 weeks).ConclusionsTrial of labor after myomectomy is associated with a 0.47% risk of uterine rupture. There were no identified risk factors among the variables studied. The present systematic review of the literature revealed that uterine rupture after prior myomectomy occurred mainly before 36 weeks and before labor.
Placental Growth Factor Triggers Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition‐like Changes in Rat Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells: Activation of Nuclear Factor κB Signalling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhao Shuang , Yuan Lijie , Wu Hongmin , Jiang Hong , Luo Gang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEpithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs frequently in lung epithelium in response to damage stimuli, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Our group has already found an excessive release of placental growth factor (PLGF) in hyperoxic lung injury in newborn rodents. Nonetheless, whether this increased PLGF plays a role in mediating EMT process of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is unclear and requires further investigation. In this study, primary type II AECs were first isolated for neonatal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and treated with different doses (25 or 100 ng/ml) of recombinant PLGF for 48 hr. As compared to the untreated AECs, exogenous PLGF induced a reduction in E‐cadherin (a critical epithelial maker) and increases in vimentin and fibronectin (mesenchymal markers) in a dose‐dependent manner. The higher dose was more potent in promoting the EMT‐like changes in AECs. We also found that PLGF promoted the degradation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) inhibitor (IκBα), induced phosphorylation of NFκB p65 at Ser 536 and enhanced p65 nuclear translocation in primary AECs. In addition, the NFκB inhibitor BAY 11‐7082 partly counteracted PLGF‐induced alterations in EMT‐related proteins in rat AECs. In summary, our study demonstrates that exogenous PLGF can induce EMT‐like changes in type II AECs at least partly by activating NFκB signalling transduction in vitro. PLGF may play a role in driving fibrotic lesions and thus can be a promising target for lung diseases.
Interactive print: The design of cognitive tasks in blended augmented reality and print documents
Authors: Nadolny Larysa 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe combination of print materials and augmented reality in education is increasingly accessible due to advances in mobile technologies. Using familiar paper‐based activities overlaid with digital items, also known as interactive print, educators can create a custom learning experience for students. There is very little guidance on the design of interactive print activities, particularly methods used to structure the appropriate levels of cognitive load for engagement with content. This study examined over 13 000 data points in two different interactive print activities for trends and patterns in user engagement. The results showed that the instructional design, number of digital interactions and pedagogical strategies influenced user interactions within the activity. In particular, a page designed with immersion, instant feedback, a focused task and high level cognitive tasks engaged users to interact with the digital content.
Influences of an inquiry‐based ubiquitous gaming design on students’ learning achievements, motivation, behavioral patterns, and tendency towards critical thinking and problem solving
Authors: Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Chen Chih‐Hung 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this paper, an inquiry‐based ubiquitous gaming approach was proposed. The objective of the study was to enhance students’ performances in in‐field learning activities. To show the advantages of the approach, an experiment was carried out to assess the effects of it on students’ learning achievement, motivation, critical thinking, and problem solving. Furthermore, the students’ behavioral patterns were investigated via content and sequential analysis methods. The experimental outcomes show that the approach promoted students’ performances of learning achievement and intrinsic motivation; moreover, the students’ perceptions of their problem solving and critical thinking were significantly promoted as well. The learning behavior analysis further show that the designated approach stimulated the participants to actively engage in field observation, comparison, and data searching in the context ware in‐field learning activity.
Magnetic resonance microscopy may enable distinction between normal histomorphological features and prostate cancer in the resected prostate gland
Authors: Durand Matthieu , Jain Manu , Robinson Brian , Aronowitz Eric , El Douahy Youssef , Leung Robert , Scherr Douglas S. , Ng Amelia , Donzeau Dominique , Amiel Jean , Spincemaille Pascal , Villers Arnauld , Ballon Douglas J. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo determine imaging protocol parameters for characterization of prostate tissue at histological length scales.Material and MethodsRapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement, spin echo and gradient echo fast low angle shot data were acquired using ex vivo 3‐Tesla or 7‐Tesla magnetic field strengths from fresh prostatectomy specimens (n = 15) obtained from either organ donor or patients with prostate cancer (PCa). To achieve the closest correspondence between histopathological components and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, in terms of resolution and sectioning planes, multiple high‐resolution imaging protocols (ranging from a few minutes to overnight) were tested. Ductograms were generated as part of image post‐processing. Specimens were subsequently submitted for histopathological evaluation.ResultsA total of seven imaging protocols were tested. Ex vivo 7‐Tesla MRI identified normal components of prostate glands, including ducts, blood vessels, concretions and stroma at a spatial resolution of 60 × 60 × 60 μm3 to 107 × 107 × 500 μm3. Malignant glands and nests of tumour cells identified at 60 × 60 × 90 μm3 were highly similar to low‐magnification (×2) histopathology. Ductograms enhanced the differentiation between benign and malignant glands. The results of the present study were encouraging, and further work is warranted with a larger sample size.ConclusionWe showed that critical histopathological features of the prostate gland can be identified with high‐resolution ex vivo MRI examination and this offers promise that MRI microscopy of PCa will ultimately be possible in vivo.
A phenology of the evolution of endothermy in birds and mammals
Authors: Lovegrove Barry G. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTRecent palaeontological data and novel physiological hypotheses now allow a timescaled reconstruction of the evolution of endothermy in birds and mammals. A three‐phase iterative model describing how endothermy evolved from Permian ectothermic ancestors is presented. In Phase One I propose that the elevation of endothermy – increased metabolism and body temperature (Tb) – complemented large‐body‐size homeothermy during the Permian and Triassic in response to the fitness benefits of enhanced embryo development (parental care) and the activity demands of conquering dry land. I propose that Phase Two commenced in the Late Triassic and Jurassic and was marked by extreme body‐size miniaturization, the evolution of enhanced body insulation (fur and feathers), increased brain size, thermoregulatory control, and increased ecomorphological diversity. I suggest that Phase Three occurred during the Cretaceous and Cenozoic and involved endothermic pulses associated with the evolution of muscle‐powered flapping flight in birds, terrestrial cursoriality in mammals, and climate adaptation in response to Late Cenozoic cooling in both birds and mammals. Although the triphasic model argues for an iterative evolution of endothermy in pulses throughout the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, it is also argued that endothermy was potentially abandoned at any time that a bird or mammal did not rely upon its thermal benefits for parental care or breeding success. The abandonment would have taken the form of either hibernation or daily torpor as observed in extant endotherms. Thus torpor and hibernation are argued to be as ancient as the origins of endothermy itself, a plesiomorphic characteristic observed today in many small birds and mammals.
The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio predicts major perioperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: Josse J. M. , Cleghorn M. C. , Ramji K. M. , Jiang H. , Elnahas A. , Jackson T. D. , Okrainec A. , Quereshy F. A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimThe objective of the study was to evaluate the association between the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the occurrence of perioperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.MethodA retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent resection for suspected or confirmed colorectal cancer from 2004 to 2012. Patient cohorts with a high vs low NLR were defined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine whether patients with elevated NLR were more likely to suffer perioperative complications.ResultsIn all, 583 patients were included. A preoperative NLR greater than or equal to 2.3 was significantly associated with a major perioperative complication (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.26–5.01). On multivariate analysis, a high NLR (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.12–4.52) and Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 3 (OR 4.55, 95% CI 2.17–9.56) were significantly related to major morbidity. No relationships were found between an elevated preoperative NLR and complication type, although there was a trend towards the occurrence of anastomotic leakage.ConclusionPreoperative NLR ≥ 2.3 may be a risk factor for major surgical complications following colorectal resection. Further study is needed to validate this threshold and evaluate the clinical implications of these findings.
Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery in obese patients
Authors: Gorgun E. , Ozben V. , Costedio M. , Stocchi L. , Kalady M. , Remzi F. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimObesity adds to the technical difficulty of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The robotic approach has the potential to overcome this limitation because of its proposed technical advantages over laparoscopy. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the short‐term outcomes of robotic surgery (RS) vs conventional laparoscopy surgery (LS) in this patient population.MethodPatients with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 undergoing RS or LS for rectal cancer between January 2011 and June 2014 were identified from an institutional database. Perioperative parameters, oncological findings and postoperative 30‐day short‐term outcomes were compared between the RS and LS groups.ResultsThe RS and LS groups included 29 and 27 patients, respectively. Groups were comparable in terms of patient demographics, body mass index (34.9 ± 7.2 vs 35.2 ± 5.0 kg/m2, P = 0.71), comorbidities, surgical and tumour characteristics. Comparison of the intra‐operative findings revealed no significant differences between the groups including operative time (329.0 ± 102.2 vs 294.6 ± 81.1 min, P = 0.13), blood loss (434.0 ± 612.4 vs 339.4 ± 271.9 ml, P = 0.68), resection margin involvement (6.9% vs 7.4%, P = 0.99), conversions (3.4% vs 18.5%, P = 0.09) and complications (6.9% vs 0%, P = 0.49). Regarding postoperative outcomes, there were no significant differences in morbidity except that robotic surgery was associated with a quicker return of bowel function (median 3 vs 4 days, P = 0.01) and shorter hospital stay (median 6 vs 7 days, P = 0.02).ConclusionRobotic surgery for rectal cancer in obese patients has short‐term outcomes similar to laparoscopy, but accelerated postoperative recovery.
Epileptic networks are strongly connected with and without the effects of interictal discharges
Authors: Iannotti Giannina R. , Grouiller Frédéric , Centeno Maria , Carmichael David W. , Abela Eugenio , Wiest Roland , Korff Christian , Seeck Margitta , Michel Christoph , Pittau Francesca , Vulliemoz Serge 
Published: May 2016

SummaryObjectiveEpilepsy is increasingly considered as the dysfunction of a pathologic neuronal network (epileptic network) rather than a single focal source. We aimed to assess the interactions between the regions that comprise the epileptic network and to investigate their dependence on the occurrence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs).MethodsWe analyzed resting state simultaneous electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) recordings in 10 patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy with multifocal IED‐related blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) responses and a maximum t‐value in the IED field. We computed functional connectivity (FC) maps of the epileptic network using two types of seed: (1) a 10‐mm diameter sphere centered in the global maximum of IED‐related BOLD map, and (2) the independent component with highest correlation to the IED‐related BOLD map, named epileptic component. For both approaches, we compared FC maps before and after regressing out the effect of IEDs in terms of maximum and mean t‐values and percentage of map overlap.ResultsMaximum and mean FC maps t‐values were significantly lower after regressing out IEDs at the group level (p < 0.01). Overlap extent was 85% ± 12% and 87% ± 12% when the seed was the 10‐mm diameter sphere and the epileptic component, respectively.SignificanceRegions involved in a specific epileptic network show coherent BOLD fluctuations independent of scalp EEG IEDs. FC topography and strength is largely preserved by removing the IED effect. This could represent a signature of a sustained pathologic network with contribution from epileptic activity invisible to the scalp EEG.
Changes of porcine pancreas α‐amylase in activity and secondary conformations under inhibition of tea polyphenols
Authors: Liu Shumin , Ou Shiyi , Huang Huihua 
Published: May 2016

SummaryTo investigate two‐sided functions of tea polyphenols (TP) in antinutrition and energy balance modulation, TP were extracted from Chinese green tea and used to complex porcine pancreas α‐amylase (PPA). Changes of PPA in activity and secondary conformations were analysed. Porcine pancreas α‐amylase was found sensitive to TP treatment. Tea polyphenols exhibited IC50 at 0.41 mg mL−1 against PPA and maximum inhibitory rate (98.17%) at 3.0 mg mL−1. Tea polyphenols inhibition was concluded as noncompetitive pattern based on its unchanged Km value (0.98 mg mL−1) for soluble starch substrate. Tea polyphenols inhibition arose from pH 1.5 to 10.14, covering gastric and intestinal environments inside body. Circular dichroism spectra analysis revealed regular changes of PPA in secondary conformations (increased proportions of α‐helix and β‐sheet) prior to its inactivation at low TP concentrations. Tea polyphenols‐inhibited PPA had distinct double‐negative peaks at 204 nm and 208 nm. Porcine pancreas α‐amylase was inactivated by TP in ways of complexation and modification of secondary conformations.
A Digital Approach to Improved Overdentures for the Adolescent Oligodontia Patient
Authors: Cooper Lyndon F. , Culp Lee , Luedin Nicole 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe use of overdentures for treatment of oligodontia in adolescent patients using conventional techniques has described limitations. The aim of the case report is to demonstrate the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) technology to produce an esthetic monolithic polymethylmethacrylate prosthesis that is retentive and stable on insertion.Clinical ConsiderationsAdolescent oligodontia patients are typically not suitable candidates for dental implant therapy. Overdentures provide interim or definitive restorative advantages. Given the important esthetic, psychological, and social functions of the prosthesis, an important therapeutic goal for the overdenture prosthesis is esthetics. A CAD‐CAM approach to overdenture manufacture can provide a highly esthetic, strong, and retentive prosthesis.ConclusionsCAD‐CAM manufacture of monolithic acrylic overdentures offer several advantages that include (1) improved planning and clinical communication, (2) high fidelity manufacture, (3) improved flexural strength, impact strength, and porosity, (4) improved prosthesis integrity and durability (due to the monolithic design), (5) CNC control of occlusal contacts, (6) high esthetic potential due to quality of bulk material and iterative design, and (7) archival nature of the digital prosthesis. CAD‐CAM manufacture of monolithic overdentures is a viable approach to completing high value esthetic management of the adolescent oligodontia patient.Clinical SignificanceThis case report identifies a new way to utilize CAD CAM technology to produce an improved overdenture for the oligodontia patient. It will be of interest to many and underscores the fundamental principles of smile design transfer to the digital environment. (J Esthet Restor Dent, 2016)