bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Five‐Tier System for Improving the Categorization of Transplant Program Performance
Authors: Wey Andrew , Salkowski Nicholas , Kasiske Bertram L. , Israni Ajay K. , Snyder Jon J. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo better inform health care consumers by better identifying differences in transplant program performance.Data SourceAdult kidney transplants performed in the United States, January 1, 2012–June 30, 2014.Study DesignIn December 2016, the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients instituted a five‐tier system for reporting transplant program performance. We compare the differentiation of program performance and the simulated misclassification rate of the five‐tier system with the previous three‐tier system based on the 95 percent credible interval.Data CollectionScientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database.Principal FindingsThe five‐tier system improved differentiation and maintained a low misclassification rate of less than 22 percent for programs differing by two tiers.ConclusionThe five‐tier system will better inform health care consumers of transplant program performance.
Temperature‐dependent Development of Parasarcophaga similis (Meade 1876) and its Significance in Estimating Postmortem Interval
Authors: Yang Lijun , Wang Yu , Li Liangliang , Wang Jiangfeng , Wang Min , Zhang Yingna , Chu Jun , Liu Kun , Hou Yiding , Tao Luyang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFlesh flies are commonly found insects on decaying corpses that appears slightly later than blowflies, and their development patterns are significant indicators for minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation. In this study, the flesh fly Parasarcophaga similis (Meade 1876) was reared at nine constant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C to examine indicators for estimating their age. We generated three development models, including isomorphen diagram, isomegalen diagram, and thermal summation model. Larval body length at different rearing temperatures was fit into an L = a + bT + cT2 + dT3 equation with which the relationship between the larval body length (L) and the time after larviposition (T) was confirmed. The pupal stage was categorized into 13 substages according to intrapuparial morphological changes, and a detailed table was generated of the pupal developmental stages at five rearing temperatures, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C. This study provides fundamental data in supporting P. similis as an indicator for PMImin estimation.
Analysis of giant thoracic neoplasms: Correlations between imaging, pathology and surgical management
Authors: Feng Zhen , Li Meng , Liu Fang , Peng Yue , Ren Wangang , Xie Hounai , Peng Zhongmin 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundA giant thoracic neoplasm is extremely rare and poorly understood. Our systemic study introduced computed tomography angiography (CTA) with three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction imaging and evaluated correlations between imaging, pathology, and surgical management.MethodsData from 45 patients undergoing surgery for giant thoracic neoplasm in our institution between May 2007 and November 2015 were collected. The clinical characteristics, imaging manifestations, preoperative biopsy, surgical management, postoperative pathology, and prognosis and their correlation were analyzed.ResultsThe clinical characteristics, imaging manifestations, and pathological types were complicated. Four patients underwent CTA with 3D reconstruction imaging and feeding vessels were found in three cases. Twenty‐four selected patients accepted preoperative biopsy, eight of which were inconsistent with postoperative pathology. Complete resection was performed in 39 cases, 20 of which underwent extended excision. The median survival duration of all patients was 58 months (range 3.0–118.0). The one, three, and five‐year survival rates were 86.0%, 64.4%, and 47.0%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed tumor size and resection status were prognostic factors for survival (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsA giant thoracic neoplasm should preferably be treated in experienced centers for precise diagnosis and optimal therapy schemes with comprehensive consideration of clinical characters, imaging manifestations, pathology, surgical management, and prognosis. Innovative CTA with 3D reconstruction imaging together with preoperative biopsy are feasible and effective in therapeutic decision‐making and surgical planning. Complete surgical resection remains the mainstay of curative therapy for all resectable tumors.
Diets of the African Civet Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1778) in selected coffee forest habitat, south‐western Ethiopia
Authors: Habtamu Tadesse , Bekele Afework , Ahmed Raya , Gadisa Tsegaye , Birlie Belay , Tolemariam Taye , Belay Berhanu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFeeding ecology of the African civet, Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1778), was studied in selected coffee forest habitat for two seasons between December 2012 and October 2013. The study was conducted in Limu Seka district, south‐west Ethiopia. Faecal analysis was employed to assess the diet spectrum, seasonal abundance and relative importance of food items. Over 55 different food items were identified from the analysis of 387 scat samples collected during the dry and wet seasons. In the coffee forest habitat, African civets showed omnivorous feeding habit with plant‐to‐animal diet biomass ratio of 1 : 1.36. A slight diet specialization was observed during the wet season (BA = 0.46) favouring animal prey. However, during the dry season, they showed generalist feeding habit (BA = 0.87) with more plant biomass in their diet. With over 64% occurrence and 14.4% biomass, coffee berries significantly contributed to the civets dry season plant diets. The excreted coffee beans, after civets ingested ripe coffee berries, are the tastiest product used by farmers for consumption and market. Seasonal collection of civet coffee from coffee forest floor economically supports the farmers while increasing the importance of civets in the habitat and hence contributing for its conservation.
Self‐care management of type 1 diabetes has improved in Swedish schools according to children and adolescents
Authors: Bixo Ottosson Anna , Åkesson Karin , Ilvered Rosita , Forsander Gun , Särnblad Stefan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimAge‐appropriate support for diabetes self‐care is essential during school time, and we investigated the perceived quality of support children and adolescents received in 2015 and 2008.MethodsThis national study was based on questionnaires answered by children and adolescents aged 6–15 years of age with type 1 diabetes attending schools or preschools in 2008 (n = 317) and 2015 (n = 570) and separate parental questionnaires. The subjects were recruited by Swedish paediatric diabetes units, with 41/44 taking part in 2008 and 41/42 in 2015.ResultsFewer participants said they were treated differently in school because of their diabetes in 2015 than 2008. The opportunity to perform insulin boluses and glucose monitoring in privacy increased (80% versus 88%; p < 0.05). Most (83%) adolescents aged 13–15 years were satisfied with the support they received, but levels were lower in girls (p < 0.05). More subjects had hypoglycaemia during school hours (84% versus 70%, p < 0.001), but hypoglycaemia support did not increase and was lower for adolescents than younger children (p < 0.001).ConclusionChildren and adolescents received more support for type 1 diabetes in Swedish schools in 2015 than 2008, but more support is needed by girls and during hypoglycaemia.
Heteromers of μ opioid and dopamine D1 receptors modulate opioid‐induced locomotor sensitization in a dopamine‐independent manner
Authors: Tao Yi‐Min , Yu Chuan , Wang Wei‐Sheng , Hou Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Xue‐Jun , Chi Zhi‐Qiang , Ding Yu‐Qiang , Wang Yu‐Jun , Liu Jing‐Gen 
Published: June 2017

Background and PurposeExposure to opiates induces locomotor sensitization in rodents, which has been proposed to correspond to the compulsive drug‐seeking behaviour. Numerous studies have demonstrated that locomotor sensitization can occur in a dopamine transmission‐independent manner; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.Experimental ApproachCo‐immunoprecipitation, BRET and cross‐antagonism assays were used to demonstrate the existence of receptor heterodimers. Function of heterodimers was evaluated by behavioural studies of locomotor sensitization.Key ResultsThe dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 antagonized the signalling initiated by stimulation of μ opioid receptors with agonists in transfected cells expressing two receptors and in striatal tissues from wild‐type but not D1 receptor knockout (KO) mice, suggesting that SCH23390 modified μ receptor function via receptor heteromers, as the ability of an antagonist of one of the receptors to inhibit signals originated by stimulation of the partner receptor was a characteristic of receptor heteromers. The existence of μ receptor‐D1 receptor heterodimers was further supported by biochemical and biophysical assays. In vivo, when dopamine release was absent (by destruction of the dopaminergic projection from the ventral tegmental area to the striatum), SCH23390 still significantly inhibited μ receptor agonist‐induced behavioural responses in rats. Additionally, we demonstrated that D1 or μ receptor KO mice and thus unable to form μ receptor‐D1 receptor heterodimers, failed to show locomotor sensitization to morphine.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results suggest that μ receptor‐D1 receptor heterodimers may be involved in the dopamine‐independent expression of locomotor sensitization to opiates.
Increased prevalence of allergic asthma from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016—results from three population surveys
Authors: Backman Helena , Räisänen Petri , Hedman Linnea , Stridsman Caroline , Andersson Martin , Lindberg Anne , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundDuring the latter half of the 20th century, the prevalence of asthma and many other allergic diseases has increased. Information on asthma prevalence trends among adults after 2010, especially regarding studies separating allergic asthma from non‐allergic asthma, is lacking.ObjectiveThe aim was to estimate prevalence trends of current asthma among adults, both allergic and non‐allergic, from 1996 to 2016.MethodsThree cross‐sectional samples from the same area of Sweden, 20‐69 years, participated in surveys with the same questionnaire in 1996 (n=7104 participants, 85% response rate), 2006 (n=6165, 77%) and 2016 (n=5466, 53%), respectively. Allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis (ARC) was used as a marker for allergic sensitization to define allergic asthma.ResultsThe prevalence of current asthma increased from 8.4% (95% CI: 7.8‐9.0) in 1996 to 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2‐10.6) in 2006 and 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1‐11.7) in 2016 (P<.001). Allergic asthma increased from 5.0% (95% CI: 4.5‐5.5) in 1996 to 6.0% (95% CI: 5.4‐6.6) in 2006 and further to 7.3% (95% CI: 6.6‐8.0) in 2016 (P<.001), while the prevalence of non‐allergic asthma remained stable around 3.4%‐3.8%. The increase in current asthma was most pronounced among women and among the middle‐aged. Physician‐diagnosed asthma, asthma medication use and ARC also increased significantly, while the prevalence of symptoms common in asthma such as wheeze and attacks of shortness of breath decreased slightly or was stable. The prevalence of current smoking decreased from 27.4% in 1996 to 12.3% in 2016.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe prevalence of allergic asthma increased from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016, while the prevalence of non‐allergic asthma remained on a stable prevalence level. The prevalence of symptoms common in asthma decreased slightly or was stable despite a substantial decrease in the prevalence of current smoking. Clinicians should be aware that the previously observed increase in prevalence of allergic asthma is still ongoing.
Biophysical regulation of osteotomy healing: An animal study
Authors: Wang Liao , Aghvami Maziar , Brunski John , Helms Jill 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundOsteotomies have been performed for centuries yet there remains a remarkable lack of consensus on optimal methods for cutting bone. There is universal agreement, however, that preserving cell viability is critical.PurposeTo identify mechanobiological parameters influencing bone formation after osteotomy site preparation.Materials and methodsA murine maxillary osteotomy model was used to evaluate healing. Computational modeling characterized stress and strain distributions in the osteotomy, as well as the magnitude and distribution of heat generated by drilling. The impact of osteocyte death and bone composition were assessed using molecular and cellular assays.ResultsThe phases of osteotomy healing in mice align closely with results in large animals; in addition, molecular analyses extended our understanding of osteoprogenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Computational analyses provided insights into temperature changes caused by drilling and the mechanobiological state in the healing osteotomies, while concomitant cellular assays correlate drill speed with osteocyte apoptosis and bone resorption. Even when drilling was controlled, trabeculated, spongy (Type III) bone healed faster than densely lamellar (Type I) bone because of the abundance of Wnt responsive osteoprogenitor cells in the former.ConclusionsThese data provide a mechanobiological framework for evaluating tools and technologies designed to improve osteotomy site preparation.
Cost‐Based Supplier Performance Evaluation
Authors: Monczka Robert M. , Trecha Steven J. 
Published: June 2017

Cost‐based management of the supplier base becomes increasingly important as the array of business factors that affect a firm's ability to compete expands. The purchasing function, through its integral interface with the supplier base, can institute a performance measurement system that both quantifies suppliers' performance in terms of cost and enhances the buy‐sell relationships.A cost‐based supplier performance evaluation system provides a justifiable and rational method for evaluating key supplier performance factors. The system is predicated on the recognition that material price is only a fraction of the cost of the purchased material. It identifies supplier non‐performance costs and accurately reflects the actual cost of doing business with suppliers.In this article the authors discuss the development of a cost‐based supplier performance evaluation system, based on their work with an electronics firm. The relevance of the system to purchasing and the buy‐sell relationship is presented, and the system logic is detailed. Additionally, the implementation approach is overviewed and application conclusions are drawn.
Using Vendor Capacity Planning In Supplier Evaluation
Authors: Ho Chrwan‐Jyh , Carter Phillip L. 
Published: June 2017

In recent years, manufacturing firms increasingly have adopted some type of computer‐based material requirements planning system for purposes of scheduling production and managing inventories. Such systems can have a significant influence on the modification of a firm's purchasing philosophy—and subsequently on the development of its purchasing strategies.In the context of this changing environment, this article discusses the vendor capacity planning concept and its potential use in the evaluation of supplier performance. The authors propose the development of several system refinements that facilitate its use in supplier evaluation, providing additional dimensions of performance that can be used to monitor supplier activity over time. The proposed application takes advantage of significant information that can be developed in a vendor capacity planning system to enhance long‐range purchasing effectiveness.
Organizational Relationships in Purchasing
Authors: Fearon Harold E. 
Published: June 2017

This article reports the results of a major purchasing organization research study conducted in 1987 under the auspices of the Center For Advanced Purchasing Studies. The research involved the purchasing departments of 297 large U.S. organizations, primarily from the manufacturing sector.The article focuses on results produced by the study in nine key areas: (1) departmental size and composition, (2) the degrees of centralization and decentralization employed, (3) hierarchical reporting relationships, (4) the specific operating units that report to Purchasing, (5) the most recent additions to Purchasing's organizational structure, (6) the most recent additions to Purchasing's operating responsibilities, (7) the extent to which the materials management concept is utilized, (8) functions typically included in the materials management organization, and (9) the title of the chief purchasing officer.The findings are compared with those of several earlier studies. And the author discusses the implications of the results for management of the purchasing function during the next decade. Generally speaking, the study indicates that the purchasing function has become broader in scope and responsibility, and concludes that the chief purchasing officer needs to have a more varied background with a wider range of experience to cope with the evolving increased job requirements.
Value of Supplier Information in the Decision Proces
Authors: Monczka Robert M. , Nichols Ernest L. , Callahan Thomas J. 
Published: June 2017

A critical factor in making purchasing decisions is a firm's ability to obtain supplier information of value to key sourcing decisions. This article presents the results of a research project which extends the earlier research conducted by Monczka, Giunipero, and Reck. The objective was to identify the types of information purchasing professionals utilize in making sourcing decisions, to determine the value they attach to different types of information categories, and to identify significant differences in perceived information value attributable to the type of purchase, size of the buying firm, and position level.The results of this study indicate that there are differences in the perceived value of different types of information across purchase categories. Additionally, based on a comparison with the earlier research, the relative value purchasers place on different types of supplier information has changed significantly over time. These results and their managerial implications are discussed in the article.
Offshore Sourcing: Its Nature and Scope
Authors: Frear Carl R. , Metcalf Lynn E. , Alguire Mary S. 
Published: June 2017

Operating in an increasingly interconnected world, leading companies perceive competition as global and are moving to implement an integrated strategy worldwide. Global competitors are learning to develop and manufacture products that can be introduced and marketed simultaneously in many countries. In doing so, they are sourcing technology, materials, and components from sites and suppliers located throughout the world.Evidence that the thinking of many key managers has shifted from local to worldwide concerning the sourcing of requirements is not difficult to come by. Many feel that if a company expects to compete on a global scale, international sourcing must be part of its strategy. Although some companies have established numerous relationships with foreign suppliers and spend truly significant amounts overseas, the sights of many U.S. firms remain closer to home. Relatively modest foreign purchases are currently more typical.The principal motivation underlying this study was to ascertain the extent to which offshore procurement is being practiced by a cross‐section of U.S. firms. The research reported is based on a survey of 135 international purchasing managers and presents new information about the nature and scope of foreign buying.The results of the study provide evidence that a cross‐section of U.S. industry, comprising large and small firms alike, considers international sourcing to be an important element of competitive strategy. Likewise, purchasing from foreign suppliers to achieve lower costs is an effective competitive action.In view of the evidence of continued growth in offshore sourcing and its importance to the competitive strategies of a broad spectrum of U.S. firms, buyers with offshore purchasing responsibilities must incorporate a global perspective in the execution of their purchasing tasks.
Effects of ammonia concentration on the formation of CdS fabricated via microwave‐assisted chemical bath deposition
Authors: Liu Heng‐Yu , Som Sudipta , Sung Jen‐Cheng , Ou Chang‐Ying , Yang Che‐Yuan , Lu Chung‐Hsin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe microwave‐assisted chemical bath deposition (MACBD) process was successfully developed in this study for the preparation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) films as the buffer layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells. The MACBD process reduces the reaction time to just 8 min. During the MACBD process, increasing the concentration of NH4OH in the solution effectively reduced the thickness of the films as well as the particle sizes of in CdS films. At high NH4OH concentrations, the heterogeneous nucleation of CdS dominated, and the formation of films was controlled via the ion‐by‐ion growth mechanism. Increasing the concentration of NH4OH from 1 to 2.5 M significantly increased the conversion efficiency of the fabricated CIGS solar cells from 7.15% to 9.12%. The increase in the efficiency was attributed to an increase in the absorption of incident light and the enhancement of the carrier collection due to a reduction in the thickness of the prepared CdS films. According to diode analysis, the improvement in the diode ideality factor and leakage current was owing to the uniform coverage of CdS films and a reduction in series resistance associated with a decrease in the thickness of CdS films. When the concentration of ammonia was further increased to 3 M, incomplete coverage of CdS films on CIGS layers resulted in the formation of shunt paths and degraded the cell performance. This study demonstrated that CdS films prepared using the MACBD process with the optimum concentration of ammonia effectively improved the photovoltaic performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.
Sintering behavior of calcium lanthanum sulfide ceramics in field‐assisted consolidation
Authors: Li Yiyu , Wu Yiquan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this study, calcium lanthanum sulfide (CaLa2S4, CLS) ceramics with the cubic thorium phosphate structure were sintered at different temperatures by field‐assisted sintering technique (FAST). Densification behavior and grain growth kinetics were studied through densification curves and microstructural characterizations. It was determined that the densification in the 850°C‐950°C temperature range was controlled by a mixture of lattice or grain‐boundary diffusion, and grain‐boundary sliding. It was revealed that grain‐boundary diffusion was the main mechanism controlling the grain growth between 950°C and 1100°C. The infrared (IR) transmittance of the FAST‐sintered CLS ceramics was measured and observed to reach a maximum of 48.1% at 9.2 μm in ceramic sintered at 1000°C. In addition, it was observed that the hardness of the CLS ceramics first increased with increasing temperature due to densification, and then decreased due to a decrease in dislocations associated with grain growth.