bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shared roles of dorsal and subgenual anterior cingulate cortices in economic decisions
Authors: Azab Habiba , Hayden Benjamin Y. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTTheories of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) function generally emphasize its cognitive and regulatory functions while theories of subgenual ACC (sgACC) emphasize its emotional, limbic, and arousal-related roles. But how different are these areas when compared in the same task? We recorded neuronal responses in both regions in macaques in a task with cognitive and limbic aspects, a token gambling task. Using tokens allowed us to compare responses to wins and losses. Both regions phasically encoded several important economic variables in similar ways; these included offered values, remembered values, attended values, and obtained values, and number of current tokens. Signal-to-noise ratio in sgACC was substantially lower than in dACC, and sgACC neurons responded more strongly to losses and in anticipation of large rewards. These results highlight the common economic functions of the anterior cingulum and suggest different functional emphases between regions, rather than a strict cognitive vs. emotional division.
Fire‐induced negative nutritional outcomes for cattle when sharing habitat with native ungulates in an African savanna
Authors: Odadi Wilfred O. , Kimuyu Duncan M. , Sensenig Ryan L. , Veblen Kari E. , Riginos Corinna , Young Truman P. 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Prescribed burning is used in tropical savannas to improve habitat conditions for domestic and wild herbivores, but its effects on the ecological interactions between these herbivore guilds have never been assessed experimentally. Understanding such effects will contribute towards more informed management of both guilds in landscapes where they share habitats.

We investigated the effects of burning on the nutritional outcomes for cattle sharing habitat with wildlife in a Kenyan savanna ecosystem. We compared forage availability and cattle forage and nutrient intake rates across burned and unburned areas cattle accessed exclusively, and those they shared with medium‐sized wild ungulates, both with and without megaherbivores (elephants and giraffes). We performed these measurements in May 2013 (wet period, 2 months post‐burning) and February 2014 (dry period, 11 months post‐burning). Additionally, we monitored wildlife use of these areas.

Prescribed burning enhanced cattle nutrition, but only in areas cattle did not share with wildlife. Shared foraging with wildlife reduced cattle forage and nutrient intake rates by 37–97% in burned areas (burns), but not in unburned areas; these reductions corresponded with reduced herbage availability in the shared burns.

In May (the wet period), cattle met their nutrient intake requirements in burns, regardless of whether they were sharing these areas with wildlife. However, in February (the dry period), nutrient requirements were unmet or tended to be unmet in burns shared with wildlife; requirements were met or significantly exceeded in the unshared burns.

Experimental exclusion of megaherbivores did not moderate these effects, suggesting that they were primarily caused by medium‐sized wild ungulates which were highly attracted to burns.

Synthesis and applications. Prescribed burning produces negative nutritional outcomes for cattle when sharing habitat with wild ungulates. Because these effects could negatively influence livestock–wildlife coexistence, burning should be applied prudently in such human‐occupied savanna landscapes. Specifically, because unburned areas serve as refuge foraging areas during the dry season, interspersing burns with unburned areas could minimize fire‐driven negative interactions between cattle and wild ungulates. Conversely, burning could be used to draw wildlife away from valuable cattle foraging areas, such as those near available water.
Variations in very preterm birth rates in 30 high‐income countries: are valid international comparisons possible using routine data?
Authors: Delnord M , Hindori‐Mohangoo AD , Smith LK , Szamotulska K , Richards JL , Deb‐Rinker P , Rouleau J , Velebil P , Zile I , Sakkeus L , Gissler M , Morisaki N , Dolan SM , Kramer MR , Kramer MS , Zeitlin J ,   the Euro‐Peristat Scientific Committee
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveConcerns about differences in registration practices across countries have limited the use of routine data for international very preterm birth (VPT) rate comparisons.DesignPopulation‐based study.SettingTwenty‐seven European countries, the United States, Canada and Japan in 2010.PopulationA total of 9 376 252 singleton births.MethodWe requested aggregated gestational age data on live births, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy (TOP) before 32 weeks of gestation, and information on registration practices for these births. We compared VPT rates and assessed the impact of births at 22–23 weeks of gestation, and different criteria for inclusion of stillbirths and TOP on country rates and rankings.Main outcome measuresSingleton very preterm birth rate, defined as singleton stillbirths and live births before 32 completed weeks of gestation per 1000 total births, excluding TOP if identifiable in the data source.ResultsRates varied from 5.7 to 15.7 per 1000 total births and 4.0 to 11.9 per 1000 live births. Country registration practices were related to percentage of births at 22–23 weeks of gestation (between 1% and 23% of very preterm births) and stillbirths (between 6% and 40% of very preterm births). After excluding births at 22–23 weeks, rate variations remained high and with a few exceptions, country rankings were unchanged.ConclusionsInternational comparisons of very preterm birth rates using routine data should exclude births at 22–23 weeks of gestation and terminations of pregnancy. The persistent large rate variations after these exclusions warrant continued surveillance of VPT rates at 24 weeks and over in high‐income countries.Tweetable abstractInternational comparisons of VPT rates should exclude births at 22–23 weeks of gestation and terminations of pregnancy.
Can percutaneous cholecystostomy be a definitive treatment in the elderly?
Authors: Solaini Leonardo , Paro Barbara , Marcianò Paolo , Pennacchio Giacomo V. , Farfaglia Roberto 
Published: September 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to discuss our experience with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), analysing the outcomes and investigating the clinical factors, which might predict the future need for surgery.Patients and MethodsForty‐two patients with acute calculous cholecystitis underwent PC over a 122‐month period at a single institution. Patients' demographics, clinical features and management were retrospectively analysed.ResultsThere were 20 females (47.6 per cent) and 22 males (52.4 per cent), with a median age of 83 years (interquartile range: 75–87 years). The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was III for 7 patients and IV for 35 patients. Thirty‐one patients (71.4 per cent) had moderate cholecystitis, and 11 (26.2 per cent) had severe cholecystitis. During the index admission, six patients (14.2 per cent) required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholecystectomy was performed in three (7.2 per cent) and four patients (9.5 per cent) died due to septic shock. Nine patients were readmitted for recurrent biliary symptoms, and six of them underwent cholecystectomy. All patients who underwent cholecystostomy and ERCP did not have any recurrence and/or cholecystectomy. The Charlson Comorbidity Index score was significantly higher in patients who did not have subsequent surgery (9 vs 7, P = 0.02).ConclusionsPC can be a valuable treatment option for high‐risk patients, and a definitive treatment for the elderly with high CCI. Patients who have undergone PC and ERCP might have a lower probability to develop recurrent biliary symptoms than those who have undergone PC alone.
Novel technique in the management of large prostate and bladder stones with bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate and open cystolithotomy
Authors: Cho Chak‐Lam , Leung Clarence LH , Chan Wayne KW , Chu Ringo WH , Law In‐Chak 
Published: September 2016

AimThe surgical management of a large prostate in the presence of large or multiple bladder stones still poses a challenge to urologists. The traditional approach by open prostatic adenomectomy and cystolithotomy carries significant morbidities. However, endoscopic procedure might not be feasible to deal with both conditions in a single procedure, despite advances in surgical techniques and instrumentation. We propose a novel method to manage a large prostate together with significant bladder stone load in a single operation by a combined endoscopic and open approach.Patients and MethodsThree patients had bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (TUEP) and open cystolithotomy performed at our unit from September 2013 to January 2016. The surgical technique and perioperative outcomes are summarized in the present study.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 77.3 years. Bipolar TUEP was performed, with a mean pathological specimen weight of 114 g retrieved. All bladder stones were successfully removed by open cystolithotomy. The mean operating time was 158.3 min. Haemoglobin dropped by 2.27 g/dL on average. No transfusion was required. Bladder irrigation was stopped on postoperative day 2. All patients were weaned off the catheter successfully 5–10 days after the operation.ConclusionsBipolar TUEP and open cystolithotomy is a safe option in managing large prostate and bladder stones in a single procedure.
Is β‐cell aging involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes?
Authors: Wen Junping , Xue Ting , Huang Ying , Chen Xiaoyan , Xue Ying , Lin Wei , Zhang Lizhen , Yao Jin , Huang Huibin , Liang Jixing , Li Liantao , Lin Lixiang , Shi Lidan , Cai Liangchun , Zhu Zhuangli , Chen Gang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundβ‐Cells at different stages have different functions and capacity for proliferation, regenerative and apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there are changes in β‐cell phonotype in the development of diabetes to identify potential β‐cell targets to prevent the progression of diabetes.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on pancreatic tissues obtained from 80 patients classified into three groups: 25 with type 2 diabetes (T2D), 25 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and 30 non‐diabetics (ND). The ratio of the insulin‐positive area to pancreatic area was used as an indirect marker of β‐cell mass. Insulin‐positive duct cells and scattered β‐cells were defined as newly generated β‐cells, whereas insulin/neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), insulin/v‐maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein A (MafA) and insulin/P16 double‐positive cells were defined as immature, mature, and senescent β‐cells, respectively; Ki67 was used as a marker of cell proliferation, and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) was used as a marker of cell apoptosis. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsThere were no significant differences in β‐cell mass, the prevalence of insulin‐positive duct cells, scattered β‐cells, or insulin/Ngn3, insulin/MafA, and Insulin/Ki67 double‐positive cells among groups. The incidence of insulin/P16 double‐positive cells was significantly higher in T2D than ND. β‐Cell apoptosis was significantly higher in T2D and IFG than ND.ConclusionThe senescence and apoptosis of β‐cells may be involved in the course of diabetes.
Examining the Ethical Behavior of Ontario Chartered Accountants: A Longitudinal Review of the Disciplinary Process
Authors: Leonard Valorie M. , Bélanger Charles H. , Wardley Leslie J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe governing bodies of the Chartered Accountant (CA) profession and business schools go to great lengths to ensure accounting professionals are equipped with a skill set that meets technical, professional, ethical, and other general requirements. In spite of a strict code of ethics, violations of the professional conduct rules leading to disciplinary action are a reality. Using the total CA membership (N = 36,465) of Ontario, Canada, this study makes a 27‐year retrospective assessment of the frequency of disciplinary cases, the characteristics of offenders, the disciplinary process, and the sanctions imposed. Results indicate that: (i) approximately 1.38 percent of the members have been charged with violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct by the Institute of Chartered Accountants over that period; (ii) most were sole proprietors engaged in public accounting; (iii) on average, men make up 76 percent of the CA membership, outnumbering women by three to one (3:1); yet, men were 16 times more likely than women to be charged; (iv) the majority of the offences occurred while members with public accounting licenses were conducting external audits; and (v) sanctions ranged from a “rap on the knuckles” admonishment to expulsion from the CA profession. This study is exploring the CA disciplinary process as observed through disciplinary notices and suggests improvements to the system.
Identifying and Managing Control System Benefits and Costs
Authors: Sheehan Norman T. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA well‐functioning management control system is essential to ensure the organization's strategy is executed as planned. While accounting students are provided many opportunities to master the design of management control systems, students are provided fewer opportunities to practice applying management control systems. This interactive role play allows students to experience the challenges managers face when applying organizational control systems. The role play fits best at the end of the unit where instructors have reviewed management control system design and application and is best suited for undergraduate and MBA students who have little or no supervisory experience. Students rated the role play as highly effective, as 97 percent (n = 38) of the students recommend that instructors at other institutions adopt this exercise.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Authors: Lane Brian , Moriarity Shane 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis case provides a summary of events reported in the proxy statements filed with the SEC by Chesapeake Energy Corporation from its initial public offering in 1993 through 2011. These actual events provide a vehicle for the discussion of corporate governance issues and the means to effect a change in governance practices. Students are asked to perform two tasks. The first is to identify possible governance issues. The second is to suggest actions a shareholder might take. The objective of the first task is to provide students with experience in critically evaluating the governance structure and related actions taken by an actual board of directors. On completion, students should be better prepared to recognize signs of governance weakness beyond commonly discussed structural elements. The second task asks students to create a list of tactics that could be employed to influence corporate policies. The objective is to highlight the limited options available to most investors and to prompt some students to pursue corporate activism or the defenses against activism. The case is intended for use at the graduate level.
What happened to the HIV epidemic among non‐injecting drug users in New York City?
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C. , Arasteh Kamyar , McKnight Courtney , Feelemyer Jonathan , Campbell Aimee N. C. , Tross Susan , Cooper Hannah L. F. , Hagan Holly , Perlman David C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground and aimsHIV has reached high prevalence in many non‐injecting drug user (NIDU) populations. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the trend in HIV prevalence among non‐injecting cocaine and heroin NIDUs in New York City, (2) identify factors potentially associated with the trend and (3) estimate HIV incidence among NIDUs.DesignSerial‐cross sectional surveys of people entering drug treatment programs. People were permitted to participate only once per year, but could participate in multiple years.SettingMount Sinai Beth Israel drug treatment programs in New York City, USA.ParticipantsWe recruited 3298 non‐injecting cocaine and heroin users from 2005 to 2014. Participants were 78.7% male, 6.1% white, 25.7% Hispanic and 65.8% African American. Smoking crack cocaine was the most common non‐injecting drug practice.MeasuresTrend tests were used to examine HIV prevalence, demographics, drug use, sexual behavior and use of antiretroviral treatment (ART) by calendar year; χ2 and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare 2005–10 versus 2011–14.FindingsHIV prevalence declined approximately 1% per year (P < 0.001), with a decline from 16% in 2005–10 to 8% in 2011–14 (P < 0.001). The percentages of participants smoking crack and having multiple sexual partners declined and the percentage of HIV‐positive people on ART increased. HIV incidence among repeat participants was 1.2 per 1000 person‐years (95% confidence interval = 0.03/1000–7/1000).ConclusionsHIV prevalence has declined and a high percentage of HIV‐positive non‐injecting drug users (NIDUs) are receiving antiretroviral treatment, suggesting an end to the HIV epidemic among NIDUs in New York City. These results can be considered a proof of concept that it is possible to control non‐injecting drug use related sexual transmission HIV epidemics.
Evaluating the impact of a national naloxone programme on ambulance attendance at overdose incidents: a controlled time–series analysis
Authors: McAuley Andrew , Bouttell Janet , Barnsdale Lee , Mackay Daniel , Lewsey Jim , Hunter Carole , Robinson Mark 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsIt has been suggested that distributing naloxone to people who inject drugs (PWID) will lead to fewer attendances by emergency medical services at opioid‐related overdose incidents if peer administration of naloxone was perceived to have resuscitated the overdose victim successfully. This study evaluated the impact of a national naloxone programme (NNP) on ambulance attendance at opioid‐related overdose incidents throughout Scotland. Specifically, we aimed to answer the following research questions: is there evidence of an association between ambulance call‐outs to opioid‐related overdose incidents and the cumulative number of ‘take‐home naloxone’ (THN) kits in issue; and is there evidence of an association between ambulance call‐outs to opioid‐related overdose incidents in early adopter (pilot) or later adopting (non‐pilot) regions and the cumulative number of THN kits issued in those areas?DesignControlled time–series analysis.SettingScotland, UK, 2008–15.ParticipantsPre‐NNP implementation period for the evaluation was defined as 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2011 and the post‐implementation period as 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2015. In total, 3721 ambulance attendances at opioid‐related overdose were recorded for the pre‐NNP implementation period across 158 weeks (mean 23.6 attendances per week) and 5258 attendances across 212 weeks in the post‐implementation period (mean 24.8 attendances per week).InterventionScotland's NNP; formally implemented on 1 April 2011.MeasurementsPrimary outcome measure was weekly incidence (counts) of call‐outs to opioid‐related overdoses at national and regional Health Board level. Data were acquired from the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). Models were adjusted for opioid replacement therapy using data acquired from the Information Services Division on monthly sums of all dispensed methadone and buprenorphine in the study period. Models were adjusted further for a control group: weekly incidence (counts) of call‐outs to heroin‐related overdose in the London Borough area acquired from the London Ambulance Service.FindingsThere was no significant association between SAS call‐outs to opioid‐related overdose incidents and THN kits in issue for Scotland as a whole (coefficient 0.009, 95% confidence intervals = −0.01, 0.03, P = 0.39). In addition, the magnitude of association between THN kits and SAS call‐outs did not differ significantly between pilot and non‐pilot regions (interaction test, P = 0.62).ConclusionsThe supply of take‐home naloxone kits through a National Naloxone Programme in Scotland was not associated clearly with a decrease in ambulance attendance at opioid‐related overdose incidents in the 4‐year period after it was implemented in April 2011.
Impact of laws restricting the sale of tobacco to minors on adolescent smoking and perceived obtainability of cigarettes: an intervention–control pre–post study of 19 European Union countries
Authors: Kuipers Mirte A. G. , Brandhof Stephanie D. , Monshouwer Karin , Stronks Karien , Kunst Anton E. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimsTo estimate the impact of introducing sales restriction laws in Europe by measuring changes in adolescent smoking prevalence and perceived obtainability of cigarettes over time in countries that have recently introduced sales restriction laws (intervention countries). These countries were compared with countries where such laws were already in force (control countries). The secondary aim was to test whether these trends differed between adolescents of higher and lower socio‐economic position (SEP).DesignRepeated cross‐sectional data were used in a quasi‐experimental pre–post design. Intervention countries raised tobacco sales restrictions to 18 years in 2007, 2008 or 2009. Control countries have had sales restrictions of 18 years since at least 2004.SettingNineteen European Union (EU) countries in 2007 and 2011.ParticipantsData of 97 245 15‐ and 16‐year‐old adolescents from the 2007 and 2011 European Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD) surveys.MeasurementsDependent variables were smoking status (weekly smoking versus non‐smoking or less than weekly smoking) and perceived obtainability of tobacco (easy versus difficult). Key independent variables were time (2007 or 2011), intervention exposure (intervention or control country) and their interaction (time × intervention). Covariates included sex, SEP, the tobacco control scale (TCS), gross domestic product (GDP) and adult smoking prevalence.FindingsWe did not find a difference in the change in smoking prevalence between intervention and control countries [odds ratio (OR) = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–1.07]. However, sales restrictions were associated with a significantly greater decrease in perceived ease of cigarette obtainability in intervention countries (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.70–0.80). No significant differential effects between high and low SEP adolescents were found (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.81–1.25).ConclusionLaws prohibiting the sales of tobacco to minors in Europe do not appear to be associated with a reduction in adolescent smoking rates, but lower the perceived obtainability of cigarettes irrespective of their socio‐economic position.