bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Criminal Record Questions in the Era of “Ban the Box”
Authors: Vuolo Mike , Lageson Sarah , Uggen Christopher 
Published: February 2017

Research SummaryThis study examines three central questions about criminal record inquiries on job applications, which is a rapidly developing area in criminology and public policy. We find the following: (1) Among the 78% of employers who ask about records, specific application questions vary greatly regarding the severity and timing of offenses. (2) Applications for restaurant positions are least likely to inquire about criminal histories, whereas racially diverse workplaces and establishments in the most and least advantaged neighborhoods are more likely to ask. (3) The race gap in employer callbacks is reduced when applicants have the chance to signal not having a record by answering “no,” which is consistent with theories of statistical discrimination.Policy ImplicationsWe conclude with a call to develop standards and best practices regarding inquiries about juvenile offenses, low‐level misdemeanor and traffic offenses, and the applicable time span. The need for such standards is made more apparent by the unevenness of criminal record questions across employees, establishments, and neighborhoods. We also suggest best practices for Ban the Box implementation to help combat potential statistical discrimination against African American men without records.
Have you been convicted of a felony using your current name or any other name? If you do not answer this question, your application will not be considered. —Job application for laborer position at waste management company
Estimating the Crime Effects of Raising the Age of Majority
Authors: Loeffler Charles E. , Chalfin Aaron 
Published: February 2017

Research SummaryThe results of recent empirical research have shown that juveniles do not achieve complete psychosocial maturity until postadolescence and that processing juveniles as adults in the criminal justice system can be associated with elevated rates of criminal recidivism. In response to these as well as other concerns, several states have recently raised their legal ages of majority in the hopes of reducing juvenile offending rates. Connecticut enacted one such law change when it raised its age of majority from 16 to 17 in 2010 and then from 17 to 18 in 2012 for all but the most serious offenses. The effect of Connecticut's policy change on juvenile crime is examined in this study. To discern between changes in juvenile offending and changes in the propensity of police to arrest youthful offenders in the aftermath of a law change, we use two methodological approaches. Synthetic control methods are used to generate triple‐differences estimates of the effect of Connecticut's policy change on juvenile arrests and overall crime rates by using a weighted average of other U.S. states as a natural comparison group. Next, by analyzing National Incident‐Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data for a subset of Connecticut's local jurisdictions, we examine changes in age‐specific juvenile arrests and changes in age‐specific juvenile offending. The resulting evidence suggests that no discernable change in juvenile offending occurred. In addition, evidence exists that in some Connecticut jurisdictions, officer, rather than juvenile, behavior was impacted by this law change.Policy ImplicationsAlthough raise‐the‐age policies may remain desirable for other policy reasons, no robust evidence of their effects on crime is yet available. Given the absence of such evidence of crime effects, policy makers interested in raise‐the‐age policies for their crime‐reduction benefits might consider focusing on other juvenile justice policy initiatives with demonstrated crime‐reduction benefits. Nevertheless, policy makers interested in these policies for other policy reasons can rest assured that there is no evidence that these policies exacerbate juvenile crime. The results of this study also suggest that the effects of “raise‐the‐age” policies on crime will be difficult to separate from recent declining trends in juvenile crime and arrests as well as from changes in police arrest decision making.
A Natural Experiment: Using Immersive Technologies to Study the Impact of “All‐Natural” Labeling on Perceived Food Quality, Nutritional Content, and Liking
Authors: Liu Rebecca , Hooker Neal H. , Parasidis Efthimios , Simons Christopher T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe “all‐natural” label is used extensively in the United States. At many point‐of‐purchase locations, employed servers provide food samples and call out specific label information to influence consumers’ purchase decisions. Despite these ubiquitous practices, it is unclear what information is conveyed to consumers by the all‐natural label or how it impacts judgments of perceived food quality, nutritional content, and acceptance. We used a novel approach incorporating immersive technology to simulate a virtual in‐store sampling scenario where consumers were asked by a server to evaluate identical products with only one being labeled all‐natural. Another condition evaluated the impact of the in‐store server additionally emphasizing the all‐natural status of one sample. Results indicated the all‐natural label significantly improved consumer's perception of product quality and nutritional content, but not liking or willingness to pay, when compared to the regular sample. With the simple emphasis of the all‐natural claim by the in‐store server, these differences in quality and nutritional content became even more pronounced, and willingness to pay increased significantly by an average of 8%. These results indicate that in a virtual setting consistent with making food purchases, an all‐natural front‐of‐pack label improves consumer perceptions of product quality and nutritional content. In addition, information conveyed to consumers by employed servers has a further, substantial impact on these variables suggesting that consumers are highly susceptible to social influence at the point of purchase.
Global and Regional Peacekeepers: Trends, Opportunities, Risks and a Way Ahead
Authors: Williams Paul D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNever before has it been so important for policymakers to balance regional and global forms of peacekeeping. Although the United Nations Security Council retains primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and is the single largest source of peacekeepers, some regional organizations, particularly in Africa and Europe, are playing increasingly important roles. This article analyzes the relationship between UN peace operations and those conducted by regional organizations. After summarizing recent trends in regional‐global collaboration it analyzes the opportunities and risks of increasing the regionalization of peace operations. Current policy challenges are daunting, not least because better‐resourced missions alone will not bring peace to contemporary warzones. Rather, policymakers should clarify the nature and limits of UN peace operations; ensure partnerships between the UN and regional organizations can deliver effective peace operations in the field; and embed peace operations within a viable conflict resolution strategy to end the war or crisis in question.
In‐house asset management in the Australian superannuation industry
Authors: Gallagher David R. , Gapes Timothy M. , Warren Geoffrey J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe examine how executives from the Australian superannuation industry perceive and approach the choice between managing assets in‐house, versus outsourcing to external investment managers. We find that decision frameworks, as well as the perceived benefits and challenges of in‐house management, can be described in terms of four elements: costs, capabilities, alignment and governance. Industry participants address these four elements in diverse ways. This is reflected in a variety of decision approaches, aspects that are considered and emphasised in decision‐making, and implementation structures.
Sampling grain influences trends in vegetation composition and diversity with time since fire in Australian heathland
Authors: Wills Timothy J. , Read Jennifer 
Published: February 2017

AbstractScale‐dependency of pattern and process is well‐understood for many ecological communities; however, the influence of spatial scale (sampling grain) in detecting temporal change in communities is less well‐understood. The temperate lowland heathlands of south‐east Australia are one of the most fire‐prone ecosystems on earth. Despite the extensive literature documenting the effect of time since fire on heathlands, we know little about how sampling grain influences trends in vegetation variables over time, and whether these trends are scale‐dependent. Using 3500 ha of heathland in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, south‐east Australia, we investigated how above‐ground species composition and diversity, and trends in these variables with increasing time since fire, were influenced by sampling grain (1 m2, 10 m2, 100 m2, 900 m2, 1 ha, 4 ha). Sampling grain influenced patterns detected in vegetation variables and in some instances, significantly affected their relationship with time since fire. Richness decreased with time since fire, with mean richness decreasing at three of the four grains, while total richness decreased at half of the sampled grains. Evenness (J) decreased with increasing time since fire for all grains except 1 m2. The decline in diversity (H) with time since fire appeared to be independent of scale, as all grains decreased significantly with increasing time since fire. Community heterogeneity demonstrated a weak response to time since fire across most grains. Changes in composition among young (0–6 years since fire), intermediate (9–19 years) and old (23–27 years) sites were dependent on sampling grain, with all grains exhibiting significant differences in composition, apart from the 1 m2 grain and the 100 m2 grain (presence/absence data). Overall, species composition, richness, evenness, diversity and community heterogeneity were dependent on the scale at which the vegetation was sampled. In addition, trends in many of these vegetation variables with increasing time since fire were scale‐dependent. This work provides strong evidence that sampling at multiple grains contributes substantially to understanding pattern and process in heathlands.
Levels of l‐arginine and l‐citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology
Authors: Barassi A. , Corsi Romanelli M. M. , Pezzilli R. , Damele C. A. L. , Vaccalluzzo L. , Goi G. , Papini N. , Colpi G. M. , Massaccesi L. , Melzi d'Eril G. V. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryNitric oxide is a physiologic signal essential to penile erection. l‐citrulline (l‐Cit) is converted into l‐arginine (l‐Arg), the precursor from which nitric oxide is generated. The level of l‐Arg and l‐Cit in the field of male sexual function remains relatively underexplored. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of serum l‐Arg and of l‐Cit in a group of patients with erectile dysfunction. Diagnosis and severity of erectile dysfunction was based on the IIEF‐5 and its etiology was classified as arteriogenic (A‐ED), borderline (BL‐ED), and non‐arteriogenic (NA‐ED) with penile echo‐color‐Doppler in basal condition and after intracaversous injection of prostaglandin E1. Serum l‐Arg and l‐Cit concentrations were measured by a cation‐exchange chromatography system. l‐Arg and l‐Cit levels of men with A‐ED were compared with those of male with BL‐ED and NA‐ED. Median level of l‐Arg and l‐Cit in 122 erectile dysfunction patients (41 A‐ED, 23 ED‐BL, 58 NA‐ED) was 82.7 and 35.4 μmol/L, respectively. l‐Arg and l‐Cit levels in control patients were not significantly different (p = 0.233 and p = 0.561, respectively) than in total erectile dysfunction patients. l‐Arg and l‐Cit levels in control patients were significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.018, respectively) than in A‐ED patients, but no difference (p > 0.50) was observed in controls and in both BL‐ED and NA‐ED patients. Patients with severe/complete‐erectile dysfunction (IIEF‐5 < 10) had l‐Arg or l‐Cit level significantly lower (−17%, p < 0.03; −13%, p < 0.04) and were more frequent (p < 0.01 and p < 0.04) under the respective median level (82.7 and 35.4 μmol/L) than those with mild‐erectile dysfunction (IIEF‐5 = 16–20). l‐Arg and l‐Cit levels in A‐ED were significantly lower (p < 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively) than in NA‐ED patients. Penile echo‐color‐Doppler revealed that A‐ED (peak systolic velocity ≤ 25 cm/sec) was more frequent in men with l‐Arg under 82.7 μmol/L or l‐Cit under 35.4 μmol/L and in the same population, the median peak systolic velocity values were lower in l‐Arg deficient (29 vs. 35; p < 0.04) and also in l‐Cit deficient (31 vs. 33, p > 0.3) but without reaching the statistical significance. Our study shows that a significant proportion of erectile dysfunction patients have low l‐Arg or l‐Cit level and that this condition is more frequent in patients with arteriogenic etiology. Low levels of these nitric oxide synthase substrates might increase the erectile dysfunction risk by reducing the concentration of nitric oxide.
What is the impact of preconception abdominal cerclage on fertility: evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vousden Nicola J. , Carter Jenny , Seed Paul T. , Shennan Andrew H. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionThere is documented concern that cerclage may cause cervical stenosis or changes to the cervical mucus, which may reduce fertility. The aim of this study is to determine whether placement of a preconception abdominal cerclage affects fertility.Material and methodsThis was a planned subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing abdominal cerclage, high vaginal cerclage or low vaginal cerclage. Women with a history of previous second‐trimester miscarriage or preterm birth despite having a low vaginal cerclage, presenting to specialist preterm birth services in the UK, were eligible for inclusion. Only women randomized before conception were included in this analysis. Women randomized to abdominal cerclage had the surgery performed before conception (abdominal group). Women randomized to high or low transvaginal cerclage received it in the subsequent pregnancy (control group).ResultsAbdominal cerclage was performed in 19 women and transvaginal cerclage in 48 women. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between time to conception between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.34; 95% confidence interval 0.72–2.50, p = 0.35). Rates of conception at 6, 12, and 18 months were similar – 37% in abdominal group vs. 35% in control group at 6 months (relative risk 1.04; 95% confidence interval 0.52–2.10; p = 0.91); 58% in abdominal group vs. 42% in control group at 12 months (relative risk 1.39; 95% confidence interval 0.84–2.31, p = 0.21); 74% in abdominal group vs. 56% in control group at 18 months (relative risk 1.31; 95% confidence interval 0.91–1.89; p = 0.15).ConclusionThis subgroup analysis of randomized data indicates that abdominal cerclage does not affect fertility rates.
Women treated for epilepsy during pregnancy: outcomes from a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Artama Miia , Braumann Jemina , Raitanen Jani , Uotila Jukka , Gissler Mika , Isojärvi Jouko , Auvinen Anssi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionWomen with epilepsy (WWE) are generally treated as a risk group during pregnancy, but over 90% of pregnant WWE have favorable pregnancies. However, the risk of some pregnancy and delivery complications may be increased among WWE, especially those on antiepileptic drugs.Material and methodsThis nationwide, retrospective population‐based cohort study includes WWE who gave birth in Finland during 1987–2008 (n = 1737) and the reference cohort of a random sample of women without epilepsy (n = 4357). Identification of the cohorts, and information on hospitalizations and deliveries were obtained from the Finnish Health Registers and population statistics. Multivariate analyses were conducted by binomial regression.ResultsWWE were more often hospitalized during pregnancy for accidents or other external causes [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–3.09], premature rupture of membranes (aRR 1.75, 95% CI 1.14–2.69) and premature contractions (aRR 1.75, 95% CI 1.36–2.23). Hospitalizations for infections were more frequent in WWE (1.4% vs. 0.4%, aRR 3.15, 95% CI 1.72–5.76). The risk for induction of delivery or a cesarean section was increased in WWE. There was no difference in premature deliveries between the groups, but the risk of being small for gestational age (aRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.23–2.01), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (aRR 1.66, 95% CI 1.39–1.97), and need for respiratory care (aRR 2.37, 95% CI 1.57–3.60) was clearly increased in the offspring of WWE.ConclusionsWWE are at an increased risk of complications and hospitalizations during pregnancy and delivery. However, the majority of WWE have a normal pregnancy and delivery.
Smoking at diagnosis significantly decreases 5‐year cancer‐specific survival in a population‐based cohort of 18 166 colon cancer patients
Authors: Sharp L. , McDevitt J. , Brown C. , Comber H. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests smoking may adversely affect cancer patients’ outcomes. Previous studies of smoking and survival in colon cancer have been limited by size and/or lack of a population basis and results have been inconsistent.AimTo investigate in a large population‐based cohort whether smoking status at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival in colon cancer and whether treatment modifies any impact of smoking.MethodsColon adenocarcinomas diagnosed between 1994 and 2012 were abstracted from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, and classified by smoking status at diagnosis. Cancer‐specific death rates over 5 years were compared in current, ex‐ and never smokers using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and subgroup analyses by treatment (combinations of cancer‐directed surgery and chemotherapy) were conducted.ResultsOf 18 166 colon cancers, 20% of patients were current smokers, 23% ex‐smokers and 57% never smokers. Compared to never smokers, current smokers had a significantly raised cancer death rate [multivariable hazard ratio (HR) = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07–1.12]. There was a significant interaction between treatment and smoking (P = 0.03). In those who had cancer‐directed surgery only, but not other groups, current smokers had a significantly increased cancer death rate compared to never smokers (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09–1.34).ConclusionsSmoking at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for colon cancer. The limitation of the association to surgically‐treated patients suggests that the underlying mechanism(s) may be related to surgery. While further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms, continued efforts to encourage smoking prevention and cessation may yield benefits in terms of improved survival from colon cancer.
Inflammatory bowel diseases in Faroese‐born Danish residents and their offspring: further evidence of the dominant role of environmental factors in IBD development
Authors: Hammer T. , Lophaven S. N. , Nielsen K. R. , von Euler‐Chelpin M. , Weihe P. , Munkholm P. , Burisch J. , Lynge E. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is record high in the Faroe Islands, and many Faroese emigrate to Denmark, where the IBD incidence is considerably lower.AimTo study the IBD incidence in first‐, second‐ and third‐generation immigrants from the Faroe Islands to Denmark to assess the extent to which the immigrants adopt the lower IBD incidence of their new home country.MethodsData on Faroese‐born Danish residents and their children were retrieved from the Danish Central Population Register for 1980–2014. Incident IBD cases were identified from the Danish National Patient Register. Standardised Incidence Ratios (SIRs) were used to compare the IBD risk in immigrants with that of Danes. 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the square‐root transform.ResultsFirst‐generation Faroese immigrants had a higher IBD incidence than Danes, SIR 1.25 (95% CI, 0.97–1.59) for men and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.05–1.53) for women. This excess risk derived from ulcerative colitis (UC), SIR 1.44 (95% CI, 1.10–1.87) for men and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.09–1.68) for women. No excess risk was found for Crohn's disease (CD). The UC risk was nearly doubled during the immigrants’ first 10 years in Denmark; SIR 2.13 (95% CI, 1.52–2.92) for men and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.19–2.18) for women.ConclusionsAlthough some impact of genetic dilution cannot be excluded, our findings indicate importance of gene‐environment interplay in UC, as the excess UC risk in Faroese immigrants to Denmark disappeared over time and over one generation in men and over two generations in women.
Safety and efficacy of a novel continuous incision technique for laparoscopic transcystic choledocholithotomy
Authors: Otani Tetsuya , Yokoyama Naoyuki , Sato Daisuke , Kobayashi Kazuaki , Iwaya Akira , Kuwabara Shirou , Yamazaki Toshiyuki , Matsuzawa Natsumi , Saito Hideki , Katayanagi Norio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel continuous incision technique for the cystic duct and the bile duct over the orifice for laparoscopic transcystic choledocholithotomy (LTCL).MethodsLTCL was attempted in 103 consecutive patients from January 1998 to March 2015 and was successful in 96 patients. The cystic duct confluence was made by cutting upward from the orifice in 19 patients. The cystic duct was incised downward beyond the orifice to the bile duct in the other 77 patients. Both of these procedures involved LTCL.ResultsLTCL was successful in 96 patients. It failed in seven patients because of large bile duct stones (BDS), left lateral entry of the cystic duct, or the cystic duct's small diameter. The success rates of LTCL were 98% (47/48), 96% (42/44), and 64% (7/11) for patients with BDS <10 mm, 10–20 mm, and ≥20 mm, respectively. The success rate for removing BDS <20 mm was significantly higher than the removal rate for BDS ≥20 mm (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the incidences of complications associated with BDS ≥10 mm and with BDS <10 mm (P = 0.49). In those who underwent successful LTCL, complications occurred in 3 of 23 patients with failed preoperative duodenoscopic sphincterotomy and in 9 of the other 73 patients; the incidence of complications did not significantly differ between these groups (P = 0.93).ConclusionLTCL is safe and feasible for exploration of the bile duct and removal of BDS <20 mm.