bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of Formalization for Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Contexts: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Xheneti Mirela , Madden Adrian , Thapa Karki Shova 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFormalization is constantly being proposed as being of great benefit to business expansion and success. This claim, however, has not been previously tested through a review of the empirical evidence, especially in relation to the large number of women in the developing world that operate in the informal economy. Therefore, the aim of this review is to systematize the current empirical evidence on gender, the informal economy and formalization, using a narrative synthesis of 76 papers. The papers were analysed along three main analytical themes – identity, institutions, and constraints and preferences – highlighting their conceptualization in studies of different academic disciplines – economics, sociology, entrepreneurship and development. The review calls for more accurate accounts of formalization decisions by widening the lens through which formalization decisions are conceptualized. These should take account of the rich contextual and temporal dimensions central to these decisions, and recognize that gender alone is not a sufficient factor in explaining women's choices in the informal economy. The review also highlights limitations in relation to the limited conceptual and empirical evidence on which development priorities such as formalization are set. The authors propose a research agenda centred on the need for conceptual frameworks that are more sensitive towards the multidimensional contexts of women's choices.
An integer linear optimization model to the compartmentalized knapsack problem
Authors: Inarejos Osvaldo , Hoto Robinson , Maculan Nelson 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe compartmentalized knapsack problem arose from two‐phased cutting stock problems, especially with steel roll cutting. In its original formulation, it refers to an integer nonlinear optimization model, which, up to now, has been solved through decomposition heuristics. The objective of this article is to show that the constrained compartmentalized knapsack problem has a linear optimization model. Therefore, we have considered the original nonlinear model and propose a linear model for the problem, demonstrating their equivalence. We also propose a new decomposition heuristic and perform numerical tests to verify the limits of the proposed model and the quality of the heuristic solutions.
Nonbrittle nanopore deformation of anodic aluminum oxide membranes
Authors: Dai Jingyao , Singh Jogender , Yamamoto Namiko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractQuasi‐ductile deformation of nanopores was studied by conducting nanoindentation tests on a consistent sample set of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with varying porosity, interpore distances, and phases. The small feature size (wall thickness) of the nanoporous structure was identified as the key parameter to trigger and enhance nonbrittle, quasi‐ductile nanopore deformations, regardless of material phase. With small wall thickness (<~100 nm), shear‐banding‐like and foam‐like compressed nanopores were observed with amorphous AAO samples due to increased open space within long‐range disordered atomic arrangement, while shear‐banding‐like arrays of collapsed nanopores were observed with polycrystalline AAO samples due to grain boundary sliding and nanocrack formation. The above obtained knowledge can be a useful reference for the future design and applications of nanoporous ceramics with enhanced ductility, and thus fracture toughness, but without sacrificing stiffness, hardness, and strength. Future work includes scalable manufacturing of nanoporous structures with tunable pores (porosity, size, and distribution), grains, and interfaces using field assisted sintering technology (FAST), and their multi‐scale structure‐property relationship study.
The roles of geography and environment in divergence within and between two closely related plant species inhabiting an island‐like habitat
Authors: Wanderley Artur Maia , Machado Isabel Cristina Sobreira , de Almeida Erton Mendonça , Felix Leonardo Pessoa , Galetto Leonardo , Benko‐Iseppon Ana Maria , Sork Victoria L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimIn island‐like habitats, geographic isolation facilitates population and species divergence by constraining gene flow, while environmental isolation can enhance divergence. We tested the relative contribution of geographic and environmental isolation in genetic and phenotypic divergence within and between two species of the figwort Ameroglossum (Scrophulariaceae) inhabiting spatially isolated habitats, known as inselbergs.LocationBorborema Plateau, north‐eastern Brazil.MethodsMultivariate models of redundancy (RDAs) and partial redundancy analyses (pRDAs) were used to partition the geographic and climate components of genetic variation in 48 microsatellite alleles, and phenotypic variation in 11 leaf and flower traits. We also used linear mixed‐effect models (LMEs) to test independent associations of floral tube length variation among inselbergs with local pollinator phenotypes, climate and geography. In each approach, we analysed the data for each species separately and in pooled models for both species.ResultsRDAs revealed that genetic variation within and between the species of Ameroglossum was associated similarly with geography and climate. Phenotypic variation within A. manoel‐felixii and between species was also associated similarly with geography and climate but, within A. pernambucense, phenotype was more strongly associated with climate. Linear mixed‐effect models revealed that flower divergence in A. manoel‐felixii was associated only with the bill length of local hummingbirds, whereas floral variation in A. pernambucense was associated with geography, bill length and climate. Only climate was associated with flower divergence between species.Main conclusionsGenetic and phenotypic variation in Ameroglossum are associated with geographic and environmental isolation. These findings indicate a significant role of ecological factors shaping plant divergence among inselbergs, irrespective of their spatial distances.
Young children and tablets: A systematic review of effects on learning and development
Authors: Herodotou C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMobile applications are popular among young children, yet there is a dearth of studies examining their impact on learning and development. A systematic review identified 19 studies reporting learning effects on children 2 to 5 years old. The number of children participating in experimental, quasi‐experimental, or mixed‐method studies was 862 and in descriptive or correlation studies, 941. The majority of studies reported positive effects on literacy development, mathematics, science, problem‐solving, and self‐efficacy. Among the factors explaining observed effects were design features, the role of adults, and a similarity between applications and transfer context. Although drawing firm conclusions remains a challenge, this review forms a first step towards systematic research in the field and contributes to shaping directions for future research.
Insights into ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: Lessons from 6‐year clinical outcomes
Authors: Brooks Stephanie , Metzner Andreas , Wohlmuth Peter , Lin Tina , Wissner Erik , Tilz Roland , Rillig Andreas , Mathew Shibu , Saguner Ardan , Heeger Christian , Sohns Christian , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Ouyang Feifan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionAblation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potential treatment option for symptomatic patients. We sought to evaluate the critical role of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) in the ablation of persistent AF.Methods and resultsA total of 341 ablation procedures were performed in 174 consecutive patients with persistent AF. CPVI was performed in all patients, additional ablation was only performed if electrical cardioversion failed after CPVI. During a median follow‐up (FU) of 89 (63; 89) months, stable sinus rhythm was documented in 42/170 (25%) patients after a single procedure and in 111/164 (68%) patients after 1.9 ± 1.1 procedures. Stable SR was achieved in 40/75 (53%) patients in whom only CPVI was performed during the index and repeat procedures and in 71/89 (79%) patients with CPVI plus additional ablation. The main predictor for ablation success was duration of persistent AF before the index procedure (P < 0.001, HR ± CI: 1.608 [1.034, 1.103]). Responders to CPVI during the initial procedure had a significantly better multiple‐procedure outcome after 42 months of FU compared to CPVI nonresponders (P = 0.0365). Conversion during the index procedure had no impact on clinical outcomes (P = 0.0903). Persistent AF regressed to paroxysmal AF in 16% of patients.ConclusionsWe demonstrate a 25% single‐ and 68% multiple‐procedure success in patients with persistent AF, while stable SR was achieved in 53% of patients with pure CPVI during all procedures and in 79% of patients with CPVI plus additional ablation. Only duration of persistent AF before ablation had a statistically significant impact on ablation outcome.
Importance and regulation of adult stem cell migration
Authors: de Lucas Beatriz , Pérez Laura M. , Gálvez Beatriz G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCell migration is an essential process throughout the life of vertebrates, beginning during embryonic development and continuing throughout adulthood. Stem cells have an inherent ability to migrate, that is as important as their capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation, enabling them to maintain tissue homoeostasis and mediate repair and regeneration. Adult stem cells reside in specific tissue niches, where they remain in a quiescent state until called upon and activated by tissue environmental signals. Cell migration is a highly regulated process that involves the integration of intrinsic signals from the niche and extrinsic factors. Studies using three‐dimensional in vitro models have revealed the astonishing plasticity of cells in terms of the migration modes employed in response to changes in the microenvironment. These same properties can, however, be subverted during the development of some pathologies such as cancer. In this review, we describe the response of adult stem cells to migratory stimuli and the mechanisms by which they sense and transduce intracellular signals involved in migratory processes. Understanding the molecular events underlying migration may help develop therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine and to treat diseases with a cell migration component.
Comparison between sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and pioglitazone as additions to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review with an indirect comparison meta‐analysis
Authors: Cho Yun Kyung , Kim Ye‐Jee , Kang Yu Mi , Lee Seung Eun , Park Joong‐Yeol , Lee Woo Je , Jung Chang Hee 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone (PIO) and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) as additions to insulin therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov through December 2016. Randomized controlled trials published in English that compared SGLT2i plus insulin (SGLT2i/INS) or PIO plus insulin (PIO/INS) with placebo plus insulin (PCB/INS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included. We compared the efficacy and safety between SGLT2i/INS and PIO/INS indirectly.ResultsA total of 14 randomized controlled trials comparing 7,226 participants were included (8 SGLT2i and 6 PIO studies). SGLT2i/INS achieved similar reductions in hemoglobin A1c (weighted mean difference [WMD] −0.01% [−0.1 mmol/mol], 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.25 to 0.22% [−2.7 to −2.4 mmol/mol]; P = 0.896) and fasting plasma glucose (WMD −0.90 mg/dL, 95% CI: −15.50 to 13.71 mg/dL; P = 0.904), and a similar proportion of participants achieved hemoglobin A1c <7.0% (<53.0 mmol/mol; relative risk 0.98, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.33; P = 0.917) as compared with the PIO/INS group, with greater weight reduction (WMD −4.54 kg, 95% CI: −5.67 to −3.41 kg; P < 0.001). PIO/INS showed non‐significant trends toward a higher risk of hypoglycemia (relative risk 1.15, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.35; P = 0.102) and higher reduction of total daily insulin doses (WMD −2.45 IU/day, 95% CI: −7.30 to 2.40 IU/day; P = 0.438).ConclusionsBoth PIO and SGLT2i are feasible adjunctive oral agents to pre‐existing insulin therapy in individuals with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
When do trade‐offs occur? The roles of energy constraints and trait flexibility in bushcricket populations
Authors: Barbosa F. , Rebar D. , Greenfield M. D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn many animal species, the expression of sexually selected traits is negatively correlated with traits associated with survival such as immune function, a relationship termed a ‘trade‐off’. But an alternative in which sexually selected traits are positively correlated with survival traits is also widespread. We propose that the nature of intertrait relationships is largely determined by overall energy expenditure, energy availability and trait flexibility, with trade‐offs expected when individuals are subject to energy constraints. We tested this hypothesis in Ephippiger diurnus, a European bushcricket in which males are distinguished by two prominent sexually selected traits, acoustic calls and a large spermatophore transferred to the female at mating, and where immune function may be critical in survival. Ephippiger diurnus are distributed as small, isolated populations that are differentiated genetically and behaviourally. We analysed songs, spermatophores and the immune function in male individuals from eight populations spanning a range of song types. As predicted, we only found trade‐offs in those populations that expended more energy on song and were less flexible in their ability to adjust that expenditure. Ultimately, energy constraints and resulting trade‐offs may limit the evolution of song exaggeration in E. diurnus populations broadcasting long calls comprised of multiple ‘syllables’.
Analysis of factors predicting the response to tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatic edema
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Shimada Noritomo , Asano Toru , Ikegami Tadashi , Koeda Mai , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Nakagawa‐Iwashita Ai , Yoshida Yuji , Hayama Korenobu , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aimed to clarify the factors predictive of treatment response to tolvaptan (V2‐receptor antagonist) for cirrhotic patients with hepatic edema in a real‐world setting.MethodsIn this retrospective, multicenter study, tolvaptan was orally administered at a dose of 7.5 mg once a day. Patients with a decrease in body weight of 1.5 kg or greater from baseline were characterized as responders at day 7.ResultsOf 229 patients, 210 were subjected to this analysis. Patients consisted of 133 men and 77 women, with the median age of 67 years (range, 40–89 years). According to the Child–Pugh classification, five patients were classified as class A, 90 as class B, and 115 as class C. The frequencies of responders and nonresponders were 55.2% and 44.8%, respectively. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was significantly lower in responders compared with nonresponders (P = 3.77 × 10−3). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff value of 28.2 mg/dL was the most useful in discriminating responders from nonresponders. Among 154 patients with BUN level of less than 28.2 mg/dL, 95 (61.7%) were responders. By contrast, among 56 patients with BUN level of 28.2 mg/dL or more, 21 (37.5%) were nonresponders (P = 2.70 × 10−3). On multivariate analysis, BUN level of <28.2 mg/dL and urine sodium >51 mEq/day were found to be independent factors associated with the response to tolvaptan.ConclusionsThis study suggests that BUN level and urinary sodium excretion are closely associated with the response to tolvaptan in cirrhotic patients with hepatic edema.
Natural variation of hormone levels in Arabidopsis roots and correlations with complex root architecture
Authors: Lee Sangseok , I. Sergeeva Lidiya , Vreugdenhil Dick 
Published: December 2017

AbstractStudies on natural variation are an important tool to unravel the genetic basis of quantitative traits in plants. Despite the significant roles of phytohormones in plant development, including root architecture, hardly any studies have been done to investigate natural variation in endogenous hormone levels in plants. Therefore, in the present study a range of hormones were quantified in root extracts of thirteen Arabidopsis thaliana accessions using a ultra performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Root system architecture of the set of accessions was quantified, using a new parameter (mature root unit) for complex root systems, and correlated with the phytohormone data. Significant variations in phytohormone levels among the accessions were detected, but were remarkably small, namely less than three‐fold difference between extremes. For cytokinins, relatively larger variations were found for ribosides and glucosides, as compared to the free bases. For root phenotyping, length‐related traits—lateral root length and total root length—showed larger variations than lateral root number‐related ones. For root architecture, antagonistic interactions between hormones, for example, indole‐3‐acetic acid to trans‐zeatin were detected in correlation analysis. These findings provide conclusive evidence for the presence of natural variation in phytohormone levels in Arabidopsis roots, suggesting that quantitative genetic analyses are feasible.
Longitudinal Analysis of Quality of Life, Clinical, Radiographic, Echocardiographic, and Laboratory Variables in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease Receiving Pimobendan or Placebo: The EPIC Study
Authors: Boswood A. , Gordon S.G. , Häggström J. , Wess G. , Stepien R.L. , Oyama M.A. , Keene B.W. , Bonagura J. , MacDonald K.A. , Patteson M. , Smith S. , Fox P.R. , Sanderson K. , Woolley R. , Szatmári V. , Menaut P. , Church W.M. , O'Sullivan M.L. , Jaudon J.‐P. , Kresken J.‐G. , Rush J. , Barrett K.A. , Rosenthal S.L. , Saunders A.B. , Ljungvall I. , Deinert M. , Bomassi E. , Estrada A.H. , Fernandez Del Palacio M.J. , Moise N.S. , Abbott J.A. , Fujii Y. , Spier A. , Luethy M.W. , Santilli R.A. , Uechi M. , Tidholm A. , Schummer C. , Watson P. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundChanges in clinical variables associated with the administration of pimobendan to dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and cardiomegaly have not been described.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of pimobendan on clinical variables and the relationship between a change in heart size and the time to congestive heart failure (CHF) or cardiac‐related death (CRD) in dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly. To determine whether pimobendan‐treated dogs differ from dogs receiving placebo at onset of CHF.AnimalsThree hundred and fifty‐four dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly.Materials and MethodsProspective, blinded study with dogs randomized (ratio 1:1) to pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d) or placebo. Clinical, laboratory, and heart‐size variables in both groups were measured and compared at different time points (day 35 and onset of CHF) and over the study duration. Relationships between short‐term changes in echocardiographic variables and time to CHF or CRD were explored.ResultsAt day 35, heart size had reduced in the pimobendan group: median change in (Δ) LVIDDN −0.06 (IQR: −0.15 to +0.02), P < 0.0001, and LA:Ao −0.08 (IQR: −0.23 to +0.03), P < 0.0001. Reduction in heart size was associated with increased time to CHF or CRD. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLVIDDN was 1.26, P = 0.0003. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLA:Ao was 1.14, P = 0.0002. At onset of CHF, groups were similar.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePimobendan treatment reduces heart size. Reduced heart size is associated with improved outcome. At the onset of CHF, dogs treated with pimobendan were indistinguishable from those receiving placebo.
Context‐dependent vertical transmission shapes strong endosymbiont community structure in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Rock Danielle I. , Smith Andrew H. , Joffe Jonah , Albertus Amie , Wong Narayan , O'Connor Michael , Oliver Kerry M. , Russell Jacob A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAnimal‐associated microbiomes are often comprised of structured, multispecies communities, with particular microbes showing trends of co‐occurrence or exclusion. Such structure suggests variable community stability, or variable costs and benefits—possibilities with implications for symbiont‐driven host adaptation. In this study, we performed systematic screening for maternally transmitted, facultative endosymbionts of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Sampling across six locales, with up to 5 years of collection in each, netted significant and consistent trends of community structure. Co‐infections between Serratia symbiotica and Rickettsiella viridis were more common than expected, while Rickettsia and X‐type symbionts colonized aphids with Hamiltonella defensa more often than expected. Spiroplasma co‐infected with other endosymbionts quite rarely, showing tendencies to colonize as a single species monoculture. Field estimates of maternal transmission rates help to explain our findings: while Serratia and Rickettsiella improved each other's transmission, Spiroplasma reduced transmission rates of co‐infecting endosymbionts. In summary, our findings show that North American pea aphids harbour recurring combinations of facultative endosymbionts. Common symbiont partners play distinct roles in pea aphid biology, suggesting the creation of “generalist” aphids receiving symbiont‐based defence against multiple ecological stressors. Multimodal selection, at the host level, may thus partially explain our results. But more conclusively, our findings show that within‐host microbe interactions, and their resulting impacts on transmission rates, are an important determinant of community structure. Widespread distributions of heritable symbionts across plants and invertebrates hint at the far‐reaching implications for these findings, and our work further shows the benefits of symbiosis research within a natural context.