bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catching the ‘big fish’: The (ab)use of corruption‐related prosecutions across sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Mills Linnea Cecilia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis analysis concerns the use of punitive actions to curb corruption. Propositions from the literature on corruption state that by prosecuting offenders for corruption‐related crimes and thus ending impunity, particularly among high‐level political figures (‘big fish’), a political culture of less corruption will evolve. This, however, hinges on there being no impunity and politicization of prosecutions. This study empirically assesses whether this condition holds in the sub‐Saharan African political context. A unique database on corruption‐related prosecutions at the level of ministers across Africa was compiled and patterns were found that suggest that prosecutions are indeed politicized and serve as a way to eliminate political rivals. These findings are a warning in the face of the international community's overly technical and apolitical approach to anti‐corruption in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Converging in divergent ways
Authors: Dautović Ernest , Orszaghova Lucia , Schudel Willem 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper focuses on intra‐industry trade (IIT) between Central, Eastern and South‐Eastern European (CESEE) countries and the EU‐15. It assesses the determinants of intra‐industry trade by combining a detailed product‐level (HS‐6) trade‐flow database with country‐level structural, monetary and institutional variables. Estimates are obtained with System‐GMM and dynamic fractional response models. Our results suggest that structural factors driving IIT differ in the region, notably perceptions of corruption and the distance in the stock of physical capital from the EU‐15. On the other hand, nominal variables such as the competitiveness of corporate taxation and the flexibility of exchange rate regimes contribute to the increase in intra‐industry trade in the whole region.
Preliminary report: Measurement of apixaban and rivaroxaban in plasma from bleeding patients
Authors: Jensen Kathrine O. F. , Hansen Svend H. , Goetze Jens P. , Jesting Amalie , Stensballe Jakob , Hansen Henrik 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), apixaban and rivaroxaban, are used for anticoagulation treatment. Although biochemical monitoring is not required, severe bleedings caused by DOAC have been reported. We therefore evaluated the chromogenic assay Biophen DiXaI® (Biophen) using plasma from non‐bleeding patients in treatment with DOAC and on spiked plasma from patients with ongoing bleeding.MethodsThe Biophen method was compared with an in‐house reference method; liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) using plasma spiked with the compounds ranging from 20 to 1500 μg/L. Furthermore, the methods were compared using plasma from non‐bleeding patients in treatment with DOAC (n = 106). In addition, plasma was collected from patients not treated with DOAC, but with ongoing bleeding and tested in spiking experiments (n = 14).ResultsAnalysis of plasma from 106 patients receiving rivaroxaban (n = 91) or apixaban (n = 15) showed agreement and correlation between the methods. Measurement in spiked plasma from patients with active bleeding, however, revealed a 26% overestimation by the assay.ConclusionsOur findings show that Biophen is suitable for measuring apixaban and rivaroxaban concentrations in plasma. However, our results in patients with active bleeding show an overestimation of 26%. This should be taken into account when assessing possible intoxication with apixaban and rivaroxaban in patients presenting with bleeding.
A post‐mortem study on the prevalence of peripheral dental caries in Scottish horses
Authors: Lee L. , Reardon R. J. M. , Dixon P. M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryPeripheral caries (PC) is an increasingly recognised equine dental disorder with unknown predisposing factors that differs from the well described maxillary cheek teeth infundibular caries. Advanced PC can lead to premature wear and fracture of cheek teeth and thus is of welfare importance. Recent studies have shown large variation in the prevalence of PC in different European countries, with a trend towards a greatly increasing prevalence. One hundred and one equine heads sourced from a Scottish rendering plant were examined for the presence and grade of PC using the modified Honma equine dental caries grading system. The presence of cheek teeth calculus, diastemata and fractures was also recorded. Peripheral caries was present in 91% of horses; only affected the cheek teeth and was predominantly (72.6%) Grade 1 Class 1 (localised pitting lesions only affecting cementum). The caudal three cheek teeth were more commonly affected (74.7% prevalence) as compared to the rostral three cheek teeth (32.1% prevalence). The palatal aspect of maxillary and the buccal aspect of mandibular cheek teeth were significantly (245% and 170%, respectively) more commonly affected by PC than the opposite sides. Female horses were more commonly affected than males. Because post‐mortem examination allows the most detailed oral examination to be performed, this may partly explain the higher PC prevalence found in the current, as compared to previous studies, in addition to the particular population examined in this study.
Tracing biogeochemical subsidies from glacier runoff into Alaska's coastal marine food webs
Authors: Arimitsu Mayumi L. , Hobson Keith A. , Webber D'Arcy N. , Piatt John F. , Hood Eran W. , Fellman Jason B. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNearly half of the freshwater discharge into the Gulf of Alaska originates from landscapes draining glacier runoff, but the influence of the influx of riverine organic matter on the trophodynamics of coastal marine food webs is not well understood. We quantified the ecological impact of riverine organic matter subsidies to glacier‐marine habitats by developing a multi‐trophic level Bayesian three‐isotope mixing model. We utilized large gradients in stable (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) and radiogenic (Δ14C) isotopes that trace riverine and marine organic matter sources as they are passed from lower to higher trophic levels in glacial‐marine habitats. We also compared isotope ratios between glacial‐marine and more oceanic habitats. Based on isotopic measurements of potential baseline sources, ambient water and tissues of marine consumers, estimates of the riverine organic matter source contribution to upper trophic‐level species including fish and seabirds ranged from 12% to 44%. Variability in resource use among similar taxa corresponded to variation in species distribution and life histories. For example, riverine organic matter assimilation by the glacier‐nesting seabirds Kittlitz's murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) was greater than that of the forest‐nesting marbled murrelet (B. marmoratus). The particulate and dissolved organic carbon in glacial runoff and near surface coastal waters was aged (12100–1500 years BP 14C‐age) but dissolved inorganic carbon and biota in coastal waters were young (530 years BP 14C‐age to modern). Thus terrestrial‐derived subsidies in marine food webs were primarily composed of young organic matter sources released from glacier ecosystems and their surrounding watersheds. Stable isotope compositions also revealed a divergence in food web structure between glacial‐marine and oceanic sites. This work demonstrates linkages between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and facilitates a greater understanding of how climate‐driven changes in freshwater runoff have the potential to alter food web dynamics within coastal marine ecosystems in Alaska.
Negative emissions from stopping deforestation and forest degradation, globally
Authors: Houghton Richard A. , Nassikas Alexander A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractForest growth provides negative emissions of carbon that could help keep the earth's surface temperature from exceeding 2°C, but the global potential is uncertain. Here we use land‐use information from the FAO and a bookkeeping model to calculate the potential negative emissions that would result from allowing secondary forests to recover. We find the current gross carbon sink in forests recovering from harvests and abandoned agriculture to be −4.4 PgC/year, globally. The sink represents the potential for negative emissions if positive emissions from deforestation and wood harvest were eliminated. However, the sink is largely offset by emissions from wood products built up over the last century. Accounting for these committed emissions, we estimate that stopping deforestation and allowing secondary forests to grow would yield cumulative negative emissions between 2016 and 2100 of about 120 PgC, globally. Extending the lifetimes of wood products could potentially remove another 10 PgC from the atmosphere, for a total of approximately 130 PgC, or about 13 years of fossil fuel use at today's rate. As an upper limit, the estimate is conservative. It is based largely on past and current practices. But if greater negative emissions are to be realized, they will require an expansion of forest area, greater efficiencies in converting harvested wood to long‐lasting products and sources of energy, and novel approaches for sequestering carbon in soils. That is, they will require current management practices to change.
Application of Groundwater Vulnerability Overlay and Index Methods to the Jijel Plain Area (Algeria)
Authors: Boufekane Abdelmadjid , Saighi Omar 
Published: August 2017

AbstractToday, scientists are deeply concerned by the vulnerability of groundwater reservoirs to pollution. Relatively simple overlay and index methods can be used to produce groundwater vulnerability maps in geographic information system. In addition, this study deals with contamination from nonpoint sources. In this study, two such models, DRASTIC and GOD, were applied in the Jijel Plain area of northeast Algeria and compared with measured groundwater nitrate concentrations. This showed that results from DRASTIC were better than GOD, 69% correlation with nitrate compared to 56%. DRASTIC was better able to identify vulnerable zones along the river valleys. The DRASTIC model was then modified using the nitrate concentrations to optimize the rating score given within each parameter range and sensitivity analysis to change the weighting given for each parameter. These combined changes gave a final Pearson's correlation of 83% with nitrate. This showed that recharge, aquifer type, and topography were the key factors in controlling vulnerability to nitrate pollution.
Dielectric and microwave absorption properties of AlN‐SiBCN lossy ceramics
Authors: He Yongqin , Li Xiaoyun , Zhang Jingxian , Li Xiaoguang , Yu Mingxian , Duan Yusen , Jiang Dongliang , Qiu Tai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDense AlN‐SiBCN ceramics were fabricated by pyrolysis of a commercially available polyborosilazane followed by hot‐pressing of AlN and SiBCN mixture in N2 atmosphere. The effect of SiBCN content on phase behavior, microstructure, electrical conductivity, dielectric and microwave absorption properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that characteristic peaks of Si3N4, SiC, and BNC appeared above 1650°C during the annealing of SiBCN powder. The composites fabricated with 30 wt.% SiBCN had the highest electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity, which can be attributed to the formation of SiC nanoparticles. With further increase in SiBCN content, the composites showed the lowest reflection coefficient of −30.88 dB at 8.5 GHz and the frequency bandwidth of 1 GHz below −10 dB in X‐band.
Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma: treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery and an update of the literature
Authors: Knackstedt Rebecca W. , Knackstedt Thomas J. , Findley Alyssa B. , Piliang Melissa , Jellinek Nathaniel J. , Bernard Steven L. , Vidimos Allison 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundAggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) is a rare adenocarcinoma of the sweat glands.AimsWe wish to report the treatment of two cases of ADPA with Mohs micrographic surgery and review the presentation, management, and prognosis of this rare malignancy.Materials & MethodsCases of ADPA were identified from recent surgery logs. Demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics were extracted. A PubMed database search for English language full‐text articles of aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma was performed, and relevant articles were summarized.ResultsTwo cases of ADPA were identified. A 53‐year‐old man presented with ADPA on his right third fingernail, and a 65‐year‐old man presented with ADPA on his right thumb. Both patients underwent Mohs micrographic surgery and negative sentinel lymph node biopsy, remaining recurrence free at 34 and 9 months, respectively.DiscussionADPA frequently presents as a solitary mass on the digit. Treatment of ADPA with local excision or amputation has historically been fraught with high recurrence rates. Regional lymph node spread and distant metastasis have been reported. Mohs micrographic surgery may be an alternative treatment for ADPA.ConclusionMohs micrographic surgery is a viable option for ADPA and warrants further exploration. Long‐term follow‐up is important, and additional studies will need to identify the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Reshaping curricula: Culture and mental health in undergraduate health degrees
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane Eimear , O'Kane Deb , McAllister Margaret , Levett‐Jones Tracy , Gerace Adam 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAustralia is a country rich in cultural diversity, with Indigenous Australians having specific cultural values and a variety of spoken languages. In addition, the increasing number of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds requires that health professionals be able to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. This is particularly relevant when undertaking a mental health assessment, because members of diverse communities often face the dual vulnerability of marginalization and stigmatization. This paper reports on the development and evaluation of a virtual teaching and learning resource that prepares health students to be culturally competent in mental health assessment. Four online interprofessional learning journeys were developed. Evaluation of the learning resources was conducted across three participating Australian universities. Quantitative evaluation involved pre‐ and post‐testing using an empathy scale, the Mental Health Nursing Clinical Confidence Scale, and the Cultural Competence Questionnaire informed by the theory of planned behaviour. Qualitative data from focus group interviews explored participants’ experiences of using the guided learning journey. Participants reported changes from pretest to post‐test in their empathy and attitudes towards culturally and linguistically diverse consumers with significant positive changes in cultural competence, empathy, and attitudes. There was strong satisfaction with the learning materials, indicating that participants valued this ‘real world’ learning experience. Results require cautious interpretation, given recruitment difficulties in the evaluation phase. However, these learning journeys appear to have potential to be an effective way to challenge attitudes and perceptions, as well as increase cultural competence towards culturally and linguistically diverse consumers.
Validity and reliability of the COHIP‐SF in Australian children with orofacial cleft
Authors: Agnew Caitlin Mary , Foster Page Lyndie , Hibbert Sally 
Published: August 2017

AimTo measure the validity and reliability of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile‐Short Form (COHIP‐SF) in Australian children with orofacial cleft (OFC) and to evaluate the need for a proxy report.DesignChildren with OFC and their proxy completed a COHIP‐SF questionnaire. Items were divided into oral health, functional and socio‐emotional subscales, and scores on all subscales were compared between and within groups.ResultsA total of 222 children (average age 11.3, SD = 3.5, range 8.0–14.0) and 215 proxies completed the COHIP‐SF, with similar mean scores of 50.8 (SD = 13.7) and 48.1 (SD = 14.0). Excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.9) and convergent validity was evident (P < 0.001); however, discriminant validity was weaker. There was strong correlation between child and proxy reports (Pearson's r = 0.7), and intraclass correlation coefficients were high indicating good child/proxy agreement. Older children had poor socio‐emotional well‐being (P < 0.004), and children with bilateral cleft lip and palate (CL/P) and velopharyngeal insufficiency/submucous cleft (VPI/SMC) had poor functional well‐being. Those with private health insurance reported better oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe COHIP‐SF is a valid and reliable measure for measuring OHRQoL in Australian children with OFC. Proxy reports did not add further information regarding a child's OHRQoL.
The performance evaluation of banks considering risk: an application of undesirable relation network DEA
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chuan , Chiu Yung‐Ho , Chiu Ching‐Jen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe probability of losses for financial institutions fluctuates in accordance with commodity prices and risk managers’ investment tolerance. For the financial service sector, when the capital base increases through lending and investment instruments, the associated financial risks often grow proportionally higher. In other words, the inherent risk of a loss is the financial institution's principal trade. However, with risk comes reward, and therefore banks often engage in complex financial risk management in order to capitalize on their profits. To assess a bank's performance, traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) incorporates various inputs and outputs and runs through preset formulae to arrive at conclusions. As a result, traditional DEA models often overlook the duality of risks. This paper discusses network DEA by considering the inputs and outputs of a bank's surrounding production processes as additional undesirable factors and integrates the dual nature of risks. We employ and analyze Taiwanese banks’ data to assess the local financial service sector's performance efficiency. The results provide a basis for future recommendations.
Near‐zero thermal expansion transparent lithium aluminosilicate glass‐ceramic by microwave hybrid heat treatment
Authors: Venkateswaran C. , Sharma Sharad C. , Chauhan Vishal S. , Vaish Rahul 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe material of choice for space applications which demand very high dimensional stability is lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) based Ultra Low thermal Expansion Glass‐Ceramic (ULEGC). Generally, the controlled crystallization process recommended for the processing of transparent ULEGC involves a long soaking duration to achieve the required crystal number density. This paper brings out the process optimization procedure adopted for realizing transparent and nanocrystalline ULEGC from conventionally processed LAS glass using microwave‐assisted (hybrid) crystallization. The experimental strategy involves two stages (i) identification of the optimum crystallization temperature (Tc) under a microwave field (ii) optimization of a microwave‐assisted crystallization process to achieve near zero Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE).. Optimum heat‐treatment schedules for nucleation and crystallization under a microwave environment were found to be 720°C/24 hours and 775°C/0.3 hours, respectively. The optimized heat‐treatment condition revealed the efficacy of the microwave hybrid heating, by producing nanocrystalline (35‐50 nm) and transparent (>82%) ULEGC having a thermal expansion of −0.03 × 10−6 K (0°C to 50°C).
Reliability of an Online Geriatric Assessment Procedure Using the interRAI Acute Care Assessment System
Authors: Martin‐Khan Melinda G. , Edwards Helen , Wootton Richard , Counsell Steven R. , Varghese Paul , Lim Wen Kwang , Darzins Peteris , Dakin Lucy , Klein Kerenaftali , Gray Leonard C. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether geriatric triage decisions made using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) performed online are less reliable than face‐to‐face (FTF) decisions.DesignMultisite noninferiority prospective cohort study. Two specialist geriatricians assessed individuals sequentially referred for an acute care geriatric consultation. Participants were allocated to one FTF assessment and an additional assessment (FTF or online (OL)), creating two groups—two FTF (FTF‐FTF, n = 81) or online and FTF (OL‐FTF, n = 85).SettingThree acute care public hospitals in two Australian states.ParticipantsAdmitted individuals referred for CGA.InterventionNurse‐administered CGA, based on the interRAI Acute Care assessment system accessed online and other online clinical data such as pathology results and imaging enabling geriatricians to review participants’ information and provide input into their care from a distance.MeasurementsThe primary decision subjected to this analysis was referral for permanent residential care. Geriatricians also recorded recommendations for referrals and variations for medication management and judgment regarding prognosis at discharge and after 3 months.ResultsOverall percentage agreement was 88% (n = 71) for the FTF‐FTF group and 91% (n = 77) for the OL‐FTF group. The difference in agreement between the FTF‐FTF and OL‐FTF groups was −3%, indicating that there was no difference between the methods of assessment. Judgements made regarding diagnoses of geriatric syndromes, medication management, and prognosis (with regard to hospital outcome and location at 3 months) were found to be equally reliable in each mode of consultation.ConclusionGeriatric assessment performed online using a nurse‐administered structured CGA system was no less reliable than conventional assessment in making clinical triage decisions.
Association of S100 calcium‐binding protein A12, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and nuclear factor‐κB expression with inflammation in pulp tissues from tooth caries
Authors: Khorasani Mohammad M. Y. , Andam‐Shahsavari Pouria , Zainodini Nahid , Khoramdelazad Hossein , Nosratabadi Reza 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimS100 calcium‐binding protein A1 (S100A12) is a pro‐inflammatory molecule which is secreted during inflammation and induces chemotaxis and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via interaction with receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and subsequent, activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The present study was designed to determine the expression levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF‐κB in the inflamed pulp of carried teeth.MethodsIn the present study, mRNA from 50 inflamed pulp and 50 healthy pulp were used for expression studies using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF‐κB were compared between inflamed and healthy tissues.ResultsThe results revealed that the expression of S100A12, but not of RAGE or NF‐κB, was significantly decreased in inflamed pulp when compared to healthy pulp. mRNA levels of RAGE were also increased in the inflamed pulp taken from men when compared with women.ConclusionThe results suggest that S100A12 does not participate in the induction of inflammation in dental pulp. However, RAGE can participate in the inflammation in the pulp of males.