bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remotely-sensed tornado signatures indicate an ecological threshold for eagle nest destruction
Authors: Ross Jeremy D. , Cavert Cheryl L. , Larsson Lena C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) will reuse massive nests placed high in trees over multiple years, potentially exposing them to catastrophe loss during severe storms. The stochasticity of localized weather, however, has traditionally been viewed as impeding the quantitative study of such risks. In March 2015 a severe weather outbreak along the Arkansas River near Tulsa, Oklahoma caused widespread damage among a highly-concentrated and long-monitored population of nesting Bald Eagles. We conducted field surveys on the extent of nest loss and consulted weather and observer records to determine what characteristics of the storm (maximum azimuthal wind shear) or nests (years of use) might have been associated with nest destruction. We found 5 of 9 nests along a ~24km stretch of the river were destroyed during the storm, causing the death of at least 8 eaglets. Mean years of use was higher among destroyed nests (4.8) than surviving nests (4.0), though not significantly so within this limited sample. The degree of maximum azimuthal shear (i.e., wind rotation) during the storm within 800m of the nests, however, did significantly differ both in terms of maximums (15.8 vs 9.5 ms−1) and means (9.4 vs 6.6 ms−1) for destroyed versus persisting nests, respectively. Our findings suggest a threshold of tornadic wind shear beyond which Bald Eagle nests, irrespective of age, could be prone to catastrophe. Such insights are key to developing accurate models of population persistence, especially in light of potential shifts in severe weather patterns under various climate change scenarios.
CD44 Controls Endothelial Proliferation and Functions as Endogenous Inhibitor of Angiogenesis
Authors: Pink Anne , Školnaja Marianna , Päll Taavi , Valkna Andres 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCD44 transmembrane glycoprotein is involved in angiogenesis, but it is not clear whether CD44 functions as a pro- or antiangiogenic molecule. Here, we assess the role of CD44 in angiogenesis and endothelial proliferation by usingCd44-null mice and CD44 silencing in human endothelial cells. We demonstrate that angiogenesis is increased inCd44-null mice compared to either wild-type or heterozygous animals. Silencing of CD44 expression in cultured endothelial cells results in their augmented proliferation and viability. The growth-suppressive effect of CD44 is mediated by its extracellular domain and is independent of its hyaluronan binding function. CD44-mediated effect on cell proliferation is independent of specific angiogenic growth factor stimulation. These results show that CD44 expression on endothelial cells constrains endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Thus, endothelial CD44 might serve as a therapeutic target both in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, where endothelial protection is desired, as well as in cancer treatment, due to its antiangiogenic properties.
FGMP: assessing fungal genome completeness and gene content
Authors: Cissé Ousmane H. , Stajich Jason E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundInexpensive high-throughput DNA sequencing has democratized access to genetic information for most organisms so that research utilizing a genome or transcriptome of an organism is not limited to model systems. However, the quality of the assemblies of sampled genomes can vary greatly which hampers utility for comparisons and meaningful interpretation. The uncertainty of the completeness of a given genome sequence can limit feasibility of asserting patterns of high rates of gene loss reported in many lineages.ResultsWe propose a computational framework and sequence resource for assessing completeness of fungal genomes called FGMP (Fungal Genome Mapping Project). Our approach is based on evolutionary conserved sets of proteins and DNA elements and is applicable to various types of genomic data. We present a comparison of FGMP and state-of-the-art methods for genome completeness assessment utilizing 246 genome assemblies of fungi. We discuss genome assembly improvements/degradations in 57 cases where assemblies have been updated, as recorded by NCBI assembly archive.ConclusionFGMP is an accurate tool for quantifying level of completion from fungal genomic data. It is particularly useful for non-model organisms without reference genomes and can be used directly on unassembled reads, which can help reducing genome sequencing costs.
Dynamics of external fit and internal fit: case of electronics industry
Authors: Lin Chin-Shien , Peng Tzu-Ju Ann , Chang Ruei-Yuan , Dang Van Thac 
Published: April 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal the strategic change-related issues by examining the dynamics between external fit and internal fit, as the success of strategic change is involved in the consideration of both internal and external fit.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses regression analysis to analyze the panel data from the electronics companies in Taiwan’s stock market between 2004 and 2011.FindingsThe empirical results show that there is a relationship between internal fit and external fit, and the momentum of internal fit was found as well. Moreover, the impact of the interaction effect of external and internal fit on performance is moderated by external fit.Originality/valueThis research contributes to and extends the current research in both theoretical and practical ways. From a theoretical aspect, this paper considers internal fit and external fit simultaneously and has adopted the profile deviation approach to test their impacts on performance. From a practical aspect, the empirical results have derived implications for managers as to understand the dynamics such as trade-off, momentum and synergy between the two types of strategic fit, which may be helpful for making decision on strategy change.
The incremental information content of audit opinion
Authors: Tahinakis Panayiotis , Samarinas Michalis 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the incremental information content of audit opinion while considering opinion determinants, such as auditor and auditee size, or a firm’s financial state.

Design/methodology/approach
– A market valuation model is employed using US firm data collected over 30 years. The model relates stock returns to earnings and incorporates as additional variables auditors’ opinion types, opinion determinants and their interactions with audit expression.

Findings
– The findings suggest that audit opinion has a significant market impact. The estimated positive or negative information content of the audit opinion types is associated with certain opinion determinants, such as auditor and auditee size and a firm’s financial state.

Research limitations/implications
– Additional firm-year observations regarding certain opinion qualifications could benefit future research.

Practical implications
– This study offers useful insights by demonstrating the importance of auditing profession to the users of financial statements. It examines investors’ perception of each audit opinion type and the conditions under which this expression has the most serious effects. The results demonstrate the role of audit opinion and its cause-effect relationship with various economic events, allowing regulators not only to track the efficiency of various audit policy changes but also act preventively and amend the regulatory framework.

Originality/value
– This paper empirically supports the significance of the auditing process and audit opinions by examining investor perceptions. It employs a value relevance model, in contrast to market-based research that adopts an event study methodology.
Discussion of “articulating accounting principles
Authors: Singleton-Green Brian 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of Brian Rutherford’s paper “Articulating accounting principles: classical accounting theory as the pursuit of ‘explanation by embodiment’”.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper draws on the author’s experience of 13-years working at ICAEW trying to improve relations between the worlds of accounting practice and accounting research.

Findings
– The paper argues that classical accounting theory became discredited because it was too detached from the world of practice and in fact seriously misunderstood it, and that accounting research using the methods of the social sciences is not incompatible with normative accounting theory. However, if Brian Rutherford’s paper encourages even more accounting researchers to engage in accounting policy debates, and to do so in ways that reflect a sympathetic understanding of existing practices, that would be a welcome development.

Originality/value
– The paper contributes to the continuing debate on how accounting research can contribute to improvements in accounting practice.
Antimicrobial Activities of Nisin, Tea Polyphenols, and Chitosan and their Combinations in Chilled Mutton
Authors: He Li , Zou Likou , Yang Qianru , Xia Jinghua , Zhou Kang , Zhu Yuanting , Han Xinfeng , Pu Biao , Hu Bin , Deng Wenwen , Liu Shuliang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAntimicrobial activities of nisin, tea polyphenols (TPs), and chitosan, and their combinations were evaluated against both Gram‐positive bacteria (GPB) and Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) by the agar dilution method. Results showed that the MIC of nisin was 2.44 to 1250 mg/L for GPB and reached 5000 mg/L for GNB. The MICs of TPs and chitosan were 313 to 625 mg/L and 469 mg/L for GNB, and 156 to 5000 mg/L and 234 to 938 mg/L for GPB, respectively. These results indicated that TPs and chitosan exhibited inhibitory effects against both GPB and GNB, whereas nisin inhibited the growth of GPB only. Based on the orthogonal test of their MICs, and evaluation of preservative effect and sensory attributes in chilled mutton, the optimum combination was chosen as 0.625, 0.313, and 3.752 g/L for nisin, TPs, and chitosan, respectively. By using the optimum treatment, the shelf life of chilled mutton was extended from 6 to 18 d at 4 °C in the preservative film packages. These results indicate that the combination of nisin, TPs, and chitosan could be used as preservatives to efficiently inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and pathogens in meat, thus improving the safety and shelf life of chilled mutton.
Tectonic Imprints of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis on the Mesozoic Rocks Exposed in Munda, Mohmand Agency, Northwest Pakistan
Authors: Asghar ALI , Umer HABIB , Atta Ur REHMAN , Noor ZADA , Zain Ul ABIDIN , Muhammad ISMAIL 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTwo well‐developed mesoscopic folds, D2 and D3, which postdate the middle amphibolite metamorphism, were recognized in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. NW–SE trending D2 folds developed during NE–SW horizontal bulk shortening followed by NE–SW trending D3 folds, which developed during SE–NW shortening. Micro‐ to mesoscopically the NW–SE trending S2 crenulation cleavage, boudins and mineral stretching lineations are overprinted by D3. The newly established NW–SE trending micro‐ to mesoscopic structures in Munda termed D2, which postdated F1/F2, is synchronously developed with F3 structures in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. We interpret that D2 and D3 folds are counterclockwise rotated in the tectonic event that has evolved the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis after the main phase Indian plate and Kohistan Island Arc collision. Chlorite replacement by biotite in the main matrix crenulation cleavages indicates prograde metamorphism related with D2. The inclusion of muscovite and biotite in garnet porphyroblasts and the presence of staurolite in these rocks indicate that the Barrovian metamorphic conditions predate D2 and D3. We interpret that garnet, staurolite and calcite porphyroblasts grew before D2 because the well developed S2 crenulation cleavage wraps around these porphyroblasts.
A Hazard Assessment Method for Potential Earthquake‐Induced Landslides – A Case Study in Huaxian County, Shaanxi Province
Authors: Jiamei LIU , Mengtan GAO , Shuren WU , Tao WANG , Jian WU 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe hazard assessment of potential earthquake‐induced landslides is an important aspect of the study of earthquake‐induced landslides. In this study, we assessed the hazard of potential earthquake‐induced landslides in Huaxian County with a new hazard assessment method. This method is based on probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and the Newmark cumulative displacement assessment model. The model considers a comprehensive suite of information, including the seismic activities and engineering geological conditions in the study area, and simulates the uncertainty of the intensity parameters of the engineering geological rock groups using the Monte Carlo method. Unlike previous assessment studies on ground motions with a given exceedance probability level, the hazard of earthquake‐induced landslides obtained by the method presented in this study allows for the possibility of earthquake‐induced landslides in different parts of the study area in the future. The assessment of the hazard of earthquake‐induced landslides in this study showed good agreement with the historical distribution of earthquake‐induced landslides. This indicates that the assessment properly reflects the macroscopic rules for the development of earthquake‐induced landslides in the study area, and can provide a reference framework for the management of the risk of earthquake‐induced landslides and land planning.
Evaluation of40Ar/39Ar Geochronology of Authigenic Illites in Determining Hydrocarbon Charge Timing: A Case Study from the Silurian Bituminous Sandstone Reservoirs, Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Youyu ZHANG , Keyu LIU , Xiuquan LUO 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Silurian bituminous sandstones (SBS) in the Tarim Basin, China are important basin‐wide reservoirs with an estimated area of approximately 249000 km2. We investigated the ages of authigenic illites in the SBS reservoirs and constrained their formation timing by using the40Ar/39Ar step wise heating method. The age spectra,39Ar recoil loss and their controlling factors were investigated systematically. The40Ar/39Ar ages were compared with the conventional K/Ar ages of identical clay fractions. The clay in the SBS reservoirs is dominated by orderly mixed‐layer illite/smectite (I/S) with 5%–30% smectite layers. The I/S minerals morphology comprises primarily honeycomb, short filamentous and curved‐lath particles, characteristic of authigenic illites. The unencapsulated40Ar/39Ar total gas ages (UTGA) of the authigenic illites range from 188.56 ± 6.20 Ma to 491.86 ± 27.68 Ma, which are 7% to 103% older than the corresponding K/Ar ages of 124.87 ± 1.11 Ma to 383.45 ± 2.80 Ma, respectively. The K‐Ar ages indicate multistage accumulations with distinct distribution patterns in the Tarim Basin: older (late Caledonian‐early Hercynian) around the basin margin, younger (late Hercynian) in the basin centre, and the youngest (middle to late Yanshanian) in the Ha‐6 well‐block, central area of the North Uplift The age difference is believed to have been caused by the39Ar recoil loss during the irradiation process. Compared with the K/Ar ages, the estimated39Ar recoil losses in this study are in the range from 7% to 51%. The39Ar recoil loss appears to increase not only with the decreasing particle sizes of the I/S, but also with increasing percentage of smectite layers (IR) of the I/S, and smectite layer content (SLC) of the samples. We conclude that due to significant39Ar recoil losses, UTGA may not offer any meaningful geological ages of the authigenic illite formation in the SBS and thus can not be used to represent the hydrocarbon charge timing.39Ar recoil losses during40Ar/39Ar dating can not be neglected when dating fine authigenic illite, especially when the ordered mixed‐layer I/S containing small amount of smectite layers (IR<30%) in the reservoir formations. Compared with the unencapsulated Ar‐Ar method, the conventional K‐Ar method is less complicated, more accurate and reliable in dating authigenic illites in petroleum reservoirs.
Edmondson grade predicts survival of patients with primary clear cell carcinoma of liver after curative resection: A retrospective study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Xu Wei , Ge Penglei , Liao Wenjun , Ren Jinjun , Yang Huayu , Xu Haifeng , Sang Xinting , Lu Xin , Zhong Shouxian , Mao Yilei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimPrimary clear cell carcinoma of liver (PCCCL) is a specific and rare subtype of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed a retrospective study with long‐term follow‐up to investigate predictive factors and prognosis of intrahepatic recurrences of PCCCL after radical resection.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed records of 38 patients with PCCCL who were diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1989 and September 2010, with a long‐term follow up to January 2015, to determine their clinical characteristics and postoperative survival. The data were compared with 400 patients received radical hepatectomy for common type hepatocellular carcinoma (CHCC) during the study period.ResultsPCCCL tumors were smaller than those of CHCC (P < 0.001) and the incidence of vascular invasion of tumors in PCCCL group was significantly lower than that in CHCC (P = 0.029). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival (OS) for PCCCL patients were 94.6%, 67.3%, and 58.5%, respectively; 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) were 89.2%, 54.1%, and 48.6%, respectively. Both OS and DFS were significantly better for PCCCL patients than for CHCC (P = 0.039 and 0.044). Cox modeling showed high Edmondson grade to be the only independent predictive factor for survival of PCCCL patients, which were different from those of CHCC.ConclusionsPCCCL is a less malignant subtype of HCC than CHCC, patients with PCCCL likely have later intrahepatic recurrences and a better prognosis. Edmondson grade predicts survival of patients with PCCCL after curative resection; those with higher Edmondson grades may require more careful follow‐up and aggressive post‐hepatectomy therapy.
Prick test: evolution towards automated reading
Authors: Justo X. , Díaz I. , Gil J. J. , Gastaminza G. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe prick test is one of the most common medical methods for diagnosing allergies, and it has been carried out in a similar and laborious manner over many decades. In an attempt to standardize the reading of the test, many researchers have tried to automate the process of measuring the allergic reactions found by developing systems and algorithms based on multiple technologies. This work reviews the techniques for automatic wheal measurement with the aim of pointing out their advantages and disadvantages and the progress in the field. Furthermore, it provides a classification scheme for the different technologies applied. The works discussed herein provide evidence that significant challenges still exist for the development of an automatic wheal measurement system that not only helps allergists in their medical practice but also allows for the standardization of the reading and data exchange. As such, the aim of the work was to serve as guideline for the development of a proper and feasible system.
What is the role of catheter antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing joint arthroplasty?
Authors: Scarlato Rose‐Marie , Dowsey Michelle M. , Buising Kirsty L. , Choong Peter F. M. , Peel Trisha N. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundAntimicrobial prophylaxis at the time of urinary catheter insertion and removal is commonly administered in patients undergoing joint arthroplasty, despite the lack of evidence to support this practice. The rationale is the theoretical risk of prosthetic joint infection arising from bacterial seeding from the urinary tract at the time of catheterization. In an era of antimicrobial stewardship, further assessment is warranted.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the incidence of catheter‐associated (CA) bacteriuria and bacteraemia in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of any isolated microorganisms. This prospective observational study undertaken over a 6‐month period (May to October 2014) included 99 patients undergoing elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne. Urine specimens were collected at insertion and removal of urinary catheters along with blood cultures upon urinary catheter removal.ResultsOverall 98% of the cohort received catheter antimicrobial prophylaxis for urinary catheter insertion and removal; the majority of patients received gentamicin (94%). Bacteriuria on catheter insertion had an incidence of 4.4%. The incidence of CA bacteriuria was 1.3%. All cultured organisms were sensitive to commonly used antibiotics including cephazolin. There were no cases of bacteraemia with urinary catheter removal. Increasing age, American Society of Anesthesiologists status and female gender were associated with the development of bacteriuria.ConclusionThe incidence of CA bacteriuria and bacteraemia with antimicrobial prophylaxis is low. This study provokes discussion about the requirement of catheter prophylaxis in this surgical context and the utility of preoperative urine screening.
Evaluation of additive effect of quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth among asymptomatic low‐risk women
Authors: Jwala Sushma , Tran Tino L. , Terenna Courtney , McGregor Ali , Andrel Jocelyn , Leiby Benjamin E. , Baxter Jason K. , Berghella Vincenzo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionOur objective was to evaluate the possible additive effect of quantitative fetal fibronectin to transvaginal ultrasound cervical length measurement between 180/7 and 236/7 weeks for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth at <370/7 weeks among asymptomatic low‐risk women.Material and methodsA prospective observational study was performed of asymptomatic women with singleton gestations between 180/7 and 236/7 weeks and no prior spontaneous preterm birth. Women with multiple gestations, rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding, intercourse or vaginal exam within 48 h of enrollment were excluded. Physicians were blinded to the quantitative fetal fibronectin levels, but the cervical length measurements were made available. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at <370/7 weeks.ResultsOf the 528 asymptomatic low‐risk women who were prospectively enrolled, 36 (6.82%) had spontaneous preterm birth at <370/7 weeks. Using the receiver‐operating characteristic curve, fetal fibronectin value of ≥5 ng/mL was identified as the optimal cut‐off for predicting spontaneous preterm birth at <370/7 weeks. As compared with cervical length ≥20 mm alone, with the use of cervical length ≤20 mm or quantitative fetal fibronectin ≥5 ng/mL as screening criteria for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth at <370/7 weeks; sensitivity improved from 11.11 to 61.11%, specificity decreased from 99.59 to 55.08%, positive predictive value decreased from 66.67 to 9.05%, negative predictive value marginally improved from 93.87 to 95.09% and predictive accuracy decreased from 93.56 to 55.49%.ConclusionsAlthough the sensitivity improved, other predictive statistics and predictive accuracy did not improve by the addition of mid‐trimester quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length measurement. Therefore, addition of mid‐trimester quantitative fetal fibronectin to cervical length measurement cannot be recommended at this time for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth at <370/7 weeks in asymptomatic low‐risk women.