bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does credit information sharing affect funding cost of banks? Evidence from African banks
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye , Opoku‐Mensah Mary 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study takes advantage of the lack of empirical studies on the effect of credit information sharing and funding cost of banks and investigates credit information sharing and bank funding cost in Africa between 2006 and 2012. Employing a two‐step generalized method of moments regression of 233 banks in 17 African countries, the study provides new revelations. The study shows that the quality of credit information shared is key and persistent in reducing funding cost of banks. Again, the study confirms that the coverage of private credit bureaus significantly reduced bank funding cost whereas no such evidence was found for coverage of public credit registries. Further, although the study found evidence to support that the presence of credit information reduces bank funding cost, no evidence was found to support that countries that use both private credit bureaus and public credit registries are able to reduce funding cost of banks in Africa. From these results, it is evident that credit information sharing presence, coverage, and quality reduces funding cost in Africa. For policy recommendations, policymakers and bank boards must team up and set up credit information sharing institutions to help reduce information asymmetry and funding cost in countries that do not share credit information. Also, the introduction and establishment of credit information sharing must be geared towards private bureaus as they are more effective in reducing funding cost of banks. Again, policymakers must enact laws and policies that deepen the coverage, depth, and quality of credit information shared so that the financial sector of Africa countries can realize the full potential of credit information sharing.
Immortalization of canine adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and their seminiferous tubule transplantation
Authors: Fang Jia , Wei Yudong , Teng Xin , Zhao Shanting , Hua Jinlian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAdipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are proven to provide good effects in numerous tissue engineering application and other cell‐based therapies. However, the difficulty in the proliferation of ADSCs, known as the “Hayflick limit” in vitro, limits their clinical application. Here, we immortalized canine ADSCs (cADSCs) with SV40 gene and transplanted them into busulfan‐induced seminiferous tubules of infertile mice. The proliferation of these immortalized cells was improved significantly. Then, cellular differentiation assays showed that the immortalized cADSCs could differentiate into three‐germ‐layer cells, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, adipogenesis phenotypes, and primordial germ cell‐like cells (PGCLCs). In addition, the immortalized cADSCs can proliferate in the busulfan‐induced seminiferous tubules of infertile mice. These findings confirmed that the immortalized cADSCs maintain the criteria of cADSCs.
Microwave‐assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Morus nigra leaves: optimization and characterization of the antioxidant activity and phenolic composition
Authors: Radojković Marija , Moreira Manuela M , Soares Cristina , Fátima Barroso M , Cvetanović Aleksandra , Švarc‐Gajić Jaroslava , Morais Simone , Delerue‐Matos Cristina 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDMorus nigra (mulberry) fruit has been reported as a source of bioactive compounds, although information about their leaves is very limited. Usually, they are considered wastes and have been traditionally used only for tea preparation. The main objective of this work was to explore the valorization of mulberry leaves by polyphenols microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and characterization of their antioxidant activity and phenolic composition. A 23 factorial design combined with response surface methodology were applied to characterize the effect of main microwave parameters on total phenolic content (TPC).RESULTSThe optimized MAE conditions were 20 mL of ethanol:water (1:1; v/v), 120 °C, 28 min, 0.414 g and medium stirring speed. Under these conditions, TPC was 19.7 ± 2.0 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g‐1 dry plant (DP), and antioxidant activity was 15.3 ± 1.0 mg ascorbic acid (AA) g‐1 DP (ferric reduction activity power –FRAP– assay), 18.6 ± 1.3 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) g‐1 DP (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl –DPPH– assay) and 186 ± 15 mg TE g‐1 DP (oxygen radical absorbance capacity –ORAC– assay). When compared with ultrasound extraction and Pharmacopeia reference method, MAE was more efficient, representing a valuable technology. Of the 13 compounds identified by HPLC, the most abundant were rutin, chlorogenic, β‐resorcylic and caffeic acids.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that mulberry leaves are of potential interest for agro‐food industries as a new source of natural antioxidants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comments on Where the Creativity Research Has Been and Where Is It Going
Authors: Runco Mark A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis Commentary examines where the creativity research has been and where it is going. They key points include evolving definitions of creativity, interdisciplinarity in the creativity research, divergent thinking as a reliable index of creative potential, improvements in testing, the impact of technology, the inclusion of political, moral, and everyday creativity in the research, the use of semantic networks and conceptual maps, the creative economy, and the need to extricate personal creativity from social recognition.
Building Institutions for the Next 50 Years of Creativity Research
Authors: Silvia Paul J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Journal of Creative Behavior's remarkable half‐century is a good occasion for reflecting on the role of a scholarly field's institutions in fostering creative work. In creativity studies, some of our institutions are flourishing, particularly our many excellent peer‐reviewed journals. But we face some institutional challenges that will require some creative solutions from creativity researchers. This article considers three challenges: (a) how to train and place the next generation of scholars when so few creativity researchers work at doctoral‐level graduate programs; (b) how to tighten the field's social network by bringing together people from different subfields and career stages in face‐to‐face gatherings; and (c) how to identify and develop the leadership needed to manage our scholarly organizations.
A Culture‐Inclusive, Socially Engaged Agenda for Creativity Research
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad Petre 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe 50 years anniversary of The Journal of Creative Behavior offers a festive occasion to reflect on the recent history of the field as well as look toward its future. From the standpoint of sociocultural psychology, I celebrate the growing importance of society and culture within creativity research. However, I also note an important distinction between “social inside” and “social outside” approaches. A truly culture‐inclusive field would go beyond the view of culture as “container” and explore the ways in which sociocultural contexts actively participate in creativity. At the same time, it would examine how creative action, in turn, shapes society and culture, particularly at times of growing intolerance, nationalism, and inequality. A socially engaged agenda for creativity research is timely both conceptually and practically. Taken together, these two pillars could not only advance but also fundamentally transform our field, carrying it for the next 50 years and beyond.
In Pursuit of Everyday Creativity
Authors: Amabile Teresa M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCreativity researchers have long paid careful attention to individual creativity, beginning with studies of well‐known geniuses, and expanding to personality, biographical, cognitive, and social‐psychological studies of individual creative behavior. Little is known, however, about the everyday psychological experience and associated creative behavior in the life and work of ordinary individuals. Yet evidence is mounting that such individuals can be responsible for important instances of creativity and innovation in the world: open innovation, user innovation, and citizen innovation. Research into this phenomenon could do much to advance the study and practice of creativity.
Creativity and the Genome: The State of Affairs
Authors: Grigorenko Elena L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis essay is focused on the research into the genetic etiology of creativity and related processes. In an attempt to identify the most salient points of this research, the article provides a brief overview of quantitative‐genetic (family and twin) and molecular‐genetic (candidate‐gene and whole‐genome) studies of creativity. To conclude, the essay formulates a future agenda for this subfield of scientific inquiry into creativity.
From the Dawn of Humanity to the 21st Century: Creativity as an Enduring Survival Skill
Authors: Puccio Gerard J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhile the scientific investigation into creativity is a recent phenomenon, creative thinking has always been a crucial feature of humanity. The ability to creatively solve problems enabled early humans to survive and laid the foundation for the creative imagination that has resulted in our modern society. While most humans no longer face physical threats, life and work in the 21st century demands heightened creativity skills. To meet these demands, educational practices must leverage the insights and strategies gained through research into the trainability of creative thinking.
How grinding level and brewing method (Espresso, American, Turkish) could affect the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds in a coffee cup
Authors: Derossi Antonio , Ricci Ilde , Caporizzi Rossella , Fiore Anna , Severini Carla 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDDepending on geographical origin and cultural traditions, different brewing procedures are used all over the world to prepare a cup of coffee. In this work, we explored how three grinding levels of coffee powder and three coffee preparation methods – filtration (American), boiling (Turkish) and extraction under pressure (Espresso) – affect healthy compounds and physicochemical attributes in coffee served to consumers.RESULTSGrinding level slightly affected the quality of coffee, whereas the preparation method significantly influenced all in‐cup attributes. When the content per cup was compared, the American coffee presented higher values of antioxidant activity and total phenol content than espresso and Turkish coffees. Caffeine content was 316, 112 and 64 mg for the American, Turkish and espresso coffee cup, respectively.CONCLUSIONOne American, three Turkish and five Espresso coffee cups contain similar amount of caffeine of 316, 336 and 320 mg, respectively which are below the maximum daily consumption (400 mg per day) suggested by the European Food Safety Authority. The extraction method affects the intake of bioactive and antioxidant substances with specific properties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Transparency and choice in learning healthcare systems
Authors: Botkin Jeffrey R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLearning healthcare systems rely on potentially sensitive data and biospecimens from patients who typically have no knowledge of secondary uses of these resources for research. While this failure to inform patients of these practices is consistent with human subject regulations for research, these practices risk controversy and a loss of trust in the integrity of healthcare institutions. This article reviews recent controversies in this domain and argues for new institutional practices that entail patient education about secondary uses of data and biospecimens and the opportunity for patient choice in the form of an opt‐out system. This approach would enhance transparency and reduce the risk of a loss of public trust in the research enterprise.
Coding with canonical functions
Authors: Larson Paul B. , Shelah Saharon 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA function f from ω1 to the ordinals is called a canonical function for an ordinal α if f represents α in any generic ultrapower induced by forcing with . We introduce here a method for coding sets of ordinals using canonical functions from ω1 to ω1. Combining this approach with arguments from , we show, assuming the Continuum Hypothesis, that for each cardinal κ there is a forcing construction preserving cardinalities and cofinalities forcing that every subset of κ is an element of the inner model .
EBV‐encoded miRNAs target ATM‐mediated response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lung Raymond W‐M , Hau Pok‐Man , Yu Ken H‐O , Yip Kevin Y , Tong Joanna H‐M , Chak Wing‐Po , Chan Anthony W‐H , Lam Ka‐Hei , Lo Angela Kwok‐Fung , Tin Edith K‐Y , Chau Shuk‐Ling , Pang Jesse C‐S , Kwan Johnny S‐H , Busson Pierre , Young Lawrence S , Yap Lee‐Fah , Tsao Sai‐Wah , To Ka‐Fai , Lo Kwok‐Wai 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly invasive epithelial malignancy that is prevalent in southern China and Southeast Asia. It is consistently associated with latent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. In NPC, miR‐BARTs, the EBV‐encoded miRNAs derived from BamH1‐A rightward transcripts, are abundantly expressed and contribute to cancer development by targeting various cellular and viral genes. In this study, we establish a comprehensive transcriptional profile of EBV‐encoded miRNAs in a panel of NPC patient‐derived xenografts and an EBV‐positive NPC cell line by small RNA sequencing. Among the 40 miR‐BARTs, predominant expression of 22 miRNAs was consistently detected in these tumors. Among the abundantly expressed EBV‐miRNAs, BART5‐5p, BART7‐3p, BART9‐3p, and BART14‐3p could negatively regulate the expression of a key DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair gene, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), by binding to multiple sites on its 3'‐UTR. Notably, the expression of these four miR‐BARTs represented more than 10% of all EBV‐encoded miRNAs in tumor cells, while downregulation of ATM expression was commonly detected in all of our tested sequenced samples. In addition, downregulation of ATM was also observed in primary NPC tissues in both qRT‐PCR (16 NP and 45 NPC cases) and immunohistochemical staining (35 NP and 46 NPC cases) analysis. Modulation of ATM expression by BART5‐5p, BART7‐3p, BART9‐3p, and BART14‐3p was demonstrated in the transient transfection assays. These findings suggest that EBV uses miRNA machinery as a key mechanism to control the ATM signaling pathway in NPC cells. By suppressing these endogenous miR‐BARTs in EBV‐positive NPC cells, we further demonstrated the novel function of miR‐BARTs in inhibiting Zta‐induced lytic reactivation. These findings imply that the four viral miRNAs work co‐operatively to modulate ATM activity in response to DNA damage and to maintain viral latency, contributing to the tumorigenesis of NPC. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Audiological monitoring in Swiss childhood cancer patients
Authors: Weiss Annette , Kuonen Rahel , Brockmeier Hanna , Grotzer Michael , Candreia Claudia , Maire Raphael , Senn Pascal , Stieger Christof , Rosenfeld Jochen , Veraguth Dorothe , Kompis Martin , Scheinemann Katrin , Kuehni Claudia E. ,   Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundFull audiological monitoring is the best strategy to detect hearing loss early and to provide timely intervention in the absence of a clinical method of otoprotection. Full monitoring requires audiological evaluation before, and then during and after ototoxic cancer treatment. In a worldwide context of monitoring protocols that vary substantially, we analyzed the audiological monitoring of childhood cancer patients over the last decade across treatment centers in Switzerland.ProcedureWe retrospectively searched for audiological evaluations in all nine Swiss Pediatric Oncology Centers. We analyzed proportions of patients who had audiological monitoring and described type and timing of monitoring. We determined predictors of audiological monitoring using multivariable logistic regression and described time trends.ResultsWe included 185 patients from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry diagnosed from 2005 to 2013 who had platinum chemotherapy and/or cranial radiation ≥30 Gray and who were alive at time of study. Less than half of children, 43%, had full audiological monitoring (before, during, and after treatment), while 72% were tested after cancer treatment. Nonstudy patients were less likely to have had monitoring in all phases of cancer treatment. Patients who received treatment with cisplatin or both platinum chemotherapy and cranial radiation were more likely to have had monitoring after treatment. Monitoring during and after treatment increased over the study period, but monitoring before treatment was insufficient in all time periods.ConclusionsOur population‐based study indicates that audiological monitoring is insufficient in Switzerland, particularly for nonstudy patients. Clinicians must become more aware of the importance of full audiological monitoring.
Linking individual‐level data on diagnoses and dispensing for research on antibiotic use: Evaluation of a novel data source from English secondary care
Authors: Rockenschaub Patrick , Ansell David , Shallcross Laura 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeThere has been a focus on stewardship programmes to curb inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and reduce antimicrobial resistance. In‐hospital, patient‐level prescribing linked to indication is needed to support surveillance, evaluation of stewardship initiatives, as well as other antibiotic research. We evaluated whether a novel dataset linking hospital pharmacy records to Hospital Episode Statistics data can be used for antibiotic research.MethodsUsing the Hospital Treatment Insights (HTI) database, which links Hospital Episode Statistics to pharmacy records from 43 out of 153 hospital trusts in England, we estimated the proportion of missed linkage and identified characteristics associated with missing data.ResultsLinkage of antibiotics to patients was inconsistent and dependent on drug type and clinical setting, so that linkage for some specific antibiotics was high (80–100%), but overall, only 27.6% (CI: 27.4%–27.8%) for all antibiotics dispensed. Linkage was best for quinolones (62.6%; CI: 61.8%–63.8%), but only 21.1% (CI: 21.1%–21.2%) for penicillins. Linkage was lower for common antibiotics and in emergency departments; however, 80% linkage was achieved for individual drugs like clindamycin, especially on wards with reduced ward stock use.ConclusionsFor those antibiotics with high linkage, HTI might be used to study associations between indication, dispensing, and outcomes. However, the majority of common antibiotics had insufficient linkage, likely due to extensive use of ward stocks. Therefore, HTI in its current form is not suitable for general antibiotic surveillance or evaluation of stewardship initiatives. For drugs in HTI other than antibiotics, linkage should be similarly evaluated before a study is conducted.
Relation of social constraints on disclosure to adjustment among Chinese American cancer survivors: A multiprocesses approach
Authors: Wong Celia C.Y. , Warmoth Krystal , Ivy Shelby , Cheung Bernice , Lu Qian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeThe present study examines the association between social constraints and depressive symptoms among Chinese American breast cancer survivors, and the mechanism underling this association. A multiprocesses model is tested to examine the mediating roles of ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE), avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and social support in the association between social constraints and depressive symptoms among Chinese American breast cancer survivors.MethodsNinety‐six Chinese American breast cancer survivors were recruited from Chinese community organizations. They were asked to complete a questionnaire package that assessed social constraints, AEE, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, social support, depressive symptoms, and demographic information. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized model.ResultsThe overall and specific indirect effects of social constraints on depressive symptoms through AEE, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and social support are significant. When the mediators are controlled for, the direct effect of social constraints on depressive symptoms is no longer significant.ConclusionsA multiprocesses model of social constraints and depressive symptoms is tested in a sample of Chinese American breast cancer survivors. The findings suggest that the existence of multiple pathways through which social constraints may associate with depressive symptoms among Chinese American breast cancer survivors.
Prevalence estimation when disease status is verified only among test positives: Applications in HIV screening programs
Authors: G. Thomas Emma , B. Peskoe Sarah , Spiegelman Donna 
Published: December 2017

The first goal of the United Nations' 90–90–90 HIV/AIDS elimination strategy is to ensure that, by 2020, 90% of HIV‐positive people know their HIV status. Estimating the prevalence of HIV among people eligible for screening allows assessment of the number of additional cases that might be diagnosed through continued screening efforts in this group. Here, we present methods for estimating prevalence when HIV status is verified by a gold standard only among those who test positive on an initial, imperfect screening test with known sensitivity and specificity. We develop maximum likelihood estimators and asymptotic confidence intervals for use in 2 scenarios: when the total number of test negatives is known (Scenario 1) and unknown (Scenario 2). We derive Bayesian prevalence estimators to account for non‐negligible uncertainty in previous estimates of the sensitivity and specificity. The Scenario 1 estimator consistently outperformed the Scenario 2 estimator in simulations, demonstrating the use of recording the number of test negatives in public health screening programs. For less accurate tests (sensitivity and specificity < 90%), the performance of the 2 estimators was comparable, suggesting that, under these circumstances, prevalence can still be estimated with adequate precision when the number of test negatives is unknown. However, use of the Bayesian approach to account for uncertainty in the sensitivity and specificity is especially recommended for the Scenario 2 estimator, which was particularly sensitive to misspecification of these values. R code for implementing these methods is available at hsph.harvard.edu/donna‐spiegelman/software.
Catalyst Free Synthesis of Bis(Indolyl)Methanes and 3,3‐Bis(Indolyl)oxindoles in Aqueous Ethyl Lactate
Authors: Gao Ge , Han Yi , Zhang Zhan‐Hui 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA highly efficient and environmentally friendly approach has been reported for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes and 3,3‐bis(indolyl)oxindoles by reacting of indoles with aldehydes or isatins in water‐ethyl lactate under ultrasound irradiation. This protocol presents the benefits of catalyst‐free, operational simplicity, short reaction time, high product yield, broad substrate scope and applicability for large‐scale synthesis.