bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐size responses alter food chain persistence across environmental gradients
Authors: Sentis Arnaud , Binzer Amrei , Boukal David S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBody‐size reduction is a ubiquitous response to global warming alongside changes in species phenology and distributions. However, ecological consequences of temperature‐size (TS) responses for community persistence under environmental change remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the interactive effects of warming, enrichment, community size structure and TS responses on a three‐species food chain using a temperature‐dependent model with empirical parameterisation. We found that TS responses often increase community persistence, mainly by modifying consumer‐resource size ratios and thereby altering interaction strengths and energetic efficiencies. However, the sign and magnitude of these effects vary with warming and enrichment levels, TS responses of constituent species, and community size structure. We predict that the consequences of TS responses are stronger in aquatic than in terrestrial ecosystems, especially when species show different TS responses. We conclude that considering the links between phenotypic plasticity, environmental drivers and species interactions is crucial to better predict global change impacts on ecosystem diversity and stability.
Autoimmune encephalitis associated with voltage‐gated potassium channels‐complex and leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 antibodies – a national cohort study
Authors: Celicanin M. , Blaabjerg M. , Maersk‐Moller C. , Beniczky S. , Marner L. , Thomsen C. , Bach F. W. , Kondziella D. , Andersen H. , Somnier F. , Illes Z. , Pinborg L. H. 
Published: May 2017

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to describe clinical and paraclinical characteristics of all Danish patients who tested positive for anti‐voltage‐gated potassium channels (VGKC)‐complex, anti‐leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) and anti‐contactin‐associated protein‐2 antibodies in the serum/cerebrospinal fluid between 2009 and 2013 with follow‐up interviews in 2015 and 2016.MethodsWe evaluated antibody status, symptoms leading to testing, course of disease, suspected diagnosis and time of admission as well as diagnosis and treatment. All magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans were re‐evaluated by experts in the field.ResultsA total of 28/192 patients tested positive for VGKC‐complex antibodies by radioimmunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence; 17 had antibodies to LGI1 and 6/7 of the available cerebrospinal fluids from these patients were seropositive. These 17 patients all had a clinical phenotype appropriate to LGI1 antibodies. The remaining 11 were LGI1 negative (n = 4) or not tested (n = 7). Of these, two had a phenotype consistent with limbic encephalitis. The remaining phenotypes were Guillain–Barré syndrome, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, neuromyotonia and anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were demonstrated in 69% of the LGI1‐positive patients. Two patients with normal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated temporal lobe hypermetabolism using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Abnormal electroencephalography recordings were found in 86% of the patients. Upon follow‐up (median 3.2 years), the median modified Rankin Scale score of anti‐LGI1‐positive patients was 2 and only two patients reported seizures in the past year.ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with anti‐LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis increased significantly from 2009 to 2014, probably due to increased awareness. In contrast to seropositive anti‐VGKC‐complex patients, all anti‐LGI1‐positive patients presented with a classical limbic encephalitis. The majority of patients recovered well.
A feature selection enabled hybrid‐bagging algorithm for credit risk evaluation
Authors: Dahiya Shashi , Handa S.S. , Singh N.P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHybrid models based on feature selection and machine learning techniques have significantly enhanced the accuracy of standalone models. This paper presents a feature selection‐based hybrid‐bagging algorithm (FS‐HB) for improved credit risk evaluation. The 2 feature selection methods chi‐square and principal component analysis were used for ranking and selecting the important features from the datasets. The classifiers were built on 5 training and test data partitions of the input data set. The performance of the hybrid algorithm was compared with that of the standalone classifiers: feature selection‐based classifiers and bagging. The hybrid FS‐HB algorithm performed best for qualitative dataset with less features and tree‐based unstable base classifier. Its performance on numeric data was also better than other standalone classifiers, whereas comparable to bagging with only selected features. Its performance was found better on 70:30 data partition and the type II error, which is very significant in risk evaluation was also reduced significantly. The improved performance of FS‐HB is attributed to the important features used for developing the classifier thereby reducing the complexity of the algorithm and the use of ensemble methodology, which added to the classical bias variance trade‐off and performed better than standalone classifiers.
Neotropical freshwater fishes imperilled by unsustainable policies
Authors: Pelicice Fernando M , Azevedo‐Santos Valter M , Vitule Jean R S , Orsi Mário L , Lima Junior Dilermando P , Magalhães André L B , Pompeu Paulo S , Petrere Miguel , Agostinho Angelo A 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNeotropical freshwater fishes are the most diverse on the planet (>5,500 species), although nations in Latin America have been negligent regarding their conservation. National policies have historically encouraged unsustainable practices, and recent decades have witnessed a sharp increase in harmful activities. Our aim with this review was to expose this situation and illustrate how national policies constitute the main threat to freshwater fish biodiversity. We explain that the most devastating, pervasive and systemic threats are rooted in official policies, particularly unsustainable activities (e.g. hydropower, water diversion, mining, aquaculture, agriculture and fishing), poor management/conservation (e.g. fish stocking and passages) and harmful legislation (e.g. poor licensing, non‐native species). We provide a broad portrait of the Neotropical scenario, where unsustainable policies have caused considerable damage to freshwater ecosystems, and focus on major examples from Brazil, where development projects have caused large‐scale losses to fish biodiversity. Such modus operandi of human development is incompatible with the persistence of biodiversity, and no simple solution is available to correct or minimize its effects. The current situation demands a profound behavioural shift towards better practices and policies, or these multiple high‐impact activities will continue eroding freshwater fish biodiversity and impairing essential ecosystem services.
Investor Pessimism and the German Stock Market: Exploring Google Search Queries
Authors: Dimpfl Thomas , Kleiman Vladislav 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe analyze the relationship of retail investor sentiment and the German stock market by introducing four distinct investor pessimism indices (IPIs) based on selected aggregate Google search queries. We assess the predictive power of weekly changes in sentiment captured by the IPIs for contemporaneous and future DAX returns, volatility and trading volume. The indices are found to have individually varying, but overall remarkably high explanatory power. An increase in retail investor pessimism is accompanied by decreasing contemporaneous market returns and an increase in volatility and trading volume. Future returns tend to increase while future volatility and trading volume decrease. The outcome is in line with the conjecture of correction effects. Overall, the results are well in line with modern investor sentiment theory.
Evaluation of outcomes of suction drainage in patients with haemophilic arthropathy undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mortazavi S. M. J. , Firoozabadi M. A. , Najafi A. , Mansouri P. 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionClosed suction drainage has been extensively applied for orthopaedic procedures for the sake of avoiding fluid collections around the wound at the operated limb.AimWe believed that without application of suction drainage after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the risk of infection and haematoma formation will not increase while the need for blood transfusion because of decreased blood loss will be lesser.MethodsIn a prospective randomized clinical trial from April 2010 to April 2014, 176 patients with haemophilia who underwent TKA were included. The study group consisted of 88 patients (108 knees), in which we did not insert suction drain and the control group included 88 patients (106 knees), in which drain was inserted at the end of the surgery. All patients underwent TKA via anterior knee incision and medial parapatellar approach.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period of study group and control group was 21 ± 11 months vs. 20 ± 9 months consecutively (P = 0.54). The mean hospital stay was 13 ± 8 days vs. 14 ± 8 days in study and control group consecutively (P = 0.40). In both groups, the major part of improvement in clinical knee society score was due to increase in pain subset (mean increase of 42 vs. 39 points consecutively) and to a lesser extent to alleviation of flexion contracture (mean increase of 13 vs. 15 points consecutively). We observed no differences in the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) value between both groups. Average functional outcome in both groups improved during follow‐up visits.ConclusionWe can conclude that there is no rationale for the use of drain after primary TKA.
Let's Talk Period! Preliminary results of an online bleeding awareness knowledge translation project and bleeding assessment tool promoted on social media
Authors: Reynen E. , Grabell J. , Ellis A. K. , James P. 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionUndiagnosed bleeding disorders are common and can pose significant health risks, especially for women. Recently, a self‐administered bleeding assessment tool (Self‐BAT) was validated in von Willebrand disease.AimTo increase awareness of undiagnosed bleeding disorders through the use of an informational website (http://letstalkperiod.ca) targeted at women in their reproductive years.MethodsThe Let's Talk Period website was built in consultation with a medical communications company and focus groups of women, with the aim of clearly presenting key messages around menstrual bleeding. The website was promoted through social media and local and national interviews. Upon completion of the online Self‐BAT available at http://letstalkperiod.ca, the result is displayed to the user along with a recommendation to seek medical attention if the score is abnormal.ResultsDuring the initial 3‐month period, there were 5158 page views from 64 countries. A total of 489 individuals, 95% female, completed the online Self‐BAT. The mean Self‐BAT score was 6, range 0‐44. Abnormal Self‐BAT scores were reported in 45% of the respondents, of whom 96% were female. The most commonly reported bleeding symptoms were menorrhagia (98%) and postpartum haemorrhage (82%). Bleeding symptoms were similar across different geographical areas.ConclusionAn online screening tool is an effective method of identifying individuals concerned with abnormal bleeding. A significant portion of the general population report experiencing symptoms of abnormal bleeding. In women, the most frequently reported bleeding symptoms were menorrhagia and postpartum haemorrhage.
“It's a fight to get anything you need” — Accessing care in the community from the perspectives of people with multimorbidity
Authors: Ho Julia W. , Kuluski Kerry , Im Jennifer 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing interest in redesigning health‐care systems to better manage the increasing numbers of people with multimorbidity. Knowing how patients experience health‐care delivery and what they need from the health‐care system are critical pieces of evidence that can be used to guide health system reforms.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to understand the challenges patients with multimorbidity face in accessing care in the community, and the implications for patients and their families.MethodsA secondary analysis of qualitative data was conducted on semi‐structured interviews with 116 patients who were receiving care in an urban rehabilitation facility in 2011. Exploratory interpretive analysis was used to identify themes about access to care.ResultsChallenges occurred at two levels: at the health system level and at the individual (patient) level. Issues at the health system level fell into two broad categories: availability of services (failing to qualify, coping with wait times, struggling with scarcity and negotiating the location of care) and service delivery (unreliable care, unmet needs, incongruent care and inflexible care). Challenges at the patient level fell into the themes of logistics of accessing care and financial strain. Patients interacted and responded to these challenges by: managing the system, making personal sacrifices, substituting with informal care, and resigning to system constraints.ConclusionIdentifying the barriers patients encounter and the lengths they go to in order to access care highlights areas where policy initiatives can focus to develop appropriate and supportive services that are more person and family‐centred.
Detection of viral hepatitis E in clinical liver biopsies
Authors: Prost Sandrine , Crossan Claire L , Dalton Harry R , De Man Robert A , Kamar Nassim , Selves Janick , Dhaliwal Catharine , Scobie Linda , Bellamy Christopher O C 
Published: May 2017

AimsTo determine the relative utility of in‐situ testing for hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA and paraffin‐section polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose HEV infection in paraffin‐embedded clinical liver biopsies, and to correlate with clinicopathological characteristics.Methods and resultsWe evaluated in‐situ and quantitative PCR (qPCR)‐based approaches to identifying HEV in clinical liver biopsies from infected patients from multiple centres, correlating with clinical setting (immunocompetent, allograft or immunosuppressed native liver) and histological findings. Thirty‐six biopsies from 29 patients had histological data, 27 and 23 of which had satisfactory material for in‐situ RNA testing and tissue qPCR, respectively. Both approaches specifically identified HEV infection, but tissue qPCR was significantly more sensitive than RNAscope in‐situ testing (P = 0.035). In immunocompetent but not immunosuppressed patients the tissue qPCR yield correlated with the severity of lobular hepatitis (rho = 0.94, P < 0.001). qPCR viral yield was comparably high in allografts and immunosuppressed native livers and significantly greater than with native liver infection. Immunosuppressed patients showed reduced severity of hepatitis and cholestatic changes, compared with immunocompetent patients. Indeed, HEV‐infected liver allografts could show minimal hepatitis for many months. In individual cases each technique was useful when serum was not available to identify chronic infection retrospectively (in biopsies taken 4–31 months before diagnosis), to identify persistent/residual infection when contemporary serum PCR was negative and to identify cleared infection.ConclusionsqPCR is more effective than in‐situ RNA testing to identify HEV infection in paraffin‐embedded liver biopsies and has diagnostic utility in selected settings.
Associations between prevalence of adult atopic dermatitis and occupational characteristics
Authors: Kwak Yeunhee , Kim Yoonjung 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo examine the prevalence of adult atopic dermatitis according to occupational status.BackgroundWhile atopic dermatitis is more prevalent among children, some adults also suffer from it. The disease causes considerable difficulty in these adults' social lives at school or work, suggesting that they require high‐quality health care. Given the chronic nature and environmental determinants of atopic dermatitis, its associations with occupational characteristics must be clarified.DesignAn exploratory cross‐sectional analysis using secondary data.MethodParticipants were 662 people diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, all 19 years old or older; raw data were taken from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010‐2012) and VI (2013‐2014).ResultsManual workers (adjusted odds ratio 2.50, 95% confidence interval, 1.30‐4.83), paid workers (1.70, 1.15‐2.51), regular workers (1.83, 1.18‐2.85), and full‐time workers (1.88, 1.23‐2.89) all showed increased odds of currently suffering from atopic dermatitis.ConclusionPrevalence rates of atopic dermatitis differed by occupational characteristics, which suggests the need for interventions seeking to prevent symptom recurrence that are tailored to occupational characteristics. We expect this study to provide helpful baseline data for better policy‐making.
Risk factors of falls among inpatients with cancer
Authors: Jun M.D. , Lee K.M. , Park S.A. 
Published: May 2017

AimTo investigate the risk factors and predictors of falls according to the general characteristics, conscious state, physical condition and treatment of hospitalized patients with cancer.BackgroundInpatients with cancer experience falls more frequently than those without cancer, and the degree of injuries is more severe among inpatients with cancer. A specific fall prevention strategy is needed for each patient. Prevention of falls in patients with cancer is very important for improving the quality of nursing care.MethodsThis retrospective study included matched case–control patients. We evaluated patients between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014. A total of 356 patients (fall group, 178; non‐fall group, 178) were included. For fall prediction, logistic regression was performed on the variables that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis.ResultsThe variables that were significant predictors of falls were the use of an assistive device, history of falls and fatigue.DiscussionThe predictors of falls in patients with cancer include physical conditions and general characteristics. Fall prevention strategies in patients with cancer should be planned individually with multifaceted aspects, including physical symptom management.LimitationsThe study was conducted at a single cancer center in Korea; thus, our results cannot be generalized. Additionally, in Korea, it is common to have family members or private caregivers for patient care, and this might have influenced the results.Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policyThe predictive factors for falls reflect the nature of the patient's environment, culture and disease. Falls have a negative effect on patient safety and can significantly influence quality of life. Policies for patient safety need more specialized and customized approaches.
Foreign Ownership and Corporate Cash Holdings in Emerging Markets
Authors: Vo Xuan Vinh 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis article examines the link between foreign ownership and corporate cash holdings. We utilize a data sample of firms listed on the Ho Chi Minh City stock exchange covering the period 2007–2015. Employing different econometric techniques for panel data, we find that higher foreign ownership is associated with more corporate cash holdings. This finding suggests that foreign investors in the Vietnam stock market are subject to precautionary motive and agency motive forcing firms to hold more cash. However, the outcome suggests potential agency problems because managers might subsequently use this cash reserve for their own advantages. These problems are even more pronounced in emerging markets where investor protection mechanism is weak. Accordingly, this highlights the importance of a monitoring mechanism to refrain corporate managers from investing in value‐destroying projects.
Synthesis of nanocrystalline photoluminescent mullite using sacrificial cotton wool and filter paper templates
Authors: Kool Arpan , Thakur Pradip , Bagchi Biswajoy , Hoque Nur Amin , Banerjee Somtirtha , Das Sukhen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNanocrystalline mullite has been synthesized by sintering of absorbed monophasic aluminosilicate precursors into cotton wool and filter paper cellulosic structures. Effects of molybdenum and tungsten doping on template mediated mullite at 1200°C and 1400°C have been investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron micrographs (FESEM). Microstructures of the sintered samples revealed successful replication of cellulosic structure with the formation of dense mullite phases having grain diameter in the range of 50‐80 nm. Strong photoluminescence emissions in the UV and visible regions result from the oxygen vacancies and Al–O bonds present in mullite structures.
Validating the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire in people with type 2 diabetes: Latent trait analyses applying multidimensional Rasch modelling and confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Finbråten Hanne Søberg , Pettersen Kjell Sverre , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil , Nordström Gun , Trollvik Anne , Guttersrud Øystein 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo validate the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS‐EU‐Q47) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.BackgroundThe HLS‐EU‐Q47 latent variable is outlined in a framework with four cognitive domains integrated in three health domains, implying 12 theoretically defined subscales. Valid and reliable health literacy measurers are crucial to effectively adapt health communication and education to individuals and groups of patients.DesignCross‐sectional study applying confirmatory latent trait analyses.MethodsUsing a paper‐and‐pencil self‐administered approach, 388 adults responded in March 2015. The data were analysed using the Rasch methodology and confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsResponse violation (response dependency) and trait violation (multidimensionality) of local independence were identified. Fitting the “multidimensional random coefficients multinomial logit” model, 1‐, 3‐ and 12‐dimensional Rasch models were applied and compared. Poor model fit and differential item functioning were present in some items, and several subscales suffered from poor targeting and low reliability. Despite multidimensional data, we did not observe any unordered response categories.ConclusionInterpreting the domains as distinct but related latent dimensions, the data fit a 12‐dimensional Rasch model and a 12‐factor confirmatory factor model best. Therefore, the analyses did not support the estimation of one overall “health literacy score.” To support the plausibility of claims based on the HLS‐EU score(s), we suggest: removing the health care aspect to reduce the magnitude of multidimensionality; rejecting redundant items to avoid response dependency; adding “harder” items and applying a six‐point rating scale to improve subscale targeting and reliability; and revising items to improve model fit and avoid bias owing to person factors.