bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Project Portfolio Selection: A Newsvendor Approach
Authors: Hu Qiaohai (Joice) , Szmerekovsky Joseph 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTWe consider the problem of balancing the penalties associated with budgetary slack (being underbudget) and cost overruns in the project portfolio selection problem by addressing randomness in project costs and making individual project budgets decision variables. Setting the budget for a single project is shown to be analogous to the newsvendor problem. For related versions of the project portfolio selection problem we provide optimal and heuristic procedures. Numerical experiments are used to test the procedures and provide managerial guidelines. We show project budgets should be set so that each project in the portfolio has the same probability of running over budget, it is better to have a larger number of projects with less than ideal funding compared to a smaller number of projects with ideal funding, and substantial opportunities to select more projects with a higher expected profit are available if an aggregate portfolio budget is used.
Blood Parasite Infection Intensity Covaries with Risk‐Taking Personality in Male Carpetan Rock Lizards (Iberolacerta cyreni)
Authors: Horváth Gergely , Martín José , López Pilar , Garamszegi László Zsolt , Bertók Péter , Herczeg Gábor 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIdentifying evolutionary and developmental mechanisms underlying consistent between‐individual differences in behaviour is the main goal in ‘animal personality studies’. Here, we explored whether activity and risk‐taking varied consistently between individuals and correlated to various – potentially fitness linked – male traits in Carpetan rock lizards (Iberolacerta cyreni). Lizards showed significant consistency within both behaviours, implying the presence of activity and risk‐taking personalities. However, there were no correlation between activity and risk‐taking, neither on the between‐ nor on the within‐individual levels, implying the absence of a behavioural syndrome. We found a strong link between the intensity of blood parasite (Haemogregarinidae) infection and risk‐taking: lizards with higher infection intensity took more risk. While we cannot distinguish cause from causative in the parasite intensity – risk‐taking correlation – our results are in line with the asset protection hypothesis predicting that individuals with lower future reproductive value should focus on the current reproductive event and take higher risk.
Anastomosis of the medial digital artery in a mare following traumatic laceration
Authors: Isgren C. M. , Milner P. I. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryA 7‐year‐old Warmblood mare presented with blood loss from a laceration of the medial digital artery sustained in the field. The mare was initially managed conservatively by pressure bandaging but the bleeding did not stop. After a blood transfusion the mare underwent arterial repair under general anaesthesia and was initially managed in a cast post operatively. Doppler ultrasonography 4 days post operatively confirmed effective blood flow distal to the arterial anastomosis and the mare was discharged from the hospital. At 6 months follow‐up the owner reported that the mare was sound at the trot with an excellent cosmetic outcome of the surgical site.
Mib1 modulates dynamin 2 recruitment via Snx18 to promote Dll1 endocytosis for efficient Notch signaling
Authors: Okano Makoto , Matsuo Hiromi , Nishimura Yuya , Hozumi Katsuto , Yoshioka Saho , Tonoki Ayako , Itoh Motoyuki 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNotch signaling regulates normal development and tissue homeostasis. Ligand endocytosis plays critical roles in Notch signaling activation. Endocytic proteins such as epsin and dynamin participate in Notch ligand activity by mediating Notch ligand endocytosis. The ubiquitin ligase Mib1 also plays essential roles in Notch signaling via Notch ligand ubiquitination. However, the molecular links between Mib1 and endocytic proteins have not been fully defined. Here, we show that Mib1 is involved in dynamin 2 recruitment to Dll1 and that Snx18, which interacts with dynamin 2, modestly regulates Dll1 endocytosis. Furthermore, the ubiquitin ligase activity of Mib1 is induced by Notch ligand–receptor interactions. Mib1 promotes the interaction between dynamin 2 and Snx18 in an ubiquitin ligase activity‐dependent manner. These results suggest that Mib1 modulates dynamin recruitment by regulating the interaction between Snx18 and dynamin 2, thereby helping to ensure the efficient signaling activity of Notch ligands.
Do Infants Recognize Engagement in Social Interactions? The Case of Face‐to‐Face Conversation
Authors: Gustafsson Erik , Brisson Julie , Mailloux Dominique , Mainville Marc , Beaulieu Christelle , Sirois Sylvain 
Published: February 2016

This study explores 12‐month‐olds' understanding of face‐to‐face conversation, a key contextual structure associated with engagement in a social interaction. Using a violation‐of‐expectations paradigm, we habituated infants to a “face‐to‐face” conversation, and in a test phase compared their looking times between “back‐to‐back” (conceptually novel) and “face‐to‐face” (conceptually familiar) conversations, while simultaneously manipulating perceptual familiarity in a 2 × 2 factorial design. We also analyzed dynamic changes in pupil dilation, which are considered a reliable measure of cognitive load that may index processing of social interactions. Infants looked relatively longer at perceptual changes (new speaker positions) but not at conceptual change (back‐to‐back conversation), suggesting that face‐to‐face conversation may not elicit particular expectations, and so may not carry any particular conceptual significance. Moreover, on the first test trial, larger pupil dilation was observed for familiar conditions, suggesting that familiarity with perceptual features could enhance processing of conversations. Thus, this study undermines assertions regarding infants' conceptual understanding of the social signals underlying engagement. Infants may rather recognize such signals through their perceptual familiarity and associated positive feelings. This may then increase their engagement when observing and participating in others' collaborative activities, in turn allowing for the development of knowledge regarding others' intentions.
Needs assessment for master of nursing programmes among Bangladesh nurses
Authors: Lee T.W. , Kim H.S. , Kim S. , Chu S.H. , Kim M.S , Lee S.J. , Lim S. , Jeon Y. , Park H.J. , Anowar M.N. , Begum T. 
Published: February 2016

AimThis study aimed to assess the intent to enrol in a master of nursing programme among Bangladesh nurses, identify preferred programme options and measure the association among intent to enrol in the programme, clinical competency and job satisfaction.BackgroundPersonal and professional aspects of potential students pursuing graduate education are beneficial in devising educational strategies. However, considering the pressing needs for higher nursing education, there are no masters of nursing programmes in Bangladesh.MethodsThis study used a descriptive correlational design. Nurses working in Bangladesh public sector were recruited to participate in a self‐administered survey (n = 260). The questionnaire consisted of perception of job satisfaction, clinical competency and the need for educational options, including the intent to enrol in a master of nursing programme, preferred specialty area, curriculum content and career goals after graduation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and point‐biserial correlation.ResultsNinety per cent of the respondents reported that they intended to enrol in a master of nursing programme. Intention was significantly correlated with clinical competency but not with job satisfaction. The most preferred specialty areas were nursing management and education. Half of the respondents responded that teaching at nursing schools was a career goal after graduation.DiscussionThe results of the needs assessment for the programme reflected the unique interest and priorities of the current status of Bangladesh.ConclusionsThe results indicate a strong motivation to enrol in a master of nursing programme, confidence in clinical competence and high demand for programme in nursing management and education. These findings should be considered to design the programme in order to meet the interest of Bangladesh nurses.Implications for nursing and health policyEducational needs assessments should take precedence to ensure the best possible educational outcome and to produce competent nurses who will contribute in achieving the Millennium Development Goals of Bangladesh.
Implementation of protected mealtimes in the subacute setting: stepped wedge cluster trial protocol
Authors: Porter Judi , Haines Terry , Truby Helen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThis protocol paper describes a study that aims to determine if protected mealtimes implementation closes the energy deficit of 1900 kJ between estimated requirements and actual energy intake of hospitalized adults in the subacute setting.BackgroundProtected mealtimes, a strategy developed to address the prevalence of malnourished hospitalized adults, aims to minimize unavoidable and unnecessary interruptions at mealtimes. It has been implemented widely with limited high‐quality studies as to its effect.DesignA pragmatic stepped wedge cluster trial. Primary outcomes are daily energy and protein intake.MethodsFunding was awarded in October 2014. In this study, protected mealtimes implementation will occur across each cluster (ward) chosen at random. A waiver of consent has been endorsed, enabling all patients to receive the intervention. Patients excluded from outcome evaluation will be those receiving end of life care and patients who are nil by mouth. The selection of patients for outcome evaluation will also occur randomly. Sample size, randomization, statistical analysis and contamination issues consider the reporting guidelines of the CONSORT statement: extension to cluster randomized trials.ConclusionsThe methods selected will ensure that the research is of high quality with conclusions useful and relevant for translation into practice settings. The study does not aim to assess whether the intervention is sustainable beyond the study period, rather it will establish whether the removal of known barriers to intervention uptake enables high fidelity with the intervention. As a result we will have a greater understanding of the nutritional consequences of protected mealtimes in subacute care.
Multiscale partitioning of small mammal β‐diversity provides novel insights into the Quaternary faunal history of Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Wen Zhixin , Yang Qisen , Quan Qing , Xia Lin , Ge Deyan , Lv Xue 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the validity of four hypothesized drivers (Quaternary climate, niche conservatism, contemporary climate, spatial configuration) of small mammal beta diversity in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and the Hengduan Mountains (HDM).LocationQTP and HDM of China.MethodsWe partitioned the beta diversity of small mammals in QTP and HDM into the spatial turnover and nestedness components at the regional (longitudinal/latitudinal zones) and grid (1° × 1°) scales. Regional beta diversity was evaluated by calculating the multiple‐site dissimilarities and the distance‐dissimilarity relationships. We examined the relative effects of geographical distance, environmental difference, habitat diversity, geographical isolation and Quaternary climate stability on the beta diversity patterns.ResultsThe overall beta diversity in all longitudinal/latitudinal zones of both regions was primarily driven by spatial turnover, longitudinal nestedness patterns were almost non‐existent in QTP. Turnover was stronger in the latitudinal direction of QTP and in the longitudinal direction of HDM, which corresponded to the general topography of each region. At the grid scale, higher turnover was primarily concentrated in mountainous areas. Turnover was highly correlated with geographical distance and environmental difference in both regions, and geographical isolation was another strong predictor of turnover in HDM. Habitat diversity independently explained most of the variation in nestedness of HDM.Main conclusionsSpatial turnover is the primary cause of the small mammal beta diversity in QTP and HDM. Three non‐exclusive mechanisms including the historic effect of past glaciation, contemporary climate and spatial configuration of the landscape might act in combination to shape the beta diversity patterns in QTP and HDM, particularly the directional patterns. Our results challenge the prevailing view that the current distribution of QTP fauna is primarily explained by westward post‐glacial recolonization, and support the alternative idea that QTP retained considerable refugia and even centres of origin during the Quaternary glaciations.
A New Combined Parameter to Predict Premature Ventricular Complexes Induced Cardiomyopathy: Impact and Recognition of Epicardial Origin
Authors: HAMON DAVID , BLAYE‐FELICE MARIE SADRON , BRADFIELD JASON S. , CHAACHOUI NAJIA , TUNG RODERICK , ELAYI CLAUDE S. , VASEGHI MARMAR , DHANJAL TARVINDER S. , BOYLE NOEL G. , MAURY PHILIPPE , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM , LELLOUCHE NICOLAS 
Published: February 2016

Predict the Impact of PVC on Myocardial FunctionIntroductionReversible premature ventricular complexes‐induced cardiomyopathy (PVC‐CMP) is a well‐described, multi‐factorial entity. Single predictors, such as PVC burden or QRS duration, may not apply equally to all patients in contemporary unselected populations including patients with structural heart disease (SHD) or with particular origin such as epicardial (EPI) PVC. We sought to evaluate clinical criteria associated with PVC‐CMP notably focusing on the EPI origin impact and ECG recognition and the value of a new composite predictor of PVC‐CMP, the PVC‐CMP‐Index.Methods and ResultsWe studied 107 consecutive patients (69 men; mean age = 56 ± 16 years) with frequent PVC (23.1 ± 11.5%) referred for PVC ablation. Thirty‐six patients (33.6%) had an underlying SHD and 25 patients (23.4%) an EPI PVC origin. After a mean follow‐up of 22.7 ± 15.3 months, 72.9% achieved a long‐term successful ablation and 54.2% had PVC‐CMP. PVC‐CMP prevalence was significantly higher in patients with an EPI compared to endocardial PVC focus (84.0% vs. 45.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). EPI PVC origin (OR = 68.7 IC95% [3.5–1363], P = 0.005), as well as SHD (OR = 12.3 IC95% [1.6–92.6], P = 0.015), was independent predictor of PVC‐CMP. While PVC burden (AUC = 0.78) or PVC‐QRS width (AUC = 0.68) independently predicted PVC‐CMP, the PVC‐CMP‐Index (values ≥39) defined as: PVC burden (0–1) × PVC‐QRS width (milliseconds) × a constant C (1.28 for SHD or 2 for ECG suggesting EPI origin based on our ECG 3‐step algorithm), highly correlated with PVC‐CMP (AUC = 0.91, sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 80%).ConclusionWe developed a new index, which incorporates PVC burden, QRS width, and presence of SHD or suspected EPI origin that best predicted PVC‐CMP.
Renalase attenuates hypertension, renal injury and cardiac remodelling in rats with subtotal nephrectomy
Authors: Yin Jianyong , Lu Zeyuan , Wang Feng , Jiang Zhenzhen , Lu Limin , Miao Naijun , Wang Niansong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractChronic kidney disease is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular complication and this interaction can lead to accelerated dysfunction in both organs. Renalase, a kidney‐derived cytokine, not only protects against various renal diseases but also exerts cardio‐protective effects. Here, we investigated the role of renalase in the progression of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) after subtotal nephrectomy. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly subjected to sham operation or subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy (STNx). Two weeks after surgery, sham rats were intravenously injected with Hanks' balanced salt solution (sham), and STNx rats were randomly intravenously injected with adenovirus‐β‐gal (STNx+Ad‐β‐gal) or adenovirus‐renalase (STNx+Ad‐renalase) respectively. After 4 weeks of therapy, Ad‐renalase administration significantly restored plasma, kidney and heart renalase expression levels in STNx rats. We noticed that STNx rats receiving Ad‐renalase exhibited reduced proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis after renal ablation compared with STNx rats receiving Ad‐β‐gal; these changes were associated with significant decreased expression of genes for fibrosis markers, proinflammatory cytokines and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase components. At the same time, systemic delivery of renalase attenuated hypertension, cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and cardiac interstitial fibrosis; prevented cardiac remodelling through inhibition of pro‐fibrotic genes expression and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐1/2. In summary, these results indicate that renalase protects against renal injury and cardiac remodelling after subtotal nephrectomy via inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and phosphorylation of ERK‐1/2. Renalase shows potential as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of CRS in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Determinants of Bargaining Satisfaction Across Policy Domains in the European Union Council of Ministers
Authors: Arregui Javier 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis research is about the extent to which the policy outcomes in the European Union (EU) decision‐making process represent the policy preferences defended by Member States. Few studies have systematically analysed bargaining satisfaction within the Council. This research uses as a measure of bargaining satisfaction the salient weighted distance between a Member State's policy preference and the decision outcome. This is the first analysis to frame EU Member States' satisfaction using the content of the issues and distinguishing among policy domains. The analysis also includes a substantive number of cases from the post‐2004 enlargement. The empirical analysis shows, in contrast to previous work, that the level of variation of fulfilment in the decision‐making within the Council is considerable across policy domains. The main determinants of bargaining satisfaction are related to both structural and agency factors.
Randomized clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of sitagliptin and metformin co‐administered to Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ji Linong , Han Ping , Wang Xiaoyue , Liu Jingdong , Zheng Shaoxiong , Jou Ying‐Ming , O'Neill Edward A , Golm Gregory T , Engel Samuel S , Kaufman Keith D , Shankar R Ravi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe results of a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control are reported here.Materials and MethodsThis was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group, 24‐week clinical trial carried out in China. Patients (n = 744) with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin ≥7.5 and ≤11.0%) who were either drug‐naïve or washed out of previous therapy were randomized in equal ratios to sitagliptin 100 mg once daily (q.d.; S100), metformin 500 mg twice daily (b.i.d.; M1000), metformin 850 mg b.i.d. (M1700), sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. plus metformin 500 mg b.i.d. (S100/M1000), sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. plus metformin 850 mg b.i.d. (S100/M1700), or placebo.ResultsThe mean baseline glycated hemoglobin in randomized patients was 8.7%. Least squares mean changes from baseline in glycated hemoglobin were −0.59% (placebo), −0.99% (S100), −1.29% (M1000), −1.56% (M1700), −1.67% (S100/M1000) and −1.83% (S100/M1700) (P < 0.05 for each active group vs placebo, for S100/M1700 and S100/M1000 vs S100, and for S100/M1000 vs M1000). All treatments were generally well‐tolerated. The overall incidence of hypoglycemia (symptomatic or asymptomatic) was higher in the two co‐administration groups (S100/M1700 and S100/M1000) compared with the placebo. The incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia was low, and similar, across all treatment groups. The incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events were generally higher in high‐dose metformin groups than in the placebo group.ConclusionsIn Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and metformin was generally well‐tolerated, and provided improvement in glycemic control.
Estimation of energy expenditure using prediction equations in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review
Authors: Madden A. M. , Mulrooney H. M. , Shah S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundEstimates of energy requirements are needed in weight management and are usually determined using prediction equations. The objective of these two systematic reviews was to identify which equations based on simple anthropometric and demographic variables provide the most accurate and precise estimates of (1) resting energy expenditure (REE) and (2) total energy expenditure (TEE) in healthy obese adults.MethodsSystematic searches for relevant studies in healthy adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg m−2 and published in English were undertaken using Cinahl, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, PubMed and Web of Science (completed March 2014). Search terms included metabolism, calorimetry, obesity and prediction equations. Data extraction, study appraisal and synthesis followed guidelines from PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses).ResultsFrom 243 REE papers and 254 TEE papers identified, 21 and four studies, respectively, met the inclusion criteria. (1) The most accurate REE predictions varied with BMI subgroup: WHO (weight and height) ≥25 and ≥30 kg m−2; Mifflin 30–39.9 kg m−2; Henry ≥40 kg m−2. The most precise REE predictions were obtained using Mifflin in BMI 30–39.9 and ≥40 kg m−2, where approximately 75% of predictions were within 10% of measured REE. (2) No accurate or precise predictions of TEE were identified.ConclusionsNo single prediction equation provides accurate and precise REE estimates in all obese adults. Mifflin equations are recommended in this population, although errors exceed 10% in 25% of those assessed. There is no evidence to support the use of prediction equations in estimating TEE in obesity.
Electron microscopic time‐lapse visualization of surface pore filtration on particulate matter trapping process
Authors: SANUI RYOKO , HANAMURA KATSUNORI 
Published: February 2016

SummaryA scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to dynamically visualize the particulate matter (PM) trapping process on diesel particulate filter (DPF) walls at a micro scale as ‘time‐lapse’ images corresponding to the increase in pressure drop simultaneously measured through the DPF. This visualization and pressure drop measurement led to the conclusion that the PM trapping in surface pores was driven by PM bridging and stacking at constricted areas in porous channels. This caused a drastic increase in the pressure drop during PM accumulation at the beginning of the PM trapping process. The relationship between the porous structure of the DPF and the depth of the surface pore was investigated in terms of the porosity distribution and PM penetration depth near the wall surface with respect to depth. The pressure drop calculated with an assumed surface pore depth showed a good correspondence to the measured pressure drop.