bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Reliability of Swipe/Wipe Classification and Directionality Determination Methods in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Authors: Yuen Sita K.Y. , Taylor Michael C. , Owens Glynn , Elliot Douglas A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSwipe and wipe are types of transfer patterns commonly encountered at bloodied scenes. So far, there have been little published data on the reliability of evaluating these patterns. In this study, 36 bloodstain patterns were randomly assigned to 12 analysts in three separate trials, and the analysts were required to evaluate the pattern type and directionality. The results revealed that correct classifications of patterns type were problematic, with an overall error rate of 32%. Wipes created from wet bloodstains were the most difficult to identify due to the absence of signs of alteration. The directionality of swipes made with a gloved finger had a 100% success rate; however, for swipes made with cloth, the analysts mistook the direction in nearly every case, which is of significant concern, considering these are common patterns at crime scenes. This study suggested there is a need for revising the current protocols for interpretation of these pattern types.
A Lobbying Approach to Evaluating the Whistleblower Provisions of the Dodd‐Frank Reform Act of 2010
Authors: Baloria Vishal P. , Marquardt Carol A. , Wiedman Christine I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe evaluate the net costs and benefits of the whistleblower (WB) provisions adopted under the Dodd‐Frank Reform Act of 2010 by examining investor responses to events related to the proposed regulations. We focus our main analysis on a sample of firms that lobbied against implementation of the WB provisions by submitting a comment letter to the SEC. Lobbying firms are characterized by weaker existing WB programs and greater degrees of managerial entrenchment than a matched control sample of similar non‐lobbying firms. Short‐window excess stock returns around events related to implementation of the WB rules are significantly more positive for the portfolio of lobbying firms than for their matched controls; this effect is also more pronounced for lobbying firms with weaker existing WB programs. These results suggest that investors expect the new WB provisions to provide net benefits by improving shareholder protection.
Colour patch size and measurement error using reflectance spectrophotometry
Authors: Badiane Arnaud , Pérez i de Lanuza Guillem , García‐Custodio María del Carmen , Carazo Pau , Font Enrique 
Published: May 2017

SummaryOver the past 20 years, portable and relatively affordable spectrophotometers have greatly advanced the study of animal coloration. However, the small size of many colour patches poses methodological challenges that have not, to date, been assessed in the literature. Here, we tackle this issue for a reflectance spectrophotometry set‐up widely used in ecology and evolution (the beam method).We reviewed the literature on animal coloration reporting the use of reflectance spectrophotometry to explore how the minimum measurable size of a colour patch is determined. We then used coloured plastic sheets to create artificial colour patches, and quantify the relationship between colour patch size and distortions induced by resulting chimeric spectra (spectra contaminated by an adjacent colour patch). Finally, we assessed the generality of our findings using natural colour spots in the lizardPodarcis muralis, as a biologically realistic model.We found a lack of consensus in the literature, frequently resulting in the rejection of valid data or the potential inclusion of unreliable data. As expected, we show that decreasing colour patch size reduces the reliability of reflectance measurements, but also that spectral distortions resulting from chimeric spectra depend on patch/background colour combinations. We found similar results using natural colour spots inP. muralis.We propose a series of steps to avoid the pitfalls described above. First, we provide guidelines on how to identify chimeric spectra and estimate the minimum size of a measurable colour patch in order to avoid them. Second, we show that reducing the probe‐to‐surface distance allows for more accurate measurements and therefore improves the spectrophotometric assessment of small colour patches. Third, we suggest that, as a general rule of thumb, very small (< 2 mm) colour patches should be avoided when using traditional spectrophotometry methods.
Histological Characteristics of the Tracheobronchial Tree of the Least Shrew (Cryptotis Parva)
Authors: Arodaki F. , Khamas W. , Darmani N. , Al‐Tikriti M. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe least shrew (Cryptotis parva) is a small vomit‐competent insectivorous species which has recently been introduced as an emesis animal model in the laboratory. In this study, the respiratory system of the least shrew was examined and compared with the well‐established larger species routinely used in the laboratory. Five least shrews (4–5 g body weight, 45–60 days old) were used. Standard histological procedures were followed for light microscopic examination. The lining epithelium of the trachea was found to be pseudostratified ciliated columnar (PSCC). Three types of cells were easily identified, basal and ciliated as well as few goblet cells interspersed among the ciliated cells and they were not clearly recognizable. A few tracheal seromucous glands were located at the free end of the C‐shaped cartilaginous rings. The cartilaginous rings are replaced by smooth muscle cells before the bronchi enter into the lung. The lining epithelium of tracheobronchial tree gradually changes into simple cuboidal epithelium that lacks goblet cells. However, the division of the tracheobronchial tree is similar to other mammalian species. On the other hand, the principal bronchus lacks cartilaginous plaques as it becomes intrapulmonary bronchus. The wall of the bronchi is supported by thick layers of spirally arranged smooth muscles. Two types of cells were readily recognizable: basal and ciliated cells, with rarely observed goblet cells. In addition, the PSCC epithelium changes into simple cuboidal much earlier in the bronchial division relative to other species.
Leptin Immunohistochemical Staining in the Porcine Ovary
Authors: Phoophitphong D. , Srisuwatanasagul S. , Tummaruk P. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate leptin immuno‐staining of the porcine ovary in different reproductive stages. Ovaries from 21 gilts were collected from slaughterhouses. The ovarian tissue sections were incubated with a polyclonal anti‐leptin as a primary antibody. The immuno‐staining in ovarian tissue compartments was calculated using imaging software. Leptin immuno‐staining was found in primordial, primary, preantral and antral follicles. Leptin immuno‐staining was expressed in the oocyte and granulosa and theca interna layers in both preantral and antral follicles. In the corpora lutea, leptin immuno‐staining was found in the cytoplasm of the luteal cells. The leptin immuno‐staining in the granulosa cell layer of preantral follicles did not differ compared to antral follicles (90.7 and 91.3%, respectively, P > 0.05). However, the leptin immuno‐staining in the theca interna layer of preantral follicles was lower than antral follicles (49.4 and 74.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). There was no difference in leptin immuno‐staining in the granulosa cell layer between follicular and luteal phases (92.4 and 89.7%, respectively, P > 0.05). However, the leptin immuno‐staining in the theca interna layer of follicular phase was greater than that in the luteal phase (72.7 and 51.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). These findings indicated that leptin exists in different compartments of the porcine ovary, including the oocyte, granulosa cells, theca interna cells, corpus luteum, blood vessel and smooth muscles. Therefore, this morphological study confirmed a close relationship between leptin and ovarian function in the pig.
Immunosuppressive treatment using tacrolimus promotes pregnancy outcome in infertile women with repeated implantation failures
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Kuroda Keiji , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Yamaguchi Koushi 
Published: May 2017

ProblemWe aim to investigate whether the peripheral blood T helper (Th) 1 cell level could predict pregnancy outcome in patients who have experienced repeated implantation failure (RIF, three or more) after ART cycles.Method of studyThis is a prospective cohort study of total 124 women with RIF who showed elevated Th1/Th2 (CD4+IFN‐γ+/CD4+IL‐4+) cell ratios (≥10.3) and received tacrolimus at Sugiyama Clinic between November 2011 and July 2016. Patients were divided into three groups as per Th1 cell levels: Th1 level of <22.8 as Low; 22.8 to <28.8 as Middle, and 28.8 or greater as High group. The study patients received daily dose of tacrolimus 1‐3 mg based on initial Th1/Th2 cell ratio.ResultsThe clinical pregnancy rates of Low, Middle, and High groups were 48.8%, 43.9%, and 33.3%, respectively (P=NS), with tacrolimus treatment. The ongoing pregnancy/delivery rate of Low group (46.3%) was significantly higher than that of High group (21.4%, P<.05). Middle group (34.3%) had higher success rate than High group, albeit without statistical significant.ConclusionWe confirm our previous report that Th1/Th2 ratio can predict ART outcomes in patients with RIF and immunosuppressant treatment with tacrolimus, and peripheral blood Th1 cell levels were negatively correlated with pregnancy outcome.
Recipient‐donor KIR ligand matching prevents CMV reactivation post‐haploidentical T cell‐replete transplantation
Authors: Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Luo Xue‐Yi , Yu Xing‐Xing , Zhao Xiao‐Su , Han Ting‐Ting , Chang Ying‐Jun , Huo Ming‐Rui , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Li Dan , Jiang Zheng‐Fan , Huang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: May 2017

SummaryLicensed natural killer (NK) cells have been demonstrated to have anti‐cytomegalovirus (CMV) activity. We prospectively analysed the human leucocyte antigen typing of donor‐recipient pairs and the killer cell immunoglobulin–like receptor (KIR) typing of donors for 180 leukaemia patients to assess the predictive roles of licensed NK cells on CMV reactivation post‐T‐cell‐replete haploidentical stem cell transplantation. Multivariate analysis showed that donor‐recipient KIR ligand graft‐versus‐host or host‐versus‐graft direction mismatch was associated with increased refractory CMV infection (Hazard ratio = 2·556, 95% confidence interval, 1·377–4·744, P = 0·003) post‐transplantation. Donor‐recipient KIR ligand matching decreased CMV reactivation [51·65% (46·67, 56·62%) vs. 75·28% (70·87, 79·69%), P = 0·012], refractory CMV infection [17·58% (13·77, 21·40%) vs. 35·96% (31·09, 40·82%), P = 0·004] and CMV disease [3·30% (1·51, 5·08%) vs. 11·24% (8·04, 14·43%), P = 0·024] by day 100 post‐transplantation. In addition, the percentage of γ‐interferon expression on donor‐derived NK cells was significantly higher in the recipients among the recipient‐donor pairs with a KIR ligand match compared with that in the recipients among the pairs with a KIR ligand graft‐versus‐host or host‐versus‐graft direction mismatch on days 30 and 100 post‐transplantation (P = 0·036 and 0·047, respectively). These findings have suggested that donor‐recipient KIR ligand matching might promote the NK cell licensing process, thereby increasing NK cell‐mediated protection against CMV reactivation.
Final data of an Italian multicentric survey about counseling for smoking cessation in patients with diagnosis of a respiratory disease
Authors: Capelletto Enrica , Rapetti Simonetta Grazia , Demichelis Sara , Galetta Domenico , Catino Annamaria , Ricci Donata , Moretti Anna Maria , Bria Emilio , Pilotto Sara , Bruno Arianna , Valmadre Giuseppe , Bandelli Gian Piero , Trisolini Rocco , Gianetta Martina , Pacchiana Maria Vittoria , Vallone Stefania , Novello Silvia 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionSmoking is the major risk factor for cancer and several respiratory diseases. Quitting smoking at any point of life may increase the effectiveness of treatments and improve prognosis of patients with any pulmonary disease, including lung cancer. However, few institutions in Europe offer to patients adequate counseling for smoking cessation.ObjectivesAim of this study was to investigate the level of counseling for smoking cessation offered by healthcare professionals to patients and their appreciation towards the intervention itself.MethodsBetween January 2013 and February 2016, 490 patients, diagnosed with a respiratory diseases, were prospectively evaluated with an anonymous survey developed by WALCE (Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe).ResultsThe majority of patients enrolled (76%) declared to have stopped smoking after the diagnosis of a respiratory disease, 17% to smoke less, 7% to continue smoking. Patients who reported to have never received any counseling for smoking cessation were 38%. Almost 73% of the other patients reported a positive judgment about the quality of healthcare's intervention. Despite these favorable considerations, 83% of patients have disclosed they simply quit smoking overnight without help, 5% have used electronic cigarettes, 5% nicotine replacement treatments, 4% dedicated books, 3% have attended a referral clinic.ConclusionsConsidering all the smoking‐related side effects, greater efforts should be made in order to better support patients in smoking cessation. Smoking should be considered as a real physical disorder and similar surveys should be encouraged with the aim to fight the ‘stigma’ of smoking that still exists among patients.
N‐glycosylation of the β2 adrenergic receptor regulates receptor function by modulating dimerization
Authors: Li Xiaona , Zhou Mang , Huang Wei , Yang Huaiyu 
Published: May 2017

N‐glycosylation is a common post‐translational modification of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, it remains unknown how N‐glycosylation affects GPCR signaling. β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) has three N‐glycosylation sites: Asn6, Asn15 at the N‐terminus, and Asn187 at the second extracellular loop (ECL2). Here, we show that deletion of the N‐glycan did not affect receptor expression and ligand binding. Deletion of the N‐glycan at the N‐terminus rather than Asn187 showed decreased effects on isoproterenol‐promoted G‐protein‐dependent signaling, β‐arrestin2 recruitment, and receptor internalization. Both N6Q and N15Q showed decreased receptor dimerization, while N187Q did not influence receptor dimerization. As decreased β2AR homodimer accompanied with reduced efficiency for receptor function, we proposed that the N‐glycosylation of β2AR regulated receptor function by influencing receptor dimerization. To verify this hypothesis, we further paid attention to the residues at the dimerization interface. Studies of Lys60 and Glu338, two residues at the receptor dimerization interface, exhibited that the K60A/E338A showed decreased β2AR dimerization and its effects on receptor signaling were similar to N6Q and N15Q, which further supported the importance of receptor dimerization for receptor function. This work provides new insights into the relationship among glycosylation, dimerization, and function of GPCRs.EnzymesPeptide‐N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F, EC 3.2.2.11); endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase A (Endo‐A, EC 3.2.1.96).
The theory of quantity discounts and optimal pricing
Authors: Chang Winston W. , Chen Tai‐Liang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper explores a monopolist's optimal multi‐tier quantity‐discount prices and shows that only the last tier's marginal cost is relevant in determining the tier prices and each tier's price is equal to its preceding tier's marginal revenue. An increase in total output is associated with larger individual tiers’ own and cumulative outputs (the stretching effect), and the increases in their cumulative outputs are smaller if their tiers are closer to the first one (the ripple effect). The pricing structure is further characterized by the tier Lerner indices and the price elasticities defined on individual tiers’ own and their commutative outputs.
Tele-pharmacy in rural Scotland: a proof of concept study
Authors: Inch Jackie , Notman Frances , Watson Margaret , Green David , Baird Robert , Ferguson James , Hind Caroline , McKinstry Brian , Strath Alison , Bond Christine 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Introduction
Technology enables medical services to be provided to rural communities. This proof of concept study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of delivering community pharmacy services (CPS; including advice, sale of over-the-counter products and dispensing of prescriptions) by tele-technology (the Telepharmacy Robotic Supply Service (TPRSS)) to a rural population in Scotland.

Methods
Data collection included the following: postal surveys to local residents; focus groups/ interviews with pharmacists, other healthcare professionals (HCPs) and service users, at baseline and follow-up; TPRSS logs. Interviews/focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Descriptive statistics were reported for survey data.

Results
Qualitative results: Pre-installation: residents expressed satisfaction with current pharmacy access. HCPs believed the TPRSS would improve pharmacy access and reduce pressure on GPs. Concerns included costs, confidentiality, patient safety and ‘fear’ of technology. Post-installation: residents and pharmacy staff were positive, finding the service easy to use. Quantitative results: Pre-installation: almost half the respondents received regular prescription medicines and a third used an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine at least monthly. More than 80% (124/156) reported they would use the TPRSS. There was low awareness of the minor ailment service (MAS; 38%; 59/156). Post-installation: prescription ordering and OTC medicine purchase were used most frequently; the video link was used infrequently. Reasons for non-use were lack of need (36%; 40/112) and linkage to only one pharmacy (31%; 35/112).

Discussion
Community pharmacy services delivered remotely using tele-technology are feasible and acceptable. A larger study should be undertaken to confirm the potential of the TPRSS to reduce health inequalities in rural areas.
Impact of nurse‐led behavioural counselling to improve metabolic health and physical activity among adults with mental illness
Authors: Fraser Sarah J. , Brown Wendy J. , Whiteford Harvey A. , Burton Nicola W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe life expectancy of adults with mental illness is significantly less than that of the general population, and this is largely due to poor physical health. Behavioural counselling can improve physical health indicators among people with non‐communicable disease. This repeated‐measures, single‐group intervention trial evaluated the effects of a 19‐week behavioural counselling programme on metabolic health indicators and physical activity levels of outpatient adults with mental illness. Sixteen participants completed the intervention that comprised individual face‐to‐face counselling sessions with a registered nurse every 3 weeks, and progress reviews with a medical practitioner every 6 weeks. Assessment included self‐report and objective measurement of physical activity, and measures of blood pressure and anthropometry. Statistically‐significant changes were demonstrated between baseline and post intervention for participants’ waist circumference (P = 0.035) and waist‐to‐height ratio (P = 0.037). Non‐significant improvements were demonstrated in weight and physical activity. The findings indicated that adults with mental illness can engage in a nurse‐led behavioural counselling intervention, with improvements in some metabolic health measures after 19 weeks. It is recommended that behavioural counselling programmes for adults with mental illness be sustained over time and have an ‘open door’ policy to allow for attendance interruptions, such as hospitalization.
Histological analysis of hyalinised keloidal collagen formation in earlobe keloids over time: collagen hyalinisation starts in the perivascular area
Authors: Matsumoto Noriko M , Peng Wei‐Xia , Aoki Masayo , Akaishi Satoshi , Ohashi Ryuji , Ogawa Rei , Naito Zenya 
Published: May 2017

AbstractKeloids grow and do not regress. They are characterised histologically by hyalinised keloidal collagen (HKC). HKC amounts vary, and the mechanism by which they form is unclear. To clarify how HKCs form and whether their formation associates with specific clinical features, we studied the histological findings of earlobe keloids and compared them with respective clinical features. A total of 50 earlobe keloids from 43 patients were used for histological analysis of keloid size (mm2), HKC area (mm2) and HKC area ratio (%). As a result, keloid durations ranged from 3 months to >13 years. Early‐stage keloids exhibited little HKC and a tendency for the HKCs to locate in perivascular regions. In later‐stage keloids, the HKCs were extremely interconnected and formed a thick bitten donut‐shaped region. HKC area ratios correlated positively with keloid duration (r2 = 0·58, P<0·05). HKC area ratios and keloid durations did not correlate with keloid sizes. These patterns of HKC formation and growth may explain why local therapies, which effectively remove fibroblasts and accumulated collagen but not HKCs, are ineffective in older keloids. Keloids should be promptly treated after diagnosis, and older keloids with extensive HKCs may require surgical excision followed by radiotherapy.
Risk of developing psoriasis in patients with schizophrenia: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yu S. , Yu C.‐L. , Huang Y.‐C. , Tu H.‐P. , Lan C.‐C.E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex disease which proceeds from an interaction between genetic background and environmental factors. Recent studies showed T helper 17 (Th17) signalling, which is the main downstream immune response of psoriasis, is activated in schizophrenia.ObjectiveTo investigate whether patients with schizophrenia have higher risk of psoriasis.MethodsIn this nationwide retrospective cohort study, we analysed the 1 million enrollees’ cohort from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Psoriasis and schizophrenia were ascertained by International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification coding. The study cohort was comprised of enrollees diagnosed with schizophrenia during the period from 1 January 1996 through 31 December 2010, while the comparison population consisted of enrollees who had not been diagnosed with schizophrenia during the study period. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the risk of psoriasis associated with schizophrenia using Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsThe adjusted HR of psoriasis associated with schizophrenia was 2.32 (95% CI = 1.81–2.98). After 15 years, the cumulative incidence of psoriasis in patients with schizophrenia and comparison population was 2.82% and 1.17%, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier curves for the cumulative incidence of psoriasis in individuals with and without schizophrenia differed significantly (P < 0.0001, log‐rank test).ConclusionsPatients with schizophrenia have higher risk of psoriasis, which may be due to common genetic susceptibilities and/or immunologic mechanisms in both diseases. Th17 signalling and pro‐inflammatory cytokines may act as a link between these two diseases and are potential therapeutic targets for schizophrenia.