bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strip meniscometry in dogs, cats, and rabbits
Authors: Rajaei Seyed Mehdi , Ansari mood Maneli , Asadi Faezeh , Rajabian Mohammad Reza , Aghajanpour Leila 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to establish the normal values of strip meniscometry (SM) as a lacrimal function test and to compare the results with Schirmer tear test I (STT I) in dogs, cats, and rabbits.Animals studiedSixty healthy adult dogs from twelve different breeds (120 eyes), twenty adult healthy domestic shorthair cats (40 eyes) and eighteen adult healthy New Zealand white rabbits (36 eyes) were used in this study.ProceduresLacrimal function was tested by SM tube in all animals. After 24 h at the same time of day, tear production was measured using STT I.ResultsMean SM and STT I values for all of the dogs, cats, and rabbits were 9.66 ± 2.15 mm/5 s and 15.10 ± 3.06 mm/min; 10.50 ± 0.7 mm/5 s and 11.00 ± 1.41 mm/min; 4.72 ± 1.20 mm/5 s and 4.22 ± 2.47 mm/min, respectively. There was a correlation (r = 0.281; P = 0.018) between SM and STT I values in dogs, but no correlation was observed in cats and rabbits (P = 0.61, P = 0.06). No correlation was found between age of animals and obtained SM values in each species (P > 0.29). Sex had no effect on SM values in each species (P > 0.08).ConclusionsThe result of this study provided the normal clinical values of strip meniscometry as lacrimal function test in three species.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki 
Published: June 2017

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 4Aaron Morey, University of Melbourne, AustraliaDilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanEncarnación Alvarez-Verdejo, University of Granada, SpainEyup Kadioglu, Capital Markets Board, TurkeyGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIbrahim Baghdadi, Lebanese University, LebanonKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMarta Borda, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandMurad Harasheh, University of Milan-Bicocca, ItalyNicolas Afflatet, University of the Federal Armed Forces, GermanyNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitSteven V. Cates, Kaplan University, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaTaro Abe, Nagoya Gakuin University, JapanVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USA Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Assessing the impact of adjusting for maturity in weight status classification in a cross-sectional sample of UK children
Authors: Gillison Fiona , Cumming Sean , Standage Martyn , Barnaby Catherine , Katzmarzyk Peter 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo compare the weight categorisation of a cohort of UK children using standard procedures (ie, comparing body mass index (BMI) centiles to age-matched UK reference data) versus an approach adjusted for maturation status (ie, matching relative to biological age).DesignAnalysis of data collected from an observational study of UK primary school children.SettingSchools in South West England.ParticipantsFour hundred and seven 9–11 year-old children (98% white British).Main outcome measuresWeight status was classified using BMI centiles using (1) sex and chronological age-matched referents and (2) sex and biological age-matched referents (based on % of predicted adult stature) relative to UK 1990 reference growth charts. For both approaches, children were classified as a normal weight if >2nd centile and <85thcentile, overweight if 85th and <95thcentiles, and obese if ≥95thcentile.ResultsFifty-one children (12.5%) were overweight, and a further 51 obese (12.5%) according to standard chronological age-matched classifications. Adjustment for maturity resulted in 32% of overweight girls, and 15% of overweight boys being reclassified as a normal weight, and 11% and 8% of obese girls and boys, respectively, being reclassified as overweight. Early maturing children were 4.9 times more likely to be reclassified from overweight to normal weight than ‘on-time’ maturers (OR 95% CI 1.3 to 19).ConclusionsIncorporating assessments of maturational status into weight classification resulted in significant changes to the classification of early-maturing adolescents. Further research exploring the implications for objective health risk and well-being is needed.
Improving the primary-secondary care interface in Scotland: a qualitative exploration of impact on clinicians of an educational complex intervention
Authors: Sampson Rod , MacVicar Ronald , Wilson Philip 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the impact on clinicians and any consequent influence on patient care of taking part in the bespoke interface-focused educational intervention.DesignQualitative design.SettingPrimary and secondary care centres in NHS Highland health board area, Scotland.Participants33 urban-based clinicians (18 general practitioners and 15 hospital specialists) in NHS Highland, Scotland.InterventionAn interface-focused educational intervention was carried out in primary and secondary care centres in NHS Highland health board area, Scotland. Eligible clinicians were invited to take part in the intervention which involved facilitated small group work, and use of a bespoke educational module. Subsequent one-to-one interviews explored the impact of the intervention. A standard thematic analysis was used, comprising an iterative process based on grounded theory.ResultsKey themes that emerged included fresh insights (in relation to those individuals and processes across the interface), adoption of new behaviours (eg, being more empowered to directly contact a colleague, taking steps to reduce the others workload and changes in professional approach) and changes in terms of communication (including a desire to communicate more effectively, with use of different modes and methods).ConclusionThe study highlighted key areas that may serve as useful outcomes for a large-scale randomised trial. Addressing issues identified in the study may help to improve interface relationships and benefit patient care.
Internet- and mobile-based aftercare and follow-up for mental disorders: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hennemann Severin , Farnsteiner Sylvia , Sander Lasse 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionMental disorders are characterised by a high likelihood of symptom recurrence or chronicity. Thus, in the vulnerable post-discharge phase, aftercare and follow-up aim at stabilising treatment effects, promoting functionality and preventing relapse or readmission. Internet- and mobile-based interventions may represent low threshold and effective extensions to aftercare in tertiary prevention of mental disorders.ObjectivesThe planned systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise and analyse existing evidence on the effectiveness of psychological internet- and mobile-based aftercare or follow-up in maintaining treatment effects and/or preventing recurrence in adults with mental disorders.Methods and analysisElectronic databases (PsycInfo, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials) will be searched systematically, complemented by a hand-search of ongoing trials and reference lists of selected studies. Data extraction and evaluation will be conducted by two independent researchersand quality will be assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies will be: randomised controlled trials of internet-based and mobile-based, psychological aftercare and follow-up for the tertiary prevention of mental disorders in an adult population. Primary outcome will be symptom severity. Secondary outcomes will be symptom or disorder recurrence rate, rehospitalisation rate, functionality, quality of life or adherence to primary treatment. Further data items to be extracted will be: study design, intervention and technical characteristics, type of mental disorder or clinical symptom to be treated, target population items, setting, treatment engagement and assessment of additional outcome variables. Meta-analytic pooling will be conducted when data of included studies are comparable in terms of study design, intervention type, endpoints, assessments and target mental disorder. Cumulative evidence will be evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required. Results from this review will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberPROSPERO CRD42017055289.
Eventos Extremos de Precipitação no Perfil Longitudinal Paraty (RJ) - Campos do Jordão (SP)
Authors: Oliveira Maria Rita Pelegrin de , Galvani Emerson 
Published: June 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a variabilidade das precipitações e seus respectivos valores extremos ao longo do perfil longitudinal SE – NW, entre os municípios de Paraty/RJ, Cunha/SP, Taubaté/SP e Campos do Jordão/SP. Para isso, foram utilizados dados secundários de séries temporais de 21 anos (entre 1982 – 2002) para cada localidade. Estas séries temporais apresentam valores dos acumulados diários de precipitação; com estes dados foram aplicadas técnicas estatísticas de análise de tendência central e box plot. Com o primeiro método, foram elaborados gráficos das médias mensais e dos volumes máximos de precipitação em 24 horas; já com o método box plot (quartis) foi obtida a distribuição estatística do volumes de precipitação e seus respectivos valores extremos, os também chamados de outliers. Como resultado, as análises apontaram para uma maior frequência de chuvas menos intensas ao longo do perfil longitudinal, porém com ocorrências de eventos extremos em 24h que superaram em até 138,9% as médias mensais esperadas. A análise de tendência central mostrou resultados mais generalizdos, porém foi capaz de demonstrar as diferenças entre as máximas em 24h e as médias mensais esperadas para cada localidade. Com a técnica de análise do box plot, os resultados foram mais detalhados, demonstrando de maneira mais nítida o variabilidade dos volumes de precipitação ao longo da série, incrementando, desta forma, a qualidade da análise da distribuição das precipitações.
Predicting Motivation: Computational Models of PFC Can Explain Neural Coding of Motivation and Effort-based Decision-making in Health and Disease
Authors: Vassena Eliana , Deraeve James , Alexander William H. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Human behavior is strongly driven by the pursuit of rewards. In daily life, however, benefits mostly come at a cost, often requiring that effort be exerted to obtain potential benefits. Medial PFC (MPFC) and dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) are frequently implicated in the expectation of effortful control, showing increased activity as a function of predicted task difficulty. Such activity partially overlaps with expectation of reward and has been observed both during decision-making and during task preparation. Recently, novel computational frameworks have been developed to explain activity in these regions during cognitive control, based on the principle of prediction and prediction error (predicted response–outcome [PRO] model [Alexander, W. H., & Brown, J. W. Medial prefrontal cortex as an action-outcome predictor. Nature Neuroscience, 14, 1338–1344, 2011], hierarchical error representation [HER] model [Alexander, W. H., & Brown, J. W. Hierarchical error representation: A computational model of anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Neural Computation, 27, 2354–2410, 2015]). Despite the broad explanatory power of these models, it is not clear whether they can also accommodate effects related to the expectation of effort observed in MPFC and DLPFC. Here, we propose a translation of these computational frameworks to the domain of effort-based behavior. First, we discuss how the PRO model, based on prediction error, can explain effort-related activity in MPFC, by reframing effort-based behavior in a predictive context. We propose that MPFC activity reflects monitoring of motivationally relevant variables (such as effort and reward), by coding expectations and discrepancies from such expectations. Moreover, we derive behavioral and neural model-based predictions for healthy controls and clinical populations with impairments of motivation. Second, we illustrate the possible translation to effort-based behavior of the HER model, an extended version of PRO model based on hierarchical error prediction, developed to explain MPFC–DLPFC interactions. We derive behavioral predictions that describe how effort and reward information is coded in PFC and how changing the configuration of such environmental information might affect decision-making and task performance involving motivation.
Warneckea albiflora, a new species of W. subgenus Carnosae (Melastomataceae—Olisbeoideae) from coastal dry forest in northern Mozambique
Authors: STONE ROBERT DOUGLAS , TENZA NTOMBIPHUMILE PERCEVERENCE 
Published: June 2017

Described and illustrated is Warneckea albiflora R.D. Stone & N.P. Tenza, another localized endemic of coastal dry forest near Quiterajo in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. In Flora Zambesiaca the new species would key to Memecylon sansibaricum Taub. [≡Warneckea sansibarica (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél.], but is distinguished by its elliptic-lanceolate, attenuate–acuminate leaves and white flowers borne on pedicels 3.5–4 mm long (versus leaves elliptic and rounded to shortly and obtusely acuminate, pedicels 6–15 mm long, and flowers pale blue to deep blue in Warneckea sansibarica). Because of its evidently very limited occurrence as well as on-going anthropogenic threats, Warneckea albiflora is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii) according to IUCN criteria. A key is provided to the Mozambican species of Warneckea.
The Use of Ground-Based GPS Precipitable Water Measurements over China to Assess Radiosonde and ERA-Interim Moisture Trends and Errors from 1999 to 2015
Authors: Zhang Weixing , Lou Yidong , Haase Jennifer S. , Zhang Rui , Zheng Gang , Huang Jinfang , Shi Chuang , Liu Jingnan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Global positioning system (GPS) data from over 260 ground-based permanent stations in China covering the period from 1 March 1999 to 30 April 2015 were used to estimate precipitable water (PW) above each site with an accuracy of about 0.75 mm. Four types of radiosondes (referred to as GZZ2, GTS1, GTS1-1, and GTS1-2) were used in China during this period. Instrumentation type changes in radiosonde records were identified by comparing PW calculated from GPS and radiosonde data. Systematic errors in different radiosonde types introduced significant biases to the estimated PW trends at stations where more than one radiosonde type was used. Estimating PW trends from reanalysis products (ERA-Interim), which assimilate the unadjusted radiosonde humidity data, resulted in an artificial downward PW trend at almost all stations in China. The statistically significant GPS PW trends are predominantly positive, consistent in sign with the increase in moisture expected from the Clausius–Clapeyron relation due to a global temperature increase. The standard deviations of the differences between ERA-Interim and GPS PW in the summer were 3 times larger than the observational error of GPS PW, suggesting that potentially significant improvements to the reanalysis could be achieved by assimilating denser GPS PW observations over China. This work, based on an entirely independent GPS PW dataset, confirms previously reported significant differences in radiosonde PW trends when using corrected data. Furthermore, the dense geographical coverage of the all-weather GPS PW observations, especially in remote areas in western China, provides a valuable resource for calibrating regional trends in reanalysis products.
Low-Frequency Seismic Node Based on Molecular-Electronic Transfer Sensors for Marine and Transition Zone Exploration
Authors: Antonov Alexander , Shabalina Anna , Razin Andrey , Avdyukhina Svetlana , Egorov Ivan , Agafonov Vadim 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA self-contained seismic station that has a modular structure adjustable to different operational conditions—like onshore, offshore to 500-m depth, and at transition zones—has been developed and field tested. The station operation frequency band is 1–300 Hz, which is wider than that of the majority of seismic stations based on using standard (10 Hz) geophones. Such improvement was achieved through the use of molecular-electronic transfer seismic sensors that allow for covering a low-frequency part of the spectrum that is needed for broadband processing and receiving information on subsurface formation. Basically, the system includes a module of sensing elements, a module of digital electronics, and a battery module. Optionally, a self-surfacing module could be used. The field test of the station was performed in August 2016 in the Sea of Azov.
Canadian Human Rights Policy toward Guatemala: The Two Faces of Janus?
Authors: Anzueto Marc-André 
Published: June 2017

During Guatemala’s 36-year-long civil war (1960–1996), Canada’s role in response to the conflict diverged from the United States’ realpolitik. In contrast to U.S. policy objectives during the cold war, the Canadian distinctiveness in Guatemala was prevalent in the realm of democracy and human rights policy. The Canadian government and civil society condemned human rights violations in Guatemala, supported the various phases of the peace process, and participated in international efforts to strengthen the rule of law. However, since 2003–2004, the Canadian government has promoted mining investments to the detriment of human rights and its relationship with civil society has deteriorated both at home and in Guatemala. This shift can be linked to a securitization process of human rights within the neoliberal order in Latin America and a change in the identity-based interest of Canadian foreign policy during Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s era (2006–2015). Durante los 36 años de guerra civil en Guatemala (1960-1996), la respuesta canadiense se distinguió de la realpolitik estadunidense. A diferencia de los objetivos políticos estadunidenses durante la Guerra Fría, la presencia canadiense en torno a Guatemala se dio en el ámbito de la democracia y la política de derechos humanos. El gobierno y sociedad civil canadienses condenaron las violaciones de los derechos humanos en Guatemala, apoyaron las distintas fases del proceso de paz y participaron en los esfuerzos internacionales para fortalecer el Estado de derecho. Sin embargo, desde 2003–2004, el gobierno de Canadá ha promovido inversiones mineras en detrimento de los derechos humanos, y su relación con la sociedad civil se ha deteriorado tanto en casa como en Guatemala. Este cambio puede vincularse a un proceso de seguridización de los derechos humanos dentro del orden neoliberal de América Latina y un cambio en la política exterior canadiense, antes basada en la identidad, durante el gobierno de Stephen Harper (2006–2015).
Effect of Oral Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Postoperative Blood Lactate Levels in Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Nanno Yoshihide , Toyama Hirochika , Terai Sachio , Mizumoto Takuya , Tanaka Motofumi , Kido Masahiro , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground: Elevations in blood lactate levels have been associated with poor postoperative outcome. The aim of the present study was to determine if preoperative supplementation with branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) decreases postoperative blood lactate levels in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods: The cases of 223 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative blood lactate levels in patients who were treated with BCAA supplementation before pancreatoduodenectomy (December 2011–December 2014) were compared with levels in patients who were not pretreated (January 2008–November 2011). Results: Postoperative lactate levels were significantly lower in patients who received preoperative BCAA supplementation than in patients who did not (2.6 vs 3.1 mmol/L, P = .005), although preoperative blood lactate levels were statistically equivalent between the groups. In the univariate analysis, preoperative BCAA supplementation, preoperative lactate levels, operation time, and postoperative glucose levels were associated with postoperative lactate levels. A multiple regression analysis was performed among the 4 factors, and the preoperative use of BCAA supplementation was independently correlated with postoperative lactate levels (P = .046). Conclusions: Preoperative BCAA supplementation decreased postoperative blood lactate levels. These results suggest that preoperative BCAA supplementation may help patients recover after surgery.
Long‐Term Otologic and Audiometric Outcomes in Patients with Cleft Palate
Authors: Imbery Terence E. , Sobin Lindsay B. , Commesso Emily , Koester Lindsey , Tatum Sherard A. , Huang Danning , Wang Dongliang , Nicholas Brian D. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveDescribe longitudinal audiometric and otologic outcomes in patients with cleft palates.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingSingle academic medical center.MethodsCharts of 564 patients with a diagnosis of cleft palate (59% syndromic etiology, 41% nonsyndromic) from 1998 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients without at least 1 audiometric follow‐up were excluded from analysis. Patient demographics, surgeries, audiometric tests, and otologic data were recorded for 352 patients.ResultsForty‐five percent had isolated cleft palates, 34% had unilateral cleft lip and palate, and 21% had bilateral cleft lip and palate. Patients were followed for a mean of 50.3 months with a mean of 3.2 separate audiograms performed. Patients received a mean of 2.93 pressure equalization tubes. Increased number of pressure equalization tubes was not associated with incidence of cholesteatoma, which was identified in only 4 patients. Nine patients underwent eventual tympanoplasty with an 89% closure rate. Analysis of mean air‐bone gap by cleft type did not reveal significant differences (P =. 08), but conductive losses and abnormal tympanometry persisted into teenage years.ConclusionsPatients with cleft palates have eustachian tube dysfunction, which, in our cohort, resulted in persistent conductive hearing loss, highlighting the importance of long‐term follow‐up. Cholesteatoma incidence was low and not associated with number of tubes, which at our institution were placed prophylactically. Tympanoplasty was successful in those with persistent perforations.