bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finnish cytotechnologists' views on the competencies of newly graduated biomedical scientists in clinical cytology
Authors: Liikanen E. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThis study asked 40 cytotechnologists for their views on the competencies of newly graduated biomedical scientists in clinical cytology during the national conference of the Finnish Association of Cytotechnologists in November 2015.MethodsThe questionnaire mainly consisted of statements that were scored on a five‐point Likert‐scale, where 1 was not important and 5 was very important. It covered five sections of clinical cytology: sampling and techniques, gynaecological screening, non‐gynaecological screening, safety and quality management, and miscellaneous.ResultsOf the 40 delegates approached to complete the questionnaire, 37 (92.5%) agreed. Respondents felt that important sampling and technique competencies were specimen fixation, with a mean score of 4.9 out of 5.0, types of specimens (4.7), Papanicolaou smear collection (4.7), Papanicolaou smear request information (4.7) and evaluation of specimen sufficiency (4.6). Less important competencies were examining FNAs (2.0) and nasopharyngeal specimens (2.2). The respondents had many expectations about how education in cytology could be developed, for example more theoretical lessons, more practice in microscope use, and consistent criteria for training and cooperation between cytology laboratories and universities of applied sciences.ConclusionsThe cytotechnologists who took part in our survey expected newly graduated biomedical scientists to have basic competencies in cytology. These were sampling and techniques, laboratory safety and quality management, specimen adequacy and identifying normal cells taken during gynaecological screening. They were also keen to develop education in cytology.
Mere social knowledge impacts children's consumption and categorization of foods
Authors: DeJesus Jasmine M. , Shutts Kristin , Kinzler Katherine D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHow does social information affect the perception of taste early in life? Does mere knowledge of other people's food preferences impact children's own experience when eating? In Experiment 1, 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children consumed more of a food described as popular with other children than a food that was described as unpopular with other children, even though the two foods were identical. In Experiment 2, children ate more of a food described as popular with children than a food described as popular with adults. Experiment 3 tested whether different perceptual experiences of otherwise identical foods contributed to the mechanisms underlying children's consumption. After sampling both endpoints of a sweet‐to‐sour range (applesauce with 0 mL or 5mL of lemon juice added), children were asked to taste and categorize applesauce samples with varying amounts of lemon juice added. When classifying ambiguous samples that were near the midpoint of the range (2 mL and 3 mL), children were more likely to categorize popular foods as sweet as compared to unpopular foods. Together, these findings provide evidence that social information plays a powerful role in guiding children's consumption and perception of foods. Broader links to the sociality of food selection are discussed.
The Parkinson's Disease Composite Scale: results of the first validation study
Authors: Stocchi F. , Radicati F. G. , Chaudhuri K. R. , Johansson A. , Padmakumar C. , Falup‐Pecurariu C. , Martinez‐Martin P. 
Published: November 2017

Background and purposeThe aim was to validate the Parkinson's Disease Composite Scale (PDCS).MethodsThe study included 194 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in five countries. Investigators completed the following scales: PDCS, the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale Version 2, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Scale for Evaluation of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Parkinson's Disease and the Clinical Impression of Severity Index for PD (CISI‐PD). For test−retest analysis, a second administration of the PDCS was carried out in 61 stable patients (as per the CISI‐PD) in 7–14 days after the first evaluation. The PDCS is a novel scale for PD with a total of 17 items divided into four domains: motor, non‐motor, treatment complications and disability.ResultsParkinson's Disease Composite Scale mean and median values were close. Skewness values were into the criterion limits (−1 to +1). The complete range of scores was covered for 14 of the 17 items (83.4%). A floor effect of 25.26% and 28.25% was observed in the complications and disability level dimensions due to the proportion of patients free of these difficulties. No relevant floor or ceiling effect was observed for the PDCS total score (1.03% and 0.52%, respectively). The stability of the scale appeared excellent with most items meeting weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient values >0.80. The convergent validity of the PDCS with corresponding scores of the MDS‐UPDRS showed high correlation values (rS ≥ 0.60). The internal validity was into acceptable limits, with the majority of values higher than the minimal 0.30 threshold. The standard error of measurement suggested a satisfactory precision (SEM 3.81, <30% of the PDCS total score standard deviation).ConclusionThe PDCS appears to be a feasible, acceptable, reproducible and valid scale.
Call of the wild rice: Oryza rufipogon shapes weedy rice evolution in Southeast Asia
Authors: Vigueira Cynthia C. , Qi Xinshuai , Song Beng‐Kah , Li Lin‐Feng , Caicedo Ana L. , Jia Yulin , Olsen Kenneth M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAgricultural weeds serve as productive models for studying the genetic basis of rapid adaptation, with weed‐adaptive traits potentially evolving multiple times independently in geographically distinct but environmentally similar agroecosystems. Weedy relatives of domesticated crops can be especially interesting systems because of the potential for weed‐adaptive alleles to originate through multiple mechanisms, including introgression from cultivated and/or wild relatives, standing genetic variation, and de novo mutations. Weedy rice populations have evolved multiple times through dedomestication from cultivated rice. Much of the genomic work to date in weedy rice has focused on populations that exist outside the range of the wild crop progenitor. In this study, we use genome‐wide SNPs generated through genotyping‐by‐sequencing to compare the evolution of weedy rice in regions outside the range of wild rice (North America, South Korea) and populations in Southeast Asia, where wild rice populations are present. We find evidence for adaptive introgression of wild rice alleles into weedy rice populations in Southeast Asia, with the relative contributions of wild and cultivated rice alleles varying across the genome. In addition, gene regions underlying several weed‐adaptive traits are dominated by genomic contributions from wild rice. Genome‐wide nucleotide diversity is also much higher in Southeast Asian weeds than in North American and South Korean weeds. Besides reflecting introgression from wild rice, this difference in diversity likely reflects genetic contributions from diverse cultivated landraces that may have served as the progenitors of these weedy populations. These important differences in weedy rice evolution in regions with and without wild rice could inform region‐specific management strategies for weed control.
Evolutionary ecology of Chagas disease; what do we know and what do we need?
Authors: Flores‐Ferrer Alheli , Marcou Olivier , Waleckx Etienne , Dumonteil Eric , Gourbière Sébastien 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aetiological agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, is a key human pathogen afflicting most populations of Latin America. This vectorborne parasite is transmitted by haematophageous triatomines, whose control by large‐scale insecticide spraying has been the main strategy to limit the impact of the disease for over 25 years. While those international initiatives have been successful in highly endemic areas, this systematic approach is now challenged by the emergence of insecticide resistance and by its low efficacy in controlling species that are only partially adapted to human habitat. In this contribution, we review evidences that Chagas disease control shall now be entering a second stage that will rely on a better understanding of triatomines adaptive potential, which requires promoting microevolutionary studies and –omic approaches. Concomitantly, we show that our knowledge of the determinants of the evolution of T. cruzi high diversity and low virulence remains too limiting to design evolution‐proof strategies, while such attributes may be part of the future of Chagas disease control after the 2020 WHO's target of regional elimination of intradomiciliary transmission has been reached. We should then aim at developing a theory of T. cruzi virulence evolution that we anticipate to provide an interesting enrichment of the general theory according to the specificities of transmission of this very generalist stercorarian trypanosome. We stress that many ecological data required to better understand selective pressures acting on vector and parasite populations are already available as they have been meticulously accumulated in the last century of field research. Although more specific information will surely be needed, an effective research strategy would be to integrate data into the conceptual and theoretical framework of evolutionary ecology and life‐history evolution that provide the quantitative backgrounds necessary to understand and possibly anticipate adaptive responses to public health interventions.
Validity and reliability of a Portuguese version of the Summated Xerostomia Inventory‐5
Authors: Amaral João Pedro de Almeida Rato , Marques Duarte Nuno da Silva , Thomson William Murray , Vinagre Alexandra Rosa Rodrigues , da Mata António Duarte Sola Pereira 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to validate and determine the reliability of the Portuguese version of the Summated Xerostomia Inventory.BackgroundMany conditions such as head and neck radiation, autoimmune diseases or polypharmacy are characterised by hyposalivation which can affect oral and systemic quality of life. As such, this condition must be assessed, and the English version of the Xerostomia Inventory has been increasingly used to determine the severity of dry mouth perception.Materials and methodsThis was a descriptive cross‐sectional study, which employed volunteers suffering from hyposalivation after local ethical committee clearance. Each patient signed an informed consent and responded to the Portuguese version of the questionnaire in the form of an interview. This was repeated again after 2 weeks.A standard single question provided a validity check. Data were analysed using Cronbach's α to test its reliability and total and interitem correlation, and intraclass correlation to determine its internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Significance was set at .05.ResultsA sample of 103 volunteers was recruited. Cronbach's α was .84 and .87 for the first and second test administrations, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient value for the test‐retest reliability was .93, and scores for the individual items ranged from .79 to .90. The correlation between the total score of the questionnaire and standard single dry mouth question was .66, indicating a very good correlation.ConclusionDemonstrating excellent psychometric properties, the Summated Xerostomia Inventory (Portuguese Version) is a valid tool for quantifying Xerostomia in a dry mouth‐afflicted population.
Harvest regimen changes sericea lespedeza condensed tannin, fiber and protein concentrations
Authors: Muir James P. , Terrill Thomas H. , Mosjidis Jorge A. , Luginbuhl Jean‐Marie , Miller James E. , Burke Joan M. , Coleman Samuel W. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata [Dumont de Courset] G. Don.; SL) is a perennial, warm‐season legume containing condensed tannins (CT) that can play important roles in ruminant ecosystems. Our research objective was to determine season‐long average herbage CT fractions, crude protein (CP) and fiber concentrations under three harvest regimens for SL cv. AU Grazer at five locations within the southeastern USA during 2010. Harvest regimens were regrowth every 35 days (35‐day), previously uncut plots every 35 days (ACCUM), or regrowth when height reached 40 cm (40 cm). We found harvest regimen by location interactions (P ≤ 0.05) for all dependent variables. The ACCUM plants usually had greater (P ≤ 0.05) fiber concentrations where there were differences, except for the Louisiana location. The lowest (114 g kg−1; P ≤ 0.05) CP concentrations were measured in ACCUM plants at the driest location (Texas) while the highest (181 g kg−1 for North Carolina plants) came from the 35‐day regimen. Total CT (TCT) concentration varied (P ≤ 0.05) from a low of 61.1 g kg−1 for ACCUM plants in Louisiana to 100.7 g kg−1 for Texas plants harvested from 35‐day plots. In summary, harvest regimen influenced SL nutrient and CT concentrations. Fiber concentration was better correlated (−0.621 for acid detergent fiber; P ≤ 0.05) with TCT than CP (−0.014; P = 0.82). Sericea lespedeza regrowth harvested every 35 days had higher season‐long average TCT concentrations in two of five locations along with greater CP and less fiber concentrations in four of five locations compared to the ACCUM regimen.
Impact of root C and N reserves on shoot regrowth of defoliated alfalfa cultivars differing in fall dormancy
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan , Ji Shuren , Hou Chen , Qu Hui , Li Ping , Shen Yixin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractKey determinants of regrowth rate following harvest in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are the levels of root carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) reserves. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of alfalfa cultivars differing in fall dormancy on regrowth potential in relation to the quantitative changes in root C and N reserves at the onset of regrowth. Five contrasting alfalfa cultivars were grown in the field and were harvested three times. Shoot regrowth dry weight increased significantly with decreasing fall dormancy. Alfalfa cultivars with less dormancy tended to have higher concentrations of root C and N reserves, whereas significantly greater pools of root C and N reserves were found in roots at each harvest time because of greater root dry weight. Shoot regrowth was positively correlated to the pools of root soluble sugar, starch and total non‐structural carbohydrates, but not correlated to their concentrations at each harvest time. Shoot regrowth was also linearly related to the pools of root total N and soluble proteins, but not consistently related to their concentrations. Our results suggest that the total amount of C and N organic reserves in alfalfa roots rather than their concentrations are determining factors of shoot regrowth.
Developing and testing a method to measure academic societal impact
Authors: Phillips Paul , Moutinho Luiz , Godinho Pedro 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper aims to extend understanding of the business and societal impact of academic research. From a business school perspective, it has taken stock of the role of academic research and relevance in business and society. The proposed conceptual framework highlights the forces influencing the pursuit of academic rigour and relevance in scholarly outputs. A theoretical model for measuring the societal impact of academic journal articles—the Academic Rigour and Relevance Index (AR2I)—was developed. This index comprises six key parameters, which are assessed by three stakeholder groups connected with academic research into business issues, these groups being: business practitioners, society and academics. The behaviour of the AR2I model was evaluated using the Monte Carlo simulation model. Taking into account the relationships between the standard deviations and the differences of classification between articles with different levels of rigour and relevance, it is demonstrated that the AR2I model is an effective tool.
Effect of rice bran fibre on the quality of rice pasta
Authors: Wang Li , Duan Wei , Zhou Sumei , Qian Haifeng , Zhang Hui , Qi Xiguang 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of rice bran fibre (RBF) on the properties of rice pasta by extrusion processing. As the level of RBF increased, the content of total dietary fibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and soluble dietary fibre (SDF) increased, respectively. The difference in the content of ΔIDF between before and after extrusion decreased from 1.01% to 0.69% and that of ΔSDF decreased from 1.06% to 0.55%. Depending on the increasing level of RBF, the water absorption index decreased and water solubility index increased, respectively. The crystallinity of newly formed crystals decreased from 21.43% to 18.66% as the level of RBF increased. Adding RBF darkened the colour of rice pasta and reduced its hardness and chewiness. The cooking loss (CL) increased significantly compared with the control (0% RBF). The results indicate that rice pasta with extra RBF (up to 15%) can provide an acceptable quality product with a satisfactory colour and CL.
Comparison of chemical profile and antioxidant properties of the brown algae
Authors: Dang Thanh T. , Bowyer Michael C. , Van Altena Ian A. , Scarlett Christopher J. 
Published: November 2017

SummarySix brown algae, Sargassum vestitum, Sargassum linearifolium, Phyllospora comosa, Padina sp., Hormosira banksii and Sargassum podocanthum, were investigated for the chemical profile and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the extracts H. banksii, S. vestitum and Padina sp. indicated the significantly higher total phenolic compound (TPC) and antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) compared to the other species (P < 0.05) and comparable to positive controls: butylated hydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid and alpha‐tocopherol at the concentrations (0.06–1 mg mL−1). Fucoxanthin was also found in six species and isolated for evaluating antioxidant activity. In addition, the phenolic compounds were mainly responsible for antioxidant activity of the extracts, while fucoxanthin showed quite high antioxidant activity. It is suggested that S. vestitum, H. banksii and Padina sp. have the potent for extracting bioactive components and further applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Microfluidic evaluation of some edible oil quality based on viscosity and interfacial tensions
Authors: Deng Ning , Cao Ning , Li Piaopiao , Peng Yu , Li Xiaomao , Liu Liang , Pu Huayan , Xie Shaorong , Luo Jun , Wu Zhizheng , Liu Mei 
Published: November 2017

SummaryMicrofluidic devices were applied to investigate the adulteration of high‐quality olive oil and degradation of edible oil over frying. When the inner water flows through the sheath oil flow inside the microfluidic device at specific rates, the inner water flow will be cut into dispersed droplets by the sheath flow. Lengths of the droplets will be dependent on the viscosity and interfacial tension of the sheath oil. As olive oil is adulterated with other oil, its interfacial tension will generally keep constant while its viscosity decreases. As edible oil is used for frying, its interfacial tension will decrease while viscosity increases. As a result, the droplets’ length generated in adulterated olive oil and frying oil will be dependent on their adulteration ratio and frying grade. Experiments proved that the tiny, low‐cost microfluidic device could be preliminarily implemented to quantitatively evaluate specific oil quality.
On the conditional conservatism measure: A robust estimation approach
Authors: Kim Seil , Ohlson James A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRecent research, due to Patatoukas and Thomas (2011) and Ball, Kothari, and Nikolaev (2013), focuses on Basu's (1997) conditional conservatism measure and the existence of a denominator effect – whether the difference between the earnings‐return coefficients of bad and good news firms (‘the Basu coefficient’) is only due to the beginning‐of‐year price deflator. We address this issue head‐on by applying the Theil‐Sen (TS) estimation method, which obtains the same coefficient estimate regardless of the chosen deflator and is robust to outliers. Results show the following: (i) the Basu coefficient remains positive using TS; (ii) the Basu coefficients using TS are similar to those using OLS without scaling but much smaller than shown by scaled OLS; (iii) the scaled OLS estimates appear to be influenced by a few outliers; and (iv) OLS estimates are more volatile due to estimation error. In sum, the denominator effect does not overturn Basu's hypothesis but the magnitude and variation of the Basu coefficient is much smaller than traditional results show.
Subspecies dynamics in space and time: A study of the red deer complex using ancient and modern DNA and morphology
Authors: Meiri Meirav , Kosintsev Pavel , Conroy Keziah , Meiri Shai , Barnes Ian , Lister Adrian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimThe status of geographical units within species and species complexes is debated for many taxa, with many molecular studies failing to detect phenotypically defined subspecies. The history and longevity of geographical patterns are also generally very poorly understood. We examine Holarctic red deer (Cervus elaphus and related forms), incorporating ancient DNA to ask whether the present phylogeography has persisted through climatic perturbations or is a relatively recent phenomenon.LocationHolarctic (Europe, northern Asia and North America).MethodsWe obtained 21 modern and 30 Holocene and Late Pleistocene samples, which together with published data resulted in 180 individuals spanning 21 nominal extant and one extinct subspecies. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on 748‐bp of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b and control region). Where possible, the morphology of DNA‐yielding ancient samples was examined to assess subspecies identity.ResultsMajor clades within the red deer complex are upheld, but subspecies within them receive varying support. The ancient phylogeographical structure conforms in significant part to the modern situation, but some haplogroups no longer survive. Moreover, there have been substantial shifts in geographical ranges through time. Wapitoids spread as far west as Romania in the last glaciation, and elaphoids reached eastward to the Ural Mountains. A possible contact zone between the two lineages stretched from the Urals through the Crimea to Eastern Europe.Main conclusionsAncient DNA and morphology are strongly complementary in elucidating population history. Through the past 50 kyr, the major lineages of red deer, and some of the subspecies groups within them, have maintained their genetic and morphological integrity and their core geographical distributions, despite range expansions and contractions and likely contact between the haplogroups (with potential for hybridization).