bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Clothing on the Rate of Decomposition and Diptera Colonization on Sus scrofa Carcasses
Authors: Card Allison , Cross Peter , Moffatt Colin , Simmons Tal 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTwenty Sus scrofa carcasses were used to study the effect the presence of clothing had on decomposition rate and colonization locations of Diptera species; 10 unclothed control carcasses were compared to 10 clothed experimental carcasses over 58 days. Data collection occurred at regular accumulated degree day intervals; the level of decomposition as Total Body Score (TBSsurf), pattern of decomposition, and Diptera present was documented. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in the rate of decomposition, (t427 = 2.59, p = 0.010), with unclothed carcasses decomposing faster than clothed carcasses. However, the overall decomposition rates from each carcass group are too similar to separate when applying a 95% CI, which means that, although statistically significant, from a practical forensic point of view they are not sufficiently dissimilar as to warrant the application of different formulae to estimate the postmortem interval. Further results demonstrated clothing provided blow flies with additional colonization locations.
Effects of Shape and Size of Agar Gels on Heating Uniformity During Pulsed Microwave Treatment
Authors: Soto‐Reyes Nohemí , Temis‐Pérez Ana L. , López‐Malo Aurelio , Rojas‐Laguna Roberto , Sosa‐Morales María Elena 
Published: April 2015

AbstractModel gel systems with different shape (sphere, cylinder, and slab) and size (180 and 290 g) were prepared with agar (5%) and sucrose (5%). Dielectric constant (ε′), loss factor (ε″), thermophysical properties, and temperature distribution of the model system were measured. Each agar model system was immersed and suspended in water, and then, heated in a microwave oven with intermittent heating until the core temperature reached 50 °C. The ε′ and ε″ of agar gels decreased when frequency increased. The density and thermal conductivity values of the agar gels were 1033 kg/m3 and 0.55 W/m °C, respectively. The temperature distribution of sphere, cylinder, and slab was different when similar power doses were applied. The slab reached 50 °C in less time (10 min) and showed a more uniform heating than spheres and cylinders in both sizes. Agar model systems of 180 g heated faster than those of 290 g. The coldest point was the center of the model systems in all studied cases. Shape and size are critical food factors that affect the heating uniformity during microwave heating processes.
Assessing the performance of a semi‐automated acoustic monitoring system for primates
Authors: Heinicke Stefanie , Kalan Ammie K. , Wagner Oliver J.J. , Mundry Roger , Lukashevich Hanna , Kühl Hjalmar S. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryPassive acoustic monitoring is frequently used for marine mammals, and more recently it has also become popular for terrestrial species. Key advantages are the monitoring of (1) elusive species, (2) different taxa simultaneously, (3) large temporal and spatial scales, (4) with reduced human presence and (5) with considerable time saving for data processing. However, terrestrial sound environments can be highly complex; they are very challenging when trying to automatically detect and classify vocalizations because of low signal‐to‐noise ratios. Therefore, most studies have used manual preselection of high‐quality sounds to achieve better classification rates. Consequently, most systems have never been validated under realistic field conditions.In this study, we evaluated the performance of a passive acoustic monitoring system for four primate species in the highly noisy rain forest environment of the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. We collected 12 851 h of recordings with 20 autonomous recording units and did not preselect high‐quality sounds manually. To automatically detect and classify the sounds of interest, we used an automated system built on speaker segmentation, support vector machines and Gaussian mixture models. One hundred and seventy‐nine hours of recordings were used for validating the system.The system performed well in detecting the loud calls ofCercopithecus dianaandColobus polykomoswith a recall of 50% and 42%, respectively. Recall rates were lower forPan troglodytesandProcolobus badius. To determine the presence ofCercopithecus dianaandColobus polykomoswith a certainty ofP > 0·999, 2 and 7 h of recordings were needed, respectively. For these two species, our automated approach reflected the spatio‐temporal distribution of vocalization events well. Despite the seemingly low precision, time investment for the manual removal of false positives in the system's output was only 3·5% compared to a human collecting and processing the primate vocalization data.The proposed monitoring system is already fully applicable forCercopithecus dianaandColobus polykomos, whereas it needs further improvement for the other species tested. In principle, it can be applied to any distinctive animal sound and can be implemented for the collection of acoustic data for behavioural, ecological and conservation studies.
Information transfer and firm‐level strategy
Authors: Schneible Richard A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this article, I examine a previously unexplored avenue for information transfer: similarities in firms’ strategies. This examination is based on the idea that information transfer is likely to be positively related to similarity in business activities. Drawing on the concept of generic strategies found in the strategy literature, I develop a measure of strategic distance between firms. Using this measure, I provide evidence that information transfer is positively related to the similarity of firms’ strategies. In addition, I find that this information transfer is strongest when the announcing firm is large or has persistent earnings.
Food quality in domestic markets of developing economies: a comparative study of two countries
Authors: Vandeplas Anneleen , Minten Bart 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFood quality has become an important determinant of success in global food trade and growers for international markets have to continuously adjust to buyers’ requirements. It is, however, not clear to what extent there is a demand for food quality—and how much buyers are willing to pay for it—in domestic food markets of developing economies. Based on unique comparable price and trader data in a poor country in Africa (Madagascar) and an emerging economy in Asia (India), we compare food quality and quality's pricing. We find significantly better quality and higher quality premiums (using revealed as well as stated preference methods) in India than in Madagascar. These findings are consistent with a simple theoretical model, solely based on average income gaps between the two countries.
Radial head replacement or repair for the terrible triad of the elbow: which procedure is better?
Authors: Yan Mingming , Ni Jiangdong , Song Deye , Ding Muliang , Liu Tang , Huang Jun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe terrible triad of the elbow comprises an ulnar coronoid process fracture, a radial head (RH) fracture and posterior dislocation of the elbow. It is considered severe by many clinicians because it is difficult to repair and has a poor prognosis; therefore, it deserves more attention.MethodsThirty‐nine patients with terrible triad of the elbow characterized by a Mason type‐III RH fracture were randomly divided into either an RH repair group (n = 19) or an RH replacement group (n = 20). The complication rates, radiological outcomes, Mayo Elbow Performance Score and range of motion of the elbow were analysed.ResultsFollow‐up demonstrated no subluxation or recurrent dislocation of the elbow. Differences in surgery duration between the groups were significant (P < 0.001). The outcomes in terms of Mayo Elbow Performance Score (P = 0.009), flexion–extension arc (P = 0.01) and pronation–supination arc (P = 0.04) were significantly better in the RH replacement group. In addition, patients in the RH replacement group displayed significantly fewer post‐surgery complications than those in the RH repair group (P = 0.04).ConclusionTreating Mason type‐III RH fracture in a terrible triad of the elbow with a metal RH prosthesis resulted in better clinical outcomes and fewer post‐surgery complications than treating a terrible triad of the elbow by repairing it with screws or plates. RH replacement might be a more effective approach to better managing a terrible triad of the elbow.
The obesity‐related FTO gene variant associates with the risk of recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Andraweera Prabha H. , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Dissanayake Vajira H.W. , Roberts Claire T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism with recurrent miscarriage.DesignCandidate gene association study.SettingHuman Genetics Unit, Colombo, Sri Lanka.PopulationA total of 202 Sinhalese women with two or more first‐trimester miscarriages and no living children (cases) and 202 age‐ and ethnicity‐matched women with no history of miscarriage and having two or more living children (controls).MethodsPeripheral blood was collected from the participants and DNA was extracted. Genotyping was performed at the Australian genome Research Facility using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Genotype and allele frequencies of cases were compared with controls using chi‐squared testing.Main outcome measuresThe prevalence of the single nucleotide polymorphism in cases and controls.ResultsThe mean age of the women in the recurrent miscarriage group was 31.9 ± 0.4 years and that of the control group was 32.3 ± 0.3 years. Of the women in the recurrent miscarriage group, 140 (69.3%) had experienced three or more first‐trimester miscarriages. The prevalence of the AA genotype [p = 0.0002, odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.8 (1.8–8.0)] and A allele [p = 0.002, odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.2–2.2)] of the FTO rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism were increased in women in the recurrent miscarriage group compared with the control group.ConclusionThe obesity‐related FTO rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism associates with recurrent miscarriage. This finding warrants further investigation with controlling for important factors such as body mass index, diabetes and cardiovascular disease status. The single nucleotide polymorphism may be useful in predicting the risk of recurrent miscarriage.
Big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: the collagen layer in the wall of the big bubble is unique
Authors: Dua Harminder S. , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Faraj Lana , Nubile Mario , Elalfy Mohamed S. , Lanzini Manuela , Calienno Roberta , Said Dalia G. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeIn big bubble (BB), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty intracorneal injection of air separates Descemet's membrane (DM) and the pre‐Descemet's layer (Dua's layer [DL]) to create a type 1 BB. We tested the hypothesis that air injection after excision or ablation of DL will fail to produce a BB.MethodsNine human sclero‐corneal discs were used. Three served as controls. In three, a type 1 BB was created, the bubble wall was excised and more air injected in an attempt to create another BB. In three samples, the DM was removed and 22μ of posterior cornea were ablated by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Air was injected to induce formation of a BB. Tissue from these experiments was subjected to light and electron microscopy.ResultsIn all three control eyes, a type 1 BB (DL + DM) was obtained. Air injection after excision of the type 1 BB wall in three samples failed to produce another BB. Following PTK of DL, injection of air failed to create a BB in all three samples. Multiple points of air leak from the deep stroma were observed in all six samples. Light and electron microscopy showed a clear distinction between the ablated and non‐ablated areas of cornea.ConclusionsThis study supports the hypothesis that a BB cannot be created once the DL is excised or ablated. This adds to evidence that DL is unique. It also demonstrates that DL is not a random separation of deep stroma of the cornea.
Randomized Response-Adaptive Designs in Clinical Trials
Authors: Kang Seung-Ho 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
EDITOR: TAESUNG PARK
Randomized Response-Adaptive Designs in Clinical Trials(A. C. Atkinson and A. Biswas)Seung-Ho Kang
Applied Missing Data Analysis in the Health Sciences
(X.-H. Zhou, C. Zhou, D. Lui, and X. Ding)
Jinheum Kim
Bayesian Phylogenetics: Methods, Algorithms, and Applications(M.-H. Chen, L. Kuo, and P. O. Lewis)Joungyoun Kim
Hierarchical Modeling and Analysis for Spatial Data. Second Edition(S. Banerjee, B. P. Carlin, and A. E. Gelfand)Maria Dolores Ugarte
A phase 2 study of bortezomib in combination with ifosfamide/vinorelbine in paediatric patients and young adults with refractory/recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma: a Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Horton Terzah M. , Drachtman Richard A. , Chen Lu , Cole Peter D. , McCarten Kathleen , Voss Stephan , Guillerman Robert P. , Buxton Allen , Howard Scott C. , Hogan Shirley M. , Sheehan Andrea M. , López‐Terrada Dolores , Mrazek Matthew D. , Agrawal Neeraj , Wu Meng‐Fen , Liu Hao , De Alarcon Pedro A. , Trippet Tanya M. , Schwartz Cindy L. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryA Children's Oncology Group clinical trial aimed to determine if bortezomib (B) increased the efficacy of ifosfamide and vinorelbine (IV) in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This study enrolled 26 relapsed HL patients (<30 years) treated with two to four cycles of IVB. The primary endpoint was anatomic complete response (CR) after two cycles. Secondary endpoints included overall response (OR: CR + partial response) at study completion compared to historical controls [72%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 59–83%]. Although few patients achieved the primary objective, OR with IVB improved to 83% (95% CI: 61–95%; p = 0·32). Although not statistically different, results suggest IVB may be a promising combination.
Prognostic value of complete remission status at end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET in R‐CHOP‐treated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Adams Hugo J. A. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Kwee Thomas C. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis study systematically reviewed and meta‐analysed the prognostic value of complete remission status at end‐of‐treatment 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP). The systematic PubMed/MEDLINE search yielded seven suitable studies comprising a total of 737 R‐CHOP‐treated DLBCL patients who were in complete remission at end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET. Overall, the methodological quality of included studies was reasonable. The disease relapse rate among all patients with complete remission status according to end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET ranged from 7·0% to 20·0%, with a weighted summary proportion of 13·7%. Five of seven studies reported progression‐free survival (PFS) of these patients at various specific time points, i.e., 2‐year PFS (n = 1), estimated 3‐year PFS (n = 3) and 5‐year PFS (n = 1), which was 83%, 85–86·4% and 75%, respectively. Three of seven studies reported overall survival (OS) of these patients at various specific time points, i.e., estimated 3‐year OS (n = 2) and estimated 5‐year OS (n = 1), which were 90%, 93·6% and 83%, respectively. In conclusion, a non‐negligible proportion of R‐CHOP‐treated DLBCL patients who achieve complete remission according to end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET experiences disease relapse during follow‐up.
Eugenol dilates mesenteric arteries and reduces systemic BP by activating endothelial cell TRPV4 channels
Authors: Peixoto‐Neves Dieniffer , Wang Qian , Leal‐Cardoso Jose H , Rossoni Luciana V , Jaggar Jonathan H 
Published: April 2015

Background and PurposeEugenol, a vanilloid molecule found in some dietary plants, relaxes vasculature in part via an endothelium‐dependent process; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we investigated the endothelial cell‐mediated mechanism by which eugenol modulates rat mesenteric artery contractility and systemic BP.Experimental ApproachThe isometric tension of rat mesenteric arteries (size 200–300 μm) was measured using wire myography; non‐selective cation currents (ICat) were recorded in endothelial cells using patch clamp electrophysiology. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were determined in anaesthetized rats.Key ResultsEugenol relaxed endothelium‐intact arteries in a concentration‐dependent manner and this effect was attenuated by endothelium denudation. L‐NAME, a NOS inhibitor, a combination of TRAM‐34 and apamin, selective blockers of intermediate and small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, respectively, and HC‐067047, a TRPV4 channel inhibitor, but not indomethacin, a COX inhibitor, reduced eugenol‐induced relaxation in endothelium‐intact arteries. Eugenol activated HC‐067047‐sensitive ICat in mesenteric artery endothelial cells. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated TRPV4 knockdown abolished eugenol‐induced ICat activation. An i.v. injection of eugenol caused an immediate, transient reduction in both MAP and HR, which was followed by prolonged, sustained hypotension in anaesthetized rats. This sustained hypotension was blocked by HC‐067047.Conclusions and ImplicationsEugenol activates TRPV4 channels in mesenteric artery endothelial cells, leading to vasorelaxation, and reduces systemic BP in vivo. Eugenol may be therapeutically useful as an antihypertensive agent and is a viable molecular candidate from which to develop second‐generation TRPV4 channel activators that reduce BP.
Accuracy of thyroid nodule sonography for the detection of thyroid cancer in children: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al Nofal Alaa , Gionfriddo Michael R. , Javed Asma , Haydour Qusay , Brito Juan P. , Prokop Larry J. , Pittock Siobhan T. , Murad Mohammad Hassan 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIntroductionThyroid ultrasound (US) is a widely used tool for evaluating thyroid nodules. Various US features have been suggested as predictors of thyroid cancer in children.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of different thyroid US features in detecting thyroid cancer in children.MethodsWe searched multiple online databases for cohort studies that enrolled paediatric patients with thyroid nodules (age <21 years) and evaluated the accuracy of 12 relevant ultrasound features. Diagnostic measures were pooled across studies using a random effects model.ResultsThe search strategy yielded 1199 citations, of which 12 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria (750 nodules). The prevalence of thyroid cancer was 27·2% (40·8% in patients with a history of radiation exposure and 23·2% in patients without a history of exposure to radiation). The most common cancer was papillary thyroid cancer (86·7%). The presence of internal calcifications and enlarged cervical lymph nodes were the US features with the highest likelihood ratio [4·46 (95% CI: 1·87–10·64) and 4·96 (95% CI: 2·01–12·24), respectively] for thyroid cancer. A cystic nodule was the feature with highest likelihood ratio for benign nodules [1·96 (95% CI: 0·87–4·43)].ConclusionThyroid US features are not highly accurate predictors of benign or malignant aetiology of thyroid nodules in children. Internal calcification may predict malignancy, and cystic appearance may suggest benign aetiology.
Providing Context for the Land‐Sharing and Land‐Sparing Debate
Authors: Law Elizabeth A. , Wilson Kerrie A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAgricultural and environmental policies that encourage multifunctional landscapes are referred to as land sharing or land sparing. Numerous assessments of the preferences for either policy exist, but a systematic evaluation of the impact of landscape or decision contexts has not been performed. We assess the impact of multiple contextual parameters using a simple model of landscape change. Past emphasis on different types of species appears warranted, but also important in determining preferences are the proportion of the landscape initially allocated to agriculture, the management intentions for spared land, crop types, and level of policy effectiveness. Variations in objective and decision criteria were less important but still altered the policy preferences under some circumstances. We provide foundational evidence that context warrants explicit inclusion in assessments of agricultural and environmental policy. Our methodological approach is broadly applicable, but generalizations from this case to others should still be made with caution.
Physical capacity in performing daily activities is reduced in scleroderma patients with early lung involvement
Authors: Battaglia Salvatore , Bellia Maria , Serafino‐Agrusa Laura , Giardina Annarita , Messina Maria , Cannizzaro Fabio , Midiri Massimo , Triolo Giovanni , Scichilone Nicola 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often complain reduced capacity at submaximal exercise; conversely, physical capacity in performing daily duties has never been measured in SSc. The aim of this study is to evaluate this performance and its correlates, in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls, in a free‐living setting.MethodsTwenty‐seven outpatients with stable SSc and 11 controls were recruited. Physical activity was assessed by portable multiple sensor device (SenseWear Armband) worn for at least 6 days. Physical activity duration (PAD; in minutes) for non‐sedentary activities and physical activity level (PAL = total daily energy/resting energy expenditure) per day were calculated. Nutritional status was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and pulmonary arterial hypertension excluded by echocardiography.ResultsDaily physical activities (243 ± 145 min per day vs 397 ± 142 min, respectively; P = 0.005) and PAL were significantly reduced in SSc compared with controls (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 2 ± 0.7, respectively; P = 0.019). Seventy‐four per cent of SSc patients showed PAL < 1.70, whereas only 27% of controls were below this threshold for sedentary life style. Both PAD and PAL positively correlated with DLco. Patients and controls did not differ for spirometric parameters, body mass index, phase angle at bioelectrical impedance analysis, fat mass or fat‐free mass indexes. In SSc, exercise capacity during daily activity was reduced compared with controls, and was associated with early evidence of functional decay (decreasing DLco) but not with malnutrition (undernutrition).ConclusionsA reduction of daily physical activity is already present even in early stages of lung involvement in SSc, characterized by unaltered spirometry and well‐preserved nutritional status.