bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Four‐Probiotics Regimen Reduces Postoperative Complications After Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Kotzampassi Katerina , Stavrou George , Damoraki Georgia , Georgitsi Marianna , Basdanis George , Tsaousi Georgia , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundHeterogeneous results of published studies led to conduct a randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a new formulation of four probiotics as prophylaxis for complications after colorectal surgery.MethodsA double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study was conducted enrolling patients undergoing colorectal surgery for cancer. Capsules of placebo or of a formulation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces boulardii were administered starting one day before operation and continuing for another 15 days postoperatively. Patients were followed up for 30 days with the development of postoperative complications as the primary outcome. Gene expression and serum levels of cytokines were measured on postoperative day 4 (www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02313519).ResultsThe study was prematurely stopped after enrolment due to efficacy in the primary outcome. Administration of probiotics significantly decreased the rate of all postoperative major complication (28.6 vs. 48.8 % of the placebo arm, p 0.010, odds ratio 0.42). Major benefit was found in the reduction of the rate of postoperative pneumonia (2.4 vs. 11.3 %, p 0.029), of surgical site infections (7.1 vs. 20.0 %, p 0.020) and of anastomotic leakage (1.2 vs. 8.8 %, p 0.031). The time until hospital discharge was shortened as well. Gene expression of SOCS3 was positively related with gene expression of TNF and of circulating IL‐6 in the probiotic group but not in the placebo group.ConclusionsThe studied probiotic formulation significantly decreased the risk of postoperative complications, namely mechanical ventilation, infections and anastomotic leakage. Modulation of the gene expression of SOCS3 is one suggested mechanism (www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02313519).
Brief report: Borderline personality symptoms and perceived caregiver criticism in adolescents
Authors: Whalen Diana J. , Malkin Mallory L. , Freeman Megan J. , Young John , Gratz Kim L. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTDespite findings of an association between adolescent psychopathology and perceived parental criticism, the relation between adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms and perceived parental criticism has not been examined. Given the centrality of interpersonal sensitivity to BPD (relative to other forms of psychopathology), we hypothesized that adolescent BPD symptoms would be uniquely related to perceived caregiver criticism, above and beyond other forms of psychopathology and general emotion dysregulation. Adolescents (N = 109) in a residential psychiatric treatment facility completed self‐report measures of BPD symptoms, perceived caregiver criticism, emotion dysregulation, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Results revealed a unique relation of adolescent BPD symptoms to perceived caregiver criticism, above and beyond age, gender, and other forms of psychopathology. Findings suggest that adolescent BPD symptoms may have unique relevance for adolescents' perceptions of caregivers' attitudes and behaviors, increasing the likelihood of negative perceptions.
Engendering West Central African History: The Role of Urban Women in Benguela in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Candido Mariana P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study stresses the role of common women in the history of Benguela in the nineteenth century. I emphasize the importance of parish records to unveil sectors of the society that tend to be invisible in the history of Angola, such as farmers, poor women who acted as vendors in the urban centers, and particularly, enslaved women. While some attention has been paid to merchant women, the so-calleddonas, and on political leaders, particularly Queen Nzinga, the same cannot be said about the poor and the enslaved women. Parish records allow us to access bits of information on the lives of women who did not leave written records and did not gain attention from the Portuguese authorities.
Assessment of Bt cotton genotypes for the Cry1Ac transgene and its expression
Authors: CHEEMA H. M. N. , KHAN A. A. , KHAN M. I. , ASLAM U. , RANA I. A. , KHAN I. A. 
Published: April 2015

SUMMARYGenetically modified (GM) plants expressing Bt toxin provide protection against lepidopteran pests. The only GM crop in Pakistan is Bt cotton, which was illegally imported and adopted rapidly by cotton producers. Farmers gained access to the seed of many unapproved Bt genotypes before the matter was picked up and formal approval granted by the relevant governmental agencies. The present study was conducted to evaluate the samples of Bt cotton, collected from farmers and seed dealer, for transgene integration and expression. Seeds of 52 cotton genotypes, labelled as Bt, were collected from various farmers and seed dealers. An immunoblot strip test was carried out, which showed that only 0·86 of the samples collected were synthesizing Cry1Ac toxin. According to multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, 0·86 of the genotypes tested were positive for the Mon531 event (an ‘event’ is a specific genetic modification in a specific species) and 0·14 were negative for any transgene. Transcript analysis of transgenes in positive genotypes by real-time Rt-PCR confirmed the synthesis of mRNA in all genotypes but with significant variation. The concentration of Bt toxin revealed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that only 0·02 genotypes had the reported optimum level. The real-time PCR and ELISA results further confirmed the attenuation of transgene expression at transcriptional and translational level by various internal and external factors. The same type of event was found in all genotypes, with significant variation in toxin level, revealing the impact of genetic background on transgene expression. The findings support the recommendation to improve the existing quality criteria for transgenic cotton variety approval and certification in Pakistan, with the inclusion of toxin concentration in the list of parameters to be considered.
Plutonium concentration and isotopic ratio in soil samples from central-eastern Japan collected around the 1970s
Authors: Yang Guosheng , Zheng Jian , Tagami Keiko , Uchida Shigeo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObtaining Pu background data in the environment is essential for contamination source identification and assessment of environmental impact of Pu released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident. However, no baseline information on Pu isotopes in Fukushima Prefecture has been reported. Here we analyzed 80 surface soil samples collected from the central-eastern Japan during 1969–1977 for 239+240Pu activity concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio to establish the baseline before the FDNPP accident. We found that 239+240Pu activity concentrations ranged from 0.004 –1.46 mBq g−1 and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios varied narrowly from 0.148 to 0.229 with a mean of 0.186 ± 0.015. We also reconstructed the surface deposition density of 241Pu using the 241Pu/239Pu atom ratio in the Japanese fallout reference material. The obtained results indicated that, for the FDNPP-accident released 241Pu, a similar radiation impact can be estimated as was seen for the global fallout deposited 241Pu in the last decades.
A Conserved Signalling Pathway for Amoebozoan Encystation that was Co-Opted for Multicellular Development
Authors: Kawabe Yoshinori , Schilde Christina , Du Qingyou , Schaap Pauline 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe evolution of multicellularity required novel mechanisms for intercellular communication, but their origin is unclear. Dictyostelium cells exchange signals to position specialized cell types in multicellular spore-bearing structures. These signals activate complex pathways that converge on activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Genes controlling PKA were detected in the Dictyostelid unicellular ancestors, which like most protists form dormant cysts when experiencing environmental stress. We deleted PKA and the adenylate cyclases AcrA and AcgA, which synthesize cAMP for PKA activation, in the intermediate species Polysphondylium, which can develop into either cysts or into multicellular structures. Loss of PKA prevented multicellular development, but also completely blocked encystation. Loss of AcrA and AcgA, both essential for sporulation in Dictyostelium, did not affect Polysphondylium sporulation, but prevented encystation. We conclude that multicellular cAMP signalling was co-opted from PKA regulation of protist encystation with progressive refunctionalization of pathway components.
Electric discharge during electrosurgery
Authors: Shashurin Alexey , Scott David , Zhuang Taisen , Canady Jerome , Beilis Isak I. , Keidar Michael 
Published: April 2015

AbstractElectric discharge utilized for electrosurgery is studied by means of a recently developed method for the diagnostics of small-size atmospheric plasma objects based on Rayleigh scattering of microwaves on the plasma volume. Evolution of the plasma parameters in the near-electrode sheaths and in the positive column is measured and analyzed. It is found that the electrosurgical system produces a glow discharge of alternating current with strongly contracted positive column with current densities reaching 103 A/cm2. The plasma electron density and electrical conductivities in the channel were found be 1016 cm−3 and (1-2) Ohm−1cm−1, respectively. The discharge interrupts every instance when the discharge-driving AC voltage crosses zero and re-ignites again every next half-wave at the moment when the instant voltage exceeds the breakdown threshold.
Accuracy of Nutritional Screening Tools in Assessing the Risk of Undernutrition in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Huysentruyt Koen , Devreker Thierry , Dejonckheere Joachim , De Schepper Jean , Vandenplas Yvan , Cools Filip 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjective:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of screening tools for assessing nutritional risk in hospitalized children in developed countries.Methods:The study involved a systematic review of literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases up to January 17, 2014) of studies on the diagnostic performance of pediatric nutritional screening tools. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified QUADAS tool. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each screening tool per validation method. A meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the risk ratio of different screening result categories of being truly at nutritional risk.Results:A total of 11 studies were included on ≥1 of the following screening tools: Pediatric Nutritional Risk Score, Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics, Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score, and Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth. Because of variation in reference standards, a direct comparison of the predictive accuracy of the screening tools was not possible. A meta‐analysis was performed on 1629 children from 7 different studies. The risk ratio of being truly at nutritional risk was 0.349 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–0.78) for children in the low versus moderate screening category and 0.292 (95% CI 0.19–0.44) in the moderate versus high screening category.Conclusions:There is insufficient evidence to choose 1 nutritional screening tool over another based on their predictive accuracy. The estimated risk of being at “true nutritional risk” increases with each category of screening test result. Each screening category should be linked to a specific course of action, although further research is needed.
Impact of the species compartment definition on quantitative modeling of microbial communities
Authors: Budinich Marko , Bourdon Jérémie , Eveillard Damien 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRecent advances in genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction paved the way to the use of quantitative modelings such as FBA. However, despite the great interest of these techniques to tackle quantitative features, microbial community modeling remains unclear. Whereas studies represent a microbial community with several compartments for each microbial strains and their common pool, others advocate for the use of a single compartment that combines all reactions. Here we show that both modelings lead to different optimal quantitative solutions. This study illustrates this difference by the use of the flux module technique, that describes, in a compact way, the optimal solution space as computed by FBA-like techniques. For application, this paper computes the flux modules of a hot spring microbial community (represented bySynechococcus spp., Chloroflexus and Roseiflexus spp.) and a microbial methagenic system (Desulvovibrio vulgarisandMethanococcus maripaludis) sulfate reducing bacteria), while emphasizing the quantitative changes that occurs when one assumes either the consortium as a “single compartment” or a multiple compartment.
Task conflict asymmetries: effects on expectations and performance
Authors: Jehn Karen A. , De Wit Frank R. C. , Barreto Manuela , Rink Floor 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of asymmetric perceptions of task conflict (i.e. one person experiencing more conflict than the other) on the anticipated relationship with the partner, as well as subjective and objective performance.Design/methodology/approach– In a 2 × 2 between-participants experimental design, we manipulated participants’ perception of task conflict (perceive task conflict vs does not perceive task conflict) and the perceptual conflict composition of their group (asymmetry vs symmetry). Participants were randomly allocated to each of the four experimental conditions. Eighty-four psychology students at a Dutch university participated (25 men and 59 women; average age = 21).Findings– Results show that when individuals realize that they have asymmetric task conflict perceptions, they have lower expectations about having a positive relationship with their partner and perform worse compared to when they have symmetric task perceptions (i.e. both experiencing either low or high levels of conflict).Originality/value– Past research on conflict has not often taken into account that individuals involved in a conflict can experience different amounts of conflict. By conducting an experimental study, in contrast to past research on conflict asymmetry, we can better understand the causal relationship between (a)symmetry of conflict and outcomes. We also provide insight into the mediating chain that examines how conflict asymmetry interferes with work processes and leads to negative work outcomes.
Improving care coordination for African American and Hispanic children with special healthcare needs
Authors: Bronheim Suzanne M. , Can Elif , Anthony Bruno J. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of family-to-family (F2F) information centres by health care providers serving Hispanic and African American families of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) and how that information can be used to enhance effective collaboration to address disparities in access to services.Design/methodology/approach– In this second phase of a formative, qualitative multi-phase, collaborative study by a university centre and three F2Fs to develop strategies to increase the use of their centres by Hispanic and African American populations, the authors report the results of key informant interviews with healthcare providers serving the African American and Hispanic families who participated in focus groups at the three centres.Findings– Healthcare providers reported that F2Fs play a unique role in providing families support and skills to advocate within systems. However, barriers to healthcare providers recommending F2Fs to families include a lack of knowledge about the specific services provided, the need for face-to-face contact to feel comfortable making a referral and a lack of a formalised referral and feedback process that is in line with their experiences in the medical services system.Practical implications– F2Fs can increase use of their centres by African American and Hispanic families through provider referrals by: promoting specific services and supports they offer families, rather than describing their programmes; promoting how they can help providers with the care coordination functions that are time consuming; offering providers training opportunities; and developing processes for referrals that include feedback to providers.Originality/value– There are no studies that currently address strengthening the collaboration between medical homes and F2F centres to improve care coordination, access to information and receiving needed services for Hispanic and African American CSHCN and their families. Understanding how healthcare providers serving Hispanic and African American CSHCN perceive F2Fs and currently work with them will enhance this collaboration.
Understanding abusive child labor practices in the shadow of the Arab spring
Authors: Al Ganideh Saeb F. , Good Linda K 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The Syrian civil war that forced hundreds of thousands of Syrian women and children into Jordan as refugees dramatically increased the number of child labourers in that country. The current investigation aims to establish a body of knowledge on the issues surrounding child labour in Jordan by providing an exploratory diagnosis of the phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to explore verbal and physical abusive practices towards working children and investigate whether there are differences between the treatment of domestic and Syrian refugee child labourers.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research design is quantitative; however, we use a qualitative technique to support and expand the research findings. Data were collected from 124 Jordanian and Syrian working children over a seven-month period in 2013.

Findings
– The results reveal that it is poverty that forces Jordanian children into work while Syrian children are driven by the need for asylum. Of the abusive practices directed towards working children, verbal abuse is the most common. Older children, children from unstable families and those who work long hours are more vulnerable to this form of abuse, while children from unstable family structures and who work long hours are more likely to experience physically abuse. The results reveal that Syrian children are paid much less, are less verbally abused, had better schooling and perceive working conditions more positively than do their Jordanian counterparts.

Research limitations/implications
– Limitations of this research arise from the size the sample.

Social implications
– The current study aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventing abusive practices towards local and refugee children working in Jordan.

Originality/value
– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very little is known about refugee child labour and how it might differ from domestic child labour.
Factors affecting consumers’ green product purchase decisions
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Ghodeswar Bhimrao M 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The literature on green consumer behaviour recently focuses upon the Asian markets. Though environmental consciousness in Indian consumers is observed in the literature, their purchase behaviour towards green products is not yet clearly understood. So, the purpose of this paper is to study the factors affecting consumers’ green product purchase decisions in India.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research employs a survey-based method to test a theoretically grounded set of hypotheses. Using a 38-item questionnaire and snowball sampling method, the data were collected from 403 working Indian respondents in Mumbai. The data were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings
– The results witnessed that the respondents possess willingness to support environmental protection, realization of environmental responsibilities, and inclination towards searching green product-related information and learning about green products. Supporting environmental protection, drive for environmental responsibility, green product experience, environmental friendliness of companies and social appeal are identified as important factors affecting green product purchase decisions.

Research limitations/implications
– Results of the research are useful for marketing professionals for green products to develop effective green marketing strategies emphasizing personal relevance, social importance and environmental significance of purchasing, using and disposing green products that produce increased levels of satisfaction for customers and influence their decisions to buy green products.

Originality/value
– This research provides valuable insights into green consumer behaviour in Indian context by examining the factors that influence their purchase decisions towards green products.
Internet banking acceptance in the United States and Malaysia: a cross-cultural examination
Authors: Yuen Yee Yen , Yeow Paul HP , Lim Nena 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cultural differences in internet banking adoption between the USA and Malaysia. It aims to provide marketing recommendations based on specific cultural dimensions to promote internet banking.

Design/methodology/approach
– With four added variables (attitude towards use, perceived credibility, self-efficacy, and anxiety), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model was used. A questionnaire was developed based on the research model and distributed to 1,050 internet banking users from two countries. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to 666 valid questionnaires to test the research hypotheses.

Findings
– Results show that due to cultural differences, global consumers have different internet banking adoption patterns. Consumers in the USA have a more positive attitude towards use. Moreover, perceived credibility plays an important role in influencing internet banking in the USA. On the other hand, performance expectancy has a direct influence on internet banking adoption in Malaysia. Cultural dimensions such as individualism/collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, monochronic/polychromic, and high context/low context were used to explain these findings. Based on the findings, marketing recommendations that help promote internet banking in both countries were provided.

Originality/value
– This is the one of the pioneer studies that highlights the importance of cultural differences in promoting internet banking services. It contributes to the literature by developing and testing a comprehensive research model using SEM.