bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Approach for Primary Colorectal Cancer Improves Outcome of Patients Undergoing Combined Open Hepatic Resection for Liver Metastases
Authors: Ratti Francesca , Catena Marco , Di Palo Saverio , Staudacher Carlo , Aldrighetti Luca 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundSafety and efficacy of simultaneous resections for patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases have been widely reported, while the topic of approach (laparoscopic or open) to hepatic and colorectal resection is still a debated issue. The aim of this study was to assess short‐term outcome of combined resection of left colon or rectum cancer and liver metastases, comparing the results of the primary tumor resection performed by laparoscopic or open approach.Study designFrom January 2004 to March 2014, 106 patients underwent combined resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. Sixty‐nine patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection (laparoscopic colorectal surgery, LCS Group), and were compared with 37 patients undergoing colorectal resection by laparotomy (totally open surgery, TOS Group). Hepatic resection was performed by open approach in all the patients.ResultsGroups were comparable in terms of patients and disease characteristics, extent of liver resection, and length of surgery. In LCS Group, blood loss (400 vs. 650 mL, p < 0.001) and rate of intraoperative transfusions (19.3 vs. 47.2 %, p = 0.04) were lower compared to TOS Group. LCS Group was associated with reduced postoperative morbidity (24.6 vs. 44.4 %, p = 0.039), and shorter postoperative median hospital stay (9 vs. 13 days, p < 0.001). LCS and TOS Groups had comparable oncologic radicality in terms of primary tumor lymphadenectomy (median number of removed nodes 19 and 20, respectively, p NS) and rate of R1 colorectal resections (two patients in both Groups). Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlation morbidity with preoperative chemotherapy, blood loss, and approach to primary tumor.ConclusionsLaparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer in patients undergoing simultaneous open resection of liver metastases is associated with a reduction of blood loss, morbidity, and postoperative hospital stay, without affecting oncologic radicality. Outcome is mainly conditioned by approach to intestinal surgery, rather than the extent of liver resection.
Differential nucleobase protection against 5-fluorouracil toxicity for squamous and columnar cells: implication for tissue function and oncogenesis
Authors: Vanden Heuvel John P. , Thompson Jerry T. , Albrecht Prajakta , Mandetta Donald , Kamerow Harry , Ford John P. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPurpose The goal of these studies was to test if local excess of a normal nucleobase substrate prevents the toxicity of protracted 5FU exposure used in human cancer treatment. Methods Messenger RNA expression studies were performed of 5FU activating enzymes in human colon cancer cells lines (CaCo-2, HT-29), primary human gingival cells (HEGP), and normal esophageal and gastric clinical tissue samples. Excess nucleobase was then used in vitro to protect cells from 5FU toxicity. Results Pyrimidine salvage pathways predominate in squamous cells of the gingiva (HEGP) and esophageal tissue. Excess salvage nucleobase uracil but not adenine prevented 5FU toxicity in HEGP cells. Pyrimidine de novo synthesis predominates in columnar Caco-2, HT-29 and gastric tissue. Excess nucleobase adenine but not uracil prevented 5FU toxicity to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. Conclusion The directed application of the normal nucleobase uracil to the squamous cells of the oral mucosa and palms and soles together with the delivery of the normal nucleobase adenine to the columnar cells of the GI tract may enable the safe delivery of higher 5FU dose intensity. These results also suggest a feature of tissue function where squamous cells grow largely by recycling overlying tissue cell components. Columnar cells use absorbed surface nutrients for de novo growth. A disruption of this tissue function can result in growth derived from an underlying nutrient source. That change would also cause the loss of the region of cell turnover at the tissue surface. Subsequent cell proliferation with limiting nutrient availability could promote oncogenesis in such initiated tissue.
Better for Baby? The Retreat From Mid-Pregnancy Marriage and Implications for Parenting and Child Well-being
Authors: Su Jessica Houston , Dunifon Rachel , Sassler Sharon 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Recent decades have seen a significant decline in mid-pregnancy (“shotgun”) marriage, particularly among disadvantaged groups, which has contributed to increasing nonmarital birth rates. Despite public and political concern about this shift, the implications for parenting and child well-being are not known. Drawing on a sample of U.S. black and white mothers with nonmarital conceptions from the NLSY79, our study fills this gap. Using propensity score techniques to address concerns about selection bias, we found that mid-pregnancy marriages were associated with slightly better parenting quality relative to remaining single, although effect sizes were small and limited to marriages that remained intact at the time of child assessment. Mid-pregnancy marriages were not associated with improved children’s behavior or cognitive ability. These findings suggest that the retreat from mid-pregnancy marriage may contribute to increasing inequality in parenting resources for children.
Students’ perceptions of plagiarism and relevant policies in Cyprus
Authors: Kokkinaki Angelika I , Demoliou Catherine , Iakovidou Melpo 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background
Effective plagiarism deterrence in the Republic of Cyprus, requires the identification of any gaps, best practices and case studies relating to plagiarism across the Higher Educational Institutions in the country. This paper discusses the findings of the first research conducted among university students and faculty in Cyprus and focuses on students’ awareness of and perceptions towards academic plagiarism.

Methodology
The research instrument for students was initially designed based on experts’ feedback, as part of the IPPHEAE project. It was translated into the national language and pilot tested. The questionnaire included 33 questions of the following types: i) open-ended questions; ii) multiple choice questions in two variations: those requiring mutually exclusive options and single response and those permitting multiple selected answers and iii) Likert-type scale questions. The target population of the study included all students, undergraduate and graduate, pursuing an academic degree, in public and private universities in Cyprus. A total of 318 correctly completed questionnaires were collected.

Results
It is clear from the findings of this study that there is a need for a clear and uniform definition and understating of the terms “plagiarism” and “academic dishonesty”. There is also a need to develop mechanisms for communicating these definitions both to students and to faculty, in addition to ensuring that these terms have been understood. In the setting up of policies, procedures and penalties for plagiarism and academic dishonesty, it is necessary to have uniformity and consistency in both implementation and especially in the imposition of penalties. The results also indicate that the use of tools, such as software for the detection or discourage of plagiarism, would definitely contribute positively to reducing plagiarism.

Conclusions
Findings and recommendations outlined in this paper have been included to a national report distributed to interested stakeholders and it may contribute towards improved perceptions of students regarding plagiarism and relevant policies in Cyprus.
Plagiarism in five universities in Mozambique: Magnitude, detection techniques, and control measures
Authors: Coughlin Peter E 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHugely facilitated by the Internet, plagiarism by students threatens educational quality and professional ethics worldwide. Plagiarism reduces learning and is correlated with increased fraud and inefficiency on the job, thus lessening competitiveness and hampering development.In this context, the present research examines 48licenciaturatheses and 102 masters theses from five of Mozambique’s largest universities. Of the 150 theses, 75% contained significant plagiarism (>100 word equivalents) and 39%, very much (>500 word equivalents). Significant plagiarism was detected in bothlicenciaturaand masters theses. By using both Turnitin and Urkund to identify potentially plagiarized passages, professionally verifying whether those passages contain plagiarism, and, if confirmed, counting the words involved, the study presents a new method for classifying the quantity and significance of plagiarism. The use of two text-similarity-recognition programs also improved the rate of detection and, in some theses, significantly increased the classification of the gravity of the plagiarism encountered.Based on a broad review of the literature, the article argues that, to combat wide-scale plagiarism, academic institutions need to cultivate a consensus among faculty and students about the definition and types of plagiarism, the appropriate penalties, and the paramount professional and economic need to nurture professional ethics. However, to achieve even partial success requires significant involvement by administrators, faculty, students and student leaders guided by a holistic strategy using technological, pedagogical, administrative and legal components to prevent and detect plagiarism and then reeducate or discipline students caught plagiarizing.
Transport and modification of glaciovolcanic glass from source to sink on Mars
Authors: de Vet S.J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSpectral observations show that volcanic glass is the dominant ingredient of the aeolian landforms which cover the northern lowlands on Mars. Surface winds subject these sands to physical alteration processes in the present-day surface environment. This work highlights the role of glaciovolcanism throughout Mars’ geologic history and the parallels with landforms and materials found in Iceland. As the physical properties of Martian volcanic glass particles are difficult to constrain from orbit, Icelandic materials can provide valuable insights in their transport and modification characteristics. The processing of glass grains by environmental processes by means of the dune transport cycle is discussed. Experiments targeted the grain-size alteration effects experienced during the dune transport cycle, including the effect of ‘low-energy’ avalanching and ‘high-energy’ aeolian regimes (i.e. particle rolling and saltation). Saltation transport was found to rapidly alter grains and particle size distributions, which contributes to a positive feedback loop where the new smaller grains are mobilised more easily after fracturing and surficial abrasion. Post-depositional physical alteration therefore needs to be reconciled with the present-day silicic spectral signatures of these glasses in order to infer the relevant landform genetic. This effort is especially relevant in respect to the loss of possible signatures of biochemical alteration from microbial interactions, as glaciovolcanic environments are favourable habitats for life. As chemical and physical weathering is limited to the grain exterior, the grain interior may still retain a geochemical record of the subglacial eruption environment in which these grains were formed. Quantification of the volatiles sequestered in the glass can therefore be used to identify the formative conditions of the amorphous component in aeolian sediments.
Australia's nutrition transition 1961–2009: a focus on fats
Authors: Naughton Shaan S. , Mathai Michael L. , Hryciw Deanne H. , McAinch Andrew J. 
Published: June 2015

Since the 1960s, Australian diets have changed considerably, influenced by a burgeoning multicultural cuisine, increase in urbanisation and food technology advances. This has been described as a ‘nutrition transition’, resulting in the adoption of a Western diet pattern, with a shift away from unrefined foods towards a diet higher in both plant-derived high PUFA and total fats and refined carbohydrates. Utilising the 1961–2009 annual food supply data from the UN FAO, the present study investigated changes in the intake of macronutrient and specific fatty acid in the Australian population, including that of the PUFA linoleic acid (LA), due to its hypothesised role in inflammation and risk for obesity. Cumulative change over time for the contribution of specific nutrients to total available energy (TAE) was calculated, as was linearity of change. Over the time period analysed, the cumulative change in TAE from carbohydrate was − 9·35 and +16·67 % from lipid. The cumulative change in TAE from LA was +120·48 %. Moreover, the cumulative change in the contribution of LA to total PUFA availability was +7·1 %. Utilising the average g/d per capita of LA from selected dietary sources, the change in the contribution of specific foodstuffs was assessed, with total plant oils having a cumulative change of +627·19 % to LA availability, equating to a cumulative change of +195·61 % in contribution to total LA availability. The results of the present study indicate that LA availability in Australia has increased over the previous five decades as a result of the availability of increased plant oils, as has total fat, possibly contributing to the increasing rates of obesity and obesity-associated co-morbidities.
Taxes and Capital Structure
Authors: Faccio Mara , Xu Jin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe use nearly 500 shifts in statutory corporate and personal income tax rates as natural experiments to assess the effect of corporate and personal taxes on capital structure. We find both corporate and personal income taxes to be significant determinants of capital structure. Based on ex post observed summary statistics, across Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) countries, taxes appear to be as important as other traditional variables in explaining capital structure choices. The results are stronger among corporate tax payers, dividend payers, and companies that are more likely to have an individual as the marginal investor.
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the filarial nematode Micipsella numidica from the hare Lepus europaeus in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli S. , Galuppi R. , Fraulo M. , Savini F. , Morandi B. , Cancrini G. , Poglayen G. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe genus Micipsella comprises three species of filariae to date identified in lagomorphs only, whereas the other genera belonging to the subfamily Splendidofilariinae are described as parasites of birds, reptiles and mammals. In the present study seven specimens of Micipsella numidica (Seurat, 1917), collected from the hare Lepus europaeus in Italy, were characterized genetically by molecular amplification of the mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA; cox1) and the 5S rDNA gene spacer region. Phylogenetic trees inferred using available sequences from filariae and those identified in this study evidenced a close relationship between M. numidica and Splendidofilariinae of other mammals and reptiles (Rumenfilaria andersoni and Madathamugadia hiepei). The present findings, apart from adding new data about the hosts in Italy, support the taxonomic position of M. numidica and highlight the substantial biological and molecular differences existing between Splendidofilariinae and other Onchocercidae. The study also contributes to our knowledge of the molecular/genetic diagnosis of filarial parasites of veterinary and medical concern in any vertebrate or invertebrate host.
Stimulated Brillouin backscattering of a ring-rippled laser beam in collisionless plasma
Authors: Purohit Gunjan , Rawat Priyanka 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe effect of the propagation of a ring-rippled laser beam in the presence of relativistic and ponderomotive non-linearities on the excitation of ion-acoustic wave (IAW) and resulting stimulated Brillouin backscattering in collisionless plasma at relativistic powers is studied. To understand the nature of propagation of the ring ripple-like instability, a paraxial-ray approach has been invoked in which all the relevant parameters correspond to a narrow range around the irradiance maximum of the ring ripple. Modified coupled equations for growth of ring ripple in the plasma, generations of IAW and back-stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) are derived from fluid equations. These coupled equations are solved analytically and numerically to study the intensity of ring-rippled laser beam and excited IAW as well as back reflectivity of SBS in the plasma for various established laser and plasma parameters. It is found that the back reflectivity of SBS is enhanced due to the strong coupling between ring-rippled laser beam and the excited IAW. The results also show that the back reflectivity of SBS reduce for higher intensity of the laser beam.
What is Kantian Gesinnung? On the Priority of Volition over Metaphysics and Psychology in Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason
Authors: Palmquist Stephen R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractKant’s enigmatic term Gesinnung baffles many readers of Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason. This study clarifies the notion in Kant’s theories of both general moral decision-making and specifically religious conversion. It is argued that Kantian Gesinnung is volitional, referring to a person’s principle-based choice to live a certain way. More specifically, interpreted as principled ‘conviction’, Kantian Gesinnung is a religiously manifested, moral form of Überzeugung (‘convincing’). This is confirmed by a detailed analysis of the 169 occurrences of Gesinnung and cognate words in Religion. It contrasts with what is suggested by translating Gesinnung as ‘disposition’, which reinforces a tendency to interpret the notion more metaphysically, and also with Pluhar’s translation as ‘attitude’, which has too strongly psychological connotations.
Messung der Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität mit dem BSA-Fragebogen
Authors: Fuchs Reinhard , Klaperski Sandra , Gerber Markus , Seelig Harald 
Published: June 2015

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird der neu entwickelte „Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität Fragebogen” (kurz: BSA-Fragebogen oder BSA-F) vorgestellt und hinsichtlich seiner Validität überprüft. Methode: Als Validierungskriterium dienten fahrradergometrische Parameter der Ausdauerleistungsfähigkeit (u. a. Leistung an der Individuellen Anaeroben Schwelle p [IAS] und errechnete VO2max), die im Rahmen einer randomisiert kontrollierten Interventionsstudie (N = 118) erhoben wurden. Ergebnisse: Der Index zur Gesamtaktivität korrelierte mit r = .32 bzw. r =.34 signifikant mit den Leistungsparametern VO2max bzw. p [IAS] (konkurrente Validität); der Index zur Sportaktivität trug signifikant (p < .01) zur Vorhersage der 12 Wochen später gemessenen Ausdauerleistungsfähigkeit bei (prognostische Validität); und die Interventionsstudie zeigte, dass die mit dem Modifikationsprogramm provozierten Verhaltensänderungen mit dem BSA-F sensitiv abgebildet werden konnten (Konstruktvalidität). Diskussion: Die Resultate unterstützen–zusammen mit den Ergebnissen früherer Studien–die Annahme, dass mit dem BSA-Fragebogen eine hinreichend valide Messung der Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität möglich ist. Das Instrument empfiehlt sich auch wegen seiner Ökonomie (zeit- und platzsparend) und klaren Struktur (leicht verständlich, einfach ausfüllbar) zum Einsatz in der gesundheits- und sportwissenschaftlichen Forschung.
Environmental stability affects phenotypic evolution in a globally distributed marine picoplankton
Authors: Schaum C-Elisa , Rost Björn , Collins Sinéad 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Marine phytoplankton can evolve rapidly when confronted with aspects of climate change because of their large population sizes and fast generation times. Despite this, the importance of environment fluctuations, a key feature of climate change, has received little attention—selection experiments with marine phytoplankton are usually carried out in stable environments and use single or few representatives of a species, genus or functional group. Here we investigate whether and by how much environmental fluctuations contribute to changes in ecologically important phytoplankton traits such as C:N ratios and cell size, and test the variability of changes in these traits within the globally distributed species Ostreococcus. We have evolved 16 physiologically distinct lineages of Ostreococcus at stable high CO2 (1031±87 μatm CO2, SH) and fluctuating high CO2 (1012±244 μatm CO2, FH) for 400 generations. We find that although both fluctuation and high CO2 drive evolution, FH-evolved lineages are smaller, have reduced C:N ratios and respond more strongly to further increases in CO2 than do SH-evolved lineages. This indicates that environmental fluctuations are an important factor to consider when predicting how the characteristics of future phytoplankton populations will have an impact on biogeochemical cycles and higher trophic levels in marine food webs.
Secret key exchange in ultralong lasers by radiofrequency spectrum coding
Authors: Tonello Alessandro , Barthélémy Alain , Krupa Katarzyna , Kermène Vincent , Desfarges-Berthelemot Agnès , Shalaby Badr Mohamed , Boscolo Sonia , Turitsyn Sergei K , Ania-Castañón Juan Diego 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe propose a new approach to the generation of an alphabet for secret key exchange relying on small variations in the cavity length of an ultralong fiber laser. This new concept is supported by experimental results showing how the radiofrequency spectrum of the laser can be exploited as a carrier to exchange information. The test bench for our proof of principle is a 50-km-long fiber laser linking two users, Alice and Bob, where each user can randomly add an extra 1-km-long segment of fiber. The choice of laser length is driven by two independent random binary values, which makes such length become itself a random variable. The security of key exchange is ensured whenever the two independent random choices lead to the same laser length and, hence, to the same free spectral range.