bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiochemical and antimicrobial properties of edible aloe/gelatin composite films
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Pei , Wang Be‐Jen , Weng Yih‐Ming 
Published: October 2015

SummaryEdible antimicrobial aloe/gelatin composite films with different ratio of freeze–dried aloe leaf gel powder and gelatin (aloe/gelatin = 5/0, 4/1, 3/2, 2/3, 1/4 and 0/5) were fabricated. The thickness of the resulting films was between 0.055 (aloe/gelatin = 0/5) and 0.157 mm (aloe/gelatin = 4/1). The mechanical properties including maximum elongation, tensile strength, elongation at break and break strength were determined. The mechanical properties were increased with the increasing amount of gelatin used in the composite formulation. The tensile strength for composite films with the ratio of 4/1, 3/2, 2/3, 1/4 and 0/5 was 4.12, 5.29, 6.96, 11.47 and 37.76 MPa, respectively. Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogens, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were used in antimicrobial activity test. The results showed that antimicrobial activities of the composite films increased as the amount of aloe gel powder used in the composite films increased. The average area of inhibitory zones for films with composition of aloe/gelatin = 1/4 and aloe/gelatin = 4/1 was 1.63–2.38 and 3.82–4.80 cm2, respectively.
Effects of season on proximate and fatty acid compositions of two mediterranean fish – the round herring (Etrumeus teres) and tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucernus)
Authors: Küçükgülmez Aygül , Celik Mehmet , Ersoy Beyza , Yanar Yasemen 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe aim of this work was to study the seasonal variation of the proximate and fatty acid compositions in the round herring (Etrumeus teres) and tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucernus) caught from the North‐Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Proximate compositions and fatty acid contents of both fish species showed statistically significant seasonal variations (P < 0.05). While the protein contents were at its highest in winter, the lipid contents were at its highest in autumn. The main fatty acids were C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), C16:1 n‐7 (palmiteoleic acid), 18:1 n‐9c (oleic acid), C20:5 n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and C22:6 n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The total polyunsaturated fatty acid in round herring was highest in winter, whereas that in tub gurnard was highest in spring.
Compression of gellan gels. Part I: effect of salts
Authors: Evageliou Vasiliki , Karantoni Maria , Mandala Ioanna , Komaitis Michael 
Published: October 2015

SummaryGellan gels, in the presence of potassium and calcium ions and their mixtures, were tested using large deformation compression experiments. Characterisation was based on stress and strain at failure along with Young’s modulus. Samples prior to compression were refrigerated at 5  °C for 1, 2 and 24 h. In the case of potassium, the strongest gel was obtained for a cation concentration of 80 mm. Increasing concentrations of calcium resulted in decreased gel strength. Brittleness values for potassium and calcium gels fluctuated around ∼0.5 and ∼0.3 respectively. The strength for both, potassium and calcium, gels did not increase significantly over time. For each cation, Young’s modulus and stress at failure showed the same variation. In the case of mixtures, strength was determined by calcium as its progressive replacement by potassium was actually similar to reducing its concentration. Potassium determined the remaining properties.
Understanding responses to feedback: the potential and limitations of regulatory focus theory
Authors: Watling Christopher , Driessen Erik , van der Vleuten Cees P M , Vanstone Meredith , Lingard Lorelei 
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012:46:593–603Objectives  Regulatory focus theory posits the existence of two systems of self‐regulation underlying human motivation: promotion focus, which is concerned with aspirations and accomplishments, and prevention focus, which is concerned with obligations and responsibilities. It has been proposed that regulatory focus theory may help to explain learners’ variable responses to feedback, predicting that positive feedback is motivating under promotion focus, whereas negative feedback is motivating under prevention focus. We aimed to explore this link between regulatory focus theory and response to feedback using data collected in a naturalistic setting.Methods  In a constructivist grounded theory study, we interviewed 22 early‐career academic doctors about experiences they perceived as influential in their learning. Although feedback emerged as important, responses to feedback were highly variable. To better understand how feedback becomes (or fails to become) influential, we used the theoretical framework of regulatory focus to re‐examine all descriptions of experiences of receiving and responding to feedback.Results  Feedback could be influential or non‐influential, regardless of its sign (positive or negative). In circumstances in which the individual’s regulatory focus was readily determined, such as in choosing a career (promotion) or preparing for a high‐stakes examination (prevention), the apparent influence of feedback was consistent with the prediction of regulatory focus theory. However, we encountered many challenges in applying regulatory focus theory to real feedback scenarios, including the frequent presence of a mixed regulatory focus, the potential for regulatory focus to change over time, and the competing influences of other factors, such as the perceived credibility of the source or content of the feedback.Conclusions  Regulatory focus theory offers a useful, if limited, construct for exploring learners’ responses to feedback in the clinical setting. The insights and predictions it offers must be considered in light of the motivational complexity of clinical learning tasks and of other factors influencing the impact of feedback.
Ethnic disparities in undergraduate pre‐clinical and clinical performance
Authors: Stegers‐Jager Karen M , Steyerberg Ewout W , Cohen‐Schotanus Janke , Themmen Axel P N 
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012: 46:575–585Context  Research from numerous medical schools has shown that students from ethnic minorities underperform compared with those from the ethnic majority. However, little is known about why this underperformance occurs and whether there are performance differences among ethnic minority groups.Objectives  This study aimed to investigate underperformance across ethnic minority groups in undergraduate pre‐clinical and clinical training.Methods  A longitudinal prospective cohort study of progress on a 6‐year undergraduate medical course was conducted in a Dutch medical school. Participants included 1661 Dutch and 696 non‐Dutch students who entered the course over a consecutive 6‐year period (2002–2007). Main outcome measures were performance in Year 1 and in the pre‐clinical and clinical courses. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression analysis for ethnic subgroups (Surinamese/Antillean, Turkish/Moroccan/African, Asian, Western) compared with Dutch students, adjusted for age, gender, pre‐university grade point average (pu‐GPA), additional socio‐demographic variables (first‐generation immigrant, urban background, first‐generation university student, first language, medical doctor as parent) and previous performance at medical school.Results  Compared with Dutch students, Surinamese and Antillean students specifically underperformed in the Year 1 course (pass rate: 37% versus 64%; adjusted OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.27–0.60) and the pre‐clinical course (pass rate: 19% versus 41%; adjusted OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.93). On the clinical course all non‐Dutch subgroups were less likely than Dutch students to receive a grade of ≥ 8.0 (at least three of five grades: 54–77% versus 88%; adjusted ORs: 0.17–0.45).Conclusions  Strong ethnic disparities exist in medical school performance even after adjusting for age, gender, pu‐GPA and socio‐demographic variables. More subjective grading cannot be ruled out as a cause of lower grades in clinical training, but other possible explanations should be studied further to mitigate the disparities.
Supporting students with disability and health issues: lowering the social barriers
Authors: Cook Vivien , Griffin Ann , Hayden Sheila , Hinson Joy , Raven Peter 
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012: 46:564–574Context  Legislation and General Medical Council guidance require medical schools to make reasonable adjustments to enable students with disabilities to progress in their studies without disadvantage. Current definitions of disability have moved from the traditional ‘medical’ model to a ‘social’ model that emphasises the role of institutions in removing unnecessary barriers to learning through flexible provision. In response, two medical schools introduced a Student Support Card to empower students with disabilities and health issues to request reasonable adjustments. A study was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the Student Support Card from the user’s perspective in both institutions.Methods  A questionnaire survey of card‐holders was conducted in 2009–2010. A total of 31 respondents took part, from among whom six volunteers were recruited to participate in semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted and data independently analysed by two researchers.Results  The results from the questionnaire indicated that the scheme was well received by students and brought clear benefits, and that the card’s value lay in ownership, as well as in use. Further themes emerged from the interviews which suggested that students were judicious in requesting adjustments, thus reflecting their concerns over the disclosure of disability, the threat that their behaviour might be misinterpreted and their acquiring of the competencies necessary to become a doctor.Conclusions  The benefits of such a scheme are that it is flexible and addresses unique student needs. Further research needs to focus upon: how educators perceive the utility of the Student Support Card; whether it should be embedded in the wider medical school culture, and, subsequently, how a working consensus can be achieved with regard to reasonable adjustments within vocational education in which there are clear requirements for competence.
Super giant basal cell carcinoma of the abdominal wall: still possible in the 21st century
Authors: De Bree Eelco , Laliotis Aggelos , Manios Andreas , Tsiftsis Dimitris D. , Melissas John 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is very common and usually encountered when it is small in size. Giant BCC (i.e. greater than 5 cm in diameter) is quite rare and comprises 0.5 percent of all BCC. Extremely rarely, tumors larger than 20 cm have been reported. Herein, a case with an enormous, vegetating BCC of the abdominal wall, 30 x 20 cm in size, is described. This report demonstrates that such a case can still be observed in the civilized world of the 21st century, which remains profoundly astonishing. A literature survey was performed and revealed only 7 cases with such super giant BCC (i.e. larger than 20 cm in diameter). Generally, this tumor attains these enormous proportions due to neglect on the patient’s part, and is usually located at sites covered by clothes. Treatment is mainly surgical and generally curative, resulting also in an improved quality of life. Tumor size of more than 10 cm in diameter is associated with increased risk for metastatic disease, severe morbidity and consequently impaired prognosis.
The Immunology of Early Pregnancy in Farm Animals
Authors: Hansen PJ 
Published: October 2015

ContentsThe mammalian conceptus undergoes development in the face of a functional immune system. This characteristic of viviparity creates opportunities and perils for the conceptus. In the period up to hatching from the zona pellucida, the conceptus appears immunologically inert with low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and little evidence for alterations in the function of maternal immune cells. The conceptus may benefit from cytokines produced by leucocytes resident in the reproductive tract or by other cells of the reproductive tract. One cytokine in particular, colony‐stimulating factor 2, can promote preimplantation development and cause changes in conceptus function that increase the likelihood that the conceptus develops to term. It is not clear whether activation of specific types of immune responses in early pregnancy can enhance the likelihood of pregnancy success. Semen deposition causes inflammation in the reproductive tract, but there is little evidence that this process is beneficial to pregnancy unless the uterus was exposed to a prior inflammatory event. Around the time of placentation, the period of immunological inertness of the conceptus is replaced by a period of immune activation caused by the expression of interferon genes in ruminants and pigs and MHC class I genes in invasive trophoblast of the horse. The large‐scale changes in the endometrium that occur as a result are likely to play an important role to ensure continued development of the conceptus. In contrast, other immune responses generated as a result of disease in the reproductive tract or other tissues (mastitis) can lead to death of the conceptus. Because of this hazard, as well as the possibility that cell‐mediated immune responses against the conceptus could occur, the immune system is regulated by both the mother and conceptus to reduce immune responsiveness during pregnancy.
Training in ureteroscopy: a critical appraisal of the literature
Authors: Skolarikos Andreas , Gravas Stavros , Laguna M. Pilar , Traxer Olivier , Preminger Glenn M. , de la Rosette Jean 
Published: October 2015

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Ureteroscopy outcome depends on the availability of the technological equipment and the surgeon experience.This study tries to define the learning curve of ureteroscopy, to underline the current quality of training and to propose the minimum requirements for a curriculum in ureteroscopy.The aim of the present review was to study factors influencing training and the maintenance of skills in performing ureteroscopy (URS). We searched on the following keywords in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases: renal or ureteric stone; ureteroscopy; endourology; educational; training; learning curve; expertise; skill; residency; practice; simulator; and robotics. We have defined, when possible, levels and grades of evidence, based on 2009 recommendations of the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine. We found that technological advancement and surgeon experience is a predictive factor for success or complications of URS. Experience may be related to special endourology training, time passed after basic training and the number of procedures performed. Studies suggest that a resident must perform a certain amount of cases to gain proficiency with URS, but there is still a need for well designed studies for the learning curve of URS to be accurately defined. Training models may be useful for training in URS and stone disintegration. Stone centres that provide all the endoscopic treatment options seem to provide the best conditions to ensure a sufficient volume of patients required. Defining minimum requirements for training in URS and for maintaining certification is a major challenge, as is defining the learning curve in URS. Careful curriculum design in high‐volume stone centres may be the key to optimizing URS training.
Dissemination of Accruals Information, Role of Semi‐Annual Reporting, and Analysts' Earnings Forecasts: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Kubota Keiichi , Suda Kazuyuki , Takehara Hitoshi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOur study investigates the effects of dissemination of accounting accruals information on stock prices using Japanese annual reports as our sample. We conduct month‐by‐month detailed analyses of price adjustment behavior with a particular focus on revisions of analysts' earnings forecasts and changes in trading volume around the period of upcoming semi‐annual reports. We find that analysts' forecasts are often revised around this time, and analysts use this as auxiliary information. In addition, an accompanying re‐adjustment of abnormal returns and an increase in trading volume are observed. Our findings demonstrate that informational uncertainty initially triggered by the announcement of annual reports decreases as semi‐annual reports are disclosed and analysts change their earnings forecasts, and confirms the importance of semi‐annual reporting.
Paths of Development and Wage Variations
Authors: Kiyota Kozo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn analyzing the relationship between factor endowments and sectoral per capita output (the paths of development), it was shown empirically that the number of cones was neither one nor three but two, and that all countries fall into one of these two cones. This is a puzzle, because it is inconsistent with large wage variations across economies. This paper attempts to solve this puzzle, introducing complete and incomplete specialization into a multiple‐cone model. Empirical results reveal that the two‐cone Heckscher–Ohlin (HO) model can be consistent with HO specialization and wage variations across economies.
The Dark Side of the Generalized System of Preferences
Authors: Herz Bernhard , Wagner Marco 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was established to promote the exports of low‐income countries to industrialized countries in order to support their economic growth and development. However, the design of these schemes is rather complex and the effects of GSP have been found to be controversial. In our empirical analysis, based on an extensive dataset covering most of world trade, we find that GSP tends to foster developing countries' exports in the short‐run, but hampers them in the long‐run. Also, GSP granting countries are able to promote their own exports initially, while in the long‐run their exports decrease. Taken together, GSP does not seem to be a suitable instrument to promote sustainable economic growth and development of low‐income countries.
Envy and Inequality*
Authors: Alvarez‐Cuadrado Francisco , Long Ngo Van 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe present an overlapping generations economy, populated by heterogeneous agents who care about both consumption relative to others and the bequest they leave to their offspring. We show that saving and bequest rates vary across the income distribution, and we obtain several interesting results. First, envy reduces the steady‐state capital stock and increases the degree of inequality in consumption, capital ownership, and bequests. Second, if the bequest motive is sufficiently strong the equalizing effect of bequests disappears. Third, income inequality for a given cohort increases with age. Fourth, the distribution of inherited wealth becomes more unequal than that of wealth in general. Fifth, economic position becomes more persistent across generations.
Export Market Dynamics and Plant‐Level Productivity: Impact of Tariff Reductions and Exchange‐Rate Cycles*
Authors: Baldwin John , Yan Beiling 
Published: October 2015

Abstract In this paper, we examine how changes in tariff rates and industry‐specific real exchange rates affect the entry/exit process to export markets and productivity growth. Using the experience of the Canadian manufacturing sector over three decades, we find that firms in export markets enjoy faster productivity growth than non‐participants. The size of the growth advantage depends on whether real exchange rates are increasing or decreasing. The increase in the value of the Canadian dollar during the post‐2000 period almost completely offset the productivity growth advantages enjoyed by new exporters during this period.
Are Aid Flows Excessive or Insufficient? Estimating the Growth Impact of Aid in Threshold Regressions
Authors: Kalyvitis Sarantis , Stengos Thanasis , Vlachaki Irene 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExisting empirical studies and policy reports provide ambiguous results on the growth effect of foreign aid flows in the recipient countries. The present paper examines whether there exists an aid threshold that determines the growth impact of foreign aid. We use a threshold regression methodology to estimate growth specifications and the associated aid thresholds in a sample of 42 aid recipients covering the period 1970–2000. Our findings indicate that there is a threshold level of aid, above which the growth impact of aid becomes positive.
Trade Misinvoicing: The Dark Side of World Trade
Authors: Buehn Andreas , Eichler Stefan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe analyse the determinants of trade misinvoicing using data on 86 countries from 1980 to 2005. In a simple microeconomic framework, we derive the determinants of four different types of trade misinvoicing taking into account that only the financial incentives determinewhetherandhow muchexports/imports to underinvoice or overinvoice, whereas the deterrents only affect theextentof misinvoicing. The hypothesised determinants are tested using data on discrepancies in bilateral trade with the United States. We find that the black market premia and tariffs motivate illegal trading activities. Higher financial penalties effectively act as a deterrent to this crime.
TREATING TRANSGENDERED CHILDREN: CLINICAL METHODS AND RELIGIOUS MYTHOLOGY
Authors: Conroy Melissa 
Published: October 2015

Abstract.Bruce Lincoln suggests that myth is “that small class of stories that possess both credibility and authority” (1992, 24). When studying the history of mythology we find that myths often are understood as something other people have—as if the group in question possesses the truth while others live by falsehoods. In examining contemporary North American society, we can see how Judeo‐Christian narratives structure popular and medical discourses regarding sex and gender. The idea that humans are born into male and female, and male and female only, is a deeply held belief—so much so that it appears as fact rather than belief. Anthropologists such as Serena Nanda and Will Roscoe have documented the cross‐cultural and historical “gender variants” who exist in societies where three or more genders are the norm. The origin of the belief in two sexes could well be the opening verses of Genesis where the origin of the human species is described in bipolar, dimorphic forms: “… in the image of God He created them; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27 NRSV). In the article I explore the mythology that underlies the clinical management of transgender children.
AGNOSTIC MEDITATIONS ON BUDDHIST MEDITATION
Authors: Deleanu Florin 
Published: October 2015

Abstract.I first attempt a taxonomy of meditation in traditional Indian Buddhism. Based on the main psychological or somatic function at which the meditative effort is directed, the following classes can be distinguished: (1) emotion‐centered meditation (coinciding with the traditional samatha approach); (2) consciousness‐centered meditation (with two subclasses: consciousness reduction/elimination and ideation obliteration); (3) reflection‐centered meditation (with two subtypes: morality‐directed reflection and reality‐directed observation, the latter corresponding to the vipassanā method); (4) visualization‐centered meditation; and (5) physiology‐centered meditation. In the second part of the essay I tackle the problem of the epistemic validity and happiness‐engendering value of Buddhist meditation. In my highly conjectural view, the claim that meditation represents an infallible tool for realizing the (Supreme) Truth as well as a universally valid method for attaining the highest forms of happiness is largely based on the crēdō effect, that is, a placebolike process. I do not deny that meditation may have some positive effects on mental and physical health or that its practice may bring changes to the mind. Meditation may be a valuable alternative approach in life and clinical treatment, but it is far from being a must or a panacea.