bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the 1L curriculum make a difference?
Authors: Hyman David A. , Liu Jing , Teitelbaum Joshua C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGeorgetown Law's Curriculum B (also known as Section 3) offers a unique opportunity to study an alternative 1L curriculum. The standard 1L curriculum has been around for decades and is still offered at the vast majority of US law schools. Leaders in the legal academy often talk about experimenting with the 1L curriculum, but hardly anyone does it. Georgetown Law has. We study whether Georgetown's Curriculum B yields measurable differences in student outcomes. Our empirical design leverages the fact that enrollment in Curriculum B is done by lottery when it is oversubscribed—meaning our study is effectively a randomized controlled trial. We measure treatment effects of Curriculum B by comparing outcomes of students who received the treatment (Curriculum B) with outcomes of students who received the placebo (Curriculum A) but wanted the treatment. Because students in both the treatment and control groups elected to enroll in Curriculum B, our empirical design overcomes the issue of selection bias. We find that taking Curriculum B decreases students' performance in two business law electives (Corporations and Securities Regulation) and reduces the rate at which they graduate with Latin honors. In addition, we find that it increases students' propensity to take certain public law electives and decreases their propensity to take certain business law electives. We further find that taking Curriculum B decreases students' likelihood of working in the private sector (law firm or business/industry), increases their likelihood of working in the public sector (government or public interest) or doing a judicial clerkship, and reduces their average annual salary. At the same, however, we find no statistically significant effects on other outcomes, including students' cumulative grade point average, their chances of passing the bar exam or being employed 10 months after graduation, or their rate or amount of alumni giving.
Characteristics of teak trees and stands driving infestations by Xyleutes ceramica (Walker, 1865) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) in plantations in Thailand
Authors: Choochuen Thanapol , Foit Jiří , Meunpong Ponthep , Suksavate Warong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe teak bee‐hole borer (Xyleutes ceramica (Walker, 1865)) is widespread in northern Thailand and is considered the most serious pest of teak (Tectona grandis) in the country. The present study investigated the factors affecting the infestation of teak trees by this species in three plantations in northern Thailand at different spatial scales, including the tree, plot and stand levels. At each plantation, 48 plots evenly distributed in three different young stands (1–10 years), three medium‐aged stands (11–20 years) and six old stands (exceeding 20 years) were sampled. At the plots, the number of current entrance holes of X. ceramica per teak tree was counted, and the characteristics of the trees and stands were assessed. A total of 1952 teak trees were sampled, 22.7% of which were infested by X. ceramica. According to our results, infestation was much more strongly affected by stand characteristics than by the characteristics of individual trees. Above all, understorey cover exhibited substantial effect with the infestation level being strongly limited in stands with dense understories. Additionally, young and medium‐aged stands on better quality sites were found to be the most susceptible to infestation, and well‐growing and/or damaged trees were preferred by the pest species. In conclusion, major recommendations for suppressing damage caused by X. ceramica include (a) promoting and maintaining the understorey above 30% cover, (b) planting mixed stands of commercial forest trees and (c) intensively monitoring the pest in young and medium‐aged stands, especially those growing at good‐ and medium‐quality sites.
Clinical outcomes and learning curve of Tip‐in endoscopic mucosal resection for 15–25 mm colorectal neoplasms among non‐experts
Authors: Shigeta Kohei , Kishida Yoshihiro , Hotta Kinichi , Imai Kenichiro , Ito Sayo , Takada Kazunori , Sato Junya , Minamide Tatsunori , Yamamoto Yoichi , Yoshida Masao , Maeda Yuki , Kawata Noboru , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Ono Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimTip‐in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has a high en bloc resection rate for large colorectal neoplasms. However, non‐experts' performance in Tip‐in EMR has not been investigated. We investigated whether Tip‐in EMR can be achieved effectively and safely even by non‐experts.MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent Tip‐in EMR for 15–25 mm colorectal nonpedunculated neoplasms at a Japanese tertiary cancer center between January 2014 and December 2020. Baseline characteristics, treatment outcomes, learning curve of non‐experts, and risk factors of failing self‐achieved en bloc resection were analyzed.ResultsA total of 597 lesions were analyzed (438 by experts and 159 by non‐experts). The self‐achieved en bloc resection (69.8% vs 88.6%, P < 0.001) and self‐achieved R0 resection (58.3% vs 76.5%, P < 0.001) rates were significantly lower in non‐experts with <10 cases of experience than in experts, but not in non‐experts with >10 cases. Adverse event (P = 0.165) and local recurrence (P = 0.892) rates were not significantly different between experts and non‐experts. Risk factors of failing self‐achieved en bloc resection were non‐polypoid morphology (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6–7.3, P = 0.001), lesions with an underlying semilunar fold (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.3, P < 0.001), positive non‐lifting sign (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2–8.0, P = 0.023), and non‐experts with an experience of ≤10 cases (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.1–6.3, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe clinical outcomes of Tip‐in EMR for 15–25 mm lesions performed by non‐experts were favorable.
A new method for measuring industrial chain risk exposure: A regional perspective in China
Authors: Hongfu Ni , Daocheng Zhong , Siyi Peng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe extend the existing framework for decomposition of production length structure in global value chains and propose a novel concept and measure of industrial chain risk exposure on both the demand‐side and supply‐side at the region‐sector level in China. Using data from WIOD, ADB‐MRIOT, and China's multi‐regional input‐output tables, we measure and analyze the industrial chain risk exposures, and risk‐return ratios on the demand‐side and supply‐side of each region‐sector in China from 2002 to 2017. Our results reveal the following key insights: First, inland regions exhibit high domestic industrial chain risk exposures, while coastal regions have high global industrial chain risk exposures, a pattern consistent at the region‐industry level. Furthermore, demand‐side industrial chain risk exposures surpass supply‐side exposures within region‐sectors. Second, High‐tech manufacturing industries display greater risk exposure compared to other sectors. Third, Guangdong and Shanghai, as the main regions of China's international trade, share similar global industrial chain risk exposures to those of Germany and South Korea. Fourth, the bilateral demand‐side exposures of the industrial chains in each region are asymmetric.
A web‐based dynamic predictive model for postoperative nausea and vomiting in patient receiving gynecological laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Liu Jiang , Fang Shirong , Cheng Lin , Wang Liwei , Wang Yuwen , Gao Lunan , Liu Yuxiu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a web‐based dynamic prediction model for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.MethodsThe patients (N = 647) undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery were included in this observational study. The candidate risk‐factors related to PONV were included through literature search. Lasso regression was utilized to screen candidate risk‐factors, and the variables with statistical significance were selected in multivariable logistic model building. The web‐based dynamic Nomogram was used for model exhibition. Accuracy and validity of the experimental model (EM) were evaluated by generating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. Hosmer–Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical practicability of the risk prediction model.ResultsUltimately, a total of five predictors including patient‐controlled analgesia (odds ratio [OR], 4.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98–12.44), motion sickness (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 2.71–8.65), variation of blood pressure (OR, 4.30; 95% CI, 2.41–7.91), pregnancy vomiting history (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.44–3.43), and pain response (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.48–1.83) were selected in model building. Assessment of the model indicates the discriminating power of EM was adequate (ROC‐areas under the curve, 93.0%; 95% CI, 90.7%–95.3%). EM showed better accuracy and goodness of fit based on the results of the calibration curve. The DCA curve of EM showed favorable clinical benefits.ConclusionsThis dynamic prediction model can determine the PONV risk in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.
Personal values and career‐related preferences among young adults
Authors: Lipshits‐Braziler Yuliya , Arieli Sharon , Daniel Ella 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe present study investigated personal values underlying career‐related preferences among young adults deliberating on their career choice. As a fundamental component of one's identity, personal values can offer valuable insights into how individuals prioritize their career‐related preferences.MethodWe employed two complementary approaches: variable‐centered and person‐centered, using a sample of 636 young adults (69.5% women; Mage = 21.9, SD = 2.12).ResultsUsing a variable‐centered approach, we identified 14 value‐expressive career‐related preferences, demonstrating that individuals are less willing to compromise on these preferences than on non value‐expressive preferences. Using a person‐centered approach, we applied latent profile analysis to identify four groups of young adults with distinct value profiles: (1) growth‐focus (n = 212; 33.3%), (2) protection‐focus (n = 206; 32.4%), (3) self‐focus (n = 122; 19.2%), and (4) social‐focus (n = 96; 15.1%). Importantly, the four profiles varied in 18 of 31 career‐related preferences, revealing the composition of values underlying these career preferences. Fourteen of these preferences were identified as value‐expressive in a variable‐centered approach.ConclusionThe two complementary approaches employed in the present study introduce a fine‐grained understanding of the value‐expressiveness of career‐related preferences.
The impact of the spatial population distribution on economic growth: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Burgi Constantin , Gorgulu Nisan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe introduce a new class of measures called spatial population concentration (SPC) designed to quantify how many people live on average within a given radius of every person within a geographic area. The distinguishing feature relative to existing measures is that ours are the first to satisfy scale invariance, replication invariance, sensitivity to transfers, aggregativity, sensitivity to neighborhoods, invariance to uninhabited regions, concurrently. We calculate the SPC measure at the US county level for various radii and identify that the strongest relationship with subsequent economic growth can be found for a 25‐km radius. Interacting SPC with diverse infrastructure metrics does not alter the optimal radius. This indicates that regional policies such as infrastructure projects which influence density should strategically target the 25‐km distance range to maximize the growth impact. We also show that the importance of SPC has declined over time.
Enhancing pig growth and gut health with fermented Jatropha curcas cake: Impacts on microbiota, metabolites, and neurotransmitters
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Tian Gang , Liu Guangmang , Cai Jingyi , Jia Gang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGiven the escalating global crisis in feed protein availability, Jatropha curcas L. cake has attracted significant interest as a viable alternative protein source in animal feed. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented Jatropha curcas L. cake (FJCC) as a protein feed in the diet of pigs. A total of 96 growing pigs with an average weight of 27.60 ± 1.59 kg were divided into three dietary groups with varying FJCC inclusion levels (0, 2.5, and 5%) for a 28 d trial. Results showed that the diet with 5% FJCC (FJCC5) demonstrated significant improvements in average daily gain (p = 0.009), feed‐to‐gain ratio (p = 0.036), nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Furthermore, the FJCC5 diet resulted in a decrease in pH values in different gut sections (jejunum p = 0.045, cecum p = 0.001, colon p = 0.012), and favorably altered the profile of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with increased butyric acid content (p = 0.005) and total SCFAs (p = 0.019). Additionally, this diet notably decreased IL‐6 levels in the jejunum (p = 0.008) and colon (=0.047), significantly reduced IL‐1 levels in the hypothalamus (p < 0.001), and lowered IL‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels in plasma (p < 0.05). Microbiota and metabolite profile analysis revealed an elevated abundance of beneficial microbes (p < 0.05) and key metabolites such as 4‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) (p = 0.003) and serotonin (5‐HT) (p = 0.022), linked to neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction. Moreover, FJCC5 significantly boosted circulating neurotransmitter levels of 5‐HT (p = 0.006) and GABA (p = 0.002) in plasma and hypothalamus, with corresponding increases in precursor amino acids (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that FJCC, particularly at a 5% inclusion rate, can be an effective substitute for traditional protein sources like soybean meal, offering benefits beyond growth enhancement to gut health and potentially impacting the gut‐brain axis. This research underscores FJCC's potential as a valuable component in sustainable animal nutrition strategies.
Following urban predators – long‐term snow‐tracking data reveal changes in their abundance and habitat use
Authors: Krauze‐Gryz D. , Jackowiak M. , Klich D. , Gryz J. , Jasińska K. D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUrban habitats differ from natural environments, however some predatory species have become established in cities across the globe. The aim of our study was to compare the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten in Warsaw during three time periods (1976–1978, 2005–2008, 2015–2021) and in different habitats. Generalized linear models were used to show factors affecting the density indices of these two species (i.e., frequency of occurrence of tracks of each species recorded during snow tracking on linear transects). The frequency of occurrence of tracks of these two species on transects increased over time and was explained by habitat type and distance from the city centre. The frequency of fox tracks was higher in more‐natural habitats located far from the city centre. In the first period (1976–1978), this species was recorded only in forests and riparian areas. In the last period (2015–2021), its tracks were recorded frequently in built‐up areas and cemeteries. From the beginning of the first period, the stone marten was recorded in a wider range of habitats than the fox and it colonized all habitat types in the subsequent periods, but a statistically significant increase was observed only for cemeteries. The frequency of occurrence of stone marten tracks was lower than that of red fox tracks in most natural and seminatural habitats (forests, parks, riparian areas). No relationship between the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten was found. We speculate that the growth of the urban red fox numbers was driven by an increase in the national population as a result of anti‐rabies vaccinations. In turn, the stone marten, being a synanthropic species, was present in the city centre from the beginning of the study, but it now occurs in a wider range of habitats.
Regulatory interactions between daptomycin‐ and bacitracin‐responsive pathways coordinate the cell envelope antibiotic resistance response of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Morris Sali M. , Wiens Laura , Rose Olivia , Fritz Georg , Rogers Tim , Gebhard Susanne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnterococcal infections frequently show high levels of antibiotic resistance, including to cell envelope‐acting antibiotics like daptomycin (DAP). While we have a good understanding of the resistance mechanisms, less is known about the control of such resistance genes in enterococci. Previous work unveiled a bacitracin resistance network, comprised of the sensory ABC transporter SapAB, the two‐component system (TCS) SapRS and the resistance ABC transporter RapAB. Interestingly, components of this system have recently been implicated in DAP resistance, a role usually regulated by the TCS LiaFSR. To better understand the regulation of DAP resistance and how this relates to mutations observed in DAP‐resistant clinical isolates of enterococci, we here explored the interplay between these two regulatory pathways. Our results show that SapR regulates an additional resistance operon, dltXABCD, a known DAP resistance determinant, and show that LiaFSR regulates the expression of sapRS. This regulatory structure places SapRS‐target genes under dual control, where expression is directly controlled by SapRS, which itself is up‐regulated through LiaFSR. The network structure described here shows how Enterococcus faecalis coordinates its response to cell envelope attack and can explain why clinical DAP resistance often emerges via mutations in regulatory components.
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dakin Mohamed , Omorou Abdou Yacoubou , Guillemin Francis 
Published: April 2024

SummaryMany interventions are implemented in the public health context to overcome social inequalities of weight status in adolescents, but their effectiveness is challenged. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of these interventions with a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We systematically searched for reports of randomized control trials and quasi‐experimental studies aiming to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents in five electronic databases. The primary outcomes were social inequalities in weight‐related outcomes (body mass index [BMI], BMI z score, waist circumference, percent body fat, prevalence of overweight/obesity). Interventions were effective when they reduced social inequalities in at least one weight‐related outcome. Meta‐analyses involved using random‐effects models. The review included 38 publications (33 studies) with interventions mostly targeting disadvantaged adolescents (n = 29 studies), showing effectiveness in half of the studies (n = 19/33, 57.6%). The meta‐analysis (27 studies) revealed that targeted interventions significantly reduced BMI z score (β = −0.04 [95% CI −0.08, −0.01]), BMI (β = −0.32 [−0.47, −0.18]), and waist circumference (β = −0.84 [−1.48, −0.21]) but not percent body fat (β = −0.27 [−0.71, 0.17]) or prevalence of overweight/obesity (odds ratio = 1.06 [0.85, 1.31]). This review shows moderate effectiveness of interventions targeting disadvantaged adolescents to reduce social inequalities of weight status. High‐quality research with better implementation to reach their full potential is required to strengthen their effectiveness.
The Long‐term Efficacy of Total Knee Arthroplasty on End‐stage Kashin–Beck Disease of the Knee in Highland Tibetan Areas Patients: A Retrospective Study with 10‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: Sun Haocheng , Lai Yahao , Ding Zichuan , Cai Yongrui , Luo Zeyu , Zhou Zongke 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveDespite the established success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with end‐stage osteoarthritis, there is a notable scarcity of research on its long‐term outcomes in individuals suffering from end‐stage Kashin–Beck disease (KBD). This retrospective study aimed to assess the long‐term outcomes and effectiveness of clinical function, quality of life, and complications of TKA and end‐stage KBD patients in Tibetan highland areas.MethodsThe retrospective cohort included 43 KBD patients, comprising a total of 59 knees, who had undergone TKA at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between 2008 and 2021. Patients were subsequently followed up for a minimum of 3 years, and received rigorous radiological and clinical assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months post surgery, followed by annual examinations thereafter. The evaluation included various efficacy indices, including visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, hospital for special surgery (HSS) scores, functional score for adult Tibetans with Kashin–Beck disease (FSAT‐KBD), and radiographic findings. Comparison of indicators within the same group was conducted using one‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance or paired sample t‐tests, whereas between‐group differences were compared using an independent t‐test.ResultsThroughout the average follow‐up duration of 10.8 years, patients experienced a substantial reduction in knee pain and noteworthy functional improvement. The VAS scores decreased significantly from 77.47 ± 4.12 mm before surgery to 10.91 ± 1.97 mm after surgery, indicating considerable alleviation of knee pain. The HSS scores improved markedly, increasing from 44.26 ± 4.95 preoperatively to 91.26 ± 4.37, indicating enhanced joint function. Similarly, the FSAT‐KBD exhibited positive progression, increasing from 25.90 ± 3.12 to 36.95 ± 3.54. Importantly, at the last follow‐up, none of the patients presented with periprosthetic infection, prosthesis loosening, or periprosthetic fracture.ConclusionAt long‐term follow‐up, compared with patients in the preoperative period, patients in Tibetan highland areas with KBD of the knee who underwent TKA benefited from a significant reduction in pain, improvement in joint function, and satisfactory improvement in quality of life.
Life Expectancy Reversals in Low‐Mortality Populations
Authors: Goldstein Joshua R. , Lee Ronald D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBehind the steady march of progress toward longer life expectancy in many low‐mortality countries, there have been setbacks even before the Covid‐19 pandemic. In this paper, we use an exploratory approach to describe the temporal structure, age patterns, and geographic aspects of life expectancy reversals. We find that drops in life expectancy are often followed by larger than average improvements, which tells us that most reversals are transitory with little long‐term influence. The age structure of mortality decline when life expectancy falls is tilted toward older ages, a pattern that is quite different from the general pattern of mortality improvement. Geographic analysis shows that mortality reversals are correlated across neighboring countries like Italy and France, or Canada and the United States. These findings are consistent with contagious disease and weather being important causes of life expectancy reversals. We conclude with a discussion of implications for formal modeling and forecasting of mortality to accommodate these patterns that violate some standard assumptions.