bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the Effects of Competing Mandates on Agency Performance
Authors: Carrigan Christopher
Published: February 2018

Public administration scholars and practitioners uniformly agree that saddling agencies with multiple mandates breeds dysfunction and impedes performance. However, less is known about the mechanisms by which combining purposes has these effects. This study of a broad set of U.S. federal agencies finds support for the conventional wisdom by showing that agencies balancing greater numbers of programs perform worse. The analysis further suggests that such organizations struggle largely because they are more likely to be forced to simultaneously adopt conflicting stances toward program targets. Moreover, when programs force agencies into conflicts in which they are asked to both support and restrain the same target, the resulting uncertainty among personnel regarding agency priorities helps explain why operations are negatively impacted. Thus, it is not simply that accumulating missions impedes agency performance but rather how those competing mandates interact that can define whether an agency will struggle to achieve its objectives.
A rolling stone gathers no moss: the effect of customers' perceived business model innovativeness on customer value co‐creation behavior and customer satisfaction in the service sector
Authors: Clauss Thomas , Kesting Tobias , Naskrent Julia
Published: February 2018

Both researchers and practitioners have been focusing extensively on business model innovation, as it has shown to positively influence business performance. Although the effect of business model innovativeness on customer behavior might be an important mediator between business model innovation and business performance, it has not yet been analyzed. In line with recent calls to consider the customer side in business model innovation research, our paper addresses this problem by studying the influence of customers' perceived business model innovativeness (CPBMI) on customer satisfaction and customer value co‐creation behavior in the service sector. We, therefore, emphasize customers' perceptions and reactions to business model changes. Relying on data from a large‐scale survey of restaurant customers, we find that perceived value creation innovativeness and value proposition innovativeness positively affect customer satisfaction and customer value co‐creation behavior. In addition, we identify a significant indirect effect of CPBMI on customer satisfaction via customer value co‐creation behavior. Our findings allow deriving concrete implications for both researchers and practitioners.
Architecture and morphodynamics of subcritical sediment waves in an ancient channel–lobe transition zone
Authors: Hofstra Menno , Peakall Jeff , Hodgson David M , Stevenson Christopher J
Published: February 2018

In modern systems, submarine channel–lobe transition zones show a well‐documented assemblage of depositional and erosional bedforms. In contrast, the stratigraphic record of channel–lobe transition zones is poorly constrained, because preservation potential is low and criteria have not been established to identify depositional bedforms in these settings. Several locations from an exhumed fine‐grained base of slope system (Unit B, Laingsburg depocentre, Karoo Basin, South Africa) show exceptional preservation of sandstone beds with distinctive morphologies and internal facies distributions. The regional stratigraphic context, lack of a basal confining surface, wave‐like morphology in dip section, size and facies characteristics support an interpretation of subcritical sediment waves within a channel–lobe transition zone setting. Some sediment waves show steep (10 to 25°) unevenly spaced (10 to 100 m) internal truncation surfaces that are dominantly upstream‐facing, which suggests significant spatio‐temporal fluctuations in flow character. Their architecture indicates that individual sediment wave beds accrete upstream, in which each swell initiates individually. Lateral switching of the flow core is invoked to explain the sporadic upstream‐facing truncation surfaces, and complex facies distributions vertically within each sediment wave. Variations in bedform character are related to the axial to marginal positions within a channel–lobe transition zone. The depositional processes documented do not correspond with known bedform development under supercritical conditions. The proposed process model departs from established mechanisms of sediment wave formation by emphasising the evidence for subcritical rather than supercritical conditions, and highlights the significance of lateral and temporal variability in flow dynamics and resulting depositional architecture.
Local level impacts of climatic and non‐climatic factors on agriculture and agricultural land‐use dynamic in rural northern Ghana
Authors: Badmos Biola K. , Villamor Grace B. , Agodzo Sampson K. , Odai Samuel N. , Badmos Olabisi S.
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the local level impacts of climatic and non‐climatic factors on the agricultural land‐use dynamic in rural northern Ghana. Data was collected by means of household questionnaires and interview. The data collected relates to farmer's knowledge about climate change, response to the impact of climate change, dynamics in the area cultivated for crops, and the climatic and non‐climatic factors that affect agricultural land‐use dynamics. The data collected was subjected to simple descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests. Farmers indicated that the weather patterns have affected their cropping activities. Delay in the start of rainfall, fluctuation and cessation before the growing season ends have affected them. Also, inadequate access to farm inputs has affected them. In the face of unfavourable conditions, the farmers may respond by increasing or decreasing the land area cultivated for some crops, they may continue to cultivate their crops, or they may abandon the crop(s) for the season. Jobs outside of the farm are being taken up to support household needs. Climate change has been interacting with non‐climatic (socio‐economic) factors, and a holistic approach would be the best to address the local or regional change. Intensification of research within the study region and nearby regions would improve preparedness for future local/regional change.
Acute responses to structured aerobic and resistance exercise in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sklempe Kokic I. , Ivanisevic M. , Kokic T. , Simunic B. , Pisot R.
Published: February 2018

Research on the acute responses to exercise in pregnancy is scarce, especially for women affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to investigate responses to a single bout of exercise performed multiple times throughout the pregnancy in women diagnosed with GDM. Data from 18 pregnant women (aged: 32.8 ± 3.8) diagnosed with GDM, treated with diet only, were analyzed. Participants’ pre‐pregnancy body mass index was 24.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2, 50% of them were nulliparous, and 50% of the sample regularly exercised before the pregnancy. The exercise intervention consisted of an individual structured aerobic and resistance exercise program performed twice per week from the time of diagnosis until at least the 36th week of pregnancy. The exercise program included 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, 20‐25 minutes of resistance exercise, and 10 minutes of cool down. Maternal heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, temperature and fetal heart rate were measured at every exercise session, along with blood glucose on 3 occasions. In total, 365 exercise sessions were analyzed (85 in the second trimester and 280 in the third trimester), on average 20.3 ± 7.7 per participant. Heart rate and fetal heart rate were elevated during both the aerobic and resistance parts of the exercise session (P < .01) in comparison with the baseline while systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change in the total sample. There was a slight elevation in tympanic membrane temperature during the aerobic part of the session (P < .01). All parameters returned to baseline levels by the end of the session. Glucose levels dropped from the baseline, from 4.7 ± 0.6 to 3.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L (P < .01). There were no differences in responses to exercise between the second and third trimesters, nor between pre‐pregnancy exercisers and non‐exercisers. The combination of aerobic and resistance exercise for women diagnosed with GDM does not have harmful short‐term effects if performed according to guidelines. Likewise, exercise can be considered useful for controlling hyperglycemia in pregnancy for women affected by GDM.
Bimatoprost sustained‐release intracameral implant reduces episcleral venous pressure in dogs
Authors: Lee Susan S. , Burke James , Shen Jie , Almazan Alexandra , Orilla Werhner , Hughes Patrick , Zhang Jane , Li Huajiang , Struble Craig , Miller Paul E. , Robinson Michael R.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine the effect of a bimatoprost sustained‐release intracameral implant (Bimatoprost SR) on episcleral venous pressure (EVP) in normal dogs.

Methods

Normotensive beagle dogs were randomized to receive Bimatoprost SR 30 μg (n = 7) or sham injection (needle insertion only, n = 7) in one eye on day 1. EVP was measured with an episcleral venomanometer through day 65. Episcleral aqueous outflow vessels were identified using fluorescence imaging following intracameral injection of indocyanine green in one additional animal. A separate cohort of dogs that had been trained for conscious intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements received Bimatoprost SR 30 μg (n = 8) in one eye; IOP was evaluated through day 66.

Results

Baseline mean EVP was 10.0 mmHg in the Bimatoprost SR group and 10.4 mmHg in the sham group. Eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR exhibited a transient increase in mean EVP that peaked at day 8, followed by a decrease to levels below baseline. From day 29 to day 65, the change in mean EVP from baseline ranged from −2.4 to −3.9 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs. sham). Baseline mean IOP in eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR was 14.9 mmHg, and a steady IOP reduction was maintained through day 66. Bimatoprost SR‐treated eyes exhibited a selective, sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels that was not observed in sham‐treated eyes.

Conclusions

In normal dogs, Bimatoprost SR was associated with a transient increase in EVP followed by a sustained decrease. Changes in EVP were accompanied by a sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels.
Caudal articular process dysplasia of thoracic vertebrae in neurologically normal French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and Pugs: Prevalence and characteristics
Authors: Bertram Simon , ter Haar Gert , De Decker Steven
Published: February 2018

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of thoracic caudal articular process dysplasia in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease. In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, computed tomography scans of the thoracic vertebral column of these three breeds were reviewed for the presence and location of caudal articular process hypoplasia and aplasia, and compared between breeds. A total of 271 dogs met the inclusion criteria: 108 French bulldogs, 63 English bulldogs, and 100 Pugs. A total of 70.4% of French bulldogs, 84.1% of English bulldogs, and 97.0% of Pugs showed evidence of caudal articular process dysplasia. Compared to French and English bulldogs, Pugs showed a significantly higher prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia, but also a lower prevalence of caudal articular process hypoplasia, a higher number of affected vertebrae per dog and demonstrated a generalized and bilateral spatial pattern more frequently. Furthermore, Pugs showed a significantly different anatomical distribution of caudal articular process dysplasia along the vertebral column, with a high prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia between T10 and T13. This area was almost completely spared in French and English bulldogs. As previously suggested, caudal articular process dysplasia is a common finding in neurologically normal Pugs but this also seems to apply to French and English bulldogs. The predisposition of clinically relevant caudal articular process dysplasia in Pugs is possibly not only caused by the higher prevalence of caudal articular process dysplasia, but also by breed specific anatomical characteristics.
The inspired sine‐wave technique: A novel method to measure lung volume and ventilatory heterogeneity
Authors: Bruce Richard M. , Phan Phi Anh , Pacpaco Edmund , Rahman Najib M. , Farmery Andrew D.
Published: February 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We present a new non‐invasive medical technology, the inspired sine‐wave technique, which involves inhalation of sinusoidally fluctuating concentrations of a tracer gas. The technique requires only passive patient cooperation and can monitor different cardiorespiratory variables, such as end‐expired lung volume, ventilatory heterogeneity and pulmonary blood flow.

What is the main finding and its importance?

In this article, we demonstrate that the measurements of end‐expired lung volume are repeatable and accurate, in comparison to whole‐body plethysmography, and the technique is sensitive to the changes in ventilatory heterogeneity associated with advancing age. As such, it has the potential to provide clinically valuable information.

The inspired sine‐wave technique (IST) is a new method that can provide simple, non‐invasive cardiopulmonary measurements. Over successive tidal breaths, the concentration of a tracer gas (i.e. nitrous oxide, N2O) is sinusoidally modulated in inspired air. Using a single‐compartment tidal‐ventilation lung model, the resulting amplitude/phase of the expired sine wave allows estimation of end‐expired lung volume (ELV), pulmonary blood flow and three indices for ventilatory heterogeneity (VH; ELV180/FRCpleth, ELV180/FRCpred and ELV60/ELV180). This investigation aimed to determine the repeatability and agreement of ELV with FRCpleth and, as normal ageing results in well‐established changes in pulmonary structure and function, whether the IST estimates of ELV and VH are age dependent. Forty‐eight healthy never‐smoker participants (20–86 years) underwent traditional pulmonary function testing (e.g. spirometry, body plethysmography) and the IST test, which consisted of 4 min of quiet breathing through a face mask while inspired N2O concentrations were oscillated in a sine‐wave pattern with a fixed mean (4%) and amplitude (3%) and a period of either 180 or 60 s. The ELV180/FRCpleth and ELV180/FRCpred were age dependent (average decreases of 0.58 and 0.48% year−1), suggesting an increase in VH with advancing age. The ELV showed a mean bias of −1.09 litres versus FRCpleth, but when normalized for the effects of age this bias reduced to −0.35 litres. The IST test has potential to provide clinically useful information necessitating further study (e.g. for mechanically ventilated or obstructive lung disease patients), but these findings suggest that the increases in VH with healthy ageing must be taken into account in clinical investigations.
Two new species of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) on Zelkova carpinifolia (Ulmaceae) from Iran

Authors: Gol Ali , Sadeghi Namaghi Hussein , De Lillo Enrico
Published: February 2018

Two new species of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) were found on Zelkova carpinifolia (Ulmaceae) in Golestan Province, Iran. They are described as Tegolophus zelkofoliae sp. nov. and Rectalox dorsoenodis sp. nov. Both new species were vagrants on the leaf underside and no damage was observed on the infested plants. It is the first record of a species within the genus Rectalox from Iran.ts. It is the first record of a species within the genus Rectalox from Iran.
On the realization of acoustic attenuation using a microperforated panel alone
Authors: Yang Cheng
Published: February 2018

An attempt is made to achieve acoustic attenuation using a microperforated panel (MPP) without the commonly used backing air cavity. The underlying mechanism is the generation of the air motion inside the micropores as a result of the acoustic pressure difference on the two sides of the MPP. The acoustic environment in which such a mechanism is viable is found in a curved duct where the axial wavenumber below the cut-off frequency of the first dispersive mode is radius dependent. A MPP inserted into this duct results in an acoustic pressure difference on its two sides associated with the two sub-curved duct domains and enables the vibration of the air inside the micropores. Results show that energy is absorbed by the MPP and the effect extends over a broad frequency band and down to very low frequency.
Evidence-Based Supplements for the Enhancement of Athletic Performance
Authors: Peeling Peter , Binnie Martyn J. , Goods Paul S.R. , Sim Marc , Burke Louise M.
Published: February 2018

A strong foundation in physical conditioning and sport-specific experience, in addition to a bespoke and periodized training and nutrition program, are essential for athlete development. Once these underpinning factors are accounted for, and the athlete reaches a training maturity and competition level where marginal gains determine success, a role may exist for the use of evidence-based performance supplements. However, it is important that any decisions surrounding performance supplements are made in consideration of robust information that suggests the use of a product is safe, legal, and effective. The following review focuses on the current evidence-base for a number of common (and emerging) performance supplements used in sport. The supplements discussed here are separated into three categories based on the level of evidence supporting their use for enhancing sports performance: (1) established (caffeine, creatine, nitrate, beta-alanine, bicarbonate); (2) equivocal (citrate, phosphate, carnitine); and (3) developing. Within each section, the relevant performance type, the potential mechanisms of action, and the most common protocols used in the supplement dosing schedule are summarized.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation and Short-Term Recovery From High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Sánchez-Martínez Guillermo , Torrontegi Elaia , Montalvo Zigor , Lucia Alejandro , de la Villa Pedro
Published: February 2018

Purpose:Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a recovery strategy whose use has increased in recent years owing to the benefits observed in the clinical setting in some cardiovascular diseases (ie, improvement of cardiovascular function). However, its claimed effectiveness for the enhancement of exercise recovery has not been analyzed in athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of EECP on short-term recovery after a fatiguing exercise bout.Methods:Twelve elite junior triathletes (16 [2] y) participated in this crossover counterbalanced study. After a high-intensity interval training session (6 bouts of 3-min duration at maximal intensity interspersed with 3-min rest periods), participants were assigned to recover during 30 min with EECP (80 mm Hg) or sham (0 mm Hg). Measures of recovery included performance (jump height and mean power during an 8-min time trial), metabolic (blood lactate concentration at several time points), autonomic (heart-rate variability at several time points), and subjective (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and readiness to compete) outcomes.Results:There were no differences between EECP and sham in mean RPE or power output during the high-intensity interval training session, which elicited a significant performance impairment, vagal withdrawal, and increased blood lactate and RPE in both EECP and sham conditions (allP < .05). No significant differences were found in performance, metabolic, or subjective outcomes between conditions at any time point. A significantly lower high-frequency power (P < .05, effect size = 1.06), a marker of parasympathetic activity, was observed with EECP at the end of the recovery phase.Conclusion:EECP did not enhance short-term recovery after a high-intensity interval training session in healthy, highly trained individuals.
Effect of Cold-Water Immersion on Handgrip Performance in Rock Climbers
Authors: Kodejška Jan , Baláš Jiří , Draper Nick
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To determine the effect of 2 cold-water-immersion (CWI) temperatures (15°C and 8°C) on repeat handgrip performance to failure. Methods: A total of 32 participants completed 3 intermittent trials to failure on a climbing-specific handgrip dynamometer on 3 laboratory visits. For each visit, a different recovery strategy was employed: passive (PAS) recovery, CWI at 8°C (CW8), or CWI at 15°C (CW15). The force time integral (FTI: time of contraction multiplied by the force of contraction) was determined to assess handgrip performance. Results: There was no significant difference between recovery strategies at the end of trial 1. In response to the PAS recovery strategy, there were 10% and 22% decreases in FTI in the second and third trials, respectively. The PAS recovery-strategy FTI values were lower than both CWI strategies for trials 2 and 3 (P < .05). FTI increased in the second trial (↑32% and ↑38%; P < .05) for both immersion strategies (CW8 and CW15, respectively) compared with trial 1. During the third trial, FTI was significantly higher for CW15 than CW8 (↑27% and ↓4% with respect to baseline trial; P < .05). Conclusions: The results suggest that CWI has potential performance advantages over PAS recovery for rock climbing. The data show that in events where multiple recoveries are required, 15°C CWI may be more beneficial for climbers than 8°C CWI. Future research should focus on the optimization of protocols for sport performance.
The Effects of Hip Mobilizations on Patient Outcomes: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Albertin Erica S. , Miley Emilie N. , May James , Baker Russell T. , Reordan Don
Published: February 2018

Clinical Scenario: Hip osteoarthritis currently affects up to 28% of the population, and the number of affected Americans is expected to rise as the American population increases and ages. Limited hip range of motion (ROM) has been identified as a predisposing factor to hip osteoarthritis and limited patient function. Clinicians often apply therapy techniques, such as stretching and strengthening exercises, to improve hip ROM. Although traditional therapy has been recommended to improve hip ROM, the efficiency of the treatments within the literature is questionable due to lack of high-quality studies. More recently, clinicians have begun to utilize joint mobilization and the Mulligan Concept mobilization with movement techniques to increase ROM at the hip; however, there is a paucity of research on the lasting effects of mobilizations. Given the difficulties in improving ROM immediately (within a single treatment) and with long-lasting results (over the course of months), it is imperative to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of traditional therapy techniques and more novel manual therapy techniques. Focused Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest manual mobilizations techniques at the hip are effective at treating hip ROM limitations? Summary of Clinical Findings: 5 Randomized Controlled Studies, improved patient function and ROM with the Mulligan concept, high velocity low amplitude improved. Clinical Bottom Line: We found moderate evidence to suggest favorable outcomes following the use of hip mobilizations aimed at improving hip ROM and patient function. Strength of Recommendation: Strength of the studies identified are 1B.
A QuIC possibility for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Haigh Cathryn L.
Published: February 2018

α-Synuclein seeding activity can be measured quickly and might prove useful for the diagnosis of α-synucleinopathies.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Isolate of Colletotrichum fructicola, a Causal Agent of Mango Anthracnose
Authors: Li Qili , Bu Junyan , Yu Zhihe , Tang Lihua , Huang Suiping , Guo Tangxun , Mo Jianyou , Hsiang Tom
Published: February 2018

Here, we present a draft genome sequence of isolate 15060 of
Colletotrichum fructicola
, a causal agent of mango anthracnose. The final assembly consists of 1,048 scaffolds totaling 56,493,063 bp (G+C content, 53.38%) and 15,180 predicted genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of vB_BveP-Goe6, a Virus Infecting
Bacillus velezensis
FZB42
Authors: Schilling Tobias , Hoppert Michael , Daniel Rolf , Hertel Robert
Published: February 2018

The new virus vB_BveP-Goe6 was isolated on the host organism
Bacillus velezensis
FZB42. The virus morphology indicated its association with the genus
Phi29virus
. The genome of vB_BveP-Goe6 (19,105 bp) comprises a linear chromosome with a GC content of 39.99%. The genome harbors 26 putative protein-coding genes and a noncoding packaging RNA.
Complete Genome Sequence of EtG, the First Phage Sequenced from Erwinia tracheiphila
Authors: Andrade-Domínguez Andrés , Kolter Roberto , Shapiro Lori R.
Published: February 2018

Erwinia tracheiphila
is the causal agent of bacterial wilt of cucurbits. Here, we report the genome sequence of the temperate phage EtG, which was isolated from an
E. tracheiphila
-infected cucumber plant. Phage EtG has a linear 30,413-bp double-stranded DNA genome with cohesive ends and 45 predicted open reading frames.
Antiretroviral treatment Long-Term (ALT) cohort: a prospective cohort of 10 years of ART-experienced patients in Uganda
Authors: Castelnuovo Barbara , Mubiru Frank , Kiragga Agnes N , Musomba Rachel , Mbabazi Olive , Gonza Paul , Kambugu Andrew , Ratanshi Rosalind Parks
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Little information is available on patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) after a long-term period from sub-Saharan Africa, with the longest follow-up and related outcomes being after 10 years on ART. At the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) (Kampala, Uganda), we set up a cohort of patients already on ART for 10 years at the time of enrolment, who will be followed up for additional 10 years.

Participants

A prospective observational cohort of 1000 adult patients previously on ART for 10 years was enrolled between May 2014 and September 2015. Patients were eligible for enrolment if they were in their consecutive 10th year of ART regardless of the combination of drugs for both first- and second-line ART. Data were collected at enrolment and all annual study visits. Follow-up visits are scheduled once a year for 10 years. Biological samples (packed cells, plasma and serum) are stored at enrolment and follow-up visits.

Findings to date

Out of 1000 patients enrolled, 345 (34.5%) originate from a pre-existing research cohort at IDI, while 655 (65.5%) were enrolled from the routine clinic. Overall, 81% of the patients were on first line at the time of the enrolment in the ART long-term cohort, with the more frequent regimen being zidovudine plus lamivudine plus nevirapine (44% of the cohort), followed by zidovudine plus lamivudine plus efavirenz (22%) and tenofovir plus lamivudine or emtricitabine plus efavirenz (10%). At cohort enrolment, viral suppression was defined as HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL was 95.8%.

Future plans

Through collaboration with other institutions, we are planning several substudies, including the evaluation of the risk for cardiovascular diseases, the assessment of bone mineral density, screening for liver cirrhosis using fibroscan technology and investigation of drug–drug interactions between ART and common drugs used for non-communicable diseases.
Time-dependent risks of cancer clustering among couples: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jong-Yi , Liang Yia-Wen , Yeh Chun-Chen , Liu Chiu-Shong , Wang Chen-Yu
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Spousal clustering of cancer warrants attention. Whether the common environment or high-age vulnerability determines cancer clustering is unclear. The risk of clustering in couples versus non-couples is undetermined. The time to cancer clustering after the first cancer diagnosis is yet to be reported. This study investigated cancer clustering over time among couples by using nationwide data.

Methods

A cohort of 5643 married couples in the 2002–2013 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was identified and randomly matched with 5643 non-couple pairs through dual propensity score matching. Factors associated with clustering (both spouses with tumours) were analysed by using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Propensity-matched analysis revealed that the risk of clustering of all tumours among couples (13.70%) was significantly higher than that among non-couples (11.84%) (OR=1.182, 95% CI 1.058 to 1.321, P=0.0031). The median time to clustering of all tumours and of malignant tumours was 2.92 and 2.32 years, respectively. Risk characteristics associated with clustering included high age and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Shared environmental factors among spouses might be linked to a high incidence of cancer clustering. Cancer incidence in one spouse may signal cancer vulnerability in the other spouse. Promoting family-oriented cancer care in vulnerable families and preventing shared lifestyle risk factors for cancer are suggested.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in England: formative evaluation of the programme in early phase implementation
Authors: Penn Linda , Rodrigues Angela , Haste Anna , Marques Marta M , Budig Kirsten , Sainsbury Kirby , Bell Ruth , Araújo-Soares Vera , White Martin , Summerbell Carolyn , Goyder Elizabeth , Brennan Alan , Adamson Ashley J , Sniehotta Falko F
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Evaluation of the demonstrator phase and first wave roll-out of the National Health Service (NHS) Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) in England. To examine: (1) intervention design, provision and fidelity assessment procedures; (2) risk assessment and recruitment pathways and (3) data collection for monitoring and evaluation. To provide recommendations informing decision makers on programme quality, improvements and future evaluation.

Design

We reviewed programme documents, mapping against the NHS DPP specification and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) public health guideline: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention in people at high risk (PH38), conducted qualitative research using individual interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and examined recruitment, fidelity and data collection procedures.

Setting

Seven NHS DPP demonstrator sites and, subsequently, 27 first wave areas across England.

Interventions

Intensive behavioural intervention with weight loss, diet and physical activity goals. The national programme specifies at least 13 sessions over 9 months, delivered face to face to groups of 15–20 adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, mainly recruited from primary care and NHS Health Checks.

Participants

Participants for qualitative research were purposively sampled to provide a spread of stakeholder experience. Documents for review were provided via the NHS DPP Management Group.

Findings

The NHS DPP specification reflected current evidence with a clear framework for service provision. Providers, with national capacity to deliver, supplied intervention plans compliant with this framework. Stakeholders highlighted limitations in fidelity assessment and recruitment and retention challenges, especially in reach and equity, that could adversely impact on implementation. Risk assessment for first wave eligibility differed from NICE guidance.

Conclusions

The NHS DPP provides an evidence-based behavioural intervention for prevention of T2D in adults at high risk, with capacity to deliver nationally. Framework specification allows for balance between consistency and contextual variation in intervention delivery, with session details devolved to providers. Limitations in fidelity assurance, data collection procedures and recruitment issues could adversely impact on intervention effectiveness and restrict evaluation.
Explanation and elaboration of the Standards for UNiversal reporting of patient Decision Aid Evaluations (SUNDAE) guidelines: examples of reporting SUNDAE items from patient decision aid evaluation literature
Authors: Hoffman Aubri S , Sepucha Karen R , Abhyankar Purva , Sheridan Stacey , Bekker Hilary , LeBlanc Annie , Levin Carrie , Ropka Mary , Shaffer Victoria , Stacey Dawn , Stalmeier Peep , Vo Ha , Wills Celia , Thomson Richard
Published: February 2018

This Explanation and Elaboration (E&E) article expands on the 26 items in the Standards for UNiversal reporting of Decision Aid Evaluations guidelines. The E&E provides a rationale for each item and includes examples for how each item has been reported in published papers evaluating patient decision aids. The E&E focuses on items key to reporting studies evaluating patient decision aids and is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Authors and reviewers may wish to use the E&E broadly to inform structuring of patient decision aid evaluation reports, or use it as a reference to obtain details about how to report individual checklist items.
An integrative approach to develop practicing skills of physics pre-service teachers regarding laboratory applications
Authors: Saka Ahmet Zeki , Karal Elif
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate an integrative approach for practicing skills on laboratory applications of pre-service teachers in the context of the courses “secondary physics experiment design” (SPED) and “school experience” (SE). Research was implemented based on developer action research with the 20 physics pre-service teachers who were studying 5th grade in the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 academic years’ spring semesters at KTÜ Fatih Faculty of Education Department of Mathematics and Science Education. Physics pre-service teachers were provided with micro-teaching practices for laboratory applications in the course of SPED in the faculty and SE in the application schools. At the end of the SE process, it was concluded that the activities carried out within the scope of the research before and after the application contributed significantly to the development of the pre-service teachers’ practicing skills in the physics laboratory applications.
MORPHOLOGY AND FRACTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTISCALE PORE STRUCTURES FOR ORGANIC-RICH LACUSTRINE SHALE RESERVOIRS
Authors: WANG YANG , WU CAIFANG , ZHU YANMING , CHEN SHANGBIN , LIU SHIMIN , ZHANG RUI
Published: February 2018

Lacustrine shale gas has received considerable attention and has been playing an important role in unconventional natural gas production in China. In this study, multiple techniques, including total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), helium pycnometry and low-pressure [Formula: see text] adsorption have been applied to characterize the pore structure of lacustrine shale of Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation from the Ordos Basin. The results show that organic matter (OM) pores are the most important type dominating the pore system, while interparticle (interP) pores, intraparticle (intraP) and microfractures are also usually observed between or within different minerals. The shapes of OM pores are less complex compared with the other two pore types based on the Image-Pro Plus software analysis. In addition, the specific surface area ranges from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and the pore volume varies between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Two fractal dimensions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were calculated using Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) method, with [Formula: see text] varying between 2.510 and 2.632, and [Formula: see text] varying between 2.617 and 2.814. Further investigation indicates that the fractal dimensions exhibit positive correlations with TOC contents, whereas there is no definite relationship observed between fractal dimensions and clay minerals. Meanwhile, the fractal dimensions increase with the increase in specific surface area, and is negatively correlated with the pore size.
Graph-Theory-Based Modeling of Cascading Infrastructure Failures
Authors: Lindner Christine , Burla Pradeep , Vallée Dirk
Published: February 2018

Urban social life increasingly depends on a functioning social and technical infrastructure. Protecting infrastructures from natural disasters and extreme weather events, which are especially a result of climate change, has become an important topic in international research in the last years [Birkmann et al. (2016). Journal of Extreme Events, 03: 1650017]. In order to increase efficiency, the connections and interrelations between infrastructure components have been strengthened more and more, promoting the growth of large-scale interconnected systems. This in turn has resulted in uncontrollable potential risks as the functionality of each component now depends on an ever-increasing number of other infrastructure components. If one infrastructure component fails, this causes extensive cascades carrying the original failure over to successive components. This can, for example, cause large-scale failures in the rail network due to a shortage of fuel supply in large power plants resulting in impaired grid stability and thus a blackout, which in turn affects communications infrastructure, water supply, and other sectors. The growing complexity of connected infrastructures across multiple sectors and the use of continuously evolving technologies pose great challenges for researchers and providers regarding the prediction of cascading disruptions in the event of a component failure. Cascade modeling is an essential tool for improving the system’s resilience, since the security of the population’s supply is already disrupted when only parts of infrastructure systems are deactivated for test purposes. Accordingly, development and improvement of modeling approaches for the depiction of failure scenarios plays an essential role in planning and operating infrastructure systems. Against this background, we are developing an intersectoral graph-theoretical model framework for cascading failures in large-scale infrastructure systems in order to identify hotspots of high criticality. This work extends the study of criticality as a function of network centrality metrics. Network centrality metrics are applied to the electricity sector to examine and comprehend their correlation. The proposed criticality model for the graph model is then extended to a geographical dependence model. Predicting and analyzing criticality is important to support urban planners in setting up independently operational infrastructure systems and to accomplish the transformation of existing vulnerabilities into resilient adaptive structures.
Q&A: The network effect
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: February 2018

The developer of convolutional neural networks looks at their impact, today and in the long run.
Will the Supreme Court nix reviews of bad patents?
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: February 2018

Considering the longer-term implications of a soon-to-be-decided U.S. Supreme Court case.
Ethics omission increases gases emission
Authors: Rogerson Simon
Published: February 2018

A look in the rearview mirror at Volkswagon software engineering.
Cardiovascular response to trigeminal nerve stimulation at rest and during exercise in humans: does sex matter?
Authors: Prodel Eliza , Barbosa Thales C. , Nóbrega Antonio C. , Vianna Lauro C.
Published: February 2018

We sought to investigate the possibility that there are sex differences in the cardiovascular responses to trigeminal nerve stimulation (TGS) with cold exposure to the face at rest and during dynamic exercise. In 9 healthy men (age: 28 ± 3 yr; height: 178 ± 1 cm; weight: 77 ± 8 kg) and 13 women (age 26 ± 5 yr; height 164 ± 3 cm; weight 63 ± 7 kg) beat-to-beat heart rate (HR) and blood pressure were recorded. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), and total vascular resistance index (TVRI) were calculated. TGS was applied for 3 min at rest and in-between 10-min steady-state cycling exercise at a HR of 110 beats/min, the measurements were obtained during the last minute of each period. At rest, TGS increased MAP (men: Δ18 ± 8 mmHg; women: Δ23 ± 8 mmHg; means ± SD), TVRI (men: Δ1.1 ± 0.6 mmHg·l−1·min·m−2; women: Δ1.2 ± 1.2 mmHg·l−1·min·m−2) and SV (men: Δ19 ± 15 ml; women: Δ16 ± 11 ml) in both groups. CI increased with TGS in women but not in men. However, men presented a bradycardic response to TGS (Δ−11 ± 8 beats/min) that was not significant in women compared with baseline. Cycling exercise increased HR, MAP, SV, and CI and decreased TVRI in men and women. TGS during exercise further increased MAP in men and women and did not change CI in either group. SV and TVRI increased with TGS during exercise only in women. TGS during exercise evoked bradycardia in men (Δ−7 ± 9 beats/min), whereas HR was unchanged in women. Our findings indicate sex differences in TGS-related cardiovascular responses at rest and during exercise.
Peripheral µ-opioid receptors attenuate the responses of group III and IV afferents to contraction in rats with simulated peripheral artery disease
Authors: Harms Jonathan , Stone Audrey J. , Kaufman Marc P.
Published: February 2018

Patients with peripheral artery disease show an exaggerated pressor response to mild exercise, an effect attributable to the exercise pressor reflex, whose afferent arm comprises the thinly myelinated group III and unmyelinated group IV afferents. Previously, we found that DAMGO, a µ-opioid agonist injected into the femoral artery, attenuated the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in rats with ligated femoral arteries, a preparation that simulates the blood flow patterns to muscle that is seen in patients with peripheral artery disease. Continuing this line of investigation, we recorded the responses of group III and IV afferents to static contraction before and after injecting DAMGO (1 µg) into the superficial epigastric artery in rats with patent femoral arteries and in rats with ligated femoral arteries. In rats with patent arteries, DAMGO did not change the responses to contraction of either group III ( n = 9; P = 0.83) or group IV ( n = 8; P = 0.34) afferents. In contrast, in rats with ligated femoral arteries, DAMGO injection (1 µg) significantly decreased the responses to contraction of both group III afferents ( n = 9, P < 0.01) and group IV afferents ( n = 9; P < 0.01). DAMGO did not significantly attenuate the responses of either group III or IV afferents to capsaicin in rats with either patent or ligated femoral arteries. These findings are in agreement with our previous studies that showed that peripheral DAMGO injection attenuated the exercise pressor reflex in rats with ligated femoral arteries but had only a modest effect on the exercise pressor reflex in rats with patent femoral arteries.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In an animal model of peripheral artery disease, we show that the µ-opioid agonist, DAMGO reduces the afferent response rate resulting from stimulated static contraction. These results suggest that peripherally active opioid agonists that do not cross the blood-brain barrier may be therapeutic for treatment of peripheral artery disease without the negative and addictive side effects associated with opioids in the central nervous system.
Spatial bias in estimating the position of visual and proprioceptive targets
Authors: Liu Yang , Sexton Brandon M. , Block Hannah J.
Published: February 2018

When people match an unseen hand to a visual or proprioceptive target, they make both variable and systematic (bias) errors. Variance is a well-established factor in behavior, but the origin and implications of bias, and its connection to variance, are poorly understood. Eighty healthy adults matched their unseen right index finger to proprioceptive (left index finger) and visual targets with no performance feedback. We asked whether matching bias was related to target modality and to the magnitude or spatial properties of matching variance. Bias errors were affected by target modality, with subjects estimating visual and proprioceptive targets 20 mm apart. We found three pieces of evidence to suggest a connection between bias and variable errors: 1) for most subjects, the target modality that yielded greater spatial bias was also estimated with greater variance; 2) magnitudes of matching bias and variance were somewhat correlated for each target modality ( R = 0.24 and 0.29); and 3) bias direction was closely related to the angle of the major axis of the confidence ellipse ( R = 0.60 and 0.63). However, whereas variance was significantly correlated with visuo-proprioceptive weighting as predicted by multisensory integration theory ( R = −0.29 and 0.27 for visual and proprioceptive variance, respectively), bias was not. In a second session, subjects improved their matching variance, but not bias, for both target modalities, indicating a difference in stability. Taken together, these results suggest bias and variance are related only in some respects, which should be considered in the study of multisensory behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY People matching visual or proprioceptive targets make both variable and systematic (bias) errors. Multisensory integration is thought to minimize variance, but if the less variable modality has more bias, behavioral accuracy will decrease. Our data set suggests this is unusual. However, although bias and variable errors were spatially related, they differed in both stability and correlation with multisensory weighting. This suggests the bias-variance relationship is not straightforward, and both should be considered in multisensory behavior.
Ultra-fast accurate reconstruction of spiking activity from calcium imaging data
Authors: Rahmati Vahid , Kirmse Knut , Holthoff Knut , Kiebel Stefan J.
Published: February 2018

Calcium imaging provides an indirect observation of the underlying neural dynamics and enables the functional analysis of neuronal populations. However, the recorded fluorescence traces are temporally smeared, thus making the reconstruction of exact spiking activity challenging. Most of the established methods to tackle this issue are limited in dealing with issues such as the variability in the kinetics of fluorescence transients, fast processing of long-term data, high firing rates, and measurement noise. We propose a novel, heuristic reconstruction method to overcome these limitations. By using both synthetic and experimental data, we demonstrate the four main features of this method: 1) it accurately reconstructs both isolated spikes and within-burst spikes, and the spike count per fluorescence transient, from a given noisy fluorescence trace; 2) it performs the reconstruction of a trace extracted from 1,000,000 frames in less than 2 s; 3) it adapts to transients with different rise and decay kinetics or amplitudes, both within and across single neurons; and 4) it has only one key parameter, which we will show can be set in a nearly automatic way to an approximately optimal value. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of the method to effectively correct for fast and rather complex, slowly varying drifts as frequently observed in in vivo data.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Reconstruction of spiking activities from calcium imaging data remains challenging. Most of the established reconstruction methods not only have limitations in adapting to systematic variations in the data and fast processing of large amounts of data, but their results also depend on the user’s experience. To overcome these limitations, we present a novel, heuristic model-free-type method that enables an ultra-fast, accurate, near-automatic reconstruction from data recorded under a wide range of experimental conditions.