bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Policy Capturing Data Using Structural Equation Modeling for Within-Subject Experiments (SEMWISE)
Authors: Weijters Bert , Baumgartner Hans
Published: February 2018

We present the SEMWISE (structural equation modeling for within-subject experiments) approach for analyzing policy capturing data. Policy capturing entails estimating the weights (or utilities) of experimentally manipulated attributes in predicting a response variable of interest (e.g., the effect of experimentally manipulated market-technology combination characteristics on perceived entrepreneurial opportunity). In the SEMWISE approach, a factor model is specified in which latent weight factors capture individually varying effects of experimentally manipulated attributes on the response variable. We describe the core SEMWISE model and propose several extensions (how to incorporate nonbinary attributes and interactions, model multiple indicators of the response variable, relate the latent weight factors to antecedents and/or consequences, and simultaneously investigate several populations of respondents). The primary advantage of the SEMWISE approach is that it facilitates the integration of individually varying policy capturing weights into a broader nomological network while accounting for measurement error. We illustrate the approach with two empirical examples, compare and contrast the SEMWISE approach with multilevel modeling (MLM), discuss how researchers can choose between SEMWISE and MLM, and provide implementation guidelines.
Markers of vitamin D metabolism and incidence of clinically diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Lutsey Pamela L , Rooney Mary R , Folsom Aaron R , Michos Erin D , Alonso Alvaro , Tang Weihong
Published: February 2018

Little is known about whether markers of vitamin D metabolism are associated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), though these markers have been linked to other cardiovascular diseases. We tested the hypotheses that risk of AAA is higher among individuals with low serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], and among those with elevated concentrations of calcium, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) using data from a cohort of black and white individuals with long-term follow-up. Markers of vitamin D metabolism were measured using serum collected in 1990–1992 from ARIC study participants (mean ± SD age 56.9 ± 5.7 years, 43.2% male, 23.9% black). A total of 12,770 participants were followed until 2011 for incident AAA. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used. A total of 449 incident AAA events occurred over a median follow-up of 19.7 years. For the association between serum calcium and risk of incident AAA there was evidence of interaction by sex ( p-interaction 0.02). Among women, in the fully adjusted model, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) comparing the highest to lowest quartile was 2.43 (1.25–4.73), whereas in men it was 1.01 (0.72–1.43). Not associated with risk of incident AAA were 25(OH)D, FGF23, phosphorus, and PTH. In this large prospective cohort, there was little evidence that markers of vitamin D metabolism are associated with risk of incident AAA. The positive association of calcium with AAA among women may warrant further investigation and replication in other populations.
Improved step-by-step modeling method for analyzing the mechanical behavior of steel structures during construction
Authors: Gao Xixin , Luo Yongfeng , Xiang Yang , Ye Zhiwu , Wang Lei
Published: February 2018

The step-by-step modeling method considering nonlinear effects is an effective method for analyzing the mechanical behavior of steel structures during construction. However, two problems have limited the widespread application of the traditional step-by-step modeling method: the positioning of newly assembled members and the transformation of the stiffness matrix and the nodal load and displacement vectors between different stages of construction. In this article, a new concept of “two moments of a construction stage” (the initial and final moments of each construction stage) is proposed to improve the step-by-step modeling method. Based on this concept, an improved step-by-step modeling method, which considers the modified design configuration positioning principle for newly assembled members and provides a method for modifying the structural stiffness matrix at the initial moment of any construction stage, is proposed. A calculation program block based on the proposed method is compiled to analyze the mechanical behavior of a plane frame and a plane shallow arch during construction. The mechanical behavior of an engineering application, the connective corridor of Shanghai International Financial Centre, is also analyzed using the proposed method, and the calculated results are compared with the monitoring results. The numerical results show that the modified design configuration positioning principle is applicable for the positioning of newly assembled members and that the modification method for the structural stiffness matrix and the nodal load and displacement vectors at the initial moment of a construction stage efficiently solves the problem of their transformation between different stages of construction. The improved step-by-step modeling method proposed in this article is more valid and accurate than other methods for analyzing the mechanical behavior of steel structures during construction.
Resistance to change: Role of relationship and communal coping for coronary heart disease patients and their partners in making lifestyle changes
Authors: Nissen Nina Konstantin , Jónsdóttir Mjöll , Spindler Helle , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe Olsen
Published: February 2018

Background: Lifestyle behaviours are important risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and, hence, motivation for lifestyle changes is suggested to be a key factor in the success of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programmes. The motivation for changing lifestyle among people with CHD may be influenced by those with whom they have long-term, intimate relationships. Aims: This study explores the role of the relationship between people with CHD and those closest to them in making lifestyle changes. This includes investigating if patients and partners experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and what role communal, i.e. relationship-centred coping serves in relation to patients’ health behaviour. Methods: The study is based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 10 couples; people who have experienced acute coronary syndrome, and their partners. Participants had diverse histories of disease and social backgrounds. A three-stage interview process was undertaken including focus group interviews, couple interviews and individual interviews. A thematic analysis, inspired by the self-determination theory and the interdependence theory, was conducted. Results: Communal coping is evident in various forms, and at different levels, among people with CHD and their partners. Satisfaction with new lifestyle, ownership of change, confidence in ability to change, and emotional distress are all factors that affect how couples deal with lifestyle changes in the aftermath of CHD. Conclusions: Rehabilitation efforts, aimed at lifestyle changes, need to address each individual, as well as the dyadic interaction within couples. Incorporating a dyadic perspective in the rehabilitation process may lead to a reduction in motivational barriers to lifestyle changes.
Nottingham Express Transit
Authors: Disney John , Rossiter Will , Smith David J
Published: February 2018

Traffic congestion at peak times has long been a problem facing cities in the United Kingdom.1 Latterly concern about combating congestion has been hightened by worries over carbon emissions and poor air quality. In tackling these problems, green innovations incorporating new technologies appear to have much to offer, although progress in implementing these sorts of innovation appears to have been slow. This case study analyses the efforts of one city to tackle these problems by pioneering a number of green innovations including the introduction of a light rail system employing trams known as Nottingham Express Transit as well as electric and gas-powered buses. The nature of these innovations is explored together with a detailed examination of how they came to be implemented and the impact they have had.
Conspicuous consumption and the rising importance of experiential purchases
Authors: Bronner Fred , de Hoog Robert
Published: February 2018

More than 100 years ago, the term conspicuous consumption was coined. In the economist tradition, emphasis was always on the demonstration of wealth, income, and status by material purchases. However, conspicuous consumption not only means the ostentation of wealth but also the demonstration of something symbolic that is more immaterial. There is an increasing importance of immaterial experiences over material things in the current cultural climate. This study investigates the role of conspicuous consumption for vacation decision-making as an example of an experiential purchase. The study found that communicating about vacations with others is important and increases by the ubiquitous use of social media. Two conspicuous consumption factors are found, namely those of (a) status and wealth and (b) identity demonstration. The first factor plays little or no role in holiday choice. The second is found to be of importance and is characterized by items such as having unique experiences, showing other people who you are, and visiting trendy locations. Thus, with a holiday one wants to show more of his or her personality and identity than of status and wealth. This fits into other empirical research in which it is shown that experiences make people more happy than material possessions.
Social Cognitive Theory and Physical Activity Among Korean Male High-School Students
Authors: Lee Chung Gun , Park Seiyeong , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Hyunwoo , Park Ji-Won
Published: February 2018

The most critical step in developing and implementing effective physical activity interventions is to understand the determinants and correlates of physical activity, and it is strongly suggested that such effort should be based on theories. The purpose of this study is to test the direct, indirect, and total effect of social cognitive theory constructs on physical activity among Korean male high-school students. Three-hundred and forty-one 10th-grade male students were recruited from a private single-sex high school located in Seoul, South Korea. Structural equation modeling was used to test the expected relationships among the latent variables. The proposed model accounted for 42% of the variance in physical activity. Self-efficacy had the strongest total effect on physical activity. Self-efficacy for being physically active was positively associated with physical activity ( p < .01). Self-efficacy also had positive indirect effects on physical activity through perceived benefits ( p < .05) and goal setting ( p < .01). The results of this study indicated that the social cognitive theory is a useful framework to understand physical activity among Korean male adolescents. Physical activity interventions targeting Korean male high-school students should focus on the major sources of efficacy.
Dynamic modeling of an underwater moored platform equipped with a hydrokinetic energy turbine
Authors: Tian Wenlong , Mao Zhaoyong , Song Baowei
Published: February 2018

The limited battery energy restricts the underwater operation duration of the underwater moored platforms. In this article, a horizontal axis ocean current turbine is conceptually designed to produce power for the underwater moored platforms and extend their operational durations. As part of the development of the horizontal axis ocean current turbine, a three-dimensional dynamic model of the system is proposed. The underwater moored platform is modeled as a rigid body with the Newton–Euler method and the cable is modeled with a lumped mass method. Motion simulations are then performed to evaluate the motion performance of the moored system under different operation conditions. The influences of the net buoyancy and the ocean current velocity on the motion of the underwater moored platform are investigated. The simulation results show that the underwater moored platform oscillates in water due to the periodically changed rotor forces. The system has a higher motion stability at a higher net buoyancy, with a smaller horizontal offset and a smaller cable inclination angle. The motion stability of the system also increases with the decreased ocean current velocity.
Advances in spinal muscular atrophy therapeutics
Authors: Parente Valeria , Corti Stefania
Published: February 2018

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive, recessively inherited neuromuscular disease, characterized by the degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem, which leads to weakness and muscle atrophy. SMA currently represents the most common genetic cause of infant death. SMA is caused by the lack of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to mutations, which are often deletions, in the SMN1 gene. In the absence of treatments able to modify the disease course, a considerable burden falls on patients and their families. Greater knowledge of the molecular basis of SMA pathogenesis has fuelled the development of potential therapeutic approaches, which are illustrated here. Nusinersen, a modified antisense oligonucleotide that modulates the splicing of the SMN2 mRNA transcript, is the first approved drug for all types of SMA. Moreover, the first gene therapy clinical trial using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding SMN reported positive results in survival and motor milestones achievement. In addition, other strategies are in the pipeline, including modulation of SMN2 transcripts, neuroprotection, and targeting an increasing number of other peripheral targets, including the skeletal muscle. Based on this premise, it is reasonable to expect that therapeutic approaches aimed at treating SMA will soon be changed, and improved, in a meaningful way. We discuss the challenges with regard to the development of novel treatments for patients with SMA, and depict the current and future scenarios as the field enters into a new era of promising effective treatments.
Analytic accelerometer–magnetometer attitude determination without reference information
Authors: Wu Jin , Wang Tianchao , Zhou Zebo , Yin Hefeng , Li Rui
Published: February 2018

Attitude determination using the accelerometer–magnetometer combination is basically an applied mathematical problem. Commonly, such attitude determination tasks should be accomplished with reference information of sensors, e.g. the magnetometer’s reference vector, from calibration processes. However, this piece of important information cannot be accurately acquired or would differ with the change of body’s position. In this paper, to solve such problem, the conventional accelerometer–magnetometer combination fusion equations are transformed into a brand new set of equations, which are free of reference information. Quaternion solutions to the novel equations are obtained via analytic computation techniques. According to the unique design, the proposed attitude estimator owns very fast computation speed compared with representative methods including iterative ones and algebraic ones. Experiments and simulations are carried out to give demonstrations and comparisons, which verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results also show that using the proposed quaternion solution, fusion with gyroscope can be more efficiently obtained.
Predictors of anti-VEGF drug-induced hypertension using different hypertension criteria: a secondary analysis of the COMPARZ study
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Rowland Andrew , Sorich Michael J.
Published: February 2018

Background:

There is inconsistency in the criteria used to define anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug-induced hypertension (AVEGF-HT) in published studies. It is unknown whether specific patient characteristics similarly predict AVEGF-HT using different criteria.

Methods:

We assessed the associations between clinical and demographic factors ( n = 22) and AVEGF-HT, using six criteria based on predefined on-treatment blood pressure (BP) thresholds or absolute BP elevations versus baseline, in a post hoc analysis of a phase III trial of 1102 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) randomized to pazopanib or sunitinib (COMPARZ study).

Results:

The cumulative incidence of AVEGF-HT at any time while on treatment ranged between 14.8% [criterion: grade ⩾3 toxicity, National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) v3.0] and 58.8% (criterion: absolute systolic BP increase ⩾20 mmHg versus baseline). After adjusting for anti-VEGF treatment and baseline BP, the number of significant ( p < 0.05) predictors ranged between one (criterion: absolute systolic BP increase ⩾20 mmHg, on-treatment systolic BP ⩾140 mmHg and diastolic BP ⩾90 mmHg) and nine (criterion: grade ⩾3 toxicity, NCI CTCAE v3.0). Age, use of antidiabetic drugs and use of antihypertensive drugs each significantly predicted four AVEGF-HT criteria. By contrast, sex, smoking, heart rate, proteinuria, Karnofsky performance status, and use of thiazide diuretics did not predict any criterion.

Conclusions:

There was a significant variability in the incidence, number and type of predictors of AVEGF-HT, using six different criteria, in a post hoc analysis of the COMPARZ study. The use of specific criteria might affect the assessment of the interaction between anti-VEGF drugs, AVEGF-HT and cancer outcomes.
Moral Monday Is More Than a Hashtag: The Strong Ties of Social Movement Emergence in the Digital Era
Authors: Schradie Jen
Published: February 2018

This article explains the origin puzzle of the 2013 Moral Monday protests in North Carolina. Social media were marginal to the emergence of this civil disobedience movement, yet a common view is that digital technology’s weak ties are an integral part of large-scale collective action in the digital era. Instead, strong offline ties with structured organizations were critical to its emergence. Qualitative data show that a network of structured organizations, grassroots organizing, traditional media, and an ideological response to an economic and political crisis worked together to propel this large-scale movement. In effect, both structural and cultural factors shaped the activism in this case, not individual or digital explanations. Consequently, this article also traces the historic phases of social movement theory, situating a digital emphasis as part of an evolving focus on social movement origin mechanisms. Emergence scholarship on digital activism would benefit from expanding the entry point of protest earlier and broader than a hashtag’s debut, as digital explanations may not be as distinct of a theoretical construct as previous research suggests.
Inclusion or expulsion: Digital technologies and the new power relations in China’s “Internet finance”
Authors: Wang Jing
Published: February 2018

The financial sector in China is well known as a government-dominated hierarchy, and the access to financial services has been controlled primarily by the state-run banks. Fin-tech businesses, or so-called “Internet finance,” in China have included new actors such as Internet companies, small and medium enterprises, and small lay investors in the financial regime. The new entrants’ technology-mediated interactions with the government engendered new politico-economic relations within and beyond the market, in the cyberspace and in everyday life. How have the Chinese modes of financial inclusion reconfigured the power relations between the state, corporations, and the investing public in China? Through the political-economic analyses of three specific forms of fin-tech businesses—third-party payment, peer-to-peer lending, and money market fund this article argues that Chinese fin-techs have enabled a broader societal participation to investment practices and empowered Internet corporations alongside the state-controlled financial systems. Thus, such an inclusion is less about the “inclusive finance” endorsed by the World Bank for the under-represented social groups’ accesses to financial services. It is more of a technology-facilitated financialization initiated by the state, promoted by information technology companies, and popularized among small investors. Rather than leading to the decentralization of financial power, China’s fin-tech has formed a higher level of concentration of financial capital controlled by the Chinese oligopoly Internet corporations. Moreover, the collaborations and competitions between the growing fin-tech companies and the state-owned financial sector deserve further observations.
China’s digital working class and circuits of labor
Authors: Qiu Jack Linchuan
Published: February 2018

This article proposes that the emergence of a digital working class is among the most important digital formations in contemporary China. From the information have-less to network labor, the class formation process is not only massive in scale but of special historical significance that constitutes a fourth phase in the making of the Chinese working class. There is urgent need to theorize the digital working class based on a wide range of theoretical resources. Toward this goal, the circuits of labor model is discussed as an inclusive framework to link up various analytical concepts and provide a more holistic picture about both the contextual forces shaping the digital working class and internal dynamics within. The conceptual model sheds light on empirical cases such as Apple Inc., Tian Yu, and Fan Yusu, showing that while the circuits of labor model still needs more development, it is likely to pave the way for a new praxis of class-conscious digital formation. The limitations, scope of application, and future prospects of the circuits of labor model are also discussed.
Effect of graphene on polar and nonpolar rubber matrices
Authors: Mensah Bismark , Kang Seok In , Wang Wonseok , Nah Changwoon
Published: February 2018

Background

So far, the effect of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in rubber matrix has not been well established.

Methods

The effects of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the physical properties of polar acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and non-polar Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM) matrix have been investigated and their properties compared. NBR vulcanizates exhibited higher cure rates compared to the EPDM systems.

Results

Effective dispersion of the nanosheets within the different matrices was observed to be a reason for the improvement in properties, but the effective nanosheets-matrix interactions played a key role in reinforcing action. This was noticeable in the various properties (crosslinking density, tensile properties, and dynamical mechanical analysis) evaluated. Typically, the polar NBR matrix was observed to show about 461 and 405% higher interactions parameter with GO and rGO fillers (loaded from 0.1~1phr) than composites of EPDM based on Kraus model.

Conclusions

While this present work has confirmed the significance of considering the polarities of graphene sheets or derivative graphene (GSD) and their respective polymers matrices for effective property enhancement for specific applications, it has also demonstrated the future prospects of rubber-graphene nanocomposites for several applications which include structural, barrier, and dielectric energy storage materials.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase α–Selective Inhibition With Alpelisib (BYL719) in PIK3CA-Altered Solid Tumors: Results From the First-in-Human Study
Authors: Juric Dejan , Rodon Jordi , Tabernero Josep , Janku Filip , Burris Howard A. , Schellens Jan H.M. , Middleton Mark R. , Berlin Jordan , Schuler Martin , Gil-Martin Marta , Rugo Hope S. , Seggewiss-Bernhardt Ruth , Huang Alan , Bootle Douglas , Demanse David , Blumenstein Lars , Coughlin Christina , Quadt Cornelia , Baselga José
Published: February 2018

Purpose

We report the first-in-human phase Ia study to our knowledge ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01219699) identifying the maximum tolerated dose and assessing safety and preliminary efficacy of single-agent alpelisib (BYL719), an oral phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α (PI3Kα)–selective inhibitor.

Patients and Methods

In the dose-escalation phase, patients with PIK3CA-altered advanced solid tumors received once-daily or twice-daily oral alpelisib on a continuous schedule. In the dose-expansion phase, patients with PIK3CA-altered solid tumors and PIK3CA-wild-type, estrogen receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer received alpelisib 400 mg once daily.

Results

One hundred thirty-four patients received treatment. Alpelisib maximum tolerated doses were established as 400 mg once daily and 150 mg twice daily. Nine patients (13.2%) in the dose-escalation phase had dose-limiting toxicities of hyperglycemia (n = 6), nausea (n = 2), and both hyperglycemia and hypophosphatemia (n = 1). Frequent all-grade, treatment-related adverse events included hyperglycemia (51.5%), nausea (50.0%), decreased appetite (41.8%), diarrhea (40.3%), and vomiting (31.3%). Alpelisib was rapidly absorbed; half-life was 7.6 hours at 400 mg once daily with minimal accumulation. Objective tumor responses were observed at doses ≥ 270 mg once daily; overall response rate was 6.0% (n = 8; one patient with endometrial cancer had a complete response, and seven patients with cervical, breast, endometrial, colon, and rectal cancers had partial responses). Stable disease was achieved in 70 (52.2%) patients and was maintained > 24 weeks in 13 (9.7%) patients; disease control rate (complete and partial responses and stable disease) was 58.2%. In patients with estrogen receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer, median progression-free survival was 5.5 months. Frequently mutated genes (≥ 10% tumors) included TP53 (51.3%), APC (23.7%), KRAS (22.4%), ARID1A (13.2%), and FBXW7 (10.5%).

Conclusion

Alpelisib demonstrated a tolerable safety profile and encouraging preliminary activity in patients with PIK3CA-altered solid tumors, supporting the rationale for selective PI3Kα inhibition in combination with other agents for the treatment of PIK3CA-mutant tumors.
Temporal analysis of hippocampal CA3 gene coexpression networks in a rat model of febrile seizures
Authors: Azevedo Hatylas , Amato Khaled Nathália , Santos Paula , Bernardi Bertonha Fernanda , Moreira-Filho Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2018

Complex febrile seizures during infancy constitute an important risk factor for development of epilepsy. However, little is known about the alterations induced by febrile seizures that make the brain susceptible to epileptic activity. In this context, the use of animal models of hyperthermic seizures (HS) could allow the temporal analysis of brain molecular changes that arise after febrile seizures. Here, we investigated temporal changes in hippocampal gene coexpression networks during the development of rats submitted to HS. Total RNA samples were obtained from the ventral hippocampal CA3 region at four time points after HS at postnatal day (P) 11 and later used for gene expression profiling. Temporal endpoints were selected for investigating the acute (P12), latent (P30 and P60) and chronic (P120) stages of the HS model. A weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to characterize modules of coexpressed genes, as these modules might contain genes with similar functions. The transcriptome analysis pipeline consisted of building gene coexpression networks, identifying network modules and hubs, performing gene-trait correlations and examining changes in module connectivity. Modules were functionally enriched to identify functions associated with HS. Our data showed that HS induce changes in developmental, cell adhesion and immune pathways, such as Wnt, Hippo, Notch, Jak-Stat and Mapk. Interestingly, modules involved in cell adhesion, neuronal differentiation and synaptic transmission were activated as early as 1 day after HS. These results suggest that HS trigger transcriptional alterations that could lead to persistent neurogenesis, tissue remodeling and inflammation in the CA3 hippocampus, making the brain prone to epileptic activity.
Identification of early indicators of altered metabolism in normal development using a rodent model system
Authors: Prabakaran Ashok Daniel , Karakkat Jimsheena Valiyakath , Vijayan Ranjit , Chalissery Jisha , Ibrahim Marwa F. , Kaimala Suneesh , Adeghate Ernest A. , Al-Marzouqi Ahmed Hasan , Ansari Suraiya Anjum , EPK Mensah-Brown , Emerald Bright Starling
Published: February 2018

Although the existence of a close relationship between the early maternal developmental environment, fetal size at birth and the risk of developing disease in adulthood has been suggested, most studies, however, employed experimentally induced intrauterine growth restriction as model to link this with later adult disease. Since embryonic size variation occurs under normal growth and differentataion as well, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes and their relevance to later adult disease risk becomes important.

The birth weight of rat pups vary according to the uterine horn positions. Using birth weight as a marker, we have compared two groups of rat pups, namely, lower birth weight (LBW, 5th to 25th percentile) and average birth weight (ABW, 50th to 75th percentile) using morphological, biochemical and molecular biology and genetic techniques. Our results show that insulin metabolism, P13k/Akt and Pparγ signaling and the genes regulating growth and metabolism are significantly different in these groups. Methylation at the promoter of the Ins II gene and DNA methyl transferase 1 in LBW pups are both increased. Additionally, the DNMT1 repressor complex which includes Hdac1, RB and E2f1 was also upregulated in LBW pups.

We conclude that the Dnmt1 repressor complex which regulates the restriction point of the cell cycle retards the rate at which cells traverse the G1 or G0 phase of the cell cycle in LBW pups, slows down growth. This regulatory mechanism mediated by Dnmt1 may contribute to the production of small for size pups and altered physiology and pathology in adult life.
Epidemiological evidence relating environmental smoke to COPD in lifelong non-smokers: a systematic review
Authors: Lee Peter N. , Forey Barbara A. , Coombs Katharine J. , Hamling Jan S. , Thornton Alison J.
Published: February 2018

Background: Some evidence suggests environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) might cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We reviewed available epidemiological data in never smokers.

Methods: We identified epidemiological studies providing estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for various ETS exposure indices. Confounder-adjusted RRs for COPD were extracted, or derived using standard methods.

Meta-analyses were conducted for each exposure index, with tests for heterogeneity and publication bias. For the main index (spouse ever smoked or nearest equivalent), analyses investigated variation in RR by location, publication period, study type, sex, diagnosis, study size, confounder adjustment, never smoker definition, and exposure index definition.

Results: Twenty-eight relevant studies were identified; nine European or Middle Eastern, nine Asian, eight American and two from multiple countries. Five were prospective, seven case-control and 16 cross-sectional. The COPD definition involved death or hospitalisation in seven studies, GOLD stage 1+ criteria in twelve, and other definitions in nine. For the main index, random-effects meta-analysis of 33 heterogeneous (p<0.001) estimates gave a RR of 1.20 (95%CI 1.08-1.34). Higher estimates for females (1.59,1.16-2.19, n=11) than males (1.29,0.94-1.76, n=7) or sexes combined (1.10,0.99-1.22, n=15 where sex-specific not available), and lower estimates for studies of 150+ cases (1.08,0.97-1.20, n=13) partly explained the heterogeneity. Estimates were higher for Asian studies (1.34,1.08-1.67, n=10), case-control studies (1.55,1.04-2.32, n=8), and COPD mortality or hospitalisation (1.40,1.12-1.74, n=11). Some increase was seen for severer COPD (1.29,1.10-1.52, n=7). Dose-response evidence was heterogeneous. Evidence for childhood (0.88,0.72-1.07, n=2) and workplace (1.12,0.77-1.64, n=4) exposure was limited, but an increase was seen for overall adulthood exposure (1.20,1.03-1.39, n=17). We discuss study weaknesses that may bias estimation of the association of COPD with ETS.

Conclusions: Although the evidence suggests ETS increases COPD, study weaknesses and absence of well-designed large studies precludes reliable inference of causality. More definitive evidence is required.
A Formal Theory of Action
Authors: Klonowski Mateusz
Published: February 2018

Book Reviews: Janusz Czelakowski, Freedom and Enforcement in Action. A Study in Formal Action Theory, vol. 42 of the Trends in Logic book series, Springer, Dordrecht, 2015, 261 pages, Print ISBN 978-94-017-9854-9, Online ISBN 978-94-017-9855-6. DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9855-6.
Quantifying the Impact of Social Influence on the Information Technology Implementation Process by Physicians: A Hierarchical Bayesian Learning Approach
Authors: Hao Haijing , Padman Rema , Sun Baohong , Telang Rahul
Published: February 2018

Technology implementation at the individual level within an organization, after the organization has adopted the technology, has been an ongoing challenge in every field. In this study, we develop a hierarchical Bayesian learning model to examine the impact of social learning, through both targeted early adopter effects and general peer effects, and experiential learning on the information technology implementation process by physicians in a community health system. Our unique data allow us to disentangle the most common and challenging endogeneity issues associated with most social influence studies. We find that the experiential learning signal is more accurate than the social learning signals in the technology implementation process; and, between the two types of social learning signals studied here, targeted early adopter effects are much more informative than general peer effects. Furthermore, we experiment with several policy simulations to illustrate and quantify the two different types of social influence on this implementation process. The simulation results suggest that maintaining consistency in technology usage by targeted early adopters is more effective than increasing the frequency of their technology usage in reducing their colleagues’ perceptions of uncertainty about the new technology. More specifically, we find that technology implementation probability would increase: (a) by 15%, on average, by adding a targeted early adopter to a group without early adopters; (b) by 25% by adding peer effects to solo users; and (c) by 47% by adding early adopter effects to solo users. The model can be adapted and generalized to other similar settings that examine social influence on the technology implementation process and also provide quantifiable measures of the improvements that the interventions may produce.
Join the Shortest Queue with Many Servers. The Heavy-Traffic Asymptotics
Authors: Eschenfeldt Patrick , Gamarnik David
Published: February 2018

We consider queueing systems with n parallel queues under a Join the Shortest Queue (JSQ) policy in the Halfin-Whitt heavy-traffic regime. We use the martingale method to prove that a scaled process counting the number of idle servers and queues of length exactly two weakly converges to a two-dimensional reflected Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, while processes counting longer queues converge to a deterministic system decaying to zero in constant time. This limiting system is comparable to that of the traditional Halfin-Whitt model, but there are key differences in the queueing behavior of the JSQ model. In particular, only a vanishing fraction of customers will have to wait, but those who do incur a constant order waiting time.
Distributional Properties of the Mixture of Continuous-Time Absorbing Markov Chains Moving at Different Speeds
Authors: Surya B. A.
Published: February 2018

This paper analyses the mixture of two continuous-time Markov chains with absorption on the same state space moving at different speeds, where the mixture occurs at a random time. Variety of associated distributional properties of the Markov mixture process are discussed, for example the transition matrix, the distribution of its lifetime and the corresponding forward intensity. Identities are given explicitly in terms of the Bayesian updates of switching probability and the intensity matrices of the underlying Markov chains despite the fact that the mixture process is not Markovian. They form nonstationary functions of time and duration and have two appealing features: the ability to capture heterogeneity and path dependence when conditioning on the available information (either full or partial) about the past history of the process until current time. In particular, the unconditional lifetime distribution forms a generalized mixture of phase-type distributions. The distribution has dense and closure properties under finite convex mixtures and finite convolutions. When the underlying Markov chains move at the same speed, in which case the mixture process reduces to a simple Markov chain, the heterogeneity and path dependence are removed, and the lifetime has the usual phase-type distribution, Neuts [Neuts MF (1975) Probability distributions of phase-type. Liber Amicorum Prof. Emiritus H. Florin (University of Louvain, Belgium), 173–206]. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Rare health conditions 9: vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, Quinquaud's decalvans folliculitis, uterus didelphys
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this series is to highlight a range of rare health conditions—those that affect no more and usually less than 1 person in every 2000. Many HCAs and nurses will encounter some of these conditions, given the high number of these conditions. This ninth article will explore three more of these conditions: vein of Galen aneurysm, Quinquaud's decalvans folliculitis and uterus didelphys.
Small Animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Haemangiosarcoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm. Lomustine-anthracycline protocols extend survival times compared to splenectomy alone. Histological factors, and particularly the mitotic rate, should be taken into account when assessing treatment plans for this tumour.
Ocular thelaziosis in dogs and cats: good to keep an eye on
Authors: Traversa Donato
Published: February 2018

In the past decades the so-called ‘oriental eyeworm’, Thelazia callipaeda, has become endemic in various regions of Europe and, at the same time, non-endemic countries are currently at risk of introduction and establishment of an autochthonous life cycle. This drosophilid-transmitted nematode affects the eye and associated tissues of domestic animals (e.g. dogs, cats), wildlife and, sometimes, humans, thus posing a zoonotic hazard. Recently, therapeutic and prophylactic options have become available for controlling this parasitosis and minimising the risk of its spreading from endemic regions to areas that are presently free of the parasite. This article concisely reviews the current knowledge on T. callipaeda and its infection in companion animals, with a focus on practical and clinical aspects.
Fat transfer in aesthetic plastic surgery
Authors: Branford Olivier
Published: February 2018

Fat transfer, also referred to as fat grafting and lipofilling, has become widely accepted as an ideal means of soft-tissue filling, as transferred fat is biocompatible, non-allergenic, non-toxic and relatively easy to obtain. Since the 1990s, plastic surgeons have increasingly and reliably used fat transfer as a way to improve and enhance the appearance of the face, breasts, hands and buttocks. However, more recently, clinicians have documented the therapeutic benefits of fat grafting in the healing of wounds and scars, as well as fat's ability to repair damage to breast tissue following radiation treatment. Olivier Branford provides an overview of fat transfer and its safety, efficacy and indications
Regulation of independent clinics in Scotland: what impact has it had so far?
Authors: Malyon Andrew
Published: February 2018

One of the most recent major regulatory changes in aesthetics—that aesthetic clinics in Scotland would have to register with the country's health-care regulator—was announced almost 2 years ago. As phase one of Healthcare Improvement Scotland's regulation has come to an end, with details of phase two to emerge in due course, Andrew Malyon explores how well the initiative has worked so far
From the angular artery to the zygomatic arch: cheek augmentation from A to Z
Authors: Miller Amy
Published: February 2018

Augmentation of the cheek and mid-face is a foundational part of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. A lifted, full and rounded cheek contributes to the triangle of youth and reflects ambient light to the eyes, resulting in a brighter, healthier appearance. When filling the cheek area, it important to keep in mind gender-related and ethnic variations between faces, and consider how these differences might affect one's injection technique. In this paper, the author will explore how to choose the appropriate dermal filler(s) to inject and suggest where to use them most advantageously. Facial danger zones to avoid when injecting dermal fillers in the cheek area will also be discussed.
Expanding our contribution and shaping the future
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: February 2018

Ian Peate consultant editor of the Journal of Paramedic Practice, shares his insight into what independent paramedic prescribing could bring to our practice and its benefits for both patients and practitioners alike.
Peak expiratory flow rate
Authors: Kirk Andrew
Published: February 2018

In each issue, the paramedic education team at Edge Hill University focuses on the clinical skills carried out by paramedics on the frontlines, highlighting the importance of these skills and how to perform them. In this issue, Andrew Kirk discusses peak expiratory flow rates and the management of asthma patients in pre-hospital care.
Having to hit the ground running
Authors: Elsey Abbygail
Published: February 2018

The second instalment of our student column sees Abbygail Elsey recalling first-year hurdles and reflecting on how to make the most of opportunities given—no matter how unprepared you feel.
Improving recruitment and retention
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: February 2018

Our five-part series on the links between leadership approaches and staff retention and recruitment comes to a close. In the fifth and final part, Matt Bromley looks at what must change both system-wide and within schools if we are to end the recruitment and retention crisis
Modified PATH Methodology for Obtaining Interval-Scaled Postural Assessments of Farmworkers
Authors: Garrison Emma B. , Dropkin Jonathan , Russell Rebecca , Jenkins Paul
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

Agricultural workers perform tasks that frequently require awkward and extreme postures that are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools, Handling) system currently provides a sound methodology for quantifying workers’ exposure to these awkward postures on an ordinal scale of measurement, which places restrictions on the choice of analytic methods. This study reports a modification of the PATH methodology that instead captures these postures as degrees of flexion, an interval-scaled measurement. Rather than making live observations in the field, as in PATH, the postural assessments were performed on photographs using ImageJ photo analysis software. Capturing the postures in photographs permitted more careful measurement of the degrees of flexion. The current PATH methodology requires that the observer in the field be trained in the use of PATH, whereas the single photographer used in this modification requires only sufficient training to maintain the proper camera angle. Ultimately, these interval-scale measurements could be combined with other quantitative measures, such as those produced by electromyograms (EMGs), to provide more sophisticated estimates of future risk for MSDs. Further, these data can provide a baseline from which the effects of interventions designed to reduce hazardous postures can be calculated with greater precision. Keywords: Ergonomic assessment, Farmworkers, Interval-scaled data, Musculoskeletal disorders.
Australia and IUPAC
Authors: Spurling Thomas H. , Webb John M.
Published: February 2018

Australia’s professional chemical society, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, is celebrating its centenary in 2017. It is therefore timely to review the involvement of Australian chemistry with IUPAC and its predecessors.
150 Years of Chemical Society in Germany
Authors: Koch Wolfram
Published: February 2018

In 2017, the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, GDCh) celebrated the 150th anniversary of the creation the older of its two predecessor organizations, the Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft.
СПЕКТРАЛЬНЫЕ ПЛОТНОСТИ РЕГУЛИРУЕМЫХ ПЕРЕМЕННЫХ ТИПОВЫХ САР И ИХ АППРОКСИМАЦИЯ МАЛОПАРАМЕТРОВЫМИ МОДЕЛЯМИ
Authors: Хобин В. А. , Лагерная С. И.
Published: February 2018

Two groups of the mathematical models, which describe changes in the regulated variables of closed automatic control systems as stochastic processes, are considered in the article. The first group is the informative models, obtained on the basis of analytical transformations that represent in the model of the process spectral density all the parameters of the object, regulator and perturbation effects models. The second group is well reflecting the nature of the spectral density formal models with a minimum number of parameters. This makes it possible to identify them in the real time, during the regular operation of the automatic control system. Comparison of models, including computer experiments based on simulation show the potential promise of their application for identifying the parameters of control object models in real time and without opening the control loop of automatic control systems.  In the article the mathematical description of the automatic control system is considered taking into account the features of the  technological type control objects, such as the presence of delay in the control channels, susceptibility to uncontrolled disturbances (intensive coordinate disturbances and parametric, low-frequency disturbances). A detailed considered the procedure for obtaining a mathematical expression for the informative models of the controlled variable spectral density for test typical variants of various system properties and perturbations combinations. The illustrations of the controlled variable of automatic control systems spectral density features are presented for various types of systems. There are also presented the possibility of replacing the informative controlled variable spectral density models with formal ones.
ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ЗНАЧИМЫХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ПЕРВИЧНОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИИ ДЛЯ СИСТЕМЫ С БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ОБРАТНОЙ СВЯЗЬЮ
Authors: Мещеряков В. И. , Мещеряков Д. В. , Черепанова Е. В.
Published: February 2018

There were analyzed reactions of the human body under the influence of infrared radiation of a different spectral range as applied to the development of an automatic control system with biological feedback. It was shown that the informative heat transfer of the human body can be expressed by a limited number of signs: heart rate and skin conductivity. A technique for testing and experimental research has been developed to identify the connection of significant indicators of human reaction with the power of infrared radiation.