bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Division Method of Road Network for Critical Points Identification
Authors: Yu Qifeng , You Kesi , Chu Yiming 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In order to increase the rationality and efficiency of critical points identification of road network, and improve safety monitoring level of the road network, the hierarchy division method of the road network was studied. Based on the analysis of influence factors of road hierarchical level, this paper presented four evaluation indexes: road safety, functional, traffic flow characteristics and road infrastructure features. Roads were evaluated and sorted using the utility function. The paper achieved a hierarchical division of road network using the sample clustering analysis method, showed the basic process of the hierarchical division method through an example, and provided the basis for the identification of the critical points of the road network in future.
Lightweight design of concentrated load traction locomotive gearbox
Authors: Lei Lei , Sui Yunan , Guan Tianmin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This paper proposes a method based on topology optimization to improve the overall performance of the concentrated load traction locomotive gearbox. The parameterized model of the gearbox was established in Creo3.0, and the parameters to be optimized were set. The seamless connection function between Creo3.0 and ANSYS was optimized in ANSYS, and the final model of the gearbox was obtained through superposition calculation. The optimized model was compared with that before optimization. The improved results show that the maximum stress after optimization is reduced by 53.217%, the maximum strain is reduced by 53.4836%, and the mass is reduced by 2.98%.
Adaptive nonparametric regression with the K-nearest neighbour fused lasso
Authors: Madrid Padilla Oscar Hernan , Sharpnack James , Chen Yanzhen , Witten Daniela M 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe fused lasso, also known as total-variation denoising, is a locally adaptive function estimator over a regular grid of design points. In this article, we extend the fused lasso to settings in which the points do not occur on a regular grid, leading to a method for nonparametric regression. This approach, which we call the $K$-nearest-neighbours fused lasso, involves computing the $K$-nearest-neighbours graph of the design points and then performing the fused lasso over this graph. We show that this procedure has a number of theoretical advantages over competing methods: specifically, it inherits local adaptivity from its connection to the fused lasso, and it inherits manifold adaptivity from its connection to the $K$-nearest-neighbours approach. In a simulation study and an application to flu data, we show that excellent results are obtained. For completeness, we also study an estimator that makes use of an $\epsilon$-graph rather than a $K$-nearest-neighbours graph and contrast it with the $K$-nearest-neighbours fused lasso.
Distinct Manifestations of Cooperative, Multidimensional Stimulus Representations in Different Auditory Forebrain Stations
Authors: Shih Jonathan Y , Yuan Kexin , Atencio Craig A , Schreiner Christoph E 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Classic spectrotemporal receptive fields (STRFs) for auditory neurons are usually expressed as a single linear filter representing a single encoded stimulus feature. Multifilter STRF models represent the stimulus-response relationship of primary auditory cortex (A1) neurons more accurately because they can capture multiple stimulus features. To determine whether multifilter processing is unique to A1, we compared the utility of single-filter versus multifilter STRF models in the medial geniculate body (MGB), anterior auditory field (AAF), and A1 of ketamine-anesthetized cats. We estimated STRFs using both spike-triggered average (STA) and maximally informative dimension (MID) methods. Comparison of basic filter properties of first maximally informative dimension (MID1) and second maximally informative dimension (MID2) in the 3 stations revealed broader spectral integration of MID2s in MGBv and A1 as opposed to AAF. MID2 peak latency was substantially longer than for STAs and MID1s in all 3 stations. The 2-filter MID model captured more information and yielded better predictions in many neurons from all 3 areas but disproportionately more so in AAF and A1 compared with MGBv. Significantly, information-enhancing cooperation between the 2 MIDs was largely restricted to A1 neurons. This demonstrates significant differences in how these 3 forebrain stations process auditory information, as expressed in effective and synergistic multifilter processing.
The relative importance of wetland area versus habitat heterogeneity for promoting species richness and abundance of wetland birds in the Prairie Pothole Region, USA
Authors: Elliott Lisa H , Igl Lawrence D , Johnson Douglas H 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecent work has suggested that a tradeoff exists between habitat area and habitat heterogeneity, with a moderate amount of heterogeneity supporting greatest species richness. Support for this unimodal relationship has been mixed and has differed among habitats and taxa. We examined the relationship between habitat heterogeneity and species richness after accounting for habitat area in glacially formed wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region in the United States at both local and landscape scales. We tested for area–habitat heterogeneity tradeoffs in wetland bird species richness, the richness of groups of similar species, and in species’ abundances. We then identified the habitat relationships for individual species and the relative importance of wetland area vs. habitat heterogeneity and other wetland characteristics. We found that habitat area was the primary driver of species richness and abundance. Additional variation in richness and abundance could be explained by habitat heterogeneity or other wetland and landscape characteristics. Overall avian species richness responded unimodally to habitat heterogeneity, suggesting an area–heterogeneity tradeoff. Group richness and abundance metrics showed either unimodal or linear relationships with habitat heterogeneity. Habitat heterogeneity indices at local and landscape scales were important for some, but not all, species and avian groups. Both abundance of individual species and species richness of most avian groups were higher on publicly owned wetlands than on privately owned wetlands, on restored wetlands than natural wetlands, and on permanent wetlands than on wetlands of other classes. However, we found that all wetlands examined, regardless of ownership, restoration status, and wetland class, supported wetland-obligate birds. Thus, protection of all wetland types contributes to species conservation. Our results support conventional wisdom that protection of large wetlands is a priority but also indicate that maintaining habitat heterogeneity will enhance biodiversity and support higher populations of individual species.
The Outcomes of Emergency Admissions With Ulcerative Colitis Between 2007 and 2017 in England
Authors: King Dominic , Rees James , Mytton Jemma , Harvey Philip , Thomas Tom , Cooney Rachael , Patel Prashant , Trudgill Nigel 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background and Aims
Patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] may present as emergencies and require rapid escalation of therapy. This study aimed to assess the mortality, colectomy, and readmission risks, during and following a first emergency admission with UC.

Methods
Using Hospital Episode Statistics, subjects aged between 18 and 60 years, coded with a first emergency admission with UC, were identified between 2007 and 2017. Influences of demographic factors, comorbidity, anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] therapy, and provider UC activity on mortality and colectomy were examined.

Results
A total of 10 051 subjects (46% female; median age 33 years [interquartile range [IQR] 25–44]) were identified. Mortality was 0.2% in hospital and 0.5% at 12 months and, following colectomy during acute admission, it was 1.4% in hospital and 2.1% at 12 months. Females had reduced risk of colectomy during admission: odds ratio [OR] 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.85). Comparing the period 2007–2011 with 2012–2017, the rate of colectomy fell during acute admissions: OR 0.85 [0.72–0.99], p = 0.038 and at 12 months after admission: OR 0.73 [0.61–0.87]. Anti-TNF therapy increased 4-fold in acute UC admissions from 2007–2017. Those receiving anti-TNF therapy had a 70% increased risk of colectomy during index admission compared with those not receiving anti-TNF: OR 1.72 [1.29–2.31]. Increased time to colectomy during first admission was associated with female sex: hazard ratio [HR] 0.84 [0.72–0.98] and Asian ethnicity: HR 0.61 [0.44–0.85], whereas reduced time was associated with increased comorbidity, lower deprivation, and high provider volume of colectomies for UC: HR 1.59 [1.31–1.93].

Conclusions
Mortality following colectomy was 1.4% in hospital and 2.1% at 12 months, and no significant change over time was observed. Colectomy during emergency admission for UC was less common in females. Rates of anti-TNF therapy during emergency admission for UC have increased and overall colectomy rates have fallen.

Podcast
This article has an associated podcast which can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/pages/podcast
Human milk sIgA antibody in relation to maternal nutrition and infant vulnerability in northern Kenya
Authors: Fujita Masako , Wander Katherine , Paredes Ruvalcaba Nerli , Brindle Eleanor 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe maternal buffering hypothesis posits that human lactation biology can buffer milk against the mild-to-moderate malnutrition that occurred routinely in evolutionary history through the mobilization of maternal body reserves. This perspective may provide insights for understanding human milk immune content variation, such as milk sIgA, which protects infants’ intestines from microbial colonization and prevents diarrheal disease.ObjectiveTo investigate how maternal delivery of sIgA to milk may vary in a way that can buffer milk against maternal malnutrition, while taking into consideration infants’ varying needs for immune protection across age or by sex.MethodologyA cross-sectional study analyzed archived milk specimens from breastfeeding mothers in Ariaal communities of northern Kenya surveyed during the 2006 Horn-of-Africa drought. Multiple regression models for ln-transformed sIgA were constructed using maternal nutrition, infant age/sex and their interactions as predictors. Maternal nutrition variables included iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Infant vulnerability was considered high in young age and/or male sex.Results and implicationsMilk sIgA did not significantly differ by maternal IDA. Milk sIgA increased with infant age and maternal MUAC (n = 202). Significant interactions were observed between infant age and maternal VAD and between infant sex and maternal MUAC, such that milk sIgA content was low for younger infants particularly among VAD mothers, while among mothers with low MUAC, sIgA was lower for male infants. Results imply that mothers’ ability to deliver/buffer milk sIgA may be lowered when nutritional stress is combined with high infant vulnerability to infection.Lay SummaryHuman milk sIgA antibody content was low for younger infants among vitamin A deficient mothers. Among mothers with small arm-circumference, milk sIgA was lower for sons. Double burden of raising young or male infants with high needs for immune protection and being malnourished, might lower maternal sIgA delivery to milk.
ENHANCING PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE BY NURSING HOME STAFF USING MICROLEARNING: LITTLE MESSAGE WITH A BIG IMPACT
Authors: Inker Jenny , Jensen Christine J , Barsness Sonya 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Effective training is critical to providing quality care in long-term care environments, where many residents have dementia. Training has been linked to positive resident care outcomes and improved job satisfaction of staff. The aim of this study was to develop, pilot, and evaluate a Microlearning training curriculum, using short (5-10 minute) “bursts” of training available through an online platform on demand (i.e. 24/7). The expected outcomes were to improve staff knowledge, attitudes, and skills regarding person-centered dementia care and to increase job satisfaction. Researchers translated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Hand-in-Hand training curriculum into 52 weekly Microlearning lessons delivered via an online platform (accessible by computer, IPad or smart phone) followed by a short quiz. Using pre- and post-tests, nine focus groups, and fourteen telephone interviews, the researchers engaged with a convenience sample of staff (N = 244) working at all levels from direct care to leadership in nine nursing homes in Virginia. Pre- and post-tests comprised items from the Dementia Attitudes Scale and the Nursing Home Nurse Aide Job Satisfaction Scale. Results from a between subjects t-test demonstrated significant improvements in attitudes to people with dementia. Focus groups and interviews revealed high satisfaction with the training with a significant majority agreeing it was a helpful way to learn and that they were able to apply what they had learned to caring for residents. This pilot demonstrates a promising new practice for training long-term care staff. Further research using a control group receiving usual training is indicated.
DISPARITIES IN HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT OVER THE GENDERED LIFE COURSE: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON
Authors: Cummins Phyllis , Yamashita Takashi , Phillipson Christopher 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Income disparities by gender are a persistent problem throughout the world. These disparities place women at risk for economic insecurity both while working and in retirement. Education and continued skill upgrading are key to reducing income disparities, but it is well documented that both older men and women are less likely to participate in adult education and training (AET) than their younger counterparts. In this symposium we present gender and age-based differences in AET in Australia, Canada, England/Northern Ireland and the United States. Also, given the increasing use of technology, technology-related problem-solving skills are compared across these four nations. In addition, we discuss current, and potentially new, country level policies and practices that facilitate the provision of AET over the second half of the life course. Yamashita and colleagues use data from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) to provide an overview of AET participation, income, and technology-related problem-solving skills by sex and age groups in the four countries. Vickerstaff and van der Horst use data from five different organizations in the United Kingdom to examine attitudes of older workers about participation in training and the extent to which these attitudes result from self-imposed ageism. Taylor presents survey data from Australia that analyzes types of training women are undertaking, factors associated with participation in training, and the importance of employer support. Finally, Harrington and Cummins use PIAAC data to analyze age variations in AET participation and gender differences in employer sponsored training in Canada.
ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN CANADA: OPPORTUNITIES, FUNDING, AND GENDER GAPS
Authors: Harrington A Katherine , Cummins Phyllis 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Labor force participation rates for middle-aged and older Canadians have increased substantially over the past two decades, with increases for women outpacing men. Given the importance of adult education and training (AET) to stay competitive in later career, we used a mixed methods approach to examine gender differences. Our analysis of the 2012 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) data indicated that, for ages 55-65, rates of AET participation are similar for both men and women. However, women are less likely than men to have AET funded by their employers. Findings suggest that women are more likely to need alternate funding sources for AET, such as other organizations or through self-funding. In addition, our review of literature, policy-related documents, and key informant interviews identified possible changes in policies and practices for the promotion of AET for middle-aged and older Canadians.
AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF INCOME DISPARITIES BY PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS, GENDER, AND AGE
Authors: Mehri Nader , Yamashita Takashi , Millar Roberto , Cummins Phyllis 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Income disparities by gender have been a persistent problem in economically-developed countries for decades, with income gaps often widening over the adult life course. We use data from the 2012 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) to examine relationships among problem solving skills in technology-rich environments (PSTRE), income, sex, and age in Australia, Canada, England/Northern Ireland and the United States. Women age 35 to 44 in the middle-to-high (i.e., 50th - 75th percentile) income group had significantly higher PSTRE scores than their male counterparts in Australia and Canada. For the same income group, women ages 55 to 65 had significantly higher. PSTRE scores than men in Canada and England/Northern Ireland. These results suggest that women with similar skills lagged their male counterparts in income in specific sub-populations in specific countries. We provide possible explanations for these differences and conclude with implications for policy and practice.
INFLUENCE OF ECONOMIC WELL-BEING ON HEALTH, AND MODERATING EFFECT OF SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG OLDER CAMBODIANS
Authors: Kuy Kakada , Park Sojung 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Similar to other post-conflict nations in Southeast Asia, impacts of civil wars and violence, coupled with the present poverty, place older Cambodians in vulnerable health conditions. Older Cambodians have limited access to basic healthcare and decent living conditions. To date, little research has been conducted to understand their health and related determinants. This study aimed to examine the influence of economic wellbeing and the moderating effect of social engagement on the physical health of older Cambodians. Data came from Survey of Elderly Cambodia (2004), the only existing nationally representative dataset of older Cambodians age 60 and above (N=1,273). Economic wellbeing was measured in two dimensions: (1) subjective economic wellbeing with three indicators of self-rated economic satisfaction and (2) objective economic wellbeing with household item possession and current housing conditions. Social engagement was examined with four types of engagement in the community. For physical health, the number of health complaints was examined. Results of Poisson regression showed objective economic wellbeing, such as access to basic household items and decent housing conditions, was significantly related to physical health (p &lt; .001). However, we found no role of social engagement in the association between the subjective economic wellbeing and health. Furthermore, social engagement has a significant moderating effect on the association between objective economic wellbeing and physical health (p &lt; .001), controlling for all covariates. For anti-poverty and health policy development for older Cambodians, a promising intervention effort may focus on the ways to facilitate social engagement in later years.
NATURALLY OCCURRING VARIABILITY IN FINANCIAL STRESS AND INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Samuel Laura , Szanton Sarah L , Fedarko Neal , Simonsick Eleanor M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Financial strain (i.e. difficulty making ends meet) is associated with earlier disability and mortality among older adults, but inflammatory response to financial stress is untested. This study leverages monthly increases in financial stress among older adults receiving Social Security payments monthly on the 3rd. The Health ABC Study randomly sampled black and white adults aged 70-79 free of disability from Memphis, TN and Pittsburgh, PA in 1997 and 1998. Baseline biomarkers included TNF α, IL-6, CRP, and soluble receptors were measured for about half the sample (IL-2, IL-6, and TNF α Type I and II). Days since Social Security payment was calculated using clinic visit date, which naturally varied in the sample. Restricted cubic spline models stratified by financial strain status tested hypothesized associations, adjusting for financial strain scores, food insecurity, employment status and monthly invariant potential confounders (age, gender, number of inflammatory conditions, waist circumference and anti-inflammatory medications). Among those with financial strain, each additional day since payment was associated with higher TNF-α levels during first week of the month (n=1,633, coefficient=0.0830, p=0.030) and higher IL-6 soluble receptor levels during the last week of the month (n=828, coefficient=12033.44, p=0.037), but not with other biomarkers nor during the middle of the month. Days since payment was not associated with biomarkers among those without financial strain. These results suggest upregulation of pro-inflammatory and not anti-inflammatory pathways during the beginning and end of the month among financially strained older adults. Financial strain is modifiable and these results call attention to addressing it.
ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL: HANDLING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AMONG LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Samuel Laura , Wright Rebecca , Spahr Melissa , Roberts Laken C , Szanton Sarah L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Low income older adults often face financial challenges which increase their risk for earlier disability and mortality. This study explored the social norms, beliefs and practices relevant to handling financial challenges among low-income community-dwelling older adults residing near Baltimore, MD whom we recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. Four vignette-based focus group sessions included 28 participants. Using hierarchical thematic analysis, three key themes emerged. First, the theme “Rob Peter to pay Paul” describes the consensus that individuals must prioritize financial needs, which required individuals to “work with a budget”, apply for aid, “cry for [aid]” and, when needed, “work something out” with landlords and lenders. One participant described the amount of work by saying “We’re retired but we’re working for ourselves.” Secondly, the theme “Your rent should be first” describes how low income older adults prioritize housing over food and other needs because “resources for housing is a problem” and because homelessness is both more permanent and socially stigmatizing than hunger - “Don’t nobody know you’re hungry unless you tell them, but everybody know when you outdoors.” Finally, the theme “We need to put the word out” describes the consensus that public benefits and community resources should be made more visible and accessible. Many individuals only know about resources because they seek information (“you go and you find out”), but “ it’s hard to ask for help. ” These results can inform the development and improvement of financial and community programs and policies for low-income older adults addressing financial challenges.