bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating average treatment effects with a double‐index propensity score
Authors: Cheng David , Chakrabortty Abhishek , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N. , Cai Tianxi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe consider estimating average treatment effects (ATE) of a binary treatment in observational data when data‐driven variable selection is needed to select relevant covariates from a moderately large number of available covariates . To leverage covariates among predictive of the outcome for efficiency gain while using regularization to fit a parametric propensity score (PS) model, we consider a dimension reduction of based on fitting both working PS and outcome models using adaptive LASSO. A novel PS estimator, the Double‐index Propensity Score (DiPS), is proposed, in which the treatment status is smoothed over the linear predictors for from both the initial working models. The ATE is estimated by using the DiPS in a normalized inverse probability weighting estimator, which is found to maintain double robustness and also local semiparametric efficiency with a fixed number of covariates p. Under misspecification of working models, the smoothing step leads to gains in efficiency and robustness over traditional doubly robust estimators. These results are extended to the case where p diverges with sample size and working models are sparse. Simulations show the benefits of the approach in finite samples. We illustrate the method by estimating the ATE of statins on colorectal cancer risk in an electronic medical record study and the effect of smoking on C‐reactive protein in the Framingham Offspring Study.
Opting Out, Collective Contracts and Labour Flexibility: Firm‐Level Evidence for The Italian Case
Authors: Damiani Mirella , Pompei Fabrizio , Ricci Andrea 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article analyses the role of deviations from higher level collective agreements adopted in firm‐level bargaining to regain higher labour mobility, net positive employment effects and a resurgence of labour productivity. Using Italian firm‐level data, after performing preliminary pooled ordinary least squares and fixed effects estimates, we adopt a difference‐in‐difference approach combined with a propensity score matching. All the estimations show that opting out clauses notably increases both hiring and separations, but without significant variations in terms of net employment. In addition, no significant labour productivity gains are obtained. The only significant change concerns the increase in the share of temporary workers.
c‐Src promotes tumor progression through downregulation of microRNA‐129‐1‐3p
Authors: Okuzaki Daisuke , Yamauchi Tomoe , Mitani Fumie , Miyata Mamiko , Ninomiya Yuichi , Watanabe Risayo , Akamatsu Hiroki , Oneyama Chitose 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) fine‐tune cellular signaling by regulating expression of signaling proteins, and aberrant expression of miRNAs is observed in many cancers. The tyrosine kinase c‐Src is upregulated in various human cancers, but the molecular mechanisms underlying c‐Src‐mediated tumor progression remain unclear. In previous investigations of miRNA‐mediated control of c‐Src‐related oncogenic pathways, we identified miRNAs that were downregulated in association with c‐Src transformation and uncovered the signaling networks by predicting their target genes, which might act cooperatively to control tumor progression. Here, to further elucidate the process of cell transformation driven by c‐Src, we analyzed the expression profiles of miRNAs in a doxycycline‐inducible Src expression system. We found that miRNA (miR)‐129‐1‐3p was downregulated in the early phase of c‐Src‐induced cell transformation, and that reexpression of miR‐129‐1‐3p disrupted c‐Src‐induced cell transformation. In addition, miR‐129‐1‐3p downregulation was tightly associated with tumor progression in human colon cancer cells/tissues. Expression of miR‐129‐1‐3p in human colon cancer cells caused morphological changes and suppressed tumor growth, cell adhesion, and invasion. We also identified c‐Src and its critical substrate Fer, and c‐Yes, a member of the Src family of kinases, as novel targets of miR‐129‐1‐3p. Furthermore, we found that miR‐129‐1‐3p‐mediated regulation of c‐Src/Fer and c‐Yes is important for controlling cell adhesion and invasion. Downregulation of miR‐129‐1‐3p by early activation of c‐Src increases expression of these target genes and synergistically promotes c‐Src‐related oncogenic signaling. Thus, c‐Src‐miR‐129‐1‐3p circuits serve as critical triggers for tumor progression in many human cancers that harbor upregulation of c‐Src.
Measurement and prediction of drilling force in fresh human cadaver mandibles: A pilot study
Authors: Yu Dedong , Liu Chang , Wu Yiqun , An Qinglong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundBone drilling is a vital procedure in implant surgery and dental implant training systems based on virtual reality technology.PurposePredict and update drilling force in real time based on a virtual dental implant training system and lay the foundation for realizing force feedback in dental implant training instruments.Materials and MethodsAn experimental platform was established to measure the drilling force for human mandibles from donors of different ages. Response surface methodology was applied to analyze the drilling force.ResultsForce regression equations for different age groups were acquired. The order of the effects (from greatest to least) of the drilling parameters on the drilling force was the drill bit diameter, feed rate, and rotational speed. To obtain the minimum force, higher rotational speeds, lower feed rates, and smaller diameters were preferred within the range of commonly used medical reference parameters of bone drilling.ConclusionThe experimental data were confirmed to be scientific for the predicted models of drilling force.
The effects of non‐invasive mechanic ventilator modes on intraocular pressure in COPD patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Aytekin Fuat , Yildiz Gulhan Pınar , Teberik Kuddusi , Gulec Balbay Ege , Iritas Ilter , Ercelik Merve , Elverisli Mehmet Fatih , Balbay Oner Abidin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not fully reversible disease that is characterized by progressive restricting airflow. Non‐invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) treatment can be used in COPD patients who had type 2 respiratory failure. This study aimed to determine the effect of BPAP S/T and AVAPS modes on intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) in 40 type 2 respiratory failure patients with COPD.MethodsForty patients with type 2 respiratory failure who were hospitalized between June and December 2018 with the diagnosis of COPD exacerbations were included to the study. Patients followed up without NIMV for 12 hours after the end of exacerbations treatments end. After IOP, visual acuity and CCT were measured in all patients at the same time (11.00 am), same NIMV treatment was applied to the patients for 4 hours (AVAPS‐BPAP S/T). Then the measurements were repeated. The effects of these NIMV modes on IOP were evaluated.ResultsAfter NIMV treatment, it was observed that the mean IOP increased statistically significantly (13.3 vs 12.3 mm Hg; P = 0.001). After treatment with NIMV, there was a decrease for CCT close to statistical significance (P = 0.057)ConclusionAs a result; increased IOP and thinning of CCT after NIMV treatment has been shown. The type of NIMV and the level of inspiratory pressure needed in hypercapnic respiratory failure seem to affect IOP and it should be cautiously used to increase IOP.
A low‐cost laboratory‐based method for predicting newly diagnosed biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yu D. , Shang J. , Cai Y. , Wang Z. , Zhao B. , Zhao Z. , Simmons D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsTo identify significant prognostic factors for newly diagnosed biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy using routine laboratory measures, from which to derive a low‐cost explanatory model, and to use this model to examine associations between the potential low‐cost test panels and the risk of diabetic nephropathy in people with type 2 diabetes with normal kidney function.MethodA population‐based case–control study was undertaken to test the association between diabetic nephropathy and 47 laboratory variables using a ‘hypothesis‐free’ strategy and five routinely recorded factors in diabetes care (BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, fasting glucose). Factors that were significant after Bonferroni correction were included in different test panels and used to develop diabetic nephropathy (outcome) explanatory models. Models were derived using risk‐set sampling among 950 biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy cases newly diagnosed in the period between 2012 and 2018 and among 4750 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.ResultsA total of 15 Bonferroni‐corrected significant laboratory predictors in the three test panels (blood cell, serum electrolytes and blood coagulation) were identified through multivariable analysis and used to develop the three explanatory models. The optimism‐adjusted C‐statistics and calibration slope were 0.725 (95% CI 0.723–0.728) and 0.978 (95% CI 0.912–0.999) for the blood cell model, 0.688 (95% CI 0.686–0.690) and 0.923 (95% CI 0.706–0.977) for the serum electrolytes model, 0.648 (95% CI 0.639–0.658) and 0.914 (95% CI 0.641–1.115) for the blood coagulation model, respectively.ConclusionsA total of 15 predictors were significantly associated with newly diagnosed biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. The blood cell model appeared to be the low‐cost model with the best predictive ability.
Behaviour change in diabetes: behavioural science advancements to support the use of theory
Authors: McSharry J. , Byrne M. , Casey B. , Dinneen S. F. , Fredrix M. , Hynes L. , Lake A. J. , Morrissey E. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBehaviour is central to the management of diabetes, both for people living with diabetes and for healthcare professionals delivering evidence‐based care. This review outlines the evolution of behavioural science and the application of theoretical models in diabetes care over the past 25 years. There has been a particular advancement in the development of tools and techniques to support researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers in taking a theory‐based approach, and to enhance the development, reporting and replication of successful interventions. Systematic guidance, theoretical frameworks and lists of behavioural techniques provide the tools to specify target behaviours, identify why ideal behaviours are not implemented, systematically develop theory‐based interventions, describe intervention content using shared terminology, and evaluate their effects. Several examples from a range of diabetes‐related behaviours (clinic attendance, self‐monitoring of blood glucose, retinal screening, setting collaborative goals in diabetes) and populations (people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, healthcare professionals) illustrate the potential for these approaches to be widely translated into diabetes care. The behavioural science approaches outlined in this review give healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers the tools to deliver care and design interventions with an evidence‐based understanding of behaviour. The challenge for the next 25 years is to refine the tools to increase their use and advocate for the role of theoretical models and behavioural science in the commissioning, funding and delivery of diabetes care.
Sex differences in resilience: Experiential factors and their mechanisms
Authors: Fallon Isabella P. , Tanner Margaret K. , Greenwood Benjamin N. , Baratta Michael V. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdverse life events can lead to stable changes in brain structure and function and are considered primary sources of risk for post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. However, most individuals do not develop these conditions following exposure to traumatic experiences, and research efforts have identified a number of experiential factors associated with an individual's ability to withstand, adapt to and facilitate recovery from adversity. While multiple animal models of stress resilience exist, so that the detailed biological mechanisms can be explored, studies have been disproportionately conducted in male subjects even though the prevalence and presentation of stress‐linked disorders differ between sexes. This review focuses on (a) the mechanisms by which experiential factors (behavioral control over a stressor, exercise) reduce the impact of adverse events as studied in males; (b) whether other manipulations (ketamine) that buffer against stress‐induced sequelae engage the same circuit features; and (c) whether these processes operate similarly in females. We argue that investigation of experiential factors that produce resistance/resilience rather than vulnerability to adversity will generate a unique set of biological mechanisms that potentially underlie sex differences in mood disorders.
Space use and the evolution of social monogamy in eastern rock sengis
Authors: Hoffmann Sasha , Bennett Nigel C. , Jansen van Vuuren Bettine , Lutermann Heike 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLimiting resources often differ between males and females. Reproductive success in females is constrained by resources such as food and shelter, while the availability of receptive females determines male reproductive success. In addition to limiting resources, low intra‐sexual tolerances among females can affect their spacing. High intolerances coinciding with low population densities have been suggested as a cause for the evolution of monogamy in mammals, but the evidence for female intolerance is limited. We investigated long‐term space use patterns (measured as home range sizes and centers of activity) in a wild population of eastern rock sengis (Elephantulus myurus) from Limpopo, South Africa. Between March 2012 and March 2016, we recorded capture locations for 93 sengis and home range size for 22 sengis and evaluated the contributions of study year, sex, and season on these measures. Sex had no significant effect on home range size, but ranges were significantly greater during the breeding compared to the non‐breeding season, consistent with the increased energetic demands during reproduction. We found corroborative support for the role of energetic demands on home range size fluctuations. The activity centers of female–female dyads were further apart than those of male–male or mixed‐sex dyads, suggesting lower female–female tolerances in the study species. Our results offer evidence that intolerances may affect female spacing behavior and may have contributed to the evolution of monogamy in sengis.
The Donovan report as evidence‐based policy
Authors: Brown William 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe Donovan Royal Commission set new standards in evidence‐based policy making. The paper puts the Commission's research programme in its 1960s context of disorderly workplace labour relations. It reviews each of the studies, concluding that they were innovative and had a powerful influence over the Commission's recommendations. In retrospect, the scope of topics researched was too narrow to engage with major future challenges. That apart, the precedent of research based on case studies, surveys and historical analysis has continued to enhance employment‐related policy making.
Twenty years of the tiger feeding pole: review and recommendations
Authors: Law G. , Kitchener A. C. 
Published: December 2019

The tiger feeding pole was developed at Glasgow Zoo, UK, more than 20 years ago as a feeding‐enrichment device. Since then the adoption of the feeding pole by other zoos for Tigers Panthera tigris and other cats has been slow and sporadic until recent years when many zoos in the UK have begun to use this device. In this paper we review the basis for and the development of the feeding pole as a feeding‐enrichment tool, including its stimulation of simulated hunting behaviours, and benefits to health and welfare. A survey of 19 zoos (mostly based in the UK) found that 79% use or have used feeding poles usually about once per week at heights of 3–6 m. We know of no confirmed reports of serious injuries or deaths of cats using feeding poles. A comparison of the skeletons of tigers found that feeding‐pole‐using tigers had a mean arthrosis score that is four times less than that of tigers that did not use them, providing a positive indicator of the health benefit of the use of this enrichment device. Based on previous experience we provide a refined set of recommendations for the safe use of feeding poles for cats, but recognize that providing physical and mental challenges to animals in zoos carries some minor risks that animals are well able to cope with. We discuss the possible next steps in feeding enrichment, which may include a holistic approach that considers the need to manage predators alongside prey to allow for mutual visual and olfactory enrichments.
The current state of zoological medicine in zoos and aquariums in Latin America
Authors: Riva H. G. , Zordan M. A. , Sánchez C. R. 
Published: December 2019

The field of zoological medicine has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly in developed nations. However, developing nations have lagged far behind these advancements. A study was devised to acquire up‐to‐date information on the current state of zoological medicine in Latin America using an online survey directed to zoo and aquarium professionals. Between February and April of 2016, a survey with 28 questions relevant to zoological medicine was distributed to zoo and aquarium professionals in Latin America. The questions included information about employment conditions, veterinary equipment, protocols and facilities, amongst others. One hundred and two respondents from 66 institutions (58 zoos and eight aquariums) from 15 countries answered the survey. Listservs were used to distribute the survey, which impedes the calculation of percentage response rate. Results show that not all zoos and aquariums in the region have proper facilities, veterinary equipment and supplies to carry out their jobs in an adequate manner. Thirty per cent of the institutions (n = 20 of 66 institutions) do not have an exclusive quarantine area; only 48% (n = 32 of 66 institutions) have X‐ray equipment (traditional and/or digital); and 62% (n = 41 of 66 institutions) have an inhalation anaesthesia machine. There are few veterinarians [24% (n = 24 of 101 veterinarians)] in the region with advanced veterinary training (zoological‐medicine residency, Master’s degree or PhD) and only 15% (n = 15 of 101) of the veterinarians have published in peer‐reviewed journals in the last 5 years. In spite of these findings, 91% (n = 92 of 101) of zoo and aquarium veterinarians in Latin America reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current job. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that zoological facilities and aquariums in Latin America invest in staff training, equipment and facilities to meet the accreditation standards instituted by the wider international zoo and aquariums community.
Hic‐5 deficiency protects cerulein‐induced chronic pancreatitis via down‐regulation of the NF‐κB (p65)/IL‐6 signalling pathway
Authors: Chen Hao , Tan Peng , Qian Baolin , Du Yichao , Wang Ankang , Shi Hao , Huang Zhiwei , Huang Shiyao , Liang Tiancheng , Fu Wenguang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractChronic pancreatitis (CP), characterized by pancreatic fibrosis, is a recurrent, progressive and irreversible disease. Activation of the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) is considered a core event in pancreatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of hydrogen peroxide‐inducible clone‐5 (Hic‐5) in CP. Analysis of the human pancreatic tissue samples revealed that Hic‐5 was overexpressed in patients with CP and was extremely low in healthy pancreas. Hic‐5 was significant up‐regulated in the activated primary PSCs independently from transforming growth factor beta stimulation. CP induced by cerulein injection was ameliorated in Hic‐5 knockout (KO) mice, as shown by staining of tissue level. Simultaneously, the activation ability of the primary PSCs from Hic‐5 KO mice was significantly attenuated. We also found that the Hic‐5 up‐regulation by cerulein activated the NF‐κB (p65)/IL‐6 signalling pathway and regulated the downstream extracellular matrix (ECM) genes such as α‐SMA and Col1a1. Therefore, we determined whether suppressing NF‐κB/p65 alleviated CP by treating mice with the NF‐κB/p65 inhibitor triptolide in the cerulein‐induced CP model and found that pancreatic fibrosis was alleviated by NF‐κB/p65 inhibition. These findings provide evidence for Hic‐5 as a therapeutic target that plays a crucial role in regulating PSCs activation and pancreatic fibrosis.
Importance of PNO1 for growth and survival of urinary bladder carcinoma: Role in core‐regulatory circuitry
Authors: Lin Chunhua , Yuan Hejia , Wang Wenting , Zhu Zhe , Lu Youyi , Wang Jiahui , Feng Fan , Wu Jitao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPNO1 (partner of Nob1) was known as a RNA‐binding protein in humans, and its ortholog PNO1 was reported to participate ribosome and proteasome biogenesis in yeasts. Yet there have been few studies about its functions in mammalian cells, and so far its role in human cells has never been reported, especially in urinary bladder cancer (UBC).We interrogated the cellular functions and clinical significance of PNO1 in, and its molecular mechanism through microarrays and bioinformatics analysis. Our findings support that PNO1 participates in promoting proliferation and colonogenesis, while reducing apoptosis of UBC cells, and is also predicted to be associated with the migration and metastasis of UBC PNO1 knockdown (KD) attenuated the tumorigenesis ability of UBC in mouse. PNO1 KD led to the altered expression of 1543 genes that are involved in a number of signalling pathways, biological functions and regulation networks. CD44, PTGS2, cyclin D1, CDK1, IL‐8, FRA1, as well as mTOR, p70 S6 kinase, p38 and Caspase‐3 proteins were all down‐regulated in PNO1 KD cells, suggesting the involvement of PNO1 in inflammatory responses, cell cycle regulation, chemotaxis, cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasiveness. This study will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of UBC and may eventually provide novel targets for individualized cancer therapy.
Firms’ Management of Infrequent Shocks
Authors: COLLIER BENJAMIN L. , HAUGHWOUT ANDREW F. , KUNREUTHER HOWARD C. , MICHEL‐KERJAN ERWANN O. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe examine businesses’ financial management of a rare, severe event using detailed firm‐level data collected following Hurricane Sandy in the New York area. Credit played a prominent role in financing recovery; more negatively affected firms took on debt because of Sandy (39%) than received insurance payments (15%) in our data. Negatively affected firms were frequently credit constrained after the shock. We also find that the most credit‐constrained firms after the event, younger firms, and smaller firms, were the least likely to insure before it. Our findings align with the predictions of dynamic risk management theory (Rampini and Viswanathan 2010, 2013).