bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slowness domain offset and traveltime approximations in layered vertical transversely isotropic media
Authors: Koren Zvi , Ravve Igor 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTConsidering horizontally layered transversely isotropic media with vertical symmetry axis and all types of pure‐mode and converted waves we present a new wide‐angle series approximation for the kinematical characteristics of reflected waves: horizontal offset, intercept time, and total reflection traveltime as functions of horizontal slowness. The method is based on combining (gluing) both zero‐offset and (large) finite‐offset series coefficients. The horizontal slowness is bounded by the critical value, characterised by nearly horizontal propagation within the layer with the highest horizontal velocity. The suggested approximation uses five parameters to approximate the offset, six parameters to approximate the intercept time or the traveltime, and seven parameters to approximate any two or all three kinematical characteristics. Overall, the method is very accurate for pure‐mode compressional waves and shear waves polarised in the horizontal plane and for converted waves. The application of the method to pure‐mode shear waves polarised in the vertical plane is limited due to cusps and triplications. To demonstrate the high accuracy of the method, we consider a synthetic, multi‐layer model, and we plot the normalised errors with respect to numerical ray tracing.
Experimental evidence that density mediates negative frequency‐dependent selection on aggression
Authors: Kilgour R. Julia , McAdam Andrew G. , Betini Gustavo S. , Norris D. Ryan 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Aggression can be beneficial in competitive environments if aggressive individuals are more likely to access resources than non‐aggressive individuals. However, variation in aggressive behaviour persists within populations, suggesting that high levels of aggression might not always be favoured.

The goal of this study was to experimentally assess the effects of population density and phenotypic frequency on selection on aggression in a competitive environment.

We compared survival of two strains of Drosophila melanogaster that differ in aggression across three density treatments and five frequency treatments (single strain groups, equal numbers of each strain and strains mixed at 3:1 and 1:3 ratios) during a period of limited resources.

While there was no difference in survival across single‐strain treatments, survival was strongly density dependent, with declining survival as density increased. Furthermore, at medium and high densities, there was evidence of negative frequency‐dependent selection, where rare strains experienced greater survival than common strains. However, there was no evidence of negative frequency‐dependent selection at low density.

Our results indicate that the benefits of aggression during periods of limited resources can depend on the interaction between the phenotypic composition of populations and population density, both of which are mechanisms that could maintain variation in aggressive behaviours within natural populations.
Pre‐Going Private Ownership Around the World
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Peter Rejo , Sannajust Aurélie , Tarsalewska Monika 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGoing private transactions are often highly leveraged, and give rise to potential agency conflicts among existing shareholders. But who exactly are those shareholders, and under what legal conditions are these transactions more likely to occur? We examine ownership structure prior to going private transactions in 33 countries around the world from 2002 to 2014. The data indicate strong and consistent evidence that pre‐going private ownership is characterized by higher institutional and corporate ownership. Family ownership lowers the probability of a public to private transaction. Stronger creditor rights increase the probability of going private, particularly for whole company and institutional buyouts.
Measuring the Behavioural Component of the S&P 500 and its Relationship to Financial Stress and Aggregated Earnings Surprises
Authors: Caporin Massimiliano , Corazzini Luca , Costola Michele 
Published: February 2018

AbstractScholars in management and economics have shown increasing interest in isolating the behavioural dimension of market evolution. Indeed, by improving forecast accuracy and precision, this exercise would certainly help firms to anticipate economic fluctuations, thus leading to more profitable business and investment strategies. Yet, how to extract the behavioural component from real market data remains an open question. By using monthly data on the returns of the constituents of the S&P 500 index, we propose a Bayesian methodology to measure the extent to which market data conform to what is predicted by prospect theory (the behavioural perspective), relative to the (standard) subjective expected utility theory baseline. We document a significant behavioural component that reaches its peaks during recession periods and is correlated to measures of financial volatility, market sentiment and financial stress with expected sign. Moreover, the behavioural component decreases around macroeconomic corporate earnings news, while it reacts positively to the number of surprising announcements.
The sociology of cancer: a decade of research
Authors: Kerr Anne , Ross Emily , Jacques Gwen , Cunningham‐Burley Sarah 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBiomedicine is often presented as the driving force behind improvements in cancer care, with genomics the latest innovation poised to change the meaning, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and lived experience of cancer. Reviewing sociological analyses of a diversity of patient and practitioner experiences and accounts of cancer during the last decade (2007–17), we explore the experiences of, approaches to and understandings of cancer in this period. We identify three key areas of focus: (i) cancer patient experiences and identities; (ii) cancer risk and responsibilities and (iii) bioclinical collectives. We explore these sociological studies of societal and biomedical developments and how sociologists have sought to influence developments in cancer identities, care and research. We end by suggesting that we extend our understanding of innovations in the fields of cancer research to take better account of these wider social and cultural innovations, together with patients, activists' and sociologists' contributions therein.
Can CT imaging features of ground‐glass opacity predict invasiveness? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Dai Jian , Yu Guoyou , Yu Jianqiang 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundA meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) imaging features of ground‐glass opacity (GGO) to predict invasiveness.MethodsTwo reviewers independently searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Embase and CNKI for relevant studies. CT imaging signs of bubble lucency, speculation, lobulated margin, and pleural indentation were used as diagnostic references to discriminate pre‐invasive and invasive disease. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, and the area under the SROC curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate diagnostic efficiency.ResultsTwelve studies were finally included. Diagnostic performance ranged from 0.41 to 0.52 for sensitivity and 0.56 to 0.63 for specificity. The diagnostic positive and negative likelihood ratios ranged from 1.03 to 2.13 and 0.52 to 1.05, respectively. The DORs of the GGO CT features for discriminating invasive disease ranged from 1.02 to 4.00. The area under the ROC curve was also low, with a range of 0.60 to 0.67 for discriminating pre‐invasive and invasive disease.ConclusionThe diagnostic value of a single CT imaging sign of GGO, such as bubble lucency, speculation, lobulated margin, or pleural indentation is limited for discriminating pre‐invasive and invasive disease because of low sensitivity, specificity, and AUC.
Alcohol, pattern of drinking and all‐cause mortality in Russia, Belarus and Hungary: a retrospective indirect cohort study based on mortality of relatives
Authors: Horvat Pia , Stefler Denes , Murphy Michael , King Lawrence , McKee Martin , Bobak Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsTo assess the relationship between alcohol intake frequency and mortality among males and females in three Eastern European populations, and to estimate the additional mortality risk posed by a combination of frequent drinking, binge drinking and other hazardous drinking habits.DesignRetrospective cohort study; the cohort consisted of close relatives of survey participants.SettingMiddle‐sized settlements in Russia, Belarus and Hungary.ParticipantsA total of 124 150 subjects aged 35–69 years in 1998 and followed‐up until 2013.MeasurementsSurvey respondents provided information on their mothers, fathers, siblings and partners of female respondents. This information, including current vital status and dates of birth and death, was used to construct the cohort of relatives. Alcohol consumption indices, reported by survey participants, included drinking frequency, binge drinking and hazardous drinking [consuming non‐beverage and/or illicitly‐produced alcohol and/or heavy drinking over several days (zapoi in Russian)].FindingsDrinking frequency was associated positively with mortality in all three countries and both genders. At each drinking frequency level, mortality risk increased among those who also engaged in binge and/or hazardous drinking. Regular male drinkers who were also binge drinkers and hazardous drinkers had the highest risk of death; their hazard ratios (HR), compared with non‐binge‐non‐hazardous occasional drinkers, were 2.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.27–2.88], 2.14 (95% CI = 1.84–2.48) and 2.11 (95% CI = 1.90–2.35) in Russia, Belarus and Hungary, respectively. In women, the corresponding HRs (using a lower frequency cut‐off) were 2.86 (95% CI = 1.99–4.12) in Russia, 3.44 (95% CI = 2.17–5.44) in Belarus and 3.01 (95% CI = 2.26–4.01) in Hungary.ConclusionsDrinking frequency is associated positively with mortality among men and women in Russia, Belarus and Hungary. The mortality risk is higher among frequent drinkers who exhibit binge and hazardous drinking patterns.
Time‐since‐fire and climate interact to affect the structural recovery of an Australian semi‐arid plant community
Authors: Kenny Sally A. , Bennett Andrew F. , Clarke Michael F. , Morgan John W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHow does time‐since‐fire influence the structural recovery of semi‐arid, eucalypt‐dominated Murray‐Mallee shrublands after fire, and is recovery affected by spatial variation in climate? We assessed the structure and dynamics of a hummock grass, Triodia scariosa N.T. Burb, and mallee eucalypts – two key structural components of mallee shrublands – using a >100 year time‐since‐fire chronosequence. The relative influence of climatic variables, both individually and combined with time‐since‐fire, was modelled to account for spatial variation in the recovery of vegetation structural components. Time‐since‐fire was the primary determinant of the structural recovery of T. scariosa and eucalypts. However, climate, notably mean annual rainfall and rainfall variability, also influenced the recovery of the eucalypt overstorey, T. scariosa cover and mean hummock height. We observed that (i) the mean number of live eucalypt stems per individual decreased while mean individual basal area increased, (ii) cover of T. scariosa peaked at ~30 years post‐fire and gradually decreased thereafter, and (iii) the ‘hummock’ form of T. scariosa occurred throughout the chronosequence, whereas the ‘ring’ form tended not to occur until ~30 years post‐fire. Time‐since‐fire was the key determinant of the structural recovery of eucalypt‐dominated mallee shrublands, but there is geographical variation in recovery related to rainfall and its variability. Fire regimes are likely to have different effects across the geographic range of mallee shrublands.
Clinical trials in allergen immunotherapy: current concepts and future needs
Authors: Pfaar O. , Alvaro M. , Cardona V. , Hamelmann E. , Mösges R. , Kleine‐Tebbe J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAllergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a safe, effective treatment for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma. However, AIT's clinical effect is still contested—primarily due to heterogeneity in clinical trial designs, study populations, therapeutic formulations, and efficacy criteria. After discussing current concepts and unmet needs, an international panel of experts made several recommendations: (i) explore and validate definitions for (clinical) responders in AIT trials; (ii) use of well‐documented, standardized provocation tests prior to inclusion of subjects with relevant diseases in AIT trials; (iii) monitoring neo‐sensitizations and occurrence of new allergy in extended AIT trials, and exclusion of polyallergic participants; (iv) validation of allergen exposure chambers with regard to natural exposure; (v) in studies of seasonal allergies, focus on peak exposure but also consider organizing two parallel, geographically distinct but otherwise identical trials; (vi) discuss adaptive trial designs with the regulatory authorities; (vii) use e‐health and m‐health technologies to capture more information on individual exposure to allergens; (viii) initiate research on potential psychological, biochemical, immune, neural, and even genomic markers of the placebo response; (ix) identify trial designs and primary endpoints that will give children with allergies easier, faster access to AIT formulations; and (x) promote and apply standardized methods for reporting systemic and local adverse events. The latest technologies and trial designs may provide novel, ethical ways of reducing bias and heterogeneity in AIT clinical trials. There is scope for physicians, patient organizations, companies, and regulators to improve clinical trials in AIT and, ultimately, to provide patients with better treatments.
Guidance on the use of probiotics in clinical practice in children with selected clinical conditions and in specific vulnerable groups
Authors: Hojsak Iva , Fabiano Valentina , Pop Tudor Lucian , Goulet Olivier , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Çokuğraş Fugen Cullu , Pettoello‐Mantovani Massimo , Kolaček Sanja 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThe use of probiotics has been covered by many guidelines, position papers and evidence‐based recommendations, but few have referred to specific patient groups or clinical indications. This review summarises recommendations and scientifically credited guidelines on the use of probiotics for children with selected clinical conditions and provides practice points.MethodsAn expert panel was convened by the European Paediatric Association in June 2017 to define the relevant clinical questions for using probiotics in paediatric health care and review and summarise the guidelines, recommendations, position papers and high‐quality evidence.ResultsThe panel found that specific probiotic strains were effective in preventing antibiotic‐associated and nosocomial diarrhoea, treating acute gastroenteritis and treating infantile colic in breastfed infants. However, special caution is indicated for premature infants, immunocompromised and critically ill patients and those with central venous catheters, cardiac valvular disease and short‐gut syndrome. This review discusses the safety of using probiotics in selected groups of paediatric patients and the quality of the available products providing practice points based on proved findings.ConclusionEfficacy of probiotics is strain specific. Their benefits are currently scientifically proven for their use in selected clinical conditions in children and not recommended for certain patient groups.
Group‐Based Diet and Physical Activity Weight‐Loss Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Borek Aleksandra J. , Abraham Charles , Greaves Colin J. , Tarrant Mark 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundMany weight‐loss interventions are delivered in groups but evidence on their effectiveness, and characteristics associated with effectiveness, is limited. We synthesised evidence on (1) design and delivery of group‐based weight‐loss interventions; (2) effectiveness; and (3) associations between intervention characteristics, change techniques, and effectiveness.MethodsFive online databases were searched to May 2017 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of group‐based diet and/or physical activity interventions for overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥ 25). Intervention characteristics were synthesised narratively. Mean differences (MD) in weight loss were calculated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis, and sub‐group analyses were conducted to identify moderators of effectiveness.ResultsForty‐seven RCTs reporting 60 evaluations of group‐based interventions were included. MD in weight loss between intervention and control groups was −3.49 [95% CI −4.15, −2.84], −3.44 [−4.23, −2.85], and −2.56 kg [−3.79, −1.33] at follow‐ups closest to 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Explicitly targeting weight loss, men‐only groups providing feedback and dietary goals were significantly associated with greater effectiveness (p < .05).ConclusionsDiet and physical activity interventions delivered in groups are effective in promoting clinically meaningful weight loss at 12 months. Intervention design and effectiveness vary considerably between studies, and evidence on what optimises the effectiveness of group‐based weight‐loss interventions remains limited.
Clinical staging model in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Raouna Aigli , Osam Cemre Su , MacBeth Angus 
Published: February 2018

abstractObjectiveWe sought to systematically review the literature on the psychiatric risk of offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OPBD) using a developmental psychopathology framework. The review also sought to establish the utility of clinical stage modelling as a framework for identifying precursor disorders to later onset of bipolar disorder (BD) in OPBD.MethodsA systematic search was performed using EMBASE, PsychINFO and Medline. Reference lists of included studies and previous reviews were also searched. Studies were included if they reported diagnostic outcomes for child, adolescent and young adult offspring of parents diagnosed with BD.ResultsTwenty‐six studies were identified representing 21 individual cohorts. The review identified that OBPD present as a high‐risk group for a range of mood and non‐mood disorders in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. The trajectory of risk was from non‐mood disorders in childhood via non‐bipolar mood disorders in early adolescence towards mania/hypomania in late adolescence and early adulthood. From a clinical staging perspective, childhood anxiety disorders were associated with later onset of BD. Recurrent substance use disorder was identified as a risk in OPBD during late adolescence and early adulthood. Quality ratings indicated that studies were methodologically robust.ConclusionsOur review provides evidence for a developmental psychopathology trajectory of precursor risks to BD in OPBD. There is support for clinical stage modelling as a conceptual framework for understanding developmental risk in OPBD and as a tool for developing early and individualized intervention strategies.
Replacing the Canadianization Generation: An Examination of Faculty Composition from 1977 through 2017
Authors: Lachapelle François , Burnett Patrick John 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAmid growing numbers of doctoral graduates entering an increasingly competitive global academic job market, concerns about equity in the hiring process and the value of the Canadian Ph.D. are mounting. Grounded within the historical context of the Canadianization Movement, we examine the doctoral credentials of 4,934 U15 social science faculty between 1977 and 2017 to understand the ebb and flow of incoming and outgoing faculty across the country's academic field. Our trend analyses reveal an overall increase in the proportion of Canadian‐trained faculty hires with the noted exceptions of Canada's top three universities who display a strong presence of high‐status American‐trained faculty throughout. Results from the contemporary period, between 1997 and 2017, reveal a time of retirement during which outgoing Canadian‐trained faculty are replaced with increasing proportions of American‐trained academics.
Islamophobia in Canada: Measuring the Realities of Negative Attitudes Toward Muslims and Religious Discrimination
Authors: Wilkins‐Laflamme Sarah 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThere has been growing discussion surrounding the phenomenon of Islamophobia in Western societies over the last few years. However, in‐depth empirical research of the prevalence and patterns of prejudice toward Muslims remains scarce, especially in the Canadian context. With data from the 2011 Canadian Election Study and the 2014 General Social Survey, this study measures the extent to which negative feelings toward Muslims are present among the general adult population, and the extent to which Muslim Canadians themselves say they have experienced discrimination in recent years due to their religion, ethnicity, and culture.
Does integrated academic and health education prevent substance use? Systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Tancred T. , Fletcher A. , Thomas J. , Campbell R. , Bonell C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevention of substance (alcohol, tobacco, illegal/legal drug) use in adolescents is a public health priority. As the scope for school‐based health education is constrained in school timetables, interventions integrating academic and health education have gained traction in the UK and elsewhere, though evidence for their effectiveness remains unclear. We sought to synthesize the effectiveness of interventions integrating academic and health education for the prevention of substance use.MethodsWe searched 19 databases between November and December 2015, among other methods. We included randomized trials of interventions integrating academic and health education targeting school students aged 4–18 and reporting substance use outcomes. We excluded interventions for specific health‐related subpopulations (e.g., children with behavioural difficulties). Data were extracted independently in duplicate. Outcomes were synthesized by school key stage (KS) using multilevel meta‐analyses, for substance use, overall and by type.ResultsWe identified 7 trials reporting substance use. Interventions reduced substance use generally in years 7–9 (KS3) based on 5 evaluations (d = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.17, −0.01], I2 = 35%), as well as in years 10–11 (KS4) based on 3 evaluations (−0.06, [−0.09, −0.02]; I2 = 0%). Interventions were broadly effective for reducing specific alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in both KS groups.ConclusionsEvidence quality was highly variable. Findings for years 3–6 and 12–13 could not be meta‐analysed, and we could not assess publication bias. Interventions appear to have a small but significant effect reducing substance use. Specific methods of integrating academic and health education remain poorly understood.