bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the Ionospheric Radio Occultation Retrievals by Means of Accurate Global Ionospheric Maps
Authors: Shao Y. , González‐Casado G. , Juan J. M. , Sanz J. , Rovira‐Garcia A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe Abel inversion method is the classic approach to retrieve electron density profiles from radio occultation measurements, assuming that the electron density is only dependent upon height. In the early 2000s, the total electron content (TEC)‐aided inversion method was introduced, where horizontal gradients in the electron density distribution are taken into account by using information from an external model of total electron content (TEC). We show how the quality of the chosen external ionospheric model influences the radio occultation retrievals. Using a two‐layer TEC model, the 68% percentiles of the global error distributions of retrieved critical frequency and bottomside ionospheric electron content for 2014 improve more than 30%, with regard to the classic Abel inversion results. In a well‐sounded region like Europe, this improvement raises to about 40–45%, while 10% improvement is achieved using two‐layer maps with regard to the retrievals using single‐layer TEC maps. We point out that using the TEC to describe the horizontal gradient incurs an implicit mismodeling that, until now, has not been taken into account. A new technique is presented that, thanks to TEC modeling by means of two layers, can assess the impacts of such mismodeling. From this technique, a method to select the most accurate radio occultation retrievals is applied to demonstrate that the resulting errors in the retrieved critical frequencies for the European region are smaller than 7% in nearly 82% of the cases, very similar to the relative difference between measurements of two nearby ionosondes.
On Ionic Contributions to Pedersen Conductance
Authors: Zossi Bruno S. , Fagre Mariano , Elias Ana G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIonospheric conductivity is a key parameter to understand the upper atmosphere electrodynamics, magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere coupling and several geophysical processes. In the case of Pedersen conductivity, ions and electrons are moving in opposite direction, so that it results from the addition of the separate contributions. In this work, the role of the three main ions, that is, NO+, O2+, and O+, in the conductivity height profile and in the conductance global pattern is analyzed for different solar activity levels and seasons. NO+ is the is the main contributor for the maximum conductivity in all the cases in the E layer; however, O+ takes relevance with a significant percentage of the conductance at certain regions such as the South Atlantic Anomaly and the crests at the equatorial ionization anomaly, becoming the main conducting ion in these zones when the solar activity is high. Regarding seasonal effects, the role of NO+ in the conductivity is maximum on summer hemisphere, while O+ becomes important in winter and maximum with high solar activity. O2+ has maximum percentage close to magnetic poles, where the magnetic field strength is intense lowering the peak conducting level.
The ATESP 5 GHz radio survey
Authors: Ricci R. , Prandoni I. , De Ruiter H. R. , Parma P. 
Published: December 2018

Aims. It is now established that the faint radio population is a mixture of star-forming galaxies and faint active galactic nuclei (AGNs), with the former dominating below S1.4 GHz ∼ 100μJy and the latter at larger flux densities. The faint radio AGN component can itself be separated into two main classes, mainly based on the host-galaxy properties: sources associated with red/early-type galaxies (like radio galaxies) are the dominant class down to ∼100 μJy; quasar/Seyfert–like sources contribute an additional 10–20%. One of the major open questions regarding faint radio AGNs is the physical process responsible for their radio emission. This work aims at investigating this issue, with particular respect to the AGN component associated with red/early-type galaxies. Such AGNs show, on average, flatter radio spectra than radio galaxies and are mostly compact (≤30 kpc in size). Various scenarios have been proposed to explain their radio emission. For instance they could be core/core-jet dominated radio galaxies, low-power BL Lacertae, or advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) systems.
Methods. We used the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) to extend a previous follow-up multi-frequency campaign to 38 and 94 GHz. This campaign focuses on a sample of 28 faint radio sources associated with early-type galaxies extracted from the ATESP 5 GHz survey. Such data, together with those already at hand, are used to perform radio spectral and variability analyses. Both analyses can help us to disentangle between core- and jet-dominated sources, as well as to verify the presence of ADAF/ADAF+jet systems. Additional high-resolution observations at 38 GHz were carried out to characterise the radio morphology of these sources on kiloparsec scales.
Results. Most of the sources (25/28) were detected at 38 GHz, while only one (ATESP5J224547−400324) of the twelve sources observed at 94 GHz was detected. From the analysis of the radio spectra we confirmed our previous findings that pure ADAF models can be ruled out. Only eight out of the 28 sources were detected in the 38-GHz high-resolution (0.6 arcsec) radio images and of those eight only one showed a tentative core-jet structure. Putting together spectral, variability, luminosity, and linear size information we conclude that different kinds of sources compose our AGN sample: (a) luminous and large (≥100 kpc) classical radio galaxies (∼18% of the sample); (b) compact (confined within their host galaxies), low-luminosity, power-law (jet-dominated) sources (∼46% of the sample); and (c) compact, flat (or peaked) spectrum, presumably core-dominated, radio sources (∼36% of the sample). Variability is indeed preferentially associated with the latter.
Behavior Change Techniques Associated With Changes in Postintervention and Maintained Changes in Self-Efficacy For Physical Activity: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Mei Yee , Smith Debbie M , Mc Sharry Jennifer , Hann Mark , French David P 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Self-efficacy is an important determinant of physical activity but it is unclear how best to increase self-efficacy for physical activity and to maintain these changes.

Purpose
This systematic review aimed to identify which specific behavior change techniques (BCTs), BCT clusters, and number of BCTs were associated with changes in postintervention and maintained changes in self-efficacy for physical activity across all adult populations.

Methods
A systematic search yielded 180 randomized trials (204 comparisons) which reported changes in self-efficacy. BCTs were coded using the BCT Taxonomy v1. Hierarchical cluster analysis explored the clustering of BCTs. Meta-analyses and moderator analyses examined whether the presence and absence of individual BCTs in interventions were associated with effect-size changes for self-efficacy.

Results
Small intervention effects were found for postintervention self-efficacy for physical activity (d = 0.26; 95% CI: [0.21, 0.31]; I2 = 75.8 per cent). “Information about social, environmental, and emotional consequences” was associated with higher effect sizes, whereas “social support (practical)” was associated with lower effect sizes. Small and nonsignificant effects were found for maintained changes in self-efficacy for physical activity (d = 0.08; CI: [−0.05, 0.21]; I2 = 83.8 per cent). Lack of meaningful clustering of BCTs was found. A significant positive relationship was found between number of BCTs and effect sizes for maintained changes in self-efficacy for physical activity.

Conclusions
There does not appear to be a single effective approach to change self-efficacy for physical activity in all adults: different approaches are required for different populations. Interventions with more BCTs seem more effective at maintaining changes in self-efficacy for physical activity.
Exploring the Relationship Between Patient Activation, Treatment Satisfaction, and Decisional Conflict in Patients Approaching End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Vélez-Bermúdez Miriam , Christensen Alan J , Kinner Ellen M , Roche Anne I , Fraer Mony 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Patients approaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience a high level of decisional conflict because they are often not provided with sufficient support and information regarding different treatment options prior to renal failure. Decisional conflict is an important correlate of treatment satisfaction, as it is associated with disease- and treatment-related knowledge that can inform decision-making. Patient activation, the willingness and ability to independently manage one’s own health and healthcare, is an individual difference factor that may have important mitigating effects on decisional conflict.

Purpose
To identify modifiable factors that may enhance the decision-making process in patients approaching ESRD by exploring potential mediational effects between decisional conflict, treatment satisfaction, and patient activation.

Methods
Sixty-four patients approaching ESRD completed self-report measures (32% response rate). Measures included the Decisional Conflict Scale, the Kidney Disease Treatment Questionnaire, and the Patient Activation Measure Short Form.

Results
There was a high level of self-reported decisional conflict in this sample. Linear regressions revealed main effects among treatment satisfaction, patient activation, and decisional conflict. These variables were entered into PROCESS to assess a mediational pattern. Results showed that higher chronic kidney disease-related treatment satisfaction predicted lower decisional conflict through higher patient activation in a statistical mediational relationship.

Conclusions
While the link between treatment satisfaction and decision-making is well established, these results suggest this relationship might be partially explained by patient activation, a potentially modifiable process in patients approaching ESRD. Therefore, interventions that encourage patients to become actively involved in their care could also reduce decisional conflict among patients approaching ESRD.
Theoretical Production Restrictions and Agricultural Technology in the United States
Authors: Plastina Alejandro , Lence Sergio H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAgricultural production studies are usually conducted using classical econometrics that make it difficult, if not impossible, to impose conditions derived from economic theory on flexible functional forms. Therefore, such conditions need not hold in estimation. We apply Bayesian econometrics to estimate a flexible production function using U.S. agricultural data under alternative restrictions dictated by theory, including a fully theoretically consistent model that satisfies all restrictions at each point of the data. The probability density functions of parameters, output elasticities, scale elasticity, and productivity gains vary substantially across models. Output elasticities from the fully theoretically consistent model suggest that agricultural production in the United States has typically been more responsive to land than to other factors of production. However, output became more responsive over time to changes in materials, and less responsive to changes in land and labor. By the early 2000s, the elasticity of output to materials was very similar to the elasticity of output to land. The elasticity of output to capital remained relatively stable over the entire sample. The estimates from the fully theoretically consistent model also show a slight increase in the average rate of productivity gains between the 1960s and the 1970s, a relative slowdown in the 1980s and 1990s, and a relative stabilization afterwards. All inputs are substitutes in production; all the elasticities of substitution have increased through the decades, though at different rates.
Unintended Land Use Effects of Afforestation in China's Grain for Green Program
Authors: Yan Youpei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of China's Grain for Green Program is to reduce soil erosion by subsidizing reforestation of farmland located on steep slopes with low crop productivity. I show theoretically that the incentives created by the program combined with insufficient oversight have led to afforestation of non‐sloped highly productive farmland. With a unique land transition dataset, I show that this unintended land use effect has been substantial, amounting to nearly one‐fifth of the total amount of cropland converted to forest. This unexpected displacement of highly productive farmland represents a form of slippage/leakage that has not been fully explored in the literature on payment for ecosystem services programs. This form of land displacement is significant in the context of China as well as other countries with limited arable land relative to population size as it can negatively impact national food production targets and self‐sufficiency goals.
Subsidies for Agricultural Technology Adoption: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment with Improved Grain Storage Bags in Uganda
Authors: Omotilewa Oluwatoba J. , Ricker‐Gilbert Jacob , Ainembabazi John Herbert 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article addresses the question of whether subsidizing an entirely new agricultural technology for smallholder farmers can aid its adoption early in the diffusion process. Based on a theoretical framework for technology adoption under subjective uncertainty, we implemented a randomized field experiment among 1,200 smallholders in Uganda to estimate the extent to which subsidizing an improved grain storage bag crowds‐out or crowds‐in commercial buying of the technology. The empirical results show that on average, subsidized households are more likely to buy an additional bag at commercial prices relative to the households with no subsidy who are equally aware of the technology. This suggests that under certain circumstances, such as when there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of a new agricultural technology, and the private sector market for the technology is weak or nascent, a one‐time use of subsidy to build awareness and reduce risk can help generate demand for the new technology and thus crowd‐in commercial demand for it. In this context, a subsidy can allow farmers to experiment with the technology and learn from the experience before investing in it.
Food Policy and Household Food Waste
Authors: Hamilton Stephen F. , Richards Timothy J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractReducing household food waste is an important policy objective. In this paper we examine how equilibrium food waste among households is influenced by food policies designed to increase household food utilization and to alter household food purchasing behavior by adjusting market prices. We demonstrate that policies that reduce the marginal cost of household food utilization and that raise fresh food prices result in greater food waste for households with sufficiently price‐elastic demand for fresh food. Policies that raise the processed food prices increase fresh food consumption, but nevertheless reduce food waste, provided that fresh and processed foods are substitutes in utility and the equilibrium food utilization rate in a household is sufficiently high.
Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Authors: Cohen Steven R , Goodacre Ashley K , Leong Tracy S , Southwell Louise , Nomachi Takeru 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Primary excessive sweating of the axilla affects approximately 3.12% of the US population and has a negative impact on individuals’ lives.

Objectives
We report the safety and effectiveness up to 90 days after treating excessive sweating with percutaneous radiofrequency when using a standardized protocol.

Methods
Twenty adult subjects (13 females, 7 males) aged 18–49 years with excessive sweating were enrolled in a single-center, single-treatment unblinded prospective study conducted at the FACES+ Aesthetic Facility. Forty axilla were treated using the ThermiGen ThermiRF device. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and the Odor Scale (OS) were used for qualitative assessment.

Results
Primary and secondary exploratory evaluations were favorable at 90 days, indicating a significant improvement in quality of life and a significant reduction in both sweating and odor. The DLQI demonstrated an average improvement of 10.8 points at day 30, 10.7 at day 60, and 11.1 at day 90 (P = 0.0001). At day 90, 100% of individuals had ≥50% improvement in their excessive sweating based on the HDSS. At the conclusion of the study, 15 subjects had a ≥1-point drop in their OS, whereas 5 subjects had no change (P = 0.0002). There were no serious adverse events reported during this study. All adverse events were classified as mild and moderate and resolved within 2 months.

Conclusions
The addition of the ThermiRF temperature-controlled radiofrequency device to the algorithm of hyperhidrosis treatments reduces sweating and odor with minimal downtime.

Level of Evidence: 4
DeepIsoFun: a deep domain adaptation approach to predict isoform functions
Authors: Shaw Dipan , Chen Hao , Jiang Tao 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Isoforms are mRNAs produced from the same gene locus by alternative splicing and may have different functions. Although gene functions have been studied extensively, little is known about the specific functions of isoforms. Recently, some computational approaches based on multiple instance learning have been proposed to predict isoform functions from annotated gene functions and expression data, but their performance is far from being desirable primarily due to the lack of labeled training data. To improve the performance on this problem, we propose a novel deep learning method, DeepIsoFun, that combines multiple instance learning with domain adaptation. The latter technique helps to transfer the knowledge of gene functions to the prediction of isoform functions and provides additional labeled training data. Our model is trained on a deep neural network architecture so that it can adapt to different expression distributions associated with different gene ontology terms.

Results
We evaluated the performance of DeepIsoFun on three expression datasets of human and mouse collected from SRA studies at different times. On each dataset, DeepIsoFun performed significantly better than the existing methods. In terms of area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, our method acquired at least 26% improvement and in terms of area under the precision-recall curve, it acquired at least 10% improvement over the state-of-the-art methods. In addition, we also study the divergence of the functions predicted by our method for isoforms from the same gene and the overall correlation between expression similarity and the similarity of predicted functions.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/dls03/DeepIsoFun/

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Malthus on social classes: higher, lower and middle
Authors: Pullen John 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Malthus’s views on the relative roles and importance of the social classes—higher, lower and middle—are presented. The view commonly expressed in the secondary literature that he was prejudiced in favour of the upper classes is questioned. The view that he was uncaring or unsympathetic toward the labouring classes is said to lack textual support. It is argued that the economic importance he attributed to the middle classes and to a greater equality in the distribution of property, income and wealth is an essential, although frequently neglected, feature of his political economy.
Childhood Cognition and Age-Related Change in Standing Balance Performance From Mid to Later Life: Findings From a British Birth Cohort
Authors: Blodgett Joanna M , Kuh Diana , Hardy Rebecca , Davis Daniel H J , Cooper Rachel 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Cognitive processing plays a crucial role in the integration of sensory input and motor output that facilitates balance. However, whether balance ability in adulthood is influenced by cognitive pathways established in childhood is unclear, especially as no study has examined if these relationships change with age. We aimed to investigate associations between childhood cognition and age-related change in standing balance between mid and later life.

Methods
Data on 2,380 participants from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development were included in analyses. Repeated measures multilevel models estimated the association between childhood cognition, assessed at age 15, and log-transformed balance time, assessed at ages 53, 60–64, and 69 using the one-legged stand with eyes closed. Adjustments were made for sex, death, attrition, anthropometric measures, health conditions, health behaviors, education, other indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP), and adult verbal memory.

Results
In a sex-adjusted model, 1 standard deviation increase in childhood cognition was associated with a 13% (95% confidence interval: 10, 16; p &lt; .001) increase in balance time at age 53, and this association got smaller with age (cognition × age interaction: p &lt; .001). Adjustments for education, adult verbal memory, and SEP largely explained these associations.

Conclusions
Higher childhood cognition was associated with better balance performance in midlife, with diminishing associations with increasing age. The impact of adjustment for education, cognition and other indicators of SEP suggested a common pathway through which cognition is associated with balance across life. Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms, which may have important implications for falls risk and maintenance of physical capability.
Association of Breathing Reserve at Peak Exercise With Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Adults With Obesity
Authors: Opina Maria Theresa D , Brinkley Tina E , Gordon Michelle , Lyles Mary F , Nicklas Barbara J 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Adiposity-related ventilatory constraints in older adults can potentially contribute to greater risk of exercise intolerance and mobility disability. This study investigated whether ventilatory limitation, measured by breathing reserve (BR) at peak exercise, is associated with body composition and physical function in older adults with obesity.

Methods
This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based cohort (N = 177) of older men and women (65–79 years) with obesity (body mass index = 30–45 kg/m2). All participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for body composition, and physical function assessments. We examined relationships between BR and body composition and physical function using multiple linear regression and compared a subset with (BR ≤ 30%; BR-low; n = 56) and without (BR ≥ 45%; BR-high, n = 48) ventilatory limitation using unpaired Student’s t test and analysis of covariance.

Results
BR was inversely related to total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, % body fat, and waist circumference (p < 0.05 for all). BR was positively related to 400 m walk time (p = .006) and inversely related to usual gait speed (p = .05) and VO2peak (p < .0001), indicative of worse physical function. BR-low had greater adiposity, but also greater lean mass, higher VO2peak, and faster 400 m walk time, compared to BR-high (p < .05, for all).

Conclusions
Older adults with obesity who also have ventilatory limitation have overall higher measures of adiposity, but do not have lower peak exercise capacity or physical function. Thus, ventilatory limitation does not appear to be a contributing factor to obesity-related decrements in exercise tolerance or mobility.