bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex and gender differences in caregiving burden experienced by family caregivers of persons with dementia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Xiong Chen , Biscardi Melissa , Nalder Emily , Colantonio Angela 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionWhile much is known about caregiving burden and its consequences on both caregivers and care recipients, reports on the sex and gender differences that may be present among family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) are lacking. Attention to and a synthesis of these sex and gender distinctions have direct implications on the planning and development of health services for this population. The current protocol outlines a strategy for a systematic review of the current evidence to identify and synthesise sex and gender distinctions in caregiving burden experienced by family caregivers of PWD.Methods and analysisA comprehensive search strategy for studies that examine the sex and gender differences in caregiving impacts and experiences has been developed in collaboration with an information specialist at a university. All peer-reviewed English language studies on adult family caregivers of PWD, published from January 2007 to September 2017, found through Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and bibliographies of identified articles, will be considered eligible. Study quality will be assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists.Ethics and disseminationAs the first systematic review of its kind that focus on sex and gender differences in caregiving burden, findings will be relevant for healthcare practitioners and researchers who can better prescribe and develop interventions and technologies to better address the specific challenges and burden experienced by male and female family caregivers of PWD. Moreover, given that more than half of family caregivers are females; these sex and gender differences will also be pertinent to policy-makers when evaluating and planning of our healthcare systems to better meet the needs of this population.Trial registration numberCRD42018070032.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSUMPTION TAXES ON ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS TO MITIGATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: JANSSON TORBJÖRN , SÄLL SARAH 
Published: August 2018

Livestock cause around 10% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union. Despite the large quantities, no economic policy is in place to reduce emissions from the sector. In this paper, we introduce consumption taxes on animal products in the European Union to reduce GHG emissions. Impacts are simulated using the CAPRI model, which was created to analyze the impacts of agricultural policy reforms within the EU. Tax levels of 16, 60 and 290 Euro per ton of GHG emissions are used in the estimations. Our results show that consumption taxes have small mitigation effects, up to 4.9% of total agricultural emissions from the EU-27, mainly due to inelastic demand. The main source of reductions is beef and France is the country where most reductions would take place, given high levels of production and consumption in the country, combined with a large demand elasticity of beef.
The Value of Privacy
Authors: Wang Weina , Ying Lei , Zhang Junshan 
Published: August 2018

We study the value of data privacy in a game-theoretic model of trading private data, where a data collector purchases private data from strategic data subjects (individuals) through an incentive mechanism. One primary goal of the data collector is to learn some desired information from the elicited data. Specifically, this information is modeled by an underlying state, and the private data of each individual represents his of her knowledge about the state. Departing from most of the existing work on privacy-aware surveys, our model does not assume the data collector to be trustworthy. Further, an individual takes full control of his or her own data privacy and reports only a privacy-preserving version of his or her data.
In this article, the value of ϵ units of privacy is measured by the minimum payment among all nonnegative payment mechanisms, under which an individual’s best response at a Nash equilibrium is to report his or her data in an ϵ-locally differentially private manner. The higher ϵ is, the less private the reported data is. We derive lower and upper bounds on the value of privacy that are asymptotically tight as the number of data subjects becomes large. Specifically, the lower bound assures that it is impossible to use a lower payment to buy ϵ units of privacy, and the upper bound is given by an achievable payment mechanism that we design. Based on these fundamental limits, we further derive lower and upper bounds on the minimum total payment for the data collector to achieve a given accuracy target for learning the underlying state and show that the total payment of the designed mechanism is at most one individual’s payment away from the minimum.
Germline and Somatic NF1 Alterations Are Linked to Increased HER2 Expression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Xia , Kallionpää Roope A. , Gonzales Patrick R. , Chitale Dhananjay A. , Tousignant Renee N. , Crowley Jacob P. , Chen Zhihua , Yoder Sean J. , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Acosta Maria T. , Korf Bruce R. , Messiaen Ludwine M. , Tainsky Michael A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
NF1 germline mutation predisposes to breast cancer. NF1 mutations have also been proposed as oncogenic drivers in sporadic breast cancers. To understand the genomic and histologic characteristics of these breast cancers, we analyzed the tumors with NF1 germline mutations and also examined the genomic and proteomic profiles of unselected tumors. Among 14 breast cancer specimens from 13 women affected with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), 9 samples (NF + BrCa) underwent genomic copy number (CN) and targeted sequencing analysis. Mutations of NF1 were identified in two samples and TP53 were in three. No mutation was detected in ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, PALB2, PTEN, RAD50, and STK11. HER2 (ErbB2) overexpression was detected by IHC in 69.2% (9/13) of the tumors. CN gain/amplification of ERBB2 was detected in 4 of 9 with DNA analysis. By evaluating HER2 expression and NF1 alterations in unselected invasive breast cancers in TCGA datasets, we discovered that among samples with ERBB2 CN gain/amplification, the HER2 mRNA and protein expression were much more pronounced in NF1-mutated/deleted samples in comparison with NF1-unaltered samples. This finding suggests a synergistic interplay between these two genes, potentially driving the development of breast cancer harboring NF1 mutation and ERBB2 CN gain/amplification. NF1 gene loss of heterozygosity was observed in 4 of 9 NF + BrCa samples. CDK4 appeared to have more CN gain in NF + BrCa and exhibited increased mRNA expression in TCGA NF1--altered samples. Cancer Prev Res; 11(10); 655–64. ©2018 AACR.
The relationship of head morphology and diet among three sympatric watersnake species
Authors: Perkins Micah W. , Eason Perri K. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Investigating dietary resource utilization and head morphology of gape-limited predators can provide a basis for understanding interspecific competition and species coexistence. For sympatric species, convergence of head morphology can indicate similar prey or foraging strategies while divergence can suggest competition, resource partitioning or expansion into new habitats. Sexual dimorphism can further complicate the head morphology-diet relationship by potentially reducing intraspecific competition. To understand the relationship between head morphology and diet, we studied three sympatric species, the plain-bellied (Nerodia erythrogaster), diamondback (N. rhombifer), and northern (N. sipedon) watersnakes in western Kentucky. All three species inhabit similar wetlands and feed on amphibians and fishes. The anurophagous plain-bellied watersnakes had longer, narrower heads that likely allow snakes to capture anuran metamorphs and froglets while facilitating movement through dense vegetation. The piscivorous diamondback watersnake had a wider head, which would enhance contact with prey in this open-mouth forager, and smaller interocular distance, resulting in dorsally placed eyes that facilitate seeing fish prey from below. The mostly piscivorous northern watersnake had an intermediate, generalized head shape, which may reflect the typically wide diet range of this species. Head shape did not differ between snake sexes but diamondback and northern females had larger heads than males and fed more frequently on fishes. The relationship between head morphology and diet highlights potential interspecific and intersexual competition and aids in the understanding of species coexistence patterns.
Using Simulated Dropsondes to Understand Extreme Updrafts and Wind Speeds in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Stern Daniel P. , Bryan George H. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractExtreme updrafts (≥10 m s−1) and wind gusts (≥90 m s−1) are ubiquitous within the low-level eyewall of intense tropical cyclones (TCs). Previous studies suggest that both of these features are associated with coherent subkilometer-scale vortices. Here, over 100 000 “virtual” dropsonde trajectories are examined within a large-eddy simulation (31.25-m horizontal grid spacing) of a category 5 hurricane in order to gain insight into the nature of these features and to better understand and interpret dropsonde observations. At such a high resolution, profiles of wind speed and vertical velocity from the virtual sondes are difficult to distinguish from those of real dropsondes. PDFs of the strength of updrafts and wind gusts compare well between the simulated and observed dropsondes, as do the respective range of heights over which these features are found. Individual simulated updrafts can be tracked for periods of up to several minutes, revealing structures that are both coherent and rapidly evolving. It appears that the updrafts are closely associated with vortices and wind speed maxima, consistent with previous studies. The peak instantaneous wind gusts in the simulations (up to 150 m s−1) are substantially stronger than have ever been observed. Using the virtual sondes, it is demonstrated that the probability of sampling such extremes is vanishingly small, and it is argued that actual intense TCs might also be characterized by gusts of these magnitudes.
Higher education as a space for promoting the psychosocial well-being of refugee students
Authors: Jack Odette , Chase Elaine , Warwick Ian 
Published: August 2018

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how well a single higher education institution (HEI) was perceived to be meeting the psychosocial support needs of refugee students and to identify possible ways in which the HEI might better promote refugee students’ psychosocial well-being. Design: Adopting an exploratory, focused case study design, the research employed a qualitative interpretive approach utilising three data collection methods: narrative inquiry, Photovoice and key informant interviews. The social ecological model and the health-promoting university approach guided the enquiry and analysis. Setting: A single HEI in London, UK. Results: Refugee student-participants reported stressful and traumatic experiences at different points in their migratory experience. Participants were motivated by being involved in education but identified barriers to seeking institutional support to improve their health and well-being. Student-participants and staff identified ways in which support for refugee student well-being could be improved. Conclusion: Refugee students were found to have specific health and well-being support needs which were not met due to a range of organisational constraints. The social ecological model and the health-promoting university offer frameworks for HEIs to respond better to the diverse health and well-being needs of students.
Suggesting a “Humanity Chest”
Authors: Fisher Dorothy Canfield , Woodruff Caroline S. 
Published: August 2018

In 1940, a Children's Crusade, hastily organized among; the schools of the United States, raised the substantial sum of $140,000 for the relief of children of other lands who were victims of war's ruthlessness and havoc. Two members of the national committee which conducted that emergency effort were Mrs. Dorothy Canfield Fisher, the well-known author, and Dr. Caroline S. Woodruff, another Vermont resident who needs no introduction to educators. As an outgrowth of experience with the Children's Crusade, Mrs. Fisher now proposes a more permanent and more inclusive arrangement to he known as a “Humanity Chest,” which shall serve as a focal point and medium of distribution for a philanthropic fund to be given by America's children in the schools. The project would he administered by a local committee of adults in each school community and would operate without overhead expense of any sort, according to Mrs. Fisher's plan, which Miss Woodruff heartily commends. The children of each school would be given a voice in the allocation of their gift. The proposed set-up of the Humanity Chest was fully outlined by Mrs. Fisher in Educational Method of February, 1943, and any person desirous of taking an active part in the program will do well to procure a copy of that issue. The following excerpts from Mrs. Fisher's article are presented, because they give some of the main reasons for the Humanity Cheat movement.
Redo tricuspid valve operation in patients with 1st-generation mitral prostheses
Authors: Chow Simon CY , Lee Alex PW , Ho Anthony MH , Chan Herman HM , Underwood Malcolm J , Wan Song 
Published: August 2018

Background In patients with remarkably enlarged cardiac chambers and history of implantation of older types of mitral valve prosthesis, the considerations for reoperative tricuspid valve surgery are not limited to the risks of sternal reentry but also include the dilemma of whether to carry out prophylactic replacement of the normal functioning but outdated prosthesis or leave it in situ. Methods We reviewed our surgical strategy and postoperative 5-year follow-up findings in two patients who underwent redo tricuspid surgery 3 to 4 decades after mechanical mitral valve replacement. Both patients presented with significant symptoms of progressive right heart failure due to severe tricuspid regurgitation, despite optimal medical therapy. Results We found the beating-heart approach to be an effective and safe method for redo tricuspid surgery. Both first-generation mitral mechanical prostheses were not replaced and have remained well functional upon the patients’ postoperative 5-year follow-up, respectively. Conclusion For patients with normal functioning first-generation mechanical mitral prostheses, whether to prophylactically replace the prosthesis should be based on an individualized risk-benefit analysis.
Evaluating Nasalance Values Among Bilingual Mandarin–English Speakers
Authors: Pua Eshan , Holt Yolanda , Kollara Lakshmi , Rangarathnam Balaji , Fang Xiangming , Perry Jamie L. 
Published: August 2018

Objective: The goals of this research are (1) to establish normative nasalance values for bilingual Mandarin–English speakers and compare values to those of previously reported monolingual Mandarin speakers, and (2) to examine whether sex, age, dialect, and language proficiency affect levels of nasalance among Mandarin–English speakers in both English and Mandarin. Design: All participants recorded the speech stimuli, constructed to include oral sentences, nasal sentences, oronasal sentences, and vowels /ɑ, i, u/ in Mandarin and English. Nasalance measurements were recorded using the Nasometer II 6450. Participants and Setting: A total of 45 (20 males and 25 females) native Mandarin speakers between 20 and 54 years of age from mainland China participated in the study. Results: Mean nasalance scores of the Mandarin oral sentence (Mean [M] = 17.64, standard deviation [SD] = 7.33), oronasal sentence (M = 54.62, SD = 7.81), and nasal sentence (M = 68.73, SD = 8.09) are reported. Mean nasalance scores of the English oral sentence (M = 20.02, SD = 7.83), oronasal sentence (M = 58.71, SD = 7.59), and nasal sentence (M = 65.27, SD = 7.45) are reported. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant sex difference in nasalance scores for English stimuli ( P = .031) and Mandarin stimuli ( P = .040). There was no significant effects of age, dialect, and language proficiency on Mandarin or English stimuli. Conclusions: This is the first study to report normative values for Mandarin–English speakers using the Nasometer II. Values reported can be used for objective assessment of bilingual speakers.
Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome in feline sepsis: prevalence and prognostic implication
Authors: Troìa Roberta , Mascalzoni Giulia , Calipa Stefano , Magagnoli Ilaria , Dondi Francesco , Giunti Massimo 
Published: August 2018

Objectives The current study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic significance of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in cats with sepsis. Methods Cats hospitalised in the intensive care unit of a veterinary university hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis were prospectively enrolled and divided according to disease severity and outcome (survivors; non-survivors). The feline acute patient physiological and laboratory evaluation (APPLE) scores were calculated upon admission, as previously described. Specific criteria to identify selected organ dysfunction (hepatic, renal, respiratory, cardiocirculatory, haemostatic) were adapted from the available human and veterinary literature, and evaluated at baseline and at the end of hospital stay. MODS was defined as the presence of at least two dysfunctional organs simultaneously. Non-parametric statistics were used for comparisons. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses to evaluate significant risk factors for death were carried out. Correlations between variables were assessed by the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Significance was set at P <0.05. Results A total of 43 cats with heterogeneous sources of sepsis were included. MODS was identified in 25/43 cats upon admission and in 32/43 cats at the end of hospital stay. Regression analyses showed a significantly elevated odds ratio for mortality for the presence of MODS, renal and cardiovascular dysfunction upon admission, as well as for the number of dysfunctional organs. The latter was the only variable retained by the model from the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Significant correlations were documented between the number of dysfunctional organs and the APPLE scores. Conclusions and relevance MODS is a frequent complication of feline sepsis, and is associated with worse outcomes. In particular, renal and cardiovascular dysfunction significantly increase the odds for death. Hence, systematic screening for organ dysfunction is advocated in cats with sepsis.
Revisiting isotonic phase I design in the era of model-assisted dose-finding
Authors: Wages Nolan A. , Conaway Mark R 
Published: August 2018

Background/aims In the conduct of phase I trials, the limited use of innovative model-based designs in practice has led to an introduction of a class of “model-assisted” designs with the aim of effectively balancing the trade-off between design simplicity and performance. Prior to the recent surge of these designs, methods that allocated patients to doses based on isotonic toxicity probability estimates were proposed. Like model-assisted methods, isotonic designs allow investigators to avoid difficulties associated with pre-trial parametric specifications of model-based designs. The aim of this work is to take a fresh look at an isotonic design in light of the current landscape of model-assisted methods. Methods The isotonic phase I method of Conaway, Dunbar, and Peddada was proposed in 2004 and has been regarded primarily as a design for dose-finding in drug combinations. It has largely been overlooked in the single-agent setting. Given its strong simulation performance in application to more complex dose-finding problems, such as drug combinations and patient heterogeneity, as well as the recent development of user-friendly software to accompany the method, we take a fresh look at this design and compare it to a current model-assisted method. We generated operating characteristics of the Conaway–Dunbar–Peddada method using a new web application developed for simulating and implementing the design and compared it to the recently proposed Keyboard design that is based on toxicity probability intervals. Results The Conaway–Dunbar–Peddada method has better performance in terms of accuracy of dose recommendation and safety in patient allocation in 17 of 20 scenarios considered. The Conaway–Dunbar–Peddada method also allocated fewer patients to doses above the maximum tolerated dose than the Keyboard method in many of scenarios studied. Overall, the performance of the Conaway–Dunbar–Peddada method is strong when compared to the Keyboard method, making it a viable simple alternative to the model-assisted methods developed in recent years. Conclusion The Conaway–Dunbar–Peddada method does not rely on the specification and fitting of a parametric model for the entire dose-toxicity curve to estimate toxicity probabilities as other model-based designs do. It relies on a similar set of pre-trial specifications to toxicity probability interval-based methods, yet unlike model-assisted methods, it is able to borrow information across all dose levels, increasing its efficiency. We hope this concise study of the Conaway–Dunbar–Peddada method, and the availability of user-friendly software, will augment its use in practice.
Differences in the Magnitude of Representational Momentum Between School-Aged Children and Adults as a Function of Experimental Task
Authors: Shirai Nobu , Izumi Erika , Imura Tomoko , Ishihara Masami , Imanaka Kuniyasu 
Published: August 2018

Representational momentum (RM) is the phenomenon that occurs when an object moves and then disappears, and the recalled final position of the object shifts in the direction of its motion. Some previous findings indicate that the magnitude of RM in early childhood is comparable to that in adulthood, whereas other findings suggest that the magnitude of RM is significantly greater in childhood than in adulthood. We examined whether the inconsistencies between previous studies could be explained by differences in the experimental tasks used in these studies. Futterweit and Beilin used a same-different judgment between the position where a moving stimulus disappeared and where a comparison stimulus reappeared (judging task), whereas Hubbard et al. used a task wherein a computer mouse cursor pointed to the position where the moving stimulus disappeared (pointing task). Three age groups ( M = 7.4, 10.7, and 22.1 years, respectively) participated in both the judging and pointing tasks in the current study. A multivariate analysis of variance with the magnitudes of RM in each task as dependent variables revealed a significant main effect for age. A one-way analysis of variance performed for each of the judging and pointing tasks also indicated a significant main effect of age. However, post hoc multiple comparisons detected a significant age effect only for the pointing task. The inconsistency between the judging and pointing tasks was discussed related to the distinct effect size of the age difference in the magnitude of RM between the two tasks.