bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of physical activity among older adults in Germany: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Manz Kristin , Mensink Gert B M , Jordan Susanne , Schienkiewitz Anja , Krug Susanne , Finger Jonas D 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate individual, interpersonal and environmental baseline factors predicting regular aerobic physical activity (PA) participation among older adults in Germany at follow-up 12 years later.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.SettingCluster-randomised general population sample selected based on population registry address information from 130 nationally distributed sample points collected from 1997 to 1999 and re-evaluated 12 years later from 2008 to 2011.Participants1184 adults, aged 65 years or older at follow-up with complete data at baseline and follow-up, were included in the final study sample.Outcome measureRegular ‘aerobic PA ≥1 day/week’ assessed based on self-reported information.ResultsAt follow-up, 53.2% of the participants engaged in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week. Participants aged 50 to 60 years at baseline were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week than participants aged 61 to 78 years; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.40. Participants with middle and high socioeconomic status (SES) were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week than participants with low SES; OR middle SES 2.08, 1.33 to 3.25; high SES 3.44, 2.11 to 5.60. Participants with high social support were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week at follow-up than participants with low social support; OR 1.98, 1.26 to 3.12. Furthermore, participants who engaged in leisure time PA at least once per week at baseline were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week at follow-up than those who engaged less than once per week; OR 1.95, 1.46 to 2.60.ConclusionsSeveral influencing factors assessed at baseline predicted regular aerobic PA participation 12 years later. These factors should be considered when planning interventions to prevent physical inactivity in older adults. There is great potential to increase aerobic PA participation in older adults in Germany, in particular among those with low SES and low social support.
Job strain and loss of healthy life years between ages 50 and 75 by sex and occupational position: analyses of 64 934 individuals from four prospective cohort studies
Authors: Magnusson Hanson Linda L , Westerlund Hugo , Chungkham Holendro S , Vahtera Jussi , Rod Naja H , Alexanderson Kristina , Goldberg Marcel , Kivimäki Mika , Stenholm Sari , Platts Loretta G , Zins Marie , Head Jenny 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesPoor psychosocial working conditions increase the likelihood of various types of morbidity and may substantially limit quality of life and possibilities to remain in paid work. To date, however, no studies to our knowledge have quantified the extent to which poor psychosocial working conditions reduce healthy or chronic disease-free life expectancy, which was the focus of this study.MethodsData were derived from four cohorts with repeat data: the Finnish Public Sector Study (Finland), GAZEL (France), the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (Sweden) and Whitehall II (UK). Healthy (in good self-rated health) life expectancy (HLE) and chronic disease-free (free from cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes) life expectancy (CDFLE) was calculated from age 50 to 75 based on 64 394 individuals with data on job strain (high demands in combination with low control) at baseline and health at baseline and follow-up.ResultsMultistate life table models showed that job strain was consistently related to shorter HLE (overall 1.7 years difference). The difference in HLE was more pronounced among men (2.0 years compared with 1.5 years for women) and participants in lower occupational positions (2.5 years among low-grade men compared with 1.7 years among high-grade men). Similar differences in HLE, although smaller, were observed among those in intermediate or high occupational positions. Job strain was additionally associated with shorter CDFLE, although this association was weaker and somewhat inconsistent.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that individuals with job strain have a shorter health expectancy compared with those without job strain.
Lung cancer mortality and exposure to synthetic metalworking fluid and biocides: controlling for the healthy worker survivor effect
Authors: Garcia Erika , Picciotto Sally , Neophytou Andreas M , Bradshaw Patrick T , Balmes John R , Eisen Ellen A 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesSynthetic metalworking fluids (MWFs), widely used to cool and lubricate industrial machining and grinding operations, have been linked with increased risk of several cancers. Estimates of their relation with lung cancer, however, are inconsistent. Controlling for the healthy worker survivor effect, we examined the relations between lung cancer mortality and exposure to synthetic MWF, as well as to biocides added to water-based fluids to control microbial growth, in a cohort of autoworkers. Biocides served as a marker for endotoxin, which has reported antitumour effects, and were hypothesised to be the reason prior studies found reduced lung cancer risk associated with exposure to synthetic fluids.MethodsUsing the parametric g-formula, we estimated risk ratios (RRs) comparing cumulative lung cancer mortality under no intervention with what would have occurred under hypothetical interventions reducing exposure to zero (ie, a ban) separately for two exposures: synthetic fluids and biocides. We also specified an intervention on synthetic MWF and biocides simultaneously to estimate joint effects.ResultsUnder a synthetic MWF ban, we observed decreased lung cancer mortality risk at age 86, RR=0.96 (0.91–1.01), but when we also intervened to ban biocides, the RR increased to 1.03 (0.95–1.11). A biocide-only ban increased lung cancer mortality (RR=1.07 (1.00–1.16)), with slightly larger RR in younger ages.ConclusionsFindings suggest a modest positive association for synthetic MWF with lung cancer mortality, contrary to the negative associations reported in earlier studies. Biocide exposure, however, was inversely associated with risk of lung cancer mortality.
Occupational exposures and cancer: a review of agents and relative risk estimates
Authors: Marant Micallef Claire , Shield Kevin David , Baldi Isabelle , Charbotel Barbara , Fervers Béatrice , Gilg Soit Ilg Anabelle , Guénel Pascal , Olsson Ann , Rushton Lesley , Hutchings Sally J , Straif Kurt , Soerjomataram Isabelle 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesThe contribution of occupational exposures to the cancer burden can be estimated using population-attributable fractions, which is of great importance for policy making. This paper reviews occupational carcinogens, and presents the most relevant risk relations to cancer in high-income countries using France as an example, to provide a framework for national estimation of cancer burden attributable to occupational exposure.MethodsOccupational exposures that should be included in cancer burden studies were evaluated using multiple criteria: classified as carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs volumes 1–114, being a primary occupational exposure, historical and current presence of the exposure in France and the availability of exposure and risk relation data. Relative risk estimates were obtained from published systematic reviews and from the IARC Monographs.ResultsOf the 118 group 1 and 75 group 2A carcinogens, 37 exposures and 73 exposure-cancer site pairs were relevant. Lung cancer was associated with the most occupational carcinogenic exposures (namely, 18), followed by bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ionising radiation was associated with the highest number of cancer sites (namely, 20), followed by asbestos and working in the rubber manufacturing industry. Asbestos, bis(chloromethyl)ether, nickel and wood dust had the strongest effect on cancer, with relative risks above 5.ConclusionsA large number of occupational exposures continues to impact the burden of cancer in high-income countries such as France. Information on types of exposures, affected jobs, industries and cancer sites affected is key for prioritising policy and prevention initiatives.
The Influence of Defuzzification Methods to Decision Support Systems Based on Fuzzy AHP with Scattered Comparison Matrix: Application to 3PLP Selection as a Case Study
Authors: Tuljak-Suban Danijela , Bajec Patricija 
Published: May 2018

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is, in literature, the most frequently used selection method generally in association with fuzzy logic. In this article some incongruities in the use of fuzzy AHP detected in the literature are presented such as improper use of the defuzzification methods and weak consistency checks of the comparison matrix that in case of scattered comparison matrix could produces results that are clearly a contradiction. We demonstrate how even a careful definition of the third party logistics providers (3PLP) selection criteria may lead to improper results, if the appropriate methods of defuzzification are not used and the concept of “vague” is not well interpreted, both in the comparison phase and in the calculation phase.
Neck muscle spindle noise biases reaches in a multisensory integration task
Authors: Abedi Khoozani Parisa , Blohm Gunnar 
Published: May 2018

Reference frame transformations (RFTs) are crucial components of sensorimotor transformations in the brain. Stochasticity in RFTs has been suggested to add noise to the transformed signal due to variability in transformation parameter estimates (e.g., angle) as well as the stochastic nature of computations in spiking networks of neurons. Here, we varied the RFT angle together with the associated variability and evaluated the behavioral impact in a reaching task that required variability-dependent visual-proprioceptive multisensory integration. Crucially, reaches were performed with the head either straight or rolled 30° to either shoulder, and we also applied neck loads of 0 or 1.8 kg (left or right) in a 3 × 3 design, resulting in different combinations of estimated head roll angle magnitude and variance required in RFTs. A novel three-dimensional stochastic model of multisensory integration across reference frames was fitted to the data and captured our main behavioral findings: 1) neck load biased head angle estimation across all head roll orientations, resulting in systematic shifts in reach errors; 2) increased neck muscle tone led to increased reach variability due to signal-dependent noise; and 3) both head roll and neck load created larger angular errors in reaches to visual targets away from the body compared with reaches toward the body. These results show that noise in muscle spindles and stochasticity in general have a tangible effect on RFTs underlying reach planning. Since RFTs are omnipresent in the brain, our results could have implications for processes as diverse as motor control, decision making, posture/balance control, and perception. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that increasing neck muscle tone systematically biases reach movements. A novel three-dimensional multisensory integration across reference frames model captures the data well and provides evidence that the brain must have online knowledge of full-body geometry together with the associated variability to plan reach movements accurately.
The quality of visual information about the lower extremities influences visuomotor coordination during virtual obstacle negotiation
Authors: Kim Aram , Kretch Kari S. , Zhou Zixuan , Finley James M. 
Published: May 2018

Successful negotiation of obstacles during walking relies on the integration of visual information about the environment with ongoing locomotor commands. When information about the body and the environment is removed through occlusion of the lower visual field, individuals increase downward head pitch angle, reduce foot placement precision, and increase safety margins during crossing. However, whether these effects are mediated by loss of visual information about the lower extremities, the obstacle, or both remains to be seen. Here we used a fully immersive, virtual obstacle negotiation task to investigate how visual information about the lower extremities is integrated with information about the environment to facilitate skillful obstacle negotiation. Participants stepped over virtual obstacles while walking on a treadmill with one of three types of visual feedback about the lower extremities: no feedback, end-point feedback, and a link-segment model. We found that absence of visual information about the lower extremities led to an increase in the variability of leading foot placement after crossing. The presence of a visual representation of the lower extremities promoted greater downward head pitch angle during the approach to and subsequent crossing of an obstacle. In addition, having greater downward head pitch was associated with closer placement of the trailing foot to the obstacle, further placement of the leading foot after the obstacle, and higher trailing foot clearance. These results demonstrate that the fidelity of visual information about the lower extremities influences both feedforward and feedback aspects of visuomotor coordination during obstacle negotiation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we demonstrate that visual information about the lower extremities is utilized for precise foot placement and control of safety margins during obstacle negotiation. We also found that when a visual representation of the lower extremities is present, this information is used in the online control of foot trajectory. Together, our results highlight how visual information about the body and the environment is integrated with motor commands for planning and online control of obstacle negotiation.
Telomere Length and Lung Cancer Mortality among Heavy Smokers
Authors: Doherty Jennifer A. , Grieshober Laurie , Houck John R. , Barnett Matthew J. , Tapsoba Jean De Dieu , Thornquist Mark , Wang Ching-Yun , Goodman Gary E. , Chen Chu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground: Accumulating evidence suggests that short telomere length is associated with increased overall mortality, but the relationship with cancer mortality is less clear. We examined whether telomere length (global, and chromosome arm 5p- and 13q-specific) is associated with lung cancer mortality among cases from the β-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial of heavy smokers.Methods: Telomere length was measured on average 6 years before diagnosis for 788 lung cancer cases. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models of all-cause and lung cancer–specific mortality were assessed for lung cancer overall and by histotype.Results: Short telomere length was associated with increased mortality for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), particularly stage III/IV SCLC [HR and 95% confidence interval for shortest vs. longest telomere length tertile: 3.32 (1.78–6.21)]. Associations were strongest for those randomized to the active intervention and when telomere length was measured ≤5 years before diagnosis. All-cause mortality patterns were similar. Short chromosome 5p telomere length was suggestively associated with lung cancer mortality, but there was no association with chromosome 13q telomere length.Conclusions: Our large prospective study suggests that among heavy smokers who developed lung cancer, short prediagnosis telomere length is associated with increased risk of death from SCLC.Impact: This is the first study to examine telomere length and mortality in lung cancer cases by histotype. If the association between short telomere length and SCLC mortality is replicated, elucidation of mechanisms through which telomere length influences survival for this highly aggressive cancer may inform more effective use of telomere-targeted therapeutics. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 829–37. ©2018 AACR.
Health Economic Analysis of Access Site Practice in England During Changes in Practice
Authors: Mamas Mamas A. , Tosh Jon , Hulme Will , Hoskins Nicki , Bungey George , Ludman Peter , de Belder Mark , Kwok Chun Shing , Verin Nathalie , Kinnaird Tim , Bennett Ewan , Curzen Nick , Nolan James , Kontopantelis Evangelos 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Transradial access (TRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a reduced risk of mortality compared with transfemoral access, access site–related bleeding complications, and shorter length of stay. The budget impact from a healthcare system that has largely transitioned to TRA for PCI has not been previously published.

Methods and Results:
Data from 323 656 patients undergoing PCI between 2010 and 2014 were obtained from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database. Costs for TRA and transfemoral access PCI were estimated based on procedure cost, length of stay, and differences in the rates of complications (major bleeding and vascular complications). In the base case, a propensity-matched data set between transfemoral access and TRA was used to directly compare the cost per PCI, whereas in the real-world analysis, the full data set was used. Across all indications and all years, TRA offered an average cost saving of £250.59 per procedure (22% reduction) versus transfemoral access with the majority of cost saving derived from reduced length of stay (£190.43) rather than direct costs of complications (£3.71). In the real-world analysis, adoption of TRA was estimated to have provided cost savings of £13.31 million across England between 2010 and 2014; however, if operators in all regions had adopted TRA at the rate of the region with the highest utilization, cost savings of £33.40 million could have been achieved.

Conclusions:
The transition to TRA in England has been associated with significant cost savings across the national healthcare system, in addition to the well-established clinical benefits.
Characterization of Dry Conditions across the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands during Near-Neutral ENSO Phases
Authors: Ludert Alejandro , Wang Bin , Merrifield Mark A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPIs), located in the tropical western Pacific, are very susceptible to severe drought. Dry season (December–May) rainfall anomalies have different relationships to ENSO for USAPIs north and south of 7°N. South of 7°N, rainfall exhibits a canonical negative correlation with the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) (i.e., dry conditions during warm periods). To the north, the dry season falls into either “canonical” or “noncanonical” (positively correlated with ONI) regimes. Noncanonical years pose an important forecasting challenge as severe droughts have occurred during cool ONI conditions (referred to here as “cool dry” cases). Composite analysis of the two regimes shows that for noncanonical cool dry years, anticyclonic circulation anomalies over the tropical western North Pacific (TWNP), with a band of anomalous dry conditions extending from the central Pacific toward Micronesia, result in unexpected droughts. In contrast, canonical “cool wet” events show cyclonic TWNP circulation and increased rainfall over the northern USAPIs. Maximum SST anomalies are located near the date line during noncanonical years, and farther east during canonical years. While both regimes show negative rainfall and TWNP anticyclonic circulation anomalies before the onset of the December–May dry season, during the dry season these anomalies persist during noncanonical events but rapidly reverse sign during canonical events. SST anomalies in the noncanonical regime extend eastward from the central Pacific rather than intensify in place over the eastern Pacific in the canonical regime. Differences in the evolution of circulation, precipitation, and SST anomalies suggest distinct physical mechanisms governing the two ENSO regimes, with possible ramifications for seasonal forecasts.
Precipitation Sensitivity to the Uncertainty of Terrestrial Water Flow in WRF-Hydro: An Ensemble Analysis for Central Europe
Authors: Arnault Joël , Rummler Thomas , Baur Florian , Lerch Sebastian , Wagner Sven , Fersch Benjamin , Zhang Zhenyu , Kerandi Noah , Keil Christian , Kunstmann Harald 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Precipitation is affected by soil moisture spatial variability. However, this variability is not well represented in atmospheric models that do not consider soil moisture transport as a three-dimensional process. This study investigates the sensitivity of precipitation to the uncertainty in the representation of terrestrial water flow. The tools used for this investigation are the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and its hydrologically enhanced version, WRF-Hydro, applied over central Europe during April–October 2008. The model grid is convection permitting, with a horizontal spacing of 2.8 km. The WRF-Hydro subgrid employs a 280-m resolution to resolve lateral terrestrial water flow. A WRF/WRF-Hydro ensemble is constructed by modifying the parameter controlling the partitioning between surface runoff and infiltration and by varying the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme. This ensemble represents terrestrial water flow uncertainty originating from the consideration of resolved lateral flow, terrestrial water flow uncertainty in the vertical direction, and turbulence parameterization uncertainty. The uncertainty of terrestrial water flow noticeably increases the normalized ensemble spread of daily precipitation where topography is moderate, surface flux spatial variability is high, and the weather regime is dominated by local processes. The adjusted continuous ranked probability score shows that the PBL uncertainty improves the skill of an ensemble subset in reproducing daily precipitation from the E-OBS observational product by 16%–20%. In comparison to WRF, WRF-Hydro improves this skill by 0.4%–0.7%. The reproduction of observed daily discharge with Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficients generally above 0.3 demonstrates the potential of WRF-Hydro in hydrological science.