bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An economic evaluation of a telephone outcall intervention for informal carers of cancer patients in Australia: An assessment of costs and quality‐adjusted‐life‐years
Authors: Richards‐Jones Scott , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Heckel Leila , Gunn Kate M. , Tan Marcus , Livingston Patricia M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveCarers of people with cancer provide uncompensated care that is often physically, emotionally, and financially demanding, which results in neglect of their own health. This study's objective was to conduct an economic evaluation following a randomised control trial (RCT) involving a proactive telephone outcall intervention aimed at improving health outcomes among carers of cancer patients.MethodsThe trial was a single‐blind, multicentre, RCT conducted across four Australian health services, comprising three outcalls from trained Cancer Council 131120 (Cancer Council telephone and information support services) nurses compared with three phone call reminders of the availability of 131120 services (control group). Outcalls consisted of telephone contacts to the caregivers initiated by the Cancer Council nurses. The primary trial outcome was reduced carer burden. Health care resource use was measured using a resource use questionnaire (RUQ), and costs were presented in 2013 $(AUS). Quality‐adjusted‐life‐years (QALYs) were also used as health outcomes. An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated, with bootstrapping used to quantify sampling variability. A $50 000 per QALY‐gained willingness‐to‐pay threshold was used. Sensitivity analyses were conducted.ResultsResults showed that the total mean QALYs‐gained were higher (0.02 QALYs, P = 0.01) in the control group, and total mean costs were lower in the control group ($477, P < 0.001) over the trial duration. The intervention group was dominated by the control group. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsResults suggest policy makers should not adopt this intervention into routine health care in its current form. Further research into the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of telephone‐based interventions for carers is required.
Polynomial static output feedback H∞ control via homogeneous Lyapunov functions
Authors: Lo Ji‐Chang , Liu Jung‐Wei 
Published: January 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we study a polynomial static output feedback (SOF) stabilization problem with H∞ performance via a homogeneous polynomial Lyapunov function (HPLF). It is shown that the quadratic stability ascertaining the existence of a single constant Lyapunov function becomes a special case. With the HPLF, the proposal is based on a relaxed two‐step sum of square (SOS) construction where a stabilizing polynomial state feedback gain K(x) is returned at the first stage and then the obtained K(x) gain is fed back to the second stage, achieving the SOF closed‐loop stabilization of the underlying polynomial fuzzy control systems. The SOS equations obtained thus effectively serve as a sufficient condition for synthesizing the SOF controllers that guarantee polynomial fuzzy systems stabilization. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed polynomial fuzzy SOF H∞ control, benchmark examples are provided for the new approach.
Trajectories of functional ability over the life course: a conceptual model of the interaction of stressor‐induced functional loss and resilience
Authors: Matchar David B. , Ansah John P. , Koh Victoria , Whitson Heather E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that influence functional ability over the life course is integral to identifying clinical and public health policies to facilitate successful aging. The World Health Organization has advocated a conceptual framework to clarify the policy discussion. We have sought to translate this general framework into an explicit system dynamics model of the interaction of physiological loss, stressors and endogenous responses to produce a familiar variety of trajectories of functional ability over the life courses. Simulation experiments were implemented for both a 30‐month duration with only one major stressor; and for the life course with an initial major stressor and subsequent stressors determined by the level of functional ability. For both contexts, variations in the few parameters in the scenarios led to a realistic range of trajectories of function over time.© 2019 System Dynamics Society
Automating Event-B invariant proofs by rippling and proof patching
Authors: Lin Yuhui , Bundy Alan , Grov Gudmund , Maclean Ewen 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

The use of formal method techniques can contribute to the production of more reliable and dependable systems. However, a common bottleneck for industrial adoption of such techniques is the needs for interactive proofs. We use a popular formal method, called
Event-B
, as our working domain, and set invariant preservation (INV) proofs as targets, because INV proofs can account for a significant proportion of the proofs requiring human interactions. We apply an inductive theorem proving technique, called rippling, for Event-B INV proofs. Rippling automates proofs using meta-level guidance. The guidance is in particular useful to develop proof patches to recover failed proof attempts. We are interested in the case when a missing lemma is required. We combine a scheme-based theory-exploration system, called
IsaScheme
[
MRMDB10
], with rippling to develop a proof patch via lemma discovery. We also develop two new proof patches to unfold operator definitions and to suggest case-splits, respectively. The combined use of rippling with these three proof patches as a proof method significantly improves the proof automation for our evaluation set.
A Novel Prediction Model for Bloodstream Infections in Hepatobiliary–Pancreatic Surgery Patients
Authors: Yang Po‐Sheng , Liu Chang‐Pan , Hsu Yi‐Chiung , Chen Chuen‐Fei , Lee Chi‐Chan , Cheng Shih‐Ping 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundBloodstream infections (BSI) are an important source of postoperative mortality in hepatobiliary–pancreatic surgery (HBPS) patients, and no prediction model has been analyzed before.MethodsUsing big data from the electronic medical records of the administrative and culture databases of MacKay Memorial Hospital, we identified the potential risk factors for community‐acquired and healthcare‐associated BSI and mortality of patients who received HBPS. Subsequently, we analyzed the microorganisms’ profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for these BSI.ResultsBSI were found in 6.3% patients (349 of 5513 HBPS patients), and hospital mortality was 1.48% (82 of 5513). Dividing patients into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups on the basis of sex, age, status of comorbidity (renal failure, peptic ulcer disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and acute cholecystitis), a predictive BSI risk score model was developed. According to this model, BSI risk ranged from 1.43% to 11.95%; AUROC to predict BSI risk was 0.72 (95% CI 0.69–0.75). From this retrospective study, Enterobacteriaceae were the most common microorganisms that were isolated from BSI. For both community‐acquired and healthcare‐associated BSI, imipenem and colistin are the most successful.ConclusionThis novel model can be useful to predict who is at risk of BSI after HBPS, and new prophylactic protocols for these patients are needed.
The osnR gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum plays a negative regulatory role in oxidative stress responses
Authors: Jeong Haeri , Kim Younhee , Lee Heung-Shick 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Among the Corynebacterium glutamicum ORFs that have been implicated in stress responses, we chose ORF cg3230, designated osnR, and analyzed it further. Unlike the osnR-deleted strain (ΔosnR), the osnR-overexpressing strain (P180-osnR) developed growth defects and increased sensitivity to various oxidants including H2O2. Transcription in the P180-osnR strain of genes such as sodA (superoxide dismutase), ftn (ferritin biosynthesis), and ahpD (alkyl hydroperoxide reductase; cg2674), which are involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, was only 40% that of the wild type. However, transcription of katA, encoding H2O2-detoxifying catalase, was unchanged in this strain. Genes such as trxB (thioredoxin reductase) and mtr (mycothiol disulfide reductase), which play roles in redox homeostasis, also showed decreased transcription in the strain. 2D-PAGE analysis indicated that genes involved in redox reactions were considerably affected by osnR overexpression. The NADPH/NADP+ ratio of the P180-osnR strain (1.35) was higher than that of the wild-type stain (0.78). Collectively, the phenotypes of the ΔosnR and P180-osnR strains suggest a global regulatory role as well as a negative role for the gene in stress responses, particularly in katA-independent oxidative stress responses.
Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial to examine the impact of a complex intervention in pre-frail older adults
Authors: Teh Ruth , Kerse Ngaire , Waters Debra L. , Hale Leigh , Pillai Avinesh , Leilua Evelingi , Tay Esther , Rolleston Anna , Edlin Richard , Maxted Eruera , Heppenstall Claire , Connolly Martin J. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Background
Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome associated with functional loss. The Senior Chef (SC, nutrition) and SAYGO (strength and balance exercise) programmes are well accepted among older adults but the impact of each, or a combination of both, on the frailty syndrome in pre-frail older adults is unknown.

Aims
To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a complex intervention consisting of the SC and/or SAYGO programmes to prevent progression of frailty in pre-frail older adults.

Methods
A multi-centre randomised controlled assessor-blinded study. The four intervention groups are SC, an 8-week nutrition education and cooking class; SAYGO, a 10-week strength and balance exercise class; SC plus SAYGO, and a social group (Control). Community-dwelling adults aged 75+ (60 + Māori and Pasifika) in New Zealand are recruited through health providers. Participants are not terminally ill or with advanced dementia, and have a score of 1 or 2 on the FRAIL questionnaire. Baseline assessments are completed using standardised questionnaires prior to randomisation. Four follow-up assessments are completed: immediately after intervention, 6, 12 and 24 months post-intervention. The primary outcome is frailty score, secondary outcomes are falls, physical function, quality of life, food intake, physical activity, and sustainability of the strategy. Study outcomes will be analysed using intention-to-treat approach. Cost analyses will be completed to determine if interventions are cost effective relative to the control group.

Discussion
This trial is designed to be a real world rigorous assessment of whether the two intervention strategies can prevent progression of frailty in older people. If successful, this will generate valuable information about effectiveness of this nutrition and exercise strategy, and provide insights for their implementation.

Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number—ACTRN12614000827639.
The social functioning in dementia scale (SF‐DEM): Exploratory factor analysis and psychometric properties in mild, moderate, and severe dementia
Authors: Budgett Jessica , Brown Anna , Daley Stephanie , Page Thomas E. , Banerjee Sube , Livingston Gill , Sommerlad Andrew 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe psychometric properties of the social functioning in dementia scale over different dementia severities are unknown.MethodsWe interviewed 299 family carers of people with mild, moderate, or severe dementia from two UK research sites; examined acceptability (completion rates); conducted exploratory factor analysis; and tested each factor's internal consistency and construct validity.ResultsOf 299, 285 (95.3%) carers completed questionnaires. Factor analysis indicated three distinct factors with acceptable internal consistency: spending time with other people, correlating with overall social function (r = 0.56, P < .001) and activities of daily living (r = −0.48, P < .001); communicating with other people correlating with activities of daily living (r = −0.66, P < .001); and sensitivity to other people correlating with quality of life (r = 0.35, P < .001) and inversely with neuropsychiatric symptoms (r = −0.45, P < .001). The three factors' correlations with other domains were similar across all dementia severities.DiscussionThe social functioning in dementia scale carer version measures three social functioning domains and has satisfactory psychometric properties in all severities of dementia.
Structural anatomy and evolution of supply chain alliance networks: A multi‐method approach
Authors: Park Hyunwoo , Bellamy Marcus A. , Basole Rahul C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe investigate the evolution of supply chain alliance networks with a focus on the influence of structural, firm‐, and industry‐level mechanisms. While several structural supply chain characteristics have been found to be significant drivers of firm innovation and performance, a dearth of studies exists examining how these characteristics change over time by influencing one another. We develop and empirically test hypotheses on the impact of prior structural configurations and the moderating roles of absorptive capacity and industry growth on the temporal trajectory of supply chain alliance network structures. Adopting a multi‐method approach, we jointly use econometric analyses and simulation experiments to examine our hypotheses from complementary angles. Specifically, we characterize the dynamic relationship between the structural mechanisms on a longitudinal dataset of 2221 unique firms and 13,668 firm‐year observations spanning 25 years. We find empirical support for negative crossover effects between two key structural properties of supply chain alliance networks, a positive moderation of a firm's absorptive capacity, and a negative moderation of industry growth on the structural reinforcement. We conduct corresponding simulation experiments based on a separable temporal exponential random graph model (STERGM) to track the temporal changes in the simulated networks' key measures. The simulation results concur with most of our empirical findings and provide additional insights complementary to our econometric analysis results. By focusing on the mechanism of temporal changes in network structural properties, our study contributes to supply chain management research with a supply network perspective and interfirm alliance network research by broadening its scope into structural dynamism. Our multi‐method approach demonstrates how multiple complementary methodologies can foster a more nuanced understanding of managing supply chain alliance network management.
Inventory record inaccuracy dynamics and the role of employees within multi‐channel distribution center inventory systems
Authors: Barratt Mark , Kull Thomas J. , Sodero Anníbal Camara 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe dynamics of inventory record inaccuracy (IRI) remain under‐explored in a multi‐channel distribution center (MCDC) setting. Additionally, how employees interact with the rest of an MCDC's inventory system to impact IRI is yet to be explored. To address these issues, our research adopts a multi‐method exploratory approach to understand the nature and existence of IRI between cycle counts in a multi‐channel environment based on continuous, daily IRI‐related observations. These data are then used to develop a system dynamics model to further explore the interaction between employees and the rest of the inventory system. Our case study finds substantial levels of IRI on a daily basis, with varying levels of consistency and a bias toward negative errors, raising concerns as to the suitability and stability of MCDC inventory systems. We also find varying IRI effects depending on the channel, with inventory density, in particular, having mixed influences. Further, we provide evidence for substantial volatilities of daily IRI likely generated by employee‐system interactions in the MCDC. Without the daily perspective, such evidence would otherwise have remained unobserved. Our system dynamics model also provides a novel framework to show how employees interact with MCDC inventory characteristics to affect the dynamic level and stability of IRI. This research also provides suggestions for managing and further examining these phenomena.
Late Quaternary vegetation, climate, and fire history of the Southeast Atlantic Coastal Plain based on a 30,000-yr multi-proxy record from White Pond, South Carolina, USA
Authors: Krause Teresa R. , Russell James M. , Zhang Rui , Williams John W. , Jackson Stephen T. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe patterns and drivers of late Quaternary vegetation dynamics in the southeastern United States are poorly understood due to low site density, problematic chronologies, and a paucity of independent paleoclimate proxy records. We present a well-dated (15 accelerator mass spectrometry14C dates) 30,000-yr record from White Pond, South Carolina that consists of high-resolution analyses of fossil pollen, macroscopic charcoal, andSporormiellaspores, and an independent paleotemperature reconstruction based on branched glycerol dialkyl tetraethers. Between 30,000 and 20,000 cal yr BP, openPinus-Piceaforest grew under cold and dry conditions; elevatedQuercusbefore 26,000 cal yr BP, however, suggest warmer conditions in the Southeast before the last glacial maximum, possibly corresponding to regionally warmer conditions associated with Heinrich event H2. Warming between 19,700 and 10,400 cal yr BP was accompanied by a transition from conifer-dominated to mesic hardwood forest.Sporormiellaspores were not detected and charcoal was low during the late glacial period, suggesting megaherbivore grazers and fire were not locally important agents of vegetation change.Pinusreturned to dominance during the Holocene, with step-like increases inPinusat 10,400 and 6400 cal yr BP, while charcoal abundance increased tenfold, likely due to increased biomass burning associated with warmer conditions. Low-intensity surface fires increased after 1200 cal yr BP, possibly related to the establishment of the Mississippian culture in the Southeast.
Pre-meal and postprandial lipaemia in subjects with the metabolic syndrome: effects of timing and protein quality (randomised crossover trial)
Authors: Bjørnshave Ann , Johansen Trine Nygaard , Amer Bashar , Dalsgaard Trine Kastrup , Holst Jens Juul , Hermansen Kjeld 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNon-fasting TAG – postprandial lipaemia (PPL) – are to a higher degree associated with cardiovascular risk compared with fasting TAG. Dietary protein, especially whey proteins (WP), may lower PPL. We hypothesised that a WP pre-meal (17·6 g protein) consumed 15 v. 30 min before a fat-rich meal reduces the PPL response in subjects with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and that a WP pre-meal has more potent effects than casein and gluten pre-meals. A total of sixteen subjects with the MetS completed an acute, randomised, crossover trial. WP pre-meals were consumed 15 and 30 min, and casein and gluten 15 min before a fat-rich meal. Blood samples were drawn 360 min postprandially to determine metabolite and hormone responses, S-paracetamol (for assessment of gastric emptying) and amino acids. Insulin and glucagon responses were affected by both timing and protein type (for all P <0·01), with significantly higher concentrations for WP given at –15 min than WP at –30 min and higher responses compared with gluten for the first 30 min after pre-meal consumption (for all P <0·05). The PPL responses changed neither by timing nor by protein type. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide but not glucagon-like peptide 1 responses differed between the three protein types. S-paracetamol concentration was higher for WP (–30 min) than for WP (–15 min) 15 min after the main meal (P = 0·028), and higher for casein and gluten than for WP at time point 30 min (for all P <0·05). In conclusion, the PPL response was not changed by ingestion of a 17·6 g protein pre-meal, whereas both timing and protein quality affected hormone secretion (insulin and glucagon).
Health-related quality of life in pre-school age children with single-ventricle CHD
Authors: Heye Kristina N. , Knirsch Walter , Scheer Ianina , Beck Ingrid , Wetterling Kristina , Hahn Andreas , Hofmann Karoline , Latal Beatrice , Reich Bettina , Landolt Markus A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about health-related quality of life in young children undergoing staged palliation for single-ventricle CHD. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CHD on daily life in pre-schoolers with single-ventricle CHD and to identify determinants of health-related quality of life.MethodProspective two-centre cohort study assessing health-related quality of life using the Preschool Paediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory in 46 children at a mean age of 38 months and 3 weeks. Children with genetic anomalies were excluded. Scores were compared with reference data of children with biventricular CHD. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify determinants of health-related quality of life.ResultsHealth-related quality of life in pre-schoolers with single-ventricle CHD was comparable to children with biventricular CHD. Preterm birth and perioperative variables were significant predictors of low health-related quality of life. Notably, pre-Fontan brain MRI findings and neurodevelopmental status were not associated with health-related quality of life. Overall, perioperative variables explained 24% of the variability of the total health-related quality of life score.InterpretationDespite substantial health-related burden, pre-schoolers with single-ventricle CHD showed good health-related quality of life. Less-modifiable treatment-related risk factors and preterm birth had the highest impact on health-related quality of life. Long-term follow-up assessment of self-reported health-related quality of life is needed to identify patients with poorer health-related quality of life and to initiate supportive care.