bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of VAT Reform on Swedish Restaurants: A Synthetic Control Group Approach*
Authors: Falkenhall Björn , Månsson Jonas , Tano Sofia 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the impact on firms of the value added tax (VAT) reform that took effect in Sweden on 1 January 2012 for restaurant and catering services. Unlike previous research, we use a synthetic control group approach to construct our counterfactual. Our analysis shows that the VAT reduction had a positive effect on turnover, total wages, employment, profit margins, and net entry of firms. The effects of the reform tend to decrease over time. In all, the results point to an overall better performance for the restaurant industry compared with what it would have been in absence of the reform.
Physical function in older adults: Impacts of past and present physical activity behaviors
Authors: Edholm Peter , Nilsson Andreas , Kadi Fawzi 
Published: December 2018

While physical activity (PA) may counteract age‐related functional decline and loss of independence at old age, to what extent physical function is influenced by past or present PA behaviors is currently unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine relationships between both past and present PA behaviors and components of physical function in older women. A physical function score based on the 6‐minute walk test, squat jump, and single‐leg‐stance balance was aggregated in 60 older women (65‐70 years). Present PA behavior was assessed by accelerometry (Actigraph) and past leisure‐time PA was self‐reported, where times in sports‐related activities and in walking were analyzed separately. Analysis of differences in physical function across tertiles of PA behaviors was adjusted by DXA‐derived fat mass. Physical activity level at present age and engagements in sports‐related activities before retirement age, excluding walking, were both associated (P < 0.05) to physical function. Time spent in PA of at least moderate intensity was associated with physical function (P < 0.05), whereas no corresponding relationships to either sedentary time or time in light intensity PA were observed. In conclusion, PA behaviors at present age and engagement in sports‐related activities performed during adulthood are both related to physical function in older women. Being physically active at old age infers beneficial effects on physical function, even in individuals with a past or present sedentary lifestyle, which supports public health efforts aiming at increasing daily time in PA of at least moderate intensity to preserve physical function in older women.
LF Bracketing Paradoxes: A New Account
Authors: Belk Zoë 
Published: December 2018

AbstractModified noun phrases likeheavy drinkerandhard workershow many of the same properties as bracketing paradoxes likenuclear physicist, but they seem to differ from the latter examples in important ways. This article argues thathard worker–type phrases should be analyzed as bracketing paradoxes where the syntactic structure is isomorphic to the PF structure, unlikenuclear physicist–type examples, where syntax and LF are isomorphic. I propose thathard worker–type paradoxes, orLF bracketing paradoxes, result from a process of rebracketing at LF, which can be seen as a type of movement. This movement, and indeed all movement, is constrained by a principle of Information Preservation, which ensures that certain aspects of structural information are not destroyed during movement. The result is an analysis that accurately captures the facts about bracketing paradoxes of both types in English and Dutch.
Changes in the epidemic of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shanghai from 1992 to 2016
Authors: Dong Sijia , Shen Xin , Xia Zhen , Li Xiangqun , Pan Qichao , Zhao Qi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate whether WHO's End TB Strategy targets can be achieved by analysing the incidence trend of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shanghai during 1992–2016.MethodThe age‐adjusted annual incidence of tuberculosis (TB) was calculated based on data from the national TB registration system. Linear regression was applied to analyse the trend of the epidemic, together with the statistical indicator of annual percent change (APC).ResultsThe overall age‐standardised rate decreased from 34.8/100 000 in 1992 to 21.2/100 000 in 2016, or by 2.15% (t = −13.258, P < 0.05) annually. After rapidly declining between 1999 and 2003 (−5.4% p.a.), the epidemic remained at a stable level with a lower annual declining rate (−1.1% p.a). In 2035, the estimated incidence will be 17.2/100 000 based on the APC in 2004–2016. There were two peaks in average incidence of the total population, 30.9/100 000 in the 20–24 age group and 66.4/100 000 in the 70–74 age group. Overall, the ratio of new to retreated cases continually rose and eventually reached 8.36:1 in 2016. The constituent ratio of smear‐positive cases ranged from 35.9% to 47.8% without rising or decreasing trend (P = 0.065).ConclusionThe epidemic of TB in Shanghai has steadily declined during last two decades. A new strategy should be developed to rapidly reduce the incidence rate to achieve the WHO Goals in 2035.
Flow and Pressure Variations Through Porous Filter During Soot Filtration and Regeneration
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Komiyama Ryo , Sakai Tatsuya 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
To improve air pollution, we must reduce soot particulates in vehicle exhaust gas, which are inevitably harmful to the environment as well as to human health. Many countries are setting new regulations of nanoscale particle emission. Then, a ceramic porous filter such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) has been developed. However, as more particles are trapped within their wall pores, the pressure difference (drop) across the filter increases. Resultantly, this situation could worsen the fuel efficiency, simultaneously with less torque. Usually, the filter regeneration process for particle oxidation inside the filter should be periodically needed. Thus, a filter with lower pressure drop would be preferable. In the current stage, the responses of the pressure drop during both particle filtration and oxidation are not fully understood. This is because these are the small-scale processes, and we cannot observe the internal physical phenomenon experimentally. In this paper, focusing on the exhaust flow with soot particles, the filtration was numerically simulated by a so-called lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Here, the time-variation of the filter-back pressure was evaluated, which is important for the transport phenomena in the porous filter. For comparison, the pressure drop during the filter regeneration was also simulated to show the different pressure response affected by the soot oxidation zone.
Men on the Move: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial of a Scalable, Choice-Based, Physical Activity and Active Transportation Intervention for Older Men
Authors: Mackey Dawn C. , Perkins Alexander D. , Hong Tai Kaitlin , Sims-Gould Joanie , McKay Heather A. 
Published: December 2018

We conducted Men on the Move, a 12-week randomized controlled feasibility trial of a scalable, choice-based, physical activity (PA) and active transportation intervention. Participants were community-dwelling men aged 60 years and older (n = 29 intervention [INT] and n = 29 waitlist control [CON]). Trained activity coaches delivered: (a) one-on-one participant consultations to develop personal action plans for PA and active transportation, (b) monthly group-based motivational meetings, (c) weekly telephone support, (d) complimentary recreation and transit passes, and (e) pedometers and diaries for self-monitoring. Men on the Move demonstrated high rates of recruitment, retention, and intervention adherence. INT chose a variety of group-based and individual PAs and destinations for their personal action plans. At 12 weeks, INT achieved more steps, moderate–vigorous PA, and energy expenditure than CON. INT was also more likely to take transit and meet national guideline levels of PA. At 24 weeks follow-up, INT benefits were sustained for moderate–vigorous PA and energy expenditure.
Benefits of recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation: the providers’ perspective
Authors: den Boer Maria C , Houtlosser Mirjam , Foglia Elizabeth E , Tan Ratna N G B , Engberts Dirk P , te Pas Arjan B 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo assess benefits of recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation as experienced by neonatal care providers.DesignA qualitative study using semistructured interviews questioning neonatal care providers about their experiences with recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation. Data were analysed using the qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti V.7.0.SettingNeonatal care providers working at neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of the Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA, participated in this study.ResultsIn total, 48 NICU staff members were interviewed. Reported experiences and attitudes are broadly similar for both NICUs. All interviewed providers reported positive experiences and benefits, with special emphasis on educational benefits. Recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation is used for various learning activities, such as plenary review meetings and as tool for objective feedback. Providers reported to learn from reviewing their own performance during resuscitation, as well as from reviewing performances of others. Improved time perception, reflection on guideline compliance and acting less invasively during resuscitations were often mentioned as learning outcomes. All providers would recommend other NICUs to implement recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation, as it is a powerful tool for learning and improving. However, they emphasised preconditions for successful implementation, such as providing information, not being punitive and focusing on the benefits for learning and improving.ConclusionRecording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation is considered highly beneficial for learning and improving resuscitation skills and is recommended by providers participating in it.
Reductions in final visual acuity occur even within the first 3 days after a macula-off retinal detachment
Authors: Greven Margaret A , Leng Theodore , Silva Ruwan Amila , Leung Loh-Shan Bryan , Karth Peter A , Moshfeghi Darius M , Sanislo Steven R , Schachar Ira H 
Published: December 2018

PurposeTo determine if final visual acuity (VA) is affected by duration of macular detachment (DMD) within the first week of macula-off retinal detachment (RD).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of eyes that underwent repair within 7 days with vitrectomy or vitrectomy with scleral buckle for macula-off RD at Stanford University Hospital between 1 May 2007 and 1 May 2017. A generalised linear model was constructed using DMD, postoperative lens status, preoperative VA, patient age and surgeon as the independent variables and the final VA as the dependent variable. The main outcome measure was the final VA.ResultsSeventy-nine eyes met the entry criteria. Group 1 included 52 eyes with RD repaired within 3 days of DMD, and group 2 included 27 eyes repaired between 4 and 7 days of DMD. The average final VA in group 1 eyes was logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.21 (Snellen 20/33) and in group 2 eyes was logMAR 0.54 (Snellen 20/69). In group 1 and group 2 eyes, preoperative VA (p=0.017and p=0.007), DMD (p=0.004 and p=0.041) and final lens status (p<0.0001 and p<0.001) predicted postoperative VA. Post-hoc analysis showed significant differences in final VA between detachments of 1day vs 3 days (p=0.0009).ConclusionDMD affects the final VA even among patients whose DMD is <3 days. Based on these results, interventions that shorten DMD, including those occurring within the first 3days, may result in improved long-term VA outcomes.
Socioeconomic inequalities in access to skilled birth attendance among urban and rural women in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Joseph Gary , da Silva Inácio Crochemore Mohnsam , Barros Aluísio J D , Victora Cesar G 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionRapid urbanisation is one of the greatest challenges for Sustainable Development Goals. We compared socioeconomic inequalities in urban and rural women’s access to skilled birth attendance (SBA) and to assess whether the poorest urban women have an advantage over the poorest rural women.MethodsThe latest available surveys (DemographicHealth Survey, Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys) of 88 countries since 2010 were analysed. SBA coverage was calculated for 10 subgroups of women according to wealth quintile and urban-rural residence. Poisson regression was used to test interactions between wealth quintile index and urban-rural residence on coverage. The slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index were calculated for urban and rural women.Results37 countries had surveys with at least 25 women in each of the 10 cells. Average rural average coverage was 72.8 % (ranging from 17.2% % in South Sudan to 99.9 % in Jordan) and average urban coverage was 80.0% (from 23.6% in South Sudan to 99.7% in Guyana. In 33 countries, rural coverage was lower than urban coverage; the difference was significant (p<0.05) in 15 countries. The widest urban/rural coverage gap was in the Central African Republic (32.8% points; p<0.001). Most countries showed narrower socioeconomic inequalities in urban than in rural areas. The largest difference was observed in Panama, where the rural SII was 77.1% points larger than the urban SII (p<0.001). In 31 countries, the poorest rural women had lower coverage than the poorest urban women; in 20 countries, these differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).ConclusionIn most countries studied, urban areas present a double advantage of higher SBA coverage and narrower wealth-related inequalities when compared with rural areas. Studies of the intersectionality of wealth and residence can support policy decisions about which subgroups require special efforts to reach universal coverage.
DC cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in the emergency department: improving specialist protocols for the generalist
Authors: Carpenter Alexander , Sargent Sabrina 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundDirect current cardioversion (DCCV) is a safe and effective treatment for recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter and when performed in the emergency department (ED), it can provide an excellent treatment option for patients as well as reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and healthcare costs. However, appropriate periprocedural anticoagulation is absolutely essential to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, chiefly thromboembolic stroke. Our intention was for 100% of patients undergoing DCCV in the ED to receive appropriate periprocedural anticoagulation.MethodWe aimed to assess local practice with regards to periprocedural anticoagulation with a 1-year retrospective audit. We then undertook to deliver a multimodality educational programme in addition to producing new local protocols. Stakeholders were engaged within the cardiology, emergency medicine and governance departments as well as trust quality improvement team. This was undertaken across three PDSA cycles with prospective data collection on a rolling monthly basis with the use of real-time run charts, fed back to the ED. Teaching was delivered on a small group, electronic as well as departmental level, and a new protocol was created and delivered to guide clinicians in the management of patients with AF or flutter.ResultsWhile initial rates of periprocedural anticoagulation were suboptimal (with only 72% of eligible patients anticoagulated), following our programme of continuous monitoring and intervention, this steadily rose over the project timeline, achieving a high of 91% at the point of last data collection.ConclusionWe should champion the high number of these procedures carried out in the ED setting, a pressured environment with multiple competing challenges. However, local protocols should reflect best-practice guidance regarding decision-making around selecting rate versus rhythm control strategies, appropriate use of medication and eligibility for anticoagulation as per individualised thrombotic risk. This will allow us to deliver effective interventions in a safe, patient-centred approach.
Emergency medical services oxygen equipment: a fomite for transmission of MRSA?
Authors: Gibson Cody Vaughn 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThe primary purpose of this study was to determine if methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) was present on the surface of oxygen cylinders and regulators used in the prehospital setting and secondarily to assess other surfaces for MRSA within the ambulance compartment, as a comparison.MethodsOn 17 March 2018, the surface of oxygen cylinders and regulators located in ambulances at an emergency medical services (EMS) station in North Alabama (n=9) and at an offsite oxygen cylinder storage area (n=70) were swabbed using sterile cotton-tipped applicators saturated in an 0.9% NaCl solution. These cotton-tipped applicators were then streaked across the surface of HardyCHROM MRSA plates, followed by incubation at 36°C for 24 hours. The growth of pink or magenta colonies was considered a positive indication for the presence of MRSA. The motivation for assessing oxygen cylinders at the offsite storage area was to outline the persistence of MRSA on stored oxygen cylinders.ResultsOf nine oxygen cylinders tested in the ambulances, nine had MRSA colonisation (100%). MRSA was also present on 67 of 70 oxygen cylinders (96%) tested at the offsite oxygen cylinder storage area.ConclusionOxygen cylinders appear to act as a fomite for MRSA. The development of universal disinfection protocols for oxygen equipment could help reduce the risk of patient infection due to cross-contamination.
Lactic Acid Accumulation in the Tumor Microenvironment Suppresses 18F-FDG Uptake
Authors: Türkcan Silvan , Kiru Louise , Naczynski Dominik J. , Sasportas Laura S. , Pratx Guillem 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

The process by which tumor cells take up 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is heterogeneous and influenced by a multitude of factors. In mouse tumor grafts, the core of the tumor often presents lower FDG uptake than the periphery. Whether this pattern is caused by the intrinsic avidity of individual cells for FDG, the density of viable cells in the tumor, or the perfusion of the radiotracer remains unknown. In this study, we used radioluminescence microscopy to measure FDG uptake in single cells isolated from the core and periphery of the tumor and found that differences in FDG uptake persist on the level of single cells. Single cells from the core of 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 tumors grafts took up 26% to 84% less FDG than those from the periphery. These differences were observed in mice with large tumors (&gt;8 mm diameter) but not in those with smaller tumors. To explain the origin of these differences, we examined the influence of three microenvironmental factors on FDG uptake. Hypoxia was ruled out as a possible explanation because its presence in the core would increase and not decrease FDG uptake. Higher cell proliferation in the periphery was consistent with higher FDG uptake, but there was no evidence of a causal relationship. Finally, lactate was higher in the core of the tumor, and it suppressed FDG uptake in a dose-dependent fashion. We therefore conclude that lactic acidosis—the combination of lactate ion buildup and acidic pH—can increase the heterogeneity of FDG uptake in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 tumor grafts.

Significance:
Analysis of single cells from heterogeneous tumors reveals the role played by the tumor microenvironment, lactic acidosis in particular, on the uptake by tumor cells of 18F-FDG, a PET imaging agent.
Mosaic Y Loss Is Moderately Associated with Solid Tumor Risk
Authors: Loftfield Erikka , Zhou Weiyin , Yeager Meredith , Chanock Stephen J. , Freedman Neal D. , Machiela Mitchell J. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) in peripheral leukocytes is a somatic event in which a fraction of leukocytes have lost the entire Y chromosome. The frequency of mLOY increases with age and may reflect poor genomic maintenance as well as clonal imbalances in normal immune function, making mLOY an attractive candidate marker for cancer risk. Here, we investigated the relationship between mLOY and incident cancer in a large sample of 207,603 cancer-free men from the UK Biobank, in which 13,895 men developed an incident solid tumor during follow-up. We identified mLOY by scanning for deviations in genotyping array log R intensity ratios across the male-specific chromosome Y region. Overall, we detected low proportions of cells with mLOY in 3,358 (1.6%) men and high proportions of mLOY in 524 (0.3%) men. We found an association of mLOY with overall solid tumor incidence using both low and high mLOY thresholds [HRlow = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI)low, 1.07–1.30; Plow = 0.001; HRhigh = 1.36; 95% CIhigh, 1.09–1.71; Phigh = 0.007] and more specifically we observed an association with lung cancer (HRhigh = 2.25; 95% CIhigh, 1.36–3.71; Phigh = 0.002). Stronger associations were observed without adjustment for smoking, suggesting that smoking is an important confounder of tumor incidence. It is unlikely that mLOY is a major mediator of the effect of cigarette smoking on cancer risk, as mLOY was observed in only a small fraction of smokers who developed cancer. In summary, mLOY was modestly associated with incidence of solid tumors in the UK Biobank, although for some cancer subtypes these findings may reflect residual confounding by smoking.

Significance:
Evidence from the UK Biobank indicates mosaic chromosome Y loss in leukocytes is moderately associated with increased incidence of select solid tumors.
Monosodium Glutamate in the Diet Does Not Raise Brain Glutamate Concentrations or Disrupt Brain Functions
Authors: Fernstrom John D. 
Published: December 2018

The non-essential amino acid glutamate participates in numerous metabolic pathways in the body. It also performs important physiologic functions, which include a sensory role as one of the basic tastes (as monosodium glutamate [MSG]), and a role in neuronal function as the dominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its pleasant taste (as MSG) has led to its inclusion as a flavoring agent in foods for centuries. Glutamate’s neurotransmitter role was discovered only in the last 60 years. Its inclusion in foods has necessitated its safety evaluation, which has raised concerns about its transfer into the blood ultimately increasing brain glutamate levels, thereby causing functional disruptions because it is a neurotransmitter. This concern, originally raised almost 50 years ago, has led to an extensive series of scientific studies to examine this issue, conducted primarily in rodents, non-human primates, and humans. The key findings have been that (a) the ingestion of MSG in the diet does not produce appreciable increases in glutamate concentrations in blood, except when given experimentally in amounts vastly in excess of normal intake levels; and (b) the blood-brain barrier effectively restricts the passage of glutamate from the blood into the brain, such that brain glutamate levels only rise when blood glutamate concentrations are raised experimentally via non-physiologic means. These and related discoveries explain why the ingestion of MSG in the diet does not lead to an increase in brain glutamate concentrations, and thus does not produce functional disruptions in brain. This article briefly summarizes key experimental findings that evaluate whether MSG in the diet poses a threat to brain function.