bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in Denmark 1980–2013: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lophaven S. N. , Lynge E. , Burisch J. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundGlobally, the incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are increasing; however, data from high‐incidence areas are conflicting. Previous studies in Denmark have assessed incidence rates of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) using short observation periods.AimTo investigate trends in IBD incidence in Denmark over a thirty‐year period using nationwide data.MethodsPatients diagnosed with CD or UC in Denmark between 1980 and 2013 were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR) and included in a nationwide cohort. Incidence rates estimated using different numbers of National Patient Registry records (≥1, 2, 3 or 4) required for case definition were compared.ResultsFrom 1980 to 2013 the incidence of CD increased from 5.2 (95% CI: 5.0–5.4) per 100 000 to 9.1 (95% CI: 8.7–9.5) per 100 000 and the incidence of UC increased from 10.7 (95% CI: 10.4–11.0) per 100 000 to 18.6 (95% CI: 18.0–19.2) per 100 000. The increased incidence in CD and UC was independent of gender. The annual increase in incidence rate was greatest in patients aged <15 years for CD and those older than 15 years for UC. For both CD and UC the incidence rates for females were significantly higher than for males. The number of registry records chosen to define IBD cases greatly influenced incidence estimates.ConclusionsThe incidence of IBD in Denmark continues to increase and is among the highest in the world. Using at ≥2 records of IBD diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Registry will result in more valid incidence estimates.
Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease among participants of the Millennium Cohort: incidence, deployment‐related risk factors, and antecedent episodes of infectious gastroenteritis
Authors: Porter C. K. , Welsh M. , Riddle M. S. , Nieh C. , Boyko E. J. , Gackstetter G. , Hooper T. I. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundCrohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two pathotypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with unique pathology, risk factors and significant morbidity.AimTo estimate incidence and identify IBD risk factors in a US military population, a healthy subset of the US population, using information from the Millennium Cohort Study.MethodsIncident IBD was identified from medical encounters from 2001 to 2009 or by self‐report. Our primary risk factor of interest, infectious gastroenteritis, was identified from medical encounters and self‐reported post‐deployment health assessments. Other potential risk factors were assessed using self‐reported survey responses and military personnel files. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards analysis.ResultsWe estimated 23.2 and 21.9 diagnoses per 100 000 person‐years, respectively, for CD and UC. For CD, significant risk factors included [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 95% confidence interval]: current smoking (aHR: 2.7, 1.4–5.1), two life stressors (aHR: 2.8, 1.4–5.6) and prior irritable bowel syndrome (aHR: 4.7, 1.5–15.2). There was no significant association with prior infectious gastroenteritis. There was an apparent dose–response relationship between UC risk and an increasing number of life stressors. In addition, antecedent infectious gastroenteritis was associated with almost a three‐fold increase in UC risk (aHR: 2.9, 1.4–6.0). Moderate alcohol consumption (aHR: 0.4, 0.2–0.6) was associated with lower UC risk.ConclusionsStressful conditions and the high risk of infectious gastroenteritis in deployment operations may play a role in the development of IBD in military populations. However, observed differences in risk factors for UC and CD warrant further investigation.
A General Instrumental Variable Framework for Regression Analysis with Outcome Missing Not at Random
Authors: Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J. , Wirth Kathleen E. 
Published: February 2017

Summary
The instrumental variable (IV) design is a well-known approach for unbiased evaluation of causal effects in the presence of unobserved confounding. In this article, we study the IV approach to account for selection bias in regression analysis with outcome missing not at random. In such a setting, a valid IV is a variable which (i) predicts the nonresponse process, and (ii) is independent of the outcome in the underlying population. We show that under the additional assumption (iii) that the IV is independent of the magnitude of selection bias due to nonresponse, the population regression in view is nonparametrically identified. For point estimation under (i)–(iii), we propose a simple complete-case analysis which modifies the regression of primary interest by carefully incorporating the IV to account for selection bias. The approach is developed for the identity, log and logit link functions. For inferences about the marginal mean of a binary outcome assuming (i) and (ii) only, we describe novel and approximately sharp bounds which unlike Robins–Manski bounds, are smooth in model parameters, therefore allowing for a straightforward approach to account for uncertainty due to sampling variability. These bounds provide a more honest account of uncertainty and allows one to assess the extent to which a violation of the key identifying condition (iii) might affect inferences. For illustration, the methods are used to account for selection bias induced by HIV testing nonparticipation in the evaluation of HIV prevalence in the Zambian Demographic and Health Surveys.
Ontology‐Based Representation and Modelling of Synthetic 3D Content: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Flotyński Jakub , Walczak Krzysztof 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn indispensable element of any practical 3D/VR/AR application is synthetic three‐dimensional (3D) content. Such content is characterized by a variety of features—geometry, structure, space, appearance, animation and behaviour—which makes the modelling of 3D content a much more complex, difficult and time‐consuming task than in the case of other types of content. One of the promising research directions aiming at simplification of modelling 3D content is the use of the semantic web approach. The formalism provided by semantic web techniques enables declarative knowledge‐based modelling of content based on ontologies. Such modelling can be conducted at different levels of abstraction, possibly domain‐specific, with inherent separation of concerns. The use of semantic web ontologies enables content representation independent of particular presentation platforms and facilitates indexing, searching and analysing content, thus contributing to increased content re‐usability. A range of approaches have been proposed to permit semantic representation and modelling of synthetic 3D content. These approaches differ in the methodologies and technologies used as well as their scope and application domains. This paper provides a review of the current state of the art in representation and modelling of 3D content based on semantic web ontologies, together with a classification, characterization and discussion of the particular approaches.
Multi‐Variate Gaussian‐Based Inverse Kinematics
Authors: Huang Jing , Wang Qi , Fratarcangeli Marco , Yan Ke , Pelachaud Catherine 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInverse kinematics (IK) equations are usually solved through approximated linearizations or heuristics. These methods lead to character animations that are unnatural looking or unstable because they do not consider both the motion coherence and limits of human joints. In this paper, we present a method based on the formulation of multi‐variate Gaussian distribution models (MGDMs), which precisely specify the soft joint constraints of a kinematic skeleton. Each distribution model is described by a covariance matrix and a mean vector representing both the joint limits and the coherence of motion of different limbs. The MGDMs are automatically learned from the motion capture data in a fast and unsupervised process. When the character is animated or posed, a Gaussian process synthesizes a new MGDM for each different vector of target positions, and the corresponding objective function is solved with Jacobian‐based IK. This makes our method practical to use and easy to insert into pre‐existing animation pipelines. Compared with previous works, our method is more stable and more precise, while also satisfying the anatomical constraints of human limbs. Our method leads to natural and realistic results without sacrificing real‐time performance.
EU Mediation as an Assemblage of Practices: Introducing a New Approach to the Study of EU Conflict Resolution
Authors: Brandenburg Natalie C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article introduces a new approach to the study of EU mediation and conflict resolution. It argues that researchers have not fully accounted for the changes underway in the Union's take on mediation. By elucidating the differences between this approach and the already existing literature on EU mediation, the article advocates a practice turn and develops a framework for studying EU mediation as an assemblage of practices. It builds on Latourian assemblage thinking and complements it with the Foucauldian notion of political rationality and techne. This approach is then explored through examining the practices of EU mediation support in Myanmar, which draws attention to the contradictions and a specific set of knowledge claims on peace and conflict, and traces dissident voices and how they inform the use of mediation instruments. In so doing, it demonstrates how a practice‐oriented approach allows us to provide new insights into EU external action.
Dual effects of acidic electrolyzed water treatments on the microbial reduction and control of enzymatic browning for fresh‐cut lotus root
Authors: Li Huiying , Ren Yuanyuan , Hao Jianxiong , Liu Haijie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe disinfection efficacy of acidic electrolyzed water including slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) and strongly acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) on the fresh‐cut lotus roots and their effects on the appearance quality of fresh‐cut lotus root were evaluated in the present paper. The results showed that SAEW treatment could reduce the natural microbial flora populations as well as the inoculated populations of fresh‐cut lotus roots significantly. Also, our results obtained from the present study suggested that SAEW treatment could maintain the appearance quality and market values more effectively than acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) treatment. Considering that SAEW is environmentally friendly and has dual efficacy of disinfection and browning‐prevention, it may be a better choice in the processing of fresh‐cut lotus roots. The results implied that SAEW could inhibit the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, thus keep the overall visual quality. However, how SAEW treatments affect PPO activity of the fresh‐cut lotus roots is still unknown and further research is needed.Practical applicationsHow to prevent the quality deterioration of fresh‐cut lotus root, which limited its safety and processing, had become a serious problem. In the past, the strong disinfection efficacy of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and its application in food industry including the disinfection of fruits and vegetables were widely reported. Due to its neutral pH and lower available chlorine concentration (10–30 mg/L), slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) showed a promising prospect in the agriculture and food industry. In the present study, the disinfection efficacy of SAEW on the fresh‐cut lotus roots was investigated. Moreover, the effect of SAEW treatment on the appearance quality of fresh‐cut lotus root was evaluated. This study confirmed that SAEW treatment might have a high potential for practical use in the processing fresh‐cut lotus roots processing.
A XANES and Raman investigation of sulfur speciation and structural order in Murchison and Allende meteorites
Authors: Bose M. , Root R. A. , Pizzarello S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInsoluble organic matter (IOM) and hydrothermally treated IOM extracted from two carbonaceous chondrites, Murchison and Allende, was studied using sulfur K‐edge XANES (X‐ray absorption near edge structure) and μ‐Raman spectroscopy, with the aim to understand their IOM's sulfur speciation and structural order, and how aqueous alteration or thermal metamorphism may have transformed these materials. We found that the sulfur‐functional group chemistry of both the Murchison IOM and hydrothermally treated IOM samples have a large chemical variability ranging from oxidation states of S−2 to S+6, and exhibit a transformation in their oxidation state after the hydrothermal treatment (HT) to produce thiophenes and thiol compounds. Sulfoxide and sulfite peaks are also present in Murchison. Sulfates considered intrinsic to Murchison are most likely preaccretionary in nature, and not a result of reactions with water at high temperatures on the asteroid parent body. We argue that the reduced sulfides may have formed in the CM parent body, while the thiophenes and thiol compounds are a result of the HT. Micro‐Raman spectra show the presence of aliphatic and aromatic moieties in Murchison's material as observed previously, which exhibits no change after HT. Because the Murchison IOM was modified, as seen by XANES analysis, absence of a change observed using micro‐Raman indicated that although the alkyl carbons of IOM were cleaved, the aromatic network was not largely modified after HT. By contrast, Allende IOM contains primarily disulfide and elemental sulfur, no organic sulfur, and shows no transformation after HT. This nontransformation of Allende IOM after HT would indicate that parent body alteration of sulfide to sulfate is not feasible up to temperatures of 300°C. The reduced sulfur products indicate extreme secondary chemical processing from the precursor compounds in its parent body at temperatures as high as 624°C, as estimated from μ‐Raman D band parameters. The Raman parameters in Allende IOM that was interpreted in terms of amorphous carbon with regions of large clusters of benzene rings, was transformed after the HT to those with fewer benzene rings.
Sampling Strategies for Evaluating the Rate of Adventitious Transgene Presence in Non‐Genetically Modified Crop Fields
Authors: Makowski David , Bancal Rémi , Bensadoun Arnaud , Monod Hervé , Messéan Antoine 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAccording to E.U. regulations, the maximum allowable rate of adventitious transgene presence in non‐genetically modified (GM) crops is 0.9%. We compared four sampling methods for the detection of transgenic material in agricultural non‐GM maize fields: random sampling, stratified sampling, random sampling + ratio reweighting, random sampling + regression reweighting. Random sampling involves simply sampling maize grains from different locations selected at random from the field concerned. The stratified and reweighting sampling methods make use of an auxiliary variable corresponding to the output of a gene‐flow model (a zero‐inflated Poisson model) simulating cross‐pollination as a function of wind speed, wind direction, and distance to the closest GM maize field. With the stratified sampling method, an auxiliary variable is used to define several strata with contrasting transgene presence rates, and grains are then sampled at random from each stratum. With the two methods involving reweighting, grains are first sampled at random from various locations within the field, and the observations are then reweighted according to the auxiliary variable. Data collected from three maize fields were used to compare the four sampling methods, and the results were used to determine the extent to which transgene presence rate estimation was improved by the use of stratified and reweighting sampling methods. We found that transgene rate estimates were more accurate and that substantially smaller samples could be used with sampling strategies based on an auxiliary variable derived from a gene‐flow model.
Insight into “Calculated Risk”: An Application to the Prioritization of Emerging Infectious Diseases for Blood Transfusion Safety
Authors: Neslo R. E. J. , Oei W. , Janssen M. P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIncreasing identification of transmissions of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) by blood transfusion raised the question which of these EIDs poses the highest risk to blood safety. For a number of the EIDs that are perceived to be a threat to blood safety, evidence on actual disease or transmission characteristics is lacking, which might render measures against such EIDs disputable. On the other hand, the fact that we call them “emerging” implies almost by definition that we are uncertain about at least some of their characteristics. So what is the relative importance of various disease and transmission characteristics, and how are these influenced by the degree of uncertainty associated with their actual values? We identified the likelihood of transmission by blood transfusion, the presence of an asymptomatic phase of infection, prevalence of infection, and the disease impact as the main characteristics of the perceived risk of disease transmission by blood transfusion. A group of experts in the field of infectious diseases and blood transfusion ranked sets of (hypothetical) diseases with varying degrees of uncertainty associated with their disease characteristics, and used probabilistic inversion to obtain probability distributions for the weight of each of these risk characteristics. These distribution weights can be used to rank both existing and newly emerging infectious diseases with (partially) known characteristics. Analyses show that in case there is a lack of data concerning disease characteristics, it is the uncertainty concerning the asymptomatic phase and the disease impact that are the most important drivers of the perceived risk. On the other hand, if disease characteristics are well established, it is the prevalence of infection and the transmissibility of the disease by blood transfusion that will drive the perceived risk. The risk prioritization model derived provides an easy to obtain and rational expert assessment of the relative importance of an (emerging) infectious disease, requiring only a limited amount of information. Such a model might be used to justify a rational and proportional response to an emerging infectious disease, especially in situations where little or no specific information is available.
A General Framework for the Assessment of Power System Vulnerability to Malicious Attacks
Authors: Piccinelli R. , Sansavini G. , Lucchetti R. , Zio E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe protection and safe operations of power systems heavily rely on the identification of the causes of damage and service disruption. This article presents a general framework for the assessment of power system vulnerability to malicious attacks. The concept of susceptibility to an attack is employed to quantitatively evaluate the degree of exposure of the system and its components to intentional offensive actions. A scenario with two agents having opposing objectives is proposed, i.e., a defender having multiple alternatives of protection strategies for system elements, and an attacker having multiple alternatives of attack strategies against different combinations of system elements. The defender aims to minimize the system susceptibility to the attack, subject to budget constraints; on the other hand, the attacker aims to maximize the susceptibility. The problem is defined as a zero‐sum game between the defender and the attacker. The assumption that the interests of the attacker and the defender are opposite makes it irrelevant whether or not the defender shows the strategy he/she will use. Thus, the approaches “leader–follower game” or “simultaneous game” do not provide differences as far as the results are concerned. The results show an example of such a situation, and the von Neumann theorem is applied to find the (mixed) equilibrium strategies of the attacker and of the defender.
Yes, The Precautionary Principle Is Incoherent
Authors: Peterson Martin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article is a reply to Thomas Boyer‐Kassem's discussion of my criticism of the precautionary principle published in this journal about a decade ago. Boyer‐Kassem does not question the logical validity of the theorem proved in my original article, but he brings up important questions about its scope. He also challenges the plausibility of some of the assumptions on which it is based. In this comment, I argue that each objection can be adequately dealt with. As a decision rule, the precautionary principle is (still) incoherent.
Self‐reported health‐enhancing physical activity recommendation adherence among 64,380 finnish adults
Authors: Bennie J. A. , Pedisic Z. , Suni J. H. , Tokola K. , Husu P. , Biddle S. J. H. , Vasankari T. 
Published: February 2017

The Finnish recommendations for health‐enhancing physical activity (PA) for adults (≥18 years) recommend: (i) ≥150 minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity (MVPA) and (ii) activities that develop muscle strength and balance ≥2 days/week. However, adherence to these recommendations among the Finnish adults is currently unknown. This study reports on the self‐reported adherence to the PA recommendations and associations with sociodemographic factors among Finnish adults. Data were used from the Finnish “Regional Health and Well‐being Study.” In 2013‐2014, postal questionnaires were sent to 132,560 persons, with 69,032 responding (response rate =52.1%). The weighted proportions adhering to the: (i) MVPA recommendation, (ii) sufficient muscle‐strengthening activity (≥2 days/week), (iii) sufficient balance training (≥2 days/week), and (iv) Finnish health‐enhancing PA recommendations (Finnish recommendations) were calculated. Associations with sociodemographic variables (eg, age, education level, self‐rated health) were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses. Of 69,032 respondents, 92.6% (n=64,380, response rate =48.6%, 18‐98 years) reported on their physical activity levels. A total of 31.2% (95% CI: 30.8%‐31.6%) met the aerobic MVPA recommendation, 17.2% (95% CI: 16.9%‐17.6%) reported sufficient muscle‐strengthening activity, 6.7% (95% CI: 6.4%‐6.9%) reported sufficient balance training, and 10.8% (95% CI: 10.5%‐11.1%) met the Finnish recommendations. In the adjusted analysis, those with poorer self‐rated health, older age, lower education levels, and those classified overweight or obese were independently associated with lower odds of meeting the Finnish recommendations. The vast majority of Finnish adults do not meet the full PA recommendations. Public health action is needed to increase PA in Finland.
A single camera three‐dimensional digital image correlation system for the study of adiabatic shear bands
Authors: White T. G. , Patten J. R. W. , Wan K.‐H. , Pullen A. D. , Chapman D. J. , Eakins D. E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe describe the capability of a high‐resolution three‐dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) system specifically designed for high strain‐rate experiments. Utilising open‐source camera calibration and two‐dimensional DIC tools within the MATLAB framework, a single camera three‐dimensional DIC system with submicron displacement resolution is demonstrated. The system has a displacement accuracy of up to 200 times the optical spatial resolution, matching that achievable with commercial systems. The surface strain calculations are benchmarked against commercially available software before being deployed on quasi‐static tests showcasing the ability to detect both in‐ and out‐of‐plane motion. Finally, a high strain‐rate (1.2×103 s−1) test was performed on a top‐hat sample compressed in a split‐Hopkinson pressure bar in order to highlight the inherent camera synchronisation and ability to resolve the adiabatic shear band phenomenon.