bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Comparing Methods to Address Bias Due to Length of Gestation in Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Hinkle Stefanie N. , Mitchell Emily M. , Grantz Katherine L. , Ye Aijun , Schisterman Enrique F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundStudies examining total gestational weight gain (GWG) and outcomes associated with gestational age (GA) are potentially biased. The z‐score has been proposed to mitigate this bias. We evaluated a regression‐based adjustment for GA to remove the correlation between GWG and GA, and compared it to published weight‐gain‐for‐gestational‐age z‐scores when applied to a study sample with different underlying population characteristics.MethodsUsing 65 643 singleton deliveries to normal weight women at 12 US clinical sites, we simulated a null association between GWG and neonatal mortality. Logistic regression was used to estimate approximate relative risks (RR) of neonatal mortality associated with GWG, unadjusted and adjusted for GA, and the z‐score, overall and within study sites. Average RRs across 5000 replicates were calculated with 95% coverage probability to indicate model bias and precision, where 95% is nominal.ResultsUnder a simulated null association, total GWG resulted in a biased mortality estimate (RR = 0.87; coverage = 0%); estimates adjusted for GA were unbiased (RR = 1.00; coverage = 94%). Quintile‐specific RRs ranged from 0.97–1.03. Similar results were observed for site‐specific analyses. The overall z‐score RR was 0.97 (84% coverage) with quintile‐specific RRs ranging from 0.64–0.90. Estimates were close to 1.0 at most sites, with coverage from 70–94%. Sites 1 and 6 were biased with RRs of 0.66 and 1.43, respectively, and coverage of 70% and 80%.ConclusionsAdjusting for GA achieves unbiased estimates of the association between total GWG and neonatal mortality, providing an accessible alternative to the weight‐gain‐for‐gestational‐age z‐scores without requiring assumptions concerning underlying population characteristics.
An Argumentation Interface for Expert Opinion Evidence
Authors: Walton Douglas , Zhang Nanning 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTribunals have come to depend increasingly on expertise for determining the facts in cases. However, current legal methods have proved problematic to work with. This paper argues that, as a special model of public understanding of science, assessing expertise should consider source credibility of expertise from internal aspects, including scientific validity and reliability, and external aspects involving the credibility of experts. Using the Carneades Argumentation System we show that the internal and the external aspects are mediated by the structure of the argument from expert opinion with its matching set of critical questions.
On Normative Discourse
Authors: Zanetti Gianfrancesco 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIf speaking of justice were the same thing as banging on the table, then normative discourse could not be taken seriously. The aim of this paper, however, is to vindicate the meaningfulness, and rationality, of normative discourse, and to outline its conditions of possibility. Normative discourse can be understood as if there were, in its structure, different “stages,” or layers. In the transition from one stage to the next, complexity increases. Thus, I shall depict the emergence of normative discourse as a kind of genetic process.
Should we treat obesity in COPD? The effects of diet and resistance exercise training
Authors: McDonald Vanessa M. , Gibson Peter G. , Scott Hayley A. , Baines Penelope J. , Hensley Michael J. , Pretto Jeffrey J. , Wood Lisa G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveObesity is an established risk factor for poor health outcomes, but paradoxically in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is associated with improved survival and lung function. A major evidence gap exisits to inform treatment recommendations for patients with COPD who are obese. We aimed to determine the effect of weight reduction involving a low‐energy diet utilizing a partial meal replacement plan, coupled with resistance exercise training in obese COPD patients.MethodsIn a proof of concept before–after clinical trial, obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) COPD patients received a 12 week weight reduction programme involving meal replacements, dietary counselling by a dietitian and resistance exercise training prescribed and supervised by a physiotherapist. Patients were reviewed face to face by the dietitian and physiotherapist every 2 weeks for counselling.ResultsTwenty‐eight participants completed the intervention. Mean (standard deviation) body mass index was 36.3 kg/m2 (4.6) at baseline and reduced by 2.4 kg/m2 ((1.1) P < 0.0001) after the intervention. Importantly, skeletal muscle mass was maintained. Clinical outcomes improved with weight loss including exercise capacity, health status, dyspnea, strength and functional outcomes. There was also a significant reduction in the body mass index, obstruction, dyspnea and exercise score (BODE). Systemic inflammation measured by C‐reactive protein however did not change.ConclusionIn obese COPD patients, dietary energy restriction coupled with resistance exercise training results in clinically significant improvements in body mass index, exercise tolerance and health status, whilst preserving skeletal muscle mass. This novel study provides a framework for development of guidelines for the management of obese COPD patients and in guiding future research.
A Test for Stationarity for Irregularly Spaced Spatial Data
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soutir , Rao Suhasini Subba 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe analysis of spatial data is based on a set of assumptions, which in practice need to be checked. A commonly used assumption is that the spatial random field is second-order stationary. In the paper, a test for spatial stationarity for irregularly sampled data is proposed. The test is based on a transformation of the data (a type of Fourier transform), where the correlations between the transformed data are close to 0 if the random field is second-order stationary. However, if the random field were second-order non-stationary, this property does not hold. Using this property a test for second-order stationarity is constructed. The test statistic is based on measuring the degree of correlation in the transformed data. The asymptotic sampling properties of the test statistic are derived under both stationarity and non-stationarity of the random field. These results motivate a graphical tool which allows a visual representation of the non-stationary features. The method is illustrated with simulations and a real data example.
It's Not Whether You Win or Lose, It's How You Place the Blame: Shifting Perceptions of Recreancy in the Context of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Cope Michael R. , Slack Tim , Blanchard Troy C. , Lee Matthew R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA key theoretical concept in the study of technological disasters is “recreancy,” which refers to perception that institutional actors have failed to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that engenders societal trust. Using household survey data from the Community Oil Spill Survey (COSS) to assess recreancy in the context of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we analyze four waves of the COSS collected between 2010 and 2013 to explore respondents’ perceptions of blame and distrust in relation to key institutional actors associated with the disaster, paying special attention to the influence of time and employment in natural resource occupations. We show that BP is clearly viewed as the principal responsible party at fault for the disaster and that the odds of blaming BP and the federal government have held relatively steady over time, while the odds of blaming state government increased over time. We find high levels of distrust of BP and the federal government, but show that odds of being distrustful of both institutional actors was significantly lower three years after the spill. Fishing households were significantly more likely to blame and be distrustful of institutional actors, a finding that is strongly consistent with theoretical expectations.
Switzerland on the Road from a Consociational to a Centrifugal Democracy?
Authors: Vatter Adrian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCan Switzerland still be classified as an example of consociational democracy, characterized by power sharing and elite cooperation, by the second decade of the 21st century? Drawing on Lijphart's typology of consociational and centrifugal regimes, an analysis of the transformation of Swiss democracy reveals that while Switzerland continues to display institutional elements of power sharing, a polarizing and competitive trend can be observed in the governing style of the elite. Increasingly adversarial elite behaviour and a growing polarization within parliament and government as well as with regards to referendums indicate a growing shift toward centrifugal democracy.
Environmental factors and population at risk of malaria in Nkomazi municipality, South Africa
Authors: Adeola A. M. , Botai O. J. , Olwoch J. M. , Rautenbach C. J. de W. , Adisa O. M. , Taiwo O. J. , Kalumba A. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveNkomazi local municipality of South Africa is a high‐risk malaria region with an incidence rate of about 500 cases per 100 000. We examined the influence of environmental factors on population (age group) at risk of malaria.Methodsr software was used to statistically analyse data. Using remote sensing technology, a Landsat 8 image of 4th October 2015 was classified using object‐based classification and a 5‐m resolution. Spot height data were used to generate a digital elevation model of the area.ResultsA total of 60 718 malaria cases were notified across 48 health facilities in Nkomazi municipality between January 1997 and August 2015. Malaria incidence was highly associated with irrigated land (P = 0.001), water body (P = 0.011) and altitude ≤400 m (P = 0.001). The multivariate model showed that with 10% increase in the extent of irrigated areas, malaria risk increased by almost 39% in the entire study area and by almost 44% in the 2‐km buffer zone of selected villages. Malaria incidence is more pronounced in the economically active population aged 15–64 and in males. Both incidence and case fatality rate drastically declined over the study period.ConclusionA predictive model based on environmental factors would be useful in the effort towards malaria elimination by fostering appropriate targeting of control measures and allocating of resources.
Fission Product Release Under Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactor Conditions
Authors: Guzonas D. , Qiu L. , Livingstone S. , Rousseau S. 
Published: February 2016

Most supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) concepts being considered as part of the Generation IV initiative are direct cycle. In the event of a fuel defect, the coolant will contact the fuel pellet, potentially releasing fission products and actinides into the coolant and transporting them to the turbines. At the high pressure (25 MPa) in an SCWR, the coolant does not undergo a phase change as it passes through the critical temperature in the core, and nongaseous species may be transported out of the core and deposited on out-of-core components, leading to increased worker dose. It is therefore important to identify species with a high risk of release and develop models of their transport and deposition behavior. This paper presents the results of preliminary leaching tests in SCW of U-Th simulated fuel pellets prepared from natural U and Th containing representative concentrations of the (inactive) oxides of fission products corresponding to a fuel burnup of 60  GWd/ton. The results show that Sr and Ba are released at relatively high concentrations at 400°C and 500°C.
Application of Thermal Hydraulic and Severe Accident Code SOCRAT/V3 to Bottom Water Reflood Experiment QUENCH-LOCA-1
Authors: Vasiliev Alexander , Stuckert Juri 
Published: February 2016

This study aims to (1) use the thermal hydraulic and severe fuel damage (SFD) best-estimate computer modeling code SOCRAT/V3 for post-test calculation of QUENCH-LOCA-1 experiment and (2) estimate the SOCRAT code quality of modeling. The new QUENCH-LOCA bundle tests with different cladding materials will simulate a representative scenario for a loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA) nuclear power plant (NPP) accident sequence in which the overheated (up to 1050°C) reactor core would be reflooded from the bottom by the emergency core cooling system (ECCS). The test QUENCH-LOCA-1 was successfully performed at the KIT, Karlsruhe, Germany, on February 2, 2012, and was the first test for this series after the commissioning test QUENCH-LOCA-0 conducted earlier. The SOCRAT/V3-calculated results describing thermal hydraulic, hydrogen generation, and thermomechanical behavior including rods ballooning and burst are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The results demonstrate the SOCRAT code’s ability for realistic calculation of complicated LOCA scenarios.
A Blind, Numerical Benchmark Study on Supercritical Water Heat Transfer Experiments in a 7-Rod Bundle
Authors: Rohde M. , Peeters J. W. R. , Pucciarelli A. , Kiss A. , Rao Y. F. , Onder E. N. , Muehlbauer P. , Batta A. , Hartig M. , Chatoorgoon V. , Thiele R. , Chang D. , Tavoularis S. , Novog D. , McClure D. , Gradecka M. , Takase K. 
Published: February 2016

Heat transfer in supercritical water reactors (SCWRs) shows a complex behavior, especially when the temperatures of the water are near the pseudocritical value. For example, a significant deterioration of heat transfer may occur, resulting in unacceptably high cladding temperatures. The underlying physics and thermodynamics behind this behavior are not well understood yet. To assist the worldwide development in SCWRs, it is therefore of paramount importance to assess the limits and capabilities of currently available models, despite the fact that most of these models were not meant to describe supercritical heat transfer (SCHT). For this reason, the Gen-IV International Forum initiated the present blind, numerical benchmark, primarily aiming to show the predictive ability of currently available models when applied to a real-life application with flow conditions that resemble those of an SCWR. This paper describes the outcomes of ten independent numerical investigations and their comparison with wall temperatures measured at different positions in a 7-rod bundle with spacer grids in a supercritical water test facility at JAEA. The wall temperatures were not known beforehand to guarantee the blindness of the study. A number of models have been used, ranging from a one-dimensional (1-D) analytical approach with heat transfer correlations to a RANS simulation with the SST turbulence model on a mesh consisting of 62 million cells. None of the numerical simulations accurately predicted the wall temperature for the test case in which deterioration of heat transfer occurred. Furthermore, the predictive capabilities of the subchannel analysis were found to be comparable to those of more laborious approaches. It has been concluded that predictions of SCHT in rod bundles with the help of currently available numerical tools and models should be treated with caution.
Improvement of Sprint Triathlon Performance in Trained Athletes With Positive Swim Pacing
Authors: Wu Sam S.X. , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Peeling Peter , Brisswalter Jeanick , Lau Wing Y. , Nosaka Kazunori , Abbiss Chris R. 
Published: February 2016

Purpose:To investigate the effect of 3 swim-pacing profiles on subsequent performance during a sprint-distance triathlon (SDT).
Methods:Nine competitive/trained male triathletes completed 5 experimental sessions including a graded running exhaustion test, a 750-m swim time trial (STT), and 3 SDTs. The swim times of the 3 SDTs were matched, but pacing was manipulated to induce positive (ie, speed gradually decreasing from 92% to 73% STT), negative (ie, speed gradually increasing from 73% to 92% STT), or even pacing (constant 82.5% STT). The remaining disciplines were completed at a self-selected maximal pace. Speed over the entire triathlon, power output during the cycle discipline, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for each discipline, and heart rate during the cycle and run were determined.
Results:Faster cycle and overall triathlon times were achieved with positive swim pacing (30.5 ± 1.8 and 65.9 ± 4.0 min, respectively), as compared with the even (31.4 ± 1.0 min, P = .018 and 67.7 ± 3.9 min, P = .034, effect size [ES] = 0.46, respectively) and negative (31.8 ± 1.6 min, P = .011 and 67.3 ± 3.7 min, P = .041, ES = 0.36, respectively) pacing. Positive swim pacing elicited a lower RPE (9 ± 2) than negative swim pacing (11 ± 2, P = .014). No differences were observed in the other measured variables.
Conclusions:A positive swim pacing may improve overall SDT performance and should be considered by both elite and age-group athletes during racing.
Strong Correlation of Upper-Extremity Blood-Flow Volume With Grip Strength While in a Provocative Shoulder Position in Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Laudner Kevin , Vazquez Jose , Selkow Noelle , Meister Keith 
Published: February 2016

Context:Baseball players, specifically pitchers, with symptomatic neurovascular occlusion often initially complain of arm fatigue and loss of ball control and velocity. As the compression continues complaints may manifest in dull pain, paresthesia, and decreased grip strength.Objective:To determine the correlation between upper-extremity blood-flow volume and grip strength among baseball pitchers.Design:Cross-sectional.Setting:Athletic training room.Participants:66 professional baseball pitchers (age 21.6 ± 2.0 y, height 186.9 ± 5.7 cm, mass 91.3 ± 10.9 kg) before the start of spring training.Main Outcome Measures:Diagnostic ultrasound was used to measure upper-extremity blood-flow volume with the throwing shoulder in a resting position and in a provocative position. Grip strength was measured with participants seated and their throwing-arm elbow flexed to 90°. Pearson product–moment correlation coefficients were used to determine the strength of the relationships between blood-flow volume in the 2 arm positions and grip strength (P < .05).Results:No significant relationship was found between blood-flow volume in the resting position and grip strength (r = .03, P = .81); however, a strong positive correlation was found in the 2nd provocative position (r = .67, P = .001). This relationship indicates that as blood-flow volume tested in a provocative shoulder position decreases, so does grip strength.Conclusion:A strong positive relationship was found in pitchers, demonstrating that as upper-extremity blood-flow volume while in the provocative shoulder position decreases, so does grip strength.
Qualitative critical incident study of patients’ experiences leading to emergency hospital admission with advanced respiratory illness
Authors: Karasouli Eleni , Munday Daniel , Bailey Cara , Staniszewska Sophie , Hewison Alistair , Griffiths Frances 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesThe high volume of emergency admissions to hospital is a challenge for health systems internationally. Patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequently admitted to hospital as emergency cases. While the frequency of emergency admission has been investigated, few studies report patient experiences, particularly in relation to the decision-making process prior to emergency admission. We sought to explore patient and carer experiences and those of their healthcare professionals in the period leading up to emergency admission to hospital.Setting3 UK hospitals located in different urban and rural settings.DesignQualitative critical incident study.Participants24 patients with advanced lung cancer and 15 with advanced COPD admitted to hospital as emergencies, 20 of their carers and 50 of the health professionals involved in the patients’ care.ResultsThe analysis of patient, carer and professionals’ interviews revealed a detailed picture of the complex processes involved leading to emergency admission to hospital. 3 phases were apparent in this period: self-management of deteriorating symptoms, negotiated decision-making and letting go. These were dynamic processes, characterised by an often rapidly changing clinical condition, uncertainty and anxiety. Patients considered their options drawing on experience, current and earlier advice. Patients tried to avoid admission, reluctantly accepting it, albeit often with a sense of relief, as anxiety increased with worsening symptoms.ConclusionsPatients with advanced respiratory illness, and their carers, try to avoid emergency admission, and use logical and complex decision-making before reluctantly accepting it. Clinicians and policy-makers need to understand this complex process when considering how to reduce emergency hospital admissions rather than focusing on identifying and labelling admissions as ‘inappropriate’.
Linking mid-scale distributive fluvial systems to drainage basin area: geomorphological and sedimentological evidence from the endorheic Gastre Basin, Argentina
Authors: Bilmes Andres , Veiga Gonzalo D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The analysis of mid-scale distributive fluvial systems (DFS) provides an opportunity to study fluvial depositional patterns in sedimentary basins in a manner similar to megafans, but under the more homogeneous external conditions that control small alluvial fans from the source area to the depositional area. Four mid-scale Quaternary DFS and the areas of their drainage basins were analysed with the aim of understanding and predicting the mechanism and magnitude of fluvial fan deposition. These DFS were located in the Gastre Basin, Argentina, an endorheic basin that has evolved during the Quaternary under relatively uniform climatic and tectonic conditions. Using a geomorphological and sedimentological approach, the measured areas of the DFS were compared with the calculated areas using different regression equations for variables such as the drainage basin area and the drainage basin slope. The results suggest a moderate to high percentage of deviation in all cases, indicating that at an intermediate scale the size of the DFS is not solely a function of the size of the drainage basin. Adjacent DFS with similar depositional areas and catchment bedrock lithologies were linked with very different drainage basin areas and vice versa. This study suggests that the horizontal accommodation space, determined by the incision and distribution of previous deposits, and the drainage basin slope may also influence the size of mid-scale DFS.
The Enigma of Rapamycin Dosage
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Suman , Frias Maria A. , Chatterjee Amrita , Yellen Paige , Foster David A. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The mTOR pathway is a critical regulator of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling has been observed in most cancers and, thus, the mTOR pathway has been extensively studied for therapeutic intervention. Rapamycin is a natural product that inhibits mTOR with high specificity. However, its efficacy varies by dose in several contexts. First, different doses of rapamycin are needed to suppress mTOR in different cell lines; second, different doses of rapamycin are needed to suppress the phosphorylation of different mTOR substrates; and third, there is a differential sensitivity of the two mTOR complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2 to rapamycin. Intriguingly, the enigmatic properties of rapamycin dosage can be explained in large part by the competition between rapamycin and phosphatidic acid (PA) for mTOR. Rapamycin and PA have opposite effects on mTOR whereby rapamycin destabilizes and PA stabilizes both mTOR complexes. In this review, we discuss the properties of rapamycin dosage in the context of anticancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(3); 347–53. ©2016 AACR.