bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering exposures responsible for birth season – disease effects: a global study
Authors: Boland Mary Regina , Parhi Pradipta , Li Li , Miotto Riccardo , Carroll Robert , Iqbal Usman , Nguyen Phung-Anh (Alex) , Schuemie Martijn , You Seng Chan , Smith Donahue , Mooney Sean , Ryan Patrick , Li Yu-Chuan (Jack) , Park Rae Woong , Denny Josh , Dudley Joel T , Hripcsak George , Gentine Pierre , Tatonetti Nicholas P 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objective
Birth month and climate impact lifetime disease risk, while the underlying exposures remain largely elusive. We seek to uncover distal risk factors underlying these relationships by probing the relationship between global exposure variance and disease risk variance by birth season.

Material and Methods
This study utilizes electronic health record data from 6 sites representing 10.5 million individuals in 3 countries (United States, South Korea, and Taiwan). We obtained birth month–disease risk curves from each site in a case-control manner. Next, we correlated each birth month–disease risk curve with each exposure. A meta-analysis was then performed of correlations across sites. This allowed us to identify the most significant birth month–exposure relationships supported by all 6 sites while adjusting for multiplicity. We also successfully distinguish relative age effects (a cultural effect) from environmental exposures.

Results
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was the only identified relative age association. Our methods identified several culprit exposures that correspond well with the literature in the field. These include a link between first-trimester exposure to carbon monoxide and increased risk of depressive disorder (R = 0.725, confidence interval [95% CI], 0.529-0.847), first-trimester exposure to fine air particulates and increased risk of atrial fibrillation (R = 0.564, 95% CI, 0.363-0.715), and decreased exposure to sunlight during the third trimester and increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (R = −0.816, 95% CI, −0.5767, −0.929).

Conclusion
A global study of birth month–disease relationships reveals distal risk factors involved in causal biological pathways that underlie them.
Industrial hardware and software verification with ACL2
Authors: Hunt Warren A. , Kaufmann Matt , Moore J Strother , Slobodova Anna 
Published: September 2017

The ACL2 theorem prover has seen sustained industrial use since the mid-1990s. Companies that have used ACL2 regularly include AMD, Centaur Technology, IBM, Intel, Kestrel Institute, Motorola/Freescale, Oracle and Rockwell Collins. This paper introduces ACL2 and focuses on how and why ACL2 is used in industry. ACL2 is well-suited to its industrial application to numerous software and hardware systems, because it is an integrated programming/proof environment supporting a subset of the ANSI standard Common Lisp programming language. As a programming language ACL2 permits the coding of efficient and robust programs; as a prover ACL2 can be fully automatic but provides many features permitting domain-specific human-supplied guidance at various levels of abstraction. ACL2 specifications and models often serve as efficient execution engines for the modelled artefacts while permitting formal analysis and proof of properties. Crucially, ACL2 also provides support for the development and verification of other formal analysis tools. However, ACL2 did not find its way into industrial use merely because of its technical features. The core ACL2 user/development community has a shared vision of making mechanized verification routine when appropriate and has been committed to this vision for the quarter century since the Computational Logic, Inc., Verified Stack. The community has focused on demonstrating the viability of the tool by taking on industrial projects (often at the expense of not being able to publish much).
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Verified trustworthy software systems’.
The HACMS program: using formal methods to eliminate exploitable bugs
Authors: Fisher Kathleen , Launchbury John , Richards Raymond 
Published: September 2017

For decades, formal methods have offered the promise of verified software that does not have exploitable bugs. Until recently, however, it has not been possible to verify software of sufficient complexity to be useful. Recently, that situation has changed. SeL4 is an open-source operating system microkernel efficient enough to be used in a wide range of practical applications. Its designers proved it to be fully functionally correct, ensuring the absence of buffer overflows, null pointer exceptions, use-after-free errors, etc., and guaranteeing integrity and confidentiality. The CompCert Verifying C Compiler maps source C programs to provably equivalent assembly language, ensuring the absence of exploitable bugs in the compiler. A number of factors have enabled this revolution, including faster processors, increased automation, more extensive infrastructure, specialized logics and the decision to co-develop code and correctness proofs rather than verify existing artefacts. In this paper, we explore the promise and limitations of current formal-methods techniques. We discuss these issues in the context of DARPA’s HACMS program, which had as its goal the creation of high-assurance software for vehicles, including quadcopters, helicopters and automobiles.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Verified trustworthy software systems’.
Compositional relaxed concurrency
Authors: Batty Mark 
Published: September 2017

There is a broad design space for concurrent computer processors: they can be optimized for low power, low latency or high throughput. This freedom to tune each processor design to its niche has led to an increasing diversity of machines, from powerful pocketable devices to those responsible for complex and critical tasks, such as car guidance systems. Given this context, academic concurrency research sounds notes of both caution and optimism. Caution because recent work has uncovered flaws in the way we explain the subtle memory behaviour of concurrent systems: specifications have been shown to be incorrect, leading to bugs throughout the many layers of the system. And optimism because our tools and methods for verifying the correctness of concurrent code—although built above an idealized model of concurrency—are becoming more mature. This paper looks at the way we specify the memory behaviour of concurrent systems and suggests a new direction. Currently, there is a siloed approach, with each processor and programming language specified separately in an incomparable way. But this does not match the structure of our programs, which may use multiple processors and languages together. Instead we propose acompositionalapproach, where program components carry with them a description of the sort of concurrency they rely on, and there is a mechanism for composing these. This will support not only components written for the multiple varied processors found in a modern system but also those that use idealized models of concurrency, providing a sound footing for mature verification techniques.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Verified trustworthy software systems’.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound alters the latency and spatial patterns of sensory-evoked cortical responsesin vivo
Authors: Fisher Jonathan A. N. , Gumenchuk Iryna 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe use of transcranial, low intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging neuromodulation technology that shows promise for both therapeutic and research applications. Compared with other noninvasive neuromodulation approaches, key technical advantages include high lateral resolution of stimulation and deep penetration depth. However, empirically observed effectsin vivoare diverse; for example, variations in sonication location and waveform can alternatively elicit putatively inhibitory or excitatory effects. At a fundamental level, it is unclear how FUS alters the function of neural circuits at the site of sonication. To address this knowledge gap, we developed an approach to optically interrogate the spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity in the cortex directly at the acoustic focus, thereby offering a glimpse into the local effects of FUS on distributed populations of neuronsin vivo. Our experiments probed electrical activity through the use of voltage sensitive dyes (VSDs) and, in transgenic GCaMP6f mice, monitored associated Ca2+responses. Our results directly demonstrate that low-intensity FUS adjusts both the kinetics and spatial patterns of sensory receptive fields at the acoustic focusin vivo. Although our experimental configuration limits interpretation to population activity, the use of VSDs ensures that the detected alterations reflect activity in cortical neurons, unobscured by signals in subcortical or laterally distant cortical regions. More generally, this optical measurement paradigm can be implemented to observe FUS-induced alterations in cortical representation with higher lateral resolution spatial versatility than is practical through more conventional electrodebased measurements. Our findings suggest that reports of FUS-induced sensory modulation in human studies may partly reflect alterations cortical representation and reactivity.
AhrandCyp1a2genotypes both affect susceptibility to motor deficits following gestational and lactational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Colter Breann T. , Garber Helen Frances , Fleming Sheila M. , Fowler Jocelyn Phillips , Harding Gregory D. , Hooven Molly Kromme , Howes Amy Ashworth , Infante Smitha Krishnan , Lang Anna L. , MacDougall Melinda Curran , Stegman Melinda , Taylor Kelsey , Curran Christine Perdan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants known to cause adverse health effects and linked to neurological deficits in both human and animal studies. Children born to exposed mothers are at highest risk of learning and memory and motor deficits. We developed a mouse model that mimics human variation in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) to determine if genetic variation increases susceptibility to developmental PCB exposure. In our previous studies, we found that high-affinityAhrbCyp1a2(-/-)and poor-affinityAhrdCyp1a2(-/-)knockout mice were most susceptible to learning and memory deficits following developmental PCB exposure compared withAhrbCyp1a2(+/+)wild type mice (C57BL/6J strain). Our follow-up studies focused on motor deficits, because human studies have identified PCBs as a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. Dams were treated with an environmentally relevant PCB mixture at gestational day 10 and postnatal day 5. We used a motor battery that included tests of nigrostriatal function as well as cerebellar function, because PCBs deplete thyroid hormone, which is essential to normal cerebellar development. There was a significant effect of PCB treatment in the rotarod test with impaired performance in all three genotypes, but decreased motor learning as well in the twoCyp1a2(-/-)knockout lines. Interestingly, we found a main effect of genotype with corn oil-treated controlCyp1a2(-/-)mice performing significantly worse thanCyp1a2(+/+)wild type mice. In contrast, we found that PCB-treated high-affinityAhrbmice were most susceptible to disruption of nigrostriatal function with the greatest deficits inAhrbCyp1a2(-/-)mice. We conclude that differences in both genes affect susceptibility to motor deficits following developmental PCB exposure.
Innovation collaboration in the renewable offshore wind energy sector
Authors: Brink Tove 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to reveal how larger enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can enable innovation collaboration for enhanced competitiveness of the offshore wind energy sector.

Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a longitudinal qualitative study starting in 2011 with a project-based network learning course with 15 SME wind farm suppliers and follow-up interviews with 10 SMEs and continued with interviews conducted with 20 individual enterprises within operation and maintenance conducted in 2014-2015.

Findings
The findings reveal challenges as well as opportunities for innovation collaboration between larger enterprises and SMEs to contribute to the innovation and competitiveness of the offshore wind farm sector. A glass ceiling is revealed for demand-driven positions if the SME does not possess rare and specific valuable knowledge. There are opportunities revealed in general for supplier-driven positions if SME suppliers can collaborate and develop interesting solutions for larger enterprises. If SMEs succeed in either of these aims, the SMEs have an opportunity to attain partner-driven collaboration. However, challenges are present according to the understanding of the different organisational approaches in SMEs and larger enterprises and in the different business approaches.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to the offshore wind energy sector. Further research is needed for verification of the findings in other energy sectors.

Originality/value
A fourfold contribution is made to enhance the understanding of innovation collaboration and to enable competitiveness for the offshore wind energy sector. SMEs, larger enterprises, academic researchers and policy bodies are provided with a model for action within the four positions for innovation collaboration.
The bittersweet effect of power disparity
Authors: Fleştea Alina Maria , Curşeu Petru Lucian , Fodor Oana Cătălina 
Published: September 2017

PurposeCollaborative systems are particular cases of multi-team systems in which several groups representing various interests meet to debate and generate solutions on complex societal issues. Stakeholder diversity in such systems often triggers power differences and disparity and the study explores the dual role of power disparity in collaborative settings. The purpose of this paper is to extend the power approach-inhibition model (Keltneret al., 2003) to the group level of analysis and argue that, on the positive side, power disparity increases the cognitive activity of the interacting groups (i.e. task-related debates), while on the other hand it generates a negative affective climate.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data at two time points across nine behavioral simulations (54 teams, 239 participants) designed to explore the cognitive and affective dynamics between six parties interacting in a collaborative decision task.FindingsThe results show that power disparity increases cognitive activity in collaborative multi-party systems, while it hinders the affective climate, by increasing relationship conflict and decreasing psychological safety among the stakeholders.Practical implicationsThis study provides important theoretical and practical contributions mostly for the consultation processes, as interventions might be directed at fostering the positive effects of power disparity in collaborative setting, while mitigating its drawbacks.Originality/valueBy extending the approach-inhibition model to the group level, this is one of the first empirical studies to examine the dual nature of the impact that power disparity has on the cognitive (i.e. positive effect) and affective (i.e. negative effect) dynamics of multi-party collaborative systems (i.e. multi-team systems).
Transperineal rectocele repair: a systematic review
Authors: Zimmermann Eleanor F. , Hayes Richard S. , Daniels Ian R. , Smart Neil J. , Warwick Andrea M. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundTransperineal rectocele repairs, either as isolated fascial repair or in combination with mesh augmentation, are hypothesized to reduce the risk of complications compared with alternative techniques.AimThe aim of this study was to ascertain long‐term success and complication rates following transperineal rectocele repairs.MethodA literature search of PubMed and Embase was performed using the terms ‘transperineal rectocele’, ‘rectocele’, ‘transperineal’ and ‘repair’. Prospective studies, case series and retrospective case note analyses from 1 January 1994 to 1 December 2016 were included. Those that detailed outcomes of the transperineal approach or compared it to transanal/transvaginal approaches were included. The main outcome measures were reported complications and functional outcome scores.ResultsA total of 14 studies were included. Of 566 patients, 333 (58.8%) underwent a transperineal rectocele repair and 220 (41.2%) a transanal repair. Complications were identified in 27 (12.3%) of the 220 transanal repairs and in 41 (12.3%) of the 333 transperineal repairs. A significant complication following transperineal repair was noted in eight studies. There are not enough data to make a reliable comparison between mesh and non‐mesh transperineal repairs or to compare biological and synthetic mesh use.LimitationsOutcome reporting differed between studies, precluding a full meta‐analysis.ConclusionTransperineal rectocele repair offers an effective method of symptom improvement and appears to have a similar complication rate as transanal rectocele repair. Concomitant use of synthetic and biological mesh augmentation is becoming more common; however, high‐quality comparative data are lacking, so a direct comparison between surgical approaches is not yet possible.
Shaken baby syndrome and the risk of losing scientific scrutiny
Authors: Rosén M , Lynøe N , Elinder G , Hallberg B , Sundgren P , Eriksson A 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA systematic review of shaken baby syndrome by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services generated numerous reactions from professional organisations, even before the review was published. There was also a lively debate after a paper summarising its findings were published in Acta Paediatrica The various responses are worth debating further, as they raise several important issues with regard to research ethics, having an open debate and publishing scientific findings.ConclusionThe responses to the shaken baby syndrome report indicate that scientific scrutiny risks being lost when researchers and organisations are not open to challenging established ideas.
Introducing universal ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip doubled the treatment rate
Authors: Olsen Stine F. , Blom Hans C. , Rosendahl Karen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThere is no evidence on the effect of universal ultrasound screening on developmental dysplasia of the hip. We examined the impact of adding an ultrasound examination to a one examiner clinical screening strategy on treatment, follow‐up rates and the number of cases detected late in a low‐prevalence population.MethodsAll eligible babies born at Kongsberg Hospital, Norway, from 1998 to 2006 (n = 4245) underwent both clinical and ultrasound hip examinations within three days of life. Indications for immediate treatment were positive Barlow or Ortolani manoeuvres and, or, sonographic dysplasia. Sonographic immature hips were followed until normalisation. Treatment rates and rates from the 1989 to 1997 prestudy period (n = 3594), including late diagnoses, were collected from hospital records.ResultsTreatment was initiated in 90 (2.1%) infants (74 girls), 63 (70%) from birth, compared to 33 (0.9%) during the prestudy period. The follow‐up rate did not change (11%). There were two (0.5/1000) and four (1.0/1000) cases detected late, respectively. No one underwent surgery during the first year of life and no avascular necrosis was seen.ConclusionAdding universal ultrasound to clinical screening performed by the same, experienced paediatrician doubled the treatment rate, without influencing the already low numbers of late cases.
Elective transfers of preterm neonates to regional centres on non‐invasive respiratory support is cost effective and increases tertiary care bed capacity
Authors: Zein Hussein , Yusuf Kamran , Paul Renee , Kowal Derek , Thomas Sumesh 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimManaging capacity at regional facilities caring for sick neonates is increasingly challenging. This study estimated the clinical and economic impact of the elective transfer of stable infants requiring nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) from level three to level two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) within an established clinical network of five NICUs.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the records of 99 stable infants transferred on NCPAP between two level three NICUs and three level two NICUs in Calgary, Canada, between June 2014 and May 2016.ResultsThe median gestational age and weight at birth were 28 weeks and 955 g, and the median corrected gestational age and weight at transfer were 33 weeks and 1597 g, respectively. This resulted in cost savings of $2.65 million Canadian dollars during the two‐year study period, and 848 level three NICU days were freed up for potentially sick neonates. There were no adverse events associated with the transfers.ConclusionThe elective transfer of stable neonates on NCPAP from level three to level two NICUs within an established clinical network led to substantial cost savings, was safe and increased the bed capacity at the two level three NICUs.
Deaths and end‐of‐life decisions differed between neonatal and paediatric intensive care units at the same children's hospital
Authors: Snoep Maartje C. , Jansen Nicolaas J.G. , Groenendaal Floris 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimWe compared neonatal deaths and end‐of‐life decisions in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a Dutch tertiary children's hospital.SubjectsAll 235 full‐term infants who died within 28 days of life between 2003 and 2013 in the NICU (n = 199) and PICU (n = 36) were retrospectively studied.ResultsThe median length of stay was three days in the NICU and seven days in the PICU (p = 0.003). The main reasons for NICU stays were asphyxia (52.8%) and congenital malformations (42.2%), and in the PICU, they were congenital malformations (97.2%) and primarily cardiac problems (83.3%, p < 0.001). The median age of death was three days in the NICU and eight days in the PICU (p < 0.001), and mortality despite full intensive care treatment was 4.0% and 25.0%, respectively. Intensive treatment was discontinued because of poor survival chances in 25.1% of NICU and 52.8% of PICU cases (p < 0.001), and care was redirected because of expected poor quality of life in 70.9% and 22.2%, respectively.ConclusionDifferences between the age at death and end‐of‐life decisions were found between full‐term infants in the NICU and PICU in the same children's hospital. Underlying disorders and doctors’ attitudes may have played a role.