bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bootstrapping Whittle estimators
Authors: Kreiss J -P , Paparoditis E 
Published: August 2022

SummaryFitting parametric models by optimizing frequency-domain objective functions is an attractive approach of parameter estimation in time series analysis. Whittle estimators are a prominent example in this context. Under weak conditions and the assumption that the true spectral density of the underlying process does not necessarily belong to the parametric class of spectral densities fitted, the distribution of Whittle estimators typically depends on difficult to estimate characteristics of the underlying process. This makes the implementation of asymptotic results for the construction of confidence intervals or for assessing the variability of estimators difficult in practice. In this paper we propose a frequency-domain bootstrap method to estimate the distribution of Whittle estimators that is asymptotically valid under assumptions that not only allow for possible model misspecification, but also for weak dependence conditions that are satisfied by a wide range of stationary stochastic processes. Adaptations of the bootstrap procedure developed to incorporate different modifications of Whittle estimators proposed in the literature, such as, for instance, tapered, debiased or boundary extended Whittle estimators, are also considered. Simulations demonstrate the capabilities of the bootstrap method proposed and its good finite sample performance. A real-life data analysis on sunspots is also presented.
Risk Factors for Developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease Within and Across Families with a Family History of IBD
Authors: Torres Joana , Gomes Catarina , Jensen Camilla B , Agrawal Manasi , Ribeiro-Mourão Francisco , Jess Tine , Colombel Jean-Frédéric , Allin Kristine H , Burisch Johan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionA family history of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is the strongest risk factor for disease. However, some first-degree relatives (FDRs) will develop disease, while others will not.MethodsUsing the nationwide Danish National Patient Register, we examined risk factors in families with two or more affected FDRs. First, we compared exposures between siblings with and without IBD within the same family [within-family analysis]. Second, we compared exposures between individuals with and without IBD across all families [across-family analysis]. Exposures included sex, birth order, mode of delivery, antibiotics, personal and family history of immune-mediated diseases, gastrointestinal infections, and surgical history preceding diagnosis. Uni- and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsIn the ‘within-family analysis’, 1669 families were included [1732 cases, 2447 controls]. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23, 1.59), history of ankylosing spondylitis [aOR: 2.88, 95% CI 1.05, 7.91] and exposure to antibiotics [aOR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.02, 1.61] increased the risk for IBD. In the ‘across-family analysis’, 1254 cases and 37 584 controls were included, confirming an association with prior ankylosing spondylitis [aOR: 3.92, 95% CI 1.38, 11.12] and exposure to antibiotics [aOR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.04, 1.60]. Having two or more relatives [aOR: 6.26, 95% CI 1.34, 29.29] or a sibling with IBD [aOR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.18, 1.57] increased the risk of IBD. Appendectomy reduced the risk of ulcerative colitis [aOR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.14, 0.72].ConclusionIn families with IBD, we identified risk factors for the unaffected FDR to develop disease. These findings provide an opportunity for counselling IBD relatives.
Technology-delivered motivational interviewing to improve health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Baricchi Marina , Vellone Ercole , Caruso Rosario , Arrigoni Cristina , Dellafiore Federica , Ghizzardi Greta , Pedroni Cristina , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Alvaro Rosaria , Iovino Paolo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAimsProvide an overview of remote motivational interviewing (MI) interventions for chronically ill patients, and understand their degree of effectiveness on different health outcomes.Methods and resultsA systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included studies that administered remote MI alone or in combination with other remote approaches. A narrative synthesis and two meta-analyses were performed. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. MI administration almost exclusively occurred by telephone and individual sessions. Eight studies reported treatment fidelity aspects, and four declared adopting a theoretical framework. Most targeted outcomes were therapeutic adherence, physical activity, depression, quality of life, and mortality. Risk of bias varied markedly, with the largest source resulting from selection process and intervention performance. The two meta-analyses indicated a significant effect of MI on depression [standardized mean difference = –0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.34, –0.05, Z = 2.73, P = 0.006, I2 = 0%], and no effect of MI on glycosylated haemoglobin (mean difference = –0.02, 95% CI: –0.48, 0.45, P = 0.94, I2 = 84%).ConclusionRemote MI can be a promising approach for improving depression in chronic disease patients. However, studies are inconclusive due to risks of bias, heterogeneity, and lack of reporting of interventionist’s training, treatment fidelity, and theoretical frameworks’ use. More studies with solid designs are needed to inform clinical decision-making and research.RegistrationPROSPERO: CRD42021241516.
Transcription factors perform a 2-step search of the nucleus
Authors: Staller Max Valentín 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Transcription factors regulate gene expression by binding to regulatory DNA and recruiting regulatory protein complexes. The DNA-binding and protein-binding functions of transcription factors are traditionally described as independent functions performed by modular protein domains. Here, I argue that genome binding can be a 2-part process with both DNA-binding and protein-binding steps, enabling transcription factors to perform a 2-step search of the nucleus to find their appropriate binding sites in a eukaryotic genome. I support this hypothesis with new and old results in the literature, discuss how this hypothesis parsimoniously resolves outstanding problems, and present testable predictions.
Renal and Urological Disorders Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kumar Shankar , Pollok Richard , Goldsmith David 
Published: August 2022

AbstractRenal and urinary tract complications related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been relatively understudied in the literature compared with other extraintestinal manifestations. Presentation of these renal manifestations can be subtle, and their detection is complicated by a lack of clarity regarding the optimal screening and routine monitoring of renal function in IBD patients. Urolithiasis is the most common manifestation. Penetrating Crohn’s disease involving the genitourinary system as an extraintestinal complication is rare but associated with considerable morbidity. Some biologic agents used to treat IBD have been implicated in progressive renal impairment, although differentiating between drug-related side effects and deteriorating kidney function due to extraintestinal manifestations can be challenging. The most common findings on renal biopsy of IBD patients with renal injury are tubulointerstitial nephritis and IgA nephropathy, the former also being associated with drug-induced nephrotoxicity related to IBD medication. Amyloidosis, albeit rare, must be diagnosed early to reduce the chance of progression to renal failure. In this review, we evaluate the key literature relating to renal and urological involvement in IBD and emphasize the high index of suspicion required for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of these manifestations and complications, considering the potential severity and implications of acute or chronic loss of renal function. We also provide suggestions for future research priorities.
The interplay between volunteers and firm’s employees in distributed innovation: emergent architectures and stigmergy in open source software
Authors: Dalle Jean-Michel , David Paul A , Rullani Francesco , Bolici Francesco 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis paper focuses on the interplay between firms and open and collaborative innovation communities. We develop a formal model where both volunteers (agents setting their agendas freely) and firm’s employees (agents whose agenda is mostly set by their employer) participate in the creation of a common artifact. In this framework, we discuss how firms can influence the architecture of the emerging product to assure fast and performant development and a desirable distribution of innovative labor within the project team. We find that closing the project only to employees implies high speed and performance if employees are given autonomy in certain dimensions and are directed in others. In this case, however, we observe a trade-off in terms of ideal core–periphery division of labor on one side and development speed and performance on the other side. At the opposite extreme, creating a volunteer-only project can ease the trade-off but assures positive results only if the firm is able to set up an entry mechanism that “surgically” selects volunteers with specific preferences. A mixture of both employees and volunteers can strike a good balance, relaxing the two constraints.
Judges as equilibrists: Explaining judicial activism in Latin America
Authors: Pereira Gabriel 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Intense forms of judicial activism have emerged in Latin America in the last three decades. Judges dictated structural remedies decisions (SRDs) to create, design, and implement public policies to redress structural human rights violations, implementing permanent judicial monitoring of the policy process. In a region marked by judicial instability, SRDs are risky options for judges. They can be seen as strong challenges to the government and, thus, prompt retaliation. They can also damage judges’ reputations as they might be strongly criticized by influential conservative groups of society that oppose progressive structural reforms. What drives judges to pursue or avoid this kind of risky activism? I propose the equilibrist approach, an alternative model to standard accounts explaining judicial behavior in Latin America. It incorporates the legitimacy-building dimension of the strategic game and predicts some level of assertiveness but one that is careful about the preferences of elites, the mass public, and opinion leaders. I use the institutional yet fragile Argentine Supreme Court to test the model, as it decided several SDRs in the early 2000s.
Predictors of blood pressure and hypertension long-term after treatment of isolated coarctation of the aorta in children—a population-based study
Authors: Ylinen Mari K , Pihkala Jaana I , Salminen Jukka T , Sarkola Taisto 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to assess predictors of BP and hypertension and relations between BP and LV mass in a population-based retrospective study of repaired isolated coarctation of aorta.

METHODS
We collected follow-up data until 2018 of 284/304 (93%) patients with coarctation treated by surgery (n = 235) or balloon angioplasty/stent (n = 37/12) in our unit 2000–2012. Systolic hypertension was defined as systolic BP (SBP) z-score ≥+2 standard deviation (SD) or regular use of BP medication. LV hypertrophy was defined as LV mass z-score ≥+2 SD or LV mass index g/m2.7 ≥95th percentile.

RESULTS
The median (25–75th percentiles) follow-up time and age at follow-up were 9.7 years (6.9–13.2) and 11.8 years (7.9–16.0), respectively. Age at first procedure (P = 0.011) and systolic arm-leg-gradient (P = 0.007) were positively and transverse arch (P = 0.007) and isthmus diameter (P = 0.001) z-scores at follow-up were negatively associated with SBP z-score adjusted for age at follow-up and need for reintervention for coarctation. Systolic hypertension was present in 53/284 (18.7%) and related with increasing age at first procedure (median 33.2 vs 0.6 months; P &lt; 0.001) and arm-leg-gradient at follow-up (mean ± SD, −0.3 ± 14.6 vs −6.4 ± 11.6 mmHg; P = 0.047) adjusted for reintervention for coarctation and age at follow-up. LV hypertrophy was present in 20/227 (9.3%) and related with SBP z-score.

CONCLUSIONS
Higher SBP and hypertension in repaired coarctation of aorta are related with increasing age at first procedure and arm-leg-gradient at follow-up. Transverse arch and isthmus diameters at follow-up are inversely related with SBP.
Eye drop instillation technique among patients with glaucoma and evaluation of pharmacists’ roles in improving their technique: an exploratory study
Authors: Kan Ying Min , Kho Boon Phiaw , Kong Lillian , Chong Qiao Xuan , Tiong Ming Nguong Jonathan , Wong Ling Mei Joyce 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the eye drop instillation technique of patients with glaucoma and whether a pharmacist-led counselling session can improve their technique. Patients’ perceptions of pharmacists’ role in providing the counselling were also explored.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 at Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used to recruit patients with glaucoma who self-administered their eye drops. Participants’ background information were obtained using an investigator-administered questionnaire before their eye drop instillation technique was assessed. Those with imperfect techniques were counselled by a pharmacist before being reassessed. Differences in eye drop instillation competency were determined using paired T-test.

Key findings
A total of 138 participants were recruited. Participants were on a median of two eye drops (IQR 2-4) for a median of five years (IQR 2-8). Prior to being counselled, they demonstrated a mean total of 8.4/13 steps (SD 2.33) correctly. A statistically significant improvement in eye drop instillation technique was observed post-pharmacists’ counselling, with a mean increase of 4.3 steps demonstrated correctly (95% CI, 4.0 to 4.7, P &lt; 0.001). The majority of participants agreed that pharmacists are knowledgeable in providing counselling on eye drop administration techniques.

Conclusions
Patients with glaucoma treated at Sarawak General Hospital had imperfect eye drop instillation techniques, despite most having used their eye drops for several years. Interventions by pharmacists to improve eye drop instillation are crucial to optimise the medical treatment of patients with glaucoma.
Intestinal Injury in Ugandan Children Hospitalized With Malaria
Authors: Ngai Michelle , Hawkes Michael T , Erice Clara , Weckman Andrea M , Wright Julie , Stefanova Veselina , Opoka Robert O , Namasopo Sophie , Conroy Andrea L , Kain Kevin C 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Severe malaria is associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which may involve the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods
In a prospective cohort study in Uganda, we measured markers of intestinal injury (intestinal fatty-acid binding protein [I-FABP] and zonula occludens-1 [ZO-1]) and microbial translocation (lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP] and soluble complement of differentiation 14 [sCD14]) among children admitted with malaria. We examined their association with biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial activation, clinical signs of hypoperfusion, organ injury, and mortality.

Results
We enrolled 523 children (median age 1.5 years, 46% female, 7.5% mortality). Intestinal FABP was above the normal range (≥400 pg/mL) in 415 of 523 patients (79%). Intestinal FABP correlated with ZO-1 (ρ = 0.11, P = .014), sCD14 (ρ = 0.12, P = .0046) as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial activation. Higher I-FABP levels were associated with lower systolic blood pressure (ρ = −0.14, P = .0015), delayed capillary refill time (ρ = 0.17, P = .00011), higher lactate level (ρ = 0.40, P &lt; .0001), increasing stage of acute kidney injury (ρ = 0.20, P = .0034), and coma (P &lt; .0001). Admission I-FABP levels ≥5.6 ng/mL were associated with a 7.4-fold higher relative risk of in-hospital death (95% confidence interval, 1.4–11, P = .0016).

Conclusions
Intestinal injury occurs commonly in children hospitalized with malaria and is associated with microbial translocation, systemic inflammation, tissue hypoperfusion, MODS, and fatal outcome.
Case report: evaluation of an open-source synthetic data platform for simulation studies
Authors: Meeker Daniella , Kallem Crystal , Heras Yan , Garcia Stephanie , Thompson Casey 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Simulation is a mainstay of comparative- and cost-effectiveness research when empirical data are not available. The Synthea platform, originally designed for generating realistically coded longitudinal health records for software testing, implements data generation models specified in publicly contributed modules representing patients’ life cycle and disease and treatment progression. We test the hypothesis that Synthea can be used for simulation studies that draw parameters from observational studies and randomized trials. We benchmarked the results and assessed the effort required to create a Synthea module that replicates a recently published cost-effectiveness simulation comparing levofloxacin prophylaxis to usual care for leukemia. A module was iteratively developed using published parameters from the original study; we replicated the initial conditions and simulation endpoints of demographics, health events, costs, and mortality. We compare Synthea’s Generic Module Framework to platforms designed for simulation and show that Synthea can be used, with modifications, for some types of simulation studies.
When May UN Peacekeepers Use Lethal Force to Protect Civilians? Reconciling Threats to Civilians, Imminence, and the Right to Life
Authors: Bourgeois Hanna , Labuda Patryk I 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
While the use of force in UN peacekeeping was traditionally limited to self-defence, the UN Security Council now regularly deploys peacekeeping missions with robust mandates to protect civilians and encourages their proactive implementation, including by using force. For many years, the Security Council authorised the use of ‘all necessary means’ to protect civilians from ‘imminent threats’ of physical violence, but its recent mandates have often dropped references to ‘imminence’. The UN has also interpreted such mandates as broader authorisation for peacekeepers to use force in response to temporally ill-defined threats to civilians. This turn to robust civilian protection is often celebrated, yet the legal parameters of using force continue to evolve below the radar and are rarely scrutinised, with scholarly writing focused on peacekeeper self-defence, rules of engagement and UN policy to justify proactive mandate implementation. Drawing on an analysis of the relationship between peacekeeping mandates and international law in light of the shift from defensive to proactive peacekeeping, this article argues that the legality of using force for civilian protection purposes must be reconciled not only with Security Council resolutions and their language on imminence, but also with human rights law (HRL), which imposes strict temporal conditions for lawful deprivations of the right to life outside the conduct of hostilities. Using examples of how the UN’s current practice of using force to protect civilians in hostile environments may contravene international norms, this article attempts to reconcile proactive civilian-oriented peacekeeping with the concept of imminence as understood in HRL.
Multiple Mechanisms Confer Fipronil Resistance in the German Cockroach: Enhanced Detoxification and Rdl Mutation
Authors: González-Morales María A , DeVries Zachary C , Santangelo Richard G , Kakumanu Madhavi L , Schal Coby 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Populations of Blattella germanica (L.) (German cockroach) have been documented worldwide to be resistant to a wide variety of insecticides with multiple modes of action. The phenylpyrazole insecticide fipronil has been used extensively to control German cockroach populations, exclusively in baits, yet the highest reported fipronil resistance is 38-fold in a single population. We evaluated five populations of German cockroaches, collected in 2018–2019 in apartments in North Carolina and assayed in 2019, to determine the status of fipronil resistance in the state. Resistance ratios in field-collected strains ranged from 22.4 to 37.2, indicating little change in fipronil resistance over the past 20 yr. In contrast, resistance to pyrethroids continues to escalate. We also assessed the roles of detoxification enzymes in fipronil resistance with four synergists previously shown to diminish metabolic resistance to various insecticides in German cockroaches—piperonyl butoxide, S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate, diethyl maleate, and triphenyl phosphate. These enzymes appear to play a variable role in fipronil resistance. We also sequenced a fragment of the Rdl (resistant to dieldrin) gene that encodes a subunit of the GABA receptor. Our findings showed that all field-collected strains are homozygous for a mutation that substitutes serine for an alanine (A302S) in Rdl, and confers low resistance to fipronil. Understanding why cockroaches rapidly evolve high levels of resistance to some insecticides and not others, despite intensive selection pressure, will contribute to more efficacious pest management.
Stress-Mediated Responses of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae When Exposed to Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Toxorhynchites brevipalpis (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Wood Martyn J , Alkhaibari Abeer M , Butt Tariq M 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are capable of vectoring a wide range of diseases including dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, with approximately half of the worlds’ population at risk from such diseases. Development of combined predator–parasite treatments for the control of larvae consistently demonstrates increased efficacy over single-agent treatments, however, the mechanism behind the interaction remains unknown. Treatments using the natural predator Toxorhynchites brevipalpis and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum were applied in the laboratory against Ae. aegypti larvae as both individual and combined treatments to determine the levels of interaction between control strategies. Parallel experiments involved the removal of larvae from test arenas at set intervals during the course of the trial to record whole body caspase and phenoloxidase activities. This was measured via luminometric assay to measure larval stress factors underlying the interactions. Combined Metarhizium and Toxorhynchites treatments were seen to drastically reduce lethal times as compared to individual treatments. This was accompanied by increased phenoloxidase and caspase activities in combination treatments after 18 h (p &lt; 0.001). The sharp increases in caspase and phenoloxidase activities suggest that combined treatments act to increase stress factor responses in the larvae that result in rapid mortality above that of either control agent individually. This work concludes that the underlying mechanism for increased lethality in combined parasite–predator treatments may be related to additive stress factors induced within the target host larvae.