bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Conversation with Angus Deaton
Authors: Deaton Angus , Rausser Gordon , Zilberman David
Published: June 2020

The Annual Review of Resource Economics presents Professor Sir Angus Deaton in conversation with economist Dr. Gordon Rausser. Dr. Deaton is Senior Scholar and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professor of Economics and International Affairs Emeritus at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and Department of Economics at Princeton University and Presidential Professor of Economics at University of Southern California. An applied economist, Deaton has made seminal contributions to the econometrics and estimation of demand systems, analysis of consumer behavior, understanding of commodity prices, the economics of health, nutrition and poverty, and most recently, deaths of despair and the future of capitalism, focusing on the United States. His work to improve welfare estimation in developing countries contributed to upgrading data collection efforts at the World Bank and other international agencies.
Breather Wave Solutions and Interaction Solutions for Two Mixed Calogero-Bogoyavlenskii-Schiff and Bogoyavlensky-Konopelchenko Equations
Authors: Ma Hongcai , Zhang Caoyin , Deng Aiping
Published: June 2020

In this paper, based on a bilinear differential equation, we study the breather wave solutions by employing the extended homoclinic test method. By constructing the different forms, we also consider the interaction solutions. Furthermore, it is natural to analyse dynamic behaviors of three-dimensional plots.
Effects of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Microvessels in Hypertrophic Scar Models on Rabbit Ears
Authors: Zhou Na , Li Dongping , Luo Yanzhu , Li Junping , Wang Yuhong
Published: June 2020

Background. Although Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTXA) has been applied to scar prevention and treatment, the mechanisms still require further exploration. Objective. To investigate the effects of BTXA on microvessels in the hypertrophic scar models on rabbit ears. Methods. Eight big‐eared New Zealand rabbits (males or females) were selected to establish scar models. One ear of each rabbit (4 models in each ear) was selected randomly to be injected with BTXA immediately after modeling and included in the treated group, while the opposite ear was untreated and included in the control group. The growth of scars in each group was observed and recorded, and 4 rabbits were sacrificed on days 30 and 45 after modeling. Then, scar height was measured by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) testing, and microvessel density (MVD) was calculated based on CD34 (human hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen). Results. The wounds in each group were well healed and free from infection or necrosis. On days 30 and 45, the scar height, MVD value, and VEGF expression in the treated group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). For the treated group, the above indicators on day 45 were lower than on day 30 (P > 0.05). Besides, there was a positive correlation between the MVD value and the VEGF expression in the treated group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The injection of BTXA immediately after modeling inhibits VEGF expression and reduces angiogenesis, thereby inhibiting hypertrophic scar formation.
Combination of DCE‐MRI and DWI in Predicting the Treatment Effect of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Changmin , Sun Roger , Wang Jing , Ning Fangling , Wang Zhenbo , Luo Judong , Chen Shaoshui , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: June 2020

Background. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the main treatment for esophageal cancer, but the response to treatment varies from individual to individual. MR imaging methods, such as diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI and the use of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI, have the potential to provide additional biomarkers that could evaluate the effect of CCRT in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Materials and Methods. Fifty‐six patients with esophageal carcinoma, verified by histopathology, underwent MRI examination before and at midtreatment (4th week, radiotherapy 30–40 Gy) using the Siemens 3.0 T MR System. Parameter maps of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and DCE maps of volume transfer constant (Krans), rate contrast (kep), and extracellular fluid space (ve), were computed using a Siemens Company Multimodality Workplace (MMWP) model. Comparison of histogram parameters and their diagnostic performance was determined using the Mann–Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results. 56 patient MRI scans were available for analysis at baseline and at the third week, respectively. Pretreatment Krans, pretreatment kep, pretreatment ADC (P < 0.05), and during‐treatment Krans (P < 0.05) and ΔKrans and ΔADC (P < 0.05) were significantly different after CCRT. Based on the binary logistic model, the ROC analysis demonstrated that the combined predictors demonstrated a high diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.939. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.6% and 73.8%, respectively. Conclusion. The combination of DCE and DWI can be used as an early biomarker in the prediction of the effect of CCRT three weeks after treatment in esophageal carcinoma.
The Epidemiology of Migraine Headache in Arab Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: El-Metwally Ashraf , Toivola Paivi , AlAhmary Khalid , Bahkali Salwa , AlKhathaami Ali , Al Ammar Shatha A. , Altamimi Ibrahim M. , Alosaimi Saleh M. , Jawed Munazza , Almustanyir Sami
Published: June 2020

Background. Recurring migraine disorders are a common medical problem, standing among the top causes of disability and sufferings. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological evidence to report updated estimates on prevalence, risk factors, and associated comorbidities of migraine headache in the Arab countries. Design and Setting. A systematic review was conducted at the College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods. A systematic search in electronic databases, such as PubMed and Embase, as well as manual searches with cross-referencing was performed from 1990 up to 2019. Overall, 23 included papers were rated independently by two reviewers. Studies were eligible for inclusion only if they investigated migraine headache epidemiology in any Arab country and were published in English. Results. Migraine prevalence among the general population ranged between 2.6% and 32%. The estimated prevalence of migraine headache among medical university students ranged between 12.2% and 27.9% and between 7.1% and 13.7% in schoolchildren (6 to 18 years). Females were found more likely to have migraine than males. The duration of migraine attacks became shorter with increasing age, while chronic (daily) migraine showed increasing prevalence with age. The most commonly reported comorbidities with migraine included anxiety, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression. Most common headache-triggering factors included stress, fatigue, sleep disturbances, prolonged exposure to excessive sunlight or heat, and hunger. Conclusion. The prevalence and risk factors of migraine headache in Arab countries are comparable to reports from western countries. Longitudinal studies are still needed to investigate the prognosis and predictors of chronicity in the arab countries.
Giant Liver Hemangiomas: A Plea for Early Surgical Referral and Resection
Authors: Chang Alvin , Ruch Brianna , Khan Aamir , Levy Marlon , Sharma Amit
Published: June 2020

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign hepatic tumor. Current guidelines recommend surveillance imaging and reserving surgical intervention for symptomatic patients with giant liver hemangiomas (>5 cm). We present the case of a patient with a rapidly enlarging giant hepatic hemangioma initially managed by surveillance. During her observation period, she developed weight loss, constipation, and pancytopenia concerning for Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome. Resection of the hemangioma was complicated by its large size (28.0×18.0×11.4 cm). Patients with rapidly growing giant liver hemangiomas, even when asymptomatic, should be promptly referred to specialized surgical centers for evaluation and management.
Alternative Polyadenylation Modification Patterns Reveal Essential Posttranscription Regulatory Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis in Multiple Tumor Types
Authors: Li Min , Pan XiaoYong , Zeng Tao , Zhang Yu-Hang , Feng Kaiyan , Chen Lei , Huang Tao , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: June 2020

Among various risk factors for the initiation and progression of cancer, alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a remarkable endogenous contributor that directly triggers the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. APA affects biological processes at a transcriptional level in various ways. As such, APA can be involved in tumorigenesis through gene expression, protein subcellular localization, or transcription splicing pattern. The APA sites and status of different cancer types may have diverse modification patterns and regulatory mechanisms on transcripts. Potential APA sites were screened by applying several machine learning algorithms on a TCGA‐APA dataset. First, a powerful feature selection method, minimum redundancy maximum relevancy, was applied on the dataset, resulting in a feature list. Then, the feature list was fed into the incremental feature selection, which incorporated the support vector machine as the classification algorithm, to extract key APA features and build a classifier. The classifier can classify cancer patients into cancer types with perfect performance. The key APA‐modified genes had a potential prognosis ability because of their significant power in the survival analysis of TCGA pan‐cancer data.
The Effect of Autologous Platelet Concentrates on Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Review
Authors: Meng Yusheng , Huang Xingxing , Wu Min , Yang Xiuqiao , Liu Yun
Published: June 2020

Introduction. To assess the efficacy of the autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) combined with autologous bone or bone substitute for the maxillary sinus floor lifting by a meta‐analysis. Materials and Methods. Electronic databases (PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE through OVID, and Cochrane Library) were searched until Dec 31, 2019, and only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English were identified. Outcome variables included histologic evaluation, the implant stability quotient values, and radiographic evaluation. Data were analyzed by Revman5.3; the estimate of effect sizes was expressed as the 95% confidence interval; and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results. 11 RCTs involving 141 patients (214 sites) were included in our meta‐analysis, which indicated that the differences in the percentage of contact length among newly formed bone (2.61%, 95% CI, ‐1.18% to 7.09%), soft tissue area (‐0.15%, 95% CI, ‐0.54% to 0.24%), and residual bone substitute material (‐5.10%, 95% CI, ‐10.56% to 0.36%) in the APC group lacked statistical significance. Besides, there was the same effect on the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of APC group who underwent implant placement 4 months after sinus augmentation and control group who received implant placement 8 months after sinus augmentation (‐0.48, 95% CI, ‐1.68 to 0.72). No significant effect of APCs on the bone density was found (1.05%, 95% CI, ‐1.69% to 3.82%). Conclusions. The use of APCs in sinus augmentation may be further shorten the time required for bone graft maturation and allow earlier implant placement, but cannot enhance the bone formation in the long term. It is not currently recommended for routine use APCs as an osteoinductive material to bone grafting in sinus augmentation.
Cortex Cercis chinensis Granules Attenuate Streptococcus pneumoniae Virulence by Targeting Pneumolysin
Authors: Xu Yan , Wang Yanbo , Guo Yinan , Wei Lina , Ding Lizhong , Wang Zhongtian , Sun Liping
Published: June 2020

Pore‐forming toxins produced by bacteria are some of the most important molecular weapons for bacterial virulence. Pneumolysin (PLY) is a pore‐forming toxin secreted by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and plays a vital role in the spread, colonization, and invasion of this bacterium in the host, indicating that PLY is a promising target for developing treatments against S. pneumoniae infection. In this study, Cortex Cercis chinensis granules (CCCGs), a prescription drug on the market, were shown to inhibit the pore‐forming activity of PLY and protect against PLY‐mediated cell hemolysis and A549 cell death without antibacterial activity or inhibition of PLY production. In addition, CCCG treatment inhibited the oligomerization of PLY. Animal experiments showed that CCCGs can reduce the death of mice infected with S. pneumoniae, the degree of pathological damage to the lungs, and the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in the lungs. In summary, our results demonstrated that CCCGs, a marketed Chinese medicine, inhibit PLY activity and subsequently attenuate S. pneumoniae virulence, which would offer a novel strategy for fighting S. pneumoniae infection and a new use for CCCGs.
Vegetation Classification and Habitat Types of Gambella National Park
Authors: Rolkier Gatluak , Yeshitela Kumelachew
Published: June 2020

Gambella National Park has a diverse set of habitat types which Ethiopia shares with its neighbor, South Sudan, and the park is considered as one of the top wildlife areas of Ethiopia. The objectives of this research were to determine vegetation types and identify habitat types on recent satellite imageries. The method used for vegetation data collection was transects lines. PC-ORD software was used for analyzed vegetation data while Rapid Eye image 5 m resolution 2012 was analyzed by ArcGIS version 10.1 to classify the habitats map of Gambella National Park. The cluster analysis classified the Gambella National Park into 6 vegetation communities, and the relative abundance and relative frequency were used for naming vegetation community types. However, the satellite image had classified the Gambella National Park into 5 major habitat types.
Optimal Driving Range for Battery Electric Vehicles Based on Modeling Users’ Driving and Charging Behavior
Authors: Lu Zhenbo , Zhang Qi , Yuan Yu , Tong Weiping
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a simulation approach for the optimal driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by modeling the driving and charging behavior. The driving and charging patterns of BEV users are characterized by reconstructing the daily travel chain based on the practical data collected from Shanghai, China. Meanwhile, interdependent behavioral variables for daily trips and each trip are defined in the daily trip chain. To meet the goal of the fitness of driving range, a stochastic simulation framework is established by the Monte Carlo method. Finally, with consideration of user heterogeneity, the optimal driving range under different charging scenarios is analyzed. The findings include the following. (1) The daily trip chain can be reconstructed through the behavioral variables for daily trips and each trip, and there is a correlation between the variables examined by the copula function. (2) Users with different daily travel demand have a different optimal driving range. When choosing a BEV, users are recommended to consider that the daily vehicle kilometers traveled are less than 34% of the battery driving range. (3) Increasing the charging opportunity and charging power is more beneficial to drivers who are characterized by high daily travel demand. (4) On the premise of meeting travel demand, the beneficial effects of increased fast-charging power will gradually decline.
The Delayed‐Onset Mechanical Pain Behavior Induced by Infant Peripheral Nerve Injury Is Accompanied by Sympathetic Sprouting in the Dorsal Root Ganglion
Authors: Liu Pei , Zhang Qing , Gao You-shui , Huang Yi-Gang , Gao Junjie , Zhang Chang-qing
Published: June 2020

Background. Sympathetic sprouting in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following nerve injuries had been proved to induce adult neuropathic pain. However, it is unclear whether the abnormal sprouting occurs in infant nerve injury. Methods. L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or sham surgery was performed on adult rats and 10‐day‐old pups, and mechanical thresholds and heat hyperalgesia were analyzed on 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 postoperative days. Tyrosine hydroxylase‐labeled sympathetic fibers were observed at each time point, and 2 neurotrophin receptors (p75NTR and TrkA) were identified to explore the mechanisms of sympathetic sprouting. Results. Adult rats rapidly developed mechanical and heat hyperalgesia from postoperative day 3, with concurrent sympathetic sprouting in DRG. In contrast, the pup rats did not show a significantly lower mechanical threshold until postoperative day 28, at which time the sympathetic sprouting became evident in the DRG. No heat hyperalgesia was presented in pup rats at any time point. There was a late expression of glial p75NTR in DRG of pups from postoperative day 28, which was parallel to the occurrence of sympathetic sprouting. The expression of TrkA did not show such a postoperative syncing change. Conclusion. The delayed‐onset mechanical allodynia in the infant nerve lesion was accompanied with parallel sympathetic sprouting in DRG. The late parallel expression of glial p75NTR injury may play an essential role in this process, which provides novel insight into the treatment of delayed adolescent neuropathic pain.
Synthesis and Properties of a Polymer‐Modified Material for Thin Spray‐On Liners in Mine Roadways
Authors: Chen Lianjun , Jiang Xuekai , Liu Zhaoxia , Cui Xiangfei , Liu Guoming , Zhou Zhi , Dong Qizheng
Published: June 2020

In order to adapt to dry and wet environment in mine roadways and improve the performance of sealing materials under different environmental conditions, this study selected the materials based on their ability to spray and found that the materials with a viscosity of 1500–6000 MPa·s can achieve a balance between performance of spray and wall‐hanging performance. Next, by selecting high‐elastic polyacrylate emulsion and ordinary Portland cement as the film‐forming agent and gel, respectively, mix proportion factors of the nonreactive thin spray‐on liner (TSL) were analyzed by using the Taguchi method. Moreover, fluidity, setting time, sealing properties, compressive strength, bending strength, and bonding strength of those materials were measured. It was disclosed that addition of an appropriate amount of polyacrylate emulsion can enhance the effects of fibers. By observing the morphologies of the materials’ bonding surfaces and comparing the factors influencing bonding strength between both dry and wet walls, it was uncovered that the adhesive property of cement‐based sealing materials was mainly affected by the water‐cement ratio. Eventually, bonding strength and sealing properties were selected as primary optimization indexes, while setting time, bending strength, and compressive strength were selected as secondary optimization indexes. The appropriate proportions of two types of TSLs for dry and wet walls were (W/C = 50%; P/C = 6%; F/C = 1%; T/C = 0.2%) and (W/C = 45%; P/C = 6%; F/C = 1%; T/C = 0.4%), respectively. A prepared TSL can be used for filling rock fractures in mine roadways. In addition, TSL exhibited a great performance for dry and wet walls under different environmental conditions. The present study may provide an insightful guidance and reference for the investigation of TSL sealing materials applied in the mine roadways.
Advanced Age Increases Immunosuppression in the Brain and Decreases Immunotherapeutic Efficacy in Subjects with Glioblastoma
Authors: Ladomersky Erik , Zhai Lijie , Lauing Kristen L. , Bell April , Xu Jiahui , Kocherginsky Masha , Zhang Bin , Wu Jennifer D. , Podojil Joseph R. , Platanias Leonidas C. , Mochizuki Aaron Y. , Prins Robert M. , Kumthekar Priya , Raizer Jeffrey J. , Dixit Karan , Lukas Rimas V. , Horbinski Craig , Wei Min , Zhou Changyou , Pawelec Graham , Campisi Judith , Grohmann Ursula , Prendergast George C. , Munn David H. , Wainwright Derek A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

Wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase–expressing glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with a median age at diagnosis of ≥65 years. It accounts for approximately 90% of all GBMs and has a median overall survival (OS) of <15 months. Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has achieved remarkable survival benefits in a variety of aggressive malignancies, similar success has yet to be achieved for GBM among phase III clinical trials to date. Our study aimed to understand the relationship between subject age and immunotherapeutic efficacy as it relates to survival from glioma.

Experimental Design:

(i) Clinical data: GBM patient datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse, and clinical studies evaluating ICB were stratified by age and compared for OS. (ii) Animal models: young, middle-aged, and older adult wild-type and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO)-knockout syngeneic mice were intracranially engrafted with CT-2A or GL261 glioma cell lines and treated with or without CTLA-4/PD-L1 mAbs, or radiation, anti–PD-1 mAb, and/or a pharmacologic IDO enzyme inhibitor.

Results:

Advanced age was associated with decreased GBM patient survival regardless of treatment with ICB. The advanced age–associated increase of brain IDO expression was linked to the suppression of immunotherapeutic efficacy and was not reversed by IDO enzyme inhibitor treatment.

Conclusions:

Immunosuppression increases in the brain during advanced age and inhibits antiglioma immunity in older adults. Going forward, it will be important to fully understand the factors and mechanisms in the elderly brain that contribute to the decreased survival of older patients with GBM during treatment with ICB.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor of Disease-free Survival in Postnephrectomy High-risk Locoregional Renal Cell Carcinoma: Analysis of the S-TRAC Trial
Authors: Patel Anup , Ravaud Alain , Motzer Robert J. , Pantuck Allan J. , Staehler Michael , Escudier Bernard , Martini Jean-François , Lechuga Mariajose , Lin Xun , George Daniel J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

In the S-TRAC trial, adjuvant sunitinib improved disease-free survival (DFS) compared with placebo in patients with locoregional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at high risk of recurrence. This post hoc exploratory analysis investigated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predictive and prognostic significance in the RCC adjuvant setting.

Experimental Design:

Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional analyses were performed on baseline NLR and change from baseline at week 4 to assess their association with DFS. Univariate P values were two-sided and based on an unstratified log-rank test.

Results:

609 of 615 patients had baseline NLR values; 574 patients had baseline and week 4 values. Sunitinib-treated patients with baseline NLR <3 had longer DFS versus placebo (7.1 vs. 4.7; HR, 0.71; P = 0.02). For baseline NLR ≥3, DFS was similar regardless of treatment (sunitinib 6.8 vs. placebo not reached; HR, 1.03; P = 0.91). A ≥25% NLR decrease at week 4 was associated with longer DFS versus no change (6.8 vs. 5.3 years; HR, 0.71; P = 0.01). A greater proportion of sunitinib-treated patients had ≥25% NLR decrease at week 4 (71.2%) versus placebo (17.4%). Patients with ≥25% NLR decrease at week 4 received a higher median cumulative sunitinib dose (10,137.5 mg) versus no change (8,168.8 mg) or ≥25% increase (6,712.5 mg).

Conclusions:

In the postnephrectomy high-risk RCC patient cohort, low baseline NLR may help identify those most suitable for adjuvant sunitinib. A ≥25% NLR decrease at week 4 may be an early indicator of those most likely to tolerate treatment and derive DFS benefit.
Communication about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Danish Oncological Settings: An Intervention Study
Authors: Nissen Nina , Laursen Sara Seerup , Rossau Henriette Knold
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Communication about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) between cancer patients and health professionals rarely takes place. This article reports on an intervention study that aimed to support communication about the use and effects of CAM between cancer patients and care providers. Methods: The intervention consisted of the use of evidence-based information material (website; leaflet) about the effects of CAM for cancer. Focus groups with cancer patients, relatives, nurses and doctors (n = 50) determined the preferred content and format of materials and evaluated the intervention. The information material was informed by a related systematic metareview of literature. A survey identified patient participants’ CAM use, information sources, and the extent of communication about CAM before and after the intervention. Results: No significant impact of the intervention on communication about CAM for cancer patients, patients’ CAM use or sources of information was identified. Health professionals disseminated the leaflet only in response to patients raising the topic; the website was not accessed during consultations. The intervention and information materials were well received. Conclusion: Cancer patients and care providers wish to improve communication about CAM. Nevertheless, patients and professionals wait for the other to broach the subject of CAM. This reflects a “culture of waiting.”
Etiology of Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation: Insights from Transthoracic Echocardiography in 159 Consecutive Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Akamatsu Kanako , Abe Yukio , Matsumura Yoshiki , Shimeno Kenji , Naruko Takahiko , Takahashi Yosuke , Shibata Toshihiko , Yoshiyama Minoru
Published: June 2020

Background: Left atrial (LA) dilatation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can induce functional mitral regurgitation (MR) despite a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the etiology of this functional MR. Methods: We retrospectively examined clinical and echocardiographic data from 5,202 consecutive cases that underwent transthoracic echocardiography. AF appeared in 544 patients, and we selected 159 with AF and LVEF ≥50% after excluding patients with other underlying heart diseases. Results: Significant (moderate or greater) degrees of functional MR were seen in 13 (8.2%) patients and were more frequently seen in patients with an AF duration of >10 years than in others (27 vs. 4%, p = 0.0057). Multiple regression analysis revealed that both the LA dimension index and the left ventricular (LV) systolic dimension index were independent determinants of the MR grading. Among the mitral morphologic parameters, the mitral annular (MA) dimension index and the hamstringing phenomenon of the posterior mitral leaflet were independent determinants of MR grading. Significant MR was not seen in patients without LA dilatations, but it occurred in 14% of patients with LA dilatation alone and in 55% with both LA and LV dilatations; the MA dimension index increased in this order. Conclusions: The grading of functional MR occurring in patients with AF and preserved LVEF depends on both the LA dimension and the LV systolic dimension. The MR grading also depends on both the MA dilatation and the hamstringing phenomenon of the posterior mitral leaflet.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Mismatch Is Associated with 90-Day Functional Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Sakakibara Fumihiro , Yoshimura Shinichi , Numa Soichiro , Uchida Kazutaka , Kinjo Norito , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose: Diffusion-weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch is an early sign of acute ischemic stroke. DWI-FLAIR mismatch was reported to be valuable to select patients with unknown onset stroke who are eligible to receive intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), but its utility is less studied in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO). We thus investigated the functional outcomes at 90 days between patients with DWI-FLAIR mismatch and those with match who underwent MT for LVO. Methods: We conducted a historical cohort study in consecutive patients who were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging for suspected stroke at a single center. We enrolled patients with occlusion of internal carotid artery or horizontal or vertical segment of middle cerebral artery who underwent MT within 24 h after they were last known to be well. DWI-FLAIR mismatch was defined when a visible acute ischemic lesion was present on DWI without traceable parenchymal hyperintensity on FLAIR. Image analysis was done by 2 stroke neurologists independently. We estimated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of DWI-FLAIR mismatch relative to DWI-FLAIR match for moderate outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–3, favorable outcome defined as mRS 0–2 and mortality at 90 days after the onset, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 72 h after the onset. Results: Of the 380 patients who received MT, 202 were included. Patients with DWI-FLAIR mismatch (146 [72%]) had significantly higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (median 16 vs. 13, p = 0.01), more transferred-in (78 vs. 63%, p = 0.02), more IVT (45 vs. 18%, p = 0.0003), more cardioembolism (69 vs. 54%, p = 0.03), and shorter onset-to-hospital door times (median 175 vs. 371 min, p < 0.0001) than patients with DWI-FLAIR match. Patients with DWI-FLAIR mismatch had more moderate outcome than those with DWI-FLAIR match (61 vs. 52%, p = 0.24), and the adjusted OR was 3.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–7.19, p = 0.008). sICH within 72 h was less frequent in the DWI-FLAIR mismatch group (10 vs. 20%, p = 0.06), with an adjusted OR of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.13–0.97, p = 0.044). The adjusted ORs for favorable outcome and mortality were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.39–1.94, p = 0.73) and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.20–2.05, p = 0.44), respectively. Conclusions: DWI-FLAIR mismatch was associated with more moderate outcome and less sICH in the adjusted analysis in patients receiving MT for acute LVO. DWI-FLAIR mismatch could be useful to select patients with unknown onset stroke who are eligible to receive MT for acute LVO.
Bcl2-Associated X (BAX) Knockout in Mice Resulted in Persistence of Neonatal Testicular Germ Cells (Gonocytes)
Authors: Li Ruili , Wu Shengde , Kaur Manpreet , Zong Shan , Abeydeera Sanduni A. , Bao Tuya , Arif Shaista , Hutson John M.
Published: June 2020

During early testicular development, neonatal gonocytes transform into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), and any untransformed gonocytes are thought to undergo apoptosis. In human cryptorchidism, persisting gonocytes may lead to seminoma. Using Bcl2-associated X knockout (BAXKO) mice, we investigated apoptosis in gonocyte development during mouse minipuberty. Testes from BAXKO, heterozygous (HET), and wild-type (WT) littermates were collected on postnatal days 1, 3, 6, and 9 (n = 6/group), labelled with antibodies against mouse vasa homologue (MVH, germ cell marker) or promyelocytic leukaemia zinc-factor (PLZF, SSC marker) and imaged for cell counting. Total germ cells/tubule, i.e., the number of germ cells on and off the basement membrane (BM), were counted using Image J followed by 2-way ANOVA analysis with Prism. Total PLZF+ germ cells/tubule, PLZF+ germ cells/tubule off BM, total MVH+ germ cells/tubule, and MVH+ germ cells off BM/tubule were significantly higher at day 9 in BAXKO compared to WT and HET mice (p < 0.01). In conclusion, knockout of BAX in mouse leads to gonocytes persisting at the centre of the tubules after minipuberty, which failed to migrate and transform into SSC, indicating the important role of apoptosis is to eliminate undifferentiated gonocytes during transformation. Failed apoptosis in gonocytes may be the cause of malignancy in humans with cryptorchidism.
Microthrombi Correlates With Infarction and Delayed Neurological Deficits After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Dienel Ari , Ammassam Veettil Remya , Hong Sung-Ha , Matsumura Kanako , Kumar T. Peeyush , Yan Yuanqing , Blackburn Spiros L. , Ballester Leomar Y. , Marrelli Sean P. , McCullough Louise D. , McBride Devin W.
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose:

Delayed neurological deficits are a devastating consequence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which affects about 30% of surviving patients. Although a very serious concern, delayed deficits are understudied in experimental SAH models; it is not known whether rodents recapitulate the delayed clinical decline seen in SAH patients. We hypothesized that mice with SAH develop delayed functional deficits and that microthrombi and infarction correlate with delayed decline.

Methods:

Adult C57BL/6J mice of both sexes were subjected to endovascular perforation to induce SAH. Mice were allowed to survive for up to 1 week post-ictus and behavioral performance was assessed daily. Postmortem microthrombi, large artery diameters (to assess vasospasm), and infarct volume were measured. These measures were analyzed for differences between SAH mice that developed delayed deficits and SAH mice that did not get delayed deficits. Correlation analyses were performed to identify which measures correlated with delayed neurological deficits, sex, and infarction.

Results:

Twenty-three percent of males and 47% of females developed delayed deficits 3 to 6 days post-SAH. Female mice subjected to SAH had a significantly higher incidence of delayed deficits than male mice with SAH. Mice that developed delayed deficits had significantly more microthrombi and larger infarct volumes than SAH mice that did not get delayed deficits. Microthrombi positively correlated with infarct volume, and both microthrombi and infarction correlated with delayed functional deficits. Vasospasm did not correlate with either infarction delayed functional deficits.

Conclusions:

We discovered that delayed functional deficits occur in mice following SAH. Sex differences were seen in the prevalence of delayed deficits. The mechanism by which microthrombi cause delayed deficits may be via formation of infarcts.
Dual Language Education and Student Achievement
Authors: Bibler Andrew
Published: June 2020

Two-way dual language (DL) classrooms enroll students of two different language backgrounds and teach curriculum in both languages. I estimate the effect of attending a dual language school on student achievement using school choice lotteries from Charlotte Mecklenburg School District, finding local average treatment effects of 0.04 and 0.05 standard deviations per year in math and reading, respectively. Attending a DL school increased test scores for English learners (ELs) and for non-ELs by a similar magnitude. The positive effects of winning the lottery to attend a DL school are substantially larger than the average effect of assignment to other magnet schools, and several peer and school characteristics are ruled out as explanations for the increased test scores. There is no statistically significant evidence that attending a dual language school changed the probability of having EL status throughout elementary school.
Differential eco-physiological performances of two pseudocryptic species of the Eurytemora affinis complex (Copepoda, Calanoida) in the St. Lawrence estuarine transition zone: a reciprocal transplant experiment
Authors: Cabrol Jory , Tremblay Réjean , Winkler Gesche
Published: June 2020

The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the short-term performances and the physiological plasticity of two cryptic species Eurytemora carolleeae and Eurytemora affinis (North-Atlantic clade) by simulating rapid advection from freshwater to brackish water conditions and reciprocally. To do so, two reciprocal transplant experiments without acclimation and under non-limited food condition were performed in the St. Lawrence estuarine transition zone during summer 2011. Results revealed that both species diverged in their short-term acclimation response when facing acute salinity changes that they might encounter when advected through the highly dynamic estuarine transition zone. We show that E. carolleeae could use the brackish environment without loss of performance and energy, while E. affinis needed to reallocate energy from other processes (i.e., reproduction) and required food intake to maintain itself in the freshwater environment. In addition, the transplant experiment highlighted that only 40% of the E. affinis showed short term capacity to acclimate to freshwater conditions, indicating that in situ advection by currents from brackish water to fresh water could be dramatic even for a short time period. Furthermore, the survivors of E. affinis in fresh water might not be able to reproduce, which limits establishment of a sustainable population of E. affinis (North-Atlantic clade) in the tidal freshwater part of the estuarine transition zone. Finally, we highlighted for the first time that both species of this pseudocryptic complex could use lipid remodelling to overcome temperature effects on membrane structure, but further studies are needed to determine the influence of membrane lipid remodelling on salinity tolerance.
How many generations does Epischura baikalensis (Copepoda, Calanoida) have in Lake Baikal?
Authors: Naumova Elena Yu. , Alekseev Victor R.
Published: June 2020

Epischura baikalensis Sars is a dominant pelagic species of the Lake Baikal zooplankton. We empirically determined the duration of the development of Epischura from field data, as it is not possible to determine this experimentally. Based on our data, we conclude that the central pelagic food web of metazoan species in Lake Baikal has not two, as was previously accepted, but three generations during a year and each lasts not 6 but instead 3 to 4 months. The life cycle of the species also possibly includes a 3-months long winter embryonic diapause, starting in November and ending in late February with the start of the under-ice algae bloom. The high nauplii density in spring is not the result of high adult density, suggesting the presence of resting eggs in the E. baikalensis life cycle. We also found a large morphological difference between the pelagic eggs of the species in the winter and in the summertime. The possible participation of diatom algal toxins in the regulation of the seasonal dynamics of their main consumer in Lake Baikal, similar to those known in marine ecosystems, is discussed. The population dynamics in a year with relatively low diatom algae density show four peaks of reproduction, i.e., in February, June, September, and December. In years with significant (more than 15 000 cells/l) diatom blooming we found mass mortality of E. baikalensis juveniles in the plankton, with only two clear peaks of nauplii density. A negative correlation was found between the number of population density peaks for E. baikalensis and the spring-blooming of diatom algae.
On time and place of origin of continental calanoid families: a hypothesis
Authors: Alekseev Victor R. , Sukhikh Natalia M.
Published: June 2020

Several independent methods: molecular-genetic, biogeographical, and morphological analyses — were applied to explain the origin of the continental calanoid fauna and the distribution of their recent genera. The theory of Continental Drift and the evolution of the Tethys Sea were also used for that purpose. The molecular-genetic-based phylogenetic tree that we constructed, as well as the largest number of genera and species in Diaptomidae, allow us to support the idea that this family of fresh- and brackishwater Copepoda arose earlier than the Temoridae and Centropagidae. The ancestors of the Diaptomidae likely invaded, and were distributed across, the supercontinent Pangaea before its division into two continental plates in the Mesozoic Era, i.e., not later than 180-200 Ma. Therefore, various genera of this family can be found almost everywhere on all continents, except Antarctica. The family Temoridae is known only from Europe, Asia and North America. These three continental plates stayed together long after separation of Pangaea into two parts: Laurasia and Gondwana (until circa 50 Ma). At approximately the same time (50 Ma), the genus Eurytemora should have been created, as its representatives are known from North America and Eurasia. The family Centropagidae seems to have invaded inland waters somewhere between Temoridae and Diaptomidae, as its representatives can be found on all continents except Africa. Also, as a possibly alternative option, this centropagid invasion could have happened independently in the northern and southern Pangaea blocks, by different marine ancestors, at the same time as Temoridae, as is shown herein in the molecular-genetic-based phylogenetic tree. Using the evolution model of the Tethys Sea proved to be very productive for explaining the modern ranges of continental calanoids, both within families and in individual genera, including the genus Eurytemora.
The Role of the Human Rights Council in Implementing the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Pramendorfer Elisabeth
Published: June 2020

Over the past fifteen years since the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, all eyes have been on the UN Security Council and its ability to respond to situations at imminent risk of, or experiencing, atrocity crimes. To the contrary, little attention has been given to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council (hrc) and its procedures and mechanisms. This is interesting considering that the hrc has responded to emerging and protracted atrocity situations around the world, often at times when the Security Council remained silent. hrc response to atrocities in Myanmar, Venezuela, and elsewhere highlights the unique role it can play in implementing R2P and triggering follow-up action outside of Geneva; yet, much remains to be done to overcome both institutional and political challenges to fully utilise the hrc’s potential to uphold our individual and shared responsibility to protect.
Are Frege’s Thoughts Fregean Propositions?
Authors: Pérez-Navarro Eduardo
Published: June 2020

One of the most pressing issues in contemporary semantics is whether propositions are structured entities that should be individuated in terms of their components or, contrarily, they lack structure and should be individuated in terms of their inferential relations. Another one is whether propositions should always contain all the information that is needed to deem them true or false—whether they should always be Fregean propositions. The latter debate might seem to presuppose a certain position in the former. However, it is the first aim of this paper to argue that the two debates are orthogonal. Moreover, we will use Frege’s thoughts as an example of what we would contemporarily call ‘propositions’ that, though trivially Fregean, lack structure. Since it is not uncontroversial that Frege’s thoughts are unstructured, it is the second aim of this paper to show that it follows from Frege’s writings that they are.
Psychometric Properties of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory in an Academic Healthcare Institution Sample in the U.S.
Authors: Thrush Carol R. , Gathright Molly M. , Atkinson Timothy , Messias Erick L. , Guise J. Benjamin
Published: June 2020

The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) has demonstrated good psychometric properties among respondents in many different countries, but minimal research exists using the CBI in a U.S.-based sample. The current study represents a secondary analysis of existing CBI data from 1,679 academic health center employees at one mid-size teaching hospital in the southeastern region of the U.S. Analyses assessed CBI scale reliability, confirmatory factorial validity, discriminant validity against a measure of meaningful work, and test invariance for professional role sub-groups (physicians, nurses/physician assistants, and other hospital staff), gender groups, and different age groups. Results provided evidence for good reliability and discriminant validity as well as construct validity supporting the CBI proposed three-factor structure. Configural and metric variance equivalence were demonstrated across the range of employee types, and across age and gender groups. Scalar invariance equivalence was not established, suggesting further research may be needed to support group mean comparisons using the CBI.
Aerosolization During Common Ventilation Scenarios
Authors: Xiao Roy , Workman Alan D. , Puka Elefteria , Juang Jeremy , Naunheim Matthew R. , Song Phillip C.
Published: June 2020

Otolaryngologists are at increased risk for exposure to suspected aerosol‐generating procedures during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. In the present study, we sought to quantify differences in aerosol generation during common ventilation scenarios. We performed a series of 30‐second ventilation experiments on porcine larynx‐trachea‐lung specimens. We used an optical particle sizer to quantify the number of 1‐ to 10‐µm particles observed per 30‐second period (PP30). No significant aerosols were observed with ventilation of intubated specimens (10.8 ± 2.4 PP30 vs background 9.5 ± 2.1, P = 1.0000). Simulated coughing through a tracheostomy produced 53.5 ± 25.2 PP30, significantly more than background (P =. 0121) and ventilation of an intubated specimen (P =. 0401). These data suggest that undisturbed ventilation and thus intubation without stimulation or coughing may be safer than believed. Coughing increases aerosol production, particularly via tracheostomy. Otolaryngologists who frequently manage patient airways and perform tracheostomy are at increased risk for aerosol exposure and require appropriate personal protective equipment, especially during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.
Epicardial blebs and septal hematoma after ventricular septal defect closure
Authors: Jose Joyce Mary , Padala Sri Rama Ananta Nagabhushanam , Rajkumar Sundararaj , Prasad Sreevathsa KS , Jha Ajay Kumar
Published: June 2020

Rapidly progressive epicardial hemorrhagic blebs during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass after perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure has not been reported previously. Here, we describe the case of a 3-month-old baby with life-threatening epicardial hemorrhagic blebs and an interventricular septal hematoma after perimembranous ventricular septal defect patch closure.
Evaluation of heat generation using a microscopic cutting model with thermo-mechanical coupling for carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Qian Miao , Xiao Jianzhang , Wang Guifeng , Huang Pengcheng , Chen Zhongzhe , Han Gaorong
Published: June 2020

A three-dimensional micromechanical finite element cutting model with the thermo-mechanical coupling was developed for carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites in the paper. The finite element modeling considers the three phases of a composite, in which the interphase between the fiber and matrix can realize heat transfer and allow debonding to represent the failure of composites. The model predictions of the machining responses, such as cutting temperature and subsurface damage, at different fiber orientations were compared with various experimental data for model validation. It is indicated that the three phase micromechanical model is capable of precisely predicting cutting temperature and the damage induced by the cutting tool. It was found that cutting temperature and subsurface damage strongly depend on the fiber orientation. Subsurface damage is easily occurs in a fiber orientation range of 90°–135°, while the largest depth of the thermal damage occurs at 90°. In addition, the effect of machining parameters on the cutting temperature was investigated based on the cutting model. It was showed that the cutting speed should be reasonably selected to control the cutting temperature. The temperature decrease with increase the rake angle, while increase with increase depth of cut and radius of cutting edge.