bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Equity-oriented Cancer Care: a Strategy for Patient-oriented Research (SPOR) Protocol to Promote Equitable Access to Lung Cancer Screening.
Authors: Sayani Ambreen , Manthorne Jackie , Nicholson Erika , Bloch Gary , Parsons Janet A , Hwang Stephen W. , Amenu Bikila , Freedman Howard , Rathbone Marlene , Jeji Tara , Wathen Nadine , Browne Annette J. , Varcoe Colleen , Lofters Aisha
Published: December 2021

Background: Screening for lung cancer with low dose CT can facilitate the detection of early-stage lung cancers that are amenable to treatment, reducing mortality related to lung cancer. Individuals are considered eligible for lung cancer screening if they meet specific high-risk criteria, such as age and smoking history. Population groups that are at highest risk of lung cancer, and therefore the target of lung cancer screening interventions, are also the least likely to participate in lung cancer screening, thus resulting in a widening of health inequities. Deliberate effort is needed to both reduce lung cancer risk (through upstream interventions that promote smoking cessation) as well as midstream interventions that promote equitable access to lung cancer screening. Methods: This protocol paper describes an equity-informed patient-oriented research study. Our study aims to promote equitable access to lung cancer screening by partnering with patients to co-design an e-learning module for healthcare providers. The learning module will describe the social context of lung cancer risk and promote access to lung cancer screening by increasing equity at the point of care. We have applied the Generative Co-Design Framework for Healthcare Innovation and detail our study processes in three phases and six steps: Pre-design (establishing a study governance structure); co-design (identifying research priorities, gathering and interpreting data, co-developing module content); and post-design (pilot testing the module and developing an implementation plan). Discussion: Patient engagement in research can promote the design and delivery of healthcare services that are accessible and acceptable to patients. This is particularly important for lung cancer screening as those at highest risk of developing lung cancer are also those who are least likely to participate in lung cancer screening. By detailing the steps of our participatory co-design journey, we are making visible the processes of our work so that they can be linked to future outcomes and related impact, and inform a wide range of patient co-led processes.
The Feasibility of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Omission After Integrate 18F-FDG Dedicated Lymph Node PET in Early Breast Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Trial
Authors: Li Junjie , Cheng Jingyi , Liu Guangyu , Hou Yifeng , Di Genghong , Yang Benglong , Jiang Yizhou , Huang Liang , Qu Feilin , Chen Sheng , Wang Yan , Yu Keda , Shao Zhimin
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is currently the standard of care in clinically node-negative (cN0) breast cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the negative predictive value (NPV) of 18F-FDG dedicated lymph node positron emission tomography (LymphPET) in cN0 patients.
Methods

This is a prospective phase II trial divided into two stages (NCT04072653). In the first stage, cN0 patients underwent axillary LymphPET, followed by SLNB. In the second stage, SLNB was omitted in patients with a negative preoperative axillary assessment after integrating LymphPET. Here, we report the results of the first stage; the primary outcome was the NPV of LymphPET to detect macrometastases of lymph nodes.
Results

189 invasive breast cancer patients underwent LymphPET, followed by surgery, with definitive pathological reports. Forty patients had lymph node macrometastasis (LN-macro), and 16 patients had only lymph node micrometastasis (LN-micro). Of the 131 patients who had a negative LymphPET, 16 patients had LN-macro, the NPV was 87.8%. After combining axillary imaging evaluation with ultrasound and LymphPET, 100 patients were found to be both LymphPET and ultrasound negative, 9 patients had LN-macro, the NPV was 91%.
Conclusions

LymphPET can be used to screen potential patients to avoid SLNB with an NPV >90%. The second stage of the SOAPET trial is ongoing to confirm the safe omission of SLNB according to preoperational axillary evaluation when integrating LymphPET.
Association of Body Mass Index with Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Among Ambulatory Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Lumori Boniface Amanee Elias , Nuwagira Edwin , Abeya Fardous Charles , Araye Abdirahman Ali , Masete Godfrey , Mondo Charles K. , Okello Samson , Muzoora Conrad , Muyingo Anthony
Published: December 2021

Background: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is a recognized complication of diabetes mellitus which precedes and is a risk factor for heart failure. We aimed to determine the prevalence of LVDD and its association with body mass index (BMI) in ambulatory adults with diabetes mellitus. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 195 ambulatory Ugandan adults living with diabetes mellitus for at least five years from the time of diagnosis at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). We collected demographic, clinical data and measured body mass index. Laboratory tests included glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and urine microalbumin. Echocardiography was done to determine LVDD by assessing the mitral inflow E/A ratio, E/è ratio, TR jet peak velocity, and left atrium maximum volume index. Logistic regression was used to establish associations of body mass index and other covariates with LVDD. Results: Overall, 195 participants were enrolled and 141(72.3%) were females. The mean age was 62 [standard deviation (SD), 11.5] years and median duration of diabetes diagnosis was 10 [Interquartile range (IQR), 7,15] years. LVDD was prevalent at 86% and majority, 127(65.13%) had grade-1 diastolic dysfunction. BMI ≥25kg/m2 [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=2.8, (95% confidence interval (CI)=1-7.6), p=0.038], age 50 year or more [aOR= 4.9, (95%CI=1.5-16.2), p=0.010], and history of hypertension [aOR= 3.0, (95% CI= 1.1-8.1), p=0.031] were associated with LVDD.Conclusion: The prevalence of LVDD was high during the study period. We recommend early and periodic echocardiographic screening for diabetes patients with high body mass index.
A New Glutamine Synthetase Index to Evaluate Hepatic Lobular Restoration in Advanced Fibrosis During Anti-HBV Therapy
Authors: Chen Shuyan , Wang Bingqiong , Zhou Jialing , Wu Xiaoning , Meng Tongtong , Liu Hui , Wang Tailing , Zhao Xinyan , Wu Shanshan , Kong Yuanyuan , Ou Xiaojuan , Jia Jidong , Wee Aileen , You Hong , Sun Yameng
Published: December 2021

Background

Hepatic lobular architecture distortion is a deleterious turning point and crucial histological feature of advanced liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases. Regression of fibrosis has been documented in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the restoration of lobular architecture after antiviral therapy is still unclear. Here, we propose a new glutamine synthetase (GS) index (GS-index) to evaluate the extent of architectural disruption and restoration.
Methods

We evaluated 43 pre-and post-treatment liver biopsies of CHB patients with advanced fibrosis (Ishak stage≥4). Glutamine synthetase (GS) is normally expressed by perivenular hepatocytes around hepatic veins (HV). When GS expression is observed in the vicinity of portal tracts (PT), it denotes parenchymal extinction and lobular collapse. We propose the new glutamine synthetase index (GS-index), defined as the percentage of GSHV/(GSHV+ GSPT), to evaluate the extent of architectural disruption and restoration.
Results

The median GS-index improved from 7% at baseline to 36% at week 78 (P<0.001). When GS-index78w≥50% used to define hepatic lobular restoration, 37% patients (16/43) achieved lobular restoration, with improvement in ALT and AST levels. More importantly, GS-index correlated with fibrosis regression, one stage fibrosis improvement in restored group and no change in non-restored patients (P=0.030).
Conclusion

In the era of antiviral therapy for CHB, restoration of hepatic lobular architecture is achievable. GS-index gives a new evaluation tool to quantitively assess hepatic lobular status and therapeutic benefits in CHB patients.
A Comparative Study on Efficacies of Posterior Microscopic Mini-open and Open Technique for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Accompanied With Severe Traumatic Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhou Yanna , Zou Hua , Lu Zimo , Wang Xin , Ao Jun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To compare the efficacies of minimal invasive decompression by posterior microscopic mini-open technique combined with percutaneous pedicle fixation (hereafter MOT) and traditional open surgeries in patients with severe traumatic spinal canal stenosis resulting from AO Type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures and provide references for clinical treatment.
Methods

The clinical materials of 133 patients with severe traumatic spinal canal stenosis caused by AO Type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent MOT (group A) or traditional open surgery (group B) were retrospectively enrolled. The patient demographic and radiological data were analyzed between the two groups.
Results

A total of 64 patients were finally recruited in this study. There were no significant differences in gender, age, follow-up time, injury mechanism, injured level, Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). After procedures, the prevertebral height ratio (PHR), the Cobb angle, and the mid-sagittal canal diameter compression ratio (MSDCR) in two groups were significantly improved (P<0.05). Meanwhile, group A with little intraoperative bleeding volume, and the VAS score improved better at post-operation and last follow up, but the operative time was longer (P<0.05). The PHR, the Cobb angle in the two groups at the post-operation and last follow up without significantly different (P>0.05), the MSDCR was improved at last follow up when compared with the value at post-operation (P<0.05). However, the Cobb angle in group A was well maintained than in group B at last follow up (P<0.05) and the MSDCR in group B at last follow up improved better than in group A (P<0.05).
Conclusions

Both the MOT and traditional open surgery can treat AO type A3 and A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures accompanied with severe traumatic spinal stenosis effectively. The MOT has advantages including minimal invasion, extremely fine spinal canal decompression, lower intraoperative bleeding volume and obvious pain relief. We suggest that MOT should be preferentially selected for AO type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures accompanied with severe traumatic spinal stenosis.
T-DNA integration in plants requires MRE11- or TDP2-mediated removal of the 5’ bound Agrobacterium protein VirD2
Authors: Kralemann Lejon , de Pater Sylvia , Shen Hexi , Kloet Susan , Schendel Robin van , Hooykaas Paul , Tijsterman Marcel
Published: December 2021

Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a pathogenic bacterium capable of transforming plants through horizontal gene transfer, is nowadays the preferred vector for plant genetic engineering. The vehicle for transfer is the T-strand, a single-stranded DNA molecule bound by the bacterial protein VirD2, which guides T-DNA into the plants nucleus where it integrates. How VirD2 is removed from T-DNA, and which mechanism acts to attach the liberated end to the plant genome is currently unknown. Here, using newly developed technology that yields hundreds of T-DNA integrations in somatic tissue of Arabidopsis thaliana, we uncover two redundant mechanisms for the genomic capture of the T-DNA’s 5’ end. Different from capture of the 3’ end of the T-DNA, which is the exclusive action of polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ), 5’ attachment is accomplished either by TMEJ or by canonical non-homologous end joining (cNHEJ). We further find that TMEJ needs MRE11, whereas cNHEJ requires TDP2 to remove the 5’-end blocking protein VirD2. As a consequence, T-DNA integration is severely impaired in plants deficient for both MRE11 and TDP2 (or other cNHEJ factors). In support of MRE11 and cNHEJ specifically acting on the 5’ end, we demonstrate rescue of the integration defect of double-deficient plants by using T-DNAs that are capable of forming telomeres upon 3’ capture. Our study provides a mechanistic model for how Agrobacterium exploits the plant’s own DNA repair machineries to transform them.
Relationshp Between Sleep Quality, Mood State, and Performance of Elite Air-Rifle Shooters
Authors: Lu Jiaojiao , An Yan , Qiu Jun
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate the impact of pre-competition sleep quality on the mood and performance of elite air-rifle shooters.
Methods

This study included 23 elite air-rifle shooters who participated in an air-rifle shooting-competition from April 2019 to October 2019. Sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and wake-up time after sleep onset were monitored using actigraphy. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Profile of Mood State were used to assess sleep quality. Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 was used to evaluate mood state.
Results

The average time to fall asleep, sleep time, sleep efficiency, and subjective sleep quality were 20.6 ± 14.9 min, 7.0 ± 0.8 h, 85.9 ± 5.3%, and 5.2 ± 2.2, respectively. Sleep quality decreased as the competition progressed. Pre-competition sleep time in female athletes was significantly higher than that on the competition day (P = 0.05). Pre-competition sleep latency was significantly longer in women than in men (P = 0.021). During training and pre-competition, the tension, fatigue, depression, and emotional disturbance were significantly lower in athletes with good sleep quality than in athletes with poor sleep quality. Athletes with good sleep quality had significantly more energy. The PSQI total score was positively correlated with positive emotion, TMD, cognitive anxiety, and somatic anxiety POMS scores, and negatively correlated with energy and self-confidence scores. Race scores and depression and somatic anxiety scores were negatively correlated.
Conclusion

Poor sleep quality negatively impacted the mood of athletes; however, sleep indices and competition performance of athletes during competitions were not significantly correlated.
Cyclin D1 and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Cahyanur Rahmat , Utari Amanda Pitarini , Rahadiani Nur
Published: December 2021

Gastric cancer is found at a rate of 2.4 to 3.5 percent in Indonesia, with the majority of cases discovered at an advanced stage. Cyclin D1 is a protein that promotes cancer cell growth. It has been shown to be expressed in a variety of cancers, including stomach cancer. A recent study of cyclin D1 in gastric cancer has been associated with lymph node involvement, metastasis, poor prognosis, and lack of response to platinum chemotherapy. This study aims to determine the relationship between cyclin D1 expression and clinicopathological features in gastric cancer. This cross-sectional study used medical records and paraffin blocks of gastric cancer patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, in 2015–2020. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, histopathological features, and cyclin D1 expression were collected and examined. Data was collected from 39 subjects. Most of the subjects experienced eating disorders (69.23%), weight loss (76.92%), melena (53.85%), and anemia (51.28%). Tumor locations were mostly found in the cardia and corpus of the gaster. Overexpression of cyclin D1 was found in 30.77% of cases. Cyclin D1 expression was greater in subjects with liver metastases (50% vs. 14.8%, p 0.04). Cyclin D1 expression was not associated with tumor location, TNM stage, and histopathological findings.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Highly-Pure Nanoparticles Embedded in Dye Complexes for Random Laser Design
Authors: Mahmood Atheer A. , Hammadi Oday A. , Ibraheem Kais R.
Published: December 2021

In this work, highly-pure titanium dioxide nanoparticles produced by dc magnetron sputtering technique were embedded in organometallic complex solutions such as Baq2 or Znq2 to form random gain media. The structural characteristics of the TiO2 nanoparticles were determined to confirm their high structural purity. The spectroscopic characteristics, mainly photoluminescence and fluorescence, of the complex solutions containing the nanoparticles were determined and studied. These media were compared to two of the most common laser dyes (Rhodamine b and Rhodamine 6G) to determine the feasibility to use them to produce random laser.
Matching physical properties of food and tools in three populations of wild capuchin monkeys
Authors: Falótico Tiago , Valença Tatiane , Verderane Michele , Fogaça Mariana
Published: December 2021

Robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus) are known for accessing mechanically challenging food. Although presenting morphological adaptations to do so, several populations go beyond the body limitations, using tools, mainly stone tools, to expand their food range. Those populations are diverse, some using stones more widely than others. We know stone tool size correlates with the target's resistance within some populations, but we have no detailed comparisons between populations so far. This study described and compared general environmental data, food’s physical properties, and stone tools features on three populations of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus), including a new site. The differences we observed regarding stone tool use between the new site (CVNP) and the previously studied ones could be partially explained by ecological factors, such as the raw material and resource availability. However, other differences appear to be more related to behavioral traditions, such as the processing of Hymenaea at CVNP, where the monkeys use bigger stones than other populations to process the same kind of food, which present similar physical properties between sites. Possible cultural differences need to be compared within a larger number of areas to better understand capuchin monkey behavioral variability.
Natural and anthropogenic sources of extractable organic matter in sediments from the coastal zone of the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rushdi Ahmed I. , El-Mubarak Aarif H. , Simoneit Bernd R. T. , Goni Miguel A. , Qurban Mohammed A. , Bazeyad Abdulqader Y. , Al-Otaibi Mubarak T. , Muhammed Zahid N. , Al-Mutlaq Khalid F.
Published: December 2021

Surface sediment samples from the Arabian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia were collected by Van Veen grab sampler to identify the characteristics, distribution, levels, and to discriminate between natural and anthropogenic sources of the total extractable organic matter (TEOM). The dried and sieved sediments were extracted with a dichloromethane/methanol mixture for analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The TEOM included n-alkanes (353.9±283.8 ng.g−1), n-alkanols (283.2±296.1 ng.g−1), fatty acid methyl esters (245.2±353.7 ng.g−1), hopanes (100.7±158.2 ng.g−1), steranes (58.5±96.3 ng.g−1), triterpenoids (18.9±21.1 ng.g−1), steroids (15.3±17.0 ng.g−1), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (0.48±1.19 ng.g−1), as well as an unresolved complex mixture (UCM =1633±3151 ng.g−1) and petrochemicals (343.1±424.2 ng.g−1). The major sources of these TEOM compound groups were anthropogenic (petroleum and petrochemical) and natural (lipids from higher plants, marine material, and microbiota) inputs. Anthropogenic contaminants from petroleum products ranged from 46.6-85.6% of the TEOM, whereas petrochemicals varied from 10.7-40.6%. Biogenic influx from terrestrial vegetation ranged from 5.7-19.3%, and marine biotic sources varied from 11.1-37.5%. The continuous accumulation of anthropogenic contaminants will ultimately affect the critical habitats of this marine coastal region. This provides a basis for further studies to understand human and developmental activities on delivery, deposition processes, distribution, and biogeochemical alteration of organic matter in the coastal zones of the Arabian Gulf. Such studies are important for sustainable development and protection of these key regional habitats.
Air leak syndromes (Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema) in Critically ill COVID – 19 patients – Prevalence, risk factors, and outcome.
Authors: Sharma Parth , Mohanty Rakesh , Kuryan Preethi , Babu Sheetal , Mane Manisha , Dadsena Aditi , Narayanan Sankara , Korula Pritish
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: A high incidence of air leak syndromes (ALS) has been reported in critically ill COVID-19 patients. This not only prolongs the hospital stay of patients but also affects the disease outcome.OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to evaluate the incidence, clinical outcome, and risk factors associated with ALS in critically ill COVID-19 patients receiving invasive or non-invasive positive pressure ventilationRESULT: Out of 79 patients, 16(20.2%) patients had ALS. The mean age of the ALS group was 48.6±13.1 years as compared to 52.8±13.1 (p = 0.260) years in the non-ALS group. The ALS group had a lower median BMI (25.9 kg/m2 vs 27.6 kg/m2 , p = 0.096), a higher D-dimer value at presentation (1179.5 vs 762.0, p = 0.024) , lower saturation (74% vs 88%, p = 0.006) and lower PF (134 vs 189, p = 0.028) ratio at presentation as compared to the ALS group. Patients who developed ALS were found to have received a higher median PEEP (10 cm vs 8 cm of water, p = 0.005). Pressure support, highest driving pressure, and peak airway pressure were not significantly different in the two groups. ALS group was seen to have a significantly longer duration of hospital stay (17.5 days vs 9 days, p = 0.003). Multiple Logistic Regressions analysis indicated patients who received Inj. Dexamethasone was less likely to develop ALS (OR: 12.6 (95% CI 1.6-95.4), p=0.015). CONCLUSION: A high incidence of ALS is present in critically ill COVID 19 patients. High inflammatory parameters, severe hypoxia at presentation, and use of high PEEP are significant risk factors associated with the development of ALS. The risk of developing ALS was observed to be lower in patients who received Inj. Dexamethasone. ALS is associated with a longer duration of hospital stay.
Quantifying the quality of optical vortices by evaluating their intensity distributions
Authors: Szatkowski Mateusz , Norton Brandon , Masajada Jan , Porras-Aguilar Rosario
Published: December 2021

Optical vortices are widely used in optics and photonics, ranging from microscopy and communications to astronomy. However, little work has been done to quantify the quality of scalar optical vortices. Since the quality of an optical vortex affects measurements and conclusions derived from their use, development of tools to evaluate the vortex quality is crucial. Moreover, the quality of a vortex strongly depends on the application. Therefore, this work aims to establish metrics for the evaluation of optical vortex quality. We propose to evaluate vortex quality using the following intensity parameters: eccentricity of the intensity distribution, cross-sectional peak-to-valley measurements, cross-sectional peak difference, and the ratio of the ring width to the vortex core diameter (doughnut-ratio). These parameters can be used as a guide for the quality of optical vortices depending on their implementation for specific optical technologies.
High-power density monolithic fuel cell stack
Authors: Pirou Stéven , Talic Belma , Brodersen Karen , Hauch Anne , Frandsen Henrik , Skafte Theis , Persson Åsa , Høgh Jens , Henriksen Henrik , Navasa Maria , Miao Xing-Yuan , Georgolamprou Xanthi , Foghmoes Søren , Hendriksen Peter Vang , Nielsen Eva , Nielsen Jimmi , Wulff Anders , Jensen Søren , Zielke Philipp , Hagen Anke
Published: December 2021

The transportation sector is currently undergoing a technology shift from internal combustion engines to electric motors powered by batteries. However, their limited range and long charging times limit wide-spread adoption. Electrified transportation powered by solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer an attractive alternative especially for heavy freight and long-range transportation, as this technology can provide high-efficiency and flexible fuel choices. Thus far, the technology is mostly used for stationary applications owing to the high operating temperature, low volumetric and gravimetric power density, and poor robustness towards thermal cycling and mechanical vibrations of conventional ceramic-based cells. Here, we present a novel metal-based monolithic fuel cell design to overcome these issues. Highly cost-competitive and scalable manufacturing methods are employed for fabrication, and only a single heat treatment is required, as opposed to two or three for conventional SOFCs. The design is further optimised through three-dimensional multiphysics modelling, nanoparticle infiltration, and corrosion-mitigating treatments. The monolithic fuel cell shows exceptionally high power density (5.6 kW/L) revealing the vast potential of SOFC technology for transport applications.
Relativity and View Effects
Authors: Fischli Bernard
Published: December 2021

Relativity has been based on the implicit assumption that it would exclusively describe interactions. Relativistic view effects are included as well, and they act with no force and no energy exchanges. The Ehrenfest paradox is solved. View effects specific to each point of view are the solution. The calculation of the deflection of light by the sun explains in detail why the deflection angle must be almost double the value obtained with Newton’s laws. The compatibility of General Relativity with the new interpretation is discussed. An object has no speed limit due to gravitation but it is limited in speed with electromagnetism. Inertial behavior is examined. The equivalence principle does not introduce gravitation to General Relativity. Relativity impacts the energy formula of electromagnetism using the Lorentz factor which also introduces view effects that are optical illusions with no impact on energy.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiple MRI Parameters in Dealing With Incidental Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Shayganfar Azin , Azin Neda , Hashemi Peyman , Ghanei AmirMohammad , Ahmadi Somayeh Haji
Published: December 2021

Background: Different MRI parameters have been studied for evaluating thyroid nodules. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 imaging sequences with considerable efficacy in evaluating soft tissue tumors merit further assessment for thyroid nodules investigation.Method: In this study, patients with thyroid nodules indicative of fine-needle aspiration and cytology (FNAC) underwent MR imaging studies. The T2 signal intensity(SI), T2 signal intensity ratio (SIR), Z value, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the thyroid nodule were obtained for every patient. Regarding the FNAC results, the nodules were divided into malignant and benign groups. The two groups' MRI parameters were compared using a two samples independent t-test and the cut-off values estimated by analyzing the receiver operating characteristics plot.Results: The T2 values, SIR, Z values, and ADC values were significantly higher in the benign group than malignant. The cut-off points of 230 (AUC= 0.759), 3.38 (AUC=0.754), 37(AUC=0.759), and 1.73(AUC=.690) were obtained for T2values, SIR, Z value, and ADC values, respectively.Conclusion: T2 values, SIR, Z values, and ADC values are reliable parameters in discriminating benign from malignant thyroid nodules, and cut-off points of 230, 3.38, 37, and 1.73 could be reliable cut-off points for each parameter, respectively. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.
Glue semantics for HPSG
Authors: Asudeh Ash , Crouch Richard
Published: December 2021

‎The glue approach to semantic interpretation has been developed principally for Lexical Functional Grammar. Recent work has shown how glue can be used with a variety of syntactic theories and this paper outlines how it can be applied to HPSG. As well as providing an alternative form of semantics for HPSG, we believe that the benefits of HPSG glue include the following: (1) simplification of the Semantics Principle; (2) a simple and elegant treatment of modifier scope, including empirical phenomena like quantifier scope ambiguity, the interaction of scope with raising, and recursive modification; (3) an analysis of control that handles agreement between controlled subjects and their coarguments while allowing for a property denotation for the controlled clause; (4) re-use of highly efficient techniques for semantic derivation already implemented for LFG, and which target problems of ambiguity management also addressed by Minimal Recursion Semantics.
Specificational pseudoclefts in English
Authors: Yoo Eun-Jung
Published: December 2021

Specificational pseudoclefts (SPCs) have been a great challenge for a syntactic theory,
because, despite the surface division between the pre- and post-copular elements,
the post-copular ˋpivot' behaves as if it occupied the gap position in the precopular
wh-clause. This paper argues that movement-based or deletion-based syntactic approaches
and purely semantic approaches have problems in dealing with syntactic properties
and connectivity problems of SPCs in English. Observing the parallelism between
SPC pivots and short answers to questions, it proposes an HPSG account based on
a non-deletion-based QDT (Question-in-disguise theory) approach and on the
equative analysis of the specificational copular sentences. The paper shows that
SPCs must be handled by an integrated account of the syntactic, semantic, and
pragmatic properties of the construction, and argues that the connectivity problems
should be approached from such an integrated view.
Information structure and referential givenness/newness: How much belongs in the grammar?
Authors: Gundel Jeanette
Published: December 2021

This paper is concerned with such concepts as topic, focus and cognitive
status of discourse referents, which have been included under the label
information structure (alternatively information status), as they are related
in some sense to the distribution of given and new information. It addresses
the question of which information structural properties are best accounted for
by grammatical constraints and which can be attributed to non-linguistic
constraints on the way information is processed and communicated. Two logically
independent senses of given-new information are distinguished, one referential
and the other relational. I discuss some examples of linguistic phenomena that
pertain to each of these different senses and show that both are linguistically
relevant and must be represented in the grammar. I also argue that phenomena
related to both senses have pragmatic effects that do not have to be
represented in the grammar since they result from interaction of the language
system with general pragmatic principles that constrain inferential processes
involved in language production and understanding.
The syntax and semantics of multiple degree modification in English
Authors: Kennedy Christopher , McNally Louise
Published: December 2021

Focusing on the examples of multiple degree modification, this paper
argues that the class of degree expressions in English is syntactically
and semantically diverse, subdivided both according to the semantic
effects of its members and according to the extent to which they permit,
and participate in, multiple layers of modification. We argue that
these two factors are linked, and result in (at least) a three-way
distinction between ˋtrue degree morphemes', which map gradable
adjectives to properties of individuals and combine with their arguments
in a Head-Specifier structure; ˋintensifiers', which are syntactic and
semantic modifiers of properties constructed out of gradable adjectives;
and ˋscale modifiers', which are also syntactic and semantic modifiers,
but which combine with ˋbare' gradable adjectives (relations between
individuals and degrees) rather than properties formed out of gradable
adjectives.
A new HPSG approach to Polish auxiliary constructions
Authors: Kupść Anna , Tseng Jesse
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an analysis of constructions involving the
l-form of the verb in Polish, including primarily the past
tense, the conditional mood, and the future tense. Previous approaches
have attempted to treat these uniformly as auxiliary verb
constructions. We argue against a unified treatment, however, in light
of synchronic and diachronic evidence that indicates that only the
future tense and the conditional still involve auxiliaries in
modern Polish. We show that the past tense is now a simple tense,
although the l-forms appear in combination with agreement
affixes that can appear in different places in the sentence. We
provide an account of the common linearization properties of the past
tense markings and the conditional auxiliary. We present a detailed
HPSG analysis of the past tense construction that relies on the
introduction of two interacting agreement features. We then discuss
the consequences of our proposals for the analysis of the conditional
and future auxiliary constructions, and finally, we offer a treatment
of constructions involving inflected complementizers in Polish.
Motion event and deictic motion verbs as path-conflating verbs
Authors: Nakazawa Tsuneko
Published: December 2021

This paper attempts to decompose the Motion event into such elements as Figure,
Path, Vector, and Ground based upon Talmy's framework, which makes it possible
to formally analyze and compare the lexical semantics of the deictic motion
verbs within and across languages. It is shown that the difference in
interpretations of the Path is attributable to the lexical specifications of
both deictic motion verbs and locative phrases. It is argued that deictic
motion verbs can be lexically specified for the entailment of arrival only if
they express the Path eventually directed to the deictic center. A formal
analysis is given based upon the HPSG framework in order to identify the
elements of a Motion event contributed by each element of a verb phrase, and to
determine the compositional fashion in which they are combined to give the
interpretation of the verb phrase as a whole.
Modeling typological markedness in semantics: The case of negative concord
Authors: Richter Frank , Sailer Manfred
Published: December 2021

We will provide an analysis of negative concord in sentential negation
in three languages, French, Polish and German. The focus of the paper
is (1) the typological variation with respect to the realization of
negative concord in the three languages under investigation and (2)
the treatment of lexical exceptions within the different typological
classes. We will propose a unified theory of negative concord which
identifies a common core system and adds language-specific constraints
which can handle typological variation between languages and lexical
exceptions within a given language.
The syntax of copular constructions in Mauritian
Authors: Henri Fabiola , Abeillé Anne
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the syntactic behavior of the Mauritian copula in predicative
and extracted sentences. As it is the case in many languages, the Mauritian
copula ete is absent in certain constructions: It only appears in extraction contexts.
Our aim is to show that the postulation of a null copula, which has been proposed
in various analyses, is inadequate for the Mauritian data. The phenomenon, as
it is argued, rather lends itself to a strictly construction-based analysis within the
framework of HPSG and is based on the distribution of weak pronouns and TAM
markers.
Remarks on sluicing
Authors: Sag Ivan A. , Nykiel Joanna
Published: December 2021

Sluicing is widely regarded as requiring an analysis via deletion
operations, a potentially problematic conclusion for
non-transformational frameworks like HPSG. We examine critically and
reassess the motivation for a deletion analysis of Sluicing, offering
cross-linguistic and language-internal evidence in support of a
fundamentally semantic constructional alternative like the
one proposed by Ginzburg and Sag (2000).
Arabic relative clauses in HPSG
Authors: Alqurashi Abdulrahman , Borsley Robert D.
Published: December 2021

In HPSG relative clauses have been analyzed in terms of phonologically empty heads in Pollard and
Sag (1994) and in terms of a complex system of phrase types in Sag (1997). Modern Standard Arabic
has a distinction between relative clauses with a definite antecedent, which are introduced by a
special complementizer, and relative clauses with an indefinite antecedent, which are ‘bare’
clauses. Analyses eschewing empty heads and assuming a complex system of phrase types face a number
of problems. An analysis in which relatives with an indefinite antecedent are headed by a
phonologically empty complementizer is more satisfactory. Thus, in the case of Arabic, the approach
of Pollard and Sag (1994) seems preferable to the approach of Sag (1997).
Atomistic and holistic exponence in Information-Based Morphology
Authors: Crysmann Berthold , Bonami Olivier
Published: December 2021

In this paper we discuss two contrasting views of exponence in inflectional morphology: the atomistic view, where content is associated individually with minimal segmentable morphs, and the
holistic view, where the association is made for the whole word between complex content and constellations of morphs. On the basis of
data from Estonian and Swahili, we argue that an adequate theory of inflection should be able to accomodate both views. We then show that
the framework of Information-based Morphology (Crysmann and Bonami, 2016) is indeed compatible with both views, thanks to relying on realisation rules that associate m units of forms with n units of content.
Korean and Spanish psych-verbs: Interaction of case, theta-roles, linearization, and event structure in HPSG
Authors: Machicao y Priemer Antonio , Fritz-Huechante Paola
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we argue that by making a more detailed distinction of theta-roles, while at the same time investigating the correlation of case marking, theta-role assignment, and eventuality types, we can describe different psych-verb subclasses and explain their alignment patterns in Spanish and Korean. We propose a neo-Davidsonian treatment of psych-verbs in HPSG that allows us to account for the underspecification of theta-roles which are modeled in an inheritance hierarchy for semantic relations. By assuming linking properties modeled lexically, we can constrain the properties for psych-verbs which shows the mapping of semantic arguments (i.e. experiencer, stimulus-causer, subject matter and target) to the elements in the argument structure. The type hierarchy and lexical rules proposed here capture the alternation in case marking not only of the experiencer (as traditionally assumed in the literature), but also of the stimulus. This analysis leads us to a new fourfold classification of psych-verbs for both languages.
Sound speed and refractive index of amorphous CaSiO3 upon pressure cycling to 40 GPa
Authors: Geballe Zachary M. , Arveson Sarah M. , Speziale Sergio , Jeanloz Raymond
Published: December 2021

Brillouin spectroscopy at room temperature and pressures up to 40 GPa documents nearly identical elasticity and refractive index of amorphous CaSiO3 created by two different methods: temperature-quenching the melt at ambient pressure and pressure-amorphizing crystalline wollastonite at room temperature. We find reproducible hysteresis of 0 to 8% on pressure cycling that is small relative to the 30 to 60% changes in shear and longitudinal wave velocities over this pressure range. Together with observed changes in refractive index and previous results from Raman spectroscopy, these measurements reveal a continuous and reversible change in atomic packing induced by pressure. Unlike many other silicate glasses, amorphous CaSiO3 exhibits highly reproducible properties, behaving smoothly and reversibly under pressure cycling and possessing similar structure and elasticity regardless of synthesis paths for the starting material, which suggests that the amorphous solid may mimic the liquid over the pressure range investigated.
On computing non-equilibrium dynamics following a quench
Authors: Robinson Neil , de Klerk Albertus , Caux Jean-Sébastien
Published: December 2021

Computing the non-equilibrium dynamics that follows a quantum quench is
difficult, even in exactly solvable models. Results are often predicated on the
ability to compute overlaps between the initial state and eigenstates of the
Hamiltonian that governs time evolution. Except for a handful of known cases,
it is generically not possible to find these overlaps analytically. Here we
develop a numerical approach to preferentially generate the states with high
overlaps for a quantum quench starting from the ground state or an excited
state of an initial Hamiltonian. We use these preferentially generated states,
in combination with a "high overlap states truncation scheme" and a
modification of the numerical renormalization group, to compute non-equilibrium
dynamics following a quench in the Lieb-Liniger model. The method is
non-perturbative, works for reasonable numbers of particles, and applies to
both continuum and lattice systems. It can also be easily extended to more
complicated scenarios, including those with integrability breaking.
Are SIDS, SUDC and SUDEP the different masks of the same great mystery?
Authors: Kravtsova L. A.
Published: December 2021

The cases of sudden, unexpected child death against the background of relative clinical well-being, i.e., in the absence of apparent reasons take a special place in the structure of infant mortality. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is recognized as one of the leading causes of postnatal infant mortality in most developed countries, is the most common cause of unexpected out-ofhospital death of a child. Today SIDS remains one of the most mysterious problems in medicine. The lack of identifiable mechanisms causing SIDS has led to a large number of theories about the mechanisms responsible for death due to this syndrome. Also, sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), which is the unexplained death of children over one- year-old, is currently distinguished among cases of unexpected death. The main clinical features of SUDC include: more common in boys; death occurs at night time, children are found in the early morning in a prone position, face down; children often have convulsions, including febrile ones in the clinical symptom complex during life. Several authors have noted that in some cases, the death due to SUDC resembles Sudden Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is the leading cause of death in epilepsy. To date, it has already been shown that SUDEP is one of the forms of canalopathies characteristic of young children and it is associated with a high risk of sudden death. The mechanisms of thanatogenesis in SUDEP remain unknown. SIDS, SUDC, and SUDEP are a series of fatal syndromes united by multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms, the causes of which are not fully understood. In fact, these syndromes represent a catastrophic multisystem failure, which is caused by an extremely unfavorable combination of autonomic, respiratory and cardiogenic disorders.
Clinical and diagnostic significance of endothelial dysfunction and serotonin levels in children with hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Authors: Makarova T. P. , Nigmatullina R. R. , Davlieva L. A. , Melnikova Yu. S.
Published: December 2021

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a serious problem in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is one of the leading causes of acute kidney injury with potential transformation into terminal chronic kidney disease. Currently, the endothelial dysfunction is strongly associated with changes in the serotonergic system in the pathogenesis of hemolytic-uremic syndrome. There are few studies that have revealed an increase in the blood plasma serotonin concentration in children with hemolytic-uremic syndrome, but its role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease has been insufficiently studied. The progressive course of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, up to the terminal stage of renal failure, requires the search for markers of renal tissue damage as prognostically significant factors for the development of nephrosclerosis, which is of particular importance for optimizing the management of such children.
Outcomes of atopic dermatitis manifesting in the first year of life
Authors: Vakhitov Kh. M. , Serdinskaya I. N. , Malanicheva T. G.
Published: December 2021

For 10 years the authors analyzed 165 clinical cases of children with atopic dermatitis, which manifested in the first year of life. According to the 10-year follow-up, the authors revealed different outcomes of the disease, depending on the severity of the course, clinical forms of dermatitis and the timing of its onset. Favorable outcome with complete remission was observed in 30.9% of cases and was more common in children with a mild course of atopic dermatitis, acute exudative forms and with the onset of the disease at the age over 6 months. The transition to chronic forms was noted in 14.5% of cases and more often took place in children with a moderate severe course of the disease, erythematous-squamous forms and the onset of the disease at the age of 4–6 months. The development of respiratory forms of allergy (allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma) was noted in 54.6% of cases and was more often detected in patients with a moderate severe and severe atopic dermatitis, erythematous-squamous forms and exudative forms with lichenification and onset of the disease in the first 3 months of life.
Atrial flutter in newborns
Authors: Kurmaeva E. A. , Volgina S. Ya. , Solovyeva N. A. , Kulakova G. A. , Salahov B. I. , Kalimullin R. R. , Salakhova K. R.
Published: December 2021

Objective. To describe a case of atrial flutter in a newborn.

Results. The child in the maternity hospital was found to have a heart rhythm disorder of the type: atrial flutter, constant form. Examination revealed an atrial septal defect and an increase in the level of natriuretic peptide. Subsequently, the child was diagnosed with atrial flutter, constant form. NK 0-1. Open oval window. Treatment with drugs from the group of antiarrhythmics, antioxidants and cardiac glycosides made it possible to avoid pronounced hemodynamic disorders.

Conclusion. The presented case demonstrates that timely diagnosis and medical correction prevent possible complications.