bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Hypothyroidism due to a Low Level of Maternal Thyrotropin Receptor-Blocking Antibodies
Authors: Castellnou Solène , Bretones Patricia , Abeillon Juliette , Moret Myriam , Perrin Pauline , Chikh Karim , Raverot Véronique
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Maternal TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) can cross the placenta and affect fetal and neonatal thyroid function. Maternal TSH receptor-blocking antibodies (TBAbs) are a rare cause of congenital hypothyroidism. Case Report: Following the discovery of a highly elevated TSH on her neonatal screening test, a 10-day-old girl with no familial history of thyroid disorder was referred to the pediatric endocrinology unit. Hypothyroidism was confirmed with a highly elevated TSH (817 mIU/L, reference range 0.4–3.1) and very low levels of FT4 (1.8 pmol/L, reference range 12–22). Anti-TPO antibodies were at 81 IU/mL (reference range <34), TRAbs at 1.7 IU/L (reference range <1.75), and thyroglobulin at 9.4 µg/L (reference range 3.5–77). The thyroid appeared normal on ultrasonography, and no radioiodine uptake was seen on the scintigraphy after the perchlorate discharge test. Concomitantly, a severe maternal hypothyroidism was discovered (TSH 224 mIU/L). The maternal ultrasound appeared normal, anti-TPO antibodies were moderately elevated, and TRAbs were at 3.2 IU/L. TBAbs activity was measured in the mother and her daughter, and a very high and similar blocking activity was observed in both patients (TBAbs 89%, reference range <10%). L-thyroxine treatment was introduced in the newborn and was successfully discontinued at 6.5 months of age, as the TBAbs activity decreased. Conclusion: We report herein a case of transient congenital hypothyroidism with a normal neonatal TRAbs level. In case of maternal TBAbs, similar activity of maternal TBAbs must be expected in the neonate, independently of the neonatal level of TRAbs.
Long-Term Course of Haemoglobin and Ferritin Values in High-Frequency Donors of Whole Blood and Double Erythrocyte Apheresis
Authors: Pehlic Vildana , Volken Thomas , Holbro Andreas , Jirout Zuzana , Drexler Beatrice , Buser Andreas , Infanti Laura
Published: August 2020

Background: High-intensity donation is a risk factor for iron deficiency in blood donors. Interdonation intervals for whole blood (WB) donation and double unit red blood cell apheresis (2RBC) vary among countries. We retrospectively evaluated the course of haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin values in men regularly donating WB 4 times a year or 2RBC twice a year (i.e., maximal frequency) over a period of 48 months. Methods: Data of male donors with 16 WB or 8 2RBC consecutive donations were analysed. The minimum Hb levels for WB donation and 2RBC apheresis (collection of 360 mL RBC) were 135 and 140 g/L, respectively. There was no lower limit set for ferritin, and no iron was substituted. Results: We identified 294 WB (mean age 53 years, SD 11) and 151 2RBC donors (mean age 48 years, SD 9) who donated at a mean interval of 97 (SD 18) and 201 days (SD 32), respectively, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2013. At baseline, Hb and ferritin values were lower in WB donors compared to 2RBC donors, with a mean Hb of 153 g/L (SD 13) versus 159 g/L (SD 8) and a mean ferritin of 44 μg/L (SD 52) versus 73 μg/L (SD 56; p < 0.001 for both parameters), respectively. Ferritin was below 15 μg/L in 40 WB (14%) and in 4 (3%) 2RBC donors. In WB donors, the mean Hb levels at baseline versus last donation showed no significant difference (153 vs. 152 g/L, p = 0.068), whereas the mean ferritin levels decreased significantly (44 vs. 35 μg/L, p < 0.001). The 2RBC donor group displayed a statistically different decrease in both the mean Hb levels (158 vs. 157 g/L; p < 0.05) and the mean ferritin levels (73 vs. 66 μg/L; p = 0.052). The lowest Hb was measured at the 11th WB donation (152 g/L; p < 0.05) and at the 4th 2RBC apheresis (157 g/L; p < 0.05). There was no deferral due to low Hb at any time. The lowest ferritin was shown at the 4th WB (37 μg/L) and at the 3rd 2RBC donation (60 μg/L), respectively. At the last visit, ferritin was below 15 μg/L in 23 WB donors (8%) and in 2 2RBC donors (1%). Conclusions: High-intensity male donors with an interdonation interval of 12 weeks for WB donation and 24 weeks for 2RBC apheresis maintain acceptable Hb levels and, after an initial decline, stable ferritin levels despite ongoing blood donation.
Modification of In-Hospital Recommendation and Prescription of Anticoagulants for Secondary Prevention of Stroke after Launch of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Change of National Guidelines
Authors: Gronemann Christian , Hause Stephan , Assmann Anne , Neumann Jens , Schreiber Stefanie , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Goertler Michael
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Approximately 1 out of 4 stroke patients suffers ischemic stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation (AF). Although indicated, withholding of anticoagulants for secondary prevention is a widespread phenomenon. Objective: We examined the longitudinal change of recommendation and prescription of secondary preventive anticoagulation in AF patients in an acute stroke center setting focusing on the impact of the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the change of national stroke prevention guidelines. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted with an acute cerebrovascular ischemic event underwent regular diagnostic work-up. Pseudonymized clinical data were entered into the institution’s stroke registry. In those patients with AF, discharge letters were collected and evaluated for temporal trends and affecting factors of recommended and prescribed antithrombotic secondary medication at the time of discharge from hospital. Results: Of 7,175 patients admitted between January 2009 and December 2018, 1,812 (25.3%) suffered stroke caused by AF. Frequency of patients with recommended anticoagulation increased within the observation period from 66.7 to 95.8% (per year; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.309; confidence interval [CI], 1.153–1.486). Independently from this time trend, DOAC approval (adjusted OR, 4.026; CI 1.962–8.265) and guideline change (adjusted OR, 2.184; CI, 1.006–4.743) were associated with an increasing frequency of recommendation for anticoagulation. The rate of patients already receiving recommended anticoagulation for secondary prevention at discharge increased from 42.1 to 62.5%. Introduction of DOACs was not associated with this trend, and guideline change was even associated with decreasing frequency of anticoagulated patients at hospital discharge (adjusted OR, 0.641; CI, 0.414–0.991). Fear of early intracerebral bleeding was the most common reason for withholding anticoagulation (37%) at hospital discharge and stayed stable during the observation period. Conclusions: Changing national guidelines with discard of contraindications for anticoagulation and the introduction of DOACs led to a broader recommendation of oral anticoagulation. However, both, new guidelines and DOACs, were not found to be associated with an increasing percentage of patients discharged from our hospital already on recommended anticoagulant prevention. This might be explained by the decreasing length of hospital stay during the study period and a missing evidence of early bleeding risk of DOACs in patients with acute brain infarction. Evidence-based data to close this therapeutic gap are needed.
Two new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae) from the Eastern Humid Forest of Madagascar

Authors: RAKOTOARISOA SOLOFO E. , RAKOTONASOLO FRANCK , RABARIJAONA ROMER N. , GRACE OLWEN M.
Published: August 2020

Two new species of Aloe were found in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar during a Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre (KMCC) Team expedition in November 2014. The first species, Aloe vatovavensis is rare in this habitat. The second, Aloe rakotonasoloi, exhibits characters that are intermediate between the features of Aloe s.str. and the related genus Lomatophyllum (now Aloe sect. Lomatophyllum). Despite being one of the most species-rich areas for plant diversity, only a few species of Aloe—typically those of Aloe sect. Lomatophyllum—have been recorded in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar to-date.
From advocacy to acceptance: Social media discussions of protected bike lane installations
Authors: Ferster Colin , Laberee Karen , Nelson Trisalyn , Thigpen Calvin , Simeone Michael , Winters Meghan
Published: August 2020

Many North American cities are building bicycling infrastructure. Lively discussions on social media, where people passionately support or reject bicycling infrastructure projects, provide a unique data set on attitudes towards bicycling infrastructure. Our goal is to analyse social media posts in Edmonton and Victoria, Canada as new bike infrastructure was implemented to understand the thematic and social elements of the conversation and how these changed over time. We collected Twitter messages ( n = 13,121: 7640 in Edmonton; 5481 in Victoria) and compared three timeframes: before lanes opened (January 2015 to lane opening); the first riding season (opening to April 2017); and the second riding season (May 2017 to November 2018). For each timeframe, we evaluated word-combination frequencies (to understand the use of language) and social network structures (to understand which accounts were influential and how they interacted). We observed a change in the three time periods. Before the bicycling infrastructure was built, Twitter activity was focused on advocacy, which was especially strong in Victoria. The first riding season had the most social media activity, the most diverse perspectives and the most controversy. The second riding season held more support. Based on the Twitter activity, we found that Edmonton had more support from local businesses and traditional media, launching a connected network of infrastructure with less social media opposition. Our results suggest that attitudes associated with change in bicycling infrastructure may have a cycle, with initial negative responses to change, followed by an uptick in positive attitudes.
Does demand lead supply? Gentrifiers and developers in the sequence of gentrification, New York City 2009–2016
Authors: Zapatka Kasey , Beck Brenden
Published: August 2020

Consumption-side theorists of gentrification examine the flow of middle-class White people into previously working-class neighbourhoods and argue that their demand for housing stimulates gentrification. In contrast, production-side theorists emphasise the movement of capital into previously disinvested neighbourhoods and contend that profit-seeking development increases property values and sparks gentrification. Hybrid theorists argue that consumption and production occur simultaneously. This article operationalises arguments made by each approach, and asks: Do gentrifiers precede rising home values or do rising home values precede gentrifiers? To answer this question of sequence, we build a dataset of census and property tax assessment data for 2192 New York City census tracts between 2009 and 2016. Using cross-lagged regression models with tract and year fixed effects, we find neighbourhoods that experienced an increase in White, middle-class residents had related housing price spikes in each of the subsequent two years. A 1% increase in gentrifiers was associated with a subsequent 2.7% increase in property values. However, housing market growth did not predict future increases in gentrifiers. This suggests that consumption leads production during neighbourhood gentrification, and that developers are reactive, not proactive, in their investment decisions. Focusing on the sequence of gentrification’s subsidiary elements enables city officials, non-profits and social movements to better anticipate gentrification and develop more targeted policies.
Unpacking the new urban food agenda: The changing dynamics of global governance in the urban age
Authors: Sonnino Roberta , Coulson Helen
Published: August 2020

Moving beyond the methodological ‘cityism’ of urban food scholarship, in this paper we focus on the ways in which the ‘urban’ is conceptualised, utilised and implicated in post-Quito development discourse. The analysis of international policy documents and data collected through interviews with stakeholders from prominent global organisations highlights the pervasiveness of globally orientated narratives of interconnected, multiscalar food governance that draw upon socio-technical agendas of ‘smart’, ‘territorially integrated’ and ‘resilient’ ideology of capitalised urbanisation. To counteract the tendency of these narratives to reduce complex metabolic processes to mere indicators and targets there is a need for a new research and policy agenda that takes account of urban agencies, inequities of power and the politics of knowledge that permeate multilevel food governance. As we conclude, the problematisation of the ‘urban’ and the contested emergence of smart (food) urbanisms require urgent attention to explicate strategies for a more polycentric and plurivocal food system governance.
Mindful Emotion Awareness Facilitates Engagement with Exposure Therapy: An Idiographic Exploration Using Single Case Experimental Design
Authors: Curreri Andrew J. , Farchione Todd J. , Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Barlow David H.
Published: August 2020

Exposure therapy works through inhibitory learning, whereby patients are exposed to stimuli that elicit anxiety in order to establish safety associations. Mindful emotion awareness, or nonjudgmental and present-focused attention toward emotions, may facilitate engagement in exposures, which may in turn enhance therapeutic outcome. This study utilizes a single-case experimental design ( n = 6) to investigate the effect of mindful emotion awareness training on the use of avoidant strategies during exposures, distress during exposures, overall mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and symptom reduction in a sample of participants with social anxiety disorder. Data were analyzed using a combination of visual inspection and quantitative effect size metrics commonly applied in single-case experimental designs. To further investigate the relationship between distress and avoidant strategy use, contemporaneous and cross-lagged correlations were run. Results highlight individual differences in responses to mindful emotion awareness training and exposure exercises. Given these individual differences, repeated assessment and monitoring over the course of treatment may help clinicians most effectively identify treatment skills that will be most helpful for individual patients.
Behavioral Strategy and the COVID-19 Disruption
Authors: Foss Nicolai J.
Published: August 2020

What can strategic management research do to help to make sense of the COVID-19 disruption, and what are the implications of the disruption for the strategy field? I argue that among the streams in strategy research, behavioral strategy is uniquely situated in terms of providing a psychologically based interpretive lens that could lend great insight into decision making in extreme conditions. However, the disruption also points to weakness in current behavioral strategy thinking, notably with respect to the role of models vis-à-vis judgment in strategic decision making, the deeply social (political, institutional) nature of strategy making, and the treatment of fundamental uncertainty.
Selective removal of nitrate using a novel asymmetric amine based strongly basic anion exchange resin
Authors: Sun Yue , Zheng Weisheng , Ding Xinchun , Singh Rajendra P
Published: August 2020

In this study, a novel asymmetric amine-based strongly basic anion exchange resin SE-1 was synthesized successfully via the reaction of chloromethylated styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer with N, N-dimethyloctylamine. The sorption performance of SE-1 for selective removal of nitrate in aqueous solution was compared to a commercially available nitrate specialty resin, namely Purolite A 520E (A 520E). It was found that the kinetic data could be described better by the pseudo-second-order model, and SE-1 indicated a faster sorption kinetics than A 520E resin. The Langmiur model was more appropriate for explicating the sorption isotherm. Importantly, SE-1 exhibited a greater sorption capacity for nitrate regardless of the absence or presence of competing anions in solutions. The result of column tests reinforced the feasibility of SE-1 for practical application in groundwater treatment.
Are College Students’ Attitudes Related to Their Application of Sanctions for Campus Sexual Assault Cases?
Authors: Chahal Jaspreet K. , Li Caihong R. , Follingstad Diane R. , Renzetti Claire M.
Published: August 2020

With growing attention to adjudication of campus sexual assault cases, more is known regarding students’ views of sexual assault, but little the literature focuses on how students perceive “justice” in terms of assigning sanctions or guilt/responsibility for such cases. The present study focused on understanding whether college students’ preformed attitudes and beliefs were associated with the severity of sanctions they applied across a range of sexual assault cases as well as their assignments of guilt and responsibility to the parties involved. To determine students’ attitudes and beliefs mediating effects on sanction choices, five scales (i.e., rape myth acceptance, downplaying the severity of rape, sexism, just world beliefs, and right-wing authoritarianism) were adapted and used for this project. College students ( n = 846) responded to one of four versions of a randomly distributed survey each containing eight vignettes varied to represent levels of 14 factors employed because of their relevance to campus sexual assault cases. Across all versions, sexism was associated with increased responsibility given to the victim. In addition, stronger endorsement of both downplaying significance of rape and rape myth acceptance scales were associated with giving a milder sanction to the perpetrator and increased responsibility and guilt assigned to the victim. Just world beliefs and right-wing authoritarianism associations were inconsistent across the four versions, suggesting these beliefs were situation-specific. Preformed attitudes that are more directly related to the context of sexual assault influenced the designation of sanctions applied to perpetrators and perceptions of guilt and responsibility. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for research and prevention programming.
Self-Efficacy and External Locus of Control as Predictors of Participant Roles in Relational Aggression
Authors: Levy Michal , Gumpel Thomas P.
Published: August 2020

We examined the extent to which the perceived behavioral control factors of pro-social, emotional, or verbal-social self-efficacy (SE) as well as external locus of control (LOC) explain the variance between different participant roles: relational aggressors, relational victims, relational aggressive-victims, and bystanders. Participants included 1,518 adolescents (61.6% boys and 38.4% girls) from 15 Israeli middle and high schools. Multinomial logistic regression models indicated relational aggressors, and aggressive-victims had lower pro-social SE and higher verbal-social SE than relational victims and bystanders. Relational aggressors, aggressive-victims, and victims had more extensive external LOC than bystanders. The theoretical contribution of verbal-social SE is discussed, and practical implications are highlighted, in particular, regarding the relational aggressive-victim, who exhibits high-risk behaviors.
Cognitive Ageing in Developing Societies: An Overview and a Cross-sectional Study on Young, Middle-aged and Older Adults in the Indian Context
Authors: Nigam Richa , Kar Bhoomika R.
Published: August 2020

Cognitive ageing in developing societies is marked with psychosocial issues such as education, occupation, lifestyle, social support, social interaction and exclusion that may affect cognitive–affective–behavioural changes with ageing. We also present a study based on cognitive profiling of young (N = 79), middle-aged (N = 54) and older adults (N = 43) in India, which examined learning and memory for verbal and visuospatial information, overall cognitive functions, subjective complaints about cognitive difficulties, neuropsychiatric problems, anxiety and emotion regulation. The study shows cognitive changes compared to young and comparable rate of learning and retrieval among middle-aged and older adults for verbal and visuospatial material, correlated with general cognitive ability. The subjective complaints were not correlated with the objective measures of cognitive functions, highlighting the importance of both to show early cognitive changes. The relationship between cognitive functions and emotion regulation or behavioural/emotional changes was observed for young and middle-aged adults but not for older adults. Findings are discussed in the context of the lifespan perspective of cognitive ageing, cognitive reserve, psychosocial environment and social–emotional selectivity theory.
Peasant youth experiences of CEOs, risk aversion and corporate performance
Authors: Deng Kebin , Ding Zhong , Wang Yalu
Published: August 2020

This article examines the impact of spiritual tempering on corporate performance by investigating the experiences of CEOs who were part of the “peasant youth” between 1957 and 1976 in China. Using a sample of China’s listed companies and by developing propensity score matching and a difference-in-differences model, we find that CEOs who had profound peasant youth experiences have a stronger awareness of risk prevention and that these experiences lead to an improvement in corporate performance of over 3%. In addition, the positive impact of CEOs’ peasant youth experience on corporate performance is pronounced in either state-owned or non-state-owned enterprises. Overall, this study confirms that spiritual tempering has a significant positive impact on corporate performance.
How Participatory Music Engagement Supports Mental Well-being: A Meta-Ethnography
Authors: Perkins Rosie , Mason-Bertrand Adele , Fancourt Daisy , Baxter Louise , Williamon Aaron
Published: August 2020

Participatory music engagement has the capacity to support well-being. Yet, there is little research that has scrutinized the processes through which music has an effect. In this meta-ethnography [PROSPERO CRD42019130164], we conducted a systematic search of 19 electronic databases and a critical appraisal to identify 46 qualitative studies reporting on participants’ subjective views of how participatory music engagement supports their mental well-being. Synthesis of first-order and second-order interpretations using thematic coding resulted in four third-order pathways that account for how participatory music engagement supports mental well-being: managing and expressing emotions, facilitating self-development, providing respite, and facilitating connections. Our interpretation suggests that people benefit from participatory music engagement by engaging with specific and multiple processes that meet their individual needs and circumstances. These findings inform research directions within the field of music and well-being, as well as guiding the development and delivery of future music interventions.
A Novel Case of Mammary-Type Myofibroblastoma With Sarcomatous Features
Authors: Strait Alexander M. , Linos Konstantinos , Tafe Laura J. , Muller Kristen E.
Published: August 2020

Mammary-type myofibroblastoma (MFB) is a benign spindle cell tumor of the breast and soft tissue characterized by 13q14 alterations leading to loss of Rb-1 protein expression, a feature shared among spindle cell lipoma and cellular angiofibroma. In this article, we present a novel case of MFB arising in the left breast of a 70-year old man that microscopically showed an abrupt transition from classic MFB morphology to an area with cytologic atypia and mitotic activity, akin to sarcomatous transformation described in cellular angiofibromas. A thorough workup of the molecular underpinnings of both components using chromosomal microarray and next-generation sequencing platforms supported a clonal relationship. Nearly identical copy number changes, including a single copy loss of 13q14, were found in both components; in addition, the sarcomatous component harbored biallelic TP53 alterations. It is important for pathologists to recognize that sarcomatous features can occur in mammary-type MFB to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
The Effect of Combined Drug Management and an Exercise Program on Symptoms and the Happiness Level in Elderly Women
Authors: Gülhan Güner Seçil , Erden Arzu , Nural Nesrin
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combined drug management and an exercise program on symptoms and the happiness levels of elderly women people living at home. This interventional study included a total of 35 women, aged 65 to 74 years, who were registered at the Family Healthcare Centre. A 14-week program was combined with exercise and drug management. Pre-test and post-test evaluations results were recorded. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form (OHQ-SF) and a sociodemographic form and Follow-Up form were used for data collection. The mean ESAS points of the symptoms of pain, tiredness, sadness, and insomnia showed a significant decrease after intervention and the sense of well-being improved ( p < .001). A statistically significant increase was determined in the happiness levels of the participants after intervention. The combined program of drug management and exercise was found to be effective in raising happiness levels and reducing symptoms in elderly women.
Lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity in infants with aggressive-posterior ROP: Anatomic and functional results
Authors: Macor Sara , Pignatto Silvia , Capone Jr Antonio , Piermarocchi Stefano , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: August 2020

Aim:

To assess long-term anatomic and functional outcomes of early lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with aggressive-posterior ROP (AP-ROP) which progressed to retinal detachment despite laser treatment.

Methods:

Chart review of infants who underwent early 25-gage LSV for stage 4A ROP. Outcomes were anatomic success, mean visual acuity (VA), development of postoperative complications, and refractive changes. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and then every 6 months.

Results:

Ten eyes of seven preterm infants who underwent LSV were included. Mean follow-up was 36 ± 13.4 months and mean postmenstrual age (PMA) at last follow-up was 37 ± 13.7 months. Mean gestational age (GA) and weight at birth was 26 ± 1.4 weeks and 639 ± 180 g. Two eyes had vitreous hemorrhage 4 and 14 days after surgery, respectively. At last follow-up anatomic success was 100%, mean VA was 20/80 and eight eyes (80%) had high myopic refractive correction (mean spherical equivalent –11.25 D).

Conclusion:

Early LSV for stage 4A ROP with AP-ROP and progression to retinal detachment is efficacious in terms of anatomic and functional outcomes. Anatomic success is associated with visual improvement despite possible myopic refraction changes during follow-up.
‘Embodiments of the invention’: Patents and urban diagrammatics in the smart city
Authors: Shapiro Aaron
Published: August 2020

How do technology firms compete to colonize the urban future? This article theorizes technology patents as a medium of urban futuring. Patents secure legal exclusion by disclosing an idea or invention. However, the incentive structures behind patents are ambiguous. Patent holders must articulate inventions with enough technical specificity to warrant a property claim while remaining strategically imprecise enough to capture unanticipated future uses. I build on the Foucaultian theory of the diagram to discuss patents' interplay of disclosure and secrecy as a strategic anticipatory practice for colonizing urban futures. Whereas modern urban governance operated on spatial form to discipline citizens, smart city technology patents reflect a splintering of technical capacity and control. In the empirical section, I analyze three patent-diagrams: the first for a Wi-Fi-enabled advertising system, the second for a notification system for autonomous vehicles, and the third for an algorithmic predictive policing platform. These examples show that at a fundamental level, smart city technologies are less discrete inventions than claims to the capacity to influence human–machinic interactions. The article concludes with a reflection on how critical urbanists can learn from technology patents to advance more democratic and publicly oriented visions for the city.
Selecting Chief Justices by Peer Vote
Authors: Fife Madelyn , Goelzhauser Greg , Loertscher Stephen T.
Published: August 2020

What characteristics do state supreme court justices prioritize when choosing leaders? At the federal level, collegial court leaders are appointed or rotated by seniority. A plurality of states permit peer-vote selection, but the consequences of employing this mechanism are not well known. We develop a theory of chief justice selection emphasizing experience, bias, and politics. Leveraging within-contest variation and more than a half century’s worth of original contest data, we find that chief justice peer votes often default to seniority rotation. Ideological divergence from the court median, governor, and legislature is largely unassociated with selection. Justices who dissent more than their peers are, however, disadvantaged. We find no evidence of discrimination against women or people of color. The results have implications for policy debates about political leader selection.
Fluid shear stress modulates endothelial inflammation by targeting LIMS2
Authors: Wang Junyao , Zhang Shiyanjin
Published: August 2020

Mechanosensitive genes regulate multiple cardiovascular pathophysiological processes and disorders; however, the role of flow-sensitive genes in atherosclerosis is still unknown. In this study, we identify LIM Zinc Finger Domain Containing 2 (LIMS2) that acts as a mechanosensitive gene downregulated by disturbed flow (d-flow) both in human endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro and in mice in vivo. Mechanistically, d-flow suppresses LIMS2 expression, which leads to endothelial inflammation by upregulating typical inflammatory factors, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 in human ECs. The findings indicate that LIMS2, the new flow-sensitive gene, may help us to find a new insight to explain how d-flow caused endothelial inflammation and provide a new therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis in the future.
On becoming a development cooperation partner: Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, identity, and international norms
Authors: Insebayeva Nafissa
Published: August 2020

This article joins the discussion on foreign aid triggered by the rise of multiplicity of emerging donors in international development. Informed by the constructivist framework of analysis, this article evaluates the philosophy and core features of Kazakhstan’s chosen development aid model and explains the factors that account for the construction of distinct aid patterns of Kazakh donorship. This article asserts that Kazakhstan embraces a hybrid identity as a foreign aid provider through combining features and characteristics pertaining to both—emerging and traditional donors. On one hand, it discursively constructed its identity as a “development cooperation partner,” adopting the relevant discourse of mutual benefit, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference, which places it among those providers that actively associate themselves with the community of “emerging donors.” On the other hand, it selectively complies with policies and practices advocated by traditional donors. This study suggests that a combination of domestic and international factors played an important role in shaping Kazakhstan’s understanding of the aid-giving practices, and subsequently determined its constructed aid modality.
Cannabis Vaping–Induced Acute Pulmonary Toxicity: Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Adapa Sreedhar , Gayam Vijay , Konala Venu Madhav , Annangi Srinadh , Raju Mina P. , Bezwada Vishnu , McMillan Christine , Dalal Hussain , Mandal Amrendra , Naramala Srikanth
Published: August 2020

The use of cannabis for recreational as well as medicinal use is on the rise recently with more states legalizing it. We conducted a review analysis of the literature published on acute respiratory failure from vaping cannabis oil. We have also summarized the clinical details (age, length of stay, mode of ventilation, common clinical findings, and steroid use) along with common laboratory abnormalities. This article aims to educate health care providers on the clinical manifestations and management strategies for vaping-induced acute respiratory failure. We also discussed the different available formulations of cannabis oil and key ingredients responsible for the vaping-associated lung injury.
Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Due to Pharmacokinetic Changes From Biliary Obstruction in a Patient With Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Desikan Sai Prasad , Sobash Phillip , Fisher Andrew , Desikan Raman
Published: August 2020

Statins work synergistically with androgen receptor blockers and androgen biosynthesis inhibitors, improving survival in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancers (mCRPCs). Survival improvement is more pronounced for patients receiving androgen biosynthesis inhibitors compared with patients receiving androgen receptor blockers. A rare adverse interaction between simvastatin and abiraterone (Zytiga), an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, was observed in a patient with mCRPC due to pharmacokinetic changes resulting from obstructive jaundice.
Invasion and colonization: Islamophobia and anti-refugee sentiment in West Virginia
Authors: Gorman Cynthia S , Culcasi Karen
Published: August 2020

Amidst a rise in hate crimes, hate group organizing, and anti-Muslim and anti-refugee policy making in the United States, this paper examines efforts by a national hate group to organize opposition to the resettlement of Syrian Muslim refugees in West Virginia, a non-traditional refugee destination. Through analysis of materials disseminated at a public seminar titled the “Invasion and Colonization of West Virginia,” we identify four unique social-spatial themes this group is using to make alarmist and conspiratorial claims about Muslim refugees invading and colonizing the state and nation. These themes include the language of smallness, which affixes a white and Christian identity to certain spaces and suggests that these spaces are threatened. Spatial themes of ‘fresh territory’ and ‘sowing seeds’ are used to frame refugee resettlement as an assertion of social-spatial control to change ‘small spaces’ and ultimately change America. Claims of invasion and colonization function powerfully through the fourth theme of the “Other Islamic Bomb,” which frames Muslim women’s fertility as the vehicle of the invasion and colonization. This paper adds to emerging literature on the geographies of Islamophobia by examining not only the convergence of anti-Muslim and anti-refugee sentiment but its mobilization in regionally and locally specific contexts. The analysis demonstrates the dynamic interplay between spatial and social claims on which these alarmist narratives rely to vilify Muslims and refugees and to foment opposition in places not historically associated with immigration or refugee resettlement.
Examining the Effects of an Intergroup-Based Diversity and Social Justice Course on Students' Multicultural Competencies and Engagement
Authors: Faloughi Reuben , Herman Keith C.
Published: August 2020

Finding ways to support colleges in reducing the frequency of discrimination experiences is imperative to improve the health of the nation and reduce health disparities. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of an intergroup dialogue (IGD)-based diversity and social justice course offered to undergraduate students at a large, midwestern university. Students enrolled in the course completed pre- and postcourse evaluation survey measures of critical consciousness, appreciation for diversity, preference for inequality, and week-to-week ratings of openness, connectedness, and participation in the course. Results suggest the course intervention had positive effects on students’ critical consciousness and appreciation of diversity scores. In addition, latent profile and transition analyses indicated students were significantly more likely to stay or move into adaptive versus less adaptive patterns of engagement (i.e., self-rated participation, openness, and connectedness). Findings are discussed in relationship to IGD theory and practice and implications for future research and implementation of IGD-based coursework.
Smarca5-mediated epigenetic programming facilitates fetal HSPC development in vertebrates
Authors: Ding Yanyan , Wang Wen , Ma Dongyuan , Liang Guixian , Kang Zhixin , Xue Yuanyuan , Zhang Yifan , Wang Lu , Heng Jian , Zhang Yong , Liu Feng
Published: August 2020

Nascent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) acquire definitive hematopoietic characteristics only when they develop into fetal HSPCs; however, the mechanisms underlying fetal HSPC development are poorly understood. Here, we profiled the chromatin accessibility and transcriptional features of zebrafish nascent and fetal HSPCs using ATAC-seq and RNA-seq and revealed dynamic changes during HSPC transition. Functional assays demonstrated that chromatin remodeler-mediated epigenetic programming facilitates fetal HSPC development in vertebrates. Systematical screening of chromatin remodeler-related genes identified that smarca5 is responsible for the maintenance of chromatin accessibility at promoters of hematopoiesis-related genes in fetal HSPCs. Mechanistically, Smarca5 interacts with nucleolin to promote chromatin remodeling, thereby facilitating genomic binding of transcription factors to regulate expression of hematopoietic regulators such as bcl11ab. Our results unravel a new role of epigenetic regulation and reveal that Smarca5-mediated epigenetic programming is responsible for fetal HSPC development, which will provide new insights into the generation of functional HSPCs both in vivo and in vitro.
Sensing Behavior of Two Dimensional Al- and P-Doped WS2 Toward NO, NO2, and SO2: an Ab Initio Study
Authors: Cao Jiamu , Zhou Jing , Liu Junfeng , Wang Weiqi , Chen Junyu , Shi Jianing , Zhang Yufeng , Liu Xiaowei
Published: August 2020

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs), such as WS2, are considered to have the potential for high-performance gas sensors. It is a pity that the interaction between gases and pristine 2D WS2 as the sensitive element is too weak so that the sensor response is difficult to detect. Herein, the sensing capabilities of Al- and P-doped WS2 to NO, NO2, and SO2 were evaluated. Especially, we considered selectivity to target gases and dopant concentration. Molecular models of the adsorption systems were constructed, and density functional theory (DFT) was used to explore the adsorption behaviors of these gases from the perspective of binding energy, band structure, and density of states (DOS). The results suggested that doping atoms could increase the adsorption strength between gas molecules and substrate. Besides, the sensitivity of P-doped WS2 to NO and NO2 was hardly affected by CO2 or H2O. The sensitivity of Al-doped WS2 to NO2 and SO2 was also hard to be affected by CO2 or H2O. For NO detection, the WS2 with 7.4% dopant concentration had better sensitive properties than that with a 3.7% dopant concentration. While for SO2, the result was just the opposite. This work provided a comprehensive reference for choosing appropriate dopants (concentration) into 2D materials for sensing noxious gases.
Development and validation of a RAD-Seq target-capture based genotyping assay for routine application in advanced black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) breeding programs
Authors: Guppy Jarrod L. , Jones David B. , Kjeldsen Shannon R. , Le Port Agnes , Khatkar Mehar S. , Wade Nicholas M. , Sellars Melony J. , Steinig Eike J. , Raadsma Herman W. , Jerry Dean R. , Zenger Kyall R.
Published: August 2020

Background

The development of genome-wide genotyping resources has provided terrestrial livestock and crop industries with the unique ability to accurately assess genomic relationships between individuals, uncover the genetic architecture of commercial traits, as well as identify superior individuals for selection based on their specific genetic profile. Utilising recent advancements in de-novo genome-wide genotyping technologies, it is now possible to provide aquaculture industries with these same important genotyping resources, even in the absence of existing genome assemblies. Here, we present the development of a genome-wide SNP assay for the Black Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) through utilisation of a reduced-representation whole-genome genotyping approach (DArTseq).

Results

Based on a single reduced-representation library, 31,262 polymorphic SNPs were identified across 650 individuals obtained from Australian wild stocks and commercial aquaculture populations. After filtering to remove SNPs with low read depth, low MAF, low call rate, deviation from HWE, and non-Mendelian inheritance, 7542 high-quality SNPs were retained. From these, 4236 high-quality genome-wide loci were selected for baits-probe development and 4194 SNPs were included within a finalized target-capture genotype-by-sequence assay (DArTcap). This assay was designed for routine and cost effective commercial application in large scale breeding programs, and demonstrates higher confidence in genotype calls through increased call rate (from 80.2 ± 14.7 to 93.0% ± 3.5%), increased read depth (from 20.4 ± 15.6 to 80.0 ± 88.7), as well as a 3-fold reduction in cost over traditional genotype-by-sequencing approaches.

Conclusion

Importantly, this assay equips the P. monodon industry with the ability to simultaneously assign parentage of communally reared animals, undertake genomic relationship analysis, manage mate pairings between cryptic family lines, as well as undertake advance studies of genome and trait architecture. Critically this assay can be cost effectively applied as P. monodon breeding programs transition to undertaking genomic selection.
Delayed cardiac tamponade following catheter ablation of frequent premature ventricular complexes: a case report
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Meng Xianghong , Ma Fusheng
Published: August 2020

Background

Cardiac tamponade is a potentially fatal complication after catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. It often happens during or shortly after the procedure and needs urgent treatment. Here, we present a very incredible case about delayed cardiac tamponade after ablation of premature ventricular complexes.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old woman who underwent successful catheter ablation of right ventricular outflow tract origin premature ventricular complexes. Nineteen days after ablation, the patient experienced sudden syncope. Upon arriving at our hospital, she was “confused and shock”. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade, which was considered due to a delayed tiny perforation in the heart induced by the previous ablation. Following an emergent pericardiocentesis to drain a 200 mL hemorrhagic effusion, the patient’s hemodynamics improved significantly. The patient was discharged after a 2-week hospitalization for investigating other probable causes with negative results. No signs of pericardial effusion recurred in a follow-up time of 12 months.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrated, for the first time, that very late post-procedural cardiac tamponade might occur after catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias, even without antithrombotic treatment.
Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection involving gastrointestinal tract mimicking inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xu Weijia , Jiang Xiaoyun , Chen Jiajie , Mao Qiqi , Zhao Xianguang , Sun Xu , Zhong Liang , Rong Lan
Published: August 2020

Background

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a rare disease, which is difficult to be differentiated from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To cause the attention, we present twelve cases of CAEBV in immunocompetent patients with gastrointestinal tract involvement.

Methods

Twelve patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of CAEBV were enrolled in this retrospective study. The control group was consisted of twenty-four IBD patients with EBV-DNA value increased in peripheral blood. The clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

The major clinical presentations of CAEBV patients were intermittent fever (100%), hepatomegaly/splenomegaly (58%), lymphadenopathy (50%), diarrhea (50%) and hematochezia (50%). Compared with IBD patients, the incidence of intermittent fever and increased level of ferritin were significantly higher among CAEBV patients. The median values for EBV detected in peripheral blood were significantly higher in CAEBV group (1.42*10^6 copies/μg) than in IBD group (3.2*10^3 copies/μg, p<0.05). The main endoscopic findings of CAEBV included multifocal or isolated, irregular, multiform ulcers and diffuse inflammation, lacking of typical cobblestone appearance. Ten patients died within 5 years of disease onset. The average survival time is 21 months.

Conclusions

Symptoms such as intermittent fever, increased level of ferritin and atypical endoscopic findings could be a sign for CAEBV. Early detections of EBV-DNA in serum and EBV-encoded small nuclear RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization in intestinal tissue are essential for differential diagnosis between CAEBV and IBD.
Evaluation of NAFLD and fibrosis in obese patients – a comparison of histological and clinical scoring systems
Authors: Schmitz Sophia Marie-Therese , Kroh Andreas , Ulmer Tom Florian , Andruszkow Julia , Luedde Tom , Brozat Jonathan Frederik , Neumann Ulf Peter , Alizai Patrick Hamid
Published: August 2020

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a frequent condition in obese patients and regularly progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and subsequent cirrhosis. Histologic evaluation is the gold standard for grading and staging, but invasive biopsies are associated with obvious risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate different non-invasive tools for screening of NAFLD and fibrosis in obese patients.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study liver specimens of 141 patients were taken during bariatric surgery. Serological parameters and clinical data were collected and the following scores calculated: NASH clinical scoring system (NCS), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB-4 as well as NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). Liver function capacity was measured preoperatively by LiMAx test (enzymatic capacity of cytochrome P450 1A2). Intraoperative liver biopsies were classified using NAFLD activity score (NAS) and steatosis, activity and fibrosis (SAF) score.

Results

APRI was able to differentiate between not NASH and definite NASH with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 67% (AUROC 0.76). LiMAx and NCS also showed significant differences between not NASH and definite NASH. No significant differences were found for NFS and Fib-4. APRI had a high sensitivity (83%) and specificity (76%) in distinguishing fibrosis from no fibrosis (AUROC = 0.81). NCS and Fib-4 also revealed high AUROCs (0.85 and 0.67), whereas LiMAx and NFS did not show statistically significant differences between fibrosis stages. Out of the patients with borderline NASH in the histologic NAS score, 48% were classified as NASH by SAF score.

Conclusions

APRI allows screening of NAFLD as well as fibrosis in obese patients. This score is easy to calculate and affordable, while conveniently only using routine clinical parameters. Using the NAS histologic scoring system bears the risk of underdiagnosing NASH in comparison to SAF score.