bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokine Profiling in Plasma from Patients with Brain Tumors Versus Healthy Individuals using 2 Different Multiplex Immunoassay Platforms
Authors: Bender Diane Elizabeth , Schaettler Maximilian O , Sheehan Kathleen CF , Johanns Tanner M , Dunn Gavin P
Published: March 2021

We compared the performance of two 96-well multiplex immunoassay platforms in assessing plasma cytokine concentrations in patients with glioblastoma (GBM; n = 27), individuals with melanoma, breast or lung cancer metastases to the brain (n = 17), and healthy volunteers (n = 11). Assays included a bead-based fluorescence MILLIPLEX® assay/Luminex (LMX) platform and 4 planar electrochemiluminescence kits from Meso Scale Discovery (MSD). The LMX kit evaluated 21 cytokines and the 3 MSD kits evaluated 20 cytokines in total, with 19 overlapping human cytokines between platforms (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-3α, TNFα). The MSD platform had lower LLoQs (lower limits of quantification) than LMX for 17/19 cytokines, and higher LLoQs for IFN-γ and IL-21. The ULoQs were higher in LMX versus MSD assays for 17/19 shared analytes, but lower than MSD for IL-17A and IL-21. With LMX, all 19 shared analytes were quantifiable in each of 55 samples. Although MSD recombinant protein standard curves indicated lower LLoQs than LMX for most cytokines, MSD detected 7/19 (37%) native analytes in <75% of samples, including 0% detection for IL-21 and 8% for IL-23. The LMX platform categorized identical samples at greater concentrations than the MSD system for most analytes (MIP-1β the sole exception), sometimes by orders of magnitude. This mismatched quantification paradigm was supported by Bland-Altman analysis. LMX identified significantly elevated levels of 10 of 19 circulating cytokines in GBM: GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, MIP-1α, and MIP-3α, consistent with prior findings and confirming the utility of applying appropriate multiplex immunoassay technologies toward developing a cytokine signature profile for GBM.
Preliminary Assessment of Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration Potential of Wildfire-Derived Sediments Stored by Erosion Control Structures in Forest Ecosystems, Southwest USA
Authors: Callegary James B , Norman Laura M , Eastoe Christopher J , Sankey Joel B , Youberg Ann
Published: March 2021

The role of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) in the global carbon cycle is still incompletely characterized. Much work has been done to characterize PyC on landforms and in soils where it originates or in “terminal” reservoirs such as marine sediments. Less is known about intermediate reservoirs such as streams and rivers, and few studies have characterized hillslope and in-stream erosion control structures (ECS) designed to capture soils and sediments destabilized by wildfire. In this preliminary study, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), and stable isotope parameters, δ13C and δ15N, were compared to assess opportunities for carbon and nitrogen sequestration in postwildfire sediments (fluvents) deposited upgradient of ECS in ephemeral- and intermittent-stream channels. The variability of OC, N, δ13C, and δ15N were analyzed in conjunction with fire history, age of captured sediments, topographic position, and land cover. Comparison of samples in 2 watersheds indicates higher OC and N in ECS with more recently captured sediments located downstream of areas with higher burn severity. This is likely a consequence of (1) higher burn severity causing greater runoff, erosion, and transport of OC (organic matter) to ECS and (2) greater cumulative loss of OC and N in older sediments stored behind older ECS. In addition, C/N, δ13C, and δ15N results suggest that organic matter in sediments stored at older ECS are enriched in microbially processed biomass relative to those at newer ECS. We conservatively estimated the potential mean annual capture of OC by ECS, using values from the watershed with lower levels of OC, to be 3 to 4 metric tons, with a total potential storage of 293 to 368 metric tons in a watershed of 7.7 km2 and total area of 2000 ECS estimated at 2.6 ha (203-255 metric tons/ha). We extrapolated the OC results to the regional level (southwest USA) to estimate the potential for carbon sequestration using these practices. We estimated a potential of 0.01 Pg, which is significant in terms of ecosystem services and regional efforts to promote carbon storage.
Undernutrition among Institutionalized School-age Orphans in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mohammed Fozi , Musa Ibsa , Fage Sagni Girma , Tura Abera Kenay , Weldegebreal Fitsum
Published: March 2021

Background:

Although orphans are at increased risk of undernutrition, studies assessing prevalence of undernutrition are limited to orphans residing with their relatives or on street. This study was conducted to assess magnitude of undernutrition and its associated factors among institutionalized school-age orphans in Harari Regional State, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among all school-age (6-12 years) orphans living in all orphan centers in Harari Regional State, eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected by using a structured pretested questionnaire supplemented with anthropometric measurements. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 22. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with undernutrition. Statistical significance was declared at P-value <.05.

Results:

A total of 265 orphans residing in all orphan centers in the region were included. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 15.8% (95% CI: 11.9, 20.7), 10.9% (95% CI: 7.7, 15.3), and 8.7% (95% CI: 4.3, 10.5), respectively. Staying in orphan center for 6 to 10 years (AOR = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.6, 15.10), having recent illness (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 10.4), and being aged 10 to 12 years (AOR = 11.2; 95% CI: 3.5, 35.4) were significantly associated with stunting whereas having recent illness (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 7.3) and being aged 6 to 7 years (AOR: 10.4; 95% CI: 3.2, 33.6) were significantly associated with wasting. Underweight was more likely (AOR: 8.9; 95% CI: 2.7, 29.5) among children with recent illness.

Conclusions:

Almost 1 in 6, 1 in 9, and 1 in 11 institutionalized school-age orphans in Harari Regional State were stunted, wasted, and underweight respectively. Younger children and those with recent illness were more likely to be undernourished. Underlying reasons for undernutrition among orphans being cared in orphan centers should be further explored.
Associations between Food Group Intake and Physical Frailty in Irish Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: O’Connell Maeve Lorraine , Coppinger Tara , Lacey Seán , Walton Janette , Arsenic Tijana , McCarthy Aoife Louise
Published: March 2021

Background:

Certain nutrients have shown protective effects against frailty, but less is known about the influence of individual food groups. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intake of different food groups and physical frailty in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults in Cork, Ireland.

Methods:

One hundred and forty-two (n = 81 females, n = 61 males, age 74.1 ± 6.80 years) Irish community-dwelling volunteers aged ⩾65 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Frailty was identified as having 3 or more of the following criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed and low physical activity. Relationships between intakes of food groups and frailty score were determined using Spearman’s rank (and partial rank) correlations and ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Negative Spearman’s rank correlations were observed between frailty score and fish and fish products, fruit and vegetables and nuts and seeds, while positive correlations were found between frailty score and potatoes, fats and oils and sugars, preserves and snacks ( P < .05). After adjustment for confounders, partial rank correlations remained statistically significant ( P < .05) for all of the above dietary variables, with the exception of nuts and seeds ( P > .05). Following ordinal logistic regression, the odds ratios (ORs) (95%CI) for frailty incidence for those in the lowest tertile of food group intake compared to the highest were; 3.04 (1.09-8.85) for fish and fish products, 4.34 (1.54-13.13) for fruit and vegetables, 1.52 (0.58-4.15) for nuts and seeds, 0.54 (0.19-1.51) for potatoes, 0.58 (0.17-1.95) for fats and oils and 0.49 (0.16-1.47) for sugars, preserves and snacks.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that intakes of selected food groups are independently associated with frailty. These findings may hold significant relevance for the development of future frailty prevention strategies.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Livedoid Vasculopathy: Retrospective Observation of Clinical Outcome and Patient’s Activity Level
Authors: Kofler Katrin , Strölin Anke , Geiger Vanessa , Kofler Lukas
Published: March 2021

Background

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare disease characterized by livedo racemosa, atrophie blanche, ulcerations, and severe pain. Low molecular weight heparins and rivaroxaban can be used in LV-patients. In addition, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have been described as treatment-option.

Objectives

Objective was to investigate the therapeutic effect of IVIG on ulcer, pain and restrictions in daily life.

Methods

Thirty-two LV-patients who received IVIG at the Department of Dermatology Tübingen between 01/2014 and 06/2019 were identified. Twenty-five of these patients were available for further follow up and were included in the study. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire focusing on the course of the disease, symptoms, and subjective response to IVIG-treatment.

Results

Twenty-five patients were included in the study (mean follow up: 28.9 months). Patients received an average of 6.8 cycles (range 1-45) of IVIG during the observed period. Significant improvements were seen regarding skin findings, pain, and limitation of daily activities. Complete remission of symptoms was observed in 68% of patients. Good tolerability of IVIG was shown in 92%.

Conclusions

A good therapy response regarding ulceration, pain, and daily life restrictions with good tolerability was demonstrated for IVIG (2 g/kg bodyweight over 5 days).
Drugs Associated With the Development of Palmoplantar Keratoderma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mirali Sara , Abduelmula Abrahim , Mufti Asfandyar , Sachdeva Muskaan , Yeung Jensen
Published: March 2021

Background

Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) are a heterogenous group of hereditary and acquired disorders that are characterized by excessive epidermal thickening of the palms and/or soles. PPK has been described as a rare adverse event for some medications. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize outcomes in PPK associated with various medications. This data will assist dermatologists and other healthcare providers treating patients with drug-induced PPK.

Methods

EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using the keyword “palmoplantar keratoderma.” 40 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 247 patients (mean age: 57.0 years) were included in the analysis. Among patients whose sex was reported, 60.3% ( n = 35/58) were male. PPK most frequently developed after treatment with BRAF inhibitors (73.7%, n = 182/247), BRAF inhibitors combined with MEK1/2 inhibitors (15.4%, n = 38/247), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (3.2%, n = 8/247), or chemotherapy (2.4%, n = 6/247). The mean latency period between initiation of the drug and onset of PPK was 7.6 months (range: 0.25-90 months). Improvement of PPK was reported in 24 cases, with 50% ( n = 12/24) achieving complete resolution and 50% ( n = 12/24) achieving partial resolution. All patients who achieved complete resolution stopped the suspected drug, with a mean resolution period of 2.4 months (range: 2 weeks-6 months). The most common treatments for PPK were keratolytic treatments ( n = 10) and topical corticosteroids ( n = 4).

Conclusions

PPK was most frequently associated with targeted kinase inhibitors, specifically BRAF, MEK1/2, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Amateur porn in Filipino Twitter alter community: affordances, commodification, ghettoization, and gay masculinity
Authors: Cao Ruepert Jiel Dionisio
Published: March 2021

This research tackles the alter community or a collective of Filipino Twitter users producing and circulating amateur porn in the form of videos or text. This article analyzes the ways in which Twitter’s features and user practices enable and constrain the production and circulation of porn, as well as its implication in understanding gay masculinity and sexual politics. By looking at Twitter’s affordances and the dynamics in the alter community, I argue that the alter community is a site where Filipino perform and validate their masculinity. This takes place alongside commodification and ghettoization that fits neatly into restraining attitudes on sexuality in the Philippines. This article contributes to a more complex and nuanced understanding of pornography, as well as the ways in which technological affordances and dynamics in distinct virtual spaces impact our understanding of gay masculinities.
Brain MRI activity during the year before pregnancy can predict post-partum clinical relapses
Authors: Lehmann Hillel , Zveik Omri , Levin Netta , Brill Livnat , Imbar Tal , Vaknin-Dembinsky Adi
Published: March 2021

Background:

There are fewer multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses during pregnancy, although relapse risk increases in the early post-partum period, as has been predicted by pre-pregnancy or pregnancy disease activity in some studies.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in the year before pregnancy and the relapse rate in the year post-partum.

Methods:

An observational retrospective case–control study included 172 pregnancies in 118 females with MS. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between MRI and post-partum relapses. Clustered logistic regression was used to investigate the predictors of early post-partum relapses.

Results:

We found a significant correlation for an active-MRI pre-pregnancy and relapses in the first 3 months post-partum ( p < 0.001). Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) pre-pregnancy and relapses in the first 3 months post-partum were also significantly correlated ( p = 0.009). Using a multivariate model, we predicted which women will not experience post-partum relapse by EDSS and by an active-MRI pre-pregnancy (96.7% specificity; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

An active-MRI pre-pregnancy is a strong and sensitive predictor of early post-partum relapse, regardless of whether the woman had clinical evidence of disease activity prior to conception and delivery. This finding could provide clinicians with a strategy to minimize post-partum relapse risk in women with MS planning pregnancy.
Anti-CD20 therapy corrects a CD8 regulatory T cell deficit in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Howlett-Prieto Quentin , Feng Xuan , Kramer John F , Kramer Kevin J , Houston Timothy W , Reder Anthony T
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To determine the effect of long-term anti-CD20 B-cell-depleting treatment on regulatory T cell immune subsets that are subnormal in untreated MS patients.

Methods:

30 clinically stable MS patients, before and over 38 months of ocrelizumab treatment, were compared to 13 healthy controls, 29 therapy-naïve MS, 9 interferon-β-treated MS, 3 rituximab-treated MS, and 3 rituximab-treated patients with other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. CD8, CD28, CD4, and FOXP3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was quantitated with flow cytometry.

Results:

CD8+ CD28− regulatory cells rose from one-third of healthy control levels before ocrelizumab treatment (2.68% vs 7.98%), normalized by 12 months (13.5%), and rose to 2.4-fold above healthy controls after 18 months of ocrelizumab therapy (19.0%). CD4+ FOXP3+ regulatory cells were lower in MS than in healthy controls (7.98%) and showed slight long-term decreases with ocrelizumab. CD8+ CD28− and CD4+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cell percentages in IFN-β-treated MS patients were between those of untreated MS and healthy controls.

Interpretation:

Long-term treatment with ocrelizumab markedly enriches CD8+ CD28− regulatory T cells and corrects the low levels seen in MS before treatment, while slightly decreasing CD4+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Homeostatic enrichment of regulatory CD8 T cells provides a mechanism, in addition to B cell depletion, for the benefits of anti-CD20 treatment in MS.
Analysing several ASEAN countries' policy for combating marine plastic litter
Authors: Hermawan Sapto , Astuti Wida
Published: March 2021

The recent 34th ASEAN Summit, held in Thailand in June 2019, issued two important documents related to the marine environment’s protection, namely The Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Region and the ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris (Framework of Action). Therefore, this research analyses the several policies implemented by ASEAN countries to reduce marine plastic litter. This is primarily assessed using several indicators by Konisky and Woods, namely (1) programmatic indicators of state environmental policy activism, which is usually incorporated into an index reflecting the quality of the national ecological system, (2) the amount of money spent by the state government on environmental protection, (3) the number of private-sector expenditure on environmental pollution reduction, also used as a proxy for the stringency of state environmental regulation and (4) counts of state environmental regulatory enforcement actions. This research showed that ASEAN countries consider that the process used in handling marine plastic litter needs to be resolved collaboratively and comprehensively. Therefore, each country already has programmatic indices and regulatory actions with the majority relatively weak on other indicators, primarily on government expenditures, enforcement programs and pollution abatement costs.
Giving effect to the human right to a clean environment in Botswana
Authors: Madebwe Tinashe , Chitsove Emma , Pfumorodze Jimcall
Published: March 2021

Environmental deterioration remains a concern in Botswana. Despite efforts being made to address this issue by the state, more needs to be done in this regard. This is particularly interesting in the light of reports that the country is looking to draft a new constitution. Against this backdrop, this article considers whether including environmental rights in Botswana’s constitution would advance environmental protection efforts. To this end, the article relies on experiences with rights drawn from different jurisdictions across the world, as well as commentary on these experiences, to build a tool for measuring the extent to which the turn to environmental rights holds value in a given jurisdiction. Using this tool, and drawing from experiences in looking to establish environmental rights in Botswana, the article measures the extent to which including the right in the constitution would hold value in advancing Botswana’s pursuit of environmental protection objectives.
Exploring the potential benefits of high-efficiency dual-fuel combustion on a heavy-duty multi-cylinder engine for SuperTruck I
Authors: Lerin Chloé , Edwards K Dean , Curran Scott J , Nafziger Eric J , Moses-DeBusk Melanie , Kaul Brian C , Singh Sandeep , Allain Marc , Girbach Jeff
Published: March 2021

In support of the Daimler SuperTruck I team’s 55% brake thermal efficiency (BTE) pathway goal, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory performed an experimental investigation of the potential efficiency and emissions benefits of dual-fuel advanced combustion approaches on a modified heavy-duty 15-L Detroit™ DD15 engine. For this work, a natural gas port fuel injection system with an independent injection control for each cylinder was added to the DD15 engine. For the dual-fuel strategies investigated, 65%–90% of the total fuel energy was supplied through the added port fuel injection natural gas (NG) fueling system. The remaining fuel energy was supplied by one or more direct injections of diesel fuel using the production high pressure diesel fueling system. The production DD15 air handling system and combustion geometry were unmodified for this study. Efficiency and emissions with dual-fuel strategies including both low temperature combustion (LTC) and non-LTC approaches such as dual fuel direct-injection were investigated along with control authority over combustion phasing. Parametric studies of dual-fuel NG/diesel advanced combustion were conducted in order to experimentally investigate the potential of high-efficiency, dual-fuel combustion strategies to improve BTE in a multi-cylinder engine, understand the potential reductions in engine-out emissions, and characterize the range of combustion phasing controllability. Characterization of mode transitions from mixing-controlled diesel pilot ignition to kinetically controlled ignition is presented. Key findings from this study included a reproducible demonstration of BTE approaching 48% at up to a 13-bar brake mean effective pressure with significant reductions in engine-out NOx and soot emissions. Additional results from investigating load transients in dual-fuel mode and initial characterization of particle size distribution during dual-fuel operation are presented.
An un/familiar space: children and parents as collaborators in autoethnographic family research
Authors: Little Sabine , Little Toby
Published: March 2021

This paper, coauthored by mother and son (aged 10 at the time of writing, 12 at time of revisions), reports on the collaborative research experience during a 2.5-year-long autoethnographic study, which focused on bringing back the family heritage language after a 2-year break. Through a joint research diary, we regularly and rigorously chronicled both language-related conversations and our emotions linked to the process of bringing back the heritage language. Frustration, guilt, joy, exasperation, and pride were jointly discussed via what we call an un/familiar space. This paper explores the evolution of this space, linking it to Bhabha’s third space theory and Gadamer’s fusion of horizons. We present the un/familiar space both as an epistemological stance and as a methodological tool for intergenerational autoethnography, enabling both parents and children to engage with each other in a more neutral space, deliberately removed from traditional family roles. Further, we critically engage with the role of children as co-creators of knowledge within this space, contributing longitudinal data of co-construction and critical reflection from two generations to the research community.
The Impact of Emotional Responses to Public Service Announcements: The Case of Gun Violence in Schools
Authors: Fridkin Kim , Kenney Patrick , Gutiérrez Manuel , Deutsch Ryan
Published: March 2021

We examine how people’s emotional reactions to gun violence public service announcements (PSAs) influence information acquisition, policy preferences, and political engagement. Utilizing a non-student sample of more than 100 participants, we look people’s emotional reactions (i.e., anger, sadness, contempt, and fear) to two Sandy Hook Promise PSAs. We assess people’s emotional reactions by relying on two complimentary measures: the traditional self-report measures as well as facial expression analysis. We demonstrate that when people are feeling sad after watching the Sandy Hook Promise PSAs, they are significantly more likely to retain information from a news article about school violence. Furthermore, feelings of contempt and fear lead people to seek out additional information about gun violence. In addition, we find when people feel anger, contempt, and fear after watching the PSAs, they change their views of gun policies. Finally, fear and contempt increase people’s likelihood of becoming politically mobilized.
From the Brady Bunch to Gilmore Girls: The Effect of Household Size on Economic Voting
Authors: Lago Manuel E. , Lago Ignacio
Published: March 2021

This article examines whether household size affects economic voting. We argue when individuals are asked about national economic conditions and their personal financial situation that moderate or mid-range responses are more likely in multi-person households than in one-person households. The aggregation of personal economic evaluations within households reduces the variation in economic opinions across household members. As a result, it is harder for an individual to say that the national economic conditions and her personal financial situation are good or bad as the number of household members increases. Using individual-level data from the American National Election Studies from 1966 to 2016, the authors find that both evaluations of the national economy and personal economic conditions are endogenous to household size. The aggregate, state-level evidence from five presidential elections in the U.S. shows that the impact of the economy on the incumbent support increases the larger the number of one-person households.
Estimation of nested and zero-inflated ordered probit models
Authors: Dale David , Sirchenko Andrei
Published: March 2021

We introduce three new commands—nop, ziop2, and ziop3—for the estimation of a three-part nested ordered probit model, the two-part zero-inflated ordered probit models of Harris and Zhao (2007, Journal of Econometrics 141: 1073–1099) and Brooks, Harris, and Spencer (2012, Economics Letters 117: 683–686), and a three-part zero-inflated ordered probit model of Sirchenko (2020, Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics and Econometrics 24: 1) for ordinal outcomes, with both exogenous and endogenous switching. The three-part models allow the probabilities of positive, neutral (zero), and negative outcomes to be generated by distinct processes. The zero-inflated models address a preponderance of zeros and allow them to emerge in different latent regimes. We provide postestimation commands to compute probabilistic predictions and various measures of their accuracy, to assess the goodness of fit, and to perform model comparison using the Vuong test (Vuong, 1989, Econometrica 57: 307–333) with the corrections based on the Akaike and Schwarz information criteria. We investigate the finite-sample performance of the maximum likelihood estimators by Monte Carlo simulations, discuss the relations among the models, and illustrate the new commands with an empirical application to the U.S. federal funds rate target.
From common to firm-specific event dates: A new version of the estudy command
Authors: Pacicco Fausto , Vena Luigi , Venegoni Andrea
Published: March 2021

The estudy command proposed by Pacicco, Vena, and Venegoni (2018, Stata Journal 18: 461–476) performs event studies only for event-date clustering, that is, when the event date is common to all securities. This constitutes a relevant limitation because the vast majority of this methodology’s applications concerns studies in which the events happen on different dates for each statistical unit considered. In this article, we propose and describe a substantial update to estudy, which 1) performs event studies in the absence of event-date clustering (that is, when each security has its own event date); 2) further customizes the output by producing LATEX-formatted tables; 3) graphs the cumulative abnormal returns over a customized period set by the user; 4) makes more output data available through either the return list or Excel files; 5) allows a double possibility as input: either prices or returns; and 6) uses wildcards.
Implementing blopmatching in Stata
Authors: Díaz Juan D. , Gutiérrez Iván , Rivera Jorge
Published: March 2021

The blopmatching estimator for average treatment effects in observational studies is a nonparametric matching estimator proposed by Díaz, Rau, and Rivera (2015, Review of Economics and Statistics 97: 803–812). This approach uses the solutions of linear programming problems to build the weighting schemes that are used to impute the missing potential outcomes. In this article, we describe blopmatch, a new command that implements these estimators.
kmr: A command to correct survey weights for unit nonresponse using groups’ response rates
Authors: Muñoz Ercio , Morelli Salvatore
Published: March 2021

In this article, we describe kmr, a command to estimate a microcompliance function using groups’ nonresponse rates (Korinek, Mistiaen, and Ravallion, 2007, Journal of Econometrics 136: 213–235), which can be used to correct survey weights for unit nonresponse. We illustrate the use of kmr with an empirical example using the current population survey and state-level nonresponse rates.
Minimally Invasive Versus Sternotomy for Mitral Surgery in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hage Ali , Hage Fadi , Al-Amodi Hussein , Gupta Suruchi , Papatheodorou Stefania I. , Hawkins Robert , Ailawadi Gorav , Mittleman Murray A. , Chu Michael W. A.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The safety of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) in elderly patients is still debated. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing MIMVS with conventional sternotomy (CS) in elderly patients (≥65 years old).

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for trials and observational studies comparing MIMVS with CS in patients ≥65 years old presenting for mitral valve surgery. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of all outcomes.

Results

The MIMVS group had lower odds of acute renal failure (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.78), prolonged intubation (>48 h; OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.70), less blood product transfusion (weighted mean difference [WMD] −0.82 units; 95% CI −1.29 to −0.34 units), shorter ICU length of stay (LOS; WMD −2.57 days; 95% CI −3.24 to −1.90 days) and hospital LOS (WMD −4.06 days; 95% CI −5.19 to −2.94 days). There were no significant differences in the odds of mortality, stroke, respiratory infection, reoperation for bleeding, and postoperative atrial fibrillation. MIMVS was associated with longer cross-clamp (WMD 11.8 min; 95% CI 3.5 to 20.1 min) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (WMD 23.0 min; 95% CI 10.4 to 35.6 min).

Conclusions

MIMVS in elderly patients is associated with lower postoperative complications, blood transfusion, shorter ICU, and hospital LOS, and longer cross-clamp and bypass times.
An improved parameter identification method of redundant manipulator
Authors: Liu Shi-Ping , Ma Zi-Yan , Chen Jin-Liang , Cao Jun-Feng , Fu Yan , Li Shi-Qi
Published: March 2021

To achieve more accurate simulation and control in the use of the manipulator, it is necessary to establish an accurate dynamic model of the redundant manipulator. The research of this article focuses on the dynamic parameter identification method of the redundant manipulator. In the study, the spinor theory is applied to the Newton–Euler dynamic equation, the Coulomb + viscous friction model is adopted, and the minimum parameter set is obtained by linearization derivation. The parameter identification of the manipulator is realized using the method of offline identification of the measured current, and the coefficient of the excitation trajectory is optimized using the nonlinear optimization function. Finally, the parameter set with high accuracy is obtained, and the motion trajectory of each joint can be obtained. The scheme has high accuracy and can meet the needs of practical application. To verify the accuracy and reliability of this method, we have carried out experiments on a service robot “Walker” and obtained the desired results.
A method to keep autonomous vehicles steadily drive based on lane detection
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Qiu Kai , Yuan Tingning , Chen Hongmei
Published: March 2021

Existing studies on autonomous driving methods focus on the fusion of onboard sensor data. However, the driving behavior might be unsteady because of the uncertainties of environments. In this article, an expectation line is proposed to quantify the driving behavior motivated by the driving continuity of human drivers. Furthermore, the smooth driving could be achieved by predicting the future trajectory of the expectation line. First, a convolutional neural network-based method is applied to detect lanes in images sampled from driving video. Second, the expectation line is defined to model driving behavior of an autonomous vehicle. Finally, the long short-term memory-based method is applied to the expectation line so that the future trajectory of the vehicle could be predicted. By incorporating convolutional neural network- and long short-term memory-based methods, the autonomous vehicles could smoothly drive because of the prior information. The proposed method is evaluated using driving video data, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms methods without trajectory predictions.
The influence of perceived vocal traits on trusting behaviours in an economic game
Authors: Knight Sarah , Lavan Nadine , Torre Ilaria , McGettigan Carolyn
Published: March 2021

When presented with voices, we make rapid, automatic judgements of social traits such as trustworthiness—and such judgements are highly consistent across listeners. However, it remains unclear whether voice-based first impressions actually influence behaviour towards a voice’s owner, and—if they do—whether and how they interact over time with the voice owner’s observed actions to further influence the listener’s behaviour. This study used an investment game paradigm to investigate (1) whether voices judged to differ in relevant social traits accrued different levels of investment and/or (2) whether first impressions of the voices interacted with the behaviour of their apparent owners to influence investments over time. Results show that participants were responding to their partner’s behaviour. Crucially, however, there were no effects of voice. These findings suggest that, at least under some conditions, social traits perceived from the voice alone may not influence trusting behaviours in the context of a virtual interaction.
The impact of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol on healthcare resource utilisation in the Salford Lung Study in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bakerly Nawar Diar , Browning Dominy , Boucot Isabelle , Crawford Jodie , McCorkindale Sheila , Stein Norman , New John P.
Published: March 2021

Aim:

The Salford Lung Study (SLS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of initiating fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) 100/25 µg versus continuing usual care (UC) in patients with COPD and a history of exacerbations. Here, we investigate the impact of initiating FF/VI on healthcare resource utilisation (HRU) in SLS COPD.

Methods:

HRU and interventions were determined from patients’ electronic health records. Annual rates of on-treatment all-cause and COPD-related secondary care contacts (SCCs) and primary care contacts (PCCs) for FF/VI versus UC were analysed using a general linear model. Costs were derived from national data sources.

Results:

Least-squares (LS) mean annual rates of all-cause (9.81 versus 9.36) and COPD-related (1.57 versus 1.48) SCCs were similar for FF/VI and UC, as were rates of all-cause hospitalisations (0.87 versus 0.82). Mean duration of hospital stay/patient was 4.5 and 4.2 days, respectively. COPD-related SCC mean total cost/patient was £484 FF/VI and £475 UC. LS mean annual rates of all-cause PCCs were significantly higher for FF/VI (21.20 versus 18.88 UC; p < 0.001). LS mean annual rates of COPD-related PCCs were similar for FF/VI and UC (2.42 versus 2.46). All-cause PCC mean total cost/patient was £900 FF/VI versus £811 UC, but COPD-related PCC costs were similar (£116 versus £114). Direct COPD-related total medical costs/patient were significantly lower for FF/VI (LS geometric mean £806 versus £963 UC; p < 0.001).

Discussion:

In patients with COPD and exacerbation history, FF/VI may represent a less costly alternative to current therapies. GlaxoSmithKline plc. study HZC115151; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01551758. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
The taming of the shrew: How the West could make the Kremlin listen
Authors: Snegovaya Maria
Published: March 2021

The regime that has emerged in Russia under President Vladimir Putin is no longer only Russia’s problem. By promoting corruption, kleptocratic practices and the violation of democratic norms in Western societies, and by using chemical weapons on their territories and carrying out assassinations abroad, Putin’s regime has become a significant domestic problem for the EU and the US. However, the preventative measures put in place by the West fall short of fundamentally influencing the regime’s behaviour. This article offers some suggestions on how to adjust existing European policy to enable it to more effectively influence the actions of the Kremlin on the international stage.
Modelling workforce employability pipelines for organisational resilience
Authors: Jnitova Victoria , Joiner Keith , Efatmaneshnik Mahmoud , Chang Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Large organisations use both internal and external methods to educate their workforce. Workforce approaches in Defence were usually of a closed nature, characterised by entry at recruitment and sequential and hierarchical rank progression. More recently, emerging technology and the associated pace of societal change has required Defence to recruit more laterally and to outsource more education, both ab initio and development. The growing complexity of workforce problems, therefore, challenges military educational decision making to increase its focus on organisational resilience. Modelling and Simulation (M&S) can take messy, ill-defined problems and build models for decision support and problem-solving. M&S is being explored in Defence workforce employability planning to deliver education that is more resilient to perturbations and can more confidently predict graduate demand for educational support partnering. However, the effective use of M&S can be compromised if it is not cognitively useful for the problem owner. A new transformational approach between the modeller and the managers of Defence educational workforce is proposed and illustrated by two conceptual case studies. The method uses the module-based translation between Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) design patterns and systems dynamics building blocks to reduce the problem owner’s reliance on specialist modellers. This approach increases the cognitive effectiveness of proposed workforce education solutions and the sharing and reuse of workforce M&S applications. Any large organisation with sufficient human resource and systems engineering support could adopt this new approach to model and simulate their workforce education and examine their resilience to fluctuations.
Priming mesenchymal stem cells with uric acid enhances neuroprotective properties in parkinsonian models
Authors: Kim Ha Na , Shin Jin Young , Kim Dong Yeol , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential source of cell-based disease-modifying therapy in Parkinsonian disorders. A promising approach to develop in vitro culture methods that mimic natural MSC niche is cell priming. Uric acid (UA), a powerful antioxidant, scavenges reactive oxygen species, which has a vital role in maintaining self-renewal and differentiation potential of MSCs. Here, we demonstrated that UA treatment in naïve MSCs stimulated glycolysis and upregulated transcriptional factors responsible for regulation of stemness, leading to increase in the expression levels of osteogenesis-, adipogenesis-, and chondrogenesis-related genes. UA-primed MSCs had more enhanced neuroprotective properties in cellular and parkinsonian animal models compared to naïve MSCs by inhibiting apoptotic signaling pathways. Additionally, expression of miR-137 and miR-145 was decreased in UA-treated MSCs. Our data demonstrated that priming MSCs with UA augment neuroprotective properties through enhanced self-renewal and differentiation potential, suggesting a practical strategy for improving the application of MSCs in parkinsonian disorders.
Multiplicities of sandscapes and granular geographies
Authors: Kothari Uma
Published: March 2021

This commentary on William Jamieson’s article, ‘For Granular Geography’, which illuminates the granular relations of sand as it is transformed by capitalist urbanism, suggests that understanding what might constitute granular geographies requires further consideration of the multiplicities of granular material. It considers the manifold values of sand beyond its worth as an economic resource and explores the temporalities associated with the movement and fixity of sand. It goes on to argue that there is a need for renewed focus on the impacts of sand extraction for local communities and landscapes as well as for more substantive accounts of the myriad mobile choreographies of sand in processes of place-making.
Efficacy and safety of vancomycin loading doses in critically ill patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection
Authors: Flannery Alexander H. , Wallace Katie L. , Rhudy Christian N. , Olmsted Allison S. , Minrath Rachel C. , Pope Stuart M. , Cook Aaron M. , Burgess David S. , Morris Peter E.
Published: March 2021

Background:

While vancomycin loading doses may facilitate earlier pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic target attainment, the impact of loading doses on clinical outcomes remains understudied. Critically ill patients are at highest risk of morbidity and mortality from methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and hypothesized to most likely benefit from a loading dose. We sought to determine the association between receipt of a vancomycin loading dose and clinical outcomes in a cohort of critically ill adults.

Methods:

Four hundred and forty-nine critically ill patients with MRSA cultures isolated from blood or respiratory specimens were eligible for the study. Cohorts were established by receipt of a loading dose (⩾20 mg/kg actual body weight) or not. The primary outcome was clinical failure, a composite outcome of death within 30 days of first MRSA culture, blood cultures positive ⩾7 days, white blood cell count up to 5 days from vancomycin initiation, temperature up to 5 days from vancomycin initiation, or substitution (or addition) of another MRSA agent.

Results:

There was no difference in the percentage of patients experiencing clinical failure between the loading dose and no loading dose groups (74.8% versus 72.8%; p = 0.698). Secondary outcomes were also similar between groups, including mortality and acute kidney injury, as was subgroup analysis based on site of infection. Exploratory analyses, including assessment of loading dose based on quartiles and a multivariable logistic regression model showed no differences.

Conclusion:

Use of vancomycin loading doses was not associated with improved clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with MRSA infection.
The effect of preoperative embolization on surgical outcomes for carotid body tumor resection
Authors: Osofsky Robin , Clark Ross , Das Gupta Jaideep , Boyd Nathan , Olson Garth , Chavez LeAnn , Guliani Sundeep , Langsfeld Mark , Marek John , Rana Muhammad Ali
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Compare the effects of preoperative embolization for carotid body tumor resection on surgical outcomes to carotid body tumor resections without preoperative embolization.

Methods:

Single-center retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent carotid body tumor resection from 2001 to 2019. Surgical outcomes with emphasis on operative time (estimated blood loss and cranial nerve injury) of patients undergoing carotid body tumor resection following preoperative embolization were compared to those undergoing resection alone using unpaired Student’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test.

Results:

Forty-six patients (15% male, mean age 50 ± 15 years) underwent resection of 49 carotid body tumors. Patients undergoing preoperative embolization ( n = 20 (40%)) had larger mean tumor size (4.0 ± 0.7 vs 3.2 ± 1 cm, p = 0.006), increased Shamblin II/III tumor classification (18 (90%) vs 22 (76%), p < 0.001), operative time (337 ± 195 vs 199 ± 100 min, p = 0.004), and cranial nerve injuries overall (8 (40%) vs 2 (10%), p = 0.01) compared to patients undergoing resection without preoperative embolization ( n = 29 (60%)). In subgroup analysis of Shamblin II/III classification tumors ( n = 40), preoperative embolization ( n = 18) was associated with increased tumor size (4.1 ± 0.6 vs 3.5 ± 0.9 cm, p = 0.01), operative time (351 ± 191 vs 244 ± 105 min, p = 0.02), and cranial nerve injury overall (8 (44%) vs 2 (9%), p = 0.03) compared to resections alone ( n = 19). In further subgroup analysis of large (⩾ 3 cm) tumors ( n = 37), preoperative embolization ( n = 18) was associated with increased operative time (350 ± 191 vs 198 ± 99 min, p = 0.006) and cranial nerve injury overall (8 (44%) vs 2 (11%), p = 0.03) compared to resections alone ( n = 19). There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement, or hematoma formation between any of the embolization and non-embolization subgroups.

Conclusion:

After controlling for tumor Shamblin classification and size, carotid body tumor resections following preoperative embolization were associated with increased operative time and inferior surgical outcomes compared to those tumors undergoing resection alone. Nonetheless, such results remain susceptible to the confounding effects of individual tumor characteristics often used in the decision to perform preoperative embolization, underscoring the need for prospective studies evaluating the utility of preoperative embolization for carotid body tumors.
Acute liver injury associated with Oxyfluorfen toxicity
Authors: Pirasath Selladurai , Samasundara Mudiyanselage Ayshanie Gayanthika , Seneviratne Manosha Harshani
Published: March 2021

Oxyfluorfen is a phenoxyphenyl-type herbicide which is used for broad-spectrum control of broadleaf and grassy weeds. Ingestion of toxic dose of oxyfluorfen can be fatal among animals. However, toxicity to humans are rare in literature. The alterations in haem biosynthesis (anaemia) and in liver are the primary toxic effects. There are no specific antidotes and none of the current treatments have proven efficacious till date. Therefore, prevention needs to be the utmost priority, and on exposure, aggressive decontamination should be initiated. Herein, we described an oxyfluorfen toxicity with acute hepatic injury in a young woman who presented with a deliberate self-harming with an oxyfluorfen poisoning in Sri Lanka.
Usefulness of duplex ultrasonography to detect collagen sponge misplacement into the arterial lumen during the use of Angio-Seal: A case report
Authors: Sugawara Masayo , Hoshina Katsuyuki , Chigira Mayumi , Suzuki Hirohide , Daimon Masao , Takayama Toshio , Ono Yoshikazu , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: March 2021

A 76-year-old man who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention suffered intermittent claudication. Duplex ultrasonography revealed superficial femoral artery stenosis with an intraluminal heterogeneous echogenic mass. We suspected that stenosis was caused by the puncture procedure of the Angio-Seal. Open surgery revealed that a collagen sponge that should have been outside the arterial wall was misplaced in the wall with massive granulation, and atherectomy with patchplasty was performed. Vessel deterioration was considered due to several factors, including inappropriate access site, arterial wall calcification, and comorbidities like Behçet’s disease. Ultrasonography is a convenient and useful method to evaluate arterial lesions.