bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Significant Response to Olaparib in a Patient with Primary Peritoneal Carcinosarcoma Diagnosed by Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Nagamata Satoshi , Nakasuji Yukiko , Yamanaka Keitaro , Azumi Maho , Washio Keiichi , Shimizu Maho , Takahashi Ryosuke , Matsumoto Kazuyo , Murata Yuka , Suzuki Kaho , Deguchi Masashi , Yamada Hideto , Terai Yoshito
Published: August 2020

Primary peritoneal carcinosarcomas which arise from extragenital locations are extremely rare. Carinosarcomas contain both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements and can be mainly detected in the female genital tract. We herein report a case of primary peritoneal carcinosarcoma diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery and treated with olaparib. A 62-year-old woman referred to our hospital due to abdominal distension. From imaging findings, we suspected advanced primary peritoneal carcinoma, and laparoscopic surgery was thereafter performed. The pathological diagnosis was carcinosarcoma, and the patient received chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin. After three cycles of chemotherapy, the interval debulking surgery was attempted but resulted in suboptimal results. Because the bilateral ovaries were observed with a normal size and normal findings, we considered that the most likely diagnosis was primary peritoneal carcinosarcoma. After the additional chemotherapy and a 6-month observation period, the tumor relapsed. The patient received chemotherapy again, and the peritoneal carcinosarcoma was judged to be a platinum-sensitive tumor. Oral administration of olaparib was thus initiated. Although a dose reduction was needed due to anemia, olaparib was effective, and the patient could continue the drug for another 7 months. This is the first report of primary peritoneal carcinosarcoma treated with olaparib and shows that it could be a treatment option for platinum-sensitive tumors.
AERD Associated Nasal Polyposis: Efficacy of Postoperative Antileukotriene Therapy in Comparison with Aspirin Desensitization. A Retrospective Study
Authors: San Nicoló Marion , Habermann Nicole , Havel Miriam
Published: August 2020

Introduction: AERD (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease) is a severe form of an inflammatory disease of the upper airway system. Therapy remains challenging due to a complex underlying pathophysiology. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative antileukotriene therapy concerning recurrence of nasal polyposis in patients with AERD and to compare it with AD (aspirin desensitization) over time. Methods: In this retrospective study we analyzed AERD patients (N = 61) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Patients were treated at our institution postoperatively with topical mometasone (control group, N = 22), leukotriene-receptor-antagonists (montelukast [MT], N = 18) or underwent an aspirin desensitization (N = 21). Subjective parameters as assessed by SNOT (sinonasal outcome test) questionnaire and endoscopic endonasal examination (polyposis grading) were evaluated throughout a follow-up period of 6–9 and >12 (long-term) months after surgery. Results: Endoscopic endonasal examinations 6–9 months after sinus surgery showed a good disease control in all 3 groups with significant reduction in polyp grading in the AD group. After a follow-up period of more than 12 months, MT and AD patients had significantly less polyp recurrences as compared to the topical treatment group. Subjective sinonasal symptoms revealed that hyposmia and nasal obstruction were prominent factors in all 3 groups throughout the follow-up period. MT group showed significant improvement in sinonasal symptoms over time. Conclusion: Postoperative treatment with leukotriene-receptor-antagonists and aspirin desensitization both significantly reduce nasal polyp recurrence. MT has a positive effect on subjective sinonasal outcomes and patients’ quality of life over time.
Spinal Seeding Metastasis of Myxopapillary Ependymoma: Report of Three Pediatric Patients and a Brief Literature Review
Authors: Abdallah Anas
Published: August 2020

Objective: Myxopapillary ependymomas (MPEs) in children are rarely reported low-grade glial tumors; however, MPEs sometimes possess malignant characteristics such as spinal seeding/drop metastasis (SSM). We aimed to present 3 pediatric MPE cases that experienced SSM at 2 neurosurgical centers. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 38 primary spinal MPE cases who underwent surgery at 2 neurosurgical centers spanning 16 years, from 2004 to 2019. All pediatric cases (patient age <18 years) who were diagnosed with MPE and re-presented with SSM were selected as the core sample for this study. Relevant literature was briefly reviewed. Results: Three pediatric MPE cases (2 females and 1 male) experienced SSM. The mean age at first presentation was 12.0 ± 1.0 years. The mean preoperative course was 2.9 ± 1.2 months. The predominant location was the lumbar spine in 2 tumors (both originated from terminal filum [TF]). Two tumors were located intradural intramedullary. Gross-total resection was achieved in 2 patients. No patient had neurofibromatosis type 2. No adjuvant treatment was given after the first surgery. The mean period between the first diagnosis and diagnosis of SSM was 44.0 ± 31.5 months. The location of SSM in all patients was the sacral spine (1 patient experienced distant metastasis in her brain besides her sacral metastasis). The mean follow-up was 68.3 ± 53.7 months. Conclusions: We found a statistically significant relationship between SSM in pediatric MPEs and the intramedullary location, TF origin, and number of affected segments. Close clinical and radiological follow-up is essential for pediatric MPE patients.
Resveratrol Inhibits Neointimal Growth after Arterial Injury in High-Fat-Fed Rodents: The Roles of SIRT1 and AMPK
Authors: Guo June , Pereira Troy J. , Mori Yusaku , Gonzalez Medina Marel , Breen Danna M. , Dalvi Prasad S. , Zhang Hangjun , McCole Declan F. , McBurney Michael W. , Heximer Scott P. , Tsiani Evangelia L. , Dolinsky Vernon W. , Giacca Adria
Published: August 2020

We have shown that both insulin and resveratrol (RSV) decrease neointimal hyperplasia in chow-fed rodents via mechanisms that are in part overlapping and involve the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, this vasculoprotective effect of insulin is abolished in high-fat-fed insulin-resistant rats. Since RSV, in addition to increasing insulin sensitivity, can activate eNOS via pathways that are independent of insulin signaling, such as the activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), we speculated that unlike insulin, the vasculoprotective effect of RSV would be retained in high-fat-fed rats. We found that high-fat feeding decreased insulin sensitivity and increased neointimal area and that RSV improved insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05) and decreased neointimal area in high-fat-fed rats (p < 0.05). We investigated the role of SIRT1 in the effect of RSV using two genetic mouse models. We found that RSV decreased neointimal area in high-fat-fed wild-type mice (p < 0.05), an effect that was retained in mice with catalytically inactive SIRT1 (p < 0.05) and in heterozygous SIRT1-null mice. In contrast, the effect of RSV was abolished in AMKPα2-null mice. Thus, RSV decreased neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury in both high-fat-fed rats and mice, an effect likely not mediated by SIRT1 but by AMPKα2.
Mortality Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Transitioning to Dialysis: Impact of Opiate and Non-Opiate Use
Authors: You Amy S. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Streja Elani , Park Christina , Sim John J. , Tantisattamo Ekamol , Hsiung Jui-Ting , Obi Yoshitsugu , Potukuchi Praveen K. , Amin Alpesh N. , Nguyen Danh V. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Rhee Connie M.
Published: August 2020

Background: Population-based studies show there is a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffering from chronic pain. While opiates are frequently prescribed in non-dialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients, there may be toxic accumulation of metabolites, particularly among those progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We examined the association of opiate versus other analgesic use during the pre-ESRD period with post-ESRD mortality among NDD-CKD patients transitioning to dialysis. Methods: We examined a national cohort of US Veterans with NDD-CKD who transitioned to dialysis over 2007–14. Among patients who received ≥1 prescription(s) in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System within 1 year of transitioning to dialysis, we examined associations of pre-ESRD analgesic status, defined as opiate, gabapentin/pregabalin, other non-opiate analgesic, versus no analgesic use, with post-ESRD mortality using multivariable Cox models. Results: Among 57,764 patients who met eligibility criteria, pre-ESRD opiate and gabapentin/pregabalin use were each associated with higher post-ESRD mortality (ref: no analgesic use), whereas non-opiate analgesic use was not associated with higher mortality in expanded case-mix analyses: HRs (95% CIs) 1.07 (1.05–1.10), 1.07 (1.01–1.13), and 1.00 (0.94–1.06), respectively. In secondary analyses, increasing frequency of opiate prescriptions exceeding 1 opiate prescription in the 1-year pre-ESRD period was associated with incrementally higher post-ESRD mortality (ref: no analgesic use). Conclusions: In NDD-CKD patients transitioning to dialysis, pre-ESRD opiate and gabapentin/pregabalin use were associated with higher post-ESRD mortality, whereas non-opiate analgesic use was not associated with death. There was a graded association between increasing frequency of pre-ESRD opiate use and incrementally higher mortality.
Plasma P-Selectin Is Inversely Associated with Lung Function and Corticosteroid Responsiveness in Asthma
Authors: Johansson Mats W. , Grill Brandon M. , Barretto Karina T. , Favour Molly C. , Schira Hazel M. , Swanson Calvin M. , Lee Kristine E. , Sorkness Ronald L. , Mosher Deane F. , Denlinger Loren C. , Jarjour Nizar N.
Published: August 2020

Background: Severe asthma has multiple phenotypes for which biomarkers are still being defined. Plasma P-selectin reports endothelial and/or platelet activation. Objective: To determine if P-selectin is associated with features of asthma in a longitudinal study. Methods: Plasmas from 70 adult patients enrolled in the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) III at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were analyzed for concentration of P-selectin at several points over the course of 3 years, namely, at baseline (BPS), after intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection, and at 36 months after baseline. Thirty-four participants also came in during acute exacerbation and 6 weeks after exacerbation. Results: BPS correlated inversely with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and with residual volume/total lung capacity, an indicator of air trapping. BPS was inversely associated with FEV1 change after TA, by regression analysis. FEV1 did not change significantly after TA if BPS was above the median, whereas patients with BPS below the median had significantly increased FEV1 after TA. BPS was higher in and predicted assignment to SARP phenotype cluster 5 (“severe fixed-airflow asthma”). P-selectin was modestly but significantly increased at exacerbation but returned to baseline within 3 years. Conclusions: High BPS is associated with airway obstruction, air trapping, the “severe fixed-airflow” cluster, and lack of FEV1 improvement in response to TA injection. P-selectin concentration, which is a stable trait with only modest elevation during exacerbation, may be a useful biomarker for a severe asthma pheno- or endotype characterized by low pulmonary function and lack of corticosteroid responsiveness.
Recognizing Post-Endoscopy Complications: A Database Filter Reduces Quality Assurance Workload for Inpatients
Authors: Karatzas Pantelis S. , Rösch Thomas , Papanikolaou Ioannis S. , de Heer Jocelyn , Schachschal Guido , Groth Stefan
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims: Documentation of complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy within the commonly used endoscopy documentation systems are mostly limited to acute complications during endoscopy included in the post-procedural endoscopy report. We tested a documentation system-based filter to reduce the workload by maintaining a high sensitivity to recognize post-endoscopy complications. Methods: Of all inpatient endoscopic resections during 1 year and all endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures during 4 months in 1 tertiary referral centre, post-procedural complications during hospital stay were individually analyzed retrospectively from the hospital databases (gold standard). In comparison, information technology-based filters were assessed searching for specific tests and data within 2 days after endoscopy and/or until discharge. These were second endoscopy, surgery, or an abdominal computed tomography (CT) or haemoglobin drop ≥2 g/dL for endoscopic resection. For ERCP cases, any case with lipase determination and post-ERCP CT scan was selected. Main outcomes were the sensitivity of these filters to recognize post-endoscopy complications and the percentage of workload reduction. Results: Three hundred twenty-two inpatients who underwent endoscopic resections and 302 ERCP cases (all inpatients) were included. Post-endoscopy complications occurred in 7.14% (endoscopic resection) and 3.7% (ERCP). The above-mentioned filters identified 100% of all resection and post-ERCP complications compared to detailed case file analysis, at the same time reducing the quality management workload to 14 and 31%, respectively. Conclusions: Post-procedural monitoring of advanced endoscopic procedures performed on inpatient procedures has a high sensitivity (100%) and reduces case-by-case screening workload for complications by 70–85%. Outpatient interventions, however, require a different system for monitoring of post-endoscopy complications after discharge.
Short-Term Oral Anticoagulation Versus Antiplatelet Therapy Following Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Asmarats Lluis , O’Hara Gilles , Champagne Jean , Paradis Jean-Michel , Bernier Mathieu , O’Connor Kim , Beaudoin Jonathan , Junquera Lucia , Del Val David , Muntané-Carol Guillem , Côté Mélanie , Rodés-Cabau Josep
Published: August 2020

Background:

The impact of antithrombotic therapy on coagulation system activation after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) remains unknown. This study sought to compare changes in coagulation markers associated with short-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) versus antiplatelet therapy (APT) following LAAC.

Methods:

Prospective study including 78 atrial fibrillation patients undergoing LAAC with the Watchman device. F1+2 (prothrombin fragment 1+2) and TAT (thrombin-antithrombin III) were assessed immediately before the procedure, and at 7, 30, and 180 days after LAAC.

Results:

Forty-eight patients were discharged on APT (dual: 31, single: 17) and 30 on OAC (direct anticoagulants: 26, vitamin K antagonists: 4), with no differences in baseline-procedural characteristics between groups except for higher spontaneous echocardiography contrast in the OAC group. OAC significantly reduced coagulation activation within 7 days post-LAAC compared with APT (23% [95% CI, 5%–41%] versus 82% [95% CI, 54%–111%] increase for F1+2,
P
=0.007; 52% [95% CI, 15%–89%] versus 183% [95% CI, 118%–248%] increase for TAT,
P
=0.048), with all patients in both groups progressively returning to baseline values at 30 and 180 days. Spontaneous echocardiography contrast pre-LAAC was associated with an enhanced activation of the coagulation system post-LAAC (144 [48–192] versus 52 [24–111] nmol/L,
P
=0.062 for F1+2; 299 [254–390] versus 78 [19–240] ng/mL,
P
=0.002 for TAT). Device-related thrombosis occurred in 5 patients (6.4%), and all of them were receiving APT at the time of transesophageal echocardiography (10.2% versus 0% if OAC at the time of transesophageal echocardiography,
P
=0.151). Patients with device thrombosis exhibited a greater coagulation activation 7 days post-LAAC (
P
=0.038 and
P
=0.108 for F1+2 and TAT, respectively).

Conclusions:

OAC (versus APT) was associated with a significant attenuation of coagulation system activation post-LAAC. Spontaneous echocardiography contrast pre-LAAC associated with enhanced coagulation activation post-LAAC, which in turn increased the risk of device thrombosis. These results highlight the urgent need for randomized trials comparing OAC versus APT post-LAAC.
Progress of Gene Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Shimamura Munehisa , Nakagami Hironori , Sanada Fumihiro , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: August 2020

Gene therapy has been extensively studied in peripheral and cardiac ischemia, heart and vein graft failure, and dyslipidemia, but most clinical trials failed to show their efficacies despite good outcomes in preclinical studies. So far, 2 gene therapies for dyslipidemia and one for critical limb ischemia in peripheral artery disease have been approved. In critical limb ischemia, gene therapy using proangiogenic factors has emerged as a novel therapeutic modality for promoting angiogenesis. Initial researches mainly focused on vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, or hepatocyte growth factor. After the favorable results of basic research, several phase I and II clinical trials of these proangiogenic factors have shown promising results. However, only a phase III clinical trial of the intramuscular injection of hepatocyte growth factor plasmid DNA has shown successful outcomes, and it was recently approved in Japan for treating patients with critical limb ischemia who have ulcers and for whom no alternative therapeutic options are available. DNA vaccine is another promising modality of gene therapy. An antitumor vaccine suppressing angiogenesis through the inhibition of proangiogenic factors and an antihypertensive vaccine inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system are representative DNA vaccines. The advantage of DNA vaccine is its long-term effectiveness with a few vaccinations; however, the benefits and risks, such as adverse T-cell reaction against self-antigen or long-term side effects, of DNA vaccines should be carefully evaluated. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in proangiogenic gene therapy for critical limb ischemia and DNA vaccine for hypertension.
Rapamycin Induces an eNOS (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase) Dependent Increase in Brain Collateral Perfusion in Wistar and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Beard Daniel J. , Li Zhaojin , Schneider Anna M. , Couch Yvonne , Cipolla Marilyn J. , Buchan Alastair M.
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:

Rapamycin is a clinically approved mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor that has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of stroke. However, the mechanism of rapamycin-induced neuroprotection is still being explored. Our aims were to determine if rapamycin improved leptomeningeal collateral perfusion, to determine if this is through eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase)-mediated vessel dilation and to determine if rapamycin increases immediate postreperfusion blood flow.

Methods:

Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (≈14 weeks old, n=22 and n=15, respectively) were subjected to ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (90 and 120 minutes, respectively) with or without treatment with rapamycin at 30-minute poststroke. Changes in middle cerebral artery and collateral perfusion territories were measured by dual-site laser Doppler. Reactivity to rapamycin was studied using isolated and pressurized leptomeningeal anastomoses. Brain injury was measured histologically or with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.

Results:

In Wistar rats, rapamycin increased collateral perfusion (43±17%), increased reperfusion cerebral blood flow (16±8%) and significantly reduced infarct volume (35±6 versus 63±8 mm
3
,
P
<0.05). Rapamycin dilated leptomeningeal anastomoses by 80±9%, which was abolished by nitric oxide synthase inhibition. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, rapamycin increased collateral perfusion by 32±25%, reperfusion cerebral blood flow by 44±16%, without reducing acute infarct volume 2 hours postreperfusion. Reperfusion cerebral blood flow was a stronger predictor of brain damage than collateral perfusion in both Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Conclusions:

Rapamycin increased collateral perfusion and reperfusion cerebral blood flow in both Wistar and comorbid spontaneously hypertensive rats that appeared to be mediated by enhancing eNOS activation. These findings suggest that rapamycin may be an effective acute therapy for increasing collateral flow and as an adjunct therapy to thrombolysis or thrombectomy to improve reperfusion blood flow.
Direct Transfer to Angio-Suite Versus Computed Tomography–Transit in Patients Receiving Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Pfaff Johannes A.R. , Schönenberger Silvia , Herweh Christian , Ulfert Christian , Nagel Simon , Ringleb Peter A. , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A.
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:

To quantify workflow metrics in patients receiving stroke imaging (noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography [CT] and CT-angiography) in either a computed-tomography scanner suite (CT-Transit [CTT]) or an angio-suite (direct transfer to angio-suite—[DTAS]—using flat-panel CT) before undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods:

Prospective, single-center investigator initiated randomized controlled trial in a comprehensive stroke center focusing on time from imaging to groin puncture (primary end point) and time from hospital admission to final angiographic result (secondary end point) in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion after randomization to the CTT or DTAS pathway.

Results:

The trial was stopped early after the enrollment of n=60 patients (CTT: n=34/60 [56.7 %]; DTAS: n=26/60 [43.3%]) of n=110 planned patients because of a preplanned interim analysis. Time from imaging to groin puncture was shorter in DTAS-patients (in minutes, median [interquartile range]: CTT: 26 [23–32]; DTAS: 19 [15–23];
P
value: 0.001). Time from hospital admission to stroke imaging was longer in patients randomized to DTAS (in minutes, mean [SD]: CTT: 12 [13]; DTAS: 21 [14],
P
value: 0.007). Time from hospital admission to final angiographic reperfusion was comparable between patient groups (CTT: 78 [58–92], DTAS: 80 [66–118];
P
value: 0.067).

Conclusions:

This trial showed a reduction in time from imaging to groin-puncture when patients are transferred directly to the angiosuite for advanced stroke-imaging compared with imaging in a CT scanner suite. This time saving was outweighed by a longer admission to imaging time and could not translate into a shorter time to final angiographic reperfusion in this trial.
Genetic Music System with Synthetic Biology
Authors: Miranda Eduardo Reck
Published: August 2020

This article introduces GeMS, a system for music composition informed by synthetic biology. GeMS generates music with simulations of genetic processes, such as transcription, translation, and protein folding, with which biological systems render chains of amino acids from DNA strands. The system comprises the following components: the Miranda machine, the rhythmator, and the pitch processor. The Miranda machine is an abstract Turing-machine-like processor, which manipulates a sequence of DNA symbols according to a set of programming instructions. This process generates a pool of new DNA strands, which are subsequently translated into rhythms. GeMS represents the musical equivalent of amino acids in terms of rhythms, referred to as rhythmic codons. This enables the rhythmator to convert DNA sequences into rhythmic sequences. The pitch processor generates pitches for such rhythmic sequences. It is inspired by the phenomenon of protein folding. The pitch processor considers orientation information of DNA instructions yielded by the Miranda machine in order to activate algorithms for generating pitches. A musical composition, entitled Artibiotics, for percussion ensemble and electronic instruments, is presented to demonstrate the system.
Multisensory integration in the mouse cortical connectome using a network diffusion model
Authors: Shadi Kamal , Dyer Eva , Dovrolis Constantine
Published: August 2020

Having a structural network representation of connectivity in the brain is instrumental in analyzing communication dynamics and neural information processing. In this work, we make steps towards understanding multisensory information flow and integration using a network diffusion approach. In particular, we model the flow of evoked activity, initiated by stimuli at primary sensory regions, using the asynchronous linear threshold (ALT) diffusion model. The ALT model captures how evoked activity that originates at a given region of the cortex “ripples through” other brain regions (referred to as an activation cascade). We find that a small number of brain regions–the claustrum and the parietal temporal cortex being at the top of the list–are involved in almost all cortical sensory streams. This suggests that the cortex relies on an hourglass architecture to first integrate and compress multisensory information from multiple sensory regions, before utilizing that lower dimensionality representation in higher level association regions and more complex cognitive tasks.
Do Monetary Incentives Undermine Performance on Intrinsically Enjoyable Tasks? A Field Test
Authors: Esteves-Sorenson Constança , Broce Robert
Published: August 2020

Economists have long been intrigued by an influential literature in psychology positing that monetary pay lowers performance on enjoyable tasks by crowding out agents' intrinsic interest in them. But typical experiments in this literature do not report a full set of performance metrics, which might reveal conflicting evidence on crowding out. Further, they may suffer from confounds. To evaluate these issues, we review over 100 prior tests and run a field experiment building on the canonical two-session test for crowding out wherein agents receive pay for an interesting activity in session 1 that is withdrawn unexpectedly in session 2. We test whether pay harms performance using a comprehensive set of performance measures, and if so, whether unmet pay expectations might also contribute to this decline. Our results on output, productivity and quits are most consistent with a standard economics model than with a crowding-out one. Additional, though more speculative, evidence suggests that unmet pay expectations may harm output quality.
Better, Faster, Stronger: Global Innovation and Trade Liberalization
Authors: Coelli Federica , Moxnes Andreas , Ulltveit-Moe Karen Helene
Published: August 2020

This paper estimates the effect on innovation of increased market access facilitated by trade liberalization. We use a novel empirical design that exploits tariff cuts during the 1990s, along with detailed data on innovation among firms from 65 countries. Our results reveal a large effect of tariff cuts on innovation as measured by patent data, suggesting that multilateral liberalization has promoted innovation and growth. These effects are not driven by the deterioration of innovation quality, and the results are robust to controlling for changes in the patent system and to industry-wide trends in innovation.
Interpreting OLS Estimands When Treatment Effects Are Heterogeneous: Smaller Groups Get Larger Weights
Authors: Słoczyński Tymon
Published: August 2020

Applied work often studies the effect of a binary variable (“treatment”) using linear models with additive effects. I study the interpretation of the OLS estimands in such models when treatment effects are heterogeneous. I show that the treatment coefficient is a convex combination of two parameters, which under certain conditions can be interpreted as the average treatment effects on the treated and untreated. The weights on these parameters are inversely related to the proportion of observations in each group. Reliance on these implicit weights can have serious consequences for applied work, as I illustrate with two well-known applications. I develop simple diagnostic tools that empirical researchers can use to avoid potential biases. Software for implementing these methods is available in R and Stata. In an important special case, my diagnostics require only the knowledge of the proportion of treated units.
Can Mobile-Linked Bank Accounts Bolster Savings? Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Sri Lanka
Authors: de Mel Suresh , McIntosh Craig , Sheth Ketki , Woodruff Christopher
Published: August 2020

We introduce a new mobile money interface that permits Sri Lankans to deposit mobile airtime balances directly into a formal bank account. Randomizing access and prices, we find a small increase in savings deposits with the partner institution and formal banks more generally, but no change in overall savings. When the deposit transaction costs are completely removed, only 26% use the mobile deposit service and only 7% use it frequently. Our results imply that deposit transaction costs are not a significant barrier to increasing savings, limiting the potential gains of mobile-linked savings products for financial inclusion.
Why Has the U.S. Economy Stagnated since the Great Recession?
Authors: Eo Yunjong , Morley James
Published: August 2020

Since the Great Recession in 2007–2009, U.S. real GDP has failed to return to its previously projected path, a phenomenon widely associated with secular stagnation. We investigate whether this stagnation was due to hysteresis effects from the Great Recession, a persistent negative output gap following the recession, or slower trend growth for other reasons. To do so, we develop a new Markov-switching time series model of output growth that accommodates two different types of recessions: those that permanently alter the level of real GDP and those with only temporary effects. We also account for structural change in trend growth. Estimates from our model suggest that the Great Recession generated a large, persistent negative output gap rather than any substantial hysteresis effects, with the economy eventually recovering to a lower trend path that appears to be due to a reduction in productivity growth that began prior to the onset of the Great Recession.
A Structural Model for the Coevolution of Networks and Behavior
Authors: Hsieh Chih-Sheng , König Michael D. , Liu Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

This paper introduces a structural model for the coevolution of networks and behavior. We characterize the equilibrium of the underlying game and adopt the Bayesian Double Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to estimate the model. We further extend the model to incorporate unobserved heterogeneity and show that ignoring this heterogeneity can lead to biased estimates in simulation experiments. We apply the model to study R&D investment and collaboration decisions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and find a positive knowledge spillover effect. Our model also provides a tractable framework for a long-run key player analysis.
Fight or Flight: Endogenous Timing in Conflicts
Authors: van Leeuwen Boris , Offerman Theo , van de Ven Jeroen
Published: August 2020

We study a dynamic game in which players compete for a prize. In a waiting game with two-sided private information about strength levels, players choose fighting, fleeing, or waiting. Players earn a “deterrence value” on top of the prize if their opponent escapes without a battle. We show that this value is a key determinant of the type of equilibrium. For intermediate values, sorting takes place, with weaker players fleeing before others fight. Time then helps to reduce battles. In an experiment, we find support for the key theoretical predictions and document suboptimal predatory fighting.
Robust Inference in Models Identified via Heteroskedasticity
Authors: Lewis Daniel J.
Published: August 2020

Identification via heteroskedasticity exploits variance changes between regimes to identify parameters in simultaneous equations. Weak identification occurs when shock variances change very little or multiple variances change close to proportionally, making standard inference unreliable. I propose an F-test for weak identification in a common simple version of the model. More generally, I establish conditions for validity of nonconservative robust inference on subsets of the parameters, which can be used to test for weak identification. I study monetary policy shocks identified using heteroskedasticity in high-frequency data. I detect weak identification, invalidating standard inference, in daily data, while intraday data provide strong identification.
Morphological and phylogenetic characterisation of endophytic fungi associated with the grapevine flowers in China

Authors: MANAWASINGHE ISHARA S. , LI XINGHONG , ZHANG WEI , ZHOU YUEYAN , TANG XIMING , CHETHANA K.W. THILINI , YAN JIYE , BROOKS SIRAPRAPA , HYDE KEVIN D
Published: August 2020

The harvest from grapevines is berries which are derived from the flowers. Even though numerous studies have been conducted to understand the pathogens associated with grapes, less is known about the fungi associated with the flowering stage and their potential for infecting fruit as latent pathogens. In the present study, 99 endophytic strains were isolated from the calyptra of grape flowers of four different grape cultivars (Italia, Jingxiangyu, Kyoho and Zexiang). The isolates were Alternaria, Cladosporium, Diaporthe and Epicoccum species. Alternaria was the most abundant genus with 88 strains of A. alternata. Four Cladosporium species were identified including two new host records (Cladosporium ramotenellum and C. anthropophilum) and one new species (Cladosporium endoviticola sp. nov.). Diaporthe eres and a novel Epicoccum species (Epicoccum endophytica sp. nov) were also identified. This study provides evidence that some grape fruit pathogens occur as endophytes in flowers. The study enhances the current knowledge of grape pathogens and can be used to develop sustainable management strategies.
Mantodea of Panguana (Insecta: Dictyoptera)
Authors: SCHWARZ CHRISTIAN J. , EHRMANN REINHARD , STIEWE MARTIN B.D. , MÖRTTER ROLF , FALKENBERG MICHAEL
Published: August 2020

We present here the first illustrated checklist of the praying mantids (Mantodea) collected at the Panguana Field Station in Central Peru over the course of 50 years. The examination of over 430 specimens obtained mainly by light-trapping, but also other methods, revealed 44 species in 28 genera. Mantoida brunneriana, Mantoida cf. argentinae, Pseudomiopteryx cf. decipiens, Angela trifasciata, Liturgusa neblina, Cardioptera squalodon, Metriomantis cf. pilosella, Acontista festae, and Heterovates pardalina are new Peruvian records. Microphotina panguanensis n. sp. is new to science and the first species of the genus Microphotina described from the Western Amazon. The checklist of confirmed Peruvian Mantodea species is raised to 80. Thus, more than half of the currently known Peruvian Mantodea species is found at Panguana. We discuss the reasons for this diversity and comment on putative additional species which might be sampled if collection efforts are intensified. The results highlight the Conservation value of ACP Panguana for Western Amazonian Mantodea.
Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations recommendations of best practices for the health management of ruminants and pigs used for scientific and educational purposes
Authors: Berset (Convenor) FELASA Working Group on Farm Animals: Corina Mihaela , Caristo Maria Emiliana , Ferrara Fabienne , Hardy Patrick , Oropeza-Moe Marianne , Waters Ryan
Published: August 2020

Most ruminants and pigs used for scientific and educational aims are bred not for these purposes but in a farm environment. Given the wide range of diseases that these species might have, ensuring that the animals’ health status is appropriate can be complex and challenging. The Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations has previously published recommendations for the health monitoring of experimental colonies of pigs (1998) and, respectively, calves, sheep and goats (2000). Unfortunately, the uptake of those recommendations was poor and insufficiently reported in scientific publications. These new recommendations for best practice focus on the main species of ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) and pigs. They provide general and specific information helpful for designing a health management programme for the suppliers and for the user establishments, as well as guidance on animal procurement. Critical thinking based on the fields of use of the animals is promoted, aiming to help in taking informed decisions rather than establishing an exhaustive exclusion list for pathogens. Implementing the best health and welfare management practices should be done under the guidance of a competent attending veterinarian, with expertise and sufficient authority to take the appropriate action, doubled by excellent communication skills. It is strongly recommended that the user establishment’s veterinarian works in close collaboration with the supplier’s veterinarian.
A Longitudinal Perspective on Bereaved Parent's Changes in Life Experience after the 2014 Sewol Ferry Sinking
Authors: Kim Yewon , Lee Dong Hun , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: August 2020

This study compared reports of parental life experiences from bereaved parents at two and five years after the death of their adolescent children due to the sinking of the Sewol Ferry in South Korea. Twelve bereaved parents (eight mothers and four fathers from eight families) were interviewed regarding the changes and stabilities they experienced over time at two time points of data collection. Twenty-eight in-depth interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Outcomes of parental bereavement and changes in life over time may be classified into four main categories: (a) personal changes, (b) changes in perspectives, (c) changes in family relationship, and (d) changes in social relationship and work attitude. This study includes a detailed examination of the phenomenon among the bereaved parents. Discussions and implications are provided based on the results.
Mechanical analysis of the structure of longwall mining hydraulic support
Authors: Li Tengda , Wang Jiren , Zhang Kun , Zhang Chunhua
Published: August 2020

Existing studies of the structural strength of longwall mining hydraulic support are mainly focused on the force acting on individual supports instead of the general mechanical characteristics of the support group in a fully mechanized coal seam working face. This study combines theoretical analyses and experiments to investigate the mechanical characteristics of a longwall mining hydraulic support group and the stiffness of key support components under different working conditions. The theory of a beam on an elastic foundation was applied to construct a mechanical model for the hydraulic support group. The location and the size of loads on the top beam were determined. Field tests yielded data on the deflection of the roof and loading on the support group along the working face, where the stiffness of end supports varies. The transverse load distribution of the top beam and the offset loading coefficient at different locations along the working-face direction were obtained. A three-dimensional model was constructed for the support group while assembling virtual hydraulic supports using modern virtual modeling theories and methods. Finite element analysis was used to analyze the strength of the hydraulic support. The weakest areas of key components were found to be pinholes connecting the column cylinder to the base and roof of the mine. These results can be applied to achieve secure and stable operations of hydraulic supports in the working face of a thin coal seam, thereby improving the safety and production efficiency of mining operations.
The proportional-integral controller design based on a Smith-like predictor for a class of high order systems
Authors: Wu Zhenlong , Yuan Jie , Li Donghai , Xue Yali , Chen YangQuan
Published: August 2020

Heat transfer and fluid flow play important roles in industrial processes, especially in chemical and thermal processes. Their dynamics are often modelled as high order systems with the type of [Formula: see text], which have slow responses to the set point and the input disturbance. To enhance the tracking and disturbance rejection performance of these systems, a control structure combining the proportional-integral (PI) controller and Smith-like predictor is proposed in this paper. The tracking and disturbance rejection performance of the proposed control structure with the order mismatch are analyzed. In addition, the precondition where the proposed control structure can obtain satisfactory disturbance rejection performance is deduced. By analyzing the influence of PI parameters on control performance, an empirical tuning rule, which can balance the control performance and robustness constraint well, is summarized and the corresponding tuning toolbox is developed. Finally, the superiority of the proposed control structure is verified by simulations and comparative experiments based on Peltier temperature control platform.
A 532-nm KTP Laser for Vocal Fold Polyps: Efficacy and Relative Factors
Authors: Ma Jingru , Fang Rui , Zhen Ruiqing , Mao Wenjing , Wu Xiufa , He Peijie , Wei Chunsheng
Published: August 2020

Objective:

We retrospectively analyzed the laryngoscopy results and voice outcomes of patients with vocal polyps who received potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatments in a clinician’s office, in order to establish the effectiveness and relative factors affecting the efficacy of this treatment.

Material and Methods:

We enrolled 25 patients with vocal polyps who had undergone KTP laser treatment in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at our hospital between July 2017 and November 2019. Pre- and postoperative evaluations were measured using laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS), the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire (VHI-30), the GRBAS scale (G hoarseness, R roughness, B breathiness, A asthenia, S strain), and objective acoustic parameters. The reduction rate of lesions was calculated and relative factors affecting efficacy (size, side, location, the position of lesions, type, gender, and occupation) were tested.

Results:

Areas of lesions decreased from 101.95 ± 70.16 before surgery to 30.49 ± 35.80 after surgery ( Z = 5.234, P < .001). The LVS data showed that the postoperative proportions of normal to mild conditions were the same or higher than the preoperative data in 3 instances: glottal closure (100% vs 100%), amplitude (90.91% vs 63.64%), and mucosal wave (81.82% vs 54.55%). A significant improvement was observed in VHI-30 scores, GRBAS scores, and acoustic parameters ( P < .05). The size of lesions had an effect on the GRBAS scores ( P < .001) but not on VHI-30 scores and objective acoustic parameters ( P > .05). Other factors we tested did not affect voice outcomes.

Conclusion:

Potassium titanyl phosphate laser treatment can effectively reduce the lesion area of vocal polyps and improve the voice quality. The presence of small lesions seems to predict good subjective assessments of voice quality, but it remains to be seen whether this correlates with true voice quality.
Pairing Technology With 6 Traits of Writing Instruction
Authors: Rowland Amber , Smith Sean J. , Lowrey K. Alisa
Published: August 2020

Individuals with disabilities continue to struggle with writing. Most students with disabilities do not measure at even the most basic level in writing assessments. Technology offers tools to support writing instruction, but many teachers acknowledge a lack of confidence in designing instruction using these tools in writing. Using the 6 Traits of Writing model as a framework, this article describes how students with disabilities may be challenged in each trait and provides technology that can support the attainment of skills within that identified trait area.
Screening for Abuse of Older Adults: A Study Done at Primary Health Care Level in Punjab, India
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Verma Madhur , Singh Tarundeep , Dahiya Neha , Nehra Ritu
Published: August 2020

Background:

Little is known about elder abuse in the domestic environment. In lower-middle income countries like India, the demographic transition is throwing novel challenges. The older adults are relatively more vulnerable because of coexisting medical and psychological problems. Any form of abuse affects mental health and increases the chances of anxiety and depression among the older adults. The study aimed to assess the burden of abuse amongst older adults visiting a primary health care center of north India.

Methods:

This is secondary data analysis conducted on the data collected in the primary study between September 2017 and June 2018 in northern India among 311 older adult patients attending the noncommunicable disease clinic. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were diagnosed as per standard guidelines. Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS) was used to assess elder abuse. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness were assessed by using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness 20-item scale, respectively. Multiple logistic regression was carried out to explore the factors associated with elder abuse after ruling out collinearity between independent variables.

Results:

About 24% of older adults experienced abuse in the last 12 months. One-fourth of the older adults reported vulnerability, nearly half reported coercion and dejection, and most of them reported experiencing dependence. Participants also had a high prevalence of anxiety (39%), depression (54%), and features suggestive of loneliness (38.6%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that abuse was predicted by educational status, per-capita income, and loneliness.

Conclusion:

About one-fourth of the older adults experience abuse. This highlights the importance of routine screening of older adults at the primary care level.
Nature and Correlates of Executive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Noel Joseph , Viswanathan Shonima A , Kuruvilla Anju
Published: August 2020

Background:

Executive function (EF) impairment has been demonstrated in patients with schizophrenia. This study attempted to examine the clinical and demographic correlates associated with the different components of EF in these patients using a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive inpatients with schizophrenia in remission were recruited. The following instruments were administered: (a) Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), (b)World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, (c) Tower of London, (d) Stroop Test, (e) Controlled Oral Word Association Test, (f) Animal Names Test, and (g) Verbal N-Back Test. Sociodemographic and clinical details were also recorded. Data was analyzed using standard bivariate and multivariate statistics.

Results:

A total of 50 patients were recruited. The mean age of the population was 30 years (standard deviation [SD]: 7.74). The majority were male, literate, single, from a rural background, from a middle socioeconomic background, and unemployed. The mean dose of antipsychotic medication was 618.57 mg (SD: 282.08) of chlorpromazine equivalents per day. Impairment was found in the different sub-components of EF. On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with executive dysfunction were lower education, unemployment, lower income, positive PANSS score, higher antipsychotic dose, and history of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy.

Conclusion:

EFs encompass a wide range of cognitive processes that influence an individual’s ability to adapt and function in the society. These are often impaired in patients with schizophrenia. Clinicians need to be aware of these deficits and factors associated with them, to plan appropriate and effective remedial measures.