bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment CT and 18F‐FDG PET‐based radiomic model predicting pathological complete response and loco‐regional control following neoadjuvant chemoradiation in oesophageal cancer
Authors: Rishi Anupam , Zhang Geoffrey G , Yuan Zhigang , Sim Austin J , Song Ethan Y , Moros Eduardo G , Tomaszewski Michal R , Latifi Kujtim , Pimiento Jose M , Fontaine Jacques‐Pierre , Mehta Rutika , Harrison Louis B , Hoffe Sarah E , Frakes Jessica M
Published: December 2020

Introduction

To develop a radiomic‐based model to predict pathological complete response (pCR) and outcome following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in oesophageal cancer.

Methods

We analysed 68 patients with oesophageal cancer treated with NACRT followed by esophagectomy, who had staging 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans performed at our institution. An in‐house data‐characterization algorithm was used to extract 3D‐radiomic features from the segmented primary disease. Prediction models were constructed and internally validated. Composite feature, Fc = α * FPET + (1 − α) * FCT, 0 ≤ α ≤ 1, was constructed for each corresponding CT and PET feature. Loco‐regional control (LRC), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and compared using log‐rank test.

Results

Median follow‐up was 59 months. pCR was achieved in 34 (50%) patients. Five‐year RFS, LRC, MFS and OS were 67.1%, 88.5%, 75.6% and 57.6%, respectively. Tumour Regression Grade (TRG) 0–1 indicative of complete response or minimal residual disease was significantly associated with improved 5‐year LRC [93.7% vs 71.8%; P = 0.020; HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04–0.85]. Four separate pCR predictive models were built for CT alone, PET alone, CT+PET and composite. CT, PET and CT+PET models had AUC 0.73 ± 0.08, 0.66 ± 0.08 and 0.77 ± 0.07, respectively. The composite model resulted in an improvement of pCR predicting power with AUC 0.87 ± 0.06. Stratifying patients with a low versus high radiomic score showed clinically relevant improvement in 5‐year LRC favouring low‐score group (91.1% vs. 80%, 95% CI 0.09–1.77, P = 0.2).

Conclusion

The composite CT/PET radiomics model was highly predictive of pCR following NACRT. Validation in larger data sets is warranted to determine whether the model can predict clinical outcomes.
Mechanical stability and technical outcomes of monolithic CAD/CAM fabricated abutment‐crowns supported by titanium bases: An in vitro study
Authors: Pitta João , Hjerppe Jenni , Burkhardt Felix , Fehmer Vincent , Mojon Philippe , Sailer Irena
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate mechanical stability (survival and complication rates) and bending moments of different all‐ceramic monolithic restorations bonded to titanium bases (hybrid abutment‐crowns) or to customized titanium abutments compared to porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal crowns (PFM) after thermo‐mechanical aging.

Material and Methods

Sixty conical connection implants (4.3 mm‐diameter) were divided in five groups (n = 12): PFM using gold abutment (GAbut‐PFM), lithium disilicate crown bonded to customized titanium abutment (TAbut+LDS), lithium disilicate abutment‐crown bonded to titanium base (TiBase+LDS), zirconia abutment‐crown bonded to titanium base (TiBase+ZR), polymer‐infiltrated ceramic‐network (PICN) abutment‐crown bonded to titanium base (TiBase+PICN). Simultaneous thermocycling (5°–55°C) and chewing simulation (1,200,000‐cycles, 49 N, 1.67 Hz) were applied. Catastrophic and non‐catastrophic events were evaluated under light microscope, and survival and complication rates were calculated. Specimens that survived aging were loaded until failure and bending moments were calculated.

Results

Survival rates after aging were 100% (TAbut+LDS, TiBase+LDS), 91.7% (GA‐PFM), 66.7% (TiBase+ZR) and 58.3% (TiBase+PICN) and differed among the groups (p = .006). Non‐catastrophic events as screw loosening (GA‐PFM) and loss of retention or micro‐/macro‐movement (TiBase groups) were observed. Complication rates varied among the groups (p < .001). TiBase+PICN had lower bending moment than all the other groups (p < .001).

Conclusions

Hybrid abutment‐crowns made of lithium disilicate can be an alternative to PFM‐based restorations, although concerns regarding the bonded interface between the titanium base and abutment‐crown can be raised. PICN and zirconia may not be recommended due to its inferior mechanical and bonding outcomes, respectively. Titanium customized abutment with bonded lithium disilicate crown appears to be the most stable combination.
Inconsistencies in the association of clinical factors with the choice of early steroid withdrawal across kidney transplant centers: A national registry study
Authors: Bae Sunjae , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline M. , Massie Allan B. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara A. , Coresh Josef , Segev Dorry L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Approximately 30% of kidney transplant recipients undergo early steroid withdrawal (ESW) for maintenance immunosuppression. However, there is no consensus on which patients are suitable for ESW, and transplant centers may disagree on how various clinical factors characterize individual recipients' suitability for ESW.

Methods

To examine center‐level variation in the association of clinical factors with the choice of ESW, we studied 206 544 kidney transplant recipients from 278 centers in 2002‐2017 using SRTR data. We conducted multi‐level logistic regressions to characterize the association of clinical factors with the choice of ESW at each transplant center.

Results

The association of clinical factors with the choice of ESW varied substantially across centers. We found particularly greater inconsistency in recipient age, PRA, re‐transplantation, living/deceased donor, post‐transplant length of stay, and delayed graft function. For example, across the entire population, re‐transplantation was associated with lower odds of ESW (population odds ratio = 0.350.400.46). When estimated at each center, this odds ratio was significantly lower than the population odds ratio at 48 (17.3%) centers and significantly higher at 28 (10.1%) centers.

Conclusions

We have observed apparent inconsistencies across transplant centers in the practice of tailoring ESW to the recipient's risk profile. Standardized guidelines for ESW tailoring are needed.
Cascading extinctions as a hidden driver of insect decline
Authors: Kehoe Rachel , Frago Enric , Sanders Dirk
Published: December 2020

1. The decline in insect abundance and diversity observed in many ecosystems is of major concern because of the long‐term consequences for ecosystem function and stability.

2. Species in ecological communities are connected through interactions forming complex networks. Therefore, initial extinctions can cause further species losses through co‐extinctions and extinction cascades, where single extinctions can lead to waves of secondary extinctions. Such knock‐on effects can multiply the initial impact of disturbances, thereby largely adding to the erosion of biodiversity. However, our knowledge of their importance for the current insect decline is hampered because secondary extinctions are challenging to both detect and predict.

3. In this review, we bring together theory and knowledge about secondary extinctions in the light of the main drivers of insect decline. We evaluate potential and evidence for cascading extinction for the different drivers and identify major pathways. By providing selected examples we discuss how habitat loss, pollution, species invasions, climate change and overexploitation can cause cascading extinctions. We argue that habitat loss and pollution in particular have the largest potential for such extinctions by changing community structure, the physical environment, and community robustness.

4. Overall, cascading extinction are part of an ecosystems' response to anthropogenic drivers but are so far not explicitly measured in their contribution when evaluating biodiversity loss. This knowledge is necessary to predict biodiversity loss and find strategies to buffer against the devastating long‐term impact of habitat loss, pollution, species invasions, and climate change.
Economic burden of epilepsy in children: A population‐based matched cohort study in Canada
Authors: Widjaja Elysa , Guttmann Astrid , Tomlinson George , Snead O. Carter , Sander Beate
Published: December 2020

Objective

The economic burden of childhood epilepsy to the health care system remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine phase‐specific and cumulative long‐term health care costs in children with epilepsy (CWE) from the health care payer perspective.

Methods

This cohort study utilized linked health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Incident childhood epilepsy cases were identified from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2017. CWE were matched to children without epilepsy (CWOE) on age, sex, rurality, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities, and assigned prediagnosis, initial, ongoing, and final care phase based on clinical trajectory. Phase‐specific, 1‐year and 5‐year cumulative health care costs, attributable costs of epilepsy, and distribution of costs across different ages were evaluated.

Results

A total of 24 411 CWE were matched to CWOE. The costs were higher for prediagnosis and initial care than ongoing care in CWE. Hospitalization was the main cost component. The costs of prediagnosis, initial, and ongoing care were higher in CWE than CWOE, with the attributable costs at $490 (95% confidence interval [CI] = $352‐$616), $1322 (95% CI = $1247‐$1402), and $305 (95% CI = $276‐$333) per 30 patient‐days, respectively. Final care costs were lower in CWE than CWOE, with attributable costs at −$2515 (95% CI = −$6288 to $961) per 30 patient‐days. One‐year and 5‐year cumulative costs were higher in CWE ($14 776 [95% CI = $13 994‐$15 546] and $39 261 [95% CI = $37 132‐$41 293], respectively) than CWOE ($6152 [95% CI = $5587‐$6768] and $15 598 [95% CI = $14 291‐$17 006], respectively). The total health care costs were highest in the first year of life in CWE for prediagnosis, initial, and ongoing care.

Significance

Health care costs varied along the continuum of epilepsy care, and were mainly driven by hospitalization costs. The findings identified avenues for remediation, such as enhancing care around the time of epilepsy diagnosis and better care coordination for epilepsy and comorbidities, to reduce hospitalization costs and the economic burden of epilepsy care.
Effect of rolling process on fatigue performance of stir zone of AA6061‐T6 doube‐side friction stir welding joint
Authors: Du Chengchao , Pan Qiuhong , Chen Shujin , Tian Shuang
Published: December 2020

Stir zone (SZ) of AA6061‐T6 double‐side friction stir welding (DS‐FSW) joint with a thickness of 6 mm had a poor fatigue performance compared with that of base metal (BM). The rolling process was employed to improve the fatigue performance of SZ. The results showed that rolling process increased the dislocation density in SZ and remarkably enhanced its fatigue performance. The crack initiation played a key role in the fatigue performance of SZ. It relied on the debonding of lamellar structure in SZ. The debonding of lamellar structure depended on the cracking of fine grain layer in lamellar structure.
INTO THE UNKNOWN: CLUES, HINTS, AND PROJECTS IN THE HISTORY OF KNOWLEDGE
Authors: KELLER VERA
Published: December 2020

This essay argues for integrating the history of ignorance into the history of knowledge. Through a case study of the (failed) project of colonial Virginian sericulture in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it explores the entanglement of various forms of knowledge and ignorance. These comprise forms of knowledge that have been presented as certain, such as clues and rules, and empirical, such as observations and questionnaires. They also include forms highlighting probabilism and risk‐benefit analyses, such as projects, and forms that made a virtue of uncertainty, such as hints. By exploring the cultural meanings and social functions of these forms of knowledge, this essay illustrates their coproduction with sociopolitical ideals, norms, and biases. The history of unspecified ignorance—including knowledge suppressed due to racism, misogyny, and other social biases—intersects with the history of these agnotological and epistemological tools. Such intersections collectively make up the history of knowledge.
Surgery cancellation: A scoping review of patients' experiences
Authors: Viftrup Anette , Dreyer Pia , Nikolajsen Lone , Holm Anna
Published: December 2020

Aims and objectives

To review the literature on patients’ experiences of surgery cancellation to gain knowledge of nursing care needs and identify gaps in evidence.

Background

Surgery cancellations are an ongoing challenge in healthcare systems with negative impacts on healthcare costs, hospital staff and patients. Most research addresses the reasons for cancellation and implementation of preventive interventions, but limited knowledge exists about patients’ experiences of cancellation.

Design

The scoping review was undertaken using the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute for Scoping Reviews and the Reporting Cheklist for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted by two independent researchers in Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO. A forward and backward citation search was performed in Scopus, and references in relevant studies were explored. The tool Covidence was applied to select, compare and discuss relevant articles. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for critical appraisal.

Results

Surgery cancellation is emotionally harmful with negative effects on patients. Four themes were identified: ‘Initial reactions to cancellation’, ‘Reactions during a new waiting period at home and during readmission to hospital’, ‘Information about cancellation’ and ‘The experience of new practical arrangements’. Patients whose surgery was cancelled experienced initial feelings such as anger, rejection and anxiety and physical/psychosomatic symptoms in the extended waiting period. Patients prefered early sufficient information about cancellation from the surgeon. The practical arrangements were stressfull for the patients.

Conclusion

Nursing care and identification of vulnerable patients are essential to prevent negative effects in the extended waiting period. Provision of timely, sufficient and professional information about cancellation from the surgeon is important. Further research assessing consequences of cancellation is needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients would benefit if hospitals find systems to minimise cancellation, and healthcare professionals could systematically develop professional supportive interventions tailored to patients’ individual needs.
Dental service utilization and immigrant family structure
Authors: Okunseri Christopher E. , Rota Klea , Okunseri Elaye , Patel Kadam , Garcia Raul I. , Zheng Cheng , Szabo Aniko
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To determine the patterns and time trends of dental services received and access to dental care among immigrant and US‐born children living in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Survey data for 2007–2015. Survey weighted mean and frequency were calculated for all the years and for each year for the complete cohort and for the four subgroups of children categorized based on the child's and parents' birthplace (United States or Foreign). These groups were compared to detect differences in dental service received.

Results

Overall 34,482 children aged <18 years were included in the analysis representing the weighted sample size of 564,255,643. Utilization of preventive dental services increased from 37.2 percent in 2007 to 44.4 percent in 2015 overall (P < 0.0001), with similar trend seen within all subgroups. Immigrant children compared to US‐born children had higher numbers of surgical and restorative procedures (17 versus 16 per 100‐person years, P = 0.03), fewer had at least one preventive dental visit in a year (32.8 percent versus 43.0 percent, P < 0.0001) and were less likely be unable to access dental care (3.0 percent versus 1.7 percent, P = 0.005). Fewer children had delayed access to dental care in recent years (2.0 percent in 2007 to 1.5 percent in 2015) and the decline was consistent in all the subgroups.

Conclusion

Stratification into the different subgroups allowed for improved understanding of dental procedure utilization and dental services utilization in all subgroups increased over time. Immigrant children had lower utilization of preventive procedures and higher utilization of surgical and restorative procedures.
Role Play Activities: An Innovative Approach to Teaching Speaking Skills in an ESL Classroom
Authors: Togimin Nurhamimi , Jaafar Haliza
Published: December 2020

Encouraging students to speak during classroom activities is an effective strategy to improve their acquisition of the target language. Activities related to real life situation such as role play, debate and simulation provide substantial rehearsal and practice and they allow students to not just learn phrases, but also learn how to communicate in various circumstances. Recent studies have revealed that students who are exposed to learning using role play activities improve significantly in speaking competency. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate how role play activities in an ESL classroom can be an innovative approach in improving students’ speaking skill. A total of nine undergraduate students from the Faculty of Computing in a public university in the Southern region of Malaysia were involved in this study. The main purpose for choosing the students as participants of the study was due to their low English proficiency based on their MUET results. The instruments used in this study were observation checklist and questionnaire. All the findings were tabulated and analysed qualitatively (observation checklist) as well as quantitatively (questionnaire). From the analysis carried out, it was evident that the students made positive improvement particularly in fluency, comprehension, context, and interactive communication. Besides that, the students felt that role play activities had brought positive effects on their English-speaking skills as obtained from the results of the questionnaire. Thus, it can be deduced that role play activities do have positive effects on students’ English-speaking skills.
Strategi Penggunaan Bahasa dalam Penulisan Rencana Ilmiah / Strategies of Language Use in Writing Scientific Articles
Authors: Hassan Hanita , Che Roza Che Hazira
Published: December 2020

Rencana merupakan sebuah artikel atau makalah yang menghuraikan sesuatu perkara berdasarkan tajuk utama yang dibincangkan oleh penulis. Rencana sering dikaitkan dengan media yang secara tidak langsung mempunyai perkaitan dengan masyarakat yang disatukan dengan sebuah Bahasa sebagai alat komunikasi. Oleh sebab itu, strategi yang berkesan perlu digunakan oleh para penulis rencana bagi memastikan proses penyampaian maklumat dan idea kepada pembaca dapat berlangsung dengan lancar. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti dan membincangkan keberkesanan penggunaan bahasa penulisan rencana dalam akhbar Berita Harian dengan menggunakan ciri penulisan kewartawanan oleh Waterhouse (1989). Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa tidak kesemua rencana yang dikaji menepati ciri-ciri penulisan kewartawanan oleh Waterhouse, iaitu penggunaan kata tidak lazim, penerangan berlebihan, kesalahan ejaan, dan penggunaan istilah jargon. Para penulis dilihat sangat mementingkan gaya penulisan mereka dan juga memfokuskan bidang kemahiran mereka ketika menghasilkan rencana agar penulisan tersebut menjadi satu identiti mereka malah setiap pandangan mereka menjadi satu ilmu yang berguna untuk masyarakat. Malahan, keberkesanan penggunaan bahasa dalam rencana sangat bergantung kepada cara penulis mengolah idea yang dibangkitkan dan penerimaan masyarakat juga menjadi penanda kepada keberkesanan bahasa yang digunakan oleh penulis.
Learning Poetry: Attitudes and Challenges Faced by ESL Students
Authors: Zainal Abidin Hafilah , Lock Kim Wai Taufik
Published: December 2020

Learning literature, as part of the English Language Syllabus, has been practiced in many countries. In Malaysia, literature is incorporated as a component and an authentic means of learning the language with the hope that students acquire the desired language skills. However, poetry, one of the genres in the component, is the least favourable among students. This paper investigates students’ attitude towards learning poetry and the challenges they encountered learning poetry. Data from 120 respondents were collected through questionnaire and interviews. The findings revealed that the selection of texts for poetry in the literature component and teacher’s methodology play a role in cultivating students' interest in learning not only the language but also the context, culture, and values as well as inculcating a positive attitude towards learning poetry in second language acquisition.
The mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in response to transient knockdown of the vitamin D receptor in vivo
Authors: Bass Joseph J. , Kazi Abid A. , Deane Colleen S. , Nakhuda Asif , Ashcroft Stephen P. , Brook Matthew S. , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Philp Andrew , Tarum Janelle , Kadi Fawzi , Andersen Ditte , Garcia Amadeo Muñoz , Smith Ken , Gallagher Iain J. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Cleasby Mark E. , Atherton Philip J
Published: December 2020

Key points

Reduced vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression prompts skeletal muscle atrophy.

Atrophy occurs through catabolic processes, namely the induction of autophagy, while anabolism remains unchanged.

In response to VDR‐knockdown mitochondrial function and related gene‐set expression is impaired.

In vitro VDR knockdown induces myogenic dysregulation occurring through impaired differentiation.

These results highlight the autonomous role the VDR has within skeletal muscle mass regulation.

Vitamin D deficiency is estimated to affect ∼40% of the world's population and has been associated with impaired muscle maintenance. Vitamin D exerts its actions through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the expression of which was recently confirmed in skeletal muscle, and its down‐regulation is linked to reduced muscle mass and functional decline. To identify potential mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy, we studied the impact of VDR knockdown (KD) on mature skeletal muscle in vivo, and myogenic regulation in vitro in C2C12 cells. Male Wistar rats underwent in vivo electrotransfer (IVE) to knock down the VDR in hind‐limb tibialis anterior (TA) muscle for 10 days. Comprehensive metabolic and physiological analysis was undertaken to define the influence loss of the VDR on muscle fibre composition, protein synthesis, anabolic and catabolic signalling, mitochondrial phenotype and gene expression. Finally, in vitro lentiviral transfection was used to induce sustained VDR‐KD in C2C12 cells to analyse myogenic regulation. Muscle VDR‐KD elicited atrophy through a reduction in total protein content, resulting in lower myofibre area. Activation of autophagic processes was observed, with no effect upon muscle protein synthesis or anabolic signalling. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing analysis identified systematic down‐regulation of multiple mitochondrial respiration‐related protein and genesets. Finally, in vitro VDR‐knockdown impaired myogenesis (cell cycling, differentiation and myotube formation). Together, these data indicate a fundamental regulatory role of the VDR in the regulation of myogenesis and muscle mass, whereby it acts to maintain muscle mitochondrial function and limit autophagy.
Perceptual tracking of distinct distributional regularities within a single voice
Authors: Idemaru Kaori , Vaughn Charlotte
Published: December 2020

The speech signal is inherently variable and listeners need to recalibrate when local, short-term distributions of acoustic dimensions deviate from long-term representation. The present experiment investigated the specificity of this perceptual adjustment, addressing whether the perceptual system is capable of tracking differing simultaneous short-term acoustic distributions of the same speech categories, conditioned by context. The results indicated that instead of aggregating over the contextual variation, listeners tracked separate distributional statistics for instances of speech categories experienced in different phonetic/lexical contexts, suggesting that perceptual learning is not only influenced by distributional statistics, but also by external factors such as contextual information.
Efficacy of a Cap-Dependent Endonuclease Inhibitor and Neuraminidase Inhibitors against H7N9 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Causing Severe Viral Pneumonia in Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Suzuki Saori , Nguyen Cong Thanh , Ogata-Nakahara Ayako , Shibata Akihiro , Osaka Hiroyuki , Ishigaki Hirohito , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Kida Hiroshi , Ogasawara Kazumasa , Itoh Yasushi
Published: December 2020

H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infection in a human was first reported in 2017. A/duck/Japan/AQ-HE29-22/2017 (H7N9) (Dk/HE29-22), found in imported duck meat at an airport in Japan, possesses a hemagglutinin with a multibasic cleavage site, indicating high pathogenicity in chickens, as in the case of other H7 HPAIVs.
Microbial Lipid A Remodeling Controls Cross-Presentation Efficiency and CD8 T Cell Priming by Modulating Dendritic Cell Function
Authors: Papadopoulos George , Berland Robert , Sunkavalli Ashwini , Coats Stephen R. , Darveau Richard P. , Genco Caroline A.
Published: December 2020

The majority of Gram-negative bacteria elicit a potent immune response via recognition of lipid A expressed on the outer bacterial membrane by the host immune receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, some Gram-negative bacteria evade detection by TLR4 or alter the outcome of TLR4 signaling by modification of lipid A species.
Bleeding risk with rivaroxaban compared with vitamin K antagonists in patients aged 80 years or older with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hanon Olivier , Vidal Jean-Sébastien , Pisica-Donose George , Orvoën Galdric , David Jean-Philippe , Chaussade Edouard , Caillard Laure , de Jong Laura W , Boulloche Nicolas , Vinsonneau Ulric , Bouée Stéphane , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , Fauchier Laurent , Jouanny Pierre , Sacco Guillaume , Bellarbre Fabienne , Belmin Joël , Puisieux François , Lilamand Matthieu , Paillaud Elena , Boureau Anne Sophie
Published: December 2020

Objective

Direct oral anticoagulants have been evaluated in the general population, but proper evidence for their safe use in the geriatric population is still missing. We compared the bleeding risk of a direct oral anticoagulant (rivaroxaban) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) among French geriatric patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) aged ≥80 years.

Methods

We performed a sequential observational prospective cohort study, using data from 33 geriatric centres. The sample comprised 908 patients newly initiated on VKAs between September 2011 and September 2014 and 995 patients newly initiated on rivaroxaban between September 2014 and September 2017. Patients were followed up for up to 12 months. One-year risks of major, intracerebral, gastrointestinal bleedings, ischaemic stroke and all-cause mortality were compared between rivaroxaban-treated and VKA-treated patients with propensity score matching and Cox models.

Results

Major bleeding risk was significantly lower in rivaroxaban-treated patients (7.4/100 patient-years) compared with VKA-treated patients (14.6/100 patient-years) after multivariate adjustment (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.99) and in the propensity score–matched sample (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.85). Intracerebral bleeding occurred less frequently in rivaroxaban-treated patients (1.3/100 patient-years) than in VKA-treated patients (4.0/100 patient-years), adjusted HR 0.59 (95% CI 0.24 to 1.44) and in the propensity score–matched sample HR 0.26 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.80). Major lower bleeding risk was largely driven by lower risk of intracerebral bleeding.

Conclusions

Our study findings indicate that bleeding risk, largely driven by lower risk of intracerebral bleeding, is lower with rivaroxaban than with VKA in stroke prevention in patients ≥80 years old with non-valvular AF.
Venue Topic Model–enhanced Joint Graph Modelling for Citation Recommendation in Scholarly Big Data
Authors: Wang Wei , Gong Zhiguo , Ren Jing , Xia Feng , Lv Zhihan , Wei Wei
Published: December 2020

Natural language processing technologies, such as topic models, have been proven to be effective for scholarly recommendation tasks with the ability to deal with content information. Recently, venue recommendation is becoming an increasingly important research task due to the unprecedented number of publication venues. However, traditional methods focus on either the author’s local network or author-venue similarity, where the multiple relationships between scholars and venues are overlooked, especially the venue–venue interaction. To solve this problem, we propose an author topic model–enhanced joint graph modeling approach that consists of venue topic modeling, venue-specific topic influence modeling, and scholar preference modeling. We first model the venue topic with Latent Dirichlet Allocation. Then, we model the venue-specific topic influence in an asymmetric and low-dimensional way by considering the topic similarity between venues, the top-influence of venues, and the top-susceptibility of venues. The top-influence characterizes venues’ capacity of exerting topic influence on other venues. The top-susceptibility captures venues’ propensity of being topically influenced by other venues. Extensive experiments on two real-world datasets show that our proposed joint graph modeling approach outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Contemporary Liquid Water on Mars?
Authors: Wray James J.
Published: December 2020

The martian surface preserves a record of aqueous fluids throughout the planet's history, but when, where, and even whether such fluids exist at the contemporary surface remains an area of ongoing research. Large water volumes remain on the planet today, but mostly bound in minerals or frozen in the subsurface, with limited direct evidence for aquifers. A role for water has been suggested to explain active surface processes monitored by orbital and landed spacecraft, such as gullies and slope streaks across a range of latitudes; however, dry mechanisms appear at least equally plausible for many active slopes. The low modern atmospheric density and cold surface temperatures challenge models for producing sufficient volumes of water to do the observed geomorphic work. The seeming ubiquity of salts in martian soils facilitates liquid stability but also has implications for the habitability of any such liquids. ▪  A thin modern atmosphere and low temperatures make pure liquid water unstable on the surface of modern Mars. ▪  Widespread salts could enhance liquid durability by lowering the freezing point and slowing evaporation. ▪  Dielectric measurements suggest active brines deep beneath the south pole and, in transient thin films, within shallow polar soils. ▪  Some characteristics of gullies, recurring slope lineae, and other active features challenge both current wet and dry formation models.
Macroeconomic Models for Monetary Policy: A Critical Review from a Finance Perspective
Authors: Dou Winston W. , Lo Andrew W. , Muley Ameya , Uhlig Harald
Published: December 2020

We provide a critical review of macroeconomic models used for monetary policy at central banks from a finance perspective. We review the history of monetary policy modeling, survey the core monetary models used by major central banks, and construct an illustrative model for those readers who are unfamiliar with the literature. Within this framework, we highlight several important limitations of current models and methods, including the fact that local-linearization approximations omit important nonlinear dynamics, yielding biased impulse-response analysis and parameter estimates. We also propose new features for the next generation of macrofinancial policy models, including a substantial role for the financial sector, the government balance sheet, and unconventional monetary policies; heterogeneity, reallocation, and redistribution effects;the macroeconomic impact of large nonlinear risk premium dynamics; time-varying uncertainty; financial sector and systemic risks; imperfect product market and markups; and further advances in solution, estimation, and evaluation methods for dynamic quantitative structural models.
A New Analytical Method for Spherical Thin Shells’ Axisymmetric Vibrations
Authors: Nassit Mariame , El Harif Abderrahmane , Berbia Hassan , Taha Janan Mourad
Published: December 2020

In order to improve the spherical thin shells’ vibrations analysis, we introduce a new analytical method. In this method, we take into consideration the terms of the inertial couples in the stress couples’ differential equations of motion. These inertial couples are omitted in the theories provided by Naghdi–Kalnins and Kunieda. The results show that the current method can solve the axisymmetric vibrations’ equations of elastic thin spherical shells. In this paper, we focus on verifying the current method, particularly for free vibrations with free edge and clamped edge boundary conditions. To check the validity and accuracy of the current analytical method, the natural frequencies determined by this method are compared with those available in the literature and those obtained by a finite element calculation.
Optimal Controls for a Class of Impulsive Katugampola Fractional Differential Equations with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Chen Xingru , Gu Haibo , Sun Yu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate a class of impulsive Katugampola fractional differential equations with nonlocal conditions in a Banach space. First, by using a fixed-point theorem, we obtain the existence results for a class of impulsive Katugampola fractional differential equations. Secondly, we derive the sufficient conditions for optimal controls by building approximating minimizing sequences of functions twice.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Capacitor Allocation Problem in Radial Distribution Networks Using an Improved Stochastic Fractal Search Algorithm
Authors: Nguyen Phuoc Tri , Nguyen Anh Thi , Vo Ngoc Dieu , Le Thanh Tung
Published: December 2020

This research proposes a modified metaheuristic optimization algorithm, named as improved stochastic fractal search (ISFS), which is formed based on the integration of the quasiopposition-based learning (QOBL) and chaotic local search (CLS) schemes into the original SFS algorithm for solving the optimal capacitor placement (OCP) in radial distribution networks (RDNs). The test problem involves the determination of the optimal number, location, and size of fixed and switched capacitors at different loading conditions so that the network total yearly cost is minimized with simultaneous fulfillment of operating constraints. Also, the hourly on/off scheduling plans of switched shunt capacitors (SCs) considering a modified cost objective function are obtained. The proposed ISFS algorithm has been tested on two IEEE 69-bus and 119-bus RDNs and a practical 152-bus RDN. For clarifying the effectiveness and validation of the ISFS, the simulated results have been compared with those of other previously utilized solution approaches in the literature as well as the original SFS. From result comparison, the proposed ISFS outperforms other previous approaches regarding solution quality and statistical performance for the compared cases, especially in the complex and large-scale networks. Notably, compared with the original SFS, the proposed ISFS shows a significantly better performance in all the tested cases.
Precursory Indicator for Mode I Fracture in Brittle Rock through Critical Slowing Down Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhenghu , Chen Tao , Ma Ke , Liu Tiexin , Deng Jianhui
Published: December 2020

The abrupt rock-related hazards, such as landslide, rock burst, and collapse, seriously threaten the safety and service life of engineering works. Precursory information on critical transitions preceding sudden fracture is of great significance in rock mechanics and engineering. This study investigates the critical slowing down feature of acoustic emission (AE) signals and precursory indicators during the mode I fracture process of brittle rock. Cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc (CCNBD) specimens were utilized, accompanied by acoustic emission monitoring. The principle of critical slowing down was introduced to study AE count sequences, and the variance and autocorrelation coefficient versus loading time curves were analyzed. The results show critical slowing down phenomenon exists during mode I rock fracture. The variance and autocorrelation coefficient of AE counts grow significantly prior to rock fracture, and thus, the significant growth of variance and autocorrelation coefficient of AE signals can act as the precursory indicator of rock fracture. Compared to the autocorrelation coefficient, the precursors determined by the variance are more remarkable. The time interval between the precursory indicator using the critical slowing down theory and fracture moment ranges from 2% to 15% of the entire loading time. The findings in this study could facilitate better understandings on the rock fracture process and early-warning technique for rock fracture-related geological disasters.
Calculation Method of Bonding Section of Joint Surface of Dangerous Rock Mass Based on Amplitude Ratio
Authors: Li Qingbo , Wang Hongfei , Xie Mowen , Liu Weinan
Published: December 2020

In this study, through an analysis of vibration response characteristics of joint surface stiffness on dangerous rock mass, the relationship formula between amplitude ratio of the dangerous rock mass to the bedrock and the length of the bonding section of the joint surface is determined. The stability of the rock mass can be evaluated by combining the formula with the existing rock-mass limit equilibrium theory. This study proposes the existence of a resonance bonding length for the dangerous rock mass. When the length of the bonding section reaches the resonance bonding length, the dangerous rock mass has the largest response to the bedrock vibration. The study found that when the length of the bonding section of the dangerous rock mass is longer than the resonance bonding length, the amplitude ratio increases with the decrease of the bonding section and increases with the increase of the vibration frequency of the bedrock. When the length of the bonding section of the dangerous rock body is shorter than the resonance bonding length, the amplitude ratio decreases with the decrease of the bonding section and decreases with the increase of the vibration frequency of the bedrock. Indoor experiments were conducted by collecting the vibration time-history curves of rock blocks and stone piers and performing analysis and calculation, which proved the accuracy of the analytical results. Through the amplitude ratio of the dangerous rock mass and the bedrock, the bonding length can be calculated. This method can improve the calculation accuracy of the stability coefficient K of the dangerous rock mass.
The Neutro-Stability Analysis of Neutrosophic Cubic Sets with Application in Decision Making Problems
Authors: Al Shumrani Mohammed A. , Gulistan Muhammad , Khan Salma
Published: December 2020

The neutrosophic cubic sets (NCSs) attained attraction of many researchers in the current time, so the need to discuss and study their stability was felt. Thus, in this article, we discuss the three types of stability of NCSs such as truth-stability, indeterminacy-stability, and falsity-stability. We define the left (resp., right) truth-left evaluative set, left (resp., right) indeterminacy-evaluative set, and left (resp., right) falsity-evaluative set. A new notion of stable NCSs, partially stable NCSs, and unstable NCSs is defined. We observe that every NCS needs not to be a stable NCS but each stable NCS must be an NCS, i.e., every internal NCS is a stable NCS but an external NCS may or may not be a stable NCS. We also discuss some conditions under which the left and right evaluative points of an external NCS becomes a neutrosophic bipolar fuzz set. We have provided the condition under which an external NCS becomes stable. Moreover, we discuss the truth-stable degree, indeterminacy-stable degree, and falsity-stable degree of NCSs. We have also defined an almost truth-stable set, almost indeterminacy-stable set, almost falsity-stable set, almost partially stable set, and almost stable set with examples. Application of stable NCSs is given with a numerical example at the end.
Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Exposed to an Inflammatory Environment Increase the Expression of ICAM-1 and Release Microvesicles Enriched in This Adhesive Molecule: Analysis of the Participation of TNF-α and IFN-γ
Authors: Montesinos Juan J. , López-García Lucero , Cortés-Morales Víctor A. , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Valle-Ríos Ricardo , Fajardo-Orduña Guadalupe R. , Castro-Manrreza Marta E.
Published: December 2020

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have immunoregulatory capacity; therefore, they have been used in different clinical protocols in which it is necessary to decrease the immune response. This capacity is mainly regulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ, and it has been observed that cell-cell contact, mainly mediated by ICAM-1, is important for MSCs to carry out efficient immunoregulation. Therefore, in the present work, we analyzed the effect of TNF-α alone or in combination with IFN-γ on the expression of ICAM-1. Besides, given the importance of cell contact in the immunoregulatory function of MSCs, we analyzed whether these cells release ICAM-1+ microvesicles (MVs). Our results show for the first time that TNF-α is capable of increasing the early expression of ICAM-1 in human BM-MSCs. Also, we observed that TNF-α and IFN-γ have a synergistic effect on the increase in the expression of ICAM-1. Furthermore, we found that BM-MSCs exposed to an inflammatory environment release MVs enriched in ICAM-1 (MVs-ICAM-1high). The knowledge generated in this study will contribute to the improvement of in vitro conditioning protocols that favor the therapeutic effect of these cells or their products.
Design of a Broadband Radome-Enclosed Dual-Polarization Antenna Array Covering Sub-6 GHz Band with Differential Feeding
Authors: An Zhirong , He Mang
Published: December 2020

A differentially fed dual-polarized antenna with low cross-polarization is proposed for sub-6 GHz applications. The main patch is fed through two pairs of symmetrical ports, and annular-ring slits are etched around the feedings. The broadband 180° phase shifter provides a stable differential feeding structure, and a 1 mm thick radome with a parasitic patch printed on its inner surface is utilized to expand the impedance bandwidth. The impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna ranges from 3.3 to 6.0 GHz, covering the entire sub-6 GHz band. The 4-element antenna array features low profile, wide bandwidth, low cross-polarization level, and stable gain over the entire operating band. The prototype of the antenna array is fabricated and measured, and the design is well validated by experimental results.
Modulation of Astrocytes on Mode Selection of Neuron Firing Driven by Electromagnetic Induction
Authors: Gao Zhongquan , Yuan Zhixuan , Wang Zuo , Feng Peihua
Published: December 2020

Both of astrocytes and electromagnetic induction are magnificent to modulate neuron firing by introducing feedback currents to membrane potential. An improved astro-neuron model considering both of the two factors is employed to investigate their different roles in modulation. The mixing mode, defined by combination of period bursting and depolarization blockage, characterizes the effect of astrocytes. Mixing mode and period bursting alternatively appear in parameter space with respect to the amplitude of feedback current on neuron from astrocyte modulation. However, magnetic flux obviously plays a role of neuron firing inhibition. It not only repels the mixing mode but also suppresses period bursting. The mixing mode becomes period bursting mode and even resting state when astrocytes are hyperexcitable. Abnormal activities of astrocytes are capable to induce depolarization blockage to compose the mixing mode together with bursting mode. But electromagnetic induction shows its strong ability of inhibition of neuron firing, which is also illustrated in the bifurcation diagram. Indeed, the combination of the two factors and appropriate choice of parameters show the great potential to control disorder of neuron firing like epilepsy.
TGFβ: Protecting PD-1 from mRNA Decay
Authors: Dougan Stephanie K.
Published: December 2020

Coordinated regulation of genes is key to determining cell fate. Although this is best understood for master regulator transcription factors, posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA stability and nuclear export can be equally effective at altering gene expression. Indeed, the heterogeneity of RNA-binding proteins and miRNAs suggests a deep complexity to posttranscriptional regulatory processes. In this issue, Wu and colleagues report a new mechanism for TGFβ-mediated immune suppression via regulation of mRNA-binding proteins in CD8+ T cells.

See article by Wu et al., p. 1470
Awake Mapping of the Auditory Cortex during Tumor Resection in an Aspiring Musical Performer: A Case Report
Authors: Bass David I. , Shurtleff Hillary , Warner Molly , Knott David , Poliakov Andrew , Friedman Seth , Collins Michael J. , Lopez Jonathan , Lockrow Jason P. , Novotny Edward J. , Ojemann Jeffrey G. , Hauptman Jason S.
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Preoperative functional MRI (fMRI) and intraoperative awake cortical mapping are established strategies to identify and preserve critical language structures during neurosurgery. There is growing appreciation for the need to similarly identify and preserve eloquent tissue critical for music production. Case Report: A 19-year-old female musician, with a 3- to 4-year history of events concerning for musicogenic seizures, was found to have a right posterior temporal tumor, concerning for a low-grade glial neoplasm. Preoperative fMRI assessing passive and active musical tasks localized areas of activation directly adjacent to the tumor margin. Cortical stimulation during various musical tasks did not identify eloquent tissue near the surgical site. A gross total tumor resection was achieved without disruption of singing ability. At 9-month follow-up, the patient continued to have preserved musical ability with full resolution of seizures and without evidence of residual lesion or recurrence. Conclusion: A novel strategy for performing an awake craniotomy, incorporating preoperative fMRI data for music processing with intraoperative cortical stimulation, interpreted with the assistance of a musician expert and facilitated gross total resection of the patient’s tumor without comprising her musical abilities.
Mapping Film Programming across Post-War Europe (1952)
Authors: van Oort Thunnis , Jernudd Åsa , Lotze Kathleen , Pafort-Overduin Clara , Biltereyst Daniël , Boter Jaap , Dibeltulo Silvia , Ercole Pier , Meers Philippe , Porubcanska Terezia , Gennari Daniela Treveri , Van de Vijver Liesbeth
Published: December 2020

This data paper and the data collection from which it emerges aim to present a fully harmonized data set originating in several research projects on post-war cinema programming. The paper will reflect on the collection and structure of this aggregated data set, that consists of titles of feature films screened for public viewing in cinemas in the cities Bari (Italy), Antwerp and Ghent (Belgium), Gothenburg (Sweden), Leicester (United Kingdom) and Rotterdam (Netherlands) for the year 1952. As comparisons of movie-going patterns between European countries are still rare, this paper offers a model for constructing a data set which can be replicated, scaled up and used to compare, contextualize, and eventually theorize practices of cinema-going across countries at a global level.