bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fiedler Vector Approximation via Interacting RandomWalks
Authors: Doshi Vishwaraj , Young Eun Do 
Published: July 2020

The Fiedler vector of a graph, namely the eigenvector corresponding to the second smallest eigenvalue of a graph Laplacian matrix, plays an important role in spectral graph theory with applications in problems such as graph bi-partitioning and envelope reduction. Algorithms designed to estimate this quantity usually rely on a priori knowledge of the entire graph, and employ techniques such as graph sparsification and power iterations, which have obvious shortcomings in cases where the graph is unknown, or changing dynamically. In this paper, we develop a framework in which we construct a stochastic process based on a set of interacting random walks on a graph and show that a suitably scaled version of our stochastic process converges to the Fiedler vector for a sufficiently large number of walks.
We also provide numerical results to confirm our theoretical findings on different graphs, and show that our algorithm performs well over a wide range of parameters and the number of random walks. Simulations results over time varying dynamic graphs are also provided to show the efficacy of our random walk based technique in such settings. As an important contribution, we extend our results and show that our framework is applicable for approximating not just the Fiedler vector of graph Laplacians, but also the second eigenvector of any time reversible Markov Chain kernel via interacting random walks. To the best of our knowledge, our attempt to approximate the second eigenvector of any time reversible Markov Chain using random walks is the first of its kind, opening up possibilities to achieving approximations of higher level eigenvectors using random walks on graphs.
Peri-Infarct Hot-Zones Have Higher Susceptibility to Optogenetic Functional Activation-Induced Spreading Depolarizations
Authors: Sugimoto Kazutaka , Chung David Y. , Böhm Maximilian , Fischer Paul , Takizawa Tsubasa , Aslihan Aykan Sanem , Qin Tao , Yanagisawa Takeshi , Harriott Andrea , Oka Fumiaki , Yaseen Mohammad A. , Sakadžić Sava , Ayata Cenk 
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:
Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are recurrent and ostensibly spontaneous depolarization waves that may contribute to infarct progression after stroke. Somatosensory activation of the metastable peri-infarct tissue triggers peri-infarct SDs at a high rate.

Methods:
We directly measured the functional activation threshold to trigger SDs in peri-infarct hot zones using optogenetic stimulation after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in Thy1-ChR2-YFP mice.

Results:

Optogenetic activation of peri-infarct tissue triggered SDs at a strikingly high rate (64%) compared with contralateral homotopic cortex (8%;
P
=0.004). Laser speckle perfusion imaging identified a residual blood flow of 31±2% of baseline marking the metastable tissue with a propensity to develop SDs.

Conclusions:
Our data reveal a spatially distinct increase in SD susceptibility in peri-infarct tissue where physiological levels of functional activation are capable of triggering SDs. Given the potentially deleterious effects of peri-infarct SDs, the effect of sensory overstimulation in hyperacute stroke should be examined more carefully.
Constructing Spirituality in the Cognitive Science of Religion
Authors: Stoddard Brad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Seven researchers in the growing field of the cognitive science of religion recently claimed to have documented the unique neural correlates of spirituality separate from and independent of religion. They claimed that spirituality is therefore a natural part of human cognition and suggested that they proved definitively that spirituality is substantively different than religion. Using insights developed by scholars associated with the critical religion approach to the academic study of religion, this article identifies a series of methodological errors that undermine the researchers’ project and that potentially impacts the larger academic study of the cognitive science of religion.
Comparison Considered: Some Methodological Responses
Authors: Freiberger Oliver 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The present issue’s review symposium on comparison comprises six thoughtful and stimulating essays in which the authors, in conversation with Bruce Lincoln’s Apples and Oranges (2018) and my Considering Comparison (2019), reflect on the comparative method and on how it relates to their work. Their reflections are explorative, productive, thought-provoking, and they also criticize and challenge aspects of our books in constructive ways, each from the perspective of their own field of expertise. In this response I discuss the methodological questions that each essay raised for me and, at times, propose a potential way forward. The symposium shows that exploring the comparative method can be useful and rewarding not only for explicit cross-cultural research, but also for research projects that do not seem comparative at first glance. I argue that since studying religion—a highly comparative category—is inherently comparative, the methodology of comparison deserves proper attention.
Civil Disobedience, Epistocracy, and the Question of whether Superior Political Judgment Defeats Majority Authority
Authors: Madsen Tine Hindkjaer 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
I outline a new approach to the question of when civil disobedience is legitimate by drawing on insights from the epistocracy literature. I argue that civil disobedience and epistocracy are similar in the sense that they both involve the idea that superior political judgment defeats majority authority, because this can lead to correct, i.e. just, prudent or morally right, political decisions. By reflecting on the question of when superior political judgment defeats majority authority in the epistocracy case, I identify considerations that also apply to the disobedience context. I conclude that disobedience in protest of law X performed by agents who know that X is wrong is legitimate when: 1) it is not reasonably disputable that the civil dissenter knows that X is wrong 2) the adoption of X is a high-stakes political decision and 3) no destabilizing effects ensue.
The Validity of Three New Driving Simulator Scenarios: Detecting Differences in Driving Performance by Difficulty and Driver Gender and Age
Authors: Maxwell Hillary , Weaver Bruce , Gagnon Sylvain , Marshall Shawn , Bédard Michel 
Published: July 2020

Objective We explored the convergent and discriminant validity of three driving simulation scenarios by comparing behaviors across gender and age groups, considering what we know about on-road driving. Background Driving simulators offer a number of benefits, yet their use in real-world driver assessment is rare. More evidence is needed to support their use. Method A total of 104 participants completed a series of increasingly difficult driving simulation scenarios. Linear mixed models were estimated to determine if behaviors changed with increasing difficulty and whether outcomes varied by age and gender, thereby demonstrating convergent and discriminant validity, respectively. Results Drivers adapted velocity, steering, acceleration, and gap acceptance according to difficulty, and the degree of adaptation differed by gender and age for some outcomes. For example, in a construction zone scenario, drivers reduced their mean velocities as congestion increased; males drove an average of 2.30 km/hr faster than females, and older participants drove more slowly than young (5.26 km/hr) and middle-aged drivers (6.59 km/hr). There was also an interaction between age and difficulty; older drivers did not reduce their velocities with increased difficulty. Conclusion This study provides further support for the ability of driving simulators to elicit behaviors similar to those seen in on-road driving and to differentiate between groups, suggesting that simulators could serve a supportive role in fitness-to-drive evaluations. Application Simulators have the potential to support driver assessment. However, this depends on the development of valid scenarios to benchmark safe driving behavior, and thereby identify deviations from safe driving behavior. The information gained through simulation may supplement other forms of assessment and possibly eliminate the need for on-road testing in some situations.
Quality of Life Assessments in Individuals With Young-Onset Dementia and Their Caregivers
Authors: Dixit Divyansh , Spreadbury John , Orlando Rosanna , Hayward Elaine , Kipps Christopher 
Published: July 2020

Background: Quality of life (QoL) has seldom been investigated or explicitly measured in young-onset dementia (YoD). The aims of this study were (1) to investigate and compare QoL self- and proxy reports in a sample of YoD patients and caregivers using different conceptual assessments of QoL and (2) to examine the relationship between caregiver QoL and both burden and mental health. Methods: There were 52 participants (26 YoD patient–caregiver dyads). The design was cross-sectional and part of a larger longitudinal prospective cohort study of YoD patients and caregivers. Primary measures included generic QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life–short version [WHOQOL-BREF]), dementia-specific QoL (Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease Scale [QoL-AD]), health-related QoL (EQ5D), and a single-item QoL measure. Secondary measures included caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Index), mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and dementia severity (Clinical Dementia Rating). Results: Patient QoL self-reports were higher than caregiver proxy reports on the QoL-AD ( P = .001). Patient QoL self-reports for the WHOQOL-BREF ( P < .01) and single-item QoL ( P < .05) measure were significantly higher than caregiver self-reports. Dementia severity had no relationship with QoL self-reports. Caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression were negatively correlated with QoL when measured using a generic and single-item measure, but not with the health-related measure. Discussion: Patients and caregivers show a disparity in QoL reports, with patients tending to report higher QoL. Caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression should be areas targeted for interventions when supporting caregivers.
Disease activity and health-care utilization among young adults with childhood-onset lupus transitioning to adult care: data from the Pediatric Lupus Outcomes Study
Authors: Haro Sara L , Lawson Erica F , Hersh Aimee O 
Published: July 2020

Background Individuals with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) must transfer from pediatric to adult care. The goal of this study was to examine disease activity and health-care utilization among young adults with cSLE who are undergoing or have recently completed the transfer to adult care. Methods The Pediatric Lupus Outcomes Study (PLOS) is a prospective longitudinal cohort study of young adults aged 18–30 diagnosed with cSLE. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis comparing 47 participants under the care of pediatric rheumatologists to 38 who had completed transfer to adult care. Demographics, disease manifestations, health- care utilization and transition readiness were compared between groups. Results Those in the post-transfer group had significantly lower medication usage and were less likely to have seen a rheumatologist in the past year. Disease manifestations, flare rates, and hospitalizations were similar between groups. Nearly a quarter of patients who had transferred to adult care reported difficulties with the process. Conclusion Post-transfer patients had lower health-care utilization as evidenced by less medication usage and lack of rheumatology follow-up, in spite of the fact that disease activity was similar in both groups. Future studies will assess longitudinal changes in disease activity and damage in this population.
The development of pathways for responding to patient complexity in a liaison psychiatry setting
Authors: Carpenter Lindsay Jane , Bautovich Alison , Sharma Swapnil , Gatsi Mike , Wand Anne Pamela Frances 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: The aims were to develop and operationalise a method of identifying patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes due to clinical and systems complexity within consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP), and to formalise escalation processes for enhanced input with targeted clinical and organisational support. Methods: The literature pertaining to methods for identifying and responding to complexity in general hospital settings was reviewed. An Escalation Tool operationalising the identification of complexity and response pathways was devised and tested. Feedback on the face validity and utility guided refinement. Results: Two established tools that assess complexity, INTERMED and the Patient-Centred Accreditation method (PCAM) and a novel ‘episode complexity’ screening method, were identified and informed the development of a tool for identifying and responding to complexity, which was then piloted. The tool was deemed useful, notwithstanding variability in scoring. Conclusions: The Escalation Tool combined elements of existing measures to identify complexity in general hospital inpatients and guide pathways for action. It was well received and considered feasible for implementation, with local adaptation according to available resources.
The Influence of Aortic Wall Elasticity on the False Lumen in Aortic Dissection: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Veger Hugo T. C. , Pasveer Erik H. , Westenberg Jos J. M. , Wever Jan J. , van Eps Randolph G. Statius 
Published: July 2020

Background: Hemodynamics, dissection morphology, and aortic wall elasticity have a major influence on the pressure in the false lumen. In contrast to aortic wall elasticity, the influence of hemodynamics and dissection morphology have been investigated often in multiple in vitro and ex vivo studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of aortic wall elasticity on the diameter and pressure of the false lumen in aortic dissection. Methods: An artificial dissection was created in 3 ex vivo porcine aortas. The aorta models were consecutively positioned in a validated in vitro circulatory system with physiological pulsatile flow. Each model was imaged with ultrasound on 4 positions along the aorta and the dissection. At these 4 locations, pressure measurement was also performed in the true and false lumen with an arterial catheter. After baseline experiments, the aortic wall elasticity was adjusted with silicon and the experiments were repeated. Results: The aortic wall elasticity was decreased in all 3 models after siliconizing. In all 3 siliconized models, the diameters of the true and false lumen increased at proximal, mid, and distal location, while the mean arterial pressure did not significantly change. Conclusions: In this in vitro study, we showed that aortic wall elasticity is an important parameter altering the false lumen. An aortic wall with reduced elasticity results in an increased false lumen diameter in the mid and distal part of the false lumen. These results can only be transferred to corresponding clinical situations to a limited extent.
Protective Effect of Metformin on Sepsis Myocarditis in Zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Sun Wei , Du Jianan , Gou Yawei , Liu Lingling , Wang Ruonan , Xu Xuesong 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: We found in previous study that metformin could treat sepsis myocarditis in a mouse model. We employed the zebrafish model organism to investigate the effect of metformin on sepsis myocarditis. Methods and Results: Wild-type zebrafish was used to establish a sepsis myocarditis model and combined with image software analysis and cytokine detection, the protective dose of metformin was determined. The results showed that immersion with Escherichia coli could cause 75% mortality in zebrafish and make larvae appear as characteristics of severe sepsis myocarditis. Pretreatment with 10 mM metformin for 3 hours could effectively reduce heart congestion and swelling in zebrafish with sepsis myocarditis and increased the heart rate. It could reduce the mortality and prolong the survival time of zebrafish with sepsis myocarditis; Tg(mpx: EGFP) transgenic zebrafish were adopted to explore the number of neutrophils in zebrafish heart before and after metformin protection, and metformin could maintain the number of neutrophils in zebrafish heart; quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed that metformin could reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and could promote the anti-inflammatory factor, transforming growth factor-β and IL-10 expression. Conclusion: We established a zebrafish sepsis myocarditis model and applied metformin in advance to provide a protective effect on the zebrafish heart.
Rare male cancers: Effect of social deprivation on a cohort of penile cancer patients
Authors: Rewhorn Matthew J , Shin Je Song , Hendry Jane , McKay Alastair , Vint Ross , Leung Hing Y , Meddings Robert N , Hendry David S , Fraser Michael 
Published: July 2020

Background: Penile cancer is a rare disease, with approximately 600 cases diagnosed every year in the UK. In this study, we assessed the impact of social deprivation on penile cancer, concentrating on incidence, disease factors, surgical treatment and mortality within our ‘Supranetwork’ population. Methods: All cases of penile cancer in the West of Scotland were identified from the uro-oncology multidisciplinary team meetings over a 10-year period covering January 2008 to December 2017. Patients underwent treatment within the remit of a centralised service, and social deprivation was determined using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), which is the Scottish government’s official tool to identify areas of multiple deprivations. Results: A total of 278 patients were identified, with an age range of 27–97 years ( M=64 years). The incidence of penile cancer in SIMD category 1 (most deprived) is 7.2/100,000 population at risk compared to 2.8/100,000 population at risk in SIMD category 5 (least deprived). Histologically, a higher proportion of aggressive grade 3 cancers (45% vs. 16%, p=0.03) and more advanced N2/N3 nodal disease (63% vs. 33%, p=0.04) was found in SIMD category 1 compared to SIMD category 5, suggesting higher incidence of delayed presentation with more advanced and aggressive disease in the most deprived populations. Conclusions: The level of social deprivation shows a significant association with penile cancer incidence, tumour grade and stage at time of diagnosis, with a resulting disproportionate impact on morbidity and mortality in the most deprived cohort of patients. Public awareness and efforts to increase earlier diagnoses of penile cancer in these ‘hard to reach’ men should be an important step in improving overall outcomes from penile cancer.
Methotrexate and rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Juge Pierre-Antoine , Lee Joyce S. , Lau Jessica , Kawano-Dourado Leticia , Rojas Serrano Jorge , Sebastiani Marco , Koduri Gouri , Matteson Eric , Bonfiglioli Karina , Sawamura Marcio , Kairalla Ronaldo , Cavagna Lorenzo , Bozzalla Cassione Emanuele , Manfredi Andreina , Mejia Mayra , Rodríguez-Henriquez Pedro , González-Pérez Montserrat I. , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Buendia-Roldán Ivette , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Ebstein Esther , Gazal Steven , Borie Raphaël , Ottaviani Sébastien , Kannengiesser Caroline , Wallaert Benoît , Uzunhan Yurdagul , Nunes Hilario , Valeyre Dominique , Saidenberg-Kermanac'h Nathalie , Boissier Marie-Christophe , Wemeau-Stervinou Lidwine , Flipo René-Marc , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Richette Pascal , Allanore Yannick , Dromer Claire , Truchetet Marie-Elise , Richez Christophe , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Lioté Huguette , Thabut Gabriel , Deane Kevin D. , Solomon Joshua J. , Doyle Tracy , Ryu Jay H. , Rosas Ivan , Holers V. Michael , Boileau Catherine , Debray Marie-Pierre , Porcher Raphaël , Schwartz David A. , Vassallo Robert , Crestani Bruno , Dieudé Philippe 
Published: July 2020

Question addressed by the studyMethotrexate (MTX) is a key anchor drug for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management. Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of RA. Whether MTX exposure increases the risk of ILD in patients with RA is disputed. We aimed to evaluate the association of prior MTX use with development of RA-ILD.MethodsThrough a case–control study design with discovery and international replication samples, we examined the association of MTX exposure with ILD in 410 patients with chronic fibrotic ILD associated with RA (RA-ILD) and 673 patients with RA without ILD. Estimates were pooled over the different samples using meta-analysis techniques.ResultsAnalysis of the discovery sample revealed an inverse relationship between MTX exposure and RA-ILD (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24–0.90; p=0.022), which was confirmed in the replication samples (pooled adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19–0.79; p=0.009). The combined estimate using both the derivation and validation samples revealed an adjusted OR of 0.43 (95% CI 0.26–0.69; p=0.0006). MTX ever-users were less frequent among patients with RA-ILD compared to those without ILD, irrespective of chest high-resolution computed tomography pattern. In patients with RA-ILD, ILD detection was significantly delayed in MTX ever-users compared to never-users (11.4±10.4 years and 4.0±7.4 years, respectively; p<0.001).Answer to the questionOur results suggest that MTX use is not associated with an increased risk of RA-ILD in patients with RA, and that ILD was detected later in MTX-treated patients.
The associations of interstitial lung abnormalities with cancer diagnoses and mortality
Authors: Axelsson Gisli T. , Putman Rachel K. , Aspelund Thor , Gudmundsson Elias F. , Hida Tomayuki , Araki Tetsuro , Nishino Mizuki , Hatabu Hiroto , Gudnason Vilmundur , Hunninghake Gary M. , Gudmundsson Gunnar 
Published: July 2020

An increased incidence of lung cancer is well known among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is not known whether interstitial lung abnormalities,i.e.early fibrotic changes of the lung, are a risk factor for lung cancer in the general population.The study's objective was to assess whether interstitial lung abnormalities were associated with diagnoses of, and mortality from, lung cancer and other cancers. Data from the AGES-Reykjavik study, a cohort of 5764 older Icelandic adults, were used. Outcome data were ascertained from electronic medical records. Gray's tests, Cox proportional hazards models and proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to analyse associations of interstitial lung abnormalities with lung cancer diagnoses and lung cancer mortality as well as diagnoses and mortality from all cancers.There was a greater cumulative incidence of lung cancer diagnoses (p<0.001) and lung cancer mortality (p<0.001) in participants with interstitial lung abnormalities than in others. Interstitial lung abnormalities were associated with an increased hazard of lung cancer diagnosis (hazard ratio 2.77) and lung cancer mortality (hazard ratio 2.89) in adjusted Cox models. Associations of interstitial lung abnormalities with all cancers were found in models including lung cancers but not in models excluding lung cancers.People with interstitial lung abnormalities are at increased risk of lung cancer and lung cancer mortality, but not of other cancers. This implies that an association between fibrotic and neoplastic diseases of the lung exists from the early stages of lung fibrosis and suggests that interstitial lung abnormalities could be considered as a risk factor in lung cancer screening efforts.