bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disseminated Gonococcal Infection Complicated by Prosthetic Joint Infection: Case Report and Genomic and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Ogbebor Osakpolor , Mortimer Tatum D , Fryling Kyra , Zhang Jessica J , Bhanot Nitin , Grad Yonatan H 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNeisseria gonorrhoeae infections have been increasing globally, with prevalence rising across age groups. In this study, we report a case of disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) involving a prosthetic joint, and we use whole-genome sequencing to characterize resistance genes, putative virulence factors, and the phylogenetic lineage of the infecting isolate. We review the literature on sequence-based prediction of antibiotic resistance and factors that contribute to risk for DGI. We argue for routine sequencing and reporting of invasive gonococcal infections to aid in determining whether an invasive gonococcal infection is sporadic or part of an outbreak and to accelerate understanding of the genetic features of N gonorrhoeae that contribute to pathogenesis.
Competitive Agents in Certain and Uncertain Markets
Authors: Chambers Robert G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This book uses concepts from optimization theory to develop an integrated analytic framework for treating consumer, producer, and market equilibrium analyses as special cases of a generic optimization problem. The same framework applies to both stochastic and non-stochastic decision settings, so that the latter is recognized as an (important) special case of the former. The analytic techniques are borrowed from convex analysis and variational analysis. Special emphasis is given to generalized notions of differentiability, conjugacy theory, and Fenchel's Duality Theorem. The book shows how virtually identical conjugate analyses form the basis for modeling economic behavior in each of the areas studied. The basic analytic concepts are borrowed from convex analysis. Special emphasis is given to generalized notions of differentiability, conjugacy theory, and Fenchel's Duality Theorem. It is demonstrated how virtually identical conjugate analyses form the basis for modelling economic behaviour in each of the areas studied.
The Consumer Problem
Authors: Chambers Robert G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The theory of a rational consumer characterized by an incomplete preference order is developed using distance functions and the zero-minimum (zero-maximum) principle. The essential comparative-static properties of the associated quantity-dependent and price-dependent demand structures are characterized. Utility functions are derived from distance functions for preference structures satisfying a complete ordering assumption. The Marshall-Hicks demand theory that is based on a utility-maximizing consumer is derived as a special case of rational consumer behavior. The Hicks-Allen demand decomposition is reviewed and a conjugate profit function approach to utility maximization is developed and used to discuss Revealed Preference Theory. The Chapter closes by examining the structural consequences of the independence axiom for d(x,y;g).
Decision Making and Equilibrium under Uncertainty
Authors: Chambers Robert G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rational choice under uncertainty for individuals with incomplete preferences is examined for three choice environments: the standard financial portfolio model, producer choice in the absence of financial markets, and producer choice in the presence of financial markets. Each problem is analyzed using distance functions and the zero-maximum (zero-minimum) principle. General equilibrium is analyzed using the zero-maximum (zero-minimum) principle and related to equilibrium representation in a nonstochastic setting. Choice under uncertainty for individuals with complete preferences is examined
Info-metric Methods for the Estimation of Models with Group-Specific Moment Conditions
Authors: Andrews Martyn , Hall Alastair R. , Khatoon Rabeya , Lincoln James 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Motivated by empirical analyses in economics using repeated cross-sectional data, we propose info-metric methods (IM) for estimation of the parameters of statistical models based on the information in population moment conditions that hold at group level. The info-metric estimation can be viewed as the primary approach to a constrained optimization. The estimators can also be obtained via the dual approach to this optimization, known as generalized empirical likelihood (GEL). In Andrews, Hall, Khatoon and Lincoln (2019), we provide a comprehensive framework for inference based on GEL with the grouped-specific moment conditions. In this chapter, we compare the computational requirements of the primary and dual approaches. We also describe the IM/GEL inference framework in the context of a linear regression model that is estimated using the information that the mean of the error is zero for each group. For the latter setting, we use analytical arguments and a small simulation study to compare the properties of IM/GEL-based inferences to those of inferences based on certain extant methods. The IM/GEL methods are illustrated through an application to estimation of the returns to education in which the groups are defined via information on family background.
Entropy-Based Model Averaging Estimation of Nonparametric Models
Authors: Tu Yundong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this chapter, I propose a model averaging estimation of nonparametric models based on Shannon’s entropy measure. The choice of weights in the averaging estimator is implemented bya maximizing the Shannon’s entropy measure which aggregates both model uncertainty and data uncertainty. Finite sample simulation studies show that the proposed averaging estimator outperforms the local linear least square estimator in terms of mean-squared errors and outperforms the Mallows averaging estimator of Hansen (2007) when the signal-to-noise ratio is low. An empirical example to apply the proposed estimator is provided to study the wage equation and illustrates its superiority in out-of-sample forecasts.
Reflections on Narrative and Cultural Humility
Authors: Josselson Ruthellen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This chapter reviews the literature on East/West cultural differences in light of the author’s experience in China. It considers the nuances of the individualist/collectivistic binary description of cultures and contests this as a meaningful distinction, arguing that these are on a continuum, with elements of both at every point. It makes a strong case for the importance of cultural humility, which involves being open to surprise and nurturing curiosity about how others think and construe their experience in their own terms, through their own narratives. It means learning to recognize our own taken-for-granted assumptions. Narrative sheds a more illuminating light on culture than abstractions and has the possibility of representing culture with vividness and respect for profound differences.
Introduction
Authors: Walter Stefanie , Ray Ari , Redeker Nils 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Why did the Eurozone crisis prove so difficult to resolve? Why were adjustment burdens distributed so unevenly and why did no country leave the Eurozone? Who supported and opposed different policy options and how did the distributive struggles both within countries and between countries shape crisis politics? This introductory chapter lays out the main research questions and puzzles motivating this book. It provides an overview about the trajectory of the crisis and highlights the unusual characteristics of the crisis, most notably the unequal distribution of crisis resolution costs between deficit-debtor and surplus-creditor countries in the Eurozone. It then presents the policy options available to policymakers in both crisis countries mired by debt and balance of payments problems, as well as surplus-creditor countries characterized by large current account surpluses. The chapter then presents a brief overview of the book’s main argument that societies’ and political actors’ vulnerability profiles play an important role in shaping crisis policies and politics. The chapter concludes with an outlook and brief summary of the book’s individual chapters and a discussion of the book’s contributions to research on the Eurozone crisis, crisis politics, and the role of trade-offs in policymaking more generally.
Surplus Country Vulnerability to Rebalancing
Authors: Reinke Raphael , Redeker Nils , Walter Stefanie , Ray Ari 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Surplus countries usually do not attract attention in balance-of-payment crises. However, even though the immediate crisis repercussions mostly center on countries with large current account deficits, surplus countries form an integral part of current account imbalances. They contribute to the underlying problem and could be part of the solution. While in the Eurozone crisis this became especially apparent in negotiations about bailout packages and mutual adjustment measures, such conflicts between surplus countries and deficit states occupy hardly a unique situation. This chapter, therefore, examines the position of surplus countries during the Eurozone crisis in a broader, comparative perspective. Building on the concepts laid out in Chapter 2, it develops a quantitative measure of surplus country vulnerability profiles, which express the relative costs of external and internal adjustment. Specifically, vulnerability profiles of surplus countries in the Eurozone crisis are developed against the backdrop of 272 historical surplus episodes in 61 countries and are specifically compared with those outside the monetary union and with those in the EMS crisis. Similarly to their deficit counterparts, the surplus countries in the Eurozone were in the “misery corner,” where they faced high costs to both external and internal adjustment. The vulnerability profiles indicate why they acquiesced to bailout packages for deficit countries, but only after a difficult and lengthy political struggle.
Spinor Bundles and Spacetime Geometry
Authors: Canarutto Daniel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSpinor bundles and other related bundles are constructed by exploiting the algebraic notions introduced in the previous chapter. The linear connections of these bundles and their mutual relations are studied. The notion of 2-spinor soldering form, or ‘tetrad’, yields the fundamental link between spinor algebra and spacetime geometry. The Fermi transport of spinors is studied in view of the definition of free states of particles with spin. The notion of Lorentzian distance is examined in relation to 2-spinor geometry, obtaining simplifications in regard to certain issues which are discussed, in the literature, in relation to the ‘algebraic approach’ to spacetime geometry.
Gauge Field Theory and Gravitation
Authors: Canarutto Daniel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe notion of 2-spinor soldering form allows a neat formulation, called the ‘tetrad-affine setting’, of a theory of matter and gauge fields interacting with the gravitational field. The latter is represented by a couple constituted by the soldering form and a 2-spinor connection. This approach is suited to describe matter fields with arbitrary spin and generic further internal structure. In particular one gets an approach to interacting Einstein-Cartan-Maxwell-Dirac fields, in which the only assumption is a complex bundle with 2-dimensional fibers: the needed bundles are obtained from it by natural geometric contructions, and any object which is not determined from these ‘minimal geometric data’ is assumed to be a dynamical field.
On Gauge Freedom and Interactions
Authors: Canarutto Daniel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe notion of gauge freedom is discussed in the context of the 2-spinor approach to Maxwell-Dirac fields. The various types of boson interaction terms arising in a generic gauge field theory are laid down, and detailed in the particular case of gauge boson interactions in the electroweak theory. Finally, several observations of ‘philosophical nature’ are offered, together with some ideas for future work.
Frege’s New Logic and the Function/Argument Regimentation
Authors: Weiner Joan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFrege says his new logical language is not designed to play the role of natural language. It is, rather, a tool designed for specific scientific purposes. The role he assigns to his logical language forces him to abandon traditional subject–predicate analyses of statements in favor of a new kind of analysis in terms of function and argument. But the function-argument analysis, in its original version, gives rise to several problems, among them the problem about identity with which Frege begins “On Sinn and Bedeutung.” This chapter traces through the problems with the original version of the new logical language and Frege’s later solutions. A key part of these solutions is to take sentences to be object names. And, while this may be problematic in an account of the workings of natural languages, it is unproblematic in a language that plays the role of Frege’s logical language.
Blood-Flow Restriction Training for a Person With Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Cohen Evan T , Cleffi Nicole , Ingersoll Marianne , Karpatkin Herb I 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objective
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, in which an inflatable cuff partially occludes blood flow around the proximal portion of a limb, coupled with low-intensity resistance training (LIRT) has resulted in gains comparable with traditional progressive resistive exercise in healthy populations. The use of BFR with LIRT may enable people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to improve strength without an increase in fatigue. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a BFR/LIRT program for a person with MS.

Methods
The patient was a 54-year-old woman with a 13-year history of primary progressive MS with an Extended Disability Severity Score of 3.0 out of 10. She received a BFR/LIRT program for both lower extremities biweekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks included the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) (goals: running for exercise and pleasure for 45 minutes, 100% confidence in negotiating a flight of stairs, confidently and safely drive without restriction), and 14 lower extremity strength tests.

Results
The intervention was well tolerated without adverse events. After 6 weeks, the MSWS-12 score improved; however, it did not exceed minimum detectable change (MDC). Fatigue Severity Scale was unchanged. All PSFS goals improved beyond MDC, and improvements in strength exceeded MDC in 2 out of 14 tests. After 12 weeks, MSWS-12 improvements persisted and the Fatigue Severity Scale score improved, but neither exceeded MDC. The PSFS improvements persisted. There were improvements exceeding MDC for 8 out of 14 strength tests. The remaining 6 strength tests improved but did not exceed MDC.

Conclusion
The patient had measurable improvements following the use of a BFR/LIRT program. BFR/LIRT may be an option for strength training in people with MS; however, research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness across the population of people with MS.

Impact
Traditional physical therapist interventions for people with MS have been shown to be beneficial; however, their usefulness has been limited by fatigue. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the effects of a BFR/LIRT program on strength and other measures of physical function in healthy populations and those with chronic disease. This case report adds missing information to the existing literature and suggests directions for research on the effectiveness of BFR/LIRT in people with primary progressive MS.

Lay Summary
Blood flow restriction, which has been used to help improve strength in healthy adults and in some people with chronic disease, applies pressure around the arm or leg to limit the flow of blood to that body part during exercise, helping to reduce fatigue. Blood flow restriction coupled with low-intensity strengthening exercises can be used for a person with MS.
Depression Symptoms Are Associated with Poor Functional Status Among Operative Spinal Deformity Patients
Authors: Lafage Renaud , Ang Bryan , Schwab Frank , Kim Han Jo , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher , Burton Douglas , Ames Christopher , Mundis Gregory , Hostin Richard , Bess Shay , Klineberg Eric , Passias Peter , Lafage Virginie 
Published: December 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective review of prospective multicenter database.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to investigate how preoperative mental status affects preoperative and postoperative disability and health scores in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

Summary of Background Data.
The relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and depression has previously been documented. However, the influence of depression on clinical outcomes among ASD patients is not well understood.

Methods.
ASD patients with minimum 2-year follow-up were stratified based on preoperative mental health measured by Short Form 36 (SF-36) mental component score (MCS). Patients with MCS in the 25th and 75th percentile of the cohort were designated as having low and high MCS, respectively. After matching by preoperative demographics and deformity, pre- and post-HRQOL were compared between the two groups. Further analysis was performed to identify individualized questions on the SF-36 that could potentially screen for patients with low MCS.

Results.
Five hundred thirteen patients were assessed (58.4 years’ old, 79% women, mean MCS 45.5). Thresholds for low and high MCS cohorts were 35.0 and 57.3, respectively. After matching by preoperative alignment, low MCS patients had worse Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (52.3 ± 17.0 vs. 35.7 ± 14.6, P < 0.001) and Scoliosis Research Society-22R scores for all domains (all P < 0.001) compared to high MCS patients. Similar results were maintained at 2-year postop, with low MCS patients having a worse ODI (35.2 ± 20.2 vs. 19.7 ± 18.6, P < 0.001) and MCS (42.4 ± 13.5 vs. 58.6 ± 7.1, P < 0.001). Despite similar preoperative Physical Component Score (PCS), low MCS patients were less likely to reach MCID for PCS (46.1% vs. 70.6%, P < 0.01) and had a lower satisfaction at 2-year follow-up (3.88 ± 1.07 vs. 4.39 ± 0.94, P < 0.001). Questions 5a, 9d, and 9f on the SF-36 were found to be independent predictors of low MCS.

Conclusion.
ASD patients with low MCS are more likely to experience functional limitations before and after surgery and are less likely to be satisfied postoperatively, even when similar clinical goals are achieved. Incorporating psychological factors may assist in decision making.

Level of Evidence: 3
Morphometric Analysis of the Lateral Atlantoaxial Joints in Patients with an Old Type II Odontoid Fracture and Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Ma Fei , Liao Yehui , Tang Qiang , Tang Chao , Luo Ning , He Hongchun , Yang Sheng , Wang Qing , Zhong Dejun 
Published: December 2020

Mini
The morphological features of the lateral atlantoaxial joints (LAJs) in patients with old type II odontoid fractures and atlantoaxial dislocation have not been fully analyzed. Our study found the changes in morphological features of the LAJs in some patients, and revealed the causes and consequences of the changes in morphological features of the LAJs.

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.
We aimed to study and interpret the morphological features of the lateral atlantoaxial joints (LAJs) in patients with old type II odontoid fractures and atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD).

Summary of Background Data.
The causes and consequences of the morphological changes of the LAJs in patients with old type II odontoid fractures and AAD have not been analyzed before.

Methods.
A retrospective study was performed on patients with old type II odontoid fracture and AAD. These patients were placed in group A (unstable or reducible dislocation) or group B (irreducible or bony dislocation) depending on the type of dislocation they had. We documented the morphological changes and measured the inclination angle of the articular surface of the LAJs in computerized tomographic images and compared the results collected for the two groups. The association between the history of injury and the inclination angle of the articular surface of the LAJs was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results.
A total of 29 patients were enrolled (16 patients in group A, and 13 patients in group B). The inclination angle in group A was significantly greater than that in group B (P < 0.001). Patients in group B were more likely to have fish-lip-like changes, dome-like changes, or collapse of the LAJs. Age, history, atlantodental interval, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score were also significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the history of injury and the inclination angle of the articular surfaces of the LAJs (left: r = −0.726, P < 0.001; right: r = −0.795, P < 0.001).

Conclusion.
The morphological changes of the LAJs could progressively become more pronounced during the evolution of the disease.

Level of Evidence: 4
Evaluation of Benefit and Cost Utility of Immediate Postanesthesia Care Unit Radiographs to Predict Airway Compromise After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Khan Asham , Meyers Joshua E. , Blasio Paul , Mao Jennifer Z. , O’Connor Timothy E. , Agyei Justice O. , Winograd Evan K. , Snyder Kenneth V. , Mullin Jeffrey P. , Levy Elad I. , Pollina John 
Published: December 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective review.

Objective.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed procedure that may be complicated by airway compromise postoperatively. This life-threatening complication may necessitate reintubation and reoperation. We evaluated the cost utility of conventional postoperative x-ray.

Summary of Background Data.
Studies have demonstrated minimal benefit in obtaining an x-ray on postoperative day 1, but there is some utility of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) x-rays for predicting the likelihood of reoperation.

Methods.
We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients who underwent ACDF between September 2013 and February 2017. Patients were dichotomized into those who received PACU x-rays and those who did not (control group). Primary outcomes were reoperation, reintubation, mortality, and health care costs.

Results.
Eight-hundred and fifteen patients were included in our analysis: 558 had PACU x-rays; 257 did not. In those who received PACU x-rays, mean age was 53.7 ± 11.3 years, mean levels operated on were 2.0 ± 0.79, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.3 ± 6.9. In those who did not, mean age was 51.8 ± 10.9 years, mean levels operated on were 1.48 ± 0.65, and mean BMI was 29.9 ± 6.3. Complications in the PACU x-ray group were reintubation—0.4%, reoperation—0.7%, and death—0.3% (due to prevertebral swelling causing airway compromise). Complications in the control group were reintubation—0.4%, reoperation—0.8%, and death—0. There were no differences between groups with respect to reoperation (P = 0.92), reintubation (P = 0.94), or mortality (P = 0.49). The mean per-patient cost was significantly higher (P = 0.009) in those who received PACU x-rays, $1031.76 ± 948.67, versus those in the control group, $700.26 ± 634.48. Mean length of stay was significantly longer in those who had PACU x-rays (P = 0.01).

Conclusion.
Although there were no differences in reoperation, reintubation, or mortality, there was a significantly higher cost for care and hospitalization in those who received PACU x-rays. Further studies are warranted to validate the results of the presented study.

Level of Evidence: 3