bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A PERFORMANCE STUDY OF A NEW PERSONAL NEUTRON DOSIMETRY SYSTEM AT SNRC
Authors: Amit Gal , Even-Hen Ofir , Awad Oshrit , Levi Yaniv , Buchbinder Lotem , Datz Hann 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This research reviews the performance of a commercial personal fast neutron dosimetry system that has recently been installed in the External Dosimetry Laboratory at Soreq Nuclear Research Center (SNRC). Different kinds of neutron sources like ${}{}^{\mathbf{241}}\boldsymbol{Am}$–Be, ${}{}^{\mathbf{252}}\boldsymbol{Cf}$ and some neutron generators are used in the industry as well as in some research institutes and reactors. The workers in these places need to be regularly monitored for neutron radiation. These workers’ individual neutron doses have been estimated at SNRC until recently by a 30-year-old in-house-made system based on the CR-39 ® solid state nuclear track (SSNT) detector technology. Last year, a new Landauer CR-39 ® neutron dosimetry system was adopted, the Neutrak system. This system employs a standard etching technique using NaOH solution, and measures the SSNT dosimeters automatically and in a repeatable manner. This paper reviews the performance of Landauer’s commercial personal neutron dosimetry system. The system performance shows excellent results in terms of linearity, repeatability, robustness, etch parameters sensitivity and detection threshold.
Neurocomputational mechanisms underlying immoral decisions benefiting self or others
Authors: Qu Chen , Hu Yang , Tang Zixuan , Derrington Edmund , Dreher Jean-Claude 
Published: March 2020

AbstractImmoral behavior often consists of weighing transgression of a moral norm against maximizing personal profits. One important question is to understand why immoral behaviors vary based on who receives specific benefits and what are the neurocomputational mechanisms underlying such moral flexibility. Here, we used model-based functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how immoral behaviors change when benefiting oneself or someone else. Participants were presented with offers requiring a tradeoff between a moral cost (i.e. profiting a morally bad cause) and a benefit for either oneself or a charity. Participants were more willing to obtain ill-gotten profits for themselves than for a charity, driven by a devaluation of the moral cost when deciding for their own interests. The subjective value of an immoral offer, computed as a linear summation of the weighed monetary gain and moral cost, recruited the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC) regardless of beneficiaries. Moreover, paralleling the behavioral findings, this region enhanced its functional coupling with mentalizing-related regions while deciding whether to gain morally tainted profits for oneself vs charity. Finally, individual differences in moral preference differentially modulated choice-specific signals in the dorsolateral PFC according to who benefited from the decisions. These findings provide insights for understanding the neurobiological basis of moral flexibility.
Contingent Negative Variation Blunting and Psychomotor Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Osborne K Juston , Kraus Brian , Lam Phoebe H , Vargas Teresa , Mittal Vijay A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The contingent negative variation (CNV) is an event-related potential that provides a neural index of psychomotor processes (eg, attention and motor planning) well known to be dysfunctional in schizophrenia. Although evidence suggests that CNV amplitude is blunted in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) compared to healthy controls (HCs), there is currently no meta-analytic evidence for the size of the effect. Further, it is unknown how CNV blunting compares to closely related measures of psychomotor dysfunction, such as reaction time slowing. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled effect size (ES) across 30 studies investigating CNV amplitude differences between patients and HCs (NSZ = 685, NHC = 714). Effect sizes for reaction time slowing across the studies were also quantified. Potential moderators, including sample characteristics and aspects of the CNV measurement, were examined. There was robust blunting of CNV activity in patients compared to HCs (ES = −0.79). The magnitude of this effect did not differ from reaction time slowing. Notably, CNV blunting in patients was significantly greater at central sites (ES = −0.87) compared to frontal sites (ES = −0.48). No other assessed methodological characteristics significantly moderated the magnitude of CNV differences. There is a large effect for CNV blunting in SZ that appears robust to potential confounds or methodological moderators. In addition, reduced CNV activity was statistically comparable to that of reaction time slowing. Blunting was the largest at central electrodes, which has been implicated in motor preparation. These findings speak to the complexity of psychomotor dysfunction in SZ and suggest significant promise for a biomarker.
Sex-specific association of poor sleep quality with gray matter volume
Authors: Neumann Nicola , Lotze Martin , Domin Martin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Study Objectives
Previous studies were inconsistent with regard to the association of sleep dysfunction on the brain’s gray matter volume (GMV). The current study set out to investigate if there is a moderating effect of sex on the relationship between sleep quality in healthy individuals and GMV.

Methods
We applied voxel-based morphometry in 1,074 young adults of the “Human Connectome Project.” An analysis of variance with the factors “sleep quality” (good/poor according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, cutoff &gt;5) and “sex” (male, female) on GMV was conducted. Additionally, linear relationships between sleep quality and GMV were tested.

Results
The analysis of variance yielded no main effect for sleep quality, but an interaction between sex and sleep quality for the right superior frontal gyrus. Post hoc t-tests showed that female good sleepers in comparison to female poor sleepers had larger GMV in the right parahippocampal gyrus extending to the right hippocampus (whole-brain family-wise error [FWE]-corrected), as well as smaller GMV in the right inferior parietal lobule (whole-brain FWE-corrected) and the right inferior temporal gyrus (whole brain FWE-corrected). There were no significant effects when comparing male good sleepers to male poor sleepers. Linear regression analyses corroborated smaller GMV in the right parahippocampal gyrus in women with poor sleep quality.

Conclusions
Poor sleep quality was associated with altered GMV in females, but not in males. Future studies are needed to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the sex differences in the association of sleep quality and brain differences found in this study.
The Tipping Point: Examining the Effects of Heterosexist and Racist Stigma on Political Participation
Authors: Cravens Royal G. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Intersectionality suggests that stigmatization experienced across multiple identities has a demobilizing effect, making people less likely to challenge systemic inequalities through political engagement. Using data collected from a unique survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) respondents, this study analyzes how experience with injustice across racial and sexual identities affects political participation. I find (1) heterosexist stigma is positively associated with political participation; (2) racist stigma is positively associated with participation in the form of political persuasion among both whites and racial minorities; and (3) there is a tipping point after which the compounded effects of stigma across multiple identities negatively affect political participation, but primarily among the most politically active LGBT people.
An honest mistake: two cases of mistaken dispositions
Authors: Watts Thomas , Gunson Hugh 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Two recent English cases, Hartogs v Sequent1and Payne v Tyler2, provide helpful examples of the application of the guidelines in the Supreme Court decision in Pitt v Holt3for claims seeking to set aside voluntary transactions on the grounds of mistake where significant unexpected tax liabilities are incurred. The facts and quantum of the cases are quite different and demonstrate the potentially wide application of the Pitt v Holt guidelines, as well as the willingness of the English Courts to hear such claims and grant the relief sought. The cases also offer guidance on a number of practical points for potential claimants for claims based on a mistake, in particular on the issues of proper forum, the role of HMRC and the position adopted by fiduciaries as non-contesting parties to the claims.
Confidential trust information and court proceedings: can privacy be maintained?
Authors: Sawyer Edward , Holmes Jamie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Trust litigation often involves highly confidential information, and it is common for all concerned to want any proceedings kept as confidential as possible. In this article, we explore four different ways in which such information might nonetheless be sought by, or become available to, a wider audience, namely through: (i) the publication of trusts judgments pursuant to the principle of open justice, (ii) applications to lift the confidentiality attaching to documents disclosed in Beddoe proceedings, (iii) the cross-examination of the trust’s own lawyers on a witness summons and (iv) the deployment of letters of request (formerly “rogatory”) against an overseas trustee.
Anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory potency of co-treatment based on bovine lactoferrin and/or muramyl dipeptide in tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Ibrahim Hany M , Mohamed Azza H , Salem Mohamed L , Osman Gamalat Y , Morsi Dalia S 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe current study investigates anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory activities of co-treatment based on bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and/or muramyl dipeptide (MDP) with or without cisplatin (Cis) in tumor-bearing mice. In the present study, bLF (100 mg/kg; orally) and MDP (0.5 mg/kg; subcutaneously) was administered alone or together. MDP or bLF was co-treated with Cis (1 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) in mice-bearing Ehrlich solid carcinoma. Tumor size, tumor mass proliferation, apoptosis using immunohistochemistry, the alteration in spleen cell proliferation, phenotype using flow cytometry and white blood cells total and differential counts were detected. Treatment with Cis or (bLF and MDP) significantly reduced tumor size, upregulated the pro-apoptotic p53 expression and downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and proliferative marker PCNA expression compared to non-treated tumor-bearing animals. Moreover, co-treatment of MDP and Cis significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size, downregulated the Bcl-2 and PCNA expression and upregulated the p53 expression compared to Cis-treated animals. While bLF and Cis co-treatment positively controlled PCNA and p53 expression compared to tumor-bearing animals, it significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size and downregulated the Bcl-2 expression compared to Cis-treated animals. Co-treatment of (bLF and MDP), (bLF and Cis) or (MDP and Cis) increased the spleen cell proliferation and altered the immunological profile of the CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+CD69+, CD3+CD8+CD69+ and CD11b+Ly6G+ cells to achieve better immune response against tumor. In conclusion, co-treatments based on bLF and/or MDP are promising therapies against cancer, through their potency to control proliferation, enhance apoptosis and improve the immune status against tumor cells.
Genetic Factors and Delayed TSB Monitoring and Treatment as Risk Factors Associated with Severe Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates Admitted for Phototherapy
Authors: Boo Nem-Yun , Sin Shwe , Chee Seok-Chiong , Mohamed Maslina , Ahluwalia Anita Kaur , Ling Michelle Min-Min , Ong Han-Kiat 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to determine whether maternal–fetal blood group isoimmunization, breastfeeding, birth trauma, age when first total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured, age of admission, and genetic predispositions to hemolysis [due to genetic variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme], and reduced hepatic uptake and/or conjugation of serum bilirubin [due to genetic variants of solute carrier organic anion transporter protein family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1)] were significant risk factors associated with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH, TSB ≥ 342µmol/l) in jaundiced term neonates admitted for phototherapy.

Methods
The inclusion criteria were normal term neonates (gestation ≥ 37 weeks). Parents/care-givers were interviewed to obtain data on demography, clinical problems, feeding practice and age when first TSB was measured. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to detect common G6PD, UGT1A1 and SLCO1B1 variants on each neonate’s dry blood specimens.

Results
Of 1121 jaundiced neonates recruited, 232 had SNH. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (in days) when first TSB was measured [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.395; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.094–1.779], age (in days) of admission (aOR = 1.127; 95% CI 1.007–1.260) and genetic mutant UGT1A1 promoter A(TA)7TAA (aOR = 4.900; 95% CI 3.103–7.739), UGT1A1 c.686C&gt;A (aOR = 6.095; 95% CI 1.549–23.985), SLCO1B1 c.388G&gt;A (aOR = 1.807; 95% CI 1.242–2.629) and G6PD variants and/or abnormal G6PD screening test (aOR = 2.077; 95% CI 1.025–4.209) were significantly associated with SNH.

Conclusion
Genetic predisposition, and delayed measuring first TSB and commencing phototherapy increased risk of SNH.
Management issues in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: England Bryant R. , Hershberger Daniel 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review
Summarize recent evidence on the identification and management of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

Recent findings
Clinical and subclinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) are frequent extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Better means of identifying and treating RA-ILD are needed to improve the prognosis, with a median survival of only 3–7 years after diagnosis. Several serum biomarkers are currently being evaluated for their ability to detect RA-ILD. Thorough evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion remains the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis of RA-ILD. Management is challenging with most RA disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) linked to pneumonitis. Methotrexate is typically avoided in clinically significant ILD, although alternative therapies including leflunomide and biologic DMARDs also carry risks in RA-ILD. Antifibrotics appear to slow the progression of ILD, and a large phase II trial exclusively in RA-ILD is underway. In addition, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, managing comorbidities, and lung transplantation evaluation are vital to improving patient outcomes in RA-ILD.

Summary
With little high-quality evidence to guide the management of RA-ILD, multidisciplinary teams with expertise in RA-ILD are highly valuable for diagnosing and treating RA-ILD. Clinical and translational research in RA-ILD is needed to fill the many evidence gaps.
Recent developments with advancing gene therapy to treat chronic infection with hepatitis B virus
Authors: Maepa Mohube B. , Jacobs Ridhwaanah , van den Berg Fiona , Arbuthnot Patrick 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review
The available vaccine and therapies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) rarely eliminate chronic infection with the virus. High mortality resulting from complicating cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma makes improving anti-HBV therapy an important priority. Recent advances with using gene therapy to counter HBV have potential and are the focus of this review.

Recent findings
The stable replication-competent HBV intermediate comprising covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the template for expression of all viral genes. Inactivating cccDNA has thus been a focus of research aimed at achieving cure for HBV infection. Many studies have reported profound inhibition of replication of the virus using silencing and editing techniques. Therapeutic gene silencing with synthetic short interfering RNA is now in clinical trials. Ability to mutate and permanently inactivate cccDNA with engineered gene editors, such as those derived from CRISPR/Cas or TALENs, is particularly appealing but has not yet reached clinical evaluation.

Summary
Gene silencing and gene editing potentially provide the means to cure HBV infection. However, achieving efficient delivery of therapeutic sequences, ensuring their specificity of action and progress with other antiviral strategies are likely to determine utility of gene therapy for chronic HBV infection.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Patients Younger Than 40 Years
Authors: Stewart Thomas Jonathan , Venning Victoria Louise , Moreno Bonilla Gilberto , Byth Karen , Lee Simon , Fernandez-Penas Pablo 
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND
As the availability of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) continues to expand in Australia and incidence of keratinocyte cancer increases in adolescents and young adults, there has been rising interest in the use of MMS in this population.

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of MMS cases in patients younger than 40 years.

METHODS
A review was performed of all MMS cases in patients younger than 40 years at the time of their surgery from 2012 to 2017 at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, with comparison to a control group, aged older than 40 years. Patient, tumor and management characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS
Four hundred ninety-three cases were eligible. Study and control groups differed significantly regarding gender (p < .001), tumor pathology (p < .001), anatomic site of tumor (p < .001), Mohs surgery stages (p = .039), defect size (p < .001), and repair method (p < .001).

LIMITATIONS
Retrospective study at a single institution.

CONCLUSION
Mohs micrographic surgery cases in patients younger than 40 years exhibit unique patient and tumor characteristics influencing choice of repair method.
Bacterial vaginosis diagnosis and treatment in postmenopausal women: a survey of clinician practices
Authors: Mark Katrina S. , Tenorio Beatriz , Stennett Christina A. , Ghanem Khalil G. , Brotman Rebecca M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objective:
Some diagnostic features of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) overlap, such as low levels of vaginal Lactobacillus and pH > 5. We sought to determine clinicians’ diagnostic and treatment practices for postmenopausal women presenting with BV and GSM scenarios and how commercial molecular screening tests are utilized.

Methods:
Anonymous surveys were sent to practicing women's health clinicians to evaluate assessment and treatment strategies for postmenopausal women presenting with BV and GSM scenarios.

Results:
When given a scenario of a postmenopausal woman with symptoms overtly positive for BV, a majority of providers (73%) would conduct a wet mount, though only 35% would evaluate full Amsel's criteria. A majority (89%) recommended treatment with antibiotics, 28.2% recommended vaginal estrogen in addition to antibiotics, and 11.8% recommended vaginal estrogen alone. Of providers who would use a molecular swab, 30% would wait for results before treating the patient's symptoms. When given a scenario of a postmenopausal woman presenting with GSM, a majority (80%) recommended vaginal estrogen, and only 4.6% recommended antibiotics. Few (16%) responders would evaluate with a molecular swab, half of whom would wait for results before prescribing treatment. Clinicians in practice for less than 10 years were more likely to rely on molecular swabs than those who had been practicing longer (P < 0.0003).

Conclusions:
Methods used to evaluate postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms vary. Future studies of postmenopausal women that differentiate diagnostic criteria between BV and GSM, and validate commercial molecular testing for BV in women over age 50 are needed.
The Women's Health Initiative Estrogen-alone Trial had differential disease and medical expenditure consequences across age groups
Authors: Donneyong Macarius M. , Chang Teng-Jen , Roth Joshua A. , Guilds McKenna , Ankrah Daniel , Najafzadeh Mehdi , Xu Wendy Y. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Margolis Karen , Manson JoAnn E. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives:
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trial identified age differences in the benefit-risk profile of estrogen-alone (ET) use. The impact of WHI trial on disease-associated medical expenditures attributable to subsequent decreased ET utilization has, however, not been measured. Therefore, the objective of this analysis was to quantify the age-specific disease-associated medical expenditures attributable to reduced ET utilization after the WHI Hormone Therapy (HT) trials.

Methods:
Population-level disease counts and associated expenditures between 2003 and 2015 were compared between an observed ET-user population versus a hypothetical ET-user population assuming absence of the WHI HT trials, constructed by extrapolating ET utilization rates from 1996 to 2002 assuming pre-WHI HT rates would have continued without publication of the WHI HT trial data (2002-2004). Analyses were stratified by age (50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years). Input data were extracted from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the literature. The primary outcomes were: ET utilization, chronic diseases (breast cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer, pulmonary embolism, and hip fracture) and disease-associated direct medical expenditures.

Results:
Over 13 years, the decline in ET utilization was associated with $4.1 billion expenditure for excess chronic diseases (37,549 excess events) among women in their 50s, compared to savings of $1.5 billion and $4.4 billion for diseases averted by lower ET utilization among women in their 60s (13,495 fewer events) and 70s (40,792 fewer events), respectively.

Conclusion:
The decline in ET utilization had differential disease and expenditure consequences by age groups in the United States. These results are limited by the lack of inclusion of vasomotor symptom benefit and costs of alternative medications for these symptoms in the analysis.