bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemorrhagic patterns and their risk factors in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Zhang Q. , Zhao M. , Ge P. , Liu X. , Wang R. , Zhang Y. , Zhang D. , Zhao J. 
Published: August 2020

Background and purposeThe aim was to describe the profiles of hemorrhagic patterns of moyamoya disease (MMD) and analyze the risk factors in a large population.MethodsA total of 335 conservatively managed MMD patients with hemorrhage in our hospital were included in this cross‐sectional study. The correlation between clinical and angiographic characteristics and hemorrhagic patterns (anterior or posterior hemorrhage) was assessed in the hemorrhagic hemisphere by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. In addition, stratified analysis was performed.ResultsThe 335 hemorrhagic hemispheres (patients) comprised 179 (53.4%) anterior and 156 (46.6%) posterior hemorrhages. For all cases, age at onset [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–1.00; P = 0.048] and choroidal anastomosis (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.19–2.94; P = 0.007) were found by multivariate regression analysis to be negatively and positively associated with a significantly increased risk of posterior hemorrhage, respectively. After stratified analysis, hypertension (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14–0.97; P = 0.043) was identified by multivariate regression analysis as a risk factor for anterior hemorrhage in patients without dilation of choroidal anastomosis. On the other hand, choroidal anastomosis (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.02–6.72; P = 0.045) and involvement of the posterior cerebral artery (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.20–9.63; P = 0.022) were associated with significantly increased risk of posterior hemorrhage in children and young adults (<30 years of age).ConclusionsA dynamic change in hemorrhagic patterns in MMD patients with increasing age at onset was observed. Choroidal anastomosis is a predictor of posterior hemorrhage. Hypertension is a risk factor for anterior hemorrhage in patients without extreme dilation of choroidal anastomosis.
Corn stover harvest reduces soil CO2 fluxes but increases overall C losses
Authors: O’Brien Peter L. , Sauer Thomas J. , Archontoulis Sotirios , Karlen Douglas L. , Laird David 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHarvesting corn (Zea mays L.) stover for use as bioenergy feedstock may provide short‐term economic benefits and perhaps improve grain yield in continuous corn systems, but excessive stover removal may lead to long‐term depletion of soil C stocks. To better quantify the impacts of stover harvest on the soil C balance, we investigated CO2 fluxes under three harvest treatments (none, moderate, and high) in three continuous corn systems: (a) no tillage and no biochar applications, (b) chisel plowing with biochar amendments, and (c) chisel plowing without biochar amendments were quantified. We sampled static chambers 14, 13, and 15 times in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively, and the measurements were used to calibrate the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator model. Although CO2‐C emissions did not differ among the three systems, both moderate (approximately 30%) and high (approximately 60%) stover removal rates reduced simulated CO2‐C emissions by nearly 10% and more than 22%, respectively. Despite these reductions in CO2 flux, the sum of CO2‐C and stover C exceeded CO2‐C losses in those plots without stover removal. This finding suggested soil C depletion was occurring for the soil and crop management practices used, even though depletion was not evident after 3 years. Application of biochar increased soil C levels, suggesting it may be able to offset some C losses. We conclude that for sustainable, highly productive agroecosystems that include stover harvest, all agronomic practices must be optimized to minimize C losses and maintain soil quality.
A cross‐scale assessment of productivity–diversity relationships
Authors: Craven Dylan , van der Sande Masha T. , Meyer Carsten , Gerstner Katharina , Bennett Joanne M. , Giling Darren P. , Hines Jes , Phillips Helen R. P. , May Felix , Bannar‐Martin Katherine H. , Chase Jonathan M. , Keil Petr 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimBiodiversity and ecosystem productivity vary across the globe, and considerable effort has been made to describe their relationships. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning research has traditionally focused on how experimentally controlled species richness affects net primary productivity (S → NPP) at small spatial grains. In contrast, the influence of productivity on richness (NPP → S) has been explored at many grains in naturally assembled communities. Mismatches in spatial scale between approaches have fuelled debate about the strength and direction of biodiversity–productivity relationships. Here, we examine the direction and strength of the influence of productivity on diversity (NPP → S) and the influence of diversity on productivity (S → NPP) and how these vary across spatial grains.LocationContiguous USA.Time period1999–2015.Major taxa studiedWoody species (angiosperms and gymnosperms).MethodsUsing data from North American forests at grains from local (672 m2) to coarse spatial units (median area = 35,677 km2), we assess relationships between diversity and productivity using structural equation and random forest models, while accounting for variation in climate, environmental heterogeneity, management and forest age.ResultsWe show that relationships betweenSand NPP strengthen with spatial grain. Within each grain,S → NPP and NPP → Shave similar magnitudes, meaning that processes underlyingS → NPP and NPP → Seither operate simultaneously or that one of them is real and the other is an artefact. At all spatial grains,Swas one of the weakest predictors of forest productivity, which was largely driven by biomass, temperature and forest management and age.Main conclusionsWe conclude that spatial grain mediates relationships between biodiversity and productivity in real‐world ecosystems and that results supporting predictions from each approach (NPP → SandS → NPP) serve as an impetus for future studies testing underlying mechanisms. Productivity–diversity relationships emerge at multiple spatial grains, which should widen the focus of national and global policy and research to larger spatial grains.
Option‐for‐guarantee swaps and flexible investment opportunities
Authors: Gan Liu , Wang Chong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper develops a dynamic structural model to study the interaction between an entrepreneur's initial financing choice and future investment decisions when the firm is financed by an option‐for‐guarantee swap (OGS) contract. We begin under the assumption that the guarantee cost is determined by the bargaining between the entrepreneur and the guarantor at the initial time, and the entrepreneur can exercise investment at each time to adjust the firm's size. We show that both the market leverage ratio and agency cost of debt overhang exhibit a U‐shaped relation with the entrepreneur's bargaining power. Moreover, our model predicts an inverted U‐shaped relationship between the agency cost of debt overhang and the profitability of investment opportunities. In particular, compared to the traditional fee‐for‐guarantee swaps (FGSs), we also demonstrate that firms with OGS financing have a larger bargaining region between the entrepreneur and the guarantor. This means that OGSs can make it easier for the entrepreneur escape initial financial constraints and thus can provide a novel investment‐based explanation for the use of OGSs.
Intrinsic defects, Mo‐related defects, and complexes in transition‐metal carbide VC: A first‐principles study
Authors: Guo Jing , Feng Yunli , Tang Cong , Ren Xuejun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntrinsic defects and Mo‐related defects in vanadium carbide VC, as well as the defect complexes between vacancies and Mo defects were investigated by means of first‐principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory. In addition, Mo diffusion in VC was also studied using LST/QST method. The formation energies of defects have clearly shown that except C vacancy (VC) all other point defects are not energetic favorable compared to perfect VC. VC can exist in the lattice forming nonstoichiometric carbide VCx (x < 1), and also can stabilize the Mo‐related defects (SMo‐V, SMo‐C, and TMo). Free Mo atoms have the strong tendency to enter the already formed VV and occupy the lattice position of V atoms. Meanwhile, Mo atom in C lattice (SMo‐C) and interstitial Mo (IMo) atom can also enter the VV position stabilizing the lattice structure. SMo‐C + VV will transform into SMo‐V + VC and IMo + VV will transform into SMo‐V during optimization, and large binding energy makes Mo atom tend to exist in the interstitial position. From the perspective of energy, Mo atom tends to diffuse through the interstitial position.
Modelling the effect of environmental temperatures, microhabitat and behavioural thermoregulation on predicted activity patterns in a desert lizard across its thermally diverse distribution
Authors: Parlin Adam F. , Schaeffer Paul J. , Jezkova Tereza 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTemperature plays an important role in determining distributions of ectothermic species, yet many ectotherms have wide distributions across diverse environmental conditions. Our goal was to model regional differences in annual and seasonal activity patterns among populations of Phrynosoma platyrhinos across its climatically diverse distribution. We hypothesize that microhabitat availability and behavioural thermoregulation will not mitigate large‐scale climatic differences across the species' distribution, resulting in alteration of activity patterns of populations.LocationWestern deserts of North America.TaxonDesert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos).MethodsWe used biophysical models to (a) model microhabitat conditions at 31 localities across the species' range, (b) model body temperature profiles of a theoretical lizard using microhabitat conditions, physiological and thermal parameters and the ability of lizards to thermoregulate behaviourally and (c) predict year‐round activity patterns of P. platyrhinos across its range, quantified as the percentage of time permissible for basking or foraging.ResultsThe models identified that different populations of P. platyrhinos experience differences in predicted activity patterns, both daily and seasonally, with up to 67% more time suitable for foraging in the southern than northern deserts. Southern populations have more potential for year‐round activity, but predicted activity is reduced during hot summer months. The northern populations have less time for activity overall because of low temperatures in the spring and fall. However, summer‐predicted activity is greater than in the southern regions.Main conclusionsWe detected pronounced regional differences in the times available to P. platyrhinos for activity. We conclude that behaviour and microclimate conditions are not able to fully mitigate the effects of large‐scale thermal variation, and that lizards compensate for climatic variation by shifting their daily and seasonal predicted activity patterns. These differences can be tied to inter‐population variation in life history traits.
Hypomethylation of the promoter region drives ectopic expression of TMEM244 in Sézary cells
Authors: Iżykowska Katarzyna , Rassek Karolina , Żurawek Magdalena , Nowicka Karina , Paczkowska Julia , Ziółkowska‐Suchanek Iwona , Podralska Marta , Dzikiewicz‐Krawczyk Agnieszka , Joks Monika , Olek‐Hrab Karolina , Giefing Maciej , Przybylski Grzegorz K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive form of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) characterized by the presence of circulating malignant CD4+ T cells (Sézary cells) with many complex changes in the genome, transcriptome and epigenome. Epigenetic dysregulation seems to have an important role in the development and progression of SS as it was shown that SS cells are characterized by widespread changes in DNA methylation. In this study, we show that the transmembrane protein coding gene TMEM244 is ectopically expressed in all SS patients and SS‐derived cell lines and, to a lower extent, in mycosis fungoides and in a fraction of T‐cell lymphomas, but not in B‐cell malignancies and mononuclear cells of healthy individuals. We show that in patient samples and in the T‐cell lines TMEM244 expression is negatively correlated with the methylation level of its promoter. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TMEM244 expression can be activated in vitro by the CRISPR‐dCas9–induced specific demethylation of TMEM244 promoter region. Since both, TMEM244 expression and its promoter demethylation, are not detected in normal lymphoid cells, they can be potentially used as markers in Sézary syndrome and some other T‐cell lymphomas.
Evaluation of the U.S. governors' decision when to issue stay‐at‐home orders
Authors: Djulbegovic Benjamin , Weiss David J. , Hozo Iztok 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIn the United States, the reluctance of the federal government to impose a national stay‐at‐home policy in wake of COVID‐19 pandemic has left the decision of how to achieve social distancing to individual state governors. We hypothesized that in the absence of formal guidelines, the decision to close a state reflects the classic Weber‐Fechner law of psychophysics – the amount by which a stimulus (such as number of cases or deaths) must increase in order to be noticed as a fraction of the intensity of that stimulus.MethodsOn 12 April 2020, we downloaded data from the New York Times database from all 50 states and the District of Columbia; by that time all but 7 states had issued the stay‐at‐home orders. We fitted the Weber‐Fechner logarithmic function by regressing the log2 of cases and deaths, respectively, against the daily counts. We also conducted Cox regression analysis to determine if the probability of issuing the stay‐at‐home order increases proportionally as the number of cases or deaths increases.ResultsWe found that the decision to issue the state‐at‐home order reflects the Weber‐Fechner law. Both the number of infections (P = <.0001; R2 = .79) and deaths (P < .0001; R2 = .63) were significantly associated with the decision to issue the stay‐at‐home orders. The results indicate that for each doubling of infections or deaths, an additional four to six states will issue stay‐at‐home orders. Cox regression showed that when the number of deaths reached 256 and the number of infected people were over 16 000 the probability of issuing “stay‐at‐home” order was close to 100%. We found no difference in decision‐making according to the political affiliation; the results remain unchanged on 16 July 2 020.Conclusionswhen there are not clearly articulated rules to follow, decision‐makers resort to simple heuristics, in this case one consistent with the Weber‐Fechner law.
Semimembranosus muscle displacement is associated with movement of the superficial fascia: An in vivo ultrasound investigation
Authors: Wilke Jan , Tenberg Sarah 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe deep fascia enveloping the skeletal muscle has been shown to contribute to the mechanics of the locomotor system. However, less is known about the role of the superficial fascia (SF). This study aimed to describe the potential interaction between the Hamstring muscles and the SF. Local movement of the dorsal thigh's soft tissue was imposed making use of myofascial force transmission effects across the knee joint: In eleven healthy individuals (26.8 ± 4.3 years, six males), an isokinetic dynamometer moved the ankle into maximal passive dorsal extension (knee extended). Due to the morphological continuity between the gastrocnemius and the Hamstrings, stretching the calf led to soft tissue displacements in the dorsal thigh. Ultrasound recordings were made to dynamically visualize (a) the semimembranosus muscle and (b) the superficial fascia. Differences in and associations between horizontal movement amplitudes of the two structures, quantified via cross‐correlation analyses, were calculated by means of the Mann–Whitney U test and Kendal's tau test, respectively. Mean horizontal movement was significantly higher in the muscle (5.70 mm) than in the SF (0.72 mm, p < 0.001, r = 0.82). However, a strong correlation between the tissue displacements in both locations was detected (p < 0.001, r = 0.91). A Direct mechanical relationship may exist between the SF and the skeletal muscle. Deep pathologies or altered muscle stiffness could thus have long‐term consequences for rather superficial structures and vice versa.
Three‐dimensional ultrastructure reconstruction of tendinous components at the bifurcation of the bovine superficial digital flexor tendon using array and STEM tomographies
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Kametani Kiyokazu , Ota Ryo , Tangkawattana Prasarn , Iwasaki Tomohito , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Ueda Hiromi , Hosotani Marina , Watanabe Takafumi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTendons transmit force from muscle to bone for joint movement. Tenocytes are a specialized type of fibroblast that produces collagen fibrils in tendons. Their cytoplasmic processes form a network surrounding collagen fibrils to define a collagen fibre. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains link collagen fibrils and adhere at the D‐band of the collagen fibril. In this study, we used array and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) tomographies to reconstruct the three‐dimensional ultrastructure of tenocytes, collagen fibres, collagen fibrils and GAG chains at the bifurcation of the bovine hindlimb superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Collagen fibrils comprising a collagen fibre were not aligned uniformly and had at least two running directions. Spindle‐shaped tenocytes were arranged along the long axis of a plurality of collagen fibres, where two groups of collagen fibrils with oblique directions to each other exhibited an oblique overlap of the two collagen fibril layers. Collagen fibrils with different running directions were observed in separating layers of about 300 nm in thickness and had diameters of 0–200 nm. About 40% of all collagen fibrils had a peak in the range of 20–40 nm. STEM analysis of the same site where the crossing of collagen fibres was observed by transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the outline of collagen fibrils with a clear D‐banding pattern at a regular interval. Collagen fibrils were reconstructed three‐dimensionally using continuous images acquired by STEM tomography, which confirmed that the collagen fibrils at the crossing sites did not orientate in layers, but were woven one by one. Higher magnification observation of GAG chains attached between the crossing collagen fibrils revealed numerous GAG chains arranged either vertically or obliquely on collagen fibrils. Furthermore, GAG chains at the cross of collagen fibrils connected the closest D‐bands. GAG chains are thought to be universally present between collagen fibrils of the tendon. These observations by array and STEM tomographies increase our knowledge of the anatomy in the bifurcation of the bovine hindlimb SDFT and demonstrate the utility of these new imaging technologies.
Gender and the Premature Deaths of People with Intellectual Disabilities: An International Expert Consultation
Authors: Robertson Janet , Heslop Pauline , Lauer Emily , Taggart Laurence , Hatton Chris 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPeople with intellectual disabilities die at much younger ages than the general population, with this gap in life expectancy greater for females than males. This study aimed to seek the views of international experts concerning evidence relating to gender and the premature deaths of people with intellectual disabilities, their views on priorities for future research, and recommendations for future research and policy. Twenty international experts on the health and/or mortality of people with intellectual disabilities were invited to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on summary statements from a literature review on gender and premature death among people with intellectual disabilities compared to the general population. Summary statements included general topics such as mortality and specific major causes of death (e.g., cancer). For each summary statement, respondents rated on 5‐point scales: their agreement with the statement; the importance of the topic; and the adequacy of the evidence. Participants then indicated their top three priorities for future research, and gave recommendations for future research and policy. Eighteen (90% response rate) respondents from nine countries participated. There was consensus among respondents regarding the greater inequality in intellectual disability vs. general population mortality rates for women compared to men. Evidence was considered inadequate for most topics. Evidence on cause‐specific death rates was the most frequently mentioned main research priority, followed by age trends in mortality compared to the general population. Recommendations ranged from the need to use consistent methodology and case definition in future research, to the need for governments to be called to account on the issue. Further evidence on gender and mortality is urgently needed; an international consensus on recommendations for future research pertaining to gender and the premature deaths of people with intellectual disabilities would greatly assist the development of evidence‐based policy and practice.
Methodological Synthesis of Cluster Analysis in Second Language Research
Authors: Crowther Dustin , Kim Susie , Lee Jongbong , Lim Jungmin , Loewen Shawn 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe present a review of second language researchers’ use of cluster analysis, an advanced statistical method still uncommon but increasingly used to identify groups or patterns in a dataset and to examine group differences. After describing key methodological considerations in conducting cluster analysis, we present a methodological synthesis of 65 studies published between 1989 and 2018 that employed cluster analysis. We specifically review the use of cluster analysis for themes of usage and reporting practices. Our findings indicate that hierarchical cluster analysis and K‐means cluster analysis were the most commonly used cluster methods, but the widespread use of these two methods tended not to be accompanied by sound reporting practices, particularly when justifying cluster solutions. In our analysis, we highlight concerns related to reporting and evaluation. For future use and to inform methodological practices in second language research, we briefly report on a sample study of cluster analysis that uses open data.
Inflammatory response of uric acid produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains
Authors: Jun Hye‐Kyung , An Sun‐Jin , Kim Hyun Young , Choi Bong‐Kyu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUric acid is a potential metabolite that serves as a danger‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and induces inflammatory responses in sterile environments. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone periodontopathogen, and its gingipain proteases play a critical role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. In this study, we demonstrate that P. gingivalis gingipains play a role in THP‐1 macrophage uric acid production by increasing the expression and activity of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR). Uric acid sodium salt induces caspase‐1 activation, cell death, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1α, IL‐6, and IL‐8, in the human keratinocyte HOK‐16B cell line. Our results suggest that gingipain‐induced uric acid can mediate inflammation in periodontal tissue cells.