bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erosion‐initiated stromatolite and thrombolite formation in a present‐day coastal sabkha setting
Authors: Paul Andreas , Lokier Stephen W. , Sherry Angela , Andrade Luiza Lessa , Court Wesley M. , van der Land Cees , Dutton Kirsten E. , Head Ian M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLaminated microbial mats and microbialites have been documented from a variety of coastal marine environments. This study aims to provide the first detailed descriptions of intertidal pools, along with their hosted thrombolite and stromatolite structures, from Abu Dhabi, and to propose a model for their formation and evolution. It is proposed that the development of pools within the upper intertidal zone was initiated by localized erosion of the laminated microbial mats during high energy events. The removal of the protective mats permitted erosion of the underlying unconsolidated sediment to produce erosional scours that continued to develop to create the pools observed today. The margins of the newly‐created submerged environment were colonized by a cyanobacteria dominated microbial community. The precipitation of aragonite cement, associated with the cyanobacteria, stabilized the pool walls and cemented the microbial communities to form stromatolitic and thrombolitic fabrics. Syndepositional cementation was further enhanced by the precipitation of marine cements as a result of evaporation‐driven Ca2+ and Mg2+ supersaturation. Erosion behind and below the cemented pool wall eventually resulted in rim‐collapse and the formation of the observed pool margin parallel thrombolite bands. Successive generations of lithification and erosion increased the area of the pool with the earliest thrombolites eroding and becoming increasingly isolated. In summary, the resultant microbialites developed through the complex interplay of erosion, abiotic early lithification and microbially‐mediated processes, and represent a continuum between unlithified laminated microbial mats and domal microbialites. These features are most likely produced during a sea‐level scenario of stillstand or transgression and, as such, may be useful as a diagnostic tool to elucidate the onset of transgression. The newly proposed model for stromatolite formation has significant implications for the recognition and interpretation of similar structures observed in the fossil record.
Could cross‐reactivity rescue Foxp3+ regulatory T cell precursors from thymic deletion?
Authors: Usharauli David , Kamala Tirumalai 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThymocytes that bind with high affinity to peptides displayed by MHC class II (pMHC‐II) are deleted while low‐affinity binders differentiate into naive CD4+ T cells. However, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) seem to defy this binary choice as their precursors require high‐affinity interaction with pMHC‐II for maturation in the thymus. Here, we rely on the antigen‐specific interpretive framework, SPIRAL (Specific ImmunoRegulatory Algorithm), to propose that Tregs escape thymic deletion by forming dyads with IL‐2‐producing T cells via antigen cross‐reactivity. This interpretation reconciles contradictions related to Treg ontogeny in the thymus and their role in modulating antigen‐specific immune responses.
The TNF/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis—Head‐to‐head trials comparing different biologics in psoriasis treatment
Authors: ten Bergen Lisa Lynn , Petrovic Aleksandra , Krogh Aarebrot Anders , Appel Silke 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPsoriasis is a T cell–mediated disease with autoimmune characteristics modulated by genetic susceptibility along with environmental triggers. Inflammatory pathways marked with excessive production of cytokines IL‐12 and IL‐23, drive differentiation of pathogenic T cell responses resulting in TNF and IL‐17 production. These cytokines are an integral part of the TNF/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis, which is responsible for maintaining inflammation in psoriatic skin. Our improved understanding of the immunopathogenesis led to the development of biological drugs in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe disease. Biologics have revolutionized the management of psoriasis, highlighting the central role of TNF/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis in the physiopathology of the disease. Still, psoriasis usually requires long‐term treatment, aiming to fully remove psoriatic lesions without experiencing adverse events. In this review, we discuss the recent findings of all 27 available head‐to‐head trials investigating the efficacy and safety of systemic and biologic therapies in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis vulgaris, as it is thought to provide more useful knowledge than placebo intervention alone. According to our evaluation, inhibitors that specifically target IL‐23 or IL‐17 are clinically more beneficial than inhibitors of IL‐12/IL‐23 and TNF. More informative results might be obtained by comparing these more efficient biological agents to each other. In addition, newer therapies for psoriasis using small‐molecule drugs may represent important advances compared to well‐established biologics as these are less expensive and orally administered.
The relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease and skin measurement parameters
Authors: Öksüm Solak Eda , Gökçek Gözde Emel , Kartal Demet , Kalay Nihat , Çinar Salih Levent , Savaş Göktuğ , Borlu Murat 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between skin parameters and CAD.Materials and MethodsThe study included 50 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease as the patient group and 45 volunteers without any known coronary artery disease as the control group. The participants' skin TEWL, pH, temperature, electrical capacitance, sebum, and elasticity values were measured using noninvasive methods at the forehead, back, and forearm.FindingsSkin temperature was significantly higher in the back and forehead regions in the patient group. No difference was found between the sebum values of the patient and control groups at the back and forehead. A significantly higher result was obtained for the forearm area. The pH was significantly lower in the patients' forearm, although the obtained values were within the normal range. The TEWL was significantly higher in patients in all three regions. In terms of flexibility, R2 was significantly higher in the back and forehead regions of the patient group, and the R6 was significantly higher in the patient group in all three regions. In addition, there was no correlation between skin parameter and SYNTAX score increase measurements.ConclusionIt can be suggested that skin sebum and TEWL measurements can be accepted as cheap and noninvasive methods of predicting CAD.
Financial intermediation, trade agreements and international trade*
Authors: Nguyen Duc Bao , Vaubourg Anne‐Gaël 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUsing a gravity model on a data set of 69 developed and developing countries over the period 1986–2006, we show that the trade‐promoting role of financial intermediation in the exporting country is mitigated when this country faces low exporting costs, that is when there is a regional trade agreement (RTA) between this country and the importing one. We also establish that this mitigating effect is reduced in financially constrained sectors, for which the role of financial intermediation remains crucial. Finally, we find evidence that the same trade‐boosting effect and the same interaction with RTAs prevail for financial intermediation in the importing country.
Evaluation of microwave ablation for local treatment of dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma: A pilot study
Authors: Salyer Sarah A. , Wavreille Vincent A. , Fenger Joelle M. , Jennings Ryan N. , Selmic Laura E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) as a modality to induce tumor necrosis within distal radial osteosarcoma (OSA).Study designPilot study.AnimalsSix client‐owned dogs with distal radius OSA confirmed by cytological examination.MethodsDogs underwent computed tomography for surgical planning before general anesthesia for fluoroscopy‐guided ablation. Computed tomography was repeated 48 hours after MWA, before amputation. The ablated tumor was evaluated with histopathology.ResultsSix dogs underwent MWA of distal radius OSA. A lower power setting (30 W) was selected for the first two dogs to avoid collateral soft tissue damage. The power was increased to 75 W for the last four dogs. The temperature was maintained between 45°C and 55°C (113 °F‐131 °F) at the bone/soft tissue interface. Tumor necrosis varied between 30% and 90% (median, 55%) according to histopathology. No intraoperative or periprocedural complications were observed.ConclusionMicrowave ablation induced variable tumor necrosis and did not induce immediate postablation complications in these six dogs with distal radius OSA.Clinical significanceThese results justify further evaluation of MWA as a potential modality to treat primary bone lesions in dogs.
The infected diabetic foot: Can serum biomarkers predict osteomyelitis after hospital discharge for diabetic foot infections?
Authors: Crisologo Peter Andrew , Davis Kathryn E. , Ahn Junho , Farrar David , Van Asten Suzanne , La Fontaine Javier , Lavery Lawrence A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate serum biomarkers to monitor high‐risk patients for reinfection of bone. Thirty‐five patients were prospectively enrolled with moderate to severe diabetic foot infections with suspicion of osteomyelitis. Bone samples were obtained for culture and histology. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients were compared using χ2 square test. Biomarkers (white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 weeks after treatment initiation and evaluated for correlation with reinfection of bone. After 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment, ESR at 73.5 mm/h (sensitivity 62.5%, specificity 100%, area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.7839, 95% CI 0.54‐1.00, P < .01) and IL‐8 at 15.09 mg/dL (sensitivity 42.9%, specificity 92.0% AUROC 0.6286, 95% CI 0.36‐0.90, P = .0496) were associated with reinfection of bone. An increase in IL‐8 from week 0 to 6 >0.95 mg/dL was associated with reinfection (sensitivity 71%, specificity 72% AUROC 0.7057, 95% CI 0.49‐0.92, P = .04). An ESR change from week 0‐6 of −16.5% (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 86.4% AUROC 0.7403, 95% CI 0.48‐1.00, P = .02), CRP (‐)74.4% (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 91.3% AUROC 0.7174, 95% CI 0.40‐1.00, P = .04), IL‐6 (‐)49.9% (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 76% AUROC 0.7371, 95% CI 0.47‐1.00, P = .04), and IL‐8 29% (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 56.0% AUROC of 0.7343, 95% CI 0.54‐0.93, P = .048) were associated with increased risk of reinfection. Pilot data suggest that serum biomarkers (ESR, IL8 and IL6, MCP‐1) may be correlated with developing osteomyelitis and could be used to monitor high‐risk patients for reinfection.
Path Integral Methods for the Probabilistic Analysis of Nonlinear Systems Under a White-Noise Process
Authors: Di Paola Mario , Alotta Gioacchino 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the widely known path integral method, derived from the application of the Chapman–Kolmogorov equation, is described in details and discussed with reference to the main results available in literature in several decades of contributions. The most simple application of the method is related to the solution of Fokker–Planck type equations. In this paper, the solution in the presence of normal, α-stable, and Poissonian white noises is first discussed. Then, application to barrier problems, such as first passage problems and vibroimpact problems is described. Further, the extension of the path integral method to problems involving multi-degrees-of-freedom systems is analyzed. Lastly, an alternative approach to the path integration method, that is the Wiener Path integration (WPI), also based on the Chapman–Komogorov equation, is discussed. The main advantages and the drawbacks in using these two methods are deeply analyzed and the main results available in literature are highlighted.
Detrital zircon geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of Mesozoic sedimentary basins in south-central Alaska: Insights into regional sediment transport, basin development, and tectonics along the NW Cordilleran margin
Authors: Fasulo Cooper R. , Ridgway Kenneth D. , Trop Jeffrey M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Jurassic–Cretaceous Nutzotin, Wrangell Mountains, and Wellesly basins provide an archive of subduction and collisional processes along the southern Alaska convergent margin. This study presents U-Pb ages from each of the three basins, and Hf isotope compositions of detrital zircons from the Nutzotin and Wellesly basins. U-Pb detrital zircon ages from the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Nutzotin Mountains sequence in the Nutzotin basin have unimodal populations between 155 and 133 Ma and primarily juvenile Hf isotope compositions. Detrital zircon ages from the Wrangell Mountains basin document unimodal peak ages between 159 and 152 Ma in Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous strata and multimodal peak ages between 196 and 76 Ma for Upper Cretaceous strata. Detrital zircon ages from the Wellesly basin display multimodal peak ages between 216 and 124 Ma and juvenile to evolved Hf compositions. Detrital zircon data from the Wellesly basin are inconsistent with a previous interpretation that suggested the Wellesly and Nutzotin basins are proximal-to-distal equivalents. Our results suggest that Wellesly basin strata are more akin to the Kahiltna basin, which requires that these basins may have been offset ∼380 km along the Denali fault. Our findings from the Wrangell Mountains and Nutzotin basins are consistent with previous stratigraphic interpretations that suggest the two basins formed as a connected retroarc basin system. Integration of our data with previously published data documents a strong provenance and temporal link between depocenters along the southern Alaska convergent margin. Results of our study also have implications for the ongoing discussion concerning the polarity of subduction along the Mesozoic margin of western North America.
Defining glaucomatous optic neuropathy using objective criteria from structural and functional testing
Authors: Iyer Jayant Venkatramani , Boland Michael V , Jefferys Joan , Quigley Harry 
Published: July 2020

Background/AimsTo identify objective criteria from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and perimetry that denote a useful, specific definition of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) in eyes with open-angle glaucoma for comparisons among glaucoma research studies.MethodsA cross-sectional study of adult patients with glaucoma from nine centres on five continents evaluated de-identified physician diagnosis, OCT and perimetry results for 2580 eyes (1531 patients) in an online database. Each eye was graded by their glaucoma specialist as either definite, probable or not GON. Objective measures from OCT and perimetry, derived from an online consensus panel comprising 176 glaucoma specialists globally, were compared against the three diagnostic levels.ResultsDiagnoses were 54% ‘definite’, 22% ‘probable’ and 24% ‘not GON’. Using only OCT data or only field data had inadequate specificity (<90%). The best definitional choice for data from either the most recent or the preceding OCT/field pair had 77% sensitivity at 98% specificity and consisted of abnormal OCT superior or inferior nerve fibre layer quadrant with matching, opposite, abnormal Glaucoma Hemifield Test.ConclusionsObjective criteria to define GON are practical and may be useful for comparisons among clinical studies to supplement subjective clinical assessment.
A randomised controlled trial comparing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract
surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery: 12-month results
Authors: Stanojcic Nick , Roberts Harry William , Wagh Vijay K , Li Ji-Peng Olivia , Naderi Khayam , O’Brart David P 
Published: July 2020

Aims
To report 12-month outcomes of randomised controlled trial comparing
conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) with femtosecond laser-assisted
cataract surgery (FLACS).

Methods
This was a single-centre, prospective single-masked randomised
case-controlled trial. Four hundred patients were randomised to CPS or FLACS
with the LenSx platform (Alcon Laboratories Inc.). Visual acuity, refraction,
central corneal thickness, endothelial cell loss (ECL), adverse events and
quality of life outcomes, using EuroQOL 5-dimensions (EQ-5D-3 L) and cataract
surgery patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) questionnaires (Cat-PROM5),
were recorded.

Results
Two hundred and thirty four patients (58.5%) attended 12-month follow-up
(116 FLACS, 118 CPS). Mean LogMAR unaided distance visual acuity) (±SD) was
0.12 (0.18) with FLACS and 0.13 (0.19) with CPS (p=0.68; 95% Confidence
Interval [CI]−0.06,0.04). Mean spherical equivalent (SE) refraction was
−0.1±0.6 diopters (D) with FLACS and −0.2±0.6 D with CPS (p=0.44; 95% CI −0.09,
0.21). Mean corrected distance visual acuity (±SD) was −0.01 (0.1) with FLACS
and 0(0.1) with CPS (p=0.45; 95% CI −0.04,0.02). Two patients per group
underwent YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification (p=1).
Mean ECL (per mm2±SD) was 301±320 with FLACS and 228±303
with CPS (p=0.07; 95% CI −7.26, 153.26). Mean Cat-PROM scores (±SD) were −5.5
(2.6) with FLACS and −5.8 (2.5) with CPS (p=0.3; 95% CI 0.31,1.01). EQ5-3DL
mean index score (±SD) was 0.92 (0.13) with FLACS and 0.89 (0.14) with CPS
(p=0.1; 95% CI −0.1, 0.01). Vector analysis comparing manual limbal relaxing
incisions (LRIs) and intrastromal femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic
keratotomies (iFAKs) showed a greater correction index (p=0.02; 95% CI 0.06 to
0.60) and smaller difference vector (p=0.046; 95% CI −0.54, −0.01) with
iFAK.

Conclusions
There were no differences in vision, refraction, adverse postoperative
events or PROMs between FLACS and CPS groups at 12 months. iFAKs may provide
more effective astigmatic correction compared to LRIs, 12 months
postoperatively.
Association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from a cohort study
Authors: Lou Yan-mei , Liao Min-qi , Wang Chang-yi , Chen Hong-en , Peng Xiao-lin , Zhao Dan , Gao Xu-ping , Xu Shan , Wang Li , Ma Jian-ping , Ping Zhao , Zeng Fang-fang 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionBrachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), as a simple and easily measured marker of arterial stiffness, has not been prospectively explored for its role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk among the general population. This study aimed to explore the association between baseline ba-PWV value and new-onset T2DM among Chinese adults.Research design and methodsUsing data from Xiaotangshan Hospital, we conducted a prospective cohort study among those who underwent annual or biennial health check-up examinations and who had their ba-PWV measured from 2009 to 2016. We explored the risk of new-onset T2DM across ba-PWV tertiles using Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis.ResultsOf 6122 adults (68.9% male; mean age: 51.0 (SD 13.0) years) without T2DM and with ba-PWV measured at baseline, 599 participants developed T2DM during an average of 3.8 (SD 2.3) years of follow-up. After multivariable adjustment, ba-PWV was positively related to T2DM risk (p for trend=0.008). Compared with the lowest ba-PWV tertile, the HRs and their 95% CIs were 1.57 (1.18 to 2.10) for the second and 1.66 (1.24 to 2.22) for the third tertile. The risk across ba-PWV tertiles increased steadily from 1000 cm/s to 1400 cm/s and then reached a plateau. Subgroup analyses indicated a significantly higher risk among those aged <65 years and current smokers (p for interactions: <0.001 and 0.006).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that ba-PWV might be a useful and independent predictor of new-onset T2DM with ba-PWV ranging between 1000 cm/s and 1400 cm/s, especially among younger individuals and current smokers.
Drinking in denial: a cross-sectional analysis of national survey data in Ireland to measure drinkers’ awareness of their alcohol use
Authors: Mongan Deirdre , Millar Sean R , O'Dwyer Claire , Long Jean , Galvin Brian 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesIreland has high per capita alcohol consumption and also has high levels of problematic drinking patterns. While it is accepted that patterns of alcohol consumption in Ireland are a cause for concern, it is not clear if Irish people are actually aware of the extent of their hazardous or harmful pattern of drinking. The aim of this study was to determine awareness of drinking pattern in an Irish population using a representative random sample and to identify characteristics associated with self-awareness of hazardous or harmful drinking.MethodsWe analysed data from Ireland’s 2014/2015 Drug Prevalence Survey which recruited a stratified clustered sample of 7005 individuals aged 15 years and over living in private households. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine characteristics associated with self-awareness of hazardous or harmful drinking.ResultsAlmost one half of drinkers had a hazardous or harmful pattern of drinking; 38% engaged in monthly risky single occasion drinking (RSOD) and 10.5% met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV (DSM-IV) criteria for alcohol dependence. Of the 2420 respondents who had a hazardous or harmful pattern of drinking, 67% were unaware of this and misclassified themselves as being either a light or moderate drinker who did not engage in RSOD. An adjusted logistic regression model identified that hazardous and harmful drinkers were more likely to be aware of their drinking pattern if they had completed third level education (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.49) while older drinkers (aged 65 and over) were less likely to be aware of their drinking pattern (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.65). Subjects who engaged in risk taking behaviours such as illicit drug use and gambling were also significantly more likely to be aware of their drinking pattern.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that patterns of alcohol use in Ireland are problematic. Older respondents and those with lower educational attainment are less likely to be aware of their hazardous or harmful drinking pattern. There is also a population of younger, more-educated drinkers who engage in potentially risk-taking behaviours and these subjects are aware of their harmful drinking pattern. Initiatives to reduce overall alcohol consumption and raise awareness around drinking patterns are required.