bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The determination of equilibrium factor of radon and thoron using LR-115 type II detector in a selected area from Basra Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Nader A F 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The inhalations of radon 222Rn progeny are the most important source of irradiation of the human respiratory. Studies of underground miners of uranium and other minerals have provided reasonably firm estimates of the risk of lung cancer associated with exposure to radon progeny. It is well established that the absorbed radon dose in the lung is mainly due to radon progeny, but not the radon gas itself. Therefore, long-term measurements of the concentrations of radon progeny or the equilibrium factor F, together with a measurement or an estimation of the aerosol size distribution, are needed to accurately assess the health hazards contribution from radon progeny. Radon, thoron and their progeny are present in the indoor atmosphere as free and bound fractions. The ventilation level in the house played an important effect on the equilibrium between them. This paper presents the results of the measurement of the equilibrium factor F between radon, thoron and their progenies in dwellings and estimates an experimental relationship for the F-factor based on track density instead of typical value of UNISCEAR (about 0.4), which varies significantly with time and place. In this paper, we described a method of theoretical calculation of F and experimentally determined the F-factor using LR-115 type-2 plastic track detectors in closed and bare mod. The exposures were made with a cup and bare dosimeters distributed in 34 houses distributed in different locations of Basra Governorate. The measured F-factor between radon and progeny varied from 0.01 to 0.98 with an average value of 0.38 while the same factor for thoron and progeny was found to vary from 0.0004 to 0.3794 with an average value of 0.0877. These values were in a good agreement with the global F-factor estimated by ICRP. In present investigation about the F-factor, theoretical calculations using graphical solutions supported by experimental technique have been carried out. It is found that the globally assumed F-factor from UNSCEAR and our experimentally obtained value are in good agreement. For a more accurate estimation of the effective dose, one should measure the F-factor at each site considering all the effective parameters like the ventilation factors. The equilibrium factor was found to be small in some houses due to the very intensive ventilation system in the house.
Aqueous phase and amorphous state room temperature phosphorescence from a small aromatic carbonyl derivative
Authors: Kuila Suman , Garain Swadhin , Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy , George Subi J 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Harvesting triplet excitons via room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in solution or amorphous state from purely organic chromophores is a formidable challenge. Supramolecular hybrid co-assembly between a brominated aromatic carbonyl derivative (BrPhS) and laponite clay (LP) particles is shown to result in remarkable triplet stabilization to result room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in aqueous solution as well as in amorphous thin films. This remarkable feature is realized by means of highly organized, rigid molecular network of the dye molecules on the inorganic scaffold which reduces the vibrational dissipations as well as limits the oxygen diffusion to facilitate the triplet harvesting under ambient conditions. The water soluble phosphor, BrPhS is also shown to be an excellent triplet emitter in other amorphous polymer matrices like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium polystyrene sulphonate (PSS) with phosphorescence quantum yield over 30% in air.
Predicting Establishment Potential of an Invasive Wood-Boring Beetle, Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the United States
Authors: Krishnankutty Sindhu M , Bigsby Kevin , Hastings John , Takeuchi Yu , Wu Yunke , Lingafelter Steven W , Nadel Hannah , Myers Scott W , Ray Ann M 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSolid wood packaging material (WPM) is widely recognized as a high-risk pathway for transport and potential introduction of wood-boring insects, including longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae. These beetles also are occasionally imported in finished wood products, such as furniture and decorative items. A targeted effort to identify wood borers intercepted as larvae in WPM at U.S. ports between 2012 and 2018 revealed that one of the most frequently intercepted species was Trichoferus campestris (Faldermann), a cerambycid native to Asia. Trichoferus campestris is a pest of quarantine concern in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The establishment risk of this beetle in the United States is high because of its frequent introduction through multiple pathways and its potential to inhabit natural and urban forests as well as agricultural systems. In this study, we compiled port interception and detection data to examine risk based on historical introductions and pathways. We tested whether the intended destination of cargo intercepted with T. campestris-infested WPM can be used as a predictor of inland introductions, assuming that individuals of T. campestris are likely to be moved through established trade routes between export–import partners. We also developed maps to predict likely areas of introduction and establishment in the United States based on pathway analysis and climate suitability data. The maps will enable informed prioritization of resources in pest surveillance, and may serve as models for other wood borers identified in the WPM and wood products pathway.
Link Between Anhedonia and Depression During Early Alcohol Abstinence: Gender Matters
Authors: Petit G , Deschietere G , Loas G , Luminet O , de Timary P 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between anhedonia and depression in alcohol use disorders (AUD) during detoxification: Is trait anhedonia measured at the beginning of detoxification predictive of depressive symptoms observed at the end? Does state anhedonia recover during detoxification as depression does? Gender differences that have been previously observed for depression in AUD were also explored.

Methods
81 AUD inpatients were tested at T1 (day 1) and T2 (day 14–18) of withdrawal with the trait Physical Anhedonia Scale, the state anhedonia Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale, the Beck depression inventory and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and compared to 34 control participants, matched for age and gender.

Results
AUD patients scored significantly higher than controls on depression, anxiety and state and trait anhedonia when they just entered the detoxification unit. Depression, anxiety and state anhedonia decreased between T1 and T2 in AUD patients. In women, state anhedonia at T1 was predictive of depressive symptoms at T2 over and above anxiety and depression at T1.

Conclusion
In AUD, state anhedonia recovers during detoxification, concurrently to other affective-related symptoms. However, in women, trait anhedonia predicts the level of depression at the end of detoxification, above and beyond anxiety. This finding stresses the importance of addressing anhedonia in the treatment of AUD and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions within clinical settings in this gender. Clinical consequences are discussed.
Lower breeding success in a new range: No evidence for the enemy release hypothesis in South American Barn Swallows
Authors: Gandoy Facundo A , Delhey Kaspar , Winkler David W , Mangini Giselle , Areta Juan I 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is widely assumed that colonizing species thrive because they lack natural enemies in their new range, increasing their survival and reproductive success. Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) started to breed in South America around 1980 and since then have dramatically increased their population size and geographic range, in stark contrast to the decline of the source population in North America. The reasons behind the growth of the South American population are unknown. However, because this species had never bred in this area in recorded times, the lack of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens could lead to higher breeding success, as predicted by the enemy release hypothesis. Here, we test whether breeding success is higher in the newly colonized range than in the native range to test the enemy release hypothesis. We studied the breeding biology of South American Barn Swallows quantifying 7 breeding parameters: clutch size, overall breeding success, offspring mortality by predation and ectoparasites, number of fledglings per breeding attempt, number of breeding attempts per breeding season, and total number of fledglings produced per pair per breeding season. Additionally, we compared these parameters with published information from North American populations using meta-analyses. We found that, while clutch size did not differ between North and South American populations, the southern population overall had lower breeding success, with higher mortality from predation and ectoparasites. An egg laid in South America was 2.6 times more likely to fail than one laid in North America, which resulted on average in 1.1 fewer fledglings per pair per breeding season for the South American breeding population. These results, demonstrating lower breeding success in a newly colonized range, do not support the enemy release hypothesis, and indicate that the growth of the South American Barn Swallow population is most likely caused by other demographic factors.
Extraordinary variation in a simple song: No geographical patterns in initial phrase variation of the Yellowhammer, a passerine with pronounced dialects
Authors: van Boheemen Sharina J , Diblíková Lucie , Bílková Jana , Petrusek Adam , Petrusková Tereza 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGeographical variation of birdsong is used to study various topics from cultural evolution to mechanisms responsible for reproductive barriers or song acquisition. In species with pronounced dialects, however, patterns of variation in non-dialect parts of the song are usually overlooked. We focused on the individually variable initial phrase of the song of the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), a common Palearctic passerine which became a model species for dialect research. We used a quantitative method to compare the similarity of initial phrases from the repertoires of 237 males recorded at different spatial scales in a central European country covering all main dialect types. We hypothesized that patterns of initial phrase sharing and/or phrase similarity are affected by dialect boundaries and geographical proximity (i.e. that birds from the same dialect regions use more similar phrases or share them more often). Contrary to our expectations, initial phrase variation seems unrelated to dialects, as we did not find higher similarity either among recordings from the same dialect areas or among those from the same locality. Interestingly, despite the immense variability of phrase types detected (only 16% of 368 detected initial phrase types were shared between at least 2 males), a relatively high proportion of males (45%) was involved in sharing, and males using the same initial phrase were located anywhere from tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers apart. The patterns of variation suggest that precise copying during song learning as well as improvisation play important roles in forming individual repertoires in the Yellowhammer. Our data also confirm previous indications that the repertoires of Yellowhammer males (i.e. the composition of initial phrases) are individually unique and temporally stable. This makes the species a good candidate for individual acoustic monitoring, useful for detailed population or behavioral studies without the need for physical capture and marking of males.
Kras mutations and PU.1 promoter methylation are new pathways in murine radiation-induced AML
Authors: O’Brien Gráinne , Cruz-Garcia Lourdes , Zyla Joanna , Brown Natalie , Finnon Rosemary , Polanska Joanna , Badie Christophe 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Therapy-related and more specifically radiotherapy-associated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a well-recognized potential complication of cytotoxic therapy for the treatment of a primary cancer. The CBA mouse model is used to study radiation leukaemogenesis mechanisms with Sfpi1/PU.1 deletion and point mutation already identified as driving events during AML development. To identify new pathways, we analysed 123 mouse radiation-induced AML (rAML) samples for the presence of mutations identified previously in human AML and found three genes to be mutated; Sfpi1 R235 (68%), Flt3-ITD (4%) and Kras G12 (3%), of which G12R was previously unreported. Importantly, a significant decrease in Sfpi1 gene expression is found almost exclusively in rAML samples without an Sfpi1 R235 mutation and is specifically associated with up-regulation of mir-1983 and mir-582-5p. Moreover, this down-regulation of Sfpi1 mRNA is negatively correlated with DNA methylation levels at specific CpG sites upstream of the Sfpi1 transcriptional start site. The down regulation of Sfpi1/PU.1 has also been reported in human AML cases revealing one common pathway of myeloid disruption between mouse and human AML where dysregulation of Sfpi1/PU.1 is a necessary step in AML development.
Differential Effects of Open- and Closed-Loop Intracortical Microstimulation on Firing Patterns of Neurons in Distant Cortical Areas
Authors: Averna Alberto , Pasquale Valentina , Murphy Maxwell D , Rogantin Maria Piera , Van Acker Gustaf M , Nudo Randolph J , Chiappalone Michela , Guggenmos David J 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Intracortical microstimulation can be used successfully to modulate neuronal activity. Activity-dependent stimulation (ADS), in which action potentials recorded extracellularly from a single neuron are used to trigger stimulation at another cortical location (closed-loop), is an effective treatment for behavioral recovery after brain lesion, but the related neurophysiological changes are still not clear. Here, we investigated the ability of ADS and random stimulation (RS) to alter firing patterns of distant cortical locations. We recorded 591 neuronal units from 23 Long-Evan healthy anesthetized rats. Stimulation was delivered to either forelimb or barrel field somatosensory cortex, using either RS or ADS triggered from spikes recorded in the rostral forelimb area (RFA). Both RS and ADS stimulation protocols rapidly altered spike firing within RFA compared with no stimulation. We observed increase in firing rates and change of spike patterns. ADS was more effective than RS in increasing evoked spikes during the stimulation periods, by producing a reliable, progressive increase in stimulus-related activity over time and an increased coupling of the trigger channel with the network. These results are critical for understanding the efficacy of closed-loop electrical microstimulation protocols in altering activity patterns in interconnected brain networks, thus modulating cortical state and functional connectivity.
Is dental agenesis associated with craniofacial morphology pattern? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Amanda Silva , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Pinheiro Liz Helena Moraes , Guimarães Ludmila Silva , Calansans-Maia José De Albuquerque , Küchler Erika Calvano , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background/objective
Craniofacial discrepancies have been associated with congenital dental anomalies. The aim of this study was to determine if there is any scientific evidence in the literature regarding the association between dental agenesis and craniofacial morphology.

Materials and methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA Statement were conducted and registered in PROSPERO database. A broad search was conducted on databases (PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) and grey literature. Articles that were selected based on predetermined eligibility criteria were assessed for quality and risk of bias according to the guidelines described by Folkes and Fulton. Those articles with similarities were submitted to meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.3 program. The certainty of the evidence was tested using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

Results
An electronic search of 975 articles resulted in 12 articles. These and four articles identified through manual search were eligible to be assessed for methodological quality and the risk of bias. Eleven articles presented moderate to high methodological quality. The included articles observed a reduced mandibular plane, a smaller maxilla and more differences with the increase in the severity of dental agenesis. Seven articles were included in the meta-analyses. Dental agenesis presented smaller SNA angle (P &lt; 0.0001/CI −1.74 [−2.55, −0.92]) with moderate certainty of the evidence; and smaller ANB angle (P = 0.01/CI −0.80 [−1.44, −0.17]), with low certainty of the evidence.

Conclusions
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that dental agenesis may be associated with specific craniofacial morphology. Further studies are necessary due to the variation of the certainty of the evidence.

Conflict of interest
none declared.

Registration
PROSPERO (CRD42017055882).
Advances in Data-Driven Responses to Preventing Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Across Health-Care Settings
Authors: Fridkin Scott K 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Among the most urgent and serious threats to public health are 7 antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections predominately acquired during health-care delivery. There is an emerging field of health-care epidemiology that is focused on preventing health care–associated infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and incorporates data from patient transfers or patient movements within and between facilities. This analytic field is being used to help public health professionals identify best opportunities for prevention. Different analytic approaches that draw on uses of big data are being explored to help target the use of limited public health resources, leverage expertise, and enact effective policy to maximize an impact on population-level health. Here, the following recent advances in data-driven responses to preventing spread of antibiotic resistance across health-care settings are summarized: leveraging big data for machine learning, integration or advances in tracking patient movement, and highlighting the value of coordinating response across institutions within a region.
3054Efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and cancer
Authors: Cavallari I , Verolino G , Patti G 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Anticoagulation in patients with cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF) is particularly challenging given the higher risk of both thrombotic and bleeding complications in this setting. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in AF patients with malignancy remain unclear.

Purpose
In the present meta-analysis we further investigate the efficacy and safety of NOACs compared to warfarin in patients with AF and cancer assuming that available studies may be individually underpowered for endpoints at low incidence, i.e. stroke, major and intracranial bleeding.

Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the use of NOACs vs. warfarin in AF patients with cancer. Efficacy outcome measures included stroke or systemic embolism, venous thromboembolism and mortality. Safety outcome measures were major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage.

Results
We pooled data from 6 identified studies enrolling a total of 31,756 AF patients with cancer. Mean follow-up was 1.7 years. Patients with cancer had significantly increased annualized rates of venous thromboembolism (1.38% vs. 0.74%), major bleeding (9.01% vs. 5.13%), in particular major gastrointestinal bleeding (2.38% vs. 1.60%), and all-cause mortality (17.73% vs. 8.50%) vs. those without (all P values <0.001), whereas the incidence of stroke or systemic embolism and intracranial hemorrhage did not differ. Compared with warfarin, treatment with NOACs nominally decreased the risk of stroke or systemic embolism (5.41% vs. 2.70%; odds ratio, OR; 95% confidence intervals, CI 0.51, 0.26–1.01; P=0.05; Figure), mainly of ischemic stroke (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.35–0.89; P=0.01), and the risk of venous thromboembolism (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.42–0.61; P<0.001). In cancer patients receiving NOACs there was a significant reduction of major bleeding (3.95% vs. 4.66%; OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94; P=0.02; Figure) and intracranial hemorrhage (0.26% vs. 0.66%; OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.82; P=0.02) vs. warfarin, with no difference in gastrointestinal major bleeding rates.

Conclusion
AF patients on oral anticoagulation and concomitant cancer are at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality. NOACs may represent a safer and more effective alternative to warfarin also in this setting of patients.
3225Global longitudinal strain measured using feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is an independent predictor of all cause mortality in patients with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Romano S , Judd R , Kim R , Heitner J , Shah D , Shenoy C , Romer B , Salazar P , Farzaneh-Far A 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Ejection fraction is the principal measure used clinically to assess cardiac mechanics and provides significant prognostic information. However, echocardiographic strain imaging has shown significant abnormalities of myocardial deformation can be present despite preserved ejection fraction, which maybe associated with adverse prognosis. Cardiac-Magnetic-Resonance (CMR) feature-tracking techniques now allow assessment of strain from routine cine-images, without specialized pulse sequences. Whether abnormalities of strain measured using CMR feature-tracking have prognostic value in patients with preserved ejection fraction is unknown.

Purpose
To evaluate the prognostic value of CMR feature-tracking derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a large multicenter population of patients with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods
Consecutive patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF ≥50%) and a clinical indication for CMR at four US medical centers were included in this study. Feature-tracking GLS was calculated from 3 long-axis-cine-views. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to examine the independent association between GLS and death. The incremental prognostic value of GLS was assessed in nested models.

Results
Of the 1274 patients in this study, 115 died during a median follow-up of 6.2 years. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with GLS ≥ median (−20%) had significantly reduced event free survival compared to those with GLS < median (log-rank p<0.001) (Figure, top panel). The continuous relationship between GLS and the hazard of death is shown in the cubic spline (Figure, lower panel). By Cox multivariable regression modeling, each 1% worsening in GLS was associated with a 23.6% increased risk-of-death after adjustment for clinical and imaging risk factors (HR=1.236 per %; p<0.001). Addition of GLS in this model resulted in significant-improvement in the global-chi-square (67 to 168; p<0.0001) and Harrel's C-statistic (0.716 to 0.825; p<0.0001).

Conclusions
CMR feature-tracking derived GLS is a powerful independent predictor of mortality in patients with preserved ejection fraction, incremental to common clinical and imaging risk factors.