bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival After Heart Transplant Listing for Infants on Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Conway Jennifer , Cantor Ryan , Koehl Devin , Spicer Robert , Gupta Dipankar , McCulloch Michael , Asante‐Korang Alfred , Eulrich Dean T. , Kirklin James K. , Pahl Elfriede 
Published: October 2020

Background
Infants with heart failure remain at significant risk for wait list mortality, despite mechanical circulatory support (MCS). It is unclear if the outcomes are influenced by modality of support or underlying diagnosis. We sought to compare the outcomes of infants <10 kg, focusing on modality of support and underlying diagnosis.

Methods and Results

Using the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society database, we evaluated survival following first MCS device in children <10 kg who were listed for heart transplant between 2010 and 2018. There were 2049 children <10 kg, with the predominant diagnosis being congenital heart disease (CHD) (59.8% [n=1226]) and 28.1% (n=577) requiring MCS. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was the most common form of MCS at listing, with ventricular assist device (VAD) more common after listing. There was no difference in the use of ECMO at or after listing for cardiomyopathy versus CHD (8.9% versus 7.2%;
P
=0.2; 5.4% versus 6.4%;
P
=0.4). However, there was a significant difference in the use of VAD both at listing (8% versus 2.4%;
P
<0.001) and after (22.8% versus 5.1%;
P
<0.001) between the 2 groups. When comparing these groups, patients with CHD were smaller and younger and had a higher proportion with previous cardiac surgery. Survival at 3 months demonstrated better survival for VAD therapy compared with ECMO (74.3% versus 48.6%;
P
<0.001). In patients <5 kg, survival did not differ between ECMO and VAD (
P
=0.01) for the CHD or the cardiomyopathy group (
P
=0.38), but patients with cardiomyopathy demonstrated better survival on both forms of support.

Conclusions
Survival for patients <10 kg on ECMO is inferior compared with VAD. Patients with cardiomyopathy <5 kg had better survival with both modes of MCS compared with those with CHD. These findings support the need for small, durable devices for neonates and infants, with particular focus in patients with CHD.
Efficient Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning With Embodiment of Muscle Tone for Posture Stabilization of the Human Arm
Authors: Iwamoto Masami , Kato Daichi 
Published: October 2020

This letter proposes a new idea to improve learning efficiency in reinforcement learning (RL) with the actor-critic method used as a muscle controller for posture stabilization of the human arm. Actor-critic RL (ACRL) is used for simulations to realize posture controls in humans or robots using muscle tension control. However, it requires very high computational costs to acquire a better muscle control policy for desirable postures. For efficient ACRL, we focused on embodiment that is supposed to potentially achieve efficient controls in research fields of artificial intelligence or robotics. According to the neurophysiology of motion control obtained from experimental studies using animals or humans, the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTn) induces muscle tone suppression, and the midbrain locomotor region (MLR) induces muscle tone promotion. PPTn and MLR modulate the activation levels of mutually antagonizing muscles such as flexors and extensors in a process through which control signals are translated from the substantia nigra reticulata to the brain stem. Therefore, we hypothesized that the PPTn and MLR could control muscle tone, that is, the maximum values of activation levels of mutually antagonizing muscles using different sigmoidal functions for each muscle; then we introduced antagonism function models (AFMs) of PPTn and MLR for individual muscles, incorporating the hypothesis into the process to determine the activation level of each muscle based on the output of the actor in ACRL. ACRL with AFMs representing the embodiment of muscle tone successfully achieved posture stabilization in five joint motions of the right arm of a human adult male under gravity in predetermined target angles at an earlier period of learning than the learning methods without AFMs. The results obtained from this study suggest that the introduction of embodiment of muscle tone can enhance learning efficiency in posture stabilization disorders of humans or humanoid robots.
Thermal ecology of the Atlas day gecko Quedenfeldtia moerens in an arid area of Morocco, and a comparison with its congener Q. trachyblepharus
Authors: Mouadi Jalal , El Mouden El Hassan , Bouazza Abdellah , Aourir Mohamed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The Atlas day gecko, Quedenfeldtia moerens, a Moroccan endemic lizard, is strictly diurnal and widely distributed across the dry Atlas Mountains. We quantified thermoregulation in adult males and adult females during their active season in the L’kest Mountain at 1300 m a.s.l., Anti-Atlas region of Morocco. The operative temperatures and air temperatures were sampled using data-loggers in the field from 2016 to 2018. Body temperatures of active lizards and substrate temperatures in the field were simultaneously measured. Finally, we measured preferred body temperatures (Tset) in a laboratory thermal gradient for 24 adult geckos. Mean Tset was 33.3 ± 0.3°C, with the mean 25% and 75% quartiles being 32.3 ± 0.3°C and 34.6 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Active lizards rarely reached their Tset range from March to June, but spent most of the day within Tset in July and August. Our study suggests that Q. moerens have higher Tset than its congeneric Q. trachyblepharus living at high altitude. Likewise, thermoregulatory effectiveness of Q. moerens showed an increase from spring to summer while it was the opposite for Q. trachyblepharus.
Textual Criticism and Bibliography: The Case of Qurʾānic Studies
Authors: Tottoli Roberto 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Philological studies on Arabic and Islamic literature have traditionally been limited in many respects. The approaches to the texts and their editing have mostly reflected a primary interest in diffusing texts without sharing the editing methodology or discussing the specific problematic aspects of Arabic. In the realm of Qurʾānic studies most of the research has been devoted to the formation of the text and early manuscript evidence with some significant results but without addressing many other aspects and critical problems which still await the attention of scholarly research. Later manuscript attestations and the history of the printed Qurʾān have also been in general neglected fields of critical research.
Ostrich Eggs as a Conceptual-Symbolic Accessory in Jewish Synagogues
Authors: Shemesh Abraham Ofir 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The current article discusses the origins and formation of the Jewish custom of hanging ostrich eggs in the synagogue. This habit has been more common in specific countries such as Yemen, and in cities in the land of Israel, such as Safed, Meron, and Jerusalem. The initial reason given for hanging the eggs was that they might arouse one to concentrate on prayers, as like eggs, prayers are fruitful when accompanied by concentration and true intent. This explanation is based on the “miraculous power” of the ostrich’s sense of sight, capable of warming the eggs and causing them to hatch.
Beat the Drums or Break Them: Bells and Drums as Communication Devices in Early Chinese Warfare
Authors: Rom Avital Hedva 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Warring States (453-221 BCE) and Western Han (206 BCE-9 CE) texts abound in references to drums and bells in discussions of warfare and martial affairs. This begs the question: how are we to understand such references? What role did these instruments have to play on the battlefield? This paper examines the role of sound in early Chinese warfare. By analyzing textual references to sound-producing instruments within the context of warfare, it seeks to emphasize the importance of organized sound production on the battlefield. I argue that, rather than mere ornamental “military music,” drums and bells were perceived by early Chinese strategists as indispensable sonic communication devices, which played a crucial role in victory or defeat in any battle.
Description and evolution of wood anatomical characters in the ebony wood genus Diospyros and its close relatives (Ebenaceae): a first step towards combatting illegal logging
Authors: Jahanbanifard Mehrdad , Beckers Vicky , Koch Gerald , Beeckman Hans , Gravendeel Barbara , Verbeek Fons , Baas Pieter , Priester Carlijn , Lens Frederic 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The typical black coloured ebony wood (Diospyros, Ebenaceae) is desired as a commercial timber because of its durable and aesthetic properties. Surprisingly, a comprehensive wood anatomical overview of the genus is lacking, making it impossible to fully grasp the diversity in microscopic anatomy and to distinguish between CITES protected species native to Madagascar and the rest. We present the largest microscopic wood anatomical reference database for ebony woods and reconstruct evolutionary patterns in the microscopic wood anatomy within the family level using an earlier generated molecular phylogeny. Wood samples from 246 Diospyros species are described based on standardised light microscope observations. For the ancestral state reconstruction, we selected eight wood anatomical characters from 88 Ebenaceae species (including 29 Malagasy Diospyros species) that were included in the most recently reconstructed family phylogeny. Within Diospyros, the localisation of prismatic crystals (either in axial parenchyma or in rays) shows the highest phylogenetic value and appears to have a biogeographical signal. The molecular defined subclade Diospyros clade IX can be clearly distinguished from other ebony woods by its storied structure. Across Ebenaceae, Lissocarpa is distinguishable from the remaining genera by the combined presence of scalariform and simple vessel perforation plates, and Royena typically has silica bodies instead of prismatic crystals. The local deposition of prismatic crystals and the presence of storied structure allow identifying ebony wood species at the subgeneric level, but species-level identification is not possible. In an attempt to improve the identification accuracy of the CITES protected Malagasy woods, we applied computer vision algorithms based on microscopic images from our reference database (microscopic slides from ca. 1000 Diospyros specimens) and performed chemical profiling based on DART TOFMS.
Changing Lateral Boundary Conditions for Probable Maximum Precipitation Studies: A Physically Consistent Approach
Authors: Ødemark Karianne , Müller Malte , Tveito Ole Einar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article presents a conceptual study toward establishing a new method for altering lateral boundary conditions in numerical model based estimates for probable maximum precipitation (PMP). We altered an extreme event in a physically and dynamically consistent way in a regional convective-scale weather prediction model (AROME-MetCoOp) by applying fields from a global ensemble climate model approach based on EC-EARTH. Ten ensemble members are downscaled with the regional model, which results in 10 different realizations of an extreme precipitation event for the west coast of Norway. We show how the position and orientation of the moisture flow is different between the individual ensemble members, which leads to relatively large changes in precipitation values for a selected catchment. For example, the modification of the moisture transport on scales of several hundred kilometers impacts the extreme precipitation amount by about 75% among the model members. Compared with historical rainfall records, precipitation changes of 62% and 71% are found for two selected catchments. Although the present study is restricted to one particular extreme event that is modified 10 times with the ensemble approach, there is a considerable spread of the moisture transport compared to the spread of the moisture transport of extreme precipitation events of the past 40 years. We conclude that the described approach is a step toward a new method to derive PMP values for a given catchment; however, a larger amount of events and larger ensembles would have to be considered to estimate PMP values.
Hearing Loss–Related Issues Affecting Quality of Life in Preschool Children
Authors: Lindburg Miranda , Ead Banan , Jeffe Donna B. , Lieu Judith E. C. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThe impact of hearing loss (HL) on quality of life (QOL) in young children has not been examined systematically. The objective of this study was to examine patient, parent, and professional perspectives on experiences and situations that affect the QOL in young children with HL and to identify themes that emerged from coded data to develop a parent‐proxy QOL measure for young children with HL.Study DesignQualitative study with 6 focus groups followed by semistructured interviews with other parents and professionals as stakeholder checks.SettingAcademic medical center and local schools for the deaf.MethodsAudiology department clinic lists were used to identify eligible participants, who included 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children with permanent HL and parents of 2‐ to 7‐year‐old children with permanent HL. A sample of 6 children and 12 parents participated in focus groups. An audiology department and multiple schools for the deaf in the area were contacted to recruit for professional participants, resulting in a sample of 10 professionals who participated in focus groups. Focus groups and interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis of focus group transcripts identified key concepts and emerging themes of how HL affects young children.ResultsSix themes emerged from the data: behavior, feelings, environments, social/activities, family, and hearing equipment. Child, parent, and professional focus group themes overlapped well, and data saturation was reached.ConclusionThese qualitative data provided insight into HL‐related issues affecting young children’s QOL and were used to create items for a new parent‐proxy QOL questionnaire.
Interpretation of Normal and Abnormal Tympanogram Findings in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Authors: Parsel Sean M. , Unis Graham D. , Souza Spenser S. , Bartley Heather , Bergeron Jeffrey M. , Master Adam N. , McCoul Edward D. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo characterize the relationship between objective tympanogram values and patient‐reported symptoms and associations with common comorbid conditions.Study DesignCross‐sectional study with prospective data collection.SettingTertiary medical center.MethodsPatients undergoing routine audiometric evaluation between October 2018 and June 2019 were included. Participants with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, inner ear hydrops, and similar conditions were excluded. Symptoms were assessed with the 7‐item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire. Demographics and medical comorbidities were recorded from the medical record. Analysis of tympanometric peak pressure (TPP), demographics, and comorbidities was performed to determine associations with clinically significant eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptoms.ResultsA total of 250 patients were included with similar demographics: 101 (40.4%) in the asymptomatic group and 149 (59.6%) in the symptomatic group. The median (interquartile range) TPP was –10 (20) daPa and –25 (100) daPa in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, respectively. A diagnosis of rhinitis was more likely to be associated with significant ETD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.23‐5.63). A subgroup analysis revealed that symptomatic patients with normal TPP values were negatively skewed as compared with asymptomatic patients. This symptomatic group had a higher prevalence of rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis than the asymptomatic group.ConclusionPatients with symptoms of ETD may have a TPP within a range typically considered normal per conventional standards. This suggests that the currently accepted interpretation of tympanometry findings may be insensitive for the diagnosis of less severe cases of ETD.
Association Between Age and Nodal Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Shukla Navika , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba , Megwalu Uchechukwu C. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between age and rate of lymph node metastasis, nodal burden of disease, as well as rate of lateral neck disease in papillary thyroid cancer, especially in patients aged <30 years.Study DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.SettingPopulation‐based cancer database.MethodsData were extracted from the SEER 18 database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) of the National Cancer Institute. The study cohort included 59,330 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer between 1988 and 2015. Patients aged 0 to 10 years, 11 to 20 years, and 21 to 30 years old were compared with those >30 years. All analyses were adjusted for sex, race, and T classification.ResultsThe overall rate of lymph node metastasis was 26.11%, which increased with decreasing age. Adjusted odds ratios of lymph node metastasis were 7.19 (95% CI, 3.76‐13.75) for the 0‐ to 10‐year‐old group, 3.45 (95% CI, 3.08‐3.87) for the 11‐ to 20‐year‐old group, and 2.28 (95% CI, 2.15‐2.41) for the 21‐ to 30‐year‐old group, relative to the group >30 years old. Decreased age was also associated with increased total positive nodes, increased lymph node ratio, and increased risk of lateral neck disease.ConclusionPediatric and early young adult patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma have a greater risk of lymph node metastasis, greater burden of nodal disease, and a greater risk of lateral neck metastases.
Status of Anaemia and Malaria Co-infection With HIV From HAART Clinics in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Anyanwu Nneoma Confidence JeanStephanie , Oluwatimileyin David Jesutobi , Sunmonu Peace Temitope 
Published: October 2020

Background: Malaria and HIV are 2 significant infections of critical public health concern globally. Malaria infection is one of the preceding causes of morbidity and mortality in endemic developing countries, and its co-infections in HIV patients worsen prognosis; with anaemia being the most common haematologic outcome of the infections. Context and Purpose of Study: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of anaemia and malaria co-infection among HIV-infected patients attending selected hospitals in Abuja between February and July 2019. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to detect malaria in 420 HIV-positive patients who were 12 to 67 years old, using enzyme immunoassay and microscopy. A structured questionnaire was used to capture socio-demographic and risk factors ([Frequency of] Use of Malaria preventive Measures, History of anaemia, Blood type, malaria antecedents, and CD4+ Count) while packed cell volume was checked using micro haematocrit reader to determine anaemia status. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS v25. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 37.5 (±12.48). A total of 142 (33.8%) samples were positive for malaria, and 68 of the HIV-infected patients (16.2%) were anaemic; 4.8% of the 420 patients had malaria co-infection and anaemia simultaneously. More male participants had malaria co-infection (36.0%, P = .617) while more female participants had anaemia (22.7%, P = .058). Patients aged 61 to 70 years had the highest rates of malaria and those aged 51 to 60 years were most anaemic. Except for patients with normal CD4+ count, those who were more exposed to the evaluated risk factors were more co-infected and anaemic. Malaria co-infection did not significantly affect the onset of anaemia. Test for the validity of Microscopy against Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) showed 83.1% sensitivity and 98.6% specificity. No association was observed between the variables and the parasitaemia density of the patients. Conclusions: This study highlighted higher rates of malaria co-infection and anaemia among HIV patients when compared with previous reports in the region although co-infection did not significantly affect anaemia status. Given this trend, strategies must be put in place to checkmate these ailments. Population studies are also advocated.
Readmissions and complications in breast ductal carcinoma in situ: A retrospective study comparing screen- and non-screen-detected patients
Authors: Politi Julieta , Sala María , Domingo Laia , Vernet-Tomas María , Román Marta , Macià Francesc , Castells Xavier 
Published: October 2020

Objective: Population-wide mammographic screening programs aim to reduce breast cancer mortality. However, a broad view of the harms and benefits of these programs is necessary to favor informed decisions, especially in the earliest stages of the disease. Here, we compare the outcomes of patients diagnosed with breast ductal carcinoma in situ in participants and non-participants of a population-based mammographic screening program. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with breast ductal carcinoma in situ between 2000 and 2010 within a single hospital. A total of 211 patients were included, and the median follow-up was 8.4 years. The effect of detection mode (screen-detected and non-screen-detected) on breast cancer recurrences, readmissions, and complications was evaluated through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In the majority of women, breast ductal carcinoma in situ was screen-detected (63.5%). Screen-detected breast ductal carcinoma in situ was smaller in size compared to those non-screen-detected (57.53% < 20 mm versus 78.03%, p = 0.002). Overall, breast-conserving surgery was the most frequent surgery (86.26%); however, mastectomy was higher in non-screen-detected breast ductal carcinoma in situ (20.78% versus 9.7%, p = 0.024). Readmissions for mastectomy were more frequent in non-screen-detected breast ductal carcinoma in situ. Psychological complications, such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression, had a prevalence of 15% within our cohort. Risk of readmissions and complications was higher within the non-screen-detected group, as evidenced by an odds ratio = 6.25 (95% confidence interval = 1.95–19.99) for readmissions and an odds ratio = 2.41 (95% confidence interval = 1.95–4.86) for complications. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that women with breast ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer diagnosed through population-based breast cancer screening program experience a lower risk of readmissions and complications than those diagnosed outside these programs. These findings can help aid women and health professionals make informed decisions regarding screening.