bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The syntax of weak and strong pronouns in Dagbani and Kusaal
Authors: Abubakari Hasiyatu , Issah Samuel Alhassan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAlthough studies in Dagbani and Kusaal have distinguished between weak and strong pronouns, their syntactic peculiarities remain largely uninvestigated. This paper aims to fill this gap by presenting a systematic investigation of the distribution of these pronouns drawing data from these two languages. We demonstrate that strong pronouns have dedicated syntactic positions including left peripheral focus, predicate focus, and fragmentary answers where pronominals are required. We further show that Dagbani and Kusaal behave differently regarding the distribution of strong and weak pronouns in two domains (i) conjunct ordering of pronouns in conjoined noun phrases and in (ii) fragmentary or elliptical answers. We contend that the ban on weak pronouns in positions of syntactic focus is attributable to their prosodic deficiency.
Development of the Analysis Procedure for the Ice-Induced Fatigue Damage of a Ship in Broken Ice Fields
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hwan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA simplified analysis method was developed to evaluate the fatigue damage of an ice-going ship under broken ice conditions. The ice resistance, which is available in the early design stages of an ice-going vessel, and the hull form information were used to estimate the local ice load acting on the outer-shell of the ship. The local ice load was applied to a finite element analysis model, and the Weibull parameters of the local stress range at the target fatigue point were derived. Finally, the fatigue damage was evaluated by applying the S–N curve and Palmgren–Miner rule. To verify the proposed method, numerical analyses using the direct approach, which takes into account the detailed interaction model among the fluid, structure, and ice, were performed under the same conditions. Fatigue analyses of the Baltic Sea for actual ice conditions were performed to check the validity and applicability of the proposed method, and the resulting fatigue damage was compared with that obtained by the classification society’s recommended practice.
Late Quaternary landscape evolution and bioclimatic change in the central Great Plains, USA
Authors: Layzell Anthony L. , Mandel Rolfe D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA systematic study of floodplains, terraces, and alluvial fans in the Republican River valley of south-central Nebraska provided a well-dated, detailed reconstruction of late Quaternary landscape evolution and resolved outstanding issues related to previously proposed Holocene terrace sequences. Stable carbon isotope (δ13C) values determined on soil organic matter from buried soils in alluvial landforms were used to reconstruct the structure of vegetation communities and provided a means to investigate the relationships between bioclimatic change and fluvial activity for the period of record. Our study serves as a model for geomorphological and geoarcheological investigations in stream valleys throughout the central Great Plains and wherever loess-derived late Quaternary alluvial fans occur, in particular.Holocene alluvial landforms in the river valley include a broad floodplain complex (T-0a, T-0b, and T-0c), a single alluvial terrace (T-1), and alluvial fans that mostly grade to the T-1 (AF-1) and T-0c (AF-0c) surfaces. Remnants of a late Pleistocene terrace (T-2), mantled by Holocene (Bignell) loess, are also preserved, and some Holocene alluvial fans (AF-2) grade to T-2 surfaces.Radiocarbon ages suggest that the T-1 fill and AF-1 fans aggraded between ca. 9000–1000 yr B.P. Hence, nearly all of the Holocene alluvium in the river valley is stored in these landforms. Sedimentation, however, was interrupted by several periods of landscape stability and soil formation. Radiocarbon ages from the upper A horizons of buried soils in the T-1 and AF-1 fills, indicating approximate burial ages, cluster at ca. 6500, 4500, 3500, and 1000 yr B.P. Also, based on the radiocarbon ages, the T-0c fill and AF-0c fans were aggrading between ca. 2000–900 yr B.P. Given that the T-0c fill and upper parts of the T-1 fill were both aggrading after ca. 2000 yr B.P., we suggest that the T-1 surface was abandoned between ca. 4500–3500 yr B.P., but subsequent aggradation of both the T-1 and T-0c fills occurred due to large-magnitude flood events during the late Holocene.The δ13C data indicate a shift from ∼40% C4 biomass at ca. 6000 to ∼85% at ca. 4500 yr B.P. We propose a scenario where (1) a reduction in C3 vegetation after 6000 yr B.P. destabilized the uplands, resulting in an increase in sediment supply and aggradation of the T-1 fill and AF-1 fans, and (2) the establishment of C4 vegetation by ca. 4500 yr B.P. stabilized the uplands, resulting in a reduction in sediment supply and subsequent incision and abandonment of the T-1 and most AF-1 surfaces. The proposed timing and nature of landscape and bioclimatic change are consistent with regional records from the central Great Plains.
Prognostic significance of immune checkpoints in the tumour–stromal microenvironment of sebaceous gland carcinoma
Authors: Singh Lata , Singh Mithalesh Kumar , Rizvi Moshahid Alam , Pushker Neelam , Bakhshi Sameer , Sen Seema , Kashyap Seema 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundImmune checkpoint blockade strategies have gained attention in the treatment/prognosis of cancers by targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway alone or in combination with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade and are currently in clinical trials. The present study investigated the expression of the PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, CD4 and CD8 proteins and their prognostic value in the tumour microenvironment of sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC).MethodsThe expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, CD4 and CD8 proteins were assessed in 52 cases of SGC by immunohistochemistry and validated by western blotting. mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyse the correlation of protein expression with clinicopathological parameters and disease-free survival.ResultsThe expression of PD-L1 was found to be higher in tumour cells than in stromal cells. In univariate analysis, the expression of PD-1 in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (tPD-1) and PD-L1 in tumour cells was associated with reduced disease-free survival, whereas PD-L1 expression in stromal lymphocyte infiltration (sPD-L1) was associated with the increased survival of patients (p<0.05). However, by multivariate analysis, the expression of tPD-1 was found to be an independent prognostic factor for poor survival.ConclusionOur study highlights the prognostic outcome of PD-1 and PD-L1 protein expression in cells of tumour–stromal compartments. These results indicate that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway mediates important interactions within the tumour microenvironment in SGC.
Humeral shaft fracture and radial nerve palsy in Korean soldiers: focus on arm wrestling related injury
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Eun , Kim E-J , Park J , Kim SW , Kwon J , Moon G 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionHumeral shaft fractures can lead to radial nerve injury and may require surgery and rehabilitation. We determined the causative events of humeral fracture, including arm wrestling, in young Korean soldiers and examined whether humeral fracture is related to demographic characteristics and the presence of radial nerve palsy.MethodsWe reviewed 7.5 years (July 2012 to June 2019) of medical records covering patients who had experienced a humeral shaft fracture after entering military service and had received surgery for open reduction and internal fixation. Data were obtained on basic demographics, initial event provoking the fracture, presence of radial nerve palsy, initial and follow-up severity of the weakness, and any discharge from military service because of prolonged radial nerve palsy.ResultsOf 123 cases, arm wrestling was the leading cause (52.8%). A high energy injury, such as falling from a height (11.4%), and sports related slips (10.6%) were other causes. All humeral shaft fractures caused by forceful contraction were spiral, while 40% of the fractures caused by external force related events were of a transverse type. The percentage of left-sided fractures was significantly higher for fractures arising from an external force than in those caused by forceful contraction related events. Radial nerve palsy was found in 34 patients (27.6%), and 16 were discharged from the military because of prolonged radial nerve palsy 6 months after the fracture. The causative events and other factors did not affect the presence of radial nerve palsy.ConclusionArm wrestling was the leading cause of humeral fracture in young Korean soldiers but the chance of developing comorbid radial nerve palsy did not differ from that of other causes. These epidemiologic findings in this young active group may help in understanding the causes of humeral shaft fracture in soldiers and in the wider young population.
Lifestyle, genomic types and non-communicable diseases in Korea: a protocol for the Korean Medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort study (KDCC)
Authors: Baek Younghwa , Seo Bok-Nam , Jeong Kyoungsik , Yoo Horyong , Lee Siwoo 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, including in Korea; thus, customised techniques for chronic disease management for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of NCDs are crucial. The Korean Medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort (KDCC) study has been tasked with developing precise health promotion model for preventing and managing chronic diseases that considers individual traits, lifestyle factors and clinical data based on traditional Korean medicine.Methods and analysisThe KDCC study is a prospective cohort study of the community-based population in Korea. This study will sample 2000 adults aged 30–55 years in Daejeon area using stratified cluster sampling. The baseline survey began in 2017 and was completed in 2019, and follow-up surveys will be conducted three times every 2 years until 2025. In follow-ups, factors related to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and relevant diseases, as well as respondents’ health status information, will be examined via questionnaire surveys and health examinations.DiscussionThe KDCC study will investigate the effects of an interaction of Korean medicine type with genome based, lifestyle and various clinical information on chronic diseases and individuals’ health status using longitudinal epidemiological data. These findings are expected to inform the development of tailored health promotion programmes based on precision Korean medicine.Trial registration numberKCT0004297.
Delphi study to determine the key qualities consultant histopathologists look for in their trainees
Authors: Brierley Daniel J , Farthing Paula M , Zijlstra-Shaw Sandra 
Published: April 2020

AimsA Delphi study to triangulate and determine the relative importance of the key qualities of trainees identified from qualitative interviews that sought to understand how consultant histopathologists determine diagnostic competences in trainees.MethodsTwelve participants were purposively chosen for the Delphi to form an expert panel of relevant stakeholders. Participants were asked to score and rank the items presented to them.ResultsA total of 22 out of 27 of the key qualities of trainees (items) reached ‘consensus in’ after round 2 suggesting participants were able to agree that the majority of the items identified in the qualitative interviews were important to diagnostic competence. Five items reached ‘no consensus’. Participants did not suggest any additional items. Participants particularly valued qualities of reflection and professionalism and trainees who understood the process of reaching a diagnosis and how their pathological report could impact on patient care.ConclusionsThis study has triangulated findings from our qualitative interviews and show that consultants value a wide variety of qualities when determining diagnostic competence in their trainees. The judgement is complex and is therefore best assessed longitudinally and on a number of cases, so consultants can look for consistency of both approach to diagnosis and of trainee behaviour.
Early neurologic decline in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving thrombolysis with large vessel occlusion and mild deficits
Authors: Lee Vivien H , Thakur Gaurav , Nimjee Shahid M , Youssef Patrick P , Lakhani Sushil , Heaton Sharon , Powers Ciaran J 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundWe sought to determine the rate of early neurologic decline (END) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who presented with mild deficits and received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA).MethodsAmong 1022 patients with AIS who received IVtPA from 2014 to 2019, we identified 313 (30.6%) with LVO, of which 94 (30%) presented with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤7. Thirteen patients were excluded, leaving 81 for analysis. END was defined as NIHSS worsening of ≥4 points within 24 hours.ResultsAmong 81 patients with LVO and low NIHSS score, the mean age was 65.8 years (range 25–93) and 41% were female. The mean time to IVtPA from last known well was 2.5 hours (range 0.8–7). LVO sites were as follows: 5 (6%) carotid, 23 (28%) M1, and 53 (65%) M2 occlusions. Among the 81 patients, 28 (34.6%) had END, and these patients were older (70.8 vs 63.2 years, p=0.036). The mean change in NIHSS score at 24 hours in those with END was 10.4 (range 4–22). Patients with END were less likely to be discharged home (25% vs 66%, p=0.004).ConclusionsAmong patients with LVO AIS who received IVtPA, 30% presented with initial mild deficits. END occurred in one-third of LVO patients with initial mild deficits despite receiving IVtPA. Clinicians should be aware that the natural history of LVO with initial mild deficits is not benign and these patients are eligible for rescue thrombectomy in the 24-hour window if they deteriorate.
Medical management of a unilateral obstructive ureterolith in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Keeble Emma , Eatwell Kevin , Longo Maurizio , Schwarz Tobias 
Published: April 2020

A 5‐year‐old neutered male French lop rabbit presented with a 6‐hour history of stranguria and reduced faecal output. Routine haematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and diagnostic imaging were performed. Ultrasonography revealed left renal pelvis and ureter distension due to the presence of a proximal and distal calculus and marked heterogenous bladder sediment. A diagnosis of left hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction with a suspected underlying pyelonephritis and hypercalciuria was made. The rabbit was treated medically with intravenous fluid therapy, prokinetic drugs, analgesia, systemic antibiotics and nutritional support, as well as closely monitored by ultrasonographic examination. Three days later, clinical signs and urinary tract findings had resolved. Repeat imaging at 7 days post‐treatment was normal. This is the first report of successful medical management of obstructive ureterolithiasis in a pet rabbit. The small ureteral diameter in rabbits and consequent surgical limitations make medical therapy with close serial ultrasonographic monitoring an alternative option to surgical intervention in select cases that are evaluated as stable. Surgical intervention, however, should always be considered in cases that do not respond to medical therapy.
Association Analysis of Driver Gene–Related Genetic Variants Identified Novel Lung Cancer Susceptibility Loci with 20,871 Lung Cancer Cases and 15,971 Controls
Authors: Wang Yuzhuo , Gorlova Olga Y. , Gorlov Ivan P. , Zhu Meng , Dai Juncheng , Albanes Demetrius , Lam Stephen , Tardon Adonina , Chen Chu , Goodman Gary E. , Bojesen Stig E. , Landi Maria Teresa , Johansson Mattias , Risch Angela , Wichmann Heunz-Erich , Bickeboller Heike , Christiani David C. , Rennert Gad , Arnold Susanne M. , Brennan Paul , Field John K. , Shete Sanjay , Le Marchand Loïc , Melander Olle , Brunnstrom Hans , Liu Geoffrey , Hung Rayjean J. , Andrew Angeline S. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Zienolddiny Shanbeh , Grankvist Kjell , Johansson Mikael , Caporaso Neil E. , Woll Penella J. , Lazarus Philip , Schabath Matthew B. , Aldrich Melinda C. , Stevens Victoria L. , Ma Hongxia , Jin Guangfu , Hu Zhibin , Amos Christopher I. , Shen Hongbing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground:A substantial proportion of cancer driver genes (CDG) are also cancer predisposition genes. However, the associations between genetic variants in lung CDGs and the susceptibility to lung cancer have rarely been investigated.Methods:We selected expression-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (eSNP) and nonsynonymous variants of lung CDGs, and tested their associations with lung cancer risk in two large-scale genome-wide association studies (20,871 cases and 15,971 controls of European descent). Conditional and joint association analysis was performed to identify independent risk variants. The associations of independent risk variants with somatic alterations in lung CDGs or recurrently altered pathways were investigated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project.Results:We identified seven independent SNPs in five lung CDGs that were consistently associated with lung cancer risk in discovery (P &lt; 0.001) and validation (P &lt; 0.05) stages. Among these loci, rs78062588 in TPM3 (1q21.3) was a new lung cancer susceptibility locus (OR = 0.86, P = 1.65 × 10−6). Subgroup analysis by histologic types further identified nine lung CDGs. Analysis of somatic alterations found that in lung adenocarcinomas, rs78062588[C] allele (TPM3 in 1q21.3) was associated with elevated somatic copy number of TPM3 (OR = 1.16, P = 0.02). In lung adenocarcinomas, rs1611182 (HLA-A in 6p22.1) was associated with truncation mutations of the transcriptional misregulation in cancer pathway (OR = 0.66, P = 1.76 × 10−3).Conclusions:Genetic variants can regulate functions of lung CDGs and influence lung cancer susceptibility.Impact:Our findings might help unravel biological mechanisms underlying lung cancer susceptibility.
Premenopausal Plasma Osteoprotegerin and Breast Cancer Risk: A Case–Control Analysis Nested within the Nurses' Health Study II
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , McGee Emma E. , Lozano-Esparza Susana , Garber Judy E. , Ligibel Jennifer , Collins Laura C. , Polyak Kornelia , Brown Myles , Narod Steven , Tamimi Rulla M. , Eliassen A. Heather 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background:
Emerging evidence supports a role of the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) pathway in normal mammary gland development and breast carcinogenesis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is the endogenous decoy receptor for RANK-ligand (RANKL), which inhibits RANK-signaling. Whether OPG may be a biomarker of breast cancer risk remains unclear.

Methods:
We evaluated the association between plasma OPG and breast cancer risk in a case (n = 297)–control (n = 297) study nested within the Nurses' Health Study II. Cases were women who were cancer-free and premenopausal at blood collection who developed invasive breast cancer. OPG was quantified using an ELISA. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate multivariable odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between OPG levels and breast cancer risk, adjusting for potential confounders. Unconditional logistic regression, additionally adjusting for matching factors, was used for stratified analyses.

Results:
Overall, there was no substantial evidence for an association between plasma OPG levels and breast cancer risk, although the point estimate for the highest (vs. lowest) quartile was below 1 (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.46–1.33; Ptrend = 0.30). There was no evidence of heterogeneity by various reproductive, hormonal, or tumor characteristics, including hormone receptor status and grade (all Pheterogeneity ≥ 0.17).

Conclusions:
Findings from this prospective study do not provide substantial evidence for an association between circulating OPG and breast cancer risk among premenopausal women; however, we were underpowered in stratified analyses.

Impact:
Results do not provide strong evidence for OPG as a potential biomarker of breast cancer risk among premenopausal women.
Baldness and Risk of Prostate Cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
Authors: Khan Saud , Caldwell Joshua , Wilson Kathryn M. , Gonzalez-Feliciano Amparo G. , Peisch Samuel , Pernar Claire H. , Graff Rebecca E. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Gerke Travis A. , Markt Sarah C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground:The association between male pattern baldness and prostate cancer has been inconsistent. We prospectively investigated the association between baldness at age 45 and prostate cancer risk in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), focusing on clinical and molecular markers.Methods:Baldness was self-reported on the 1992 questionnaire using the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale prior to diagnosis. We estimated HRs between baldness and prostate cancer risk among 36,760 men, with follow-up through 2014. We also investigated whether baldness was associated with prostate cancer defined by tumor protein expression of androgen receptor and the presence of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion.Results:During 22 years, 5,157 prostate cancer cases were identified. Fifty-six percent of the men had either frontal or vertex baldness. No significant associations were found between baldness and prostate cancer risk. Among men younger than 60 years, there was a statistically significant association between frontal and severe vertex baldness and overall prostate cancer (HR: 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.23–2.48). Baldness was not significantly associated with expression of molecular subtypes defined by AR and TMPRSS2:ERG IHC of prostate tumors.Conclusions:This study showed no association between baldness at age 45 and prostate cancer risk, overall or for clinical or molecular markers. The association between baldness and overall prostate cancer among younger men is intriguing, but caution is warranted when interpreting this finding.Impact:The null findings from this large cohort study, together with previous literature's inconclusive findings across baldness patterns, suggest that baldness is not a consistent biomarker for prostate cancer risk or progression.