bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of embryo quality and endometrial thickness on implantation in natural cycle IVF
Authors: Tomic Vlatka , Kasum Miro , Vucic Katarina 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the endometrial thickness and embryo quality on the implantation potential in natural cycle IVF (NC-IVF).

Methods
A retrospective single-center study was performed on 552 single embryo transfers after NC-IVF. The ‘quality' of the embryos was evaluated trough the number and regularity of blastomeres, degree of fragmentation, and nuclear content of cells. Endometrial thickness was measured in millimeters with transvaginal ultrasound on the day of hCG application.

Results
Our findings showed a statistically significant difference in successful implantation until a plateau of 10 mm is reached (p = 0.001). Only one pregnancy was achieved where endometrial thickness was less than 7 mm, and this resulted in an early miscarriage. The predictors of favorable implantation were fragmentation (≤ 10%, p < 0.05) and the number of blastomeres (preferably 8-cell, p < 0.01) on day 3. Embryo quality (R = 0.052) and endometrial thickness (R = 0.18) were closely related to pregnancy rate. The overall implantation rate per embryo transfer was 18.8%.

Conclusions
Embryo quality and endometrial thickness have a significant impact on implantation in NC-IVF. Highest implantation potential has an 8-cell embryo with ≤ 10% fragmentation in the third day following oocyte retrieval. Endometrial thickness of at least 7 mm seems to be the optimal edge of successful pregnancy.
Area Under the Expiratory Flow–Volume Curve (AEX): Assessing Bronchodilator Responsiveness
Authors: Ioachimescu Octavian C. , Stoller James K. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Area under expiratory flow–volume curve (AEX) is a useful spirometric tool in stratifying respiratory impairment. The AEX approximations based on isovolumic flows can be used with reasonable accuracy when AEX is unavailable. We assessed here pre- to post-bronchodilator (BD) variability of AEX4 as a functional assessment tool for lung disorders.

Methods
The BD response was assessed in 4330 subjects by changes in FEV1, FVC, and AEX4, which were derived from FVC, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% FVC. Newly proposed BD response categories (negative, minimal, mild, moderate and marked) have been investigated in addition to standard criteria.

Results
Using standard BD criteria, 24% of subjects had a positive response. Using the new BD response categories, only 23% of subjects had a negative response; 45% minimal, 18% mild, 9% moderate, and 5% had a marked BD response. Mean percent change of the square root AEX4 was 0.3% and 14.3% in the standard BD-negative and BD-positive response groups, respectively. In the new BD response categories of negative, minimal, mild, moderate, and marked, mean percent change of square root AEX4 was − 8.2%, 2.9%, 9.2%, 15.0%, and 24.8%, respectively.

Conclusions
Mean pre- to post-BD variability of AEX4 was < 6% and stratified well between newly proposed categories of BD response (negative, minimal, mild, moderate and marked). We suggest that AEX4 (AEX) could become a useful measurement for stratifying dysfunction in obstructive lung disease and invite further investigation into indications for using bronchodilator agents or disease-modifying, anti-inflammatory therapies.
Introduction to clinical research based on modern epidemiology
Authors: Hoshino Junichi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOver the past 20 years, recent advances in science technologies have dramatically changed the styles of clinical research. Currently, it has become more popular to use recent modern epidemiological techniques, such as propensity score, instrumental variable, competing risks, marginal structural modeling, mixed effects modeling, bootstrapping, and missing data analyses, than before. These advanced techniques, also known as modern epidemiology, may be strong tools for performing good clinical research, especially in large-scale observational studies, along with relevant research questions, good databases, and the passion of researchers. However, to use these methods effectively, we need to understand the basic assumptions behind them. Here, I will briefly introduce the concepts of these techniques and their implementation. In addition, I would like to emphasize that various types of clinical studies, not only large database studies but also small studies on rare and intractable diseases, are equally important because clinicians always do their best to take care of many kinds of patients who suffer from various kidney diseases and this is our most important mission.
Real-World Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Following Polymer-Free Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantations to Treat Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Krackhardt Florian , Waliszewski Matthias , Kočka Viktor , Toušek Petr , Janek Bronislav , Hudec Martin , Lozano Fernando , Roman Koldobika Garcia-San , del Blanco Bruno Garcia , Mauri Josepa , Heang Tay Mok , Ahn Tae Hoon , Jeong Myung Ho , Herberger Denny , Tomulic Vjekoslav , Levy Gilles , Sebagh Laurent , Rischner Jérôme , Pansieri Michel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives
The objective of this post hoc analysis was to analyze real-world dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimens following polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent (PF-SES) implantations in an unselected patient population.

Methods
Patient-level data from two all-comers observational studies (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02629575 and NCT02905214) were pooled and analyzed in terms of their primary endpoint. During the data verification process, we observed substantial deviations from DAPT guideline recommendations. To illuminate this gap between clinical practice and guideline recommendations, we conducted a post hoc analysis of DAPT regimens and clinical event rates for which we defined the net adverse event rate (NACE) consisting of target lesion revascularization (TLR, primary endpoint of all-comers observational studies) all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), and bleeding events. A logistic regression was utilized to determine predictors why ticagrelor was used in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients instead of the guideline-recommended clopidogrel.

Results
For stable CAD, the composite endpoint of clinical, bleeding, and stent thrombosis, i.e., NACE, between the clopidogrel and ticagrelor treatment groups was not different (5.4% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.745). Likewise, in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cohort, the NACE rates were not different between both DAPT strategies (9.2% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.927). There were also no differences in the accumulated rates for TLR, myocardial infarction ([MI], mortality, bleeding events, and stent thrombosis in elective and ACS patients. The main predictors for ticagrelor use in stable CAD patients were age < 65 years, smaller vessels, treatment of ostial and calcified lesions, and in-stent restenosis.

Conclusion
Within the framework of a post hoc analysis based on a real-world, large cohort study, there were no differences in the combined endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), bleeding and thrombotic events for clopidogrel and ticagrelor in stable CAD or ACS patients. Despite the recommendation for clopidogrel by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), real-world ticagrelor use was observed in subgroups of stable CAD patients that ought to be explored in future trials.
Population genetic structures of Puccinia triticina in five provinces of China
Authors: Ma Yutong , Liu Taiguo , Liu Bo , Gao Li , Chen Wanquan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTo understand the evolution ofPuccinia triticina, we used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate theP. triticinapopulation genetic structure in five Chinese provinces, Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi and Sichuan from 2013 to 2015. The populations exhibited characteristics of high haplotype diversity but low nuclear diversity. The gene flow was frequent between Gansu and Henan, Gansu and Sichuan and Sichuan and Henan. Genetic differentiation was significant among populations except between Henan and Gansu and between Henan and Sichuan (P < 0.05). TheP. triticinaisolates from the five provinces were grouped into two clusters: Gansu/Henan/Shaanxi/Sichuan and Hubei clusters. AMOVA analysis showed that the populations exhibited genetic variation; the variation percentage reached 87.45%, and the genetic variation within populations was the major source of variation. Our results suggest that the genetic diversity ofP. triticinawas high and that gene flow was frequent between populations.P. triticinapopulation of China had experienced a rapid expansion, which caused some differences between populations. The Hubei population was different from other population due to genetic variation within populations.
Putting Rigorous Evidence Within Reach: Lessons Learned from the New Heights Evaluation
Authors: Zief Susan , Deke John , Neild Ruth 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
This article uses an evaluation of New Heights, a school-based program for pregnant and parenting teens in the District of Columbia Public Schools, to illustrate how maternal and child health programs can obtain rigorous evaluations at reasonable cost using extant administrative data. The key purpose of the article is to draw out lessons learned about planning and conducting this type of evaluation, including the important role of partnerships between program staff and evaluators.

Description
This article summarizes the evaluation’s research design, data sources, and lessons learned about ingredients contributing to the successful implementation of this study. The evaluation employed a difference-in-differences design to estimate program impacts using administrative data merged across agencies.

Assessment
Several features of New Heights and its context facilitated an evaluation. First, New Heights leaders could clearly describe program components and how the program was expected to improve specific student education outcomes. These outcomes were easy to measure for program and comparison groups using administrative data, which agencies were willing to provide. Second, buy-in from program staff facilitated study approval, data agreements, and unanticipated opportunities to learn about program implementation. Finally, time spent by evaluators and program staff in conversation about the program’s components, context, and data resulted in greater understanding and a more useful evaluation.

Conclusion
The New Heights evaluation is a concrete example of how a small program with a modest evaluation budget can obtain evidence of impact. Collaborative relationships between researchers and program staff can enable these informative studies to flourish.
Spatial distribution of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) in urban foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Great Britain as determined by citizen science
Authors: Scott Dawn M. , Baker Rowenna , Tomlinson Alexandra , Berg Maureen J. , Charman Naomi , Tolhurst Bryony A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUrban areas may support high densities of wild carnivores, and pathogens can strongly influence carnivore populations. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are hosts of sarcoptic mange(Sarcoptes scabiei), which infects numerous species, and transmission can be density dependent. In Great Britain, urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have recently increased in population density and undergone range expansions. Here we investigate corresponding changes in urban fox mange prevalence. We predicted a higher prevalence closer to historic epi/enzootics and lower prevalence where urban features reduce fox density and movements, i.e. large areas of public green space, and fragmented habitat, as measured by road length and urban perimeter shape complexity. We visually assessed mange symptoms from georeferenced images of urban foxes submitted online by the public, thus surveying private land on a national scale. We measured the proportion of foxes apparently showing mange and used SATSCAN to identify spatial clusters of high infection risk. Landscape features were extracted from urban layers in GIS to determine associations. Although mange was widespread, we identified a single cluster of high prevalence (37.1%) in Northwest and Central England, which exceeded double mean prevalence overall (15.1%) and mirrors the northward expansion of urban fox distribution. Prevalence was positively correlated with perimeter shape complexity and negatively correlated with distance to the nearest city with mange, although the latter association was weak. Our findings show that citizen science can effectively monitor diseases with highly visible symptoms and suggest that fox movements are influential in explaining spatial patterns of prevalence.
An isogeometric numerical study of partially and fully implicit schemes for transient adjoint shape sensitivity analysis
Authors: Wang Zhen-Pei , Xie Zhifeng , Poh Leong Hien 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn structural design optimization involving transient responses, time integration scheme plays a crucial role in sensitivity analysis because it affects the accuracy and stability of transient analysis. In this work, the influence of time integration scheme is studied numerically for the adjoint shape sensitivity analysis of two benchmark transient heat conduction problems within the framework of isogeometric analysis. It is found that (i) the explicit approach (β = 0) and semi-implicit approach with β < 0.5 impose a strict stability condition of the transient analysis; (ii) the implicit approach (β = 1) and semi-implicit approach with β > 0.5 are generally preferred for their unconditional stability; and (iii) Crank-Nicolson type approach (β= 0.5) may induce a large error for large time-step sizes due to the oscillatory solutions. The numerical results also show that the time-step size does not have to be chosen to satisfy the critical conditions for all of the eigen-frequencies. It is recommended to use β ≈ 0.75 for unconditional stability, such that the oscillation condition is much less critical than the Crank-Nicolson scheme, and the accuracy is higher than a fully implicit approach.
Engaging the Adaptive Subject: Learning Evolution Beyond the Cell Walls
Authors: Affifi Ramsey 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAccording to the modern synthesis (MS), evolution is the gradual change of gene frequencies in a population. The MS is closely allied to adaptationist explanations of phenotypes, where organismic form and behavior is treated as previously selected for and owes its genesis to some remote past. However, some new theories of evolution broadly aligned with the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES), in particular developmental plasticity theory and niche construction theory, foreground the fact that evolution is sometimes much more rapid than previously imagined, and occurs through the active engagement of organisms accommodating and modifying their environments. This article describes how these contemporary theories reveal two interconnected sides of being anadaptive subject, a situated agent that modifies itself and its environment as it lives, and contributes to evolution in turn. MS and adaptationism have a generic logical structure that can be taught anywhere, but because developmental plasticity theory and niche construction theory point to an ontology that foregrounds the agency of the organism, they benefit from in situ exploration. I arguebiology as a subjectneeds to adapt, and call for the renewed importance of field studies, outlining some elements of how such studies might be conceived. I close by considering how understanding organisms as adaptive subjects of evolution has important implications for sustainability education.
Mapping mammography in Arkansas: Locating areas with poor spatial access to breast cancer screening using optimization models and geographic information systems
Authors: Young Sean G. , Ayers Meghan , Malak Sharp F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroduction:Arkansans have some of the worst breast cancer mortality to incidence ratios in the United States (5th for Blacks, 4th for Whites, 7th overall). Screening mammography allows for early detection and significant reductions in mortality, yet not all women have access to these life-saving services. Utilization in Arkansas is well below the national average, and the number of FDA-approved screening facilities has decreased by 38% since 2001. Spatial accessibility plays an important role in whether women receive screenings.Methods:We use constrained optimization models within a geographic information system (GIS) to probabilistically allocate women to nearby screening facilities, accounting for facility capacity and patient travel time. We examine accessibility results by rurality derived from rural–urban commuting area (RUCA) codes.Results:Under most models, screening capacity is insufficient to meet theoretical demand given travel constraints. Approximately 80% of Arkansan women live within 30 minutes of a screening facility, most of which are located in urban and suburban areas. The majority of unallocated demand was in Small towns and Rural areas.Conclusions:Geographic disparities in screening mammography accessibility exist across Arkansas, but women living in Rural areas have particularly poor spatial access. Mobile mammography clinics can remove patient travel time constraints to help meet rural demand. More broadly, optimization models and GIS can be applied to many studies of healthcare accessibility in rural populations.
As Darkness Deepens: The Right to be Forgotten in the Context of Authoritarian Constitutionalism
Authors: Goldmann Matthias 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere is no point in denying the significance of the Right to be forgotten for the state of judicial dialogue in Europe. It vindicates the position of the BVerfG as a court deserving international recognition for advancing the law in the crucial field of data protection. Nevertheless, restricting the scope of analysis to the narrow context of judicial dialogue misses the wider context of the rise of authoritarian constitutionalism in certain EU Member States. In this respect, it is of the highest significance that the decisions on the Right to be forgotten effectively eliminate the imagined normative hierarchy between domestic and EU law that provided the basis for the BVerfG’s jurisprudence ever since Solange I and Maastricht. Moreover, by reasserting the primacy of EU law, the BVerfG strengthens the position of embattled judges in Poland facing disciplinary action for implementing the primacy of EU law. The concern shown by some members of the First Senate for the situation in Poland corroborates this reading.
Antislavery and Imperialism: The British Suppression of the Slave Trade and the Opening of Fernando Po, 1827–1829
Authors: Pardue Jeff 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article chronicles the construction of the first permanent foreign settlement on the West African island of Fernando Po (today called Bioko) as part of the British effort to suppress the slave trade in the 1820s. The settlement ended centuries of relative isolation by the indigenous Bubi who hitherto had successfully navigated between occasional trade with outsiders and repelling slave traders. Although British plans ultimately failed, the settlement remained, as did a large portion of the settlers. This article argues that the disruptive power of suppression created the conditions for a colonial shift toward integration of the island into the larger Euro–West African world. While the settlement's influence grew in the short term through its successful leveraging of economic and military resources, it was the landing of liberated slaves that would have the greatest long-term significance, and highlights the (often unintentional) connection between antislavery and imperialism.
Coverage Analysis of Lunar Communication/Navigation Constellations Based on Halo Orbits and Distant Retrograde Orbits
Authors: Gao Zhao-Yang , Hou Xi-Yun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWith more and more missions around the Moon, a communication/navigation constellation around the Moon is necessary. Halo orbits, due to their unique geometry, are extensively studied by researchers for this purpose. A dedicated survey is carried out in this work to analyse the coverage ability of halo orbits. It is found that a two-satellite constellation is enough for continuous one-fold coverage of the north or the south polar regions but never both. A three-satellite constellation is enough for continuous one-fold coverage of both north and south polar regions. A four-satellite constellation can cover nearly 100% of the whole lunar surface. In addition, the coverage ability of another special orbit – distant retrograde orbit (DRO) – is analysed for the first time in this study. It is found that three satellites on DROs can cover 99·8% of the lunar surface, with coverage gaps at polar caps. A four-satellite constellation moving on spatial DROs can cover nearly the whole lunar surface. By combining halo orbits and DROs, we design a five-satellite constellation composed of three halo orbit satellites and two DRO satellites. This constellation can provide 100% continuous one-fold coverage of the whole lunar surface.
Why Would I Be a Whistleblower?
Authors: Henschke Adam 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe ethics of whistleblowing are complex and challenging. On the one hand, there are a strong set of moral reasons why someone ought to blow the whistle when he or she learns of wrongdoing. On the other hand, such actions typically come at a significant cost to the whistleblower and may not bring about any significant change. Both aspects prompt us to ask, why would I be a whistleblower? Emanuela Ceva and Michele Bocchiola's Is Whistleblowing a Duty? answers that question by arguing that one has an organizational duty to blow the whistle. Kate Kenny's Whistleblowing: Toward a New Theory reframes the question, showing how hard it has been for members of the international financial industry to blow the whistle and bring about any effective change to that industry. In this review essay, I suggest that analyses of whistleblowing need to take into account evolving technologies, the importance of loyalty, and special contexts such as whistleblowing in the national security sector.