bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sallust, Machiavelli and the Divorce of virtus from res publica
Authors: Regent Nikola 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Montesquieu famously stated that virtue is the principle of republican government. This article examines how virtue is dissociated from res publica in the works of Sallust, the great Roman republican historian, and Machiavelli, usually regarded as the central figure of the republican tradition. Both thinkers cut the crucial link between virtue and republic, ascribing the former to the main villain of the tradition, Caesar. Furthermore, virtue is simultaneously dissociated from being bonus/buono, a good man/good citizen. The paper examines Sallust’s idea of virtus, and then demonstrates how closely Machiavelli follows him, and how he reaches a similar conclusion. Implications for understanding Machiavelli’s virtù within a framework of republics are shown: it is impossible for a citizen to exhibit virtue and remain good in a truly corrupted republic—in such circumstances one can become virtuous only by working against the public good/res publica.
Challenges and satisfaction in Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Programmes: insights from a Europe-wide survey
Authors: Cerqueira Rui J , Heuts Samuel , Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Syrjälä Simo O , Keijzers Marlies , Zientara Alicja , Jarral Omar A , Jacob Kirolos A , Haunschild Josephina , Ariyaratnam Priyadharshanan , Durko Andras P , Muller Patrick , Myers Patrick O , Sadaba Justo Rafael , Lehtinen Miia L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The increasing complexity of surgical patients and working time constraints represent challenges for training. In this study, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Residents’ Committee aimed to evaluate satisfaction with current training programmes across Europe.

METHODS
We conducted an online survey between October 2018 and April 2019, completed by a total of 219 participants from 24 countries.

RESULTS
The average respondent was in the fourth or fifth year of training, mostly on a cardiac surgery pathway. Most trainees follow a 5–6-year programme, with a compulsory final certification exam, but no regular skills evaluation. Only a minority are expected to take the examination by the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Participants work on average 61.0 ± 13.1 h per week, including 27.1 ± 20.2 on-call. In total, only 19.7% confirmed the implementation of the European Working Time Directive, with 42.0% being unaware that European regulations existed. Having designated time for research was reported by 13.0%, despite 47.0% having a postgraduate degree. On average, respondents rated their satisfaction 7.9 out of 10, although 56.2% of participants were not satisfied with their training opportunities. We found an association between trainee satisfaction and regular skills evaluation, first operator experience and protected research time.

CONCLUSIONS
On average, residents are satisfied with their training, despite significant disparities in the quality and structure of cardiothoracic surgery training across Europe. Areas for potential improvement include increasing structured feedback, research time integration and better working hours compliance. The development of European guidelines on training standards may support this.
Protective effects of pterostilbene against hepatic damage, redox imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in weanling piglets
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Yanan , Li Yue , Jia Peilu , Ji Shuli , Chen Yueping , Wang Tian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This investigation evaluated the potential of natural antioxidants, pterostilbene (PT) and its parent compound resveratrol (RSV), to alleviate hepatic damage, redox imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in early-weaned piglets. A total of 144 suckling piglets were randomly assigned to four treatments (six replicates per group, n = 6): 1) sow reared, 2) early weaned and fed a basal diet, 3) early weaned and fed the basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg PT, or with 4) 300 mg/kg RSV. Early weaning increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.004) and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.009) activities and hepatic apoptotic rate (P = 0.001) in piglets compared with the sow-reared piglets. Early weaning decreased hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP; P = 0.006) content and mitochondrial complexes III (P = 0.019) and IV activities (P = 0.038), but it increased superoxide anion accumulation (P = 0.026) and the expression levels of ER stress markers, such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (P &lt; 0.001), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (P = 0.001), and activating transcription factor (ATF) 4 (P = 0.006). PT was superior to RSV at mitigating liver injury and oxidative stress after early weaning, as indicated by decreases in the number of apoptotic cells (P = 0.036) and the levels of superoxide anion (P = 0.002) and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (P &lt; 0.001). PT increased mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid content (P = 0.031) and the activities of citrate synthase (P = 0.005), complexes I (P = 0.004) and III (P = 0.011), and ATP synthase (P = 0.041), which may contribute to the mitigation of hepatic ATP deficit (P = 0.017) in the PT-treated weaned piglets. PT also prevented increases in the ER stress marker and ATF 6 expression levels and in the phosphorylation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha caused by early weaning (P &lt; 0.05). PT increased sirtuin 1 activity (P = 0.031) in the liver of early-weaned piglets than those in the early-weaned piglets fed a basal diet. In conclusion, PT supplementation alleviates liver injury in weanling piglets probably by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress.
Heroin-Related Compounds and Metabolic Ratios in Postmortem Samples Using LC–MS-MS
Authors: Jakobsson Gerd , Truver Michael T , Wrobel Sonja A , Gréen Henrik , Kronstrand Robert 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Analysis of postmortem samples with the presence of morphine can sometimes be challenging to interpret. Tolerance complicates interpretation of intoxications and causes of death due to overlap in therapeutic and fatal concentrations. Determination of metabolites and metabolic ratios can potentially differentiate between abstinence, continuous administration, and perhaps time of administration. The purpose of this study was to (a) develop and validate a method for quantitation of morphine-3β-D-glucuronide, morphine-6β-D-glucuronide, normorphine, codeine-6β-D-glucuronide, norcodeine, codeine, 6-acetylmorphine, and ethylmorphine in urine using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry; (b) apply the method to opiate related deaths; (c) compare metabolic ratios in urine in different causes of death (CoD) and after different drug intakes and (d) compare heroin intoxications in rapid and delayed deaths. Validation parameters such as precision, bias, matrix effects, stability, process efficiency, and dilution integrity were assessed and deemed acceptable. Lower limits of quantitation ranged from 0.01–0.2 μg/mL for all analytes. Autopsy cases (n=135) with paired blood and urine samples were analyzed. Cases were divided into three groups based on CoD; opiate intoxication, intoxication with other drugs than opiates, and other CoD. The cases were classified by intake: codeine (n=42), heroin (n=36), morphine (n=49), and ethylmorphine (n=3). Five cases were classified as mixed intakes and excluded. Heroin intoxications (n=35) were divided into rapid (n=15) or delayed (n=20) deaths. Parent drug groups were compared using metabolic ratio morphine-3β-D-glucuronide/morphine and significant differences were observed between codeine vs morphine (p=0.005) and codeine vs heroin (p≤0.0001). Urine and blood concentrations, and metabolic ratios in rapid and delayed heroin intoxications were compared and determined a significant difference for morphine (p=0.001), codeine (p=0.009), 6-acetylmorphine (p=0.02) in urine, and morphine (p=0.02) in blood, but there was no significant difference (p=0.9) between metabolic ratios. Morphine-3β-D-glucuronide results suggested a period of abstinence prior to death in 25% of the heroin intoxications.
Interim Measures in Antitrust Investigations: An Economic Discussion
Authors: Caminade Juliette , Chapsal Antoine , Penglase Jacob 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
After a period of dormancy, the topic of interim measures (IMs) in antitrust investigations has been brought back into the spotlight in the context of fast-moving digital markets. We analyze historical practices and criteria surrounding IMs in the United States and Europe. Then we present an economic model of the parameters underlying IMs, which can inform the decision of whether to pursue them. The two key parameters needed to determine the benefits of taking an IM are the relative magnitudes of irreparable harm to each party and the probability that the conduct is found to be anticompetitive. A resulting insight is that the overall size of the irreparable harms is not as relevant as their relative size (that is, asymmetry). Increasing both types of harm in the same proportion would not change the decision to use an IM. However, an increase in the overall size of irreparable harms increases the expected benefit from IMs as a tool, if they are used optimally. Finally, we examine the characteristics of the digital economy, finding that while such characteristics are likely to increase the benefits of IMs as a general tool, there is a need to carefully assess IM decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Genomic Adaptations to Salinity Resist Gene Flow in the Evolution of Floridian Watersnakes
Authors: Rautsaw Rhett M , Schramer Tristan D , Acuña Rachel , Arick Lindsay N , DiMeo Mark , Mercier Kathryn P , Schrum Michael , Mason Andrew J , Margres Mark J , Strickland Jason L , Parkinson Christopher L 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe migration-selection balance often governs the evolution of lineages, and speciation with gene flow is now considered common across the tree of life. Ecological speciation is a process that can facilitate divergence despite gene flow due to strong selective pressures caused by ecological differences; however, the exact traits under selection are often unknown. The transition from freshwater to saltwater habitats provides strong selection targeting traits with osmoregulatory function. Several lineages of North American watersnakes (Nerodia spp.) are known to occur in saltwater habitat and represent a useful system for studying speciation by providing an opportunity to investigate gene flow and evaluate how species boundaries are maintained or degraded. We use double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing to characterize the migration-selection balance and test for evidence of ecological divergence within the Nerodia fasciata-clarkii complex in Florida. We find evidence of high intraspecific gene flow with a pattern of isolation-by-distance underlying subspecific lineages. However, we identify genetic structure indicative of reduced gene flow between inland and coastal lineages suggesting divergence due to isolation-by-environment. This pattern is consistent with observed environmental differences where the amount of admixture decreases with increased salinity. Furthermore, we identify significantly enriched terms related to osmoregulatory function among a set of candidate loci, including several genes that have been previously implicated in adaptation to salinity stress. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ecological differences, likely driven by salinity, cause strong divergent selection which promotes divergence in the N. fasciata-clarkii complex despite significant gene flow.
MeDAS: a Metazoan Developmental Alternative Splicing database
Authors: Li Zhidan , Zhang Yiming , Bush Stephen J , Tang Chao , Chen Li , Zhang Dan , Urrutia Araxi O , Lin Jing-wen , Chen Lu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Alternative splicing is widespread throughout eukaryotic genomes and greatly increases transcriptomic diversity. Many alternative isoforms have functional roles in developmental processes and are precisely temporally regulated. To facilitate the study of alternative splicing in a developmental context, we created MeDAS, a Metazoan Developmental Alternative Splicing database. MeDAS is an added-value resource that re-analyses publicly archived RNA-seq libraries to provide quantitative data on alternative splicing events as they vary across the time course of development. It has broad temporal and taxonomic scope and is intended to assist the user in identifying trends in alternative splicing throughout development. To create MeDAS, we re-analysed a curated set of 2232 Illumina polyA+ RNA-seq libraries that chart detailed time courses of embryonic and post-natal development across 18 species with a taxonomic range spanning the major metazoan lineages from Caenorhabditis elegans to human. MeDAS is freely available at https://das.chenlulab.com both as raw data tables and as an interactive browser allowing searches by species, tissue, or genomic feature (gene, transcript or exon ID and sequence). Results will provide details on alternative splicing events identified for the queried feature and can be visualised at the gene-, transcript- and exon-level as time courses of expression and inclusion levels, respectively.
Disseminated Mycobacterium bovis Infection Complicated by Meningitis and Stroke: A Case Report
Authors: Clifford Katherine M , Szumowski John D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We describe a case of a 19-year-old female presenting with Mycobacterium bovis meningitis, a rarely encountered infection. We discuss the use of pyrosequencing to aid in prompt diagnosis of M. bovis infection, as well as treatment strategies and challenges given the organism’s intrinsic resistance to pyrazinamide.
Gender equality and macroeconomic outcomes: evidence and policy implications
Authors: Kolovich Lisa , Malta Vivian , Newiak Monique , Robinson David 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA large and growing literature has associated gender equality with better macroeconomic outcomes. However, understanding the channels through which gender equality impacts the economy requires a deeper dive in the main constraints within an economy. Using theoretical and empirical evidence, we explore how gender equality in education feeds into higher human capital levels and thus better macroeconomic outcomes. We also analyse the impact of inequities in the labour market, focusing also on the role of the informal sector. Finally, we provide an overview on policy options to address various gender gaps.
Aphra Behn: Portraiture and The Biographical Account
Authors: van Hensbergen Claudine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Scant biographical detail is known about the life of England’s first professional woman writer, Aphra Behn (d.1689), which makes it strange that scholars have shown little interest in surviving portraits of her. This article provides the first comprehensive survey of contemporaneous portraiture of Behn, outlining the provenance of these works and summarizing their various claims to authenticity. In doing so, it highlights how these visual documents of Behn’s life contradict the dominant scholarly view of Behn as a struggling writer who lived a hand-to-mouth existence. Behn herself endorsed one of her portraits, using it to promote her most significant publication up to that point, Poems upon Several Occasions (1684). This portrait neatly reflects the vision of Behn projected through the first biographies of her life which were circulated in the wake of her death. By drawing on Behn’s own ideas about the function of portraits, we can begin to account for the contradictions between two very different visions of Behn: the professional author who stressed that her skills as a writer overcame the restrictions of her gender; and the romantic heroine who promoted an image of her own feminine beauty and gentility.
Epiphyseal Translation as a Predictor of Avascular Necrosis in Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Authors: Sinha Preetha , Khedr Ahmed , McClincy Michael P. , Kenkre Tanya S. , Novak Natalie E. , Bosch Patrick 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Physeal instability has been shown to be associated with a higher risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The purpose of this study was to identify additional preoperative factors associated with AVN in patients with unstable SCFE.

Methods:
Basic demographic information, chronicity of symptoms, and estimated duration of nonambulatory status were noted. Preoperative radiographs were used to measure the Southwick slip angle, slip severity by Wilson criteria, and epiphyseal translation. Translation was measured by 3 distinct radiographic parameters in the position demonstrating maximal displacement. Postoperative radiographs at the time of most recent follow-up were assessed for the presence of AVN. Translation measurements were tested for inter-rater reliability. Patients who developed AVN were compared with those that did not by Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon tests. Logistic regression assessed the effect of translation on the odds of developing AVN. Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess any threshold effect.

Results:
Fifty-one patients (55 hips) out of 310 patients (16%) treated for SCFE were considered unstable. Seventeen hips’ unstable SCFE (31%) showed radiographic evidence of AVN. Slip severity by Wilson grade (P=0.009) and epiphyseal translation by all measurements (P< 0.05) were statistically significantly greater among patients who developed AVN. Superior translation had the best inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.84). Average superior translation in hips that developed AVN was 17.2 mm compared with 12.9 mm in those that did not (P<0.02). Although the receiver operating characteristic curve did not demonstrate a threshold effect for AVN, it did effectively rule out AVN in cases with <1 cm of superior translation. Age, sex, laterality, chronicity of prodromal symptoms or inability to bear weight, Southwick slip angle, and method of treatment did not vary with the occurrence of AVN.

Conclusions:
Epiphyseal translation, either by Wilson Grade or measured directly, is associated with AVN in patients with an unstable SCFE.

Level of Evidence:
Level II—development of diagnostic criteria.
Safety and Feasibility of Cervical Pedicle Screw Insertion in Pediatric Subaxial Cervical Spine Without Navigation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Garg Bhavuk , Mehta Nishank 
Published: October 2020

Background:
The use of cervical pedicle screws (CPSs) in pediatric subaxial cervical spine has been scarcely reported in the literature. The biomechanical superiority of CPS over other methods of fixation is beneficial in surgery for correcting severe, rigid cervical/cervicothoracic deformity. Our study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of CPS fixation in pediatric subaxial cervical spine without intraoperative navigation.

Methods:
Eight pediatric patients requiring rigid subaxial cervical spine fixation for complex cervical deformities were operated at a single center between 2014 and 2016. Their hospital records and imaging were retrospectively studied. The feasibility of inserting CPS was assessed by studying pedicle morphometry on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Aberrant vertebral artery anatomy was ruled out using CT angiography. CPS were inserted into selected pedicles without navigation. Postoperative CT scans were studied to look for screw containment within pedicles. Complications were noted and clinicoradiologic follow-up was for a minimum of 36 months.

Results:
Thirty-seven CPS were inserted in 8 pediatric patients with a mean age of 9.2 years (range: 5 to 13 y). Surgery was done for complex cervical deformities due to various causes—neglected cervical spine trauma (n=3), posttubercular kyphosis (n=2), cervicothoracic scoliosis (n=2), and cervicothoracic osteoblastoma (n=1). The level-wise distribution of the inserted CPS was: C3=4, C4=6, C5=10, C6=10, and C7=7. Postoperative CT scans showed grade-1 medial cortical breach in 5/37 screws and grade-2 medial cortical breach in a single screw (16%). No perioperative complications were noted. At a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (range: 3 to 4.33 y), no patient had implant failure or deformity progression.

Conclusions:
CPS insertion in pediatric subaxial cervical spine without neuronavigation is safe, feasible, and effective in carefully selected cases. Biomechanical advantages of CPS can be extended to the pediatric subaxial cervical spine.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV—retrospective cohort.
Trends in Adolescent Hip Arthroscopy From the PHIS Database 2008–2018
Authors: Hassan Mahad M. , Hussain Zaamin B. , Rahman Omar F. , Kocher Mininder S. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Previous studies have suggested that hip arthroscopy has been performed with increasing frequency. Few studies have examined this trend in the adolescent population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trend in the frequency of hip arthroscopy in adolescents standardized by total orthopaedic surgeries in adolescents at pediatric hospitals in the United States.

Methods:
The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried for patients aged 10 to 19 years who underwent orthopaedic surgery at any of the PHIS-participating hospitals from 2008 to 2018. The subgroup of patients in this age cohort who underwent hip arthroscopy was identified using Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes. The yearly rate was expressed as the number of hip arthroscopies per 1000 orthopaedic surgeries. A linear model was used to fit the data and illustrate the relative trend.

Results:
A total of 432,309 orthopaedic surgeries including 9491 hip arthroscopies were performed for patients 10 to 19 years of age. Hip arthroscopies were performed at a yearly rate of 22 per 1000 orthopaedic surgeries. Over the 10-year period, the number of hip arthroscopies increased 6.2-fold, whereas the number of orthopaedic procedures increased 1.6-fold. There was a 3.9-fold increase in hip arthroscopies relative to total orthopaedic surgeries.

Conclusions:
The number of hip arthroscopic procedures in adolescent patients has increased by 3.9-fold times relative to total orthopaedic surgeries in adolescents over a 10-year span, on the basis of data from PHIS-participating institutions. This finding mirrors the trends in the adult population over similar time periods. This may be because of increasing participation in sports in the adolescent population, and a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and other sports-related hip pathologies.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.