bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The optimal threshold for prompt clinical review: An external validation study of the national early warning score
Authors: Haegdorens Filip , Monsieurs Koenraad G. , De Meester Koen , Van Bogaert Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the optimal threshold for national early warning score in clinical practice.BackgroundThe national early warning score is an aggregate early warning score aiming to predict patient mortality. Studies validating national early warning score did not use standardised patient outcomes or did not always include clinical workload in their results. Since all patients with a positive national early warning score require a clinical workup, it is crucial to determine the optimal threshold to limit false‐positive alerts.DesignAn external validation study using retrospectively collected data of patient admissions in six Belgian hospitals.MethodsWe adhered to the STARD guideline for reporting. Two sample groups were selected: the cross‐sectional sample (admitted patients, 1 day every 4 months) and the serious adverse event sample (all patients with unexpected death, cardiac arrest and unplanned admission to the intensive care unit). The maximum registered national early warning score value was collected in both groups. Predictive values were used as estimates for clinical workload.ResultsWe collected 1,523 in the cross‐sectional sample and 390 patients in the serious adverse event sample. A national early warning score ≥5 had a predictive value of 6.8% and a negative predictive value of 99.5% to predict unexpected death, cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation or unplanned admission to intensive care (AUROC 0.841). The performance of national early warning score differed between outcome measures. Considering the predictive value, the optimal threshold for national early warning score is ≥5.ConclusionsWe validated national early warning score to be applied in general hospital wards and confirmed the optimal threshold (≥5).Relevance to clinical practiceWhen a patient has a national early warning score <5, we may assume that in the next 24 hr this patient is less likely to die unexpectedly, receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation or be transferred to the ICU. Because of the significant number of false positives when national early warning score is ≥5, hospitals should create workable guidelines for clinical practice.
Can a leopard change its spots? Strategic behavior versus professional role conception during Ukraine's 2014 court chair elections
Authors: Popova Maria 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDo judges respond to institutional and strategic incentives or do they strictly follow dominant professional role conceptions? This article weighs in by exploring whether an ideational shift toward judicial empowerment and independence can germinate from institutional reforms. Ukraine's 2014 Euromaidan revolution and the comprehensive judicial reform adopted in its wake provide a test of the competing theoretical accounts. A judicial lustration law sacked all incumbent court chairs, who had been appointed by the executive, and gave Ukrainian judges the right to elect new chairs via secret ballot. I analyze this radical step toward judicial self‐government using an original data set with individual‐ and court‐level data. The key finding is that less than a fifth of Ukrainian judges embraced their newly granted agency and elected a new chair for their court, whereas the overwhelming majority followed dominant professional norms of deference and reelected the sacked court chairs. This finding holds for all rungs of the judicial hierarchy and for all regions of Ukraine. Even protégés of ousted president Yanukovych won the secret ballot vote by their peers more often than they lost it. Beyond Ukraine, these results suggest that empowering individual judges in the highly hierarchical structure of a civil law judiciary is unlikely to lead to a judicial behavior shift, at least in the short run.
The biological process of lysine‐tRNA charging is therapeutically targetable in liver cancer
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Noordam Lisanne , Ou Xumin , Ma Buyun , Li Yunlong , Das Pronay , Shi Shaojun , Liu Jiaye , Wang Ling , Li Pengfei , Verstegen Monique M. A. , Reddy D. Srinivasa , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Smits Ron , Pan Qiuwei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsMature transfer RNAs (tRNA) charged with amino acids decode mRNA to synthesize proteins. Dysregulation of translational machineries has a fundamental impact on cancer biology. This study aims to map the tRNAome landscape in liver cancer patients and to explore potential therapeutic targets at the interface of charging amino acid with tRNA.MethodsResected tumour and paired tumour‐free (TFL) tissues from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients (n = 69), and healthy liver tissues from organ transplant donors (n = 21), HCC cell lines, and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) patient‐derived tumour organoids were used.ResultsThe expression levels of different mature tRNAs were highly correlated and closely clustered within individual tissues, suggesting that different members of the tRNAome function cooperatively in protein translation. Interestingly, high expression of tRNA‐Lys‐CUU in HCC tumours was associated with more tumour recurrence (HR 1.1; P = .022) and worse patient survival (HR 1.1; P = .0037). The expression of Lysyl‐tRNA Synthetase (KARS), the enzyme catalysing the charge of lysine to tRNA‐Lys‐CUU, was significantly upregulated in HCC tumour tissues compared to tumour‐free liver tissues. In HCC cell lines, lysine deprivation, KARS knockdown or treatment with the KARS inhibitor cladosporin effectively inhibited overall cell growth, single cell‐based colony formation and cell migration. This was mechanistically mediated by cell cycling arrest and induction of apoptosis. Finally, these inhibitory effects were confirmed in 3D cultured patient‐derived CC organoids.ConclusionsThe biological process of charging tRNA‐Lys‐CUU with lysine sustains liver cancer cell growth and migration, and is clinically relevant in HCC patients. This process can be therapeutically targeted and represents an unexplored territory for developing novel treatment strategies against liver cancer.
Principal‐agent theory‐based cost and reimbursement structures of isavuconazole treatment in German hospitals
Authors: Kron Florian , Wingen‐Heimann Sebastian M. , Jeck Julia , Lazzaro Carlo , Cornely Oliver A. , Thielscher Christian 
Published: October 2020

SummaryBackgroundIsavuconazole (ISA) is a frequently used antifungal agent for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). However, hospital reimbursement data for ISA is limited.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to analyse the different perspectives of relevant stakeholders and the (dis)incentives for the administration of ISA in Germany. To that aim, the health economic effects of using ISA from a hospital management perspective were analysed.Patients/MethodsBased on principal‐agent theory (PAT), the perspectives of (a) the patient (principal) as well as (b) physicians, (c) pharmacists and iv. hospital managers (all agents) were analysed. For the evaluation of the cost‐containment and reimbursement strategies of ISA, the German diagnosis‐related group (G‐DRG) system was used.ResultsHospitals individually negotiating additional payments for innovative treatment procedures (zusatzentgelte [ZE]) within the G‐DRG system is a key element of hospital management for the reduction of total healthcare expenditure. Our analysis demonstrated the beneficial role of ISA in healthcare resource utilisation, primarily due to a shortened overall length of hospital stay. Depending on underlying disease, coded G‐DRG and ISA formulation, large differences in total reimbursement and the amount of ZE was shown. The PAT demonstrated disincentives for hospital managers to use innovative drugs.ConclusionsBased on the PAT, beneficial, detrimental and indifferent perspectives of different stakeholders regarding the usage of ISA were shown. A reduction of bureaucratic hurdles is needed in Germany for the extension of effective and innovative antifungal treatment strategies with ISA.
Recent advances in bio‐chemical, molecular and physiological aspects of membrane lipid derivatives in plant pathology
Authors: Adigun Oludoyin Adeseun , Nadeem Muhammad , Pham Thu Huong , Jewell Linda Elizabeth , Cheema Mumtaz , Thomas Raymond 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlant pathogens pose a significant threat to the food industry and food security accounting for 10–40% crop losses annually on a global scale. Economic losses from plant diseases are estimated at $300B for major food crops and are associated with reduced food availability and accessibility and also high food costs. Although strategies exist to reduce the impact of diseases in plants, many of these introduce harmful chemicals to our food chain. Therefore, it is important to understand and utilize plants' immune systems to control plant pathogens to enable more sustainable agriculture. Lipids are core components of cell membranes and as such are part of the first line of defense against pathogen attack. Recent developments in omics technologies have advanced our understanding of how plant membrane lipid biosynthesis, remodelling and/or signalling modulate plant responses to infection. Currently, there is limited information available in the scientific literature concerning lipid signalling targets and their biochemical and physiological consequences in response to plant pathogens. This review focusses on the functions of membrane lipid derivatives and their involvement in plant responses to pathogens as biotic stressors. We describe major plant defense systems including systemic‐acquired resistance, basal resistance, hypersensitivity and the gene‐for‐gene concept in this context.
Spectrum of autoimmune bullous diseases among children in Kuwait
Authors: Nanda Arti , Lazarevic Viktor , Rajy Jihan M. , Almasry Iman M. , AlSabah Humoud , AlLafi Atlal 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD) are rare among children. The data describing the overall spectrum and prognosis of pediatric AIBD (pAIBD) are scarce, and there are no established treatment guidelines.ObjectivesThe present study examined the spectrum, clinical characteristics, and long‐term prognosis of pAIBD in a tertiary care pediatric dermatology unit.MethodsRetrospective records of all pAIBD cases (<18 years) registered over a span of 28 years were analyzed.ResultsRecords of 23 cases of pAIBD, including 16 boys and 7 girls, were reviewed. They constituted 8.5% of total AIBD patients from all age groups. Ninety‐one percent of patients were of Arab ethnicity. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis was the most prevalent AIBD followed by bullous pemphigoid, bullous lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus variants (pyostomatitis‐pyodermatitis vegetans and neonatal pemphigus). The mean age of onset and diagnosis was 6.4 and 7.7 years, respectively. Systemic treatments, including systemic corticosteroids and dapsone, were required in most cases. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) was also utilized as second‐line therapy. The mean follow‐up period was 76 months with 90% of the patients in complete remission.ConclusionsAIBD pose a great challenge among children both in diagnosis and treatment. This study highlights the ethnic variability and underscores the need for additional similar, international studies to achieve a better understanding of the burden related to pAIBD and help establish treatment guidelines.
The Political Economy of the Chinese Model in Ethiopia
Authors: Ziso Edson 
Published: October 2020

Ethiopia's economic relationship with China continues to scale new heights with both state and private Chinese capital penetrating various sectors of the East African country's economy. Besides the economic benefits that Chinese capital brings, successive Ethiopian leaders since Meles Zenawi often express awe and admiration of the “China Model.” Because China represents a living example of economic transformation from a developing to a strong global economic power, Third World countries vaguely refer to some political and economic modeling of their countries with the hope of imitating the Chinese miracle in their own backyards. I characterize this as “Chinesefication” and discuss what this move toward a “China Model” looks like in the Ethiopian context. It is imperative to understand whether a Chinese model is actually being localized in Ethiopia outside the rhetoric. Ethiopia, I argue, has adopted a variety of neoliberalism linked to the political preservation of the ruling class. I identify the specific interests inside Ethiopia that shape the country's approach to China, how this space is negotiated, and why, despite the ambiguity of the “China model,” including the skepticism surrounding fears of China's involvement in Africa, relations with Ethiopia continue to grow.Related Articles (in this Special Issue)Ganda, Willie D. 2020. “The China Model in Zimbabwe: The Belt and Road Initiative and Beyond.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).Hodzi, Obert. 2020. “African Political Elites and the Making(s) of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).Kinyondo, Abel A. 2020. “Does Tanzania's Development Trajectory Borrow from the China Model?” Politics & Policy 48 (5).
Toddlers' preference for prosocial versus antisocial agents: No associations with empathy or attachment security
Authors: Loheide‐Niesmann Lisa , de Lijster Jasmijn , Hall Ruby , van Bakel Hedwig , Cima Maaike 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResearch has indicated that the majority of infants and toddlers prefer prosocial to antisocial agents, but little research has examined interindividual differences in children's preference. This study examined whether 24‐month‐olds' (n = 107) sociomoral preference was associated with attachment security or empathy, assessed with the Attachment Q‐Sort and the Empathy Questionnaire. Toddlers were presented with a puppet play, in which a protagonist tried to open a box and was helped by a prosocial agent and hindered by an antisocial agent. Then, toddlers were asked to pick up either the prosocial or the antisocial agent (manual choice), as a measure of their sociomoral preference. Of the 107 toddlers included in this study, 60.7% chose the prosocial over the antisocial agent. Neither empathy nor parent‐child attachment was associated with children's preference. Our findings indicate a slight overall preference for the prosocial agent, but with notable interindividual differences not explained by empathy or attachment.
Meaning‐Making in Peace‐Making: The Inclusion Norm at the Interplay between the United Nations and Civil Society in the Syrian Peace Process
Authors: Hellmüller Sara 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article presents an analytical model to understand norm change through inter‐subjective meaning‐making. It applies this model to analyze how the United Nations and Syrian civil society actors defined the norm of civil society inclusion in the framework of the Syrian peace process. It shows that norm change happened through two interlinked dynamics: processes in which the actors built congruence between the inclusion norm and other salient norms in their normative environments and processes in which the actors inter‐subjectively constructed the meaning of the inclusion norm. The article’s contribution is twofold. First, it adds to the norms literature by presenting a multidirectional model of norm reformulation and providing fine‐grained empirical data on it. Second, it contributes to the mediation literature by shedding light on the meaning of inclusion not just from an international perspective, but also from the viewpoint of domestic civil society actors.
D variants in the population of D‐negative blood donors in the north‐eastern region of Croatia
Authors: Safic Stanic Hana , Dogic Vesna , Herceg Ivona , Jagnjic Sandra , Bingulac‐Popovic Jasna , Babic Ivana , Corusic Ante , Jukic Irena 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine RHESUS D GENE (RHD)allelic variants among Croatian D‐negative blood donors and compare our results with respective data from other European countries.BackgroundAltered or reduced D antigen expression can result in D variants, which can be mistyped and can lead to the alloimmunisation of the blood recipient.RHDgenotyping can distinguish D variants: weak D, partial D and DEL, thus preventing alloimmunisation.Material/methodsA total of 6523 samples obtained from D‐negative Croatian donors were screened for the presence ofRHDusing the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. PCR‐SSP was performed for D variant genotyping by using commercial genotyping kits (Inno‐Train, Kronberg, Germany). Genomic DNA sequencing for all 10 exons of theRHDwas performed when the genotyping kits failed to assign a D variant.ResultsRHDmolecular screening revealed 23 (0.35%)RHD‐PCR positive samples, all C/E positive, in decreasing frequency: 11 hybridRHD‐CE (2‐9) D‐CEvariants, 4 weak partial D type 11 and 2 weak D type 2. Six samples remained unresolved and were sequenced. For 12 of 23 samples (excluding large hybrids), an adsorption/elution of anti‐D serum was performed, confirming that all 12 were RhD+. The calculated frequency of clinically significant D alleles in RhD‐negative blood donors was 1:543 (0.18%) or 1:53 (1.89%) in C/E blood donors.ConclusionData on the significant frequency of D variants among serologically D‐negative blood donors in the north‐eastern region of Croatia could help in introducingRHDmolecular screening of blood donors in a routine workflow.
An examination of EU trade disintegration scenarios
Authors: Jackson Karen , Shepotylo Oleksandr 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper demonstrates the welfare implications of the differential disintegration of the EU. Using a structural gravity approach, our estimates suggest that the rest of the EU countries have much more to lose from the disintegration of the EU compared to a disorderly Brexit. At the same time, neighbouring high‐income and middle‐income countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norway, are expected to benefit from EU disintegration under some scenarios because trade would be diverted from EU countries.
A note on the number of irrational odd zeta values
Authors: Lai Li , Yu Pin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe prove that, for any small $\varepsilon > 0$, the number of irrationals among the following odd zeta values: $\zeta (3),\zeta (5),\zeta (7),\ldots ,\zeta (s)$ is at least $( c_0 - \varepsilon )({s^{1/2}}/{(\log s)^{1/2}})$, provided $s$ is a sufficiently large odd integer with respect to $\varepsilon$. The constant $c_0 = 1.192507\ldots$ can be expressed in closed form. Our work improves the lower bound $2^{(1-\varepsilon )({\log s}/{\log \log s})}$ of the previous work of Fischler, Sprang and Zudilin. We follow the same strategy of Fischler, Sprang and Zudilin. The main new ingredient is an asymptotically optimal design for the zeros of the auxiliary rational functions, which relates to the inverse totient problem.
A strictly commutative model for the cochain algebra of a space
Authors: Richter Birgit , Sagave Steffen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe commutative differential graded algebra$A_{\mathrm {PL}}(X)$of polynomial forms on a simplicial set$X$is a crucial tool in rational homotopy theory. In this note, we construct an integral version$A^{\mathcal {I}}(X)$of$A_{\mathrm {PL}}(X)$. Our approach uses diagrams of chain complexes indexed by the category of finite sets and injections$\mathcal {I}$to model$E_{\infty }$differential graded algebras (dga) by strictly commutative objects, called commutative$\mathcal {I}$-dgas. We define a functor$A^{\mathcal {I}}$from simplicial sets to commutative$\mathcal {I}$-dgas and show that it is a commutative lift of the usual cochain algebra functor. In particular, it gives rise to a new construction of the$E_{\infty }$dga of cochains. The functor$A^{\mathcal {I}}$shares many properties of$A_{\mathrm {PL}}$, and can be viewed as a generalization of$A_{\mathrm {PL}}$that works over arbitrary commutative ground rings. Working over the integers, a theorem by Mandell implies that$A^{\mathcal {I}}(X)$determines the homotopy type of$X$when$X$is a nilpotent space of finite type.
Post Forming Analysis and In Vitro Biological Characterization of AZ31B Processed by Incremental Forming and Coated With Electrospun Polycaprolactone
Authors: Cusanno Angela , Contessi Negrini Nicola , Villa Tomaso , Farè Silvia , Garcia-Romeu Maria Luisa , Palumbo Gianfranco 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMain problems related to the adoption of magnesium alloys for temporary orthopedic prostheses manufacturing are (i) the need of an efficient production process and (ii) the high corrosion rate compared with the bone healing time. In this work, the single-point incremental forming (SPIF) process, an effective and flexible solution for manufacturing very small batches even composed by one piece, was investigated. Tests were conducted on AZ31B-H24 sheets and were aimed at understanding the effect of temperature on the mechanical characteristics (microstructure, hardness, and roughness) of the sheet after the above-mentioned forming process and their correlation with both the corrosion rate and the cytocompatibility. In addition, after the forming process, samples processed by SPIF were coated by electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) to reduce the corrosion rate and to further improve the cytocompatibility. Grain refinement was achieved thanks to the combined effect of temperature and strain rate during forming and finer grain size resulted to improve the magnesium corrosion resistance. In simulated body fluids, the electrospun PCL-coated samples exhibited a slower pH increase compared with uncoated samples. No indirect cytotoxic effects were detected in vitro for MC3T3-E1 cells for both coated and uncoated samples. However, cells colonization was observed only on electrospun PCL-coated samples, suggesting the importance of the polymeric coating in promoting the adhesion and survival of seeded MC3T3-E1 cells on the implant surface.
Geometry-Based Thick Origami Simulation
Authors: Kwok Tsz-Ho 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Origami is the art of creating a three-dimensional (3D) shape by folding paper. It has drawn much attention from researchers, and the designs that origami has inspired are used in various engineering applications. Most of these designs are based on familiar origami patterns and their known deformations, but origami patterns were originally intended for materials of near-zero thickness, primarily paper. To use the designs in engineering applications, it is necessary to simulate origami in a way that enables designers to explore and understand the designs while taking the thickness of the material to be folded into account. Because origami is primarily a problem in geometric design, this paper develops a geometric simulation for thick origami. The actuation, constraints, and assignment of mountain and valley folds in origami are also incorporated into the geometric formulation. The experimental results show that the proposed method is efficient and accurate. The method can successfully simulate a flat-foldable degree-four vertex, two different action origami, the bistable property of a waterbomb base, and the elasticity of non-rigid origami panels.