bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indexes of aortic wave reflection are not augmented in estrogen‐deficient physically active premenopausal women
Authors: O'Donnell Emma , Goodman Jack M. , Floras John S. , Harvey Paula J. 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundHypoestrogenemia due to menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, in part due to elevated indexes of aortic wave reflection (AWRI) and central (aortic) blood pressure. We sought to investigate whether AWRI and central blood pressure are also augmented in hypoestrogenic exercise‐trained premenopausal women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (ExFHA).MethodsIn age‐ (pooled mean ± SEM, 24 ± 1 years), BMI‐ (21 ± 1 kg/m2), and cardiorespiratory fitness‐matched (45 ± 2 ml/kg/min) eumenorrheic ovulatory (ExOv; n = 11) and ExFHA women (n = 10), we assessed aortic blood pressure and waveform characteristics (augmentation index and wave reflection amplitude) obtained from radial pressure waves (applanation tonometry). Doppler ultrasound determined cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). Measures were recorded before and 1 hour after 45 minutes of moderate intensity exercise to determine the influence of exercise‐induced increases in nitric oxide.ResultsPre‐exercise, AIx75, central systolic BP (SBPc), and CO were lower (P < .05) and TPR higher (P < .05) in ExFHA. Post‐exercise, AIx75 was unchanged (P > .05) in ExFHA but was lowered (P < .05) in ExOv. Both groups demonstrated increased CO, and lowered SBPc and TPR, yet TPR remained higher (P < .05), and CO and SBPc lower (P < .05) in ExFHA.ConclusionsDespite hypoestrogenemia, functional compliance of the central arteries and central BP is not augmented, yet TPR is higher, in ExFHA versus ExOv. An acute bout of dynamic exercise did not alter AIx75 in ExFHA, suggesting blunted vascular responsiveness to exercise‐induced increases in nitric oxide, possibly due to augmented vascular tone. These findings have relevance in understanding the vascular consequences of hypoestrogenemia during the premenopausal years.
How social policy impacts inequalities in political efficacy
Authors: Shore Jennifer 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPolitical efficacy—the feeling that one is able to effectively participate in politics and also that her input is worthwhile—is an important precursor to numerous political activities, most prominently voting. Beyond individual resources, there is growing evidence that social policies also matter for inequalities in political efficacy. This review centers on the concept of political efficacy and its dimensions to highlight the ways in which social policies can promote or hamper people's subjective beliefs about their role vis‐à‐vis the state. I review studies examining the ways in which social policies can shape political efficacy, focusing on social policy design and administration. Particular attention is given to the policy feedback literature, which posits that policies can influence political efficacy through the channels of resource and interpretive effects. The review concludes by discussing the limitations and challenges of the topic and also outlines areas for the further study of political efficacy and social policy.
Sacred sound in world religions: An interreligious teaching and learning experience
Authors: Waligur Stefan Andre 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article reflects on the experience of teaching a course called “Sacred Sound in World Religions” at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. I claim that the nature of music and music‐making has profound implications for teaching and pedagogical theory in an interreligious setting. Drawing upon scholars including Lisa M. Hess, Susanne K. Langer, Guy L. Beck, bell hooks, and Paolo Freire, I argue that to teach and learn in an in‐depth and transformative way, we must integrate the basic components of musicality: relationality, embodiment, multidimensionality, and expressive delight. This “performative mode” is what musicians enter when they make music well. It is what we all experience when our teaching and learning make a difference. Approaching interreligious pedagogy the way a musician approaches making music is the focus of this article.
Platelet safety strategies in Japan: impact of short shelf life on the incidence of septic reactions
Authors: Satake Masahiro , Kozakai Moe , Matsumoto Mami , Matsubayashi Keiji , Taira Rikizo , Goto Naoko 
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUNDTransfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections (TTBIs) often have serious consequences for patients. The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) has not implemented culture screening for platelet concentrate (PC), but it has maintained a shelf life of 85 hours for PC.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe JRC collected reports of suspected TTBI and investigated causal relationships using PC samples and patient blood samples. PCs showing apparent abnormalities were retrieved and cultured and analyzed for bacterial growth.RESULTSThe JRC analyzed 86 samples available from 135 transfused PCs with suspected TTBIs that were collected over the past 12 years; 17 (19.8%) were culture‐positive. One, 6, and 10 TTBIs developed in patients on Days 1, 2, and 3 after PC collection, respectively. Assuming that PC is transfused on the day of issue, the TTBI risk was fourfold higher on Day 3 than on Day 2, after adjusting the TTBI incidence for the number of PCs issued per day. Compared with the model of issuing all PCs on Day 3, issuing PCs with the current distribution of storage time could have decreased the TTBI incidence by 56%. During the past 8 years, the JRC retrieved 960 PC units because of apparent abnormalities, 2.8% of which were culture‐positive.CONCLUSIONThe short shelf life of PC is associated with a low incidence of reported TTBIs, more than half of which occurred on Day 3 relative to earlier time points. Visual inspection of PC before transfusion is crucial in detecting bacterially contaminated PC despite its low positive predictive value.
A Japanese multi‐institutional collaborative study of antigen‐positive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients with corresponding RBC antibodies
Authors: Yamada Chiaki , Takeshita Akihiro , Ohto Hitoshi , Ishimaru Ken , Kawabata Kinuyo , Nomaguchi Yuriko , Haraguchi Yasue , Abe Misao , Sobue Koki , Takenouchi Hiroyuki , Takadate Junko , Kamimura Masami , Katai Akiko , Kasai Daisuke , Minami Yumiko , Sugimoto Tatsuya , Michino Junko , Nagai Kazuhiro , Kumagai Mikako , Hasegawa Yuichi , Ishizuka Keiko , Ohtomo Naoki , Yamada Naotomo , Muroi Kazuo , Matsushita Tadashi , Takahashi Koki 
Published: March 2020

Background and objectivesIt is sometimes difficult to obtain antigen‐negative red blood cells (RBCs) for patients with antibodies against RBCs. However, the frequency and severity of the adverse reactions have not been well elucidated. Here, we conducted a multi‐institutional collaborative study to clarify the background, frequency and clinical significance of antigen‐positive RBC transfusions to patients with the respective antibodies.Materials and methodsThe survey included the background of patients, antigens on RBCs transfused, total amount of antigen‐positive RBCs transfused, results from antibody screen and direct antiglobulin tests, specificity of antibodies, adverse reactions and efficacies. All antibodies were surveyed regardless of their clinical significance.ResultsIn all, 826 cases containing 878 antibodies were registered from 45 institutions. The main reasons for antigen‐positive RBC transfusions included ‘negative by indirect antiglobulin test’ (39%) and ‘detection of warm autoantibodies’ (25%). In 23 cases (3% of total), some adverse reactions were observed after antigen‐positive RBC transfusion, and 25 antibodies (9 of 119 clinically significant and 16 of 646 insignificant antibodies) were detected. Non‐specific warm autoantibodies were detected in 9 cases, anti‐E in 5 cases, 2 cases each of anti‐Lea, anti‐Jra or cold alloantibodies, and 1 case each of anti‐Dib, anti‐Leb or anti‐P1. Other antibodies were detected in 2 further cases. Five (22%) of these 23 cases, who had anti‐E (3 cases) or anti‐Jra (2 cases), experienced clinically apparent haemolysis.ConclusionsAdverse reactions, especially haemolysis, were more frequently observed in cases with clinically significant antibodies than those with clinically insignificant antibodies (P < 0·001).
Local sleep spindles in the human thalamus
Authors: Bastuji Hélène , Lamouroux Pierre , Villalba Manon , Magnin Michel , Garcia‐Larrea Luis 
Published: March 2020

Key points
Sleep spindles have recently been shown to occur not only across multiple neocortical regions but also locally in restricted cortical areas.
Here we show that local spindles are indeed present in the human posterior thalamus.
Thalamic local spindles had lower spectral power than non‐local ones.
While non‐local thalamic spindles had equal local and non‐local cortical counterparts, local thalamic spindles had significantly more local cortical counterparts (i.e. occurring in a single cortical site).
The preferential association of local thalamic and cortical spindles supports the notion of thalamocortical loops functioning in a modular way.
AbstractSleep spindles are believed to subserve many sleep‐related functions, from memory consolidation to cortical development. Recent data using intracerebral recordings in humans have shown that they occur across multiple neocortical regions but may also be spatially restricted to specific brain areas (local spindles). The aim of this study was to characterize spindles at the level of the human posterior thalamus, with the hypothesis that, besides the global thalamic spindling activity usually observed, local spindles could also be present in the thalamus. Using intracranial, time‐frequency EEG recordings in 17 epileptic patients, we assessed the distribution of thalamic spindles during natural sleep stages N2 and N3 in six thalamic nuclei. Local spindles (i.e. spindles present in a single pair of recording contacts) were observed in all the thalamic regions explored, and compared with non‐local spindles in terms of intrinsic properties and cortical counterparts. Thalamic local and non‐local spindles did not differ in density, frequency or duration, but local spindles had lower spectral power than non‐local ones. Each thalamic spindle had a cortical counterpart. While non‐local thalamic spindles had equal cortical local and non‐local counterparts, local thalamic spindles had significantly more local cortical counterparts (i.e. occurring in a single cortical site). The preferential association of local thalamic and cortical spindles supports the notion of thalamocortical loops functioning in a modular way.
Multiphysics Simulation of Nucleation and Grain Growth in Selective Laser Melting of Alloys
Authors: Liu Dehao , Wang Yan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Selective laser melting (SLM) builds parts by selectively melting metallic powders layer by layer with a high-energy laser beam. It has a variety of applications in aerospace, medical device, and other low-volume manufacturing. Nevertheless, the lack of fundamental understanding of the process-structure-property relationship for better quality control inhibits wider applications of SLM. Recently, a mesoscale simulation approach, called phase field and thermal lattice Boltzmann method (PF-TLBM), was developed to simulate microstructure evolution of alloys in SLM melt pool with simultaneous consideration of solute transport, heat transfer, phase transition, and latent heat effect. In this paper, a nucleation model is introduced in the PF-TLBM framework to simulate heterogeneous nucleation at the boundary of the melt pool in SLM. A new method is also developed to estimate the thermal flux out of the SLM melt pool model given a constant cooling rate. The effects of latent heat and cooling rate on dendritic morphology and solute distribution are studied. The simulation results of AlSi10Mg alloy suggest that the inclusion of latent heat is necessary because it reveals the details of the formation of secondary arms, reduces the overestimation of microsegregation, and provides more accurate kinetics of dendritic growth.
An adolescent with recurrent ankle swelling
Authors: Trombetta Andrea , Genovese Maria Rita Lucia , Gortani Giulia , Barbi Egidio 
Published: March 2020

A 14-year-old girl was admitted to our institute with a history of
intermittent bilateral ankle swelling, and moderate but progressively
worsening pain which has lasted for 2 years.
The patient’s history was unremarkable. She did not take medications and
was not involved in any sports activity. She reported no fever,
gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, weight loss, travels abroad or previous
infections. She reported moderate pain at night, associated with a sense of
heaviness, tightness and general discomfort, and with no response to
ibuprofen.
Physical examination was remarkable only for bilateral ankle non-pitting
oedema, more evident on the left leg, with a thickened skinfold at the base
of the second toe, and without redness, swelling or skin warming.
The patient had been previously examined, and her foot and ankle X-rays,
ultrasound (US) and MRI were all negative. Blood tests (white cell count, C
reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin, antinuclear
antibodies, creatinine, transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate
dehydrogenase, thyroid function and glucose) and urinalysis were in the
normal range. Her ocular assessment and echocardiogram were also
normal.

Question 1
Based on the clinical picture and laboratory tests, what is the most
likely diagnosis?

Deep venous thrombosis.

Osteochondritis.

Lymphoedema.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Question 2
Based on what you see in figure 1, what is the underlying
cause?

Recurrent bacterial lymphangitis.

Primary lymphoedema.

Tumour.

Filariasis.

Figure 1

Lymphoscintigraphy of the lower extremities showing
insufficient deep lymphatic circulation in the left leg (red
arrow, A) replaced by superficial drainage (B).

Question 3
Which is the best diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?

US scan.

MRI.

Lymphoscintigraphy.

Reassurance and clinical follow-up.

Question 4
What is the mainstay of management of this condition?

Wait and see.

Antibiotic course.

Supportive therapy (ie, physical activity, elevation of
extremities, pneumatic compression).

Surgical intervention.

Answers can be found on page 2.
Outcome of the 2016 United States presidential election and the subsequent sex ratio at birth in Canada: an ecological study
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Ye Chang 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesThe sex ratio at birth (proportion of boys to girls) generally shows slight male preponderance but may decrease in response to societal stressors. Discrete adverse events such as terrorist attacks and disasters typically lead to a temporary decline in the sex ratio 3–5 months later, followed by resolution over around 5 months thereafter. We hypothesised that the unexpected outcome of the 2016 US presidential election may have been a societal stressor for liberal-leaning populations and thereby precipitated such an effect on the sex ratio in Canada.DesignEcological study.SettingAdministrative data for Ontario (Canada’s most populous province).ParticipantsAll births in Ontario from April 2010 to Oct 2017 inclusive (n=1 079 758).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe determined the sex ratio at birth in Ontario for each month from April 2010 to October 2017 and performed segmented regression analysis to evaluate the seasonally adjusted sex ratio for the following three time periods: before the November 2016 election; after the election to before the anticipated impact; and from anticipated impact to 5 months thereafter.ResultsIn the 12 months following the election, the lowest sex ratio occurred in March 2017 (4 months post election). Compared with the preceding months, the sex ratio was lower in the 5 months from March to July 2017 (p=0.02) during which time it was rising (p=0.01), reflecting recovery from the nadir. Both effects were seen in liberal-leaning regions of Ontario (lower sex ratio (p=0.006) and recovery (p=0.002) in March–July 2017) but not in conservative-leaning areas (p=0.12 and p=0.49, respectively).ConclusionThe 2016 US presidential election preceded a temporary reduction in the sex ratio at birth in Canada, with the time course of changes therein matching the characteristic pattern of a discrete societal stressor.
Robotic assisted carotid artery stenting for the treatment of symptomatic carotid disease: technical feasibility and preliminary results
Authors: Nogueira Raul G , Sachdeva Rajesh , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Frankel Michael R , Haussen Diogo C 
Published: March 2020

Background and purposeRobotic-assisted endovascular interventions have been increasingly performed in the coronary and peripheral vascular beds. We aim to describe the feasibility and initial safety of a robotic-assisted platform for treating carotid artery disease.MethodsSingle-center technical report of the first four consecutive cases of carotid artery stenting for the treatment of severe symptomatic carotid stenosis utilizing the CorPath GRX Robotic System (Corindus Inc, Waltham, MA).ResultsFour patients (one in early 60s and three in early 70s; NASCET degree of stenosis: 88%, 77%, 83% and 82%) with ipsilateral strokes on presentation were treated. All steps of the procedure (including delivery/removal of micro-guidewire, emboli-protection system and angioplasty balloon) could be successfully performed robotically with the exception of navigation/deployment of the stents due to incompatibility with the current robotic platform. Technical success was achieved in all patients resulting in resolution of the stenosis without any complications.ConclusionsRobotic-assisted carotid artery stenting is technically feasible. Future studies are warranted to properly establish safety and benefits.
Gravitational waves from scale-invariant vector dark matter model: probing below the neutrino-floor
Authors: Mohamadnejad Ahmad 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe study the gravitational waves (GWs) spectrum produced during the electroweak phase transition in a scale-invariant extension of the Standard Model (SM), enlarged by a dark $$ U(1)_{D} $$U(1)D gauge symmetry. This symmetry incorporates a vector dark matter (DM) candidate and a scalar field (scalon). Because of scale invariance, the model has only two independent parameters and for the parameter space constrained by DM relic density, strongly first-order electroweak phase transition can take place. In this model, for a narrow part of the parameter space, DM-nucleon cross section is below the neutrino-floor limit, and therefore, it cannot be probed by the future direct detection experiments. However, for a benchmark point from this narrow region, we show the amplitude and frequency of phase transition GW spectrum fall within the observational window of space-based GW detectors such as eLISA.
CFD study on the thermo-physical process in 4 K pulse tube
Authors: Kim Kwangson , Kang Yongrim , Mun Myonghua , Jong Kumhyok , Chae Chunghyok 
Published: March 2020

It is of great importance to reveal the refrigeration mechanism at low-temperature around 4 K in pulse tube for improvement of the cooling performance in 4 K pulse tube crycoolers (PTCs). In this paper, the thermo-physical process in 4 K pulse tube was studied analytically from microscopic viewpoint using CFD simulation. The thermodynamic cycles of different gas parcels throughout the pulse tube were investigated. It was found that the real gas characteristics of the helium at the pulse tube cold end manifest more apparently from the central part nearer to the wall outside the boundary layer. Furthermore, it was revealed that boundary layer has the weakened heat loss or helpful effect on refrigeration in phase-shifting 4 K pulse tube operating at low frequency. This research newly provides intensified understanding of the inherent characteristics of 4 K GM-type pulse tube.
Monosomic Loss of MIR15A/MIR16-1 Is a Driver of Multiple Myeloma Proliferation and Disease Progression
Authors: Chesi Marta , Stein Caleb K. , Garbitt Victoria M. , Sharik Meaghen E. , Asmann Yan W. , Bergsagel Matteo , Riggs Daniel L. , Welsh Seth J. , Meermeier Erin W. , Kumar Shaji K. , Braggio Esteban , Bergsagel P. Leif 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The most common genetic abnormality in multiple myeloma is the deletion of chromosome 13, seen in almost half of newly diagnosed patients. Unlike chronic lymphocytic leukemia, where a recurrent minimally deleted region including MIR15A/MIR16-1 has been mapped, the deletions in multiple myeloma predominantly involve the entire chromosome and no specific driver gene has been identified. Additional candidate loci include RB1 and DIS3, but while biallelic deletion of RB1 is associated with disease progression, DIS3 is a common essential gene and complete inactivation is not observed. The Vk*MYC transgenic mouse model of multiple myeloma spontaneously acquires del(14), syntenic to human chromosome 13, and Rb1 complete inactivation, but not Dis3 mutations. Taking advantage of this model, we explored the role in multiple myeloma initiation and progression of two candidate loci on chromosome 13: RB1 and MIR15A/MIR16-1. Monoallelic deletion of Mir15a/Mir16-1, but not Rb1, was sufficient to accelerate the development of monoclonal gammopathy in wild-type mice and the progression of multiple myeloma in Vk*MYC mice, resulting in increased expression of Mir15a/Mir16-1 target genes and plasma cell proliferation, which was similarly observed in patients with multiple myeloma.

Significance:
In the absence of a defined, minimally deleted region the significance of del(13) in multiple myeloma has remained controversial. Here we show that haploinsufficiency of Mir15a/Mir16-1, but not Rb1, upregulates the cell cycle–regulatory network, inducing monoclonal gammopathy in mice and promoting multiple myeloma progression in both mice and men.
See related commentary by Walker, p. 16.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 5
Harmonizing Cell-Free DNA Collection and Processing Practices through Evidence-Based Guidance
Authors: Greytak Sarah R. , Engel Kelly B. , Parpart-Li Sonya , Murtaza Muhammed , Bronkhorst Abel J. , Pertile Mark D. , Moore Helen M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is rapidly transitioning from discovery research to an important tool in clinical decision making. However, the lack of harmonization of preanalytic practices across institutions may compromise the reproducibility of cfDNA-derived data and hamper advancements in cfDNA testing in the clinic. Differences in cellular genomic contamination, cfDNA yield, integrity, and fragment length have been attributed to different collection tube types and anticoagulants, processing delays and temperatures, tube agitation, centrifugation protocols and speeds, plasma storage duration and temperature, the number of freeze-thaw events, and cfDNA extraction and quantification methods, all of which can also ultimately impact subsequent downstream analysis. Thus, there is a pressing need for widely applicable standards tailored for cfDNA analysis that include all preanalytic steps from blood draw to analysis. The NCI's Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research Branch has developed cfDNA-specific guidelines that are based upon published evidence and have been vetted by a panel of internationally recognized experts in the field. The guidelines include optimal procedures as well as acceptable alternatives to facilitate the generation of evidence-based protocols by individual laboratories and institutions. The aim of the document, which is entitled “Biospecimen Evidence-based Best Practices for Cell-free DNA: Biospecimen Collection and Processing,” is to improve the accuracy of cfDNA analysis in both basic research and the clinic by improving and harmonizing practices across institutions.