bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Picking 'winners' in space: Impact of spatial targeting on firm performance in China
Authors: Howell Anthony 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the spatial patterns of China's industrial encouragement policy and its distributional impact on firm productivity. To this end, I develop separate proxies to measure three popular policy instruments (subsidies, tax holidays, and preferential access to loans). I first show that China's industrial support policies tend to exhibit a prominent spatial feature of targeting firms located in lagging cities with lower density. Taking into account potential endogeneity of industrial policy, unobserved heterogeneity and firm dynamics, quantile regression techniques show that more intense industrial support leads to: (a) a reduction in the productivity of lower‐performing firms, especially in denser cities; and (b) a small productivity gain for better performing firms but only in denser cities. Counterfactual analysis further reveals that pursuing an alternative, space‐neutral industrial encouragement policy would increase average productivity by 14–16%, in aggregate, but also contribute to significantly higher regional inequality.
Clinical features and outcomes of lymphadenopathy in a tertiary children's hospital
Authors: Venturini Elisabetta , Grillandini Chiara , Bianchi Leila , Montagnani Carlotta , Chiappini Elena , Galli Luisa 
Published: May 2020

AimThe aim of the present study is to describe the clinical features and outcomes of childhood lymphadenopathy and to define factors able to predict neoplastic aetiology or may improve its prognosis.MethodsAll children evaluated for lymphadenopathy in our tertiary children's hospital and who underwent their first examination between 1 January, 2015 and 31 December, 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Data were analysed using SPSS.Statistics, 24.0.ResultsA total of 322 children, aged between 0 and 18 years (median 4.5; interquartile range 2.5–9), were enrolled. A specific diagnosis was achieved in almost half of the cases (n = 159, 49.4%) by using one or more methods, including serological, microbiological, biomolecular or histological investigations on surgical samples. Epstein Barr virus and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria were the most common etiological agents among acute/sub‐acute and chronic lymphadenopathy, respectively. At the end of the study period, two‐thirds (210, 65.2%) of enrolled patients were successfully treated. Malignancies and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infections had the longest time to resolution.ConclusionsOur data suggest that lymphadenopathy is a benign condition in most cases. Of note in our study, 2.5% of lymphadenopathy cases were found to be due to oncologic conditions. The most frequent infective causes were Epstein Barr virus, bacteria and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infections. No haematic or ultrasonographic features were independently able to provide sufficient evidence for a conclusive diagnosis. However, utilising these findings alongside evaluation for clinical criteria can guide decision‐making for physicians. Lymphadenectomy is the most appropriate process to follow in the event of chronic lymphadenopathy with undefined diagnosis.
A validation study of the Ursodeoxycholic Acid Response Score in Japanese patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Yagi Minami , Matsumoto Kosuke , Komori Atsumasa , Abe Masanori , Hashimoto Naoaki , Inao Mie , Namisaki Tadashi , Kawata Kazuhito , Ninomiya Masashi , Fujii Hideki , Takahashi Atsushi , Kang Jong‐Hon , Takamura Masaaki , Arakawa Mie , Joshita Satoru , Sato Ken , Itakura Jun , Nomura Takako , Kakisaka Keisuke , Kaneko Akira , Tamura Yamato , Miura Ryo , Aiso Mitsuhiko , Arizumi Toshihiko , Asaoka Yoshinari , Kikuchi Kentaro , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Masaki Tsutomu , Umemura Takeji , Honda Akira , Ohira Hiromasa , Kawada Norifumi , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Mochida Satoshi , Takikawa Hajime , Tanaka Atsushi ,   Japan PBC Study Group (JPBCSG)
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground/PurposeAlthough ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a first‐line treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), 20%‐30% of patients with PBC exhibit an incomplete response to UDCA. Recently, the UDCA Response Score was proposed for predicting response to UDCA using pretreatment parameters in patients with PBC. We aimed to validate the UDCA Response Score in Japanese patients with PBC.MethodsRegistry data of Japanese patients (n = 873) were collected. Patients with data on all clinical parameters required for calculating the UDCA Response Score were selected. The endpoint was UDCA response, defined as alkaline phosphatase <1.67 times the upper limit of the normal value after 12 months of UDCA treatment.ResultsAll parameters were available in 804 patients (male/female = 120/684, age 58.9 [interquartile range 51.1‐66.9] years). Bezafibrate was commenced within 12 months of UDCA in 78 patients (9.7%) because of the lack of an early response. We found that the endpoint was not reached in these 78 patients, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the score was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70‐0.79). The AUROC was 0.77 (95% CI 0.70‐0.83) in patients undergoing UDCA monotherapy (n = 726). Finally, the AUROC of the modified UDCA Response Score using only data from the treatment start date was 0.80 (95% CI 0.70‐0.90) in patients receiving a combination therapy of UDCA and bezafibrate (n = 160).ConclusionThe validity of the UDCA Response Score was acceptable in Japanese patients; this score will be informative in patients treated with a combination therapy of UDCA and bezafibrate.
Sandfly surveillance and investigation of Leishmania spp. DNA in sandflies in Kosovo
Authors: Vaselek S. , Oguz G. , Ayhan N. , Ozbel Y. , Kadriaj P. , Ćupina A. I. , Velo E. , Muja N. , Baymak D. , Alishani M. , Toz S. , Nalcaci M. , Sherifi K. , Charrel R. , Alten B. , Petrić D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn the past decade, leishmaniasis seems to be re‐emerging in Balkan countries. There are serious implications that Kosovo is a visceral leishmaniasis endemic region with autochthonous transmission; nevertheless, surveillance of vectors, reservoirs or the disease is not yet established. Gaining knowledge about sandfly vector species is a prerequisite for the development of a monitoring and control plan in the future. After a long gap in research of over 70 years, sandfly studies in Kosovo were resumed in 2014. During this presence/absence study, nine sandfly species were detected: Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. alexandri, Ph. mascittii and Sergentomyia minuta. Three species are new with regard to the fauna of Kosovo – Ph. alexandri, Ph. balcanicus and Ph. mascittii. Besides increased diversity, changes in the number of collected specimens and distribution range of species were recorded, with Ph. neglectus being the most dominant species with the widest distribution. Testing of randomly chosen females for Leishmania spp. DNA resulted the in detection of L. tropica in a specimen of Ph. neglectus. The presence of numerous vector species in the sandfly fauna of Kosovo pose a threat for the re‐emergence of vector‐borne diseases. Therefore, continuous surveillance is recommended with regular updates on vector distribution and abundance.
Scleral lens wear following penetrating keratoplasty: changes in corneal curvature and optics
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Shetty Rohit , Lalgudi Vaitheeswaran G , Vincent Stephen J 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeVisual rehabilitation following penetrating keratoplasty is the primary indication for approximately 15% of all scleral lens fittings. Since corneal biomechanics are altered following penetrating keratoplasty, the aim of this study was to quantify changes in anterior corneal optics following short‐term scleral lens wear in eyes with corneal grafts.MethodsScheimpflug images were obtained before and after a period of scleral lens wear (mean 6.3 ± 1.4 h), from eyes that had previously undergone penetrating keratoplasty (10 eyes of nine participants, mean age 31 ± 9 years). Corneal power and thickness data were examined over the central 6 mm, including regional analyses of the central (0–3 mm) and the mid‐peripheral cornea (3–6 mm annulus) using customised software to deterime corneal power vectors M (best fit sphere), J0 (90/180 astigmatism) and J45 (45/135 astigmatism). Anterior corneal aberrations were extracted using corneal elevation data.ResultsCorneal power vector J45 increased following lens wear (by 0.22 ± 0.05 D, p = 0.003) across the central 6 mm, while M displayed regional variations following lens wear indicating larger changes further from the corneal centre (p = 0.004). The change in corneal power vector M was also correlated with the magnitude of central corneal swelling (r = 0.65, p = 0.04). The anterior corneal aberration terms of oblique astigmatism, hoirzontal coma, and spherical aberration also varied following lens wear (all p ≤ 0.01). The mean change in the corneal spherocylinder derived from the elevation data following lens wear was +0.14/−0.54 × 44 for a 6 mm corneal diameter.ConclusionsClinically significant alterations in anterior corneal topography and higher order aberrations were observed following short‐term scleral lens wear in eyes that had undergone penetrating keratoplasty. Spherocylindrical changes were approximately double the magnitude and more oblique in orientation compared to previous reports of healthy eyes. Changes in corneal power vector M may be related to epithelial corneal oedema.
Allergen Immunotherapy in Children User’s Guide
Authors: Alvaro‐Lozano Montserrat , Akdis Cezmi A. , Akdis Mubeccel , Alviani Cherry , Angier Elisabeth , Arasi Stefania , Arzt‐Gradwohl Lisa , Barber Domingo , Bazire Raphaëlle , Cavkaytar Ozlem , Comberiati Pasquale , Dramburg Stephanie , Durham Stephen R. , Eifan Aarif O. , Forchert Leandra , Halken Susanne , Kirtland Max , Kucuksezer Umut C. , Layhadi Janice A. , Matricardi Paolo Maria , Muraro Antonella , Ozdemir Cevdet , Pajno Giovanni Battista , Pfaar Oliver , Potapova Ekaterina , Riggioni Carmen , Roberts Graham , Rodríguez del Río Pablo , Shamji Mohamed H. , Sturm Gunter J. , Vazquez‐Ortiz Marta 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAllergen immunotherapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of allergic children. The clinical efficiency relies on a well‐defined immunologic mechanism promoting regulatory T cells and downplaying the immune response induced by allergens. Clinical indications have been well documented for respiratory allergy in the presence of rhinitis and/or allergic asthma, to pollens and dust mites. Patients who have had an anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera venom are also good candidates for allergen immunotherapy. Administration of allergen is currently mostly either by subcutaneous injections or by sublingual administration. Both methods have been extensively studied and have pros and cons. Specifically in children, the choice of the method of administration according to the patient's profile is important. Although allergen immunotherapy is widely used, there is a need for improvement. More particularly, biomarkers for prediction of the success of the treatments are needed. The strength and efficiency of the immune response may also be boosted by the use of better adjuvants. Finally, novel formulations might be more efficient and might improve the patient's adherence to the treatment. This user's guide reviews current knowledge and aims to provide clinical guidance to healthcare professionals taking care of children undergoing allergen immunotherapy.
Intravenous dexmedetomidine sedation for magnetoencephalography: A retrospective study
Authors: Tewari Anurag , Mahmoud Mohamed , Rose Douglas , Ding Lili , Tenney Jeffrey 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMagnetoencephalography (MEG) plays a preponderant role in the preoperative assessment of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). However, the magnetoencephalography of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy can be difficult without sedation and/or general anesthesia. Our objective is to describe our experience with intravenous dexmedetomidine as sedation for magnetoencephalography and its effect, if any, on the ability to recognize epileptic spikes.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 89 children who presented for Magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography (EEG) scans between August of 2008 and May of 2015. Data analyzed included demographics and the frequency of epileptic spikes. Sedated magnetoencephalography recordings were compared to nonsedated video‐electroencephalography (vEEG) recordings in the same patients to determine the impact of dexmedetomidine.ResultsSpike frequency between magnetoencephalography with sedation and video‐electroencephalography without sedation was compared in 85 patients. Magnetoencephalography and video‐electroencephalography were considered clinically concordant in 80 patients (94.1%) and discordant in 5 patients (5.9%), all with less spikes during Magnetoencephalography. The median (range) bolus dose of dexmedetomidine was 2 (1‐2) mcg/kg. The median (range) infusion rate of dexmedetomidine was 2 (0.5‐4) mcg/kg/h. All patients experienced reductions in heart rate after administration of dexmedetomidine; these reductions were statistically, but not clinically, significant.ConclusionsOur results suggest that dexmedetomidine‐based protocol provides reliable sedation in children undergoing MEG scanning because of the high success rate, limited interictal artifacts, and minimal impacts on spike frequency.
Trauma‐focused imaginal exposure for auditory hallucinations: A case series
Authors: Brand Rachel M. , Bendall Sarah , Hardy Amy , Rossell Susan L. , Thomas Neil 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveThere is mounting evidence that traumatic life events play a role in auditory hallucinations (AH). Theory suggests that some AH are decontextualized trauma memory intrusions. Exposure‐based trauma‐focused therapies that target trauma memory intrusions may therefore be a promising new treatment. We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a standard protocol trauma‐focused imaginal exposure intervention for trauma‐related AH and to provide initial proof of concept regarding potential effects on AH.DesignWe conducted a single‐arm case series of a six session (90 min per session) imaginal exposure intervention for trauma‐related AH with assessments at baseline, post‐therapy, and one‐month follow‐up.ResultsFifteen people were recruited and eligible to start the intervention. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction; however, temporary distress and symptom exacerbation were common and contributed to discontinuation. There was a large reduction in AH severity at one‐month follow‐up (adjusted d = 0.99), but individual response was highly variable. There were also large reductions in post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the intrusiveness of the trauma memory.ConclusionsImaginal exposure for trauma‐related AH is generally acceptable and may have large effects on AH severity for some people. However, temporary distress and symptom exacerbation are common and can lead to discontinuation. Low referral rates and uptake also suggest feasibility issues for standalone imaginal exposure for AH. The intervention may be more feasible and acceptable in the context of a broader trauma‐focused therapy. Well‐powered trials are needed to determine efficacy and factors that impact on acceptability and therapy response.Practitioner points

Some AH can be understood as trauma memory intrusions that lack temporal and spatial contextualization and are therefore experienced without autonoetic awareness.

Imaginal exposure to trauma memories associated with AH may be an effective intervention for some people.

Temporary distress and symptom exacerbation may be common when using standard trauma‐focused imaginal exposure for AH. This can impact on the acceptability of the therapy and should be considered in future development and delivery.
Cytosolic malate dehydrogenase 4 modulates cellular energetics and storage reserve accumulation in maize endosperm
Authors: Chen Yongqiang , Fu Zhiyuan , Zhang Hui , Tian Runmiao , Yang Huili , Sun Canran , Wang Lulin , Zhang Wen , Guo Zhanyong , Zhang Xuehai , Tang Jihua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is a key enzyme that regulates the interconversion between malate and oxaloacetate (OAA). However, its role in modulating storage compound accumulation in maize endosperm is largely unknown. Here, we characterized a novel naturally occurring maize mdh4‐1 mutant, which produces small, opaque kernels and exhibits reduced starch but enhanced lysine content. Map‐based cloning, functional complementation and allelism analyses identified ZmMdh4 as the causal gene. Enzymatic assays demonstrated that ZmMDH4 predominantly catalyses the conversion from OAA to malate. In comparison, the activity of the mutant enzyme, which lacks one glutamic acid (Glu), was completed abolished, demonstrating that the Glu residue was essential for ZmMDH4 function. Knocking down ZmMdh4 in vivo led to a substantial metabolic shift towards glycolysis and a dramatic disruption in the activity of the mitochondrial complex I, which was correlated with transcriptomic alterations. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ZmMdh4 regulates the balance between mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, ATP production and endosperm development, through a yet unknown feedback regulatory mechanism in mitochondria.
Therapeutic coil embolization of dominant shunt in hepatopulmonary syndrome enhances post‐liver transplant respiratory recovery
Authors: Sonavane Amey D. , Bagde Abhijit , Raut Vikram , Marar Shaji , Sawant Ambreen , Shah Ketul , Raj Amruth , Thorat Ashok , Chaksota Harshit , Biradar Vishnu , Vasanth Suresh , Nagral Aabha , Mirza Darius 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCoil embolization of the atypical enlarged pulmonary artery/arteriole with visible shunting may improve hypoxemia in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). When used selectively in cases with large shunts, either pre‐ or post‐liver transplantation (LT), it can aid an early recovery and reduce morbidity. We present a case where a large intrapulmonary shunt was embolized preoperatively to improve hypoxemia associated with HPS and enhance post‐operative recovery.
The influence of facial expression at perceptual threshold on electrodermal activity and social comfort distance
Authors: Cartaud Alice , Ott Laurent , Iachini Tina , Honoré Jacques , Coello Yann 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInterpersonal distance, an essential component of social interaction, is modulated by the emotion conveyed by others and associated physiological response. However, in modern societies with overcrowded and hyperstimulating environments, we can only surreptitiously glimpse the faces of others in order to quickly make behavioral adjustments. How this impacts social interactions is not yet well understood. In the present study, we investigated this issue by testing whether facial expressions that are difficult to identify modify the physiological response (Electrodermal Activity, EDA) and subsequent judgment of interpersonal comfort distance. We recorded participants’ EDA while they provided comfort judgments to interpersonal distances with a Point‐Light Walker (PLW). The PLW, with an emotionally neutral gait, moved toward and crossed participants at various distances after the latter were exposed to a negative (anger), positive (happiness) or neutral facial expression presented at the perceptual threshold. Bayesian analyses of the data revealed an increase versus decrease of interpersonal comfort distance with the PLW depending on the negative versus positive emotional valence of the facial expression. They also showed an increase in EDA when the approaching PLW violated interpersonal comfort distance after participants were exposed to an angry facial expression. These effects correlated with the subjective assessment of the arousal of facial expressions. Thus, previous exposure to barely visible facial expressions can alter the representation of social comfort space and the physiological response associated with a violation of interpersonal comfort distances, depending on the valence and arousal of the emotional social stimuli.
Optimization of carbon stock models to local conditions using farmers' soil tests: A case study with AMGv2 for a cereal plain in central France
Authors: Nowak Benjamin , Marliac Gaëlle 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) is associated with environmental benefits and crop productivity; therefore, monitoring of SOC stocks is important when assessing the sustainability of agricultural systems. This study applied a hybrid method and the results of on‐farm soil tests to calibrate the AMGv2 model and adapt it to local conditions. The method was applied to soils in the Limagne plain (France), which shifted to cereal production since the 1960s. Based on analysing 988 soil test data, covering the period from 1954 to 2019, it was found that SOC stocks showed a significant decrease in the three main soil types of the study area. An optimization procedure estimated that the initial ratios of stable to total carbon fall in the ranges 0.42 and 0.46 for vertisols, 0.48 and 0.52 for calcisols, and 0.56 and 0.60 for fluvisols. Simulations using these values estimated that SOC stocks declined between 1960 and 2018 by between −31 and −17%, depending on soil type. The optimized model was used to forecast the evolution of SOC stocks up to 2050. These simulations showed a further decline in SOC stocks with continuation of current practices, even assuming a 15% increase in crop yields. They indicated that stopping straw exports would stabilize stocks, while a systematic introduction of cover crops would increase stocks about 3.8% over the period considered. It is concluded that this hybrid procedure can improve the adaptation of predictive models to local conditions.
Phylogenomic analysis of the APETALA2 transcription factor subfamily across angiosperms reveals both deep conservation and lineage‐specific patterns
Authors: Kerstens Merijn H. L. , Schranz M. Eric , Bouwmeester Klaas 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe APETALA2 (AP2) subfamily of transcription factors are key regulators of angiosperm root, shoot, flower and embryo development. The broad diversity of anatomical and morphological structures is potentially associated with the genomic dynamics of the AP2 subfamily. However, a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of the AP2 subfamily across angiosperms is lacking. We combined phylogenetic and synteny analysis of distinct AP2 subclades in the completed genomes of 107 angiosperm species. We identified major changes in copy number variation and genomic context within subclades across lineages, and discuss how these changes may have contributed to the evolution of lineage‐specific traits. Multiple AP2 subclades show highly conserved patterns of copy number and synteny across angiosperms, while others are more dynamic and show distinct lineage‐specific patterns. As examples of lineage‐specific morphological divergence due to AP2 subclade dynamics, we hypothesize that loss of PLETHORA1/2 in monocots correlates with the absence of taproots, whereas independent lineage‐specific changes of PLETHORA4/BABY BOOM and WRINKLED1 genes in Brassicaceae and monocots point towards regulatory divergence of embryogenesis between these lineages. Additionally, copy number expansion of TOE1 and TOE3/AP2 in asterids is implicated with differential regulation of flower development. Moreover, we show that the genomic context of AP2s is in general highly specialized per angiosperm lineage. To our knowledge, this study is the first to shed light on the evolutionary divergence of the AP2 subfamily subclades across major angiosperm lineages and emphasizes the need for lineage‐specific characterization of developmental networks to understand trait variability further.