bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tangled up in Blue: The Effect of UN Peacekeeping on Nonviolent Protests in Post–Civil War Countries
Authors: Belgioioso Margherita , Salvatore Jessica Di , Pinckney Jonathan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDo peacekeeping missions facilitate nonviolent political contention in post–civil war countries? The nonviolent expression of political grievances is a crucial part of the post–civil war peace-building process but is understudied thus far. We claim that the presence of peacekeepers significantly contributes to establishing a secure environment for nonviolent political contention, particularly nonviolent public protest. In addition, we claim that peacekeeping missions with personnel from countries with robust civil societies are more likely to promote nonviolent political contention because of prior socialization to civic engagement and bottom-top political participation. This is particularly true for UN police personnel (UNPOL), who both train local police forces and have the most direct interaction with protesters. We test our hypotheses using a newly crafted dataset on nonviolent protests in post–civil war countries and peacekeeping missions’ presence, size, and home-country composition. We find that peacekeeping missions’ presence significantly increases nonviolent protests in post–civil war country-years. This effect is largely explained by the presence of UNPOL from countries with strong civil societies. Our findings have important implications for our understanding of post–civil war political revitalization and policy implications for the composition of peacekeeping missions.
Understanding Users’ Engagement and Responses in 3D Virtual Reality: The Influence of Presence on User Value
Authors: Pengnate Supavich (Fone) , Riggins Frederick J , Zhang Limin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) provides new opportunities for businesses to gain competitive advantages by enabling them to innovatively engage customers. Based on presence theory, this study aims to test the influences of two major components of presence, social presence and spatial presence, on users’ perceptions of hedonic value, utilitarian value and engagement in the VR environment. An experiment was conducted on two conditions of a VR application (low vs. high social presence) to test the hypotheses proposed in the research model. The results reveal that social presence and spatial presence can improve the hedonic value of VR. However, inconsistent with previous studies, our findings reveal a negative relationship between spatial presence and engagement. Theoretical and practical implications and future research directions are subsequently discussed.
A Selective and Sensitive Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitation of Synthetic Musks in Human Serum
Authors: Katuri Guru Prasad , Fan Xinghua , Siddique Shabana , Kubwabo Cariton , Kosarac Ivana , Harris Shelley A , Foster Warren G 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Synthetic musk compounds are widely used as fragrances in many consumer products; however, information on human exposure and health effects is limited. Also, analytical methods for their quantification in biological matrices are limited.

Objective
In this study, an integrated method was developed and validated for the analysis of selected synthetic musk compounds in human serum.

Method
The method is based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), sample clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE), and separation and detection by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS).

Results
The method demonstrated good recoveries (86–105%) and high sensitivity, with low method detection limits (MDLs) ranging from 0.04 to 0.17 µg/L. The method was applied to the analysis of 10 synthetic musk compounds in 40 serum samples collected from Canadian women aged 20–44 years (20 individual samples collected in 2014 and 20 pooled samples collected in 2006). The most commonly detected compound was Galaxolide (HHCB), with median concentrations of 0.59 µg/L in samples collected in 2006, and 0.34 µg/L for samples collected in 2014. Musk ketone (MK) was not detected in any of the samples collected in 2006, but was detected in 60% of the samples collected in 2014 with a median concentration of 0.29 µg/L. Tonalide (AHTN) was detected in only one sample above its MDL (0.12 µg/L).

Conclusions
This is the first study in Canada to report levels of synthetic musks in human. The data generated from this study has been used in risk screening assessment by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada.
Harm as a Necessary Component of the Concept of Medical Disorder: Reply to Muckler and Taylor
Authors: Wakefield Jerome C , Conrad Jordan A 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWakefield’s harmful dysfunction analysis asserts that the concept of medical disorder includes a naturalistic component of dysfunction (failure of biologically designed functioning) and a value (harm) component, both of which are required for disorder attributions. Muckler and Taylor, defending a purely naturalist, value-free understanding of disorder, argue that harm is not necessary for disorder. They provide three examples of dysfunctions that, they claim, are considered disorders but are entirely harmless: mild mononucleosis, cowpox that prevents smallpox, and minor perceptual deficits. They also reject the proposal that dysfunctions need only be typically harmful to qualify as disorders. We argue that the proposed counterexamples are, in fact, considered harmful; thus, they fail to disconfirm the harm requirement: incapacity for exertion is inherently harmful, whether or not exertion occurs, cowpox is directly harmful irrespective of indirect benefits, and colorblindness and anosmia are considered harmful by those who consider them disorders. We also defend the typicality qualifier as viably addressing some apparently harmless disorders and argue that a dysfunction’s harmfulness is best understood in dispositional terms.
Comparative Evaluation of MIRONAUT-AM and CLSI broth microdilution method for antifungal susceptibility testing of Aspergillus species against four commonly used antifungals
Authors: Nuh Ali , Ramadan Newara , Schelenz Silke , Armstrong-James Darius 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate a colorimetric method, MIRONAUT-AM, for determining susceptibility testing of anidulafungin, amphotericin, voriconazole, and itraconazole by comparing the minimum inhibitory (effective) concentrations (MICs/MECs) obtained by this method to those generated by the reference Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method. In sum, 78 clinical isolates of Aspergillus species, nine of them non-wild type (non-WT) with itraconazole MIC ranging from 2 mg/l to &gt;16 mg/l, were tested against above antifungals. A. fumigatus ATCC 204305 was used as a reference strain, and test was performed in accordance with slightly modified yeast susceptibility testing instruction of the manufacture; conidia suspension inoculum and alamarBlue concentration were optimized. These same isolates were referred to Bristol Mycology reference laboratory and tested by CLSI method. The MICs and MECs generated by the two methods were compared using concordance analysis. MIRONAUT-AM showed significant concordance (P &lt; .0001) with CLSI method, and overall agreement was high (≥90%). In addition, MIRONAUT-AM produced echinocandin MECs results within 18–24 hours incubation time and correctly detected all non-WT isolates except one isolate. This colorimetric method is very promising and appears to be a suitable alternative susceptibility testing method to labor intensive broth microdilution reference method for Aspergillus species.
Aerosol characterization using satellite remote sensing of light pollution sources at night
Authors: Kocifaj Miroslav , Bará Salvador 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
A demanding challenge in atmospheric research is the night-time characterization of aerosols using passive techniques, that is, by extracting information from scattered light that has not been emitted by the observer. Satellite observations of artificial night-time lights have been used to retrieve some basic integral parameters, like the aerosol optical depth. However, a thorough analysis of the scattering processes allows one to obtain substantially more detailed information on aerosol properties. In this letter, we demonstrate a practicable approach for determining the aerosol particle size number distribution function in the air column, based on the measurement of the angular radiance distribution of the scattered light emitted by night-time lights of cities and towns, recorded from low Earth orbit. The method is self-calibrating and does not require the knowledge of the absolute city emissions. The input radiance data are readily available from several spaceborne platforms, like the VIIRS-DNB radiometer onboard the Suomi-NPP satellite.
A New Analysis of Archaea–Bacteria Domain Separation: Variable Phylogenetic Distance and the Tempo of Early Evolution
Authors: Berkemer Sarah J , McGlynn Shawn E 
Published: April 2020

AbstractComparative genomics and molecular phylogenetics are foundational for understanding biological evolution. Although many studies have been made with the aim of understanding the genomic contents of early life, uncertainty remains. A study by Weiss et al. (Weiss MC, Sousa FL, Mrnjavac N, Neukirchen S, Roettger M, Nelson-Sathi S, Martin WF. 2016. The physiology and habitat of the last universal common ancestor. Nat Microbiol. 1(9):16116.) identified a number of protein families in the last universal common ancestor of archaea and bacteria (LUCA) which were not found in previous works. Here, we report new research that suggests the clustering approaches used in this previous study undersampled protein families, resulting in incomplete phylogenetic trees which do not reflect protein family evolution. Phylogenetic analysis of protein families which include more sequence homologs rejects a simple LUCA hypothesis based on phylogenetic separation of the bacterial and archaeal domains for a majority of the previously identified LUCA proteins (∼82%). To supplement limitations of phylogenetic inference derived from incompletely populated orthologous groups and to test the hypothesis of a period of rapid evolution preceding the separation of the domains, we compared phylogenetic distances both within and between domains, for thousands of orthologous groups. We find a substantial diversity of interdomain versus intradomain branch lengths, even among protein families which exhibit a single domain separating branch and are thought to be associated with the LUCA. Additionally, phylogenetic trees with long interdomain branches relative to intradomain branches are enriched in information categories of protein families in comparison to those associated with metabolic functions. These results provide a new view of protein family evolution and temper claims about the phenotype and habitat of the LUCA.
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of cannabis and its derivatives in adults with malignant CNS tumors
Authors: Rodriguez-Almaraz Jesus-Eduardo , Chang Susan , Clarke Jennifer , Oberheim-Bush Nancy Ann , Taylor Jennie , Buerki Robin , Berger Mitchel , Zablotska Lydia , Lobach Iryna , Butowski Nicholas 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Primary CNS tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that share a considerable morbidity and mortality rate. To help control tumor growth and clinical outcomes (overall survival, progression-free survival, quality of life) symptoms, patients often resort to alternative therapies, including the use of cannabis. Despite rapidly growing popularity, cannabis and its impact on patients with primary malignant CNS tumors is understudied.

Methods
To shed light on the lack of scientific evidence in this field, in November 2018 we conducted a search and examination of cannabis in neuro-oncology in major journal databases and bibliographies of selected articles, and through abstracts of annual meetings using prespecified criteria in line with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.

Results
We identified 45 publications, of which 9 were selected. Five studies were included. Publication dates ranged from 2004 to 2018 and included varying histologies of primary brain tumors. The average survival at 1 year was 56.09% (95% CI: 48.28-63.9). There was no difference in risk ratio (RR) for death at 1 year between groups (RR: 1.069 [95% CI: 0.139-8.25]). We found strong evidence of heterogeneity (Q = 74.0%; P = .021). We found no statistical evidence of publication bias (P = .117; SD = 1.91).

Conclusions
There was limited moderate-quality evidence that supports the use of cannabinoids as adjuvant to the standard of care in the treatment of brain and CNS tumors. There was very low-quality evidence suggesting that cannabinoids were associated with adult-onset gliomas. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to adequately evaluate the impact of cannabinoids on CNS tumors, specifically on survival and quality of life.
Papillary tumor of the pineal region: a single-center experience
Authors: Boßelmann Christian Malte , Gepfner-Tuma Irina , Schittenhelm Jens , Brendle Cornelia , Honegger Juergen , Tabatabai Ghazaleh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a rare entity. Its clinical presentation is diverse, and establishing an accurate and timely diagnosis may be challenging. Treatment recommendations are based on the evidence level of case series. Recently, several key advances have been made for immunohistochemical characterization, molecular diagnostics, and neurosurgical treatment of PTPR. Here, we describe our single-center experience.
The Long-term Effectiveness of the Automatic Position-Adaptive System in Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Retrospective Comparative Study with a Two-Year Follow-up
Authors: Kim Eun kyoung , Lee Chang-soon , Yoo Yongjae , Park Jin-Woo , Kim Jung Soo , Kim Youngwon , Moon Jee Youn , Kim Yong-Chul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the nonadaptive manual system with the position-adaptive system in subjects with permanent spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation over a two-year follow-up period.DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary university-based national hospital.SubjectsPatients who underwent permanent SCS implantation procedures.MethodsPatients were divided into an adaptive group and a nonadaptive group according to the type of implanted SCS device. The primary outcome was the change (%) in pain intensity from baseline between the adaptive and nonadaptive groups at 24 months after SCS implantation. The secondary outcomes were comparisons of detailed clinical variables such as the scores of patient pain and satisfaction during the two-year follow-up after SCS therapy. Further, the number of subjects with SCS removal or revision within two years after SCS implantation was investigated.ResultsOf 187 patients with permanent SCS implantation, 85 in the nonadaptive group and 64 in the position-adaptive group were finally analyzed. The reduction in pain intensity at 24 months was higher in the adaptive group (−38.6%) than in the nonadaptive group (−30.8%, P = 0.05). Similarly, patient satisfaction with the SCS treatment at 24 months was superior in the adaptive group than in the nonadaptive group (85.7% vs 67.5% were satisfied in each group, respectively, P = 0.024). During the two years, 5.3% of patients (N = 10) underwent SCS removal and 7.0% (N = 13) underwent revision procedures.ConclusionsThere was a trend of a sustained reduction in pain intensity as well as improvement in patient satisfaction at two-year follow-up in the position-adaptive system, suggesting long-term benefit over the nonadaptive manual system during SCS treatment.
Role of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolation in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis
Authors: Marra R , Sgalla G , Richeldi L , Conte E G , Hill A T 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a bacteria whose role in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis has been previously studied; little is known about its role in non-CF bronchiectasis.

Materials and methods
Aim of our study is to investigate the risk factors for S. maltophilia acquisition and its clinical impact on bronchiectasis patients. A retrospective observational cohort study enrolling patients attending the Bronchiectasis Clinic at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. A total of 167 bronchiectasis patients undergoing intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy were selected and divided according to single or chronic S. maltophilia isolation in sputum. The risk factors and prognostic impact were studied.

Results
Single isolation was independently associated with lower baseline % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.970–1.044; P = 0.025] and with less radiological involvement (OR 0.379; 95% CI 0.175–0.819; P = 0.01). Chronic isolation was associated with the number of IV antibiotic courses in the year before and after the first isolation (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.053–1.398; P = 0.007) and with the absence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization (OR 0.207; 95% CI 0.056–0.764; P = 0.02). In the chronic isolation group, there were more exacerbations and more need of IV antibiotics in the year after the first isolation.

Conclusions
Poor lung function is the main independent risk factor for single isolation of S. maltophilia. For chronic colonization, the main independent risk factor is the number of IV antibiotic courses and the absence of P. aeruginosa chronic colonization. Only when chronically present, S. maltophilia had a clinical impact with more exacerbations.
Subcortico-Cortical Functional Connectivity in the Fetal Brain: A Cognitive Development Blueprint
Authors: Canini Matteo , Cavoretto Paolo , Scifo Paola , Pozzoni Mirko , Petrini Alessandro , Iadanza Antonella , Pontesilli Silvia , Scotti Roberta , Candiani Massimo , Falini Andrea , Baldoli Cristina , Della Rosa Pasquale A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that patterns of cortico-cortical functional synchronization are consistently traceable by the end of the third trimester of pregnancy. The involvement of subcortical structures in early functional and cognitive development has never been explicitly investigated, notwithstanding their pivotal role in different cognitive processes. We address this issue by exploring subcortico-cortical functional connectivity at rest in a group of normally developing fetuses between the 25th and 32nd weeks of gestation. Results show significant functional coupling between subcortical nuclei and cortical networks related to: (i) sensorimotor processing, (ii) decision making, and (iii) learning capabilities. This functional maturation framework unearths a Cognitive Development Blueprint, according to which grounding cognitive skills are planned to develop with higher ontogenetic priority. Specifically, our evidence suggests that a newborn already possesses the ability to: (i) perceive the world and interact with it, (ii) create salient representations for the selection of adaptive behaviors, and (iii) store, retrieve, and evaluate the outcomes of interactions, in order to gradually improve adaptation to the extrauterine environment.
TRENDS IN ACCESS TO WATER AND SANITATION IN MALAWI: PROGRESS AND INEQUALITIES (1992-2017)
Authors: Cassivi Alexandra , Tilley Elizabeth , Waygood E.O.D. , Dorea Caetano 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBillions of people globally gained access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation in the last decades, following effort towards the Millennium Development Goals. Global progress remains a general indicator as it is unclear if access is equitable across groups of the population. Agenda 2030 calling for “leaving no one behind”, there is a need to focus on the variations of access in different groups of the population, especially in the context of least developed countries including Malawi. We analyzed data from Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) to describe emerging trends on progress and inequalities in water supply and sanitation services over a 25-year period (1992 - 2017) and to identify the most vulnerable population in Malawi. Data were disaggregated with geographic and socio-economic characteristics including regions, urban and rural areas, wealth and education level. Analysis of available data revealed progress in access to water and sanitation among all groups of the population. The largest progress is generally observed in the groups that were further behind at the baseline year, which likely reflects good targeting in interventions/improvements to reduce the gap in the population. Overall, results demonstrated that some segments of the population - foremost poorest Southern rural populations - still have limited access to water and are forced to practise open defecation. Finally, we suggest to include standardized indicators that address safely managed drinking water and sanitation services in future surveys and studies to increase accuracy of national estimates.
Interleukin-6 in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Coomes Eric A. , Haghbayan Hourmazd 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTPurposeCoronaviruses may activate dysregulated host immune responses. As exploratory studies have suggested that interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in cases of complicated COVID-19 and that the anti-IL-6 biologic tocilizumab may be beneficial, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence in this field.MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies investigating the immunological response in COVID-19 or its treatment with tocilizumab; additional grey literature searches were undertaken. Meta-analysis was undertaken using random effects models.ResultsEight published studies, three pre-prints, and five registered trials were eligible. Meta-analysis of mean IL-6 concentrations demonstrated 2.9-fold higher levels in patients with complicated COVID-19 compared with patients with non-complicated disease (six studies; n=1302; 95%CI, 1.17-7.19;I2=100%). A single non-randomized, single-arm study assessed tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19, demonstrating decreased oxygen requirements, resolution of radiographic abnormalities, and clinical improvement. No adverse events or deaths were observed.ConclusionsIn patients with COVID-19, IL-6 levels are significantly elevated and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. While inhibition of IL-6 with tocilizumab appears to be efficacious and safe in preliminary investigation, the results of several ongoing clinical trials should be awaited to better define the role of tocilizumab in COVID-19 prior to routine clinical application.PROSPERO RegistrationCRD42020175879