bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oil shocks and directional predictability of macroeconomic uncertainties of developed economies: Evidence from high‐frequency data†
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Gupta Rangan , Demirer Riza , Pierdzioch Christian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing high‐frequency (daily) data on macroeconomic uncertainties and the partial cross‐quantilogram approach, we examine the directional predictability of disentangled oil‐price shocks for the entire conditional distribution of uncertainties of five advanced economies (Canada, Euro Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Our results show that oil‐demand, oil‐supply, and financial‐risk‐related shocks can predict the future path of uncertainty; however, the predictive relationship is contingent on the initial level of macroeconomic uncertainty and the size of the shocks. Our results suggest that macroeconomic uncertainty is indeed predictable at high frequency, and that oil‐price shocks capture valuable predictive information regarding the future path of macroeconomic uncertainties.
An analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of large‐scale data production events in OpenStreetMap
Authors: Grinberger A. Yair , Schott Moritz , Raifer Martin , Zipf Alexander 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOrganized mapping activities within OpenStreetMap frequently lead to the production of massive amounts of data over a short period. In this article we utilize a novel procedure to identify such large‐scale data production events in the history of OpenStreetMap and analyze their patterns. We find that events account for a significant share of OpenStreetMap data and that organizational practices have shifted over time towards local knowledge‐based events and well‐organized data imports. However, regions in the “Global South” remain dependent on remote mapping events, pointing to uneven geographies of representation. We also find that events are frequently followed by periods of increased activity, with the exact nature of effects depending on contextual elements such as previous events. These findings portray organized activities as a significant and unique component which requires consideration when using OpenStreetMap data and analyzing their quality.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale in Greek clinical population
Authors: Christakou Anna 
Published: March 2021

Background: Catastrophizing is an important psychological construct in mediating the behavioral response toward pain. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) in Greek clinical population. Methods: The scale was administered in 376 patients with chronic cervical and lumbar pain. Test–retest reliability, internal consistency (Cronbach [Formula: see text]) and concurrent validity were assessed. Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to test the factorial validity of the hypothesized three factor structure. Results: The PCS factors suggested high levels of test–retest reliability, whereas Cronbachs’ [Formula: see text] values were acceptable. The EFA yielded a three-factor solution and indicated a marginal fit to the data. CFA procedures indicated a rather acceptable fit to the data. The concurrent validity of the instrument was confirmed. Conclusion: PCS seems to be a reliable and valid instrument in Greek patients with chronic cervical and lumbar pain.
Efficacy of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with a Narrow QRS Complex
Authors: Nakai Toshiko , Ikeya Yukitoshi , Mano Hiroaki , Kogawa Rikitake , Watanabe Ryuta , Arai Masaru , Aizawa Yoshihiro , Kurokawa Sayaka , Ohkubo Kimie , Kitano Daisuke , Nagashima Koichi , Okumura Yasuo 
Published: March 2021

Aims. In the guidelines for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), there is a gap between the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) criteria, which specify a QRS duration of ≥120 ms, and other countries, with a QRS ≥ 130 ms. The efficacy of CRT remains controversial in patients with a narrow QRS <130 ms. The aims of this study are to evaluate the response to CRT in patients with a narrow QRS and to identify predictors of mortality. Methods. We retrospectively studied 212 patients who received CRT. They were divided into narrow QRS (<130 ms) and wide QRS (≥130 ms) groups. We compared CRT response rates and investigated whether age, gender, baseline New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, ischemic etiology, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmias are associated with response and also predictive of mortality. Results. The CRT response rate was not significantly different between the wide QRS group and the narrow QRS group (74.6% versus 77.2%,

p

= 0.6876), and the response rate in the narrow QRS group was as good as that reported worldwide. NYHA class IV was shown to be a predictor of mortality (HR 9.38, 95% CI 5.35–16.3,

p

< 0.0001). Conclusions. The present study demonstrated that patients with a narrow QRS complex responded well to CRT. Even with QRS <130 ms, CRT should be tried if no other effective treatment is available.
Low Birth Weight Increases the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young: A Nationwide Study of 2.2 Million People
Authors: Waaler Loland Vilde , Ågesen Frederik Nybye , Lynge Thomas Hadberg , Pinborg Anja , Jabbari Reza , Warming Peder Emil , Pedersen Morten Akhøj , Risgaard Bjarke , Winkel Bo Gregers , Tfelt‐Hansen Jacob 
Published: March 2021

Background
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) constitutes a major health problem worldwide. We investigated whether birth weight (BW), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age are associated with altered risk of SCD among the young (aged 1–36 years).

Methods and Results

We included all people born in Denmark from 1973 to 2008 utilizing the Danish Medical Birth Register. All SCDs in Denmark in 2000 to 2009 have previously been identified. We defined 5 BW groups, SGA, and large for gestational age as exposure and SCD as the outcome. We estimated the age‐specific relative risk of SCD with 95% CI. Additionally, we investigated if SGA and large for gestational age are associated with pathological findings at autopsy. The study population for the BW analyses comprised 2 234 501 people with 389 SCD cases, and the SGA and large for gestational age analyses comprised 1 786 281 people with 193 SCD cases. The relative risk for SCD was 6.69 for people with BW between 1500 and 2499 g (95% CI, 2.38–18.80,
P
<0.001) and 5.89 for people with BW ≥4500 g (95% CI, 1.81–19.12,
P
=0.003) at age 5 years. BW 2500 to 3400 g was the reference group. Compared with an appropriate gestational age, the relative risk for SGA was 2.85 (95% CI, 1.35–6.00,
P
=0.006) at age 10 years. For the autopsied cases, the relative risk of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome at age 5 years was 4.19 for SGA (95% CI, 1.08–16.22,
P
=0.038).

Conclusions
We found an association between BW and SCD in the young, with an increased risk among SGA infants. In addition, we found an association between SGA and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.
Small Left Ventricle and Clinical Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Saito Tetsuya , Inohara Taku , Yoshijima Nobuhiro , Yashima Fumiaki , Tsuruta Hikaru , Shimizu Hideyuki , Fukuda Keiichi , Naganuma Toru , Mizutani Kazuki , Yamawaki Masahiro , Tada Norio , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Tabata Minoru , Ueno Hiroshi , Takagi Kensuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro 
Published: March 2021

Background
In patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), those with small left ventricle (LV) may have an increased risk of poor outcomes, because small LV is associated with low‐flow (LF), left ventricular hypertrophy. However, the impact of small LV on patients undergoing TAVR remains unknown.

Methods and Results

We examined 2584 patients who underwent TAVR between October 2013 and May 2017 using data from the Japanese multicenter registry. On the basis of the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines, small LV was defined as left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension <42.0 mm for men or <37.8 mm for women. The 2‐year clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without small LV using multivariable Cox regression analyses and propensity score matching. Subgroup analyses by LF, left ventricular hypertrophy were performed. Of 2584 patients who underwent TAVR, 466 (18.0%) had small LV. Patients with small LV had smaller body size and less comorbidity, and were more likely to have LF status compared with those without. Small LV was associated with a higher 2‐year all‐cause (20.8% versus 14.3%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR],1.58 [95% CI, 1.20–2.09];
P
=0.0013) and cardiovascular mortality (8.8% versus 5.5%; adjusted HR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.25–2.98];
P
=0.0028). Propensity score matching analysis showed consistent findings. In subgroup analyses, LF, left ventricular hypertrophy did not interact with small LV.

Conclusions
Small LV, determined by a simple echocardiographic parameter, was associated with poorer clinical outcomes after TAVR regardless of LF, left ventricular hypertrophy. LV size may be useful for assessing clinical outcomes after TAVR.

Registration

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
; Unique identifier: UMIN000020423.
Associations Between HIV Serostatus and Cardiac Structure and Function Evaluated by 2‐Dimensional Echocardiography in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study
Authors: Doria de Vasconcellos Henrique , Post Wendy S. , Ervin Ann‐Margret , Haberlen Sabina Annette , Budoff Matthew , Malvestutto Carlos , Magnani Jared W. , Feinstein Matthew J. , Brown Todd T. , Lima Joao A. C. , Wu Katherine C. 
Published: March 2021

Background
We aimed to investigate whether there are differences in cardiac structure and systolic and diastolic function evaluated by 2‐dimensional echocardiography among men living with versus without HIV in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy.

Methods and Results

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 1195 men from MACS (Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study) who completed a transthoracic echocardiogram examination between 2017 and 2019. Associations between HIV serostatus and echocardiographic indices were assessed by multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Among men who are HIV+, associations between HIV disease severity markers and echocardiographic parameters were also investigated. Average age was 57.1±11.9 years; 29% of the participants were Black, and 55% were HIV+. Most men who were HIV+ (77%) were virally suppressed; 92% received combination antiretroviral therapy. Prevalent left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%) was low and HIV serostatus was not associated with left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariable adjustment models showed that men who were HIV+ versus those who were HIV− had greater LV mass index and larger left atrial diameter and right ventricular (RV) end‐diastolic area; lower RV function; and higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction. Higher current CD4+ T cell count ≥400 cell/mm
3
versus <400 was associated with smaller LV diastolic volume and RV area. Virally suppressed men who were HIV+ versus those who were HIV− had higher indexed LV mass and left atrial areas and greater diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions
HIV seropositivity was independently associated with greater LV mass index, left atrial and RV sizes, lower RV function and diastolic abnormalities, but not left ventricular ejection fraction, which may herald a future predisposition to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction among men living with HIV.
Deficiency of ITGAM Attenuates Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Mice
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Xia , Shi Yiqin , Ding Yong , Li Xu , Xie Tianchen , Shi Zhenyu , Fu Weiguo 
Published: March 2021

Background
Integrin αM (CD11b), which is encoded by the Integrin Subunit Alpha M (ITGAM) gene, is not only a surface marker of monocytes but also an essential adhesion molecule. In this study, we investigated the effect of CD11b on experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm and the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results
The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm was not significantly lower in ITGAM(‐/‐) mice than in control mice. Nevertheless, knockout of CD11b reduced the maximum abdominal aortic diameter, macrophage infiltration, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression, and elastin and collagen degradation. Additionally, lower expression of IL‐6 was found in both the peripheral blood and abdominal aortas of ITGAM(‐/‐) mice, indicating a biological correlation between CD11b and the inflammatory response in abdominal aortic aneurysm. In vitro, the number of ITGAM(‐/‐) bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) that adhered to endothelial cells was significantly lower than the number of wild‐type BMDMs. Moreover, the CD11b monoclonal antibody and CD11b agonist leukadherin‐1 decreased and increased the number of adherent wild‐type BMDMs, respectively. Through RNA sequencing, genes associated with leukocyte transendothelial migration were found to be downregulated in ITGAM(‐/‐) BMDMs. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry analysis predicted that the Akt pathway might be responsible for the impaired transmigratory ability of ITGAM(‐/‐) BMDMs. The reduced activation of Akt was then confirmed, and the Akt agonist SC79 partially rescued the transendothelial migratory function of ITGAM(‐/‐) BMDMs.

Conclusions
CD11b might promote the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm by mediating the endothelial cells adhesion and transendothelial migration of circulating monocytes/macrophages.
The role of personality traits in pair bond formation: pairing is influenced by the trait of exploration
Authors: Faust Katerina M. , Goldstein Michael H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In species with long-term pair bonds, such as zebra finches, evaluating the quality of potential mates is critically important. Courtship is an opportunity to evaluate information from dynamic behavioural cues. Personality traits, as stable individual differences in behaviour, could predict the quality of a potential mate. How might personality traits influence mate choice? We examined the influence of several personality traits, including exploration, aggression, and social preference, on pair formation in zebra finches. We provided birds with a variety of potential mates and allowed them to select a pair partner. Our semi-naturalistic mate choice paradigm allowed birds to observe social information over an extended period, simulating the challenges of social evaluation that birds encounter in the wild. We found that pairing is influenced by personality, with birds selecting mates similar to them in exploration. The partner’s exploration score relative to their own was more important than the absolute exploration score.
The Rohingya Crisis, Myanmar, and R2P ‘Black Holes’
Authors: Pedersen Morten B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The world has failed the Rohingya. Yet, the essence of this failure is widely misunderstood. While the existing literature on the Rohingya crisis tends to blame specific agents for having failed to fulfil their obligations under the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), this article directs our attention to the structural obstacles to mass atrocity prevention in Myanmar. Given the high risk of mass atrocities against the Rohingya and low feasibility of effective protection under any of the three pillars of R2P, it concludes that it was never plausible that R2P could work in this case. The idiom of R2P ‘black holes’ is introduced to denote situations where nothing that can realistically be done within the framework of R2P is likely to be sufficient to prevent mass atrocities or protect the victims.
Alexander’s Foundation of Alexandria
Authors: Anson Edward M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Many reasons have been offered for Alexander the Great’s foundation of Alexandria in Egypt. He wished to create a great economic and cultural centre, or a naval base from which to control the Aegean, or simply to expand his prestige. It has also been argued that Alexander may have had no greater purpose at all and that this entire episode in the Alexander saga owes much to Ptolemaic propaganda. This paper will argue that this Alexandria, like the Conqueror’s other foundations, was primarily to be a military base in a foreign land, designed to thwart any future attempt, in this case by the Egyptians, to free themselves from his control.
Rectal Granular Cell Carcinoma Requiring Abdominoperineal Resection
Authors: Sunderland Michaelia S. , Dakwar Anthony , Rasheid Sowsan 
Published: March 2021

Background Granular cell tumors, derived from neural crest cells, are rare tumors infrequently located in the colon or rectum. We will discuss a patient with a rectal granular cell tumor invading the anal sphincters requiring an abdominoperineal resection. Methods A 56-year-old male, with anal pain, was found to have a perirectal mass. Pathology from ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy demonstrated low grade granular cell tumor. The patient underwent a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with perineum reconstruction. Results Pathology demonstrated a granular cell tumor of 4.5 centimeters with tumor invasion of the anal sphincters. Surgical margins were free of neoplasm. Discussion This is the only documented case of a colorectal granular cell tumor that has required an abdominoperineal resection. On histology, it was considered low grade but its behavior was more consistent with a malignant process. Additional research on malignant granular cell tumors is necessary to help improve treatment options, prevent recurrence, and improve overall survival. His medical course will be followed for disease progression or metastasis.
Radiation exposure and establishment of diagnostic reference levels of whole-body low-dose CT for the assessment of multiple myeloma with second- and third-generation dual-source CT
Authors: Zensen Sebastian , Bos Denise , Opitz Marcel , Haubold Johannes , Forsting Michael , Guberina Nika , Wetter Axel 
Published: March 2021

Background In the assessment of diseases causing skeletal lesions such as multiple myeloma (MM), whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) is a sensitive diagnostic imaging modality, which has the potential to replace the conventional radiographic survey. Purpose To optimize radiation protection and examine radiation exposure, and effective and organ doses of WBLDCT using different modern dual-source CT (DSCT) devices, and to establish local diagnostic reference levels (DRL). Material and Methods In this retrospective study, 281 WBLDCT scans of 232 patients performed between January 2017 and April 2020 either on a second- (A) or third-generation (B) DSCT device could be included. Radiation exposure indices and organ and effective doses were calculated using a commercially available automated dose-tracking software based on Monte-Carlo simulation techniques. Results The radiation exposure indices and effective doses were distributed as follows (median, interquartile range): (A) second-generation DSCT: volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) 1.78 mGy (1.47–2.17 mGy); dose length product (DLP) 282.8 mGy·cm (224.6–319.4 mGy·cm), effective dose (ED) 1.87 mSv (1.61–2.17 mSv) and (B) third-generation DSCT: CTDIvol 0.56 mGy (0.47–0.67 mGy), DLP 92.0 mGy·cm (73.7–107.6 mGy·cm), ED 0.61 mSv (0.52–0.69 mSv). Radiation exposure indices and effective and organ doses were significantly lower with third-generation DSCT ( P < 0.001). Local DRLs could be set for CTDIvol at 0.75 mGy and DLP at 120 mGy·cm. Conclusion Third-generation DSCT requires significantly lower radiation dose for WBLDCT than second-generation DSCT and has an effective dose below reported doses for radiographic skeletal surveys. To ensure radiation protection, DRLs regarding WBLDCT are required, where our locally determined values may help as benchmarks.
Military Subsidization of Human Capital and Gender Stratification in the US Economy
Authors: Saxon Tyler 
Published: March 2021

In the United States, the military is the primary channel through which many are able to obtain supports traditionally provided by the welfare state, such as access to higher education, job training, employment, health care, and so on. However, due to the nature of the military as a highly gendered institution, these social welfare functions are not as accessible for women as they are for men. This amounts to a highly gender-biased state spending pattern that subsidizes substantially more human capital development for men than for women, effectively reinforcing women’s subordinate status in the US economy. JEL classification: B54, B52, Z13
County-level variation in geographic access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States
Authors: Yingling Marissa E , Ruther Matthew H , Dubuque Erick M , Mandell David S 
Published: March 2021

This study examined variation in geographic access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts for children with autism spectrum disorder. Between March and May 2019, we integrated public data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection, Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s certificant registry, and U.S. Census. The study sample included all U.S. counties and county equivalents in 48 states and D.C. ( N = 3108). Using geographic information systems software, we assigned Board Certified Behavior Analysts to counties based on their residence, allocated children via school districts to counties, and generated per capita autism spectrum disorder/Board Certified Behavior Analyst ratios. We calculated the Getis-Ord G* statistics for each county and each ratio and compared counties in high-ratio clusters with counties in low-ratio clusters by socioeconomic variables. More than half of all counties had no Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Counties in the highest accessibility category had ⩽17.1 children with autism spectrum disorder per Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( n = 770), while counties in the lowest accessibility category had ⩾137.1 children with autism spectrum disorder per Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( n = 12). In all, 55 of the 129 counties with the highest autism spectrum disorder prevalence had no Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Higher accessibility counties were wealthier and had smaller uninsured populations. To improve geographic access, we must identify factors driving unequal distribution that can inform provider recruitment and retention efforts in underserved areas. Lay abstract This study looked at whether access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts for children with autism spectrum disorder is different between U.S. counties. The study included all U.S. counties and county equivalents in 48 states and D.C. ( N = 3108). Between March and May 2019, we combined data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection, Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s certificant registry, and U.S. Census. We assigned Board Certified Behavior Analysts to counties based on their address, matched children in school districts to counties, and determined how many children with autism spectrum disorder there were in a county compared with how many Board Certified Behavior Analysts there were in a county. The results show uneven numbers of Board Certified Behavior Analysts between U.S. counties. More than half of all counties had no Board Certified Behavior Analysts. National maps illustrate clusters of high and low accessibility to Board Certified Behavior Analysts. To improve access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts in underserved areas, we must identify what contributes to the differences in access.