bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Irradiation of Nf1 mutant mouse models of spinal plexiform neurofibromas drives pathologic progression and decreases survival
Authors: Laurent Danny , Smith Abbi E , Bessler Waylan K , Mendonca Marc , Chin-Sinex Helen , Descovich Martina , Horvai Andrew E , Clapp D Wade , Nakamura Jean L 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Genetically susceptible individuals can develop malignancies after irradiation of normal tissues. In the context of therapeutic irradiation, it is not known whether irradiating benign neoplasms in susceptible individuals promotes neoplastic transformation and worse clinical outcomes. Individuals with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) are susceptible to both radiation-induced second malignancies and spontaneous progression of plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of benign neoplasms such as PNs is unclear.

Methods
To test whether radiotherapy promotes neoplastic progression of PNs and reduces overall survival, we administered spinal irradiation (SI) to conditional knockout mouse models of NF1-associated PNs in 2 germline contexts: Nf1fllfl; PostnCre+ and Nf1fl/-; PostnCre+. Both genotypes develop extensive Nf1 null spinal PNs, modeling PNs in NF1 patients. A total of 101 mice were randomized to 0 Gy, 15 Gy (3 Gy × 5), or 30 Gy (3 Gy × 10) of spine-focused, fractionated SI and aged until signs of illness.

Results
SI decreased survival in both Nf1fllfl mice and Nf1fl/- mice, with the worst overall survival occurring in Nf1fl/- mice receiving 30 Gy. SI was also associated with increasing worrisome histologic features along the PN-MPNST continuum in PNs irradiated to higher radiation doses.

Conclusions
This preclinical study provides experimental evidence that irradiation of pre-existing PNs reduces survival and may shift PNs to higher grade neoplasms.
Expression of cell type incongruent alpha-cardiac actin 1 subunit in medulloblastoma reveals a novel mechanism for cancer cell survival and control of migration
Authors: Suresh Rahul , Picard Daniel , Lo Rita , Beaulieu Jamie , Remke Marc , Diaz Roberto Jose 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Alterations in actin subunit expression have been reported in multiple cancers, but have not been investigated previously in medulloblastoma.

Methods
Bioinformatic analysis of multiple medulloblastoma tumor databases was performed to profile ACTC1 mRNA levels. Western blot was used to verify protein expression in established medulloblastoma cell lines. Immunofluorescence microscopy was performed to assess ACTC1 localization. Stable cell lines with ACTC1 overexpression were generated and shRNA knockdown of ACTC1 was accomplished. We used PARP1 cleavage by Western blot as a marker of apoptosis and cell survival was determined by FACS viability assay and colony formation. Cell migration with overexpression or knockdown of ACTC1 was determined by the scratch assay. Stress fiber length distribution was assessed by fluorescence microscopy.

Results
ACTC1 mRNA expression is highest in SHH and WNT medulloblastoma among all subgroups. ACTC1 protein was confirmed by Western blot in SHH subgroup and Group 3 subgroup cell lines with the lowest expression in Group 3 cells. Microscopy demonstrated ACTC1 co-localization with F-actin. Overexpression of ACTC1 in Group 3 cells abolished the apoptotic response to Aurora kinase B inhibition. Knockdown of ACTC1 in SHH cells and in Myc overexpressing SHH cells induced apoptosis, impaired colony formation, and inhibited migration. Changes in stress fiber length distribution in medulloblastoma cells are induced by alterations in ACTC1 abundance.

Conclusions
Alpha-cardiac actin (ACTC1) is expressed in SHH medulloblastoma. Expression of this protein in medulloblastoma modifies stress fiber composition and functions in promoting resistance to apoptosis induced by mitotic inhibition, enhancing cell survival, and controlling migration.
Python Package abstcal: An Open-Source Tool for Calculating Abstinence From Timeline Followback Data
Authors: Cui Yong , Robinson Jason D , Rymer Rudel E , Minnix Jennifer A , Cinciripini Paul M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
In smoking cessation clinical trials, timeline followback (TLFB) interviews are widely used to track daily cigarette consumption. However, there are no standard tools for calculating abstinence based on TLFB data. Individual research groups have to develop their own calculation tools, which is not only time- and resource-consuming but might also lead to variability in the data processing and calculation procedures.

Aims and Methods
To address these issues, we developed a novel open-source Python package named abstcal to calculate abstinence using TLFB data. This package provides data verification, duplicate and outlier detection, missing-data imputation, integration of biochemical verification data, and calculation of a variety of definitions of abstinence, including continuous, point-prevalence, and prolonged abstinence.

Results
We verified the accuracy of the calculator using data derived from a clinical smoking cessation study. To improve the package’s accessibility, we have made it available as a free web app.

Conclusions
The abstcal package is a reliable abstinence calculator with open-source access, providing a shared validated online tool to the addiction research field. We expect that this open-source abstinence calculation tool will improve the rigor and reproducibility of smoking and addiction research by standardizing TLFB-based abstinence calculation.

Implications
Abstinence calculation is an essential task in any smoking intervention study. However, there have not been standard open-source tools available to the researchers. This commentary describes a Python-based package called abstcal that can calculate abstinence from TLFB data, a common methodology to collect smoking consumption data in research settings. The package supports the calculation of point-prevalence, prolonged, and continuous abstinence. Importantly, the package has a web app interface that allows researchers to use the tool without any coding experience. This tool will facilitate smoking research by providing a standardized and easy-to-use abstinence calculation tool.
Are Boycotts, Shunning, and Shaming Corrupt?
Authors: Altman Scott 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Boycotts, shunning, and shaming sometimes wrong their targets by offering corrupt incentives that undermine significant individual aims. These tactics unjustly harm targets when they aim to impede living authentically, deterring them from declaring their beliefs in public or pursuing important projects. They are corrupt because they make their targets willing participants in these harms. They subvert their targets’ ambitions not to allow money or social pressure to influence their most important actions. Although individuals must maintain their integrity, people also have a moral responsibility not to undermine those efforts. Not all uses of these tactics conflict with an anti-corruption norm. Many labour and consumer boycotts likely do not threaten authenticity. Other uses arguably pursue non-corrupt aims, such as punishment, norm reinforcement or non-complicity, threatening corruption only as an unintended consequence. Even as to these, several considerations weigh against using boycotts, shunning, and shaming. Using these techniques for punishment and norm reinforcement is often inappropriate in a liberal society. Some uses that appear to aim at non-complicity also aim at corrupting their targets. Finally, sometimes imposing a risk of unintended corruption wrongs those exposed to such risks.
Intracranial Access: Dural Venous Sinus Stenting: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Domingo Ricardo A , Ravindran Krishnan , Kulakova Katya , Tawk Rabih G ,   Endovascular Neurosurgery Research Group (ENRG), Arthur Adam , Bain Mark , Bendock Bernard , Binning Mandy Jo , Boulos Alan S , Crowley Webster , Fessler Richard , Grande Andrew , Guterman Lee , Hanel Ricardo , Hoit Daniel , Hopkins L Nelson , Howington Jay , James Robert , Jankowitz Brian , Kan Peter , Khalessi Alex A , Kim Louis , Langer David , Lanzino Giuseppe , Levitt Michael , Levy Elad I , Lopes Demetrius , Mack William , Mericle Robert , Mocco J , Ogilvy Chris , Pandey Aditya , Replogle Robert , Riina Howard , Ringer Andrew , Rodriguez Rafael , Saugaveau Eric , Schirmer Clemens , Siddiqui Adnan H , Spiotta Alex , Sultan Ali , Tawk Rabih , Thomas Ajith , Turner Raymond , Veznedaroglu Erol , Welch Babu , White Jonathan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cerebral venous sinus stenting has gained popularity in recent years as a safe and efficacious treatment of selected patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and focal venous sinus stenosis.1–3
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3
The main goal of treatment is to prevent visual loss, and often patients report resolution of headache and visual symptoms within 21 mo of mean follow-up.4–8
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8
We present the case of a 57-yr-old woman with medically refractory IIH, bilateral sinus stenosis, and a mass lesion causing stenosis on the left. Venous angiogram with pressure monitoring was completed with the patient awake, which showed a significant pressure gradient on the right (19 mm Hg) and borderline gradient on the left (8 mm Hg). Options were reviewed and decision was made to proceed with the treatment of the right-sided stenosis with stenting and continue with the observation of the lesion on the left to prevent further visual deterioration. The patient consented for the procedure, and she tolerated the procedure well. Neurological exam remained at baseline, and she was discharged home on post-operative day #1. At 2 mo’s follow-up, the patient reported improvement in headaches and remained intact neurologically.
Hydraulic consequences of enzymatic breakdown of grapevine pit membranes
Authors: Fanton Ana Clara , Brodersen Craig 
Published: April 2021

AbstractXylella fastidiosa (Xf) is the xylem-dwelling bacterial agent associated with Pierce’s disease (PD), which leads to significant declines in productivity in agriculturally important species like grapevine (Vitis vinifera). Xf spreads through the xylem network by digesting the pit membranes (PMs) between adjacent vessels, thereby potentially changing the hydraulic properties of the stem. However, the effects of Xf on water transport vary depending on the plant host and the infection stage, presenting diverse outcomes. Here, we investigated the effects of polygalacturonase, an enzyme known to be secreted by Xf when it produces biofilm on the PM surface, on stem hydraulic conductivity, and PM integrity. Experiments were performed on six grapevine genotypes with varying levels of PD resistance, with the expectation that PM resistance to degradation by polygalacturonase may play a role in PD resistance. Our objective was to study a single component of this pathosystem in isolation to better understand the mechanisms behind reported changes in hydraulics, thereby excluding the biological response of the plant to the presence of Xf in the vascular system. PM damage only occurred in stems perfused with polygalacturonase. Although the damaged PM area was small (2%–9% of the total pit aperture area), membrane digestion led to significant changes in the median air-seeding thresholds, and most importantly, shifted frequency distribution. Finally, enzyme perfusion also resulted in a universal reduction in stem hydraulic conductivity, suggesting the development of tyloses may not be the only contributing factor to reduced hydraulic conductivity in infected grapevine.
A fragment-based protein interface design algorithm for symmetric assemblies
Authors: Laniado Joshua , Meador Kyle , Yeates Todd O 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Theoretical and experimental advances in protein engineering have led to the creation of precisely defined, novel protein assemblies of great size and complexity, with diverse applications. One powerful approach involves designing a new attachment or binding interface between two simpler symmetric oligomeric protein components. The required methods of design, which present both similarities and key differences compared to problems in protein docking, remain challenging and are not yet routine. With the aim of more fully enabling this emerging area of protein material engineering, we developed a computer program, nanohedra, to introduce two key advances. First, we encoded in the program the construction rules (i.e. the search space parameters) that underlie all possible symmetric material constructions. Second, we developed algorithms for rapidly identifying favorable docking/interface arrangements based on tabulations of empirical patterns of known protein fragment-pair associations. As a result, the candidate poses that nanohedra generates for subsequent amino acid interface design appear highly native-like (at the protein backbone level), while simultaneously conforming to the exacting requirements for symmetry-based assembly. A retrospective computational analysis of successful vs failed experimental studies supports the expectation that this should improve the success rate for this challenging area of protein engineering.
Direction-sensitive dark matter search with the low-background gaseous detector NEWAGE-0.3b”
Authors: Ikeda Tomonori , Nakamura Kiseki , Shimada Takuya , Yakabe Ryota , Hashimoto Takashi , Ishiura Hirohisa , Nakamura Takuma , Ito Hiroshi , Ichimura Koichi , Abe Ko , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Tanimori Toru , Kubo Hidetoshi , Takada Atsushi , Sekiya Hiroyuki , Takeda Atsushi , Miuchi Kentaro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
NEWAGE is a direction-sensitive dark matter search using a low-pressure gaseous time projection chamber. A low alpha-ray emission rate micro pixel chamber had been developed in order to reduce background for dark matter search. We conducted the dark matter search at the Kamioka Observatory in 2018. The total live time was 107.6 d, corresponding to an exposure of 1.1 kg$\&gt;$d. Two events remained in the energy region of 50–60 keV, which was consistent with the expected background of 2.5 events. A directional analysis was carried out and no significant forward–backward asymmetry derived from the WIMP-nucleus elastic scatterings was found. Thus a 90$\%$ confidence level upper limit on the spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross-section of 50 pb for a WIMP mass of 100 GeV$\&gt;c^{-2}$ was derived. This limit is the most stringent yet obtained from direction-sensitive dark matter search experiments.
Strategic Trading When Central Bank Intervention Is Predictable
Authors: Yang Liyan , Zhu Haoxiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Market prices are noisy signals of economic fundamentals. In a two-period model, we show that if the central bank uses market prices as guidance for intervention, large strategic investors who benefit from high prices would depress market prices to induce a market-supportive intervention. Stronger anticipated interventions lead to deeper price depressions preintervention and sharper price reversals post-intervention. The central bank intervention harms strategic investors even though it is the investors who tried to mislead the central bank. The model predicts a V-shaped price pattern around central bank interventions, consistent with recent evidence. (JEL G14, G18)
Persuasive Action and Ideological Polarization in Congress
Authors: Vann Burrel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhat drives polarized voting in Congress? This article develops a persuasive action model which argues that polarization in Congress depends on the assertive capacities of social movements, the vulnerability of political officials, and the partisanship of the environments they represent. Using multilevel analyses, I demonstrate that endorsements by the Tea Party movement influenced an increase in extreme (conservative) voting among legislators in the 112th Congress. These effects are strongest for vulnerable, freshman legislators representing amenable Republican contexts.
Debating the Law of Self-Determination of Gender Identity in Portugal: Composition and Dynamics of Advocacy Coalitions of Political and Civil Society Actors in the Discussion of Morality Issues
Authors: Mota Luís F , Fernandes Bruna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the literature on morality issues, the most famous typology distinguishes countries from the “religious” and “secular” worlds, based on the presence or absence of partisan religious cleavages. Portugal belongs to the former world, yet in 2018, the Portuguese Parliament passed a law on the self-determination of gender identity. This article asks how such an outcome was possible, focusing on the role of political parties and civil society actors within advocacy coalitions. Our analysis reveals that, in addition to the role played by civil society actors, the “change coalition” won the dispute because it assembled a majority of votes in the parliament from left-wing progressive political parties. Moreover, actors from the “change coalition” developed a clear strategy of articulation before and during the debate. In contrast, the “blocking coalition,” composed of right-wing political parties and a few health-related actors, failed to define a coherent advocacy strategy.
Racial Injustice in Schools: Underscoring Social Work’s Obligation to Promote Antiracist Practice
Authors: Phillippo Kate L , Crutchfield Jandel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChildren of color (COC) continue to have a range of disparate educational experiences that implicate structural and institutional racism as powerful, detrimental forces in P–12 schools. As members of a profession dedicated to empowerment and the dismantling of oppression, social workers are called to respond. Social workers work in and with schools in diverse roles (for example, as practitioners, community partners, organizational leaders, and contracted providers) and are ethically obligated to challenge injustice. This article—anchored in a framework focused on how race operates in schools and in the field of social work—considers the state of affairs for COC in schools, social work’s professional and ethical obligations, and extant opportunities for social workers to learn to address structural racism. The authors identify a gap between COC experiences and social work candidates’ preparation to respond, and therefore advocate for social work’s more explicit commitment to antiracist practice, research, and pedagogy. The authors share examples from within and beyond the field of social work that can guide next steps, anticipate challenges that would arise, and assert the importance of pursuing antiracism as a route toward meeting our profession’s ethical obligations. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for social work education, research, and practice.
Does alarm fatigue start in nursing school?
Authors: Weeks Karen , Timalonis Joan , Donovan Laureen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
Alarm fatigue among working nurses is a well-documented, high-priority safety issue. This article describes a study to learn whether alarm fatigue develops in undergraduate nursing student populations.

Methods:
This longitudinal quantitative study employed survey data from a single cohort of nursing students in the Southeastern US over a period of 18 months to assess nursing students' level of sensitivity to alarms, including the call bell, bathroom, fall and safety, I.V. infusion pumps, and telemetry alarms.

Results:
These data were significant for I.V. infusion pump alarms and indicated a general decrease in sensitivity over an 18-month period. Nursing students with previous healthcare experience also noted decreased sensitivity to bathroom call bells and fall and safety alarms.

Conclusion:
Alarm fatigue was recognized among the surveyed nursing students. Nurse educators also identified a performance-based strategy to increase student awareness of alarm fatigue and evidence-based strategies to minimize desensitization to alarms in both education and practice.
The Power of Place: Travel to Explore Structural Racism and Health Disparities
Authors: Marbin Jyothi , Lewis Leanna , Kuo Anda K. , Schudel Christine , Gutierrez Juan Raul 
Published: April 2021

Problem
Dismantling structural racism is essential to achieving health equity, but there is little guidance for medical educators who wish to teach learners to recognize and confront structural racism.

Approach
Critical consciousness provides a framework to identify and dismantle structural racism. Using a critical consciousness approach, the authors developed a novel 5-day travel experience to the American South for medical residents and faculty to explore the history and legacy of structural racism and the Civil Rights Movement. The purpose of the travel was to examine the connection between structural racism, especially anti-Black racism, and health disparities to better address health inequities within the participants’ own home environment. Throughout the trip, faculty leaders applied principles of cultural humility and techniques from critical pedagogy, including recognizing the value of everyone in the room, creating cognitive disequilibrium, and promoting authentic dialogue.

Outcomes
End-of-week surveys revealed that the trip was well received. Organizers learned important lessons related to faculty and resident dynamics, race-based affinity group meetings, and the respectful use of stories as a tool for learning. Post-trip surveys at 1, 6, and 12 months revealed 3 major themes: participants experienced (1) transformed understanding of systemic racism, (2) increased motivation and bravery to act when witnessing interpersonal and structural racism, and (3) increased practice of cultural humility.

Next Steps
Cultural humility and critical pedagogy can be used with travel to support learners in recognizing and confronting structural racism. The application of such techniques should be explored in local learning environments to foster commitment and action toward dismantling structural racism. In teaching structural racism, medical educators must be willing to consider new ways of teaching and learning.
Hands Off Yet All In: A Virtual Clerkship Pilot in the Ambulatory Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rydel Tracy A. , Bajra Rika , Schillinger Erika 
Published: April 2021

Problem
There is a paucity of guidance regarding implementation of telemedicine curricula at the clerkship level, particularly with students actively engaged in video and telephone encounters. The COVID-19 pandemic caused rapid shifts in the delivery of medical education to clerkship-level students. This article describes the successful pilot of a direct patient care, virtual health curriculum at the clerkship level and discusses lessons learned.

Approach
All 18 preceptors and 5 students at Stanford University School of Medicine, California, enrolled in the required 4-week family medicine clerkship in April 2020 were connected as virtual partners via a commercial video platform. The combined use of both this video program and Epic electronic health record (EHR) software as modes for teaching and patient care led to technical challenges and logistical hurdles. As part of an iterative process, clerkship leadership identified problems via preceptor and student interviews and integrated that feedback to create a model for delivering high-quality, clerkship-level clinical instruction during the COVID-19 shelter in place order.

Outcomes
Of those who completed an evaluation, the majority of preceptors (n = 16; 89%) and students (n = 4; 100%, 1 student did not respond) expressed satisfaction with the virtual, remote teaching model conducted over 37 clinic visits. A detailed 14-step process list resulted from identifying and addressing both audio and video technical challenges and is provided for use by other institutions that wish to implement this workflow.

Next Steps
Future directions include assessing patient perspectives on the involvement of students in virtual visits, soliciting patient input for a more robust patient–physician–student virtual experience, and integrating a multiparty platform, when available, via the EHR to afford greater student autonomy.