bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cohort Selection In Utero against Male Twins and Childhood Cancers: A Population-Based Register Study
Authors: Bruckner Tim A. , Catalano Ralph , Das Abhery , Lu Yunxia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 14 years in the United States. Previous research finds that strong cohort selection in utero against males precedes a reduction in live-born males considered frail. We examine whether such cohort selection in utero may similarly affect the frequency of childhood cancers among male live births.

Methods:
We examined 1,368 childhood cancers among males born in Sweden over 144 months, from January 1990 to December 2001, and followed to age 15 in the Swedish Cancer Registry. We retrieved the count of male twins by birth month from the Swedish Birth Registry. We applied autoregressive, integrated, moving average time-series methods to identify and control for temporal patterns in monthly childhood cancers and to evaluate robustness of results.

Results:
Fewer childhood cancers occur among monthly male birth cohorts with elevated selection in utero (i.e., a low count of live-born male twins). This association appears in the concurrent month (coef = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.001–0.079) as well as in the following month in which most births from the twin's conception cohort are “scheduled” to be born (coef = 0.055; 95% CI, 0.017–0.094).

Conclusions:
Elevated cohort selection in utero may reduce the number of frail male gestations that would otherwise have survived to birth and received a cancer diagnosis during childhood.

Impact:
This novel result warrants further investigation of prenatal exposures, including those at the population level, that may induce cohort selection in utero for some cancer types but not others.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Canine Atrial Fibrillation Models After One Week of Sustained Arrhythmia
Authors: Leblanc Francis J.A. , Hassani Faezeh Vahdati , Liesinger Laura , Qi Xiaoyan , Naud Patrice , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Lettre Guillaume , Nattel Stanley 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia, is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. AF develops over many years and is often related to substantial atrial structural and electrophysiological remodeling. AF may lack symptoms at onset, and atrial biopsy samples are generally obtained in subjects with advanced disease, so it is difficult to study earlier stage pathophysiology in humans.

Methods:
Here, we characterized comprehensively the transcriptomic (miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq) changes in the left atria of 2 robust canine AF models after 1 week of electrically maintained AF, without or with ventricular rate control via atrioventricular node-ablation/ventricular pacing.

Results:

Our RNA-sequencing experiments identified thousands of genes that are differentially expressed, including a majority that have never before been implicated in AF. Gene set enrichment analyses highlighted known (eg, extracellular matrix structure organization) but also many novel pathways (eg, muscle structure development, striated muscle cell differentiation) that may play a role in tissue remodeling and cellular trans-differentiation. Of interest, we found dysregulation of a cluster of noncoding RNAs, including many microRNAs but also the
MEG3
long noncoding RNA orthologue, located in the syntenic region of the imprinted human
DLK1-DIO3
locus. Interestingly (in the light of other recent observations), our analysis identified gene targets of differentially expressed microRNAs at the
DLK1-DIO3
locus implicating glutamate signaling in AF pathophysiology.

Conclusions:
Our results capture molecular events that occur at an early stage of disease development using well-characterized animal models and may, therefore, inform future studies that aim to further dissect the causes of AF in humans.
Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Pulmonary Artery Subtotal Occlusion and Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Gerges Christian , Friewald Richard , Gerges Mario , Shafran Inbal , Sadushi-Koliçi Roela , Skoro-Sajer Nika , Moser Bernhard , Taghavi Shahrokh , Klepetko Walter , Lang Irene M. 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an emerging percutaneous therapy for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and patients with mean pulmonary artery pressure ≤30 mm Hg have an excellent survival. Common vascular lesion types are ring-like stenoses (type A), web lesions (type B), subtotal occlusions (type C), chronic total occlusions (CTOs; type D), and tortuous lesions (type E). Occlusive lesions (ie, subtotal occlusions and CTOs) are the most challenging. Risk and benefit of pulmonary occlusive lesion intervention in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension has not been studied. We evaluated the impact of percutaneous pulmonary artery subtotal occlusion and CTO intervention on BPA treatment response.

Methods:
One hundred twenty patients underwent 712 BPA procedures between April 2014 and October 2019 at the Medical University of Vienna. Clinical features and hemodynamics were assessed at baseline and 6 to 12 months after the last BPA session.

Results:

A total of 2542 lesions were targeted: 720 occlusions (28.3%; 352 CTOs and 368 subtotal occlusions) and 1822 nonocclusion lesions (71.7%). Complications occurred in 6.0% of all procedures (severe complications in 0.4% of all procedures). The overall success rate for recanalization of occlusions was 81% (subtotal occlusions [type C lesions], 98%; CTOs [type D lesions], 50%). Number of successfully treated lesions of any type (β, −0.86 [−1.19 to −0.53];
P
<0.001), number of successfully treated occlusions (β, −2.17 [−3.38 to −0.97];
P
=0.001), and number of successfully treated nonocclusion lesions (β, −0.81 [−1.25 to −0.37];
P
<0.001) emerged as predictors of relative change in the mean pulmonary artery pressure. The impact on relative change in the mean pulmonary artery pressure was higher for CTOs (β, −5.88 [−10.49 to −1.26];
P
=0.014) than for subtotal occlusions (β, −2.51 [−4.18 to −0.83];
P
=0.004).

Conclusions:
The number of successfully treated vascular lesions predicts treatment response to BPA. The number of successfully recanalized occlusions (particularly CTOs) appears to have the strongest impact on change in mean pulmonary artery pressure, highlighting the importance of advanced BPA technique.
Central Nervous System-Infiltrating T Lymphocytes in Stroke Are Activated via Their TCR (T-Cell Receptor) but Lack CD25 Expression
Authors: Schulze Juliane , Gellrich Juliane , Kirsch Michael , Dressel Alexander , Vogelgesang Antje 
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

T lymphocytes contribute to secondary brain damage after stroke. It has not been fully investigated whether this contribution is caused by antigen-specific or antigen-nonspecific activation of T lymphocytes. Lymphocytes from Nur77
GFP
transgenic mice express a fluorescent protein upon activation via the TCR (T-cell receptor), allowing the differentiation of activation mode in a natural repertoire of immune cells and antigens.

Methods:
Middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham surgery was performed, and T-lymphocyte activation was analyzed by flow cytometry in the brain, spleen, and blood 16 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, and 7 days after surgery.

Results:
Ipsilateral hemispheric T-lymphocyte invasion peaked on day 4 poststroke. Here, we observed PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) expression on almost all invading T lymphocytes, while CD25 expression was low. CD25+, CD69+, or PD-1+ T lymphocytes predominantly displayed antigen-specific activation; the opposite was observed for T lymphocytes isolated from the blood. A mixed activation that favored antigen-specific activation was observed in the spleen. PD-1 was upregulated within the brain, whereas CD25 was not. Antigen-specific T lymphocytes home to the brain, while antigen-nonspecifically activated cells remain within the blood.

Conclusions:
Our data clearly demonstrate antigen-specific activation of T lymphocytes infiltrating ischemic brain lesions in stroke. The high expression of inhibitory PD-1 and low expression of CD25 on activated T lymphocytes in the brain most likely reflect immunosuppressive mechanisms.
Rescue of Neglect and Language Impairment After Stroke Thrombectomy
Authors: Desai Shashvat M. , Malhotra Konark , Ramaiah Guru , Tonetti Daniel A. , Haq Waqas , Jovin Tudor G. , Jadhav Ashutosh P. 
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:
Although National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores provide an objective measure of clinical deficits, data regarding the impact of neglect or language impairment on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is lacking. We assessed the frequency of neglect and language impairment, rate of their rescue by MT, and impact of rescue on clinical outcomes.

Methods:
This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database from a comprehensive stroke center. We assessed right (RHS) and left hemispheric strokes (LHS) patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion undergoing MT to assess the impact of neglect and language impairment on clinical outcomes, respectively. Safety and efficacy outcomes were compared between patients with and without rescue of neglect or language impairment.

Results:

Among 324 RHS and 210 LHS patients, 71% of patients presented with neglect whereas 93% of patients had language impairment, respectively. Mean age was 71±15, 56% were females, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16 (12–20). At 24 hours, MT resulted in rescue of neglect in 31% of RHS and rescue of language impairment in 23% of LHS patients, respectively. RHS patients with rescue of neglect (56% versus 34%,
P
<0.001) and LHS patients with rescue of language impairment (64 % versus 25%,
P
<0.01) were observed to have a higher rate of functional independence compared to patients without rescue. After adjusting for confounders including 24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, rescue of neglect among RHS patients was associated with functional independence (
P
=0.01) and lower mortality (
P
=0.01). Similarly, rescue of language impairment among LHS patients was associated with functional independence (
P
=0.02) and lower mortality (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions:
Majority of LHS-anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and of RHS-anterior circulation large vessel occlusion patients present with the impairment of language and neglect, respectively. In comparison to 24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, rescue of these deficits by MT is an independent and a better predictor of functional independence and lower mortality.
Leaning on Legionnaires: Why Modern States Recruit Foreign Soldiers
Authors: Grasmeder Elizabeth M.F. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Why do modern states recruit legionnaires—foreigners who are neither citizens nor subjects of the country whose military they serve? Rather than exclusively enlist citizens for soldiers, for the past two centuries states have mobilized legionnaires to help wage offensives, project power abroad, and suppress dissent. A supply-and-demand argument explains why states recruit these troops, framing the choice to mobilize legionnaires as a function of political factors that constrain the government's leeway to recruit domestically and its perceptions about the territorial threats it faces externally. A multimethod approach evaluates these claims, first by examining an original dataset of legionnaire recruitment from 1815 to 2020, then by employing congruence tests across World War II participants, and finally by conducting a detailed review of a hard test case for the argument—Nazi Germany. The prevalence of states’ recruitment of legionnaires calls for a reevaluation of existing narratives about the development of modern militaries and provides new insights into how states balance among the competing imperatives of identity, norms, and security. Legionnaire recruitment also underscores the need to recalibrate existing methods of calculating net assessments and preparing for strategic surprise. Far from being bound to a state's citizenry or borders, the theory and evidence show how governments use legionnaires to buttress their military power and to engineer rapid changes in the quality and quantity of the soldiers that they field.
Realizing Active Inference in Variational Message Passing: The Outcome-Blind Certainty Seeker
Authors: Champion Théophile , Grześ Marek , Bowman Howard 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Active inference is a state-of-the-art framework in neuroscience that offers a unified theory of brain function. It is also proposed as a framework for planning in AI. Unfortunately, the complex mathematics required to create new models can impede application of active inference in neuroscience and AI research. This letter addresses this problem by providing a complete mathematical treatment of the active inference framework in discrete time and state spaces and the derivation of the update equations for any new model. We leverage the theoretical connection between active inference and variational message passing as described by John Winn and Christopher M. Bishop in 2005. Since variational message passing is a well-defined methodology for deriving Bayesian belief update equations, this letter opens the door to advanced generative models for active inference. We show that using a fully factorized variational distribution simplifies the expected free energy, which furnishes priors over policies so that agents seek unambiguous states. Finally, we consider future extensions that support deep tree searches for sequential policy optimization based on structure learning and belief propagation.
Multilinear Common Component Analysis via Kronecker Product Representation
Authors: Yoshikawa Kohei , Kawano Shuichi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We consider the problem of extracting a common structure from multiple tensor data sets. For this purpose, we propose multilinear common component analysis (MCCA) based on Kronecker products of mode-wise covariance matrices. MCCA constructs a common basis represented by linear combinations of the original variables that lose little information of the multiple tensor data sets. We also develop an estimation algorithm for MCCA that guarantees mode-wise global convergence. Numerical studies are conducted to show the effectiveness of MCCA.
“Mit Allerleẏ Geblúmpten Worten”
Authors: Bärmann Michael 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the Colmar archives départementales du Haut-Rhin an extensive copy book of the Colmar Augustinian hermits is hold, in which, among other things, a legal dispute over a town property that has probably smoldered for more than half a century has left its written mark. The plaintiffs of the Breisach patrician family von Pforr, who appeared several times in the course of the protracted legal quarrels, are also and above all represented by Antonius von Pforr, who in his later years, worked as a literary author of the Buch der Beispiele in the environment of Archduchess Mechthild von Rottenburg and her son Count Eberhard V im Bart.
A New Approach to Quantifying Raw Material Selectivity in the African Acheulean: Perspectives from Angola and South Africa
Authors: Mesfin Isis , Lotter Matt G. , Benjamim Maria Helena 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In southern Africa, the use of gravel outcrops has been recorded at a range of Earlier Stone Age sites, and this raises questions about the diversity of raw material sourcing practices adopted by hominins. To assess the existence of sourcing strategies, this study details a new morphometric analysis method that investigates the influence of pebble and cobble shape at two Acheulean case-study sites: Dungo IV (Benguela Province, Angola) and Penhill Farm (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa). Since these assemblages present frequent pebble and cobble artefacts, we investigate these to identify raw material blank properties to then establish whether these properties were intentionally selected for. To do so, we analyse each archaeological sample separately via a technological and morphometrical approach and then compare them with geological samples obtained during fieldwork survey. Overall, these two case studies provide some illustration of variable selection strategies within the southern African coastal plain.
Between Tradition and Revolution
Authors: Stortini Paride 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Recent research on the intellectual history of modern Japan has shown how Buddhism provides a variety of ideas that inspire both conservative and progressive views of society. The aim of this paper is to consider how similar ambiguities and multiplicities can be found in the appropriation of Japanese Buddhism in Italy. In particular, it focuses on two cases: Traditionalist philosopher Julius Evola’s (1898–1974) interest in Zen, and debates in Italian media related to Sōka Gakkai. Building on an anti-democratic reading of Buddhism as the religion of the Aryan Übermensch, Evola found in the modernist Zen of D.T. Suzuki and Nukariya Kaiten tools to resist modernity. Sōka Gakkai’s particular success in Italy, especially in left-wing and progressive contexts, has spurred a mix of praise and criticism in the media; indeed, the analysis of debates around this success has become a way to discuss socio-economic and political issues in the country.
Quantifying Causal Pathways of Teleconnections
Authors: Kretschmer Marlene , Adams Samantha V. , Arribas Alberto , Prudden Rachel , Robinson Niall , Saggioro Elena , Shepherd Theodore G. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Teleconnections are sources of predictability for regional weather and climate, but the relative contributions of different teleconnections to regional anomalies are usually not understood. While physical knowledge about the involved mechanisms is often available, how to quantify a particular causal pathway from data are usually unclear. Here, we argue for adopting a causal inference-based framework in the statistical analysis of teleconnections to overcome this challenge. A causal approach requires explicitly including expert knowledge in the statistical analysis, which allows one to draw quantitative conclusions. We illustrate some of the key concepts of this theory with concrete examples of well-known atmospheric teleconnections. We further discuss the particular challenges and advantages these imply for climate science and argue that a systematic causal approach to statistical inference should become standard practice in the study of teleconnections.
PTSD in the Year Following Sexual Assault: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Dworkin Emily R. , Jaffe Anna E. , Bedard-Gilligan Michele , Fitzpatrick Skye 
Published: July 2021

Objective: Sexual assault is associated with higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other traumas, and the course of PTSD may differ by trauma type. However, the course of PTSD after sexual assault has not been summarized. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the prevalence and severity of PTSD and changes to the average rate of recovery in the 12 months following sexual assault. Method: Authors searched four databases for prospective studies published before April 2020 and sought relevant unpublished data. Eligible studies assessed PTSD in at least 10 survivors of sexual assault in at least two time points, starting within 3 months postassault. Random effects linear-linear piecewise models were used to identify changes in average recovery rate and produce model-implied estimates of monthly point prevalence and mean symptom severity. Results: Meta-analysis of 22 unique samples ( N = 2,106) indicated that 74.58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [67.21, 81.29]) and 41.49% (95% CI: [32.36, 50.92]) of individuals met diagnostic criteria for PTSD at the first and 12th month following sexual assault, respectively. PTSD symptom severity was 47.94% (95% CI: [41.27, 54.61]) and 29.91% (95% CI: [23.10, 36.73]) of scales’ maximum severity at the first and 12th month following sexual assault, respectively. Most symptom recovery occurred within the first 3 months following sexual assault, after which point the average rate of recovery slowed. Conclusions: Findings indicate that PTSD is common and severe following sexual assault, and the first 3 months postassault may be a critical period for natural recovery.
A 10-Year Systematic Review of Photovoice Projects With Youth in the United States
Authors: Fountain Sarah , Hale Rachel , Spencer Nicola , Morgan Jinger , James Laura , Stewart M. Kathryn 
Published: July 2021

Introduction Photovoice is a method used in community-based participatory research that places cameras in the hands of people and invites them to record their lives, engage in critical dialogue, and advocate for changes needed in their communities. This article presents a review of the literature from 2010 to 2019 on photovoice projects implemented with U.S. youth informed by an emancipatory research conceptual framework. Method Information on 30 project elements was extracted from each of the 47 publications, representing 39 unique projects that met our inclusion criteria. Projects were also assessed for whether they met the goals of photovoice as originally conceptualized by Wang and Burris in 1997. Results Participants, policy makers, and community members were affected by photovoice projects. Outcomes ranged from researcher specific needs to community change and policy awareness and changes. Common outcomes included (1) gaining knowledge, (2) participant empowerment, (3) community change/action, (4) new partnerships, and (5) reaching policy makers. Of the 39 unique projects, 17 addressed all three photovoice goals, 12 addressed two, and 10 addressed only one. All the projects met the goal of enabling participants to record and reflect their community’s strengths and concerns. Twenty-four were aligned with all three principles of emancipatory research. Discussion Photovoice is a valuable, flexible tool that can enable participants to play an active, guiding role in assessing the needs and assets of their community. Through critical reflection and dialogue, youth can become change agents in their communities. No single set of strategies will work best for every project.