bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postsystolic thickening is a potential new clinical sign of injured myocardium in marfan syndrome
Authors: Mas-Stachurska Aleksandra , Egea Gustavo , de Bruin-Bon Rianne , Rudenick Paula , Sanchis Laura , Bouma Berto J. , Mulder Barbara J. , Bijnens Bart , Sitges Marta 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe mechanisms leading to cardiac remodeling in Marfan syndrome (MFS) are a matter of debate since it could be either due to structural dysfunction of the myocardial extracellular matrix or to increased afterload caused by the dilated aorta. We aim to characterize the presence of abnormal myocardial function in MFS and to investigate its potential association with increased afterload. Aorta, left ventricle (LV) and the postsystolic thickening (PST) were analyzed in echocardiography in Fbn1C1039G/+ mice and in patients with MFS in comparison with wild type (WT) mice and healthy humans. PST was more frequent in MFS than in WT mice (p < 0.05). MFS mice with PST showed larger aorta than those without PST. Patients with MFS showed larger aorta, poorer LV function and a higher prevalence of PST (56%) than did the healthy controls (23%); p = 0.003. Blood pressure was similar. The higher prevalence of PST in an experimental murine model and in MFS patients, regardless of systemic arterial pressure, suggests an increased afterload on the LV myocardium. This finding supports the use of PST as an indicator of myocardial damage and encourage searching for novel early preventive therapy.
Incidence and risk factors analysis for mortality after total knee arthroplasty based on a large national database in Korea
Authors: Choi Ho-Jun , Yoon Han-Kook , Oh Hyun-Cheol , Yoo Ju-Hyung , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Lee Jin-Ho , Park Sang-Hoon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the rates and risk factors of postoperative mortality among 560,954 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Korea. The National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening database was used to analyze 560,954 patients who underwent TKA between 2005 and 2018. In-hospital, ninety-day, and one-year postoperative mortality, and their association with patient’s demographic factors and various comorbidities (ie., cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction) were assessed. In-hospital, ninety-day and one-year mortality rates after TKA were similar from 2005 to 2018. The risk of in-hospital mortality increased with comorbidities like cerebrovascular disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.401; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.064–1.844), congestive heart failure (HR = 2.004; 95% CI = 1.394 to 2.881), myocardial infarction (HR = 2.111; 95% CI = 1.115 to 3.998), and renal disease (HR = 2.641; 95% CI = 1.348–5.173). These co-morbidities were also independent predictors of ninety-day and one-year mortality. Male sex and old age were independent predictors for ninety-day and one-year mortality. And malignancy was risk factor for one-year mortality. The common preoperative risk factors for mortality in all periods were male sex, old age, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and renal disease. Malignancy was identified as risk factor for one-year mortality. Patients with these comorbidities should be provided better perioperative care.
Why Does Influenza Hit the Poor More Than the Rich? A 1931 Social Epidemiology Article That Broke New Ground in the History of Confounding, Mediation, and Interaction
Authors: Morabia Alfredo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn 1931, Edgar Sydenstricker, the former statistician of the US Public Health Service, challenged the common belief that the 1918 influenza outbreak had affected “the rich and the poor alike.” Using data from 112,317 participants in a 1918 US national survey, he observed that, on the contrary, both morbidity and mortality from the flu had been higher among the poor than among the rich. To explain these differences, Sydenstricker stratified the analyses by 2 measures of affluence collected in the survey: “economic status” (from “very poor” to “well-to-do”) and household crowding (i.e., number of people per household room). Economic status was associated with influenza attack rates within categories of crowding, but not the opposite, suggesting that characteristics of poverty other than “household congestion” were the culprit of the poor’s higher influenza burden. Attack rate ratios for influenza in infants and older adults were greater for the poor or very poor. Sydenstricker reanalyzed an already 12-year-old data set in the context of the Great Depression to build the evidence base relating poverty to ill health. For this purpose he used a stratification approach to assess confounding, mediation, and interaction before the concepts were formally named.
Deletion of Gremlin-2 alters estrous cyclicity and disrupts female fertility in mice
Authors: Rydze Robert T , Patton Bethany K , Briley Shawn M , Salazar Torralba Hannia , Gipson Gregory , James Rebecca , Rajkovic Aleksandar , Thompson Thomas , Pangas Stephanie A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Members of the differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN) protein family are developmentally conserved extracellular binding proteins that antagonize bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This protein family includes the Gremlin proteins, GREM1 and GREM2, which have key functions during embryogenesis and adult physiology. While BMPs play essential roles in ovarian follicle development, the role of the DAN family in female reproductive physiology is less understood. We generated mice null for Grem2 to determine its role in female reproduction in addition to screening patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) for variants in GREM2. Grem2−/− mice are viable, but female Grem2−/− mice have diminished fecundity and irregular estrous cycles. This is accompanied by significantly reduced production of ovarian anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) from small growing follicles, leading to a significant decrease in serum AMH. Surprisingly, as AMH is a well-established marker of the ovarian reserve, morphometric analysis of ovarian follicles showed maintenance of primordial follicles in Grem2−/− mice like wild-type (WT) littermates. While Grem2 mRNA transcripts were not detected in the pituitary, Grem2 is expressed in hypothalami of WT female mice, suggesting the potential for dysfunction in multiple tissues composing the hypothalamic–pituitary-ovarian axis that contribute to the subfertility phenotype. Additionally, screening 106 women with POI identified one individual with a heterozygous variant in GREM2 that lies within the predicted BMP-GREM2 interface. In total, these data suggest that Grem2 is necessary for female fecundity by playing a novel role in regulating the HPO axis and contributing to female reproductive disease.
The performance of solar cells using chlorophyll dye from Syzygium paniculatum
Authors: Wuryanti Sri 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, analysis was performed of the macro characterization of solar cells with chlorophyll dye from Syzygium paniculatum, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Solar cells based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterial and chlorophyll dye from S. paniculatum can increase efficiency due to flavonoids and batulinic acid content. Photoanode TiO2 is one of the essential factors determining the photovoltaic properties of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and shade, which broadens the absorption spectrum. Furthermore, the method used in this research involved varying the colour of the S. paniculatum leaves, namely red (SP-Red), green (SP-Green) and a red–green mix (SP-Mix). From a macro analysis, SEM observations resulted in agglomerated and aggregated TiO2-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-dye layers with irregular shapes. EDX observation resulted in a peak in Ti at 5 keV and all constituents were detected with an O:Ti ratio of 3.47:1 for FTO-TiO2/PEG using SP-Green. Measurement of voltage-current (IV) using a digital multimeter indicated that the best occurred in the DSSC with SP-Green, resulting in a short-circuit current density (Isc) of 0.0047 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.432 V, a charging factor (FF) of 0.749 and an efficiency (η) of 3.724%.
Reliable off-grid power supply utilizing green hydrogen
Authors: Borm Oliver , Harrison Stephen B 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Green hydrogen produced from wind, solar or hydro power is a suitable electricity storage medium. Hydrogen is typically employed as mid- to long-term energy storage, whereas batteries cover short-term energy storage. Green hydrogen can be produced by any available electrolyser technology [alkaline electrolysis cell (AEC), polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), anion exchange membrane (AEM), solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC)] if the electrolysis is fed by renewable electricity. If the electrolysis operates under elevated pressure, the simplest way to store the gaseous hydrogen is to feed it directly into an ordinary pressure vessel without any external compression. The most efficient way to generate electricity from hydrogen is by utilizing a fuel cell. PEM fuel cells seem to be the most favourable way to do so. To increase the capacity factor of fuel cells and electrolysers, both functionalities can be integrated into one device by using the same stack. Within this article, different reversible technologies as well as their advantages and readiness levels are presented, and their potential limitations are also discussed.
Adherence to Inflammatory Bowel Disease Medications in Southern New Zealand
Authors: Aluzaite Kristina , Braund Rhiannon , Seeley Liam , Amiesimaka Obreniokibo Ibifubara , Schultz Michael 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) require continuous clinical management; poor medication adherence may result in worse disease outcomes and increased healthcare costs. This study investigated medication adherence and associated risk factors in IBD patients.

Methods
Otago (New Zealand) IBD patients were mailed questionnaires on demographics, medication-taking behavior, and a validated Probabilistic Medication Adherence Scale (ProMAS).

Results
The response rate was 29.7% (n = 174/590). The study sample was mean (SD) 50.5 (16.9) years old, 57.9% female, 49.4% had Crohn’s disease, and 43.9% ulcerative colitis, with median of 9.5 years (interquartile range: 5.0–22.0) of IBD duration. About 31.1% scored below medium adherence according to ProMAS. About 11.9%, 24.7%, and 23.1% reported failing to renew, purposely not taking, and stopping taking medications, respectively; 27.2% of those who reported having no issues taking medication scored below medium on the ProMAS. Older age was associated with higher ProMAS adherence score (Pearson’s r = .25; P = .0014). There were no differences in medication adherence between the types of IBDs (P = .87), disease activity status (P = .70), or gender (P = .27). There was no correlation between the number of medications and level of adherence (Pearson’s r = .09; P = .27). About 18.7%, 10.1%, and 5.0% of patients reported forgetting to take medications when traveling, when out of routine, and when busy, respectively. The most used strategies to remember medications included utilizing specific routines (40.1%) and keeping medications in specific locations (21.1%).

Conclusions
A third of IBD patients had below medium medication adherence. There were discrepancies between self-reported and tool-assessed medication adherence scores with over one-third of patients underestimating/overestimating their adherence.
Beyond Neutrality: Conceptualizing Platform Values
Authors: Hallinan Blake , Scharlach Rebecca , Shifman Limor 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Social media platforms are prominent sites where values are expressed, contested, and diffused. In this article, we present a conceptual framework for studying the communication of values on and through social media composed of two dimensions: scale (from individual users to global infrastructures) and explicitness (from the most explicit to the invisible). Utilizing the model, we compare the communication of two values—engagement and authenticity—in user-generated content and policy documents on Twitter and Instagram. We find a split between how users and platforms frame these concepts and discuss the strategic role of ambiguity in value discourse, where idealistic meanings invoked by users positively charge the instrumental applications stressed by platforms. We also show how implicit and explicit articulations of the same value can contradict each other. Finally, we reflect upon tensions within the model, as well as the power relations between the personal, cultural, and infrastructural levels of platform values.
Flattening of the Phillips Curve with State-Dependent Prices and Wages
Authors: Costain James , Nakov Anton , Petit Borja 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We study monetary transmission in a model of state-dependent prices and wages based on ‘control costs’. Stickiness arises because precise choice is costly: decision makers tolerate errors both in the timing of adjustments, and in the new level at which the price or wage is set. The model is calibrated to microdata on the size and frequency of price and wage changes. In our simulations, money shocks have less persistent real effects than in the Calvo framework; nonetheless, the model exhibits a substantial degree of non-neutrality, driven mainly by wage rigidity. State-dependent nominal stickiness implies a flatter Phillips curve as trend inflation declines, because price and wage adjustments become less frequent, making short-run inflation less reactive to shocks. Our model can explain almost half of the observed decline in the slope of the Phillips curve since 2000.
Single or multiple arterial bypass graft surgery vs. percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with three-vessel or left main coronary artery disease
Authors: Davierwala Piroze M , Gao Chao , Thuijs Daniel J F M , Wang Rutao , Hara Hironori , Ono Masafumi , Noack Thilo , Garg Scot , O'leary Neil , Milojevic Milan , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Morice Marie-Claude , Mack Michael J , van Geuns Robert-Jan , Holmes David R , Gaudino Mario , Taggart David P , Onuma Yoshinobu , Mohr Friedrich Wilhelm , Serruys Patrick W ,   for the SYNTAX Extended Survival Investigators
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study was to compare long-term all-cause mortality between patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using multiple (MAG) or single arterial grafting (SAG).

Methods and results
The current study is a post hoc analysis of the SYNTAX Extended Survival Study, which compared PCI with CABG in patients with three-vessel (3VD) and/or left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and evaluated survival with ≥10 years of follow-up. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at maximum follow-up (median 11.9 years) assessed in the as-treated population. Of the 1743 patients, 901 (51.7%) underwent PCI, 532 (30.5%) received SAG, and 310 (17.8%) had MAG. At maximum follow-up, all-cause death occurred in 305 (33.9%), 175 (32.9%), and 70 (22.6%) patients in the PCI, SAG, and MAG groups, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Multiple arterial grafting [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.89], but not SAG (adjusted HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.67–1.03), was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality compared with PCI. In patients with 3VD, both MAG (adjusted HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37–0.81) and SAG (adjusted HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.91) were associated with significantly lower mortality than PCI, whereas in LMCAD patients, no significant differences between PCI and MAG (adjusted HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.56–1.46) or SAG (adjusted HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.81–1.53) were observed. In patients with revascularization of all three major myocardial territories, a positive correlation was observed between the number of myocardial territories receiving arterial grafts and survival (P trend = 0.003).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that MAG might be the more desirable configuration for CABG to achieve lower long-term all-cause mortality than PCI in patients with 3VD and/or LMCAD.

Trial registration
Registered on clinicaltrial.gov. SYNTAXES: NCT03417050 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03417050); SYNTAX: NCT00114972 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00114972).
Got acetylene: a personal research retrospective
Authors: Oremland Ronald S 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
In research, sometimes sheer happenstance and serendipity make for an unexpected discovery. Once revealed and if interesting enough, such a finding and its follow-up investigations can lead to advances by others that leave its originators ‘scooped’ and mulling about what next to do with their unpublished data, specifically what journals could it still be published in and be perceived as original. This is what occurred with us nearly 40 years ago with regard to our follow-up observations of acetylene fermentation and led us to concoct a ‘cock-and-bull’ story. We hypothesized about a plausible role for acetylene metabolism in the primordial biogeochemistry of Earth and the possibility of acetylene serving as a key life-sustaining substrate for alien microbes dwelling in the orbs of the outer solar system. With the passage of time, advances were made in whole-genome sequencing coupled with major in silico progress in bioinformatics. In parallel came the results of explorations of the outer solar system (i.e. the Cassini mission to Saturn and its moons). It now appears that these somewhat harebrained ideas of ours, arisen at first out of a sense of desperation, actually ring true in fact, and particularly well in song:
‘Tell a tale of cock and bull,
Of convincing detail full
Tale tremendous,
Heav'n defend us!
What a tale of cock and bull!'
From ‘The Yeoman of the Guard’ by Gilbert & Sullivan.
DrosoPhyla: Resources for Drosophilid Phylogeny and Systematics
Authors: Finet Cédric , Kassner Victoria A , Carvalho Antonio B , Chung Henry , Day Jonathan P , Day Stephanie , Delaney Emily K , De Ré Francine C , Dufour Héloïse D , Dupim Eduardo , Izumitani Hiroyuki F , Gautério Thaísa B , Justen Jessa , Katoh Toru , Kopp Artyom , Koshikawa Shigeyuki , Longdon Ben , Loreto Elgion L , Nunes Maria D S , Raja Komal K B , Rebeiz Mark , Ritchie Michael G , Saakyan Gayane , Sneddon Tanya , Teramoto Machiko , Tyukmaeva Venera , Vanderlinde Thyago , Wey Emily E , Werner Thomas , Williams Thomas M , Robe Lizandra J , Toda Masanori J , Marlétaz Ferdinand 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster is a pivotal model for invertebrate development, genetics, physiology, neuroscience, and disease. The whole family Drosophilidae, which contains over 4,400 species, offers a plethora of cases for comparative and evolutionary studies. Despite a long history of phylogenetic inference, many relationships remain unresolved among the genera, subgenera, and species groups in the Drosophilidae. To clarify these relationships, we first developed a set of new genomic markers and assembled a multilocus data set of 17 genes from 704 species of Drosophilidae. We then inferred a species tree with highly supported groups for this family. Additionally, we were able to determine the phylogenetic position of some previously unplaced species. These results establish a new framework for investigating the evolution of traits in fruit flies, as well as valuable resources for systematics.
Left Turns by Older Drivers With Vision Impairment: A Naturalistic Driving Study
Authors: Swain Thomas A , McGwin Gerald , Antin Jonathan F , Wood Joanne M , Owsley Cynthia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesOlder drivers are overrepresented in collisions at intersections while making left turns across oncoming traffic. Using naturalistic driving methods, we evaluated the association between vision impairment and their left-turn characteristics.Research Design and MethodsIn this prospective, observational study, vision impairment as defined by visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual processing speed, visual field sensitivity, and motion perception was assessed in drivers ≥70 years old. Data acquisition systems were installed in their personal vehicles recording video and vehicle kinematics. Driving during everyday life was recorded for 6 months. Data analysts evaluated a temporal data window surrounding randomly selected left turns at 4-way intersections. Left-turn traversals and turning behavior were evaluated in terms of age-adjusted associations with vision impairment.ResultsThe sample consisted of 151 older drivers. The number of turns studied was 473; 265 turns were rated as unsafe traversals, and 201 as problematic turning behavior. Drivers with slowed visual processing speed and visual field impairment were less likely to exhibit unsafe traversals (p &lt; .05); those with worse contrast sensitivity, slowed visual processing speed, and visual field impairment were less likely to exhibit problematic turning behavior (p &lt; .05).Discussion and ImplicationsUsing naturalistic driving, our study suggests older drivers with vision impairment exhibit better performance in making left turns than those without deficits, which contradicts older driver studies on left turns using driving simulators and on-road driving evaluations. Our findings suggest more cautious and self-regulatory behavior, which are consistent with older visually impaired drivers’ commonly expressed concerns about their driving difficulties.
Conference Report on ‘Patents and Standards – Online FRAND-Forum’
Authors: Merbecks Aurelia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
There have recently been a large number of court decisions concerning questions of FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) licensing of standard essential patents (SEPs). Despite this high level of judicial activity, however, many of the questions surrounding this topic continue to remain unanswered. On 4 November 2020 the annual Mannheim (Germany) FRAND Forum organised by the FORUM Institute was held online to discuss these highly challenging issues. The forum spanned five presentations from both judicial and legal perspectives, as well as two group discussions in which around 30 people took part.
A Recipe for Success: The Effect of Dyadic Communication and Cooperative Gameplay on Subsequent Non-gaming Task Performance
Authors: Velez John A , Schmierbach Michael , Sherrick Brett , Chae Seung Woo , Tan Ryan R , Rosenberg Kenneth Allen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Cooperative game play has been associated with a growing list of prosocial benefits. However, less research has examined its constituent parts to determine their contribution to subsequent positive outcomes. The current study examined partners’ communication as a common and even imperative aspect of cooperative play that may largely account for its positive effects on cooperative behaviors and effective teamwork. Partners played a cooperative game (Overcooked 2) alone or with a partner, and in the latter case with or without the ability to communicate, before engaging in two puzzle-solving tasks that required effective and efficient communication for successful performances. Results suggest communication is unnecessary, and may even be detrimental to, subsequent team performances on non-gaming tasks, and that it seems unlikely to account for the cooperative norms proposed to be the theoretical mechanism behind cooperative play’s positive effects. The conclusion discusses theoretical implications and potential future research.