bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-faced Janus: the dual role of macrophages in atherosclerotic calcification
Authors: Waring Olivia J , Skenteris Nikolaos T , Biessen Erik A L , Donners Marjo M P C 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Calcification is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events. Microcalcification is linked to inflamed, unstable lesions, in comparison to the fibrotic stable plaque phenotype generally associated with advanced calcification. This paradox relates to recognition that calcification presents in a wide spectrum of manifestations that differentially impact plaque’s fate. Macrophages, the main inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaque, have a multifaceted role in disease progression. They crucially control the mineralization process, from microcalcification to the osteoid metaplasia of bone-like tissue. It is a bilateral interaction that weighs heavily on the overall plaque fate but remains rather unexplored. This review highlights current knowledge about macrophage phenotypic changes in relation to and interaction with the calcifying environment. On the one hand, macrophage-led inflammation kickstarts microcalcification through a multitude of interlinked mechanisms, which in turn stimulates phenotypic changes in vascular cell types to drive microcalcification. Macrophages may also modulate the expression/activity of calcification inhibitors and inducers, or eliminate hydroxyapatite nucleation points. Contrarily, direct exposure of macrophages to an early calcifying milieu impacts macrophage phenotype, with repercussions for plaque progression and/or stability. Macrophages surrounding macrocalcification deposits show a more reparative phenotype, modulating extracellular matrix, and expressing osteoclast genes. This phenotypic shift favours gradual displacement of the pro-inflammatory hubs; the lipid necrotic core, by macrocalcification. Parallels to bone metabolism may explain many of these changes to macrophage phenotype, with advanced calcification able to show homeostatic osteoid metaplasia. As the targeted treatment of vascular calcification developing in atherosclerosis is thus far severely lacking, it is crucial to better understand its mechanisms of development.
Temporal trends in patient characteristics, presumed causes, and outcomes following cardiogenic shock between 2005 and 2017: a Danish registry-based cohort study
Authors: Petersen Line Thorgaard , Riddersholm Signe , Andersen Dennis Christian , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Lee Christina J.-Y , Lauridsen Marie Dam , Fosbøl Emil , Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Pareek Manan , Søgaard Peter , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Kragholm Kristian Hay 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aims
Most cardiogenic shock (CS) studies focus on acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Contemporary data on temporal trends in patient characteristics, presumed causes, treatments, and outcomes of ACS- and in particular non-ACS-related CS patients are sparse.

Methods and results
Using nationwide medical registries, we identified patients with first-time CS between 2005 and 2017. Cochrane–Armitage trend tests were used to examine temporal changes in presumed causes of CS, treatments, and outcomes. Among 14 363 CS patients, characteristics remained largely stable over time. As presumed causes of CS, ACS (37.1% in 2005 to 21.4% in 2017), heart failure (16.3% in 2005 to 12.0% in 2017), and arrhythmias (13.0% in 2005 to 10.9% in 2017) decreased significantly over time; cardiac arrest increased significantly (11.3% in 2005 to 24.5% in 2017); and changes in valvular heart disease were insignificant (11.5% in 2005 and 11.6% in 2017). Temporary left ventricular assist device, non-invasive ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use increased significantly over time; intra-aortic balloon pump and mechanical ventilation use decreased significantly. Over time, 30-day and 1-year mortality were relatively stable. Significant decreases in 30-day and 1-year mortality for patients presenting with ACS and arrhythmias and a significant increase in 1-year mortality in patients presenting with heart failure were seen.

Conclusion
Between 2005 and 2017, we observed significant temporal decreases in ACS, heart failure, and arrhythmias as presumed causes of first-time CS, whereas cardiac arrest significantly increased. Although overall 30-day and 1-year mortality were stable, significant decreases in mortality for ACS and arrhythmias as presumed causes of CS were seen.
Predicting Future Mobility Limitation in Older Adults: A Machine Learning Analysis of Health ABC Study Data
Authors: Speiser Jaime L , Callahan Kathryn E , Ip Edward H , Miller Michael E , Tooze Janet A , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Houston Denise K 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Mobility limitation in older adults is common and associated with poor health outcomes and loss of independence. Identification of at-risk individuals remains challenging because of time-consuming clinical assessments and limitations of statistical models for dynamic outcomes over time. Therefore, we aimed to develop machine learning models for predicting future mobility limitation in older adults using repeated measures data.

Methods
We used annual assessments over 9 years of follow-up from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study to model mobility limitation, defined as self-report of any difficulty walking a quarter mile or climbing 10 steps. We considered 46 predictors, including demographics, lifestyle, chronic conditions, and physical function. With a split sample approach, we developed mixed models (generalized linear and Binary Mixed Model forest) using (a) all 46 predictors, (b) a variable selection algorithm, and (c) the top 5 most important predictors. Age was included in all models. Performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating curve in 2 internal validation data sets.

Results
Area under the receiver operating curve ranged from 0.80 to 0.84 for the models. The most important predictors of mobility limitation were ease of getting up from a chair, gait speed, self-reported health status, body mass index, and depression.

Conclusions
Machine learning models using repeated measures had good performance for identifying older adults at risk of developing mobility limitation. Future studies should evaluate the utility and efficiency of the prediction models as a tool in clinical settings for identifying at-risk older adults who may benefit from interventions aimed to prevent or delay mobility limitation.
Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccination Against Pneumococcal Pneumonia Hospitalization in Older Adults: A Prospective, Test-Negative Study
Authors: Heo Jung Yeon , Seo Yu Bin , Choi Won Suk , Kim Eun Jin , Jeong Hye Won , Lee Jacob , Yoon Jin Gu , Noh Ji Yun , Cheong Hee Jin , Kim Woo Joo , Song Joon Young 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Despite use of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) over the last decade, the disease burden of pneumococcal pneumonia is still high. We evaluated the field effectiveness of PCV13, PPSV23, and sequential vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults.

Methods
This prospective multicenter study was conducted in adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) between September 2015 and August 2017. The case-control test-negative design was used to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) against pneumococcal CAP.

Results
Of 1525 cases with CAP hospitalization, 167 (11.0%) were identified as pneumococcal CAP. In the elderly aged ≥65 years, the adjusted VE of pneumococcal vaccines against pneumococcal CAP was statistically insignificant: 40.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], –10.8% to 67.5%) for PCV13 and 11.0% (95% CI, –26.4% to 37.3%) for PPSV23. However, in the younger subgroup (aged 65–74 years), sequential PCV13/PPSV23 vaccination showed the highest adjusted VE of 80.3% (95% CI, 15.9%–95.4%), followed by single-dose PCV13 (adjusted VE, 66.4% [95% CI, .8%–88.6%]) and PPSV23 (adjusted VE, 18.5% [95% CI, –38.6% to 52.0%]).

Conclusions
Sequential PCV13/PPSV23 vaccination is most effective for preventing pneumococcal CAP among the elderly aged 65–74 years.
Sizes Are Gendered: The Effect of Size Cues in Brand Names on Brand Stereotyping
Authors: Zhang Kuangjie , Li Shaobo (Kevin) , Ng Sharon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Size cues are increasingly common in brand names (e.g., Xiaomi and Mini Cooper), but scant research has investigated whether and how brand name size cues influence consumers’ perceptions. This research shows that a brand name size cue can evoke gender associations, which subsequently affect consumers’ perceived warmth and competence of the target brand. A series of seven studies provide converging evidence that brands with a size cue of smallness in the name are perceived to be warmer but less competent, while those with a size cue of bigness are perceived to be less warm but more competent. A combination of measurement-of-mediation and moderation-of-process approaches provide support for the role of gender associations underlying the effect of brand name size cues on consumers’ brand perceptions. This research also shows that brand name size cues can have diverging effects on the perceived warmth of the brand versus of the product. Finally, this research rules out alternative accounts based on perceived market power and firm size.
Organized Crime, Captured Politicians, and the Allocation of Public Resources
Authors: Di Cataldo Marco , Mastrorocco Nicola 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
What is the impact of collusion between members of criminal organizations and politicians on local public finances, in contexts in which organized crime is well-rooted? This article addresses this question by focusing on local governments of Southern Italy, over the period 1998–2016. In order to capture the presence of organized crime, we exploit the enforcement of a national law allowing the dissolution of a municipal government upon evidence of collusion between elected officials and the mafia. We measure the consequences of this infiltration of mafia groups within local governments by using data on local public finances at the municipality level. Difference-in-differences estimates reveal that captured municipalities commit on average more resources for investments in construction and waste management and are less effective in collecting taxes for waste and garbage. This indicates that organized crime groups exploit the collusion with local politicians in order to distort the allocation of public resources toward key sectors of strategic interest for the criminal business (JEL K42, H72, D72).
Horizontal Directors Revisited
Authors: Nili Yaron 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
U.S. academic discourse on director interlocks is not new. Yet, the increased attention to common ownership has also brought to light the increased tendency of interlocked directors to serve in the same industry. I termed these directors as horizontal directors in my earlier work—shining a light on the benefits they bring to investors and companies but also the risks they pose to governance and antitrust law. This article revisits the prevalence of horizontal directors armed with six additional years of data and shows that the prevalence of horizontal directors has remained steady, even as attention to common ownership has increased in recent years. These findings should serve as a clarion call to regulators—urging them to directly address horizontal directors.
Cursing the Beloved and Uglifying the Beautiful: Disguised Praise in Medieval Arabic Philology
Authors: Sheyhatovitch Beata 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This work explores the phenomenon of disguised praise through the prism of medieval Arabic philology, via the philologists’ accounts of cases in which a speaker chooses an apparently negative wording to refer to things perceived as positive, by him and/or by others. The main categories of cases that emerge from rhetorical and grammatical literature are the following three: compliments disguised as curses, taqbīḥ al-ḥasan ‘uglifying the beautiful’, and ta’kīd al-madḥ bi-mā yušbihu al-ḏamm ‘emphasizing the praise by what resembles derogation’. The reason behind such usages may be pragmatic (viz., the universal tendency to use negative expressions to convey strong emotions), anthropological (viz., a variety of human behaviours developed to avert envy and/or ‘evil eye’), or stylistic (viz., the authors’ attempt at originality).
Computability of glued manifolds
Authors: Čelar Matea , IljazoviĆ Zvonko 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We examine conditions under which a semicomputable set in a computable topological space is computable. In particular, we examine topological spaces $\varDelta $ that have computable type, which means that any semicomputable set homeomorphic to $\varDelta $ is computable. It is known that each compact manifold has computable type. In this paper, we examine compact manifolds $M$ and $N$ and a space $M\cup _{\gamma }N$ obtained by gluing $M$ and $N$ together by way of a homeomorphism $\gamma :A\rightarrow B$, where $A$ and $B$ are closed subspaces of $M$ and $N$, respectively. We show that $M\cup _{\gamma }N$ in general need not have computable type. We prove that $M\cup _{\gamma }N$ has computable type under the additional assumption that $A$ and $B$ are contained in regular submanifolds of $M$ and $N$. We also show that the same holds for a space obtained by gluing finitely many manifolds, but not for infinitely many.
Revealing the formation histories of the first stars with the cosmic near-infrared background
Authors: Sun Guochao , Mirocha Jordan , Mebane Richard H , Furlanetto Steven R 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
The cosmic near-infrared background (NIRB) offers a powerful integral probe of radiative processes at different cosmic epochs, including the pre-reionization era when metal-free, Population III (Pop III) stars first formed. While the radiation from metal-enriched, Population II (Pop II) stars likely dominates the contribution to the observed NIRB from the reionization era, Pop III stars – if formed efficiently – might leave characteristic imprints on the NIRB, thanks to their strong Lyα emission. Using a physically motivated model of first star formation, we provide an analysis of the NIRB mean spectrum and anisotropy contributed by stellar populations at z &gt; 5. We find that in circumstances where massive Pop III stars persistently form in molecular cooling haloes at a rate of a few times $10^{-3}\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot \ \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, before being suppressed towards the epoch of reionization (EoR) by the accumulated Lyman–Werner background, a unique spectral signature shows up redward of $1\, \mu$m in the observed NIRB spectrum sourced by galaxies at z &gt; 5. While the detailed shape and amplitude of the spectral signature depend on various factors including the star formation histories, initial mass function, LyC escape fraction and so forth, the most interesting scenarios with efficient Pop III star formation are within the reach of forthcoming facilities, such as the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer. As a result, new constraints on the abundance and formation history of Pop III stars at high redshifts will be available through precise measurements of the NIRB in the next few years.
Religion-based ‘Personal’ Law, Legal Pluralism and Secularity: A Field View of Adjudication under Muslim Personal Law in India
Authors: Ghosh Suchandra , Chakrabarti Anindita 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The phenomenon of ‘legal pluralism’ in India is conditioned and facilitated by the democratic state’s commitment to protect religious freedom and uphold sociocultural diversity. Community-based adjudicating institutions such as the Darul Qaza (also known as Sharia court) function within this constitutional framework but every citizen also has the right to approach a state court as and when they deem necessary. So far, the discourse on Islam, personal law, and the secular state has revolved around parliamentary debates, judicial activism, and legislative changes where the focus has been on the question of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and gender justice. The discussion on personal law has rarely paid serious academic attention to the complexities of kinship conflicts embedded in affective as well as economic and legal matrix or more importantly how they are resolved. Drawing on an ethnographic study of the jurisprudential practices of Sharia courts in Uttar Pradesh, India, the paper offers a lens to understand how conflict resolution in family matters takes place in a legal plural landscape ensconced between citizenship rights and community practices. We argue that understanding this process also offers important insights on the shifting meaning of secularism1,2 in contemporary India.
Humanity’s Attitudes about Democracy and Political Leaders
Authors: Anderson Christopher J , Bol Damien , Ananda Aurelia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
For decades, researchers have examined people’s beliefs across countries and over time using national samples of citizens. Yet, in an era when economies, societies, and policymaking have become increasingly interconnected, nation-states may no longer be the only or most relevant units of analysis for studying public opinion. To examine what people think about politics on a global scale, we develop tools for measuring public opinion that allow us to transcend national and regional boundaries. Starting with the world as the unit of analysis and humans as the relevant population, we measure and then explore patterns and trends in human preferences for democratic government and political leaders with the help of surveys collected around the world since 1994.
Hypoxia and TLR9 activation drive CXCL4 production in systemic sclerosis plasmacytoid dendritic cells via mtROS and HIF-2α
Authors: Ottria Andrea , Zimmermann Maili , Paardekooper Laurent M , Carvalheiro Tiago , Vazirpanah Nadia , Silva-Cardoso Sandra , Affandi Alsya J , Chouri Eleni , v.d Kroef Maarten , Tieland Ralph G , Bekker Cornelis P J , Wichers Catharina G K , Rossato Marzia , Mocholi-Gimeno Enric , Tekstra Janneke , Ton Evelien , van Laar Jaap M , Cossu Marta , Beretta Lorenzo , Garcia Perez Samuel , Pandit Aridaman , Bonte-Mineur Femke , Reedquist Kris A , van den Bogaart Geert , Radstake Timothy R D J , Marut Wioleta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objective
SSc is a complex disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and inflammation culminating in hypoxia and excessive fibrosis. Previously, we identified chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4 (CXCL4) as a novel predictive biomarker in SSc. Although CXCL4 is well-studied, the mechanisms driving its production are unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms leading to CXCL4 production.

Methods
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) from 97 healthy controls and 70 SSc patients were cultured in the presence of hypoxia or atmospheric oxygen level and/or stimulated with several toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. Further, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, CXCL4, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) -1α and HIF-2α gene and protein expression were assessed using ELISA, Luminex, qPCR, FACS and western blot assays.

Results
CXCL4 release was potentiated only when pDCs were simultaneously exposed to hypoxia and TLR9 agonist (P &lt; 0.0001). Here, we demonstrated that CXCL4 production is dependent on the overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) (P = 0.0079) leading to stabilization of HIF-2α (P = 0.029). In addition, we show that hypoxia is fundamental for CXCL4 production by umbilical cord CD34 derived pDCs.

Conclusion
TLR-mediated activation of immune cells in the presence of hypoxia underpins the pathogenic production of CXCL4 in SSc. Blocking either mtROS or HIF-2α pathways may therapeutically attenuate the contribution of CXCL4 to SSc and other inflammatory diseases driven by CXCL4.
Sarcopenic obesity in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and impact on physical functioning
Authors: Baker Joshua F , Giles Jon T , Weber David , George Michael D , Leonard Mary B , Zemel Babette S , Long Jin , Katz Patricia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objective
We determined the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in patients with RA using multiple methods and assessed associations with physical functioning.

Methods
This study evaluated data from three RA cohorts. Whole-body dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) measures of appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m2) and fat mass index (FMI) were converted to age, sex and race-specific Z-Scores and categorized using a recently validated method and compared it to a widely-used existing method. The prevalence of body composition abnormalities in RA was compared with two reference populations. In the RA cohorts, associations between body composition and change in the HAQ and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in follow-up were assessed using linear and logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race and study.

Results
The prevalence of low lean mass and sarcopenic obesity was higher in patients with RA (14.2; 12.6%, respectively) compared with the reference population cohorts (7–10%; 4–4.5%, respectively, all P &lt;0.05). There was only moderate agreement among methods of sarcopenic obesity categorization (Kappa 0.45). The recently validated method categorized fewer subjects as obese, and many of these were categorized as low lean mass only. Low lean mass, obesity and sarcopenic obesity were each associated with higher HAQ and lower SPPB at baseline and numerically greater worsening.

Conclusion
RA patients had higher rates of low lean mass and sarcopenic obesity than the general population. The recently validated methods characterized body composition changes differently from traditional methods and were more strongly associated with physical function.
IMAGE QUALITY STUDY OF RADIATION-REDUCED COMBINED CHEST AND ABDOMEN/PELVIS CT COMPARED WITH A STANDARD PROTOCOL
Authors: Bos Denise , Zensen Sebastian , Opitz Marcel , Haubold Johannes , Forsting Michael , Nassenstein Kai , Guberina Nika , Wetter Axel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine radiation doses and image quality of a low-dose (LD) protocol for chest and abdomen/pelvis (CAP) CT compared with a standard (STD) protocol. A total of 361 patients were included between October 2019 and April 2020; 104 patients with LD-protocol (100 kV, ref mAs 80 (chest)/145 (abdomen/pelvis)) and 257 patients with STD-protocol (100 kV, ref mAs 100 (chest)/180 (abdomen/pelvis)) at second-generation dual-source CT. Radiation doses for CTDIvol and DLP, and objective and subjective image qualities of 50 examinations from each group were evaluated. The LD-protocol applied significantly lower radiation doses compared with the STD-protocol (p &lt; 0.001), achieving a dose reduction by 37% for the median DLP in chest, 19% in abdomen/pelvis and 22% in total. Median total DLP was 342 mGy·cm (LD) vs. 436 mGy·cm (STD). The LD-CAP CT protocol achieved a significant dose reduction far below national diagnostic reference levels, ensuring acceptable and good image quality.
Screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pydah Sunayana C. , Mauck Kimberlee , Shultis Chelsea , Rolfs Jenna , Schmidt Eric , Nicholas Joyce 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy and causes changes in the cardiac muscle affecting ventricular, valvular, and cellular functions. Because HCM is an inherited disorder, all age groups are affected; however, it commonly presents in adolescents, especially athletes. Many patients are asymptomatic and undiagnosed, putting them at risk for sudden cardiac death. This article describes screening and management of patients with HCM.