bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathway-Specific Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Differentiates Regional Patterns of Cortical Atrophy in Older Adults
Authors: Caspers Svenja , Röckner Melanie E , Jockwitz Christiane , Bittner Nora , Teumer Alexander , Herms Stefan , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M , Moebus Susanne , Amunts Katrin , Cichon Sven , Mühleisen Thomas W 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBrain aging is highly variable and represents a challenge to delimit aging from disease processes. Moreover, genetic factors may influence both aging and disease. Here we focused on this issue and investigated effects of multiple genetic loci previously identified to be associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on brain structure of older adults from a population sample. We calculated a genetic risk score (GRS) using genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms from genome-wide association studies of AD and tested its effect on cortical thickness (CT). We observed a common pattern of cortical thinning (right inferior frontal, left posterior temporal, medial occipital cortex). To identify CT changes by specific biological processes, we subdivided the GRS effect according to AD-associated pathways and performed follow-up analyses. The common pattern from the main analysis was further differentiated by pathway-specific effects yielding a more bilateral pattern. Further findings were located in the superior parietal and mid/anterior cingulate regions representing 2 unique pathway-specific patterns. All patterns, except the superior parietal pattern, were influenced by apolipoprotein E. Our step-wise approach revealed atrophy patterns that partially resembled imaging findings in early stages of AD. Our study provides evidence that genetic burden for AD contributes to structural brain variability in normal aging.
The Consensus Hepatitis C Cascade of Care: Standardized Reporting to Monitor Progress Toward Elimination
Authors: Safreed-Harmon Kelly , Blach Sarah , Aleman Soo , Bollerup Signe , Cooke Graham , Dalgard Olav , Dillon John F , Dore Gregory J , Duberg Ann-Sofi , Grebely Jason , Boe Kielland Knut , Midgard Håvard , Porter Kholoud , Razavi Homie , Tyndall Mark , Weis Nina , Lazarus Jeffrey V 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCascade-of-care (CoC) monitoring is an important component of the response to the global hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. CoC metrics can be used to communicate, in simple terms, the extent to which national and subnational governments are advancing on key targets, and CoC findings can inform strategic decision-making regarding how to maximize the progression of individuals with HCV to diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The value of reporting would be enhanced if a standardized approach were used for generating CoCs. We have described the Consensus HCV CoC that we developed to address this need and have presented findings from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, where it was piloted. We encourage the uptake of the Consensus HCV CoC as a global instrument for facilitating clear and consistent reporting via the World Health Organization (WHO) viral hepatitis monitoring platform and for ensuring accurate monitoring of progress toward WHO's 2030 hepatitis C elimination targets.
‘History’s Attic’: The Role of Legends and Family Stories in Gendering and Decolonizing US Immigration and Ethnic History Through Laurie Fabiano’s Family Saga Elizabeth Street (2006)
Authors: Sañudo Eva Pelayo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This article explores the role of legends and family stories in gendering and decolonizing US immigration and ethnic history, particularly through the lens of Italian/American literature and culture. Using the theoretical framework of the politics of representation, the analysis concentrates on the function of mythic and passed-down stories not only as naturalizing agents of cultural norms but as a means to destabilize hegemonic narratives, particularly gendered history and media influence. Laurie Fabiano’s family saga Elizabeth Street (2006) is a debut novel that intertwines the strands of history, autobiography and journalistic research, among others. Precisely the status of this novel as a hybrid genre sheds light into the additional use of alternative sources such as legendary and familial narratives to study migration and ethnic history, as well as to (re)imagine the past from a feminist perspective.
Projected longevities of cardiac implantable defibrillators: a retrospective analysis over the period 2007–17 and the impact of technological factors in determining longevity
Authors: Paton Maria F , Landolina Maurizio , Billuart Jean-Renaud , Field Duncan , Sibley Jonathan , Witte Klaus 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Aims
Implanters of cardiac implantable electronic devices cannot easily choose devices by longevity as usually current models only have projected longevity data since those with known performance are obsolete. This study examines how projected device longevities are derived, the influencing factors, and their roles in guiding model choice.

Methods and results
Ninety-eight implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) models released in Europe in 2007–17 were analysed for reported battery capacities, projected longevities for standardized settings stipulated by the French Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) and manufacturer-chosen settings. Battery capacities and HAS projected longevities increased during the study period. Based on current drain estimation, therapy functions consumed only a small portion (2–7%) of the battery energy for single- and dual-chamber ICDs, but up to 50% (from biventricular pacing) for CRT-Ds. Large differences exist between manufacturers and models both in terms of battery capacity and energy consumption.

Conclusion
Battery capacity is not the sole driver of longevity for electronic implantable cardiac devices and, particularly for ICDs, the core function consume a large part of the battery energy even in the absence of therapy. Providing standardized current drain consumption in addition to battery capacity may provide more meaningful longevity information among implantable electronic cardiac devices.
Detection of random noise and anatomy of continuous seismic waveforms in dense array data near Anza California
Authors: Meng Haoran , Ben-Zion Yehuda , Johnson Christopher W 
Published: July 2019

SUMMARY
We develop a methodology to separate continuous seismic waveforms into random noise (RN), not random noise (NRN) produced by earthquakes, wind, traffic and other sources of ground motions, and an undetermined mixture of signals. The analysis is applied to continuous records from a dense seismic array on the San Jacinto fault zone. To detect RN signals, we cut hourly waveforms into non-overlapping 1 s time windows and apply cross-correlations to separate RN candidates from outliers. The cross-correlation coefficients between different RN candidates fall into a tight range (i.e. 0.09–0.35), while cross-correlation coefficients of RN candidates with NRN signals (e.g. seismic or air-traffic events) are lower. The amplitude spectra of RN candidates have a well-defined level, while the amplitude spectra of other signals deviate from that level. Using these properties, we examine the amplitude spectra of moving time windows and cross-correlation coefficients with RN templates in each hour. The hourly RN is quasi-stationary and the results cluster tightly in the parameter space of cross-correlation coefficients and L2 norm deviations from the mean spectra of RN candidates. Time windows with parameters in this tight cluster are identified as RN, windows that deviate significantly from the RN cluster are identified as NRN and windows with values in between are identified as mixed signals. Several iterations on each hourly data are used to update and stabilize the selection of RN templates and mean noise spectra. For the days examined, the relative fractions of RN, NRN and mixed signals in local day (night) times are about 26 (42 per cent), 40 (33 per cent) and 34 per cent (25 per cent), respectively.
Constructing a measure of health literacy in Sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: McClintock Heather F , Alber Julia M , Schrauben Sarah J , Mazzola Carmella M , Wiebe Douglas J 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We sought to develop and evaluate a health literacy measure in a multi-national study and to examine demographic characteristics associated with health literacy. Data were obtained from Demographic Health Surveys conducted between 2006–15 in 14 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Surveys were the same in all countries but translated to local languages as appropriate. We identified eight questions that corresponded to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) definition of health literacy. Factor analysis was used to extract one measure of health literacy. Logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics and health literacy. A total of 224 751 individuals between the ages of 15 and 49 years were included. The derived health literacy measure demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.72) and good content validity. The prevalence of high health literacy overall was 35.77%; females 34.08% and males 39.17%; less than or equal to primary education 8.93%, some secondary education 69.40% and ≥complete secondary 84.35%. High health literacy varied across nations, from 8.51% in Niger to 63.89% in Namibia. This is the first known study to evaluate a measure of health literacy relying on the NAM definition utilizing a large sample from 14 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our study derived a robust indicator of NAM-defined health literacy. This indicator could be used to examine determinants and outcomes of health literacy in additional countries.
ZP1 mutations are associated with empty follicle syndrome: evidence for the existence of an intact oocyte and a zona pellucida in follicles up to the early antral stage. A case report.
Authors: Dai Can , Chen Yongzhe , Hu Liang , Du Juan , Gong Fei , Dai Jing , Zhang Shuoping , Wang Mingyi , Chen Jing , Guo Jing , Zheng Wei , Lu Changfu , Wu Yueren , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEmpty follicle syndrome (EFS) is the complete failure to retrieve oocytes after ovarian stimulation. Although LHCGR and ZP3 were identified as causative genes, it is still unclear what happens to these patients’ oocytes, and the pathogenesis of EFS remains obscure. Here, we identified six novel ZP1 mutations associated with EFS and female infertility that was inherited recessively in five unrelated families. Studies in CHO-K1 cells showed that these mutations resulted in either degradation or truncation of ZP1 protein. Immunohistochemistry using ovarian serial sections demonstrated that all preantral follicles had normal architecture, but with a thin ZP, lacking ZP1, surrounding the growing oocytes. The antral follicles were also defective in normal cumulus–oocyte complex organisation, leading us to speculate that the lack of ZP1 might lead to oocyte degeneration or increased fragility of the oocyte during follicular puncture, ultimately resulting in EFS. To our knowledge, this is the first study that presents morphological evidence showing normal preantral folliculogenesis with abnormal ZP assembly in EFS patients. Our data provides a better understanding of the biological functions of ZP1 in human ZP assembly and folliculogenesis and gives new insights into the pathogenesis of EFS and possible therapeutic developments.
Performance of the transoral circular stapler for oesophagogastrectomy after induction therapy
Authors: Wang Lily , Milman Steven , Ng Thomas 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Patients undergoing oesophageal anastomosis may be at an increased risk for leak after induction therapy for oesophageal cancer, with intrathoracic leaks having significant morbidity. The outcomes of utilizing transoral circular stapler for the creation of a thoracic anastomosis have not been well studied in this patient population.

METHODS
Patients with oesophageal cancer undergoing induction chemotherapy/radiation followed by Ivor Lewis oesophagogastrectomy were evaluated. All thoracic anastomoses were constructed with transoral circular stapler. Primary outcomes evaluated were the rates of anastomotic leak and stricture.

RESULTS
Over 7 years, 87 consecutive patients were evaluated, among whom 69 (79%) were male. The median age was 63 years, median body mass index (BMI) was 27 kg/m2 and median age-adjusted comorbidity index was 5. Median operative blood loss was 400 ml and median operative time was 300 min. Major complications (grade ≥3) were seen in 19 (22%), including anastomotic leak in 2 (2.3%), both successfully treated with temporary covered metal stent. The median duration of hospital stay was 10 days, and 1 (1.2%) death was reported at 90 days due to cancer recurrence. Stricture occurred in 8 (9.2%), and median time to dilation was 109 days and median number of dilations was 1. Univariable analysis found BMI to be significantly higher in patients with an anastomotic leak versus those without (43 vs 27 kg/m2, P = 0.002). No variables were found to be predictive of anastomotic stricture.

CONCLUSIONS
The use of the transoral circular stapler for thoracic anastomosis results in a consistent formation of the anastomosis, with low leak and stricture rates in the setting of induction chemotherapy/radiation. Leaks that do occur appear to be amenable to stent therapy.
Segre Indices and Welschinger Weights as Options for Invariant Count of Real Lines
Authors: Finashin Sergey , Kharlamov Viatcheslav 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn our previous paper [5] we have elaborated a certain signed count of real lines on real hypersurfaces of degree $2n-1$ in $P^{n+1}$. Contrary to the honest “cardinal” count, it is independent of the choice of a hypersurface and, by this reason, provides a strong lower bound on the honest count. In this count the contribution of a line is its local input to the Euler number of a certain auxiliary vector bundle. The aim of this paper is to present other, in a sense more geometric, interpretations of this local input. One of them results from a generalization of Segre species of real lines on cubic surfaces and another from a generalization of Welschinger weights of real lines on quintic three-folds.
$q$
-Racah Ensemble and Discrete Painlevé Equation
Authors: Dzhamay Anton , Knizel Alisa 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The goal of this paper is to investigate the missing part of the story about the relationship between the orthogonal polynomial ensembles and Painlevé equations. Namely, we consider the $q$-Racah polynomial ensemble and show that the one-interval gap probabilities in this case can be expressed through a solution of the discrete $q$-P$\left (E_7^{(1)}/A_{1}^{(1)}\right )$ equation. Our approach also gives a new Lax pair for this equation. This Lax pair has an interesting additional involutive symmetry structure.
The Uncertainty Trade-off: Reexamining Opportunity Costs and War
Authors: Spaniel William , Malone Iris 
Published: July 2019

AbstractConventional wisdom about economic interdependence and international conflict predicts that increasing opportunity costs make war less likely, but some wars occur after costs grow. Why? We develop a model that shows that a nonmonotonic relationship exists between the costs and probability of war when there is uncertainty over resolve. Under these conditions, increasing the costs of an uninformed party's opponent has a second-order effect of exacerbating informational asymmetries about that opponent's willingness to maintain peace. We derive conditions under which war can occur more frequently and empirically showcase the model's implications through a case study of Sino-Indian relations from 1949 to 2007. This finding challenges how scholars traditionally believe economic interdependence mediates incentives to fight: instruments such as trade have competing effects on the probability of war.
Plasma exposures following posaconazole delayed-release tablets in immunocompromised children and adolescents
Authors: Tragiannidis Athanasios , Herbrüggen Heidrun , Ahlmann Martina , Vasileiou Eleni , Gastine Silke , Thorer Heike , Fröhlich Birgit , Müller Carsten , Groll Andreas H 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Posaconazole is a recommended option for antifungal prophylaxis in paediatric patients >12 years of age. However, little is known about plasma exposures and safety following administration of the delayed-release tablets (DRTs) in children and adolescents.

Methods
In a retrospective observational study, we analysed steady-state trough concentrations of posaconazole in all paediatric patients who had received the DRT formulation between May 2015 and December 2018 for antifungal prophylaxis. Dosing was guided by a published population pharmacokinetic model with weight-based dosing. Drug concentrations in plasma were measured by a validated tandem MS method. Liver function and drug discontinuations due to adverse effects were also assessed.

Results
A total of 34 patients (21 male, 13 female; median age 12 years, range 5–17 years; median body weight 43.5 kg, range 16–84 kg) undergoing treatment for haemato-oncological disorders (n=23) or immunosuppression for polyarthritis (n=1) or post-allogeneic HSCT (n=11) received posaconazole DRTs for a median of 70 days (range 9–391 days). The median first steady-state trough plasma concentration following model-derived dosing was 1607 ng/mL (range 501–8485 ng/mL) with trough concentrations being above the dosing target of ≥700 ng/mL in 32/34 patients (94%). Considering all (first and subsequent) trough concentrations, target attainment was 90% (63/70 samples). Posaconazole was well tolerated without adverse event-related discontinuations or breakthrough infections.

Conclusions
Administration of posaconazole DRTs to paediatric patients guided by a population pharmacokinetic-derived dosing algorithm resulted in predictable and potentially effective exposures and was well tolerated over prolonged time periods.
Nonconvex optimization-based inverse spectral decomposition
Authors: Ma Ming , Zhang Rui , Liu Yong , Gao Haoyang , Guo Yu 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
As a time–frequency analysis tool, inverse spectral decomposition (ISD) could be utilized to obtain a high-resolution time–frequency map via the inversion strategy. In the established inversion function, an analytic signal is disintegrated as a coefficient matrix whose elements represent the weights of the wavelet components with the different dominant frequencies and the time location in the complex wavelet library. By using a sparse constraint, a high-quality inverse decomposition result could be generated. In this paper, a modified ISD technique based on a nonconvex optimization algorithm is proposed to pursue a sparser coefficient solution found in the inversion processing by decreasing the redundant information. This new approach applies the lp(0 < p < 1) penalty term to build an accurate mapping relationship between the original signal and its time–frequency spectrum. This adequate regularization in reconstructed function serves as a better alternative to the l1 norm one in conventional ISD. Lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and much weaker incoherence of wavelet library cannot impact on the accuracy of output with the ISD based on the lp norm (0 < p < 1) constraint. Synthetic data tests with the Gabor transform, the conventional ISD method and the nonconvex optimization-based ISD are applied to demonstrate the performance gaps. In the real application area, a blended image with instantaneous spectral attribute volumes produced by the new approach assists the identification of the geological anomalous body, which is verified via a physical model data and field data tests.
A new refracturing candidate selection method for multi-fractured horizontal wells in tight oil reservoirs
Authors: Guo Jianchun , Tao Liang , Liu Yuxuan , He Na , Zhou Xiaofeng 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Refracturing technology has been widely applied to increase the production rate of multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) and enhance ultimate recovery. However, due to the complicated relationships between various parameters, it is often difficult to select candidate wells for refracturing. A novel method combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP), grey relation analysis (GRA) and fuzzy logic was proposed in this study to evaluate refracturing potential of wells from reservoir quality and initial completion efficiency. First, based on the parameters of the constructed wells, several elements were chosen as appraisal factors. AHP was used to establish a multi-parameter evaluation system for refracturing treatment. Then, GRA was used to calculate the weight coefficient and sort out the main factors that influence fracturing result. Finally, GRA was coupled with fuzzy logic to determine the classification threshold of reservoir quality. A novel comprehensive evaluation score (CES) was proposed to determine the priority of the refracturing wells. The method was successfully applied to a tight oilfield in Northeast China and the optimum refracturing potential area was selected based on the reservoirs quality and completion efficiency by using quadrant analysis. Average daily oil production increased from 2.3 to 17.6 tons per day after refracturing treatment. The method can be used to identify refracturing candidates quickly and economically.
Disentangling interstellar plasma screens with pulsar VLBI: combining auto- and cross-correlations
Authors: Simard D , Pen U-L , Marthi V R , Brisken W 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Current methods of measuring distances to pulsar scattering screens rely on a single screen dominating the scintillation pattern. We present a novel technique to reconstruct the scattered flux of a pulsar and solve for the scattering geometry in cases where the scattering environment along the line of sight to the pulsar is complex and may be composed of multiple scattering screens. This technique combines interferometric visibilities with cross-correlations of single-station intensities. It takes advantage of the fact that if one considers the interference of radiation from two points in the scattered image in delay–delay rate space, the visibilities are sensitive to the mean angular position of the points, while the cross-correlated intensities are sensitive to their angular separation. By combining the visibilities and the cross-correlated intensities, it is possible to measure the angular locations of both points in the pair. We show that this technique is able to reconstruct the published scattering geometry of PSR B0834+06. We then apply this technique to one-dimensional simulations of more complicated scattering systems, where we find that it can distinguish features from different scattering screens. This technique holds promise for studies of the interstellar medium and pulsars themselves: It will allow the application of scintillometry techniques, such as resolving pulsar emission regions using interstellar scattering, to sources for which a current lack of understanding of the scattering environment has precluded their use.