bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why accommodate minorities asymmetrically? A theory of ideological authority insulation
Authors: RÖTH LEONCE , KAISER ANDRÉ 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTensions between regionalist claimants and state‐wide governments remain the primary source of violent conflicts. Existing theories cannot systematically explain why and when state‐wide governments accede to such claims. Building on the partisan approaches developed so far, a theory of ideological authority insulation is constructed in this article. It is argued that the willingness of state‐wide parties to transfer authority to specific territorial entities is predominantly informed by ideological proximity to those entities. In a nutshell, the dominant conflict dimension in a country superimposes partisan rationales on the territorial dimension. A new dataset has been compiled with roughly 4,300 region‐cabinet dyads between 1945 and 2015, including electoral data, party positions and regional ‘centres of gravity’. Using panel rare‐events regressions, it is found that ideological proximity systematically explains the accommodation of minority demand controlling for alternative explanations from the partisan and ethnic conflict literature. The empirical evidence therefore supports adding ideological insulation and superimposition to the toolbox of partisan and conflict researchers. Additionally, the findings encourage the application of arguments from the conflict literature in established democracies and the testing of insights from partisan researchers in less democratic environments.
Morphometric Analysis of the Neurocranium in an Adult South African Cadaveric Sample,
Authors: Maass Petra , Friedling Louise Jacqui 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCraniometric studies of South Africans yield high accuracies of sex and ancestry classification, but most assess only inter‐group variation of Black and White individuals, excluding the highly heterogeneous Colored group, which constitute a significant proportion of the population. This study applied a geometric morphometric approach to the neurocrania of 774 Black, Colored, and White individuals to assess sex and ancestry estimation accuracy based on the detected morphological variation. Accuracies of 70% and 83% were achieved for sex and ancestry, respectively, with ancestry‐related variation contributing the largest proportion of overall observed variation. Even when comparing the closely related Black and Colored groups, relatively high accuracies were obtained. It is thus recommended that a similar approach be used to develop a contemporary three‐dimensional database, which can be used to objectively, reliably, and accurately classify unknown remains in the South African forensic context.
The Probabilistic Genotyping Software STRmix: Utility and Evidence for its Validity
Authors: Buckleton John S. , Bright Jo‐Anne , Gittelson Simone , Moretti Tamyra R. , Onorato Anthony J. , Bieber Frederick R. , Budowle Bruce , Taylor Duncan A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractForensic DNA interpretation is transitioning from manual interpretation based usually on binary decision‐making toward computer‐based systems that model the probability of the profile given different explanations for it, termed probabilistic genotyping (PG). Decision‐making by laboratories to implement probability‐based interpretation should be based on scientific principles for validity and information that supports its utility, such as criteria to support admissibility. The principles behind STRmix™ are outlined in this study and include standard mathematics and modeling of peak heights and variability in those heights. All PG methods generate a likelihood ratio (LR) and require the formulation of propositions. Principles underpinning formulations of propositions include the identification of reasonably assumed contributors. Substantial data have been produced that support precision, error rate, and reliability of PG, and in particular, STRmix™. A current issue is access to the code and quality processes used while coding. There are substantial data that describe the performance, strengths, and limitations of STRmix™, one of the available PG software.
Longer time to transfer from the emergency department after bed request is associated with worse outcomes
Authors: Paton Andrew , Mitra Biswadev , Considine Julie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the relationships between: (i) total ED length of stay (EDLOS) and in‐hospital mortality, ward clinical deterioration; and (ii) between time of bed request, ward transfer and in‐hospital mortality, with a particular focus on patients transferred just prior to a 4 h EDLOS.MethodsRetrospective cohort study using data from three acute care hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Adult patients admitted from the ED to a non‐monitored ward within 8 h. Patients were sub‐grouped by EDLOS; EDLOS 3.5–4 h compared to 0–3.5 h and 4–8 h. In‐hospital mortality, number of medical emergency team (MET)/cardiac arrest team (CAT) events.ResultsA total of 24 746 patients were included: 4396 patients with EDLOS <210 min; 4090 patients with EDLOS of 210–240 min; and 16 260 patients with EDLOS >240 min. Mortality overall was 2.2% (n = 545), highest mortality was seen with EDLOS >4 h (2.4%, n = 399) and lowest in patients with EDLOS 3.5–4 h (1.5%, n = 63, OR 0.67 [95% CI: 0.47–0.93, P = 0.02]). Time from bed request to transfer of >240 min was associated with increased odds of death at hospital discharge (adjusted OR 1.39 [95% CI: 1.08–1.78]). There was no difference in rate of MET calls within 24 h between groups (3.5–4 h = 64 [1.5%], <3.5 h = 60 [1.5%], 4–8 h = 235 [1.4%]).ConclusionsBoth shorter time in ED and shorter time between bed request and ward transfer were independently associated with improved outcomes. Whole of hospital measures to reduce length of stay in the ED should focus on shorter ward transfer times after bed request.
Selection and evaluation of reference genes for gene expression using quantitative real‐time PCR in Mythimna separata walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Zhang Bai‐Zhong , Liu Jun‐Jie , Chen Xi‐Ling , Yuan Guo‐Hui 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn order to precisely assess gene expression levels, the suitable internal reference genes must be served to quantify real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) data. For armyworm, Mythimna separata, which reference genes are suitable for assessing the level of transcriptional expression of target genes have yet to be explored. In this study, eight common reference genes, including β‐actin (β‐ACT), 18 s ribosomal (18S), 28S ribosomal (28S), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate (GAPDH), elongation fator‐alpha (EF1α), TATA box binding protein (TBP), ribosomal protein L7 (RPL7), and alpha‐tubulin (α‐TUB) that in different developmental stages, tissues and insecticide treatments of M. separata were evaluated. To further explore whether these genes were suitable to serve as endogenous controls, three software‐based approaches (geNorm, BestKeeper, and NormFinder), the delta Ct method, and one web‐based comprehensive tool (RefFinder) were employed to analyze and rank the tested genes. The optimal number of reference genes was determined using the geNorm program, and the suitability of particular reference genes was empirically validated according to normalized HSP70, and MsepCYP321A10 gene expression data. We found that the most suitable reference genes for the different experimental conditions. For developmental stages, 28S/RPL7 were the optimal reference genes, both RPL7/EF1α were suitable for experiments of different tissues, whereas for insecticide treatments, 28S/α‐TUB were suitable for normalizations of expression data. In addition, 28S/α‐TUB were the suitable reference genes because they have the most stable expression among different developmental stages, tissues and insecticide treatments. Our work is the first report on reference gene selection in M. separata, and might serve as a precedent for future gene expression studies.
Time trends of incidence and mortality in colorectal cancer in Changning District, Shanghai, 1975–2013
Authors: Wu Hua , Zhou Peng , Zhang Wei , Jiang Yu , Liu Xiao Li , Zhang Lei , Xia Qing Hua , Xiang Yong Bing 
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the estimated patient's age, diagnostic duration and birth cohort effects in patients of Changning District, Shanghai.METHODSAge‐standardized rates (ASRs) of CRC over eight intervals of 5 years from 1975 to 2013 were determined. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine the changes in annual incidence and mortality trends. Age‐period‐cohort analysis was performed to investigate their effects on the incidence and mortality trends of CRC.RESULTSFor incidence, the ASRs of 14.14 per 100 000 and 11.81 per 100 000 during 1975–1979 increased to 32.11 per 100 000 and 26.25 per 100 000 in men and women during 2008–2013. For mortality, ASRs of 9.40 per 100 000 and 8.76 per 100 000 increased to 14.80 per 100 000 and 11.92 per 100 000 in men and women, respectively, from 1975–1979 to 2010–2013. Joinpoint regression analysis found an increasing incidence (average annual percentage change [AAPC] 2.18% for men and 1.65% for women) and mortality (AAPC 1.47% for men and 0.97% for women) of CRC throughout the entire period. The incidence and mortality trends of CRC were significantly affected by birth cohorts.CONCLUSIONSThe increasing incidence and mortality of CRC are largely affected by the effects of birth cohorts. The increased incidence of CRC may be attributed to changes in lifestyle and diet, while that in mortality trends may be resulted from increasing incidence, an aging population and changing lifestyles.
Evidence‐based pharmacotherapies used in the postdischarge phase are associated with improved one‐year survival in senior patients hospitalized with heart failure
Authors: Qin Xiwen , Hung Joseph , Knuiman Matthew , Teng Tiew‐Hwa K. , Briffa Tom , Sanfilippo Frank M. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryAimHospitalized heart failure (HF) patients have a poor prognosis postdischarge. We determined whether renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and β‐blockers dispensed to patients within 60 days post‐HF hospital discharge are associated with improved 1‐year survival.MethodsA retrospective population‐based study was conducted in 4897 seniors, aged 65‐84 years, alive at 60 days postindex HF hospitalization in Western Australia over 2003‐2008. Dispensing of RASI and β‐blocker dispensing was identified from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme claims database linked to hospital admission and death records.ResultsAt 1‐year posthospital discharge, the all‐cause mortality and all‐cause death or HF rehospitalization rate was 13.5% (n = 663) and 24.4% (n = 1193), respectively. Postdischarge RASI and β‐blocker were dispensed in 77.4% and 53.0% of patients, respectively. Their use was associated with a lower inverse probability treatment weighted (IPTW) HR for 1‐year mortality of 0.70, 95% CI 0.61‐0.81 and 0.79, 95% CI 0.68‐0.92, respectively (both P < 0.0001), with a survival advantage most evident in the subgroup (70.1%) of patients with ischemic HF. In the overall cohort, these therapies were also associated with reduced IPTW HRs for all‐cause death or HF rehospitalization (both P < 0.005) but not for HF rehospitalization exclusively. Use of a β‐blocker was associated with a reduced IPTW HR for HF rehospitalization in the ischemic HF subgroup only.ConclusionsIn a cohort of senior patients hospitalized with HF, dispensing of a RASI or β‐blocker within 60 days postdischarge is associated with a 1‐year survival benefit. Early postdischarge support programs after recent HF hospitalization should include measures to optimize adherence to evidence‐based medications.
Multislice computed tomography performance in differential diagnosis of high‐density thymic cyst and thymoma in lesions less than 3 cm
Authors: Zhonggao Jin , YiJiao Wu , Yongfeng Wang , Zhitao Pu , Jun Wang , Diansheng Li , Bibo Hu , Yinhua Jin , Jianjun Zheng 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate the performance of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to diagnose high‐density thymic cysts and thymomas in lesions measuring < 3 cm.MethodsThe records of 42 patients admitted to Ningbo No. 2 Hospital with an anterior mediastinal mass (diameter < 3 cm) suspected of carcinoma originating from the thymus were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent surgery and pathological examination. Twenty‐eight were diagnosed with thymic cysts and 14 with thymoma. The features of thymic cysts and thymomas revealed on MSCT were compared.ResultsMediastinal masses with a triangular or teardrop shape and a straight mediastina–lung border were more likely to be diagnosed as thymic cysts (P< 0.05), while those with a bulging nodule–lung border were more likely thymomas (P< 0.05). Using the CT value as a reference for differential diagnosis, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for CT values of non‐contrast CT images, enhanced CT values, and ΔCT values were 0.65 (0.47–0.84), 0.95(0.86–1.00), and 0.96 (0.89–1.00), respectively.ConclusionMSCT of high‐density thymus gland nodules (maximum diameter ≤ 3 cm) can reveal specific features that could be helpful for differential diagnosis.
Endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes during manual cuff pressure control manoeuvres: An in‐vitro assessment
Authors: Aeppli Norbert , Lindauer Bastian , Steurer Marc P. , Weiss Markus , Dullenkopf Alexander 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundEndotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs are designed to seal the lower airway for precise ventilation and to protect against ingress of pathogens from the pharyngeal space. Therefore, a minimal continuous cuff pressure must be maintained. Aim of this study was to analyse the course of cuff pressure in an in‐vitro model during manual cuff pressure control manoeuvres.MethodsAn artificial trachea was intubated with an appropriately sized ETT and cuff pressure set to 20 cm H2O. Thirty‐two experienced ICU nurses each performed six cuff pressure control manoeuvres (three times in two different ETTs) using a manual cuff pressure manometer. Course of cuff pressure from connecting the manometer to disconnecting it from the cuff pilot balloon was recorded using a pressure transducer.ResultsThere were 190 cuff pressure control manoeuvres suitable for analysis. In all control manoeuvres a cuff pressure below 20 cm H2O was noted. In 20.0% of the control manoeuvres the cuff pressure dropped below 10 cm H2O. Cuff pressure drops were mainly caused by initially connecting the manometer to the pilot balloon, less frequently by manipulating the pressure gauge of the manometer. Disconnecting the manometer after the control manoeuvre caused a cuff pressure drop in 78.1% of cases, contributing to a final cuff pressure below 20 cm H2O in 31.3% of control manoeuvres.ConclusionRoutine manual cuff pressure control manoeuvres in ETT cuffs result in considerable cuff pressure drops. This may have an impact on silent aspiration of pharyngeal contents passing along the cuff into the lower airway.
Adult Sox2+ stem cell exhaustion in mice results in cellular senescence and premature aging
Authors: Vilas Jéssica M. , Carneiro Carmen , Da Silva‐Álvarez Sabela , Ferreirós Alba , González Patricia , Gómez María , Ortega Sagrario , Serrano Manuel , García‐Caballero Tomás , González‐Barcia Miguel , Vidal Anxo , Collado Manuel 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAging is characterized by a gradual functional decline of tissues with age. Adult stem and progenitor cells are responsible for tissue maintenance, repair, and regeneration, but during aging, this population of cells is decreased or its activity is reduced, compromising tissue integrity and causing pathologies that increase vulnerability, and ultimately lead to death. The causes of stem cell exhaustion during aging are not clear, and whether a reduction in stem cell function is a cause or a consequence of aging remains unresolved. Here, we took advantage of a mouse model of induced adult Sox2+ stem cell depletion to address whether accelerated stem cell depletion can promote premature aging. After a short period of partial repetitive depletion of this adult stem cell population in mice, we observed increased kyphosis and hair graying, and reduced fat mass, all of them signs of premature aging. It is interesting that cellular senescence was identified in kidney after this partial repetitive Sox2+ cell depletion. To confirm these observations, we performed a prolonged protocol of partial repetitive depletion of Sox2+ cells, forcing regeneration from the remaining Sox2+ cells, thereby causing their exhaustion. Senescence specific staining and the analysis of the expression of genetic markers clearly corroborated that adult stem cell exhaustion can lead to cellular senescence induction and premature aging.
Knockdown of Mns1 Increases Susceptibility to Craniofacial Defects Following Gastrulation‐Stage Alcohol Exposure in Mice
Authors: Boschen Karen E. , Gong Henry , Murdaugh Laura B. , Parnell Scott E. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundMNS1 (meiosis‐specific nuclear structural protein 1) is necessary for motile cilia function, such as sperm flagella or those found in the embryonic primitive node. While little is known regarding the function or expression pattern of MNS1 in the embryo, co‐immunoprecipitation experiments in sperm have determined that MNS1 interacts with ciliary proteins, which are also important during development. Establishment of morphogenic gradients is dependent on normal ciliary motion in the primitive node beginning during gastrulation (gestational day [GD] 7 in the mouse, second–third week of pregnancy in humans), a critical window for face, eye, and brain development and particularly susceptible to perturbations of developmental signals. The current study investigates the role of Mns1 in craniofacial defects associated with gastrulation‐stage alcohol exposure.MethodsOn GD7, pregnant Mns1+/− dams were administered 2 doses of ethanol (5.8 g/kg total) or vehicle 4 hours apart to target gastrulation. On GD17, fetuses were examined for ocular defects by scoring each eye on a scale from 1 to 7 (1 = normal, 2 to 7 = defects escalating in severity). Craniofacial and brain abnormalities were also assessed.ResultsPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) significantly increased the rate of defects in wild‐type fetuses, as PAE fetuses had an incidence rate of 41.18% compared to a 10% incidence rate in controls. Furthermore, PAE interacted with genotype to significantly increase the defect rate and severity in Mns1+/− (64.29%) and Mns1−/− mice (92.31%). PAE Mns1−/− fetuses with severe eye defects also presented with craniofacial dysmorphologies characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome and midline tissue loss in the brain, palate, and nasal septum.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that a partial or complete knockdown of Mns1 interacts with PAE to increase the susceptibility to ocular defects and correlating craniofacial and brain anomalies, likely though interaction of alcohol with motile cilia function. These results further our understanding of genetic risk factors that may underlie susceptibility to teratogenic exposures.
A Unifying Hypothesis Linking Hepatic Adaptations for Ethanol Metabolism to the Proinflammatory and Profibrotic Events of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Zhong Zhi , Lemasters John J. 
Published: August 2018

The pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains poorly understood but is likely a multihit pathophysiological process. Here, we propose a hypothesis of how early mitochondrial adaptations for alcohol metabolism lead to ALD pathogenesis. Acutely, ethanol (EtOH) feeding causes a near doubling of hepatic EtOH metabolism and oxygen consumption within 2 to 3 hours. This swift increase in alcohol metabolism (SIAM) is an adaptive response to hasten metabolic elimination of both EtOH and its more toxic metabolite, acetaldehyde (AcAld). In association with SIAM, EtOH causes widespread hepatic mitochondrial depolarization (mtDepo), which stimulates oxygen consumption. In parallel, voltage‐dependent anion channels (VDAC) in the mitochondrial outer membrane close. Together, VDAC closure and respiratory stimulation promote selective and more rapid oxidation of EtOH first to AcAld in the cytosol and then to nontoxic acetate in mitochondria, since membrane‐permeant AcAld does not require VDAC to enter mitochondria. VDAC closure also inhibits mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and ATP release, promoting steatosis and a decrease in cytosolic ATP. After acute EtOH, these changes revert as EtOH is eliminated with little hepatocellular cytolethality. mtDepo also stimulates mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). After chronic high EtOH exposure, the capacity to process depolarized mitochondria by mitophagy becomes compromised, leading to intra‐ and extracellular release of damaged mitochondria, mitophagosomes, and/or autolysosomes containing mitochondrial damage–associated molecular pattern (mtDAMP) molecules. mtDAMPs cause inflammasome activation and promote inflammatory and profibrogenic responses, causing hepatitis and fibrosis. We propose that persistence of mitochondrial responses to EtOH metabolism becomes a tipping point, which links initial adaptive EtOH metabolism to maladaptive changes initiating onset and progression of ALD.
Genome‐wide association analyses of lesion counts in group‐housed pigs
Authors: Wurtz K. E. , Siegford J. M. , Ernst C. W. , Raney N. E. , Bates R. O. , Steibel J. P. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryAggression in group‐housed pigs is a welfare concern and can negatively affect production. Skin lesions are reliable indicators of aggression and are moderately heritable, suggesting that selective breeding may reduce aggression. To further understand the genetic control of behavioral traits, such as the aggressive response to regrouping, associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can be identified within the genome, and the region in which these SNPs are located can be related to known genes. To investigate SNPs associated with aggression, 1093 purebred Yorkshire pigs were strategically remixed into new groups of familiar and unfamiliar animals at three life stages and lesion counts were recorded. Genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) models were fitted for each trait. The genetic additive effect was obtained from a genetic relationship matrix constructed from the 50 924 SNPs. SNP effects and their variances were estimated from the GBLUP objects. SNPs that were associated with a significant portion of the trait variance were identified for lesions to the anterior (three SNPs, FDR <5%) and central (one SNP, FDR <5%) portions of the body in grow‐finish pigs. These SNPs were located on chromosome 11, suggesting that chromosome 11 contains a region explaining variation in lesion counts that should be further explored to identify genes underlying biological control of aggression.