bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Mediators of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Congenital Heart Disease Outcomes: A Population‐Based Study in California
Authors: Peyvandi Shabnam , Baer Rebecca J. , Moon‐Grady Anita J. , Oltman Scott P. , Chambers Christina D. , Norton Mary E. , Rajagopal Satish , Ryckman Kelli K. , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. , Steurer Martina A. 
Published: October 2018

Background
Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities exist in outcomes for children with congenital heart disease. We sought to determine the influence of race/ethnicity and mediating socioeconomic factors on 1‐year outcomes for live‐born infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and dextro‐Transposition of the great arteries.

Methods and Results

The authors performed a population‐based cohort study using the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database. Live‐born infants without chromosomal anomalies were included. The outcome was a composite measure of mortality or unexpected hospital readmissions within the first year of life defined as >3 (hypoplastic left heart syndrome) or >1 readmissions (dextro‐Transposition of the great arteries). Hispanic ethnicity was compared with non‐Hispanic white ethnicity. Mediation analyses determined the percent contribution to outcome for each mediator on the pathway between race/ethnicity and outcome. A total of 1796 patients comprised the cohort (n=964 [hypoplastic left heart syndrome], n=832 [dextro‐Transposition of the great arteries]) and 1315 were included in the analysis (n=477 non‐Hispanic white, n=838 Hispanic). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a poor outcome (crude odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–2.17). Higher maternal education (crude odds ratio 0.5; 95%
CI
, 0.38–0.65) and private insurance (crude odds ratio, 0.65; 95%
CI
, 0.45–0.71) were protective. In the mediation analysis, maternal education and insurance status explained 33.2% (95%
CI
, 7–66.4) and 27.6% (95%
CI
, 6.5–63.1) of the relationship between race/ethnicity and poor outcome, while infant characteristics played a minimal role.

Conclusions
Socioeconomic factors explain a significant portion of the association between Hispanic ethnicity and poor outcome in neonates with critical congenital heart disease. These findings identify vulnerable populations that would benefit from resources to lessen health disparities.
Constraints and Freedom: A Conversation with Georg Katzer
Authors: Supper Martin 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This interview sheds light both on a composer and on a hitherto overlooked field, the evolution of electroacoustic music in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR, commonly called East Germany). This latter focus is vital insofar as little of it, if anything at all, is included in established histories of electroacoustic music. These typically take Cologne, Paris, or New York, together with the associated institutions and composers, as starting points, with nary a word for the GDR or elsewhere.
The composer Georg Katzer was a key personality in this era. In this conversation he discusses the genesis of electroacoustic music in the GDR, the influences of studios from other countries, the development of the electronic musical instrument known as the Subharchord, establishing a studio (under conditions which, despite adversity, also gave rise to results of a distinctive charm), formal affiliations with international organizations, and much more.
Prospective but not retrospective tool selection in the Goffin’s cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana)
Authors: Beinhauer I. , Bugnyar T. , Auersperg A.M.I. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The ability to select the necessary means for a familiar task while the task itself or the respective tools are out of sight suggests a rudimentary form of planning. Here we investigated if and how a non-specialized tool using bird, the Goffin’s cockatoo, can prospectively or retrospectively select the functional tool in a decision-making task featuring two different types of apparatuses and their corresponding tools. Each apparatus could only be employed with one specific type of tool. Either the apparatus was presented and occluded prior to the presentation of the tools (prospective condition) or the tools were presented and occluded prior to the presentation of the apparatus (retrospective condition). Our results suggest the birds can prospectively but not retrospectively select the correct tool, paralleling previous research in tool using apes, and indicate at least simple forms of prospective selection in the tool use of a species distantly related to primates.
The First English Collector of Jewish Wedding Rings and their Dealers
Authors: Mann Vivian B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis essay discusses genuine medieval Jewish marriage rings, mostly dated to the fourteenth century, and then examines the rise in the collecting of Jewish marriage rings in the nineteenth century. As a result of the paucity of genuine medieval examples, forgers created rings that drew on characteristics of the early examples and on the decorative forms and techniques of other types of jewelry. Unscrupulous dealers then sold the forged marriage rings to collectors eager to complete their collections by including a Jewish example. The essay concludes with a consideration of possible motives for acquiring Jewish marriage rings.
Scribal Revision. A Post-Qumran Perspective on the Formation of Jeremiah
Authors: Ghormley Justus Theodore 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article describes the presence of three different degrees of scribal revision in Jeremiah: (1) multidimensional revision—the revision of multiple aspects of a text in a single moment by one scribe (such as relocating the Oracles Against the Nations and the addition of new headings); (2) single-dimensional revision—the revision of one aspect of a text (such as the addition of new headings by itself) again by one scribe in one moment; and, (3) incremental revision—the ongoing, piecemeal revision of one aspect of a text by an unknown number of scribes over a longer period of time. This article offers criteria for distinguishing these degrees of revision and applies the criteria to two categories of scribal expansion in Jeremiah: the insertion of names and titles and the addition of new headings. It concludes that these features took shape through a combination of all three degrees of revision.
Does the Yod of ‮נַפְשִׁי‬‎ in Ps 24:4 Represent a Minuscule Waw?
Authors: Marcus David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn BHS, Ps 24:4 has a reading of ‮נַפְשִׁי‬‎ “my soul” in a context that logically demands a reading of ‮נַפְשׁוֹ‬‎ “his soul.” In several manuscripts and in the Rabbinic Bible, there is a kəṯîḇ ‮נפשו‬‎ “his soul” and a qərê ‮נַפְשִׁי‬‎ “my soul.” However, some prominent Masoretic scholars, Elias Levita, Solomon Norzi and Solomon Frensdorff, have rejected this qərê reading by suggesting that the yod of ‮נַפְשִׁי‬‎ is the result of a scribal error, and that it represents a so-called minuscule waw. This article surveys the history of this debate, examines the nature of the minuscule letters, and shows that new evidence in a Genizah fragment and in the Masoretic appendices to the Leningrad Codex offers support for this dissenting opinion. As a result, the best reading in the context would probably be ‮נַפְשׁוֹ‬‎.
Understanding Anomalous Synoptic Eddy Vorticity Forcing in Pacific–North American Teleconnection Pattern Events
Authors: Song Jie 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Utilizing a decomposition of anomalous eddy vorticity forcing (EVF) proposed by Song in 2016 and a modified Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) dynamical core atmospheric model, this study provides a different understanding of physical mechanisms that are responsible for the formation of the anomalous synoptic EVF (SEVF) associated with Pacific–North American teleconnection pattern (PNA) events. A series of short-term control experiments (CEs) and initial-value modified experiments (IVMEs) is conducted. In each case of CEs, there are no obvious PNA-like circulation anomalies. IVMEs are exactly the same as CEs except that appropriate small perturbations are introduced into the initial-value fields of CEs. The modified initial-value fields led to a gradual development of the PNA-like flow anomalies in IVMEs. Based on these numerical results, deformations of the synoptic eddy due to the emergence of the PNA pattern can be easily acquired by subtracting the synoptic eddy in CEs from the synoptic eddy in IVMEs . The anomalous SEVF associated with the PNA events in the model can be decomposed into ensembles of two linear and interaction terms (EVF1 and EVF2) and a nonlinear self-interaction term (EVF3). It is demonstrated that the physical essence of the anomalous SEVF associated with the PNA events is a competition result between EVF1 plus EVF2 and EVF3. Results also indicate that the different signs of SEVF associated with the positive and negative PNA events are not necessarily related to the different tilts of the synoptic eddy.
Prevalence and predictors of electrocardiogram abnormalities among athletes
Authors: Abu Bakar Nurul Atiqah , Luqman Nazar , Shaaban Essam , Abdul Rahman Hanif 
Published: October 2018

Background Existing evidence, predominantly from Western countries, has demonstrated that athletes’ hearts undergo structural, physiological, and electrical changes, leading to abnormal electrocardiogram readings that are said to be training-related. Athletes with non-training-related electrocardiographic abnormalities risk developing sudden cardiac death. The lack of studies on this issue in the Asian population warrants further exploration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictive factors contributing to electrocardiogram abnormalities among athletes in Brunei. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 athletes (median age 25.2 years) in 10 sporting disciplines, whose electrocardiogram readings and essential information was obtained. Results The prevalence of an abnormal electrocardiogram was 52% (95% confidence interval: 42.0%–62.0%), comprising training-related changes in 49% (95% confidence interval: 39.0%–59.0%) and non-training-related changes in 3% (95% confidence interval: 0.4%–6.4%). Athletes with a higher body mass index were 3.3-times (95% confidence interval: 1.47–9.58) more likely to have abnormal electrocardiogram readings. Athletes <25-years old (odds ratio = 0.25, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.81) and those who trained with low dynamic intensity (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.93) were significantly less likely to have electrocardiogram abnormalities. Conclusions This is the first study reporting abnormal electrocardiograms among athletes in Brunei, which provides important information to relevant agencies involved in the preparation of Asian athletes for domestic or international competitions, particularly those with a higher body mass index and low dynamic training intensity.
Diversification in Korean Banking Business: Is Non-interest Income a Financial Saviour?
Authors: Baek Seungho , Lee Kwan Yong , Lee Jeong Wan , Mohanty Sunil 
Published: October 2018

This article examines whether the diversification of operating income in Korean banks has persistently enhanced the performance of Korean banks. The results show that, despite Korean banks’ efforts to diversify their operating income, these banks do not gain any benefit from the diversification. Thus, bank managers in Korea focus on interest income revenue. The results also show that the increase in non-interest income revenue keeps pace with the growth in expenses, which offsets the diversification effect on the performance of Korean banks. As a result, Korean banks discourage banking diversification and focus on non-interest income revenues. JEL Classification: G21
Quantified water intake in laboratory cats from still, free-falling and circulating water bowls, and its effects on selected urinary parameters
Authors: Robbins Michael T , Cline Martha G , Bartges Joseph W , Felty Erin , Saker Korinn E , Bastian Richard , Witzel Angela L 
Published: October 2018

Objectives The study objectives were to determine if the method of water presentation (still [S], circulating [C] or free-falling [FF] bowl systems) influences daily water consumption in cats in a controlled environment, and whether differences in water intake affect urine relative super saturation (RSS) for calcium oxalate and struvite, urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (Uosmol) and urine volume. Methods Sixteen healthy laboratory cats fed a dry diet were individually housed with urine collection systems. Each cat underwent a randomized 2 week crossover period with all bowl systems, allowing a 1 week acclimation period between each crossover. Water intake was measured daily by bowl weight, accounting for spillage and evaporation. USG and urine volume were measured daily, whereas other urinary parameters were measured at various time points throughout each 14 day crossover period. Results Fourteen cats completed the study. Average daily water intake (ml/kg/day), urine volume, USG and urine RSS for struvite and calcium oxalate were not significantly different between water bowls. Uosmol was significantly higher in C compared with S and FF bowl systems ( P = 0.009 for both). Three individual cats demonstrated a significant water bowl preference (Cat 4: C >S, P = 0.039; Cat 10: FF >C, P = 0.005; Cat 11: S >C, P = 0.037). Conclusions and relevance Overall, water bowl type had no appreciable effect on water intake. Uosmol was the only urinary parameter found to be significantly different, and was higher for the C bowl. The implication of this is unknown, considering water intake did not differ significantly between bowls. Alternative methods to increase water intake should be implemented beyond providing unique water bowls in patients where augmented water intake would be beneficial for disease management.
Age is a critical determinant in recovery from multiple sclerosis relapses
Authors: Conway Brittani L , Zeydan Burcu , Uygunoğlu Uğur , Novotna Martina , Siva Aksel , Pittock Sean J , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Rodriguez Moses , Kantarci Orhun H 
Published: October 2018

Objective: To evaluate the impact of age on recovery from multiple sclerosis relapses. Background: Increasing disability in multiple sclerosis is a consequence of progressive disease and incomplete relapse recovery. Methods: The first and last-ever relapse data (357 relapses in 193 patients) from the Olmsted County population-based multiple sclerosis cohort were systematically reviewed for age, fulminance, location (optic nerve, brainstem/cerebellar, spinal cord), peak deficit, and maximum recovery. Three different relapse-outcome measures were studied both as paired analyses and as an overall group effect: change from peak deficit to maximum recovery in raw functional system score related to the relapse (ΔFSS), a previously published FSS-based relapse-impact model, and change from peak deficit to maximum recovery in Extended Disability Status Scale (ΔEDSS) score. Results: Older age was linearly associated with worse recovery in the ΔFSS outcome ( p = 0.002), ΔEDSS outcome ( p < 0.001), and the FSS-based relapse-impact model ( p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis of ΔFSS outcome linked poor recovery to older age ( p = 0.015), relapse location (transverse myelitis or brainstem/cerebellar syndrome; p < 0.001), and relapse fulminance ( p = 0.004). Conclusion: Multiple sclerosis-relapse recovery declines in a linear fashion with increased age, which should be considered when making treatment decisions.
Intraoperative Error Propagation in 3-Dimensional Spinal Navigation From Nonsegmental Registration: A Prospective Cadaveric and Clinical Study
Authors: Guha Daipayan , Jakubovic Raphael , Gupta Shaurya , Fehlings Michael G. , Mainprize Todd G. , Yee Albert , Yang Victor X. D. 
Published: October 2018

Study Design: Prospective pre-clinical and clinical cohort study. Objectives: Current spinal navigation systems rely on a dynamic reference frame (DRF) for image-to-patient registration and tool tracking. Working distant to a DRF may generate inaccuracy. Here we quantitate predictors of navigation error as a function of distance from the registered vertebral level, and from intersegmental mobility due to surgical manipulation and patient respiration. Methods: Navigation errors from working distant to the registered level, and from surgical manipulation, were quantified in 4 human cadavers. The 3-dimensional (3D) position of a tracked tool tip at 0 to 5 levels from the DRF, and during targeting of pedicle screw tracts, was captured in real-time by an optical navigation system. Respiration-induced vertebral motion was quantified from 10 clinical cases of open posterior instrumentation. The 3D position of a custom spinous-process clamp was tracked over 12 respiratory cycles. Results: An increase in mean 3D navigation error of ≥2 mm was observed at ≥2 levels from the DRF in the cervical and lumbar spine. Mean ± SD displacement due to surgical manipulation was 1.55 ± 1.13 mm in 3D across all levels, ≥2 mm in 17.4%, 19.2%, and 38.5% of levels in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, respectively. Mean ± SD respiration-induced 3D motion was 1.96 ± 1.32 mm, greatest in the lower thoracic spine ( P < .001). Tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure correlated positively with increased vertebral displacement. Conclusions: Vertebral motion is unaccounted for during image-guided surgery when performed at levels distant from the DRF. Navigating instrumentation within 2 levels of the DRF likely minimizes the risk of navigation error.
Azacitidine with or without eltrombopag for first-line treatment of intermediate- or high-risk MDS with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dickinson Michael , Cherif Honar , Fenaux Pierre , Mittelman Moshe , Verma Amit , Portella Maria Socorro O. , Burgess Paul , Ramos Pedro Marques , Choi Jeea , Platzbecker Uwe 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Azacitidine treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) generally exacerbates thrombocytopenia during the first treatment cycles. A Study of Eltrombopag in Myelodysplastic Syndromes Receiving Azacitidine (SUPPORT), a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, investigated the platelet supportive effects of eltrombopag given concomitantly with azacitidine. International Prognostic Scoring System intermediate-1, intermediate-2, or high-risk MDS patients with baseline platelets &lt;75 × 109/L were randomized 1:1 to eltrombopag (start, 200 mg/d [East Asians, 100 mg/d], maximum, 300 mg/d [East Asians, 150 mg/d]) or placebo, plus azacitidine (75 mg/m2 subcutaneously once daily for 7 days every 28 days). The primary end point was the proportion of patients platelet transfusion-free during cycles 1 through 4 of azacitidine therapy. Based on planned interim analyses, an independent data monitoring committee recommended stopping the study prematurely because efficacy outcomes crossed the predefined futility threshold and for safety reasons. At termination, 28/179 (16%) eltrombopag and 55/177 (31%) placebo patients met the primary end point. Overall response (International Working Group criteria; complete, marrow, or partial response) occurred in 20% and 35% of eltrombopag and placebo patients, respectively, by investigator assessment. There was no difference in hematologic improvement in any cell lineage between the 2 arms. There was no improvement in overall or progression-free survival. Adverse events with ≥10% occurrence in the eltrombopag vs placebo arm were febrile neutropenia and diarrhea. Compared with azacitidine alone, eltrombopag plus azacitidine worsened platelet recovery, with lower response rates and a trend toward increased progression to acute myeloid leukemia. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02158936.
Sensing of red blood cells with decreased membrane deformability by the human spleen
Authors: Safeukui Innocent , Buffet Pierre A. , Deplaine Guillaume , Perrot Sylvie , Brousse Valentine , Sauvanet Alain , Aussilhou Beatrice , Dokmak Safi , Couvelard Anne , Cazals-Hatem Dominique , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Milon Geneviève , David Peter H. , Mohandas Narla 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe current paradigm in the pathogenesis of several hemolytic red blood cell disorders is that reduced cellular deformability is a key determinant of splenic sequestration of affected red cells. Three distinct features regulate cellular deformability: membrane deformability, surface area-to-volume ratio (cell sphericity), and cytoplasmic viscosity. By perfusing normal human spleens ex vivo, we had previously showed that red cells with increased sphericity are rapidly sequestered by the spleen. Here, we assessed the retention kinetics of red cells with decreased membrane deformability but without marked shape changes. A controlled decrease in membrane deformability (increased membrane rigidity) was induced by treating normal red cells with increasing concentrations of diamide. Following perfusion, diamide-treated red blood cells (RBCs) were rapidly retained in the spleen with a mean clearance half-time of 5.9 minutes (range, 4.0-13.0). Splenic clearance correlated positively with increased membrane rigidity (r = 0.93; P &lt; .0001). To determine to what extent this increased retention was related to mechanical blockade in the spleen, diamide-treated red cells were filtered through microsphere layers that mimic the mechanical sensing of red cells by the spleen. Diamide-treated red cells were retained in the microsphilters (median, 7.5%; range, 0%-38.6%), although to a lesser extent compared with the spleen (median, 44.1%; range, 7.3%-64.0%; P &lt; .0001). Taken together, these results have implications for understanding the sensitivity of the human spleen to sequester red cells with altered cellular deformability due to various cellular alterations and for explaining clinical heterogeneity of RBC membrane disorders.
Chronic blood exchange transfusions in the management of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension complicating sickle cell disease
Authors: Turpin Matthieu , Chantalat-Auger Christelle , Parent Florence , Driss Françoise , Lionnet François , Habibi Anoosha , Maître Bernard , Huertas Alice , Jaïs Xavier , Weatherald Jason , Montani David , Sitbon Olivier , Simonneau Gérald , Galactéros Fréderic , Humbert Marc , Bartolucci Pablo , Savale Laurent 
Published: October 2018

The long-term effects of chronic blood exchange transfusions (BETs) on pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension complicating sickle cell disease (SCD) are unknown.13 homozygous SS SCD patients suffering from pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension and treated by chronic BETs were evaluated retrospectively. Assessments included haemodynamics, New York Heart Association Functional Class (NYHA FC), 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and blood tests.Before initiating BETs, all patients were NYHA FC III or IV, median (range) 6MWD was 223 (0–501) m and median (range) pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 3.7 (2–12.5) Wood Units. After a median number of 4 BET sessions, all patients had improved to NYHA FC II or III. Significant improvements in haemodynamics were observed, including a decrease in PVR (p=0.01). There was a trend to higher 6MWD (p=0.09). Median (range) follow-up time after initiation of BETs was 25 (6–53) months. During this period, two patients decided to stop BETs. One of them died from acute right heart failure and the other experienced worsening pulmonary hypertension. Two other patients died during follow-up at 25 and 54 months after BET initiation.Chronic BETs may be a potential therapeutic option in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension complicating SCD, leading to significant clinical and haemodynamic improvements. These data must be confirmed in a prospective study.