bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardization of nitric oxide inhalation in extremely preterm infants in Japan
Authors: Shiraishi Jun , Kusuda Satoshi , Cho Kazutoshi , Nakao Atsushi , Hiroma Takehiko , Sugiura Hiroshi , Suzuki Satoshi , Oshiro Makoto , Yoshimoto Seiji , Watabe Shinichi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn perinatal medicine, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been an important tool for the treatment of full‐term and late‐preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and hypoxemic respiratory failure (HRF). Its use in more premature infants, however, is controversial. To evaluate the current clinical practices regarding use of acute iNO in extremely preterm infants, a nationwide survey was conducted in Japan.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted from May to September, 2015. Questionnaires about PPHN and iNO treatment were sent to the doctor in charge of the neonatal care unit in 213 perinatal medical centers (PMC) that possessed iNO equipment in Japan.ResultsA total of 143 of the 213 PMC provided responses (67.1%). A diagnosis of PPHN was made exclusively on echocardiography in all PMC. On definitive PPHN diagnosis, iNO was selected in the majority of the PMC (72%) and started from ≤10 p.p.m. in most PMC (49.7%) for extremely preterm infants. During iNO therapy, cardiac function was checked on echocardiography by a neonatologist every ≤8 h. iNO weaning was started when differential peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) disappeared, or when SpO2 reached 100% and so on. After iNO concentration reached 5 p.p.m., it was decreased gradually and carefully in five steps, taking 12–24 h to go from 5 to 0 p.p.m.ConclusionsInhaled nitric oxide was predominantly used in extremely preterm infants as early rescue therapy for PPHN based on echocardiography performed by a neonatologist.
Logical Realism and the Metaphysics of Logic
Authors: McSweeney Michaela Markham 
Published: December 2018

Abstract‘Logical Realism’ is taken to mean many different things. I argue that if reality has a privileged structure, then a view I call metaphysical logical realism is true. The view says that, first, there is ‘One True Logic’; second, that the One True Logic is made true by the mind‐and‐language‐independent world; and third, that the mind‐and‐language‐independent world makes it the case that the One True Logic is better than any other logic at capturing the structure of reality. Along the way, I discuss a few alternatives, and clarify two distinct kinds of metaphysical logical realism.
Green Criminology and Environmental Crimes and Harms
Authors: Brisman Avi , South Nigel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe focus of criminology on crimes and harms committed by and against humans has broadened over time. Only since the 1990s, however, has the discipline recognized the significance of crimes and harms concerning the environment and nonhuman animals. A variety of approaches and bodies of work now contribute to what can be described as “green criminology.” This article summarizes research on types of environmental crime and harm, as well as different eco‐philosophical orientations and related justice‐based approaches. It concludes with an example illustrating the ways in which these approaches may overlap.
Learning opportunities: Understanding farmers’ soil testing practice through workshop activities to improve extension support for soil health management
Authors: Lobry de Bruyn Lisa A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the potential for extension providers to identify learning opportunities by intentionally surveying farmers attending soil testing workshops designed to improve soil health and its management. In south‐eastern Australia, regional government agencies have been running soil health workshops since 2014, yet they have rarely surveyed the participants to understand their previous experience or learning needs, and how that may inform their design. The workshop consisted of two sessions, separated by 6 weeks. Farmers at the first Session were told how to undertake soil measurements. At the second Session, they then discussed their soil test results. The workshop participants (n = 87) at four different localities in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales were surveyed (68% response rate) at each session. Firstly, to examine their prior knowledge and experience of soil testing, and secondly on how they applied what they had learnt, examine if the soil test results matched their expectations, and their influence in land management decisions. The survey revealed to regional government agencies that the majority of survey respondents (62%) would soil test again. Despite more than half of the respondents infrequently or never having their soil tested, prior to the workshop, 50% indicated that the test results were unexpected. The motivation for those farmers who would soil test again was the specific desire to identify their soil's potential for improved production. The survey provided a way of profiling the workshop audience and obtaining important feedback on how to improve the impact of the workshops for participants.
The Warrumbungle Post‐Fire Recovery Project—raising the profile of soils
Authors: Tulau Mitchell John , McInnes‐Clarke Sally K. , Yang Xihua , McAlpine Robin A. , Karunaratne Senani B. , Zhu Qinggaozi , Morand David T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe impacts of a wildfire and subsequent rainfall event in 2013 in the Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales, Australia were examined in a project designed to provide information on post‐fire recovery expectations and options to land managers. A coherent suite of sub‐projects was implemented, including soil mapping, and studies on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N), erosion rates, groundcover recovery and stream responses. It was found that the loss of SOC and N increased with fire severity, with the greatest losses from severely burnt sandstone ridges. Approximately 2.4 million t of SOC and ~74,000 t of N were lost from soil to a depth of 10 cm across the 56,290 ha affected. Soil loss from slopes during the subsequent rainfall event was modelled up to 25 t ha−1, compared to a long‐term mean annual soil loss of 1.06 t ha−1 year−1. Groundcover averages generally increased after the fire until spring 2015, by which time rates of soil loss returned to near pre‐fire levels. Streams were filled with sand to bank full levels after the fire and rainfall. Rainfall events in 2015–2016 shifted creek systems into a major erosive phase, with incision through the post‐fire sandy bedload deposits, an erosive phase likely related to loss of topsoils over much of the catchment. The effectiveness of the research was secured by a close engagement with park managers in issue identification and a communications programme. Management outcomes flowing from the research included installation of erosion control works, redesign of access and monitoring of key mass movement hazard areas.
Anthropogenically disturbed potentially toxic elements in roadside topsoils of a suburban region of Bishkek, Central Asia
Authors: Ma Long , Abuduwaili Jilili , Li Yaoming , Liu Wen 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe ecological environment in Central Asia is vulnerable to pressure from human activity due to the physical geography and climatic fragility of this region. A set of indicators suitable for the future assessment of this pressure needs to be proposed. Thirty‐six topsoil samples (0–5 cm) were collected from roadsides in a suburban region of Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia, and a risk assessment of anthropogenically disturbed potentially toxic elements (PTEs) was systematically conducted with classic statistical methods. The results of detrended correspondence analysis and principal component analysis clearly showed that topsoil samples with high contents of PTEs (Pb, Zn and Cu) were strongly affected by traffic within a distance threshold of 200 m and that anthropogenic effects decreased significantly with increasing distance from the highway. The enrichment factor and anthropogenic contribution for Pb were the highest among the three PTEs, with average values of 2.0% and 47.4%, respectively, suggesting enrichment. However, the results of the human health risk assessment also indicated that noncarcinogenic risks did not occur for any of the anthropogenic PTEs. The reported method provides a new systematic pathway to reveal anthropogenic influences on the geochemical composition of soil. The conclusions of this work will be highly valuable as important guidelines for agriculture, and the results of the PTE contents will provide a scientific basis for soil collection in future studies.
An updated gene atlas for maize reveals organ‐specific and stress‐induced genes
Authors: Hoopes Genevieve M. , Hamilton John P. , Wood Joshua C. , Esteban Eddi , Pasha Asher , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Provart Nicholas J. , Buell C. Robin 
Published: December 2018

SummaryMaize (Zea mays L.), a model species for genetic studies, is one of the two most important crop species worldwide. The genome sequence of the reference genotype, B73, representative of the stiff stalk heterotic group was recently updated (AGPv4) using long‐read sequencing and optical mapping technology. To facilitate the use of AGPv4 and to enable functional genomic studies and association of genotype with phenotype, we determined expression abundances for replicated mRNA‐sequencing datasets from 79 tissues and five abiotic/biotic stress treatments revealing 36 207 expressed genes. Characterization of the B73 transcriptome across six organs revealed 4154 organ‐specific and 7704 differentially expressed (DE) genes following stress treatment. Gene co‐expression network analyses revealed 12 modules associated with distinct biological processes containing 13 590 genes providing a resource for further association of gene function based on co‐expression patterns. Presence−absence variants (PAVs) previously identified using whole genome resequencing data from 61 additional inbred lines were enriched in organ‐specific and stress‐induced DE genes suggesting that PAVs may function in phenological variation and adaptation to environment. Relative to core genes conserved across the 62 profiled inbreds, PAVs have lower expression abundances which are correlated with their frequency of dispersion across inbreds and on average have significantly fewer co‐expression network connections suggesting that a subset of PAVs may be on an evolutionary path to pseudogenization. To facilitate use by the community, we developed the Maize Genomics Resource website (maize.plantbiology.msu.edu) for viewing and data‐mining these resources and deployed two new views on the maize electronic Fluorescent Pictograph Browser (bar.utoronto.ca/efp_maize).
The P‐class pentatricopeptide repeat protein PpPPR_21 is needed for accumulation of the psbI‐ycf12 dicistronic mRNA in Physcomitrella chloroplasts
Authors: Ebihara Tetsuo , Matsuda Takuya , Sugita Chieko , Ichinose Mizuho , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Shikanai Toshiharu , Sugita Mamoru 
Published: December 2018

SummaryChloroplast gene expression is controlled by numerous nuclear‐encoded RNA‐binding proteins. Among these, pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are known to be key players in post‐transcriptional regulation in chloroplasts. However, the functions of many PPR proteins remain unknown. In this study, we characterized the function of a chloroplast‐localized P‐class PPR protein PpPPR_21 in Physcomitrella patens. Knockout (KO) mutants of PpPPR_21 exhibited reduced protonemata growth and lower photosynthetic activity. Immunoblot analysis and blue‐native gel analysis showed a remarkable reduction of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center protein and poor formation of the PSII supercomplexes in the KO mutants. To assess whether PpPPR_21 is involved in chloroplast gene expression, chloroplast genome‐wide microarray analysis and Northern blot hybridization were performed. These analyses indicated that the psbI‐ycf12 transcript encoding the low molecular weight subunits of PSII did not accumulate in the KO mutants while other psb transcripts accumulated at similar levels in wild‐type and KO mutants. A complemented PpPPR_21KO moss transformed with the cognate full‐length PpPPR_21cDNA rescued the level of accumulation of psbI‐ycf12 transcript. RNA‐binding experiments showed that the recombinant PpPPR_21 bound efficiently to the 5′ untranslated and translated regions of psbImRNA. The present study suggests that PpPPR_21 may be essential for the accumulation of a stable psbI‐ycf12mRNA.
Measuring and improving the performance of customs valuation controls: An illustration with Gabon
Authors: Cariolle Joël , Chalendard Cyril , Geourjon Anne‐Marie , Laporte Bertrand 
Published: December 2018

AbstractModern customs administrations aim to both facilitate legal trade and combat fraud. To meet this dual objective, many customs administrations in developing countries must give risk management a highly prominent role. In this context of modernisation, this paper first provides stylised facts on the performance of the customs controls carried out at the Gabon border. Then, we compare Gabon′s granular import customs data with international trade statistics. Based on this comparison, we identify undetected fraud and present a methodology to target ex post audits. Finally, we define indicators to monitor the performance of customs valuation controls.
Assessing health-related quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer using EQ-5D-5L: a cross-sectional study in Heilongjiang of China
Authors: Huang Weidong , Yang Jinjin , Liu Yang , Liu Chaojie , Zhang Xin , Fu Wenqi , Shi Limei , Liu Guoxiang 
Published: December 2018

AimThis study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and its determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 300 newly diagnosed patients with CRC in China’s Heilongjiang province, measuring HRQoL using the EuroQol five-dimension five-level (EQ-5D-5L). Kruskal-Wallis analyses were performed to identify the independent variables associated with the EQ-5D-5L utility scores. Predictors of the utility scores were confirmed using a Tobit regression model.ResultsThe respondents had a mean EQ-5D-5L utility score of 0.617 (SD=0.371) and a median of 0.740 (range: −0.348 to 1.000). Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were major concerns of the respondents, with a prevalence of over 60% (all levels inclusive). The Kruskal-Wallis analyses found lower utility scores in those who were not married, worked as a farmer, enrolled with the new rural cooperative medical scheme and had lower household income (p<0.05). Those who were at a later stage of CRC, underwent surgical only therapy and had a stoma also had lower EQ-5D-5L scores than others (p<0.05). The Tobit regression model confirmed these predictors, except for occupation and marital status.ConclusionPatients with CRC have poor HRQoL, with pain/discomfort and depression/anxiety as the most frequently reported problems. The poor HRQoL is associated with the seriousness of the disease condition, as well as the low socioeconomic status of the patients.
Development and validation of a novel computer-aided score to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality for acutely ill medical admissions in two acute hospitals using their first electronically recorded blood test results and vital signs: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Scally Andrew J , Jackson Natalie , Richardson Donald , Beatson Kevin , Howes Robin , Speed Kevin , Menon Madhav , Daws Jeremey , Dyson Judith , Marsh Claire , Mohammed Mohammed A 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThere are no established mortality risk equations specifically for emergency medical patients who are admitted to a general hospital ward. Such risk equations may be useful in supporting the clinical decision-making process. We aim to develop and externally validate a computer-aided risk of mortality (CARM) score by combining the first electronically recorded vital signs and blood test results for emergency medical admissions.DesignLogistic regression model development and external validation study.SettingTwo acute hospitals (Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust Hospital (NH)—model development data; York Hospital (YH)—external validation data).ParticipantsAdult (aged ≥16 years) medical admissions discharged over a 24-month period with electronic National Early Warning Score(s) and blood test results recorded on admission.ResultsThe risk of in-hospital mortality following emergency medical admission was 5.7% (NH: 1766/30 996) and 6.5% (YH: 1703/26 247). The C-statistic for the CARM score in NH was 0.87 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.88) and was similar in an external hospital setting YH (0.86, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.87) and the calibration slope included 1 (0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00).ConclusionsWe have developed a novel, externally validated CARM score with good performance characteristics for estimating the risk of in-hospital mortality following an emergency medical admission using the patient’s first, electronically recorded, vital signs and blood test results. Since the CARM score places no additional data collection burden on clinicians and is readily automated, it may now be carefully introduced and evaluated in hospitals with sufficient informatics infrastructure.
High-sensitivity C reactive protein and risk of cardiovascular disease in China-CVD study
Authors: Dong Ying , Wang Xin , Zhang Linfeng , Chen Zuo , Zheng Congyi , Wang Jiali , Kang Yuting , Shao Lan , Tian Ye , Wang Zengwu 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged Chinese population.MethodsThe baseline was collected 2009–2010, and follow-up was conducted in 2016–2017. Data of hs-CRP were from baseline examination and re-examination in 2016–2017 using transmission turbidimetry with a measurement range of 0–42 000. The primary outcome was CVD including coronary heart disease events and stroke events.ResultsAmong 8688 participants free from CVD (at baseline, mean age, 50.1 years, 3897 were males), there were 189 CVD events, occurred during a median follow-up of 6.34 years (54 685 person-years at risk). From the Kaplan-Meier curve, we found that there was a progressive increase in CVD event rates by hs-CRP tertiles (log-rank test, p<0.001). Baseline hs-CRP was linearly associated with CVD (p for trend=0.015) even after adjusting for known CVD risk factors. Furthermore, the net reclassification improvement when hs-CRP was added to a model based on traditional factors was 7.85% for CVD (p=0.003). In addition, the correlation between change of hs-CRP and CVD was conducted in a subgroup (n=4778). However, we did not find the correlation between hs-CRP change and CVD (correlation coefficient: −0.003, p=0.846).ConclusionsIn the middle-aged Chinese population, hs-CRP was associated with increased risk of developing CVD. Although there was no correlation between hs-CRP change and CVD, the level of hs-CRP was higher at follow-up than baseline even among those with CVD. More attention should be given to those with higher level of hs-CRP for CVD prevention.
Preventing vessel perforations in endovascular thrombectomy: feasibility and safety of passing the clot with a microcatheter without microwire: the wireless microcatheter technique
Authors: Keulers Annika , Nikoubashman Omid , Mpotsaris Anastasios , Wilson Scott D , Wiesmann Martin 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundTo place a stent retriever for thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke, the clot has to be passed first. A microwire is usually used for this maneuver. As an alternative, a wireless microcatheter can be used to pass the clot.ObjectiveTo analyze the feasibility and complication rates of passing the clot using either a microwire or a wireless microcatheter.MethodsA retrospective non-randomized analysis of 110 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation was performed, in whom video recordings of mechanical thrombectomies were available. In total, 203 attempts at mechanical recanalization were performed.ResultsSuccessful recanalization (TICI 2b–3) was achieved in 97.3% of patients. In 71.8% of attempts the clot was successfully passed using a wireless microcatheter only. When a microwire was used initially, clot passage was successful in 95.3% of attempts. Complication rates for angiographically detectable subarachnoid hemorrhage were 6.1% when a microwire was used to pass the clot compared with 0% when a wireless microcatheter was used (p<0.001). Complication rates for angiographically occult circumscribed subarachnoid contrast extravasation observed on post-interventional CT scans were 18.2% when a microwire was used to pass the clot and 4.5% when a wireless microcatheter was used (p<0.001).ConclusionsIn most cases of mechanical recanalization the clot can be passed with a wireless microcatheter instead of a microwire. In our study this method significantly reduced the risk for vessel perforation and subarachnoid hemorrhage. We therefore recommend the use of this technique whenever possible.
First attempt recanalization with ADAPT: rate, predictors, and outcome
Authors: Anadani Mohammad , Alawieh Ali , Vargas Jan , Chatterjee Arindam Rano , Turk Aquilla , Spiotta Alejandro 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionThe rate of first-attempt recanalization (FAR) with the newer-generation thrombectomy devices, and more specifically with aspiration devices, is not well known. Moreover, the effect of FAR on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy is not properly understood.ObjectiveTo report the rate of FAR using a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT), investigate the association between FAR and outcomes, and identify the predictors of FAR.MethodsThe ADAPT database was used to identify a subgroup of patients in whom FAR was achieved. Baseline characteristics, procedural, and postprocedural variables were collected. Outcome measures included 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, mortality, and hemorrhagic complications. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify FAR predictors.ResultsA total of 524 patients was included of whom 178 (34.0%) achieved FAR. More patients in the FAR group than in the non-FAR group received IV tPA (46.6% vs 37.6%; p<0.05). For the functional outcome, higher proportions of patients in the FAR group achieved functional independence (mRS score 0–2; 53% vs 37%; p<0.05). Additionally, we observed lower mortality and hemorrhagic transformation rates in the FAR group than the non-FAR group. Independent predictors of FAR in the anterior circulation were pretreatment IV tPA, non-tandem occlusion, and use of larger reperfusion catheters (Penumbra, ACE 64–68). Independent predictors of FAR in the posterior circulation were diabetes, onset-to-groin time, and cardioembolic etiology.ConclusionFAR was associated with better functional outcome and lower mortality rate. When ADAPT is used, a larger aspiration catheter and pretreatment IV tPA should be employed when indicated.