bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Merger signatures in low excitation radio galaxies
Authors: Garofalo David 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
While no consensus governs our understanding of the origin of low-redshift radio galaxies, the possibility that mergers may trigger accretion from hot cluster halo gas has spurred a recent search for such signatures. Evidence for mergers is at best tenuous, however, and even when found, generates more questions than answers. With scant evidence for minor mergers, some connection to major mergers is found in isolated environments but not where one would expect, i.e. in clusters. We provide an explanation for these recent results by Gordon et al. on the relevance of major mergers in low excitation radio galaxies (LERGs) at low redshift. While LERGs are not the direct result of a merger, we describe how they form in clusters in only a few million years while that time-scale is an order of magnitude longer in field environments. As a result of these different time-scales, the average lifetime of a cluster LERG is estimated at an order of magnitude greater value than for field LERGs. Observing an LERG in the cluster environment, therefore, will tend to occur when greater time has passed since the major merger event that produced its high excitation radio galaxy ancestor, such that fewer signatures of that event remain visible. We provide simple estimates for the fraction of LERGs as a function of environment that are directly related to these time-scales, obtaining a probability of about 7 per cent that field LERGs will show merger signatures and 3 per cent for clusters, showing that theory and observation match if major merger signatures remain visible for a few hundred million years.
Sparse Bayesian mass mapping with uncertainties: peak statistics and feature locations
Authors: Price M A , McEwen J D , Cai X , Kitching (for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration) T D 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Weak lensing convergence maps – upon which higher order statistics can be calculated – can be recovered from observations of the shear field by solving the lensing inverse problem. For typical surveys this inverse problem is ill-posed (often seriously) leading to substantial uncertainty on the recovered convergence maps. In this paper we propose novel methods for quantifying the Bayesian uncertainty in the location of recovered features and the uncertainty in the cumulative peak statistic – the peak count as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We adopt the sparse hierarchical Bayesian mass-mapping framework developed in previous work, which provides robust reconstructions and principled statistical interpretation of reconstructed convergence maps without the need to assume or impose Gaussianity. We demonstrate our uncertainty quantification techniques on both Bolshoi N-body (cluster scale) and Buzzard V-1.6 (large-scale structure) N-body simulations. For the first time, this methodology allows one to recover approximate Bayesian upper and lower limits on the cumulative peak statistic at well-defined confidence levels.
The Relationship Between Tumor-Stroma Ratio, the Immune Microenvironment, and Survival in Patients With Spinal Chordoma
Authors: Zou Ming-Xiang , Zheng Bo-Wen , Liu Fu-Sheng , Wang Xiao-Bin , Hu Jia-Rui , Huang Wei , Dai Zhe-Hao , Zhang Qian-Shi , Liu Fu-Bing , Zhong Hua , Jiang Yi , She Xiao-Ling , Li Xiao-Bing , Lv Guo-Hua , Li Jing 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Currently, little is known about the clinical relevance of tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in chordoma and data discussing the relationship between TSR and immune status of chordoma are lacking.

OBJECTIVE
To characterize TSR distribution in spinal chordoma, and investigated its correlation with clinicopathologic or immunological features of patients and outcome.

METHODS
TSR was assessed visually on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections from 54 tumor specimens by 2 independent pathologists. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used to quantify the expression levels of microvessel density, Ki-67, Brachyury, and tumor as well as stromal PD-L1. Tumor immunity status including the Immunoscore and densities of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) subtypes were obtained from our published data and reanalyzed.

RESULTS
Bland-Altman plot showed no difference between mean TSR derived from the two observers. TSR was positively associated with stromal PD-L1 expression, the Immunoscore and CD3+ as well as CD4+ TILs density, but negatively correlated with tumor microvessel density, Ki-67 index, surrounding muscle invasion by tumor and number of Foxp3+ and PD-1+ TILs. Low TSR independently predicted poor local recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Moreover, patients with low TSR and low Immunoscore chordoma phenotype were associated with the worst survival. More importantly, combined TSR and Immunoscore accurately reflected prognosis and enhanced the ability of TSR or Immunoscore alone for outcome prediction.

CONCLUSION
These data reveal the significant impact of TSR on tumor progression and immunological response of patients. Subsequent use of agents targeting the stroma compartment may be an effective strategy to treat chordoma especially in combination with immune-based drugs.
Use of Intraoperative CO2 Laser for the Resection of a Ventral Intradural Extramedullary Cervical Spinal Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Osorio Joseph A , Liabres Guillermo Victorino T , Miller Catherine A , McDermott Michael W , Mummaneni Praveen V 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Ventral spinal tumors are surgically challenging because the tumor resection should minimize spinal cord and nerve root manipulation to minimize morbidity, while providing access to a complete tumor resection. The CO2 laser has been useful in resection of central nervous system tumors, but little is described about the method used to resect spinal tumors.
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This video demonstrates the removal of a ventral cervical spinal meningioma using the CO2 laser. A 62-yr-old man presented with progressive paresthesias, gait instability, and urinary frequency. A 1-cm intradural extramedullary mass at C5 showed severe spinal cord compression. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure. A posterior lateral approach is shown, with a bone removal corridor created at C5 for accessing the tumor ventrally. A right-sided facetectomy and pediculectomy at C5 were performed being flush with the posterior vertebral body. A dural opening positioned laterally provided a working corridor between C5 and C6 nerve rootlets. Lateral portions of tumor were excised in wedge-shaped slices starting laterally and working medially. These slices created a successive and enlarging space to safely allow piecemeal tumor dissection and removal, while limiting retraction upon the spinal cord. The CO2 laser was used to cauterize the tumor capsule, create wedge resections of tumor, and coagulate the final dural attachment. The pathology was a meningioma WHO Grade I. The patient did well, with resolution of parasthesias and ataxia. The CO2 laser technique allowed for limited spinal cord retraction throughout the tumor resection and gross total resection of the tumor was achieved.
Techniques and Tips for Freehand Placement of C7 Pedicle Screws With Respect to Cervicothoracic Constructs: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Clifton William , Edwards Steve , Louie Christopher , Dove Conrad , Damon Aaron , Nottmeier Eric , Pichelmann Mark 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
We present a surgical video highlighting the technical pearls for C7 pedicle screw placement with respect to cervicothoracic constructs. Pedicle screw placement into C7 has been shown to enhance the biomechanical stability of both cervical and cervicothoracic constructs and is safe for patient related outcomes.
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Rod placement across the cervicothoracic junction is known to be difficult because of the variable starting point of the C7 pedicle screw, which may cause misalignment of the polyaxial heads with respect to the C7 and C6 screw heads. Using our step-wise method of anatomic screw placement, this potential pitfall is minimized. The T1 pedicle screw is placed first. The C6 lateral mass screw starting point is displaced slightly superiorly from the midpoint of the lateral mass in order to make room for the polyaxial head of the C7 pedicle screw. A small laminotomy is performed in order to find the medial border of the C7 pedicle. Palpation of the medial border allows for an approximation of the pedicle limits. The cranial-caudal angle of drilling is perpendicular to the C7 superior facet, and the medial-lateral trajectory typically falls between 15 and 20 degrees medial. Once the pedicle is cannulated, a ball-tipped probe is used to confirm intraosseous position. A rod is cut and contoured to the appropriate length of the construct. The C7 pedicle screw should capture the rod easily with slight displacement of the polyaxial head. Postinstrumentation anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy are performed to confirm good position of the lateral mass and pedicle screws.
Patient consent was not required for this cadaveric surgical video.
Polypoid Atypical Spitz Tumor With a Fibrosclerotic Stroma, CLIP2-BRAF Fusion, and Homozygous Loss of 9p21
Authors: Donati Michele , Kastnerova Liubov , Ptakova Nikola , Michal Michal , Kazakov Dmitry V. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract:
We report a case of a polypoid atypical Spitz tumor with a prominent fibrosclerotic stromal component, harboring a CLIP2-BRAF fusion, which has hitherto been not reported in melanocytic lesions. The neoplasm occurred in a 78-year-old male patient and appeared microscopically as a predominantly dermal, barely symmetrical, polypoid lesion composed mainly of epithelioid cells showing moderate degree of nuclear pleomorphism with ample amphophilic cytoplasm arranged in nests, fascicles, or single units. The mitotic rate was 2/mm2, and the mitoses were confined to the upper portion of the lesion. The Breslow thickness was 2.3 mm. The stroma contained conspicuous plumped fibroblasts and thickened collagen bundles associated with dilated medium-sized vessels. Focally, sclerotic areas were found. A moderately dense, lymphocyte-predominant inflammatory infiltrate scattered through the whole lesion was seen. Despite strong nuclear and cytoplasmic positivity of p16, FISH revealed homozygous loss in locus 9p21. A CLIP2-BRAF fusion was found by next-generation sequencing. No other genetic alterations including a TERT-promoter mutation was found. The patient is disease-free without recurrence or evidence of metastatic disease after 5 years and 2 months of follow-up.
Retention Rates Among Patients Undergoing Multimodal Facial Rejuvenation Treatment Versus a Single Monotherapy in Cosmetic Dermatology Practices
Authors: Gregory Allison , Humphrey Shannon , Chunharas Chatchadaporn , Ogilvie Patricia , Fabi Sabrina G. 
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND
Facial aging is a multifactorial process. Accordingly, expert opinion has largely been unanimous in that multimodal treatment targeting various aspects of the aging face provides superior results. However, there is a lack of studies exploring patient response.

OBJECTIVE
To compare patient retention between triple multimodal facial rejuvenation treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy) and monotherapy (neuromodulator alone).

METHODS
A retrospective, multicenter (the United States, Canada, and Germany) study was performed. Cases were retrieved from July 2015 to June 2016. The study compared patients who had undergone monotherapy (neuromodulator), combined multimodal treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy on the same day), and sequential multimodal treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy over a 1-year period). Retention rates were calculated.

RESULTS
A total of 509 patients were included: monotherapy (300), sequential multimodal treatment (93), and combined multimodal treatment (116). Patient retention was significantly higher in the combined multimodal treatment group compared with the monotherapy and sequential multimodal treatment groups (p < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed similar trends at all sites.

CONCLUSION
Based on retention rates, patients are more likely to return to the clinic when multiple treatment modalities are used during 1 encounter. These data further solidify the importance of multimodal therapy for both the provider and the patient.
Crumbs2 mediates ventricular layer remodelling to form the adult spinal cord central canal
Authors: Tait Christine , Chinnaiya Kavitha , Murtaza Mariyam , Ashton John-Paul , Furley Nicholas , Hill Chris J. , Henrique Alves C , Wijnholds Jan , Erdmann Kai S. , Das Raman M. , Rashbass Penny , Storey Kate G. , Placzek Marysia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn the spinal cord, the adult central canal forms through a poorly-understood process termed dorsal collapse that involves attrition and remodelling of the pseudostratified dorsal ventricular layer. Here we show, in mouse, that dorsal ventricular layer cells adjacent to midline Nestin(+) radial glia downregulate the apical polarity proteins Crumbs2 (CRB2) and aPKC and delaminate in a step-wise manner; concomitantly, Nestin(+) radial glial end-feet ratchet down, to repeat this process. Nestin(+) radial glia secrete a factor that promotes cell delamination. This activity is mimicked by a secreted variant of CRB2 (CRB2S), which is specifically expressed by dorsal midline Nestin(+) radial glia. In cultured cells, CRB2S associated with apical membranes and decreased cell cohesion. Analysis of Crb2F/F/Nestin-Cre+/− mice further confirmed an essential role for CRB2 in dorsal collapse. We propose a model in which CRB2S promotes the progressive attrition of the ventricular layer without loss of overall integrity. This novel mechanism may operate more widely to promote orderly progenitor delamination.
Tagging enhances histochemical and biochemical detection of Ran Binding Protein 9 in vivo and reveals its interaction with Nucleolin
Authors: Soliman Shimaa , Stark Aaron E. , Gardner Miranda , Harshman Sean W. , Breece Chelssie C. , Amari Foued , Orlacchio Arturo , Chen Min , Tessari Anna , Martin Jennifer A. , Visone Rosa , Freitas Michael A. , La Perle Krista M.D. , Palmieri Dario , Coppola Vincenzo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe lack of tools to reliably detect RanBP9 in vivo has significantly hampered progress in understanding the biological functions of this scaffold protein. We report here the generation of a novel mouse strain, RanBP9-TT, in which the endogenous protein is fused with a double (V5-HA) epitope tag at the C-terminus. We show that the double tag does not interfere with the essential functions of RanBP9. In contrast to RanBP9 constitutive knock-out animals, RanBP9-TT mice are viable, fertile and do not show any obvious phenotype. The V5-HA tag allows unequivocal detection of RanBP9 both by IHC and WB. Importantly, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses reveal that the tagged protein pulls down known interactors of wild type RanBP9. Thanks to the increased detection power, we are also unveiling a novel interaction with Nucleolin, a prominent nucleolar protein.In summary, we report the generation of a new mouse line in which RanBP9 expression and interactions can be reliably studied by the use of commercially available αtag antibodies. The use of this line will help to overcome some of the existing limitations in the study of RanBP9 and potentially reveal novel functions of this protein in vivo such as those linked to Nucleolin.
Board interlocks and capital structure dynamics: evidence from China
Authors: Li Danmeng , Jiang Qiuju , Mai Yong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUsing a sample of Chinese A‐share listed companies from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2007 to 2016, this paper investigates the effects of director network centrality on the speed of capital structure adjustment. The results indicate that firms in the central position of the director network have a higher speed of capital structure adjustment and a lower extent of deviation from the target capital structure. This effect is mainly significant for non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs). Collectively, the evidence shows the network of interlocked directors creating mechanisms for information and resource exchanges, which enhance the efficiency of corporate financing polices.
Glutaminolysis‐related genes determine sensitivity to xCT‐targeted therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Okazaki Shogo , Umene Kiyoko , Yamasaki Juntaro , Suina Kentaro , Otsuki Yuji , Yoshikawa Momoko , Minami Yushi , Masuko Takashi , Kawaguchi Sho , Nakayama Hideki , Banno Kouji , Aoki Daisuke , Saya Hideyuki , Nagano Osamu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTargeting the function of membrane transporters in cancer stemlike cells is a potential new therapeutic approach. Cystine‐glutamate antiporter xCT expressed in CD44 variant (CD44v)‐expressing cancer cells contributes to the resistance to oxidative stress as well as cancer therapy through promoting glutathione (GSH)‐mediated antioxidant defense. Amino acid transport by xCT might, thus, be a promising target for cancer treatment, whereas the determination factors for cancer cell sensitivity to xCT‐targeted therapy remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that high expression of xCT and glutamine transporter ASCT2 is correlated with undifferentiated status and diminished along with cell differentiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The cytotoxicity of the xCT inhibitor sulfasalazine relies on ASCT2‐dependent glutamine uptake and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD)‐mediated α‐ketoglutarate (α‐KG) production. Metabolome analysis revealed that sulfasalazine treatment triggers the increase of glutamate‐derived tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate α‐KG, in addition to the decrease of cysteine and GSH content. Furthermore, ablation of GLUD markedly reduced the sulfasalazine cytotoxicity in CD44v‐expressing stemlike HNSCC cells. Thus, xCT inhibition by sulfasalazine leads to the impairment of GSH synthesis and enhancement of mitochondrial metabolism, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, thereby, triggers oxidative damage. Our findings establish a rationale for the use of glutamine metabolism (glutaminolysis)‐related genes, including ASCT2 and GLUD, as biomarkers to predict the efficacy of xCT‐targeted therapy for heterogeneous HNSCC tumors.
Association of urinary sodium/potassium ratio with structural and functional vascular changes in non‐diabetic hypertensive patients
Authors: Cunha Michelle R. , Cunha Ana R. , Marques Bianca C. A. A. , Mattos Samanta S. , D’El-Rei Jenifer , França Natalia M. , Oigman Wille , Neves Mario F. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractStudies aiming to associate the sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio with hypertension use 24‐hour urinary excretion as a daily marker of ingestion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between urinary Na/K ratio and structural and functional vascular alterations in non‐diabetic hypertensive patients. In hypertensive patients (n = 72), aged between 40 and 70 years, both sexes (61% women), in use of hydrochlorothiazide, we measured blood pressure, 24‐hour urine sample collection, assessment of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV, Complior), central hemodynamic parameters (SphygmoCor), and post‐occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). The participants were divided according to the tertile of 24‐hour urinary Na/K ratio. Each group contained 24 patients. Systolic blood pressure was higher in T2 (133 ± 9 vs 140 ± 9 mmHg, P = .029). C‐reactive protein (CRP) presented higher values in T3 as compared to T1 [0.20(0.10‐0.34) vs 1.19 (0.96‐1.42) mg/dL, P < .001]. Higher values in T3 were also observed for aortic systolic pressure (aoSP) [119(114‐130) vs 135(125‐147) mmHg, P = .002] and cf‐PWV (9.2 ± 1.6 vs 11.1 ± 1.5 m/s, P < .001). The urinary Na/K ratio presented significant correlations with proteinuria (r = .27, P = .023), CRP (r = .77, P < .001), cf‐PWV (r = .41, P < .001), and post‐occlusive reactive hyperemia on cutaneous vascular conductance (PORH CVC) (r = −.23, P = .047). By multivariate linear regression, it was detected an independent and significant association of cf‐PWV with urinary Na/K ratio (R2 = 0.17, P < .001) and PORH CVC with CRP (R2 = 0.30, P = .010). Our data indicated that increased urinary Na/K ratio in non‐diabetic hypertensive patients was associated with higher degree of inflammation, raised peripheral and central pressure levels, and changes suggestive of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness.
Diagnostic potential of simplified methods for measuring glomerular filtration rate to detect chronic kidney disease in dogs
Authors: Pocar Paola , Scarpa Paola , Berrini Anna , Cagnardi Petra , Rizzi Rita , Borromeo Vitaliano 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the most sensitive indicator of initial renal function decline during chronic kidney disease (CKD), but conventional protocols for measuring GFR are labor‐intensive and stressful for the dog.ObjectivesTo assess the diagnostic potential for detecting CKD with simplified GFR protocols based on iohexol plasma clearance.AnimalsSeventeen CKD‐positive and 23 CKD‐negative dogs of different breeds and sex.MethodsProspective nonrandomized study. Plasma iohexol was measured 5, 15, 60, 90, and 180 minutes after injection. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated using 5 samples (GFR5) or simplified protocols based on 1, 2, or 3 samples. The GFR5 and simplified GFR were compared by Bland‐Altmann and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) analysis, and diagnostic accuracy for CKD by receiver operating characteristic curves. A gray zone for each protocol was bounded by the fourth quartile of the CKD‐positive population (lower cutoff) and the first quartile of the CKD‐negative population (upper cutoff).ResultsAll simplified protocols gave reliable GFR measurements, comparable to reference GFR5 (CCC >0.92). Simplified protocols which included the 180‐minutes sampling granted the best GFR measure (CCC: 0.98), with strong diagnostic potential for CKD (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ± SE: 0.98 ± 0.01). A double cutoff including a zone of CKD uncertainty guaranteed reliable diagnosis outside the gray area and identified borderline dogs inside it.ConclusionsThe simplified GFR protocols offer an accurate, hands‐on tool for CKD diagnosis in dogs. The gray zone might help decision‐making in the management of early kidney dysfunction.