bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of an Asbestos Job-Exposure Matrix (AsbJEM) in Australia: Exposure–Response Relationships for Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Kamiya Hiroyuki , Peters Susan , Sodhi-Berry Nita , Reid Alison , Gordon Len , de Klerk Nicholas , Brims Fraser , Musk Arthur W , Franklin Peter 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesAn asbestos job-exposure matrix (AsbJEM) has been developed to systematically and cost-effectively evaluate occupational exposures in population-based studies. The primary aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the AsbJEM in determining exposure–response relationships between asbestos exposure estimates and malignant mesothelioma (MM) incidence (indirect validation). The secondary aim was to investigate whether the assumptions used in the development of the original AsbJEM provided accurate asbestos exposure estimates.MethodsThe study population consisted of participants in an annual health surveillance program, who had at least 3-month occupational asbestos exposure. Calculated asbestos exposure indices included cumulative asbestos exposure and the average exposure intensity, estimated using the AsbJEM and duration of employment. Asbestos and MM exposure–response relationships were compared between the original AsbJEM and its variations based on manipulations of the intensity, duration and frequency of exposure. Twenty-four exposure estimates were calculated for both cumulative asbestos exposure and the average exposure intensity using three exposure intensities (50th, 75th and 90th percentile of the range of mode exposure), four peak durations (15, 30, 60 and 120 min) and two patterns of peak frequency (original and doubled). Cox proportional hazards models were used to describe the associations between MM incidence and each of the cumulative and average intensity estimates.ResultsData were collected from 1602 male participants. Of these, 40 developed MM during the study period. There were significant associations between MM incidence and both cumulative and average exposure intensity for all estimates. The strongest association, based on the regression-coefficient from the models, was found for the 50th percentile of mode exposure, 15-min peak duration and the doubled frequency of peak exposure. Using these assumptions, the hazard ratios for mesothelioma were 1 (reference), 1.91, 3.24 and 5.37 for the quartiles of cumulative asbestos exposure and 1 (reference), 1.84, 2.31 and 4.40 for the quartiles of the average exposure intensity, respectively.ConclusionThe well-known positive exposure–response relationship between MM incidence and both estimated cumulative asbestos exposure and average exposure intensity was confirmed. The strongest relationship was found when the frequency of peak exposure in the AsbJEM was doubled from the originally published estimates.
Deep learning of the back-splicing code for circular RNA formation
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Liangjiang 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Motivation
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous RNAs in animals and plants. During pre-RNA splicing, the 5′ and 3′ termini of exon(s) can be covalently ligated to form circRNAs through back-splicing (head-to-tail splicing). CircRNAs can be conserved across species, show tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression patterns, and may be associated with human disease. However, the mechanism of circRNA formation is still unclear although some sequence features have been shown to affect back-splicing.

Results
In this study, by applying the state-of-art machine learning techniques, we have developed the first deep learning model, DeepCirCode, to predict back-splicing for human circRNA formation. DeepCirCode utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN) with nucleotide sequence as the input, and shows superior performance over conventional machine learning algorithms such as support vector machine and random forest. Relevant features learnt by DeepCirCode are represented as sequence motifs, some of which match human known motifs involved in RNA splicing, transcription or translation. Analysis of these motifs shows that their distribution in RNA sequences can be important for back-splicing. Moreover, some of the human motifs appear to be conserved in mouse and fruit fly. The findings provide new insight into the back-splicing code for circRNA formation.

Availability and implementation
All the datasets and source code for model construction are available at https://github.com/BioDataLearning/DeepCirCode.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evolutionary history of New World ticks of the genus Dermacentor (Ixodida: Ixodidae), and the origin of D. variabilis
Authors: Lado Paula , Klompen Hans 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study integrates biogeographical and phylogenetic data to determine the evolutionary history of the New World Dermacentor, and the origin of D. variabilis. The phylogenetic reconstructions presented here strongly support the hypothesis of an Afrotropical origin for Dermacentor, with later dispersal to Eurasia and the Nearctic. Phylogenetic and biogeographical data suggest that the genus reached the New World through the Beringia land bridge, from south-east Asia. The monophyly of the genus is supported, and most of the New World Dermacentor species appear as monophyletic. Dermacentor occidentals constitutes the sister lineage of D. variabilis, and the latter is subdivided into two well-supported clades: an eastern and a western clade. The western clade is genetically more variable than the eastern.The genus Dermacentor probably originated in Africa, and dispersed to the Palearctic and then to the New World through the Beringian route. Dermacentor variabilis appears to have originated in western North America, and then dispersed to eastern North America, probably in a single migration event.
Introducing the First Black Bachelorette: Race, Diversity, and Courting Without Commitment
Authors: Monk-Payton Brandeise 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSince its premiere in 2002, The Bachelor (ABC) and its spinoffs have entertained television audiences with their depiction of individuals vying for love. However, the franchise has been critiqued for the lack of racial diversity in its contestant pool. This article examines the racialized and gendered logics of representation that frame the casting of the first black Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay. This article discusses the industrial conditions of possibility at the ABC network that led to Lindsay’s casting in 2017, which center on the cultivation of diversity in primetime programming. Yet the courting of a black female lead is done without a commitment to the specificities of targeting a black woman to be at the forefront of the competition to find love. This article details the construction of the African American female lead’s romantic journey and audience response at the intersections of race, gender, and the cultural politics of desire.
Isolated reoperation for tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery: technique evolution
Authors: Chen Jinmiao , Hu Kui , Ma Wenrui , Lv Minzhi , Shi Yu , Liu Ju , Wei Lai , Lin Yi , Hong Tao , Wang Chunsheng 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to compare the isolated replacement and repair of severe tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery (LSVS) and to report the evolution of this surgical technique.

METHODS
From January 2005 to August 2018, 118 patients underwent isolated tricuspid valve replacement (iTVR, n = 93) or repair (iTVr, n = 25) for severe tricuspid regurgitation after LSVS. The surgical protocol at our institution has significantly changed since 2015, implementing the right thoracotomy approach (95.5%) and peripheral cannulation strategy with the vacuum-assist single venous drainage technique (93.2%) with a concomitant enhancement in preoperative right heart function optimization. Patients were followed up for 32.5 ± 34.6 (1.6–158.7) months.

RESULTS
The operative mortality rate was 8.5% (8.6% in iTVR and 8.0% in iTVr, P = 0.924) with a significant decrease from 23.3% (2005–2014) to 3.4% (2015–2018) (P &lt; 0.001), which was associated with preoperative New York Heart Association functional class IV [odds ratio (OR) 14.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.68–80.90; P = 0.002] and anaemia (OR 6.60, 95% CI 1.03–42.22; P = 0.046). After adjusting the logistic regression model, the vacuum-assist single venous drainage technique was also associated with lower operative mortality and composite adverse outcomes. The overall 1- and 5-year survival rates were 91.5% (95% CI 84.8–95.3%) and 77.9% (95% CI 60.0–88.3%), respectively, and no difference was found between the iTVR and iTVr groups (P = 0.813).

CONCLUSIONS
Isolated tricuspid valve reoperation for severe tricuspid regurgitation after LSVS is historically a high-risk procedure, but satisfactory results are achievable with advanced surgical techniques and improved perioperative management. Bioprosthetic iTVR is a reliable alternative for severe tricuspid regurgitation after LSVS.
Gene-drive-mediated extinction is thwarted by population structure and evolution of sib mating
Authors: Bull James J , Remien Christopher H , Krone Stephen M 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesGenetic engineering combined with CRISPR technology has developed to the point that gene drives can, in theory, be engineered to cause extinction in countless species. Success of extinction programs now rests on the possibility of resistance evolution, which is largely unknown. Depending on the gene-drive technology, resistance may take many forms, from mutations in the nuclease target sequence (e.g. for CRISPR) to specific types of non-random population structures that limit the drive (that may block potentially any gene-drive technology).MethodologyWe develop mathematical models of various deviations from random mating to consider escapes from extinction-causing gene drives. A main emphasis here is sib mating in the face of recessive-lethal and Y-chromosome drives.ResultsSib mating easily evolves in response to both kinds of gene drives and maintains mean fitness above 0, with equilibrium fitness depending on the level of inbreeding depression. Environmental determination of sib mating (as might stem from population density crashes) can also maintain mean fitness above 0. A version of Maynard Smith’s haystack model shows that pre-existing population structure can enable drive-free subpopulations to be maintained against gene drives.Conclusions and implicationsTranslation of mean fitness into population size depends on ecological details, so understanding mean fitness evolution and dynamics is merely the first step in predicting extinction. Nonetheless, these results point to possible escapes from gene-drive-mediated extinctions that lie beyond the control of genome engineering.Lay summaryRecent gene drive technologies promise to suppress and even eradicate pests and disease vectors. Simple models of gene-drive evolution in structured populations show that extinction-causing gene drives can be thwarted both through the evolution of sib mating as well as from purely demographic processes that cluster drive-free individuals.
Acoustic radiation and reflection of a logging-while-drilling dipole source
Authors: Wei Zhoutuo , Tang Xiaoming , Cao Jingji 
Published: May 2019

SUMMARY
With the comparison to the resistivity ultra-deep measurement, the single-well reflection survey in acoustic logging-while-drilling (ALWD) measurement lags far behind, especially ALWD dipole measurement has long been thought to be little added value. In this paper, we extended the dipole shear-wave (S-wave) reflection survey technology in wireline logging into ALWD and demonstrated the theoretical feasibility of adopting a dipole source–receiver system to perform ALWD reflection survey. For this purpose, we investigated the radiation patterns of radiantSH, SV and P waves, the energy fluxes of guided and radiant waves and their acoustical radiation efficiencies from an LWD dipole acoustic source by comparisons with the wireline results. The analysis results reveal that a dominant excitation-frequency band does exist in ALWD dipole S-wave reflection. Consequently, the expected excitation frequency should be located in the band of the signal with high radiation efficiency, guaranteeing the best radiation performance. In fast formations, SH wave is the best candidate for ALWD reflection survey due to its highest radiation efficiency. In contrast, the dominant excitation-frequency band of SH wave gets wider in a slow formation. Besides, the SV- and P-wave radiation efficiencies are also remarkable, implying that both waves can also be used for ALWD reflection survey in slow formations. We expounded the SH-, SV- and P-reflection behaviours at three typical excitation frequencies by our 3-D finite difference. Simulations to single-well reflection validate the key role of dominant excitation-frequency band and demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of applying the technology to ALWD. Our results can guide the design and measurement methods of ALWD dipole S-wave reflection survey tool, which could have extensive application prospect for geo-steering.
Pressure injury to the chest wall caused by vascular graft and endograft after thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic repair
Authors: Mansour Wassim , Sirignano Pasqualino , Capoccia Laura , Speziale Francesco 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic repair remains a challenging issue in vascular surgery, and long-term complications are well described. We report 2 cases of octogenarians with unusual long-term complications after open and endovascular thoracic aortic repair of chest wall pressure injury from the vascular prosthesis. In the first case, a computed tomographic scan of an 80-year-old man showed a pressure injury of the chest wall and rib erosion caused by a Dacron graft. The second case was an 81-year-old woman who presented with external bleeding from the left posterior chest wall. A computed tomographic scan showed a type IA endoleak and chest wall damage with rib erosion and thoracic cutaneous fistulae from the endovascular graft. Both patients were treated by relining the endovascular graft; debriding the surgical fistula was done only in the second case. In our experience, endovascular repair is a good option to avoid a complete open surgical repair.
Open radial artery harvesting better preserves endothelial function compared to the endoscopic approach
Authors: Gaudino Mario F , Lorusso Roberto , Ohmes Lucas B , Narula Navneet , McIntire Patrick , Gargiulo Antonella , Bucci Maria Rosaria , Leonard Jeremy , Rahouma Mohamed , Di Franco Antonino , He Guo-Wei , Girardi Leonard N , Tranbaugh Robert F , Di Lorenzo Annarita 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Both the open and endovascular techniques are commonly used for harvesting the radial artery (ORAH and ERAH, respectively), and yet, very little is known about the effects of these 2 techniques on endothelial integrity and function of the radial artery (RA). The aim of this study was to assess the endothelial integrity and function of RA harvested using the 2 approaches.

METHODS
Two independent surgical teams working in the same institution routinely use the RA for coronary artery bypass grafting exclusively employing either ORAH or ERAH. Thirty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled in this comparative study. Endothelial function after ORAH or ERAH was assessed by using the wire myograph system. The integrity of the RA endothelium was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for erythroblast transformation specific-related gene.

RESULTS
The vasodilation in response to acetylcholine was significantly higher in RA harvested with ORAH (P ≤ 0.001 versus ERAH). Endothelial integrity was not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS
ORAH is associated with a significantly higher endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Further investigation on the potential implications of these findings in terms of graft spasm and patency as well as clinical outcomes are needed.
Evaluating Population Genomic Candidate Genes Underlying Flowering Time in Arabidopsis thaliana Using T-DNA Insertion Lines
Authors: Chong Veronica K , Stinchcombe John R 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Population genomic scans have emerged as a powerful tool to detect regions of the genome that are potential targets of selection. Despite the success of genomic scans in identifying novel lists of loci potentially underlying adaptation, few studies proceed to validate the function of these candidate genes. In this study, we used transfer-DNA (T-DNA) insertion lines to evaluate the effects of 27 candidate genes on flowering time in North American accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. We compared the flowering time of T-DNA insertion lines that knock out the function of a candidate gene obtained from population genomic studies to a wild type under long- and short-day conditions. We also did the same for a collection of randomly chosen genes that had not been identified as candidates. We validated the well-known effect of long-day conditions in accelerating flowering time and found that gene disruption caused by insertional mutagenesis tends to delay flowering. Surprisingly, we found that knockouts in random genes were just as likely to produce significant phenotypic effects as knockouts in candidate genes. T-DNA insertions at a handful of candidate genes that had previously been identified as outlier loci showed significant delays in flowering time under both long and short days, suggesting that they are promising candidates for future investigation.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Daubenspeck Danisa , Chaney Mark A. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
An estimated 92 million adults in the United States have cardiovascular disease, costing about $316 billion dollars in annual health care expenditures. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 16 million Americans greater than 20 years old have coronary artery disease (CAD), which results in a disruption of the oxygen supply-demand relationship in the myocardium and can have adverse effects on the function of the heart. Management of CAD involves both nonsurgical and surgical interventions, of which coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the main surgical option. The majority of CABG surgery is done with the assistance of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit (CPB), although in the last 30 years there has been a trend toward performing CABG without CPB, also known as off-pump CABG. Many cardiac surgical patients have other medical comorbidities that make significant contributions to their ability to recover. Management of the patient requiring CABG, both with and without CPB, poses several challenges for the cardiac anesthesiologist. These include planning for appropriate monitoring of hemodynamics and oxygenation, obtaining adequate intravascular access, and anticipating and reacting to changes in pathophysiology related to CPB.
Transfusion Dilemma/Coagulation TEG
Authors: Duce Lorent , Frantz Amanda 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The healthcare team is presented with a unique challenge when providing bloodless surgery to patients of the Jehovah’s Witness faith who refuse allogenic transfusions based on religious beliefs. The Jehovah’s Witness faith interprets New and Old Testament passages of the Bible, including Genesis 9:4, as God commanding against “eating blood,” thus preventing believers from receiving transfusions of blood products. When it comes to complex cardiac surgery, where blood loss and coagulopathy are common, the physician and patient must establish a plan for blood conservation and optimization of hemoglobin preoperatively. Knowledge of management options during the preoperative period as well as treatment options for blood loss is imperative to honor patient autonomy and avoid ethical dilemmas.
Fast-Track Recovery
Authors: Torres Arturo G. , McGough Edward 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Fast-track cardiac care (FTCC) encompasses the entire spectrum of perioperative care for the cardiothoracic surgical patient. From the preoperative assessment to postoperative care, the main goal is to expedite recovery while minimizing the inherent risks associated with cardiac surgery. The practice of prolonged mechanical ventilation due to high-dose narcotic anesthesia has evolved to early protocolized extubation pathways facilitated by multimodal anesthesia. The goal of the postoperative care phase is focused on reducing or completely bypassing the intensive care unit and ultimately decreasing hospital length of stay. Yet, here is where FTCC seems unable to achieve its goals due to multifactorial barriers. An integral part of successful FTCC is constant reevaluation of the patient through each of the perioperative phases (pre-, intra-, and postoperatively).
Magnetic fields and extraordinarily bright radio emission in the X-ray faint galaxy group MRC 0116 + 111
Authors: Mernier F , Werner N , Bagchi J , Simionescu A , Böhringer H , Allen S W , Jacob J 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTMRC 0116 + 111 is a nearby (z = 0.132) poor galaxy group, which was previously known for exhibiting a bright diffuse radio emission with no central point-like source, presumably related to a past activity of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) in its central cD galaxy. Here, we present an X-ray observation (∼30 ks of cleaned XMM–Newton/EPIC exposure) of this system, allowing us for the first time a detailed comparison between the thermal and non-thermal components of its intragroup medium (IGrM). Remarkably, we find that the radio-to-X-ray luminosity ratio is among the highest ever observed for a diffuse extragalactic source so far, while the extent of the observed radio emission is about three times larger than its observed soft X-ray emission. Although powerful AGN activity may have disturbed the dynamics of the thermal IGrM in the form of turbulence, possibly re-energizing part of the relativistic electron population, the gas properties lie within the LX–T scaling relation established previously for other groups. The upper limit we find for the non-thermal inverse-Compton X-ray emission translates into a surprisingly high lower limit for the volume-averaged magnetic field of the group (≥4.3 $\mu$G). Finally, we discuss some interesting properties of a distant (z ≃ 0.525) galaxy cluster serendipitously discovered in our EPIC field of view.