bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Covariances Between Maternal Behavior and Embryonic Physiology Drive Sex-Ratio Evolution Under Environmental Sex Determination?
Authors: Janzen Fredric J , Delaney David M , Mitchell Timothy S , Warner Daniel A 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFisherian sex-ratio theory predicts sexual species should have a balanced primary sex ratio. However, organisms with environmental sex determination (ESD) are particularly vulnerable to experiencing skewed sex ratios when environmental conditions vary. Theoretical work has modeled sex-ratio dynamics for animals with ESD with regard to 2 traits predicted to be responsive to sex-ratio selection: 1) maternal oviposition behavior and 2) sensitivity of embryonic sex determination to environmental conditions, and much research has since focused on how these traits influence offspring sex ratios. However, relatively few studies have provided estimates of univariate quantitative genetic parameters for these 2 traits, and the existence of phenotypic or genetic covariances among these traits has not been assessed. Here, we leverage studies on 3 species of reptiles (2 turtle species and a lizard) with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) to assess phenotypic covariances between measures of maternal oviposition behavior and thermal sensitivity of the sex-determining pathway. These studies quantified maternal behaviors that relate to nest temperature and sex ratio of offspring incubated under controlled conditions. A positive covariance between these traits would enhance the efficiency of sex-ratio selection when primary sex ratio is unbalanced. However, we detected no such covariance between measures of these categories of traits in the 3 study species. These results suggest that maternal oviposition behavior and thermal sensitivity of sex determination in embryos might evolve independently. Such information is critical to understand how animals with TSD will respond to rapidly changing environments that induce sex-ratio selection.
Internal Conflicts and Shadow Economies
Authors: Peksen Dursun , Early Bryan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExisting scholarship on the political economy of political violence, to date, has mostly focused on how formal economies shape or are shaped by conflict and overlooked the informal sector. In this article, we posit that intrastate conflicts are likely to fuel the growth of shadow economies by harming the formal economic sector, undermining governments’ ability to regulate their economies, and fostering illicit trade. We also hypothesize that the effect of internal conflicts spreads across national boundaries, increasing the amount of shadow sector activity in neighboring states. Results from a global analysis spanning from 1971 to 2012 provide significant evidence that internal conflicts positively contribute to the growth of informal economies in conflict states and their neighbors. Additional analyses also show that the growth of shadow economies does not contribute to the outbreak of intrastate conflicts. Our findings have important implications for understanding the transformative economic consequences of violent conflicts and the longer-term economic legacies they might leave.
Role of nitric oxide in plant responses to heavy metal stress: exogenous application versus endogenous production
Authors: Terrón-Camero Laura C , Peláez-Vico M Ángeles , Del-Val Coral , Sandalio Luisa M , Romero-Puertas María C 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, mining, and agriculture, lead to an increase in heavy metal concentrations in soil, water, and air. Given their stability in the environment, heavy metals are difficult to eliminate and can constitute a human health risk by entering the food chain through uptake by crop plants. An excess of heavy metals is toxic for plants, which have various mechanisms to prevent their accumulation. However, once metals enter the plant, oxidative damage sometimes occurs, which can lead to plant death. Initial production of nitric oxide (NO), which may play a role in plant perception, signalling, and stress acclimation, has been shown to protect against heavy metals. Very little is known about NO-dependent mechanisms downstream from signalling pathways in plant responses to heavy metal stress. In this review, using bioinformatic techniques, we analyse studies of the involvement of NO in plant responses to heavy metal stress, its possible role as a cytoprotective molecule, and its relationship with reactive oxygen species. Some conclusions are drawn and future research perspectives are outlined to further elucidate the signalling mechanisms underlying the role of NO in plant responses to heavy metal stress.
‘Scraggy’ dark haloes around bulge-less spiral
Authors: Karachentsev I D , Karachentseva V E 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
We use a sample of 220 face-on bulge-less galaxies situated in the low-density environment to estimate their total mass via orbital motions of supposed rare satellites. Our inspection reveals 43 dwarf companions having the mean projected separation of 130 kpc and the mean-square velocity difference of 96 km s−1. For them, we obtain the mean orbital-mass-to-K-band luminosity ratio of 20 ± 3. Seven bulge-less spirals in the Local Volume are also characterized by the low mean ratio, Morb/LK = 22 ± 5. We conclude that bulge-less Sc–Scd–Sd galaxies have poor dark haloes, about two times lower than that of bulgy spiral galaxies of the same stellar mass.
Atmospheric mass-loss from high-velocity giant impacts
Authors: Yalinewich Almog , Schlichting Hilke 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
Using moving mesh hydrodynamic simulations, we determine the shock propagation and resulting ground velocities for a planet hit by a high-velocity impactor. We use our results to determine the atmospheric mass-loss caused by the resulting ground motion due to the impact shock wave. We find that there are two distinct shock propagation regimes. In the limit in which the impactor is significantly smaller than the target (Ri &lt;&lt; Rt), the solutions are self-similar and the shock velocity at a fixed point on the target scale as $m_{\rm i}^{2/3}$, where mi is the mass of the impactor. In addition, the ground velocities follow a universal profile given by vg/vi = (14.2x2 − 25.3x + 11.3)/(x2 − 2.5x + 1.9) + 2ln Ri/Rt, where x = sin (θ/2), θ is the latitude on the target measured from the impact site, and vg and vi are the ground velocity and impact velocity, respectively. In contrast, in the limit in which the impactor is comparable to the size of the target (Ri ∼ Rt), we find that shock velocities decline with the mass of the impactor significantly more weakly than $m_{\rm i}^{2/3}$. We use the resulting surface velocity profiles to calculate the atmospheric mass-loss for a large range of impactor masses and impact velocities and apply them to the Kepler-36 system and the Moon forming impact. Finally, we present and generalize our results in terms of the vg/vi and the impactor to target size ratio (Ri/Rt) such that they can easily be applied to other collision scenarios.
Stability and sub-cellular localization of DNA polymerase β is regulated by interactions with NQO1 and XRCC1 in response to oxidative stress
Authors: Fang Qingming , Andrews Joel , Sharma Nidhi , Wilk Anna , Clark Jennifer , Slyskova Jana , Koczor Christopher A , Lans Hannes , Prakash Aishwarya , Sobol Robert W 
Published: April 2019

AbstractProtein–protein interactions regulate many essential enzymatic processes in the cell. Somatic mutations outside of an enzyme active site can therefore impact cellular function by disruption of critical protein–protein interactions. In our investigation of the cellular impact of the T304I cancer mutation of DNA Polymerase β (Polβ), we find that mutation of this surface threonine residue impacts critical Polβ protein–protein interactions. We show that proteasome-mediated degradation of Polβ is regulated by both ubiquitin-dependent and ubiquitin-independent processes via unique protein–protein interactions. The ubiquitin-independent proteasome pathway regulates the stability of Polβ in the cytosol via interaction between Polβ and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in an NADH-dependent manner. Conversely, the interaction of Polβ with the scaffold protein X-ray repair cross complementing 1 (XRCC1) plays a role in the localization of Polβ to the nuclear compartment and regulates the stability of Polβ via a ubiquitin-dependent pathway. Further, we find that oxidative stress promotes the dissociation of the Polβ/NQO1 complex, enhancing the interaction of Polβ with XRCC1. Our results reveal that somatic mutations such as T304I in Polβ impact critical protein–protein interactions, altering the stability and sub-cellular localization of Polβ and providing mechanistic insight into how key protein–protein interactions regulate cellular responses to stress.
Principles and strategies for involving patients in research in chronic kidney disease: report from national workshops
Authors: Gutman Talia , Tong Allison , Howell Martin , Dansie Kathryn , Hawley Carmel M , Craig Jonathan C , Jesudason Shilpanjali , Chapman Jeremy R , Johnson David W , Murphy Lisa , Reidlinger Donna , Crowe Sally , Duncanson Emily , Muthuramalingam Shyamsundar , Scholes-Robertson Nicole , Williamson Amber , McDonald Stephen 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
There is widespread recognition that research will be more impactful if it arises from partnerships between patients and researchers, but evidence on best practice for achieving this remains limited.

Methods
We convened workshops in three Australian cities involving 105 patients/caregivers and 43 clinicians/researchers. In facilitated breakout groups, participants discussed principles and strategies for effective patient involvement in chronic kidney disease research. Transcripts were analysed thematically

Results
Five major themes emerged. ‘Respecting consumer expertise and commitment’ involved valuing unique and diverse experiential knowledge, clarifying expectations and responsibilities, equipping for meaningful involvement and keeping patients ‘in the loop’. ‘Attuning to individual context’ required a preference-based multipronged approach to engagement, reducing the burden of involvement and being sensitive to the patient journey. ‘Harnessing existing relationships and infrastructure’ meant partnering with trusted clinicians, increasing research exposure in clinical settings, mentoring patient to patient and extending reach through established networks. ‘Developing a coordinated approach’ enabled power in the collective and united voice, a systematic approach for equitable inclusion and streamlining access to opportunities and trustworthy information. ‘Fostering a patient-centred culture’ encompassed building a community, facilitating knowledge exchange and translation, empowering health ownership, providing an opportunity to give back and cultivating trust through transparency.

Conclusions
Partnering with patients in research requires respect and recognition of their unique, diverse and complementary experiential expertise. Establishing a supportive, respectful research culture, responding to their individual context, coordinating existing infrastructure and centralizing the flow of information may facilitate patient involvement as active partners in research.
Improved neuropsychological outcomes following proton therapy relative to X-ray therapy for pediatric brain tumor patients
Authors: Gross Jeffrey P , Powell Stephanie , Zelko Frank , Hartsell William , Goldman Stewart , Fangusaro Jason , Lulla Rishi R , Smiley Natasha Pillay , Chang John Han-Chih , Gondi Vinai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundSurvivors of pediatric brain tumors are at risk for impaired development in multiple neuropsychological domains. The purpose of this study was to compare neuropsychological outcomes of pediatric brain tumor patients who underwent X-ray radiotherapy (XRT) versus proton radiotherapy (PRT).MethodsPediatric patients who underwent either XRT or PRT and received posttreatment age-appropriate neuropsychological evaluation—including measures of intelligence (IQ), attention, memory, visuographic skills, academic skills, and parent-reported adaptive functioning—were identified. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess differences in neuropsychological outcomes and included tests for interaction between treatment cohort and follow-up time.ResultsBetween 1998 and 2017, 125 patients with tumors located in the supratentorial (17.6%), midline (28.8%), or posterior fossa (53.6%) compartments received radiation and had posttreatment neuropsychological evaluation. Median age at treatment was 7.4 years. The PRT patient cohort had higher estimated SES and shorter median time from radiotherapy completion to last neuropsychological evaluation (6.7 vs 2.6 y, P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, PRT was associated with higher full-scale IQ (β = 10.6, P = 0.048) and processing speed (β = 14.4, P = 0.007) relative to XRT, with trend toward higher verbal IQ (β = 9.9, P = 0.06) and general adaptive functioning (β = 11.4, P = 0.07). Planned sensitivity analyses truncating follow-up interval in the XRT cohort re-demonstrated higher verbal IQ (P = 0.01) and IQ (P = 0.04) following PRT, with trend toward improved processing speed (P = 0.09).ConclusionsPRT is associated with favorable outcomes for intelligence and processing speed. Combined with other strategies for treatment de-intensification, PRT may further reduce neuropsychological morbidity of brain tumor treatment.
Silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in deceased female South African miners
Authors: Ndlovu N , Richards G , Vorajee N , Murray J 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Implementation of South Africa’s 2002 Mining Charter increased women’s participation in underground mining. However, occupational lung diseases (OLDs) in female gold miners have not been studied.

Aims
To compare autopsy-diagnosed pulmonary silicosis, lymph gland silicosis (a precursor of pulmonary silicosis) and active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in South African gold miners.

Methods
The law allows for autopsies on miners for OLD compensation. Information is stored on the Pathology Automation (PATHAUT) database. We selected records of deceased miners who had worked only in gold mines, started employment from 2002, and were autopsied between 2005 and 2015. Using descriptive statistics, we compared demographic and employment characteristics, and disease proportions by sex.

Results
The study comprised 847 gold miners: 68 women and 779 men. There were no statistically significant differences in proportions of autopsy-diagnosed pulmonary silicosis [3 (4%) in women and 54 (7%) in men], lymph gland silicosis [11 (16%) and 171 (22%)] or PTB [29 (43%) and 254 (33%)]. Age and employment duration in women and men with disease were similar. Most miners with pulmonary silicosis had started employment from 2003 [315 (77%)] and worked for under 10 years.

Conclusion
It is important to report research findings by sex. Proportions of silicosis and PTB were comparable in women and men, suggesting similar exposures. Silicosis detection after short employment indicates inadequate dust control, particularly as most entered the industry after implementation of interventions to control silica dust in 2003.
Kidney and inferior vena cava abnormalities with leg thromboses (KILT) syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Rughani Prita , Yeung Frances , Halgren Camilla Raya , Cada Michaela , Schwartz Sarah 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is now increasingly recognized within paediatrics. A Canadian VTE registry has estimated the incidence as 0.7 to 1.0 per 100,000 population, with a peak in infancy and adolescence. Congenital inferior vena cava agenesis (IVCA) is an important risk factor that may be unfamiliar to paediatricians. Several case reports have since described an association between IVCA, VTE, and renal hypoplasia, which has been referred to as KILT syndrome (Kidney and IVC abnormalities with Leg Thromboses). We describe the first reported paediatric case of KILT syndrome in Canada. In any young patient presenting with a spontaneous DVT, particularly, if it is bilateral in nature with no co-existing risk factors for thrombus formation, we recommend investigating for the possibility of an underlying congenital vena cava anomaly. The use of prolonged anticoagulant therapy is supported by the inherent life-long risk of recurrent thrombosis associated with IVC anomalies.
Economic Impact of Adherence to Pain Treatment Guidelines in Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Margolis Jay M , Princic Nicole , Smith David M , Abraham Lucy , Cappelleri Joseph C , Shah Sonali N , Park Peter W 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis research compared health care resource use (HCRU) and costs for pharmacotherapy prescribing that was adherent vs nonadherent to published pain management guidelines. Conditions included osteoarthritis (OA) and gout (GT) for nociceptive/inflammatory pain, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) for neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia (FM) for sensory hypersensitivity pain.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used claims from MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Databases identifying adults newly diagnosed with OA, GT, pDPN, PHN, or FM during July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2013, with 12-month continuous coverage before and after initial (index) diagnosis. Patients were grouped according to their pharmacotherapy pattern as adherent, nonadherent, or “unsure” according to published pain management guidelines using a claims-based algorithm. Adherent and nonadherent populations were compared descriptively and using multivariate statistical analyses for controlling bias.ResultsFinal cohort sizes were 441,465 OA, 76,361 GT, 10,645 pDPN, 4,010 PHN, and 150,321 FM, with adherence to guidelines found in 51.1% of OA, 25% of GT, 59.5% of pDPN, 54.9% of PHN, and 33.5% of FM. Adherent cohorts had significantly (P < 0.05) fewer emergency department (ED) visits and lower proportions with hospitalizations or ED visits. Mean health care costs increased following diagnosis across all conditions; however, adherent cohorts had significantly lower increases in adjusted costs pre-index to postindex (OA $5,286 vs $9,532; GT $3,631 vs $7,873; pDPN $9,578 vs $16,337; PHN $2,975 vs $5,146; FM $2,911 vs $3,708; all P < 0.001; adherent vs nonadherent, respectively).ConclusionsAdherence to pain management guidelines was associated with significantly lower HCRU and costs compared with nonadherence to guidelines.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Chronic Pain Management in Joints: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aiyer Rohit , Noori Selaiman A , Chang Ke-Vin , Jung Boyoun , Rasheed Abdullah , Bansal Nitin , Ottestad Einar , Gulati Amitabh 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Treatments for joint pain and dysfunction focus on restoration of joint motion, improvement in pain and a return to the previous level of the patient's daily activity. Therapeutic ultrasound is a noninvasive modality widely utilized in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound in the management of patients with knee, shoulder and hip pain.

Methods
Using PRISMA guidelines, a search of the PubMed, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated therapeutic ultrasound (continuous and pulsed) in patients with chronic knee, shoulder and hip pain.

Results
The search strategy identified 8 trials for knee, 7 trials for shoulder and 0 trials for hip that met the criteria for inclusion. All 8 trials showed improvement in knee pain, and of these studies 3 showed statistical significance improvement for therapeutic ultrasound versus the comparator. For shoulder pain, all 7 trials showed reduction in pain, but should be noted that 4 of studies demonstrated that therapeutic ultrasound is inferior to the comparator modality,

Conclusion
Therapeutic ultrasound is frequently used in the treatment of knee, shoulder and hip pain and is often combined with other physiotherapeutic modalities. The literature on knee arthritis is most robust, with some evidence supporting therapeutic ultrasound, though the delivery method of ultrasound (pulsed vs continuous) is controversial. As a monotherapy, ultrasound treatment may not have a significant impact on functional improvement but can be a reasonable adjunct to consider with other common modalities. In all three pain syndromes, especially for hip pain, further trials are needed to define the true effect of low-intensity ultrasound therapy knee, shoulder and hip pain. No conclusive recommendations may be made for optimal settings or session duration.
Total knee arthroplasty outcomes in lupus: a study using the US National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Cleveland John D 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objective
To assess whether patients with lupus have more complications and/or health care utilization than patients without lupus after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods
We used diagnostic codes to identify lupus (710.0) in patients who underwent primary TKA (procedure code, 81.54) in the US National Inpatient Sample from 1998–2014. We performed separate logistic regression analyses to assess whether lupus was associated with each in-hospital post-primary TKA complication (implant infection, implant revision, transfusion, mortality) or health care utilization for the index hospitalization.

Results
Our study cohort consisted of 8 127 282 primary TKAs with a mean age of 66.4 years, 63% were female, 68% White, 97% with OA, and the Deyo-Charlson comorbidity score was zero in 51%; 30 912 TKAs were performed in people with lupus. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, lupus was independently associated with a significantly higher risk of transfusion, but no significant difference in implant infection, implant revision or mortality, with respective odds ratios [ORs] (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.34 (1.25, 1.42), 1.38 (0.73, 2.60), 1.35 (0.83, 2.19) and 0.83 (0.34, 2.03). Lupus was independently associated with a significantly higher risk of total hospital charges above the median, the length of hospital stay >3 days (median) and discharge to an inpatient facility, respective ORs (95% CI) were 1.42 (1.22, 1.66), 1.09 (1.04, 1.15) and 1.34 (1.27, 1.41).

Conclusion
Our finding of higher transfusion rate and health care utilization in lupus compared with non-lupus patients undergoing primary TKA informs surgeons, patients and policy makers regarding TKA outcomes in lupus, and can also guide appropriate resource allocation.
INTERCOMPARISON ON INTERNAL DOSE ASSESSMENT FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN KOREA
Authors: Kim Si Young 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The intercomparison test is a quality assurance activity performed for internal dose assessment. In Korea, the intercomparison test on internal dose assessment was carried out for nuclear facilities in May 2018. The test involved four nuclear facilities in Korea, and seven exposure scenarios were applied. These scenarios cover the intake of 131I, a uranium mixture, 60Co and tritium under various conditions. This paper only reviews the participant results of three scenarios pertinent to the operation of nuclear power plants and adopts the statistical evaluation method, used in international intercomparison tests, to determine the significance values of the results. Although no outliers were established in the test, improvements in the internal dose assessment procedure were derived. These included the selection of intake time, selection of lung absorption type according to the chemical form and consideration of the contribution of previous intake.