bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of White Matter Connectivity and BOLD Modulation to Cognitive Aging: A Lifespan Structure-Function Association Study
Authors: Webb Christina E , Rodrigue Karen M , Hoagey David A , Foster Chris M , Kennedy Kristen M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The ability to flexibly modulate brain activation to increasing cognitive challenge decreases with aging. This age-related decrease in dynamic range of function of regional gray matter may be, in part, due to age-related degradation of regional white matter tracts. Here, a lifespan sample of 171 healthy adults (aged 20–94) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning including diffusion-weighted imaging (for tractography) and functional imaging (a digit n-back task). We utilized structural equation modeling to test the hypothesis that age-related decrements in white matter microstructure are associated with altered blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) modulation, and both in turn, are associated with scanner-task accuracy and executive function performance. Specified structural equation model evidenced good fit, demonstrating that increased age negatively affects n-back task accuracy and executive function performance in part due to both degraded white matter tract microstructure and reduced task-difficulty-related BOLD modulation. We further demonstrated that poorer white matter microstructure integrity was associated with weakened BOLD modulation, particularly in regions showing positive modulation effects, as opposed to negative modulation effects. This structure-function association study provides further evidence that structural connectivity influences functional activation, and the two mechanisms in tandem are predictive of cognitive performance, both during the task, and for cognition measured outside the scanner environment.
Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence and Incidence in a Large Nationwide Sample of Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment in Germany: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Schulte Bernd , Schmidt Christiane Sybille , Strada Lisa , Rosenkranz Moritz , Schäfer Ingo , Verthein Uwe , Reimer Jens 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID). Accurate data on HCV prevalence and incidence rates among patients receiving opioid substitution treatment (OST) are needed to estimate the current and future burden of HCV infections in this high-risk population.

Methods
Baseline data from routine care were collected between October 2014 and June 2016 from randomly selected OST facilities in Germany. The primary outcome measure was the HCV status (antibody and RNA prevalence). Patients who were HCV antibody–negative at baseline were followed up after 12 months to calculate the HCV incidence rate.

Results
Sixty-three facilities from 14 German Federal States provided clinical data for a total of 2466 OST patients. HCV antibody and HCV RNA prevalence were 58.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.8%–60.8%) and 27.3% (95% CI, 25.5%–29.2%), respectively. At baseline, a total of 528 patients (21.4%) had previously undergone antiviral treatment. Moreover, lower HCV RNA prevalence was associated with female gender, employment, younger age, and shorter duration of OST and opioid dependence. The HCV incidence rate was 2.5 cases per 100 person-years.

Conclusions
The low HCV RNA prevalence and HCV incidence rates confirm that OST in Germany is an effective setting both for treating chronic HCV infections and for preventing new infections among PWID. Scaling up the provision of OST, HCV testing, and HCV treatment among OST patients are important public health strategies for reducing HCV infections in this high-risk population.
Targeting CD20+ B-lymphocytes in inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy with rituximab improves clinical course: a case series
Authors: Tschöpe Carsten , Van Linthout Sophie , Spillmann Frank , Posch Maximilian G , Reinke Petra , Volk Hans-Dieter , Elsanhoury Ahmed , Kühl Uwe 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
The aetiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is highly heterogeneous including genetic and/or acquired (infective, toxic, immune, endocrine, and nutritional) factors. The major part of acquired DCM in developed countries is caused by either viral or autoimmune myocarditis. It is believed that the activation of the T-lymphocyte cell system is the major pathomechanism underlying autoimmune myocarditis and inflammatory DCM (DCMi). However, in the hearts of a subset of patients, a significant number of CD20+ B-lymphocytes can be detected too. Limited information exists on the role of B-cell-dependent mechanisms in the progression of DCMi. Particularly CD20+ B-lymphocytes, which can be targeted by anti-CD20+ B-lymphocytes antibodies or inhibitors, might contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial damage beyond antibody production.

Case summary
Here, we present a case series of six patients with subacute and chronic endomyocardial biopsy-proven CD20+ B-lymphocyte-associated DCMi, where symptomatic heart failure therapy, with or without combined immunosuppressive therapy with steroid-based treatment regime, was insufficient to improve cardiac function. Five patients improved clinically several weeks after a standard infusion protocol with rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against the pan-B-cell surface molecule CD20.

Discussion
Our case series shows that CD20+ B-lymphocyte persistence can play a pathophysiologic role in a subset of DCMi patients and highlights the potential of targeting CD20+ B cells in patients with prominent CD20+ B-lymphocyte persistence.
White spruce wood quality for lumber products: priority traits and their enhancement through tree improvement
Authors: Hassegawa Mariana , Savard Mylène , Lenz Patrick R N , Duchateau Emmanuel , Gélinas Nancy , Bousquet Jean , Achim Alexis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhite spruce breeding has traditionally focused on genetic improvement for high productivity, targeting mostly stem volume. However, new challenges, such as the effects of climate change on individual trees and ecosystems and the changing nature of forest products markets, require action to address these issues while providing improved stock for seed and seedling production. This work aims to define the relative importance of white spruce wood traits for the lumber industry, with the intent of guiding tree breeding programs. This manuscript examines: (1) wood features that are important for lumber, (2) the genetics of wood traits and their improvement and (3) the level of acceptance of raw material with optimal traits, as obtained from a survey conducted with sawmills. Stem diameter at stump height, wood density, bending strength and stiffness were determined as the most important properties for sawmills. Decay proportion, knot diameter, slope of grain and the proportion of compression wood were also determined as important for sawmills, but to a lesser extent. Breeding efforts aiming to produce lumber should focus on stems with improved growth that are capable of sustaining the production of dense wood in greater proportion.
Implications of Canadian youth views for measuring youth mental health from a socio-economic perspective
Authors: Laliberte Shari , Varcoe Colleen 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Developing meaningful indicators to track youth mental health (MH) is important to support the development and evaluation of responsive mental health promotion (MHP) initiatives that address the socio-economic determinants of youth MH. Development of relevant indicators is challenged, however, by the lack of knowledge regarding the relations among socio-economic factors and youth MH. Thirty diverse young people from a Canadian metropolitan area were engaged within a process of social praxis to explore their experiences of the inter-relationship between their socio-economic environments and their MH and their processes of seeking to realize their MH. Participants emphasized ‘needs’ as foundational to MH, whereas ‘wants’, driven by materialistic and wealth-oriented values and social norms, constrained their MH. Their reflections on the inter-relations among their MH and socio-economic processes highlight eight inter-related MH needs within the Canadian socio-economic context. In this paper, we present these needs and show how these needs, young people’s affective states, and their access to resources within co-evolving socio-economic processes (to enable their needs) illustrate the fundamental inter-relation between young people’s MH and socio-economic processes. We identify implications for measuring youth MH within MHP practice, including the importance of iterative indicator frameworks that include measures of young people’s access to resources to enable their MH needs and their degree of distress.
Trigonal Deformations of Rank One and Jacobians
Authors: Beorchia Valentina , Pietro Pirola Gian , Zucconi Francesco 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We study the infinitesimal deformations of a trigonal curve that preserve the trigonal series and such that the associate infinitesimal variation of Hodge structure is of rank $1.$ We show that if $g\geq 8$ or $g=6,7$ and the curve is Maroni general, this locus is zero dimensional. Moreover, we complete the result [10, Theorem 1.6]. We show in fact that if $g\geq 6$, the hyperelliptic locus ${{\mathcal{M}}}^1_{g,2}$ is the only $2g-1$-dimensional sub-locus ${{\mathcal{Y}}}$ of the moduli space ${{\mathcal{M}}}_g$ of curves of genus $g$, such that for the general element $[C]\in{{\mathcal{Y}}}$, its Jacobian $J(C)$ is dominated by a hyperelliptic Jacobian of genus $g^{\prime}\geq g$.
Broad and systemic immune-modulating capacity of plant-derived dsRNA
Authors: Hajake Takara , Matsuno Keita , Kasumba Dacquin M , Oda Haruka , Kobayashi Moe , Miyata Nao , Shinji Madoka , Kogure Amane , Kasajima Nodoka , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Kato Hiroki , Fujita Takashi 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is well characterized as an inducer of anti-viral interferon responses. We previously reported that dsRNA extracted from a specific edible plant possesses an immune-modulating capacity to confer, in mice, resistance against respiratory viruses, including the H1N1 strain of the influenza A virus (IAV). We report here that the systemic immune-activating capacity of the plant-derived dsRNA protected mice from infection by a highly virulent H5N1 strain of the IAV. In addition, subcutaneous inoculation of the dsRNA together with the inactivated virion of the H5N1 strain of the IAV suppressed the lethality of the viral infection as compared with individual inoculation of either dsRNA or HA protein, suggesting its potential usage as a vaccination adjuvant. Moreover, intra-peritoneal inoculation of the dsRNA limited the growth of B16-F10 melanoma cells through the activation of NK cells in murine models. Taken together, this study demonstrated the systemic immune-modulating capacity of a plant-derived dsRNA and its potential for nucleic acid-based clinical applications.
Genetic Analysis of Invasive Conehead Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) Reveals a Single Origin for Two Populations in Florida
Authors: Thorne Barbara L , Vargo Edward L , Adams Eldridge S , Johnson Laura N L 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn 2001, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky), common name conehead termite, were discovered near a marina in Dania Beach, FL, where the invasive species was probably transported from its native range in Central and South America or the Caribbean. In January 2016, an infestation was found in Pompano Beach, Florida, approximately 21 km north of the Dania Beach population. This study compares variants in seven microsatellite loci across specimens from 11 nests in Dania Beach and 8 nests in Pompano Beach. Results are consistent with all N. corniger in both locations being descendants of a single introduced colony, spreading within Broward County, FL through human transport of infested materials. No more than four alleles were found at any of the seven microsatellite loci analyzed, inferring that a single Queen and King, or multiple sibling reproductives descended from a monogamous pair, headed the colony that arrived in Florida. The potential economic and environmental impacts of this invasive termite are enormous due to its broad diet, including agricultural crops and orchards, native and ornamental plants, natural landscapes, and structures. Conspicuous tunnels and aboveground nests are the key aspects of N. corniger biology that render colonies vulnerable to discovery and control. The now proven ability of N. corniger to establish breeding populations in the United States, to cause extensive property and landscape destruction, and to spread by human transport underscores the need for continued aggressive efforts toward eradication of known infestations as well as quick operational actions the next time invasive N. corniger are discovered.
The perfect surprise: a new analysis in dynamic epistemic logic
Authors: Vignero Leander , Demey Lorenz 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In this article, we present a new logical framework to think about surprise. This research does not just aim to better understand, model and predict human behaviour, but also attempts to provide tools for implementing artificial agents. Moreover, these artificial agents should then also be able to reap the same epistemic benefits from surprise as humans do. We start by discussing the dominant literature regarding propositional surprise and explore its shortcomings. These shortcomings are of both an empirical and a conceptual nature. Next, we propose a philosophical solution to the problems that ail these systems, based on the notion of issue of epistemic interest. Finally, we give a formal framework to think about surprise. More specifically, we develop a probabilistic dynamic epistemic logic (called $\mathcal{SURPRISE!}$) that succeeds at formalizing the relevant philosophical concepts. This will be done through an issue management system grounded in topology. As an added bonus, the additional expressive power allows us to capture a richer variety of scenarios, and it also enables a more careful analysis of said scenarios.
Parent Pain Cognitions and Treatment Adherence in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Brandelli Yvonne N , Chambers Christine T , Tutelman Perri R , Stinson Jennifer N , Huber Adam M , Wilson Jennifer P 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Objective
Given the high levels of pain and low rates of treatment adherence in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their families, this study sought to examine the relationship between parent pain cognitions (i.e., pain catastrophizing, fear of pain) and treatment adherence, and how barriers to treatment (e.g., forgetting treatments, children resisting injections) may be implicated in this relationship.

Methods
Parents of children under 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with JIA were recruited to complete an online survey. In total, 221 parents (93% mothers) of children aged 2–17 years (M = 11.10, SD = 4.25) took part, completing questions regarding their pain cognitions, perceived barriers to treatment, and their child’s arthritis treatment adherence ability.

Results
Hierarchical regressions demonstrated that both pain cognitions (i.e., pain catastrophizing and fear of pain) were related to a decrease in parent-reported treatment adherence, however, pain catastrophizing was no longer significant when fear of pain was added to the model. The presence of treatment barriers partially mediated the relationship between fear of pain and treatment adherence, above and beyond the alternate model proposed.

Conclusion
These results suggest that parent pain catastrophizing and fears of pain are related to a greater difficulty following treatment plans, possibly in part because of barriers parents experience that preclude adherence. Given these findings, the identification and management of parent pain cognitions is critical to improving treatment adherence and outcomes for children with JIA and their families.
“A Poor, Washed Out, Pale Creature”: Passing, Dracula, and the Jazz Age Vampire
Authors: Killebrew Zachary 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlthough critics have repeatedly referenced the stagey or cinematic elements that characterize Passing’s (1929) narrative structure and occasionally observed its gothic aesthetics, thus far no critic has attempted to contextualize Nella Larsen’s novel within the American stage and film culture of the early twentieth century or the concurrent revitalization of America’s interest in the Gothic in film and theater. Situated primarily in New York and helmed by many of the same individuals, the Harlem and Gothic Renaissances of the interwar years cooperated to reframe racial and aesthetic discourses, as Harlem art absorbed and reimagined gothic art, culture, and slang and imbued Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) and its successors with covert racial commentary. This essay studies Nella Larsen’s Passing within this context, paying special attention to the influence of American racial discourse on Horace Liveright’s 1927 stage version of Dracula and its mutually influential relationship with black theater, art, and discourse. Melding contemporary archetypes of the Jazz Age vamp and gothic vampire to construct its liminal heroine, Clare Kendry, as a gothic figure in the vamp/vampire paradigm, Passing repurposes gothic elements to challenge racial binaries and to destabilize the racist status quo. This study suggests the significant extent to which Harlem Renaissance authors not only adapted the Gothic within their own literature but also reinvented and redefined it in the popular discourses of the twentieth century.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a cystic fibrosis patient
Authors: Bellanger A P , Morisse-Pradier H , Reboux G , Scherer E , Pramil S , Dominique S , Millon L 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by repeated inhalation of antigenic substances. We present a case of metalworking fluids (MWFs)-HP sensitized to Pseudomonas oleovorans in a cystic fibrosis patient. This case illustrates that HP diagnosis remains challenging, especially in patients with another pulmonary disease, and that serodiagnosis contributes to identifying the precise microorganism involved. It also demonstrates that P. oleovorans is an important secondary aetiological agent in MWF-HP, less known than Mycobacterium immunogenum.
Radiological Signs of Latent Tuberculosis on Chest Radiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Uzorka Jonathan W , Wallinga Jacco , Kroft Lucia J M , Ottenhoff Tom H M , Arend Sandra M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Objective
Current guidelines recommend screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with a tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), or both. Many also recommend chest radiography (CXR), although its added value is uncertain. This systematic review assessed the prevalence of abnormalities suggestive of LTBI on CXR (LTBI-CXR lesions) and evaluated the strength of the association.

Method
We searched 4 databases up to September 2017 and systematically reviewed cross-sectional and cohort studies reporting LTBI-CXR lesions in individuals with a positive TST or IGRA, or both, result. Prevalence estimates were pooled using random effects models and odds ratios (ORs) were used to calculate risk estimates.

Results
In the 26 included studies, the pooled proportion of individuals with LTBI having LTBI-CXR lesions was 0.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.18]. In 16 studies that reported on individuals with LTBI and uninfected controls, LTBI-CXR lesions were associated with a positive TST result ≥ 5 mm or ≥ 10 mm (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.00–5.99; and OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.38–3.09, respectively) and with a positive QuantiFERON result (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.17–3.39) compared to CXR in uninfected controls. Although few studies reported specified lesions, calcified nodules were most frequently reported in individuals with LTBI (proportion, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02–0.11).

Conclusions
Lesions on CXR suggestive of previous infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis were significantly associated with positive tests for LTBI, although the sensitivity was only 15%. This finding may have added value when detection of past LTBI is important but immunodiagnostic tests may be unreliable.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Larkin Gail , Bellomo Tamara , Caze Lenel 
Published: July 2019

Abstract:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common congenital heart disease, is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in adolescents, young adults, and athletes. Older adults with HCM are less likely to experience sudden cardiac death, but their quality of life can be impaired. This article discusses diagnostic criteria, treatments, and nursing interventions, including patient teaching, for adults with HCM.
In Pursuit of Honors: A Multi-Institutional Study of Students’ Perceptions of Clerkship Evaluation and Grading
Authors: Bullock Justin L. , Lai Cindy J. , Lockspeiser Tai , O’Sullivan Patricia S. , Aronowitz Paul , Dellmore Deborah , Fung Cha-Chi , Knight Christopher , Hauer Karen E. 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
To examine medical students’ perceptions of the fairness and accuracy of core clerkship assessment, the clerkship learning environment, and contributors to students’ achievement.

Method
Fourth-year medical students at 6 institutions completed a survey in 2018 assessing perceptions of the fairness and accuracy of clerkship evaluation and grading, the learning environment including clerkship goal structures (mastery- or performance-oriented), racial/ethnic stereotype threat, and student performance (honors earned). Factor analysis of 5-point Likert items (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) provided scale scores of perceptions. Using multivariable regression, investigators examined predictors of honors earned. Qualitative content analysis of responses to an open-ended question yielded students’ recommendations to improve clerkship grading.

Results
Overall response rate was 71.1% (666/937). Students believed that being liked and particular supervisors most influenced final grades. Only 44.4% agreed that grading was fair. Students felt the clerkship learning environment promoted both mastery and performance avoidance behaviors (88.0% and 85.6%, respectively). Students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine were more likely to experience stereotype threat vulnerability (55.7% vs 10.9%, P < .0005). Honors earned was positively associated with perceived accuracy of grading and interest in competitive specialties while negatively associated with stereotype threat. Students recommended strategies to improve clerkship grading: eliminating honors, training evaluators, and rewarding improvement on clerkships.

Conclusions
Participants had concerns around the fairness and accuracy of clerkship evaluation and grading and potential bias. Students expressed a need to redefine the culture of assessment on core clerkships to create more favorable learning environments for all students.