bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Mean Gray Value (MGV) as a Guide to Tension-Reducing Strategies in Body Contouring Surgery Reduces Wound-Related Morbidity
Authors: Chabot A Bert , Puyana Salomon , Lindsey John T 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Currently there are no known structural parameters of the integument that can be measured noninvasively which are used in the planning of body contouring surgery.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to see if mean gray value (MGV), when taken into account preoperatively, can reduce wound-related morbidity.

Methods
This project was a prospective cohort study. Ultrasound imaging of the subcutaneous tissue was performed prospectively on patients undergoing body contouring surgery to quantify the superficial fascial system so that average MGV could be calculated over the proposed surgical sites. Patients with average to poor MGV (≤0.127) were identified preoperatively for tension-reducing procedures. Wound complication rates were compared with rates in a retrospective cohort which did not undergo preoperative imaging.

Results
There were 115 patients in each of the 2 cohorts. There were 3 exclusions due to loss of ultrasound images, leaving 112 patients available for analysis in the prospective cohort. The cohorts were similar except for a higher incidence of patients with diabetes in the retrospective group (1 vs 9, P = 0.026). The wound complication rate was significantly reduced in the prospective group (5/112, 4.4%) when compared with the retrospective group (20/115, 17%, P = 0.0062). The revision and infection rates were also significantly reduced in the prospective group (1/112, 0.9%; 3/112, 2.6%) when compared with the retrospective group (8/115, 7%, P = 0.019; 10/115 8.6%, P = 0.051).

Conclusions
MGV is a unique, patient- and area-specific structural parameter of the integument, and its measurement may be useful in reducing wound-related morbidity in body contouring surgery.

Level of Evidence: 4
Elevated expression of TAM receptor tyrosine kinase in synovial fluid and synovial tissue of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zheng Li , Xu Liling , Hu Fanlei , Xue Jimeng , Bai Mingxin , Yao Ranran , Zhu Huaqun , Zhong Hua , Su Yin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
To investigate the expression and roles of TAM (Tyro3/Axl/Mer) receptor tyrosine kinases (TK) in synovial fluid and synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The expression of TAM TKs in the synovial fluid and synovial tissues of RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients was measured by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The relationships between soluble TAM TKs (sTAM TKs) levels and the clinical features, laboratory parameters and disease activity were analyzed in RA. The concentrations of sTAM TK in the synovial fluids of RA patients were increased in comparison to those of OA patients. Compared with OA patients, the expression of membrane Tyro3 TK (mTyro3 TK) and mMer TK in RA patient synovial tissue were significantly increased, which may partly explain the possible mechanism of elevated levels of sTAM TK in RA patient synovial fluid. sAxl TK levels were decreased in RA patients under sulfasalazine treatment and elevated in patients under Iguratimod treatment. Furthermore, sTyro3 TK levels were positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and negatively correlated with white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and hemoglobin (HB) in RA patients. The levels of sMer TK were positively associated with disease duration and rheumatoid factor (RF) and negatively correlated with HB, complement 3 (C3), and C4. Taken together, TAM TKs might be involved in RA synovial tissue inflammation.
Differential roles of nucleus reuniens and perirhinal cortex in Pavlovian trace fear conditioning in rats
Authors: Jhuang Yi-Ci , Chang Chun-hui 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe nucleus reuniens (RE) and the perirhinal cortex (PRC) are two major relay stations that interconnect the hippocampus (HPC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Previous studies have shown that both the RE and the PRC are involved in the acquisition of trace fear conditioning. However, the respective contribution of the two regions is unclear. In this study, we used pharmacological approach to compare their roles. Our data suggested that inactivation of the RE or the PRC during conditioning partially impaired, whereas inactivation of both areas totally abolished, the encoding of trace fear. We next examined whether the impaired encoding of trace fear under RE inactivation can be rescued with enhanced cholinergic tone in the PRC, and vice versa. Against our hypothesis, regardless of whether the RE was on-line or not, animals failed to encode trace fear when further engaging cholinergic activities in the PRC. Conversely, depending on PRC activation level during conditioning, further recruiting cholinergic activities in the RE led to a down-shift of fear response during retrieval. Our results revealed that the RE and the PRC were necessary for the encoding of trace fear. Moreover, there was differential importance of cholinergic modulation during the process.
Monetary policy autonomy and foreign reserves accumulation in Brazil: a compensation view
Authors: Gerioni Enzo Matono , Rolim Lilian Nogueira , Omizzolo Julia Alencar , Schiozer Nikolas Alexander van de Bilt 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
During the 2000s, Brazil accumulated a substantial amount of foreign reserves through foreign exchange market interventions undertaken by its Central Bank. Mainstream economics considers such interventions a restriction to monetary policy autonomy. This article analyses the relationship between monetary policy autonomy and exchange rate regimes theoretically and empirically for the Brazilian economy. We argue that the compensation principle, as a direct derivation of the endogenous money approach, is an alternative to both the trilemma and dilemma views in the mainstream perspective. Then, we provide empirical evidence in favour of the compensation principle in the Brazilian economy by verifying the exogeneity of the interest rate and estimating a vector error-correction model (VECM) that indicates that the foreign reserves do not have a long-term effect on the monetary base, while they present a significant and large effect on the repos account. In line with the compensation view, we conclude that in the 2000s, Brazil had more monetary policy autonomy than conventional approaches would have suggested.
Trapezoidal Sketch: A Sketch Structure for Frequency Estimation of Data Streams
Authors: Li Ning , Yuan Xin , Ortega Jose-Fernan Martinez , Diaz Vicente Hernandez 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The sketch is one of the typical and widely used data structures for estimating the frequencies of items in data streams. However, since the counter sizes in traditional rectangular sketch (r-sketch) are the same, it is hard to achieve small space usage, high capacity (i.e. the maximum frequency can be recorded) and high estimated accuracy simultaneously. Moreover, when considering the high skewness of data streams, this problem will become even worse. Consequently, we propose the trapezoidal sketch (t-sketch) in this paper. In the t-sketch, different from the r-sketch, the counter sizes in different layers are different. Therefore, the low space usage and high capacity can be achieved simultaneously in the t-sketch. Moreover, based on the basic t-sketch, we propose the space-saving t-sketch and the capacity-improvement t-sketch and analyze the properties of these two t-sketches. Finally, for improving the estimation accuracy of the t-sketch further, we propose the probabilistic-based estimation error-reducing algorithm. Compared with the CM sketch, CU sketch, C sketch and A sketch, the simulation results show that the performances on space usage, capacity and estimation accuracy are improved successfully by the space-saving t-sketch and the capacity-improvement t-sketch.
Data fusion reconstruction of spatially embedded complex networks
Authors: Sun Jie , Quevedo Fernando J , Bollt Erik M 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe introduce a kernel Lasso (kLasso) approach which is a type of sparse optimization that simultaneously accounts for spatial regularity and structural sparsity to reconstruct spatially embedded complex networks from time-series data about nodal states. Through the design of a spatial kernel function motivated by real-world network features, the proposed kLasso approach exploits spatial embedding distances to penalize overabundance of spatially long-distance connections. Examples of both random geometric graphs and real-world transportation networks show that the proposed method improves significantly upon existing network reconstruction techniques that mainly concern sparsity but not spatial regularity. Our results highlight the promise of data and information fusion in the reconstruction of complex networks, by utilizing both microscopic node-level dynamics (e.g. time series data) and macroscopic network-level information (metadata or other prior information).
Uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery for lung resections
Authors: Gonzalez-Rivas Diego , Bosinceanu Mugurel , Motas Natalia , Manolache Veronica 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Pure uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (U-RATS) is the robotic thoracic surgery performed through a single intercostal incision, without rib spreading, using the robotic camera, robotic dissecting instruments and robotic staplers. Compared to multiport, U-RATS simplifies the management of possible intraoperative bleeding, mainly due to rapid undocking and the necessary uniportal experience of the surgeon. U-RATS offers a possible uniportal robotic surgical management of lung resections, with comfort for surgeons and quick and smooth recovery for patients.
Using systems thinking to assess the functioning of an “Age-Friendly City” governance network in Australia
Authors: Ma Tracey , de Leeuw Evelyne , Proust Katrina , Newell Barry , Clapham Kathleen , Kobel Conrad , Ivers Rebecca 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Age-Friendly Cities (AFC) is a framework for promoting healthy ageing through local actions. We use systems thinking to assess potential outcomes of actions to support older people’s mobility, undertaken within an AFC commitment in Greater Sydney. Interviews with 20 informants involved in providing space, infrastructure, or services that affect how older people get around were analysed using causal loop diagrams (CLDs). Four approaches to support older people’s mobility were identified and situated to the Multiple Governance Framework: land use, open and public space, supplementary transport, and community transport. Analysis revealed potential for unwanted consequences associated with each, which can be generalised into three generic potential outcomes for other jurisdictions to consider. A recommendation from this research is for policy actors to examine feedback interactions between actions so that they can foresee a wider range of outcomes and take defensive action against those unwanted. By situating CLDs within the Multiple Governance Framework, this research not only identifies what to look for, in terms of potential outcomes, but also where to look, in terms of the level of decision-making. This research offers a new way to assess the functioning of AFC governance networks by their collective outcomes and challenges the standards for the evaluation of AFC.
Understanding common dolphin and Australasian gannet feeding associations from nutritional and ethological perspectives
Authors: Stockin Karen A , Amiot Christophe , Meynier Laureline , Purvin Cameron , Machovsky-Capuska Gabriel E 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Prey detection and subsequent capture is considered a major hypothesis to explain feeding associations between common dolphins and Australasian gannets. However, a current lack of insight on nutritional strategies with respect to foraging behaviours of both species has until now, prevented any detailed understanding of this conspecific relationship. Here we combine stomach content analysis (SCA), nutritional composition of prey, a multidimensional nutritional niche framework (MNNF) and videography to provide a holistic dietary, nutritional, and behavioural assessment of the feeding association between dolphins and gannets in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Dolphins consumed ten prey species, including grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) as the most representative by wet mass (33.4%). Gannets preyed upon six species, with pilchards (Sardinops pilchardus) contributing most of the diet by wet mass (32.4%) to their diet. Both predators jointly preyed upon pilchard, jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.), arrow squid (genus Nototodarus), and anchovy (Engraulis australis). Accordingly, the MNNF revealed a moderate overlap in the prey composition niche (0.42) and realized nutritional niche (0.52) between dolphins and gannets. This suggests that both predators coexist in a similar nutritional space, while simultaneously reducing interspecific competition and maximizing the success of both encountering and exploiting patchily distributed prey. Behavioural analysis further indicated that dolphin and gannets feeding associations are likely to be mutually beneficial, with a carouselling foraging strategy and larger pod sizes of dolphins, influencing the diving altitude of gannets. Our approach provides a new, more holistic understanding of this iconic foraging relationship, which until now has been poorly understood.
Association of summer temperatures and acute kidney injury in South Korea: a case-crossover study
Authors: Ahn Joonho , Bae Sanghyuk , Chung Byung Ha , Myong Jun-Pyo , Park Min Young , Lim Youn-Hee , Kang Mo-Yeol 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Due to climate change, days with high temperatures are becoming more frequent. Although the effect of high temperature on the kidneys has been reported in research from Central and South America, Oceania, North America and Europe, evidence from Asia is still lacking. This study aimed to examine the association between short-term exposure to high temperatures and acute kidney injury (AKI) in a nationwide study in South Korea.

Methods
We used representative sampling data from the 2002–2015 National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort in South Korea to link the daily mean temperatures and AKI cases that occurred in the summer. We used a bidirectional case-crossover study design with 0–7 lag days before the emergency room visit for AKI. In addition, we stratified the data into six income levels to identify the susceptible population.

Results
A total of 1706 participants were included in this study. The odds ratio (OR) per 1°C increase at 0 lag days was 1.051, and the ORs per 1°C increase at a lag of 2 days were both 1.076. The association between exposure to high temperatures and AKI was slightly greater in the low-income group (OR = 1.088; 95% CI: 1.049–1.128) than in the high-income group (OR = 1.065; 95% CI: 1.026–1.105).

Conclusions
In our study, a relationship between exposure to high temperatures and AKI was observed. Precautions should be taken at elevated temperatures to minimize the risk of negative health effects.
Where is Conflict Research? Western Bias in the Literature on Armed Violence
Authors: Phillips Brian J , Greene Kevin T 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Which countries are likely to be subjects of research in the study of armed conflict? Evidence from other fields suggests that research often focuses disproportionately on the West, but it is unclear to what extent this is true in conflict studies. We suggest that a baseline explanation of research focus is each country’s conflict experience, and we present two additional hypotheses: Western bias and research feasibility. Empirically, we count countries in the abstracts of five prominent conflict or security journals, 1990–2015. We also manually count single-country case studies. Western countries, measured by U.N. voting or geographic location, appear more than non-Western countries, even after considering conflict, wealth, and other factors. There is less support for the research feasibility argument, measured by each country’s official languages and democracy. We find French- and Spanish-language countries less likely to appear in the literature. We conclude with a discussion of under-studied countries and offer related suggestions.
What is a supercoiling-sensitive gene? Insights from topoisomerase I inhibition in the Gram-negative bacterium Dickeya dadantii
Authors: Pineau Maïwenn , Martis B. Shiny , Forquet Raphaël , Baude Jessica , Villard Camille , Grand Lucie , Popowycz Florence , Soulère Laurent , Hommais Florence , Nasser William , Reverchon Sylvie , Meyer Sam 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
DNA supercoiling is an essential mechanism of bacterial chromosome compaction, whose level is mainly regulated by topoisomerase I and DNA gyrase. Inhibiting either of these enzymes with antibiotics leads to global supercoiling modifications and subsequent changes in global gene expression. In previous studies, genes responding to DNA relaxation induced by DNA gyrase inhibition were categorised as ‘supercoiling-sensitive’. Here, we studied the opposite variation of DNA supercoiling in the phytopathogen Dickeya dadantii using the non-marketed antibiotic seconeolitsine. We showed that the drug is active against topoisomerase I from this species, and analysed the first transcriptomic response of a Gram-negative bacterium to topoisomerase I inhibition. We find that the responding genes essentially differ from those observed after DNA relaxation, and further depend on the growth phase. We characterised these genes at the functional level, and also detected distinct patterns in terms of expression level, spatial and orientational organisation along the chromosome. Altogether, these results highlight that the supercoiling-sensitivity is a complex feature, which depends on the action of specific topoisomerases, on the physiological conditions, and on their genomic context. Based on previous in vitro expression data of several promoters, we propose a qualitative model of SC-dependent regulation that accounts for many of the contrasting transcriptomic features observed after DNA gyrase or topoisomerase I inhibition.
The Impact of Smoking Status and Smoking-Related Comorbidities on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patient Outcomes: A Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Le Guen Claire L , Muir Kelsey C , Simons Melanie , Coffman Donna L , Soans Rohit S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Smoking history is a known risk factor for significant chronic diseases as well as pulmonary infections; however, the impact of smoking status on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes has not been conclusively characterized. This study aims to evaluate the association of smoking status on COVID-19 outcomes, and to explore the mechanism by which smoking and smoking-related comorbidities relate to COVID-19 outcomes.

Aims and Methods
Patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection from November 2020 through January 2021 were included in this study. Causal mediation models investigating the associations between smoking status and the outcomes of mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, advanced respiratory support, mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, and hospital length of stay, through mediation via smoking-related comorbidities, were examined.

Results
Active smokers did not experience worse COVID-19 outcomes once hospitalized. Former smokers had a higher odds of mortality (total effect OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.38, p = .01; indirect effect OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.93, p &lt; .001), and advanced respiratory support (total effect OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.67, p = .02; indirect effect OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.54, p = .02), which were mediated by smoking-related comorbidities. While there was a nonsignificant increase in the total effect for mechanical ventilation, smoking-related comorbidities were significant mediators for their increased need (total effect OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.14, p = .13; indirect effect OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.87, p &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Although active smokers did not experience worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to never smokers, these results should be interpreted with caution. Compared to never smokers, former smokers had greater odds of mortality, advanced respiratory support, and mechanical ventilation which was significantly mediated through smoking-related comorbidities.

Implications
Previous studies have linked smoking status with worse COVID-19 outcomes, and have inferred that smoking-related comorbidities may play a role in these findings. This causal mediation analysis provides statistical evidence supporting this hypothesis, clarifying the risk that smoking-related comorbidities impart on COVID-19 outcomes in those with a smoking history.
Fictions that Purport to Tell the Truth
Authors: Marsili Neri 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCan fictions make genuine assertions about the actual world? Proponents of the ‘Assertion View’ answer the question affirmatively: they hold that authors can assert, by means of explicit statements that are part of the work of fiction, that something is actually the case in the real world. The ‘Nonassertion’ View firmly denies this possibility. In this paper, I defend a nuanced version of the Nonassertion View. I argue that even if fictions cannot assert, they can indirectly communicate that what is recounted as fictional is actually true. I show that this view is supported by independent linguistic data, and that it is able to defuse the objections that are typically raised against the Nonassertion View. I conclude by showing that this position has some interesting implications for testimonial cognitivism about fiction.
Therapeutics in rheumatology and the kidney
Authors: Harty Tommy , O’Shaughnessy Michelle , Harney Sinead 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe field of rheumatology has advanced significantly in recent years to provide rheumatologists with an extensive array of medications to combat rheumatic joint conditions. In contrast to an older era, when NSAIDs and other nephrotoxic agents were the mainstay of treatment, modern DMARDs vary considerably in their nephrotoxic potential and their use is not always precluded in populations with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review will explore in detail the safety and efficacy profiles of medications used to treat rheumatologic disease, specifically in the setting of CKD. Specifically, we discuss both traditional agents used, i.e. NSAIDs, CSs and conventional synthetic DMARDs, as well as novel biologic DMARDs and targeted synthetic DMARDs. Anti-gout prescribing in CKD is also reviewed. We aim to provide practical guidance to rheumatologists, nephrologists and general physicians when prescribing these medications in the setting of CKD.
The managerial contradictions of extroverted financialization: the rise and fall of Deutsche Bank
Authors: Beck Mareike 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDeutsche Bank was once an acclaimed US-style investment bank but is now struggling. The rise of US finance is often explained as an outcome of financial liberalization that motivated other banks to abandon their traditional industrial support to chase profit opportunities within global securities markets. This story, however, underestimates how the transition to US-led financialization was deeply entangled with managerial struggles and the contradictions of adopting US financial innovations from a peripheral position. By contrast, I use the concept of extroverted financialization to portray Deutsche Bank’s transformation as an outcome of its attempts to integrate new funding practices connected to US money markets, called liability management. I argue that this process generated a difficult-to-manage business model and, ultimately, Deutsche’s decline. Because of these extroverted strategies, the bank is now caught between opposing logics of banking, within neither of which it can regain its previous powerful position.