bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional analysis of deoxynivalenol‐induced apoptosis of sow ovarian granulosa cell
Authors: Yang Min , Wu Xudong , Zhang Wei , Ye Pengfei , Wang Yuanlang , Zhu Weihua , Tao Qiangqiang , Xu Yiliang , Shang Jinnan , Zhao Dongdong , Ding Yueyun , Yin Zongjun , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: December 2019

Litter size is one of the most important economic traits in pig production. Recent studies identified that deoxynivalenol (DON), a widespread toxin in fodder, was associated with animal prolificacy. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been completely elucidated. Here, we used porcine ovary granulosa cells (pGCs) as a vector to establish DON concentration–time models and performed cell morphology and transcriptome analysis to identify and analyse the effects of DON on reproductive performance in swine. The results showed that DON can induce morphological changes and apoptosis of pGCs, while inhibiting cell proliferation. Moreover, these effects of DON on pGCs were dose‐dependent. After treatment of pGCs with different concentrations of DON, the percentage of cells in S phase and G2/M phase increased. RNA‐seq analyses revealed 5,937 differentially expressed genes, of which 1995 were down‐regulated and 3,942 were up‐regulated after DON treatment. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated important metabolic pathways such as IL‐17 signalling pathway, eukaryotic ribosome synthesis pathway, RNA transport pathway and RNA degradation. Based on our results, we speculate that the effects of DON are related to the DNA damage process. Our study provides novel insights and a foundation to further understand the effect of DON on swine prolificacy.
U–Pb geochronology and Raman spectroscopy of zircons from the granites in the Xihuashan and Tieshanlong Deposit: Implications for W‐Sn mineralization in Southern Jiangxi Province, South China
Authors: Guo Xiao‐fei , Wu Kai‐xing , Tian Yu , Zhang Xiao‐bing
Published: December 2019

The Xihuashan and Tieshanlong tungsten deposit is an important large quartz vein‐type W‐polymetallic deposit in the southern Jiangxi Province, eastern Nanling Range. Zircon U–Pb analyses of representative ore‐forming granites from the Xihuashan and Tieshanlong tungsten deposit yield ages of 146.3 ± 2.9 Ma and 146.0 ± 3.8 Ma, respectively. According to the zircon Raman spectroscopy, these granitic rocks are disturbed by different degrees of hydrothermal alteration, whereas most zircons exhibit primary oscillatory zoning and Th/U ratios in the range of magmatic zircon, which means the analysis results represent the crystallization age of metallogenetic granitic assemblages. In combination with regional geological data, it is suggested that the Late Jurassic is probably another important episode of granitic magmatism and W‐Sn mineralization in southern Jiangxi Provinces, even South China.
Exchange rate risk and trade mode choice in processing trade: Evidence from Chinese data
Authors: Chen Zhe , Hong Junjie , Sun Xiaonan
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the trade mode choices of assembly firms. Using Chinese customs data, we show that exchange rate pass‐through (ERPT) depends on which party is responsible for sourcing inputs. Relative to passively receiving inputs under the pure assembly (PA) mode, foreign‐invested assembly firms mainly source inputs themselves through the import and assembly mode and enjoy lower ERPT. We find that the share of imports through PA increases with exchange rate fluctuations. This effect is more pronounced for firms in liquidity‐constrained industries and mitigated by better local financial development.
The Importance of Economic Expectations for Retirement Entry*
Authors: Broadway Barbara , de New John P.
Published: December 2019

We estimate hazard rates of retirement entry as a function of the option value of work. Individuals’ economic expectations about the future economy are represented as expectations about rates of return on superannuation retirement savings. These are incorporated into the option value of work, through which they can impact on the timing of retirement entry. We find that individuals have an incentive not to leave the labour force when they expect high returns on their pension savings, while still working. In a scenario where individuals expect negative returns, the average annual hazard rate of retirement entry of 6.9 percent is increased by 0.2 percentage points (or 2.9 percent) compared to a scenario where individuals expect strong positive returns. Rudimentary calculations find an implied tax revenue loss of $26.7 million. Given that the expectations in this model are short‐term and merely perceived, holding real economic conditions constant, this effect is sizable.
Modelling The Spatial Extent and Severity of Extreme European Windstorms
Authors: Sharkey Paul , Tawn Jonathan A. , Brown Simon J.
Published: December 2019

Windstorms are a primary natural hazard affecting Europe that are commonly linked to substantial property and infrastructural damage and are responsible for the largest spatially aggregated financial losses. Such extreme winds are typically generated by extratropical cyclone systems originating in the North Atlantic and passing over Europe. Previous statistical studies tend to model extreme winds at a given set of sites, corresponding to inference in an Eulerian framework. Such inference cannot incorporate knowledge of the life cycle and progression of extratropical cyclones across the region and is forced to make restrictive assumptions about the extremal dependence structure. We take an entirely different approach which overcomes these limitations by working in a Lagrangian framework. Specifically, we model the development of windstorms over time, preserving the physical characteristics linking the windstorm and the cyclone track, the path of local vorticity maxima, and make a key finding that the spatial extent of extratropical windstorms becomes more localized as its magnitude increases irrespective of the location of the storm track. Our model allows simulation of synthetic windstorm events to derive the joint distributional features over any set of sites giving physically consistent extrapolations to rarer events. From such simulations improved estimates of this hazard can be achieved in terms of both intensity and area affected.
Testing Broken Windows Theory in Mexico City
Authors: Vilalta Carlos J. , Lopez Pablo , Fondevila Gustavo , Siordia Oscar
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To test the broken windows theory in the Mexican context.

Methods

Publicly available homicide counts and census data at the neighborhood level were used. Broken windows theory was operationalized through the use of social disorder and physical disorder measures. Measures were both calculated using PCA. For data analysis, we employed four multilevel random intercept models to relate homicide counts to our broken windows components.

Results

The social disorder and physical disorder components cannot be seen as operating independently from each other. In addition, the negative interaction term between the two components suggests that the combined impact of social disorder and physical disorder is less than the independent effects, and that the impact of social disorder diminishes as neighborhoods become less physically disordered and vice versa.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate the validity of broken windows theory across countries and offer new ideas to support crime prevention policy.
Editors’ Introduction and Review: Visual Narrative Research: An Emerging Field in Cognitive Science
Authors: Cohn Neil , Magliano Joseph P.
Published: December 2019

Drawn sequences of images are among our oldest records of human intelligence, appearing on cave paintings, wall carvings, and ancient pottery, and they pervade across cultures from instruction manuals to comics. They also appear prevalently as stimuli across Cognitive Science, for studies of temporal cognition, event structure, social cognition, discourse, and basic intelligence. Yet, despite this fundamental place in human expression and research on cognition, the study of visual narratives themselves has only recently gained traction in Cognitive Science. This work has suggested that visual narrative comprehension requires cultural exposure across a developmental trajectory and engages with domain‐general processing mechanisms shared by visual perception, attention, event cognition, and language, among others. Here, we review the relevance of such research for the broader Cognitive Science community, and make the case for why researchers should join the scholarship of this ubiquitous but understudied aspect of human expression.
Comparable stx2a expression and phage production levels between Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli strains from human and bovine origin
Authors: Burgán Julia , Krüger Alejandra , Lucchesi Paula M. A.
Published: December 2019

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause diarrhoea and severe diseases in humans, such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome. STEC virulence is considered to correlate with the amount of Shiga toxins (Stx) produced, especially Stx2, whose subtype Stx2a is most frequently associated with high virulence. Stx are encoded in prophages, which play an important role in STEC pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate stx2a expression levels and Stx2a phage production using qPCR and the double‐agar‐layer method in 29 STEC strains, corresponding to serotypes O26:H11 (6), O91:H21 (1), O145:H‐ (11) and O157:H7 (11), isolated from cattle and humans. Results were then tested for possible associations with serotype, origin or some genetic features. We observed heterogeneous levels of stx2a expression and Stx2a phage production. However, statistical comparisons identified a higher stx2a expression in response to mitomycin C in strains isolated from cattle than in those from humans. At the same time, compared to stx2a/stx2c strains, stx2a strains showed a higher increase in phage production under induced conditions. Notably, most of the strains studied, regardless of serotype and origin, carried inducible Stx2a phages and evidenced expression of stx2a that increased along with phage production levels under induced conditions.
How do veterinarians influence sales of antimicrobials? A spatial‐temporal analysis of the French prescribing‐delivery complex in cattle
Authors: Lhermie Guillaume , Gröhn Yrjö Tapio , Serrand Thomas , Sans Pierre , Raboisson Didier
Published: December 2019

Background

In animal agriculture, antimicrobials (AM) are used to control infectious diseases whose incidence and severity vary across production systems, but may contribute to select AM resistant bacteria, potentially disseminating in humans. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a public threat, leading policymakers to implement measures to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU). Investigating AMU patterns at prescriber's level, beyond national AMU trends, enables evaluation of substitutions between AM classes (occurring when one product is replaced by another), or average consumption per production system. Our aim was to identify the influence veterinarians would exert on AMU by quantifying substitution between AM products prescribed and delivered in similar therapeutic indications, in cattle production.

Methods

Monthly sales data on four critically important AM in five French areas (representative of production systems) were analysed from 2008 to 2013. We calculated the animal live weight receiving a treatment course and evaluated substitutions between brand‐name and generic products, and between products from different AM classes with similar indications.

Results

Substitutions occurred, between products of the same class (macrolides) with similar indications, between generic and brand‐name products (fluoroquinolones, ceftiofur, florfenicol) and between innovative and brand‐name products (marbofloxacin, ceftiofur). Innovative products reaching the market represented between 2% and 40% of the yearly sales for a given molecule, depending on the active ingredient and the area. The introduction of generic products of fluoroquinolones and ceftiofur led to a moderate adoption of the generic product at the expense of the brand‐name one, unlike in human health care where the adoption reaches up to 80%.

Conclusion

Veterinary prescription remains a strong regulating power of AMU; substitutions only occurred for products with similar indications.
Evidence on Rule Manipulation and Moral Hazard in the Brazilian Unemployment Insurance Program
Authors: Teixeira Gibran Da Silva , Balbinotto Neto Giácomo , Leivas Pedro Henrique Soares
Published: December 2019

This article aims to examine the existence of rule manipulation and moral hazard in the Brazilian Unemployment Insurance Program. For empirical analysis, the rule manipulation test by Cattaneo, Janson and Ma (2016) was used, as well as fuzzy and sharp regression discontinuity. The data was built using data from the National Employment and Unemployment Survey from January 2008 to June 2014 due to the greater homogeneity of the rules for benefit access. Based on the results, the program is an influence on the length of employment of Brazilian workers given the existence of rule manipulation, assessed by the length of stay in the last job. Furthermore, it was found that heads of families and their children were less likely to search for employment. This findings were corroborated when data from the program beneficiaries only was assessed, showing a lower job search probability, between -21.80 p.p. and -15.08 p.p. for the children, and between -39.40 p.p. and -28.50 p.p. for the heads of families. Thus, it is possible to confirm the existence of both rule manipulation the access of the program, as well as moral hazard, which points to the need to restructure the program, and above all, have less influence on the national labor market.
Examination of Obesity Awareness Levels of Physical Education Teacher and Coaching Education
Authors: Genç Ayça , Tunç Aygül Çağlayan
Published: December 2019

In this study, it was aimed to examine obesity awareness levels of physical education teacher and coaching education students.251 (103 women, age:20,36 ± 2,31 years, BMI:20,02±2,23 kg) who studied in the Department of Coaching and Physical Education of Bartin University Faculty of Sport Sciences in 2019-2020 academic year were included in this study. 147 male, age:20.15±2.32 years, BMI:21.42±2.67 kg/m2) students participated voluntarily. Obesity Awareness Scale was developed by Allen (2011) and adapted to Turkish by Kafkas and Özen (2014) and personal information form including age, gender and department variable were applied to the participants. The data obtained in the study were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 statistical package program and the level of significance was taken as (p <0.05). The overall internal consistency of the scale was found to be 0.87. In the study, t-test was used for pairwise comparisons of parametric tests. In our study, no significant difference was found between gender variable and obesity awareness (p>.05). There was no significant difference between obesity awareness and department variable (p>.05). When the obesity awareness scores were examined, the average score of the students of the coaching department was average 62.23 meanwhile the teaching department students average score 62,91. It was found that both physical education teachers and coaching department students had high obesity awareness, but there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of department and gender variables and obesity awareness.
Hacia una perspectiva crítica de la enseñanza del liderazgo en las escuelas de Administración
Authors: Saavedra Mayorga Juan Javier
Published: December 2019

El artículo busca responder la pregunta de si es posible enseñar liderazgo en las escuelas de administración. Para ello presenta tres concepciones sobre el liderazgo y sus implicaciones en términos de la formación. La primera lo concibe como un conjunto de atributos o cualidades innatas y sostiene la imposibilidad de su enseñanza. La segunda, como un conjunto de habilidades y comportamientos y entiende su enseñanza en términos de la formación de destrezas. La tercera lo concibe como una relación social compleja. El artículo propone una forma de enseñanza del liderazgo sustentada en un paradigma crítico que permita comprender la complejidad del fenómeno, que cuestione sus efectos indeseados, que supere los lugares comunes de la literatura, y que reflexione sobre los fines e implicaciones de la actividad directiva.
Autonomous Door Opening With the Interacting-BoomCopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: McArthur Daniel R. , Chowdhury Arindam B. , Cappelleri David J.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the design of a light-weight, compliant end-effector and an image processing strategy that together enable the Interacting-BoomCopter (I-BC) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to perform an autonomous door-opening task. Autonomy is achieved through the use of feedback from an onboard camera for door detection & localization, and embedded force and distance sensors in the end-effector for detecting the physical interaction with the door. The results of several experimental flight tests are presented in which the end-effector and image processing strategy were deployed on the I-BC to successfully open a small enclosure door autonomously.
Chasles' Motion Sphere—A Useful Tool to Visually Express the Motion Characteristics Over the Workspace of Robotic Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Xu , Guo Weizhong
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a useful concept/tool, i.e., Chasles' motion sphere (CMSphere), that is able to visually express the motion characteristics over the workspace and capable of investigating the local motion performance of the end-effector of robotic mechanisms. The process of CMSphere generation is in line with people's habit of observing a mechanism. Under a researched pose, give a small pose change to the end-effector by translating with a small length or rotating with a small angle along a direction, then the corresponding Chasles' motion of the small pose change can be calculated. Two key parameters of Chasles' motion, the pitch and the position of the Chasles' axis, are chosen to represent the motion characteristics. This kind of mathematical operation can be carried along many directions to obtain a distribution of the motion characteristics at the researched pose, which can be drawn as a sphere. To illustrate this tool, Robotic Mechanisms with Three Independent Pose Variables (RMTIPVs) are discussed as the research objects. Three categories of RMTIPVs based on the types of independent pose variables are given. For each category, the detailed process of CMSphere generation is discussed. The 3R series mechanism, Tricept, and 3-RPS (the limb consisting of one revolute, one prismatic and one spherical joints) parallel mechanism are used as examples to demonstrate the methodology.
A Practical Classroom iPad Shadowgraph System
Authors: Gearhart Bradley , MacIsaac Dan
Published: December 2019

Light rays refract when passing through pockets of transparent fluids with different indices of refraction such as ordinary air pockets of varying temperature. This phenomenon makes night stars twinkle, distorts views above hot asphalt roads and hot barbeque grills, and provides an opportunity for visualizing the normally invisible movement of transparent gases and liquids. Schlieren and shadowgraph imaging allows for visualizing transparent gas density variations, allowing ordinarily unseen phenomena to be imaged and experimented with in real time. Traditional Schlieren systems require expensive equipment (DSLR camera, telephoto lens, several high-quality mirrors, an adjustable knife edge) and are difficult to align, while shadowgraph systems trade simplicity for image sensitivity. We outline a simplified classroom shadowgraph system that uses only a single telescope mirror, an LED flashlight, and an iPad to teach topics in high school science.
Quantitative Stirling Cycle Measurements: P-V Diagram and Refrigeration
Authors: Lu Y. J. , Nakahara Hiroko , Bobowski J. S.
Published: December 2019

This paper describes simple modifications to a demonstration Stirling engine that allows one to make quantitative measurements of the Stirling cycle. First, we describe measurements of the P-V diagram using an in-expensive pressure sensor and a common photogate. Then, as a supplement, the engine was run as a refrigerator by using a rotary tool to turn the flywheel of the engine. A small, but measurable, temperature difference developed across the body of the engine.
Volume Measurement and Units
Authors: Nelson Jane Bray , Nelson Jim
Published: December 2019

This article describes an activity appropriate for middle or high school physics or physical science students. Rather than giving the answer to the question “How does a milliliter compare to a cubic centimeter?” the students develop a procedure for measuring volume by calculation and by displacement of water. Students share the data and use graphical analysis to determine how a milliliter compares to a cubic centimeter. This procedure can be adapted to other quantities. Concepts include measurement, volume, graphical analysis of data, and measurement units.
Scapular Kinematics in Athletes With and Without Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fu Xin , Yung Patrick Shu-hang , Ma Chun Cheong , Leong Hio Teng
Published: December 2019

Context: Rotator cuff tendinopathy is one of the most frequently reported shoulder injuries in athletes of overhead sports. Abnormal scapular kinematics has been proposed as one of the contributing factors of rotator cuff tendinopathy in overhead athletes. Objectives: To review the literature on 3-dimensional scapular kinematics in overhead athletes with and without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Evidence Acquisition: Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed) were searched from inception to September 2017. In addition, the reference lists of the articles that met the inclusion criteria were also searched. We included studies that compared the changes in 3-dimensional scapular kinematics in athletes with and without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Two reviewers independently examined the quality of studies by using the modified Downs and Black checklist. Evidence Synthesis: A total of 9 studies (a total of 332 athletes, mean age 23.41 [2.62] y) were included in the final analysis. The methodological quality was low (modified Downs and Black checklist = 9/15). Our findings showed a consistent pattern of increased scapular anterior tilting and internal rotation in the dominant shoulders than the nondominant shoulders of athletes who participated in overhead sports. Athletes of overhead sports seem to demonstrate an increase in scapular upward rotation during arm elevation when compared with nonathlete individuals. However, there is no consensus on the scapular kinematics pattern in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy when compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that changes in scapular kinematics were observed in overhead athletes. However, all the included studies were cross-sectional studies with small sample size and diverse sports participation, whether changes in scapular kinematics may contribute to rotator cuff tendinopathy in overhead athletes warrants more high-quality prospective studies.
Patellofemoral Joint Loading During Single-Leg Hopping Exercises
Authors: Ristow Abbigail , Besch Matthew , Rutherford Drew , Kernozek Thomas W.
Published: December 2019

Context:Single-leg hopping is used to assess a dynamic knee stability. Patellofemoral pain is often experienced during these exercises, and different cadences of jumping are often used in rehabilitation for those with patellofemoral pain. No studies to date have examined patellofemoral joint loading during single-leg hopping exercise with different hopping cadences.Objective:To determine if single-leg hopping at 2 different cadences (50 and 100 hops per minute [HPM]) leads to a significant difference in patellofemoral joint loading variables.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants:Twenty-five healthy college-aged females (age 22.3 [1.8] y, height 171.4 [6.3] cm, weight 67.4 [9.5] kg, Tegner Activity Scale 4.75 [1.75]) participated.Main Outcome Measures:Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were measured using a 15-camera motion capture system and force platform. Static optimization was used to calculate muscle forces and then used in a musculoskeletal model to determine patellofemoral joint stress (PFJS), patellofemoral joint reaction force (PFJRF), quadriceps force (QF), and PFJRF loading rate, during the first and last 50% of stance phase.Results:Greater maximal PFJRF occurred at 100 HPM, whereas greater PFJRF loading rate occurred at 50 HPM. However, overall peak QF and peak PFJS were not different between the 2 cadences. At 50 HPM, there was greater PFJS, PFJRF, peak PFJRF loading rate, and peak QF during the first 50% of stance when compared with the last 50%.Conclusion:Training at 50 HPM may reduce PFJRF and PFJRF loading rate, but not PFJS or QF. Patellofemoral joint loading variables had significantly higher values during the first half of the stance phase at the 50 HPM cadence. This may be important with training individuals with patellofemoral pain.
Equations To Predict Antimicrobial MICs in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Using Molecular Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants
Authors: Demczuk Walter , Martin Irene , Sawatzky Pam , Allen Vanessa , Lefebvre Brigitte , Hoang Linda , Naidu Prenilla , Minion Jessica , VanCaeseele Paul , Haldane David , Eyre David W. , Mulvey Michael R.
Published: December 2019

The emergence of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
strains that are resistant to azithromycin and extended-spectrum cephalosporins represents a public health threat, that of untreatable gonorrhea infections. Multivariate regression modeling was used to determine the contributions of molecular antimicrobial resistance determinants to the overall antimicrobial MICs for ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and penicillin.
Omadacycline Efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis Isolated in China:
In Vitro
Activity, Heteroresistance, and Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Lin Zhiwei , Pu Zhangya , Xu Guangjian , Bai Bing , Chen Zhong , Sun Xiang , Zheng Jinxin , Li Peiyu , Qu Di , Deng Qiwen , Yu Zhijian
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the
in vitro
antimicrobial activity, heteroresistance emergence, and resistance mechanism of omadacycline (OMC) in clinical
Enterococcus faecalis
isolates from China. A total of 276 isolates were collected retrospectively in China from 2011 to 2015. The MICs of OMC, doxycycline (DOX), and minocycline (MIN) against
E. faecalis
were determined by broth microdilution. Tetracycline (TET)-specific resistance genes and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the isolates were investigated using PCR.
Clinical Mutations That Partially Activate the Stringent Response Confer Multidrug Tolerance in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bryson Duncan , Hettle Andrew G. , Boraston Alisdair B. , Hobbs Joanne K.
Published: December 2019

Antibiotic tolerance is an underappreciated antibiotic escape strategy that is associated with recurrent and relapsing infections, as well as acting as a precursor to resistance. Tolerance describes the ability of a bacterial population to survive transient exposure to an otherwise lethal concentration of antibiotic without exhibiting an elevated MIC.
Development and validation of a machine learning, smartphone-based tonometer
Authors: Wu Yue , Luttrell Ian , Feng Shu , Chen Philip P , Spaide Ted , Lee Aaron Y , Wen Joanne C
Published: December 2019

Background/Aims

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using a prototype smartphone tonometer with other tonometers used in clinical practice.

Methods

Patients from an academic glaucoma practice were recruited. The smartphone tonometer uses fixed force applanation and in conjunction with a machine-learning computer algorithm is able to calculate the IOP. IOP was also measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) in all subjects. A subset of patients were also measured using ICare, pneumotonometry (upright and supine positions) and Tono-Pen (upright and supine positions) and the results were compared.

Results

92 eyes of 81 subjects were successfully measured. The mean difference (in mm Hg) for IOP measurements of the smartphone tonometer versus other devices was +0.24 mm Hg for GAT, −1.39 mm Hg for ICare, −3.71 mm Hg for pneumotonometry and −1.30 mm Hg for Tono-Pen. The 95% limits of agreement for the smartphone tonometer versus other devices was −4.35 to 4.83 mm Hg for GAT, −6.48 to 3.70 mm Hg for ICare, −7.66 to −0.15 mm Hg for pneumotonometry and −5.72 to 3.12 mm Hg for Tono-Pen. Overall, the smartphone tonometer results correlated best with GAT (R2=0.67, p<0.001). Of the 92 videos, 90 (97.8%) were within ±5 mm Hg of GAT and 58 (63.0%) were within ±2 mm Hg of GAT.

Conclusions

Preliminary IOP measurements using a prototype smartphone-based tonometer was grossly equivalent to the reference standard.
Socioeconomic disparities in smoking are partially explained by chronic financial stress: marginal structural model of older US adults
Authors: Parnia Abtin , Siddiqi Arjumand
Published: December 2019

Background

A persistent socioeconomic gradient in smoking has been observed in a variety of populations. While stress is hypothesised to play a mediating role, the extent of this mediation is unclear. We used marginal structural models (MSMs) to estimate the proportion of the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on smoking, which can be explained by an indicator of stress related to SES, experiences of chronic financial stress.

Methods

Using the Health and Retirement Study (waves 7–12, 2004–2014), a survey of older adults in the USA, we analysed a total sample of 15 260 people. A latent variable corresponding to adult SES was created using several indicators of socioeconomic position (wealth, income, education, occupation and labour force status). The main analysis was adjusted for other factors that influence the pathway from adult SES to stress and smoking, including personal coping resources, health-related factors, early-life SES indicators and other demographic variables to estimate the proportion of the effect explained by these pathways.

Results

Compared with those in the top SES quartile, those in the bottom quartile were more than four times as likely to be current smokers (rate ratio 4.37, 95% CI 3.35 to 5.68). The estimate for the MSM attenuated the effect size to 3.34 (95% CI 2.47 to 4.52). Chronic financial stress explained 30.4% of the association between adult SES and current smoking (95% CI 13 to 48).

Conclusion

While chronic financial stress accounts for part of the socioeconomic gradient in smoking, much remains unexplained.
The structure of a local system associated with a hypergeometric system of rank 9
Authors: Kaneko Jyoichi , Matsumoto Keiji , Ohara Katsuyoshi
Published: December 2019

We study a local system associated with a system [Formula: see text] of hypergeometric differential equations in two variables of rank [Formula: see text] with seven parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We modify the fundamental system of solutions to [Formula: see text] given in [A system of hypergeometric differential equations in two variables of rank 9, Internat. J. Math. 28 (2017), 1750015, 34 pp] so that it is valid even in cases where [Formula: see text] satisfy some integral conditions. By using this fundamental system, we show the irreducibility of the monodromy representation of [Formula: see text] under some conditions on the parameters. We characterize the fundamental group of the base space of this local system as the group generated by three loops with four relations among them.
An improved approach to simulate seismic events based on cellular automata
Authors: Lin Zhe , Zhao Xiaohua
Published: December 2019

Earthquake is a very complex process of geological fracture. Seismic events simulation is significant in the study on the underlying physical laws of earthquakes. Since the computation ability of regular computers is limited, traditional approaches to simulate seismic events are oversimplified without considering enough physical factors, so that the simulation results are too far from the truth. To overcome the shortcoming, an improved approach is proposed in this paper to simulate seismic events more physically, utilizing supercomputers. Material characteristics and geometrical characteristics are introduced to build a more realistic model. Taking the advantage of TianHe-2 supercomputer in Chinese National Supercomputer Center in Guangzhou, this approach produces simulation results with very reasonable microscopic and macroscopic behaviors. As expected, Gutenberg–Richter scaling is observed in agreement with real earthquakes. Besides, more physical details, such as the distribution of released energy in seismic events, are revealed. This approach helps to explore physical laws in seismic process and even predict earthquakes.
Analytical studies on an optimized adaptive cruise control model of traffic flow based on self-stabilizing strategy
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Liu Yingying , Xu Shangzhi , Qian Yeqing
Published: December 2019

Cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) system possesses more remarkable ability to suppress disturbance and enhance the traffic capacity than adaptive cruise control (ACC). However, CACC asks for strict requirement on wireless communication and precise equipment, which remains a big difficulty to implement. This paper extends a new ACC model by introducing the self-stabilizing control with historical data, aimed at achieving the close performance of CACC and make it practicable. Substituting real-time information with pre-stored data substantially reduces the technical demand and offers high reliability to withstand the network delay. Linear stability analysis for this model points out enhancing the value of the gain or time delay of self-stabilizing control benefits to stabilize the traffic. The theories are corroborated via the simulation and further numerical simulations explicate the impact on fuel consumption and emissions and traffic capacity.
Ultra clean manufacturing techniques for final optics assembly in high-power laser facility
Authors: Yuan Xiaodong , Yao Caizhen , Miao Xinxiang , Lv Haibing , Zhou Guorui , Niu Longfei , Liu Hao , Zhang Feihu , Bai Qingshun , Chen Jiaxuan , Cao Yongzhi , Guo Yongbo
Published: December 2019

Cleanliness control is one of the most important processes for final optics assembly (FOA) in high-power laser systems. In this paper, an “Ultra Clean Manufacturing (UCM)” concept is put forward for the first time to satisfy the cleanliness requirements for FOA. First, the challenges and requirements for cleanliness in FOA are introduced and the concept of UCM is proposed. Significant surface cleaning technologies for mechanical parts and optics are then expounded. Finally, surface cleanliness control techniques, such as “gas knife” and “laser cleaning”, are developed as online cleaning methods for the surface cleanliness in FOA.
Improved Ternary Reversible Logic Synthesis Using Group Theoretic Approach
Authors: Rani P. Mercy Nesa , Datta Kamalika
Published: December 2019

Quantum computation relies on exploiting quantum mechanical phenomena, and has received significant attention in recent years. Higher-dimensional quantum systems increase the density of encoded information per computing element (e.g., qutrit for three-level system), resulting in less resource overhead. For instance, 63% reduction in the number of qutrits is possible for ternary quantum systems as compared to the corresponding binary systems. The proposed work exploits this fact to synthesize ternary reversible circuits employing a cycle-based technique. The method starts from the ternary reversible specification of a given function in the form of a permutation. The permutation cycles are factored into simpler three-cycles and two-cycles, which are then mapped to ternary reversible gates. Different gate libraries are used to synthesize three-cycles and two-cycles, respectively. A gate decomposition approach is also proposed to synthesize a quantum gate netlist in terms of elementary ternary quantum gates, viz. Muthukrishnan–Stroud gate and shift gate. Synthesis results on benchmark functions indicate that the proposed method results in 27% and 6% improvements in quantum cost and gate count, respectively, over existing works in the literature.
Asymptotic behaviors for nonlocal diffusion equations about the dispersal spread
Authors: Su Yuan-Hang , Li Wan-Tong , Yang Fei-Ying
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the effects of the dispersal spread, which characterizes the dispersal range, on nonlocal diffusion equations with the nonlocal dispersal operator [Formula: see text] and Neumann boundary condition in the spatial heterogeneity environment. More precisely, we are mainly concerned with asymptotic behaviors of generalized principal eigenvalue to the nonlocal dispersal operator, positive stationary solutions and solutions to the nonlocal diffusion KPP equation in both large and small dispersal spread. For large dispersal spread, we show that their asymptotic behaviors are unitary with respect to the cost parameter [Formula: see text]. However, small dispersal spread can lead to different asymptotic behaviors as the cost parameter [Formula: see text] is in a different range. In particular, for the case [Formula: see text], we should point out that asymptotic properties for the nonlocal diffusion equation with Neumann boundary condition are different from those for the nonlocal diffusion equation with Dirichlet boundary condition.
Mechanisms and Implications of Deep Earthquakes
Authors: Zhan Zhongwen
Published: December 2019

Deep earthquakes behave like shallow earthquakes but must have fundamentally different physical processes. Their rupture behaviors, magnitude-frequency statistics, and aftershocks are diverse and imperfectly dependent on various factors, such as slab temperature, depth, and magnitude. The three leading mechanisms for deep earthquakes (i.e., transformational faulting, dehydration embrittlement, and thermal runaway) can each explain portions of the observations but have potentially fundamental difficulties explaining the rest. This situation calls for more serious consideration of hypotheses that involve more than one mechanism. For example, deep earthquakes may initiate by one mechanism, but the ruptures may propagate via another mechanism once triggered. To make further progress, it is critical to evaluate the hypotheses, both single- or dual-mechanism, under conditions as close to those of real slabs as possible to make accurate and specific predictions that are testable using seismic or other geophysical observations. Any new understanding of deep earthquakes promises new constraints on subduction zone structure and dynamics. ▪  Deep earthquakes display the complex structure and dynamics of subduction zones in terms of geometry, stress state, rheology, hydration, and phase changes. ▪  Phase transformation, dehydration, and thermal runaway are the leading mechanisms for deep earthquakes, but all have major gaps or fundamental difficulties. ▪  Deep earthquakes may involve dual-mechanism processes, as hinted at by the diverse rupture and statistic properties and the break of self-similarity. ▪  Further progresses would benefit from specific and testable predictions that consider realistic slab conditions with insights from geodynamics, petrology, and mineral physics.
Paracrine Proangiogenic Function of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Not Affected by Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: van Rhijn-Brouwer Femke C. C. , van Balkom Bas W. M. , Papazova Diana A. , Hazenbrink Diënty H. M. , Meijer Anke J. , Brete Isaac , Briceno Vidalmar , van Zuilen Arjan D. , Toorop Raechel J. , Fledderus Joost O. , Gremmels Hendrik , Verhaar Marianne C.
Published: December 2019

Background. Cell-based therapies are being developed to meet the need for curative therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Bone marrow- (BM-) derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) enhance tissue repair and induce neoangiogenesis through paracrine action of secreted proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Administration of allogeneic BM MSCs is less desirable in a patient population likely to require a kidney transplant, but potency of autologous MSCs should be confirmed, given previous indications that CKD-induced dysfunction is present. While the immunomodulatory capacity of CKD BM MSCs has been established, it is unknown whether CKD affects wound healing and angiogenic potential of MSC-derived CM and EVs. Methods. MSCs were cultured from BM obtained from kidney transplant recipients (N=15) or kidney donors (N=17). Passage 3 BM MSCs and BM MSC-conditioned medium (CM) were used for experiments. EVs were isolated from CM by differential ultracentrifugation. BM MSC differentiation capacity, proliferation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity was assessed. In vitro promigratory and proangiogenic capacity of BM MSC-derived CM and EVs was assessed using an in vitro scratch wound assay and Matrigel angiogenesis assay. Results. Healthy and CKD BM MSCs exhibited similar differentiation capacity, proliferation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. Scratch wound migration was not significantly different between healthy and CKD MSCs (P=0.18). Healthy and CKD BM MSC-derived CM induced similar tubule formation (P=0.21). There was also no difference in paracrine regenerative function of EVs (scratch wound: P=0.6; tubulogenesis: P=0.46). Conclusions. Our results indicate that MSCs have an intrinsic capacity to produce proangiogenic paracrine factors, including EVs, which is not affected by donor health status regarding CKD. This suggests that autologous MSC-based therapy is a viable option in CKD.
Effect of Different Processing Methods on Phytochemical Contents and Neuroprotective Activity of Camellia euphlebia Leaves Extract
Authors: He Dongye , Jia Shu , Xu Yongping
Published: December 2019

Camellia euphlebia is a new food source and traditional folk medicine in China. Previous studies have demonstrated the antidepressant activity of Camellia euphlebia extract by both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The effects of different pretreatments on phytochemical contents and neuroprotective activity of Camellia euphlebia extract were further investigated in order to develop an optimal processing method that makes the extraction more efficient. Six different powders of Camellia euphlebia leaves were prepared by different pretreatments. The particle size and morphology were examined by using a Malvern particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results showed that the percentage of powder particle size within a range of 0.2∼40 μm was up to 79.18% after press-shear assisted interaction technology pretreatment by 2% addition of shellfish shell powder, and the cells were broken completely. Additionally, the contents of flavonoids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, saponins, and catechin in the extract were 11.78 ± 0.62%, 34.60 ± 3.37%, 6.15 ± 0.29%, 9.43 ± 1.19%, and 1.99 ± 0.11%, respectively, which were higher than those of the other five extracts. Moreover, the extract had the strongest neuroprotective activity by comparing the neuroprotective effect of different extracts on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in differentiated PC12 cells. It is concluded that press-shear assisted interaction technology with 2% addition of shellfish shell powder pretreatment, to a great extent, improved the dissolution of bioactive ingredients in Camellia euphlebia.
Biofeedback Based Home Balance Training can Improve Balance but Not Gait in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Novotna Klara , Janatova Marketa , Hana Karel , Svestkova Olga , Preiningerova Lizrova Jana , Kubala Havrdova Eva
Published: December 2019

Background. Impaired balance is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be present even in those with a mild disability level. With increasing disability, gait, and balance impairment progress, and lead to increased risk of falls. In some recent studies, interactive commercial video games were used for improving balance, but their limitation is their lack of individual training parameter settings needed for rehabilitation purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effect of balance exercise in the home setting using the rehabilitation Homebalance® system. Methods. A single-centre, controlled, single blind study with allocation to intervention group or to control group was utilised. Participants were assessed at baseline, after four weeks of home-based balance training, and follow-up after four weeks. The primary outcomes were the Berg Balance Test (BBT). The secondary outcome measures included the Mini-BESTest, Timed Up, and Go Test (part of Mini-BESTest), and spatio-temporal gait parameter evaluation using the GAITRite instrument. The patient reported outcomes (PRO) included the 12-Item MS Walking Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the Falls Efficacy Scale. Results. A total of 39 people with Multiple Sclerosis (10 men) were enrolled into the study. The mean age of participants was 40.69 ± 10.2 years, with a mean disease duration 14.76 ± 9.1 years and mean disability level 3.8 ± 1.9 EDSS (EDSS range 1.5–7). Statistically significant improvements within the home exercise group were present for the BBT and the Mini-BESTest. This improvement was more significant in the subgroup with moderate and higher disability (EDSS 4.5–7). All other gait parameters and PRO did not show any improvement. Follow-up assessment after four weeks showed that the reached improvement persisted for a short time period after finishing the regular training regimen. Conclusion. In comparison with no intervention, a short-term programme of home-based balance training using Homebalance® improved balance but not gait performance in a group of people with MS. It seems that home-based balance training tailored according to individual needs by a physiotherapist may be a future approach to consider for telerehabilitation of people with MS.
A Case of Intertwin Membrane Hemorrhage with Spontaneous Resolution
Authors: Criscione Lily , Elmezzi Kristen , Torrealday Saioa , Staat Barton C. , Hickey Kimberly
Published: December 2019

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy places women at increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Etiologies for threatened and spontaneous abortions have been well studied, but there is little information on intertwin membrane hemorrhage. We present a patient with a multiple gestation pregnancy who experienced first trimester vaginal bleeding with visualization and subsequent rapid resolution of an intertwin membrane hemorrhage. The patient had an otherwise normal pregnancy until the third trimester when she developed preeclampsia with severe features and elected for a primary cesarean section at 35 + 5 weeks. The implications of an intertwin membrane hemorrhage are not well understood, although there could be a possible correlation between the hemorrhage and the ultimate progression to preeclampsia with severe features. Despite the final diagnosis, the patient did not have any noticeable complications due to the hemorrhage both when it was discovered and in the weeks following its discovery.