bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose Stromal Cell Expansion and Exhaustion: Mechanisms and Consequences
Authors: Eckel-Mahan Kristin , Ribas Latre Aleix , Kolonin Mikhail G.
Published: April 2020

Adipose tissue (AT) is comprised of a diverse number of cell types, including adipocytes, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating leukocytes. Adipose stromal cells (ASCs) are a mixed population containing adipose progenitor cells (APCs) as well as fibro-inflammatory precursors and cells supporting the vasculature. There is growing evidence that the ability of ASCs to renew and undergo adipogenesis into new, healthy adipocytes is a hallmark of healthy fat, preventing disease-inducing adipocyte hypertrophy and the spillover of lipids into other organs, such as the liver and muscles. However, there is building evidence indicating that the ability for ASCs to self-renew is not infinite. With rates of ASC proliferation and adipogenesis tightly controlled by diet and the circadian clock, the capacity to maintain healthy AT via the generation of new, healthy adipocytes appears to be tightly regulated. Here, we review the contributions of ASCs to the maintenance of distinct adipocyte pools as well as pathogenic fibroblasts in cancer and fibrosis. We also discuss aging and diet-induced obesity as factors that might lead to ASC senescence, and the consequences for metabolic health.
Modelling of Regional Economic Metabolism
Authors: Silva Afonso , Augusto Bruno , Rafael Sandra , Reis Johnny , Lopes Myriam , Costa Sérgio , Borrego Carlos
Published: April 2020

The current linear economic system has led Europe to unsustainable development, aggravating several issues, such as climate change, limitation of resources, and pollution. As a sustainable alternative, circular economy (CE) has been promoted around the world. This economic system allows for the maximization of a product’s life, thus decreasing its environmental impact and increasing its value. The main goal of this work is to scrutinise the concepts of CE over time, from the beginning of the concept, to its implementation in Europe and its application in Portugal. In addition, the requirement for strategies that led to studies on regional urban metabolism are addressed. Another goal is to examine Portugal and see how the country is dealing with the implementation of strategies for CE, moving from concept to practice. This part of the work resulted in the creation of the REMET-UA model, a tool to assess the regional economic metabolism, which also has the potential to evaluate synergies of materials in terms of fluxes between regions, maximizing the amount of information available at this scale for municipalities and enterprises to be used, having taken into account the purpose of circular economy. The results showed that REMET-UA is fully operational and corresponds to the goal for which the model was made. Future developments have been identified and are underway to improve the model and bring it as close to reality as possible.
Morphology, Hardness, and Wear Properties of Ni-Base Composite Coating Containing Al Particle
Authors: Mousavi Rouhollah , Deflorian Flavio , Bahrololoom Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: April 2020

Ni–Mo/Al composite coatings were obtained by electrodeposition from a Ni–Mo plating bath containing suspended Al particles. The factors including temperature, current density, and stirring rate affecting coating composition, wear, roughness, and morphology have been studied. It was found that properties such as hardness, roughness, wear, and the Al particle content showed parabolic behavior when changing each parameter. That means that there is a critical value for the mentioned parameters at which the properties of coatings become maximal.
Band Structure and Physical Properties of α-STF2I3: Dirac Electrons in Disordered Conduction Sheets
Authors: Naito Toshio , Doi Ryusei
Published: April 2020

The compound being investigated is an organic charge-transfer complex of the unsymmetrical donor STF with I3 [STF = bis(ethylenedithio)diselenadithiafulvalene], which is isostructural with α-ET2I3 and α-BETS2I3 [ET = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene, BETS = bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene]. According to recent studies, the calculated band structure should represent a zero-gap semiconductor at 1 bar that is similar to α-ET2I3 under high pressure (>15 kbar). Such materials have attracted extensive interest because the electrons at the Fermi level can be massless Dirac fermions (MDFs), with relativistic behaviors like those seen in graphene. In fact, α-STF2I3 exhibited nearly temperature-independent resistivity, ρ, (~100–300 K), a phenomenon that is widely observed in zero-gap semiconductors. The non-Arrhenius-type increase in ρ (<~100 K) was consistent with the characteristics of interacting MDFs. The paramagnetic susceptibility, χ, (2–300 K)—as well as the reflectivity, R and optical conductivity, σ, (25–300 K; 400–25,000 cm−1)—were also almost temperature independent. Furthermore, σ was practically independent of wavenumber at ~6000–15,000 cm−1. There was no structural transition based on X-ray studies (90–300 K). Considering all the electrical, magnetic, optical and structural properties of α-STF2I3 at 1 bar, it was concluded that the salt possesses a band structure characterized with Dirac cones, which was consistent with the calculation.
Enhanced UV-Vis Photodegradation of Nanocomposite Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ferrite Nanofiber Films Prepared by Laser-Assisted Evaporation
Authors: Queraltó Albert , György Enikö , Ivan Raluca , Pérez del Pino Ángel , Frohnhoven Robert , Mathur Sanjay
Published: April 2020

Nanocomposite films of rGO/MFeO3 (M = Bi, La) nanofibers were grown by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation of frozen target dispersions containing GO platelets and MFeO3 nanofibers. Electron microscopy investigations confirmed the successful fabrication of MFeO3 nanofibers by electrospinning Part of nanofibers were broken into shorter units, and spherical nanoparticles were formed during laser processing. Numerical simulations were performed in order to estimate the maximum temperature values reached by the nanofibers during laser irradiation. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed the formation of perovskite MFeO3 phase, whereas secondary phases of BiFeO3 could not be completely avoided, due to the high volatility of bismuth. XPS measurements disclosed the presence of metallic bismuth and Fe2+ for BiFeO3, whereas La2(CO3)3 and Fe2+ were observed in case of LaFeO3 nanofibers. High photocatalytic efficiencies for the degradation of methyl orange were achieved for nanocomposite films, both under UV and visible light irradiation conditions. Degradation values of up to 70% after 400 min irradiation were obtained for rGO/LaFeO3 nanocomposite thin layers, with weights below 10 µg, rGO platelets acting as reservoirs for photoelectrons generated at the surface of MFeO3.
Effect of Predation on Shaping Parental Brood Defense and Larval Ontogeny of Convict Cichlids Leading to Population Divergence
Authors: Wisenden Brian D.
Published: April 2020

(1) Predation selects for antipredator competence in prey. For fishes with parental care, brood predators exert selection on the morphological phenotype of offspring, and also exert strong selection pressure to promote parental care behavior of adults. (2) This review summarizes field and lab studies on the ontogeny of antipredator competence in convict cichlids, a freshwater fish with extended biparental care of their free-swimming young. (3) Here, data show that differences in swimming performance between small and large young are exploited by parents when they adopt (smaller) young. Velocity and acceleration of startle responses improves nonlinearly with body size, increasing rapidly at a point when the skeleton rapidly ossifies from cartilage to bone, at the size at which discrimination by adopting parents shifts, and the timing of change in the rate of change in area protected by parents. Convict cichlids in a Nicaraguan lake population showed a similar correlation among these traits, but these traits are delayed relative to Costa Rican fish. (4) Population divergence is likely explained by relatively more intense brood predation in the lake, which selects for different optima of larval antipredator competence and parental brood defense.
Simultaneous Indirect Inference, Impulse Responses and ARMA Models
Authors: Khalaf Lynda , Peraza López Beatriz
Published: April 2020

A two-stage simulation-based framework is proposed to derive Identification Robust confidence sets by applying Indirect Inference, in the context of Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) processes for finite samples. Resulting objective functions are treated as test statistics, which are inverted rather than optimized, via the Monte Carlo test method. Simulation studies illustrate accurate size and good power. Projected impulse-response confidence bands are simultaneous by construction and exhibit robustness to parameter identification problems. The persistence of shocks on oil prices and returns is analyzed via impulse-response confidence bands. Our findings support the usefulness of impulse-responses as an empirically relevant transformation of the confidence set.
Secure PHY Layer Key Generation in the Asymmetric Power Line Communication Channel
Authors: Passerini Federico , Tonello Andrea M.
Published: April 2020

Leakage of information in power line communication (PLC) networks is a threat to privacy and security. A way to enhance security is to encode the transmitted information with the use of a secret key. If the communication channel exhibits common characteristics at both ends and these are unknown to a potential eavesdropper, then it is possible to locally generate a common secret key at the two communication ends without the need for sharing it through the broadcast channel. This is known as physical layer key generation. To this aim, known techniques have been developed exploiting the transfer function of symmetric channels. However, the PLC channel is in general not symmetric, but just reciprocal. Therefore, in this paper, we first analyze the characteristics of the channel to verify whether physical layer key generation can be implemented. Then, we propose two novel methods that exploit the reciprocity of the PLC channel to generate common information by the two intended users. This information is processed through different quantization techniques to generate secret keys locally. To assess the security of the generated keys, we analyze the spatial correlation of PLC channels. This allows verifying whether the eavesdropper’s channels are weakly correlated with the intended users’ channel. Consequently, it is found that the information leaked to a possible eavesdropper has very low correlation to the locally generated key. The analysis and proposed methods are validated on a measurement dataset.
Contingency Plans for the Wood Supply Chain Based on Bottleneck and Queuing Time Analyses of a Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Kogler Christoph , Rauch Peter
Published: April 2020

Wood supply chain performance suffers from risks intensified by more frequent and extreme natural calamities such as windstorms, bark beetle infestations, and ice-break treetops. In order to limit further damage and wood value loss after natural calamities, high volumes of salvage wood have to be rapidly transported out of the forest. In these cases, robust decision support and coordinated management strategies based on advanced contingency planning are needed. Consequently, this study introduces a contingency planning toolbox consisting of a discrete event simulation model setup for analyses on an operational level, strategies to cope with challenging business cases, as well as transport templates to analyze outcomes of decisions before real, costly, and long-lasting changes are made. The toolbox enables wood supply managers to develop contingency plans to prepare for increasing risk events and more frequent natural disturbances due to climate change. Crucial key performance indicators including truck to wagon ratios, truck and wagon utilization, worktime coordination, truck queuing times, terminal transhipment volume, and required stockyard are presented for varying delivery time, transport tonnage, and train pick-up scenarios. The strategy BEST FIT was proven to provide robust solutions which saves truck and train resources, as well as keeps transhipment volume on a high level and stockyard and queuing time on a low level. Permission granted for increased truck transport tonnages was evaluated as a potential means to reduce truck trips, if working times and train pick-ups are coordinated. Furthermore, the practical applicability for contingency planning is demonstrated by highly relevant business cases such as limited wagon or truck availability, defined delivery quota, terminal selection, queuing time reduction, or scheduled stock accumulation. Further research should focus on the modeling and management of log quality deterioration and the resulting wood value loss caused by challenging transport and storage conditions.
Change Detection and Land Suitability Analysis for Extension of Potential Forest Areas in Indonesia Using Satellite Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Nurda Nety , Noguchi Ryozo , Ahamed Tofael
Published: April 2020

The objective of this research was to detect changes in forest areas and, subsequently, the potential forest area that can be extended in the South Sumatra province of Indonesia, according to the Indonesian forest resilience classification zones. At first, multispectral satellite remote sensing datasets from Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI were classified into four classes, namely urban, vegetation, forest and waterbody to develop Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps for the year 2003 and 2018. Secondly, criteria, namely distance from rivers, distance from roads, elevation, LULC and settlements were selected and the reclassified maps were produced from each of the criteria for the land suitability analysis for forest extension. Thirdly, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was incorporated to add expert opinions to prioritize the criteria referring to potential areas for forest extension. In the change detection analysis, Tourism Recreation Forest (TRF), Convertible Protection Forest (CPF) and Permanent Production Forest (PPF) forest zones had a decrease of 20%, 13% and 40% in area, respectively, in the forest class from 2003 to 2018. The Limited Production Forest (LPF) zone had large changes and decreased by 72% according to the LULC map. In the AHP method, the influential criteria had higher weights and ranked as settlements, elevation, distance from roads and distance from rivers. CPF, PPF and LPF have an opportunity for extension in the highly suitable classification (30%) and moderately suitable classification (41%) areas, to increase coverage of production forests. Wildlife Reserve Forests (WRFs) have potential for expansion in the highly suitable classification (30%) and moderately suitable classification (52%) areas, to keep biodiversity and ecosystems for wildlife resources. Nature Reserve Forests (NRFs) have an opportunity for extension in the highly suitable classification (39%) and moderately suitable classification (48%) areas, to keep the forests for nature and biodiversity. In case of TRF, there is limited scope to propose a further extension and is required to be managed with collaboration between the government and the community.
Novel Blotting Method for Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Metabolites in Strawberry Fruit by Desorption/Ionization Using Through Hole Alumina Membrane
Authors: Enomoto Hirofumi , Kotani Masahiro , Ohmura Takayuki
Published: April 2020

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is a powerful technique for visualizing metabolites in the strawberry fruit. During sample preparation for MALDI-MSI, sectioning of the samples is usually required. In general, MALDI-MSI analysis of strawberry fruits that are larger than a single glass slide is difficult because thin sections cannot be prepared. In this study, we attempted to visualize metabolites in large strawberry fruits by MSI, employing a blotting method that uses desorption ionization using a through-hole alumina membrane (DIUTHAME) chip. Large strawberry fruits were cut and a DIUTHAME chip was set on the cross-section to blot the metabolites. After drying the DIUTHAME chip, the metabolites were measured in positive and negative ion modes using a commercial MALDI-type mass spectrometer. Several peaks were detected in both the ion modes. Various metabolites related to food quality, such as sugars, organic acids, and anthocyanins, were detected and successfully visualized by blotting on a DIUTHAME chip in MSI. These results suggest that blotting using a DIUTHAME chip in MSI is useful for visualizing the metabolites present in the strawberry fruit.
Are Students Really Cautious about Food Waste? Korean Students’ Perception and Understanding of Food Waste
Authors: Islam Maidul
Published: April 2020

The amount of food wasted by Korean households is significant and to some extent could be preventable. It is not well illustrated how Korean students perceive food waste and how much they know about the consequences of food waste. This study aimed to examine Korean students’ perception of food waste. Overall, results show that students’ perception of food waste varies in different clusters. Considerate food wasters (cluster 1) are knowledgeable and have much information regarding food waste. This paper suggests that additional information about how to preserve food and about issues related to food wastes, which cause a bigger environmental problem over the long term, could influence the behavior of this cluster, reducing perhaps further food waste. On the other hand, unwitting and ruthless food wasters, who are in clusters 2 and 3, need extra attention. Marketers should initiate educational campaigns to raise awareness of food waste for students and youth. Students who fall under these two clusters may need to pay extra attention to their shopping behavior. They should be more connected to their food, and to their purchase behavior, which may reduce food waste.
Cognitive Function and Mortality: Results from Kaunas HAPIEE Study 2006–2017
Authors: Tamosiunas Abdonas , Sapranaviciute-Zabazlajeva Laura , Luksiene Dalia , Virviciute Dalia , Bobak Martin
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the association between cognitive function and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality during 10 years of the follow-up. Methods: 7087 participants were assessed in the baseline survey of the Health Alcohol Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) study in 2006–2008. During 10 years of follow-up, all-cause and CVD mortality risk were evaluated. Results: During 10 years of follow-up, 768 (23%) men and 403 (11%) women died (239 and 107 from CVD). After adjustment for sociodemographic, biological, lifestyle factors, and illnesses, a decrease per 1 standard deviation in different cognitive function scores increased risk for all-cause mortality (by 13%–24% in men, and 17%–33% in women) and CVD mortality (by 19%–32% in men, and 69%–91% in women). Kaplan-Meier survival curves for all-cause and CVD mortality, according to tertiles of cognitive function, revealed that the lowest cognitive function (1st tertile) predicts shorter survival compared to second and third tertiles (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this follow-up study suggest that older participants with lower cognitive functions have an increased risk for all-cause and CVD mortality compared to older participants with a higher level of cognitive function.
Epidemiology of Alcohol Misuse and Illicit Drug Use Among Young People Aged 15–24 Years in Fishing Communities in Uganda
Authors: Kuteesa Monica O. , Weiss Helen A. , Cook Sarah , Seeley Janet , Ssentongo Josephine N. , Kizindo Robert , Ngonzi Paul , Sewankambo Moses , Webb Emily L.
Published: April 2020

Background: We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use among young Ugandans in fishing communities, a recognised “key population” for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among young people (15–24 years) in fishing communities in Koome, Uganda, in December 2017–July 2018. Using Audio-Assisted Self-Interviewing, we collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and timeline follow-back calendar (TLFB). Blood samples were analysed for HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), and Phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth 16:0/18:1). Urine samples were analysed for illicit drugs. Results: Among 1281 participants (52.7% male, mean age 20 years), 659 (51.4%) reported ever drinking alcohol, 248 (19.4%) had 12-month-AUDIT ≥ 8, and 261 (20.5%) had whole-blood PEth 16:0/18:1 concentration ≥ 20 ng/mL, indicating significant consumption. In multivariable analyses, PEth 16:0/18:1 ≥ 20ng/mL, AUDIT ≥ 8 and binge drinking (≥6 standard drinks per drinking occasion in the previous month from TLFB) were all strongly associated with older age, low education, smoking, and HSV2. Illicit drug use prevalence was 5.2% and was associated with older age, low education, being single, and smoking. Conclusion: Levels of alcohol misuse were high among young people in fishing communities and associated with HSV2, a proxy for risky sexual behaviour. Alcohol and illicit drug harm reduction services and HIV prevention programs in Uganda should prioritise young fisherfolk.
Contact Allergy—Emerging Allergens and Public Health Impact
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Werfel Thomas , Lepoittevin Jean-Pierre , White Ian R.
Published: April 2020

Contact allergy (sensitisation) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) resulting from it have a considerable public health impact. For the present review, all pertinent articles were systematically searched via Medline and Web of Science™; additionally, all available issues of the journals “Contact Dermatitis” and “Dermatitis” were manually searched, covering the years 2018–2019, thereby extending and re-focusing a previous similar review. New allergens, or previously described allergens found in a new exposure context or of other current importance, are described in sections according to substance classes, e.g., metals, preservatives, fragrances. As a common finding in many investigations, a lack of information on product composition has been noted, for instance, regarding a newly described allergen in canvas shoes (dimethylthiocarbamylbenzothiazole sulfide) and, most notably, absence of co-operation from manufacturers of glucose-monitoring devices and insulin pumps, respectively. These latter devices have been shown to cause severe ACD in a considerable number of diabetic patients caused by the liberation of isobornyl acrylate and N,N’-dimethylacrylamide, respectively, as demonstrated by an international collaboration between dermatologists and chemists. Improved and complete ingredient labelling for all types of products, and not just as we have with cosmetics at present (apart from full listing of fragrance substances) in Europe, must be put on the legislative agenda.
The Awareness and Attitude of Parents towards the Legislation of Child Restraint in Two Cities of China
Authors: Jin Ye , Deng Xiao , Ye Pengpeng , Peng Ji , Peng Juanjuan , Lei Lin , Yu Yan , Duan Leilei
Published: April 2020

The death of child passengers was one of the leading causes of death among children fatally injured on roads in China. Child restraint can effectively protect child passengers. Mandatory child restraint law has been enacted locally in Shanghai and Shenzhen, two major cities in China. In order to understand the public attitude on national legislation in these cities, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with a sample of parents/caregivers with a child aged 0–6 years and own private car from Shanghai and Shenzhen. We used descriptive statistics to describe the distribution of parental awareness and attitudes towards the legislation of child restraint. There were less than 50% parents who were aware of the local legislation of child restraint use. Even though only around 20% of parents were able to respond accurately to the age standard in legislation, among those who knew of the legislation, most of the parents understood that the law had enforcement measures. More than 70% of parents supported the national legislation of child restraint use, and, among them, around 70% supported enforcement and punishment. Thus, the study provided supportive evidence for national legislation, but it also put forward that the work of popularizing law should be strengthened.
Threshold Effects of Restraining Factors on China’s Provincial Ecological Footprint in the Process of Urbanization
Authors: Wu Decun , Liu Jinping
Published: April 2020

This study uses a panel threshold model to explore the nonlinear relationship between restraining factors and ecological footprint (EF) evolution from 2003 to 2015 in China. In addition, the heterogeneity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is identified. The results show that the four regime-dependent variables, i.e., technology level, openness, industrial structure and energy efficiency, have significant single-threshold effects on the EF in China, and the negative correlations between these variables and EF are significantly enhanced when the threshold variable urbanization exceeds 86.20%, 68.71%, 86.20% and 47.51%, respectively. As the urbanization level increases, more factors begin to play a high restraining role on the EF. The single-threshold effects on the EKC are significant under the threshold variables of urbanization and industrial structure. Meanwhile, the significant inverted-U relationship trends emerge when the two variables exceed the thresholds of 86.2% and 69.1%, respectively. Based on an empirical study, to restrain the EF of China’s 30 provinces more effectively, the urbanization process should be accelerated, while energy efficiency, foreign capital investment, technology level and service sector proportion should be promoted according to the urbanization level. Compared to other studies, this study is more focused on EF restraining factors and it contributes to the identification of the heterogeneity of EF’s restraining factors and EKC hypothesis, which would be useful for the EF reduction policy in the case of China.
Food Hygiene Surveillance in Italy: Is Food Ice a Public Health Risk?
Authors: Caggiano Giuseppina , Marcotrigiano Vincenzo , Trerotoli Paolo , Diella Giusy , Rutigliano Serafina , Apollonio Francesca , Marzella Angelo , Triggiano Francesco , Gramegna Matilde , Lagravinese Domenico , Sorrenti Giovanni Trifone , Magarelli Pantaleo , Moscato Umberto , Montagna Maria Teresa
Published: April 2020

Food ice is used as an ingredient or as a coolant in drinks and in the storage of food, especially fishery products. Studies show that ice can be polluted both by chemical substances and by bacteria and fungi. In particular, the presence of fungi in these food matrices has acquired an important role in Public Health, as it can represent a risk factor for fungal complications in immunocompromised subjects. In the present study we evaluated the hygiene–sanitary quality of food ice from public and collective catering establishments in a large area of Southern Italy, investigating the mandatory parameters (Escherichia coli, coliform and Enterococci) and some accessory parameters (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi) provided for Italian Legislative Decree 31/01. Although 54.5% of samples were compliant, the results highlight a vast contamination of food ice by bacteria and fungi. In particular, 95.8% of samples were contaminated by fungi, stressing no difference between compliant and non-compliant samples. Their presence is generally attributable to the poor sanitation conditions in the production and/or administration phase and to the incorrect sanitization and ordinary maintenance procedures. It seems appropriate to suggest the need to carry out a specific risk assessment with respect to the self-control plans.
Intrinsic Cross-Correlation Analysis of Hydro-Meteorological Data in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wei Xiaowei , Zhang Hongbo , Gong Xinghui , Wei Xingchen , Dang Chiheng , Zhi Tong
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to illustrate intrinsic correlations and their temporal evolution between hydro-meteorological elements by building three-element-composed system, including precipitation (P), runoff (R), air temperature (T), evaporation (pan evaporation, E), and sunshine duration (SD) in the Wuding River Basin (WRB) in Loess Plateau, China, and to provide regional experience to correlational research of global hydro-meteorological data. In analysis, detrended partial cross-correlation analysis (DPCCA) and temporal evolution of detrended partial-cross-correlation analysis (TDPCCA) were employed to demonstrate the intrinsic correlation, and detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) coefficient was used as comparative method to serve for performance tests of DPCCA. In addition, a novel way was proposed to estimate the contribution of a variable to the change of correlation between other two variables, namely impact assessment of correlation change (IACC). The analysis results in the WRB indicated that (1) DPCCA can analyze the intrinsic correlations between two hydro-meteorological elements by removing potential influences of the relevant third one in a complex system, providing insights on interaction mechanisms among elements under changing environment; (2) the interaction among P, R, and E was most strong in all three-element-composed systems. In elements, there was an intrinsic and stable correlation between P and R, as well as E and T, not depending on time scales, while there were significant correlations on local time scales between other elements, i.e., P-E, R-E, P-T, P-SD, and E-SD, showing the correlation changed with time-scales; (3) TDPCCA drew and highlighted the intrinsic correlations at different time-scales and its dynamics characteristic between any two elements in the P-R-E system. The results of TDPCCA in the P-R-E system also demonstrate the nonstationary correlation and may give some experience for improving the data quality. When establishing a hydrological model, it is suitable to only use P, R, and E time series with significant intrinsic correlation for calibrating model. The IACC results showed that taking pan evaporation as the representation of climate change (barring P), the impacts of climate change on the non-stationary correlation of P and R was estimated quantitatively, illustrating the contribution of climate to the correlation variation was 30.9%, and that of underlying surface and direct human impact accounted for 69.1%.
Stronger Increases in Cognitive Functions among Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Older Adults in China: A Longitudinal Analysis with Multiple Birth Cohorts
Authors: Yang Fan , Cao Jiangling , Qian Dongfu , Ma Aixia
Published: April 2020

Highly variable changes in cognitive functions occur as people get older, and socio-economically disadvantaged older adults are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline. This study aims to identify the longitudinal trend in cognitive functions among different socio-economic groups of older adults. The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) followed up 32,323 individuals aged 65 years and older over a 12-year period. A series of mixed-effects models was used to explicitly assess cohort trend and its socio-economic disparity in the cognitive functions of older adults. Scores for significant increase in cognitive functions by birth cohort were smaller by 0.49, 0.28, and 0.64 among older adults with more educational experience, a lower household income, or economic dependence relative to their counterparts. Scores for differences in cognitive function between older adults with higher and lower incomes were smaller by 0.46 among those living in urban areas than among those living in rural areas. Although there were larger cohort growth trends in cognitive functions among older adults with lower educational attainment, lower household income, and who were economically dependent, effective public intervention targeting these socio-economically disadvantaged populations is still necessary.
Increased Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and It’s Comorbidities in Women with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Ho Chun-Wei , Chen Hsin-Hung , Hsieh Ming-Chia , Chen Ching-Chu , Hsu Sheng-Pang , Yip Hei-Tung , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: April 2020

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its comorbidities in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Population: In this cohort study, patients newly diagnosed as having Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) or Grave disease (GD) were recruited into the AITD group. Method: The logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between exposure, endpoint, later diseases and treatment. Main Outcome Measures: We assessed the cumulative incidence using the Kaplan–Meier method and verified the difference by the log-rank test. Results: The AITD group included 3599 GD patients and 1332 HT patients. PCOS risk in patients with AITD was higher than that in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.39; 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.71). In patients with both AITD and PCOS, the odds ratios of diabetes, hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease were 2.48, 2.05 and 2.63, respectively. Conclusions: The risks of PCOS and its comorbidities such as diabetes, dyslipidemia and cardiac artery disease are high in patients with AITD in Taiwan.
The Gulf War Women’s Health Cohort: Study Design and Protocol
Authors: Ansa Benjamin E. , Sullivan Kimberly , Krengel Maxine H. , Heboyan Vahé , Wilson Candy , Iobst Stacey , Coughlin Steven S.
Published: April 2020

Military service and deployment affect women differently than men, underscoring the need for studies of the health of women veterans and their receipt of health care services. Despite the large numbers of women who served during the 1990–1991 Gulf War, few studies have evaluated Gulf War illness (GWI) and other medical conditions specifically as they affect women veterans of the 1991 Gulf War. The objectives of the Gulf War Women’s Health Cohort study are: (1) to establish the Gulf War women’s cohort (GWWC), a large sample of women veterans who served in the 1990–1991 Gulf War and a comparison group of women who served in other locations during that period; and (2) to provide current, comprehensive data on the health status of women who served during the 1990–1991 Gulf War, and identify any specific conditions that affect Gulf War women veterans at excess rates. The study will utilize both existing datasets and newly collected data to examine the prevalence and patterns of Gulf War Illness symptoms, diagnosed medical conditions, reproductive health, birth outcomes and other health issues among women who served during the Gulf War. The Gulf War Women’s Health Cohort study will address the need for information about the comprehensive health of women veterans who were deployed to the Gulf War, and other wars during the Gulf War era.
Analysis of the Actions and Motivations of a Community during the 2017 Torrential Rains in Northern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Nonomura Atsuko , Fujisawa Kazuhito , Takahashi Mari , Matsumoto Hideo , Hasegawa Shuichi
Published: April 2020

Damage caused by weather events has increased dramatically across the world in recent years. In the case of Japan, record-breaking rainfall has caused devastating damage almost every year since 2014; many people have been killed in these disasters. To better prepare for future heavy rainfalls, we need to discover how to prepare for disasters and mitigate damage by learning from examples in resilient communities. In 2017, torrential rains hit Toho Village in northern Kyushu, and the people as a whole responded well to avoid disastrous outcomes. We studied the actions and motivations of residents of Toho during this rainfall event by conducting semi-structured interviews in November 2017. The interviewees indicated that their motivation for evacuating was “personal observation of the danger” or “communication with neighbors”. Communication within the community was found to be an important factor that enabled the safe evacuation of community members, even without notice of the disaster risk and/or in the absence of timely information from the government because of a power outage. Knowledge of local landforms would be also helpful to reinforce appropriate actions and precautions needed during a disaster.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms, Ownership and Firm Value: Evidence from Listed Chinese Firms
Authors: Kong Yusheng , Famba Takuriramunashe , Chituku-Dzimiro Grace , Sun Huaping , Kurauone Ophias
Published: April 2020

This study analyzes corporate ownership as a corporate governance mechanism and its role in creating firm value. Previous research shows that there is no convergence on the firm-value corporate ownership relationship. Most research in this area takes a cross national approach ignoring the uniqueness of each institutional setting particularly those of emerging nations. Using a unique firm level dataset, we investigate how corporate control nature and ownership concentration affect the value of Chinese listed firms. First, non-state owned control is associated with a higher Tobin’s Q while a negative premium is found for state owned. Using the hybrid and the correlated random effects model we confirm a U-shaped non-linear relationship between ownership concentration and Tobin’s Q, implying that firm value first decreases and then increases as block holders own more shares. Further investigation reveals that the negative effect of ownership concentration is weaker when a firm equity nature is non-state owned enterprises (non-SOEs) compared to state-owned enterprises (SOEs). While ownership concentration appears to be an efficient mechanism for corporate governance its effect is weaker for SOEs compared to non-SOEs. The results support privatization of SOEs, sound reforms such as the split share structure reform as crucial for the development of China’s stock market.
Flight Muscle and Wing Mechanical Properties are Involved in Flightlessness of the Domestic Silkmoth, Bombyx mori
Authors: Lu Kunpeng , Liang Shubo , Han Minjin , Wu Chunman , Song Jiangbo , Li Chunlin , Wu Songyuan , He Songzhen , Ren Jianyu , Hu Hai , Shen Jianghong , Tong Xiaoling , Dai Fangyin
Published: April 2020

Flight loss has occurred in many winged insect taxa. The flightless silkmoth Bombyx mori, is domesticated from the wild silkmoth, Bombyx mandarina, which can fly. In this paper, we studied morphological characteristics attributed to flightlessness in silkmoths. Three domestic flightless B. mori strains and one B. mandarina population were used to compare morphological components of the flight apparatus, including wing characteristics (shape, forewing area, loading, and stiffness), flight muscle (weight, ratio, and microscopic detail) and body mass. Compared with B. mandarina, B. mori strains have a larger body, greater wing loading, more flexible wings and a lower flight muscle ratio. The arrangement in microscopy of dorsal longitudinal flight muscles (DLFMs) of B. mori was irregular. Comparative analysis of the sexes suggests that degeneration of flight muscles and reduction of wing mechanical properties (stiffness) are associated with silkmoth flightlessness. The findings provide important clues for further research of the molecular mechanisms of B. mori flight loss.
Nebulized Heparin in Burn Patients with Inhalation Trauma—Safety and Feasibility
Authors: Glas Gerie J. , Horn Janneke , Binnekade Jan M. , Hollmann Markus W. , Muller Jan , Cleffken Berry , Colpaert Kirsten , Dixon Barry , Juffermans Nicole P. , Knape Paul , Levi Marcel M. , Loef Bert G. , Mackie David P. , Malbrain Manu L.N.G. , Preckel Benedikt , Reidinga Auke C. , van der Sluijs K.F. , Schultz Marcus J.
Published: April 2020

Background: Pulmonary hypercoagulopathy is intrinsic to inhalation trauma. Nebulized heparin could theoretically be beneficial in patients with inhalation injury, but current data are conflicting. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of nebulized heparin. Methods: International multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial in specialized burn care centers. Adult patients with inhalation trauma received nebulizations of unfractionated heparin (25,000 international unit (IU), 5 mL) or placebo (0.9% NaCl, 5 mL) every four hours for 14 days or until extubation. The primary outcome was the number of ventilator-free days at day 28 post-admission. Here, we report on the secondary outcomes related to safety and feasibility. Results: The study was prematurely stopped after inclusion of 13 patients (heparin N = 7, placebo N = 6) due to low recruitment and high costs associated with the trial medication. Therefore, no analyses on effectiveness were performed. In the heparin group, serious respiratory problems occurred due to saturation of the expiratory filter following nebulizations. In total, 129 out of 427 scheduled nebulizations were withheld in the heparin group (in 3 patients) and 45 out of 299 scheduled nebulizations were withheld in the placebo group (in 2 patients). Blood-stained sputum or expected increased bleeding risks were the most frequent reasons to withhold nebulizations. Conclusion: In this prematurely stopped trial, we encountered important safety and feasibility issues related to frequent heparin nebulizations in burn patients with inhalation trauma. This should be taken into account when heparin nebulizations are considered in these patients.
Primary Retention of Molars and RANKL Signaling Alteration during Craniofacial Growth
Authors: Gama Andrea , Maman Laura , Vargas-Franco Jorge William , Omar Rana , Brounais-Le Royer Bénédicte , Yagita Hideo , Babajko Sylvie , Berdal Ariane , Acevedo Ana Carolina , Heymann Dominique , Lézot Frédéric , Castaneda Beatriz
Published: April 2020

The primary retention of molars observed in clinic corresponds to a still-unexplained absence of molar eruption despite the presence of an eruption pathway, resembling the experimental transient inhibition of RANKL signaling in mice. The aim of the present study was to confront the hypothesis according to which the primary retention of molars is associated with transitory perturbations to RANKL signaling during growth as part of a wider craniofacial skeleton pattern. The experimental strategy was based on combining a clinical study and an animal study corresponding to the characterization of the craniofacial phenotypes of patients with primary retention of molars and analyses in mice of the consequences of transient inhibition of RANKL signaling on molar eruption and craniofacial growth. The clinical study validated the existence of a particular craniofacial phenotype in patients with primary retention of molars: a retromandibular skeletal class II typology with reduced mandibular dimensions which manifests itself at the dental level by a class II/2 with palatoversion of the upper incisors and anterior overbite. The animal study demonstrated that transient invalidation of RANKL signaling had an impact on the molar eruption process, the severity of which was dependent on the period of inhibition and was associated with a reduction in two craniofacial morphometric parameters: total skull length and craniofacial vault length. In conclusion, primary retention of molars may be proposed as part of the craniofacial skeleton phenotype associated with a transitory alteration in RANKL signaling during growth.
Strengthened Default Mode Network Activation During Delay Discounting in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa After Partial Weight Restoration: A Longitudinal fMRI Study
Authors: Doose Arne , King Joseph A. , Bernardoni Fabio , Geisler Daniel , Hellerhoff Inger , Weinert Tomas , Roessner Veit , Smolka Michael N. , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: April 2020

The capacity of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) to resist food-based rewards is often assumed to reflect excessive self-control. Previous cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies utilizing the delay discounting (DD) paradigm, an index of impulsivity and self-control, suggested altered neural efficiency of decision-making in acutely underweight patients (acAN) and a relative normalization in long-term, weight-recovered individuals with a history of AN (recAN). The current longitudinal study tested for changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation during DD associated with intensive weight restoration treatment. A predominately adolescent cohort of 22 female acAN patients (mean age—15.5 years) performed an established DD paradigm during fMRI at the beginning of hospitalization and again after partial weight restoration (≥12% body mass index (BMI) increase). Analyses investigated longitudinal changes in both reward valuation and executive decision-making processes. Additional exploratory analyses included comparisons with data acquired in aged-matched healthy controls (HC) as well as probes of functional connectivity between empirically identified nodes of the “task-positive” frontoparietal control network (FPN) and “task-negative” default-mode network (DMN). While treatment was not associated with changes in behavioral DD parameters or activation, specific to reward processing, deactivation of the DMN during decision-making was significantly less pronounced following partial weight restoration. Strengthened DMN activation during DD might reflect a relative relaxation of cognitive overcontrol or improved self-referential, decision-making. Together, our findings present further evidence that aberrant decision-making in AN might be remediable by treatment and, therefore, might constitute an acute effect rather than a core trait variable of the disorder.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Induces Global Cardiac Reverse Remodeling in Long-Lasting Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: Standard and Advanced Echocardiographic Evidences
Authors: Castrichini Matteo , Manca Paolo , Nuzzi Vincenzo , Barbati Giulia , De Luca Antonio , Korcova Renata , Stolfo Davide , Di Lenarda Andrea , Merlo Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: April 2020

Sacubitril/valsartan reduces mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, partially due to cardiac reverse remodeling (RR). Little is known about the RR rate in long-lasting HFrEF and the evolution of advanced echocardiographic parameters, despite their known prognostic impact in this setting. We sought to evaluate the rates of left ventricle (LV) and left atrial (LA) RR through standard and advanced echocardiographic imaging in a cohort of HFrEF patients, after the introduction of sacubitril/valsartan. A multi-parametric standard and advanced echocardiographic evaluation was performed at the moment of introduction of sacubitril/valsartan and at 3 to 18 months subsequent follow-up. LVRR was defined as an increase in the LV ejection fraction ≥10 points associated with a decrease ≥10% in indexed LV end-diastolic diameter; LARR was defined as a decrease >15% in the left atrium end-systolic volume. We analyzed 77 patients (65 ± 11 years old, 78% males, 40% ischemic etiology) with 76 (28–165) months since HFrEF diagnosis. After a median follow-up of 9 (interquartile range 6–14) months from the beginning of sacubitril/valsartan, LVRR occurred in 20 patients (26%) and LARR in 33 patients (43%). Moreover, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) improved from −8.3 ± 4% to −12 ± 4.7% (p < 0.001), total left atrial emptying fraction (TLAEF) from 28.2 ± 14.4% to 32.6 ± 13.7% (p = 0.01) and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) from 10.3 ± 6.9% to 13.7 ± 7.6% (p < 0.001). In HFrEF patients, despite a long history of the disease, the introduction of sacubitril/valsartan provides a rapid global (i.e., LV and LA) RR in >25% of cases, both at standard and advanced echocardiographic evaluations.