bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between IL‐1R2 polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in the Chinese Han population: A case–control study
Authors: Wang Chaoying , Zhang Chengsheng , Xu Junnv , Li Yongfu , Wang Jie , Liu Hui , Liu Yueli , Chen Zhong , Lin Haifeng
Published: March 2019

Background

Interleukin‐1 receptor 2 (IL‐1R2), as an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of lung cancer. However, the role of IL‐1R2 polymorphisms in patients with lung cancer has yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

Six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL‐1R2 were genotyped in 259 patients and 346 healthy controls. We used the chi‐squared test, genetic model analysis, Haploview analysis, and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) to evaluate the potential association between IL‐1R2 polymorphisms and lung cancer susceptibility. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to analyze the expression level of IL‐1R2 and its association with the overall survival of lung cancer.

Results

Our results found that rs3218977‐GG was associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–0.87; p = 0.023), and rs2072472 had a significant risk‐increasing effect in the dominant model (AG + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.09–2.20; p = 0.015). The MDR model also revealed that rs2072472 is the most influential risk factor of lung cancer (testing accuracy = 0.543; cross‐validation consistency = 10/10; p = 0.032). In addition, our results indicated that the IL‐1R2 mRNA level was downregulated in lung cancer patients, whereas the high expression of IL‐1R2 was related to a poor prognosis in lung cancer.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that genetic variants of IL‐1R2 may play a role in lung cancer susceptibility. Further population and functional validations of our findings are warranted.
Technical Note: Density correction to improve CT number mapping in thoracic deformable image registration
Authors: Yang Jinzhong , Zhang Yongbin , Zhang Zijian , Zhang Lifei , Balter Peter , Court Laurence
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To improve the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) number mapping inside the lung in deformable image registration with large differences in lung volume for applications in vertical CT imaging and adaptive radiotherapy.

Methods

The deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) CT image and the end of exhalation (EE) phase image in four‐dimensional CT of 14 thoracic cancer patients were used in this study. Lung volumes were manually delineated. A Demons‐based deformable registration was first applied to register the EE CT to the DIBH CT for each patient, and the resulting deformation vector field deformed the EE CT image to the DIBH CT space. Given that the mass of the lung remains the same during respiration, we created a mass‐preserving model to correlate lung density variations with volumetric changes, which were characterized by the Jacobian derived from the deformation field. The Jacobian determinant was used to correct the lung CT numbers transferred from the EE CT image. The absolute intensity differences created by subtracting the deformed EE CT from the DIBH CT with and without density correction were compared.

Results

The ratio of DIBH CT to EE CT lung volumes was 1.6 on average. The deformable registration registered the lung shape well, but the appearance of voxel intensities inside the lung was different, demonstrating the need for density correction. Without density correction, the mean and standard deviation of the absolute intensity difference between the deformed EE CT and the DIBH CT inside the lung were 54.5 ± 45.5 for all cases. After density correction, these numbers decreased to 18.1 ± 34.9, demonstrating greater accuracy. The cumulative histogram of the intensity difference also showed that density correction improved CT number mapping greatly.

Conclusion

Density correction improves CT number mapping inside the lung in deformable image registration for difficult cases with large lung volume differences.
Magnetic resonance elastography of skeletal muscle deep tissue injury
Authors: Nelissen Jules L. , Sinkus Ralph , Nicolay Klaas , Nederveen Aart J. , Oomens Cees W.J. , Strijkers Gustav J.
Published: March 2019

The current state‐of‐the‐art diagnosis method for deep tissue injury in muscle, a subcategory of pressure ulcers, is palpation. It is recognized that deep tissue injury is frequently preceded by altered biomechanical properties. A quantitative understanding of the changes in biomechanical properties preceding and during deep tissue injury development is therefore highly desired. In this paper we quantified the spatial–temporal changes in mechanical properties upon damage development and recovery in a rat model of deep tissue injury.

Deep tissue injury was induced in nine rats by two hours of sustained deformation of the tibialis anterior muscle. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), T2‐weighted, and T2‐mapping measurements were performed before, directly after indentation, and at several timepoints during a 14‐day follow‐up.

The results revealed a local hotspot of elevated shear modulus (from 3.30 ± 0.14 kPa before to 4.22 ± 0.90 kPa after) near the center of deformation at Day 0, whereas the T2 was elevated in a larger area. During recovery there was a clear difference in the time course of the shear modulus and T2. Whereas T2 showed a gradual normalization towards baseline, the shear modulus dropped below baseline from Day 3 up to Day 10 (from 3.29 ± 0.07 kPa before to 2.68 ± 0.23 kPa at Day 10, P < 0.001), followed by a normalization at Day 14.

In conclusion, we found an initial increase in shear modulus directly after two hours of damage‐inducing deformation, which was followed by decreased shear modulus from Day 3 up to Day 10, and subsequent normalization. The lower shear modulus originates from the moderate to severe degeneration of the muscle. MRE stiffness values were affected in a smaller area as compared with T2. Since T2 elevation is related to edema, distributing along the muscle fibers proximally and distally from the injury, we suggest that MRE is more specific than T2 for localization of the actual damaged area.
On greedy randomized coordinate descent methods for solving large linear least‐squares problems
Authors: Bai Zhong‐Zhi , Wu Wen‐Ting
Published: March 2019

For solving large scale linear least‐squares problem by iteration methods, we introduce an effective probability criterion for selecting the working columns from the coefficient matrix and construct a greedy randomized coordinate descent method. It is proved that this method converges to the unique solution of the linear least‐squares problem when its coefficient matrix is of full rank, with the number of rows being no less than the number of columns. Numerical results show that the greedy randomized coordinate descent method is more efficient than the randomized coordinate descent method.
An algorithm for stress and mixed control in Galerkin‐based FFT homogenization
Authors: Lucarini S. , Segurado J.
Published: March 2019

A new algorithm is proposed to impose a macroscopic stress or mixed stress/deformation gradient history in the context of nonlinear Galerkin‐based fast Fourier transform homogenization. The method proposed is based on the definition of a modified projection operator in which the null frequencies enforce the type of control (stress or strain) for each component of either the macroscopic first Piola stress or the deformation gradient. The resulting problem is solved exactly as the original variational method, and it does not require additional iterations compared to the strain control version, neither in the linear iterative solver nor in the Newton scheme. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated with a series of numerical examples, including a polycrystal and a particle‐reinforced hyperelastic material.
Zooarchaeological evidence for meat consumption at Zita, Tunisia, during the Punic to Roman occupations (2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE)
Authors: Moses Victoria , Kaufman Brett , Drine Ali , Barnard Hans , Tahar Sami Ben , Jerray Elyssa , Daniels Megan
Published: March 2019

Although Roman North Africa is known for its production of cereals, faunal evidence from the Neo‐Punic urban mound of Zita in South East Tunisia shows that meat was an important part of the diet. Similarly to other North African sites, sheep and goat contributed the most to meat consumption in all time periods. The proportions of cattle, sheep/goat, and pig (the most common sources of meat in most Roman influenced sites) are closer to the nearby site of Meninx than to Carthage. This research uses the complete collection of faunal material from one feature at Zita to analyse pre‐Roman and Roman meat consumption. Because data from few comparable sites are available, this analysis adds new understanding to diet over time in the region, but further studies at Zita and in the region more broadly would help confirm these findings. Zooarchaeological remains show a diet heavily dependent on sheep and goat, with fish, molluscs, cattle, pig, and chicken also commonly consumed. Wild animals in the diet include hare and birds. Other fauna recovered were indirectly related to human activities; small terrestrial animals like amphibians, snakes, and rodents were likely attracted to refuse and increased as the site became more industrialised in the Roman period. The data show that the diet at Zita remains consistent across time, indicating a strong and ongoing local influence on cuisine despite transitions in the political infrastructure from Carthaginian to Neo‐Punic/Roman periods.
Experimental study of polymeric stent fabrication using homemade 3D printing system
Authors: Zhao Danyang , Zhou Ruiqi , Sun Jianxing , Li Hongxia , Jin Yifei
Published: March 2019

Biodegradable polymeric stents have received extensive attention due to the high efficiency in interventional therapy. Fabrication of well‐defined polymeric stents still poses a significant fabrication challenge. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using a homemade three‐dimensional (3D) printing system to directly print customized polymeric stents. In the proposed system, a rotating shaft with controllable temperature and rotating speed has been integrated into a fused deposition modeling‐based 3D printing system to support the printed stents stably in situ. In addition, the effects of operating conditions including the rotating speed, printing temperature, printing speed, and step distance on the dimensions of the 3D printed stents have been investigated. Furthermore, orthogonal experiments have been designed and performed to comprehensively explore the significance of each processing parameter. Finally, based on the obtained knowledge, polymeric stents with various structures have been successfully 3D printed using the homemade 3D printing system with relatively high shape fidelity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1122–1131 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Look back lest you fail to mark the path ahead
Authors: Lovejoy Thomas E.
Published: March 2019

Societal Impact Statement

The need for immediate action to avoid further climate change and biodiversity loss is upon us. Plant scientists have the tools to initiate the first steps of this action, but we face challenges in ensuring that our message is transferred clearly and concisely to non‐scientists. We must ensure that our research is rooted in reality, with reference to our current situation.

Summary

The devastating impacts of historical changes in atmospheric conditions demonstrate to scientists how precarious our current situation is, underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent further climate change. Humans are inherently adaptable creatures however, and we have so far managed to alter the planet to meet our own needs, cleverly exceeding natural limits and ignoring future consequences. We act as fugitive species, moving on to new resources rather than preventing their exhaustion, and attempting to treat the symptoms rather than the cause of ecological problems. To counteract this natural apathy in the face of relatively slow‐burning but devastating issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, we as scientists must highlight dramatic current issues, and put future problems in a contemporary context to demonstrate the urgency of these problems to non‐scientists. Here, I discuss how we must make our arguments with reference to current reality, clearly, and unequivocally explaining the implications of our research, and proposing technological and ecological approaches to deal with the root cause of the issues we face.
The Dual Graviton in Duality Covariant Theories
Authors: Hohm Olaf , Samtleben Henning
Published: March 2019

We review (and elaborate on) the ‘dual graviton problem’ in the context of duality covariant formulations of M‐theory (exceptional field theories). These theories require fields that are interpreted as components of the dual graviton in order to build complete multiplets under the exceptional groups E, . Circumventing no‐go arguments, consistent theories for such fields have been constructed by incorporating additional covariant compensator fields. The latter fields are needed for gauge invariance but also for on‐shell equivalence with and type IIB supergravity. Moreover, these fields play a non‐trivial role in generalized Scherk‐Schwarz compactifications, as for instance in consistent Kaluza‐Klein truncation on AdS4 × S7.
Observers and observability for uncertain nonlinear systems: A necessary and sufficient condition
Authors: Bai Wenyan , Chen Sen , Huang Yi , Guo Bao‐Zhu , Wu Ze‐Hao
Published: March 2019

In this paper, observers and observability for uncertain nonlinear systems are systematically discussed. It is shown that for the convergence of a large class of observers, featured with the augment state to estimate the uncertainty, it requires not only the observability condition for the augment matrix pair but, more importantly, requires a structural condition first proposed in this paper. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the combination of this structural condition and the observability of the augment matrix pair is a necessary and sufficient condition for the convergence of the observers and the observability of the original uncertain nonlinear systems. This implies that both the structural condition and the observability condition of the augment matrix pair reveal essential feature of the observing problems for uncertain nonlinear systems. In addition, for unobservable uncertain nonlinear systems, which do not satisfy this necessary and sufficient condition, the biased estimation error is explicitly presented, which can be used to evaluate the estimation performance of this class of observers. The numerical simulations for three typical examples are carried out to validate our theoretical analysis.
Modulating the Electronic Structure of Single‐Atom Catalysts on 2D Nanomaterials for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zhu Yuanzhi , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: March 2019

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) on 2D nanomaterials have great potential as efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for clean energy technologies. The coordination environments, as well as the physicochemical properties of the 2D supports, play key roles in tuning the catalytic activity and reaction mechanism of the single‐atom centers. This review first summarizes the suitable synthetic strategies of single‐atom on different 2D supports. The methods that facilitate the formation of relative homogeneous structure and enable the regulation of the surrounding atomic environment of metal center are discussed. Furthermore, the recent progress of SACs for energy‐related electrochemical applications is reviewed, including oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction. The strategies about modulation of the electronic structure of single‐atom for enhanced performance are highlighted, together with a discussion of the current issues and the prospects of this field.
On the construction of knockoffs in case–control studies
Authors: Barber Rina Foygel , Candès Emmanuel
Published: March 2019

Consider a case–control study in which we have a random sample, constructed in such a way that the proportion of cases in our sample is different from that in the general population—for instance, the sample is constructed to achieve a fixed ratio of cases to controls. Imagine that we wish to determine which of the potentially many covariates under study truly influence the response by applying the new model‐X knockoffs approach. This paper demonstrates that it suffices to design knockoff variables using data that may have a different ratio of cases to controls. For example, the knockoff variables can be constructed using the distribution of the original variables under any of the following scenarios: (a) a population of controls only; (b) a population of cases only; and (c) a population of cases and controls mixed in an arbitrary proportion (irrespective of the fraction of cases in the sample at hand). The consequence is that knockoff variables may be constructed using unlabelled data, which are often available more easily than labelled data, while maintaining Type‐I error guarantees.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Dynamics Are Regulated by Progenitor Demand: Lessons from a Quantitative Modeling Approach
Authors: Klose Markus , Florian Maria Carolina , Gerbaulet Alexander , Geiger Hartmut , Glauche Ingmar
Published: March 2019

The prevailing view on murine hematopoiesis and on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in particular derives from experiments that are related to regeneration after irradiation and HSC transplantation. However, over the past years, different experimental techniques have been developed to investigate hematopoiesis under homeostatic conditions, thereby providing access to proliferation and differentiation rates of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the unperturbed situation. Moreover, it has become clear that hematopoiesis undergoes distinct changes during aging with large effects on HSC abundance, lineage contribution, asymmetry of division, and self-renewal potential. However, it is currently not fully resolved how stem and progenitor cells interact to respond to varying demands and how this balance is altered by an aging-induced shift in HSC polarity. Aiming toward a conceptual understanding, we introduce a novel in silico model to investigate the dynamics of HSC response to varying demand. By introducing an internal feedback within a heterogeneous HSC population, the model is suited to consistently describe both hematopoietic homeostasis and regeneration, including the limited regulation of HSCs in the homeostatic situation. The model further explains the age-dependent increase in phenotypic HSCs as a consequence of the cells' inability to preserve divisional asymmetry. Our model suggests a dynamically regulated population of intrinsically asymmetrically dividing HSCs as suitable control mechanism that adheres with many qualitative and quantitative findings on hematopoietic recovery after stress and aging. The modeling approach thereby illustrates how a mathematical formalism can support both the conceptual and the quantitative understanding of regulatory principles in HSC biology.
Bmi1 Overexpression in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exerts Antiaging and Antiosteoporosis Effects by Inactivating p16/p19 Signaling and Inhibiting Oxidative Stress
Authors: Chen Guangpei , Zhang Ying , Yu Shuxiang , Sun Wen , Miao Dengshun
Published: March 2019

We previously demonstrated that Bmi1 deficiency leads to osteoporosis phenotype by inhibiting the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but it is unclear whether overexpression of Bmi1 in MSCs stimulates skeletal development and rescues Bmi1 deficiency-induced osteoporosis. To answer this question, we constructed transgenic mice (Bmi1Tg) that overexpressed Bmi1 driven by the Prx1 gene and analyzed their skeletal phenotype differences with that of wild-type littermates. We then hybridized Bmi1Tg to Bmi1−/− mice to generate Bmi1−/− mice overexpressing Bmi1 in MSCs and compared their skeletal phenotypes with those of Bmi1−/− and wild-type mice using imaging, histopathological, immunohistochemical, histomorphometric, cellular, and molecular methods. Bmi1Tg mice exhibited enhanced bone growth and osteoblast formation, including the augmentation of bone size, cortical and trabecular volume, number of osteoblasts, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive and type I collagen-positive areas, number of total colony forming unit fibroblasts (CFU-f) and ALP+ CFU-f, and osteogenic gene expression levels. Consistently, MSC overexpressing Bmi1 in the Bmi1−/− background not only largely reversed Bmi1 systemic deficiency-induced skeletal growth retardation and osteoporosis, but also partially reversed Bmi1 deficiency-induced systemic growth retardation and premature aging. To further explore the mechanism of action of MSCs overexpressing Bmi1 in antiosteoporosis and antiaging, we examined changes in oxidative stress and expression levels of p16 and p19. Our results showed that overexpression of Bmi1 in MSCs inhibited oxidative stress and downregulated p16 and p19. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that overexpression of Bmi1 in MSCs exerts antiaging and antiosteoporosis effects by inactivating p16/p19 signaling and inhibiting oxidative stress. Stem Cells  2019;37:1200–1211
Cyclic tensile testing of a three‐way panel connection for precast wall‐slab‐wall structures
Authors: Brunesi Emanuele , Peloso Simone , Pinho Rui , Nascimbene Roberto
Published: March 2019

Wall‐slab‐wall buildings, in precast configuration or not, are relatively widespread in many European and non‐European countries, independently of the level and nature of seismic hazard to which the country is prone. Thus, this building archetype, featuring no columns or beams, but only slabs and walls, can be equally found both in areas characterized by potentially high‐damaging tectonic earthquakes and regions where small‐to‐medium‐size natural/anthropogenic seismic events would instead be expected.

Notwithstanding the above, relatively little information has been offered so far on the seismic response/performance of these structures and their key components, which in case of a precast system/layout will inevitably be the connections between the structural elements. To partly fill such knowledge gap, this paper concerns the latter configuration and deals with experimental testing of panel‐to‐panel joints, which are not only two‐way links but also three‐way connections because it is very common for such structures that contiguous panels are connected to a transverse shear wall.

Not surprisingly, very recent pseudostatic and shake‐table tests on full‐scale specimens, undertaken by the authors to characterize the performance of this structural system up to incipient/near collapse, have indicated how the latter panel joints are the weakest link of the system tested, thus prompting further component testing, in cyclic/asymmetric fashion, to single out the response of the joint. Monotonic and cyclic response curves of the five specimens and the counterpart damage patterns revealed that the observed flexural failure mechanism is very stable and aligns very well with that mobilized by the full‐scale building tests.
Effects of Mineralogy, Exchange Capacity, Surface Area and Grain Size on Lithium Sorption to Zeolitic Alluvium near Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Authors: Sullivan Enid J. , Reimus Paul W. , Chipera Steve J. , Counce Dale
Published: March 2019

The Li+ ion is used frequently as an environmentally acceptable surrogate for sorbing radionuclides in field tracer tests, and experiments using Li are an important part of assessing the potential transport of radionuclides in saturated alluvium south of Yucca Mountain, Nevada, the site of a proposed nuclear waste repository. Equilibrium partition constants (Li+ Kds) were measured using batch studies incorporating a wide range of Li+ concentrations and two different grain-size fractions of alluvium samples from multiple depth intervals in two wells. Cation exchange capacity, surface area, bulk mineralogy from quantitative X-ray powder diffraction, and trace Mn- and Fe-oxyhydroxide mineralogy from extractive studies were evaluated as predictors for linearized Li+ Kd values (K1in) in the alluvium. Many of the predictor variables are correlated with each other and this was considered in the analysis. Linearized Kd values were consistently higher for fine particle-size fractions than for coarse fractions. Single and multivariate linear regression analyses indicated that the clinoptilolite + smectite content, taken together as a combined variable, was the best predictor for Li+ sorption in the alluvium, although clinoptilolite content was clearly a better predictor when the two variables were considered separately in simple linear regressions. Even so, Li+ Klin predictions based on clinoptilolite and smectite abundance were accurate only to within about ±100%. This uncertainty suggests that there is either a high inherent variability in Li+ Klin values or that additional alluvium characteristics not measured or evaluated here may play an important role in simple Li+ cation exchange in the alluvium.
The most general λ-deformation of CFTs and integrability
Authors: Georgiou George , Sfetsos Konstantinos
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We show that the CFT with symmetry group

$$ {G}_{k_1}\times {G}_{k_2}\times \cdots \times {G}_{k_n} $$

G

k
1

×

G

k
2

×
⋯
×

G

k
n

consisting of WZW models based on the same group G, but at arbitrary integer levels, admits an integrable deformation depending on 2(n − 1) continuous parameters. We derive the all-loop effective action of the deformed theory and prove integrability. We also calculate the exact in the deformation parameters RG flow equations which can be put in a particularly simple compact form. This allows a full determination and classification of the fixed points of the RG flow, in particular of those that are IR stable. The models under consideration provide concrete realizations of integrable flows between CFTs. We also consider non-Abelian T-duality type limits.
Implementing the three-particle quantization condition including higher partial waves
Authors: Blanton Tyler D. , Romero-López Fernando , Sharpe Stephen R.
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We present an implementation of the relativistic three-particle quantization condition including both s- and d-wave two-particle channels. For this, we develop a systematic expansion of the three-particle K matrix,

$$ \mathcal{K} $$

K

df,3, about threshold, which is the generalization of the effective range expansion of the two-particle K matrix,

$$ \mathcal{K} $$

K

2. Relativistic invariance plays an important role in this expansion. We find that d-wave two-particle channels enter first at quadratic order. We explain how to implement the resulting multichannel quantization condition, and present several examples of its application. We derive the leading dependence of the threshold three-particle state on the two-particle d-wave scattering amplitude, and use this to test our implementation. We show how strong two-particle d-wave interactions can lead to significant effects on the finite-volume three-particle spectrum, including the possibility of a generalized three-particle Efimov-like bound state. We also explore the application to the 3π
+ system, which is accessible to lattice QCD simulations, where we study the sensitivity of the spectrum to the components of

$$ \mathcal{K} $$

K

df,3. Finally, we investigate the circumstances under which the quantization condition has unphysical solutions.
Soil carbon stock in olive groves agroforestry systems under different management and soil characteristics
Authors: Bateni Camilla , Ventura Maurizio , Tonon Giustino , Pisanelli Andrea
Published: March 2019

The atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased to unprecedented levels during last decades, raising concerns about their effect on climate change. Agriculture and land use change play an important role in atmospheric CO2 emission and fixation, especially by affecting the soil carbon (C) storage. In this context, agroforestry systems (AFSs) could play an important role contributing to climate change mitigation. Given the importance of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean region, it is important to investigate soil C stock in olive groves, and to assess which agronomic practices could improve the soil C stock in these systems. For this reason, a study was conducted in different olive groves, including conventional and organic management, and a typical silvopastoral AFS. Furthermore, an abandoned olive grove and nearby forest were examined as a comparison. Soil samples were collected in each farm and analysed for C content and physico-chemical characteristics. This study indicates that, irrespective of the management, olive groves in the Umbria region of Italy are characterised by a high level of soil C stock if compared to those growing in other areas and to forest ecosystems, indicating that the practices adopted in the area are not negatively affecting soil C storage. A slightly lower soil C stock was measured in the silvopastoral AFS in comparison to the other farms, while high soil C stock was associated with the use of pomace, suggesting that this practice can be used to further increase soil C stock in olive orchards.
TNF-α G-308A genetic variants, serum CRP-hs concentration and DNA damage in obese women
Authors: Włodarczyk Marta , Ciebiera Michał , Nowicka Grażyna
Published: March 2019

Obesity is associated with inflammation, which can disturb genome stability. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) polymorphism was found to affect TNF-α protein production and inflammation. Therefore, the present study illustrates the relationship between TNF-α polymorphism, the degree of inflammation assessed by serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (CRP-hs) and basal DNA damage in patients with obesity (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2) and control subjects with proper body mass (BMI < 25 kg/m2). A total of 115 participants (75 obese premenopausal women; and 40 age-, and gender-matched controls) were included. Biochemical parameters (serum concentrations of total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, apolipoprotein AI, CRP-hs) and endogenous DNA damage (determined by comet assay) were measured. TNF-α G-308A polymorphism (rs1800629) was analyzed by PCR-RFLP (PCR-restriction fragments length polymorphism). An effect of TNF-α genotype on serum CRP-hs concentration was noted (p = 0.031). In general, carriers of the rare A allele of the TNF-α G-308A polymorphism had significantly lower endogenous DNA damage and serum CRP-hs concentrations than GG homozygotes, however, the protective effect of the A allele was especially visible in non-obese women. Serum CRP-hs concentrations and levels of DNA damage (% DNA in tail) were significantly higher in obese than in controls (p = 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The adjusted multiple linear regression analyses revealed a significant, independent impact of obesity on DNA damage (p = 0.00000) and no effect of other covariates i.e. age, TNF-α genotype and serum CRP-hs concentration. Our study showed that obesity has a significant impact on the levels of endogenous DNA damage. Obesity abolished the protective effect of A allele of the TNF-α G-308A polymorphism on DNA damage and on inflammation development observed in non-obese A allele carriers.
Proximate Sources of Change in Trajectories of First Marriage in the United States, 1960–2010
Authors: Hendi Arun S.
Published: March 2019

This study examines proximate sources of change in first-marriage trajectories in the United States between 1960 and 2010. This was a period of tremendous social change: divorce became more common, people started marrying later or not marrying at all, innovations in medicine and changes in social and behavioral factors led to reduced mortality, inequality grew stronger and was reflected by more intense assortative mating, and the country underwent a massive educational expansion. Each of these factors influenced the formation and dissolution of first marriages over this period. This article extends the multiple-decrement life table to incorporate heterogeneity and assortative mating, which allows the quantification of how changes in the incidence of marriage, divorce, and mortality, along with changes in educational attainment and assortative mating, have shaped trends in first-marriage trajectories. The model is used to prove that stronger educational assortative mating leads to longer average durations of first marriage. Using data from multiple sources and this model, this study shows that although the incidence of divorce was the primary determinant of changes in first-marriage trajectories between 1960 and 1980, it has played a relatively smaller role in driving change in marital trajectories between 1980 and 2010. Instead, factors such as later age at first marriage, educational expansion, declining mortality, narrowing sex differences in mortality, and more intense educational assortative mating have been the major drivers of changes in first-marriage trajectories since 1980.
Time perspective, sports club membership, and physical self‐concept among adolescents: A person‐centered approach
Authors: Konowalczyk Svenja , Rade F. Clemens A. , Mello Zena R.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Time perspective is defined as thoughts and feelings about the past, present, and future and is theorized to underlie human behavior. Prior research has shown relationships among time perspective and academic achievement, substance use, and risky‐driving. In this study, time perspective was extended to sports club membership and physical self‐concept among adolescents.

Methods

Time perspective was assessed with a scale that measures positive and negative feelings about the past, present, and future. Latent time attitude profiles were generated with data that included sports club membership and physical self‐concept. Participants were German (N = 901; 46.2% female), Luxembourgian (N = 661; 46.7% female), and Spanish (N = 789; 49.0% female) adolescents (12–18 years‐old).

Results

Latent profile analyses indicated that across the three samples the same number and type of profiles were observed: Ambivalent, Balanced, Optimistic, Past Negative, and Positive. Time attitude profiles were related to sports club membership and physical self‐concept. Adolescents with positive attitudinal profiles were more engaged in sports clubs and reported a higher physical self‐concept than adolescents in negative attitudinal profiles.

Conclusions

Time perspective was conceptualized as time attitudes and operationalized as positive and negative feelings about the past, present, and future. Results showed that five latent time attitudes profiles were observed and that profile membership was associated with sports club membership and physical self‐concept. These associations were demonstrated with three independent samples. Findings were discussed in light of implications for intervention programs that use time perspective to promote physical health among adolescents.
Unpacking the innovation toolbox for design research and practice
Authors: Montagna Francesca , Cantamessa Marco
Published: March 2019

The terms design and innovation are intuitively related, but the relationship between these two concepts is more complex and subtle than it appears at first sight. Few authors have made rigorous attempts to explore this relationship in depth, and the contributions present in the literature generally suffer the specialist backgrounds on which they are grounded. Consequently, this paper provides a high-level synthesis of the innovation management domain and defines an original framework that allows the positioning of the concepts from Innovation Management that are most relevant for scholars and practitioners operating in the Design domain. Specifically, this framework provides a concise representation of the typologies of innovation activities along the technology lifecycle, and associates them to their business implications and to technical and organizational implications on the design process. This framework allows scholars and practitioners from both fields to identify the typical design challenges that are inherent to each type of innovation activity, and to evaluate the suitability of specific support methods and tools.
On the inference of the state of turbulence and mixing efficiency in stably stratified flows
Authors: Garanaik Amrapalli , Venayagamoorthy Subhas K.
Published: March 2019

Scaling arguments are presented to quantify the widely used diapycnal (irreversible) mixing coefficient $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}_{PE}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}$ in stratified flows as a function of the turbulent Froude number $Fr=\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}/Nk$. Here, $N$ is the buoyancy frequency, $k$ is the turbulent kinetic energy, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}$ is the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}_{PE}$ is the rate of dissipation of turbulent potential energy. We show that for $Fr\gg 1$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}\propto Fr^{-2}$, for $Fr\sim \mathit{O}(1)$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}\propto Fr^{-1}$ and for $Fr\ll 1$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}\propto Fr^{0}$. These scaling results are tested using high-resolution direct numerical simulation (DNS) data from three different studies and are found to hold reasonably well across a wide range of $Fr$ that encompasses weakly stratified to strongly stratified flow conditions. Given that the $Fr$ cannot be readily computed from direct field measurements, we propose a practical approach that can be used to infer the $Fr$ from readily measurable quantities in the field. Scaling analyses show that $Fr\propto (L_{T}/L_{O})^{-2}$ for $L_{T}/L_{O}>O(1)$, $Fr\propto (L_{T}/L_{O})^{-1}$ for $L_{T}/L_{O}\sim O(1)$, and $Fr\propto (L_{T}/L_{O})^{-2/3}$ for $L_{T}/L_{O}<O(1)$, where $L_{T}$ is the Thorpe length scale and $L_{O}$ is the Ozmidov length scale. These formulations are also tested with DNS data to highlight their validity. These novel findings could prove to be a significant breakthrough not only in providing a unifying (and practically useful) parameterization for the mixing efficiency in stably stratified turbulence but also for inferring the dynamic state of turbulence in geophysical flows.
A NOTE ON A-ANNIHILATED GENERATORS OF H*QX
Authors: ZARE HADI
Published: March 2019

For a path connected space X, the homology algebra $H_*(QX; \mathbb{Z}/2)$ is a polynomial algebra over certain generators QIx. We reinterpret a technical observation, of Curtis and Wellington, on the action of the Steenrod algebra A on the Λ algebra in our terms. We then introduce a partial order on each grading of H*QX which allows us to separate terms in a useful way when computing the action of dual Steenrod operations $Sq^i_*$ on $H_*(QX; \mathbb{Z}/2)$. We use these to completely characterise the A-annihilated generators of this polynomial algebra. We then propose a construction for sequences I so that QIx is A-annihilated. As an application, we offer some results on the form of potential spherical classes in H*QX upon some stability condition under homology suspension. Our computations provide new numerical conditions in the context of hit problem.
How does health consciousness influence attitudes of elderly people towards traceable agricultural products? Perspectives of the technology acceptance model
Authors: Lin Hung-Chou , Kuo Su-Hui
Published: March 2019

Recently, internet usage among elderly adults has been increasing and becoming more mainstream; with the ageing population in Taiwan, concerns over health are on the rise, and this is directly related to the products that people eat. The main objectives of this study were to develop an integrated extensibility model incorporating the technology acceptance model and to investigate the impact of health consciousness on elderly adults’ acceptance of technology in relation to traceability information websites in Taiwan. This study used structural equation modelling to analyse the data. The results revealed that elderly people with high health consciousness and high perceived usefulness had more positive attitudes towards products than those with low health consciousness and low perceived usefulness, and those with high health consciousness and high perceived ease of use had more positive attitudes than those with low health consciousness and low perceived ease of use in relation to the agricultural product traceability system.
Multi-track pension system and life satisfaction of urban elders in China
Authors: Hu Anning , Wang Yihong
Published: March 2019

There exist three pension systems for urban older residents in China: the pension for government and public institutions (PGPI), the worker's old-age insurance for enterprise employees (WOI) and the urban residents’ social pension insurance (URSPI). This study examines how this multi-track pension system relates to older urbanites’ life satisfaction. The ordered logistic regression model was fitted to analyse the urban sample of the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (60+ years), a nationwide representative survey collected in 2014. The mediation analyses were further adopted to investigate the potential formative mechanisms. A significantly higher level of life satisfaction was detected for those who receive PGPI benefits relative to those who have access to URSPI and WOI, but no significant difference is detected between URSPI and WOI. Further analyses suggest that the advantage of PGPI in terms of life satisfaction is mediated not through monetary resources, but through the dispositional factor of perceived self-value for the society. This study suggests that different institutional configurations of the pension system stratify older urbanites’ subjective wellbeing by virtue of factors that are associated with people's capabilities of acting and functioning.
Estimate of the annual burden of foodborne illness in nondeployed active duty US Army Service Members: five major pathogens, 2010–2015
Authors: Mullaney S. B. , Hyatt D. R. , Salman M. D. , Rao S. , McCluskey B. J.
Published: March 2019

In this study, we estimate the burden of foodborne illness (FBI) caused by five major pathogens among nondeployed US Army service members. The US Army is a unique population that is globally distributed, has its own food procurement system and a food protection system dedicated to the prevention of both unintentional and intentional contamination of food. To our knowledge, the burden of FBI caused by specific pathogens among the US Army population has not been determined. We used data from a 2015 US Army population survey, a 2015 US Army laboratory survey and data from FoodNet to create inputs for two model structures. Model type 1 scaled up case counts of Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella spp., Salmonella enterica non-typhoidal and STEC non-O157 ascertained from the Disease Reporting System internet database from 2010 to 2015. Model type 2 scaled down cases of self-reported acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) to estimate the annual burden of Norovirus illness. We estimate that these five pathogens caused 45 600 (5%–95% range, 30 300–64 000) annual illnesses among nondeployed active duty US Army Service members. Of these pathogens, Norovirus, Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enterica non-typhoidal were responsible for the most illness. There is a tremendous burden of AGI and FBI caused by five major pathogens among US Army Soldiers, which can have a tremendous impact on readiness of the force. The US Army has a robust food protection program in place, but without a specific active FBI surveillance system across the Department of Defence, we will never have the ability to measure the effectiveness of modern, targeted, interventions aimed at the reduction of specific foodborne pathogens.
Incidence and characteristics of Lyme neuroborreliosis in adult patients with facial palsy in an endemic area in the Netherlands
Authors: Bierman S.M. , van Kooten B. , Vermeeren Y.M. , Bruintjes T.D. , van Hees B.C. , Bruinsma R.A. , Landman G.W. , van Bemmel T. , Zomer T.P.
Published: March 2019

Making a distinction between facial palsy due to Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) and idiopathic facial palsy (IFP) is of importance to ensure timely and adequate treatment. The study objective was to assess incidence and patient characteristics of facial palsy due to LNB. Hospital records were reviewed of adult patients with facial palsy visiting the departments of neurology and/or otorhinolaryngology of Gelre hospitals between June 2007 and December 2017. Gelre hospitals are located in an area endemic for Lyme borreliosis. Patients with LNB had pleocytosis and intrathecal antibody production or pleocytosis with positive IgG serology. Patients with IFP had negative serology. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with LNB and patients with IFP. Five hundred and fifty-nine patients presented with facial palsy, 4.7% (26) had LNB and 39.4% (220) IFP. The incidence of facial palsy due to LNB was 0.9/100 000 inhabitants/year. Over 70% of patients with facial palsy due to LNB did not report a recent tick bite and/or erythema migrans (EM). Patients with facial palsy due to LNB presented more often in July to September (69.2% vs. 21.9%, P < 0.001), and had more often headache (42.3% vs. 15.5%, P < 0.01). To reduce the risk of underdiagnosing LNB in an endemic area, we recommend testing for LNB in patients with facial palsy in summer months especially when presenting with headache, irrespective of a recent tick bite and/or EM.
Intrusive social images in individuals with high and low social anxiety: a multi-method analysis
Authors: Ashbaugh Andrea R. , Fishman Keera N. , Houle-Johnson Stephanie A.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Models of social anxiety suggest that intrusive images/memories are common in social anxiety and contribute to the maintenance of social anxiety.

Aims:

We examined the context and phenomenological features of intrusive social images using quantitative and qualitative measures across various levels of social anxiety.

Method:

Undergraduate students (n = 191) completed measures of social anxiety (i.e. Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and Social Phobia Scale) and wrote a description of an intrusive social image. Individuals who reported an intrusive social image (n = 77) rated the frequency, interference and phenomenological (e.g. vividness, emotional intensity) characteristics of the image. A content analysis of the intrusive image narratives was completed by independent raters.

Results:

High social anxiety (HSA) increased the likelihood and frequency of experiencing intrusive images, and to some extent the interference caused by these images. However, the characteristics of these images with regard to their content and quality were similar across levels of social anxiety. Among participants who provided narratives, HSA individuals (n = 34) did not differ from low socially anxious (LSA) individuals (n = 28) in themes that reflect concerns about their own thoughts, actions and behaviours. However, HSA individuals reported greater concerns about how other individuals would react, and their intrusive images were often from an observer perspective when compared with LSA individuals.

Conclusions:

These results are interpreted in relation to cognitive models of emotion, memory and cognitive behavioural models of social anxiety.