bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrichment Environment Positively Influences Depression- and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Rats through the Modulation of Neuroplasticity, Spine, and GABAergic Markers
Authors: Sbrini Giulia , Brivio Paola , Bosch Kari , Homberg Judith Regina , Calabrese Francesca
Published: October 2020

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT in humans, SERT in rodents) is the main regulator of serotonergic transmission in the brain. The short allelic variant of the 5-HTT gene is in humans associated with psychopathologies and may enhance the vulnerability to develop depression after exposure to stressful events. Interestingly, the short allele also increases the sensitivity to a positive environment, which may buffer the vulnerability to depression. Since this polymorphism does not exist in rodents, male SERT knockout (SERT−/−) rats were tested to explore the molecular mechanisms based on this increased predisposition. This article investigates the influences of a positive manipulation, namely, enriched environment (EE), on the depressive-like behavior observed in SERT−/− rats. We found that one month of EE exposure normalized the anhedonic and anxious-like phenotype characteristics of this animal model. Moreover, we observed that EE exposure also restored the molecular alterations in the prefrontal cortex by positively modulating the expression of the neurotrophin Bdnf, and of spines and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic markers. Overall, our data confirm the depression-like phenotype of SERT−/− rats and highlight the ability of EE to restore behavioral and molecular alterations, thus promoting the opportunity to use EE as a supporting non-pharmacological approach to treat mood disorders.
The Failure of Masonry Walls by Disaggregation and the Masonry Quality Index
Authors: Borri Antonio , Corradi Marco , De Maria Alessandro
Published: October 2020

The visual method for assessment of the structural behaviour of historic masonry walls, known by the acronym MQI (Masonry Quality Index) was introduced in 2002 by a team of researchers from the University of Perugia, Italy. This is based on a visual survey of the faces and the cross section of a wall panel, and it aims at verifying if a wall complies with the “rules of the art”. Based on this analysis, it is possible to calculate a numerical index: numerous tests, carried out on site by the authors to validate the method, have demonstrated that the index is able to provide useful information about the mechanical characteristics and structural response, in general, of the analysed wall panel. The failure mode of a wall panel under the action of an earthquake is a critical aspect. In general, the failure modes can be categorized in two classes: masonry disaggregation and the development of a local or global mechanism of wall elements (macroelements). Several theoretical models and numerical simulations only consider the latter. In this paper, application of the MQI method is further investigated, with particular emphasis to those masonry typologies which are more prone to collapse by disaggregation during a seismic event. Under the action of an earthquake, some types of masonry are typically unable to deform and to split in macroelements, and another type of failure occurs: this is the so-called “masonry disaggregation” or “masonry crumbling”. This type of failure anticipates the ones resulting from macroelement methods or stress analysis. As a conclusion, these latter methods become completely inappropriate and potentially hazardous, as they overestimate the seismic capacity of the building under investigation. The MQI method has been adapted to assess the structural response of different types of masonry under the action of an earthquake. In detail, the aim was to verify when the phenomenon of masonry disaggregation is likely to occur.
A Case for a History of Ordinary Lives
Authors: Gil Montero Raquel
Published: October 2020

What is “normal” does not leave major traces. The historiography on colonial Andes is mostly based on trials and petitions, the most detailed sources that historians have to reconstruct the lives of indigenous people, since they include at least part of their voices. However, they show the perspective of native authorities, of exceptional people who wrote or initiated trials, or of people during special conjunctures, such as the rebellions. With this case, I propose sources that show the traces of the normal, especially the traces left in those places where native authorities were not important, where trials were just a few or limited to some specific events, or where the “moral economy” was not altered.
Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis in Squash (Cucurbita moschata) Based on Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Restriction Site-Associated DNA Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Hashimoto Takuma , Kubo Nakao , Nishimura Kanako , Nagano Atsushi , Sasaki Azusa , Nakamura Yasushi , Mimura Yutaka
Published: October 2020

Squash (Cucurbita moschata) displays wide morphological and genetic variations; however, limited information is available regarding the genetic loci of squash that control its agronomic traits. To obtain basic genetic information for C. moschata, an F2 population was prepared derived from a cross between the Vietnamese cultivar ‘Bí Hồ Lô TN 6 (TN 6)’ and the Japanese cultivar ‘Shishigatani’, and flowering and fruit traits were examined. Overall, the traits showed a continuous distribution in the F2 population, suggesting that they were quantitative traits. A linkage map was constructed based on simple sequence repeat and restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) markers to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Twelve QTLs for flowering and fruit traits, as well as one phenotypic trait locus, were successfully localized on the map. The present QTLs explained the phenotypic variations at a moderate to relatively high level (16.0%–47.3%). RAD markers linked to the QTLs were converted to codominant cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and derived CAPS markers for the easy detection of alleles. The information reported here provides useful information for understanding the genetics of Cucurbita and other cucurbit species, and for the selection of individuals with ideal traits during the breeding of Cucurbita vegetables.
Population Age Structure and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Road Transportation: A Panel Cointegration Analysis of 21 OECD Countries
Authors: Lim Hyungwoo , Kim Jaehyeok , Jo Ha-Hyun
Published: October 2020

Using panel data from 21 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries collected between 2000 and 2016, this study analyzes the effect of age structure on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road transportation. Previous studies have failed to reflect the driver’s behavior patterns, especially by age group. We apply the Fully-Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method, including the age structure effect by reorganizing 17 age groups into a polynomial structure. The age structure exhibits an asymmetric inverted U-shaped effect on GHG emissions. Initially, people emit more GHGs as they age, and reach peak emissions in their late 20s, after which emissions fall until around the age of 70, when GHG emissions remain constant because of minimum mobility demand. Factors, such as higher income, increased vehicle ownership, and raised transport volumes increase emission rates. On the other hand, fuel transition and increased fuel price, population density, urbanization rate, and fuel economy reduce GHG emissions. Furthermore, we perform a projection of GHG emissions until 2050, and conclude that the effect of age structure is limited because of the minimum mobility demand of the elderly. We conclude that various policy measures, such as increased fuel economy and urbanization, must be considered in order to achieve sustainable transport
Not All Emotional Demands Are the Same: Emotional Demands from Clients’ or Co-Workers’ Relations Have Different Associations with Well-Being in Service Workers
Authors: Duarte Joana , Berthelsen Hanne , Owen Mikaela
Published: October 2020

There has been an increased interest in the study of emotional demands (ED) at work and its impact on workers’ well-being. However, ED have been conceptualized as a unitary concept, focused on interactions with clients, and excluding other potential sources of ED at work. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to explore the relation between ED from different relational sources (clients/patients/customers and colleagues, supervisors, and employees) and service workers’ exhaustion and engagement. Cross-sectional data from a sample of 2742 service workers were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results showed that ED from both sources (clients and colleagues) were associated with more emotional exhaustion, particularly if dealing with clients was not an integrated part of the role. Further, ED from clients’ relations were negatively associated with engagement for managers with staff responsibility, but positively for managers without staff responsibility. We also found moderating effects of psychosocial safety climate (PSC), whereby ED had the strongest effect on emotional exhaustion when PSC was low. This study suggests that different relational sources of ED at work have a different impact on employees’ well-being. Strategies that promote a reduction of extra-role ED, and the development of a PSC in the organization, could therefore offer possible solutions to promote employees’ psychological well-being and motivation.
Waterpipe Use among Adolescents in Germany: Prevalence, Associated Consumer Characteristics, and Trends (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents, KiGGS)
Authors: Klosterhalfen Stephanie , Kotz Daniel , Kuntz Benjamin , Zeiher Johannes , Starker Anne
Published: October 2020

Waterpipe (WP) use is popular among youth worldwide, but epidemiological data from Germany are scarce. We aimed to describe prevalence rates of WP use (current, last 12 months, ever) and analysed correlates and trends among 11- to 17-year-olds in Germany. Analyses were based on data from the “German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents” study during 2014–2017 (n = 6599). Changes in WP use prevalence compared with 2009–2012 were used to describe trends. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics and cigarette smoking were assessed with multivariable logistic regression models. Prevalence of current WP use among adolescents was 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.5–9.6), use in the last 12 months was 19.7% (95% CI = 18.3–21.2), and ever use was 25.8% (95% CI = 24.2–27.5). High prevalence rates were particularly found among 16–17-year-olds. During 2009–2012, these prevalence rates were 9.0%, 18.5%, and 26.1%, respectively. WP use was associated with older age, male sex, migration background, lower educational level, and current smoking status. Among current WP users, 66.2% (95% CI = 60.0–71.9) identified themselves as non-smokers, and 38.1% (95% CI = 32.5–44.0) had used WP ≥ three times in the last month. WP consumption is popular among German youth, and prevalence rates have not changed over time. Specific prevention strategies to reduce harmful WP consumption among youth should be implemented.
The Crossover Effects of Supervisors’ Workaholism on Subordinates’ Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role of Two Types of Job Demands and Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Kim Nanhee , Kang Yun Jin , Choi Jinsoo , Sohn Young Woo
Published: October 2020

Although much research has been conducted on workaholism, its crossover effects remain uninvestigated, especially in the context of organizations. Based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model of burnout and the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we established a dual-path structural model to examine the effects of supervisors’ workaholism on subordinates’ turnover intention through two types of job demands (perceived workload and interpersonal conflict) as well as subordinates’ emotional exhaustion. The results revealed that supervisors’ workaholism is positively related to subordinates’ emotional exhaustion through increased perceived workload and interpersonal conflict, which result in subordinates’ turnover intention. This study has made a contribution to the literature by extending the scope of workaholism research from self-perspective to other-perspective. The findings also have practical implications for organizations and their human resources (HR) practitioners.
A Renewed Outbreak of the COVID−19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study of Distress, Resilience, and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Kimhi Shaul , Eshel Yohanan , Marciano Hadas , Adini Bruria
Published: October 2020

Considering the potential impact of COVID-19 on the civil society, a longitudinal study was conducted to identify levels of distress, resilience, and the subjective well-being of the population. The study is based on two repeated measurements conducted at the end of the pandemic’s “first wave” and the beginning of the “second wave” on a sample (n = 906) of Jewish Israeli respondents, who completed an online questionnaire distributed by an Internet panel company. Three groups of indicators were assessed: signs of distress (sense of danger, distress symptoms, and perceived threats), resilience (individual, community, and national), and subjective well-being (well-being, hope, and morale). Results indicated the following: (a) a significant increase in distress indicators, with effect sizes of sense of danger, distress symptoms, and perceived threats (Cohen’s d 0.614, 0.120, and 0.248, respectively); (b) a significant decrease in resilience indicators, with effect sizes of individual, community, and national resilience (Cohen’s d 0.153, 0.428, and 0.793, respectively); and (c) a significant decrease in subjective well-being indicators with effect sizes of well-being, hope, and morale (Cohen’s d 0.116, 0.336, and 0.199, respectively). To conclude, COVID-19 had a severe, large-scale impact on the civil society, leading to multidimensional damage and a marked decrease in the individual, community, and national resilience of the population.
A Case-Centered Approach to Nursing Ethics Education: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lee Won , Choi Sungkyoung , Kim Sujeong , Min Ari
Published: October 2020

Nurses deal with ethical decisions as they protect patients’ rights, but a consensus on effective approaches to nursing ethics education is lacking. The “four topics” method can facilitate decision-making when nurses experience ethical dilemmas in practice. This study aimed to describe nursing students’ perspectives on and experiences of a case-centered approach to nursing ethics education using the four topics method. This qualitative study consisted of two phases. First, we delivered case-centered nursing ethics education sessions to nursing students using the four topics method. Then, we conducted two focus group discussions that explored students’ perspectives on and experiences of nursing ethics education. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Four themes were identified: the importance of ethics education as perceived by nursing students, problems in current nursing ethics education, the experience of case-centered nursing ethics education using the four topics approach, and suggestions for improving nursing ethics education. The case-centered approach using the four topics method is effective in enhancing nursing students’ nursing ethics ability. It is crucial to understand that nursing students would like to set up their own ethical standards and philosophy. Continuous efforts to encourage students’ participation and to provide ethical reflection opportunities during clinical practice are needed to better connect theory with clinical practice.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Young Adolescents in 68 LMICs, and Their Relationships with National Economic Development
Authors: Ma Chuanwei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Min , Bovet Pascal , Xi Bo
Published: October 2020

It is unclear whether physical activity and sedentary behavior are associated with economic development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to assess the association between these two behaviors and country economic development among young adolescents in LMICs. Data came from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted between 2009 and 2016 in 68 LMICs. A total of 180,298 adolescents aged 12–15 years were included; 15.3% of young adolescents achieved the recommended level for sufficient physical activity (≥60 min/day of physical activity of any kind per week according to WHO) and 64.6% achieved a low sedentary behavior (≤2 h of sitting activities/day according to some guidelines, not accounting for sitting time at school or for doing homework). However, only 9.1% of young adolescents met the recommended levels of both behaviors. Comparing the lowest to the highest quintiles of a country’s purchasing power parity per capita (PPP), mean values of both physical activity (boys: 2.55 to 2.96 days/week; girls: 2.10 to 2.31 days/week) and sedentary behavior(boys: 1.86 to 3.13 h/day; girls: 1.83 to 3.53 h/day) increased. The prevalence of having both recommended behaviors decreased among boys (12.0% to 10.0%) and girls (9.6% to 4.9%) (p < 0.001). Although there might be an ecological fallacy, the findings emphasize the need for interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among children and young adolescents.
The Effect of Different Cleaning Protocols of Polymer-Based Prosthetic Materials on the Behavior of Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Rutkunas Vygandas , Borusevicius Rokas , Liaudanskaite Dominyka , Jasinskyte Urte , Drukteinis Saulius , Bukelskiene Virginija , Mijiritsky Eitan
Published: October 2020

Dental implant abutment and prosthetic materials, their surface treatment, and cleaning modalities are important factors for the formation of a peri-implant soft tissue seal and long-term stability of bone around the implant. This study aimed to investigate the influence of a polymeric material surface cleaning method on the surface roughness, water contact angle, and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) proliferation. Polymeric materials tested: two types of milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA-Ker and PMMA-Bre), three-dimensionally (3D) printed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA-3D), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). Titanium (Ti) and zirconia oxide ceramics (ZrO-HT) were used as positive controls. A conventional surface cleaning protocol (CCP) was compared to a multi-step research cleaning method (RCP). Application of the RCP method allowed to reduce Sa values in all groups from 0.14–0.28 µm to 0.08–0.17 µm (p < 0.05 in PMMA-Ker and PEEK groups). Moreover, the water contact angle increased in all groups from 74–91° to 83–101° (p < 0.05 in the PEKK group), except ZrO-HT—it was reduced from 98.7 ± 4.5° to 69.9 ± 6.4° (p < 0.05). CCP resulted in higher variability of HGF viability after 48 and 72 h. RCP application led to higher HGF viability in PMMA-3D and PEKK groups after 48 h, but lower for the PMMA-Ker group (p < 0.05). After 72 h, no significant differences in HGF viability between both cleaning methods were observed. It can be concluded that the cleaning method of the polymeric materials affected surface roughness, contact angle, and HGF viability at 48 h.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Death Anxiety in Security Forces in Spain
Authors: Lázaro-Pérez Cristina , Martínez-López José Ángel , Gómez-Galán José , Fernández-Martínez María del Mar
Published: October 2020

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which produces COVID-19 disease, has revealed to political and social circles a series of needs that have not yet been met. The workers of the State Security Forces and the Armed Forces have done an extraordinary job to try to alleviate the effects that the pandemic has had on the population and to return stability to the citizenry as much as possible. In this context, the following investigation is developed based on two objectives: (PO1) to know the level of anxiety in the face of death in these professionals; (PO2) to determine the predictive variables in the above-mentioned phenomenon. Professionals from all over Spain have participated in the study (n = 2079). From a quantitative perspective, a questionnaire was developed from the Collet–Lester death anxiety scale. The results show a total level of 69.2% in the scale, as well as some higher levels about the fear of death of others (82.1%) and the fear of the process of dying of others (78.2%). On the other hand, from the binary logistic regressions, four variables are evidenced that condition the risk of suffering death anxiety: (a) certainty of needing psychological treatment in the future; (b) absence of Individual Protection Equipment (PPE); (c) high levels of Emotional Exhaustion; (d) high levels of depersonalization—these last two come from the Maslach and Jackson Burnout scale. These data show a need for training and intervention in the emotional and psychological demands of the professionals of the Armed Forces and State Security Forces, as well as the obligation to develop a continuous dialogue with the institutions they represent to foster the feeling of belonging to them. It is essential, regardless of the serious consequences that the virus has caused, to understand the psychosocial and emotional demands of enforcement agents and to improve their occupational health.
UrbanWater: Integrating EPANET 2 in a PostgreSQL/PostGIS-Based Geospatial Database Management System
Authors: Martinho Nuno , Almeida José-Paulo de , Simões Nuno E. , Sá-Marques Alfeu
Published: October 2020

Incorporating data stored in a geographical information system (GIS) within the development of hydraulic simulation models is crucial for operating, updating, and hence redesigning water supply systems (WSS). Building and updating hydraulic models can be both time and resource consuming; moreover, the need to update infrastructure cadastral information makes the model itself outdated. In addition, typical dispersion of data across several databases requires extra effort to maintain the whole system and ensure it is properly assembled. Albeit there are some GIS-based hydraulic modelling solutions available, they typically use external connections to assemble all components resulting in additional costs and less flexibility. In order to be able to establish a single fully integrated data model towards global characterization of a WSS and associate hydraulic simulation, this paper proposes the specific implementation of an EPANET 2 model in PostgreSQL along with PostGIS extension. The system developed enables the construction of the model, hydraulic simulation, and storage of results within a single database. Required procedures and functions were coded either in pgSQL or Python and their execution were carried out using SQL statements. Finally, a case study was selected in order to test the system proposed. Results show that an integrated approach indeed allows the expedited creation of more realistic hydraulic models based on the stored cadastral information.
Spatial Knowledge Acquisition with Mobile Maps: Effects of Map Size on Users’ Wayfinding Performance with Interactive Interfaces
Authors: Chen Chien-Hsiung , Li Xiao
Published: October 2020

Restricted by the small screen size, it is challenging for users to obtain all the wayfinding content they need when utilizing mobile devices. This study investigated the effects of map size and interactive interface on users’ wayfinding performance and preference when using mobile devices. Two types of interactive interfaces (i.e., panning and peephole interfaces) and three different map sizes (i.e., small, medium, and large) were examined. The experiment was a 2 × 3 between-subjects design. Sixty participants were invited to complete five wayfinding tasks (i.e., Euclidean distance judgment, route distance judgment, landmark recognition, map section rotation, and route recognition), a system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire, and the subjective preference questionnaire. The results showed that: (1) The participants’ wayfinding performance was affected by the map size and interactive interface; (2) the peephole interface was superior for the Euclidean distance judgment and the route recognition tasks; (3) it does not always take a significantly longer time to complete the task with the larger map when performing the map section rotation task with the panning interface; and (4) the usability scores of the peephole interface were considered above average, and it had a positive impact on the participants’ preferences.
Gastrointestinal Nematode-Derived Antigens Alter Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration through Regulation of Cell Cycle and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Proteins
Authors: Jacobs Brittany-Amber , Prince Sharon , Smith Katherine Ann
Published: October 2020

As the global incidences of colorectal cancer rises, there is a growing importance in understanding the interaction between external factors, such as common infections, on the initiation and progression of this disease. While certain helminth infections have been shown to alter the severity and risk of developing colitis-associated colorectal cancer, whether these parasites can directly affect colorectal cancer progression is unknown. Here, we made use of murine and human colorectal cancer cell lines to demonstrate that exposure to antigens derived from the gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus significantly reduced colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Using a range of approaches, we demonstrate that antigen-dependent reductions in cancer cell proliferation and viability are associated with increased expression of the critical cell cycle regulators p53 and p21. Interestingly, H. polygyrus-derived antigens significantly increased murine colorectal cancer cell migration, which was associated with an increased expression of the adherens junction protein β-catenin, whereas the opposite was true for human colorectal cancer cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that antigens derived from a gastrointestinal nematode can significantly alter colorectal cancer cell behavior. Further in-depth analysis may reveal novel candidates for targeting and treating late-stage cancer.
Heterogeneous Presynaptic Distribution of Munc13 Isoforms at Retinal Synapses and Identification of an Unconventional Bipolar Cell Type with Dual Expression of Munc13 Isoforms: A Study Using Munc13-EXFP Knock-in Mice
Authors: Gierke Kaspar , von Wittgenstein Julia , Hemmerlein Maike , Atorf Jenny , Joachimsthaler Anneka , Kremers Jan , Cooper Benjamin H. , Varoqueaux Frederique , Regus-Leidig Hanna , Brandstätter Johann Helmut
Published: October 2020

Munc13 isoforms are constituents of the presynaptic compartment of chemical synapses, where they govern important steps in preparing synaptic vesicles for exocytosis. The role of Munc13-1, -2 and -3 is well documented in brain neurons, but less is known about their function and distribution among the neurons of the retina and their conventional and ribbon-type chemical synapses. Here, we examined the retinae of Munc13-1-, -2-, and -3-EXFP knock-in (KI) mice with a combination of immunocytochemistry, physiology, and electron microscopy. We show that knock-in of Munc13-EXFP fusion proteins did not affect overall retinal anatomy or synapse structure, but slightly affected synaptic transmission. By labeling Munc13-EXFP KI retinae with specific antibodies against Munc13-1, -2 and -3, we found that unlike in the brain, most retinal synapses seem to operate with a single Munc13 isoform. A surprising exception to this rule was type 6 ON bipolar cells, which expressed two Munc13 isoforms in their synaptic terminals, ubMunc13-2 and Munc13-3. The results of this study provide an important basis for future studies on the contribution of Munc13 isoforms in visual signal processing in the mammalian retina.
Meta-Analysis of Transcriptome Data Detected New Potential Players in Response to Dioxin Exposure in Humans
Authors: Oshchepkova Evgeniya , Sizentsova Yana , Wiebe Daniil , Mironova Victoria , Kolchanov Nikolay
Published: October 2020

Dioxins are one of the most potent anthropogenic poisons, causing systemic disorders in embryonic development and pathologies in adults. The mechanism of dioxin action requires an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but the downstream mechanisms are not yet precisely clear. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of all available transcriptome datasets taken from human cell cultures exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Differentially expressed genes from different experiments overlapped partially, but there were a number of those genes that were systematically affected by TCDD. Some of them have been linked to toxic dioxin effects, but we also identified other attractive targets. Among the genes that were affected by TCDD, there are functionally related gene groups that suggest an interplay between retinoic acid, AhR, and Wnt signaling pathways. Next, we analyzed the upstream regions of differentially expressed genes and identified potential transcription factor (TF) binding sites overrepresented in the genes responding to TCDD. Intriguingly, the dioxin-responsive element (DRE), the binding site of AhR, was not overrepresented as much as other cis-elements were. Bioinformatics analysis of the AhR binding profile unveils potential cooperation of AhR with E2F2, CTCFL, and ZBT14 TFs in the dioxin response. We discuss the potential implication of these predictions for further dioxin studies.
Impact of a Model Used to Simulate Chronic Socio-Environmental Stressors Encountered during Spaceflight on Murine Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Alauzet Corentine , Cunat Lisiane , Wack Maxime , Lanfumey Laurence , Legrand-Frossi Christine , Lozniewski Alain , Agrinier Nelly , Cailliez-Grimal Catherine , Frippiat Jean-Pol
Published: October 2020

During deep-space travels, crewmembers face various physical and psychosocial stressors that could alter gut microbiota composition. Since it is well known that intestinal dysbiosis is involved in the onset or exacerbation of several disorders, the aim of this study was to evaluate changes in intestinal microbiota in a murine model used to mimic chronic psychosocial stressors encountered during a long-term space mission. We demonstrate that 3 weeks of exposure to this model (called CUMS for Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress) induce significant change in intracaecal β-diversity characterized by an important increase of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These alterations are associated with a decrease of Porphyromonadaceae, particularly of the genus Barnesiella, a major member of gut microbiota in mice and humans where it is described as having protective properties. These results raise the question of the impact of stress-induced decrease of beneficial taxa, support recent data deduced from in-flight experimentations and other ground-based models, and emphasize the critical need for further studies exploring the impact of spaceflight on intestinal microbiota in order to propose strategies to countermeasure spaceflight-associated dysbiosis and its consequences on health.
Special Issue “Modeling of Supply Chain Systems”
Authors: Ben Miled Zina
Published: October 2020

Supply chain systems are complex networks of producers, service providers and consumers [...]
The Relevance of Fetal Abdominal Subcutaneous Tissue Recording in Predicting Perinatal Outcome of GDM Pregnancies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Weschenfelder Friederike , Baum Nadin , Lehmann Thomas , Schleußner Ekkehard , Groten Tanja
Published: October 2020

Guidelines on the management of gestational diabetes (GDM) instruct physicians to involve ultrasound-based monitoring of fetal growth in addition to blood glucose. So far, glucose control besides clinical parameters like maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain have been shown to predict neonatal outcome. We aimed to evaluate the discriminative ability of fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue (FAST) in addition to standard ultrasound parameters like abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) for perinatal complications like large for gestational age (LGA), hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, mode of delivery and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Ultrasound data and neonatal outcome was collected of 805 GDM cases from 2012 to 2016: 3205 FAST, 3195 AC-measurements and 3190 EFW calculations were included. AC, EFW and FAST increased linear with gestational age. Combining ultrasound and clinical parameters improved predictive power for LGA. In the subgroup where fetuses grow with an AC > 75th additional adding of FAST to standard ultrasound parameters increased predictive power for hypoglycemia. Our results confirm inclusion of ultrasound parameters to be beneficial in monitoring GDM pregnancies. Additional FAST determination revealed to be of potential clinical relevance in the subgroup AC > 75th percentile.
Myocardial Infarction in Centenarians. Data from The Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Piegza Jacek , Poloński Lech , Desperak Aneta , Wester Andrzej , Janion Marianna , Mazurek Wiesław , Wojakowski Wojciech , Witkowski Adam , Dudek Dariusz , Gąsior Mariusz
Published: October 2020

Background: There are no data regarding the mortality rate, risks and benefits of particular reperfusion methods and pharmacological treatment complications in patients aged over 100 years with acute coronary syndromes. We sought to assess the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients older than 100 years and to determine prognostic factors for this group. Methods: Among the 716,566 patients recorded between 2003 and 2018 in the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes, 104 patients aged ≥100 with MI were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: group 1 received conservative treatment (64 patients), and group 2 received invasive strategy (40 patients). Results: The frequencies of in-hospital mortality, MI and stroke were similar in both arms. No difference in the frequency of the combined endpoint (death, reinfarction, stroke) was noted. Invasive treatment was more advantageous for 12-month outcomes; 50 patients in group 1 (79%) and 23 patients in group 2 (57.50%) died (p = 0.017). The multivariate analysis identified the lower left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.96; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.94–0.99; p = 0.012), lack of coronary angiography (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24–0.99; p = 0.048) and cardiac arrest (HR = 4.61; 95% CI: 1.64–12.99; p = 0.0038) as predictors of 12-month mortality in this group. Conclusions: Invasive MI treatment may be beneficial for selected very old patients.
Partial Achilles Tendon Rupture—A Neglected Entity: A Narrative Literature Review on Diagnostics and Treatment Options
Authors: Gatz Matthias , Spang Christoph , Alfredson Håkan
Published: October 2020

Partial ruptures in the Achilles tendon are rather uncommon and are often misinterpreted as aggravated Achilles tendinopathy, and not always considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this literature review was to characterize typical symptoms, to provide an overview of available diagnosis and treatment options, and to give reference points for future research. There were few studies and sparse knowledge of scientific value, making it difficult to give evidence-based recommendations. Based on the few studies and the authors’ clinical experience, a diagnosis should be based on a patient’s history with a typical sharp onset of pain and inability to fully load the tendon. Previous intratendinous cortisone injections might be present. Clinical findings are a localized tender region in the tendon and often weakness during heel raises. Ultrasound and Doppler examinations show a region with an irregular and bulging superficial tendon line, often together with localized high blood flow. Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) shows a hyperintense signal in the tendon on T1 and T2-weighted sequences. First-line therapy should be a conservative approach using a 2 cm heel lift for the first 6 weeks and avoiding tendon stretching (for 12 weeks). This is followed by a reduced heel lift of 1 cm and progressive tendon loading at weeks 7–12. After 12 weeks, the heel lift can be removed if pain-free, and the patient can gradually start eccentric exercises lowering the heel below floor level and gradually returning to previous sport level. If conservative management has a poor effect, surgical exploration and the excision of the partial rupture and suturing is required. Augmentation procedures or anchor applications might be useful for partial ruptures in the Achilles insertion, but this depends on the size and exact location. After surgery, the 12 to 14-week rehabilitation program used in conservative management can be recommended before the patient’s return to full tendon loading activities.
Derivation and Validation of Clinical Prediction Models for Rapid Risk Stratification for Time-Sensitive Management for Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Abe Takayuki , Nagai Toshiyuki , Goda Ayumi , Nishihata Yosuke , Nagatomo Yuji , Saji Mike , Toyosaki Yuichi , Takei Makoto , Kitai Takeshi , Kohno Takashi , Fukuda Keiichi , Matsue Yuya , Anzai Toshihisa , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: October 2020

Early and rapid risk stratification of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) is crucial for appropriate patient triage and outcome improvements. We aimed to develop an easy-to-use, in-hospital mortality risk prediction tool based on data collected from AHF patients at their initial presentation. Consecutive patients’ data pertaining to 2006–2017 were extracted from the West Tokyo Heart Failure (WET-HF) and National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (NaDEF) registries (n = 4351). Risk model development involved stepwise logistic regression analysis and prospective validation using data pertaining to 2014–2015 in the Registry Focused on Very Early Presentation and Treatment in Emergency Department of Acute Heart Failure Syndrome (REALITY-AHF) (n = 1682). The final model included data describing six in-hospital mortality risk predictors, namely, age, systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, serum sodium, albumin, and natriuretic peptide (SOB-ASAP score), available at the time of initial triage. The model showed excellent discrimination (c-statistic = 0.82) and good agreement between predicted and observed mortality rates. The model enabled the stratification of the mortality rates across sixths (from 14.5% to <1%). When assigned a point for each associated factor, the integer score’s discrimination was similar (c-statistic = 0.82) with good calibration across the patients with various risk profiles. The models’ performance was retained in the independent validation dataset. Promptly determining in-hospital mortality risks is achievable in the first few hours of presentation; they correlate strongly with mortality among AHF patients, potentially facilitating clinical decision-making.
Medical Interventions for Patellofemoral Pain and Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Macri Erin M. , Hart Harvi F. , Thwaites David , Barton Christian J. , Crossley Kay M. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: October 2020

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) are common, persistent conditions that may lie along a pathological spectrum. While evidence supports exercise-therapy as a core treatment for PFP and PFOA, primary care physicians commonly prescribe medication, or refer for surgical consults in persistent cases. We conducted a systematic review of medical interventions (pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and surgical) for PFP and PFOA to inform primary care decision making. Methods: Following protocol registration, we searched seven databases for randomized clinical trials of our target interventions for PFP and PFOA. Our primary outcome was pain. We assessed risk of bias, calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) and determined the level of evidence for each intervention. Results: We included 14 publications investigating pharmaceutical or nutraceutical interventions, and eight publications investigating surgical interventions. Two randomized control trials (RCTs) provided moderate evidence of patellofemoral arthroplasty having similar pain outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty in isolated PFOA, with SMDs ranging from −0.3 (95% CI −0.8, 0.2, Western Ontario McMaster Pain Subscale, 1 year post-surgery) to 0.3 (−0.1, 0.7, SF-36 Bodily Pain, 2 years post-surgery). Remaining studies provided, at most, limited evidence. No efficacy was demonstrated for oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or arthroscopic surgery. Conclusions: Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical prescriptions, and surgical referrals are currently being made with little supporting evidence, with some interventions showing limited efficacy. This should be considered within the broader context of evidence supporting exercise-therapy as a core treatment for PFP and PFOA.
Sensitivity of Storm Response to Antecedent Topography in the XBeach Model
Authors: Mickey Rangley C. , Dalyander Patricia S. , McCall Robert , Passeri Davina L.
Published: October 2020

Antecedent topography is an important aspect of coastal morphology when studying and forecasting coastal change hazards. The uncertainty in morphologic response of storm-impact models and their use in short-term hazard forecasting and decadal forecasting is important to account for when considering a coupled model framework. This study provided a methodology to investigate uncertainty of profile response within the storm impact model XBeach related to varying antecedent topographies. A parameterized island Gaussian fit (PIGF) model generated an idealized baseline profile and a suite of idealized profiles that vary specific characteristics based on collated observed LiDAR data from Dauphin Island, AL, USA. Six synthetic storm scenarios were simulated on each of the idealized profiles with XBeach in both 1- and 2-dimensional setups and analyzed to determine the morphological response and uncertainty related to the varied antecedent topographies. Profile morphologic response tends to scale with storm magnitude but among the varied profiles there is greater uncertainty in profile response to the medium range storm scenarios than to the low and high magnitude storm scenarios. XBeach can be highly sensitive to morphologic thresholds, both antecedent and time-varying, especially with regards to beach slope.
How Does Rural–Urban Migration Experience Affect Arable Land Use? Evidence from 2293 Farmers in China
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Hu Ruifa , Sun Yiduo , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2020

Return migrants play an increasingly important role in agricultural production in China and other developing countries. However, the effect of rural–urban migration experience on farmers’ arable land use remains unclear. This study aims to fill this gap using data from a survey of 2293 farmers consisting of 586 return migrants and 1707 non-migrants in China. We employ the treatment effects model to account for the self-selectivity of rural–urban migration experience arising from observable and unobservable factors. The results show that after accounting for the self-selectivity bias, the rural–urban migration experience significantly increases farmers’ arable land use by 22%. Meanwhile, the positive effect of rural–urban migration experience on arable land use differs by farmers’ age group and region. While rural–urban migration experience increases arable land use for farmers aged below 65 years old by 29%, it shows no significant effect on arable land use for farmers aged 65 years old and above. In addition, there is a positive relationship between rural–urban migration experience and arable land use in Shaanxi, Shandong, and Zhejiang. However, there is no significant effect of rural–urban migration experience on arable land use. On such a basis, we discuss several important implications for policies related to arable land use in China.
Influence of Silver Addition on Structure, Martensite Transformations and Mechanical Properties of TiNi–Ag Alloy Wires for Biomedical Application
Authors: Baigonakova Gulsharat , Marchenko Ekaterina , Chekalkin Timofey , Kang Ji-hoon , Weiss Sabine , Obrosov Aleksei
Published: October 2020

The microstructural and functional behavior of TiNi-based wires with a silver content of 0–1.5 at.% was evaluated. The concentration range for Ag doping determined for the TiNi wires with potential for the medical industry was 0–0.2 at.%. Microstructure analysis of TiNi wires with different silver contents at room temperature indicated a multiphase structural state. Various internal structures with tangled grain boundaries were formed by intense plastic deformation. The nanocrystalline structure and phase state of wire with the minimum silver content (0.1 at.% Ag) provide full shape recovery, the greatest reversible strain, and optimal strength and ductility. TiNi ingots with a high Ag content (0.5–1.5 at.%) cracked under minimum load due to excess silver that crystallized along the grain boundaries and broke cohesion bonds between the TiNi grains.
Investigations into the Role of Friction for Rigid Penetration into Concrete-Like Material Targets
Authors: Jiang Ningjing , Wu Shufan , Hu Yile , Mu Zhongcheng , Wu Xiaofeng , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2020

Currently, it appears that there is a lack of understanding related to the role of SSF, in the two-phase behavior of the deceleration history, which is an issue discussed recently in the impact dynamics field. This paper analytically and numerically focuses on the effect of SSF on the projectile deceleration characteristic of concrete-like targets. Firstly, the penetration process according to the two-phase feature of the projectile deceleration is revised, where analytical results indicate that the SSF has a phased feature corresponding to the two-phase behavior of the deceleration history. Furthermore, a series of numerical simulations are conducted to understand the role of SSF more clearly. Simulation results show a similar conclusion to the analyses of the two-phase penetration process; at the range below a certain critical striking velocity, adding friction can reproduce the experimental data; when exceeding the critical striking velocity, the simulated results without considering friction are closest to the experimental data. Hence, it could be gained that the role exchange between the SSF and the dynamic term contributes to the two-phase penetration behavior for concrete-like materials. This indicates that the sensitivity of SSF to the penetration process is one of the factors driving the two-phase feature.
Mechanical Clinching and Self-Pierce Riveting of Thin Three Sheets of 5000 Series Aluminium Alloy and 980 MPa Grade Cold Rolled Ultra-High Strength Steel
Authors: Abe Yohei , Maeda Takato , Yoshioka Daiki , Mori Ken-ichiro
Published: October 2020

One thin 5000 series aluminium alloy sheet and two thin 980 MPa grade cold rolled ultra-high strength steel sheets were joined by self-pierce riveting and mechanical clinching processes. The joinabilities for a combination of the aluminium and steel sheets in both processes were investigated for different die shapes in the experiment and finite element simulation. In self-pierce riveting, the three sheets were successfully joined for both combinations of the upper and lower aluminium alloy sheets by optimizing the shapes of a die and rivet. In mechanical clinching, the three sheets were successfully joined by an optimum die for the configuration of the upper aluminium alloy sheet. On the other hand, the three sheets for the configuration of the lower aluminium alloy sheet were not joined even by optimizing the die shape in the both finite element simulation and experiment, because the material flow of the steel sheets was insufficient to form the two interlocks. The tension-shear loads for the clinched and riveted sheets with the adhesive were almost the same, because the load for the adhesive was the highest. In the cross-tension test, however, the load by the adhesive was comparatively small.