bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal clustering of successive earthquakes: analysis of a global CMT catalog.
Authors: Bantidi Thystere Matondo , Nishimura Takeshi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Spatio-temporal clustering of seismicity features is an interesting phenomenon that is relevant for earthquake generation process and operational earthquake forecasting. We analyze successive earthquakes that closely occur in space and time in order to clarify how large earthquakes successively occur. We use the Global Centroid Moment Tensor catalog for the period from 1976 to 2016. Shallow earthquakes with a moment magnitude, Mw , of larger than or equal to 5.0 are analyzed. We first sort all of the earthquakes in time to select a master event from the beginning. Then, we group the earthquakes that occur within a horizontal distance ( D ) and a lapse time ( Ta ) from the master event into a cluster. Next master event is selected from the catalog in order, and the same procedure is repeated. We count the number of the clusters, which represent the successive earthquakes, for different D and Ta To examine whether or not successive earthquakes randomly occur, we compare the results with simulations in which earthquakes are set to occur randomly in time but at the locations same with the estimated centroid. The results show that the cumulative numbers of clusters for the simulation more rapidly increase with the horizontal distance than those for real data at short distance ranges, and the formers approach to the latter at long distance range. The triggering distance, at which the cumulative numbers of real and simulation data merge, increases with increasing the magnitude of master event. The triggering distance becomes smaller as the lapse time increases, which implies that the seismic activity turns to become the normal condition in which the occurrence time intervals of large earthquakes obey a Poisson distribution. The triggering distance increases with being almost proportional to the 1/3 of the seismic moment of master earthquake, and the number of earthquakes occurring in the region with positive Coulomb stress change (ΔCFF) are more than 60-80% of the total number of the successive earthquakes. These results suggest that static stress change introduced by a master event is one of the triggering mechanism of successive earthquakes.
Intelligent Modularized Reconfigurable Mechanisms for Robots: Development and Experiment
Authors: Xu Wenfu , Han Liang , Wang Xin , Yuan Han , Liang Bin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
With the development of intelligent flexible manufacturing, traditional industrial manipulators with a single configuration are difficult to meet a variety of tasks. Reconfigurable robots have developed rapidly which could change their configurations and end effectors for different tasks. The reconfigurable connecting mechanism (RCM) is a core component of reconfigurable robots. In this paper, we developed two types of intelligent modularized RCMs with light weight, high payload, and large tolerance. One of them is driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) and recovery spring. It is locked by steel balls and key. The other is driven by electromagnetic coil and locked by permanent magnet and key. The locking principle, mechanical system and control system of the two RCMs are detailed. Both of them meet the requirements of high precision and high payload in the industrial field. Finally, the developed RCMs are respectively integrated to a practical robot and experimented. The experiment results verified the performance of the two RCMs.
“Apple does not fall far from the tree” – subclinical atherosclerosis in children with familial hypercholesterolemia.
Authors: Podgórski Michał , Szatko Katarzyna , Stańczyk Małgorzata , Pawlak-Bratkowska Monika , Konopka Agnieszka , Starostecka Ewa , Tkaczyk Marcin , Góreczny Sebastian , Rutkowska Lena , Gach Agnieszka , Łukaszewski Maciej , Grzelak Piotr , Banach Maciej 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) increases the risk of atherosclerosis in children and adults. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young patients FH is usually subclinical but recognition of children with more pronounced changes is crucial for adjusting effective management. Thus, we aimed to use ultrasonography with two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) and tonometry to evaluate atherosclerotic changes in parents and their children with FH.

Methods

Applanation tonometry and carotid arteries sonography with evaluation of the intima-media complex thickness (IMCT) and application of the 2DST were performed in 20 families with FH (20 parents and 29 children). The same size control group (age and sex matched) was included. Results were compared between peers and between generations together with the correlation analysis.

Results

Adults with FH in comparison with healthy peers presented significantly more atherosclerotic plaques (9 vs. 2, p=0.0230), had significantly thicker IMC (0.84±0.19 vs. 0.56±0.06 mm, p<0.0001) and had stiffer arterial wall (for stain: 6.25±2.3 vs. 8.15±2.46, p=0.0103). In children from both groups there were no atherosclerotic plaques and IMCT did not differ significantly (0.42±0.07 vs. 0.39±0.04, p=0.1722). However, children with FH had significantly stiffer arterial wall according to sonography with 2DST (for stain: 9.22±3.4 vs. 11.93±3.11, p=0.0057) and tonometry (for the pulse wave velocity: 4.5±0.64 vs.3.96±0.62, p=0.0047). These parameters correlated with atherosclerosis surrogates in their parents (p<0.001) but were not significantly affected by presence of presumed pathogenic gene variant.

Conclusions

Children with FH presented subclinical atherosclerosis manifesting as decreased arterial wall elasticity. Degree of stiffening was associated with advancement of atherosclerosis in their parents but did not present significant association with gene variants. Sonography with application of 2DST seems to be the best candidate for comprehensive evaluation of atherosclerosis in families with FH.
CPEB3 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by disrupting the crosstalk between colorectal cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages via IL-6R/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Zhong Qian , Fang Yuxin , Lai Qiuhua , Wang Shanci , He Chengcheng , Li Aimin , Liu Side , Yan Qun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) mediates tumor progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3 (CPEB3) has been proved to exhibit tumor suppressive role in CRC.Methods: The expression of CPEB3, CD86 and CD163 was determined in CRC tissues. SW480 or HCT116 cells with overexpressed CPEB3 and LoVo or RKO cells with knockdown CPEB3 were constructed. Stably transfected CRC cells were co-cultured with THP-1 macrophages to determine the malignant phenotype of CRC cells, the macrophage polarization and the secretory signals. The inhibition of CPEB3 on tumor progression and M2-like TAM polarization was confirmed in nude mice.Results: Decreased CPEB3 expression in CRC was associated with less CD86+ TAMs number and more CD163+ TAMs number. CPEB3 knockdown in CRC cells increased CD163+ TAMs number and the expression of IL1RA, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 in TAMs supernatants. TAMs enhanced CRC cells proliferation and invasion via IL-6, then activated the IL-6R/STAT3 pathway in CRC cells. However, CPEB3 reduced the IL-6R protein level by directly binding to IL-6R mRNA, leading to decreased phosphorylated-STAT3 expression in CRC cells. CCL2 was significantly increased in knockdown CPEB3 cells, while CCL2 antibody treatment rescued the effect of knockdown CPEB3 on promoting CD163+ TAMs polarization. Eventually, we confirmed that CPEB3 inhibits tumor progression and M2-like TAMs polarization in vivo. Conclusions: CPEB3 is involved in the crosstalk between CRC cells and TAMs by targeting IL-6R/STAT3 signaling.
Clinical decision support system RHINA in the diagnosis and treatment of acute or chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hart Libor , Polášková Alexandra , Schalek Petr 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the sinonasal cavity which affects roughly one in seven people. Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is mostly, apart from allergic etiology, caused by a viral infection and, in some cases (0.2 - 2 %), by a bacterial superinfection. Antibiotics, indicated only in rare cases according to EPOS guidelines, are nevertheless prescribed in more than 80% of ARS cases, which increases the resistant bacterial strains in the population. Results: We have developed the clinical decision support system (CDSS) RHINA, which helps general physicians to decide whether or not to prescribe antibiotics in patients with rhinosinusitis. In a retrospective study of a total of 1,465 patients with rhinosinusitis, the CDSS RHINA presented a 90.2% consistency with the diagnosis and treatment made by the ENT specialist. Conclusion: Patients assessed with the assistance of our CDSS RHINA would decrease the over-prescription of antibiotics, which in turn would help to reduce the bacterial resistance to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Analysis of the clinical risk factors of re-fracture after osteoporotic fracture
Authors: Wang Lin , Ding Guo-Zheng , Yang Min 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate the clinical risk factors of patients with osteoporotic fracture and re-fracture. Methods A total of 96 patients with osteoporotic fractures and re-fractures who were treated in the relevant department of our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 were selected as the research objects. By comparing the basic clinical situation of these two groups Analysis to explore the main risk factors after refracture. Results Through statistical analysis of clinical data, it was found that gender, age, the time from lying down to standing, and the bone mineral density T value were all clinical risk factors for refracture. Women who lie prolonged to stand have a higher risk of re-fracture. Conclusions The risk factors of re-fracture after treatment in elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures are many and complex. Early investigation and targeted preventive measures can be of great significance to reduce the incidence of re-fractures.
A patients’ view of OA: the Global Osteoarthritis Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)
Authors: Vitaloni Marianna , Bemden Angie Botto-van , Sciortino Rosa , Carné Xavier , Quintero Maritza , Santos-Moreno Pedro , Espinosa Rolando , Rillo Oscar , Monfort Jordi , de Abajo Francisco , Oswald Elisabeth , Matucci Marco , du Souich Patrick , Möller Ingrid , Baures Monserrat Romera , Vinci Arlene , Scotton Deborah , Bibas Marco , Eakin Guy , Verges Josep 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Globally, osteoarthritis (OA) is the third condition associated with disability. There is still poor treatment in OA but science holds the key to finding better treatments and a cure. It is essential to learn what’s important to patients from them to implement the most effective OA management. The OA Patients Task Force, conducted the Global OA Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)-the first global survey to compare the quality of life (QoL) & patient perceptions of care across countries. The goal was to collect data on OA patients' perception of OA to understand patients’ needs and expectations to improve OA management.Methods Observational, cross-sectional study by online survey data collection into three languages. Patient demographics, symptomology, OA impact on daily activity and QoL data were collected. The questionnaire comprised of 4 sections: clinical characteristics, relationship with physicians, perception of attention, treatment, information, and QoL.Results A total of 1512 surveys were filled in 7 countries. 84.2% of respondents reported pain/tenderness and 91.1% experienced limitations to physical activities. 42.3% of patients were not satisfied with their current OA treatment. 86% had comorbidities, especially hypertension, and obesity. 51.3% and 78% would like access to additional drug or additional non-drug/non-surgical treatments respectively. 51.7% considered their QoL satisfactory.Conclusions OA has a significant impact on patients’ daily activities and the desire to play an active role in managing their disease. Patients seek additional treatments stressing the need for investing in clinical research, implementing OA preventive measures and managing interventions to improve the healthcare value chain in OA.
Risk of incident gastroesophageal reﬂux disease (GERD) in patients with sleep disorders: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Cheng Yu-Hsien , Chen Pei-En , Chien Ching-Wen , Tung Tao-Hsin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background. Sleep disorders pose a serious threat to human, which may cause variety diseases. Recent reviews on the epidemiology examines that gastroesophageal reﬂux disease (GERD) have different levels of causality about asthma, chronic dry cough, sleep apnea, non-cardiac chest pain, chest tightness, chronic bronchitis. The relationship between sleep disorders and gastroesophageal reﬂux disease (GERD) has been explained in various ways, but only limited reports on the complication rates in Taiwan. The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of incident gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Taiwanese people with sleep disorders.Methods. We used the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a nationwide population-based cohort study to assess the risk of incident GERD in people with sleep disorders.Results. A total of 66133 sleep disorders patients and 264,532 non-sleep disorders controls were included. Sleep disorders was a risk factor of incident GERD (adjusted hazard ratio being 1.722, 95% CI: 1.69-1.76, p<0 .001) after controlling potential confounders including age, gender, and comorbidities.Conclusions. In conclusion, patients with sleep disorders had a signiﬁcantly higher incidence of GERD than those without sleep disorders.
Senolytic compound ABT-263 improved senescent macrophages function by inducing autophagy and protected the aged mouse from sepsis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Tang Li-hua , Lu Jia , Xu Li-ming , Cheng Bao-li , Xiong Junyu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Sepsis is a critical challenge for the elderly population as the immune function is less responsive by aging. Although cell numbers seem preserved in the elderly, macrophages present age-related function decline, which including reduced chemokines, phagocytosis, and autophagy. ABT-263, an inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, is reported had a senolytic effect which can selectively clear the senescent cells in vivo and rejuvenate the aged tissues.
Therefore, we treated the aged mouse with ABT-263 and used cecal slurry injection to induce sepsis to observe its effect on the survival rate of sepsis. Besides, we isolated peritoneal macrophages from the aged mouse to investigate the cell function and molecular mechanism. 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) inhibitor, and rapamycin, an autophagy-enhancer, were used to block or mimic the autophagy, respectively. EGFP-expressing E. Coli was used as a marker to evaluate the phagocytic ability of macrophages.
The results showed ABT-263 treatment improved the survival rate of sepsis in the aged mouse which related to autophagy. Additionally, It is revealed that ABT-263 induced autophagy and enhanced the phagocytic ability of the peritoneal macrophages. However, blocking the autophagy can eliminate this effect. In conclusion, ABT-263 enhanced the macrophage function by inducing autophagy, consequently, protected the aged mouse from sepsis.
Self-management in older adults: how to delineate self-management ability, self-management behavior, and self-management support?
Authors: Wynia Klaske , Veldman Karin , Spoorenberg Sophie , Lahr Maarten , Reijneveld Menno 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Self-management is a key element in person-centered and integrated care. It involves several related concepts, such as self-management ability, behavior, and support. These concepts are poorly delineated. The aim of this study was to examine hypothesized associations between self-management ability, behavior, and support in older adults (taking their frailty and complexity of care needs into account) and to examine underlying aspects of these concepts, if these hypotheses lacksupport.Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Embrace study, a stratified randomized controlled trial, evaluating person-centered and integrated care in Dutch community-living older adults, were used. Participants (n=537) were aged 75 and older, assigned to health-related risk profiles based on self-reported frailty and complexity of care needs. Ability was assessed with the Self-Management Ability Scale, behavior with the Partner in Health Scale for Older Adults, and support with the Patient Assessment of Integrated Elderly Care.Results: Ability and behavior were positively associated for participants with the risk profiles “Robust” and “Complex care needs” (betas are 0.38 and 0.46). Coping (an aspect of behavior) turned out to be a key element for participants with risk profiles “Robust” and “Complex care needs” (betas ranging from 0.13 to 0.45). Support was associated with aspects of behavior, varying per risk profile.Conclusion: We found no associations for self-management on the conceptual level, but the aspect coping did appear to play a major role. Improving coping strategies of older adults may be a promising way of enhancing self-management ability, and of reducing the need for self-management support.
Effects of Collagen Membrane on Bone Level and Periodontal Status of Adjacent Tooth After Third Molar Surgery
Authors: Ataol Mert , Kılınç Adnan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: After the surgical extraction of an impacted lower third molar, periodontal status and distal bone level of the adjacent second molar could be affected negatively. Healing type has been effected periodontal status and distal bone level of the adjacent second molar after third molar surgery. Absorbable materials have some benefits including promoting wound healing through isolation, clot and wound stabilisation, and haemostasis; enhancing primary wound coverage. The aim of this study was to compare primary and secondary healing and collagen-membrane-based primary healing after surgical removal of partially erupted impacted third molars (3Ms), evaluating the distal alveolar bone level (ABL) and periodontal status of the adjacent second molars (2Ms). Materials and Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomised into three groups: secondary healing (n=28), primary healing (n=27) and membrane-based primary healing (n=29). Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained preoperatively (T1) and three months postoperatively (T2). The distances between the cemento-enamel junctions and the alveolar bone crests on the distal aspects of the adjacent 2Ms were measured using calibrated radiograph measurement software. The pocket depth and plaque index measurements were performed preoperatively and three months postoperatively. The periodontal plaque index (PPI) scores were registered on the distal aspects of the 2Ms, and the mean values were used. Results: Three of the applied healing types positively affected periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and periodontal index values (p<0.05). In terms of the ABL of the adjacent 2Ms, primary 3-4N/healing (p=0.001) and membrane-based primary healing (p=0.000) had superior results to secondary healing. Conclusion: Membrane usage is promising for the distal bone gain and periodontal status of the adjacent 2M.
Association of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin content with metabolic syndrome among Kazakhs in Xinjiang
Authors: Hao Hao , Guo Heng , Ma Ru-lin , Yan Yi-zhong , Hu Yun-hua , Ma Jiao-long , Zhang Xiang-hui , Wang Xin-ping , Wang Kui , Mu La-ti , Song Yan-peng , Zhang Jing-yu , He Jia , Guo Shuxia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Some studies have shown that a high level of bilirubin is a protective factor against the metabolic syndrome (MS), while a high level of transaminase is a risk factor for the MS. However, the results are inconsistent, and there are few cohort studies.Methods Using an ambispective cohort study, 565 Kazakhs from Xinjiang, China were selected as the study subjects. The serum bilirubin and transaminase levels of the subjects were divided into quartiles, and their relationships with MS and its components were analyzed. The definition of metabolic syndrome was based on the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) diagnostic criteria.Results The average follow-up time for the subjects was 5.72 years. 204 subjects had MS, the cumulative incidence was 36.11%, and the incidence density was 63.10/1000 person-years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the levels of total bilirubin (TBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) were negatively correlated with the occurrence of MS. Compared to the lowest quartile level (Q1), the hazard ratios of MS for levels of TBIL at the Q2-Q4 quartile were: 0.408 (0.266-0.626), 0.374 (0.244-0.572), and 0.328 (0.216-0.500) while IBIL at Q2-Q4 level showed an MS hazard ratio of 0.572 (0.374-0.875), 0.432 (0.283-0.659), 0.434 (0.289-0.653), all at a 95% confidence level. In addition, TBIL and IBIL levels were negatively correlated with increased blood pressure, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels, and their highest TBIL quartile risk (Q4) was 0.479, 0.484, and 0.498 times higher than the lowest quartile (Q1).Conclusion Serum TBIL and IBIL levels were negatively correlated with MS and its components (blood pressure, waist circumference and triglycerides).
First report of the sting nematode Belonolaimus longicaudatus infecting bermudagrass in Barbados
Authors: Mc Groary P. , Ye W. , Nangle E. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In 2016, “Tifdwarf” hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) grown on a golf green built to the United States Golf Association recommendations in Barbados started to show irregular significant chlorotic patches followed by gradual thinning and decline of turfgrass. A survey was conducted in May 2016 to determine the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes. The results revealed the presence of the plant-parasitic sting nematode Belonolaimus longicaudatus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. longicaudatus associated with bermudagrass in Barbados.
Characterization of Vittatidera zeaphila (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) from Indiana with molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus
Authors: Skantar Andrea M. , Handoo Zafar A. , Kantor Mihail R. , Carta Lynn K. , Faghihi Jamal , Ferris Virginia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In the summer of 2016, a field of corn (Zea mays) in Spencer County, Indiana was observed with heavily stunted plants, and from the affected roots a large number of cysts were recovered. Soil samples were submitted to one of us (JF), who extracted the nematode cysts and sent them to the USDA-ARS, Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory (MNGDBL), Beltsville, MD for morphological and molecular identification. Cysts and the recovered second-stage juveniles (J2) that were examined morphologically conformed to the measurements of Vittatidera zeaphila, the goose cyst nematode originally described from Tennessee, USA in 2010. The molecular analysis of J2 showed the sample from Spencer County matched exactly with V. zeaphila according to ribosomal DNA markers ITS, 28S, and 18S, and with mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI). The nuclear marker heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) was also analyzed for the first time from the Indiana population of V. zeaphila. Similarities to existing cyst nematode sequences are reported herein. Geographically, although the county is across the Ohio River from Kentucky, the previously reported Hickman County, Kentucky location and Indiana detection are approximately 200 miles apart. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of V. zeaphila in Indiana.