bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum modified HDL was associated with cardiovascular disease in a Japanese community-based cohort
Authors: Okamura T , Sata M , Iida M , Kakino A , Harada S , Hirata A , Usami Y , Sugiyama D , Sawamura T , Takabayashi T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown that high density lipoprotein (HDL) is protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent studies suggested that function of HDL was more important than HDL cholesterol levels. The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between modified HDL levels and CVD incidence.

Methods
LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor) is the receptor that mediates modified LDL (low density lipoprotein) activity; however, some lipoproteins with apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A-1) are also bonded to LOX-1. In this study, serum LOX-1 ligand containing Apo A-1 was defined as modified HDL, which were measured by our new development method. We conducted a nested case-control study in a Japanese cohort study, involving 11,002 community dwellers. During 4.0 years follow-up, we observed 127 new CVD onsets. For each CVD case, age and sex matched three controls were randomly selected (N = 381). Serum samples collected at baseline survey stored at − 80 °C were used for the measurement of modified HDL. We estimated multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between modified HDL levels and CVD by conditional logistic regression.

Results
Modified HDL levels were associated with increased risk of CVD (OR for one unit increase of log transformed modified HDL, 2.05: 95% CI, 1.16-3.62) after adjustment for body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, lipid lowering agents, chronic kidney disease, smoking and alcohol drinking. The magnitude of OR was almost equivalent to those of hypertension and diabetes, which were 2.33 (95% CI, 1.37-3.98) and 2.61 (95% CI, 1.48-4.59), respectively. On the other hands, other lipids markers showed relatively weak associations with CVD.

Conclusions
Serum modified HDL, i.e., LOX-1 ligand containing Apo A-1, might be a novel predictive marker for CVD in apparently healthy individuals.

Key messages
Recent epidemiologic studies suggested that function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was more important than HDL cholesterol level itself to predict cardiovascular disease. Modified HDL measured by a novel cell-free, non-fluorescent method as LOX-1 ligand containing Apo A-1, was a predictive marker for CVD after adjusting for other traditional risk factors.
Are neighbourhood characteristics associated with physical activity levels in schoolchildren?
Authors: Kaya Gulin , Ay Pinar , Hidiroglu Seyhan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is an essential determinant of health for children. However 82% of children aged 11-17 years in Turkey are physically inactive. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity (PI) and sociodemographic and neighbourhood characteristics associated with PI among children aged 9-13 years.

Methods
The population of this cross-sectional study was 5-7th grade students attending schools in a district of Istanbul. Two schools from urban and two from semi-urban localities were selected in order to capture different neighbourhood characteristics. Sample size was calculated as 344 assuming a difference of PI prevalence of 15% between neighbourhoods, an alpha error of 0.05, a power of 80%. Data were collected by child and parent questionnaires. PI was defined as &lt; 60 minutes MVPA per day within the previous week. Neighbourhood characteristics were evaluated as physical (walkability levels, structure of sidewalks, presence of yards/parks, traffic density) and social (characteristics of social networks, trust among neighbours). Factors associated with PI were analysed by logistic regression.

Results
A total of 334 students participated with a response rate 96%. The median age was 11 years and 52.9% were girls. The prevalence of PI was 79.3% (95%CI: 75.0-83.7%). Neighbourhood characteristics were not associated with PI (p &gt; 0.05). PI was associated with ownership of mobile phones (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.01-3.78), not being a member of a sports team (OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.21-6.58) and having ≤1 day of physical education classes at school (OR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.08-4.09).

Conclusions
The prevalence of PI is very high among schoolchildren. School-based interventions as motivating children to participate in sports teams and having physical education classes &gt;1 times per week could be achievable strategies to combat PI. There is a need to adapt objective methods for assessment of neighbourhood characteristics.

Key messages
PI is a prevalent public health problem among school children in urban and semi-urban environments. The effectiveness of increasing structured physical activity levels at schools by utilizing sports teams and physical education classes should be evaluated in future studies.
Intraspecific Diversity and Phylogeography in Southern Appalachian Dasycerus carolinensis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Dasycerinae)
Authors: Caterino Michael S , Langton-Myers Shelley S 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe southern Appalachian Mountains in eastern North America host exceptional diversity, a substantial proportion of which has been generated in place. Yet, beyond broad generalities, bio- and phylogeographical patterns, and the temporal scale of diversification in the region are poorly resolved. Using one mitochondrial and one nuclear marker, we analyze intraspecific diversity patterns in a flightless, litter-inhabiting rove beetle Dasycerus carolinensis Horn. Our goals were to reconstruct the phylogeographical history of this species, producing a dated intraspecific phylogeny, and to examine previous hypotheses of possible cryptic divergence across populations of the species. Samples derive from a mix of old-growth fragments and secondary growth forests, and we also ask whether old-growth remnants host a larger proportion of genetic diversity in the species. We recover a strong primary subdivision among major lineages across the French Broad River basin (dated to ~5.8 MYBP), and a secondary subdivision among western populations dating to ~4.5 MYBP. Most interpopulation uncorrected divergences exceed 5%, strongly suggesting cryptic differentiation. Old-growth populations do not show greater genetic diversity than secondary-growth populations, indicating that most populations have persisted through recent anthropogenic disturbance.
Rainfall risk, fertility and development: evidence from farm settlements during the American demographic transition
Authors: Grimm Michael 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
I analyze whether variation in rainfall risk played a role in the demographic transition. The hypothesis is that children constituted a buffer stock of labor that could be mobilized in response to income shocks. Identification relies on fertility differences between farm and non-farm households within counties and over time. The results suggest that in areas with a high variance in rainfall the fertility differential was significantly higher than in areas with a low variance in rainfall. This channel is robust to other relevant forces and the spatial correlation in fertility. The effect disappeared as irrigation systems and agricultural machinery emerged.
Prognostic value of lymph node ratio in non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jian , Lin Zhangyu , Lyu Mengyuan , Chen Nan , Liao Hu , Wang Zihuai , Hao Jianqi , Yan Chunyi , Liu Lunxu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic value of lymph node ratio in non-small-cell lung cancer.MethodsWe searched systematically for eligible studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Medline (via Ovid) and Cochrane library through 6 November 2018. The primary outcome was overall survival. Disease-free survival and cancer-specific survival were considered as secondary outcomes. Hazard ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval were pooled. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted. Subgroup analyses were performed based on N descriptors, types of tumor resection, types of lymphadenectomy and study areas. Sensitivity analysis and evaluation of publication bias were also performed.ResultsAltogether, 20 cohorts enrolling 76 929 patients were included. Mean Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was 7.65 ± 0.59, indicating the studies’ quality was high. The overall result showed non-small-cell lung cancer patients with lower lymph node ratio was associated with better overall survival (HR: 1.946; 95% CI: 1.746–2.169; P &lt; 0.001), disease-free survival (HR: 2.058; 95% CI: 1.717–2.467; P &lt; 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR: 2.149; 95% CI: 1.864–2.477; P &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis prompted types of lymphadenectomy and the station of positive lymph node have an important effect on the prognosis. No significant discovery was found in sensitivity analysis.ConclusionPatients with lower lymph node ratio was associated with better survival, indicating that lymph node ratio may be a promising prognostic predictor in non-small-cell lung cancer. The type of lymphadenectomy, an adequate examined number and the removed stations should be considered for more accurate prognosis assessment.
Testing the impact of satellite anisotropy on large- and small-scale intrinsic alignments using hydrodynamical simulations
Authors: Samuroff S , Mandelbaum R , Di Matteo T 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
Galaxy intrinsic alignments (IAs) have long been recognized as a significant contaminant to weak lensing-based cosmological inference. In this paper we seek to quantify the impact of a common modelling assumption in analytic descriptions of IAs: that of spherically symmetric dark matter haloes. Understanding such effects is important as the current generation of IA models are known to be limited, particularly on small scales, and building an accurate theoretical description will be essential for fully exploiting the information in future lensing data. Our analysis is based on a catalogue of 113 560 galaxies between z = 0.06 and 1.00 from massiveblack-ii, a hydrodynamical simulation of box length $100 \, h^{-1}$ Mpc. We find satellite anisotropy contributes at the level of $\ge 30\!-\!40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ to the small-scale alignment correlation functions. At separations larger than $1 \, h^{-1}$ Mpc the impact is roughly scale independent, inducing a shift in the amplitude of the IA power spectra of $\sim 20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. These conclusions are consistent across the redshift range and between the massiveblack-ii and the illustris simulations. The cosmological implications of these results are tested using a simulated likelihood analysis. Synthetic cosmic shear data are constructed with the expected characteristics (depth, area, and number density) of a future LSST-like survey. Our results suggest that modelling alignments using a halo model based upon spherical symmetry could potentially induce cosmological parameter biases at the ∼1.5σ level for S8 and w.
Explaining GRB prompt emission with sub-photospheric dissipation and Comptonization
Authors: Bhattacharya Mukul , Kumar Pawan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Even though the observed spectra for GRB prompt emission is well constrained, no single radiation mechanism can robustly explain its distinct non-thermal nature. Here we explore the radiation mechanism with the photospheric emission model using our Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer (MCRaT) code. We study the sub-photospheric Comptonization of fast cooled synchrotron photons while the Maxwellian electrons and mono-energetic protons are accelerated to relativistic energies by repeated dissipation events. Unlike previous simulations, we implement a realistic photon to electron number ratio Nγ/Ne ∼ 105 consistent with the observed radiative efficiency of a few percent. We show that it is necessary to have a critical number of episodic energy injection events Nrh, cr ∼ few 10s − 100 in the jet in addition to the electron-proton Coulomb coupling in order to inject sufficient energy Einj, cr ∼ 2500 − 4000 mec2 per electron and produce an output photon spectrum consistent with observations. The observed GRB spectrum can be generated when the electrons are repeatedly accelerated to highly relativistic energies γe, in ∼ few 10s − 100 in a jet with bulk Lorentz factor Γ ∼ 30 − 100, starting out from moderate optical depths τin ∼ 20 − 40. The shape of the photon spectrum is independent of the initial photon energy distribution and baryonic energy content of the jet and hence independent of the emission mechanism, as expected for photospheric emission.
Adult Use of and Transitions From Nicotine and Non-nicotine-Containing E-cigarettes: Data From the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, 2013–2016
Authors: Nguyen Zarndt Anh , Donaldson Elisabeth A , Bernat Jennifer K , Henrie James A , Portnoy David B 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Studies largely focus on nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (NiCE) though non-nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (NoCE) exist; NoCE prevalence and patterns of use are largely unknown. This study examines self-reported prevalence and patterns of NiCE/NoCE use.

Methods
We analyzed adult (18+ years) data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study from Wave 1 (2013–2014, n = 32,320), Wave 2 (2014–2015, n = 28,632), and Wave 3 (2015–2016, n = 28,148). We test associations between Wave 1 self-reported current NoCE/NiCE use status and demographic characteristics and assess the proportion of self-reported current NoCE/NiCE users at Wave 1 or Wave 2 who continue to use NoCE or NiCE, switch to NiCE or NoCE, discontinue e-cigarette use, switch to use other nicotine products (ONP), or add ONP use 1 year later (i.e., at Wave 2 or 3).

Results
Maintaining the same self-reported NiCE/NoCE and ONP use status 1 year later was the most common use pattern between waves. However, 15.65% of exclusive NoCE users in Wave 2 transitioned to NoCE plus nicotine product use in Wave 3. Also, some exclusive NoCE users transitioned to exclusive NiCE use (17.77% Waves 1–2; 11.55% Waves 2–3).

Discussion
Some exclusive NoCE users transitioned to NiCE or added nicotine product use, suggesting there may be other factors (e.g., familiarity with using an aerosolizing device) in addition to the presence of nicotine in influencing initiation or sustained use of nicotine products.

Implications
Studies largely focus on nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (NiCE) though non-nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (NoCE) exist; this study adds to the literature by describing demographic characteristics and tobacco use of adult self-reported NoCE users. In addition, the study examines transitions in self-reported NoCE/NiCE use, revealing that some exclusive NoCE users transition to other nicotine product use 1 year later.
A Systems Theory Re-Construction of Law and Religion
Authors: Sandberg Russell 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Law and Religion has rapidly developed as an academic sub-discipline in English and Welsh Law Schools in the 21st century amidst a significant amount of legislation, litigation, and public debate about religion. However, there are signs that this sub-discipline is becoming inward looking and stagnating. This article takes a step back and uses Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory to explore how Law and Religion has developed as a sub-discipline. Bringing together Luhmann’s work on law and his work on religion, a systems theory of Law and Religion is developed for the first time. Deriving from but refining and developing social systems theory, the article argues that Law and Religion requires a radical rethink if it is to flourish as an area of study.
Innovation and Investment in the Roman Rural Economy Through the Lens of Marzuolo (Tuscany, Italy)*
Authors: Van Oyen Astrid 
Published: November 2019

Abstract:
The presence, uptake and economic impact of innovations in the Roman world have been much debated. Not subject to debate, however, is the agency behind innovation, which is assumed to be the large, elite landowner. Evidence of experimentation at the rural terra sigillata production site of Marzuolo (Tuscany, Italy) does not fit dominant models of external investment in the Roman world and challenges the directionality of innovation. Instead, this article makes the case that experimentation at Marzuolo was driven by intensification on the part of local smallholders, but was curbed by a lack of capital investment. A later, scaled-up terra sigillata production phase at the same site, linked to infrastructural investments, shows predatory investment behaviour by a landowner who appropriated a tried and tested facility. Recasting innovation as an open-ended process of trial and error that is centred on human capital development, labour and relations of production, changes the terms of study of the Roman economy and aligns it with broader conversations in economic history.
Zero-correlation entanglement
Authors: Ohira Toru 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We consider a quantum entangled state for two particles, each particle having two basis states, which includes an entangled pair of spin 1/2 particles. We show that, for any quantum entangled state vectors of such systems, one can always find a pair of observable operators $\mathcal{X}, \mathcal{Y}$ with zero correlations ($\langle{\psi}|\mathcal{X}\mathcal{Y}|{\psi}\rangle - \langle{\psi}|\mathcal{X}|{\psi}\rangle\langle{\psi}|\mathcal{Y}|{\psi}\rangle= 0$). At the same time, if we consider the analogous classical system of a “classically entangled” (statistically non-independent) pair of random variables taking two values, one can never have zero correlations (zero covariance, $E[XY] - E[X]E[Y] = 0$). We provide a general proof to illustrate the different nature of entanglements in classical and quantum theories.
Background prevalence of subclinical Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in children attending childcare facilities in the Irish Midlands
Authors: Burns H , Fallon U , Collins A , Ni Shuilleabhain C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Exclusion of asymptomatic shedders of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from childcare facilities (CCFs) is a recognized measure to minimize risk of secondary transmission. This is predicated on factors including an assumption of low background prevalence of STEC amongst CCF attendees. There is a paucity of scientific evidence regarding the true prevalence of STEC in paediatric populations. The study aimed to develop and test a methodology to estimate background prevalence of STEC amongst CCF attendees at regional level in Ireland.

Methods
Computerized Infectious Disease Reporting data were used to compile a list of outbreaks of STEC occurring in CCFs in the Irish Midlands since the introduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing. Laboratory data were used to determine background prevalence of STEC in screened children in each outbreak individually and across all outbreaks.

Results
A pooled summary prevalence estimate of 2.9% (95% confidence interval 1.4–5.5%) was determined for the entire screened cohort across all outbreaks. Sensitivity analysis supported the validity of the estimate.

Conclusions
The relatively high prevalence estimate of 2.9% suggests that a public health risk assessment approach to return of prolonged asymptomatic shedders to the CCF may be appropriate in peak STEC season in the Midlands.
Species Selection Regime and Phylogenetic Tree Shape
Authors: Verboom G Anthony , Boucher Florian C , Ackerly David D , Wootton Lara M , Freyman William A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Species selection, the effect of heritable traits in generating between-lineage diversification rate differences, provides a valuable conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between traits, diversification, and phylogenetic tree shape. An important challenge, however, is that the nature of real diversification landscapes—curves or surfaces which describe the propensity of species-level lineages to diversify as a function of one or more traits—remains poorly understood. Here, we present a novel, time-stratified extension of the QuaSSE model in which speciation/extinction rate is specified as a static or temporally shifting Gaussian or skewed-Gaussian function of the diversification trait. We then use simulations to show that the generally imbalanced nature of real phylogenetic trees, as well as their generally greater than expected frequency of deep branching events, are typical outcomes when diversification is treated as a dynamic, trait-dependent process. Focusing on four basic models (Gaussian-speciation with and without background extinction; skewed-speciation; Gaussian-extinction), we also show that particular features of the species selection regime produce distinct tree shape signatures and that, consequently, a combination of tree shape metrics has the potential to reveal the species selection regime under which a particular lineage diversified. We evaluate this idea empirically by comparing the phylogenetic trees of plant lineages diversifying within climatically and geologically stable environments of the Greater Cape Floristic Region, with those of lineages diversifying in environments that have experienced major change through the Late Miocene-Pliocene. Consistent with our expectations, the trees of lineages diversifying in a dynamic context are less balanced, show a greater concentration of branching events close to the present, and display stronger diversification rate-trait correlations. We suggest that species selection plays an important role in shaping phylogenetic trees but recognize the need for an explicit probabilistic framework within which to assess the likelihoods of alternative diversification scenarios as explanations of a particular tree shape. [Cape flora; diversification landscape; environmental change; gamma statistic; species selection; time-stratified QuaSSE model; trait-dependent diversification; tree imbalance.]
Initial development of the Hookah Smoker Scale: Assessing young adults’ mental schemas about hookah “smokers”
Authors: Phan Lilianna , Mays Darren , Tercyak Kenneth P , Johnson Andrea C , Rehberg Kathryn , Lipkus Isaac M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Many young adult hookah tobacco users do not consider themselves hookah “smokers,” but data on this topic are limited. There are no existing measures of young adults’ mental schemas of hookah “smokers.” We examined the factor structure and reliability of the Hookah Smoker Scale and examined associations with perceived harm and addictiveness and attitudes toward hookah. Two hundred and forty-six young adult (ages 18–30) hookah smokers participated in a cross-sectional online study. Participants completed items assessing schemas characterizing hookah smokers and valid measures of perceived harm and addictiveness of hookah smoking, risk appraisals, and attitudes toward hookah. Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with oblique rotation extracted a 12-item scale with three dimensions (Regular Use, Social-Enabled Use, and Self-Enabled Use). The scale explained 69.7% of the variance (eigenvalue = 9.2). Cronbach’s α for the scale was .89, with Cronbach’s α ≥ .80 for four-item subscales. Higher subscale scores indicate stronger beliefs that the dimension characterizes a hookah smoker. Higher Regular Use scores (score variance = 46.9%; eigenvalue = 5.6) were associated with greater perceived harm and addictiveness (β = 0.21, p = .01), greater risk appraisals (β = 0.20, p = .02), and more negative attitudes toward hookah (β = −0.18, p = .03). The Hookah Smoker Scale is a promising measure that can be used to identify targets for preventing and reducing young adults’ hookah tobacco use. Findings also suggest young adults associate health risks of hookah with daily smoking, but not with intermittent social smoking patterns.