bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telomeric alterations in the default mode network during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease: Selective vulnerability of the precuneus
Authors: Mahady Laura J. , He Bin , Malek‐Ahmadi Michael , Mufson Elliott J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsAlthough telomere length (TL) and telomere maintenance proteins (shelterins) are markers of cellular senescence and peripheral blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), little information is available on telomeric alterations during the prodromal stage (MCI) of AD. We investigated TL in the default mode network (DMN), which underlies episodic memory deficits in AD, as well as shelterin protein and mRNA levels in the precuneus (PreC).MethodsTelomere length was evaluated in DMN hubs and visual cortex using quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the PreC, western blotting and NanoString nCounter expression analyses evaluated shelterin protein and mRNA levels, respectively, in cases with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI and AD.ResultsTL was significantly reduced in the PreC in MCI and AD compared to NCI, but stable in frontal, inferior temporal, posterior cingulate and visual cortex. PreC TL correlated significantly with performance on cognitive tests. NCI cases with high vs low Braak scores displayed significantly shorter TL in posterior cingulate and frontal cortex, which correlated significantly with neuritic and diffuse amyloid‐β plaque counts. Shelterin protein levels (TIN2, TRF1, TRF2 and POT1) declined in MCI and AD compared to NCI. The PreC displayed stable expression of shelterins TERF1, TERF2, POT1, RAP1 and TPP1, while TINF2 mRNA significantly increased in AD compared to NCI.ConclusionsThese findings indicate a selective vulnerability to telomere attrition within different nodes of the DMN in prodromal AD and in aged NCI individuals with high Braak scores highlighting a putative role in the pathogenesis of AD.
It’s the Culture!—How systemic and societal constructs impact well‐being
Authors: Vinson Amy E. , Bachiller Patricia R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPediatric anesthesiologists practice within a culture, a system, and a society. In this article, we provide an overview of the influence these have on the well‐being or the unwellness of pediatric anesthesiologists. The scope of these issues is broad and far‐reaching; thus, our goal has been to highlight those areas which would be likely to have the largest impact on well‐being if addressed fully by society, institutions, and leaders in our field. We discuss the burnout‐promoting aspects of medical education and training. We survey occupational factors, such as the high‐stake pediatric anesthesia environment, occupational health hazards, time pressure, and the reduction in physician autonomy. We then describe societal barriers, such as the marginalization of certain populations, the US system of malpractice litigation, the stigma surrounding psychiatric care, and some of the issues related to physician reimbursement in the United States. We conclude that in order to move forward, improving physician wellness must be a focus of society, of the medical system as a whole, and of individual departments and leaders in pediatric anesthesia.
Development and validation of gene‐based markers for shrunken2‐Reference allele and their utilization in marker‐assisted sweet corn (Zea maysSachharata) breeding programme
Authors: Chhabra Rashmi , Hossain Firoz , Muthusamy Vignesh , Baveja Aanchal , Mehta Brijesh Kumar , Uttamrao Zunjare Rajkumar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe recessive shrunken2‐Reference (sh2‐Ref) allele is traditionally used in sweet corn cultivar development worldwide. However, non‐availability of suitable gene‐based marker(s) for sh2‐Ref has considerably delayed its utilization in molecular breeding. Here, 7,320 bp sequence of Sh2 gene among five wild‐ and six sh2‐Ref‐based inbreds was analysed by employing 13 overlapping primers. SNP583 (A in wild and G in mutant) and SNP755 (T in wild and C in mutant) in 5’UTR, and SNP5112 (C in wild and T in mutant) in intron‐12 clearly differentiated dominant (Sh2) and recessive (sh2‐Ref) allele. These SNPs were used to develop four gene‐based PCR markers. The newly developed markers were validated in six F2 populations segregating for sh2‐Ref allele, and 230 diverse inbreds of normal and sweet corn types. These markers were further used in genotyping of BC1F1 populations leading to successful selection of sh2‐Ref allele in the marker‐assisted breeding. Globally, this assumes great significance in molecular breeding of sweet corn.
Adiposity is associated with anovulation independent of serum free testosterone: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bloom Michael S. , Perkins Neil J. , Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Mumford Sunni L. , Ye Aijun , Kim Keewan , Kuhr Daniel L. , Nobles Carrie J. , Connell Matthew T. , Schisterman Enrique F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundObesity, a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, is linked to infertility, potentially through a greater risk of anovulation due to elevated androgens. Yet, previous studies have not directly assessed the impact of adiposity, or body fat, on anovulation in the absence of clinical infertility.ObjectiveTo characterise the associations between adiposity and anovulation among women menstruating on a regular basis.MethodsWomen from the EAGeR trial (n = 1200), a randomised controlled trial of low‐dose aspirin and pregnancy loss among women trying to conceive, were used to estimate associations between adiposity and incident anovulation. Participants completed baseline questionnaires and anthropometry, and provided blood specimens. Women used fertility monitors for up to six consecutive menstrual cycles, with collection of daily first morning voids for hormone analysis in the first two menstrual cycles for prospective assessment of anovulation. Anovulation was assessed by urine pregnanediol glucuronide or luteinising hormone concentration or the fertility monitor. Weighted mixed‐effects log‐binomial regression was used to estimate associations between measures of adiposity and incident anovulation, adjusted for free (bioavailable) testosterone, anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH), serum lipids, and demographic and life style factors.Results343 (28.3%) women experienced at least one anovulatory cycle. Anovulation risk was higher per kg/m2 greater BMI (relative risk [RR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 1.04), cm waist circumference (RR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.02), mm subscapular skinfold (RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), and mm middle upper arm circumference (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.06) adjusted for serum free testosterone, AMH, lipids, and other factors.ConclusionsAdiposity may be associated with anovulation through pathways other than testosterone among regularly menstruating women. This may account in part for reported associations between greater adiposity and infertility among women having menstrual cycles regularly. Understanding the association between adiposity and anovulation might lead to targeted interventions for preventing infertility.
Male family carers' experiences of formal support – a meta‐ethnography
Authors: Finn Caroline , Boland Pauline 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMen represent a growing proportion of unpaid family carers across Europe. Comparative studies have proposed male carers experience their caring role differently to females; men are less likely to avail of formal support services than women. Social ideas around masculinity have been linked to the help‐seeking behaviours of male carers, as well as men's attitudes around accessing formal support. More understanding about this role from the perspective of male carers is required.MethodsThe study followed a meta‐ethnography process starting with a systematic literature search of five electronic databases. The methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the Mc Master checklist. Using NVivo 12 software, primary data were analysed and themes throughout the papers were identified. Results were synthesised as a meta‐ethnography that retained direct quotes from the studies.ResultsTwo themes and five sub‐themes were developed from the data. The first theme was ‘Men's experiences of formal support’ which contained sub‐themes ‘Reluctance to step back’, ‘A space to share emotions’ and ‘Education diminishes burden’. The second theme was ‘Coping without Formal Support’ with sub‐themes ‘Satisfied without help’ and ‘Duty prevents help seeking’.ConclusionsFear of perceived failure and a loss of control in the caring relationship were key factors in men's low trust and dissatisfaction with available services. To engage more male carers, formal service providers should acknowledge men's wish to be seen as competent in the care role as well as their desire to stay involved in decision‐making around care for their family member. Support services that were collaborative, education‐based and gender‐sensitive were favoured by male carers.
Introductory data science across disciplines, using Python, case studies, and industry consulting projects
Authors: Lasser Jana , Manik Debsankha , Silbersdorff Alexander , Säfken Benjamin , Kneib Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractData and its applications are increasingly ubiquitous in the rapidly digitizing world and consequently, students across different disciplines face increasing demand to develop skills to answer both academia's and businesses' increasing need to collect, manage, evaluate, apply and extract knowledge from data and critically reflect upon the derived insights. On the basis of recent experiences at the University of Ttingen, Germany, we present a new approach to teach the relevant data science skills as an introductory service course at the university or advanced college level. We describe the outline of a complete course that relies on case studies and project work built around contemporary data sets, including openly available online teaching resources.
Physaria fendleri and Ricinus communis lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase‐like phospholipases selectively cleave hydroxy acyl chains from phosphatidylcholine
Authors: Xu Yang , Caldo Kristian Mark P. , Singer Stacy D. , Mietkiewska Elzbieta , Greer Michael S. , Tian Bo , Dyer John M. , Smith Mark , Zhou Xue‐Rong , Qiu Xiao , Weselake Randall J. , Chen Guanqun 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYProduction of hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) in transgenic crops represents a promising strategy to meet our demands for specialized plant oils with industrial applications. The expression of Ricinus communis (castor) OLEATE 12‐HYDROXYLASE (RcFAH12) in Arabidopsis has resulted in only limited accumulation of HFAs in seeds, which probably results from inefficient transfer of HFAs from their site of synthesis (phosphatidylcholine; PC) to triacylglycerol (TAG), especially at the sn‐1/3 positions of TAG. Phospholipase As (PLAs) may be directly involved in the liberation of HFAs from PC, but the functions of their over‐expression in HFA accumulation and distribution at TAG in transgenic plants have not been well studied. In this work, the functions of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase‐like PLAs (LCAT‐PLAs) in HFA biosynthesis were characterized. The LCAT‐PLAs were shown to exhibit homology to LCAT and mammalian lysosomal PLA2, and to contain a conserved and functional Ser/His/Asp catalytic triad. In vitro assays revealed that LCAT‐PLAs from the HFA‐accumulating plant species Physaria fendleri (PfLCAT‐PLA) and castor (RcLCAT‐PLA) could cleave acyl chains at both the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions of PC, and displayed substrate selectivity towards sn‐2‐ricinoleoyl‐PC over sn‐2‐oleoyl‐PC. Furthermore, co‐expression of RcFAH12 with PfLCAT‐PLA or RcLCAT‐PLA, but not Arabidopsis AtLCAT‐PLA, resulted in increased occupation of HFA at the sn‐1/3 positions of TAG as well as small but insignificant increases in HFA levels in Arabidopsis seeds compared with RcFAH12 expression alone. Therefore, PfLCAT‐PLA and RcLCAT‐PLA may contribute to HFA turnover on PC, and represent potential candidates for engineering the production of unusual fatty acids in crops.
Incisional complications after skin closure with n‐butyl cyanoacrylate or stainless‐steel skin staples in horses undergoing colic surgery
Authors: Martinez‐Lopez Javier , Brown James A. , Werre Stephen R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of incisional complications after skin closure with n‐butyl cyanoacrylate (NBC) or stainless‐steel skin staples (SS) after ventral midline celiotomy for colic surgery in the horse.Study designRetrospective study (2014‐2018).AnimalsTwo hundred eighteen horses.MethodsMedical records of horses that underwent exploratory celiotomy for colic were included when the skin was closed with NBC or SS and the horse survived ≥15 days after surgery. Records and a follow‐up questionnaire were used to determine in‐hospital and posthospital discharge incisional complications. Associations between variables were assessed by using bivariable and multivariable analysis.ResultsThe cutaneous incision was closed with SS in 113 of 218 (51.8%) horses and with NBC in 105 of 218 (48.2%) horses. Follow‐up information was available in 166 of 218 horses. Five horses with incisional complications prior to discharge but without follow‐up were included in the overall analysis. Incisional complications were recorded in 17.5% (30/171) of horses, including 19.1% (17/89) of closures with SS and 15.9% (12/82) of closures with NBC (P = .54). Complications occurred before discharge in 14 of 218 (6.4%) horses and after discharge in 16 of 166 (9.6%) horses. Four horses with in‐hospital incisional complications (surgical site infection) developed a second complication after discharge (hernia). Packed cell volume was a risk factor for in‐hospital incisional complications (P = .04), and in‐hospital incisional complications were associated with posthospital discharge incisional complications (P = .01).ConclusionOccurrence of incisional complications did not differ between NBC and SS.Clinical significanceN‐butyl cyanoacrylate is a suitable alternative to SS to close the cutaneous incision for ventral midline celiotomy for colic surgery in the horse.
RETROFITTING OF SELF COMPACTING RC HALF JOINTS WITH INTERNAL DEFICIENCIES BY CFRP FABRICS
Authors: M. Shakir Qasim , B. Abd Baneen 
Published: October 2020

An experimental study has been conducted to scrutinize the response of reinforced self-compacting concrete half joints upgraded with CFRP strips. Fourteen RC half joints have been tested. Two values of shear slenderness ratio were considered, namely 1.5 and 1.0. Two beams have been treated as reference specimens (with the design steel), and the twelve other beams were casted with deficiency in steel of the hanger and the extended end regions relative to the control beams. Eight of these beams have been strengthened with different arrangements to discuss the influence of shear slenderness ratio and strengthening arrangement on the overall performance of such joint elements. It is found that the reduction in nib-main steel by about 50% results in decreasing load capacity by about 36% and 15% for shear slenderness ratio of 1.5 and 1.0 respectively. Also, it is found that the orthogonal arrangement combined with inclined strips yielded the best results in terms of preventing the diagonal shear failure at the re-entrant corner with maximum enhancement in load capacity by 18%. In addition, the maximum improvement in failure load when strengthening hanger region by such alignment was about 23%. Results also revealed that the effective stiffness and ductility ratio enhanced with reducing shear span of a half joint and may be adopted as a good indicator to evaluate the suitable strengthening scheme. Moreover, it is concluded that the relative displacement method for predicting the ductility ratio is more applicable than that based on the dissipated energy.
Modeling and Load Capacity Analysis of Reciprocating Hybrid Linear Guideway With Annular Groove and Sloped Recesses
Authors: Du Huanyu , Li Hongguang , Meng Guang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this work, we research a reciprocating hybrid linear guideway and study its load capacity. This hybrid guideway's bearing surface is designed with an annular groove and two sloped shallow recesses. The analysis is based on modeling by mass-conserving cavitation algorithm (p − θ cavitation algorithm), where a modified smoothing switch function is raised for better convergence. Focusing on the normal direction to reciprocation, the load-guideway system is simplified as a single-degree-of-freedom linear time-varying system and solved by Newmark-β method. Due to the hybrid guideway's time-varying dynamic characteristics, there is a normal vibration in reciprocation. By analyzing two typical load cases in detail, the results indicate that the hybrid guideway has greater load capacity than the hydrostatic guideway, and the normal vibration is small enough for most engineering situations.
Rotordynamic Performance of the Interlocking Labyrinth Seal With a Tilting Rotor
Authors: Zhang Wanfu , Wang Yingfei , Gu Qianlei , Yin Lu , Yang Jiangang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Numerical analysis model of an interlocking labyrinth seal (ILS) is established for studying the effect of tilting rotor on its rotordynamic characteristics. The dynamic characteristic identification method based on infinitesimal theory is applied to solve the dynamic force coefficient of the seal with arbitrary elliptical orbits and eccentric positions under field conditions. The paper investigated the dynamic characteristics of the interlocking labyrinth seal with various misalignment angles (θ = 0, 0.1 deg, 0.2 deg, 0.3 deg, 0.4 deg, 0.5 deg, 0.6 deg), different pressure ratios (Pin = 6.9 bar, PR = 0.5, 0.8), locations of misalignment center (Loc = 0, L/2, L). Results show that the tilting rotor could minimize the leakage flow rate of the ILS. When the misalignment angle θ = 0.6 deg, the mass flow rate can be reduced about 2.5%. The effect of each cavity in the ILS on the stability of the system is different. The cavity with the inlet close to the rotor and the outlet away from the rotor helps to improve the system stability due to its locally antirotational flow. The effective damping of the entire ILS increases as the misalignment angle increases. The system shows the best stability when the misalignment center is close to the seal inlet. The tilting rotor has a positive effect on the stability of the ILS only except for high whirling frequency (&gt;100 Hz) under Loc = L.
Nonlinear Vibrations of a Composite Beam in Large Displacements: Analytical, Numerical, and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Utzeri Mattia , Sasso Marco , Chiappini Gianluca , Lenci Stefano 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a cantilever beam made of composite material without and with lumped mass fixed along its length. The analysis compares the results coming from analytical and numerical modeling with experimental observations. The first part focuses on the analytical model. The model takes into account the nonlinearity derived from large amplitude vibration and inertia. The second part deals with the experimental test, where the specimen and the data acquisition are defined. Then, the nonlinearity of the acquired data is determined by the fitting time history (FTH) technique. The third part deals with the finite element model. Finally, the results obtained by the analytical method, the experimental method, and the numerical method are compared between each other.
Thermal Behavior of Teeth During Restoration Procedure With Composite: Experimental Tests and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Potenza M. , Coppa P. , Cerroni L. , Bovesecchi G. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Different thermal mechanisms influence the tooth temperature during the reconstruction practice of tooth restoration: conduction in the hard tissues and their thermal capacitance, heat generation by composite curing, irradiation of the surface from the LED lamp, convection, and conduction to the environment. All these phenomena were considered into a numerical (finite difference, FD) model to simulate the temperature trend in a tooth during reconstruction with a resin composite addition, and results compared with experiments on cylindrical sample with a cavity filled with resin. Results demonstrate that all the phenomena have been sufficiently accurately described, and the way to apply the model to real teeth is recognized.
Enhancing Graduate Student Research, Recruitment, and Retention via a Summer Research Experience
Authors: Russell Jared A. 
Published: October 2020

Programs that provide student research experiences at the undergraduate level are an impactful means of recruiting and preparing students for graduate academic programs. Notably, such programs, when combined with faculty mentorship, exposure to graduate-school-level academic curricula, and socialization experiences, are considered crucial to the effective recruitment and retention of students from diverse cultural backgrounds into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-oriented graduate academic programs. This work outlines the strategic efforts of Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology to enhance its graduate student diversity recruitment and retention processes. Highlighted are the School of Kinesiology’s goals and guiding principles related to diversity and inclusion initiatives. A detailed description of the centerpiece of this effort, the Future Scholars-Summer Research Bridge Program, is provided. Additionally, related Future Scholars-Summer Research Bridge Program topics are discussed, including securing donor support, aligning the program with institutional strategic goals, forming institutional or academic program partnerships, and addressing administrative and logistical challenges.
High excess mortality in areas with young and socially vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 outbreak in Stockholm Region, Sweden
Authors: Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Vetrano Davide L , Rizzuto Debora , Bellander Tom , Fratiglioni Laura , Dekhtyar Serhiy 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionWe aimed to describe the distribution of excess mortality (EM) during the first weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Stockholm Region, Sweden, according to age, sex and sociodemographic context.MethodsWeekly all-cause mortality data were obtained from Statistics Sweden for the period 1 January 2015 to 17 May 2020. EM during the first 20 weeks of 2020 was estimated by comparing observed mortality rates with expected mortality rates during the five previous years (N=2 379 792). EM variation by socioeconomic status (tertiles of income, education, Swedish-born, gainful employment) and age distribution (share of 70+-year-old persons) was explored based on Demographic Statistics Area (DeSO) data.ResultsEM was first detected during the week of 23–29 March 2020. During the peak week of the epidemic (6–12 April 2020), an EM of 150% was observed (152% in 80+-year-old women; 183% in 80+-year-old men). During the same week, the highest EM was observed for DeSOs with lowest income (171%), lowest education (162%), lowest share of Swedish-born (178%) and lowest share of gainfully employed residents (174%). EM was further increased in areas with higher versus lower proportion of younger people (magnitude of increase: 1.2–1.7 times depending on socioeconomic measure).ConclusionLiving in areas characterised by lower socioeconomic status and younger populations was linked to excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Stockholm Region. These conditions might have facilitated viral spread. Our findings highlight the well-documented vulnerability linked to increasing age and sociodemographic context for COVID-19–related death.