bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing light physical activity helps to maintain cognitive function among the community‐dwelling oldest old population: a cross‐sectional study using actigraph from the Arakawa 85+ study
Authors: Suzuki Kouta , Niimura Hidehito , Kida Hisashi , Eguchi Yoko , Kitashima Chiho , Takayama Midori , Mimura Masaru 
Published: June 2020

AimTo investigate the influence of replacing sedentary time with physical activity on cognitive function using an isotemporal substitution model in a population of community‐dwelling oldest old.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included residents of the Arakawa ward, Tokyo, who were part of a prospective cohort from the Arakawa 85+ study. We measured physical activity in 136 participants using a triaxial actigraph. Cognitive function was measured using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination‐III and participants were divided into a “cognitive decline group” (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination‐III ≤88) and “cognitive maintain group” (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination‐III ≥89). Physical activity was divided into three categories: sedentary behavior (≤1.5 metabolic equivalents), light physical activity (>1.5 to <3.0 metabolic equivalents), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (≥3 metabolic equivalents). Using an isotemporal substitution approach, we applied multiple logistic regression analysis to demonstrate the association between cognitive function and replacing 30 min/day of sedentary behavior with an equal period of light physical activity. Covariates included age, education and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.ResultsOur findings showed that in men, replacing 30 min of sedentary behavior per day with light physical activity was associated with a 1.47‐fold increase in the odds of maintaining cognitive function. An association between physical activity and cognitive function was not observed in female participants.ConclusionsOur results indicate that substituting sedentary behavior with light physical activity could be helpful in maintaining cognitive function in community‐dwelling oldest old men. These results highlight the importance of behavioral changes to promote cognition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 773–778.
Marketing strategy selection of referral reward under social network: RRWS, RRMS, or dual strategy?
Authors: Gao Mei , Zhao Meng , Qin Jinlei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWith the arrival of the social media era and the fragmentation of consumer habits, how to develop the optimal marketing strategy for products has become a hot topic. When a consumer purchases a product, the firm provides a link for him/her to share with friends, and doing so can expand demand and increase profits. This paper considers three strategies: the referral reward strategy that does not care whether successful, the referral reward strategy that must be successful, and the dual strategy. To provide firms with advice, this paper adopts literature analysis and survey analysis to examine the three strategies of operation mode, and uses backward induction and optimization method to solve the optimal pricing. Finally, the influence of different network structures on strategy selection is studied by numerical simulation experiments. Results show that the strategy of referral reward under social network is feasible and profitable when the firm faces serious information problems and the reward cost is low. Compared with the basic model without bonuses, the introduction of rewards reduces the price of first‐period consumers and affects their motivation to share information. Among the three strategies, the distribution ratio of the unit bonus has little effect on profit. The second‐period price and profits of the dual strategy are higher than those of the two other strategies. Besides, the structure of social networks has a small impact on profits, so adopting the dual strategy can obtain higher profit than adopting either of the other two strategies.
Sitagliptin improves functional recovery via GLP‐1R‐induced anti‐apoptosis and facilitation of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury
Authors: Han Wen , Li Yao , Cheng Jiangting , Zhang Jing , Chen Dingwen , Fang Mingqiao , Xiang Guangheng , Wu Yanqing , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Ke , Wang Hangxiang , Xie Ling , Xiao Jian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAxon growth and neuronal apoptosis are considered to be crucial therapeutic targets against spinal cord injury (SCI). Growing evidences have reported stimulation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)/GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) signalling axis provides neuroprotection in experimental models of neurodegeneration disease. Endogenous GLP‐1 is rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP4), resulting in blocking of GLP‐1/GLP1R signalling process. Sitagliptin, a highly selective inhibitor of DPP4, has approved to have beneficial effects on diseases in which neurons damaged. However, the roles and the underlying mechanisms of sitagliptin in SCI repairing remain unclear. In this study, we used a rat model of SCI and PC12 cells/primary cortical neurons to explore the mechanism of sitagliptin underlying SCI recovery. We discovered the expression of GLP‐1R decreased in the SCI model. Administration of sitagliptin significantly increased GLP‐1R protein level, alleviated neuronal apoptosis, enhanced axon regeneration and improved functional recovery following SCI. Nevertheless, treatment with exendin9‐39, a GLP‐1R inhibitor, remarkably reversed the protective effect of sitagliptin. Additionally, we detected the AMPK/PGC‐1α signalling pathway was activated by sitagliptin stimulating GLP‐1R. Taken together, sitagliptin may be a potential agent for axon regrowth and locomotor functional repair via GLP‐1R‐induced AMPK/ PGC‐1α signalling pathway after SCI.
A sugar‐coated strategy to treat a rare neurologic disease provides a blueprint for a decoy glycan therapeutic and a potential vaccine for CoViD‐19
Authors: Steinman Lawrence 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn a rare neurologic disease known as IgM monoclonal gammopathy the immune system targets a sulfated trisaccharide known as the Human Natural Killer‐1 (HNK‐1) epitope that comprises a constituent of the myelin sheath known as MAG (myelin‐associated glycoprotein). This Editorial highlights a study by Aliu and colleagues in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the investigators constructed a biodegradable poly‐l‐lysine backbone with multiple copies of this sulfated HNK‐1 trisaccharide. This decoy, poly(phenyl disodium 3‐O‐sulfo‐β‐d‐glucopyranuronate)‐(1→3)‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside, known as PPSGG, removed anti‐MAG IgM autoantibodies from the blood, while not activating the immune system. These findings provide a path for the selective removal of a pathogenic set of antibodies that target the myelin sheath resulting in neuropathy. These findings are applicable to a parallel strategy for the generation of polysaccharides similar to those present in the receptor‐binding domain of CoViD‐19, which might inhibit viral adhesion to its receptor, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) protein, thereby impairing cellular uptake of the virus itself. The deployment of complex polysaccharides that mimic actual COVID19 polysaccharides on the spike protein may also provide a feasible structural basis for a vaccine. Carbohydrate mimics, if conjugated to a carrier or backbone, might provoke an immune response to the spike protein. A vaccine that targets critical carbohydrates on COVID19, and then neutralizes the virus would recapitulate a successful strategy employed in other microbial vaccines, like the pneumococcal vaccines and the meningococcal vaccines. These vaccines direct an immune response to complex carbohydrates and successfully prevent life‐threatening disease. This paper provides lessons from a rare neurologic disease that may teach us strategies applicable to a global pandemic.
image
Effect of oxybrasion on selected skin parameters
Authors: Jarząbek Sylwia , Rotsztejn Helena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundOxybrasion is one of the types of microdermabrasion. This method removes a superficial epidermal layer with the use of a stream of 0.9% saline solution and compressed air.AimsThe assessment of skin hydration, sebum, pH, TEWL (transepidermal water loss), and pigmentation using oxybrasion.Material and methodsThe study involved 27 female subjects. Five treatments were performed every 2 weeks using the oxygen microdermabrasion. Measurements of the skin parameters were taken before each treatment and 2 weeks after the last procedure. The measurement points were on the forehead, the cheek, and on the petal of the nose.ResultsSebum measurement showed some statistically significant differences between the sebum level on the cheek and the nose after a series of treatments. A higher hydration level was found at all measurement points. There were no statistically significant differences in TEWL parameter. pH measurement showed that the pH value decreased after each of the procedures. Most of the pigmentation measurements differed in a statistically significant way.ConclusionResults of the study indicate that the oxybrasion treatments increase the skin hydration and they have a significant influence on the decrease of the skin hydrolipid coat and pH.
Coeliac disease and noncoeliac wheat or gluten sensitivity
Authors: Rej A. , Aziz I. , Sanders D.S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCoeliac disease (CD) and noncoeliac wheat or gluten sensitivity (NCWS/NCGS) are common gluten‐related disorders. Both conditions can present with gastrointestinal and extraintestinal manifestations, which can be a challenge for physicians to discern between. Whilst coeliac serology and histological assessment are required for the diagnosis of CD, there are no clear biomarkers for the diagnosis of NCGS. The management of both conditions is with a gluten‐free diet (GFD), although the duration, as well as strictness of adherence to a GFD in NCGS, is unclear. Adherence to a GFD in CD can also be challenging, with recent developments of noninvasive assessments, although histological assessment via duodenal biopsies remains the gold standard. The management of refractory coeliac disease remains particularly challenging, often requiring specialist input. Whilst wheat is noted to be a trigger for symptom generation in NCGS, it is unclear which components of wheat are responsible for symptom generation in this group, with further research required to elucidate the pathophysiology.
Continuous‐time mean–variance portfolio selection: A reinforcement learning framework
Authors: Wang Haoran , Zhou Xun Yu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe approach the continuous‐time mean–variance portfolio selection with reinforcement learning (RL). The problem is to achieve the best trade‐off between exploration and exploitation, and is formulated as an entropy‐regularized, relaxed stochastic control problem. We prove that the optimal feedback policy for this problem must be Gaussian, with time‐decaying variance. We then prove a policy improvement theorem, based on which we devise an implementable RL algorithm. We find that our algorithm and its variant outperform both traditional and deep neural network based algorithms in our simulation and empirical studies.
X‐ray computed tomography: Morphological and porosity characterization of giant Antarctic micrometeorites
Authors: Dionnet Zelia , Suttle Martin D. , Longobardo Andrea , Rotundi Alessandra , Folco Luigi , Della Corte Vincenzo , King Andrew 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGiant micrometeorites (MMs; 400–2000 µm) are exceedingly rare and scientifically valuable. Three‐dimensional nondestructive characterization by X‐ray computed tomography (X‐CT) provides information on the petrography and thus petrogenesis of MMs and serves as a guide to maximize subsequent multi‐analytical studies on such precious planetary materials. Here, we discuss the results obtained by X‐CT on 22 giant MMs and the classification based on their 3‐D density contrast images. Scoriaceous and unmelted MMs have distinct porosity ranges (10–40 vol% versus 0–25 vol%, respectively). We observe a porosity variation inside scoriaceous MMs, which allows their atmospheric entry flight history to be resolved. For the first time, spinning entry is explicitly demonstrated for four partially melted MMs. Furthermore, we are able to resolve the thermal gradient in a single particle, based on porosity variation (seen as a progressive increase in pore abundance and size with higher peak temperatures). Moreover, we explore parent body alteration through the 3‐D analysis of pores distribution, showing that shock fabrics are either absent or weakly developed in our data set. Finally, owing to the detection of pseudomorphic chondrules, we estimate that the intensively aqueously altered C1 or CI‐like material could represent 18% of the MM flux at this size fraction (400–1000 µm).
Going Beyond Mathematics Anxiety in Primary and Middle School Students: The Role of Ego‐Resiliency in Mathematics
Authors: Donolato Enrica , Toffalini Enrico , Giofrè David , Caviola Sara , Mammarella Irene C. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTPrevious research examined the influence of math anxiety (MA) on performance in mathematics, but few studies compared the contribution of MA to other forms of anxiety, such as test and general anxiety (GA). Unlike MA, ego‐resiliency promotes the management of challenges, and has been positively associated with mathematics performance. In this study, we investigated the specific influence of MA, test‐ and GA, and ego‐resiliency on mathematics performance after controlling for intelligence. Children from grades 5 to 8 (N = 274) were assessed with self‐report tools measuring MA, test and GA, and ego‐resiliency, and completed intelligence and mathematical tasks. The results of structural equation models showed that MA had a main negative effect on mathematics performance, over and above the effect of test‐ and GA. Ego‐resiliency had a positive effect on mathematics performance, and was negatively associated with GA. Our findings are discussed in terms of the implications for intervention programs to reduce anxiety and sustain ego‐resiliency.
Hurricanes overcome migration lag and shape intraspecific genetic variation beyond a poleward mangrove range limit
Authors: Kennedy John Paul , Dangremond Emily M. , Hayes Matthew A. , Preziosi Richard F. , Rowntree Jennifer K. , Feller Ilka C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractExpansion of many tree species lags behind climate change projections. Extreme storms can rapidly overcome this lag, especially for coastal species, but how will storm‐driven expansion shape intraspecific genetic variation? Do storms provide recruits only from the nearest sources, or from more distant sources? Answers to these questions have ecological and evolutionary implications, but empirical evidence is absent from the literature. In 2017, Hurricane Irma provided an opportunity to address this knowledge gap at the northern range limit of the neotropical black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) on the Atlantic coast of Florida, USA. We observed massive post‐hurricane increases in beach‐stranded A. germinans propagules at, and past, this species’ present day range margin when compared to a previously surveyed nonhurricane year. Yet, propagule dispersal does not guarantee subsequent establishment and reproductive success (i.e., effective dispersal). We also evaluated prior effective dispersal along this coastline with isolated A. germinans trees identified beyond the most northern established population. We used 12 nuclear microsatellite loci to genotype 896 hurricane‐driven drift propagules from nine sites and 10 isolated trees from four sites, determined their sources of origin, and estimated dispersal distances. Almost all drift propagules and all isolated trees came from the nearest sources. This research suggests that hurricanes are a prerequisite for poleward range expansion of a coastal tree species and that storms can shape the expanding gene pool by providing almost exclusively range‐margin genotypes. These insights and empirical estimates of hurricane‐driven dispersal distances should improve our ability to forecast distributional shifts of coastal species.
Population genetic structure and demographic history of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae): New evidence supporting old records
Authors: Lado Paula , Smith Megan L. , Carstens Bryan C. , Klompen Hans 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRange expansions are a potential outcome of changes in habitat suitability, which commonly result as a consequence of climate change. Hypotheses on such changes in the geographic distribution of a certain species can be evaluated using population genetic structure and demography. In this study we explore the population genetic structure, genetic variability, demographic history of, and habitat suitability for Amblyomma americanum, a North American tick species that is a known vector of several pathogenic microorganisms. We used a double digestion restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing technique (dd‐RAD seq) and discovered 8,181 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 189 ticks from across the geographic range of the species. Genetic diversity was low, particularly when considering the broad geographic range of this species. The edge populations were less diverse than populations belonging to the historic range, possibly indicative of a range expansion, but this hypothesis was not statistically supported by a test based on genetic data. Nonetheless, moderate levels of population structure and substructure were detected between geographic regions. For New England, demographic and species distribution models support a scenario where A. americanum was present in more northern locations in the past, underwent a bottleneck, and subsequently recovered. These results are consistent with a hypothesis that this species is re‐establishing in this area, rather than one focused on range expansion from the south. This hypothesis is consistent with old records describing the presence of A. americanum in the northeastern US in the early colonial period.
Uncertainty‐assisted deep vision structural health monitoring
Authors: Sajedi Seyed Omid , Liang Xiao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractComputer vision leveraging deep learning has achieved significant success in the last decade. Despite the promising performance of the existing deep vision inspection models, the extent of models’ reliability remains unknown. Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a crucial task for the safety and sustainability of structures, and thus, prediction mistakes can have fatal outcomes. In this paper, we use Bayesian inference for deep vision SHM models where uncertainty can be quantified using the Monte Carlo dropout sampling. Three independent case studies for cracks, local damage identification, and bridge component detection are investigated using Bayesian inference. Aside from better prediction results, the two uncertainty metrics, variations in softmax probability and entropy, are shown to have good correlations with misclassifications. However, modifying the decision or triggering human intervention can be challenging based on raw uncertainty outputs. Therefore, the concept of surrogate models is proposed to develop the models for uncertainty‐assisted segmentation and prediction quality tagging. The former refines the segmentation mask and the latter is used to trigger human interventions. The proposed framework can be applied to future deep vision SHM frameworks to incorporate model uncertainty in the inspection processes.
Assessment of adherence to asthma controllers in children and adolescents
Authors: Marckmann Mads , Hermansen Mette N. , Hansen Kirsten S. , Chawes Bo L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundLow adherence to asthma controllers is known to increase the risk of uncontrolled disease and poor health outcomes. We aimed to study risk factors of long‐term adherence to preventive medications in children and adolescents with asthma.MethodsAdherence was assessed during a two‐year period in 155 children with asthma followed in a tertiary pediatric asthma outpatient clinic using percentage of days covered (PDC) based on physician prescriptions and pharmacy claims data. The risk factor analysis included age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, atopic comorbidity, spirometry incentives, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).ResultsNinety‐five children, 50 (53%) males, mean age of 16.3 years (SD, 2.36), received at least one prescription for asthma controllers in the study period. Fifty‐two (54%) children were classified as non‐adherent with a PDC cutoff at 80%. Adherence was negatively associated with age: adherence ratio (AR) 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73‐0.95), P = .008; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1): AR per L 0.6 (0.91‐1.0), P = .03; unfilled inhaled beta‐2‐agonist prescription: AR 0.45 (0.23‐0.89), P = .02; and FeNO level: AR per ppb 0.98 (0.97‐0.99), P = .03, where age and FeNO retained significance in multivariate analysis. Type and number of asthma controllers were not associated with adherence.ConclusionsThis study shows low adherence to preventive medication among half of the children with asthma, which is associated with increasing age and FeNO level. Therefore, an extra effort should be directed toward teenagers transitioning from pediatric to adult medicine and toward inhaled corticosteroid‐treated patients with elevated FeNO to increase their adherence to asthma controllers.
Fertile male tortoiseshell cat with true chimerism 38,XY/38,XY
Authors: Bugno‐Poniewierska Monika , Kij Barbara , Witarski Wojciech , Wojtaszek Magdalena , Radko Anna , Podbielska Angelika , Szczerbal Izabela , Murphy William J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe tortoiseshell coat colour is characteristic to female cats, and its occurrence in tomcats is very rare and associated with chromosome abnormalities (additional copy of X chromosome). The aim of this study was identification of the genetic basis of a case of tortoiseshell colour in a fertile Maine coon tomcat. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies were carried out with painting molecular probes (WCPP) specific to the X and Y sex chromosomes as well as a DNA microsatellite panel for the parentage verification of cats. Cytogenetic analysis revealed only a single set of sex chromosomes typical for male – 38,XY. The results of the microsatellite polymorphism obtained from DNA showed three alleles in locus FCA201 and four alleles in loci FCA149 and FCA441 in different tissues (blood, hair roots and testicles). Based on these results, the case was diagnosed as a true chimerism 38,XY/38,XY. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a 38,XY/38,XY chimera diagnosed in cats, confirmed by genetic analysis.
Power to the people? Implications of the Clean Energy Package for the role of community ownership in Europe's energy transition
Authors: Roberts Joshua 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSince the 1970s, citizens have organized through community energy initiatives to take ownership of renewable energy production. The European Union’s (EU) new Clean Energy for All Europeans Legislative Package (CEP) now formally recognizes this set of actors as ‘renewable’ and ‘citizen’ energy communities. This article aims to assess whether the CEP – namely the recast Renewable Energy Directive and the energy market design legislation – guarantees the role of energy communities in Europe’s energy transition. The article demonstrates how, due to their lack of recognition at EU level, internal energy market and competition rules, including the 2014 Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy (EEAG), have overlooked the unique characteristics and challenges of energy communities, raising legal issues around equality and non‐discrimination. Ultimately, the article concludes that the CEP establishes an unprecedented framework with potential to support community ownership in the energy sector. However, transposition and implementation will test the legal strength of the new rules, as will the revision of the EEAG. The results of these processes will reinforce or impede the growth of energy communities throughout Europe.