bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The tanning hormone, bursicon, does not act directly on the epidermis to tan the Drosophila exoskeleton
Authors: Flaven-Pouchon Justin , Alvarez Javier V. , Rojas Candy , Ewer John 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn insects, continuous growth requires the periodic replacement of the exoskeleton. Once the remains of the exoskeleton from the previous stage have been shed during ecdysis, the new one is rapidly sclerotized (hardened) and melanized (pigmented), a process collectively known as tanning. The rapid tanning that occurs after ecdysis is critical for insect survival, as it reduces desiccation, and gives the exoskeleton the rigidity needed to support the internal organs and to provide a solid anchor for the muscles. This rapid postecdysial tanning is triggered by the “tanning hormone”, bursicon. Since bursicon is released into the hemolymph, it has naturally been assumed that it would act on the epidermal cells to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton.ResultsHere we investigated the site of bursicon action inDrosophilaby examining the consequences on tanning of disabling the bursicon receptor (encoded by thericketsgene) in different tissues. To our surprise, we found that rapid tanning does not requirericketsfunction in the epidermis but requires it instead in peptidergic neurons of the ventral nervous system (VNS). Although we were unable to identify the signal that is transmitted from the VNS to the epidermis, we show that neurons that express theDrosophilainsulin-like peptide ILP7, but not the ILP7 peptide itself, are involved. In addition, we found that some of the bursicon targets involved in melanization are different from those that cause sclerotization.ConclusionsOur findings show that bursicon does not act directly on the epidermis to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton but instead requires an intermediary messenger produced by peptidergic neurons within the central nervous system. Thus, this work has uncovered an unexpected layer of control in a process that is critical for insect survival, which will significantly alter the direction of future research aimed at understanding how rapid postecdysial tanning occurs.
Mediating role of occupational stress and job satisfaction on the relationship between neuroticism and quality of life among Chinese civil servants: a structural equation model
Authors: Kong Wenwen , Yang Yaoyao , Zhang Feng , Wang Hui , Feng Danjun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge on the quality of life (QOL) of civil servants is limited. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the QOL of civil servants, and examine whether occupational stress and job satisfaction mediated the association between neuroticism and QOL in civil servants from Shandong, China.MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 559 civil servants aged 27 to 60 years from Shandong province in China. Participants completed questionnaires assessing neuroticism, occupational stress, job satisfaction, and QOL. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the hypothetical model.ResultsAmong the civil servants, the average score for QOL was 75.49 ± 14.73. The SEM analysis showed a good fit of the data to the hypothesized model. Neuroticism, occupational stress, and job satisfaction explained 38% of the variance of QOL. Neuroticism was positively correlated with occupational stress and negatively correlated with job satisfaction and QOL. A strong direct effect (− 0.386,P < 0.01) and moderate indirect effect (− 0.133,P < 0.01) of neuroticism on QOL mediated by occupational stress and job satisfaction were observed. In addition, a direct effect (− 0.197,P < 0.01) and an indirect effect (− 0.044,P < 0.01) of occupational stress on QOL mediated by job satisfaction were also observed.ConclusionsOccupational stress and job satisfaction partly mediated the relationship between neuroticism and QOL among Chinese civil servants. Thus, selecting individuals with a low level of neuroticism as civil servants, reducing occupational stress, and increasing job satisfaction may be important measures to improve their QOL.
The exoskeleton expansion: improving walking and running economy
Authors: Sawicki Gregory S. , Beck Owen N. , Kang Inseung , Young Aaron J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSince the early 2000s, researchers have been trying to develop lower-limb exoskeletons that augment human mobility by reducing the metabolic cost of walking and running versus without a device. In 2013, researchers finally broke this ‘metabolic cost barrier’. We analyzed the literature through December 2019, and identified 23 studies that demonstrate exoskeleton designs that improved human walking and running economy beyond capable without a device. Here, we reviewed these studies and highlighted key innovations and techniques that enabled these devices to surpass the metabolic cost barrier and steadily improve user walking and running economy from 2013 to nearly 2020. These studies include, physiologically-informed targeting of lower-limb joints; use of off-board actuators to rapidly prototype exoskeleton controllers; mechatronic designs of both active and passive systems; and a renewed focus on human-exoskeleton interface design. Lastly, we highlight emerging trends that we anticipate will further augment wearable-device performance and pose the next grand challenges facing exoskeleton technology for augmenting human mobility.
Analysis of risk factors for complications after femoral neck fracture in pediatric patients
Authors: Dai Zhen-Zhen , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Ding Jing , Wu Zhen-Kai , Yang Xuan , Zhang Zi-Ming , Li Hai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Pediatric femoral neck fracture is a rare injury but yields frequent complications. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the risk factors for these complications.

Purpose
The present article reports the rate of complications after femoral neck fracture in pediatric patients and investigates the possible risk factors.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 44 children (mean age of 9.0 years, range from 2 to 14 years) who were surgically treated for femoral neck fracture in a single trauma center with a mean follow-up of 57.75 months (range from 11 to 224 months). Related clinical factors were recorded and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Fracture displacement or Delbet-type fracture had no relation to the injury mechanism. However, younger children experienced severe trauma, combined injury, and low fracture location more than older individuals did. Children with combined injuries were more likely to have a longer waiting time for surgical reduction. Common complications included avascular necrosis (AVN) in 14 cases, nonunion of fracture in 2 cases, coxa vara in 4 cases, and premature physeal closure (PPC) in 7 cases. Only the Delbet type was an independent predictor of AVN (OR = 0.14, p = 0.030). Inadequate reduction was associated with higher rates of coxa vara (OR = 33.19, p = 0.032). Epiphysis penetration in children younger than 10 years old increased the rate of PPC (p = 0.032). No significant risk factor was found for fracture nonunion.

Conclusion
For femoral neck fracture in pediatric patients, both the injury mechanism and fracture characteristics have age-related distributions. Early reduction should be carried out as early as possible based on the safe condition of the child, but for younger children, transepiphyseal fixation should be avoided. AVN may be intrinsic to injury characteristics rather than resulting from the choice of treatment mode.
Examining the benefits and harms of Alzheimer’s disease screening for family members of older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fowler Nicole R. , Head Katharine J. , Perkins Anthony J. , Gao Sujuan , Callahan Christopher M. , Bakas Tamilyn , Suarez Shelley D. , Boustani Malaz A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Multiple national expert panels have identified early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) as a national priority. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not currently support screening for ADRD in primary care given that the risks and benefits are unknown. The USPSTF stresses the need for research examining the impact of ADRD screening on family caregiver outcomes.

Methods
The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) is a randomized controlled trial that will examine the potential benefits or harms of ADRD screening on family caregivers. It will also compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening. COADS will enroll 1800 dyads who will be randomized into three groups (n = 600/group): the ‘Screening Only’ group will receive ADRD screening at baseline and disclosure of the screening results, with positive-screen participants receiving a list of local resources for diagnostic follow-up; the ‘Screening Plus’ group will receive ADRD screening at baseline coupled with disclosure of the screening results, with positive-screen participants referred to a dementia collaborative care program for diagnostic evaluation and potential care; and the control group will receive no screening. The COADS trial will measure the quality of life of the family member (the primary outcome) and family member mood, anxiety, preparedness and self-efficacy (the secondary outcomes) at baseline and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Additionally, the trial will examine the congruence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between older adults and family members at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening between the two groups randomized to screening (Screening Only versus Screening Plus).

Discussion
We hypothesize that caregivers in the screening arms will express higher levels of health-related quality of life, lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, and better preparation for caregiving with higher self-efficacy at 24 months. Results from this study will directly inform the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, the USPSTF and other organizations regarding ADRD screening and early detection policies.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03300180. Registered on 3 October.
A simple strategy based on fibers coated with surfactant-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes to improve the properties of solid-phase microextraction of phenols in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhou Xueqing , Xie Yanli , Zhao Zhendong , Fu Wenyan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Methods and experiments
In this study, a functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-coated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was developed for concentrating analytes in aqueous samples. Sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) was used as a dispersing agent for non-covalent modification of MWCNTs. The coating showed porous structure and large adsorption capacity. To investigate the capability of this MWCNTs/NaDC SPME fiber, it was applied to the analysis of phenols in aqueous solution. After extraction, the analytes were desorbed in an acetonitrile–water solution and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results
The MWCNTs/NaDC fiber exhibited good analytical performance, and fine preparation reproducibility was obtained with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 4.9% to 10.2% (n = 6) in one batch, from 5.7% to 11.9% (n = 3) among different batches. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the detection limits were 0.15–0.30 ng/mL(S/N = 3), the linear detection ranges were 1–100 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.9997) for these analytes, and good recoveries (80.3–95.4%) were obtained for the spiked samples.

Conclusion
This is a simple and accurate pretreatment method for the analysis of phenols in aqueous samples.
Maternal diabetes and obesity influence the fetal epigenome in a largely Hispanic population
Authors: Rizzo Heather E. , Escaname Elia N. , Alana Nicholas B. , Lavender Elizabeth , Gelfond Jonathan , Fernandez Roman , Hibbs Matthew A. , King Jonathan M. , Carr Nicholas R. , Blanco Cynthia L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundObesity and diabetes mellitus are directly implicated in many adverse health consequences in adults as well as in the offspring of obese and diabetic mothers. Hispanic Americans are particularly at risk for obesity, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease. Maternal obesity and/or diabetes through prenatal programming may alter the fetal epigenome increasing the risk of metabolic disease in their offspring. The aims of this study were to determine if maternal obesity or diabetes mellitus during pregnancy results in a change in infant methylation of CpG islands adjacent to targeted genes specific for obesity or diabetes disease pathways in a largely Hispanic population.MethodsMethylation levels in the cord blood of 69 newborns were determined using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Over 850,000 different probe sites were analyzed to determine whether maternal obesity and/or diabetes mellitus directly attributed to differential methylation; epigenome-wide and regional analyses were performed for significant CpG sites.ResultsFollowing quality control, agranular leukocyte samples from 69 newborns (23 normal term (NT), 14 diabetes (DM), 23 obese (OB), 9 DM/OB) were analyzed for over 850,000 different probe sites. Contrasts between the NT, DM, OB, and DM/OB were considered. After correction for multiple testing, 15 CpGs showed differential methylation from the NT, associated with 10 differentially methylated genes between the diabetic and non-diabetic subgroups, CCDC110, KALRN, PAG1, GNRH1, SLC2A9, CSRP2BP, HIVEP1, RALGDS, DHX37, and SCNN1D. The effects of diabetes were partly mediated by the altered methylation of HOOK2, LCE3C, and TMEM63B. The effects of obesity were partly mediated by the differential methylation of LTF and DUSP22.ConclusionsThe presented data highlights the associated altered methylation patterns potentially mediated by maternal diabetes and/or obesity. Larger studies are warranted to investigate the role of both the identified differentially methylated loci and the effects on newborn body composition and future health risk factors for metabolic disease. Additional future consideration should be targeted to the role of Hispanic inheritance. Potential future targeting of transgenerational propagation and developmental programming may reduce population obesity and diabetes risk.
Strong laws for weighted sums of random variables satisfying generalized Rosenthal type inequalities
Authors: Yi Yanchun , Chen Pingyan , Sung Soo Hak 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLet $1\le p<2$1≤p<2 and $0<\alpha , \beta <\infty $0<α,β<∞ with $1/p=1/\alpha +1/\beta $1/p=1/α+1/β. Let $\{X_{n}, n\ge 1\}${Xn,n≥1} be a sequence of random variables satisfying a generalized Rosenthal type inequality and stochastically dominated by a random variable X with $E|X|^{\beta }< \infty $E|X|β<∞. Let $\{a_{nk}, 1\le k\le n, n\ge 1\}${ank,1≤k≤n,n≥1} be an array of constants satisfying $\sum_{k=1}^{n} |a_{nk}|^{\alpha }=O(n)$∑k=1n|ank|α=O(n). Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund type strong laws for weighted sums of the random variables are established. Our results generalize or improve the corresponding ones of Wu (J. Inequal. Appl. 2010:383805, 2010), Huang et al. (J. Math. Inequal. 8:465–473, 2014), and Wu et al. (Test 27:379–406, 2018).
Global carbon surcharge for the reduction of anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide
Authors: Thess André , Klein Martin , Nienhaus Kristina , Pregger Thomas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Many governments take the view that voluntary national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are sufficient to avoid negative climate effects. In the absence of independent verification, however, pledges are unlikely to be sufficient for a rapid and strong reduction of emissions. It is often claimed that a global carbon tax could be an effective instrument. However, such a tax is difficult to set and to collect, especially in countries with poor administrative infrastructure.

Results
Here, we formulate and discuss a novel approach, the Global Carbon Surcharge (GCS), that mimics a carbon tax but does not require tax collection by governments. We define GCS as a requirement or a voluntary commitment encompassing all companies extracting carbon-carrying raw materials, namely coal, oil, gas and limestone, with the aim to burden their extraction with costs proportional to their carbon intensity. GCS mandates all companies to store these materials immediately after mining for a given period of time in the vicinity of the production site. Thereby, GCS generates additional costs that propagate through all sectors of the global economy. We elucidate how the investment costs for the storage infrastructure translate into surcharges on the raw materials.

Conclusions
We show that by a proper choice of the storage time and the size of the storage unit, GCS becomes equivalent to a carbon tax in the range between 50 and 100 € per ton of CO2 that is assumed to be necessary for the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system. An attractive feature of GCS is that it can be verified, in particular by citizens themselves, using publicly available satellite data. Finally, if compulsory storage is coupled to blockchain-based smart contracts and a mandatory (expensive) mining of cryptocurrency, GCS can be operated without governmental protectionism, corruption and fraud. However, the main uncertainties of the GCS approach lie in the substantial expansion of infrastructure and the fact that the induced price effects must be sufficient to achieve a rapid and far-reaching substitution of fossil fuels.
Race modifies default mode connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Misiura Maria B. , Howell J. Christina , Wu Junjie , Qiu Deqiang , Parker Monica W. , Turner Jessica A. , Hu William T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundOlder African Americans are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than older Caucasians, and this difference cannot be readily explained by cerebrovascular and socioeconomic factors alone. We previously showed that mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia were associated with attenuated increases in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of total and phosphorylated tau in African Americans compared to Caucasians, even though there was no difference in beta-amyloid 1–42 level between the two races.MethodsWe extended our work by analyzing early functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) biomarkers of the default mode network in older African Americans and Caucasians. We calculated connectivity between nodes of the regions belonging to the various default mode network subsystems and correlated these imaging biomarkers with non-imaging biomarkers implicated in AD (CSF amyloid, total tau, and cognitive performance).ResultsWe found that race modifies the relationship between functional connectivity of default mode network subsystems and cognitive performance, tau, and amyloid levels.ConclusionThese findings provide further support that race modifies the AD phenotypes downstream from cerebral amyloid deposition, and identifies key inter-subsystem connections for deep imaging and neuropathologic characterization.
Comparative evaluation among laser-treated, machined, and sandblasted/acid-etched implant surfaces: an in vivo histologic analysis on sheep
Authors: De Tullio I. , Berardini M. , Di Iorio D. , Perfetti F. , Perfetti G. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present in vivo analysis was to evaluate the osseointegration process of titanium implants with three different surfaces (machined, sandblasted and acid-etched, and laser-treated) after 15 and 30 days of healing period.

Materials and methods
Thirty-six implants with different surfaces were placed in the iliac crest of four Bergamasca sheep. The implant surfaces tested were sandblasted and acid-etched (group A), laser-treated (group B), and fully machined (group C). Two animals were sacrificed after 15 days while the other two after 30 days. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results
After 30 days, the bone tissue layer onto implant groups A and B appeared almost continuous with small marrow spaces interruption, while on the machined surface (group C), larger spaces with marrow tissue alternated with the bony trabeculae onto the titanium surface. Implants in groups A and B showed significantly higher implant contact percentage (BIC%) value than group C (P < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed a BIC% increase in both groups A and B between 15 and 30 days while in the machined group (group C), the BIC% decreased.

Conclusion
Results from the present in vivo analysis revealed that both sandblasted/acid-etched and laser-treated titanium implants, compared to the machined ones, have higher values of osseointegration in less healing time.
Feasibility of procedures for a randomised pilot study of reduced exertion, high-intensity interval training (REHIT) with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia patients
Authors: Haines Matthew 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity and exercise interventions to improve health frequently bring about intended effects under ideal circumstances but often fail to demonstrate benefits in real-world contexts. The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility of an exercise intervention (reduced-exertion, high-intensity interval training) in non-diabetic hyperglycaemia patients delivered in a National Health Service setting to assess whether it would be appropriate to progress to a future large-scale study.MethodsThe intention was to recruit 40 participants from a single centre (specialist diabesity centre). Patients were eligible to take part if they were diagnostically defined as non-diabetic hyperglycaemic based on a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value of 42–46 mmol mol. Study procedures including recruitment, occurrence of adverse events, intervention acceptability, and intervention adherence were used to assess feasibility.ResultsKey criteria for progression to a larger study were not met. The study revealed several issues including patient eligibility, challenges to recruitment, patient consent, and poor clinician engagement. Furthermore, despite the simplicity and convenience of using HbA1cto screen for diabetes risk, the process of accurately screening and case finding eligible patients was problematic. The small sample recruited for this trial (n= 6) also limits the interpretation of data, thus it is not possible to estimate the variability of intended outcomes to use in a formal sample size calculation for a full-scale trial. Some aspects of the intervention worked well. The acceptability of the exercise intervention and outcome measures met progression criteria thresholds and adherence was very high, with 97% of exercise sessions completed for participants that finished the study.ConclusionsGiven the issues, the trial is not feasible in its current form. Yet, this preparatory stage of trial design pre-empted problems with the intervention that could be changed to optimise the design and conduct of future studies. Solutions to the issues identified in this study revolve around using a dedicated local recruiter with a strong relationship among the healthcare team and patients, using participant incentives to take part, and allowing for a longer recruitment period.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04011397. Registered 07 July 2019—retrospectively registered.