bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of surface strain by digital image correlation and charge trap characteristics of epoxy alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Neelmani  , Velmurugan R , Jayaganthan R , Sarathi R , Suematsu H 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Epoxy alumina nanocomposites were fabricated through shear mixing of alumina nanoparticles in to epoxy resin under optimum process conditions for its potential application as insulator in transformer. The fundamental insight in to the influence of ageing of nanocomposite insulator due to its continuous exposure to UV irradiation and water in terms of their charge trap characteristics was explored. The surface potential decay and strain variation of nanocomposite samples were measured by using Electrostatic voltmeter and Digital Image Correlation technique (DIC), respectively. Diffusion of water into epoxy alumina nanocomposite is less compared with pure epoxy resin. It has been observed that surface potential decay rate and trap depth have shown increasing and decreasing trend, respectively, with the addition of alumina nanoparticles in to epoxy resin. The UV and water aged nanocomposites exhibited a decreasing trend of surface potential decay rate and the governing reasons could be due to surface damage causing increase in deep trap formation. The tensile strength and stiffness of the samples have increased with the addition of alumina nanoparticles in to the epoxy resin. It could be due to the better bonding of alumina particles with epoxy resin. The surface strain induced in to the sample during tensile loading and the surface potential decay rate of nanocomposite has shown a direct correlation, as observed in the present work.
Longitudinal Mediation Analysis Using Natural Effect Models
Authors: Mittinty Murthy N , Vansteelandt Stijn 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Mediation analysis is concerned with the decomposition of the total effect of an exposure on an outcome into the indirect effect, through a given mediator, and the remaining direct effect. This is ideally done using longitudinal measurements of the mediator, which capture the mediator process more finely. However, longitudinal measurements pose challenges for mediation analysis, because the mediators and outcomes measured at a given time point can act as confounders for the association between mediators and outcomes at a later time point; these confounders are themselves affected by the prior exposure and outcome. Such posttreatment confounding cannot be dealt with using standard methods (e.g., generalized estimating equations). Analysis is further complicated by the need for so-called cross-world counterfactuals to decompose the total effect. This work addresses these challenges. In particular, we introduce so-called natural effect models, which parameterize the direct and indirect effect of a baseline exposure with respect to a longitudinal mediator and outcome. These can be viewed as a generalization of marginal structural mean models to enable effect decomposition. We introduce inverse probability weighting techniques for fitting these models, adjusting for (measured) time-varying confounding of the mediator-outcome association. Application of this methodology uses data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a longitudinal study of children born in the United Kingdom between September 2000 and January 2002.
Engaging Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Environmental Management Could Alleviate Scale Mismatches in Social–Ecological Systems
Authors: Herse Mark R , Lyver Phil O’B , Scott Nigel , McIntosh Angus R , Coats Simon C , Gormley Andrew M , Tylianakis Jason M 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Scale mismatches in social–ecological systems constrain conservation by obscuring signals of environmental change, which could otherwise feed back to inform adaptive responses and solutions. We argue that engaging indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) in place-based environmental management could generate the fine-resolution information and workforce needed to alleviate scale mismatches. We illustrate our argument using a case study initiated by Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand and demonstrate that the current broad scales of hunting regulation and assessment in black swan (kakī anau, Cygnus atratus) management could obscure local ecological drivers of populations. Many IPLC can facilitate adaptive place-based management by continually monitoring ecological feedbacks (e.g., population numbers, habitat conditions) at fine resolutions through customary resource use and observations. However, disregard for IPLC rights, scepticism of traditional ecological knowledge, restricted opportunity to connect with resources, compartmentalization of resource management, and insufficient funding limit IPLC engagement and must be overcome to alleviate scale mismatches.
The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Index Predicts Hepatic Fibrosis Superior to FIB4 and APRI in HIV/HCV Infected Patients
Authors: Abdel-hameed Enass A , Rouster Susan D , Kottilil Shyam , Sherman Kenneth E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Accurate noninvasive biomarkers of fibrotic progression are important for hepatitis C virus (HCV) management, but commonly used modalities may have decreased efficacy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected persons. The enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) index is a highly sensitive noninvasive marker of hepatic fibrosis that has had limited assessment in the HIV/HCV population. We compared ELF index performance to FIB4 and aspartate to platelet ratio index (APRI) at different stages of liver fibrosis as determined by liver histology, and validated the efficacy of the three noninvasive biomarkers in HIV/HCV-coinfected versus HCV-monoinfected.

Methods
The ELF index was determined in 147 HIV/HCV-coinfected and 98 HCV-monoinfected persons using commercial ELISA assays for the component elements of the index. Area under the receiver-operator curve was used to validate ELF and to compare its performance to liver histology as well as to other noninvasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis, FIB4, and APRI.

Results
The ELF index increased with histological stage of liver fibrosis and exhibited a linear relationship with Metavir score in all subjects. ELF performance was comparable between HIV/HCV and HCV with advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. In the HIV/HCV cohort ELF cutoffs of 8.45 and 9.23 predicted mild and moderate fibrosis with 85% sensitivity, whereas the ELF cutoff of 9.8 had the highest specificity for advanced fibrosis and the cutoff of 10.4 was 99% specific for cirrhosis. ELF performance was superior to FIB4 and APRI in all subjects regardless of HIV status.

Conclusions
ELF index demonstrated excellent characteristics toward accurate prediction of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis with superior performance to APRI and FIB4 in HIV/HCV coinfection. Applying this noninvasive biomarker index for diagnosis of liver fibrosis and progression in HIV/HCV is warranted.
Evaluation of the Catalan Physical Activity, Sports and Health Plan: a nested case-control study
Authors: Weitzer Jakob , Gonzalez-Viana Angelina , Pérez-Hoyos Santiago , Coma Ermengol , Mendez Leonardo , Violan Mariona , Rubinat Maica , Cabezas Carmen ,   PAFES Working Group, Farreny Divina , Lara Daniel , Pardo Alba , Navarrete Albert , Sancho Alfons , Mundet Carles , Osanz Anna Cristina , Coll Maria Dolors , Oliva Josep Maria , Casadesús Francesc , Hernandez Teresa , Quirós Belén Escalada , Lalueza Estrella , Viñas Paulina , Esquerra Griselda , Ferré Maria , dels Angels Rallo Maria , Castillo Antonia , Güell Francesc , Juncadella Remei , Salut Martinez Maria , Rodriguez Tania , Sintes Xavier , Rodriguez Mireia , Muntané Blanca 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Physical inactivity is one of the most important risk factors in modern society. Primary Health Care (PHC) interventions have been shown to be effective to increase physical activity (PA). This work evaluates the Catalan Physical Activity, Sport and Health Plan (PAFES).

Methods
Nested case–control design with risk-set matching based on a retrospective cohort of 22 450 physically inactive people registered between 2010 and 2018 in the Catalan electronic medical record (EMR). Confounder adjusted conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the probability that participants who had received PA advice became active between 2010 and 2018 compared to those who did not receive it.

Results
A lower probability to become active [odds ratio (OR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.13] was found for those people who had received PA advice only once. However, the probability to become active increased for people who had received advice two or more times (two times: OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.32–1.55). A dose–response relationship was observed.

Conclusions
This is the first study evaluating a PA promotion real-life intervention in PHC using a large cohort based on data from an EMR with more than 2 years of follow-up.
Community dynamics of duckweed-associated bacteria upon inoculation of plant growth-promoting bacteria
Authors: Ishizawa Hidehiro , Kuroda Masashi , Inoue Daisuke , Morikawa Masaaki , Ike Michihiko 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have recently been demonstrated as a promising agent to improve wastewater treatment and biomass production efficiency of duckweed hydrocultures. With a view to their reliable use in aqueous environments, this study analysed the plant colonization dynamics of PGPB and the ecological consequences for the entire duckweed-associated bacterial community. A PGPB strain, Aquitalea magnusonii H3, was inoculated to duckweed at different cell densities or timings in the presence of three environmental bacterial communities. The results showed that strain H3 improved duckweed growth by 11.7–32.1% in five out of nine experiments. Quantitative-PCR and amplicon sequencing analyses showed that strain H3 successfully colonized duckweed after 1 and 3 d of inoculation in all cultivation tests. However, it significantly decreased in number after 7 d, and similar bacterial communities were observed on duckweed regardless of H3 inoculation. Predicted metagenome analysis suggested that genes related to bacterial chemotactic motility and surface attachment systems are consistently enriched through community assembly on duckweed. Taken together, strain H3 dominantly colonized duckweed for a short period and improved duckweed growth. However, the inoculation of the PGPB did not have a lasting impact due to the strong resilience of the natural duckweed microbiome.
Muscle Mass Assessed by the D3-Creatine Dilution Method and Incident Self-reported Disability and Mortality in a Prospective Observational Study of Community-Dwelling Older Men
Authors: Cawthon Peggy M , Blackwell Terri , Cummings Steven R , Orwoll Eric S , Duchowny Kate A , Kado Deborah M , Stone Katie L , Ensrud Kristine E , Cauley Jane A , Evans William J 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Whether low muscle mass is a risk factor for disability and mortality is unclear. Associations between approximations of muscle mass (including lean mass from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry [DXA]), and these outcomes are inconsistent.

Methods
Muscle mass measured by deuterated creatine (D3Cr) dilution and appendicular lean mass (ALM, by DXA) were assessed at the Year 14 Visit (2014–2016) of the prospective Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study (N = 1,425, age 77–101 years). Disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, and mobility tasks was self-reported at the Year 14 visit and 2.2 years later; deaths were centrally adjudicated over 3.3 years. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated per standard deviation decrement with negative binomial, logistic regression, or proportional hazards models.

Results
In age- and clinical center-adjusted models, the relative risks per decrement in D3Cr muscle mass/wgt was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.2, 3.1) for incident self-reported ADL disability; 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3, 1.9) for instrumental ADL disability; and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2) for mobility disability. In age-, clinical center-, and weight-adjusted models, the relative risks per decrement in D3Cr muscle mass was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2) for all-cause mortality. In contrast, lower DXA ALM was not associated with any outcome. Associations of D3Cr muscle mass with these outcomes were slightly attenuated after adjustment for confounding factors and the potentially mediating effects of strength and physical performance.

Conclusions
Low muscle mass as measured by D3Cr dilution is a novel risk factor for clinically meaningful outcomes in older men.
Seismic event coda-correlation's formation: implications for global seismology
Authors: Wang Sheng , Tkalčić Hrvoje 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARY
The seismic-event-coda correlograms are characterized by many prominent features, which, if understood thoroughly, could supply valuable information on the internal structure of the Earth. To further refine our knowledge and be able to utilize that information, all-embracing comprehension of coda-correlation's formation apart from a conjecture, is a pre-requisite. Here, we conduct a comprehensive analysis that aims at a quantitative ‘dissection’ of the formation mechanism of coda correlation. Our analysis presents relevant implications for global seismology. We demonstrate that coda correlation is dominated by a few contributions, most of which arise from the late-coda time window, 3 hr after the earthquake origin time. Our identification analysis confirms that the contributions are cross-terms between body waves. That represents an observational proof of the conjecture that coda-correlation features are formed due to body waves arriving at a pair of receivers with the same slowness. We further quantify the relationship between body-wave cross-terms and event-receiver geometries and Earth structure, which has significant practical implications. Our analysis demonstrates that body-wave cross-terms that contribute to the same coda-correlation feature sample the Earth along fundamentally different paths. They are significantly different depending on event locations, although the resulting time variation is quite small if the late coda (e.g. 3–9 hr after event origin time) is used. That explains why the late coda is more effective than an earlier time window in producing relatively stable features, as empirically suggested by previous studies. Our study enables quantitative and practical understanding of coda-correlation features in terms of their formation progress, and this opens a way to distill valuable information about Earth structure from coda correlation.
Ovotesticular disorders of sex development in FGF9 mouse models of human synostosis syndromes
Authors: Bird Anthony D , Croft Brittany M , Harada Masayo , Tang Lingyun , Zhao Liang , Ming Zhenhua , Bagheri-Fam Stefan , Koopman Peter , Wang Zhugang , Akita Keiichi , Harley Vincent R 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn mice, male sex determination depends on FGF9 signalling via FGFR2c in the bipotential gonads to maintain the expression of the key testis gene SOX9. In humans, however, while FGFR2 mutations have been linked to 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), the role of FGF9 is unresolved. The only reported pathogenic mutations in human FGF9, FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G, are dominant and result in craniosynostosis (fusion of cranial sutures) or multiple synostoses (fusion of limb joints). Whether these synostosis-causing FGF9 mutations impact upon gonadal development and DSD etiology has not been explored. We therefore examined embryonic gonads in the well-characterized Fgf9 missense mouse mutants, Fgf9S99N and Fgf9N143T, which phenocopy the skeletal defects of FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G variants, respectively. XY Fgf9S99N/S99N and XY Fgf9N143T/N143T fetal mouse gonads showed severely disorganized testis cords and partial XY sex reversal at 12.5 days post coitum (dpc), suggesting loss of FGF9 function. By 15.5 dpc, testis development in both mutants had partly recovered. Mitotic analysis in vivo and in vitro suggested that the testicular phenotypes in these mutants arise in part through reduced proliferation of the gonadal supporting cells. These data raise the possibility that human FGF9 mutations causative for dominant skeletal conditions can also lead to loss of FGF9 function in the developing testis, at least in mice. Our data suggest that, in humans, testis development is largely tolerant of deleterious FGF9 mutations which lead to skeletal defects, thus offering an explanation as to why XY DSDs are rare in patients with pathogenic FGF9 variants.
Multidimensional Impact of Mediterranean Diet on IBD Patients
Authors: Chicco Fabio , Magrì Salvatore , Cingolani Arianna , Paduano Danilo , Pesenti Mario , Zara Federica , Tumbarello Francesca , Urru Emanuela , Melis Alessandro , Casula Laura , Fantini Massimo Claudio , Usai Paolo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background & Aims
Malnutrition with the accumulation of fat tissue and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are conditions associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Visceral fat and NAFLD-related liver dysfunction can both worsen intestinal inflammation. Because the Mediterranean diet (Md) has been shown to ameliorate both obesity and NAFLD, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of Md on the nutritional state, liver steatosis, clinical disease activity, and quality of life (QoL) in IBD patients.

Methods
Patients with IBD, both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), followed Md for 6 months. Their body mass index (BMI), body tissue composition, liver steatosis and function, serum lipid profile, clinical disease activity, and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin) were collected at baseline (T0) and compared with those obtained after 6 months (T180) to evaluate the impact of Md.

Results
One hundred forty-two IBD patients, 84 UC and 58 CD, followed Md for 6 months. At T180, diet-adherent CD and UC improved BMI (UC −0.42, P = 0.002; CD −0.48, P = 0.032) and waist circumference (UC −1.25 cm, P = 0.037; CD −1.37 cm, P = 0.041). Additionally, the number of patients affected by liver steatosis of any grade was significantly reduced in both groups (UC T0 31 of 84 [36.9%] vs T180 18 of 84 [21.4%], P = 0.0016; CD T0 27 of 58 [46.6%] vs T180 18 of 58 [31.0%], P &lt; 0.001) after dietary intervention. Finally, after 6 months of the diet, fewer UC and CD patients with stable therapy had active disease (UC T0 14 of 59 [23.7%] vs T180 4 of 59 [6.8%], P = 0.004; CD T0 9 of 51 [17.6%] vs T180 2 of 51 [3.0%], P = 0.011) and elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Mediterranean diet improved QoL in both UC and CD, but neither serum lipid profile nor liver function were modified by the diet.

Conclusions
A significant reduction of malnutrition-related parameters and liver steatosis was observed in both CD and UC patients after short-term dietary intervention based on the adoption of Md, and this was associated with a spontaneous improvement of disease activity and inflammatory markers.
Evolution of Antimalarial Drug Resistance Markers in the Reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum Infections in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Authors: Narh Charles A , Ghansah Anita , Duffy Michael F , Ruybal-Pesántez Shazia , Onwona Christiana O , Oduro Abraham R , Koram Kwadwo A , Day Karen P , Tiedje Kathryn E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
The majority of Plasmodium falciparum infections, constituting the reservoir in all ages, are asymptomatic in high-transmission settings in Africa. The role of this reservoir in the evolution and spread of drug resistance was explored.

Methods
Population genetic analyses of the key drug resistance–mediating polymorphisms were analyzed in a cross-sectional survey of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections across all ages in Bongo District, Ghana.

Results
Seven years after the policy change to artemisinin-based combination therapies in 2005, the pfcrt K76 and pfmdr1 N86 wild-type alleles have nearly reached fixation and have expanded via soft selective sweeps on multiple genetic backgrounds. By constructing the pfcrt-pfmdr1-pfdhfr-pfdhps multilocus haplotypes, we found that the alleles at these loci were in linkage equilibrium and that multidrug-resistant parasites have not expanded in this reservoir. For pfk13, 32 nonsynonymous mutations were identified; however, none were associated with artemisinin-based combination therapy resistance.

Conclusions
The prevalence and selection of alleles/haplotypes by antimalarials were similar to that observed among clinical cases in Ghana, indicating that they do not represent 2 subpopulations with respect to these markers. Thus, the P. falciparum reservoir in all ages can contribute to the maintenance and spread of antimalarial resistance.
Firefighter Postinjury Return to Work: A Balance of Dedication and Obligation
Authors: Nosanov Lauren B , Romanowski Kathleen S 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Firefighters are at significant risk for burn injuries. Most are minor and do not significantly affect ability to work in full capacity, but there exists risk for both short- and long-term incapacitation. Many push for earlier return to work than is medically advisable. An online cross-sectional survey was sent to a statewide Professional Firefighters’ Union. Multiple-choice format was used to assess demographics, injury details, medical care received, and return to work, with free-text format for elaboration. The survey was sent to 30,000 firefighters, with 413 (1.4%) responses. After exclusions, 354 remained for analysis with 132 burn-injured. Burns were small and affected the head (45.5%) and upper extremities (43.2%). Reported gear use was 90.7%, and the majority were not treated at a Burn Center. While 12 (12.1%) returned prematurely, nearly half knew a colleague who they felt had returned too soon. Factors cited include firefighter culture, finances, pressure from peers and employers, dislike of light duty, and a driving desire to get back to work. While many cite love of the job and a culture of pride and camaraderie that is “in our DNA,” firefighters’ decisions to return to work after burn injury are equally driven external pressures and obligations. Additional education is needed, which may best be facilitated by treatment at a Burn Center. Improved understanding of factors driving firefighters’ views on returning to duty after injury may help establish support systems and improve education regarding risks of premature return to work, particularly with regard to reinjury.
Magnetic-structure imaging in polycrystalline materials by specimen-tilt series averaged DPC STEM
Authors: Murakami Yoshiki O , Seki Takehito , Kinoshita Akihito , Shoji Tetsuya , Ikuhara Yuichi , Shibata Naoya 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy is a technique to visualize electromagnetic field distribution inside specimens at high spatial resolution. However, diffraction contrast strongly hampers electromagnetic contrast in DPC images especially in polycrystalline samples. In this paper, we develop an imaging technique to effectively suppress diffraction contrast in DPC images. It is shown that a magnetic structure in a Nd–Fe–B permanent magnet was clearly visualized by averaging 64 DPC images with various specimen-tilt conditions. This is because the diffraction contrast in DPC images sensitively and randomly varies with crystal orientation and thus almost vanishes by averaging specimen-tilt image series. We further investigated two types of residual diffraction contrast in the tilt-series averaged DPC images: weak contrast inside grains and strong contrast at grain boundaries. We found that the former can be suppressed by averaging more DPC images, whereas the latter can be suppressed by the tilt-series averaging with wider range of specimen tilt. The tilt-series averaging method enables DPC to visualize electromagnetic structures even inside polycrystalline materials.