bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advantages of zinc isotopes as a new dietary proxy in marine ecology
Authors: McCormack Jeremy , Szpak Paul , Bourgon Nicolas , Richards Michael P. , Hyland Corrie , Méjean Pauline , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Jaouen Klervia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In marine ecology, dietary interpretations of faunal assemblages often rely on nitrogen isotopes as the main or only applicable trophic level tracer. We investigate geographic variability and trophic level isotopic discrimination factors of a new tracer, bone 66Zn/64Zn ratios (δ66Zn value), and compared it to collagen nitrogen and carbon stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) values. Focusing on ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from multiple Arctic archaeological sites, we investigate trophic interactions between predator and prey over a broad geographic area. All proxies show variability among sites, influenced by the regional food web baselines. However, δ66Zn shows a significantly higher homogeneity among different sites. We observe a clear trophic spacing for δ15N and δ66Zn values in all locations, yet δ66Zn may more reliably record trophic levels between U. maritimus and prey species than δ15N. δ66Zn analysis allows a more direct dietary comparability between spatially and temporally distinct locations than what is possible by δ15N and δ13C analysis alone. When combining all three proxies a more detailed and refined dietary analysis is possible.
A common East Asian-specific ALDH2 mutation causes obesity and insulin resistance: therapeutic effect of reducing toxic aldehydes by ALDH2 activation
Authors: Chang Yi-Cheng , Lee Hsiao-Lin , Yang Wenjin , Hsieh Meng-Lun , Liu Cai-Cin , Lee Tung-Yuan , Huang Jing-Yong , Nong Jiun-Yi , Li Fu-An , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Ding Zhi-Zhong , Su Wei-Lun , Chueh Li-Yun , Tsai Yi-Ting , Chen Che-Hong , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Chuang Lee-Ming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes have reached pandemic proportion. In particular, the population with diabetes is expected to rise rapidly in East and South Asia. ALDH2 (acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2, mitochondrial) is the key metabolizing enzyme of acetaldehyde and other toxic aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). A missense mutation, Glu504Lys of ALDH2 (denoted as the ALDH2*2 allele) is prevalent in 560 million East Asians, resulting in reduced ALDH2 enzymatic activity. We found that Aldh2*2/*2 homozygous knock-in (KI) mice mimicking human Glu504Lys mutation were prone to develop diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and fatty liver on a high-fat high-sucrose diet compared with controls. The Aldh2 KI mice demonstrated reduced energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Proteomic analyses of the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the Aldh2 KI mice identified increased 4-HNE-adducted proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation and electron transport chain. Fatty acid oxidation rate and mitochondrial electron transport activity were reduced in the BAT of the Aldh2 KI mice, which explained the decrease in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. AD-9308 is a water-soluble prodrug of a potent and highly selective ALDH2 activator AD-5591. In vitro, AD-5591 enhanced both WT and mutant ALDH2 enzymatic activities. AD-9308 allosterically activates ALDH2 mainly by partially blocking the substrate exit tunnel, thereby accelerating the substrate-enzyme collision. In vivo, AD-9308 treatment reduced serum 4-HNE levels, ameliorated diet-induced obesity and fatty liver, and improved glucose homeostasis in both Aldh2 WT and KI mice dose-dependently. Our data highlight the therapeutic potential of reducing toxic aldehyde levels by activating ALDH2 for treating metabolic diseases.
Incentive-based Electricity Demand Response effectively and vulnerable friendly reduce peak load during hot spell
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Lu Bin , Wang Bo , Zhao Wenhui , Zhang Bin , Qiu Yueming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The world is experiencing climate changes characterized by global warming, and energy conservation policies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions are attracting increasing attention. Heating is one of the most important factors that contribute to the peak load of power consumption throughout the year. Incentive-based electricity demand response (EDR) policies can serve as an important regulation tool during energy system operations, especially in countries with a regulated power market like China. However, whether people will sacrifice comfort to respond to such a policy during hot spells or not and what will the impact be on vulnerable groups, are still unclear. To answer these questions, large-scale EDR trials involving more than 150,000 households were conducted in southwestern China during continuous extreme high temperatures. Households’ 15-min electricity consumption data, hourly meteorological data, and matched survey data were integrated to estimate the regulatory effect of this EDR policy and the discrepancies in response behaviors among urban and rural households, as well as households with children and the elderly. We found that this incentive based EDR policy is similar with price based policy, which can effectively reduce the peak load, however with little adverse effect on vulnerable groups. Temperature rise during a hot spell will slightly decrease the reduction effect. The energy-saving potential for urban households was higher than that of rural households. Households with children did not respond to the EDR policy, while the elderly response proved to be more positive during a hot spell. In addition, repeated and frequent implementation of this policy did not result in attenuation of the regulatory effect on power consumption. This is one of the few energy conservation options will have undergone multiple trials before promotion on a large scale in China, and the results can serve as a reference for countries with similar regulated power markets. Although, no direct harm is done to vulnerable groups, before deploy it nationwide, vulnerable groups still need to be considered to avoid exacerbating existing energy injustices or creating new energy injustices through transfer payment.
Evaluating probabilistic population forecasts
Authors: Keilman Nico 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We demonstrate how a probabilistic population forecast can be evaluated, when observations for the predicted variables become available. Statisticians have developed various scoring rules for that purpose, but there are hardly any applications in population forecasting literature. A scoring rule measures the distance between the probability distribution of the predicted variable, and the actual outcome. We use scoring rules that reward accuracy (the outcome is close to the expected value of the prediction) and sharpness (the predictive distribution has low variance, which makes it difficult to hit the target).We evaluate probabilistic population forecasts for France, the Netherlands, and Norway. For all three countries, we use results from the UPE-project ("Uncertain Population of Europe"). We inspect prediction intervals for population size in the period 2004-2019 and 3000 sample paths for population pyramids for the year 2010. For the Netherlands and for Norway, we compare the UPE-results with findings from the official probabilistic population forecast by Statistics Netherlands (2001-2019) and from a probabilistic forecast for Norway (1997-2019). All forecasts were computed using the cohort-component method and stochastically varying parameters for fertility, mortality and migration. We show that the UPE-forecasts for the Netherlands and for Norway performed better than the other forecasts for these two countries. The error in the jump-off population caused a bad score for the French forecast.We evaluate the 3000 UPE-simulations of the age and sex composition predicted for the year 2010. When normalized for population numbers in each age-sex category, the predictions for the Netherlands received the best scores, except for the oldest old. The age pattern for the Norwegian score reflects the under-prediction of immigration after the enlargement of the European Union in 2005.
Comparison of sonographic fetal weight estimation formulas in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Warshafsky Chelsie , Ronzoni Stefania , Quaglietta Paula , Weiner Eran , Zaltz Arthur , Barrett Jon , Melamed Nir , Aviram Amir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Estimation of fetal weight (EFW) by ultrasound is useful in clinical decision-making. Numerous formulas for EFW have been published but have not been validated in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of EFW formulas in patients with PPROM, and to further evaluate the performance of the most commonly used formula - Hadlock IV.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations and PPROM, admitted to a single tertiary center between 2003-2017 from 220/7-330/7 (n=565). All women had an EFW within 14 days of delivery by standard biometry (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length). The accuracy of previously published 21 estimated EFW formulas was assessed by comparing the Pearson correlation with actual birth weight, and calculating the random error, systematic error, proportion of estimates within 10% of birth weight, and Euclidean distance.Results: The mean gestational was 26.8±2.4 weeks at admission, and 28.2±2.6 weeks at delivery. Most formulas were strongly correlated with actual birth weight (r>0.9 for 19/21 formulas). Mean systematic error was -4.30% and mean random error was 14.5%. The highest performing formula, by the highest proportion of estimates and lowest Euclidean distance was Ott (1986), which uses abdominal and head circumferences, and femur length. However, there were minimal difference with all of the first 10 ranking formulas. The Pearson correlation coefficient for the Hadlock IV formula was strong at r=0.935 (p<0.001), with 319 (56.5%) of measurements falling within 10%, 408 (72.2%) within 15% and 455 (80.5%) within 20% of actual birth weight. This correlation was unaffected by gender (r=0.936 for males, r=0.932 for females, p<0.001 for both) or by amniotic fluid level (r=0.935 for mean vertical pocket <2 cm, r=0.943 for mean vertical pocket ≥2cm, p<0.001 for both). Conclusions: Most formulas accurately calculated EFW in patients with PPROM, but the Ott (1986) formula ranked highest, thus it may be the preferred formula to use in this population.
Single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses
Authors: Wu Wence , Li Zhechen , Lin Renqin , Wang Shenglin , Lin Jianhua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To explore the clinical safety and efficacy of single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion combined for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses.Methods: A total of 38 patients diagnosed with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses underwent surgery via single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion from January 2010 to September 2016 were enrolled in the study. The clinical efficacy of the approach was assessed based on parameters including operating time, blood loss, Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Frankel grade, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP).Results: The surgery duration was 224.4 ± 71.1 min with a blood loss of 731.8 ± 585.8 ml. The Cobb angle was corrected from 16.0 ± 15.4° preoperatively to 8.1 ± 7.4° postoperatively (P < 0.001, t = -4.38), and returned to a level of 11.0 ± 8.5° at the final follow-up (P = 0.002, t = 3.38). Back pain was relieved, with the mean preoperative VAS of 3.5 ± 1.1 decreased to 0.7 ± 0.8 postoperatively (P < 0.001, t = 23.21) and then to 0.6 ± 0.5 at the final follow-up (P < 0.001, t = 17.07). Neurological function was improved in various degrees and psoas abscesses disappeared in all patients. The ESR and CRP decreased gradually after surgery and returned to normal at the final follow-up in all patients. All patients achieved bone fusion thoroughly and no recurrence of TB or surgical related complications was found at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion is a safe and effective approach for the management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses.
Urdu Version of Oswestry Disability Index; A Reliability and Validity Study
Authors: Amjad Fareeha , Bandpei Mohammad Ali Mohseni , Gilani Syed Amir , Ahmad Ashfaq , Waqas Muhammad , Hanif Asif 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Although Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is broadly used in clinical and research settings for assessing the disability level in patients with lumbar radiculopathy but it has not been translated into Urdu language according to the pre-established translation guidelines as well as the validity and reliability of ODI Urdu version has not been tested yet. The aim of this study was to translate ODI in native Urdu language (ODI-U) according to recommended guidelines and to measure its psychometric properties in Urdu speaking patients suffering from lumber radiculopathy. Methods: The ODI-U was developed through previously described translation procedures. 108 participants were recruited, out of which 54 were healthy and 54 were patients of lumber radiculopathy. ODI-U was filled by all participants. However, the patients were administered through ODI-U and visual analogue scales for disability (VAS disability) and pain intensity (VAS pain) at baseline and after 3 days. Reliability was investigated through test-retest method, internal consistency, standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) at 95% confidence level. ODI-U was assessed for exploratory factor analysis, construct (convergent and discriminative) validity and content validity. Alpha level <0.05 was considered statistically significant and psychometric standards were evaluated contrary to priori hypothesis.Results: The culturally adapted ODI-U revealed excellent test-retest reliability for total score (ICC=0.95) and for all item (ICC=0.72-0.98). Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89 showed excellent internal consistency and a moderate correlation between ODI-U total score and each item was observed through spearman’s correlation coefficient (r=0.51 to 0.76). One factor structure was created for ODI-U explaining 52.5% variance. There was no floor and ceiling effect of total ODI-U score showing good content validity. The discriminative validity was assessed by independent sample t-test which indicated significant difference in ODI-U total score between healthy and patients (P<0.001). The convergent validity was evaluated through Pearson’s correlation showing moderate correlation between ODI-U and VAS pain (r=0.49) as well as VAS disability (r=0.51).Conclusion: ODI-U showed adequate psychometric properties. ODI-U was found to be a reliable and a valid tool to measure the level of disability in Urdu-speaking patients with lumber radiculopathy.
Use of Extended View Ultrasound Imaging Results in Reliable Measurement of Transversus Abdominis Muscle Size in Three Dimensions During Relaxation and a Hollowing Contraction
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Adams Lauren , Kho Jade , Green Daniel , Pace Nicolas , Mitchell Ulrike 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The strength and size of core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, are crucial to proper function in most activities. Therefore, it is important to reliably assess these characteristics. Our primary objective was to determine if the length, thickness and cross-sectional area of the transversus abdominis (TrA) can be visualized independently from the internal and external abdominal oblique muscles using extended field of view ultrasound imaging at rest and with contraction and to establish its intra- and inter-tester reliability. Methods: Twenty-six individuals were recruited to participate in the study (20 F, 6 M), average age 24.0 years (SD 9.4), height 170.7 cm (SD 8.6) and weight 63.9 kg (SD 9.0). From this total number of participants, two groups of 16 randomly selected participants were assessed to determine intra- and inter-tester reliability respectively. Extended field of view ultrasound images were obtained at three vertebral levels during rest and contraction in the side lying position for both the right and left sides of the trunk. Results: Excellent intra-tester and inter-tester reliability was seen (ICC range of 0.972 to 0.984). The overall average percent SEM for all measurements and locations was approximately 4%. The overall average minimal difference for the thickness measurement for the resting and contraction conditions combined were as follows: intratester 0.056 (0.014) cm and intertester 0.054 (0.017) cm, for area intratester 0.287 (0.086) cm2 and intertester 0.289 (0.101) cm2 and for length intratester 0.519 (0.097) cm and intertester 0.507 (0.085) cm. Conclusions: Extended field of view ultrasound imaging is an effective method of reliably capturing clear images of the TrA during rest and contraction. It provides an efficient mechanism for the analysis of TrA morphology by being able to measure the cross-sectional area, thickness, and length on one image. This methodology is recommended for studies investigating TrA function and training.
Incidence, Characteristics and Clinical Relevance of Acute Stroke in Old Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19
Authors: Mendes Aline , Herrmann François , Genton Laurence , Serratrice Christine , Carrera Emmanuel , Vargas Maria Isabel , Gold Gabriel , Graf Christophe , Zekry Dina , Scheffler Max 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Stroke in the course of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was associated with higher severity of respiratory symptoms and mortality, but little knowledge exists on older populations. We aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and prognosis of acute stroke in old patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Methods: Monocentric retrospective study of 265 older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in geriatric wards, 11 of which having presented a stroke episode during hospitalization. Mortality rates and two-group comparisons (stroke vs non-stroke patients) were calculated and significant variables added in logistic regression models to investigate stroke risk factors.Results: Combined ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incidence was 4.15%. 72.7% of events occurred during acute care. Strokes presented with altered state of consciousness and/or delirium in 81.8%, followed by a focal neurological deficit in 45.5%. Ischemic stroke was more frequently unilateral (88.8%) and localized in the middle cerebral artery territory (55.5%). Smoking and a history of previous stroke increased by more than seven (OR 7.44; 95% CI 1.75-31.64; p=0.007) and five times (OR 5.19; 95% CI 1.50-17.92; p=0.009), respectively, the risk of stroke. Each additional point in body mass index (BMI) reduced the risk of stroke by 14% (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.03). In-hospital mortality (32.1% vs. 27.3%; p>0.999) and institutionalization at discharge (36.4% vs. 21.1%; p=0.258) were similar between patients with and without stroke.Conclusion: Incident stroke complicating COVID-19 in old patients was associated with active smoking, previous history of stroke, and low BMI. Acute stroke did not influence early mortality or institutionalization rate at discharge.
Printable homocomposite hydrogels with synergistically reinforced molecular-colloidal networks
Authors: Williams Austin , Roh Sangchul , Jacob Alan , Stoyanov Simeon , Hsiao Lilian , Velev Orlin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The design of hydrogels where multiple interpenetrating networks enable enhanced mechanical properties could benefit applications such as biomedical products, 3D printing, and soft robotics. We report a class of self-reinforced homocomposite hydrogels (HHGs) comprised of interpenetrating networks of multiscale hierarchy. A molecular alginate gel is reinforced by a colloidal network of hierarchically branched soft dendritic colloids (SDCs), which are also made of alginate. The reinforcement of the molecular gel with the nanofibrillar SDC network of the same biopolymer results in a remarkable increase of the HHG mechanical properties. The viscoelastic HHGs show >3× larger storage modulus and >4× larger Young's modulus than either constitutive network at the same concentration. Such synergistically enforced colloidal-molecular HHGs open numerous opportunities for formulation of biocompatible gels with robust structure-property relationships. Balance of the ratio of their precursors facilitates precise control of the yield stress and rate of self-reinforcement, enabling HHG 3D printing by extrusion.
Problems After Flight: Understanding and Comparing Syrians’ Perspectives in the Middle East and Europe
Authors: Drescher Andrea , Kiselev Nikolai , Akhtar Aemal , Acarturk Ceren , Bryant Richard , Ilkkursun Zeynep , Von Känel Roland , Miller Kenneth , Pfaltz Monique , Schick Matthis , Schnyder Ulrich , Sijbrandij Marit , Spaaij Julia , Morina Naser 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Syrian refugees and asylum seekers (SRAs) face multiple stressors after flight, which may vary due to different geographic, economic, cultural and socio-political contexts in the host countries. Past research has recognized the importance of participants’ own perspectives. The aims of this multi-country study were to identify and compare self-reported problems of SRAs between various settings. Methods: A semi-structured client-generated outcome measurement was used to collect data among adult SRAs in Jordan (N=61), Turkey (N=46) and Switzerland (N=57) between September 2018 and November 2019. Answers were analysed following thematic analysis. Results: Over half of the participants reported practical problems with an emphasis on camp-related problems (Jordan), finances (Turkey), employment (Jordan and Switzerland) and government regulations (Switzerland), followed by psychological, and social issues. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of local contextual factors on wellbeing. The findings emphasise that planning preventative procedures and mental health care services for SRAs need to consider local challenges affecting the population in specific countries.
3-D Shape Reconstruction of Non-Uniform Reflectance Surface Based on Pixel Intensity, Pixel Color and Camera Exposure Time Adaptive Adjustment
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Yang Yanxi , Zhou Yuguo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Three-dimensional (3-D) surface reconstruction of reflective objects and colored objects is a challenge. To this end, we proposed a novel approach. First, a new method of pixel matching between the projected image and the captured image is proposed. Then, we analyzed the impact of color texture and reflective surface on the captured image quality, and proposed a black-and-white (B/W) camera-based color information extraction method, an object surface reflectance and ambient light interference estimation method. Finally, the pixel color, pixel intensity and exposure time can be adaptively adjusted according to the color information and reflectivity of the measured objects. Experiments verified that the proposed method can not only obtain high-quality captured images, but also has a smaller number of additional images and a wider range of applications than existing methods.