bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Effects of Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Micro-evidence from Malawi
Authors: Maggio Giuseppe , Asfaw Solomon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAre the effects of sustainable agricultural practices heterogeneous across agro-ecology and wealth in Malawi? Would a wealth-enhancing policy be associated with increased effectiveness of these practices? Focusing on a nationally representative set of Malawian agricultural households, the article answers the above questions by employing plot-level panel data matched with a set of geo-referenced rainfall and temperature records. The findings suggest a positive correlation between aggregate yield and the adoption of organic fertilizer. A similar result holds for legume intercropping and for hybrid seeds, which are associated to reductions in yield volatility between the two waves. Nevertheless, these effects appear heterogeneous across the agro-ecological zone of adoption, since a reduced number of farmers in selected locations can improve yields through the adoption of these practices. Further exploration suggests that less wealthy households show higher returns when adopting hybrid seeds or legume intercropping. Wealthier households, in contrast, report high yield only when treated with technology-enhancing practices, such as organic fertilizers and soil erosion control measures.
Biochemical and structural analyses of the nucleosome containing human histone H2A.J
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Sato Shoko , Koyama Masako , Kujirai Tomoya , Kurumizaka Hitoshi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Histone H2A.J, a histone H2A variant conserved in mammals, may function in the expression of genes related to inflammation and cell proliferation. In the present study, we purified the human histone H2A.J variant and found that H2A.J is efficiently incorporated into the nucleosome in vitro. H2A.J formed the stable nucleosome, which accommodated the DNA ends. Mutations in the H2A.J-specific residues did not affect the nucleosome stability, although the mutation of the H2A.J Ala40 residue, which is conserved in some members of the canonical H2A class, reduced the nucleosome stability. Consistently, the crystal structure of the H2A.J nucleosome revealed that the H2A.J-specific residues, including the Ala40 residue, did not affect the nucleosome structure. These results provide basic information for understanding the function of the H2A.J nucleosome.
Incidental haemothorax after sublobar resection: did staple line scratch chest wall?
Authors: Negishi Hideki , Tsubochi Hiroyoshi , Maki Mitsuru , Endo Shunsuke 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We herein report a case of life-threatening haemothorax that occurred 40 days after pulmonary segmentectomy in a 60-year-old man. The patient uneventfully underwent resection of the apical and posterior segments of the right upper lobe by video-assisted thoracic surgery for early-stage lung cancer. An emergency operation of haemostat for active bleeding from the intercostal artery was successful via a right thoracotomy. The bleeding point was in the vicinity of the staple line dividing the intersegmental plane. This case reveals that scratch by staples can cause haemothorax through incidental injury of the intercostal artery.
Photometry of high-redshift blended galaxies using deep learning
Authors: Boucaud Alexandre , Huertas-Company Marc , Heneka Caroline , Ishida Emille E O , Sedaghat Nima , de Souza Rafael S , Moews Ben , Dole Hervé , Castellano Marco , Merlin Emiliano , Roscani Valerio , Tramacere Andrea , Killedar Madhura , Trindade Arlindo M M ,   Collaboration for the COIN
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
The new generation of deep photometric surveys requires unprecedentedly precise shape and photometry measurements of billions of galaxies to achieve their main science goals. At such depths, one major limiting factor is the blending of galaxies due to line-of-sight projection, with an expected fraction of blended galaxies of up to 50 per cent. This proof-of-concept work explores for the first time the use of deep neural networks to estimate the photometry of blended pairs of galaxies in space-based monochrome images similar to the ones that will be delivered by the Euclidspace telescope under simplified idealized conditions. Using a clean sample of isolated galaxies from the CANDELS survey, we artificially blend them and train two different network models to recover the photometry of the two galaxies. We show that our approach can recover the original photometry of the galaxies before being blended with $\sim 7{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ mean absolute percentage error on flux estimations without any human intervention and without any assumption on the galaxy shape. This represents an improvement of at least a factor of 4 compared to the classical SExtractor approach. We also show that, forcing the network to simultaneously estimate fractional segmentation maps results in a slightly improved photometry. All data products and codes have been made public to ease the comparison with other approaches on a common data set. See https://github.com/aboucaud/coindeblend.
Semidetached double-lined eclipsing binaries: Stellar parameters and rare classes
Authors: Malkov Oleg Yu 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
Semidetached eclipsing systems provide a unique opportunity to derive the basic properties of interacting binaries. The goal of this work is to collect and to make use of data on semidetached systems with available light and radial velocity curve solutions. I have compiled the most comprehensive list to date, of 119 semidetached double-lined eclipsing binaries, containing the orbital parameters and physical parameters of the components. I consider the classification of semidetached binaries and discuss gaps between various classes in the Hertzspung–Russell diagram. I list systems with component parameters that are inverted and briefly discuss their evolutionary state.
Hills and holes in the microlensing light curve due to plasma environment around gravitational lens
Authors: Tsupko Oleg Yu , Bisnovatyi-Kogan Gennady S 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
In this paper, we investigate the influence of the plasma surrounding the gravitational lens on the effect of microlensing. In presence of plasma around the lens, the deflection angle is determined by both the gravitational field of the lens and the chromatic refraction in the inhomogeneous plasma. We calculate microlensing light curves numerically for point-mass lens surrounded by power-law density distribution of plasma. A variety of possible curves is revealed, depending on the plasma density and frequency of observations. In the case of significant influence of plasma, the shape of microlensing light curve is strongly deformed in comparison with vacuum case. If the refractive deflection is large enough to compensate or to overcome the gravitational deflection, microlensing images can completely disappear for the observer. In this case, the remarkable effect occurs: formation of a ‘hole’ instead of a ‘hill’ in the center of microlensing light curve. Observational prospects of ‘hill-hole’ effect in different microlensing scenarios are discussed.
Factors Associated with Music Therapy Board Certification Examination Outcomes
Authors: Hsiao Feilin , Tan Xueli , Tang Jonathan “Jaytee” , Chen Juan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Music Therapy Board Certification (BC) Examination is a high-stakes test that affects test takers’ entry into the profession and reflects the quality of music therapy programs. Accumulating studies in the health sciences have identified the factors that contribute to first-time test takers’ success in passing credentialing examinations. However, these variables have not been investigated in music therapy. The purposes of this study are to investigate recent certificants’ perceptions and experiences of the BC examination and identify the predictors of success on the first attempt. It aims to delineate the factors associated with performance in the BC examination; identify effective strategies and resources for future test takers; and inform educators, internship directors, clinical supervisors, and test administrators regarding areas of concern and necessary support. A sample of 662 recent music therapy board certificants completed a 32-item online survey consisting of checklists, Likert scales, open-ended questions, and the Westside Test Anxiety Scale. Self-reported cumulative grade point average and general test anxiety scores were significant predictors of BC examination success on the first attempt. The results suggest the need for (a) a consistent standard for education programs that includes various theoretical orientations and clinical practice models to better prepare students with content knowledge and (b) program progression policies to identify students at risk of failing the examination and to provide remediation.
Direct observation of damage clustering in irradiated DNA with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Xu Xu , Nakano Toshiaki , Tsuda Masataka , Kanamoto Ryota , Hirayama Ryoichi , Uzawa Akiko , Ide Hiroshi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Ionizing radiation produces clustered DNA damage that contains two or more lesions in 10–20 bp. It is believed that the complexity of clustered damage (i.e., the number of lesions per damage site) is related to the biological severity of ionizing radiation. However, only simple clustered damage containing two vicinal lesions has been demonstrated experimentally. Here we developed a novel method to analyze the complexity of clustered DNA damage. Plasmid DNA was irradiated with densely and sparsely ionizing Fe-ion beams and X-rays, respectively. Then, the resulting DNA lesions were labeled with biotin/streptavidin and observed with atomic force microscopy. Fe-ion beams produced complex clustered damage containing 2–4 lesions. Furthermore, they generated two or three clustered damage sites in a single plasmid molecule that resulted from the hit of a single track of Fe-ion beams. Conversely, X-rays produced relatively simple clustered damage. The present results provide the first experimental evidence for complex cluster damage.
Information generation as a functional basis of consciousness
Authors: Kanai Ryota , Chang Acer , Yu Yen , Magrans de Abril Ildefons , Biehl Martin , Guttenberg Nicholas 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
What is the biological advantage of having consciousness? Functions of consciousness have been elusive due to the subjective nature of consciousness and ample empirical evidence showing the presence of many nonconscious cognitive performances in the human brain. Drawing upon empirical literature, here, we propose that a core function of consciousness be the ability to internally generate representations of events possibly detached from the current sensory input. Such representations are constructed by generative models learned through sensory-motor interactions with the environment. We argue that the ability to generate information underlies a variety of cognitive functions associated with consciousness such as intention, imagination, planning, short-term memory, attention, curiosity, and creativity, all of which contribute to non-reflexive behavior. According to this view, consciousness emerged in evolution when organisms gained the ability to perform internal simulations using internal models, which endowed them with flexible intelligent behavior. To illustrate the notion of information generation, we take variational autoencoders (VAEs) as an analogy and show that information generation corresponds the decoding (or decompression) part of VAEs. In biological brains, we propose that information generation corresponds to top-down predictions in the predictive coding framework. This is compatible with empirical observations that recurrent feedback activations are linked with consciousness whereas feedforward processing alone seems to occur without evoking conscious experience. Taken together, the information generation hypothesis captures many aspects of existing ideas about potential functions of consciousness and provides new perspectives on the functional roles of consciousness.
Not Quite the Rule, But No Longer the Exception: Multiple Tobacco Product Use and Implications for Treatment, Research, and Regulation
Authors: Pacek Lauren R , Villanti Andrea C , Mcclernon F Joseph 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The patterns of tobacco product use in the United States have changed during the past several decades. Currently, a large proportion of tobacco users report using multiple tobacco products (MTPs). The prevalence of MTP use varies significantly by cigarette smoking frequency, as well: nearly half (46.9%) of all non-daily smokers report using other tobacco products within the past 30 days. Despite this, much of extant tobacco dependence treatment efforts, tobacco regulatory science research, and tobacco product research, in general, has focused largely on single product use (ie, cigarette smoking). To effectively design interventions and model the potential impact of regulations on tobacco products aimed at reducing tobacco use, as well as effectively study tobacco users, it is essential to consider actual use patterns in the population of tobacco users. Implications: MTP use is increasingly common in the United States. This commentary highlights the impact that MTP use has for efforts to treat tobacco dependence, tobacco regulatory science efforts, as well as on tobacco research, in general.
Pesticide exposure and lung function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ratanachina J , De Matteis S , Cullinan P , Burney P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological studies have reported associations between pesticide exposure and respiratory health effects, but the quantitative impact on lung function is unclear. To fill this gap, we undertook a systematic review of the available literature on the association between pesticide exposure and pulmonary function.

Aims
To examine all available literature regarding the relationship between occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and lung function.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases to 1 October 2017 without any date or language restrictions using a combination of MeSH terms and free text for ‘pesticide exposure’ and ‘lung function’. We included studies that met the criteria of our research protocol registered in PROSPERO, and we assessed their quality using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results
Of 2356 articles retrieved, 56 articles were included in the systematic review and pooled in meta-analyses for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC and FEV1. There was tentative evidence that exposure to cholinesterase (ChE) inhibiting pesticides reduced FEV1/FVC and no evidence that paraquat exposure affected lung function in farmers.

Conclusions
Respiratory surveillance should be enhanced in those exposed to ChE-inhibiting pesticides which reduced FEV1/FVC according to the meta-analysis. Our study is limited by heterogeneity between studies due to different types of exposure assessment to pesticides and potential confounders. Further studies with a more accurate exposure assessment are suggested.
Energy System Assessment in Survivors of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio , Buchan Jena , Pajares Bella , Alba Emilio , Trinidad-Fernández Manuel , Ruiz-Medina Sofia , García-Almeida José Manuel , Ríos-López María José , Roldán-Jiménez Cristina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Survivors of breast cancer commonly report functional limitations, including cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and decreased aerobic capacity. One key gap is addressing the 3 energy systems (aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and alactic), requiring assessment to establish a baseline exercise intensity and duration.

Objective
This study examined the feasibility of energy system–based assessment, also providing descriptive values for assessment performance in this population.

Design
This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods
Seventy-two posttreatment survivors of breast cancer were recruited. Following a baseline musculoskeletal assessment, women attempted 3 energy system assessments: submaximal aerobic (multistage treadmill), anaerobic alactic (30-second sit-to-stand [30-STS]), and anaerobic lactic (adapted burpees). Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Secondary outcomes included body composition, CRF, and upper- and lower-limb functionality.

Results
Seventy of 72 participants performed the 30-STS and 30 completed the adapted burpees task. HR and RPE specific to each task were correlated, reflecting increased intensity. Women reported low-moderate levels of CRF scores (3% [2.1]) and moderate-high functionality levels (upper-limb: 65.8% [23.3]; lower-limb: 63.7% [34.7]).

Limitations
All survivors of breast cancer had relatively low levels of CRF and moderate functioning. Additionally, on average, participants were classified as “overweight” based on BMI.

Conclusion
This study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate feasibility of energy system assessment in survivors of breast cancer. Using a combination of HR and RPE, as well as baseline assessment of each energy system, clinicians may improve ability to prescribe personalized exercise and give patients greater ability to self-monitor intensity and progress.
Kimura’s disease: effects of age on clinical presentation
Authors: Kakehi E , Kotani K , Otsuka Y , Fukuyasu Y , Hashimoto Y , Sakurai S , Hirotani A , Simizu K , Fujita R , Shoji K , Adachi S , Matsumura M 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundKimura’s disease (KD) is known to be dominant among young Asian men, but it can also occur in middle- and advanced-aged people. The clinical characteristics of KD, especially by age, are not well known.AimThis study was performed to investigate the effects of age on the clinical characteristics of KD.DesignWe conducted a case series study.MethodsAll case studies of patients diagnosed with KD were collected via a PubMed search of studies published until August 2018. The data were analyzed by age group.ResultsIn total, 215 studies were reviewed (238 patients; mean age of 36 years). The male:female ratio was 4:1 overall, 17:1 in patients aged &lt;20 years, 4:1 in patients aged 20–39 years and 2:1 in patients aged ≥40 years (P = 0.01). The percentage of patients with pruritus was 15.4% overall, 3.8% in patients aged &lt;20 years, 15.5% in patients aged 20–39 years and 21.7% in patients aged ≥40 years (P = 0.02). The time to diagnosis was 5.3 years overall, 3.2 years in patients aged &lt;20 years, 4.7 years in patients aged 20–39 years and 7.1 years in patients aged ≥40 years (P &lt; 0.01).ConclusionsThe proportion of female patients affected the incidence of pruritus, and the time to diagnosis increased as the patients’ age increased. There were no significant age-related differences in region/race, complications, multiplicity, laterality, anatomical distribution, maximum size, eosinophil count, immunoglobulin E level, initial treatment, recurrence or outcomes. This may be useful information for the diagnosis of KD.
Percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Martinez Sara C , Mohamed Mohamed , Potts Jessica , Abhishek Abhishek , Roddy Edward , Savage Michael , Bharadwaj Aditya , Kwok Chun Shing , Bagur Rodrigo , Mamas Mamas A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objective
Patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) are at an increased risk of coronary artery disease. The present study sought to examine the prevalence and outcomes of AIRD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from a national perspective.

Methods
All PCI-related hospitalizations recorded in the US National Inpatient Sample (2004–2014) were included, stratified into four groups: no AIRD, RA, SLE and SSc. We examined the prevalence of AIRD subtypes and assessed their association with in-hospital adverse events using multivariable logistic regression [odds ratios (OR) (95% CI)].

Results
Patients with AIRD represented 1.4% (n = 90 469) of PCI hospitalizations. The prevalence of RA increased from 0.8% in 2004 to 1.4% in 2014, but other AIRD subtypes remained stable. In multivariable analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of in-hospital complications [aOR any complication 1.13 (95% CI 1.01, 1.26), all-cause mortality 1.32 (1.03, 1.71), bleeding 1.50 (1.30, 1.74), stroke 1.36 (1.14, 1.62)] were significantly higher in patients with SSc compared with those without AIRD. There was no difference in complications between the SLE and RA groups and those without AIRD, except higher odds of bleeding in SLE patients [aOR 1.19 (95% CI 1.09, 1.29)] and reduced odds of all-cause mortality in RA patients [aOR 0.79 (95% CI 0.70, 0.88)].

Conclusion
In a nationwide cohort of US hospitalizations, we demonstrate increased rates of all adverse clinical outcomes following PCI in people with SSc and increased bleeding in SLE. Management of such patients should involve a multiteam approach with rheumatologists.
Differential effect of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation on PD-1/PD-L1 upregulation
Authors: Cubillos-Zapata Carolina , Almendros Isaac , Díaz-García Elena , Toledano Victor , Casitas Raquel , Galera Raúl , López-Collazo Eduardo , Farre Ramón , Gozal David , García-Rio Francisco 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Immunosurveillance is compromised in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as reflected by overexpression of the programmed death cell receptor and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) coinhibitory axis. However, the contributions of intermittent hypoxia (IH) and sleep fragmentation (SF) are unclear. We therefore evaluated the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on immune cells from mice subjected to IH or SF, and in human cells exposed to IH, oxidative stress, or both conditions. Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either IH or SF using previously established in vivo models. Moreover, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured overnight under normoxia, IH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or both. Murine splenocytes and human PBMC were isolated, and labeled using surface-specific antibodies for flow cytometry analysis. Compared to control mice, IH induced higher expression of PD-L1 on F4/80 cells and of PD-1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, whereas no significant changes emerged after SF. In vitro models of IH and oxidative stress showed similar changes for expression of PD-L1 on human monocytes and PD-1 on CD4+ T-cells. Furthermore, H2O2 increased PD-1 expression on CD8+ T-cells, compromising their cytotoxic capacity assessed by perforin expression, similar to IH. No evidence of synergistic effects was apparent. Therefore, PD-1/PD-L1 upregulation reported in patients with OSA appears to be preferentially mediated by IH rather than SF.