bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental education associated with immune function in adolescence
Authors: Barroso Isaac , Cabral Maria , Ramos Elisabete , Guimarães João T 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
The immune system is affected and shaped by several internal and external factors. Among the external variables, the socioeconomic status is known to influence the immune system since the early years of life and throughout life.

Methods
In this study, we assessed the relationship between parental education with the white blood cells and its subtypes in 1213 adolescents from the EPITeen cohort, assessed at the age of 13. Beta coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were fitted using linear regression models to quantify the association and were adjusted for sex, body mass index and chronic disease.

Results
After adjustment, parental education presented a negative association with white blood cells, which was significant among those with higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) median levels [−0.05 mg/l (95% CI −0.08, −0.01)]. On the contrary, a positive association with lymphocytes was observed, which was, significant among those with lower hs-CRP [0.17 mg/l (95% CI 0.02, 0.32)]. A neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significant decrease was also observed with the increment of parental education (P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
We found that parental education was positively associated with a higher proportion of lymphocytes and a lower proportion of neutrophils, suggesting that parental education is associated with offsprinǵs innate immune system regulation. These results may contribute to clarify the relationships between childhood socioeconomic status and increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and other immune-related diseases.
Simulating the Effectiveness of Improvement Cuts and Commercial Thinning to Enhance Fire Resistance in West Coast Dry Mixed Conifer Forests
Authors: Jain Theresa B , Fried Jeremy S , Loreno Sara M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Nine multipurpose silvicultural treatments, formulated as a synthesis of recently implemented prescriptions offered by forest managers, were simulated to evaluate their effectiveness at enhancing fire resistance. The Forest Vegetation Simulator was applied, within the BioSum Framework, on over 3,000 Forest Inventory and Analysis plots representing 5 million hectares of dry mixed conifer forests in eastern Washington and Oregon and California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. We developed a composite fire-resistance score based on four fuel modification principals and metrics: fuel strata gap, canopy bulk density, proportion of basal area in resistant species, and predicted tree survival. The trajectories of stands with and without treatment were compared to evaluate effectiveness immediately post-treatment, and over the three decades that followed. Seventy percent of these forests could be effectively treated in the short term by at least one prescription. Pretreatment forest condition, particularly fire-resistant species abundance, strongly influenced short-term treatment success, and the post-treatment stand dynamics that limit treatment longevity. Treatment effectiveness endured only 10 or 20 years, depending on fire-resistant species abundance, owing to growing space for crown expansion generated by treatment plus regeneration and release and growth of understory tree strata.
Finite-frequency imaging of the global 410- and 660-km discontinuities using SS precursors
Authors: Guo Zhen , Zhou Ying 
Published: December 2019

SUMMARY
We report finite-frequency imaging of the global 410- and 660-km discontinuities using boundary sensitivity kernels for traveltime measurements made on SS precursors. The application of finite-frequency sensitivity kernels overcomes resolution limits in previous studies associated with large Fresnel zones of SS precursors and their interferences with other seismic phases. In this study, we calculate the finite-frequency sensitivities of SS waves and their precursors based on a single-scattering (Born) approximation in the framework of travelling-wave mode summation. The global discontinuity surface is parametrized using a set of triangular gridpoints with a lateral spacing of about 4°, and we solve the linear finite-frequency inverse problem (2-D tomography) based on singular value decomposition (SVD). The new global models start to show a number of features that were absent (or weak) in ray-theoretical back-projection models at spherical harmonic degree l &gt; 6. The thickness of the mantle transition zone correlates well with wave speed perturbations at a global scale, suggesting dominantly thermal origins for the lateral variations in the mantle transition zone. However, an anticorrelation between the topography of the 410-km discontinuity and wave speed variations is not observed at a global scale. Overall, the mantle transition zone is about 2–3 km thicker beneath the continents than in oceanic regions. The new models of the 410- and 660-km discontinuities show better agreement with the finite-frequency study by Lawrence & Shearer than other global models obtained using SS precursors. However, significant discrepancies between the two models exist in the Pacific Ocean and major subduction zones at spherical harmonic degree &gt;6. This indicates the importance of accounting for wave interactions in the calculations of sensitivity kernels as well as the use of finite-frequency sensitivities in data quality control.
Embryotoxicity testing of IVF disposables: how do manufacturers test?
Authors: Delaroche L , Oger P , Genauzeau E , Meicler P , Lamazou F , Dupont C , Humaidan P 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONHow do manufacturers perform embryotoxicity testing in their quality control programs when validating IVF consumables?SUMMARY ANSWERThe Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) and Human Sperm Survival Assay (HSSA) used for IVF disposables differed from one manufacturer to another.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYMany components used in IVF laboratories, such as culture media and disposable consumables, may negatively impact human embryonic development.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThrough a questionnaire-based survey, the main manufacturers of IVF disposable devices were contacted during the period November to December 2018 to compare the methodology of the MEA and HSSA. We focused on catheters for embryo transfer, catheters for insemination, straws, serological pipettes, culture dishes and puncture needles used in the ART procedures.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSWe approached the manufacturers of IVF disposables and asked for details about methodology of the MEA and HSSA performed for toxicity testing of their IVF disposable devices. All specific parameters like mouse strains, number of embryos used, culture conditions (media, temperature, atmosphere), extraction protocol, subcontracting, and thresholds were registered and compared between companies.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCETwenty-one companies were approached, of which only 11 answered the questionnaire. Significant differences existed in the methodologies and thresholds of the MEA and HSSA used for toxicity testing of IVF disposables. Importantly, some of these parameters could influence the sensitivity of the tests.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONAlthough we approached the main IVF manufacturers, the response rate was relatively low.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSOur study confirms the high degree of heterogeneity of the embryotoxicity tests performed by manufacturers when validating their IVF disposable devices. Currently, no regulations exist on this issue. Professionals should call for and request standardization and a future higher degree of transparency as regards embryotoxicity testing from supplying companies; moreover, companies should be urged to provide the users clear and precise information about the results of their tests and how testing was performed. Future recommendations are urgently awaited to improve the sensitivity and reproducibility of embryotoxicity assays over time.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)This study did not receive any funding. L.D. declares a competing interest with Patrick Choay SAS.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)–Infected CCR6+ Rectal CD4+ T Cells and HIV Persistence On Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Anderson Jenny L , Khoury Gabriela , Fromentin Rémi , Solomon Ajantha , Chomont Nicolas , Sinclair Elizabeth , Milush Jeffrey M , Hartogensis Wendy , Bacchetti Peter , Roche Michael , Tumpach Carolin , Gartner Matthew , Pitman Matthew C , Epling Christine Lorrie , Hoh Rebecca , Hecht Frederick M , Somsouk Ma , Cameron Paul U , Deeks Steven G , Lewin Sharon R 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Identifying where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persists in people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy is critical to develop cure strategies. We assessed the relationship of HIV persistence to expression of chemokine receptors and their chemokines in blood (n = 48) and in rectal (n = 20) and lymph node (LN; n = 8) tissue collected from people living with HIV who were receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy.

Methods
Cell-associated integrated HIV DNA, unspliced HIV RNA, and chemokine messenger RNA were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Chemokine receptor expression on CD4+ T cells was determined using flow cytometry.

Results
Integrated HIV DNA levels in CD4+ T cells, CCR6+CXCR3+ memory CD4+ T-cell frequency, and CCL20 expression (ligand for CCR6) were highest in rectal tissue, where HIV-infected CCR6+ T cells accounted for nearly all infected cells (median, 89.7%). Conversely in LN tissue, CCR6+ T cells were infrequent, and there was a statistically significant association of cell-associated HIV DNA and RNA with CCL19, CCL21, and CXCL13 chemokines.

Conclusions
HIV-infected CCR6+ CD4+ T cells accounted for the majority of infected cells in rectal tissue. The different relationships between HIV persistence and T-cell subsets and chemokines in rectal and LN tissue suggest that different tissue-specific strategies may be required to eliminate HIV persistence and that assessment of biomarkers for HIV persistence may not be generalizable between blood and other tissues.
Forest Management for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Adaptation
Authors: Ontl Todd A , Janowiak Maria K , Swanston Christopher W , Daley Jad , Handler Stephen , Cornett Meredith , Hagenbuch Steve , Handrick Cathy , Mccarthy Liza , Patch Nancy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The importance of forests for sequestering carbon has created widespread interest among land managers for identifying actions that maintain or enhance carbon storage in forests. Managing for forest carbon under changing climatic conditions underscores a need for resources that help identify adaptation actions that align with carbon management. We developed the Forest Carbon Management Menu to help translate broad carbon management concepts into actionable tactics that help managers reduce risk from expected climate impacts in order to meet desired management goals. We describe examples of real-world forest-management planning projects that integrate climate change information with this resource to identify actions that simultaneously benefit forest carbon along with other project goals. These examples highlight that the inclusion of information on climate vulnerability, considering the implications of management actions over extended timescales, and identifying co-benefits for other management goals can reveal important synergies in managing for carbon and climate adaptation.
An Explanation of the Veridical Uniformity Universal
Authors: Steinert-Threlkeld Shane 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA semantic universal, which we here dub the Veridical Uniformity Universal, has recently been argued to hold of responsive verbs (those that take both declarative and interrogative complements). This paper offers a preliminary explanation of this universal: verbs satisfying it are easier to learn than those that do not. This claim is supported by a computational experiment using artificial neural networks, mirroring a recent proposal for explaining semantic universals of quantifiers. This preliminary study opens up many avenues for future work on explaining semantic universals more generally, which are discussed in the conclusion.
PARP inhibitor olaparib sensitizes esophageal carcinoma cells to fractionated proton irradiation
Authors: Kageyama Shun-ichiro , Junyan Du , Hojo Hidehiro , Motegi Atsushi , Nakamura Masaki , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Akimoto Tetsuo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTProton beam therapy (PBT) combined with chemotherapy, such as cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), has been employed as an alternative approach to improve clinical outcomes. PBT has been reported to be effective against esophageal cancer. However, apart from 5-FU and CDDP, almost no other drug has been tested in combined chemotherapy with PBT. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor on enhancing proton beam effects using esophageal cancer cell lines that exhibit resistance to radiation and CDDP. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines OE-21 and KYSE-450 were exposed to the drugs for 1 h prior to irradiation. The cell survival curve was obtained using a clonogenic assay and the sensitizing effect ratio (SER) was calculated. The clonogenic assay was used to compare the effect of multi-fractioned irradiation between 8 Gy/1 fraction (fr) and 8 Gy/4 fr. γH2AX, Rad51, BRCA1, BRCA2 and 53BP1 foci were detected via immunofluorescence. Olaparib exhibited an SER of 1.5–1.7 on PBT. The same sensitizing effect was exhibited in multi-fractioned irradiation, and the combined use increased the expression of double-strand breaks and homologous recombination-related genes in an additive manner. Such additive effects were not observed on non-homologous end joining-related genes. We demonstrated that olaparib has a high sensitizing effect on PBT in platinum- and radiation-resistant esophageal cancer cells. Our results suggest a potential clinical application of olaparib-proton irradiation (PT) against platinum- and radiation-resistant esophageal cancer.
Retromastoid osteoma—a rare case report
Authors: Tan Edmund Wooi Keat , Barco Jason Bae , Rehman Mutee Ur , Tan Choon Chieh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOsteomas are slow growing bone tumours and are often asymptomatic. Rarely, they can be present in the temporal bone—only few cases had been reported, with an incidence of 0.1–1%. We describe a case of an osteoma of the temporal bone (retromastoid) found in a 40 year old female, who presented with a slow growing swelling behind the right ear for 9 years. Diagnosis was made on non-contrast computed topography (CT) of the skull. Treatment is indicated in symptomatic cases or cosmetic reasons. Screening colonoscopy and genetic testing for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Gardner’s syndrome are advised.
Subdural Empyema in an Immunocompetent Active Duty Soldier: A Case Report
Authors: Bridwell Rachel E , Larson Neil P , Yoo Michael J , Oliver Joshua J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Intracranial subdural empyema is a rare clinical entity with incidence estimates of 0.1 per 100,000 people. The condition is most often the sequela of a primary infection elsewhere and carries a high morbidity and mortality. The authors present the case of a 22-year-old active duty soldier on mission on the southern border of the United States. The patient had been complaining of headaches that became progressively worse over 2 weeks and presented to a civilian hospital where he was diagnosed with intracranial abscess versus sinus thrombosis on radiographic imaging. The patient was promptly transferred to a military tertiary care center where further workup including pivotal imaging confirmed subdural empyema and right transverse sinus thrombosis. Given the rapid patient deterioration associated with subdural empyema, the emergent intravenous antibiotics, neurosurgical consultation, and subsequent collection evacuation performed are likely to credit for saving this soldier’s life. This case highlighted an atypical and time-sensitive etiology for a common complaint in the active duty population, which underscores the requirement for evacuation to higher roles of care in those soldiers with a similar diagnosis.
SuperNNova: an open-source framework for Bayesian, neural network-based supernova classification
Authors: Möller A , de Boissière T 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTWe introduce SuperNNova, an open-source supernova photometric classification framework that leverages recent advances in deep neural networks. Our core algorithm is a recurrent neural network (RNN) that is trained to classify light curves using only photometric information. Additional information such as host-galaxy redshift can be incorporated to improve performance. We evaluate our framework using realistic supernova simulations that include survey detection. We show that our method, for the type Ia versus non-Ia supernova classification problem, reaches accuracies greater than 96.92 ± 0.09 without any redshift information and up to 99.55 ± 0.06 when redshift, either photometric or spectroscopic, is available. Further, we show that our method attains unprecedented performance for the classification of incomplete light curves, reaching accuracies &gt;86.4 ± 0.1 (&gt;93.5 ± 0.8) without host-galaxy redshift (with redshift information) 2 d before maximum light. In contrast with previous methods, there is no need for time-consuming feature engineering and we show that our method scales to very large data sets with a modest computing budget. In addition, we investigate often neglected pitfalls of machine learning algorithms. We show that commonly used algorithms suffer from poor calibration and overconfidence on out-of-distribution samples when applied to supernova data. We devise extensive tests to estimate the robustness of classifiers and cast the learning procedure under a Bayesian light, demonstrating a much better handling of uncertainties. We study the benefits of Bayesian RNNs for SN Ia cosmology. Our code is open sourced and available on github1.
From massive spirals to dwarf irregulars: a new set of tight scaling relations for cold gas and stars driven by disc gravitational instability
Authors: Romeo Alessandro B 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
We present a new set of galaxy scaling relations for the relative mass content of atomic gas, molecular gas, and stars. Such relations are driven by disc gravitational instability, and originate from the low galaxy-to-galaxy variance of Toomre’s Q stability parameter. We test such relations using more than 100 galaxies, from massive spirals to dwarf irregulars, thus spanning several orders of magnitude in stellar mass ($M_{\star }\approx 10^{6\rm {-}11}\, \mbox{M}_{\odot }$) and atomic gas mass ($M_{\rm{H\, \small {I}}}\approx 10^{7\rm {-}10.5}\, \mbox{M}_{\odot }$). Such tests demonstrate (i) that our scaling relations are physically motivated and tightly constrained, (ii) that the mass-averaged gravitational instability properties of galaxy discs are remarkably uniform across the sequence Sa–dIrr, and (iii) that specific angular momentum plays an important role in such a scenario. Besides providing new insights into a very important topic in galaxy evolution, this work provides a simple formula (equation 5) that one can use for generating other galaxy relations driven by disc instability. We explain how to do that, mention a few possible applications, and stress the importance of testing our approach further.
The effects of unresolved double degenerates in the white dwarf luminosity function
Authors: Rebassa-Mansergas A , Toonen S , Torres S , Canals P 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
We perform an analysis of the single white dwarf and the double degenerate binary populations in the solar neighbourhood following a population synthesis approach to investigate the effects of unresolved double degenerates in the white dwarf luminosity function. We consider all unresolved synthetic binaries to be associated with fictitious effective temperatures and surface gravities that are obtained in the same way as if these objects were observed as single point sources. We evaluate the effects of unresolved double white dwarfs assuming that the synthetic samples are ‘observed’ both by the magnitude-limited SDSS and volume-limited Gaia surveys, the latter limited to a distance of no more than 100 pc. We find that, for our standard model, the impact of unresolved double degenerates in the white dwarf luminosity function derived from the Gaia sample is nearly negligible. Unresolved double degenerates are hence expected to have no effect on the age of the Galactic disc, nor on the star formation history from this population. However, for the SDSS sample, the effect of unresolved double degenerates is significant at the brighter bins (Mbol &lt; 6.5 mag), with the fraction of such systems reaching ≃40 per cent of the total white dwarf population at Mbol = 6 mag. This indicates unresolved double degenerates may influence the constraints on the star formation history derived from the SDSS white dwarf sample.
A novel approach to the computation of one-loop three- and four-point functions. II. The complex mass case
Authors: Guillet J Ph. , Pilon E , Shimizu Y , Zidi M S 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This article is the second of a series of three presenting an alternative method to compute the one-loop scalar integrals, which directly proceeds in terms of the quantities driving the algebraic reduction. The method presented in the first article extends to general complex masses in a systematic way with a few slight adjustments required by the fact that the imaginary parts of these quantities are no longer driven by the Feynman prescription of the propagators but by intricate combinations of imaginary masses, which results in different cases sharing a common structure. As in the case of real masses, it incorporates configurations of kinematics that are more general than those pertaining to physical processes.
Trustees in insolvency: the manifestation of Australia’s fascination with the use of the trust as a business vehicle
Authors: Morrison David 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Corporate trustees are prevalent in the operation of businesses in Australia. However, the Corporations Act in Australia makes no express provision for the insolvency of a corporate trustee. Given that the trading trust is often used for commercial purposes in Australia, together with a corporate trustee, it is important that the law reflects a clear and consistent approach in the event of the insolvency of a business owned by a trading trust. It is opined that the position of an insolvent corporate trustee ought to be, as far as possible, dealt with consistently with that of a business held directly by a company. Notwithstanding the recommendations of a 1988 inquiry reporting looming difficulty, no legislative correction has occurred. Consequently, a series of conflicting case law follows. This article considers recent developments in respect of judicial consideration in the context of the recommendations made more than 30 years previously.