bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age- and sex-specific effects in paravertebral surface electromyographic back extensor muscle fatigue in chronic low back pain
Authors: Ebenbichler Gerold , Habenicht Richard , Ziegelbecker Sara , Kollmitzer Josef , Mair Patrick , Kienbacher Thomas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe impact of aging on the back muscles is not well understood, yet may hold clues to both normal aging and chronic low back pain (cLBP). This study sought to investigate whether the median frequency (MF) surface electromyographic (SEMG) back muscle fatigue method—a proxy for glycolytic muscle metabolism—would be able to detect age- and sex-specific differences in neuromuscular and muscle metabolic functions in individuals with cLBP in a reliable way, and whether it would be as sensitive as when used on healthy individuals. With participants seated on a dynamometer (20° trunk anteflexion), paraspinal SEMG activity was recorded bilaterally from the multifidus (L5), longissimus (L2), and iliolumbalis (L1) muscles during isometric, sustained back extensions loaded at 80% of maximum from 117 younger (58 females) and 112 older (56 female) cLBP individuals. Tests were repeated after 1–2 days and 6 weeks. Median frequency, the SEMG variable indicating neuromuscular fatigue, was analyzed. Maximum back extensor strength was comparable between younger and older participants. Significantly less MF-SEMG back muscle fatigue was observed in older as compared to younger, and in older female as compared to older male cLBP individuals. Relative reliability was excellent, but absolute reliability appeared large for this SEMG-fatigue measure. Findings suggest that cLBP likely does not mask the age-specific diagnostic potential of the MF-SEMG back extensor fatigue method. Thus, this method possesses a great potential to be further developed into a valuable biomarker capable of detecting back muscle function at risk of sarcopenia at very early stages.
Grading Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the Breast – What’s Wrong with It?
Authors: Cserni Gábor , Sejben Anita 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDuctal carcinoma in situ of the breast is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer, and at its lower risk end might not need treatment, a hypothesis tested in several currently running randomized clinical trials. This review describes the heterogeneity of grading ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). First it considers differences between low and high grade DCIS, and then it looks at several grading schemes and highlights how different these are, not only in the features considered for defining a given grade but also in their wording of a given variable seen in the grade in question. Rather than being fully comprehensive, the review aims to illustrate the inconsistencies. Reproducibility studies on grading mostly suggestive of moderate agreement on DCIS differentiation are also illustrated. The need for a well structured, more uniform and widely accepted language for grading DCIS is urged to avoid misunderstanding based misclassifications and improper treatment selection.
Models and hierarchical methodologies for evaluating solar energy availability under different sky conditions toward enhancing concentrating solar collectors use: Texas as a case study
Authors: Al-Aboosi Fadhil Y. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe precise estimation of solar radiation data is substantial in the long-term evaluation for the techno-economic performance of solar energy conversion systems (e.g., concentrated solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic plants) for each site around the world, particularly, direct normal irradiance which is utilized commonly in designing solar concentrated collectors. However, the lack of direct normal irradiance data comparing to global and diffuse horizontal irradiance data and the high cost of measurement equipment represent significant challenges for exploiting and managing solar energy. Consequently, this study was performed to develop two hierarchical methodologies by using various models, empirical correlations and regression equations to estimate hourly solar irradiance data for various worldwide locations (using new correlation coefficients) and different sky conditions (using cloud cover range). Additionally, the preliminary assessment for the potential of solar energy in the selected region was carried out by developing a comprehensive analysis for the solar irradiance data and the clearness index to make a proper decision for the capability of utilizing solar energy technologies. A case study for the San Antonio region in Texas was selected to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed methodologies for estimating hourly direct normal irradiance and monthly average hourly direct normal irradiance data at this region. The estimated data show a good accuracy comparing with measured solar data by using locally adjusted coefficients and different statistical indicators. Furthermore, the obtained results show that the selected region is unequivocally amenable to harnessing solar energy as the prime source of energy by utilizing concentrating and non-concentrating solar energy systems.
Association between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Andrews Shea J. , Goate Alison , Anstey Kaarin J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionObservational studies have suggested that light‐to‐moderate alcohol consumption decreases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, but it is unclear if this association is causal.MethodsTwo‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to examine whether alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, or Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores were causally associated with the risk of Late‐Onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) or Alzheimer's disease age of onset survival (AAOS). Additionally, γ‐glutamyltransferase levels were included as a positive control.ResultsThere was no evidence of a causal association between alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, or AUDIT, and LOAD. Alcohol consumption was associated with an earlier AAOS and increased γ‐glutamyltransferase blood concentrations. Alcohol dependence was associated with a delayed AAOS.DiscussionMR found robust evidence of a causal association between alcohol consumption and an earlier AAOS, but not alcohol intake and LOAD risk. The protective effect of alcohol dependence is potentially due to survivor bias.
Real‐world evidence in Alzheimer's disease: The ROADMAP Data Cube
Authors: Janssen Olin , Vos Stephanie J. B. , García‐Negredo Glòria , Tochel Claire , Gustavsson Anders , Smith Michael , Ly Amanda , Nelson Mia , Baldwin Helen , Sudlow Catherine , Bexelius Christin , Jindra Christoph , Vaci Nemanja , Bauermeister Sarah , Gallacher John , Ponjoan Anna , Dufouil Carole , Garre Olmo Josep , Pedersen Lars , Skoog Ingmar , Hottgenroth Antje , Visser Pieter Jelle , van der Lei Johan , Diaz Carlos 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe ROADMAP project aimed to provide an integrated overview of European real‐world data on Alzheimer's disease (AD) across the disease spectrum.MethodsMetadata were identified from data sources in catalogs of European AD projects. Priority outcomes for different stakeholders were identified through systematic literature review, patient and public consultations, and stakeholder surveys.ResultsInformation about 66 data sources and 13 outcome domains were integrated into a Data Cube. Gap analysis identified cognitive ability, functional ability/independence, behavioral/neuropsychiatric symptoms, treatment, comorbidities, and mortality as the outcomes collected most. Data were most lacking in caregiver‐related outcomes. In general, electronic health records covered a broader, less detailed data spectrum than research cohorts.DiscussionThis integrated real‐world AD data overview provides an intuitive visual model that facilitates initial assessment and identification of gaps in relevant outcomes data to inform future prospective data collection and matching of data sources and outcomes against research protocols.
Black Sun Rising: Political Opportunity Structure Perceptions and Institutionalization of the Azov Movement in Post-Euromaidan Ukraine
Authors: Gomza Ivan , Zajaczkowski Johann 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article explores the rise of the Azov movement and explains the process through the political opportunity structure theory. We argue that a loosely coherent winning coalition of the post-Euromaidan ruling elites enabled Azov’s participation in conventional politics. As a result, Azov launched the ongoing institutionalization process which is largely responsible for Azov’s success as compared to other far-right movements. We show that two movement entrepreneurs’ profiles, namelypolitical activistandradical, dominated the Azov leadership structure and managed to promote their strategic vision on cooperation with state officials effectively combined with contentious action. We find thatpolitical activistentrepreneurs tend to push institutionalization alongside particular institutionalization axes, namely adaptability, reification, and systemness, whereasradicalentrepreneurs are responsible for Azov’s transformation into an intense policy demander.
Intra-individual and inter-individual variations in iodine intake and excretion in adult women: implications for sampling
Authors: Chen Wen , Gao Shu , Guo Wenxing , Tan Long , Pan Ziyun , Dong Shuyao , Jin Ya , Zhang Ying , Zhang Wanqi , Shen Jun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIodine intake and excretion vary widely; however, these variations remain a large source of geometric uncertainty. The present study aims to analyse variations in iodine intake and excretion and provide implications for sampling in studies of individuals or populations. Twenty-four healthy women volunteers were recruited for a 12-d sampling period during the 4-week experiment. The duplicate-portion technique was used to measure iodine intake, while 24-h urine was collected to estimate iodine excretion. The mean intra-individual variations in iodine intake, 24-h UIE (24-h urinary iodine excretion) and 24-h UIC (24-h urinary iodine concentration) were 63, 48 and 55 %, respectively, while the inter-individual variations for these parameters were 14, 24 and 32 %, respectively. For 95 % confidence, approximately 500 diet samples or 24-h urine samples should be taken from an individual to estimate their iodine intake or iodine status at a precision range of ±5%. Obtaining a precision range of ±5% in a population would require twenty-five diet samples or 150 24-h urine samples. The intra-individual variations in iodine intake and excretion were higher than the inter-individual variations, which indicates the need for more samples in a study on individual participants.
Making interaction with virtual reality accessible: rendering and guiding methods for subtitles
Authors: Agulló Belén , Montagud Mario , Fraile Isaac 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAccessibility in immersive media is a relevant research topic, still in its infancy. This article explores the appropriateness of two rendering modes (fixed-positioned and always-visible) and two guiding methods (arrows and auto-positioning) for subtitles in 360° video. All considered conditions have been implemented and integrated in an end-to-end platform (from production to consumption) for their validation and evaluation. A pilot study with end users has been conducted with the goals of determining the preferred options by users, the options that result in a higher presence, and of gathering extra valuable feedback from the end users. The obtained results reflect that, for the considered 360° content types, always-visible subtitles were more preferred by end users and received better results in the presence questionnaire than the fixed-positioned subtitles. Regarding guiding methods, participants preferred arrows over auto-positioning because arrows were considered more intuitive and easier to follow and reported better results in the presence questionnaire.
Comprehension and acceptance of the Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy with a Puerto Rican patient diagnosed with advanced cancer: A case study
Authors: Torres-Blasco Normarie , Castro Eida , Crespo-Martín Iris , Gonzalez Karina , Ramirez Emely Perez , Garduño Olga , Costas-Muñiz Rosario 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMeaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) is a structured psychotherapeutic intervention that aims to improve existential and spiritual well-being in patients with advanced cancer. To validate it, several efficacy studies with predominantly non-Hispanic white patients have been done. Puerto Ricans residing on the island are a largely overlooked segment of the US Latinx population. They have a strong national identity and are embedded in a collectivist culture which shares the Spanish language, cultural traditions, and an emphasis on familism, a cultural factor that values the role of the family in ensuring the well-being of its members.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to present a case study focused on a Puerto Rican advanced cancer patient who underwent MCP to assess the comprehension and acceptance of the MCP intervention.MethodWe used a mixed-methods study design that included the taking of ethnographic notes, and pre- and post-test assessments of the scores the patient received on all the measures (using validated scales). The ethnographic notes were analyzed to determine the participant's comprehension and acceptance of the MCP intervention. Content analysis was performed on the ethnographic notes by three independent coders using a deductive coding approach. Pre- and post-interview assessments were conducted to explore changes in distress, spiritual well-being, and self-perceived quality of life.ResultsA Latino patient with stage III cancer, low income, and low literacy skills showed low comprehension of the concepts of meaning, the finite, legacy, and moderate comprehension and acceptance of the concepts of the search for hope, purpose in life, connecting with life, courage, life's limitations, and sources of meaning. However, the patient showed high comprehension of death and dying (i.e., meaningful death). The patient showed low acceptance of death and dying concepts and high acceptance of the integration of family members into the therapy.Significance of ResultsAdditional studies are needed to address cultural themes and to improve the comprehensibility and acceptance of the manual's content and the central MCP concepts. The findings suggest that MCP has the potential of being a feasible form of psychotherapy for Latinx patients suffering from distress, low spiritual well-being, and low self-perceived QOL.
A New Engineering Model of Lightning M Component That Reproduces Its Electric Field Waveforms at Both Close and Far Distances
Authors: Azadifar Mohammad , Rubinstein Marcos , Li Quanxin , Rachidi Farhad , Rakov Vladimir 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe present a new engineering model for the M component mode of charge transfer to ground that can predict the observed electric field signatures associated with this process at various distances, including (a) the microsecond‐scale pulse thought to be due to the junction of in‐cloud leaders and the grounded, current‐carrying channel and (b) the ensuing slow, millisecond‐scale pulse due to the M component proper occurring below the junction point. We examine the features of 13 microsecond‐scale, fast electric field pulses associated with M component processes in upward negative lightning initiated from the Säntis Tower and recorded 14.7 km from it. Eleven out of the 13 pulses were found to be unipolar with pulse widths in the range of 9.8 to 35 μs, and the other two were bipolar. To model the process that gives rise to microsecond‐scale pulses, we hypothesize that the current pulses propagating away from the junction point along the main lightning channel (below the junction point) and along the feeding in‐cloud leader channel (branch) carry the same amount of charge. We further assume that the pulse traversing the branch is similar to a subsequent return‐stroke (RS) pulse. In the model, the RS‐like process is represented by the MTLE model. The millisecond‐scale field signature that follows the initial fast pulse in M components at close distances is simulated in our model using the guided‐wave M component model. The proposed model successfully reproduces the vertical electric field waveforms associated with M‐component processes in upward lightning flashes initiated from the Säntis Tower at 14.7‐km distance from the lightning channel, in which both the fast, microsecond‐scale and the following slower, millisecond‐scale pulses were observed. The model also reasonably reproduces the known features of electric field signatures at close distances (up to 5 km), where the amplitude of the millisecond‐scale hook‐like pulse is much larger than that of the microsecond‐scale pulse, and at far distances (of the order of 100 km), where the microsecond‐scale pulses are dominant.
Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor mediates the responses of endothelial cells to fluid shear stress
Authors: Chung Jihwa , Kim Kyoung Hwa , An Shung Hyun , Lee Sunmi , Lim Byung-Kwan , Kang Sang Won , Kwon Kihwan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEndothelial mechanotransduction by fluid shear stress (FSS) modulates endothelial function and vascular pathophysiology through mechanosensors on the cell membrane. The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is not only a viral receptor but also a component of tight junctions and plays an important role in tissue homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate the expression, regulatory mechanism, and role of CAR in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) under FSS conditions. Disturbed flow increased, whereas unidirectional laminar shear stress (LSS) decreased, CAR expression in ECs through the Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) axis. Deletion of CAR reduced the expression of proinflammatory genes and endothelial inflammation induced by disturbed flow via the suppression of NF-κB activation. Consistently, disturbed flow-induced atherosclerosis was reduced in EC-specific CAR KO mice. CAR was found to be involved in endothelial mechanotransduction through the regulation of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that endothelial CAR is regulated by FSS and that this regulated CAR acts as an important modulator of endothelial mechanotransduction by FSS.
A cell-free biosynthesis platform for modular construction of protein glycosylation pathways
Authors: Kightlinger Weston , Duncker Katherine E. , Ramesh Ashvita , Thames Ariel H. , Natarajan Aravind , Stark Jessica C. , Yang Allen , Lin Liang , Mrksich Milan , DeLisa Matthew P. , Jewett Michael C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGlycosylation plays important roles in cellular function and endows protein therapeutics with beneficial properties. However, constructing biosynthetic pathways to study and engineer precise glycan structures on proteins remains a bottleneck. Here, we report a modular, versatile cell-free platform for glycosylation pathway assembly by rapid in vitro mixing and expression (GlycoPRIME). In GlycoPRIME, glycosylation pathways are assembled by mixing-and-matching cell-free synthesized glycosyltransferases that can elaborate a glucose primer installed onto protein targets by an N-glycosyltransferase. We demonstrate GlycoPRIME by constructing 37 putative protein glycosylation pathways, creating 23 unique glycan motifs, 18 of which have not yet been synthesized on proteins. We use selected pathways to synthesize a protein vaccine candidate with an α-galactose adjuvant motif in a one-pot cell-free system and human antibody constant regions with minimal sialic acid motifs in glycoengineered Escherichia coli. We anticipate that these methods and pathways will facilitate glycoscience and make possible new glycoengineering applications.
Thyroid hormone induces progression and invasiveness of squamous cell carcinomas by promoting a ZEB-1/E-cadherin switch
Authors: Miro Caterina , Di Cicco Emery , Ambrosio Raffaele , Mancino Giuseppina , Di Girolamo Daniela , Cicatiello Annunziata Gaetana , Sagliocchi Serena , Nappi Annarita , De Stefano Maria Angela , Luongo Cristina , Antonini Dario , Visconte Feliciano , Varricchio Silvia , Ilardi Gennaro , Del Vecchio Luigi , Staibano Stefania , Boelen Anita , Blanpain Cedric , Missero Caterina , Salvatore Domenico , Dentice Monica 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEpithelial tumor progression often involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We report that increased intracellular levels of thyroid hormone (TH) promote the EMT and malignant evolution of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. TH induces the EMT by transcriptionally up-regulating ZEB-1, mesenchymal genes and metalloproteases and suppresses E-cadherin expression. Accordingly, in human SCC, elevated D2 (the T3-producing enzyme) correlates with tumor grade and is associated with an increased risk of postsurgical relapse and shorter disease-free survival. These data provide the first in vivo demonstration that TH and its activating enzyme, D2, play an effective role not only in the EMT but also in the entire neoplastic cascade starting from tumor formation up to metastatic transformation, and supports the concept that TH is an EMT promoter. Our studies indicate that tumor progression relies on precise T3 availability, suggesting that pharmacological inactivation of D2 and TH signaling may suppress the metastatic proclivity of SCC.
Analysis of polarimetric satellite measurements suggests stronger cooling due to aerosol-cloud interactions
Authors: Hasekamp Otto P. , Gryspeerdt Edward , Quaas Johannes 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAnthropogenic aerosol emissions lead to an increase in the amount of cloud condensation nuclei and consequently an increase in cloud droplet number concentration and cloud albedo. The corresponding negative radiative forcing due to aerosol cloud interactions (RF$${}_{{\rm{aci}}}$$aci) is one of the most uncertain radiative forcing terms as reported in the 5th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Here we show that previous observation-based studies underestimate aerosol-cloud interactions because they used measurements of aerosol optical properties that are not directly related to cloud formation and are hampered by measurement uncertainties. We have overcome this problem by the use of new polarimetric satellite retrievals of the relevant aerosol properties (aerosol number, size, shape). The resulting estimate of RF$${}_{{\rm{aci}}}$$aci = −1.14 Wm$${}^{{\rm{-2}}}$$-2 (range between −0.84 and −1.72 Wm$${}^{{\rm{-2}}}$$-2) is more than a factor 2 stronger than the IPCC estimate that includes also other aerosol induced changes in cloud properties.
Unraveling cis and trans regulatory evolution during cotton domestication
Authors: Bao Ying , Hu Guanjing , Grover Corrinne E. , Conover Justin , Yuan Daojun , Wendel Jonathan F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCisandtransregulatory divergence underlies phenotypic and evolutionary diversification. Relatively little is understood about the complexity of regulatory evolution accompanying crop domestication, particularly for polyploid plants. Here, we compare the fiber transcriptomes between wild and domesticated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and their reciprocal F1hybrids, revealing genome-wide (~15%) and often compensatorycisandtransregulatory changes under divergence and domestication. The high level oftransevolution (54%–64%) observed is likely enabled by genomic redundancy following polyploidy. Our results reveal that regulatory variation is significantly associated with sequence evolution, inheritance of parental expression patterns, co-expression gene network properties, and genomic loci responsible for domestication traits. With respect to regulatory evolution, the two subgenomes of allotetraploid cotton are often uncoupled. Overall, our work underscores the complexity of regulatory evolution during fiber domestication and may facilitate new approaches for improving cotton and other polyploid plants.