bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward organic cosmetics: A cross‐sectional population‐based survey from the Middle East
Authors: Kaliyadan Feroze , Al Dhafiri Mahdi , Aatif Mohammad 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe exponential increase in the market for cosmetics has been accompanied by an increasing demand for organic cosmetics. However, this demand and awareness of organic cosmetics and awareness of its relation to environmental sustainability is likely to vary according to the geographical region. The available literature related to the subject is sparse in our region.ObjectiveTo study the attitudes, awareness, and practices related to organic cosmetics in our population.MethodsA cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted among a population of Saudi adult females (18‐50 years). An electronic questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Statistics included percentages and chi‐square test was used to compare between groups, with a P value < 0.05 taken as significant.ResultsOut of a total of 413 respondents, 278 (67.3%) agreed/strongly agreed that ingredients in cosmetics need to be environment friendly, but only 193 (46.7%) regularly checked ingredient details before use. 338 subjects (81.8%) agreed/agreed strongly that cosmetics with organic ingredients were better for the environment and 233 (56.4%) agreed/strongly agreed that they would prefer using cosmetics with organic ingredients; however, only 199 (48.1%) were willing to pay extra for these cosmetics. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to the level of education. Regarding the willingness to pay more for organic cosmetics, the consensus was higher in younger respondents.ConclusionThere was a high level of awareness in our study about organic cosmetics and their environmental implications. Although organic cosmetics were preferred by the majority, cost appeared to be a factor impeding actual use. Younger respondents were more likely to prefer organic cosmetics.
Affinity‐based proteomics reveals novel targets of inositol pyrophosphate (5‐IP7)‐dependent phosphorylation and binding in Trypanosomacruzi replicative stages
Authors: Mantilla Brian S. , Kalesh Karunakaran , Brown Nathaniel W. , Fiedler Dorothea , Docampo Roberto 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDiphosphoinositol‐5‐pentakisphosphate (5‐PP‐IP5), also known as inositol heptakisphosphate (5‐IP7), has been described as a high‐energy phosphate metabolite that participates in the regulation of multiple cellular processes through protein binding or serine pyrophosphorylation, a posttranslational modification involving a β‐phosphoryl transfer. In this study, utilizing an immobilized 5‐IP7 affinity reagent, we performed pull‐down experiments coupled with mass spectrometry identification, and bioinformatic analysis, to reveal 5‐IP7‐regulated processes in the two proliferative stages of the unicellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Our protein screen clearly defined two cohorts of putative targets either in the presence of magnesium ions or in metal‐free conditions. We endogenously tagged four protein candidates and immunopurified them to assess whether 5‐IP7‐driven phosphorylation is conserved in T. cruzi. Among the most interesting targets, we identified a choline/o‐acetyltransferase domain‐containing phosphoprotein that undergoes 5‐IP7‐mediated phosphorylation events at a polyserine tract (Ser578‐580). We also identified a novel SPX domain‐containing phosphoribosyltransferase [EC 2.7.6.1] herein termed as TcPRPPS4. Our data revealed new possible functional roles of 5‐IP7 in this divergent eukaryote, and provided potential new targets for chemotherapy.
Biogenesis and discharge of the rhoptries: Key organelles for entry and hijack of host cells by the Apicomplexa
Authors: Ben Chaabene Rouaa , Lentini Gaëlle , Soldati‐Favre Dominique 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRhoptries are specialized secretory organelles found in the Apicomplexa phylum, playing a central role in the establishment of parasitism. The rhoptry content includes membranous as well as proteinaceous materials that are discharged into the host cell in a regulated fashion during parasite entry. A set of rhoptry neck proteins form a RON complex that critically participates in the moving junction formation during invasion. Some of the rhoptry bulb proteins are associated with the membranous materials and contribute to the formation of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane while others are targeted into the host cell including the nucleus to subvert cellular functions. Here, we review the recent studies on Toxoplasma and Plasmodium parasites that shed light on the key steps leading to rhoptry biogenesis, trafficking, and discharge.
Local conditions and the demand for independence: A dataset of secessionist grievances
Authors: Griffiths Ryan D. , Martinez Angely 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThere are more than 60 secessionist movements around the world, and they all advance arguments for why they deserve independence. These include a history of conflict with the state, illegal occupation and the democratic right to choose independence, among others. Yet no one has conducted a comparative analysis to see how these claims stack up and examined whether some movements actually deserve independence more than others. In this article, we construct a dataset of secessionist grievances. We develop a set of grievance indicators, we specify how they are operationalized and we detail how the grievances are categorized and aggregated. We then tally the results for each contemporary movement and discuss the broader patterns. Our findings show that the secessionist movements with the highest combined scores are, in order, the Saharawis, Palestinians, Tamils, Kachins and Cabindans. The nations with the lowest scores are the Scots and the Faroese.
Functional characterization of ATF1, GREM2 AND WNT10B variants associated with tooth agenesis
Authors: Williams Meredith , Zeng Yu , Chiquet Brett , Jacob Helder , Kurtis Kasper Fred , Harrington Daniel A. , English Jeryl , Akyalcin Sercan , Letra Ariadne 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the functional effects of ATF1, WNT10B and GREM2 gene variants identified in individuals with tooth agenesis (TA).Settings and sample populationStem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) were used as an in vitro model system to test the effect of TA‐associated variants.Materials and methodsPlasmid constructs containing reference and mutant alleles for ATF1 rs11169552, WNT10B rs833843 and GREM2 rs1414655 variants were transfected into SHED for functional characterization of variants. Allele‐specific changes in gene transcription activity, protein expression, cell migration and proliferation, and expression of additional tooth development genes (MSX1, PAX9 and AXIN2) were evaluated. Data analyses were performed using Student's t‐test. P‐values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsMutant variants resulted in significantly decreased transcriptional activity of respective genes (P < 0.05), although no changes in protein localization were noted. Expression of MSX1 was significantly decreased in ATF1‐ and GREM2‐mutant cells, whereas PAX9 or AXIN2 mRNA expression was not significantly altered. Mutant WNT10B had no significant effect on the expression of additional TA genes. ATF1‐ and GREM2‐mutant cells presented increased cell migration. Cell proliferation was also affected with all three mutant alleles.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that ATF1, WNT10B and GREM2 mutant alleles have modulatory effects on gene/protein function that may contribute to TA.
Relationships among environmental pollution, energy use and economic growth: a global perspective
Authors: Ashraf Sania , Raja Sekar T , Abraham Jaya 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study examines the relationships between the environmental pollution, energy use and economic growth of countries around the world using secondary sources of 44 countries collected from the World Energy Outlook 2019. Cointegration tests with sophisticated econometric panel models and autoregressive distributed lag models were used to measure the relationship between the above variables ranging from 1990 to 2018. Our study’s empirical model finds that high energy usage improves a country’s economic position but at the cost of environmental pollution (carbon dioxide emissions). It also observes that countries in the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and North and Latin American across the Pacific region support the hypothesis of an inverted N‐shaped environmental Kuznets curve. However, the situation in Asia and Africa suggests the N‐shaped environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, which indicates that these countries experience ups and downs in their environmental quality all the time and their environmental quality is substandard at any point in time. Those countries that show both long‐term and short‐term relationships among these three factors must adopt environmental safety measures such as renewable energy sources and green concepts to reduce their levels of carbon dioxide emissions and increase their environmental quality.
Partially Constrained Compliant Stages for High Resolution Imprint Lithography
Authors: Choi B. J. , Johnson S. , Sreenivasan S. V. , Colburn M. , Bailey T. , Willson C. G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper presents design of partially constrained compliant stages for high-resolution (sub 100nm) imprint lithography machines. The kinematic designs of the stages allow passive alignment of two flat surfaces and enable shear-free separation. This stage is a critical component in a new lithography process known as Step and Flash Imprint Lithography (SFIL). The orientation stage requirements are distinct from those used in traditional photolithography since the depth of focus of projection optics allows for larger errors in the alignment process. Experiments have been performed to demonstrate sub 100nm imprints on silicon substrates.
On the Degrees of Freedom of Motion of Planar-Spatial Mechanisms
Authors: Razmara N. , Kohli D. , Dhingra A. K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper addresses determination of Degrees of Freedom (DOF) in any planar, spatial, or a combined planar-spatial mechanism. The mechanisms under study may have multiple planar and/or spatial closed loops, open chains with links in series, and/or a combination of the two. It is seen that equations available in the literature to calculate the DOF of such general mechanisms with special joint arrangements such as adjacent joints with parallel and/or intersecting axes over-predict the “true” mobility of links. To overcome this difficulty, new concepts as the Degrees of Freedom of Motion (DOFM) and Degrees of Freedom of Workspace (DOFW) have been introduced. The new definition of Degrees of Freedom of Motion yields a tight upper bound on the connectivity between any two links of a mechanism containing neighboring joints with parallel and/or intersecting joint axes.
Kinematic Synthesis of Coupled Serial Chain Mechanisms for Planar Path Following Tasks Using Fourier Methods
Authors: Pang Yeow-Wei , Krovi Venkat 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Single Degree-of-freedom Coupled Serial Chain (SDCSC) mechanisms are a novel class of mechanisms that can be realized by coupling successive joint rotations of a serial chain linkage, by way of gears or cable-pulley drives. Such mechanisms combine the benefits of single degree-of-freedom design and control with the anthropomorphic workspace of serial chains. The forward kinematics equations take the form of a finite trigonometric series in terms of the input crank rotations. The proposed Fourier-based synthesis method exploits the special structure of these equations to achieve the combined number and dimensional synthesis of SDCSC mechanisms for planar path following tasks.
Efficient Workspace Generation of a Modular Variable-Geometry-Truss Manipulator
Authors: Zanganeh Kourosh E. , Sinatra Rosario 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we present an efficient method for the generation of the workspace of a modular variable-geometry-truss (VGT) manipulator, called Trussarm, using common graphical tools of computer-aided-design (CAD) and other software packages. Our proposed approach is based on a graphical convolution on the workspaces of the manipulator modules. The algorithm generates the workspace in linear time with respect to the number of modules, as opposed to the exponential time required by the brute force approach. We illustrate the application of the proposed method on the existing twelve-degree-of-freedom (12-DOF) prototype of Trussarm. However, this method is general and can be applied to other VGT and modular manipulators.
Associations between changes in adipokines and exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter in ambient air in Beijing residents with and without pre-diabetes
Authors: Chen Wu , Han Yiqun , Wang Yanwen , Chen Xi , Qiu Xinghua , Li Weiju , Yao Yuan , Zhu Tong 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveExposure to particulate matter (PM) is a risk factor to diabetes, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Adipokines play important roles in glucose metabolism. This study examined the associations between short-term exposure to ambient PM and adipokine levels and evaluated whether metabolic disorders could enhance susceptibility to PM-induced health effects.Research design and methodsIn a panel study (SCOPE, Study Comparing the Cardiometabolic and Respiratory Effects of Air Pollution Exposure on Healthy and Pre-diabetic Individuals) in Beijing, China, 60 pre-diabetic individuals and 60 healthy controls completed two to seven clinical visits. The associations between serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels and the moving average (MA) mass concentration of PM2.5and number concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFP) and accumulation-mode particles (AMP) during the 1–14 days prior to clinical visits, and the effects of metabolic disorders on any such associations, were evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model.ResultsShort-term exposure to ambient UFP and AMP was inversely associated with adipokine levels at 1–14 days prior to clinical visits. For example, each IQR increment in 1 day MA UFP exposure (6.0×103/cm3) was associated with −14.0% (95% CI −20.9%, −6.4%), −6.6% (95% CI −12.4%, −0.4%), and −8.5% (95% CI −14.5%, −2.2%) changes in adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels, respectively. There was no significant association between adipokine levels and PM2.5exposure. UFP and AMP exposure was associated with a greater decrease in adiponectin level and a weaker change in leptin level among participants with high insulin resistance levels. Glucose status did not modify PM-induced changes in adipokine levels.ConclusionHigh level of insulin resistance could aggravate the adverse metabolic impact of exposure to UFP and AMP.
Assessment of objective ocular cyclodeviation under monocular condition and binocular condition using fundus photography
Authors: Murata Noriaki , Toda Haruo , Amaki Haruna , Suzuki Kanako , Nagai Yumi , Omiya Yuna , Kurashima Tomomi , Udagawa Sachiko , Ohkubo Shinji 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveThe relationship between retinal structure and function of glaucomatous eyes has attracted a great deal of research attention. However, visual field tests are conducted under monocular condition, and ophthalmic imaging was performed in patients without occlusion. We aimed to assess the objective ocular cyclodeviation between monocular occlusion and binocular conditions using fundus photography.Methods and analysisThis study included 76 healthy participants. We obtained six photos of the right eye of each patient using fundus photography. Three of the photographs were taken under monocular conditions, and the other three, under binocular conditions. We measured the optic disc margin-fovea angle (MFA) of the line connecting one point of the disc limbus and the fovea. One-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare the angles under both conditions. We also examined the direction of ocular rotation under the binocular condition regarding the monocular condition.ResultsThe MFAs were 12.12°±3.83° and 12.19°±3.95° under the monocular and binocular conditions, respectively. There was no significant difference in both MFAs (F=1.19, p=0.28). The mean cyclodeviation was 0.07°±0.80° (range: −2.40° to +2.75°). A total of 38 eyes showed excycloduction, while another 38 showed incycloduction.ConclusionSignificant cyclodeviation did not occur regardless of the existence of an occlusion. When examining the relationship between retinal structure and function, the difference in rotation angle under both conditions need not be taken into consideration if the other disease did not cause pathological cyclodeviation.
Thigh-worn accelerometry for measuring movement and posture across the 24-hour cycle: a scoping review and expert statement
Authors: Stevens Matthew L , Gupta Nidhi , Inan Eroglu Elif , Crowley Patrick Joseph , Eroglu Barbaros , Bauman Adrian , Granat Malcolm , Straker Leon , Palm Peter , Stenholm Sari , Aadahl Mette , Mork Paul , Chastin Sebastien , Rangul Vegar , Hamer Mark , Koster Annemarie , Holtermann Andreas , Stamatakis Emmanuel 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe Prospective Physical Activity Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) is an international collaboration platform committed to harmonise thigh-worn accelerometry data. The aim of this paper is to (1) outline observational thigh-worn accelerometry studies and (2) summarise key strategic directions arising from the inaugural ProPASS meeting.Methods(1) We performed a systematic scoping review for observational studies of thigh-worn triaxial accelerometers in free-living adults (n≥100, 24 hours monitoring protocols). (2)Attendees of the inaugural ProPASS meeting were sent a survey focused on areas related to developing ProPASS: important terminology (Q1); accelerometry constructs (Q2); advantages and distinct contribution of the consortium (Q3); data pooling and harmonisation (Q4); data access and sharing (Q5 and Q6).Results(1) Eighty eligible articles were identified (22 primary studies; n~17 685). The accelerometers used most often were the ActivPAL3 and ActiGraph GT3X. The most commonly collected health outcomes were cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal. (2) None of the survey questions elicited the predefined 60% agreement. Survey responses recommended that ProPASS: use the term physical behaviour or movement behaviour rather than ‘physical activity’ for the data we are collecting (Q1); make only minor changes to ProPASS’s accelerometry construct (Q2); prioritise developing standardised protocols/tools (Q4); facilitate flexible methods of data sharing and access (Q5 and Q6).ConclusionsThigh-worn accelerometry is an emerging method of capturing movement and posture across the 24 hours cycle. In 2020, the literature is limited to 22 primary studies from high-income western countries. This work identified ProPASS’s strategic directions—indicating areas where ProPASS can most benefit the field of research: use of clear terminology, refinement of the measured construct, standardised protocols/tools and flexible data sharing.
Relativistic Friedrichs–Lee model and quark-pair creation model
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Yong , Xiao Zhiguang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present how the Friedrichs–Lee model could be extended to the relativistic scenario and be combined with the relativistic quark pair creation model in a consistent way. This scheme could be applied to study the “unquenched” effect of the meson spectra. As an example, if the lowest $$J^{PC}=0^{++}$$

J

PC

=

0

+
+

$$(u\bar{u}+d\bar{d})/\sqrt{2}$$

(
u

u

¯

+
d

d

¯

)

/

2

bound state in the potential model is coupled to the $$\pi \pi $$

π
π

continuum, two resonance poles could be found from the scattering amplitude for the continuum states. One of them could correspond to the $$f_0(500)/\sigma $$

f
0

(
500
)

/
σ

and the other probably $$f_0(1370)$$

f
0

(
1370
)

. This scheme might shed more light on why extra states could appear in the hadron spectrum other than the prediction of the quark potential model.
Evaluating Stack Splint Use for Mallet Finger
Authors: Ayhan Egemen , Kuzucu Yakup , Aslaner Emrah Efe , Tuna Zeynep 
Published: December 2020

Background: Stack splint is commonly used for mallet finger treatment but patients had a tendency to frequently remove it because of skin complications. We hypothesized that a comprehensively instructed splinting regime would increase patients’ compliance and lead to favorable outcomes with fewer skin complications. The aims of this study were to assess the patients’ compliance and to evaluate outcomes with that particular splinting regime. Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. They were instructed to wear the Stack splint for 24 hours a day every day in the first six weeks and remove it once a day for 10 minutes to vent. They were told to support distal interphalangeal joint volarly both while wearing the splint and when it was removed. Free movement of proximal interphalangeal joint within the splint was checked after each application. Following whole-day regime for 6 weeks, night splinting continued for 2 more weeks. Range of motion, skin complications, patients’ compliance and satisfaction were assessed at last follow-up. Results: There were 26 patients with a mean age of 39.8 and mean follow-up period of 6.7 months. No skin complications or proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness were reported. However, nine patients declared that they wore the splint ≤ 4 weeks, the compliance rate to our regime was 65.4% (17/26). In the 17 fully compliant patients, mean distal interphalangeal joint extension lag was 12.4 and nine of them (52.9%) were satisfied with the outcome. Conclusions: Our both hypotheses failed; comprehensive instructions for the splinting regime did not improve patients’ compliance satisfactorily, nor did it lead to favorable outcomes. Although Stack splint has practical points, we no longer use it.
CrkI and CrkII Function as Key Signaling Integrators for Migration and Invasion of Cancer Cells
Authors: Rodrigues Sonia P. , Fathers Kelly E. , Chan Gabriel , Zuo Dongmei , Halwani Fawaz , Meterissian Sarkis , Park Morag 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Crk adaptor proteins play an important role during cellular signaling by mediating the formation of protein complexes. Increased levels of Crk proteins are observed in several human cancers and overexpression of Crk in epithelial cell cultures promotes enhanced cell dispersal and invasion, implicating Crk as a regulator of invasive responses. To determine the requirement of Crk for invasive signals, we targeted the CRKI/II gene by RNA interference. Consistent knockdown of CrkI/II was observed with two small interfering RNA targeting sequences in all human cancer cell lines tested. CrkI/II knockdown resulted in a significant decrease in migration and invasion of multiple malignant breast and other human cancer cell lines (MDA-231, MDA-435s, H1299, KB, and HeLa). Moreover, CrkI/II knockdown decreased cell spreading on extracellular matrix and led to a decrease in actin stress fibers and the formation of mature focal adhesions. Using immunohistochemistry, we show elevated CrkI/II protein levels in patients with breast adenocarcinoma. Together, these studies identify Crk adaptor proteins as critical integrators of upstream signals for cell invasion and migration in human cancer cell lines and support a role for Crk in metastatic spread.