bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoamino oxidase alleles correlate with the presence of essential hypertension among hypogonadic patients
Authors: Royo José Luis , Castellano‐Castillo Daniel , Ruiz‐Galdon Maximiliano , Molina‐Vega María , Cardona Fernando , Tinahones Francisco J. , Fernández‐García José C. , Reyes‐Engel Armando 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMonoamine oxidase (MAO) activity has been traditionally implicated in blood pressure through its effects on biogenic amine levels such as catecholamines, serotonin, and dopamine. Nowadays, this role is considered relegated to side‐effects such as orthostatic hypotension and/or hypertensive crisis derived from MAO‐inhibitory treatments in patients with psychiatric disease.MethodsIn the present work we have found an association between a polymorphic variant of MAOB gene and arterial hypertension in obese hypogonadic patients. The study cases comprised a series of 219 nondiabetic males with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and aged <45 years. Hypogonadism was defined as subnormal testosterone concentrations, when free testosterone values ranged <65 pg/ml.ResultsMAOB rs3027452‐A allele carriers were significantly over‐represented among hypertensive (HT) patients (25.49%) in comparison to either the non‐HT patients (10%, OR = 3.079 CI95 [1.364–6.952], p = .005, Chi‐square test) and the control population series of nonobese nor hypogonadic males (also 10%, p = .003 Chi‐square test). Upon adjusted, an independent association was shown with the hypogonadic group with hypertension when compared with nonhypertensive hypogonadics (Beta = 3.653, p = .005). When quantitative analysis was performed, hypertensive patients harboring rs3027452‐A allele showed higher systolic blood pressure values (p = .038, Mann–Whitney U‐test) as well as an increased Systolic‐Diastolic range despite following HT treatment (∆mmHg 54 vs. 48 for rs3027452‐A and rs3027452‐G respectively, p‐value .019, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Previous studies on MAOB revealed that rs3027452‐A allele has been correlated to a lower activity of the enzyme, what gives a functional evidence over our observation.ConclusionIf this result could be extrapolated to other hypertensive patient groups, it would implicate a review of the markers and therapeutic targets on human hypertension.
Dental caries and intentional dental modification in a skeletal sample of enslaved Africans from Lagos, Portugal (15th–17th centuries)
Authors: Wasterlain Sofia N. , Rufino Ana Isabel , Ferreira Maria Teresa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn 2009, a salvage archaeological excavation in Valle da Gafaria (Lagos, Portugal) brought to light the skeletal remains of 158 African enslaved individuals (15th–17th centuries), from which several presented intentional dental modifications on their anterior dentition. Although this cultural practice may be related to rites of passage, differential status, group identification, mourning, or embellishment, it is not exempt from risk. Among the possible consequences are pulp necrosis, dental caries in the modified surface, loss of masticatory function, and dental enamel hypoplasia in the permanent teeth. A previous study in the Lagos collection already confirmed that anterior modified teeth were significantly more affected by periapical lesions (9.3%) than unmodified teeth (0.4%). Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to analyse the relationship between dental caries and intentional dental modification in the Lagos sample. Eighty‐one individuals were analysed, making a total of 2,285 alveoli and 2,063 teeth (757 anterior and 1,306 posterior). Dental caries was recorded if there was a discernible, even if small, white or brown lesion in the otherwise translucent enamel, or if there was a cavity. Intentional dental modifications were recorded according to their presence and incisal angles removed. Dental caries affected 78 individuals (96.3%) and 1,072 teeth (52.0%). In all, intentional dental modifications were observed in 50 (61.7%) individuals and 203 (27.1%) anterior teeth. Modified teeth were significantly more affected by caries (84.2%) than nonmodified teeth (31.7%). Given that all modifications involved the removal of the mesial and/or distal angles of the teeth, the relationship between these alterations and the presence of caries was investigated. In fact, when modified, mesial and distal contact areas were significantly more affected by caries, although mostly noncavitated, supporting the hypothesis that this cultural practice turns teeth more prone to dental caries.
The differences and the relationship between demoralization and depression in Chinese cancer patients
Authors: Tang Lili , Li Zimeng , Pang Ying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundBoth demoralization and depression are common forms of psychological distress in cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the severity of demoralization in Chinese cancer patients and to explore the factors influencing depression and demoralization and their effects on quality of life to better understand the differences and the relationship between demoralization and depression.MethodsCross‐sectional study design, in‐patients sequentially recruited from a tertiary‐level cancer hospital in Beijing between January 2016 and April 2016 completed Mandarin version of Demoralization Scale (DS‐MV), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Revised Life Orientation Test (CLOT‐R), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and the 12‐items Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF‐12 V2) and provided socio‐demographic and clinical information.Results296/424 (70.0%) of patients completed questionnaires. The mean score of DS is 30.4 (SD = 13.0). There are 28% (83/296) patients who experienced a low level of depression but a high level of demoralization. Resignation medical coping method (b = 0.279, P < .001), hopelessness (b = 0.492, P < .001), positive life orientation (b = −0.170, P < .001), and education level (b = −0.132, P < .001) were found to be predictors of demoralization, while only resignation medical coping method (b = 0.373, P < .001) and hopelessness (b = 0.350, P < .001) were found to be predictors of depression. Depression is a mediator between demoralization and physical aspects of quality of life (γ = −0.1604, LLCI = −0.244, ULCI = −0.080).ConclusionDemoralization is a prevalent psychiatric problem in Chinese cancer patients, and a large proportion of patients had low depression but high demoralization. Therefore, screening for demoralization in Chinese oncology practice is essential. A positive life orientation was found to be protective against demoralization.
Increased Arctic influence on the midlatitude flow during Scandinavian Blocking episodes
Authors: Day Jonathan J. , Sandu Irina , Magnusson Linus , Rodwell Mark J. , Lawrence Heather , Bormann Niels , Jung Thomas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that Arctic teleconnections affect the weather of the midlatitudes on time‐scales relevant for medium‐range weather forecasting. In this study, we use several numerical experimentation approaches with a state‐of‐the‐art global operational numerical weather prediction system to investigate this idea further. Focusing on boreal winter, we investigate whether the influence of the Arctic on midlatitude weather, and the impact of the current Arctic observing system on the skill of medium‐range weather forecasts in the midlatitudes is more pronounced in certain flow regimes. Using so‐called Observing System Experiments, we demonstrate that removing in situ or satellite observations from the data assimilation system, used to create the initial conditions for the forecasts, deteriorates midlatitude synoptic forecast skill in the medium‐range, particularly over northern Asia. This deterioration is largest during Scandinavian Blocking episodes, during which: (a) error growth is enhanced in the European‐Arctic, as a result of increased baroclinicity in the region, and (b) high‐amplitude planetary waves allow errors to propagate from the Arctic into midlatitudes. The important role played by Scandinavian Blocking, in modulating the influence of the Arctic on midlatitudes, is also corroborated in relaxation experiments, and through a diagnostic analysis of the ERA5 reanalysis and reforecasts.
Strategies for Developing CRISPR‐Based Gene Editing Methods in Bacteria
Authors: Wu Zhaowei , Wang Yujue , Zhang Yifei , Chen Weizhong , Wang Yu , Ji Quanjiang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGene editing is a fundamental technique for the identification of the linkages from genetic determinants to significant biological phenotypes, and the engineering of industrial strains to produce fine chemicals. Recently, the primitive bacterial immunity systems, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐Cas systems, have been engineered as programmable nucleases to deliver double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at user‐defined loci. The DSB is repaired via either homology‐direct repair or the non‐homologous end joining pathway, generating a mutant in various organisms, and leading a revolution in the field of gene editing. This paper reviews the structural and molecular details of CRISPR‐Cas systems, describing their applications and challenges of genome targeting in bacterial cells. Moreover, the DSB repair pathways in bacteria are summarized and a guideline for selecting repair machines and maximizing the recombination efficiency is presented. In addition, the plasmid curing approaches in bacteria are outlined for iterative gene editing or downstream biological applications. Furthermore, CRISPR‐based transcriptional regulation, base editing, and transposition are also introduced. Finally, this paper prospects the future directions for improving CRISPR‐based gene editing methods in bacteria.
A quantitative and statistical discrimination of morphotaxa within the Ediacaran genus Palaeopascichnus
Authors: Hawco Jessica B. , Kenchington Charlotte G. , McIlroy Duncan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe palaeopascichnids are a relatively abundant component of the Ediacara biota. The eponymous Palaeopascichnus delicatus consists of serially arranged, millimetre‐scale allantoid chambers that have variously been interpreted as evidence of movement, feeding traces, and body fossils of various affinities. Palaeopascichnus has most recently been compared to the deep‐marine Xenophyophora, an extant group of large, benthic protists characterized by their greater size and possession of stercomata within their cells. The morphometric variation in palaeopascichnids is assessed using material from the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada. The application of quantitative morphological analysis to the study of over 90 well‐preserved specimens of Palaeopascichnus demonstrates considerable variation in chamber shape and size, and in behaviour along the chamber series. The combination of morphometric and multivariate statistical analysis allows the recognition of natural groups within the dataset, thereby demonstrating variability within and between morphospecies. Morphological comparisons of fossil palaeopascichnids with fossil and extant protistan taxa support the proposed protistan affinity of Palaeopascichnus, allowing further resolution regarding the diversity and disparity within this prominent element of the later Ediacara biotas of Gondwana and Baltica.
Trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals and potential vectors at the Brasilia Zoo, Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Reis Filipe C. , Minuzzi‐Souza Thaís T. C. , Neiva Mariana , Timbó Renata V. , de Morais Igor O. B. , de Lima Thiago M. , Hecht Mariana , Nitz Nadjar , Gurgel‐Gonçalves Rodrigo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundConservation projects in zoos may involve translocation of captive animals, which may lead to pathogen spread. Neotropical mammals are important hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. the etiological agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis respectively. Studies of trypanosomatid‐infected mammals and vectors (triatomines and sandflies) in zoos are important for the establishment of surveillance and control measures.ObjectivesWe investigated trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals, triatomines and sandflies at the Brasília Zoo.MethodsWe collected triatomines during active bimonthly surveys, sampled sandflies using light‐traps and obtained blood samples from 74 mammals between 2016 and 2017. We used quantitative PCR to detect trypanosomatids in vectors and mammals.ResultsWe found a colony of 19 Panstrongylus megistus in the porcupine unit and detected T. cruzi infections in five bugs. We captured 17 sandflies of four species including Nyssomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis, but no Leishmania infection was detected. qPCR detected 50 T. cruzi‐infected mammals belonging to 24 species and five groups of mammals (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pilosa and Primates); Leishmania DNA was detected in 23 mammals from 15 species, mainly carnivores. We detected trypanosomatid infections in 11 mammals born at the Brasília Zoo.ConclusionsOur results suggest vector‐borne transmission of T. cruzi among maned wolves; measures to reduce the risk of new infections should therefore be taken. We also report sandfly presence and Leishmania‐infected mammals at the Brasília Zoo. Translocation of wild mammals in and out of the Brasília Zoo should consider the risk of T. cruzi and Leishmania spread.
Pointwise and Uniform Convergence of Fourier Extensions
Authors: Webb Marcus , Coppé Vincent , Huybrechs Daan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFourier series approximations of continuous but nonperiodic functions on an interval suffer the Gibbs phenomenon, which means there is a permanent oscillatory overshoot in the neighborhoods of the endpoints. Fourier extensions circumvent this issue by approximating the function using a Fourier series that is periodic on a larger interval. Previous results on the convergence of Fourier extensions have focused on the error in the $$L^2$$

L
2

norm, but in this paper we analyze pointwise and uniform convergence of Fourier extensions (formulated as the best approximation in the $$L^2$$

L
2

norm). We show that the pointwise convergence of Fourier extensions is more similar to Legendre series than classical Fourier series. In particular, unlike classical Fourier series, Fourier extensions yield pointwise convergence at the endpoints of the interval. Similar to Legendre series, pointwise convergence at the endpoints is slower by an algebraic order of a half compared to that in the interior. The proof is conducted by an analysis of the associated Lebesgue function, and Jackson- and Bernstein-type theorems for Fourier extensions. Numerical experiments are provided. We conclude the paper with open questions regarding the regularized and oversampled least squares interpolation versions of Fourier extensions.
Cross-Gramian-based dominant subspaces
Authors: Benner Peter , Himpe Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA standard approach for model reduction of linear input-output systems is balanced truncation, which is based on the controllability and observability properties of the underlying system. The related dominant subspaces projection model reduction method similarly utilizes these system properties, yet instead of balancing, the associated subspaces are directly conjoined. In this work, we extend the dominant subspace approach by computation via the cross Gramian for linear systems, and describe an a-priori error indicator for this method. Furthermore, efficient computation is discussed alongside numerical examples illustrating these findings.
Introducing the pervert’s dilemma: a contribution to the critique of Deepfake Pornography
Authors: Öhman Carl 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecent technological innovation has made video doctoring increasingly accessible. This has given rise to Deepfake Pornography, an emerging phenomenon in which Deep Learning algorithms are used to superimpose a person’s face onto a pornographic video. Although to most people, Deepfake Pornography is intuitively unethical, it seems difficult to justify this intuition without simultaneously condemning other actions that we do not ordinarily find morally objectionable, such as sexual fantasies. In the present article, I refer to this contradiction as the pervert’s dilemma. I propose that the method of Levels of Abstraction, a philosophical mode of enquiry inspired by Formal Methods in computer science, can be employed to formulate at least one possible solution to the dilemma. From this perspective, the permissibility of some actions appears to depend on the degree to which they are abstracted from their natural context. I conclude that the dilemma can only be solved when considered at low levels of abstractions, when Deepfakes are situated in the macro-context of gender inequality.
Self-rated health and venous thromboembolism among middle-aged women: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Nymberg Peter , Stenman Emelie , Calling Susanna , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zöller Bengt 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common types of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and is associated with increased mortality-risk. Poor-self rated health (SHR) has been associated with elevated inflammatory markers and CVDs. However, little is known about as a predictor of incident VTE. To examine the association between self-rated health, lifestyle and incident VTE among middle-aged women. 6917 women aged 50–64 years, followed for 20 years in the Women’s Health In the Lund Area (WHILA) study. After exclusion of those who medicated with anticoagulants, were living in nursing homes or suffered from cancer, stroke, VTE or CHD before baseline, a cohort of 5626 women remained. Cox regression was used to analyse the relationship between self-rated health and time to VTE, censored for any of the previous mentioned diseases during follow-up. Data were collected by questionnaires, physical examinations and Swedish registers. In total, 220 women were affected by VTE corresponding to an incidence rate of 3.9 per 1000 person-years. Adjustment for self-rated health did not significantly predict incident VTE, and neither did any of the lifestyle-related habits (e.g. physical activity and dietary habits including alcohol consumption), besides smoking. This study supports previous results with varicose veins and waist circumference as strong predictors of VTE. Poor self-rated health does not seem to be a valid predictor of VTE. Among lifestyle-related parameters, smoking was significantly associated with risk of VTE. We could also confirm the effect of the other already known risk factors.
Recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer's disease research: A systematic review
Authors: Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea L. , Jin Yuanyuan , Gleason Carey , Flowers‐Benton Susan , Block Laura M. , Dilworth‐Anderson Peggye , Barnes Lisa L. , Shah Manish N. , Zuelsdorff Megan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionAlzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged adults. Yet, these populations are significantly underrepresented in research.MethodsWe systematically reviewed the literature for published reports describing recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in ADRD research or underrepresented participants' perspectives regarding ADRD research participation. Relevant evidence was synthesized and evaluated for quality.ResultsWe identified 22 eligible studies. Seven studies focused on recruitment/retention approaches, all of which included multifaceted efforts and at least one community outreach component. There was considerable heterogeneity in approaches used, specific activities and strategies, outcome measurement, and conclusions regarding effectiveness. Despite limited use of prospective evaluation strategies, most authors reported improvements in diverse representation in ADRD cohorts. Studies evaluating participant views focused largely on predetermined explanations of participation including attitudes, barriers/facilitators, education, trust, and religiosity. Across all studies, the strength of evidence was low.DiscussionOverall, the quantity and quality of available evidence to inform best practices in recruitment, retention, and inclusion of underrepresented populations in ADRD research are low. Further efforts to systematically evaluate the success of existing and emergent approaches will require improved methodological standards and uniform measures for evaluating recruitment, participation, and inclusivity.
Treading water: why organisations are making no progress on cyber security
Authors: Aleem Azeem 
Published: November 2019

Business leaders are acutely aware of the importance of cyber security and recognise the pressing need to address it, according to a recent report. 1 However, many of the organisations surveyed as part of the research are failing to make any headway in their efforts to protect their data, infrastructure, assets, people and customers from cyber attacks.
VVV analysis of star clusters towards the W 31 star-forming complex
Authors: Bianchin M. , Lima E. F. , Bica E. , Riffel R. A. , Bonatto C. , Saito R. K. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The giant Hii region W 31 hosts the populous star cluster W 31-CL and others projected on or in the surroundings. The most intriguing object is the stellar cluster SGR 1806-20, which appears to be related to a Luminous Blue Variable (LBV)—a luminous supergiant star. We used the deep VVV J-, H-, and

$K_S$

-band photometry combined with 2MASS data in order to address the distance and other physical and structural properties of the clusters W 31-CL, BDS 113, and SGR 1806-20. Field-decontaminated photometry was used to analyse colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and stellar radial density profiles, using procedures that our group has developed and employed in previous studies. We conclude that the clusters W 31-CL and BDS 113 are located at 4.5 and 4.8 kpc and have ages of 0.5 and 1 Myr, respectively. This result, together with the pre-main sequence distribution in the CMD, characterises them as members of the W 31 complex. The present photometry detects the stellar content, addressed in previous spectroscopic classifications, in the direction of the cluster SGR 1806-20, including the LBV, Wolf–Rayet, and foreground stars. We derive an age of

$10\pm4\,\text{Myr}$

and a distance of

$d_{\odot}=8.0\pm1.95\,\text{kpc}$

. The cluster is extremely absorbed, with

$A_V=25\,\text{mag}$

. The present results indicate that SGR 1806-20 is more distant by a factor 1.8 with respect to the W 31 complex, and thus not physically related to it.
Anomalous > 2000‐Year‐Old Surface Ocean Radiocarbon Age as Evidence for Deglacial Geologic Carbon Release
Authors: Rafter Patrick A. , Carriquiry José D. , Herguera Juan‐Carlos , Hain Mathis P. , Solomon Evan A. , Southon John R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGeologic carbon from seafloor volcanism may influence late Pleistocene glacial terminations by increasing the global inventory of the greenhouse gas CO2. However, the evidence for geologic carbon flux associated with deep sea volcanism has been, so far, equivocal. Here, we construct a regional, glacial‐deglacial carbon budget of the volcanically active Gulf of California using microfossil 14C measurements and find results consistent with an increased addition of geologic carbon related to local seafloor volcanism during the deglaciation. Our estimates point to enhanced geologic carbon flux both before and during the last deglaciation that generally occur alongside carbonate preservation. This leads us to suggest that the carbon was added in the form of partially neutralized, 14C‐free bicarbonate associated with known Gulf sedimentary processes—a carbon source that would have a minimal effect on atmospheric CO2.