bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing Multiple Statistical Software for Multiple-Indicator, Multiple-Cause Modeling: An Application of Gender Disparity in Adult Cognitive Functioning Using MIDUS II Dataset
Authors: Chang Chi , Gardiner Joseph , Houang Richard T , Yu Yan-Liang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The Multiple-indicator, multiple-cause model (MIMIC) incorporates covariates of interest in the factor analysis is a special case of structural equation modeling (SEM), which is modeled under latent variable framework. The MIMIC model provides rigorous results and becomes broadly available in multiple statistical software. The current study introduces the MIMIC model and how it can be implemented using statistical software packages SAS CALIS procedure, R lavaan package, and Mplus version 8.0. Methods In this paper, we first discussed the formulation of the MIMIC model with regard to model specification and identification. We then demonstrated the empirical application of the MIMIC model with the Midlife in the United States II (MIDUS II) Study (N=4,109) using SAS CALIS procedure, R lavaan package and Mplus version 8.0 to examine gender disparities in cognitive functioning. The input, output, and diagram syntaxes of the three statistical software packages were also presented.Results In terms of data structure, all three statistical programs can be conducted using both raw data and empirical covariance matrix. SAS and R are comprehensive statistical analytic packages and encompass numerous data manipulation capacities. Mplus is designed primarily for latent variable modeling and has far more modeling flexibility compared to SAS and R, but limited in data manipulation. Differences in model results from the three statistical programs are trivial. Overall, the results show that while men show better performance in executive function than women, women demonstrate better episodic memory than men.Conclusions Our study demonstrates the utility of the MIMIC model in its empirical application, fitted with three popular statistical software packages. Results from our models align with empirical findings from previous research. We provide coding procedures and examples with detailed explanations in the hopes of providing a concise tutorial for researchers and methodologists interested in incorporating latent constructs with multiple indicators and multiple covariates in their research projects. Future researchers are encouraged to adopt this flexible and rigorous modeling approach.
Comparison of Out-of-pocket Expenditure and Catastrophic Health Expenditure for Severe Disease by the Health Security System: Based on End-stage Renal Disease in South Korea
Authors: Shin Sun Mi , Lee Hee Woo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Korea's health security system named the National Health Insurance and Medical Aid has revolutionized the nation's mandatory health insurance and continues to reduce excessive copayments. However, few studies have examined healthcare utilization and expenditure by the health security system for severe diseases. This study looked at reverse discrimination regarding end-stage renal disease by the National Health Insurance and Medical Aid.Methods: A total of 305 subjects were diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in the Korea Health Panel from 2008 to 2013. Chi-square, t-test, and ANCOVA were conducted to identify the healthcare utilization rate, out-of-pocket expenditure, and the prevalence of catastrophic expenditure. Mixed effect panel analysis was used to evaluate total out-of-pocket expenditure by the National Health Insurance and Medical Aid over a 6-year period.Results: There were no significant differences in the healthcare utilization rate for emergency room visits, admissions, or outpatient department visits between the National Health Insurance and Medical Aid because these healthcare services were essential for individuals with serious diseases, such as end-stage renal disease. Meanwhile, each out-of-pocket expenditure for an admission and the outpatient department by the National Health Insurance was 2.6 and 3.1 times higher than that of Medical Aid (P<0.05). The total out-of-pocket expenditure, including that for emergency room visits, admission, outpatient department visits, and prescribed drugs, was 2.9 times higher for the National Health Insurance than Medical Aid (P<0.001). Over a 6-year period, in terms of total of out-of-pocket expenditure, subjects with the National Health Insurance spent more than those with Medical Aid (P<0.01). If the total household income decile was less than the median and subjects were covered by the National Health Insurance, the catastrophic health expenditure rate was 92.2%, but it was only 58.8% for Medical Aid (P<0.001).Conclusion: Individuals with serious diseases, such as end-stage renal disease, can be faced with reverse discrimination depending on the type of insurance that is provided by the health security system. It is necessary to consider individuals who have National Health Insurance but are still poor.
Variation in the expression of a transmembrane protein influences cell growth in Arabidopsis thaliana petals by altering auxin responses.
Authors: Miller Charlotte N. , Dumenil Jack , Lu Fu Hao , Smith Caroline , McKenzie Neil , Chapman Volodymyr , Ball Joshua , Box Mathew , Bevan Michael Webster 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. The same species of plant can exhibit very diverse sizes and shapes of organs that are genetically determined. Characterising genetic variation underlying this morphological diversity is an important objective in evolutionary studies and it also helps identify the functions of genes influencing plant growth and development. Extensive screens of mutagenised Arabidopsis populations have identified multiple genes and mechanisms affecting organ size and shape, but relatively few studies have exploited the rich diversity of natural populations to identify genes involved in growth control. Results. We screened a relatively well characterised collection of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions for variation in petal size. Association analyses identified sequence and gene expression variation on chromosome 4 that made a substantial contribution to differences in petal area. Variation in the expression of a previously uncharacterised gene At4g16850 (named as KSK) had a substantial role on variation in organ size by influencing cell size. Over-expression of KSK led to larger petals with larger cells and promoted the formation of stamenoid features. The expression of auxin-responsive genes known to limit cell growth was reduced in response to KSK over-expression. ANT expression was also reduced in KSK over-expression lines, consistent with altered floral identities. Auxin responses were reduced in KSK over-expressing cells, consistent with changes in auxin-responsive gene expression. KSK may therefore influence auxin responses during petal development. Conclusions. Understanding how genetic variation influences plant growth is important for both evolutionary and mechanistic studies. We used natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana to identify sequence variation in a promoter region of Arabidopsis accessions that mediated differences in the expression of a previously uncharacterised membrane protein. This variation contributed to altered auxin responses and cell size during petal growth.
Temporal and Spatial Availability of Cereal Straw in Germany - Case Study: Biomethane for the Transport Sector
Authors: Brosowski André , Bill Ralf , Thrän Daniela 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: By 2030, the German transport sector needs to achieve additional greenhouse gas savings of 67 million tonnes CO2-eq. and further progress requires swiftly implementable solutions. The fermentation of cereal straw is a promising option. Returning the digestate to the farmland can close agricultural cycles while simultaneously producing biomethane. The world's first large-scale, mono-digestion plant for straw is operational since 2014. The temporal and spatial biomass availability is a key issue when replicating this concept. No detailed calculations on this subject are available, and the strategic relevance of biomethane from straw in the transport sector cannot be sufficiently evaluated.Methods: To assess the balance of straw supply and use, a total of 30 data sets are combined, taking into account the cultivation of the five most important cereal types and the straw required for ten animal species, two special crops and twelve industrial uses. The data are managed at district level and presented for the years 2010 to 2018. In combination with high-resolution geodata, the results are linked to actual arable fields, and the availability of straw throughout the country is evaluated using a GIS.Results: During the analysis period and based on the assumption that in case of fermentation up to 70 % of the straw can be utilised, the mobilisable technical biomass potential for future biomethane production is between 13.9–21.5 Tg fm a-1. The annual potential fluctuates considerably due to weather anomalies. The all-time maximum in 2014 and the minimum for the last 26 years in 2018 are separated by just four years and a difference of 7.6 Tg fm. However, large parts of the potential are concentrated only in a few regions and biomethane from straw could provide 57–145 PJ of a low-emission fuel, saving 3–12 Tg CO2-eq. in case of full exploitation.Conclusion: Despite the strong fluctuations and high uncertainties, the potential is sufficient to supply numerous plants and to produce relevant quantities of biomethane even in weak years. To unlock the potential, the outcomes should be evaluated and discussed further with stakeholders in the identified priority regions.
Quantification of Arterial, Venous, and Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Dynamics by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Under Simulated Micro-Gravity Conditions: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zahid Arslan , Martin Bryn , Collins Stephanie , Oshinski John N. , Ethier Christopher Ross 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Astronauts undergoing long-duration spaceflight are exposed to numerous health risks, including Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), a spectrum of ophthalmic changes that can result in permanent loss of visual acuity. The etiology of SANS is not well understood but is thought to involve changes in cerebrovascular flow dynamics in response to microgravity. There is a paucity of knowledge in this area; in particular, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics have not been well characterized under microgravity conditions. Our study was designed to determine the effect of simulated microgravity (head-down tilt [HDT]) on cerebrovascular flow dynamics. We hypothesized that microgravity conditions simulated by HDT would result in increased intracranial pressure (ICP) reflected by increases in CSF pulsatile flow. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we measured flow in major cerebral arteries, veins, and CSF spaces in fifteen healthy volunteers using phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) before and during 15° HDT.Results: We found a decrease in all CSF flow variables [systolic peak flow (p=0.009), and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude (p=0.001)]. Cerebral arterial average flow (p=0.04), systolic peak flow (p=0.04), and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude (p=0.02) all also significantly decreased. We additionally found a decrease in average cerebral arterial flow (p=0.040). Finally, a significant increase in cerebral venous cross-sectional area with HDT (p=0.005) was also observed. Conclusions: These results collectively demonstrate that acute application of 15° HDT caused a reduction in CSF flow variables (systolic peak flow and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude) which, when coupled with a decrease in average cerebral arterial flow, systolic peak flow, and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude, is consistent with a decrease in cardiac-related pulsatile CSF flow. These results suggest that decreases in cerebral arterial inflow were the principal drivers of decreases in CSF pulsatile flow.
Postoperative C-reactive protein kinetics predict postoperative complications in patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Asmar Antoine El , Bendavides Melissa , Moreau Michel , Hendlisz Alain , Deleporte Amélie , Khalife Maher , Donckier Vincent , Liberale Gabriel 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Relatively high morbidity rates are reported after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, early predictors of complications after CRS plus HIPEC have not been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of early postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (Day 2-4) for the detection of post-operative complications.Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective study including 94 patients treated with complete CRS (R1) and HIPEC for PC from various primary origins (2011-2016). Post-operative complications were recorded. The values for postoperative inflammatory markers (white blood cells [WBC] and platelet counts, CRP) were compared between the different groups.Results: CRP on post-operative days 2-4 was significantly higher in patients with than without complications (124 mg/L vs 46 mg/L; p<0.0001) and higher in those with more major complications (162 mg/L vs 80 mg/L; p< 0.0012). WBC and platelet counts showed no difference within 5 days postoperatively.Conclusion: CRP levels, and kinetics mainly, between post-operative day 2 and 4, are decisive predictive markers of early and late post-operative complications after CRS plus HIPEC. The presence of post-operative complications should be suspected in patients with a high CRP mean, and a plateau level (days 2-4).
Longitudinal trajectory of disability in community-dwelling older adults: An observational cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hae Reong , Lee Hea yon , Seong Yoonje , Lee Eunju , Jung Hee-Won , Park Yu Rang , Jang Il-Young 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Disability, which is considered a health-related condition, increases care demands and socioeconomic burdens for both families and communities. To confirm the trend of dynamic longitudinal changes in disability, this study aims to explore how disability is divided by the trajectory method, which deals with time-sequenced data. Additionally, this study examines the differences in demographics, geriatric conditions, and time spent at home among the trajectory groups in community-dwelling older adults. Home time is defined as the period during which the patient was not in a hospital or health care facility during their lifetime. Methods: Records of 786 community-dwelling older participants were analyzed from the Aging Study of PyeongChang Rural Area, a population-based cohort study that took place over three years. Using 7 domains of activities of daily living and 10 domains of instrumental activities of daily living, participants were grouped into no dependency (0 disabled domain), mild (1 disabled domain), and severe (2 or more disabled domains) disability groups. The longitudinal trajectory group of disability was calculated as a trajectory method. Three distinct trajectory groups were calculated over time: a relatively-stable group (78.5 %; n=617), a gradually-aggravated group (16.0 %; n=126), and a rapidly-deteriorated group (5.5 %; n=43). Results: The average age of 786 participants was 73.3 years (SD: 5.8), and the percentage of female was 52.7%. It was found that 78.5% of patients showed relatively no dependence and 5.5% of older adults in a rural area showed severe dependence. Through applying the trajectory method, it was shown that the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score was 10.2 points in the relatively-stable group and 3.1 points in the rapidly-deteriorating group by the 3rd year. Additionally, by the trajectory method, the rate of decrease in home time was 3.33% in the rapidly-deteriorated group compared to the relatively-stable group. Conclusions: This study shows the difference in demographics and geriatric conditions (such as SPPB) through the examination of longitudinal trajectory groups of disability in community-dwelling older adults. Significant differences were also found in the amount of home time among the trajectory groups.
Impact of health literacy and self-care behaviors on health-related quality of life in Iranians with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gaffari-fam Saber , Lotfi Yosef , Daemi Amin , Babazadeh Towhid , Sarbazi Ehsan , Abbasabad Ghader Darghahi , Abri Hamed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Regarding the importance of health literacy as a key factor in self-care, appropriate understanding of health information by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is fundamental for better management of risk factors, which can also benefit their quality of life. This study aimed to describe the relationship between health literacy (HL), and self-care behaviors with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with T2DM.Methods A cross-sectional survey was done in Iran in 2019. Patients were recruited randomly from health centers by medical records (n= 192, 55.2% male, mean age 58.12 years). The data collection included demographic form, health literacy questionnaire, diabetes self-care behavior questionnaire, and world health organization’s Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Analyses were adjusted for confounders using hierarchical regression analysis.Results HL as predictor variables explained 47.5% of variance in overall HRQL (p-value< 0.001), reading health information was the strongest HL dimension (β= 0.478). Self-care behaviors explained an additional 13.6% of the HRQL variance. In total, 65.5% of the variation in the HRQL is explained by the HL, self-care behavior, and the demographic variables.Conclusions We found that more almost two-third of the HRQL explained by the HL and self-care behaviors. Given the importance of health literacy and self-care behaviors in the quality of life in patients with T2DM, adoption of health-promoting behaviors and increasing health literacy can be beneficial for promoting quality of life among these patients.
Source model for the Mw 6.0 earthquake in Jiashi, China on 19 January 2020 from Sentinel-1A InSAR data
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Qiao Xuejun , Xiong Wei , Chen Wei , Nie Zhaosheng , Wang Dijin , Jia Zhige , Li Jie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
On January 19, 2020, an Mw 6.0 earthquake occurred in Jiashi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. The epicenter was located at the basin-mountain boundary between the southern Tian Shan and the Tarim Basin. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is used to obtain the coseismic deformation field from both ascending and descending Sentinel-1A satellite images of the European Space Agency. The results showed that the coseismic deformation is distributed between the Kalping fault and the Ozgertaou fault. The earthquake produced significant deformation over an area of approximately 40 km by 30 km. The maximum and minimal displacements along the line of sight (LOS) are 5.3 cm and -4.2 cm for the ascending interferogram and are 7.2 cm and -3.0 cm for the descending interferogram, respectively. The fault geometry from the Multi peak Particle Swarm Optimization computation indicates that the seismogenic fault is a shallow low-dipping planar fault that is 4.58 km depth underground. The finite slip model inverted by the Steepest Descent Method implies that the rupture is dominated by a thrust fault. The slips are concentrated in a depth of 5 ~ 7 km with a maximum slip of 0.29 m. The estimated total seismic moment is 1.688×1018 Nm, corresponding to a magnitude of Mw 6.1. The seismogenic fault is the Kalping fault which has a listric structure. The coseismic deformation only occurred on the décollement layer and did not involve the ramp segment. The coseismic Coulomb stress changes have enhanced the stress on the deep margin of the Jiashi earthquake rupture area, indicating that there is still the possibility of strong earthquakes in this region in the future.
Conservative management of CIN2p16 positive lesions in women with multiple HPV infection
Authors: Bruno Maria Teresa , Scalia Guido , Cassaro Nazario , Costanzo Maria , Boemi Sara 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: According to the 2006 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines, positive CIN2 p16 in women over the age of 25 should be managed with excisional treatment. However, excisional treatment is associated with physical, psychological and obstetric morbidity and can have a negative impact on sexual function. In our study we sought to identify a clear management strategy, addressing the impact of routine use of p16 immunohistochemistry in this population and identify appropriate criteria for patient selection with the aim of reducing over-treatment.Method: We studied the medical records of 130 patients who had undergone laser therapy for CIN2. Each patient underwent colposcopy, biopsy and HPV test and were tested for p16 protein,. Patients were divided based on HPV infection into: single infections, multiple infections. All patients underwent ZTA laser therapy with follow-up (2-year follow-up ).Statistical analysis Contingency tables were created to evaluate the correlation between single, multiple and CIN2+ infections. Values with p <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: Single infections had a histological regression of 61.8% (21/34) and a histological persistence rate of 35.3% (12/34), which was greater than the multiple infection rate. The common characteristic that the women with persistence and progression had was the dimension of the lesion and the genotype 16. Ten cases of histological persistence and the only case of progression had one lesion greater than three quarters of the cervix.Conclusions: With the progress of our understanding of the natural history of infection from human papillomavirus and the increasing use of colposcopy, thanks to the addition of HPV genotyping and the technique of immunohistochemistry, conservative management of these lesions is now possible