bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Declining Physical and Cognitive Functions in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: Okely Judith A , Deary Ian J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
The ageing process is characterized by declines in physical and cognitive function. However, the relationship between these trajectories remains a topic of investigation.

Methods
Using four data waves collected triennially between ages 70 and 79, we tested for associations between multiple cognitive ability domains (verbal memory, processing speed, and visuospatial ability) and physical functions (walking speed, grip strength, and lung function). We first tested for associations between linear declines in physical and cognitive functions over the entire 9-year study period, and then, for lead-lag coupling effects between 3-year changes in cognitive and physical functions.

Results
Steeper linear decline in walking speed was moderately correlated with steeper linear declines in each cognitive domain. Steeper linear decline in grip strength was moderately correlated with steeper linear declines in verbal memory and processing speed. Lead-lag coupling models showed that decline in verbal memory was preceded by declines in walking speed and grip strength. By contrast, decline in grip strength was preceded by declines in processing speed and visuospatial ability, and decline in walking speed was preceded by decline in visuospatial ability. Following additional adjustment for covariates, only coupling effects from earlier decline in processing speed to later decline in grip strength remained significant (β = 0.545, p = .006).

Conclusion
Our findings provide further evidence of an association between cognitive and physical declines and point to the potential order in which these changes occur. Decline in processing speed in particular may serve as a unique early marker of declining upper body strength.
Evaluation of a biocompatible sealant for on-demand repair of vascular defects—a chronic study in a large animal model
Authors: Wussler Desiree , Kiefer Selina , Naumann Susanne , Hackner Danilo , Nadjiri Jonathan , Meckel Stephan , Haberstroh Jörg , Kubicki Rouven , Seifert Andreas , Siepe Matthias , Ewert Peter , Stiller Brigitte , Lang Nora 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Existing surgical sealants fail to combine design requirements, such as sealing performance, on-demand activation and biocompatibility. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the SETALIUM™ Vascular Sealant (SVS), a novel, on-demand activatable sealant, with the commercial sealant, BioGlue®, for the repair of vascular defects.

METHODS
In an in vivo porcine model, the use of SVS was compared with BioGlue, for sealing 2-mm defects of the carotid artery and jugular vein. Animals were followed for 7 days and 5 weeks (each time point and per experimental group, n = 4), respectively. The degree of stenosis and flow velocity was determined, and the local tissue response was evaluated.

RESULTS
In vivo incision closure succeeded in all cases, and SVS was superior in clinical usability, enabled by its on-demand activation. Unlike BioGlue, SVS use did not induce stenosis and was associated with physiological blood flow in all cases. Moreover, closure with SVS was associated with a low inflammatory reaction and no thrombus formation or intima proliferation, in contrast to BioGlue.

CONCLUSIONS
SVS demonstrated effective and rapid sealing of 2-mm vascular defects, with favourable biocompatibility compared to BioGlue. Thus, SVS seems to be an effective and safe vascular sealant.
Electric field and air ion exposures near high voltage overhead power lines and adult cancers: a case control study across England and Wales
Authors: Toledano Mireille B , Shaddick Gavin , de Hoogh Kees , Fecht Daniela , Sterrantino Anna Freni , Matthews James , Wright Matthew , Gulliver John , Elliott Paul 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Various mechanisms have been postulated to explain how electric fields emitted by high voltage overhead power lines, and the charged ions they produce, might be associated with possible adult cancer risk, but this has not previously been systematically explored in large scale epidemiological research.

Methods
We investigated risks of adult cancers in relation to modelled air ion density (per cm3) within 600 m (focusing analysis on mouth, lung, respiratory), and calculated electric field within 25 m (focusing analysis on non-melanoma skin), of high voltage overhead power lines in England and Wales, 1974–2008.

Results
With adjustment for age, sex, deprivation and rurality, odds ratios (OR) in the highest fifth of net air ion density (0.504–1) compared with the lowest (0–0.1879) ranged from 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.08] for mouth cancers to 1.03 (95% CI 0.97–1.09) for respiratory system cancers, with no trends in risk. The pattern of cancer risk was similar using corona ion estimates from an alternative model proposed by others. For keratinocyte carcinoma, adjusted OR in the highest (1.06–4.11 kV/m) compared with the lowest (&lt;0.70 kV/m) thirds of electric field strength was 1.23 (95% CI 0.65–2.34), with no trend in risk.

Conclusions
Our results do not provide evidence to support hypotheses that air ion density or electric fields in the vicinity of power lines are associated with cancer risk in adults.
Interoceptive Awareness: The ‘Being’ Dimension of ‘Being There’ in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Heeter Carrie , Day Tom , Cherchiglia Leticia 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We conducted an exploratory study to introduce, operationalize and test a theoretical conceptualization of interoceptive awareness (IA) in virtual worlds that aligns with neurobiological explanations of interoception. We examined the relationship between IA and the self-location subdimension of spatial presence. Experimental subjects experienced either a 10-min meditation designed to activate IA or a control condition designed to encourage mind wandering. Participants either wore a virtual reality (VR) headset (Samsung Gear VR or HTC Vive) or had their eyes closed. Results suggest that (i) IA was not different between eyes closed or eyes open in VR; (ii) VR display technology did not influence IA; and (iii) higher IA and visual clarity were associated with significantly stronger feelings of spatial presence, whereas display technology had no relationship to spatial presence. Further examination of the role of IA in virtual worlds experiences is warranted.
Supplementation of a water-soluble zinc–AA complex to reduce stress in broilers, pullets, and layers1
Authors: Nelson Jill R , Sobotik Eric B , Rebollo Marco A , Archer Gregory S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This study consisted of three 5-wk experiments to test the effects of administering Zinpro-LQ (Zinpro-LQ, Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN) for different time intervals in stressed broilers, pullets, and layers. Treatments included: nonstressed control (NC), stressed control (SC), stressed and supplemented Zinpro-LQ for 14 d prior to stressor (S1), 10 d prior (S2), 7 d prior to and 7 d during stressor (S3), and 5 d prior (S4). Birds included 1-d-old Cobb 500 male broilers (Experiment 1), 7-wk-old white Leghorn pullets (Experiment 2), and 50-wk-old white Leghorn layers (Experiment 3). All stressed birds were vaccinated against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) on day 28 and exposed to random feed and water withdrawal days 28 to 35 for 6 h/d. Pullets were beak trimmed on day 21, and layers were heat stressed days 28 to 35. Blood was sampled on day 35 to determine plasma chemistry, corticosterone (CORT), anti-NDV antibody titer, and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. Mortality, feed and water consumption, and BW were also recorded. In Experiment 1, CORT and H/L ratio were highest in SC (P &lt; 0.05). In Experiment 2, CORT was higher in SC than S4 (P &lt; 0.05) while all other treatments were statistically intermediate. NDV titer was lower in SC than S4 while all other treatments were statistically intermediate. Treatment differences were also observed for H/L ratio, and plasma uric acid and cholesterol in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, treatment differences were observed for H/L ratio, plasma glucose, sodium, and chloride. H/L ratio was lower in NC, S1, and S4 compared with SC (P &lt; 0.05); and NC and S1 were lower than S2 (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of zinc AA complex for any length of time prior to a stressor helped reduce measures of stress in broilers. The S1 and S4 treatments helped reduce stress and improve humoral immune response in pullets and layers.
Potential for Use of Erythritol as a Socially Transferrable Ingested Insecticide for Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Barrett Meghan , Caponera Virginia , McNair Cheyenne , O’Donnell Sean , Marenda Daniel R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Ants are significant structural and agricultural pests, generating a need for human-safe and effective insecticides for ant control. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol used in many commercial food products, reduces survival in diverse insect taxa including fruit flies, termites, and mosquitos. Erythritol also decreases longevity in red imported fire ants; however, its effects on other ant species and its ability to be transferred to naïve colony members at toxic doses have not been explored. Here, we show that erythritol decreases survival in Tetramorium immigrans Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in a concentration-dependent manner. Access to ad-libitum water reduced the toxic effects of erythritol, but worker mortality was still increased over controls with ad-lib water. Foraging T. immigrans workers transferred erythritol at lethal levels to nest mates that had not directly ingested erythritol. Similar patterns of mortality following erythritol ingestion were observed in Formica glacialis Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Camponotus subarbatus Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Camponotus chromaiodes Bolton (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). These findings suggest that erythritol may be a highly effective insecticide for several genera of ants. Erythritol’s potential effectiveness in social insect control is augmented by its spread at lethal levels through ant colonies via social transfer (trophallaxis) between workers.
Iterative deblending using the POCS algorithm in the approximate flattened domain
Authors: Chen Hongling , Cao Siyuan , Zu Shaohuan , Yang Bo , Shen Shian , Sun Xiaoming 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We proposed an improved method to eliminate the interference generated by simultaneous-source acquisition, which can help shorten the acquisition period and improve the quality of seismic data. An iterative mathematical framework is devised, which uses the projection onto convex sets algorithm to estimate the blending noise subtracted from the pseudo-deblended data to separate the blended data in an iterative way. Differently to the conventional method using the coherent-promoting operator only based on the curvelet transform, we combine the curvelet transform and the approximate flattened operator (AFO) to improve the deblended result, which can flatten seismic events approximately to preserve the details of useful signals. This is the first time that the AFO and the curvelet transform are combined to enhance the effect of the coherent-promoting operator and improve the performance of deblending. To display the advantages of the improved method, we use both simulated synthetic data and field data examples to compare and analyse the deblended results using our method and the conventional method, and confirm that the improved method can perform better.
Analysis of cardiac toxicity after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer using a biological dose–volume histogram
Authors: Takeuchi Yuki , Murakami Yuji , Kameoka Tsubasa , Ochi Masanori , Imano Nobuki , Takahashi Ippei , Nishibuchi Ikuno , Kimura Tomoki , Kawahara Daisuke , Saito Akito , Nagata Yasushi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cardiac toxicity after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer and the dose–volume histogram (DVH) of organs at risk (OARs) [using biological effective dose (BED)]. We analyzed the data of 83 patients with esophageal cancer treated using definitive CRT between 2001 and 2016. Furthermore, we evaluated pericardial effusion (PE) as a measure of cardiac toxicity. The median total irradiation dose was 60 (50.4–71) Gy. Symptomatic PE was observed in 12 (14%) patients. The heart and pericardium V5–V100-BED were significantly higher in patients with symptomatic PE than in those without symptomatic PE (heart: V5–V95-BED, P &lt; 0.001; V100-BED, P = 0.0053, and pericardium: V5–V40-BED, V55–V95-BED, P &lt; 0.001; V45–50-BED, V100-BED, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the dose–volume parameter of the pericardium and the heart that was most strongly associated with an adverse cardiac event was V80-BED, and the mean dose and the cut-off value were 27.38% and 61.7 Gy-BED, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the pericardium V80-BED and the mean heart dose-BED were risk factors for symptomatic PE (P &lt; 0.001, respectively). We revealed the relationship between the irradiated dose of the OARs and symptomatic PE using a BED-based dose–volume histogram. Pericardium V80-BED and mean heart dose-BED were the most relevant risk factors for symptomatic PE.
The ionic composition of the local absorber towards 3C 273
Authors: Gissis Itay , Peretz Uria , Behar Ehud 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Hot ionized gas is observed in the local vicinity of our galaxy through spectral absorption features. The most common hypothesis is that this gas forms a halo surrounding our Milky Way, in collisional ionization equilibrium. In this paper, we investigate the elemental abundance of this hot and ionized local gas. We use a 2.4 Ms stacked X-ray spectrum of the bright blazar 3C 273 and probe the local absorption features. Using ion-by-ion fitting of the X-ray absorption lines, we derive the column density of each ionization species. Based on the column densities, we reconstruct the absorption measure distribution, namely the hydrogenic column density as a function of temperature. We report the elemental abundances of C, N, Ne, and Fe relative to solar O. Previous measurements of local X-ray emission lines in conjunction with the present column densities indicate a scale height of 1–80 kpc and hydrogen number density of 10−4–10−3 cm−3 for the hot ionized gas. Additionally, we detect He-like O lines from the quasar broad line region with velocities of 6400 ± 1500 km s−1.
QSO photometric redshifts from SDSS, WISE, and GALEX colours
Authors: Curran S J 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Machine learning techniques, specifically the k-nearest neighbour algorithm applied to optical band colours, have had some success in predicting photometric redshifts of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs): Although the mean of differences between the spectroscopic and photometric redshifts, Δ$z$, is close to zero, the distribution of these differences remains wide and distinctly non-Gaussian. As per our previous empirical estimate of photometric redshifts, we find that the predictions can be significantly improved by adding colours from other wavebands, namely the near-infrared and ultraviolet. Self-testing this, by using half of the 33 643 strong QSO sample to train the algorithm, results in a significantly narrower spread in Δ$z$ for the remaining half of the sample. Using the whole QSO sample to train the algorithm, the same set of magnitudes return a similar spread in Δ$z$ for a sample of radio sources (quasars). Although the matching coincidence is relatively low (739 of the 3663 sources having photometry in the relevant bands), this is still significantly larger than from the empirical method (2 per cent) and thus may provide a method with which to obtain redshifts for the vast number of continuum radio sources expected to be detected with the next generation of large radio telescopes.
Structural basis of reiterative transcription from the pyrG and pyrBI promoters by bacterial RNA polymerase
Authors: Shin Yeonoh , Hedglin Mark , Murakami Katsuhiko S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Reiterative transcription is a non-canonical form of RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase in which a ribonucleotide specified by a single base in the DNA template is repetitively added to the nascent RNA transcript. We previously determined the X-ray crystal structure of the bacterial RNA polymerase engaged in reiterative transcription from the pyrG promoter, which contains eight poly-G RNA bases synthesized using three C bases in the DNA as a template and extends RNA without displacement of the promoter recognition σ factor from the core enzyme. In this study, we determined a series of transcript initiation complex structures from the pyrG promoter using soak–trigger–freeze X-ray crystallography. We also performed biochemical assays to monitor template DNA translocation during RNA synthesis from the pyrG promoter and in vitro transcription assays to determine the length of poly-G RNA from the pyrG promoter variants. Our study revealed how RNA slips on template DNA and how RNA polymerase and template DNA determine length of reiterative RNA product. Lastly, we determined a structure of a transcript initiation complex at the pyrBI promoter and proposed an alternative mechanism of RNA slippage and extension requiring the σ dissociation from the core enzyme.
DNA storage: research landscape and future prospects
Authors: Dong Yiming , Sun Fajia , Ping Zhi , Ouyang Qi , Qian Long 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The global demand for data storage is currently outpacing the world's storage capabilities. DNA, the carrier of natural genetic information, offers a stable, resource- and energy-efficient and sustainable data storage solution. In this review, we summarize the fundamental theory, research history, and technical challenges of DNA storage. From a quantitative perspective, we evaluate the prospect of DNA, and organic polymers in general, as a novel class of data storage medium.
Cigarette Smoking and Nicotine Dependence Trajectories Among Incident Adolescent Smokers
Authors: Mésidor Miceline , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Minoyan Nanor , O’Loughlin Jennifer 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Few interventions target adolescent cigarette smokers to prevent escalation in cigarette use or promote cessation, in part because little is known about co-developing smoking and nicotine dependence (ND). Our objectives were to: (1) estimate developmental trajectories of ND/cravings, withdrawal symptoms, the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ) and ICD-10 tobacco dependence in incident adolescent smokers; (2) describe concordance in number and shapes of trajectories across the four ND indicators; and (3) classify participants in each ND trajectory according to cigarette smoking trajectories.

Methods
Data were drawn from an ongoing longitudinal investigation of 1294 grade 7 students recruited in 1999–2000 in 10 Montreal-area high schools. Group-based joint trajectory models were used to identify distinct subgroups defined by the four ND indicators, in 307 incident smokers.

Results
The optimal trajectory model included five groups for ND/craving and four groups for each of withdrawal symptoms, the mFTQ and ICD-10 tobacco dependence. The four ND indicators showed similar developmental patterns and classification into smoking trajectory groups, although some discordance was observed. Smokers in the low-level decreaser group and stable low consumers who exhibited high ND were younger than those in the cigarette-low ND trajectory groups. Moderate or rapid escalators who exhibited no/low ND were less likely to have university-educated mothers and more likely to have parents who smoke.

Conclusions
Trajectories were similar across ND indicators, and generally reflected cigarette smoking trajectory shapes. Novice smokers may need education to become self-aware of developing ND symptoms, as well as to learn about alternative courses of action once ND symptoms manifest.

Implications
Trajectories of cigarette smoking and ND symptoms have rarely been investigated concurrently. This study provides evidence of high concordance across four distinct ND indicators in the proportion of participants with no/low-level dependence, and with high or increasing ND. Moreover, the development of cigarette smoking is concordant with ND symptom development. Interventions to prevent escalation and promote cessation should target adolescents before first puff to increase self-awareness of developing ND symptoms, as well as to learn about alternative courses of action once ND symptoms are experienced.
Regulatory Certification, Risk Factor Disclosure, and Investor Behavior
Authors: Cox Ruben , de Goeij Peter 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This article examines the question: Does regulatory approval of prospectuses act as a “certification” of securities offerings? Rational investors should generally ignore prospectus approval due to its being uninformative regarding either the quality of, or motives for, the underlying offering. Our survey experiment demonstrates that salient references to regulatory oversight in investment advertisements can lead to significant increases in willingness to invest and concomitant decreases in perceived risks. Conversely, salient disclosure of risk factor information increases risk perceptions and reduces the intention to search for additional information. Various robustness tests confirm that investors can perceive regulatory oversight of securities offerings as an endorsement. Our results provide insight regarding the design of the disclosure and the effective regulation of financial marketing.
The effect of sleep duration on hemoglobin and hematocrit: observational and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jiao , Kwok Man Ki , Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Li Albert Martin , Lam Simon , Leung Gabriel Matthew , Schooling Catherine Mary 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Study Objective
Observationally sleep duration is positively associated with hemoglobin (Hgb), whether this association is causal and consistent by sex remains unclear. Here, we assessed the association of sleep duration with Hgb and hematocrit (Hct) observationally in late adolescence in a population-representative Chinese birth cohort “Children of 1997” with validation using Mendelian randomization (MR) in adults.

Methods
In the “Children of 1997” birth cohort (recruited = 8327, included = 3144), we used multivariable linear regression to assess the adjusted associations of sleep duration (measured as time in bed) with Hgb and Hct at 17.5 years and any sex differences. Using two-sample MR, we assessed the effect of sleep duration on Hgb and Hct, based on 61 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) applied to genome-wide association studies of Hgb and Hct in adults (n = 361 194).

Results
Observationally, self-reported sleep duration was positively associated with Hct (0.034 standard deviations [SDs] per hour, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.019 to 0.049), but not with Hgb. Using MR longer sleep increased Hct (0.077 SD per hour, 95% CI 0.035 to 0.119) and Hgb (0.065 SD per hour, 95% CI 0.020 to 0.109) using Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR PRESSO), with more pronounced associations in men.

Conclusions
Our novel findings indicate sleep increases both Hgb and Hct, particularly in men, perhaps contributing to its restorative qualities. Potential difference by sex and the implications of these findings warrant investigation.