bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibration direction sensitivity of the cochlea with bone conduction stimulation in guinea pigs
Authors: Zhao Mingduo , Fridberger Anders , Stenfelt Stefan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSound and vibrations that cause the skull bone to vibrate can be heard as ordinary sounds and this is termed hearing by bone conduction (BC). Not all mechanisms that causes a skull vibration to result in BC hearing are known, and one such unknown is how the direction of the vibration influences BC hearing. This direction sensitivity was investigated by providing BC stimulation in five different directions at the vertex of the guinea pig skull. The hearing thresholds for BC stimulation was obtained in the frequency range of 2 to 20 kHz by measurements of compound action potential. During the stimulation by BC, the vibration of the cochlear promontory was measured with a three-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometer resulting in a set of unique three-dimensional velocity magnitude combinations for each threshold estimation. The sets of three-dimensional velocity magnitude at threshold were used to investigate nine different predictors of BC hearing based on cochlear promontory velocity magnitudes, six single direction (x, y and z directions in isolation, the normal to the stapes footplate, the oval to round window direction, and the cochlear base to apex direction), one linear combination of the three dimension velocity magnitudes, one square-rooted sum of the squared velocity magnitudes, and one sum of the weighted three dimensional velocity magnitudes based on a restricted minimum square error (MSE) estimation. The MSE gave the best predictions of the hearing threshold based on the cochlear promontory velocity magnitudes while using only a single direction gave the worst predictions of the hearing thresholds overall. According to the MSE estimation, at frequencies up to 8 kHz the vibration direction between the right and left side gave the greatest contribution to BC hearing in the guinea pig while at the highest frequencies measured, 16 and 20 kHz, the anteroposterior direction of the guinea pig head gave the greatest contribution.
Variability in competitive decision-making speed and quality against exploiting and exploitative opponents
Authors: Dyson Benjamin James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA presumption in previous work has been that sub-optimality in competitive performance following loss is the result of a reduction in decision-making time (i.e., post-error speeding). The main goal of this paper is to test the relationship between decision-making speed and quality, with the hypothesis that slowing down decision-making should increase the likelihood of successful performance in cases where a model of opponent domination can be implemented. Across Experiments 1–3, the speed and quality of competitive decision-making was examined in a zero-sum game as a function of the nature of the opponent (unexploitable, exploiting, exploitable). Performance was also examined against the nature of a credit (or token) system used as a within-experimental manipulation (no credit, fixed credit, variable credit). To compliment reaction time variation as a function of outcome, both the fixed credit and variable credit conditions were designed to slow down decision-making, relative to a no credit condition where the game could be played in quick succession and without interruption. The data confirmed that (a) self-imposed reductions in processing time following losses (post-error speeding) were causal factors in determining poorer-quality behaviour, (b) the expression of lose-shift was less flexible than the expression of win-stay, and, (c) the use of a variable credit system may enhance the perceived control participants have against exploitable opponents. Future work should seek to disentangle temporal delay and response interruption as determinants of decision-making quality against numerous styles of opponency.
Combined analysis of miR-200 family and its significance for breast cancer
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Barbano Raffaela , Dama Elisa , Pasculli Barbara , Rendina Michelina , Morritti Maria Grazia , Melocchi Valentina , Castelvetere Marina , Valori Vanna Maria , Ravaioli Sara , Bravaccini Sara , Ciuffreda Luigi , Graziano Paolo , Maiello Evaristo , Copetti Massimiliano , Fazio Vito Michele , Esteller Manel , Bianchi Fabrizio , Parrella Paola 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhile the molecular functions of miR-200 family have been deeply investigated, a role for these miRNAs as breast cancer biomarkers remains largely unexplored. In the attempt to clarify this, we profiled the miR-200 family members expression in a large cohort of breast cancer cases with a long follow-up (H-CSS cohort) and in TCGA-BRCA cohort. Overall, miR-200 family was found upregulated in breast tumors with respect to normal breast tissues while downregulated in more aggressive breast cancer molecular subtypes (i.e. Luminal B, HER2 and triple negative), consistently with their function as repressors of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In particular miR-141-3p was found differentially expressed in breast cancer molecular subtypes in both H-CSS and TCGA-BRCA cohorts, and the combined analysis of all miR-200 family members demonstrated a slight predictive accuracy on H-CSS cancer specific survival at 12 years (survival c-statistic: 0.646; 95%CI 0.538–0.754).
Risk factors for HPV infection and high-grade cervical disease in sexually active Japanese women
Authors: Yamaguchi Manako , Sekine Masayuki , Hanley Sharon J. B. , Kudo Risa , Hara Megumi , Adachi Sosuke , Ueda Yutaka , Miyagi Etsuko , Enomoto Takayuki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn Japan, recommendations for HPV vaccines were suspended in 2013 due to unfounded safety fears. Although vaccine opponents claim modifying sexual behavior can prevent cervical cancer, no comprehensive data exist on sexual behavior and the risk of high-grade cervical disease in a Japanese population. This study investigates sexual behavior and the risk of HPV infection and cervical disease in 3968 women aged 20–41 yrs undergoing cervical screening between April 2014 and March 2016. Mean age at first intercourse was 18.4 yrs ± 2.8 and 32% of women reported ≥ 6 lifetime sexual partners. In regression analyses, number of partners was a significant risk factor for HPV infection. However, for high-grade disease (CIN2+), when HPV genotype was adjusted for, number of partners was not statistically significant. The greatest risk factor was an HPV16/18 infection (adjusted odds ratio 113.7, 95% CI: 40.8–316.9). In conclusion, we found that having an HPV16/18 infection and not sexual behavior was the most significant risk factor for high grade cervical disease in young Japanese women. These infections can be prevented by a highly effective vaccine and we recommend that the Japanese government resume proactive recommendations for the HPV vaccine immediately.
Neural correlates underpinning synchronized movement of double scull rowers
Authors: Hirao Takahiro , Masaki Hiroaki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe investigated the neural correlates underpinning synchronized movement in rowers using a neural index for social interaction termed the phi complex. Phi 1 and phi 2 indicate the enhancement and reduction of mirror neuron activation, respectively. We hypothesized that in a leader–follower relation, followers would exhibit a larger phi 2 power than leaders due to enhanced mirror neuron activation by the followers to accurately mimic their partner’s movements. We also expected that brain activation underlying social interaction would be enhanced during synchronization. Although phi 2 was not modulated by role (leader vs. follower) or condition (usual-pair vs. unusual-pair), the statistical analysis suggested the relationship between the magnitude of phi 2 and empathetic ability in followers in the usual-pair condition. Given that the activation of the mirror neuron system underlies empathic ability, it is plausible that the participants used the mirror neuron system to follow the movement of a usual partner. In other words, the leader in the synchronization did not need to use the mirror neuron system, which was consistent with the result of a larger phi 1 for leading than following the movement. These results suggest that the neural correlates of empathy may be used to synchronize with partners as the follower.
A longitudinal study over 40 years to study the metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Lind Lars , Sundström Johan , Ärnlöv Johan , Risérus Ulf , Lampa Erik 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe impact of most, but not all, cardiovascular risk factors decline by age. We investigated how the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) during 40 years follow-up in the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM, 2,123 men all aged 50 at baseline with reinvestigations at age 60, 70, 77 and 82). The strength of MetS as a risk factor of incident combined end-point of three outcomes (CVD) declined with ageing, as well as for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and heart failure when analysed separately. For CVD, the risk ratio declined from 2.77 (95% CI 1.90–4.05) at age 50 to 1.30 (95% CI 1.05–1.60) at age 82. In conclusion, the strength of MetS as a risk factor of incident CVD declined with age. Since MetS was significantly related to incident CVD also at old age, our findings suggest that the occurrence of MetS in the elderly should not be regarded as innocent. However, since our data were derived in an observational study, any impact of MetS in the elderly needs to be verified in a randomized clinical intervention trial.
Scientific, societal and pedagogical approaches to tackle the impact of climate change on marine pollution
Authors: Alves Tiago M. , Kokinou Eleni , Ekström Marie , Nikolaidis Andreas , Georgiou Georgios C. , Miliou Anastasia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMarine pollution impacts coastal nations around the world, and more so: (a) in confined maritime areas with significant marine traffic, (b) where exploitation of natural and mineral resources is taking place, or (c) in regions witnessing pressure from tourism, local population growth, and industry. In this work, Digital Elevation Models, hydrographic, and climatic data are used together with computer simulations to understand the control of climate change on marine pollution. The results show that different climate change signals can potentially alter the flow and concentration of pollution in the European Seas, when compared to the present day. Ultimately, this work identifies the main sources of marine pollution as: (1) rivers and streams near cities and industrialised areas, (2) coastal areas experiencing sudden demographic pressures, (3) offshore shipping lanes in which oil and other marine debris are released, and (4) areas of rugged seafloor where industrial fishing takes place. This paper finishes by describing new educational material prepared to teach school children around the world. It explains why how a new training curriculum and e-game developed by Sea4All can be crucial in future Environmental Education and Education for a Sustainable Development.
Surface acoustic wave nebulization improves compound selectivity of low-temperature plasma ionization for mass spectrometry
Authors: Kiontke Andreas , Roudini Mehrzad , Billig Susan , Fakhfouri Armaghan , Winkler Andreas , Birkemeyer Claudia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMass spectrometry coupled to low-temperature plasma ionization (LTPI) allows for immediate and easy analysis of compounds from the surface of a sample at ambient conditions. The efficiency of this process, however, strongly depends on the successful desorption of the analyte from the surface to the gas phase. Whilst conventional sample heating can improve analyte desorption, heating is not desirable with respect to the stability of thermally labile analytes. In this study using aromatic amines as model compounds, we demonstrate that (1) surface acoustic wave nebulization (SAWN) can significantly improve compound desorption for LTPI without heating the sample. Furthermore, (2) SAWN-assisted LTPI shows a response enhancement up to a factor of 8 for polar compounds such as aminophenols and phenylenediamines suggesting a paradigm shift in the ionization mechanism. Additional assets of the new technique demonstrated here are (3) a reduced analyte selectivity (the interquartile range of the response decreased by a factor of 7)—a significant benefit in non-targeted analysis of complex samples—and (4) the possibility for automated online monitoring using an autosampler. Finally, (5) the small size of the microfluidic SAWN-chip enables the implementation of the method into miniaturized, mobile LTPI probes.
Applications of cell resealing to reconstitute microRNA loading to extracellular vesicles
Authors: Sonoda Yuki , Kano Fumi , Murata Masayuki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are cargo carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are associated with cell–cell interactions. The response to the cellular environment, such as disease states, genetic/metabolic changes, or differences in cell type, highly regulates cargo sorting to EVs. However, morphological features during EV formation and secretion involving miRNA loading are unknown. This study developed a new method of EV loading using cell resealing and reconstituted the elementary miRNA-loading processes. Morphology, secretory response, and cellular uptake ability of EVs obtained from intact and resealed HeLa cells were comparable. Exogenously added soluble factors were introduced into multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) and their subsequent secretion to the extracellular region occurred in resealed HeLa cells. In addition, miRNA transport to MVEs and miRNA encapsulation to EVs followed a distinct pathway regulated by RNA-binding proteins, such as Argonaute and Y-box binding protein 1, depending on miRNA types. Our cell-resealing system can analyze disease-specific EVs derived from disease model cells, where pathological cytosol is introduced into cells. Thus, EV formation in resealed cells can be used not only to create a reconstitution system to give mechanistic insight into EV encapsulation but also for applications such as loading various molecules into EVs and identifying disease-specific EV markers.
Growth and bioactive phytochemicals of Panax ginseng sprouts grown in an aeroponic system using plasma-treated water as the nitrogen source
Authors: Song Jong-Seok , Jung Sunkyung , Jee Sunghoon , Yoon Jung Woo , Byeon Yong Seong , Park Seungil , Kim Seong Bong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGinseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) sprouts are grown to whole plants in 20 to 25 days in a soil-less cultivation system and then used as a medicinal vegetable. As a nitrogen (N) source, plasma-treated water (PTW) has been used to enhance the seed germination and seedling growth of many crops but has not been investigated for its effects on ginseng sprouts. This study established an in-situ system for N-containing water production using plasma technology and evaluated the effects of the PTW on ginseng growth and its bioactive phytochemicals compared with those of an untreated control. The PTW became weakly acidic 30 min after the air discharge at the electrodes because of the formation of nitrate (NO3‒) and nitrite (NO2‒) in the water. The NO3‒ and NO2‒ in the PTW, together with potassium ions (K+), enhanced the shoot biomass of the ginseng sprout by 26.5% compared to the untreated control. The ginseng sprout grown in the PTW had accumulated more free amino acids and ginsenosides in the sprout at 25 days after planting. Therefore, PTW can be used as a liquid N fertilizer for P. ginseng growth and phytochemical accumulation during sprouting under aeroponic conditions.
Microplastics distribution in the Eurasian Arctic is affected by Atlantic waters and Siberian rivers
Authors: Yakushev Evgeniy , Gebruk Anna , Osadchiev Alexander , Pakhomova Svetlana , Lusher Amy , Berezina Anfisa , van Bavel Bert , Vorozheikina Elena , Chernykh Denis , Kolbasova Glafira , Razgon Ilia , Semiletov Igor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPlastic pollution is globally recognised as a threat to marine ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife, and it has now reached remote locations such as the Arctic Ocean. Nevertheless, the distribution of microplastics in the Eurasian Arctic is particularly underreported. Here we present analyses of 60 subsurface pump water samples and 48 surface neuston net samples from the Eurasian Arctic with the goal to quantify and classify microplastics in relation to oceanographic conditions. In our study area, we found on average 0.004 items of microplastics per m3 in the surface samples, and 0.8 items per m3 in the subsurface samples. Microplastic characteristics differ significantly between Atlantic surface water, Polar surface water and discharge plumes of the Great Siberian Rivers, allowing identification of two sources of microplastic pollution (p < 0.05 for surface area, morphology, and polymer types). The highest weight concentration of microplastics was observed within surface waters of Atlantic origin. Siberian river discharge was identified as the second largest source. We conclude that these water masses govern the distribution of microplastics in the Eurasian Arctic. The microplastics properties (i.e. abundance, polymer type, size, weight concentrations) can be used for identification of the water masses.
Separation, identification and cardiovascular activities of phospholipid classes from the head of Penaeus vannamei by lipidomics and zebrafish models
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Li Peihai , Wang Fengxia , Zhang Shanshan , Li Haonan , Zhang Yun , Wang Ximin , Liu Kechun , Li Xiaobin 
Published: February 2021

Five phospholipid classes of Penaeus vannamei head were separated, analyzed and quantified. They had different cardiovascular activities evaluated in zebrafish models, which may provide a research basis for pharmaceutical use of marine phospholipids.
Optimal generation maintenance scheduling considering financial return and unexpected failure of distributed generation
Authors: Prukpanit Panit , Kaewprapha Phisan , Leeprechanon Nopbhorn 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGeneration maintenance scheduling (GMS) is an important factor that can improve the reliability of power systems and decrease revenue achieved by generation companies (GenCos). Several GMS models, therefore, are based on these two crucial values. Nonetheless, there is no GMS problem that simultaneously considers unexpected failure of distributed generator (DG), financial return of GenCo, and reserve of system. This paper proposes the GMS model based on a global criterion approach to compromise functions that maximise the GenCo’s annual return and probability that no DG fails unexpectedly. The system reserve (SR) is considered as a reliability constraint, while surplus reserve is exchanged with the main grid. To support alternative energy sources that have uncertain outputs and ensure continuous operation of DG, short‐term GMS model including power from wind farm, photovoltaic system, energy system storage, and demand response (DR) is also run by adding the SR and inconstant cost of DR. Effectiveness of the proposed model is examined using the IEEE 6 and IEEE 18‐bus test systems. Results show that not only the proposed model provides a better GMS solution for the GenCo, resulting in appropriate values of the two objectives, but also alternative energy sources are useful for the short‐term GMS.
Residents' Perceptions of Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
Authors: Đorđević Nataša , Milićević Snežana 
Published: February 2021

Research background: Tourism has become a favorable industry for many countries, considering the benefits it generates. The important part in reaching sustainability in tourism is to know how the local population perceives the effects of tourism. Tourism brings economic benefits, and on the other side it involves some economic costs, including government costs for infrastructure to better serve tourists, costs for local residents such as increased prices of goods and services, real estate, it generates seasonal unemployment, etc.
Purpose of the article: The aim of this study is to investigate how residents perceive the economic impacts of tourism development in Vrnjačka Banja.
Methods: Methods: The survey method was used to collect primary data. Data were processed by SPSS Statistics 23. The 14 defined statements of the economic impacts of tourism were subjected to Factor analysis. The internal consistency of the sample was carried out the Cronbach alpha coefficient.
Findings & Value added: Results indicate that respondents perceive those impacts as more positive. Giving the fact that no research can be found in the scientific literature about how residents perceive the economic benefits and cost of tourism development in spa destinations, this study contributes to this field of study.
Research on the involvement of residents and tourists in protecting the local brand as a sustainable destination
Authors: Serban Mădălina , Turek Rahoveanu Maria Magdalena , Zugravu Gheorghe Adrian , Băniţă Cornel 
Published: February 2021

Research background. Specialists show a decrease in awareness of the issues of sustainability of tourism activities among various stakeholders [1], followed by arguments [2], and irresponsible practices of visitors.
Local key actors could be the main interdependent factors in solving [3] these issues that characterize sustainable tourism through the emergence of the phenomenon of digitalization and high popularization of social networks.
Digital communication networks have left their mark on the impact that brand tourism - considered as local tourist destinations, has on the behavior of residents and tourists [5], [6].
In this research we aim to evaluate the various advantages that sustainable tourism can have due to digital media in the Pietroasele area, Buzau County, Romania.
Purpose of the article. In this research we aim to evaluate the various advantages that sustainable tourism can have due to digital media in the Pietroasele area, Buzau County, Romania.
Methods. Digital communication networks have left their mark on the impact that brand tourism - considered as local tourist destinations, has on the behavior of residents and tourists [7],[8],
Findings & Value added. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceptions about the local brand as a way to attract entrepreneurs, tourists and business development in the wine area Pietroasele, Buzau, Romania based on the following specific research objectives:
1. Knowledge of the role of the local brand in the management of local businesses and authorities.
2. Monitoring the application of mechanisms used by specialists to develop local branding, including collaboration with local partners.
3. Evaluation of the perspectives arising from the development of the analyse brand.