bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies of carotid intima-media thickness
Authors: Portilla-Fernández Eliana , Hwang Shih-Jen , Wilson Rory , Maddock Jane , Hill W. David , Teumer Alexander , Mishra Pashupati P. , Brody Jennifer A. , Joehanes Roby , Ligthart Symen , Ghanbari Mohsen , Kavousi Maryam , Roks Anton J. M. , Danser A. H. Jan , Levy Daniel , Peters Annette , Ghasemi Sahar , Schminke Ulf , Dörr Marcus , Grabe Hans J. , Lehtimäki Terho , Kähönen Mika , Hurme Mikko A. , Bartz Traci M. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Bis Joshua C. , Thiery Joachim , Koenig Wolfgang , Ong Ken K. , Bell Jordana T. , Meisinger Christine , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Starr John M. , Seissler Jochen , Then Cornelia , Rathmann Wolfgang , Ikram M. Arfan , Psaty Bruce M. , Raitakari Olli T. , Völzke Henry , Deary Ian J. , Wong Andrew , Waldenberger Melanie , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Dehghan Abbas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCommon carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an index of subclinical atherosclerosis that is associated with ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD). We undertook a cross-sectional epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of measures of cIMT in 6400 individuals. Mendelian randomization analysis was applied to investigate the potential causal role of DNA methylation in the link between atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors and cIMT or clinical cardiovascular disease. The CpG site cg05575921 was associated with cIMT (beta = −0.0264, p value = 3.5 × 10–8) in the discovery panel and was replicated in replication panel (beta = −0.07, p value = 0.005). This CpG is located at chr5:81649347 in the intron 3 of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor gene (AHRR). Our results indicate that DNA methylation at cg05575921 might be in the pathway between smoking, cIMT and stroke. Moreover, in a region-based analysis, 34 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified of which a DMR upstream of ALOX12 showed the strongest association with cIMT (p value = 1.4 × 10–13). In conclusion, our study suggests that DNA methylation may play a role in the link between cardiovascular risk factors, cIMT and clinical cardiovascular disease.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on myocardial infarction care
Authors: Schmitz Timo , Meisinger Christa , Kirchberger Inge , Thilo Christian , Amann Ute , Baumeister Sebastian E. , Linseisen Jakob 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care, and to identify underlying stressors in the German model region for complete AMI registration. The analysis was based on data from the population-based KORA Myocardial Infarction Registry located in the region of Augsburg, Germany. All cases of AMI (n = 210) admitted to one of four hospitals in the city of Augsburg or the county of Augsburg from February 10th, 2020, to May 19, 2020, were included. Patients were divided into three groups, namely pre-lockdown, strict lockdown, and attenuated lockdown period. An additional survey was conducted asking the patients for stress and fears in the 4 weeks prior to their AMI. The AMI rate declined by 44% in the strict lockdown period; in the attenuated lockdown period the rate was 17% lower compared to the pre-lockdown period. The downward trend in AMI rates during lockdown was seen in STEMI and NSTEMI patients, and independent of sex and age. The door-to-device time decreased by 70–80% in the lockdown-periods. In the time prior to the infarction, patients felt stressed mainly due to fear of infection with Sars-CoV-2 and less because of the restrictions and consequences of the lockdown. A strict lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic had a marked impact on AMI care even in a non-hot-spot region with relatively few cases of COVID-19. Fear of infection with the virus is presumably the main reason for the drop in hospitalizations due to AMI.
Structural Characterization of Heterodinuclear ZnII-LnIII Complexes (Ln = Pr, Nd) with a Ring-Contracted H2valdien-Derived Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Noor Shabana , Goddard Richard , Khatoon Fehmeeda , Kumar Sarvendra , Seidel Rüdiger W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSynthesis and structural characterization of two heterodinuclear ZnII-LnIII complexes with the formula [ZnLn(HL)(µ-OAc)(NO3)2(H2O)x(MeOH)1-x]NO3 · n H2O · n MeOH [Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2)] and the crystal and molecular structure of [ZnNd(HL)(µ-OAc)(NO3)2(H2O)] [ZnNd(HL)(OAc)(NO3)2(H2O)](NO3)2 · n H2O · n MeOH (3) are reported. The asymmetrical compartmental ligand (E)-2-(1-(2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)amino)-ethyl)imidazolidin-2-yl)-6-methoxyphenol (H2L) is formed from N1,N3-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H2valdien) through intramolecular aminal formation, resulting in a peripheral imidazoline ring. The structures of 1–3 were revealed by X-ray crystallography. The smaller ZnII ion occupies the inner N2O2 compartment of the ligand, whereas the larger and more oxophilic LnIII ions are found in the outer O2O2’ site.
Graphic Abstract
Synthesis and structural characterization of two heterodinuclear ZnII-LnIII complexes (Ln = Pr, Nd) bearing an asymmetrical compartmental ligand formed in situ from N1,N3-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H2valdien) through intramolecular aminal formation are reported.
Economic value of tropical cyclone conditions of readiness
Authors: Gulati Sneh , Sampson Charles R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractU. S. Military bases are especially vulnerable to tropical cyclones (TCs) because they concentrate extremely expensive equipment in a small area. A TC hit at a base can result in upwards of 2 billion dollars in damage, as demonstrated by the recent loss of F-22 aircraft at Tyndall Air Base during Hurricane Michael. To mitigate these events, the Department of Defense defines tropical cyclone conditions of readiness (TCCOR), a set of preparedness levels that are adhered to by bases in preparation of an approaching TC. TCCOR are set by base commanders and are dependent on the likelihood of 50-knot sustained winds impacting the base within a forecast time. These TC-CORs generally drop from V (generally seasonal preparedness) to IV (50 kt or higher winds possible within 72 h); III (50 kt or higher winds possible within 48 h), II (50 kt or higher winds expected within 24 h), and I (50 kt or higher winds expected in 12 h or occurring now). Each TCCOR is associated with a specific set of preparedness actions whose cost generally increases as the TCCOR level drops. As preparing a base for a specific TCCOR level can be extremely time consuming and expensive, it is important that we assess the economic value of the preparation. In this work, we develop a simple cost-loss/savings model to estimate and compare the economic value of skillful TC forecasting against a no-skill forecast baseline. The cost-loss/savings model developed demonstrates that skilled forecasts offer considerable savings over non-skilled forecasts. The algorithm has been implemented in an Excel spreadsheet so that it can be customized to specific bases of interest.
Fostering word fluency of struggling third graders from Germany through motivational peer-tutorial reading racetracks
Authors: Barwasser Anne , Urton Karolina , Grünke Matthias , Sperling Marko , Coker David L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAutomation of frequently used words is a key component in the development of reading fluency. However, acquiring fast word recognition skills is a serious challenge for many children in their early years of formal education. Lagging word recognition leads to general reading problems, as fluency is a vital prerequisite for text comprehension. Recent research shows that the percentage of struggling elementary school readers in Germany is increasing, speaking to the need for widespread implementation of effective word recognition interventions. This pilot study aims to provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of peer-tutorial reading racetrack training with an integrated motivational system for the sight word fluency of German struggling elementary school students. The intervention comprised twelve 15-min teaching units over a period of three weeks. To encourage reading motivation, the intervention included graphing of performance scores and a group contingency procedure. A control-experimental group design (N = 44) with pre-, post-, and two follow-up measurements (each after five weeks) was employed to investigate the impact of the treatment on decoding sight words at an appropriate speed. Results demonstrated a significant performance increase in the treatment group, relative to the control group. The effect size can be considered very high (partialη2 = .76), indicating that this brief training has the potential to enhance the word recognition of struggling elementary students.
Climate change impacts on migration of Pinus koraiensis during the Quaternary using species distribution models
Authors: Shitara Takuto , Fukui Shunsuke , Matsui Tetsuya , Momohara Arata , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Ohashi Haruka , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Kamijo Takashi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractClarifying the influences of paleoclimate changes on the disjunct distribution formation of plants allows a historical and mechanical understanding of current vegetation and biodiversity. This study investigated the influences of paleoclimate changes on the present disjunct distribution formation of Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine) using species distribution modeling. A species distribution model (SDM) was built using maximum entropy principle algorithms (MaxEnt), data from 152 occurrences of the species, and four bioclimatic variables at 2.5 arcminute (approximately 5 km) spatial resolution. The simulation revealed the excellent fit of the MaxEnt model performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.922 and continuous Boyce index (BCI) value of 0.925 with fivefold cross-validation. The most important climatic factor was the minimum temperature of the coldest month. Suitable habitats for the species ranged between − 30.1 and − 4.1 °C. Projected suitable habitats under the Last Glacial Maximum (approximately 22,000 years ago [ka BP]: LGM) period showed wide distributions in eastern China, the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, and the Japanese Archipelago. After the mid-Holocene (approximately 6 ka BP), the suitable habitats expanded northwards in continental regions and retreated from both north and southwest of Japan. This eventually formed disjunct suitable habitats in central Japan. An increase in temperature after the LGM period caused the migration of P. koraiensis toward new, suitable habitats in continental Northeast Asia, while species in the Japanese Archipelago retreated, forming the present disjunct distributions.
COVID-19 and beyond: development of a comprehensive telemedical diagnostic framework
Authors: Fuchtmann Jonas , Krumpholz Roman , Berlet Maximilian , Ostler Daniel , Feussner Hubertus , Haddadin Sami , Wilhelm Dirk 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a threatening bottleneck of medical staff arose due to a shortage of trained caregivers, who became infected while working with infectious patients. While telemedicine is rapidly evolving in the fields of teleconsultation and telesurgery, proper telediagnostic systems are not yet available, although the demand for contactless patient–doctor interaction is increasing.

Methods

In this project, the current limitations were addressed by developing a comprehensive telediagnostic system. Therefore, medical examinations have been assessed in collaboration with medical experts. Subsequently, a framework was developed, satisfying the relevant constraints of medical-, technical-, and hygienic- aspects in order to transform in-person examinations into a contactless procedure. Diagnostic steps were classified into three groups: assisted procedures carried out by the patient, teleoperated examination methods, and adoptions of conventional methods.

Results

The Telemedical Diagnostic Framework was implemented, resulting in a functional proof of concept, where potentially infectious patients could undergo a full medical examination. The system comprises, e.g., a naso-pharyngeal swab, an inspection of the oral cavity, auscultation, percussion, and palpation, based on robotic end-effectors. The physician is thereby connected using a newly developed user-interface and a lead robot, with force feedback control, that enables precise movements with the follower robot on the patient’s side.

Conclusion

Our concept proves the feasibility of a fully telediagnostic system, that consolidates available technology and new developments to an efficient solution enabling safe patient-doctor interaction. Besides infectious situations, this solution can also be applied to remote areas.
Effects of Solidification Conditions on Grain Refinement Capacity of TiC in Directionally Solidified Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Date Naoki , Yamamoto Shunya , Watanabe Yoshimi , Sato Hisashi , Nakano Shizuka , Sato Naoko , Suzuki Shinsuke 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this study, the effects of solidification conditions on the grain refinement capacity of heterogeneous nuclei TiC in directionally solidified Ti6Al4V alloy were investigated using experimental and numerical approaches. Ti6Al4V powder with and without TiC particles in a Ti6Al4V sheath was melted and directionally solidified at various solidification rates via the floating zone melting method. In addition, by using the phase field method, the microstructural evolution of directionally solidified Ti6Al4V was simulated by varying the temperature gradient G and solidification rate V. As the solidification rate increased, the increment of the prior β grain number by TiC addition also increased. There are two reasons for this: first, the amount of residual potent heterogeneous nuclei TiC is larger. Second, the amount of TiC particles that can nucleate becomes larger. This is because increasing the constitutional undercooling ΔT
c leads to the activation of a smaller radius of heterogeneous nuclei and a higher nucleation probability from each radius. At a cooling rate R higher than that in the floating zone melting experiment (R = 3 to 1000 K/s), the maximum degree of constitutional undercooling ΔT
c,Max has a peak value, which suggests that constitutional undercooling ΔT
c has a smaller contribution at higher cooling rates, such as those that occur during electron beam melting (EBM), including laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).
Response of density-related fine root production to soil and leaf traits in coniferous and broad-leaved plantations in the semiarid loess hilly region of China
Authors: Sun Meimei , Zhai Bo-Chao , Chen Qiu-Wen , Li Guoqing , Du Sheng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFine roots are the most active and functional component of root systems and play a significant role in the acquisition of soil resources. Density is an important structural factor in forest plantations but information on changes in fine roots along a density gradient is limited. In this study, plantations of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) with four density classes were analyzed for the influence of soil and leaf traits on fine root growth. Fine root biomass increased with stand density. High fine root biomass was achieved through increases in the fine root production and turnover rate in the high-density black locust plantations and through an increase in fine root production in the pine plantations. In the high-density Chinese pine stand, there was a high fine root turnover which, coupled with high fine root production, contributed to a high fine root biomass. Overall, fine root production and turnover rate were closely related to soil volumetric water content in both kinds of plantations, while fine root biomass, especially the component of necromass, was related to soil nutrient status, which refers to phosphorous content in black locust plantations and nitrogen content in Chinese pine plantations. There was a close linkage between leaf area index and fine root dynamics in the black locust plantations but not in the pine plantations.
Exposures and suspected intoxications during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: preliminary results from an Italian poison control centre
Authors: Crescioli Giada , Lanzi Cecilia , Gambassi Francesco , Ieri Alessandra , Ercolini Anita , Borgioli Giulia , Bettiol Alessandra , Vannacci Alfredo , Mannaioni Guido , Lombardi Niccolò 
Published: June 2021

AbstractData on cleaner and disinfectant exposure and misuse-related acute intoxications in Italy during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to analyse and describe cleaner and disinfectant-related intoxications during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in an Italian poison control centre. Data were obtained from the toxicological consultations requested to the Toxicology Unit and Poison Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Italy). We compared data from January 1st to April 30th of 2019 and 2020. Data concerning probable or acute intoxication from any causative agent in the general population (all age groups), from private individuals or from Regional and National health structures, were included in the analysis. A toxicological evaluation was also performed to calculate the Poisoning Severity Score.In 2019, 451 phone counselling sessions were performed and compared to a total of 410 calls received during the same period of 2020. In both periods, the majority of events occurred in paediatric (0–17 years) and adult (18–65 years) patients, who were mainly exposed to one toxic agent, and intoxications took place principally at home due to domestic accidents. The oral route of intoxication was the most frequently observed one, followed by inhalation of toxic agents, which increased by 4.7% in 2020. In 2020, sanitizers and cleaners were reported in 21.6% of cases compared to 12.5% in 2019. This is the first study describing cleaner and disinfectant-related intoxications in Italy. Our results suggested a possible misuse of these products during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underling the effects of home isolation on mental health and unintentional toxic exposures.
Life Cycle Assessment of Total Fatty Acid (TFA) Production from Microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica at Different Sites and Under Different Sustainability Scenarios
Authors: Gaber Kirsten , Rösch Christine , Biondi Natascia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe environmental sustainability of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica cultivation for total fatty acid (TFA) production was analyzed using life cycle assessment (LCA). Pilot data provided by the plant operator from cultivation in Italy using Green Wall Panel (GWP®) photobioreactors were upscaled to a 20-ha production process, and an LCA was conducted and assessed for the Italian regions of Tuscany and Sicily. Two additional scenarios were modelled to analyze the influence of more sustainable framework conditions, respectively nutrient recycling and renewable energy supply. The results show that environmental impacts per functional unit are around 15% less at the site with optimal growth conditions. Between 60 and 80% of the impacts are due to the energy demand during plant operation, infrastructure, and nutrient demand. Nutrient recycling and the gain of an energy credit from the separated biocrude with the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process reduce the environmental impacts in all six International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) impact categories by an average of 11% compared to a scenario without nutrient recycling. The additional consideration of a renewable energy supply allows for an average reduction of 36% and together with the nutrient recycling of an average of 45% for the global warming potential (GWP) and most of the other impact categories.
The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap for autologous breast reconstruction: focus on donor site morbidity
Authors: Siegwart Laura C. , Fischer Sebastian , Diehm Yannick F. , Heil Jörg M. , Hirche Christoph , Kneser Ulrich , Kotsougiani-Fischer Dimitra 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeThe transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap is as a valuable alternative in autologous breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the donor site morbidity and secondary refinement procedures after TMG flap breast reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted, including all patients who received TMG flap breast reconstructions, from January 2012 to August 2019. Primary outcomes were surgical site complications of the donor site and secondary refinement procedures carried out for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes for the medial thigh. Secondary outcomes of interest were lipofilling procedures for optimization of the reconstructed breasts.ResultsNinety-nine patients received 159 TMG flaps for breast reconstruction. Patients’ mean BMI was 23.5 (15.6–32.5) kg/m2. Bilateral breast reconstructions were performed in 60.6%. The mean flap volume was 330 (231–440) g. Surgical site complications occurred in 14.5% of the TMG donor sites and wound dehiscence was the most common complication (9.4%). Lymphedema occurred in 1.8% of the donor thighs. Aesthetic refinement procedures were performed in 25.2% on the donor thigh or contralateral thigh. Secondary lipofilling was performed in 54.1% of the reconstructed breasts and fat was harvested in only 11.9% from the legs.ConclusionThe TMG flap breast reconstruction combines low donor site morbidity with adequate volume for appealing breast results, particularly in slim-to-normal weight patients. However, patients should be informed about the likelihood of secondary refinement procedures on the donor site and the need of lipofilling to optimize the breast shape and volume.
What Do You Mean by Trust? Establishing Shared Meaning in Interdisciplinary Design for Assistive Technology
Authors: Schwaninger Isabel , Güldenpfennig Florian , Weiss Astrid , Fitzpatrick Geraldine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe topic of trust has attracted increasing interest within HRI research, and is particularly relevant in the context of social robots and their assistance of older people at home. To make this abstract concept of trust more tangible for developers of robotic technologies and to connect it with older people’s living spaces and their daily practices, we propose a light-weight method drawing on elicitation cards to be used at early stages of participatory design. The cards were designed to serve as a guide for qualitative interviews at ideation phases. This was accomplished by using the cards connected to the living spaces of the participants, their daily practices, and ‘provocative’ questions to structure conversations. We developed the method with 10 inexperienced interviewers who conducted 10 qualitative interviews on the topic of trust without cards, and who tested the cards with 10 older adults. Our findings indicate that the method served as a powerful facilitator of conversations around the topic of trust and enabled interviewers to engage with everyday practices of older adults; it also facilitated a more active role for older adults during the conversations. As indicators of findings that can come from the cards, salient trust-related themes that emerged from the analysis of card usage were the desire for control, companionship, privacy, understandability, and location-specific requirements with regards to trust.