bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ketones: potential to achieve brain energy rescue and sustain cognitive health during ageing
Authors: Myette-Côté Étienne , Soto-Mota Adrian , Cunnane Stephen C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common major neurocognitive disorder of ageing. Although largely ignored until about a decade ago, accumulating evidence suggests that deteriorating brain energy metabolism plays a key role in the development and/or progression of AD-associated cognitive decline. Brain glucose hypometabolism is a well-established biomarker in AD but was mostly assumed to be a consequence of neuronal dysfunction and death. However, its presence in cognitively asymptomatic populations at higher risk of AD strongly suggests that it is actually a pre-symptomatic component in the development of AD. The question then arises as to whether progressive AD-related cognitive decline could be prevented or slowed down by correcting or bypassing this progressive ‘brain energy gap’. In this review, we provide an overview of research on brain glucose and ketone metabolism in AD and its prodromal condition – mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – to provide a clearer basis for proposing keto-therapeutics as a strategy for brain energy rescue in AD. We also discuss studies using ketogenic interventions and their impact on plasma ketone levels, brain energetics and cognitive performance in MCI and AD. Given that exercise has several overlapping metabolic effects with ketones, we propose that in combination these two approaches might be synergistic for brain health during ageing. As cause-and-effect relationships between the different hallmarks of AD are emerging, further research efforts should focus on optimising the efficacy, acceptability and accessibility of keto-therapeutics in AD and populations at risk of AD.
Underwriter Reputation, Issuer–Underwriter Matching, and SEO Performance
Authors: Calomiris Charles W. , Izhakian Yehuda , Zender Jaime F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe role of underwriters is altered in new seasoned equity offering deal types in which the offering follows quickly after its announcement. Controlling for the endogenous matching between issuing firms and underwriters, we find increased underwriter reputation mitigates the immediate price impact of announcing an accelerated bookbuilt offering, exacerbates the price impact of announcing a bought offering, and has no immediate price impact for fully marketed deals. In contrast, underwriter reputation positively affects price outcomes for fully marketed deals around the offer date. Reputation effects are not apparent in the absence of controlling for the endogenous matching.
Pre-operative assessment of facial recess width in paediatric cochlear implant recipients: a radiological study
Authors: Han S , Wang L , Gao F , Liang W , Lee T H , Peng K A 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe location of the vertical segment of the facial nerve varies greatly among patients undergoing otological surgery. Its position relative to the incus determines facial recess width, which has implications for ease of cochlear implantation.ObjectiveTo investigate the variation in facial nerve depth, relative to the incus, on pre-operative computed tomography in patients undergoing cochlear implantation.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of paediatric patients undergoing cochlear implantation at a tertiary referral centre. Distance between the incus short process and facial nerve, in the transverse (medial-lateral) dimension, was measured at six imaging slices, ranging from 1.25 to 7.25 mm below the tip of the incus short process.ResultsFacial nerve depth relative to the incus short process demonstrated significant variability. Among all subjects and at all measurements taken inferior to the incus, the mean dimension between the facial nerve and the incus short process was 1.71 mm.ConclusionThis paper presents a rapid, repeatable technique to assess the depth of the facial nerve vertical segment on pre-operative computed tomography, as measured relative to the tip of the incus short process. This allows the surgeon to anticipate facial recess width and round window access during cochlear implantation.
Digital mental health in China: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Lewis Shôn , Firth Joseph , Chen Xu , Bucci Sandra 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMental health problems are highly prevalent in China; however, China's mental health services lack resources to deliver high-quality care to people in need. Digital mental health is a promising solution to this short-fall in view of the population's digital literacy. In this review, we aim to: (i) investigate the effectiveness, acceptability, usability, and safety of digital health technologies (DHTs) for people with mental health problems in China; (ii) critically appraise the literature; and (iii) make recommendations for future research directions. The databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP were systemically searched for English and Chinese language articles evaluating DHTs for people with mental health problems in mainland China. Eligible studies were systematically reviewed. The heterogeneity of studies included precluded a meta-analysis. In total, 39 articles were retrieved, reporting on 32 DHTs for various mental health problems. Compared with the digital mental health field in the West, the Chinese studies targeted schizophrenia and substance use disorder more often and investigated social anxiety mediated by shame and culturally specific variants, DHTs were rarely developed in a co-production approach, and methodology quality was less rigorous. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review focused on digital mental health in the Chinese context including studies published in both English and the Chinese language. DHTs were acceptable and usable among Chinese people with mental health problems in general, similar to findings from the West. Due to heterogeneity across studies and a paucity of robust control trial research, conclusions about the efficacy of DHTs are lacking.
Of Constitutions, Campaigns and Commissions: A Century of Democratic Centralism under the CCP
Authors: Thornton Patricia M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDemocratic centralism, a hallmark of Leninist party organizations, has played a formative role in the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Yet despite being hailed as an “inviolable” and “unchanging” Party principle, understandings of democratic centralism have shifted dramatically over the century of its existence. This study traces the long arc of the concept's evolution across successive Party Constitutions, focusing on three critical historical junctures: the Sixth Party Congress, which formally adopted democratic centralism into its Constitution as an organizational principle; the Seventh Party Congress, which adopted rectification as the Party's practice of democratic centralism; and the 19th Party Congress, which set a new milestone in codifying the system as a disciplinary tool. I argue that while democratic centralism exemplifies the CCP's institutional plasticity and adaptive governance and is critical to understanding Party-driven constitutionalism in contemporary China, it also highlights an irresolvable paradox inherent in Party rule. Adaptability does not necessarily impart resilience. I conclude that the CCP's normatively unconstrained extra-constitutional leadership under Xi Jinping highlights the essentially and increasingly irrationalist aspects of its illiberal governance project.
MALL language learning outcomes: A comprehensive meta-analysis 1994–2019
Authors: Burston Jack , Giannakou Konstantinos 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate quantitative experimental mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) studies published between 1994 and 2019 that meet minimal conditions of research design and statistical analysis. Starting with a bibliographical database of 1,144 references to experimental MALL implementations, of which there were 700 objectively substantiated by quantitative experimental language learning outcomes, only 84 experimental MALL studies met the inclusion requirements. Their analysis addresses two critical sets of research questions. First, what are the general characteristics of the selected studies and, second, what are their language learning outcomes in terms of measured effect size. Nine general characteristics are considered: publication source, chronological distribution, country of origin, institutional environment, sample size, intervention duration, targeted language, language learner competence level, and learning focus. Effect size was calculated separately for between-group (independent, experimental) and within-group (quasi-experimental) treatment studies. In both cases, the overall results were quite large: 0.72 for the former and 1.16 for the latter. An analysis of four critical moderator variables (language learner competence level, language area focus, institutional environment, and intervention duration) revealed similarly large effect sizes. Notwithstanding, analysis of the data also confirmed obvious publication bias and a very high level of heterogeneity that frequently approached 100%. The relevance of positive language learning outcome conclusions thus needs to be tempered by these shortcomings.
Genetic variation in melon (Cucumis melo L.) landraces and wild relatives of Karnataka state of southern India
Authors: Shivapriya Manchali , Mamatha S. , Umesha K. , Lingaiah H. B. , Mohankumar S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMelon (Cucumis meloL.) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. Karnataka state of southern India is rich in melon landraces and wild relatives, which are potential sources of genetic diversity for crop improvement. Here we report on the collection, characterization and documentation of previously unexplored landrace and wild material to broaden the availability of this genetic diversity for use in melon improvement. Accessions of botanical groups,momordica,kachri,chandalak,reticulatus,acidulusandindicus, intermediate forms ofacidulusandmomordica, and three melons of an unknown group were sourced directly from farmers of eight agro-ecological regions. Twenty-three representative melon landraces and wild relatives, along with four reference varieties of different botanical groups, were evaluated for agronomic traits during the year 2016. Very wide and distinctive genetic variations were observed among the melon accessions for ovary characters, sex expression, days taken to first fruit maturity, external and internal fruit traits, and fruit cracking (splitting). The remarkable variability displayed among the melon accessions as observed from the study demonstrates the importance of them as a valuable genetic reservoir for melon improvement.
Late colonial antecedents of modern democracy
Authors: Bjørnskov Christian , Rode Martin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractClaims that colonial political institutions fundamentally affected the probability for democratic governance in the post-colonial period are probably among some of the most contested in institutional analysis. The current paper revisits this literature using a previously unused source of empirical information – the Statesman's Yearbook – on a large number of non-sovereign countries in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Our analysis shows that neither the size of the European population nor the existence of institutions of higher education appear to be important for the subsequent democratisation of countries decolonised during the latter half of the 20th century, while the existence of representative political bodies during the late colonial period clearly predicts the existence and stability of democracy in recent decades. Successful transplants of democracy to former colonies thus seem to crucially depend on whether recipients had time available to experiment around and adjust the imported institutions to local practices.
Based on Atmospheric Physics and Ecological Principle to Assess the Accuracies of Field CO2/H2O Measurements From Infrared Gas Analyzers in Closed‐Path Eddy‐Covariance Systems
Authors: Zhou Xinhua , Gao Tian , Pang Yunchao , Mahan Hayden , Li Xiufen , Zheng Ning , Suyker Andrew E. , Awada Tala , Zhu Jiaojun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractField CO2/H2O measurements from infrared gas analyzers in closed‐path eddy‐covariance systems have wide applications in earth sciences. Knowledge about exactness of these measurements is required to assess measurement applicability. Although the analyzers are specified with uncertainty components (zero drift, gain drift, cross‐sensitivities, and precision), exactness for individual measurements is unavailable due to an absence of methodology to comprehend the components as an overall uncertainty. Adopting an advanced definition of accuracy as a range of all measurement uncertainty sources, the specified components are composited into a model formulated for studying analyzers’ CO2/H2O accuracy equations. Based on atmospheric physics and environmental parameters, the analyzers are evaluated using the equations for CO2 accuracy (±0.78 µmolCO2 mol−1, relatively ±0.18%) and H2O accuracy (±0.15 mmolH2O mol−1). Evaluation shows that precision and cross‐sensitivity are minor uncertainties while zero and gain drifts are major uncertainties. Both drifts need adjusting through zero/span procedures during field maintenance. The equations provide rationales to guide and assess the procedures. H2O span needs more attentions under humid conditions. Under freezing conditions while H2O span is impractical, this span is fortunately unnecessary. Under the same conditions, H2O zero drift dominates H2O measurement uncertainty. Therefore, automatic zero becomes a more applicable and necessary tactic. In general cases of atmospheric CO2 background, automatic CO2 zero/span procedures can narrow CO2 accuracy by 36% (±0.74 to ± 0.47 µmolCO2 mol−1). Automatic/manual H2O zero/span procedures can narrow H2O accuracy by 27% (±0.15 to ±0.11 mmolH2O mol−1). While ensuring system specifications, the procedures guided by equations improve measurement accuracies.
Winter Euro‐Atlantic Climate Modes: Future Scenarios From a CMIP6 Multi‐Model Ensemble
Authors: Cusinato E. , Rubino A. , Zanchettin D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDominant Euro‐Atlantic modes of large‐scale atmospheric variability significantly affect interannual‐to‐decadal Euro‐Mediterranean climate fluctuations, especially in winter. Here, we investigate the robustness of historical and projected state and variability of such modes in a CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble of historical and ssp585 future scenario simulations, focusing on the winter season. Results show overall good skills of the historical ensemble to reproduce the observed temporal, spectral and distributional properties of all considered modes. At the end of the 21st Century the ssp585 ensemble yields non‐significant distributional changes for NAO, EAWR, and SCA indices and a transition to a baroclinic structure for EA, with persistent positive anomalies in the mid‐troposphere enhancing globally‐driven warming over the Euro‐Mediterranean region. The hemispheric spatial correlation patterns with temperature and precipitation significantly change for all modes, that is, we observe a significant modulation of the teleconnections associated with each index.
A Seasonal Harmonic Model for Internal Tide Amplitude Prediction
Authors: Rayson Matthew D. , Jones Nicole L. , Ivey Gregory N. , Gong Yankun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe present an empirical model of the seasonal variability of the internal tide using seasonal harmonics to modulate the amplitude of the fundamental tidal constituents. Internal tide data, from both long‐term, in‐situ moorings and a mesoscale‐resolving and internal tide‐resolving ocean model, are used to demonstrate the performance of the seasonal harmonic model for the Indo‐Australian Basin region. The seasonal model describes up to 15% more of the observed (baroclinic) sea surface height variance than a fixed‐amplitude harmonic model at the mooring sites. The ocean model results demonstrate that the study region, which includes the Australian North West Shelf (NWS), Timor Sea, and southern Indonesian Islands, is dominated by standing wave interference patterns due to the presence of multiple generation sites. The seasonal harmonic model reveals that temporal shifts in the standing wave patterns coincide with seasonal variations in density stratification. This shift is particularly evident within distances of 2–3 internal wave lengths from strong generation sites. The fraction of the variance of the internal tide signal explained by seasonal modulations is largest in standing wave node regions, contributing to differences in predictive skill of the seasonal harmonic model at two moorings separated by only 38 km. Output of the harmonic model also demonstrates that the seasonally evolving internal tide propagating southward from Lombok Strait had a small amplitude in October when shear from the Indonesian Throughflow was strongest.
Controlling Factors of Seasonal Variation of Stem Methane Emissions From Alnus japonica in a Riparian Wetland of a Temperate Forest
Authors: Sakabe Ayaka , Takahashi Kenshi , Azuma Wakana , Itoh Masayuki , Tateishi Makiko , Kosugi Yoshiko 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTree‐mediated methane (CH4) emissions represent an uncertain pathway of the total CH4 flux released from forested ecosystems. We measured the stem CH4 fluxes from Alnus japonica in a riparian wetland of a temperate forest for a year from 2017 to 2018, using automated chambers. The stem CH4 fluxes varied seasonally, showing summertime maxima and wintertime minima. Medians of stem CH4 fluxes were 12.9, 0.5, 0.4, and 13.4 nmol m−2 s−1 during autumn, winter, spring, and summer, respectively. Dissolved CH4 concentration in groundwater beneath the trees was the major controlling factor of the stem CH4 fluxes. Temporal variations in soil environmental conditions (temperature and groundwater level) controlled dissolved CH4 concentrations in groundwater, and accordingly, stem CH4 fluxes. In addition, stem CH4 emissions were observed when the sap flux diminished during the defoliation period. These results indicate that CH4 in the rhizosphere is mainly transported in the gaseous form through intercellular space in trees. Intense rainfall occasionally caused a transient increase in the stem CH4 emissions, which was attributed to the temporal changes in the groundwater flow paths by rainfall affecting the belowground CH4 concentrations. Our findings highlight the need for continuous stem CH4 flux measurements for improved understanding of the controlling factors and future response of CH4 dynamics in forests, with regards to climate change.
Melatonin and doxorubicin synergistically enhance apoptosis via autophagy-dependent reduction of AMPKα1 transcription in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Tran Quynh Hoa , Hoang Dang Hieu , Song Minhyeok , Choe Wonchae , Kang Insug , Kim Sung Soo , Ha Joohun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDoxorubicin is one of the most effective agents used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer, but its usage is limited by the risk of adverse effects, including cardiotoxicity. Melatonin, a natural hormone that functions as a major regulator of circadian rhythms, has been considered a supplemental component for doxorubicin due to its potential to improve its effectiveness. However, the mechanisms and biological targets of the combination of melatonin and doxorubicin with respect to cancer cell death are not well understood. In the present study, we found that melatonin synergized with doxorubicin to induce apoptosis of breast cancer cells by decreasing the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPK α1), which acts as a critical survival factor for cancer cells. This cotreatment-induced reduction in AMPKα1 expression occurred at the transcriptional level via an autophagy-dependent mechanism. The synergistic effects of the combined treatment were evident in many other cancer cell lines, and melatonin was also highly effective in inducing cancer death when combined with other cancer drugs, including cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and sorafenib. AMPKα1 expression was decreased in all of these cases, suggesting that reducing AMPKα1 can be considered an effective method to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to doxorubicin treatment.
Human cardiac stem cells rejuvenated by modulating autophagy with MHY-1685 enhance the therapeutic potential for cardiac repair
Authors: Park Ji Hye , Kim Hyeok , Moon Hyung Ryong , Park Bong-Woo , Park Jae-Hyun , Sim Woo-Sup , Kim Jin-Ju , Lim Hye Ji , Kim Yeon-Ju , Ji Seung Taek , Jang Woong Bi , Rethineswaran Vinoth Kumar , Van Le Thi Hong , Giang Ly Thanh Truong , Yun Jisoo , Ha Jong Seong , Ban Kiwon , Chung Hae Young , Baek Sang Hong , Park Hun-Jun , Kwon Sang-Mo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractStem cell-based therapies with clinical applications require millions of cells. Therefore, repeated subculture is essential for cellular expansion, which is often complicated by replicative senescence. Cellular senescence contributes to reduced stem cell regenerative potential as it inhibits stem cell proliferation and differentiation as well as the activation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In this study, we employed MHY-1685, a novel mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, and examined its long-term priming effect on the activities of senile human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) and the functional benefits of primed hCSCs after transplantation. In vitro experiments showed that the MHY-1685‒primed hCSCs exhibited higher viability in response to oxidative stress and an enhanced proliferation potential compared to that of the unprimed senile hCSCs. Interestingly, priming MHY-1685 enhanced the expression of stemness-related markers in senile hCSCs and provided the differentiation potential of hCSCs into vascular lineages. In vivo experiment with echocardiography showed that transplantation of MHY-1685‒primed hCSCs improved cardiac function than that of the unprimed senile hCSCs at 4 weeks post-MI. In addition, hearts transplanted with MHY-1685-primed hCSCs exhibited significantly lower cardiac fibrosis and higher capillary density than that of the unprimed senile hCSCs. In confocal fluorescence imaging, MHY-1685‒primed hCSCs survived for longer durations than that of the unprimed senile hCSCs and had a higher potential to differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) within the infarcted hearts. These findings suggest that MHY-1685 can rejuvenate senile hCSCs by modulating autophagy and that as a senescence inhibitor, MHY-1685 can provide opportunities to improve hCSC-based myocardial regeneration.