bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delay time in the transfer of modulation between microwave beams
Authors: Cacciari Ilaria , Mugnai Daniela , Ranfagni Anedio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMeasurements of delay time relative to the signal transferred from a modulated beam F2 to an unmodulated one F1, both of which operate with a microwave carrier at ∼9.3 GHz, are reported and interpreted. The observed behavior is open to two possible interpretations: one is based on a purely stochastic model that consists of zigzag random paths; the other is based on a more conventional electromagnetic approach, although it maintains some of the characteristics of the stochastic model. The anomalous behaviors here studied can have significant applications in photonics and electro‐optics.
Development of the Australian National Meal Guidelines for home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs for older adults
Authors: Clancy Annabel , Walton Karen , Charlton Karen , McMahon Anne‐Therese , Williams Peter , Tapsell Linda C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIssue addressedThis research aimed to develop and disseminate National Meal Guidelines for Australian home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs.MethodsDevelopment was led by a project group of dietitians and a steering group of representatives from the Australian Meals on Wheels Association. The process framework included three phases: (1) Review of existing standards and guidelines and systematic literature review (SLR), (2) stakeholder consultation conducted via six workshops, across six states (N = 212) and surveys with service providers, health professionals (N = 289) and customers (N = 337) and (3) review of the draft guidelines by stakeholders.ResultsThe final guidelines address: nutritional needs of older adults; meal and menu planning including nutrient requirements for meal components; presentation and meal enjoyment; special diets; and enhancing the meal service.ConclusionThese guidelines provide consistent guidance to services providing home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs. Further evaluation of their uptake and impact on service practices and customer nutrition and satisfaction is required.So what?The National Meal Guidelines provide nationally consistent, evidence‐based guidance on menu planning and nutritional quality of meals to services providing home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs. The guideline development framework outlined here also provides a process for future food service guideline development.
Hydrological trends and the evolution of catchment research in the Alptal valley, central Switzerland
Authors: Stähli Manfred , Seibert Jan , Kirchner James W. , von Freyberg Jana , van Meerveld Ilja 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhen the observation of small headwater catchments in the pre‐Alpine Alptal valley (central Switzerland) started in the late 1960s, the researchers were mainly interested in questions related to floods and forest management. Investigations of geomorphological processes in the steep torrent channels followed in the 1980s, along with detailed observations of biogeochemical and ecohydrological processes in individual forest stands. More recently, research in the Alptal has addressed the impacts of climate change on water supply and runoff generation. In this article, we describe, for the first time, the evolution of catchment research at Alptal, and present new analyses of long‐term trends and short‐term hydrologic behaviour. Hydrometeorological time series from the past 50 years show substantial interannual variability, but only minimal long‐term trends, except for the ~2°C increase in mean annual air temperature over the 50‐year period, and a corresponding shift towards earlier snowmelt. Similar to previous studies in larger Alpine catchments, the decadal variations in mean annual runoff in Alptal's small research catchments reflect the long‐term variability in annual precipitation. In the Alptal valley, the most evident hydrological trends were observed in late spring and are related to the substantial change in the duration of the snow cover. Streamflow and water quality are highly variable within and between hydrological events, suggesting rapid shifts in flow pathways and mixing, as well as changing connectivity of runoff‐generating areas. This overview illustrates how catchment research in the Alptal has evolved in response to changing societal concerns and emerging scientific questions.
Vanillic acid mitigates the impairments in glucose metabolism in HepG2 cells through BAD–GK interaction during hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Sreelekshmi Mohan , Raghu Kozhiparambil Gopalan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGlucokinase (GK), a key regulator of hepatic glucose metabolism in the liver and glucose sensor and mediator in the secretion of insulin in the pancreas, is not studied in detail for its therapeutic application in diabetes. Herein, we study the alteration in GK activity during hyperinsulinemia‐induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. We also investigated the link between GK and Bcl‐2‐associated death receptor (BAD) during hyperinsulinemia. There are emerging demands for GK activators from natural resources, and we selected vanillic acid (VA) to evaluate its potential as GK activators during hyperinsulinemia in HepG2 cells. VA is a phenolic compound and a commonly used food additive in many food industries. We found that VA safeguarded GK inhibition during hyperinsulinemia significantly in HepG2 cells. VA also prevented the depletion of glycogen synthesis during hyperinsulinemia, which is evident from protein expression studies of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose‐6‐phosphatase, glycogen synthase, and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β. This was associated with activation of BAD activity, which was also confirmed by Western blotting. Molecular docking revealed strong binding between GK active site and VA, supporting their strong interaction. These are the first in vitro data to indicate the beneficial properties of VA with respect to insulin resistance induced by hyperinsulinemia by GK activation. Since it is activated via BAD, the hypoglycemia associated with general GK activation is not expected here and therefore has significant implications for future therapies against diabetes.
Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by stiff matrix via the IKCa channel‐dependent Ca2+ signaling
Authors: Jia Xiaoling , Yang Qingmao , Gao Chao , Chen Xinlan , Li Yanan , Su Hao , Zheng Yufan , Zhang Shuwen , Wang Ziyu , Wang Haikun , Jiang Lin‐Hua , Sun Yan , Fan Yubo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVascular stiffening, an early and common characteristic of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation which reciprocally accelerates the progression of CVDs. However, the mechanisms by which extracellular matrix stiffness accompanying vascular stiffening regulates VSMC proliferation remain largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the role of the intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (IKCa) channel in the matrix stiffness regulation of VSMC proliferation by growing A7r5 cells on soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane substrates with stiffness close to these of arteries under physiological and pathological conditions, respectively. Stiff substrates stimulated cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the IKCa channel. Stiff substrate‐induced cell proliferation was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition using TRAM34, an IKCa channel blocker, or genetic depletion of the IKCa channel. In addition, stiff substrate‐induced cell proliferation was also suppressed by reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration using EGTA or intracellular Ca2+ concentration using BAPTA‐AM. Moreover, stiff substrate induced activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs), which was inhibited by treatment with TRAM34 or BAPTA‐AM. Stiff substrate‐induced cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor. Taken together, these results show that substrates with pathologically relevant stiffness upregulate the IKCa channel expression to enhance intracellular Ca2+ signaling and subsequent activation of the ERK signal pathway to drive cell proliferation. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which vascular stiffening regulates VSMC function.
Relevant characteristics of food products based on alternative proteins according to European consumers
Authors: Faber Ilona , Henn Katharina , Brugarolas Margarita , Perez‐Cueto Federico JA 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to evaluate the importance attributed by consumers in Denmark (DK), Germany (DE) and Spain (ES) and across dietary lifestyles to the characteristics of different types of foods based on alternative proteins. Data were collected through a web‐based survey (15 November to 16 December 2019). A total of 872 completed questionnaires from DK (n = 258), DE (n = 296) and ES (n = 318) were obtained.RESULTSFour segments according to frequency of animal‐ and plant‐based food consumption were identified: (i) no animal, high plant; (ii) low animal, high plant; (iii) moderate animal and plant; and (iv) high animal, moderate plant. Across all segments, foods based on legumes/pulses as well as plant‐based spreads and products that do not resemble meat in taste and texture were of interest. Segment 4 was more in favour of ‘health’ as an important factor in new food products, whereas segment 1 was more likely to consider ‘animal friendly’, ‘minimally processed’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘produced with minimum CO2 emissions’ as key aspects. Furthermore, familiarity was of minor importance across the segments. This could indicate an opening for new, innovative plant‐based alternatives that have their own identity.CONCLUSIONAn overall interest exists towards innovative food products based on plant protein, specifically legumes/pulses, among consumers in the three countries and across different dietary lifestyles. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fish Oil Diet during Pre‐mating, Gestation, and Lactation in Adult Offspring Rats on Cancer Cachexia Prevention
Authors: Oliveira Sarah Christine Pereira de , Miyaguti Natália Angelo da Silva , Russell Steven Thomas , Tobar Natália , Geraldo Murilo Vieira , Gomes‐Marcondes Maria Cristina Cintra 
Published: March 2021

ScopeNutritional supplementation of the maternal diet can modify the cancer susceptibility in adult offspring. Therefore, the authors evaluate the effects of a fish‐oil diet administered to a long‐term, during pre‐mating, gestation, and lactation, in reducing cancer‐cachexia damages in adult Walker‐256 tumor‐bearing offspring.Methods and ResultsFemale rats receive control or fish oil diet during pre‐mating, gestation, and lactation. After weaning, male offspring are fed the control diet until adulthood and distributed in (C) control adult‐offspring; (W) adult tumor‐bearing offspring; (OC) adult‐offspring of maternal fish oil diet; (WOC) adult tumor‐bearing offspring of maternal fish oil diet groups. Fat body mass is preserved, muscle expression of mechanistic target of rapamicin (mTOR) and eukariotic binding protein of eukariotic factor 4E (4E‐BP1) is modified, being associated with lower 20S proteasome protein expression, and the liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme content maintained in the WOC group. Also, the OC group shows reduced triglyceridemia.ConclusionIn this experimental model of cachexia, the long‐term maternal supplementation is a positive strategy to improve liver function and lipid metabolism, as well as to modify muscle proteins expression in the mTOR pathway and also reduce the 20S muscle proteasome protein, without altering the tumor development and muscle wasting in adult tumor‐bearing offspring.
Using Bayes theorem to estimate positive and negative predictive values for continuously and ordinally scaled diagnostic tests
Authors: Fischer Felix 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesPositive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) are frequently reported to put estimates of accuracy of a diagnostic test in clinical context and to obtain risk estimates for a given patient taking into account baseline prevalence in the population. In order to calculate PPV and NPV, tests with ordinally or continuously scaled results are commonly dichotomized at the expense of a loss of information.MethodsExtending the rationale for the calculation of PPV and NPV, Bayesian theorem is used to calculate the probability of disease given the outcome of a continuously or ordinally scaled test. Probabilities of test results conditional on disease status are modeled in a Bayesian framework and subsequently transformed to probabilities of disease status conditional on test result.ResultsUsing publicly available data, probability of a clinical depression diagnosis given PROMIS Depression scores was estimated. Comparison with PPV and NPV based on dichotomized scores shows that a more fine‐grained interpretation of test scores is possible.ConclusionsThe proposed method bears the chance to facilitate accurate and meaningful interpretation of test results in clinical settings by avoiding unnecessary dichotomization of test scores.
Delivering NICE Joint Pain Advice in the workplace
Authors: Hurley Michael V. , Irwin Sally , Erwin Jo , Gibney Amber , Hallett Rachel , Carter Andrea , Woolf Anthony 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic joint pain is extremely prevalent, but its impact can be mitigated if people receive self‐management/lifestyle advice, especially about the importance of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. To reach the large number of people who needs support, we devised Joint Pain Advice (JPA), an intervention that can be delivered in a variety of health and community settings by a range of healthcare and non‐healthcare professionals. Here we extend JPA delivery into workplace settings.MethodIn each workplace, an advisor was trained to deliver JPA. This involved an initial assessment of participant's pain, musculoskeletal health and function (MSK‐HQ), number of days/week active for >30 min, and physical function. Participants were taught simple self‐management strategies, encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles using motivational interviewing, goal‐settings and personalised action/coping plans. Participants were reviewed three times over 6 months, baseline outcomes reassessed, progress highlighted, health messages reinforced and action plans revised, if necessary.ResultsTwenty large public organisations or small/medium enterprises delivered JPA to 481 people. Satisfaction with the service was high; people found it acceptable, valued advice tailored to their individual needs and experienced tangible benefits—MSK‐HQ (9.5 points; CI 8.3 to 10.6), pain (−1.7; −2.2 to −1.7), physical function (−2.0; −2.2 to −1.7), activity levels and self‐confidence improved, whilst absenteeism and healthcare utilisation reduced.ConclusionDelivering advice about self‐management for chronic knee, hip and back pain in workplace settings using local health promotion or occupational health professionals and is practicable, beneficial and valued. JPA could benefit small, medium and large employers.
Immune‐mediated neuromuscular complications of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Saw Jacqui‐Lyn , Sidiqi M. Hasib , Mauermann Michelle L. , Alkhateeb Hassan , Naddaf Elie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsWe aimed to describe the clinical phenotype, histopathological findings and overall survival (OS) of the immune‐mediated neuromuscular complications of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients presenting with immune‐mediated neuromuscular complications of GVHD to Mayo Clinic, between April 2013 and July 2018.We collected clinical and laboratory characteristics, histopathological findings, response to treatment and survival data.ResultsWe identified 20 patients with a mean age at presentation of 55 y. Mean time from transplant to neurological presentation was 14 mo. Myositis was the most common complication seen in 17 patients, manifesting with predominantly axial and/or proximal weakness. Eleven patients had a muscle biopsy showing diffuse perimysial, predominantly macrophagic infiltration in 10, 3 of them with perimysial perivascular lymphocytic collections, and endomysial and perimysial lymphocytic infiltration in 1. Only two patients had a neuropathic complication: one each with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and neuralgic amyotrophy. A single patient had a myasthenic syndrome presenting with fluctuating foot drop. Nineteen patients were treated and all responded to immunosuppressive agents; however, 11 had further GVHD flares requiring escalation of therapy. After a median follow‐up of 83 mo, seven (35%) patients died: five from progressive GVHD and two from infections. The 5‐y OS from time of transplant was 68%.DiscussionMyositis is the most common immune‐mediated neuromuscular complication of GVHD while peripheral neuropathy and myasthenic syndromes appear less common. The macrophage‐predominant infiltration on muscle biopsy deserves further study to better clarify the role of macrophages in GVHD pathogenesis.
Within‐couple dissimilarities in functional impairment as determinants of spousal care arrangement among older married couples
Authors: Liu Huiying , Li Yuekang , Wang Yi , Morrow‐Howell Nancy , Lou Vivian W. Q. , Shen Huei‐Wern 
Published: March 2021

AbstractExisting research on spousal care focuses on one spouse receiving care from the other, which fails to address the complexity that is created when both spouses experience some impairments. Our study included situations in which one or both spouses have functional impairments when examining the extent to which spouses from the same couple hold a (dis)similar level of functional impairment and whether such within‐couple (dis)similarity has an impact on the spousal care arrangement. A subsample of 1170 older married couples was selected from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study. Descriptive statistics were used for describing the level of each spouse's functional impairment regarding the number of limitations in activities (activities of daily living [ADL]) or instrumental ADL (IADL). Logistic regressions were used to examine whether spousal dissimilarity in functional impairment (dissimilar, similarly low, similarly high) was associated with spousal care arrangement. Within couples with one functionally impaired spouse, the impaired spouse was more likely to receive spousal care when reporting a higher level of ADL/IADL impairment. Within couples with two functionally impaired spouses, the more impaired person was more likely to receive spousal care (without giving back) when spouses reported dissimilar level of IADL impairment; spouses were more likely to report mutual care when they had similarly high levels of IADL impairment. By documenting the role of spousal dissimilarities in functioning for determining spousal care arrangement, our study can inform couple‐based interventions that capitalize on each spouse's capabilities and resources.
Management of rhythm disorders in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Is sudden death a cardiac or pulmonary problem?
Authors: Bennett Jeffrey , Kertesz Naomi J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDystrophin deficiency results in the cardiomyopathy of variable onset and deficiency. Myocardial scarring commonly results in cardiac dysfunction, with both atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias. Heart failure, rather than arrhythmia burden, remains the strongest cardiac predictor of mortality in this patient population. Current data suggest the overall rate of sudden cardiac death in pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy is significantly lower than in adults. Specifically, in the Duchenne cardiomyopathy population, sudden death from an arrhythmic cause appears to be rare, even in patients with previously diagnosed arrhythmias. Despite this, recommendations for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) placement in patients with Duchenne cardiomyopathy has traditionally been extrapolated from adult heart failure recommendations based on decreased left ventricular ejection fraction <35%. Early involvement of the cardiologist in the care for patients with dystrophin‐deficient cardiomyopathy is recommended for this reason. The indications for ICD placement to prevent sudden death in patients with Duchenne cardiomyopathy are not well defined. There is little evidence to suggest that placement meaningfully prolongs life in this population, and should be carefully considered in accordance with the care goals of the patient and his family.
Sampled‐data output feedback leader‐following consensus for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with input unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Mao Jun , Yan Tianhong , Huang Shipei , Li Shuo , Jiao Jian‐ge 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis investigation focuses on the sampled‐data output feedback consensus problem for a class of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with uncertain time‐varying control coefficient and input unmodeled dynamics. In the considered multi‐agent system, the nonlinearities are more stronger than those under the Lipschitz condition, and the existence of the uncertain time‐varying control coefficient causes the invalidation of the full‐order observer. Under such situation, the reduced‐order observers are designed, and the filters are introduced to handle the uncertainties of the input unmodeled dynamics. By adopting the backstepping method, the sampled‐data consensus protocols are developed, and by selecting an appropriate Lyapunov function candidate, we can demonstrate that the practical leader‐following consensus can be achieved for the considered multi‐agent system by the developed protocols with the suitable design constants and an allowable sampling period. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed consensus method is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Cyber Range Automation Overview with a Case Study of CRATE
Authors: Gustafsson Tommy , Almroth Jonas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCyber security research is quintessential to secure computerized systems against cyber threats. Likewise, cyber security training and exercises are instrumental in ensuring that the professionals protecting the systems have the right set of skills to do the job. Cyber ranges provide platforms for testing, experimentation and training, but developing and executing experiments and training sessions are labour intensive and require highly skilled personnel. Several cyber range operators are developing automated tools to speed up the creation of emulated environments and scenarios as well as to increase the number and quality of the executed events. In this paper we investigate automated tools used in cyber ranges and research initiatives designated to augment cyber ranges automation. We also investigate the automation features in CRATE (Cyber Range And Training Environment) operated by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).
The Human, Economic, Social, and Political Costs of COVID-19
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Zech Steven T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis chapter provides an overview of the human, economic, social, and political costs of COVID-19. The pandemic has had immediate negative health effects and is likely to also cause long-term health problems. In addition to economic repercussions across numerous sectors, COVID-19 has also had significant social and political effects. The chapter focuses on the strains that the pandemic has imposed on relationships between family members, friends, and romantic partners. It shows how COVID-19 has changed social practices in various everyday environments (e.g. restaurants, cafes, public transport), as the public has been forced to reimagine spaces and how to interact within them in ways that comply with new social distancing norms. The chapter also illustrates many of the political implications of COVID-19, including the way it has exacerbated ongoing political conflicts within and between states, compounded pre-existing international problems related to the movement of people, and affected levels of trust and political participation.