bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential effect of tobacco cigarettes smoking on global DNA methylation status and protamines transcripts in human spermatozoa
Authors: Laqqan Mohammed M. , Yassin Maged M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Epigenetics refers to an alteration in gene expression without alteration in the sequence of DNA and this process may be affected by environmental factors and lifestyle like cigarette smoking. This study was designed to evaluate the potential effect of cigarette smoking on the global DNA methylation status and the transcription level of protamine 1 and protamine 2 in human spermatozoa. A total of 188 semen samples were collected from men with a mean age of 34.9 ± 5.8 years old (98 heavy smokers and 90 non-smokers). The DNA and RNA were isolated from purified spermatozoa, then the status of global DNA methylation and the transcription level of protamine 1 and protamine 2 were evaluated using ELISA and qPCR, respectively. The chromatin non-condensation and DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa were evaluated using chromomycin A3 staining and TUNEL assay, respectively.

Results
A significant increase has been found in the status of global DNA methylation in spermatozoa of heavy smokers compared to non-smokers (7.69 ± 0.69 ng/μl vs. 4.90 ± 0.40 ng/μl, P < 0.001). Additionally, a significant reduction has been found in transcription level of protamine 1 (25.49 ± 0.31 vs. 23.94 ± 0.40, P < 0.001) and protamine 2 (28.27 ± 0.39 vs. 23.45 ± 0.30, P < 0.001) in heavy smokers. A downregulation has been found in the transcription level of protamine 1 and protamine 2 with a fold change of 0.497 and 0.047, respectively. A significant increase has been shown in the level of DNA fragmentation and chromatin non-condensation in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers (P < 0.001). On the other hand, a significant positive correlation has been found between sperm chromatin non-condensation, sperm DNA fragmentation, transcription level of protamine 1, transcription level of protamine 2, and global DNA methylation status (r = 0.304, P < 0.001; r = 0.399, P < 0.001; r = 0.216, P = 0.003; r = 0.494, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion
Tobacco cigarette smoking has a potential influence on the global DNA methylation and the transcription level of protamine genes in human spermatozoa, and consequently, affect negatively on the semen parameters.
Inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive functioning in individuals with euthymic bipolar disorder: exploratory study
Authors: Strawbridge Rebecca , Carter Rowena , Saldarini Francesco , Tsapekos Dimosthenis , Young Allan H. 
Published: July 2021

Background
Neurobiological research frequently implicates inflammatory and neurogenic components with core aspects of bipolar disorder. Even in periods of symptom remission (euthymia), individuals with bipolar disorder experience cognitive impairments, which are increasingly being proposed as an outcome for interventions; identifying biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder could advance progress in this therapeutic field through identifying biological treatment targets.

Aims
We aimed to identify proteomic biomarker correlates of cognitive impairment in individuals with euthymic bipolar disorder.

Method
Forty-four adults with a bipolar disorder diagnosis in euthymia underwent a battery of cognitive assessments and provided blood for biomarkers. We examined a comprehensive panel of inflammatory and trophic proteins as putative cross-sectional predictors of cognition, conceptualised according to recommended definitions of clinically significant cognitive impairment (binary construct) and global cognitive performance (continuous measure).

Results
A total of 48% of the sample met the criteria for cognitive impairment. Adjusting for potentially important covariates, regression analyses identified lower levels of three proteins as significantly and independently associated with cognitive deficits, according to both binary and continuous definitions (interleukin-7, vascular endothelial growth factor C and placental growth factor), and one positively correlated with (continuous) global cognitive performance (basic fibroblast growth factor).

Conclusions
This study identifies four candidate markers of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder, none of which have been previously compared with cognitive function in participants with bipolar disorder. Pending replication in larger samples and support from longitudinal studies, these markers could have implications for treating cognitive dysfunction in this patient population.
Light behaviors outside a black hole surrounded by dark matter
Authors: Tao Sicen , Xiao Wen , Chen Huanyang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Here we show the light behaviors outside a Schwarzschild black hole that is surrounded by a dark matter model proposed by Konoplya (see Konoplya R., Phys. Lett. B, 795 (2019) 1). It is worth mentioning that dark matter is studied for the first time in an optical system by transformation optics theory. Different from other works of mimicking curved spaces with geodesic equations, we calculate ray trajectories using the equivalent anisotropic material tensor, which can also be used to simulate field patterns for wave optics. The results from geometric optics and wave optics agree with each other perfectly, showing the gravitational lensing effects and light trapping properties, revealing the influences of dark matter on the black hole shadow and gravity, which can give some hints for future observations.
Fracture biomechanics influence local and systemic immune responses in a murine fracture-related infection model
Authors: Sabaté-Brescó Marina , Berset Corina M. , Zeiter Stephan , Stanic Barbara , Thompson Keith , Ziegler Mario , Richards R. Geoff , O'Mahony Liam , Moriarty T. Fintan 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBiomechanical stability plays an important role in fracture healing, with unstable fixation being associated with healing disturbances. A lack of stability is also considered a risk factor for fracture-related infection (FRI), although confirmatory studies and an understanding of the underlying mechanisms are lacking. In the present study, we investigate whether biomechanical (in)stability can lead to altered immune responses in mice under sterile or experimentally inoculated conditions. In non-inoculated C57BL/6 mice, instability resulted in an early increase of inflammatory markers such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) and interleukin (IL)-6 within the bone. When inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, instability resulted in a further significant increase in G-CSF, IL-6 and KC in bone tissue. Staphylococcus aureus infection led to rapid osteolysis and instability in all animals and was not further studied. Gene expression measurements also showed significant upregulation in CCL2 and G-CSF in these mice. IL-17A was found to be upregulated in all S. epidermidis infected mice, with higher systemic IL-17A cell responses in mice that cleared the infection, which was found to be produced by CD4+ and γδ+ T cells in the bone marrow. IL-17A knock-out (KO) mice displayed a trend of delayed clearance of infection (P=0.22, Fisher’s exact test) and an increase in interferon (IFN)-γ production. Biomechanical instability leads to a more pronounced local inflammatory response, which is exaggerated by bacterial infection. This study provides insights into long-held beliefs that biomechanics are crucial not only for fracture healing, but also for control of infection.
Cultural heritage buildings for urban tourism destinations: portraits of Siantar, Indonesia, in the past
Authors: Damanik Erond Litno , Simanjuntak Daniel H.P. , Daud Daud 
Published: July 2021

Background: This study was motivated by the failure to use historic buildings, plantations heritage, and modernization of Siantar. The problem is focused on the optimization of historic buildings, icons for urban tourism destinations. The study contribution is useful for the protection, utilization, and development of cultural heritage buildings into a tourist destination in urban areas. More specifically, the study aims to explore and discuss the optimization of urban tourism to support economic and territorial growth. Methods: The study was carried out qualitatively with a pragmatic methodological approach according to the tourism paradigm. The study departs from the colonial archives: photographs, maps, notes, and field research focused on the identification, significance, and contribution to urban history. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Raw information was reduced and coded according to the relevance of the study. Data are combined into categories and themes reflecting descriptive analysis, classification, and interpretation. Data validation was done through triangulation strategies, member checking, rich descriptions, and saturation. Results:The Historic Tours of Siantar and Its Surroundings, the findings of this study were carried out in three stages; development based on national consensus in law, utilization into public space, appreciation for managers, and management incentives, and determining urban tourism designs. Conclusions: Utilization of cultural heritage buildings for urban tourism destinations reflects the urban with plantation characteristics, portraits of cities in the past, packed into urban tourism experiences.
Exploring the Competitive Dimension of Omnichannel Retailing
Authors: Akturk M. Serkan , Ketzenberg Michael 
Published: July 2021

We use a proprietary data set from a national department store chain and evaluate the competitive impact of the launch of a buy-online-and-pick-up-in-store service by a major competitor. The transaction-level data set includes nearly 50 million transactions (purchase and return) across both online and brick-and-mortar channels. Although the strategy of buying online and picking up in a store is primarily designed to attract online shoppers into stores, our findings show that after the competitor’s launch, both online and store sales at the focal department store chain are negatively affected. Our results indicate a differential competitive threat that is predicated on the value proposition that the buy-online-and-pick-up-in-store service poses for customers in each channel. Online shoppers are drawn to the competitor through an additional level of shopping assurance, along with the free and fast delivery that the buy-online-and-pick-up-in-store service provides to customers. For store shoppers, the service facilitates research-online, buy-offline behavior, as well as product availability information that eliminates wasted trips to the store. Distance to market affects the intensity of impact. For the online channel, the estimated loss in sales averages 4.7% across the demographic market areas that are served and ranges between 0.4% and 18.5%. For stores, the average estimated loss in sales is 1.8% and ranges between 0.1% and 3.7%. This paper was accepted by Victor Martínez-de-Albéniz, operations management.
Crowdsourcing Ideas Using Product Prototypes: The Joint Effect of Prototype Enhancement and the Product Design Goal on Idea Novelty
Authors: Althuizen Niek , Chen Bo 
Published: July 2021

When soliciting novel product ideas from the “crowd,” companies may opt to show a prototype in order to steer the generation of ideas in the desired direction. On the one hand, the more features the prototype incorporates, the larger the potential for activating relevant knowledge in memory that may serve as a basis for generating novel ideas. On the other hand, it increases the risk of fixation on the incorporated features, which may inhibit the generation of novel ideas. Based on the “dual pathway to creativity” theory, which identifies the depth and breadth of exploration of one’s knowledge base as cognitive pathways to the generation of novel ideas, we argue that the number (and type) of features included in the prototype in combination with the design goal, that is, generating ideas for functional versus aesthetic product improvements, determines whether the positive effects outweigh the negative effects. With a functional design goal, we find that exposure to a prototype with more features leads to more novel ideas as a result of a more thorough exploration of one’s knowledge base. However, with an aesthetic design goal, exposure to a prototype with more features leads to less novel ideas because of a narrower exploration. The latter effect is driven by people’s tendency to consider the whole or gestalt of the prototype when generating aesthetic ideas. This negative effect can, thus, be mitigated by stimulating people to employ a nonholistic, piecemeal thinking style.This paper was accepted by Ashish Arora, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Stars and Brokers: Knowledge Spillovers Among Medical Scientists
Authors: Mohnen Myra 
Published: July 2021

This paper estimates the heterogeneity in peer effects among research scientists in terms of network position. I propose a new measure, brokerage degree, that determines the extent to which a scientist depends on a coauthor to provide him unique access to other scientists further away. I apply this measure to the coauthorship network of medical scientists. I show that network position is crucial for productivity by facilitating access to nonredundant knowledge. Identification results from variation in brokerage degree among coauthors linked to a star scientist who dies. A one standard deviation increase in the brokerage degree of a deceased star is associated with a 10% decrease in annual publications of his coauthor. By applying brokerage degree to topics, I provide evidence that access to knowledge flows embodied in scientists further away can account for a large proportion of the identified heterogeneity effect. This paper was accepted by Toby Stuart, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Regularização fundiária urbana e a Lei 13.465/2017: aspectos gerais e inovações
Authors: Silva Renan Luiz dos Santos da 
Published: July 2021

Este artigo tem como objeto a análise de aspectos gerais sobre a gestão do patrimônio público,com foco específico nos bens imóveis da administração direta. Está estruturado em três capítulos, sendo o primeiro relativo a classificações sobre os bens públicos e o controle da gestão patrimonial. No segundo, é feita uma breve análise sobre as principais inovações trazidas pela Lei 13.465 de 2017 na gestão pública patrimonial, no tocante à regularização fundiária. Na última parte é analisada a gestão do patrimônio no âmbito municipal e estadual, com foco na autonomia de tais entes e o papel do administrador público na gestão patrimonial com vistas à regularização fundiária urbana.
Method to improve the surface shape of BK7 glass in full-aperture polishing
Authors: Zhang Feihu , Wang Yiren 
Published: July 2021

Full aperture polishing is a significant process to fabricate optical workpieces with nano figure precision. It has the characteristics of excellent full spectrum uniform removal ability, fast convergence speed, high machining accuracy, and low production cost, which makes it the first choice for the processing of large-aperture optical elements. However, with BK7 glass it is difficult to achieve deterministic processing due to its large thermal expansion coefficient and other factors, and the surface shape accuracy is difficult to improve. In this paper, the thermal deformation of BK7 glass is analyzed first, and then the temperature distribution in the element is measured during full-aperture polishing. The influence of the temperature field in the optics on the accuracy of the final surface shape is analyzed, and the quantitative relationship between the temperature difference and the surface shape is established. In addition, the methods of deterministically controlling the surface shape of optics such as polishing liquid temperature control and immersion polishing are proposed. Finally, the model of quantitative control of the surface shape of optics is verified by experiments, which improve the surface shape accuracy of 600 mm BK7 optics to

0.2

λ

.
Simultaneous soot multi-parameter fields predictions in laminar sooting flames from neural network-based flame luminosity measurement I: methodology
Authors: Wang Qianlong , Li Zhen , Sun Zhiwei , Liu Haifeng , Cai Weiwei , Yao Mingfa 
Published: July 2021

We originally report the use of a neural network-based method for diagnosing multiple key parameters in axis-symmetric laminar sooting flames. A Bayesian optimized back propagation neural network (BPNN) is developed and applied to flame luminosity to predict the planar distribution of soot volume fraction, temperature, and primary particle diameter. The feasibility and robustness of this approach are firstly assessed using numerical modeling results and then further validated with experimental results of a series of laminar diffusion sooting flames. This proposed BPNN model-based flame luminosity approach shows high prediction accuracies, typically up to 114 K, 0.25 ppm, and 2.56 nm for soot temperature, volume fraction, and primary particle diameter, respectively. We believe that the present machine learning-assisted optical diagnostics paves a more efficient, lower costing, and high-fidelity way for multi-parameters simultaneous diagnosis in combustion and reacting flows.
Adipose tissue biomarkers and type 2 diabetes incidence in normoglycemic participants in the MESArthritis Ancillary Study: A cohort study
Authors: Pishgar Farhad , Shabani Mahsima , Quinaglia A. C. Silva Thiago , Bluemke David A. , Budoff Matthew , Barr R Graham , Allison Matthew A. , Bertoni Alain G. , Post Wendy S. , Lima João A. C. , Demehri Shadpour 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundGiven the central role of skeletal muscles in glucose homeostasis, deposition of adipose depots beneath the fascia of muscles (versus subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT]) may precede insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence. This study was aimed to investigate the associations between computed tomography (CT)–derived biomarkers for adipose tissue and T2D incidence in normoglycemic adults.Methods and findingsThis study was a population-based multiethnic retrospective cohort of 1,744 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with normoglycemia (baseline fasting plasma glucose [FPG] less than 100 mg/dL) from 6 United States of America communities. Participants were followed from April 2010 and January 2012 to December 2017, for a median of 7 years. The intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and SAT areas were measured in baseline chest CT exams and were corrected by height squared (SAT and IMAT indices) using a predefined measurement protocol. T2D incidence, as the main outcome, was based on follow-up FPG, review of hospital records, or self-reported physician diagnoses.Participants’ mean age was 69 ± 9 years at baseline, and 977 (56.0%) were women. Over a median of 7 years, 103 (5.9%) participants were diagnosed with T2D, and 147 (8.4%) participants died. The IMAT index (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.27 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–1.41] per 1-standard deviation [SD] increment) and the SAT index (HR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.16–1.77] per 1-SD increment) at baseline were associated with T2D incidence over the follow-up. The associations of the IMAT and SAT indices with T2D incidence were attenuated after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, with HRs of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.09–1.38) and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.96–1.74) per 1-SD increment, respectively. The limitations of this study include unmeasured residual confounders and one-time measurement of adipose tissue biomarkers.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed an association between IMAT at baseline and T2D incidence over the follow-up. This study suggests the potential role of intermuscular adipose depots in the pathophysiology of T2D.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT00005487
Drug coated balloons for coronary artery bifurcation lesions: A systematic review and focused meta-analysis
Authors: Corballis Natasha H. , Paddock Sophie , Gunawardena Tharusha , Merinopoulos Ioannis , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Eccleshall Simon C. 
Published: July 2021

Objectives
We sought to systematically review the evidence supporting the role of drug coated balloons (DCBs) in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

Background
DCBs are emerging as an attractive alternative treatment strategy for treating coronary bifurcations due to simplifying the approach and reducing rates of stent related complications. We systematically reviewed the evidence for DCB use in coronary bifurcations and conducted a focused meta-analysis on late lumen loss in the side branch comparing DCB and plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA).

Methods
This study was conducted in line with the PRISMA statement. All studies (including both RCTs and observational studies, excluding case reports) using DCB as part of a bifurcation strategy were included in this review. A literature search identified a total of ten studies for inclusion. A focused meta-analysis was undertaken for the use of DCB in side-branch compared with POBA. Mean late lumen loss was used with a random effects model due to heterogeneity.

Results
DCB was found to be superior to POBA for side branch treatment in bifurcations (p = 0.01). There are four studies that investigated the use of DCB for main branch treatment in a bifurcation, with evidence supporting its safety in main branches of bifurcation lesions, while prospective observational studies have demonstrated favourable target lesion revascularisation rates.

Conclusion
Although there is a lack of robust RCTs comparing DCBs with current generation DES, DCBs appear safe in main branch bifurcation lesions with improved side branch late lumen loss when compared with DES or POBA.
Dissemination of COVID-19 in inland cities of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Costa de Assis Sanderson José , Lopes Johnnatas Mikael , de Lima Filho Bartolomeu Fagundes , José Bouzas Sanchis Geronimo , Sousa Rodrigues Guedes Thais , Limeira Cavalcanti Rafael , Araujo Diego Neves , José Sarmento da Nóbrega Antonio , Barbosa Otoni Gonçalves Guedes Marcello , Giuseppe Roncalli da Costa Oliveira Angelo 
Published: July 2021

Background
SARS-CoV-2 causes the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and it is weakening all health systems. Therefore, the most vulnerable populations are exposed to harmful consequences, such as illness and death. Thus, this study aims to estimate the temporal effect of COVID-19 dissemination on social indicators of the Northeastern region of Brazil.

Methods
An ecological time-series study was developed with the following: diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in the largest inland cities of Northeast Brazil, Human Development Index (HDI), poverty incidence, and Gini coefficient. Cities with high HDI, poverty rate, and Gini presented a larger number of patients.

Results
It was observed by evaluating case trends that COVID-19 spreads unevenly in inland cities of the Northeastern region of Brazil.

Conclusions
In this sense, we emphasize that regional health managers should support small cities with vulnerable population and social assistance.