bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downslope variation in hemipelagic sedimentation in an active margin basin: An example from the lower Pleistocene Kiwada and Takamizo formations on the Boso Peninsula, Japan
Authors: Kurosawa Shiho , Furota Satoshi , Mitsui Mayu , Sawada Ken , Seike Koji , Furukawa Noboru , Ito Makoto 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHemipelagites are widespread fine‐grained sediments found from shelf margin to deep‐water environments, and they are considered to have been formed as background sedimentation by vertical settling and slow lateral advection of clastic and biogenic fine‐grained particles. Downflow variation in hemipelagic sedimentation, however, is not yet clearly understood, and was investigated in the lower Pleistocene Kiwada and Takamizo formations in the Kazusa forearc basin on the Boso Peninsula, Japan. Mapping of three tephra key beds enabled detailed correlation of two hemipelagite beds over a distance of ca 30 km from shelf‐margin to basin‐plain environments. The sedimentation rates decreased gradually in the downslope direction, but increased locally in response to turbidite sedimentation. This downslope variation indicates that hemipelagic sedimentation is not necessarily constant and varies in response to progradation and retrogradation of deep‐water depositional systems, as well as additional input of fine‐grained sediments from turbidity currents. In contrast, the grain size, magnetic susceptibility, clay‐mineral composition, total organic carbon contents relative to total nitrogen contents (carbon/nitrogen), and δ13C values of organic carbon do not exhibit distinct downslope variation. This downslope consistency indicates that hemipelagites document temporal perturbations of geological and palaeoclimatic conditions in hinterlands, regardless of spatial and temporal variations in deep‐water depositional environments. The concentrations of total organic carbon, total nitrogen and five biomarkers were lower values in turbiditic mudstones and hemipelagites that formed above a turbidite bed than in those of the other hemipelagites. This variation suggests that an additional supply of fine‐grained sediments from turbidity currents likely diluted the organic matter in the hemipelagites. In addition, hemipelagites for which deposition was affected by turbidity currents exhibit slightly lower δ13C values, and may also document an additional contribution of terrestrial organic matter from turbidity currents.
A method for approximating optimal statistical significances with machine-learned likelihoods
Authors: Arganda Ernesto , Marcano Xabier , Lozano Víctor Martín , Medina Anibal D. , Perez Andres D. , Szewc Manuel , Szynkman Alejandro 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMachine-learning techniques have become fundamental in high-energy physics and, for new physics searches, it is crucial to know their performance in terms of experimental sensitivity, understood as the statistical significance of the signal-plus-background hypothesis over the background-only one. We present here a simple method that combines the power of current machine-learning techniques to face high-dimensional data with the likelihood-based inference tests used in traditional analyses, which allows us to estimate the sensitivity for both discovery and exclusion limits through a single parameter of interest, the signal strength. Based on supervised learning techniques, it can perform well also with high-dimensional data, when traditional techniques cannot. We apply the method to a toy model first, so we can explore its potential, and then to a LHC study of new physics particles in dijet final states. Considering as the optimal statistical significance the one we would obtain if the true generative functions were known, we show that our method provides a better approximation than the usual naive counting experimental results.
The Association of Sarcopenia and Visceral Obesity with Lean Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , He Zhiying , Si Qiya , Hu Xiang , Yang Lijuan , Gu Xiao , Du Linjia , Wang Lei , Pan Linyu , Li Yingqian , Li Jing , Yang Bo , Gu Xuejiang 
Published: November 2022

Background. Few studies have specifically observed the relationship of sarcopenia, visceral obesity, or their joint effects with lean NAFLD in patients with diabetes. We aimed to investigate the associations of lean NAFLD with sarcopenia, visceral obesity, and sarcopenic visceral obesity (SV) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. Altogether, 1,112 T2DM patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 were enrolled, and 33.18% of them were diagnosed with lean NAFLD by abdominal ultrasonography. Body composition markers were measured by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) divided by weight, and sarcopenia was defined as

SMI
<
1

standard

deviation

SD

below the sex-specific average for a young reference population. Visceral obesity was defined as visceral fat area

VFA

≥
100

c

m

2

. Participants were categorized into one of the four body composition groups: nonsarcopenia/nonvisceral obesity (NN), nonsarcopenia/visceral obesity (NV), sarcopenia/nonvisceral obesity (SN), and SV. Results. Compared to those in the NN group, patients in the NV and SN groups had a higher risk of lean NAFLD after full adjustments (NV:

OR
=
1.74

; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.78; SN: OR =2.07; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.46). Of note, patients in the SV group had the highest odds of lean NAFLD (

OR
=
3.29

; 95% CI: 2.10, 5.17). There were no significant interaction effects between sarcopenia and metabolic risk factors on prevalent lean NAFLD. Conclusions. The current study demonstrated that SV was more closely associated with higher prevalent lean NAFLD than sarcopenia or visceral obesity alone in Chinese patients with T2DM. Besides, the harmful effect of sarcopenia on lean NAFLD was not influenced by visceral obesity or other metabolic risk factors. We hypothesize that increasing skeletal muscle mass more than just reducing visceral fat might be more optimal for the prevention and management of lean NAFLD, which needs further investigation in future studies.
Social and Psychosocial Determinants of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cardiovascular Health in the United States Population
Authors: Shah Nilay S. , Huang Xiaoning , Petito Lucia C. , Bancks Michael P. , Ning Hongyan , Cameron Natalie A. , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Kandula Namratha R. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Khan Sadiya S. 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Social and psychosocial factors are associated with cardiovascular health (CVH). Our objective was to examine the contributions of individual-level social and psychosocial factors to racial and ethnic differences in population CVH in the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys) 2011 to 2018, to inform strategies to mitigate CVH inequities.

Methods:
In NHANES participants ages ≥20 years, Kitagawa-Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition estimated the statistical contribution of individual-level factors (education, income, food security, marital status, health insurance, place of birth, depression) to racial and ethnic differences in population mean CVH score (range, 0–14, accounting for diet, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose) among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, or non-Hispanic Black adults compared with non-Hispanic White adults.

Results:

Among 16 172 participants (representing 255 million US adults), 24% were Hispanic, 12% non-Hispanic Asian, 23% non-Hispanic Black, and 41% non-Hispanic White. Among men, mean (SE) CVH score was 7.45 (2.3) in Hispanic, 8.71 (2.2) in non-Hispanic Asian, 7.48 (2.4) in non-Hispanic Black, and 7.58 (2.3) in non-Hispanic White adults. In Kitagawa-Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition, education explained the largest component of CVH differences among men (if distribution of education were similar to non-Hispanic White participants, CVH score would be 0.36 [0.04] points higher in Hispanic, 0.24 [0.04] points lower in non-Hispanic Asian, and 0.23 [0.03] points higher in non-Hispanic Black participants;
P
<0.05). Among women, mean (SE) CVH score was 8.03 (2.4) in Hispanic, 9.34 (2.1) in non-Hispanic Asian, 7.43 (2.3) in non-Hispanic Black, and 8.00 (2.5) in non-Hispanic White adults. Education explained the largest component of CVH difference in non-Hispanic Black women (if distribution of education were similar to non-Hispanic White participants, CVH score would be 0.17 [0.03] points higher in non-Hispanic Black participants;
P
<0.05). Place of birth (born in the United States versus born outside the United States) explained the largest component of CVH difference in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian women (if distribution of place of birth were similar to non-Hispanic White participants, CVH score would be 0.36 [0.07] points lower and 0.49 [0.16] points lower, respectively;
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:
Education and place of birth confer the largest statistical contributions to the racial and ethnic differences in mean CVH score among US adults.
Do shifting practices vary across the firm life cycle?
Authors: Bansal Manish 
Published: November 2022

Prior research documents that managers engage in revenue shifting and expense shifting to report inflated operating performance of firms. This study extends this research in a new direction by investigating the relationship between revenue shifting and expense shifting across the firm life cycle. The study posits and finds that firms during the low life cycle stages (particularly, introductory and growth stage) prefer expense shifting over revenue shifting, whereas firms during the high life cycle stages (particularly, mature and decline stage) prefer revenue shifting over expense shifting for managing earnings, implying that firms choose the shifting tool based on ease, need, and relative advantage of each tool. Our subsequent tests suggest that the effect of expense (revenue) shifting is more pronounced among low (high) life cycle stage firms when they are small (large) and young (old). These results are robust to control for other tools of earnings management, and alternative measures of shifting practices and firm life cycle. The findings aware auditors and analysts of the shifting practices of firms operating at high and low life cycle stages. JEL Classification: M41, M48
Anterior Scalene Muscle Block Response Predicts Outcomes Following Thoracic Outlet Decompression
Authors: Beason Austin M. , Thayer Jacob A. , Arras Norma , Franke Jacob D. , Mailey Brian A. 
Published: November 2022

Background: There is no definitive objective measure for diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), and functional capacity testing on standardized rehabilitation exercises before and after an anterior scalene muscle block (ASMB) has the potential to serve as a predictor of response to surgery and to improve diagnostic accuracy in these cases. Methods: Patients evaluated for TOS underwent ASMB as a diagnostic test and were retrospectively reviewed. Functional capacity scores were recorded for patients performing repetitive motion exercises immediately before ASMB, 15 minutes after ASMB, and at a minimum of 6 weeks after thoracic outlet decompression (TOD). The primary outcome of interest was correlation between the pre- to post-ASMB difference and the pre-ASMB to postoperative difference with respect to 3 functional work capacity scores. Results: The average change in time-to-fatigue and work product between pre- and post-ASMB of all exercises was an increase of 39.5% and 53.8%, respectively. The greatest pre-ASMB to post-TOD difference was seen for the Extremity Abduction Stress Test with an average improvement of 109.7% and 150.4% for time-to-fatigue and work product, respectively. The degree of percent improvement post-ASMB correlated positively with the degree of percent improvement post-TOD for all exercises with respect to work product and time-to-fatigue. Conclusions: Patient response to ASMB as measured by functional capacity on rehabilitation exercises predicted objective functional outcomes following TOD. Post-ASMB outcomes correlated with post-TOD outcomes. The ASMB can be used to assist in diagnosing TOS and provide a surrogate for expectation in patients considering undergoing neurogenic TOD.
Risk Factors for 30-Day Complications and Unplanned Reoperation Following Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Newton William N. , Johnson Charles A. , Daley Dane N. 
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify demographic data, medical comorbidities, and perioperative factors that are associated with increased risk of overall surgical complications, wound complications, and reoperation within 30 days of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures. Methods: All adult patients undergoing ORIF of distal radius fractures in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2005 and 2020 were identified. Patients were excluded for secondary procedures, open/infected injuries, or inpatient surgical setting. Demographic data, medical comorbidities, and perioperative data were examined for each patient, and patients were grouped by the presence or absence of any surgical complication. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors. Results: A total of 20 301 patients from between 2005 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria, of which 219 complications (1.1% of cases) were identified. Following multivariate analysis, independent risk factors found to be associated with surgical complications included male sex, smoking, heart failure, longer operative time, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of 3 or higher. Conclusion: Male sex, smoking, heart failure, prolonged operative time, and ASA status of 3 or higher are associated with an increased risk of surgical complications following ORIF of distal radius fractures. These complications, with the exception of heart failure, were also associated with an increased risk of wound complications. Finally, male sex, nonwhite race, smoking, dialysis, prolonged operative time, and 3 or higher ASA class were associated with reoperations. Understanding these risk factors allows surgeons to better predict and prevent complications in high-risk populations.
Development of doped ZnO-based biomimicking and tumor-targeted nanotheranostics to improve pancreatic cancer treatment
Authors: Barui Sugata , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Conte Marzia , Dumontel Bianca , Racca Luisa , Carofiglio Marco , Cauda Valentina 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDespite different nanomaterials were developed so far against cancer, their potential drawbacks are still scarcely considered. The off-target delivery of a therapeutic compound, as well as the non-specific uptake of these nanomaterials by healthy tissues or organs, and their potential immunogenicity are some of the major issues that still have to be faced prior to a successful clinical translation. This work aims to develop an innovative theranostic, biocompatible, and drug-loaded nanoconstruct based on Gadolinium-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO-Gd) nanocrystals (NCs), focusing on one of the most lethal diseases, i.e., pancreatic cancer. The use of zinc oxide is motivated by the huge potential of this nanomaterial already demonstrated for in vitro and in vivo applications, while the Gadolinium doping confers magnetic properties useful for diagnostics. Furthermore, an innovative biomimetic shell is here used to coat the NCs: it is composed of a lipid bilayer made from extracellular vesicles (EVs) combined with other synthetic lipids and a peptide targeting the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. To complete the nanoconstruct therapeutic function, Gemcitabine, a first-line drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, was adsorbed on the ZnO-Gd NCs prior to the coating with the above-mentioned lipidic shell. The aim of this work is thus to strongly enhance the therapeutic capability of the final nanoconstruct, providing it with high biocompatibility, colloidal stability in biological media, efficient cargo loading and release properties, as well as active targeting for site-selective drug delivery. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the ZnO-Gd NCs core can in future allow efficient in situ bioimaging capabilities based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique. The obtained nanoconstructs were tested on two different pancreatic cancer cell lines, i.e., BxPC-3 and the metastatic AsPC-1, proving high cell internalization levels, mediated by the targeting peptide exposed on the nanoconstruct. Cellular cytotoxicity assay performed on both cell lines dictated ~ 20% increased cell killing efficacy of Gemcitabine when delivered through the nanoconstruct rather than as a free drug. Taken together, our designed theranostic nanoconstruct can have a significant impact on the standard treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Assessing soil microbes that drive fairy ring patterns in temperate semiarid grasslands
Authors: Li Jiahuan , Guo Lizhu , Wilson Gail W. T. , Cobb Adam B. , Wang Kun , Liu Li , Zhao Huan , Huang Ding 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Fairy rings occur in diverse global biomes; however, there is a critical knowledge gap regarding drivers of fairy rings in grassland ecosystems. Grassland fairy rings are characterized belowground by an expanding mycelial front and aboveground by vigorous vegetation rings that develop concentrically with each growing season. We evaluated fairy ring dynamics in a field study conducted in semiarid grasslands to elucidate above- and belowground interactions driving distinct vegetation patterns. We followed this initial field investigation with a complementary greenhouse experiment, using soils collected from specific fairy ring zones (inside, ring-edge, outside) to examine plant-soil-microbial interactions under controlled conditions. We selected Leymus chinensis (a dominant grass) as our model plant species to assess the role of diverse fairy ring microbial communities on plant growth and nutrition.

Results
In our field study, plants on the ring-edge produced greater shoot biomass with higher concentrations of N and P, compared to plants inside the ring or adjacent (outside) controls. Soil microbial community biomarkers indicate shifts in relative microbial biomass as fairy rings expand. Inside the ring, plant roots showed greater damage from pathogenic fungi, compared to outside or ring-edge. Our greenhouse experiment confirmed that inoculation with live ring-edge soil generally promoted plant growth but decreased shoot P concentration. Inoculation with soil collected from inside the ring increased root pathogen infection and reduced shoot biomass.

Conclusion
We propose that soil microbial activity within ring-edges promotes plant growth via mobilization of plant-available P or directed stimulation. However, as the ring expands, L. chinensis at the leading edge may increase pathogen accumulation, resulting in reduced growth at the center of the ring in subsequent growing seasons. Our results provide new insights into the plant-soil-microbial dynamics of fairy rings in grasslands, helping to elucidate these mysterious vegetation patterns.
Characteristics of population structure, antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and morphology of methicillin-resistant Macrococcus caseolyticus in global clades
Authors: Zhang Yu , Min Shengyi , Sun Yuxuan , Ye Jiaquan , Zhou Zhemin , Li Heng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMacrococcus caseolyticus is an opportunistic pathogen that is frequently isolated from dairy products and veterinary infections. Recent studies have reported the possibility of methicillin resistance that be transferred among staphylococcal species in foods. The present study examined the population structure, antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and morphology of methicillin-resistant M. caseolyticus by investigation of 94 genomes derived from both isolates in beef (n = 7) and pork (n = 2) at Shanghai and those deposited in public domain (n = 85). Phylogenetically, M. caseolyticus were divided into four clades, which each consisted of genomes isolated from continent of European countries (82.4%, n = 78), Asian countries (11.3%, n = 10), United States (4.1%, n = 4), Australia (1%, n = 1), and Sudan (1%, n = 1). The M. caseolyticus isolated from present study formed a genetically distinguished clade, which was characterized by novel alleles in the traditional 7-gene MLST scheme. Furthermore, we identified 24 AMR genes that were associated with 10 classes of antimicrobial agents in M. caseolyticus. Most AMR genes were carried by dominant plasmids such as rep7a, rep22 and repUS56. The genomes in the global clades carried significantly less AMR genes (p < 0.05) and more virulence factors (p < 0.001) than present clade. Virulence factors were detected in methicillin resistant M. caseolyticus including genes coding hemolysin, adherence, biofilm formation, exotoxin, and capsule that associated to human health and infection. Finally, as the close relative of the genus Staphylococcus, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed for morphological comparison that M. caseolyticus has a larger diameter and thicker cell wall compared with S. aureus ATCC 25,923. Taken together, our study suggested that M. caseolyticus mediating divergent antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors could serve as the vector for methicillin resistance habitats in foodborne microorganisms.
Cholesterol efflux regulator ABCA1 exerts protective role against high shear stress-induced injury of HBMECs via regulating PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling
Authors: Li Zhe , Li Jia-Nan , Li Qiang , Liu Chun , Zhou Lin-Hua , Zhang Qi , Xu Yi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
In brain, microvascular endothelial cells are exposed to various forces, including shear stress (SS). However, little is known about the effects of high shear stress (HSS) on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and the underlying mechanism. The cholesterol efflux regulator ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) has been demonstrated to exert protective effect on HBMECs. However, whether ABCA1 is involved in the mechanism underneath the effect of HSS on HBMECs remains obscure. In the present study, a series of experiments were performed to better understand the effect of HSS on cellular processes of HBMECs and the possible involvement of ABCA1 and PI3K/Akt/eNOS in the underlying mechanisms.

Results
HBMECs were subjected to physiological SS (PSS) or high SS (HSS). Cell migration was evaluated using Transwell assay. Apoptotic HBMECs were detected by flow cytometry or caspase3/7 activity. IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used for mRNA and protein expression detection, respectively. ROS and NO levels were detected using specific detection kits. Compared to PSS, HBMECs exhibited decreased cell viability and migration and increased cell apoptosis, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, and improved ROS and NO productions after HSS treatment. Moreover, HSS downregulated ABCA1 but upregulated the cholesterol efflux-related proteins MMP9, AQP4, and CYP46 and activated PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Overexpression of ABCA1 in HBMECS inhibited PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and counteracted the deleterious effects of HSS. Contrary effects were observed by ABCA1 silencing. Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway mimicked ABCA1 effects, suggesting that ABCA1 protects HBMECs from HSS via PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling.

Conclusion
These results advanced our understanding on the mechanisms of HSS on HBMECs and potentiated ABCA1/PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway as therapeutic target for cerebrovascular diseases.