bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Classification Decisions for Incomplete Tests
Authors: Feinberg Richard A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnforeseen complications during the administration of large‐scale testing programs are inevitable and can prevent examinees from accessing all test material. For classification tests in which the primary purpose is to yield a decision, such as a pass/fail result, the current study investigated a model‐based standard error approach, Bayesian Inference, Binomial Distribution, and Lord–Wingersky Recursion methods to estimate the consistency of making these classification decisions on an incomplete test. Using operational data from a high‐stakes licensure examination, where items are presented in random order, results indicated that all methods were successful in eliminating misclassification when at least half the test was completed. Results from both Binomial and Recursion methods were nearly indistinguishable, yet differences emerged when item sequence was manipulated into difficulty order. Bayesian Inference was the most flexible, relatively unaffected by whether or not the items were randomly presented; however, representative prior data were required, which limits its practical utility. Implications for use in practice, relevant policy decisions, and feasibility for operational implementation are discussed.
COVID‐19 in multiple sclerosis patients: susceptibility, severity risk factors and serological response
Authors: Zabalza Ana , Cárdenas‐Robledo Simón , Tagliani Paula , Arrambide Georgina , Otero‐Romero Susana , Carbonell‐Mirabent Pere , Rodriguez‐Barranco Marta , Rodríguez‐Acevedo Breogán , Restrepo Vera Juan Luis , Resina‐Salles Mireia , Midaglia Luciana , Vidal‐Jordana Angela , Río Jordi , Galan Ingrid , Castillo Joaquin , Cobo‐Calvo Álvaro , Comabella Manuel , Nos Carlos , Sastre‐Garriga Jaume , Tintore Mar , Montalban Xavier 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeInformation regarding multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is scarce. The study objective was to describe the incidence and characteristics of MS patients with COVID‐19, to identify susceptibility and severity risk factors and to assess the proportion of positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) serologies according to disease‐modifying treatments.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of an MS cohort analysing data collected between February and May 2020. Cases were identified through an email survey and clinical visits. The relationship of demographic and MS characteristics with COVID‐19 and of the disease‐modifying treatments with SARS‐CoV‐2 serostatus were examined.ResultsData from 48 suspected cases out of 758 valid respondents and from 45 COVID‐19 cases identified through clinical visits were collected. Incidence was 6.3%. Nineteen (20.3%) patients were hospitalized and two (2.2%) died. Multivariable models determined that age (odds ratio [OR] per 10 years 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34–0.85), contact with a confirmed case (OR 197.02, 95% CI 56.36–688.79), residence in Barcelona (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.03–4.80), MS duration (OR per 5 years 1.41, 95% CI 1.09–1.83) and time on anti‐CD20 treatment (OR per 2 years 3.48, 95% CI 1.44–8.45) were independent factors for presenting COVID‐19 and age (OR per 10 years 2.71, 95% CI 1.13–6.53) for a severe COVID‐19. Out of the 79 (84.9%) with serological test, 45.6% generated antibodies, but only 17.6% of those on anti‐CD20 therapies. Lymphopaenia or immunoglobulin levels did not relate to COVID‐19.ConclusionsMultiple sclerosis patients present similar incidence, risk factors and outcomes for COVID‐19 as the general population. Patients treated with an anti‐CD20 therapy for a longer period of time might be at a higher risk of COVID‐19 and less than 20% generate an antibody response. Only age was related to severity.
Estimating the spawning ground of Pacific saury Cololabis saira by using the distribution and geographical variation in maturation status of adult fish during the main spawning season
Authors: Fuji Taiki , Kurita Yutaka , Suyama Satoshi , Ambe Daisuke 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe analyzed distribution and differences in body length, age, and maturation rate of Pacific saury Cololabis saira in the western North Pacific Ocean, during the main spawning season (winter), to locate its spawning ground. Sampling was conducted in the coastal area north of the Kuroshio axis (CA), the offshore area of the southern Japanese archipelago (SA), and the area east of the Honshu Island (EA) from 1996 to 2017. Higher densities of Pacific saury were widely observed on or just north (within 100–200 km) of the axis of the Kuroshio and the Kuroshio Extension currents. Body length, age composition, and sea‐surface temperature (SST) differed across the studied areas, with larger fish (>250 mm knob length, mainly age‐1) dominating at higher SST (16–21°C) in the SA and smaller fish (<250 mm knob length, age‐0) dominating at lower SST (14–16°C) in the EA. In the CA, both SST and body length values were in between those in the SA and EA. The area where matured Pacific saury were collected was broadly distributed in the study area, except for the CA and a part of the Transition zone where the SST was low and mean body length was short. This study suggests that the main spawning ground during winter, where the area of high density and high maturation rate overlap, is formed on or just north of the Kuroshio and the Kuroshio Extension axis.
Tumour budding and CD8+ T cells: ‘attackers’ and ‘defenders’ in rectal cancer with and without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Georges Nadine D F , Oberli Beatrice , Rau Tilman T , Galván José A , Nagtegaal Iris D , Dawson Heather , Blank Annika , Kohler Andreas , Lugli Alessandro , Zlobec Inti 
Published: December 2020

AimTumour budding (‘attacker’) and CD8+ T cells (‘defender’) are recognised as important parameters for risk stratification in colon cancers and, combined, may have an even stronger clinical impact. Here, we determine the value of tumour budding and CD8+ in rectal cancer patients treated with/without neoadjuvant therapy.Methods and resultsUsing digital scans of all tumour slides/case, we analysed CD8+ T cell counts in two patient cohorts: 45 neoadjuvantly treated and 47 primarily surgically treated (totalling n = 543 slides) after double‐staining of the surgical resection specimen for pan‐cytokeratin and CD8+. Tumour buds in hot‐spots were manually counted (area = 0.785 mm2) and CD8+ T cell counts were analysed separately both in tumour budding hot‐spots and the densest CD8+ regions throughout the tumour. In neoadjuvantly treated patients, only tumour budding and not CD8+ T cells was associated with tumour features, including more advanced ypT (P = 0.0062), venous invasion (P = 0.002), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.0003) and perineural invasion (P = 0.0017), as well as higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumour regression score (P = 0.0035), indicating less tumour response. Overall survival was also worse in patients with high‐grade budding in univariate analysis only. In contrast, all three variables, namely tumour budding (P = 0.0347), CD8+ T cells in budding hot‐spots (P = 0.0382) and CD8+ T cells in the densest areas (P = 0.0117) were also associated with worse (budding) and better (CD8) survival time in the multivariate setting.ConclusionIn rectal cancer, tumour budding has clinical relevance in both primarily surgically treated patients and in those with neoadjuvantly treated patients, where it characterises highly aggressive residual disease. CD8+ T cell counts appear not to have prognostic relevance in the neoadjuvant context.
Microstructure and electrical properties of 3Y‐TZP/Al2O3 composite obtained using the citrate gel method
Authors: Pleśniak Justyna , Wyrwa Jan , Rutkowski Paweł , Brylewski Tomasz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract3Y‐TZP sinters with 1, 5, 10, and 15 mol% of Al2O3 were prepared using two different procedures from a 3‐YSZ powder synthesized via the citrate process. In the first procedure, alumina was introduced during synthesis via the citrate method. In the second one, the 3‐YSZ powder was impregnated with aluminum nitrate. All samples were sintered at 1773 K. The prepared composites were evaluated in terms of their microstructure, chemical and phase composition, and electrical properties. The total conductivity of the 3Y‐TZP/Al2O3 composite material, which contained primarily the tetragonal phase, was found to increase with temperature, and to decrease for reduced concentrations of alumina in 3Y‐TZP. In the case of the samples which had alumina introduced via impregnation, its higher content was not associated with significantly lower electrical conductivity. These samples generally exhibited higher conductivity than the samples to which alumina had been added via chemical synthesis.
Atomic structure of sodium iron phosphate glasses
Authors: Al‐Hasni Bushra M. , Mountjoy Gavin , Barney Emma 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe atomic structure of a series of sodium iron phosphate glasses is studied using different experimental techniques: X‐ray and neutron diffraction (ND), infrared spectroscopy, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES). Detailed information about the atomic pair correlations is obtained. The high resolution of ND in real space resolves two P–O distances at 1.48 Ǻ and 1.59 Ǻ as expected. All the glasses are found to consist of a phosphate tetrahedral network with metaphosphate chains and pyrophosphate units, and every phosphate unit is found to have two or three nonbridging oxygen (NBO) links available to coordinate with Na and Fe cations. The Fe–O coordination number in these glasses is found to decrease from 5.7 to 4.8 with increasing the Fe content, whereas the Na coordination number of approximately 5 is detected for all the samples.
Fracture and electric‐field‐induced crack growth behavior in NBT‐6BT relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Shi Xi , Kumar Nitish , Jones Jacob L. , Hoffman Mark 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe fracture properties of 0.94(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3(NBT‐6BT) relaxor ferroelectrics were investigated using the Vickers indentation method and computation of crack tip opening displacement. It was found that an unpoled sample had a fracture toughness of around 1.35 MPa m1/2. In contrast, an electrically poled sample exhibited anisotropy with a lower fracture toughness perpendicular to the poling direction and a higher value in the parallel direction, as compared to the unpoled sample. Upon cyclic electrical loading (with applied electric field amplitudes between 0.73ECand 1.4EC), the indented surface crack was found to propagate. In general, the crack grew rapidly during the initial cycles followed by crack arrest, and the principal driving force for crack growth was proposed to be residual stress around the indentation, as evidenced by the limited field dependence of crack growth. There was also a contribution from the electromechanical strain, which played a role at high cycles (>100 cycles) and high fields (>1.3EC). Evidence of a saturation threshold of crack propagation is an advantage for the electromechanical reliability of relaxor ferroelectrics in devices.
Scale‐dependent patterns of metacommunity structuring in aquatic organisms across floodplain systems
Authors: Lansac‐Tôha Fernando M. , Bini Luis M. , Heino Jani , Meira Bianca R. , Segovia Bianca T. , Pavanelli Carla S. , Bonecker Claudia C. , de Deus Claudia P. , Benedito Evanilde , Alves Geziele M. , Manetta Gislaine I. , Dias Juliana D. , Vieira Ludgero C. G. , Rodrigues Luzia C. , do Carmo Roberto Maria , Brugler Mercer R. , Lemke Michael J. , Tessler Michael , DeSalle Rob , Mormul Roger P. , Amadio Sidineia , Lolis Solange F. , Jati Susicley , Siqueira Tadeu , Silva Willian M. , Higuti Janet , Lansac‐Tôha Fábio A. , Martens Koen , Velho Luiz Felipe M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimEvaluating how groups of organisms vary in dispersal capability and how environmental, spatial and temporal signals vary across multiple scales is critical to elucidating metacommunity theory. We examined whether the relative contributions of environmental, spatial and hydrological factors have different effects on organismal groups with different dispersal abilities at three spatial scales, and how this knowledge contributes to our understanding of metacommunity dynamics.LocationFour major Brazilian floodplains, with the largest distance among them of 2,300 Km.Taxon10 aquatic organismal groups, ranging from bacterioplankton to fish.MethodsWe sampled lakes connected to the main river in the low‐ and high‐water periods of each floodplain between 2011 and 2012. Different biological groups were analysed across three hierarchical spatial scales (fine, intermediate and subcontinental) within and between floodplain systems. We applied a series of partial redundancy analyses to estimate the relative contributions of environmental factors, spatial factors and hydrological period for each biological group.ResultsAt the fine spatial scale, predominantly environmental factors and hydrological period structure metacommunities, although less so for microorganisms than for micro‐invertebrates and macro‐organisms. The relative importance of environmental factors increased at the intermediate spatial scale. At the subcontinental scale, the relative importance of spatial factors increased for all biological groups, but environmental factors remained the primary regulators of microorganisms even at the largest scale.Main conclusionsThis study design allowed us to make more robust inferences about the mechanisms responsible for regulating community structure of distinct biological groups at different spatial scales. Our results suggest that biological groups displaying distinct body size likely determine the spatial extent at which environmental, spatial and hydrological processes prevail as the primary regulators of community structure. These findings are important in guiding the conservation and management of floodplain biodiversity because these systems are naturally highly heterogeneous in space and time.
Microvascular changes at different stages of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kannenkeril Dennis , Frost Shaun , Nolde Janis M. , Kiuchi Márcio Galindo , Carnagarin Revathy , Lugo‐Gavidia Leslie Marisol , Chan Justine , Joyson Anu , Matthews Vance B. , Herat Lakshini Y. , Azzam Omar , Mehdizadeh Maryam , Vignarajan Janardhan , Kanagasingam Yogesan , Schlaich Markus P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPatients with progressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to experience cardio‐ and cerebrovascular events than progressing to end‐stage renal disease. The authors explored whether retinal microvascular calibers differed with the degree of renal impairment and between the standard and extended optic disk and may serve as a simple additional tool for risk stratification in this highly vulnerable patient cohort. The authors analyzed central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent calibers (CRAE, CRVE) at different retinal zones (zone B&C) using digital retinal imaging in hypertensive patients with stage 2 (n = 66) or stage 3 CKD (n = 30). Results were adjusted for age, sex, HbA1c, and 24‐hour diastolic blood pressure. Mean eGFR was 77.7 ± 8.9 and 48.8 ± 7.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 for stage 2 and 3 CKD, respectively. CRAE and CRVE in zones B and C were significantly lower in patients with stage 3 CKD compared to patients with stage 2 CKD (CRAE‐B:141.1 ± 21.4 vs. 130.5 ± 18.9 µm, p = .030; CRAE‐C:137.4 ± 19.4 vs 129.2 ± 18.2 µm, p = .049; CRVE‐B:220.8 ± 33.0 vs. 206.0 ± 28.4 µm, p = .004; and CRVE‐C:215.9 ± 33.0 vs. 201.2 ± 25.1µm, p = .003). In patients with stage 2 CKD, CRAE‐B was higher than CRAE‐C (141.1 ± 21.4 vs. 137.4 ± 19.4µm, p < .001). In contrast, such a difference was not found in patients with stage 3 CKD. CRAE of both retinal zones correlated with eGFR for the entire cohort. In patients with stage 3 CKD, retinal narrowing is more pronounced compared to patients with stage 2 CKD. Whether the novel observation of difference in arteriolar caliber between zones B and C in stage 2 CKD could serve as an early marker of CKD progression warrants further investigation.
The Aging neck—A Case base treatment algorithm
Authors: Friedman Or , Shamban Ava , Fabi Sabrina , Duncan Diane I. , Artzi Ofir 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundEffective nonsurgical treatments for the aging face are widely accepted and utilized. Although changes in the aging neck, often patients to seek esthetic rejuvenation protocols are neither well defined nor well designed. Increasingly, patients desire less invasive cosmetic treatments with less morbidity and downtime. A significant challenge exists in managing expectations and educating patients about the pros and cons of a surgical approach compared to the plethora of nonsurgical options. When equipped with state of the art information and technique, using a multi‐modality nonsurgical approach, surprisingly outstanding results may be obtained.AimsIn this paper, we aim to revisit the neck's anatomy and then demonstrate current nonsurgical techniques in managing actual cases.MethodsTo achieve that, we have utilized an intuitive four‐point grading scale to guide both physician and patient regarding appropriate treatment combinations.ResultsThe proposed four‐point scale was applied to six patients and their treatment plan was described in detail.ConclusionsSkin laxity is not the only factor that comes into play when assessing the neck. careful analysis of the neck and face hold the key for treatment choice and execution.
Discrepancies between actual weight, weight perception and weight loss intention amongst persons with NAFLD
Authors: Nguyen V. H. , Yeo Y. H. , Zou B. , Le M. H. , Henry L. , Cheung R. C. , Nguyen M. H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, weight loss remains the main management strategy for NAFLD, but the weight loss intention and methods remain poorly characterized.MethodsWe analysed data about the perception of weight status, intention and methods to lose weight amongst 3,822 persons with NAFLD (United States Fatty Liver Index ≥ 30) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001‐2014.ResultsOnly 53.9% of people with NAFLD intended to lose weight, 91.8% with perception of overweight and 8.2% with normal weight perception. Persons with perception of overweight or overweight/obese status were four times more likely to try to lose weight (adjusted odds ratios 3.9 and 4.2, respectively, both P < 0.0001). Younger age, women, higher educational level, Hispanic and blacks (versus whites) were significant independent factors associated with weight loss intention. Notably, ≤10% attended weight loss programme. Metabolic equivalent of task hours per week was significantly higher in whites who exercised to lose weight (vs. no exercise, P = 0.003) but not in other racial/ethnic groups. Interestingly, calorie intake was similar between those who dieted versus not (2056 vs. 1970 kcal/day, P = 0.11). About 30% reported ≥ 10‐lb weight loss, with 50% higher odds of success for men but there was no difference by race/ethnicity.ConclusionOverweight or obese perception was a key driver in weight loss activities but was inconsistent with actual weight status and varied by race/ethnicity and other sociodemographic factors. Weight loss programme is under‐utilized and should take in account of weight perception training and culturally appropriate approach.
Diatom type material in permanent slides does not need to be permanently unavailable for electron microscopy examination
Authors: Majewska Roksana , Taylor Jonathan C. , Goosen William E. 
Published: December 2020

The inability to thoroughly examine diatom type material existing only in resin‐mounted permanent slides is a common frustration for diatomologists. Here, we present an efficient, inexpensive, and straightforward technique to extract siliceous exoskeletons of diatoms from permanent slides prepared with commonly used mounting media. Van Heurck’s slide constituting an isotype duplicate of Proschkinia bulnheimii var. belgica, an entity with an uncertain taxonomic status, was deconstructed to allow thorough examination using scanning electron microscopy. Numerous specimens of the taxon, including intact frustules and specimens with complete areola occlusions, were recovered and documented. The extracted diatom material was sufficient to prepare two scanning electron microscopy specimens and reconstruct the permanent slide. The proposed approach may help overcome many of the taxonomic bottlenecks associated with the low resolution of information provided by older diatom descriptions and permanent slide observations.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of 2 registered omeprazole preparations and varying dose rates in horses
Authors: Wise Jessica C. , Hughes Kristopher J. , Edwards Scott , Jacobson Glenn A. , Narkowicz Christian K. , Raidal Sharanne L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundOmeprazole preparations vary in bioavailability in horses.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an existing enteric‐coated oral omeprazole paste (REF) and a novel, in‐feed, enteric‐coated dry granule preparation (NOV).AnimalsTwelve Standardbred/Thoroughbred mares free from clinical disease.MethodsA prospective, blinded randomized interventional study was trial, conducted in 3 parts: (a) bioavailability study, (b) dose titration study, and (c) comparative clinical pharmacodynamic study, each using a blocked crossover design.ResultsConsistent with the larger dose administered,Cmax (median, 1032 ng/mL; range, 576‐1766) and AUC0‐24 (median, 63.9 μg/mL*min; range, 42.4‐152.4) were greater after single oral administration of NOV than REF (282.7 ng/mL; range, 94.8‐390.2, and 319 23.8 μg/mL*min; range, 8.2‐42.3, respectively; bothP= .004). No differences were observed between products for absolute oral bioavailability (NOV 55% range, 15‐88; REF 17% range, 10‐77;P= .25). Treatment with both preparations was associated with reduced gastric squamous ulcer scores and increased pH of gastric fluid. Bioequivalence was demonstrated for pharmacodynamic measures with the exception of % time pH <4, despite differences in dose rate and subsequent plasma omeprazole concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe findings of this study indicate that the NOV product would be a suitable alternative to the reference product, and confirm that plasma concentrations of omeprazole and omeprazole dose do not predict drug pharmacodynamics in horses.