bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Laryngeal Electromyography Findings in Asymptomatic Adults Across the Age Spectrum
Authors: Leclerc Andrée‐Anne , Munin Michael C. , Smith Libby J. , Rosen Clark A. 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisLaryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is a diagnostic tool for patients with suspected neurogenic abnormalities of the larynx. LEMG is often used with the assumption that any abnormality is symptom‐/disease‐related. We sought to determine the prevalence of abnormal LEMG findings in a group of healthy asymptomatic adults across a large age spectrum.Study DesignOpen, prospective study, gender‐match and age balanced by decade.MethodsForty‐six healthy participants (age 20–78) underwent LEMG, including 178 muscles. Participants had no history of voice problems, normal VHI‐10, and normal flexible laryngoscopy. Qualitative and quantitative LEMG (bilateral) were performed involving the thyroarytenoid–lateral cricoarytenoid muscle complex (TA‐LCA) and cricothyroid (CT) muscles. LEMG parameters included evaluation for fibrillation potentials, sharp waves, reduced recruitment, polyphasic potentials, electrical synkinesis, and measurement of turns per second.ResultsOf participants, 4% had at least one abnormal qualitative finding (slightly reduced recruitment or two to three discrete polyphasic potentials). There were no findings of fibrillation potentials or sharp waves. There were no abnormal qualitative findings in the CT muscles tested. Of participants, 16% had at least one abnormal synkinesis finding. LEMG qualitative abnormalities and quantitative abnormalities do not appear to correlate with gender or age.ConclusionAbnormal qualitative and quantitative LEMG findings were uncommon and minor in severity in our group of asymptomatic healthy adults. The likelihood of abnormal LEMG results in asymptomatic adults was 2.2% for qualitative findings, 9.3% for synkinesis, and 5.4% for turns/s.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:2065–2069, 2021
Reclamation of desert land to different land‐use types changes soil bacterial community composition in a desert‐oasis ecotone
Authors: Li Jinbiao , Pokharel Prem , Liu Guangming , Chen Jinlin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the impacts of different land‐uses on soil microbial communities is essential for maintaining soil health and sustainability in a desert‐oasis ecotone. Information on the microbial community composition of reclaimed soils under different land‐use types after several decades of reclamation are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of reclamation of the non‐productive desert to productive lands on soil microbial community composition and identify the critical soil chemical factors associated with these changes. Soil samples were collected from a control (natural desert land [DL]) and reclaimed lands: cotton land (CL), grape land (vinyards) (GL), and shelterbelt (SL). Soil microbial community composition and diversity were determined by high throughput sequencing. The results showed that soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and pH were significantly different between DL and reclaimed soils (CL, GL, and SL). Sixty years after reclamation, the CL contained a higher relative abundance of Actinobacteria, while the GL and SL contained a higher relative abundance of Acidobacteria. There were 541 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared by all the four land‐use types. The highest number of shared OTUs was found in the GL and SL. The variance observed in the bacterial communities in all land‐use types were mainly explained by SOC, followed by total N, total K, pH, and total P. Our results suggest that land‐use type change has significant impacts on soil bacterial community composition and diversity through modifications in soil chemical properties in desert‐oasis ecotone.
(−)‐Epicatechin induces mitochondrial biogenesis and markers of muscle regeneration in adults with Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: McDonald Craig M. , Ramirez‐Sanchez Israel , Oskarsson Björn , Joyce Nanette , Aguilar Candace , Nicorici Alina , Dayan Jonathan , Goude Erica , Abresch R. Ted , Villarreal Francisco , Ceballos Guillermo , Perkins Guy , Dugar Sundeep , Schreiner George , Henricson Erik K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe conducted an open‐label study to examine the effects of the flavonoid (−)‐epicatechin in seven ambulatory adult patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).MethodsSeven participants received (−)‐epicatechin 50 mg twice per day for 8 weeks. Pre‐ and postprocedures included biceps brachii biopsy to assess muscle structure and growth‐relevant endpoints by western blotting, mitochondria volume measurement, and cristae abundance by electron microscopy, graded exercise testing, and muscle strength and function tests.ResultsWestern blotting showed significantly increased levels of enzymes modulating cellular bioenergetics (liver kinase B1 and 5′‐adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase). Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1alpha, a transcriptional coactivator of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and cristae‐associated mitofilin levels, increased as did cristae abundance. Muscle and plasma follistatin increased significantly while myostatin decreased. Markers of skeletal muscle regeneration myogenin, myogenic regulatory factor‐5, myoblast determination protein 1, myocyte enhancer factor‐2, and structure‐associated proteins, including dysferlin, utrophin, and intracellular creatine kinase, also increased. Exercise testing demonstrated decreased heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption per kilogram, and plasma lactate levels at defined workloads. Tissue saturation index improved in resting and postexercise states.Discussion(−)‐Epicatechin, an exercise mimetic, appears to have short‐term positive effects on tissue biomarkers indicative of mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle regeneration, and produced improvements in graded exercise testing parameters in patients with BMD.
A systematic review of social determinants of healthy lifestyle among Iranian women
Authors: Ghasemi Yngyknd Sakineh , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ghanbari‐Homayi Solmaz , Laghousi Delara , Mirghafourvand Mojgan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThis review aimed to determine the social determinants of healthy lifestyle among Iranian women.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodA comprehensive electronic search was carried out with no time limit until 6 September 2019. Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (adapted for evaluating cross‐sectional survey/studies) was used to evaluate the quality of the articles. The metap code was used in SATATA16 to combine the p‐values using Edgington's additive method.ResultsTwelve studies entered the systematic review. The meta‐analysis results showed that social determinants of healthy lifestyle among Iranian women included income, job, education, spouse's education and occupation, housing and social support.ConclusionsGiven the relationship between modifiable factors and women's lifestyles, it seems that it is necessary to set policies to improve the status of factors related to women's lifestyle including reducing poverty, promoting education and providing social support to eliminate.
Psychosocial resources contributing to resilience in Austrian young carers—A study using photo novella
Authors: Matzka Martin , Nagl‐Cupal Martin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCaring for their chronically ill or disabled family members is a responsibility that may be assumed by children and adolescents (“young carers”) and may affect young carers’ lives in many ways. Some young carers may experience long‐term adverse health effects related to their early caring responsibilities and others may demonstrate healthy adaptation. Little research applying nonretrospective designs, however, has been done from the perspective of young carers regarding the psychosocial resources that enable them to handle the responsibility of caring for chronically ill or disabled family members. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to identify psychosocial resources used by young carers in Austria. Ten children and adolescents (aged 9–17) took photographs to illustrate their everyday lives. The photographs were then used to guide subsequent interviews. Data were analyzed following the principles of directed qualitative content analysis and using the theoretical lens of resilience. We identified two sets of psychosocial resources: (1) Personal resources comprising (a) being able to spend leisure time and (b) finding distraction from sorrows and problems. (2) Interpersonal resources comprising (a) fostering meaningful friendships, (b) receiving support from the family, and (c) bonding with the ill or disabled family member. Young carers largely have the same repertoire of resources as other children and can use them specifically to respond to the care burden. Interventions to support young carers must focus on promoting peer contact and cohesion within the nuclear family as well as bonding with the ill or disabled relative.
Relationships of Physical Activity and Diet Quality with Body Composition and Fat Distribution in US Adults
Authors: Xu Furong , Greene Geoffrey W. , Earp Jacob E. , Adami Alessandra , Delmonico Matthew J. , Lofgren Ingrid E. , Greaney Mary L. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationships among physical activity (PA), diet quality, body composition, and fat distribution in a representative sample of US adults.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using publicly accessible data from the 2011 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (n = 7,423). Variables from the data sets were analyzed for this study, including PA, two 24‐hour dietary recalls, and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry outputs.ResultsFor men, PA and diet quality were inversely associated with the percentage of body fat (β = −0.0042, 95% CI: −0.0084 to −0.0001; β = −0.28, 95% CI: −0.42 to −0.14) and fat mass index (β = −0.0125, 95% CI: −0.0209 to −0.0041; β = −0.56, 95% CI: −0.81 to −0.32); meeting the PA recommendation and having good diet quality provided an additive effect on body fat. A similar pattern was observed in women. Additionally, diet quality was inversely associated with all fat distribution measures in both sexes, whereas PA was positively associated with lean mass measures in men only.ConclusionsIncreased PA and/or better diet quality were associated with reduced body fat, a healthier fat distribution, and increased lean mass. Further research examining how changes in PA or diet quality influence body composition and fat distribution in adults is warranted.
Empirical assessment of case‐based methods for identification of drugs associated with acute liver injury in the French National Healthcare System database (SNDS)
Authors: Thurin Nicolas H. , Lassalle Régis , Schuemie Martijn , Pénichon Marine , Gagne Joshua J. , Rassen Jeremy A. , Benichou Jacques , Weill Alain , Blin Patrick , Moore Nicholas , Droz‐Perroteau Cécile 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposesDrug induced acute liver injury (ALI) is a frequent cause of liver failure. Case‐based designs were empirically assessed and calibrated in the French National claims database (SNDS), aiming to identify the optimum design for drug safety alert generation associated with ALI.MethodsAll cases of ALI were extracted from SNDS (2009‐2014) using specific and sensitive definitions. Positive and negative drug controls were used to compare 196 self‐controlled case series (SCCS), case‐control (CC), and case‐population (CP) design variants, using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), mean square error (MSE) and coverage probability. Parameters that had major impacts on results were identified through logistic regression.ResultsUsing a specific ALI definition, AUCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.94, 0.64 to 0.92 and 0.48 to 0.85, for SCCS, CC and CP, respectively. MSE ranged from 0.12 to 0.40, 0.22 to 0.39 and 1.03 to 5.29, respectively. Variants adjusting for multiple drug use had higher coverage probabilities. Univariate regressions showed that high AUCs were achieved with SCCS using exposed time as the risk window. The top SCCS variant yielded an AUC = 0.93 and MSE = 0.22 and coverage = 86%, with 1/7 negative and 13/18 positive controls presenting significant estimates.ConclusionsSCCS adjusting for multiple drugs and using exposed time as the risk window performed best in generating ALI‐related drug safety alert and providing estimates of the magnitude of the risk. This approach may be useful for ad‐hoc pharmacoepidemiology studies to support regulatory actions.
Effect of Continuous Damage Accumulation on Ignition of HMX‐Based Polymer Bonded Explosives under Low‐Velocity Impact
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Pengwan , Zhang Xiaotian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe ignition phenomena of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs) due to hotspot formation from grit/friction, shear band formation, and friction between microcrack surfaces have not yet been clarified. Microcracks are known to play a critical role in PBX ignition under low‐velocity impacts. Further, microcrack evolution determines whether or not a specimen ignites because of complex mechanical‐thermal‐chemical coupled processes. Although many studies have investigated the multiphysics processes of ignition under single impacts, few have investigated multiple‐impact scenarios that are more likely in reality. The present study focuses on the influence of continuous damage accumulation during multiple impacts on the safety assessment of octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐Tetrazocine (HMX)‐based PBXs. The Visco‐SCRAM model combined with restart technology is applied to conduct simulations with the standard confined Steven test. By controlling the first impact velocity, the damage accumulation could be designed. When the first impact velocity increases from 5 to 20 m/s, the second impact velocity threshold decreases from 34 to 22 m/s and specific mechanical energy decreases from 600 to 240 m2/s2. Multiple impacts change the temperature distribution and ignition position. Further, different projectile shapes influence multiple impacts differently. Owing to continuous damage accumulation, the second impact velocity threshold decreases for flat and pin projectiles. Dimensionless analysis reveals that the trends of critical dimensionless parameters for flat and pin projectiles are similar, whereas oval projectiles show a different response.
Nucleotide analogues as inhibitors of SARS‐CoV Polymerase
Authors: Ju Jingyue , Li Xiaoxu , Kumar Shiv , Jockusch Steffen , Chien Minchen , Tao Chuanjuan , Morozova Irina , Kalachikov Sergey , Kirchdoerfer Robert N. , Russo James J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2, a member of the coronavirus family, has caused a global public health emergency. Based on our analysis of hepatitis C virus and coronavirus replication, and the molecular structures and activities of viral inhibitors, we previously reasoned that the FDA‐approved hepatitis C drug EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) should inhibit coronaviruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, using model polymerase extension experiments, we demonstrate that the active triphosphate form of Sofosbuvir is incorporated by low‐fidelity polymerases and SARS‐CoV RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and blocks further incorporation by these polymerases; the active triphosphate form of Sofosbuvir is not incorporated by a host‐like high‐fidelity DNA polymerase. Using the same molecular insight, we selected 3’‐fluoro‐3’‐deoxythymidine triphosphate and 3’‐azido‐3’‐deoxythymidine triphosphate, which are the active forms of two other anti‐viral agents, Alovudine and AZT (an FDA‐approved HIV/AIDS drug) for evaluation as inhibitors of SARS‐CoV RdRp. We demonstrate the ability of two of these HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors to be incorporated by SARS‐CoV RdRp where they also terminate further polymerase extension. Given the 98% amino acid similarity of the SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 RdRps, we expect these nucleotide analogues would also inhibit the SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase. These results offer guidance to further modify these nucleotide analogues to generate more potent broad‐spectrum anti‐coronavirus agents.
Is the division of labor limited by the extent of the market? Opportunity cost theory with evidence from the real estate brokerage industry
Authors: Giustiziero Gianluigi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryThe division of labor allows individuals to focus their time on a narrower band of activities and increase productivity through specialization, but this comes at a cost. When individuals divide labor, they divide value and split the “pie” they help create. In this article, I formally model this tradeoff and examine how it is affected by opportunity‐cost considerations due to market characteristics. I then test the empirical predictions of the model in the residential real estate brokerage industry in Southeast Michigan. Consistent with the predictions, I find that the division of labor is more likely for properties in the midrange of the price distribution and in larger markets, but less likely at the tails and in markets where property prices exhibit substantial heterogeneity.Managerial SummaryToday, with the diffusion of digital labor markets and the emergence of the gig economy, the organization of economic activity relies on an ever‐finer division of labor. In this article, I examine how the division of labor is affected by the cost of dividing value, which emerges when middlemen take a cut of transaction revenues. Using data from real estate, I find the cost of dividing value can increase agents' incentives to cut out the middleman for high‐value and low‐value transactions, especially when the disparity between valuable transactions and the rest is large and when the availability of valuable transactions is limited. These findings shed light on the mechanisms aggregating individual endeavors into broader economic objectives, whether mediated by markets, online platforms, or organizations.
Nest‐Box Use by Wood Ducks and Black‐Bellied Whistling Ducks in Coastal South Carolina
Authors: Croft Gillie D. , Kaminski Richard M. , Wiggers Ernie P. , Gerard Patrick D. , Yarrow Greg K. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTWe surveyed nest‐structure use by sympatric nesting wood ducks (Aix sponsa) and black‐bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) across coastal South Carolina, USA, in 2016–2017. Of 718 nest boxes surveyed cumulatively in 2016 and 2017, 61% were used by wood ducks and 15% by black‐bellied whistling ducks. Lower nest‐box use by whistling ducks was related to recent arrivals and breeding by the species in South Carolina. Nest‐box use by wood ducks was 6% greater for every 1,000‐cm3 decrease from the mean internal box volume of all boxes monitored, whereas use by black‐bellied whistling ducks was 20% greater for every 1,000‐cm3 increase from the mean internal volume of all boxes. Box use was 15% and 11% greater by wood ducks and black‐bellied whistling ducks, respectively, for every 10% decrease from the mean percent canopy cover of all nest boxes. Nest‐box use by black‐bellied whistling ducks was 18% and 10% greater for every 10‐cm increase from the mean distance from the base of a box's entrance vertically to the ground or water and every 10‐m decrease from the mean distance to the nearest box for all boxes monitored, respectively. Our results suggested nest boxes with internal volumes of ~15,000–31,000 cm3 were most used by wood ducks, but the conventional nest box with an internal volume of 34,375 cm3 and internal dimensions of 25 × 25 × 55 cm accommodated wood ducks and black‐bellied whistling ducks, and can be deployed where the species are sympatric. However, where black‐bellied whistling ducks occur, the diameter of an entrance hole for nest boxes should be 13 cm to allow passage by the larger bodied species. We suggest a need for research to estimate recruitment rates for box‐nesting females and cost effectiveness of box programs based on female recruitment. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Finland
Authors: Kalliomaa-Puha Laura 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFinland has a universal and residence-based social protection system. As long as a migrant is considered a permanent resident, he/she is entitled to social welfare, health services and cash benefits on the same bases as national residents. Nationality is not a criterion. Eligibility for social benefits can also be gained through employment. The crucial point is thus to become a resident or a worker. Even though the eligibility rules for benefits and services are the same for everyone, nationals, EU citizens and third-country nationals have partly different rules for entering the country and for becoming permanent residents. Third-country nationals need, for example, a resident permit that allows them to work, whereas EU/EEA nationals can enter Finland freely to search for a job. Nationals can always enter the country without any resident permit. A certain period of residence is required to qualify for some of the benefits. However, these qualifying periods are required from all applicants, nationals included.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Lithuania
Authors: Lazutka Romas , Navicke Jekaterina 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis chapter aims to discuss the link between migration and welfare in Lithuania. We start with presentation of the main characteristics of the Lithuanian welfare system emphasizing the access to social benefits for resident nationals, non-national residents, and non-resident nationals. Later we examine key developments of population migration to and from Lithuania. Finally, we present a detailed analysis of five social policy schemes - unemployment, health care, family benefits, pensions, and guaranteed minimum resources – from the perspective of access to social benefits of these different groups.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Romania
Authors: Burlacu Irina , Soare Sorina , Vintila Daniela 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis chapter examines to what extent the Romanian welfare system covers resident citizens compared to foreigners residing in Romania and Romanians living abroad. In doing so, we analyse existing social policies aiming to ensure their coverage against a variety of risks at different life-cycle stages, including unemployment, poverty, sickness and old-age. The main conclusion is that the Romanian welfare state is open to all residents, regardless of their nationality, thus providing everyone equal grounds for accessing social benefits. The criterion of residence on the Romanian soil is, however, prevalent. This implies that relatively few social provisions are extended for non-resident Romanians, which represent an increasingly sizeable community given the intensity of migration outflows in recent years. Furthermore, the Romanian social protection system has had relatively little impact on reducing the risk of poverty and income inequality in the country, despite regular amendments during the last years.