bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The κ-statistics approach to epidemiology
Authors: Kaniadakis Giorgio , Baldi Mauro M. , Deisboeck Thomas S. , Grisolia Giulia , Hristopulos Dionissios T. , Scarfone Antonio M. , Sparavigna Amelia , Wada Tatsuaki , Lucia Umberto 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA great variety of complex physical, natural and artificial systems are governed by statistical distributions, which often follow a standard exponential function in the bulk, while their tail obeys the Pareto power law. The recently introduced$$\kappa $$κ-statistics framework predicts distribution functions with this feature. A growing number of applications in different fields of investigation are beginning to prove the relevance and effectiveness of$$\kappa $$κ-statistics in fitting empirical data. In this paper, we use$$\kappa $$κ-statistics to formulate a statistical approach for epidemiological analysis. We validate the theoretical results by fitting the derived$$\kappa $$κ-Weibull distributions with data from the plague pandemic of 1417 in Florence as well as data from the COVID-19 pandemic in China over the entire cycle that concludes in April 16, 2020. As further validation of the proposed approach we present a more systematic analysis of COVID-19 data from countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom, obtaining very good agreement between theoretical predictions and empirical observations. For these countries we also study the entire first cycle of the pandemic which extends until the end of July 2020. The fact that both the data of the Florence plague and those of the Covid-19 pandemic are successfully described by the same theoretical model, even though the two events are caused by different diseases and they are separated by more than 600 years, is evidence that the$$\kappa $$κ-Weibull model has universal features.
Changes in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in pigeon squabs infected with Trichomonas gallinae
Authors: Ji Feng , Zhang Dongyan , Shao Yuxin , Yu Xiaohan , Liu Xiaoyong , Shan Dacong , Wang Zheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPigeons, as the only altricial birds in poultry, are the primary Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae) host. To study the effects of T. gallinae infection on gut microbiota, we compared the microbiota diversity and composition in gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of pigeons at the age of 14 and 21 day with different degrees of T. gallinae infection. Thirty-six nestling pigeons were divided into three groups: the healthy group, low-grade and high-grade trichomonosis group. Then, the crop, small intestine and rectum contents were obtained for sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 hypervariable region. The results showed that the microbiota diversity was higher in crop than in small intestine and rectum, and the abundance of Lactobacillus genus was dominant in small intestine and rectum of healthy pigeons at 21 days. T. gallinae infection decreased the microbiota richness in crop at 14 days. The abundance of the Firmicutes phylum and Lactobacillus genus in small intestine of birds at 21 days were decreased by infection, however the abundances of Proteobacteria phylum and Enterococcus, Atopobium, Roseburia, Aeriscardovia and Peptostreptococcus genus increased. The above results indicated that crop had the highest microbiota diversity among GI tract of pigeons, and the gut microbiota diversity and composition of pigeon squabs were altered by T. gallinae infection.
Utilization of Cladophora glomerata extract nanoparticles as eco-nematicide and enhancing the defense responses of tomato plants infected by Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Ghareeb Rehab Y. , Alfy Hanan , Fahmy Antwan A. , Ali Hayssam M. , Abdelsalam Nader R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop that belongs to the family Solanaceae. Root-knot nematodes reflect the highly critical economically damaging genera of phytoparasitic nematodes on tomato plants. In this study, the eco-nematicide activity of freshwater green macroalga Cladophora glomerata aqueous extract and their synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne javanica was investigated on tomato plants. The formation and chemical structure of Ag-NPs was examined. The aqueous extract from C. glomerata was applied against the root-knot nematodes besides the biosynthesized green silver nanoparticles with 100, 75, 50, and 25% (S, S/2, S/3, S/4) concentrations. To investigate the plant response toward the Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (GSNPs) treatment, expression profiling of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL), Poly Phenol Oxidase (PPO), and Peroxidase (POX) in tomato were examined using Quantitative Real-Time PCR (Q-PCR). The results indicated that GSNPs from C. glomerata exhibited the highest eco-nematicide activity in the laboratory bioassay on egg hatchability and juveniles (J2S) mortality of M. javanica compared with the chemical commercial nematicide Rugby 60%. Also, results showed a significant reduction in galls number, egg masses, females per root system/plant, and mortality of juveniles. The results of PAL and PPO enzyme expression for the control plants remained relatively stable, while the plant inoculated with nematode M. javanica as well as the activity of genes in scope was increased from 14 to 28 Days after Nematode Inoculation (DANI). These activities were improved in inoculated plants and treated with C. glomerata extract and their green syntheses of Ag-NPs and the other plants treated with Rugby 60% (4 mL/L). The greatest activities of the three enzymes were evident after 14 days after the nematode inoculation. It can be concluded that the green synthesized nanoparticles using C. glomerata could be used as potent nematicides against M. javanica which induces the immune system to defend against nematode infection.
Serum neurofilament light chain withstands delayed freezing and repeated thawing
Authors: Altmann Patrick , Leutmezer Fritz , Zach Heidemarie , Wurm Raphael , Stattmann Miranda , Ponleitner Markus , Petzold Axel , Zetterberg Henrik , Berger Thomas , Rommer Paulus , Bsteh Gabriel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSerum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and its ability to expose axonal damage in neurologic disorders have solicited a considerable amount of attention in blood biomarker research. Hence, with the proliferation of high-throughput assay technology, there is an imminent need to study the pre-analytical stability of this biomarker. We recruited 20 patients with common neurological diagnoses and 10 controls (i.e. patients without structural neurological disease). We investigated whether a variation in pre-analytical variables (delayed freezing up to 24 h and repeated thawing/freezing for up to three cycles) affects the measured sNfL concentrations using state of the art Simoa technology. Advanced statistical methods were applied to expose any relevant changes in sNfL concentration due to different storing and processing conditions. We found that sNfL concentrations remained stable when samples were frozen within 24 h (mean absolute difference 0.2 pg/ml; intraindividual variation below 0.1%). Repeated thawing and re-freezing up to three times did not change measured sNfL concentration significantly, either (mean absolute difference 0.7 pg/ml; intraindividual variation below 0.2%). We conclude that the soluble sNfL concentration is unaffected at 4–8 °C when samples are frozen within 24 h and single aliquots can be used up to three times. These observations should be considered for planning future studies.
Influence of lignin content in cellulose pulp on paper durability
Authors: Małachowska Edyta , Dubowik Marcin , Boruszewski Piotr , Łojewska Joanna , Przybysz Piotr 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPaper degradation on a macroscopic scale is characterised primarily by yellowing, an increase in brittleness, and other destructive changes caused by the hydrolysis of glycoside bonds and oxidation reactions. Until now, lignin has been believed to cause these changes. However, contemporary analysis has not confirmed this assumption and has attributed low paper resistance to ageing with acidification owing to the production in acid environments that involve aluminium sulfate. In view of the common belief this manuscript presents studies on the accelerated ageing of papers with different lignin contents that are produced in neutral environments. To achieve the objective, artificially aged papers under conditions of increased humidity and temperature were investigated using chromatographic (SEC) and spectroscopic (FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy) techniques. Mechanical tests were used to determine the decrease in tensile properties of the samples. We observed no effects of the lignin content on the ageing rate of paper produced at neutral pH. This work also reveals the extent to which spectroscopic methods are useful for studying the papers containing lignin.
Impact of continuity of care on cardiovascular disease risk among newly-diagnosed hypertension patients
Authors: Choi Daein , Choi Seulggie , Kim Hyunho , Kim Kyuwoong , Kim Nakhyun , Ko Ahryoung , Kim Kyae Hyung , Son Joung Sik , Yun Jae Moon , Kim Yoon , Park Sang Min 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSeveral previous studies have noted benefits of maintaining continuity of care (COC), including improved patient compliance, decreased health care cost, and decreased incidence of hospitalization. However, the association of COC in hypertension patients with subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is yet unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of COC on CVD risk among newly-diagnosed hypertension patients. We conducted a cohort with a study population consisted of 244,187 newly-diagnosed hypertension patients in 2004 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The participants were then divided into approximate quartiles of COC index, and followed from 1 January 2007 until 31 December 2017. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD risk according to quartiles. Compared to patients within the lowest quartile of COC index, those within the highest quartile of COC index had reduced risk for CVD (aHR 0.76, 95% confidence interval; CI 0.73–0.79), CHD (aHR 0.66, 95% CI 0.62–0.69) and stroke (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.88). COC among hypertension patients was associated with improved medication compliance and reduced risk of stroke and CVD. The importance of maintaining COC should be emphasized to reduce the risk of CVD among hypertension patients.
A symmoriiform from the Late Devonian of Morocco demonstrates a derived jaw function in ancient chondrichthyans
Authors: Frey Linda , Coates Michael I. , Tietjen Kristen , Rücklin Martin , Klug Christian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Palaeozoic record of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, chimaeras, extinct relatives) and thus our knowledge of their anatomy and functional morphology is poor because of their predominantly cartilaginous skeletons. Here, we report a previously undescribed symmoriiform shark,Ferromirum oukherbouchi, from the Late Devonian of the Anti-Atlas. Computed tomography scanning reveals the undeformed shape of the jaws and hyoid arch, which are of a kind often used to represent primitive conditions for jawed vertebrates. Of critical importance, these closely fitting cartilages preclude the repeatedly hypothesized presence of a complete gill between mandibular and hyoid arches. We show that the jaw articulation is specialized and drives mandibular rotation outward when the mouth opens, and inward upon closure. The resultant eversion and inversion of the lower dentition presents a greater number of teeth to prey through the bite-cycle. This suggests an increased functional and ecomorphological disparity among chondrichthyans preceding and surviving the end-Devonian extinctions.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Aspiculuris tetraptera (nematoda: Heteroxynematidae) from Mus musculus (rodentia: Muridae) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Omer Sawsan A. , Alghamdi Jawaher M. , Alrajeh Albandary H. , Aldamigh Mashael , Mohammed Osama B. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Aspiculuris tetraptera a pinworm of mice, is an important parasite in institutions with mice colonies for both research and teaching purposes. Infection with this parasite has impact on biomedical research. This is likely due to the availability of the parasite’s eggs in the environment, therefore can easily be transmitted and infection is generally asymptomatic. No information regarding the prevalence, morphology or phylogeny is available on A. tetraptera from Saudi Arabia. A group of 50 laboratory mice were investigated for the presence of A. tetraptera. Worms were described morphologically and molecular characterization was attempted using 18S rRNA and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I genes. The prevalence of A. tetraptera infestation in the laboratory mice examined was found to be 46%. Morphological description indicated that the worms belong to A. tetraptera and this was confirmed by molecular characterization. Both regions studied have shown that the worm under investigation grouped with A. tetraptera. 18S rDNA sequences obtained in the present study showed high identity with sequences from A. tetraptera while Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences showed intraspecific variation resulted into two haplotypes from the isolates in the present study. A. tetraptera was recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. Molecular characterization has shown, based on the COI sequences, that the Saudi isolates of A. tetraptera are distinct.
The Relationship Between Rotary Chair and Video Head Impulse Testing in Children and Young Adults With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Janky Kristen L. , Patterson Jessie 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
Conflicts among video head impulse testing (vHIT) and rotary chair have occurred; therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between rotary chair and vHIT outcome parameters to understand when these two tests disagree and determine if one or both test outcomes are needed in children.

Method

Data from 141 child and young adult subjects (73 males, 68 females,
M
age
= 15 years, range: 6–35) were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 56 had a cochlear implant and 85 were normal controls. All subjects completed rotary chair and vHIT, which were categorized as (a) normal vestibular function, (b) unilateral vestibular loss, or (c) bilateral vestibular loss. vHIT tracings were analyzed to determine if gain and corrective saccade velocity, frequency, or latency were helpful parameters for determining vestibular loss.

Results

Of the 141 subjects, the misclassification rate was 13/141 (9%). All normal control subjects were classified as having normal rotary chair and normal vHIT. In subjects with a cochlear implant (
n
= 56), the misclassification rate was 13/56 (23%). There were four misclassification patterns. Using rotary chair as the gold standard, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed optimal cut-points for vHIT gain (< 0.84), corrective saccade frequency (≥ 50%), amplitude (≥ 75°/s), and latency (≤ 320 ms). Using these vHIT cut-points improved the agreement between rotary chair and vHIT, resulting in an overall misclassification rate of 10/141 (7%) and 9/56 (16%) in subjects with a cochlear implant.

Conclusions
When testing children, caloric testing is often not an option due to tolerability or time. However, discordant results occur between rotary chair and vHIT. These data suggest vHIT is a sufficient first-tier assessment. If abnormal, rotary chair is not necessary. If normal, rotary chair can be helpful for uncovering other indicators of vestibular loss. When interpreting vHIT, including gain and all corrective saccade outcomes may improve sensitivity.
The Effects of Shared e-Book Reading With Dynamic Text and Speech Output on the Single-Word Reading Skills of Young Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Boyle Susannah , McNaughton David , Light Janice , Babb Salena , Chapin Shelley E. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This study investigated the use of a new software feature, namely, dynamic text with speech output, on the acquisition of single-word reading skills by six children with developmental disabilities during shared e-book reading experiences with six typically developing peers.

Method
A single-subject, multiple-probe design across participants was used to evaluate the effects of the software intervention. Six children with developmental delays were the primary focus for intervention, while six children with typical development participated as peer partners in intervention activities. e-Books were created with the new software feature, in which a child selects a picture from the e-book and the written word is presented dynamically and then spoken out. These e-books were then used in shared reading activities with dyads including a child with a disability and a peer with typical development. Participants engaged in the shared reading activity for an average of 13 sessions over a 6-week time period, an average of 65 min of intervention for each dyad.

Results
Participants with disabilities acquired an average of 73% of the words to which they were exposed, a gain of 4.3 words above the baseline average of 1.7 correct responses. The average effect size (Tau-U) was .94, evidence of a very large effect.

Conclusion
The results provide evidence that the use of e-books with the dynamic text and speech output feature during inclusive shared reading activities can be an effective and socially valid method to develop the single-word reading skills of young children with developmental disabilities.
Improved deterministic and stochastic models for simulating partial discharges in non‐conducting trees inside solid dielectrics
Authors: Rodríguez‐Serna Johnatan M. , Albarracín‐Sánchez Ricardo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractElectrical trees are defects originated and driven by partial discharges (PD) activity and this is the reason why their modelling and simulation are fundamental for the ageing mechanisms comprehension and diagnosis analyses of insulation systems compound by solid dielectrics. This study presents a brief review of the different models implemented to simulate PD in electrical trees inside solid dielectrics. In addition, an improved deterministic model as well as a stochastic model are presented, which allow predicting adequately the PD pulses distribution, in magnitudes and phase, for non‐conducting electrical trees of different shape and length. Two case studies were simulated and their results exhibit good agreement when compared with measurements presented in the literature. It is concluded that the main parameters that state the PD behaviour in trees are the inception and extinction voltage magnitudes, including their probability distributions, and the tree geometry. The models can be used for prognosis analysis based on on‐line measurements.
Heterogeneity in social and epidemiological factors determines the risk of measles outbreaks
Authors: Bosetti Paolo , Poletti Piero , Stella Massimo , Lepri Bruno , Merler Stefano , De Domenico Manlio 
Published: November 2020

Significance
The recent increase in large-scale migration trends generates several concerns about public health in destination countries, especially in the presence of massive incoming human flows from countries with a disrupted healthcare system. Here, we analyze the flow of 3.5 M Syrian refugees toward Turkey to quantify the risk of measles outbreaks. Our results suggest that heterogeneity in immunity, population distribution, and human-mobility flows is mostly responsible for such a risk: In fact, adequate policies of social integration and vaccine campaigns provide the most effective strategies to reduce measles disease risks for both migrant and hosting populations.
Stable metal anodes enabled by a labile organic molecule bonded to a reduced graphene oxide aerogel
Authors: Gao Yue , Wang Daiwei , Shin Yun Kyung , Yan Zhifei , Han Zhuo , Wang Ke , Hossain Md Jamil , Shen Shuling , AlZahrani Atif , van Duin Adri C. T. , Mallouk Thomas E. , Wang Donghai 
Published: November 2020

Significance
Rechargeable batteries based on metal anodes are highly desirable due to their high energy density. However, the electrochemical interface is generally not favorable for metal deposition, resulting in dendritic metal growth and an unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). We altered the interface using a labile organic molecule, benzenesulfonyl fluoride. This molecule was bonded to the surface of a reduced graphene oxide aerogel, which not only guides uniform metal deposition but also enables formation of a stable SEI layer. The lithium metal batteries showed stable cycling and excellent tolerance to low-temperature operation. Stable sodium and zinc anodes were also realized, demonstrating the versatility of this concept.
Aneuploidy increases resistance to chemotherapeutics by antagonizing cell division
Authors: Replogle John Michael , Zhou Wen , Amaro Adrianna E. , McFarland James M. , Villalobos-Ortiz Mariana , Ryan Jeremy , Letai Anthony , Yilmaz Omer , Sheltzer Jason , Lippard Stephen J. , Ben-David Uri , Amon Angelika 
Published: November 2020

SignificanceAneuploidy, or an imbalanced chromosome content, is a hallmark of cancer. Paradoxically, aneuploidy is associated both with poor prognosis in cancer and with slow growth in primary cells. Here, we bridge these two seemingly contradictory observations: the cell cycle defects caused by aneuploidy protect cancer cells from chemotherapeutic damage. Our study may inform treatment decisions by impacting our understanding of how sensitive a particular tumor may be to certain chemotherapies.
TLR signaling adapter BCAP regulates inflammatory to reparatory macrophage transition by promoting histone lactylation
Authors: Irizarry-Caro Ricardo A. , McDaniel Margaret M. , Overcast Garrett R. , Jain Viral G. , Troutman Ty Dale , Pasare Chandrashekhar 
Published: November 2020

Significance
Macrophages initiate inflammation to eliminate invading microbes. Following clearance of inflammatory stimuli, macrophages down-regulate inflammatory genes and express repair genes to protect host tissues from damage. Here, we find that the adaptor B-cell adapter for PI3K (BCAP) facilitates this transition of inflammatory macrophages to reparative macrophages. Absence of BCAP in macrophages limits the ability of mice to repair intestinal tissues following inflammatory damage. Following Toll-like receptor stimulation, macrophages undergo aerobic glycolysis that results in lactate production, a process compromised in BCAP-deficient macrophages. This lactate is incorporated into histone tails and is involved in reparative macrophage transition. We find defective lactate production by BCAP-deficient macrophages results in reduced histone lactylation and expression of tissue repair genes, thus blunting their reparative transition.
The changing geography of social mobility in the United States
Authors: Connor Dylan Shane , Storper Michael 
Published: November 2020

Significance
Intergenerational social mobility in the United States has declined over the last century, sparking a national debate about how to improve equality of opportunity. By analyzing data spanning the 20th century, we demonstrate strong temporal patterns operating across regions. Some areas of the United States have witnessed significant declines in social mobility, while others have had persistent low levels all along. Thus, the contemporary national picture is shaped by both powerful forces of change that reduce intergenerational mobility in some regions and deeply entrenched long-term forces generating persistence in others. It follows that improving social mobility will be challenging, as policy would need to respond to both forces and do so according to their varying mixture across different regions.