bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining and measuring completion and assessment biases with respect to English language and development status: not all MOOCs are equal
Authors: Karp Gershon Sa’ar , Ruipérez-Valiente José A. , Alexandron Giora 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) broadened the educational landscape by providing free access to quality learning materials for anyone with a device connected to the Internet. However, open access does not guarantee equals opportunities to learn, and research has repetitively reported that learners from affluent countries benefit the most from MOOCs. In this work, we delve into this gap by defining and measuring completion and assessment biases with respect to learners’ language and development status. We do so by performing a large-scale analysis across 158 MITx MOOC runs from 120 different courses offered on edX between 2013 and 2018, with 2.8 million enrollments. We see that learners from developing countries are less likely to complete MOOCs successfully, but we do not find evidence regarding a negative effect of not being English-native. Our findings point out that not only the specific population of learners is responsible for this bias, but also that the course itself has a similar impact. Independent of and less frequent than completion bias, we found assessment bias, that is when the mean ability gained by learners from developing countries is lower than that of learners from developed countries. The ability is inferred from the responses of the learners to the course-assessment using item response theory (IRT). Finally, we applied differential item functioning (DIF) methods with the objective of detecting items that might be causing the assessment bias, obtaining weak, yet positive results with respect to the magnitude of the bias reduction. Our results provide statistical evidence on the role that course design might have on these biases, with a call for action so that the future generation of MOOCs focus on strengthening their inclusive design approaches.
A decision support system based on radiomics and machine learning to predict the risk of malignancy of ovarian masses from transvaginal ultrasonography and serum CA-125
Authors: Chiappa Valentina , Interlenghi Matteo , Bogani Giorgio , Salvatore Christian , Bertolina Francesca , Sarpietro Giuseppe , Signorelli Mauro , Ronzulli Dominique , Castiglioni Isabella , Raspagliesi Francesco 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the performance of a decision support system (DSS) based on radiomics and machine learning in predicting the risk of malignancy of ovarian masses (OMs) from transvaginal ultrasonography (TUS) and serum CA-125.

Methods
A total of 274 consecutive patients who underwent TUS (by different examiners and with different ultrasound machines) and surgery, with suspicious OMs and known CA-125 serum level were used to train and test a DSS. The DSS was used to predict the risk of malignancy of these masses (very low versus medium-high risk), based on the US appearance (solid, liquid, or mixed) and radiomic features (morphometry and regional texture features) within the masses, on the shadow presence (yes/no), and on the level of serum CA-125. Reproducibility of results among the examiners, and performance accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were tested in a real-world clinical setting.

Results
The DSS showed a mean 88% accuracy, 99% sensitivity, and 77% specificity for the 239 patients used for training, cross-validation, and testing, and a mean 91% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 80% specificity for the 35 patients used for independent testing.

Conclusions
This DSS is a promising tool in women diagnosed with OMs at TUS, allowing to predict the individual risk of malignancy, supporting clinical decision making.
Trigeminal nerve stimulation: a recently approved treatment approach in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Çöpür Mazlum , Çöpür Sidar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with its high prevalence is a growing area of concern and research, whereas exact underlying pathophysiology remains unknown. Behavioral therapy and multiple medications include methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and amphetamines while trigeminal nerve stimulator (TNS) is the first medical device in ADHD with FDA approval. The aim of this article is to evaluate the latest studies in this field.
Development of an indirect immunofluorescence assay for PCV3 antibody detection based on capsid protein
Authors: Yao Lun , Li Chang , Wang Junwei , Cheng Yufang , Ghonaim Ahmed H. , Sun Qi , Yu Xuexiang , Niu Weijie , Fan Shengxian , He Qigai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPorcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a novel porcine circovirus associated with porcine dermatitis and nephritis syndrome (PDNS), reproductive failure, and multisystemic inflammation. Capsid protein (Cap) encoded by PCV3 ORF2 gene has been identified as an immunogenic protein. Currently, there is no immunofluorescence assay (IFA) available for serological diagnosis. Here, the N-terminal 33 amino acids of Cap protein were predicted to serve as a PCV3 nuclear localization signal (NLS). Two types of recombinant plasmids were constructed for recombinant protein expression in Sf9 cells by using a baculovirus expression system: plasmid rvBac-Pc for full-length Cap protein expression and rvBac-Sc for Cap protein expression with a honeybee melittin signal peptide in place of the predicted NLS sequence. Expression of the nuclear localization sequences was further analyzed by IFA. Strong and specific fluorescence signals were observed in the nucleus of rvBac-Pc-transfected cells and in the cytoplasm of rvBac-Sc-transfected cells. No cross-reactivity was observed with porcine circovirus type 2, porcine pseudorabies virus, classical swine fever virus, or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. In summary, we developed two fluorescence detection modes for Cap protein that can be used to detect PCV3 antibodies. This method is suitable for the diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of PCV3. This study provides a reliable detection method for monitoring PCV3 antibody level in pigs in the future.
Local measurement of vortex statistics in quantum turbulence
Authors: Woillez Eric , Valentin Jérôme , Roche Philippe-E. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The density fluctuations of quantum vortex lines are measured in a turbulent flow of superfluid He, at temperatures corresponding to superfluid fractions of 16%, 47% and 81%. The probe is a micro-fabricated second sound resonator allowing for local and small-scale measurements in the core of the flow, downstream a grid at a 10-mesh size. Remarkably, all the vortex power spectra collapse on a single master curve, independently from the superfluid fraction and the mean velocity. By contrast with previous measurements, we report a peculiar shape of the power spectra. The vortex density probability distributions are found to be strongly skewed, similarly to the vorticity distributions observed in classical turbulence. Implications of those results are discussed.
Acidification can directly affect olfaction in marine organisms
Authors: Porteus Cosima S. , Roggatz Christina C. , Velez Zelia , Hardege Jörg D. , Hubbard Peter C. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
In the past decade, many studies have investigated the effects of low pH/high CO2 as a proxy for ocean acidification on olfactory-mediated behaviours of marine organisms. The effects of ocean acidification on the behaviour of fish vary from very large to none at all, and most of the maladaptive behaviours observed have been attributed to changes in acid–base regulation, leading to changes in ion distribution over neural membranes, and consequently affecting the functioning of gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) neurotransmission. Here, we highlight a possible additional mechanism by which ocean acidification might directly affect olfaction in marine fish and invertebrates. We propose that a decrease in pH can directly affect the protonation, and thereby, 3D conformation and charge distribution of odorants and/or their receptors in the olfactory organs of aquatic animals. This can sometimes enhance signalling, but most of the time the affinity of odorants for their receptors is reduced in high CO2/low pH; therefore, the activity of olfactory receptor neurons decreases as measured using electrophysiology. The reduced signal reception would translate into reduced activation of the olfactory bulb neurons, which are responsible for processing olfactory information in the brain. Over longer exposures of days to weeks, changes in gene expression in the olfactory receptors and olfactory bulb neurons cause these neurons to become less active, exacerbating the problem. A change in olfactory system functioning leads to inappropriate behavioural responses to odorants. We discuss gaps in the literature and suggest some changes to experimental design in order to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their effects on the associated behaviours to resolve some current controversy in the field regarding the extent of the effects of ocean acidification on marine fish.
Objective Assessment of Postoperative Morbidity After Breast Cancer Treatments with Wearable Activity Monitors: The “BRACELET” Study
Authors: Che Bakri Nur Amalina , Kwasnicki Richard M. , Dhillon Kieran , Khan Naairah , Ghandour Omar , Cairns Alexander , Darzi Ara , Leff Daniel R. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Current validated tools to measure upper limb dysfunction after breast cancer treatment, such as questionnaires, are prone to recall bias and do not enable comparisons between patients. This study aimed to test the feasibility of wearable activity monitors (WAMs) for achieving a continuous, objective assessment of functional recovery by measuring peri-operative physical activity (PA).

Methods
A prospective, single-center, non-randomized, observational study was conducted. Patients undergoing breast and axillary surgery were invited to wear WAMs on both wrists in the peri-operative period and then complete upper limb function (DASH) and quality-of-life (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the construct validity and concurrent validity of WAMs.

Results
The analysis included 39 patients with a mean age of 55 ± 13.2 years. Regain of function on the surgically treated side was observed to be an increase of arm activity as a percentage of preoperative levels, with the greatest increase observed between the postoperative days 1 and 2. The PA was significantly greater on the side not treated by surgery than on the surgically treated side after week 1 (mean PA, 75.8% vs. 62.3%; p < 0.0005) and week 2 (mean PA, 91.6% vs. 77.4%; p < 0.005). Subgroup analyses showed differences in recovery trends between different surgical procedures. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by a significant negative moderate correlation between the PA and DASH questionnaires (R = −0.506; p < 0.05).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated the feasibility and validity of WAMs to objectively measure postoperative recovery of upper limb function after breast surgery, providing a starting point for personalized rehabilitation through early detection of upper limb physical morbidity.
Entry of antiepileptic drugs (valproate and lamotrigine) into the developing rat brain
Authors: Toll Samuel J. , Qiu Fiona , Huang Yifan , Habgood Mark D. , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Nie Shuai , Saunders Norman R. 
Published: July 2021

Background: Women with epilepsy face difficult choices whether to continue antiepileptic drug treatment during pregnancy, as uncontrolled seizures carry great risk to mother and fetus but continuing treatment may have adverse effects on baby’s development. This study aimed at evaluating antiepileptic drug entry into developing brain.Methods: Anaesthetised pregnant, non-pregnant adult females, postnatal and fetal rats were injected intraperitoneally with different doses, single or in combinations, of valproate and lamotrigine, within clinical range. Injectate included 3H-labelled drug. After 30min, CSF, blood and brain samples were obtained; radioactivity measured using liquid scintillation counting. Some animals were also exposed to valproate in feed throughout pregnancy and into neonatal period. Drug levels measured by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results given as CSF or tissue/plasma% as index of drug entry.Results: Entry of valproate into brain and CSF was higher at E19 and P4 compared to adult and was dose-dependent except at E19; placental transfer increased significantly at highest dose of 100mg/kg. Lamotrigine entry into the brain was dose dependent only at E19. Chronic valproate treatment, or combination of valproate and lamotrigine had little effect on either drug entry, except for reduced valproate brain entry in adult brain with chronic treatment. Placental transfer decreased significantly after chronic valproate treatment. LC-MS measurement of valproate in adults confirmed that rat plasma values were within the clinical range and CSF/plasma and brain/plasma ratios for LC-MS and 3H-valproate were similar.Conclusion: Results suggest that entry of valproate may be higher in developing brain, the capacity of barrier mechanism is mostly unaffected by doses within the clinical range, with or without addition of lamotrigine. Chronic valproate exposure may result in upregulation in cellular mechanisms restricting its entry into the brain. Entry of lamotrigine was little different at different ages and was not dose dependent.
Evaluation of the convalescent plasma therapy effectiveness and the factors that influence the therapeutic outcome in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Ibadi Zainab , Assad Hayder , Fawzi Hayder 
Published: July 2021

Background: As an effective antiviral therapy is not available for the treatment of the current rapidly and continuously spreading coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is very crucial to find an alternative treatment strategy. Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy has been used for prevention and treatment of many emerging infectious diseases, however, the results of current studies on CP in COVID-19 are not consistent. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CP therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, while evaluating patient and donor-related factors that might influence the therapeutic outcome. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 312 patients with either severe or critical COVID-19, who were admitted to Al-Hakeem and Al-Amal hospitals in Al-Najaf city, Iraq from June to August 2020. The patients were allocated to either the plasma therapy group (152 patients) who received CP combined with standard therapy or the standard therapy group (160 patients). The outcome measures were the 21-day mortality rate and time to clinical improvement. Results: The overall cumulative survival rate was significantly higher in patients who received CP compared to standard therapy alone at 21 days (68.3% vs. 46.8%, p-value = 0.010), with mean survival at 17.6 vs. 15.3 days, (p-value = 0.010). In multivariate analysis, the plasma therapy effect was an independent predictor of survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.368, 0.177 – 0.765). In terms of clinical improvement, the use of CP resulted in shorter clinical improvement (median duration of improvement: 8 vs. 11 days, p-value = 0.007), with 74.3% improvement rate after 21 days in CP compared to 65.0% in standard therapy. Conclusions: Therapy with CP in combination with standard therapy, independently improved survival in hospitalized patient with severe or critical COVID-19.
RNfuzzyApp: an R shiny RNA-seq data analysis app for visualisation, differential expression analysis, time-series clustering and enrichment analysis
Authors: Haering Margaux , Habermann Bianca H 
Published: July 2021

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a widely adopted affordable method for large scale gene expression profiling. However, user-friendly and versatile tools for wet-lab biologists to analyse RNA-seq data beyond standard analyses such as differential expression, are rare. Especially, the analysis of time-series data is difficult for wet-lab biologists lacking advanced computational training. Furthermore, most meta-analysis tools are tailored for model organisms and not easily adaptable to other species. With RNfuzzyApp, we provide a user-friendly, web-based R shiny app for differential expression analysis, as well as time-series analysis of RNA-seq data. RNfuzzyApp offers several methods for normalization and differential expression analysis of RNA-seq data, providing easy-to-use toolboxes, interactive plots and downloadable results. For time-series analysis, RNfuzzyApp presents the first web-based, fully automated pipeline for soft clustering with the Mfuzz R package, including methods to aid in cluster number selection, cluster overlap analysis, Mfuzz loop computations, as well as cluster enrichments. RNfuzzyApp is an intuitive, easy to use and interactive R shiny app for RNA-seq differential expression and time-series analysis, offering a rich selection of interactive plots, providing a quick overview of raw data and generating rapid analysis results. Furthermore, its orthology assignment, enrichment analysis, as well as ID conversion functions are accessible to non-model organisms.
Identifying priorities for the collection and use of data related to community first response and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: protocol for a nominal group technique study
Authors: Keegan Dylan , Heffernan Eithne , McSharry Jenny , Barry Tomás , Masterson Siobhán 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a devastating health event that affects over 2000 people each year in Ireland. Survival rate is low, but immediate intervention and initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administration of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase chances of survival. It is not always possible for the emergency medical services (EMS) to reach OHCA cases quickly. As such, volunteers, including lay and professional responders (e.g. off-duty paramedics and fire-fighters), trained in CPR and AED use, are mobilised by the EMS to respond locally to prehospital medical emergencies (e.g. OHCA and stroke). This is known as community first response (CFR). Data on the impact of CFR interventions are limited. This research aims to identify the most important CFR data to collect and analyse, the most important uses of CFR data, as well as barriers and facilitators to data collection and use. This can inform policies to optimise the practice of CFR in Ireland. Methods: The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured consensus process where key stakeholders (e.g. CFR volunteers, clinicians, EMS personnel, and patients/relatives) develop a set of prioritised recommendations. This study will employ the NGT, incorporating an online survey and online consensus meeting, to develop a priority list for the collection and use of CFR data in Ireland. Stakeholder responses will also identify barriers and facilitators to data collection and use, as well as indicators that improvements to these processes have been achieved. The maximum sample size for the NGT will be 20 participants to ensure sufficient representation from stakeholder groups. Discussion: This study, employing the NGT, will consult key stakeholders to establish CFR data collection, analysis, and use priorities. Results from this study will inform CFR research, practice, and policy, to improve the national CFR service model and inform international response programs.
Management of post-operative Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in symptomatic neonates and infants at a tertiary care center in a developing country: Lessons learned!
Authors: Abohelwa Mostafa , Refaat Marwan , Gharamti Amal , Ahmed Mohamed , Elgehiny Amr , El-Rassi Issam , Bitar Fadi , Arabi Mariam 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is an uncommon form of arrhythmia that occurs after surgical correction of congenital heart defects. Data on neonates and infants are rare. This study highlights the epidemiology, incidence, and management of neonates and infants with JET at a tertiary care center in Lebanon.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. All Patients with documented symptomatic junctional ectopic tachycardia on electrocardiogram who required medical treatment post-surgery were included.
Results: A total of 9 patients were included. The median age was 18 days, and six were males. Six out of nine (66.67%) were successfully treated with cooling and amiodarone on the initial attempt. The other three cases failed initial treatment with adenosine. However, they were successfully treated with cooling and amiodarone as second-line therapy. All cases of junctional ectopic tachycardia occurred post-surgery at an average of 1.67 ± 1.11 days.
Conclusion: Junctional ectopic tachycardia mostly occurs after corrective cardiac surgery and can be successfully treated with cooling and amiodarone. Timely diagnosis significantly affects the outcome.
Leadership Styles and Labor Market Conditions
Authors: Dur Robert , Kvaløy Ola , Schöttner Anja 
Published: July 2021

Why do some leaders use praise as a means to motivate workers, whereas other leaders use social punishment? This paper develops a simple economic model to examine how leadership styles depend on the prevailing labor market conditions for workers. We show that the existence of a binding wage floor for workers (e.g., due to trade union wage bargaining, minimum wage legislation, or limited-liability protection) can make it attractive for firms to hire a leader who makes use of social punishment. Although the use of social punishments generally is socially inefficient, it lessens the need for high bonus pay, which allows the firm to extract rents from the worker. In contrast, firms hire leaders who provide praise to workers only if it is socially efficient to do so. Credible use of leadership styles requires either repeated interaction or a leader with the right social preferences. In a single-period setting, only moderately altruistic leaders use praise as a motivation tool, whereas only moderately spiteful leaders use social punishment. Lastly, we show that when the leaders’ and workers’ reservation utilities give rise to a bigger income gap between leaders and workers, attracting spiteful leaders becomes relatively less costly and unfriendly leadership becomes more prevalent. This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral economics and decision analysis.
Temperature-compensated distributed refractive index sensor based on an etched multi-core fiber in optical frequency domain reflectometry
Authors: Zhu Zongda , Ba Dexin , Liu Lu , Qiu Liqiang , Dong Yongkang 
Published: July 2021

We proposed a temperature-compensated distributed refractive index (RI) sensor using an etched multi-core fiber (MCF) in optical frequency domain reflectometry. The MCF contains inner and outer cores and is etched until the outer core is exposed. Therefore, the outer core can be used for distributed RI sensing, and the inner core can be used for temperature compensation. The sensing length of 19 cm and the spatial resolution of 5.3 mm are achieved in the experiment. The RI sensing range is as wide as 1.33–1.44 refractive index units (RIU), and the maximum sensitivity of 47 nm/RIU is obtained around 1.44 RIU. Additionally, the temperature sensitivity is 9.8 pm/°C. Using this sensor, we successfully detected the glycerol diffusion process in water.