bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Pandemic Response: Employing Mathematical Modeling to Confront Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Biggerstaff Matthew , Slayton Rachel B , Johansson Michael A , Butler Jay C 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Modeling complements surveillance data to inform coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health decision making and policy development. This includes the use of modeling to improve situational awareness, assess epidemiological characteristics, and inform the evidence base for prevention strategies. To enhance modeling utility in future public health emergencies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Infectious Disease Modeling and Analytics Initiative. The initiative objectives are to: (1) strengthen leadership in infectious disease modeling, epidemic forecasting, and advanced analytic work; (2) build and cultivate a community of skilled modeling and analytics practitioners and consumers across CDC; (3) strengthen and support internal and external applied modeling and analytic work; and (4) working with partners, coordinate government-wide advanced data modeling and analytics for infectious diseases. These efforts are critical to help prepare the CDC, the country, and the world to respond effectively to present and future infectious disease threats.
A nomenclature for echinoderm genes
Authors: Beatman Thomas R , Buckley Katherine M , Cary Gregory A , Hinman Veronica F , Ettensohn Charles A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Echinoderm embryos and larvae are prominent experimental model systems for studying developmental mechanisms. High-quality, assembled, annotated genome sequences are now available for several echinoderm species, including representatives from most classes. The increased availability of these data necessitates the development of a nomenclature that assigns universally interpretable gene symbols to echinoderm genes to facilitate cross-species comparisons of gene functions, both within echinoderms and across other phyla. This paper describes the implementation of an improved set of echinoderm gene nomenclature guidelines that both communicates meaningful orthology information in protein-coding gene symbols and names and establishes continuity with nomenclatures developed for major vertebrate model organisms, including humans. Differences between the echinoderm gene nomenclature guidelines and vertebrate guidelines are examined and explained. This nomenclature incorporates novel solutions to allow for several types of orthologous relationships, including the single echinoderm genes with multiple vertebrate co-orthologs that result from whole-genome-duplication events. The current version of the Echinoderm Gene Nomenclature Guidelines can be found at https://www.echinobase.org/gene/static/geneNomenclature.jsp
Database URL https://www.echinobase.org/
A longitudinal study on the effects of previous stillbirth or abortion on subsequent pregnancies and infants
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the subsequent newborns.

Methods
A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected from January 2015 to August 2019. The study participants were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using interviewing the pregnant mothers, reviewing medical charts, analyzing the blood samples from the newborn and scheduled medical checkups. The general linear model was used to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the newborn, Poisson regression was used to identify predictors of childhood infectious disease episodes and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate time to childhood pneumonia and diarrhea.

Results
Two thousand, eight hundred and seventy-two infants were included giving a response rate of 88.97%. Neonates born from mothers with a previous history of stillbirth or abortion had low birth-weight, low serum iron and zinc levels. High infection episodes of diarrhea and pneumonia were observed among infants born from a previous history of stillbirth and abortion mothers. The infection episodes during the childhood period were determined by serum zinc level [incident rate ratio (IRR): 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.83], birth-weight (IRR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.91) and breastfeeding frequency (IRR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.87–0.93).

Conclusion
The birth-weight, serum iron and zinc levels of neonates born from the previous history of stillbirth and abortion were lower. The infection episodes of newborns born from mothers with a previous history of stillbirth or abortion were higher.
Using auxiliary data to rationalize smartphone-based pre-harvest forest mensuration
Authors: Pitkänen Timo P , Räty Minna , Hyvönen Pekka , Korhonen Kari T , Vauhkonen Jari 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Accurate mensuration of forest stands for pre-harvest planning will pose high costs if carried out by a professional forester as an on-site evaluation. The costs could be reduced if a person with limited mensuration expertise could collect the required data using a smartphone-based system such as TRESTIMA® Forest Inventory System. Without prior information, the field sample with sufficient number of measurement points over the whole stand should be selected, so that the entire variation will be covered. We present and test a rational framework based on selecting the sampling locations according to auxiliary data. As auxiliary variables, we use various spatial data sources indicating forests’ structural or spectral variation, as well as previously predicted inventory variables. We construct two variants of sampling schemes based on the local pivotal method, weighted by the auxiliary data, and compare the results to simple random sampling (SRS) with corresponding sample sizes. According to our findings, the benefits of auxiliary data depend on the considered stand, species and timber assortment. The use of auxiliary data leads generally to improved results and up to three times higher efficiency (i.e. lower variance) as compared with SRS. We conclude that the framework of applying auxiliary data has high capabilities in rationalizing the sampling efforts with little drawbacks, consequently providing potential to improve the results with similar sample size and possibility to use of non-specialists for the pre-harvest inventory.
Narrative Group Intervention to Rediscover Life Wisdom Among Hong Kong Chinese Older Adults: A Single-Blind Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chow Esther Oi Wah , Fung Sai-Fu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
We developed a new group practice using strength- and meaning-based narrative therapy (NT) for older Chinese living in Hong Kong (HK), to enhance their life wisdom. This paper reports on the intervention and its short- and longer-term effectiveness.

Research Design and Methods
A randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 157 older adults were randomly recruited, of whom 75 were randomly assigned to the intervention group which received four 2-hr biweekly NT sessions using the “Tree of Life” metaphor. The others were placed on a waitlist. Perceived wisdom was assessed using the Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale. Assessment occurred at baseline (T0), end of treatment (T1), and 4 (T2) and 8 months later (T3). Overtime effects of NT on wisdom scores were assessed using latent growth curve models with time-invariant covariates for impact.

Results
The intervention (NT) group showed significant, sustainable overtime within-group improvement in perceived wisdom. Furthermore, when compared to the control group, the NT group showed significant immediate improvements in perceived wisdom [F(2.726, p = .041)], which were maintained at all follow-up points. This effect remained after controlling for age, gender, and educational level (TML(11) = 17.306, p = .098, root mean square error of approximation = 0.079, comparative fit index = 0.960). No adverse reaction was recorded.

Discussion and Implications
NT underpinned by a ToL methodology offers a new theory to understand, promote, and appreciate perceived wisdom in older Chinese living in HK. It contributes to psychotherapy and professional social work practice for older Chinese.
Stanniocalcin-1 in the female reproductive system and pregnancy
Authors: Bishop Alexa , Cartwright Judith E , Whitley Guy S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) is a widely expressed glycoprotein hormone involved in a diverse spectrum of physiological and pathophysiological processes including angiogenesis, mineral homeostasis, cell proliferation, inflammation and apoptosis. Over the last 20 years, numerous studies have reported STC-1 expression within female reproductive tissues including the uterus, ovaries and placenta and implicated STC-1 in processes such as ovarian follicular development, blastocyst implantation, vascular remodelling in early pregnancy and placental development. Notably, dysregulation of STC-1 within reproductive tissues has been linked to the onset of severe reproductive disorders including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, poor trophoblast invasion and placental perfusion in early pregnancy. Furthermore, significant changes in tissue expression and in maternal systemic concentration take place throughout pregnancy and further substantiate the vital role of this protein in reproductive health and disease.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature, to summarise the expression profile and roles of STC-1 within the female reproductive system and its associated pathologies. We highlight the gaps in the current knowledge and suggest potential avenues for future research.

SEARCH METHODS
Relevant studies were identified through searching the PubMed database using the following search terms: ‘stanniocalcin-1’, ‘placenta’, ‘ovary’, ‘endometrium’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘reproduction’, ‘early gestation’. Only English language papers published between 1995 and 2020 were included.

OUTCOMES
This review provides compelling evidence of the vital function that STC-1 plays within the female reproductive system. The literature presented summarise the wide expression profile of STC-1 within female reproductive organs, as well as highlighting the putative roles of STC-1 in various functions in the reproductive system. Moreover, the observed link between altered STC-1 expression and the onset of various reproductive pathologies is presented, including those in pregnancy whose aetiology occurs in the first trimester. This summary emphasises the requirement for further studies on the mechanisms underlying the regulation of STC-1 expression and function.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS
STC-1 is a pleiotropic hormone involved in the regulation of a number of important biological functions needed to maintain female reproductive health. There is also growing evidence that dysregulation of STC-1 is implicated in common reproductive and obstetric disorders. Greater understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of STC-1 within the field may therefore identify possible targets for therapeutic intervention and/or diagnosis.
Machine learning for modeling the progression of Alzheimer disease dementia using clinical data: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kumar Sayantan , Oh Inez , Schindler Suzanne , Lai Albert M , Payne Philip R O , Gupta Aditi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, a syndrome characterized by cognitive impairment severe enough to interfere with activities of daily life. We aimed to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies that applied machine learning (ML) methods to clinical data derived from electronic health records in order to model risk for progression of AD dementia.

Materials and Methods
We searched for articles published between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2020, in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE Explore Digital Library, Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, and arXiv. We used predefined criteria to select relevant articles and summarized them according to key components of ML analysis such as data characteristics, computational algorithms, and research focus.

Results
There has been a considerable rise over the past 5 years in the number of research papers using ML-based analysis for AD dementia modeling. We reviewed 64 relevant articles in our SLR. The results suggest that majority of existing research has focused on predicting progression of AD dementia using publicly available datasets containing both neuroimaging and clinical data (neurobehavioral status exam scores, patient demographics, neuroimaging data, and laboratory test values).

Discussion
Identifying individuals at risk for progression of AD dementia could potentially help to personalize disease management to plan future care. Clinical data consisting of both structured data tables and clinical notes can be effectively used in ML-based approaches to model risk for AD dementia progression. Data sharing and reproducibility of results can enhance the impact, adaptation, and generalizability of this research.
Disparities in telephone and video telehealth engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sachs Jonathan W , Graven Peter , Gold Jeffrey A , Kassakian Steven Z 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent expansion of telehealth may be exacerbating inequities in ambulatory care access due to institutional and structural barriers. We conduct a repeat cross-sectional analysis of ambulatory patients to evaluate for demographic disparities in the utilization of telehealth modalities.

Materials and Methods
The ambulatory patient population at Oregon Health & Science University (Portland, OR, USA) is examined from June 1 through September 30, in 2019 (reference period) and in 2020 (study period). We first assess for changes in demographic representation and then evaluate for disparities in the utilization of telephone and video care modalities using logistic regression.

Results
Between the 2019 and 2020 periods, patient video utilization increased from 0.2% to 31%, and telephone use increased from 2.5% to 25%. There was also a small but significant decline in the representation males, Asians, Medicaid, Medicare, and non-English speaking patients. Amongst telehealth users, adjusted odds of video participation were significantly lower for those who were Black, American Indian, male, prefer a non-English language, have Medicaid or Medicare, or older.

Discussion
A large portion of ambulatory patients shifted to telehealth modalities during the pandemic. Seniors, non-English speakers, and Black patients were more reliant on telephone than video for care. The differences in telehealth adoption by vulnerable populations demonstrate the tendency toward disparities that can occur in the expansion of telehealth and suggest structural biases.

Conclusion
Organizations should actively monitor the utilization of telehealth modalities and develop best-practice guidelines in order to mitigate the exacerbation of inequities.
A generalizable data assembly algorithm for infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Majumder Maimuna S , Rose Sherri 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
During infectious disease outbreaks, health agencies often share text-based information about cases and deaths. This information is rarely machine-readable, thus creating challenges for outbreak researchers. Here, we introduce a generalizable data assembly algorithm that automatically curates text-based, outbreak-related information and demonstrate its performance across 3 outbreaks. After developing an algorithm with regular expressions, we automatically curated data from health agencies via 3 information sources: formal reports, email newsletters, and Twitter. A validation data set was also curated manually for each outbreak, and an implementation process was presented for application to future outbreaks. When compared against the validation data sets, the overall cumulative missingness and misidentification of the algorithmically curated data were ≤2% and ≤1%, respectively, for all 3 outbreaks. Within the context of outbreak research, our work successfully addresses the need for generalizable tools that can transform text-based information into machine-readable data across varied information sources and infectious diseases.
Comparison of beta-ligands used in cattle production: structures, safety, and biological effects
Authors: Dilger Anna C , Johnson Bradley J , Brent Paul , Ellis Richard L 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Technologies that increase the efficiency and sustainability of food animal production to provide meat for a growing population are necessary and must be used in a manner consistent with good veterinary practices, approved labeled use, and environmental stewardship. Compounds that bind to beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR), termed beta-adrenergic receptor ligands (β-ligands), are one such technology and have been in use globally for many years. Though all β-ligands share some similarities in structure and function, the significance of their structural and pharmacological differences is sometimes overlooked. Structural variations in these molecules can affect absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as cause substantial differences in biological and metabolic effects. Several β-ligands are available for use specifically in cattle production. Ractopamine and zilpaterol are beta-adrenergic agonists approved to increase weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass leanness in cattle. They both bind to and activate β1- and β2-AR. Lubabegron is a newly developed selective beta-adrenergic modulator with unique structural and functional features. Lubabegron displays antagonistic behavior at the β1- and β2-AR but agonistic behavior at the β3-AR. Lubabegron is approved for use in cattle to reduce ammonia emissions per unit of live or carcass weight. Additionally, lubabegron can withstand prolonged use as the β3-AR lacks structural features needed for desensitization. Due to these unique features of lubabegron, this new β-ligand provides an additional option in cattle production. The individual properties of each β-ligand should be considered when making risk management decisions, as unique properties result in varying human food safety profiles that can determine appropriate safe β-ligand use.
Rights of Nature in Practice: A Case Study on the Impacts of the Colombian Atrato River Decision
Authors: Wesche Philipp 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In recent years, several countries have adopted a new legal approach to address ecological damages by granting fundamental rights to non-human natural entities. Yet, little is known about the actual impacts of this new constitutionalism of nature on environmental protection. This article seeks to better understand these impacts by presenting a case study of the Colombian Atrato River decision. Based on implementation reports and qualitative interviews with the river’s legal guardians and state officials, it argues that rights of nature can be an important impetus for change. However, at least in Colombia, their impacts relate less to legal standing of natural entities, as presumed in the literature, but rather to improvements in policymaking. To transform complex ecological crises in weak governance areas, strengthening local state institutions and integral environmental policies are more important than rights of nature. But they can play a role in this regard.
Administrative Groupings and Equality in Public Service Provision
Authors: Junge Sarah Yde 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Scarcity in public service agencies requires a prioritization of resources, and inherent to all prioritizations is a comparison of the cases. Despite the amount of research that has been conducted on the prioritization process, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the underlying comparison. Drawing on insight from the street-level bureaucracy literature, this study suggests that the administrative grouping of citizens in public service agencies influences the comparison so that the allocation of public services not only depends on a citizen’s need, but also on the needs of the other citizens assigned to the same agency. In a fixed effects analysis, based on registry data on more than 300,000 students, this study exploits the as-good-as-random assignment of students to classes within schools to analyze the influence of classroom composition on referrals to special education in Danish primary school. The result shows that students with better-performing peers are considerably more likely to be referred to special education than equally low-achieving students in lower-performing classes. This finding substantiates the argument of frame of reference effects in street-level bureaucracy and illustrates an unwarranted distributive consequence of the administrative grouping of citizens, thereby initiating a theoretical discussion of how such an influence can be mitigated.
Investigation of RNA metabolism through large-scale genetic interaction profiling in yeast
Authors: Decourty Laurence , Malabat Christophe , Frachon Emmanuel , Jacquier Alain , Saveanu Cosmin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGene deletion and gene expression alteration can lead to growth defects that are amplified or reduced when a second mutation is present in the same cells. We performed 154 genetic interaction mapping (GIM) screens with query mutants related with RNA metabolism and estimated the growth rates of about 700 000 double mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. The tested targets included the gene deletion collection and 900 strains in which essential genes were affected by mRNA destabilization (DAmP). To analyze the results, we developed RECAP, a strategy that validates genetic interaction profiles by comparison with gene co-citation frequency, and identified links between 1471 genes and 117 biological processes. In addition to these large-scale results, we validated both enhancement and suppression of slow growth measured for specific RNA-related pathways. Thus, negative genetic interactions identified a role for the OCA inositol polyphosphate hydrolase complex in mRNA translation initiation. By analysis of suppressors, we found that Puf4, a Pumilio family RNA binding protein, inhibits ribosomal protein Rpl9 function, by acting on a conserved UGUAcauUA motif located downstream the stop codon of the RPL9B mRNA. Altogether, the results and their analysis should represent a useful resource for discovery of gene function in yeast.