bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of transvenous cardioverter-defibrillator implantation on quality of life, depression and optimism in dialysis patients: report on the secondary outcome of QOL in the randomized controlled ICD2 trial
Authors: Timal Rohit J. , de Gucht Veronique , Rotmans Joris I. , Hensen Liselotte C. R. , Buiten Maurits S. , de Bie Mihaly K. , Putter Hein , Schalij Martin J. , Rabelink Ton J. , Jukema J. Wouter 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Rationale
The impact of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation on the psychological well-being of patients on dialysis is unknown.

Objective
We aimed to identify the effect of primary ICD implantation on quality of life (QoL), mood and dispositional optimism in patients undergoing dialysis.

Methods and results
We performed a prespecified subanalysis of the randomized controlled ICD2 trial. In total, 177 patients on chronic dialysis, with an age of 55–81 years, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥ 35%, were included in the per-protocol analysis. Eighty patients received an ICD for primary prevention, and 91 patients received standard care. The Short Form-36 (SF-36), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) questionnaires were administered prior to ICD implantation (T0), and at 1-year follow-up (T1) to assess QoL, depression and optimism, respectively. The patients were predominantly male (76.0%), with a median age of 67 years. Hemodialysis was the predominant mode of dialysis (70.2%). The GDS-15 score difference (T1 − T0) was 0.5 (2.1) in the ICD group compared with 0.3 (2.2) in the control group (mean difference − 0.3; 95% CI − 1.1 to 0.6; P = 0.58). The LOT-R score difference was − 0.2 (4.1) in the ICD group compared with − 1.5 (4.0) in the control group (mean difference − 1.1 (0.8); 95% CI − 2.6 to 0.4; P = 0.17). The mean difference scores of all subscales of the SF-36 were not significantly different between randomization groups.

Conclusions
In our population of patients on dialysis, ICD implantation did not affect QoL, mood or dispositional optimism significantly during 1-year follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration
Unique identifier: ISRCTN20479861. http://www.controlled-trials.com.
What’s important when caring for a loved one? Population-based preference weights for the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for informal carers (ASCOT-Carer) for Austria
Authors: Trukeschitz Birgit , Hajji Assma , Batchelder Laurie , Saloniki Eirini , Linnosmaa Ismo , Malley Juliette 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThe Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for informal carers (ASCOT-Carer) can be used to assess long-term care-related quality of life (LTC-QoL) of adult informal carers of persons using LTC services. The ASCOT-Carer instrument has been translated into several languages, but preference weights reflecting the relative importance of different outcome states are only available for England so far. In this paper, we estimated preference weights for the German version of the ASCOT-Carer for Austria and investigated the value people place on different QoL-outcome states.MethodsWe used data from a best–worst scaling (BWS) experiment and estimated a scale-adjusted multinomial logit (S-MNL) model to elicit preference weights for the ASCOT-Carer domain-levels. Data were collected using an online survey of the Austrian general population (n = 1001).ResultsTop levels in the domains of ‘Space and time to be yourself’, ‘Occupation’ and ‘Control over daily life’ were perceived as providing the highest utility, and states with high needs in the same domains seen as particularly undesirable. ‘Personal safety’ was the only domain where levels were roughly equidistant. In all other domains, the difference between the top two levels (‘ideal state’ and ‘no needs’) was very small.ConclusionThe paper provides preference weights for the German version of ASCOT-Carer to be used in Austrian populations. Furthermore, the results give insight into which LTC-QoL-outcomes are seen as particularly (un)desirable, and may therefore help to better tailor services directed at informal carers and the persons they care for.
Psychometric properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) pediatric item bank peer relationships in the Dutch general population
Authors: Luijten Michiel A. J. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L. , Terwee Caroline B. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Haverman Lotte 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to validate the PROMIS Pediatric item bank v2.0 Peer Relationships and compare reliability of the full item bank to its short form, computerized adaptive test (CAT) and the social functioning (SF) subscale of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™).

Methods
Children aged 8–18 (n = 1327), representative of the Dutch population completed the Peer Relationships item bank. A graded response model (GRM) was fit to the data. Structural validity was assessed by checking item-fit statistics (S-X2, p < 0.001 = misfit). For construct validity, a moderately strong correlation (> 0.50) was expected between Peer Relationships and the PedsQL SF subscale. Cross-cultural DIF between U.S. and NL was assessed using logistic regression, where an item with McFadden’s pseudo R2 > 0.02 was considered to have DIF. Percentage of participants reliably measured was assessed using the standard error of measurement (SEM) < 0.32 as a criterion (reliability of 0.90). Relative efficiency ((1-SEM2)/nitems) was calculated to compare how well the instruments performed relative to the amount of items administered.

Results
In total, 527 (response rate: 39.7%) children completed the PROMIS v2.0 Peer Relationships item bank (nitems = 15) and the PedsQL™ (nitems = 23). Structural validity of the Peer Relationships item bank was sufficient, but one item displayed misfit in the GRM model (S-X2 < 0.001); 5152R1r (“I played alone and kept to myself”). The item 733R1r (“I was a good friend”) was the only item that displayed cross-cultural DIF (R2 = 0.0253). The item bank correlated moderately high (r = 0.61) with the PedsQL SF subscale Reliable measurements were obtained at the population mean and > 2SD in the clinically relevant direction. CAT outperformed all other measures in efficiency. Mean T-score of the Dutch general population was 46.9(SD 9.5).

Conclusion
The pediatric PROMIS Peer Relationships item bank was successfully validated for use within the Dutch population and reference data are now available.
The association between social isolation and musculoskeletal health in older community-dwelling adults: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study
Authors: Bevilacqua Gregorio , Jameson Karen A. , Zhang Jean , Bloom Ilse , Ward Kate A. , Cooper Cyrus , Dennison Elaine M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Social isolation has been associated with both physical and psychological adverse outcomes and is prevalent in older adults. We investigated the impact of social isolation on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical capability in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods
Data were collected in 2011 and 2017 from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. In 2011, we assessed social isolation using the six-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) and the Maastricht Social Participation Profile (MSSP) and depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Physical capability was assessed by performing tests of gait speed, chair stands, timed up and go and balance at both time points. BMD was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at both time points.

Results
Data were available from 369 participants in 2011 and 184 in 2017. Forty percent of men and 42.4% of women were socially isolated. Isolated participants had higher odds of depressive disorder (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.27–7.11, p < 0.02). Social isolation at baseline was associated with poor physical capability scores at follow-up (OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.09–27.99, p < 0.04). No associations were found between social isolation and BMD at either time point.

Conclusions
Social isolation was associated with higher odds of having depressive symptoms and predicted the development of poor physical capability 6 years later. Further longitudinal studies that include loneliness as a covariate are warranted.
A sentence-combining intervention for struggling writers: response to intervention
Authors: Walter Kirsty , Dockrell Julie , Connelly Vince 
Published: February 2021

AbstractChildren who struggle with writing are a heterogeneous group and may experience difficulties in a range of domains, including spelling, reading, and oral language. These difficulties are reflected in their writing and may influence their responsiveness to writing interventions. The effectiveness of a targeted sentence-combining intervention to improve the writing skills of 71 struggling writers, aged 7 to 10 years, was compared with a spelling intervention and a business as usual (waiting list) control condition. Some struggling writers also performed poorly on measures of reading and oral language. Children's performance on a range of writing measures were assessed at baseline (t1), immediate post-test (t2)and delayed post-test (t3). Children receiving the sentence-combining intervention showed significant improvements in the sentence combining measure att2 andt3 compared to both the spelling intervention and waiting list controls. Exploratory regression analyses found that children in the sentence-combining intervention, with a lowt1 sentence combining score, low reading skills or bettert1 spelling skills, were more likely to show improvements att2. Findings indicate that when devising interventions for struggling writers, specific profiles of skills should be considered. Specifically, sentence combining may be more appropriate for SWs whose primary area of difficulty is reading, rather than poor spelling or oral language.
Quoted speech in linguistics research article titles: patterns of use and effects on citations
Authors: Pearson William S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the uses and scholarly impact of quoted/direct speech in research article titles (e.g., "I Know I'm Generalizing but…": How Teachers' Perceptions Influence ESL Learner Placement) across the 50 highest-listed linguistics journals according to Clarivate Analytics’ inCites Journal Citation Reports. The aims of the study were to: (1) uncover the prevalence of titles featuring quoted speech between 1980 and 2019, (2) describe how directly reported speech is utilised structurally in article titles, and (3) investigate the effects of various patterns of use of quotations on articles’ age-weighted citation rates. 640 linguistics articles with speech act titles were uncovered, occurring with an incidence of 1.8% in the dataset (n = 36,438), although their prevalence has risen significantly since 2004. Structural analysis revealed 90.9% of quotations were contained in the first segment of a compound title, serving to create an information gap (often for the purposes of provoking interest or intrigue), which is resolved in the second segment; the research article’s topic. Regression analysis showed that speech act titles were significant negative determinants of articles’ age-weighted citations, particularly the prevalent pattern of compound structures featuring a quotation phrased as a declarative. The length of the quotation was found to exert no significant effect, although quotations that were not marked by single or double quotation marks were found to have an especially suppressed scholarly impact.
Sexuality and Intimacy Rehabilitation for the Military Population: Case Series
Authors: Ellis Kathryn M. , Nordstrom Michelle J. , Bach Katherine E. , Gover-Chamlou Ametisse N. , Messinger Seth , Isaacson Brad , Pasquina Paul F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSexuality and intimacy are important aspects of life that are frequently compromised after severe injury or illness, yet these aspects are often overlooked by medical and rehabilitation professionals. This case series describes the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Three diverse clients with a range of physical, cognitive and emotional impairments were chosen to illustrate complexities of the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy Program at this MTF, and unique skills employed by Occupational Therapists. Consistent themes discovered include: perceived value of the program; appreciation of safe spaces to discuss personal topics; and enhanced awareness of role identity, body image, and emotional regulation. These cases illustrate that sexuality and intimacy interventions may have profound effects on injured service members, improving social reintegration, and quality of life.
Comparing and Contrasting Travelling Wave Behaviour for Groundwater Flow and Foam Drainage
Authors: Boakye-Ansah Y. A. , Grassia P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLiquid drainage within foam is generally described by the foam drainage equation which admits travelling wave solutions. Meanwhile, Richards’ equation has been used to describe liquid flow in unsaturated soil. Travelling wave solutions for Richards equation are also available using soil material property functions which have been developed by Van Genuchten. In order to compare and contrast these solutions, the travelling waves are expressed as dimensionless height, $$ {\hat{\xi }} $$

ξ
^

, versus moisture content, $$ \varTheta $$
Θ
. For low moisture content, $$ {{\hat{\xi }}} $$

ξ
^

exhibits an abrupt change away from the dry state in Richards equation compared to a much more gradual change in foam drainage. When moisture content nears saturation, $$ {\hat{\xi }} $$

ξ
^

reaches large values (i.e. $$ {\hat{\xi }} \gg 1 $$

ξ
^

≫
1

) for both Richards equation and foam drainage, implying a gradual approach of $$ \varTheta $$
Θ
towards the saturated state. The $$ {\hat{\xi }} $$

ξ
^

values in Richards equation tend, however, to be larger than those in the foam drainage equation, implying an even more gradual approach towards saturation. The reasons for the difference between foam drainage and Richards equation solutions are traced back to soil material properties and in particular a soil specific parameter “m” which is determined from the soil-water retention curve.
Abiotic conditions shape the relationship between indigenous and exotic species richness in a montane biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Popp Manuel R. , Kalwij Jesse M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMontane ecosystems are more prone to invasions by exotic plant species than previously thought. Besides abiotic factors, such as climate and soil properties, plant-plant interactions within communities are likely to affect the performance of potential invaders in their exotic range. The biotic resistance hypothesis predicts that high indigenous species richness hampers plant invasions. The biotic acceptance hypothesis, on the other hand, predicts a positive relationship between indigenous and exotic species richness. We tested these two hypotheses using observational data along an elevational gradient in a southern African biodiversity hotspot. Species composition data of indigenous and exotic plants were recorded in 20 road verge plots along a gradient of 1775–2775 m a.s.l. in the Drakensberg, South Africa. Plots were 2 × 50 m in size and positioned at 50 m elevational intervals. We found a negative correlation between indigenous and exotic richness for locations with poorly developed mineral soils, suggesting biotic resistance through competitive interactions. A strong positive correlation for plots with very shallow soils at high elevations indicated a lack of biotic resistance and the possibility of facilitating interactions in harsher environments. These results suggest that biotic resistance is restricted to the lower and mid elevations while biotic acceptance prevails in presence of severe abiotic stress, potentially increasing the risk of plant invasions into montane biodiversity hotspots.
On Threats to the 5G Service Based Architecture
Authors: Køien Geir M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe 3GPP-based 5G System marks a clear departure form the previous generations. There is a new radio system and a complete overhaul of the core network design. The core network is redesigned both on the control plane parts and the transport plane. The control plane signalling within the core network is now largely based on the service based architecture (SBA) design, featuring Web-based technologies and the associated security solutions. In this paper we conduct a preliminary generic survey of threats to the SBA.
Proof of principle study: diagnostic accuracy of a novel algorithm for the estimation of sleep stages and disease severity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing based on actigraphy and respiratory inductance plethysmography
Authors: Dietz-Terjung Sarah , Martin Amelie Ricarda , Finnsson Eysteinn , Ágústsson Jón Skínir , Helgason Snorri , Helgadóttir Halla , Welsner Matthias , Taube Christian , Weinreich Gerhard , Schöbel Christoph 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
In this proof of principle study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the novel Nox BodySleepTM 1.0 algorithm (Nox Medical, Iceland) for the estimation of disease severity and sleep stages based on features extracted from actigraphy and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) belts. Validation was performed against in-lab polysomnography (PSG) in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Methods
Patients received PSG according to AASM. Sleep stages were manually scored using the AASM criteria and the recording was evaluated by the novel algorithm. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics methods (IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0).

Results
We found a strong Pearson correlation (r=0.91) with a bias of 0.2/h for AHI estimation as well as a good correlation (r=0.81) and an overestimation of 14 min for total sleep time (TST). Sleep efficiency (SE) was also valued with a good Pearson correlation (r=0.73) and an overestimation of 2.1%. Wake epochs were estimated with a sensitivity of 0.65 and a specificity of 0.59 while REM and non-REM (NREM) phases were evaluated a sensitivity of 0.72 and 0.74, respectively. Specificity was 0.74 for NREM and 0.68 for REM. Additionally, a Cohen’s kappa of 0.62 was found for this 3-class classification problem.

Conclusion
The algorithm shows a moderate diagnostic accuracy for the estimation of sleep. In addition, the algorithm determines the AHI with good agreement with the manual scoring and it shows good diagnostic accuracy in estimating wake-sleep transition. The presented algorithm seems to be an appropriate tool to increase the diagnostic accuracy of portable monitoring. The validated diagnostic algorithm promises a more appropriate and cost-effective method if integrated in out-of-center (OOC) testing of patients with suspicion for SDB.
Learning metamorphic malware signatures from samples
Authors: Campion Marco , Dalla Preda Mila , Giacobazzi Roberto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMetamorphic malware are self-modifying programs which apply semantic preserving transformations to their own code in order to foil detection systems based on signature matching. Metamorphism impacts both software security and code protection technologies: it is used by malware writers to evade detection systems based on pattern matching and by software developers for preventing malicious host attacks through software diversification. In this paper, we consider the problem of automatically extracting metamorphic signatures from the analysis of metamorphic malware variants. We define a metamorphic signature as an abstract program representation that ideally captures all the possible code variants that might be generated during the execution of a metamorphic program. For this purpose, we developed MetaSign: a tool that takes as input a collection of metamorphic code variants and produces, as output, a set of transformation rules that could have been used to generate the considered metamorphic variants. MetaSign starts from a control flow graph representation of the input variants and agglomerates them into an automaton which approximates the considered code variants. The upper approximation process is based on the concept of widening automata, while the semantic preserving transformation rules, used by the metamorphic program, can be viewed as rewriting rules and modeled as grammar productions. In this setting, the grammar recognizes the language of code variants, while the production rules model the metamorphic transformations. In particular, we formalize the language of code variants in terms of pure context-free grammars, which are similar to context-free grammars with no terminal symbols. After the widening process, we create a positive set of samples from which we extract the productions of the grammar by applying a learning grammar technique. This allows us to learn the transformation rules used by the metamorphic engine to generate the considered code variants. We validate the results of MetaSign on some case studies.
Geophysical and analytical determination of overstressed zones in exploited coal seam: a case study
Authors: Chlebowski Dariusz , Burtan Zbigniew 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA variety of geophysical methods and analytical modeling are applied to determine the rockburst hazard in Polish coal mines. In particularly unfavorable local conditions, seismic profiling, active/passive seismic tomography, as well as analytical state of stress calculating methods are recommended. They are helpful in verifying the reliability of rockburst hazard forecasts. In the article, the combined analysis of the state of stress determined by active seismic tomography and analytical modeling was conducted taking into account the relationship between the location of stress concentration zones and the level of rockburst hazard. A longwall panel in the coal seam 501 at a depth of ca.700 m in one of the hard coal mines operating in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin was a subject of the analysis. The seismic tomography was applied for the reconstruction of P-wave velocity fields. The analytical modeling was used to calculate the vertical stress states basing on classical solutions offered by rock mechanics. The variability of the P-wave velocity field and location of seismic anomaly in the coal seam in relation to the calculated vertical stress field arising in the mined coal seam served to assess of rockburst hazard. The applied methods partially proved their adequacy in practical applications, providing valuable information on the design and performance of mining operations.