bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain elastography for the assessment of skin nodules in dogs
Authors: Brizzi Giulia , Crepaldi Paola , Roccabianca Paola , Morabito Simona , Zini Eric , Auriemma Edoardo , Zanna Giordana 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundStrain elastography (SE) is a modern imaging technology that provides an additional way of evaluating the changes in soft tissue elasticity caused by pathophysiological processes. Despite its widespread use in human medicine, only a few studies on the application of SE in veterinary medicine are available.ObjectivesTo evaluate the potential usefulness of SE as an integrative imaging model in the standard ultrasound technique to better discriminate between inflammatory and neoplastic skin nodules in dogs.AnimalsFifty‐one client‐owned dogs with clinical evidence of single or multiple skin nodules detected during routine dermatological examination.Methods and materialsMargins, echogenicity, echo‐structure, calcification and vascularisation of 65 skin nodules were assessed with ultrasound, and SE was used to score qualitative (E‐score, E‐index, E2) and semiquantitative (SR) parameters. A comparison of diagnostic yields with cytological and histological findings as the gold standard was performed.ResultsMast cell and benign follicular tumours showed the highest E‐scores and SRs among neoplastic nodules; statistically significant differences were not detected. Calcific and nonvascularised nodules showed significantly higher E‐index values than the others. Overall, a negative correlation was observed between the longitudinal diameter of skin nodules and the qualitative elastic parameters.Conclusions and clinical importanceIn this study, SE proved to be useful to identify only a subset of nodules such as mast cells and hair follicular tumours. Although evidence supporting the use of SE in evaluating skin nodules was demonstrated to below, indicators to guide further research were developed.
Comparison of High-Intensity Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Fat Percentage in Persons With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Rugbeer Nivash , Constantinou Demitri , Torres Georgia 
Published: April 2021

Background: High-intensity training is comprised of sprint interval training (SIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This study compared high-intensity training with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body fat percentage for overweight or obese persons. Methods: A systematic search of randomized controlled trials using the health science databases occurred up to April, 2020. Twenty-six studies were included for complete analysis. A total of 784 participations were analyzed. The unstandardized mean difference for each outcome measurement was extracted from the studies and pooled with the random effects model. Results: SIT was significantly better at improving CRF compared with MICT in overweight or obese persons (mean difference = −0.92; 95% confidence interval, −1.63 to −0.21; P = .01; I2 = 10%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between MICT versus HIIT on CRF (mean difference = −0.52; 95% confidence interval, −1.18 to 0.13; P = .12; I2 = 23%). There was no significant difference in body fat percentage between MICT versus HIIT and MICT versus SIT. Conclusions: SIT was significantly better at improving CRF than MICT in overweight or obese persons.
Validity of a Rehab and Reconditioning Program Following an Adductor Longus Injury in Professional Soccer
Authors: Jiménez-Rubio Sergio , Estévez Rodríguez José Luis , Navandar Archit 
Published: April 2021

Context: The high rates of adductor injuries and reinjuries in soccer have suggested that the current rehabilitation programs may be insufficient; therefore, there is a need to create prevention and reconditioning programs to prepare athletes for the specific demands of the sport. Objective: The aim of this study is to validate a rehab and reconditioning program (RRP) for adductor injuries through a panel of experts and determine the effectiveness of this program through its application in professional soccer. Design: A 20-item RRP was developed, which was validated by a panel of experts anonymously and then applied to 12 injured male professional soccer players. Setting: Soccer pitch and indoor gym. Participants: Eight rehabilitation fitness coaches (age = 33.25 [2.49] y) and 8 academic researchers (age = 38.50 [3.74] y) with PhDs in sports science and/or physiotherapy. The RRP was applied to 12 male professional players (age = 23.75 [4.97] y; height = 180.56 [8.41] cm; mass = 76.89 [3.43] kg) of the Spanish First and Second Division (La Liga). Interventions: The experts validated an indoor and on-field reconditioning program, which was based on strengthening the injured muscle and retraining conditional capacities with the aim of reducing the risk of reinjury. Main Outcome Measures: Aiken V for each item of the program and number of days taken by the players to return to full team training. Results: The experts evaluated all items of the program very highly as seen from Aiken V values between 0.77 and 0.94 (range: 0.61–0.98) for all drills, and the return to training was in 13.08 (±1.42) days. Conclusion: This RRP following an injury to the adductor longus was validated by injury experts, and initial results suggested that it could permit a faster return to team training.
Alternating wet and dry depositional environments recorded in the stratigraphy of Mount Sharp at Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Rapin W. , Dromart G. , Rubin D. , Deit L. Le , Mangold N. , Edgar L.A. , Gasnault O. , Herkenhoff K. , Le Mouélic S. , Anderson R.B. , Maurice S. , Fox V. , Ehlmann B.L. , Dickson J.L. , Wiens R.C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Curiosity rover is exploring Hesperian-aged stratigraphy in Gale crater, Mars, where a transition from clay-bearing units to a layered sulfate-bearing unit has been interpreted to represent a major environmental transition of unknown character. We present the first description of key facies in the sulfate-bearing unit, recently observed in the distance by the rover, and propose a model for changes in depositional environments. Our results indicate a transition from lacustrine mudstones into thick aeolian deposits, topped by a major deflation surface, above which strata show architectures likely diagnostic of a subaqueous environment. This model offers a reference example of a depositional sequence for layered sulfate-bearing strata, which have been identified from orbit in other locations globally. It differs from the idea of a monotonic Hesperian climate change into long-term aridity on Mars and instead implies a period characterized by multiple transitions between sustained drier and wetter climates.
Exploring spatiotemporal distribution of under-five mortality in Ethiopia: further analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2016
Authors: Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Kassie Ayenew , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Yeshaw Yigizie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore spatiotemporal distribution of under-five mortality in Ethiopia using data from four (2000, 2005, 2011 and 2016) consecutive demographic and health surveys.MethodsA total of 41 498 children were included from four consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. The geospatial analysis was conducted by using ArcGIS V.10.7 and saTScan V.9.6. Thus, spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis, spatial interpolation and spatial scan statistics were carried out for each survey separately to show the temporal pattern of geographically risk areas of under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Finally, the most under-five mortality rate (U5MR) risk areas in each survey period were mapped.ResultsUnder-five mortality was spatially clustered in Ethiopia (Moran’s Index: 0.046–0.096, p<0.01). The Benishangul-Gumuz region was consistently at a higher risk in the last two decades. Additional hotspot areas were detected at Afar and Amhara (in 2000, 2005, 2016), at Gambala (in 2011) and the South Nation Nationality and People’s (SNNP) Region (in 2016). Moreover, 160 primary clusters were identified. Of these, 85 clusters (log-likelihood ratio (LLR)=13.10, p<0.01) were from Benishangul-Gumuz and Amhara regions (in 2000); 67 clusters (LLR=12.93, p<0.01) were from Afar and Amhara regions (in 2005); 4 clusters (LLR=10.54, p<0.01) were from Benishangul-Gumuz region (in 2011); and another 4 clusters (LLR=11.85, p<0.01) were from Afar region (in 2016).ConclusionHigh-risk areas were detected mainly in the Benishangul-Gumuz and Afar regions. As a result, designing under-five population targeted intervention programmes in those high-risk geographical regions was vital to reduce under-five mortality in Ethiopia.
Screen time is independently associated with serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in youth with obesity
Authors: Goldfield Gary S. , Cameron Jameason D. , Sigal Ronald J. , Kenny Glen P. , Holcik Martin , Prud’homme Denis , Guerin Eva , Alberga Angela S. , D’Angiulli Amedeo , Tremblay Mark S. , Mougharbel Fatima , Walsh Jeremy 
Published: April 2021

Low levels of brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and excessive screen exposure are risk factors for neurocognitive deficits and obesity in youth, but the relationship between screen time and BDNF remains unknown. This study examined whether duration and/or type of sedentary screen time behaviour (TV viewing, video games, recreational computer use) are associated with serum BDNF levels in youth with obesity. The sample consisted of 250 inactive, postpubertal adolescents with obesity (172 females/78 males, aged 15.5 ± 1.4 years) at the baseline assessment of the Healthy Eating, Aerobic, Resistance Training in Youth Study. After controlling for self-reported age, sex, race, parental education, puberty stage, physical activity, and diet, higher total screen exposure was significantly associated with lower serum BDNF levels (β = −0.21, p = 0.002). TV viewing was the only type of screen behaviour that was associated with BDNF levels (β = −0.22, p = 0.001). Higher exposure to traditional forms of screen time was independently associated with lower serum BDNF levels, and this association appears to be driven primarily by TV viewing. Future intervention research is needed to determine whether limiting screen time is an effective way to increase BDNF and associated health benefits in a high-risk population of youth with obesity. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00195858. Novelty: This study is the first to show that recreational screen time is inversely associated with serum BDNF levels. The inverse association between screen time and BDNF is driven primarily by TV viewing, indicating the type of screen might matter.
Life history variation in Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and the effects of diet and migration on the growth, condition, and body morphology of two Arctic charr populations in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Young A.L. , Tallman R.F. , Ogle D.H. 
Published: April 2021

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (Linnaeus, 1758)) are phenotypically plastic with multiple dietary–morphological relationships observed throughout their circumpolar range. Feeding strategies often differ between Arctic charr life histories and can impact size-at-age and morphological attributes. We examined growth, condition, and body morphology for two High Arctic populations of Arctic charr with anadromous and landlocked life histories. Anadromous Arctic charr had higher growth rates, achieving mean lengths two times those of landlocked Arctic charr by age 10 and had higher overall condition, particularly in the fall. Ontogenetic shifts in diet were suspected in both populations, with an abrupt shift to marine feeding in the anadromous population and a gradual shift to piscivory in the landlocked population. Morphological differences between life histories manifested most predominantly in larger eye diameter, longer pectoral and pelvic fins, and longer upper jaws of landlocked Arctic charr, suggestive of piscivorous feeding specialization of landlocked fish >350 mm. Our findings emphasize the benefits that marine feeding can have for growth and condition of freshwater fishes in Arctic environments and also convey the necessity of adaptive feeding strategies to optimize growth and condition in fishes inhabiting low-production lacustrine habitats.
Seismic reliability assessment of base-isolated bridges in Quebec
Authors: Nassar M. , Guizani L. , Nollet M.-J. , Tahan A. 
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work is to estimate the seismic reliability of a simple typical two-span lifeline base-isolated bridge designed to behave essentially elastic or as per the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, for seven localities in Quebec. Two limit states are considered for possible failure due to unacceptable damage: flexure at the pier-base and displacement within the seismic isolation systems (SIS). The main problem random variables considered and modeled are seismic hazard, temperature, pier base dimensions, and material mechanical properties. The Monte Carlo method was used to evaluate the probability of failure and the reliability of each limit state. Preliminary results reveal that notwithstanding the large temperature and seismic hazard variabilities between the seven sites in Quebec, the global bridge reliability indices are almost uniform, approximately 3.45 ± 0.02. Furthermore, the security factor (i.e., 1.25) on the SIS displacement capacity results in reliability indices for SIS displacement that are not levelled with the flexural reliability indices and requires further examination and consideration.
Accumulation of straw-derived carbon and changes in soil humic acid structural characteristics during corn straw decomposition
Authors: Zhang XiaoWei , Dou Sen , Ndzelu Batande Sinovuyo , Zhang YiFeng , Liu Xin 
Published: April 2021

Appropriate application of corn straw residues increase soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, sequestration and stabilization of added carbon (C) during corn straw transformation are not fully understood. Here, we present changes in soil humus C and humic acid (HA) molecular structure during corn straw decomposition in an incubation experiment carried out for 270 d at 25 °C. Corn straw was applied at the amount of 74.76 g per 18 kg soil (i.e., 1.57 g C·kg−1), in the soil surface (CS1), incorporated within 0–10 cm (CS2), applied below 10 cm soil depth (CS3), and no corn straw applied. The results showed that after corn straw application (CS1, CS2, and CS3), the accumulation of SOC content was rapid in the first 90 d. The HA spectral results of straw-amended soils showed a slight increase in aliphatic C compounds and amino acids on day 90. On day 180, the degree of condensation was less, and aliphatic C compounds were present in large quantities in soil HA. As decomposition advanced to day 270, the aliphatic character of HA appeared to slightly weaken, and soil HA was enriched with aromatic structures. These results suggest that corn straw application enriches soil HA with more aliphatic C compounds in the early stages of decomposition, and aromatic C structures are formed in the later stage of decomposition. Incorporation of corn straw into the soil (CS2 treatment) is more conducive in increasing SOC and aliphaticity in HA during corn straw decomposition, which can potentially increase C sequestration.
A hybrid model of viscous and Chaplygin gas to tackle the Universe acceleration
Authors: Hernández-Almada A. , García-Aspeitia Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Meza M. A. , Motta V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMotivated by two seminal models proposed to explain the Universe acceleration, this paper is devoted to study a hybrid model which is constructed through a generalized Chaplygin gas with the addition of a bulk viscosity. We call the model a viscous generalized Chaplygin gas (VGCG) and its free parameters are constrained through several cosmological data like the Observational Hubble Parameter, Type Ia Supernovae, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, Strong Lensing Systems, HII Galaxies and using Joint Bayesian analysis. In addition, we implement a Om-diagnostic to analyze the VGCC dynamics and its difference with the standard cosmological model. The hybrid model shows important differences when compared with the standard cosmological model. Finally, based on our Joint analysis we find that the VGCG could be an interesting candidate to alleviate the well-known Hubble constant tension.
An ensemble approach of improved quantum inspired gravitational search algorithm and hybrid deep neural networks for computational optimization
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Verma Shashi Kant , Sharma Sandeep 
Published: April 2021

In this paper, an autonomous ensemble approach of improved quantum inspired gravitational search algorithm (IQI-GSA) and hybrid deep neural networks (HDNN) is proposed for the optimization of computational problems. The IQI-GSA is a combinational variant of gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and quantum computing (QC). The improved variant enhances the diversity of mass collection for retaining the stochastic attributes and handling the local trapping of mass agents. Further, the hybrid deep neural network encompasses the convolutional and recurrent neural networks (HDCR-NN) which analyze the relational & temporal dependencies among the different computational components for optimization. The proposed ensemble approach is evaluated for the application of facial expression recognition by experimentation on Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces (KDEF) and Japanese Female Facial Expression (JAFFE) datasets. The experimentation evaluations evidently exhibit the outperformed recognition rate of the proposed ensemble approach in comparison with state-of-the-art techniques.
Myeloid Cell–associated Resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade in Urothelial Cancer Revealed Through Bulk and Single-cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Wang Li , Sfakianos John P. , Beaumont Kristin G. , Akturk Guray , Horowitz Amir , Sebra Robert P. , Farkas Adam M. , Gnjatic Sacha , Hake Austin , Izadmehr Sudeh , Wiklund Peter , Oh William K. , Szabo Peter M. , Wind-Rotolo Megan , Unsal-Kacmaz Keziban , Yao Xin , Schadt Eric , Sharma Padmanee , Bhardwaj Nina , Zhu Jun , Galsky Matthew D. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
To define dominant molecular and cellular features associated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade resistance in metastatic urothelial cancer.

Experimental Design:
We pursued an unbiased approach using bulk RNA sequencing data from two clinical trials to discover (IMvigor 210) and validate (CheckMate 275) pretreatment molecular features associated with resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in metastatic urothelial cancer. We then generated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from muscle-invasive bladder cancer specimens to dissect the cellular composition underlying the identified gene signatures.

Results:
We identified an adaptive immune response gene signature associated with response and a protumorigenic inflammation gene signature associated with resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. The adaptive immune response:protumorigenic inflammation signature expression ratio, coined the 2IR score, best correlated with clinical outcomes, and was externally validated. Mapping these bulk gene signatures onto scRNA-seq data uncovered their underlying cellular diversity, with prominent expression of the protumorigenic inflammation signature by myeloid phagocytic cells. However, heterogeneity in expression of adaptive immune and protumorigenic inflammation genes was observed among single myeloid phagocytic cells, quantified as the myeloid single cell immune:protumorigenic inflammation ratio (Msc2IR) score. Single myeloid phagocytic cells with low Msc2IR scores demonstrated upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and downregulation of antigen presentation genes, were unrelated to M1 versus M2 polarization, and were enriched in pretreatment blood samples from patients with PD-L1 blockade–resistant metastatic urothelial cancer.

Conclusions:
The balance of adaptive immunity and protumorigenic inflammation in individual tumor microenvironments is associated with PD-1/PD-L1 resistance in urothelial cancer with the latter linked to a proinflammatory cellular state of myeloid phagocytic cells detectable in tumor and blood.
See related commentary by Drake, p. 4139
Per-Particle Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Imply Higher Myocardial Infarction Risk Than Low-Density Lipoproteins: Copenhagen General Population Study
Authors: Johansen Mia Ø. , Vedel-Krogh Signe , Nielsen Sune F. , Afzal Shoaib , Davey Smith George , Nordestgaard Børge G. 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and LDL (low-density lipoproteins) are each causal for myocardial infarction and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, the relative importance is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that for the same number of nonfasting apoB-containing particles from smaller LDL through to larger triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, the risk of myocardial infarction is similar.

Approach and Results:

We included 29 039 individuals with no history of myocardial infarction nested within 109 751 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Particle number of apoB-containing lipoprotein subfractions were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. During a mean follow-up of 10 years, 2309 individuals developed myocardial infarction. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for myocardial infarction per 1×10
15
particles were higher with larger size and more triglyceride content of apoB-containing lipoproteins using ten different subfractions, ranging from 11 (95% CI, 5.6–22) for extra extra large VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins) to 1.06 (1.05–1.07) for extra small VLDL to 1.02 (1.01–1.02) for IDL (intermediate-density lipoproteins), through to 1.01 (1.01–1.01) for small LDL. When combining the particle number of 6 VLDL subfractions and combining IDL and 3 LDL subfractions, hazard ratios for myocardial infarction per 1×10
17
particles were 3.5 (2.7–4.5) for VLDL and 1.3 (1.2–1.4) for IDL and LDL combined.

Conclusions:

For the same number of apoB-containing particles (1×10
17
particles/L), the hazard ratio for myocardial infarction was 3.5-fold for VLDL and 1.3-fold for IDL and LDL combined. Biological implications include that VLDL particles are more atherogenic than LDL particles and clinically that VLDL and LDL should be measured separately.