bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Virus Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment Adherence Patterns and Sustained Viral Response Among People Who Inject Drugs Treated in Opioid Agonist Therapy Programs
Authors: Heo Moonseong , Pericot-Valverde Irene , Rennert Lior , Akiyama Matthew J , Norton Brianna L , Gormley Mirinda , Agyemang Linda , Arnsten Julia H , Litwin Alain H 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Adequate medication adherence is critical for achieving sustained viral response (SVR) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, it is less known which patterns of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment adherence are associated with SVR in this population or what factors are associated with each pattern.

Methods
The randomized 3-arm PREVAIL study used electronic blister packs to obtain daily time frame adherence data in opiate agonist therapy program settings. Exact logistic regressions were applied to test the associations between SVR and 6 types of treatment adherence patterns.

Results
Of the 113 participants treated with combination DAAs, 109 (96.5%) achieved SVR. SVR was significantly associated with all pattern parameters except for number of switches between adherent and missed days: total adherent daily doses (exact adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.22), percent total doses (1.09; 1.03–1.16), days on treatment (1.16; 1.05–1.32), maximum consecutive adherent days (1.34; 1.06–2.04), and maximum consecutive nonadherent days (0.85; .74–.95 = 0.003). SVR was significantly associated with total adherent doses in the first 2 months of treatment, it was not in the last month. While alcohol intoxication was significantly associated with frequent switches, drug use was not associated with any adherence pattern.

Conclusions
Consistent maintenance of adequate total dose adherence over the entire course of HCV treatment is important in achieving SVR among PWID. Additional integrative addiction and medical care may be warranted for treating PWID who experience alcohol intoxication.
Rider Chicken Optimization Algorithm-Based Recurrent Neural Network for Big Data Classification in Spark Architecture
Authors: R Vinoth , J P Ananth 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes an effective classification method named Rider Chicken Optimization Algorithm-based Recurrent Neural Network (RCOA-based RNN) to perform big data classification in spark architecture. Initially, the input data are collected from the network by the master node and then forwarded to the slave node. These nodes are responsible for storing the data and performing computations. The features are effectively selected in the slave node using the proposed RCOA. The selected features are forwarded to the master node. The big data classification is achieved in the master node by using the RNN classifier, and the training of the classifier is done using the proposed RCOA algorithm, which is the integration of the Rider optimization algorithm (ROA) with the standard Chicken Swarm Optimization (CSO). The experimentation is done by using the Switzerland dataset, Cleveland dataset, Hungarian dataset and Skin disease dataset, in which the proposed RCOA-based RNN attained better performance based on the quantitative properties, such as sensitivity, accuracy and specificity with the values of 9.3E+01%, 9.4E+01% and 9.3E+01% using Hungarian dataset. The existing learning methods failed to address the complex classification problems at a reasonable time, which is overcome by the proposed method.
Testosterone levels in hair of free-ranging male northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) in relation to sampling month, age class and spermatogenesis
Authors: Otsuki Mayuko , Horimoto Takanori , Kobayashi Motoki , Morita Yuka , Ijiri Shigeho , Mitani Yoko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Information about the reproductive status of free-ranging pinnipeds provides useful insight into their population dynamics, which is essential to their management and conservation. To determine the reproductive status of individual animals, blood sampling is often required despite being impractical to collect in open water. Hair as an endocrine marker has been used to less invasively assess the reproductive status of terrestrial animals. However, it is unknown whether pinniped reproductive status can be assessed from hair samples. Here, we examine testosterone levels in hair obtained from 57 male northern fur seals and used it to compare their age class and spermatogenesis during the non-breeding season off Hokkaido. We isolated testosterone from the samples using gas chromatography and measured testosterone levels using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Testosterone levels in hair increased towards the breeding season. In May, testosterone levels were the highest in seals aged between 4 and 7 years, followed by those over the age of 8 years and under the age of 4 years. Spermatids, the final phase of spermatogenesis, were present in the seals sampled between April and June, even though testosterone levels were low in April. The seals with spermatids in May showed the highest testosterone levels. Our results demonstrate that seals with higher testosterone levels in May are likely to be mature males (≥4 years). Since hair can be collected using biopsy darts in the field, it will be possible to less invasively determine testosterone levels of male seals in the future.
Improving the design of an oxidative stress sensing biosensor in yeast
Authors: Dacquay Louis C , McMillen David R 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTTranscription factor (TF)-based biosensors have proven useful for increasing biomanufacturing yields, large-scale functional screening, and in environmental monitoring. Most yeast TF-based biosensors are built from natural promoters, resulting in large DNA parts retaining considerable homology to the host genome, which can complicate biological engineering efforts. There is a need to explore smaller, synthetic biosensors to expand the options for regulating gene expression in yeast. Here, we present a systematic approach to improving the design of an existing oxidative stress sensing biosensor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on the Yap1 transcription factor. Starting from a synthetic core promoter, we optimized the activity of a Yap1-dependent promoter through rational modification of a minimalist Yap1 upstream activating sequence. Our novel promoter achieves dynamic ranges of activation surpassing those of the previously engineered Yap1-dependent promoter, while reducing it to only 171 base pairs. We demonstrate that coupling the promoter to a positive-feedback-regulated TF further improves the biosensor by increasing its dynamic range of activation and reducing its limit of detection. We have illustrated the robustness and transferability of the biosensor by reproducing its activity in an unconventional probiotic yeast strain, Saccharomyces boulardii. Our findings can provide guidance in the general process of TF-based biosensor design.
Coupled effects of pressure and frequency on velocities of tight sandstones saturated with fluids: measurements and rock physics modelling
Authors: Han Xu , Wang Shangxu , Tang Genyang , Dong Chunhui , He Yanxiao , Liu Tao , Zhao Liming , Sun Chao 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARY
Elastic moduli and velocities of tight sandstones are strongly influenced by rock-frame heterogeneity, pore microstructure and fluid in addition to pressure and probing-wave frequency. The effects of pressure and frequency on the elastic moduli and velocities are different from those of conventional sandstones with high porosity and high permeability due to complexity of pore microstructure. To investigate these effects, we measured two tight sandstone samples for their velocities in the dry and fluid saturation conditions using the ultrasonic transmission technique and the low-frequency stress–strain method. The variations in the ultrasonic velocities with pressure see a transition from non-linear to linear increase for the dry samples, in contrast to a gradual increase for the fluid-saturated samples. The low frequency velocities of the saturated sample T1 and T2 directly show significant dispersion in a wide range of frequencies (1–100 Hz), and the magnitudes of the dispersion are suppressed by the pressure. The low-frequency velocities also increase with pressure, showing increasing trends bounded by the ultrasonic velocity–pressure curves for the dry and fluid saturation conditions. An elaborate rock physics model, considering a discrete aspect ratio spectrum and the simple squirt flow model, was constructed to account for the pressure and frequency dependence of the velocities. The predictions from the modified squirt flow model can fit well the measured velocities at varying pressures, both in the low-frequency range and the ultrasonic frequency range. The real measurements and the modelling results suggest that the pressure- and frequency-dependence cannot be modelled without considering such aspect ratio spectra. The effects of pressure and frequency are coupled in that they are interconnected by the microstructure of the pores. Changes in the pressure and fluid saturation (and thus wave frequency) both contribute to stiffening of the rock frame, and they both strongly depend on the presence of microcracks in the rock. Therefore, this rock physics model could be applied in extraction of pore microstructure and fluid properties provided elastic moduli or velocities can be estimated accurately.
Seismicity in far western Nepal reveals flats and ramps along the Main Himalayan Thrust
Authors: Laporte M , Bollinger L , Lyon-Caen H , Hoste-Colomer R , Duverger C , Letort J , Riesner M , Koirala B P , Bhattarai M , Kandel T , Timsina C , Adhikari L B 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYUnravelling relations between lateral variations of mid-crustal seismicity and the geometry of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) system at depth is a key issue in seismotectonic studies of the Himalayan range. These relations can reveal along strike changes in the behaviour of the fault at depth related to fluids or the local ramp-flat geometry and more generally of the stress build-up along the fault. Some of these variations may control the rupture extension of intermediate, large or great earthquakes, the last of which dates back from 1505 CE in far western Nepal. The region is also associated to lateral spatio-temporal variations of the mid-crustal seismicity monitored by the Regional Seismic Network of Surkhet–Birendranagar. This network was supplemented between 2014 and 2016 by 15 temporary stations deployed above the main seismic clusters giving new potential to regional studies. Both absolute and relative locations together with focal mechanisms are determined to gain insight on the fault behaviour at depth. We find more than 4000 earthquakes within 5 and 20 km-depth clustered in three belts parallel to the front of the Himalayan range. Finest locations reveal close relationships between seismic clusters and fault segments at depth among which mid-crustal ramps and reactivated tectonic slivers. Our results support a geometry of the MHT involving several fault patches at depth separated by ramps and tear faults. This geometry most probably affects the pattern of the coseismic ruptures breaking partially or totally the locked fault zone as well as eventual along strike variations of seismic coupling during interseismic period.
Men’s willingness to support HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening in Nigeria
Authors: Chigozie Nkwonta , Hilfinger Messiaa DeAnne K , Adebola Adegboyega , Ojiegbe Tochukwu 
Published: April 2021

Summary
Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Nigeria, even though it can be prevented by vaccination and screening. The uptake of these preventive services is extremely low due to lack of spousal support and cost. Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines and cervical screening require finance as health services are mostly paid out of pocket. This study explored Nigerian men’s willingness to encourage and pay for family member to obtain HPV vaccine and cervical screening. This is a cross-sectional study of 352 men aged 18–65 years living in 12 communities in the 6-geopolitical region. We found poor perception of HPV risk, and believed their family was not susceptible to cervical cancer. However, the majority (&gt;80%) believed HPV vaccine and cervical screenings are important. Additionally, a good number (&gt;58%) would encourage and pay for their family member to receive HPV vaccine and cervical screening. Residency, educational level and monthly income were significantly associated with willingness to encourage their family to receive HPV vaccine and cervical screening. Also, age group, marital status, residency, educational level and monthly income were significantly associated with the willingness to pay for HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening. Majority were willing to encourage and pay for their family member to get vaccinated and receive cervical screening. This supports the findings that lack of male involvement may be an overlooked obstacle to cervical cancer prevention in developing countries.
Latino church-going parents’ insights on childhood obesity prevention
Authors: Wilmoth Summer , Perez Arely , He Meizi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Childhood obesity continues to be a priority health concern in the United States. Faith communities present a viable venue for health promotion programming. The majority of obesity prevention programming focuses on African American populations. Subsequently, insights for obesity prevention programming in Latino faith communities are lacking. This qualitative study aimed to gain insight into Latino church-going parents’ perspectives on childhood obesity and faith-based obesity prevention strategies. Participants were Latino church-going parents with children ages 10–18, recruited from predominantly Latino churches in south Texas, United States. Focus groups were conducted with a total of 56 Latino participants from nine churches. Discussions were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was performed and assisted by NVivo. Participants were aware of the obesity facing their congregations. Parents’ affirmation of the physical body being God’s Temple supported the development of obesity prevention programs in faith community settings. Participants suggested integration of spiritual and physical health promotion through health sermons, Bible study, Sunday school, nutrition classes and physical activities for both children and adults. In brief, Latino church-going parents were concerned about childhood obesity and perceived the need for developing obesity prevention programs integrating both faith and health promotion.
Reflection on modern methods: understanding bias and data analytical strategies through DAG-based data simulations
Authors: Duan Chongyang , Dragomir Anca D , Luta George , Breitling Lutz P 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are increasingly used in epidemiology to identify and address different types of bias. The present work aims to demonstrate how DAG-based data simulation can be used to understand bias and compare data analytical strategies in an educational context. Examples based on classical confounding situations and an M-DAG are examined and used to introduce basic concepts and demonstrate some important features of regression analysis, as well as the harmful effect of adjusting for a collider variable. Other potential uses of DAG-based data simulation include systematic comparisons of data analytical strategies or the evaluation of the role of uncertainties in a hypothesized DAG structure, including other types of bias such as information bias. DAG-based data simulations, like those presented here, should facilitate the exploration of several key epidemiological concepts, DAG theory and data analysis. Some suggestions are also made on how to further expand the ideas from this study.
An Inverse Boundary Value Problem for a Semilinear Wave Equation on Lorentzian Manifolds
Authors: Hintz Peter , Uhlmann Gunther , Zhai Jian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We consider an inverse boundary value problem for a semilinear wave equation on a time-dependent Lorentzian manifold with time-like boundary. The time-dependent coefficients of the nonlinear terms can be recovered in the interior from the knowledge of the Neumann-to-Dirichlet map. Either distorted plane waves or Gaussian beams can be used to derive uniqueness.
Inequalities for the Radon Transform on Convex Sets
Authors: Giannopoulos Apostolos , Koldobsky Alexander , Zvavitch Artem 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We prove an inequality that unifies previous works of the authors on the properties of the Radon transform on convex bodies including an extension of the Busemann–Petty problem and a slicing inequality for arbitrary functions. Let $K$ and $L$ be star bodies in ${\mathbb R}^n,$ let $0&lt;k&lt;n$ be an integer, and let $f,g$ be non-negative continuous functions on $K$ and $L$, respectively, so that $\|g\|_\infty =g(0)=1.$ Then $$\begin{align*} & \frac{\int_Kf}{\left(\int_L g\right)^{\frac{n-k}n}|K|^{\frac kn}} \le \frac n{n-k} \left(d_{\textrm{ovr}}(K,\mathcal{B}\mathcal{P}_k^n)\right)^k \max_{H} \frac{\int_{K\cap H} f}{\int_{L\cap H} g}, \end{align*}$$where $|K|$ stands for volume of proper dimension, $C$ is an absolute constant, the maximum is taken over all $(n-k)$-dimensional subspaces of ${\mathbb R}^n,$ and $d_{\textrm{ovr}}(K,\mathcal{B}\mathcal{P}_k^n)$ is the outer volume ratio distance from $K$ to the class of generalized $k$-intersection bodies in ${\mathbb R}^n.$ Another consequence of this result is a mean value inequality for the Radon transform. We also obtain a generalization of the isomorphic version of the Shephard problem.
Will Robots Automate Your Job Away? Full Employment, Basic Income and Economic Democracy
Authors: McGaughey Ewan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Will the internet, robotics and artificial intelligence mean a ‘jobless future’? A recent narrative, endorsed by tech-billionaires, says we face mass unemployment, and we need a basic income. In contrast, this article shows why the law can achieve full employment with fair incomes, and holidays with pay. Universal human rights, including the right to ‘share in scientific advancement and its benefits’, set the proper guiding principles. Three distinct views of the causes of unemployment are that it is a ‘natural’ phenomenon, that technology may propel it, or that it is social and legal choice: to let capital owners restrict investment in jobs. Only the third view has any credible evidence to support it. Technology may create redundancies, but unemployment is a purely social phenomenon. After World War Two, 42% of UK jobs were redundant but social policy maintained full employment. This said, transition to new technology, when markets are left alone, can be exceedingly slow: a staggering 88% of American horses lost their jobs after the Model T Ford, but only over 45 years. Both the global financial crisis from 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 illustrate the importance of social and legal policy, and suggest it is time to learn. Taking lessons from history, it is clear that unemployment is driven by inequality of wealth and of votes in the economy. To uphold human rights, governments should reprogramme the law, for full employment, fair incomes and more leisure, on a living planet. Robot owners will not automate your job away, if we defend economic democracy.
Point-of-care dashboards promote coproduction of healthcare services for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Van Citters Aricca D , Holthoff Megan M , Kennedy Alice M , Melmed Gil Y , Oberai Ridhima , Siegel Corey A , Weaver Alandra , Nelson Eugene C 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Coproduction of healthcare services by patients and professionals is seen as an increasingly important mechanism to support person-centred care delivery. Coproduction invites a deeper understanding of what persons sometimes called ‘patients’ bring to development of a service. Yet, little is known about tools that may help elicit that information.

Objective
Our objective was to explore potential benefits and limitations of an electronic pre-visit survey (PVS) and dashboard by studying uptake and experiences within the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community.

Methods
We conducted a mixed-method evaluation of patients and clinicians using the IBD Qorus PVS and dashboard at 24 programmes participating in the IBD Qorus learning health system. We analysed (i) descriptive statistics and thematic analyses of 537 patient surveys, (ii) semi-structured interviews with seven patients and six care teams and (iii) usage data collected between 25 March 2019 and 26 April 2020.

Results
Nearly two-thirds (64%; n = 38) of clinicians enrolled ≥25 patients into IBD Qorus; 59% (n = 29) of clinicians received ≥25 electronic PVS, with 3834 PVS received during the study period. Post-visit evaluation surveys were completed by patients following 26% (n = 993) of PVS completions. Among patients who reported using the dashboard for 1 or more months (n = 537), two-thirds (65%, n = 344) used the dashboard at a clinic visit and one-third used it outside the clinic (33%, n = 176). Most patients who used the dashboard during a clinic visit said it was helpful in discussions with their clinician (82%), in talking about what matters most (76%) and in making healthcare decisions (71%). Patients using the dashboard during the clinic visit reported higher levels of shared decision-making than those who did not use the dashboard (82% vs. 65%, P &lt; 0.001). This relationship remained significant after controlling for receipt of care at a clinic with the highest levels of patient-reported shared decision-making (odds ratio: 2.1; confidence interval: 1.3–3.3). Patients and clinicians found the greatest value in using the PVS and dashboard to share concerns and symptoms, prepare for a visit and support discussions during the visit. The lack of integration with existing electronic health records (EHRs) limited clinician usage of the PVS and dashboard.

Conclusions
The PVS and dashboard created a shared language, which supported coproduction and shared decision-making and facilitated a shared understanding of goals, concerns, symptoms and well-being. To support uptake, future systems should reduce implementation burden for healthcare professionals and integrate seamlessly with existing EHR systems and workflows.
From accreditation to quality improvement—The Danish National Quality Programme
Authors: Uggerby Christian , Kristensen Solvejg , Mackenhauer Julie , Knudsen Søren Valgreen , Bartels Paul , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Mainz Jan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The Danish government launched a new National Quality Programme (NQP) in healthcare in 2015. It has changed the focus from old public management in terms of accreditation, regulation, rules and standards to new public governance focusing on delivering high quality healthcare and outcomes of value for the patients, health professionals and the Danish healthcare system. The NQP aims to strengthen the focus on continuous quality improvement and the launch of the programme was accompanied by a decision to phase out accreditation of public hospitals. The NQP includes 1) eight specific national quality goals, 2) a national educational programme for quality management, and 3) establishment of quality improvement collaboratives. Since the establishment of the NQP the indicator results have improved in several important clinical areas. However, causal conclusions related to the effect of the NQP cannot yet be made. This perspective on quality paper aims to give a short introduction to the NQP and documented outcomes.