bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of surface roughness impact on dielectric film properties
Authors: Song Guanghui , Wang Yaojin , Tan Daniel Q. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe importance of surface roughness with respect to the bulk properties of dielectric materials is often overlooked. Surface roughness or interfaces between different material layers often significantly affects the external properties of thin films. Surface roughness holds its commonalty and critical impact among many materials properties. This review summarises the recent work on the effect of surface roughness on the mechanical, thermal, physical, and dielectric properties of dielectric films. Appropriate roughness favours adhesion, filtration, biological fouling, tribological properties, and magnetic properties. Nevertheless, lower roughness generally benefits the dielectric properties of dielectric materials, with thicknesses ranging from a few nanometres to up to 50 μm. This review discusses surface roughness control and the techniques of measurement as well. It emphasises the importance and characterisation of sample surface roughness for a better understanding of the dielectric phenomenon, mechanisms, and electrical stress test setup for various dielectric films.
Monogenic Syndromes with Congenital Heart Diseases in Newborns (Diagnostic Clues for Neonatologists): A Critical Analysis with Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Giacchi Valentina , Aguglia Maria Giovanna , Mailo Janette , Longo Maria Grazia , Natacci Federica , Ruggieri Martino 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCongenital heart disease (CHD), the most common major congenital anomaly, is associated with a genetic syndrome (chromosomal anomalies, genomic disorders, or monogenic disease) in 30% of patients. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate if, in the neonatal setting, clinical clues that orient the diagnostic path can be identified. For this purpose, we revised the most frequent dysmorphic features described in newborns with CHD, comparing those associated with monogenic syndromes (MSG) with the ones reported in newborns with genomic disorders. For this systematic review according to PRISMA statement, we used PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus database, and search terms related to CHD and syndrome. We found a wide range of dysmorphisms (ocular region, ears, mouth, and/or palate and phalangeal anomalies) detected in more than half of MSGs were found to be associated with CHDs, but those anomalies are also described in genomic rearrangements syndromes with equal prevalence. These findings confirmed that etiological diagnosis in newborns is challenging, and only the prompt and expert recognition of features suggestive of genetic conditions can improve the selection of appropriate, cost-effective diagnostic tests. However, in general practice, it is crucial to recognize clues that can suggest the presence of a genetic syndrome, and neonatologists often have the unique opportunity to be the first to identify abnormalities in the neonate.
Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) of sprint acceleration performance
Authors: Brink Nicholas J. , Constantinou Demitri , Torres Georgia 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTPostactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a principle that an acute bout of high‐intensity voluntary exercise is followed by an enhancement in strength, speed or power production. This study intended to show a direct correlation between intensity, specificity and the outcome of a maximal task of sprint accelerations compared to a previously defined weighted plyometric intervention. In a randomised controlled, double‐blind trial, professional footballers undertook 20 m maximal sprint accelerations at a baseline and at 2 and 6 min post‐intervention after 1 of 3 interventions; 2 repetitions of 20 m sprint accelerations (S), 3 × 10 alternative leg weighted bounding (P) and control (C). Relative to the baseline there was a significant improvement for S over 10 and 20 m at 2 min of 0.12m.s−1 and 0.11m.s−1 and 6 min of 0.11m.s−1 and 0.12m.s−1. Relative to the baseline P also had a significant improvement over 10 and 20 m at 2 min 0.09m.s−1 and 0.09m.s−1 and 6 min of 0.11m.s−1 and 0.09m.s−1. There was a significant improvement in C between 2 and 6 min post‐intervention at 10 and 20 m of 0.06m.s−1 and 0.08m.s−1. This finding suggests a maximal sprint acceleration may enhance the outcome of a subsequent maximal sprint acceleration at 2 min, but the latter results could not be directly attributed to the interventions as previous testing is likely to have influenced these outcomes.
Impact of Relationship and Communication Variables on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Advanced Cancer Caregivers
Authors: Otto Amy K , Soriano Emily C , Birmingham Wendy C , Vadaparampil Susan T , Heyman Richard E , Ellington Lee , Reblin Maija 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Cancer impacts both patients and their family caregivers. Evidence suggests that caregiving stress, including the strain of taking on a new role, can elevate the risk of numerous health conditions, including high blood pressure (BP). However, the caregiver’s psychosocial experiences, including their interpersonal relationship with the patient, may buffer some of the negative physiological consequences of caregiving.

Purpose
To examine the influence of psychosocial contextual variables on caregiver ambulatory BP.

Methods
Participants were 81 spouse–caregivers of patients with advanced gastrointestinal or thoracic cancer. For an entire day at home with the patient, caregivers wore an ambulatory BP monitor that took readings at random intervals. Immediately after each BP reading, caregivers reported on physical circumstances (e.g., posture, activity) and psychosocial experiences since the last BP measurement, including affect, caregiver and patient disclosure, and role perceptions (i.e., feeling more like a spouse vs. caregiver). Multilevel modeling was used to examine concurrent and lagged effects of psychosocial variables on systolic and diastolic BP, controlling for momentary posture, activity, negative affect, and time.

Results
Feeling more like a caregiver (vs. spouse) was associated with lower systolic BP at the same time point. Patient disclosure to the caregiver since the previous BP reading was associated with higher diastolic BP. No lagged effects were statistically significant.

Conclusions
Caregivers’ psychosocial experiences can have immediate physiological effects. Future research should examine possible cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of these effects, as well as longer-term effects of caregiver role perceptions and patient disclosure on caregiver psychological and physical health.
Rooting for a Better World: American Literary History Today
Authors: Nelson Dana D 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAfter the canon and culture wars of the 1980s and 1990s, some critics hazarded the possibility that American literature might fragment and disappear as a discipline. But 20 years later, as these book proposals suggest, we've abandoned totalizing national theories in favor of a more hemispheric study of how literatures variously treat sociological, political, ideological, historical, and environmental problems. We've entirely abandoned the nearly allwhite canon that characterized the study of American literature through the early 1980s; our literary archives are far more heterogeneous. While we've abandoned grand theories, there is much greater emphasis on the role of our own critical agency, and an impressive optimism about literature as an actual agent of power and its ability to participate in both indexing and making better worlds.
Optimal linkage disequilibrium splitting
Authors: Privé Florian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMotivationA few algorithms have been developed for splitting the genome in nearly independent blocks of linkage disequilibrium. Due to the complexity of this problem, these algorithms rely on heuristics, which makes them suboptimal.ResultsHere, we develop an optimal solution for this problem using dynamic programming.AvailabilityThis is now implemented as function snp_ldsplit as part of R package bigsnpr.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Proteomic analysis of F1 hybrids and intermediate variants in aLittorina saxatilishybrid zone
Authors: Diz Angel P , Romero Mónica R , Galindo Juan , Saura María , Skibinski David O F , Rolán-Alvarez Emilio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProteomic analysis was carried out on the Crab (upper-shore) and Wave (lower-shore) ecotypes of Littorina saxatilis from a hybrid zone at Silleiro Cape, Spain. Proteome profiles of individual snails were obtained. Protein expression in F1 hybrid snails bred in the laboratory and snails with intermediate shell phenotypes collected from the mid-shore were compared with Crab and Wave ecotypes using analytical approaches used to study dominance. Multivariate analysis over many protein spots showed that the F1 snails are distinct from both ecotypes but closer to the Wave ecotype. The intermediate snails are highly variable, some closer to the Crab and others to the Wave ecotype. Considered on a protein by protein basis, some proteins are significantly closer in expression to the Crab and others to the Wave ecotype for both F1 and intermediate snails. Furthermore, a significant majority of proteins were closer in expression to the Wave ecotype for the F1, consistent with the multivariate analysis. No such significant majority toward either the Crab or Wave ecotype was observed for the intermediate snails. The closer similarity of F1 and Wave ecotype expression patterns could be the result of similar selective pressures in the similar mid-shore and low-shore environments. For a significantly larger number of proteins, intermediate snails were closer in expression to the ecotype having the lower expression, for both Crab and Wave ecotypes. This is somewhat unexpected as lower expression might be expected to be an indication of impairment of function and lower fitness. Proteomic analysis could be important for the identification of candidate proteins useful for gaining improved understanding of adaptation and barriers to gene flow in hybrid zones.
Keeping an ear out: size relationship of the tympanic bullae and pinnae in bandicoots and bilbies (Marsupialia: Peramelemorphia)
Authors: Taylor Melissa C , Travouillon Kenny J , Andrew Margaret E , Fleming Patricia A , Warburton Natalie M 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBandicoots and bilbies (Order Peramelemorphia) occupy a broad range of habitats across Australia and New Guinea, from open, arid deserts to dense forests. This once diverse group has been particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and introduced eutherian predators, and numerous species extinctions and range retractions have occurred. Understanding reasons for this loss requires greater understanding of their biology. Morphology of the pinnae and tympanic bullae varies markedly among species. As hearing is important for both predator avoidance and prey location, the variability in ear morphology could reflect specialization and adaptation to specific environments, and therefore be of conservation relevance. We measured 798 museum specimens representing 29 species of Peramelemorphia. Controlling for phylogenetic relatedness and head length, pinna surface area was weakly negatively correlated with average precipitation (rainfall being our surrogate measure of vegetation productivity/complexity), and there were no environmental correlates with effective diameter (pinna width). Controlling for phylogenetic relatedness and skull length, tympanic bulla volume was negatively correlated with precipitation. Species that inhabited drier habitats, which would be open and allow sound to carry further with less obstruction, had relatively larger pinnae and tympanic bullae. In contrast, species from higher rainfall habitats, where sounds would be attenuated and diffused by dense vegetation, had the smallest pinnae and bullae, suggesting that low-frequency hearing is not as important in these habitats. Associations with temperature did not reach statistical significance. These findings highlight linkages between hearing traits and habitat that can inform conservation and management strategies for threatened species.
Large-scale sport events and COVID-19 infection effects: evidence from the German professional football ‘experiment’
Authors: Breidenbach Philipp , Mitze Timo 
Published: July 2021

Summary
This paper studies the effects of large-scale sport events with live spectators on COVID-19 infection trends at the local population level. Specifically, we compare the development of incidence rates in 41 German Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics level 3 (NUTS-3) districts hosting a professional football match with at least 1,000 spectators vis-à-vis similar districts without hosting a match. Our empirical analysis builds on difference-in-difference and dynamic event study estimation for panel data. Synthetic control method is applied as a robustness check. While our findings generally do not point to significant treatment effects for the full sample of match locations, we find some noteworthy exceptions. Districts hosting first league matches with spectator attendance above the median (&gt; 6,300 persons) and, particularly, matches without strict face mask requirements experienced a significant relative rise in incidence rates 14 days after the match. We also find that intra-district mobility increases on match days in treated districts, highlighting the significance of professional football matches as mobility-based infection transmission channel.
New Tardigrade Opsins and Differential Expression Analyses Show Ontogenic Variation in Light Perception
Authors: Fleming James F , Pisani Davide , Arakawa Kazuharu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOpsins are light-sensitive proteins involved in many photoreceptive processes, including, but not limited to, vision and regulation of circadian rhythms. Arthropod (e.g., insects, spiders, centipedes, and crabs) opsins have been extensively researched, but the relationships and function of opsins found in lineages that are evolutionarily closely related to the arthropods remains unclear. Multiple, independent, opsin duplications are known in Tardigrada (the water bears), evidencing that protostome opsin duplications are not limited to the Arthropoda. However, the relationships, function, and expression of these new opsins are still unknown. Here, we use two tardigrade transcriptomes with deep coverage to greatly expand our knowledge of the diversity of tardigrade opsins. We reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the tardigrade opsins and investigate their ontogenetic expression. We found that while tardigrades have multiple opsins that evolved from lineage-specific duplications of well-understood arthropod opsins, their expression levels change during ontogeny such that most of these opsins are not co-temporally expressed. Co-temporal expression of multiple opsins underpins color vision in Arthropoda and Vertebrata. Our results clearly show duplications of both rhabdomeric and ciliary opsins within Tardigrada, forming clades specific to both the Heterotardigrada and Eutardigrada in addition to multiple independent duplications within genera. However, lack of co-temporal, ontogenetic, expression suggests that while tardigrades possess multiple opsins, they are unlikely to be able to distinguish color.
Getting a Grip on Secular Changes: Age–Period–Cohort Modeling of Grip Strength in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: O’Keefe Patrick , Mann Frank D , Clouston Sean , Voll Stacey , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Lewis Nathan , Wanström Linda , Hofer Scott M , Rodgers Joseph L 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Grip strength is a popular and valuable measure in studies of physical functional capabilities in old age. The influence of historical trends and differential period-specific exposures can complicate the interpretation of biomarkers of aging and health and requires careful analysis and interpretation of aging, birth cohort, and period effects. This study evaluates the effects of aging, period, and cohort on grip strength in a population of adults and older adults.

Methods
We use more than 27 000 observations for individuals at least 50 years of age, born in approximately 1910–1960, from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to examine a variety of multilevel and cross-classified modeling approaches to evaluate age, period, and cohort effects. Our results extended Hierarchical Age–Period–Cohort modeling and compared our results with a set of 9 submodels with explicit assumptions to determine the most reliable modeling approach.

Results
Findings suggest grip strength is primarily related to age, with minimal evidence of either period and/or cohort effects. Each year’s increase in a person’s age was associated with a 0.40-kg decrease in grip strength, though this decline differs by gender.

Conclusions
We conclude that as the population ages, grip strength declines at a systematic and predictable rate equal to −0.40 kg per year (approximately −0.50 kg for men and −0.30 kg for women) in residents of England aged 50 and older. Age effects were predominant and most consistent across methodologies. While there was some evidence for cohort effects, such effects were minimal and therefore indicative that grip strength is a consistent physiological biomarker of aging.
Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs: Reach and Effectiveness
Authors: Brach Jennifer S , Juarez Gardenia , Perera Subashan , Cameron Kathleen , Vincenzo Jennifer L , Tripken Jennifer 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundUsing the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework, we describe the implementation of evidence-based fall prevention programs (EBFPPs) by Administration for Community Living grantees during 2014–2019.MethodForty-four grantees contributed to the national data repository. Data components include workshop information, participant information, attendance records, and organizational data. Data were collected before and after implementation of the EBFPPs.ResultsTen different programs were offered in 35 states with the most common settings being senior centers (25.3%), residential facilities (16.8%), health care organizations (12.5%), and faith-based organizations (11.1%). Individuals who participated in the programs (N = 85 848) had an age of 75.5 ± 9.7 years and were primarily female (79.7%), and the majority (86.2%) reported at least some fear of falling. At the postprogram assessment, 31.8% reported less fear of falling, 21.6% reported fewer falls, and 10.1% reported fewer injurious falls (all p &lt; .0001).ConclusionsEBFPPs implemented by Administration for Community Living grantees reached over 85 000 older adults. Participation in the EBFPPs resulted in improved confidence, decreased fear of falling, and fewer falls and injurious falls. Future efforts should focus on reaching specific underserved minorities and examining the effectiveness of individual programs.
Gait Variability Is Associated With the Strength of Functional Connectivity Between the Default and Dorsal Attention Brain Networks: Evidence From Multiple Cohorts
Authors: Lo On-Yee , Halko Mark A , Devaney Kathryn J , Wayne Peter M , Lipsitz Lewis A , Manor Brad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
In older adults, elevated gait variability when walking has been associated with both cognitive impairment and future falls. This study leveraged 3 existing data sets to determine relationships between gait variability and the strength of functional connectivity within and between large-scale brain networks in healthy older adults, those with mild-to-moderate functional impairment, and those with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Method
Gait and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were extracted from existing data sets on: (i) 12 older adults without overt disease yet with slow gait and mild executive dysfunction; (ii) 12 older adults with intact cognitive-motor function and age- and sex-matched to the first cohort; and (iii) 15 individuals with PD. Gait variability (%, coefficient of variation of stride time) during preferred walking speed was measured and correlated with the degree of functional connectivity within and between 7 established large-scale functional brain networks.

Results
Regression models adjusted for age and sex revealed that in each cohort, those with less gait variability exhibited greater negative correlation between fluctuations in resting-state brain activity between the default network and the dorsal attention network (functionally limited older: β = 4.38, p = .027; healthy older: β = 1.66, p = .032; PD: β = 1.65, p = .005). No other within- or between-network connectivity outcomes were consistently related to gait variability across all 3 cohorts.

Conclusion
These results provide strong evidence that gait variability is uniquely related to functional connectivity between the default network and the dorsal attention network, and that this relationship may be independent of both functional status and underlying brain disease.
Development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model for 90-day mortality after lung resection: the RESECT-90 score
Authors: Taylor Marcus , Martin Glen P , Abah Udo , Sperrin Matthew , Smith Matthew , Bhullar Dilraj , Shackcloth Michael , Woolley Steve , West Doug , Shah Rajesh , Grant Stuart W ,   the North West Thoracic Surgery Collaborative (NWTSC)
Published: July 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The ability to accurately estimate the risk of peri-operative mortality after lung resection is important. There are concerns about the performance and validity of existing models developed for this purpose, especially when predicting mortality within 90 days of surgery. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a clinical prediction model for mortality within 90 days of undergoing lung resection.

METHODS
A retrospective database of patients undergoing lung resection in two UK centres between 2012 and 2018 was used to develop a multivariable logistic risk prediction model, with bootstrap sampling used for internal validation. Apparent and adjusted measures of discrimination (area under receiving operator characteristic curve) and calibration (calibration-in-the-large and calibration slope) were assessed as measures of model performance.

RESULTS
Data were available for 6600 lung resections for model development. Predictors included in the final model were age, sex, performance status, percentage predicted diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, anaemia, serum creatinine, pre-operative arrhythmia, right-sided resection, number of resected bronchopulmonary segments, open approach and malignant diagnosis. Good model performance was demonstrated, with adjusted area under receiving operator characteristic curve, calibration-in-the-large and calibration slope values (95% confidence intervals) of 0.741 (0.700, 0.782), 0.006 (−0.143, 0.156) and 0.870 (0.679, 1.060), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The RESECT-90 model demonstrates good statistical performance for the prediction of 90-day mortality after lung resection. A project to facilitate large-scale external validation of the model to ensure that the model retains accuracy and is transferable to other centres in different geographical locations is currently underway.