bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing the statistical analysis dilemma that exists when analyzing clinical trial results with full efficacy using the Kaplan Meier survival analysis method
Authors: Peerawaranun Pimnara , van der Pluijm Rob W. , Mukaka Mavuto 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The use of a Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival time approach is generally considered appropriate to report antimalarial efficacy trials. However, when a treatment arm has 100% efficacy, confidence intervals may not be computed. Furthermore, methods that use probability rules to handle missing data for instance by multiple imputation, encounter perfect prediction problem when a treatment arm has full efficacy, in which case all imputed values are either treatment success or all imputed values are failures. The use of a survival K–M method addresses this imputation problem in estimating the efficacy estimates also referred to as cure rates. We discuss the statistical challenges and propose a potential way forward.
The proposed approach includes the use of K–M estimates as the main measure of efficacy. Confidence intervals could be computed using the binomial exact method. p-Values for comparison of difference in efficacy between treatments can be estimated using Fisher’s exact test. We emphasize that when efficacy rates are not 100% in both groups, the K–M approach remains the main strategy of analysis considering its statistical robustness in handling missing data and confidence intervals can be computed under such scenarios.
Developing a sentinel syndromic surveillance system using school-absenteeism data, example monitoring absences over the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lai Jennifer , Hughes Helen E. , Morbey Roger , Loveridge Paul , Lopez Bernal Jamie , Saliba Vanessa , Kissling Esther , Lovelock-Wren Alex , Mabbitt Jeremy , Elliot Alex J. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This study describes the development of a pilot sentinel school absence syndromic surveillance system. Using data from a sample of schools in England the capability of this system to monitor the impact of disease on school absences in school-aged children is shown, using the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period as an example. Data were obtained from an online app service used by schools and parents to report their children absent, including reasons/symptoms relating to absence. For 2019 and 2020, data were aggregated into daily counts of ‘total’ and ‘cough’ absence reports. There was a large increase in the number of absence reports in March 2020 compared to March 2019, corresponding to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Absence numbers then fell rapidly and remained low from late March 2020 until August 2020, while lockdown was in place in England. Compared to 2019, there was a large increase in the number of absence reports in September 2020 when schools re-opened in England, although the peak number of absences was smaller than in March 2020. This information can help provide context around the absence levels in schools associated with COVID-19. Also, the system has the potential for further development to monitor the impact of other conditions on school absence, e.g. gastrointestinal infections.
Legitimising a ‘zombie idea’: childhood vaccines and autism – the complex tale of two judgments on vaccine injury in Italy
Authors: Rizzi Marco , Attwell Katie , Casigliani Virginia , Taylor Jeannette , Quattrone Filippo , Lopalco Pierluigi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe impact of ‘bad’ science on judicial decision-making is a thorny aspect of the relationship between science and law. This study employs doctrinal and empirical analysis to explore two Italian judgments that asserted a causal link between childhood vaccines and autism. Using a combination of actor–network theory and legal pragmatism, we uncovered a network of actors and institutions internal and external to the legal system enabling these impactful decisions that went on to contribute to a crisis in vaccination coverage in Italy. These include trial strategies, resources, communication practices between arms of government, awareness and responsiveness of institutional actors, and institutional mechanisms governing the integration of scientific expertise into the legal process. By forensically analysing how a ‘zombie idea’ received a patent of legitimacy in the Italian context, this study provides useful lessons for legal systems grappling with complex and contested public health matters.
Synthesis of Partially Coherent Geometric Models of Radar Objects Based on Their Incoherent Models
Authors: Podkopaev A. O. , Stepanov M. A. , Kiselev A. V. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe paper considers the transition algorithm from incoherent models to partially coherent ones by the example of the problem of synthesizing a two‐dimensional partially coherent model of a distributed radar object by its five‐point and nine‐point incoherent models. The transition algorithm includes the analytical expressions which allow determining powers and correlation functions of emitting signals for both types of models. The result is confirmed by numerical modeling. The comparison of the precision reflection altimeter formation and correlation function of angular glint provided by equivalent incoherent and partially coherent models is carried out.
Revisiting a Two‐Parameter Budyko Equation With the Complementary Evaporation Principle for Proper Consideration of Surface Energy Balance
Authors: Kim Daeha , Chun Jong Ahn 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Budyko framework, widely regarded as a simple and convenient tool to synthesize catchment water balance, is often employed with the atmospheric evaporative potential (Ep) that responds to water availability over a land surface. In this study, we demonstrated how the responsiveness of Ep to soil moisture deficiency affects outcomes from a conventional Budyko equation. We combined a two‐parameter Budyko equation with the state‐of‐the‐art complementary relationship (CR) of evaporation (E), and analytically showed that the two‐parameter Budyko equation corrects Ep to the wet environment E (Ew) of the CR. Using the Budyko equation combined with the CR, we assessed runoff sensitivity to climatic and land surface changes. Results showed that the CR could become a constraint for calibrating the implicit parameter of the Budyko equation. When compared to the Turc‐Mezentsev equation with Ep, the shape parameters of the two‐parameter Budyko equation increased to regenerate an ensemble of global E data sets. Correcting Ep to Ew via the Budyko equation with CR reduced runoff elasticities to land property changes, suggesting that climatic changes are more important to changes in runoff than a prior sensitivity assessment would suggest. This study also suggests that the two‐parameter Budyko equation isolates the effect of the Ep adjustment from the shape parameter, allowing it to more properly account for surface energy availability.
Egg and saturated fat containing breakfasts have no acute effect on acute glycemic control in healthy adults: a randomized partial crossover trial
Authors: Dhanasekara Chathurika S. , Dawson John A. , Binks Martin , Childress Allison , Dhurandhar Nikhil V. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background/Objectives
High egg consumption is associated with poor glycemic control. Considering the widespread consumption of eggs, it is crucial to determine causality in this association. We tested if egg consumption acutely alters glucose disposal in the absence or presence of saturated fat, which is frequently consumed with eggs.

Subjects/Methods
In a randomized partial crossover clinical trial, 48 subjects (consuming ≥ 1 egg/week) received two of four isocaloric, macronutrient-matched breakfasts. The groups were defined based on the main ingredient of the breakfasts offered: eggs (EB); saturated fat (SB); eggs and saturated fat (ES); and control, which included a cereal based breakfast (CB). The breakfasts were offered in two testing sessions spaced seven days apart. Six blood samples (pre breakfast (fasting); 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes post breakfast) were collected to measure glucose and insulin levels. Area under the curves (AUC) were analyzed controlling for the baseline concentrations using mixed-effects models accounting for within-subject dependencies to compare these across breakfast assignments.

Results
Forty-eight patients (46% males, age 25.8 ± 7.7 years, BMI 25.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were included. Neither EB, SB nor ES was associated with a significant difference in AUC of glucose or insulin compared to CB (p > 0.1).

Conclusions
Acutely, consumption of egg breakfast with or without accompanying saturated fat does not adversely affect glucose disposal in healthy adults. While this is reassuring for continued egg consumption, a long-term evaluation of egg intake with or without saturated fat would be the next step.
N-acetylcysteine supplementation did not reverse mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the salivary glands of hyperglycemic rats
Authors: Anna Zalewska , Joanna Kuć , Sara Zięba , Jan Matczuk , Paula Kostecka-Sochoń , Izabela Szarmach , Robert Ładny Jerzy , Małgorzata Żendzian-Piotrowska , Mateusz Maciejczyk 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background/objectives
Previous studies have shown that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation with the simultaneous inclusion of HFD prevents salivary glands from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this experiment, we examined if NAC supplementation could reverse the harmful effect of HFD on mitochondrial function, reduce the severity of apoptosis, and the activity of pro-oxidative enzymes in the salivary glands of rats with confirmed hyperglycemia.

Subjects/methods
Wistar rats were fed the standard or high-fat (HFD) diet for 10 weeks. After 6 weeks of the experiment, HFD rats were diagnosed with hyperglycemia and for the next 4 weeks, the animals were given NAC intragastrically. In the mitochondrial fraction of the parotid (PG) and submandibular salivary glands (SMG), we assessed redox status, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Results
The inclusion of NAC increased the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and II + III as well as decreased the concentration of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and caspase-3, but only in the parotid glands of rats with hyperglycemia compared to the HFD group. However, N-acetylcysteine supplementation did not reduce the activity of caspase-9 or the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in PG and SMG mitochondria. In both salivary glands we observed reduced activity of cytochrome c oxidase, NADPH oxidase, and xanthine oxidase, as well as hindered production of ROS and lower ADP/ATP radio, but the levels of these parameters were not comparable to the control group.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that NAC supplementation restores the glutathione ratio only in the mitochondria of the submandibular salivary glands. The supply of NAC did not significantly affect the other measured parameters. Our results indicate that NAC supplementation provides little protection against free radicals, apoptosis, and inflammation in the salivary gland mitochondria of HFD rats. Stimulated salivary secretion in hyperglycaemic rats supplemented with NAC seems to be closely related to mitochondrial respiratory capacity and appropriate ATP level.
CD73-positive extracellular vesicles promote glioblastoma immunosuppression by inhibiting T-cell clonal expansion
Authors: Wang Ming , Jia Jiaoying , Cui Yan , Peng Yong , Jiang Yugang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles are involved in the occurrence, progression and metastasis of glioblastoma (GBM). GBM can secrete a variety of tumour-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEVs) with high immunosuppressive activity that remotely suppress the systemic immune system, and therapy targeting TDEVs has potential efficacy. In this study, we detected a higher concentration of CD73+ TDEVs enriched in exosomes in central and peripheral body fluids of GBM patients than in those of patients with other brain tumours (low-grade glioma or brain metastases from melanoma or non-small-cell lung cancer). High CD73 expression was detected on the surface of T cells, and this CD73 was derived from TDEVs secreted by GBM cells. In vitro, we observed that CD73+ TDEVs released by GBM cell lines could be taken up by T cells. Moreover, excess adenosine was produced by AMP degradation around T cells and by adenosine receptor 2A (A2AR)-dependent inhibition of aerobic glycolysis and energy-related metabolic substrate production, thereby inhibiting the cell cycle entry and clonal proliferation of T cells. In vivo, defects in exosomal synthesis and CD73 expression significantly inhibited tumour growth in GBM tumour-bearing mice and restored the clonal proliferation of T cells in the central and peripheral regions. These data indicate that CD73+ TDEVs can be used as a potential target for GBM immunotherapy.
Air-conditioning and the adaptation cooling deficit in emerging economies
Authors: Pavanello Filippo , De Cian Enrica , Davide Marinella , Mistry Malcolm , Cruz Talita , Bezerra Paula , Jagu Dattakiran , Renner Sebastian , Schaeffer Roberto , Lucena André F. P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIncreasing temperatures will make space cooling a necessity for maintain comfort and protecting human health, and rising income levels will allow more people to purchase and run air conditioners. Here we show that, in Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Mexico income and humidity-adjusted temperature are common determinants for adopting air-conditioning, but their relative contribution varies in relation to household characteristics. Adoption rates are higher among households living in higher quality dwellings in urban areas, and among those with higher levels of education. Air-conditioning is unevenly distributed across income levels, making evident the existence of a disparity in access to cooling devices. Although the adoption of air-conditioning could increase between twofold and sixteen-fold by 2040, from 64 to 100 million families with access to electricity will not be able to adequately satisfy their demand for thermal comfort. The need to sustain electricity expenditure in response to higher temperatures can also create unequal opportunities to adapt.
Biomimetic apposition compound eye fabricated using microfluidic-assisted 3D printing
Authors: Dai Bo , Zhang Liang , Zhao Chenglong , Bachman Hunter , Becker Ryan , Mai John , Jiao Ziao , Li Wei , Zheng Lulu , Wan Xinjun , Huang Tony Jun , Zhuang Songlin , Zhang Dawei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAfter half a billion years of evolution, arthropods have developed sophisticated compound eyes with extraordinary visual capabilities that have inspired the development of artificial compound eyes. However, the limited 2D nature of most traditional fabrication techniques makes it challenging to directly replicate these natural systems. Here, we present a biomimetic apposition compound eye fabricated using a microfluidic-assisted 3D-printing technique. Each microlens is connected to the bottom planar surface of the eye via intracorporal, zero-crosstalk refractive-index-matched waveguides to mimic the rhabdoms of a natural eye. Full-colour wide-angle panoramic views and position tracking of a point source are realized by placing the fabricated eye directly on top of a commercial imaging sensor. As a biomimetic analogue to naturally occurring compound eyes, the eye’s full-colour 3D to 2D mapping capability has the potential to enable a wide variety of applications from improving endoscopic imaging to enhancing machine vision for facilitating human–robot interactions.
Diet composition influences the metabolic benefits of short cycles of very low caloric intake
Authors: Diaz-Ruiz Alberto , Rhinesmith Tyler , Pomatto-Watson Laura C. D. , Price Nathan L. , Eshaghi Farzin , Ehrlich Margaux R. , Moats Jacqueline M. , Carpenter Melissa , Rudderow Annamaria , Brandhorst Sebastian , Mattison Julie A. , Aon Miguel A. , Bernier Michel , Longo Valter D. , de Cabo Rafael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDiet composition, calories, and fasting times contribute to the maintenance of health. However, the impact of very low-calorie intake (VLCI) achieved with either standard laboratory chow (SD) or a plant-based fasting mimicking diet (FMD) is not fully understood. Here, using middle-aged male mice we show that 5 months of short 4:10 VLCI cycles lead to decreases in both fat and lean mass, accompanied by improved physical performance and glucoregulation, and greater metabolic flexibility independent of diet composition. A long-lasting metabolomic reprograming in serum and liver is observed in mice on VLCI cycles with SD, but not FMD. Further, when challenged with an obesogenic diet, cycles of VLCI do not prevent diet-induced obesity nor do they elicit a long-lasting metabolic memory, despite achieving modest metabolic flexibility. Our results highlight the importance of diet composition in mediating the metabolic benefits of short cycles of VLCI.
Rules of hierarchical melt and coordinate bond to design crystallization in doped phase change materials
Authors: Zhao Jin , Song Wen-Xiong , Xin Tianjiao , Song Zhitang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWhile alloy design has practically shown an efficient strategy to mediate two seemingly conflicted performances of writing speed and data retention in phase-change memory, the detailed kinetic pathway of alloy-tuned crystallization is still unclear. Here, we propose hierarchical melt and coordinate bond strategies to solve them, where the former stabilizes a medium-range crystal-like region and the latter provides a rule to stabilize amorphous. The Er0.52Sb2Te3 compound we designed achieves writing speed of 3.2 ns and ten-year data retention of 161 °C. We provide a direct atomic-level evidence that two neighbor Er atoms stabilize a medium-range crystal-like region, acting as a precursor to accelerate crystallization; meanwhile, the stabilized amorphous originates from the formation of coordinate bonds by sharing lone-pair electrons of chalcogenide atoms with the empty 5d orbitals of Er atoms. The two rules pave the way for the development of storage-class memory with comprehensive performance to achieve next technological node.
Tunable, biodegradable grafting-from glycopolypeptide bottlebrush polymers
Authors: Clauss Zachary S. , Wardzala Casia L. , Schlirf Austin E. , Wright Nathaniel S. , Saini Simranpreet S. , Onoa Bibiana , Bustamante Carlos , Kramer Jessica R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe cellular glycocalyx and extracellular matrix are rich in glycoproteins and proteoglycans that play essential physical and biochemical roles in all life. Synthetic mimics of these natural bottlebrush polymers have wide applications in biomedicine, yet preparation has been challenged by their high grafting and glycosylation densities. Using one-pot dual-catalysis polymerization of glycan-bearing α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides, we report grafting-from glycopolypeptide brushes. The materials are chemically and conformationally tunable where backbone and sidechain lengths were precisely altered, grafting density modulated up to 100%, and glycan density and identity tuned by monomer feed ratios. The glycobrushes are composed entirely of sugars and amino acids, are non-toxic to cells, and are degradable by natural proteases. Inspired by native lipid-anchored proteoglycans, cholesterol-modified glycobrushes were displayed on the surface of live human cells. Our materials overcome long-standing challenges in glycobrush polymer synthesis and offer new opportunities to examine glycan presentation and multivalency from chemically defined scaffolds.
A repeated cross-sectional analysis assessing mental health conditions of adults as per student status during key periods of the COVID-19 epidemic in France
Authors: Macalli Melissa , Texier Nathalie , Schück Stéphane , Côté Sylvana M. , Tzourio Christophe 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have shown the negative impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on students’ mental health. It is, however, uncertain whether students are really at higher risk of mental health disturbances than non-students and if they are differentially impacted by lockdown periods over time. The objective of our study was to compare the frequency of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in students and non-students enrolled in the same study in France and during the same key periods of the COVID-19 epidemic. Using a repeated cross-sectional design, we collected data from a sample of 3783 participants in the CONFINS study during three recruitment waves between March 2020 and January 2021. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounding factors, showed that students were more likely to have high scores of depressive symptoms and anxiety more frequently than non-students. These differences were particularly strong during the first (depressive symptoms: adjusted odds ratio aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.22–2.08; anxiety: aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.22–2.18) and second lockdowns (depressive symptoms: aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.04–3.12; anxiety: aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.24–4.10). These findings suggest that the restrictive measures—lockdown and curfew—have an alarmingly stronger negative impact on students than on non-students and underline the frailty of students’ mental health and the need to pay greater attention to this population in this epidemic-related context.
Stochastic approach for the material properties of reinforcing textiles for the design of concrete members
Authors: Rempel Sergej , Ricker Marcus , Feiri Tânia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTextile-reinforced concrete has emerged in recent years as a new and valuable construction material. The design of textile-reinforced concrete requires knowledge on the mechanical properties of different textile types as well as their reinforcing behaviour under different loading conditions. Conventional load-bearing tests tend to be complex, time-consuming, costly and can even lack consistent specifications. To mitigate such drawbacks, a standardised tensile test for fibre strands was used to characterise the material properties needed for the design of a textile-reinforced concrete member. The standardised tensile test uses a fibre strand with 160 mm length, which is cut out of a textile grid. For the sake of this study, an epoxy resin-soaked AR-glass reinforcement was considered. The results show that the textile reinforcement has a linear-elastic behaviour, and the ultimate tensile strength can be statistically modelled by a Gumbel distribution. Furthermore, the results indicate that the modulus of elasticity is not influenced by the length or the number of fibre strands. Therefore, the mean value attained from the standardised test can be used for design purposes. These findings are essential to derive an appropriate partial safety factor for the calculation of the design values of the tensile strength and can be used to determine the failure probability of textile-reinforced concrete members.