bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Cardiac Chronotropic Control: Implications for Heart Rate Variability Research
Authors: Williams DeWayne P. , Joseph Nicholas , Gerardo Gina M. , Hill LaBarron K. , Koenig Julian , Thayer Julian F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThere is a continuing debate concerning “adjustments” to heart period variability [i.e., heart rate variability (HRV)] for the heart period [i.e., increases inter-beat-intervals (IBI)]. To date, such arguments have not seriously considered the impact a demographic variable, such as gender, can have on the association between HRV and the heart period. A prior meta-analysis showed women to have greater HRV compared to men despite having shorter IBI and higher heart rate (HR). Thus, it is plausible that men and women differ in the association between HRV and HR/IBI. Thus, the present study investigates the potential moderating effect of gender on the association between HRV and indices of cardiac chronotropy, including both HR and IBI. Data from 633 participants (339 women) were available for analysis. Cardiac measures were assessed during a 5-min baseline-resting period. HRV measures included the standard deviation of inter-beat-intervals, root mean square of successive differences, and autoregressive high frequency power. Moderation analyses showed gender significantly moderated the association between all HRV variables and both HR and IBI (each p < 0.05). However, results were not consistent when using recently recommended HRV variables “adjusted” for IBI. Overall, the current investigation provides data illustrating a differential association between HRV and the heart period based on gender. Substantial neurophysiological evidence support the current findings; women show greater sensitivity to acetylcholine compared to men. If women show greater sensitivity to acetylcholine, and acetylcholine increases HRV and the heart period, then the association between HRV and the heart period indeed should be stronger in women compared to men. Taken together, these data suggest that routine “adjustments” to HRV for the heart period are unjustified and problematic at best. As it relates to the application of future HRV research, it is imperative that researchers continue to consider the potential impact of gender.
Immune cell profiles of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients according to the sites of metastasis
Authors: Honkanen Tiia J. , Luukkainen Milla E. K. , Tikkanen Antti , Karihtala Peeter , Mäkinen Markus , Väyrynen Juha P. , Koivunen Jussi P. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Recent works have characterized that metastatic site can affect the tumour immune profiles and efficiency of cancer immunotherapies. The prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer is associated with the characteristics of the tumour immune microenvironment, with immunological cells playing a central role in efficiency of HER2-targeted antibodies. Here we investigated the prognostic significance of different metastatic sites and their correlation to tumour immune profiles in HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab.

Methods
We collected all (n = 54) HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab containing regimens at Oulu University Hospital 2009–2014. Pathological and clinical data were collected from electronic patient records. The tumour immune profiles were analysed from pre-treatment primary tumours using well-characterized immunological markers with computer-assisted immune cell counting.

Results
Of the metastatic sites, only liver metastases were associated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio 1.809, 95% confidence interval 1.004–3.262), especially when presented as the primary site of metastases. Of the other sites, pulmonary metastases characterized a patient profile with trend to improved survival. Of the studied tumour immunological markers, patients with liver metastases had low densities of CD3+ T cells (p = 0.030) and M1-like macrophages in their primary tumours (p = 0.025). Of the other studied markers and sites, patients with pulmonary metastases had low STAB1+-immunosuppressive macrophage density in their primary tumours.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that the site of metastasis is associated with prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer, highlighted by the poor prognosis of liver metastases. Furthermore, liver metastases were associated with adverse tumour immune cell profiles.
Population genetic structure of the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) in Ireland: implications for conservation management
Authors: Reyne Marina , Dicks Kara , McFarlane Claire , Aubry Aurélie , Emmerson Mark , Marnell Ferdia , Reid Neil , Helyar Sarah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMolecular methods can play a crucial role in species management and conservation. Despite the usefulness of genetic approaches, they are often not explicitly included as part of species recovery plans and conservation practises. The Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is regionally Red-Listed as Endangered in Ireland. The species is declining and is now present at just seven sites within a highly restricted range. This study used 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic diversity and structure. Genetic diversity was high with expected heterozygosity between 0.55 and 0.61 and allelic richness between 4.77 and 5.92. Effective population sizes were small (Ne < 100 individuals), but not abnormal for pond breeding amphibians. However, there was no evidence of historical or contemporary genetic bottlenecks or high levels of inbreeding. We identified a positive relationship between Ne and breeding pond surface area, suggesting that environmental factors are a key determinant of population size. Significant genetic structuring was detected throughout the species’ range, and we identified four genetic entities that should be considered in the species’ conservation strategies. Management should focus on preventing further population declines and future loss of genetic diversity overall and within genetic entities while maintaining adequate local effective population size through site-specific protection, human-mediated translocations and head-start programs. The apparent high levels of genetic variation give hope for the conservation of Ireland’s rarest amphibian if appropriately protected and managed.
Influence of lead on the activity of soil microorganisms in two Beskidy landscape parks
Authors: Borgulat Jacek , Łukasik Włodzimierz , Borgulat Anna , Nadgórska-Socha Aleksandra , Kandziora-Ciupa Marta 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the potential impact of lead on soil metabolism in two landscape parks localized in the Beskid Śląski and Beskid Żywiecki mountains which were affected, among others, by air pollution from the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, the largest industrial zone in Poland. The study was carried out in six locations with different lead levels in the soil environment. Each plot was equipped with four pairs of vacuum ceramic lysimeters to assess the mobility of Pb in the soil. The metabolic activity was assessed by measuring: soil enzyme activity, soil respiration and by studying community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) using Biolog EcoPlates technique. The soil to the examination was collected near the stands with the lysimeters from two soil horizons (A and B layer). The analyses carried out showed that the factors that had the greatest influence on lead mobility were the organic carbon content and the soil pH. The elevated lead level in the topsoil (layer A) could affect the functional biodiversity of soil microorganisms, but low soil pH was a more likely limiting factor. In the subsoil (layer B), lower lead content was found and its probable effect on soil microbial activity was small. In summary, it can be concluded that the assessment of the influence of heavy metals on soil metabolism is not easy, and the Biolog system has proven to be a sensitive tool for assessing the potential impact of heavy metals on the soil environment.
Biological and antimicrobial properties of the association Ambroxol and a water-soluble viscous liquid as a vehicle for a tricalcium silicate-based sealer
Authors: de Azevedo Queiroz Índia Olinta , Machado Thiago , Alves Camila Carneiro , Brito Victor Gustavo Balera , de Vasconcelos Bruno Carvalho , Gomes-Filho João Eduardo , Ervolino Edilson , de Oliveira Sandra Helena Penha , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and biological properties of Ambroxol associated with glycerin (GLI), propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a possible vehicle for an experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, with the intention of developing a new biomaterial. Mouse undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) were cultured, and the effects of different association on cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production were investigated. Antimicrobial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to setting sealers at 2 h was evaluated. Polyethylene tubes containing experimental sealers and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissues of 12 male 3- to 4-months-old Wistar rats (250–280 g). After 7 and 30 days, the tubes were removed and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for parametric data and Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn for nonparametric (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was dose-dependent, since all association were cytotoxic at higher concentrations; however, Ambroxol–PEG showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than other association (p < 0.05). In addition, irrespective of the association, no cytokine production was observed in vitro. Ambroxol–GLI reduced bacterial viability, whereas Ambroxol–PEG increased (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed no significant difference in the inflammatory response (p > 0.05) and mineralization ability in all association. Additionally, IL-1β and TNF-α were upregulated on Ambroxol–PEG in relation to Control at 07 days (p < 0.05). Ambroxol–GLI was the best vehicle for experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, as it promoted an increase in antimicrobial activity without altering the inflammatory response or mineralization ability.
Biocompatibility and feasibility of VisiPlate, a novel ultrathin, multichannel glaucoma drainage device
Authors: Kao Brandon W. , Meer Elana , Barbolt Thomas A. , Lewis Richard A. , Ahmed Iqbal Ike , Lee Vivian , Nicaise Samuel M. , Griggs Georgia , Miller-Ellis Eydie G. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma drainage devices and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) often present with tradeoffs in safety and durability of efficacy. Using a rabbit model, we examined the biocompatibility and feasibility of VisiPlate, a novel, ultrathin, tubeless subconjunctival shunt comprised of a network of microchannels.

Methods
Six naive female New Zealand White rabbits received implants (three only in the right eye with contralateral eye untreated and three in both eyes) composed of a 400-nm-thick aluminum oxide core coated with 2 µm of parylene-C, manufactured with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. Tonometry, slit lamp exam, clinical exam, fluorescein patency testing, and histopathology were performed.

Results
VisiPlate demonstrated IOP-lowering of 20–40% compared to baseline at each time point over the course of 3 months in the nine implanted eyes. All eyes developed blebs over the implant, and fluorescein testing demonstrated fluid patency at 22 days post-implantation. Slit lamp and clinical observations showed that VisiPlate was well tolerated, with low levels of conjunctival congestion, conjunctival swelling, aqueous flare, hyphema, and iris involvement from surgery that resolved over time. At sacrifice time points of 93 days and 180 days, the only notable observations were mild levels of conjunctival congestion in implanted eyes. Histopathology showed minimal tissue response and no obvious inflammation, fibrosis, or necrosis around the implant.

Conclusions
The results of this in vivo study demonstrate the biocompatibility and IOP-lowering effect of a multichannel, ultrathin subconjunctival shunt in a rabbit model. The data suggest that VisiPlate may safely enhance aqueous outflow and significantly reduce intraocular pressure.
An approximation algorithm for multi-objective optimization problems using a box-coverage
Authors: Eichfelder Gabriele , Warnow Leo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFor a continuous multi-objective optimization problem, it is usually not a practical approach to compute all its nondominated points because there are infinitely many of them. For this reason, a typical approach is to compute an approximation of the nondominated set. A common technique for this approach is to generate a polyhedron which contains the nondominated set. However, often these approximations are used for further evaluations. For those applications a polyhedron is a structure that is not easy to handle. In this paper, we introduce an approximation with a simpler structure respecting the natural ordering. In particular, we compute a box-coverage of the nondominated set. To do so, we use an approach that, in general, allows us to update not only one but several boxes whenever a new nondominated point is found. The algorithm is guaranteed to stop with a finite number of boxes, each being sufficiently thin.
Young Australians living with parents: free and pay board as popular housing tenure choices
Authors: Chia Jason , Erol Isil 
Published: November 2021

AbstractYoung adults staying with parents is definitely a growing housing tenure in Australia. This paper, for the first time, unearths individual-level housing tenure choices of young Australians from the household-level data of owning/renting from the 2017 Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. In addition to owner-occupation and private rental, the paper explores the influence of personal characteristics on two types of multigenerational co-residence: young adults who live with parents rent-free and pay board. The results show that, in Australia, young women are more independent in their housing tenure choices (i.e., owning and renting) in comparison to young men. There is a growing trend towards mature and high-earning young people living with parents for free, which might be explained by the aim of saving money to buy a house or investment property and also care arrangements for their elderly parents. Marital status has also a significant effect on housing tenure choices. Never married young adults prefer to live with parents either for free or pay board; while those divorced/separated or widowed prefer to rent privately to maintain their residential independency, after life circumstances changed. This study informs policy makers to provide more support to young adults in a fully or partly independent housing tenure (renting and paying board) in assisting them to climb up the housing career ladder—becoming a homeowner.
The Impact of Culturally-Centered Care on Peripartum Experiences of Autonomy and Respect in Community Birth Centers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Almanza Jennifer I. , Karbeah J.’Mag , Tessier Katelyn M. , Neerland Carrie , Stoll Kathrin , Hardeman Rachel R. , Vedam Saraswathi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objective
National studies report that birth center care is associated with reduced racial and ethnic disparities and reduced experiences of mistreatment. In the US, there are very few BIPOC-owned birth centers. This study examines the impact of culturally-centered care delivered at Roots, a Black-owned birth center, on the experience of client autonomy and respect.

Methods
To investigate if there was an association between experiences of autonomy and respect for Roots versus the national Giving Voice to Mothers (GVtM) participants, we applied Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for the overall sample and stratified by race.

Results
Among BIPOC clients in the national GVtM sample and the Roots sample, MADM and MORi scores were statistically higher for clients receiving culturally-centered care at Roots (MADM p < 0.001, MORi p = 0.011). No statistical significance was found in scores between BIPOC and white clients at Roots Birth Center, however there was a tighter range among BIPOC individuals receiving care at Roots showing less variance in their experience of care.

Conclusions for Practice
Our study confirms previous findings suggesting that giving birth at a community birth center is protective against experiences of discrimination when compared to care in the dominant, hospital-based system. Culturally-centered care might enhance the experience of perinatal care even further, by decreasing variance in BIPOC experience of autonomy and respect. Policies on maternal health care reimbursement should add focus on making community birth sustainable, especially for BIPOC provider-owners offering culturally-centered care.
Markoff–Rosenberger triples and generalized Lucas sequences
Authors: Hashim Hayder R. , Szalay László , Tengely Szabolcs 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe consider the Markoff–Rosenberger equation $$\begin{aligned} ax^2+by^2+cz^2=dxyz \end{aligned}$$

a

x
2

+
b

y
2

+
c

z
2

=
d
x
y
z

with $$(x,y,z)=(U_i,U_j,U_k)$$

(
x
,
y
,
z
)

=

(

U
i

,

U
j

,

U
k

)

, where $$U_i$$

U
i

denotes the i-th generalized Lucas number of first/second kind. We provide an upper bound for the minimum of the indices and we apply the result to completely resolve concrete equations, e.g. we determine solutions containing only balancing numbers and Jacobsthal numbers, respectively.
Influence of Water Vapor and Temperature on the Oxide Scale Growth and Alpha-Case Formation in Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Öztürk B. , Mengis L. , Dickes D. , Glatzel U. , Galetz M. C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Ti-6Al-4V alloy is extensively used in aerospace, automotive and biomaterial applications. In the aerospace industry, the service temperature of Ti-6Al-4V is currently limited to 350 °C due to its insufficient oxidation resistance. Oxidation at higher temperatures causes the formation of a fast-growing oxide scale and an oxygen-enriched subsurface layer, which is known as the “alpha-case.” Additionally, the effect of water vapor on the oxidation behavior is critical. In the present study, the oxidation behavior of Ti-6Al-4V in dry air and air containing 10 vol.% H2O at 500, 600 and 700 °C for up to 500 h has been investigated. The main focus of this study is the examination of the different oxide scale morphologies along with the oxygen enrichment in the subsurface zone. It has been observed that spallation of the oxide scale is more severe in a water vapor-containing environment. In dry air, the oxide morphology shows the typical layered TiO2/Al2O3 structure after exposure at 700 °C for 300 h, while Al2O3 precipitates are present in the outermost part of the TiO2 scale when oxidized in wet air. This indicates that the solubility and diffusivity of Al3+ ions in TiO2 are influenced by water vapor. In addition, the extent of oxygen enrichment in the subsurface zone (alpha-case) as a function of temperature and time is determined by nanoindentation profiles. It was shown that in contrast to the scale formation, the alpha-case thickness is not affected by the presence of water vapor in the atmosphere.
Is the German Mittelstand more resistant to crises?
Authors: Berlemann Michael , Jahn Vera , Lehmann Robert 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn a globalized world with high international factor mobility, crises often spread quickly over large parts of the world. Politicians carry a vital interest in keeping crises as small and short as possible. Against this background we study whether the type of company of owner-managed SMEs, in Germany well-known as Mittelstand firms, helps increasing an economy’s crisis resistance. We study this issue at the example of the Great Recession of the years 2008/2009. Using micro panel data from the ifo Business Survey, we study the comparative performance of Mittelstand enterprises and find supporting evidence for the hypothesis that Mittelstand firms performed more stable throughout the Great Recession than non-Mittelstand firms. We also show that owner-managed SMEs performed significantly better than SMEs and owner-managed large enterprises. Thus, it is rather the combination of firm size and owner-management that leads to more crisis resistance.
Attitudes Towards the Sexuality of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Correa Ana Belén , Castro Ángel , Barrada Juan Ramón 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCurrent research in attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities yields heterogeneous results. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review current qualitative and quantitative evidence of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities. A systematic review of current literature (2000–2020) was carried out in the ERIC, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, PUBMED, and WebOfScience databases. Thirty-three articles were included for review. The present review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database. Included studies presented attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities in samples comprised of staff, family, members of the community, and adults with intellectual disability. Community samples held more positive attitudes, followed by staff and family. Adults with intellectual disabilities reported interest in intimate relationships but perceived barriers in others’ attitudes. Factors such as familiarity, age, gender of the adult with a disability, and culture seemed to have clear relationships. Other factors such as gender or social status remain unclear. In general, attitudes were considered positive. However, a preference for low intimacy and friendship or Platonic relationships was found. Stereotypes towards intellectual disability may have a strong influence. These findings underline the need to investigate and address attitudinal changes to provide adequate support for adults with intellectual disabilities in regard to a healthy relational and sex life.Prospero registration number: CRD42021222918.
Erlang mixture modeling for Poisson process intensities
Authors: Kim Hyotae , Kottas Athanasios 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe develop a prior probability model for temporal Poisson process intensities through structured mixtures of Erlang densities with common scale parameter, mixing on the integer shape parameters. The mixture weights are constructed through increments of a cumulative intensity function which is modeled nonparametrically with a gamma process prior. Such model specification provides a novel extension of Erlang mixtures for density estimation to the intensity estimation setting. The prior model structure supports general shapes for the point process intensity function, and it also enables effective handling of the Poisson process likelihood normalizing term resulting in efficient posterior simulation. The Erlang mixture modeling approach is further elaborated to develop an inference method for spatial Poisson processes. The methodology is examined relative to existing Bayesian nonparametric modeling approaches, including empirical comparison with Gaussian process prior based models, and is illustrated with synthetic and real data examples.