bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The distribution of lagomorph syphilis caused by Treponema paraluisleporidarum in Europe
Authors: Hisgen Linda , Abel Lena , Hallmaier-Wacker Luisa , Lüert Simone , Lavazza Antonio , Trogu Tiziana , Velarde Roser , Nováková Markéta , Gyuranecz Miklós , Ågren Erik , Barlow Alexander , Šmajs David , Knauf Sascha 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTreponema paraluisleporidarum infects both rabbits (ecovar Cuniculus) and hares (ecovar Lepus). While the occurrence of the bacterium has previously been reported for European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica), there are no data available that report infection in the European context. We tested a total of 1,995 serum samples and 287 genital swabs from opportunistically sampled European brown hares (Lepus europaeus; n = 2135), Mountain hares (Lepus timidus; n = 4), European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; n = 138), and pet rabbits (O. cuniculus f. domestica; n = 5). The samples originated from eight European countries. In case only serum was available, we tested the samples for the presence of anti-treponemal antibodies. For this, we utilized the Treponema pallidum-particle agglutination test (TP-PA), which is suited for the use in lagomorphs due to the antigenic cross-reactivity of anti-T. pallidum and anti-T. paraluisleporidarum antibodies. In addition, the results of 380 sera were confirmed using the fluorescent-Treponema antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS). In all cases where swab samples were available, DNA was extracted and tested using quantitative PCR to test for the presence of the lagomorph syphilis-bacterium. We were able to detect antibodies in 825 of 1,995 lagomorph sera (41.4%; brown hare: 825/1,868; rabbit: 0/127) and obtained positive qPCR results from 182 of 287 swab samples (63.4%; European brown hare: 167/267; mountain hare: 4/4; rabbit: 11/16). While all rabbit sera (n = 127) tested negative for anti-treponemal antibodies, the presence of the bacterium was confirmed in eight wild (n = 8/11) and three domestic rabbits (n = 3/5) from Germany using qPCR.
ICT-related variables as predictors of ICT literacy beyond intelligence and prior achievement
Authors: Senkbeil Martin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study examined the incremental validity of different information and communication technologies (ICT)-related person characteristics over and above intelligence and and prior achievement when predicting ICT literacy across a period of three years. Relative weights analyses were performed to determine the relative contribution of each predictor towards explaining variance in ICT literacy. We used data from German NEPS that tracks representative samples of German students across their school careers. The sample consisted of 14,436 fifteen-year-old German students who provided self-reports on several ICT-related variables: self-confidence, usage motives, breadth of usage, access, experience, usage at home and at school. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally with structural equation models and path analyses, respectively. Cross-sectionally, all ICT-related variables incrementally predicted ICT literacy after controlling for intelligenc (explained variance: 0.4%–14.1%). Longitudinally, ICT self-confidence, ICT-related usage motives, breadth of ICT usage, ICT usage at school, and ICT experience incrementally predict ICT literacy after controlling for intelligence and prior achievement.three years later (explained variance: 0.3%–8.1%). Relative weights providing estimates of relative importance of each predictor showed that intelligence (cross-sectional) and prior achievement and intelligence, respectively (longitudinal) explained the largest portion of variance in ICT literacy, followed by ICT self-confidence, and ICT usage motives as the strongest ICT-related variables. These results emphasize that ICT-related motivational constructs play an important role in the development of ICT literacy.
Internal donors on supported Ziegler Natta catalysts for isotactic polypropylene: a brief tutorial review
Authors: Paghadar Bharat R. , Sainani J. B. , M. Samith K. , Bhagavath Poornima 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe scientific and technical advances in the field of polymer science has been abundant in recent years. Amongst the various polymeric materials available in market, synthesis of polyolefins has been in the forefront since decades. A major challenge in this domain remains in attaining stereoregular polyolefins especially polypropylene (PP) and significant efforts were carried out by synthesizing various internal donors (ID) aiding the catalysts involved in producing them. This short review gives an overview of i) various generations of Ziegler–Natta (ZN) catalyst systems ii) general classes of ID that has been demonstrated by the researchers over the past decades iii) their influence on PP isotacticity and polymer properties. The coordination modes of different donor classes on supported ZN system and comparative study especially between phthalate and diether ID classes were also addressed here. This review also presents the studies carried out on phthalate catalyst structure analysis, detailed comparison study on phthalate and diether IDs in terms of PP isotacticity, regioselectivity, hydrogen response, and also their cross combination study and competitive behavior. Further a brief description on other structurally varied IDs like malonates, maleates, silyl diol esters, bifunctional donors, multi ether donors demonstrated for isotactic PP were also presented. Studies conducted on compatibility of incorporation of two different classes of IDs on a single supported ZN system for the fundamental understanding of the catalyst behavior; and also on how mixed donor approach enables in tuning the catalyst for polymer properties were also presented. This review also provides an opportunity to the young minds and the basic researchers from academic point of view by and large to create new polymeric materials with useful properties or modify the existing materials for new applications by incorporating new IDs for further improvisation of the stereo regularity in obtaining the polymers.
Graphic Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention in Chronic Stroke: a Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Baldo Juliana V. , Schendel Krista , Lwi Sandy J. , Herron Timothy J. , Dempsey Denise G. , Muir James , Curran Brian C. , Paulraj Selvi , Chok Jas , Cole Michael A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objectives

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) involves training in mindful meditation and has been shown to improve functioning across a range of different disorders. However, little research has focused on the use of MBSR in stroke patients, and previous MBSR studies typically have not included an active control condition to account for non-specific factors that could contribute to the observed benefits.

Methods
We conducted a pilot study of MBSR in chronic stroke patients, comparing MBSR to an active control condition. Half of participants were randomly assigned to a standard 8-week MBSR class, and the other half of participants were assigned to an 8-week Brain Health class matched for schedule, instructor, and format. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention by blinded examiners on a neuropsychological battery that included primary outcome measures of psychological and cognitive functioning. Participants were also given an anonymous questionnaire following the post-intervention testing session to measure class satisfaction.

Results
Both the MBSR and Brain Health classes were rated favorably by participants. Recruitment and retention rates were high, and methods for participant randomization and examiner blinding were successful. Class implementation in terms of execution was also successful, as rated by outside experts.

Conclusions
This study established the feasibility of conducting MBSR and Brain Health classes in a chronic stroke population.

Trial Registration
https://ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT #: 02600637
Assessment of dermal bioavailability: predicting the input function for topical glucocorticoids using stratum corneum sampling
Authors: Pensado Andrea , McGrogan Anita , White K. A. Jane , Bunge Annette L. , Guy Richard H. , Delgado-Charro M. Begoña 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPredicting the dermal bioavailability of topically delivered drugs is challenging. In this work, minimally invasive stratum corneum (SC) sampling was used to quantify the delivery of betamethasone valerate (BMV) into the viable skin. Betnovate® cream (0.1% w/w BMV) was applied at three doses (2, 5, and 10 mg cm−2) to the ventral forearms of 12 healthy volunteers. The mass of drug in the SC was measured using a validated tape-stripping method (a) after a 4-h “uptake” period, and (b) following a 6-h “clearance” period subsequent to cream removal. Concomitantly, the skin blanching responses to the same doses were assessed with a chromameter over 22 h post-application. BMV uptake into the SC was significantly higher for the 5 mg cm−2 dose compared to those of 2 and 10 mg cm−2. In all cases, ~30% of the drug in the SC at the end of the uptake period was cleared in the subsequent 6 h. From the SC sampling data, the average drug flux into the viable epidermis and its first-order elimination rate constant from the SC were estimated as 4 ng cm−2 h−1 and 0.07 h−1, respectively. In contrast, skin blanching results were highly variable and insensitive to the dose of cream applied. The SC sampling method was able to detect a 50% difference between two applied doses with 80% power; detection of a 20% difference would require a larger sample size. SC sampling enabled quantitative metrics describing corticosteroid delivery to the viable epidermis to be determined.
Graphical abstract
A Finite Volume Method using a Quadtree Non-Uniform Structured Mesh for Modeling in Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Authors: Wanta Damian , Smolik Waldemar Tomasz , Kryszyn Jacek , Wróblewski Przemysław , Midura Mateusz 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn electric field solver based on a finite volume method using refined structural mesh is proposed to implement a quadtree structure and estimate the electric flux in the mesh cell. Numerical experiments were carried out using uniform and non-uniform meshes to assess quality of numerical modeling. The proposed method of verification of the quality of numerical calculations based on circular symmetry of the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) probe allows to assess the effectiveness of mesh refinement and to reduce the number of mesh elements. Experiments showed that even a moderate level of mesh refinement is sufficient to significantly reduce the simulation error that occurs in modeling of cylindrical probes. The reduced number of mesh elements and applied implementation of the quadtree ensures high speed of forward problem calculations.
Graded Betti Numbers of Balanced Simplicial Complexes
Authors: Juhnke-Kubitzke Martina , Venturello Lorenzo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe prove upper bounds for the graded Betti numbers of Stanley-Reisner rings of balanced simplicial complexes. Along the way we show bounds for Cohen-Macaulay graded rings S/I, where S is a polynomial ring and $I\subseteq S$
I
⊆
S
is a homogeneous ideal containing a certain number of generators in degree 2, including the squares of the variables. Using similar techniques we provide upper bounds for the number of linear syzygies for Stanley-Reisner rings of balanced normal pseudomanifolds. Moreover, we compute explicitly the graded Betti numbers of cross-polytopal stacked spheres, and show that they only depend on the dimension and the number of vertices, rather than also the combinatorial type.
The Power of Voice to Convey Emotion in Multimedia Instructional Messages
Authors: Lawson Alyssa P. , Mayer Richard E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study examines an aspect of the role of emotion in multimedia learning, i.e., whether participants can recognize the instructor’s positive or negative emotion based on hearing short clips involving only the instructor’s voice just as well as also seeing an embodied onscreen agent. Participants viewed 16 short video clips from a statistics lecture in which an animated instructor, conveying a happy, content, frustrated, or bored emotion, stands next to a slide as she lectures (agent present) or uses only her voice (agent absent). For each clip, participants rated the instructor on five-point scales for how happy, content, frustrated, and bored the instructor seemed. First, for happy, content, and bored instructors, participants were just as accurate in rating emotional tone based on voice only as with voice plus onscreen agent. This supports the voice hypothesis, which posits that voice is a powerful source of social-emotional information. Second, participants rated happy and content instructors higher on happy and content scales and rated frustrated and bored instructors higher on frustrated and bored scales. This supports the positivity hypothesis, which posits that people are particularly sensitive to the positive or negative tone of multimedia instructional messages.
Nutrient Dynamics at the Sediment-Water Interface: Influence of Wastewater Effluents
Authors: Zhang Meng , Francis Robert A. , Chadwick Michael A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Uptake and regeneration fluxes and concentrations of nutrients, i.e., nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), phosphate (PO43−) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), were evaluated upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the River Wandle, UK, from July to October 2019. Using chamber techniques, water-specific nutrient concentrations were measured at two exposures (3 and 10 min) to calculate fluxes. The WWTP effluent contributed to elevated concentrations and modified flux rates, resulting in significant differences at the study sites. Compared with summer, the concentrations of NO3− and DOC increased while NH4+ and PO43− decreased in autumn. Nutrient fluxes varied both temporally and spatially in uptake (i.e., storage in sediments) or regeneration (i.e., release into river water). Under the actions of physical and biological processes, the fluxes of NO3− and NH4+ showed opposite flux directions. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and bioabsorption mainly affected PO43− and DOC fluxes, respectively. Specifically, across all sites, NO3− was −0.01 to +0.02 mg/(m2 s), NH4+ was −29 to +2 μg/(m2 s), PO43− was −2.0 to +0.5 μg/(m2 s), and DOC was −0.01 to +0.05 mg/(m2 s). Further, we did find that these variations were related to nutrient concentrations in the overlying water. Our results provide further evidence to show that reductions in river nutrients are paramount for improving river ecological conditions. Additionally, we suggest that more research is needed to evaluate chamber-based experimental approaches to make them more comparable to in-situ flux methods.

Highlights
• Sewage effluent resulted in elevated nutrient concentrations and modified fluxes.
• Flux was affected by initial nutrient concentrations, DO and microbial activity.
• Inexpensive approaches to study nutrient dynamics are needed for river restoration.
Upper-lower limb and breathing exercise program for improving sleep quality and psychological status in multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grubić Kezele Tanja , Trope Zrinka , Ahel Valentina , Ružić Natali , Omrčen Hrvoje , Đudarić Luka , Fužinac-Smojver Ariana 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurpose:To examine the feasibility and possible effect of an 8-week exercise program on sleep quality, insomnia and psychological distress in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods:Twenty-four individuals with MS were recruited into a controlled pre-post feasibility study and divided into 2 groups: exercise (n = 13; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 1.0–7.5) and a related control group with no exercise (n = 11; EDSS: 1.0–7.0). The exercise group performed combined upper limb, lower limb and breathing exercises in a controlled group (2d/week, 60 min/session) for 8 weeks. Participants were administered measures to evaluate sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure, CORE-OM) and additionally impact of fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, MFIS) after 8-weeks.Results:Insomnia severity measured with ISI (F(1;22)=5.95, p = 0.023, ηp2 = 0.213, 90% CI = 0.02–0.42) and psychological distress measured with the CORE-OM (F(1;22)=4.82, p = 0.039, ηp2 = 0.179, 90% CI = 0.01–0.40) showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction. Sleep quality measured with the PSQI showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction only in an aspect of daytime sleep dysfunction (F(1;22)=5.33, p = 0.031, ηp2 = 0.195, 90% CI = 0.01–0.40). The fatigue impact measured with the MFIS showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction in physical (F(1;22)=6.80, p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.236, 90% CI = 0.02–0.44) and cognitive aspects (F(1;22)=9.12, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.293, 90% CI = 0.05–0.49), and total score (F(1;22)=11.29, p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.339, 90% CI = 0.08–0.52).Conclusions:Our 8-week program reduced insomnia severity, psychological distress and some aspects of fatigue (physical; cognitive; total), and improved sleep quality in an aspect of daytime sleep dysfunction in a small group of individuals with MS. Good feasibility and significant positive changes from baseline warrant further exploratory work.
Dynamical degrees of affine-triangular automorphisms of affine spaces
Authors: BLANC JÉRÉMY , VAN SANTEN IMMANUEL 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe study the possible dynamical degrees of automorphisms of the affine space$\mathbb {A}^n$. In dimension$n=3$, we determine all dynamical degrees arising from the composition of an affine automorphism with a triangular one. This generalizes the easier case of shift-like automorphisms which can be studied in any dimension. We also prove that each weak Perron number is the dynamical degree of an affine-triangular automorphism of the affine space$\mathbb {A}^n$for somen, and we give the best possiblenfor quadratic integers, which is either$3$or$4$.
Regional outbreak of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase–producing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Tadese Bekana K. , Nutt Anna , Chaudhary Ifrah , Offiong Charlene , Darkoh Charles 
Published: October 2021

AbstractKlebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa (KPC-CRPA) are rare in the United States. An outbreak of KPC-CRPA was investigated in Texas using molecular and epidemiologic methods and 17 cases of KPC-CRPA were identified. The isolates were genetically related and harbored the emerging P. aeruginosa multilocus sequence type 235, the first in the United States.
Viral whole-genome sequencing to assess impact of universal masking on SARS-CoV-2 transmission among pediatric healthcare workers
Authors: Kociolek Larry K. , Patel Ami B. , Hultquist Judd F. , Ozer Egon A. , Simons Lacy M. , McHugh Matthew , Muller William J. , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjective:To identify the impact of universal masking on COVID-19 incidence and putative SARS-CoV-2 transmissions events among children’s hospital healthcare workers (HCWs).Design:Quasi-experimental study.Setting:Single academic free-standing children’s hospital.Methods:We performed whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2- PCR-positive samples collected from HCWs 3 weeks before and 6 weeks after implementing a universal masking policy. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify clusters of clonally related SARS-CoV-2 indicative of putative transmission events. We measured COVID-19 incidence, SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rates, and frequency of putative transmission events before and after the masking policy was implemented.Results:HCW COVID-19 incidence and test positivity declined from 14.3 to 4.3 cases per week, and from 18.4% to 9.0%, respectively. Putative transmission events were only identified prior to universal masking.Conclusions:A universal masking policy was associated with reductions in HCW COVID-19 infections and occupational acquisition of SARS-CoV-2.
Plant-based snacking: research and practical applications of pistachios for health benefits
Authors: Higgs Jennette , Styles Kathryn , Carughi Arianna , Roussell Michael A. , Bellisle France , Elsner Wiebke , Li Zhaoping 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Pistachio nuts are a nutrient-dense source of good quality plant protein, commonly consumed as a minimally processed snack food or ingredient. The present paper is based on a symposium held during the 13th FENS (Federation of European Nutrition Societies) 2019 conference in Dublin that explored recent research and practical applications of pistachios as a plant-based snack, in particular, for appetite control and healthy weight management; and for glycaemic control during pregnancy. Individual nut types, whilst similar in nutritional composition, have unique characteristics which may have a significant impact on potential health effects. Recognising this, the further purpose here is to explore future research needs for pistachios, based on work completed to date and the discussion that ensued among researchers at this event, in order to advance the full scope of health benefits from pistachios, in particular, taking into account of both sustainability and nutritional health.
The Islamic Law of Marriage and Inheritance in Kenya
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira 
Published: October 2021

AbstractArticle 24(4) of the Constitution of Kenya qualifies the right to equality “to the extent strictly necessary for the application of” Islamic law “in matters relating to personal status, marriage, divorce and inheritance”. Section 3 of the Marriage Act provides that, although spouses have equal rights during marriage and at its dissolution, “the parties to an Islamic marriage shall only have the rights granted under Islamic law”. The Law of Succession Act states that it is generally not applicable to the estate of a deceased Muslim. In this article, the author examines case law from the Kadhi's Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal on issues of Muslim marriages and inheritance. These cases illustrate, in some instances, the tensions between Islamic law and human rights.
Step-by-step illustrated guide to central neck dissection
Authors: Chu F , De Berardinis R , Pietrobon G , Tagliabue M , Giugliano G , Ansarin M 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of thyroid carcinoma has been increasing worldwide and surgery is the primary treatment. Central compartment dissection of the neck is a very delicate procedure given the risks of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism.MethodsThis paper gives a detailed description of this surgical technique in a patient affected by papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland, supported by highly representative iconographic materials from a tertiary department.ResultsA stepwise description is provided, along with high-quality pictures and specific tips and tricks. Although neck dissection is a well-codified procedure, the fine details of this surgical technique are not currently available and are still the prerogative of the expert surgeon.ConclusionThe central neck compartment contains several vulnerable structures; damage to these structures would affect patients’ lives, possibly permanently. Anatomical knowledge and standardisation are needed for all surgeons, particularly new surgeons (such as residents) who cannot rely simply on experience.
ADÈS AT 50: PRECARIOUS POISE
Authors: Whittall Arnold 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA range of aesthetic and technical features is explored in two of Adès's large-scale works, the operas The Tempest and The Exterminating Angel, along with aspects of genre involving Stravinsky and Britten. Large-scale focus is offset by brief accounts of The Four Quarters and Dawn, considering their character in light of some recent initiatives in musicology.