bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Treatment Regimens for Transfeminine Individuals in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Hojbjerg Johanne Andersen , Saini Sofia Lisby , Hvas Anne-Mette , Hojgaard Astrid Ditte 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe demand for gender-affirming hormone therapy is increasing worldwide prompting a growing requirement for solid evidence for efficacy and safety.AimWe aimed to report on the organization of transgender care and the current clinical practice of feminizing hormone therapy in specialized clinics in the Nordic countries.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study performed as a questionnaire survey. A quantitative questionnaire was sent to 15 specialized clinics prescribing feminizing hormone therapy in the Nordic countries.OutcomesTwelve clinics responded to the inquiry.RESULTSThe answers showed great variance in both number of clinics in each country as well as number of doctors responsible for prescribing gender-affirming hormone therapy. There was great difference in the width of the target ranges for estrogen plasma concentrations and in preferred route of administration for estrogens. Likewise, the risk assessment and monitoring of side effects were diverse.Clinical ImplicationsTo gather solid data on efficacy and safety of feminizing hormone therapy, the treatment regimens and the recording of side effects need to be consistent across the clinics responsible for the treatment of transfeminine patients.Strenghts & Limitations: This is to our knowledge the first report on treatment regimens for feminizing hormone treatment in the Nordic countries. The response rate was 80%; however, the included clinics only cover approximately 30% of the expected numbers of transfeminine individuals.CONCLUSIONDespite the great diversity across clinics as regard to organization of clinics and to treatment regimens, the vast majority of clinics operated within the guidelines defined by The Endocrine Society.
Provision of the Continuum of Care to Noncommunicable Diseases Post-Floods in Kerala, India 2018
Authors: Ganeshkumar Parasuraman , Saigal Rontgen , Gopal Bipin , Shankar Hari , Kaur Prabhdeep 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntegrating noncommunicable disease (NCD) in health care delivery during emergency response posed a major challenge post-floods in Kerala. Kerala experienced an abnormally high rainfall during mid-2018 where more than 400 people lost their lives. State health officials and the Disaster Response Team were sensitized about the importance of including NCDs in the response action. More than 80% of patients with hypertension and diabetes were not under control in Kerala. Under the state NCD cell, an NCD expert group was consulted for drafting the treatment and referral strategies. Steps to tackle NCDs during the disaster response were formulated. The state NCD cell decided to integrate NCDs in the response measures. The technical guidance document by the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region was consulted to formulate actions. The activities were implemented in 6 steps: prioritizing of major NCDS, patient estimation and drug stock preparation, standard treatment protocol, mapping of referral facilities, public engagement, and daily reporting of NCD consultations. Prioritizing the continuum of care of NCDs during floods among the program managers and care providers was crucial. The health education and communication campaign was done to sensitize the known NCD patients to seek early care. Daily reporting of consultations was established.
Ediacaran metazoan fossils with siliceous skeletons from the Digermulen Peninsula of Arctic Norway
Authors: Moczydłowska Małgorzata , Kear Benjamin P. , Snitting Daniel , Liu Lei , Lazor Peter , Majka Jarosław 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, a new assemblage of Ediacaran metazoan fossils is reported from the basal Stáhpogieddi Formation on the Digermulen Peninsula of Arctic Norway, includingAnulitubusn. gen. Moczydłowska in Moczydłowska et al.,Anulitubus formosusn. gen. n. sp. Moczydłowska in Moczydłowska et al.,Coniculusn. gen. Moczydłowska in Moczydłowska et al.,Coniculus elegantisn. gen. n. sp. Moczydłowska in Moczydłowska et al.,Fistulan. gen. Moczydłowska in Moczydłowska et al., andFistula crenulatan. gen. n. sp. Moczydłowska in Moczydłowska et al. The specimens are three-dimensionally preserved and include tubular and conical skeletons that are morphologically distinguished by their body-wall constructions, radial symmetry, polarity, segmentation, and annulation. The skeletons are interpreted to be biomineralized by primary silica based on computed micro-tomographic, petrographic, geochemical, and spectroscopic evidence of originally rigid body wall with layers of constant thicknesses, composed of opal, microcrystalline quartz, and an admixture of carbonaceous material, which differ from the host sediment mineralogy and do not show replacement or encrustation. The fossil-bearing interval immediately overlies strata of Gaskiers age and can be bracketed within 580–541 Ma, but it is estimated to be ca. 575 Ma on the basis of averaged sedimentation rates and biostratigraphic correlations with Ediacaran biota found in up-section deposits of ca. 558–555 Ma. Future new findings of such fossils in different preservation modes and further multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which shows the silicon fractionation and traces its biogenic origin versus inorganic mineralization, may corroborate the interpretation of biogenic silicification of these earliest skeletal fossils.UUID:https://zoobank.org/6bccada1-870e-47b0-b819-82685152ea54
How do Public Officials Learn About Policy? A Field Experiment on Policy Diffusion
Authors: Pereira Miguel M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrior research suggests that partisanship can influence how legislators learn from each other. However, same-party governments are also more likely to share similar issues, ideological preferences and constituency demands. Establishing a causal link between partisanship and policy learning is difficult. In collaboration with a non-profit organization, this study isolates the role of partisanship in a real policy learning context. As part of a campaign promoting a new policy among local representatives in the United States, the study randomized whether the initiative was endorsed by co-partisans, out-partisans or both parties. The results show that representatives are systematically more interested in the same policy when it is endorsed by co-partisans. Bipartisan initiatives also attract less interest than co-partisan policies, and no more interest than out-partisan policies, even in more competitive districts. Together, the results suggest that ideological considerations cannot fully explain partisan-based learning. The study contributes to scholarship on policy diffusion, legislative signaling and interest group access.
A NOMADIC STATE? THE ‘BLEMMYEAN-BEJA’ POLITY OF THE ANCIENT EASTERN DESERT
Authors: Cooper Julien 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAncient nomadic peoples in Northeast Africa, being in the shadow of urban regimes of Egypt, Kush, and Aksum as well as the Graeco-Roman and Arab worlds, have been generally relegated to the historiographical model of the frontier ‘barbarian’. In this view, little political importance is attached to indigenous political organisation, with desert nomads being considered an amorphous mass of unsettled people beyond the frontiers of established states. However, in the Eastern Desert of Sudan and Egypt, a pastoralist nomadic people ancestrally related to the modern Beja dominated the deserts for millennia. Though generally considered as a group of politically divided tribes sharing only language and a pastoralist economy, ancient Beja society and its elites created complex political arrangements in their desert. When Egyptian, Greek, Coptic, and Arab sources are combined and analysed, it is evident that nomads formed a large confederate ‘nomadic state’ throughout late antiquity and the early medieval period — a vital cog in the political engine of Northeast Africa.
Effects of different barley grain preservation techniques on intake, growth and carcase traits of finishing dairy bulls fed grass silage-based rations
Authors: Huuskonen A. , Rinne M. , Manni K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe effects of different barley grain preservation techniques on intake, growth and carcase traits of dairy bulls were determined in a feeding trial using 52 Holstein and 48 Nordic Red bulls which were allotted to four feeding treatments (five pens and 25 bulls per treatment). Spring barley was harvested with a conventional combine harvester and four different preservation techniques formed the four experimental treatments. Dry grain (DG) was dried to the targeted dry matter (DM) concentration of 870–880 g/kg and rolled within 7 days prior to feeding. High moisture grain treated with a formic acid-based additive (FA) was harvested and crimped on the targeted DM content of 700 g/kg. Low moisture grain treated with a urea-based additive (UR) and low moisture grain treated with a propionic acid-based additive (PA) were harvested and crimped on the targeted DM content of 800 g/kg. The bulls were fed with total mixed ration ad libitum. On DM basis, the diets included grass silage (500 g/kg), barley grain (485 g/kg) and a mineral–vitamin mixture (15 g/kg). Daily DM intake (DMI) and live weight gain were 6% higher when crimped grains were used instead of DG (P < 0.05). There were no observed significant differences in DMI, gain or carcase traits between high moisture and low moisture crimped grain treatments or between UR and PA. The current results show that producers have the option to vary grain preservation system without major changes to growth performance or carcase traits.
The persons of the Trinity are themselves triune: a reply to Mooney
Authors: WILLENBORG MICHAEL 
Published: February 2021

AbstractJustin Mooney (2018) advances what he calls The Problem of Triunity: each divine person is God, God is triune, and yet, each of the divine persons is apparently not triune. In response, I suggest that we ought to accept that each of the divine persons is in fact triune. First, I offer a plausible analysis of the claim that God is triune; second, I show that, given that analysis, there is nothing untoward about embracing the conclusion that each divine person is triune. I suggest that, once we take care to clarify what affirming the triunity of each divine person does and does not commit us to, we will see that we are not thereby committed to anything that contravenes orthodoxy – contrary, perhaps, to initial expectations. Third, I argue that this view sits particularly well with the claim that triunity is essential to divinity, whereas other views falter on this score. After considering and responding to an alternative analysis of triunity, I consider an objection to my analysis based on the salutary nature of communities. Finally, I conclude by noting an important lesson we can glean from the problem of triunity vis-à-vis trinitarian theorizing.
Epidemiologic characteristics and influencing factors of cluster infection of COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Ai Jing , Shi Naiyang , Shi Yingying , Xu Ke , Dai Qigang , Liu Wendong , Chen Liling , Wang Junjun , Gao Qiang , Ji Hong , Wu Ying , Huang Haodi , Zhao Ziping , Jin Hui , Bao Changjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To understand the characteristics and influencing factors related to cluster infections in Jiangsu Province, China, we investigated case reports to explore transmission dynamics and influencing factors of scales of cluster infection. The effectiveness of interventions was assessed by changes in the time-dependent reproductive number (Rt). From 25th January to 29th February, Jiangsu Province reported a total of 134 clusters involving 617 cases. Household clusters accounted for 79.85% of the total. The time interval from onset to report of index cases was 8 days, which was longer than that of secondary cases (4 days) (χ2 = 22.763, P < 0.001) and had a relationship with the number of secondary cases (the correlation coefficient (r) = 0.193, P = 0.040). The average interval from onset to report was different between family cluster cases (4 days) and community cluster cases (7 days) (χ2 = 28.072, P < 0.001). The average time interval from onset to isolation of patients with secondary infection (5 days) was longer than that of patients without secondary infection (3 days) (F = 9.761, P = 0.002). Asymptomatic patients and non-familial clusters had impacts on the size of the clusters. The average reduction in the Rt value in family clusters (26.00%, 0.26 ± 0.22) was lower than that in other clusters (37.00%, 0.37 ± 0.26) (F = 4.400, P = 0.039). Early detection of asymptomatic patients and early reports of non-family clusters can effectively weaken cluster infections.
A simple transmission dynamics model for predicting the evolution of COVID-19 under control measures in China
Authors: Shang Chenjing , Yang Yang , Chen Gui-Ying , Shang Xiao-Dong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Epidemic forecasting provides an opportunity to predict geographic disease spread and counts when an outbreak occurs and plays a key role in preventing or controlling their adverse impact. However, conventional prediction models based on complex mathematical modelling rely on the estimation of model parameters, which yields unreliable and unsustainable results. Herein, we proposed a simple model for predicting the epidemic transmission dynamics based on nonlinear regression of the epidemic growth rate and iterative methods, which is applicable to the progression of the COVID-19 outbreak under the strict control measures of the Chinese government. Our model yields reliable and accurate results as confirmed by the available data: we predicted that the total number of infections in mainland China would be 91 253, and the maximum number of beds required for hospitalised patients would be 62 794. We inferred that the inflection point (when the growth rate turns from positive to negative) of the epidemic across China would be mid-February, and the end of the epidemic would be in late March. This model is expected to contribute to resource allocation and planning in the health sector while providing a theoretical basis for governments to respond to future global health crises or epidemics.
Long-Term Levels of LDL-C and Cognitive Function: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Mefford Matthew T. , Chen Ligong , Lewis Cora E. , Muntner Paul , Sidney Stephen , Launer Lenore J. , Monda Keri L. , Ruzza Andrea , Kassahun Helina , Rosenson Robert S. , Carson April P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectives:It is uncertain if long-term levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) affect cognition in middle age. We examined the association of LDL-C levels over 25 years with cognitive function in a prospective cohort of black and white US adults.Methods:Lipids were measured at baseline (1985–1986; age: 18–30 years) and at serial examinations conducted over 25 years. Time-averaged cumulative LDL-C was calculated using the area under the curve for 3,328 participants with ≥3 LDL-C measurements and a cognitive function assessment. Cognitive function was assessed at the Year 25 examination with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST], Rey Auditory Visual Learning Test [RAVLT], and Stroop Test. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sub-study (N = 707) was also completed at Year 25 to assess abnormal white matter tissue volume (AWMV) and gray matter cerebral blood flow volume (GM-CBFV) as secondary outcomes.Results:There were 15.6%, 32.9%, 28.9%, and 22.6% participants with time-averaged cumulative LDL-C <100 mg/dL, 101–129 mg/dL, 130–159 mg/dL, and ≥160 mg/dL, respectively. Standardized differences in all cognitive function test scores ranged from 0.16 SD lower to 0.09 SD higher across time-averaged LDL-C categories in comparison to those with LDL-C < 100 mg/dL. After covariate adjustment, participants with higher versus lower time-averaged LDL-C had a lower RAVLT score (p-trend = 0.02) but no differences were present for DSST, Stroop Test, AWMV, or GM-CBFV.Conclusion:Cumulative LDL-C was associated with small differences in memory, as assessed by RAVLT scores, but not other cognitive or brain MRI measures over 25 years of follow-up.
Bilingual acquisition of reference: The role of language experience, executive functions and cross-linguistic effects
Authors: Torregrossa Jacopo , Andreou Maria , Bongartz Christiane , Tsimpli Ianthi Maria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study aims to understand which factors contribute to different patterns of use of referring expressions by bilingual children, by considering the triangulation between language experience and proficiency, executive functions and cross-linguistic effects. We analyze reference use in Greek in the context of a narrative elicitation task as performed by 125 children of different language combinations, including Greek–Albanian, Greek–English and Greek–German. We calculate, for each child, an index of language experience that combines a proficiency measure with background questionnaire information. After identifying the occurrences of underinformative (underspecified) and overinformative (overspecified) referring expressions in the production of each child, we investigate to what extent each pattern of reference use is affected by language experience, cross-linguistic effects and executive functions. The study aims to shed some new light on the nature of overspecification and underspecification in bilingual reference production and, more in general, to model variation in reference use among bilingual children.
Coronavirus disease 2019, food security and maternal mental health in Ceará, Brazil: a repeated cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rocha Hermano AL , Sudfeld Christopher R , Leite Álvaro JM , Rocha Sabrina GMO , Machado Márcia MT , Campos Jocileide S , Silva Anamaria Ce , Correia Luciano L 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjective:To quantify the change in the risk of food insecurity and maternal mental disorder (MMD) before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design:Repeated cross-sectional survey. Between 17 July and 10 September 2020, mother–child pairs who were enrolled in a population-based survey in 2017 were re-contacted by telephone for consent and to complete a telephonic COVID-19 survey. We used the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale to assess food security and the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 to assess MMD. McNemar’s test for paired data that also accounted for clustering was used. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of unemployment and receipt of government assistance with food insecurity and MMD in 2020.Setting:Ceará, Brazil.Participants:Five hundred and seventy-seven mother–child pairs completed the 2017 and 2020 surveys. At the time of the 2020 interview, the child cohort was 36–108 months of age.Results:The proportion of mothers reporting food insecurity was 15·5 % higher (95 % CI 5·9, 25·1, P value < 0·001) during the pandemic in July–August 2020 as compared with November 2017, while the prevalence of MMD was 40·2 % higher during the pandemic (95 % CI 32·6, 47·8, P value < 0·001). Loss of formal employment was associated with increased risk of food insecurity, but not with the risk of MMD.Conclusions:The risk of food insecurity and MMD in Ceará increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the need for policies and interventions to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health, nutrition and well-being in Brazil.
Institutional quality and the capital structure of microfinance institutions: the moderating role of board gender diversity
Authors: Adusei Michael , Sarpong-Danquah Beatrice 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe test the effect of institutional quality on capital structure in the microfinance setting. In doing this, we rely on data from 532 microfinance institutions (MFIs) located in 73 countries dotted across the six microfinance regions in the world. We observe that institutional quality exhibits a robust negative and statistically significant relationship with capital structure in both the short and long run, implying that MFIs in countries with a better institutional environment are less likely to utilize more debt. Our moderation analysis furnishes us with evidence that the presence of women on the board of an MFI significantly moderates the relationship between institutional quality and its capital structure. We show that in the presence of more female representation on the boards of MFIs, the tendency of MFIs using less debt is higher.
Simulating the Ion Precipitation From the Inner Magnetosphere by H‐Band and He‐Band Electro Magnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves
Authors: Shreedevi P. R. , Yu Yiqun , Ni Binbin , Saikin Anthony , Jordanova Vania K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDuring geomagnetic storms, magnetospheric wave activity drives the ion precipitation which can become an important source of energy flux into the ionosphere and strongly affect the dynamics of the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. In this study, we investigate the role of Electro Magnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves in causing ion precipitation into the ionosphere using simulations from the RAM‐SCBE model with and without EMIC waves included. The global distribution of H‐band and He‐band EMIC wave intensity in the model is based on three different EMIC wave models statistically derived from satellite measurements. Comparisons among the simulations and with observations suggest that the EMIC wave model based on recent Van Allen Probes observations is the best in reproducing the realistic ion precipitation into the ionosphere. Specifically, the maximum precipitating proton fluxes appear at L = 4–5 in the afternoon‐to‐night sector which is in good agreement with statistical results, and the temporal evolution of integrated proton energy fluxes at auroral latitudes is consistent with earlier studies of the stormtime precipitating proton energy fluxes and vary in close relation to the SYM‐H index. Besides, the simulations with this wave model can account for the enhanced precipitation of < 20 keV proton energy fluxes at regions closer to Earth (L < 5) as measured by NOAA/POES satellites, and reproduce reasonably well the intensity of <30 keV proton energy fluxes measured by DMSP satellites. It is suggested that the inclusion of H‐band EMIC waves improves the intensity of precipitation in the model leading to better agreement with the NOAA/POES data.