bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Classical Item Analysis from a Signal Detection Perspective
Authors: DeCarlo Lawrence T. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA conceptualization of multiple‐choice exams in terms of signal detection theory (SDT) leads to simple measures of item difficulty and item discrimination that are closely related to, but also distinct from, those used in classical item analysis (CIA). The theory defines a “true split,” depending on whether or not examinees know an item, and so it provides a basis for using total scores to split item tables, as done in CIA, while also clarifying benefits and limitations of the approach. The SDT item difficulty and discrimination measures differ from those used in CIA in that they explicitly consider the role of distractors and avoid limitations due to range restrictions. A new screening measure is also introduced. The measures are theoretically well‐grounded and are simple to compute by hand calculations or with standard software for choice models; simulations show that they offer advantages over traditional measures.
Human gingival epithelial cells stimulate proliferation, migration, and tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Indrelid Stine Hufthammer , Dongre Harsh Nitin , Nunes Ivana Pereira , Virtej Anca , Bletsa Athanasia , Berggreen Ellen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the response of gingival epithelial cells to microbial and inflammatory signals.BackgroundThe gingival epithelial barrier provides the first line of defense and supports tissue homeostasis by maintaining the cross‐talk between gingival epithelium, oral microbiota, and immune cells. Lymphatic vessels are essential to sustaining this homeostasis. The gingival epithelial cells have been shown to produce prolymphangiogenic factors during physiologic conditions, but their role in response to microbial and inflammatory signals is unknown.MethodsImmortalized human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) and human dermal lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (LEC) were cultured. HGEC were exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis derived‐LPS, human IL‐1 beta/IL‐1F2 protein, or recombinant human IL‐6/IL‐6R. Levels of vascular growth factors (VEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, and VEGF‐D) in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA. LEC were grown to confluence, and a scratch was induced in the monolayer. Uncovered area was measured up to 48 h after exposure to conditioned medium (CM) from HGEC. Tube formation assays were performed with LEC cocultured with labelled HGEC or exposed to CM.ResultsVEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, and low levels of VEGF‐D were constitutively expressed by HGEC. The expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, but not VEGF‐A, was upregulated in response to proinflammatory mediators. VEGF‐C was upregulated in response to P. gingivalis LPS, but not to Escherichia coli LPS. A scratch migration assay showed that LEC migration was significantly increased by CM from HGEC. Both the CM and coculture with HGEC induced significant tube formation of LEC.ConclusionsHGEC can regulate production of lymphangiogenic/angiogenic factors during inflammatory insults and can stimulate proliferation, migration, and tube formation of LEC in vitro in a paracrine manner.
Abdominal obesity and alcohol use modify the impact of genetic risk for incident advanced liver disease in the general population
Authors: Luukkonen Panu K. , Färkkilä Martti , Jula Antti , Salomaa Veikko , Männistö Satu , Lundqvist Annamari , Perola Markus , Åberg Fredrik 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground & AimsGenetic variants, abdominal obesity and alcohol use are risk factors for incident liver disease (ILD). We aimed to study whether variants either alone or when aggregated into genetic risk scores (GRSs) associate with ILD, and whether waist‐hip ratio (WHR) or alcohol use interacts with this risk.MethodsOur study included 33 770 persons (mean age 50 years, 47% men) who participated in health‐examination surveys (FINRISK 1992–2012 or Health 2000) with data on alcohol use, WHR and 63 genotypes associated with liver disease. Data were linked with national health registers for liver‐related outcomes (hospitalizations, malignancies and death). Exclusions were baseline clinical liver disease. Mean follow‐up time was 12.2 years. Cox regression analyses between variants and ILD were adjusted for age, sex and BMI.ResultsVariants in PNPLA3, IFNL4, TM6SF2, FDFT1, PPP1R3B, SERPINA1 and HSD17B13 were associated with ILD. GRSs calculated from these variants were not associated with WHR or alcohol use, but were exponentially associated with ILD (up to 25‐fold higher risk in high versus low score). The risk of ILD in individuals with high GRS and high WHR or alcohol use compared with those with none of these risk factors was increased by up to 90‐fold. GRSs provided new prognostic information particularly in individuals with high WHR.ConclusionsThe effect of multiple genetic variants on the risk of ILD is potentiated by abdominal obesity and alcohol use. Simple GRSs may help to identify individuals with adverse lifestyle who are at a particularly high risk of ILD.
Reducing conflict between the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus and cattle ranching in Neotropical landscapes
Authors: Mendoza‐Sáenz Víctor Hugo , Saldaña‐Vázquez Romeo A. , Navarrete‐Gutiérrez Dario , Kraker‐Castañeda Cristian , Ávila‐Flores Rafael , Jiménez‐Ferrer Guillermo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIncreased cattle ranching in Neotropical landscapes has led to human–wildlife conflicts that complicate the relationship between agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. We review the literature related to conflicts between livestock production and the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, specifically, the factors that influence the incidence of problems caused by bites to cattle. We summarise the strategies proposed to reduce these problems and propose actions from the perspectives of cattle management, landscape ecology and the biology of the common vampire bat. The literature shows that free‐range extensive management systems, where cattle graze in areas with forest cover, near riparian zones, caves, secondary vegetation (generally shrublands and immature trees), and vegetation fragments and edges, increase the implications and the severity of the conflict. As a result of different selection forces, the wing morphology and echolocation characteristics of the common vampire bat facilitate its movement under these landscape conditions, thus favouring a scenario of greater interaction with cattle. We propose the establishment of a ‘buffer zone’ to separate the cattle as far as possible (at least 1 km) from the elements of the landscape that are key for the movement patterns of common vampire bats in cattle ranching areas. The feeding events of this species are positively associated with host availability and landscape elements that provide habitat and connectivity, which shows that the cause of this conflict originates from the process of cattle production and the invasion of the habitat of the common vampire bat. Anti‐rabies vaccination programmes in cattle and forest–cattle separation are the most important strategies to minimise conflict and prevent rabies outbreaks.
DNA methylation‐based classification of glioneuronal tumours synergises with histology and radiology to refine accurate molecular stratification
Authors: Stone Thomas J. , Mankad Kshitij , Tan Ai Peng , Jan Wajanat , Pickles Jessica C. , Gogou Maria , Chalker Jane , Slodkowska Iwona , Pang Emily , Kristiansen Mark , Madhan Gaganjit K. , Forrest Leysa , Hughes Deborah , Koutroumanidou Eleni , Mistry Talisa , Ogunbiyi Olumide , Ahmed Saira W. , Cross J. Helen , Hubank Mike , Hargrave Darren , Jacques Thomas S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsGlioneuronal tumours (GNTs) are poorly distinguished by their histology and lack robust diagnostic indicators. Previously, we showed that common GNTs comprise two molecularly distinct groups, correlating poorly with histology. To refine diagnosis, we constructed a methylation‐based model for GNT classification, subsequently evaluating standards for molecular stratification by methylation, histology and radiology.MethodsWe comprehensively analysed methylation, radiology and histology for 83 GNT samples: a training cohort of 49, previously classified into molecularly defined groups by genomic profiles, plus a validation cohort of 34. We identified histological and radiological correlates to molecular classification and constructed a methylation‐based support vector machine (SVM) model for prediction. Subsequently, we contrasted methylation, radiological and histological classifications in validation GNTs.ResultsBy methylation clustering, all training and 23/34 validation GNTs segregated into two groups, the remaining 11 clustering alongside control cortex. Histological review identified prominent astrocytic/oligodendrocyte‐like components, dysplastic neurons and a specific glioneuronal element as discriminators between groups. However, these were present in only a subset of tumours. Radiological review identified location, margin definition, enhancement and T2 FLAIR‐rim sign as discriminators. When validation GNTs were classified by SVM, 22/23 classified correctly, comparing favourably against histology and radiology that resolved 17/22 and 15/21, respectively, where data were available for comparison.ConclusionsDiagnostic criteria inadequately reflect glioneuronal tumour biology, leaving a proportion unresolvable. In the largest cohort of molecularly defined glioneuronal tumours, we develop molecular, histological and radiological approaches for biologically meaningful classification and demonstrate almost all cases are resolvable, emphasising the importance of an integrated diagnostic approach.
Clinical utility of colonic low‐amplitude propagating contractions in children with functional constipation
Authors: Colliard Kitzia , Patel Dhiren , Nurko Samuel , Rodriguez Leonel 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundColonic high‐amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) are generally accepted as a marker of neuromuscular integrity. Little is known about low‐amplitude propagating contractions (LAPCs); we evaluated their clinical utility in children.MethodsRetrospective review of children with functional constipation undergoing low‐resolution colon manometry (CM) recording HAPCs and LAPCs (physiologic or bisacodyl‐induced) in three groups: constipation, antegrade colonic enemas (ACE), and ileostomy. Outcome (therapy response) was compared to LAPCs in all patients and within groups. We evaluated LAPCs as potentially representing failed HAPCs.Key ResultsA total of 445 patients were included (median age 9.0 years, 54% female), 73 had LAPCs. We found no association between LAPCs and outcome (all patients, p = 0.121), corroborated by logistic regression and excluding HAPCs. We found an association between physiologic LAPCs and outcome that disappears when excluding HAPCs or controlling with logistic regression. We found no association between outcome and bisacodyl‐induced LAPCs or LAPC propagation. We found an association between LAPCs and outcome only in the constipation group that cancels with logistic regression and excluding HAPCs (p = 0.026, 0.062, and 0.243, respectively). We found a higher proportion of patients with LAPCs amongst those with absent or abnormally propagated (absent or partially propagated) HAPCs compared to those with fully propagated HAPCs (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively) suggesting LAPCs may represent failed HAPCs.Conclusions/InferencesLAPCs do not seem to have added clinical significance in pediatric functional constipation; CM interpretation could rely primarily on the presence of HAPCs. LAPCs may represent failed HAPCs. Larger studies are needed to further validate these findings.
Substrate‐binding glycine residues are major determinants for hydrolase and ligase activity of plant legumains
Authors: Hemu Xinya , Chan Ning‐Yu , Liew Heng Tai , Hu Side , Zhang Xiaohong , Serra Aida , Lescar Julien , Liu Chuan‐Fa , Tam James P. 
Published: February 2023

Summary

Peptide asparaginyl ligases (PALs) are useful tools for precision modifications of proteins and live‐cell surfaces by ligating peptides after Asn/Asp (Asx). They share high sequence and structural similarity to plant legumains that are generally known as asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs), thus making it challenging to identify PALs from AEPs. In this study, we investigate 875 plant species from algae to seed plants with available sequence data in public databases to identify new PALs.

We conducted evolutionary trace analysis on 1500 plant legumains, including eight known PALs, to identify key residues that could differentiate ligases and proteases, followed by recombinant expression and functional validation of 16 novel legumains.

Previously, we showed that the substrate‐binding sequences flanking the catalytic site can strongly influence the enzymatic direction of a legumain and which we named as ligase‐activity determinants (LADs). Here, we show that two conserved substrate‐binding Gly residues of LADs are critical, but negative determinants for ligase activity.

Our results suggest that specific glycine residues are molecular determinants to identify PALs and AEPs as two different legumain subfamilies, accounting for c. 1% and 88%, respectively.
Dynamics for a quantum parliament
Authors: Bagarello F. , Gargano F. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a dynamical approach based on the Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad equation for a problem of decision making. More specifically, we consider what was recently called a quantum parliament, asked to approve or not a certain law, and we propose a model of the connections between the various members of the parliament, proposing in particular some special form of the interactions giving rise to a collaborative or noncollaborative behavior.
Change in Cavitation Regime on NACA0015 Hydrofoil by Heating the Hydrofoil Surface
Authors: Yang Ning , Okajima Junnosuke , Iga Yuka 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAn experimental study of cavitating flow on a heated NACA0015 hydrofoil was conducted in a cavitation tunnel to investigate the influence of the hydrofoil surface temperature on the cavitating flow. The cavitation behavior under different heating conditions was examined using high-speed video, and an image processing method was used to obtain the periodic characteristics of the cavitating flow. The results revealed that attached sheet cavitation and supercavitation occurred on both heated and unheated hydrofoils. However, sheet-cloud cavitation was observed only on the unheated hydrofoil, whereas transient cavitation was observed only on the heated hydrofoil. Transient cavitation also exhibited periodic growth/collapse behavior; however, there was no shedding of a large vapor cloud. Moreover, with a further increase in the hydrofoil surface temperature, transient cavitation turned into open-type cavitation. The cavitating flow exhibited a quasi-steady cavity length with an open cavity closure. It was considered that the surface temperature promoted vapor generation at the cavity leading edge, which enlarged the vapor-filled fore part of the sheet cavity. This enlarged sheet cavity prevented the reentrant flow from moving upstream and thus turned the cavity closure into an open type. Once the cavity closure turned into an open type, the local disturbance led to a smaller adverse pressure gradient, which was not sufficiently strong to create a reentrant flow. In this case, if the vapor generation at the cavity leading edge was sufficiently large to reach a balance with vapor condensation at the open cavity closure, the cavity would be steady.
Streamwise Extent and Ramp Rate Effects on Laminar Boundary Layer Response to Plasma Actuator Vortex Generators
Authors: Khanjari Hossein , Varacalli Michael , Hanson Ronald E. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe unsteady output of a spanwise array of plasma actuators, arranged to generate streaks of high and low streamwise velocity in a Blasius boundary layer, is modeled numerically. When the forcing by the actuators undergoes a step change from off to on, the flow response downstream of the actuators is initially inverted in terms of the streamwise vorticity, disturbance velocity, and wall shear stress before approaching the steady-state behavior. The present study considers the effect of the length of the actuator in the streamwise direction and the effect of the rate change of the output of the actuator with respect to the nonminimum phase behavior. For the different rates of a gradually applied force, the body force increases linearly from zero to the same maximum value of the step, which simulates a reduced slew rate or ramped output. It is shown that the inverse flow response remains for the gradually applied input; however, the peak magnitude is less, and the overall response appears more damped. As the actuator length is reduced, while forcing was compensated for the shorter convective time over the actuator, the peak inverse response was enhanced.
The Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Lower-Extremity Visuomotor Reaction Time in Young Adult Women Following Ankle Sprain
Authors: Bain Katherine A. , Baez Shelby , Kosik Kyle B. , Hoch Matthew C. , Hoch Johanna M. , Johnson Nathan F. , Andreatta Richard D. , Gribble Phillip A. 
Published: February 2023

Context: Many individuals who sustain a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) fail to return to prior activity due to residual symptoms; and report elevated levels of injury-related fear, decreased function, and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Additionally, individuals with history of LAS exhibit deficits in neurocognitive functional measures like visuomotor reaction time (VMRT), which contributes to worse patient-reported outcome scores. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between HRQOL and lower-extremity (LE) VMRT in individuals with LAS history. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Young adult female volunteers with history of LAS (n = 22; age = 24 [3.5] y; height = 163.1 [9.8] cm; mass = 65.1 [11.5] kg; and time since last LAS = 67.8 [50.5] mo) completed HRQOL outcomes including the following: (1) Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11, (2) Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, (3) Penn State Worry Questionnaire, (4) modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale, and (5) Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Additionally, participants completed a LE-VMRT task by responding to a visual stimulus using their foot to deactivate light sensors. Participants completed trials bilaterally. Separate Spearman rho correlations were performed to assess the relationship between patient-reported outcomes assessing constructs of HRQOL and LE-VRMT bilaterally. Significance was set at P < .05. Results: There was a strong, significant negative correlation between FADI-Activities of Daily Living (ρ = −.68; P = .002) and FADI-Sport (ρ = −.76; P = .001) scores and injured limb LE-VMRT; moderate, significant negative correlations between the uninjured limb LE-VMRT and FADI-Activities of Daily Living (ρ = −.60; P = .01) and FADI-Sport (ρ = −.60; P = .01) scores; and moderate, significant positive correlations between the injured limb LE-VMRT and modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale-Physical Summary Component (ρ = .52; P = .01) and modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale-Total (ρ = .54; P = .02) scores. All other correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Young adult women with history of LAS demonstrated an association between self-reported constructs of HRQOL and LE-VMRT. As LE-VMRT is a modifiable injury risk factor, future studies should examine the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve LE-VMRT and the impact on self-reported HRQOL.
Creative leisure activities, mental health and well-being during 5 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a fixed effects analysis of data from 3725 US adults
Authors: Bone Jessica K , Fancourt Daisy , Sonke Jill K , Fluharty Meg E , Cohen Randy , Lee Jenny B , Kolenic Anthony J , Radunovich Heidi , Bu Feifei 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionWe investigated whether changes in engagement in home-based creative activities were associated with changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to replicate findings from the UK in a USA sample.Methods3725 adults were included from the COVID-19 Social Study in the USA, a panel study collecting data weekly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured engagement in eight types of creative leisure activities on the previous weekday between April and September 2020. Data were analysed using fixed effects regression models.ResultsIncreased time spent gardening was associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms and enhanced life satisfaction. Spending more time doing woodwork/DIY and arts/crafts were also associated with enhanced life satisfaction. However, more time watching television, films or other similar media (not for information on COVID-19) was associated with increased depressive symptoms. Other creative activities were not associated with mental health or well-being.ConclusionSome findings differ from evidence obtained in the UK, demonstrating the importance of replicating research across countries. Our findings should also be considered when formulating guidelines for future stay-at-home directives, enabling individuals to stay well despite the closure of public resources.
Group Dynamics and Allocation of Advanced Heart Failure Therapies—Heart Transplants and Ventricular Assist Devices—By Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Group
Authors: Breathett Khadijah , Yee Ryan , Pool Natalie , Thomas Hebdon Megan C. , Knapp Shannon M. , Herrera‐Theut Kathryn , de Groot Esther , Yee Erika , Allen Larry A. , Hasan Ayesha , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Calhoun Elizabeth , Carnes Molly , Sweitzer Nancy K. 
Published: February 2023

Background
US regulatory framework for advanced heart failure therapies (AHFT), ventricular assist devices, and heart transplants, delegate eligibility decisions to multidisciplinary groups at the center level. The subjective nature of decision‐making is at risk for racial, ethnic, and gender bias. We sought to determine how group dynamics impact allocation decision‐making by patient gender, racial, and ethnic group.

Methods and Results

We performed a mixed‐methods study among 4 AHFT centers. For ≈ 1 month, AHFT meetings were audio recorded. Meeting transcripts were evaluated for group function scores using de Groot Critically Reflective Diagnoses protocol (metrics: challenging groupthink, critical opinion sharing, openness to mistakes, asking/giving feedback, and experimentation; scoring: 1 to 4 [high to low quality]). The relationship between summed group function scores and AHFT allocation was assessed via hierarchical logistic regression with patients nested within meetings nested within centers, and interaction effects of group function score with gender and race, adjusting for patient age and comorbidities. Among 87 patients (24% women, 66% White race) evaluated for AHFT, 57% of women, 38% of men, 44% of White race, and 40% of patients of color were allocated to AHFT. The interaction between group function score and allocation by patient gender was statistically significant (
P
=0.035); as group function scores improved, the probability of AHFT allocation increased for women and decreased for men, a pattern that was similar irrespective of racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusions
Women evaluated for AHFT were more likely to receive AHFT when group decision‐making processes were of higher quality. Further investigation is needed to promote routine high‐quality group decision‐making and reduce known disparities in AHFT allocation.