bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in plumage density, plumage mass, and feather morphology in the world’s northernmost land bird, the Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea)
Authors: Nord Andreas , Holje Vidar , Judik Benjamin , Folkow Lars P. , Pap Péter L. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan,Lagopus muta hyperborea,is the only year-round resident terrestrial bird in the high Arctic. Many of the physiological and morphological adaptations permitting its winter endurance in this harsh environment are well understood. However, it remains unknown how the conspicuous moult from a greyish brown summer to a white winter plumage, and any underlying changes in plumage structure and feather morphology, contribute to seasonal acclimatisation. We used standard morphometric techniques to describe the seasonal change in plumage and feather characteristics in six body regions. Then, we investigated whether winter plumage traits differed between first-winter and adult (second winter, or older) birds, because a difference in coat insulation has been suggested as an explanation for why first-winter Svalbard Ptarmigan loose more heat than adults. Plumage feather density (i.e., feathers × cm−2) and mass density (i.e., mg feathers × cm−2) were higher in winter, particularly on the head and feet where individual feathers were also heavier, longer, and downier. Seasonal changes in other regions (back, tarsi) indicated acclimatisation primarily to resist physical wear and wind. First-winter and adult birds had similar feather densities. However, mass density in first-winter birds was significantly lower than in adults in all but one body region (back) because individual feathers weighed less. This can explain previous observations of higher heat loss rates in first-winter birds. Our study suggests that plumage acclimatisation contributes to optimising the winter phenotype of Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan, both through higher insulative capacity and by improved resistance to harsh weather. The extent of these adaptations may be determined by the time or energy available for feather growth, exemplified here by inferior insulation in first-winter birds.
(De-)centralized health care delivery, surgical outcome, and psychosocial health of transgender and gender-diverse people undergoing vaginoplasty: results of a retrospective, single-center study
Authors: Koehler Andreas , Strauß Bernhard , Briken Peer , Fisch Margit , Riechardt Silke , Nieder Timo O. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Previous research on genital gender-affirming surgery lacked to build a framework that took various surrounding factors into account. E.g., transgender health care services are delivered in both centralized (by one interdisciplinary institution) and decentralized settings (by different medical institutions spread over several locations). The present study investigated the effects of different structural and clinical aspects of gender-affirming genital surgery on psychosocial outcomes.

Methods
We surveyed former transgender and gender-diverse people who completed a vaginoplasty between 2014 and 2018. 45 participants were included in the study. We calculated hierarchical linear regression analyses to assess the relationship between psychosocial outcome measures (gender congruence, mental health, quality of life) and different aspects of gender-affirming genital surgery (e.g., setting of service delivery). To address shortcomings regarding the small sample size, we applied a rigorous statistical approach (e.g., Bonferroni correction) to ensure that we only identify predictors that are actually related to the outcomes.

Results
A non-responder analysis revealed no systematic bias in the recruitment procedure. Treatment satisfaction was a significant predictor for gender congruence. Moreover, we found the setting of service delivery (centralized, decentralized) to predict psychological health and the physical health dimension of quality of life. The effect sizes of our models were moderate to high, and models explained up to 26% of the total variance with a power up to 0.83.

Conclusion
The present study is an exploratory attempt into the manifold relationships between treatment-related factors (e.g., aesthetic outcome), the setting of service delivery, and their effects on gender-affirming genital surgery.
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
Authors: Shu Xiaohong , Zhao Shizhi , Huo Wei , Tang Ying , Zou Lin , Li Zhaoxia , Li Li , Wang Xi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSensitive skin is described as an unpleasant sensory response to a stimulus that should not cause a sensation. Sensitive skin affects an increasing proportion of the population. Sixty-seven participants who tested positive to lactic acid sting test were recruited and randomized into two groups to observe the clinical efficacy and safety of a new birch juice spray for repairing sensitive skin. One group used test spray A, while the other group used spray B as a control. Both groups were sprayed six times daily for 28 days. Noninvasive testing instruments were used to measure stratum corneum hydration, sebum content, transepidermal water loss rates, skin blood perfusion and current perception threshold before and after using spray. Facial images were captured by VISIA-CR, and the image analysis program (Image‐Pro Plus) was used to analyze these to obtain the redness value of the facial skin. Moreover, lactic acid sting test scores and participants’ self-assessments were also performed at baseline, week 2 and week 4. Both sprays A and B significantly decreased the lactic acid sting test score, transepidermal water loss rates, skin blood perfusion, and redness, while increasing the stratum corneum hydration. Compared to spray B, spray A increased sensory nerve thresholds at 5 Hz and decreased the transepidermal water loss rates, skin blood perfusion, and lactic acid sting test score. Sprays containing birch juice improved cutaneous biophysical properties in participants with sensitive skin.
A theoretical perspective on action consequences in action imagery: internal prediction as an essential mechanism to detect errors
Authors: Rieger Martina , Boe Shaun G. , Ingram Tony G. J. , Bart Victoria K. E. , Dahm Stephan F. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractActing in the environment results in both intended and unintended consequences. Action consequences provide feedback about the adequacy of actions while they are in progress and when they are completed and therefore contribute to monitoring actions, facilitate error detection, and are crucial for motor learning. In action imagery, no actual action takes place, and consequently, no actual action consequences are produced. However, imagined action consequences may replace actual action consequences, serving a similar function and facilitating performance improvements akin to that occurring with actual actions. In this paper, we conceptualize action imagery as a simulation based on internal models. During that simulation, forward models predict action consequences. A comparison of predicted and intended action consequences sometimes indicates the occurrence of action errors (or deviations from optimal performance) in action imagery. We review research indicating that action errors are indeed sometimes imagined in action imagery. These results are compatible with the view that action imagery is based on motor simulation but incompatible with the view that action imagery is solely based on abstract knowledge. The outlined framework seems suitable to cover a wide range of action imagery phenomena and can explain action imagery practice effects.
Quenching for the Future—In Memoriam of Sören Segerberg
Authors: Troell Eva 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSören Segerberg passed away on July 27, 2021 at the age of 78. Born in 1943 he graduated from Materials Science and Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1968 with a degree in metallurgical science. Sören Segerberg was a leading expert in the quenching area. From 1979 on and the next 25 years, he worked in research and development at the Institute for Engineering Technology Research (IVF, today RISE) in Gothenburg, Sweden. He was one of the initiators of the development and sale of IVF’s Quenchotest/ivf SmartQuench, an equipment for quality control of cooling curve measurement. He was also a contributor in the development of ASTM D6200 and ISO 9950.During his time at RISE, many projects in the field of quenching were carried out involving cooling characteristics of quenchants, classification of quench oils and polymers as well as correlation between quenching characteristics of quenching media and hardness. In the early 90s, one focus lay on environmental adapted quenchants and methods. The work included spray-quenching with e.g. water/air-mixtures, fluidized bed and, of course, cooling in gas. The latter was an extensive part of the work, also including an equipment with an atmospheric furnace connected to a cold high-pressure gas cooling chamber.Pressures up to 40 bar helium and up to 10 bar with nitrogen could be used. The aim was to study whether gas cooling could be used as an environmental adapted replacement for oil or salt cooling. Today the use of cooling in gas has substantially increased and has proven to be a sustainable alternative to liquid quenching, especially oils.
Clinical benefit of MAO-B and COMT inhibition in Parkinson’s disease: practical considerations
Authors: Regensburger Martin , Ip Chi Wang , Kohl Zacharias , Schrader Christoph , Urban Peter P. , Kassubek Jan , Jost Wolfgang H. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractInhibitors of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) are major strategies to reduce levodopa degradation and thus to increase and prolong its effect in striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission in Parkinson’s disease patients. While selegiline/rasagiline and tolcapone/entacapone have been available on the market for more than one decade, safinamide and opicapone have been approved in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Meanwhile, comprehensive data from several post-authorization studies have described the use and specific characteristics of the individual substances in clinical practice under real-life conditions. Here, we summarize current knowledge on both medication classes, with a focus on the added clinical value in Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, we outline practical considerations in the treatment of motor fluctuations and provide an outlook on ongoing studies with MAO-B and COMT inhibitors.
Scientific document processing: challenges for modern learning methods
Authors: Ramesh Kashyap Abhinav , Yang Yajing , Kan Min-Yen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNeural network models enjoy success on language tasks related to Web documents, including news and Wikipedia articles. However, the characteristics of scientific publications pose specific challenges that have yet to be satisfactorily addressed: the discourse structure of scientific documents crucial in scholarly document processing (SDP) tasks, the interconnected nature of scientific documents, and their multimodal nature. We survey modern neural network learning methods that tackle these challenges: those that can model discourse structure and their interconnectivity and use their multimodal nature. We also highlight efforts to collect large-scale datasets and tools developed to enable effective deep learning deployment for SDP. We conclude with a discussion on upcoming trends and recommend future directions for pursuing neural natural language processing approaches for SDP.
The association between rheumatoid arthritis and reduced estimated cardiorespiratory fitness is mediated by physical symptoms and negative emotions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Houge Ingrid Sæther , Hoff Mari , Videm Vibeke 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) than healthy individuals. We sought to identify variables explaining the association between RA status and reduced CRF.

Methods
RA patients recruited from two Norwegian hospitals and blood donors recruited as controls filled in questionnaires about physical activity, physical symptoms, and psychological factors. Estimated CRF (eCRF) was calculated from non-exercise models. The relationship between RA status and reduced eCRF was explored with structural equation modelling. The latent variables physical symptoms (based on morning stiffness, joint pain, and pain in neck, back, or hips) and negative emotions (based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale’s Depression score and Cohen’s perceived stress scale) were included as possible mediators between RA status and eCRF in separate and combined models adjusted for age and sex.

Results
Two-hundred-and-twenty-seven RA patients and 300 controls participated. The patients were older and had lower eCRF than controls (age- and sex-adjusted mean difference: 1.7 mL/kg/min, p=0.002). Both latent variables were significant mediators of the association between RA and reduced eCRF when included in separate models. The latent variables mediated 74% of the total effect of RA on eCRF in the combined model. Standardized coefficients: direct effect of RA -0.024 (p=0.46), indirect effect through physical symptoms -0.034 (p=0.051), and indirect effect through negative emotions -0.034 (p=0.039).

Conclusion
Both physical symptoms and negative emotions mediated the association between RA and reduced eCRF with similar effect sizes. To successfully increase CRF in RA patients, both physical and psychological factors should be addressed.

Key Points• The RA patients in the present study had 1.7 mL/kg/min lower mean estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) compared to healthy controls.• Mediation analysis demonstrated that physical symptoms and negative emotions mediated 74% of the total negative effect of RA on estimated CRF in a combined, adjusted model.• This suggests that both physical and psychological factors should be addressed when supporting RA patients in improving their CRF.
Increasing prevalence 2015–2019 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Pateri Maria Ida , Pilotto Silvy , Borghero Giuseppe , Pili Francesca , Pierri Vincenzo , Ercoli Tommaso , Gigante Angelo Fabio , Muroni Antonella , Defazio Giovanni 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
While amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence has increased during the last decades, structured evidence on increased prevalence is lacking. After reporting a significant yearly increase of ALS incidence over a 10-year period, we checked for increased prevalence in Southern Sardinia over a quinquennium.

Methods
ALS patients (El Escorial Criteria) recruited from the study area and followed at ALS Centre, University of Cagliari, were included. Prevalence was computed for January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019 and was calculated for the overall ALS population as well as for tracheostomized and non-tracheostomized patients.

Results
We observed a non-significant trend for greater ALS prevalence in 2019 than in 2015 (18.31 per 100,000 vs. 15.26 per 100,000; rate ratio: 1.83, p = 0.01). By contrast, a significantly raising 2015 to 2019 ALS prevalence was observed in tracheostomized patients. No significant difference could be detected in non-tracheostomized.

Conclusions
We provided the highest prevalence rate to date reported in the worldwide literature, and also showed a non-significant raising ALS prevalence in the Sardinian population over a quinquennium. The trend in raising ALS prevalence was likely due to extended survival due to invasive interventions.
How to tighten the control set?
Authors: Tallos Peter 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe examine the problem of reducing the control set in a dynamical system so that the solution set and the attainable sets remain essentially unchanged. We cite some classical results to exhibit the problem and promote a set-valued approach. A necessary condition is formulated by using a concept of set-valued derivative, which can be regarded as an extension of the classical Relaxation theorem.
Clinical value of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient for prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer in the transition zone
Authors: Ono Ashita , Hashimoto Takeshi , Shishido Toshihide , Hirasawa Yosuke , Satake Naoya , Namiki Kazunori , Saito Kazuhiro , Ohno Yoshio 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
This study investigated the association between apparent diffusion coefficients in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesions and clinically significant prostate cancer in the transition zone.

Methods
We included 102 patients who underwent transperineal cognitive fusion targeted biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesions in the transition zone between 2016 and 2020. The association between apparent diffusion coefficients and prostate cancers in the transition zone was analyzed.

Results
The detection rate of prostate cancer was 49% (50/102), including clinically significant prostate cancer in 37.3% (38/102) of patients. The minimum apparent diffusion coefficients in patients with clinically significant prostate cancer were 494.5 ± 133.6 µm2/s, which was significantly lower than 653.8 ± 172.5 µm2/s in patients with benign histology or clinically insignificant prostate cancer. Age, prostate volume, transition zone volume, and mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficients were associated with clinically significant prostate cancer. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient value (odds ratio: 0.994; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer. When the cutoff value of the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient was less than 595 µm2/s, indicating the presence of prostate cancer in the transition zone, the detection rate increased to 59.2% (29/49) in this cohort.

Conclusion
The minimum apparent diffusion coefficient provided additional value to indicate the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer in the transition zone. It may help consider the need for subsequent biopsies in patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesions and an initial negative targeted biopsy.
Changing patterns and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 severe pneumonia treated with remdesivir according to vaccination status: results from a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Mengato Daniele , Mazzitelli Maria , Francavilla Andrea , Bettio Monica , Sasset Lolita , Presa Nicolò , Pivato Lisa , Lo Menzo Sara , Trevenzoli Marco , Venturini Francesca , Gregori Dario , Cattelan Anna Maria 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSince the beginning of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many drugs have been purposed for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Remdesivir emerged as an encouraging antiviral drug for patients with documented severe COVID-19-related pneumonia. Although several studies about remdesivir effectiveness exist, no study investigated the effect of the combination of remdesivir with the vaccination status. The aim of this study was to assess whether the administration of remdesivir could show some differences in terms of clinical outcomes in patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 versus those who were not. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were 30-days mortality, the need for ICU admission and for oxygen supplementation. This is a retrospective cohort study including all consecutive adult patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 at the Padua University Hospital (Italy), between September 1st, 2020, and January 31st, 2022, and who received a 5-days course of remdesivir. A total of 708 patients were included, 467 (66%) were male, and the median age was 67 (IQR: 56-79) years. To better estimate the outcomes of interest, a propensity score weighted approach was implemented for vaccination status. A total of 605/708 patients (85.4%) did not complete the vaccination schedule. In-hospital mortality rate was 5.1% (n = 36), with no statistically significant difference between the unvaccinated (n=29, 4.8%) and vaccinated (n=7, 6.8%; p=0.4) patients. After propensity score matching, mortality between the two groups remained similar. However, both the need for ICU and oxygen supplementation were significantly lower in the vaccinated group. Our finding suggests that a complete vaccination course could have an impact in reducing the need for transfer in ICU and for high-flow therapy in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients treated with remdesivir.
Social, environmental, and economic consequences of integrating renewable energies in the electricity sector: a review
Authors: Farghali Mohamed , Osman Ahmed I. , Chen Zhonghao , Abdelhaleem Amal , Ihara Ikko , Mohamed Israa M. A. , Yap Pow-Seng , Rooney David W. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe global shift from a fossil fuel-based to an electrical-based society is commonly viewed as an ecological improvement. However, the electrical power industry is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, and incorporating renewable energy can still negatively impact the environment. Despite rising research in renewable energy, the impact of renewable energy consumption on the environment is poorly known. Here, we review the integration of renewable energies into the electricity sector from social, environmental, and economic perspectives. We found that implementing solar photovoltaic, battery storage, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy can provide 504,000 jobs in 2030 and 4.18 million jobs in 2050. For desalinization, photovoltaic/wind/battery storage systems supported by a diesel generator can reduce the cost of water production by 69% and adverse environmental effects by 90%, compared to full fossil fuel systems. The potential of carbon emission reduction increases with the percentage of renewable energy sources utilized. The photovoltaic/wind/hydroelectric system is the most effective in addressing climate change, producing a 2.11–5.46% increase in power generation and a 3.74–71.61% guarantee in share ratios. Compared to single energy systems, hybrid energy systems are more reliable and better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change on the power supply.
Relationship between the change in infrapatellar fat pad thickness assessed using ultrasonography and anterior knee pain on squatting after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Shiraishi Ryo , Ueda Shinichiro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Anterior knee pain (AKP) may occur after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present study investigated the relationship between the change in infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) thickness assessed using ultrasonography (US) and AKP on squatting in patients after ACL reconstruction.

Methods
Patients were enrolled 3 months after ACL reconstruction using the bone-tendon-bone (BTB) technique. Subjects were divided into the AKP group (numerical rating scale [NRS] score ≥ 1) and control group (NRS score < 1) using a NRS of pain on squatting, and intergroup comparisons were performed. On US evaluation, measurement angles of the knee joint were 0° and 30° in the supine position. The IFP between the femoral intercondylar notch and patellar tendon was measured on short-axis images. The changes in IFP thickness were calculated from values measured at different angles of the knee joint.

Results
Twenty-one patients (mean age 24.9 ± 9.3 years) were included in the present study: 12 in the AKP group (9 males, 3 females) and nine in the control group (5 males, 4 females). A significant difference in the change in IFP thickness at 3 months was observed between the AKP and control groups (0.67 ± 0.44 mm vs. 1.84 ± 0.34 mm, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between the change in IFP thickness and the NRS score (r = − 0.720, p < 0.001) in reconstructed knees.

Conclusion
A smaller change in IFP thickness assessed using US after ACL reconstruction was identified as a factor contributing to AKP on squatting.