bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Some Forecasters Really Better than Others? A Note*
Authors: HOUNYO ULRICH , LAHIRI KAJAL 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we use bootstrap approach to test the null hypothesis that all forecasters in the U.S. Surveys of Professional Forecasters (SPF) have equal ability. Our bootstrap procedure captures any potential cross‐sectional and serial correlation in the forecast errors while preserving the unbalanced nature of the panel data. Once we account for the presence of cross‐sectional and serial correlation in the forecast errors while resampling, we find convincing evidence that some individuals really are better than others—this is in sharp contrast to the findings of D'Agostino et al. (2012).
Soy isoflavones alleviate periodontal destruction in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Shengdan , Bai Huimin , Zhang Yuwei , Jiang Yixuan , Yang Zhuo , Xu Xin , Ding Yi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether soy isoflavone supplementation is effective in preventing periodontal destruction exacerbated by estrogen deficiency (ED) and its potential mechanism.BackgroundThe progression of periodontitis is affected by host factors, such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, and steroid use. Bone loss in periodontitis can be aggravated by ED.MethodsA rat model of experimental periodontitis (EP) with ED was established by silk ligature and inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis, and some EP rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). The treatment groups received an intravenous injection of 17‐β‐estradiol (E2B) or soy isoflavones (SI) by gavage. The rats were euthanized, and the maxillary jaws, gingiva, and serum were harvested. Tight junction protein and interleukin (IL)‐17 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and periodontal destruction were assessed. In addition, we determined whether grainyhead‐like 2 (GRHL2) is required for enhancing the epithelial barrier by SI in an in vitro P. gingivalis infection model.ResultsEstrogen deficiency impaired the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins in the gingiva, increased IL‐17 level, and accelerated alveolar bone resorption. SI treatment alleviated tight junction protein expression, decreased IL‐17 and ROS levels, and prevented the absorption of alveolar bone. Furthermore, GRHL2 expression was significantly induced by SI in human oral keratinocytes‐1 (HOK‐1) cells; GRHL2 knockdown impaired the expression of OCLN and ZO‐1 induced by SI treatment.ConclusionSoy isoflavones alleviates periodontitis in OVX rats, as observed by the increased expression of tight junction proteins, and reduced IL‐17 level and alveolar bone loss. The in vitro studies suggested that the enhancement of oral epithelial barrier by SI treatment was partially dependent on GRHL2.
The role of mass‐transport complexes in the initiation and evolution of submarine canyons
Authors: Wu Nan , Nugraha Harya D. , Zhong Guangfa , Steventon Michael J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe offshore area of the Otway Basin (south‐eastern Australia) is dominated by multibranched canyons where mass‐transport complexes are widely distributed. This study integrates high‐resolution multibeam and seismic data to investigate the importance of mass‐transport complexes in dictating the evolution of canyons. The study interprets three regionally distributed mass‐transport complexes that fail retrogressively and affect almost 70% of the study area. Within the mass‐transport complexes, seven canyons that initiated from the continental shelf edge and extended to the lower slope are observed. Although the canyons share common regional tectonics and oceanography, the scales, morphology and distribution are distinctly different. This is linked to the presence of failure‐related scarps that control the initiation and formation of the canyons. The retrogressive failure mechanisms of mass‐transport complexes have created a series of scarps on the continental shelf and slope. In the continental shelf, where terrestrial input is absent, the origin of the canyons is related to local failures and contour current activities, occurring near the pre‐existing larger headwall scarps (ca 120 m high, 3 km long). The occurrence of these local failures has provided the necessary sediment input for subsequent gravity‐driven, downslope sediment flows. In the continental slope, the widespread scarps can capture gravity flows initiated from the continental shelf, developing an area of flow convergence, which greatly widens and deepens the canyons. The gradual diversion and convergence through mass‐transport complex related scarps have facilitated the canyon confluence process, which has fundamentally changed the canyoning process. Thus, this study concludes that the retrogressive failure mechanism of mass‐transport complexes has a direct influence on the initiation, distribution and evolution of the canyons. The scarps associated with mass‐transport complexes have greatly facilitated the delivery of sediments and marine plastics from the shelf edge into the deep oceans, especially in areas where fluvial input is missing.
SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19)‐specific T cell and B cell responses in convalescent rheumatoid arthritis: Monozygotic twins pair case observation
Authors: Arruda Lucas C. M. , Gaballa Ahmed , Da Silva Rodrigues Rui , Makower Bartek , Uhlin Michael 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients present higher risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (COVID‐19), and proper management of the disease in this population requires a better understanding of how the immune system controls the virus. We analyzed the T cell and B cell phenotypes, and their repertoire in a pair of monozygotic twins with RA mismatched for COVID‐19 infection. Twin‐ was not infected, while Twin+ was infected and effectively controlled the infection. We found no significant changes on the αβ T cell composition, while γδ T cells and B cells presented considerable expansion of memory population in Twin+ and robust T/B cell responses to several SARS‐CoV‐2 peptides. T cell receptor β/γ‐chain and immunoglobulin heavy chain next‐generation sequencing depicted a remarkable higher diversity in Twin+ compared with Twin‐, despite no significant changes being found in variable/joining family usage. Repertoire overlap analyses showed that, although being identical twins, very few clones were shared between them, indicating that COVID‐19 may lead to deep changes on the immune cell repertoire in RA patients. Altogether, our results indicate that RA patients may develop robust and persistent COVID‐19‐specific T/B cell responses; γδ T cells and B cells may play a key role in the management of COVID‐19 in RA, and the infection may lead to a profound reshaping of immune cell receptor specificities.
More Than Infrastructure Providers – Digital Platforms' Role and Power in Retail Digitalisation in Germany
Authors: Hardaker Sina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDigital platforms, such as Amazon, represent the major beneficiaries of the Covid‐19 crisis. This study examines the role of digital platforms and their engagement in digitalisation initiatives targeting (small) brick‐and‐mortar retailers in Germany, thereby contributing to a better understanding of how digital platforms augment, substitute or reorganise physical retail spaces. This study applies a mixed‐method approach based on qualitative interviews, participant observation as well as media analysis. First, the study illustrates the controversial role of digital platforms by positioning themselves as supporting partners of the (offline) retailers, while simultaneously shifting power towards the platforms themselves. Second, digital platforms have established themselves not only as infrastructure providers but also as actors within these infrastructures, framing digital as well as physical retail spaces, inter alia due to their role as publicly legitimised retail advisers. Third, while institutions want to help retailers to survive, they simultaneously enhance retailers' dependency on digital platforms.
Viral‐specific cytotoxic T‐cell responses in HLA‐sensitized kidney transplant patients maintained on everolimus and low‐dose tacrolimus
Authors: Ge Shili , Chu Maggie , Tang Jacqueline , Kahwaji Joseph , Karasyov Artur , Lovato Darly , Vo Ashley , Choi Jua , Jordan Stanley C. , Zhang Ruan , Toyoda Mieko 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMaintenance with “everolimus + reduced dose tacrolimus” (Ev + Taclow) was reported to reduce the risk of viral infections compared to “tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil” (Tac + MMF). Here we examined viremia and viral‐specific T‐cell (viral‐Tc) responses in patients treated with Ev + Taclow versus Tac + MMF in highly‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐sensitized patients.MethodsHLA‐sensitized (HS) kidney transplant patients were monitored pre‐ and post‐transplant for viremia (cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 19 Ev + Taclow and 48 Tac + MMF patients. For CMV PCR analysis, we compared infection rates in 19 Ev + Taclow patients to 48 CMV D+/R‐ (#28) or CMV D‐/R‐ (#20) Tac + MMF patients. CMV‐specific cytotoxic T cell (CMV‐Tc) and EBV‐specific cytotoxic T cell (EBV‐Tc) were evaluated by cytokine flow cytometry, and donor‐specific antibody (DSA) levels by Luminex for selected patients in both groups.ResultsCMV and EBV viremia rates were similar in Ev + Taclow versus Tac + MMF patients, but BK virus (BKV) rates were significantly higher in Ev + Taclow patients. No patient in either group developed BK virus‐associated allograft nephropathy (BKAN) or post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). CMV‐Tc and EBV‐Tc decreased significantly after alemtuzumab induction but returned to pre‐treatment levels 1–2 months post‐transplant in most patients. de novo DSA was similar in both groups as were patient and graft survival and graft rejection.ConclusionsCMV‐Tc and EBV‐Tc were similar in Ev + Taclow and Tac + MMF patients. EBV and CMV viremia rates were similar over 1 year. BKV rates were significantly higher in Ev + Taclow patients suggesting no benefit for Ev + Taclow in enhancing viral‐Tc effector functions or limiting viral infections.
Assessment of humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS CoV‐2 vaccination (BNT162b2) in immunocompromised renal allograft recipients
Authors: Zhang Ruan , Shin Bong‐Ha , Gadsden Terry‐Ann M. , Petrosyan Anna , Vo Ashley , Ammerman Noriko , Sethi Supreet , Huang Edmund , Peng Alice , Najjar Reiad , Atienza Janet , Kim Irene , Jordan Stanley C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAssessing the composition of immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines is critical for our understanding of protective immunity, especially for immune compromised patients. The Pfizer (BNT162b2) vaccination showed >90% efficacy in protecting individuals from infection. However, these studies did not examine responses in immunocompromised kidney transplant patients (KT). Subsequent reports in KT have shown severe deficiencies in Spike‐specific immunoglobin G (IgG) responses prompting booster vaccinations, but a broader understanding of T‐cell immunity to vaccinating is lacking.MethodsWe examined SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike IgG and CD4+/CD8+ Spike‐specific T‐cell responses in 61 KT patients maintained on different immunosuppressive protocols (ISP) (Tac + mycophenolate mofetil + prednisone) versus (belatacept + MMF + prednisone) and compared to 41 healthy controls. We also examined cytomegalovirus‐cytotoxic T‐cell responses (CMV‐Tc) in both groups to assess T‐cell memory.ResultsOur data confirmed poor Spike IgG responses in vaccinated KT patients with both ISP (21% demonstrating Spike IgG 1M post‐second dose of BNT162b2 vs. 93% in controls). However, 35% of Spike IgG (‐) patients demonstrated CD4+ and/or CD8+ T‐cell responses. All but one CMV‐IgG+ patient demonstrated good CMV‐Tc responses. No differences in T‐cell immunity by ISP were seen.ConclusionImmunocompromised KT recipients showed severe defects in humoral and T‐cell immune response after vaccination. No differences in immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike peptides were observed in KT patients by ISP post‐vaccination. The detection of Spike‐specific T‐cell immunity in the absence of Spike IgG suggests that vaccination in immunocompromised KT patients may provide partial immunity, although not preventing infection, T‐cell immunity may limit its severity.
Manipulating the microbiome alters regenerative outcomes in Xenopus laevis tadpoles via lipopolysaccharide signalling
Authors: Chapman Phoebe A. , Gilbert Campbell B. , Devine Thomas J. , Hudson Daniel T. , Ward Joanna , Morgan Xochitl C. , Beck Caroline W. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractXenopus laevis tadpoles can regenerate functional tails, containing the spinal cord, notochord, muscle, fin, blood vessels and nerves, except for a brief refractory period at around 1 week of age. At this stage, amputation of the tadpole's tail may either result in scarless wound healing or the activation of a regeneration programme, which replaces the lost tissues. We recently demonstrated a link between bacterial lipopolysaccharides and successful tail regeneration in refractory stage tadpoles and proposed that this could result from lipopolysaccharides binding to Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). Here, we have used 16S rRNA sequencing to show that the tadpole skin microbiome is highly variable between sibships and that the community can be altered by raising embryos in the antibiotic gentamicin. Six Gram‐negative genera, including Delftia and Chryseobacterium, were over‐represented in tadpoles that underwent tail regeneration. Lipopolysaccharides purified from a commensal Chryseobacterium spp. XDS4, an exogenous Delftia spp. or Escherichia coli, could significantly increase the number of antibiotic‐raised tadpoles that attempted regeneration. Conversely, the quality of regeneration was impaired in native‐raised tadpoles exposed to the antagonistic lipopolysaccharide of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Editing TLR4 using CRISPR/Cas9 also reduced regeneration quality, but not quantity, at the level of the cohort. However, we found that the editing level of individual tadpoles was a poor predictor of regenerative outcome. In conclusion, our results suggest that variable regeneration in refractory stage tadpoles depends at least in part on the skin microbiome and lipopolysaccharide signalling, but that signalling via TLR4 cannot account for all of this effect.
A Backpropagation Learning Method for Dynamic Parameter Identification of Industrial Robots
Authors: Zhang Tie , Xu Jinsheng , Zou Yanbiao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Precise dynamic parameters are of great significance to the model-based controller of industrial robots. The least square (LS) method is widely used to identify the dynamic parameters in reality, but it is sensitive to the measurement noise and may obtain a biased solution. Besides, the nonlinear dynamics are the key and difficult point of identification, such as the nonlinear friction and the coupling effect of adjacent joint, but they are seldom solved simply and effectively. To cope with the above issues, we propose a backpropagation learning (BPL) method for parameter identification. The mean square error between the measured torque and the calculated torque from the dynamic model is taken as the loss function. The gradient of the loss function with respect to the parameters is computed, and the parameters are updated in the negative gradient direction to minimize the loss function until finding the optimal parameters with the minimum loss function. The optimal parameters will not only fit the modeled torque but also compensate for the torque caused by the unmodeled factors, thus improving the parameter accuracy. The proposed method is essentially a supervised learning method, so the impact of measurement noise is reduced by continuous training with a large amount of valid data. The proposed method is verified in an industrial robot platform, and the experimental results show that the proposed method has smaller errors than the weighted least squares (WLS) method and achieves similar accuracy to the semiparametric model (SPM) but has a better generalization ability.
Efficient Path Integration of Nonlinear Oscillators Subject to Combined Random and Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Tai Wei-Che 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A new path integration (PI) method is studied to improve the efficiency of computing probability density of nonlinear oscillators subject to combined harmonic and random excitation. The new PI method utilizes Fourier series to obtain a spectral presentation of the short time transition probability density (STPD) in the time domain and uses the method of linear least squares to determine the Fourier coefficients. It also utilizes a tensor product spline interpolation method to obtain an accurate representation of the STPD in the state space. The new PI method is applied to the monostable and bistable Duffing oscillators to predict the response statistics, including the time average of asymptotic mean squares and the spectral amplification factor. Specifically, the spectral amplification is used to characterize stochastic resonance of the bistable oscillator. The predictions show good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations and available data in the literature. The new PI method is also used to investigate the influence of noise intensity on stochastic P-bifurcation of the bistable oscillator. Finally, a case study shows that the new PI method reduces the computational time by 1–2 orders of magnitude in comparison with a traditional PI method.
Improving Energy Storage Properties of Magnesium Ion Battery: Regulating MnO2/Ti3C2 Crystal Structure
Authors: Zhang Ruinan , Guo Yuxiang , Liu Qing , Wang Zhizheng , Yang Xiaodong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Magnesium ion battery (MIB) has gradually become a research hotspot because of a series of advantages of environmental protection and safety. Still, magnesium ion battery lacks cathode materials with high energy density and rate capacity, which influences the electrochemical properties of magnesium ion battery. This paper selects KMnO4 as an oxidant and the divalent salt of Mn2+ as a reducing agent. The α-MnO2/Ti3C2, β-MnO2/Ti3C2, and γ-MnO2/Ti3C2 were prepared by means of hydrothermal synthesis; at the same time, the ratio of MnO2 and Ti3C2 was adjusted. The effects of the different crystal structures of MnO2 on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of MnO2/Ti3C2 composites with different proportions were studied. The results show that the MnO2 crystal structure has a significant influence on the microstructure of the electrode material. The α-MnO2 is uniformly distributed in the composite, providing more transmission paths for magnesium ions. Besides, we found that when α-MnO2 and Ti3C2 are in the proportion of 1:2, the electrochemical performance is optimal, and its capacity can reach 125 mA h g−1, which is 140% of the γ-MnO2 crystal structure.
Acute Ketone Salts–Caffeine–Taurine–Leucine Supplementation but not Ketone Salts–Taurine–Leucine, Improves Endurance Cycling Performance
Authors: Quinones Manuel D. , Lemon Peter W.R. 
Published: February 2022

Coingestion of ketone salts, caffeine and the amino acids, taurine, and leucine improves endurance exercise performance. However, there is no study comparing this coingestion to the same nutrients without caffeine. We assessed whether ketone salts–caffeine–taurine–leucine (KCT) supplementation was superior to caffeine-free ketone salts–taurine–leucine supplementation (KT), or to an isoenergetic carbohydrate placebo (CHO-PLAC). Thirteen recreationally active men (mean ± SD: 177.5 ± 6.1 cm, 75.9 ± 4.6 kg, 23 ± 3 years, 12.0 ± 5.1% body fat) completed a best effort 20-km cycling time-trial, followed 15 min later by a Wingate power cycle test, after supplementing with either KCT (approximately 7 g of beta-hydroxybutyrate, approximately 120 mg of caffeine, 2.1 g of leucine, and 2.7 g of taurine), KT (i.e., same supplement without caffeine), or isoenergetic CHO-PLAC (11 g of dextrose). Blood ketones were elevated (p < .001) after ingestion of both KCT (0.65 ± 0.12 mmol/L) and KT (0.72 ± 0.31 mmol/L) relative to CHO-PLAC (0.06 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Moreover, KCT improved (p < .003) 20-km cycling time-trial performance (37.80 ± 2.28 min), compared with CHO-PLAC (39.40 ± 3.33 min) but not versus KT (38.75 ± 2.87 min; p < .09). 20-km cycling time-trial average power output was greater with KCT (power output = 180.5 ± 28.7 W) versus both KT (170.9 ± 31.7 W; p = .049) and CHO-PLAC (164.8 ± 34.7 W; p = .001). Wingate peak power output was also greater for both KCT (1,134 ± 137 W; p = .031) and KT (1,132 ± 128 W; p = .039) versus CHO-PLAC (1,068 ± 127 W). These data suggest that the observed improved exercise performance effects of this multi-ingredient supplement containing beta-hydroxybutyrate salts, taurine, and leucine are attributed partially to the addition of caffeine.
Modeling Professional Rugby Union Peak Intensity–Duration Relationships Using a Power Law
Authors: Howe Samuel T. , Aughey Robert J. , Hopkins William G. , Stewart Andrew M. 
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Can power law models accurately predict the peak intensities of rugby competition as a function of time? Methods: Match movement data were collected from 30 elite and 30 subelite rugby union athletes across competitive seasons, using wearable Global Navigation Satellite Systems and accelerometers. Each athlete’s peak rolling mean value of each measure (mean speed, metabolic power, and PlayerLoad™) for 8 durations between 5 seconds and 10 minutes was predicted by the duration with 4 power law (log–log) models, one for forwards and backs in each half of a typical match. Results: The log of peak exercise intensity and exercise duration (5–600 s) displayed strong linear relationships (R2 = .967–.993) across all 3 measures. Rugby backs had greater predicted intensities for shorter durations than forwards, but their intensities declined at a steeper rate as duration increased. Random prediction errors for mean speed, metabolic power, and PlayerLoad were 5% to 6%, 7% to 9%, and 8% to 10% (moderate to large), respectively, for elite players. Systematic prediction errors across the range of durations were trivial to small for elite players, underestimating intensities for shorter (5–10 s) and longer (300–600 s) durations by 2% to 4% and overestimating 20- to 120-second intensities by 2% to 3%. Random and systematic errors were slightly greater for subelites compared to elites, with ranges of 4% to 12% and 2% to 5%, respectively. Conclusions: Peak intensities of professional rugby union matches can be predicted with adequate precision (trivial to small errors) for prescribing training drills of a given duration, irrespective of playing position, match half, level of competition, or measure of exercise intensity. However, practitioners should be aware of the substantial (moderate to large) prediction errors at the level of the individual player.