bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal statistical analysis of PM1 and PM2.5 concentrations and their key influencing factors at Guayaquil city, Ecuador
Authors: Rincon Gladys , Morantes Giobertti , Roa-López Heydi , Cornejo-Rodriguez Maria del Pilar , Jones Benjamin , Cremades Lázaro V. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGuayaquil, Ecuador, is in a tropical area on the equatorial Pacific Ocean coast of South America. Since 2008 the city has been increasing its population, vehicle fleet and manufacturing industries. Within the city there are various industrial and urban land uses sharing the same space. With regard to air quality there is a lack of government information on it. Therefore, the research’s aim was to investigate the spatio-temporal characteristics of PM1 and PM2.5 concentrations and their main influencing factors. For this, both PM fractions were sampled and a bivariate analysis (cross-correlation and Pearson's correlation), multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis was applied. Hourly and daily PM1 and PM2.5 were the dependent variables, and meteorological variables, occurrence of events and characteristics of land use were the independent variables. We found 48% exceedances of the PM2.5-24 h World Health Organization 2021 threshold’s, which questions the city’s air quality. The cross-correlation function and Pearson’s correlation analysis indicate that hourly and daily temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed have a complex nonlinear relationship with PM concentrations. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models for PM1-24 h showed that rain and the flat orography of cement plant sector decrease concentrations; while unusual PM emission events (traffic jams and vegetation-fires) increase them. The same models for PM2.5-24 h show that the dry season and the industrial sector (strong activity) increase the concentration of PM2.5-24 h, and the cement plant decrease them. Public policies and interventions should aim to regulate land uses while continuously monitoring emission sources, both regular and unusual.
Targeting the brain 5-HT7 receptor to prevent hypomyelination in a rodent model of perinatal white matter injuries
Authors: Bokobza Cindy , Jacquens Alice , Guenoun David , Bianco Blandine , Galland Anne , Pispisa Maxime , Cruz Alexandra , Zinni Manuela , Faivre Valérie , Roumier Anne , Lebon Sophie , Vitalis Tania , Csaba Zsolt , Le Charpentier Tifenn , Schwendimann Leslie , Young-Ten Pierrette , Degos Vincent , Monteiro Patricia , Dournaud Pascal , Gressens Pierre , Van Steenwinckel Juliette 
Published: November 2022

AbstractApproximately 15 million babies are born prematurely every year and many will face lifetime motor and/or cognitive deficits. Children born prematurely are at higher risk of developing perinatal brain lesions, especially white matter injuries (WMI). Evidence in humans and rodents demonstrates that systemic inflammation-induced neuroinflammation, including microglial and astrocyte reactivity, is the prominent processes of WMI associated with preterm birth. Thus, a new challenge in the field of perinatal brain injuries is to develop new neuroprotective strategies to target neuroinflammation to prevent WMI. Serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors play an important role in inflammation, and emerging evidence indicates that 5-HT may regulate brain inflammation by the modulation of microglial reactivity and astrocyte functions. The present study is based on a mouse model of WMI induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of IL-1β during the first 5 days of life. In this model, certain key lesions of preterm brain injuries can be summarized by (i) systemic inflammation, (ii) pro-inflammatory microglial and astrocyte activation, and (iii) inhibition of oligodendrocyte maturation, leading to hypomyelination. We demonstrate that Htr7 mRNA (coding for the HTR7/5-HT7 receptor) is significantly overexpressed in the anterior cortex of IL-1β-exposed animals, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. LP-211 is a specific high-affinity HTR7 agonist that crosses the blood–brain barrier (BBB). When co-injected with IL-1β, LP-211 treatment prevented glial reactivity, the down-regulation of myelin-associated proteins, and the apparition of anxiety-like phenotypes. Thus, HTR7 may represent an innovative therapeutic target to protect the developing brain from preterm brain injuries.
Motor and non-motor improvements following short-term multidisciplinary day-clinic care in Parkinson´s disease
Authors: Krause Patricia , Berking Sara , Astalosch Melanie , Grünheid Raymond , Kühn Andrea A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Inpatient as well as outpatient care does often not meet PD-patients’ individual needs.

Introduction
Day-clinic concepts encompassing a multidisciplinary team as well as therapy adjustments accompanying everyday demands aim at filling this gap.

Methods
This is a retrospective study on short-term effects of a 3 week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD) embedded in a specialized movement disorder day-clinic. We analyzed short-term outcome of motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS) in 143 PD-patients (mean age 65.3 ± 11.9 years; Hoehn-and-Yahr-score 2.6 ± 0.7) after 3 weeks with 7.4 ± 1.8 active days of interdisciplinary day-care treatment. Participants attended the day-clinic in groups of five patients at a time. Improvements were evaluated by comparison of standardized physical therapy assessments, disease specific scores for motor symptoms (MDS–UPDRS III), mood (BDI), quality of life (PDQ39, SF36), sleep (PDSS, ESS), impulsiveness (QUIP), apathy (SAS), cognition (MMST), as well as change in medication before and directly after the intervention.

Results
MDS–UPDRS motor score improved significantly by 22.9 ± 21.5% (p < 0.001) and was accompanied by a significant reduction of imbalance, immobility, and weakness ranging between 6% and 17% in standardized physical therapy tests. In addition, all disease-specific non-motor scales improved significantly.

Conclusions
A multidisciplinary day-clinic approach can support benefit on motor, non-motor symptoms and QoL in PD-patients. Given the increase in PD incidence and prevalence as well as the significant treatment effects shown here, more day-clinic treatment opportunities ought to be implemented to improve PD treatment adapted to everyday challenges while still reducing costs to the health care system.
Long-term outcomes after close rectal dissection and total mesorectal excision in ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Reijntjes M. A. , de Jong D. C. , Bartels S. , Wessels E. M. , Bocharewicz E. K. , Hompes R. , Buskens C. J. , d’Haens G. R. , Duijvestein M. , Bemelman W. A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
During ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC), rectal dissection can be performed via close rectal dissection (CRD) or in a total mesorectal excision plane (TME). Although CRD should protect autonomic nerve function, this technique may be more challenging than TME. The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes of patients undergoing CRD and TME.

Methods
This single-centre retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent IPAA surgery for UC between January 2002 and October 2017. Primary outcomes were chronic pouch failure (PF) among patients who underwent CRD and TME and the association between CRD and developing chronic PF. Chronic PF was defined as a pouch-related complication occurring ≥ 3 months after primary IPAA surgery requiring redo pouch surgery, pouch excision or permanent defunctioning ileostomy. Secondary outcomes were risk factors and causes for chronic PF. Pouch function and quality of life were assessed via the Pouch dysfunction score and Cleveland global quality of life score.

Results
Out of 289 patients (155 males, median age 37 years [interquartile range 26.5–45.5 years]), 128 underwent CRD. There was a shorter median postoperative follow-up for CRD patients than for TME patients (3.7 vs 10.9 years, p < 0.01). Chronic PF occurred in 6 (4.7%) CRD patients and 20 (12.4%) TME patients. The failure-free pouch survival rate 3 years after IPAA surgery was comparable among CRD and TME patients (96.1% vs. 93.5%, p = 0.5). CRD was a no predictor for developing chronic PF on univariate analyses (HR 0.7 CI-95 0.3–2.0, p = 0.54). A lower proportion of CRD patients developed chronic PF due to a septic cause (1% vs 6%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions
Although differences in chronic PF among CRD and TME patients were not observed, a trend toward TME patients developing chronic pelvic sepsis was detected. Surgeons may consider performing CRD during IPAA surgery for UC.
Understanding altered contractile properties in advanced age: insights from a systematic muscle modelling approach
Authors: Mayfield Dean L. , Cronin Neil J. , Lichtwark Glen A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAge-related alterations of skeletal muscle are numerous and present inconsistently, and the effect of their interaction on contractile performance can be nonintuitive. Hill-type muscle models predict muscle force according to well-characterised contractile phenomena. Coupled with simple, yet reasonably realistic activation dynamics, such models consist of parameters that are meaningfully linked to fundamental aspects of muscle excitation and contraction. We aimed to illustrate the utility of a muscle model for elucidating relevant mechanisms and predicting changes in output by simulating the individual and combined effects on isometric force of several known ageing-related adaptations. Simulating literature-informed reductions in free Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ sensitivity generated predictions at odds qualitatively with the characteristic slowing of contraction speed. Conversely, incorporating slower Ca2+ removal or a fractional increase in type I fibre area emulated expected changes; the former was required to simulate slowing of the twitch measured experimentally. Slower Ca2+ removal more than compensated for force loss arising from a large reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity or moderate reduction in Ca2+ release, producing realistic age-related shifts in the force-frequency relationship. Consistent with empirical data, reductions in free Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ sensitivity reduced maximum tetanic force only slightly, even when acting in concert, suggesting a modest contribution to lower specific force. Lower tendon stiffness and slower intrinsic shortening speed slowed and prolonged force development in a compliance-dependent manner without affecting force decay. This work demonstrates the advantages of muscle modelling for exploring sources of variation and identifying mechanisms underpinning the altered contractile properties of aged muscle.
Post-randomization Differences in Condomless Vaginal Sex Among Women Randomized to Intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Injections, a Copper Intrauterine Device or a Levonorgestrel Implant in the ECHO Trial
Authors: Deese Jennifer , Chen Pai Lien , Gao Xiaoming , Heffron Renee , Hobbs Marcia , Lapple Dana , Jaspan Heather , Miller Ashley , Nair Gonasagrie , Onono Maricianah , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Reddy Krishnaveni , Steiner Markus J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial found no substantial difference in HIV acquisition risk between women randomised to injectable intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) or the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. We evaluated post-randomization sexual behavior using an objective marker of condomless vaginal sex in a subset of participants. We conducted a sub-study among 458 ECHO participants at three sites (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kisumu) to evaluate the frequency of condomless vaginal sex, measured by prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection in vaginal swabs, collected at the month 6 and final visit and the concordance of self-reported condomless vaginal sex with PSA detection, by randomized arm. We compared PSA detection frequency and concordance of PSA and self-reported condomless vaginal sex, by randomized group using Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests and adjusted generalized logistic growth curve models. PSA was detected less frequently in the DMPA-IM (16%), compared to the Cu-IUD (21%) and LNG implant (24%) groups, although results were not statistically significant in the unadjusted model when accounting for pre-specified multiple-testing criteria. There were significant differences in PSA detection between the DMPA-IM and LNG-implant groups (odds ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.40, 0.94) in the adjusted model. There was moderate discordance between self-reported condomless vaginal sex and detection of PSA that was similar across randomized groups. These data suggest that women randomized to Cu-IUD and LNG implant may have had condomless sex more frequently than women randomized to DMPA-IM. The discordance between detectable PSA and self-reported sexual behaviour has important implications for design of future HIV prevention studies.
On stratified sampling for estimating coalitional values
Authors: Saavedra-Nieves A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper addresses two sampling methodologies to respectively estimate the Owen value and the Banzhaf–Owen value for TU-games with a priori unions. Both proposals are based on stratified sampling on the set of those coalitions that are compatible with the system of unions according to their cardinalities. These sampling methodologies are analysed in terms of the theoretical properties and of the establishment of bounds for the absolute error from a statistical point of view. Finally, we evaluate the performance of these tools on several real well-known examples in the literature.
Diversity, fragmentation, and connectivity across the UK amphibian and reptile data management landscape
Authors: Turner Rebecca K. , Griffiths Richard A. , Wilkinson John W. , Julian Angela M. , Toms Mike P. , Isaac Nick J. B. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLarge-scale biodiversity monitoring remains a challenge in science and policy. ‘Biodiversity Observation Networks’ provide an integrated infrastructure for monitoring biodiversity through timely discovery, access, and re-use of data, but their establishment relies on an in-depth understanding of existing monitoring effort. We performed a scoping review and network analysis to assess the scope of available data on amphibians and reptiles in the UK and catalogue the mobilisation of information across the data landscape, thereby highlighting existing gaps. The monitoring portfolio has grown rapidly in recent decades, with over three times as many data sources than there are amphibian and reptile species in the UK now available. We identified 45 active sources of ‘FAIR’ (‘Findable’, ‘Accessible’, ‘Interoperable’ and ‘Reusable’) data. The taxonomic, geographic and temporal coverage of datasets appears largely uneven and no single source is currently suitable for producing robust multispecies assessments on large scales. A dynamic and patchy exchange of data occurs between different recording projects, recording communities and digital data platforms. The National Biodiversity Network Atlas is a highly connected source but the scope of its data (re-)use is potentially limited by insufficient accompanying metadata. The emerging complexity and fragmented nature of this dynamic data landscape is likely to grow without a concerted effort to integrate existing activities. The factors driving this complexity extend beyond the UK and to other facets of biodiversity. We recommend integration and greater stakeholder collaboration behind a coordinated infrastructure for data collection, storage and analysis, capable of delivering comprehensive assessments for large-scale biodiversity monitoring.
Does Venture Capital Backing Improve Disclosure Controls and Procedures? Evidence from Management’s Post-IPO Disclosures
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Hass Lars Helge , Myers Linda A. , Tarsalewska Monika 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFirm managers make ethical decisions regarding the form and quality of disclosure. Disclosure can have long-term implications for performance, earnings manipulation, and even fraud. We investigate the impact of venture capital (VC) backing on the quality and informativeness of disclosure controls and procedures for newly public companies. We find that these controls and procedures are stronger, as evidenced by fewer material weaknesses in internal control under Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, when companies are VC-backed. Moreover, these disclosures are informative and are more likely to be followed by subsequent financial statement restatements than are disclosures made by non-VC-backed IPO companies.
Outcomes from Individual Alpha Frequency Guided Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder – A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Ezedinma Uchenna , Swierkowski Piotr , Fjaagesund Shauna 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAims and objectives: Individual alpha frequency (IAF) is a biomarker of neurophysiological functioning. The IAF-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (α-rTMS) is increasingly explored in diverse neurological conditions. However, there is limited data on the efficacy and safety of α-rTMS in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Materials and methods: The IAF, childhood autism rating scale (CARS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQLTM 4.0), and semi-structured interview data of patients that received 19 α-rTMS sessions (4 weeks) were aggregated and analysed using paired student t-test and descriptive method. Results: Data were retrieved from 28 patients (26 males, aged 3-9years (mean ± SD age: 6.1 ± 1.8years)). The post-α-rTMS data shows a significant improvement in IAF (9.4 Hz; p ≤ 0.025) towards 10 Hz. The CARS and PedsQLTM 4.0 surveys indicate that patients’ ASD symptoms and quality of life improved significantly. Specifically, reports from semi-structured interviews suggest improved sleep trouble – the most significant comorbidity. The experiences of minor side effects such as hyperactivity resolved within two hours following α-rTMS sessions. Conclusion: This study presents evidence on the efficacy and safety of α-rTMS in improving ASD symptoms, quality of life and comorbid sleep troubles in children. However, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary pending the presentation of double-blind, randomised clinical trials.
Consequences of equivalency metric design for energy transitions and climate change
Authors: Edwards Morgan R. , Trancik Jessika E. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAssessments of the climate impacts of energy technologies and other emissions sources can depend strongly on the equivalency metric used to compare short- and long-lived greenhouse gas emissions. However, the consequences of metric design choices are not fully understood, and in practice, a single metric, the global warming potential (GWP), is used almost universally. Many metrics have been proposed and evaluated in recent decades, but questions still remain about which ones perform better and why. Here, we develop new insights on how the design of equivalency metrics can impact the outcomes of climate policies. We distill the equivalency metric problem into a few key design choices that determine the metric values and shapes seen across a wide range of different proposed metrics. We examine outcomes under a hypothetical 1.5 or 2∘C policy target and discuss extensions to other policies. Across policy contexts, the choice of time parameters is particularly important. Metrics that emphasize the immediate impacts of short-lived gases such as methane can reduce rates of climate change but may require more rapid technology changes. Differences in outcomes across metrics are more pronounced when fossil fuels, with or without carbon capture and storage, play a larger role in energy transitions. By identifying a small set of consequential design decisions, these insights can help make metric choices and energy transitions more deliberate and effective at mitigating climate change.
Estimation of execution time for computing tasks
Authors: Bielecki Jan , Śmiałek Michał 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis work aims to estimate the execution time of data processing tasks (specific executions of a program or an algorithm) before their execution. The paper focuses on the estimation of the average-case execution time (ACET). This metric can be used to predict the approximate cost of computations, e.g. when resource consumption in a High-Performance Computing system has to be known in advance. The presented approach proposes to create machine learning models using historical data. The models use program metadata (properties of input data) and parameters of the run-time environment as their explanatory variables. Moreover, the set of these variables can be easily expanded with additional parameters of the specific programs. The program code itself is treated as a black box. The response variable of the model is the execution time. The models have been validated within a Large-Scale Computing system that allows for a unified treatment of programs as computation modules. We present the process of training and validation for several different computation modules and discuss the suitability of the proposed models for ACET estimation in various computing environments.
Primary teachers’ attitudes towards using new technology and stimulating higher-order thinking in students: A profile analysis
Authors: Wijnen Frances , Walma van der Molen Juliette , Voogt Joke 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving and other so-called higher-order thinking skills are regarded as crucial for students to develop. Research shows that technology can be used as a tool to stimulate students’ higher-order thinking skills. However, most teachers rarely use new technology to stimulate students to engage in higher-order thinking. To help teachers in this, we need to gain an understanding of teachers’ attitudes towards using new technology and towards stimulating higher-order thinking. In this study, we explore these teacher attitudes by identifying teacher profiles based on primary school teachers’ attitudes (N = 659) towards (a) using new technology and (b) stimulating higher-order thinking. Results of the cluster-analysis revealed three teacher profiles. In follow-up focus group interviews with 21 participants, we found that teachers recognized the identified profiles and that the results of the cluster-analysis matched teachers’ self-chosen profiles in almost all cases. These results indicate that we can suitably characterize teachers based on their attitudes towards using new technology and stimulating higher-order thinking. Identification of these profiles may help us understand why certain groups of teachers may use new technology to stimulate students’ higher-order thinking, while other teachers might not. This might provide starting points for tailored teacher professionalization for different groups of teachers.