bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A time‐series perspective on executive functioning: The benefits of a dynamic approach to random number generation
Authors: Oomens Wouter , Maes Joseph H. R. , Hasselman Fred , Egger Jos I. M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectivesExecutive functioning (EF) is a key topic in neuropsychology. A multitude of underlying processes and constructs have been suggested to explain EF, which are measured by at least as many different neuropsychological tests. However, these tests often refer to summary statistics to quantify the construct under study, failing to capture the dynamic nature of EF. An alternative to these summary statistics is a time‐series approach that quantifies all the available temporal information.MethodsWe used recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) to quantify the characteristics of any temporal pattern in random number generation data and we compared RQA to the traditional and static analysis of random number sequences.ResultsThe traditional measures yield inconsistent results with increasing sequences length, both for computer‐generated and human‐generated sequences, whereas the RQA measures do not.ConclusionThe results suggest that a time‐series approach does a better job at modelling what is happening on different time‐scales, and, therefore, is better at explaining how EF is changing in the course of the random number generation task. We argue that it is likely that these findings also apply to other neuropsychological EF tests, and that a time‐series approach is an important addition to the study of EF.
Truly reproducible uniform estimation of the ADC with multi‐b diffusion data— Application in prostate diffusion imaging
Authors: Kuczera Stefan , Langkilde Fredrik , Maier Stephan E. 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe ADC is a well‐established parameter for clinical diagnostic applications, but lacks reproducibility because it is also influenced by the choice diffusion weighting level. A framework is evaluated that is based on multi‐b measurement over a wider range of diffusion‐weighting levels and higher order tissue diffusion modeling with retrospective, fully reproducible ADC calculation.MethodsAveraging effect from curve fitting for various model functions at 20 linearly spaced b‐values was determined by means of simulations and theoretical calculations. Simulation and patient multi‐b image data were used to compare the new approach for diffusion‐weighted image and ADC map reconstruction with and without Rician bias correction to an active clinical trial protocol probing three non‐zero b‐values.ResultsAveraging effect at a certain b‐value varies for model function and maximum b‐value used. Images and ADC maps from the novel procedure are on‐par with the clinical protocol. Higher order modeling and Rician bias correction is feasible, but comes at the cost of longer computation times.ConclusionsApplication of the new framework makes higher order modeling more feasible in a clinical setting while still providing patient images and reproducible ADC maps of adequate quality.
Accumulation agents and bird assemblages: The case of the TE9d level at Sima del Elefante (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)
Authors: Marqueta Mario , Huguet Rosa , Núñez‐Lahuerta Carmen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBird assemblages can be found in archeological sites throughout the Pleistocene. Taphonomy studies are key to understanding how such assemblages were formed. These assemblages can be generated by various agents, including human groups, animals, and natural death. In this paper, we analyzed the avifaunal assemblage from level TE9d at the Sima del Elefante site, where corvid (Corvidae) remains are the most abundant taxa, as reported in previous studies from that deposit. The remains of smaller birds (Charadriiformes, Rallidae) and large raptors (Aquila cf. heliaca/adalberti, Haliaeetus albicilla) have also been documented. Our taphonomic analysis shows that birds of prey were the main accumulators of bird remains at the site. The presence of modifications such as beak/talon marks and different degrees of digestion reinforce the idea that both diurnal and nocturnal raptors were involved. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out the accumulation by natural death of those species that could have nested in the rocky walls of the cave. The absence of evidence of anthropogenic activity on the bird remains from level TE9d therefore indicates that hominins were not involved in this accumulation. These results can be considered a new contribution to the discussion on the origin of avifaunal accumulations in Pleistocene archeological contexts.
Health‐related quality of life in children and adolescents with pleuropulmonary blastoma: A report from the International PPB/DICER1 Registry
Authors: Nelson Alexander T. , Dybvik Anna , Mallinger Paige , Weiss McQuaid Shelly , Watson Dave , Harney Laura A. , Stewart Douglas R. , Dehner Louis P. , Messinger Yoav H. , Kunin‐Batson Alicia S. , Schultz Kris Ann P. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposePleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common lung cancer of infancy and early childhood and is associated with germline DICER1 variants. Type I and Ir PPB are cystic lesions treated surgically, with a subset of children with type I receiving chemotherapy. Type II and III are more aggressive lesions, treated with surgery, intensive chemotherapy and potentially radiation. We sought to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with PPB and known germline DICER1 variants.MethodsChildren with a diagnosis of PPB or germline DICER1 pathogenic variant without history of PPB or other DICER1‐related neoplasm (DICER1+ only) were enrolled in the International PPB/DICER1 Registry. Parent reports for participants aged 2–17 years for the PedsQL v.4 and PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale v.3 were collected. Fatigue, physical, and psychosocial function scores were compared.ResultsAnalysis included 84 participants (PPB type Ir = 20, type I = 15, type II/III = 27, DICER1+ only = 22). Total fatigue scores of participants with type I and II/III PPB were lower compared to DICER1+ only, with effect size larger in type II/III (−0.82 vs. −0.40). Total psychosocial and physical functioning scores were lower in participants with type I and type II/III PPB compared to DICER1+ only, with larger effects noted in type II/III. Female sex was suggestive of worse HRQoL for both type I/Ir and type II/III cohorts.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate the importance of regular HRQoL assessment in patients with a history of PPB as well as the importance and feasibility of studying HRQoL in children with rare tumors.
Film formation of hard‐core/soft‐shell latex particles
Authors: Brito Elvis Lopes , Ballard Nicholas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMultiphase latex particles can be used to overcome some of the limitations with regards to the mechanical properties of films cast from homogeneous latexes while maintaining a reasonably low minimum film formation temperature (MFFT). In this work, we focus on the synthesis and film formation behavior of a series of hard‐core/soft‐shell latexes with varying compositions. It is shown that below a hard‐core content of around 60 wt% the MFFT is almost exclusively dependent on the glass transition temperature of the polymer that forms the soft‐shell. Above hard‐core contents of 60 wt% there is an abrupt increase of the MFFT and film formation is significantly restricted. This behavior is ascribed to the packing behavior of the hard phase. It is shown that the MFFT can be decreased by the use of blends of core‐shell particles of different size such that the packing fraction of the hard domains is improved. This is demonstrated by the counterintuitive result that a blend of two latexes with high MFFT can result in a latex with significantly reduced MFFT. The mechanical properties of the resulting films are also explored in order to determine the limits of hard‐core/soft‐shell systems with regards to their use in coatings applications.
Pediatric pulmonology 2021 year in review: Rare and diffuse lung disease
Authors: Popler Jonathan , Vece Timothy J. , Liptzin Deborah R. , Gower William A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe field of rare and diffuse pediatric lung disease is experiencing rapid progress as diagnostic and therapeutic options continue to expand. In this annual review, we discuss manuscripts published in Pediatric Pulmonology in 2021 in (1) children's interstitial and diffuse lung disease, (2) congenital airway and lung malformations, and (3) noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis including primary ciliary dyskinesia. These include case reports, descriptive cohorts, trials of therapies, animal model studies, and review articles. The results are put into the context of other literature in the field. Each furthers the field in important ways, while also highlighting the continued need for further studies.
Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insulin‐releasing activities of the amphibian host‐defense peptide ocellatin‐3N and its L‐lysine‐substituted analogs
Authors: Conlon J. Michael , Hunter Lauren , Attoub Samir , Casciaro Bruno , Mechkarska Milena , Abdel‐Wahab Yasser H. A. 
Published: November 2022

The host‐defense peptide ocellatin‐3N (GIFDVLKNLAKGVITSLAS.NH2), first isolated from the Caribbean frog Leptodactylus nesiotus, inhibited growth of clinically relevant Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria as well as a strain of the major emerging yeast pathogen Candida parapsilosis. Increasing cationicity while maintaining amphipathicity by the substitution Asp4→Lys increased potency against the microorganisms by between 4‐ and 16‐fold (MIC ≤3 μM) compared with the naturally occurring peptide. The substitution Ala18→Lys and the double substitution Asp4→Lys and Ala18→Lys had less effects on potency. The [D4K] analog also showed 2.5‐ to 4‐fold greater cytotoxic potency against non‐small‐cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, breast adenocarcinoma MDA‐MB‐231 cells, and colorectal adenocarcinoma HT‐29 cells (LC50 values in the range of 12–20 μM) compared with ocellatin‐3N but was less hemolytic to mouse erythrocytes. However, the peptide showed no selectivity for tumor‐derived cells [LC50 = 20 μM for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)]. Ocellatin‐3N and [D4K]ocellatin‐3N stimulated the release of insulin from BRIN‐BD11 clonal β‐cells at concentrations ≥1 nM, and [A18K]ocellatin‐3N, at concentrations ≥0.1 nM. No peptide stimulated the release of lactate dehydrogenase at concentrations up to 3 μM, indicating that plasma membrane integrity had been preserved. The three peptides produced an increase in intracellular [Ca2+] in BRIN‐BD11 cells when incubated at a concentration of 1 μM. In view of its high insulinotropic potency and relatively low hemolytic activity, the [A18K] ocellatin analog may represent a template for the design of agents with therapeutic potential for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Phenotypical statin‐associated immune‐mediated necrotizing myositis with histological features of inclusion body myositis
Authors: Daver Nicole , Tonini Sara 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionStatin‐associated immune‐mediated necrotizing myositis (IMNM) is a rare but distinct idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) that requires early recognition and intervention to prevent irreversible muscle damage. It is typically characterized by active statin use, elevated creatinine kinase (CK) levels, proximal muscle weakness, and at times, a positive 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) antibody. Treatment includes immediate discontinuation of the statin and may include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and/or immunosuppressive therapy. Inclusion body myositis (IBM), another distinct IIM, also presents with elevated CK levels but with insidious onset of distal upper and proximal lower extremity weakness and is typically refractory to treatment.Case DescriptionA 64‐year‐old female patient presented with proximal muscle weakness, elevated CK levels, and a positive HMGCR antibody in the setting of statin use with muscle pathology suggestive of both statin‐associated IMNM and IBM. She responded to subcutaneous methotrexate and a slow prednisone taper over several months, however, will require close monitoring for symptoms associated with either disease.ConclusionIn conclusion, we report a case of muscle weakness with muscle pathology demonstrating both statin‐associated IMNM and IBM. This case highlights the importance of understanding the clinical and pathological features of statin‐associated IMNM and IBM.
Global polio eradication; can we replicate the smallpox success story?
Authors: Javed Haseeba , Rizvi Musa Ali , Fahim Zara , Ehsan Muhammad , Javed Mubeena , Raza Muhammad Asad 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAlthough the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has been largely successful in elimination of polio from various parts of the world, sporadic local outbreaks in non‐endemic areas continue to pose a threat to global polio eradication efforts. In the two endemic countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, a staggering 176 cases of wild poliovirus 1 (WPV1) were reported in 2019. In 2020 alone, 959 cases of Circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus 2 were reported globally from 27 countries. After staying polio‐free for years, cases of WPV were detected in Malawi and Mozambique in 2022. The roots of the reported strains matched with the WPV strain from Pakistan. The emergence of WPV cases in Malawi and Mozambique underscores the fact that WPV still has the chance to spread beyond the Afghanistan‐Pakistan region and sustained efforts are required for its complete eradication. In the case of smallpox, surveillance‐containment was the key to eradication as many countries had already eradicated smallpox and the bigger concern was to track and contain any new cases emerging. Smallpox eradication followed a comprehensive plan which included elements like quality control and standardisation of vaccination protocols. Governments all over the world should prioritise immunisation drives, surveillance, and awareness campaigns to achieve the dream of a polio‐free world.
Using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles to estimate availability and group size error for aerial surveys of coastal dolphins
Authors: Brown Alexander M. , Allen Simon J. , Kelly Nat , Hodgson Amanda J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAerial surveys are frequently used to estimate the abundance of marine mammals, but their accuracy is dependent upon obtaining a measure of the availability of animals to visual detection. Existing methods for characterizing availability have limitations and do not necessarily reflect true availability. Here, we present a method of using small, vessel‐launched, multi‐rotor Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or drones) to collect video of dolphins to characterize availability and investigate error surrounding group size estimates. We collected over 20 h of aerial video of dive‐surfacing behaviour across 32 encounters with Australian humpback dolphins Sousa sahulensis off north‐western Australia. Mean surfacing and dive periods were 7.85 sec (se = 0.26) and 39.27 sec (se = 1.31) respectively. Dolphin encounters were split into 56 focal follows of consistent group composition to which example approaches to estimating availability were applied. Non‐instantaneous availability estimates, assuming a 7 sec observation window, ranged between 0.22 and 0.88, with a mean availability of 0.46 (CV = 0.34). Availability tended to increase with increasing group size. We found a downward bias in group size estimation, with true group size typically one individual more than would have been estimated by a human observer during a standard aerial survey. The variability of availability estimates between focal follows highlights the importance of sampling across a variety of group sizes, compositions and environmental conditions. Through data re‐sampling exercises, we explored the influence of sample size on availability estimates and their precision, with results providing an indication of target sample sizes to minimize bias in future research. We show that UAVs can provide an effective and relatively inexpensive method of characterizing dolphin availability with several advantages over existing approaches. The example estimates obtained for humpback dolphins are within the range of values obtained for other shallow‐water, small cetaceans, and will directly inform a government‐run program of aerial surveys in the region.
Platelet Membrane Cloaked Nanotubes to Accelerate Thrombolysis by Thrombus Clot‐Targeting and Penetration
Authors: Liu Bin , Victorelli Francesca , Yuan Yu , Shen Yi , Hong Hui , Hou Guohua , Liang Shuang , Li Zekun , Li Xin , Yin Xindi , Ren Fazheng , Li Yuan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThrombotic diseases have a high rate of mortality and disability, and pose a serious threat to global public health. Currently, most thrombolytic drugs especially protein drugs have a short blood‐circulation time, resulting in low thrombolytic efficiency. Therefore, a platelet membrane (Pm) cloaked nanotube (NT‐RGD/Pm) biomimetic delivery system with enhanced thrombolytic efficiency is designed. Nanotubes (NT) with an excellent clot‐penetration properties are used to load a protein thrombolytic drug urokinase (Uk). Platelet‐targeting arginine glycine‐aspartic peptide (RGD) is grafted onto the surface of the nanotubes (NT‐RGD) prior to cloaking. Multiple particle tracking (MPT) technique and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis are applied and the results show that the nanotubes possess a strong penetration and diffusion capacity in thrombus clots. After the Pm cloaking on NT‐RGD/Uk, it shows a thrombus microenvironmental responsive release property and the half‐life of Uk is six times longer than that of free Uk. Most importantly, NT‐RGD‐Uk/Pm exhibits a 60% thrombolytic efficiency in the FeCl3‐induced thrombosis mouse model, and it is able to significantly reduce the bleeding side effects of Uk. This Pm‐cloaked nanotube system is an effective and promising platform for the controlled and targeted delivery of drugs for the thrombus treatment.
xDEVS: A toolkit for interoperable modeling and simulation of formal discrete event systems
Authors: Risco‐Martín José L. , Mittal Saurabh , Henares Kevin , Cardenas Román , Arroba Patricia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEmploying Modeling and Simulation (M&S) extensively to analyze and develop complex systems is the norm today. The use of robust M&S formalisms and rigorous methodologies is essential to deal with complexity. Among them, the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) provides a solid framework for modeling structural, behavior and information aspects of any complex system. This gives several advantages to analyze and design complex systems: completeness, verifiability, extensibility, and maintainability. DEVS formalism has been implemented in many programming languages and executable on multiple platforms. In this paper, we describe the features of an M&S framework called xDEVS that builds upon the prevalent DEVS Application Programming Interface (API) for both modeling and simulation layers, promoting interoperability between the existing platform‐specific (C++, Java, Python) DEVS implementations. Additionally, the framework can simulate the same model using sequential, parallel, or distributed architectures. The M&S engine has been reinforced with several strategies to improve performance, as well as tools to perform model analysis and verification. Finally, xDEVS also facilitates systems engineers to apply the vision of model‐based systems engineering (MBSE), model‐driven engineering (MDE), and model‐driven systems engineering (MDSE) paradigms. We highlight the features of the proposed xDEVS framework with multiple examples and case studies illustrating the rigor and diversity of application domains it can support.
Potential health hazard of drinking water in restaurants and tea stalls
Authors: Karim Md. Rezaul , Khan Habibur Rahman Bejoy , Ahsan Amimul , Rahadujjaman Md. , Alam Shadman , Hasan Rakibul , Sharif Tabriz Tajwar , Farooq Saad 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPotable and equitable drinking water (DW) is a fundamental human right and essential for human health. This study is conducted to assess the groundwater and jar water quality of the roadside restaurants and tea stalls used for drinking by the local people around the Gazipur City area in Bangladesh. Water samples from 173 restaurants and tea stalls are collected. The physico‐chemical and biological parameters are analyzed according to the guidelines and standards. The results illustrate that the color, EC, and Mn of 41%, 80%, and 62% of the samples, respectively, exceed the WHO and Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR) standards. In addition, E. coli and total coliform exceeding the threshold standards are found in 47% and 64% of the water samples, respectively. The contamination of DW by fecal coliforms is confirmed and supported by prior studies, which indicates that the DW supplied in restaurants and tea stalls are unsafe because of the possible presence of pathogens. These may cause potential health hazards to consumers from various water‐borne diseases. Poor sanitation, unhygienic practices, and improper disposal of wastewater are responsible for the microbial contamination of DW. So, the authorities in charge of these places should take the right regulatory steps, such as regular sanitation inspections, DW quality monitoring, hand‐washing practices, and better sanitation in these places.
Veterinarians’ use of shared decision making during on‐farm interactions with dairy and beef producers
Authors: DeGroot Antonia , Coe Jason B. , Duffield Todd 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe objectives of this study were to explore the level of shared decision making (SDM) between veterinarians and dairy and beef producers during on‐farm interactions and to identify factors associated with veterinarians’ use of SDM behaviours.MethodsA cross‐sectional sample of food‐animal veterinarians and their clients were recruited in Ontario, Canada. Their on‐farm interactions were audio–video recorded. The recordings were analysed using the ‘Observing Patient Involvement in Decision Making’ (observer OPTION5) instrument to determine the level of SDM utilised during preference‐sensitive decisions. A logistic regression model was developed to assess factors associated with a preference‐sensitive decision occurring. Meanwhile, a linear regression model was developed to identify factors associated with the level of SDM used.ResultsForty‐one veterinarians participated, and 186 unique veterinarian–producer interactions were audio–video recorded and OPTION5score was calculated. SDM scores were low and comparable to other studies using the OPTION5instrument. The only factor associated with whether a preference‐sensitive decision occurred was the length of the veterinarian and producer's relationship (in years). As the length of their relationship increased, a preference‐sensitive decision was less likely to occur. The use of SDM behaviours was found to decrease as veterinarian burnout score increased. These findings demonstrate that SDM behaviours are being used by food‐animal veterinarians, yet an opportunity exists to further implement more producer‐centred SDM skills into on‐farm interactions.LimitationsSmall portions of veterinarian–producer conversation occurred outside of audio–video‐recorded interactions and were not included in the analysis.ConclusionThe results of this study aid in further understanding on‐farm interactions between veterinarians and producers and can help to further improve veterinary communication curricula.