bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host microbiome responses to the Snake Fungal Disease pathogen (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) are driven by changes in microbial richness
Authors: Romer Alexander S. , Grinath Joshua B. , Moe Kylie C. , Walker Donald M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDermatophytic pathogens are a source of disturbance to the host microbiome, but the temporal progression of these disturbances is unclear. Here, we determined how Snake Fungal Disease, caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, resulted in disturbance to the host microbiome. To assess disease effects on the microbiome, 22 Common Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) were collected and half were inoculated with O. ophidiicola. Epidermal swabs were collected weekly for use in microbiome and pathogen load characterization. For the inoculated treatment only, we found a significant effect of disease progression on microbial richness and Shannon diversity consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. When explicitly accounting for differences in assemblage richness, we found that β-diversity among snakes was significantly affected by the interaction of time and treatment group, with assemblages becoming more dissimilar across time in the inoculated, but not the control group. Also, differences between treatments in average microbiome composition became greater with time, but this interactive effect was not evident when accounting for assemblage richness. These results suggest that changes in composition of the host microbiome associated with disease largely occur due to changes in microbial richness related to disease progression.
Open quantum dynamics for plant motions
Authors: Brody Dorje C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStochastic Schrödinger equations that govern the dynamics of open quantum systems are given by the equations for signal processing. In particular, the Brownian motion that drives the wave function of the system does not represent noise, but provides purely the arrival of new information. Thus the wave function is guided by the optimal signal detection about the conditions of the environments under noisy observations. This behaviour is similar to biological systems that detect environmental cues, process this information, and adapt to them optimally by minimising uncertainties about the conditions of their environments. It is postulated that information-processing capability is a fundamental law of nature, and hence that models describing open quantum systems can equally be applied to biological systems to model their dynamics. For illustration, simple stochastic models are considered to capture heliotropic and gravitropic motions of plants. The advantage of such dynamical models is that they allow for the quantification of information processed by the plants. By considering the consequence of information erasure, it is argued that biological systems can process environmental signals relatively close to the Landauer limit of computation, and that loss of information must lie at the heart of ageing in biological systems.
A simulated comparison of behavioural observation sampling methods
Authors: Brereton James Edward , Tuke Jonathan , Fernandez Eduardo J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBehavioural research requires the use of sampling methods to document the occurrence of responses observed. Sampling/recording methods include ad libitum, continuous, pinpoint (instantaneous), and one-zero (interval) sampling. Researchers have questioned the utility of each sampling method under different contexts. Our study compared computerized simulations of both pinpoint and one-zero sampling to continuous recordings. Two separate computer simulations were generated, one for response frequency and one for response duration, with three different response frequencies (high, medium, or low) and response durations (short, medium, and long) in each simulation, respectively. Similarly, three different observation intervals (5, 50, and 500 s) were used to record responses as both pinpoint and one-zero sampling methods in the simulations. Under both simulations, pinpoint sampling outperformed one-zero sampling, with pinpoint sampling producing less statistical bias in error rates under all frequencies, durations, and observation intervals. As observation intervals increased, both mean error rates and variability in error rates increased for one-zero sampling, while only variability in error rate increased for pinpoint sampling. The results suggest that pinpoint sampling techniques are effective for measuring both frequency (event) and duration (state) behaviours, and that pinpoint sampling is a less statistically biased behavioural observation method than one-zero sampling.
A soft thumb-sized vision-based sensor with accurate all-round force perception
Authors: Sun Huanbo , Kuchenbecker Katherine J. , Martius Georg 
Published: February 2022

AbstractVision-based haptic sensors have emerged as a promising approach to robotic touch due to affordable high-resolution cameras and successful computer vision techniques; however, their physical design and the information they provide do not yet meet the requirements of real applications. We present a robust, soft, low-cost, vision-based, thumb-sized three-dimensional haptic sensor named Insight, which continually provides a directional force-distribution map over its entire conical sensing surface. Constructed around an internal monocular camera, the sensor has only a single layer of elastomer over-moulded on a stiff frame to guarantee sensitivity, robustness and soft contact. Furthermore, Insight uniquely combines photometric stereo and structured light using a collimator to detect the three-dimensional deformation of its easily replaceable flexible outer shell. The force information is inferred by a deep neural network that maps images to the spatial distribution of three-dimensional contact force (normal and shear). Insight has an overall spatial resolution of 0.4 mm, a force magnitude accuracy of around 0.03 N and a force direction accuracy of around five degrees over a range of 0.03–2 N for numerous distinct contacts with varying contact area. The presented hardware and software design concepts can be transferred to a wide variety of robot parts.
Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: From Basic Concepts to Emerging Methods
Authors: Holtackers Robert J. , Emrich Tilman , Botnar René M. , Kooi M. Eline , Wildberger Joachim E. , Kreitner K.-F. 
Published: February 2022

Background Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a widely used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to diagnose a broad range of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Since its development and validation against histology already more than two decades ago, the clinical utility of LGE and its span of applications have increased considerably.Methods In this review we will present the basic concepts of LGE imaging and its diagnostic and prognostic value, elaborate on recent developments and emerging methods, and finally discuss future prospects.Results Continuous developments in 3 D imaging methods, motion correction techniques, water/fat-separated imaging, dark-blood methods, and scar quantification improved the performance and further expanded the clinical utility of LGE imaging.Conclusion LGE imaging is the current noninvasive reference standard for the assessment of myocardial viability. Improvements in spatial resolution, scar-to-blood contrast, and water/fat-separated imaging further strengthened its position.Key Points: Citation Format
Clinical Evaluation of CAD/CAM Ceramic Endocrown Versus Prefabricated Zirconia Crown in the Restoration of Pulpotomized Primary Molars: A Two-Year Spilt-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Khattab Nagwa Mohmmad Ali , Makawi Yasmine Mohamed Farouk El , Elheeny Ahmad Abdel Hamid 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objectives The current trial aimed to compare lithium disilicate (LS2) endocrowns' clinical performance, gingival health, and parental satisfaction to those of prefabricated zirconia crowns (ZCs) over a 24-month of follow-up.
Materials and Methods This study designed as a spilt-mouth randomized controlled trial. A total of 88 pulpotomized mandibular second primary molars of 44 children were assigned into two equal groups. Forty-four molars were restored with prefabricated primary ZCs (control group) and the same number were restored with LS2 endocrown (intervention group). Clinical performance and gingival status were evaluated using a modified United States Public Health Service criterion, and plaque and gingival indices. Parental satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire.
Statistical Analysis Paired data were analyzed using McNemar's test, a statistical test used on paired nominal data, and paired t-tests. The significance level was set to 5% at 95% confidence interval.
Results Both restorations showed comparable gingival health status over the follow-ups. Marginal adaptation of the endocrowns and ZCs at the end of follow-up was 95.5 and 90.9%, respectively (p = 0.68). For marginal integrity and discoloration, both restorations showed similar results at the follow-ups. The overall parental satisfaction of both groups was statistically insignificant (p = 0.07). However, parents were more satisfied with the endocrown color over that of the ZC (p < 0.05).
Conclusion Endocrowns' clinical performance and gingival health were comparable to those of ZCs. For both restorations, parental satisfaction was nearly similar except for the color that showed an advantage in favor of the endocrowns.
Is Orthodontic Treatment a Risk Factor of Cervical Root Resorption? A Systematic Review
Authors: Khalaf Khaled , Mustafa Shahd , Maarouf Tamara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCervical root resorption is an uncommon, aggressive form of external resorption that occurs on the root surface of a permanent tooth and presents clinically as a characteristic pinkish discoloration of the tooth. The cause of cervical root resorption is poorly understood, and it has been suggested that orthodontic treatment may play a role in causing this pathological condition. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether orthodontic treatment could be considered as a risk factor of cervical root resorption in patients who had undergone fixed appliances therapy. A comprehensive electronic and manual search was conducted in four databases and six journals without any limitations on year of publication. A customized data extraction form was used to retrieve relevant information from each eligible study. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions tool (ROBINS-I). The quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study were included in the review. Risk of bias was assessed as high for both RCTs and critical for the cohort study. Conflicting results were reported by the studies included in this review. Both RCTs reported significant differences between orthodontically moved teeth and teeth that were not moved, while the cohort study reported a lack of association between fixed orthodontic treatment and cervical root resorption. Quality of evidence provided by this review was judged to be of very low quality. Orthodontic treatment may have potential in inducing cervical root resorption; however, due to the high risk of bias of the included studies and their conflicting findings, better-quality studies are needed to make definitive conclusions.
Prospective Evaluation of Push-up Performance and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Open Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Excision in the Active-Duty Military Population
Authors: Clark DesRaj , Dingle Marvin , Saxena Sameer , Dworak Theodora , Nappo Kyle , Balazs George Christian , Nanos George , Tintle Scott 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background Dorsal wrist ganglia (DWG) are a common wrist pathology that affects the military population. This study prospectively evaluates push-up performance, functional measures, and patient-reported outcomes 6 months after open DWG excision in active-duty patients.
Methods Twenty-seven active-duty patients were enrolled and 18 had complete follow-up. Included patients had DWG diagnosis, unilateral involvement, and no previous surgery. The number of push-ups performed within 2 minutes was measured preoperatively and at 6 months. Range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Pain Catastrophization Scale (PCS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Wrist Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were measured preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
Results Push-up performance did not significantly change overall. Wrist flexion, extension, and radial deviation returned to preoperative ranges. Wrist ulnar deviation significantly increased from preoperative range. Grip strength deficit between operative and unaffected extremities significantly improved to 0.7 kg at 6 months from preoperative deficit of 2.7 kg. Mean scores significantly improved for the validated outcome measures—PCS from 6.3 to 0.67, VAS pain scores from 1.37 to 0.18, DASH scores from 12.8 to 4.3, and Mayo Wrist Scores from 80.3 to 89.4. No surgical complications or recurrences were reported.
Conclusions Findings suggest that almost half of active patients may improve push-up performance after DWG excision at 6 months. Significant improvements were seen in wrist pain, ROM, grip strength, and all patient-reported outcomes, which is useful when counseling patients undergoing excision.
Developing a conversion rate optimization framework for digital retailers—case study
Authors: Zimmermann Robert , Auinger Andreas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo stay competitive against e-commerce, many retailers started to adopt a digital retail strategy, leveraging a myriad of online and offline touchpoints to increase their customer experience and, as a result, their sales. However, currently, no guidelines exist on how digital retailers can identify, evaluate, and influence sales impacting touchpoints along the customer journey. Hence, this study derives key elements of a conversion rate optimization framework, which can be used to increase sales of a digital retailer. Additionally, the derived framework is tested with the Austrian subsidiary of an international sports appeal and equipment retailer giving insights into its practical applicability. Results indicate that the developed framework can indeed be used to identify sales influencing touchpoints, which can be altered by specific marketing actions to increase sales of a digital retailer.
Theory-driven approaches and empirical advances
Authors: Giusti Giuliana , Cardinaletti Anna 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Italo-Romance varieties present at least three types of constructions that cluster together two verbs displaying double tense and double subject agreement and are taken as Pseudo-Coordinations (PseCos) or Multiple Agreement Constructions (MACs). In this paper, we follow Cardinaletti and Giusti’s (1998, 2001, 2003, 2020) hypotheses and claim that unification between the PseCos with a and the MACs with mu/mi/ma or ku in Southern Italian dialects is not viable. We adopt a diagnostic tool, which we call a protocol, that clusters the predictions of theory-driven analyses and apply it to the ‘take and’ construction, which is widespread across dialects and productive in Italian. In doing so, we discuss unobserved facts arising in the well-studied dialectal structures and make fine-grained observations about the less studied ‘take and’ PseCo in Italian.
A particle-like use of hwæþer Wisdom’s questions in Boethius
Authors: Eckardt Regine , Walkden George 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The paper investigates unembedded hwæþer questions in Old English (OE). We argue that they
represent an intermediate stage in the development of hwæþer ‘which of the two’ to modern English
whether. Syntactically, we find a range of quasi-subordinating uses of hwæþer in
questions that all have in common that the speaker expresses a pedagogical question. Pedagogical questions are
questions the speaker knows the answer to, but is urging the addressee to consider while drawing their own
conclusions. In the OE Boethius, hwæþer can convey this use-conditional pragmatic flavour for polar
questions. It thus comes close in function to other use-conditional particles.
Extravagance, productivity and the development of -ingly adverbs
Authors: Killie Kristin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The paper claims that the process of deriving -ly adverbs from present participles has become increasingly productive over the last 500 years. It is argued that many ‘-ingly adverbs’ are extravagant, in the sense of Haspelmath (1999). This claim is supported by the fact that such adverbs are very common in prose fiction, which is a genre that admits of extravagant language. It is hypothesised that the category of -ingly adverbs has evolved around a few frequent types but that extravagant -ingly uses have caused the category to expand by pushing at the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. The change is explained within an exemplar-based model of morphological change and against the backdrop of ‘adverbialisation’.
A new model of performance classification to standardize the research results in swimming
Authors: Ruiz‐Navarro Jesús J. , López‐Belmonte Óscar , Gay Ana , Cuenca‐Fernández Francisco , Arellano Raúl 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTThe level of expertise must be defined for the sample studied when reporting research in sport. Concretely in swimming, apart from the participants’ background, the competitive status is based on the level that swimmers participate. Thus, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) points are added to improve the sample level characterization. The aim of this study was two‐fold: (1) to assess whether national and regional swimmers from different countries differ in their performance level (based on FINA points), and (2) to propose a model that allows standardizing the research results in swimming. The FINA points of 5876 participants (males = 2962 and females = 2914) in 100 m butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle were retrieved from nationals (n = 21) and regionals (n = 44) swimming competitions. One‐way analysis of variance was conducted to test the difference in FINA points between swimmers of different countries. Significant disparities (100–350 FINA points; p < 0.001) were observed in national and regional competitions for male and female swimmers among the different countries analyzed. This could lead to misleading conclusions when comparing studies with national or regional swimmers from different countries. In this regard, a new model of performance classification based on national and regional worldwide competition is proposed. This might be used to standardized the swimming research results.Highlights
‐ The current classification of swimmers’ status could lead to misleading conclusion when comparing studies from different countries using national or regional swimmers.
‐ The proposed model will allow to better standardize the research results in swimming, aiding to draw more accurate conclusion when comparing results from different studies.
Five-dimensional electrostatic black holes in a background field
Authors: Tomlinson Fred 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We consider five-dimensional electrostatic solutions to Einstein–Maxwell gravity with two commuting spacelike Killing fields. Taking two distinct reductions from five dimensions to a three-dimensional base space, we write the Einstein–Maxwell equations using some axially symmetric functions on

R

3

. These equations can be viewed as arising from a harmonic map coupled to three-dimensional gravity with the isometries of the target space of this map revealing a hidden

S
L

(

2
,
R

)

symmetry of this sector of the theory. Depending on the choice of reduction this symmetry then gives rise to two different one-parameter families of transformations corresponding to either charging a black hole or immersing it in a background electric field. We use these transformations to charge a static black Saturn and a static L(n, 1) black lens spacetime and by tuning the strength of the external field, we cure the conical singularities to give new regular solutions. Notably the electrified black lens generated is the first example of a regular black lens in Einstein–Maxwell gravity with topologically trivial asymptotics.
Nonlinear harmonics coupled by parallel wave propagations in a time-dependent plasma flow
Authors: Uk Lee Min , Yun Gunsu S , Ji Jeong-Young 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In a time-dependent flow, nonlinear harmonics can be excited by coupling between linear waves and flow-induced harmonic waves. Examining the dispersion relations and selection rules for the coupling, we investigate nonlinearly coupled harmonics for waves propagating along the magnetic field line in a magnetized plasma, as well as waves in an unmagnetized plasma. The coupled harmonics in a plasma flow are described by analytic dispersion relations and selection rules. This nonlinear coupling is corroborated by the particle-in-cell simulation. The coupled-harmonics model describes a mechanism for the excitation of nonlinear harmonics from linear waves in a time-dependent flow. The spectral analysis of the dispersion relation provides a useful way to evaluate the spatiotemporal behavior of a plasma flow.
Regularization dependence of pion generalized parton distributions *
Authors: Zhang Jin-Li , Kang Guang-Zhen , Ping Jia-Lun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Pion generalized parton distributions are calculated within the framework of the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model using different regularization schemes, including the proper time regularization scheme, the three-dimensional (3D) momentum cutoff scheme, the four-dimensional momentum cutoff scheme, and the Pauli-Villars regularization scheme. Furthermore, we check the theoretical constraints of pion generalized parton distributions required by the symmetries of quantum chromodynamics in different regularization schemes. The diagrams of pion parton distribution functions are plotted, in addition, we evaluate the Mellin moments of generalized parton distributions, which are related to the electromagnetic and gravitational form factors of pion. Pion generalized parton distributions are continuous but not differential at

, when considering the effect of the contact contribution term, generalized parton distributions become not continuous at

in all the four regularization schemes. Generalized parton distributions in impact parameter space are considered, the width distribution of u quark in the pion and the mean-squared

are calculated. The light-front transverse-spin distributions are studied when quark polarized in the light-front-transverse

direction, the transverse-spin density is no longer symmetric around

, the peaks shift to

, we compare the average transverse shift

and

in different regularization schemes. The light-cone energy radius

and the light-cone charge radius

are also evaluated, we found that in the proper time regularization scheme the values of these quantities were the largest, in the 3D momentum cutoff scheme they were the smallest.