bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solubilization of struvite and biorecovery of cerium by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Kang Xia , Csetenyi Laszlo , Gao Xiang , Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: January 2022

Cerium has many modern applications such as in renewable energies and the biosynthesis of nanomaterials. In this research, natural struvite was solubilized by Aspergillus niger and the biomass-free struvite leachate was investigated for its ability to recover cerium. It was shown that struvite was completed solubilized following 2 weeks of fungal growth, which released inorganic phosphate (Pi) from the mineral by the production of oxalic acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that crystals with distinctive morphologies were formed in the natural struvite leachate after mixing with Ce3+. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of cerium phosphate hydrate [Ce(PO4)·H2O] at lower Ce concentrations and a mixture of phosphate and cerium oxalate decahydrate [Ce2(C2O4)3·10H2O] at higher Ce concentrations. The formation of these biogenic Ce minerals leads to the removal of > 99% Ce from solution. Thermal decomposition experiments showed that the biogenic Ce phosphates could be transformed into a mixture of CePO4 and CeO2 (cerianite) after heat treatment at 1000 °C. These results provide a new perspective of the fungal biotransformation of soluble REE species using struvite leachate, and also indicate the potential of using the recovered REE as biomaterial precursors with possible applications in the biosynthesis of novel nanomaterials, elemental recycling and biorecovery.

Key points

• Cerium was recovered using a struvite leachate produced by A. niger.

• Oxalic acid played a major role in struvite solubilization and Ce phosphate biorecovery.

• Resulting nanoscale mineral products could serve as a precursor for Ce oxide synthesis.
Does childhood trauma predict schizotypal traits? A path modelling approach in a cohort of help-seeking subjects
Authors: Dizinger Julian Max Bernhard , Doll Carolin Martha , Rosen Marlene , Gruen Michael , Daum Lukas , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Betz Linda , Kambeitz Joseph , Vogeley Kai , Haidl Theresa Katharina
Published: January 2022

Schizotypy constitutes a susceptibility to beneficial and deleterious schizotypal traits, ranging from coping mechanisms to schizotypal personality disorder on a psychosis continuum. Growing evidence indicates a relationship between childhood adversity and trauma and schizotypy. However, the exact influence of childhood adversity and trauma on schizotypy and its relation to sex is not sufficiently understood. Therefore, we investigated sex-adjusted connections between childhood adversity and trauma subdomains (emotional/physical/sexual abuse, emotional/physical neglect) and positive (magical ideation, perceptual aberration) as well as negative schizotypy (physical/social anhedonia). In total, 240 outpatients of the Early Detection and Intervention Centre of the University Hospital Cologne were assessed with the Trauma and Distress Scale for childhood adversity and trauma and the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales for schizotypy. Path analyses were performed to investigate sex-adjusted correlations. The well-fitting path model of the total sample linked emotional abuse to magical ideation (p = 0.03; SE = 0.20) and emotional neglect to social anhedonia (p = 0.01; SE = 0.26). In females, physical abuse predicted magical ideation (p = 0.01; SE = 0.33), while emotional neglect forecasted physical anhedonia (p = 0.03; SE = 0.34) and social anhedonia (p = 0.03; SE = 0.32). In males, sexual abuse predicted perceptive aberration (p = 0.04; SE = 0.19) and emotional abuse forecasted magical ideation (p = 0.03; SE = 0.27). Overall, the significance of sex-specific interrelations between trauma and schizotypy were highlighted. Magical ideation and perceptive aberration occurred prominently in the absence of negative and disorganized schizotypy, thus positive schizotypy could be discussed as a beneficial expression of coping with emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Furthermore, emotional neglect should be addressed particularly to prevent deleterious negative schizotypy in females.

Trial registration number (20-1243), date of registration (May 19th 2020), retrospectively registered.
Long-term real-world effectiveness and safety of fingolimod over 5 years in Germany
Authors: Ziemssen Tjalf , Lang Michael , Schmidt Stephan , Albrecht Holger , Klotz Luisa , Haas Judith , Lassek Christoph , Lang Stefan , Winkelmann Veronika E. , Ettle Benjamin , Schulze-Topphoff Ulf ,   the PANGAEA study group
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the 5-year real-world benefit–risk profile of fingolimod in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) in Germany.

Methods

Post-Authorization Non-interventional German sAfety study of GilEnyA (PANGAEA) is a non-interventional real-world study to prospectively assess the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in routine clinical practice in Germany. The follow-up period comprised 5 years. Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with RRMS and had been prescribed fingolimod as part of clinical routine. There were no exclusion criteria except the contraindications for fingolimod as defined in the European label. The effectiveness and safety analysis set comprised 4032 and 4067 RRMS patients, respectively.

Results

At the time of the 5-year follow-up of PANGAEA, 66.57% of patients still continued fingolimod therapy. Annualized relapse rates decreased from baseline 1.5 ± 1.15 to 0.42 ± 0.734 at year 1 and 0.21 ± 0.483 at year 5, and the disability status remained stable, as demonstrated by the Expanded Disability Status Scale mean change from baseline (0.1 ± 2.51), the decrease of the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score from 5.1 ± 2.59 at baseline to 3.9 ± 2.31 at the 60-months follow-up, and the percentage of patients with ‘no change’ in the Clinical Global Impression scale at the 60-months follow-up (78.11%). Adverse events (AE) occurring in 75.04% of patients were in line with the known safety profile of fingolimod and were mostly non-serious AE (33.62%) and non-serious adverse drug reactions (50.59%; serious AE 4.98%; serious ADR 10.82%).

Conclusions

PANGAEA demonstrated the sustained beneficial effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in the long-term real-world treatment of patients with RRMS.
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in retinitis pigmentosa and macular dystrophy patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Deutsch Sebastian , Lommatzsch Albrecht , Weinitz Silke , Farmand Ghazaleh , Kellner Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate macular vascular abnormalities in patients with macular dystrophies (MD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) through application of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with MD and RP were examined by OCT-A and compared to healthy individuals. OCT-A images were analyzed regarding the diameter and surface area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) as well as flow (FL) in different retinal layers (superficial vascular complex (SVC), intermediate capillary complex (ICP), deep capillary complex (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC), and choroid (CD)).

Results

Twenty-one patients with MD, 21 patients with RP without macular edema (RPnE), 8 patients with RP with edema (RPwE), and 41 healthy individuals were enrolled. The group of MD and RPnE patients showed none or only minor changes in FAZ. In RPwE patients, the FAZ was significantly smaller in vertical and horizontal measurements and surface area in SVC, whereas it was markedly enlarged in ICP. FL was significantly reduced compared to healthy individuals by an average of 13.2% in CD, 14.2% in CC, and 8.4% in DCP in all patient groups. In ICP, the reduction was 9.2% for RPnE and 12.7% for RPwE patients. The SVC showed reduced FL in the MD (8.1%) and RPnE (10.3%) group.

Conclusions

OCT-A is a valuable tool to examine retinal vascular abnormalities in patients with MD and RP. OCT-A revealed a reduced flow in various retinal layers in MD, RPnE, and RPwE. Alterations of the FAZ were less distinct in these groups which add to the variation reported previously.
Support needs of Dutch young adult childhood cancer survivors
Authors: van Erp L. M. E. , Maurice-Stam H. , Kremer L. C. M. , Tissing W. J. E. , van der Pal H. J. H. , Beek L. , de Vries A. C. H. , van den Heuvel-Eibrink M. M. , Versluys B. A. B. , van der Heiden-van der Loo M. , van Gorp M. , Huizinga G. A. , Grootenhuis M. A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Studies about support needs of young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) previously focused mainly on information needs. This study assessed support needs and associated factors (sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial functioning) in Dutch YACCS.

Methods

YACCS (aged 18–30, diagnosed ≤ 18 years, time since diagnosis ≥ 5 years) cross-sectionally filled out a questionnaire regarding their need for various types of support (concrete information, personal counseling, and peer contact) in eight domains (physical consequences of childhood cancer, social-emotional consequences, relationships and sexuality, fertility, lifestyle, school and work, future perspective, insurance and mortgage), and questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life (PedsQL-YA), anxiety and depression (HADS), and fatigue (CIS-20R). Descriptive statistics were used to describe support needs. Linear regression was used to identify characteristics associated with support needs.

Results

One hundred fifty-one YACCS participated (response = 40%). Most YACCS reported a need for support in one or more domains (88.0%, N = 133). More than half of the participants reported a need for concrete information in the domains lifestyle, fertility, and physical consequences of childhood cancer and 25–50% in the domains insurance and mortgages, future perspective, and social-emotional consequences of childhood cancer. In the domains lifestyle and physical as well as emotional consequences of childhood cancer, 25–50% reported a need for counseling. Overall need for support was positively associated with middle (β = 0.26, p = 0.024) and high (β = 0.35, p = 0.014) compared to low educational attainment and (sub)clinical anxiety (β = 0.22, p = 0.017), and negatively associated with social functioning (β =  − 0.37, p = 0.002) in multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

YACCS report the strongest need for support, for concrete information, in the domains lifestyle, fertility, and physical consequences of childhood cancer. Associated factors were mostly socioeconomic and psychosocial in nature. Psychosocial care should be an integral part of survivorship care for YACCS, with screening for psychosocial problems, information provision including associated emotional consequences and support if necessary (psycho-education) and tailored interventions, and adequate referrals to more specialized care if necessary.
Spatial variability and environmental drivers of cassava—arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) associations across Southern Nigeria
Authors: Thanni Bolaji , Merckx Roel , De Bauw Pieterjan , Boeraeve Margaux , Peeters Gerrit , Hauser Stefan , Honnay Olivier
Published: January 2022

Cassava, forming starch-rich, tuberous roots, is an important staple crop in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Its relatively good tolerance to drought and nutrient-poor soils may be partly attributed to the crop’s association with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF). Yet insights into AMF-community composition and richness of cassava, and knowledge of its environmental drivers are still limited. Here, we sampled 60 cassava fields across three major cassava-growing agro-ecological zones in Nigeria and used a DNA meta-barcoding approach to quantify large-scale spatial variation and evaluate the effects of soil characteristics and common agricultural practices on AMF community composition, richness and Shannon diversity. We identified 515 AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs), dominated byGlomus, with large variation across agro-ecological zones, and with soil pH explaining most of the variation in AMF community composition. High levels of soil available phosphorus reduced OTU richness without affecting Shannon diversity. Long fallow periods (> 5 years) reduced AMF richness compared with short fallows, whereas both zero tillage and tractor tillage reduced AMF diversity compared with hoe tillage. This study reveals that the symbiotic relationship between cassava and AMF is strongly influenced by soil characteristics and agricultural management and that it is possible to adjust cassava cultivation practices to modify AMF diversity and community structure.

Graphical abstract
Periodontitis, age-related diseases and diabetes in an endocrinological outpatient setting (PARADIES): a cross-sectional analysis on predictive factors for periodontitis in a German outpatient facility
Authors: Kabisch Stefan , Hedemann Oda Sophia , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for periodontitis. Data on risk-modifying factors for periodontitis in diabetes patients are limited.

Aims

We tested whether sex, age, type of diabetes, metabolic state, comorbidities, complications, measures of well-being and quality of life are predicting periodontitis in a German diabetes outpatient cohort.

Methods

In total, 1180 out of 1293 participating DM patients completed questionnaires on quality of life, dental hygiene and health. All patients also filled out a modified version of the periodontitis risk questionnaire by the American Association for Periodontology, from which the status of “assumed periodontitis” was deducted. In a subset of participants (n = 461), we measured or inquired the most recent Community Parodontal Index (CPI), providing an objective measure for clinically diagnosed periodontitis. For all subjects, DM history and phenotype, major metabolic parameters (HbA1c, BMI, LDL and total cholesterol levels), general health risk factors, comorbidities and medication were collected.

Results

Clinically diagnosed (CPI > 2) and assumed periodontitis was detected in 60–67% of our patients. Male sex and oral health-related quality of life were associated with clinically diagnosed periodontitis. Male sex, age, smoking, dental hygiene, dental control and diabetes-related quality of life independently predicted assumed periodontitis.

Conclusion

In DM patients, quality of life and lifestyle factors which systemically alter microvascular and immunological functions seem to predict periodontitis. Further studies are needed for replication and for pathomechanistic clarification.
Precautionary behaviours of individuals with multimorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Delerue Matos Alice , Fonseca de Paiva Andreia , Cunha Cláudia , Voss Gina
Published: January 2022

Studies show that older individuals with multimorbidity are more susceptible to develop a more severe case of COVID-19 when infected by the virus. These individuals are more likely to be admitted to Intensive Care Units and to die from COVID-19-related conditions than younger individuals or those without multimorbidity. This research aimed to assess whether there are differences in terms of precautionary behaviours between individuals aged 50 + with multimorbidity and their counterparts without multimorbidity residing in 25 European countries plus Israel. We used data from the SHARE-COVID19 questionnaire on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics, multimorbidity, and precautionary behaviours of individuals. SHARE wave 8 and 7 databases were also used to fully identify individuals with multimorbidity. Our results showed that individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to exhibit precautionary behaviours than their counterparts without multimorbidity when gender, age, education, financial distress and countries were included as controls. Additionally, we found that women, more educated individuals and those experiencing more financial distress adopt more protective behaviours than their counterparts. Our results also indicate that the prevalence of precautionary behaviours is higher in Spain and Italy and lower in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. To guarantee the adoption of preventive actions against COVID-19, public health messaging and actions must continue to be disseminated among middle and older aged persons with multimorbidity, and more awareness campaigns should be targeted at men and less educated individuals but also at persons experiencing less financial distress, particularly in countries where people engaged in fewer precautionary behaviours.
Higher strong order methods for linear Itô SDEs on matrix Lie groups
Authors: Muniz Michelle , Ehrhardt Matthias , Günther Michael , Winkler Renate
Published: January 2022

In this paper we present a general procedure for designing higher strong order methods for linear Itô stochastic differential equations on matrix Lie groups and illustrate this strategy with two novel schemes that have a strong convergence order of 1.5. Based on the Runge–Kutta–Munthe–Kaas (RKMK) method for ordinary differential equations on Lie groups, we present a stochastic version of this scheme and derive a condition such that the stochastic RKMK has the same strong convergence order as the underlying stochastic Runge–Kutta method. Further, we show how our higher order schemes can be applied in a mechanical engineering as well as in a financial mathematics setting.
Productivity and Management of Renewable Resources: Why More Efficient Fishing Fleets Should Fish Less
Authors: Nævdal Eric
Published: January 2022

This article analyses the effect of productivity improvements on optimal fisheries management. It is shown that when harvest costs are independent of resource stock and the stock is below its steady state level, then for any given stock it is optimal to reduce harvest levels in response to a productivity increase unless optimal harvest rate is already zero. If harvest costs are stock dependent this result is modified; for stock dependent harvest costs there exists an interval of stock sizes below the steady state where it is optimal to reduce the harvest rate for any given stock size whereas if the harvest rate is close to an economically optimal steady state it is optimal to increase the harvest rate.
The cauldron has cooled down: a systematic literature review on home advantage in football during the COVID-19 pandemic from a socio-economic and psychological perspective
Authors: Leitner Michael Christian , Daumann Frank , Follert Florian , Richlan Fabio
Published: January 2022

The phenomenon of home advantage (home bias) is well-analyzed in the scientific literature. But only the COVID-19 pandemic enabled studies on this phenomenon—for the first time in history—on a global scale. Thus, several studies to date examined the effects of empty stadiums by comparing regular matches (with supporters) before the COVID-19 restrictions with so-called ghost games (games without supporters) during the pandemic. To synthesize the existing knowledge and offer an overview regarding the effects of ghost games on home advantage we provide a systematic literature review on this topic. Our findings—based on 26 primary studies—indicate that ghost games have a considerable impact on the phenomenon of home advantage. Deeper analysis further indicates that this effect is based on a reduced “referee bias” and a lack of “emotional support from the ranks”. From a psychological perspective, we argue that our conclusions are highly relevant by emphasizing decision making under pressure and crowd-induced motivation in sports. From a socio-economic perspective, we argue that our findings legitimize a discussion regarding compensation of fans after sporting success as plausible and worth considering. Thus, our results are significant for scientists, sports and team managers, media executives, fan representatives and other persons responsible in the football industry.
Qualitative analysis of 7- and 8-hydroxyzolpidem and discovery of novel zolpidem metabolites in postmortem urine using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yamaguchi Koji , Miyaguchi Hajime , Ohno Youkichi , Kanawaku Yoshimasa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Zolpidem (ZOL) is a hypnotic sometimes used in drug-facilitated crimes. Understanding ZOL metabolism is important for proving ZOL intake. In this study, we synthesized standards of hydroxyzolpidems with a hydroxy group attached to the pyridine ring and analyzed them to prove their presence in postmortem urine. We also searched for novel ZOL metabolites in the urine sample using liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQMS) and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QqTOFMS).

Methods

7- and 8-Hydroxyzolpidem (7OHZ and 8OHZ, respectively) were synthesized and analyzed using LC-QqQMS. Retention times were compared between the synthetic standards and extracts of postmortem urine. To search for novel ZOL metabolites, first, the urine extract was analyzed with data-dependent acquisition, and the peaks showing the characteristic fragmentation pattern of ZOL were selected. Second, product ion spectra of these peaks at various collision energies were acquired and fragments that could be used for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) were chosen. Finally, MRM parameters were optimized using the urine extract. These peaks were also analyzed using LC-QqTOFMS.

Results

The presence of 7OHZ and 8OHZ in urine was confirmed. The highest peak among hydroxyzolpidems was assigned to 7OHZ. The novel metabolites found were zolpidem dihydrodiol and its glucuronides, cysteine adducts of ZOL and dihydro(hydroxy)zolpidem, and glucuronides of hydroxyzolpidems.

Conclusions

The presence of novel metabolites revealed new metabolic pathways, which involve formation of an epoxide on the pyridine ring as an intermediate.
Unterschiede im Stresserleben von Studierenden und Zusammenhänge mit der Gesundheit. Ergebnisse einer Pfadanalyse
Authors: Sendatzki Saskia , Rathmann Katharina
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Studierende in Deutschland berichten aktuellen Studien zufolge häufig von Stress [12, 16, 38]. Erkenntnisse zu Zusammenhängen zwischen dem sozialen Hintergrund und dem Stresserleben [12, 16, 20, 27, 31, 38] sowie dem Stresserleben und der Gesundheit [8, 13, 18, 28] bei Studierenden liegen nur
vereinzelt vor.

Ziel der Arbeit

Der Beitrag untersucht die Rolle sozialer Hintergrundmerkmale und des Stresserlebens für Indikatoren der selbstberichteten Gesundheit und des Gesundheitsverhaltens bei Studierenden. Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, inwieweit das Stresserleben die Beziehung zwischen sozialen Hintergrundmerkmalen und den Indikatoren der Gesundheit vermittelt.

Material und Methoden

Insgesamt nahmen N = 1024 Studierende an einer Online-Erhebung an der Technischen Universität Dortmund im Jahr 2018 teil. Im Rahmen von uni-, bi- und multivariaten Analysen wurden Angaben von n = 850 Studierenden berücksichtigt.

Ergebnisse

Etwa die Hälfte der Studierenden berichtet von einem hohen Stresserleben, welches zwischen Studierenden mit geringer sozialer Unterstützung (Odds Ratio [OR] = 4,51), niedrigem subjektiven Sozialstatus (OR = 2,35), nicht ausreichenden Finanzen (OR = 2,04), beidseitigem Migrationshintergrund (OR = 1,84) und chronischen Erkrankungen (OR = 1,64) sowie Befragten der Referenzgruppen sozial ungleich verteilt ist. Studierende mit einem hohen Stresserleben weisen ein erhöhtes Odds Ratio für eine geringe Lebenszufriedenheit (OR = 8,47), häufige psychosomatische Beschwerden (OR = 6,91) sowie für eine schlechte selbstberichtete Gesundheit (OR = 3,21) und ein ungesundes Ernährungsverhalten (OR = 1,56) auf. Die Ergebnisse weisen zudem auf soziale Unterschiede im Gesundheitszustand und teilweise auch im Gesundheitsverhalten Studierender hin, welche geringfügig oder gar nicht durch das Stresserleben vermittelt werden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Der Beitrag zeigt, dass der soziale Hintergrund und das Stresserleben eine wichtige Rolle für den Gesundheitszustand Studierender spielen. Der soziale Hintergrund sowie das Stresserleben weisen eine jeweils eigenständige
Bedeutung für die Gesundheit auf. Im Rahmen eines studentischen Gesundheitsmanagements sollten künftig zielgruppenspezifische Maßnahmen zur Stärkung des gesundheitsförderlichen Umgangs mit Stress umgesetzt werden.
Contemporary clinical management of acute pulmonary embolism: the COPE study
Authors: Becattini Cecilia , Agnelli Giancarlo , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Dentali Francesco , Fabbri Andrea , Enea Iolanda , Pomero Fulvio , Ruggieri Maria Pia , Di Lenarda Andrea , Gulizia Michele
Published: January 2022

Background

New management, risk stratification and treatment strategies have become available over the last years for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), potentially leading to changes in clinical practice and improvement of patients’ outcome.

Methods

The COntemporary management of Pulmonary Embolism (COPE) is a prospective, non-interventional, multicentre study in patients with acute PE evaluated at internal medicine, cardiology and emergency departments in Italy. The aim of the COPE study is to assess contemporary management strategies in patients with acute, symptomatic, objectively confirmed PE concerning diagnosis, risk stratification, hospitalization and treatment and to assess rates and predictors of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. The composite of death (either overall or PE-related) or clinical deterioration at 30 days from the diagnosis of PE, major bleeding occurring in hospital and up to 30 days from the diagnosis of PE and adherence to guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) are secondary study outcomes. Participation in controlled trials on the management of acute PE is the only exclusion criteria. Expecting a 10–15%, 3% and 0.5% incidence of death for patients with high, intermediate or low-risk PE, respectively, it is estimated that 400 patients with high, 2100 patients with intermediate and 2500 with low-risk PE should be included in the study. This will allow to have about 100 deaths in study patients and will empower assessment of independent predictors of death.

Conclusions

COPE will provide contemporary data on in-hospital and 30-day mortality of patients with documented PE as well as information on guidelines adherence and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Trail registration

NCT number: NCT03631810.
DuFeNet: Improve the Accuracy and Increase Shape Bias of Neural Network Models
Authors: Ye Zecong , Gao Zhiqiang , Cui Xiaolong , Wang Yaojie , Shan Nanliang
Published: January 2022

In image classification field, existing work tends to modify the network structure to obtain higher accuracy or faster speed. However, some studies have found that the neural network usually has texture bias effect, which means that the neural network is more sensitive to the texture information than the shape information. Based on such phenomenon, we propose a new way to improve network performance by making full use of gradient information. The dual features network (DuFeNet) is proposed in this paper. In DuFeNet, one sub-network is used to learn the information of gradient features, and the other is a traditional neural network with texture bias. The structure of DuFeNet is easy to implement in the original neural network structure. The experimental results clearly show that DuFeNet can achieve better accuracy in image classification and detection. It can increase the shape bias of the network adapted to human visual perception. Besides, DuFeNet can be used without modifying the structure of the original network at lower additional parameters cost.
Duration of antibody responses following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection
Authors: Jiang Yao , Wei Xiuqi , Wang Hui , Li Guiling
Published: January 2022

Background

Little is known on the duration of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in patients following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Aims

We aimed to determine the duration of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection and to evaluate the risk factors for a short duration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

Methods

We measured antibody responses in 94 patients who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for a short duration (< 6 months) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

Results

IgG antibodies were detectable in all patients until 4 months; 19 (21.8%) convalescent patients reverted to IgG negative 4–6 months after symptom onset. IgM antibodies decreased significantly to 5.7% at 4–6 months after symptom onset. Patient characteristics were not associated with a short duration of detectable IgG.

Conclusions

A substantial fraction of convalescents may exhibit a transient IgG response following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings suggest that patients who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection should also be vaccinated if their anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies are undetectable.
Effects of an incremental theory of the personality intervention on psychophysiological responses to social stress during the transition to college
Authors: Calvete Esther , Orue Izaskun , Prieto-Fidalgo Angel , Gómez-Odriozola Joana , Mueller Sven C. , Royuela-Colomer Estibaliz , Morea Aida , Ruiz-Alonso Eneko , Larrucea-Iruretagoyena Maite , Little Todd D. , Fernández-González Liria
Published: January 2022

This randomized controlled trial (NCT04786496) examined the effects of a preventive intervention based on Incremental Theory of the Personality (ITP) on psychophysiological responses to social stress and evaluated whether levels of depression moderate the intervention effects. The participants, 107 first-year university students, were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: ITP intervention, ITP + a self-affirmation intervention (SA), and a control condition (CC). Indicators of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and subjective mood were assessed with the Trier Social Stress Task. Participants in the ITP condition displayed a lower decline in respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA) compared to those in the CC during the first phases of the task [Slopes: -0.08 (0.09) vs -0.21 (0.09), z = 2.86, p = .004] and a higher decrease in cortisol at recovery [β = -0.18 (0.08), z = -2.37, p = .018]. Depressive symptoms moderated the effect of ITP [β = -0.10 (0.05), z = -2.15, p =.032] and ITP+SA [β = -0.09 (0.04), z = -2.06, p =.039] in the decline during stress and recovery in RSA. In participants with low/medium levels of depressive symptoms, both interventions predicted a lower decline during stress [Slopes: -0.06 (0.09) for ITP, -0.17 (.09) for ITP+SA, and -0.26 (0.09) for CC] and higher recovery in RSA [Slopes: 0.18 (0.01) for ITP, 0.24 (0.01) for ITP+SA, and 0.30 (0.01) for CC]. The findings suggest that the ITP intervention has the potential to be an effective preventive intervention to reduce the stress response.
Prediction of future failures in the log-logistic distribution based on hybrid censored data
Authors: Abou Ghaida Wassim R. , Baklizi Ayman
Published: January 2022

We consider the prediction of future observations from the log-logistic distribution. The data is assumed hybrid right censored with possible left censoring. Different point predictors were derived. Specifically, we obtained the best unbiased, the conditional median, and the maximum likelihood predictors. Prediction intervals were derived using suitable pivotal quantities and intervals based on the highest density. We conducted a simulation study to compare the point and interval predictors. It is found that the point predictor BUP and the prediction interval HDI have the best overall performance. An illustrative example based on real data is given.
Understanding the Cost-Effectiveness of Hearing Aids and Surgery for the Treatment of Otosclerosis
Authors: Gillard Danielle M. , Sharon Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

To summarize and critically review recent literature on the relative cost-effectiveness of hearing augmentation versus stapes surgery for the treatment of otosclerosis.

Recent Findings

Otosclerosis leads to reduced patient quality of life, which can be ameliorated by either stapes surgery, or hearing aid usage. The success of stapes surgery is high, and the risks of serious postoperative complications are low. Hearing aids don’t have the complications of surgery but are associated with long-term costs. Cost-effectiveness models have shown that stapes surgery is a cost-effective method for treating otosclerosis.

Both stapes surgery and hearing aids can improve patient-reported quality of life in otosclerosis. Stapes surgery has larger upfront costs and surgical risks, but hearing aids are associated with longer lifetime costs. Stapes surgery is cost-effective for the treatment of otosclerosis.
Factors associated with urinary and double incontinence in a geriatric post-hip fracture assessment in older women
Authors: Hellman-Bronstein Aino Tuulikki , Luukkaala Tiina Hannele , Ala-Nissilä Seija Sinikka , Kujala Minna Anneli , Nuotio Maria Susanna
Published: January 2022

Background

Incontinence and hip fractures are common in older people, especially women, and associated with multiple adverse effects. Incontinence is a risk factor for falls.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of urinary (UI) and double incontinence (DI, concurrent UI and faecal incontinence), and to identify factors associated with UI and DI 6 months post-fracture.

Methods

A prospective real-life cohort study was conducted consisting of 910 women aged ≥ 65 who were treated for their first hip fracture in Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Finland, between May 2008 and April 2018. Continence status was elicited at baseline and 6 months postoperatively at our geriatric outpatient clinic where all participants underwent a multidisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) consisting of an evaluation of cognition, nutrition, mood, mobility, and functional ability.

Results

At baseline, 47% of the patients were continent, 45% had UI and 8% had DI, and at follow up, 38%, 52%, and 11%, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 82.7 ± 6.8. Both UI and DI were associated with functional disability and other factors related to frailty. The associations were particularly prominent for patients with DI who also had the worst performance in the domains of CGA. We identified several modifiable risk factors: depressive mood (odds ratio [OR] 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–2.84) and constipation (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02–2.13) associated with UI and, late removal of urinary catheter (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.31–4.14), impaired mobility (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.05–4.15), and poor nutrition (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.11–4.79) associated with DI.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a high prevalence of UI and DI in older women with hip fracture and modifiable risk factors, which should be targeted in orthogeriatric management and secondary falls prevention. Patients with DI were found to be an especially vulnerable group.
Assessment of glomerular morphological patterns by deep learning algorithms
Authors: Weis Cleo-Aron , Bindzus Jan Niklas , Voigt Jonas , Runz Marlen , Hertjens Svetlana , Gaida Matthias M. , Popovic Zoran V. , Porubsky Stefan
Published: January 2022

Background

Compilation of different morphological lesion signatures is characteristic of renal pathology. Previous studies have documented the potential value of artificial intelligence (AI) in recognizing relatively clear-cut glomerular structures and patterns, such as segmental or global sclerosis or mesangial hypercellularity. This study aimed to test the capacity of deep learning algorithms to recognize complex glomerular structural changes that reflect common diagnostic dilemmas in nephropathology.

Methods

For this purpose, we defined nine classes of glomerular morphological patterns and trained twelve convolutional neuronal network (CNN) models on these. The two-step training process was done on a first dataset defined by an expert nephropathologist (12,253 images) and a second consensus dataset (11,142 images) defined by three experts in the field.

Results

The efficacy of CNN training was evaluated using another set with 180 consensus images, showing convincingly good classification results (kappa-values 0.838–0.938).

Furthermore, we elucidated the image areas decisive for CNN-based decision making by class activation maps. Finally, we demonstrated that the algorithm could decipher glomerular disease patterns coinciding in a single glomerulus (e.g. necrosis along with mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity).

Conclusions

In summary, our model, focusing on glomerular lesions detectable by conventional microscopy, is the first sui generis to deploy deep learning as a reliable and promising tool in recognition of even discrete and/or overlapping morphological changes. Our results provide a stimulus for ongoing projects that integrate further input levels next to morphology (such as immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and clinical information) to develop a novel tool applicable for routine diagnostic nephropathology.
Storage assignment optimization for fishbone robotic mobile fulfillment systems
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Man Rongjun , Zhao Wanmeng , Zhang Honglin , Zhao Hong
Published: January 2022

Robotic Mobile Fulfillment System (RMFS) affects the traditional scheduling problems heavily while operating a warehouse. This paper focuses on storage assignment optimization for Fishbone Robotic Mobile Fulfilment Systems (FRMFS). Based on analyzing operation characteristics of FRMFS, a storage assignment optimization model is proposed with the objectives of maximizing operation efficiency and balancing aisle workload. Adaptive Genetic Algorithm (AGA) is designed to solve the proposed model. To validate the effectiveness of AGA in terms of iteration and optimization rate, this paper designs a variety of scenarios with different task sizes and storage cells. AGA outperforms other four algorithm in terms of fitness value and convergence and has better convergence rate and stability. The experimental results also show the advancement of AGA in large size FRMFS. In conclusion, this paper proposes a storage assignment model for FRMFS to reduce goods movement and travel distance and improve the order picking efficiency.
Combining weighted SMOTE with ensemble learning for the class-imbalanced prediction of small business credit risk
Authors: Abedin Mohammad Zoynul , Guotai Chi , Hajek Petr , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2022

In small business credit risk assessment, the default and nondefault classes are highly imbalanced. To overcome this problem, this study proposes an extended ensemble approach rooted in the weighted synthetic minority oversampling technique (WSMOTE), which is called WSMOTE-ensemble. The proposed ensemble classifier hybridizes WSMOTE and Bagging with sampling composite mixtures to guarantee the robustness and variability of the generated synthetic instances and, thus, minimize the small business class-skewed constraints linked to default and nondefault instances. The original small business dataset used in this study was taken from 3111 records from a Chinese commercial bank. By implementing a thorough experimental study of extensively skewed data-modeling scenarios, a multilevel experimental setting was established for a rare event domain. Based on the proper evaluation measures, this study proposes that the random forest classifier used in the WSMOTE-ensemble model provides a good trade-off between the performance on default class and that of nondefault class. The ensemble solution improved the accuracy of the minority class by 15.16% in comparison with its competitors. This study also shows that sampling methods outperform nonsampling algorithms. With these contributions, this study fills a noteworthy knowledge gap and adds several unique insights regarding the prediction of small business credit risk.
Semantic segmentation of large-scale point clouds based on dilated nearest neighbors graph
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Jiaji , Liu Xunyu , Ma Xiaoliang , Cheng Jun
Published: January 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) semantic segmentation of point clouds is important in many scenarios, such as automatic driving, robotic navigation, while edge computing is indispensable in the devices. Deep learning methods based on point sampling prove to be computation and memory efficient to tackle large-scale point clouds (e.g. millions of points). However, some local features may be abandoned while sampling. In this paper, We present one end-to-end 3D semantic segmentation framework based on dilated nearest neighbor encoding. Instead of down-sampling point cloud directly, we propose a dilated nearest neighbor encoding module to broaden the network’s receptive field to learn more 3D geometric information. Without increase of network parameters, our method is computation and memory efficient for large-scale point clouds. We have evaluated the dilated nearest neighbor encoding in two different networks. The first is the random sampling with local feature aggregation. The second is the Point Transformer. We have evaluated the quality of the semantic segmentation on the benchmark 3D dataset S3DIS, and demonstrate that the proposed dilated nearest neighbor encoding exhibited stable advantages over baseline and competing methods.
Influence of stamping parameters on stamping characteristics of SAF2205 bidirectional stainless steel
Authors: Cao Angang , Li Wei , Wang Jiyue , Fu Jialin
Published: January 2022

SAF2205 bidirectional stainless steel is an excellent material for multiple corrugated diaphragms. It is necessary to study its stamping forming characteristics and provide a theoretical basis for stamping forming of multiple corrugated diaphragms. In this paper, the detailed V-bending process parameters are formulated. The effects of bending speed, relative fillet radius, temperature, and alignment time on spring-back behavior of SAF2205 bidirectional stainless steel are systematically studied to reveal the positive and negative spring-back mechanism. The range of process parameters suitable for stamping of SAF2205 bidirectional stainless steel was obtained.

Article Highlights

The detailed V-bending process parameters are formulated.

The effect of SAF2205 parameters on the spring-back behavior was studied.

The range of process parameters suitable for stamping of SAF2205 was obtained.
Diurnal and seasonal variation of planetary boundary layer height over East Asia and its climatic change as seen in the ERA-5 reanalysis data
Authors: Kim Kwang-Yul
Published: January 2022

The diurnal/seasonal structure of the boundary layer height (BLH) is investigated over East Asia by using the hourly synoptic monthly ERA5 reanalysis variables from 1979 to 2019. Sensible heat flux (SHF) is the major factor in the temporal and spatial variation of the BLH. Although BLH, in general, is positively correlated with SHF throughout the year, BLH-SHF relationship varies significantly based on the surface type, latitude and time of the year. Analysis also reveals that stability is an important parameter controlling the diurnal maximum BLH. The growth of BLH is strongly limited by the presence of a stable layer. On the other hand, BLH increases abruptly in the presence of a weakly stratified residual layer. In addition, regional warming tends to increase the BLH in the mid- to high-latitude continental area. In the low-latitude continental area, the sign of anomalous SHF varies seasonally and regionally. Stability plays only a minor role in the BLH change except over the Tibetan Plateau, where the increased stability at the top of boundary layer due to warming reduces BLH rather significantly.
Analysis of biaxial proportional low-cycle fatigue crack propagation for hull inclined-crack plate based on accumulative plasticity
Authors: Deng Junlin , Tu Wenling , Dong Qin , Dong Dawei , Qiu Shenglin
Published: January 2022

Fracture failures of ship plates subjected to in-plane biaxial low-cycle fatigue loading are generally the coupling result of accumulative plasticity and biaxial low-cycle fatigue damage. A biaxial low-cycle fatigue crack growth analysis of hull structure that accounts for the accumulative plasticity effect can be more suitable for the actual evaluation of the overall fracture performance of the hull structure in severe sea conditions. An analytical model of biaxial low-cycle fatigue crack propagation with a control parameter for ∆CTODis presented for hull inclined-crack plate. A test was conducted for cruciform specimens made of Q235 steel with an inclined crack to validate the presented analysis. The biaxial accumulative plasticity behavior and the effects of biaxiality and stress ratios were investigated. The results of this study reveal a strong dependence of biaxial low-cycle fatigue crack propagation on biaxial accumulated plasticity.
Development, preparation and characterization of chitosan, gelatin and heparin membranes for biomedical applications
Authors: da Silva Rossana Seixas Maia , Barbosa Rossemberg Cardoso , dos Santos Chagas Camila , da Silva Emerson Barbosa , Feder David , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Fook Marcus Vinícius Lia
Published: January 2022

With the rising in life expectancy and the consequent population aging, degenerative chronic diseases have been figured as the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. It is believed that the production of a polymeric matrix composed of chitosan and gelatin may be an alternative to obtain a carrier base of heparin, with the prospective objective of applying these materials as an alternative to the conventional therapeutic resources biomedical. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the interaction between chitosan, gelatin, and heparin demonstrating a satisfactory result by the methodologies that were applied, making the study hypothesis concrete., certifying the use of a methodology for including heparin in a biodegradable polymeric base. Thus, expanding the alternatives for possible alternatives to the conventional therapeutic resources of vascular diseases with the application of the developed materials.
Toxicological and safety evaluations of Weissella cibaria strain CMU in animal toxicity and genotoxicity
Authors: Dolan Laurie C. , Arceneaux Benjamin G. , Do Kyung-Hyo , Lee Wan-Kyu , Park Geun-Yeong , Kang Mi-Sun , Choi Kyung-Chul
Published: January 2022

Weissella cibaria belongs to the Lactobacillaceae family and has been isolated from traditional fermented foods and saliva of children with good oral health. Previous investigations have shown that W. cibaria CMU (Chonnam Medical University) is expected to be safe based on results of in silico and in vitro analyses. However, there is a lack of studies assessing its safety in vivo. A toxicological safety evaluation of W. cibaria CMU was performed using an acute oral safety study in rats, a 14-day oral range finding study, a subsequent 13-week oral toxicity study in rats and a genetic toxicity battery (in vitro bacterial reverse mutation, in vitro chromosome aberration in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells and in vivo micronucleus study in mice). The results of the studies in rats showed that the acute lethal dose of W. cibaria CMU is > 5000 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day (1.8 × 109 CFU/kg bw/day) and the 14-day or 13-week no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is 5000 mg/kg bw/day (1.8 × 109 CFU/kg bw/day), the highest dose administered. W. cibaria CMU was non-mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation test and non-clastogenic or aneugenic in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the toxicological studies performed demonstrated W. cibaria CMU to be a safe strain to consume. This study is the first study examining the potential of a W. cibaria strain to cause genetic toxicity and subchronic toxicity in rats according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines.