bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep learning based method for intelligent detection of seafarers' mental health condition
Authors: Zhen Zhu , Wang Renda , Zhu Wei
Published: May 2022

Mental health monitoring of seafarers is an important part of achieving normal development of the ocean shipping industry. In this paper, a dual subjective–objective testing scheme is proposed to achieve a more effective and intelligent assessment of seafarers' mental health status. Firstly, a new seafarers' mental health test scale (SMHT) is revised based on fuzzy factor analysis and the test data of 283 marine practitioners are analyzed using SPSS v24 software; secondly, this paper proposes an intelligent framework module for immersive subjective emotion extraction based on natural language processing, namely semantic summary extraction (SSE), speech emotion extraction (SEE), using hybrid scoring mechanism to obtain semantic and emotion matching values and assist the seafarer mental health scale to obtain the final correction score. The results showed that the assessment results of the SMHT scale exhibited good reliability (Cronbach's alpha of 0.852 $$\in (0.80{-}0.90)$$

∈
(
0.80
-
0.90
)

and retest reliability R of $$0.873\in (0.85{-}0.90)$$

0.873
∈
(
0.85
-
0.90
)

) and scale association validity (for SCL-90, ($$\text{r}= 0.468{-}0.841)>0.45$$

r
=
0.468
-
0.841
)
>
0.45

). In addition, the calibration rate of the subject-object dual test method was improved by approximately 12.05% compared to the traditional mental health scale. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of this solution were compared with mental health testing techniques such as CAT, machine learning, SCL-90, and fMRI, and the method demonstrated more accurate psychological testing results, providing a simple and intelligent solution for standardized psychological testing of seafarers.
Coat protein of partitiviruses isolated from mycorrhizal fungi functions as an RNA silencing suppressor in plants and fungi
Authors: Shimura Hanako , Kim Hangil , Matsuzawa Akihiko , Akino Seishi , Masuta Chikara
Published: May 2022

Orchid seeds depend on colonization by orchid mycorrhizal (OM) fungi for their germination; therefore, the orchids and OM fungi have long maintained a close relationship (e.g., formation of the hyphal mass structure, peloton) during their evolution. In the present study, we isolated new partitiviruses from OM fungi; partitivirus were separately found in different subcultures from the same fungi. Partitiviruses have been believed to lack an RNA silencing suppressor (RSS), which is generally associated with viral pathogenicity, because most partitiviruses isolated so far are latent in both plants and fungi. However, we found that the coat protein (CP) of our partitiviruses indeed had RSS activity, which differed among the virus isolates from OM fungi; one CP showed RSS activity in both plants and fungi, while another CP showed no activity. The family Partitiviridae include viruses isolated from plants and fungi, and it has been suggested that these viruses may occasionally be transmitted between plant and fungal hosts. Given that there are several reports showing that viruses can adapt to nonhost using strong RSS, we here discussed the idea that partitiviruses may be better able to migrate between the orchid and fungus probably through the pelotons formed in the orchid cells, if host RNA silencing is suppressed by partitivirus RSS.
Frequently reported adverse events of rebamipide compared to other drugs for peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jang Eunkyeong , Park Minju , Jeong Ji Eun , Lee Ji Young , Kim Myeong Gyu
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to detect safety signals of rebamipide and search for adverse events (AEs) of rebamipide that are more common than those of other drugs for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly population. A total of 101,735 AE reports for drugs used to treat PUD and GERD between 2009 and 2018 from the KIDS-KAERS database (KIDS-KD) were used. Disproportionality analysis was performed to calculate the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), and information component (IC). Drug labels in Korea, Japan, and China were reviewed to identify signals that have been listed. AEs frequently reported in the elderly population were also analyzed. Seriousness and median time to AEs were evaluated for statistically significant AEs. A total of 14 signals were detected, and 4 signals (dry mouth, dermatitis, purpura/petechia, and fluid overload) were not listed on drug labels; however, they may be included as part of other listed AEs. In the elderly population, 11 AEs such as dyspepsia/indigestion/gastrointestinal distress, somnolence, dry mouth, and edema were common. These AEs were not serious and occurred within 2–9 days. This study identified possible AEs of rebamipide, a relatively safe drug.
Long use of continuous positive airway pressure protects against the development of treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Suga Shutaro , Kyono Yuki , Kido Takumi , Nakasone Ruka , Abe Shinya , Ashina Mariko , Nozu Kandai , Fujioka Kazumichi
Published: May 2022

Although preterm infant mortality is low, the proportion of patients with treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity (TR-ROP) is high in Japan. Various multicenter studies have reported the risk factors for TR-ROP; however, no large-scale studies have been conducted in Japan. We retrospectively analyzed 13,645 infants born at < 28 weeks’ gestation (January 1, 2009–December 31, 2018), and registered in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan database. TR-ROP was defined as ROP requiring retinal laser photocoagulation and/or intravitreal anti-vasoendothelial growth factor drugs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TR-ROP development. The median gestational age of enrolled infants was 26 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 24–27 weeks), median birth weight was 760 g (IQR, 620–918 g). Proportion of patients with TR-ROP was 30.3%. TR-ROP was significantly associated with birth at < 26 weeks’ gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.54), blood transfusion (aOR 1.49), invasive ventilation ≥ 28 days (aOR 1.41), sepsis (aOR 1.29), birth weight < 750 g (aOR 1.28), intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR 1.33), delayed achievement of full enteral feeding > 14 days (aOR 1.28), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy ≥ 28 days (aOR 0.79). Supplemental oxygen ≥ 28 days was not associated with TR-ROP development. Lower gestational age at birth and birth weight, blood transfusion, prolonged invasive ventilation, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and delayed achievement of full enteral feeding were risk factors for TR-ROP, whereas CPAP use was protective against TR-ROP.
A fully probabilistic control framework for stochastic systems with input and state delay
Authors: Herzallah Randa , Zhou Yuyang
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a unified probabilistic control framework for a class of stochastic systems with both control input and state time delays. Both of the stochastic nature and time delays in the system dynamics are considered simultaneously, thus providing a comprehensive and rigorous control methodology. The problem is formulated in a fully probabilistic framework, where the system dynamics and its controller are fully characterised by arbitrary probabilistic models. In this framework, the Kullback–Leibler Divergence between the actual joint probability density function of the system dynamics and controller and a predefined ideal joint probability density function is used to characterise the discrepancy between the two distributions and derive the randomised controller. Time delays in the control input and system state are taken into consideration in the optimisation process for the derivation of the optimal randomised controller. Besides, the analytic control solution of the time delay fully probabilistic control problem for a class of linear Gaussian stochastic systems is derived while the successive approximation approach is implemented to deal with the time-advanced components in the control law that result from the existence of time delays. The effectiveness of the proposed control framework is then illustrated on a numerical example and a real-world example.
Predictors of stress among dentists during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Wójcik Dorota , Kutnik Jan , Szalewski Leszek , Borowicz Janusz
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between personality traits, self-esteem and life satisfaction, and also the stress level, among dentists during the COVID-19 outbreak. In order to confirm our hypotheses, 310 active dentists aged 25–64 years who were practising during the first wave of COVID-19 in Poland were examined. The IPIP-BFM-20 self-report questionnaire was used to measure personality traits, the popular Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to assess self-esteem, the five-item Satisfaction with Life Scale was used to measure life satisfaction and the four-item version of the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure stress. The dependent variable—stress—correlates negatively with traits in relation to the dimensions of extraversion (r = −0.17, p < 0.01), emotional stability (r = −0.35, p < 0.01) and intellect (r = −0.16, p < 0.01); it also has a negative correlation with self-esteem (r = −0.37, p < 0.01) and life satisfaction (r = −0.35, p < 0.01). Among the analysed variables, the highest correlations are observed for the following: self-esteem and emotional stability (r = 0.51, p < 0.01); self-esteem and life satisfaction (r = 0.49, p < 0.01); extraversion and intellect (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). Considering the measures of mediation relevance and pathway relevance, it can be assumed that both self-esteem and life satisfaction have a mediating function in the relationship between agreeableness, emotional stability and stress: the relationship between emotional stability and stress is negative whereas that between agreeableness and stress is positive.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in characterization of inconclusive cervical lymph nodes: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Spiesecke Paul , Neumann Konrad , Wakonig Katharina , Lerchbaumer Markus H.
Published: May 2022

Lymph node metastases are common in malignant neoplasms of head and neck. Since cervical lymph nodes (cLN) are localized superficially, ultrasound (US) represents the primary imaging modality. The aim of the study is to report the value of US and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and their diagnostic confidence in the characterization of inconclusive cLN. A systematic review was performed using the literature data base PubMed. Results were filtered (published in a peer-reviewed journal, full-text available, published within the last ten years, species human, English or German full-text) and inclusion criteria were clearly defined (cohort with lymphadenopathy or malignancy in head and neck ≥ 50 patients, histological confirmation of malignant imaging findings, performance of CEUS as outcome variable). The results were quantified in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Overall, five studies were included in qualitative and quantitative analysis. The combination of non-enhanced US and CEUS enlarges the diagnostic confidence in the characterization of lymph nodes of unclear dignity. The pooled values for sensitivity and specificity in the characterization of a malignant cervical lymph node using US are 76% (95%-CI 66–83%, I2 = 63%, p < 0.01) and 80% (95%-CI 45–95%, I2 = 92%, p < 0.01), compared to 92% (95%-CI 89–95%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.65) and 91% (95%-CI 87–94%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.40) for the combination of US and CEUS, respectively. Consistent results of the included studies show improved diagnostic performance by additional CEUS. Nevertheless, more prospective studies are needed to implement CEUS in the diagnostic pathway of cLN.
Circulating neurofilament is linked with morbid obesity, renal function, and brain density
Authors: Rebelos Eleni , Rissanen Eero , Bucci Marco , Jääskeläinen Olli , Honka Miikka-Juhani , Nummenmaa Lauri , Moriconi Diego , Laurila Sanna , Salminen Paulina , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Singhal Tarun , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: May 2022

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a novel biomarker reflecting neuroaxonal damage and associates with brain atrophy, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a marker of astrocytic activation, associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Since obesity is associated with increased risk for several neurodegenerative disorders, we hypothesized that circulating NfL and GFAP levels could reflect neuronal damage in obese patients. 28 morbidly obese and 18 lean subjects were studied with voxel based morphometry (VBM) MRI to assess gray and white matter densities. Serum NfL and GFAP levels were determined with single-molecule array. Obese subjects were re-studied 6 months after bariatric surgery. Morbidly obese subjects had lower absolute concentrations of circulating NfL and GFAP compared to lean individuals. Following bariatric surgery-induced weight loss, both these levels increased. Both at baseline and after weight loss, circulating NfL and GFAP values correlated inversely with eGFR. Cross-sectionally, circulating NfL levels correlated inversely with gray matter (GM) density, and this association remained significant also when accounting for age and total eGFR. GFAP values did not correlate with GM density. Our data suggest that when determining circulating NfL and GFAP levels, eGFR should also be measured since renal function can affect these measurements. Despite the potential confounding effect of renal function on NfL measurement, NfL correlated inversely with gray matter density in this group of subjects with no identified neurological disorders, suggesting that circulating NfL level may be a feasible biomarker of cerebral function even in apparently neurologically healthy subjects.
An evolutionary model and classification scheme for nephrite jade based on veining, fabric development, and the role of dissolution–precipitation
Authors: Tarling Matthew S. , Smith Steven A. F. , Negrini Marianne , Kuo Li-Wei , Wu Wei-Hsin , Cooper Alan F.
Published: May 2022

Although nephrite jade has been collected and treasured since the Stone Age, we lack a clear understanding of how it forms during deformation and metasomatism in shear zones. Using microstructural analysis of samples from Taiwan, California, and New Zealand, we propose a conceptual model for the evolution of nephrite jade that distinguishes four nephrite types based on mode of formation and textural characteristics: (1) primary (type 1a) or folded (type 1b) vein nephrite, (2) crenulated nephrite (type 2), (3) foliated semi-nephrite (type 3), and (4) nodular or domainal nephrite (type 4). We interpret the texture of our analysed samples to represent snapshots of a progressive textural evolution similar to that experienced by other deformed and fine-grained metamorphic rocks that develop under fluid-present, greenschist-facies conditions. Our observations suggest that types 2 and 3 nephrite can evolve from vein nephrite (type 1) by the development of crenulated and foliated metamorphic fabrics, during which the most important deformation process is dissolution–precipitation. However, development of metamorphic fabrics can be interrupted by transient brittle deformation, leading to the formation of type 4 nephrite that is characterised by nodular or angular clasts of nephrite in a nephritic matrix.
Astaxanthin improves the development of the follicles and oocytes through alleviating oxidative stress induced by BPA in cultured follicles
Authors: Li Yaqiu , Dong Zhu , Liu Sitong , Gao Fan , Zhang Jinyu , Peng Zhendong , Wang Lixin , Pan Xiaoyan
Published: May 2022

This study is to investigate whether astaxanthin could alleviate the oxidative stress damages of follicles induced by BPA and improve the development of the cultured follicles and oocytes. Compared with BPA group, the survival rate, antrum formation rate, oocyte maturation rate and adherence area of the D8 and D10 follicles of the BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. The estrogen and progesterone in the culture medium of BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. PCNA in D8 and D10 granulosa cells and ERα in D10 granulosa cells of follicles in BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. The levels of malondialdehyde in the follicle culture medium, levels of ROS in the oocytes, the expression levels of caspase 3 and cathepsin B in the oocytes of the BPA+Asta group were significantly lower. However, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression levels of antioxidant genes (CAT, SOD1 and SOD2) and anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 in the oocytes in the BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. Astaxanthin improves the development of follicles and oocytes through increasing the antioxidant capacity of follicles and oocytes, and relieving the BPA-induced oxidative stress during follicular development and oocyte maturation.
A population based case–control study of association between dietary calcium intake and ulcerative colitis in adults
Authors: Hajhashemy Zahra , Saneei Parvane , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Daghaghzadeh Hamed , Tavakkoli Hamid , Adibi Peyman , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Limited data are available on the association of dietary calcium intake and ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to investigate the relation between dietary calcium intake and UC prevalence in Iranian adults. In this population-based case–control study, diagnosed patients with UC by gastroenterologists that were registered in the Iranian inflammatory bowel disease registry were included as cases. Age and sex-matched healthy controls were selected from Study on the Epidemiology of Psychological, Alimentary Health and Nutrition (SEPAHAN) dataset. Dietary calcium intakes of participants were examined through a validated food frequency questionnaire. We included 327 middle-aged participants (109 cases and 218 controls) in the analysis; 52.1% of them were females. After adjustments for potential confounders, individuals in the third tertile of dietary calcium intake had 92% lower odds of UC, compared to those in the first tertile (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02–0.27). Our analysis based on recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) intake showed that dietary Ca intake deficiency was related to increased odds of UC (OR = 9.5, 95% CI 2.98–30.91). Stratified analysis by gender revealed that these associations were significant in both genders; although the results were stronger in the male population. A Significant decreasing trend was observed for odds of UC in tertiles of dietary calcium intakes, in both males and females. Higher dietary calcium intake was associated with lower UC prevalence in Iranian adults. Inadequate dietary calcium intake was also linked to elevated odds of UC. Further prospective investigations are needed to affirm these findings.
Understanding the diversity and biogeography of Colombian edible plants
Authors: Gori B. , Ulian T. , Bernal H. Y. , Diazgranados M.
Published: May 2022

Despite being the second most biodiverse country in the world, hosting more than 7000 useful species, Colombia is characterized by widespread poverty and food insecurity. Following the growing attention in Neglected and Underutilized Species, the present study will combine spatial and taxonomic analysis to unveil their diversity and distribution, as well as to advocate their potential as key resources for tackling food security in the country. The cataloguing of Colombian edible plants resulted in 3805 species. Among these, the most species-rich genera included Inga, Passiflora, Miconia, Solanum, Pouteria, Protium, Annona and Bactris. Biogeographic analysis revealed major diversity hotspots in the Andean humid forests by number of records, species, families, and genera. The departments of Antioquia, Boyacá, Meta, and Cundinamarca ranked first both in terms of number of unique georeferenced records and species of edible plants. Significant information gaps about species distribution were detected in the departments of Cesar, Sucre, Atlántico, Vichada, and Guainía, corresponding to the Caribe and Llanos bioregions, indicating the urgent need for focusing investigation in these areas. Furthermore, a significant level of geographic specificity was found in edible plant species’ distributions between 13 different bioregions and 33 departments, hinting the adoption of tailorized prioritisation protocols for the conservation and revitalization of such resources at the local level.
Association between tumor 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism and survival in women with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Chae Sun Young , Park Seol Hoon , Lee Hyo Sang , Ahn Jin-Hee , Kim Sung-Bae , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Jeong Eun , Ahn Sei Hyun , Son Byung Ho , Lee Jong Won , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Gong Gyungyub , Oh Jungsu S. , Park Seo Young , Moon Dae Hyuk
Published: May 2022

We examined whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism is associated with distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) and overall survival (OS) in women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This was a cohort study examining the risk factors for survival that had occurred at the start of the study. A cohort from Asan Medical Center, Korea, recruited between November 2007 and December 2014, was included. Patients received anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was measured. The analysis included 466 women. The median (interquartile range) follow-up period without distant metastasis or death was 6.2 (5.3–7.6) years. Multivariable analysis of hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) showed that the middle and high tertiles of SUV were prognostic for DRFS (2.93, 95% CI 1.62–5.30; P < 0.001) and OS (4.87, 95% CI 1.94–12.26; P < 0.001). The 8-year DRFS rates were 90.7% (95% CI 85.5–96.1%) for those in the low tertile of maximum SUV vs. 73.7% (95% CI 68.0–79.8%) for those in the middle and high tertiles of maximum SUV. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT may assess the risk of distant metastasis and death in ER-positive, HER2-negative patients.
Super strong wide TM Mie bandgaps tolerating disorders
Authors: Goudarzi Kiyanoush , Lee Moonjoo
Published: May 2022

This study demonstrates the appearance of super intense and wide Mie bandgaps in metamaterials composed of tellurium, germanium, and silicon rods in air that tolerate some disordering of rod position and rod radius under transverse magnetic (TM) polarized light waves. Tellurium metamaterials reveal $${\mathrm{TM}}_{01}$$

TM
01

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{21}$$

TM
21

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{02}$$

TM
02

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{12}$$

TM
12

Mie bandgap modes in which $${\mathrm{TM}}_{01}$$

TM
01

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

, and $${\mathrm{TM}}_{21}$$

TM
21

tolerate high rod-position disordering of $$50\%$$

50
%

and rod-radius disordering of 34 and $$27\%$$

27
%

, respectively. Results for germanium metamaterials show Mie bandgap modes $${\mathrm{TM}}_{01}$$

TM
01

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

, and $${\mathrm{TM}}_{21}$$

TM
21

, in which $${\mathrm{TM}}_{01}$$

TM
01

and $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

tolerate rod-position disordering of $$50\%$$

50
%

, and rod-radius disordering of 34 and $$20\%$$

20
%

, respectively. Using these characteristics of $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

in germanium metamaterials under position and radius disordering, ultra-narrow straight, L-shaped, and crossing waveguides that contain 14, four, and two rows of germanium rods in air are designed. Also, it is shown that $${\mathrm{TE}}_{01}$$

TE
01

Mie bandgap appears in metamaterials containing a high refractive index, and disappears in metamaterials with a lower refractive index such as silicon; in contrast, a new phenomenon of intense and broadband $${\mathrm{TM}}_{01}$$

TM
01

, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

, and $${\mathrm{TM}}_{21}$$

TM
21

in metamaterials with a lower refractive index such as silicon appear. In silicon-based metamaterials, $${\mathrm{TM}}_{01}$$

TM
01

tolerates high rod-position and rod-radius disordering of $$40\%$$

40
%

and $$34\%$$

34
%

, respectively, and $${\mathrm{TM}}_{11}$$

TM
11

shows robustness to rod-position and rod-radius disordering of $$20\%$$

20
%

. This strong tolerance of disordering of TM modes in tellurium, germanium, and silicon metamaterials opens a new way to design small, high-efficient, and feasible fabrication optical devices for optical integrated circuits.
Cutting seton versus decompression and drainage seton in the treatment of high complex anal fistula: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Qiuxiang , Zhi Congcong , Jia Lansi , Li Hui
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to compare the efficacy between decompression and drainage seton (DADS) and cutting seton (CS) in the treatment of high complex anal fistula. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to DADS or CS group. The primary outcome was the rate of wound healing. Second outcomes included time taken to return to work, postoperative pain, the severity of fecal incontinence and other complications. A total of 120 patients with a mean age of 39 years were included. There was no significant difference in the rate of complete wound healing at 1 year. The mean time taken to return to work was 5 ± 2 days in DADS group, shorter than CS group (10 ± 3, p < 0.001). Mean vaizey incontinence score and the post-operation pain in DADS group was significantly lower than CS group. No significant difference was found between two groups in the incidence of complications. DADS is as effective as Cutting seton for the treatment of high complex anal fistula but is associated with less postoperative pain and better sphincter function preserving.
A temporal dependency feature in lower dimension for lung sound signal classification
Authors: Kwon Amy M. , Kang Kyungtae
Published: May 2022

Respiratory sounds are expressed as nonlinear and nonstationary signals, whose unpredictability makes it difficult to extract significant features for classification. Static cepstral coefficients such asMel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), have been used for classification of lung sound signals. However, they are modeled in high-dimensional hyperspectral space, and also lose temporal dependency information. Therefore, we propose shifted$$\delta $$δ-cepstral coefficients in lower-subspace (SDC-L) as a novel feature for lung sound classification. It preserves temporal dependency information of multiple frames nearby same to original SDC, and improves feature extraction by reducing the hyperspectral dimension. We modified EMD algorithm by adding a stopping rule to objectively select a finite number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The performances of SDC-L were evaluated with three machine learning techniques (support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) and random forest (RF)) and two deep learning algorithms (multilayer perceptron (MLP) and convolutional neural network (cNN)) and one hybrid deep learning algorithm combining cNN with long short term memory (LSTM) in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score. We found that the first 2 IMFs were enough to construct our feature. SVM, MLP and a hybrid deep learning algorithm (cNN plus LSTM) outperformed with SDC-L, and the other classifiers achieved equivalent results with all features. Our findings show that SDC-L is a promising feature for the classification of lung sound signals.
Inorganic cesium lead mixed halide based perovskite solar materials modified with functional silver iodide
Authors: Eze Vincent Obiozo , Carani Lucas Braga , Majumder Haimanti , Uddin M. Jasim , Okoli Okenwa I.
Published: May 2022

Inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskites have recently attracted enormous attention as a viable alternative material for optoelectronic applications due to their higher efficiency, thermal stability, suitable bandgap, and proper optical absorption. However, the CsPbIBr2 perovskite films fabricated using a one-step deposition technique is usually comprised of small grain size with a large number of grain boundaries and compositional defects. In this work, silver iodide (AgI) will be incorporated as an additive into the CsPbIBr2 perovskite precursor solution to prepare the unique perovskite CsI(PbBr2)1-x(AgI)x. The AgI additive in the precursor solution works as a nucleation promoter which will help the perovskite to grow and merge into a continuous film with reduced defects. With detailed characterizations, we found that incorporating AgI additive resulted in a uniform perovskite film with fewer grain boundaries, increased grain size, crystallinity, optical absorption while decreasing carrier recombination and trap density. Using the AgI in an optimum amount, we fabricated CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a simple structure and achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.2% with a reduced hysteresis index. This work offers an alternative approach towards preparing high-quality CsPbIBr2 perovskite films for solar cells with higher stability and other optoelectronic applications.
Effects of planted pollinator habitat on pathogen prevalence and interspecific detection between bee species
Authors: Levenson Hannah K. , Tarpy David R.
Published: May 2022

Shared resources can instigate pathogen spread due to large congregations of individuals in both natural and human modified resources. Of current concern is the addition of pollinator habitat in conservation efforts as it attracts bees of various species, potentially instigating interspecific sharing of pathogens. Common pathogens have been documented across a wide variety of pollinators with shared floral resources instigating their spread in some, but not all, cases. To evaluate the impact of augmented pollinator habitat on pathogen prevalence, we extracted RNA from samples of eight bee species across three families and screened these samples for nine pathogens using RT-qPCR. We found that some habitat characteristics influenced pathogen detection; however, we found no evidence that pathogen detection in one bee species was correlated with pathogen detection in another. In fact, pathogen detection was rare in wild bees. While gut parasites were detected in 6 out of the 8 species included in this study, viruses were only detected in honey bees. Further, virus detection in honey bees was low with a maximum 21% of samples testing positive for BQCV, for example. These findings suggest factors other than the habitat itself may be more critical in the dissemination of pathogens among bee species. However, we found high relative prevalence and copy number of gut parasites in some bee species which may be of concern, such asBombus pensylvanicus. Long-term monitoring of pathogens in different bee species at augmented pollinator habitat is needed to evaluate if these patterns will change over time.
Design and validation of a semi-automatic bone segmentation algorithm from MRI to improve research efficiency
Authors: Heckelman Lauren N. , Soher Brian J. , Spritzer Charles E. , Lewis Brian D. , DeFrate Louis E.
Published: May 2022

Segmentation of medical images into different tissue types is essential for many advancements in orthopaedic research; however, manual segmentation techniques can be time- and cost-prohibitive. The purpose of this work was to develop a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm that leverages gradients in spatial intensity to isolate the patella bone from magnetic resonance (MR) images of the knee that does not require a training set. The developed algorithm was validated in a sample of four human participants (in vivo) and three porcine stifle joints (ex vivo) using both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). We assessed the repeatability (expressed as mean ± standard deviation) of the semi-automatic segmentation technique on: (1) the same MRI scan twice (Dice similarity coefficient = 0.988 ± 0.002; surface distance = − 0.01 ± 0.001 mm), (2) the scan/re-scan repeatability of the segmentation technique (surface distance = − 0.02 ± 0.03 mm), (3) how the semi-automatic segmentation technique compared to manual MRI segmentation (surface distance = − 0.02 ± 0.08 mm), and (4) how the semi-automatic segmentation technique compared when applied to both MRI and CT images of the same specimens (surface distance = − 0.02 ± 0.06 mm). Mean surface distances perpendicular to the cartilage surface were computed between pairs of patellar bone models. Critically, the semi-automatic segmentation algorithm developed in this work reduced segmentation time by approximately 75%. This method is promising for improving research throughput and potentially for use in generating training data for deep learning algorithms.
Green synthesis and antibacterial applications of gold and silver nanoparticles from Ligustrum vulgare berries
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Mijakovic Ivan
Published: May 2022

Increasing demand for green or biological nanoparticles has led to various green technologies and resources, which play a critical role in forming biocompatible or green nanoparticles. So far, numerous medicinal plants have been explored for this purpose, assuming that medicinal components from the plant's material will contribute to corona formation around nanoparticles and enhance their efficacy. Research is also extended to other green and waste resources to be utilized for this purpose. In the current study, we explored Ligustrum vulgare berries, also known as privet berries, to reduce gold and silver salts into nanoparticles. L. vulgare berries showed great potential to form these nanoparticles, as gold nanoparticles (LV-AuNPs) formed within 5 min at room temperature, and silver nanoparticles (LV-AgNPs) formed in 15 min at 90 °C. LV-AuNPs and LV-AgNPs were characterized by various analytical methods, including UV–Vis, SEM, EDX, TEM, DLS, sp-ICP-MS, TGA, FT-IR, and MALDI-TOF. The results demonstrate that the LV-AuNPs are polydisperse in appearance with a size range 50–200 nm. LV-AuNPs exhibit various shapes, including spherical, triangular, hexagonal, rod, cuboid, etc. In contrast, LV-AgNPs are quite monodisperse, 20–70 nm, and most of the population was spherical. The nanoparticles remain stable over long periods and exhibit high negative zeta potential values. The antimicrobial investigation of LV-AgNPs demonstrated that the nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial ability with an MBC value of 150 g/mL against P. aeruginosa and 100 g/mL against E. coli, as determined by plate assay, live and dead staining, and SEM cell morphology analysis.
Python-assisted biological knowledge acquisition method to trigger design inspiration
Authors: Zha Z. M. , Zhang H. , Aggidis G. A.
Published: May 2022

Design inspiration comes from the continuous stimulation of external information and the continuous accumulation of knowledge. In order to obtain an ideal design inspiration from nature, researchers have proposed a large number of biological information retrieval and knowledge acquisition methods. But how to purposefully acquire valuable biological knowledge in order to effectively stimulate design inspiration and produce the novel and feasible designs idea is still an urgent problem to be solved. This paper proposes a method for acquiring valuable biological knowledge to efficiently stimulate inspiration and quickly conceive solutions in engineering design. First, keywords, such as the functional requirements and key components of design objects, are selected as the engineering terminologies. Next, biological keywords related to the engineering terminologies are searched from the biological dictionary and biology websites. Then in order to retrieve enough biological knowledge, these biological keywords are expanded manually and automatically respectively based on Thesaurus Webpage and WordNet database, and expanded keywords are filtered according to repeated words and different forms of the same words. Finally, in the biological knowledge base, biological keywords that had been filtered are used to obtain biological knowledge with Python web crawler programming. Through an example of application for ship equipment, the effectiveness of the method is verified.
Static magnetic field stimulation over motor cortex modulates resting functional connectivity in humans
Authors: Soto-León Vanesa , Torres-Llacsa Mabel , Mordillo-Mateos Laura , Carrasco-López Carmen , Pineda-Pardo José A. , Velasco Ana I. , Abad-Toribio Laura , Tornero Jesús , Foffani Guglielmo , Strange Bryan A. , Oliviero Antonio
Published: May 2022

Focal application of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) over the human motor cortex induces local changes in cortical excitability. Whether tSMS can also induce distant network effects, and how these local and distant effects may vary over time, is currently unknown. In this study, we applied 10 min tSMS over the left motor cortex of healthy subjects using a real/sham parallel design. To measure tSMS effects at the sensori-motor network level, we used resting-state fMRI. Real tSMS, but not sham, reduced functional connectivity within the stimulated sensori-motor network. This effect of tSMS showed time-dependency, returning to sham levels after the first 5 min of fMRI scanning. With 10 min real tSMS over the motor cortex we did not observe effects in other functional networks examined (default mode and visual system networks). In conclusion, 10 min of tSMS over a location within the sensori-motor network reduces functional connectivity within the same functional network.
Significant boost of the stability and PLQYof CsPbBr3 NCs by Cu-BTC MOF
Authors: Shankar Hari , Yu William W. , Kang Youngjong , Kar Prasenjit
Published: May 2022

Developing stable perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with enhancing luminescent properties holds great importance for future potential applications in optoelectronics. Here, we engaged perovskite NCs in Cu2+ ion-based metal–organic framework (MOF) Cu-BTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate) by physical mixing of MOF with CsPbBr3 NCs in toluene solution. MOF-protected perovskite NCs achieved high photoluminescence quantum yield 96.51% than pristine state CsPbBr3 NCs (51.66%). Along with the improvement in optical properties, the long-term stability of CsPbBr3 NCs in the solution phase also increases considerably upon loading in Cu-BTC MOF. Moreover, the changes in the luminescent intensity of the samples have been observed for 3 months in the solution. After 1 month, pristine CsPbBr3 NCs lose their emission intensity 68% from the initial, while the MOF-protected CsPbBr3 NCs show only a 10% reduction from the initial. These results indicate that the effective passivation of Cu-BTC MOF inhibits the aggregation of NCs, protecting them from the defective atmosphere. The excellent photoluminescence findings provide a new pathway for future optoelectronic applications.
Identification of novel off targets of baricitinib and tofacitinib by machine learning with a focus on thrombosis and viral infection
Authors: Faquetti Maria L. , Grisoni Francesca , Schneider Petra , Schneider Gisbert , Burden Andrea M.
Published: May 2022

As there are no clear on-target mechanisms that explain the increased risk for thrombosis and viral infection or reactivation associated with JAK inhibitors, the observed elevated risk may be a result of an off-target effect. Computational approaches combined with in vitro studies can be used to predict and validate the potential for an approved drug to interact with additional (often unwanted) targets and identify potential safety-related concerns. Potential off-targets of the JAK inhibitors baricitinib and tofacitinib were identified using two established machine learning approaches based on ligand similarity. The identified targets related to thrombosis or viral infection/reactivation were subsequently validated using in vitro assays. Inhibitory activity was identified for four drug-target pairs (PDE10A [baricitinib], TRPM6 [tofacitinib], PKN2 [baricitinib, tofacitinib]). Previously unknown off-target interactions of the two JAK inhibitors were identified. As the proposed pharmacological effects of these interactions include attenuation of pulmonary vascular remodeling, modulation of HCV response, and hypomagnesemia, the newly identified off-target interactions cannot explain an increased risk of thrombosis or viral infection/reactivation. While further evidence is required to explain both the elevated thrombosis and viral infection/reactivation risk, our results add to the evidence that these JAK inhibitors are promiscuous binders and highlight the potential for repurposing.
A novel bicyclic lactone and other polyphenols from the commercially important vegetable Anthriscus cerefolium
Authors: Slimestad Rune , Rathe Bendik Auran , Aesoy Reidun , Diaz Andrea Estefania Carpinteyro , Herfindal Lars , Fossen Torgils
Published: May 2022

Garden chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm. is an important herb commonly applied in Norwegian large-scale commercial kitchens. This species is a highly enriched source of phenolics, containing 1260 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) 100–1 g DM, however, the individual phenolic compounds have been scarcely characterized. Here we report on the qualitative and quantitative content of phenolics in garden chervil. The structure of the main phenolic compound was elucidated to be the previously undescribed compound 1,3-dicaffeoyl-5-malonyl-δ-quinide (1) by means of 1D- and 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The known flavones apigenin 7-O-β-(2″-apiofuranosylglucopyranoside) (= apiin) (2), apigenin 7-(2″-apiosyl-6″-malonylglucoside) (3) and luteolin 7-glucoside (4) were also identified. Compound 3 is reported for the first time from this plant species. The main phenolic compound, 1,3-dicaffeoyl-5-malonyl-δ-quinide, exhibited moderate cytotoxicity towards acute monocytic leukaemia cells (MOLM-13) and rat kidney epithelial cells (NRK) with EC50 between 400 and 600 µM.
ECMWF short-term prediction accuracy improvement by deep learning
Authors: Frnda Jaroslav , Durica Marek , Rozhon Jan , Vojtekova Maria , Nedoma Jan , Martinek Radek
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to describe and evaluate the proposed calibration model based on a neural network for post-processing of two essential meteorological parameters, namely near-surface air temperature (2 m) and 24 h accumulated precipitation. The main idea behind this work is to improve short-term (up to 3 days) forecasts delivered by a global numerical weather prediction (NWP) model called ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). In comparison to the existing local weather models that typically provide weather forecasts for limited geographic areas (e.g., within one country but they are more accurate), ECMWF offers a prediction of the weather phenomena across the world. Another significant benefit of this global NWP model includes the fact, that by using it in several well-known online applications, forecasts are freely available while local models outputs are often paid. Our proposed ECMWF-enhancing model uses a combination of raw ECMWF data and additional input parameters we have identified as useful for ECMWF error estimation and its subsequent correction. The ground truth data used for the training phase of our model consists of real observations from weather stations located in 10 cities across two European countries. The results obtained from cross-validation indicate that our parametric model outperforms the accuracy of a standard ECMWF prediction and gets closer to the forecast precision of the local NWP models.
Arginase 1 is a marker of protection against illness in contacts of leprosy patients
Authors: da Silva Prata Rhana Berto , Mendes Mayara Abud , Soares Vinicius Cardoso , França-Costa Jaqueline , Sales Anna Maria , Duppré Nádia Cristina , de Matos Borges Valéria , da Silva Tatiana Pereira , Bozza Patricia Torres , Bozza Marcelo Torres , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Moraes Milton Ozório , Sperandio da Silva Gilberto Marcelo , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo
Published: May 2022

Leprosy household contacts are generally more prone to develop the disease compared to the general population. Previous studies have demonstrated that genes related to the alternative activation (M2) profile in macrophages are associated with the increased bacillary load in multibacillary leprosy patients (MB), and that contacts of MB patients have a higher risk of contracting the disease. In addition, positive serological responses to PGL-1 or LID-1 are associated with a higher risk of disease. We performed a 5-year follow-up of contacts of leprosy patients and evaluated the pattern of gene and protein expression in cells from contacts that developed leprosy during this period. Leprosy household contacts had decreased soluble CD163 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) serum levels when compared with healthy donors and leprosy patients. In contrast, arginase 1 activities were higher in contacts when compared with both healthy donors and leprosy patients. Of the contacts, 33 developed leprosy during the follow-up. Gene expression analysis revealed reducedARG1expression in these contacts when compared with contacts that did not develop disease. Arginase activity was a good predictive marker of protection in contacts (sensitivity: 90.0%, specificity: 96.77%) and the association with serology for anti-PGL-1 and anti-LID-1 increased the sensitivity to 100%. Altogether, the data presented here demonstrate a positive role of arginase against leprosy and suggest that the evaluation of arginase activity should be incorporated into leprosy control programs in order to aid in the decision of which contacts should receive chemoprophylaxis.
Effects of pre-mixed gas composition on combustion characteristics of micro pilot dual fuel (MPDF) in a heavy-duty dual fuel engine
Authors: Choi Minhoo , Park Sungwook
Published: May 2022

The effects of premixed gas compositions on the combustion characteristics in micro pilot duel fuel (MPDF) conditions were investigated. Propane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide gases were added to methane gas, and engine experiments were conducted under various premixed gas compositions. A single-cylinder heavy-duty engine with a combustion chamber volume of 1100 mm3 and compression ratio of 17.0 was used. A 55 kW DC dynamometer was used to operate the single-cylinder dual-fuel engine at a constant engine speed. At high propane mixture ratios, knocking combustion occurred, accompanied by intense engine vibrations, owing to the low octane number of propane. Knocking combustion led to an increase in the combustion variation and ringing intensity (which represents the knocking combustion intensity). In contrast, at high ratios of hydrogen, which has a high octane number, knocking combustion was suppressed, and the speed of combustion was lower than that in the case of high propane mixture ratios. The optimum conditions corresponded to a ringing intensity of 3–5 MW/m2. The addition of even a small amount of propane gas enhanced the engine performances in misfiring conditions. In contrast, a considerable amount of hydrogen gas was required to prevent abnormal combustion because of the low density of hydrogen gas. The presence of carbon dioxide effectively stabilized MPDF combustion by suppressing knocking combustion.