bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast and improved backpropagation learning of multi‐layer artificial neural network using adaptive activation function
Authors: Panda Sashmita , Panda Ganapati 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the conventional backpropagation (BP) learning algorithm used for the training of the connecting weights of the artificial neural network (ANN), a fixed slope−based sigmoidal activation function is used. This limitation leads to slower training of the network because only the weights of different layers are adjusted using the conventional BP algorithm. To accelerate the rate of convergence during the training phase of the ANN, in addition to updates of weights, the slope of the sigmoid function associated with artificial neuron can also be adjusted by using a newly developed learning rule. To achieve this objective, in this paper, new BP learning rules for slope adjustment of the activation function associated with the neurons have been derived. The combined rules both for connecting weights and slopes of sigmoid functions are then applied to the ANN structure to achieve faster training. In addition, two benchmark problems: classification and nonlinear system identification are solved using the trained ANN. The results of simulation‐based experiments demonstrate that, in general, the proposed new BP learning rules for slope and weight adjustments of ANN provide superior convergence performance during the training phase as well as improved performance in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute deviation for classification and nonlinear system identification problems.
Fatigue testing and non‐destructive characterization of AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die cast specimens by computer tomography
Authors: Szalva Péter , Orbulov Imre Norbert 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAlSi9Cu3(Fe) aluminum alloy fatigue test specimens were produced by high pressure die casting (HPDC) and vacuum‐assisted die casting (VPDC) techniques. Non‐destructive material tests (NDT) have been performed on cast specimens by computed tomography (CT). Uniaxial fatigue tests with two stress ratios of R = −1 and R = 0.1 have been performed in the high cycle fatigue (HCF) regime, and the CT results were reassigned after the fatigue test in order to identify the origin of the failure. The aim of this paper is to establish a relationship between the CT result and fatigue failure of die cast specimens. The location and the size of the casting defect determine the specimen fatigue life. It has also been found that the fatigue life is determined not only by the size of the defect but also by its location with respect to the position of the highly stressed area. The results can be used to judge the applicability of cast parts after non‐destructive testing.
Drought and recovery effects on belowground respiration dynamics and the partitioning of recent carbon in managed and abandoned grassland
Authors: Ingrisch Johannes , Karlowsky Stefan , Hasibeder Roland , Gleixner Gerd , Bahn Michael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe supply of soil respiration with recent photoassimilates is an important and fast pathway for respiratory loss of carbon (C). To date it is unknown how drought and land‐use change interactively influence the dynamics of recent C in soil‐respired CO2. In an in situ common‐garden experiment, we exposed soil‐vegetation monoliths from a managed and a nearby abandoned mountain grassland to an experimental drought. Based on two 13CO2 pulse‐labelling campaigns, we traced recently assimilated C in soil respiration during drought, rewetting and early recovery. Independent of grassland management, drought reduced the absolute allocation of recent C to soil respiration. Rewetting triggered a respiration pulse, which was strongly fuelled by C assimilated during drought. In comparison to the managed grassland, the abandoned grassland partitioned more recent C to belowground respiration than to root C storage under ample water supply. Interestingly, this pattern was reversed under drought. We suggest that these different response patterns reflect strategies of the managed and the abandoned grassland to enhance their respective resilience to drought, by fostering their resistance and recovery respectively. We conclude that while severe drought can override the effects of abandonment of grassland management on the respiratory dynamics of recent C, abandonment alters strategies of belowground assimilate investment, with consequences for soil‐CO2 fluxes during drought and drought‐recovery.
Influence of glass network ionicity on the mixed‐alkali effect
Authors: Calahoo Courtney , Xia Yang , Zhou Ru 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMost studies of the mixed‐alkali effect (MAE) have focused on relating the differences between the cations to the strength of the MAE; here we examine the effect of the glass former by comparing the MAE in aluminofluorophosphate (FP) and aluminosulfofluorophosphate (FPS) glasses. The sulfate anion in the FPS series does not bond directly to the aluminophosphate network, decreasing connectivity and increasing the ionicity of the FPS glasses. The increased degrees of freedom imparted by the sulfate are evident in the single‐alkali FPS glasses, which have lower Ea, hardness, shear moduli, and Young's moduli, and higher Tg than the corresponding single‐alkali FP glasses (without sulfate). Conversely, for the mixed‐alkali FPS compositions, the sulfate's mobility is reduced by the mixed cations, resulting in a magnified MAE for the FPS series. For dynamic properties, this phenomenon is explained by reduced plasticity and slippage along ion channels, while understanding Tg and elastic properties requires examination of the shape of the sulfate's potential energy well and the resulting regions of compressive and tensile stress. We posit that glass compositions with higher plasticity, that is, less covalent bonding, will exhibit a larger MAE, but, simultaneously, sufficient conventional glass network must be present to constrain the mobile ions.
Lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio (LMR) can predict bendamustine therapeutic efficacy in low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Shimono Joji , Izumiyama Koh , Ito Shinichi , Tsutsmi Yutaka , Kondo Takeshi , Kakinoki Yasutaka , Teshima Takanori 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionBendamustine has been reported to be effective against low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. We examined the effect of bendamustine on the lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio (LMR) in low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 127 cases of first line or relapse/refractory low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma in three individual institutions (Asahikawa Municipal Hospital, Aiiku Hospital, and Hakodate Municipal Hospital). Only patients who had received at least three courses of bendamustine therapy were selected; the LMR was evaluated at starting the initial course of bendamustine therapy. Time to next treatment (TTNT) was used to ascertain the efficacy of bendamustine therapy.ResultsFollicular lymphoma (FL), at 68.5% (87/127), is the most common histological subtype of low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the LMR showed a cutoff value of 2.0, and 33 cases (26.0%) had an LMR ≤2.0. Cases with LMR ≤2.0 had a significantly earlier progression than those with LMR > 2.0, based on the TTNT (P = .0007). Additionally, LMR ≤2.0 indicates earlier progression in TTNT when comparing only FL and low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma cases without FL (P = .007, 0.002). For multivariate analysis, the factors associated with an LMR ≤2.0 (HR, 2.741; 95% CI, 1.4330‐5.245; P = .002) were considered as early progression factors with regard to the TTNT.ConclusionLymphocyte‐monocyte ratio effectively predicts the efficacy of bendamustine therapy for low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, particularly FL; its application may improve treatment strategies for this disease.
Subjective health, general medicine beliefs and social desirability response among older hospital outpatients in Hong Kong
Authors: Wan Bosco , Ball Patrick , Jackson David , Maynard Gregg 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate any association between self-rated health (SRH) and general perception about medicines using the Beliefs About Medicine Questionnaire-General (BMQ-G) in Hong Kong hospital outpatients. Moreover, the study aims to demonstrate any association between social desirability bias or response (SDR) and BMQ-G, SRH reporting in this population.

Methods
Seven hundred and sixty-nine outpatients, who satisfied the selection criteria, were cordially invited to participate in this study by completing a combined questionnaire of demographic information, BMQ-G, SRH and SDR Set-5 in person, while waiting to collect their medications outside a Hong Kong hospital pharmacy. Results were analysed statistically.

Key Findings
The number of valid questionnaires returned for statistical analysis was 698.
Logistic regressions indicated age groups, gender and SRH were significant predictors for BMQ-G reporting. Patients aged over 62, male or those with high SRH were less likely to present high BMQ-G scores, compared to patients aged under 45, female or those with low SRH, respectively (OR 0.43, 0.73 and 0.66, respectively, all CIs 95%). Logistic regressions also demonstrated overall BMQ-G, and SRH reporting was unlikely to be associated with SDR (all P &gt; 0.05) although age was a significant predictor for SDR reporting (OR = 1.10; CI 95%).

Conclusions
This study illustrated age groups, gender and self-rated health significantly associated with general medicine beliefs reporting. The possible association between socially desirable bias and general medicine beliefs or self-rated health reporting was insignificant.
Association between severity of cardiac dysfunction caused by ventricular pre‐excitation‐led dyssynchrony and cardiac function recovery after ablation in children
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Xiao‐Mei , Jiang He , Cui Jian , Ge Hai‐Yan , Liu Hai‐Ju , Li Mei‐Ting 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between the severity of cardiac dysfunction caused by ventricular pre‐excitation‐led dyssynchrony and cardiac function recovery time after catheter ablation and identify predictors of cardiac function recovery after ablation.Methods and ResultsA total of 49 children underwent successful ablation (median 2.92 years). This study included 23 patients with mild cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]: 45% ≤ LVEF ≤ 55%), 15 with moderate (30% ≤ LVEF < 45%), and 11 with severe (LVEF <30%). The time for mean LVEF reaching 55% was 0.75, 3, and more than 12 months, respectively. The mean LVEF of children with severe cardiac dysfunction aged ≤6 years normalized within 12 months of follow‐up (63.00% ± 1.41%). Mean LVEF of those aged more than 6 years did not normalize at 12 months of follow‐up (38.67% ± 10.97%). LVEF recovery time was significantly different between these two age groups (median 11 months vs >12 months, χ2 = 4.55; P = .04). Cox regression analysis showed that preablation smaller left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDd) Z score and higher LVEF were predictors of cardiac dysfunction recovery time (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82‐0.99, P = .04; HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03‐1.15, P = .01).ConclusionPatients with higher LVDd Z scores and lower LVEF tend to have slower improvement in cardiac function after ablation. Patients with LVEF less than 30% and aged more than 6 years need more than 12 months to fully recover, and some might not even completely recover. Early catheter ablation is suggested once ventricular pre‐excitation‐led cardiac dysfunction is suspected.
TNF‐α–induced p53 activation induces apoptosis in neurological injury
Authors: Shao Xuefei , Yang Xiping , Shen Jun , Chen Sansong , Jiang Xiaochun , Wang Qifu , Di Qiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt was previously confirmed that the apoptotic and necrotic neurons are found during the acute post‐traumatic period, suggesting the induction of apoptosis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). To further explore the involvement of apoptotic factors in TBI, an apoptosis antibody array was conducted to measure the alterations of apoptotic factors in rat brain cortex after TBI. As a result, the Neurological Severity Scale (NSS) scores after TBI were increased, and the cell morphology of the brain cortex was destructed with increased neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, the caspase‐3 activity was increased, and the apoptotic‐related factors TNF‐α and p53 were up‐regulated in the brain cortex. More importantly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that down‐regulation of TNF‐α in oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cells increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis and the p53 expression. These results suggested the involvement of TNF‐α–induced apoptotic signalling pathway by activating p53 in the molecular mechanism of neurological injury.
Elevated testosterone increases risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in men with chronic hepatitis B and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Tse Yee‐Kit , Liang Lilian Yan , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Lee Hye Won , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Kong Alice Pik‐Shan , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimMale sex is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a doubled risk of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We examined the relationship between serum total testosterone and HCC risk in male CHB patients with DM.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of male CHB patients with DM between 2000 and 2017 using a territory‐wide electronic health‐care database in Hong Kong. DM was defined by use of anti‐diabetic medications, hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%, and/or fasting glucose ≥ 7 mmol/L in two measurements or ≥ 11.1 mmol/L in one measurement.ResultsOf 928 male CHB patients with DM, 83 (8.9%) developed HCC at a median (interquartile range) of 10.7 (6.1–14.6) years. Higher testosterone was associated with an elevated risk of HCC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] per 1 SD increase 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.46, P = 0.024). The upper tertile of testosterone (aHR 1.86, 95% CI 1.02–3.39, P = 0.043), but not middle tertile (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.41–1.69 P = 0.620), was associated with a higher risk of HCC than the lower tertile. The cumulative incidence (95% CI) of HCC at 5, 10, and 15 years was 4.4% (2.5–7.2%), 12.4% (8.7–16.7%), and 19.1% (14.2–24.5%), respectively, in patients in the upper tertile of testosterone. By subgroup analysis, the association between testosterone and HCC was stronger in patients aged ≥ 50 years and those not receiving antiviral therapy.ConclusionHigher serum testosterone is associated with a higher incidence of HCC in male CHB patients with DM.
A Health System Response to COVID‐19 in Long‐Term Care and Post‐Acute Care: A Three‐Phase Approach
Authors: Kim Gina , Wang Mengru , Pan Hanh , H. Davidson Giana , Roxby Alison C. , Neukirch Jen , Lei Danna , Hawken‐Dennis Elicia , Simpson Louise , D. Ong Thuan 
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUNDThe Seattle, WA, area was ground zero for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Its initial emergence in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) not only highlighted the vulnerability of its patients and residents, but also the limited clinical support that led to national headlines. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic heightened the need for improved collaboration among healthcare organizations and local and state public health.METHODSThe University of Washington Medicine's (UWM's) Post‐Acute Care (PAC) Network developed and implemented a three‐phase approach within its pre‐existing network of SNFs to help slow the spread of the disease, support local area SNFs from becoming overwhelmed when inundated with COVID‐19 cases or persons under investigation, and help decrease the burden on area hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical services.RESULTSSupport of local area SNFs consisted of the following phases that were implemented at various times as COVID‐19 impacted each facility at different times. Initial Phase: This phase was designed to (1) optimize communication, (2) review infection control practices, and (3) create a centralized process to track and test the target population. Delayed Phase: The goals of the Delayed Phase were to slow the spread of the disease once it is present in the SNF by providing consistent education and reinforcing infection prevention and control practices to all staff. Surge Phase: This phase aimed to prepare facilities in response to an outbreak by deploying a "Drop Team" within 24 hours to the facility to expeditiously test patients and exposed employees, triage symptomatic patients, and coordinate care and supplies with local public health authorities.CONCLUSIONSThe COVID‐19 Three‐Phase Response Plan provides a standardized model of care that may be implemented by other health systems and SNFs to help prepare and respond to COVID‐19. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1155–1161, 2020.
Relevance of diagnostic investigations in chronic inflammatory demyelinating poliradiculoneuropathy: Data from the Italian CIDP database
Authors: Liberatore Giuseppe , Manganelli Fiore , Cocito Dario , Fazio Raffaella , Briani Chiara , Filosto Massimiliano , Benedetti Luana , Antonini Giovanni , Cosentino Giuseppe , Jann Stefano , Mazzeo Anna , Cortese Andrea , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Clerici Angelo Maurizio , Siciliano Gabriele , Carpo Marinella , Sabatelli Mario , Lauria Giuseppe , Rosso Tiziana , Nobile Orazio Eduardo ,   on the behalf of the Italian CIDP Database Study Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe objective of our work was to report the clinical features and the relevance of diagnostic investigations in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with a clinical diagnosis of CIDP included in a national database. Among the 500 included patients with a clinical diagnosis of CIDP, 437 patients (87%) fulfilled the European Federation of Neurological Societies and Peripheral Nerve Society criteria for CIDP (definite in 407, probable in 26, possible in four). In 352 patients (86%) motor nerve conduction abnormalities consistent with demyelination were sufficient for the diagnosis of definite CIDP. In 55 patients, this diagnosis required the addition of one or two (from probable or from possible CIDP, respectively) supportive tests, while in 20 cases they improved the diagnosis from possible to probable CIDP, seven patients did not change diagnosis. Considering these 85 patients, cerebrospinal fluid studies were performed in 79 cases (93%) upgrading the certainty of diagnosis in 59% of examined patients. Sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed in 85% of patients with an improvement of diagnosis in 32% of cases. Nerve biopsy and ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (US/MRI) exams resulted positive in about 40% of examined patients, but they were performed in few patients (7 patients and 16 patients, respectively). A response to the therapy was present in 84% of treated patients (n = 77), contributing to support the diagnosis in 40 patients in whom the other supportive criteria were not sufficient. In most patients with CIDP the diagnosis is possible solely with motor NCS while other investigations may help improving the diagnosis in a minority of patients.
Preliminary assessment of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Impact on growth, body index, and hematological parameters
Authors: Adeoye Ayodeji A. , Akegbejo‐Samsons Yemi , Fawole Femi J. , Davies Simon J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA study was conducted to evaluate the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal (BSF) in practical diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Four diets were formulated to contain levels of fishmeal replacement at 0, 25, 50, and 100% with BSF. A total of 360 fingerlings (2.67 ± 0.0 g/fish) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks (30‐L capacity) containing 30 fish each and fed with the respective diet to apparent satiation. After 6 weeks of feeding, growth performance and nutrient utilization indices of the groups fed 25 and 50% BSF diets were not significantly different (p > .05) from the group fed the fishmeal‐based control diet. However, further increase in the replacement of fishmeal with BSF (100%) led to a significant (p < .05) reduction in the growth, feed intake, and protein efficiency ratio of the catfish, whereas body index and survival were not affected. The hematological parameters among the BSF fed groups showed no significant variation (p > .05) compared with the control group. From the current study, it was clear that fishmeal could be replaced with BSF up to 50% without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, survival, and welfare of C. gariepinus fingerlings.
Attenuated effect of PNPLA3 on hepatic fibrosis by HSD17B13 in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Seko Yuya , Yamaguchi Kanji , Tochiki Nozomi , Yano Kota , Takahashi Aya , Okishio Shinya , Kataoka Seita , Okuda Keiichiroh , Umemura Atsushi , Moriguchi Michihisa , Tanaka Saiyu , Mori Kojiroh , Okanoue Takeshi , Itoh Yoshito 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsPNPLA3 rs738409 has been associated with increased risks of fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, carriage of the rs6834314 G allele, which is in high linkage with rs72613567 of 17‐beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13), was reported to be associated with a reduced risk of liver injury in NAFLD patients. We estimated the impact of these genetic variants on hepatic fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD.MethodsWe analysed the associations of these genetic variants with liver histology in 290 Japanese patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD diagnosed during 2002‐2019. During follow‐up, 14 patients (4.8%) developed hepatocellular carcinoma.ResultsPrevalences of the PNPLA3 rs738409 genotypes were 0.17 for CC, 0.41 for CG, 0.42 for GG, and those for HSD17B13 rs6834314 were 0.54 for AA, 0.39 for AG and 0.07 for GG. There was no significant interaction between the PNPLA3 and HSD17B13 genotypes. Prevalences of advanced fibrosis according to PNPLA3/HSD17B13 genotypes were 0.16 for CC,CG/AG,GG, 0.20 for CC,CG/AA, 0.30 for GG/AG,GG and 0.37 for GG/AA. Multivariate analysis identified PNPLA3 GG as a predictor of advanced fibrosis (stage 3/4) in carriers of HSD17B13 AA (odds ratio 2.4, P = .041), but not HSD17B13 AG/GG (P = .776). The HSD17B13 genotype G was significantly associated with lower prevalences of severe inflammation and ballooning and tended to be associated with a higher prevalence of advanced steatosis.ConclusionsIn Japanese patients with NAFLD, carriage of the HSD17B13 rs6834314 G allele attenuated the effect of the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype on advanced hepatic fibrosis.
RENAISSANCE HUMANISM AND PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE
Authors: Sellars John 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA long‐established view has deprecated Renaissance humanists as primarily literary figures with little serious interest in philosophy. More recently it has been proposed that the idea of philosophy as a way of life offers a useful framework with which to reassess their philosophical standing. This proposal has faced some criticism, however. By looking again at the work of three important figures from the period, this essay defends the claim that at least some thinkers during the Renaissance did see philosophy as a way of life, while also acknowledging the force of reservations made by recent critics.