bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hand gesture recognition using multimodal data fusion and multiscale parallel convolutional neural network for human–robot interaction
Authors: Gao Qing , Liu Jinguo , Ju Zhaojie 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHand gesture recognition plays an important role in human–robot interaction. The accuracy and reliability of hand gesture recognition are the keys to gesture‐based human–robot interaction tasks. To solve this problem, a method based on multimodal data fusion and multiscale parallel convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed in this paper to improve the accuracy and reliability of hand gesture recognition. First of all, data fusion is conducted on the sEMG signal, the RGB image, and the depth image of hand gestures. Then, the fused images are generated to two different scale images by downsampling, which are respectively input into two subnetworks of the parallel CNN to obtain two hand gesture recognition results. After that, hand gesture recognition results of the parallel CNN are combined to obtain the final hand gesture recognition result. Finally, experiments are carried out on a self‐made database containing 10 common hand gestures, which verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method for hand gesture recognition. In addition, the proposed method is applied to a seven‐degree‐of‐freedom bionic manipulator to achieve robotic manipulation with hand gestures.
Analytic hierarchy process: An innovative technique for culturally tailoring evidence‐based interventions to reduce health disparities
Authors: Corvin Jaime A. , Chan Isabella , Aguado Loi Claudia X. , Dollman Ian , Gonzales Junius 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLatinos in the United States represent a disproportionate burden of illness and disease and face barriers to accessing health care and related resources. Culturally tailored, evidence‐based interventions hold promise in addressing many of these challenges. Yet, ensuring patient voice is vital in the successful development and implementation of such interventions. Thus, this paper examines the application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to inform the augmentation and implementation of an evidence‐based chronic disease self‐management programme for underserved Latinos living with both minor depression and chronic illness. The process of AHP allows for direct input from the individuals that would utilize such a programme, including afflicted individuals, their family members and the health educators/promotores that would be responsible for implementation. Specifically, 45 participants, including 15 individuals with chronic disease, 15 family members/caregivers and 15 promotores, partook in the Stakeholder Values Questionnaire, which elicited preferences and values regarding major goals, processes and content for the intervention. AHP was employed to analyse pairwise comparison ratings and to determine differences and similarities across stakeholder groups. This analytical technique allowed for the adaptation of the EBI to stakeholders' specific priorities and preferences and facilitated complex decision‐making. Findings not only shed light on similarities and differences between stakeholder groups, but also the magnitude of these priorities and preferences and allowed the intervention to be driven by the participants, themselves. Applying AHP was a unique opportunity to optimize the decision‐making process to inform cultural adaptation of an EBI while considering multiple viewpoints systematically.
Effect of milling and sieving processes on the physicochemical properties of okra seed powders
Authors: Waiss Idriss Miganeh , Kimbonguila André , Abdoul‐Latif Fatouma Mohamed , Nkeletela Laurette Brigelia , Matos Louis , Scher Joël , Petit Jérémy 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe aim of this work was on one hand to investigate the influence of milling speed and mean particle size of granulometric classes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) seed powders on proximal composition (related to nutritional potential). On the other hand, it was tried to relate flow properties to powder physicochemical characteristics, namely particle size distribution and proximal composition. Then, dry okra seeds were ground with an ultra‐centrifugal mill at three rotational speeds, 6 000, 12 000 and 18 000 r.p.m., corresponding to circa 990, 3 958 and 8 906 g, respectively. Each powder was separated into four granulometric classes: ≥500, 315–500, 180–315 and ≤180 µm. Milling speed affected the particle size distribution of dry okra seed powders: on one hand, the higher the milling speed, the lower the mean particle size, mainly because of the higher the proportion of fine particles (<100 µm); on the other hand, at low milling speed, dry okra seed powders were rather monomodal and constituted of large particles, whereas at high milling speed they were bimodal and composed of two populations (fine and large particles). In granulometric classes, fat and protein contents were significantly higher for fine particles, unlike carbohydrate and ash contents that were lower. This differential distribution of macronutrients within granulometric classes was enhanced at higher milling speed. Finally, the ≤180 µm granulometric class, corresponding to the smallest mean particle size, had a low flowability, confirmed by their high cohesion and compressibility, which can be related to its high fat content making it sticky. On the contrary, the ≥500 µm granulometric class was not cohesive, leading to good flow properties.
Frailty in patients with aortic stenosis awaiting intervention
Authors: Ha Francis J. , Bissland Kenneth , Mandrawa Christine , Palmer Sonny C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular disease in older age. Definitive interventions include surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In high‐risk patients, frailty is observed in up to 50% awaiting TAVI. Frailty is now an established predictor of outcomes in patients with AS who undergo intervention. There is currently no consensus definition for frailty. It is widely described as a syndrome of loss in physiological reserve predisposing to increased vulnerability for death or dependency. Frailty encompasses a holistic view including domains of physical function, cognition, depression, nutrition and medical comorbidities. Individual components of frailty have been shown to significantly predict mortality, functional recovery and quality of life after TAVI. The addition of frailty components to conventional risk prediction models traditionally used in cardiac surgery has been shown to augment overall prediction for post‐operative mortality and morbidity. Identifying patients who are frail at baseline provides an opportunity to modify dynamic aspects of frailty prior to, and after definitive intervention for AS. A multidisciplinary approach including comprehensive geriatric pre‐operative assessment will likely become standard of care to identify and optimise frail patients awaiting TAVI. In this review, we discuss the definition and measurement of frailty in patients with AS, evaluate recent data on risk prediction associated with frailty, and outline approaches to optimisation of dynamic components of frailty to improve outcomes after AS intervention.
Longitudinal links between maternal factors and infant cognition: Moderation by infant sleep
Authors: Camerota Marie , Gueron‐Sela Noa , Grimes Melissa , Propper Cathi B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe current study examined the moderating role of infant sleep in the link between maternal factors (i.e., maternal education, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance) and infant cognition. Data come from 95 African American parent–child dyads. At 3 months of age, infant sleep was objectively measured using videosomnography and actigraphy, from which measures of sleep regulation and consolidation were calculated. Mothers also self‐reported their level of education, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. At 6 months of age, infants completed cognitive assessments, including a measure of general cognitive ability and observed attention behavior. Findings revealed that infant sleep quality interacted with maternal education and sleep disturbances to predict cognition. Specifically, the link between maternal education and infants’ attention behavior was significant and positive for infants with better regulated sleep, but not for infants with poorly regulated sleep. Similarly, the link between maternal sleep disturbance and infant cognition depended on infant sleep quality. For infants with poorer sleep consolidation, increased maternal sleep disturbance predicted poorer infant general cognitive ability. For infants with better sleep consolidation, maternal sleep disturbance was positively related to both general cognitive ability and attention behavior. These findings suggest that infant sleep quality moderates the impact of environmental factors on cognitive functioning.
Species–area relationship and small‐island effect of bryophytes on the Zhoushan Archipelago, China
Authors: Yu Jing , Li Dandan , Zhang Zeyou , Guo Shuiliang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe species–area relationship (SAR) and the small‐island effect (SIE) are of important ecological significance. However, few studies have focused on these topics in regard to bryophytes. We aimed to (1) determine whether SIEs and a SAR with two thresholds and three different processes of species addition exist for bryophytes across continental islands and (2) test whether the SIE threshold tends to be high for stenoecious species with a high sensitivity to habitats and for those with relatively high resource requirements and low dispersal abilities.LocationThe Zhoushan Archipelago, China.TaxonBryophytes.MethodsWe obtained species number data for five bryophyte categories (total bryophytes, total mosses, acrocarpous mosses, pleurocarpous mosses and liverworts) from 66 continental islands of the archipelago and analysed the dataset using 24 SAR models. According to Akaike's information criterion, we identified models suitable for revealing SARs and detecting SIEs among the five bryophyte categories.ResultsThe power model was best for fitting SARs of all bryophyte categories except for pleurocarpous mosses. For detecting SIEs, the three‐segmented model provided the best support for the five categories. There were obvious SIEs for the five bryophyte groups, with area thresholds of 0.11–1.42 km2. The SIE threshold was much higher in liverworts than in mosses and in pleurocarpous mosses than in acrocarpous mosses. The second thresholds for the five categories were similar, ranging from 53.62 to 73.19 km2.Main conclusionsA unique SAR pattern with two area thresholds and three different dominant processes of species addition with island area was found for bryophytes across the continental islands. The second thresholds were not due to in situ speciation but were likely due to the high immigration of bryophytes from the mainland attributed to local residents. The SIE thresholds detected for the different categories of bryophytes indicated that the values tended to be low for species groups with low resource requirements and high dispersal abilities and high for those with a high sensitivity to habitat conditions, the latter indicating that areas for conservation purposes for species sensitive to habitats should be comparatively large.
Associations between physical activity and constipation in adult Americans: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wilson Patrick B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is mixed evidence that physical activity is associated with constipation on the population level. This analysis aimed to determine whether amount and types of physical activity are cross‐sectionally associated with constipation.MethodsA total of 9963 adults from the 2007‐2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Constipation was defined based on low stool frequency (<3 stools/wk) and a hard/lumpy consistency (type 1 or 2 on the Bristol Stool Form Scale). Univariate logistic regression models evaluated associations between physical activity variables and constipation, while multivariate models were built to account for other variables (age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, relationship status, health status, body mass index, fiber intake, and moisture intake).Key resultsBased on <3 stools/wk, 3.4% (95% CI, 2.8%‐4.2%) of Americans were constipated, whereas 7.3% (95% CI, 6.7%‐8.1%) were deemed constipated when using the hard/lumpy definition. Odds ratios (ORs) of experiencing < 3 stools/wk were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.11‐2.97) for people engaging in no vigorous recreational activity (vs. any) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.08‐1.85) for those doing no moderate recreational activity (vs. any). Likewise, doing no moderate recreational activity was associated with slightly higher odds of hard/lumpy stools (OR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.03‐1.46). These associations were attenuated and insignificant in multivariate models (all ORs < 1.45).ConclusionOn the population level, self‐reported physical inactivity is not strongly associated with passing < 3 stools/wk or hard/lumpy stools. Better‐designed prospective observational and intervention studies are needed to clarify how physical inactivity impacts different forms of constipation.
Barriers to providing optimal dialysis care for undocumented immigrants: Policy challenges and solutions
Authors: Welles Christine C. , Cervantes Lilia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAccess to hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is widely variable across the United States and highly dependent upon state policy. Some states have enacted policies to provide coverage for standard dialysis to undocumented immigrants, while other states do not provide coverage. Patients living in some states which do not provide coverage rely on emergency federal coverage through the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. However, this act requires that patients present with an acute, life‐threatening condition in order to receive dialysis, which is then referred to as “emergency‐only hemodialysis” (EoHD). Because EoHD requires patients to present in life‐threatening condition, patients who rely on EoHD suffer from debilitating physical symptoms and psychosocial distress. Undocumented immigrants who receive EoHD also have staggeringly higher mortality rates than those who receive standard hemodialysis. Moreover, in comparison with standard dialysis, EoHD results in greater health care utilization and higher health care costs. Therefore, EoHD represents a very low value care practice, providing substandard care at a greater cost. Policy change is urgently needed to provide undocumented immigrants with ESRD access to the standard of care; that is, three‐times weekly standard hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Interferon α in cancer immunoediting: From elimination to escape
Authors: Vidal Paolo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInterferon α (IFNα) is a cytokine that mediates diverse immune responses to tumours. It is the oldest immune‐based oncologic drug and has been widely used to treat various malignancies in humans. Yet, the use of IFNα in cancer therapy has only resulted in limited success and even led to worse clinical outcomes under certain instances. The emergence of the cancer immunoediting concept—which implicates the host immune system in promoting tumour growth—recapitulates the need to evaluate the immune functions of IFNα. This review proposes that IFNα has dual opposing roles in cancer development based on the mutational status of its signalling components, which determines the expression of anti‐ or pro‐tumorigenic IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs). This duality may translate into new applications of IFNα in cancer immunotherapy.
Genome size variation in butterflies (Insecta, Lepidotera, Papilionoidea): a thorough phylogenetic comparison
Authors: Liu Guichun , Chang Zhou , Chen Lei , He Jinwu , Dong Zhiwei , Yang Jie , Lu Sihan , Zhao Ruoping , Wan Wenting , Ma Guolan , Li Jian , Zhang Ru , Wang Wen , Li Xueyan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractButterflies have been of great interest to naturalists for centuries, and the study of butterflies has been an integral part of ecology and evolution ever since Darwin proposed his theory of natural selection in 1859. There are > 18 000 butterfly species worldwide, showing great diversity in morphological traits and ecological niches. Compared with butterfly diversity, however, patterns of genome size variation in butterflies remain poorly understood, especially in a phylogenetic context. Here, we sequenced and assembled the mitogenomes of 68 butterflies and measured the genome sizes (C‐values) of 67 of them. We also assembled 10 mitogenomes using reads from GenBank. Among the assembled 78 mitogenomes, those from 59 species, 23 genera and one subfamily are reported for the first time. Combining with published data of mitogenomes and genome size, we explored the patterns in genome size variation for 106 butterfly species in a phylogenetic context based on analyses of mitogenomes from 264 species covering six families. Our results show that the genome size of butterflies has a 6.4‐fold variation ranging from 0.203 pg (199 Mb) (Nymphalidae: Heliconius xanthocles) to 1.287 pg (1253 Mb) (Papilionidae: Parnassius orleans). Within families, the largest variation was found in Papilionidae (5.9‐fold: 0.22–1.29 pg), followed by Nymphalidae (4.8‐fold: 0.2–0.95 pg), Pieridae (4.4‐fold: 0.22–0.97 pg), Hesperiidae (2.2‐fold: 0.3–0.66 pg), Lycaenidae (2.6‐fold: 0.39–1.02 pg) and Rioidinidae (1.8‐fold: 0.48–0.87 pg). Our data also suggest that butterflies have an ancestral genome size of c. 0.5 pg, and some ancestral genome size increase or decrease events along different subfamilies or tribes produce the diversity of genome size variation in diverse butterflies. Our data provide novel insights into patterns of genome size variation in butterflies and are an important reference for future genome sequencing programmes.
Wide‐ranging transcriptome remodelling mediated by alternative polyadenylation in response to abiotic stresses in Sorghum
Authors: Chakrabarti Manohar , de Lorenzo Laura , Abdel‐Ghany Salah E. , Reddy Anireddy S. N. , Hunt Arthur G. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryAlternative polyadenylation (APA) regulates diverse developmental and physiological processes through its effects on gene expression, mRNA stability, translatability, and transport. Sorghum is a major cereal crop in the world and, despite its importance, not much is known about the role of post‐transcriptional regulation in mediating responses to abiotic stresses in Sorghum. A genome‐wide APA analysis unveiled widespread occurrence of APA in Sorghum in response to drought, heat, and salt stress. Abiotic stress treatments incited changes in poly(A) site choice in a large number of genes. Interestingly, abiotic stresses led to the re‐directing of transcriptional output into non‐productive pathways defined by the class of poly(A) site utilized. This result revealed APA to be part of a larger global response of Sorghum to abiotic stresses that involves the re‐direction of transcriptional output into non‐productive transcriptional and translational pathways. Large numbers of stress‐inducible poly(A) sites could not be linked with known, annotated genes, suggestive of the existence of numerous unidentified genes whose expression is strongly regulated by abiotic stresses. Furthermore, we uncovered a novel stress‐specific cis‐element in intronic poly(A) sites used in drought‐ and heat‐stressed plants that might play an important role in non‐canonical poly(A) site choice in response to abiotic stresses.
Antenatal blood transfusion in South Africa: indications and practice in a high‐HIV‐prevalence setting
Authors: Bloch Evan M. , Hull Jennifer , Green‐Thompson Randolph , Ingram Charlotte , Crookes Robert L. , Fawcus Susan , Anthony John , Courtney Lauren , Roubinian Nareg , Jauregui Adam , Hilton Joan F. , Murphy Edward L. ,   for the NHLBI REDS‐III South Africa Program
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUNDGlobally, data on antenatal blood transfusion practices are scarce. We sought to characterize the epidemiology of antenatal transfusion in South Africa.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA cross‐sectional study was conducted of women who were transfused during pregnancy (>48 hr before anticipated delivery) at two hospitals in Durban and Soweto in 2014 to 2015. Medical record data on demographics, obstetric history, anemia, HIV status, and indications for blood transfusion were abstracted.RESULTSThe records on a total of 560 transfused pregnant women were evaluated; mean age was 28 years, 98% were of black African ethnicity, and 28% were HIV positive. At time of transfusion, one‐half were in the first trimester. Hemorrhage was noted in 76% of women, most of which was associated with abortion (67%) or ectopic pregnancy (27%). Most women were transfused with red blood cells (RBCs; median, 2 units); 14% of women were transfused with plasma and 2% with platelets. Median pre‐ and posttransfusion hemoglobin levels were 6.9 g/dL and 9.2 g/dL, respectively; the latter differed by hospital (8.7 g/dL vs. 9.5 g/dL; p < 0.01). Hemorrhage was associated with missing HIV status, lower gestational age, and transfusion of 3 or more RBC units (all p < 0.01). In contrast, diagnoses of anemia (Soweto only) were associated with HIV infection, later gestational age, and lower (<3 units) RBC dose (all p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONAbortion and ectopic pregnancy with associated hemorrhage were the leading indications for antenatal transfusion and were concentrated in early gestation. By contrast, anemia was associated with HIV infection and transfusion in the third trimester.
Understanding The Effects Of Exemplars, Types Of Message Appeals And Narrative Engagement On The Intention To Stop Smoking: A Field Experiment/ Memahami Kesan Kisah Teladan, Jenis Rayuan Mesej dan Pertalian Naratif dalam Meningkatkan Tahap Keinginan untuk Berhenti Merokok: Satu Eksperimen Lapangan
Authors: Jamil Juhaida , Mustafa Hasrina 
Published: January 2020

Health education tools are important to stimulate responses and facilitate interaction among the participants during health education and counseling sessions. In addition to brochures, pictures and charts, exemplar is one of the most useful tools to engage participants during the sessions. Exemplar refers to a narrative or a story that elaborates on a person’s personal experience. The present study aims to examine the effects of exemplar (first and third person), message appeals (fear and motivational appeals) on the intention to stop smoking through the mediating role of narrative engagement. The study utilized a 2x2 between-subjects field experiment conducted among 16 counselling groups (with ten members in each group) who registered for the Stop Smoking Clinics under the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The result showed significant main effect of exemplars, message appeals and interaction effect of both variables on the intention to stop smoking. Narrative engagement was also found to play a significant mediating role in increasing the intention to stop smoking. The study concludes that the use of the first person exemplars with fear appeal will lead to greater narrative engagement and eventually stronger intention to stop smoking. Findings derived from the study would assist health education practitioners in choosing the most effective exemplars that can be used in health counseling sessions.