bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DC‐GAN‐based synthetic X‐ray images augmentation for increasing the performance of EfficientNet for COVID‐19 detection
Authors: Shah Pir Masoom , Ullah Hamid , Ullah Rahim , Shah Dilawar , Wang Yulin , Islam Saif ul , Gani Abdullah , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCurrently, many deep learning models are being used to classify COVID‐19 and normal cases from chest X‐rays. However, the available data (X‐rays) for COVID‐19 is limited to train a robust deep‐learning model. Researchers have used data augmentation techniques to tackle this issue by increasing the numbers of samples through flipping, translation, and rotation. However, by adopting this strategy, the model compromises for the learning of high‐dimensional features for a given problem. Hence, there are high chances of overfitting. In this paper, we used deep‐convolutional generative adversarial networks algorithm to address this issue, which generates synthetic images for all the classes (Normal, Pneumonia, and COVID‐19). To validate whether the generated images are accurate, we used the k‐mean clustering technique with three clusters (Normal, Pneumonia, and COVID‐19). We only selected the X‐ray images classified in the correct clusters for training. In this way, we formed a synthetic dataset with three classes. The generated dataset was then fed to The EfficientNetB4 for training. The experiments achieved promising results of 95% in terms of area under the curve (AUC). To validate that our network has learned discriminated features associated with lung in the X‐rays, we used the Grad‐CAM technique to visualize the underlying pattern, which leads the network to its final decision.
Close‐kin methods to estimate census size and effective population size
Authors: Waples Robin S. , Feutry Pierre 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe last two decades have witnessed rapid developments and increasing interest in use of: (1) genetic methods to estimate effective population size (Ne) and (2) close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR) methods to estimate abundance based on the incidence of close relatives. WhereasNeestimation methods have been applied to a wide range of taxa, all CKMR applications to date have been for aquatic species. These two fields of inquiry have developed largely independently, and this is unfortunate because deeper insights can be gained by joint evaluation of eco‐evolutionary processes. In this synthesis, we use simple analytical models and simulated pedigree data to illustrate how various factors (life‐history traits; patterns of variation in individual reproductive success; experimental design; stochasticity; marker type) can affect the performance of the estimators. We show that theNe/Nratio and the probability of a close‐kin match both depend on a vector of parental weights that specify relative probabilities that different individuals will produce offspring. Although age‐specific vital rates are central to both methodologies, for CKMR they can potentially bias abundance estimates unless properly accounted for, whereas they represent the signals of genetic drift thatNeestimation methods depend upon. CoordinatingNeand CKMR estimation methods using the same or overlapping datasets would facilitate joint evaluation of both the ecological and evolutionary consequences of abundance.
Fatigue behavior after pre‐corroded in a simulated body fluid for ZK60 magnesium alloy prepared by micro‐arc oxidation
Authors: Xiong Ying , Yu Yi , Yang Jie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA bio‐ceramic coating was prepared on the surface of ZK60 magnesium alloys by micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) method. The substrate (BM) and coated (MAO) specimens were pre‐corroded in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for 12 h. Strain‐controlled and stress‐controlled loading modes were used to conduct fatigue tests for the specimens with non‐corroded and pre‐corroded, and the cyclic deformation behavior of different specimens was studied. The fatigue life of pre‐corroded MAO specimen is higher than that of pre‐corroded BM specimen. The mechanism of cyclic deformation under different loading conditions is related to twinning and slip. For the same specimens, the higher the absolute value of ratcheting strain, the lower the fatigue life. A modified total strain energy model is proposed, and the precision of life prediction is higher than that of traditional fatigue model.
CB1 receptors in corticotropin‐releasing factor neurons selectively control the acoustic startle response in male mice
Authors: Ruat Julia , Hartmann Alice , Heinz Daniel E. , Nemcova Paulina , Stoffel Rainer , Deussing Jan M. , Chen Alon , Wotjak Carsten T. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of the hormonal and behavioral stress responses, which critically involve corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors. While it has been shown that CRF and the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor are co‐localized in several brain regions, the physiological relevance of this co‐expression remains unclear. Using double in situ hybridization, we confirmed co‐localization in the piriform cortex, the lateral hypothalamic area, the paraventricular nucleus, and the Barrington's nucleus, albeit at low levels. To study the behavioral and physiological implications of this co‐expression, we generated a conditional knockout mouse line that selectively lacks the expression of CB1 receptors in CRF neurons. We found no effects on fear and anxiety‐related behaviors under basal conditions nor after a traumatic experience. Additionally, plasma corticosterone levels were unaffected at baseline and after restraint stress. Only acoustic startle responses were significantly enhanced in male, but not female, knockout mice. Taken together, the consequences of depleting CB1 in CRF‐positive neurons caused a confined hyperarousal phenotype in a sex‐dependent manner. The current results suggest that the important interplay between the central endocannabinoid and CRF systems in regulating the organism's stress response is predominantly taking place at the level of CRF receptor‐expressing neurons.
Living, dead, and absent trees—How do moth outbreaks shape small‐scale patterns of soil organic matter stocks and dynamics at the Subarctic mountain birch treeline?
Authors: Meyer Nele , Xu Yi , Karjalainen Katri , Adamczyk Sylwia , Biasi Christina , van Delden Lona , Martin Angela , Mganga Kevin , Myller Kristiina , Sietiö Outi‐Maaria , Suominen Otso , Karhu Kristiina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMountain birch forests (Betula pubescens Ehrh. ssp. czerepanovii) at the subarctic treeline not only benefit from global warming, but are also increasingly affected by caterpillar outbreaks from foliage‐feeding geometrid moths. Both of these factors have unknown consequences on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and biogeochemical cycles. We measured SOC stocks down to the bedrock under living trees and under two stages of dead trees (12 and 55 years since moth outbreak) and treeless tundra in northern Finland. We also measured in‐situ soil respiration, potential SOC decomposability, biological (enzyme activities and microbial biomass), and chemical (N, mineral N, and pH) soil properties. SOC stocks were significantly higher under living trees (4.1 ± 2.1 kg m²) than in the treeless tundra (2.4 ± 0.6 kg m²), and remained at an elevated level even 12 (3.7 ± 1.7 kg m²) and 55 years (4.9 ± 3.0 kg m²) after tree death. Effects of tree status on SOC stocks decreased with increasing distance from the tree and with increasing depth, that is, a significant effect of tree status was found in the organic layer, but not in mineral soil. Soil under living trees was characterized by higher mineral N contents, microbial biomass, microbial activity, and soil respiration compared with the treeless tundra; soils under dead trees were intermediate between these two. The results suggest accelerated organic matter turnover under living trees but a positive net effect on SOC stocks. Slowed organic matter turnover and continuous supply of deadwood may explain why SOC stocks remained elevated under dead trees, despite the heavy decrease in aboveground C stocks. We conclude that the increased occurrence of moth damage with climate change would have minor effects on SOC stocks, but ultimately decrease ecosystem C stocks (49% within 55 years in this area), if the mountain birch forests will not be able to recover from the outbreaks.
Participatory codesign of patient involvement in a Learning Health System: How can data‐driven care be patient‐driven care?
Authors: Knowles Sarah E. , Allen Dawn , Donnelly Ailsa , Flynn Jackie , Gallacher Kay , Lewis Annmarie , McCorkle Grace , Mistry Manoj , Walkington Pat , Brunton Lisa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundA Learning Health System (LHS) is a model of how routinely collected health data can be used to improve care, creating ‘virtuous cycles’ between data and improvement. This requires the active involvement of health service stakeholders, including patients themselves. However, to date, research has explored the acceptability of being ‘data donors’ rather than considering patients as active contributors. The study aimed to understand how patients should be actively involved in an LHS.DesignTen participatory codesign workshops were conducted with eight experienced public contributors using visual, collective and iterative methods. This led contributors to challenge and revise not only the idea of an LHS but also revise the study aims and outputs.ResultsThe contributors proposed three exemplar roles for patients in patient‐driven LHS, which aligned with the idea of three forms of transparency: informational, participatory and accountability. ‘Epistemic injustice’ was considered a useful concept to express the risks of an LHS that did not provide active roles to patients (testimonial injustice) and that neglected their experience through collecting data that did not reflect the complexity of their lives (hermeneutic injustice).DiscussionPatient involvement in an LHS should be ‘with and by’ patients, not ‘about or for’. This requires systems to actively work with and respond to patient feedback, as demonstrated within the study itself by the adaptive approach to responding to contributor questions, to work in partnership with patients to create a ‘virtuous alliance’ to achieve change.Patient or Public ContributionPublic contributors were active partners throughout, and co‐authored the paper.
Can depressed patients make a decision to request voluntary assisted dying?
Authors: Holmes Alex , Lange Peter , Stewart Cameron , White Ben , Willmott Lindy , Dooley Michael , Philip Jennifer , La Brooy Camille , Komesaroff Paul 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDepressive symptoms, including those as part of a major depressive disorder, are common at the end of life. A number of psychiatrists consider that a diagnosis of major depression precludes the capacity to make a decision to request voluntary assisted dying (VAD), although this is not a unanimous view. This paper uses a case of a patient in which two different psychiatric opinions were formed regarding her capacity to make the decision to request VAD. The difference of view can be related to whether major depression was diagnosed and the association made between depression and the capacity to request VAD. The view that an absence of major depression is required in order to establish the capacity to request VAD is potentially at odds with the legal definition and not necessarily in keeping with the patient's experience at the end of life.
Ten‐year trends in prescribing of antiarrhythmic drugs in Australian primary care patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bezabhe Woldesellassie M. , Bereznicki Luke R. , Radford Jan , Salahudeen Mohammed S. , Garrahy Edward , Wimmer Barbara C. , Bindoff Ivan , Peterson Gregory M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDespite changes in antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) choice in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), trends in AAD prescribing remain not investigated. We aimed to examine these changes using a nationwide Australian general practice data from 2009 to 2018. Over the 10 years, AAD prescribing in patients with AF decreased, which was mainly due to a reduction in the use of amiodarone, sotalol and digoxin. In contrast, the use of beta‐blockers and flecainide increased.
The gut microbiota and gut disease
Authors: Fehily Sasha R. , Basnayake Chamara , Wright Emily K. , Kamm Michael A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe gut microbiota has a key role in the maintenance of good health, and in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases. These conditions include the inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, coeliac disease and metabolic liver disease. Although the nature of the microbial disturbance in these conditions has not been fully characterised, this has not prevented the development of microbially based therapies. Microbial‐changing therapies may address newly recognised pathophysiological contributors of disease and have the potential to replace or supplement standard therapies. Antibiotics play a role in initial Clostridiodes difficile disease and some specific inflammatory disorders. Probiotics have a more limited proven role. Faecal microbiota transplantation is of proven therapeutic benefit in recurrent C. difficile disease and ulcerative colitis. We review the current literature for microbiota‐targeted therapies in gut disorders.
Clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 differ by age and obesity status
Authors: Cheng Wesley A. , Turner Lauren , Marentes Ruiz Carolyn J. , Tanaka Melissa L. , Congrave‐Wilson Zion , Lee Yesun , Jumarang Jaycee , Perez Stephanie , Peralta Ariana , Pannaraj Pia S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAge and obesity status are associated with severe outcomes among hospitalized individuals with COVID‐19. It remains unclear whether age and obesity are risk factors for milder COVID‐19 illness.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled SARS‐CoV‐2‐exposed individuals. Participants recorded symptoms for 28 days and were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and serology. Type, number, and duration of symptoms and SARS‐CoV‐2 laboratory parameters were compared by age and obesity status.ResultsOf 552 individuals enrolled from June 2020 to January 2021, 470 (85.1%) tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 including 261 (55.5%) adults ≥18 years, 61 (13.0%) adolescents 12–17 years, and 148 (31.5%) children <12 years. Children had fewer symptoms (median 2 vs. 3, p < 0.001) lasting fewer days (median 5 vs. 7, p < 0.001) compared with adolescents/adults. Body mass index of 300 (63.8%) individuals classified with overweight or obesity (OWOB). Individuals with OWOB suffered more symptoms compared with individuals without OWOB (median 3 vs. 2, p = 0.037), including more cough and shortness of breath (p = 0.023 and 0.026, respectively). Adolescents with OWOB were more likely to be symptomatic (66.7% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.008) and have longer respiratory symptoms (median 7 vs. 4 days, p = 0.049) compared with adolescents without OWOB. Lower RT‐PCR Ct values were found in children and symptomatic individuals compared with adolescent and adults and asymptomatic individuals, respectively (p = 0.001 and 0.022).ConclusionsAdolescents and adults with OWOB experience more respiratory symptoms from COVID‐19 despite similar viral loads. These findings underscore the importance of vaccinating individuals with OWOB.
Does ownership structure affect firm performance? Evidence of Indian bank efficiency before and after the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Wanke Peter , Skully Michael , Wijesiri Mahinda , Walker Thomas , dalla Pellegrina Lucia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between bank ownership and efficiency before and after the 2008–2009 Global Financial Crisis. Using a sample of 58 Indian commercial banks from 2005 to 2017, we examine the interconnection between these factors in a dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework. We use an innovative modeling strategy based on a two‐stage dynamic DEA framework. The first stage employs the Dynamic Slack‐Based Measure model to measure bank efficiency, explicitly considering the effects of desirable and undesirable carry‐overs between consecutive periods. In a second stage, we perform a regression of the efficiency scores on bank ownership types and several other contextual factors, while also accounting for the presence of endogenous relationships between the variables involved. Our results show that foreign banks outperform their domestic competitors, with bank size and profitability being the main drivers. We also find that while foreign and state‐owned banks were more efficient than their rivals during the Global Financial Crisis, private banks recovered quickly, reaching the efficiency standards of state‐owned banks by 2017. The latter faced a prolonged decrease in efficiency, gradually losing their initial advantage over their private domestic counterparts. Our results are robust to alternative regression specifications, especially those aimed at addressing potential endogeneity issues. The applied methodology and the findings of our research should be of interest to scholars, bank managers, and policymakers. The latter, in particular, should be concerned about the medium‐term effects of reforms that unevenly affect banks with different ownership structures, especially in terms of bank resilience to aggregate shocks.
Targeting of EIF4EBP1 by miR‐99a‐3p affects the functions of B lymphocytes via autophagy and aggravates SLE disease progression
Authors: Yang Meng , Yang Binbin , Deng Danqi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractExcessive activation of immune cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The regulation of immune cells by miRNAs is a research hotspot. In this study, second‐generation high‐throughput sequencing revealed a reduction in miR‐99a‐3p expression in patients with SLE; however, the specific mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. After transfection with an miR‐99a‐3p agomir, the proliferation of Ball‐1 cells decreased and the levels of their apoptosis increased. The opposite effects were observed in cells transfected with the miR‐99a‐3p antagomir. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR‐99a‐3p directly targeted EIF4EBP1. Rescue experiments confirmed the proposed interaction between miR‐99a‐3p and EIF4EBP1. In vitro, in vivo and clinical investigations further confirmed that the miR‐99a‐3p agomir reduced the expression of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP‐2A. In the in vivo experiments, serum levels of anti‐nuclear antibodies, double‐stranded DNA, IgE, IgM, IL‐6, IL‐10 and B lymphocyte stimulator were higher in mice from the antagomir group than those in mice from the MRL/lpr group. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP‐2A, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP‐2A, the urinary protein levels, and the C3 immunofluorescence deposition increased in mice from the antagomir group. The upregulation of miR‐99a‐3p expression protected B cells from EIF4EBP1‐mediated autophagy, whilst the downregulation of miR‐99a‐3p expression induced autophagy via the EIF4EBP1‐mediated regulation of the autophagy signalling pathway in B cells isolated from individuals with SLE. Based on these results, miR‐99a‐3p and EIF4EBP1 may be considered potential targets for SLE treatment.
Effect of ultrasound‐assisted hydrodistillation on extraction kinetics, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity of Citrus jambhiri peel essential oil
Authors: Priyadarshi Swati , Kashyap Piyush , Gadhave Ram Kaduji , Jindal Navdeep 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCitrus jambhiri processing generates 40% peel waste with considerable waste management constraints. Interestingly, these peels are a rich source of essential oil. Hence, in this study, the essential oil was extracted from fresh peels and peel powder (PP) of C. jambhiri using hydrodistillation (HD) and ultrasound‐assisted hydrodistillation (USHD). Kinetic study, physicochemical, antimicrobial, and chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from PP and fresh peel with albedo (FPA) and without albedo (FPWA) using HD and USHD was studied. The kinetic study was further experimentally validated using the first and second‐order kinetic model. The integrated equations were used to test the fitting of the model with obtained experimental data. Kinetics of oil extraction from PP using USHD showed that extraction process best fitted in second‐order kinetic model with a high coefficient of determination (R2 = .999), yield (3.63%) and extraction rate constant (K2 = 0.0306), showing that it validated the process thoroughly. The physicochemical properties of essential oils obtained from both extraction methods fall within an acceptable range. Specific gravity, acid value, and total phenolic content showed no significant difference between both extraction methods while others differed significantly. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity increased with ultrasound treatment. GC–MS analysis of different oil samples revealed that 10 compounds extracted from each extraction with the highest amount of d‐limonene (61.29%) were obtained from PP using USHD. USHD stands as a fast, efficient, and economical method for extracting essential oil and can be a potential source for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.Practical ApplicationCitrus jambhiri peels are discarded as waste material. Its comprehensive utilization is urgently needed. Essential oil from citrus peels is an important biologically active substance containing tens to hundreds of bioactive compounds with health‐promoting characteristics. Ultrasound‐assisted hydrodistillation is a promising extraction technique to enhance product quality and reduce production time and consumed energy. Application of the novel proposed methods combined with conventional or alternative to increase the extraction rate on an industrial scale could be recommended.
Labour, mechanization, market integration, and government policy: Agrarian change and lowland rice cultivation in northeastern Thailand and southern Laos
Authors: Baird Ian G. , Manorom Kanokwan , Piyadeth Santi , Gaja‐Svasti Sirasak , Ninchaluene Chanthavisouk 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOver the last two decades, significant changes in lowland rice cultivation practices have occurred in mainland Southeast Asia. Here, we compare lowland rice farming in six provinces in northeastern Thailand and four districts in Savannakhet Province in southern Laos and consider the ways that agrarian change, including the deepening of capitalist relations, is occurring. Some of the most important changes taking place relate to increasing mechanization, remittances, changing bases of labour's simple reproduction, and the increased importance of international markets, especially for organic rice. These changes and associated government policies are having a considerable influence on agricultural practices. The Chinese market for organic rice from Laos is reducing pesticide and herbicides use and prolonging hand‐transplanting of paddy, while encouraging farmers to use uniform sized high‐yielding rice varieties, and abandoning local seeds. Rice exports from Laos are having both positive and negative environmental effects, indicating the nuanced influences of particular international markets and government policies.