bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep learning for terahertz image denoising in nondestructive historical document analysis
Authors: Dutta Balaka , Root Konstantin , Ullmann Ingrid , Wagner Fabian , Mayr Martin , Seuret Mathias , Thies Mareike , Stromer Daniel , Christlein Vincent , Schür Jan , Maier Andreas , Huang Yixing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHistorical documents contain essential information about the past, including places, people, or events. Many of these valuable cultural artifacts cannot be further examined due to aging or external influences, as they are too fragile to be opened or turned over, so their rich contents remain hidden. Terahertz (THz) imaging is a nondestructive 3D imaging technique that can be used to reveal the hidden contents without damaging the documents. As noise or imaging artifacts are predominantly present in reconstructed images processed by standard THz reconstruction algorithms, this work intends to improve THz image quality with deep learning. To overcome the data scarcity problem in training a supervised deep learning model, an unsupervised deep learning network (CycleGAN) is first applied to generate paired noisy THz images from clean images (clean images are generated by a handwriting generator). With such synthetic noisy-to-clean paired images, a supervised deep learning model using Pix2pixGAN is trained, which is effective to enhance real noisy THz images. After Pix2pixGAN denoising, 99% characters written on one-side of the Xuan paper can be clearly recognized, while 61% characters written on one-side of the standard paper are sufficiently recognized. The average perceptual indices of Pix2pixGAN processed images are 16.83, which is very close to the average perceptual index 16.19 of clean handwriting images. Our work has important value for THz-imaging-based nondestructive historical document analysis.
Exploring influential nodes using global and local information
Authors: Hu Haifeng , Sun Zejun , Wang Feifei , Zhang Liwen , Wang Guan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn complex networks, key nodes are important factors that directly affect network structure and functions. Therefore, accurate mining and identification of key nodes are crucial to achieving better control and a higher utilization rate of complex networks. To address this problem, this paper proposes an accurate and efficient algorithm for critical node mining. The influential nodes are determined using both global and local information (GLI) to solve the shortcoming of the existing key node identification methods that consider either local or global information. The proposed method considers two main factors, global and local influences. The global influence is determined using the K-shell hierarchical information of a node, and local influence is obtained considering the number of edges connected by the node and the given values of adjacent nodes. The given values of adjacent nodes are determined based on the degree and K-shell hierarchical information. Further, the similarity coefficient of neighbors is considered, which enhances the differentiation degree of the adjacent given values. The proposed method solves the problems of the high complexity of global information-based algorithms and the low accuracy of local information-based algorithms. The proposed method is verified by simulation experiments using the SIR and SI models as a reference, and twelve typical real-world networks are used for the comparison. The proposed GLI algorithm is compared with several common algorithms at different periods. The comparison results show that the GLI algorithm can effectively explore influential nodes in complex networks.
FMR1 deletion in rats induces hyperactivity with no changes in striatal dopamine transporter availability
Authors: D’Elia Annunziata , Schiavi Sara , Manduca Antonia , Rava Alessandro , Buzzelli Valeria , Ascone Fabrizio , Orsini Tiziana , Putti Sabrina , Soluri Andrea , Galli Filippo , Soluri Alessandro , Mattei Maurizio , Cicconi Rosella , Massari Roberto , Trezza Viviana 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder emerging in early life characterized by impairments in social interaction, poor verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive patterns of behaviors. Among the best-known genetic risk factors for ASD, there are mutations causing the loss of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) leading to Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common form of inherited intellectual disability and the leading monogenic cause of ASD. Being a pivotal regulator of motor activity, motivation, attention, and reward processing, dopaminergic neurotransmission has a key role in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including ASD. Fmr1Δexon 8 rats have been validated as a genetic model of ASD based on FMR1 deletion, and they are also a rat model of FXS. Here, we performed behavioral, biochemical and in vivo SPECT neuroimaging experiments to investigate whether Fmr1Δexon 8 rats display ASD-like repetitive behaviors associated with changes in striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability assessed through in vivo SPECT neuroimaging. At the behavioral level, Fmr1Δexon 8 rats displayed hyperactivity in the open field test in the absence of repetitive behaviors in the hole board test. However, these behavioral alterations were not associated with changes in striatal DAT availability as assessed by non-invasive in vivo SPECT and Western blot analyses.
Breed differences in social cognition, inhibitory control, and spatial problem-solving ability in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Junttila Saara , Valros Anna , Mäki Katariina , Väätäjä Heli , Reunanen Elisa , Tiira Katriina 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe extraordinary genetic and behavioural diversity of dog breeds provides a unique opportunity for investigating the heritability of cognitive traits, such as problem-solving ability, social cognition, inhibitory control, and memory. Previous studies have mainly investigated cognitive differences between breed groups, and information on individual dog breeds is scarce. As a result, findings are often contradictory and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to provide more clarity on between-breed differences of cognitive traits in dogs. We examined the performance of 13 dog breeds (N = 1002 dogs) in a standardized test battery. Significant breed differences were found for understanding of human communicative gestures, following a human’s misleading gesture, spatial problem-solving ability in a V-detour task, inhibitory control in a cylinder test, and persistence and human-directed behaviour during an unsolvable task. Breeds also differed significantly in their behaviour towards an unfamiliar person, activity level, and exploration of a novel environment. No significant differences were identified in tasks measuring memory or logical reasoning. Breed differences thus emerged mainly in tasks measuring social cognition, problem-solving, and inhibitory control. Our results suggest that these traits may have come under diversifying artificial selection in different breeds. These results provide a deeper understanding on breed-specific traits in dogs.
Identification of Lactobacillus strains from human mother milk and cottage cheese revealed potential probiotic properties with enzymatic activity
Authors: EL-Sayed Abeer I. M. , El-Borai Aliaa M. , Akl Sara H. , EL-Aassar Samy A. , Abdel-Latif Mohamed S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe main attempt of this study is to isolate, determine potential probiotic properties and enzyme production of some lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Among all isolates, two LAB strains isolated from human mother milk and cottage cheese revealed antimicrobial activity against some tested pathogenic strains. Both isolates inhibited all the tested pathogens except Escherichia coli. The two isolates were identified by morphological, biochemical properties and then by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique as Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2. Potential probiotic characters were investigated. Both strains survived in relatively low pH and high bile concentrations and were able to grow at 0.5% of pancreatin concentrations. Their growth decreased by increasing phenol from 0.2% till 0.5%. Both strains did not show hemolytic activity. Coaggregation potential was exhibited by the two strains against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Hydrophobicity of Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2, with ethyl acetate; were 88.1% and 82.8%, respectively. Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 was susceptible to Ampicillin, Penicillin, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline; on the contrary, it resists Vancomycin and Cefoxitin; while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2 resists all tested antibiotics. Maximum growth was achieved using glucose as a carbon source and yeast extract as nitrogen source for both strains; however, glucose is the most preferred carbon source for microorganisms and it prevents the uptake of carbon from other sources like yeast by catabolite repression mechanism. Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 produces lipase enzyme, while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2 produces amylase and protease.
The care cascade following a supportive management intervention for patients presenting to a radiation oncology clinic
Authors: Moshofsky Kaycee , Aripov Anastacia , Chang Eric , Bednar Michelle , Bennett Peter , Hedlund Susan , Cook Kiri 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPatients with cancer have many psychosocial needs, some of which may be addressed by implementation of a screening tool. However, it is unknown what ultimately happens (i.e., the “care cascade”) to patients following these interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the care cascade for patients following the implementation of a psychosocial needs screening tool. This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a university hospital radiation oncology clinic. Participants who were 18 years or older and presenting for their initial radiation oncology appointment were asked to complete a screening survey. From December 2019 to January 2021, 242 patients completed the survey. 70% of patients were seen for consideration of definitive therapy. 62% of patients checked “yes” to at least one item, most commonly supportive/palliative care (33%), exercise/PT (26%) and advance care planning (26%). Among definitive patients, the most common were supportive/palliative care (33%) and exercise/PT (26%). Among palliative patients, the most common were supportive/palliative care (42%) and advance care planning (32%). Participants were followed for 6 months after taking the survey. 74% of patients with a positive screening survey were contacted by a social worker and/or had a new referral placed with 47% of those patients ultimately attending a new appointment. Screening tools are commonly implemented to quickly identify needs in oncology patients. This study tracked patients following this type of intervention to determine what proportion of patients ultimately received care related to the identified need. Despite the majority of patients being referred to a relevant provider, fewer than half ultimately attended appointments. The combination of a screening tool with social work triage may be an effective way to distribute resources and properly route patients to supportive care providers.
Effect of hydration on the anatomical form of human dry skulls
Authors: Dritsas Konstantinos , Probst Jannis , Ren Yijin , Verna Carlalberta , Katsaros Christos , Halazonetis Demetrios , Gkantidis Nikolaos 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn radiology research soft tissues are often simulated on bone specimens using liquid materials such as water, or gel-like materials, such as ballistic gel. This study aimed to test the effect of hydration on the anatomical form of dry craniofacial bone specimens. Sixteen human dry skulls and 16 mandibles were scanned with an industrial scanner in dry conditions and after water embedding. Ten skulls were also embedded for different time periods (5 or 15 min). The subsequent 3D surface models were best-fit superimposed and compared by calculating mean absolute distances between them at various measurement areas. There was a significant, primarily enlargement effect of hydration on the anatomical form of dry skeletal specimens as detected after water embedding for a short time period. The effect was smaller in dry skulls (median 0.20 mm, IQR 0.17 mm) and larger in mandibles (median 0.56 mm, IQR 0.57 mm). The effect of different water embedding times was negligible. Based on the present findings, we suggest to shortly hydrate the skeletal specimens prior to reference model acquisition so that they are comparable to hydrated specimens when liquid materials are used as soft-tissue simulants for various radiologic research purposes.
Ancient Great Wall building materials reveal environmental changes associated with oases in northwestern China
Authors: Patalano Robert , Hu Jing , Leng Qin , Liu Weiguo , Wang Huanye , Roberts Patrick , Storozum Michael , Yang Lin , Yang Hong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPlant materials used in the construction of segments and beacon towers of the ancient Great Wall in northwestern China contain untapped potential for revealing local paleoclimatic and environmental conditions. For the first time, we characterize the molecular preservation and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of AMS-dated common reeds (Phragmites) collected from ancient Great Wall fascines in today’s Gansu and Xinjiang using a combination of chromatographic techniques and isotope analyses. Our molecular data, along with Scanning Electron Microscopy, demonstrate excellent preservation of these ancient reeds, which were harvested from nearby habitats during periods of significant expansion of Imperial China when climate conditions sustained sizeable oases in the region. Stable isotope data capture differential rates of environmental change along the eastern margin of the Tarim Basin since the Han Dynasty (170 BC), implying that significant surface-water hydrological changes occurred only after the Song Dynasty (1160 AD) due to regional climate change. This study reveals the wealth of environmental and climate information obtainable from these site-specific organic building materials and establishes the foundation for further applications of advanced molecular, biochemical, and isotopic technologies to study these common and widely-distributed organic archaeological materials.
Unbiased choice of global clustering parameters for single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Verzelli Pietro , Nold Andreas , Sun Chao , Heilemann Mike , Schuman Erin M. , Tchumatchenko Tatjana 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSingle-molecule localization microscopy resolves objects below the diffraction limit of light via sparse, stochastic detection of target molecules. Single molecules appear as clustered detection events after image reconstruction. However, identification of clusters of localizations is often complicated by the spatial proximity of target molecules and by background noise. Clustering results of existing algorithms often depend on user-generated training data or user-selected parameters, which can lead to unintentional clustering errors. Here we suggest an unbiased algorithm (FINDER) based on adaptive global parameter selection and demonstrate that the algorithm is robust to noise inclusion and target molecule density. We benchmarked FINDER against the most common density based clustering algorithms in test scenarios based on experimental datasets. We show that FINDER can keep the number of false positive inclusions low while also maintaining a low number of false negative detections in densely populated regions.
Undernutrition increased the risk of loss to follow-up among adults living with HIV on ART in Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alebel Animut , Sibbritt David , Petrucka Pammla , Demant Daniel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study aims to examine the effect of undernutrition on loss to follow-up (LTFU) in adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia. We conducted an institution-based retrospective cohort study using medical records of 844 adults living with HIV receiving ART between June 2014 and June 2020 at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (Northwest Ethiopia). The effect of undernutrition on LTFU was examined using a proportional hazards regression model after adjusting potential confounders. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. At the end of the study period, 109 (12.9%) participants were considered LTFU, with an overall LTFU incidence of 5.3 per 100 person-years (95% CI 4.4, 6.4). The incidence of LTFU was higher in undernourished participants (8.2 per 100 person-years) compared to well-nourished participants (4.3 per 100 person-years). After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted risk of LTFU among undernourished participants was two times higher than in their well-nourished counterparts (AHR [adjusted hazard ratio]: 2.1, 95% CI 1.4, 3.2). This study found that undernutrition significantly increased the risk of LTFU among adults living with HIV on ART.
Implementation of a three-dimensional (3D) robotic digital microscope (AEOS) in spinal procedures
Authors: Motov Stefan , Bonk Maximilian Niklas , Krauss Philipp , Wolfert Christina , Steininger Kathrin , Picht Thomas , Onken Julia , Shiban Ehab 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThree-dimensional exoscopes have been designed to overcome certain insufficiencies of operative microscopes. We aimed to explore the clinical use in various spinal surgeries. We performed surgery on patients with different spine entities in a neurosurgical department according to the current standard operating procedures over a 4-week period of time. The microsurgical part has been performed with Aesculap AEOS 3D microscope. Three neurosurgeons with different degree of surgical expertise completed a questionnaire with 43 items based on intraoperative handling and feasibility after the procedures. We collected and analyzed data from seventeen patients (35% male/65% female) with a median age of 70 years [CI 47–86] and median BMI of 25.8 kg/m2 [range 21–33]. We included a variety of spinal pathologies (10 degenerative, 4 tumor and 3 infectious cases) with different level of complexity. Regarding setup conflicts we observed issues with adjustment of the monitor position or while using additional equipment (e.g. fluoroscopy in fusion surgery) (p = 0.007/p = 0.001). However image resolution and sharpness as well as 3D-depth perception were completely satisfactory for all surgeons in all procedures. The utilization of the exoscopic arm was easy for 76.5% of the surgeons, and all of them declared a significant improvement of the surgical corridor. The 3D-exoscope implementation appears to achieve very satisfactory results in spinal procedures especially with minimally invasive approaches.
Feasibility, acceptability, and bacterial recovery for community-based sample collection to estimate antibiotic resistance in commensal gut and upper respiratory tract bacteria
Authors: Tran Hoang Huy , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Tran Huyen Bang , Vu Bich Ngoc Thi , Nguyen Tu Cam Thi , Tacoli Costanza , Tran Thao Phuong , Trinh Tung Son , Cai Thien Huong Ngoc , Nadjm Behzad , Tran Kieu Hương Thi , Pham Quynh Dieu , Nguyen Thương Hong Thi , Nguyen Trang Thu , Pham Thai Duy , Kesteman Thomas , Dang Duc Anh , Tran Tien Dac , van Doorn H. Rogier , Lewycka Sonia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractVietnam has high rates of antibiotic use and resistance. Measuring resistance in commensal bacteria could provide an objective indicator for evaluating the impact of interventions to reduce antibiotic use and resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and bacterial recovery for different sampling strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study in a rural community in Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam, and collected structured interviews, samples, and in-depth interviews from households. Out of 389 households invited, 324 participated (83%), representing 1502 individuals. Samples were collected from these individuals (1498 stool, 1002 self-administered nasal swabs, and 496 HW-administered nasopharyngeal swabs). Pneumococci were recovered from 11.1% (128/1149) of the total population and 26.2% (48/183) of those under 5-years. Recovery was higher for health-worker (HW)-administered swabs (13.7%, 48/350) than self-administered swabs (10.0%, 80/799) (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.07–3.96). Cost per swab was cheaper for self-administered ($7.26) than HW-administered ($8.63) swabs, but the overall cost for 100 positive samples was higher ($7260 and $6300 respectively).﻿ Qualitative interviews revealed that HW-administered nasopharyngeal swabs took longer to collect, caused more discomfort, and were more difficult to take from children. Factors affecting participation included sense of contribution, perceived trade-offs between benefits and effort, and peer influence. Reluctance was related to stool sampling and negative perceptions of research. This study provides important evidence for planning community-based carriage studies, including cost, logistics, and acceptability. Self-administered swabs had lower recovery, and though cheaper and quicker, this would translate to higher costs for large population-based studies. Recovery might be improved by swab-type, transport medium, and better cold-chain to lab.
A multiattribute group decision-making method based on a new aggregation operator and the means and variances of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values
Authors: Yao Ruipu , Guo Huijuan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe development of information measures associated with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values (IVIFVs) has been an important research area over the past few decades. In the literature, the existing decision -making method using IVIFVs has some drawbacks, and the identification degree and information utilization suffer from a gap in the evaluation of alternatives. Therefore, the need for a reliable, useful, and comprehensive decision method is obvious. To obtain more accurate and reliable evaluation results, multiattribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems, where the same attribute weights given by different decision-makers are different, are studied in this paper. First, the novel operational laws of IVIFVs and a new interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic aggregation operator are defined to overcome the drawbacks of the IIFWA aggregation operator and avoid losing or distorting the original decision information in the process of aggregation. Second, the mean and variance of the possibility degrees of IVIFVs are defined based on the concept of a definite integral. Third, a novel MAGDM method based on the new aggregation operator and the mean and variance of the possibility degrees of IVIFVs is proposed to improve the identification of the evaluation results and ensure the effectiveness of the ranking order. Finally, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method are verified by an air combat training accuracy assessment example. This example can be used to assist decision-makers in evaluating air combat training hits in a timely and efficient manner, providing an objective, scientific basis for the realization and application of air combat training hit assessment and a new method and idea for MAGDM problems in an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment.