bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-time data based thermal comfort prediction leading to temperature setpoint control
Authors: Kumar T. M. Sanjeev , Kurian Ciji Pearl 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe different thermal comfort indices such as Predictive Mean Vote (PMV), Standard Effective Temperature (SET), and Thermal Sensations (TS) have been used to predict occupants’ thermal comfort in a building. The advances in the machine learning approach help overcome the challenges of predicting current traditional thermal indices in a real-time environment. The different indices have different types of data samples (continuous/labelled). Therefore, while considering the machine learning technique in developing the models of the predictive thermal indices, it is essential to select the vital features, the proper learning type, the algorithm, and the evaluation method to establish the models of the predictive thermal comfort. The main focus of this paper is on the development of the ML model and the evaluation technique that helps in selecting the best model in predicting the thermal indices. This work proposes the new neighbourhood-component-analysis Bayesian-optimization-algorithm-based artificial-neural-network to develop a predictive model for the thermal indices. Here, we have proposed a regression-based model to predict PMV, SET and a classification-based model to predict 7-point TS. The statistical-testing results specify that the ANN model's performance is highly accurate and more reliable in predicting the thermal perception in a real-time environment. The performance of the selected model is validated using subjective measures. This prediction leads to the pre-emptive control of the setpoint temperature of the air-conditioning unit, hence resulting in energy efficiency and comfort.
Circle of Willis Morphology in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Xu Mangmang , Wu Qian , Cheng Yajun , Zhang Shuting , Tao Wendan , Zhang Shihong , Wang Deren , Liu Ming , Wu Bo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe aimed to study the distribution of Circle of Willis (CoW) morphology and its association with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) etiology and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden. Patients with primary ICH who had brain MRIs were consecutively enrolled between March 2012 and January 2021. CoW morphology, CSVD features and the combined CSVD burden (including global CSVD burden, total hypertensive arteriopathy [HA] burden, and total cerebral amyloid angiopathy [CAA] burden) were assessed. CoW morphology included poor CoW (defined as CoW score 0–2), incomplete CoW, and complete fetal-variant of the posterior communicating artery (CFPcoA). Among 296 patients enrolled, 215 were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference among HA-, CAA-, and mixed-ICH in each CoW morphology. Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested that poor CoW was associated with a greater incidence of HA-ICH and low incidence of mixed ICH in patients aged < 60 years, while mixed ICH occurred more frequently in patients with CFPcoA, especially in those without hypertension history (all p < 0.050). Additionally, incomplete CoW was correlated with a larger incidence of lacunes (adjusted OR [adOR] 2.114, 95% CI 1.062–4.207), microbleeds ≥ 5 (adOR 2.437, 95% CI 1.187–5.002), and therefore the combined CSVD burden (adOR 1.194, 95% CI 1.004–1.419 for global CSVD burden, adOR 1.343, 95% CI 1.056–1.707 for total CAA burden), independent of modifiable vascular risk factors, but not age and sex. The CoW might therefore have a potential impact on ICH etiology and is associated with a greater CSVD burden. Our findings are novel, and need to be verified in future studies.
Sexual Pleasure Matters (Especially for Women) — Data from the German Sexuality and Health Survey (GeSiD)
Authors: Klein Verena , Laan Ellen , Brunner Franziska , Briken Peer 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionSexual pleasure has been a neglected issue in sexual health policies. Emerging trends in public health, however, emphasize the importance of sexual pleasure in preventing negative sexual health outcomes.MethodsUsing data from the German Sexuality and Health Survey (GeSiD), we tested the assumption that sexual pleasure is associated with sexual health, including a special focus on the role of gender. Participants were interviewed about their sexual experiences and health between October 2018 and September 2019. The analytical sample included 3472 partnered and single women and men who had been sexually active with a partner in the past 12 months. We examined if sexual pleasure was associated with various sexual health indicators (i.e., communication about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condom use, and absence of sexual problems).ResultsWomen reported less sexual pleasure than men. Results further indicate that sexual pleasure was associated with more sexual health indicators in women than in men.ConclusionsSupporting emerging trends in public health our results emphasize the importance of sexual pleasure in preventing negative sexual health outcomes.Policy Implications.To promote (especially women’s) sexual health, our results call for the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education programs that focus on more positive aspects of sex, such as sexual pleasure and agency.
Development of a novel rapamycin loaded nano- into micro-formulation for treatment of lung inflammation
Authors: Craparo Emanuela Fabiola , Drago Salvatore Emanuele , Quaglia Fabiana , Ungaro Francesca , Cavallaro Gennara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIt has recently emerged that drugs such as the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rapa) may play a key role in the treatment of airway inflammation associated with lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Nevertheless, Rapa clinical application is still prevented by its unfavorable chemical-physical properties, limited oral bioavailability, and adverse effects related to non-specific biodistribution. In this paper, the design and production of a novel formulation of Rapa based on nano into micro (NiM) particles are detailed. To achieve it, Rapa-loaded nanoparticles were produced by nanoprecipitation of an amphiphilic pegylated poly-ɛ-caprolactone/polyhydroxyethyl aspartamide graft copolymer. The obtained nanoparticles that showed a drug loading of 14.4 wt% (corresponding to an encapsulation efficiency of 82 wt%) did not interact with mucins and were able to release and protect Rapa from degradation in simulated lung and cell fluids. To allow their local administration to the lungs as a dry powder, particle engineering at micro-sized level was done by embedding nanoparticles into mannitol-based microparticles by spray drying. Obtained NiM particles had a mean diameter of about 2-µ, spherical shape and had good potential to be delivered to the lungs by a breath-activated dry powder inhalers. Rheological and turbidity experiments showed that these NiM particles can dissolve in lung simulated fluid and deliver the Rapa-loaded pegylated nanoparticles, which can diffuse through the mucus layer.
Graphical abstract
Subcellular detection of PEBCA particles in macrophages: combining darkfield microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, and ToF–SIMS analysis
Authors: Vennemann Antje , Breitenstein Daniel , Tallarek Elke , Mørch Ýrr , Schmid Ruth , Wiemann Martin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe detection of biomedical organic nanocarriers in cells and tissues is still an experimental challenge. Here we developed an imaging strategy for the label-free detection of poly (ethylbutyl cyanoacrylate) (PEBCA) particles. Experiments were carried out with phagocytic NR8383 macrophages exposed to non-toxic and non-activating concentrations of fluorescent (PEBCA NR668 and PEBCA NR668/IR), non-fluorescent (PEBCA), and cabazitaxel-loaded PEBCA particles (PEBCA CBZ). Exposure to PEBCA NR668 revealed an inhomogeneous particle uptake similar to what was obtained with the free modified Nile Red dye (NR668). In order to successfully identify the PEBCA-loaded cells under label-free conditions, we developed an imaging strategy based on enhanced darkfield microscopy (DFM), followed by confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF–SIMS). Nitrile groups of the PEBCA matrix and PEBCA ions were used as suitable analytes for CRM and ToF–SIMS, respectively. Masses found with ToF–SIMS were further confirmed by Orbitrap-SIMS. The combined approach allowed to image small (< 1 µm) PEBCA-containing phagolysosomes, which were identified as PEBCA-containing compartments in NR8383 cells by electron microscopy. The combination of DFM, CRM, and ToF–SIMS is a promising strategy for the label-free detection of PEBCA particles.
Graphical Abstract
When Doctors and AI Interact: on Human Responsibility for Artificial Risks
Authors: Verdicchio Mario , Perin Andrea 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA discussion concerning whether to conceive Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems as responsible moral entities, also known as “artificial moral agents” (AMAs), has been going on for some time. In this regard, we argue that the notion of “moral agency” is to be attributed only to humans based on their autonomy and sentience, which AI systems lack. We analyze human responsibility in the presence of AI systems in terms of meaningful control and due diligence and argue against fully automated systems in medicine. With this perspective in mind, we focus on the use of AI-based diagnostic systems and shed light on the complex networks of persons, organizations and artifacts that come to be when AI systems are designed, developed, and used in medicine. We then discuss relational criteria of judgment in support of the attribution of responsibility to humans when adverse events are caused or induced by errors in AI systems.
From Responsibility to Reason-Giving Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Baum Kevin , Mantel Susanne , Schmidt Eva , Speith Timo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe argue that explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), specifically reason-giving XAI, often constitutes the most suitable way of ensuring that someone can properly be held responsible for decisions that are based on the outputs of artificial intelligent (AI) systems. We first show that, to close moral responsibility gaps (Matthias 2004), often a human in the loop is needed who is directly responsible for particular AI-supported decisions. Second, we appeal to the epistemic condition on moral responsibility to argue that, in order to be responsible for her decision, the human in the loop has to have an explanation available of the system’s recommendation. Reason explanations are especially well-suited to this end, and we examine whether—and how—it might be possible to make such explanations fit with AI systems. We support our claims by focusing on a case of disagreement between human in the loop and AI system.
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 Tat exerts its neurotoxic effects by downregulating Sonic hedgehog signaling
Authors: khan Irfan A. , Worrad Arthur H. , Singh Meera V. , Maggirwar Sanjay B. , Singh Vir B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe previously showed that HIV-1 can alter the expression of tight junction proteins by downregulating Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, thereby disrupting blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. In this study, we employed a conditional, CNS specific, Tat transgenic murine model to investigate if HIV-Tat exerts its neurotoxic effects by downregulating Shh signaling. Results indicate that Tat + mice exhibit significantly reduced expression of Shh and Gli1. HIV-Tat induced downregulation of Shh signaling correlated with disruption of BBB function and induced infiltration of peripheral leukocytes into the brain tissue. Further, our in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest that activation of Shh signaling can rescue detrimental effects of Tat on endothelial function by inducing the expression of junctional proteins and by decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines.
Weighted superposition operators on Fock spaces
Authors: Mengestie Tesfa 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe characterize all pairs of entire functions $$(u,\psi )$$

(
u
,
ψ
)

for which the induced weighted superposition operator $$S_{(u,\psi )}$$

S

(
u
,
ψ
)

transforms one Fock space into another Fock space. Further analytical structures like boundedness and Lipschitz continuity of $$S_{(u,\psi )}$$

S

(
u
,
ψ
)

are described. We, in particular, show the Fock spaces support no compact weighted superposition operator.
Sonographic normal values for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Boers Nadine , Martin Enrico , Mazur Marc , Krijgh David D. , Vlak Monique H. M. , de Ruiter Godard C. W. , Goedee H. Stephan , Coert J. Henk 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Nerve size is a commonly used sonographic parameter when assessing suspected entrapment of the ulnar nerve. We aimed to create a robust set of normal values, based on a critical review of published normal values.

Methods
We performed a systematic evaluation of studies on normal ulnar nerve sizes, identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Using meta-analyses, we determined pooled mean cross-sectional area (CSA) values for different anatomical locations of the ulnar nerve throughout the arm. Subgroup analyses were performed for gender, probe frequency, in- or exclusion of diabetic patients, position of the elbow and Asian versus other populations.

Results
We identified 90 studies of which 77 studies were included for further analyses after quality review, resulting in data from 5772 arms of 3472 participants. Subgroup analyses show lower CSA values at at the wrist crease and proximal to the wrist crease when using low frequency probes (< 15 MHz) and at the wrist crease, proximal to the wrist crease, proximal forearm and the distal upper arm in Asians. CSA values were lower when in flexed position compared to extended position for the cubital tunnel inlet only. No difference was found for gender.

Conclusions
Our systematic review provides a comprehensive set of normal values at sites along the entire length of the ulnar nerve. This provides a foundation for clinical practise and upon which future studies could be more systematically compared.
Application of Andersen–Newman model to assess cataract surgery uptake among older Australian women: findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH)
Authors: Hambisa Mitiku Teshome , Dolja-Gore Xenia , Byles Julie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionAlthough Cataract Surgery Rate is increasing, the availability of surgery is outstripped by the increasing number of cataract cases as populations age.AimThe study aimed to identify factors associated with cataract surgery uptake in terms of predisposing, enabling, and need factors in very old Australian women.MethodThis study used ALSWH data included 6229 women aged 79–84 to 85–90 years. Women were asked whether they had undergone eye surgery (including cataracts) three years prior to each survey. Generalised estimating equation modelling was used to determine factors associated with these surgeries.ResultAt baseline (2005), more than half of the participants either had undergone surgery (43.5%) or had unoperated cataracts (7.6%). Increasing age (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.15) and being current or ex-smokers (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.29) were associated with higher odds of cataract surgery (predisposing factors). Women who had private health insurance had 27% higher odds of having surgery (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.39) (enabling factor). Need factors of more General Practitioner visits (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.25) and skin cancer (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.17) also increased the odds of cataract surgery. Women who had no difficulty seeing newspaper print were more likely to have had cataract surgery (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.48).ConclusionNeed factors are the major drivers of cataract surgery; however, predisposing and enabling factors also play a role, including access to private health insurance. This finding indicates some inequity regarding access to cataract surgery in the Australian setting.
Race/Ethnicity may be an Important Predictor of Life Expectancy in Localized Prostate Cancer Patients: Novel Analyses Using Social Security Administration Life Tables
Authors: Würnschimmel Christoph , Nocera Luigi , Wenzel Mike , Ruvolo Claudia Collà , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Mirone Vincenzo , Chun Felix K. H. , Tilki Derya , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To test the effect of race/ethnicity on Social Security Administration (SSA) life tables’ life expectancy (LE) predictions in localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with either radical prostatectomy (RP) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). We hypothesized that LE will be affected by race/ethnicity.

Patients and Methods
We relied on the 2004–2006 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to identify D’Amico intermediate- and high-risk PCa patients treated with either RP or EBRT. SSA life tables were used to compute 10-year LE predictions and were compared to OS. Stratification was performed according to treatment type (RP/EBRT) and race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian).

Results
Of 55,383 assessable patients, 40,490 were non-Hispanic White (RP 49.3% vs. EBRT 50.7%), 7194 non-Hispanic Black (RP 41.3% vs. EBRT 50.7%), 4716 Hispanic/Latino (RP 51.0% vs. EBRT 49.0%) and 2983 were Asian (RP 41.6% vs. EBRT 58.4%). In both RP and EBRT patients, OS exceeded life tables’ LE predictions, except for non-Hispanic Blacks. However, in RP patients, the magnitude of the difference was greater than in EBRT. Moreover, in RP patients, OS of non-Hispanic Blacks virtually perfectly followed predicted LE. Conversely, in EBRT patients, the OS of non-Hispanic Black patients was worse than predicted LE.

Conclusions
When comparing SEER-derived observed OS with SSA life table–derived predicted life expectancy, we recorded a survival disadvantage in non-Hispanic Black RP and EBRT patients, which was not the case in the three other races/ethnicities (non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanic/Latinos, and Asians). This discrepancy should ideally be confirmed within different registries, countries, and tumor entities. Furthermore, the source of these discrepant survival outcomes should be investigated and addressed by health care politics.
Development of Cold-Bonded Briquettes Using By-Product-Based Ettringite Binder from Ladle Slag
Authors: Abdelrahim Ahmed , Nguyen Hoang , Omran Mamdouh , Kinnunen Paivo , Iljana Mikko , Illikainen Mirja , Fabritius Timo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe recycling of steel plant side streams through cold-bonded briquettes has become quite common. However, Portland cement is mainly used as a binder in the briquettes, contributing significantly to the energy consumption, costs, and carbon footprint associated with the production of cold-bonded briquettes. This paper reports on a more sustainable method for side stream recycling that involves replacing cement with an ettringite-based binder. Ettringite binders develop early high strength and mainly consist of ladle slag, another side stream of the industry. Here, the ettringite-based binder is assessed in terms of its mechanical and thermal properties against a reference briquette made using the conventional technique. Three different briquette types are produced using several side stream materials and varying ettringite-based binder content. Briquettes produced using 15% and higher ettringite-based binder content exhibited excellent mechanical properties within a shorter curing period compared to conventional used binder. Moreover, the ettringite-based binder briquettes exhibited a better swelling behavior to conventional cement briquettes under conditions simulating a blast furnace.
Graphical Abstract
Severe weight loss in a hypothyroid patient as an acute presentation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II
Authors: Silajdzija Elvira , Bliddal Sofie , Borgwardt Line , Rossing Maria , Jarløv Anne , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Autoimmune disease, including autoimmune thyroid disease, with uncharacteristic symptoms can be due to additional severe disease. We report a life-threatening debut of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II (APS II) defined as Addison’s disease combined with autoimmune diabetes and/or thyroid disease.

Patient findings
A 33-year-old male with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism was referred to a tertiary center due to fatigue and 20-kg rapid weight loss. Malignancy was excluded. After a gastroscopy, he developed Addison’s crisis; he was admitted to our hospital and stabilized. Final diagnoses included Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. Whole genome sequencing found no genetic variants associated with component diseases. Human leukocyte antigen typing revealed DR3/DR4 and DQ8/DQ2 heterozygosity associated with APS II.

Summary
A patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and weight loss presented with Addison’s crisis and was diagnosed with APS II.

Conclusions
Awareness of potential polyautoimmunity in clinical evaluation of patients with thyroid disease improves diagnosis and can be lifesaving.
Sustainable shotcrete production with waste glass aggregates
Authors: Serati Mehdi , Jakson Niki , Asche Harry , Basireddy Sai , Malgotra Gautam 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study employs statistical and experimental procedures to assess the applicability of crushed waste glass to replace natural sand in shotcrete production for use in tunneling, mining and excavation industries as a support system. Mechanical strength under different uniaxial and biaxial load combinations, fracture properties, and ultra-high-speed photography of the crack growth mode in the newly developed shotcrete mixes were studied and compared against the control mix at 0% waste glass inclusion. Results suggest that shotcrete mixes containing synthetic glass aggregates exhibit similar or higher strength properties (compared with conventional shotcrete with natural aggregates) at early and late ages in both fresh and hardened shotcrete samples. Under biaxial stress conditions, in particular, the new glass shotcrete designs demonstrate a higher load-bearing capacity of up to 35% increase. Compared to conventional shotcrete, replacing sand with recycled glass aggregates further exhibited the need for less water and binder consumption owing to the glass water-reducing effect. This in return could leave more water available for improved workability in the mixture hence producing a more cost-effective and eco-friendly shotcrete product. From the results, no impairment of performance was recorded by substituting sand with crushed waste glass even at a high substitution percentage of up to 100%; suggesting high improvement potential of crushed waste glass re-use in the shotcrete industry.