bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential impact of sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition on intra‐ and inter‐network functional connectivity for cognitively normal older adults according to APOE genotype
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Lim Hyun Kook , Wang Sheng‐Min , Um Yoo Hyun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta retention is related to cognitive performance, functional brain change, and further amyloid‐beta /tau accumulation. However, few previous studies have examined an effect of APOE genotype on the association between functional connectivity (FC) and memory performance in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to evaluate the difference in intra‐ and inter‐regional FC between cognitive older adults with and without APOE ε4‐allele and examined an impact of intra‐ and inter‐regional FC on memory performance in cognitively intact older adults, according to APOE ε4‐allele status.MethodCognitively normal older adults with and without APOE ε4 allele (carrier, n=32; non‐carrier, n=80) underwent neuropsychological battery, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans with [18F] flutemetamol. We employed a priori defined regions of interest to investigate the intra‐ and inter‐network FC profiles of default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), and salience network (SN). We evaluated difference in intra‐ and inter‐regional FC via analysis of covariance and examined the intra‐ and inter‐regional FC‐by‐APOE genotype interaction for memory performance by multiple linear regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, and education years.ResultThere was no significant difference in intra‐ and inter‐regional FC for cognitively intact older adults without amyloid‐beta retention between APOE ε4 non‐carrier and carrier. The inter‐regional FC between DMN and CEN displayed a significant interaction with APOE genotype for word list memory, total memory, and total scores (uncorrected p < 0.001; uncorrected p < 0.005; uncorrected p < 0.05). Cognitively normal older adults with APOE ε4 allele exhibited steeper slope for a positive relationship between the inter‐regional FC and memory performances than those without APOE ε4 allele.ConclusionThe inter‐regional FC between DMN and CEN has a differential impact on memory performances according to the representative AD risk factor, APOE ε4 allele in the earliest phase of AD. These results could contribute to the deeper understanding of the initial pathogenesis of AD.
Differential impact of sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition on regional homogeneity for cognitively normal older adults according to APOE genotype: Whole brain voxel‐wise analysis
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Lim Hyun Kook , Wang Sheng‐Min , Um Yoo Hyun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta retention is related to cognitive performance, functional brain change, and further amyloid‐beta /tau accumulation. However, little research has investigated an effect of APOE genotype on the association between sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition and intra‐regional brain activity in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study set out to evaluate the impact of sub‐threshold global and regional amyloid‐beta retention on intra‐regional brain activity, measured by regional homogeneity (ReHo), in cognitively normal older adults, according to APOE ε4‐allele status.MethodCognitively normal older adults with and without APOE ε4 allele (carrier, n=32; non‐carrier, n=80) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans with [18F] flutemetamol. Whole‐brain voxel wise analysis was conducted for evaluating the sub‐threshold Ab deposition‐by‐ APOE genotype interaction for ReHo, adjusting for age, sex, and education years.ResultSub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition in temporal lobe showed a significant interaction with APOE genotype for ReHo of left calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, cerebellum 7, and cerebellum 6 (FDR‐adjusted p < 0.05, cluster size > 100 voxels). Cognitively normal older adults with APOE ε4 allele exhibited a positive relationship between sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta retention in temporal lobe and ReHo, while those without APOE ε4 allele showing an opposing association.ConclusionThus, even sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition has a differential impact on ReHo according to the representative AD risk factor, APOE ε4 allele in the earliest phase of AD. These results could contribute to the deeper understanding of the initial pathogenesis of AD.
Adjustments in the range of activities offered in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 visitor ban: Lessons learned
Authors: van der Roest Henriëtte G , Kroezen Marieke , Hartstra Egbert , Van der Velden Claudia , Prins Marleen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundResidents of long term care facilities (LTCFs) are one of the most vulnerable groups worldwide to the coronavirus. During the COVID‐19 outbreak in the Netherlands, as well as in many other countries, a national visitor‐ban for LTCFs was in place (starting 20 March and (partly) ending on 15 June 2020). Organized (group) activities, offering a meaningful and pleasant day structure for both residents, were scaled down or completely stopped. So far, it remains unclear which particular types of activities were cancelled, whether ‘replacement’ activities were introduced that may acquire a structural character in the future, and how this affected care workers.MethodOnline questionnaire research into the consequences of the COVID‐19 outbreak and restrictive measures in long term care facilities in the Netherlands was conducted at two points in time; six weeks after the COVID‐19 visitor‐ban was implemented (T1) and one week after the ban was (partly) lifted (T2). Residents, family members and care professionals were recruited independently for each measurement. This study only uses care professionals’ data. Descriptive statistics, frequencies and independent t‐tests were performed.ResultDuring T1, 811 professionals completed the questionnaire, during T2 324. Care workers reported a decrease in regular group activities during the visitor‐ban. For example, exercise activities, creative activities and music activities were undertaken less frequently. Domestic activities such as eating together and watching television were also scaled down as compared to before the visitor‐ban. However, activities that could be easily done on the unit with sufficient social distance, such as music activities, conversations and playing games in the living room, were undertaken more frequently during the visitor‐ban. The impact of the up‐ and downscaling of activities on care professional burden, and the perceived ability to provide adequate care, will be presented.ConclusionActivities are an important means for residents of long term care facilities for obtaining pleasure and giving a meaningful structure to the day. Future lessons can be learned from the adjustments that had to be made in the range of activities offered during the COVID‐19 visitor‐ban.
Increased intra‐network functional connectivity in MCI patients progressing towards dementia compared to stable MCI
Authors: Malotaux Vincent , Dricot Laurence , Quenon Lisa , Ivanoiu Adrian , Lhommel Renaud , Hanseeuw Bernard J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundFew resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) studies were carried out in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Most were cross‐sectional and brought conflicting results with both decrease and increase of rs‐fMRI connectivity reported. We used a recently developed atlas of resting‐state networks specific for late adulthood to investigate longitudinal changes in rs‐fMRI in MCI patients, both within and between networks.MethodSixty older adults underwent rs‐fMRI using the Atlas55+[1] to assess intra and inter‐network functional connectivity and a baseline [18F]‐Flutemetamol‐PET to estimate their Amyloid‐β (Aβ) load. Sixteen stable Aβ‐negative clinically normal volunteers performed a baseline rs‐fMRI scan while 44 MCI patients performed 2 to 4 acquisitions with an average follow‐up duration of 14,5 months. Aβ was expressed in Centiloids and a threshold of 27 was used to define Aβ positivity based on previous work[2]. Intra and inter‐network functional connectivity analyses were performed using both progression to dementia and Aβ status as grouping variables. Demographics and follow‐up durations are provided in Table 1. Linear mixed‐models with random intercept and slope predicted changes in rs‐fMRI over time, adjusting for age, sex, education and e4 status.ResultWe observed that MCI patients who progressed to dementia during follow‐up had increased intra‐network connectivity over time, compared to stable MCI. Specifically, the time‐by‐outcome (progression vs stable) interaction for the intra‐network functional connectivity in the default‐mode, the executive control and the visual networks were significant (Fig. 1‐3). Similar results were found when limiting analyses to Aβ positive MCI and adjusting for volume effects, except for the visual network. Baseline intra‐network functional connectivity did not differ between groups (all p‐values>0,05). Inter‐network functional connectivity did not change between groups over time (all p>0,05).ConclusionIn Alzheimer's Disease, intra‐network functional connectivity increases during the progression of MCI to dementia compared to stable MCI. References:1. Doucet, Gaelle E et al. Cereb Cortex. 2021;31(3):1719‐1731. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhaa321.2. Hanseeuw, Bernard J et al. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021;48(1):302‐310. doi:10.1007/s00259‐020‐04942‐4.
Genetic Creutzfeldt Jakob disease: Can MRI serve as an early diagnostic biomarker?
Authors: Omer Nurit , Silbak Rawan , Trabulus Noa , Gana‐Weisz Mali , Goldstein Orly , Glinka Tal , Orr‐Urterger Avi , Giladi Nir , Droby Amgad , Bregman Noa 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundGenetic CJD (gCJD) is a rare prion disease, with a large cluster in Jews of Libyan origin. The disease is caused by an E200K mutation in the PRNP gene, and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with penetrance approaching 100% throughout life. While the mutation is inborn, symptoms usually appear in late adulthood, leading to a rapid neurological deterioration until death. Characterization of a prodromal stage is crucial for understanding the processes leading to disease onset, and eventually for defining the right timing for disease modifying treatment, when available. Objective: To investigate early MRI candidate markers in asymptomatic E200K carriers based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Method51 participants (>49 years old) first degree relatives of gCJD patients were enrolled. All participants underwent genetic sequencing and an MRI scan at 3T acquiring DTI datasets. Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) was performed for DTI.ResultE200K mutation was detected in 24 participants (55.8+−6.25, F:M 13:11). Based on TBSS, reduced fractional anisotropy was detected in the anterior limb of internal capsule, the superior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, thalamus and anterior thalamic radiation, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex when compared to non‐carriers (p=0.001 uncorrected). However, these between group differences did not survive correction for multiple comparisons (FDR).ConclusionBased on the obtained results, only subtle white matter differences can be detected between carriers and non‐carriers of E200K. A longitudinal study design with a larger sample size is warranted in order to characterize the evolution of underlying pathophysiological processes prior to phenoconversion
The effects of carbon nanotubes selective location on the structures and properties of polyphenylene sulfide/polyamide 66 fibers
Authors: Su Zexi , Zeng Luxian , Zhang Shengchang , Xu Qibin , Jiang Mengjin , Liu Ju , Wang Chong , Liu Pengqing 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCarboxyl modified carbon nanotubes (H‐CNTs) are added into 10 wt%‐polyamide 66/90 wt%‐polyphenylene (10‐PA 66/90‐PPS) blending system to improve the compatibility of blends. In order to investigate the effects of H‐CNTs selective location and H‐CNTs addition on the structures, morphologies, and properties of PPS/PA 66 composite fibers, three blending orders among H‐CNTs, PPS, and PA 66 are applied in the blending extrusion of ternary resins. The structures, morphologies, and properties of composite fibers are characterized via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high‐pressure capillary rheometer, differential scanning calorimeter, tensile test, and dry heat shrinkage test. Experimental results indicate that the migration of H‐CNTs from PPS phase to the interface between PPS and PA 66 results in the increases of the crystallinity of PPS, the tensile strength and the high‐temperature resistance of ternary fibers. When H‐CNTs are blended with PA 66 firstly, the locking effects of H‐CNTs causes a phase‐inversion phenomenon, where major component PPS forms dispersed phase and minor component PA 66 forms continuous phase. Even though this phenomenon weakens the mechanical properties and the high‐temperature resistance of composite fibers, the shrinkage of composite fibers at high temperature is improved.
BMI changes and the risk of lung cancer in male never‐smokers: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Zheng , Xie Shuanghua , Wang Fei , Chen Shuohua , Su Kai , Li Fang , Cui Hong , Cao Wei , Yu Yiwen , Qin Chao , Zheng Yadi , Dong Xuesi , Yang Zhuoyu , Luo Zilin , Zhao Liang , Xu Yongjie , Chen Hongda , Li Jiang , Wang Gang , Wu Shouling , Dai Min , Li Ni , He Jie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the association between the risk of lung cancer and short‐term body mass index (BMI) changes in male never‐smokers of a large population‐based prospective study.MethodsA total of 37,085 male never‐smokers from Kailuan cohort with at least ≥2 BMI measurements were recruited in the present study. The BMI change in the follow‐up was calculated as the annual percent change between BMI at last examination and that at baseline, and categorized into five groups: stable (−0.1 to <0.1 kg/m2/year), minor loss (−1.0 to <0.1 kg/m2/year) or gain (0.1 to <1.0 kg/m2/year), and major loss (<−1.0 kg/m2/year) or gain (≥1.0 kg/m2/year). The hazards ratios (HRs) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression models.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 5.16 years, 224 lung cancer cases were identified. We found a U‐shaped association between BMI changes and lung cancer risk. Compared to men with stable BMI, those with major loss had a nearly twofold higher risk of lung cancer (HR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.12–3.45), as well as those with major gain had more than twofold higher risk of lung cancer (HR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.15–4.02). The associations existed when the analysis was stratified by BMI, waist circumference and blood lipids, and lipoproteins concentration at baseline examination.ConclusionsThe dramatic changes in BMI, both gain and loss, might increase lung cancer risk. The control of body weight would be a potential way for lung cancer prevention especially for the nonsmokers.
IgE and high‐affinity IgE receptor in chronic inducible urticaria, pathogenic, and management relevance
Authors: Giménez‐Arnau Ana M. , Ribas‐Llauradó Clara , Mohammad‐Porras Nasser , Deza Gustavo , Pujol Ramón M. , Gimeno Ramón 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIgE and high‐affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) expression on basophils have been scarcely explored in patients with chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU).ObjectivesTo investigate baseline serum IgE and FcεRI expression on blood basophils in a large cohort of CIndU patients and its relationship to treatment response.MethodsBaseline total serum IgE and basophil FcεRI expression measured by flow cytometry in 165 patients with CIndU was studied. The relationship of both parameters with the response to antihistamine and anti‐IgE (omalizumab) treatment was considered in a subsample of CIndU patients. FcεRI expression in basophils was assessed by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and basophil FcεRI standardized density (receptors/cell).ResultsThe median FcεRI expression standardized per density in blood basophils was found significantly higher in patients with CIndU compared to HCs. A positive correlation was found between IgE serum levels and basophil FcεRI expression. Basal FcεRI expression was not related to antihistamine treatment response. However, it was related to omalizumab, and patients responding to omalizumab showed higher basal basophil expression of FcεRI levels. Non‐responders to the antihistamine showed significantly higher IgE serum levels.ConclusionsFcεRI receptor overexpression in patients with CIndU shows almost the same pattern than chronic spontaneous urticaria. It seems to be independent of CIndU subtypes. Although additional studies would be welcome, our work highlights the relevance of FcεRI receptor regulation in CIndU supporting autoimmune basophil and mast cell activation and may be a biomarker for response to anti‐IgE therapy.
A smart access control mechanism based on user preference in online social networks
Authors: Shan Fangfang , Li Fuyang , Ji Peiyu 
Published: February 2022

SummaryAccess control can effectively protect users' data and privacy in social networks. Different access control models address different data privacy requirements, and the corresponding implementation technologies and performance are also quite different. The existing access control mechanisms of social networks rarely take into account the individual preferences of users, and cannot provide personalized services for users. Therefore, we have studied an analysis mechanism of user preference to quantify user preferences, and then use user preference values and some key information of users' social resources as decision vectors, and proposed an access control mechanism based on user preference (ACMBUP). ACMBUP turns the problem of access decision‐making into a problem of classification, that is, whether to allow access or not to allow access. At the same time, we add an encryption and decryption mechanism in ACMBUP to prevent data leakage and protect data when users interact with access mechanisms. Experiments show that this mechanism can automatically generate appropriate access control policies to meet the potential privacy needs of different users, so as to better protect the privacy of social networks data.
Diverse and styled image captioning using singular value decomposition‐based mixture of recurrent experts
Authors: Heidari Marzi , Ghatee Mehdi , Nickabadi Ahmad , Pourhasan Nezhad Arash 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWith significant advances in vision and natural language processing, the generation of image captions becomes a need. Mathews, Xie, and He extended a new model to generate styled captions by separating semantics and style. In continuation of their work, here, a new captioning model is developed, including an image encoder to extract the features, a mixture of recurrent networks to embed the set of extracted features to a group of words, and a sentence generator that combines the obtained words as a stylized sentence. This Mixture of Recurrent Experts (MoRE) system uses a new training algorithm that derives singular value decomposition from weighting matrices of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) to increase the diversity of captions. Each decomposition step depends on a distinctive factor based on the number of RNNs in MoRE. The used sentence generator gives a stylized language corpus without paired images. Besides, the styled and diverse captions are extracted without training on a densely labeled or styled dataset. MoRE on the COCO dataset generated diverse and stylized image captions without the necessity of extra‐labeling and improved descriptions in terms of content accuracy.
Au Nanosheets‐Assisted Structural Phase Transitions, In Situ Monitoring of the Enhanced Crystallinity, and Their Effect on the Optical and Dielectric Properties of CuSe/Au/CuSe Thin Films
Authors: Qasrawi A. F. , Baniowdah Tahani S , Abu Samen Lara O. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHerein, stacked layers of copper selenide thin films comprising Au nanosheets in its structure are fabricated and characterized. The CuSe/Au/CuSe (CAC) thin films are prepared by the thermal evaporation technique under a vacuum pressure of 10−5 mbar. It is shown that Au nanosheets improve the stoichiometric growth of the CuSe thin films and induce the structural phase transitions from cubic to hexagonal. In addition, the in situ monitoring of the structural modifications in the CAC in the temperature range of 293–473 K proves the permanent enhanced crystallinity of the films. Optically, while the Au nanosheets increase the light absorbability and redshifts the energy band gap of CuSe, the in situ heating blueshifts the energy band gap. Moreover, insertion of Au nanosheets between layers of CuSe and heating them at 473 K significantly increase the dielectric constant and the optical conductivity by more than five times. Moreover, the drift mobility of charged carriers, the scattering time at femtosecond level, and the plasmon frequency are remarkably enhanced. Values of plasmon frequency exceed 6.0 GHz nominating the CAC films as signal receivers suitable for 5G technology.
An ensemble machine learning approach for enhanced path loss predictions for 4G LTE wireless networks
Authors: Ojo Stephen , Akkaya Murat , Sopuru Joshua Chibuike 
Published: February 2022

SummaryAccurate path loss prediction models are indispensable in modern wireless communication systems. In recent times, several path loss prediction models have been proposed to improve network performance. However, most of these models have not addressed the fundamental issues. The problem of deploying a single path loss prediction model that fits well in all wireless propagation environments remains. To address this problem, we present machine learning‐based ensemble methods to path loss predictions. Specifically, ensemble methods have been introduced to improve signal prediction accuracy and performance. Additionally, the radial basis function (RBF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network models were deployed and improved by adding more network parameters to their respective input layers. Results revealed that the RBF model with an increase in the number of centroids reduces the mean square error (MSE). Also, the Gaussian kernel function gives lower MSE compared to the multiquadric and inverse multiquadric functions. The bagging and blending ensemble path loss prediction models were introduced for optimal performance. An RBF neural network of different clusters was incorporated into the bagging algorithm as base learners. The RBF, MLP, blending, and bagging were examined using standard metrics for the training, testing, and validation dataset for model validation. The developed bagging ensemble path loss prediction model gave the lowest errors (MSE = 0.0011 dB, SSE = 0.6069 dB, MAE = 0.0245 dB, &R = 0.7484 dB) for the datasets. The bagging ensemble method acts as a variance and error reduction mechanism because it predicted path loss closest to measured data and is suitable for near precise path loss predictions.