bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning applications in river research: Trends, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Ho Long , Goethals Peter 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

As one of the earth's key ecosystems, rivers have been intensively studied and modelled through the application of machine learning (ML). With the amount of large data available, these computer algorithms are ever increasing in numerous fields, although there is ongoing scepticism and scholars still question the actual impact and deliverables of algorithms.

This study aims to provide a systematic review of the state‐of‐the‐art ML‐based techniques, trends, opportunities and challenges in river research by applying text mining and automated content analysis.

Unsupervised and supervised learning have dominated river research while neural networks and deep learning have also gradually gained popularity. Matrix factorisation and linear models have been the most popular ML algorithms, with around 1300 and 800 publications on these topics in 2020 respectively. In contrast, river researchers have had few applications in multiclass and multilabel algorithm, associate rule and Naïve Bayes.

The current article proposes an end‐to‐end workflow of ML applications in river research in order to tackle major ML challenges, including four steps: (1) data collection and preparation; (2) model evaluation and selection; (3) model application; and (4) feedback loops. Within this workflow, river modellers have to balance numerous trade‐offs related to model traits, such as complexity, accuracy, interpretability, bias, data privacy and accessibility and spatial and temporal scales. Any choices made when balancing the trade‐offs can lead to different model outcomes affecting the final applications. Hence, it is necessary to carefully consider and specify modelling goals, understand the data collected and maintain feedback loops in order to continuously improve model performance and eventually reach the research objectives. Moreover, it remains crucial to address the users' needs and demands that often entail additional elements, such as computational cost, development time and the quantity, quality and compatibility of data. Furthermore, river researchers should account for new technologies and regulations in data collection and protection that are transforming the development and applications of ML, most notably data warehouse and information management with multiple‐cycles that are becoming a cornerstone of the integration of ML in decision‐making in river and ecosystem management.
Dodd–Frank's impact on community‐bank investment models: A Bayesian structural time series analysis
Authors: Lee Yen Teik , Caton Gary L. , Gamble Edward N. , Kerins Francis 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe use Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) methodology to test whether the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (DF) caused changes in community bank business models. The BSTS methodology uses the pre‐DF period to create synthetic counterfactuals for community‐bank dependent variables of interest. In the post‐DF period, the counterfactuals become predictions of the dependent variables had DF not been enacted. Comparing post‐DF predicted versus actual dependent variables allows us to estimate the causal impact of DF on these variables of interest. We find that relative to assets, community banks significantly reduce their lending activities and significantly increase investment in securities and excess reserves.
Comparison of self‐reported alcohol consumption and ethyl glucuronide in hair in a sample of 60+ year ‐olds treated for DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder
Authors: Nielsen Dorthe Grüner , Andersen Kjeld , Nielsen Anette Søgaard , Nielsen Flemming , Behrendt Silke , Bilberg Randi , Bogenschutz Michael , Bühringer Gerhard , Mellentin Angelina Isabella 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThere is a lack of evidence for the consistency between self‐reported alcohol consumption (SRAC) and concentrations of ethyl glucuronide in hair (hEtG) among elderly patients treated exclusively for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Hence, this study assessed the consistency between these two measures in these patients. A total of 190 patients with AUD were assessed for SRAC using Form 90 and hEtG, 14 or 22 weeks after treatment conclusion. Patients were grouped according to SRAC (g/day) and corresponding hEtG concentrations (pg/mg): 0 and <5 (abstinence), 0.1–14.3 and 5.0–9.9 (low consumption), 14.4–21.4 and 10.0–15.9 (moderate consumption), 21.5–59.9 and 16.0–30 (high consumption) and ≥60 and >30 (excessive consumption). The extent of underreporting and overreporting was examined by crosstabulations, and inter‐rater reliability was reported by kappa correlations. Associations and effect modification were examined by conditional logistic regression. Due to multitesting, p‐values ≤0.01 were considered significant. Underreporting was found in 96 patients (50.5%) and overreporting in 41 patients (21.6%). The kappa coefficients varied between 0.19 and 0.34. HEtG was more likely to detect low, moderate and high alcohol consumption compared with SRAC (ORs between 5.1 and 12.6, all p‐values <0.01), but SRAC and hEtG did not differ significantly with respect to identification of abstinence (OR = 1.9, p = 0.05). Inconsistency between the outcome measures was found in a considerable number of the patients. More studies examining the consistency between SRAC and specific direct biomarkers of alcohol in this population seem warranted.
Neural signaling of methamphetamine craving and seeking intensified by bupropion in the ventral tegmental area–cortico–accumbens circuitry in mice
Authors: Nukitram Jakkrit , Cheaha Dania , Thawaii Suppachai , Niyomdecha Saree , Kumarnsit Ekkasit 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPreviously, bupropion (BUP), a norepinephrine (NE)/dopamine (DA) transporter blocker and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) antagonist, was found to intensify methamphetamine (METH) craving behaviours in mice. Intense craving causes relapse in drug dependence. This study characterized local field potential (LFP) patterns in the brain regions associated with METH‐conditioned place preference (CPP) enhanced by BUP. Male Swiss albino ICR mice were implanted with LFP electrodes to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc). Animals received sessions to learn the association between injection effects (1 mg/kg METH and normal saline) with contextual environments (METH‐ and saline‐paired compartments) during the conditioning phase. A total of 20 mg/kg BUP was given to animals before LFP, and behaviour recording in the CPP apparatus during the post‐conditioning phase. The results showed that increased CPP scores and % number of entries to the METH‐paired zone, as well as changes in VTA, mPFC and NAcc spectral powers and coherence among these areas, were associated with METH‐CPP. Treatment with BUP increased VTA delta and gamma I, decreased mPFC alpha, increased NAcc gamma I and decreased gamma II powers. Coherence analyses revealed that BUP decreased gamma II VTA–mPFC and increased beta and gamma I VTA–NAcc connectivity. Altogether, BUP produced additional effects to that of METH‐CPP alone. These findings demonstrated changes in neural circuit activities associated with METH‐CPP intensified by BUP. Moreover, modulation of NE/DA systems and/or nAChRs actions in the VTA–cortico–accumbens loop might underlie METH craving and dependence.
Drought limits large trees in African savannas with or without elephants
Authors: Jones Maggie M. , Fletcher Robert , Kruger Laurence , Monadjem Ara , Simelane Phumlile , McCleery Robert 
Published: October 2022

AbstractConsumers, including megaherbivores and fire, are considered important limiting forces for woody plants and canopy closure in African savannas. However, climatic events like drought can also play a significant role in limiting trees and maintaining tree‐grass coexistence in savannas. The extent to which top‐down control (e.g. megaherbivores) and bottom‐up resource limitation through drought and competition interact to influence savanna tree mortality and woody structure is unclear. Here, we compared the change in the number of large trees before and after a severe drought in a savanna with elephants (Loxodonta africana) and one without elephants. Elephants and drought both limited the number of large trees at our sites, but contrary to our predictions, there was no interactive effect of these drivers on overall changes in tree densities. However, there was a synergistic effect on the dominant tree species, Senegalia nigrescens, such that tree loss post‐drought was greater where elephants were present compared to where they were absent. Hence, our results suggest that species‐specific differences in drought resistance, as well as density‐dependent factors, likely impact the severity of drought effects on savanna tree communities. In savannas, drought has the potential to exert strong control on tree survival and prevent canopy closure, thus partially filling the role of megaherbivores in limiting large trees when these consumers are absent. As drought severity and frequency are predicted to increase in the future, the influence of drought on savanna vegetation structure becomes increasingly important to consider.
Finding appropriate nickel‐titanium instruments for lingual canals in mandibular first premolars with two canals: A micro‐CT study
Authors: Wang Yunqin , Lu Yaqian , Gu Yongchun , Cai Yixin , Zhang Chengfei , Li Jin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to find appropriate nickel‐titanium instruments for lingual canals in mandibular first premolars with two canals. Forty‐two extracted mandibular first premolars with lingual canals (Vertucci type V) verified by micro‐CT scanning were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups, and their lingual canals were instrumented by M3, HyFlex CM and XP‐endo Shaper, respectively. After instrumentation, the canal morphology was scanned again by micro‐CT. The canal morphologies of pre‐ and post‐instrumentation were reconstructed and aligned. Morphological changes of the lingual canals were evaluated. No instrument breakages occurred during the procedure of root canal instrumentation. HyFlex CM and XP‐endo Shaper performed better than M3 files in preparation of lingual canals (Vertucci type V) of mandibular first premolars in terms of apical transportation and unprepared surface area.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in Chinese methamphetamine patients: Prevalence, demographics, and clinical correlates
Authors: Jiang Wei , Tian Yang , Fan Fusheng , Fu Fabing , Wei Dejun , Tang Shanshan , Chen Jiajing , Li Yuqing , Zhu Rongrong , Wang Li , Shi Zhanbiao , Wang Dongmei , Zhang Xiang‐Yang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and clinical correlates in Chinese methamphetamine patients.MethodsWe analyzed 481 Chinese methamphetamine patients.ResultsThe prevalence of PTSD among Chinese methamphetamine patients was 7.90% (38/481), which was higher than in western countries. Binary logistic regression showed that age, smoking, abstinence time, age of onset, and DDQ control dimensions were associated with PTSD.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceOur results indicated that some demographic and clinical variables were associated with PTSD in Chinese methamphetamine patients, which provided evidence for PTSD comorbidity with methamphetamine.
From co‐design to co‐production: Approaches, enablers, and constraints in developing a public health, capacity‐building solution
Authors: Cosgrave Catherine , Kennedy Alison , Dietrich Timo , Gunn Kate , MacDonald Joanna , McKay Claire , Cunningham Sally , Haren Sam , Lewis Josh 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionInvestigating how co‐designed knowledge can be translated to co‐produce a public health capacity‐building solution for difficult‐to‐engage population groups drawing on the co‐production experience of a prevention‐focused, capacity‐building mental health solution targeting primary producers.DesignA qualitative study undertaken in rural and regional Victoria involving members of the design working group including project team (7px), digital design team (5px), marketing team (3px), and funding partner representatives. The study design involved reflective practice to collect data to identify the phases of co‐production and assess the design working group members' experiences. The analysis involved inductive coding using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.ObjectiveIdentifying major points of divergence and/or convergence; enablers and/or constraints; and ways to better navigate and strengthen the co‐production process.FindingGiven members of the design working group, diverse skills sets divergence was experienced in all co‐production phases. Divergence was also experienced between the project team and the funding partner given the uniqueness of working conditions and requirements of workers in the primary production industry. The project team applied an iterative development process to project management; encouraging iterative cycles to create/test/revise among the teams, and with the funding partner, until each was satisfied with the end result (convergence).Discussion & ConclusionWhen developing a co‐created public health prevention campaign it is critical that the project team focuses on relationship building among the members of the design working group and ensures adequate resourcing, development of shared understanding of project goals and target audience, ongoing communication, and a commitment to working iteratively.
Effects of treatment for diabetes mellitus on testosterone concentrations: A systematic review
Authors: Van Cauwenberghe Jolijn , De Block Christophe , Vanderschueren Dirk , Antonio Leen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundLow testosterone levels are frequently present in men with obesity and insulin resistance. Currently available treatment options (testosterone replacement therapy or lifestyle changes) hold possible risks or are insufficient. Since low testosterone levels are closely related to obesity and type 2 diabetes, treatment modalities for these conditions could result into improvement of testosterone levels.ObjectivesTo summarize the available evidence on the effects of traditional and recent treatment modalities for diabetes mellitus on testosterone levels and androgen‐deficiency‐related signs and symptoms.Materials and methodsPubMed was searched from the year 2000 till present using MESH terms: “hypogonadism,” “testosterone,” “testosterone deficiency,” “functional hypogonadism,” and the different classes of medications. Studies with observational and experimental designs on humans that evaluated the effect of antidiabetic medications on gonadotropins and testosterone were eligible for inclusion.ResultsCurrent available data show no or only limited improvement on testosterone levels with the classic antidiabetic drugs. Studies with GLP1‐receptor analogues show beneficial effects on both body weight and testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels and obesity with or without type 2 diabetes. However, data are limited to small and heterogeneous study groups and only few studies report data about impact on androgen‐deficiency‐related signs and symptoms.Discussion and conclusionWith the recent advances in the knowledge of the pathophysiological pathways in obesity, there is an enormous progress in the development of medications for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Newer incretin‐based agents have a great potential for the treatment of functional hypogonadism due to obesity since they show promising weight reducing results. However, before the use of GLP1‐receptor analogues can be suggested to treat functional hypogonadism, further studies are needed.
Cortisol modulates Ca2+ signaling and acrosome reaction in human sperm
Authors: Sánchez González Sheini Ruturi , Mata Martínez Esperanza , Torres Juárez Jorge Arturo , Arias Rodolfo José , De Blas Gerardo Andrés , Sánchez Tusie Ana Alicia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundStress and elevated cortisol levels have negative effects on fertility, although there is controversy about the effect of cortisol on human sperm. One study reported that hydrocortisone (HC), the synthetic form of cortisol, does not activate CatSper channel but is able to inhibit its activation by progesterone (Pg). However, subsequent reports showed that HC has an agonist effect on CatSper, producing intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) increases. These studies were performed using only electrophysiological techniques and fluorometric measurements of Ca2+. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the effects of different HC concentrations on human sperm physiology using other approaches and techniques.ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of different HC concentrations on human sperm physiology and to evaluate the association of perceived stress, anxiety and depression with acrosome reaction (AR), and semen quality.Materials and methodsIn capacitated human sperm, we tested the effects of HC on [Ca2+]i mobilization and AR. Furthermore, the perceived stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated with standardized psychometric tests.ResultsHC induces a low increase in [Ca2+]i compared to Pg response while, at higher concentrations, HC inhibits the Pg‐induced Ca2+ response. Also, low concentrations of HC induce AR and when co‐incubating it with Pg, the percentages of AR are decreased. Finally, the anxiety symptoms are negatively correlated with Pg induced AR and semen quality.DiscussionHC has an agonist effect on [Ca2+]i mobilization and AR. However, our data also suggest that HC may compete for the binding site of Pg. Additionally, the association between anxiety and decreased AR could be explained by high cortisol levels.ConclusionOur data showed that HC interferes with the Pg action. Therefore, the negative correlation between anxiety symptoms and Pg‐induced AR is due to the accompanying high cortisol levels of this condition and its competitive action with Pg.
Testosterone in males with COVID‐19: a 12‐month cohort study
Authors: Salonia Andrea , Pontillo Marina , Capogrosso Paolo , Pozzi Edoardo , Ferrara Anna Maria , Cotelessa Alice , Belladelli Federico , Corsini Christian , Gregori Silvia , Rowe Isaline , Carenzi Cristina , Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Tresoldi Cristina , Locatelli Massimo , Cavalli Giulio , Dagna Lorenzo , Castagna Antonella , Zangrillo Alberto , Tresoldi Moreno , Landoni Giovanni , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia , Ciceri Fabio , Montorsi Francesco 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundMale patients with COVID‐19 have been found with reduced serum total testosterone (tT) levels and with more severe clinical outcomes.ObjectivesTo assess total testosterone (tT) levels and the probability of recovering eugonadal tT levels during a minimum 12‐month timespan in a cohort of men who have been followed over time after the recovery from laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19.Materials and methodsDemographic, clinical and hormonal values were collected for the overall cohort. Hypogonadism was defined as tT ≤9.2 nmol/l. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to score health‐significant comorbidities. Descriptive statistics was used to compare hormonal levels at baseline versus 7‐month (FU1) versus 12‐month (FU2) follow‐up, respectively. Multivariate cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the potential predictors of eugonadism recovery over time among patients with hypogonadism at the time of infection.ResultsOf the original cohort of 286 patients, follow‐up data were available for 121 (42.3%) at FU1 and 63 (22%) patients at FU2, respectively. Higher median interquartile range (IQR) tT levels were detected at FU2 (13.8 (12.3–15.3) nmol/L) versus FU1 (10.2 [9.3–10.9] nmol/L) and versus baseline (3.6 [3.02–4.02] nmol/L) (all p < 0.0001), whilst both LH and E2 levels significantly decreased over the same time frame (all p ≤ 0.01). Circulating IL‐6 levels further decreased at FU2 compared to FU1 levels (19.3 vs. 72.8 pg/ml) (p = 0.02). At multivariable cox regression analyses, baseline tT level (HR 1.19; p = 0.03 [1.02–1.4]) was independently associated with the probability of tT level normalization over time, after adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionsCirculating tT levels keep increasing over time in men after COVID‐19. Still, almost 30% of men who recovered from COVID‐19 had low circulating T levels suggestive for a condition of hypogonadism at a minimum 12‐month follow‐up.
Days alive and out of hospital after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Alexander Harry , Moore Matthew , Hannam Jacqueline , Poole Garth , Bartlett Adam , Merry Alan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundDays alive and out of hospital (DAOH) is a metric that incorporates several outcomes into a single, standardized measure. This study aimed to explore the utility of DAOH in assessing the outcomes of a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).MethodsPatients undergoing LC at Auckland City Hospital between 1 January 2010 and 31 August 2015 were included. DAOH values were calculated for the 90 days from the date of surgery (DAOH90) and described using median and interquartile ranges (IQR). DAOH90 distributions were compared using a two‐tailed (non‐parametric) Wilcoxon‐Mann–Whitney test.Results1652 patients undergoing LC were studied. Patients experiencing complications (n = 70, 4.2%) had fewer DAOH90 (median 83, IQR 79, 86) than patients who underwent uncomplicated LC (median 88, IQR 86, 88), P < 0.001. Patients who were converted to open cholecystectomy (n = 70, 4.2%) also had fewer DAOH90 (median 82.5, IQR 79, 84) than patients who underwent uncomplicated LC, P < 0.001. Post‐operative complications and conversion had a statistically significant effect on DAOH90 at each of the tested quantiles, except for conversion at the 0.1 quantile.ConclusionDAOH90 is readily calculable from existing New Zealand administrative data sources and is sensitive to the occurrence of complications after LC.
Combining Parametric and Nonparametric Models to Estimate Treatment Effects in Observational Studies
Authors: Daly-Grafstein Daniel , Gustafson Paul 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Performing causal inference in observational studies requires we assume confounding variables are correctly adjusted for. In settings with few discrete-valued confounders, standard models can be employed. However, as the number of confounders increases these models become less feasible as there are fewer observations available for each unique combination of confounding variables. In this paper, we propose a new model for estimating treatment effects in observational studies that incorporates both parametric and nonparametric outcome models. By conceptually splitting the data, we can combine these models while maintaining a conjugate framework, allowing us to avoid the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Approximations using the central limit theorem and random sampling allow our method to be scaled to high-dimensional confounders. Through simulation studies we show our method can be competitive with benchmark models while maintaining efficient computation, and illustrate the method on a large epidemiological health survey.