bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and development of a vision‐based system for detection, tracking and recognition of isolated dynamic bare hand gesticulated characters
Authors: Yadav Kuldeep Singh , Kirupakaran Anish Monsley , Laskar Rabul Hussain , Bhuyan Manas Kamal , Khan Taimoor 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDetection and tracking are the vital stages to form the gesture trajectory in gesture recognition. It becomes more challenging when the variations in illumination, pose, position, occlusion, scale, speed, blurring effect and complex environment are introduced. Additionally, the background feature domination effect affects the existing deep learning models. A semantic segmentation model is implemented in this work to detect the bare hand to overcome these challenges. A pre‐trained network VGG‐16 is utilized by training with the proposed NITS S‐Net database. Evaluation of the SegNet model is done on EgoHands, Oxford and OUHands databases. To track the bare hand, a SegNet‐based detection and tracking approach is proposed using Kalman filter and point‐tracker. This model achieves 97.01% accuracy (a relative improvement of ~8% from the baseline models) at 0.068 s per frame computational time on NITS hand gesture database VIIIB. The gesticulated characters, that is, alphabets, numbers, operators, special characters, are gesticulated without any constraints on the pattern/strokes. To recognize these 95 multi‐stroke gestures, a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) is presented using AlexNet. The DCNN model achieves 97.60% (a relative improvement of ~14% from the baseline models) accuracy on the NITS hand gesture database VIIIB merged. Evaluation of the handwritten EMNIST merged (balanced) database resulted in average recognition accuracy of 91.60%.
Soil phosphorus drives plant trait variations in a mature subtropical forest
Authors: Cui Erqian , Lu Ruiling , Xu Xiaoni , Sun Huanfa , Qiao Yang , Ping Jiaye , Qiu Shuying , Lin Yihua , Bao Jiehuan , Yong Yutong , Zheng Zemei , Yan Enrong , Xia Jianyang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEarth system models are implementing soil phosphorus dynamic and plant functional traits to predict functional changes in global forests. However, the linkage between soil phosphorus and plant traits lacks empirical evidence, especially in mature forests. Here, we examined the soil phosphorus constraint on plant functional traits in a mature subtropical forest based on observations of 9943 individuals from 90 species in a 5‐ha forest dynamic plot and 405 individuals from 15 species in an adjacent 10‐year nutrient‐addition experiment. We first confirmed a pervasive phosphorus limitation on subtropical tree growth based on leaf N:P ratios. Then, we found that soil phosphorus dominated multidimensional trait variations in the 5‐ha forest dynamic plot. Soil phosphorus content explained 44% and 53% of the variance in the traits defining the main functional space across species and communities, respectively. Lastly, we found much stronger phosphorus effects on most plant functional traits than nitrogen at both species and community levels in the 10‐year nutrient‐addition experiment. This study provides evidence for the consistent pattern of soil phosphorus constraint on plant trait variations between the species and community levels in a mature evergreen broadleaf forest in the East Asian monsoon region. These findings shed light on the predominant role of soil phosphorus on plant functional trait variations in mature subtropical forests, providing new insights for models to incorporate soil phosphorus constraint in predicting future vegetation dynamics.
“True” Helicobacter pylori infection and non‐cardia gastric cancer: A pooled analysis within the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project
Authors: Morais Samantha , Costa Adriana , Albuquerque Gabriela , Araújo Natália , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Hamada Gerson Shigueaki , Ye Weimin , Plymoth Amelie , Leja Marcis , Gasenko Evita , Zaridze David , Maximovich Dmitry , Malekzadeh Reza , Derakhshan Mohammad H. , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , Camargo M. Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , Vioque Jesus , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , La Vecchia Carlo , Boffetta Paolo , Lunet Nuno 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori is the most important risk factor for non‐cardia gastric cancer (NCGC); however, the magnitude of the association varies across epidemiological studies. This study aimed to quantify the association between H. pylori infection and NCGC, using different criteria to define infection status.MethodsA pooled analysis of individual‐level H. pylori serology data from eight international studies (1325 NCGC and 3121 controls) from the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Consortium was performed. Cases and controls with a negative H. pylori infection status were reclassified as positive considering the presence of anti‐Cag A antibodies, gastric atrophy, or advanced stage at diagnosis, as available and applicable. A two‐stage approach was used to pool study‐specific adjusted odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A meta‐analysis of published prospective studies assessing H. pylori seropositivity in NCGCs was conducted.ResultsThe OR for the association between serology‐defined H. pylori and NCGC was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87–2.42), which increased to 4.79 (95% CI: 2.39–9.60) following the reclassification of negative H. pylori infection. The results were consistent across strata of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features and lifestyle factors, though significant differences were observed according to geographic region—a stronger association in Asian studies. The pooled risk estimates from the literature were 3.01 (95% CI: 2.22–4.07) for ELISA or EIA and 9.22 (95% CI: 3.12–27.21) for immunoblot or multiplex serology.ConclusionThe NCGC risk estimate from StoP based on the reclassification of H. pylori seronegative individuals is consistent with the risk estimates obtained from the literature. Our classification algorithm may be useful for future studies.
High‐altitude hypoxia‐induced rat alveolar cell injury by increasing autophagy
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Hou Bin , Tang Li , Wang Yaping , Zhang Yueqing , Ying Zhanzhuan , Duo Jie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAutophagy has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various lung diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of autophagy in lung injury induced by high‐altitude hypoxia. Wistar rats were randomized into four groups for exposure to normal altitude or high altitude for 1, 7, 14 and 21 days with no treatment or with the treatment of 1 mg/kg rapamycin or 2 mg/kg 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) for consecutive 21 days respectively. In control rats, the alveolar structure was intact with regularly arranged cells. However, inflammatory cell infiltration and shrunk alveoli were observed in rats exposed to hypoxia. Rapamycin treatment led to many shrunken alveoli with a large number of red blood cells in them. In contrast, 3‐MA treatment led to almost intact alveoli or only a few shrunken alveoli. Compared to the control group exposure to high‐altitude hypoxia for longer periods resulted in the aggravation of the lung injury, the formation of autophagosomes with a double‐membrane structure and increased levels of Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II in alveolar tissues. Rapamycin treatment resulted in significant increase in Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II levels and further aggravation of alveolar tissue damage, while 3‐MA treatment led to opposite effects. In conclusion, exposure to high‐altitude hypoxia can induce autophagy of alveolar cells, which may be an important mechanism of high‐altitude hypoxia‐induced lung injury. The inhibition of autophagy may be a promising therapy strategy for high‐altitude hypoxia‐induced lung injury.
Family policies, social norms and marital fertility decisions: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Lui Lake , Cheung Adam Ka‐Lok 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNumerous policy recommendations for increasing fertility in societies with ultralow fertility rates have been made, yet their effectiveness has mostly remained unevaluated. Using a multifactorial vignette design that creates hypothetical policy scenarios, this paper seeks to determine the effects of family‐friendly policies and organizational norms on fertility decisions in Hong Kong. Based on a territory‐wide random sample (N = 1000), we find a discrepancy between respondents’ ideal and actual number of children. All family policy recommendations, including leave policies, childcare support, housing policies and workhour legislation, may raise fertility but leave policies work better when they include fathers’ involvement instead of just mothers. Childcare support and housing policies have a positive multiplying effect on fertility. Family‐friendly organizational norms strengthen the positive effect of workhour legislation and leave policies on fertility. The effects of policies on fertility also vary by respondents’ socioeconomic status and their perception of having children.
Next generation of immune checkpoint molecules in maternal‐fetal immunity*
Authors: Zhao Si‐Jia , Muyayalo Kahindo P. , Luo Jing , Huang Donghui , Mor Gil , Liao Ai‐Hua 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSuccessful pregnancy is a unique situation requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate a semi‐identical fetus and allow normal invasion of trophoblast cells. Although efforts have been made, the deep mechanisms of the maternal‐fetal crosstalk have not yet been fully deciphered. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) are a group of negative modulators of the immune response that avoid immune damage. They have been extensively studied in the fields of oncology and transplantation, while the latest evidence suggests that they are closely associated with pregnancy outcomes via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Although studies have mostly demonstrated the regulatory role of the well‐known PD‐1, CTLA‐4 at the maternal‐fetal interface, what is unique about the newly discovered multiple ICMs remains a mystery. Here, we review the latest knowledge on ICMs, focusing on the first generation of checkpoints (PD‐1, CTLA‐4) and the next generation (Tim‐3, Tigit, Lag‐3, VISTA) highlighting their immunoregulatory roles in maternal‐fetal tolerance and decidual vascular remodeling, and their involvement in pathological pregnancies. The content covers three aspects: the characteristics they possess, the dynamic expression profile of their expression at the maternal‐fetal interface, and their involvement in pathological pregnancy. In immunotherapy strategies for pregnancy complications, upregulation of immune checkpoints may play a role. Meanwhile, the impact on pregnancy outcomes when using ICMs in clinical cancer treatment during pregnancy is a topic worth exploring. These may serve as a guide for future basic research and clinical applications of maternal‐fetal immunity.
Safe and secure vehicle routing: a survey on minimization of risk exposure
Authors: Fröhlich Georg E. A. , Gansterer Margaretha , Doerner Karl F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSafe and secure vehicle routing problems refer to the transportation of dangerous (e.g., flammable liquids) or valuable goods (e.g., cash), the surveillance of streets (e.g., police patrols) or other areas (e.g., those within a factory or building), and the response to sudden incidents (e.g., robberies or street disruptions). It thus covers a multitude of models and methods with each having its own objective and constraints, such as unpredictability or risk. We review and classify literature in this field and thereby identify a starting point for researchers in this evolving and practically relevant field. Our study reveals that there are 82 articles that cover aspects related to safe and secure routing, a majority of which were published in the last five years. We classify the articles into five main categories: (i) transportation of hazardous materials, (ii) patrol routing, (iii) cash‐in‐transit, (iv) dissimilar routing problems, and (v) modeling of multi‐graphs. Categories (i)–(iv) elaborate on the problem studied, while (v) provides a general concept based on road network characteristics most commonly found in safe and secure routing problems. Relevant methods and instances, along with their similarities and dissimilarities, have also been discussed in the paper. Furthermore, specific problem characteristics and future research directions are identified.
Prevention of SiC‐fiber decomposition via integration of a buffer layer in ZrB2‐based ultra‐high temperature ceramics
Authors: Stricker Kerstin , Silvestroni Laura , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA ZrB2‐based ceramic, containing short Hi‐Nicalon SiC fibers, was fabricated with a Mo‐impermeable buffer layer sandwiched between bulk and the outermost oxidation resistant ZrB2–MoSi2 layer, in order to prevent inward Mo diffusion and associated fiber degradation reactions. This additional layer consisted of ZrB2 doped with either Si3N4 or with the polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs) SiCN and SiHfBCN. Scanning electron microscopy imaging and elemental mapping via energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy showed that this tailored sample geometry provides an effective diffusion barrier to prevent the SiC fibers from deterioration due to reactions with Mo or Mo‐compounds. In contrast, the structure of the SiC fibers in a reference sample without buffer layer is strongly degraded by MoSi2 diffusion into the fiber core. The comparison of the three buffer‐layer systems showed a moderate alteration of the fiber structure in the case of Si3N4 addition, whereas in the PDC‐doped samples hardly any structural change within the fibers was observed. A stepwise reaction mechanism is deduced, based on the continuous progression of a reaction zone that propagates toward the ZrB2–MoSi2 top layer. The progression of such a reaction zone as a consequence of the different eutectic melts forming in the different layers, that is, first in the SiC‐fiber‐containing bulk, then in the buffer layer itself, and finally in the top layer at high temperature, allows for an effective separation of the ZrB2–MoSi2 top layer from the SiC fibers.Subsequent oxidation at 1500°C and 1650°C for 15 min did not affect the efficiency of all three buffer layers, since no structural changes regarding buffer layer and fibers were observed, as compared to the non‐oxidized samples.
Effect of a fiber‐reinforcing technique for direct composite restorations of structurally compromised teeth on marginal microleakage
Authors: Sfeikos Thrasyvoulos , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Kouros Pantelis , Naka Olga , Tolidis Kosmas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate if the marginal microleakage of extensive Class I composite resin restorations can be affected by applying ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers with the wallpapering technique combined with different restorative materials and methods.Materials and methodsA 120 human molars were selected and one extensive Class I cavity was prepared on the occlusal surface of each tooth. The specimens were divided into 12 groups (n = 10) according to the type of restorative material (Filtek Z550, Beautifil II LS or Beautifil Bulk Restorative), the use or not of reinforcing fibers (ribbond) and the applied restorative technique (incremental or bulk). The specimens were subjected to thermocycling and then immersed into a 50 wt% silver nitrate solution following a dying protocol. Subsequently, the teeth were prepared for SEM observations to evaluate the extent of marginal microleakage.ResultsThree‐way ANOVA revealed that the type of material, the use of ribbond fibers and the type of restorative technique significantly affected marginal microleakage (p < 0.001). Application of ribbond fibers decreased marginal microleakage to all tested restorative materials, regardless of the restorative technique, in a range of 31.2–81.4%. In the groups with no‐use of ribbond fibers, among the materials there were no significant differences in microleakage when the teeth were restored with the incremental technique (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of UHMWPE fibers with wallpapering technique in Class I composite restorations may be an effective method to reduce marginal microleakage, regardless of the selected restorative technique or the material.Clinical relevanceClinicians may be encouraged to utilize reinforcing fiber restorative techniques for direct restorations of structurally compromised teeth as a valid alternative to indirect restorations.
Impact of desensitizing/whitening toothpastes on tooth color change after abrasion and erosion–abrasion
Authors: de Lima Leonardo Custódio , Viana Ítallo Emídio Lira , da Paz Sara Laís Pereira , Bezerra Sávio José Cardoso , Mayer‐Santos Eric , Niemeyer Samira Helena , Carvalho Thiago Saads , Scaramucci Taís 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of desensitizing toothpastes (D), their whitening versions (DW) and whitening toothpastes (W) on tooth color change.MethodsTooth specimens were allocated into 11 groups (n = 10): 1. Artificial saliva (control); 2. Sensodyne Repair & Protect (SRP–D); 3. Sensodyne Repair & Protect Whitening (SRP–DW); 4. Colgate Sensitive Pro‐Relief (CSPR–D); 5. Colgate Sensitive Pro‐Relief Real White (CSPR–DW); 6. Colgate Total 12 (CT12); 7. Colgate Total 12 Whitening (CT12–W); 8. Sensodyne True White (ST–W); 9. Curaprox Black Is White (CB–W); 10.Oral‐B 3D White Perfection (OB3D‐W) and 11. Erosion‐only. They were submitted to two models: A. abrasion; B. erosion/abrasion. Color change (ΔE00), ΔL, Δa, and Δb were determined with a spectrophotometer. Data were statistically evaluated (α = 0.05).ResultsFor both models, ∆E00 of D did not differ significantly from DW. An overall decrease in luminosity (−∆L) and increase (+∆b) in yellowness of the tooth occurred. In abrasion, all groups reduced redness (−∆a) and only SRP‐DW differed from control (p = 0.016), but for ∆E00, ∆L and ∆b, all toothpastes did not differ from the control. In erosion/abrasion, CB‐W showed significantly lower ∆E00 and ∆b than the control (∆E00: p = 0.026; ∆b: p = 0.005) and SRP‐D (∆E00: p = 0.028; ∆b: p = 0.025). Only SRP‐DW, CSPR‐DW, ST‐W, CB‐W, and erosion‐only had increased redness (+∆a), but none differed from control.ConclusionsThe toothpastes did neither promote whitening nor avoid the yellowish aspect of the tooth after abrasion and erosion‐abrasion, regardless of their claim.Clinical significanceDesensitizing and/or whitening toothpastes induced similar changes on tooth color, without promoting whitening effect or reduction in its yellowish aspect.
Genotyping and phenotyping of Lactococcus garvieae isolates from fish by pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and electron microscopy indicate geographical and capsular variations
Authors: Rao Shreesha , Chen Mei‐Yun , Sudpraseart Chiranan , Lin Peiry , Yoshida Terutoyo , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLactococcus garvieae is the etiological agent of Lactococcosis, an evolving disease affecting many fish species and causing significant economic losses worldwide. Assessing pathogen relatedness and bacterial population structure is critical for determining the epidemiology of L. garvieae infections and in establishing effective pathogen management methods. The previously published morphological and genetic studies point to a clonal population structure, as seen in other fish bacteria. In the present study, the pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method was utilized to define a population of 41 Taiwanese isolates from outbreaks with comparisons to four well‐characterized non‐Taiwanese isolates previously published. Two restriction enzymes (ApaI and SmaI) were utilized individually for PFGE analysis (cut‐off value = 90.0%), revealing genetic heterogeneity across L. garvieae isolates, with ApaI and SmaI yielding 12 and seven distinct PFGE band patterns, respectively. The phylogenic analysis using internal transcribed spacer region clustered all L. garvieae isolates in the same clad. Furthermore, the electron microscopic results confirmed the absence of capsular gene cluster (CGC) in previously characterized Taiwanese vaccine strain (S3) from grey mullet. Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of analysing the morphological and genetic diversity in L. garvieae being correlated for proper taxonomic classification in vaccine strain selection and epidemiological studies.
Development and testing of a standardized pain interview assessment for use in post‐acute care
Authors: Dunbar Michael S. , Edelen Maria O. , McMullen Tara , Bruckenthal Patricia , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Chen Emily K. , Dalton Sarah E. , Paddock Susan , Rodriguez Anthony , Mandl Stella , Mota Teresa , Saliba Debra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesPain is highly prevalent among patients in post‐acute care (PAC) settings and can affect quality of life, treatment outcomes, and transitions in care. Routine, accurate assessment of pain across settings is important for pain management and care planning; however, existing PAC assessment instruments do not assess patient pain in a standardized manner.MethodsWe developed and tested a set of pain interview data elements for use across PAC settings (skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long term care hospitals, home health agencies) as part of a larger effort undertaken by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop standardized assessment data elements to meet the requirements of the IMPACT Act of 2014. The interview assessed six pain constructs: presence; frequency; interference with sleep; interference with rehabilitation therapies [if applicable]; interference with daily activities; worst pain; and pain relief from treatments/medications). A total of 3031 PAC patients at 143 PAC settings (across 14 U.S. geographic/metropolitan areas in 10 states) participated in a national field test of standardized data elements from November 2017 to August 2018. We assessed item response distributions, time to complete interviews, inter‐assessor agreement, and, for a subset of patients, change in responses between admission and discharge assessments. We also conducted focus groups with nurse assessors about their experiences administering the items.ResultsFor patients reporting any pain, average time to complete the pain interview was 3.1 min (SD = 1.3), and interrater reliability was excellent for all data elements (kappa range: 0.95–0.99). Findings were similar across types of PAC settings. Qualitative data from nurses emphasized ease of administration and high perceived clinical utility.ConclusionFindings provide support for feasibility of implementing a standardized pain interview assessment in PAC settings. This tool can support tracking of patient needs across settings and interoperability of data in electronic medical records.