bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive Coding Approximates Backprop Along Arbitrary Computation Graphs
Authors: Millidge Beren , Tschantz Alexander , Buckley Christopher L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackpropagation of error (backprop) is a powerful algorithm for training machine learning architectures through end-to-end differentiation. Recently it has been shown that backprop in multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) can be approximated using predictive coding, a biologically plausible process theory of cortical computation that relies solely on local and Hebbian updates. The power of backprop, however, lies not in its instantiation in MLPs but in the concept of automatic differentiation, which allows for the optimization of any differentiable program expressed as a computation graph. Here, we demonstrate that predictive coding converges asymptotically (and in practice, rapidly) to exact backprop gradients on arbitrary computation graphs using only local learning rules. We apply this result to develop a straightforward strategy to translate core machine learning architectures into their predictive coding equivalents. We construct predictive coding convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and the more complex long short-term memory, which include a nonlayer-like branching internal graph structure and multiplicative interactions. Our models perform equivalently to backprop on challenging machine learning benchmarks while using only local and (mostly) Hebbian plasticity. Our method raises the potential that standard machine learning algorithms could in principle be directly implemented in neural circuitry and may also contribute to the development of completely distributed neuromorphic architectures.
Decoding Pixel-Level Image Features From Two-Photon Calcium Signals of Macaque Visual Cortex
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Bu Tong , Zhang Jiyuan , Tang Shiming , Yu Zhaofei , Liu Jian K. , Huang Tiejun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Images of visual scenes comprise essential features important for visual cognition of the brain. The complexity of visual features lies at different levels, from simple artificial patterns to natural images with different scenes. It has been a focus of using stimulus images to predict neural responses. However, it remains unclear how to extract features from neuronal responses. Here we address this question by leveraging two-photon calcium neural data recorded from the visual cortex of awake macaque monkeys. With stimuli including various categories of artificial patterns and diverse scenes of natural images, we employed a deep neural network decoder inspired by image segmentation technique. Consistent with the notation of sparse coding for natural images, a few neurons with stronger responses dominated the decoding performance, whereas decoding of ar tificial patterns needs a large number of neurons. When natural images using the model pretrained on artificial patterns are decoded, salient features of natural scenes can be extracted, as well as the conventional category information. Altogether, our results give a new perspective on studying neural encoding principles using reverse-engineering decoding strategies.
Social and Psychological Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Mediation Study
Authors: Schoeps Konstanze , Tamarit Alicia , De la Barrera Usue , Lacomba-Trejo Laura , Montoya-Castilla Inmaculada , del Rosario Constanza , Coello Fernanda , Herrera Sebastián , Trujillo Ángela , Riveros Munevar Fernando , Amador Esparza Nancy Alejandra 
Published: May 2022

The ongoing pandemic has dramatically disrupted daily life, increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders and poor mental wellbeing. The compound effects of social, political and psychological stressors have increased psychological symptoms among adolescents and young people, with worries about COVID-19 playing a central role in the clinical course of their mental health problems caused by the pandemic. The aim of this cross-cultural study was to examine the social psychological effects of COVID-19 on adolescents’ and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in Ibero-American population. Participants involved 6,283 adolescents and young adults from five different Spanish-Speaking countries (83.7% female) aged between 12 and 30 years ( M = 18.79; SD = 3.48). Participants completed the Worries about COVID-19 and its Consequences Scale (W-COV), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Descriptive analyses, multivariate ANOVAs and Pearson correlations were performed, as well as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) testing a mediational model. The results indicate cross-cultural difference in COVID-19 related worries, emotional symptoms and life satisfaction. Results from SEM confirmed the overall indirect effects of COVID-19 cases, political response and participants’ conditions during lockdown on depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction mediated by COVID-19 related worries. These findings suggest that the social psychological factors underlying psychological symptoms could be partly explained by increased worries about COVID-19 and its personal, social, economic and political consequences, which may offer guidance to policy makers and health services for safeguarding youth mental well-being.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Subglottis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Chen Zhe , Xiao Wei , Peng Tao , Ye Linfeng 
Published: May 2022

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a very rare mesenchymal tumor that can behave as a locally benign or aggressive lesion. Here, we present an extremely rare case of IMT involving the subglottic of a middle-aged male. Steroid therapy treatment alleviated dyspnea, but the recurrence of dyspnea was reported two months later. Both sides of the subglottic tumor were excised following treatment, and the surgical specimens were subjected to histopathological evaluation and diagnosis for IMT. At 4 years after excision, follow-up laryngoscopy revealed symmetric vocal cords without evidence of any subglottic mass. Subglottic mass is often asymptomatic until it presents with hoarseness or dyspnea, and subglottic IMT is rare. Based on the successful treatment of our case, complete surgical excision is highly recommended for this rare tumor. However, further research is needed to discover a more effective and cost-effective treatment approach.
Care models for mental health in a population of patients affected by COVID-19
Authors: Maresca Giuseppa , Formica Caterina , De Cola Maria Cristina , Lo Buono Viviana , Latella Desirèe , Cimino Vincenzo , Carnazza Lara , Giambò Fabio Mauro , Parasporo Nicholas , Bramanti Alessia , Corallo Francesco 
Published: May 2022

Objective Emergency psychological interventions are needed in patients with COVID-19. During the pandemic, psychological counseling services have been provided using online platforms to address adverse psychological impacts and symptoms in patients and the general population. We investigated the effects of telepsychotherapy on emotional well-being and psychological distress in patients affected by COVID-19. Methods Forty-five Sicilian patients who had contracted COVID-19 joined “Telecovid Sicilia” from March to June 2020. Participants completed self-assessment questionnaires and psychological testing to measure levels of anxiety, presence of depressive symptoms, and altered circadian rhythm with consequent sleep disorders and psychological distress. Individual telepsychotherapy services were provided for 1 hour, twice a week, for 16 sessions in total. Results We enrolled 45 patients (42.2% women). We found significant changes between baseline and the end of follow-up in all outcome measures, especially depression (χ2 (1) = 30.1; effect size [ES] = 0.82), anxiety (χ2 (1) = 37.4; ES = 0.91), and paranoid ideation (χ2 (1) = 5.6; ES = 0.35). The proportion of participants with sleep disorders decreased to 84.1% after intervention (χ2 (1) = 58.6; ES = 1.14). Conclusion A telepsychotherapeutic approach showed promising effects on psychological symptoms, with significantly reduced patient anxiety and depression.
Construction of a Composite Pavement (Asphalt over Concrete) in Virginia
Authors: Shabbir Hossain M. , Nair Harikrishnan , Celik Ozyildirim H. 
Published: May 2022

The U.S. Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) identified composite pavement as a “renewal solution” and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) received implementation funding to demonstrate its feasibility. In 2017, this funding was applied to support major rehabilitation of two westbound lanes of US 60 in Henrico County, Virginia, a project that essentially replaced 1.1 mi of deteriorated concrete pavement with a new composite system consisting of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) overlaid with stone matrix asphalt (SMA). This paper documents the design and construction of this new composite pavement. It also includes results from through-the-thickness temperature monitoring and a summary of performance for the first 4 years after opening to traffic. Close oversight by researchers provided a review of challenges and associated lessons learned from the design and construction process. Current VDOT specifications and standards were sufficient for successful construction. The asphalt overlay appeared to reduce the temperature gradient within the CRCP and to moderate daily temperature swings. This insulating effect of asphalt is expected to lower curling and associated stresses in the concrete pavement, which may permit reduced concrete thickness requirements in designs and also enable longer service life. The cracks in CRCP were tight and were not expected to reflect through the SMA. Moreover, the SMA mixture was tested to be crack and rut resistant. Therefore, a crack- and rut-free long service life for this composite pavement is expected. A recent visual survey by researchers found no observable distresses after 4 years under traffic.
Life Satisfaction and Intergenerational Mobility Among Older Hispanics in the United States
Authors: Ramirez Surmeier Ladanya , Taylor Miles G. , Carr Dawn C. 
Published: May 2022

Objectives To investigate the impact of intergenerational mobility—measured as the difference between one’s own and one’s father’s education level—on overall life-satisfaction among Hispanic, White, and Black older Americans. Methods Data from the Health and Retirement Study were used to estimate life satisfaction by race/ethnicity using ordinary least squares regression (N = 5,057). Results Hispanic and Black older Americans report greater educational gains relative to their fathers compared to Whites. Despite having the lowest reported education levels, Hispanics report the highest life satisfaction across race/ethnic groups. However, net of education level and other factors, intergenerational mobility decreased rather than increased life satisfaction for Hispanic older Americans. Discussion These results indicate that intergenerational mobility may not confer equal benefits for overall life satisfaction across racial/ethnic groups. As Hispanic individuals continue to achieve higher education levels, it is unclear whether upward mobility will translate to positive or negative assimilation consequences.
Optical fibers in composite materials: The effects on mechanical properties under flexural and tensile loading and acoustic emission monitoring
Authors: Zainal Abidin Dzariff , Theminimulla Sithila , Waugh David Garreth , Griffin James Marcus 
Published: May 2022

As the demands of materials in practical applications become more sophisticated, multiple technology streams have moved towards a smarter future, incorporating monitoring techniques to validate safety and performance. Optical fiber sensors offer a route to embedded sensing technology within new composite materials, but an understanding of resulting modifications to structural performance following inclusion requires assessment. This work studies three optical fibers (125 μm and 89 μm diameter with dual-layer acrylate coating and 80 μm diameter with polyimide coating) embedded in the composite material. Optical fiber placement and the effects of sensor orientation relative to fiber reinforcement plies, weave configurations, and stacking order considerations under varied load applications are considered and discussed. Empirical results on the effects of fiber coating composition and thickness on composite material samples were collected under flexural and tensile loading. With the aid of non-contact acoustic emissions monitoring, the effects of interfacial interaction between embedded sensors and surrounding composite materials have been assessed compared to elastic wave responses. This considered physical phenomena to map and assess the effects of introducing this structural discontinuity on these materials’ mechanical testing and capability. In doing so, this study adds to a gap in the existing literature by investigating the effects of the multiple variables for fiber sensor embedment in practical applications to move towards smarter material solutions.
α-2,6-sialic acid/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios correlate with human lupus disease activity and possible mechanisms: A pilot study
Authors: Liou Lieh-bang , Wang Ting-yi , Liu I-Ju , Wu Han-Chung , Ke Po-Yuan , Fang Yao-Fan , Chen Yen-Fu 
Published: May 2022

Objective To study the association of α2,6-sialic acid (SIA) content in serum IgG anti-dsDNA with human systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) and the effect of sialylated and desialylated (deSIA) IgG anti-dsDNA on lupus B cells. Methods Blood from lupus patients was collected to determine the ratio of SIA in isolated IgG anti-dsDNA over serum IgG anti-dsDNA (SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA) ratios, which were plotted against SLEDAI using a receiver-operating-characteristics curve. Lupus B cells were cultured in vitro with chimeric sialylated IgG anti-dsDNA and its deSIA form. Culture supernatants were assayed for anti-inflammatory IL-10 and SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios, which were compared among different pre-treatment groups using t-tests. Results The area-under-the-curve (AUC) for anti-dsDNA levels against SLEDAI was 0.791 positively (95% confidence interval [C.I.]: 0.699–0.884) and SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios against SLEDAI yielded an AUC of 0.705 inversely (95% C.I: 0.601–0.809): not significantly different. SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios discriminated significantly between patients without and patients with proteinuria ( p = .046). SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios correlated significantly and positively with serum C3c and C4 levels. Pre-treatment with IgG anti-dsDNA and its immune complexes (dsDNA/IgG anti-dsDNA IC) induced higher IL-10 from lupus B cells than medium pre-treatment (most p < .01 from day 2 to day 5 culture). DeSIA IgG anti-dsDNA IC induced lower IL-10 ( p < .05) and lower SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios ( p < .001) from lupus B cells than medium and dsDNA pre-treatment. Conclusion α2,6-SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios inversely forecasted SLEDAI scores. Possible mechanisms may be due to the different effects of sialylated and deSIA IgG anti-dsDNA on lupus B cells in terms of IL-10 secretion and SIA/IgG anti-dsDNA ratios.
An experimental and finite element simulation study of moisture absorption in an ordered PVAF-reinforced thermoplastic starch composite film
Authors: Ma Hongpeng , Zhang Xin , Guo Bin , Li Panxin 
Published: May 2022

A two-dimensional (2D) model was established by the finite element method to study the transient hygroscopic process and moisture-induced stress to better understand the moisture absorption microscopic process of ordered polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVAF)-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) composite films and the corresponding moisture-induced stress. The Mises stress contour of moisture distribution at five time points (36, 68, 100, 176, and 348 h) under four relative humidities (RH=57%, 75%, 84%, 98%) is demonstrated. The variation in moisture content along the two paths of width (AB) and thickness (CD) in the 2D model and the moisture-induced stress were also studied in detail. The results show that when the time t is 348 h, the saturated moisture contents along CD are 5.27, 17.22, 30.58, and 59.14%, and along AB are 5.27, 17.19, 30.57, and 59.07%. In addition, the change in moisture content, regardless of whether the path was AB or CD, mainly occurred before 176 h. The simulation results of moisture absorption are in good agreement with the experimental results. The ultimate moisture-induced stress is the largest in the fiber surroundings, which are 0.398, 1.30, 2.31, and 4.48 MPa at four RHs, respectively, and the internal moisture stress of 4.48 MPa was within the tensile strength (2–6 MPa) of PVAF/TPS (PVAF <0.89 vt%), which resulted in composite film failure. This paper provides a new way to understand the moisture absorption mechanism and explore possible methods for improving the water-resistance of TPS films.
Optimisation of Processes by Recommending Cost Reduction Strategies in Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Da Cruz Ashmith Relia , J. Aileen 
Published: May 2022

Background Cost analysis in central sterile supply department (CSSD) helps to achieve financial sustainability and improved efficiency for optimal field operations. This research intends to propose strategies to reduce re-sterilization of CSSD items and formulate alternatives for direct purchase of consumable items by suggesting in-house manufacture of these items. Methods An observational prospective study using cost analysis tools such as activity-based costing and cost–benefit analysis was conducted in a tertiary care corporate hospital. Primary data collection was done with the help of semi-structured interview questions and checklist. Results The analysed data indicated that on an average 150 sets per month were sent back for steam re-sterilisation which incurred the cost for re-packing, re-sterilisation and re-storage. Additionally, crucial study findings indicate that gauze swabs and dressing pads (consumable items) have been consumed in large quantities per month (20,000 Qty) leading to profligacy. Conclusion In-house preparation of dressing pads and gauze swabs has amassed sufficient amount of savings of about ₹70,377 and ₹24,104 per month on an average with the available resources. Moreover, techniques to avoid re-sterilization will help decrease resource consumption that includes electricity and exhaustive use of manpower.
Transforming the journey together: Baseline findings from a longitudinal, co-designed study on psychiatry trainee experiences of training and wellbeing
Authors: Orlik Stefanie , Barnes Caryl , Karageorge Aspasia , You Daniel , McLean Loyola M , Proctor Marie-Therese , Kornhaber Rachel , Nash Louise 
Published: May 2022

Objective Junior doctors have high rates of burnout resulting in downstream impacts on patient care. The aim of this study is to capture cross-sectional data on a cohort of psychiatry trainees. These data will be used to inform a wider project investigating psychiatry trainee mental health and wellbeing. Method This paper reports on the 2019 baseline data of psychiatry trainees enrolled in a formal education course at the University of Sydney, Australia. The data were collected with an online survey using a range of validated mental health and wellbeing scales. This descriptive study involved psychiatry trainees as co-designers. Results Our research findings are in keeping with the existing literature on the poor mental health and wellbeing of doctors with significantly higher levels of anxiety and exhaustion found in female trainees and carers. Despite this, the cohort had high scores on the flourishing scale. Conclusions Concern around the wellbeing of junior doctors in Australia appears justified. We need to move beyond focussing on individual action to systems-based approaches to improving wellbeing and ongoing sustainability of the psychiatry trainee workforce in NSW.
A GAVeCeLT bundle for central venous catheterization in neonates and children: A prospective clinical study on 729 cases
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Celentano Davide , Barone Giovanni , D’Andrea Vito , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Conti Giorgio 
Published: May 2022

Background: In the pediatric patient, central venous catheterization may be associated with relevant complications. Though, most of them may be prevented by a wise choice of materials, methods, and techniques. Evidence-based insertion bundles for central venous catheterization have been developed in the adult patient, but not in neonates and children. Methods: The Italian Group for Long Term Venous Access Devices (GAVeCeLT) has developed an insertion bundle for central venous catheterization in neonates, infants, and children, which includes seven evidence-based strategies: (1) preprocedural ultrasound evaluation, (2) appropriate aseptic technique, (3) ultrasound guided venipuncture, (4) intraprocedural tip location by non-radiological methods, (5) proper choice of the exit site by tunneling, (6) sutureless securement, and (7) protection of the exit site using glue and transparent membranes. The effectiveness and safety of this bundle has been tested in a prospective study. Results: All neonates, infants and children requiring a non-emergency central line (except for umbilical venous catheters and epicutaneo-cava catheters) were included in the study. Out of 729 central line insertions, there were no immediate complications (no pneumothorax, no arterial puncture, no malposition); the incidence of early and late complications (local ecchymosis, dislodgment, local pain, exit site infection) was 3.7%; in the first 2 weeks after insertion, no catheter-related bacterial infection or catheter-related thrombosis was recorded. Conclusion: The results of this prospective study strongly validate the hypothesis that an insertion bundle is highly effective in optimizing the safety of the maneuver, reducing immediate, early, and late complications.
Trends in adolescent psychosomatic complaints: a quantile regression analysis of Swedish HBSC data 1985–2017
Authors: Högberg Björn , Strandh Mattias , Johansson Klara , Petersen Solveig 
Published: May 2022

Background and aims: According to recent criticism, survey-based measures of adolescent psychosomatic complaints have poor content validity insofar as they conflate trivial with severe complaints. It is argued that this means that estimates of prevalence and trends in complaints may reflect trivial complaints that are not indicators of health problems. In this study, two observable implications of this criticism were investigated: (a) that self-reported psychosomatic complaints should have a bimodal distribution; and (b) that the increase in complaints over time should be of approximately equal size throughout the distribution of complaints. Methods: Three decades (1985/1986–2017/2018) of repeated cross-sectional data from the Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey were used. Psychosomatic complaints were measured using the screening instrument Health Behaviour in School-aged Children symptom checklist. Histograms, bar charts and quantile regression models were used for the analysis. Results and conclusions: With regard to the first implication, the results showed that the distribution of complaints was not bimodal and that there were no clusters of respondents. This suggests that binary categorisations of students can be reductive and conceal important variations across students. With regard to the second implication, the results showed that the increase in complaints was greatest among students who report frequent and co-occurring complaints. This suggests that reports of increasing complaints in adolescents cannot be explained as being primarily due to a greater inclination to report trivial complaints. It is concluded that any conflation of trivial and more severe complaints in surveys of psychosomatic complaints is not reflected in population-based estimates.