bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tempered expectation-maximization algorithm for the estimation of discrete latent variable models
Authors: Brusa Luca , Bartolucci Francesco , Pennoni Fulvia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMaximum likelihood estimation of discrete latent variable (DLV) models is usually performed by the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. A well-known drawback is related to the multimodality of the log-likelihood function so that the estimation algorithm can converge to a local maximum, not corresponding to the global one. We propose a tempered EM algorithm to explore the parameter space adequately for two main classes of DLV models, namely latent class and hidden Markov. We compare the proposal with the standard EM algorithm by an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study, evaluating both the ability to reach the global maximum and the computational time. We show the results of the analysis of discrete and continuous cross-sectional and longitudinal data referring to some applications of interest. All the results provide supporting evidence that the proposal outperforms the standard EM algorithm, and it significantly improves the chance to reach the global maximum. The advantage is relevant even considering the overall computing time.
The trace space of anisotropic least gradient functions depends on the anisotropy
Authors: Górny Wojciech 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe study the set of possible traces of anisotropic least gradient functions. We show that even on the unit disk it changes with the anisotropic norm: for two sufficiently regular strictly convex norms the trace spaces coincide if and only if the norms coincide. The example of a function in exactly one of the trace spaces is given by a characteristic function of a suitably chosen Cantor set.
From signal transduction to protein toxins—a narrative review about milestones on the research route of C. difficile toxins
Authors: Aktories Klaus 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Selected findings about Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) toxins are presented in a narrative review. Starting with a personal view on research about G proteins, adenylyl cyclase, and ADP-ribosylating toxins in the laboratory of Günter Schultz in Heidelberg, milestones of C. difficile toxin research are presented with the focus on toxin B (TcdB), covering toxin structure, receptor binding, toxin up-take and refolding, the intracellular actions of TcdB, and the treatment of C. difficile infection.
Identifying Key Stressors Driving Biological Impairment in Freshwater Streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA
Authors: Fanelli Rosemary M. , Cashman Matthew J. , Porter Aaron J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBiological communities in freshwater streams are often impaired by multiple stressors (e.g., flow or water quality) originating from anthropogenic activities such as urbanization, agriculture, or energy extraction. Restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA seek to improve biological conditions in 10% of freshwater tributaries and to protect the biological integrity of existing healthy watersheds. To achieve these goals, resource managers need to better understand which stressors are most likely driving biological impairment. Our study addressed this knowledge gap through two approaches: 1) reviewing and synthesizing published multi-stressor studies, and 2) examining 303(d) listed impairments linked to biological impairment as identified by jurisdiction regulatory agencies (the states within the watershed and the District of Columbia). Results identified geomorphology (i.e., physical habitat), salinity, and toxic contaminants as important for explaining variability in benthic community metrics in the literature review. Geomorphology (i.e., physical habitat and sediment), salinity, and nutrients were the most reported stressors in the jurisdictional impairment analysis. Salinity is likely a major stressor in urban and mining settings, whereas geomorphology was commonly reported in agricultural settings. Toxic contaminants, such as pesticides, were rarely measured; more research is needed to quantify the extent of their effects in the region. Flow alteration was also highlighted as an important urban stressor in the literature review but was rarely measured in the literature or reported by jurisdictions as a cause of impairment. These results can be used to prioritize stressor monitoring by managers, and to improve stressor identification methods for identifying causes of biological impairment.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-486-5p, miR-451a, miR-21-5p and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Xu Liwenjing , Tian Lu , Yan Zhenrong , Wang Jia , Xue Tingyun , Sun Qiyu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most serious complications of coronary heart disease. Although morbidity and mortality have been decreasing year by year, acute coronary syndrome still has a high mortality rate and disability rate. To search for accurate and effective biomarkers, we explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of microRNAs (miRNAs) and the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) in patients with AMI. By referring to the relevant literature, miR-486-5p, miR-451a and miR-21-5p were reportedly altered in the blood of patients with ischemic heart disease. These miRNAs were selected and validated in 40 AMI patients, 22 unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and 22 healthy groups (HC) by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). All patients with AMI underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and were followed up 3 months after the operation. MHR and miR-451a expression were markedly elevated in plasma samples of AMI patients compared with the UAP and HC groups, but the expressions of miR-486-5p and miR-21-5p were significantly decreased. The expression level of miRNA-451a increased gradually among the three groups (p < 0.05). However, the expression of miRNA-21-5p showed a downward trend (p < 0.05). More importantly, MHR was significantly different before and after PCI in AMI patients (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that MHR, miR-486-5p, miR-451a and miR-21-5p could diagnose and predict AMI. MiR-451a was a more reliable biomarker for AMI diagnosis among these miRNAs. Moreover, the combination of MHR and miRNAs had higher diagnostic value for AMI. We further demonstrated that miR-21-5p had a strong predictive ability for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after 3 months. The results showed that circulating miR-486-5p, miR-451a, miR-21-5p and MHR may play critical roles in the early phase of AMI, and may be used as potential predictors for AMI diagnosis. Importantly, miR-451a was a more reliable biomarker in diagnosing AMI patients. Circulating miR-21-5p may be used as a predictor of MACE occurrence.
A standardised protocol for neuro-endoscopic lavage for post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation: A Delphi consensus approach
Authors:   DOLPHIN-UK Collaborators, Aquilina Kristian , Mallucci Conor , Chari Aswin , Mediratta Saniya , Sivakumar Gnanamurthy , James Greg , Jalloh Ibrahim , Kitchen John , Kirkman Matthew A. , de Lacy Patricia , Leach Paul , Magdum Shailendra Ashok , Dawes William , Lo William B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNeuro-endoscopic lavage (NEL) has shown promise as an emerging procedure for intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD). However, there is considerable variation with regard to the indications, objectives, and surgical technique in NEL. There is currently no randomised trial evidence that supports the use of NEL in the context of PHVD. This study aims to form a consensus on technical variations in the indications and procedural steps of NEL. A mixed-methods modified Delphi consensus process was conducted between consultant paediatric neurosurgeons across the UK. Stages involved literature review, survey, focused online consultation, and iterative revisions until > 80% consensus was achieved. Twelve consultant paediatric neurosurgeons from 10 centres participated. A standardised protocol including indications, a 3-phase operative workflow (pre-ventricular, intraventricular, post-ventricular), and post-operative care was agreed upon by 100% of participants. Case- and surgeon-specific variation was considered and included through delineation of mandatory, optional, and not recommended steps. Expert consensus on a standardised protocol for NEL was achieved, delineating the surgical workflow into three phases such as pre-ventricular, intraventricular, and post-ventricular, each consisting of mandatory, optional, and not recommended steps. The work provides a platform for future trials, training, and implementation of NEL.
Somatosensory evoked potentials and magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wuschek Alexander , Bussas Matthias , El Husseini Malek , Harabacz Laura , Pineker Viktor , Pongratz Viola , Berthele Achim , Riederer Isabelle , Zimmer Claus , Hemmer Bernhard , Kirschke Jan S. , Mühlau Mark 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundSomatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) are still broadly used, although not explicitly recommended, for the diagnostic work-up of suspected multiple sclerosis (MS).ObjectiveTo relate disability, SSEP, and lesions on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with early MS.MethodsIn this monocentric retrospective study, we analyzed a cohort of patients with relapsing–remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome, with a maximum disease duration of two years, as well as with available data on the score at the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), on SSEP, on whole spinal cord (SC) MRI, and on brain MRI.ResultsComplete data of 161 patients were available. Tibial nerve SSEP (tSSEP) were less frequently abnormal than SC MRI (22% vs. 68%,p < 0.001). However, higher EDSS scores were significantly associated with abnormal tSSEP (median, 2.0 vs. 1.0;p = 0.001) but not with abnormal SC MRI (i.e., at least one lesion; median, 1.5 vs. 1.5;p = 0.7). Of the 35 patients with abnormal tSSEP, 32 had lesions on SC MRI, and 2 had corresponding lesions on brain MRI.ConclusionCompared to tSSEP, SC MRI is the more sensitive diagnostic biomarker regarding SC involvement. In early MS, lesions as detectable by T2-weighted MRI are the main driver of abnormal tSSEP. However, tSSEP were more closely associated with disability, which is compatible with a potential role of tSSEP as prognostic biomarker in complementation of MRI.
Strömungstechnischer Funktionsnachweis für Verschlussbauwerke
Authors: Bauermeister Julius , Langefeld Oliver , Wilsnack Thomas , Glaubach Uwe , Müller-Hoeppe Nina 
Published: October 2022

ZusammenfassungDie Errichtung von strömungstechnisch abdichtenden Streckenverschlussbauwerken ist im Salzbergbau eine wichtige Voraussetzung für die Absicherung der Produktion, die Minimierung von Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt und die Nutzung der vorhandenen Grubenräume für die Einlagerung von umweltgefährdenden Stoffen/radioaktiven Stoffen. In diesem Zusammenhang ist der Nachweis der Dichtfunktion der Streckenverschlussbauwerke eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für den Betrieb und/oder die Nutzung des untertägigen Hohlraumes. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Konzept vorgestellt, welches den Nachweis der Dichtfunktion erbringt ohne den Kontaktbereich zu beschädigen.
Comparing the latent space of generative models
Authors: Asperti Andrea , Tonelli Valerio 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDifferent encodings of datapoints in the latent space of latent-vector generative models may result in more or less effective and disentangled characterizations of the different explanatory factors of variation behind the data. Many works have been recently devoted to the exploration of the latent space of specific models, mostly focused on the study of how features are disentangled and of how trajectories producing desired alterations of data in the visible space can be found. In this work we address the more general problem of comparing the latent spaces of different models, looking for transformations between them. We confined the investigation to the familiar and largely investigated case of generative models for the data manifold of human faces. The surprising, preliminary result reported in this article is that (provided models have not been taught or explicitly conceived to act differently) a simple linear mapping is enough to pass from a latent space to another while preserving most of the information. This is full of consequences for representation learning, potentially paving the way to the transformation of editing trajectories from one space to another, or the adaptation of disentanglement techniques between different generative domains.
SARS CoV-2 infections in animals, two years into the pandemic
Authors: Frazzini Sara , Amadori Massimo , Turin Lauretta , Riva Federica 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn December 2019, several cases of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus, later identified as SARS-CoV-2, were detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Due to its rapid worldwide spread, on 11 March 2020 the World Health Organization declared a pandemic state. Since this new virus is genetically similar to the coronaviruses of bats, SARS-CoV-2 was hypothesized to have a zoonotic origin. Within a year of the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, several cases of infection were also reported in animals, suggesting human-to-animal and animal-to-animal transmission among mammals. Natural infection has been found in companion animals as well as captive animals such as lions, tigers, and gorillas. Among farm animals, so far, minks have been found to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas not all the relevant studies agree on the susceptibility of pigs. Experimental infections have documented the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 of further animal species, including mice, hamsters, cats, dogs, ferrets, raccoon dogs, cattle, and non-human primates. Experimental infections have proven crucial for clarifying the role of animals in transmission and developing models for viral pathogenesis and immunotherapy. On the whole, this review aims to update and critically revise the current information on natural and experimental SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals.
A direct method for constructing distribution-free tolerance regions
Authors: Amerise Ilaria Lucrezia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDistribution-free tolerance regions are hyper-rectangles in terms of the number of variables that include at least a pre-specified proportion of normal subjects with a confidence bounded from below by a prescribed probability. This paper has two main goals. The first is to propose an innovative method for constructing multidimensional tolerance regions that work well when the only assumption that can be made about the underlying distribution is that it is continuous. Although our proposal is, in essence, an extension of the Wilks-Wald method to higher dimensions, this research is far less immediate and straightforward than it has appeared to many authors, who, moreover, have not really used it in practical work. In particular, the order statistics dividing the regions are not fixed beforehand, but are determined by an optimization procedure. The second goal is to suggest a way of overcoming a problem of practical importance concerning the order in which the variables are included, which has remained unsolved since the introduction of the argument almost eighty years ago. This device facilitates the search for a good solution while avoiding being drawn away into the black hole of combinatorial computations. Simulation and applications to laboratory medicine data illustrate the advantages of using the method presented in this paper.
Encounters: East/West dialogs on existence
Authors: Ferencz-Flatz Christian , Cistelecan Alex 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe article discusses the historical background and transnational context of the dialogue between East-European communist philosophy and Western existentialism. It does so by first outlining the exchanges between Lukács, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty between the late 1940s and the early 1960s. Subsequently three major forums of East–West philosophical dialogue are surveyed, that took place during the 1960s: the ‘Morals and Society’ colloquium, organized by Instituto Gramsci in Rome in May 1964; the Korčula summer school, organized by the Praxis group between 1964 and 1975; and the International Congress for Philosophy organized in Vienna in September 1968. This series of events and the dialogue and confrontations that they engendered prove that, contrary to the exclusively negative reception of existentialism in the socialist camp in the 1950s, but also contrary to the distorted representation, which can be found in dissidents’ recollections and which became dominant after the fall of communism, which excluded any possibility of dialogue between the two sides during socialism, such a dialogue has taken place, and led to mutual appropriations on both sides.
Review of the limitations and potential empirical improvements of the parametric group method of data handling for rainfall modelling
Authors: Lake Ronald William , Shaeri Saeed , Senevirathna STMLD 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study furthers the utilisation of the parametric group method of data handling (GMDH) in assessing the possibility of rainfall modelling and prediction, using publicly available temperature and rainfall data. In using ordinary GMDH approaches, the modelling is inconclusive with no clear consistency demonstrated through coefficients of determination and analysis of variance. Hence, an empirical assessment has been undertaken to provide an explanation of the inconsistency. In doing so, state variable distribution, their classification within the fuzzy context, and the need to integrate the principle of incompatibility into the GMDH modelling format are all assessed. The mathematical foundations of GMDH are discussed within the heuristic framework of data partitioning, partial description synthesis, the limitations of the least-squares coefficient of determination, incompleteness theorem, and the necessity for an external criterion in the selection procedure for polynomials. Methods for modelling improvement include the potential for hybridisation with least square support vector machines (LSSVM), the application of filters for parameter estimation, and the combination with signal processing techniques, ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), wavelet transformation (WT), and wavelet packet transformation (WPT). These have been investigated in addition to the implementation of enhanced GMDH (eGMDH) and fuzzy GMDH (FGMDH). The inclusion of exogenous data and its application within the GMDH modelling paradigm are also discussed. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance the potential for future rainfall modelling study success using parametric GMDH.
Micro-foundations of environmental entrepreneurship resistance in SMEs
Authors: Pierscieniak Agata , Krawczyk-Sokolowska Izabela , Caputa Wieslawa 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis article characterizes theoretical problems regarding the essence of environmental entrepreneurship resistance. The objective of the current research was to search for micro-foundations of environmental entrepreneurship resistance occurring in SME. We relate the concept of resistance in entrepreneurship with the idea of micro-foundations, thus creating new opportunities for analysis in two areas: conceptual view that interprets the phenomenon of resistance in relation to the organization's activities in the field of entrepreneurship, and cognitive supplementary knowledge of micro-foundations, which affect the entrepreneurial behavior of employees. Environmental entrepreneurship resistance in SMEs has been defined in our interpretation as targeted individual or collective daily activities, implemented from the perspective of various intentions, motivations and other internal and external premises, which are in opposition to commonly used pro-environmental activities constituting the CER component of small and medium business. In addition, we identified a group of 20 micro-foundations, which from the level of an individual or organization may constitute the initiation of entrepreneurial activities, focused on environmental protection in SME. The indicated group was examined on a sample of 122 employees of the SME sector in Poland. After performing qualitative and quantitative analyses, it turned out that eight elements could be considered as micro-foundations of environmental entrepreneurship resistance.
Unanticipated Changes in Drug Overdose Death Rates in Canada During the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Snowdon John , Choi Namkee 
Published: October 2022

AbstractEscalating drug overdose death rates in Canada are of ever-increasing concern. To better understand the extent of this health threat, we obtained mortality statistics and population figures for the years 2000 to 2020, and examined rates of overdose deaths, coded (using ICD-10) as accidental, suicide or “undetermined intent.” The drug deemed as primarily responsible for the death was categorized as opioid, non-opioid, or unspecified. Age patterns of drug deaths were graphed. Joinpoint analysis was used to test the significance of changes in death rates. Accidental opioid and stimulant overdose death rates in Canada have climbed faster since 2011, though not as high as corresponding US rates. Unknown cause death rates have increased. However, opioid and non-opioid suicide rates have decreased significantly since 2011, and there have been fewer drug deaths of undetermined intent. Increased attention to the possibility that some suicides are being misclassified is warranted.
A novel arthroscopic transosseous suture-button fixation technique for anterior glenoid fractures
Authors: Wafaisade Arasch , Karwatzke Andreas , Pfeiffer Thomas R. , Lages Alex , Poggenborg Jörg , Kallenberg Moritz , Kappel Paola 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of a new transosseous suture-button fixation technique for anterior glenoid fractures.

Methods
From March 2017 to May 2021, 23 patients with anterior glenoid fractures were treated with the new technique. Demographic data, active shoulder function, and several shoulder scores were evaluated after a minimum of 6 months. Fracture reduction and button placement were assessed via computed tomography, while fracture healing and onset or progression of glenohumeral osteoarthritis were evaluated with X‑rays.

Results
Overall, 57% of the patients had relevant concomitant intra-articular injury. Clinical follow-up was performed for 22 patients (19 male, 3 female) at 15 months (6.0–34.5) after surgery. The average Constant Score was 83.2 ± 16.7 points (93.4% ± 18.8% vs. the contralateral side), the Rowe Score, 90.7 ± 10.4 points, the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score (/100), 88.3 ± 14.5 points, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (%), 82.9 ± 16.7, and the Subjective Shoulder Value (%), 86.9 ± 16.1. Average range of motion was 171.4 ° ± 22.7 ° of flexion (contralateral side, 180 ° ± 0 °; p = 0.11) and 170.5 ° ± 23.6 ° of abduction (contralateral side, 179.6 ± 2.1; p = 0.07). No complications occurred and no revision surgery was required. The postoperative step-off of the glenoid averaged 1.55 ± 1.05 mm (0–4 mm). Radiological follow-up of 19 patients showed fracture consolidation in all cases, without secondary dislocation of the fracture or of heterotopic ossification. There was no sign hardware impingement or dislocation. There was new-onset osteoarthritis in 3 cases (15.8%). We found no correlation between the step-off and radiological signs of osteoarthritis.

Conclusion
Anterior glenoid fractures were treated safely and reproducibly with the novel arthroscopic double-button-suture technique, but long-term results are still needed.