bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive markers of transmission in areas with different malaria endemicity in north-eastern Tanzania based on seroprevalence of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Kaaya Robert Diotrephes , Kajeguka Debora C , Matowo Johnson J , Ndaro Arnold J , Mosha Franklin W , Chilongola Jaffu O , Kavishe Reginald A
Published: July 2021

Objective The objective of this study was to assess Plasmodium falciparum exposure in areas with different malaria endemicity in north-eastern Tanzania using serological markers; PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119.Results Bondo had a higher seroprevalence 36.6% (188) for PfAMA-1 as compared to Hai 13.8% (33), χ2=34.66, p<0.01. Likewise, Bondo had a higher seroprevalence 201(36.6%) for PfMSP-1 as compared to Hai 41 (17.2%), χ2 =29.62, p<0.01. Anti-PfAMA-1 titters were higher in malaria positive individuals (n = 47) than in malaria negative individuals (n = 741) (p = 0.07). Anti-PfMSP-1 antibody concentrations were significantly higher in malaria-positive individuals (n = 47) than in malaria-negative individuals (n = 741) (p = 0.003).Antibody response against PfAMA-1 was significantly different between the three age groups; <5 years, 5 to 15 years and >15 years in both sites of Bondo and Hai. Likewise, antibody response against PfMSP-119 was significantly different between the three-age groups in the two sites. (p<0.001). We also found significant differences in the anti-PfAMA-1and anti-PfMSP-119 antibody concentrations among the three age groups in the two sites (p=0.004 and 0.005) respectively. Immunological indicators of Plasmodium falciparum exposure have proven to be useful in explaining long-term changes in the transmission dynamics especially in low transmission settings.
Palladium-catalyzed selective oxidative amination of olefins with Lewis basic amines
Authors: Jin Yangbin , Li Chunsheng , Li Meng , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: July 2021

Amines are prominent in natural products, pharmaceutical agents, and agrochemicals. Moreover, they are synthetically valuable building blocks for the construction of complex organic molecules and functional materials. However, amines, especially aliphatic and aromatic amines with free N-H, are prone to coordinate with transition-metal and deactivating the catalyst, posing a tremendous challenge to the application of Lewis basic amines in the amination of olefins. Herein we present the first case of oxidative amination of simple olefins with various Lewis basic amines. The combination of a palladium catalyst, 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ), and a phosphorous ligand leads to the efficient synthesis of alkyl and aryl allylamines. A series of allylamines are obtained with good yields and excellent regio- and stereoselectivities. Intramolecular amination to synthesize tetrahydropyrrole and piperidine derivatives was also realized. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the reaction undergoes allylic C(sp3)-H activation and subsequent functionalization.
Design, Implementation and Management of an International Medical Device Registry
Authors: Mauch Herbert , Kaur Jasmin , Irwin Colin , Wyss Josie
Published: July 2021

Background
Registries are powerful clinical investigational tools. More challenging, however, is an international registry conducted by industry. That requires considerable planning, clear objectives and endpoints, resources and appropriate measurement tools.
Methods
This paper aims to summarize our learning from ten years of running a medical device registry monitoring patient-reported benefits from hearing implants.
Results
We enlisted 113 participating clinics globally, resulting in a total enrolment of more than 1500 hearing-implant users. We identify the stages in developing a registry specific to a sensory handicap such as hearing loss, its challenges and successes in design and implementation, and recommendations for future registries.
Conclusions
Data collection infrastructure needs to be maintained up to date throughout the defined registry lifetime and provide adequate oversight of data quality and completeness. Compliance at registry sites is important for data quality and needs to be weighed against the cost of site monitoring. To motivate sites to provide accurate and timely data entry we facilitated easy access to their own data which helped to support their clinical routine.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02004353
In Vitro Antibacterial Activities of the Tibetan Herbal Medicines Against the Staphylococcus Isolated From Mastitis of Guanzhong Dairy Goat
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , Qiu Fang , Hou Simeng , Guo Jingjing , Liu Lianjie
Published: July 2021

Background: Dairy goat mastitis is one of the most significant disease with effect on Guanzhong dairy goat breeding. The purpose of this study was to screen the pathogenic bacteria from milk samples of the mastitis of Guanzhong dairy goat and evaluate the antibacterial activities of six Tibetan herbal medicines, including Swertia bimaculata, Gentiana urnula, Uncaria rhynchophylla, Aconitum flavum, Dracocephalum tanguticum and Lagotis brachystachy on Staphylococcus isolated. Results: Fifty-two bacteria species, and a total of 149 different isolates were identified from 55 milk samples, and Staphylococcus was the predominant species as it accounted for 36.91% (55/149) of the identified isolates, and S. aureus (26/55) was the majority of the Staphylococcus isolates. Histopathological examination showed that obvious pathological changes were observed in the liver, kidney and lung tissues of the mice infected with S. aureus. Most of the Staphylococcus isolates expressed the multidrug resistance except for S. aureus and S. hemolyticus. The water extracts of several Tibetan medicinal plants exhibited distinguished in vitro antibacterial activities for the Staphylococcus, especially the S. aureus as well as the MDR isolates. Lagotis brachystachy has the most significant antibacterial activity, and followed by the Aconitum flavum, Uncaria rhynchophylla, Swertia bimaculata, and Dracocephalum tanguticum, while the Gentiana urnula showed the weaker inhibitory effects to the tested Staphylococcus isolates. Conclusion: This study indicated that Tibetan herbal medicines could be a potential candidate for the treatment the mastitis of dairy goat in clinical application.
Recovery Responses of Freshwater Phytoplankton Assemblage After the Disappearance of Metal Toxicity in Semi-Continuous Cultures
Authors: Tripathi B. N. , Gaur J. P.
Published: July 2021

The present study demonstrates the recovery of phytoplankton assemblage from metal stress. Phytoplankton assemblage consisting of different freshwater algal species isolated from a tropical pond was exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cu and Zn for 25 days in semi-continuous culture (Toxicity phase). Subsequently, algal assemblage grown in the toxicity phase were transferred to the fresh culture medium without elevated levels of the test metals for 25 days in semi-continuous culture (Recovery phase). We monitored the total biovolume of each algal species during the toxicity and recovery phases. The members of Cyanophyta were most sensitive against metal toxicity, followed by the members of Bascillariophyta. However, the members of Chlorophyta showed relatively lesser sensitivity against test metals. Among chlorophytes, Scendesmus opolinensis and Cosmarium bioculatum were tolerant to both the test metals. Metal-stressed algal species showed recovery after transferring to the basal medium depending on the concentration of metals during the toxicity phase. The members of Cyanophyta were unable to recover from metal stress. However, members of Chlorophyta showed faster recovery than others from Zn stress, and the members of Bascillariophyta showed quicker recovery from Cu stress. The differential abilities of various algal species to recover from metal stress perhaps depend on their ability to counterbalance metal toxicity. Further, research is warranted to characterize the differential ability of various algal groups to recover from metal stress. The present findings would help understand the efficiency of different algal groups to restore their position within the freshwater algal community after the disappearance for metal stress.
Migrant Economic Behaviors: Causal Effects of Health Education on Saving Rates, Social Medical Insurance, and House Purchasing
Authors: Chunfeng Dong , YOU JIALU , Zhang Jinhua
Published: July 2021

BackgroundsHealth China as the essentials policy with advancing Global Health, contributing to decline the inequality between rural and urban health education, and recovering the domestic markets after Coronavirus. The goal of this study is to evaluate the economic returns on health educations in a developing country. MethodsWe combine life cycle mechanisms and safety beliefs to evaluate continuous values of health education from 720,900 migrants’ economic behaviors through the ERM model, average treatment effects, and heterogeneous treatment effects robust empirically approach.ResultsWe find that health education positively affects participation in social medical insurance and house purchasing. In contrast, the relationship between health education and saving rates is an inverted ‘U’ shape. Heterogeneous treatment effect empirically robust account for heterogeneity in the previous generation and young generation; urban citizenship and rural citizenship continuous effects of health education. ConclusionThe finding suggests that health education stimulates immigrant consumption behaviors; however, extra health education is not a wise policy. Rural-urban citizenship acquisition bias is a significant factor of health education effects differential.JEL CLASSIFICATIONI15; D14; R23
Whole-genome Sequencing Reveals Putative Underlying Mechanisms of Biocontrol Capability of IBFCBF-5
Authors: Luo Chen , Shen Airong , Ren Yesong , Zhai Yang , Cheng Yi , Xu Jianping , Wei Lin , Li Jilie , Zeng Liangbin
Published: July 2021

Objective: As the world's food safety and environmental safety problems become increasingly severe, the agricultural sectors of various countries are also paying closer attention to the use of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. Rhizosphere bacteria are a significant source of commonly used biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. This study aims to describe the genome and genomic traits of a biocontrol agent in the genus Bacillus.Results: In this paper, a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IBFCBF-5 was isolated and identified to have an inhibitory effect on several common oomycete and fungal pathogens Phytophthora capsica, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum. The genome of strain IBFCB-5 was sequenced, and the assembled genome was 4,338,658bp, with a G+C content of 46.05%. The IBFCBF-5 genome contains abundant GH, GT, CE, PL, AA, and CBM gene families, potentially degrading cellulose and hemicellulose, chitin, starch, xylan, peptidoglycan, etc. In addition, 14 lipopeptide and polypeptide antibiotic gene clusters were found in IBFCBF-5, including those coding for the synthesis of several known antifungal and antibacterial compounds Fengycin, Bacilysin, Bacillibactin, and plantazolicin.Conclusion: Our results show that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IBFCBF-5 has a broad-spectrum antifungal ability and that its genome contains many genes coding for antimicrobial metabolites.
Do Oral hygiene and Diet Favor The Development of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions? A Retrospective Study.
Authors: deLlanos-Lanchares Hector , Alvarez-Menendez Leticia , Alvarez-Riesgo Jose Antonio , Celemin-Viñuela Alicia , Serrano-Belmonte Ildefonso , Alvarez-Arenal Angel
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to evaluate the influence of dental brushing factors, diet, the consumption of acidic drinks and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) on the development of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Methods: The sample consisted of undergraduate dentistry students from different Spanish faculties (age range 18 to 29 years). NCCLs and the CPITN were diagnosed and recorded using a periodontal probe. A questionnaire was used to record different brushing factors, the consumption of extrinsic acids and the presence of intrinsic acids. The data obtained were analysed using unconditional uni- and multivariate logistic regression (significance lecel p<0.05). Results: Brushing force was a risk factor (OR=1.71). The presence of NCCLs is significantly more frequent in subjects who brush their teeth vigorously Frequent consumption of salads with vinegar or lemon increases the risk of NCCLs (OR=4.5). As the CPITN score increases, the risk of NCCLs also increases significantly (OR=1.93) for value 1 and OR=6.49 for CPITN of 3. The consumption of extrinsic acids associated with salads seasoned with vinegar or lemon, the brushing force and the CPITN were the risk factors. The model obtained has a 67.14% predictive capacity for NCCLs, a specificity of 76.43%, and a sensitivity of 57.86%. Conclusions: the results of this study show that brushing force, and acidic diet and CPITN significantly increase the risk of NCCLs. Other variables are needed to increase model prediction.
Estimation and Optimal Control of the Multiscale Dynamics of Covid-19: A Case Study From Cameroon
Authors: MBOGNE David Jaures FOTSA , TCHOUMI Stéphane Yanick , TCHAPTCHIE Yannick KOUAKEP , KAMLA Vivient Corneille , KAMGANG Jean Claude , DANGA Duplex Elvis HOUPA , TSAKOU Samuel BOWONG , BEKOLLE David
Published: July 2021

This work aims at a better understanding and the optimal control of the spread of the new severe acute respiratory corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We first propose a multi-scale model giving insights on the virus population dynamics, the transmission process and the infection mechanism. We consider 10 compartments in the human population in order to take into accounts the effects of different specific mitigation policies. The population of viruses is also partitioned into 10 compartments corresponding respectively to each of the first nine human population compartments and the free viruses available in the environment. We show the global stability of the disease free equilibrium if a given threshold T0 is less or equal to 1 and we provide how to compute the basic reproduction number R0. A convergence index T1 is also defined in order to estimate the speed at which the disease extincts and an upper bound to the time of extinction is given. The existence of the endemic equilibrium is conditional and its description is provided. We evaluate the sensitivity of R0, T0 and T1 to control parameters such as the maximal human density allowed per unit of surface, the rate of disinfection both for people and environment, the mobility probability, the wearing mask probability or efficiency, and the human to human contact rate which results from the previous one. According to a functional cost taking into consideration economic impacts of SARS-CoV-2, we determine and discuss optimal fighting strategies. The study is applied to available data from Cameroon.
A Multi-part Production Planning Framework for Additive Manufacturing of Unrelated Parallel Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printers
Authors: Cadiou Thibaut , DEMOLY Frédéric , Gomes Samuel
Published: July 2021

Fostering the development of additive manufacturing (AM) in the context of mass production is a key factor to ensure its adoption in industry. It should be remembered that this technology intrinsically makes it possible to produce parts with unexpected complexities in terms of shape and structure, but this comes at a price: time. To overcome this productivity barrier, AM technology providers are currently developing 3D printing machines with high-speed performance and mass reproduction means in a single run. Although such trends can be seen as a natural evolution of this technology with respect to current consumption patterns, it still remains scientific issues on production planning strategies to be tackled. The objective of the paper is to address on-demand production planning of different AM parts in FabLabs/hubs composed of unrelated parallel 3D printers. A novel framework is then introduced to consider part orientation, path planning and part- to-printer assignment with a specific focus on fused filament fabrication technique. By targeting a minimum production time, it exhibits reasoning algorithms implemented in a Python application at the interface of computer-aided design system and process planning software. A case study with a batch of non-identical parts and 3D printers is introduced to illustrate the added value of the framework and its operational side.
Hjorth features and k-nearest neighbors algorithm for visual imagery classification
Authors: Costa Fabio Ricardo Llorella , Patow Gustavo
Published: July 2021

Visual imagery is an interesting paradigm for use in Brain-Computer Interface systems. Through visual imagery we can extend the potential of BCI systems beyond motor imagery or evoked potentials. In this work we have studied the possibility of classifying different visual imagery shapes in the time domain using EEG signals, with the Hjorth parameters and k-nearest neighbors classifier 69% accuracy has been obtained with a Cohen's kappa value of 0.64 in the classification of seven geometric shapes, obtaining results superior to other related works.
Eocene Arc-related Magmatism within the Neotethys Subduction System in NW Iran; Geochemistry and SHRIMP zircon U-Pb Dating on Magmatic Phases in the Shahjahan Batholith
Authors: Ahmadi Zahra , Jahangiri Ahmad , Moazzen Mohssen , oh Chang Whan
Published: July 2021

Granitoids of the composite Shahjahan batholith in the northernmost part of the Urmia-Dokhtar magmatic arc of Iran, and southernmost of the Lesser Caucasus (South Armenia) show SHRIMP zircon ages of 37.1±1.2 to 47.1±4.5 Ma. Dioritic rocks of the pluton with an age of 46.6 ± 4.6 to 47.1 ± 4.5 Ma are calk-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous and I-type. They show arc-related affinities, characterized by LREE and LILE enrichment and HREE and HFSE depletion, especially negative Ti, Nb and Ta anomalies (TNT effect) in the normalized spider diagrams. low Ce/Pb, Nb/La and high Ba/Nb, U/Th and Hf/Zr ratios along with positive Pb, K, Th and Sr anomalies in the normalized spider diagrams for the studied samples are compatible with magma contamination with crustal materials during ascend to the lower crustal levels. Felsic dikes with granodiorite and syenite compositions and 37.1 ± 1.2 to 38.57 ± 0.41 Ma old, are characterized by high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic, metaluminous, and A2- type affinities which show post-collision tectonic setting geochemical features. The REE patterns for all studied samples and the composition of the trace element ratios indicate a geochemically enriched spinel-lherzolite lithospheric mantle source for the magmas, which underwent a low degree of partial melting. Dating arc-related dioritic samples and post collision felsic dikes put constrain on timing of Neotethys Ocean closure in NW Iran. Based on the present study, Middle to Upper Eocene is suggested as closure time of the Neotethys Ocean, Arabia and Central Iran plates’ collision and crustal thickening in Northwest Iran.
The study of the pathogenesis of idiopathic central precocious puberty based on gut microbiota
Authors: Huang Congfu , Wu Bin , Yang Wei , Chen Junru , Yang Zhenyu , Li Yinhu , Chen Shufen , Wu Xiangling , Wu Liping , Liu Haiying
Published: July 2021

Object

To analyze the correlation between gut microbiota (GM) and hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, carbohydrate metabolism, and explore whether the pathogenesis of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is consistent based on GM.
Methods In this study, we have

recruited 27 ICPP (ICPP group) and 23 healthy children (healthy group), and collected the blood and fecal samples from the participants. Blood samples were tested for hormones, including the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, prolactin, and testosterone. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, and amplified and sequenced with 16S rDNA V3-V4 region. Finally, we annotated the sequencing results, counted the differences in hormone indicators and GM composition between the two groups, and analyzed the correlation with clinical indicators. At the same time, we reviewed the literature on GM and PCOS.
Results

Compared with the healthy group, the ICPP group exhibited significantly higher levels of the hormone and other indicators (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, the ICPP group showed significantly enriched Proteobacteria than the healthy group (4.85% vs 2.92%). At the genus level, the abundances of Roseburia and Prevotella were significantly higher in the ICPP group than those in the healthy group (7.55% vs 2.01%, 3.95% vs 0.19%), but Bacteroides were obviously decreased in the ICPP group (29.96% vs 44.91%). In addition, the potential associations underlying the sex hormonal secretion and the carbohydrate metabolism pathways of GM increased significantly in the ICPP group.
Conclusion

The alternations of GM in ICPP patients are closely related to carbohydrate metabolism, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance, indicating similar pathogenesis with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Metabolic resilience is encoded in genome plasticity
Authors: Agudelo Leandro , Tuyeras Remy , Llinares Claudia , Morcuende Alvaro , Park Yongjin , Sun Na , Linna-Kuosmanen Suvi , Atabaki-Pasdar Naeimeh , Ho Li - Lun , Galani Kyriakitsa , Franks Paul , Kutlu Burak , Grove Kevin , Femenia Teresa , Kellis Manolis
Published: July 2021

Metabolism plays a central role in evolution, as resource conservation is a selective pressure for fitness and survival. Resource-driven adaptations offer a good model to study evolutionary innovation more broadly. It remains unknown how resource-driven optimization of genome function integrates chromatin architecture with transcriptional phase transitions. Here we show that tuning of genome architecture and heterotypic transcriptional condensates mediate resilience to nutrient limitation. Network genomic integration of phenotypic, structural, and functional relationships reveals that fat tissue promotes organismal adaptations through metabolic acceleration chromatin domains and heterotypic PGC1A condensates. We find evolutionary adaptations in several dimensions; low conservation of amino acid residues within protein disorder regions, nonrandom chromatin location of metabolic acceleration domains, condensate-chromatin stability through cis-regulatory anchoring and encoding of genome plasticity in radial chromatin organization. We show that environmental tuning of these adaptations leads to fasting endurance, through efficient nuclear compartmentalization of lipid metabolic regions, and, locally, human-specific burst kinetics of lipid cycling genes. This process reduces oxidative stress, and fatty-acid mediated cellular acidification, enabling endurance of condensate chromatin conformations. Comparative genomics of genetic and diet perturbations reveal mammalian convergence of phenotype and structural relationships, along with loss of transcriptional control by diet-induced obesity. Further, we find that radial transcriptional organization is encoded in functional divergence of metabolic disease variant-hubs, heterotypic condensate composition, and protein residues sensing metabolic variation. During fuel restriction, these features license the formation of large heterotypic condensates that buffer proton excess, and shift viscoelasticity for condensate endurance. This mechanism maintains physiological pH, reduces pH-resilient inflammatory gene programs, and enables genome plasticity through transcriptionally driven cell-specific chromatin contacts. In vivo manipulation of this circuit promotes fasting-like adaptations with heterotypic nuclear compartments, metabolic and cell-specific homeostasis. In sum, we uncover here a general principle by which transcription uses environmental fluctuations for genome function, and demonstrate how resource conservation optimizes transcriptional self-organization through robust feedback integrators, highlighting obesity as an inhibitor of genome plasticity relevant for many diseases.
Tracking Forest Loss and Fragmentation During 1930–2020 in Asian Elephant (Elephas Maximus) Habitats in Nepal
Authors: Ram Ashok Kumar , Yadav Nabin Kumar , Kandel Pem Narayan , Mondol Samrat , Pandav Bivash , Natarajan Lakshminarayanan , Subedi Naresh , Naha Dipanjan , Reddy C. Sudhakar , Lamichhane Babu Ram
Published: July 2021

Forest cover is the primary determinant of elephant distribution, thus, understanding forest loss and fragmentation is crucial for elephant conservation. We assessed deforestation and patterns of forest fragmentation during 1930–2020 in Chure Terai Madhesh Lanscape (CTML) which covers the entire elephant range in Nepal. Forest cover maps and fragmentation matrices were generated using multi-source data (Topographic maps and Landsat images of 1930, 1975, 2000, and 2020) and spatiotemporal changes was quantified. Forest cover within the elephant range was 19,069 km2. Overall, 21.5% of elephant habitat was lost between 1930 to 2020, with a larger (12.3%) forest cover loss between 1930 & 1975. Area of the large forests (Core 3) in CTML has decreased by 43.08% whereas smaller patches (Core 2, Core 1, edge and patch forests) has increased multifold during 1930–2020. The continued habitat loss and fragmentation probably fragmented elephant populations during the last century and made them insular with long-term ramifications for elephant conservation and human-elephant conflict. Given the substantial loss in forest cover and high levels of fragmentation, improving the resilience of elephant habitats in Nepal would urgently require habitat and corridor restoration to enable the movement of elephants.
Investigation and Mapping of Geological Construction Materials in Parts of Chemoga River Sub Basin, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
Authors: Zewdie Mulusew Minuyelet , Asmare Dawit
Published: July 2021

The present research was carried out in the Chemoga river sub basin in the Southern direction of Debre Markos town, North Western Ethiopia. The objective of the research was to investigate and map the geological construction materials following Chemoga river sub basin. To meet out the objectives of the present study, systematic and extensive field work was conducted. To detect the different lithologic formations and the contacts, surface exploration through selected travel lines was carried out and representative rock samples were collected for visual interpretations. Meter was used to quantify stratigraphic successions and the bedding thickness of the strata. Besides of this, literature review was undertaken to have a general background on the subject matter.In this study the potential and the spatial distribution of geomaterials are investigated and revealed on the map using mostly ArcGIS software. Hence, Basalt, Sandstone and Chert are the dominant lithogical units in the study area. Basaltic, Sandstone and Chert unit have existed with an average thickness of 115 m, 145 m and 30 m respectively. Basalt exposure is easily accessible, workable and the most dominant lithologic units in the study area. Moreover, sandstone unit has well exposed in a desirable potential and quality. Geometrically it forms, mostly steep rock faces which are difficult for quarrying process. Generally, a sandstone rock unit is surrounded by three major normal faults and inaccessible as compared to basalt unit. Chert is exposed on geographically limited area and rarely observed following stream cuts. Chert and basalt units are slightly to highly weathered and showed alterations on the surface. Finally, on the basis of the findings of the present research, recommendations are forwarded.
Optical Coherence Tomography Applied to Non-Destructive Seed Coat Thickness Measurement
Authors: Nguyen Brandon D , Bett Kirstin E , Noble Scott David
Published: July 2021

Background: Seed coat thickness is a parameter of interest in lentil breeding and processing. Methods described in the literature are destructive and time consuming, limiting the usefulness of this seed characteristic in breeding or grading. In this study, a low-cost optical coherence tomography (OCT) system (OQ Labscope 2.0 from Lumedica, Inc., Durham, NC USA) was used to non-destructively measure lentil seed coat thicknesses. These measurements were compared to destructive measurements obtained via optical microscopy of cross-sectioned seeds. Results: Measurements from the two methods were comparable with consistent trends in thickness and population separability among the five lentil accessions used. The average microscope-based measurements for each accession were higher than those from the OCT, with a linear relationship between the two sets of measurements. The discrepancy in absolute thicknesses is attributed to differences in instrument calibration and in the definition of seed coat boundaries in the two methods. Based on data collected from a larger population, OCT measurements took a mean time of 30 seconds/seed, and a median time of 16 seconds/seed, with no sample preparation required. Conclusions: Optical coherence tomography is a viable method for acquiring comparative data on seed coat thickness of lentil seeds, and presumably other species with similar seed characteristics. The method is non-destructive, and fast enough to be practical for studying large breeding populations. Opportunities for greater efficiencies as part of an automated imaging system are being explored.
Novel Medical Image Cryptogram Technology Based on Segmentation and DNA Encoding
Authors: Xie Hongwei , Zhang Yuzhou , Zhang Hao , Li Zhenyu
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a novel medical image encryption method based on fast and robust fuzzy C-means clustering image segmentation method and deoxyribonucleic acid encoding. Firstly, the plain medical image is split to interested pixels and uninterested pixels, respectively. Then, the uninterested 0-value pixels are abandoned to reduce the pixels in encryption. Secondly, for the interested pixels, some low-value pixels are also discarded by image segmentation to further reduce the encryption time. Thirdly, a 4-dimensional hyperchaotic system is utilized to process the main pixels of medical image with deoxyribonucleic acid encoding. Finally, lossless encryption and fast encryption are done for different purposes and security analysis shows that the encryption method is robust and secure to resist various attacks.
Alterations in the Expression Levels of miR-9-5p and miR-4467 in Peripheral Blood of Patients with First-Episode Schizophrenia
Authors: Jin Mengdi , Zhu Xiaojing , Sun Yaoyao , Li Zhijun , Li Xinwei , He Yang , Liu Yane , Jia Ningning , Hu Guoyan , Cui Xingyao , Yu Qiong
Published: July 2021

The diagnosis of schizophrenia (SCZ) patients largely rely on abnormal behavior and mental state examination, which is inevitably subjective and susceptible. Finding more stable and objective biomarkers has always been the vision of scholars. In this study, we aim to validate peripheral blood miRNA as potential biomarkers for patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES). We performed high-throughput sequencing analysis and screened 138 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the peripheral blood in a test cohort (15 FES patients and 15 healthy controls), followed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in miR-9-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-328-3p, and miR-4467 in a validation cohort (35 FES patients and 60 healthy controls), compared with healthy controls, miR-9-5p of FES patients was significantly down-regulated, and miR-4467 was up-regulated. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) demonstrated that miR-4467 had a better diagnostic value than miR-9-5p. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the potential target genes of miR-9-5p and miR-4467 mainly involved in the regulation of body behavior, neuronal differentiation, and nervous system development, and enriched in Neurotrophin, MAPK, and phosphatidylinositol signaling systems. The protein interaction assay identified NEDD4, EIF4G1, FBXL16, FBXL3, etc. as the hub target genes. Summarily, our data suggested the expression of miR-9-5p and miR-4467 in peripheral blood might serve as promising biomarkers for FES patients, and might involve in the occurrence and development of schizophrenia by regulating gene modules related to neurodevelopment and neuroprotective.
Comparison of Pretic-I Versus Discover Disc Arthroplasty As Treatment for Single-level Cervical Disc Degenerative Disease With 5-year Follow-up
Authors: Guo Yingjun , Liu Hao , Xu Jianzhong , Deng Yuxiao , Tao Xiaoliang , Meng Yang , Wang Xiaofei , Hong Ying , Wang Beiyu , Ding Chen , Wu Wenjie
Published: July 2021

Background: The newly designed cervical disc prosthesis, Pretic-I, had been finished its limited clinical use for over 5 years. At a short-term follow-up of 2 years, we obtained satisfactory clinical results. The long-term clinical efficacy and safety of Pretic-I will now be analyzed. Methods: Peri-operative parameters included intra-operative blood loss, operation time, off-bed time. Clinical parameters included visual analogue scale (VAS) for arm and neck, neck disability index (NDI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Radiological parameters included C2-7 Cobb angle, Shell angle, and the range of motion (ROM) of C2-7, functional segment unit (FSU), and adjacent FSU. The CDA-related complications included adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg), adjacent segment disease (ASDis) , heterotopic ossification (HO), prosthesis subsidence, prosthesis displacement, and dysphagia.Results: A total 64 patients from two independent centers received a single-level CDA with Discover (n=32) and Pretic-I (n=32), and all of patients finished a 5-year follow-up. There’re no significant differences between two groups in peri-operative parameters. The clinical parameters improved greatly in Pretic-I group (p＜0.0001), and there’s no statistical difference from Discover group. Furthermore, Pretic-I could slightly improve the cervical curvature (15.08±11.75 to 18.00±10.61, p=0.3079) and perfectly maintain the Shell angle (3.03±3.68 to 2.23±4.10, p=0.1988), cervical ROM (52.48±14.31 to 53.30±11.71, p=0.8062) and FSU ROM (12.20±4.52 to 10.73±4.45, p=0.2002). The incidence of high-grade HO (Grade III-IV) at the final follow-up was significantly lower in Pretic-I group than in Discover group (12.50% vs. 34.38%, p=0.0389, Statistical Power=95.36%). The incidences of other CDA-related complications in Pretic-I group were also well-accepted, comparable to the Discover group, without significant differences.Conclusion: CDA with Pretic-I demonstrated a well-accepted and sustained clinical outcome, with a significantly lower incidence of high-grade HO. This newly designed prosthesis is expected to become an alternative choice for cervical disc prosthesis in the future.
Magnetoencephalography-detected Phase-amplitude Coupling in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Tanaka Masataka , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Fukuma Ryohei , Tani Naoki , Oshino Satoru , Mihara Masahito , Hattori Noriaki , Kajiyama Yuta , Hashimoto Ryota , Ikeda Manabu , Mochizuki Hideki , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: July 2021

To characterize Parkinson disease, abnormal phase-amplitude coupling is assessed in the cortico-basal circuit using invasive recordings. Whether the same phenomenon might be found in areas other than the cortico-basal ganglia circuit is unknown. We hypothesized that using magnetoencephalography to assess phase-amplitude coupling in the whole brain can characterize Parkinson disease. We recorded resting-state magnetoencephalographic signals in patients with Parkinson disease and in healthy age- and sex-matched participants. We compared the whole-brain signals from the two groups, evaluating the power spectra of 3 frequency bands (alpha, 8–12 Hz; beta, 13–25 Hz; gamma, 50–100 Hz) and the coupling between the gamma amplitude and the alpha or beta phases. Compared with the healthy participants, the patients with Parkinson disease showed significant beta–gamma phase-amplitude coupling in the sensorimotor, occipital, and temporal cortices. In contrast, the two groups showed no significant difference in their resting-state powers. Further, in a resting state, the beta–gamma phase-amplitude coupling in the sensorimotor cortices correlated significantly with motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (P < 0.05); the beta-band power did not. We thus demonstrated that beta–gamma phase-amplitude coupling in the resting state characterizes Parkinson disease.
Radial symmetry molding skull roundness: a human fetal MR study
Authors: Serrao Graziano , Corte Emanuele La , Triulzi Fabio , Longoni Salvatore , Ruggiero Federica , Biganzoli Elia
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study consists in evaluating the morphological integration and molding shape of the human fetal craniofacial complex development on MR sagittal images. The sella point has been used as a reference point to build eleven dimensional parameters encompassing the craniofacial complex. Data and measurements obtained were statistically analyzed by PCA. The designed rays were significantly correlated, normally distributed and characterized by linearity over the overall fetal development. These findings showed that the craniofacial units are clustering together, whereas craniobasal and craniopharyngeal traits are spread. The data analysis supported the efficacy of specific morphological traits to evaluate differences emerging during the modeling growth processes. Skull modeling seems to be characterized by a rotational symmetry around the sella as inertial point. We firstly present the intriguing hypothesis through which the skull development grows along a dihedral angle symmetry made of a both rotational and reflection vector.
Reconfigurable Training, Vortex Writing and Spin-Wave Fingerprinting in an Artificial Spin-Vortex Ice
Authors: Gartside Jack , Stenning Kilian , Vanstone Alex , Dion Troy , Holder Holly , Arroo Daan , Kurebayashi Hidekazu , Branford Will
Published: July 2021

Strongly-interacting artificial spin systems are moving beyond mimicking naturally-occurring materials to find roles as versatile functional platforms, from reconfigurable magnonics to designer magnetic metamaterials. Typically artificial spin systems comprise nanomagnets with a single magnetisation texture: collinear macrospins or chiral vortices. By tuning nanoarray dimensions we achieve macrospin/vortex bistability and demonstrate a four-state metamaterial spin-system ‘Artificial Spin-Vortex Ice’ (ASVI). ASVI is capable of adopting Ising-like macrospins with strong ice-like vertex interactions, in addition to weakly-coupled vortices with low stray dipolar-field. The enhanced bi-texture microstate space gives rise to emergent physical memory phenomena, with ratchet-like vortex training and history-dependent nonlinear training dynamics. We observe vortex-domain formation alongside MFM tip vortex-writing. Tip-written vortices dramatically alter local reversal and memory dynamics. Vortices and macrospins exhibit starkly-differing spin-wave spectra with analogue-style mode-amplitude control via vortex training and mode-frequency shifts of ∆f = 3.8 GHz. We leverage spin-wave ‘spectral fingerprinting’ for rapid, scaleable readout of vortex and macrospin populations over complex training-protocols with applicability for functional magnonics and physical memory.
Effect of friction on transverse vibration of string under moving load
Authors: Prajapati Kamal Kishor , Roy Soumyajit
Published: July 2021

Many engineering applications involve exerting moving harmonic load on a string like structure. Usually the interface between these structures and the moving load has some friction. A common example is a pantograph catenary system, which is used in locomotives for power collection. The aim of this paper is to develop a mathematical model of a simplified system consisting of infinitely long axially tensioned continuum and a moving harmonic load with friction acting at the interface. Equation of motion has been derived by resolving forces at that point. Subsequently the basic characteristics of the system are obtained by solving the model numerically. It is observed that the effect of friction obtained is negligibly low higher value of axial tension, but can significantly increase the string response at a particular range of coefficient of friction value when the axial tension is low.
High-Throughput Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), a real and consolidated alternative for the diagnosis of SARS-COV2. Review.
Authors: GARCÍA-FERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO JAVIER
Published: July 2021

The exceptional situation in which we have found ourselves since the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified, which rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, translated into the need to incorporate the largest number of diagnostic tests to detect possible cases and contain the spread of the virus. The FDA authorized different trials using emergency procedures. One of the molecular assays adapted to the diagnosis of COVID19 is the transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay. We intend to answer the questions that are asked from a laboratory when a new technique is introduced. How does it work? Are your results comparable to gold standard techniques in terms of agreement and limit of detection? After the systematic review of the literature, an almost perfect concordance between the TMA and the RT-PCR was observed, taking into account the values of Cohen's kappa coefficient, positive percentage agreement, negative percentage agreement and global percentage agreement close to 100%. Regarding the concordance between the results obtained by TMA and the antigenic test, it presents a lower concordance, although it is true that the latter test is only optimal for the detection of SARS-CoV2 in a specific profile of patients. The literature shows that the TMA test has been used to study possible cases of reinfection. After analyzing the results, we concluded in the proven consolidation of TMA for the diagnosis and follow-up of SARS-COV2.
Regularising linear inverse problems under unknown non-Gaussian noise
Authors:   , Jahn Tim Nikolas
Published: July 2021

Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit linearen inversen Problemen, wie sie in einer Vielzahl an Anwendungen auftreten. Diese Probleme zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass sie typischerweise schlecht gestellt sind, was in erster Linie die Stabilität betrifft. Selbst kleinste Messfehler haben enorme Konsequenzen für die Rekonstruktion der zu bestimmenden Größe. Um eine robuste Rekonstruktion zu ermöglichen, muss das Problem regularisiert, dass heißt durch eine ganze Familie abgeänderter, stabiler Approximationen ersetzt werden. Die konkrete Wahl aus der Familie, die sogenannte Parameterwahlstrategie, stützt sich dann auf zusätzliche ad hoc Annahmen über den Messfehler. Typischerweise ist dies im deterministischen Fall die Kenntnis einer oberen Schranke an die Norm des Datenfehlers, oder im stochastischen Fall, die Kenntnis der Verteilung des Fehlers, beziehungsweise die Einschränkung auf eine bestimmte Klasse von Verteilungen, zumeist Gaußsche. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird untersucht, wie sich diese Informationen unter der Annahme der Wiederholbarkeit der Messung gewinnen lassen. Die Daten werden dabei aus mehreren Messungen gemittelt, welche einer beliebigen, unbekannten Verteilung folgen, wobei die zur Lösung des Problems unweigerlich notwendige Fehlerschranke geschätzt wird. Auf Mittelwert und Schätzer wird dann ein klassisches Regularisierungsverfahren angewandt. Als Regularisierungen werden größtenteils Filter-basierte Verfahren behandelt, die sich auf die Spektralzerlegung des Problems stützen. Als Parameterwahlstrategien werden sowohl einfache a priori-Wahlen betrachtet, als auch das Diskrepanzprinzip als adaptives Verfahren. Es wird Konvergenz für unbekannte beliebige Fehlerverteilungen mit endlicher Varianz sowie für Weißes Rauschen (bezüglich allgemeiner Diskretisierungen) nachgewiesen. Schließlich wird noch die Konvergenz des Diskrepanzprinzips für ein stochastisches Gradientenverfahren gezeigt, als erste rigorose Analyse einer adaptiven Stoppregel für ein solches nicht Filter-basiertes Regularisierungsverfahren.
Growing Saffron Crocus in the Northeastern United States: Effects of Winter Protection and Planting Density
Authors: Gheshm Rahmatallah , Brown Rebecca Nelson
Published: July 2021

Saffron is well known as the most expensive spice in the world by weight. It is the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Besides being well known as a culinary spice, saffron is also important in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and dye industries. Saffron crocus is cultivated in a wide range of environments, from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, and even to northern India’s subtropical climate. Saffron crocus is an environmentally friendly and low-input crop, making it a perfect match for low-input and organic farming, and sustainable agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of producing saffron in New England. The study was conducted from Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2019 at the University of Rhode Island. Two different corm planting densities and two winter protection methods were evaluated. In 2018, corm planting density did not affect the number of flowers per unit area or total stigma yields, but flowers from the low-density plots produced significantly (P < 0.05) heavier pistils than flowers from the high-density plots. In 2019, planting density had no effect on flower number, stigma yield, or pistil dry weight. In 2018, flower number, stigma yield, and pistil dry weight were similar to subplots that had been covered with low tunnels the previous winter and subplots that had not been covered. However, in 2019, the plants in the subplots that remained exposed during the winter produced significantly more (P < 0.05) flowers than the plants in the subplots that were in low tunnels for the winter. Saffron yields followed the same pattern, with the unprotected subplots yielding 57% more than the protected subplots (P < 0.05). These data indicate that winter protection is not beneficial for saffron crocus production in Rhode Island. The use of winter protection increases production costs and can decrease yields.
Afetlerin Mental Sağlığa Etkileri
Authors: YORULMAZ Deniz Sümeyye , KARADENİZ Havva
Published: July 2021

Afetler beklenmeyen bir zamanda meydana gelen, toplumu ve insanları derinden etkileyen, can ve mal kayıplarına neden olan, ekonomik kayıpları beraberinde getiren, doğa veya insan kaynaklı olaylardır. Afetler, zamanının belli olmaması, toplumu ve sağlık hizmetlerini kesintiye uğratması, ağır ekonomik etkilerinin olması, psiko-sosyal iyilik halini bozması, ilerleyen dönemlerde ciddi sağlık sorunlarına, can ve mal kayıplarına sebep olması nedeniyle önemli bir halk sağlığı problemidir. Dünyada ve Türkiye’de her yıl binlerce kişi afetlere maruz kalmakta ve afetlerden farklı şekillerde etkilenmektedir. Afetlerden sonra farklı yaş gruplarında farklı tepkiler görülmekle birlikte en sık travma sonrası stres bozukluğu, anksiyete, depresyon, uyku ve yeme bozukluğu gibi sorunlar görülmektedir. Yaş dönemlerine göre yapılan uygun müdahaleler ve psikolojik ilk yardım ile afetlerden sonra görülebilecek mental sağlık sorunları büyük oranda kontrol altına alınabilir ve azaltılabilir. Bu derlemede afetlerin psiko-sosyal sağlık üzerindeki etkisine ve bu doğrultuda yaş gruplarına göre yapılması gereken girişimlere yer verilmiştir.