bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Моделирование взаимодействия вихревого образования с ударной волной для тестирования численных алгоритмов
Authors: Кирюшина Мария Александровна , Kiryushina Mariya Aleksandrovna , Елизарова Татьяна Геннадьевна , Elizarova Tatyana Gennad'evna , Епихин Андрей Сергеевич , Epikhin Andrei Sergeevich
Published: August 2022

Приведены результаты численного моделирования задачи о взаимодействии вихревого течения с ударной волной на примере использования квазигазодинамического (КГД) численного алгоритма, который реализован в решателе QGDFoam. В основу алгоритма положены регуляризованные уравнения газовой динамики. Алгоритм реализован в рамках открытого программного комплекса OpenFOAM. Результаты сравниваются с опубликованными данными, полученными на основе метода типа Годунова высокого порядка точности и вариантов метода Курганова-Тадмора, включенных в состав открытого программного комплекса.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих озабоченность (VOC), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 20.08.2022 г. по 26.08.2022 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Чумачкова Елена , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: August 2022

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 вызывающих озабоченность (VOC), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 20.08.2022 г. по 26.08.2022 г.
Bivariate, high-content screening of Brugia malayi microfilariae
Authors: Wheeler Nicolas J. , Zamanian Mostafa , Ryan Kaetlyn T. , Gallo Kendra J.
Published: August 2022

The following protocol is for performing bivariate (motility and viability) phenotypic drug screens against Brugia spp. microfilariae (mf). It has been heavily optimized for utilization with an ImageXpress high-content imager, but only small adaptations will be necessary for usage with similar imaging platforms.Mf are used immediately after receipt/extraction, and the experiment should not be run longer than 48 hours, after which mf health rapidly deteriorates. We have had success recording motility at 12 hours post-treatment (hpt) and again at 36 hpt, after which mf are immediately stained for viability, as well as 24/48 hpt time points.The two phenotypes could be assayed separately, but we have found that not every compound that causes reduction in mf motility causes a concomitant loss of viability. Thus, the discriminatory power of the pipeline is increased by running both assays in parallel, using the same plates. We have run the experiment using 16 plates at a time which will necessitate several hours of imaging at the desired time points. If several plates are planned, drug addition will need to be staggered every 5-6 minutes in accordance with the time taken to completely image each plate.Image data can be analyzed via a variety of software, but we have designed wrmXpress for this purpose (1).
Identification and validation of microbial biomarkers from cross-cohort datasets using xMarkerFinder
Authors: Gao Wenxing , Chen Wanning , Yin Wenjing , Zhu Xinyue , Gao Sheng , Liu Lei , Wu Dingfeng , Zhu Ruixin , Jiao Na
Published: August 2022

Microbial signatures have emerged as promising biomarkers and targets for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and remission. However, these biomarkers exhibit contradictory results in different studies, necessitating the identification of universally robust microbial biomarkers. Therefore, we introduce xMarkerFinder, a four-stage computational framework for microbial biomarker identification with comprehensive validations from cross-cohort datasets, including differential signature identification, model construction, model validation, and biomarker interpretation. xMarkerFinder enables the identification and validation of reproducible biomarkers for cross-cohort studies, along with the establishment of classification models and potential microbiome-induced mechanisms. Although xMarkerFinder is initially developed for gut microbiome study, it is generalizable to different omics layers, as well as other habitats. Execution time varies depending on the sample size, selected algorithm, and computational resource. xMarkerFinder can be accessed at https://github.com/tjcadd2020/xMarkerFinder. FAQs, detailed tutorials, issue boards, and a ready-to-use Docker image are provided for users with no prior bioinformatics or statistics training.
A novel evaluation model based on fuzzy logic for distance learning
Authors: Özseven Beyza Esin , Çağman Naim
Published: August 2022

Distance learning is an education model in which the educator and the student come together independently of time and place and the learning process is continued. Although it has positive aspects in terms of time and space, it has limitations such as weak interaction and poor functioning of evaluation processes. Assessment systems often include multiple-choice or open-ended questions. That is, in solving a given problem, the result is evaluated, and the student's actions can be ignored until he reaches the result. In this study, while evaluating the student’s performance, the student's behavior during the semester and the distractor weight coefficient for the multiple-choice exams were added, and the performance assessment was based on the wrong answers of the student. The proposed model was created based on fuzzy logic, and the uncertainties in the evaluation were attempted to be eliminated.
Frame Comparison Network for Video Event Recognition
Authors: henni nadir , Bouzenada Mourad , Talbi Hichem
Published: August 2022

Automatic recognition of actions in videos taken in uncontrolled environments is one of the most challenging tasks in computer vision. The most successful recent methods are based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and use a variant of optical flow alongside the video frames to extract the information hidden in the variation of images. We propose a method that provides a neural network with the means to learn to extract features from local frame-to-frame variations, in addition to the global variation from a set of frames. The proposed method does not need to use any variant of pre-computed hand-crafted optical flow. We propose also a mechanism to raise the two limitations of CNNs when dealing with videos instead of single images: their inability to capture the difference between the video frames, and being optimized to find patterns regardless of their positions in space, i. e. insensitive to the occurrence order of features. The architecture we propose provides the possibility of reusing pre-trained image classification CNNs as feature extractors, allowing to take advantage of them with minimal tuning. The computational cost is mostly dependent on the choice of feature extractors. By taking the most efficient state-of-the art image classification CNNs, the proposed approach reaches impressive computational efficiency and at the same time outperforms all the state-of-art real-time methods in term of accuracy.
Invasive genetic rescue: Dispersal following repeated culling reinforces the genetic diversity of an invasive mammal
Authors: Synnott Rebecca , Shuttleworth Craig , Everest David , Stevenson-Holt Claire , O'Reilly Catherine , McDevitt Allan , O'Meara Denise
Published: August 2022

Since its introduction from the United States in 1876 the invasive North American Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has contributed to the decline of the native Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in Britain. Consequently, grey squirrel populations are often subjected to extensive control efforts in order to reduce local abundance and prevent spread, particularly within habitats containing red squirrels. Grey squirrel removal from the island of Anglesey off the coast of north Wales began in 1998 and was completed in 2013. A parallel successful red squirrel reinforcement translocation project also took place. The narrow sea-channel, road and rail bridge connection has meant that the adjacent mainland grey squirrel population has been controlled in subsequent years to reduce the probability of re-invasion. The aim of this study was to assess the overall impact of repeated culling efforts carried out between 2011 and 2020 on the genetic diversity of the grey squirrel population in north Wales to inform future adaptive management plans. Using a combination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite DNA analysis, we found high genetic diversity in both marker types, with six diverse mtDNA haplotypes found and relatively high levels of nuclear genetic diversity, even after repeated culling efforts. Our results suggest that ongoing culling efforts may not adequately reduce genetic diversity to a level where it contributes to a long-term population decline.
Preparation of CaFeAl Layered double hydroxides from polyaluminum chloride residue and adsorption properties of Cr(VI) in water—A new application of a by-product of water treatment reagent production
Authors: Han Xiaogang , Meng Xin , Yang Tingchao , Wei Ming , zhang xiaohang
Published: August 2022

Polyaluminium chloride as an efficient inorganic polymer water purification material inorganic flocculant which is widely used in China water treatment. About 15% of the waste residue is produced when production of polyaluminium chloride. Traditional treatment technology (landfill or dumping) of waste resiude will cause pollution of non-point source and groundwater. Meanwhile, in the field of water treatment where the polyaluminium chloride are most used widely, drinking water Cr(VI) pollution caused by industrial pollution occurs frequently when the improvement of China’s industrialization. How to remove Cr(VI) pollution in drinking water while increasing the utilization rate of polyaluminium chloride residue has excellent environmental and economic benefits. In this study, the CaFeAl Layered doubled hydroxides was prepared by calcination crystallization method using polyaluminum chloride residue as raw material. The adsorption effect and adsorption mechanism of the new material were characterized. The results showed that the optimal pH value was in the range of 4 to 6; with the increase of adsorbents dosage, the removal rates increased and adsorption capacity decreased of both adsorbents. Based on XRD and SED analyses, the new material not only could provide a larger specific surface area and more active sites, but also could maintain the stability of its structure. According to a comprehensive analysis of the SEM and BET analysis results, the surface area of the new material was almost 6 times higher than polyaluminum chloride residue, which indicated the new material has a high surface area and large pores. The FTIR results could verify the new material has greater adsorption performance and better stability. The second-order adsorption kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model could describe the Cr(VI) adsorption process well. The Cr(VI) adsorption by the new material is a spontaneous endothermic process. The regeneration experiment showed that the new material could be regenerated 5 times and maintain a high removal rate, indicating that the material could not only solve the polyaluminium chloride residue problems but also has excellent engineering application potential.
Switching threshold event-triggered estimation and control for unmeasured oxygen excess ratio of automotive PEMFC air feeding system with input and prescribed performance constraints
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Zhang Zhijin , Li He , Li Mingxin
Published: August 2022

The oxygen excess ratio (OER) significantly affects the output efficiency and durability of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which is unmeasurable and difficult to control reliably. This paper comprehensively considers various practical limitations of the automotive PEMFC air feeding subsystem, including time-varying load, unavailable variables, actuator saturation, performance constraints and limited controller area network communication resources, to specially address the event-triggered estimation and control problems for OER. First, a switching threshold event-triggered mechanism (STETM) based extended state observer (termed STET-ESO) is developed to exactly estimate the unmeasured cathode pressure and OER, in which an adaptive observer bandwidth ensures a dynamic balance between disturbance rejection and noise immunity. Similarly, another STET-ESO is constructed to simultaneously approximate the unavailable lumped disturbance and the derivative of OER tracking error. Then, a prescribed performance sliding mode function and an auxiliary system are designed to deal with the tracking error constraints and input saturation, respectively. Further, a switching threshold event-triggered anti-saturation prescribed performance sliding mode controller is proposed to guarantee superior OER regulation under uncertainties, disturbances and constraints, moreover, the chattering and jump phenomena of control signal can be greatly attenuated. It is worth mentioning that different STETMs embed in the sensor-to-controller and controller-to-actuator channels can not only save communication resources, but also better compromise between estimation/control performance and communication frequency, besides, the unexpected Zeno behavior can be strictly excluded. Finally, the adaptability, effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme in different operating scenarios are verified by numerous comparative simulations.
Coexistence of tree species promotes the similarity of elementome in soil profiles
Authors: Wu Xiaochang , Zhang Huayong , Huang Tousheng , Yu Chengfeng , Zhang Shijia , Tian Yonglan
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The soil elementome has been recently proposed as a promising novel approach for describing the response of soil bioelemental composition to tree species. Using bioelement stoichiometry, we explored the effects of soil biogeochemical processes and tree species coexistence on soil elementome.Methods: Soil bioelements were analyzed at three soil layers (A, B and C horizons) in four forests (Picea asperata (PA), Larix principis-rupprechtii (LP), Betula Platyphylla (BP), and Betula Platyphylla - Larix principis-rupprechtii (L-B) mixed forest) in Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China., The soil elementomes of 11 bioelements (C, N, P, O, S, K, Ca, Na, Mg, Mn and Cr) were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) based on soil C:N:P stoichiometry. We calculated elementome distance (ED) to examine differences between soil horizons and forests.Results: We found that soil elementomes in the soil layers decreased with depth and that ED between the B and C horizons was larger than that between A and B horizons. Moreover, differences in soil elementomes were smaller for tree species that often coexist compared to those that rarely live together.Conclusions: Our results suggest that tree species coexistence promotes similarity in soil elementomes probably due to creation of similar soil conditions. The findings of this research provide a new understanding about the relationship between tree species coexistence and soil bioelemental composition or stoichiometry.
Strong Motion Estimation in Costa Rica at Non-Record Sites Using Spectral Inversion Method
Authors: Esqu Nathalie Chavarria , Yokoi Toshiaki , Hayashida Takumi
Published: August 2022

We performed the spectral inversion to separate the source, path, and site effects using strong ground motion records from essential facilities such as powerhouses and hydroelectric dams, distributed all over Costa Rica. The spectral inversion technique was adapted to a sparsely observed strong-motion data set. We used the results to estimate strong ground motions at sites where there were no observation records in and around the intensity anomaly that appeared during the 2012 Sámara earthquake of Mw 7.6. To ensure the quality, we incorporated a broadband station to estimate levels of acceleration source spectra for six events 5.3 <= Mw >=6.5, using them as the reference events for the spectral inversion. In this paper, we introduced two consistency checks: confirmation of the correctness of the input data, and verification of the output using synthetic spectra. We used them as an iterative implementation of sequences of elimination of suspicious data and inversions. We regulated the source spectra of the reference events for the final inversion, considering the estimate of site effect for one-dimensional SH-wave propagation at the site of the lowest site amplification. We obtained the frequency-dependent quality factor Q=179f0.5598 for the northern and central parts of Costa Rica. From the output of the spectral inversion, we reproduced the acceleration spectra of earthquakes in the sites where the event was not recorded. We applied this formulation using the earthquake mentioned above. The resulting synthetic spectra are consistent with the anomalous intensity distribution reported at that time.
On the Interference Cancellation by Reduced Channel Zero Forcing Class of Precodings in Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Mineev Dmitry , Bobrov Evgeny , Kuznetsov Viktor
Published: August 2022

In this research, we study the interference cancellation capabilities of receivers and transmitters in multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems using theoretical calculations and numerical simulations in Quadriga. We study so-called Reduced Channel Zero-Forcing (RCZF) class of precoding as well as Minimum MSE Interference Rejection Combiner (MMSE-IRC) and QR Maximum Likelihood Detection (QR-MLD) receivers. The precodings from the RCZF class are widely used in practice and include for example Zero-Forcing (ZF), Regularized Zero-Forcing (RZF) and Iteratively Weighted MMSE precodings asymptotically. Our theoretical and experimental results confirm that MMSE-IRC and QR-MLD receivers in combination with the RCZF precoding provide complete interference suppression asymptotically.
The effect of silica-magnetite nanoparticles on the ecotoxicity of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin
Authors: Kiryushina Anastasiya , Bondarenko Lyubov , Dzeranov Artur Dzeranov , Kydralieva Kamila , Patsaeva Svetlana , Terekhova Vera
Published: August 2022

Increasing production and application of engineered nanomaterials including nanoparticles (NPs) lead to their discharge into the environment, where they can interact with co-existing antibiotics from wastewaters, causing complicated joint effect to organisms that needs to be studied. Herein a typical engineered nanomaterial, silica-magnetite NPs modified with tetraethoxysilane and 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (MTA-NPs, 1-2 g/L), and a common antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP, 0–5 mg/L) were selected as the analytes. Their joint toxicity to a model ciliates infusoria Paramecium caudatum was specifically investigated. The impact of CIP, MTA-NPs and humic acids (HA) was tracked for 24 h individually and collectively on the survival of infusoria. The addition of MTA-NPs and HA at the studied concentrations lead to the survival of 60% of organisms. The combined presence of the MTA-NPs at a concentration of 1.5-2 mg/L and НА at a concentration of 20-45 mg/L has a multiplier effect and allows increasing the survival rate of ciliates > 70% due to the enhanced removal of CIP.
Assessing community access to healthy food in two school zones of Escambia County, FL.
Authors: Lanza John J. , Mishra Namita
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Our obesogenic environment has affected obesity rates. The current study conceptualizes the association between the community food environment and the demographics, socioeconomic status, and the participants’ perception on access to healthy food.Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, we conducted, a Nutrition Environment Measures: Corner Store Measures (NEM:CSM) survey and a community-based Nutrition Environment Measures Perception Survey, between August 2017 and May 2018, in Escambia County, FL school zones to collect data on corner store (types, addresses, and the availability of healthy food items in the stores) and on participants’ demographics, socioeconomic status, shopping behavior, their concern about (nutritional value, quality, and cost of healthy items), and the importance given to (taste, nutrition value, cost of healthy items, convenience to shop and their weight). Univariate and bivariate analyzed participants’ perceptions was overlayed on the geospatial model of the stores to assess the food environment.Results: Most participants were low-income, African American, high school graduates, food aid recipients, who owned cars. The commonest commute time to the store was reported as less than 10 minutes and the small grocery store was the most frequently accessed store type. Demographic and socioeconomic status affected participants’ access to healthy food. Oakcrest school zone residents were more concerned about the quality of the fresh fruits and vegetables and considered cost as the important factor while making shopping decisions. Oakcrest school zone reported highest NEMS-CS scores.Conclusion: A community-based approach promotes participants awareness on healthy food access and consumption. Prevention programs with precise measurement tools, longitudinal studies, and inter-organizational collaborations could prevent obesity.
The analysis of foveal microvascular anomalies in retinopathy of prematurity after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Guo Lili , Cai Yi , Xu Hua , Linghu Dandan , Zhu Xuemei , Cheng Yong , Deng Xun , Zhao Mingwei , Shi Xuan , Liang Jianhong
Published: August 2022

PurposeTo investigate the quantitative vascular or structural differences in the foveal section of the eyes in ROP children and healthy children using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsThis cross-sectional observational comparative study consisted of 75 eyes (44 subjects). Subjects were divided into 4 groups based on the diagnosis or treatment: diagnosed with ROP and treated by intravitreal injection of Conbercept, or Ranibizumab, lesions spontaneously regressed, and healthy age-matched term-born children. Central foveal thickness (CFT), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial/deep capillary plexus (SCP/DCP), and choroidal vessel density (VD) at the foveal section were collected by spectral-domain OCT and OCTA. Correlations between foveal microvasculature, preterm status and visual acuity were also evaluated.ResultsThere were significant differences between the four groups in the FAZ area, CFT, VD-SCP (whole-image), and VD-SCP (parafoveal). The FAZ area of ROP children was significantly smaller than that in age-matched term-born healthy children (p=0.009). The CFT of group Conbercept was considerably lower than that of the group Ranibizumab (p=0.044). The FAZ area showed a positive correlation with choroid VD (p=0.012) and a negative correlation with CFT, VD-SCP (foveal), and VD-DCP (foveal)(p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001), whilst the CFT was positively correlated with VD-SCP (foveal) and VD-DCP (foveal)(p=0.003, p=0.001).ConclusionROP children possess a smaller FAZ area, of which no significant difference is noted when comparing different anti-VEGF agents employed. Anti-VEGF treatment could reduce the CFT, and Conbercept had a better performance than Ranibizumab. Correlation between the microvascular anomalies and central foveal thickness also exists.
Ranitidine as adjuvant regulates macrophage polarization and activates CTL through PI3K-Akt2 signal pathway
Authors: Li Ling , Li Chenglin Li , Wang Shuang , Ma Xiaoran , Wang Tiantian , Jia Xihui , Lu Ran , Leng Zhe , Kong Xiaowen , Zhang Jinyu
Published: August 2022

Adjuvant is an indispensable component of vaccines, but there are few adjuvants for human vaccines. It has been found that H2 receptor blockers, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, had immune enhancement effect. Ranitidine (RAN) is a water-soluble H2 receptor blocker, whether it has immune enhancing effect is still unknown. In this study, flow cytometry, western blot, immunofluorescence methods were used to analyzed whether RAN could activate macrophages polarization to M1 in vivo and vitro. Here, we found that the M1 inflammatory cytokine levels and surface markers in RAW264.7 cells were up-regulated by NF-κB activation possibly through PI3K-Akt2 signal pathway after RAN treated. Meanwhile, endocytosis function also been enhanced by feedback regulation of Akt2/GSK3β/Dynmin1 signal. Furtherly, to evaluate the adjuvant function of RAN, we used OVA plus RAN as a vaccine to inhibit the growth of B16-OVA tumors in mice. We also found that in the RAN adjuvant group, macrophage polarization to M1, Th1 cell differentiation, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activation were significantly up-regulated. The tumor growth of mice was inhibited, and the survival rate of mice was significantly improved. This study provided new evidence for the mechanism of RAN activating immune responding, and was expected to provide a new strategy for the research and development of tumor vaccine adjuvant.
“The effect of water potential on the water balance of lichens and mosses – distribution patterns of internal and external water”
Authors: Möller Theresa , Porada Philipp , Petersen Imke
Published: August 2022

Lichen-forming fungi and mosses form a major part of the terrestrial non-vascular vegetation and are thought to have a significant impact on global biogeochemical cycles, such as the nitrogen and carbon cycle. However, in order to draw quantitative conclusions about their ecosystem functions, it is essential to understand the metabolic processes underlying their growth. The dynamic water balance of lichens and mosses is a crucial factor in this regard since the metabolic processes of the organisms can only occur in phases with sufficient water saturation. Water can occur inside the cells (internal) in the symplast and in pores in the cell wall (apoplast water), and also externally in the capillaries of the intercellular space. It is poorly known, however, how atmospheric demand for water, related to water potential ( ψ ), affects the dynamic distribution of internal and external water in lichens and mosses and which consequences this may have for their water balance. Here, we examined water absorption of Pleurozium schreberi , Cladonia portentosa and Peltigera rufescens under a gradient of ψ in the laboratory. Results show that for all species, relative water content decreased with decreasing ψ. Both internal and external water contents thereby showed a consistent pattern across the range of ψ- values tested here. This indicates that, although a proportion of the internal water has already evaporated and therefore the turgor pressure is altered, in all three species a proportion of external water is retained by capillary forces even at low ψ .
Effect of potassium silicate fertilizer on soil nutrient content and silicon content in winter wheat in the open field
Authors: Xu Yunshuo , Li Meng , Chen Shuang , Li Wubo , Shi Yan
Published: August 2022

In order to explore the effect of potassium silicate fertilizer on soil nutrient content and silicon content in winter wheat in the open field. The experimental variety is Jimai22. 4 different potassium silicate fertilizer rates were applied as Control (CK, 0kg/hm), Treatment 1 (T1, 45 kg/hm), Treatment 2 (T2, 90kg/hm), Treatment 3 (T3, 135kg/hm). The effects of potassium silicate fertilizer on soil nutrient (soil moisture content, pH, alkali solution nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium) and silicon (all silicon, available silicon) content in wheat growth stages were studied. Experimental results show that: The soil moisture content of T1, T2 and T3 was significantly higher than that of CK, among them, there were soil moisture content in each period highest in T2, soil pH is closer to neutral, thereby alleviating the problem of soil acidification; The nutrient content of T2 soil was significantly higher than that of CK; The content of silicon in the soil is proportional to the amount of potassium silicate fertilizer applied, there were silicon content highest in T3. Under the conditions of this experiment, it is recommended that the application rate of potassium silicate fertilizer is 90kg/hm in winter wheat in the open field.
Exploring the impact of Covid-19 on those living with an eating disorder in the UK
Authors: Foye Una , Raby Sam , Elson Emily , Parkinson Kevin , Baker Suzanne , Kelly Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Introduction: During the early stages of the pandemic there was concern raised regarding the impact of Covid-19 on those with eating disorders due to the loss of eating and social routines, disrupted access to food and the increased societal prominence. The primary aim of this study was to establish how individuals with eating disorders in the UK have been affected by the covid-19 pandemic. Method: Using an online mixed methods survey, a total of 1121 participants completed the survey to explore the impact that covid-19 restrictions had on their eating disorder and access to services.Findings: Findings of this survey showed that there were a considerable number of individuals reporting negative impacts on their mental health and well-being, with many reporting the detrimental impact that they felt that this time had on their recovery (87%, n=785). Over a quarter of participants reported that covid-19 had stopped them from accessing help and 80% of participants reported changes to their delivery of care. Of those who receive physical health monitoring as part of their care prior to the pandemic, almost half reported considerable changes to their care.Conclusions: Lessons from this growing evidence should be learned to ensure that we are able to better protect people with eating disorders in future pandemics as well as using these findings to plan service for future demand where individuals’ recovery has been considerably impacted.
Dose-dependent effect of canine lyophilized platelet on an in vitro hemodilution model
Authors: Kim Mu-Young , Han Hyun-Jung
Published: August 2022

The transfusion of stored platelet has emerged as an efficient method for treating dogs with thrombocytopenia. However, the availability of fresh platelet is limited in veterinary medicine due to demanding storage conditions. Lyophilized platelets have long shelf lives and can be easily stored, increasing their accessibility for thrombocytopenic dogs. Due to the lack of information on the appropriate dose of lyophilized canine platelet, the platelet transfusion dosage, approximately 1×1011/m2 in veterinary practice was extrapolated from human studies. This study was to evaluate the dose effect of lyophilized canine platelet on blood coagulability and to provide a basis for the clinical application. Three different concentrations of lyophilized canine platelets were added to in vitro hemodilution blood model, increasing the platelet count by 25, 50, and 100 ×106/ml and coagulation profiles were analyzed. The coagulability profiles showed tendencies to improve as the transfusion dose increased. These results revealed the possibility that the higher dose of canine lyophilized platelets than the standard dose, currently used in veterinary clinics, may show better clinical outcomes.
Accelerated peridynamic computation on GPU for quasi-static fracture simulations
Authors: Zhong Jiandong , Han Fei , Zhang Ling
Published: August 2022

Due to the adoption of integral equations instead of partial differential equations to describe the deformations of materials, the peridynamics has advantages in dealing with fracture problems. However, the non-local effect of peridynamics brings too much computation cost to make large-scale engineering applications challenging. In this paper, a parallel algorithm in Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) framework is presented to speed up the computational process of peridynamic model for quasistatic fracture simulations on GPU, in which the peridynamic model is numerically implemented by the peridynamics-based finite element method (PeriFEM) [1]. The parallel algorithm makes crack simulations by the pure peridynamics with millions of degrees of freedom possible with one GPU. To validate the accuracy and efficiency of the parallel algorithm based on PeriFEM, several numerical benchmarks are performed, and the results are compared with those obtained by the finite element method (FEM) and the serial algorithm. The results of the comparison show that the presented parallel algorithm is effective and efficient.
Testing Electron-phonon Coupling for the Superconductivity in Kagome Metal CsV3Sb5
Authors: Zhong Yigui , Li Shaozhi , Liu Hongxiong , Dong Yuyang , Arai Y. , Li Haoxiang , Shi Youguo , Wang Ziqiang , Shin Shik , Lee Ho Nyung , Miao Hu , Kondo Takeshi , Okazaki Kozo
Published: August 2022

In crystalline materials, electron-phonon coupling (EPC) is a ubiquitous many-body interaction that drives conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductivity. Recently, in a new kagome metal CsV3Sb5, superconductivity that possibly intertwines with unconventional charge density wave order is observed. Density functional theory calculations predicted weak EPC strength, supporting an unconventional pairing mechanism in CsV3Sb5. However, experimental determination of EPC strength is still missing, hindering a microscopic understanding of the intertwined ground state of CsV3Sb5. Here, using 7-eV laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and Eliashberg function analysis, we determine an intermediate EPC strength, 0.45~0.6, at T=6 K for both Sb 5p and V 3d electronic bands, which can support a conventional superconducting transition temperature on the same magnitude of experimental value in CsV3Sb5. Our results support an EPC driven superconductivity in CsV3Sb5.
Normobaric oxygen may attenuate patent foramen povale-related migraine
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Lan Duo , Dandu Chaitu , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: August 2022

Background: Existing methods on correcting patent foramen ovale (PFO)-mediated migraine (PFO-migraine) are not satisfactory. Herein, the effect of normobaric oxygenation (NBO) on inhibiting PFO-migraine was analyzed. Methods: Patients with PFO confirmed by Transesophageal Ultrasound were enrolled in this real-world self-control study consecutively. Baseline data of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) from their blood gas was compared to PaO2 values from 20 volunteers without a PFO. Patients with PFO-migraine underwent NBO (8L/min. for 1h/q8h) treatment through a mask. The clinical symptoms, results of blood gas, and electroencephalograph (EEG) pre-and post-NBO were compared. Results: A total of 67 eligible patients entered final analysis, of whom 39 had PFO-migraines. Of those 39 patients with PFO-migraines, a small-aperture PFO accounted for 36%. The PaO2 in patients with PFO-migraine at baseline were lower than that in non-PFO volunteers. After one round of NBO treatment, 74.4% of all PFO-migraine patients demonstrated dramatic headache attenuation, and their arterial PaO2 increased remarkably (p<0.01). This increase in PaO2 was maintained for 4 hours and then gradually declined. EEG data in 12 patients prior to and post-NBO treatment were compared. EEG maps prior to NBO treatment demonstrated significant abnormal slow waves. After NBO treatment, the abnormal slow waves disappeared on EEG maps. Conclusions: PFO-mediated right-to-left shunts induce arterial hypoxemia resulting in brain hypoxia, which may be the pathological link between PFO and migraines. Patients with PFO–migraine may benefit from NBO treatment.
Germline VWF/MPRIP and somatoplasm FGA variants synergically confer susceptibility to non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Wang Dawei , Gu Longchao , Zheng Juan , Zhang Qiang , Xu Qi , Li Rongrong , Song Da , Ha Chengzhi , Zhang Qianqian , Yin Han , Xu Mingtao , Wang Hongmin , Li Wei , Yuan Zhengfeng , Yang Cuncun , Gu Mingliang
Published: August 2022

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) relies on multiple pathogenic factors, including intravascular coagulation, osteoporosis and lipid metabolism disorders. Although non-traumatic ONFH has been extensively explored from various aspects, its genetic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. To identify candidate pathogenic genes responsible for non-traumatic ONFH, to explore potential roles of embryonic genetic (germline) and somatic mutations in individual susceptibility to ONFH, we performed whole-exome sequencing on tissue and blood samples from 32 patients with non-traumatic ONFH and blood samples from 30 healthy controls. Three genes might correlate with non-traumatic ONFH: VWF, MPRIP (germline mutations) and FGA (somatic mutations). Germline or somatic mutations in VWF, MPRIP and FGA correlate with intravascular coagulation and thrombosis of femoral head, consequently ischemic necrosis of the femoral head.
A distributed remote collaborative hybrid test method for complex substructures based on OpenFresco
Authors: Li Tengfei , Su Mingzhou , Guo Jiangran , Zhang Qi , Zhao Kun
Published: August 2022

A distributed remote collaborative hybrid test (RCHT) method for complex substructures based on OpenFresco is presented in this paper. Challenges in the RCHT include the modeling of the numerical substructure, boundary degree-of-freedom (DOF) loading, and equivalent communication of the multi-story space frame as a test substructure in OpenFresco. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed RCHT method are verified by a series of remote distributed tests that reproduce the seismic response of a three-story five-span space Y-shaped eccentric brace steel frame model consisting of two test substructures and a numerical substructure. The main contributions of this study are the realization of the multi DOF loading RCHT of the space global frame and reasonable simplification of the substructure boundaries, which further promotes the use of the RCHT method to realize the seismic performance simulation of complex substructures.
Uncovering natural allelic and structural variants of OsCENH3 gene by targeted resequencing and in silico mining in genus Oryza
Authors: Kaur Karminderbir , Neelam Kumari , Singh Jasdeep , Malik Palvi , Singh Kuldeep
Published: August 2022

Plant breeding efforts to boost productivity have focused on developing a haploid development pipeline. CENH3 gene has emerged as a leading player that can be manipulated to engineer haploid induction system. Currently, allele mining for the OsCENH3 gene was done by PCR-based resequencing of 33 wild species accessions of genus Oryza and in silico mining of alleles from pre-existing data. We have identified and characterized CENH3 variants in genus Oryza. Our results indicated that the majority CENH3 alleles present in the Oryza gene pool carry synonymous substitutions. A few non-synonymous substitutions occur in the N-terminal Tail domain (NTT). SNP A/G at position 69 was found in accessions of AA genome and non-AA genome species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that non-synonymous substitutions carrying alleles follow pre-determined evolutionary patterns. O. longistaminata accessions carry SNPs in four codons along with indels in introns 3 and 6. Fifteen haplotypes were mined from our panel; representative mutant alleles exhibited structural variations upon modeling. Structural analysis indicated that more than one structural variant may be exhibited by different accessions of single species (Oryza barthii). NTT allelic mutants, though not directly implicated in HI, may show variable interactions. HI and interactive behavior could be ascertained in future investigations.
Factors influencing physical inactivity status among Chinese pregnant women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Tianchun , Lin Yuping , Xu Feng , Ma Xiaoxia , Wang Na , Ding Yan
Published: August 2022

Background: Regular prenatal physical activity can bring about health benefits to both mother and fetus and can reduce the risk of various complications of pregnancy. However, little is known about whether pregnant women in China are meeting the current guidelines for prenatal physical activity. The aims of the study were to assess physical inactivity status and associated factors among pregnant women in Shanghai, China.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1636 pregnant women were registered and received routine prenatal care at a tertiary obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Shanghai, China between May 2021 and March 2022. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and health information were obtained using structured questionnaires or from the medical records. Maternal physical inactivity status was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and subjected to descriptive analysis. Factors pertinent to physical inactivity were identified by binary logistic regression and are reported with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Physical inactivity was defined as a total energy expenditure of <600 metabolic equivalent (MET) min/week.Results: In total, the prevalence of physical inactivity was 47.5%. Multivariate logistic regression identified a significant negative association of physical inactivity with personal monthly income (adjusted OR 0.648, 95% CI 0.505–0.831), engagement in regular exercise before pregnancy (adjusted OR 0.575, 95% CI 0.464–0.711) and in the second (adjusted OR 0.534, 95% CI 0.411–0.693) and third (adjusted OR 0.615, 95% CI 0.470–0.806) trimester of pregnancy. Women with nausea or vomiting during pregnancy were more likely to be physically inactive during pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.307, 95% CI 1.002–1.705). Conclusion: Physical inactivity is highly prevalent among pregnant women in China, particularly those with a low income, those who do not engage in regular exercise before pregnancy, those in the first trimester, and those with nausea or vomiting during pregnancy. These women require help to overcome barriers to physical activity and to promote health.
Cu(In,Ga)Se2 based ultrathin solar cells: the pathway from lab rigid to large scale flexible technology
Authors: Lopes Tomás , Teixeira Jennifer , Curado Marco , Ferreira Bernado , Oliveira Antonio , Cunha José , Monteiro Margarida , Violas André , Barbosa João , Sousa Patricia , Çaha Ihsan , Borme Jérôme , Oliveira Kevin , Ring Johan , Chen Wei , Zhou Ye , Takei Klara , Niemi Esko , Francis Leonard , Edoff Marika , Brammertz Guy , Fernandes Paulo , Vermang Bart , Salomé Pedro
Published: August 2022

For the first time, the incorporation of interface passivation structures in ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) based solar cells is shown in a flexible lightweight stainless-steel substrate. The fabrication was based on an industry scalable lithography technique - nanoimprint lithography (NIL) - for a 15x15 cm2 dielectric layer patterning, needed to reduce optoelectronic losses at the rear interface. The nanopatterning schemes are usually developed by lithographic techniques or by processes with limited scalability and reproducibility (nanoparticle lift-off, spin-coating, etc). However, in this work the dielectric layer is patterned using NIL, a low cost, large area, high resolution, and high throughput technique. To assess the NIL performance, devices with a NIL nanopatterned dielectric layer are benchmarked against electron-beam lithography (EBL) patterning, using rigid substrates. Up to now, EBL is considered the most reliable technique for patterning laboratory samples. The device patterned by NIL shows similar light to power conversion efficiency average values compared to the EBL patterned device - 12.6 % vs 12.3 %, respectively - highlighting the NIL potential for application in the solar cell sector. Moreover, the impact of the lithographic processes, such as different etch by-products, in the rigid solar cells’ figures of merit were evaluated from an elemental point of view via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and electrically through a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) fitting procedure. After an optimised NIL process, the device on stainless-steel achieved an average power conversion efficiency value of 11.7 % - a slightly lower value than the one obtained for the rigid approach, due to additional challenges raised by processing and handling steel substrates, even though scanning transmission electron microscopy did not show any clear evidence of impurity diffusion towards the absorber. Notwithstanding, time-resolved photoluminescence results strongly suggested the presence of additional non-radiative recombination mechanisms in the stainless-steel absorber, which were not detected in the rigid solar cells, and are compatible with elemental diffusion from the substrate. Nevertheless, bending tests on the stainless-steel device demonstrated the mechanical stability of the CIGS-based device up to 500 bending cycles.
Analog circuits diagnosis based on support vector machine with parameter optimization by improved NKCGWO
Authors: Song Ping , Chen Lishun , Cai Kailong , Jiang Tianhe
Published: August 2022

Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a widely used machine learning method in analog circuits fault diagnosis. However, SVM parameters such as kernel parameters and penalty parameter can seriously affect the classification accuracy. The current parameter optimization methods have some defects, such as low convergence speed, easy to fall into local optimal solution and premature convergence. In view of this, an improved grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) based on nonlinear control parameter strategy, the first Kepler’ law strategy and chaotic search strategy (NKCGWO) is proposed to overcome the shortcoming of the traditional optimization methods in this paper. In NKCGWO method, three strategies are developed to improve the performance of GWO. Thereafter, the optimal parameters of SVM are obtained using NKCGWO-SVM. To evaluate the performance of NKCGWO-SVM for analog circuits diagnosis, two analog circuits are employed to fault diagnosis. The proposed method is compared with GA-SVM, PSO-SVM and GWO-SVM. The experimental results show that the proposed method has higher diagnosis accuracy than the other compared methods for analog circuits diagnosis.
Neurovascular outcomes in relation with carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Oestreicher Simon , Vella Agnese , Muller Olivier , Kirsch Matthias , Eeckhout Eric , Fournier Stephane , Monney Pierre , Roux Olivier , Roguelov Christan , Zhang Philippe , Abraham Paul , Ferlay Clémence , Antiochos Panagiotis , Lu Henri
Published: August 2022

Data regarding the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce. Whether CAS, especially severe or bilateral, is a predictor of worse prognosis after TAVI is unknown. We aimed to address these questions. We included all patients who underwent TAVI between 2018 and 2021. Using pre-TAVI carotid Doppler ultrasound, atherosclerosis of the right and left carotid internal arteries was assessed. CAS was defined as moderate (50–69% stenosis, peak systolic velocity of 125–230 cm/sec) or severe (≥ 70%, > 230 cm/sec). When both carotid arteries presented ≥ 50% stenosis, CAS was defined as bilateral. Endpoints included the 30-day incidence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), 30-day all-cause mortality and periprocedural complications. Among 448 patients, 56 (12.5%) had CAS, of which 15 had bilateral and 15 had severe CAS. Patients with CAS were more often men and had higher rates of peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease and previous percutaneous coronary intervention. There was no association between CAS and 30-day stroke or TIA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–8.91, p = 0.142), even when considering severe CAS only. However, a significant association was found between bilateral CAS and 30-day stroke or TIA (aHR 8.399, 95%CI 1.603-44.000, p = 0.012). No association between CAS and 30-day mortality or periprocedural complications was found. CAS is common among TAVI patients. While CAS as a whole was not a predictor of neurovascular complications, the subgroup of bilateral CAS was associated with an increased risk of stroke.