bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence tomography angiography evaluation of the effects of phacoemulsification cataract surgery on macular hemodynamics in Chinese normal eyes
Authors: Jia Xinyu , Wei Yinjuan , Song Hui
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the possible effects of phacoemulsification cataract surgery on macular hemodynamics using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Superficial and deep macular vascular densities, as well as parameters of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), were measured preoperatively (baseline) and at 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks postoperatively in normal eyes (≥22 mm and ≤24 mm) of patients scheduled for phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. The correlations between the rate of change of pre- and post-operative vascular densities and surgical parameters were analyzed.Results: A total of 123 eyes of 107 patients were included in this study. Compared to the baseline measurements, no statistically significant variation was found in macular vascular densities at 1 day after the surgery (P>0.05). Both superficial and deep macular vascular densities were significantly increased postoperatively at weeks 1 and week 4 (P<0.05; P<0.05), however no statistically significant differences were detected in any of the FAZ parameters between the baseline measurements and the entire follow-up period (P>0.05 for all). Also, no statistically significant correlations were established between main surgical parameters and macular vascular densities changes.Conclusions: In normal eyes, macular blood perfusion gradually increased after phacoemulsification cataract surgery and was stabilized in one week. The foveal avascular zone was stabilized before and after the surgery. The main parameters and intraoperative perfusion of phacoemulsification surgery may not be the key factors affecting macular hemodynamics.
A cross-sectional study on the impact of the prevention and control response of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's orthopedic trauma in Shanghai
Authors: Qian Chuang , Zheng Yiming , Meng Junrong , Li Hao , Wang Dahui
Published: March 2021

Background: The Chinese government has taken strong prevention and control measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, and has achieved phased victory in the fight against it. The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to study the influence of governmental prevention and control response on orthopedic trauma in children.Methods: We collected and reviewed data on orthopedic trauma from the first half of 2018, 2019, and 2020. The data were divided according to the time of prevention and control response level in 2020. By comparing the relevant data from orthopedic emergency and operating rooms from the past three years, the influence of governmental pandemic prevention measures on orthopedic trauma in children was analyzed. Results: A total of 36301 children were included in the study cohort. Before the prevention and control response, the data of the orthopedic emergency department in 2020 was the same as the previous two years. Under the first-level response, the number of fractures, open injuries, radial head subluxation, and surgery were significantly reduced, and the severity of patients with surgery was also significantly reduced. Under the second-level response, the number of operations began to increase, and the severity of the disease also began to rise. Under the third-level response control, the number of fractures, open injuries, and operations have returned to the levels of the previous two years. The severity of the operation has also returned to its previous level. The number of subluxations of the radial head is still different from before.Conclusion: The pandemic of COVID-19 has affected the social activities of Shanghai residents and reduced the incidence of orthopedic trauma in children. With the control of the pandemic, the living conditions of Shanghai residents have basically recovered.
Efficient separation and recovery of Re (VII) from Re/U bearing acidic solutions using aminotriazole modified cellulose microsphere adsorbents
Authors: Wen Di , Hua Rong , Dong Zhen , Xie Kangjun , Qi Wei , Zhao Long
Published: March 2021

In this work, aminotriazole-modified microcrystalline cellulose microspheres (3-ATAR) containing an abundant nitrogen content as promising adsorbent was prepared via a radiation grafting method for the selective recovery ReO4- in the presence of UO22+ in acidic solution. A series of batch and column adsorption experiments including monocomponent and binary systems, were designed for evaluating the adsorption and separation performance of Re (VII) onto 3-ATAR. The 3-ATAR exhibited a good adsorption capacity (max 146.4 mg·g-1) of Re(VII) and a rapid adsorption rate, with equilibrium time of 45 min. In binary solution, the high selectivity coefficients (βRe/M) indicated that 3-ATAR could separate and recover Re(VII) from U(VI) and other metal ions (Cu(II), Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II)). In particular, it was found that the adsorption of Re was almost unaffected in U/Re-bearing solutions no matter how much the U(VI) was changed. In the column experiment, when the concentration of U(VI) was 40 times higher than that of Re(VII), 3-ATAR manifested high Re(VII) selectivity over U(VI) from a synthetic uranium ore leachate. This work demonstrated that 3-ATAR could provide an efficient, selectively, sustainable, and industrially feasible way for Re(VII) to be recovered from uranium ore leachate and other prospective sources.
Knowledgebase Approximation Using Association Rules Aggregation
Authors: Mehrannia Pouya , Moshiri Behzad , Basir Otman Adam
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces knowledgebase approximation and fusion using association rules aggregation as a means to facilitate accelerated insight induction from high-dimensional and disparate knowledgebases. There are two typical observations that make approximating knowledgebases of interest: (1) it is quite often that insights can be derived based from a partial set of the samples, and not necessarily from all of them; and (2) generally speaking, it is rare that the knowledge of interest is contained in one knowledgebase, but rather distributed among a disparate set of unidentical knowledgebases. As a matter of fact, the insights derivable from knowledgebases tend to be uncertain, even if they were to be derived from a wholistic analysis of the knowledgebase. Thus, optimal knowledgebase approximation may yield the computational efficiency benefit without necessarily compromising insight accuracy. This paper presents a novel method to approximate a set of knowledgebases based on association rule aggregation using the disjunctive pooling rule. We show that this method can reduce insight discovery time while maintaining approximation accuracy within a desirable level.
Integrating Multiple and Fine Scale Predictors of Habitat Selection and Landscape Resistance for Amphibian Distribution Modelling at Large Scale
Authors: Matutini Florence , Baudry Jacques , Fortin Marie-Josée , Pain Guillaume , Pithon Joséphine
Published: March 2021

Context – Species distribution modelling is a common tool in conservation biology but two main criticisms remain: (1) the use of simplistic variables that do not account for species movements and/or connectivity and (2) poor consideration of multi-scale processes driving species distributions. Objectives – We aimed to determine if including multi-scale and fine-scale movement processes in SDM predictors would improve accuracy of SDM for low-mobility amphibian species over species-level analysis.Methods – We tested and compared different SDMs for nine amphibian species with four different sets of predictors: (1) simple distance-based predictors; (2) single-scale compositional predictors; (3) multi-scale compositional predictors with a priori selection of scale based on knowledge of species mobility and scale-of-effect (4) multi-scale compositional predictors calculated using a friction-based functional grain to account for resource accessibility with landscape resistance to movement.Results - Using friction-based functional grain predictors produced slight to moderate improvements of SDM performance at large scale. The multi-scale approach, with a priori scale selection led to ambiguous results depending on the species studied, in particular for generalist species.Conclusion - We underline the potential of using a friction-based functional grain to improve SDM predictions for species-level analysis.
Phenological mismatches between above- and below-ground plant responses to climate warming: a global synthesis
Authors: Liu Huiying , Wang Hao , Li Nan , Shao Junjiong , Zhou Xuhui , Thakur Madhav
Published: March 2021

Climate warming is changing above-ground phenology of plants around the world1, 2. However, warming effects on below-ground phenology of plants are unclear despite that roots play a vital role in carbon cycling3. By conducting a global meta-analysis, we show a phenological mismatch between above- and below-ground plant responses to climate warming. Herbaceous plants advanced both the start and end of the growing season based on their above-ground responses, resulting into a shorter growing season. Below-ground phenophases did not exhibit any obvious changes in herbaceous plants. In contrast, climate warming did not affect the length of above-ground growing season but extended the below-ground growing season of woody plants. These results highlight that climate warming can differentially affect above- and below-ground plant phenology with mismatches arising in herbaceous plants via less responsive below-ground phenology whereas mismatches in woody plants via more responsive below-ground phenology. Mismatches in above- and below-ground plant phenology imply that terrestrial carbon cycling models exclusively based on above-ground responses are less accurate, which highlight the urgent need to incorporate below-ground plant phenology into future Earth system models.
Spatial Scale Transformation-based Estimation Model for Fresh Grass Yield: A Case Study of the Xilingol Grassland, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Haixin , Zhang Anbing , Zhao Yuling , Zhao Anzhou , Wang Dongli
Published: March 2021

Estimating the grass yield of a grassland is of vital theoretical and practical significance for reasonably determining its grazing capacity and maintaining its ecological balance. On that account, this paper first compares model precision by adopting normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and net primary productivity (NPP) as grass yield estimation factors, and then proposes a spatial scale transformation (SST)-based estimation model for fresh grass yield (FGY) adopting NPP as its estimation factor. Next, it takes the grassland in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia as the study area for precision verification and grass yield estimation. Results indicated that: (1) The precision of the model adopting NPP as the estimation factor was clearly higher than that of the model adopting NDVI. (2) Through modifying NPP, the SST-based FGY estimation model could greatly improve estimation precision. The relative precisions of the estimation models constructed using linear and power functions were 18.16% and 18.35%, respectively. (3) The estimation models constructed using linear and power functions were employed to estimate the grass yield of the grassland in Xilingol League, and the total FGYs estimated by them were 8.777×10 10 kg and 8.583×10 10 kg, respectively. The two models obtained roughly the same estimates, but there were significant differences between them in the spatial distributions of FGY per unit.
Endophthalmitis Panorama in The Jerusalem Area
Authors: Sanchez Juan Martin , Elinav Hila , Tiosano Liran , Amer Radgonde
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The spectrum of microbial infections and the pattern of their susceptibility is variable among communities. Researching this data will lead to the establishment of the most appropriate national management strategies. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, microbial spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility of endophthalmitis cases in a tertiary referral center in Jerusalem.Methods: Retrospective review of medical charts of patients presenting with endophthalmitis over a 12-year-period.Results: Included were 74 eyes of 70 patients (males 56%). Mean age±SD at presentation was 60±19.5 years. Exogenous endophthalmitis accounted for 78% of cases; of which, 62% followed an intraocular surgery, 21% occurred after intravitreal injections, 10% followed infectious keratitis and 7% were post-traumatic. Endogenous cases were predominantly observed in diabetic patients. Microbial isolates were identified in 44 samples. Of them, gram-positive bacteria were the predominant microorganisms detected in 33 samples (75%); Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis were the most commonly detected pathogens. Mean presenting±SD LogMAR visual acuity (VA) was 2.38±1.21 and it improved at last follow-up to 1.7±1.37 (p=0.004, paired t-test). Cases secondary to gram-positive microbes were associated with improved VA during the follow-up while cases secondary to gram-negative microbes was correlated with poor final VA (p=0.046, r2=0.4). There was no evidence of bacterial resistance in the antibiograms for either vancomycin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone or amikacin.Conclusions: Intraocular surgery remains the most common event preceding endophthalmitis with coagulase-negative staphylococci being the most frequently detected microorganisms. The microbial spectrum of endophthalmitis is similar to that in the western world.
Effect of SWCNT Volume Fraction on The Viscosity of Water Based Nanofluids
Authors: Namarvari Hossein , Razmara Naiyer , Miranda Caetano Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

Nanofluids have drawn special attention during the last decades due to their various unique properties. It is revealed that the addition of nanotubes to the base materials can significantly change their properties. In the present work, the viscosity of water containing nanotube is calculated using the Molecular Dynamics Simulation for different volume fractions in the range between 0.557% and 3% at two temperatures (298K and 313K). The Green–Kubo equilibrium method is applied for calculating viscosity. The studied nanotube is an Armchair (6,6) single-walled carbon nanotube. The results show the potential of the Molecular Dynamics Simulation technique as a powerful tool in the prediction of nanofluid properties beside the experimental results. A new relationship for viscosity is offered for volume fractions of ϕ ≤ 3%, according to the obtained results.
A TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation-reduction method to probe surface and anhydrous crystalline-core domains of cellulose microfibril bundles
Authors: Shiga Tanîa M. , Yang Haibing , Penning Bryan W. , Olek Anna T. , McCann Maureen C. , Carpita N.C.
Published: March 2021

A modified TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation of the solvent-exposed glucosyl units of cellulose to uronic acids, followed by carboxyl reduction with NaBD 4 to 6-deutero- and 6,6-dideuteroglucosyl units, provided a robust method for determining relative proportions of disordered amorphous, ordered surface chains, and anhydrous core-crystalline residues of cellulose microfibrils inaccessible to TEMPO. Both glucosyl residues of cellobiose units, digested from amorphous chains of cellulose with a combination of cellulase and cellobiohydrolase, were deuterated, whereas those from anhydrous chains were undeuterated. By contrast, solvent-exposed and anhydrous residues alternate in surface chains, so only one of the two residues of cellobiosyl units was labeled. Although current estimates indicate that each cellulose microfibril comprises only 18 to 24 (1 , 4)- b eta-D-glucan chains, we show here that microfibrils of walls of Arabidopsis leaves and maize coleoptiles, and those of secondary wall cellulose of cotton fibers and poplar wood, bundle into much larger macrofibrils, with 67 to 86% of the glucan chains in the anhydrous domain. These results indicate extensive bundling of microfibrils into macrofibrils occurs during both primary and secondary wall formation. We discuss how, beyond lignin, the degree of bundling into macrofibrils contributes an additional recalcitrance factor to lignocellulosic biomass for enzymatic or chemical catalytic conversion to biofuel substrates.
Experimental Evidence for Opposing Effects of High Deer Density on Tick-Borne Disease Prevalence and Hazard
Authors: Gandy Sara Louise , Kilbride Elizabeth , Biek Roman , Millins Caroline , Gilbert Lucy
Published: March 2021

Identifying the mechanisms driving disease risk is challenging for multi-host pathogens, such as Borrelia. burgdorferi s.l., the tick-borne bacteria causing Lyme disease. Deer are tick reproduction hosts but do not transmit B. burgdorferi s.l., resulting in potentially opposing effects on transmission. Here, we use a deer exclosure experiment to test three hypotheses for how high deer density shapes B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence in ticks: (H1) high transmission on rodents due to higher tick densities; alternatively, (H2) low B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence because more ticks feed on deer rather than transmission-competent rodents (dilution effect); (H3) ecological cascades, whereby lower vegetation decreases rodent abundance thus reducing transmission. Although we found support for all three mechanisms, prevalence was reduced almost 3-fold in high deer density plots compared to exclosures, suggesting that the dilution (H2) and cascade (H3) mechanisms outweighed the increased opportunities for transmission (H1). High deer density led to lower vegetation and fewer rodents, providing evidence for an ecological cascade. However, Lyme disease hazard (density of infected ticks) was increased 5-fold at high deer densities due to an 18-fold rise in tick density. This demonstrates that reproduction hosts like deer can drive up vector-borne disease hazard at high densities, despite simultaneously reducing pathogen prevalence.
Finite Element Modeling of Microstructural Changes During Equal Channel Angular Drawing of Pure Aluminium
Authors: CARUSO SERAFINO , Imbrogno Stano
Published: March 2021

Grain refinement by severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, as a mechanism to control microstructure (recrystallization, grain size changes,…) and mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, strain, hardness variation…) of pure aluminium conductor wires, is a topic of great interest for both academic and industrial research activities. This paper presents an innovative finite element (FE) model able to describe the microstructural evolution and the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) that occur during equal channel angular drawing (ECAD) of commercial 1370 pure aluminium (99.7% Al). A user subroutine has been developed based on the continuum mechanical model and the Hall-Petch (H-P) equations to predict grain size variation and hardness change. The model is validated by comparison with the experimental results and a predictive analysis is conducted varying the channel die angles. The study provides an accurate prediction of both the thermo-mechanical and the microstructural phenomena that occur during the process characterised by large plastic deformation.
Efficacy of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency in the physiotherapeutic treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome: study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Carralero-Martínez Andrea , Pérez Miguel Ángel Muñoz , Pané-Alemany Regina , Blanco-Ratto Laia , Kauffmann Stephanie , Ramírez-García Inés
Published: March 2021

Background

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a multifactorial disorder that affects 5.7–26.6% of women and 2.2–9.7% of men, characterized by a hypersensitivity of the central and peripheral nervous system affecting bladder and genital function. People with CPPS have much higher rates of psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing) that increase the severity of chronic pain and worsen quality of life. Myofascial therapy, manual therapy, and treatment of trigger points are proven therapeutic options for this syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF) at 448 KHz as an adjunct treatment to the other physiotherapeutic techniques for reducing pain and improving the quality of life of patients with CPPS.
Methods

This triple-blind (1:1) randomized controlled trial will include 80 women and men with CPPS. Participants will be randomized into CRMRF activated group or CRMRF deactivated group, together with physiotherapeutic techniques and pain education. The groups will receive treatment for 10 consecutive weeks. Pain intensity (with the VAS), quality of life (with the SF-12), kinesiophobia (with the TSK-11) and catastrophism (with the PCS) will be evaluated at the beginning, at the sixth and the tenth session.
Discussion

The results of this study will make it possible to prove that CRMRF benefits the treatment of patients with CPPS together with physiotherapeutic techniques and pain education. These results could offer another conservative treatment option for these patients.
Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03797911. Registered 8 January 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03797911
The first steps toward a global pandemic: Reconstructing the demographic history of parasite host switches in its native range
Authors: Techer Maeva , Roberts John , Cartwright Reed , Mikheyev Alexander
Published: March 2021

Host switching allows parasites to expand their niches. However, successful switching may require suites of adaptations and may decrease performance on the old host. As a result, reductions in gene flow accompany many host switches, driving speciation. Because host switches tend to be rapid, it is difficult to study them in real time and their demographic parameters remain poorly understood. As a result, fundamental factors that control subsequent parasite evolution, such as the size of the switching population or the extent of immigration from the original host, remain largely unknown. To shed light on the host switching process, we explored how host switches occur in independent host shifts by two ectoparasitic honey bee mites (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsoni). Both switched to the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) after it was brought into contact with their ancestral host (Apis cerana), ~70 and ~12 years ago, respectively. Varroa destructor subsequently caused worldwide collapses of honey bee populations. Using whole-genome sequencing on 63 mites collected in their native ranges from both the ancestral and novel hosts, we were able to reconstruct the known temporal dynamics of the switch. We further found multiple previously undiscovered mitochondrial lineages on the novel host, along with genetic equivalent of tens of individuals that were involved in the initial host switch. Despite being greatly reduced, some gene flow remains between mites adapted to different hosts. Our findings suggest that while reproductive isolation may facilitate fixation of traits beneficial for exploitation of the new host, ongoing genetic exchange may allow genetic amelioration of inbreeding effects.
Comparative Evaluation of Madhuca Longifolia and Jatropha Curcas Extracted Biodiesel.
Authors: Chatterjee Rajeshwari , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar , Paul Biswajit , Chattopadhyaya Somnath
Published: March 2021

In order to fulfil the growing need to replace fossil fuels, investigations exploring the production of biodiesel from agricultural biomass have gained attention. The purpose behind this study is to examine the efficiency of biodiesel extracted from Madhuca longifolia and Jatropha curcas by means of pre-treatment followed by two step acid-base homogeneous catalyst method. The Madhuca and Jatropha biodiesels were blended with diesel at different percentages. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a strong presence of fatty acid profile, and triglyceride ester linkage at 1744 cm− 1. UV–Vis spectra confirmed the presence of conjugated dienes in the extracted biodiesels. UV absorbance at 320 nm decreases linearly with blend percentage. 1HNMR and 13C NMR confirmed the presence of methyl ester moiety at 3.6 ppm and methoxy carbon at 51.2 ppm in biodiesel distinguishing it from diesel. Raman spectra exhibited C = O stretching at 1725 cm− 1 indicating conversion of Madhuca and Jatropha oil into biodiesel. The engine performance and emission tests of these biodiesels were evaluated. In the engine performance tests, the variations of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) versus brake power were studied. The emission tests of different blends were done in terms of carbon mono-oxide, nitrous oxide, and unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC). The Jatropha biodiesel exhibited less mean BSFC, EGT and emitted less CO and UHC than Madhuca biodiesel. The average decrease in BTE was more in Jatropha biodiesel than Madhuca biodiesel.
Prognostic Values of Coronary Artery Calcium Score and 123I-BMIPP SPECT In Patients With Non-Ischemic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hashimoto Hidenobu , Nakanishi Rine , Mizumura Sunao , Hashimoto Yukiko , Okamura Yuriko , Ota Kyoko , Yamazaki Junichi , Ikeda Takanori
Published: March 2021

Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether coronary artery calcium score (CACS) can be a prognostic indicator for the development of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and compare the value of CACS with that of the 123I-betamethyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP) defect score (BDS) in patients with non-ischemic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (NIHFpEF).
Methods
Among 643 consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure, 108 (74 ± 13y) were identified to have NIHFpEF on non-contrast regular chest computed tomography and 123I-BMIPP single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We evaluated whether CACS and BDS were associated with MACEs using multivariate Cox models.
Results
Thirty-two MACEs developed at a mean follow-up period of 2.4 years. Higher CACS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–4.67) and higher BDS (HR 22.14, 95% CI 7.95–61.60) were significantly associated with the development of MACEs. Patients showing higher CACS and BDS carried a significantly higher risk for developing MACE (HR 23.65, 95% CI 10.33–54.13, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
CACS, as well as BDS, could serve as potential prognostic indicators in patients with NIHFpEF.
Effectiveness of a Group Educational Intervention – Prolact - In Primary Care to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding. A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.
Authors: Santamaría-Martín María Jesús , Iglesias Susana Martín , Schwarz Christine , Rico-Blázquez Milagros , Portocarrero-Nuñez Julián Alexander , Diez-Izquierdo Laura , Llamosas-Falcón Laura , Rodríguez-Barrientos Ricardo , PROLACT Group , Cura-González Isabel
Published: March 2021

Background: The rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months in Spain are far from the target recommended by the World Health Organization, which is 50% by 2025. Evidence of the effectiveness of group interventions in late postpartum is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PROLACT group educational intervention for increasing the proportion of mother-child dyads with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months compared to the usual practice in primary care.Method: Multicentre cluster randomized clinical trial. A total of 434 mother-child dyads (215 in the control group and 219 in the intervention group) who breastfed exclusively in the first 4 weeks of the infant's life and agreed to participate were included. The main outcome variable was exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Secondary variables were the type of breastfeeding, reasons for abandonment, degree of adherence and satisfaction with the intervention. To study the effectiveness, the difference in the proportions of dyads with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was calculated, and the relative risk (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated with their 95% CIs. To study the factors associated with the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months, a multilevel logistic regression model was fitted. All analyses were performed according to intention to treat.Results: The percentage of dyads with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was 22.4% in the intervention group and 8.8% in the control group. The PROLACT intervention obtained an RR of 2.53 (95% CI 1.54-4.15) and an NNT of 7 (95% CI 5-14). The factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months were the PROLACT intervention, OR 3.51 (95% CI 1.55-7.93); age > 39 years, OR 2.79 (95% CI 1.02-7.6); previous breastfeeding experience, OR 2.61 (95% CI 1.29-5.29); monthly income/person > 833.33 €, OR 2.15 (95% CI: 0.996-4.65); planning to start work before the infant was 6 months old, OR 0.35 (0.19-0.63); and use of a pacifier, OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.30-1.11).Conclusions: The PROLACT group educational intervention in primary care is more effective than the usual practice for maintaining exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months.Trial registration: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under code number NCT01869920 (03/06/2013).
WITHDRAWN: Column Experiments on Arsenic Removal Through Adsorption From Water Using Different Natural and Synthetic Adsorbents
Authors: Khan Shahnoor Alam , Imteaz Monzur Alam
Published: March 2021

With the aim of exploring a best adsorbent from locally available sands for removing arsenic from water, eight different adsorbents are tested through column experiments using those materials as filter bed. Based on earlier batch experimental results five locally available sands (Scoria, Skye, Iron ore, NT red and TGS), one commercial sand (GFH) and two synthetic sands (IOCS and IOCS-AOCS) were selected for the column experiments. Target was to treat arsenic from water up to WHO standard level of 10 µg/L for a considerable period. It is found that Skye sand is capable to treat arsenic-contaminated water to the WHO standard for the longest period, followed by TGS, Iron ore and NT red sands. Scoria sand is unable to treat water up to the WHO standard. Although, GFH, IOCS and IOCS-AOCS are capable to remove arsenic to an excellent level, however practically not suitable as they get clogged due to accumulation of finer particles in the filter bed. Also, it is found that artificial coatings enhance the arsenic removal capabilities, however susceptible to clogging.
Comparison of Annual Maximum and Peaks Over Threshold Methods with Automated Threshold Selection in Flood Frequency Analysis: A Case Study for Australia
Authors: Pan Xiao , Rahman Ataur
Published: March 2021

Flood frequency analysis (FFA) enables fitting of distribution functions to observed flow data for estimation of flood quantiles. Two main approaches, Annual Maximum (AM) and peaks-over-threshold (POT) are adopted for FFA. POT approach is under-employed due to its complexity and uncertainty associated with the threshold selection and independence criteria for selecting peak flows. This study evaluates the POT and AM approaches using data from 188 gauged stations in south-east Australia. POT approach adopted in this study applies a different average numbers of events per year fitted with Generalised Pareto (GP) distribution with an automated threshold detection method. The POT model extends its parametric approach to Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) and Point Moment Weighted Unbiased (PMWU) method. Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution using L-moment estimator is used for AM approach. It has been found that there is a large difference in design flood estimates between the AM and POT approaches for smaller average recurrence intervals (ARI), with a median difference of 25% for 1.01 year ARI and 5% for 50 and 100 years ARIs.
Load-Frequency Control in an Islanded Microgrid PV/WT/FC/ESS using an Optimal Self-Tuning Fractional-Order Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Naderipour Amirreza , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Davoodkhani Iraj Faraji , Kamyab Hesam , Ali Roshafima Rasit
Published: March 2021

The variations in the consumption load and generation power in microgrid systems such as photovoltaic, wind-turbine fuel cell and energy storage systems (PV/WT/FC/ESSs) has challenged the load-frequency control due to the increased complexity and nonlinear nature of these systems. This paper employs a self-tuning controller based on the fuzzy logic to overcome parameter uncertainties of classic controllers, such as operation conditions, the change in the operating point of the microgrid and the uncertainty of microgrid modeling. Further, a combined fuzzy logic and fractional-order controller is used for load-frequency control of the off-grid microgrid with the influence of renewable resources because the latter controller benefits robust performance and enjoys a flexible structure. To reach a better operation for the proposed controller, a novel meta-heuristic whale algorithm has been used to optimally determine the input and output scale coefficients of the fuzzy controller and fractional orders of the fractional-order controller. The suggested approach is applied to a microgrid with a diesel generator, wind turbine, photovoltaic systems, and energy storage devices. The comparison made between the results of the proposed controller and those of the classic PID controller proves the superiority of the optimized fractional-order self-tuning fuzzy controller in terms of operation characteristics, response speed, and the reduction in frequency deviations against load variations.
Ligand Docking Methods to Recognize Allosteric Inhibitors for G-protein Coupled Receptors
Authors: K Harini , S Jayashree , Tiwari Vikas , Vishwanath Sneha , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: March 2021

BackgroundG-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are large protein families known to be important in many cellular processes. They are well known for their allosteric activation mechanisms. They are drug targets for several FDA-approved drugs. We have investigated the diversity of the ligand binding site for these class of proteins against their cognate ligands using computational docking, even if their structures are known in the ligand-complexed form. ResultsThe cognate ligand of some of these receptors dock at allosteric binding site, with better score than the binding at the conservative site. Further, ligands obtained from GLASS database, which consists of experimentally verified GPCR ligands, also show allosteric binding to GPCRs. The allosteric binders show strong affinity to the binding site, though the residues at the binding site are not conserved across GPCR subfamilies.ConclusionsBased on our computational approach it was found that the residues at the allosteric site are not as conserved as in the cognate binding site, which might explain the specificity of a particular GPCR. Further, for certain GPCRs, some of their known cognate ligands were predicted to have better binding preference towards the allosteric site than orthosteric site and therefore this computational approach can assist in the prediction of allosteric binders for GPCRs.
Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW) as Novel Inflammatory Marker with Prognostic Significance in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Riva Giovanni , Castellano Sara , Nasillo Vincenzo , Ottomano Anna Maria , Bergonzini Giuliano , Paolini Ambra , Lusenti Beatrice , Milić Jovana , Biasi Sara De , Gibellini Lara , Cossarizza Andrea , Busani Stefano , Girardis Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Manfredini Rossella , Luppi Mario , Tagliafico Enrico , Trenti Tommaso
Published: March 2021

Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW), a new cytometric parameter correlating with cytomorphologic changes occurring upon massive monocyte activation, has recently emerged as promising early biomarker of sepsis. Similar to sepsis, monocyte/macrophage subsets are considered key mediators of the life-threatening hyper-inflammatory disorder characterizing severe COVID-19. In this study, we longitudinally analyzed MDW values in a cohort of 87 COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to our hospital, showing significant correlations between MDW and common inflammatory markers, namely CRP (p<0.001), fibrinogen (p<0.001) and ferritin (p<0.01). Moreover, high MDW values resulted to be prognostically associated with fatal outcome in COVID-19 patients (AUC=0.76, 95% CI: 0.66-0.87, sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.70, MDW threshold 26.4; RR=4.91, 95% CI: 1.73-13.96; OR=7.14, 95% CI: 2.06-24.71). This pilot study shows that MDW can be useful in the monitoring of COVID-19 patients, as this innovative hematologic biomarker is: (i) easy to obtain, (ii) directly related to the activation state of a fundamental inflammatory cell subset (i.e. monocytes, pivotal in both cytokine storm and sepsis immunopathogenesis), (iii) well correlated with clinical severity of COVID-19-associated inflammatory disorder, and, in turn, (iv) endowed with relevant prognostic significance. Additional studies are needed to define further the clinical impact of MDW testing in the management of COVID-19 patients.
A Liquid Chromatographic Method for Determination of Acetamiprid and Buprofezin Residues and Their Dissipation Kinetics in Paddy Matrices and Soil
Authors: Majumder Sujan , Mandal Somnath , Majumder Biswajit , Paul Anindita , Paul Tarun , Sahana Nandita , MONDAL PRITHUSAYAK
Published: March 2021

The present study was conducted to investigate the residue status of two insecticides (acetamiprid and buprofezin) and their dissipation kinetics in three matrices viz. paddy grain, straw and soil. The extraction protocol for residues of these two insecticides was executed using acetonitrile solvent. The analytical method was validated, which showed good linearity with the limit of quantification (LOQ) value of 0.01 and 0.02 mg kg-1 for acetamiprid and buprofezin respectively. The recovery range was 79.67-98.33 % concerning all the matrices in both the insecticides. Acetamiprid (20% SP) and Buprofezin (25% SC) were applied separately in the paddy field in two doses: single dose (recommended dose) and double dose along with untreated control throughout the experiment. Residue analysis of these two insecticides in paddy (grain and straw) and soil was accomplished employing high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a UV detector. The dissipation data showed that acetamiprid exhibited higher dissipation in comparison with buprofezin. However, their persistence was found slightly higher in soil. The dissipation dynamics in the rice and soil were discussed with biological half-lives of both the insecticides. Consumer risk assessment study was also made considering its fate to the consumers.
Color Image Encryption Based on Cross 2d Hyperchaotic Map Using Combined Cycle Shift Scrambling and Selecting Diffusion
Authors: Teng Lin , Wang Xingyuan , Yang Feifei , Xian Yongjin
Published: March 2021

A novel color image encryption algorithm based on a cross 2D hyperchaotic map is proposed in this paper. The cross 2D hyperchaotic map is constructed using one nonlinear function and two chaotic maps with cross structure. Chaotic behaviors are illustrated using bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectra and phase portraits, etc. In the color image encryption algorithm, the keys are generated using hash function SHA-512 and the information of plain color image. First, the color plain image is converted to a combined bit-level matrix and permuted by the chaos based row and column combined cycle shift scrambling method. Then the scrambled integer matrix is diffused according to the selecting sequence which depends on the chaotic sequence. Last, the cipher color image is obtained by decomposed the diffused matrix. Simulation results show that the algorithm can encrypt the color image effectively and has good security.
Wave-equation Traveltime Tomography Unravels a Scenario of Horizontal Mantle Flow Beneath the North China Craton
Authors: Dong Xingpeng , Yang Dinghui , Niu Fenglin , Liu Shaolin , Tong Ping
Published: March 2021

The North China craton (NCC) was dominated by tectonic extension from late Cretaceous to Cenozoic, yet seismic studies on the relationship between crust extension and lithospheric mantle deformation are scarce. Here we present a three dimensional radially anisotropic model of NCC derived from wave-equation traveltime tomography to address this issue. We find a prominent low S-wave velocity anomaly at lithospheric mantle depths beneath the Taihang Mountains, which extends eastward with a gradually decreasing amplitude. The horizontally elongated low-velocity anomaly is also featured by a distinctive positive radial anisotropy (VSH>VSV). Combining geodetic and other seismic measurements, we speculate the presence of a horizontal mantle flow beneath central and eastern NCC, which led to the extension of the overlying crust. We suggest that the rollback of Western Pacific slab likely played a pivotal role in generating the horizontal mantle flow at lithospheric depth beneath the central and eastern NCC.
Cloning, Subcellular Location and Expression Analysis of Grape MYB Gene
Authors: Li Guirong , Quan Ran , Jing Pengwei , Wang Meng , Xu Wenwen , Hu Huiling
Published: March 2021

MYB gene plays an important role in plant growth, development and response to abiotic stress. In this study, the Eurasian grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar ‘Yatomi Rosa’ was used as the test material. Two MYB genes, VvMYBB1 gene and VvMYBA3 gene, were obtained by homologous cloning, and their subcellular location, different organs, and expression patterns under stress treatment and hormone induction were obtained. It was found that VvMYBB1 gene and VvMYBA3 gene proteins were located in the nucleus and belonged to nuclear proteins. VvMYBB1 gene and VvMYBA3 gene were highly expressed in roots and flowers. VvMYBB1 gene and VvMYBA3 gene might have a negative effect on the formation of peel color. VvMYB1 gene and VvMYBA3 gene might play an important role in drought resistance and salt stress resistance in grapes. Under the induction of exogenous hormones, the expression of VvMYBB1 gene was higher than that of VvMYBA3 gene under the treatment of IAA, ETH, SA and MeJA. Expression of VvMYBB1 gene was lower than that of VvMYBA3 gene under the treatment of 6-BA, GA3 and ABA. It showed that MYB gene played an important role in the development of different organs of grapes, fruit coloring and response to abiotic stress. This would provide reference for the utilization of grape MYB gene resources.
Machine learning spots the time to treat Huntington disease
Authors: Koval Igor , Dighiero-Brecht Thomas , Tobin Allan , Tabrizi Sarah , Scahill Rachael , Durrleman Stanley , Durr Alexandra
Published: March 2021

We propose a new approach, based on machine learning, to evaluating new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Using data from two longitudinal studies of 299 participants with early Huntington Disease, we learned the range of likely trajectories of 15 imaging and clinical biomarkers from the premanifest to manifest disease stages. We positioned independent 11,510 patients on these maps using their baseline data and hence forecast the values of their biomarkers at any timepoint. Applied to trial design, we showed that sample size can be decreased by up to 50% by selecting individuals for whom we predict a significant change for their outcome measures during trial. Reduction occurs whatever the selected outcome measures and the targeted disease stage. This approach does not only select the right patient at the right time for the right trial, but also guides decisions about when to start preventive treatments.
One or two dose regimen of the SARS-CoV-2 synthetic DNA vaccine INO-4800 protects against respiratory tract disease burden in nonhuman primate challenge model
Authors: Gooch Karen , Smith Trevor , Salguero Francisco , Fotheringham Susan , Watson Robert , Dennis Mike , Handley Alastair , Humphries Holly , Longet Stephanie , Tipton Tom , Sarfas Charlotte , Sibley Laura , Slack Gillian , Rayner Emma , Ryan Kathryn , Schultheis Katherine , Ramos Stephanie , White Andrew , Charlton Sue , Sharpe Sally , Gleeson Fergus , Humeau Laurent , Hall yper , Broderick Kate , Carroll Miles
Published: March 2021

Safe and effective vaccines will provide essential medical countermeasures to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we evaluate the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of the intradermal delivery of INO-4800, a synthetic DNA vaccine candidate encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the rhesus macaque model. Single and 2 dose vaccination regimens were evaluated. Vaccination induces both binding and neutralizing antibodies, along with IFN-γ-producing T cells against SARS-CoV-2. Upon administration of a high viral dose (5 x 106 pfu) via the intranasal and intratracheal routes we observe significantly reduced virus load in the lung and throat, in the vaccinated animals compared to controls. 2 doses of INO-4800 is associated with more robust vaccine-induced immune responses and improved viral protection. Importantly, histopathological examination of lung tissue provides no indication of vaccine-enhanced disease following SARS-CoV-2 challenge in INO-4800 immunized animals. This vaccine candidate is currently under clinical evaluation as a 2 dose regimen.
Improving Information Adequacy of Clinical Morning Reports: Development of a Structured Model in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department 
Authors: Samimi Tahereh , MohammadEbrahimi Shahab , Tara Fatemeh , Mostafavi Sayyed Mostafa , Miandehi Elaheh Ebrahimi , Tara Mahmood
Published: March 2021

Background: This study was aimed to improve the information adequacy of clinical Morning Reports by developing a structured reporting model. Methods: This study was a qualitative research conducted in three phases at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of three educational hospitals in northeastern Iran. After investigating the current status of MR sessions, the content of 120 reports were included extracted. The items were assigned subject groups for primary structuring while their validation getting confirmation using a two-round Delphi technique involving 10 specialists. Then, the structured model of clinical MRs was developed in two formats: structured paper-based form (SPF) and structured electronic format (SEF). The final evaluation was conducted comparing three practices of SPF, SEF, and conventional formats.Results: All studied MR samples were found unstructured in content. From 120 collected samples, 58 items were extracted and categorized into four categories. During the first Delphi round, all existing information were preserved with varying weights. but the participating experts also suggested six additional items to be included. In the second round, 11 items with the lowest scores were removed. Results of the comparative evaluation showed that the SPF format scored highest on the preference of use, ease of archiving and retrieval, application in future research, and ease of reporting. The SEF format scored highest on the clear understanding of patient status and readability.Conclusion: Using a standardized structured morning report based on the preference of local experts improves the quality of morning reports in various matters including efficiency, adequacy, and ease.