bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biases and Improvements of the ENSO- East Asian Winter Monsoon Teleconnection in CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Jiang Wenping , Gong Hainan , Huang Ping , Wang Lin , Huang Gang , Hu Lisuo
Published: August 2021

The influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is investigated based on the outputs of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) models and compared to that in phase 5 (CMIP5). Results show that the CMIP6 models generally reproduce the ENSO-EAWM teleconnection more realistically than the CMIP5 models, although they still somewhat underestimate the ENSO-EAWM teleconnection than observed. Based on the inter-model spread of ENSO-EAWM teleconnection simulated in the CMIP5/CMIP6 models, we reveal that the commonly underestimated ENSO-EAWM teleconnection among the models can be traced back to the excessive cold tongue bias in the equatorial western Pacific. A model with a stronger climatological cold tongue favors generating a more westward extension of the ENSO-related SST anomaly pattern, which in turn forces an anomalous cyclonic circulation over the Northwest Pacific (NWP). It offsets the anticyclonic anomalies in the NWP triggered by the warm ENSO-related SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean and the central-eastern Pacific and weakens the ENSO-EAWM teleconnection. Compared with the CMIP5 models, CMIP6 models better simulate SST mean state and the resultant ENSO-EAWM teleconnection. The present results suggest that substantial efforts should be made to reduce the bias in the mean-state SST for further improving the simulation and projection of the East Asian-western Pacific winter climate.
Comparative Study about the Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy and Curcumin Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy as a Coadjuvant Treatment of Oral Mucositis in Oncologic Patients:Antimicrobial, Analgesic and Degree Alteration Effect.
Authors: Andrade Rita de Cássia Dias Viana , REIS THAIS AZEVEDO , Rosa Luciano Pereira , Santos Gabriel Pinto de Oliveira , Silva Francine Cristina da
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION: As conventional treatments currently available for mucositis are not considerably effective,there is a need to implement an adjuvant protocol for the treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Low Level Laser Therapy and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy mediated by curcumin and blue LED as an adjunct treatment of oral mucositis foroncology patients using chemotherapy and or radiotherapy.METHODS: Clinical, randomized study, in a single location, in an oncology service of a general hospital, with a total of 30 patients (over 18 years old) with stable oral mucosa lesions in the process of Chemotherapy and or Radiotherapy. The patients were divided into 3 groups: Control group (treated with nystatin), LLLT group (treated with Low Level Laser Therapy), and the aPDT group (treated with 450 nm blue LED and curcumin photosensitizer).RESULTS: The results showed, by means of intra-group comparisons, that the two experimental treatments promoted yeast reduction of the genus Candida in the last two evaluations (21 days and 30 days), but not in the first two evaluations (7 days and 14 days). The intra-group comparisons showed that the Control and aPDT group showed a significant difference in the degree of mucositis over the four evaluations performed, with the results pointing out that the mucositis worsened in the control group from the 14th day, while reduced in the aPDT group from the 21st day of treatment.CONCLUSION: A reduction in the degree of mucositis and pain score was observed in the LLLT and aPDT groups, with the aPDT group standing out when presenting early clinical improvement in relation to the LLLT group and the control group, thus emphasizing its effectiveness within the desired aspects. Regarding the antimicrobial effect, aPDT showed a greater reduction of yeasts of the genus Candida in the tested parameters.
Consistent changes in the intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon fed insect meal diets
Authors: Li Yanxian , Gajardo Karina , Jaramillo-Torres Alexander , Kortner Trond M. , Krogdahl Åshild
Published: August 2021

Background: Being part of fish's natural diets, insects have become a realistic, sustainable feed ingredient for aquaculture. While nutritional values of insects have been extensively studied in various fish species, their impact on the fish microbiota remains to be fully explored. In an 8-week freshwater feeding trial, Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) were fed either a commercially relevant reference diet or an insect meal diet wherein black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae meal comprised 60% of total ingredients. Microbiota of digesta and mucosa origin from the proximal and distal intestine were collected and profiled along with feed and water samples.

Results: The insect meal diet markedly modulated the salmon intestinal microbiota. Overall, the microbial diversity was lower in the digesta of salmon fed the insect meal diet but higher in the mucosa. A group of bacterial genera, dominated by members of the Bacillaceae family, was enriched in salmon fed the insect meal diet, which confirms our previous findings in a seawater feeding trial. We also found that microbiota in the intestine closely resembled that of the feeds but was distinct from the water microbiota. Notably, bacterial genera associated with the diet effects were also present in the feeds.

Conclusions: We conclude that salmon fed the insect meal diets show consistent changes in the intestinal microbiota. The next challenge is to evaluate the extent to which these alterations are attributable to feed microbiota and dietary nutrients and what these changes mean for fish physiology and health.
Application of Deep Learning to Predict RF Heating of Cardiac Leads During Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 1.5 T and 3 T
Authors: Chen Xinlu , Zheng Can , Nguyen Bach Thanh , Sanpitak Pia , Chow Kelvin , Bi Xiaoming , Elahi Behzad , Golestanirad Laleh
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Predicting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-induced heating of elongated conductive implants such as leads in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is essential to assessing patient safety. Phantom experiments and electromagnetic simulations have been traditionally used to estimate radiofrequency (RF) heating of implants, but they are notably time-consuming. Recently, machine learning has shown promise for fast prediction of RF heating of orthopedic implants, when the position of the implant within the MRI RF coil was predetermined. Here we explored whether deep learning could be applied to predict RF heating of conductive leads with variable positions/orientations during MRI at 1.5 T and 3 T.Methods: Models of 600 cardiac leads with clinically relevant trajectories were generated and electromagnetic simulations were performed to calculate the maximum of 1g-averaged SAR at the tips of lead models during MRI at 1.5 T and 3 T. Deep learning algorithms were trained to predict the maximum SAR at the lead’s tip from the knowledge of coordinates of points along the lead’s trajectory.Results: Despite the large range of SAR values (~200 W/kg-~3300 W/kg), the RMSE of predicted vs ground truth SAR remained at 223W/kg and 206 W/kg, with the R2 scores of 0.89 and 0.85 on the testing set for 1.5 T and 3 T models, respectively.Conclusion: Machine learning shows promise for fast assessment of RF heating of lead-like implants with only the knowledge of the lead’s geometry and MRI RF coil features.
Snp Characteristics and Validation Success in Genome Wide Association Studies
Authors: Gorlova Olga , Xiao Xiangjun , Tsavachidis Spiridon , Amos Christopher I. , Gorlov Ivan P.
Published: August 2021

Genome wide association studies (GWASs) have identified tens of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with human diseases and characteristics. A significant fraction of GWAS findings can be false positives. The gold standard for true positives is an independent validation. The goal of this study was to identify SNP features associated with validation success. Summary statistics from the Catalog of Published GWASs were used in the analysis. Since our goal was an analysis of reproducibility, we focused on the diseases/phenotypes targeted by at least 10 GWASs. GWASs were arranged in discovery-validation pairs based on the time of publication, with the discovery GWAS published before validation. We used four definitions of the validation success that differ by stringency. Associations of SNP features with validation success were consistent across the definitions. The strongest predictor of SNP validation was the level of statistical significance in the discovery GWAS. The magnitude of the effect size was associated with validation success in a non-linear manner. SNPs with risk allele frequencies in the range 30-70% showed a higher validation success rate compared to rarer or more common SNPs. Missense, 5’UTR, stop gained, and SNPs located in transcription factor binding sites had a higher validation success rate compared to intergeneic, intronic, or synonymous SNPs. There was a positive association between validation success and the level of evolutionary conservation of the sites. In addition, validation success was higher when discovery and validation GWASs targeted the same ethnicity. All predictors of validation success remained significant in a multivariable logistic regression model indicating their independent contribution. To conclude, we identified SNP features predicting validation success of GWAS hits. These features can be used to select SNPs for validation and downstream functional studies.
Application of The AHP Method For Prioritizing Actions To Reduce Risk Associated With Gravitational Mass Movements In Areas Along The Margins of Watercourses of The City of Rio Branco, Brazil.
Authors: Nascimento Ricardo Ribeiro , Marques Eduardo Antônio , Simões Gustavo Ferreira
Published: August 2021

Problems related to gravitational mass movements at the margins of water courses are present in different parts of the world, but in the Amazon, whose hydrological regime has unique characteristics, and whose socioeconomic situation may be considered as underdeveloped, such problems come into sharp focus. Rotational landslides and creeps on the ground are present with high frequency and magnitude in several municipalities in the Western Amazon. Such processes act in association and annually cause significant losses and material damage. In this context, this study proposes the structuring of a decision-making process that aims to assist in the indication of critical areas, as well as proposing possible actions to mitigate risks. The criteria and procedures adopted for risk-mapping in a portion of the urban center of Rio Branco-AC are described, herein. Risk was measured, based on the multicriteria analysis of attributes related to the physical, anthropic environment and the characteristics of the processes considered. The Hierarchical Analysis Method (AHP), was the technique adopted to structure the risk assessment model, which was later integrated into the GIS environment, to allow spatial analysis. The results were presented in the form of cartograms, descriptive tables and graphs, and aim to help control the mapped risks.
Construction of a Prognostic Model Related to Ferroptosis and Iron-Metabolism and the Relationship with the Immune Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wen Fang , Chen Xiaoxue , Huang Wenjie , Ruan Shuai , Gu Suping , Wang Yulan , Liu Jiatong , Zhou Jiayu , Li Ye , Song Siyuan , Gu Peixing , Liu Shenlin , Shu Peng
Published: August 2021

Background: The diagnosis rate and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) are among the highest in the global, so it is of great significance to predict the survival time of GC patients. Ferroptosis and iron-metabolism make a critical impact on tumor development and are closely linked to the treatment of cancer and the prognosis of patients. However, the predictive value of the genes involved in ferroptosis and iron-metabolism in GC and their effects on immune microenvironment remain to be further clarified.Methods: In this study, the RNA sequence information and general clinical indicators of GC patients were acquired from the public databases. We first systematically screen out 134 DEGs and 13 PRGs related to ferroptosis and iron-metabolism. Then, we identified six PRDEGs (GLS2, MTF1, SLC1A5, SP1, NOX4, and ZFP36) based on the LASSO-penalized Cox regression analysis. The 6-gene prognostic risk model was established in the TCGA cohort and the GC patients were separated into the high- and the low-risk groups through the risk score median value. GEO cohort was used for verification. The expression of PRDEGs was verified by quantitative QPCR.Results: Our study demonstrated that patients in the low-risk group had a higher survival probability compared with those in high-risk group. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that the risk score was an independent prediction parameter. The ROC curve analysis and nomogram manifested that the risk model had the high predictive ability and was more sensitive than general clinical features. Furthermore, compared with the high-risk group, the low-risk group had higher TMB and a longer 5-year survival period. In the immune microenvironment of GC, there were also differences in immune function and highly infiltrated immune cells between the two risk groups.Conclusions: The prognostic risk model based on the six genes associated with ferroptosis and iron-metabolism has a good performance for predicting the prognosis of patients with GC. The treatment of cancer by inducing tumor ferroptosis or mediating tumor iron-metabolism, especially combined with immunotherapy, provides a new possibility for individualized treatment of GC patients.
In-plane retrofitting of masonry structures by using GFRP strips in the Bedjoints
Authors: Osmanzadeh Fathollah , Ahani Elshan , Rafezy Behzad , Mousavi Mir Naghi
Published: August 2021

Many unreinforced masonry structures were vulnerable in the past earthquakes and required retrofitting. However, the vulnerability of masonry structures could solve by providing numerous retrofitting approaches, scarcity of appropriate methods that may provide a solution for the historical masonry structures with lesser effects on their façade is vehemently sensible. In this study, two one-third scale masonry wall specimens made by clay bricks were tested under constant vertical and cyclic lateral loading. The specimens consist of an unreinforced wall and a wall retrofitted by GFRP strips. This study investigates the seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry walls before and after using GFRP strips on their bedjoints. To this purpose, various patterns of using GFRP strips have been studied by simplified micro-modeling. The consequence indicates that the proposed retrofitting technique could improve the lateral strength and stiffness of the unreinforced masonry wall along with a considerable increase in the energy dissipation and ductility content, which leads to making a change in the behavior of the wall from brittle to ductile failure. The proposed method could apply to the modern historical structures in which cement mortar has been used as an adhesive between the masonry layers.
Dynamics-Based Piecewise Constant Control of Omni-Vehicle
Authors: Moiseev Georgy , Zobova Alexandra
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider the dynamics of a mobile vehicle moving under control on a perfectly rough horizontal plane. The vehicle consists of a horizontal platform and three omni-wheels that can rotate independently. An omni-wheel has freely rotating rollers on its rim [1]. We use its simplest model: an omni-wheel on a perfectly rough plane is modelled as a rigid disk with a constraint that its contact point velocity directed perpendicular to the disk's plane. The vehicle is controlled by three direct current motors in wheels' axes. Two terms model torques generated by motors: the rst one is proportional to the voltage, the second one is proportional to the value of the angular velocity of a wheel (counter-electromotive force). We study constant voltage dynamics and boundary-value problems for arbitrary initial and nal mass center coordinates, course angles and their derivatives using a piecewise constant control with one switching point. This problem is reduced to a system of algebraic equations for some specific (symmetric) vehicle model. We numerically model the system and analyze the possibility of optimization. For another vehicle configuration, we get the solution as numerical parametric continuation starting from the solution for the symmetric vehicle.
Vegetation Response to Climate and Climatic Extremes in Northwest Bangladesh: A Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Ahsan , Kamal A S M Maksud , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: August 2021

The present study assessed the vegetation response to climate in the water-stressed northwest Bangladesh (NWB). The quantile regression analysis was employed to evaluate the effect of climate and climatic extremes on vegetation. The nonparametric correlation analysis was used to assess the climatic influence on vegetation for various time lags. Besides, the modified Mann-Kendall (MMK) test was conducted to understand the changes in climate and vegetation to anticipate the climate change impacts on vegetation. Satellite estimation of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and observed rainfall and temperature data collected from five locations of the study area for the period 1982-2018 was used for this purpose. The results revealed a negative effect of rainfall, a positive impact of maximum temperature on vegetation in monsoon and a positive influence on minimum temperature on vegetation in winter. Quantile regression analysis revealed a significant negative influence of extreme rainfall and a positive impact of maximum temperature on vegetation for the whole NWB. Overall, the study revealed a greater influence of temperature than rainfall on vegetation change in the region. The trend analysis revealed a reduction in rainfall (-2.56 mm/decade) and a rise in temperature (0.176ºC/decade), and thus, an increase in vegetation (0.014 per decade). The results indicate the positive effect of climate change on vegetation, positively impacting the environment and water resources in the study area.
Prediction of Death Anxiety Based on Body Image Concerns Mediated by Disease Perception in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Salmanian Kefayat , Marashian Fatemeh Sadat
Published: August 2021

Background

Fear of death and its associated anxiety are among the effective factors of mental health in patients with cancer. The present study aimed to predict death anxiety based on body image concerns mediated by disease perception in patients with breast cancer.
Methods

In this descriptive correlation study, Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, Littleton’s Body Image Concern Inventory, and Broadbent's Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire were used to collect data. The statistical population included all patients with breast cancer in Abadan city in 2020 who referred to medical centers for six months. A total of 200 of which were selected as the sample of the study using convenience sampling. The proposed model was evaluated using path analysis with AMOS software.
Results

The results showed that there was a significant association between body image and disease perception (β = 0.33, P = 0.001), and death anxiety (β = 0.57, P = 0.001), and between disease perception and death anxiety (β = 0.39, P = 0.001). There was a relationship between body image and death anxiety through the mediating role of disease perception in patients with breast cancer (P = 0.009).
Conclusion

According to the results of the study, the relationship of body image with death anxiety through the mediation of disease perception had a good fit and is an important step in identifying the factors affecting the death anxiety of patients with breast cancer.
Coexistence Patterns and Diversity in A Trait-Based Metacommunity On An Environmental Gradient
Authors: Mohammed Mozzamil , Blasius Bernd , Ryabov Alexey
Published: August 2021

The dynamics of trait-based metacommunities have attracted much attention, but not much is known about how dispersal and spatial environmental variability mutually interact with each other to drive coexistence patterns and diversity. Here, we present a spatially-explicit model of resource competition in a metacommunity on a one- dimensional environmental gradient. We find that both the strength of dispersal and the range of spatial environmental variability affect coexistence patterns, spatial structure, trait distribution and local and regional diversity. Without dispersal, species are sorted according to their optimal growth conditions on the gradient. With the onset of dispersal source-sink effects are initiated, which increases the effects of environmental filtering and interspecific competition and generates trait lumping, so that only a few species from an environment-defined trait range can survive. Interestingly, for very large dispersal rates the system becomes spatially homogeneous, but nevertheless two species at the extreme ends of the trait-off curve can coexist for large environmental variability. Local species richness follows a classic hump-shaped dependence on dispersal rate, while local and regional diversity exhibit a pronounced peak for intermediate values of the environmental variability. Our findings provide important insights into the factors that shape the structure of trait-based metacommunities.
Reciprocal causation mixture model for robust mendelian randomization analysis using genome-scale summary data
Authors: Liu Zipeng , Qin Yiming , Wu Tian , Tubbs Justin , Baum Larry , Mak Timothy , Li Miaoxin , Zhang Yan , Sham Pak
Published: August 2021

Mendelian randomization (MR) using GWAS summary statistics has become a popular method to infer causal relationships across complex diseases. However, the widespread pleiotropy observed in GWAS has made the selection of valid instrumental variables (IVs) problematic, leading to possible violations of MR assumptions and thus potentially invalid inferences concerning causation. Furthermore, current MR methods can examine causation in only one direction, so that two separate analyses are required for bi-directional analysis. In this study, we propose a novel strategy, MRCI (Mixture model Reciprocal Causation Inference), to estimate reciprocal causation between two phenotypes simultaneously using the genome-scale summary statistics of the two phenotypes and reference linkage disequilibrium (LD) information. Simulation studies, including strong correlated pleiotropy, showed that MRCI obtained nearly unbiased estimates of causation in both directions, and correct Type I error rates under the null hypothesis. In applications to real GWAS data, MRCI detected significant bi-directional and uni-directional causal influences between common diseases and putative risk factors.
Application of a Portable Home Ventilator for Treating Flail Chest After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Dong Hyup , Lee Young Uk , Jung Tae-Eun
Published: August 2021

Background Unexpected cardiopulmonary resuscitation and subsequent flail chest are rare in cardiac surgery patients. A patient with a flail chest frequently requires long-term mechanical ventilator care. Early application of portable home ventilator (PHV) might be a useful treatment. Case presentationA 61-year-old female who underwent cardiac surgery had unexpected cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a flail chest. For treating her flail chest, portable home ventilator was applied with several respiratory rehabilitations. ConclusionWe think PHV is useful and alternative treatment for inappropriate for surgical fixation in flail chest patients.
Tryptophan Metabolism Induced by TDO2 Promotes Prostatic Cancer Chemotherapy Resistance in a Ahr/C-Myc Dependent Manner
Authors: Li Fan , Zhao ZHENYU , Zhang ZONGBIAO , ZHANG YAN , GUAN WEI
Published: August 2021

Background: Tumor cells exhibit enhanced metabolism of nutrients to satisfy the demand of sustained proliferation in vivo. Seminal reports have presented evidence that tryptophan (Trp) metabolic reprogramming induced by aberrant indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases could promote tumor development in several cancer types. However, the underlying mechanism of Trp metabolism associated tumor progression is not fully understood.Materials and methods: Prostatic cell lines LNCaP and VCaP were purchased from the Cell Bank of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (China). Human prostatic tumor tissue samples were obtained from the Tongji Hospital. Female NOD-SCID mice (6~8 weeks) were purchased from Huafukang Co. (China) and raised in SPF room. Commercial kits and instruments were used for cell apoptosis analysis, real-time PCR, western blotting, ELISA analysis and other experiments.Result: Comparing the tumor tissues from prostatic cancer patients, we found elevated expression of tryptophan 2，3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2), and elevated Trp metabolism in chemo-resistant tumor tissues. In vitro, overexpression of TDO2 significantly promoted the Trp metabolism in prostatic cancer cell lines LNCaP and VCap, resulting in the multidrug resistance development. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Trp metabolite kynurenine (Kyn) promoted the upregulation and nuclear translocation of transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Subsequently, AhR collaborated with NF-κB to facilitate the activation of c-Myc. In turn, c-Myc promoted the up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and Trp transporters, thereby contributing to chemoresistance and strengthened Trp metabolism in prostatic cancer. Interrupt of Trp/TDO2/Kyn/AhR/c-Myc loop with c-Myc inhibitor Mycro-3 efficiently suppressed the chemoresistance and improved the outcome of chemotherapy, which described a new strategy in clinical prostatic cancer treatment. Conclusion：Our study demonstrates that elevated TOD2 expression promoted Trp metabolism and metabolite Kyn production, thus resulting in the activation of AhR/c-Myc/ABC-SLC transporters signaling pathway. Interrupt of Trp metabolism/c-Myc loop efficiently suppressed the drugs resistance induced by TDO2, which represented potential target to improve the outcome in drug-resistant prostatic cancer treatment.
Paracelsus 10,000: A Prospective Cohort Study Based On The Population of Salzburg, Austria. Rationale, Objectives And Study Design
Authors: Frey Vanessa Natalie , Langthaler Patrick , Raphaelis Emanuel , Ring-Dimitriou Susanne , Kedenko Ludmilla , Aigner Elmar , Martinz Jennifer , Gostner Isabella , Bathke Arne , Fartacek Reinhold , Sungler Paul , Ladurner Gunter , Studnicka Michael , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Trinka Eugen , Iglseder Bernhard , Paulweber Bernhard
Published: August 2021

Paracelsus 10,000 is a prospective cohort study with the objective to investigate the health status of the population in and around the city of Salzburg. The focus lies on common non-communicable diseases, mainly cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and their risk factors in a population-based cohort aged between 40 and 70 years. Between the years 2013 and 2020, 10,062 randomly selected participants (w: 5,187, m: 4,875) were investigated, of whom 2,620 underwent an intensified examination. The program consists not only of medical examinations, but was extended to inventories on mental disorders, lifestyle including nutrition and physical activity. From all study participants biological samples were stored in a biobank at -80°C enabling future investigations of biomarkers and utilization of the whole spectrum of multi-omics. The first follow-up phase of the study has started in late 2020 and will allow us to investigate the development of common non-communicable diseases occurring over time in the cohort of the Paracelsus 10,000 study. This gives the study a unique position within the framework of Austrian epidemiological research with the potential to gain new insight into the role of interaction between genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors for disease development in the Salzburg population. Obtaining high-quality epidemiological data is also of particular relevance for the development of evidence-based prevention strategies. This report describes rationale, objectives and design of the study and provides insight into the main characteristics of the study cohort.
Dietary Exposure To Thyroid Disrupting Chemicals: A Community-Based Study in Newfoundland (Canada)
Authors: Babichuk Nicole , Sarkar Atanu , Mulay Shree , Knight John , Randell Edward
Published: August 2021

The marine ecosystem around the Island of Newfoundland is contaminated by Thyroid Disrupting Chemicals (TDCs). Coastal inhabitants may be exposed to TDCs through consumption of contaminated local seafood products and affecting thyroid functions. The aim of this study was to explore: (1) consumption frequency of local seafood products consumed by rural residents, (2) thyroid hormones (THs) and TDCs concentrations in residents, (3) relationships between local seafood consumption, TDC concentrations, and THs. Participants (n = 80) were recruited from two rural Newfoundland communities. Seafood consumption was measured through a validated seafood consumption questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all participants and tested for THs (thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine) and TDCs including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE). Cod was the most frequently consumed local species, but there was a wide range of other local species consumed. Older participants (> 50 years) had greater plasma concentrations of PBB-153, PCBs and p,p’-DDE, and males had higher concentrations of all TDCs than females. The consumption frequency of local cod was found to be positively associated with several PCB congeners, p,p’-DDE and ∑14TDCs. There was no significant relationship between TDCs and THs in either simple or multivariate linear regression analyses.
Spectrally multiplexed and ultrabright entangled photon pairs in a lithium niobate microresonator
Authors: Xu Bo-Yu , Chen Li-Kun , Lin Jintian , Feng Lan-Tian , Niu Rui , Zhou Zhi-yuan , Gao Renhong , Dong Chun-Hua , Guo Guangcan , Gong Qihuang , Cheng Ya , Xiao Yun-Feng , Ren Xi-Feng
Published: August 2021

On-chip bright quantum sources with multiplexing ability are extremely high in demand for the integrated quantum networks with unprecedented scalability and complexity. Here, we demonstrate an ultrabright and broadband biphoton quantum source generated in a lithium niobate microresonator system. Without introducing the conventional domain poling, the on-chip microdisk produces entangled photon pairs covering a broad bandwidth promised by natural phase matching in spontaneous parametric down conversion. Experimentally, the multiplexed photon pairs are characterized by 30 nm bandwidth limited by the filtering system, which can be furthered enlarged. Meanwhile, the generation rate reaches 5.13 MHz/μW with a coincidence-to-
accidental ratio up to 804. Besides, the quantum source manifests the prominent purity with heralded single photon correlation g(2)H(0)=0.0098±0.0021 and energy-time entanglement with excellent interference visibility of 96.5%±1.9%.
Diagnostic Value of Oral “Beefy Red” Patch Combined with Fingertip Blood Mean Corpuscular Volume in Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Authors: Xu Xiaoheng , Liu Yang , Xiong Xiaoqin , Yao Yanmei , Hu Huiting , Jiang Xiao , Meng Wenxia
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To investigate the diagnostic value of accessible fingertip mean corpuscular volume (MCV) combined with a visible “beefy red” patch in the diagnosis of vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency in local clinics and hospitals without in-house clinical laboratories, especially in remote areas.Materials and methods The medical history data of patients complaining of oral mucosal pain at the Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University were reviewed. All included patients underwent fingertip blood routine examination, specific serological test (serum VB12, folic acid, iron, and ferritin), and detailed oral clinical examinations. According to the results of the serum VB12 test patients were divided into case and control groups. The diagnostic value of the “beefy red” patch and elevated MCV in VB12 deficiency was evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic curve.Results There are more female patients in the case group (n=81) and the control group (n=60). Compared to the control group, the number of patients with “beefy red” patch and abnormal MCV increased significantly in the case group (P<0.05). The diagnostic test, “beefy red patch” has high sensitivity but low specificity, “MCV>100 fL” has high sensitivity but low specificity, and “MCV>100 fL combined with beefy red patch” has maximal specificity, and area under the curve.Conclusions Visible oral “beefy red” patch combined with accessible fingertip blood MCV could improve the rate of diagnosis in VB12 deficiency, especially in the elderly in local clinics and hospitals without in-house clinical laboratories in China, which is conducive to early disease detection and treatment.
Modeling of the Thermal Properties of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein
Authors: Song Meichen , Niu Ziyuan , Hasegawa Karin , Deng Yuefan , Rafailovich Miriam , Simon Marcia , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2021

We present the thermal and conformational states of the spike glycoprotein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 at six temperatures ranging from 3℃ to 95℃ by all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) µs-scale simulations. While corroborating with clinical results of the temperature impact on the COVID-19 infection, we examine the potential phase transitions of the S-protein in the temperature range and our simulation results revealed the following thermal properties of the S-protein: (1) It is structurally stable at 3℃, agreeing with observations that the virus stays active for more than two weeks in the cold supply chain; (2) Its structure varies more significantly for temperature window of 60℃ to 80℃ than in all other windows; (3) The sharpest structural variations occur near 60℃, signaling a plausible critical temperature nearby; (4) The maximum deviation of the receptor-binding domain at 37°C suggests the anecdotal observation that the virus is most infective at 37°C; (5) The in silico data agree with reported experiments of the SARS-CoV-2 survival times from weeks to seconds by our clustering approach analysis.
Improving Adherence and Quality of Life of CPAP for Obstructive Sleep Apnea With An Intervention Based On Stratification and Personalization of Care Plans: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rudilla David , Perelló Salvador , Landete Pedro , Zamora Enrique , Vázquez María , Sans Lluisa , Tomás Jose Manuel , Martín Jose Luis R , Leonardi Jennifer , Rubinos Gema , Ancochea Julio
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The aim was to determine adherence to CPAP and health-related outcomes in patients with OSA via a comprehensive program based on stratification and individualized care plans, including motivational interview.
Methods

A multicentre, randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was used in 3 hospitals. The control group followed the usual treatment. Intervention group (PIMA) followed the treatment with an adapted care plan (home visits, telephone, care-center) depending on socio-demographic, clinical and psychological variables, using motivational interviews in all the interventions. The main outcome was adherence, and secondary were quality of life, emotional state, activities, social relationships, perceived competence, and motivation. The clinical trial was registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04691479).
Results

213 patients (68.1% men, 58.7% between 51–69 years old, 45.5% upper-secondary school education) were randomized: 108 were in the intervention group and 105 were in the control group. The result showed a statistically significant difference in adherence at 90 and 180 days respectively: 129.24 (IC 95% 77.25-181.22) p < 0.0001 and 288.30 (IC95% 187.146–389.47) p < 0.0001. The adherence (hours/day) showed favourable results for the PIMA group compared to the control group at 90 days with a difference of 1.74 hours/day (IC95% 1.18–2.30) p < 0.0001 and at 180 days with a difference of 2.31 (IC95% 1.72–2.91) p < 0.001. The results for secondary outcomes also showed statistically significant differences in favour of the PIMA group.
Conclusions

This study found evidence that a program based on stratification and personalized care plans, through motivational interviewing, improves adherence to CPAP treatment and health-related outcomes than traditional care.
Nitrogen Fixation by Paenibacillus Polymyxa WLY78 is Responsible for Cucumber Growth Promotion
Authors: Liu Shuang , Li Qin , Li Yongbin , Hao Tianyi , Chen Sanfeng
Published: August 2021

Aims To study nitrogen contribution to cucumber derived from nitrogen fixation of Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78.Methods The nif gene cluster deletion mutant (ΔnifB-V) of P. polymyxa WLY78 is constructed by a homologous recombination method. The GFP-labeled ΔnifB-V mutant was used to inoculate cucumber and to study colonization by confocal laser scanning microscope. The effects of plant-growth promotion were investigated by greenhouse experiments. The nitrogen fixation contribution was estimated by 15N isotope dilution experiments. Results Deletion of nif gene cluster of P. polymyxa WLY78 resulted in complete loss of nitrogenase activity. Observation by laser confocal microscopy revealed ΔnifB-V mutant can effectively colonize cucumber root, stem and leaf tissues, like wild-type P. polymyxa WLY78. Greenhouse experiments showed that inoculation with P. polymyxa WLY78 can significantly enhance the lengths and dry weights of cucumber roots and shoots, but inoculation with ΔnifB-V mutant can not. 15N isotope dilution experiments showed that cucumber plants derive 25.93% nitrogen from nitrogen fixation performed by P. polymyxa WLY78, but the ΔnifB-V mutant nearly can not provide nitrogen for plant growth. Conclusions This present study demonstrates that nitrogen fixation performed by P. polymyxa WLY78 is responsible for cucumber growth promotion.
Hydrophobic and Flame-Retardant Foam Based on Cellulose
Authors: Kader Amal H. Abdel , Dacrory sawsan , Khattab Tawfik A. , kamel samir , Abou-Yousef Hussein
Published: August 2021

A series of lightweight, hydrophobic, and fire retardant foams were fabricated through activation of cellulose by phosphoric acid as a primarily step. Dolomite clay was embedded onto the cellulosic suspensions with gelatin/ tannin as adhesive followed by freeze drying process. A solution of the environmentally friendly silicone rubber (RTV) was applied onto foam samples via spray-coating to improve their water repealing performance, which was explored by investigating both of water contacting angle and wettability time of the coated foam samples. Flammability characteristics, thermal decomposition, surface morphology, and chemical structure of treated and untreated foams were investigated by flammability test, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared, respectively. Results showed that the foams loaded dolomite and coated RTV have high hydrophobicity as well as anti-inflammability.
Internal Resonance of Hyperelastic Thin-Walled Cylindrical Shells under Harmonic Axial Excitation and Time-Varying Temperature Field
Authors: Xu Jie , Xuegang Yuan , Zhang Hongwu , Ma Minfu , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the internal resonance characteristics of hyperelastic cylindrical shells under the time-varying temperature field are investigated for the first time, and the evolution of the isolated bubble is carried out. Through the analysis of the influences of temperature on material parameters, the hyperelastic strain energy density function in the unsteady temperature field is presented. The governing equations describing the axisymmetric nonlinear vibration are derived from the nonlinear thin shell theory and the variational principle. With the harmonic balance method and the arc length method, the steady state solutions of shells are obtained, and their stabilities are determined. The influences of the discrete mode number, structural and temperature parameters on the nonlinear behaviors are examined. The role of the parameter variation in evolution behaviors of isolated bubble responses is revealed under the condition of 3:1 internal resonance. The results manifest that both structural and temperature parameters can affect the resonance range of the response curve, and the perturbed temperature has a more significant effect on the stable region of the solution.
Bus Queue Time Estimation Model for a Curbside Bus Stop Considering the Blocking Effect
Authors: LUO Tian , LIU Xiaobin , JIN Hui
Published: August 2021

Bus queue time estimation of a curbside bus stop is essential to evaluate the operation, reliability and performance of a bus system. Arriving buses and served buses on upstream berths form an overflow queue considering the no overtaking principle and limited overtaking principle. Therefore, the bus dwelling time at the C-th berth may directly influence the stop capacity. The bus queue delay is modeled as a function of bus dwell time at the C-th berth and the dwell time at every berth using different distributions (normal and lognormal distributions) and data fitting approaches. This study aims to estimate the queue time attributed to dwell time at the C-th berth. The results indicate that the queue time should be evaluated by bus dwell time and joint probability density to quantify the negative influence on queue delay. Therefore, in some cases, where decisions must be taken into consideration for more than two buses, the relationship between dwell time at a downstream berth and dwell time at the C-th berth must be considered.
Bronchiectasis - Exercise as Therapy (BREATH): Rationale and Study Protocol for a Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jones Taryn , O’Grady Kerry-Ann F , Goyal Vikas , Masters Ian B , McCallum Gabrielle , Drovandi Christopher , Lung Thomas , Baque Emmah , Brookes Denise S K , Terranova Caroline O , Chang Anne B , Trost Stewart G
Published: August 2021

Background: Globally, bronchiectasis (BE) unrelated to cystic fibrosis (CF) is recognized as a major cause of respiratory morbidity, mortality and health-care utilization. Children with BE regularly experience exacerbations of their condition resulting in frequent hospitalizations and decreased health related quality of life (HRQoL). Guidelines for the treatment and management of BE call for regular exercise as it may reduce the incidence of acute exacerbations. To date, the short and long-term health benefits resulting from therapeutic exercise have not been investigated in children with BE. We aim to determine if a therapeutic exercise program is effective in reducing the proportion of children with BE who experience any exacerbation in a 12-month period. The secondary aims are to determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, and assess the program’s impact on aerobic fitness, fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, habitual physical activity, HRQoL, and lung function.Methods: This multi-center, observer-blinded, parallel group (1:1 allocation), randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at three sites. One hundred and seventy-four children aged six to under 13 years with BE will be randomized to a developmentally appropriate, play-based therapeutic exercise program (eight, 60-minute weekly sessions, supplemented by a home-based program) or usual care. Randomization will be stratified by site. Outcome measures (aerobic fitness, fundamental movement skill proficiency, habitual physical activity, HRQoL, and lung function) will be assessed at baseline, 9 weeks, 6 and 12-months. Monthly, parental contact and medical review will document acute respiratory exacerbations and parameters for cost-effectiveness outcomes. Discussion: Results from this study will test the effects of the therapeutic exercise program to prevent acute exacerbations and improve FMS proficiency, fitness, and HRQoL in children with BE. The program could be readily translated with low cost equipment and flexible delivery and have the potential for a major paradigm shift in the way in which therapeutic exercise is prescribed and implemented in children with chronic respiratory conditions. This RCT is required because it will provide long overdue Level 1 evidence regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of tailored therapeutic exercise programs for children with BE.Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR) number ACTRN12619001008112.
Viable Medical Waste Chain Network Design by Considering Risk and Robustness
Authors: Lotfi Reza , Kargar Bahareh , Gharehbaghi Alireza , Weber Gerhard-Wilhelm
Published: August 2021

Medical Waste Management (MWM) is an important and necessary problem in the COVID-19 situation for treatment staff. When the number of infectious patients grows up and amount of MWMs increases day by day. We present Medical Waste Chain Network Design (MWMCND) that contains Health Center (HC), Waste Segregation (WS), Waste Purchase Contractor (WPC) and landfill. We propose to locate WS to decrease waste and recover them and send them to the WPC. Recovering medical waste like metal and plastic can help the environment and return to the production cycle. Therefore, we proposed a novel Viable MWCND by a novel two-stage robust stochastic programming that considers resiliency (flexibility and network complexity) and sustainable (energy and environment) requirements. Therefore, we try to consider risks by Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) and improve robustness and agility to demand fluctuation and network. We utilize and solve it by GAMS CPLEX solver. The results show that by increasing the conservative coefficient, the confidence level of CVaR and waste recovery coefficient increases cost function and population risk. Moreover, increasing demand and scale of the problem make to increase the cost function.
Development and validation of a 13-m6a related lncRNA prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Pingfan , Zhao Xiaowen , Xue Ling , Yang Xiaojing , Shi Yuxiang , Wang Jingjing , Gao Chengying , She Yali , Li Yaling , Li Changtian
Published: August 2021

Considerable evidence suggests that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the regulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), whichparticipates in the occurrence, development and prognosis of tumorscancerBut the relationship between m6A regulators-related lncRNA (mRlncRNA) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. This study aims to determine a feature based on mRlncRNA for prognostic evaluation of LUAD patients. By integrating the gene expression data of LUAD and normal samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the m6A gene and mRlncRNA with imbalanced expression were screened out. Then we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to obtain the 13-lncRNA prognostic signature in the TCGA training cohort. Patients were divided into two risk groups based on the risk score of lncRNAs characteristics, and their overall survival (OS) was significantly different. The predictive power of this signature was verified in TCGA testing cohort and entire TCGA cohort. These landmark lncRNAs were involved in several biologiocal processes and pathways related to cell cycle, DNA replication, P53 signaling pathway and mismatch repair. Besides, the high-risk group was low-response to cisplatin, while high-response to mitomycin, docetaxel and immunotherapy. In conclusion, we identified a 13-mRlncRNA model associated with prognosis and treatment sensitivity in LUAD, which may provide clues about the influence of m6A on lncRNA in LUAD and promote the further improvement of LUAD individualized treatment strategies.