bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Steam Flood Analytical and Simulation Models ~ Strengths and Limitations
Authors: Hampton Thomas J. , El-Mandouh Mohamed , Weber Stevan , Thaker Tirth , Patel K. , Macaul Barclay , Erdle Jim
Published: April 2021

Mathematical Models are needed to aid in defining, analyzing, and quantifying solutions to design and manage steam floods. This paper discusses two main modeling methods – analytical and numerical simulation. Decisions as to which method to use and when to use them, requires an understanding of assumptions used, strengths, and limitations of each method.

This paper presents advantages and disadvantages through comparison of analytical vs simulation when reservoir characterization becomes progressively more complex (dip, layering, heterogeneity between injector/producer, and reservoir thickness).While there are many analytical models, three analytical models are used for this paper:Marx & Langenheim, Modified Neuman, and Jeff Jones.The simulator used was CMG Stars on single pattern on both 5 Spot and 9 Spot patterns and Case 6 of 9 patterns, 5-Spot.

Results were obtained using 6 different cases of varying reservoir properties based on Marx & Langenheim, Modified Neuman, and Jeff Jones models.Simulation was also done on each of the 6 cases, using Modified Neuman steam rates and then on Jeff Jones Steam rates using 9-Spot and 5-Spot patterns.This was done on predictive basis on inputs provided, without adjusting or history matching on analog or historical performance.Optimization runs using Particle Swarm Optimization was applied on one case in minimizing SOR and maximize NPV.

Conclusion from comparing cases is that simulation is needed for complex geology, heterogeneity, and changes in layering. Also, simulation can be used for maximizing economics using AI based optimization tool. While understanding limitations, the analytical models are good for quick looks such as screening, scoping design, some surveillance, and for conceptual understanding of basic steam flood on uniform geologic properties.

This paper is innovative in comparison of analytical models and simulation modeling.Results that quantify differences of oil rate, SOR, and injection rates (Neuman and Jeff Jones) impact on recovery factors is presented.
Designing and Theoretical study of fluorinated small molecule donor materials for organic solar cells
Authors: Mubashar Usama , Farhat Afifa , Khera Rasheed Ahmad , Saleem Rabia , IQBAL Javed
Published: April 2021

A recently synthesized photoactive donor named fluorinated thienyl substituted benzodithiophene (DRTB-FT), modified with four novel end capped acceptor molecules, have been investigated through different electrical, quantum and spectrochemical techniques for their enhanced electro-optical and photovoltaic properties. DRTB-FT was connected to 2-methylenemalononitrile (D-1), 2-methylene-3-oxobutanenitrile (D-2), 2-(2-methylene-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylidene) malonitrile (D-3) and 3-methyl-5methylene-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one (D-4) as terminal acceptor moieties. The architectural D-1 and D-3 molecules owe reduced optical band gap of 2.45 and 2.28 eV benefited from A-D-A configuration and have broaden maximum absorption band (λmax) at 617 and 602 nm in polar organic solvent (chloroform). Reduced optical band gap set the ease for enhanced absorption. Reorganization energy of electron (λe) of D-3 molecule (0.00397 eV) was smaller amongst all which disclosed its greater mobility of conducting electrons (ICT). Larger values of dipole moment (µ) of D-1(5.939 Debye) and D-3 (3.661 Debye) molecules in comparison to R indicated greater solubilities of the targeted molecules. Among the tailored molecules, D-3 showed lowest binding energy of 0.25 eV in solvent phase and 0.08 eV in gaseous phase. The voltaic strength of designed molecules was examined with respect to fullerene derivative (PC61BM) which exposed that D-1 is the best choice for achieving higher PCE. TDM (transition density matrix), DOS (density of states) analysis and binding energies all were estimated at MPW1PW91/6-31G (d, p) level of DFT (density functional theory).
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Auditory Neuropathy: Evidence Based on Audiological Test and Inner Ear MRI
Authors: Ai Yu , Hu Na , Wang Mingming
Published: April 2021

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), defined as a hearing loss of ≥30 dB affecting at least three consecutive frequencies occurring over a 72-hour period, is commonly in audiologic and otolaryngologic practice. However, SSNHL with auditory neuropathy is rarely reported. We described the clinical characteristics of a patient with SSNHL and auditory neuropathy, together with its etiologic mechanism. Case presentation: A 27-year-old woman was referred to our otological clinic with acute diminished hearing on the left ear, associated with persistent tinnitus, aural fullness and vertigo, all for a duration of 20 days. Audiological examination showed presence of otoacoustic emissions and cochlear microphone with absent ABR on the left ear, which was consistent with the criteria of auditory neuropathy. Magnetic resonance images of the brain and inner ear implicated demyelinating lesions in the auditory nerve. Forty months after onset, all the auditory retests were normal and symmetric T2-FLAIR signals of both auditory nerves were found in inner ear magnetic resonance images.Conclusion: We showed that the SSNHL with auditory neuropathy could be caused by demyelination. The case also suggests that some SSNHL caused by demyelination is reversible.
Glycaemic control and complications in people with diabetes: sex and socioeconomic status differences in the city of Madrid
Authors: Ares-Blanco Sara , Polentinos-Castro Elena , Rodríguez-Cabrera Francisco , Gullón Pedro , Perruca Luis Sánchez , Tejero Manuel Franco , González Isabel del Cura
Published: April 2021

Background: Differences in complications and multimorbidity for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have been found according to patient sex and socioeconomic status (SES). We analysed the association between sex and SES with glycaemic and cardiovascular control in diabetic primary care patients from the whole city of Madrid.Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, retrospective, multicenter study with an analytical approach within the Heart Healthy Hood Project (HHH). A total of 68,535 T2D patients between 40-75 years who were living in the municipality of Madrid were included. Age, sex, area-level SES (in quintiles from least to most wealth), tobacco use, comorbidities, complications, and health center characteristics were collected from primary care electronic health records during 2017-2018. The primary outcome was glycaemic control indicated by an HbA1c ≤ 7%. The secondary outcomes were combined control target (HbA1c ≤ 7%, blood pressure (BP), < 140/90 mm Hg, LDL <100 mg/ml) and body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2). Descriptive, bivariate analyses and multilevel logistic regression models analyzed factors associated with suboptimal glycaemic control. Results: The mean age was 62.7 years old, 43,2% were female. Glycaemic control was achieved by 63% of patients. Women had better glycaemic control than men (64.2% vs 62.4%). Those who were in quintile 1 of SES achieved glycaemic control more often than those in quintile 5 (65.9% vs 59.7%). The optimal combined target (HbA1c, BP, LDL) was reached by 10% of patients (women: 9.3% vs men: 11.2%), especially those in quintile 5. If BMI<30 kg/m2 was added, the combined target attainment rate decreased to 6.6%. In the adjusted regression model, we found that sex (AOR:0.97, 95%CI: 0.94-1.01) was not related with suboptimal glycaemic control but being part of quintile 4 (AOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.06-1.26) and 5 (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.32) of SES was associated with not reaching the glycaemic goal.Conclusions: Suboptimal glycaemic and combined control were associated with being less affluent but not with sex in the whole population of people with diabetes in the city of Madrid. Public policies and doctors should take social determinants into account to reduce social and health inequalities.
Robot Motion Planning Benchmarking and Optimization using Motion Planning Pipeline
Authors: Liu Shuai , Liu Pengcheng
Published: April 2021

Algorithms have been designed for robot motion planning with various adaptability to different problems. However, how to choose the most suitable planner in a scene has always been a problem worthy of research. This paper aims to find the most suitable motion planner for each query under three different scenes and six different queries. The work lies in optimization of sampling-based motion planning algorithms through Motion Planning Pipeline and Planning Request Adapter. The idea is to use the pre-processing of the planning request adapter, to run OMPL as a pre-processer for the optimized CHOMP or STOMP algorithm, and connect through the motion planning pipeline, to realize the optimization of the motion trajectory. The optimized trajectories are compared with original trajectories through benchmarking. The benchmarking determines the most suitable motion planning algorithm for different scenarios and different queries. Experimental results show that after optimization, the planning time of the algorithm is longer, but the efficiency is significantly improved. In the low-complexity scenes, STOMP optimizes the sampling algorithm very well, improves the trajectory quality greatly, and has a higher success rate. CHOMP also has a good optimization of the sampling algorithm, but it reduces the success rate of the original algorithm. However, in more complex scenes, optimization performance of the two optimization methods may not be as good as the original algorithm. In future work, we need to find better algorithms and better optimization algorithms to tackle with complex scenes.
Satisfaction and intention to return for donation among non-remunerated blood donors in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Pei Pei , Chang Chee Tao , Rahman Jernih Abdul , Noor Sabariah Mohd
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn Malaysia, blood supply relies mainly on non-remunerated blood donors. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction and experience of blood donors during the blood donation process and their intention to return for donation in future.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducting using a self-administered questionnaire among blood donors. Study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital and two mobile sites in the Perak state of Malaysia. The questionnaire was initially developed in the Malay language with 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire comprised of three domains: i) sociodemographic characteristics ii) donor’s satisfaction towards staff iii) donors’ experience and satisfaction towards the donation process. ResultOf the 400 questionnaires distributed, 369 (92.3%) were analysed. The mean age of the donors was 35.98±10.67 years. Most of the donors were male (75.1%), of Malay ethnicity (60.2%) and regular donors (65.6%). Majority of the blood donors reported high satisfaction towards the interviewer (99.0%), blood taking skill of the staff (97.5%), politeness and friendliness of the staff (99.5%) and communication with the staff (98.9%). Minority of the blood donors expressed dissatisfaction towards the parking spaces (13.4%), refreshment (0.8%), and the blood donation operation hours (0.8%). Generally, the respondents had high overall satisfaction level (99.2%) and high intention to donate blood again in the future (98.9%). Conclusion Blood donors in the current study were highly satisfied towards the staff and blood donation process. Translation of high intention to return for donation to actual donation behaviour require further exploration in future studies.
Cognitive Radio Jamming Attack Detection Using an Autoencoder for CRIoT Network 
Authors: v Nallarasan , Kottursamy Kottilingam
Published: April 2021

IoT network-connected devices will be kept on increasing and will cross million, but it is impossible to allocate spectrum for those million and million of the devices. This spectrum scarcity can be handled by incorporating cognitive radio-based dynamic spectrum sharing, which is referred to as Cognitive Radio Internet of Things (CRIoT). But CRIoT sufferers from the Physical layer attack in cognitive radio, which affects the spectrum sensing accuracy and reduces the spectrum utilization. There are various attacks at the physical layer of cognitive radio among jamming attacks resulting in a denial of cognitive radio services and make spectrum underutilization. Continuous jamming can be detected quickly based on time delay on spectrum access, but discrete random jamming detection is challenging. This article proposes an autoencoder deep learning architecture-based jamming attack detection in cognitive radio. The jamming detection problem is modeled as anomaly detection. The autoencoder architecture is used to detect the jammer anomaly of the jammer. The proposed system involves the simulation of a random jamming attack and detecting it at a particular time instant information that may help mitigate the jammer attack .the proposed mechanism able to detect the jammer with 89% of accuracy.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Alleviates Secondary Injury in Spinal Cord Injury Mice Through Reducing Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Hou Yonghui , Luan Jiyao , Deng Tiancheng , Huang Taida , Li Xing , Xiao Zhifeng , Zhan Jiheng , Luo Dan , Hou Yu , Xu Liangliang , Lin Dingkun
Published: April 2021

Background Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a hydrophilic bile acid derivative, which has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in different neurological disease models. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of TUDCA on spinal cord injury (SCI) have not been fully elucidated. This study is aim to investigate the protective effects of TUDCA in SCI mouse model and the related mechanism involved.Methods The primary cortical neurons were isolated from E16.5 C57BL/6 mouse embryos. To evaluate the effect of TUDCA on oxidative stress in vitro, the cortical neurons were treated with H2O2 with or without TUDCA added. Mice were randomly divided into sham, SCI and TUDCA groups. SCI model was induced using a pneumatic impact device at T9-T10 level of vertebra. TUDCA (200 mg/kg) or equal volume of saline was intragastrically administrated daily post injury for 14 days. ResultsWe found that TUDCA reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to protect primary cortical neurons from oxidative stress in vitro. In vivo, TUDCA treatment significantly reduced tissue injury, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis; promoted axon regeneration and remyelination in the lesion site of spinal cord of SCI mice. The functional recovery test revealed that TUDCA treatment significantly ameliorated recovery of limb function.ConclusionsTUDCA treatment can alleviate secondary injury and promote functional recovery through reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis induced by primary injury, and promote axon regeneration and remyelination, which could be used as a potential therapy for human SCI recovery.
Identification and validation of appropriate reference genes for gene expression analysis in Schima superba
Authors: Yang Zhongyi , Zhang Rui , Zhou Zhichun
Published: April 2021

Background: Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a reliable and high-throughput technique for gene expression studies, but its accuracy depends on the expression stability of reference genes. Schima superba is a strong resistance and fast-growing timber specie. However, so far, reliable reference gene identifications have not been reported in S. superba. In this study, we screened and verified the stably expressed reference genes in different tissues of S. superba.Results: Nineteen candidate reference genes were selected and evaluated for their expression stability in different tissues. Three software programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) were used to evaluate the reference gene transcript stabilities, and comprehensive stability ranking was generated by the geometric mean method. Our results identified that SsuACT was the most stable reference gene, SsuACT + SsuRIB was the best reference genes combination for different tissues. Finally, the stable and less stable reference genes were verified using the SsuSND1 expression in different tissues.Conclusions: This is the first report to verify the appropriate reference genes for normalizing gene expression in S. superba, which will facilitate future elucidation of gene regulations in this species, and useful references for relative species.
Exploring genetic diversity of lowland avocado as a genetic reservoir for breeding.
Authors: Sandoval-Castro Eduardo , Peraza-Magallanes Ayesha Yolitzín , Dodd Richard S , Ashworth Vanessa E T M , Mendívil Abraham Cruz , Calderón-Vázquez Carlos Ligne
Published: April 2021

The avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is highly valued worldwide for its desirable nutritional properties and broader applications in the oil and pharmaceutical industry. Despite northwestern Mexico, with a tropical semi desert climate, is not considered as part of the avocado origin center in Mexico, it possesses a high morphological diversity of avocado fruits. In an effort to provide more information about the diversity present in this region and at the same time, to support a more efficient production of avocado in this climate, this study characterized the genetic diversity of avocado trees growing at northwestern Mexico. Genetic diversity was estimated by using eight microsatellite loci. 45 seed-derived trees, with contrasting fruit morphology were identified. Results showed a high level of genetic diversity with 11.5 alleles per locus, a polymorphic index content of 0.75, and observed and expected heterozygosity values of 0.58 and 0.79, respectively, these values were similar to those observed in germplasm banks and genotypes from centers of origin. Clustering analysis assigned local genotypes to six clusters but did not provide a clear separation among avocado races, suggesting that local genotypes are a result of racial hybridization. Interestingly, avocados from the Mexican race and the commercial variety Hass clustered into two different groups. Despite not being considered a center of origin, results confirm an extensive diversity in northwestern Mexico, encouraging further exploration and preservation of genotypes with desirable traits to future breeding programs for the selection of local genotypes adapted to a lowland tropical climate.
Genetics of growth habit in horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.)Verdc.)
Authors: Chandana Basalapura Rangegowda , Ramesh Sampangi , Basanagouda Gonal , Kirankumar Rotti , Ashwini Kyasampalli Venkatesh Reddy
Published: April 2021

Growth habit is a plant architectural trait in grain legumes with no exception of horse gram. Determinacy and indeterminacy are the two types of growth habits reported in horse gram. Relative advantages of the two types of growth habit depend on the production systems to which cultivars are targeted. Dependable information on genetics of growth habit provide clues for adopting the most appropriate selection strategy to breed high yielding horse gram varieties with desired growth habit. Taking cues from the past studies, we hypothesize that growth habit in horse gram is controlled by two genes displaying inhibitory epistasis and indeterminacy is dominant over determinacy. To test this hypothesis, we monitored the inheritance of growth habit in F1, F2 and F3 generations derived from two crosses involving parents differing for growth habit. Contrary to our hypothesis, determinate growth habit of F1s of both the crosses suggested dominance of determinacy over indeterminacy. A good fit of observed segregation of F2 plants to that of the hypothesized segregation in the ratio of 13 determinate: 3 indeterminate plants, besides confirming dominance of determinacy, suggested classical digenic inhibitory epistatic control of growth habit. These results were further confirmed in F3 generation based on goodness of fit between observed numbers of plants segregating for determinacy and indeterminacy and those expected in the ratio of 49 determinate: 15 indeterminate plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the inheritance of growth habit in horse gram.
HGF, IL-1α and IL-27 are Robust Biomarkers in Early Severity Stratification of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Tamayo-Velasco Alvaro , Martinez-Paz Pedro , Peñarrubia María Jesús , Fuente Ignacio De la , Pérez-González Sonia , Fernández Itziar , Dueñas Carlos , Gómez-Sánchez Esther , Lorenzo-López Mario , Gómez-Pesquera Estefanía , Heredia-Rodríguez María , Carnicero-Frutos Irene , Muñoz-Moreno María Fe , Gorgojo-Galindo Oscar , Martín-Fernández Marta , Bernardo David , Álvarez Francisco Javier , Tamayo Eduardo , Benito Hugo Gonzalo
Published: April 2021

Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of hospital admission and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), attributed to a cytokine storm. The objective of our study is to characterize this profile to identify the cytokines responsible for lung damage and mortality.Methods: Plasma samples of 108 prospectively recruited COVID-19 patients were collected between March and April 2020. Patients were divided into four groups according to the severity of respiratory symptoms: 34 mild (no oxygen support), 26 moderate (low oxygen support using nasal cannula), 16 severe (high oxygen support) and 32 critical (mechanical ventilation). A 45-plex Human XL Cytokine Luminex Performance Panel kit was used in duplicate for each plasma sample. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were used for normalization of the results.Results: Multiple cytokines showed statistically significant differences when comparing mild and critical patients (HGF, PDGFBB, PIGF-1, IL-1α, MCP-1, VEGFA, IL-15 and IL-2). The best multivariable model included HGF, IL-1α, IL-2 and IL-27. High HGF levels were associated with the critical group (OR = 3.51; p < 0.001; 95%CI = 1.95–6.33). Moreover, high IL-1α (OR = 1.36; p = 0.01; 95%CI = 1.07–1.73) and low IL-27 (OR = 0.58; p < 0.005; 95%CI = 0.39–0.85) greatly increased the risk of ending up in the severe group. This model was especially sensitive in order to predict critical status (AUC = 0.794; specificity = 69.74%; sensitivity = 81.25%). Furthermore, high levels of HGF and IL-1α showed significant results in the survival analysis (p = 0.033 and p = 0.011, respectively).Conclusions: Our study showed that HGF, IL-1α and IL 27 at hospital admission were strongly associated with severe/critical COVID-19 patients and therefore are excellent predictors of bad prognosis. Indeed, HGF and IL-1α were also mortality biomarkers.
Mauritia Flexuosa Palm-Trees Airborne Mapping with Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Arce Luciene Sales Daguer , Osco Lucas Prado , Arruda Mauro dos Santos , Furuya Danielle Ellis Garcia , Ramos Ana Paula Marques , Aoki Camila , Pott Arnildo , Fatholahi Sarah , Li Jonathan , Araujo Fabio Fernando , Gonçalvez Wesley Nunes , Junior José Marcato
Published: April 2021

Accurately mapping individual tree species in densely forested environments is crucial to forest inventory. When considering only RGB images, this is a challenging task for many automatic photogrammetry processes. The main reason for that is the spectral similarity between species in RGB scenes, which can be a hindrance for most automatic methods. This paper presents a deep learning-based approach to detect an important multi-use species of palm trees (Mauritia flexuosa; i.e., Buriti) on aerial RGB imagery. In South-America, this palm tree is essential for many indigenous and local communities because of its characteristics. The species is also a valuable indicator of water resources, which comes as a benefit for mapping its location. The method is based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to identify and geolocate singular tree species in a high-complexity forest environment. The results returned a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.75 trees and an F1-measure of 86.9%. These results are better than Faster R-CNN and RetinaNet methods considering equal experiment conditions. In conclusion, the method presented is efficient to deal with a high-density forest scenario and can accurately map the location of single species like the M flexuosa palm tree and may be useful for future frameworks.
Comparison of 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI and 18FDG PET/CT Imaging Modalities in the Detection of Liver Metastases in Patients with Gastrointestinal System Cancer
Authors: Şahin Ertan , Elboga Umut , Celen Yusuf Zeki , Sever Ozlem Nuray , Cayırlı Yusuf Burak , Cimen Ufuk
Published: April 2021

PurposeWe aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of PET/CT imaging performed with 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI and 18FDG in detection of liver metastases in patients with gastrointestinal system (GIS) cancer.MethodsA total of 31 patients who underwent 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations and diagnosed with GIS cancer (15 colorectal, 9 pancreas, 4 stomach and 3 other cancers) were included in the study. The presence of liver metastasis was decided based on histopathologic diagnosis, PET/CT, other radiologic examinations or tumor biomarker findings, and both PET/CT imaging findings were compared on the patient and lesion basis. ResultsOf the 31 patients, 28 were found as true positive with 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-PET/CT and 17 with 18FDG-PET/CT. Of the 98 metastatic liver lesions determined according to our diagnostic criteria, 92 were found as true positive lesions with 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-PET/CT and 65 with 18FDG-PET/CT. There was a statistically significant difference between both imaging modalities in the patient and lesion based comparisons (p<0.05).When semiquantitative values (SUVmax, mlr) obtained from the lesions were compared between the two imaging methods, mlr values showed statistically significant difference in all tumor subgroups (p<0.05).ConclusionIt was concluded that 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-PET/CT was superior over 18FDG-PET/CT in detection of liver metastases of GIS cancers and it can be a complementary method especially in negative cases with 18FDG-PET/CT.
Ankle-foot Orthosis With an Oil Damper Versus Nonarticulated Ankle-foot Orthosis in the Gait of Patients With Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yamamoto Sumiko , Motojima Naoyuki , Kobayashi Yosuke , Osada Yuji , Tanaka Souji , Daryabor Aliyeh
Published: April 2021

BackgroundGait improvement in patients with stroke using ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) has been compared to the effects of non-AFO use in previous studies, but the effect of different kinds of AFOs has not been clear. When considering the effect of different kinds of AFOs on gait, the dorsiflexion and plantar flexion moment of resistance is considered a key determinant of functional effect. In this study, the effect on gait of using an AFO with an oil damper (AFO-OD), which has plantar flexion resistance but no dorsiflexion resistance, and a nonarticulated AFO, which has both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion resistance, were compared in a randomized controlled trial. MethodsForty-one patients (31 men, 10 women; mean age 58.4 ± 11.3 years) in the subacute phase of stroke were randomly allocated to two groups to undergo 2 weeks of gait training by physiotherapists while wearing an AFO-OD or a nonarticulated AFO. A motion capture system was utilized to measure shod gait without orthosis at baseline and after training with the allocated AFO. Data analysis was performed focused on the spatial and temporal parameters, ground reaction force, shank-to-vertical angle, and ankle joint kinematics and kinetics. Two-way mixed ANOVA was performed to clarify the effect of AFO use and the difference between the two AFOs. ResultsThirty-six patients completed the study (17 in the AFO-OD group and 19 in the nonarticulated AFO group). Spatial and temporal parameters and ankle joint kinematics were improved after 2 weeks in both AFO groups. Interactions were found for the range of shank-to-vertical angles in paretic single stance and ankle peak power absorption. In the AFO-OD group, both parameters improved when the participants walked with the AFO compared to the shod gait, but there was no change in the nonarticulated AFO group. Power generation was not increased in either AFO group. ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that AFO with plantar flexion resistance but without dorsiflexion resistance improved the range of the shank-to-vertical angle and ankle power absorption but not power generation in a paretic stance. (336/350 words)Trial registration: UMIN000028126 Registered 1 August 2017,https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-bin/icdr/ctr_menu_form_reg.cgi?recptno=R000032197
Large- and small- scale movement and distribution of acoustically tagged lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in eastern Lake Erie
Authors: Withers Jonah L , Takade-Heumacher Helen M , Davis Lori , Neuenhoff Rachel , Albeke Shannon E , Sweka John A
Published: April 2021

Background Defining the spatial distribution, home range, and movement patterns of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is important to managers and decision makers given the large migration potential and potamodromous behavior exhibited by the species. A remnant population of lake sturgeon remains in the far eastern basin of Lake Erie and although recent efforts have estimated the population size, described the age distribution, and identified a primary spawning site no study to date has examined the spatial distribution or movements of individuals within this population. Between 2014 and 2018 we acoustically tagged 59 adult lake sturgeon, captured near the headwaters of the Niagara River, and monitored their large-scale movements throughout Lake Erie with the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry System and small-scale movements with a Vemco Positioning System near the headwaters of the Niagara River. After dividing Lake Erie into seven sections, we ran a multi-state mark recapture model to examine the movement rates into and out of the eastern most section of the lake. Within a heavily utilized lake section, near the headwaters of the Niagara River, we identified home ranges with our Vemco Positioning System for each season and year using averaged Brownian bridge movement models.Results Although some sturgeon demonstrated large-scale movements, traversing the entirety of Lake Erie, the majority of individuals spent their time in the eastern basin of the lake. Home ranges appeared to vary among seasons but were consistent across years with lake sturgeon selecting the northeastern, rocky, and shallow area of our array during pre-spawning and spawning seasons and leaving our array, or selecting a trough running along the northwestern portion of our array comprised of sand and bedrock, in the summer and fall seasons. Conclusions Documenting these large-scale movements aligns with previous findings that lake sturgeon on either end of the lake are genetically similar and demonstrates lake sturgeon in the eastern basin exhibit strong philopatry. Our small-scale movement models provide managers with spatial reference points, in the form of utilization distributions, which are heavily used by lake sturgeon within seasons. Future studies should examine what parameters are driving site selection in these areas.
Modeling of Topside Ionosphere and Plasmasphere
Authors: Watanabe Shigeto , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Kumamoto Atsusi , Kasahara Yoshiya , Matsuoka Ayako , Shinohara Iku
Published: April 2021

We developed a new topside ionosphere and plasmasphere model using a machine learning technique using approximately five million electron density datasets from the Japanese satellites, namely, Hinotori, Akebono, and Arase. The topside ionosphere and plasmasphere model (TIP-model) can estimate electron densities at altitudes ranging from 500 km to 30,000 km in terms of latitude, longitude, universal time, season, and solar and magnetic activities with time history. The model shows the time-dependent 3D structure of the plasmasphere in response to solar and magnetic activities. The constructed TIP-model reproduces plasmapause, plasma tail/erosion of the plasmasphere, and the plasma escape near the magnetic pole. The total electron content (TEC) in the plasmasphere was also obtained through the integration of electron density from 2,000 km to 30,000 km altitudes. The TEC of the plasmasphere is approximately 5 TECU near the magnetic equator, and it depends strongly on geomagnetic latitude, longitude, local time, and solar and magnetic activities.
Convolutional Neural Networks based OSA Event Prediction from ECG Scalograms and Spectrograms
Authors: Nasifoglu Huseyin , Erogul Osman
Published: April 2021

In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models in predicting Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) using electrocardiograms. Unlike other studies in the literature, this study automatically extracts time-frequency features by using CNNs instead of manual feature extraction from ECG recordings. For this purpose, the proposed model generates scalogram and spectrogram representations by transforming preprocessed 30-sec ECG segments from time domain to the frequency domain using Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) and Short Time Fourier transform (STFT), respectively. We examined AlexNet, GoogleNet and ResNet18 models in predicting OSA events. The effect of transfer learning on success is also investigated. Based on the observed results, we proposed a new model that is found more effective in estimation. In total, 152 ECG recordings were included in the study for training and evaluation of the models. The prediction using scalograms immediately 30 seconds before potential OSA onsets gave the best performance with 82.30% accuracy, 83.22% sensitivity, 82.27% specificity and 82.95% positive predictive value. On the other hand, the prediction using spectrograms also provided up to 80.13% accuracy and 81.99% sensitivity on prediction. The results show that the proposed CNN model can be used as a good indicator to accurately predict OSA events using ECG signals.
Fungal Community and Physicochemical Profiles of Ripened Cheeses
Authors: Aragão Michele , Evangelista Suzana , Passamani Fabiana , Guimarães João Pedro , Abreu Luiz , Batista Luis
Published: April 2021

Ripened cheeses are traditionally produced and consumed worldwide. Canastra’s Minas artisanal cheese (QMA) is a protected geographical indication (PGI) traditional ripened cheeses. The influence of fungi on the cheese ripening process is of great importance. This study aimed to apply culture-dependent and -independent methods to determine the mycobiota of QMA produced in the Canastra region, as well as to determine its physicochemical characteristics. Samples from different producers were collected in the cities of São Roque de Minas and Piumhi (MG). Illumina-based amplicon sequencing, and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight - (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS) methods were used. The physicochemical analysis showed that the QMA had a moisture content between 18.24% and 21%, fat content between 20.5% and 40%, sodium chloride percentage around 0.9%, and pH of 5.5 to 5.3. The population of fungi ranged between 6.3 and 8 log CFU/g. Fusarium sp., Geotrichum candidum, Paecilomyces sp., Trichosporon coremiiforme, Candida catenulata, Aspergillus sp., Trichosporon japonicum, A. oryzae, Kluyveromyces, Torulaspora, and Debaryomyces were the most prevalent fungi. A. ochraceus potentially mycotoxin-producing was detected. Promising species that can contribute to the product quality were identified as Geotrichum candidum and Candida catenulate. However, future studies should evaluate the ability of A. ochraceus to produce mycotoxin in cheese, as well as control the growth of certain species of fungi during ripening, resulting in a safe and high quality product.
Research on the Image Building of the Typical City and Ancient Town in the Southern China from the Perspective of Water Culture
Authors: Feng Chang , Pi Xiaofeng , Yang Liu , Deng Yunyuan , Chen Yixin , Wu Zhuolin , Huang Xianhua , Liu Ziyi
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of the economy and the acceleration of urbanization in China, the characteristics of traditional ancient towns are gradually assimilated by modern culture. Image is the characteristics and individuality of cities and ancient towns. Image building has also become an important means to enhance urban competitiveness, protect the characteristic culture of ancient towns and develop tourism in ancient towns. This research takes Changsha city and Jinggang ancient towns as examples, and based on physical water culture, behavioral water culture and spiritual water culture, which are analyzed and compared from the perspective of figuration and imagery. The results show that the water culture’s visualization has similar and different of these two places. The similarity is reflected in the obvious spatial development structure and derived water culture of the places. The differences are reflected in the following aspects: (1)Changsha city’s natural water landscapes such as scenic spots along the river, islands and scenic spots, ecological leisure parks, etc. Jinggang Ancient Town is dominated by temples, ancient theaters and other cultural attractions. (2) There are many ports, navigation junctions and modern water conservancy establishments in Changsha; Jinggang ancient town are well preserved about the ancient quay and other ancient water conservancy establishment. (3) Changsha City presents the urban spirit of “being the first and keeping the world in mind”. Jinggang Ancient Town believes in “Water God”. Combining the similarities and differences between the water cultural visualized of Changsha and Jinggang ancient town, it is proposed that Changsha should pay attention to protecting the water cultural heritage, Jinggang ancient town need to create natural water landscapes, and both regions need to increase water cultural activities. The suggestion provided reference for similar water culture building visualize of cities or ancient towns.
Berberine Attenuates Neonatal Sepsis in Rats By Inhibiting FOXA1 and NF-κB Signaling Transduction Via The Induction of miR-132-3p
Authors: Li Binghui , Niu Shiping , Geng Hongli , Yang Changkun , Zhao Changliang
Published: April 2021

Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a severe syndrome in newborns induced by infections, the initiation and development of which are closely related to the function of miRs. In the current study, the anti-NS effects of berberine, a functional component in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), were assessed by focusing on its interaction with miR-132-3p-mediated signaling. NS model was induced using cecal slurry (CS) and handled with berberine. The changes in survival rate, intestinal structure, systemic inflammation, miR-132-3p level, and activities of FOXA1 and NF-κB pathways were detected. The data showed that berberine increased survival rate of NS mice. The intestinal injures induced by CS were also attenuated by berberine, which was associated with the inhibited production of systemic IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. At molecular level, the expression of miR-132-3p was up-regulated, suppressing the expressions of FOXA1, p-IκBα, and p65, while inducing the expression of IκBα. The effects of berberine on NS-induced impairments were blocked by the injection of miR-132-3p antagomir, which reduced survival rate, exacerbated intestinal injuries, induced systemic inflammation, and re-activated FOXA1 and NF-κB pathways. Collectively, the findings outlined in the current study indicated that berberine had solid protective effects on newborn mice against NS-induced symptoms, and the effects depended on the up-regulation of miR-132-3p.
GGADN: Guided Generative Adversarial Dehazing Network
Authors: Jian Zhang , Song Wanjuan
Published: April 2021

Image dehazing has always been a challenging topic in image processing. The development of deep learning methods, especially the Generative Adversarial Networks(GAN), provides a new way for image dehazing. In recent years, many deep learning methods based on GAN have been applied to image dehazing. However, GAN has two problems in image dehazing.

Firstly, For haze image, haze not only reduces the quality of the image, but also blurs the details of the image. For Gan network, it is difficult for the generator to restore the details of the whole image while removing the haze. Secondly, GAN model is defined as a minimax problem, which weakens the loss function. It is difficult to distinguish whether GAN is making progress in the training process. Therefore, we propose a Guided Generative Adversarial Dehazing Network(GGADN). Different from other generation adversarial networks, GGADN adds a guided module on the generator. The guided module verifies the network of each layer of the generator. At the same time, the details of the map generated by each layer are strengthened. Network training is based on the pre-trained VGG feature model and L1-regularized gradient prior which is developed by new loss function parameters. From the dehazing results of synthetic images and real images, proposed method is better than the state-of-the-art dehazing methods.
Impact of Environmental Complexity and Stocking Density on Affective States of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Authors: Anderson M.G. , Campbell A.M. , Kuhn D.D. , Smith S.A. , Jacobs L.
Published: April 2021

Affective states of animals can be assessed through judgement bias tests, evaluating responses to ambiguous situations. In this study, rainbow trout (n = 108) were housed in recirculating aquaculture systems under commercial conditions while trained at tank-level to discriminate between a positively reinforced chamber (feed) in one location and a negative chamber (positive punishment; chase by net for 1s) in the opposing location. Fish from successful tanks (2 out of 5 tanks) were then housed in treatment tanks of either high or low environmental complexity at either high (165 fish/m3) or low (69 fish/m3) stocking density. Trained fish were tested for latencies to approach three intermediate, ambiguous chambers. Fish housed in high-density tanks were faster to enter all chambers than those housed in low-density tanks (8.5s vs. 15.2s; P = 0.001), with faster entries into the positive (7.4s vs. 15.2s; P = 0.02) and near-negative chambers (10.2s vs. 17.4s; P = 0.006), suggesting that these fish were more optimistic to receive a feed reward. Tank complexity did not affect test outcomes. No differences between treatments were observed between body weight, length, and plasma cortisol. Overall, rainbow trout are capable of discriminating between cues during a judgement bias test and fish housed in high-density environments respond more optimistically in ambiguous situations compared to fish in low-density environments.
Interfacial Engineering of Smart Polymer Self-Assembly Using Doped-Nanostructures for Constructing Stable Nano-Carriers
Authors: Arabmarkadeh Arash , Mortezaei Nasser , Mirzaasadi Mojtaba , Hejazi Amin , Sepehri Amir
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, nanotechnology has been developed in various fields of treatment, including cancer treatment. Since the prevalence of different types of cancer has risen, and currently available cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy may cause serious side effects. In this regard, researchers have made considerable efforts to encourage the creation and make strides in treating this deadly disease. Meanwhile, nanotechnology has become widespread, and various nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, have been extensively used to transfer the drug to the targeted sites. Recently, many drug delivery systems have been developed based on nanoparticles, and various substances have been employed as drug stimulants or enhancers to improve the treatment effectiveness, stability, and safety of anticancer drugs. In this paper, the drug delivery capability of three new categories of carbon nanoparticles (i.e., Fullerenes, nanosheets, and Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs)) was investigated by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation. Energy, Gyration Radius (Rg), Hydrogen bond (H-Bond), Radial Distribution Function (RDF), and Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA) analyses have been used to compare the studied nanoparticles. The Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN) nanosheet simulation exhibited the lowest drug particle Contact Area, the highest RDF, the most inferior reduction in the Rg, the highest number of H-Bonds, and the highest drug adsorption energy. Thus, BCN nanosheet was introduced as the best nanoparticle for drug delivery purposes.
Evolution, heterogeneity and global dispersal of cosmopolitan genotype: The most widespread genotype of Dengue Virus type 2
Authors: Yenamandra Surya Pavan , Koo Carmen , Chiang Suzanna , Jeri Lim Han Shi , Yeo Zhen Yuan , Ng Lee Ching , Hapuarachchi Hapuarachchige Chanditha
Published: April 2021

Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) contributes substantially to the dengue burden and dengue-related mortality in the tropics and sub-tropics. DENV-2 includes six genotypes, among which cosmopolitan genotype is the most widespread. The present study investigated the evolution, intra-genotype heterogeneity and dispersal of cosmopolitan genotype to understand unique genetic characteristics that have shaped the molecular epidemiology and distribution of cosmopolitan lineages. The spatial analysis demonstrated a wide geo-distribution of cosmopolitan genotype through an extensive inter-continental network, anchored in Southeast Asia and Indian sub-continent. Intra-genotype analyses using 2,392 envelope gene sequences revealed six distinct lineages within the cosmopolitan genotype, namely the Indian sub-continent lineage and five other lineages. Indian sub-continent lineage was the most diverged among six lineages and has almost reached the nucleotide divergence threshold of 6% within E gene to qualify as a separate genotype. Genome wide amino acid signatures and selection pressure analyses further suggested differences in evolutionary characteristics between the Indian sub-continent lineage and other lineages. The present study narrates a comprehensive genomic analysis of cosmopolitan genotype and presents notable genetic characteristics that occurred during its evolution and global expansion. Whether those characteristics conferred a fitness advantage to cosmopolitan genotype in different geographies warrant further investigations.
Assessment of Community-based Service Learning at the University of Lyon: an Opportunity to Rethink Public Health Education
Authors: LEBLANC Pierre , Occelli Pauline , Etienne Jerome , Rode Gilles , Colin Cyrille
Published: April 2021

Background. The French government set up a community-based service learning programme on health promotion for undergraduate health students to involve them in key public health objectives. At the University of Lyon, students first underwent formal instruction, including e-learning, lectures, and interactive seminars, and then became health educators for school pupils. The main objective of the present study was to assess the process of implementing this programme during the 2018-2019 academic year.Methods. Satisfaction and perception of medical and midwife students with service learning experiences were assessed by a questionnaire, semi-directive interviews, and observations.Results. Over time the students evolved from a negative perception of service learning to a positive one. Students were mostly satisfied by interactive seminars that allowed them to gain confidence and competence in health education. They felt valued by taking part in this service learning. They became more aware of their educative responsibilities on public health issues as future professionals.Conclusions. Students had a positive perception of the implementation of a community-based service learning programme in our University, as it seems a good way to raise their awareness of prevention and health education issues.