bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Dose Algorithm and Calculation Angle Interval on in Vivo Dose Verification of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: A Phantom Study
Authors: Zhang Shuxu , Luo Songgui , Yu Hui , Lin Shengqu , Zhou Weibin , Zhang Guoquan , Zhang Quanbin , Zhou Pixiao , Zhang Ying , Liao Yuliang , Wang Ruihao
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of different dose algorithms and calculation angle intervals (DCAI) on the in vivo dose (IVD) verification of small-field arc therapy in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).MethodsWe made an exit-dose-measuring and positioning device (EDPD) for the SRS MapCHECK (SMC) using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Computed tomography data for the anthropomorphic head phantom, SMC, and EDPD combination were acquired with 1 mm slice thickness and spacing. SBRT partial arc plans were created using an SBRT cone, block, and a small square open field, with a gantry rotation angle of 60°. The dose distribution was calculated using three different dose algorithms [Pencil Beam (PB), CC Convolution (CCC), and Monte Carlo (MC)], with 1 mm isotropic resolution. We also used three different DCAIs (1°, 3°, 5°) with the PB and CCC algorithms to calculate the dose distribution of each plan three times. The uncertainty of each control point for the MC algorithm was set to 1%. The SMC was used to measure the exit dose outside the phantom for IVD verification, the detector plane was located 182.5 mm outside the scan center.ResultsWithin the phantom, the minimum passing rate of 3D gamma analysis (1%/1 mm) for the dose distributions calculated at different DCAIs was 99.1%, and the maximum relative deviation (RD) of the central point dose (CPD) was <0.2%. The average RD of the CPD for IVD verification was about 30% (range 16.71%–50.0%) for PB; -0.36% ± 1.82% (1° DCAI), -3.18% ± 7.83% (3° DCAI), and 3.69% ± 11.56% (1° DCAI) for CCC; and -0.38% ± 0.76 for the MC algorithm. The passing rates of 2D gamma analysis (3%/3 mm) between the predicted exit dose and the IVD were 100% for MC and >90% for the CCC algorithm at 1° DCAI.ConclusionThe DCAI for exit-dose calculations should be ≤1° using the CCC algorithm. Furthermore, among the three algorithms verified in the current study, the MC algorithm showed the highest accuracy, followed by CCC, with the PB algorithm having the worst performance. The PB algorithm is thus not suitable for exit-dose calculation or IVD verification of SBRT.
A Combined Experimental and Numerical Approach That Eliminates the Non-uniqueness Associated With the Johnson-cook Parameters Obtained Using Inverse Methods
Authors: Ojal Nishant , Cherukuri Harish P. , Schmitz Tony L. , Devlugt Kyle T. , Jaycox Adam W.
Published: August 2021

Johnson-Cook constitutive model is a commonly used material model for machining simulations. The model includes five parameters that capture the initial yield stress, strain-hardening, strain-rate hardening, and thermal softening behavior of the material. These parameters are difficult to determine using experiments since the conditions observed during machining (such as high strain-rates of the order of 10 5 /sec - 10 6 /sec) are challenging to recreate in the laboratory. To address this problem, several researchers have recently proposed inverse approaches where a combination of experiments and analytical models are used to predict the Johnson-Cook parameters. The errors between the measured cutting forces, chip thicknesses and temperatures and those predicted by analytical models are minimized and the parameters are determined.
In this work, it is shown that only two of the five Johnson-Cook parameters can be determined uniquely using inverse approaches. Two different algorithms, namely, Adaptive Memory Programming for Global Optimization (AMPGO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), are used for this purpose. The extended Oxley’s model is used as the analytical tool for optimization. For determining a parameter’s value, a large range for each parameter is provided as an input to the algorithms. The algorithms converge to several different sets of values for the five Johnson-Cook parameters when all the five parameters are considered as unknown in the optimization algorithm. All of these sets, however, yield the same chip shape and cutting forces in FEM simulations. Further analyses show that only the strain-rate and thermal softening parameters can be determined uniquely and the three parameters present in the strain-hardening term of the Johnson-Cook model cannot be determined uniquely using the inverse method. A combined experimental and numerical approach is proposed to eliminate this determine all parameters uniquely.
Analysis of Risk Factors Related to Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage After Spinal Surgery
Authors: Zhao Jianquan , Jiang Heng , Meng Yichen , Gao Rui , Ma Jun , Wang Ce , Zhou Xuhui
Published: August 2021

Study Design: A retrospective single-center study.Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a rare complication secondary to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage during spinal surgery, but the specific cause of the bleeding is still unclear. Objective：In this study, we studied cases of acute SAH after spinal surgery to find the related risk factors for bleeding.Methods: A total of 441 patients with CSF leakage who underwent spinal surgery in [BLINDED FOR REVIEW] from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether postoperative SAH occurred, they were divided into SAH group and Control group. By comparing the two groups of demographic data, past history, imaging data, intraoperative findings, perioperative complications, treatment conditions to find the risk factors of SAH, to provide guidance for the prevention of SAH after spinal surgery.Results: In SAH group, 17 cases (73.9%) had preoperative hypertension and 3 cases (13.0%) had diabetes. The intraoperative CSF leakage was about 118.4±56.9 ml. The mean postoperative drainage was 15.4±5.8 ml/h; Compared with SAH group, Control group had 123 cases (29.4%) with hypertension before operation, 40 cases (9.6%) with diabetes, intraoperative CSF leakage was about 76.3±23.0ml, and the mean postoperative continuous drainage 9.7±2.1ml/h. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension, intraoperative CSF leakage, and postoperative CSF continuous drainage speed are related to SAH. Conclusion: The rapid leakage of CSF caused by the rupture of the dural sac during operation and the rapid drainage of CSF after surgery are closely related to the occurrence of such complications. In addition, hypertension is a related factor of SAH during spinal surgery.
Elucidation of Adsorption Mechanisms And Mass Transfer Controlling Resistances During Single And Binary Adsorption of Caffeic And Chlorogenic Acids
Authors: Hernández-Padilla Eyden S. , Zárate-Guzmán Ana I. , González-Ortega Omar , Padilla-Ortega Erika , Gómez-Durán Azael , Delgado-Sánchez Pablo , Aguilar-Aguilar Angélica , Cortés Farid B. , Ocampo-Perez Raul
Published: August 2021

In this work, the potential of activated carbon to remove caffeic and chlorogenic acids was investigated. The study focused on evaluating the single and binary adsorption equilibrium, as well as investigating the mass transfer resistances present during the process by applying kinetic and diffusional models for a future scale-up of the process. For both compounds, the single adsorption equilibrium was studied at pH values of 3, 5, and 7. The experimental adsorption isotherms were interpreted using the Langmuir and Freundlich models, obtaining maximum adsorption capacities of 1.33 and 1.62 mmol/g for caffeic and chlorogenic acid, respectively. It was found that the adsorption mechanisms for both compounds was derived from π-π and electrostatic interactions. Also, the binary adsorption equilibrium was performed and the experimental data were interpreted using the extended multicomponent Langmuir model. The results evidenced that the binary adsorption of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid is antagonistic in nature. The application of the first and second order kinetic models showed that the latter interpreted better the experimental data, obtaining R2 values close to one. Finally, the experimental adsorption rate data were interpreted by a diffusional model, finding the presence of different mass transfer resistances during the adsorption process. For both compounds, intraparticle diffusion mechanisms were meaningful.
Effect of Spermidine on Ameliorating Spermatogenic Disorders in Diabetic Mice Via Regulating Glycolysis Pathway.
Authors: Wang Jin Yuan , Ma Duo , Luo Min , Tan Yong-Peng , Zhong Ou , Tian Ge , Lv Yong-Ting , Li Mei-Xiang , Chen Xi , Tang Zhi-Han , Hu Linlin , Lei Xiao-Can
Published: August 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a high incidence metabolic disease, is related to the impairment of male spermatogenic function. Spermidine (SPM), one of the biogenic amines, was identified from human seminal plasma and believed to have multiple pharmacological functions. However, there exists little evidence that reported SPM's effects on moderating diabetic male spermatogenic function. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the SPM's protective effects on testicular spermatogenic function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Therefore, 40 mature male C57BL/6J mice male were divided into four main groups: the control group (n=10), the diabetic group (n=10), the 2.5 mg/kg SPM-treated diabetic group (n=10) and the 5 mg/kg SPM-treated diabetic group (n=10), which was given intraperitoneally for 8 weeks. The type 1 diabetic mice model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ 120 mg/kg. The results showed that, compare to the control group, the body and testis weight, as well the number of sperm were decreased, while the rate of sperm malformation was significantly increased in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Then the testicular morphology was observed, which showed that seminiferous tubule of testis were arranged in mess, the area and diameter of which was decreased, along with downregulated anti-apoptotic factor (Bcl-2) expression, and upregulated pro-apoptotic factor (Bax) expression in the testes. Furthermore, testicular genetic expression levels of Sertoli cells (SCs) markers (WT1, GATA4) and Vimentin detected that the pathological changes aggravated observably, such as the severity of tubule degeneration increased. Compared to the saline-treated DM mice, SPM treatment markedly improved testicular function, with an increment in the body and testis weight as well as sperm count. Pro-apoptotic factor (Bax) was down-regulated expression with the up-regulated expression of Bcl-2 and suppression of apoptosis in the testes. What’s more, expression of WT1, GATA4, Vimentin and the expressions of glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme genes (HK2, PKM2, LDHA) in diabetic testes were also upregulated by SPM supplement. The evidence derived from this study indicated that the SMP's positive effect on moderating spermatogenic disorder in T1DM mice's testis. This positive effect is delivered via promoting spermatogenic cell proliferation and participating in the glycolytic pathway's activation.
Drilling of Additive Manufactured Poly Lactic Acid Modified byDrilling of Additive Manufactured Poly Lactic Acid Modified by Ultrasonic Vibration Ultrasonic Vibration
Authors: Baraheni Mohammad , Shabgard Mohammad Reza , Amini Saeid
Published: August 2021

Complex geometries can be produced by using additively manufacturing method (AM). As usual, the AM parts have rough surfaces in which post processing operations are needed. One of the useful operations is ultrasonic drilling process. In this process, an additional movement is added to the cutting tool to improve the machinability factors. In this study, poly lactic acid(+) was selected as workpiece where the quality of the holes generated by ultrasonic drilling, were investigated. The examination parameters were delamination, circularity, and cylindricality. As a result, it was shown that UD process could properly improve the examination parameters. It was explained that harmonic movement of drill bit in UD improved the stability of the process by a decrease in cutting forces and chip adhesion. Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in delamination factor by using ultrasonic vibrations.
Pediatric Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Favorable Transplantation Outcome With Plasma Exchange
Authors: Fadel Fatina I , Bazaraa Hafez M , Mawla Mohamed A Abdel , Salah Doaa M
Published: August 2021

Background: Although kidney transplantation (KT) is the treatment of choice for pediatric kidney failure (KF); concerns for recurrence in cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are still present. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of KT in children with KF secondary to FSGS, with implementation of preemptive perioperative plasma exchange (PE) for non-genetically proven patients.Methods: Forty FSGS pediatric kidney transplant recipients were studied. Of them: 12 patients (30%) had genetically proven NPHS2 mutations/familial and 28 (70%) were sporadic FSGS patients. Sporadic patients electively received 6 preoperative PE sessions. Recurrence of proteinuria was managed with PE and Rituximab (RTX). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze graft and recurrence free survival data.Results: The mean follow-up duration after KT was 3.8 ± 2.86 years. Recurrence of proteinuria was encountered early postoperative in 11 patients (27.5%) and late (1.6 and 2.9 years after KT) in 2 patients (5%). Proteinuria was less in patients underwent native nephrectomy than others immediately postoperative and at assessment (p= 0.002 & 0.0031 respectively). One-year graft and patient survival was 93.8% with a mean 1-year serum creatinine of 0.67 ± 0.25 mg/dl. Three graft losses (7.5%) were due to chronic rejection 3.3, 3.75 and 4.17 years after KT and 2 patients' mortality (5%) occurred early postoperative (first 2 weeks) due to infection.Conclusion: FSGS transplanted children have favorable outcomes with perioperative PE for non-genetically proven cases. Early recurrence after KT can be successfully managed with PE and RTX.
Renal Resistive Index on Intensive Care Unit Admission Correlates with Tissue Hypoperfusion Indices and Predicts Clinical Outcome
Authors: Fotopoulou Georgia , Poularas Ioannis , Kokkoris Stelios , Charitidou Efstratia , Boletis Ioannis , Brountzos Elias , Benetos Athanasios , Zakynthinos Spyros , Routsi Christina
Published: August 2021

Background: Recent advancements in the context of shock pathophysiology, support ultrasound assessment of organ perfusion. Renal resistive index (RRI) has been used to evaluate renal blood flow. Our aim was to investigate the relation between RRI, and global tissue hypoperfusion indices, in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients and their association with clinical outcome.Methods: In this prospective observational study, RRI was measured within 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Clinical and laboratory data, routine hemodynamic variables and gas exchange at the time of RRI assessment were recorded. The ratio of central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference by arterial-to-central venous oxygen content difference (P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2) and lactate were used as global tissue hypoperfusion indices. Results A total of 126 mechanically ventilated patients were included [median age 61 (IQR 28) years, 74% males]. Seventy-seven patients had RRI values >0.7. P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2 ratio and arterial lactate, were significantly higher in patients with RRI > 0.7 compared to those with RRI ≤0.7 [2.4 (2.2) versus 1.2 (0.6) and 2.88 (3.39) versus 0.62 (0.57) mmol/l respectively, both p<0.001)]. RRI was significantly correlated with P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2 ratio and arterial lactate for the whole patient population (rho=0.64, both p<0.0001) as well as for the subset of patients with shock (rho=0.47, p=0.001; and r=0.64, p<0.0001 respectively).All-cause ICU mortality was 27.8%. Compared to survivors, ICU non-survivors had a higher RRI [0.80 (0.10) versus 0.70 (0.10), p<0.001] and higher P(cv-a)CO2 / C(a-cv)O2 ratio [3.67 (3.8) versus 0.91 (1.4)] and lactate levels [2.80 (2.00) versus 1.50 (1.20)], both p <0.001). Logistic regression models showed a significant association between RRI and P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2 ratio with clinical outcome. RRI showed good ability to predict ICU mortality (AUC 74.9% (95% CI 61% - 88.8%). The combination of RRI with P(cv-a)CO2)/(C(a-cv)O2 ratio and lactate better predicted mortality than RRI alone [AUC 84.8% (95% CI 5.1% - 94.4%)] versus 0.74.9%, respectively, p<0.001).Conclusions: In mechanically ventilated patients, renal blood flow impairment, assessed by the RRI on ICU admission, correlates with global tissue hypoperfusion indices. In addition, RRI in combination with tissue perfusion estimation is more valuable in predicting clinical outcome than RRI alone.
Sustainable Biocomposites Produced From Cotton Stalk Wastes: Effect of Heat Treatment
Authors: Gu Shiyan , Chang Lanlan , Zhang Qingfa , Cai Hongzhen , Wang Ruji , Sun Jiyang
Published: August 2021

The novelty of this study is to explore the effect of heat treatment of CS on the properties of biocomposites. 200°C, 300°C, 500°C, and burning of 500°C were selected to heat treat CS to obtain CS fillers, and the biocomposites were prepared using CS fillers and LLDPE. The heat treatment of CS can improve the interface bonding and compatibility of biocomposites by the results of FTIR, SEM, and CA. The crystal planes were not changed by the addition of CS fillers. The heat treatment of CS promoted crystallization, improved the heat resistance of LLDPE. In addition, the flexural properties, tensile properties, stiffness, elasticity, creep resistance and, stress relaxation resistance were all increased by the heat treatment of CS, although it exhibits an adverse effect on the impact strength of LLDPE. The best flexural properties (13.00 MPa and 0.75 GPa) were obtained in 200CSB-L due to the enhancement of CS rigidity by 200°C heat treatment, and the best tensile properties (10.89 MPa and 0.26 GPa) were obtained in 500CSB-L due to its mechanical interlocking structure. The results of this study indicate that heat treatment will play an important role in biocomposites in terms of the benefit in mechanical properties.
Spectral-spatial detection of buildings with special roofing in hyperspectral images
Authors: Akbari Davood
Published: August 2021

One of the analyses performed on hyperspectral images is target detection. Given the recent developments and the creation of images with high spatial resolution, the need for both use of spectral and spatial information in the detection of hyperspectral images has increased. The present research was conducted to introduce a new method for spectral-spatial detection of hyperspectral images. In the proposed method, the spectral image was primarily segmented using the watershed algorithm. Afterwards, for the objects resulting from segmentation, five spatial properties of area, perimeter, strength, meaning intensity, and entropy were extracted. Finally, the detection operation was performed utilizing the marker-based minimum spanning forest (MSF) algorithm. The above-mentioned techniques were applied to two sets of CASI sensor image data taken from the urban area of ​​Toulouse in southern France. The results of quantitative and qualitative evaluations showed that the proposed method improved the kappa coefficient by 40% and 34% in comparison with the spectral angle measurement (SAM) algorithm in the two tested images.
Ocular and Cerebral Causes and A New Scoring System to Evaluate Visual Function in Young Children with Visual Impairment
Authors: Kiziltunc Pinar Bingol , Şahlı Esra , Bektaş Ömer , Göktaş Özben Akıncı , Yüksel Merve Feyza , İdil Aysun
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Childhood blindness is important cause contributing to the burden of blindness. It is necessary to identify the most frequently observed diseases in different populations. We aimed to demonstrate clinical features of low vision children and to evaluate the factors affecting visual function by a new visual function scoring system. Methods: 249 children between the age of 6 months and 3 years were included. Visual function was scored from 0 to 15 according to; response to threat, light, object, presence of fixation, duration of fixation, following of light and object in horizontal, vertical, oblique, and circular gazes, optokinetic nystagmus. Patients were classified according to neurological diagnosis and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Correlation between visual function score and ocular and neurologic findings were evaluated. Results: While 136 patients (54.6%) had cerebral visual impairment (CVI), 89 (35.7%) had ocular pathology, 24 patients (9.6%) had combined pathology. The most common ocular and cerebral pathologies were oculocutaneous albinism (23.9%) and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (27.5%), respectively. Patients with CVI had lower visual function than ocular pathologies. Neurological structural disorders and HIE had worse visual function. Widespread involvement of brain had lower visual function score. Seizure negatively affected visual function.Conclusions: Cerebral causes were found in approximately half of infants and children with low vision who were referred to our center for visual habilitation. The visual function scoring system we developed in this study will provide an opportunity to be objective in the follow-up of babies and in evaluating the effectiveness of visual habilitation programs.
Is There Any Relationship Between Maternal Vitamin D and Thyroid Function in Pregnancy With Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes? A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ahi Salma , Fereydooni² Iman
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women to investigate the relationship between vitamin D level and thyroid function.Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total number of 90 patients during the three trimesters of pregnancy were investigated, 30 pregnant women were studied in each trimester of pregnancy. We evaluated thyroid function test and thyroid auto-antibodies (TPO Ab, Tg Ab) also serum level of 25OHD, to determine the relationship between vitamin D level and autoimmune or non-autoimmune thyroid disease in pregnancy. Results: Pearson correlation in all subjects showed that vitamin D levels did not have a significant relationship with maternal age. Only in the third trimester, there was a significant difference in maternal age based on their vitamin D status. The mean age of patients with a sufficient level of vitamin D (29.29 ± 3.87) was higher than the moderate vitamin D deficient patient’s age (23.4 ± 1.51). There was no significant difference between the trimesters of pregnancy and vitamin D status (P>0.05). Also, there were no significant differences between serum levels of vitamin D within three trimesters. Regarding the pregnancy outcomes, two newborns were admitted to NICU, Meconium Aspiration in one case, and IUFD in another case leads to pregnancy termination. These four cases were related to maternal history of hypothyroidism. Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between vitamin D and pregnancy trimester. The serum level of vitamin D had no particular effect on the outcome of pregnancy and the thyroid gland function.
Bleeding Complications in Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access in Patients with Severe Thrombocytopenia: A Propensity Score-Based Analysis
Authors: Zarama Virginia , Revelo-Noguera Jorge A. , Quintero Jaime A. , Manzano Ramiro , Uribe-Buriticá Francisco L. , Carvajal Daniel F. , Ochoa Laura M. , Ospina-Tascón Gustavo A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To study the occurrence of bleeding complications in patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20x103/µL) subjected to ultrasound-guided central venous access (UG-CVA) while receiving or not routine prophylactic platelet transfusion (PPLT).Research Question: What is the frequency of bleeding complications related to the placement of ultrasound-guided central venous access in patients with severe thrombocytopenia between 2011 and 2019 at high complexity hospital?Methods: A total of 221 patients with severe thrombocytopenia subjected to UG-CVA from January 2.011 to November 2.019 were selected. They were classified as positive (P-PPLT) or negative (N-PPLT) recipients of PPLT. Then, P-PPLT (n=72) were 1:1 propensity matched to N-PPLT based on catheter diameter, anatomical insertion site, presence of hematologic malignancy, absolute platelet count and whether the health care provider performing the procedure was an attending or a trainee. Bleeding complications were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) score and adapted to central venous catheter placement. A logistic regression analysis was then performed using “bleeding complications” as a binary compound outcome of major (Grades 3-4) and minor bleeding (Grades 1-2) vs. no bleeding.Results: Seventy-two patients were classified as P-PPLT, while 149 as N-PPLT. No grades 3-4 of bleeding events were identified in the entire population. No significant differences were observed between N-PPLT and P-PPLT for bleeding Grades 1-2 in both pre-matched (53[35.5%] vs. 26[36.1%], p=0.90) and propensity-matched populations (27[37.5%] vs. 26[36.1%], p=0.80). Logistic regression demonstrated that PPLT did not influence any bleeding complication (OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.42-1.92, p=0.791)Conclusions: Bleeding complications related to central venous catheterization in acutely ill patients with severe thrombocytopenia are not influenced by routine prophylactic platelet transfusion when catheter placement is performed under ultrasound guidance.
Resonant Passive Energy Balancing of Morphing Helicopter Blades with Bend-Twist Coupling
Authors: Taghipour Javad , Zhang Jiaying , Shaw Alexander D. , Friswell Michael I. , Gu Huaiyuan , Wang Chen
Published: August 2021

With increasing demand for rotor blades in applications such as wind turbines, helicopters, and unmanned aircrafts , improving the performance of such structures using morphing blades has received considerable attention. Resonant passive energy balancing is a relatively new concept introduced to minimize the required actuation energy. This study investigates resonant passive energy balancing ( RPEB ) in morphing helicopter blades with lag-twist coupling. The structure of a rotating blade with a moving mass at the tip is considered under aerodynamic loading. The aeroelastic behaviour of this structure includes potentially significant nonlinearities arising from the nonlinear elements of the structure and nonlinear aerodynamic loading. These nonlinearities make the design process complicated, and hence it is important to fully understand this system’s nonlinear dynamic behaviour. A reduced order model of the structure with three degrees of freedom ( 3DOF ), including the pitch angle and lagging of the blade, along with the motion of the moving mass, is used to analyse the dynamics of the structure. First, a single-degree-of-freedom ( SDOF ) model for the pitch angle dynamics of the blade is studied to examine the effect of important parameters on the pitch response. In this SDOF model, the harmonic excitation due to moving mass and the aerodynamic forces are considered. The results demonstrate that the coefficient of lag-twist coupling and the direction of aerodynamic moment on the blade are two parameters that play important roles in controlling the pitch angle, particularly the phase. Then, neglecting the aerodynamic forces, the 3DOF system is studied to investigate the sensitivity of the dynamics of the structure to changes in the parameters of the system. The results of the structural analysis can be used to tune the parameters of the blade in order to use the resonant energy of the structure and to reduce the required actuation force. A sensitivity analysis is then performed on the dynamics of the 3DOF model of the blade in the presence of aerodynamic forces to investigate the controllability of the amplitude and phase of the pitch angle using control parameters. The results show that the bend-twist coupling and the distance between the aerodynamic centre and the rotation centre (representing the direction and magnitude of aerodynamic moments) play significant roles in determining the pitch dynamics.
Thiosemicarbazide-Linked Covalent Organic Framework: Preparation, Properties and Applications
Authors: Wang Heping , He Tengteng , Quan Dandan , Wang Tong , Li Cong , Shen Yehua
Published: August 2021

With the unique advantages in structure and property, covalent organic frameworks have been widely employed for separation and enrichment. In this work, the thiosemicarbazide-linked covalent organic framework (TpTc) was prepared by using 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol and non-rigid thiosemicarbazide as building blocks for the first time. The as-prepared TpTc COF was fully characterized, presenting an agaric-like structure, large specific surface area (63.5 m2 g-1), uniform pore size distribution (1.36 nm), inherent porosity and ordered crystallinity. The potential of TpTc as adsorbent for metal ions capture was investigated by static batch adsorption experiment using the one-factor procedure. The maximum adsorption capacities of 73.50, 56.53 and 94.13 mg g-1 were obtained for Cu (II), Pb (II) and Cd (II) at natural pH, respectively. The anchoring of three metal ions onto TpTc is a multi-layer sorption involving chemical adsorption, and obeys the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order model. According to XPS analysis, the adsorption mechanism may be attributed to the coordination and electrostatic interaction between metal ions and N, O and S atoms on TpTc COF. This work not only provides a candidate for the application of COFs in metal ions capture, but also a reference for exploring functional design of COFs .
Development of InDel Markers and Fingerprinting of Bitter Gourd (Momordica Charantia) Based on Whole Genome Re-sequencing
Authors: Su Liwen , Ma Lianlian , Huang Xiaochun , Wu Wenting , Lv Haixuan , Cheng Zhikui , Gou Jiquan , Chen Yong , Wang Peng , Liu Zhengguo
Published: August 2021

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in many Asian and African countries. Here, InDel markers developed by comparing whole genome re-sequencing data were used to analyze the genetic diversity of a bitter gourd germplasm sample from various geographical origins. To verify the reliability of the set of InDel markers identified, 220 pairs of InDel primers were designed. The primers were preliminarily detected by 8% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and 25 pairs of primers with better polymorphism were screened. Using the 25 primer combinations, the 53 bitter gourd accessions were effectively distinguished and the InDel fingerprint of DNA was constructed. Concomitantly, the degree of purity of different crosses was determined based on the differences in specific bands among genotypes. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means showed that the 53 bitter gourd materials may be divided into three groups, with a similarity coefficient of 0.645 as the threshold. Therefore, this study can provide many InDel markers for genotypic identification, genetic relationship analysis, and genetic map construction of bitter gourd.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Bacteremia Caused by Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales Compared to Carbapenem Susceptible Enterobacterales
Authors: Ahmed Fasih Ali , Ahmed Omair , Khan Sameer Ahmad , Khan Naveera , Ahmed Sara , Sayeed Muneeba Ahsan , Awan Safia , Siddiqui Faraz , Mahmood Syed Faisal
Published: August 2021

BackgroundDue to shrinking therapeutic options, infections due to Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent threat in healthcare systems. We compared the risk factors and outcomes of bacteremia secondary to CRE with bacteremia secondary to carbapenem susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan between 2013 and 2016. Patients with CRE bacteremia were matched to those with CSE bacteremia while excluding those with polymicrobial cultures.ResultsA total of 131 patients were enrolled (65 CRE and 66 CSE) with the mean age of 51.8 years and 57.1 years in CRE and CSE groups respectively. Compared with CSE, CRE bacteremia was more likely to occur in patients with Diabetes Mellitus or those with a tracheostomy (P = 0.002 and 0.014, respectively). The most common source of CRE bacteremia was central line associated (24.6% of all cases) as opposed to urinary tract infections in those with CSE bacteremia (62.1% of all cases). Fewer patients with CRE bacteremia received appropriate antibiotics (72.3% vs. 81.8%). Mortality was significantly higher in the CRE group (41.5% vs. 12.1%, P = 0.001) even when adjusted for the severity of illness using the PITT-bacteremia score. Increased mortality was also associated with central venous catheterization in both groups. The median length of hospital stay was longer in patients with CRE (8 vs. 6 days, P = 0.021)ConclusionCRE bacteremia was associated with central lines and led to significantly higher mortality and length of stay.
Characterization of Recombinant β Subunit of Human MUC4 Mucin (rMUC4β)
Authors: Kshirsagar Prakash G. , Gulati Mansi , Junker Wade M. , Aithal Abhijit , Spagnol Gaelle , Das Srustidhar , Mallya Kavita , Gautam Shailendra K. , Kumar Sushil , Sorgen Paul , Pandey Krishan K. , Batra Surinder K. , Jain Maneesh
Published: August 2021

MUC4 is a transmembrane mucin expressed on various epithelial surfaces, including respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and helps in their lubrication and protection. MUC4 is also aberrantly overexpressed in various epithelial malignancies and functionally contributes to cancer development and progression. MUC4 is putatively cleaved at the GDPH site into a mucin-like α-subunit and a membrane-tethered growth factor-like β-subunit. Due to the presence of several functional domains, the characterization of MUC4β is critical for understanding MUC4 biology. We developed a method to produce and purify multi-milligram amounts of recombinant rMUC4β (rMUC4β). Purified rMUC4β was characterized by Far-UV CD and I-TASSER-based protein structure prediction analyses, and its ability to interact with cellular proteins was determined by the pull-down assay. Two of the three EGF-like domains exhibited typical β-fold, while the third EGF-like domain and vWD domain were predominantly random coils. We observed that rMUC4β physically interacts with Ezrin and EGFR family members. Overall, this study describes an efficient and simple strategy for the purification of biologically-active rMUC4β that can serve as a valuable reagent for a variety of biochemical and functional studies to elucidate MUC4 function and generating domain-specific antibodies and vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
The tsRNAs (tRFdb-3013a and tRFdb-3013b) Serve as Novel Biomarkers for Colon Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Tan Lihong , Tang Zhurong , Wen Chunjie , Chen Huan , Cao Weiguo , Zou Hecun
Published: August 2021

Background: Postoperative ileus is one of the most common complications after diverting loop ileostomy closure. Some reports have investigated the risk factors for postoperative complications or ileus after ileostomy closure; however, these studies did not evaluate the index surgery sufficiently. In this study, we evaluated the risk factors, including the details of the index surgery, for ileus after diverting ileostomy closure.Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent ileostomy closure following index surgery for rectal cancer. Patients who developed postoperative ileus (POI (+)) and patients who did not (POI (−)) after ileostomy closure were compared.Results: Fifty-nine patients were evaluated and were divided into two groups: POI (+) (n=9) and POI (−) (n=50), and the groups were compared. There were no significant differences in the details of the index surgery, operative procedure, transanal total mesorectal excision, lateral lymph node dissection, operating time, or blood loss. The incidence of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III complications after the index surgery was significantly higher in the POI (+) group. Conclusions: The incidence of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III complications after the index surgery may increase the risk of postoperative ileus after ileostomy closure.
Synaptic diversity naturally arises from neural decoding of heterogeneous populations
Authors: Yates Jacob L. , Scholl Benjamin
Published: August 2021

The synaptic inputs to single cortical neurons exhibit substantial diversity in their sensory-driven activity. What this diversity reflects is unclear, and appears counter-productive in generating selective somatic responses to specific stimuli. We propose that synaptic diversity arises because neurons decode information from upstream populations. Focusing on a single sensory variable, orientation, we construct a probabilistic decoder that estimates the stimulus orientation from the responses of a realistic, hypothetical input population of neurons. We provide a straightforward mapping from the decoder weights to real excitatory synapses, and find that optimal decoding requires diverse input weights. Analytically derived weights exhibit diversity whenever upstream input populations consist of noisy, correlated, and heterogeneous neurons, as is typically found in vivo. In fact, in silico weight diversity was necessary to accurately decode orientation and matched the functional heterogeneity of dendritic spines imaged in vivo. Our results indicate that synaptic diversity is a necessary component of information transmission and reframes studies of connectivity through the lens of probabilistic population codes. These results suggest that the mapping from synaptic inputs to somatic selectivity may not be directly interpretable without considering input covariance and highlights the importance of population codes in pursuit of the cortical connectome.
Laser Microdissection Transcriptome Data Derived Gene Regulatory Networks of Developing Rice Endosperm Revealed Tissue- and Stage-specific Regulators Modulating Starch Metabolism
Authors: Ishimaru Tsutomu , Parween Sabiha , Saito Yuhi , Masumura Takehiro , Kondo Motohiko , Sreenivas Nese
Published: August 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) filial seed tissues are heterozygous in its function, which accumulate distinct storage compounds spatially in starchy endosperm and aleurone. In this study, we identified the 18 tissue- and stage-specific gene co-regulons in the developing endosperm by isolating four fine tissues dorsal aleurone layer (AL), central starchy endosperm (CSE), dorsal starchy endosperm (DSE), and lateral starchy endosperm (LSE) at two developmental stages (7 days after flowering, DAF and 12DAF) using laser microdissection (LM) coupled with gene expression analysis of a 44K microarray. The derived co-expression regulatory networks depict that distinct set of starch biosynthesis genes expressed preferentially at first in CSE at 7 DAF and extend its spatial expression to LSE and DSE by 12 DAF. Interestingly, along with the peak of starch metabolism we noticed accumulation of transcripts related to phospholipid and glycolipid metabolism in CSE during 12 DAF. The spatial distribution of starch accumulation in distinct zones of starchy endosperm contains specific transcriptional factors and hormonal-regulated genes. Genes related to programmed cell death (PCD) were specifically expressed in CSE at 12DAF, when starch accumulation was already completed in that tissue. The aleurone layer present in the outermost endosperm accumulates transcripts of lipid, tricarboxylic acid metabolism, several transporters, while starch metabolism and PCD is not pronounced. These regulatory cascades are likely to play a critical role in determining the positional fate of cells and offer novel insights into the molecular physiological mechanisms of endosperm development from early to middle storage phase.
Dynamics of natural infection by Toxoplasma gondii in goat herds in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Sousa Larissa Nascimento , Batista Samira Pereira , Silva Samara Santos , Silva Rômulo Fylipe , Sarmento Wlysse Ferreira , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido , Brasil Arthur Willian Lima , Amaku Marcos , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to describe the transmission of T. gondii in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil, through evaluating the serological status of these animals from one to 12 months of age. Seven goat farms were selected. During the first visit, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied. Blood samples were collected from pregnant goats and from their female offspring every month, to monitor them for anti-T. gondii antibodies, using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Out of 66 pregnant goats evaluated, 47% (31/66) (95% CI: 34.6% − 59.7%) were positive and out of 93 female offspring, 61.3% (57/93) (95% CI: 52.4% − 69.2%) were positive, in at least one month during the evaluation period. Among the positive female offspring, 43.3% (27/57) (95% CI: 39.7% − 56.9%) presented environmental infection and 56.7% (30/57) (95% CI: 43.4% − 66.3 %) probably had only colostral antibodies or vertical transmission. It was observed that 92,6% (25/27) from environmental infections occurred until reproductive age (six months) (p < 0.0001). It was also noted that there is a correlation between the titration of mothers and offspring, until four months of age (p < 0.0001). Large fluctuations in the presence of antibodies were observed among the animals over the months monitored. It can be concluded that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies within the herds was greater than what has been expressed in specific prevalence studies and that most sheep become infected up to the six months of life in the studied area.
Noninvasive Detection of Elevated ICP Using Spontaneous Tympanic Membrane Pulsation
Authors: Dhar Rajkumar , Sandler Richard H , Manwaring Kim , Kostick Nathan , Mansy Hansen A
Published: August 2021

Neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hydrocephalus may lead to intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation, which can result in severe headaches, blurred vision, moving or talking problems, seizures and even death. Due to these potential risks, prompt medical attention and reliable monitoring would be needed when elevated ICP is suspected. Current diagnosis methods rely on direct pressure measurement, while CT, MRI and other expensive imaging may be used. However, these invasive or expensive testing methods are often delayed because the above symptoms are non-specific. In addition, invasive methods, such as intraventricular catheter, subdural screw, epidural sensor, lumbar puncture, are associated with an increased risk of infection and hemorrhage. On the other hand, noninvasive, low-cost, accurate methods of ICP monitoring can help avoid risks and reduce costs while expediting diagnosis and treatment. The current study proposes and evaluates a novel method for noninvasive ICP monitoring using tympanic membrane pulsation (TMp). These signals are believed to be transmitted from ICP to the auditory system through the cochlear aqueduct. Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited and TMp signals were acquired noninvasively while the subjects performed maneuvers that are known to change ICP. When elevated ICP was induced, significant TMp waveform morphological changes were observed in each subject (p < 0.01). These changes include certain waveform slopes and high frequency wave features. The observed changes were reversed by the maneuvers that decreased ICP (p <.01). The study results suggest that TMp waveform measurement and analysis may offer an inexpensive, noninvasive, accurate tool for detection and monitoring of ICP elevations. Further studies are warranted to validate this technique in patients with pathologically elevated ICP.
RETRACTED: Verification of Personal Location Data Consistency for COVID-19 Dissemination Prevention Cancellation
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyu , Jun Dongsan , Huh Jun-Ho , Kim Byung-Gyu
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Spinous Process Combined with a Titanium Mesh Cage as a Bone Graft in the Stability Reconstruction of Lumbar or Lumbosacral Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Hongqi , Xiao Lige , Tang mingxing , Yang Guanteng
Published: August 2021

Background. To investigate the clinical efficacy of one-stage posterior debridement using the spinous process (SP) combined with titanium mesh cages (TMCs) as interbody grafts for the treatment of single-segment lumbar or lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis.Methods. From 2010 to 2018, 69 patients who underwent one-stage posterior debridement using grafts and internal fixation within a single lumbar or lumbosacral segment were included in this study. 12 cases using the SP combined with a TMC (SP+TMC, group A), 30 cases using a TMC only (group B), and 27 cases using allografts (group C) were included. Measurements including operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), American Spinal Injury Association Impairment (ASIA) grade, final follow-up (FFU) duration and postoperative complications were recorded. Radiological measurements, including the number of segments fixated, the number of pedicle screws used, the Cobb angle, pelvic parameters, and the bony fusion time, were reviewed. All outcomes were analysed using SPSS 25.Results. We found that group A had fewer fixation segments (1.67±0.64 vs 2.81±0.94, pAC<0.01), fewer pedicle screws implanted (5.05±1.29 vs 6.85±1.37, pAC<0.01), a shorter operative time (166.43±44.11 min vs 205.93±51.73 min, pAC<0.01), reduced blood loss (543.81±230.81 ml vs 803.70±446.78 ml, pAC<0.01), and a strikingly lower hospital cost (14710.42±2354.55$ vs 19260.34±3310.75$, pAC<0.01) than group C.Compared to group B, group A had a lower economic cost (16680.23±3614.73$ vs 14710.42±2354.55$, pAB=0.03). There was no significant difference in bony fusion time among the three groups (8.90 ±2.11 months vs 8.60±2.39 months vs 9.59 ±2.04 months, p>0.01). No significant difference was observed with respect to pre- or postoperative ESR and CRP (p>0.01). There was no significant difference among the 3 groups with respect to the ODI, VAS score or ASIA grade during any period. No differences regarding the hospital stay, rate of complications, loss of PI-LL, correction or loss of Cobb angle were observed among the three groups (p>0.01).Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that compared to a TMC or allograft, the use of the SP combined with a TMC as a bone graft is an effective and reliable approach for the surgical management of one-level lumbar or lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis, leading to good restoration of spinal stability. Furthermore, this approach is an economical structural bone grafting method, especially for patients in developing countries or areas.
Modeling and Analyzing of Nonlinear Dynamics for Linear Guide Slide Platform Considering Assembly Error
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Xu Mengtao , Zhang Hongzhuang , Li Changyou , Yao Guo , Miao Huihui , Wang Chenyu , Zhang Yimin
Published: August 2021

In this study, a novel five degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of linear guide slide platform is proposed, the model considers the effect of assembly error. The assembly errors are modeled as five types including: straightness assembly errors along x and y axes and rotation assembly error around x, y and z axes. The assembly error induced displacement of platform is considered. The restoring force and moment of the carriages is equal to zero when no dynamic or static load applied on the platform with considering the influence of assembly error. The influence of assembly error on the static and dynamic characteristics are investigated. The results indicate that the assembly error can cause uneven load distribution, change the dynamics of the system. In addition, the stability of the system cannot be improved by simply increasing the preload. Moreover, a series of experiments are conducted on a specialized platform to estimate the parameters of the system and verify the proposed model.