bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical atrophy is associated with cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: a combined analysis of cortical thickness and functional connectivity
Authors: Zhu Yongyun , Yang Baiyuan , Zhou Chuanbin , Gao Chao , Hu Yanfei , Yin Weifang Fang , Yin kangfu , Zhu Yangfan , Jiang Guoliang , Ren Hui , Pang Ailan , Yang Xinglong
Published: May 2022

We aimed to perform a combined analysis of cortical thickness and functional connectivity to explore their association with cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). A total of 53 PD and 15 healthy control subjects were enrolled. PD patients were divided into PD with normal cognition (PD-NC, n = 25), PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI, n = 11), and PD with dementia (PDD, n = 17). Cognitive status was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging and resting-state functional connectivity analysis were performed in all subjects. First, surface-based morphometry measurements of cortical thickness and voxels with cortical thickness reduction were detected. Then, regions showing reduced thickness were analyzed for changes in resting-state functional connectivity in PD involving cognitive impairment (PD-MCI and PDD groups together). Our results showed that, compared with PD-NC, patients with cognitive impairment showed decreased cortical thickness in the left superior temporal, left lingual, right insula, and right fusiform regions. PD-MCI patients showed these alterations in the right lingual region. Widespread cortical thinning was detected in PDD subjects, including the left superior temporal, left fusiform, right insula, and right fusiform areas. We found that cortical thinning in the left superior temporal, left fusiform, and right temporal pole regions positively correlated with MMSE score. In the resting-state functional connectivity analysis, we found a decrease in functional connectivity between the cortical atrophic brain areas mentioned above and cognition-related brain networks, as well as an increase in functional connectivity between those region and the cerebellum. Alterations in cortical thickness may result in a dysfunction of resting-state functional connectivity, contributing to cognitive decline in patients with PD.
Efficacy of treatment with N-acetylcysteine inhalation for AECOPD: A propensity-score-matched cohort study
Authors: Chen Hengyi , Zhou Hui , Luo Chen , Zong Kaican , Fu Yingya , Li Wen , Luo Chunyan , Xue Guojuan , Jiang E , Duan Yang , Luo Tinglan , Jiang Yangzhi
Published: May 2022

Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevents acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the value of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhalation in the treatment of an AECOPD requiring hospitalization still remains unclear. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of NAC inhalation in patients with AECOPD requiring hospitalisation. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, all patients with AECOPD requiring hospitalisation between October 2016 and October 2021 were included. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay. The change in the spirometric parameter, including the post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired flow at 50% of vital capacity (FEF 50%), mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF 25-75%), residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC), and arterial blood gas tensions over the first 7 days of the admission, the incidence of adverse events (AEs) were calculated to estimate the differences between the two groups. Results: A total of 1257 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 202 propensity score–matched patients (101 in the NAC group and 101 in the Non-NAC group) were included in the final analyses. The mean length of hospital stay was 8.4 days (95% CI 7.6 to 8.4) days for the NAC group and 9.2 days (95% CI 8.6 to 9.4) for the Non-NAC group (p = 0.044). The improvement rates in partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and spirometric parameter, including FEV 1, FVC, FEF 50%, FEF 25-75%, and RV/TLC were significantly higher in NAC group than in Non-NAC group. No differences between groups were observed in adverse effects, self-reported symptomatic improvement from admision to day 5, mechanical ventilation rates during hospitalization, exacerbation and rehospitalisation rates within one month of discharge.Conclusion：NAC inhalation can markedly shorten the length of hospital day, improve pulmonary function, raise PaO2 and decrease PaCO2 in patients with AECOPD requiring hospitalization, which may be a safe and effective supplementary treatment in AECOPD patients.
Research on the Evaluation of the Competitiveness of the Container Multimodal Port Hub
Authors: Wan Min , Kuang Haibo , Yu Yue
Published: May 2022

The research on the competitiveness of container multimodal transport port hub, comprehensively considering the software and hardware strength of port hub, is of great significance to analyze the competitiveness of specific goods sources of port hub. Based on this, this paper adopts a multi-attribute decision-making modeling method to construct a port hub competitiveness evaluation model from four aspects: business capabilities, capacity resources, infrastructure, and service quality, and conducts empirical research on container transportation in Northeast China as an example. Studies have shown that the key factors affecting the competitiveness of multimodal port hubs have changed from traditional infrastructure factors to flexible factors such as transportation service quality, transportation capacity resource integration capabilities, and transportation business efficiency. Strengthening inter-industry integration will promote the core competitiveness of port hubs. Formation has obvious effects. The research results have enriched the theoretical system of multimodal transport port hub competitiveness research, and provided reference suggestions for port companies, government authorities and other relevant entities in strategic formulation and policy planning.
The impacts of different cellulosic nanofibers on the handleability and mechanical properties of calcium phosphate silicate cement for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Gong Tianxing , Ji Xiujuan , Liu Xinyu , Zhou Jingqiu , Zhang Jingshu , Chen Yadong , Wu Qiong
Published: May 2022

Aging-related abnormal bone metabolism can have detrimental effects on bone microstructure and significantly increases fracture occurrence in the older population. Injectable bone cement has been commonly used to augment porous and fragile bones. Recently, the self-setting calcium phosphate silicate cement (CPSC) has been proven suitable for bone tissue engineering. Unfortunately, the inadequate mechanical properties of CPSC limit its utilization as implants for load-bearing applications. One primary purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties of CPSC using different cellulosic nanofibers. It is shown that the mechanical properties of CPSC could be enhanced by adding 2% mass fractions of CNF, CNF-C and CNF-SH, and the reinforcing effects could be ranked as CNF-SH > CNF > CNF-C. In addition, the Young’s modulus of the CPSC pellet modified with CNF-SH (~ 10 GPa) was proved to be close to that of trabecular bone (~ 11.4 GPa). Unlike other studies, where the mechanical properties of bone cement were improved at the cost of decreasing handleability, our approach could increase both qualities of the CPSC paste at the same time. Furthermore, the in vitro biocompatibility analyses proved that the nanofiber-modified CPSC was biocompatible and encouraged the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cells. In summary, the injectable CPSC bone cement can be better enhanced by CNF-SH than CNF or CNF-C, and the resultant nanofiber-reinforced bone cement is a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering.
Analysis and Design of Microstrip Patch Antenna on Photonic Band Gap (PBG) Substrate at Terahertz Regime
Authors: Shamim S. M. , Arafin Nahid , Dina Umme Salma , Shemu Sumaiya , Karim Rezaul
Published: May 2022

For future wireless communication, low-cost, low profile, minimal weight and high performance antenna is required to support high-speed data transmission. This paper presents a graphene based wideband microstrip patch antenna at 1.10THz resonate frequency. Graphene has been used in the proposed antenna for higher electrical conductivity, mobility, and saturation severity in THz band regime. The proposed antenna is mounted on silicon substrate that employed Photonic Band Gap (PBG) having a dielectric constant of 11.9. The outcome of this work has been described in terms of return loss (S11), gain, directivity, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and radiation pattern for both E-plane and H-plane. The proposed antenna has minimal return loss − 48.95dB, gain 3.96dB, VSWR 1.054 and impedance bandwidth 26% which may be an excellent candidate for wireless communication as well as explosive detection, material characterization, medical imaging, homeland defense system etc. All the design and simulations of the proposed antenna has been performed by using commercially available electromagnetic software CST Microwave Studio.
Live birth rate following frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer is higher in high-grade Day 6 blastocyst than low-grade Day 5 blastocyst
Authors: Shi Wenhao , Zhou Hanying , Meng Bin , Wang Hui , Xue Xia , Li Na , Shi Juanzi
Published: May 2022

Background
Day 5 (D5) blastocyst is generally given priority to transfer than Day 6 (D6) blastocyst, however, which one should be prioritized to transfer when only low-grade D5 and high-grade D6 blastocysts are available?
Methods
A large retrospective cohort study was carried out to evaluate the live birth rate (LBR) following D5 blastocyst and excellent D6 blastocyst in single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) during Jan 2014 and Dec 2018. The biopsied blastocysts form consecutive PGT-A case series during Feb 2013 to Dec 2021 were performed as a supplementary analysis.
Results
The LBR was highest in high-grade D5 blastocyst (57.60%) and lowest in low-grade D6 blastocyst (29.72%, vs high-grade D5, aOR 0.38, 95%CI 0.30–0.48, p < 0.001). The LBR achieved in high-grade D6 blastocyst transfer was significantly higher than low-grade D5 blastocyst (50.43% vs 40.70%, aOR 1.54, 95%CI 1.05–2.26, p = 0.027), and is comparable with that in high-grade D5 blastocyst (50.43% vs 57.60%, aOR 0.89, 95%CI 0.61–1.32, p = 0.568). There were no significant differences in preterm birth rate, very preterm birth rate, mean live birth weight, birth weight < 1500g and > 4000g between four cohorts. As for aneuploidy analysis in PGT, there were 54.55% of euploid blastocysts (30/55) among high-grade D6 blastocysts, significantly higher than 41.39% of euploid blastocysts (565/1365) among low-grade D5 blastocyst (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Our data suggested Day 6 blastocyst with high morphology grading should be preferred than Day 5 blastocyst with low morphology grading when selecting blastocyst transfer to short the time of conceiving.
Trial registration:
This study was approved by the hospital institutional ethics committee (No. 2021002).
Physical Layer Security of Wireless Networks using Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces and Energy Harvesting For Nakagami fading channels
Authors: Alanazi Faisal
Published: May 2022

In this article, we compute the Secrecy
Outage Probability (SOP) and the Strictly Positive
Secrecy Capacity (SPSC) of wireless networks using
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) when
the source S harvests power from the signal received
from node N. The broadcasted signal by S
is reflected by RIS so that reflections have a zero
phase at the destination D. The transmitted signal
by S is also received by an eavesdropper E. We
also compute the SOP and SPSC when RIS is used
for data communication and energy harvesting.
IKZF3 amplification frequently occurs in HER2 positive breast cancer and is a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Lin ChihYi , Yu Chung-Jen , Shen Chia-I , Liu Chun-Yu , Chao Ta-Chung , Huang Chi-Cheng , Tseng Ling-Ming , Lai Jiun-I
Published: May 2022

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women, and although treatment outcome has substantially improved in the past decades, advanced or metastatic breast cancers still carry a poor prognosis. Gene amplification is one of the frequent genetic alterations in cancer, and oncogene amplification may be associated with cancer aggressiveness and oncogenicity. Targeting amplified genes such as HER2 has vastly improved disease outcome and survival, and anti-HER2 therapeutics have revolutionized the standard of care in HER2 breast cancer. Besides currently known druggable gene amplifications including ERBB2 and FGFR2, other frequently amplified genes are relatively less well known for function and clinical significance. By querying 4 large databases from TCGA and AACR-Genie, from a total of 11,890 patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma, we discover IKZF3, CCND1, ERBB2 to be consistently amplified across different cohorts. We further identify IKZF3 as a frequently amplified gene in breast cancer with a prevalence of 12–15% amplification rate. Interestingly, IKZF3 amplification is frequently co-amplified with ERBB2/HER2, and is also associated with worse prognosis compared to IKZF3 non-amplified cancers. Analysis of HER2 breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab revealed decrease in both ERBB2/HER2 and IKZF3 expression. Further investigation using the DepMap for gene dependency by genome wide CRISPR screening revealed dependence on IKZF3 in HER2 breast cancer cell lines. Our study utilized an integrative analysis of large scale patient genomics, transcriptomics and clinical data to reveal IKZF3 as a frequently amplified gene, and suggest a potential role of IKZF3 as a druggable target for HER2 breast cancer.
Dynamic Algorithm for Fitness Function Greatly Improves the Optimization Efficiency of Frequency Selective Surface for Better Design of Radar
Authors: Pei Yuan , Yu Anran , Yi Ruichen , Qin Jiajun , Liu Shaobo , Yu Xianxi , Zhu Chunqin , Zhu Guangrui , Hou Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2022

Multiple objectives optimization of frequency selective surface (FSS) structures is challenging in electromagnetic wave filter design. For example, one of the sub-objectives, the sidelobe level (SLL), is critical to directional anti-interference, which is complicated and becomes the bottleneck for radar design. Here, we established a dynamic algorithm for fitness function to automatically adjust the weights of multiple objectives in the optimization process of FSS structures. The dynamic algorithm could efficiently evaluate the difficulty of sub-objective optimization according to the statistical analysis of the latest individual distribution so that the optimization could be tightly focused on the sub-objective hard to optimize, such as SLL. Computational results from the dynamic algorithm showed that the efficiency of multi-objective optimization was greatly improved by 213%, as compared to the fixed-weighted algorithm of the fitness function. Specifically for SLL, the efficiency rate increased even better, up to 315%. More interestingly, the FSS structures were most improved while picking median value or golden section value as the reference value. Taken together, the current study indicated that the dynamic algorithm with fitness function might be a better choice for more efficient optimization of FSS structures and potentially for the better design of lower SLL radar.
Porphyromonas gingivalis-mediated disruption in spiral artery remodeling is associated with altered uterine NK cell populations and dysregulated IL-18 and Htra1
Authors: Tavarna Tanvi , Wolfe Bryce , Wu Xiao-jun , Reyes Leticia
Published: May 2022

Impaired spiral artery remodeling (IRSA) underpins the great obstetrical syndromes. We previously demonstrated that intrauterine infection with the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, induces IRSA in rats. Since our previous studies only examined the end stage of arterial remodeling, the aim of this study was to identify the impact of P. gingivalis infection on the earlier stages of remodeling. Gestation day (GD) 11 specimens, a transition point between trophoblast-independent remodeling and the start of extravillous trophoblast invasion, were compared to late stage GD18 tissues. P. gingivalis was found in decidual stroma of GD11 specimens that already had reduced spiral artery remodeling defined as smaller arterial lumen size, increased retention of vascular smooth muscle, and decreased invasion by extravillous trophoblasts. At GD11, P. gingivalis-induced IRSA coincided with altered uterine natural killer (uNK) cell populations, decreased placental bed expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18) with increased production of temperature requirement A1 (Htra1), a marker of oxidative stress. By GD18, placental bed IL-18 and Htra1 levels, and uNK cell numbers were equivalent in control and infected groups. However, infected GD18 placental bed specimens had decreased TNF + T cells. These results suggest disturbances in placental bed decidual stroma and uNK cells are involved in P. gingivalis-mediated IRSA.
Rapid prediction of multi-directionality of polished surface topography based on angular spectrum
Authors: Wang Qinghui , Fang Xiaolin , Xie Hailong , Li J.R. , Liao Zhaoyang
Published: May 2022

The multi-directionality of polished surface topography (PST) is a key index to characterize the polished surface quality and surface integrity, and its prediction before actual machining is of great significance to the toolpath planning, verification, and optimization. However, most related works reported thus far focus mainly on the material removal modeling but few on the prediction of multi-directionality. Hence, this paper proposes a fast method to precisely predict the multi-directionality of the PST for the pad-polishing process of freeform surfaces. With this method, a pressure distribution model and a material removal profile (MRP) model are first established, in which the MRP is founded subject to the quadratic function distribution. Then, to avoid the time-consuming integral operation in the MRP model, an artificial neural network is developed to fit the quadratic function of MRP. With this model, a multi-directionality prediction algorithm is further proposed based on the angular spectrum of the PST. Simulation and experimental studies have shown that the proposed method can predict the multi-directionality of the PST with very high accuracy and efficiency for various freeform surface polishing, showing great application potential in promoting the efficiency of toolpath planning and optimization to obtain isotropic PST.
DFT study on the disproportionation of methylchlorosilane catalyzed by AlCl3/ZSM-5(4T)@MIL-53(Al) core-shell catalyst
Authors: xu wenyuan , Huang Hongkun , Shen Mengsha , Fan Junjie , Xu Yu , Liu Siqi , Wang Yan , Chen Xi , Liao Mengyin , Yang Shaoming
Published: May 2022

Dimethyldichlorosilane is one of the most widely used monomers in the organic silicon industry chain. In the preparation process, it can be obtained by exchanging functional groups through disproportionation reaction. In this research, the disproportionation mechanism catalyzed by ZSM-5(4T)@MIL-53(Al) and AlCl3/ZSM-5(4T)@MIL-53(Al) core-shell catalysts was studied by using the density functional theory on the level of M06-2X/Def2-TZVP. The results showed that the two catalysts possessed different catalytic effect assigning to different acidic actives. The surface activity of ZSM-5(4T)@MIL-53(Al) core-shell catalyst modified by AlCl3 became the Lewis acid center of Al-Cl bond, which had better disproportionation activity than that before modification. Energies, frequency vibrations and IRC calculations, bond orders, ELF and LOL analyses can verify the reaction mechanism proposed in this research.
Nonlinear dynamic epidemiological analysis of effects of vaccination and dynamic
transmission on COVID-19.
Authors: Kambali Prashant N. , Abbasi Amirhassan , Nataraj C.
Published: May 2022

This paper is concerned with nonlinear modeling and analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are especially interested in two current topics: effect of vaccination and the universally observed oscillations in infections. We use a nonlinear Susceptible, Infected, & Immune model incorporating a dynamic transmission rate and vaccination policy. The US data provides a starting point for analyzing stability, bifurcations and dynamics in general. Further parametric analysis reveals a saddle-node bifurcation under imperfect vaccination leading to the occurrence of sustained epidemic equilibria. This work points to the tremendous value of systematic nonlinear dynamic analysis in pandemic modeling and demonstrates the dramatic influence of vaccination, and frequency, phase, and amplitude of transmission rate on persistent dynamic behavior of the disease.
Study on avoiding method of infusion-site adverse events in chemotherapy with epirubicin and fosaprepitant employing immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial(HUEhT-1)cells and rats
Authors: Yamasaki Miho , Oda Keisuke , Ichinose Takashi , Mizuguchi Marie , Tominaga Shoko , Omoda Kei , Mori Nobuhiro , Maeda Yorinobu , Nishida Toshihiro , Murakami Teruo
Published: May 2022

The combination of intravenous fosaprepitant dimeglumine (FAP, Proemend® I.V. Infusion), an antiemetic drug, and chemotherapy with anthracyclines such as epirubicin (EPI) can cause infusionsite adverse events. Avoiding method of infusion-site adverse events was studied in immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial (HUEhT-1) cells and rats. Cytotoxicity of FAP, EPI, diluted Proemend®, Tween 80 and a combination of FAP and EPI, and the effect of cell-surface washing after application of diluted Proemend® on cytotoxicity were studied in HUEhT-1 cells. In rats, the effect of infusion-site washing after FAP infusion was evaluated by measuring the intravascular accumulation of EPI in the combined use of FAP followed by EPI. FAP, EPI, and diluted Proemend® exhibited cytotoxicity concentration-dependently and marked synergistic cytotoxicity was observed between FAP and EPI. In HUEhT-1 cells, the washing of the cell surface after the application of FAP reduced the synergistic cytotoxicity significantly. In rats, the washing of the infusion site with saline after FAP infusion greatly decreased the intravascular accumulation of EPI infused thereafter. In conclusion, the washing of the infusion site by IV tube flushing after FAP infusion avoids the infusion-site adverse events due to the decrease in the vascular accumulation of EPI administered thereafter.
CAPZA2 and TRIB1 genomes contribute to the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Yao Yuanlin , Zhan Xinli , Jiang Jie , Liang Tuo , Chen Tianyou , guo Hao , Li Hao , Ye Zhen , Chen Wuhua , Chen Liyi , Chen Jiarui , Huang Shengsheng , Sun Xuhua , Wu Shaofeng , Zhu Jichong , Liu Chong
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis is not yet clear. Identification of new marker genes and cellular subtypes of immune cells in the blood of patients and exploration of new genetic loci in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.Methods: We downloaded single-cell RNA-seq profiles (GSE157595) and microarray datasets (GSE25101 and GSE73754) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and performed principal component analysis, GO enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, t-distribution random-adjacent embedding analysis, and analysis using SVM and WGCNA to identify marker genes. The intersection of SVM and single cell sequencing marker genes: CAPZA2 and TRIB1, were taken for testing of diagnostic model building ROC curves and immunohistochemical validation analysis.Results: CAPZA2 and TRIB1 were identified as new diagnostic genes for AS. These two genes showed significant differential expression between AS and controls, and immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of CAPZA2 and TRIB1 was significantly higher in AS than in controls.Conclusion: CAPZA2 and TRIB1 may be key factors in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.
Integrated analysis of the expression profiles of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in granulosa and cumulus cells from yak Ovaries
Authors: Zhao Ling , Pan Yangyang , Wang Meng , wang Junqian , Wang Yaying , Han Xiaohong , Wang Jinglei , Zhang Tongxiang , Zhao Tian , He Honghong , Cui Yan , Yu Sijiu
Published: May 2022

Background: Growing oocytes acquire the ability to mature through two-way communication between gametes and surrounding somatic cumulus cells (CCs). Granulosa cells (GCs) support oocyte growth, regulate meiosis progression, and modulate global oocyte transcription activity. However, the proliferation and differentiation of the yak ovary in GCs and CCs remain unclear. To characterize the important roles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, whole-transcriptome analysis was performed. Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR was performed to verify the selected RNA sequences. Results: Important gene ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to differentiation and oocyte development were identified for the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. In total,6,223 mRNAs (2,197 upregulated, 4,026 downregulated), 643 lncRNAs (204 upregulated, 479 downregulated), and 559 miRNAs (311 upregulated, 248 downregulated) were significantly altered between the two groups; Target genes involved in cell adhesion, cell differentiation, regulation of developmental processes, cell proliferation, embryo development, signal transduction, apoptosis, and aromatic compound biosynthetic processes were significantly enriched. These RNAs were involved in ECM-receptor interaction, MAPK signaling, Hippo signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, cell cycle, cell adhesion, leukocyte trans-endothelial migration, and actin cytoskeleton regulation.Conclusions: A comprehensive analysis of the co-expression network of ceRNAs will facilitate the understanding of the process of granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation and offer a theoretical basis for the development of oocytes.
Improving access to highly effective emergency contraception: an assessment of barriers and facilitators to integrating levonorgestrel IUD as emergency contraception using two applications of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Simmons Rebecca G. , Baayd Jami , Elliott Sarah , Cohen Susanna R. , Turok David K.
Published: May 2022

Background: Emergency contraception prevents unwanted pregnancy after sexual intercourse. New evidence has demonstrated that the 52 mg levonorgestrel IUD is a highly effective method of emergency contraception. However, translating this research finding into clinical practice faces existing barriers to IUD access, including costs and provider training, novel barriers of providing IUDs for emergency contraception at unscheduled appointments. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to utilization of the levonorgestrel IUD as emergency contraception from client, provider and health systems perspectives.Methods: We conducted focus groups of both contraceptive users and providers to examine how levonorgestrel IUD as EC was perceived and understood by these populations and to determine barriers and facilitators of utilization. We used findings from our focus groups to design a high-fidelity in-situ simulation scenario around EC that we pilot tested with clinical teams in three settings (a county health department, a community clinic, and a midwifery clinic). Simulation scenarios examined health systems barriers to provision of levonorgestrel IUD as EC. We coded both focus groups and in-clinic simulations using the modified Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. We then applied our findings to the CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Barrier Busting Tool and mapped results to implementation recommendations provided by participants. Results: Ultimately 9 constructs from the CFIR were consistently identified across focus groups and simulations. Main barriers included challenges with knowledge and acceptability of the intervention itself, appropriately addressing knowledge and education needs among both providers and contraceptive clients, and adequately accounting for structural barriers inherent in the health system. The CFIR-ERIC Barrier Busting Tool identified eight strategies to improve levonorgestrel IUD as EC access: identifying implementation champions, conducting educational meetings, preparing educational toolkits, involving patients and their partners in implementation, conducting a local needs assessment, distributing educational materials, and obtaining patient feedback. These solutions can be utilized to design implementation interventions to institute clinical practice changes in EC provision. Conclusions: To sustainably incorporate IUD as EC into clinical practice, education, health systems strengthening, and policy changes will be necessary.
Nondestructive classification of soft rot disease in napa cabbage using hyperspectral imaging analysis
Authors: Song Hyeyeon , Yoon So-Ra , Dang Yun-Mi , Yang Ji-Su , Hwang In Min , Ha Ji-Hyoung
Published: May 2022

Identification of soft rot disease in napa cabbage, an essential ingredient of kimchi, is challenging at the industrial scale. Therefore, nondestructive imaging techniques are necessary. Here, we investigated the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) processing in the near-infrared region (900–1,700 nm) for classifying napa cabbage quality using nondestructive measurements. We determined the microbiological and physicochemical qualitative properties of napa cabbage for intercomparison of HSI information, extracted HSI characteristics from hyperspectral images to predict and classify freshness, and established a novel approach for classifying healthy and rotten napa cabbage. Golay’s derivative method for data preprocessing was implemented, followed by wavelength selection using variable importance in projection scores. For multivariate data of the classification models, partial least square discriminant analysis, support vector machine (SVM), and random forests were used for predicting cabbage conditions. The SVM model accurately distinguished the cabbage exhibiting soft rot disease symptoms from the healthy cabbage. This study presents the potential of HSI systems for separating soft rot disease-infected napa cabbages from healthy napa cabbages using the SVM model, especially under the most effective wavelengths (970, 980, 1,180, 1,070, 1,120, and 978 nm), prior to processing. These results are applicable to industrial multispectral images.
Machine Vision-based Cutting Process for LCD Glass Defect Detection System
Authors: Ho Chao-Ching , Wang Hao-Ping , Chiao Yuan-Cheng
Published: May 2022

In this research, the automatic optical detection system is developed for detecting the sectional profile and the surface of the TFT-LCD panel after being treated through the cutting process. When tested with the sectional profile photodetector, uniformed lighting effect is achieved by combining the concentrated light source of the inner coaxial lens with the line light source in order to test the surface coarseness related characteristics of the glass sectional profile so as to indicate the defect while intensifying the contrast effect of the sectional profile background. When detecting the sectional profile features, it is conducted by separating the rib mark features through the U-Net network model developed for the deep learning; in result, 100% accuracy can be achieved. When detecting the sectional profile defect, Auto Encoder network model of the deep learning is used to learn the background picture retrieved from the original picture through the linear regression process. As a next step, the model is used again to predict the result by subtracting the background picture from the original picture and then the defect position is highlighted; in result, 96% accuracy is achieved. When detecting the model acceleration, it is conducted by revising the model weighting data format. In terms of U-Net Model, the reading time has been shortened for 4.28 seconds; in individual picture, the prediction time has been shortened for 0.29 second; in Auto Encoder, the model reading time has been shortened for 19.23 seconds; and the individual picture prediction time has been shortened for 0.94 second. As for the surface detection, the circular polariscope is developed. During the detection, the photoelastic reflection theory is employed by projecting the circularly polarized light vertically onto the panel surface in order to produce the interfering halo at the deformed area surrounding the denting defect and the resulting features are referenced to identify the denting defect. By screening the mean luminance value of the sliding window and the discrete value, 90% detection accuracy can be achieved. In the meantime, it can also be used to pinpoint the denting defect that is over 3˚ in average angle change as seen on the normal line surrounding the defect.
Prediction of SYNTAX score Ⅱ improvement by temporal heart rate changes between discharge and fist preceding visit on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Chuang , Zhang Wanjing , Yang Yixing , Zhang Qian , Li Kuibao , Chen Mulei , Wang Lefeng , Xia Kun
Published: May 2022

Background: Studies of the prognostic ability of the temporal changes in resting heart rate (ΔHR) regarding cardiovascular (CV) mortality and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of ΔHR using models including the SYNTAX score Ⅱ (SxS-Ⅱ) on the long-term prognosis of patients with AMI. Methods: A total of 605 AMI subjects with vital signs recorded at the first outpatient visit (2–4 weeks after discharge) was retrospectively recruited into this study. The changes between discharge and outpatient resting heart rate (D-O ΔHR) were calculated by subtracting the HR at first post-discharge visit from the value recorded at discharge. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, revascularization, and nonfatal stroke. The predictive values and reclassification ability of the different models were assessed using a likelihood ratio test, Akaike’s information criteria (AIC), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Results: During the follow-up period, the D-O ΔHR was independently associated with CV mortality [hazards ratio (HR) = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.958–0.985, P < 0.001] and MACE (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.011–1.039, p = 0.001). The likelihood test indicated that the combined model of SxS-Ⅱ and D-O ΔHR yielded the lowest AIC regarding MACE and CV death (P < 0.001). Moreover, D-O ΔHR alone significantly improved the net reclassification and integrated discrimination of the models containing SxS-Ⅱ regarding both CV mortality and MACE (CV mortality: NRI = 0.5600, P = 0.001 and IDI = 0.0759, P = 0.03; MACE: NRI = 0.2231, P < 0.05 and IDI = 0.0107, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The D-O ΔHR was an independent predictor of long-term CV mortality and MACE. The additive value of D-O ΔHR combined with SxS-Ⅱ could significantly enhance its predictive probability.
Development and validation of a prognostic model based on single-cell RNA-seq in Wilms Tumor of children
Authors: He Tian-Qu , Zhao Yao-Wang , Liu Yu , Tu Lei , Ning Feng , He Jun
Published: May 2022

Objective: To analyze the heterogeneity between different cell types in Wilms Tumor (WT) tissue of children, and identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of malignant tumor cells, thereby establishing a prognostic model. Methods: The single-cell sequencing data of pediatric WT tissues were downloaded from the public database. Data filtration and normalization, principal component analysis (PCA), and TSNE cluster analysis were performed using the Seurat package of R. Cells were divided into different clusters, malignant tumor cells were extracted, and DEGs were obtained. Then, the pseudo-time trajectory analysis was performed. Prognostic biomarkers were determined by univariate COX regression analysis, multivariate COX regression analysis, and LASSO regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed on the prognostic biomarkers. Combined with the prognostic biomarkers and clinical characteristics, a nomogram was generated to predict the WT prognosis of children. The prognostic power of the prognostic model was validated in the external datasets. Results: Cells in the WT tissue were divided into 10 clusters. 3 prognostic biomarkers that affected the survival time of patients were screened from 215 DEGs in malignant tumor cells, and a nomogram was constructed using the 3 genes and clinical characteristics. The AUC values of 3- and 5-year disease-free survival were 0.756 and 0.734, respectively. In the external validation dataset, the AUC value of this nomogram model was 0.826.Conclusion: Based on single-cell RNA-seq, we recognized cell clusters in the WT tissue of children, identified prognostic biomarkers in malignant tumor cells, and established a comprehensive prognostic model. Our findings might provide new ideas and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of WT
Electronic, Non-Linear Optical, Optoelectronic and Thermodynamic properties of undoped and doped bis (ethlenedithio) tetraselenafulvalene (BETS) (C10H8S4Se4)molecule: first study using ab-initio investigation
Authors: NTIECHE Zounedou , ABE MARTIN THIERRY OTTOU , MBALA Gaspard Freidy OLINGA , EJUH Geh Wilson , NDJAKA Jean Marie Bienvenu
Published: May 2022

We have performed the ab-initio calculation of the undoped and doped molecules bis (ethlenedithio) tetraselenafulvalene (BETS). Carbone (C) atoms have been substituted by Boron (B) to investigate their effects on the electronic structure, nonlinear optical, optoelectronic and thermodynamic properties of BEST molecule. The RHF and hybrid density functional theories (wB97XD, B3PW91 and B3LYP) methods were applied, using the cc-pVDZ basis set. We found that the energy gap Egap of the doped molecules are respectively 2.476 eV and 2.569 eV for C8B2H8S4Se4 and C7B3H8S4Se4 with B3LYP/cc-pVDZ basis set, lower than one of the undoped molecule (3.316 eV). The significant increase values of polarizability (˂α˃) and first order hyperpolarizability (𝛽) of the doped compounds, especially in C8B2H8S4Se4 (<α> = 4.5315× 10−23 esu, β = 22672.27× 10−33 esu and <α> = 4.518× 10−23 esu, β = 23657.43× 10−33 esu respectively for B3LYP and B3PW91) compared to those of the undoped molecule (<α> = 4.3602× 10−23 esu, β = 1290.38× 10−33 esu and <α> = 4.518× 10−23 esu) show that the new molecules have a good nonlinear optical property. Results suggest that these molecules doped with boron are a potential candidate as semiconductors compounds and nonlinear optical materials.
Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography Assessment of Perfusion Abnormalities in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Roldan Paola , Ravi Sriram , Hodovan James , Belcik R. Todd , Heitner Stephen B. , Masri Ahmad , Lindner Jonathan R.
Published: May 2022

Background: Perfusion defects during stress can occur in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from either structural or functional abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation. In this study, vasodilator stress myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) was used to quantify and spatially characterize hyperemic myocardial blood flow (MBF) deficits in HCM.Methods: Regadenoson stress MCE was performed in patients with septal-variant HCM (n=17) and healthy control subjects (n=15). The presence and spatial distribution (transmural diffuse, patchy, subendocardial) of perfusion defects was determined by semiquantitative analysis. Kinetic analysis of time-intensity data was used to quantify MBF, microvascular flux rate (b), and microvascular blood volume. In patients undergoing septal myectomy (n=3), MCE was repeated >1 years after surgery.Results: In HCM subjects, perfusion defects during stress occurred in the septum in 80%, and in non-hypertrophied regions in 40%. The majority of septal defects (83%) were patchy or subendocardial, while 67% of non-hypertrophied defects were transmural and diffuse. On quantitative analysis, hyperemic MBF was approximately 50% lower (p<0.001) in the hypertrophied and non-hypertrophied regions of those with HCM compared to controls, largely based on an inability to augment b, although hypertrophic regions also had blood volume deficits. There was no correlation between hyperemic MBF and either percent fibrosis on magnetic resonance imaging or outflow gradient, yet those with higher degrees of fibrosis (≥5%) or severe gradients all had low septal MBF during regadenoson. Substantial improvement in hyperemic MBF was observed in two of the three subjects undergoing myectomy, both of whom had severe pre-surgical outflow gradients at rest.Conclusion: Perfusion defects on vasodilator MCE are common in HCM, particularly in those with extensive fibrosis, but have a different spatial pattern for the hypertrophied and non-hypertrophied segments, likely reflecting different contributions of functional and structural abnormalities. Improvement in hyperemic perfusion is possible in those undergoing septal myectomy to relieve obstruction.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02560467.
Diet of adult and immature imperial cormorants, Leucocarbo atriceps, from southern Patagonia. A combined dietary approach and an exploratory analysis of stable isotopes of pellet membrane
Authors: Morgenthaler Annick , Millones Ana , Gandini Patricia , Frere Esteban
Published: May 2022

Age-related trophic segregation between breeding adults and immature individuals has been reported in seabirds. The use of combined conventional and Stable Isotope Analyses (SIA) to study the diet of seabirds has become very frequent. Unfortunately, information on the trophic ecology of immature seabirds remains scarce because the sampling of tissues to perform SIA is often very limited due to the difficulty to capture these birds. The koilin membrane, which covers the regurgitated pellet casts of many seabirds, could offer an interesting non-intrusive alternative tissue to perform SIA. In this two-year study of the diet of imperial cormorants in southern Patagonia, we 1) compare the diets of breeding and non-breeding birds through conventional pellet analysis; 2) describe the diet of breeding adults and chicks through a combined method of pellet analysis and whole blood SIA; and finally, 3) compare SIA values of breeding adults obtained from blood with those obtained from koilin membranes. We found that immature individuals incorporated abundant invertebrate taxons, compared with breeding adults which relied mainly on fish. Younger and inexperienced individuals, which are not under the constraint to feed chicks, are feeding on more predictable, but lower trophic and less energetic prey. By comparing the stable isotope values of koilin and blood in breeding adults, a correlated interannual difference between the two seasons was found. Under the light of our results, the koilin offers an encouraging alternative to blood in the study of trophic ecology, particularly for ages or stages in which capture is not possible.
Significant amounts of red wolf ancestry detected in a population of coyotes on Galveston Island, Texas
Authors: Barnes Tanner M. , Karlin Melissa , vonHoldt Bridgett M. , Adams Jennifer R. , Waits Lisette P. , Hinton Joseph W. , Henderson Josh , Brzeski Kristin E.
Published: May 2022

BackgroundHybridization can be a conservation concern if genomic introgression leads to the loss of an endangered species’ unique genome, or when hybrid offspring are sterile or less fit than their parental species. Yet hybridization can also be an adaptive management tool if rare populations are inbred and have reduced genetic variation, and there is the opportunity to enhance genetic variation through hybridization. The red wolf (Canis rufus) is a critically endangered wolf endemic to the eastern United States, where all extant red wolves are descended from 14 founders which has led to elevated levels of inbreeding over time. Red wolves were considered extirpated from the wild by 1980, but before they disappeared, they interbred with encroaching coyotes creating a genetically admixed population of canids along coastal Texas and Louisiana. In 2018, a genetic study identified individuals on Galveston Island, Texas with significant amounts of red wolf ancestry. We collected 214 samples from Galveston for a more in-depth analysis of this population to identify the amount of red wolf ancestry present and potential mechanisms that support retention of red wolf ancestry on the landscape. ResultsWe identified 23 individual coyotes from Galveston Island and 8 from mainland Texas with greater than 10% red wolf ancestry. Two of those individuals from mainland Texas had greater than 50% red wolf ancestry estimates. Additionally, this population had 6 private alleles that were absent in the North America reference canid populations used in this study, which included 107 southeastern coyotes, 19 captive red wolves, and 38 gray wolves, possibly representing lost red wolf genetic variation. We also identified several individuals on Galveston Island and the mainland of Texas that retained a unique red wolf mitochondrial haplotype present in the red wolf founding population. On Galveston Island, we identified a minimum of four family groups and found coyotes on the island to be highly related, but not genetically depauperate. We did not find clear associations between red wolf ancestry estimates and landscape features, such as open green space or developed areas. ConclusionOur results confirm the presence of substantial red wolf ancestry persisting on Galveston Island and adjacent mainland Texas. This population has the potential to benefit future red wolf conservation efforts through novel reproductive techniques and possibly through de-introgression strategies, with the goals of recovering extinct red wolf genetic variation and reducing inbreeding within the species.