bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-mydriatic fundus photography as an alternative to indirect ophthalmoscopy for screening of diabetic retinopathy in community settings: a comparative pilot study in rural and tribal India
Authors: Gajiwala Uday R , Pachchigar Swapnil , Patel Dhaval , Mistry Ishwar , Oza Yash , Kundaria Dhaval , B R Shamanna
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The impending and increasing prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in India has necessitated a need for affordable and valid community outreach screening programme for DR, especially in rural and far to reach indigenous local communities. The present study is a pilot study aimed to compare non-mydriatic fundus photography with indirect ophthalmoscopy for its utilisation as a feasible and logistically convenient screening modality for DR in an older age, rural, tribal population in Western India.

Design and setting

This community-based, cross-sectional, prospective population study was a part of a module using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness and DR methodology in 8340 sampled participants with ≥50 years age. In this study, the diabetics identified were screened for DR using two methods: non-mydriatic fundus photography on the field by trained professionals, that were then graded by a retina specialist at the base hospital and indirect ophthalmoscopy by expert ophthalmologists in the field with masking of each other’s findings for its utility and comparison.

Results

The prevalence of DR, sight threatening DR and maculopathy using indirect ophthalmoscopy was found to be 12.1%, 2.1% and 6.6%, respectively. A fair agreement (κ=0.48 for DR and 0.59 for maculopathy) was observed between both the detection methods. The sensitivity and specificity of fundus photographic evaluation compared with indirect ophthalmoscopy were found to be 54.8% and 92.1% (for DR), 60.7% and 90.8% (for any DR) and 84.2% and 94.8% (for only maculopathy), respectively.

Conclusion

Non-mydriatic fundus photography has the potential to identify DR (any retinopathy or maculopathy) in community settings in Indian population. Its utility as an affordable and logistically convenient cum practical modality is demonstrable. The sensitivity of this screening modality can be further increased by investing in better resolution cameras, capturing quality images and training and validation of imagers.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2020/01/023025; Clinical Trial Registry, India (CTRI).
Video Images about Decisions for Ethical Outcomes in Kidney Disease (VIDEO-KD): the study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Eneanya Nwamaka D , Lakin Joshua R , Paasche-Orlow Michael K , Lindvall Charlotta , Moseley Edward T , Henault Lori , Hanchate Amresh D , Mandel Ernest I , Wong Susan P Y , Zupanc Sophia N , Davis Aretha Delight , El-Jawahri Areej , Quintiliani Lisa M , Chang Yuchiao , Waikar Sushrut S , Bansal Amar D , Schell Jane O , Lundquist Andrew L , Tamura Manjula Kurella , Yu Margaret K , Unruh Mark L , Argyropoulos Christos , Germain Michael J , Volandes Angelo
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) often are inadequately prepared to make informed decisions about treatments including dialysis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Further, evidence shows that patients with advanced CKD do not commonly engage in advance care planning (ACP), may suffer from poor quality of life, and may be exposed to end-of-life care that is not concordant with their goals. We aim to study the effectiveness of a video intervention on ACP, treatment preferences and other patient-reported outcomes.

Methods and analysis

The Video Images about Decisions for Ethical Outcomes in Kidney Disease trial is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial that will test the effectiveness of an intervention that includes a CKD-related video decision aid followed by recording personal video declarations about goals of care and treatment preferences in older adults with advancing CKD. We aim to enrol 600 patients over 5 years at 10 sites.

Ethics and dissemination

Regulatory and ethical aspects of this trial include a single Institutional Review Board mechanism for approval, data use agreements among sites, and a Data Safety and Monitoring Board. We intend to disseminate findings at national meetings and publish our results.

Trial registration number

NCT04347629.
Consulting concepts and structures for people with dementia in Germany: a protocol for a ‘grey-shaded’ scoping review
Authors: Manietta Christina , Rommerskirch-Manietta Mike , Purwins Daniel , Roes Martina
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Literature reviews represent an important type of study for the various professions in healthcare. The consideration and inclusion of grey literature is gaining importance in all types of reviews. However, searching for grey literature is challenging for different reasons and the search is often insufficiently transparently reported in reviews. The aim of this protocol is to describe our planned methodical approach for a scoping review with a specific focus on grey literature related to the topic of consulting according to §7a of the German Social Law, Book XI (SGB XI) for people with dementia and their relatives in Germany.

Methods and analysis

We will use the following search strategies: (1) search in the German electronic databases, for example, Livivo and GeroLit (via GBV), (2) google search engines, (3) targeted websites, for example, Alzheimer’s association and (4) contact experts, for example, stakeholders of private care insurance companies who provide consulting according to §7a SGB XI. Additionally, we will conduct a search in the academic electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and CINAHL (via EBSCO). For included grey literature, we will conduct a backward citation tracking via reference lists. For included scientific articles, we will conduct a backward (via reference lists) and forward (via Google scholar) citation tracking. Each strategy will be conducted by one reviewer. Screening of the identified potentially relevant records will be conducted in Covidence by two reviewers independently. Results will be charted in a table and illustrated descriptively.

Ethics and dissemination

There are no ethical concerns with conducting a scoping review. We will discuss our results regarding consulting according to §7a SGB XI for people with dementia and their relatives with a variety of stakeholders in Germany. We will disseminate the thematic results and the methodological reflection of our search approach in the form of articles in peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed journals.
Creating a Sport and Exercise Medicine Masters syllabus for doctors: a Delphi study
Authors: Vishnubala Dane , Iqbal Adil , Marino Katherine Rose , Salman David , Pringle Andy , Nykjaer Camilla , Bazira Peter , Finn Gabrielle
Published: April 2022

Objective

Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Masters curricula vary. This Delphi study is aimed to create a consensus curriculum for doctors undertaking SEM Masters courses.

Methods

A modified Delphi survey was used. An expert panel was established of individuals deemed to have adequate knowledge of the field. The research group developed the initial draft of the curriculum by collating and reviewing previously published UK-based postgraduate SEM-related curricula. There were two phases. In phase 1 the expert group either accepted, rejected or modified each learning objective (LO). During phase 2 the expert group were asked to accept or reject each LO that did not get accepted outright previously. The research group analysed the levels of agreements and the comments given by the expert panel after each phase.

Results

The expert panel consisted of 45 individuals, with 35 completing phase 2 (78% retention rate). Of the 136 LOs initially collated: 71 (52%) were accepted outright, 60 (44%) were altered in some way and reincluded in phase 2, and 5 (4%) were removed after phase 1. The research group added 2 (1%) new LOs on reflection over comments made by the expert panel. The final curriculum contained 133 LOs, divided into 11 subthemes.

Conclusions

The findings will better inform educators when developing SEM Masters curricula and inform students what they should look for when considering an SEM Masters. This consensus curriculum is an important step in standardising postgraduate SEM education.
Prognostic accuracy of using lactate in addition to the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and the National Early Warning Score for emergency department patients with suspected infection
Authors: Julienne Jade , Douillet Delphine , Mozziconacci Marie-Sophie , Callahan Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether: (1) the quick Sequential (Sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and National Early Warning Score (NEWS) clinical prediction tools alone, (2) modified versions of these prediction tools that integrate lactate into their scores, or (3) use of the two tools in tandem with lactate better predicts in-hospital 28-day mortality among adult EDpatients with suspected infection.

Methods

From 1 January through 31 December 2018, this retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive adult patients with suspected infection evaluated at two EDs in France. Patients were included if blood cultures were obtained and non-prophylactic antibiotics were administered in the ED. qSOFA, NEWS criteria and lactate measurements were recorded when patients were clinically suspected of having an infection. Two composite scores (lactate qSOFA (LqSOFA) and lactate NEWS (LNEWS)) integrating lactate were created. Diagnostic test performances for predicting in-hospital mortality within 28days were assessed for qSOFA≥2, LqSOFA≥2, qSOFA≥2 or lactate≥2 mmol/L, and for NEWS≥7, LNEWS≥7, and NEWS≥7 or lactate≥2 mmol/L.

Results

1003 patients were included, 130 (13%) of whom had died by day 28. Sensitivities for 28-day mortality were 50% (95%CI41% to 59%) for qSOFA≥2,69% (95% CI60% to 77%) for LqSOFA≥2,77% (95% CI69% to 84%) for qSOFA or lactate≥2 mmol/L; and 69% (95% CI60% to 77%) for NEWS≥7, 80% (95% CI72% to 86%) for LNEWS≥7, 87% (95% CI80% to 92%) for NEWS≥7 or lactate≥2 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Lactate used in tandem with qSOFA or NEWS yielded higher sensitivities in predicting in-hospital 28-day mortality, as compared with integration of lactate into these prediction tools or usage of the tools independently.
Evaluation of time-resolved whole brain flat panel detector perfusion imaging using RAPID ANGIO in patients with acute stroke: comparison with CT perfusion imaging
Authors: Kurmann Christoph C , Kaesmacher Johannes , Cooke Daniel L , Psychogios Marios , Weber Johannes , Lopes Demetrius K , Albers Gregory W , Mordasini Pasquale
Published: April 2022

Background

In contrast to conventional CT perfusion (CTP) imaging, flat panel detector CT perfusion (FD-CTP) imaging can be acquired directly in the angiosuite.

Objective

To evaluate time-resolved whole brain FD-CTP imaging and assess clinically important qualitative and quantitative perfusion parameters in correlation with previously acquired conventional CTP using the new RAPID for ANGIO software.

Methods

We included patients with internal carotid artery occlusions and M1 or M2 occlusions from six centers. All patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with preinterventional conventional CTP and FD-CTP imaging. Quantitative performance was determined by comparing volumes of infarct core, penumbral tissue, and mismatch. Eligibility for MT according to the perfusion imaging criteria of DEFUSE 3 was determined for each case from both conventional CTP and FD-CTP imaging.

Results

A total of 20 patients were included in the final analysis. Conventional relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) <30% and FD-CTP rCBF <45% showed good correlation (R2=0.84). Comparisons of conventional CTP Tmax >6 s versus FD-CTP Tmax >6 s and CTP mismatch versus FD-CTP mismatch showed more variability (R2=0.57, and R2=0.33, respectively). Based on FD-CTP, 16/20 (80%) patients met the inclusion criteria for MT according to the DEFUSE 3 perfusion criteria, in contrast to 18/20 (90%) patients based on conventional CTP. The vessel occlusion could be correctly extrapolated from the hypoperfusion in 18/20 cases (90%).

Conclusions

In our multicenter study, time-resolved whole brain FD-CTP was technically feasible, and qualitative and quantitative perfusion results correlated with those obtained with conventional CTP.
Residual mean field model of valence quarks in the nucleon
Authors: Leon Christopher , Sargsian Misak
Published: April 2022

We develop a non-perturbative model for valence parton distribution functions (PDFs) based on the mean field interactions of valence quarks in the nucleonic interior. The main motivation for the model is to obtain a mean field description of the valence quarks as a baseline to study the short range quark–quark interactions that generate the high x tail of PDFs. The model is based on the separation of the valence three-quark cluster and residual system in the nucleon. Then the nucleon structure function is calculated within the effective light-front diagrammatic approach introducing nonperturbative light-front valence quark and residual wave functions. Within the model a new relation is obtained between the position, $$x_p$$

x
p

, of the peak of $$xq_V(x)$$

x

q
V

(
x
)

distribution of the valence quark and the effective mass of the residual system, $$m_R$$

m
R

, in the form: $$x_{p} \approx {1\over 4} (1-{m_R\over m_N})$$

x
p

≈

1
4

(
1
-

m
R

m
N

)

at starting $$Q^2$$

Q
2

. This relation explains the difference in the peak positions for d- and u-quarks through the expected difference of residual masses for valence d- and u-quark distributions. The parameters of the model are fixed by fitting the calculated valence quark distributions to the phenomenological PDFs. This allowed us to estimate the overall mean field contribution in baryonic and momentum sum rules for valence d- and u-quarks. Finally, the evaluated parameters of the non-perturbative wave functions of valence 3q-cluster and residual system can be used in calculation of other quantities such as nucleon form factors, generalized partonic and transverse momentum distributions.
Curved accretion disks around rotating black holes without reflection symmetry
Authors: Chen Che-Yu , Yang Hsiang-Yi Karen
Published: April 2022

Rotating black holes without equatorial reflection symmetry can naturally arise in effective low-energy theories of fundamental quantum gravity, in particular, when parity-violating interactions are introduced. Adopting a theory-agnostic approach and considering a recently proposed Kerr-like black hole model, we investigate the structure and properties of accretion disk around a rotating black hole without reflection symmetry. In the absence of reflection symmetry, the accretion disk is in general a curved surface in shape, rather than a flat disk lying on the equatorial plane. Furthermore, the parameter $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
that controls the reflection asymmetry would shrink the size of the prograde innermost stable circular orbits, and enhance the efficiency of the black hole in converting rest-mass energy to radiation during accretion. The retrograde innermost stable circular orbits are stretched but the effects are substantially suppressed. In addition, we find that spin measurements based on the gravitational redshift observations of the disk, assuming a Kerr geometry, may overestimate the true spin values if the central object is actually a Kerr-like black hole with conspicuous equatorial reflection asymmetry. The qualitative results that the accretion disk becomes curved and the prograde innermost stable circular orbits are shrunk turn out to be generic in our model when the reflection asymmetry is small.
Multiferroic properties of GdFe0.9M0.1O3 (M = Ag1+, Co2+ and Cr3+) nanoparticles and evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors: Ateia Ebtesam E. , Hussein B. , Singh Charanjeet , Arman M. M.
Published: April 2022

Multifunctional nanoparticles NPs with material composition GdFe0.9M0.1O3; M = Ag, Co, and Cr have successfully been synthesized using the citrate auto-combustion technique. The single phase of the orthorhombic perovskite structure is ratified from the XRD data. The structural, magnetic, and thermoelectric power of the samples along with the results of antibacterial activities are reported in the present manuscript. The variation in the magnetization is argued in view of the strength and type of exchange interaction as well as buckling of the < BO6 > octahedron. The super exchange interaction between the Fe–O–Fe and the Cr–O–Cr and the randomness of Cr ions in the host lattice site are the main reasons behind the weak ferromagnetism obtained from GdFe0.9Cr0.1O3. Ferroelectricity and antiferromagnetism have a dissimilar origin and appear independently. The origin of antiferromagnetism is the spin canting of the B ions. However, the origin of the ferroelectric properties is the hybridization between B cations and O2− anion. The use of silver metal particles as antibacterial agents is noteworthy due to their advantages in terms of chemical stability, efficacy and long-term durability. These advantages can be extended by considering the relatively low toxicity of these particles to the human body compared to other inorganic metals.
Storage and retrieval of microwave pulse in a crystal of molecular magnets based on four-wave-mixing
Authors: Chen Jing , Liu Na , Shan Chuanjia , Li Hong , Liu Jibing
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we consider a crystal of molecular magnets interacting with four alternating magnetic fields. When a DC magnetic field applies to molecular magnets, the energy levels of molecular magnets can be recognized as a four-level system. We consider four wave mixing process in the crystal of molecular magnets, By solving the Schrödinger equation, the analytic solutions of the probe and mixing magnetic fields are obtained. We have also numerically investigated the dynamical evolution of the probe and mixing magnetic fields. The results show that probe and mixing filed periodically oscillate in the crystal of molecular magnets medium. By adjusting the frequency detuning and the intensity of the coupled magnetic fields, the storage and retrieval of microwave field can be achieved in molecular magnets. In the end, the second-order correlation function is calculated and the anti-bunching effect can be achieved in this magnetic medium.
Thermodynamics of charged black holes with Maxwell and Born–Infeld fields in massive gravity theory
Authors: Dehghani M.
Published: April 2022

In the framework of massive gravity theory which is coupled to the Maxwell and Born–Infeld electrodynamics, we review derivation of the exact four-dimensional black hole solutions by use of a static and spherically symmetric geometry. The exact solutions are asymptotically AdS and show two-horizon, one-horizon, extreme and black holes without horizon. The Maxwell and Born–Infeld black hole solutions are compatible in the limit of large nonlinearity parameter and, both reduce to the Reissner–Nordström black hole in the absence of massive gravitons. By reviewing thermodynamic and conserved quantities, and making use of a Smarr-type mass formula, we check validity of the thermodynamical first law for both of Maxwell and Born–infeld black holes. We investigate thermal stability of the black holes by use of the canonical ensemble and geometrical approaches, separately. By calculating the specific heats and Ricci scalars of alternative thermodynamic metrics, we compare the results of geometrothermodynamics with those of canonical ensemble method. Also, we perform a global stability analysis by use of the grand canonical ensemble and noting the Gibbs free energy of the Maxwell and Born–Infeld black holes.
A Probabilistic Model for the Amplification of the Vibration Response of Railway Bridges Due to Random Track Unevenness in High-Speed Traffic
Authors: Salcher Patrick , Adam Christoph , König Paul
Published: April 2022

In combination with the moving train, track irregularities have a significant influence on the structural response of railway bridges. Compared to the ideal case of perfect track geometry without any irregularities, an amplification of the response is observed. This paper proposes a probabilistic model to predict this dynamic response amplification of railway bridges due to random track irregularities when subjected to high-speed trains. The developed regression model, based on a parametric numerical study, provides the mean and standard deviation of the dynamic response amplification separately for bridge deflection and acceleration, since large differences are found for these vibration variables. Depending on the span, mass, fundamental frequency, and damping coefficient of simply supported bridges, dynamic response amplification statistics are approximated for a range of train speeds and different track qualities. The proposed model estimates the dynamic response amplification due to random track irregularities at predefined exceedance probabilities, and a customized amplification factor is determined that is consistent with the semi-probabilistic safety concept used in structural design. An application example shows the superiority of this model compared to the commonly used code-based approach.
On the remarkable universality of Einstein’s gravity theory
Authors: Kijowski Jerzy , Senger Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we prove that the gravity theory based on a generalized Lagrangian density, which depends in a nonlinear way not only upon the entire curvature tensor, but also upon its covariant derivatives up to a fixed order [Formula: see text], is equivalent to the standard Einstein theory of gravitational field, maybe interacting with additional matter fields.
Creating a Knowledge Graph for Ireland’s Lost History: Knowledge Engineering and Curation in the Beyond 2022 Project
Authors: Debruyne Christophe , Munnelly Gary , Kilgallon Lynn , O’Sullivan Declan , Crooks Peter
Published: April 2022

The Beyond 2022 project aims to create a virtual archive by digitally reconstructing and digitizing historical records lost in a catastrophic fire which consumed items in the Public Record Office of Ireland in 1922. The project is developing a knowledge graph (KG) to facilitate information retrieval and discovery over the reconstructed items. The project decided to adopt Semantic Web technologies to support its distributed KG and reasoning. In this article, we present our approach to KG generation and management. We elaborate on how we help historians contribute to the KG (via a suite of spreadsheets) and its ontology. We furthermore demonstrate how we use named graphs to store different versions of factoids and their provenance information and how these are serviced in two different endpoints. Modeling data in this manner allows us to acknowledge that history is, to some extent, subjective and different perspectives can exist in parallel. The construction of the KG is driven by competency questions elicited from subject matter experts within the consortium. We avail of CIDOC-CRM as our KG’s foundation, though we needed to extend this ontology with various qualifiers (types) and relations to support the competency questions. We illustrate how one can explore the KG to gain insights and answer questions. We conclude that CIDOC-CRM provides an adequate, albeit complex, foundation for the KG and that named graphs and Linked Data principles are a suitable mechanism to manage sets of factoids and their provenance.
Context Awareness in Cultural Heritage Applications: A Survey
Authors: Michalakis Konstantinos , Caridakis George
Published: April 2022

Cultural Heritage Institutions fueled by the advances in Information Technology are exploiting new ways to present their content to visitors. The emergence of the Internet of Things paradigm has shifted their efforts into a more personalized and adaptable experience that takes into consideration the visitor profile and behavior, in respect to presented artifacts and environmental parameters. Context-awareness allows the understanding of the situation and the optimization of the delivered cultural User Experience. In this article, we survey context awareness in cultural heritage applications. After presenting the background of Context Awareness and its features to cultural environments, a subset of research projects that incorporate context aware traits in a cultural scenario is reviewed. Each prototype is analysed in respect to several criteria that include context sensing, middleware, and incorporation methods. Finally, based on the review, lessons learnt, and directions for the development of similar prototypes are highlighted.
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems as Phage Defense Elements
Authors: LeRoux Michele , Laub Michael T.
Published: April 2022

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitous genetic elements in bacteria that consist of a growth-inhibiting toxin and its cognate antitoxin. These systems are prevalent in bacterial chromosomes, plasmids, and phage genomes, but individual systems are not highly conserved, even among closely related strains. The biological functions of TA systems have been controversial and enigmatic, although a handful of these systems have been shown to defend bacteria against their viral predators, bacteriophages. Additionally, their patterns of conservation—ubiquitous, but rapidly acquired and lost from genomes—as well as the co-occurrence of some TA systems with known phage defense elements are suggestive of a broader role in mediating phage defense. Here, we review the existing evidence for phage defense mediated by TA systems, highlighting how toxins are activated by phage infection and how toxins disrupt phage replication. We also discuss phage-encoded systems that counteract TA systems, underscoring the ongoing coevolutionary battle between bacteria and phage. We anticipate that TA systems will continue to emerge as central players in the innate immunity of bacteria against phage.
A Cobalt Enrichment Strategy for Suppressing the 4.2 V Adverse Phase Transition in Ni-Rich Layered Materials
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xie Qian , Zhong Shi , Fan Haosen , Zheng Wenzhi , Yang Wei
Published: April 2022

In this study, a Co-rich Ni-rich layered material with a core–shell structure is designed, in which LiNi0.82Co0.12Mn0.06O2 (NCM-Ni82) is used as the core wrapped in the shell by doping Al into LiNi0.735Co0.15Mn0.1Al0.015O2 to form the hybrid particle LiNi0.795Co0.13Mn0.07Al0.005O2 (NCM-HA). NCM-HA is divided modularly into the core part NCM-Ni82 and the single hybrid part without doped Al (NCM-HS), and then all modules were compared with the pristine LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 via various characterization methods to reveal the superiority of the design. The core–shell structure, which prevents the diffusion of microcracks caused by the lattice shrinkage of a high content of cobalt, is used to improve the morphological strength of the material so that the cathode material is capable of fully playing the excellent stable cycling performance brought by the remarkable cationic order degree of Co-rich treatment. The excellent cathode material NCM-HA still has a capacity retention rate of 83.35% after 200 cycles, while the pristine material has a rate of 55.42%. Moreover, NCM-HA successfully inhibits the unsteady phase transition of layered materials at 4.2 V and reduces the degree of polarization during the cycling process. This study provides a new strategy for the modification of Cobalt-enriched Ni-rich layered materials.
IrO2-Ta2O5Anode for Oxygen Evolution with TaOxInterlayer Prepared by Thermal Decomposition in Inert Atmosphere
Authors: Liu Yueren , Xu Likun , Xin Yonglei , Liu Feng , Xuan Junji , Guo Mingshuai , Duan Tigang
Published: April 2022

A novel IrO2-Ta2O5coated titanium anode with TaOxinterlayer was prepared using a facile method of thermal decomposition. The interlayer and the composite anodes of Ti/TaOx/IrO2-Ta2O5were characterized with surface analytical techniques of XPS, XRD, SEM and EDS. The electrochemical properties of the composite anodes with different coats of the interlayer were measured using anodic polarization, CV, EIS and accelerated life testing. The results showed that the TaOxinterlayer was amorphous consisting of multivalent Ta oxides. The electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction and the stability of the composite anodes were improved obviously with adding the TaOxinterlayer of appropriate thickness, which can be attributed to the increase of electrochemically active sites and the extra protection for Ti substrate by the non-stoichiometric TaOxinterlayer.
Performance of Post-Training Two-Bits Uniform and Layer-Wise Uniform Quantization for MNIST Dataset from the Perspective of Support Region Choice
Authors: Tomić Stefan , Nikolić Jelena , Perić Zoran , Aleksić Danijela
Published: April 2022

This paper contributes to the goal of finding an efficient compression solution for post-training quantization from the perspective of support region choice under the framework of low-bit uniform quantization. The decision to give preference to uniform quantization comes from the fact that support region choice is the most sensitive in the uniform quantization of nonuniform sources (e.g., Laplacian sources). Therefore, in this paper, we analyse in detail how the choice of the support region influences the performance of two-bits uniform quantization, measured with signal to quantization noise ratio (SQNR), and the accuracy of the compressed neural network (NN) model. We provide experimental and theoretical results for a few significant cases of two-bits uniform quantizer design, where we assume that Laplacian source models the distribution of weights in our fully connected NN. We opt for Laplacian distribution since it models well weights of NNs. Specifically, we analyse whether it is possible to apply the simplest uniform quantization in trained NN model weight representation with a bit rate of R = 2 bit/sample while preserving the accuracy of the model to a great extent. Also, our goal is to determine whether the choice of the key parameter of two-bits uniform quantizer (support region threshold) equally reflects on both, SQNR and accuracy. Moreover, we extend our analysis to the application of layer-wise two-bits uniform quantization in order to examine whether it is possible to achieve an additional improvement of the accuracy of our NN model for the MNIST dataset. We believe that the detailed analysis of post-training quantization described and conducted in this paper is very useful for all further research studies of this very current topic, especially due to the fact that the problem regarding post-training quantization is addressed from a particularly important perspective of choosing the support region.
Case Management Improves Satisfaction, Anxiety, and Depression of Patients with Pregnancy Loss after In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Authors: Wu Xiangli , Wu Yidan , Xia Mei , Xie Wenjie , Hu Huijing , Xiao Zhen , Xu Weihai , Shu Jing
Published: April 2022

Objective. Pregnancy loss has negative impacts on both the physical and the mental health of expectant mothers, which calls for an in-depth investigation. In this study, we examined the effects of case management on patients with pregnancy loss after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods. 100 participants that had suffered pregnancy loss after IVF-ET-assisted pregnancy from January 2019 to March 2020 were divided into routine care and case management groups, each with 50 cases. For the routine care group, a doctor led the diagnostic and treatment processes and a nurse assisted with the treatment. For the case management group, a nurse led the patient diagnostic and treatment processes and a doctor controlled the diagnosis and treatment plan formulation. Case management models were established according to the comprehensive peripregnancy loss care of patients with pregnancy loss after IVF-ET-assisted pregnancy. The participants’ outcomes (satisfaction, anxiety, and depression) were assessed at the time of pregnancy loss and 1 and 3 months after pregnancy loss during follow-up of the routine care and case management groups. Results. There was no statistical difference between the patients in the two groups with regard to their general information statistics (

P
>
0.05

) or their satisfaction, anxiety, and depression at the time of pregnancy loss (

P
>
0.05

). One month after pregnancy loss, there was no statistical difference in anxiety between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

), but satisfaction was greater and depression was significantly reduced in the case management group compared with the routine care group (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Case management care can have a positive effect on improving the satisfaction, anxiety, and depression of patients that have had pregnancy loss after IVF-ET.
Estradiol (E2) Reduction Adversely Affect the Embryo Quality and Clinical Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo transfer (IVF-ET)
Authors: Cheng Jing , Yang Shuangqing , Ma Huaqing , Liang Yingxiu , Zhao Junzhao
Published: April 2022

Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of decreased serum estradiol (E2) levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF). Methods. The clinical data of 300 IVF-ET cycles with patients were analyzed retrospectively. According to the presence of falling E2 level during the COH, we divided all subjects into two groups: the E2 levels fall group (n = 120, group A) and the control group (n = 180, group B). In group A, there were 57 patients with falling E2 with drug dosage reduction. The other 63 patients experienced the decreased E2 level spontaneously. The clinical and laboratory variables in the groups were compared. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were carried out in order to evaluate the predict value of E2 level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on IVF outcomes. Results. Duration and total dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used were statistically more in group A than in group B (

P

 < 0.001). The high-quality embryo rate was significantly lower in group A (

P

 = 0.048). Women in group A had lower clinical pregnancy rate (

P

 = 0.029), live birth rate (

P

 < 0.001), ongoing pregnancy rate (

P

 = 0.001), and higher early abortion rates (

P

 = 0.008) than group B. Women with spontaneously falling E2 group had a higher BMI index than those in the drug dosage reduction group (

P

 = 0.001). More dosage and longer duration of Gn in spontaneously falling E2 group than in the drug dosage reduction group (

P

 < 0.01). There were no differences in clinical outcomes between the two types of E2 decreased groups. Results from ROC showed an E2 level <1987.5 pg/ml on the hCG day might predict early abortion in this study. The sensitivity was 58.4% and the specificity was 78.9%. In addition, an E2 level >2020 pg/ml on the hCG day might be an index to predict live birth. The sensitivity was 57.0% and the specificity was 61.7%. Conclusions. Reduction of E2 during COH might adversely affect the clinical pregnancy, early abortion, and ongoing pregnancy of IVF-ET.
Perspective on Macroscale Complexity in the National Transplant System
Authors: Stuart Morgan , Placona Andrew , Vece Gabe , Lindblad Kelsi , Diallo Saikou , Carrico Bob
Published: April 2022

We present a perspective of the national transplant program based on organizational theory and complexity theory, framing the system’s allocation of donor organs as an interorganizational directed multiplex of agents with diverse belief formation in a cooperative‐competitive environment. Simulation and analysis of this macroscale complexity may help explain known behavioural variations across member organizations. However, the transplant community still relies on system‐scale simulations since effective macroscale methodologies are not well established. Therefore, we offer this perspective of the national transplant program as a means to stimulate new methods that capture macroscale impacts of policy development for deceased donor organ allocation.
Dynamic Control of Water Level in Flood Limited Reservoir Based on Intelligent Calculation
Authors: Pan Jianbo , Xie Yan , Liu Meng , Gao Zhuo , Gao Zhenzan , Xue Bowen
Published: April 2022

Determining the flood-limited water level is the focus of the contradiction between flood control and profit-making. The dynamic control of the flood-limited water level of the reservoir is an effective way to ensure flood control safety and realize flood resource utilization. Based on the analysis of the availability of forecast information, this paper conducts a study on the dynamic control of the flood-limited water level in Panjiakou Reservoir. The dynamic control area of Panjiakou Reservoir is determined by the “predischarge capacity constraint method.” On the premise of satisfying the flood control safety of the reservoir, the “prestorage and predischarge method” is adopted according to the real-time forecast information, the water conditions, work conditions, disaster conditions, etc. to develop a dynamic control plan for the flood-limited water level in the main flood season of the reservoir. Finally, based on the improved first-order second moment method (AFOSM), the dispatch risk model of the dynamic control of the flood-limited water level of the reservoir is constructed, and the risk analysis of the flood forecasting system is carried out. The results show that (1) the flood forecast accuracy of Panjiakou Reservoir conforms to the standard of the B-level forecasting scheme, and the results can be applied under the condition of considering the forecast error; (2) it is suggested that the maximum water level of the Panjiakou Reservoir in the main flood season is dynamically controlled to be 218 m. In the case of water supply guarantee rate

P
=
75
%

, compared with the current situation of the flood-limited water level of 216 m, the water supply is increased by 40 million m3, and the flow of electricity is increased by 30 million. The flood control risk rate under the rain leakage error is lower than 0.1, which is the minimum risk level, which is acceptable. However, when the net rain leakage error is greater than 25 mm, there may be insufficient leakage or excessive leakage, which will cause inconvenience to downstream flood control.
Prognostic and Functional Analysis of NPY6R in Uveal Melanoma Using Bioinformatics
Authors: Mei ShiMin , Li Yue , Kang Xueran
Published: April 2022

Neuropeptides can mediate tumor cell proliferation and differentiation through autocrine, paracrine, neurosecretory, and endocrine mechanisms. This study investigated the expression and prognostic significance of neuropeptide Y receptor Y6 (NPY6R) in uveal melanoma (UVM) and preliminarily investigated the biological function of NPY6R in UVM. NPY6R was poorly expressed in most tumors and was associated with better prognosis in UVM. Among the clinicopathological features of UVM, NPY6R expression was lower in male patients. The area under the curve (AUC) value of NPY6R for the diagnosis of UVM was 0.676 (95% CI: 0.556–0.795). A nomogram including four clinical predictors was constructed. NPY6R expression was significantly associated with features of the UVM immune microenvironment. ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were used to calculate the fraction of immune cells and the percentage of infiltration in each patient, respectively. NPY6R expression-related gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analyses were performed. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that NPY6R-related genes are mainly enriched in pathways and functions related to visual light perception. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that NPY6R is associated with tumor progression in UVM. NPY6R is involved in the tumor progression of UVM and has a good predictive value as a prognostic marker of UVM.
Controlling Hybrid Machine Tools concerning Error Compensation of Chain Elements
Authors: Duong-Quoc Khanh , Le-Thi-Thu Thuy , Pham-Thanh Long , Nong-Minh Ngoc
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces a methodology for controlling parallel robots in case they are used as a kind of specialized fixture to expand the technological capabilities of machines. The parallel robot is mounted on the workbench to extend the number of degrees of freedom. However, there are always measurable kinematic errors of the workbench which will be eliminated by the robot’s motion. The actual working motion of the robot is then still performed by its active joints. Therefore, the displacement of each movable joint is now decided by two sources, one is due to the error compensation motion of the workbench, the other is the required work movement. According to the superposition principle, these two motions are combined into a single displacement characteristic curve to control the robot. The base exchange technique to determine the error compensation motion of the workbench, the technique of solving the inverse kinematics problem by the generalized reduced gradient (GRG) method, and the principle of joint motion combination are then introduced in detail in the paper. Finally, an example with the hexapod is presented. The obtained results, which use the robot itself to generate error-compensated movements of the workbench by means of the base exchange technique, will open up the possibility of intervening in hybrid machine systems to ensure the desired forming accuracy without no hardware intervention required.
lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 Promotes EMT, Angiogenesis, and Stemness of Pituitary Adenoma by Upregulation of RAB11A
Authors: Li Zuowei , Ren Rong , Wang Lei , Wang Zhao , Zong Xin , Sun Ping , Zhu Chunmei , Guo Mingxia , Guo Guizhen , Hu Guo , Wu Ya’nan
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the effect and mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1OT1 on pituitary adenoma (PA). The KCNQ1OT1 expression in invasive and noninvasive PA tissues was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The effects of KCNQ1OT1 on the proliferation of PA cells, namely, GH3 and HP75, were detected by CCK-8 experiment. The Transwell assay detected the effect of KCNQ1OT1 on the invasion of GH3 and HP75 cells. The effect of KCNQ1OT1 on the clonal formation ability was detected by clonal formation experiment. The double luciferase reporter assay and the miRNA pull down assay verified the binding of KCNQ1OT1 to miR-140-5p. Meanwhile, the regulatory effect of miR-140-5p on RAB11A was verified. qPCR results showed that KCNQ1OT1 was significantly increased in invasive PA compared with noninvasive PA tissues. Knockdown KCNQ1OT1 inhibited PA cell stemness, angiogenesis, and EMT. In addition, knockdown KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and clonal formation of PA. miR-140-5p is the target gene of KCNQ1OT1. miR-140-5p targets RAB11A directly. RAB11A can mediate the biological effects of KCNQ1OT1. Meanwhile, lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 can promote the EMT and cellular stemness of PA. Its mechanism of action is realized by inhibiting miR-140-5p. This result can provide a molecular basis for the further study of PA.
Design and Application of Interactive Music Equipment Based on Wireless Wearable Sensors
Authors: Li Lan , Wang Guan
Published: April 2022

The fusion of emerging technology, means, and music has provided a diversified development direction for the performance form of electronic music. Interactive electronic music has become a hot form of music performance in recent years and is widely used in various art exhibitions. In this paper, we will briefly explain the basic principles and practical applications of wireless wearable sensing devices, sort out the development of interactive platforms and sensors, and study the application value of wireless wearable sensing devices in interactive electronic music works. Near-field communication (NFC), as a short-range radio technology, can realize wireless energy and data transmission simultaneously. By integrating NFC modules, electrochemical sensing circuits, and flexible electrodes, it is possible to ensure complete electrochemical sensing functions while maximizing the miniaturization, flexibility, and integration of the system. Therefore, this paper constructs a series of wireless passive flexible electrochemical sensing systems based on NFC technology, electrochemical sensing technology, and flexible electronics, and uses these systems to realize a series of innovative applications, aiming to guide the creation of higher quality interactive music artworks as well as explore the artistic and esthetic experience brought by interactive music functions, and provide theoretical references for virtual art interactive music creation and practice.
miR-199a-5p Plays a Pivotal Role on Wound Healing via Suppressing VEGFA and ROCK1 in Diabetic Ulcer Foot
Authors: Wang Hongshu , Wang Xianyi , Liu Xiaomin , Zhou Jinbao , Yang Qianqian , Chai Binshu , Chai Yimin , Ma Zhongliang , Lu Shengdi
Published: April 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing health problem. As a common complication of DM, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) results in delayed wound healing and is a leading cause of nontraumatic amputation. miR-199a-5p, a short noncoding RNA, had abnormal expression in DFU wound tissues. The expression of miR-199a-5p was significantly increased in DFU wound tissues, skin tissues of diabetic rats, and high glucose-induced cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Rho-associated kinase 1 (ROCK1) are directly targets of miR-199a-5p. Inhibiting the expression of miR-199a-5p alleviated the inhibition of VEGFA and ROCK1, thereby rescued impaired proliferation and migration of HG-induced cells, and restored the normal function of the cells to some extent. In diabetic rats, inhibition of miR-199a-5p significantly increased the expression of VEGFA and ROCK1, significantly promoted wound healing, and rescued impaired wound healing. miR-199a-5p and its targets showed therapeutic effect on diabetic wounds.
Evaluation Analysis of the Nephrotoxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii Preparations with CONSORT Harms Statement Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Qi Wuqiang , Chen Rui , Chen Minghui , Zhao Meng , Wang Mingzhao
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the safety of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TW) preparation was evaluated by combining literature research and evidence-based evaluation research, so as to provide evidence-based safety information of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside preparation (nephroptosis) for government decision making and clinical application. In this paper, we propose a network structure inspired by the LSTM gate mechanism. All the research methods of the included references are evaluated by internationally recognized evaluation tools or standards. Prevalence was analyzed according to the type of intervention (e.g., time of administration) and route of administration. The results of this experiment provide methods and suggestions for the evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine nephroptosis in the future.