bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Detection of Fertility of Group Hatching Eggs Based on Adaptive Image Segmentation
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Yang Kai , He YuTing
Published: April 2022

Highlights

An adaptive group eggs segmentation was proposed, which separates a single egg from the group eggs image.

Key color features and texture features were extracted from the RGB and HSI histograms, respectively.

The Support Vector Machine (SVM) model and Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) model were built to distinguish infertile egg and dead-embryo egg, respectively.

LS-SVM model reached 100% accuracy for infertile eggs on day 4 of incubation, and dead-embryo eggs on day 10 of incubation.

Abstract. For the incubation factory, it is of vital importance to detect infertile eggs and dead-embryo eggs in the industrial egg trays as early as possible. In this article, an activity detection computer vision system was proposed and evaluated. Due to the dense layout of eggs in industrial egg trays, the image segmentation task to separate each single egg becomes difficult. To this end, an adaptive image segmentation method for group eggs was proposed. Firstly, the binary image was obtained by the Canny operator using dynamic threshold and processed to reduce redundant information. Then ellipse fitting was employed to obtain the egg contour of the single egg. Moreover, the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) and Hue, Saturation, Intensity (HSI) histograms were selected for feature extraction. According to the analysis on color features and texture features of the images, 13 features [positions for peak values of R and I in histogram, peak values of G and I within histogram, averages of R and G, variances of R and G, contrast, roughness, inverse different moment (IDM), correlation and angular second moment (ASM)] were chosen as the criterion for detecting dead-embryo eggs. Meanwhile, 12 features (positions for peak values of R, G, H, and I in histogram, averages of R and G, slope and variance of G, contrast, roughness, IDM, and correlation) were selected for detecting infertile eggs. Lastly, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model and Lease Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) model were built to distinguish infertile egg and dead-embryo egg, respectively. According to the comparison, the LS-SVM model reached higher accuracy in determining infertile egg and dead-embryo egg than the SVM model, with less time consumed. The LS-SVM model reached 100% accuracy in detection for infertile eggs on day 4 of incubation, as well as for dead-embryo eggs on day 10 of incubation. The result demonstrated that the proposed method can conduct the activity detection for group eggs both accurately and fast, which meets the commercial requirement for non-destructive detection in the hatchery industry. Keywords: Adaptive image segmentation, Computer vision, Fertility, Group hatching eggs, LS-SVM, Non-destructive detection, SVM
Simultaneous Reduction of Thermal Stratification and Ammonia Concentrations in Poultry House During Brooding and in Cool Weather
Authors: Shah Sanjay B. , Earnest Kathleen , Oviedo-Rondón Edgar O. , Kolar Praveen , Singletary Isaac
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Pen-scale system eliminated thermal stratification while full-scale system reduced thermal stratification

Pen-scale system was moderately effective in trapping ammonia and reduced pen ammonia concentrations modestly

Ammonia trapping performance was mainly affected by dust build-up

Dust build-up was partly mitigated by a shaker

Citric acid coated burlap placed upstream of livestock barn exhaust fans may reduce ammonia and dust emissions

Abstract. High ammonia (NH3) concentrations during poultry brooding can reduce bird performance and welfare. Thermal stratification during brooding can increase energy use and reduce bird welfare. A proof-of-concept heat recovery and NH3 control (HRAC) system consisting of a low-cost NH3 filter consisting of citric acid treated burlap placed upstream of a fan was evaluated for its ability to reduce barn NH3 concentration and thermal stratification. In the lab, 5% citric acid on burlap trapped 13 times more NH3 per unit mass of sorbent than activated carbon reported in the literature. Pen-scale and barn-scale HRAC prototypes using 15% citric acid on burlap eliminated and greatly reduced thermal stratification, respectively. The pen-scale HRAC had significant NH3 removal efficiencies ranging from the 17% to 42% in seven of nine events and compared, to the Control pens (no HRAC), significantly reduced floor [NH3] in two of nine events by 26% and 42%. The pen-scale HRAC also reduced footpad dermatitis at 15 d. Performance of the full-scale HRAC was highly variable. Clogging of the filter with particulate matter reduced airflow rates that was partially mitigated using a shaker. A vertical HRAC with a shaker might improve performance. There is need to investigate the effectiveness of 5% citric acid. The citric acid-treated burlap screen placed upstream of barn exhaust fans could reduce dust and NH3 emissions. Keywords: Breakthrough curve, Burlap, Citric acid, Emissions, Energy use, Footpad dermatitis.
Development and Validation of a Sprayer-Based Software System for Drift Reduction and Dispersion Prediction
Authors: Teske Milton E. , Whitehouse Glen R. , Curbishley Thomas B.
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Summarizes AGSprayOPT model development for ground sprayer simulations.

Extends previously published modeling efforts to time-varying meteorology, wind speed/direction, and vehicle motion.

Enables real-time (onboard) prediction of spray deposition and drift during ground sprayer field operations.

Confirms model accuracy through comparison to spray trial data.

Abstract.Under a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Small Business Innovation Research program, a sprayer-based software system for the prediction and prevention of undesirable spray drift during ground sprayer operations was developed. This software system, designated AGSprayOPT, is an extension of the modeling approach employed in the development, validation, and continued enhancement of the AGDISP/AGDISPpro family of models. While focused more specifically on ground sprayer operations, AGSprayOPT employs a more general drift and deposition prediction model with time-varying meteorology, spray path, and tractor/sprayer configuration. This article describes model development and comparisons with wind tunnel data, detailing a series of spray trials and subsequent model validation against these data. Keywords: AGDISP/AGDISPpro, AGSprayOPT, Field study, Ground sprayer, Simulation, Tractor/sprayer.
Mechanical Properties of Concrete Composites Consisting of Southern Pine Wood Chips and Micronized Rubber Powder
Authors: Cole John , Street Jason , Seale Roy Daniel
Published: April 2022

Highlights

A more flexible and ductile concrete was produced with micronized rubber powder (MRP) and wood chip inclusions.

Failure modes with MRP or wood chip inclusions were less sudden and less catastrophic than with 100% concrete.

The composites with MRP and wood chips lessened the propagation of cracks throughout the specimen.

Compressive strength was reduced when MRP or wood chips was used as a replacement for aggregate.

Abstract. This study sought to characterize the flexural and crack resistance properties of composite concrete that contained micronized rubber powder (MRP) and pine wood chips as a replacement for aggregate. Compressive and flexural strength tests were conducted along with tests for modulus of elasticity. Results confirmed that the strength of the concrete decreased with the inclusion of MRP and wood chips. Visual inspection revealed that the cracks tended to propagate more slowly and evenly through the cylindrical specimens when these inclusions were present than in 100% concrete (control) specimens. The failure mode of concrete with MRP and wood chips was more gradual and less sudden compared to 100% concrete. The compressive strength was reduced by up to 77% when MRP or wood chips were used as a replacement for aggregate. The modulus of rupture decreased by up to 57% compared to 100% concrete when MRP, wood chips, or a combination of both were as a replacement for aggregate. Visual observations revealed that the failure modes of concrete beams with MRP or wood chips in compression and flexural testing were less sudden and less catastrophic compared to 100% concrete beams. The modulus of elasticity decreased by up to 59% compared to 100% concrete. The concrete specimens with MRP and wood chips were more flexible and ductile, which provided a combination of properties that lessened the propagation of cracks throughout the specimen. Keywords: Biomass, Composite, Concrete, Crack resistance, Micronized rubber powder, Rubber, Southern pine.
WebStart WEPS: WEPS with Remote Data Access and Cloud-Computing Functionality
Authors: Wagner Larry E. , Haas Mark E. , Fox Fred A.
Published: April 2022

Highlights

WebStart WEPS is a Java WebStart enabled browser-accessible version of WEPS.

This model-as-a-service cloud-based system provides remote access to model inputs and remote model execution.

Default QuickPlot reports are provided to quickly visualize model results.

MapViewer revisions are provided to improve map-based site selections.

Abstract. The Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) is a physical process-based wind erosion model developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). WEPS simulates daily climate and management-driven changes to the surface, vegetation, and soil. It estimates erosion losses when surface conditions and wind speeds are sufficient for soil movement. WEPS was released in 2010 to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) for assisting land managers in controlling wind erosion, establishing field-level plans for soil conservation, and determining wind erosion susceptibility as a part of national conservation programs to conserve the soil resource. The WEPS interface allows easy user access to national-scale input data. Four primary inputs are required to set up and execute a WEPS run: (1) field dimensions; (2) field location, which automatically determines applicable local climate data; (3) a representative soil; and (4) time series of management practices. These inputs require access to a significant amount of data, which are typically stored locally; however, maintaining these data on every computer running WEPS and keeping them current were problematic for the NRCS. To address these concerns, remote access functionality was incorporated into WEPS to deliver climate and wind data, as well as soil, operation, crop/residue, and management (a date-sequenced list of management operations) records. In addition, WebStart WEPS also features the option of running WEPS components remotely “in the cloud” as web services. The Java WebStart framework provides a simplified delivery mechanism to users’ computers and offers automatic updating capability. Keywords: Cloud services, CSIP, Erosion, Java WebStart, Modeling, WEPS, Wind erosion.
Modeling and Simulation of the Microenvironment in Poultry Coops
Authors: Moghadam Ali , Thippareddi Harshavardhan , Regmi Prafulla , Pidaparti Ramana
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and velocity affect the thermal microenvironment in loaded poultry coops.

Increasing air velocity alone will not alleviate bird distress for some combinations of air temperature and RH.

Heat generated by the birds affects the thermal microenvironment in loaded poultry coops.

A CFD model can precisely predict the thermal microenvironment at any location in a loaded poultry coop.

Abstract. Exposure of broilers to extremes of temperature and relative humidity (RH) during the summer can cause bird mortalities. Broiler welfare can be represented by the enthalpy comfort index (ECI), an integrated parameter for characterizing the thermal microenvironment. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to investigate the combined effects of temperature, RH, air velocity, and heat produced by the birds on the ECI inside a poultry coop. To validate the computational model, a case study was carried out, and predictions were compared to data from the literature. After validation, several cases with varying RH, heat generation, and air velocity were considered, and the results were used to calculate the ECI and consequently evaluate bird welfare. Regardless of the air temperature and RH at the air inlet, the heat produced by the birds and the lack of airflow in the areas behind the birds created an undesirable thermal microenvironment (warning, critical, or lethal ECI levels) inside the coop. The results obtained from the computational model can be used for optimizing the specific environmental conditions in poultry coops to improve bird welfare. Keywords: Broilers welfare, CFD simulation, Thermal microenvironment.
Real-time distance and velocity measurement based on the dual-comb system
Authors: Shi Haonan , Xu Xinyang , Qian Zhiwen , Zhao Haihan , Sun Wanzhong , Fu Xiaomei , Zhai Jingsheng
Published: April 2022

With the development of laser metrology, the dual-comb system has natural superiority in the measuring fields. Specifically, distance and velocity represent a basic state for the target in space. We propose an application mode of the dual-comb interferometry integrated into the field programmable gate array. A high-speed parallel processor truly gives full play to the benefit of the data processing rate. The algorithm of the peak extraction and the address matching also bring an efficient working mode into the whole scheme. To verify the performance of this system, we devise a series of experiments for distance and velocity, respectively. The data processing rate of the distance is 425 Hz and that of the corresponding average velocity is 0.425 Hz, which is flexible for different measuring conditions. The experimental results show that the difference can be well within 252.8 µm at 5 m range and 284.9 µm/s over 0.5 m/s.
Generation of a 25-line flattened optical frequency comb and its coherent beating properties
Authors: Qiu Jichen , Jin Xiaofeng , Yang Ling , Xu Yaoqi , Wei Bin
Published: April 2022

A 25-line flattened optical frequency comb (OFC) is generated by cascading Mach–Zehnder modulators, and its coherent beating properties are investigated. The effect of bias voltages and the power of radio frequency signals on the flatness of the OFC, and the phase relationships between each comb line are theoretically deduced. In the experiment, a 25-line OFC with a flatness of less than 1 dB and an optical sideband suppression ratio of 12 dB is successfully demonstrated, and the agreement between simulation and experimental results supports the validity of the model for analysis of the flatness. The measured amplitude of harmonic signals by coherent beating of the generated 25-line OFC matches well with the theoretical prediction. A phase noise of

−

105.31

d
B
c

/

H
z

at 10 kHz frequency offset for the 12th harmonic signal almost without phase noise degradation proves the high coherence of the generated OFC lines.
Optomechanical design of a wide-field auroral imager on
Fengyun-3D
Authors: Guo Quanfeng , Chen Bo , Liu Shijie , Song Kefei , He Lingping , He Fei , Zhao Weiguo , Wang Zhongsu , Chen Liheng , Shi Guangwei
Published: April 2022

We present the optomechanical design and development of a wide-field auroral imager
(WAI) on board the satellite Fengyun-3D. The
optomechanical system of the WAI features a combination of a large
field of view and a single-axis scanning mechanism. The combination
makes the WAI perform better than its counterparts in temporal
resolution in a low Earth orbit. In-orbit tests have verified the
survival of WAI in the launching vibration and space environment. It
has functioned on-orbit since 2018, with a spatial resolution of

∼

10

k
m

at the nadir point, at a reference
height of 110 km above the ionosphere.
Broadly tunable (993–1110  nm) Yb:YLF laser
Authors: Demirbas Umit , Thesinga Jelto , Kellert Martin , Reuter Simon , Pergament Mikhail , Kärtner Franz X.
Published: April 2022

We have investigated room-temperature continuous-wave (cw) lasing performance of Yb:YLF oscillators in detail using rod-type crystals with low Yb-doping (2%). The laser is pumped by a low-cost, high brightness, 10 W, 960 nm single-emitter multimode diode. Laser performance is acquired in both

E

/

/

a

and

E

/

/

c

configurations, using 12 different output couplers with transmission ranging from 0.015% to 70%. We have estimated the passive loss of the Yb:YLF crystal as 0.06% per cm, corresponding to an impressive crystal figure of merit above 4000. The low-doping level not only reduces the system losses but also minimizes the thermal load as the low doped crystals enable distribution of heat load in a greater volume. Using the advantages of lower loss and improved thermal behavior, we have achieved cw output power above 4 W, cw slope efficiencies up to 78%, and a record cw tuning range covering the 993–1110 nm region (117 nm). The output power performance achieved in this initial work is limited by the available pump power, and future room-temperature Yb:YLF systems have the potential to produce higher output power levels.
Method for virtual optical sectioning and tomography utilizing shallow depth of field
Authors: Gureyev Timur E. , Quiney Harry M. , Allen Leslie J.
Published: April 2022

A method is proposed for high-resolution, three-dimensional reconstruction of internal structures of objects from planar transmission images. The described approach can be used with any form of radiation or matter waves, in principle, provided that the depth of field is smaller than the thickness of the sample. The physical optics basis for the method is elucidated, and the reconstruction algorithm is presented in detail. A simulated example demonstrates an application of the method to three-dimensional electron transmission imaging of a nanoparticle under realistic radiation dose and spatial resolution constraints. It is envisaged that the method can be applicable in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, soft x-ray microscopy, ultrasound imaging, and other areas.
End-to-end metasurface inverse design for single-shot multi-channel imaging
Authors: Lin Zin , Pestourie Raphaël , Roques-Carmes Charles , Li Zhaoyi , Capasso Federico , Soljačić Marin , Johnson Steven G.
Published: April 2022

We introduce end-to-end inverse design for multi-channel imaging, in which a nanophotonic frontend is optimized in conjunction with an image-processing backend to extract depth, spectral and polarization channels from a single monochrome image. Unlike diffractive optics, we show that subwavelength-scale “metasurface” designs can easily distinguish similar wavelength and polarization inputs. The proposed technique integrates a single-layer metasurface frontend with an efficient Tikhonov reconstruction backend, without any additional optics except a grayscale sensor. Our method yields multi-channel imaging by spontaneous demultiplexing: the metaoptics front-end separates different channels into distinct spatial domains whose locations on the sensor are optimally discovered by the inverse-design algorithm. We present large-area metasurface designs, compatible with standard lithography, for multi-spectral imaging, depth-spectral imaging, and “all-in-one” spectro-polarimetric-depth imaging with robust reconstruction performance (≲ 10% error with 1% detector noise). In contrast to neural networks, our framework is physically interpretable and does not require large training sets. It can be used to reconstruct arbitrary three-dimensional scenes with full multi-wavelength spectra and polarization textures.
Ultra-high harmonic mode-locking with a micro-fiber knot resonator and Lyot filter
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Li Duidui , Ren Zhaoyu , Cheng Xuemei , Sun Zhipei , Bai Jintao
Published: April 2022

We report on ultra-high harmonic mode-locking with a repetition rate of up to ∼1 THz by combining a microfiber knot resonator (MKR) and a Lyot filter. The harmonic mode-locked pulses are tunable by changing the diameter of MKR, which agrees well with the theoretical calculation. Our results indicate that the ultrafast pulse generation mechanism is due to the dissipative four-wave mixing mode-locking technique. This work provides a simple and efficient scheme to generate tunable ultrafast pulses with a high repetition rate for various applications, such as THz generation and ultrafast data communication.
Hybrid-quality-guided phase fusion model for high dynamic range 3D surface measurement by structured light technology
Authors: Zhang Pan , Zhong Kai , Li Zhongwei , Zhang Baohui
Published: April 2022

Using structured light to measure the 3D shape of a high dynamic range (HDR) surface has been always a challenging problem, and fusion of multi-group images with different exposures is recognized as an effective solution. It tends to select the phase with unsaturated and maximum gray intensity as the final phase, which has two problems: 1) the selection criteria are too simple to fully evaluate the phase quality, and 2) it is affected by the image noise, camera’s nonlinear response, local reflection and other factors and the phase with the best quality among the initial phases may also have an error. Aiming to solve these issues, this paper presents a hybrid-quality-guided phase fusion (HPF) model. In this model, a hybrid-quality measure is first proposed to evaluate the phase quality more comprehensively. Then, all initial phases are weighted and fused under the guidance of the hybrid-quality measure to obtain a more accurate phase as the final one. Through this model, a more complete and accurate 3D shape of the HDR surface can be reconstructed, and its validity has been verified by several experiments.
Clamping-force induced birefringence in a single-mode fiber in commercial V-grooves investigated with distributed polarization analysis: erratum
Authors: Feng Ting , Miao Tiantian , Lu Ziyi , Steve Yao X.
Published: April 2022

We correct several errors in our publication [Opt. Express 30(4): 5347 (2022)10.1364/OE.452756].
Multi-illumination 3D holographic display using a binary mask
Authors: Jo Youngjin , Yoo Dongheon , Lee Dukho , Kim Minkwan , Lee Byoungho
Published: April 2022

We introduce a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method to increase the bandwidth in holographic displays. Here, multi-angle illumination using multiple laser diodes (LDs) is adopted to expand the limited diffraction angle of the spatial light modulator (SLM). To solve the problem of signal repetitions caused by sharing the same SLM pattern, we use a random binary mask (BM). We demonstrate via simulations and experiments that our method effectively increases the bandwidth with sufficient image quality. Furthermore, the speckle noise, a critical issue of the holographic display that decreases the contrast and is potentially harmful to eyes, is reduced by the advantage of incoherent summation in the reconstruction plane. We believe that this method is a practical approach that can expand the bandwidth of the holographic display by alleviating the bottleneck of hardware limitations.
RNA folding using quantum computers
Authors: Fox Dillion M. , MacDermaid Christopher M. , Schreij Andrea M. A. , Zwierzyna Magdalena , Walker Ross C.
Published: April 2022

The 3-dimensional fold of an RNA molecule is largely determined by patterns of intramolecular hydrogen bonds between bases. Predicting the base pairing network from the sequence, also referred to as RNA secondary structure prediction or RNA folding, is a nondeterministic polynomial-time (NP)-complete computational problem. The structure of the molecule is strongly predictive of its functions and biochemical properties, and therefore the ability to accurately predict the structure is a crucial tool for biochemists. Many methods have been proposed to efficiently sample possible secondary structure patterns. Classic approaches employ dynamic programming, and recent studies have explored approaches inspired by evolutionary and machine learning algorithms. This work demonstrates leveraging quantum computing hardware to predict the secondary structure of RNA. A Hamiltonian written in the form of a Binary Quadratic Model (BQM) is derived to drive the system toward maximizing the number of consecutive base pairs while jointly maximizing the average length of the stems. A Quantum Annealer (QA) is compared to a Replica Exchange Monte Carlo (REMC) algorithm programmed with the same objective function, with the QA being shown to be highly competitive at rapidly identifying low energy solutions. The method proposed in this study was compared to three algorithms from literature and, despite its simplicity, was found to be competitive on a test set containing known structures with pseudoknots.
Prevalence and factors associated with human Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in twelve remote villages of Ranomafana rainforest, Madagascar
Authors: Rahantamalala Anjanirina , Rakotoarison Rado Lalaina , Rakotomalala Emma , Rakotondrazaka Mahenintsoa , Kiernan Jaydon , Castle Paul M. , Hakami Lee , Choi Koeun , Rafalimanantsoa Armand Solofoniaina , Harimanana Aina , Wright Patricia , Grandjean Lapierre Simon , Schoenhals Matthieu , Small Peter M. , Marcos Luis A. , Vigan-Womas Inès
Published: April 2022

Background

Infections with the tapeworm Taenia solium (taeniosis and cysticercosis) are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) highly endemic in Madagascar. These infections are however underdiagnosed, underreported and their burden at the community level remains unknown especially in rural remote settings. This study aims at assessing the prevalence of T. solium infections and associated risk factors in twelve remote villages surrounding Ranomafana National Park (RNP), Ifanadiana District, Madagascar.

Methodology

A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2016. Stool and serum samples were collected from participants. Tapeworm carriers were identified by stool examination. Taenia species and T. solium genotypes were characterised by PCR and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Detection of specific anti-cysticercal antibodies (IgG) or circulating cysticercal antigens was performed by ELISA or EITB/Western blot assays.

Principal findings

Of the 459 participants with paired stool and blood samples included ten participants from seven distinct villages harbored Taenia spp. eggs in their stools samples DNA sequencing of the cox1 gene revealed a majority of T. solium Asian genotype (9/10) carriage. The overall seroprevalences of anti-cysticercal IgGs detected by ELISA and EITB were quite similar (27.5% and 29.8% respectively). A prevalence rate of 12.4% of circulating cysticercal antigens was observed reflecting cysticercosis with viable cysts. Open defecation (Odds Ratio, OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0–2.3) and promiscuity with households of more than 4 people (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1) seem to be the main risk factors associated with anticysticercal antibodies detection. Being over 15 years of age would be a risk factor associated with an active cysticercosis (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.7). Females (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9) and use of river as house water source (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–1.5) were less likely to have cysticercosis with viable cysts.

Conclusions/Significance

This study indicates a high exposure of the investigated population to T. solium infections with a high prevalence of cysticercosis with viable cysts. These data can be useful to strengthen public health interventions in these remote settings.
Aggregation chimeras provide evidence of in vivo intercellular correction in ovine CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease)
Authors: Barry Lucy Anne , Kay Graham William , Mitchell Nadia Lesley , Murray Samantha Jane , Jay Nigel P. , Palmer David Norris
Published: April 2022

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs; Batten disease) are fatal, mainly childhood, inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases. Sheep affected with a CLN6 form display progressive regionally defined glial activation and subsequent neurodegeneration, indicating that neuroinflammation may be causative of pathogenesis. In this study, aggregation chimeras were generated from homozygous unaffected normal and CLN6 affected sheep embryos, resulting in seven chimeric animals with varied proportions of normal to affected cells. These sheep were classified as affected-like, recovering-like or normal-like, based on their cell-genotype ratios and their clinical and neuropathological profiles. Neuropathological examination of the affected-like animals revealed intense glial activation, prominent storage body accumulation and severe neurodegeneration within all cortical brain regions, along with vision loss and decreasing intracranial volumes and cortical thicknesses consistent with ovine CLN6 disease. In contrast, intercellular communication affecting pathology was evident at both the gross and histological level in the normal-like and recovering-like chimeras, resulting in a lack of glial activation and rare storage body accumulation in only a few cells. Initial intracranial volumes of the recovering-like chimeras were below normal but progressively recovered to about normal by two years of age. All had normal cortical thicknesses, and none went blind. Extended neurogenesis was evident in the brains of all the chimeras. This study indicates that although CLN6 is a membrane bound protein, the consequent defect is not cell intrinsic. The lack of glial activation and inflammatory responses in the normal-like and recovering-like chimeras indicate that newly generated cells are borne into a microenvironment conducive to maturation and survival.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV infections in a representative transgender and non-binary population in Flanders and Brussels (Belgium): Protocol for a community-based, cross-sectional study using time-location sampling
Authors: De Brier Niels , Van Schuylenbergh Judith , Van Remoortel Hans , Van den Bossche Dorien , Fieuws Steffen , Molenberghs Geert , De Buck Emmy , T’Sjoen Guy , Compernolle Veerle , Platteau Tom , Motmans Joz
Published: April 2022

Introduction

HIV prevalence and sexual risk have been estimated very high for transgender people. However, the limited sampling and data collection methods used in current research on transgender people potentially led to overrepresentation and generalisation of people at risk for HIV. Current HIV prevalence estimates in transgender populations are generalised from studies mainly focusing on transgender women engaging in sex work. Moreover, studies focusing on non-binary people, who identify with a broad range of identities beyond the traditional male and female gender identities, are scarce.

Objectives

To estimate the HIV prevalence rate in the Flemish and Brussels (Belgium) transgender population, including transgender women, transgender men and non-binary people, and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

In this community-based cross-sectional study, self-identified transgender and non-binary (TGNB) people will be recruited through a two-stage time-location sampling approach. First, community settings in which TGNB people gather will be mapped to develop an accurate sampling frame. Secondly, a multistage sampling design is applied involving a stratification based on setting type (healthcare facilities vs outreach events), a selection of clusters by systematic sampling and a simple random selection of TGNB people within each cluster. Participants will complete an electronic self-reported survey to measure sociological, sexual and drug-using behaviors (risk factors) and oral fluid aliquots will be collected and tested for HIV antibodies. Logistic regression models will be used to evaluate risk factors independently associated with HIV infection. The presented study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04930614).

Discussion

This study will be the first to investigate the HIV prevalence rates and associated risk behaviors in an accurate representation of the TGNB population in a Western European country. The findings will globally serve as a knowledge base for identifying subgroups at risk for becoming infected with HIV within TGNB people and to set up targeted prevention programs.
Longitudinal mediation analysis of the factors associated with trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among postpartum women in Northwest Ethiopia: Application of the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method
Authors: Malaju Marelign Tilahun , Alene Getu Degu , Bisetegn Telake Azale
Published: April 2022

Introduction

In recent years, literatures identified childbirth as a potentially traumatic experience resulting in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with 19.7 to 45.5% of women perceiving their childbirth as traumatic. A substantial variation in PTSD symptoms has been also indicated among women who experience a traumatic childbirth. However, there has been no research that has systematically investigated these patterns and their underlying determinants in postpartum women in Ethiopia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the trajectories of PTSD symptoms and mediating relationships of variables associated with it among postpartum women in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 775 women were recruited after childbirth and were followed at the 6th, 12th and 18th week of postpartum period during October, 2020 –March, 2021. A group-based trajectory modeling and mediation analysis using KHB method were carried out using Stata version 16 software in order to determine the trajectories of PTSD symptoms and mediation percentage of each mediator on the trajectories of PTSD symptoms.

Results

Four distinct trajectories of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were identified. Perceived traumatic childbirth, fear of childbirth, depression, anxiety, psychological violence, higher WHODAS 2.0 total score, multigravidity, stressful life events of health risk, relational problems and income instability were found to be predictors of PTSD with recovery and chronic PTSD trajectory group membership. Depression and anxiety not only were strongly related to trajectories of PTSD symptoms directly but also mediated much of the effect of the other factors on trajectories of PTSD symptoms. In contrast, multiparity and higher mental quality of life scores were protective of belonging to the PTSD with recovery and chronic PTSD trajectory group membership.

Conclusion

Women with symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear of childbirth and perceived traumatic childbirth were at increased risk of belonging to recovered and chronic PTSD trajectories. Postnatal screening and treatment of depression and anxiety may contribute to decrease PTSD symptoms of women in the postpartum period. Providing adequate information about birth procedures and response to mothers’ needs during childbirth and training of health care providers to be mindful of factors that contribute to negative appraisals of childbirth are essential to reduce fear of childbirth and traumatic childbirth so as to prevent PTSD symptoms in the postpartum period.
Blockchain technology in healthcare: A systematic review
Authors: Saeed Huma , Malik Hassaan , Bashir Umair , Ahmad Aiesha , Riaz Shafia , Ilyas Maheen , Bukhari Wajahat Anwaar , Khan Muhammad Imran Ali
Published: April 2022

Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged in the last decade and added a lot of interest in the healthcare sector. The purpose of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to explore the potential paradigm shift in healthcare utilizing BCT. The study is compiled by reviewing research articles published in nine well-reputed venues such as IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Springs Link, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, and MDPI between January 2016 to August 2021. A total of 1,192 research studies were identified out of which 51 articles were selected based on inclusion criteria for this SLR that presents the modern information on the recent implications and gaps in the use of BCT for enhancing the healthcare procedures. According to the outcomes, BCT is being applied to design the novel and advanced interventions to enrich the current protocol of managing, distributing, and processing clinical records and personal medical information. BCT is enduring the conceptual development in the healthcare domain, where it has summed up the substantial elements through better and enhanced efficiency, technological innovation, access control, data privacy, and security. A framework is developed to address the probable field where future researchers can add considerable value, such as data protection, system architecture, and regulatory compliance. Finally, this SLR concludes that the upcoming research can support the pervasive implementation of BCT to address the critical dilemmas related to health diagnostics, enhancing the patient healthcare process in remote monitoring or emergencies, data integrity, and avoiding fraud.
No association between APOE genotype and lipid lowering with cognitive function in a randomized controlled trial of evolocumab
Authors: Korthauer Laura E. , Giugliano Robert P. , Guo Jianping , Sabatine Marc S. , Sever Peter , Keech Anthony , Atar Dan , Kurtz Christopher , Ruff Christian T. , Mach Francois , Ott Brian R.
Published: April 2022

APOE encodes a cholesterol transporter, and the ε4 allele is associated with higher circulating cholesterol levels, ß-amyloid burden, and risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Prior studies demonstrated no significant differences in objective or subjective cognitive function for patients receiving the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab vs. placebo added to statin therapy. There is some evidence that cholesterol-lowering medications may confer greater cognitive benefits in APOE ε4 carriers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether APOE genotype moderates the relationships between evolocumab use and cognitive function. APOE-genotyped patients (N = 13,481; 28% ε4 carriers) from FOURIER, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of evolocumab added to statin therapy in patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease followed for a median of 2.2 years, completed the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog) to self-report cognitive changes from the end of the trial compared to its beginning; a subset (N = 835) underwent objective cognitive testing using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery as part of the EBBINGHAUS trial. There was a dose-dependent relationship between APOE ε4 genotype and patient-reported memory decline on the ECog in the placebo arm (p = .003 for trend across genotypes; ε4/ε4 carriers vs. non-carriers: OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.03, 2.08]) but not in the evolocumab arm (p = .50, OR = 1.18, 95% CI [.83,1.66]). However, the genotype by treatment interaction was not significant (p = .30). In the subset of participants who underwent objective cognitive testing with the CANTAB, APOE genotype did not significantly modify the relationship between treatment arm and CANTAB performance after adjustment for demographic and medical covariates, (p’s>.05). Although analyses were limited by the low population frequency of the ε4/ε4 genotype, this supports the cognitive safety of evolocumab among ε4 carriers, guiding future research on possible benefits of cholesterol-lowering medications in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Retrospective analysis of adjuvant radiotherapy in oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer: Feasibility of omitting lower-neck irradiation
Authors: Ho Sheng-Yow , Kao Wan-Chen , Hsiao Sheng-Yen , Chiu Sheng-Fu , Lee Sung-Wei , Chen Jia-Chun , Shieh Li-Tsun
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Adjuvant radiotherapy is the standard of care in locally advanced head and neck cancers. The radiation field is correlated with the surgical field in the adjuvant radiotherapy setting; therefore, tailoring the irradiation field is reasonable.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers included in the cancer registry between 2015 and 2019 in the study hospital. Patients who underwent whole-neck irradiation (WNI) were compared with those who underwent lower-neck–sparing (LNS) irradiation.

Results

A total of 167 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers were included in the study. Cancer recurrence was recorded in 33% of the patients. The rate of recurrence of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer at neck level IV was 8%. The 2-year incidence of level IV recurrence was lower in the WNI group than in the LNS group (2% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). The 2-year disease-free survival rates were 75% and 63% in the WNI and LNS groups, respectively (p = 0.08).

Conclusion

The rate of level IV recurrence was higher in the LNS group than in the WNI group. Trends of improvement in disease-free survival with lower-neck irradiation suggested that it is premature to consider LNS irradiation as daily practice in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
Experimental swine models for perforator flap dissection in reconstructive microsurgery
Authors: Nistor Alexandru , Jiga Lucian P. , Miclaus Gratian D. , Hoinoiu Bogdan , Matusz Petru , Ionac Mihai E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Perforator flaps account for a fraction of reconstructive procedures despite their growing popularity. Specific microsurgical skills are required for successful harvesting of perforator flaps, which are difficult to attain through direct operating room training. Cadaver and small animal dissection cannot simulate human perforator dissection, lacking either bleeding and vessel feedback or providing too small calibers. Thus, we have developed and refined over the last ten years five perforator flaps models in living pig, described their harvesting technique and provided evidence for their effectiveness as perforator flap training models.

Method

CT angiography data from ten living pigs was used for detailed examination of the integument’s vascular anatomy. Microsurgical techniques were used to standardize and harvest the perforator flaps in acute models. The same operator-assistant team, with no prior perforator flap harvesting experience, raised all flaps in a sequential manner, one animal per day, during a 7 weeks timespan. Porcine flaps were compared to human counterparts in terms of vessel caliber, dissection times. Immediate flap survival was measured as duration of perforator pulsation after completion of flap harvesting, measured every 10 minutes for up to two hours.

Results

Five perforator flaps were standardized, based on the deep cranial epigastric, thoracodorsal, lateral intercostal, cranial gluteal and dorsal cervical arteries and the operative technique was described in detail. Mean pig perforator size was 1.24±0.36 mm and mean pedicle diameter was 2.78±0.8 mm, which matched closely the human calibers for each flap. Total harvesting time increased 22.4% between the first two experiments due to a more cautious approach following the lack of perforator pulsation in all flaps in the first experimental animal. A total decrease of 44.4% harvesting time between second and last experiment was observed, as expected with all repetitive surgical procedures. Post-operative perforator pulsation time revealed a steep learning curve, with no or short-term pulsatile perforators in the first five pigs, followed by a 275% increase in total perforator pulsation time between 5th and 6th experimental animal. Based on these findings we provide a description of the most common mistakes, their consequences and gestures which can be trained using the pig perforator flaps, in order to overcome these mistakes.

Conclusion

These five pig perforator flap models provide a fast and efficient learning tool to develop perforator flap harvesting skills safely. Surgical training using these five experimental models offers a similar hands-on perforator flap dissection experience as with human tissue, based on the similar sized calibers of both perforators and pedicles with their human counterparts.
Detailed analysis of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection in macaques
Authors: Willcox Alexandra C. , Sung Kevin , Garrett Meghan E. , Galloway Jared G. , Erasmus Jesse H. , Logue Jennifer K. , Hawman David W. , Chu Helen Y. , Hasenkrug Kim J. , Fuller Deborah H. , Matsen IV Frederick A. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: April 2022

Macaques are a commonly used model for studying immunity to human viruses, including for studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. However, it is unknown whether macaque antibody responses resemble the response in humans. To answer this question, we employed a phage-based deep mutational scanning approach (Phage-DMS) to compare which linear epitopes are targeted on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in convalescent humans, convalescent (re-infected) rhesus macaques, mRNA-vaccinated humans, and repRNA-vaccinated pigtail macaques. We also used Phage-DMS to determine antibody escape pathways within each epitope, enabling a granular comparison of antibody binding specificities at the locus level. Overall, we identified some common epitope targets in both macaques and humans, including in the fusion peptide (FP) and stem helix-heptad repeat 2 (SH-H) regions. Differences between groups included a response to epitopes in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) in vaccinated humans but not vaccinated macaques, as well as recognition of a CTD epitope and epitopes flanking the FP in convalescent macaques but not convalescent humans. There was also considerable variability in the escape pathways among individuals within each group. Sera from convalescent macaques showed the least variability in escape overall and converged on a common response with vaccinated humans in the SH-H epitope region, suggesting highly similar antibodies were elicited. Collectively, these findings suggest that the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in macaques shares many features with humans, but with substantial differences in the recognition of certain epitopes and considerable individual variability in antibody escape profiles, suggesting a diverse repertoire of antibodies that can respond to major epitopes in both humans and macaques. Differences in macaque species and exposure type may also contribute to these findings.
OUT OF BALANCE: A YEAR OF DIALOGUE WITH KIRA O’REILLY TOWARD A MOVEMENT PRACTICE
Authors: GEORGE DORAN
Published: April 2022

Frantic clockwork arms swing rigid, in arcs, below your shoulder, always less than 180°. It’s futile searching for a centre of balance, a place to balance the heels that are jerked up out of the floor on top of impossibly bent knees. The balls of your feet stab forwards and backwards along tracks etched out by a mean logic of the body in physical crisis. Fast concentration dips with your face, as torso, unyielding, grasping for stability, see-saws over your hips.
FALLING IS NOT SO PITIFUL: ON SYNCOPAL ACTIONS AND FALLING STATES
Authors: JOHNSON DOMINIC
Published: April 2022

In a long meditation on Rembrandt’s painting The Anatomy Lesson (ca. 1630), the historian Francis Barker mentions a patient of the depicted surgeon, ‘constrained to spend a winter in bed suffering from the insight that his bones were made of wax and would buckle if he stood up.’ In the course of his analysis of the emergence or invention of the body of modernity, Barker discusses another sufferer of a conspicuously new and fragile corporeality: ‘a leading intellectual and noted neurotic, who […] dared not sit down for fear that his buttocks, which were made of glass, would shatter.’ Watching Kira O’Reilly perform Syncopal Actions and Falling States (2008) at Chisenhale Dance Space – as she moved, held poses, shuddered, repeated choreographies, fell, and fell – I became conscious, more so than ever, of the volatility of her body. In the days that followed, I thought about her peculiar vulnerability, so redolent with personal or corporeal disaster, and what it meant for dance to be the chosen form to hold (or be broken by) her movements.