bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness in third grade of primary school: A mixed model analysis of 108,295 children and 515 schools
Authors: Fühner Thea , Granacher Urs , Golle Kathleen , Kliegl Reinhold
Published: April 2021

Children’s physical fitness development and related moderating effects of age and sex are well documented, especially boys’ and girls’ divergence during puberty. The situation might be different during prepuberty. As girls mature approximately two years earlier than boys, we tested a possible convergence of performance with five tests representing four components of physical fitness in a large sample of 108,295 eight-year old third-graders. Within this single prepubertal year of life and irrespective of the test, performance increased linearly with chronological age, and boys outperformed girls to a larger extent in tests requiring muscle mass for successful performance. Tests differed in the magnitude of age effects (gains), but there was no evidence for an interaction between age and sex. Moreover, “physical fitness” of schools correlated at r = 0.48 with their age effect which might imply that "fit schools” promote larger gains; expected secular trends from 2011 to 2019 were replicated.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and associated factors of Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas aeruginosa nosocomial infection among patients admitted at Dessie comprehensive specialized Hospital, North-East Ethiopia. A cross sectional study
Authors: Mekonnen Habtamu , Seid Abdurahaman , Molla Genet , Gebrecherkos Teklay
Published: April 2021

Background:- Hospital admitted patients are at increased risk of nosocomial infections (NIs) with multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens which are prevalent in the hospital environment. P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii are common causes of NIs worldwide. The objective of this study is to determine the magnitude, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and associated factors of Acinetobacter and P. aeruginosa NIs among patients hospitalized at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DCSH), North-East Ethiopia.Methods:- A cross-sectional study was conducted at DCSH from February 1 to April 30, 2020. A total of 254 patients who were suspected of either bloodstream, urinary tract, or surgical site nosocomial infection were enrolled consecutively. Sociodemographic and other variables of interest were collected using a structured questionnaire. The specimens were collected and processed following standard microbiological procedures. Antibacterial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 and p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Overall, 13% of patients had nosocomial Acinetobacter and/or P. aeruginosa infections. The culture positivity rate was 16(6.3%) for Acinetobacter spp and 18(7.1%) for P. aeruginosa. All isolates of Acinetobacter spp. were from patients with intravenous catheterization. Patients admitted in the surgical ward (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 10.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-93.23), pediatric ward (AOR: 14.37; 95% CI: 1.4-148.5), intensive care unit (AOR: 41.93; 95% CI:4.7-374.7) and orthopedics (AOR: 52.21;95%CI:7.5-365) were significantly at risk to develop NIs compared to patients admitted in the medical ward. Patients who took more than two antimicrobial types were 94% (AOR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.004-0.84) times more protected from NIs compared to those who did not take any antimicrobial. About 81% of Acinetobacter spp. and 83% of P. aeruginosa isolates were MDR. Amikacin and meropenem showed promising activity against Acinetobacter and P. aeruginosa isolates.Conclusion: The high prevalence of MDR Acinetobacter and P. aeruginosa nosocomial isolates highlighted the need of improving and implementing infection control programs in the hospitals. Treatment of NIs should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Predicting running time of aerodynamic jobs in HPC system by combining supervised and unsupervised learning method
Authors: Wang Hao , Dai Yi-Qin , Yu Jie , Dong Yong
Published: April 2021

Improving resource utilization is an important goal of high-performance computing systems of supercomputing centers. In order to meet this goal, the job scheduler of high-performance computing systems often use backfilling scheduling to fill short-time jobs into the gaps of jobs at the front of the queue. Backfilling scheduling needs to obtain the running time of the job. In the past, the job running times are usually given by users and often far exceeded the actual running time of the job, which leads to inaccurate backfilling and a waste of computing resources. In particular, when the predicted job running time is lower than the actual time, the damage caused to the utilization of the system’s computing resources becomes more serious. Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the job running time is crucial to the utilization of system resources. The use of machine learning methods can make more accurate predictions of the job running time. Aiming at the parallel application of aerodynamics, we propose a job running time prediction framework SU combining supervised and unsupervised learning, and verifies it on the real historical data of the high-performance computing systems of China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center(CARDC). The experimental results show that SU has a high prediction accuracy(80.46%) and a low underestimation rate(24.85%).
Deep Crustal Fluid Upwelling through Structural Pathways Observed from Non-active Volcanic Regions, Western Kumamoto, Japan
Authors: Hosono Takahiro , Yamanaka Chikashige
Published: April 2021

Natural springs containing volcanic and magmatic components occur along major volcano-seismotectonic regions over the worlds. However, features of the deep-originated waters were less documented from regions where active volcanic and magmatic activities are not distributed. To characterize the presence of deep fluids of non-volcanic origin 28 groundwater samples (~ 1,230 m deep) were collected from hot spring sites located at western coast of Kumamoto where the typical subduction related magmatisms are absent. The samples were measured for dissolved ion concentrations and stable isotope ratios (δ2HH2O, δ18OH2O, δ13CDIC and δ34SSO4) that were compared with data of 33 water samples from vicinity surface systems. The groundwaters were classified into three types based on major hydrochemistry: high Cl− fluid, low concentration fluid, and high HCO3− fluid. Our dataset suggests that the high Cl− fluid was formed by saline water mixing with aquifer waters of meteoric origin and subsequently evolved by reverse cation exchange. The low concentration fluid is identical to regional aquifer water of meteoric origin that was subjected to cation exchange. The high HCO3− fluid showed the highest HCO3− concentrations (~ 3,888 mg/l) with the highest δ13CDIC (-1.9‰). Taking recent geophysical mappings under the study area, we suggest that dissolved carbon was of mantle origin and fluids with high HCO3− generated in lower crust were transported towards surface through structural weakness under open tectonic setting. Observed δ2HH2O and δ18OH2O shifts support this scenario. The occurrence of deep crustal fluid discharges was sporadic and limited in surface in the study area. Their impacts on surface hydrological systems were minimal except few locations.
Comparing Colon Capsule Endoscopy To Colonoscopy; A Symptomatic Patient’s Perspective
Authors: Ismail M Syafiq , Murphy Greg , Semenov Serhiy , McNamara Deirdre
Published: April 2021

Introduction:Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) has proven efficacy in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Few studies have assessed patient-reported outcomes and preference between colonoscopy and CCE.Aims:To identify comfort scores and patient preferences between CCE and colonoscopy.Methods:Patients from our centre who had both a CCE and colonoscopy within a 12-month period were identified. We performed over-the-phone interviews focused on satisfaction, comfort, and overall preference with a 10-point Likert scale. Electronic records were reviewed; reported Modified-Gloucester-Comfort-Scale (GCS) score, sedation, bowel preparation and endoscopist grade were documented. Data was compared between procedures. A Fishers exact test was used to compare proportions and a Student t-test was used to compare means, a p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:In all, 40 patients were identified, 57.5% (23/40) were female and the mean age was 48 years (24 – 78). All patients were referred for investigation of lower gastrointestinal symptoms as part of an ongoing study (1).There was a significance difference in mean comfort (9.2 vs 6.7, p<0.0001, 95% CI -3.51 to -1.44) but not satisfaction (8.3 vs 7.7, p=0.2, 95% CI -1.48 to 0.33) between CCE and colonoscopy. Main cause of dissatisfaction with CCE was bowel preparation and for colonoscopy was discomfort. Age and gender were not found to be variables. The correlation between GCS and patient reported values was weak (R = -0.28).Overall, 77.5% (31/40) of patients would prefer a CCE if they required further bowel investigation. Of these, 77.4% (24/31) preferred a CCE despite the potential need for follow-up colonoscopy.Conclusions:CCE has a high satisfaction rating (8.3 vs 7.7) and has a higher patient reported comfort rating (9.2 vs 6.7) than colonoscopy. Studies have confirmed CCE and colonoscopy have equivalent diagnostic yields. The majority of patients in our cohort prefer CCE to colonoscopy. CCE should be considered as an alternative to colonoscopy in selected individuals.
Geochemistry and Pb Isotopic Proof for Sources of Heavy Metal(Loid)s in Late Cretaceous Sandstones From Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey)
Authors: Eker Çiğdem Saydam
Published: April 2021

Upper Cretaceous sedimentary rocks are widely exposed around Trabzon, Giresun and Gümüşhane in the eastern Pontides. The sedimentary rocks are mainly composed of sandstones and marls, and the thicknesses of these rocks range from 170 m to 400 m. This paper focused on Late Cretaceous sandstones of Trabzon, Giresun and Gümüşhane regions to identify the concentrations, sources, deposition environment and conditions of certain heavy metal(loid)s (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, As, Co, Mo and V). Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Pollution index (Pi), Pollution load index (Pln), Pb isotope and multivariate statistical analysis were performed to elucidate the pollution levels and sources. The mean concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, As, Co, Mo and V were 16.5, 10.8, 9.4, 13.2, 2.1, 4.4, 0.2 and 21 mg/kg, respectively in the Trabzon area, 35, 5.8,18.8, 102, 3.2, 18.6, 0.5 and 109 mg/kg, respectively in the Giresun area, and 36, 8.9, 14.7, 82, 3.9, 16.9, 0.3 and 106 mg/kg, respectively in the Gümüşhane area. In general, the evaluation indices exhibited that the sandstones were moderately polluted by As in the Trabzon area, and strongly polluted by Ni and As, moderately polluted by Co and V in the Giresun and Gümüşhane areas. The results of multivariate statistical analyses indicated that As and partly Pb might be originated from anthropogenic sources, whereas other metals were derived from geogenic origin. Lead isotopic analysis demonstrated two characterized signatures of the pollution sources in the sandstones, one related to geogenic origin and the other to coal, gasoline and pesticides. The sandstones were deposited in transition – marine environment under oxic – weak oxic conditions and paleoclimatic conditions ranged from arid to moist during Late Cretaceous period.
Quantitative and bioinformatics integrated strategy to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Ermiao Wan against eczema
Authors: Xia Ting , Liu Chang-Shun , Liang Xiao , Hu Yan-Nan , Luo Zhen-Ye , Chen Fei-Long , Tan Xiaomei
Published: April 2021

BackgroundErmiao Wan (EMW) is used to treat eczema in China. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms against eczema remain unclear. MethodsIn this study, the components of EMW were quantitatively analyzed using HPLC. The role of the components, targets, and signaling pathways were predicted by network pharmacology. Moreover, molecular docking was used to verify the binding forces of the components with the target proteins. ResultsThe results showed that the established HPLC method is simple and reliable, and can be used for the simultaneous determination of seven components in EMW. Moreover, 57 primary causal targets of EMW against eczema were identified. Among them, 10 hub targets were identified, including EGFR, AKT1, STAT3, MMP9, ICAM1, MAPK8, JUN, MAPK1, and VCAM1. The potential signaling pathways involved in the effect of EMW against eczema were identified, including ErbB, estrogen, and Epstein-Barr virus infection. Furthermore, palmatine, chlorogenic acid, and jatrorrhizine from EMW were shown to bind to the identified targets. Accordingly, EGFR, AKT1, and PTGS2 had good binding forces with EMW components. ConclusionOur study revealed a possible pharmacological mechanism of EMW in treating eczema. This simple and effective method can help increase our understanding of the mechanisms of Chinese herbal formulations and further promote their research and development.
Spatio-temporal Distribution of Tuberculosis and the Effects of Geographical Environmental Factors in China
Authors: Li Hao , Ge Miao , Zhang Mingxin
Published: April 2021

Background: Although the World Health Organization reports that the incidence of tuberculosis in China is decreasing year by year, the burden of tuberculosis in China is still very heavy. Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of tuberculosis in China and its influencing factors will provide effective reference for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.Methods: Data of TB incidence from 2005 to 2017 were collected. Time series and global spatial autocorrelation were used to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution pattern of tuberculosis incidence in China, and a new method Geodetector was used to analyze the geographic environmental factors affecting the TB incidence.Results: In addition to 2007 and 2008, the TB incidence decreased in general. TB has a strong spatial aggregation, and the western part of China is the high-value aggregation area of TB incidence. Socio-economic factors fail to pass the significance test. Meteorological factors and air pollution have also been proved to be related to the TB incidence. The interaction between these factors has produced mutually reinforcing effects.Conclusion: The spatial and temporal distribution pattern of tuberculosis in China and the factors affecting its geographical environment are studied in order to provide reference for the formulation of tuberculosis prevention and control policies and increase investment.
Ge N-Channel MOSFETs with ZrO2 Dielectric Achieving the Improved Mobility
Authors: Chou Lulu , Liu Yan , Xu Yang , Peng Yue , Liu Huan , Han Genquan , Hao Yue
Published: April 2021

High mobility Ge nMOSFETs with ZrO2 gate dielectric are demonstrated and compared against transistors with Al2O3/ZrO2 , ZrO2, and O3 /ZrO 2 gate dielectrics. The Al2O3/ZrO2 provides for dramatically enhanced-effective electron mobility ( μeff ), boosting transistor drive current. Ge nMOSFETs with the Al2O3 /ZrO2 gate insulator achieve a 50% μeff improvement as compared to the Si universal mobility at an inversion charge density ( Qinv ) of 5 × 10 12 cm -2 . An Al2O3 interfacial layer leads to a boost in μeff but increases capacitance equivalent thickness (CET). Utilizing O3 oxidation of Ge surface, Al2O3 -free Ge nMOSFETs having a CET of 1.1 nm obtains a peak μ eff of 682 cm2 /Vs, which is higher than that of the Si universal mobility at the similar Qinv .
57Fe and 151Eu Mössbauer Studies of 3d-4f Spin Interplay in EuFe2-xNixAs2
Authors: Komędera K. , Gatlik J. , Błachowski A. , Żukrowski J. , Rybicki D. , Delekta A. , Babij M. , Bukowski Z.
Published: April 2021

The EuFe2-xNixAs2 compounds exhibiting 3d and/or 4f magnetic order were investigated by means of 57Fe and 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy. Additionally, results for the end members of this system, i.e. EuFe2As2 and EuNi2As2, are reported for comparison. It was found that spin-density-wave order of the Fe itinerant moments is monotonically suppressed by Ni-substitution. However, the 3d magnetic order survives at the lowest temperature up to at least x = 0.12 and it is certainly completely suppressed for x = 0.20. The Eu localized moments order regardless of the Ni concentration, but undergo a spin reorientation with increasing x from the alignment parallel to the a-axis in the parent compound, toward c-axis alignment for x > 0.07. The change of the 4f spins ordering from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic takes place simultaneously with a disappearance of the 3d spins order what is the evidence of a strong coupling between magnetism of Eu2+ ions and the conduction electrons of [Fe2-xNixAs2]2- layers. The Fe nuclei experience the transferred hyperfine magnetic field due to the Eu2+ ordering for Ni-substituted samples with x > 0.04, while the transferred field is undetectable in EuFe2As2 and for compound with a low Ni-substitution level. It seems that the 4f ferromagnetic component arising from a tilt of the Eu2+ moments to the crystallographic c-axis leads to the transferred magnetic field at the Fe atoms. The superconductivity is not observed down to 1.8 K, although a comparison with 57Fe and 151Eu Mössbauer data for EuFe2As2-based superconductors indicates a similar magnetic structure.
Physics and Modelling of Tri-Layered Strained Channel for Development of Double Gate n-channel FET
Authors: Kumar Kuleen , Dhar Rudra Sankar
Published: April 2021

The strain silicon technology with FET is a dominant technology providing enrichment in carrier velocity in nanoscaled device by change of band structure arrangement. Leakage reduction while enhancement in drain current is another major objective therefore, designing a nano-regime double gate FET with strained channel is perceived. So, design and implementation of a double gate strained heterostructure on insulator (DG-SHOI) FET with tri-layered channel (s-Si/s-SiGe/s-Si) is the core. Biaxial strain is created in channel by inculcating three layers with optimal thicknesses while narrow channel depletion regions are strongly controlled by equipotential gates. Consequently, maximum charge carriers accumulate in channel due to quantum carrier confinement instigating ballistic transport across the 22 nm channel length device leading to lessening of intervalley scattering. In comparison to existing 22 nm DGSOI FET, drain current augmentation of 56% and transconductance amplification of 87.6% is observed while DIBL is prudently reduced for this newly designed and implemented DG-SHOI FET, signifying advancement in microelectronic technology.
Surgical Treatment of Initially Unresectable Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Following Tislelizumab Plus Chemotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Huang Chen , Dai Yongmei , Chen Qianshun , Li Feng , Xu Xunyu
Published: April 2021

Background: Radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the preferred treatment for patients with stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the prognosis is poor. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors has changed the treatment strategy for advanced NSCLC, providing new opportunities for therapy. However, neoadjuvant immunotherapy of locally advanced NSCLC is still in the exploratory stage. Case presentation: A 47-year-old male with stage IIIB squamous cell lung cancer with invasion of the pulmonary artery, left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), and left atrium (LA) at diagnosis. The patient’s lesions were significantly reduced after four cycles of combined treatment with tislelizumab and carboplatin plus nab-paclitaxel, he then underwent successful left pneumonectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection, and postoperative pathology showed a pathologic complete response (pCR). Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy can provide an opportunity for radical surgery in some patients with locally advanced NSCLC.
The sex’s role on the neurocognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chen Mei-Ling , Tan Chun-Hsiang , Su Hui-Chen , Sung Pi-Shan , Chien Chung-Yao , Hwang Wen-Juh , Chien Chia-Yi , Yu Rwei-Ling
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to elucidate the role of sex in neurocognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Ninety-four idiopathic PD and 167 healthy elderly as normal controls (NCs) were recruited and underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. The sex difference were found in NCs but not in PD. In male, PD patients had worse performance on the Digit symbol substitution (DSS) (p < 0.001) and the Symbol Searching (SS) (p < 0.001) than NCs. In female, PD patients had the worse score on the category score of the Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (p < 0.001), the SS (p < 0.001), and the pentagon copying (p < 0.001) than NCs. After controlling age and years of education, Hoehn and Yahr Stage can predict the performance of the Color Trail Test part A (βA = 0.241, pA = 0.036), the Stroop Word-Color Test (β = -0.245, p = 0.036), and the DSS (β = -0.258, p = 0.035) in male PD patients. Sex differences were found in NCs but not in PD. The mental flexibility and visuospatial function are susceptible to female in the PD course. Male PD patients’ working memory and processing speed can be predicted by the disease severity.
Gray-Matter Correlates of Reading Fluency Deficits: SES Matters, IQ Does Not
Authors: Martins Marta , Reis Ana Mafalda , Castro São Luís , Gaser Christian
Published: April 2021

Brain correlates of reading ability have been intensely investigated. Most studies have focused on single-word reading and phonological processing, but the brain basis of reading fluency remains poorly explored to date. Here, in a voxel-based morphometry study with 8-year-old children, we compared fluent readers (n = 18; 7 boys) with dysfluent readers with normal IQ (n = 18; 6 boys) and with low IQ (n = 18; 10 boys). Relative to dysfluent readers, fluent readers had larger gray matter volume in the right superior temporal gyrus and the two subgroups of dysfluent readers did not differ from each other, as shown in frequentist and Bayesian analyses. Pairwise comparisons showed that dysfluent readers of normal and low IQ did not differ in core reading regions and that both subgroups had less gray matter volume than fluent readers in occipito-temporal, parieto-temporal and fusiform areas. We also examined gray matter volume in matched subgroups of dysfluent readers differing only in socioeconomic status (SES): lower-SES (n = 14; 7 boys) vs. higher-SES (n = 14; 7 boys). Higher-SES dysfluent readers had larger gray matter volume in the right angular gyrus than their lower-SES peers, and the volume of this cluster correlated positively with lexico-semantic fluency. Age, sex, IQ, and gray matter volume of the right angular cluster explained 68% of the variance in the reading fluency of higher-SES dysfluent readers. In sum, this study shows that gray matter correlates of dysfluent reading are independent of IQ and suggests that SES modulates areas sub-serving lexico-semantic processes in dysfluent readers — two findings that may be useful to inform language/reading remediation programs.
Prevalence and Predictors of PTSD during the Containment Stage of COVID-19 Epidemic among College Female Students in China
Authors: Si Mingyu , Su Xiaoyou , Jiang Yu , Wang Wenjun , Gu Xiaofen , Ma Li , Li Jing , Zhang Shaokai , Ren Zefang , Liu Yuanli , Qiao Youlin
Published: April 2021

Background College students are a uniquely vulnerable group and may experience high stress levels due to COVID-19, especially for girls. This study aims to identify the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and related factors among the target population during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A total of 2205 college female students from six provinces enrolled in this study and completed the questions about cognitive status of COVID-19, the Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS) and a self-developed 10-item Perceived threat scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed by SPSS software to explore the determinants of PTSD symptoms.Results PTSD symptoms were prevalent in this sample of college female students, and 34.20% met the cut-off for PTSD. Self-reported fair or poor health (AOR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.22-2.59), high concern about COVID-19 (AOR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.35-2.03), beliefs that 'COVID-19 can cause a global outbreak' (AOR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.02-1.56), the perception of ‘risk of infection’ (AOR=2.46, 95%CI: 2.16-2.81), beliefs that ‘closed management’ and ‘COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern’ would have an impact, and the fear of ‘impact on life planning’ were all positively associated with PTSD (AOR=1.37, 1.22 and 1.29, respectively), whereas perceived social support from family (AOR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.70-0.93) was negatively associated with PTSD. Among the significant variables at the bivariate level, multivariate logistic regression revealed that the greatest protector for PTSD was the high knowledge score (AOR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.60-0.90), while had confirmed cases among relatives and friends (AOR=7.70, 95%CI: 1.28-46.25) was the strongest predictor of PTSD.Conclusions In summary, PTSD symptoms were prevalent among college female students in China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Targeting vulnerable populations to improve their knowledge of COVID-19 and create an atmosphere of social support would be beneficial to improve the mental health of the female students during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Patterns of Sexual Behaviour Associated with Repeated Chlamydia Testing and Infection in Men and Women: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Veličko Inga , Ploner Alexander , Marions Lena , Sparén Pär , Herrmann Björn , Kühlmann-Berenzon Sharon
Published: April 2021

Background: Adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of acquiring Chlamydia trachomatis infection (chlamydia), so testing is promoted in these populations. Studies have shown that re-testing for chlamydia is common amongst them. We investigated how sexual risk behaviour profiles are associated with repeated testing for chlamydia.Methods: We used baseline data from a cohort of 2,814 individuals recruited at an urban STI -clinic. We applied latent class (LC) analysis using 9 manifest variables on sexual behaviour and substance use self-reported by the study participants. We fitted ordered logistic regression to investigate the association of LC membership with the outcomes repeated testing during the past 12 months and lifetime repeated testing for chlamydia. Models were fit separately for men and women.Results: We identified four LCs for men and three LCs for women with increasing gradient of risky sexual behaviour. The two classes with the highest -risk among men were associated with lifetime repeated testing for chlamydia: adjOR = 2.26 (95%CI: 1.50 - 3.40) and adjOR = 3.03 (95%CI: 1.93 -4.74) as compared with the class with lowest risk. In women, the class with the highest risk was associated with increased odds of repeated lifetime testing (adjOR =1.85 (95%CI: 1.24-2.76)) and repeated testing during past 12 months (adjOR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.16-2.54)). An association with chlamydia positive test at the time of the study and during the participant´s lifetime was only found in the male high-risk classes.Conclusion: Prevention messages with regard to testing for chlamydia after unprotected sexual contact with new/casual partners seem to reach individuals in high-risk behaviour classes who are more likely to test repeatedly. Prevention efforts should involve enhanced targeting and promotion of safe sex.
Halomonas salipaludis sp. nov., isolated from the saline-alkali wetland soil
Authors: Xing Juyuan , Gong Qi , Tang Liu , Li Jiao , Fan Hua , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Hongxia , Zhang Guishan , Zhu Jinxing
Published: April 2021

Strain WRN001T, a Gram–staining–negative, strictly aerobic, non–motile bacterium was isolated from the natural saline-alkali wetland soil of Binhai new district, Tianjin, China (38°46′N, 117°13′E). Cells of strain WRN001T were 0.3-0.5 µm in width and 1.5-2.5 µm in length, and the growth occurred optimally at 33-37 °C, pH 7.5-8.0, and in the presence of 8-10% (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate could be affiliated to the genus Halomonas, and the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain WRN001T to its closest relative Halomonas qiaohouensis YIM QH88T was 97.47%. The size of the genome as presented here was 5,475,884 bp with a G+C content of 63.8 mol %. The major respiratory quinone of strainWRN001T was Q-9, and the dominant fatty acids were summed feature 8, summed feature 3, C10:0, C12:0, C12:0 3-OH, C16:0, and C17:0 cyclo. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phophatidylcholine (PC), two phospholipids (PL), aminolipid (AL), and three unidentified lipids (L). These data mentioned above combined with the low DDH values between strain WRN001T and the close relative, Halomonas alkalitolerans 1513T (42.20%) and base on comparisons with currently available genomes, the highest average nucleotide identity (ANIm) value was 91.39% to Halomonas alkalitolerans 1513T (GenBank accession No. GCA_001971685.1). Therefore, we propose a novel species in the genus Halomonas to accommodate this novel isolate: Halomonas salipaludis sp. nov. (type strain WRN001T = KCTC 52853T = ACCC 19974T).
Links between atmospheric blocking and North American winter cold spells in two generations of Canadian Earth System Model large ensembles
Authors: Jeong Dae Il , Yu Bin , Cannon Alex J.
Published: April 2021

Due to the significant negative consequences of winter cold extremes, there is need to better understand and simulate the mechanisms driving their occurrence. The impact of atmospheric blocking on winter cold spells over North America is investigated using ERA-Interim and NCEP-DOE-R2 reanalyses for 1981–2010. Initial-condition large-ensembles of two generations of Canadian Earth System Models (CanESM5 and its predecessor, CanESM2) are evaluated in terms of their ability to represent the blocking-cold spell linkage and the associated internal-variability. The reanalysis datasets show that 72% and 58% of cold spells in southern and northern North America coincide with blocking occurring in the high-latitude Pacific-North America. Compared to the two reanalyses, CanESM2 and CanESM5 ensembles underestimate by 19.9% and 14.3% cold spell events coincident with blocking, due to significant under-representation of blocking frequency over the north Pacific (-47.1% and − 29.0%), whereas biases in cold spell frequency are relatively small (6.6% and − 4.7%). In the reanalyses, regions with statistically significant above-normal cold spell frequency relative to climatology lie on the east and/or south flanks of blocking events, whereas those with below-normal frequency lie along the core or surrounding the blocking. The two ensembles reproduce the observed blocking-cold spell linkage over North America, despite underestimating the magnitude of blocking frequency. The two ensembles also reproduce the physical drivers that underpin the blocking-cold spell linkage. Spatial agreement with the reanalyses is found in the simulated patterns of temperature advection and surface heat flux forcing anomalies during blocking events. While CanESM5 shows an improved representation of the blocking climatology relative to CanESM2, both yield similar results in terms of the blocking-cold spell linkage and associated internal-variability.
The Microscopic Detection and Identification of Acanthamoeba Spp. In Water Samples Following Enrichment by in Vitro-Cultivation Under Two Distinct Temperature Conditions.
Authors: Elmahdi Sakhi , MOSTAFA MOUMNI , Horia Radid , MOHAMED ARAHOU , MOHAMED FEKHAOUI
Published: April 2021

Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoeba commonly found in environmental sources such as water, soil and air, and can infect humans. There is a significant challenge in the detection and identification of members of this genus in water samples. In order attempt to overcome this challenge, we investigated using in vitro culture, under distinct temperature conditions, to grow and enrich amoeba prior to detection and identification. Aliquots of 150 water samples, collected from Rabat (30 from each river, fountain, sea, public bath and tap water), were individually inoculated into standard culture medium non-nutritive agar and incubated for two weeks at 25 °C and 30 °C under otherwise standard conditions. PCR was used to confirm the presence of Acanthamoeba DNA in positive samples. The findings showed that Acanthamoeba grew more rapidly at 30 °C than 25 °C, allowing improved microscopic detection and identification at the former temperature. This investigation shows clearly that the diagnostic sensitivity of an in vitro based culture system is temperature-dependent.
Electrochemical Analysis of Fenuron Herbicide by a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified by a Functionalized NiAl-layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Leclerc TCHEUMI Herve , Peggy KAMENI WENDJI Aude , Ignas TONLE KENFACK , Emmanuel NGAMENI
Published: April 2021

Environmental pollution by usage of pesticides as fenuron increases health risk, due to carcinogenic and teratogenic properties of these compounds. There are needs to develop a rapid and cheaper detection methods for quantification of fenuron. In this work, an inorganic-organic composite material was obtained by intercalation of sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate (DSS) within the interlayer space of a Nickel-Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide (NiAl-LDH). The structure of the pristine LDH and the intercalated-LDH was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. The modified LDH was used to elaborate an amperometric sensor for fenuron herbicide by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) via a carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical procedure for fenuron analysis was based on the immersion of the working electrode in the electrolytic solution containing appropriate amount of herbicide, followed by voltammetry detection without any preconcentration step. The peak current obtained on the CPE modified by the organo-LDH was 2-fold higher in comparison with the pristine LDH/CPE. The observed increase in the signal of fenuron was attributed to the high organophilic character of this composite material induced by the modification using DSS. The effects of some experimental parameters (pH of medium and percentage of the modifier in the paste) on the stripping response were investigated in order to optimize the sensitivity of the organo-LDH modified electrode. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the fenuron concentration ranging from 0.5 to 1 μmol.L -1 and 1 to 5 μmol.L -1 . The limit of detection (LOD) calculated on the basis of a signal-to-noice ratio of 3 was 1.8×10 -9 mol.L -1 (low concentration range) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 6×10 -9 mol.L -1 . The interference effect of various inorganic ions likely to influence the stripping determination of the fenuron was also examined, and the applicability of the method was verified by the determination of fenuron in a river sample collected down-town Yaoundé.
Does Virtual Reality Increase the Efficacy of Psychotherapy for Young Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Depression? A Study Protocol for A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Montesano Adrián , Medina Joan C , Paz Clara , García-Mieres Helena , Niño-Robles Noelia , García-Grau Eugeni , Crespillo Josep Cañete , García-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Alabèrnia-Segura Miquel , Feixas Guillem
Published: April 2021

Background: The improvement of psychological treatments for depression in young adults is a pressing issue highlighted in the literature. Its relevance is determined not only because young adults are underrepresented in research, but also to prevent chronic severe mental health disorders later in life. Engagement is considered a key factor for a good therapeutic outcome, especially among young patients. In this sense, virtual reality could be particularly suited to engage young adults in the therapy process. This project aims to improve the psychological treatment of mild to moderate depression in young adults by testing out the efficacy of virtual reality-enhanced personal construct therapy (PCT-VR), as compared to personal construct therapy alone (PCT) and to the reference standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In contrast to CBT, PCT neither educates patients about depression nor gives them directions on the changes to be made in their dysfunctional behaviors or cognitions. Rather, PCT explores the coherence (or conflicts) of thoughts and behaviors with respect to the person’s sense of identity and focuses on meaning-making processes.Methods: The efficacy of this innovative intervention (PCT-VR) will be compared to PCT and to CBT in a randomized clinical trial. The study includes an appraisal of therapists’ adherence and independent assessments to preserve internal validity. The Beck Depression Inventory-II is the primary outcome measure for calculating both statistical and clinical significance, but other outcomes will also be assessed (e.g., functioning, wellbeing, anxiety, stress) at pre-, post-therapy, and six-month follow up. The trial will be conducted in a naturalistic context, mostly at the usual primary health care center of each patient. A sample of 225 participants is targeted to reach enough statistical power to accomplish the goals of the study.Discussion: We expect that providing evidence for PCT-VR will widen the repertoire of evidence-based technology-based psychotherapeutic interventions for young adults and contribute to the prevention of deteriorating courses of the disorder.Trial registration: NCT04321525 [ClinicalTrials.gov] [registered before start of inclusion; 18 February 2020].
Analysis of Radar Technology Identification Model for Potential Geologic Hazard based on Convolutional Neural Network and Big Data
Authors: He Feng , Liu Hongjiang , Liu Chunxue , Bao Guangjing
Published: April 2021

To ensure the proper adoption of new technologies in identifying the potential geologic hazard on tourist routes, convolutional neural network (CNN) technology is applied in the radar image geologic hazard information extraction. A scientific and practical geologic hazard radar identification model is built, which is based on CNN’s image identification and big data algorithm calculation, and it can effectively improve the geologic hazard identification accuracy. By designing experiments, the geologic hazard radar image data are verified, and the practicality of radar image intelligent Identification under CNN and big data technology is also verified. The results show that the images of different resolution sizes all play a significant role in identification of geologic hazard performed by CNN. However, there are differences in the performance of different CNN models. With the continuous increase of training samples, the identification accuracy of various network models is also improved. By means of radar image test, the identification capability of CNN model is the best, the highest precision is 93.61%, and the geologic hazard recall rate is 98.27%. Apriori algorithm is introduced into data processing, and the running speed and efficiency of identification models are improved, with favorable identification effect in variable data sets. This research can provide theoretical ideas and practical value for the development of potential geologic hazard identification on tourist routes.
Automated and Precise Bone Mineral Density Prediction and Fracture Risk Assessment using Hip/Lumbar Spine Plain Radiographs via Learning Deep Image Signatures and Correlations
Authors: Hsieh Chen-I , Zheng Kang , Lin Chihung , Lu Le , Li Weijian , Chen Fang-Ping , Wang Yirui , Chou Xiaoyun , Wang Fakai , Xie Guotong , Xiao Jing , Miao Shun , Kuo Chang-Fu
Published: April 2021

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool are recommended tools for osteoporotic fracture risk evaluation, but are underutilized. We present a novel and fully-automated tool to identify fractures, predict bone mineral density (BMD), and evaluate fracture risk using plain pelvis and lumbar spine radiographs. The performance of this tool were evaluated in 1639 and 11908 patients with pelvis or lumbar spine radiographs and DXA, respectively. The model was well calibrated for hip and spine BMD assessments with minimal or no bias. The area under the curve and accuracy were 0.89 and 92.4% for hip osteoporosis, 0.87 and 86.8% for spine osteoporosis, 0.92 and 94.6% for high 10-year major fracture risk, and 0.92 and 92.2% for high hip fracture risk, respectively. The success rates of our automated algorithm a real-world test were 85.3% and 90.4% for hip and spine, respectively. The clinical use of this automated tool may increase the likelihood of identifying high-risk patients in previously unscreened populations.
Mitigating COVID-19 Infection Disease Transmission in Indoor Environment Using Physical Barriers
Authors: REN CHEN , XI CHANG , FENG ZHUANGBO , NASIRI FUZHAN , CAO SHI-JIE , HAGHIGHAT FARIBORZ
Published: April 2021

During the normalized phase of COVID-19, droplets or aerosol particles produced by infected personnel are considered as the potential source of infection with uncertain exposure risk. As such, in densely populated open spaces, it is necessary to adopt strategies to mitigate the risk of infection disease transmission while providing sufficient ventilation air. An example of such strategies is use of physical barriers. In this study, the impact of barrier heights on the spread of aerosol particles is investigated in an open office environment with the well-designed ventilation mode and supply air rate. The risk of infection disease transmission is evaluated using simulation of particle concentration in different locations and subject to a number of source scenarios. It was found that a barrier height of at least 60cm above the desk surface is needed to effectively prevent the transmission of viruses. For workstations within 4m from the outlet, a 70cm height is considered, and with a proper ventilation mode, it is shown that the barriers can reduce the risk of infection by 72%. However, for the workstations further away from the outlet (beyond 4m), the effect of physical barrier cannot be that significant. In summary, this study provides a theoretical analysis for implementing physical barriers, as a low-cost mitigation strategy, subject to various height scenarios and investigation of their effectiveness in reducing the infection transmission probability.
Association of mixed use of electronic and conventional cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke with prediabetes
Authors: Kim Seung Hoon , Park Minah , Kim Gyu Ri , Jang Sung-In
Published: April 2021

Objective
To examine the association of mixed electronic and conventional cigarette use and exposure to secondhand smoke with prediabetes.
Methods
Data from the 2014–2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Prediabetes was defined as an HbA1C of 5.7–6.4%. Participants were categorized according to type of cigarette use and secondhand smoke exposure. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results
Of the 22,385 participants without diabetes, 6,735 had prediabetes. Mixed cigarette use was associated with a 1.57-fold increase in the odds of prediabetes when compared with never smoking without exposure to secondhand smoke (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31–1.87), and a 1.27-fold increase when compared with conventional cigarette use only (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.09–1.49). Participants who were current non-smokers but mixed users in the past had an increased risk of prediabetes (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.06–2.23). However, there was no significant association between current non-smoking but only conventional cigarette use in the past and prediabetes. Among never-smokers, exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increased the risk of prediabetes (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.28).
Conclusions
Mixed use of electronic and conventional cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke increased the risk of prediabetes.
Identification of NR0B1 Gene Mutation and Analysis of Bone Damages and Drug Treatment Effect in a Big Family With X-linked Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita: a Case Report
Authors: TAO XIAOHUI , LIU LI , LIN XIAOYUN , XU TIAN , YUE HUA , ZHANG ZHENLIN
Published: April 2021

Background: X-linked congenital adrenocortical hypoplasia (XL-AHC) is a rare disorder, which is characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. However, the skeletal complications caused by the disease were rarely reported, not to mention the treatment.Case presentation: The patient from a big family with XL-AHC was identified carrying a homozygous insertion mutation（p.Thr193GlyfsX13）in DAX-1 gene. The diagnosis of secondary osteoporosis was made after imaging, laboratory and bone mass density examinations. However, he showed a suboptimal response to bisphosphonates during 2 years of follow-up, even suffered from atypical femoral fracture (AFF). Now it had been replaced by menatetrenone, bone healing was satisfactory. Conclusions: We harbored the idea that clinicians should not only focus on typical clinical manifestations of XL-AHC, but also pay attention to the skeletal complications in clinical practice. Conventional anti-osteoporosis drugs may cause side effects such as AFF and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which was rare in general osteoporosis patients. In other words, anabolic agent may be a better choice.
Resilience-based Seismic Design Optimization of typical Highway RC Bridges by Response Surface Method and NSGA-II Algorithm
Authors: Hu Sicong , Chen Baokui , Song Guquan , Wang Lianhua
Published: April 2021

To maximize the seismic performance and minimize the material cost of the typical highway reinforced concrete (RC) bridges, a resilience-based multi-objective optimal seismic design method is proposed in this study. The size of elastomeric bearings and the cross-section arrangement of RC piers are chosen as the design parameters. To improve the accuracy and efficiency, the nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) based cloud analysis approach is associated with the response surface method (RSM) to obtain the seismic resilience during the seismic optimization process. Moreover, the optimization problem is solved through an improved version of non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) algorithm. Following, the proposed method is applied to a typical highway RC bridge, and the optimal design schemes are determined from the Pareto optimal solutions. The results show that the resilience response surface model can be used to accurately predict the seismic resilience of bridges. The proposed method can adjust the damage grades of various components by considering the contribution of various components, entailing the minimization of material cost and the maximization of seismic resilience.