bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiclass Classification on Soybean and Weed Species Using a Customized Greenhouse Robotic and Hyperspectral Combination System
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Raju , Ram Billy , Koparan Cengiz , Howatt Kirk , Zhang Yu , Sun Xin
Published: September 2022

Highlights

A novel combination of robotic and hyperspectral camera systems was customized to collect data in a greenhouse environment.

Five popular weed species and crop (soybean) data were collected and analyzed in this research.

Seven different types of hyperspectral data preprocessing methods were tested to obtain the best performance of the model.

Abstract. Soybean production is greatly affected by different types of weeds such as horseweed, kochia, ragweed, redroot pigweed, and waterhemp in the midwestern region of the United States. Identification of the soybean plants and the weeds is crucial to controlling the weeds in precision agriculture. The objective of this study was to classify soybean plants and five weed species where a hyperspectral imaging camera with a spectral range of 400 to 1000 nm was used to acquire the images. To acquire the HSI images, a customized robotic hyperspectral data collection scanning platform was developed and used in the greenhouse. A total of 983 hyperspectral data cubes were captured from the greenhouse environment (n = 252, soybean; n = 731, weeds). Spectral information was extracted from the collected images and then a classification model was developed by applying partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). To construct the calibration and validation data set, the images were each divided into 70% and 30% ratios for model training and testing, respectively. Seven types of data preprocessing techniques, including mean normalization, maximum normalization, range normalization, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variate (SNV), Savitzky–Golay first derivatives, and Savitzky–Golay second derivatives, were explored individually and accepted as the best preprocessing method based on the highest performance in calibration and validation results. The results showed maximum validation model performance was found at 86.2% by applying the Savitzky–Golay second derivatives preprocessing method for multiclass and 89.4% for binary class. The most important wavelength information was evaluated from the beta coefficient developed using the same preprocessing method. Finally, chemical images were generated using a best-performer model to identify the soybean plants from weeds. The generated images showed a significant difference in chemical composition between soybean and weed plants at 443 nm, 633 nm, 743 nm, and 968 nm. The correlation between these peaks and the chemical components of the plants involves a-carotenoid, chlorophyll, and moisture, respectively. This study shows promising results for the application of HSI in weed control systems for soybeans and relevant weed identification in precision agriculture applications. Keywords: Greenhouse robotic system, Hyperspectral imaging, Precision agriculture, Weed identification.
Pathological Fractures of Bilateral Neck of Femur in Geriatric Population: Our Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Sakale Harshal , Yadav Sandeep Kumar , Keshri Kar Bikram , Kowshik Sharath , Agrawal Alok Chandra , Ranjan Rahul
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Bilateral neck of femur stress fractures is rare clinical presentation in elderly population. Diagnosis of such fractures when presented can be difficult with inconclusive radiographs and hence their early diagnosis by high index of suspicion and their management can avoid further complications in this age group. In this case series, we report three elderly patients with different predisposing factors for their fractures and treatment options chosen with detailed discussion about the management. Case Report: These case series of three elderly patients with bilateral neck of femur fracture were associated with different predisposing factors. Grave’s disease or primary thyrotoxicosis, steroid induced osteoporosis, and renal osteodystrophy were the identified risk factors in these patients. Biochemical evaluation for osteoporosis in these patients revealed significant derangement in levels of vitamin D, Alkaline phosphatase, and serum calcium. One of these patients was operated with hemiarthroplasty and osteosynthesis with percutaneous screw fixation on the other side. Management of osteoporosis, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes in these patients also had significant impact on their prognosis. Conclusion: Stress fractures occurring in elderly individuals with simultaneous bilateral presentation are rare and can be prevented if taken care on their risk factors. As radiographs remain inconclusive few times in these kinds of fracture, a high degree of suspicion is to be kept in mind. With advanced diagnostic tools and surgeries, they carry good prognosis if timely intervention is provided.
Anterior Hip Heterotopic Ossification after Traumatic Anterior Hip Dislocation in a Non-head Injured Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Kimball Jeff S , Carlson Duwayne
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Traumatic hip dislocation in pediatric patients is uncommon, with anterior dislocation being particularly rare. Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a rare complication, especially in the absence of concomitant head trauma. There are no reported cases of symptomatic anterior hip HO, after closed anterior dislocation, in the pediatric population. Case Report: We present a case of symptomatic anterior hip HO in a 14-year-old female after traumatic anterior hip dislocation without associated head trauma. After closed reduction, anterior hip HO matured over the course of 1 year and resulted in a near complete ankylosis of the hip joint. Surgical excision and prophylactic radiation therapy resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome. Conclusion: Pediatric anterior hip dislocation, even in the absence of head trauma, can cause symptomatic HO to the extent of near ankylosis of the hip joint. This can be managed with surgical excision and prophylactic radiation, with satisfactory clinical results.
En bloc Surgical Excision of an Arteriovenous Malformation in the Foot: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mencia Marlon M , Cassie Paula , Beharry Allan , Budhoo Emerson
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are developmental vascular malformations consisting of abnormal arteriovenous shunts surrounding a central nidus. These lesions are relatively uncommon, comprising just 7% of all benign soft-tissue masses. Most AVMs occur in the brain, neck, pelvis, and lower extremity and rarely manifest in the foot. When they do form in the foot, non-specific pain and the absence of clinical features contribute to the high rate of misdiagnosis on initial presentation. Although surgical excision combined with embolotherapy has emerged as the preferred treatment for large AVM, controversy exists over the best treatment for small lesions in the foot. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old Afro-Caribbean man was referred to the clinic with a 2-year history of increasing pain in his forefoot, affecting his ability to stand or walk comfortably. There was no history of trauma, and despite changing his footwear, the patient continued to have significant pain. Clinical examination was unremarkable except for mild tenderness over the dorsum of his forefoot, and radiographs were normal. A magnetic resonance scan reported an intermetatarsal vascular mass but could not exclude malignancy. Surgical exploration and en bloc excision confirmed the mass to be an AVM. One year post-surgery, the patient remains pain-free with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: The rarity of AVM in the foot, combined with normal radiographs and non-specific clinical signs, contributes to the long delay in diagnosing and treating these lesions. Surgeons should have a low threshold for obtaining magnetic resonance imaging in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. En bloc surgical excision is an option for treating small suitably located lesions in the foot.
Rare Presentation of Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis at Multiple Sites with Unclear Etiology: A Case Report
Authors: Patel Shlok , Shah Stuti , Patel Viral
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Fat necrosis can occur in any area rich in fatty tissue. It occurs due to aseptic saponification of the fat by lipases. The most common site of it is the breast. Case Presentation: This article reports the case of a 43-year-old woman that came into the orthopedic outpatient department with a history of two masses, one on each buttock. The patient had a history of surgical excision of adiponecrotic mass from the right knee a year back. All the three masses appeared around the same time. Ultrasonography was done to surgically excise the left gluteal mass. The histopathology of the excised mass then confirmed subcutaneous fat necrosis. Discussion and Conclusion: Fat necrosis can also be found in the knee and buttocks, and that too without any definite etiology. Imaging and biopsy can help with the diagnosis. It is necessary to familiarize oneself with adiponecrosis so as to differentiate it from other grave conditions that it mimics, such as cancer.
RAGE and HMGB1 expressions in fetal membranes of premature rupture of membranes patients
Authors: Sudiarta Ketut Edy , Candra Cindy Jennilyn , Khan Joan , Rahadianto  , Handajani Fitri
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) often occurs in pregnancy. The fetal membrane weakening is caused by inflammation involving receptor activation for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1). The associations between RAGE and HMGB1 with PROM are rarely studied. Hence, this study aimed to determine those associations in fetal membranes with PROM occurrence.

METHODS This case-control study was conducted at Dr. Ramelan Central Naval Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, from August to November 2019. The subjects, determined using a non-probability sampling method (a saturated sample), were divided into PROM and normal pregnancy with intact fetal membranes (control) groups. Fetal membrane specimens were collected during vaginal and cesarean section deliveries. The expressions of RAGE and HMGB1 were determined using the immunohistochemical method and further analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test.

RESULTS The expression of RAGE in fetal membranes with PROM was significantly higher than the control (52.74% versus 14.9% expression/mm2, p<0.001), as well as the expression of HMGB1 (45.9% versus 8.5% expression/mm2, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS The higher expressions of RAGE and HMGB1 in fetal membranes were associated with PROM.
The Power of Holography
Authors: Osten Wolfgang , de Groot Peter J.
Published: September 2022

Holography was invented 75 years ago by Dennis Gabor. Meanwhile it is much more than a fascinating technique for the recording and reconstruction of 3D images. The paper addresses the outstanding peculiarities and the big variety of applications of holography.
Spectral Data and Databases for Optical Sensing of Mining, Materials and Mineral Characterization including in situ and Standoff Sensing
Authors: Saunders Danielle L. , Smith Steven C. , Jensen Karissa E. , Tonkyn Russell G. , Loring John S. , Bradley Ashley M. , Banach Catherine A. , Bernacki Bruce E. , Szecsody James E. , Myers Tanya L. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: September 2022

This paper updates recent work to populate spectral databases for (near-) infrared sensing of solids in different modalities including passive and active sensing of minerals, ores and other mining chemicals and minerals.
Dimensionality reduction adaptive-optical microscopy for in vivo through-skull imaging at visible wavelength
Authors: Yonghyeon Jo , Ye-Ryoung Lee , Jin-Hee Hong , Dong-Young Kim , Junhwan Kwon , Myunghwan Choi , Moonseok Kim , Wonshik Choi
Published: September 2022

We developed a new multiple scattering rejection method based on wave correlation to enhance the fidelity of aberration correction. This led to the increased imaging depth of high-resolution optical imaging.
Quantum-assisted sensorless adaptive optics for imaging
Authors: Cameron Patrick , Faccio Daniele , Defienne Hugo
Published: September 2022

Performance of sensorless adaptive optics strongly relies on the choice of an adequate image metric. Illumination with photon pairs provides direct access to the PSF of the system, allowing for efficient optimisation for aberration correction.
Monitoring Soil Carbon Distribution Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Ahokas Joni , Viljanen Jan , Toivonen Juha
Published: September 2022

Novel approach for soil carbon monitoring is required to steer the agriculture and soil cultivation towards carbon sequestrating techniques. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has the potential for efficient in-situ soil carbon monitoring.
Material classification of Printed Circuit Board by Polarization Photography
Authors: Tsai Hsiu-Hao , Lu Tsung-Lin , Lin Tzung-Han
Published: September 2022

The paper proposes a practical solution based on four-phase polarization photography to classify the dielectric material parts and metallic component parts of printed circuit board (PCB). The experimental results show that polarization images can effectively classify the dielectric material parts and preserve the metallic parts.
High-precision camera calibration based on a 1D target
Authors: Duan Yi , Yu Youlong , Li Peng , Jiang Shengyuan
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the problem of camera 1D calibration is well solved by our proposed high-precision algorithm, which can satisfy actual requirements. We present a viewpoint that the closed-form solution can simply achieve high calibration accuracy in the absence of distortion. So, we abandon the habitual strategy of global nonlinear optimization for all intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. The innovations of the proposed algorithm are three-fold: firstly, cyclic distortion correction method is introduced to ensure that the estimated distortion parameters gradually approach the exact values; secondly, a new criterion for the nonlinear optimization of distortion correction is developed; thirdly, we enhance the anti-noise ability of the closed-form solution by optimally weighting the constraint equations. Extensive experiments prove that the proposed algorithm provides the highest calibration accuracy and robustness, which is comparable to 2D calibration. In addition, our proposed algorithm provides a new approach for desirable distortion correction and an idea for 2D calibration of large field of view.
Optical microscope with a large tilt angle and a long focal length for a nano-size angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Yue Chenyang , Jiang Hong , Guo Chuan , Li Tianzhi , Yao Siyan , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Dan , Zeng Shengyue , Wang Meixiao , Xu Xiaojun , Chen Yulin , Zhang Chaofan
Published: September 2022

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with nanoscale spatial resolution (Nano-ARPES) is a powerful tool for the investigation of electronic structures of materials and their spatial configurations. In order to capture the area of interest in Nano-ARPES measurements effectively, an optical microscope can be used to provide real space optical images as a reference. In this work, a new type of optical microscope for Nano-APRES spectrometer with a large tilt angle of ∼30 degrees and a long focal length of ∼12 mm has been designed. Large magnifications by 7 × to 20 × and a spatial resolution of 3 um have been achieved, which can effectively assist optical alignment for Nano-ARPES. In addition, the strong boundary sensitivity observed in such a tilt design demonstrates its special capability in detecting the fine features of surface coarseness.
High parametric efficiency in laser cavity-soliton microcombs
Authors: Cutrona Antonio , Rowley Maxwell , Das Debayan , Olivieri Luana , Peters Luke , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent E. , Morandotti Roberto , Moss David J. , Totero Gongora Juan Sebastian , Peccianti Marco , Pasquazi Alessia
Published: September 2022

Laser cavity-soliton microcombs are robust optical pulsed sources, usually implemented with a microresonator-filtered fibre laser. In such a configuration, a nonlinear microcavity converts the narrowband pulse resulting from bandwidth-limited amplification to a background-free broadband microcomb. Here, we theoretically and experimentally study the soliton conversion efficiency between the narrowband input pulse and the two outputs of a four-port integrated microcavity, namely the ‘Drop’ and ‘Through’ ports. We simultaneously measure on-chip, single-soliton conversion efficiencies of 45% and 25% for the two broadband comb outputs at the ‘Drop’ and ‘Through’ ports of a 48.9 GHz free-spectral range micro-ring resonator, obtaining a total conversion efficiency of 72%.
Design and transmission analysis of trench-assisted multi-core fibre in standard cladding diameter
Authors: Mu Xun , Ottino Alessandro , Ferreira Filipe M. , Zervas Georgios
Published: September 2022

6-core and 8-core trench-assisted heterogeneous fibres in standard cladding diameter are designed using artificial intelligence-based techniques including a cut-off wavelength regressor. The designs proposed here, for the first time, suppress crosstalk at 1550 nm of 8-core fibre to as low as −55 dB/km covering the whole S+C+L band while keeping coating loss below 0.001 dB/km. We compare them to reveal the influence of the additional cores in the 125 µm cladding diameter scenario. We report on the transmission characteristics and performance of the MCFs in terms of capacity and spatial spectral efficiency, including the influence of bandwidth, effective mode area, distance and crosstalk, for a range of transmission distances. The artificial intelligence-based method and insights given can be used to significantly speed up and tailor designs for a variety of telecom and datacom applications.
Phase Screen Generation for Non-Kolmogorov Turbulence
Authors: Salmanowitz Jason , Van Zandt Noah R.
Published: September 2022

Measurements of atmospheric turbulence frequently show non-Kolmogorov statistics. This paper explores two methods of numerical phase screen generation for such turbulence. The results show that both methods are accurate, but one runs 285 times faster.
Strange attractor of a narwhal (Monodon monoceros)
Authors: Podolskiy Evgeny A. , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter
Published: September 2022

Detecting structures within the continuous diving behavior of marine animals is challenging, and no universal framework is available. We captured such diverse structures using chaos theory. By applying time-delay embedding to exceptionally long dive records (83 d) from the narwhal, we reconstructed the state-space portrait. Using measures of chaos, we detected a diurnal pattern and its seasonal modulation, classified data, and found how sea-ice appearance shifts time budgets. There is more near-surface rest but deeper dives at solar noon, and more intense diving during twilight and at night but to shallower depths (likely following squid); sea-ice appearance reduces rest. The introduced geometrical approach is simple to implement and potentially helpful for mapping and labeling long-term behavioral data, identifying differences between individual animals and species, and detecting perturbations.
A game-theoretic model of lymphatic filariasis prevention
Authors: Rychtář Jan , Taylor Dewey
Published: September 2022

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne parasitic neglected tropical disease. In 2000, WHO launched the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) as a public health problem. In 2020, new goals for 2030 were set which includes a reduction to 0 of the total population requiring Mass Drug Administrations (MDA), a primary tool of GPELF. We develop a mathematical model to study what can happen at the end of MDA. We use a game-theoretic approach to assess the voluntary use of insect repellents in the prevention of the spread of LF through vector bites. Our results show that when individuals use what they perceive as optimal levels of protection, the LF incidence rates will become high. This is in striking difference to other vector-borne NTDs such as Chagas or zika. We conclude that the voluntary use of the protection alone will not be enough to keep LF eliminated as a public health problem and a more coordinated effort will be needed at the end of MDA.
Color, activity period, and eye structure in four lineages of ants: Pale, nocturnal species have evolved larger eyes and larger facets than their dark, diurnal congeners
Authors: Johnson Robert A. , Rutowski Ronald L.
Published: September 2022

The eyes of insects display an incredible diversity of adaptations to enhance vision across the gamut of light levels that they experience. One commonly studied contrast is the difference in eye structure between nocturnal and diurnal species, with nocturnal species typically having features that enhance eye sensitivity such as larger eyes, larger eye facets, and larger ocelli. In this study, we compared eye structure between workers of closely related nocturnal and diurnal above ground foraging ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in four genera (Myrmecocystus, Aphaenogaster, Temnothorax, Veromessor). In all four genera, nocturnal species tend to have little cuticular pigment (pale), while diurnal species are heavily pigmented (dark), hence we could use cuticle coloration as a surrogate for activity pattern. Across three genera (Myrmecocystus, Aphaenogaster, Temnothorax), pale species, as expected for nocturnally active animals, had larger eyes, larger facet diameters, and larger visual spans compared to their dark, more day active congeners. This same pattern occurred for one pale species of Veromessor, but not the other. There were no consistent differences between nocturnal and diurnal species in interommatidial angles and eye parameters both within and among genera. Hence, the evolution of eye features that enhance sensitivity in low light levels do not appear to have consistent correlated effects on features related to visual acuity. A survey across several additional ant genera found numerous other pale species with enlarged eyes, suggesting these traits evolved multiple times within and across genera. We also compared the size of the anterior ocellus in workers of pale versus dark species of Myrmecocystus. In species with larger workers, the anterior ocellus was smaller in pale than in dark species, but this difference mostly disappeared for species with smaller workers. Presence of the anterior ocellus also was size-dependent in the two largest pale species.
Intravenous to oral transition of antibiotics for gram-negative bloodstream infection at a University hospital in Thailand: Clinical outcomes and predictors of treatment failure
Authors: Pradubkham Titawadee , Suwanpimolkul Gompol , Gross Alan Edward , Nakaranurack Chotirat
Published: September 2022

Background

Limited studies evaluate the outcome of intravenous antibiotics to oral transition in Gram-negative bloodstream infection (GN-BSI), particularly GN-BSI originating outside the urinary tract. This study aimed to evaluate treatment success in patients with GN-BSI treated with either intravenous therapy or intravenous to oral transition and to identify factors associated with treatment failure in those undergoing intravenous to oral transition.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years of age, hospitalized in general medical wards with GN-BSI between August 1, 2015, to July 31, 2020, received intravenous antibiotic agents and had a functioning gastrointestinal tract.

Results

Of 955 patients, 545 (57.1%) were in the intravenous to oral transition group. The urinary tract was the most common source of infection (38.8%). Ciprofloxacin was the most prescribed oral antibiotic (53%). Treatment success occurred in 94.3% in the intravenous antibiotic to oral transition group. There was no significant difference in treatment success between the two groups (P = 0.790) with a concordant result after using propensity score matching (P = 0.223). Independent predictors of treatment failure in the intravenous to oral transition group included metastatic solid cancer (aOR = 4.355), HIV infection with CD4 < 200 cells/mm3 (aOR = 8.452), qSOFA score ≥ 2 (aOR = 2.545), multidrug-resistant infection (aOR = 2.849), and respiratory tract infection (aOR = 8.447). Hospital length of stay in the intravenous to oral transition group was shorter than in the intravenous group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Intravenous to oral transition may be a practical approach in GN-BSI. Patients with Gram-negative bacteremia who have HIV infection with CD4 < 200 cells/mm3, multidrug-resistant infections, and respiratory tract sources of infection may not be ideal candidates for this approach. Future research is needed from a randomized controlled trial.
Patient-derived monoclonal antibody neutralizes HCV infection in vitro and vivo without generating escape mutants
Authors: Yokokawa Hiroshi , Shinohara Midori , Teraoka Yuji , Imamura Michio , Nakamura Noriko , Watanabe Noriyuki , Date Tomoko , Aizaki Hideki , Iwamura Tomokatsu , Narumi Hideki , Chayama Kazuaki , Wakita Takaji
Published: September 2022

In recent years, new direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been approved, but hepatitis C continues to pose a threat to human health. It is important to develop neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies to prevent medical and accidental infection, such as might occur via liver transplantation of chronic HCV patients and needle-stick accidents in the clinic. In this study, we sought to obtain anti-HCV antibodies using phage display screening. Phages displaying human hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived antibodies were screened by 4 rounds of biopanning with genotype-1b and -2a HCV envelope E2 protein adsorbed to magnetic beads. The three antibodies obtained from this screen had reactivity against E2 proteins derived from both genotype-1b and -2a strains. However, in epitope analysis, these antibodies did not recognize linear peptides from an overlapping E2 epitope peptide library, and did not bind to denatured E2 protein. In addition, these antibodies showed cross-genotypic neutralizing activity against genotype-1a, -1b, -2a, and -3a cell culture-generated infectious HCV particles (HCVcc). Moreover, emergence of viral escape mutants was not observed after repeated rounds of passaging of HCV-infected cells in the presence of one such antibody, e2d066. Furthermore, injection of the e2d066 antibody into human hepatocyte-transplanted immunodeficient mice inhibited infection by J6/JFH-1 HCVcc. In conclusion, we identified conformational epitope-recognizing, cross-genotypic neutralizing antibodies using phage display screening. Notably, e2d066 antibody did not select for escape mutant emergence in vitro and demonstrated neutralizing activity in vivo. Our results suggested that these antibodies may serve as prophylactic and therapeutic agents.
Magnetoencephalographic evaluation of repaired lip sensation in patients with cleft lip
Authors: Kitayama Chihiro , Shimada Eriya , Hihara Hiroki , Kanno Akitake , Nakasato Nobukazu , Imai Yoshimichi , Sato Akimitsu , Kawashima Ryuta , Igarashi Kaoru , Kanetaka Hiroyasu
Published: September 2022

Background

Cleft lip is the most common congenital anomaly worldwide. Nevertheless, lip somatosensory characteristics of patients with cleft lip after cheiloplasty have not yet been determined. The present study used magnetoencephalography to objectively evaluate the lip sensation in patients with unilateral cleft lip to establish a new objective evaluation method.

Methods

Participants were 15 patients with unilateral cleft lip after cheiloplasty (UCL group), and 30 healthy young subjects (control group). Five points of the upper and lower lips were stimulated electrically to measure somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs). The sources of the magnetic fields were modeled as single equivalent current dipoles (ECDs). ECDs located on the central sulcus by superimposition on magnetic resonance images were analyzed. Latency and intensity at 50–75 ms (cP60m) observed in the UCL group were compared with those in the control group. Thresholds of tactile stimuli in both groups were obtained using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments for subjective sensory evaluation.

Results

No significant difference was found in the intensity of the cP60m or subjective evaluation between the groups. However, the latency of the cP60m was significantly longer in the upper lip of the UCL group than in the control group.

Conclusions

SEFs showed a difference in lip sensation between the UCL group and the control group, suggesting that longer latency might be caused by the effects of surgical scarring on the neurotransmission pathway. These results suggest SEFs as useful for the objective evaluation of lip sensations. This study might improve future surgical procedures and lip functions of patients with cleft lip.
Regional variation in brain tissue texture in patients with tonic-clonic seizures
Authors: Ogren Jennifer A. , Allen Luke A. , Roy Bhaswati , Diehl Beate , Stern John M. , Eliashiv Dawn S. , Lhatoo Samden D. , Harper Ronald M. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: September 2022

Patients with epilepsy, who later succumb to sudden unexpected death, show altered brain tissue volumes in selected regions. It is unclear whether the alterations in brain tissue volume represent changes in neurons or glial properties, since volumetric procedures have limited sensitivity to assess the source of volume changes (e.g., neuronal loss or glial cell swelling). We assessed a measure, entropy, which can determine tissue homogeneity by evaluating tissue randomness, and thus, shows tissue integrity; the measure is easily calculated from T1-weighted images. T1-weighted images were collected with a 3.0-Tesla MRI from 53 patients with tonic-clonic (TC) seizures and 53 healthy controls; images were bias-corrected, entropy maps calculated, normalized to a common space, smoothed, and compared between groups (TC patients and controls using ANCOVA; covariates, age and sex; SPM12, family-wise error correction for multiple comparisons, p<0.01). Decreased entropy, indicative of increased tissue homogeneity, appeared in major autonomic (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, dorsal and ventral medulla, deep cerebellar nuclei), motor (sensory and motor cortex), or both motor and autonomic regulatory sites (basal-ganglia, ventral-basal cerebellum), and external surfaces of the pons. The anterior and posterior thalamus and midbrain also showed entropy declines. Only a few isolated regions showed increased entropy. Among the spared autonomic regions was the anterior cingulate and anterior insula; the posterior insula and cingulate were, however, affected. The entropy alterations overlapped areas of tissue changes found earlier with volumetric measures, but were more extensive, and indicate widespread injury to tissue within critical autonomic and breathing regulatory areas, as well as prominent damage to more-rostral sites that exert influences on both breathing and cardiovascular regulation. The entropy measures provide easily-collected supplementary information using only T1-weighted images, showing aspects of tissue integrity other than volume change that are important for assessing function.
The Italian epistemic marker mi sa [to me it knows] compared to so [I know], non so [I don’t know], non so se [I don’t know whether], credo [I believe], penso [I think]
Authors: Riccioni Ilaria , Zuczkowski Andrzej , Burro Roberto , Bongelli Ramona
Published: September 2022

The two studies presented in this paper concern the Italian epistemic markermi sa[lit. to me it knows], which seems to have no equivalent in other European languages and has received very little attention in the literature. No analysis of the occurrences ofmi sain contemporary spoken corpora can be found (first gap) as well as no investigation on the epistemic relationship betweenmi saand (1) the other modal expressions that use the verbsapere[to know] in the first person singular of the simple present, i.e.,so[I know],non so[I do not know],non so se[I do not know whether] as well as (2) its supposed synonymscredo[I believe] andpenso[I think] (second gap). The two studies are closely intertwined, the first being an exploratory, qualitative pilot study for the second. Study 1 aims to fill the first gap through the analysis of the contemporary Italian spoken corpusKIParla. The quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed five types of occurrences (theoretically reducible to two main ones), the most numerous of which are ‘mi sa che+ proposition’. Study 2 aims to fill the second gap through a questionnaire administered online. The quantitative and statistical results showed the epistemic relationships between the six markers: for the majority of the participants, in the epistemic continuum that goes from unknowledge to uncertainty and then to knowledge, (1)non sorefers to unknowledge;non so se,mi sa,credoandpensorefer to uncertainty;sorefers to knowledge; (2)mi sa,credo,pensoconfirm to be synonyms; (3)non so seis evaluated as much more uncertain thanmi sa,credo,penso. These four epistemic markers seem to occupy a different position along the uncertainty continuum ranging between two poles: doubt (high uncertainty) and belief (low uncertainty).
Allelic variation in shrunken2 gene affecting kernel sweetness in exotic-and indigenous-maize inbreds
Authors: Chhabra Rashmi , Muthusamy Vignesh , Baveja Aanchal , Katral Ashvinkumar , Mehta Brijesh , Zunjare Rajkumar U. , Hossain Firoz
Published: September 2022

Sweet corn has become a popular food worldwide. It possesses six-times more sugar than field corn due to the presence of recessive shrunken2 (sh2) gene. Despite availability of diverse sweet corn germplasm, comprehensive characterization of sh2 has not been undertaken so far. Here, entire Sh2 gene (7320 bp) among five field corn-(Sh2Sh2) and six sweet corn-(sh2sh2) inbreds was sequenced. A total of 686 SNPs and 372 InDels were identified, of which three SNPs differentiated the wild-(Sh2) and mutant-(sh2) allele. Ten InDel markers were developed to assess sh2 gene-based diversity among 23 sweet corn and 25 field corn lines. Twenty-five alleles and 47 haplotypes of sh2 were identified among 48 inbreds. Among markers, MGU-InDel-2, MGU-InDel-3, MGU-InDel-5 and MGU-InDel-8 had PIC>0.5. Major allele frequency varied from 0.458–0.958. The gene sequence of these maize inbreds was compared with 25 orthologues of monocots. Sh2 gene possessed 15–18 exons with 6-225bp among maize, while it was 6–21 exons with 30-441bp among orthologues. While intron length across maize genotypes varied between 67-2069bp, the same among orthologues was 57–2713 bp. Sh2-encoded AGPase domain was more conserved than NTP transferase domain. Nucleotide and protein sequences of sh2 in maize and orthologues revealed that rice orthologue was closer to maize than other monocots. The study also provided details of motifs and domains present in sh2 gene, physicochemical properties and secondary structure of SH2 protein in maize inbreds and orthologues. This study reports detailed characterization and diversity analysis in sh2 gene of maize and related orthologues in various monocots.
Intra-industry peer effect in corporate environmental information disclosure: Evidence from China
Authors: Hu Kewei , Hao Yugui , Yu Dan
Published: September 2022

Corporate environmental information disclosure is an important way for stakeholders to understand the performance of corporate environmental responsibilities. To explore the group relevance of corporate environmental information disclosure, this paper empirically tests the intra-industry peer effect of corporate environmental information disclosure using a panel fixed-effects model based on data of Chinese heavily polluted listed companies from 2015 to 2019 and studies its formation mechanism and impact path. The results show that there is an intra-industry peer effect in corporate environmental information disclosure; this effect exists in corporations of different ownership; social learning mechanism and environmental pressure mechanism are the channels to form the intra-industry peer effect of corporate environmental information disclosure; there are both intra-group imitation and inter-group imitation in the intra-industry peer effect of corporate environmental information disclosure. Based on the research results, the government can select corporations in various industries with excellent quality of environmental information disclosure as benchmarks to provide learning templates for corporations with inferior information. At the same time, the government can impose appropriate environmental protection pressure to promote learning and imitation among corporations. It is important to note that when selecting benchmarking companies, priority should be given to large and high-performing corporations.
Diagnostic yield of diffusion-weighted brain MR imaging in patients with cognitive impairment: Large cohort study with 3,298 patients
Authors: Kim Minjae , Kim Sang Yeong , Suh Chong Hyun , Shim Woo Hyun , Lee Jae-Hong , Guenette Jeffrey P. , Huang Raymond Y. , Kim Sang Joon
Published: September 2022

Objective

There is a paucity of large cohort-based evidence regarding the need and added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients attending outpatient clinic for cognitive impairment. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of DWI in patients attending outpatient clinic for cognitive impairment.

Materials and methods

This retrospective, observational, single-institution study included 3,298 consecutive patients (mean age ± SD, 71 years ± 10; 1,976 women) attending outpatient clinic for cognitive impairment with clinical dementia rating ≥ 0.5 who underwent brain MRI with DWI from January 2010 to February 2020. Diagnostic yield was defined as the proportion of patients in whom DWI supported the diagnosis that underlies cognitive impairment among all patients. Subgroup analyses were performed by age group and sex, and the Chi-square test was performed to compare the diagnostic yields between groups.

Results

The overall diagnostic yield of DWI in patients with cognitive impairment was 3.2% (106/3,298; 95% CI, 2.6–3.9%). The diagnostic yield was 2.5% (83/3,298) for acute or subacute infarct, which included recent small subcortical infarct for which the diagnostic yield was 1.6% (54/3,298). The diagnostic yield was 0.33% (11/3,298) for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), 0.15% (5/3,298) for transient global amnesia (TGA), 0.12% (4/3,298) for encephalitis and 0.09% (3/3,298) for lymphoma. There was a trend towards a higher diagnostic yield in the older age group with age ≥ 70 years old (3.6% vs 2.6%, P = .12). There was an incremental increase in the diagnostic yield from the age group 60–69 years (2.6%; 20/773) to 90–99 years (8.0%; 2/25).

Conclusion

Despite its low overall diagnostic yield, DWI supported the diagnosis of acute or subacute infarct, CJD, TGA, encephalitis and lymphoma that underlie cognitive impairment, and there was a trend towards a higher diagnostic yield in the older age group.
Interleukin-17, a salivary biomarker for COVID-19 severity
Authors: Sharif-Askari Fatemeh Saheb , Sharif-Askari Narjes Saheb , Hafezi Shirin , Mdkhana Bushra , Alsayed Hawra Ali Hussain , Ansari Abdul Wahid , Mahboub Bassam , Zakeri Adel M. , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Zahir Walid , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih
Published: September 2022

Objectives

T-helper 17 cell-mediated response and their effector IL-17 cytokine induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a major cause of COVID-19 disease severity and death. Therefore, the study aimed to determine if IL-17 level in saliva mirrors its circulatory level and hence can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for disease severity.

Methods

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was evaluated by ELISA in saliva and blood of 201 adult COVID-19 patients with different levels of severity. The IL-17 saliva level was also associated with COVID-19 disease severity, and need for mechanical ventilation and/or death within 29 days after admission of severe COVID-19 patients.

Results

We found that IL-17 level in saliva of COVID-19 patients reflected its circulatory level. High IL-17 level in saliva was associated with COVID-19 severity (P<0.001), need for mechanical ventilation (P = 0.002), and/or death by 29 days (P = 0.002), after adjusting for patients’ demographics, comorbidity, and COVID-19 serum severity markers such as D-Dimer, C-reactive protein, and ferritin.

Conclusion

We propose that saliva IL-17 level could be used as a biomarker to identify patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Effects of partial penectomy for penile cancer on sexual function: A systematic review
Authors: Whyte Eleanor , Sutcliffe Alexandra , Keegan Philip , Clifford Tom , Matu Jamie , Shannon Oliver M. , Griffiths Alex
Published: September 2022

Penile cancer is a rare but debilitating condition, which often requires aggressive treatment. Partial penectomy is considered as a treatment option when a sufficient portion of the penile shaft can be maintained to preserve functionality. This systematic review, which followed the PRIMSA guidelines, aimed to evaluate the effects of partial penectomy for penile cancer on sexual function—the maintenance of which is often a priority in patient groups—and to identify potential factors which may moderate these effects. A systematic search of PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Open Grey as well as MEDLINE, CINAHL and Open Dissertations via EBSCOhost was conducted from inception through to 24thMarch, 2022. Studies were required to include adults aged ≥18 years who had undergone partial penectomy for the treatment of penile cancer, with a quantitative measure of sexual function available pre- and post-surgery. Four eligible articles were identified for inclusion in this review, three of which reported a decrease in sexual function pre- to post-surgery across all domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction). Conversely, one study reported an increase in sexual function across IIEF domains, except for orgasmic function, which decreased, pre- to post-surgery. Greater penile length was associated with higher post-operative sexual function, whilst increasing age and higher anxiety levels were associated with lower post-operative sexual function levels in one study. Despite the overall drop in sexual function, many patients were still able to maintain satisfactory sex lives following partial penectomy. Given the limited research in this area and small sample sizes across studies, additional well-controlled investigations are warranted to provide further evidence on the effects of partial penectomy for penile cancer on sexual function.
Examining adherence to oral anticancer medications through a human factors engineering framework: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Lin Irene D. , Shotts Matthew B. , Al-Hader Ahmad , Weddle Kellie Jones , Holden Richard J. , Mueller Emily L. , Macik Monica R. , Ramirez Mirian , Abebe Ephrem
Published: September 2022

Background

The number of oral anticancer medications has increased over the past few decades, opening new possibilities in cancer care and improving convenience for patients and caregivers. However, adherence levels continue to be suboptimal, potentially jeopardizing therapeutic benefits. Poor adherence levels may indicate gaps in current strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing medication adherence and the extent to which they address the complex and multi-faceted medication management needs of patients and their caregivers. Beyond commonly understood barriers (e.g., forgetting to take medications), adherence interventions must address systemic barriers that may not be fully appreciated by members of the healthcare system. This scoping review aims to apply a systems framework (human factors engineering framework) to examine system elements targeted by adherence enhancing interventions.

Methods

Studies published in English, reporting adherence interventions for oral anticancer medications with adherence and/or persistence as primary outcome measures will be included in this review. We will search the following electronic databases with no limits on dates: Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Two reviewers will independently screen study titles and abstracts for inclusion with a third reviewer adjudicating conflicts. Full text of included articles will be used to extract information on systemic barriers targeted by adherence interventions as well as information about intervention type, outcomes, and study characteristics. Extracted information will be synthesized to generate a summary of work system factors targeted by adherence interventions.

Discussion

Through application of a systems-based approach, this scoping review is expected to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of factors influencing adherence to oral anticancer agents. The review may also identify areas that are ripe for further research.
TARGETing secondary school students’ motivation towards physical education: The role of student-perceived mastery climate teaching strategies
Authors: Weeldenburg Gwen , Borghouts Lars , Laak Tim van de , Remmers Teun , Slingerland Menno , Vos Steven
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of TARGET-based teaching strategies on students’ motivation in a Dutch secondary school PE context. We examined to what extent mastery climate teaching strategies perceived by students (independently or interactively) explain variability in students’ motivation towards PE. In total 3,150 students (48.2% girls; 51.8% boys) with a mean age of 13.91 years (SD = 1.40) completed the Behavioural Regulations in Physical Education Questionnaire (BRPEQ), measuring students’ autonomous motivation, controlled motivation and amotivation, and the Mastery Teaching Perception Questionnaire (MTP-Q), measuring student-perceived application of mastery TARGET teaching strategies. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after controlling for gender, age, and educational type, the predictive effects of the perceived mastery climate teaching strategies differed by motivational outcome. Overall, students who reported higher levels of perceived application of mastery TARGET teaching strategies showed more autonomous motivation and less amotivation. Specifically, the teaching strategies within the task structure were the strongest predictors for students’ autonomous motivation and amotivation. No meaningful statistically significant two-way interaction effects between any of the TARGET variables were found, supporting the proposition of an additive relationship between the TARGET teaching strategies.
Internationalization, cultural appreciation and institutional governmentality for quality control in transnational higher education cooperation: An empirical assessment
Authors: Zhu Jinsheng (Jason) , Wang Shushu
Published: September 2022

This article examines the dynamic mechanism of cultural appreciation and institutional governmentality to ensure successful quality control in a transnational higher education collaboration context. Adopting participatory action research and a case study approach, this paper investigates the quality control system in a Chinese tourism university. The present study finds that mutual cultural appreciation, responsible government guidance and institutional governmentality are essential quality control measures for transnational higher education cooperation. The quality control system is suggested to be established to enrich and improve the quality standards of joint international higher education collaboration. This study proposes to expand the international influence and recognition of China-foreign education collaboration through quality international exchange and cooperation.