bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iontronic pressure sensor with ultra-board linear range and high sensitivity enabled by laser-induced gradient pyramidal structures
Authors: Yang Ruoxi , Dutta Ankan , Li Bowen , Tiwari Naveen , Zhang Wanqing , Niu Zhenyuan , Gao Yuyan , Erdely Daniel , Xin Xin , Li Tiejun , Cheng Huanyu
Published: August 2022

Despite the extensive developments of flexible capacitive pressure sensors, it is still elusive to simultaneously achieve excellent linearity over a broad pressure range, high sensitivity, and ultrahigh pressure resolution under large pressure preloads at low cost. This work presents a facile and low-cost fabrication method to integrate an ultrathin ionic layer with gradient microstructures with programmable profiles and heights created by a simple CO2 laser. The coupled electrical and mechanical simulations provide a route to optimize the design of iontronic pressure sensors based on the electric double layer to address the existing challenges for significantly improved pressure sensing performance. The resulting optimized sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 33 kPa− 1 over an ultra-board linear sensing range of 1700 kPa, an ultralow detection limit of 0.36 Pa, and a pressure resolution of 0.00725% under ultrahigh pressure of 2000 kPa. Taken together with a rapid response/recovery time of 4/16 ms and excellent repeatability over 4,500 cycles, the sensor has been applied to subtle pulse detection from the fingertip, interactive control on the robotic hand, and a smart weight scale/chair with ultrahigh pressure resolution. The simple fabrication approaches and design toolkit from this work can also be leveraged to easily tune the pressure sensor performance for varying target applications and open up the opportunities to create other iontronic sensors for the next-generation flexible devices.
Deep low-frequency earthquake activity associated with the 2018 eruptions in the Kirishima volcano group, Japan
Authors: Kurihara Ryo , Kato Aitaro
Published: August 2022

Deep low-frequency (DLF) earthquakes have occurred at depths of 10–30 km in the Kirishima volcano Group, Japan. Here we investigate the DLF earthquake activity that was associated with the 2018 eruptions, compare these DLF earthquakes with those associated with the 2011 eruptions, and provide inferences on magmatic fluid ascension during these two eruptions. We apply a new matched-filter method to the continuous waveform data from the 2017–2018 period to comprehensively detect the DLF earthquake activity surrounding the 2018 eruptions. This new method can detect microearthquakes using a single seismic station based on an index that is computed as the product of mutual information and the correlation coefficient to measure the similarity between the template and target waveforms. We perform the same analysis using the 2010–2011 waveform data for comparison with the DLF earthquake activity associated with the 2011 eruptions. We detect 75 DLF earthquakes at approximately 25 km depth during the 2017–2018 period, whereas we detect 1302 DLF earthquakes at similar depths during the 2010–2011 period. Although the number of detected 2017–2018 events is small, we identify two swarms of DLF earthquake activity in March and July 2017. The March 2017 swarm coincides with the appearance of mud pots and jet fumaroles at the surface, and the July 2017 swarm coincides with the initiation of crustal deformation, which indicates the inflation of a deep magma reservoir. Furthermore, the occurrence rate of DLF earthquakes increased slightly after the March 2018 eruptions. Although the occurrence rate of DLF earthquakes associated with the 2018 eruptions was much lower than that associated with the 2011 eruptions, the slight increase in DLF earthquakes during the 2018 eruptions implies a connection between the deep magmatic fluid ascension and shallow volcanic unrest in 2018, which is similar to that observed during the 2011 eruptions. Such a close temporal relationship between the DLF earthquakes and surface volcanic activity suggests that the pressure disturbance within volcanic conduits propagates rapidly from depth.
Investigation into the potential of using UV-treated sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella as a local solution to immunization of chickens against caecal coccidiosis
Authors: Samir Djemai , Mekroud Abdeslam , Hide Geoff , Khelifi Daoudi , Bellil Inès
Published: August 2022

In this study, we aim to evaluate the immune response of chickens to UV-treated sporulated oocysts as a means of protection against caecal coccidiosis caused by field strains of Eimeria tenella. Two groups of chicks were immunized using prepared UV-treated oocysts of E. tenella and challenged at day 20 post hatching. The first group was immunized only once at day 1 post hatching, the second group was immunized twice (day 1 and day 8 post hatching). Two non-immunized control groups were used: the first group was challenged with E. tenella, while the second group remained uninfected. The effectiveness of immunization on production and animal health was evaluated by the following criteria: body weight, feed conversion ratio, blood in faeces, mortality, lesion scores and oocyst output. The two immunized groups showed a significantly better performance in body weight, weight gain and lesion scores than the non-immunized group. However, all three groups performed significantly worse than the unchallenged group. The mortality of the non-immunized infected group was high (70%) while mortality in both immunized and unchallenged groups of chickens was significantly lower (range 2.2 to 4.4%) than the infected group (p<0.05). The production of oocysts in faeces, post-infection, was significantly higher in the non-immunized group compared to the immunized group (p<0.05) and both were significantly higher than the uninfected group (p<0.05). In conclusion, immunization by prepared UV-irradiated oocysts is effective in stimulating at least a partial protective immunity in immunized chickens against caecal coccidiosis.
Research on Stress Performance of Universally Wrapped Assembled Joints of Lattice Wind Power Tower with Concrete-filled Steel Tube
Authors: Wen Yang , Liu Zhen , Xiong Wen
Published: August 2022

With the control parameters of the wall thickness of the ball table and the thickness of the pressure plate of the ball table, four universal wrapped assembled joint models were designed for the research of stress performance via static loading test. The failure mode of the joint, the axial force-displacement curve of the web member, the equivalent stress distribution of the ball table and the pressure plate of the ball table were analyzed, and the ABQAUS finite element software was used for the analysis of parameter expansion of the specimen. The research results show that the failure modes of universally wrapped assembled joints can be divided into the buckling failure of the ball table and the strength failure of the material. The wall thickness of the ball table is the key parameter affecting the failure mode of the joints, and the thickness of the pressure plate of the ball table is the crucial parameter influencing the ultimate bearing capacity of the joints. The maximum equivalent stress of the pressure plate and the ball table at compression zone for all the joints is occurred at the side squeezed by the bolt ball, and the growth rate of the equivalent stress for the ball table at compression zone is more uniform than that at tension zone. According to the finite element analysis results, when the wall thickness of the ball table is greater than 7mm, the thickness of the pressure plate of the ball table is greater than 16mm, the growth rate of the ultimate bearing capacity of the joint is significantly decreased, therefore, it is recommended to use the wall thickness of 7mm and the pressure plate thickness of 16mm in the actual design of the project.
ABCC10-mediated Oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer cells was alleviated by intense endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) / IRE1α
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Chen Hong , Sun Haimei , Guo Xiaoxia , Wu Bo , Sun Tingyi , Ji Fengqing , Yang Shu , Zhou Deshan
Published: August 2022

Background
Oxaliplatin resistance is a challenge in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, contributory to the failure in chemotherapy and the risks in relapse and metastasis. However, the mechanism of Oxaliplatin resistance has not been completely elucidated.
Methods
Microarray screening, western blot and qPCR on clinic CRC samples were conducted to select the target gene ABCC10 transporter. The Cancer Genome Atlas data was analyzed to figure out the correlation between the clinical manifestation and ABCC10 expression. ABCC10 knock-down in CRC cells was conducted to identify its role in the Oxaliplatin resistance. Cell counting kit-8 assay was conducted to identify the CRC cell viability and Oxaliplatin IC50. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect the cell apoptosis exposed to Oxaliplatin. The intracellular Oxaliplatin accumulation was measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.
Results
CRC patients with higher ABCC10 were prone to relapse and metastasis. Differential ABCC10 expression in multiple CRC cell lines revealed a strong positive correlation between ABCC10 expression level and Oxaliplatin resistance. In ABCC10 knock-down CRC cells the Oxaliplatin sensitivity was evidently elevated due to an increase of intracellular Oxaliplatin accumulation resulted from the diminished drug efflux. To explore a strategy to block ABCC10 in CRC cells, we paid a special interest in the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) / unfolded protein response (UPR) that plays a dual role in tumor development. We found that neither the inhibition of ERS nor the induction of mild ERS had anti-CRC effect. However, the CRC cell viability was profoundly decreased and the pro-apoptotic factor CHOP and apoptosis were increased by the induction of intense ERS. Significantly, the Oxaliplatin sensitivity of CRC cells was enhanced in response to the intense ERS, which was blocked by inhibiting IRE1α branch of UPR. Finally, we figured out that the intense ERS down-regulated ABCC10 expression via regulated IRE1-dependent decay activity.
Conclusion
Oxaliplatin was a substrate of ABCC10 efflux transporter. The intense ERS/IRE1α alleviated Oxaliplatin resistance through down-regulating ABCC10 in addition to inducing CHOP. We suggested that introduction of intense ERS/UPR could be a promising strategy to restore chemo-sensitivity when used in combination with Oxaliplatin or other chemotherapeutic drugs pumped out by ABCC10.
Feasibility, effectiveness and costs of a decision support intervention for consultees and legal representatives of adults lacking capacity to consent (CONSULT): protocol for a randomised Study Within a Trial
Authors: Shepherd Victoria , Wood Fiona , Gillies Katie , Martin Adam , O’Connell Abby , Hood Kerenza
Published: August 2022

Background
Randomised trials play a vital role in underpinning evidence-based care. However, trials involving adults with impaired capacity to consent raise a number of ethical and methodological challenges, leading to the frequent exclusion of this group from trials. This includes challenges around involving family members as alternative ‘proxy’ decision-makers. Family members are often given little information about their role as a consultee or legal representative. Some family members find making a decision about trial participation difficult and may experience an emotional and decisional burden as a result. Families have reported a need for greater support and guidance when making such decisions, leading to the development of a decision aid (‘Making decisions about research for others’) for family members acting as consultee/legal representative. The decision aid now requires evaluation to determine its effectiveness in supporting families to make more informed decisions.
Methods
This protocol describes a prospective, multi-centre, randomised-controlled Study Within a Trial (SWAT) to evaluate the effectiveness of the decision aid. The SWAT will initially be embedded in approximately five host trials. Participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention (decision aid alongside standard information about the host trial provided to consultees/legal representatives) or control (standard information alone). The primary outcome is the quality of proxy consent decision, assessed by the Combined Scale for Proxy Informed Consent Decisions (CONCORD). The SWAT design is informed by previous qualitative research. Initial feasibility will be explored in one host trial, followed by the main SWAT. An embedded process evaluation and economic evaluation will enable the SWAT findings to be contextualised and identify factors likely to affect implementation.
Discussion
This SWAT will generate the first evidence for recruitment interventions for trials involving adults lacking capacity to consent and add to knowledge about the use of decision support interventions in trial participation decisions. The SWAT will be embedded in a range of trials, and the heterogenous nature of the host trials, settings and populations involved will enable the intervention to be evaluated in a wide range of contexts. However, a pragmatic and flexible approach to conducting the SWAT is needed.
Trial Registration
The SWAT is registered as SWAT #159 with the Northern Ireland Hub for Trials Methodology Research SWAT repository (registered 09.08.2020). Each host trial will be registered on a clinical trials registry.
Salt-free reactive dyeing of cotton fibers in a ternary solvent system with different reactive dye chemistry
Authors: Wang Aming , Sheng Dan , Zhang Chunhua , Gong Junyao , Fu Zhuan , Wang Yunli , Li Wenbin , Xia Liangjun , Xu Weilin
Published: August 2022

Reactive dye chemistry plays a crucial role in the dyeing of cotton fibers. Herein, to provide insight on the adaptability of salt-free reactive dyeing for sustainable environmental development, the effect of dye chemistry on the dyeing properties of cotton fibers in the proposed EtOH–CCl4–H2O ternary solvent system was investigated in detail. Twelve commonly used reactive dyes were selected as representative dyes and applied to cotton yarns based on their reactive groups, molecular weights, chromophores, and sulfonate groups. Compared with the conventional aqueous dyeing method, almost all reactive dyes showed an enhanced dyeing performance in the EtOH–CCl4–H2O (55:40:5) mixture. Dyeing results of cotton yarns indicated that the investigated copper phthalocyanine dyes and azo dyes are suitable dye categories for dyeing in the EtOH–CCl4–H2O mixture. This study may offer a theoretical strategy for the industrial-scale production of cotton fibers using the developed solvent assisted dyeing technology. The organic solvents recovery will be carried out in the future study.
Room temperature persisting surface current driven by
intense terahertz electric fields in a topological Insulator
Authors: Wang Jigang , Luo L , Cheng D , Yang X , Vaswani Chirag , Mootz Martin , Yao Yong-Xin , Perakis Ilias , Liu Xinyu , Dobrowolska Margret , Frudyna J , Juang C
Published: August 2022

Topologically-protected surface current is highly promising for next-generation low-dissipation
and disorder-tolerant electronics and computing. Yet, electric transport from co-existing
bulk state dominates responses of Dirac surface state, especially at the elevated temperatures
relevant for technological applications. Here, we demonstrate a compelling scheme to
generate, disentangle, and control long-lasting surface transport at room temperature in a
model topological insulator Bi2Se3. By using pump-probe modulation spectroscopy under
ultrabroadband driving tunable from 4 meV to 1.55 eV, we underpin the terahertz (THz)
field-induced surface currents by discovering their initial temporal responses dominant over high density trivial bulk carriers. Strikingly, these surface currents persist more than a longlived ~5 ps and amplify by reducing pump photon energy. The dynamics and lifetime of the
distinct surface current manifest themselves as the pump-induced THz transmission, which
directly correlates with the transient negative THz conductivity. Increasing THz driving
field reduces the surface current lifetime and identifies, particularly, an optimal pump field
Es~224 kV/cm for generating the dominant surface transport relative to the bulk. This
surface current dominant regime is suppressed by a joint effect of enhanced surface-bulk
scattering and faster surface carrier saturation than the bulk that sets in above Es. The
room temperature topological current controllable by pump photon energy shown provides
compelling extensions to other topological complex materials including chiral semimetals,
superconductors, and magnets.
Early Predictive Value of the Electrocardiogram Combined with Q-SOFA Score for the Prognosis of Acute Poisoning Patients: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Wenwen , Yin Ran , Li Mengxuan , Jin Yili , Chen Wenbin , Tang Yahui , Xia Yu , Zhi Shaoce , Hong Guangliang
Published: August 2022

Background: Acute poisoning is a worldwide and frequently occurring disease, endangering millions of people and leading to ten thousands of deaths every year. Early effective evaluation and appropriate treatment are the key to improve the clinical outcomes. However, early accurate assessment of the conditions in patients with acute poisoning is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the utility of electrocardiogram (ECG) combined with quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (q-SOFA) score as early prognostic predictors in acute poisoning patients. Methods: The clinical data of acute poisoning patients were collected from 2016 to 2022 in a regional medical center. The statistical analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors related to prognosis based on their ECG. And the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of ECG combined with q-SOFA. Results: Among the 572 patients, 119 patients belonged to the survived group and 453 patients belonged to the died. ECG abnormalities were detected in 71.3% of survivors and 88.2% of dead (p＜0.05). One variable analysis revealed that heart rate (HR), ECG axis, PR intervals, RV5, R+S, and ST-T change (all p＜0.05) of ECG had significant differences in the prognosis of patients between two groups. Multifactorial logistic results showed that HR (OR=1.035, 95%CI 1.026~1.044) and QTc (OR=1.013, 95%CI 1.007~1.019) were independent risk factors for death. ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the cure (AUC) of ECG was 0.777 (95%CI 0.728~0.827), q-SOFA score was 0.736 (95%CI 0.684~0.787), PSS score was 0.617 (95%CI 0.558~0.677), and the prediction model constructed based on HR, QTc and q-SOFA score was 0.808 (95%CI 0.763~0.852), with the best diagnostic accuracy (50.4%). Conclusion: ECG combined with q-SOFA is a useful early predictor of poor outcome in acute poisoning patients. It has better accuracy and certain feasibility compared with PSS score.
Videos of demonstration versus text and image-based material for pre-skill conceptualisation in flipped newborn resuscitation training for medical students: a pilot study
Authors: Yoosoof Farah , Liyanage Indika , de Silva Ranjith , Samaraweera Savindra
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe flipped skills lab is a student-centred approach which incorporates pre-class preparation (pre-skill conceptualization) followed by repeated, hands-on practice for practical skills training. Objective measures of skills acquisition in the flipped literature are few and conflicting. The importance of pre-skill conceptualization in flipped skills training suggests that pedagogically informed pre-skill conceptualization can enhance outcomes.MethodsA mixed quasi-experimental study was conducted on 41 final year medical students who followed a flipped newborn resuscitation skills lab. Pre-class preparatory material covered conceptual and procedural knowledge. Students in the traditional group (n=19) and those in the experimental group (n=22) received identical reading material covering conceptual knowledge. Procedural knowledge was shared as demonstration videos to the experimental group, while the traditional group received a PowerPoint presentation with text and images covering the same material. Knowledge acquisition was assessed by 20 single best answer questions before and after hands-on practice in the skills lab and skill performance was tested post-intervention with a simulated scenario. Students’ perceptions were collected by survey. Quantitative data was analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. Qualitative data was analysed by thematic analysis.ResultsOverall student rating of the intervention was positive with ratings of 4.54 and 4.46 out of 5 by the traditional group and the experimental group respectively. Post-intervention skill performance in the experimental group was significantly better (p<.05) in the experimental group (M=87.86%, SD=5.89) than in the traditional group (M=83.44, SD=5.30) with a medium effect size (r=.40). While both groups showed significant knowledge gains, only students in the experimental group showed a statistically significant gain in procedural knowledge (p<.05) following the flipped skills lab. Finally, while both groups self-reported feeling more knowledgeable and confident following the intervention, the level of confidence was superior in the experimental group.ConclusionsFlipping the skills lab with pre-skill conceptualisation combining text-based conceptual knowledge and video-based procedural knowledge followed by simulation-based hands-on practice improves procedural knowledge and skills acquisition in newborn resuscitation training for medical students. This study shows that in addition to temporal benefits, pedagogically informed pre-skill conceptualization can confer procedure-specific cognitive and emotional benefits supporting skills acquisition.
Mining Indoor Landmark Based on Crowd Sensing Schema
Authors: Guo Yingying , Wang Licai , Kang Xu
Published: August 2022

For crowd sensing applications, the inaccuracy and conflict of reported samples, commonly caused by untrained participants and heterogeneous mobile devices, have received more and more attention. Given this, constructing a high-quality indoor bluetooth signal map and motion state map via crowd sensing is very challenging. In this paper, we design a robust indoor bluetooth signal map construction scheme, named by BiMCS. This is accomplished through a family of robust estimation and enhances the quality of a bluetooth signal map construction via crowd sensing. For heterogeneous devices, we use a linear robust estimation technique to map the signal strength scanned by different users into a uniform space. We also alleviate the negative influence of outliers and detect the abnormal participants by utilizing the multivariate robust statistics on the signal information uploaded by different users. While relying on the self-learning and self-judging to improve the quality of the indoor motion state map. Specifically, we translate the continuous motion information into a scalar value about the motion state through the internal comparison, which also effectively resolves the problem of diversity in mobile devices. Finally, we implement an Android-based system for constructing the indoor bluetooth signal map and motion state map as well as conduct extensive experiments under an indoor environment. The experimental results validate the enhancement of the constructed bluetooth signal map by the proposed BiMCS, additionally verifying the high accuracy in estimating the motion state of participants.
Classification of electrically-evoked compound action potentials in the parkinsonian subthalamic nucleus region
Authors: Rosing Joshua , Doyle Alex , Brinda AnneMarie , Blumenfeld Madeline , Lecy Emily , Spencer Chelsea , Dao Joan , Krieg Jordan , Wilmerding Kelton , Sullivan Disa , Best Sendréa , Mohanty Biswaranjan , Wang Jing , Johnson Luke , Vitek Jerrold , Johnson Matthew
Published: August 2022

Electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) generated in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) contain features that may be useful for titrating deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Delivering a strong therapeutic effect with DBS therapies, however, relies on selectively targeting neural pathways to avoid inducing side effects. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal features of ECAPs in and around the STN across parameter sweeps of stimulation current amplitude, pulse width, and electrode configuration, and used a linear classifier of ECAP responses to predict electrode location. Four non-human primates were implanted unilaterally with either a directional (n = 3) or non-directional (n = 1) DBS lead targeting the sensorimotor STN. ECAP responses were characterized by primary features (within 1.6 ms after a stimulus pulse) and secondary features (between 1.6–7.4 ms after a stimulus pulse). Using these ECAP features, a linear classifier was able to accurately differentiate electrodes within the STN versus dorsal to the STN in all four subjects. ECAP responses varied systematically with recording and stimulating electrode locations, which provides a subject-specific neuroanatomical basis for selecting electrode configurations in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with DBS therapy.
An unbiased kinship estimation method
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Xiangyu , Li Siting , Song Shuang , Zhao Hongyu
Published: August 2022

Accurate estimate of relatedness is important for genetic data analyses, such asheritability estimation and association mapping based on data collected fromgenome-wide association studies. Inaccurate relatedness estimates may lead tobiased heritability estimations and spurious associations. Individual-level genotypedata are often used to estimate kinship coefficient between individuals. Thecommonly used sample correlation-based genomic relationship matrix (scGRM)method estimates kinship coefficient by calculating the average samplecorrelation coefficient among all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), wherethe observed allele frequencies are used to calculate both the expectations andvariances of genotypes. Although this method is widely used, a substantialproportion of estimated kinship coefficients are negative, which are difficult tointerpret. In this paper, through mathematical derivation, we show that thereindeed exists bias in the estimated kinship coefficient using the scGRM methodwhen the observed allele frequencies are regarded as true frequencies. This leadsto negative bias for the average estimate of kinship among all individuals, whichexplains the estimated negative kinship coefficients. Based on this observation,we propose an unbiased estimation method, UKin, which can reduce kinshipestimation bias. We justify our improved method with rigorous mathematicalproof. We have conducted simulations as well as two real data analyses tocompare UKin with scGRM and another widely used kinship estimating method:KING. Our results demonstrate that both bias and root mean square error inkinship coefficient estimation could be reduced by using UKin. We furtherinvestigated the performance of UKin, scGRM and KING in calculating theSNP-based heritability, and show that UKin can improve estimation accuracy forheritability regardless of the scale of SNP panel.
Excellent performance of a C12A7:e- cold cathode based on charge coupling techniques
Authors: Plaza J. F. , Toledo J. , Post A.
Published: August 2022

This work, based on the EU-funded project NEMESIS, is aiming at developing electride-based new cathode technology which is compatible with all kinds of electric propulsion systems requiring neutralization. In last years, the novel material C12A7:e- electride has been investigated for neutralization applications due to its adequate characteristics as thermionic emitter: low effective work function of 2.4 eV, lower operational temperatures than traditional emitters as LaB6, BaO or Thoriated-W, stability at room temperature and chemical inertness. Additionally, the electride can be used as cathode material to provide electrons in low pressure discharges where the operation temperatures are much lower than for electron thermionic emission. Nevertheless, some of the most common issues described in literature about C12A7:e- based cathodes are the emission instabilities, which in some cases derive into degradation, sputtering or even melting of the electride material. A new developed technique based on charge coupling showed a remarkable performance up to five times better than other typical emitter material in terms of current emission and power consumption. In this work, the performance improvements reached when using this technique in the operation of C12A7:e- based cathodes when using Argon, Xenon or Ammonia (NH3) as propellants will be described. NH3 is incorporated in this work because it is one of the best mass storage compounds in liquid state at very low pressures and/or temperatures (10bar@25ºC, 1bar@-33ºC) with an easy and direct gas usage as propellant in space propulsion. It is also an excellent H2 carrier (4 KWh/Liter), which makes it an appropriate H2 carrier for future use by H2 Fuel Cells or even NH3 direct Fuel Cells in space.
Effect of luteal-phase GnRH agonist on frozen-thawed embryo transfer during artificial cycles: a randomised clinical pilot study
Authors: Liu Yanghong , Huang Kaishu , Chen Cheng , Wen Li , Lei Min , Gou Yabin , Tang Bin
Published: August 2022

Purpose: This randomised clinical pilot study evaluated the effect of the mid-luteal additional single dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) on the clinical outcome of the females subjected to artificial cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer (AC-FET). Methods: A total of 129 females were randomized into two groups (70 into the control group and 59 into the intervention group). Both groups received the standard luteal support. The intervention group was given an extra dose of 0.1 mg GnRH-a in the luteal phase. The live birth rate served as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were the positivity of pregnancy tests, the clinical pregnancy rate, the miscarriage rate, the implantation rate, and the multiple pregnancy rate. Results: There were more positive pregnancy tests, clinical pregnancies, live births, and twinning pregnancies, and less miscarriage observed in the intervention arm comparing to the controls, though no statistical significance was concluded. However, the difference of 12.1 percentage points in live births rate (40.7% vs 28.6%) would be relevant in clinical practice. Conclusions: Overall, the distinct, however statistically insignificant, improvement of the pregnancy outcome supports the non-inferiority of the luteal phase GnRH-a support in AC-FET. The beneficial effects need to be further validated by larger scale clinical trials.
Northeast China holds huge wetland soil organic carbon storage: an estimation from 819 soil profiles and random forest algorithm
Authors: Ren Yongxing , Li Xiaoyan , Mao DeHua , Xi Yanbiao , Wang Zongming
Published: August 2022

Purpose As a huge natural carbon storage, wetlands play an important role in the global carbon cycle. However, the spatial pattern and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) in wetland ecosystems remain largely uncertain due to large spatial heterogeneity and insufficient field observations. Methods In this study, we predict the spatial pattern of SOC density and estimated SOC storage in wetlands of Northeast China based on 819 field samples and multiple geospatial data using random forest algorithm. Results The results showed that climate, vegetation, and topography had notable impacts on the SOC density at different soil depths. The wetland SOC density in the surface layer (0–30 cm) was affected mainly by climatic factors (e.g., temperature, r = 0.54, p < 0.001), while the SOC density in the middle layer (30–60 cm) was mainly influenced by both climatic factors and vegetation factors. Moreover, topography (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) had greater impacts on wetland SOC density in the deeper soil layer (60–100 cm). Our estimation showed that Northeast China holds huge wetland SOC storage in the amount of 3.40 ± 0.13 Pg C. The average wetland SOC density was 44.30 ± 1.72 kg C m− 2, which decreased gradually from north to south in the study area. The wetland SOC storage in the Greater Khingan Mountains Region was 2461.87 ± 92.21 Tg C, while that in the Liao River Plain was only 26.73 ± 1.33 Tg C. Conclusion We used random forest algorithm to achieve high-precision estimation of the wetland SOC storage in Northeast China, avoiding the geographic location-based dependence of traditional interpolation methods. Our results examined the relationship between wetland SOC and environmental factors, which benefits the understanding of the responses of wetland SOC to climate change.
The effects of point defect type, location, and density on the Schottky barrier height of Au/MoS2 heterojunction: A first-principles study
Authors: Sorkin Viacheslav , Zhou Hangbo , Yu Zhi Gen , Ang Kah-Wee , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: August 2022

Using DFT calculations, we investigate the effects of the type, location, and density of point defects in monolayer MoS 2 on electronic structures and Schottky barrier heights (SBH) of Au/MoS2 heterojunction. Three types of point defects in monolayer MoS2, that is, S monovacancy, S divacancy and MoS (Mo substitution at S site) antisite defects, are considered. The following findings are revealed: (1) The SBH for the monolayer MoS2 with defects is universally higher than that for its defect-free counterpart. (2) S divacancy and MoS antisite defects increase the SBH to a larger extent than S monovacancy. (3) A defect located in the inner sublayer of MoS2, which is adjacent to Au substrate, increases the SBH to a larger extent than that in the outer sublayer of MoS2. (4) An increase in defect density increases the SBH. These findings indicate a large variation of SBH with the defect type, location, and concentration. We also compare our results with previously experimentally measured SBH for Au/MoS2 contact and postulate possible reasons for the large differences among existing experimental measurements and between experimental measurements and theoretical predictions. The findings and insights revealed here may provide practice guidelines for modulation and optimization of SBH in Au/MoS2 and similar heterojunctions via defect engineering.
The psychosocial situation of families caring for children with rare diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Rihm Lydia , Dreier Mareike , Rezvani Farhad , Dirmaier Jörg
Published: August 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting many areas of life and has posed additional strains on the highly vulnerable group of caregivers of children with rare diseases (RDs). The psychosocial situation of the family caregivers deserves more attention, both in research and practice. The current study explores the distress level of caregivers of children with RDs, their psychosocial information needs, and their children’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted within the German CARE-FAM-NET project (children affected by rare disease and their families - network) between March and August 2020 were examined. The study sample included 149 family caregivers, mostly mothers (83.2%) of collectively 167 children with predominantly secured (89.8%) RDs. The survey assessed demographic and disease-related characteristics, caregiver distress and everyday problems (Distress Thermometer for Parents; scale 0–10), psychosocial information needs (self-developed items; scale 0–100), and children’s HRQoL (DISABKIDS-12-p; scale 0–100). Using descriptive statistics, we analyzed the psychosocial situation of families during the COVID-19 pandemic. We further conducted correlation analysis to investigate interrelations.
Results
Caregivers reported a wide range of psychosocial information needs. Distress levels were high (M = 6.84, SD = 2.43) and 89.6% of caregivers reported clinical distress (≥ 4). Everyday problems (e.g., sleep problems, fatigue, being out of shape, fears, feeling tense or nervous, and worry) were frequent. In about half of the children (49.5%), caregiver-reported HRQoL was low, while average HRQoL (M = 58.7, SD = 19.5) was comparable to norm data of children with severe clinical conditions. Caregiver distress correlated positively with psychosocial information needs (r = .40) and negatively with the children’s HRQoL (r = − .46).
Conclusions
This study indicates a high psychosocial burden on familial caregivers of children with RD during the early Covid-19 pandemic, characterized by high distress levels and wide-ranging everyday problems, unmet psychosocial information needs, and reduced HRQoL in their diseased children. The findings highlight the ongoing need for target group-specific, low-threshold support services (e.g., websites) during and after the pandemic.
Adaptive optical quantitative phase imaging based on annular illumination Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Shu Yefeng , Sun Jiasong , Fan Yao , Zhou Ning , Ye Ran , Zheng Guoan , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: August 2022

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has emerged as a valuable tool for biomedical research thanks to its unique capabilities for quantifying optical thickness variation of living cells and tissues. Among many QPI methods, Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) allows long-term label-free observation and quantitative analysis of large cell populations without compromising spatial and temporal resolution. However, high spatio-temporal resolution imaging over a long-time scale (from hours to days) remains a critical challenge: optically inhomogeneous structure of biological specimens as well as mechanical perturbations and thermal fluctuations of the microscope body all result in time-varying aberration and focus drifts, significantly degrading the imaging performance for long-term study. Moreover, the aberrations are sample- and environment-dependent, and cannot be compensated by a fixed optical design, thus necessitating rapid dynamic correction in the imaging process. Here, we report an adaptive optical QPI method based on annular illumination FPM. In this method, the annular matched illumination configuration (i.e., the illumination numerical aperture (NA) strictly equals to the objective NA), which is the key for recovering low-frequency phase information, is further utilized for the accurate imaging aberration characterization. By using only 6 low-resolution images captured with 6 different illumination angles matching the NA of a 10x, 0.4 NA objective, we recover high-resolution quantitative phase images (synthetic NA of 0.8) and characterize the aberrations in real time, restoring the optimum resolution of the system adaptively. Applying our method to live-cell imaging, we achieve diffraction-limited performance (full-pitch resolution of 655 nm at a wavelength of 525 nm across a wide filed of view (1.77 mm 2 ) over an extended period of time.
Diversify Your Faculty: A Roadmap for Equitable Hiring Strategies
Authors: Cosgriff-Hernandez Elizabeth , Aguado Brian , Akpa Belinda , Fleming Gabriella Coloyan , Moore Erika , Porras Ana Maria , Boyle Patrick , Chan Deva , Chesler Naomi , Christman Karen , Desai Tejal , Harley Brendan , Killian Megan , Maisel Katharina , Maitland Kristen , Peyton Shelly , Pruitt Beth , Stabenfeldt Sarah , Stevens Kelly , Bowden Audrey
Published: August 2022

Hiring practices in academia have critically limited the entry of individuals from historically excluded groups (e.g., people who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities) into our biomedical engineering faculty. Excluding such individuals has hindered our profession’s research impact and ability to equitably educate our students. With many departments committed to “do better,” we now need to embrace a new mindset and gain the skills necessary to rectify injustices in our faculty hiring processes. Here, we offer a faculty hiring roadmap that departments can leverage to eliminate many barriers of entry to members of historically excluded groups as faculty in biomedical engineering. We call on our colleagues to recognize the failings of our current hiring practices and adopt the guidelines provided here to diversify biomedical engineering departments so that we might collectively accelerate the impact, innovation, and power of our profession.
The effect of high throughput vitrification of human ovarian cortex tissue on follicular viability. A promising alternative to conventional slow freezing ?
Authors: Schallmoser Andreas , Einenkel Rebekka , Färber Cara , Emrich Norah , John Julia , Sänger Nicole
Published: August 2022

Background: The standard procedure most frequently used for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is slow freezing, while vitrification has been proposed as promising alternative and has built an impressive catalogue of success in fertility laboratories regarding cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos. Methods: We developed and evaluated a high throughput protocol for vitrification of human ovarian tissue suitable for clinical processing. Follicular viability was assessed via calcein staining prior and after cryopreservation analysing ovarian tissue of a cohort of 30 patients. Results: We found no significant differences regarding follicular viability between slow frozen and vitrified cortex tissue samples 24 h after thawing and rapid warming. Follicular viability of thawed and rapid warmed samples was not significantly different in comparison to fresh samples, indicating high proportions of follicular survival rates with both methods. Conclusions: High throughput vitrification is a promising option in a clinical setting. More research is needed to determine the status of other tissue specific quality indicators potentially influencing on autotransplantation.
Exploring the anticancer activity of five Hyalomma species (Acari: Ixodidae) salivary gland extracts on human colorectal cancer cell line HT-29
Authors: Tavassoli Maryam , Kadivar Mehdi , Akhavan Amir Ahmad , Abdi-goudarzi Mohammad , Chaibakhsh Samira , Beik-mohammadi Mojtaba , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
High reproducibility of a novel fixed anterior drawer test for diagnosing ankle instability
Authors: Murahashi Yasutaka , Teramoto Atsushi , Takahashi Katsunori , Okada Yohei , Okimura Shinichiro , Imamura Rui , Kawai Makoto , Watanabe Kota , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe manual traditional anterior drawer test (ADT) is essential for deciding the treatment for chronic ankle instability, but it has been shown to have a comparatively low reproducibility and accuracy, especially in less experienced hands. To clarify the inter-examiner reproducibility, we compared the actual distance of anterior translation between junior and senior examiners in ADT. We also evaluated the diagnostic abilities of traditional ADT, and a novel modified ADT (fixed ADT).MethodsThirty ankles were included in this study, and ankle instability was defined using stress radiography. All subjects underwent two methods of manual ADT by junior and senior examiners, and ankle instability was judged in a blinded fashion. The anterior drawer distance was calculated from the lengthening measured using a capacitance-type sensor device. ResultsThe degree of anterior translation determined by the junior examiner was significantly lower than that determined by the senior examiner when traditional ADT was performed (3.3 vs. 4.5 mm, P=0.016), but there was no significant difference in anterior translation between the two examiners when fixed ADT was performed (4.6 vs. 4.1 mm, P=0.168). The inter-examiner reliability of fixed ADT was higher than that of traditional ADT. For the junior examiner, the diagnostic accuracy of fixed ADT was higher than that of traditional ADT (sensitivity, 0.40 vs. 0.80; specificity, 0.75 vs. 0.80).ConclusionFixed ADT may have the advantage of being a simple manual test of ankle instability with less error between examiners.
Genomic adaptation to extreme climate conditions in beef cattle as a consequence of cross-breeding program
Authors: Tian Rugang , Nanaie Hojjat Asadollahpour , Wang Xiao , Zhao Meng , Wang Fenf , Li Hui , Yang Ding , Zhang Hao , Li SuFan , Li Yuan , Luan Tu
Published: August 2022

BackgroundUnderstanding the evolutionary forces related to climate changes that have been shaped genetic variation within species has long been a fundamental pursuit in biology. In this study, we generated whole-genome sequence (WGS) data from 65 cross-bred and 45 Mongolian cattle breeds. Together with 61 whole-genome sequences from world-wide cattle populations, we estimated the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of cattle populations. In addition, we performed comparative population genomics analyses to explore the genetic basis underlying variation in the adaptation to cold climate and immune response in cross-bred cattle located in the cold region of China. To elucidate genomic signatures that underlie adaptation to cold climate, we performed statistical measurements, FST and nucleotide diversity (θπ), and further investigated the results to identify genomic regions under selection for cold adaptation and immune response-related traits.ResultsBy generating whole-genome sequencing data, we first investigated the population genetic structure and phylogenetic relationship of studied cattle populations. The results revealed clustering of cattle groups in agreement with their geographic distribution. We detected noticeable genetic diversity between indigenous cattle ecotypes and commercial populations. Analysis of population structure demonstrated evidence of shared genetic ancestry between studied cross-bred population and both Red-Angus and Mongolian breeds. Among the all studied cattle populations, the highest and lowest levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) were detected in Holstein and Rashoki populations (ranged from ~ 0.54 to 0.73, respectively) at marker pairs distance of 1 Kb. Our search for potential genomic regions under selection in cross-bred cattle revealed several candidate genes related with immune response and cold shock protein-related traits. In particular, we identified some adaptive introgression genes such as TRPM8, NMUR1, PRKAA2, SMTNL2 and OXR1 that are involved in energy metabolism and metabolic homeostasis. In addition, we detected some candidate genes on different chromosomes probably associated with immune response-related traits. ConclusionsThe study identified candidate genes involved in responses to cold adaptation and immune response in cross-bred cattle, including new genes or gene pathways putatively involved in these adaptations. The identification of these genes may be helpful in understanding of the molecular basis of adaptation to extreme environmental climate and as such they should be used in cattle breeding programs to select more efficient breeds for cold climate regions.