bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D S-Wave Velocity Model of the Crust and Upper Mantle beneath the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula
Authors: Corchete Victor
Published: June 2022

A 3D S-wave velocity model (from 0 to 350 km depth) is determined for the region of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka peninsula, through Rayleigh wave analysis applied to the traces of 278 earthquakes registered by 12 seismic stations, both located within (and nearby) of the study area. This model reveals the principal geological and tectonics features present in the study area, e.g., the presence of two lower-crust hot plumes located at the northwest of the Sea of Okhotsk, which are shown as two zones of low S-wave velocity (from 20 to 30 km depth). Also, a conspicuous low S-wave velocity zone is determined at the southwest of the Sea of Okhotsk (from 35 to 60 km depth), which can be matched up with a high conductivity layer previously determined from 30 to 65 km depth. For the Kamchatka peninsula, low S-velocities are determined beneath the volcanic belt from the upper crust (~5 km-depth) down to a depth of ~60 for the southern part, and down to a depth of ~140 km for the northern part. This low S-wave velocity pattern is enlarged in size at the northwest (north of ~55°N), following the location of the Kliuchevskoi and Sheveluch volcanoes, which confirms that these volcanoes must be a part of the same subduction-induced volcanic process. The present model shows that the subducting Pacific slab terminates near to the Aleutian-Kamchatka junction, i.e., no relict slab underlies the extinct northern Kamchatka volcanic arc. This model shows that this slab shoals towards north, and there exists a gap associated with the loss of this slab beneath Sheveluch and Kliuchevskoi volcanoes. The low S-wave velocity pattern determined at northwest of the slab edge confirms the presence of the asthenospheric flow, which would pass through this gap to the northwest around the north slab edge. Finally, the present model shows the precise location and detailed structure of the asthenosphere, which is a new result that has not been determined in other previous studies.
Eocene Volcanic Complex from Central British Columbia: The Role of Fractional Crystallization during the Magmatic Evolution
Authors: Dostal Jaroslav , Shellnutt J. Gregory
Published: June 2022

The Challis-Kamloops belt of south-central British Columbia is a regionally extensive (>65,000 km2) magmatic province that erupted within the North American Cordillera during the Eocene (55-45 Ma). The inland volcanic belt runs parallel to the coast, and the rocks were emplaced mainly within extensional basins indicating volcanism was attributed to rift-related decompressional melting. The rocks include both calc-alkaline and tholeiitic mafic and intermediate types (i.e., low-Fe, medium-Fe, and high-Fe suites). Voluminous volcanic units (Buck Creek, Goosly Lake, Swans Lake) of the Buck Creek volcanic complex (~3,000 km2 in area) within the Nechako plateau erupted within 1-2 million years and show significant internal chemical variability. All rock types have similar Sr-Nd isotopic (87Sr/86Sri=0.70435-0.70487; εNdt=+2.6-+4.0) ratios indicating they originated from the same sub-Cordilleran mantle source. Petrological modeling using the most primitive rocks of the Buck Creek, Goosly Lake, and Swans Lake magmatic pulses demonstrates that the chemical variability observed in each system can be explained by hydrous fractional crystallization in the upper crust (≤0.1 GPa) under moderately oxidizing to oxidizing conditions (ΔFMQ 0 to +0.7). The primary difference between the low-Fe to medium-Fe (calc-alkaline) Buck Creek suite model and the high-Fe to medium-Fe (tholeiitic) Swans Lake suite model is water content as the Swans Lake model has lower (H2O=0.75 wt.%) starting water than the Buck Creek and also the Goosly Lake models (H2O=1.25-2.00 wt.%). Moreover, the intermediate to silicic rocks of the complexes are compositionally similar to rocks associated with “slab failure” suggesting that rifting and mantle melting were related to asthenospheric upwelling through a slab tear. The implications are that the chemical variability of the rock suites are primarily related to fractional crystallization and that the mantle source is heterogeneous with respect to water content which is likely due to heterogeneities in the processes related to pre-Eocene subduction.
Actitudes sexuales y autoestima en estudiantes de 4to y 5to de secundaria de una institución educativa del distrito de Punta Hermosa
Authors:   , Saldaña Acevedo Rosa Emilia
Published: June 2022

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la relación que existe entre Actitudes Sexuales y la Autoestima en estudiantes de 4to y 5to de secundaria de una institución educativa del distrito de Punta Hermosa. La investigación es de tipo básica de metodología cuantitativa con diseño Transversal Correlacional-Causal. Se empleó un muestreo probabilístico de tipo Aleatorio Simple siendo un total de 184 la cual 168 estudiantes accedieron participar. Para la evaluación de las variables, se utilizó el Test de Actitudes Sexuales y la Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg. Como resultado se obtuvo que existe una relación significativa entre las Actitudes Sexuales y la Autoestima con una significancia de p= 0.001 p<0.05. Además, se encontró que el sexo femenino destaca por presentar un 51.79% de actitudes sexuales favorables frente al sexo masculino con un 44.64%. El 43.5% manifiesta Autoestima Media, el 30.4% Autoestima Baja y el 26.2% Alta.
Asentamiento y crecimiento de carposporas de Chondracanthus chamissoi sobre tres tipos de sustrato en condiciones semi-controladas de laboratorio
Authors:   , Torres Galarza Stephany Pamela
Published: June 2022

Chondracanthus chamissoi es una macroalga roja extraída a lo largo de la costa peruana, debido a su importancia comercial para consumo humanos directo. Sin embargo, a pesar de su importancia, en el Perú son escasas las investigaciones orientadas al desarrollo de su cultivo. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio evaluó el asentamiento y crecimiento de carposporas de C. chamissoi en tres tipos de sustrato artificial (nylon, rafia y polipropileno) en condiciones semi-controladas de laboratorio. Se utilizaron individuos fértiles cistocárpicos de playa Mendieta (14°3’S; 76°15’O), los cuales fueron inducidos a esporular mediante estrés osmótico y posteriormente puestos sobre los sistemas experimentales (envases con agua de mar y los sustratos artificiales) para que se liberen las carposporas. El periodo experimental tuvo una duración de 28 días. Los resultados muestran mejor asentamiento en el sustrato de rafia (p > 0.05), así como un mayor crecimiento del disco de fijación para las cuerdas de nylon y rafia (p > 0.05) en comparación con las cuerdas de polipropileno (p < 0.05), dado a las características físicas superficiales que presentan las cuerdas de rafia.
Relación entre clima organizacional y la productividad de los colaboradores de la empresa Corporación H&F S.A.C, Lima-2021
Authors:   , Inocente Amorin Alexandra Evelin
Published: June 2022

La investigación tiene como objeto determinar la relación entre el clima organizacional y la productividad de los colaboradores de la organización H&F SAC, Lima durante el período 2021. Para estos efectos empleamos un análisis de tipo cuantitativo el cual conto con una muestra no probabilística de 40 trabajadores de la organización. La variable clima organizacional se evalúa bajo el criterio de 3 dimensiones (involucramiento, organizacional, comunicación, condiciones laborales) y por la variable productividad se tiene 3 dimensiones (talento humano, maquinarias, equipos y materiales, condiciones laborales). Los resultados indican que existe un vínculo de carácter correlacional directo entre las variables Clima organizacional y Productividad, y esto es evidenciado a través de Rho de Spearman calculado (0,761) calificado como considerablemente importante.
Genetic diversity analysis and variety identification using SSR and SNP markers in melon
Authors: Wen Changlong , Zhang Jian , Yang Jingjing , Lv Yanling , Zhang Xiaofei , Xia Changxuan , Zhao Hong
Published: June 2022

Melon is an important horticultural crop with a pleasant aromatic flavor and abundance of health-promoting substances. Numerous melon varieties have been cultivated worldwide in recent years, but the high number of varieties and the high similarity between them poses a major challenge for variety evaluation, discrimination, as well as innovation in breeding. Recently, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), two robust molecular markers, have been utilized as a rapid and reliable method for variety identification. To elucidate the genetic structure and diversity of melon varieties, we screened out 138 perfect SSRs and 164 perfect SNPs from the resequencing data of 149 accessions, including the most representative lines worldwide. This study established the DNA fingerprint of 259 widely-cultivated melon varieties in China using Target-seq technology. The results showed four subgroups in the melon varieties, including ssp. melo and ssp. agrestis, and two types of intermediate subgroups. Compared with ssp. melo, the ssp. agrestis varieties might be exposed to a high risk of genetic erosion due to their extremely narrow genetic background. Increasing the gene exchange between ssp. melo and ssp. agrestis is therefore necessary in the breeding procedure. In addition, analysis of the DNA fingerprints of the 259 melon varieties showed a good linear correlation (R2 = 0.9722) between the SSR genotyping and SNP genotyping methods in variety identification. The pedigree analysis based on the DNA fingerprint of ‘Jingyu’ and ‘Jingmi’ series melon varieties was consistent with their breeding history. Based on the SNP index analysis, ssp. agrestis had low gene exchange with ssp. melo in chromosome 4, 7, 10, 11and 12, two specific SNP loci were verified to distinguish ssp. agrestis and ssp. melon varieties. Finally, 23 SSRs and 40 SNPs were selected as the core sets of markers for application in variety identification, which could be efficiently applied to variety authentication, variety monitoring, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights in melon.
Accurate online training of dynamical spiking neural networks through Forward Propagation Through Time
Authors: Yin Bojian , Corradi Federico , Bohte Sander
Published: June 2022

With recent advances in learning algorithms, recurrent networks of spiking neurons are achieving performance competitive with standard recurrent neural networks. Still, these learning algorithms are limited to small networks of simple spiking neurons and modest-length temporal sequences, as they impose high memory requirements, have difficulty training complex neuron models, and are incompatible with online learning. Here, we show how `Forward-Propagation-Through-Time' (FPTT) learning combined with novel Liquid Time-Constant spiking neurons resolves these limitations. Applying FPTT to networks of such complex spiking neurons, we demonstrate online learning of exceedingly long sequences while outperforming current online methods and approaching or outperforming offline methods on temporal classification tasks. FPTT's efficiency and robustness furthermore enables us to train in an end-to-end fashion the first deep and performant spiking neural network for object localization and recognition, demonstrating for the first time the possibility of training large-scale complex spiking neural network architectures online and on long temporal sequences.
Prediction of RNA:DNA:DNA triple helix formation using next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Warwick Timothy , Seredinski Sandra , Krause Nina , Bains Jasleen Kaur , Althaus Lara , Oo James , Bonetti Alessandro , Dueck Anne , Engelhardt Stefan , Schwalbe Harald , Leisegang Matthias , Schulz Marcel , Brandes Ralf
Published: June 2022

RNA:DNA:DNA triple helix (triplex) formation regulates gene expression, but is difficult to study experimentally in vivo. This makes accurate computational prediction of triplex formation highly important in the field of RNA research. Current predictive methods have used canonical Hoogsteen base pairing rules, which whilst biophysically valid, may not reflect the plastic nature of cell biology. Herein, we present TriplexAligner, a local alignment tool implementing probabilistic scoring matrices learned from triplex-forming sequences captured in published triplexRNA-seq and triplexDNA-seq experiments. Short, conserved sequence elements were found to be enriched at points of triplex formation. Probabilistic mapping codes between RNA and DNA sequences were learned by Expectation-Maximisation, and used as scoring matrices for local alignment. TriplexAligner predicts RNA-DNA interactions identified in all-to-all sequencing data more accurately than previously published tools, and also predicts previously studied triplex interactions with known regulatory functions.
Post Discharge Management of Heart Failure Patients: Clinical findings at the first medical visit in a single-center study
Authors: Sall Fatouma , Adoubi Anicet , Boka Carine , Koffi Nina , Ouattara Pinnin , Dakoi Armel , Anzouan-Kacou Jean-Baptiste
Published: June 2022

Background. The Post Discharge Management of patients with heart failure impact significantly their incomes. This study aims to analyze the clinical findings and management at the first medical visit of these patients in our context.Material and methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study on consecutive files of patients hospitalized for heart failure from January to December 2018 in our Department. We analyse data from the first post discharge medical visit. including medical visit time, clinical conditions and management. Results: Three hundred and eight patients (mean age: 53.4 ± 17.0 years, 60% males) were hospitalized on median duration of 4 days [1-22 days]. One hundred and fifty-three patients (49,67%) were presented at the first medical visit after 60 days on average, 10 (3.24%) patients died before this first medical visit and 145 (47.07%) had been lost to follow-up. The re-hospitalization and treatment non-compliance rates were 9.4% and 3.6%, respectively. Male gender (p = 0.048), renal failure (p = 0.010), and Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) /direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) (p = 0.049) were the main lost to follow-up factors. Hyponatremia (37%), tachycardia (28%) and LVEF <25% (12%) were the major factors of poor prognosis.Conclusion: The management of patients with heart failure after discharge from hospital seems to be insufficient and inadequate. A specialized unit is required to optimize this management.
Success rate of Artificial Insemination, Reproductive Performance and Economic Impact of failure of first service insemination: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tadesse Belege , Reda Abadi , Kassaw Nuredin , Tadeg Wodajo
Published: June 2022

Background
A retrospective cohort study using a 10 year AI and cow reproductive performance data was conducted to study the success rate of AI; associations between effectiveness of AI and breed, AI season and, number of service per conception, and economic impact of failure of FSC in Dessie town, Dessie zuria and Kutaber districts. A total of 3480 dairy cows’ AI and reproductive performance records which were performed between 1995 and 2005 in the three selected districts of South Wollo were used. The economic losses and costs for cows that failed to conceive at their first AI associated with the larger number of days open were estimated.
Result
The prevalence of conception has a statistically significant difference between breeds of cows (P = 0.019). The non-return rate for first service was 58.54%. The median DFS, ISI and GL were 126, 30 and 278 days respectively. Whereas, the mean ± SD days open, CI, NOI and NSPC were 147.2 ± 60.26, 424.5 ± 60.55, 1.14 ± 0.38 and 1.15 ± 0.39 respectively. Based on AI season there was a significant difference in conception between winter and spring (P = 0.021). There is a 45.04 days extension in the mean calving to conception interval in cows that did not conceive at their first AI but conceived by 2nd and 3rd AI than in cows that did conceive at their first AI. A total of 28685.3 ETB extra costs was spent on reproductive treatment and other management for cows that failed to conceive at their first AI but conceived by second and third service. In cows that did not conceive totally the owner losses on average 473.7 ETB per cow per day extra costs until the cows will be culled.
Conclusion
Therefore to increase the conception rate and decrease the economic loss the owners of the dairy cows should supervise the cows regularly and should be trained on how to identify cows on estrous, the AI technicians should be trained to conduct the AI service accurately.
Extending the Network Calculus Algorithmic Toolbox for Ultimately Pseudo-Periodic Functions: Pseudo-Inverse and Composition
Authors: Zippo Raffaele , Nikolaus Paul , Stea Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Network Calculus (NC) is an algebraic theory that represents traffic and service guarantees as curves in a Cartesian plane, in order to compute performance guarantees for flows traversing a network. NC uses transformation operations, e.g., min-plus convolution of two curves, to model how the traffic profile changes with the traversal of network nodes. Such operations, while mathematically well-defined, can quickly become unmanageable to compute using simple pen and paper for any nontrivial case, hence the need for algorithmic descriptions. Previous work identified the class of piecewise affine functions which are ultimately pseudo-periodic (UPP) as being closed under the main NC operations and able to be described finitely. Algorithms that embody NC operations taking as operands UPP curves have been defined and proved correct, thus enabling software implementations of these operations. However, recent advancements in NC make use of operations, namely the lower pseudo-inverse, upper pseudo-inverse, and composition, that are well defined from an algebraic standpoint, but whose algorithmic aspects have not been addressed yet. In this paper, we introduce algorithms for the above operations when operands are UPP curves, thus extending the available algorithmic toolbox for NC. We discuss the algorithmic properties of these operations, providing formal proofs of correctness.
Parametric Simulation of Electron Backscatter Diffraction Patterns through Generative Models
Authors: De Graef Marc , Ding Zihao
Published: June 2022

Recently, discriminative machine learning (ML) models have been widely used to predict various attributes from Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) patterns. However, there has never been any generative model developed for EBSD pattern simulation. On one hand, the training of generative models is much harder than that of discriminative ones; On the other hand, numerous variables affecting EBSD pattern formation make the input space high-dimensional and its relationship with the distribution of backscattered electrons complicated. In this study, combining two famous generative models, we propose a framework (EBSD-CVAE/GAN) with great flexibility and scalability to realize parametric simulation of EBSD patterns. Compared with the frequently used forward model, EBSD-CVAE/GAN can take variables more than just orientation and generate corresponding EBSD patterns in a single run. The accuracy and quality of generated patterns are evaluated through multiple methods. The model developed does not only summarize a distribution of backscattered electrons at a higher level, but also offers a new idea of mitigating data scarcity in this field.
The first two years of COVID-19 in Italy: Incidence, lethality, and health policies
Authors: ferrante Pierpaolo
Published: June 2022

Background: The novel coronavirus disease is an ongoing pandemic that started in China in December 2019. This paper is aimed at providing a detailed picture of the first two years of the pandemic in Italy.Design and methods: Through the negative binomial distribution, we estimated the daily incidence of infections from the resulting deaths (estimated by the weighted moving average) and the virus lethality. The original strain lethality (assessed through national sero-surveys) was daily adjusted for hazard ratios of virus variants of concern and for the cumulative distribution of vaccinated people.Results: From the 24-th of February 2020 to the 28-th of February 2022, we estimated 20,833,018 (20,728,924-20,937,375) cases distributed over 5 waves. The overall lethality was 0.73% and daily ranged from 2.78% (in the first wave) to 0.15% (in the last one). The first two waves (affected by heavy restriction measures) showed the highest daily peaks of deaths (about 710), while the last one (affected by vaccines) showed the highest daily peak of infections (220,487). Restriction measures of population mobility strongly slowed the virus’s spread. During the second pandemic year, vaccines avoided almost 10,000,000 infections and saved almost 115,000 people.Conclusion: Mobility restriction measures are effective within a suppression strategy. Distance learning and smart working are effective within a mitigation strategy. A massive test campaign allowed monitoring of the virus’ spread, in particular within the younger population. Despite the variants of concern, vaccines strongly reduced the pandemic impact on the healthcare system and avoided strong restriction measures.
Rectal suction biopsy versus incisional rectal biopsy in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Green Nicole , Smith Caitlin A. , Bradford Miranda C. , Ambartsumyan Lusine , Kapur Raj P
Published: June 2022

Background
Hirschsprung disease is one of the most common congenital anomalies that affects colorectal function. Rectal biopsy demonstrating the absence of ganglion cells in the affected bowel is the gold standard for diagnosis. Suction and incisional rectal biopsies are appropriate methods for obtaining diagnostic tissue. The goal of this study is to determine if any differences in adequacy exist between suction and incisional rectal biopsies at our institution.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of suction and incisional rectal biopsies for inadequacy per procedure at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Each procedure for rectal biopsy was also evaluated by number of biopsies per procedure. We used two-sample test of proportions to compare inadequacy of suction vs. incisional biopsies.
Results
133 rectal suction biopsy procedures (227 biopsies) and 125 incisional biopsy procedures (140 biopsies) were analyzed. In patients 6 months of age and older, the percentage of inadequate procedures was substantially higher in the suction biopsy group (24.1% vs 0.9%, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
A substantially higher proportion of inadequacy was found in suction rectal biopsy group compared to the incisional cohort among the older patient cohort, suggesting incisional biopsies should be strongly considered as primary rectal biopsy method in patients older than 6 months.
Three machine learning techniques comparison for the prediction of the uniaxial compressive strength of carbonate rocks
Authors: Hassan Mohamed Yusuf , Arman Hasan
Published: June 2022

In engineering practices, it is critical and necessary to either measure or estimate the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the rock. Measuring the UCS of rocks requires comprehensive studies in the field and in the laboratory for the rock block sampling, coring and testing. These studies are time-consuming, expensive and go through difficult processes. Alternatively, the UCS can either be estimated by empirical relationships or predictive models with various measured mechanical and physical parameters of the rocks. Previous studies used different methods to predict UCS, including least squares regression techniques, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, artificial neuron networks and others. This study is intended to estimate the UCS of the carbonate rock by using a simple, measured Schmidt Hammer (SHVC) test on core sample and a unit weight (γn) of carbonate rock. Principal components regression, multiple regression and artificial neural networks are employed to predict the UCS. We are not aware any study compared the performance of these methods for the prediction of the UCS values. The results of those models are very close; however, based on both roots mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), artificial neural networks (ANN) have a slight advantage against the other two models.
uniPort: a unified computational framework for single-cell data integration with optimal transport
Authors: Cao Kai , Gong Qiyu , Hong Yiguang , Wan Lin
Published: June 2022

Single-cell data integration can provide a comprehensive molecular view of cells. Here we introduce uniPort, a unified single-cell data integration framework which combines a coupled Variational Autoencoder (coupled-VAE) and Minibatch Unbalanced Optimal Transport (Minibatch-UOT). It leverages both highly variable common and dataset-specific genes for integration and is scalable to large-scale and partially overlapping datasets. uniPort jointly embeds heterogeneous single-cell multi-omics datasets into a shared latent space. It can further construct a reference atlas for online prediction across datasets. Meanwhile, uniPort provides a flexible label transfer framework to deconvolute heterogeneous spatial transcriptomic data using optimal transport space, instead of embedding latent space. We demonstrate the capability of uniPort by integrating a variety of datasets, including single-cell transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility and spatially resolved transcriptomic data. uniPort software is available at https://github.com/caokai1073/uniPort.
Influence of thinning intensity and frequency on the provision of ecosystem services in Mediterranean mountain pine forests under climate change scenarios
Authors: Simon Diana Cristina , Ameztegui Aitor
Published: June 2022

Thinnings are silvicultural operations that repetitively reduce tree density to improve the ecological, economic, and social benefits of the stands. Thus, the correct choice of the thinning regime can enhance stand structure and the provision of various ecosystem services throughout the rotation period. In this study, we use a modelling approach to evaluate stand dynamics and the provision of ecosystem services (mushroom production, wood for timber, carbon storage, blue water, and habitat for biodiversity) in Mediterranean mountain pine forests under different thinning regimes – defined by intensity and frequency – and under two different climate change scenarios. We implemented the thinning regimes using SORTIE-ND, an individual-based model that simulates forest dynamics, and then we integrated models developed for the study area to calculate the provision of services. We used as a case study a Pinus sylvestris and a Pinus nigra stand and we evaluated the effect of the thinning regime, in terms of intensity and frequency, the effect of climate change, and the effect of forest type over a rotation period. Our results show that overall, the production of mushrooms, timber, and carbon decreased with increasing intensity and shortening frequency, while the blue water increased under those conditions. The application of thinnings favoured the habitat for biodiversity by producing more large dead trees and faster. Large timber was better supported by a thinning regime with heavy intensity and shorter frequencies. We found synergies between the production of mushrooms, timber, and carbon, while blue water is in a trade-off relationship with these services. Biodiversity showed a weak relationship with the rest of studied services. Furthermore, our results have shown that climate change will lower the production of ecosystem services under the most severe climate predictions. Based on our results, we can conclude that our modelling approach is a useful and efficient tool for answering questions that would otherwise require long-term studies, and that it can provide useful information to guide management efforts to adapt forest management to the challenges of climate change.
Developing Total Force Fitness and Its Components to Achieve Optimal Military Performance in Iran
Authors: Shakibaei Abolfazl , Alishiri Gholamhossein , Hosseiniara Reza
Published: June 2022

Background Military personnel is the most valuable asset of the armed forces to carry out missions. The Iranian Armed Forces have not provided a comprehensive definition of Total Force Fitness (TFF), and the present study will be a pioneer in this regard.AimThe aim of this study was to provide a TFF model, and its components to achieve optimal military performance in Iran.MethodsThe present study is an analytical study that was conducted cross-sectionally at Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from 2020-to 2021. Thirty-nine specialists related to TFF in 10 domains including medical fitness, physical fitness, nutritional fitness, environmental fitness, psychological fitness, spiritual fitness, behavioral fitness, social fitness, occupational fitness, and family fitness were consulted to develop the questionnaire for TFF.FindingsIn this study, for each panel, a specific questionnaire was developed by consulting the experts in order to design a TFF measurement pattern, among fitnesses, occupational fitness was eliminated by experts and the rest of the fitness including Physical, Nutrition, Medical, Psychological, Spiritual, environmental, social, family and Behavioral Fitness was confirmed. TOPSIS method showed that the first priority is spiritual fitness and then physical fitness, and family fitness and nutritional fitness were the last priority.ConclusionIn the present study, as one of the first comprehensive studies in Iran, components of TFF were identified and confirmed. The finding showed that spiritual fitness is most important for the Iranian armed force. Given that manpower is the most valuable resource and that every effort should be made to maximize its potential, further studies are needed.
Trogocytic-molting of T-cell microvilli controls T-cell clonal expansion
Authors: Park Jeong-Su , Kim Jun-Hyeong , Soh Won-Chang , Lee Kyung-Sik , Kim Chang-Hyun , Chung Ik Joo , Lee Sunjae , Kim Hye-Ran , Jun Chang-Duk
Published: June 2022

Internalization of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is intimately linked to T-cell activation: a phenomenon thought to be related to the “exhaustion” of T-cell responses. To date, however, no report has considered that during physical interaction with cognate antigen-presenting cells, T cells release many TCRs via T-cell microvilli particles, which are derived from finger-like membrane structures (microvilli) in a combined process of trogocytosis and enzymatic vesiculation and correspond with the loss of membrane TCRs and many external membrane components. Surprisingly, in contrast to TCR internalization, this event leads to rapid upregulation of surface TCRs and remarkable metabolic reprogramming of cholesterol and fatty acids synthesis to meet the demands of clonal expansion, which drives multiple rounds of division and cell survival. We called this event “trogocytic-molting,” which represents an intrinsic molecular basis of T-cell clonal expansion by which T cells gain increased sensitivity to low antigen concentrations.
Affine-Mapping based Variational Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Wen Linjie , Li Jinglai
Published: June 2022

We propose an affine-mapping based variational Ensemble Kalman filter for sequential Bayesian filtering problems with generic observation models. Specifically, the proposed method is formulated as to construct an affine mapping from the prior ensemble to the posterior one, and the affine mapping is computed via a variational Bayesian formulation, i.e., by minimizing the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the transformed distribution through the affine mapping and the actual posterior. Some theoretical properties of resulting optimization problem are studied and a gradient descent scheme is proposed to solve the resulting optimization problem. With numerical examples we demonstrate that the method has competitive performance against existing methods.Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 65C05 · 62F15
The GPR83, CA1, AWP1, and WTAP genes expression evaluation in AGS cells Stimulated by Helicobacter pylori cagC gene
Authors: khoshfetrat Zahra , doosti Abbas
Published: June 2022

Background
Gastric carcinoma (GC) is the third leading cause of malignancies-related deaths worldwide, and Helicobacter pylori is one of the identified causes of gastric cancer. The Cag pathogenicity island (cagA, cagC, virB2) is one of the major pathogens of H. pylori, which increased the risk of gastric cancer development. Some studies have shown that H. pylori significantly alter some gastric epithelial cells genes expression. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the GPR83, CA1, AWP1, and WTAP genes in AGS cells transfected with the recombinant pIRES2-EGFP-cagC vector.
Materials and methods
The pIRES2-EGFP-cagC and pIRES2-EGFP plasmids (as control) were transfected into AGS cells by lipofectamine 2000 solution. Then, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis was performed. The expression of GPR83, CA1, AWP1, and WTAP genes was evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method. Finally, the expression of each gene was evaluated using SPSS software and t-test independent statistical tests.
Results
Our findings indicated that the expression of the GPR83 gene in AGS cells treated with cagC statistically significantly increased compared to control cells (P = 0.0327). On the contrary, the WTAP expression was significantly decreased (P = 0.0132), whereas the AWP1 and CA1 mRNA expression were not statistically significant.
Conclusion
This study shows that GPR83 and WTAP genes's expression in the host is significantly altered through cagC gene expression. Hence, it seems that the cagC gene's presence can explain some alterations in the expression of gastric epithelial cell genes and the cause of gastric cancer pathogenesis caused by H. pylori infection.
Video-Based Communication Assessment for Weight Management Counseling Training in Medical Residents: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Faro Jamie M , D'Addario Angelo , King Ann M , Mazor Kathleen M , Pbert Lori , Sadasivam Rajani S , Geller Alan C , Murphy Elizabeth A , Ockene Judith K
Published: June 2022

Background
Physician delivered weight management counseling (WMC) occurs infrequently and physicians report lack of training and poor self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the Video-based Communication Assessment (VCA) for weight management counseling (WMC) training in medical residents.
Methods
This study was a mixed methods pilot conducted in 3 phases. First, we created five vignettes based on our prior data and expert feedback, then administered the vignettes via the VCA to Internal Medicine categorical residents (n = 16) from a University Medical School. Analog patients rated responses and also provided comments. We created individualized feedback reports which residents were able to view on the VCA. Lastly, we conducted debriefing interviews with the residents (n = 11) to obtain their feedback on the vignettes and personalized feedback. Interviews were transcribed, and we used thematic analysis to generate and apply codes, followed by identifying themes.
Results
Descriptive statistics were calculated and learning points were created for the individualized feedback reports. In VCA debriefing interviews with residents, five themes emerged: 1) Overall the VCA was easy to use, helpful and more engaging than traditional learning and assessment modes, 2) Patient scenarios were similar to those encountered in the clinic, including diversity, health literacy and different stages of change, 3) The knowledge, skills, and reminders from the VCA can be transferred to practice, 4) Feedback reports were helpful, to the point and informative, including the exemplar response of how to best respond to the scenario, and 5) The VCA provide alternatives and practice scenarios to real-life patient situations when they aren’t always accessible.
Conclusions
We demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the VCA, a technology delivered platform, for delivering WMC to residents. The VCA exposed residents to diverse patient experiences and provided potential opportunities to tailor providers responses to sociological and cultural factors in WMC scenarios. Future work will examine the effect of the VCA on WMC in actual clinical practice.
Influence of Heat Source Arrangement on Coupling Characteristics of Low Power Pulsed Laser-MAG Hybrid Welding
Authors: Tao Xingkong , Yang Huanyu , Ba Xianli , Liu Liming
Published: June 2022

Low power pulsed laser-MAG hybrid welding was carried out by different heat source arrangement methods (lead mode, distance between laser spot and welding wire tip (DLA)). The coupling effect and welding characteristics of hybrid heat sources under different modes were studied by using high speed image (HSI) and real-time electrical signals. HSI observation and electronic signals showed that the lead mode and DLA significantly affect the coupling state of heat source and welding characteristics (weld morphology, process stability and droplet transfer). The influence of lead mode on weld forming was more significant than that of DLA. In laser-lead mode, when DLA = 1~2mm, the laser and arc had perfect coupling effect, good weld formation, less spatter and greater penetration. In arc-lead mode, the weld formation was poor and undercut defects were common, while the overall penetration was greater than that in laser-lead mode. In terms of welding process stability, arc-lead mode was better than laser-lead mode. The pulsed laser increased the stability of projected transition, produced more fine droplets and reduced the generation of spatter. When DLA = 1~2mm, stable droplet transfer could be realized under both modes.
Accelerating effect of Shilajit on osteogenic property of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs)
Authors: Kangari Parisa , Roshangar Leila , Iraji Aida , Talaei-Khozani Tahereh , Razmkhah Mahboobeh
Published: June 2022

Background
Shilajit, as a herbomineral natural substance, has been most widely used remedy for treating a numerous of illness such as bone defects in Iran traditional folk medicine since hundreds of years ago. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Shilajit on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in two- and three-dimensional cultures.
Materials and methods
ASCs were isolated and seeded in three-dimensional (3D) 1% alginate (Alg) hydrogel with or without Shilajit at a density of 3 × 105 cell/mL. For two-dimensional (2D) cultures, 3 × 104 ASCs /mL were seeded into culture plates and treated with 500µg/mL Shilajit. Then, characterization was done using electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red staining, and Raman confocal microscopy.
Results
Adding Shilajit had no impact on the Alg scaffold degradability. In the 3D Alg hydrogel and in the present of osteogenic medium (OM), Shilajit acted as enhancer to increase ALP activity, also showed osteoinductive property in the absence of OM compared to the 2D matched groups at all time points (days 7 and 21 both P < 0.001, for 14 days P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In addition, calcium deposition was significantly increased in the cultures exposed to Shilajit compared to 2D matched groups on days 14 (P < 0.0001), and 21 (P < 0.001and P < 0.01, respectively). In both 3D and 2D conditions, Shilajit induced osteogenic differentiation, but Shilajit/Alg combination starts osteogenic differentiation in a short period of time.
Conclusion
As Shilajit accelerates the differentiation of ASCs into the osteoblasts, without changing the physical properties of the Alg hydrogel, this combination may pave the way for more promising remedies considering bone defects.
Study on Tool wear mechanism under Cryogenic CO2-Assisted Minimum Quantity Lubrication Technology
Authors: Cheng Lin , Qiu Tian , Huang Shizhan , Xie Hong , Liu Chao , Li Yousheng , Lin Liangliang , Xiang Zhiyang , Shui Yan , Wang Fuzeng , Wu Xian , Yan Lan , Jiang Feng
Published: June 2022

Cryogenic CO2-assisted minimum quantity lubrication milling technology is a green processing technology with broad application prospects. Aiming at the problem of tool wear in the application of cryogenic CO2 cooling assisted minimum quantity lubrication in difficult-to-machine materials and the influence of relevant parameters on tool wear, this study used coated cemented carbide tools to perform milling experiments under cryogenic CO2-assisted minimum quantity lubrication technology conditions. The micromorphology of the tool rake face and chip was observed, and the energy spectrum of the tool chip contact area was analyzed. The results showed that reducing CO2 temperature and increasing the oil flow of minimum quantity lubrication can improve the tool wear. The tool wear mechanisms under cryogenic CO2-assisted minimum quantity lubrication were mainly abrasive wear, diffusion wear, and oxidation wear. The chip sawtooth degree of the optimal parameter group was more conducive to chip breaking than that of dry cutting and wet cutting groups. The temperature of the tool-chip contact area is an important factor affecting tool wear, the higher the temperature, the faster the tool wear. At the same time, it is verified that cryogenic CO2-assisted minimum quantity lubrication technology can replace cutting fluid in hard-to-machine materials under certain conditions.
Investigating the origin of TMS-evoked brain potentials using topographic analysis
Authors: Šulcová Dominika , Salatino Adriana , Ivanoiu Adrian , Mouraux André
Published: June 2022

The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) represents an increasingly popular tool to non-invasively probe cortical excitability in humans. TMS-evoked brain potentials (TEPs) are composed of successive components reflecting the propagation of activity from the site of stimulation, thereby providing information on the state of brain networks. However, TMS also generates peripherally evoked sensory activity which contributes to TEP waveforms and hinders their interpretation. In the present study, we examined whether topographic analysis of TEPs elicited by stimulation of two distinct cortical targets can disentangle confounding signals from the genuine TMS-evoked cortical response. In 20 healthy subjects, TEPs were evoked by stimulation of the left primary motor cortex (M1) and the left angular gyrus (AG). Topographic dissimilarity analysis and microstate analysis were used to identify target-specific TEP components. Furthermore, we explored the contribution of cortico-spinal activation by comparing TEPs elicited by stimulation below and above the threshold to evoke motor responses. We observed topographic dissimilarity between M1 and AG TEPs until approximately 80 ms post-stimulus and identified early TEP components that likely reflect specific TMS-evoked activity. Later components peaking at 100 and 180 ms were similar in both datasets and attributed to sensory-evoked activity. Analysis of sub- and supra-threshold M1 TEPs revealed a component at 17 ms that possibly reflects the cortico-spinal output of the stimulated area. Moreover, supra-threshold M1 activation influenced the topography of almost all later components. Together, our results demonstrate the utility of topographic analysis for the evaluation and interpretation of TMS-evoked EEG responses.
Multilayer encapsulation using Atomic Layer Deposition and a moisture- stable silica containing nanocomposite polymer: correlation between gas permeation measurement on plastic film and performances obtained on top-emitting Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Provost Marion , Maindron Tony , Cros Stephane
Published: June 2022

Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) using a multilayer stack of inorganic and organic films is now a well-known encapsulation technology for organic electronics such as Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED). It shows excellent gas barrier properties with very low WVTR, and good compatibility with flexible and transparent substrates. In this study, low-temperature Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) serves for the fabrication of high performance Al2O3 inorganic barrier layers. A silica nanocomposite polymer serves as a moisture-stable interface layer in a very high barrier quality architecture of the kind [Al2O3 (25 nm)/nano-CP (1 µm)/Al2O3 (25 nm)/nano-CP (5 µm)]. The helium and water vapor quantitative gas permeation properties (HeTR and WVTR) of different intermediate TFE architectures deposited on plastic substrate (PET) are analyzed using a permeameter. These results are compared to an accelerated weathering test standard, for monolithic TFE deposited in-situ on top-emitting OLED circuits. On PET, the best TFE stack decreases the steady state permeation rate by a factor 1180 and 1650 respectively for helium and water vapor. Onto a top-emitting OLED, the long-term black spot occurrence rate drastically decreased from 100 %.h− 1 to 3.210− 3 %.h− 1, attesting the successful implementation of this TFE architecture from ex-situ on PET substrate to in-situ on OLED circuits.
Identification of risk factors for 1-year mortality among elderly and critically ill patients with hip fractures surgery: A single medical center retrospective study
Authors: luo Taijun , Zhang Juxia , Zhou Haibin , Xu Tao , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Geng
Published: June 2022

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine potential risk factors for 1-year mortality after hip fracture surgery.METHODS: We reviewed 591 elderly and critically ill patients who underwent hip surgery at our institution from January 2018 to April 2021 retrospectively. The baseline demographic, clinical data and 1-year survival status in both groups were collected through the medical record system and follow-up phone calls. Patients were divided into survival group and death group according to the survival status within the first postoperative year. RESULTS: According to the results from 1year follow-up, 117 cases were classified into the death group while 474 cases were in the survival group, and it was calculated that the 1-year mortality rate of elderly and critically ill patients with hip fracture was 19.8% (117/591) in our hospital. The identified risk factors for 1-year mortality were advanced age (HR:1.04, 95%:1.01- 1.06), preoperative arrhythmia (HR: 1.95, 95%: 1.26 - 2.70), high level of NLR (HR:1.03, 95%:1.01 - 1.06), respiratory failure (HR: 2.63, 95%:1.32 - 5.23) and acute cardiovascular events (HR: 1.65, 95%:1.05 - 2.59).CONCLUSION: Advanced age, preoperative comorbid arrhythmias, preoperative high level of NLR, respiratory failure and acute cardiovascular events postoperatively were independently associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality rate of critically ill elderly patients with hip fracture. Laboratory tests such as high level of NLR preoperative can be used as important indicators to determine the prognosis of patients.
A Wideband Circularly Polarized Antenna Using Substrate Integrated Waveguide and Truncated-Corner Patch Loaded Slot
Authors: Agrawal Meha , Kumar Trivesh
Published: June 2022

A wideband circularly polarized antenna based on the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is investigated and presented for mobile satellite applications. Initially, a rectangular-slot is etched on the top layer of the SIW cavity. A truncated patch from the one corner (top left) is loaded inside the slot to obtain the two pairs of orthogonal degenerate modes TE130/TE310 and TE230/TE320. This truncated-corner patch helps to bring the orthogonal modes closer to obtain the wideband circular polarization. Further, a rotated rectangular-slot is incorporated inside the patch to enhance the circular polarization bandwidth. The antenna exhibits a relative impedance bandwidth of 20% (10.87GHz-3.275GHz) and the axial ratio bandwidth 11.50GHz-12.26GHz (6.4%). The broadside radiation characteristics are achieved with the peak gain of 6.3dBic and 7.0dBic at the two working frequencies 11.5GHz and 12.0GHz respectively