bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tunable graphene phononic crystal
Authors: Kirchhof Jan , Weinel Kristina , Heeg Sebastian , Deinhart Victor , Kovalchuk Sviatoslav , Höflich Katja , Bolotin Kirill 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the field of phononics, periodic patterning controls vibrations and thereby the flow of heat and sound in matter. Bandgaps arising in such phononic crystals realize low-dissipation vibrational modes and enable applications towards mechanical qubits, efficient waveguides, and state-of-the-art sensing. Here, we combine phononics and two-dimensional materials and explore the possibility of manipulating phononic crystals via applied mechanical pressure. To this end, we fabricate the thinnest possible phononic crystal from monolayer graphene and simulate its vibrational properties. We find a bandgap in the MHz regime, within which we localize a defect mode with a small effective mass of 0.72 ag = 0.002 mphysical. Finally, we take advantage of graphene’s flexibility and mechanically tune a finite size phononic crystal. Under electrostatic pressure up to 30 kPa, we observe an upshift in frequency of the entire phononic system by more than 350%. At the same time, the defect mode stays within the bandgap and remains localized, suggesting a high-quality, dynamically tunable mechanical system.
Clinical Utility of Follow-up Urinary Gram-Stain for Pyelonephritis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Abe Masafumi , Ueda Takeshi , Yoshikawa Satoshi , Saegusa Kazusa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of antibiotic therapy for the treatment of pyelonephritis is typically evaluated by the clinical course and results of urine culture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of follow-up urinary gram-stain. Methods: We analyzed the results of hospitalized pyelonephritis patients treated in our department during the last 6.5 years. We investigated whether follow-up urinary gram-stain within 48 hours after initiating antibiotic treatment can help predict resistance to antibiotics at an early stage. Results: 271 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 84.1 years old, and 204 of them (72%) were female. the diagnostic accuracy of using follow-up gram-stain to predict the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was as follows: sensitivity: 41%, specificity: 82%, positive likelihood ratio: 2.32, and negative likelihood ratio: 0.71. It was also shown that the presence of elongated cells can help predict resistant bacteria more accurately. Conclusions: Follow-up urinary gram-stain is considered useful on treating patients with pyelonephritis as it facilitates evaluation of antibiotic effectiveness at an early stage.
A novel design of a contractible, tubular continuum manipulator
Authors: Xing Zhiguang , Wang Pengyuan , Zhao Jianwen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Continuum manipulators have advantages in narrow space detections and operations than the rigid-body robots. In this paper, we novel designed a continuum manipulator with contractible/extensive abilities that give the manipulator bigger workspace, more agile and flexible motion than those without these. The robotic system is composed of the continuum deforming body, driving tendons, and a actuating mechanism. A prototype of the robotic system was made to evaluate the motion ability of the proposed design.
Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Explore Metacognitive Ability and Academic Score
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , He Chunni , Wang Duolao , Li Xiaomei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have reported the important roles of the precuneus in mediating metacognition and the prefrontal cortex in decision-making tasks. However, the underlying mechanisms of metacognition are still not fully elucidated. Long echo time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to further explore the neurocognitive correlates of metacognition. Methods: Metacognition was based on a self-report questionnaire of nursing students. Magnetic resonance (MR) spectra were recorded from bilateral precuneus and medial prefrontal cortex. Results: Significant positive correlation was discovered between total metacognitive score and academic score (p = 0.007). Precuneus N-acetyl aspartate/creatine plus phosphocreatine (NAA/Cr+PCr) ratios were corresponded to metacognitive ability. Moreover, the correlation between precuneus NAA/Cr+PCr ratios and metacognitive ability was established for the right precuneus and not left precuneus. Furthermore, linear regression suggested that for every increase in the right precuneus NAA/Cr+PCr ratios, there is a predicted decrease in total metacognitive score (p = 0.020). Conclusions: These findings further indicated that the right precuneal region plays an important role in metacognition and learning.
Analysis of Age Invariant Face Recognition using QSVM-PCA
Authors: DHAMIJA ASHUTOSH , DUBEY R.B 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Forage, face recognition is one of the most demanding field challenges, since aging affects the shape and structure of the face. Age invariant face recognition (AIFR) is a relatively new area in face recognition studies, which in real-world implementations recently gained considerable interest due to its huge potential and relevance. The AIFR, however, is still evolving and evolving, providing substantial potential for further study and progress inaccuracy. Major issues with the AIFR involve major variations in appearance, texture, and facial features and discrepancies in position and illumination. These problems restrict the AIFR systems developed and intensify identity recognition tasks. To address this problem, a new technique Quadratic Support Vector Machine- Principal Component Analysis (QSVM-PCA) is introduced. Experimental results suggest that our QSVM-PCA achieved better results especially when the age range is larger than other existing techniques of face-aging datasets of FGNET. The maximum accuracy achieved by demonstrated methodology is 98.87%.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological&nbsp;Insights of Phosphodiesterase 9A Gene&nbsp;As Novel Biomarker in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Susmi Tasmina Ferdous , Rahman Atikur , Khan Md. Moshiur Rahman , Yasmin Farzana , Islam Md. Shariful , Nasif Omaima , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: PDE9A (Phosphodiesterase 9A) plays an important role in proliferation of cells, their differentiation and apoptosis via intracellular cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) signaling. The expression pattern of PDE9A is associated with diverse tumors and carcinomas. Therefore, PDE9A could be a prospective candidate as a therapeutic target in different types of carcinoma. The study presented here was designed to carry out the prognostic value as a biomarker of PDE9A in Colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study integrated several cancer databases with in-silico techniques to evaluate the cancer prognosis of CRC. Results: The analyses suggested that the expression of PDE9A was significantly down-regulated in CRC tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, methylation in the DNA promoter region might also manipulate PDE9A gene expression. The Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that high level of expression of PDE9A gene was associated to higher survival in OS, RFS, and DSS in CRC patients. PDE9A demonstrated the highest positive correlation for rectal cancer recurrence with a marker gene CEACAM7. Furtheremore, PDE9A shared consolidated pathways with MAPK14 to induce survival autophagy in CRC cells and showed interaction with GUCY1A2 to drive CRPC. Conclusions: Overall, the prognostic value of PDE9A gene could be used as a potential tumor biomarker for CRC.
Double-thin-shell Approach to Deriving Total Electron Content From GNSS Signals and Implications for Ionospheric Dynamics Near the Magnetic Equator
Authors: Maruyama Takashi , Hozumi Kornyanat , Ma Guanyi , Supnithi Pornchai , Wan Qingtao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A new technique was developed to estimate the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite signals. The vertically distributed electron density was parameterized by two thin-shell layers (double-shell approach). The spatiotemporal variation of TEC (strictly speaking, partial electron content) associated with each shell was approximated by the functional fitting of spherical surface harmonics. The major improvements over the conventional single-shell approach were as follows: (1) the precise estimation of TEC was achieved; (2) the estimated TEC was less dependent on the choice of shell height; and (3) the equatorial anomaly was captured more correctly. Furthermore, higher and lower shells exhibited a different pattern of local time vs latitude variation, providing information on the ionosphere--thermosphere dynamics.
Three Prognostic Biomarkers Correlate With Immunotherapy Response in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: guo ya , Zhang Yin Bin , Li Yi , Su Wang Hui , He Shan , Pan Shu Pei , Xu Kun , Kou Wei Hua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There are currently no satisfactory biomarkers to predict prognosis and evaluate the benefit of immunotherapy in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) patients. This study aimed to develop a predictive signature that could accurately predict prognosis and evaluate the response to immunotherapy in BLCA. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GEPIA and Oncomine databases, and the common genes between the two database were selected using a Venn diagram. In addition, gene ontology enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed. We further identified the prognosis-related hub genes using the survival R package and confirmed in three online databases (PROGgenesV2, PrognoScan, and OSblca). Moreover, the correlation between prognosis-related hub genes and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Finally, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was carried out to investigate the association between the three genes and immunity. Results: A total of 750 and 1881 DEGs were identified from GEPIA and Oncomine, respectively, and 69 common DEGs were selected. The most significantly enriched term among the 69 common DEGs was “mitotic cell cycle”, and 11 hub genes were detected by PPI analysis. Moreover, three prognosis-related hub genes, AURKA, BIRC5, and CKS1B, were identified, and which were associated with clinical characteristics, in particular, histological subtypes and TP53 mutation status. Furthermore, our results showed that the expression levels of the three genes were positively correlated with CD8+ T cells and tumor mutation burden (TMB), and with PD-L1, which had higher expression in responders to immunotherapy and in the C2 (IFN-gamma dominant) subtype. Drug–gene interaction network analysis demonstrated that these genes and related drugs could be used to help develop new targets for BLCA immunotherapy. Conclusions: Our study suggested that three key genes in BLCA were correlated with poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration, especially that of CD8+ T cells. The responses of these prognosis-related genes to immunotherapy in BLCA may be associated with CD8+ T cells, TMB, and PD-L1 expression. These key genes and their related drugs may help to develop new targets for BLCA immunotherapy.
Carbapenem Resistance Profiles of Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Uganda
Authors: Ssekatawa Kenneth , Byarugaba Denis K , Nakavuma Jesca L. , Kato Charles Drago , Ejobi Francis , Tweyongyere Robert , Wampande Eddie M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli has been implicated as one of the main etiological agents of diarrhea, urinary tract infections, meningitis and septicemia worldwide. The ability to cause diseases is potentiated by presence of virulence factors. The virulence factors influence the capacity of E. coli to infect and colonize different body systems. Thus, pathogenic E. coli are grouped into DEC strains that are mainly clustered in phylogenetic group B1 and A; ExPEC belonging to A, B2 and D. Coexistence of virulence and beta-lactamase encoding genes complicates treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed at presenting the CR profiles among pathogenic E. coli. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving use of archived E. coli clinical isolates collected in 2019 from four Ugandan tertiary hospitals. The isolates were subjected to antibiotics sensitivity assays to determine phenotypic resistance. Four sets of multiplex PCR were performed to detect CR genes, DEC pathotypes virulent genes, ExPEC PAI and the E. coli phylogenetic groups. Results: Antibiotic susceptibility revealed that all the 421 E. coli isolates used were MDR as they exhibited 100% resistance to more than one of the first-line antibiotics. The study registered phenotypic and genotypic CR prevalence of 22.8% and 33.0% respectively. The most predominant gene was blaOXA-48 with genotypic frequency of 33.0%, then blaVIM(21.0%), blaIMP(16.5%), blaKPC(14.8%) and blaNDM(14.8%). Spearman’s correlation revealed that presence of CR genes was highly associated with phenotypic resistance. Furthermore, of 421 MDR E. coli isolates, 19.7% harboured DEC virulent genes, where EPEC recorded significantly higher prevalence (10.8%) followed by S-ETEC(3.1%), STEC(2.9%), EIEC (2.0%) and L-ETEC(2.0%). Genetic analysis characterized 46.1% of the isolates as ExPEC and only PAI IV536(33.0%) and PAI IICFT073(13.1%) were detected. Phylogenetic group B2 was predominantly detected (41.1%), followed by A(30.2%), B1(21.6%), and D(7.1%). Furthermore, 38.6% and 23.1% of the DEC and ExPEC respectively expressed phenotypic resistance.Conclusion: Our results exhibited significant level of CR carriage among the MDR DEC and ExPEC clinical isolates belonging to phylogenetic groups B1 and B2 respectively. Virulence and CR genetic factors are mainly located on mobile elements. Thus, constitutes a great threat to the healthcare system as it promotes horizontal gene transfer.
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Intracranial Compliance Impairment In Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Brasil Sérgio , TACCONE Fabio Silvio , WAHYS Sâmia Yasin , Tomazini Bruno , ANNONI Filippo , FONSECA Sérgio , BASSI Estevão , LUCENA Bruno , Nogueira Ricardo de Carvalho , DE-LIMA-OLIVEIRA Marcelo , BOR-SENG-SHU Edson , Paiva Wellingson , Turgeon Alexis Fournier , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Introduction: One of the possible mechanisms by which the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) could induce brain damage is the impairment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics (CVH) and intracranial compliance (ICC), due to the elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP). The main objective of this study was to assess the presence of CVH and ICC alterations in patients with COVID-19 and evaluate their association with short-term clinical outcome. Methods: 50 consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients were studied with transcranial Doppler (TCD) and a non-invasive monitoring of ICC. Subjects were included on ICU admission; CVH was evaluated using mean flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries (mCBFV), pulsatility index (PI) and estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (eCPP), while ICC using the P2/P1 ratio of estimated ICP curve (B4C device). The primary composite outcome was unsuccessful weaning from respiratory support or death at day 7.Results: On the first assessment (n= 50), only P2/P1 (1.20 [1.00-1.28] vs. 1.00 [0.88-1.16]; p=0.03) and eICP (14 [11-25] vs. 11 [7-15] mmHg; p=0.01) were significantly higher among patients with UO than others. Patients with UO had a significantly higher CVH/ICC score (9 [8-12] vs. 6 [5-7]; p<0.001) than those with favorable outcome; the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for CVH/ICC score to predict UO was 0.86 (95% CIs 0.75-0.97); a score > 8.5 had 63 (46-77)% sensitivity and 87 (62-97)% specificity to predict UO. For those patients undergoing a second assessment (n=29) after a median of 11 (5-31) days, all measured variables were similar between the two time-points. No differences in the measured variables between ICU non-survivors (n=30) and survivors were observed.Conclusions: ICCI and CVH disturbances are often present in COVID-19 severe illness and could accurately predict early poor outcome.
Predictors of failure with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Artigas Ricard Mellado , Mujica Luis Eduardo , Ruiz Magda Liliana , Ferreyro Bruno Leonel , Angriman Federico , Arruti Egoitz , Torres Antoni , Barbeta Enric , Villar Jesús , Ferrando Carlos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose

We aimed to describe the use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure and factors associated with a shift to invasive mechanical ventilation.
Methods

This is a multicentre, observational study from a prospectively collected database of consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to 36 Spanish and Andorran intensive care units (ICUs) who received HFNO on ICU admission during a 22-week period (March 12-August 13, 2020). Outcomes of interest were factors on the day of ICU admission associated with the need for endotracheal intubation. We used multivariable logistic regression and mixed effects models. A predictive model for endotracheal intubation in patients treated with HFNO was derived and internally validated.
Results

From a total of 259 patients initially treated with HFNO, 140 patients (54%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. Baseline non-respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score [odds ratio (OR) 1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–2.35], and the ROX index calculated as the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to inspired oxygen fraction divided by respiratory rate (OR 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37–0.72), and pH (OR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24–0.86) were associated with intubation. Hospital site explained 1% of the variability in the likelihood of intubation after initial treatment with HFNO. A predictive model including non-respiratory SOFA score and the ROX index showed excellent performance (AUC 0.88, 95%CI 0.80–0.96).
Conclusions

Among adult critically ill patients with COVID-19 initially treated with HFNO, the SOFA score and the ROX index may help to identify patients with higher likelihood of intubation.
Comparing Patients´ Emotional Experience In Icu with General Wards: A Case Control Study
Authors: Trujillo Alejandra Fernández , Cartié Helena Vallverdú , Maestre Begoña Roman , Zubiri Julián Berrade , García Mar Galisteo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Comparing emotional experiences between patients in ICU and general wards, exploring aspects of patients' relationships with healthcare staff using the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation (PEECH) questionnaire.
Methods

A project to humanise the ICU had previously been undertaken, heeding the recommendations set out in the Humanisation in Intensive Care Units Best Practices. Based on a preliminary study, an alpha risk of 0.05 and a beta risk of 0.20 was obtained in a two-tailed test. 252 general patients and 252 ICU patients needed to detect a difference equal to or greater than 0.2 units on the PEECH scale. A common standard deviation of 0.8 units was used. 513 questionnaires were collected, 253 from ICU and 260 from patients on general wards.
Results

Significantly higher scores were achieved by the ICU on sub-scales level of security 2.83 in ICU v. 2.62 on general wards (p < 0.001); level of personal value 2.79 v. 2.57 (p < 0.001); level of knowing 2.64 v. 2.55 (p = 0.035). Not significative differences were found on sub-scale level of connection with mean score of 1.66 v. 1.46 (p = 0.033).
Conclusion

Significant differences were found on all sub-scales, with the ICU scoring higher than the general wards. On the contrary, no shortcomings were identified for level of security, level of knowing in the care process or level of personal value. The level of connection with staff was not perceived in terms of continuous and coordinated care. Efforts should be made for patients to know the staff caring for them, especially in short stays.
Whole-genome characterization of Rosa chinensis AP2/ERF transcription factors and analysis of negative regulator RcDREB2B in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wei Li , Geng Ziwen , Cuiping Zhang , Kuiling Wang , Xinqiang Jiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Rose (Rosa chinensis) is a traditional famous flower with valuable ornamental characteristics. However, drought stress restricts its growth and development, leading to an abnormal phenotype. One of the main transcription factor (TF) protein groups in the plant kingdom are the APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) proteins and are potentially involved in the growth and stress responses of various plants. Results: Our investigation mainly focused on exploring the genome of rose and thereby we discovered 135 apparent AP2/ERF TFs. Phylogenic analyses revealed that RcAP2/ERF genes are categorized into DREB, Soloist, AP2, and ERF subfamilies, and are further classified these into 17 groups, with the same as Malus domestica and Arabidopsis thaliana. The analysis of the gene structure revealed that the introns ranged from 0 to 9 in number. Pattern examination demonstrated that the RcAP2/ERF predominantly consists of typical AP2 domains, of which the 2nd motif is the most ubiquitous. Distributions of cis-acting elements indicated that members of the AP2/ERF family are frequently involved in growth and development, phytohormone and stress response in rose species. Also, the distribution mapping of the rose chromosomes indicated that AP2/ERF class genes are dispersed among all seven chromosomes. Additionally, we isolated a novel DREB A2 subgroup gene and named it RcDREB2B. Subsequently, the RcDREB2B transcript accumulation was repressed under the mild and severe drought stress in the root samples of rose. RcDREB2B was targeted to the nucleus and exhibited transactivation in yeast cells. The overexpression of RcDREB2B was found to promote sensitivity to a higher salt concentration, ABA, and PEG at the germination and post-germination stages. Twelve putative osmotic and ABA-related genes were impaired in RcDREB2B-overexpressing plants. Conclusions: The results provide comprehensive information regarding the gene structure, phylogenic, and distribution of the rose AP2/ERF family and bring insight into the complex transcriptional gene regulation of RcAP2/ERF. Findings in this study would also contribute to further understanding of the RcDREB2B gene in rose.