bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal Resistive Index on Intensive Care Unit Admission Correlates with Tissue Hypoperfusion Indices and Predicts Clinical Outcome
Authors: Fotopoulou Georgia , Poularas Ioannis , Kokkoris Stelios , Charitidou Efstratia , Boletis Ioannis , Brountzos Elias , Benetos Athanasios , Zakynthinos Spyros , Routsi Christina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent advancements in the context of shock pathophysiology, support ultrasound assessment of organ perfusion. Renal resistive index (RRI) has been used to evaluate renal blood flow. Our aim was to investigate the relation between RRI, and global tissue hypoperfusion indices, in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients and their association with clinical outcome.Methods: In this prospective observational study, RRI was measured within 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Clinical and laboratory data, routine hemodynamic variables and gas exchange at the time of RRI assessment were recorded. The ratio of central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference by arterial-to-central venous oxygen content difference (P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2) and lactate were used as global tissue hypoperfusion indices. Results A total of 126 mechanically ventilated patients were included [median age 61 (IQR 28) years, 74% males]. Seventy-seven patients had RRI values >0.7. P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2 ratio and arterial lactate, were significantly higher in patients with RRI > 0.7 compared to those with RRI ≤0.7 [2.4 (2.2) versus 1.2 (0.6) and 2.88 (3.39) versus 0.62 (0.57) mmol/l respectively, both p<0.001)]. RRI was significantly correlated with P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2 ratio and arterial lactate for the whole patient population (rho=0.64, both p<0.0001) as well as for the subset of patients with shock (rho=0.47, p=0.001; and r=0.64, p<0.0001 respectively).All-cause ICU mortality was 27.8%. Compared to survivors, ICU non-survivors had a higher RRI [0.80 (0.10) versus 0.70 (0.10), p<0.001] and higher P(cv-a)CO2 / C(a-cv)O2 ratio [3.67 (3.8) versus 0.91 (1.4)] and lactate levels [2.80 (2.00) versus 1.50 (1.20)], both p <0.001). Logistic regression models showed a significant association between RRI and P(cv-a)CO2/C(a-cv)O2 ratio with clinical outcome. RRI showed good ability to predict ICU mortality (AUC 74.9% (95% CI 61% - 88.8%). The combination of RRI with P(cv-a)CO2)/(C(a-cv)O2 ratio and lactate better predicted mortality than RRI alone [AUC 84.8% (95% CI 5.1% - 94.4%)] versus 0.74.9%, respectively, p<0.001).Conclusions: In mechanically ventilated patients, renal blood flow impairment, assessed by the RRI on ICU admission, correlates with global tissue hypoperfusion indices. In addition, RRI in combination with tissue perfusion estimation is more valuable in predicting clinical outcome than RRI alone.
Sustainable Biocomposites Produced From Cotton Stalk Wastes: Effect of Heat Treatment
Authors: Gu Shiyan , Chang Lanlan , Zhang Qingfa , Cai Hongzhen , Wang Ruji , Sun Jiyang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The novelty of this study is to explore the effect of heat treatment of CS on the properties of biocomposites. 200°C, 300°C, 500°C, and burning of 500°C were selected to heat treat CS to obtain CS fillers, and the biocomposites were prepared using CS fillers and LLDPE. The heat treatment of CS can improve the interface bonding and compatibility of biocomposites by the results of FTIR, SEM, and CA. The crystal planes were not changed by the addition of CS fillers. The heat treatment of CS promoted crystallization, improved the heat resistance of LLDPE. In addition, the flexural properties, tensile properties, stiffness, elasticity, creep resistance and, stress relaxation resistance were all increased by the heat treatment of CS, although it exhibits an adverse effect on the impact strength of LLDPE. The best flexural properties (13.00 MPa and 0.75 GPa) were obtained in 200CSB-L due to the enhancement of CS rigidity by 200°C heat treatment, and the best tensile properties (10.89 MPa and 0.26 GPa) were obtained in 500CSB-L due to its mechanical interlocking structure. The results of this study indicate that heat treatment will play an important role in biocomposites in terms of the benefit in mechanical properties.
Spectral-spatial detection of buildings with special roofing in hyperspectral images
Authors: Akbari Davood 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
One of the analyses performed on hyperspectral images is target detection. Given the recent developments and the creation of images with high spatial resolution, the need for both use of spectral and spatial information in the detection of hyperspectral images has increased. The present research was conducted to introduce a new method for spectral-spatial detection of hyperspectral images. In the proposed method, the spectral image was primarily segmented using the watershed algorithm. Afterwards, for the objects resulting from segmentation, five spatial properties of area, perimeter, strength, meaning intensity, and entropy were extracted. Finally, the detection operation was performed utilizing the marker-based minimum spanning forest (MSF) algorithm. The above-mentioned techniques were applied to two sets of CASI sensor image data taken from the urban area of ​​Toulouse in southern France. The results of quantitative and qualitative evaluations showed that the proposed method improved the kappa coefficient by 40% and 34% in comparison with the spectral angle measurement (SAM) algorithm in the two tested images.
Ocular and Cerebral Causes and A New Scoring System to Evaluate Visual Function in Young Children with Visual Impairment
Authors: Kiziltunc Pinar Bingol , Şahlı Esra , Bektaş Ömer , Göktaş Özben Akıncı , Yüksel Merve Feyza , İdil Aysun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Childhood blindness is important cause contributing to the burden of blindness. It is necessary to identify the most frequently observed diseases in different populations. We aimed to demonstrate clinical features of low vision children and to evaluate the factors affecting visual function by a new visual function scoring system. Methods: 249 children between the age of 6 months and 3 years were included. Visual function was scored from 0 to 15 according to; response to threat, light, object, presence of fixation, duration of fixation, following of light and object in horizontal, vertical, oblique, and circular gazes, optokinetic nystagmus. Patients were classified according to neurological diagnosis and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Correlation between visual function score and ocular and neurologic findings were evaluated. Results: While 136 patients (54.6%) had cerebral visual impairment (CVI), 89 (35.7%) had ocular pathology, 24 patients (9.6%) had combined pathology. The most common ocular and cerebral pathologies were oculocutaneous albinism (23.9%) and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (27.5%), respectively. Patients with CVI had lower visual function than ocular pathologies. Neurological structural disorders and HIE had worse visual function. Widespread involvement of brain had lower visual function score. Seizure negatively affected visual function.Conclusions: Cerebral causes were found in approximately half of infants and children with low vision who were referred to our center for visual habilitation. The visual function scoring system we developed in this study will provide an opportunity to be objective in the follow-up of babies and in evaluating the effectiveness of visual habilitation programs.
Is There Any Relationship Between Maternal Vitamin D and Thyroid Function in Pregnancy With Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes? A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ahi Salma , Fereydooni² Iman 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women to investigate the relationship between vitamin D level and thyroid function.Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total number of 90 patients during the three trimesters of pregnancy were investigated, 30 pregnant women were studied in each trimester of pregnancy. We evaluated thyroid function test and thyroid auto-antibodies (TPO Ab, Tg Ab) also serum level of 25OHD, to determine the relationship between vitamin D level and autoimmune or non-autoimmune thyroid disease in pregnancy. Results: Pearson correlation in all subjects showed that vitamin D levels did not have a significant relationship with maternal age. Only in the third trimester, there was a significant difference in maternal age based on their vitamin D status. The mean age of patients with a sufficient level of vitamin D (29.29 ± 3.87) was higher than the moderate vitamin D deficient patient’s age (23.4 ± 1.51). There was no significant difference between the trimesters of pregnancy and vitamin D status (P>0.05). Also, there were no significant differences between serum levels of vitamin D within three trimesters. Regarding the pregnancy outcomes, two newborns were admitted to NICU, Meconium Aspiration in one case, and IUFD in another case leads to pregnancy termination. These four cases were related to maternal history of hypothyroidism. Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between vitamin D and pregnancy trimester. The serum level of vitamin D had no particular effect on the outcome of pregnancy and the thyroid gland function.
Bleeding Complications in Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access in Patients with Severe Thrombocytopenia: A Propensity Score-Based Analysis
Authors: Zarama Virginia , Revelo-Noguera Jorge A. , Quintero Jaime A. , Manzano Ramiro , Uribe-Buriticá Francisco L. , Carvajal Daniel F. , Ochoa Laura M. , Ospina-Tascón Gustavo A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To study the occurrence of bleeding complications in patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20x103/µL) subjected to ultrasound-guided central venous access (UG-CVA) while receiving or not routine prophylactic platelet transfusion (PPLT).Research Question: What is the frequency of bleeding complications related to the placement of ultrasound-guided central venous access in patients with severe thrombocytopenia between 2011 and 2019 at high complexity hospital?Methods: A total of 221 patients with severe thrombocytopenia subjected to UG-CVA from January 2.011 to November 2.019 were selected. They were classified as positive (P-PPLT) or negative (N-PPLT) recipients of PPLT. Then, P-PPLT (n=72) were 1:1 propensity matched to N-PPLT based on catheter diameter, anatomical insertion site, presence of hematologic malignancy, absolute platelet count and whether the health care provider performing the procedure was an attending or a trainee. Bleeding complications were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) score and adapted to central venous catheter placement. A logistic regression analysis was then performed using “bleeding complications” as a binary compound outcome of major (Grades 3-4) and minor bleeding (Grades 1-2) vs. no bleeding.Results: Seventy-two patients were classified as P-PPLT, while 149 as N-PPLT. No grades 3-4 of bleeding events were identified in the entire population. No significant differences were observed between N-PPLT and P-PPLT for bleeding Grades 1-2 in both pre-matched (53[35.5%] vs. 26[36.1%], p=0.90) and propensity-matched populations (27[37.5%] vs. 26[36.1%], p=0.80). Logistic regression demonstrated that PPLT did not influence any bleeding complication (OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.42-1.92, p=0.791)Conclusions: Bleeding complications related to central venous catheterization in acutely ill patients with severe thrombocytopenia are not influenced by routine prophylactic platelet transfusion when catheter placement is performed under ultrasound guidance.
Resonant Passive Energy Balancing of Morphing Helicopter Blades with Bend-Twist Coupling
Authors: Taghipour Javad , Zhang Jiaying , Shaw Alexander D. , Friswell Michael I. , Gu Huaiyuan , Wang Chen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
With increasing demand for rotor blades in applications such as wind turbines, helicopters, and unmanned aircrafts , improving the performance of such structures using morphing blades has received considerable attention. Resonant passive energy balancing is a relatively new concept introduced to minimize the required actuation energy. This study investigates resonant passive energy balancing ( RPEB ) in morphing helicopter blades with lag-twist coupling. The structure of a rotating blade with a moving mass at the tip is considered under aerodynamic loading. The aeroelastic behaviour of this structure includes potentially significant nonlinearities arising from the nonlinear elements of the structure and nonlinear aerodynamic loading. These nonlinearities make the design process complicated, and hence it is important to fully understand this system’s nonlinear dynamic behaviour. A reduced order model of the structure with three degrees of freedom ( 3DOF ), including the pitch angle and lagging of the blade, along with the motion of the moving mass, is used to analyse the dynamics of the structure. First, a single-degree-of-freedom ( SDOF ) model for the pitch angle dynamics of the blade is studied to examine the effect of important parameters on the pitch response. In this SDOF model, the harmonic excitation due to moving mass and the aerodynamic forces are considered. The results demonstrate that the coefficient of lag-twist coupling and the direction of aerodynamic moment on the blade are two parameters that play important roles in controlling the pitch angle, particularly the phase. Then, neglecting the aerodynamic forces, the 3DOF system is studied to investigate the sensitivity of the dynamics of the structure to changes in the parameters of the system. The results of the structural analysis can be used to tune the parameters of the blade in order to use the resonant energy of the structure and to reduce the required actuation force. A sensitivity analysis is then performed on the dynamics of the 3DOF model of the blade in the presence of aerodynamic forces to investigate the controllability of the amplitude and phase of the pitch angle using control parameters. The results show that the bend-twist coupling and the distance between the aerodynamic centre and the rotation centre (representing the direction and magnitude of aerodynamic moments) play significant roles in determining the pitch dynamics.
Thiosemicarbazide-Linked Covalent Organic Framework: Preparation, Properties and Applications
Authors: Wang Heping , He Tengteng , Quan Dandan , Wang Tong , Li Cong , Shen Yehua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
With the unique advantages in structure and property, covalent organic frameworks have been widely employed for separation and enrichment. In this work, the thiosemicarbazide-linked covalent organic framework (TpTc) was prepared by using 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol and non-rigid thiosemicarbazide as building blocks for the first time. The as-prepared TpTc COF was fully characterized, presenting an agaric-like structure, large specific surface area (63.5 m2 g-1), uniform pore size distribution (1.36 nm), inherent porosity and ordered crystallinity. The potential of TpTc as adsorbent for metal ions capture was investigated by static batch adsorption experiment using the one-factor procedure. The maximum adsorption capacities of 73.50, 56.53 and 94.13 mg g-1 were obtained for Cu (II), Pb (II) and Cd (II) at natural pH, respectively. The anchoring of three metal ions onto TpTc is a multi-layer sorption involving chemical adsorption, and obeys the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order model. According to XPS analysis, the adsorption mechanism may be attributed to the coordination and electrostatic interaction between metal ions and N, O and S atoms on TpTc COF. This work not only provides a candidate for the application of COFs in metal ions capture, but also a reference for exploring functional design of COFs .
Development of InDel Markers and Fingerprinting of Bitter Gourd (Momordica Charantia) Based on Whole Genome Re-sequencing
Authors: Su Liwen , Ma Lianlian , Huang Xiaochun , Wu Wenting , Lv Haixuan , Cheng Zhikui , Gou Jiquan , Chen Yong , Wang Peng , Liu Zhengguo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in many Asian and African countries. Here, InDel markers developed by comparing whole genome re-sequencing data were used to analyze the genetic diversity of a bitter gourd germplasm sample from various geographical origins. To verify the reliability of the set of InDel markers identified, 220 pairs of InDel primers were designed. The primers were preliminarily detected by 8% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and 25 pairs of primers with better polymorphism were screened. Using the 25 primer combinations, the 53 bitter gourd accessions were effectively distinguished and the InDel fingerprint of DNA was constructed. Concomitantly, the degree of purity of different crosses was determined based on the differences in specific bands among genotypes. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means showed that the 53 bitter gourd materials may be divided into three groups, with a similarity coefficient of 0.645 as the threshold. Therefore, this study can provide many InDel markers for genotypic identification, genetic relationship analysis, and genetic map construction of bitter gourd.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Bacteremia Caused by Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales Compared to Carbapenem Susceptible Enterobacterales
Authors: Ahmed Fasih Ali , Ahmed Omair , Khan Sameer Ahmad , Khan Naveera , Ahmed Sara , Sayeed Muneeba Ahsan , Awan Safia , Siddiqui Faraz , Mahmood Syed Faisal 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDue to shrinking therapeutic options, infections due to Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent threat in healthcare systems. We compared the risk factors and outcomes of bacteremia secondary to CRE with bacteremia secondary to carbapenem susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan between 2013 and 2016. Patients with CRE bacteremia were matched to those with CSE bacteremia while excluding those with polymicrobial cultures.ResultsA total of 131 patients were enrolled (65 CRE and 66 CSE) with the mean age of 51.8 years and 57.1 years in CRE and CSE groups respectively. Compared with CSE, CRE bacteremia was more likely to occur in patients with Diabetes Mellitus or those with a tracheostomy (P = 0.002 and 0.014, respectively). The most common source of CRE bacteremia was central line associated (24.6% of all cases) as opposed to urinary tract infections in those with CSE bacteremia (62.1% of all cases). Fewer patients with CRE bacteremia received appropriate antibiotics (72.3% vs. 81.8%). Mortality was significantly higher in the CRE group (41.5% vs. 12.1%, P = 0.001) even when adjusted for the severity of illness using the PITT-bacteremia score. Increased mortality was also associated with central venous catheterization in both groups. The median length of hospital stay was longer in patients with CRE (8 vs. 6 days, P = 0.021)ConclusionCRE bacteremia was associated with central lines and led to significantly higher mortality and length of stay.
Characterization of Recombinant β Subunit of Human MUC4 Mucin (rMUC4β)
Authors: Kshirsagar Prakash G. , Gulati Mansi , Junker Wade M. , Aithal Abhijit , Spagnol Gaelle , Das Srustidhar , Mallya Kavita , Gautam Shailendra K. , Kumar Sushil , Sorgen Paul , Pandey Krishan K. , Batra Surinder K. , Jain Maneesh 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
MUC4 is a transmembrane mucin expressed on various epithelial surfaces, including respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and helps in their lubrication and protection. MUC4 is also aberrantly overexpressed in various epithelial malignancies and functionally contributes to cancer development and progression. MUC4 is putatively cleaved at the GDPH site into a mucin-like α-subunit and a membrane-tethered growth factor-like β-subunit. Due to the presence of several functional domains, the characterization of MUC4β is critical for understanding MUC4 biology. We developed a method to produce and purify multi-milligram amounts of recombinant rMUC4β (rMUC4β). Purified rMUC4β was characterized by Far-UV CD and I-TASSER-based protein structure prediction analyses, and its ability to interact with cellular proteins was determined by the pull-down assay. Two of the three EGF-like domains exhibited typical β-fold, while the third EGF-like domain and vWD domain were predominantly random coils. We observed that rMUC4β physically interacts with Ezrin and EGFR family members. Overall, this study describes an efficient and simple strategy for the purification of biologically-active rMUC4β that can serve as a valuable reagent for a variety of biochemical and functional studies to elucidate MUC4 function and generating domain-specific antibodies and vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
The tsRNAs (tRFdb-3013a and tRFdb-3013b) Serve as Novel Biomarkers for Colon Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Tan Lihong , Tang Zhurong , Wen Chunjie , Chen Huan , Cao Weiguo , Zou Hecun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Postoperative ileus is one of the most common complications after diverting loop ileostomy closure. Some reports have investigated the risk factors for postoperative complications or ileus after ileostomy closure; however, these studies did not evaluate the index surgery sufficiently. In this study, we evaluated the risk factors, including the details of the index surgery, for ileus after diverting ileostomy closure.Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent ileostomy closure following index surgery for rectal cancer. Patients who developed postoperative ileus (POI (+)) and patients who did not (POI (−)) after ileostomy closure were compared.Results: Fifty-nine patients were evaluated and were divided into two groups: POI (+) (n=9) and POI (−) (n=50), and the groups were compared. There were no significant differences in the details of the index surgery, operative procedure, transanal total mesorectal excision, lateral lymph node dissection, operating time, or blood loss. The incidence of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III complications after the index surgery was significantly higher in the POI (+) group. Conclusions: The incidence of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III complications after the index surgery may increase the risk of postoperative ileus after ileostomy closure.
Synaptic diversity naturally arises from neural decoding of heterogeneous populations
Authors: Yates Jacob L. , Scholl Benjamin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The synaptic inputs to single cortical neurons exhibit substantial diversity in their sensory-driven activity. What this diversity reflects is unclear, and appears counter-productive in generating selective somatic responses to specific stimuli. We propose that synaptic diversity arises because neurons decode information from upstream populations. Focusing on a single sensory variable, orientation, we construct a probabilistic decoder that estimates the stimulus orientation from the responses of a realistic, hypothetical input population of neurons. We provide a straightforward mapping from the decoder weights to real excitatory synapses, and find that optimal decoding requires diverse input weights. Analytically derived weights exhibit diversity whenever upstream input populations consist of noisy, correlated, and heterogeneous neurons, as is typically found in vivo. In fact, in silico weight diversity was necessary to accurately decode orientation and matched the functional heterogeneity of dendritic spines imaged in vivo. Our results indicate that synaptic diversity is a necessary component of information transmission and reframes studies of connectivity through the lens of probabilistic population codes. These results suggest that the mapping from synaptic inputs to somatic selectivity may not be directly interpretable without considering input covariance and highlights the importance of population codes in pursuit of the cortical connectome.