bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Advanced Paternal Age on Reproductive Outcomes in IVF Cycles of Nonmale Factor Infertility: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Xinmei , Liu Yubing , Cao Xiang , Zhang Doudou , Zhang Tiancheng , Liu Miao , Shi Huijuan , Liu Suying , Dong Xi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Female age over 35 years has been considered a determinant factor and increases the risk of infertility. However, paternal age has been virtually ignored, and its potential role is still poorly investigated. There is no current consensus on the effects of paternal age on assisted reproductive technology（ART）outcomes. Methods: In total, 381 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles of nonmale factor infertility (paternal age <35 y in 261 cycles, 35– 39 y in 72 cycles and ≥ 40 y in 48 cycles) were involved in this retrospective cohort study. Maternal age was controlled at under 35 years old. Embryo quality, clinical and neonatal outcomes were compared.Results: Among different paternal age groups, fertilization rate and high-quality embryos were not significantly different (P> 0.05). Compared with the <35 y group, pregnancy rate was not significantly different in the 35–39 y group (P> 0.05), but significantly lower in the ≥ 40 y group(P < 0.05). Additionally, we found a statistically significantly lower implantation rate for men aged ≥40 years (18.8%) compared to the group of men aged <35 years (31.1%) and men aged 35-39 years (30.0%) (P <0.05). A declining trend in the live birth rate (30.6%, 21.7%, and 19.6%) was noted in the subgroups of paternal age (<35 y, 35-39 y, and ≥40 y) (P >0.05). The miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the 35–39 y (44.8%) than that in the <35 y group (21.0%)(P <0.05). While in the oldest group of paternal age ≥ 40 y, although miscarriage rate increased but not significantly different (P >0.05). There were no significant differences in the preterm birth or multiple pregnancy rates among the different paternal age groups (P >0.05). Ectopic pregnancy was only found in the paternal age <35 y group. There was no abnormality in the birth weight of newborns among the different male age groups. Conclusion: Paternal age over 40 years is a key risk factor that influences the ART success rate even with good semen parameters, though has no impact on embryo development.
The Focus Case of a Nonsmooth Rayleigh-Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Wang Zhaoxia , Chen Hebai , Tang Yilei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we study the global dynamics of a nonsmooth Rayleigh-Duffing equation x¨ + ax˙ + bx˙|x˙| + cx + dx3 = 0 for the case d > 0, i.e., the focus case. The global dynamics of this nonsmooth Rayleigh-Duffing oscillator for the case d < 0, i.e., the saddle case, has been studied completely in the companion volume [Int. J. Non-Linear Mech., 129 (2021) 103657]. The research for the focus case is more complex than the saddle case, such as the appearance of five limit cycles and the gluing bifurcation which means that two double limit cycle bifurcation curves and one homoclinic bifurcation curve are very adjacent occurs. We present bifurcation diagram, including one pitchfork bifurcation curve, two Hopf bifurcation curves, two double limit cycle bifurcation curves and one homoclinic bifurcation curve. Finally, numerical phase portraits illustrate our theoretical results.
Electromagnetic Mode Matching in a Wilson Basis --- Optical Fiber Connections with a Gap
Authors: Floris Sander J. , de Hon Bastiaan P. , Beurden Martijn C. van , Bolhaar Ton 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
On the basis of two optical fibers with an optional lateral and longitudinal displacement in a homogeneous background medium, we describe a general full-vectorial Wilson-basis discretized mode-matching method that evaluates the converged electromagnetic fields after all resonances in the possible gap cavity have settled. Wilson basis functions feature strong localization in both the spatial and the spectral domain, which allows for efficient modal electromagnetic field expansions, adequate truncation of field propagation operators, and sparse translation operators, which in turn allow to make ad hoc electromagnetic field-matching operators. For physical contact connections between single-mode fibers with a mode-field diameter mismatch, we obtain attenuation curves that are right between those obtained from approximation methods that either effectively match the electric field or the magnetic field under the assumption of a vanishing reflection. For fibers separated by a growing gap, constructive and destructive interference patterns in the cavity are computed by the successive application of Love's equivalence principle and the propagation operator. By leveraging the physical width of the Wilson basis functions and the stepsize of the propagation operator, the initial operators may be reused in solving the interface problem for other wavelengths. For multi-mode fiber connections, we provide attenuation curves on a modal electromagnetic field level, as well as for overfilled and core-confined target encircled-flux compliant launches.

A comparison to geometrical-optics based approaches shows attenuation differences in the order of several hundredth of a dB, and although that is small, it is significant for modern connection attenuation specifications. In the final example of connections between regular and trench-assisted multi-mode fibers, we notice that the relative change in the cumulative near-field power distribution can be significant, despite a marginally small attenuation. The influence of a core diameter and/or numerical aperture mismatch can be examined with a deliberate lateral misalignment.
Case Report: One Human Streptococcus Suis Infection in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Bao Qihan , Kou Zengqiang , Li Renpeng , Mao Qian , Feng Jianing , Wang Suzhen , Wang Qiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Case presentation: A 56-year-old woman was infected with S. suis. The patient reared pigs in her backyard. At admission, her blood examinations showed a leukocyte count of 27.28×109/L with 94.20% neutrophils. Cerebrospinal fluid was noted to be cloudy with a leukocyte count of 2700×106/L. Cerebrospinal fluid culture grew gram-positive cocci that were identified as S. suis type II. Ceftriaxone was administered. Conclusion: Human infections with S. suis highlights the need for health education, prevention and surveillance it.
Chemoecological Study of Trophic Interaction Between Pseudosphinx Tetrio L. Larvae and Allamanda Cathartica L.
Authors: MATIGNON LINDA , LO MAME E MARIETOU , VICENTINI MAURO , VALENCIA DROCHS PETRI , PALMEIRA-MELLO MARCOS V. , SYLVESTRE MURIEL , PASSE-COUTRIN NADY , VEGA-RUA ANUBIS , Domenech Antonio , BENFODDA ZOHRA , Meffre Patrick , Cebrián-Torrejón Gerardo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The larval caterpillar Pseudosphinx tetrio L. is a species that feeds specifically on plants belonging to the family Apocynaceae. The genus Allamanda includes many shrubs or flowering trees which are grown throughout the tropical regions and are well known due their several biological properties. This work explores the interaction between the caterpillar and this plant using several analytical techniques such as thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry. Further, a multivariate data analysis was performed in attempt to obtain better insights regard the samples. The results point out the similar profile between the health and herbivore Allamanda cathartica L.’s leaves and the caterpillars’ faeces. The similar analytical profile between the leaves of A. cathartica and the faeces of P. tetrio, as well as the difference with the caterpillar’s bodies suggest a selective excretion of compounds by the caterpillar. These compounds found selectively in the faeces (and not in the body) can explain that P. tetrio can feed this toxic Apocynaceae species.
Explainable Machine Learning for Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosis Based on a Novel Fuzzy Feature Selection Methodology
Authors: Kokkotis Christos , Ntakolia Charis , Moustakidis Serafeim , Giakas Giannis , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Knee Osteoarthritis (ΚΟΑ) is a degenerative joint disease of the knee that results from the progressive loss of cartilage. Due to KOA’s multifactorial nature and the poor understanding of its pathophysiology, there is a need for reliable tools that will reduce diagnostic errors made by clinicians. The existence of public databases has facilitated the advent of advanced analytics in KOA research however the heterogeneity of the available data along with the observed high feature dimensionality make this diagnosis task difficult. The objective of the present study is to provide a robust Feature Selection (FS) methodology that could: (i) handle the multidimensional nature of the available datasets and (ii) alleviate the defectiveness of existing feature selection techniques towards the identification of important risk factors which contribute to KOA diagnosis. For this aim, we used multidisciplinary data obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database for individuals without or with KOA. The proposed fuzzy ensemble feature selection methodology aggregates the results of several FS algorithms (filter, wrapper and embedded ones) based on fuzzy logic. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology was evaluated using an extensive experimental setup that involved multiple competing FS algorithms and several well-known ML models. A 73.55 % classification accuracy was achieved by the best performing model (Random Forest classifier) on a group of twenty-one selected risk factors. Explainability analysis was finally performed to quantify the impact of the selected features on the model’s output thus enhancing our understanding of the rationale behind the decision-making mechanism of the best model.
Biodiesel Supply Chain Network Design Under Hybrid Uncertainties: A Novel Multi-objective Robust Fuzzy Stochastic Approach
Authors: Rezaei Mohsen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the biofuel supply chain, there may be various and hybrid uncertainties that, if ignored, can lead to inefficient network design. In this study, a multi-objective robust fuzzy stochastic programming (MORFSP) model is proposed for designing biodiesel supply chain network (BSCN) under different and hybrid uncertainties. This model simultaneously minimizes total cost of the BSCN and total environmental impacts of activities of the network. Fixed costs and environmental impact of opening facilities are described as fuzzy variables. Demands, supplies, other costs and environmental impacts are considered as fuzzy scenario based variables. The proposed MORFSP model considers different risks, including possibilistic variability and scenario variability related to economic and environmental objective functions, and unsatisfied demand costs. This model is applied in a real case study to design a BSCN in Iran. Waste cooking oil (WCO), and some non-edible plants like Salvia lerifolia (SL) and Jatropha Curcas L. (JCL) are considered as sources of producing biodiesel. The proposed approach used for designing a four-echelon, multi-period, and multi-product, of BSCN. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed model for designing the BSCN under hybrid uncertainties.
Helios Expressing Regulatory T Cells are Correlated with Decreased IL-2 Producing CD8 T Cells and Antibody Diversity in Mozambican Individuals Living Chronically HIV-1
Authors: Chissumba Raquel Matavele , Magul Cacildo , Macamo Rosa , Monteiro Vânia , Enosse Maria , Macicame Ivalda , Cumbane Victória , Bhatt Nilesh , Viegas Edna , Imbach Michelle , Eller Leigh Anne , Polyak Christina S. , Kestens Luc , Jani Ilesh 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) causes impairment of T and B cell responses, which begins during the acute phase of infection and is not completely restored by antiretroviral treatment. Regulatory T cell (Tregs) can improve overall disease outcome by controlling chronic inflammation, but may also suppress beneficial HIV-1 specific immune responses. We analyzed immune alterations, including Tregs, and their clinical significance in Mozambican people living chronically with HIV-1 (PLWH-C). Results: In PLWH-C, the proportion of total Tregs was positively correlated with the proportion of IL-2+CD4 T cells (r=0.647; p=0.032) and IL-2+IFNg+CD8 T cells (r=0.551; p=0.014), while the Helios+Tregs correlated inversely with levels of IL-2+CD8 T cells (r= -0.541; p=0.017). Overall, PLWH-C, with (82%) or without virologic suppression (64%), were seronegative for at least HIV-1 p31, gp160 or p24, and the breadth of antibody responses was positively correlated with proportions of CD38+HLA-DR+CD8 T cells (r=0.620; p=0.012), viral load (r=0.452; p=0.040) and inversely CD4 T cells count (r=-0.481; p=0.027). Analysis of all individuals living HIV-1 showed that the breadth of HIV-1 antibody responses was inversely correlated with the proportion of Helios+Tregs (r=-0.45; p=0.02). Conclusion: Among Mozambican patients living with HIV-1, seronegativity to some HIV-1 proteins is common mostly in virologically suppressed individuals. Low diversity of HIV-specific antibodies is correlated to indicators of disease control during ART. Elevation in the proportion of Helios+Tregs is related to a reduction of CD8 T expressing intracellular IL-2 but may contribute to impairment of B cell function.
Effect of Hip Abductors and Lateral Rotators Muscle Strengthening on Pain and Functional Outcome in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alammari Abdulaziz , Spence Nicola , Narayan Amitesh , Karnad Shreekanth D , Ottayil Zulfeequer Chundan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: This study systematically reviews and Meta-analyses the best-published evidence on the therapeutic value of strengthening hip abductors and lateral rotators muscles for the treatment of Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) with a presumptive hypothesis that strengthening hip muscles stabilises the patellofemoral joint, relieves pain and enhances knee functions.Methodology: Electronic database searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and PubMed Central between January 1994 and September 2019 using PICOS tool. The methodological quality of the selected studies was appraised individually using the 20-item McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Supplemental quality appraisal of randomized controlled clinical trials performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's 'Risk of bias' quality criteria. Data on patient population demographics, interventions, duration of intervention and outcome measures were extracted, summarized in evidence tables and descriptive analysis made. Pooled effects size from appropriate RCTs was determined by meta-analysis under both fixed and random-effects models.Results: All included fourteen studies demonstrated that hip muscles strengthening resulted in improved pain and knee function. All RCTs, except one, demonstrated that hip muscles strengthening is superior to quadriceps strengthening. Of the five RCTs accessing the surplus effect of hip-quad versus quadriceps strengthening, four suggested that hip-quad strengthening is superior over the standard quadriceps strengthening alone to improve PFP and knee function.Conclusion and Implications: In patients with PFP, strengthening of hip abductors and lateral rotators have greater therapeutic significance than the conventional quadriceps exercises in improving knee pain and function both in the short- and long term. However, caution is required, because a standardized hip-quad protocol is yet to be developed, which warrants further studies. Systematic review registration:There was no protocol prepared and no amendments were present. This systematic review is registered under Open Science framework, with following registration digital object identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/CWZ8V
The Advanced Performance of Microbial Consortium for Simultaneous Utilization of Glucose and Xylose to Produce Lactic Acid Directly from Dilute Sulfuric Acid Pretreated Corn Stover
Authors: Sun Yaqin , Li Xiaoying , Wu Lida , Li Yi , Li Fan , Xiu Zhilong , Tong Yi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Lignocellulosic feedstocks have attracted much attention as an alternative carbon source for lactic acid (LA) production with the advantages of ready availability, sustainability, and renewability. However, the production of LA from lignocellulose faces at least two major technical obstacles. The inhibitors derived from pretreatment of lignocellulose inhibit the growth of microorganism used in downstream hydrolysis and fermentation processes. In addition, most LA producers cannot to ferment pentose sugars and have carbon catabolite repression (CCR) effect. Microbial consortium with great robustness can use complex feedstocks displaying high bioconversion efficiency and has received great attention nowadays.Results: in this study, a thermophilic LA producing consortium DUT50 was enriched and employed to enhance the utilization of corn stover (CS). Enterococcus was the dominant family, accounting for 93.66% abundance in DUT50, and the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Lactococcus and Trichococcus, accounted for 2.68% in total. This consortium was highly resistant to inhibitors up to 10.90 g/L derived from pretreatment of CS, metabolized hexose and pentose simultaneously without CCR effect. Based on consortium promising features, an efficient process of simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) was developed to produce LA from acid-pretreated corn stover. The economical route avoided the operations of solid–liquid separation and detoxification. The key influential factors, including dry biomass and cellulase loading, corn steep liquor powder concentration, and the pre-hydrolysis time were investigated and optimized. The highest LA titer of 71.04 g/L with a yield of 0.49 g/g-CS was achieved at a dry biomass loading of 20% (w/v). This is the reported highest LA production from non-detoxified acid-pretreated corn stover via the SSCF process without wastewater generation. The interaction mode of Enterococcus was collaboration while the low abundance of Lactobacillus and Bacillus might metabolize xylose efficiently via the pentose phosphate pathway.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the potential advantage of symbiosis and provided a feasible and economical route to produce LA from lignocellulosic biomass in industrial scale.
Antibacterial and Anti-Virulence Effects of Furazolidone on Trueperella Pyogenes and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Chen Qin , Zhao Kelei , Li Heyue , Liu Kanghua , Li Jing , Chu Yiwen , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan , Yue Bisong , Zhang Xiuyue 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Trueperella pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are two important bacterial pathogens closely relating to the occurrence and development of forest musk deer respiratory purulent disease. Although T. pyogenes is the causative agent of the disease, the subsequently invaded P. aeruginosa will predominate the infection by producing a substantial amount of quorum-sensing (QS)-controlled virulence factors, and co-infection of them usually creates serious difficulties for veterinary treatment. In order to find a potential drug that targets both T. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa, the antibacterial and anti-virulence capacities of 55 compounds, which have similar core structure to the signal molecules of P. aeruginosa QS system, were tested in this study. By performing a series of in vitro screening experiments to assess the effects of these compounds.Results: We identified that furazolidone could significantly inhibit the growth of mono-cultured T. pyogenes or in the co-culture with P. aeruginosa. Although the growth of P. aeruginosa could also be moderately inhibited by furazolidone, the results of phenotypic identification and transcriptomic analysis further revealed that furazolidone had remarkable inhibitory effect on the biofilm production, motility, and QS system of P. aeruginosa. Moreover, furazolidone could efficiently protect Caenorhabditis elegans from P. aeruginosa infection under both fast-killing and slow-killing conditions.Conclusions: This study reports the antibacterial and anti-virulence abilities of furazolidone on T. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa, and provides a promising strategy and molecular basis for the development of novel anti-infectious drugs to dealing with forest musk deer purulent disease, or other diseases caused by T. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa co-infection.
Parameter Adaptive Sliding Mode Trajectory Tracking Strategy With Initial Value Identification For Swing In A Hydraulic Construction Robot
Authors: hou Jingwei , Zhao Dingxuan , Zhang Zhuxin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A novel trajectory tracking strategy is developed for the swing DOF with double actuated cylinder in a hydraulic construct robot. When the work object is grabbed and unload, the inertia parameter of swing varies greatly and the estimation algorithm is commonly insufficient. Aiming at this feature, a novel nonlinear hydraulic dynamics model is established for the double actuated hydraulic cylinder in the system and a robust adaptive control strategy with parameter adaptive estimation is designed to improve the trajectory tracking performance. Aiming at the problem of insufficient convergence speed of the identification algorithm, a method of robotic gravity identification combined with stereo vision information is proposed to obtain the mass and moment of inertia parameters of the working object so that the initial value is close to the real value. Simulations and experiments are presented to validate the effect of the novel strategy.