bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exacerbation of Congenital Hydronephrosis as the First Presentation of COVID-19 Infection in Children: A Case Series
Authors: Mohkam Masoumeh , Jamee Mahnaz , Kompani Farshid , Khalili Mitra , Seifi Atena , Mohajerzadeh Leily 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background:Congenital hydronephrosis is one of the most common abnormalities of the upper urinary tract, which can be exacerbated by a variety of intrinsic or extrinsic triggers. The urinary tract system is one of the major organs complicated by COVID-19 infection. Case presentations:Here we report five patients with an established diagnosis of congenital hydronephrosis, who presented with acute abdominal pain and fever and an abrupt increase in the anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD). Patients had a previous stable course and were under regular follow-up with serial ultra-sonographic studies. They underwent surgery or supportive treatment due to the later exacerbation of hydronephrosis. Based on the clinical and imaging findings, no plausible etiologies for these exacerbation episodes, including infection, nephrolithiasis or abdominal masses, could be postulated. The common aspect in all these patients was the evidence of a COVID-19 infection. Conclusions:Infection with COVID-19 in children with antenatal hydronephrosis may exacerbate the degree of hydronephrosis and renal APD in ultrasonography, which itself may be mediated by the increase in inflammatory mediators.
Rhizosphere Bacteria Exhibit Narrower Environmental Adaptation in Proso Millet Than in Foxtail Millet and Sorghum in Agricultural Fields
Authors: Tian Lixin , Zhang Feifei , Chen Pengliang , Zhang Panpan , Gao Zhijun , Dong Yang , Yan Feng , Yang Pu , Gao Xiaoli , Feng Baili 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
It is of great ecological significance to understand how the assembly processes of soil microbe communities respond to environmental change. However, the assembly processes of the rhizosphere bacterial communities in three minor grain crops (i.e., foxtail millet, proso millet, and sorghum) across agro-ecosystems are rarely investigated. Here, we investigated the environmental thresholds and phylogenetic signals for ecological preferences of rhizosphere bacterial communities of three minor grain crop taxa across complex environmental gradients to reflect their environmental adaptation. Additionally, we reported environmental factors affecting their community assembly processes based on a large-scale soil survey in agricultural fields across northern China using high-throughput sequencing.. The results demonstrated a narrower range of environmental thresholds and weaker phylogenetic signals for the ecological traits of rhizosphere bacteria in proso millet than in foxtail millet and sorghum fields, while proso millet rhizosphere community was the most phylogenetically clustered. The null model analysis indicated that homogeneous selection belonging to deterministic processes governed the sorghum rhizosphere community, whereas dispersal limitation belonging to stochastic processes was the critical assembly process in the foxtail and proso millet. Mean annual temperature was the decisive factor for adjusting the balance between stochasticity and determinism of the foxtail millet, proso millet, and sorghum rhizosphere communities. A higher temperature resulted in stochasticity in the proso millet and sorghum communities. For the foxtail millet community, the deterministic assembly increased with an increase in temperature. These results contribute to the understanding of root-associated bacterial community assembly processes in agro-ecosystems on a large scale.
Influence of Data Scaling and Normalization on Overall Neural Network Performances in Photoacoustics
Authors: Pavlovic Miroslava Ivko Jordovic , Djordjevic Katarina , Cojbasic Zarko , Galovic Slobodanka , Popovic Marica , Nesic Mioljub , Markushev Dragan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the influence of the input and output data scaling and normalization on the neural network overall performances is investigated aimed at inverse problem-solving in photoacoustics of semiconductors. The logarithmic scaling of the photoacoustic signal amplitudes as input data and numerical scaling of the sample thermal parameters as output data are presented as useful tools trying to reach maximal network precision. Max and min-max normalizations to the input data are presented to change their numerical values in the dataset to common scales, without distorting differences. It was demonstrated in theory that the largest network prediction error of all targeted parameters is obtained by a network with non-scaled output data. Also, it was found out that the best network prediction was achieved with min-max normalization of the input data and network predicted output data scale within the range of [110]. Network training and prediction performances analyzed with experimental input data show that the benefits and improvements of input and output scaling and normalization are not guaranteed but are strongly dependent on a specific problem to be solved.
Preparation of a Cellulase-imitated Solid Acid Catalyst With High Acid Density and Its Evaluation for Hydrolysis of Cellulose
Authors: Deng Bo , Wang Ya-xiong , Huo Li , Wang Ying , Jin Li’e 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper, tannic acid, a polyphenolic substance rich in plants, is modified by the glutamic acid and cross-linked with formaldehyde to prepare a high acid density tannin-glutamate acid resin-based imitation enzyme solid acid catalyst (T-Glu-R), which is completely different from traditionally carbon-based solid acid synthesized by concentrated sulfuric acid and carbonized matter. The solid acid catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic activity and cycle performance of T-Glu-R in the cellulose hydrolysis reaction were evaluated. The results show that the acid density of T-Glu-R reached 7.28 mmol/g, which is much higher than that of the highest acid density of carbon-based solid acid. Microcrystalline cellulose was hydrolyzed in distilled water at 180 °C for 2 h, the yield of total reducing sugars reached 72.15%. After four cycles of hydrolysis, the yield was only reduced by 4.32%, showing excellent cycle performance and stability. The study provides a new strategy with the synthesis of solid acid catalyst for hydrolysis of cellulose converted into platform compounds without concentrated sulfuric acid.
On Hypsometric Curve and Morphological Analysis of The Collapsed Irrigation Reservoirs
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Jongsung , Wang Wonjoon , Lee Haneul , Lee Myungjin , Kim Hung Soo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To identify the drought and flood control functions of an irrigation reservoir, research on hydrological analysis and its impact needs to be conducted. To this end, geographical characteristics, such as the cross section of the reservoir, are important, but such information is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the topographic and morphological characteristics of reservoirs without measured data using their geographical information. In addition, an attempt was made to identify the morphological characteristics of reservoirs that had collapsed due to aging and the increased frequency of occurrence of strong rainfall intensity caused by climate change. Ten reservoirs, including the Ga-Gog Reservoir located in Miryang city, Gyeongsangnam province, South Korea with measured data, were selected as target reservoirs. The topographic information of the target reservoirs was constructed using topographical maps and GIS techniques. Based on the information, the volume (V)-area (A)-depth (H) relationship and the hypsometric curve (HC) according to the relative height (h/H) and relative area (a/A) were created. When the volume of each reservoir estimated using topographic information was compared with the measured volume, the error rate was found be between 0.23 and 14.27%. In addition, two reservoirs that had collapsed near Miryang city were added, and the V-A-H relationship and HCs were created based on the topographic information. In addition, the morphology index, storage-area of full water-levee height relationship, and storage-area of full water relationship were analyzed to identify the morphological characteristics of the reservoirs. The analysis results showed that the collapsed reservoirs had a relatively high water depth and a large area. In addition, similar types of reservoirs were grouped by conducting cluster analysis using basic specifications, such as the reservoir watershed, storage, and area of full water. When the cluster analysis results were analyzed based on HC, the reservoirs were grouped into three shapes: convex upward shape (youthful stage), relatively flat shape (mature stage), and convex downward shape (old stage). The HCs of the collapsed reservoirs exhibited the convex downward shape (old stage), indicating that they were subjected to considerable erosion due to aging. In other words, considerable erosion makes the allowable storage capacity insufficient due to the large amount of sediment accumulated in reservoirs and reduces their flood control capacity, which may cause them to collapse during heavy rainfall. Therefore, it is expected that identifying the potential causes of reservoir collapse through the morphological characteristics and HCs of reservoirs will support the operation and management of reservoirs for reducing flood damage.
Multi-Omics Data Integration Reveals Link Between Epigenetic Modifications and Gene Expression in Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris Subsp. Vulgaris) in Response to Cold
Authors: Gutschker Sindy , Corral José Maria , Schmiedl Alfred , Ludewig Frank , Koch Wolfgang , Fiedler-Wiechers Karin , Czarnecki Olaf , Harms Karsten , Keller Isabel , Rodrigues Cristina Martins , Pommerrenig Benjamin , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Zierer Wolfgang , Sonnewald Uwe , Müdsam Christina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDNA methylation is thought to influence the expression of genes, especially in response to changing environmental conditions and developmental changes. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris), and other biennial or perennial plants are inevitably exposed to fluctuating temperatures throughout their lifecycle and might even require such stimulus to acquire floral competence. Therefore, plants such as beets, need to fine-tune their epigenetic makeup to ensure phenotypic plasticity towards changing environmental conditions while at the same time steering essential developmental processes. Different crop species may show opposing reactions towards the same abiotic stress, or, vice versa, identical species may respond differently depending on the specific kind of stress. ResultsIn this study, we investigated common effects of cold treatment on genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression of two Beta vulgaris accessions via multi-omics data analysis. Cold exposure resulted in a pronounced reduction of DNA methylation levels, which particularly affected methylation in CHH context (and to a lesser extent CHG) and was accompanied by transcriptional downregulation of the chromomethyltransferase CMT2 and strong upregulation of several genes mediating active DNA demethylation. Conclusion Integration of methylomic and transcriptomic data revealed that, rather than methylation having directly influenced expression, epigenetic modifications correlated with changes in expression of known players involved in DNA (de)methylation. In particular, cold triggered upregulation of genes putatively contributing to DNA demethylation via the ROS1 pathway. Our observations suggest that these transcriptional responses precede the cold-induced global DNA-hypomethylation in non-CpG, preparing beets for additional transcriptional alterations necessary for adapting to upcoming environmental changes.
Investigation of In-hospital COVID-19 Mortality and One-year Follow-up of Lung Function and Health Status with Respect to the Initial Disease Severity
Authors: Agholme Jonas , Cederquist Karin , Vougas Konstantinos , Schimanke Mirjam , Eldh Tove , Effraimidis Petros , Triantafyllidou Christina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Globally, thousands of patients suffer from long-term COVID-19 symptoms, often referred to as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, a condition that already affects our health systems. Although there is a growing literature upon the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, there are up to date only a few reports on long-term follow up of pulmonary function after severe COVID-19.Methods: The study is an observational cohort of patients who were admitted to hospital care with confirmed COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave and those who required some form of supplementary oxygen delivery. Baseline characteristics, demographic data and information about hospital stay including mortality were obtained by medical charts. Patients were divided in to 3 groups: group 1 (intensive care unit (ICU)-invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), group 2 (high-flow nasal-cannula (HFNC) and/or none-invasive ventilation (NIV) and group 3 (regular oxygen delivery treatment). All patients were required to answer questionnaires (mMRC scale, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)) at one year after acute infection, while patients in groups 1 and 2 performed also dynamic spirometry. The R-language of statistics was used for all calculations and visualisations.Results: The study population consisted of 130 patients. Forty five (35%) patients died at the hospital. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were age, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and renal disease. Patients who survived had, on average, a longer period from symptoms onset to hospital admission. No significant difference in all health scales between the 3 patient groups were found. Mean values of both FEV1% and FVC% in the groups 1 and 2 were detected within the lower normal limits while no difference was found between the two groups who were examined with spirometry. Conclusions: The main result of the study is lung function values in the lower limit of normal evaluated with dynamic spirometry at one-year follow-up. There were no significant differences related to initial disease severity in lung function and long-term health status at 12 months, which suggests that more generous lung function testing even in less severe individuals with lingering symptoms could be indicated.
Hyperoxia-Exposed Lung Injury Upregulates DVL-1 Protein Expression And Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Newborn Rat Lung
Authors: Jin Weilai , Li Yawen , Zhu Yuting , Li Zhengying , Zhang Le , Zhang Fan , Chen Jing , Zhang Yanyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious and lifelong pulmonary disease in premature neonates, which has an influence on a quarter of premature newborns. Wingless/integrated(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway affects lung cell differentiation and lung tissue structure, and is abnormal activation in the lungs of rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Method: Newborn rats were subjected to hyperoxia-exposure, histopathological changes in lung tissues were evaluated through Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Dishevelled (DVL-1) and signaling pathways were detected through western blotting and real-time PCR. Results: Contrasting with the normoxic lungs, hyperoxia-exposed lungs demonstrated larger alveoli, less alveoli and thicker alveolar septa, and the number of alveoli reduced obviously, alveoli enlarged seriously in hyperoxia group. SOD activity was decreased (7 th day: P < 0.05; 14 th day: P < 0.01), and MDA was increased (7 th day: P < 0.05; 14 th day: P < 0.01) after hyperoxia exposure. Protein and mRNA expression levels of β-catenin, DVL-1, Ctnnbl1 and Cyclin D1 were upregulated by hyperoxia exposure on 7 th day( P < 0.01) and 14 th day( P < 0.01). Conclusion: We confirmed the positive role of DVL-1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in promoting BPD under hyperoxia conditions, and provided promising therapeutic targets in the future.
Analysis of Ultrasound Clinical Early Warning System in Hyper-Coiling Umbilical Cord
Authors: XIE Junshu , YAN Yani , YANG Zhenjuan , LI Yuntao , XUE Xiaowei , ZHANG Xiaohong , PEI Qiuyan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background： Umbilical coiling index（UCI）can not be used to predict pregnancy outcomes. Whether there are other abnormal ultrasound indicators in the hyper-coiling cord (HC) that can give early warning of adverse pregnancy still needs to be further explored.Objective: To establish an ultrasonic early warning system for clinical intervention in patients with the hyper-coiling umbilical cord.Study Design: Retrospectively analyzed 29 patients’ characteristics with hyper-coiling cord (HC) diagnosed by ultrasound in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2021. According to whether the following high-risk factors were combined ①High resistance of umbilical arteries beside the bladder, ②fetal growth restriction (FGR), ③increased diastolic peak blood flow of middle cerebral artery, ④oligohydramnios, ⑤enhanced echo of the cerebral parenchyma, ⑥reversed A wave of the venous catheter ( VC). It could be divided into two types: simple type and complex type, and then divided into three groups according to the delivery situation of patients, as terminated pregnancy group, intervention group, and non-intervention group. At last, according to the distribution of high-risk factors in each group, established an ultrasonic early warning system which affected the clinical intervention and pregnancy outcome of complex HC patients.Results: compared with 9 cases in the simple HC group and 20 cases in the complex HC group, the intervention ratio of complex HC patients was higher (p=0.027), the average delivery gestational weeks was smaller (p=0.034), the abnormal rate of fetal heart monitoring was higher (p=0.027), and there were statistical differences in above. Compared in the three groups (terminated pregnancy group, intervention group, and the non-intervention group), there were statistical differences in the number of high-risk factors (P=0.000) and the distribution proportion of six high-risk factors (P = 0.012, 0.011, 0.000, 0.026, 0.028, 0.000).Conclusion: the monitoring of six high-risk factors by ultrasound could establish an ultrasound early warning system for HC to influence the clinical intervention and pregnancy outcome. In this early warning system, the monitoring of fetal intrauterine safety was often needed for complex HC patients. High resistance of umbilical arteries beside the bladder and FGR were the earliest warning signs. Once timely clinical intervention was carried out, the prognosis of pregnancy could be improved.
Influence of the Implementation of Strengths-based Nursing and Healthcare on Early Childhood Nurses’ Competencies: A Mixed-Method Study.
Authors: Thentz Camille , Durgnat-Sciboz Christine , Macé Sylvie , Béguin Marie-Catherine , Falcy Vincent , Schobinger Elisabeth , Rodrigues Maria Goreti Da Rocha 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The scope of practice for nurses caring for families has evolved to meet the challenges presented by societal changes and increasing needs. In 2015, early childhood nurses from a Swiss region decided to implement a new model of care to guide their practice. The aim of this study was to explore the changes to early childhood nurses’ practices following the implementation of the strengths-based nursing and healthcare (SBNH) approach to care. Methods: This study of early childhood nurses’ (N = 61) practices used a pre-post intervention design and a mixed-method approach. Nurses’ competencies and changes in practice were measured using the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS). The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis tests and logistic regression. Thematic analysis was used to derive themes from the qualitative data. Results: After the intervention, frequency of competency use increased in all domains of the NCS except the “teaching-coaching” domain; perceived levels of competencies also increased in all areas except “helping role” and “diagnostic functions”. Age and length of employment at the current post hindered improvement in the “teaching-coaching” competency. Interviews revealed themes related to the implementation process: “adaptability”, “implementation process”, “ambivalence” and “engagement to change”. Other themes were related to practice changes: “developing a disciplinary identity”, “path with families” and “strengths”. Conclusion: This study showed that the use of perceived competencies changed over time after the introduction of SBNH into practice. Nurses questioned and adapted their routines based on SBNH. Nurse’s vision of care also changed; they felt that their care was congruent with their values. For families, this approach allowed a change of vision with a resource-centred approach. Implementation of models of care such as the SBNH in the early childhood context is innovative, as little research in the literature addresses the early childhood community home-visiting context is still modest. This research underlines the added value of this approach on early childhood nurses’ competencies.
High-capacity and Robust Image Watermarking Algorithm
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Xi-Yan , Qing-Lei Prof. , Sun Hanqing , Lian Weimin , Wang Guizhi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
With the development of internet, digital media can be manipulated, reproduced, and distributed conveniently over networks. However, illegal copy, transmission and distribution of digital media become an important security issue. In this paper, we propose a high-capacity and robustness method based on discrete wavelet transforms(DWT) and optimal discrete cosine transforms(DCT). We present two approaches, they are: DWT-ODCT(high-capacity and robust image watermarking algorithm based on DWT and optimal DCT), and(P-DWT-ODCT) high-capacity and robust image watermarking algorithm based on DWT and optimal DCT by watermark preprocessing. The watermark image is preprocessed by halftone and quad tree techniques, and the position information about the content is extracted as the actual embedded value. The cover image is transformed by DWT and optimal DCT, which provides high imperceptibility and the least image distortion. Watermark bits are not directly inserted into the frequency coefficient, but embedded by modifying the coefficient according to some rules. With this method, regardless of the approach used, our study are higher capacity and robustness than the existing schemes. The watermark extraction produces high image quality after a variety of attacks.