bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contact Network Analysis of COVID-19 Delta variant Outbreak in Urban China ——Based on 2,050 Confirmed Cases in Xi'an, China
Authors: Yang Zhangbo , Chen Zheng , Wang Hui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this paper is to study how the Delta variant spread in a China city, and to what extent the non-pharmaceutical prevention measures of local government be effective by reviewing the contact network of COVID-19 cases in Xi’an, China. Methods: We organize the case reports of Shaanxi Health Commission into a database by text coding and convert them into structured network data. Then we construct a dynamic contact network for the corresponding analysis and calculate network indicators. we analyze the cases’ dynamic contact network structure and intervals between diagnosis time and isolation time by using data visualization, social network analysis method, and OLS regressions. Results: The contact network for this outbreak in Xi'an is very sparse, with a density of less than 0.0001. The contact network is a scale-free network. The average degree centrality is 0.741 and the average PageRank score is 0.0005. The network generated from a single source of infection contains 1,371 components. We construct three variables of intervals and analyze the trend of intervals during the outbreak. The mean interval (interval 1) between cases diagnosis time and isolation time is -3.9 days. The mean of the interval (interval 2) between the infector’s diagnosis time and the infectee diagnosis time is 4.2 days. The mean of the interval (interval 3) between infector isolation time and infectee isolation time is 2.9 days. Among the three intervals, only interval 1 has a significant positive correlation with degree centrality.Conclusions: By integrating COVID-19 case reports of a Chinese city, we can construct a contact network to analyze the dispersion of the outbreak. The network is a scale-free network with multiple hidden pathways that are not detected. The intervals of patients in this outbreak decreased compared to the beginning of the outbreak in 2020. City lockdown has a significant effect on the intervals that can affect patient’s network centrality. Our study highlights the value of case report text. By linking different reports, we can quickly analyze the spread of the epidemic in an urban area.
Architecture for at Speed Testing of Crosstalk Faults in Through Silicon Vias in Three Dimensional Integrated Circuits
Authors: K PRAVEEN KUMAR REDDY , Thangammal C.Bennila , Parthasarathy Rangarajan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A parallel test Algorithm and design for built in self test (BIST) architecture to test the crosstalk faults in clustered arrays of TSVs (through silicon via) in 3DICs (Three dimensional Integrated Circuits) is discussed in this paper. Design of Modified Flexible Boundary scan cells to transfer the outputs to the functional cores or to the Output response analyzers (ORA) or signature analysers is proposed. Algorithm state machine (ASM) based design of BIST controller to generate the control and timing signals for launch and capture of test patterns is discussed. Parallel outputs capturing and signature generation mechanism is designed to reduce the time complexity.
Economic Costs and Predictors of Occupation-related Injury from Employers Perspectives at Manufacturing Industries in Ethiopia: Top-down Approach and Friction Method
Authors: Debela Mitiku Bonsa , Azage Muluken , Deyessa Negussie , Motbainor Achenef 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Studies have documented the prevalence and associated factors of occupation-related injuries in manufacturing industries worldwide. However, sufficient information remains scarce on the economic burdens of occupation-related injuries in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to bridge this gap by quantifying economic costs and predictors of occupation-related injury from employers’ perspectives in Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was employed to estimate the employer-side economic cost of occupation-related injury from December 2021 to March 2022. This study used a top-down approach to compute direct costs, while the friction method was used for indirect costs estimation. Injury data were obtained from the Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs and the industries, while costs data were from workers’ compensation records. The insurance company’s injury compensation record was triangulated with industries data. The study collected primary data via a structured questionnaire from randomly selected 1,136 injured cases. Data analysis was carried out with STATA version 14 software. A generalized linear model was used to identify the predictors of the total cost. Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05. It applied Gamma distribution and identity link function. Direction and strength of association were expressed using exponentiate coefficients with a 95% confidence interval.
Results
From the perspective of the employers, the total cost of occupational–related injury was 22,587,635.32 Ethiopian birr (537,800.84 $).Indirect and direct costs accounted for 65.86% and 34.14% of the overall expenses, respectively. Long-term absence from work (exp (b) = 0.85, p < 0.01), having a sleeping disorder (exp (b) = 0.90, p 0.039), co-morbidity (exp (b) = 0.85, p < 0.001), and severity (type) of injury (exp (b) = 1.11, p < 0.001) were predictors significantly associated with the total cost variability.
Conclusions
Employers’ toll of occupation-related injuries represents severe economic implications. The influential factors that elevated the total cost variation were; long-term absence from work, unsafe acts of the workers, having a sleeping disorder, co-morbidity, and severity (type) of injury. Therefore, the identified modifiable factors are the areas of intervention to reduce the cost of occupation-related injuries.
Effects of Applied Direction of Kinesio Taping in Sensation and Postural Control between Pre- and Post- Muscle Fatigue for Healthy Athletes
Authors: Hung Min-Hao , Chen Hui-Ya , Chang Yun-Chi , Chin Chun-Wen , Chang Hsiao-Yun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to use two different taping directions on the gastrocnemius muscle, the most important muscle for stance stability, to further investigate the effect of different taping directions on overall balance and sensation systems before versus after muscle fatigue.Methods: The participants were 45 healthy athletes who random control method was divided into 3 groups: Placebo taping group (PTG), Facilitation KT group (FKTG), and Inhabitation KT group (IKTG). The neuromuscular balance ability and sensory function test were before versus after muscle fatigue.Results: The two-point discrimination sensitivity of the facilitation taping group was significantly higher than that of the placebo taping group. The eyes open swaying distance of the inhibition taping group was significantly greater than that of the placebo taping group before taping, after taping, and after fatigue from exercise. The swaying speed was also significantly higher in the inhibition taping group than in the placebo and facilitation taping groups. When the participants stood barefoot on one foot with the eyes closed, no significant differences were noted among groups. When standing on a soft cushion on one foot with the eyes open, significant differences were noted between the inhibition taping group and both the placebo and facilitation taping groups before taping, after taping, and after fatigue from exercise . When standing on a soft cushion on one foot with the eyes closed, there were significant differences in the duration of standing among the three groups before taping and after fatigue from exercise.Conclusion: The results of the present study show that muscle taping effectively improves athletes’ proprioception. Therefore, muscle taping during exercise can help to increase the balance of, improve the performance of, and prevent ankle sprains in athletes.
Conductance Spectroscopy of Majorana Zero Modes in Superconductor-Magnetic Insulator Nanowire Hybrid Systems
Authors: Muralidharan Bhaskaran , Singh Roshni 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
There has been a recent interest in superconductor-magnetic insulator hybrid Rashba nanowire setups for potentially hosting Majorana zero modes at smaller external Zeeman fields. Using the Keldysh non-equilibrium Green's function technique, we develop a detailed quantum transport approach that accounts for the complex interplay between the quasiparticle dynamics in the superconductor-magnetic insulator bilayer structure, and the transport processes through the semiconducting Rashba nanowire. We provide a detailed analysis of three terminal setups to probe the local and non-local conductance spectra in both the pristine as well as the disordered nanowire setups. We uncover the Majorana conductance quantization scaling with the bilayer coupling and the signatures of the gap closing and reopening followed by the emergence of near-zero energy states, which can be attributed to topological zero modes in the clean limit. In the presence of a smoothly varying disorder potential, trivial Andreev bound states may form with signatures reminiscent of topological zero modes in the form of a premature gap closure in the conductance spectra. Our results therefore provide transport-based analysis of the operating regimes that support the formation of Majorana modes in these hybrid systems of current interest, while investigating the effect of disorder on experimentally relevant device structures.
Reliability analyzes of unmanned engine cabin based on fault diagnosis and preventive under the maintenance cost
Authors: Xu Minggang , Fu Hao , Tian Wang , Lyu Binbin , Jiao Honglin , Liu Yang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The reliability and overall cost of unattended engine cabin are researched for two aspects: fault diagnosis and preventive maintenance in this paper. The ME-OWA algorithm is adopted to predict the fault diagnosis of per module in the unattended engine cabin and the cost of preventive maintenance is calculated, its costs are controlled by adopting the optimal number of preventive maintenances under the object of minimum reliability. The optimization of maintenance cost can be achieved by repairing modules with excessive fault diagnosis rates under the determining preventive maintenance times and reliability. The reliability model of the unattended engine cabin is founded to the series-parallel structure of per module, and its reliability is compared between the regular maintenance and the irregular maintenance. The calculations show that the reliability of the unattended engine cabin is more stable under the irregular maintenance.
Influence of welding parameters and surface preparation on thin copper-copper plates welded by ultrasonic welding process
Authors: Nunes Rafael , Faes Koen , De Meester Sylvia , De Waele Wim , Kubit Andrzej 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this paper the influence of ultrasonic welding parameters (USW) on the strength, quality in terms of metallography and energy of the welding process was analyzed. The properties of the USW joints, which are increasingly used in industry, depend on many factors. The work focuses on the technological parameters and surface properties of the joined EN Cu-ETP copper sheets with a thickness of 1 mm. The impact of parameters such as welding time, pressure, vibration amblitude and the surface roughness of the joined sheets on the strength in the tensile/shear test and metallographic properties of the weld structure was analyzed, and the welding energy for each variant was also determined. The research was conducted on the basis of the full factorial Design of Experiments. As a result of the research and analyzes carried out, the optimal process parameters were indicated, which for the considered joined materials made it possible to obtain a high-quality Cu-Cu joint in terms of strength and quality of the joint structure. Based on the presented experimental studies, it was shown that the ultrasonic vibration amplitude has the greatest impact on the strength of the joint. The surface preparation with acetone resulted in the highest welding energy and tensile strength, making any additional surface treatment unnecessary.
A comparison of the utility of the urine dipstick and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio for predicting microalbuminuria in patients with non-diabetic lifestyle-related diseases -A comparison with diabetes-
Authors: Ogi Makoto , Seto Takuya , Wakabayashi Yoshinori 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The utility of dipstick proteinuria for predicting microalbuminuria in non-diabetic lifestyle-related diseases compared with the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) and the effect of dipstick proteinuria on the cut-off value (CO) and accuracy of uPCR are unclear.Methods: The subjects included Japanese patients ≥18 years old with lifestyle-related diseases who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥15 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 　uPCR of <0.5 g/gCr at initiation. Urine dipstick, uPCR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) were measured three times per case. Microalbuminuria was defined as uACR of 30-299 mg/gCr for at least 2 of 3 measurements. Youden’s Index was used as the optimal CO. Factors associated with microalbuminuria were analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results: In 313 non-diabetic cases (median 70.8 years old), the 3 dipstick proteinuria measurements were independently useful for detecting microalbuminuria, and the CO was when a trace findings was obtained at least 1 of the 3 times（sensitivity 0.56, specificity 0.80, positive predictive value [PPV] 0.73, negative predictive value [NPV]　0.65). A single uPCR measurement was more useful than 3 dipsticks measurement, and was useful for detecting microalbuminuria even in cases with three consecutive negative proteinuria, indicating that the CO of the second uPCR with G1-3a (n=136) was 0.06 g/gCr (sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.84. PPV 0.68, NPV 0.89), while that with G3-b4 (n=59) was 0.10 g/gCr (sensitivity 0.56, specificity 0.91. PPV 0.83, NPV 0.71). The sum of 3 uPCRs was useful for detecting microalbuminuria in cases with G1-3a (sensitivity 0.67, specificity 0.94, PPV 0.82, NPV 0.86) and G3b-4 (sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.94, PPV 0.91 NPV 0.83), with both COs being 0.23 g/dl. These COs of microalbuminuria did not change when trace or more proteinuria was included, although the sensitivity increased. A high uPCR and low urine specific gravity or creatinine level were independent factors for uACR ≥30 mg/gCr in cases with negative proteinuria, although uPCR was a major predictive factor of uACR ≥30 mg/gCr.Conclusions: The uPCR value (preferably using early morning urine), including in dipstick-negative proteinuria cases with non-diabetic lifestyle-related diseases, can aid in the early detection of microalbuminuria.Trial registration:　retrospectively registered
Differential properties of KRAS transversion and transition mutations in non-small lung cancer: associations with environmental factors and clinical outcomes
Authors: Sato Koichi , Akamatsu Hiroaki , Koh Yasuhiro , Ogawa Koichi , Isa Shun-ichi , Ando Masahiko , Tamiya Akihiro , Kubo Akihito , Kitagawa Chiyoe , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Yamamoto Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background:
KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 23–35% and 13–20% of all NSCLCs in Caucasians and East Asians, respectively, and is therefore regarded as a major therapeutic target. However, its epidemiology and clinical characteristics have not been fully elucidated because of its wide variety of mutational subtypes. Here, we focused on two distinct base substitution types: transversion mutations (Tr) and transition mutations (Ts), as well as their association with environmental factors and clinical outcome.
Methods:
Dataset from the Japan Molecular Epidemiology Study, which is a prospective, multicenter, and molecular study epidemiology cohort study involving 957 NSCLC patients who underwent surgery, was used for this study. Questionnaire-based detailed information on clinical background and lifestyles was also used to assess their association with mutational subtypes. Somatic mutations in 72 cancer-related genes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing, and KRAS mutations were classified into three categories: Tr (G > C or G > T; G12A, G12C, G12R, G12V), Ts (G > A; G12D, G12S, G13D), and wild-type (WT). Clinical correlations between these subtypes have been investigated, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.
Results:
Of the 957 patients, KRAS mutations were detected in 80 (8.4%). Of these, 61 were Tr and 19 were Ts mutations. Both pack-years of smoking and smoking duration had significant positive correlation with the occurrence of Tr (p = 0.03 and < 0.01, respectively). Notably, Ts showed an inverse correlation. with vegetable intake (p = 0.01). Ts had the shortest RFS and OS compared to Tr and WT. Multivariate analysis revealed that Ts, along with age and stage, were significant predictors of shorter RFS and OS (HR 2.15, p = 0.01; and HR 2.84, p < 0.01, respectively).
Conclusions:
Smoking exposure positively correlated with Tr occurrence in a dose-dependent manner. However, vegetable intake negatively correlated with Ts. Ts is a significantly poor prognostic factor among resected NSCLC patients.
Effects of Resveratrol on Tight Junction Proteins and Notch1 Pathway in HT-29 Cells Inflammation Model Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Luo Yihua , Yu Xueyan , Zhao Peizhuang , Huang Jun , Huang Xue 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely associated with disruption of the intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins. A variety of studies have confirmed that resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic compound, has a potential anti-inflammatory effect and can regulate the expression of tight junction proteins. However, the mechanism by which RSV regulates the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal epithelium remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the RSV potential effect on tight junction proteins in the HT-29 cell inflammation model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explored its mechanism of action. Firstly, the downregulated expression of tight junction proteins occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1 in the HT-29 cells inflammation model induced by LPS were reversed by incubation with RSV, accompanied by the decrease in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α-converting enzyme (TACE). Also, the Notch1 pathway was inhibited and the expression of inflammation factors IL-6 and TNF-α was decreased by treatment with RSV. Secondly, after Jagged-1 was used in combination with RSV to reactivate the Notch1 pathway, the protective effects of RSV against LPS-induced reduction of tight junction proteins occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1, and the decrease of inflammation factors IL-6 and TNF-α were abolished. These results suggest that RSV might regulate the expression of tight junction proteins by inhibiting the Notch1 pathway.
Metabolome and transcriptome analysis of oral mucosa of HIV+ patients reveal a role for polyamine metabolic pathway in T cell dysfunction
Authors: Pandiyan Pushpa , Mahalingam Shanmuga , Jayaraman Sangeetha , Bhaskaran Natarajan , Schneider Elizabeth , Faddoul Fady , Silva Andre Paes da , Lederman Michael , Asaad Robert , Adkins-Travis Kayla , Shriver Leah 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Metabolic changes of immune cells contribute to both physiological and pathophysiological outcomes of immune reactions. How viruses alter the metabolic states of mucosal T cells and the precise mechanisms underlying the persisting immune dysfunction during chronic viral infections are key questions that have not been fully addressed. Here, by comparing transcriptome and salivary metabolome profiles of the uninfected individuals and people living with HIV (PLWH) on treatment, we found a role of polyamine metabolism in immune perturbations of the oral mucosa of HIV+ patients. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the higher expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC-1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (EIF5A), the polyamine metabolism intermediates in CD4+ T cells in PLWH. Mechanistic studies using an in vitro human tonsil organoid infection model revealed that HIV infection of activated T cells also resulted in increased polyamine synthesis, which was dependent on the activities of caspase-1, IL-1β, and ODC-1. HIV-1 also led to elevated dysfunctional regulatory T cells (TregDys) /T helper 17 (Th17) cell ratios as well as heightened expression of ODC-1, EIF5A, and hypusinated EIF5A. Blockade of caspase-1, ODC-1, and EIF5A hypusination and not HIF-1α or NLRP3 reversed the frequency of TregDys showing the direct impact of polyamine pathway in Treg dysfunction during HIV-1 infection. The addition of exogenous polyamines increased TregDys percentages independent of HIV-1 infection in vitro. Finally, oral mucosal TregDys/Th17 ratios and CD4 hyperactivation positively correlated with the increases in salivary putrescine levels, which were found to be elevated in the saliva of PLWH. Thus by revealing the role of aberrantly increased polyamine synthesis during HIV infection, our study unveils a new mechanism by which chronic viral infections could drive distinct T cell effector programs and Treg dysfunction.
Evaluation of secondary sexual dimorphism traits under abiotic stress in dioecious species: The case of Amaranthus palmeri
Authors: Korres Nicholas E. , Norsworthy Jason K. , FitzSimons Toby , Roberts Trenton L. , Oosterhuis Derrick M. , Govindjee Govindjee 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The evolution of secondary sex-specific traits of dioecious species under abiotic stress conditions has received limited research, especially in the case of Amaranthus palmeri, a fast adapting and highly competing plant. Here, we have examined the interactive effects of abiotic stress on mineral accumulation, chlorophyll a and b content, and the operating capacity of Photosystem II (PSII) in both male and female A. palmeri plants grown under three different intensities (150, 450 and 1300 μmol photons m−2 s−1) of white light, and under N, K or P deficiency. Mineral profiling of the leaves and stems (with inflorescence) highlighted intra- and intersexual differences in their accumulation pattern and mineral associations. Chlorophyll a and b content was different between the male and the female plants, being lower in the latter, at high light intensity, especially as the flowering progressed, or when they were under K or P deficient condition. Further, the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower at the higher light intensity in the female, over that in the male, plants. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, i.e., steady state (F´S) and maximum (F´M) fluorescence increased under high light intensity, whereas the PSII operating efficiency (ΦPSII) decreased in the female plants, indicating reduced PSII capacity. Sex-specific differences in A. palmeri showed a differential response to stressful conditions because of differences in their ontogeny and physiology, and possibly due to the cost of reproduction. We suggest that the breeding system of dioecious species has weaknesses that can be used for the ecological management of dioecious weeds without relying on the use of herbicides.