With the presence of wind waves, the swaying of survey vessel may effect the quality of sub-bottom profiler records and, therefore, it is necessary to correct the distortions induced by wave action. A major issue is t...With the presence of wind waves, the swaying of survey vessel may effect the quality of sub-bottom profiler records and, therefore, it is necessary to correct the distortions induced by wave action. A major issue is to distinguish wind wave effect and real bedforms such as sand waves. In this paper, a bandstop filter is designed according to the frequency features of wind wave effect to treat the distortion of seabed topography by wind waves. The technique is used to correct the sub-bottom profile in order to eliminate the wave-induced distortions for the sub-bottom profile records from the Yangtze Estuary. This study shows that the undulate seabed record is resulted from wave action, rather than the presence of sand waves, and the filtration technique helps to eliminate the wave effect and recover the real morphology of seabed and the sediment sequence underneath. In addition, a method for data processing is proposed for the case that the record indeed represents a combination of wave effects and real bedforms.展开更多
Adaptive optics systems are the most powerful tools to counteract the image blurring caused by atmospheric turbulence,allowing ground-based telescopes to capture high-resolution images.A critical parameter influencing...Adaptive optics systems are the most powerful tools to counteract the image blurring caused by atmospheric turbulence,allowing ground-based telescopes to capture high-resolution images.A critical parameter influencing adaptive optics system performance is the atmospheric refractive index structure constant,C_(n)^(2),which characterizes the intensity of atmospheric optical turbulence as a function of altitude.Given its simplicity,the lunar scintillometer is the preferred method for detecting atmospheric turbulence in challenging environments like Dome A in Antarctica,where sites are still in the developmental stages and local environmental conditions are extremely harsh.However,optimizing the performance of such instruments requires carefully determining the baseline configuration of photon sensors according to each site's specific optical turbulence profile characteristics.This study uses a Monte Carlo method to identify the optimal configuration for the KunLun Turbulence Profiler(KLTP),an instrument comparable to the lunar scintillometer,developed for use at Dome A.Simulations conducted using the obtained optimal baseline configuration recovered three different model optical turbulence profiles,demonstrating the effectiveness of our method in obtaining an optimal baseline configuration.Our approach can be easily applied to baseline design for similar turbulence profilers at other sites.展开更多
Many magnetohydrodynamic stability analyses require generation of a set of equilibria with a fixed safety factor q-profile while varying other plasma parameters.A neural network(NN)-based approach is investigated that...Many magnetohydrodynamic stability analyses require generation of a set of equilibria with a fixed safety factor q-profile while varying other plasma parameters.A neural network(NN)-based approach is investigated that facilitates such a process.Both multilayer perceptron(MLP)-based NN and convolutional neural network(CNN)models are trained to map the q-profile to the plasma current density J-profile,and vice versa,while satisfying the Grad–Shafranov radial force balance constraint.When the initial target models are trained,using a database of semianalytically constructed numerical equilibria,an initial CNN with one convolutional layer is found to perform better than an initial MLP model.In particular,a trained initial CNN model can also predict the q-or J-profile for experimental tokamak equilibria.The performance of both initial target models is further improved by fine-tuning the training database,i.e.by adding realistic experimental equilibria with Gaussian noise.The fine-tuned target models,referred to as fine-tuned MLP and fine-tuned CNN,well reproduce the target q-or J-profile across multiple tokamak devices.As an important application,these NN-based equilibrium profile convertors can be utilized to provide a good initial guess for iterative equilibrium solvers,where the desired input quantity is the safety factor instead of the plasma current density.展开更多
Background: Liver abscess (LA) is a suppurated collection in the hepatic parenchyma. In Africa, liver abscesses are most often of amoebic origin, but more recently, the rate of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) has incre...Background: Liver abscess (LA) is a suppurated collection in the hepatic parenchyma. In Africa, liver abscesses are most often of amoebic origin, but more recently, the rate of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) has increased. Objective: to assess the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, biological radiological findings, and outcomes of patients with PLA and with amebic liver abscess (ALA) in order to determine the potential factors that may help improve diagnosis and treatment for LA in the context of secondary care centers with limited medical supports. Methods: Retrospective review of LA diagnosed and treated at three secondary care centers in Thiès over 11 years. Results: 61 patients, were included, 52.45% had ALA and 47.54% had PLA. Males were predominant (79.31% in PLA vs 65.63% in ALA, p = 0.2). The median age was 38 years for the PLA group vs 39 years for the ALA group (p = 0.4). In both groups, the most common symptom was right upper abdominal pain (81.97%), hepatomegaly (81.97%). The PLA group had a higher prevalence of fever (79.31% vs 46.88%, p = 0,009), chills (51.72% vs 18.75%, p = 0.007), right basi-thoracic pain (55.17% vs 28.13%, p = 0.032), and jaundice (55.17% vs 28%, p = 0.032). There was no difference in radiological features between PLA and ALA. Patients with PLA had a higher level of White blood cell (20.600 vs 15.400, p = 0.014). The most common bacteria identified in PLA were Escherichia coli (58.8%). All patients had received antibiotic therapy, which was combined with aspiration puncture (37.3%), transcutaneous drainage (43.3%), and surgery (9.0%). Seven patients had received antibiotic therapy alone and all had amoebic abscesses. Elsewhere, the occurrence of complications was higher in PLA cases (75.86% vs 37.5%, p = 0.003). The overall hospital mortality rate was 13.11%, higher in cases of PLA (24.14% vs 3.13%, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Clinical and biological features were more severe in PLA. But radiological features cannot be used to distinguish between PLA and ALA.展开更多
Fano resonance is a ubiquitous phenomenon, and it is commonly interpreted as a two-channel interference of the discrete and continuous channels. The present work investigates the Fano profile from a perspective of the...Fano resonance is a ubiquitous phenomenon, and it is commonly interpreted as a two-channel interference of the discrete and continuous channels. The present work investigates the Fano profile from a perspective of the temporal evolution of the wave function. By exciting the atom with a δ pulse and calculating the evolution of the wave function, the Fano formula is deduced. The results clearly show that the Fano resonance is of a three-channel interference, which is different from the traditional understanding. The three channels are revealed as the groundcontinuum, ground-discrete-continuum, and a previously unmentioned third channel, i.e., ground-continuumdiscrete-continuum. The present three-channel interpretation can be easily generalized to other physical systems,contributing to a deeper understanding of the Fano profile.展开更多
Background: SARS-CoV-2 has circulated worldwide with dramatic consequences. In Chad, we have no data reported of variants. The aim of this study was to identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants that circulated during the epide...Background: SARS-CoV-2 has circulated worldwide with dramatic consequences. In Chad, we have no data reported of variants. The aim of this study was to identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants that circulated during the epidemic from 2020 to 2021. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between 2020 and 2021. Samples from patients with suspected COVID-19 were tested in five laboratories in N’Djamena. One hundred quality samples of the positives were sequenced in Kinshasa using Oxford nanopore technologies minion and the Protocol Midnight SARS-CoV2. Data were processed using Excel version 16 software. Results: Of the 100 samples sequenced, 77 (77%) produced sequences, 23 (23%) did not. The genomic profiles were wild-type Wuhan and minor mutations (19A, 19B (A), 20A (B.1, B.2), 20B (AV.1), 20D (B.1.1.1 /C.36), 20C), variant of concern Alpha (20I), variant of concern Delta (21A/J), variant of interest Eta (21D), variant of concern Omicron (21K) and unclassified variant under surveillance (B.1.640). Of these variants, the maximums were detected in patients aged 26 - 35 with 30.26% and 25.26% in 36 - 45. However, 24.67% were in travelers and 75.32% in residents, 35.06% in those vaccinated against COVID-19 and 62.33% in non-vaccinates. The estimated case-fatality rate was 2.44% (107/4374). Conclusion: This work has provided preliminary data on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating during the 2020-2021 epidemics in Chad.展开更多
Profiling the protein composition of bacteria is essential for understanding their biology,physiology and interaction with environment.Mass spectrometry has become a pivotal tool for protein analysis,facilitating the ...Profiling the protein composition of bacteria is essential for understanding their biology,physiology and interaction with environment.Mass spectrometry has become a pivotal tool for protein analysis,facilitating the examination of expression levels,molecular masses and structural modifications.In this study,we compared the performance of three widely-used mass spectrometry methods,i.e.,matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization(MALDI)protein fingerprinting,top-down proteomics and bottom-up proteomics,in the profiling of bacterial protein composition.It was revealed that bottom-up proteomics provided the highest protein coverage and exhibited the greatest protein profile overlap between bacterial species.In contrast,MALDI protein fingerprinting demonstrated superior detection reproducibility and effectiveness in distinguishing between bacterial species.Although top-down proteomics identified fewer proteins than bottom-up approach,it complemented MALDI fingerprinting in the discovery of bacterial protein markers,both favoring abundant,stable,and hydrophilic bacterial ribosomal proteins.This study represents the most systematic and comprehensive comparison of mass spectrometry-based protein profiling methodologies to date.It provides valuable guidelines for the selection of appropriate profiling strategies for specific analytical purposes.This will facilitate studies across various fields,including infection diagnosis,antimicrobial resistance detection and pharmaceutical target discovery.展开更多
Introduction: Pregnancy as much as childbirth constitutes a risky situation, potentially fraught with sometimes dramatic complications: maternal death. Objective: We conducted this study with the aim of establishing t...Introduction: Pregnancy as much as childbirth constitutes a risky situation, potentially fraught with sometimes dramatic complications: maternal death. Objective: We conducted this study with the aim of establishing the profile of those giving birth in our context with the aim to anticipate operationally in the future on morbidity but more on maternal deaths. Methodology: We conducted, using a structured questionnaire, a prospective descriptive study in representative maternity wards in the city of Douala;the study variables were socio-economic, anthropometric, obstetrical and clinical. Statistical analyses were carried out with CS Pro 7.3 and SPSS version 25.0 software. The Student, Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to compare the means of the variables and the percentages. Results: We recruited 305 births for our study. The average age of our births was 28.7 years ± 6.1 with an average height of 161.6 cm ± 5.06;an average body mass index at the start of pregnancy of 28.0 kilograms/square meter and 31.3 kilograms/square meter at delivery;the average weight gain was 8.4 g ± 5.37;an average gestation of 2.84±1.90;an average parity of 2.2 ± 2.1 with an average birth interval of 27.7 months ± 23.7. The average gestational age was 39.2 weeks ± 1.21 with pregnancy pathology dominated by malaria;85.9% began their prenatal follow-up before the 14th week of amenorrhea. Conclusion: The profile of childbirth in urban Cameroon does not seem potentially dystocic compared to that of the same regional and racial area.展开更多
More than 30 species of benthic Prorocentrum have been identified,some of which produce okadaic acid(OA)and its derivatives,dinophysistoxins(DTXs),which cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning(DSP).Increasing numbers of ...More than 30 species of benthic Prorocentrum have been identified,some of which produce okadaic acid(OA)and its derivatives,dinophysistoxins(DTXs),which cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning(DSP).Increasing numbers of benthic Prorocentrum species have been reported in tropical and subtropical waters of China.In contrast,only a few benthic Prorocentrum species have been reported in temperate waters.In this study,morphological descriptions obtained using light microscopy,scanning electron microscopy and molecular characterization of one Prorocentrum clipeus strain isolated from the Yellow Sea are presented.Prorocentrum clipeus cells were nearly circular in shape,with a collar,ridge,and one protrusion.The periflagellar area was wide U-shaped,with two curved projections on platelet 1a.Nine periflagellar platelets of different sizes were observed.The morphology closely fits that of the species isolated from other locations.Phylogenetic analysis based on the molecular sequences of the small subunit(SSU)rDNA,internal transcribed spacer(ITS),and large subunit(LSU)rDNA was performed.A comprehensive metabolomic analysis incorporating target,suspect and non-target screenings was first applied to investigate the intracellular and extracellular metabolite profiles of the current isolate of P.clipeus.According to the results of the target and suspect screenings,179 metabolites or toxins produced by DSP-related algal species,including OA,dinophysistoxin-1(DTX1),dinophysistoxin-2(DTX2)and pectenotoxin-2(PTX2),were not detected.Non-target screening involving feature-based molecular networking(FBMN)provided a global view of major metabolites produced by the P.clipeus DF128 strain and revealed 23 clusters belonging to at least 13 compound classes,with organometallic compounds,lipids and lipid-like molecules,phenylpropanoids and polyketides,and benzenoids as major types.To date,this is the first record of the characterization of P.clipeus in samples from Chinese waters.Our results support the wide distribution of epibenthic Prorocentrum species.展开更多
History: Pediatric management of HIV infection in children in the Central African Republic began in 2004 with the use of fractionated adult antiretrovirals and Cotrimoxazole. It has evolved over the years with the use...History: Pediatric management of HIV infection in children in the Central African Republic began in 2004 with the use of fractionated adult antiretrovirals and Cotrimoxazole. It has evolved over the years with the use of pediatric forms, oral suspensions and dispersible tablets. The transition to Dolutegravir took place in 2020. The active file of our patients will grow from 78 to over 1900 today. Follow-up examinations are carried out to assess adherence to treatment. Objective: To determine the immunovirological profile and factors associated with treatment failure during follow-up of children on ART at the Bangui pediatric university hospital. Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study from May 30 to December 02, 2022. The study sample was drawn from a cohort of HIV-1-infected children followed up at the Bangui pediatric university hospital and on ART for three semesters who met the selection criteria. Results: The prevalence of treatment failure varied from one semester to the next. Thus, the prevalence of therapeutic failure was 20% in the first semester, 10% in the second semester and 7% in the third semester. The prevalence of virological failure was 10.28% in the first half of the year, 6.91% in the second half and 4.98% in the third. Secondly, immunological failure was 0.48% in the first half of the year, 0.32% in the second 0.64% in the third half. Finally, clinical failure was 8.82% in the first half, 4.82% in the second half, 1.92% in the third half. Socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with treatment failure were male gender (p 1000 copies/ml (p Conclusion: The occurrence of treatment failures in children is a major problem, especially in our resource-limited countries, given the challenges facing antiretroviral therapy. It is therefore necessary to carry out a study on resistance genotyping in order to propose correct management protocols, as the future of treatment programs depends on it.展开更多
The lipid profile remains an important laboratory assessment to prevent cardiovascular disease. Interpretation of the non-fasting lipid profile has significantly changed based on new information concerning the pathoge...The lipid profile remains an important laboratory assessment to prevent cardiovascular disease. Interpretation of the non-fasting lipid profile has significantly changed based on new information concerning the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In particular, the assessment of risk from cholesterol containing particles following triglyceride metabolism (termed remnant cholesterol) can now be done from a lipid profile. In addition, non-HDL cholesterol as calculated from the lipid profile will provide a complete assessment of total circulating cholesterol containing particles. Furthermore, the formula for measurement of LDL cholesterol from a lipid profile has now been revised so that triglyceride levels exert less interference. Finally, the old concept that the “higher the HDL-c, the better” is no longer tenable. New data indicate that the optimal high density lipoprotein level is below 100 mg/dl for both male and female patients. Correct interpretation of the lipid profile will optimize anti-atherosclerotic therapy and reduce the number one cause of death in the United States.展开更多
Context: Antiretroviral therapies improve the prognosis of NeuroAIDS contrasting with a high frequency of Minor Neurocognitive Disorders (MND) even in aviremic subjects. Objective: The objective of this study is to pr...Context: Antiretroviral therapies improve the prognosis of NeuroAIDS contrasting with a high frequency of Minor Neurocognitive Disorders (MND) even in aviremic subjects. Objective: The objective of this study is to present the neurological and cognitive profile of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) initiating antiretroviral treatment in Kinshasa in the era of Dolutegravir (DTG). Methods: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim carried out in 16 HIV Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa from October 4, 2021 to February 15, 2022. The International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) correlated with the Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale facilitated the categorization of NeuroCognitive Disorders (NCD) of PLHIV evaluated after carrying out a summary neurological examination. Results: Of the 96 patients recruited, 56.3% were women with a sex ratio of 0.68. The average age was 40.1 ± 12.1 years. The secondary education level was the majority at 64.6%. Malaria (44.8%) and tuberculosis (32.3%) were more common as opportunistic infections. They were alcoholics in (30.2%). Their history was heart disease (15.6%), high blood pressure (18.8%);drug abuse (10.4%). The IHDS score was light in 55.2% of cases. The correlation between IHDS/IADL watches asymptomatic neurocognitive impairments (ANI) in 77.1%, almost all of subjects are found with normal overall functioning (94.8%) and a disturbed neurological examination in 53.1% of cases with a predominance of motor impairments in 79.1%. Conclusion: In view of these results, early and systematic screening of NCD and associated factors remains necessary in our context. .展开更多
Ground-based microwave radiometers(MWRs)operating in the K-and V-bands(20–60 GHz)can help us obtain temperature and humidity profiles in the troposphere.Aside from some soundings from local meteorological observatori...Ground-based microwave radiometers(MWRs)operating in the K-and V-bands(20–60 GHz)can help us obtain temperature and humidity profiles in the troposphere.Aside from some soundings from local meteorological observatories,the tropospheric atmosphere over the Tibetan Plateau(TP)has never been continuously observed.As part of the Chinese Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP),the Tibetan Plateau Atmospheric Profile(TPPROFILE)project aims to construct a comprehensive MWR troposphere observation network to study the synoptic processes and environmental changes on the TP.This initiative has collected three years of data from the MWR network.This paper introduces the data information,the data quality,and data downloading.Some applications of the data obtained from these MWRs were also demonstrated.Our comparisons of MWR against the nearest radiosonde observation demonstrate that the TP-PROFILE MWR system is adequate for monitoring the thermal and moisture variability of the troposphere over the TP.The continuous temperature and moisture profiles derived from the MWR data provide a unique perspective on the evolution of the thermodynamic structure associated with the heating of the TP.The TP-PROFILE project reveals that the low-temporal resolution instruments are prone to large uncertainties in their vapor estimation in the mountain valleys on the TP.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 drom...Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 dromedary bull camels aged 7 to 8 at a local abattoir.The histological assessment involved tissue processing,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,and examination under a microscope.Stereological analysis,germ cell identification,and assessment of seminiferous tubules and maturation were conducted.Testosterone assay was performed by radioimmunoassay using blood samples collected at regular intervals.Results:The study revealed 12 phases of the dromedary camel's seminiferous epithelium cycle,highlighting distinct morphological characteristics and cellular processes.Acrosomal migration,maturation,cap formation,and the Golgi-mediated synthesis of proacrosomal vesicles were also explained in dimension,as were the steps of acrosome biogenesis.Spermatids and mature sperm cells were present when spermatogenesis phases were examined.An analysis of the dimensions of seminiferous tubules revealed specific measures for diameter,area,and epithelial height about luminal characteristics.Moreover,there were noticeable variations in the serum testosterone concentrations during the study period,indicating temporal dynamics.Conclusions:This study outlines the spermatogenesis process in dromedary camels across 12 stages,emphasizing cellular dynamics and acrosomal biogenesis.It also provides seminiferous tubule measurements and observes seasonal testosterone fluctuations,offering insights into reproductive regulation and potential strategies for camel breeding conservation.展开更多
News media profiling is helpful in preventing the spread of fake news at the source and maintaining a good media and news ecosystem.Most previous works only extract features and evaluate media from one dimension indep...News media profiling is helpful in preventing the spread of fake news at the source and maintaining a good media and news ecosystem.Most previous works only extract features and evaluate media from one dimension independently,ignoring the interconnections between different aspects.This paper proposes a novel news media bias and factuality profiling framework assisted by correlated features.This framework models the relationship and interaction between media bias and factuality,utilizing this relationship to assist in the prediction of profiling results.Our approach extracts features independently while aligning and fusing them through recursive convolu-tion and attention mechanisms,thus harnessing multi-scale interactive information across different dimensions and levels.This method improves the effectiveness of news media evaluation.Experimental results indicate that our proposed framework significantly outperforms existing methods,achieving the best performance in Accuracy and F1 score,improving by at least 1%compared to other methods.This paper further analyzes and discusses based on the experimental results.展开更多
Introduction: Microbiology of effusion fluids in children in Burkina Faso is characterized by the scarcity of data. This work aimed to study the bacteriological and antibiotics susceptibility profile of bacteria invol...Introduction: Microbiology of effusion fluids in children in Burkina Faso is characterized by the scarcity of data. This work aimed to study the bacteriological and antibiotics susceptibility profile of bacteria involved in effusion fluid infections in paediatrics in order to improve the choice of probabilistic antibiotics therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was used in children aged 0 to 15 years from 2017 to 2020 at the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital Center (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Classical bacteriology methods such as macroscopy, Gram staining, identification galleries and antibiotics susceptibility testing were used. Results: Of 231 samples, 64 bacteria were isolated. The most common bacterial strains of pleural fluid were Staphylococcus aureus (25%) and 40% for Enterobacteriaceae. Of the peritoneal fluid, 77% were Enterobacteriaceae with 57% Escherichia coli;and from joint fluid, 33% were S. aureus and 22% for P. aeruginosa. The overall susceptibility profile showed 29% extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), 10% methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and 8% carbapenemases. Conclusion: Bacteriological profile is characterized by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and MRSA. The most active antibiotics were macrolides, aminoglycosides, and cefoxitin (methicillin) for Gram-positive cocci, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides for Gram-negative bacilli. Then, the monitoring of antibiotics resistance must be permanent.展开更多
The study addressed a crucial public health concern of dyslipidemia and its management, with a focus on the Ignace DEEN National Hospital patients, filling a research gap in the Republic of Guinea. It contributed valu...The study addressed a crucial public health concern of dyslipidemia and its management, with a focus on the Ignace DEEN National Hospital patients, filling a research gap in the Republic of Guinea. It contributed valuable epidemiological data on dyslipidemia in the studied population, emphasizing gender, age, and socio-professional categories, which could inform tailored prevention and management strategies in improving the health care of dyslipidemia patients by proposing diets to help these patients better manage their disease and a food system for preventing dyslipidemia. The study focused on the lipid profile of patients seen at the cardiology department at the Ignace DEEN National Hospital Republic of Guinea (Conakry). This was a prospective, descriptive study lasting six (6) months from January 24 to July 23, 2021;aimed at determining the frequency of lipid abnormalities and pathologies related to the lipid profile. A total of 523 people were included in this study with a female predominance of 59.34% compared to 40.66% of males for a ratio of 1.5 in favor of women. The age groups of 45 - 54 and 55 - 65 were the most affected with respective frequencies of 45.42% and 30.03%. The most represented socio-professional category was that of housewives, i.e. 45.78%, followed by traders 18.68%. Our series was dominated by the married couple, i.e. 77.29%. Dyslipidemia constitutes a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor in patients seen in the cardiology department at the Ignace DEEN Hospital;its control must be strict through the use of hygienic and dietary rules and hypolipidemia medications.展开更多
基金The workis supported bythe National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos 40231010 and 40476041)
文摘With the presence of wind waves, the swaying of survey vessel may effect the quality of sub-bottom profiler records and, therefore, it is necessary to correct the distortions induced by wave action. A major issue is to distinguish wind wave effect and real bedforms such as sand waves. In this paper, a bandstop filter is designed according to the frequency features of wind wave effect to treat the distortion of seabed topography by wind waves. The technique is used to correct the sub-bottom profile in order to eliminate the wave-induced distortions for the sub-bottom profile records from the Yangtze Estuary. This study shows that the undulate seabed record is resulted from wave action, rather than the presence of sand waves, and the filtration technique helps to eliminate the wave effect and recover the real morphology of seabed and the sediment sequence underneath. In addition, a method for data processing is proposed for the case that the record indeed represents a combination of wave effects and real bedforms.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12373092, 12273027, 11733007, 11873010, 12133010)the Nebula Talents Program of the National Astronomical Observatories, CAS+1 种基金the Sichuan Youth Science and Technology Innovation Research Team (21CXTD0038)the Innovation Team F unds of China West Normal University (KCXTD2022-6).
文摘Adaptive optics systems are the most powerful tools to counteract the image blurring caused by atmospheric turbulence,allowing ground-based telescopes to capture high-resolution images.A critical parameter influencing adaptive optics system performance is the atmospheric refractive index structure constant,C_(n)^(2),which characterizes the intensity of atmospheric optical turbulence as a function of altitude.Given its simplicity,the lunar scintillometer is the preferred method for detecting atmospheric turbulence in challenging environments like Dome A in Antarctica,where sites are still in the developmental stages and local environmental conditions are extremely harsh.However,optimizing the performance of such instruments requires carefully determining the baseline configuration of photon sensors according to each site's specific optical turbulence profile characteristics.This study uses a Monte Carlo method to identify the optimal configuration for the KunLun Turbulence Profiler(KLTP),an instrument comparable to the lunar scintillometer,developed for use at Dome A.Simulations conducted using the obtained optimal baseline configuration recovered three different model optical turbulence profiles,demonstrating the effectiveness of our method in obtaining an optimal baseline configuration.Our approach can be easily applied to baseline design for similar turbulence profilers at other sites.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 12205033, 12105317, 11905022 and 11975062)Dalian Youth Science and Technology Project (No. 2022RQ039)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 3132023192)the Young Scientists Fund of the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province (No. 2023NSFSC1291)
文摘Many magnetohydrodynamic stability analyses require generation of a set of equilibria with a fixed safety factor q-profile while varying other plasma parameters.A neural network(NN)-based approach is investigated that facilitates such a process.Both multilayer perceptron(MLP)-based NN and convolutional neural network(CNN)models are trained to map the q-profile to the plasma current density J-profile,and vice versa,while satisfying the Grad–Shafranov radial force balance constraint.When the initial target models are trained,using a database of semianalytically constructed numerical equilibria,an initial CNN with one convolutional layer is found to perform better than an initial MLP model.In particular,a trained initial CNN model can also predict the q-or J-profile for experimental tokamak equilibria.The performance of both initial target models is further improved by fine-tuning the training database,i.e.by adding realistic experimental equilibria with Gaussian noise.The fine-tuned target models,referred to as fine-tuned MLP and fine-tuned CNN,well reproduce the target q-or J-profile across multiple tokamak devices.As an important application,these NN-based equilibrium profile convertors can be utilized to provide a good initial guess for iterative equilibrium solvers,where the desired input quantity is the safety factor instead of the plasma current density.
文摘Background: Liver abscess (LA) is a suppurated collection in the hepatic parenchyma. In Africa, liver abscesses are most often of amoebic origin, but more recently, the rate of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) has increased. Objective: to assess the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, biological radiological findings, and outcomes of patients with PLA and with amebic liver abscess (ALA) in order to determine the potential factors that may help improve diagnosis and treatment for LA in the context of secondary care centers with limited medical supports. Methods: Retrospective review of LA diagnosed and treated at three secondary care centers in Thiès over 11 years. Results: 61 patients, were included, 52.45% had ALA and 47.54% had PLA. Males were predominant (79.31% in PLA vs 65.63% in ALA, p = 0.2). The median age was 38 years for the PLA group vs 39 years for the ALA group (p = 0.4). In both groups, the most common symptom was right upper abdominal pain (81.97%), hepatomegaly (81.97%). The PLA group had a higher prevalence of fever (79.31% vs 46.88%, p = 0,009), chills (51.72% vs 18.75%, p = 0.007), right basi-thoracic pain (55.17% vs 28.13%, p = 0.032), and jaundice (55.17% vs 28%, p = 0.032). There was no difference in radiological features between PLA and ALA. Patients with PLA had a higher level of White blood cell (20.600 vs 15.400, p = 0.014). The most common bacteria identified in PLA were Escherichia coli (58.8%). All patients had received antibiotic therapy, which was combined with aspiration puncture (37.3%), transcutaneous drainage (43.3%), and surgery (9.0%). Seven patients had received antibiotic therapy alone and all had amoebic abscesses. Elsewhere, the occurrence of complications was higher in PLA cases (75.86% vs 37.5%, p = 0.003). The overall hospital mortality rate was 13.11%, higher in cases of PLA (24.14% vs 3.13%, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Clinical and biological features were more severe in PLA. But radiological features cannot be used to distinguish between PLA and ALA.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 12334010)。
文摘Fano resonance is a ubiquitous phenomenon, and it is commonly interpreted as a two-channel interference of the discrete and continuous channels. The present work investigates the Fano profile from a perspective of the temporal evolution of the wave function. By exciting the atom with a δ pulse and calculating the evolution of the wave function, the Fano formula is deduced. The results clearly show that the Fano resonance is of a three-channel interference, which is different from the traditional understanding. The three channels are revealed as the groundcontinuum, ground-discrete-continuum, and a previously unmentioned third channel, i.e., ground-continuumdiscrete-continuum. The present three-channel interpretation can be easily generalized to other physical systems,contributing to a deeper understanding of the Fano profile.
文摘Background: SARS-CoV-2 has circulated worldwide with dramatic consequences. In Chad, we have no data reported of variants. The aim of this study was to identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants that circulated during the epidemic from 2020 to 2021. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between 2020 and 2021. Samples from patients with suspected COVID-19 were tested in five laboratories in N’Djamena. One hundred quality samples of the positives were sequenced in Kinshasa using Oxford nanopore technologies minion and the Protocol Midnight SARS-CoV2. Data were processed using Excel version 16 software. Results: Of the 100 samples sequenced, 77 (77%) produced sequences, 23 (23%) did not. The genomic profiles were wild-type Wuhan and minor mutations (19A, 19B (A), 20A (B.1, B.2), 20B (AV.1), 20D (B.1.1.1 /C.36), 20C), variant of concern Alpha (20I), variant of concern Delta (21A/J), variant of interest Eta (21D), variant of concern Omicron (21K) and unclassified variant under surveillance (B.1.640). Of these variants, the maximums were detected in patients aged 26 - 35 with 30.26% and 25.26% in 36 - 45. However, 24.67% were in travelers and 75.32% in residents, 35.06% in those vaccinated against COVID-19 and 62.33% in non-vaccinates. The estimated case-fatality rate was 2.44% (107/4374). Conclusion: This work has provided preliminary data on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating during the 2020-2021 epidemics in Chad.
文摘Profiling the protein composition of bacteria is essential for understanding their biology,physiology and interaction with environment.Mass spectrometry has become a pivotal tool for protein analysis,facilitating the examination of expression levels,molecular masses and structural modifications.In this study,we compared the performance of three widely-used mass spectrometry methods,i.e.,matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization(MALDI)protein fingerprinting,top-down proteomics and bottom-up proteomics,in the profiling of bacterial protein composition.It was revealed that bottom-up proteomics provided the highest protein coverage and exhibited the greatest protein profile overlap between bacterial species.In contrast,MALDI protein fingerprinting demonstrated superior detection reproducibility and effectiveness in distinguishing between bacterial species.Although top-down proteomics identified fewer proteins than bottom-up approach,it complemented MALDI fingerprinting in the discovery of bacterial protein markers,both favoring abundant,stable,and hydrophilic bacterial ribosomal proteins.This study represents the most systematic and comprehensive comparison of mass spectrometry-based protein profiling methodologies to date.It provides valuable guidelines for the selection of appropriate profiling strategies for specific analytical purposes.This will facilitate studies across various fields,including infection diagnosis,antimicrobial resistance detection and pharmaceutical target discovery.
文摘Introduction: Pregnancy as much as childbirth constitutes a risky situation, potentially fraught with sometimes dramatic complications: maternal death. Objective: We conducted this study with the aim of establishing the profile of those giving birth in our context with the aim to anticipate operationally in the future on morbidity but more on maternal deaths. Methodology: We conducted, using a structured questionnaire, a prospective descriptive study in representative maternity wards in the city of Douala;the study variables were socio-economic, anthropometric, obstetrical and clinical. Statistical analyses were carried out with CS Pro 7.3 and SPSS version 25.0 software. The Student, Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to compare the means of the variables and the percentages. Results: We recruited 305 births for our study. The average age of our births was 28.7 years ± 6.1 with an average height of 161.6 cm ± 5.06;an average body mass index at the start of pregnancy of 28.0 kilograms/square meter and 31.3 kilograms/square meter at delivery;the average weight gain was 8.4 g ± 5.37;an average gestation of 2.84±1.90;an average parity of 2.2 ± 2.1 with an average birth interval of 27.7 months ± 23.7. The average gestational age was 39.2 weeks ± 1.21 with pregnancy pathology dominated by malaria;85.9% began their prenatal follow-up before the 14th week of amenorrhea. Conclusion: The profile of childbirth in urban Cameroon does not seem potentially dystocic compared to that of the same regional and racial area.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41706191 and 41961144013the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province under contract No.LY20D060004+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41676111,41876139 and 41906140the Program of Bureau of Science and Technology of Zhoushan Grant under contract No.2019C81031the Basic Public Welfare Research Project of Zhejiang Province under contract No.LGC22B050032.
文摘More than 30 species of benthic Prorocentrum have been identified,some of which produce okadaic acid(OA)and its derivatives,dinophysistoxins(DTXs),which cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning(DSP).Increasing numbers of benthic Prorocentrum species have been reported in tropical and subtropical waters of China.In contrast,only a few benthic Prorocentrum species have been reported in temperate waters.In this study,morphological descriptions obtained using light microscopy,scanning electron microscopy and molecular characterization of one Prorocentrum clipeus strain isolated from the Yellow Sea are presented.Prorocentrum clipeus cells were nearly circular in shape,with a collar,ridge,and one protrusion.The periflagellar area was wide U-shaped,with two curved projections on platelet 1a.Nine periflagellar platelets of different sizes were observed.The morphology closely fits that of the species isolated from other locations.Phylogenetic analysis based on the molecular sequences of the small subunit(SSU)rDNA,internal transcribed spacer(ITS),and large subunit(LSU)rDNA was performed.A comprehensive metabolomic analysis incorporating target,suspect and non-target screenings was first applied to investigate the intracellular and extracellular metabolite profiles of the current isolate of P.clipeus.According to the results of the target and suspect screenings,179 metabolites or toxins produced by DSP-related algal species,including OA,dinophysistoxin-1(DTX1),dinophysistoxin-2(DTX2)and pectenotoxin-2(PTX2),were not detected.Non-target screening involving feature-based molecular networking(FBMN)provided a global view of major metabolites produced by the P.clipeus DF128 strain and revealed 23 clusters belonging to at least 13 compound classes,with organometallic compounds,lipids and lipid-like molecules,phenylpropanoids and polyketides,and benzenoids as major types.To date,this is the first record of the characterization of P.clipeus in samples from Chinese waters.Our results support the wide distribution of epibenthic Prorocentrum species.
文摘History: Pediatric management of HIV infection in children in the Central African Republic began in 2004 with the use of fractionated adult antiretrovirals and Cotrimoxazole. It has evolved over the years with the use of pediatric forms, oral suspensions and dispersible tablets. The transition to Dolutegravir took place in 2020. The active file of our patients will grow from 78 to over 1900 today. Follow-up examinations are carried out to assess adherence to treatment. Objective: To determine the immunovirological profile and factors associated with treatment failure during follow-up of children on ART at the Bangui pediatric university hospital. Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study from May 30 to December 02, 2022. The study sample was drawn from a cohort of HIV-1-infected children followed up at the Bangui pediatric university hospital and on ART for three semesters who met the selection criteria. Results: The prevalence of treatment failure varied from one semester to the next. Thus, the prevalence of therapeutic failure was 20% in the first semester, 10% in the second semester and 7% in the third semester. The prevalence of virological failure was 10.28% in the first half of the year, 6.91% in the second half and 4.98% in the third. Secondly, immunological failure was 0.48% in the first half of the year, 0.32% in the second 0.64% in the third half. Finally, clinical failure was 8.82% in the first half, 4.82% in the second half, 1.92% in the third half. Socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with treatment failure were male gender (p 1000 copies/ml (p Conclusion: The occurrence of treatment failures in children is a major problem, especially in our resource-limited countries, given the challenges facing antiretroviral therapy. It is therefore necessary to carry out a study on resistance genotyping in order to propose correct management protocols, as the future of treatment programs depends on it.
文摘The lipid profile remains an important laboratory assessment to prevent cardiovascular disease. Interpretation of the non-fasting lipid profile has significantly changed based on new information concerning the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In particular, the assessment of risk from cholesterol containing particles following triglyceride metabolism (termed remnant cholesterol) can now be done from a lipid profile. In addition, non-HDL cholesterol as calculated from the lipid profile will provide a complete assessment of total circulating cholesterol containing particles. Furthermore, the formula for measurement of LDL cholesterol from a lipid profile has now been revised so that triglyceride levels exert less interference. Finally, the old concept that the “higher the HDL-c, the better” is no longer tenable. New data indicate that the optimal high density lipoprotein level is below 100 mg/dl for both male and female patients. Correct interpretation of the lipid profile will optimize anti-atherosclerotic therapy and reduce the number one cause of death in the United States.
文摘Context: Antiretroviral therapies improve the prognosis of NeuroAIDS contrasting with a high frequency of Minor Neurocognitive Disorders (MND) even in aviremic subjects. Objective: The objective of this study is to present the neurological and cognitive profile of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) initiating antiretroviral treatment in Kinshasa in the era of Dolutegravir (DTG). Methods: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim carried out in 16 HIV Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa from October 4, 2021 to February 15, 2022. The International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) correlated with the Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale facilitated the categorization of NeuroCognitive Disorders (NCD) of PLHIV evaluated after carrying out a summary neurological examination. Results: Of the 96 patients recruited, 56.3% were women with a sex ratio of 0.68. The average age was 40.1 ± 12.1 years. The secondary education level was the majority at 64.6%. Malaria (44.8%) and tuberculosis (32.3%) were more common as opportunistic infections. They were alcoholics in (30.2%). Their history was heart disease (15.6%), high blood pressure (18.8%);drug abuse (10.4%). The IHDS score was light in 55.2% of cases. The correlation between IHDS/IADL watches asymptomatic neurocognitive impairments (ANI) in 77.1%, almost all of subjects are found with normal overall functioning (94.8%) and a disturbed neurological examination in 53.1% of cases with a predominance of motor impairments in 79.1%. Conclusion: In view of these results, early and systematic screening of NCD and associated factors remains necessary in our context. .
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP)(Grant Nos.2019QZKK0103 and 2019QZKK0105)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41975009,42230610,41840650 and U2242208)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Wang Binbin,2022069).
文摘Ground-based microwave radiometers(MWRs)operating in the K-and V-bands(20–60 GHz)can help us obtain temperature and humidity profiles in the troposphere.Aside from some soundings from local meteorological observatories,the tropospheric atmosphere over the Tibetan Plateau(TP)has never been continuously observed.As part of the Chinese Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP),the Tibetan Plateau Atmospheric Profile(TPPROFILE)project aims to construct a comprehensive MWR troposphere observation network to study the synoptic processes and environmental changes on the TP.This initiative has collected three years of data from the MWR network.This paper introduces the data information,the data quality,and data downloading.Some applications of the data obtained from these MWRs were also demonstrated.Our comparisons of MWR against the nearest radiosonde observation demonstrate that the TP-PROFILE MWR system is adequate for monitoring the thermal and moisture variability of the troposphere over the TP.The continuous temperature and moisture profiles derived from the MWR data provide a unique perspective on the evolution of the thermodynamic structure associated with the heating of the TP.The TP-PROFILE project reveals that the low-temporal resolution instruments are prone to large uncertainties in their vapor estimation in the mountain valleys on the TP.
文摘Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 dromedary bull camels aged 7 to 8 at a local abattoir.The histological assessment involved tissue processing,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,and examination under a microscope.Stereological analysis,germ cell identification,and assessment of seminiferous tubules and maturation were conducted.Testosterone assay was performed by radioimmunoassay using blood samples collected at regular intervals.Results:The study revealed 12 phases of the dromedary camel's seminiferous epithelium cycle,highlighting distinct morphological characteristics and cellular processes.Acrosomal migration,maturation,cap formation,and the Golgi-mediated synthesis of proacrosomal vesicles were also explained in dimension,as were the steps of acrosome biogenesis.Spermatids and mature sperm cells were present when spermatogenesis phases were examined.An analysis of the dimensions of seminiferous tubules revealed specific measures for diameter,area,and epithelial height about luminal characteristics.Moreover,there were noticeable variations in the serum testosterone concentrations during the study period,indicating temporal dynamics.Conclusions:This study outlines the spermatogenesis process in dromedary camels across 12 stages,emphasizing cellular dynamics and acrosomal biogenesis.It also provides seminiferous tubule measurements and observes seasonal testosterone fluctuations,offering insights into reproductive regulation and potential strategies for camel breeding conservation.
基金funded by“the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities”,No.CUC23ZDTJ005.
文摘News media profiling is helpful in preventing the spread of fake news at the source and maintaining a good media and news ecosystem.Most previous works only extract features and evaluate media from one dimension independently,ignoring the interconnections between different aspects.This paper proposes a novel news media bias and factuality profiling framework assisted by correlated features.This framework models the relationship and interaction between media bias and factuality,utilizing this relationship to assist in the prediction of profiling results.Our approach extracts features independently while aligning and fusing them through recursive convolu-tion and attention mechanisms,thus harnessing multi-scale interactive information across different dimensions and levels.This method improves the effectiveness of news media evaluation.Experimental results indicate that our proposed framework significantly outperforms existing methods,achieving the best performance in Accuracy and F1 score,improving by at least 1%compared to other methods.This paper further analyzes and discusses based on the experimental results.
文摘Introduction: Microbiology of effusion fluids in children in Burkina Faso is characterized by the scarcity of data. This work aimed to study the bacteriological and antibiotics susceptibility profile of bacteria involved in effusion fluid infections in paediatrics in order to improve the choice of probabilistic antibiotics therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was used in children aged 0 to 15 years from 2017 to 2020 at the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital Center (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Classical bacteriology methods such as macroscopy, Gram staining, identification galleries and antibiotics susceptibility testing were used. Results: Of 231 samples, 64 bacteria were isolated. The most common bacterial strains of pleural fluid were Staphylococcus aureus (25%) and 40% for Enterobacteriaceae. Of the peritoneal fluid, 77% were Enterobacteriaceae with 57% Escherichia coli;and from joint fluid, 33% were S. aureus and 22% for P. aeruginosa. The overall susceptibility profile showed 29% extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), 10% methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and 8% carbapenemases. Conclusion: Bacteriological profile is characterized by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and MRSA. The most active antibiotics were macrolides, aminoglycosides, and cefoxitin (methicillin) for Gram-positive cocci, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides for Gram-negative bacilli. Then, the monitoring of antibiotics resistance must be permanent.
文摘The study addressed a crucial public health concern of dyslipidemia and its management, with a focus on the Ignace DEEN National Hospital patients, filling a research gap in the Republic of Guinea. It contributed valuable epidemiological data on dyslipidemia in the studied population, emphasizing gender, age, and socio-professional categories, which could inform tailored prevention and management strategies in improving the health care of dyslipidemia patients by proposing diets to help these patients better manage their disease and a food system for preventing dyslipidemia. The study focused on the lipid profile of patients seen at the cardiology department at the Ignace DEEN National Hospital Republic of Guinea (Conakry). This was a prospective, descriptive study lasting six (6) months from January 24 to July 23, 2021;aimed at determining the frequency of lipid abnormalities and pathologies related to the lipid profile. A total of 523 people were included in this study with a female predominance of 59.34% compared to 40.66% of males for a ratio of 1.5 in favor of women. The age groups of 45 - 54 and 55 - 65 were the most affected with respective frequencies of 45.42% and 30.03%. The most represented socio-professional category was that of housewives, i.e. 45.78%, followed by traders 18.68%. Our series was dominated by the married couple, i.e. 77.29%. Dyslipidemia constitutes a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor in patients seen in the cardiology department at the Ignace DEEN Hospital;its control must be strict through the use of hygienic and dietary rules and hypolipidemia medications.