Test Line Research Articles

Age and Depositional Environment of the Sandstone Unit of Ciletuh Formation in Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark

Sandstones form part of the Cenozoic Ciletuh Formation which is widely exposed in The Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark, Indonesia. This study aims to establish the age of these sandstone units, and to evaluate their depositional environment based on palynological data. Five samples from Ciletuh sandstones were collected for palynomorph analysis. Exposed sections were measured and sampled to determine the stratigraphic position, with palynomorphs being separated from the sediment using acetolysis. Cluster analysis was applied to the resultant palynomorph assemblages and interpreted using plant association model, which refered to the depositional environment of different taxa. Two distinct clusters were identified, characterized by different environmental markers. The first cluster is dominated by Proxapertites operculatus and Proxapertites cursus, while the second cluster is dominated by Podocarpus pollen. While the Proxapertites cluster includes Dicolpopollis kalewensis, Palmaepollenites kutchensis, foraminiferal test linings, dinoflagellates cysts, plant debris, deposited in the marine environment. The Podocarpus cluster consists of Podocarpus pollen, plant debris, foraminiferal test linings, and dinoflagellate cysts, that was deposited in a more distal marine environment. All samples were deposited during the end of Middle Eocene (E6-zone), as defined by the age markers of Proxapertites. cursus, P. operculatus, Restioniidites punctulatus, and Podocarpus pollen.

Evaluative skill in the creative process: A cross-cultural study

Evaluative skill is the ability to accurately judge ideas on creativity (or originality), which is a critical component of creativity. Various aspects of creativity have been examined cross-culturally, but little research has focused on evaluative skill. The first goal of this study was to examine the measurement invariance of evaluative skill assessments, which were based on two types of divergent thinking tests (Line Meanings and Uses), between American (n = 341) and Chinese (n = 345) college students. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor model based on two types of evaluation tasks, and this model satisfied configural and weak invariance. However, partial strong invariance was satisfied only for the Uses evaluation task. Based on this evidence, our second goal was to explore the differences in evaluative skill between these two groups. Via latent mean comparisons, we found that American participants had better performance on evaluative skill based on the Uses evaluation task than their Chinese counterparts. Taken together, this study is one of the first to examine the cross-cultural differences in evaluative skill between American and Chinese adults. This study offered preliminary results showing some invariance in evaluative skill assessments across cultures and indicating cross-cultural differences in this ability.

Express test for NT-proBNP competitive detection based on lateral flow immunoassay using silanized fluorescent quantum dots

This paper describes the step-by-step development and the application of a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the detection of the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). NT-proBNP is widely used as a biomarker for diagnosing heart failure and other cardiac dysfunctions, distinguishing patients with heart failure from patients without heart failure, and for risk assessment. CdSe/CdS fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized as immunoassay labels, carefully coated with a silicon dioxide shell with a high fluorescence quantum yield of 51% for silanized QDs, and finally functionalized with carboxy- or epoxy groups. The conjugation pathways of the resulting silanized QDs with antibodies specific to amino acid residues 61-76 in NT-proBNP were optimized. The LFIA uses the principle of competitive detection with the test line containing proBNP precursor molecule as the cover antigen and the control line containing rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulins. All components of the LFIA strip, including membrane type, blocking buffer composition, and QD-antibody conjugate composition, were optimized to reduce nonspecific interaction. The LFIA test was applied to determine NT-proBNP in human plasma. The optimal dilution of plasma for application of the test was found to be 10-fold. Under optimized conditions, the LFIA cut-off level was set as 0.5 ng/mL NT-proBNP in human plasma. The LFIA design ensures that the test line fluorescence disappears at the cut-off concentration.

Expression patterns and prognostic value of key regulators associated with m7G RNA modification based on all gene expression in colon adenocarcinoma

BackgroundN7-methylguanosine (m7G) is present in a wide variety of organisms and has important roles. m7G has been reported to be involved in multiple biological processes, and recent studies have reported that changes in RNA modifications result in tumor cellular transformation and cancer, such as colon adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, little is known about the function of the m7G in colon adenocarcinoma.MethodsWe established two clusters based on the expression of all genes associated with m7G to explore the expression pattern of 31 key regulatory factors of m7G RNA and assess the prognostic value of regulatory factors. Wilcoxon test and differential box line plots were applied for bioinformatics analysis. Receiver Operating and Kaplan‒Meier curves were utilized to evaluate the prognostic value. Finally, four genes' expression in the colon cancer cell line was confirmed by qRT-PCR.ResultsFrom The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found that the expression levels of 25 out of the 31 key N7-methylguanosine RNA modification regulators were significantly different in colon adenocarcinoma. According to 25 methylation regulators’ expression, we identified two subgroups by consensus clustering, in which the prognosis was worse in Group 2 than in Group 1 and was significantly correlated with age. Cluster 2 was significantly enriched in tumor-associated pathways, and immune cells were highly infiltrated in Cluster 1 but weakly infiltrated in Cluster 2. Further results indicated that this risk profile may serve as a standalone predictive factor for colon adenocarcinoma, and the four genetic risk profiles’ prognostic relatedness was successfully verified through Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. At last, A nomogram for prognosis was created according to age, sex, histological grading, clinicopathological staging, and hazard score to accurately predict patient prognosis in colon adenocarcinoma. We successfully validated the differential expression of four genes using qRT-PCR.ConclusionsIn the present study, we revealed the important contribution of key regulators associated with m7G RNA modifications based on all gene expression in colon adenocarcinoma and developed a signature of risk that serves as a promising prognostic marker for patients with colon adenocarcinoma.

LOPINGIAN (LATE PERMIAN) PALYNOMORPHS FROM THE CADEBY FORMATION, CADEBY QUARRY, YORKSHIRE, UK

Seventeen samples from the Cadeby Formation (Lopingian, Permian, EZ1) of Cadeby Quarry near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, yielded organic residues including phytoclasts, cuticle, unstructured tissue and generally well-preserved palynomorphs. The palynomorph assemblages are dominated by taeniate and non-taeniate bisaccate pollen including Klausipollenites schaubergeri, Limitisporites rectus, Lueckisporites virkkiae and Taeniaesporites noviaulensis. The assemblages are generally similar to those from the English Midlands described from Kimberley Railway Cutting and the Haughton Hall Borehole, Nottinghamshire and those from the Marl Slate Formation (lower EZ1) of the Durham Sub-basin at Claxheugh Rock and Crime Rigg Quarry and to the mid EZ1 of the Salterford Farm Borehole and Woolsthorpe Bridge Borehole. The excellent preservation of the assemblages allows the recognition that Dicappipollenites Tiwari & Vijaya 1995 is a junior synonym of Lueckisporites Potonié & Klaus emend. Clarke 1965.
 The presence of rare microphytoplankton and microforaminiferal test linings indicate a neashore marine environment. The clastic (and organic) content of the Cadeby Formation, part of a dominantly carbonate succession, may represent erosion and transport of material from the hinterland reflecting a wetter climatic period, though the alternation of clastic and carbonate sedimentation in the section at Cadeby suggests some wet/dry palaeoclimatic cyclicity.

Bio-SCAN V2: A CRISPR/dCas9-based lateral flow assay for rapid detection of theophylline.

Rapid, specific, and robust diagnostic strategies are needed to develop sensitive biosensors for small molecule detection, which could aid in controlling contamination and disease transmission. Recently, the target-induced collateral activity of Cas nucleases [clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nucleases] was exploited to develop high-throughput diagnostic modules for detecting nucleic acids and small molecules. Here, we have expanded the diagnostic ability of the CRISPR-Cas system by developing Bio-SCAN V2, a ligand-responsive CRISPR-Cas platform for detecting non-nucleic acid small molecule targets. The Bio-SCAN V2 consists of an engineered ligand-responsive sgRNA (ligRNA), biotinylated dead Cas9 (dCas9-biotin), 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-labeled amplicons, and lateral flow assay (LFA) strips. LigRNA interacts with dCas9-biotin only in the presence of sgRNA-specific ligand molecules to make a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). Next, the ligand-induced ribonucleoprotein is exposed to FAM-labeled amplicons for binding, and the presence of the ligand (small molecule) is detected as a visual signal [(dCas9-biotin)-ligRNA-FAM labeled DNA-AuNP complex] at the test line of the lateral flow assay strip. With the Bio-SCAN V2 platform, we are able to detect the model molecule theophylline with a limit of detection (LOD) up to 2μM in a short time, requiring only 15min from sample application to visual readout. Taken together, Bio-SCAN V2 assay provides a rapid, specific, and ultrasensitive detection platform for theophylline.

Fluorophore-encapsulated nanobeads for on-site, rapid, and sensitive lateral flow assay

Since December 2019, the rapid and sensitive detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a priority for public health. Although the lateral flow assay (LFA) sensor has emerged as a rapid and on-site SARS-CoV-2 detection technique, the conventional approach of using gold nanoparticles for the signaling probe had limitations in increasing the sensitivity of the sensor. Herein, our newly suggested methodology to improve the performance of the LFA system could amplify the sensor signal with a facile fabrication method by concentrating fluorescent organic molecules. A large Stokes shift fluorophore (single benzene) was encapsulated into polystyrene nanobeads to enhance the fluorescence intensity of the probe for LFA sensor, which was detected on the test line with a longpass filter under ultraviolet light irradiation. This approach provides comparatively high sensitivity with the limit of detection of 1 ng mL−1 for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and a fast detection process, which takes less than 20 min. Furthermore, our sensor showed higher performance than gold nanoparticle-based commercial rapid diagnostics test kits in clinical tests, proving that this approach is more suitable and reliable for the sensitive and rapid detection of viruses, bacteria, and other hazardous materials.

GEM Project-Derived Maize Lines Crossed with Temperate Elite Tester Lines Make for High-Quality, High-Yielding and Stable Silage Hybrids

Maize silage is fundamental for high milk production in dairy farming. The incorporation of new genetic diversity into temperate maize germplasm has the potential to improve adapted cultivars, and it could be especially useful for improving the nutrition of silage varieties. The goal of this study is to assess the potential for lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project to compete with commercial silage hybrids when crossed with elite temperate-adapted testers. We examined 35 GEM-derived hybrids along with five commercial checks in seven environments across three years in trials that were arranged in randomized complete block designs. Hybrids were compared based on their potential for conversion into animal productivity units: milk yield per hectare (Milk ha−1) and milk yield per ton of silage (Milk t−1). Broad phenotypic variation was observed for both traits, and the broad-sense heritability of Milk ha−1 and Milk t−1 were 0.24 and 0.31, respectively. Five out of six hybrids in the top 15%, based on a multi-trait stability index, were GEM-derived hybrids. The large proportions of phenotypic variance attributed to genotype by environment interactions (GEI) for quality traits suggests that local adaptation should be leveraged for silage breeding that make use of GEM-derived materials.

Motion control and positioning system of multi-sensor tunnel defect inspection robot: from methodology to application

As the mileage of subway is increasing rapidly, there is an urgent need for automatic subway tunnel inspection equipment to ensure the efficiency and frequency of daily tunnel inspection. The subway tunnel environment is complex, it cannot receive GPS and other satellite signals, a variety of positioning sensors cannot be used. Besides, there are random interference, wheel and rail idling and creep. All the above results in poor performance of conventional speed tracking and positioning methods. In this paper, a multi-sensor motion control system is proposed for the subway tunnel inspection robot. At the same time, a trapezoidal speed planning and a speed tracking algorithm based on MPC (Model Predictive Control) are proposed, which simplify longitudinal dynamics model to overcome the complex and variable nonlinear problems in the operation of the maintenance robot. The optimal function of speed, acceleration and jerk constraint is designed to make the tunnel inspection robot achieve efficient and stable speed control in the subway tunnel environment. In this paper, the "INS (inertial navigation system) + Odometer" positioning method is proposed. The difference between the displacement measured by the inertial navigation system and the displacement calculated by the odometer is taken as the measurement value, which reduces the dimension of the conventional algorithm. The closed-loop Kalman filter is used to establish the combined positioning model, and the system error can be corrected in real time with higher accuracy. The algorithms were verified on the test line. The displacement target was set to be 1 km and the limit speed was 60 km/h. The overshooting error of the speed tracking algorithm based on trapezoidal velocity planning and MPC was 0.89%, and the stability error was 0.32%. It improved the accuracy and stability of the speed following, and was much better than the PID speed tracking algorithm. At the speed of 40 km/h, the maximum positioning error of the robot within 2 km is 0.15%, and the average error is 0.08%. It is verified that the multi-sensor fusion positioning algorithm has significantly improved the accuracy compared with the single-odometer positioning algorithm, and can effectively make up for the position error caused by wheel-rail creep and sensor error.

Assessment of Genotype × Environment Interaction and Phenotypic Stability in Single Cross Hybrids Subjected to Drought Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize production and productivity are hampered by global climate change. The primary concern of crop breeders always have been about high and stable yields. The genotype × environment interaction alters the relative grain yield of genotypes in different environments and makes it difficult to select superior genotypes. Therefore the Eberhart and Russell model for genotype × environment interaction analysis was taken up in the present study for the prediction of performances and phenotypic stability of the single cross hybrids synthesized by crossing 15 inbreds with 3 testers in Line × Tester mating design. All the 18 parents, 45 F1s and 3 checks were evaluated for fifteen quantitative and qualitative traits over three different environments viz., optimal environment, drought stress environment at tasseling stage, and drought stress environment at grain filling stage, during spring 2021, in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The ANOVA on the basis of pooled data unraveled significance of mean sum of squares due to genotypes and due to genotype × environment interaction which affirms existence of variability and interplay between genotypes and their environments. Out of 45, 39 hybrids expressed non-significant deviation from regression (S2 di) unveiling their higher predictability over changing environments for grain yield per plant. The hybrid L15×T2 had higher mean value than population mean along with regression coefficient equivalent to unity (bi=1) hence was recognized as highly stable and superior for grain yield per plant, and suitable for cultivation in different kinds of environments. Among other hybrids, L6×T2, L14×T2, L1×T3, L8×T1, L10×T1, L14×T1, L15×T1, L12×T2, L4×T3, L15×T3 were noted stable in performance over the environments for flowering traits. While L10×T2, L2×T2, L15×T2, L11×T1, L3×T2 and L5×T2 were recognized stable in performance for higher yield and its component traits over the environments.

Development of a thermochromic lateral flow assay to improve sensitivity for dengue virus serotype 2 NS1 detection.

Dengue disease is a viral infection that has been widespread in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, South Asia and South America. A worldwide effort has been made over a few decades to halt the spread of the disease and reduce fatalities. Lateral flow assay (LFA), a paper-based technology, is used for dengue virus detection and identification because of its simplicity, low cost and fast response. However, the sensitivity of LFA is relatively low and is usually insufficient to meet the minimum requirement for early detection. In this study, we developed a colorimetric thermal sensing LFA format for the detection of dengue virus NS1 using recombinant dengue virus serotype 2 NS1 protein (DENV2-NS1) as a model antigen. Plasmonic gold nanoparticles, including gold nanospheres (AuNSPs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs), and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), namely iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZFNPs), were studied for their thermal properties for sensing assays. AuNSPs with 12 nm diameter were chosen due to their great photothermal effect against light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In the thermal sensing assay, a thermochromic sheet is used as a temperature sensor transforming heat into a visible colour. In the typical LFA, the test line is visible at 6.25 ng mL-1 while our thermal sensing LFA offers a visual signal that can be observed at as low as 1.56 ng mL-1. The colorimetric thermal sensing LFA is capable of reducing the limit of detection (LOD) of DENV2-NS1 by 4 times compared to the typical visual readout. The colorimetric thermal sensing LFA can enhance the sensitivity of detection and deliver visuality to the user to translate without the need for an infrared (IR) camera. It has the potential to expand the utilities of LFA and satisfy early diagnostic applications.

Predicting eider predation potentials on mussels in Danish coastal areas—implications for mussel farming site-selection

Selecting optimal locations for mussel farming is vital for the optimization of production yield and for the minimization of environmental impact. Although predation by sea ducks may induce large stock losses and hence severe economic loss for mussel farmers, predation potential is rarely included in site-selection tools. In this paper we present a GIS-based spatial model predicting the potential of eider predation on blue mussel farms in Danish coastal waters. The model incorporates national survey data on eiders, as well as knowledge of eider behavior and habitat preferences, and was calibrated with predated/non-predated observations of eiders from 9 experimental mussel farms or test lines in Danish coastal waters. Except for 1 case study area, our model successfully confirmed a higher predation potential at test sites where predation had been observed. Our resulting predation potential map revealed potentials ranging from very low in inner parts of narrow estuaries to very high in more open coastal areas. Integration of the predation map into an existing site-selection tool showed that areas optimal for mussel growth were also associated with the highest modelled predation potential. Nonetheless, it was possible to identify areas having a very low potential of predation and only a 10% lower mussel production potential. These results underpin the potential for reducing production loss and increasing income by including predation potential in site-selection tools. In addition, the eider predation model can be used to identify and subsequently protect key foraging areas to support eider conservation.

A Similar-Sounding Surnames Sequel: Haplogroup R-FT70038

Historical and Y-DNA analysis suggests that men with Branan and similar-sounding surnames of haplogroup R-BY140757 originated from the de Braham of Norman origin, who settled in Suffolk after the Norman conquest of England. Over the centuries, these de Braham took on important roles in English and Irish governance, military, and judiciaries. And in Ireland, the Norman surname took on, as was not uncommon, a Gaelic sound and written appearance, i.e., Branan and similar. Descendants of Irish colonial settlers in Virginia with Branan-sounding surnames (Branham, Brannan, Brannon, etc.), who belong to the sub-haplogroup R-BY140757>FT70038, have been identified as the progeny of two notable eighteenth-century colonial North American settlers – Caron Brannon and Kenyon Branan. This article identifies genealogical lines with known or hypothesized connections to Caron and Kenyon. Caron Brannon’s will indicates he had four sons, three of whom have direct male descendants documented and one documented to have died without children. Additionally, there are birth records for a fifth son, the eldest, who finds no mention in Caron’s will. Paper genealogy shows Kenyon Branan had one son with certainty, but three other lines are widely speculated to descend from him. This project identified and recruited descendants from Caron’s and Kenyon’s lines for DNA testing. Y-DNA results for descendants of two well-documented sons of Caron Brannon form sub-haplogroups, R-FTC4333 and R-FT101136. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that Caron Brannon is the patriarch of R-FT70038. However, a striking new sub-haplogroup to R-FT70038, dubbed R-Y10443, was discovered matching two of the three lines previously thought to descend from Kenyon. The eldest son of Caron is shown as a possible father to Kenyon or as the patriarch of R-Y10443, but he cannot be both. This new insight suggests strongly that the patriarch of R-FT70038 was one to three generations prior to Caron Brannon and that Kenyon Branan plays a minor role in the lineages of the haplogroup. The number of potential R-FT70038 haplotree options is now clearly defined. A combined analytical assessment of Y-SNP, Y-STR, and autosomal results reinforces the well-documented genealogies, debunks the speculative ones, and reveals new connections and chronologies that no single previous approach provided. Statistical modeling of the combined DNA data prefers the Haplotree with R-Y10433 descending directly from the patriarch and Kenyon Branan descending directly from Caron Brannon through his eldest son John.

Convolutional Neural Network for Accurate Analysis of Methamphetamine with Upconversion Lateral Flow Biosensor.

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug, the abuse of which threatens human health and social stability. Rapid and accurate quantification of methamphetamine is essential to inhibit the abuse and prevalence of methamphetamine effectively. In this paper, we present a portable fluorescence reader with upconverting nanoparticle-labeled lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for rapid and accurate quantification of methamphetamine. Based on specific binding of a methamphetamine antigen to an antibody in the LFIA, the fluorescence reader is designed to capture and record the fluorescence intensities T and C of the test and control lines, respectively, and the T/C ratio is calculated to determine the concentration of methamphetamine. The linear range for methamphetamine is 0.1-100 ng/mL. Because the sensor is often susceptible to noise interference, using only the T/C ratio to distinguish weakly positive and negative samples of methamphetamine renders the results inaccurate. To solve this problem, we applied a convolutional neural network (CNN) to learn image features of different methamphetamine concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 ng/mL) for accurate detection of weakly positive and negative samples. The results show that the proposed method can effectively detect weakly positive and negative samples of methamphetamine with an accuracy of up to 92%. The CNN provides a novel scheme for accurate analysis of weakly positive and negative samples in upconverting nanoparticle-labeled LFIA.

Development of a lateral flow device for rapid simultaneous multiple detections of some common bacterial causes of bovine mastitis.

This work was conducted for the development of a 5-combi lateral flow immunochromatographic kit (LFK) for rapid and simultaneous identification of the common bacterial causes of bovine mastitis. The following pathogens are the identification targets of this kit: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus pyogenes in milk samples from suspected bovine mastitis cases. The conventional microbiological identification of these agents is not only time-consuming and requires a fully equipped laboratory but also requires experienced personnel. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) specific to the antigenic components of the selected pathogens were prepared, and the pathogen-specific IgG was separated, purified, and conjugated with nanogold that was laid on the conjugate pad. Guinea pig PAbs specific to the microbial antigens of the selected pathogens were prepared, and their IgG content was separated, purified, and used as a capture antibody in the test (T) line on the nitrocellulose (NC) strips. Goat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies were used to capture the rabbit antibodies in the control (C) line of NC strips. The kit was held in a device comprising five strip-holding channels for the above-mentioned five bacterial species antigens. The developed LFK was evaluated, and its sensitivity and specificity were determined. The developed kits were applied for the examination of bovine milk samples from suspected mastitis cases, and the average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 5-combi LFK for the detection of the five selected bacterial species compared to bacteriological examination (gold standard test) were 93.90%, 80.83%, and 90.53%, respectively. The minimal microbial count that gave positive results using the developed LFK was 103 colony forming unit/ml. Treatment of the milk samples with an application buffer and its pre-incubation in trypticase soy broth for 6 h at 37°C before testing significantly increased the sensitivity of the prepared LFK. The developed kit proved simple and convenient, and the results could be obtained in less than 10 min.

The Dutch SCAN Geothermal Exploration Programme — The first three years of 2D seismic acquisition and (re)processing

To achieve the Dutch policy objective to significantly reduce carbon emissions, a shift from fossil fuels towards renewable energy resources is required. In the Netherlands, geothermal energy is a proven renewable energy resource, but currently only with a limited number of operating installations. A limiting factor to the broader development of geothermal projects is the fact that the subsurface data in the Netherlands is not well distributed; seismic and well data coverage is poor in roughly half of the country, including major residential and industrial areas with high heat demand. Improving the data coverage in these areas would increase the benefit-risk ratio of geothermal projects. The key objective of the Dutch SCAN Geothermal Exploration Programme is to collect subsurface data in areas of relative low data coverage to improve the understanding of the subsurface and to reduce geological uncertainties for the development of geothermal projects. This article discusses the seismic phase of the SCAN programme, which started with the acquisition of a 2D seismic test line to define the optimum acquisition parameters for a regional 2D seismic survey, the acquisition and processing of 1761 km of newly acquired data and a large reprocessing effort comprising close to 7500 km of vintage 2D seismic data.

차량용 크래쉬패드 스티치 불량 검출을 위한 실시간 머신비전 검사 방법

In response to the market’s need for luxurious automobile interiors, automotive parts makers are developing various types of crash pads to give drivers a sense of emotional luxury. In particular, a low-cost and high-quality crash pad manufacturing technology is being developed for mid- to low-priced vehicles, namely, the IMG-S (In Mold Grain-pre Stitch) technology. High defect rate of stitching is a critical problem during the manufacture of crash pad using the IMG-S technology. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a method of real-time machine vision inspection of stitches on the automotive crash pad. This paper presents the real-time machine vision inspection system configuration, proposes stitch and reference line detection methods, and method for calculating the distance between stitches and the reference line. According to the distance between the stitch and the reference line, the status of the stitch was judged as normal, warning, or erroneous, and the final result was displayed on the user interface. The applicability of the proposed real-time machine vision inspection method was verified by stitching the test line.

Estimation of Vitamin D Levels Using a Chairside Diagnostic Test Kit in Patients with Gingivitis and Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the periodontium that is instigated by microbial biofilms developed on the teeth. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the vitamin D status of gingivitis and periodontitis patients while maintaining a healthy group as the control using simple low-cost chairside pre-coated with 25-OH Vitamin D antigen rapid test kits. From outpatients visiting the college's periodontics clinics, a total of 101 patients were screened. The study sample includes 38 patients in the periodontitis group, 32 in the gingivitis group, and 31 in the healthy group. A middle-digit needle was used to collect blood samples, which were put into a test cassette with membrane that had been coated with 25-OH Vitamin D antigen on the test line area of the strip. Vitamin D Quick Test (Natejah) Semi-quantitatively detects 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) in human finger-stick complete blood at a cutoff convergence of 30 ± 4 ng/mL. Vitamin D blood levels below 80 nmol/L are considered to have deficient vitamin 25(OH)D levels. Clinical parameters between healthy, gingivitis, and different stages of periodontitis subjects were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison. Fisher's exact test was done to compare vitamin D levels in the three groups. Fisher's exact test revealed that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of subjects with stages 4 and stage 3 periodontitis who lacked vitamin D levels (less than 80 nmol/L). Whereas least deficient in Vit D were noticed among Healthy and Gingivitis subjects. When compared to healthy individuals, gingivitis, and various stages of periodontitis had significantly higher mean PI values in a Tukey's multiple comparison. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be 27.5% in subjects with gingivitis and 71.5% in subjects with periodontitis. Periodontitis is associated with vitamin D deficiency, in contrast to gingivitis and healthy subjects. The severity of periodontitis was likewise linked to the amount of vitamin D in the individual's blood. When compared to expensive, time-consuming, and laborious laboratory methods, the findings of this study suggest that a simple inexpensive chairside pre-coated with 25-OH Vitamin D antigen rapid test kits can be considered a viable alternative for determining vitamin D levels.

Dried blood spots are a valid alternative to venipuncture for COVID-19 antibody testing

BackgroundSerologic analysis is an important tool towards assessing the humoral response to COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Numerous serologic tests and platforms are currently available to support this line of testing. Two broad antibody testing categories are point-of-care lateral flow immunoassays and semi-quantitative immunoassays performed in clinical laboratories, which typically require blood collected from a finger-stick and a standard venipuncture blood draw, respectively. This study evaluated the use of dried blood spot (DBS) collections as a sample source for COVID-19 antibody testing using an automated clinical laboratory test system. MethodsTwo hundred and ninety-four participants in the BLAST COVID-19 seroprevalence study (NCT04349202) were recruited at the time of a scheduled blood draw to have an additional sample taken via finger stick as a DBS collection. Using the EUROIMMUN assay to assess SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG status, DBS specimens were tested on 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post- collection and compared to the reference serum sample obtained from a blood draw for the BLAST COVID-19 study. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG status from DBS collections demonstrated high concordance with serum across all time points (7–28 days). However, the semi-quantitative value from DBS collections was lower on average than that from serum, resulting in increased uncertainty around the equivocal-to-positive analytical decision point. ConclusionsDBS collections can be substituted for venipuncture when assaying for COVID-19 IgG antibody, with samples being stable for at least 28 days at room temperature. Finger-stick sampling can therefore be advantageous for testing large populations for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies without the need for phlebotomists or immediate processing of samples. We have high confidence in serostaus determination from DBS collections, although the reduced semi-quantitative value may cause some low-level positives to fall into the equivocal or even negative range.

Change in Contrast Sensitivity among Patients with Diabetic Mellitus Type II

Introduction: Eye being one of the target organs of diabetes mellitus has many pathological consequences, one possibly being contrast sensitivity. Contrast sensitivity is required for daily activities like in situations of low light, fog or driving at night. The study was conducted to find out contrast sensitivity among diabetic
 Methodology: A hospital based descriptive cross- sectional study of contrast sensitivity was conducted among type II diabetics with or without retinopathy at Kathmandu Medical College from April to December 2018. Patient demographics and comprehensive clinical examinations findings were recorded in a specially designed proforma. Convenience sampling was done and informed consent was taken.
 Leas symbol low contrast test 10M was used for contrast sensitivity testing. The contrast levels of the test lines on the five pages are 25%, 10%, 5%. 2.5%and 1.2%. Data was analyzed in excel and SPSS (version21). Results were expressed in frequency, percentage and mean as required. Association of contrast sensitivity with age, gender, duration of diabetes, blood sugar level and diabetic retinopathy was tested using chi square test.
 Results: Among the 45 study population, female to male ratio was 1:2. Age ranged from 25 to 76 years with maximum patients in the age group 51-60 years. Blood sugar was controlled in 33.33%. Contrast sensitivity was decreased in 40%. Among the patients with decreased contrast sensitivity, blood sugar was uncontrolled in 66.67%. Similarly, 72.2% of participants with decreased contrast sensitivity had no diabetic retinopathy. The association of contrast sensitivity with age of the patient, gender, duration of diabetes mellitus, blood sugar level and diabetic retinopathy was not statistically significant with p values 0.34, 0.52, 0.07, 1 and 0.89 respectively. 
 Conclusion: Contrast sensitivity can be decreased among patients with type II diabetes mellitus irrespective of gender, age of the patient, duration of diabetes, control of blood sugar and presence or absence of diabetic retinopathy.