bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE USE OF THE SPAIRE TECHNIQUE IN CASES OF CEMENTED HEMIARTHROPLASTY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DISPLACED INTRACAPSULAR NECK OF FEMUR FRACTURES: A PAIR-MATCHED CONTROL STUDY VERSUS A DIRECT LATERAL APPROACH
Authors: O'Sullivan David , Davey Martin , Woods Robert , Kenny Paddy , Doyle Fintan , Gheiti Adrian Cassar
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare clinical, radiological and mortality outcomes of patients who underwent cemented hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced neck of femur fractures using a SPAIRE technique when compared to a pair-matched control cohort who underwent the same procedure using the direct lateral approach.

A retrospective review of patients who underwent cemented hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced neck of femur fractures by a single surgeon using a SPAIRE technique over a two-year period between July 2019 and July 2021 was performed. These were subsequently pair matched in a 5:1 ratio for age, gender, ASA grade and residential status with a control group who underwent cemented hip hemiarthroplasty by 4 other surgeons using a direct lateral approach

The study included a total of 240 patients (40 and 200 pairmatched to SPAIRE and control groups respectively), with a mean age of 81.0 ± 8.2 years (63–99) and a mean follow-up of 12 ± 3 months (3–30). Overall, there was no significant difference in any of the radiological or mortality outcome scores assessed between the SPAIRE and control groups (p > 0.05 for all). There was a significantly lower number of patients in the SPAIRE group who dropped a level of mobility from their pre-injury baseline at 30-days post-operatively (8.1% versus 31.6%; p = 0.003). However, this appeared to have resolved at 120-day follow-up with no significant differences between the groups in terms of those acquiring a new baseline mobility at 120-days post-operatively (2.7% versus 13.2%, p = 0.09).

In cases of cemented hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures, the SPAIRE technique appears to offer patients an earlier return to levels of baseline pre-injury mobility when compared to a direct lateral approach.
Design Of Resistivity Meter Data Storage System Based On Arduino Mega 2560 Laboratory Scale Measurement Results
Authors: Setiawan Dewa Gede Eka
Published: May 2024

A resistivity meter can find out resistivity depth of rock structure, sediment layer, or the depth of water surface. However, the resistivity meter that is often used requires manually recording of the measurement results before inputting them into the processing data software, and this creates many steps in the geoelectric survey. This is because acquiring a resistivity meter with a data storage system entails additional costs, due to its expensive price. Consequently, many of the resistivity meters currently found in laboratories or used in the field are not equipped with a data storage system. This research aims to design a resistivity meter with a data storage system for measurement results, based on Arduino Mega 2560, for laboratory scale. The used sensors were INA219 currents sensor and voltage sensor. In addition, the tests were carried out to determine the level of accuracy of each sensor and testing for data storage system of measurement result. This research employed Schlumberger configuration in the development of resistivity meter. This research has successfully developed a resistivity meter device with a current sensor accuracy level of 97.28% using the INA219 sensor, and a voltage sensor accuracy level of 97.44%. It is noteworthy that the accuracy level is high, and the device is capable of performing readings effectively. This research has successfully designed a resistivity meter which has a measurement data storage.
Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Quasi Harmonic Approximation (QHA) on Isotope effect of Methane Absorbed on Ag(111) Surface
Authors: Putra Septia Eka Marsha , Andirasdini Indah Gumala
Published: May 2024

We investigated the isotope effect of methane (CH4) on Ag(111) using van der Waals density functional and the quasi-harmonic approximation.In this study, we combined two methods to investigate the nuclear quantum effect in methane adsorption on an Ag(111) surface. We obtained that the adsorption potential energies of CD4on fcc Ag(111) surfaces are shallower than those of CH4, whereas the equilibrium distances from the surface are larger.The similiar finding also observed in our previous study, however, Ag(111) gives smaller energies.It is found that the similar softening of the C-H bond pointing toward the surface is the cause of the isotope effect. This softening leading to lowering the vibrational frequency and large zero-point energy difference between CH4and CD4.

 
Optimizing the Composition of Basalt and Heat Treatment of Fly Ash-Based Mullite Ceramics Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Rajagukguk Tumpal Ojahan , Ansori Anang , Ardiyansyah Ferdy - , Hendronursito Yusup
Published: May 2024

The development of industrial activities has an impact on the increase in waste produced, and fly ash, aluminum dross, and basalt dust are no exception. This research studies the potential of these three materials as ceramic materials. Basalt dust from East Lampung was used as filler. The effect on the physical and mechanical properties of mullite (3Al2O3-2SiO2) ceramics was studied. The manufacture of mullite ceramics based on Taguchi design includes fly ash compositions of 40%, 50%, and 60% and basalt content of 0%, 5%, and 10%. sintering temperatures of 600°C, 900°C, and 1,200°C. Taguchi and Anova were used to determine the effect of independent variables on hardness and density. In addition, macro and microphoto tests were carried out to determine the physical and topographic changes of mullite ceramics. Chemical composition tests with X-ray fluorescence were carried out on raw materials and ceramics that have been formed. Changes in the crystal phase in mullite ceramics were studied through the X-ray diffragment test. XRF test results obtained for raw fly ash (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3): 84.84 wt%. The composition of raw basalt is predominantly 48.42% SiO2, 18.82% Al2O3, 12.60% Fe2O3, and raw aluminum dross with 67.821% Al2O3 content. The mullite ceramic specimen consists of 38.24–45.30% SiO2, 34.72–48.73% Al2O3, 6.3–9.99% Fe2O3, and 2.31–5.31% CaO. The crystal phases formed are mullite, pyroxene, and diopside. Analysis of variance shows that hardness is significantly affected by sintering temperature, with a P-value of 0.013 and a contribution of 93.77%. This modeling is acceptable with an error value of 1.26%, or R-sq: 98.74%. The addition of basalt increases the density of mullite ceramics, with a P-value of 0.033 and a contribution of 96.05%. The addition of basalt as a filler is not able to increase the hardness significantly, but it affects the higher ceramic density value. However, the formation of mullite is interesting to study further as a refractory material
Mad about the “Boys”? Desire, Revulsion, and (Mis)Recognition in Varro’s Eumenides
Authors: Mowat Chris
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT: In the surviving literature of the Roman Republic, the galli are near-universal objects of repulsion, with their gender presentation being constantly derided. The fragments of Varro’s Eumenides , however, offer an opportunity to consider repulsion alongside desire and how the two are often closer than we think. I begin this essay by contextualizing the galli within Roman society and broader trans history; I then employ a trans narratological reading to consider how the narrator attempts to construct different positive images of the galli and how they in turn refuse his categorizations regardless. As the genre of this text is satire, we might initially understand the galli as targets of mockery for Varro; however, the fragmentation of the text, alongside the narrator’s consciously unstable viewpoint, allow this group the opportunity to step outside of the conventional depiction of them, and even construct themselves beyond the normative bounds expected of them, by the narrator or the audience. Reading the galli through a lens of desire allows us to recognize the multiplicity of emotional responses that they would have elicited in the Roman world and expand our understanding beyond the reductive image usually presented by their authors. As well as opening up new lines of conversation around the galli themselves, this essay also offers a broader opportunity to consider how trans experiences can be narrated, even at the expense of the narrator, the author, or their own wider society.
Site(s), Sight(s), and Memory: The Anxiety of Morrison’s Influence on bell hooks
Authors: Woodson Hue
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This article considers bell hooks’ thought both in terms of sites of memory and sights of memory, respectively interested in the past and the future, or in antecedence and in posterity, and the extent that both impose meaning on and meaningfulness to black womanhood. What influences hooks’ approach to these sites of memory, as well as these sights of memory, is how she conceptualizes black womanhood, which is initiated by and sustained in the anxiety of Toni Morrison’s influences on hooks, through hooks’ earliest childhood encounters with reading Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Sula .
Performance analysis of a liquid lens for laser ablation using OCT imaging
Authors: Zhang Chunqi , Tang Xu , Yang Mingxuan , Zhao Han , Sun Dong
Published: May 2024

Laser ablation has been used in different surgical procedures to perform precise treatments. Compared with previous free-beam laser delivery systems, flexible-optical-fiber-based systems can deliver laser energy to a curved space, avoiding the requirement of a straight working path to the target. However, the fiber tip maintains direct contact with the tissue to prevent laser divergence, resulting in fiber damage, uneven ablation, and tissue carbonization. Here, a liquid lens is used to address the problem of laser defocusing when radiating targets at different depths for flexible-optical-fiber-based systems. The liquid lens focuses a laser with a maximum power of 3 W onto a medium-density fiberboard at a focal length of 40–180 mm. The relationships between the ablation crater diameter and depth with the radiation time and laser power have been quantitatively evaluated through OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging. Experiments demonstrate that the liquid lens can continuously focus the high-power laser to different depths, with the advantages of compact size, fast response, light weight, and easy operation. This study explores liquid-lens-based focused laser ablation, which can potentially improve the performance of future medical image-guided laser ablation.
Exact Maxwell evolution equation of resonator dynamics: temporal coupled-mode theory revisited
Authors: Wu Tong , Lalanne Philippe
Published: May 2024

Despite its widespread significance, the temporal coupled-mode theory (CMT) lacks a foundational validation based on electromagnetic principles and stands as a phenomenological theory relying on fitted coupling coefficients. We employ an ab initio Maxwellian approach using quasinormal-mode theory to derive an “exact” Maxwell evolution (EME) equation for resonator dynamics. While the resulting differential equation bears resemblance to the classical one, it introduces novel terms embodying distinct physics, suggesting that the CMT predictions could be faulted by dedicated experiments, for instance carried out with short and off-resonance pulses, or with resonators of sizes comparable to or greater than the wavelength. Nonetheless, our examination indicates that, despite its inherent lack of strictness, the CMT enables precise predictions for numerous experiments due to the flexibility provided by the fitted coupling coefficients. The new EME equation is anticipated to be applicable to all electromagnetic resonator geometries, and the theoretical approach we have taken can be extended to other wave physics.
Polarization evolution on higher and hybrid-order Poincaré spheres with coaxial polarization holograms
Authors: Ye Tian , Wang Jinyu , Fan Rongquan , Qi Peiliang , Liu Jie , Zheng Shujun , Yang Yi , Huang Zhiyun , Lin Xiao , Tan Xiaodi
Published: May 2024

Based on the tensor polarization holography theory, we propose a simple and convenient method in the recording material, phenanthrenequinone-doped polymethylmethacrylate, to generate beams on higher and hybrid-order Poincaré spheres, and realize their polarization evolution on the spheres by combining the recorded phase with the Pancharatnam–Berry phase. By simultaneously adjusting the polarization azimuth angle and relative phase of the recorded waves, independent phase-shifts can be imparted onto two orthogonal circular polarization states in reconstruction process of polarization holography. The beams on basic Poincaré sphere are transformed into that on arbitrary higher or hybrid-order Poincaré spheres. We get the Poincaré spheres’ type and polarization distribution of the reconstructed wave by interferometry and polarizer, and the results match well with the theoretical predictions.
Identifying high-order plasmon modes in silver nanoparticle-over-mirror configuration
Authors: Huang Zhengchao , Lin Xiang , Lu Zhengyi , Du Rongguang , Tang Jibo , Zhou Li , Zhang Shunping
Published: May 2024

Metallic nanoparticle-over-mirror (NPOM) represents as a versatile plasmonic configuration for surface enhanced spectroscopy, sensing and light-emitting metasurfaces. However, experimentally identifying the high-order localized surface plasmon modes in NPOM, especially for the best plasmonic material silver, is often hindered by the small scattering cross-section of high-order plasmon modes and the poor reproducibility of the spectra across different NPOMs, resulted from the polyhedral morphology of the colloidal nanoparticles or the rough surface of deposited polycrystalline metals. In this study, we identify the high-order localized surface plasmon modes in silver NPOM by using differential reflection spectroscopy. We achieved reproducible single-particle absorption spectra by constructing uniform NPOM consisting of silver nanospheres, single-crystallized silver microplates, and a self-assembled monolayer of 1,10-decanedithiol. For comparison, silver NPOM created from typical polycrystalline films exhibits significant spectral fluctuations, even when employing template stripping methods to minimize the film roughness. Identifying high-order plasmon modes in the NPOM configuration offers a pathway to construct high-quality plasmonic substrates for applications such as colloidal metasurface, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, or infrared absorption.
Mobile fronthaul solution based on visible light fiber communication and zero-padding 8-D CAP modulation
Authors: Lin Xianhao , Xu Zengyi , Luo Zhiteng , Zhou Yingjun , Zhang Junwen , Shen Chao , Chi Nan
Published: May 2024

With the deployment of the fifth-generation (5 G) emerging technologies, such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO), conventional mobile fronthaul (FH) schemes based on Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) are limited in their abilities to support ultra-high data rate, large bandwidth and massive connectivity. This has led to a growing demand for alternative solutions that can better fulfill these requirements. Visible light communication (VLC) has recently gained increasing research interest as a potential complementary technology for beyond-5 G communication, offering advantages such as unlicensed and abundant spectrum, high bandwidth and cost-efficiency. In this paper, we propose a novel mobile fronthaul solution based on visible light fiber communication (VLFC), incorporating innovative zero-padding N-D (N>2) carrierless amplitude and phase (CAP) modulation. To avoid strong low-frequency noise (LFN) in the practical VLFC system, we innovatively propose zero-padding N-D CAP based on the actual distribution of LFN for the first time. In contrast to frequency division multiplexing (FDM), N-D CAP eliminates guard bands and ensures similar performance among multiple channels. To prove the concept, we demonstrate the transmission of PAM8 symbols at three typical visible light wavelengths (R/G/B) over 100 m multi-mode fiber (MMF) using zero-padding 8-D CAP modulation. The experiment verifies that zero-padding significantly enhances communication performance, with all 8 channels achieving similar BER. Communication performance improves as wavelengths are longer due to attenuation and dispersion caused by MMF. Finally, we have achieved a total data rate of 10.8Gbps at 635 nm (red), 9.0Gbps at 520 nm (green), and 7.5Gbps at 488 nm (blue) under the 7% HD-FEC threshold.
Detector size selection for long-range targeting performance in the extended shortwave infrared band
Authors: Wiley Lindsey , Beheathland Adam , Follansbee Joshua , Voss Jeff , Pimpinella Rich , Driggers Ronald
Published: May 2024

Interest in the eSWIR band is growing due to focal plane array technology advancements with mercury cadmium telluride and type-II superlattice materials. As design and fabrication processes improve, eSWIR detector size, weight, and power can now be optimized. For some applications, it is desirable to have a smaller detector size. Reduced solar illumination in the 2 to 2.5 μm spectral range creates a fundamental limit to passive imaging performance in the eSWIR band where the resolution benefit of small detectors cannot out-compete the reduced SNR in photon-starved environments. This research explores the underlying theory using signal-to-noise ratio radiometry and modeled target discrimination performance to assess the optimal detector size for eSWIR dependent upon illumination conditions. Finally, we model continuous-wave laser illumination in the eSWIR band to compare the effect of detector size on active and passive imaging for long-range object discrimination.
Sub2Full: split spectrum to boost optical coherence tomography despeckling without clean data
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Sahel Jose A , Pi Shaohua
Published: May 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) suffers from speckle noise, causing the deterioration of image quality, especially in high-resolution modalities such as visible light OCT (vis-OCT). Here, we proposed an innovative self-supervised strategy called Sub2Full (S2F) for OCT despeckling without clean data. This approach works by acquiring two repeated B-scans, splitting the spectrum of the first repeat as a low-resolution input, and utilizing the full spectrum of the second repeat as the high-resolution target. The proposed method was validated on vis-OCT retinal images visualizing sublaminar structures in the outer retina and demonstrated superior performance over state-of-the-art Noise2Noise (N2N) and Noise2Void (N2V) schemes.
Performance of the neural network-based prediction model in closed-loop adaptive optics
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Licheng , Yuan Qiang , Ge Xinlan , Gao Zeyu , Wang Shuai , Yang Ping
Published: May 2024

Adaptive optics (AO) technology is an effective means to compensate for atmospheric turbulence, but the inherent delay error of an AO system will cause the compensation phase of the deformable mirror (DM) to lag behind the actual distortion, which limits the correction performance of the AO technology. Therefore, the feed-forward prediction of atmospheric turbulence has important research value and application significance to offset the inherent time delay and improve the correction bandwidth of the AO system. However, most prediction algorithms are limited to an open-loop system, and the deployment and the application in the actual AO system are rarely reported, so its correction performance improvement has not been verified in practice. We report, to our knowledge, the first successful test of a deep learning-based spatiotemporal prediction model in an actual 3 km laser atmospheric transport AO system and compare it with the traditional closed-loop control methods, demonstrating that the AO system with the prediction model has higher correction performance.
Generic Color Correction for Tone Mapping Operators in High Dynamic Range Imaging
Authors: Mehmood Imran , Khan Muhammad Usman , Luo Ming
Published: May 2024

One of the significant challenges in tone mapping is to preserve the perceptual quality of the tone mapped images. Traditional tone mapping operators (TMOs) compress the luminance of high dynamic range (HDR) images with little to no consideration of image color information resulting into suboptimal colors. Existing color management algorithms require either manual parameter tuning or introduce lightness and hue shifts. Current study aimed to develop a color correction model in plausible agreement with the psychophysical phenomenon of color appearance perception for optimal color reproduction of tone mapped images. The proposed model leverages CIECAM16 perceptual correlates i.e., lightness, chroma and hue. It is color adaptive and entirely automatic, while preserving the lightness of the tone mapped image and maintaining the hue from the HDR image. Moreover, it does not require any gamut mapping correction algorithm in natural color reproduction. The effectiveness of the model was validated using objective and subjective methods. The experiments revealed that the model achieved optimal color reproduction in terms of naturalness of the colors.
The quality and complexity of pairwise maximum entropy models for large cortical populations
Authors: Olsen Valdemar Kargård , Whitlock Jonathan R. , Roudi Yasser
Published: May 2024

We investigate the ability of the pairwise maximum entropy (PME) model to describe the spiking activity of large populations of neurons recorded from the visual, auditory, motor, and somatosensory cortices. To quantify this performance, we use (1) Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergences, (2) the extent to which the pairwise model predicts third-order correlations, and (3) its ability to predict the probability that multiple neurons are simultaneously active. We compare these with the performance of a model with independent neurons and study the relationship between the different performance measures, while varying the population size, mean firing rate of the chosen population, and the bin size used for binarizing the data. We confirm the previously reported excellent performance of the PME model for small population sizes N < 20. But we also find that larger mean firing rates and bin sizes generally decreases performance. The performance for larger populations were generally not as good. For large populations, pairwise models may be good in terms of predicting third-order correlations and the probability of multiple neurons being active, but still significantly worse than small populations in terms of their improvement over the independent model in KL-divergence. We show that these results are independent of the cortical area and of whether approximate methods or Boltzmann learning are used for inferring the pairwise couplings. We compared the scaling of the inferred couplings with N and find it to be well explained by the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick (SK) model, whose strong coupling regime shows a complex phase with many metastable states. We find that, up to the maximum population size studied here, the fitted PME model remains outside its complex phase. However, the standard deviation of the couplings compared to their mean increases, and the model gets closer to the boundary of the complex phase as the population size grows.
Providing optimal care in the neonatal care units in India: How Covid-19 exacerbated existing barriers
Authors: Messersmith Lisa , Kolhe Cherryl , Ladha Alyana , Das Prabir , Rao Sowmya R. , Mohammady Marym , Conant Emily , Bose Rejesh , Ramanathan Nithya , Patel Archana , Hibberd Patricia L.
Published: May 2024

Nearly one quarter (600,000) of all neonatal deaths worldwide per year occur in India. To reduce neonatal mortality, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established neonatal care units, including neonatal intensive care units and specialized neonatal care units to provide immediate care at birth, resuscitation for asphyxiation, postnatal care, follow up for high-risk newborns, immunization, and referral for additional or complex healthcare services. Despite these efforts, neonatal mortality remains high, and measures taken to reduce mortality have been severely challenged by multiple problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this qualitative study, we conducted seven focus group discussions with newborn care unit nurses and pediatric residents and 35 key informant interviews with pediatricians, residents, nurses, annual equipment maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers, and Ministry personnel in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra between December 2019 and November 2020. The goal of the study was to understand barriers and facilitators to providing optimal care to neonates, including the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 exacerbated existing barriers to providing optimal care to neonates in these newborn care units. As a result of Covid-19, we found the units were even more short-staffed than usual, with trained pediatric nurses and essential equipment diverted from newborn care to attend to patients with Covid-19. Regular training of neonatal nursing staff was also disrupted due to Covid-19, leaving many staff without the skills to provide optimate care to neonates. Infection control was also exacerbated by Covid-19. This study highlights the barriers to providing optimal care for neonates were made even more challenging during Covid-19 because of the diversion of critically important neonatal equipment and staff trained to use that equipment to Covid-19 wards. The barriers at the individual, facility, and systems levels will remain challenging as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.
Egg consumption and bone mass density among the elderly: A scoping review
Authors: Olagunju Mobolaji T. , Abodunrin Olunike R. , Omotoso Ifeoluwa O. , Adewole Ifeoluwa E. , Ola Oluwabukola M. , Abel Chukwuemeka , Akinsolu Folahanmi T.
Published: May 2024

Eggs offer a range of essential nutrients that could support skeletal health as individuals age. Maintaining bone density is crucial for reducing the risk of fractures and improving overall mobility and quality of life in later years. Understanding the potential benefits of habitual egg consumption on bone mass density among older people is essential, given that the natural decline in bone mass density occurs with age. This area of research has not garnered sufficient attention basically because of the mixed reactions and conflicting reports about the safety of egg consumption especially among the older adults. This scoping review aims to systematically examine the existing literature to map the evidence regarding the association between habitual egg consumption and bone mass density in older adults’ individuals. The scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. Five electronic databases were searched for published pieces of literature. While high egg intake has been linked to increased mortality and dyslipidemia, eggs contain compounds like Ovo transferrin and carotenoids that may benefit bone health. As aging increases vulnerability to bone fragility and fractures, it’s crucial to provide comprehensive dietary recommendations. The complex relationship between egg consumption, cholesterol, and health highlights the need for nuanced assessment. Overall, eggs present a potentially valuable dietary component for promoting bone health in aging populations. Limited research on the link between egg consumption and bone mass density in older adults highlights the need for further investigation. Concerns about cholesterol have overshadowed potential benefits. Given aging populations and bone health challenges, exploring eggs’ role in preventing falls and fractures is essential for a proactive approach to older adults’ well-being.
Glycemic control during TB treatment among Filipinos: The Starting Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment Cohort Study
Authors: Oliveira Hashiguchi Lauren , Ferrer Julius Patrick , Suzuki Shuichi , Faguer Benjamin N. , Solon Juan Antonio , Castro Mary Christine , Ariyoshi Koya , Cox Sharon E. , Edwards Tansy
Published: May 2024

Poor TB treatment outcomes are observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity and glycemic control throughout treatment may play a role. The objective of this study was to investigate glycemic control longitudinally among Filipino adults undergoing TB treatment using mixed-effects linear and logistic regression. Analyses were conducted in 188 DM-TB patients out of 901 enrolled in the Starting Anti-TB Treatment (St-ATT) cohort, with a median baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 8.2% (range 4.5–13.3%). Previous versus new DM diagnosis was associated with higher mean HbA1c (worse glycemic control) during treatment, with a smaller effect amongst those with central obesity (coefficient 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26, 1.57,P= 0.043) than amongst those without central obesity (coefficient 3.48, 95% CI 2.16, 4.80,P<0.001). In those with a new DM diagnosis, central obesity was associated with higher blood glucose (coefficient 1.62, 95% CI 0.72, 2.53, P = 0.009). Of 177 participants with ≥2 HbA1c results, 40% had uncontrolled glycemia (≥2 HbA1c results ≥8%). Of 165 participants with ≥3 HbA1c results, 29.9% had consistently-controlled glycemia, 15.3% had initially-uncontrolled glycemia, and 18.6% had consistently-uncontrolled glycemia. Previous versus new DM diagnosis and glucose-lowering medication use versus no use were associated with having uncontrolled versus controlled glycemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.50 95%CI 1.61, 6.05, P = 0.042; aOR 4.78 95% CI 1.61,14.23, P<0.001) and more likely to have consistently-uncontrolled versus consistently-controlled glycemia (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 5.14 95% CI 1.37, 19.20, P = 0.015; aRRR 10.24 95% CI 0.07, 0.95, P = 0.003). Relapse cases of TB were less likely than new cases to have uncontrolled (aOR 0.20 95%CI 0.06, 0.63, P = 0.031) or consistently-uncontrolled (aRRR 0.25 95%CI 0.07, 0.95, P = 0.042) versus controlled glycemia. Those with long-term DM, suggested by previous diagnosis, glucose-lowering medication use and possibly central obesity, may require additional support to manage blood glucose during TB treatment.
The role of traditional Chinese medicine on fracture surgery, hospitalization, and total mortality risks in diabetic patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Liu Yi-Chen , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Lin Chien-Jung , Su Sheng-Chiang , Kuo Feng-Chih , Liu Jhih-Syuan , Li Peng-Fei , Huang Chia-Luen , Ho Li-Ju , Chang Chun-Yung , Lin Ming-Shiun , Lin Chih-Ping , Cheng An-Che , Lee Chien-Hsing , Hsieh Chang-Hsun , Hung Yi-Jen , Liu Hsin-Ya , Lu Chieh-Hua , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: May 2024

Background

Studies have confirmed that osteoporosis has been considered as one of the complications of diabetes, and the health hazards to patients are more obvious. This study is mainly based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (TNHID). Through the analysis of TNHID, it is shown that the combined treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medicine in patients of diabetes with osteoporosis (T2DOP) with lower related risks.

Methods

According to the study design, 3131 patients selected from TNHID who received TCM treatment were matched by 1-fold propensity score according to gender, age, and inclusion date as the control group. Cox proportional hazards analyzes were performed to compare fracture surgery, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality during a mean follow-up from 2000 to 2015.

Results

A total of 1055/1469/715 subjects (16.85%/23.46%/11.42%) had fracture surgery/inpatient/all-cause mortality of which 433/624/318 (13.83%/19.93%/10.16%) were in the TCM group) and 622/845/397 (19.87%/26.99%/12.68%) in the control group. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that subjects in the TCM group had lower rates of fracture surgery, inpatient and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.467; 95% CI = 0.225–0.680, P<0.001; adjusted HR = 0.556; 95% CI = 0.330–0.751, P<0.001; adjusted HR = 0.704; 95% CI = 0.476–0.923, P = 0.012). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of fracture surgery, inpatient and all-cause mortality was significantly different between the case and control groups (all log-rank p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides longitudinal evidence through a cohort study of the value of integrated TCM for T2DOP. More research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of these results.
Analysis the molecular similarity of least common amino acid sites in ACE2 receptor to predict the potential susceptible species for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hu YeZhi , Villalan Arivizhivendhan Kannan , Fan Xin , Zhang Shuang , Joka Fekede Regassa , Wu XiaoDong , Wang HaoNing , Wang XiaoLong
Published: May 2024

SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals have been reported globally. However, the understanding of the complete spectrum of animals susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 remains limited. The virus’s dynamic nature and its potential to infect a wide range of animals are crucial considerations for a One Health approach that integrates both human and animal health. This study introduces a bioinformatic approach to predict potential susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in both domestic and wild animals. By examining genomic sequencing, we establish phylogenetic relationships between the virus and its potential hosts. We focus on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence and specific regions of the host species’ ACE2 receptor. We analyzed and compared ACE2 receptor sequences from 29 species known to be infected, selecting 10 least common amino acid sites (LCAS) from key binding domains based on similarity patterns. Our analysis included 49 species across primates, carnivores, rodents, and artiodactyls, revealing complete consistency in the LCAS and identifying them as potentially susceptible. We employed the LCAS similarity pattern to predict the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection in unexamined species. This method serves as a valuable screening tool for assessing infection risks in domestic and wild animals, aiding in the prevention of disease outbreaks.
OpenCell: A low-cost, open-source, 3-in-1 device for DNA extraction
Authors: Gupta Aryan , Yu Justin , Challita Elio J. , Standeven Janet , Bhamla M. Saad
Published: May 2024

High-cost DNA extraction procedures pose significant challenges for budget-constrained laboratories. To address this, we introduce OpenCell, an economical, open-source, 3-in-1 laboratory device that combines the functionalities of a bead homogenizer, a microcentrifuge, and a vortex mixer. OpenCell utilizes modular attachments that magnetically connect to a central rotating brushless motor. This motor couples to an epicyclic gearing mechanism, enabling efficient bead homogenization, vortex mixing, and centrifugation within one compact unit. OpenCell’s design incorporates multiple redundant safety features, ensuring both the device’s and operator’s safety. Additional features such as RPM measurement, programmable timers, battery operation, and optional speed control make OpenCell a reliable and reproducible laboratory instrument. In our study, OpenCell successfully isolated DNA from Spinacia oleracea (spinach), with an average yield of 2.3 μg and an A260/A280 ratio of 1.77, demonstrating its effectiveness for downstream applications such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. With its compact size (20 cm x 28 cm x 6.7 cm) and lightweight design (0.8 kg), comparable to the size and weight of a laptop, OpenCell is portable, making it an attractive component of a ‘lab-in-a-backpack’ for resource-constrained environments in low-and-middle-income countries and synthetic biology in remote field stations. Leveraging the accessibility of 3D printing and off-the-shelf components, OpenCell can be manufactured and assembled at a low unit cost of less than $50, providing an affordable alternative to expensive laboratory equipment costing over $4000. OpenCell aims to overcome the barriers to entry in synthetic biology research and contribute to the growing collection of frugal and open hardware.
A versatilely high fidelity electric machines emulator for rapid testing of motor controller
Authors: Guo Yifeng , Huang Limin , Zhang Min , He Min , Zhong Bin , Fan Dakun
Published: May 2024

Electric machines emulators (EMEs) based on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), which effectively act as emulators to mimic the actual motor behavior of Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) machines. EME is frequently used to evaluate motor controller and motor control methodologies prior to development. The inverse magnetization motor model, which is used as the basis for real-time simulation in this paper’s proposal for an electric machine emulator system based on HIL, uses FEA to create the motor model data. The nonlinear features of the motor may be successfully replicated with this motor model, and the accuracy of the electric machine emulator can be enhanced by using a straightforward and trustworthy motor controller. The real-time simulation tool typhoon HIL is used in the study to develop a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform for an IPM electric machines emulator.
Sports participation in childhood and adolescence and physical activity intensity in adulthood
Authors: Batista Mariana Biagi , de Freitas Mileny Caroline Menezes , Romanzini Catiana Leila Possamai , Barbosa Cynthia Correa Lopes , Shigaki Gabriela Blasquez , Fernandes Rômulo Araújo , Romanzini Marcelo , Ronque Enio Ricardo Vaz
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between sports participation in childhood and adolescence and the practice of physical activity at different intensities in adulthood, and to verify if some sports participation characteristics such as number of sports; type of sport (individual, collective or a combination of both) and total estimated sports participation time are associated with the different physical activity intensities in adulthood.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study.

Methods

This study included 129 young adults of both sexes aged 18–25 years. Sports participation in childhood (7–10 years) and adolescence (11–17 years) was retrospectively estimated through specific questionnaire. Light, moderate, vigorous and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity was objectively estimated by accelerometers. To verify the association between SP in childhood and adolescence and BP intensities in adults, multiple linear regression was adopted, with 5% significance.

Results

Analyses showed that, in females, sports participation in childhood (β = 0.315; R2 = 0.14; P = 0.020) and persistence in sports participation (β = 0.364; R2 = 0.18; P = 0.007) were positive predictors of vigorous physical activity in adulthood. In addition, the comparison according to the specificities of the sport practice, indicated that participation in two or more sports in childhood, one sport and collective sports in adolescence and at least one year of sports participation throughout childhood and adolescence were associated with longer time in vigorous physical activity intensity and MVPA (minutes/day) in adult females (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

It could be concluded that sports participation indicators in childhood and adolescence were considered predictors of vigorous physical activity in adult females. In addition, number of sports, type of sport and practice time in childhood and adolescence seem to predict vigorous and moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity for adult females.
Differences in tourism economic development and its influencing factors among three major city clusters along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Li Xiangqiang , Huang Ying , Wang Yingying
Published: May 2024

An in-depth study of the mechanisms governing the generation, evolution, and regulation of differences in tourism economics holds significant value for the rational utilization of tourism resources and the promotion of synergistic tourism economic development. This study utilizes mathematical statistical analysis and GIS spatial analysis to construct a single indicator measure and a comprehensive indicator measure to analyze tourism-related data in the research area from 2004 to 2019. The main factors influencing the spatial and temporal differences in the tourism economy are analyzed using two methods, namely, multiple linear regression and geodetector. The temporal evolution, overall differences and differences within each city group fluctuate downwards, while the differences between groups fluctuate upwards. Domestic tourism economic differences contribute to over 90% of the overall tourism economic differences. Spatial divergence, the proportion of the tourism economy accounted for by spatial differences is obvious, the comprehensive level of the tourism economy can be divided into five levels. The dominant factors in the formation of the pattern of spatial and temporal differences in the tourism economy are the conditions of tourism resources based on class-A tourist attractions and the level of tourism industry and services based on star hotels and travel agencies. This study addresses the regional imbalance of tourism economic development in city clusters and with the intent of promoting balanced and high-quality development of regional tourism economies.
Short communication: Lifetime musical activity and resting-state functional connectivity in cognitive networks
Authors: Liebscher Maxie , Dell’Orco Andrea , Doll-Lee Johanna , Buerger Katharina , Dechent Peter , Ewers Michael , Fliessbach Klaus , Glanz Wenzel , Hetzer Stefan , Janowitz Daniel , Kilimann Ingo , Laske Christoph , Lüsebrink Falk , Munk Matthias , Perneczky Robert , Peters Oliver , Preis Lukas , Priller Josef , Rauchmann Boris , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Roy-Kluth Nina , Scheffler Klaus , Schneider Anja , Schott Björn H. , Spottke Annika , Spruth Eike , Teipel Stefan , Wiltfang Jens , Jessen Frank , Düzel Emrah , Wagner Michael , Röske Sandra , Wirth Miranka ,   On behalf of DELCODE study group
Published: May 2024

Background

Participation in multimodal leisure activities, such as playing a musical instrument, may be protective against brain aging and dementia in older adults (OA). Potential neuroprotective correlates underlying musical activity remain unclear.

Objective

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between lifetime musical activity and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in three higher-order brain networks: the Default Mode, Fronto-Parietal, and Salience networks.

Methods

We assessed 130 cognitively unimpaired participants (≥ 60 years) from the baseline cohort of the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE) study. Lifetime musical activity was operationalized by the self-reported participation in musical instrument playing across early, middle, and late life stages using the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ). Participants who reported musical activity during all life stages (n = 65) were compared to controls who were matched on demographic and reserve characteristics (including education, intelligence, socioeconomic status, self-reported physical activity, age, and sex) and never played a musical instrument (n = 65) in local (seed-to-voxel) and global (within-network and between-network) RSFC patterns using pre-specified network seeds.

Results

Older participants with lifetime musical activity showed significantly higher local RSFC between the medial prefrontal cortex (Default Mode Network seed) and temporal as well as frontal regions, namely the right temporal pole and the right precentral gyrus extending into the superior frontal gyrus, compared to matched controls. There were no significant group differences in global RSFC within or between the three networks.

Conclusion

We show that playing a musical instrument during life relates to higher RSFC of the medial prefrontal cortex with distant brain regions involved in higher-order cognitive and motor processes. Preserved or enhanced functional connectivity could potentially contribute to better brain health and resilience in OA with a history in musical activity.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00007966, 04/05/2015).
Poly(A)-binding protein promotes VPg-dependent translation of potyvirus through enhanced binding of phosphorylated eIFiso4F and eIFiso4F∙eIF4B
Authors: Khan Mateen A. , Yumak Sumeyra , Miyoshi Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

The phosphorylation of eukaryotic translational initiation factors has been shown to play a significant role in controlling the synthesis of protein. Viral infection, environmental stress, and growth circumstances cause phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of plant initiation factors. Our findings indicate that casein kinase 2 can phosphorylate recombinant wheat eIFiso4E and eIFiso4G generated from E. coli in vitro. For wheat eIFiso4E, Ser-207 was found to be the in vitro phosphorylation site. eIFiso4E lacks an amino acid that can be phosphorylated at the position corresponding to Ser-209, the phosphorylation site in mammalian eIF4E, yet phosphorylation of eIFiso4E has effects on VPg binding affinity that are similar to those of phosphorylation of mammalian eIF4E. The addition of VPg and phosphorylated eIFiso4F to depleted wheat germ extract (WGE) leads to enhancement of translation of both uncapped and capped viral mRNA. The addition of PABP together with eIFiso4Fp and eIF4B to depleted WGE increases both uncapped and capped mRNA translation. However, it exhibits a translational advantage specifically for uncapped mRNA, implying that the phosphorylation of eIFiso4F hinders cap binding while promoting VPg binding, thereby facilitating uncapped translation. These findings indicate TEV virus mediates VPg-dependent translation by engaging a mechanism entailing phosphorylated eIFiso4Fp and PABP. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these observed effects, we studied the impact of PABP and/or eIF4B on the binding of VPg with eIFiso4Fp. The inclusion of PABP and eIF4B with eIFiso4Fp resulted in about 2-fold increase in affinity for VPg (Kd = 24 ± 1.7 nM), as compared to the affinity of eIFiso4Fp alone (Kd = 41.0 ± 3.1 nM). The interactions between VPg and eIFiso4Fp were determined to be both enthalpically and entropically favorable, with the enthalpic contribution accounting for 76–97% of the ΔG at 25°C, indicating a substantial role of hydrogen bonding in enhancing the stability of the complex. The binding of PABP to eIFiso4Fp·4B resulted in a conformational alteration, leading to a significant enhancement in the binding affinity to VPg. These observations suggest PABP enhances the affinity between eIFiso4Fp and VPg, leading to an overall conformational change that provides a stable platform for efficient viral translation.