bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tanshinone IIA enhances the ovarian reserve and attenuates ovarian oxidative stress in aged mice
Authors: Bai Lin , He Guozhen , Gao Chenghai , Yang Hua , Li Mingxing , Huang Yulin , Moussa Mahmoud , Xu Changlong
Published: April 2022

Background

Tanshinone IIA (TSA), a major lipophilic component extracted from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been widely used in China for its various biological activities. However, its effect on ovarian reserve in aged mice was not studied elsewhere.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the effect of TSA on the ovarian reserve of aged mice as well as young mice. Forty weeks old mice (N = 40) were considered as aged group compared to 4 weeks old mice (N = 40), and these groups were subdivided into four subgroups (N = 10) to receive different doses of TSA (0, 10, 20, and 40 μg/g/day).

Methods

The effect of TSA was evaluated by counting follicular number by histological examination. Basal serum levels of FSH, LH, E2, and anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) were measured by ELISA. Moreover, the expression levels of antioxidant genes (CAT, Nrf2, GPX1), gap junction (Cx37), ERK1/2, and Smad5 family gene were examined at both mRNA (qPCR) and protein levels (western blot).

Results

Follicular number, level of AMH and E2, and the expression of CAT, Nrf2, and GPX1 genes increased significantly (p < 0.05) in aged mice administrated with medium (20 μg/g/day) and high (40 μg/g/day) doses of TSA, whereas FSH and LH levels were significantly low compared to low dose (10 μg/g/day) and control (0 μg/g/day) aged subgroups. However, we did not observe any effect of all doses of TSA on young mice.

Conclusions

Administration of TSA with medium and high doses up‐regulates the expression of antioxidative genes, reduces the oxidative injury, increases levels of AMH, and E2 levels that are relatively comparable to those in young mice, and consequently results in a healthy oocyte development.
Integration of Crop Growth Models and Genomic Prediction
Authors: Onogi Akio
Published: April 2022

Crop growth models (CGMs) consist of multiple equations that represent physiological processes of plants and simulate crop growth dynamically given environmental inputs. Because parameters of CGMs are often genotype-specific, gene effects can be related to environmental inputs through CGMs. Thus, CGMs are attractive tools for predicting genotype by environment (G×E) interactions. This chapter reviews CGMs, genetic analyses using these models, and the status of studies that integrate genomic prediction with CGMs. Examples of CGM analyses are also provided.
Building a Calibration Set for Genomic Prediction, Characteristics to Be Considered, and Optimization Approaches
Authors: Rio Simon , Charcosset Alain , Mary-Huard Tristan , Moreau Laurence , Rincent Renaud
Published: April 2022

The efficiency of genomic selection strongly depends on the prediction accuracy of the genetic merit of candidates. Numerous papers have shown that the composition of the calibration set is a key contributor to prediction accuracy. A poorly defined calibration set can result in low accuracies, whereas an optimized one can considerably increase accuracy compared to random sampling, for a same size. Alternatively, optimizing the calibration set can be a way of decreasing the costs of phenotyping by enabling similar levels of accuracy compared to random sampling but with fewer phenotypic units. We present here the different factors that have to be considered when designing a calibration set, and review the different criteria proposed in the literature. We classified these criteria into two groups: model-free criteria based on relatedness, and criteria derived from the linear mixed model. We introduce criteria targeting specific prediction objectives including the prediction of highly diverse panels, biparental families, or hybrids. We also review different ways of updating the calibration set, and different procedures for optimizing phenotyping experimental designs.
EnKF for an Advection Equation
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

This chapter discusses a straightforward application of the EnKF with a linear advection equation. The example illustrates the smooth spatial update that the EnKF provides and how information propagates with the flow. Furthermore, we will see how the EnKF provides consistent error statistics.
Particle Filter for Seismic-Cycle Estimation
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

The particle filter is an effective data-assimilation method for low-dimensional, nonlinear systems. It is easy to implement, and it is straightforward to include model error, parameters, and controls in the state vector. This chapter demonstrates the use of a particle filter in the case of a parameter bias.
Problem Formulation
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

This chapter introduces the model-state- and parameter estimation problem from basic principles starting with Bayes’ theorem. We define the general problem formulation and introduce the concept of Bayes’ theorem solved recursively over a sequence of assimilation time windows.
Particle Flow for a Quasi-Geostrophic Model
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

This chapter discusses the application of a particle-flow filter to a two-layer quasi-geostrophic model. The reasons for including this example are twofold. First, it shows that it is possible to apply fully nonlinear data assimilation to high-dimensional systems, even without localization.
EnRML for History Matching Petroleum Models
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

In this chapter, we present an application of an iterative ensemble smoother for a history-matching case with a reservoir simulator. The application is realistic and represents an actual oil reservoir with production data.
ESMDA with a SARS-COV-2 Pandemic Model
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

In parallel with the global SARS-COV-2 pandemic, several data-assimilation practitioners have implemented systems to predict pandemic development. Common for several of these studies is an approach of recursive updating of the model’s state variables using EnKFs or even particle filters.
Final Summary
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

This final chapter provides a general summary and discussion of the data-assimilation problem that will help the reader to choose a suitable assimilation method given the problem at hand, the application’s purpose, and the available time and resources. As the reader will notice, the classification below follows to a large extent the graphical representation of all the methods in Fig. 10.1007/978-3-030-96709-3_11#Fig1 from bottom to top.
Low-Rank Ensemble Methods
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

This chapter will introduce another approximation where we represent all state error covariances using a finite ensemble of the state. This approximation allows us to search for the solution in the ensemble subspace, leading to very efficient ensemble data-assimilation methods.
The Borderless Market for Open, Distance, and Digital Education
Authors: Borgos Jill , Kinser Kevin , Kline Lindsey
Published: April 2022

This chapter highlights the historical, current, and emerging trends on the borderless market for ODDE. The rate of growth of the global market for ODDE is unprecedented. Both the public and private sectors are capitalizing on the seemingly limitless opportunities to expand educational offerings and the innovative delivery of ODDE. In the twentieth century, there is evidence of distance education using media formats such as television and delivery of course material through correspondence programs. With the development of the computer and internet, the depth and scope of the ODDE market in the twenty-first century is changing every day. As venture capitalists seek new financially lucrative opportunities and alternative learning formats open doors for those who otherwise may not have had access to learning opportunities, questions and concerns remain. The digital divide (access and inequality), quality assurance, regulation, privacy, and security remain central to areas of concern in the ODDE marketplace. Despite these concerns, across all educational sectors, the forging of partnerships within and across borders is enabling reskilling and upskilling of the labor force and advancing the conservation on how to improve transparency and protect vulnerable populations of current and future learners.
On the connectivity of the non-generating graph
Authors: Lucchini Andrea , Nemmi Daniele
Published: April 2022

Given a 2-generated finite group G, the non-generating graph of G has as vertices the elements of G and two vertices are adjacent if and only if they are distinct and do not generate G. We consider the graph $$\Sigma (G)$$

Σ
(
G
)

obtained from the non-generating graph of G by deleting the universal vertices. We prove that if the derived subgroup of G is not nilpotent, then this graph is connected, with diameter at most 5. Moreover, we give a complete classification of the finite groups G such that $$\Sigma (G)$$

Σ
(
G
)

is disconnected.
uPARAP/Endo180: a multifaceted protein of mesenchymal cells
Authors: Gucciardo Fabrice , Pirson Sébastien , Baudin Louis , Lebeau Alizée , Noël Agnès
Published: April 2022

The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP/Endo180) is already known to be a key collagen receptor involved in collagen internalization and degradation in mesenchymal cells and some macrophages. It is one of the four members of the mannose receptor family along with a macrophage mannose receptor (MMR), a phospholipase lipase receptor (PLA2R), and a dendritic receptor (DEC-205). As a clathrin-dependent endocytic receptor for collagen or large collagen fragments as well as through its association with urokinase (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), uPARAP/Endo180 takes part in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, cell chemotaxis and migration under physiological (tissue homeostasis and repair) and pathological (fibrosis, cancer) conditions. Recent advances that have shown an expanded contribution of this multifunctional protein across a broader range of biological processes, including vascular biology and innate immunity, are summarized in this paper. It has previously been demonstrated that uPARAP/Endo180 assists in lymphangiogenesis through its capacity to regulate the heterodimerization of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3). Moreover, recent findings have demonstrated that it is also involved in the clearance of collectins and the regulation of the immune system, something which is currently being studied as a biomarker and a therapeutic target in a number of cancers.
Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and their co-occurrence in a large population of adolescents: a Young HUNT 3 study
Authors: Broekhof Rosalie , Nordahl Hans M. , Bjørnelv Sigrid , Selvik Sara G.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Studies of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) undertaken at the time of adolescence in the general population are not common. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of the individual ACEs and sub-types of ACEs in a large population of adolescents.

Methods

Data were used from the Young Nord-Trøndelag Health (Young HUNT 3) study, a population-based study of young adolescents. ACEs were operational defined as sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse; physical and/or emotional neglect; and/or household dysfunction. Co-occurrence was measured as the accumulation of ACEs and as an overlap analysis.

Results

Of the 8199 evaluable adolescents, 65.8% had experienced at least one ACE and 28% of those had experienced more than one ACE. Household dysfunction was the most prevalent ACE subtype. The biggest overlaps among the three ACE sub-types were seen in those reporting neglect or abuse.

Conclusion

There was a high degree of overlap between the three ACE sub-types and the individual ACEs, indicating that ACEs should be assessed together as a whole rather than separately. This study provides an opportunity to assess ACEs and their co-occurrences in relation to outcomes later in life.
Development of a customised 3D printer as a potential tool for direct printing of patient-specific facial prosthesis
Authors: Fay Cormac D. , Jeiranikhameneh Ali , Sayyar Sepidar , Talebian Sepehr , Nagle Alex , Cheng Kai , Fleming Sophie , Mukherjee Payal , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: April 2022

This study demonstrates a cost-effective portable fabrication system for 3D printing complex structures from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Material development and characterisation allowed for the design and production of a 3D printer that is capable of fabricating PDMS structures using a photo-initiator and a LED curing process. A 3D model of a participant’s ear was captured using a handheld scanner. These data were used to directly 3D print an ear. Micro-extrusion direct deposition of PDMS at room temperature is demonstrated via a custom designed 3D printer, with in situ UV cross-linking to facilitate curing of the PDMS during the 3D printing process. This 3D printer has great potential to be used as a fast and facile fabrication approach to create facial and other prosthesis. Future developments will also focus on other application areas such as microfluidics, flexible electronics, and other biomedical applications.
Phase II trial demonstrates the efficacy and safety of individualized, dosimetry-based 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment of NET patients
Authors: Sundlöv Anna , Gleisner Katarina Sjögreen , Tennvall Jan , Ljungberg Michael , Warfvinge Carl Fredrik , Holgersson Kajsa , Hallqvist Andreas , Bernhardt Peter , Svensson Johanna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE is well established for patients with advanced somatostatin receptor–positive neuroendocrine tumors with a standard schedule of 7.4 GBq at four occasions. However, this approach does not consider individual variability affecting the tumor radiation dose or dose to organs at risk. Therefore, it is important to assess more personalized strategies. The aim of this phase II trial was to evaluate individualized 177Lu-DOTATATE for which the number of cycles varied based on renal dosimetry.

Methods

Patients were eligible if they had a progressive, somatostatin receptor–positive neuroendocrine tumor with a Ki 67 labeling index < 20%. They received cycles of 7.4 GBq of 177Lu-DOTATATE at 10 ± 2-week intervals until a predefined radiation dose to the kidneys was reached. The primary endpoint was objective tumor response (RECIST v 1.1). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity (CTCAE v. 4.0).

Results

Ninety-six patients who had received a median of 5 cycles (range 1–9) were evaluable for efficacy. The objective tumor response was 16% partial response, 66% stable disease, and 19% progressive disease. The median PFS and OS were 29 months and 47 months, respectively, and were significantly associated with kidney dose, performance status, and Ki 67 levels but not with tumor origin. The overall toxicity was mild, and the most common events were grade 1–2 anemia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Grade 3–4 toxicity occurred in < 10% of patients and was mostly hematological, with no grade 3–4 renal toxicity.

Conclusion

Individualized treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE based on renal dosimetry is clearly feasible with low toxicity and promising efficacy, showing the potential to further improve outcome beyond the standard approach, and should be further assessed in randomized trials.

Trial registration

EudraCT 2011–000,240-16. NCT01456078. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01456078
Large-scale biogeographic patterns are reflected in the genetic structure of a broadcast spawning stony coral
Authors: van der Ven R. M. , Ratsimbazafy H. A. , Kochzius M.
Published: April 2022

Countries in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and along the Red Sea are particularly vulnerable to coral reef degradation, and understanding the degree of connectivity among coral reefs is a first step toward efficient conservation. The aim of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity patterns of the broadcast spawning coral Acropora tenuis, first at a large scale comparing the Red Sea and the WIO, and second at a smaller scale comparing sites within the WIO. In total 689 individual A. tenuis colonies were sampled on 28 locations in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar and analysed with seven microsatellite markers. The sample site in the Red Sea was found to be differentiated from all other sites in the WIO, which confirms the hypothesised genetic break. High differentiation was found between the African mainland and Madagascar and within Madagascar. However, there is evidence for long-distance larval dispersal for A. tenuis in the North Mozambique Channel region, with exchange between northern Mozambique and northern Madagascar. The sites in the southwest of Madagascar show mixing with sites in northern Madagascar, as well as exchange with sites in northern Mozambique and Tanzania. Southern Mozambique forms a separate group in Bayesian clustering. High genetic connectivity was found for most sites along the East African mainland coast, with no indication for strict genetic barriers. These results support biophysical modelling studies, which propose Tanzania as a seeding source of larvae for downstream Kenya. These patterns of high genetic connectivity combined with contemporary dispersal barriers can be explained by the long larval duration of A. tenuis and the prevailing northbound East African Coast Current that facilitates higher genetic connectivity along the northern East African Coast, while eddies in the Mozambique Channel are causing larval retention in southern Mozambique and Madagascar.
Long-term sick leave for back pain, exposure to physical workload and psychosocial factors at work, and risk of disability and early-age retirement among aged Swedish workers
Authors: d’Errico Angelo , Falkstedt Daniel , Almroth Melody , Badarin Kathryn , Hemmingsson Tomas , Kjellberg Katarina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To assess the risk of disability and early-age retirement associated with previous long-term sickness absence for back pain (back-pain SA), exposure to high physical workload, low job control, high demands and high strain, and to evaluate effect modification by work factors on the relationship between back-pain SA and premature retirement.

Methods

All employed Swedish residents born 1946–1955 (n = 835,956) were followed up from 2010 to 2016 for disability (DP) and early-age pension (EAP). Associations of premature retirement with exposure to work factors and back-pain SA in the 3 years before follow-up were estimated through proportional hazards models. Retirement, back-pain SA and covariates were assessed through administrative sources, and exposure to work factors through a job-exposure matrix.

Results

In both genders, back-pain SA was associated with DP (> 1 episode: HR 3.23 among men; HR 3.12 among women) and EAP (> 1 episode: HR 1.24 among men; HR 1.18 among women). Higher physical workload and lower job control were also associated with an increased DP risk in both genders, whereas higher job demands showed a decreased risk. For EAP, associations with work factors were weak and inconsistent across genders. No effect modification by work factors was found, except for a negative effect modification by job strain on DP risk among women, i.e. a reduced effect of back-pain SA with increasing exposure.

Conclusion

Back-pain SA was a significant predictor of both DP and EAP, while work factors were consistently associated only with DP. Our results indicate that the joint effect of back-pain SA and work factors on DP is additive and does not support effect modification by work factors.
The parietal lobe evolution and the emergence of material culture in the human genus
Authors: Bruner Emiliano , Battaglia-Mayer Alexandra , Caminiti Roberto
Published: April 2022

Traditional and new disciplines converge in suggesting that the parietal lobe underwent a considerable expansion during human evolution. Through the study of endocasts and shape analysis,paleoneurologyhas shown an increased globularity of the braincase and bulging of the parietal region in modern humans, as compared to other human species, including Neandertals. Cortical complexity increased in both the superior and inferior parietal lobules. Emerging fields bridging archaeology and neuroscience supply further evidence of the involvement of the parietal cortex in human-specific behaviors related to visuospatial capacity, technological integration, self-awareness, numerosity, mathematical reasoning and language. Here, we complement these inferences on the parietal lobe evolution, with results from more classical neuroscience disciplines, such as behavioral neurophysiology, functional neuroimaging, and brain lesions; and apply these to define the neural substrates and the role of the parietal lobes in the emergence of functions at the core of material culture, such as tool-making, tool use and constructional abilities.
Impact of metabolic indices of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography on post transplantation recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bauschke Astrid , Altendorf-Hofmann Annelore , Brückner Lukas , Drescher Robert , Freesmeyer Martin , Settmacher Utz
Published: April 2022

Background

Tumor recurrence is the leading cause of death after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. There is an ongoing debate as to whether metabolic indices such as tumor to liver standardized uptake value ratio in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography of the primary tumor can identify patients outside the Milan criteria with as low recurrence rates as patients inside Milan and thus should be added to the established prognostic factors.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzes 103 consecutive patients who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography before liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma using data of clinical tumor registry. Primary endpoints were overall survival and 10-year cumulative recurrence rates.

Results

Tumor to liver standardized uptake value ratio of the primary tumor was statistically significant higher in Milan out tumors, “up-to-seven” out tumors, grade 3 tumors, α- fetoprotein level >400 ng/ml and lesions > 5cm in diameter. Factors with statistically significant influence on the 10- year overall survival in the univariate analysis were Milan, up-to-seven” criteria, number of lesions and pT-category. COX regression analysis did not show independently statistically significant factors for 10-year overall survival. Milan, “up-to-seven” criteria, grade, pV, number of lesions, size of lesion, pT-category, tumor to liver standardized uptake value ratio influenced 10-year cumulative recurrence rates statistically significant. Tumor to liver standardized uptake value ratio, grade and pT-category proved to be independently statistically significant factors for 10-year cumulative recurrence rates.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that tumor to liver standardized uptake value standardized uptake value ratio in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography is an independent prognostic factor in transplanted patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. If we focus on preoperative findings, such as tumor size, tumor number and AFP value adding the information given by TLR of 18F-FDG PET/CT allows to estimate the risk of tumor recurrence more accurate than the established classifications Milan and UTS. Therefore, it may add valuable information to other preoperative findings, such as tumor size, tumor number and AFP level.
Genome-wide identification of quantitative trait loci for morpho-agronomic and yield-related traits in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) across multi-environments
Authors: Liu Tianpeng , He Jihong , Dong Kongjun , Wang Xuewen , Zhang Lei , Ren Ruiyu , Huang Sha , Sun Xiaoting , Pan Wanxiang , Wang Wenwen , Yang Peng , Yang Tianyu , Zhang Zhengsheng
Published: April 2022

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is an ideal model of genetic system for functional genomics of the Panicoideae crop. Identification of QTL responsible for morpho-agronomic and yield-related traits facilitates dissection of genetic control and breeding in cereal crops. Here, based on a Yugu1 × Longgu7 RIL population and genome-wide resequencing data, an updated linkage map harboring 2297 bin and 74 SSR markers was constructed, spanning 1315.1 cM with an average distance of 0.56 cM between adjacent markers. A total of 221 QTL for 17 morpho-agronomic and yield-related traits explaining 5.5 ~ 36% of phenotypic variation were identified across multi-environments. Of these, 109 QTL were detected in two to nine environments, including the most stable qLMS6.1 harboring a promising candidate geneSeita.6G250500, of which 70 were repeatedly identified in different trials in the same geographic location, suggesting that foxtail millet has more identical genetic modules under the similar ecological environment. One hundred-thirty QTL with overlapping intervals formed 22 QTL clusters. Furthermore, six superior recombinant inbred lines, RIL35, RIL48, RIL77, RIL80, RIL115 and RIL125 with transgressive inheritance and enrichment of favorable alleles in plant height, tiller, panicle morphology and yield related-traits were screened by hierarchical cluster. These identified QTL, QTL clusters and superior lines lay ground for further gene-trait association studies and breeding practice in foxtail millet.
Säntis lightning research facility: a summary of the first ten years and future outlook
Authors: Rachidi Farhad , Rubinstein Marcos
Published: April 2022

The Säntis Tower was instrumented in May 2010 to measure currents of lightning discharges striking the structure. Since then, the system has been recurrently updated and expanded. Presently, data associated with lightning striking the tower are collected at six different sites. The facility is equipped with a current measurement system, three electric field stations, an electrostatic field mill, two x‑ray sensors, a high-speed camera, and four slow cameras. This paper presents the latest measurement configuration at the facility. Other temporarily loaned instruments are also briefly described. Furthermore, examples of some of the data that have been gathered and analyzed are given, and an outlook as well as future plans for the facility are presented.
The effect of zinc supplementation on glucose homeostasis: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Attia John R. , Holliday Elizabeth , Weaver Natasha , Peel Roseanne , Fleming Kerry C. , Hure Alexis , Wiggers John , McEvoy Mark , Searles Andrew , Reeves Penny , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Jayawardena Ranil , Samman Samir , Luu Judy , Rissel Chris , Acharya Shamasunder
Published: April 2022

Aims

The burden and health costs of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus continue to increase globally and prevention strategies in at-risk people need to be explored. Previous work, in both animal models and humans, supports the role of zinc in improving glucose homeostasis. We, therefore, aimed to test the effectiveness of zinc supplementation on glycaemic control in pre-diabetic adults.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial across 10 General Practitioner (GP) practices in NSW, Australia. The trial is known as Zinc in Preventing the Progression of pre-Diabetes (ZIPPeD)Study. Pre-diabetic (haemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] 5.7–6.4%, 39–46 mmol/mol) men and women (N = 98) were all assigned to a free state government telephone health coaching service (New South Wales Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service) and then randomised to either daily 30 mg zinc gluconate or placebo. Blood tests were collected at baseline, 1, 6 and 12 months for the primary outcomes (HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG)); secondary outcomes included Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 (HOMA 2) parameters, lipids, body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure and pulse.

Results

The baseline-adjusted mean group difference at 6 months, expressed as treatment–placebo, (95% CI) was −0.02 (−0.14, 0.11, p = 0.78) for HbA1c and 0.17 (−0.07, 0.42; p = 0.17) for FBG, neither of which were statistically significant. There were also no significant differences between groups in any of the secondary outcomes. Zinc was well tolerated, and compliance was high (88%).

Conclusion

We believe our results are consistent with other Western clinical trial studies and do not support the use of supplemental zinc in populations with a Western diet. There may still be a role for supplemental zinc in the developing world where diets may be zinc deficient.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618001120268. Registered on 6 July 2018.
Isolation of Hermetia illucens larvae core gut microbiota by two different cultivation strategies
Authors: Cifuentes Yina , Vilcinskas Andreas , Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: April 2022

Hermetia illucenslarvae (black soldier fly larvae, BSFL) convert efficiently organic waste to high quality biomass. To gain knowledge on the specific functions of gut microbes in this process it is a prerequisite to culture members of the core gut microbiota. Two different cultivation strategies were applied here for this purpose, a dilution-to-extinction cultivation and direct plating using six different media to culture aerobic heterotrophic bacteria. A total of 341 isolates were obtained by the dilution-to-extinction cultivation and 138 isolates by direct plating from guts of BSFL reared on chicken feed. Bacterial isolates were phylogenetically identified at the genus level by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (phylotyping) and differentiated at the strain level by genomic fingerprinting (genotyping). The main proportion of isolates was assigned toProteobacteria,Firmicutes(Bacilli), andActinobacteria.Predominant genera discussed in literature as member of a potential BSFL core gut microbiota,Providencia, Proteus, Morganella, Enterococcus, Bacillus,and members of the familyEnterobacteriaceae, were isolated. A high intra-phylotype diversity was obtained by genomic fingerprinting which was especially enhanced by the dilution-to-extinction cultivation. This study showed that the application of different cultivation strategies including a dilution-to-extinction cultivation helps to culture a higher diversity of the BSFL gut microbiota and that genomic fingerprinting gives a better picture on the genetic diversity of cultured bacteria which cannot be covered by a 16S rRNA gene sequence based identification alone.
Earthquake hazard and risk analysis for natural and induced seismicity: towards objective assessments in the face of uncertainty
Authors: Bommer Julian J.
Published: April 2022

The fundamental objective of earthquake engineering is to protect lives and livelihoods through the reduction of seismic risk. Directly or indirectly, this generally requires quantification of the risk, for which quantification of the seismic hazard is required as a basic input. Over the last several decades, the practice of seismic hazard analysis has evolved enormously, firstly with the introduction of a rational framework for handling the apparent randomness in earthquake processes, which also enabled risk assessments to consider both the severity and likelihood of earthquake effects. The next major evolutionary step was the identification of epistemic uncertainties related to incomplete knowledge, and the formulation of frameworks for both their quantification and their incorporation into hazard assessments. Despite these advances in the practice of seismic hazard analysis, it is not uncommon for the acceptance of seismic hazard estimates to be hindered by invalid comparisons, resistance to new information that challenges prevailing views, and attachment to previous estimates of the hazard. The challenge of achieving impartial acceptance of seismic hazard and risk estimates becomes even more acute in the case of earthquakes attributed to human activities. A more rational evaluation of seismic hazard and risk due to induced earthquakes may be facilitated by adopting, with appropriate adaptations, the advances in risk quantification and risk mitigation developed for natural seismicity. While such practices may provide an impartial starting point for decision making regarding risk mitigation measures, the most promising avenue to achieve broad societal acceptance of the risks associated with induced earthquakes is through effective regulation, which needs to be transparent, independent, and informed by risk considerations based on both sound seismological science and reliable earthquake engineering.
eCBT Versus Standard Individual CBT for Paediatric Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Babiano-Espinosa Lucía , Skarphedinsson Gudmundur , Weidle Bernhard , Wolters Lidewij H. , Compton Scott , Ivarsson Tord , Skokauskas Norbert
Published: April 2022

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions often with severe impairment affecting 1–3% of children and adolescents. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the therapeutic golden standard for paediatric OCD. However, face-to-face CBT is limited by accessibility, availability, and quality of delivery. Enhanced CBT (eCBT) a combination of face-to-face sessions at the clinic and treatment at home via webcam and a supportive app system aims to address some of these barriers. In this pilot study, we compared eCBT outcomes of 25 paediatric patients with OCD benchmarked against traditional face-to-face CBT (n = 269) from the Nordic Long-term OCD Treatment Study, the largest paediatric OCD CBT study to date. Pairwise comparisons showed no difference between eCBT and NordLOTS treatment outcomes. Mean estimate difference was 2.5 in favour of eCBT (95% CI − 0.3 to 5.3). eCBT compared to NordLOTS showed no significant differences between response and remission rates, suggesting similar effectiveness.
Validity of the SNAP-IV For ADHD Assessment in South African Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Zieff Michal R. , Hoogenhout Michelle , Eastman Emma , Christ Björn U. , Galvin Alice , de Menil Victoria , Abubakar Amina , Newton Charles R. , Robinson Elise , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham ADHD Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) in a sample of South African children with neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 201), primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to inspect the two-factor structure of the SNAP-IV. We also calculated ordinal coefficient alpha to estimate internal consistency. Fit statistics for the two-factor model approached acceptable levels. The model fit improved slightly after removing an item related to spoken language. The subscales had acceptable internal consistencies. Findings partially support the use of the SNAP-IV in this group of children. However, there are limitations to its performance in this population likely related to the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Intraoperative hypothermia in the neonate population: risk factors, outcomes, and typical patterns
Authors: Zhang Man-Qing , Ying Peng-Dan , Wang Yu-Jia , Zhao Jia-lian , Huang Jin-Jin , Gong Fang-Qi
Published: April 2022

The risk factors, outcomes, and typical patterns of intraoperative hypothermia were studied in neonates to better guide the application of insulation measures in the operating room. This retrospective study enrolled 401 neonates undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation, including abdominal surgery, thoracic surgery, brain surgery, and others. The study collected basic characteristics, such as age, sex, weight, birth weight, gestational week, primary diagnosis and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Perioperative data included preoperative body temperature, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, intubation time, postoperative bleeding, postoperative pneumonia, postoperative death, and total cost of hospitalization. Intraoperative data included surgical procedures, anaesthesia duration, operation duration, blood transfusion, fluid or albumin infusion, and application of vasoactive drugs. The incidence of intraoperative hypothermia (< 36 °C) was 81.05%. Compared to normothermic patients, gestational week (OR 0.717; 95% CI 0.577–0.890; P = 0.003), preoperative temperature (OR 0.228; 95% CI 0.091–0.571; P = 0.002), duration of anaesthesia (OR 1.052; 95% CI 1.027–1.077; P < 0.001), and type of surgery (OR 2.725; 95% CI 1.292–5.747; P = 0.008) were associated with the risk of intraoperative hypothermia. Patients with hypothermia had longer length of ICU stay (P = 0.001), longer length of hospital stay (P < 0.001), and higher hospital costs (P < 0.001). But there were no association between clinical outcomes and intraoperative hypothermia in the multivariable regression adjusted analysis. The lowest point of intraoperative body temperature was approximately 1 h 30 min. Then, the body temperature of patients successively entered a short plateau phase and a period of slow ascent. The greatest decrease in body temperatures occurred in preterm babies and neonates with preoperative hypothermia. The lowest core temperatures that occurred in neonates with preoperative hypothermia was lower than 35 °C. This study shows that there is a high incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in the neonate population. The intraoperative body temperature of neonates dropped to the lowest point in 1–1.5 h. The greatest decrease in core temperatures occurred in preterm babies and neonates with lower preoperative temperature.
Effects of Social Context on Deliberate Facial Expressions: Evidence from a Stroop-like Task
Authors: Katembu Stephen , Xu Qiang , Rostami Hadiseh Nowparast , Recio Guillermo , Sommer Werner
Published: April 2022

Facial expressions contribute to nonverbal communication, social coordination, and interaction. Facial expressions may reflect the emotional state of the expressor, but they may be modulated by the presence of others, for example, by facial mimicry or through social display rules. We examined how deliberate facial expressions of happiness and anger (smiles and frowns), prompted by written commands, are modulated by the congruency with the facial expression of background faces and how this effect depends on the age of the background face (infants vs. adults). Our main interest was whether the quality of the required expression could be influenced by a task-irrelevant background face and its emotional display. Background faces from adults and infants displayed happy, angry, or neutral expressions. To assess the activation pattern of different action units, we used a machine classifier software; the same classifier was used to assess the chronometry of the expression responses. Results indicated slower and less correct performance when an incongruent facial expression was in the background, especially when distractor stimuli showed adult faces. Interestingly, smile responses were more intense in congruent than incongruent conditions. Depending on stimulus age, frown responses were affected in their quality by incongruent (smile) expressions in terms of the additional activation or deactivation of the outer brow raiser (AU2), resulting in a blended expression, somewhat different from the prototypical expression for anger. Together, the present results show qualitative effects on deliberate facial expressions, beyond typical chronometric effects, confirming machine classification of facial expressions as a promising tool for emotion research.
Copy-move image forgery detection based on evolving circular domains coverage
Authors: Lu Shilin , Hu Xinghong , Wang Chengyou , Chen Lu , Han Shulu , Han Yuejia
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to improve the accuracy of copy-move forgery detection (CMFD) in image forensics by proposing a novel scheme and the main contribution is evolving circular domains coverage (ECDC) algorithm. The proposed scheme integrates both block-based and keypoint-based forgery detection methods. Firstly, the speed-up robust feature (SURF) in log-polar space and the scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) are extracted from an entire image. Secondly, generalized 2 nearest neighbor (g2NN) is employed to get massive matched pairs. Then, random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm is employed to filter out mismatched pairs, thus allowing rough localization of counterfeit areas. To present these forgery areas more accurately, we propose the efficient and accurate ECDC algorithm to present them. This algorithm can find satisfactory threshold areas by extracting block features from jointly evolving circular domains, which are centered on matched pairs. Finally, morphological operation is applied to refine the detected forgery areas. Experimental results indicate that the proposed CMFD scheme can achieve better detection performance under various attacks compared with other state-of-the-art CMFD schemes.
Fundamental diagram of urban rail transit considering train–passenger interaction
Authors: Seo Toru , Wada Kentaro , Fukuda Daisuke
Published: April 2022

Urban rail transit often operates with high service frequencies to serve heavy passenger demand during rush hours. Such operations can be delayed by two types of congestion: train congestion and passenger congestion, both of which interact with each other. This delay is problematic for many transit systems, since it can be amplified due to the interaction. However, there are no tractable models describing them; and it makes difficult to analyze management strategies of congested transit systems in general and tractable ways. To fill this gap, this article proposes simple yet physical and dynamic model of urban rail transit. First, a fundamental diagram of transit system (i.e., theoretical relation among train-flow, train-density, and passenger-flow) is analytically derived considering the aforementioned physical interaction. Then, a macroscopic model of transit system for dynamic transit assignment is developed based on the fundamental diagram. Finally, accuracy of the macroscopic model is investigated by comparing to microscopic simulation. The proposed models would be useful for mathematical analysis on management strategies of urban rail transit systems, such as optimal dynamic pricing for travel demand management.
Enhancement of Organic Solar Cells Through Macroscopic and Microscopic Models
Authors: Zidan Mahmoud N. , Ismail Tawfik , Kassem Sally S. , Wahdan Hayam G. , Fahim Irene S.
Published: April 2022

Organic solar cells performance enhancement is driven by improvements in device parameters. Compared to conventional silicon-based devices, the photo-generation process in organic devices is more complicated. This work investigates the possibility of improving the device performance theoretically by inserting microscopic parameters such as mobility, recombination factor, generation rate, and carriers density into the macroscopic single diode model. A proper selection of parameters leads to enhancement in $$(V_{oc}, I_{sc})$$

(

V

oc

,

I

sc

)

and (FF) while others should be avoided. A compromise between accuracy and speed can be achieved. Balanced mobility enhances short circuit current and the open-circuit voltage while higher values of ideality factor inhibit device performance.

Graphical Abstract
Defect-Correlated Vickers Microhardness of Al-Si-Mg Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion with Post-process Heat Treatments
Authors: Cerri Emanuela , Ghio Emanuele , Bolelli Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Laser powder bed fusion is an additive manufacturing process characterized by different advantages like the manufacture of samples with complex geometry without the use of tools and/or molds. Generally, the manufactured samples are characterized by high tensile strengths which, however, can be affected by the presence of defects due to the unoptimized process parameters. In a large applications field, a low density of the as-built AlSi10Mg samples is a very important parameter to considered, e.g., due to both the loss of the tensile strengths correlated with a premature failure of the samples and the increase in time and costs associated with the manufacturing process. In addition, different post-process heat treatments can increase these effects leading to an ineffective manufacturing process. In this scenario, the present work shows the analysis of spherical and lack-of-fusion pores induced by the laser powder bed fusion process on the AlSi10Mg samples and their variations after different heat treatments (direct aging and T6). At the same time, the influence of pores on the Vickers microhardness and the tensile properties has been studied in the same AlSi10Mg samples (bars and billets) that were printed with single- and double-laser machine setup. Different process parameters were also analyzed and compared. The study was supported by the microstructural and pore analysis performed by optical microscopy along the XZ plane (build direction) and the XY plane. Finally, the greatest effects of pores were observed on the Vickers microhardness values; in fact, two different relationships between microhardness and density variation are discussed. The T6 heat treatment leads to a rounding of the pores already formed in the as-built samples and to a formation of new small pores.

Graphical Abstract
The interaction between phenylboronic acid derivatives and active ingredients with diphenol structure of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Wu Yi , Fu Yifu , Fu Yao , Li Bing , Liu Chang , Pan Peng , Lan Tianyu , Shen Xiangchun , Guo Qianqian
Published: April 2022

Many active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine with important pharmacological effects always have glycol or diphenol structure, which lays a foundation for the combination with phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivatives to form cyclic boronic esters compounds. Herein, four important pharmacological active ingredients, namely baicalein, baicalin, gallic acid and protocatechuic acid, were chosen to study the interaction with PBA derivatives. Five PBA derivatives of 3-aminophenylboronic acid monohydrate (APBA), 3-acrylaminophenylboronic acid (AAPBA), poly(3-acrylaminophenylboronic acid) (PAAPBA), poly([poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-block-3-acrylaminophenylboronic acid]) (PEbPB), and poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-random-3-acrylaminophenylboronic acid] (PErPB) were used. The interactions between five PBA derivatives and four active ingredients were explored by fluorescent spectrophotometer using the alizarin red (ARS) method. The fluorescent intensity of PBA derivative-ARS-active ingredient mixture was decreasing with the increasing concentrations of active ingredients. In comparison, the fluorescent intensity of PAAPBA, PEbPB, and PErPB showed an obviously decrease after active ingredients were added, while the fluorescent intensity of APBA and AAPBA showed a gradually decrease after active ingredients were added. These results indicated a stronger interaction between PBA polymers and active ingredients than that of APBA and AAPBA. Simultaneously, PEbPB and PErPB could enhance cellular uptake of baicalin in A549 cells. This research provided new strategies for improving the bioavailability and water solubility, extending the circulation time, and wider application of the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and therapy of diseases.