bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on the status quo of construction industry and workers’ professional literacy
Authors: Sun Junxia , Zhang Yan , Tao Qin , Wang Ying , Liu Nana
Published: January 2023

Under the background of the new building industrialization in China, the traditional cast-in-place construction mode begins to change to assembly construction mode. Such subversive changes make all regions face various assembly construction quality problems caused by traditional workers’ lack of assembly construction knowledge, low awareness and unskilled operation. Therefore, improving workers’ professional quality is very important to improve the quality of assembly construction. Through the analysis of a large number of domestic and foreign literature, this paper found that when studying prefabricated buildings from different dimensions such as quality, cost, schedule and safety, Will involve the “operation proficiency", “education level”, “professional skills”, “vocational training”, “qualification”, “working years”, “professional experience”, “lack of knowledge”, “reputation”, “professional pride”, “mobile operation”, “work attitude” and other aspects of the workers, These factors focus on safety awareness, operation norms, vocational training, work experience, professional knowledge, cultural level, quality awareness, technical skill level. All these factors will affect the quality of assembly construction, and the quality of workers is one of the reasons for poor construction performance, frequent safety accidents and low construction quality.
The Study on the Generation and Spread of Internet Rumors about the New Crown Epidemic
Authors: Ji Yingzhen
Published: January 2023

Since the 21st century, Internet rumors as a new thing has received wide attention from scholars, and with the help of the Internet Internet rumors have taken on accelerated wings. Due to the two main characteristics of the New Crown Pneumonia epidemic itself, coupled with the current development of Internet technology to provide people with more convenient communication and communication channels, making the Internet rumors during the New Crown Pneumonia epidemic rampant, a thousand disturb people’s normal life. This study investigates the management of online rumors in the context of the New Crown pneumonia epidemic, using the relevant knowledge of communication science and sociology of mass media.
More Attached, Less Stressed: Viewers’ Parasocial Attachment to Virtual Youtubers and Its Influence on the Stress of Viewers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tan Yulan
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for people, yet it has witnessed an exponential growth in the number of Virtual Youtubers and their viewers in China. Virtual Youtubers (VTubers) are people represented by virtual 2D or 3D avatars on different platforms. From the perspective of media psychology, an online survey of 669 participants was conducted to examine the intensity of Chinese viewers’ parasocial attachment to the VTubers and the influence of such attachment on the stress of these viewers during the pandemic. As a result, positive correlations were found between viewers’ parasocial attachment to VTubers and the stress relief of these viewers.
Semantic Segmentation Using DeepLabv3+ Model for Fabric Defect Detection
Authors: ZHU Runhu , XIN Binjie , DENG Na , FAN Mingzhu
Published: January 2023

Currently, numerous automatic fabric defect detection algorithms have been proposed. Traditional machine vision algorithms that set separate parameters for different textures and defects rely on the manual design of corresponding features to complete the detection. To overcome the limitations of traditional algorithms, deep learning-based correlative algorithms can extract more complex image features and perform better in image classification and object detection. A pixel-level defect segmentation methodology using DeepLabv3+, a classical semantic segmentation network, is proposed in this paper. Based on ResNet-18, ResNet-50 and Mobilenetv2, three DeepLabv3+ networks are constructed, which are trained and tested from data sets produced by capturing or publicizing images. The experimental results show that the performance of three DeepLabv3+ networks is close to one another on the four indicators proposed (Precision, Recall, F1-score and Accuracy), proving them to achieve defect detection and semantic segmentation, which provide new ideas and technical support for fabric defect detection.
Long-term Outcomes of Submacular Perfluorocarbon Liquid Removal with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Transretinal Aspiration
Authors: Ilhan Cagri , Horozoglu Ceran Tugce , Citirik Mehmet , Teke Mehmet Yasin
Published: January 2023

Background An important complication associated with perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) use during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is its retention in the submacular area. The aim of this
study was to present the long-term outcomes of the surgical method used in this study to remove submacular PFCL and to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages compared to other
methods.

Material and Methods This is a retrospective, single-center, observational study. Patients who underwent surgical intervention due to submacular PFCL were included in this study. The
surgical procedural includes internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, transretinal aspiration of submacular PCFL with a 25/27-gauge soft-tipped cannula, then perfluoropropane
(C3F8) gas tamponade, and facedown positioning for 5 days. The long-term anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated with an ophthalmological examination and
optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Outcomes A total of 15 patients with submacular PFCL were included in this study, and the mean age of the patients was 64.33 ± 10.36 years (47 – 83). The localization of submacular
PFCL was subfoveal in nine patients (60.00%), non-subfoveal in four patients (26.67%), and both subfoveal and non-subfoveal in two patients (13.33%). The mean time of submacular PFCL
diagnosis was 4.86 ± 1.02 weeks (2 – 8) and the mean time of the surgery was 9.80 ± 1.17 weeks (8 – 14). Complete removal of submacular PFCL was achieved in all cases (100%) and no
significant treatment-associated complications were observed. The mean follow-up time was 37.60 ± 14.00 months (18 – 60) and the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved
(p = 0.001). At the end of the follow-up time, prominent ellipsoid zone disruption was observed in six patients (40.00%), while in nine patients (60.00%), there was no prominent ellipsoid
zone disruption.

Conclusions The surgical procedural for submacular PFCL removal is a reasonable option and improves visual acuity in the long term without any significant treatment-associated
complications.
Implementation of an Epidural Rounding Reminder in the Electronic Medical Record Improves Performance of Standardized Patient Assessments during Labor
Authors: Ende Holly B. , French Benjamin , Shi Yaping , Damron James , Bauchat Jeanette R. , Dumas Susan , Wanderer Jonathan P.
Published: January 2023

Background Poorly functioning labor epidural catheters lead to pain and dissatisfaction. Regular catheter assessment ensures timely identification of malfunction and may improve safety by facilitating rapid and successful conversion to general anesthesia for emergency cesarean. Informatics-based systems encourage standardization of care to identify epidural malfunctions earlier.

Objectives This article demonstrates that visual epidural rounding reminder display on an electronic patient board would alert clinicians to elapsed time and decrease mean time between assessments.

Methods As a quality initiative, we implemented an epidural rounding reminder on our obstetric patient board. The reminder indicated the number of elapsed minutes since placement or last patient assessment. We retrospectively reviewed labor epidural charts 3 months prior to and 5 months following reminder implementation, with a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome was mean time between documented epidural assessments, with secondary outcomes including maximum time between assessments, total number of assessments during labor, catheter replacement rates, and patient satisfaction. Unadjusted comparisons between pre- and postimplementation groups were conducted using Wilcoxon's rank-sum and Pearson's chi-square tests, as appropriate. A test for equal variances was conducted for time between assessment outcomes.

Results Following implementation, mean time between assessments decreased from a median of 173 (interquartile range [IQR]: 53, 314) to 100 (IQR: 74, 125) minutes (p <0.001), and maximum time between assessments decreased from median 330 (IQR: 60, 542) to 162 (IQR: 125, 212) minutes (p < 0.001). Total number of evaluations during labor increased from 3 (IQR: 2, 4) to 5 (IQR: 3, 7; p < 0.001). Decreased variance in mean and maximum time between assessments was noted following reminder implementation (p < 0.001). Epidural replacement rates decreased from 14 to 5% postimplementation (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was unchanged.

Conclusion Implementation of an informatics-based solution can promote standardization of care. A simple epidural rounding reminder prompted clinicians to perform more frequent labor epidural assessments. In the future, these process improvements must be linked to improvements in patient experiences and outcomes.
Ten Years of Medical Informatics and Standards Support for Clinical Research in an Infectious Diseases Network
Authors: Mora Sara , Giannini Barbara , Di Biagio Antonio , Cenderello Giovanni , Nicolini Laura Ambra , Taramasso Lucia , Dentone Chiara , Bassetti Matteo , Giacomini Mauro
Published: January 2023

Background It is 30 years since evidence-based medicine became a great support for individual clinical expertise in daily practice and scientific research. Electronic systems can be used to achieve the goal of collecting data from heterogeneous datasets and to support multicenter clinical trials. The Ligurian Infectious Diseases Network (LIDN) is a web-based platform for data collection and reuse originating from a regional effort and involving many professionals from different fields.

Objectives The objective of this work is to present an integrated system of ad hoc interfaces and tools that we use to perform pseudonymous clinical data collection, both manually and automatically, to support clinical trials.

Methods The project comprehends different scenarios of data collection systems, according to the degree of information technology of the involved centers. To be compliant with national regulations, the last developed connection is based on the standard Clinical Document Architecture Release 2 by Health Level 7 guidelines, interoperability is supported by the involvement of a terminology service.

Results Since 2011, the LIDN platform has involved more than 8,000 patients from eight different hospitals, treated or under treatment for at least one infectious disease among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and tuberculosis. Since 2013, systems for the automatic transfer of laboratory data have been updating patients' information for three centers, daily. Direct communication was set up between the LIDN architecture and three of the main national cohorts of HIV-infected patients.

Conclusion The LIDN was originally developed to support clinicians involved in the project in the management of data from HIV-infected patients through a web-based tool that could be easily used in primary-care units. Then, the developed system grew modularly to respond to the specific needs that arose over a time span of more than 10 years.
Realization of a magnonic analog adder with frequency-division multiplexing
Authors: Schulz Frank , Groß Felix , Förster Johannes , Mayr Sina , Weigand Markus , Goering Eberhard , Gräfe Joachim , Schütz Gisela , Wintz Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Being able to accurately control the interaction of spin waves is a crucial challenge for magnonics in order to offer an alternative wave-based computing scheme for certain technological applications. Especially in neural networks and neuromorphic computing, wave-based approaches can offer significant advantages over traditional CMOS-based binary computing schemes with regard to performance and power consumption. In this work, we demonstrate precise modulation of phase- and amplitude-sensitive interference of coherent spin waves in a yttrium–iron–garnet based magnonic analog adder device, while also showing the feasibility of frequency-division multiplexing. Using time-resolved scanning transmission x-ray microscopy, the interference was directly observed, giving an important proof of concept for this kind of analog computing device and its underlying working principle. This constitutes a step toward wave-based analog computing using magnons as an information carrier.
A low-cost and portable centrifugal microfluidic platform for continuous processing of large sample volumes
Authors: Acharya Sourav , Chhabra Jasleen , Mukherji Soumyo , Paul Debjani
Published: January 2023

Centrifugal microfluidic platforms are becoming increasing popular in many research and diagnostic applications. A major challenge in centrifugal microfluidics is continuous handling of large sample volumes. Keeping the flow rate constant during sample inflow is difficult without a pump. We report an affordable (<USD 40) and portable platform that can handle sample volumes of up to 50 ml without a pump. We use a Mariotte bottle for sample inflow into the disk at a constant flow rate and with a throughput of 1 ml/s. Our pumping mechanism allows basic operations, such as volume metering, flow switching, and mixing. Our platform fulfills the need for portable and affordable instrumentation in developing countries.
Facile layer-by-layer fabrication of semiconductor microdisk laser particles
Authors: Dannenberg Paul H. , Liapis Andreas C. , Martino Nicola , Sarkar Debarghya , Kim Kwon-Hyeon , Yun Seok-Hyun
Published: January 2023

Semiconductor-based laser particles (LPs) with an exceptionally narrowband spectral emission have been used in biological systems for cell tagging purposes. The fabrication of these LPs typically requires highly specialized lithography and etching equipment and is typically done in a cleanroom environment, hindering the broad adoption of this exciting new technology. Here, using only easily accessible laboratory equipment, we demonstrate a simple layer-by-layer fabrication strategy that overcomes this obstacle. We start from an indium phosphide substrate with multiple epitaxial indium gallium arsenide phosphide layers that are sequentially processed to yield LPs of various compositions and spectral properties. The LPs isolated from each layer are characterized, exhibiting excellent optical properties with a lasing emission full width at half maximum as narrow as <0.3 nm and typical thresholds of ∼6 pJ upon excitation using a 3 ns pulse duration 1064 nm pump laser. The high quality of these particles renders them suitable for large-scale biological experiments, including those requiring spectral multiplexing.
EURAMET.EM-S44 comparison for ultra-low DC current sources
Authors: Turhan Enis , Erkan Ömer , Hayirli Cem , Istrate Daniela , Németh Tibor , Power Oliver , Ribeiro Luis , Bergsten Tobias , Corminboeuf David
Published: January 2023

Main text

Comparison for ultra-low DC current sources between LNE (France), BFKH (Hungary), NSAI NML (Ireland), IPQ (Portugal), RISE (Sweden), METAS (Switzerland) and TÜBİTAK UME (Turkey).

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-134 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 134Cs to include the 2014 result of the POLATOM (Poland), the 2014 result of the NRC (Canada), the 2015 result of the LNMRI-IRD (Brazil) and the 2016 result of the PTB (Germany)
Authors: Michotte C , Courte S , Coulon R , Nonis M , Judge S , Ratel G , Silva C J da , Galea R , Moore K , Dziel T , Muklanowicz A , Marganiec-Gałązka J , Nähle O , Kossert K
Published: January 2023

Main text

Since 1976, 23 laboratories have submitted 44 samples of 134Cs to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cs-134. In the last few years, the POLATOM (Poland), the NRC (Canada), the LNMRI-IRD (Brazil) and the PTB (Germany) participated in the comparison and the key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been updated. The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR or linked to the SIR from the APMP.RI(II)-K2.Cs-134 comparison and the updated KCRV have been calculated and the results are given in the form of a table. A graphical representation is also given.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Studying δ-MnO2/reduced graphene oxide composite cathode in a low-temperature and high-voltage-tolerant hybrid electrolyte for aqueous Mg-ion batteries
Authors: Tsai Yi-Ru , Chen Ting-Yu , Yang Zhong-Qi , Tsai Cheng-Che , Huang Yu-Ting , Anuratha Krishnan Shanmugam , Lin Tsung-Wu , Sofer Zdenek , Lin Jeng-Yu
Published: January 2023

Optimization of the aqueous electrolyte concentration is a significant issue in the development of high-performance aqueous rechargeable magnesium ion batteries (MIBs). In this study, a novel magnesium ion-based hybrid electrolyte composed of 2 M magnesium sulfate (MgSO4)/2 M acetate (MgOAc) was designed, and its corresponding physiochemical properties were systemically investigated by simply tuning their molar ratios. Additionally, a δ-MnO2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite cathode material was successfully synthesized and delivered a high specific capacity and excellent rate capability in the optimized hybrid electrolyte. The as-fabricated device based on the δ-MnO2/rGO composite cathode exhibited a high operating voltage of up to 2 V and delivered a maximum energy density of 29.8 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 823 W kg−1. More importantly, the device showed impressive discharge capacity and excellent cycling stability even at the low temperature of −20 °C. In view of the outstanding electrochemical properties of the δ-MnO2/rGO composite cathode in an optimized hybrid electrolyte of MgSO4/MgOAc, it could be regarded as a novel prototype for low-cost aqueous MIBs.
Hitting probabilities of Gaussian random fields and collision of eigenvalues of random matrices
Authors: Lee Cheuk , Song Jian , Xiao Yimin , Yuan Wangjun
Published: January 2023

Let

X
=
{
X
(
t
)
,
t
∈

R

N

}

X= \{X(t), t \in \mathbb {R}^N\}

be a centered Gaussian random field with values in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

satisfying certain conditions and let

F
⊂

R

d

F \subset \mathbb {R}^d

be a Borel set. In our main theorem, we provide a sufficient condition for

F
F

to be polar for

X
X

, i.e.

P

(

X
(
t
)
∈
F
 for some 
t
∈

R

N

)

=
0

\mathbb P\big ( X(t) \in F \text { for some } t \in \mathbb {R}^N\big ) = 0

, which improves significantly the main result in Dalang et al. [Ann. Probab. 45 (2017), pp. 4700–4751], where the case of

F
F

being a singleton was considered. We provide a variety of examples of Gaussian random field for which our result is applicable. Moreover, by using our main theorem, we solve a problem on the existence of collisions of the eigenvalues of random matrices with Gaussian random field entries that was left open in Jaramillo and Nualart [Random Matrices Theory Appl. 9 (2020), p. 26] and Song et al. [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 502 (2021), p. 22].
When does a perturbation of the equations preserve the normal cone?
Authors: Quy Pham , Trung Ngo
Published: January 2023

Let

(
R
,

m

)

(R,\frak {m})

be a local ring and

I
,
J

I, J

two arbitrary ideals of

R
R

. Let

g

r
J

(
R

/

I
)

gr_J(R/I)

denote the associated graded ring of

R

/

I

R/I

with respect to

J
J

, which corresponds to the normal cone in algebraic geometry. With regards to the finite determinacy of singularity with respect to the Jacobian ideal we study the problem for which ideal

I
=
(

f
1

,
…
,

f
r

)

I = (f_1,\dots ,f_r)

does there exist a number

N
N

such that if

f
i
′

≡

f
i

mod

J
N

f_i’ \equiv f_i \mod J^N

,

i
=
1
,
…
,
r

i = 1,\dots ,r

, and

I
′

=
(

f
1
′

,
…
,

f
r
′

)

I’ = (f_1’,\dots ,f_r’)

, then

g

r
J

(
R

/

I
)
≅
g

r
J

(
R

/

I
′

)

gr_J(R/I) \cong gr_J(R/I’)

. This problem arises from a recent result of Ma, Quy and Smirnov in the case

J
J

is an

m

\frak {m}

-primary ideal, which solves a long standing conjecture of Srinivas and Trivedi on the invariance of Hilbert functions under small perturbations. Their approach involves Hilbert functions and cannot be used to study the above general problem. Our main result shows that such a number

N
N

exists if

f
1

,
…
,

f
r

f_1,\dots ,f_r

is locally a regular sequence outside the locus of

J
J

. It has interesting applications to a range of related problems.
AFP-MFL: accurate identification of antifungal peptides using multi-view feature learning
Authors: Fang Yitian , Xu Fan , Wei Lesong , Jiang Yi , Chen Jie , Wei Leyi , Wei Dong-Qing
Published: January 2023

Recently, peptide-based drugs have gained unprecedented interest in discovering and developing antifungal drugs due to their high efficacy, broad-spectrum activity, low toxicity and few side effects. However, it is time-consuming and expensive to identify antifungal peptides (AFPs) experimentally. Therefore, computational methods for accurately predicting AFPs are highly required. In this work, we develop AFP-MFL, a novel deep learning model that predicts AFPs only relying on peptide sequences without using any structural information. AFP-MFL first constructs comprehensive feature profiles of AFPs, including contextual semantic information derived from a pre-trained protein language model, evolutionary information, and physicochemical properties. Subsequently, the co-attention mechanism is utilized to integrate contextual semantic information with evolutionary information and physicochemical properties separately. Extensive experiments show that AFP-MFL outperforms state-of-the-art models on four independent test datasets. Furthermore, the SHAP method is employed to explore each feature contribution to the AFPs prediction. Finally, a user-friendly web server of the proposed AFP-MFL is developed and freely accessible at http://inner.wei-group.net/AFPMFL/, which can be considered as a powerful tool for the rapid screening and identification of novel AFPs.
A novel strategy for designing the magic shotguns for distantly related target pairs
Authors: Luo Yongchao , Wang Panpan , Mou Minjie , Zheng Hanqi , Hong Jiajun , Tao Lin , Zhu Feng
Published: January 2023

Due to its promising capacity in improving drug efficacy, polypharmacology has emerged to be a new theme in the drug discovery of complex disease. In the process of novel multi-target drugs (MTDs) discovery, in silico strategies come to be quite essential for the advantage of high throughput and low cost. However, current researchers mostly aim at typical closely related target pairs. Because of the intricate pathogenesis networks of complex diseases, many distantly related targets are found to play crucial role in synergistic treatment. Therefore, an innovational method to develop drugs which could simultaneously target distantly related target pairs is of utmost importance. At the same time, reducing the false discovery rate in the design of MTDs remains to be the daunting technological difficulty. In this research, effective small molecule clustering in the positive dataset, together with a putative negative dataset generation strategy, was adopted in the process of model constructions. Through comprehensive assessment on 10 target pairs with hierarchical similarity-levels, the proposed strategy turned out to reduce the false discovery rate successfully. Constructed model types with much smaller numbers of inhibitor molecules gained considerable yields and showed better false-hit controllability than before. To further evaluate the generalization ability, an in-depth assessment of high-throughput virtual screening on ChEMBL database was conducted. As a result, this novel strategy could hierarchically improve the enrichment factors for each target pair (especially for those distantly related/unrelated target pairs), corresponding to target pair similarity-levels.
Effects of cottonseed meal on performance, gossypol residue, liver function, lipid metabolism, and cecal microbiota in geese
Authors: Yu Jun , Yang Haiming , Sun Qingyu , Xu Xuean , Yang Zhi , Wang Zhiyue
Published: January 2023

A total of 240 28-d-old male goslings were used to investigate the effects of cottonseed meal (CSM) on performance, gossypol residue, liver function, lipid metabolism, and cecal microbiota. All birds were randomly allotted into five groups (eight goslings/replicate, six replicates/group) and subjected to a 35-d experiment. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to produce diets in which 0% (control), 25% (CSM25), 50% (CSM50), 75% (CSM75), and 100% (CSM100) of protein from soybean meal was replaced by protein from CSM. The free gossypol contents in the five diets were 0, 44, 92, 135, and 183 mg/kg, respectively. Dietary CSM did not affect the growth performance from 29 to 63 d and carcass traits at 63 d (P > 0.05). Liver gossypol residues were influenced (P < 0.05) by dietary CSM and increased linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05) as dietary CSM increased. The malondialdehyde content of the liver was lower in the CSM100 group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were influenced (P < 0.05) by dietary CSM and increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary CSM. Dietary CSM altered (P < 0.05) the composition of some fatty acids in the liver and breast muscle. The concentration of linolenic acid and Σn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the liver and breast muscle decreased linearly, but the Σn-6/Σn-3 PUFA ratio increased linearly with increasing dietary CSM (P < 0.05). Dietary CSM affected (P < 0.05) the hepatic gene expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). As the dietary CSM concentration increased, the hepatic gene expression of FAS increased linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05), but the hepatic gene expression of ACC and ApoB increased linearly (P < 0.05). The CSM diet decreased the relative abundance of the Bacteroidota and Bacteroides (P < 0.05), and the CSM50 diet increased the relative abundance of the Firmicutes and Colidextribacter (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Overall, these results show that dietary CSM has no adverse effects on the performance of goslings from 29 to 63 d. However, CSM affected organismal lipid metabolism, reduced products’ edible value, and adaptively altered cecum microbiota.
Dietary fiber supplementation during the last 50 days of gestation improves the farrowing performance of gilts by modulating insulin sensitivity, gut microbiota, and placental function
Authors: Huang Shuangbo , Wu Deyuan , Hao Xiangyu , Nie Jiawei , Huang Zihao , Ma Shuo , Chen Yiling , Chen Shengxing , Wu Jianyao , Sun Jihui , Ao Huasun , Gao Binghui , Tan Chengquan
Published: January 2023

Our previous study found dietary konjac flour (KF) supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity and reproductive performance of sows, but its high price limits its application in actual production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation of a cheaper combined dietary fiber (CDF, using bamboo shoots fiber and alginate fiber to partially replace KF) from the last 50 days of gestation to parturition on farrowing performance, insulin sensitivity, gut microbiota, and placental function of gilts. Specifically, a total of 135 pregnant gilts with a similar farrowing time were blocked by backfat thickness and body weight on day 65 of gestation (G65d) and assigned to 1 of the 3 dietary treatment groups (n = 45 per group): basal diet (CON), basal diet supplemented with 2% KF or 2% CDF (CDF containing 15% KF, 60% bamboo shoots fiber, and 25% alginate fiber), respectively. The litter performance, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance parameters, placental vessel density, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels in feces were assessed. The gut microbiota population in gilts during gestation was also assessed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Compared with CON, both KF and CDF treatments not only increased the piglet birth weight (P < 0.05) and piglet vitality (P < 0.01) but also decreased the proportion of piglets with birth weight ≤ 1.2 kg (P < 0.01) and increased the proportion of piglets with birth weight ≥ 1.5 kg (P < 0.01). In addition, KF or CDF supplementation reduced fasting blood insulin level (P < 0.05), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (P < 0.05), serum hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.05), and the level of advanced glycation end products (P < 0.05) at G110d, and increased the placental vascular density (P < 0.05) at farrowing. Meanwhile, KF or CDF supplementation increased microbial diversity (P < 0.05) and SCFAs levels (P < 0.05) in feces at G110d. Notably, the production cost per live-born piglet was lower in CDF group (¥ 36.1) than KF group (¥ 41.3). Overall, KF or CDF supplementation from G65d to farrowing could improve the farrowing performance of gilts possibly by improving insulin sensitivity, regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, and increasing placental vascular density, with higher economic benefits and a similar effect for CDF vs. KF, suggesting the potential of CDF as a cheaper alternative to KF in actual production.
Essential Oil Trunk Injection Into Orchard Trees: Consequences on the Performance and Preference of Hemipteran Pests
Authors: Denoirjean Thomas , Belhassen Daphné , Doury Géraldine , Ameline Arnaud , Werrie Pierre Yves , Fauconnier Marie Laure , Hance Thierry , Le Goff Guillaume Jean
Published: January 2023

Apples and pears are among the most widely cultivated fruit species in the world. Pesticides are commonly applied using ground sprayers in conventional orchards; however, most of it will not reach the target plant, increasing the contamination of nontarget organisms such as natural predators, pollinators, and decomposers. Trunk injection is an alternative method of pesticide application that could reduce risks to beneficials and workers. Essential oils represent a ‘green’ alternative to pesticides due to their reported insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, nematicidal, and antifungal properties. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the impact that the injection of a cinnamon essential oil solution into the trunk of apple and pear trees could have on their respective pests, Dysaphis plantaginea and Cacopsylla pyri, respectively. The feeding behavior (preference), the life history traits (performance), and the timing of this effect were measured. The injection of an essential oil emulsion in trees impacted hemipteran host-plant colonization, as for both species a modification of their preference and of their performance was observed. The feeding behavior of D. plantaginea was altered as a significantly lower proportion of aphids ingested phloem sap on injected trees, suggesting that the aphids starved to death. On the contrary, the feeding behavior of the psyllids was little changed compared to the control condition, implying that the observed mortality was due to intoxication. The results presented here could theoretically be used to control these two orchard hemipteran pests, although the effectiveness in real conditions still has to be demonstrated.
Democratic practice and curriculum objectives: Paul Hirst’s visit to Summerhill
Authors: Suissa Judith
Published: January 2023

This paper revisits the battle between Summerhill School and the Department for Education and Employment following the damning Ofsted inspection in 1999 that demanded changes to the school’s practice. The focus of the discussion is Paul Hirst’s involvement in the subsequent inspection of Summerhill following the school’s victory against Ofsted in their 2000 appeal at the Independent Schools Tribunal. Drawing on contemporary commentaries on the Ofsted inspection and the court case, alongside Hirst’s work on curriculum and early criticisms of this work, I explore what is meant by ‘a broad and balanced curriculum’—a phrase that lay at the heart of Ofsted’s case against Summerhill. The discussion will question some of the commonly posited oppositions between ‘progressive’ and ‘liberal’ education, and will suggest that such a framing of the issues is an unhelpful way to understand the radical challenge posed by democratic schools such as Summerhill. In focusing on the daily life and ethos of Summerhill as part of an attempt to build and nurture a democratic community, I explore the possibility that Summerhill’s broad conception of learning and curriculum, reflected in the school’s organization and ethos, lends itself to a less narrow and more socially oriented conception of curriculum that is in line with Hirst’s later work on social practices.
Research progress on chemical components and pharmacological action of Solanum lyratum Thunb
Authors: Liu Xue , Wang Fulin , Chen Yueru , An Ying , Cheng Lingmei , Wang Lu , Kong Degang , Zhao Wei , Tian Jinli , Niu Yingshuo , Cui Weiliang , Zhang Wenru , Xu Yang , Ba Yahui , Zhou Honglei
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Solanum lyratum Thunb (SLT) is a perennial plant of the Solanaceae family, and is extensively used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Malaria, oedema, gonorrhoea, cancer, wind and fever, jaundiced hepatitis, cholecystitis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the diseases that it is used to treat. To offer a foundation for further development and usage of SLT, the pieces of literature about the chemical composition and pharmacological action of SLT were reviewed and analysed.

Key findings

The chemical constituents of SLT mainly included steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, phenylpropanoids and others. Pharmacological action mainly contains anti-tumour, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and other pharmacological actions, among them, the anti-tumour effect is particularly outstanding.

At present, studies on the pharmacological effects of SLT mainly focus on alkaloids and steroidal saponins. In the follow-up studies, studies on the pharmacological activities of other chemical components in SLT, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, should be strengthened. It has the potential to pave the way for more research and development of novel SLT medicines.
Sexual boredom and sexual desire in long-term relationships: a latent profile analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Leonor , Štulhofer Aleksandar , Tafro Azra , Carvalho Joana , Nobre Pedro
Published: January 2023

Background

Research suggests a general link between sexual boredom and sexual desire, but its understanding is currently very limited.

Aim

To identify distinct (latent) groups of women and men in long-term relationships based on their reported levels of sexual boredom and sexual desire.

Methods

Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted in an online sample of 1223 Portuguese participants aged 18 and 66 years (mean ± SD, 32.75 ± 6.11), using indicators of sexual boredom and partner-related, attractive other–related, and solitary sexual desire to categorize participants. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore predictors and correlates of the latent profiles.

Outcomes

Sexual boredom was assessed by the Sexual Boredom Scale, while sexual desire was measured with the Sexual Desire Inventory.

Results

As compared with women, men reported higher levels of sexual boredom and sexual desire. LPA indicated 3 profiles in women and 2 profiles in men. Among women, P1 was characterized by above-average sexual boredom, below-average partner- and attractive other–related sexual desire, and very low solitary sexual desire; P2 by below-average sexual boredom, attractive other–related sexual desire, and solitary sexual desire and above-average partner-related sexual desire; and P3 by above-average sexual boredom, attractive other–related sexual desire, and solitary sexual desire and below-average partner-related sexual desire. In men, P1 was characterized by high sexual boredom, above-average partner-related sexual desire, and high attractive other–related and solitary sexual desire and P2 by below-average sexual boredom and above-average partner-related, attractive other–related, and solitary sexual desire. The latent profiles did not differ according to relationship duration. Overall, the sole consistent correlate of the latent categorization was sexual satisfaction.

Clinical Implications

In women, above-average levels of sexual boredom were linked to below-average levels of partner-related desire, which suggests likely benefits of helping the couple to minimize or cope better with their sexual routines. In men, participants in the 2 profiles did not differ in partner-related sexual desire, suggesting that clinical interventions dealing with male sexual boredom should investigate factors beyond the current relationship.

Strengths and Limitations

This study explored different facets of sexual desire and used LPA, rendering advantages over previous research. The male sample has lower statistical power than the female sample.

Conclusion

Patterns of sexual boredom and sexual desire among individuals in long-term monogamous relationships are distinct and consistently related to sexual satisfaction in women and men and to relationship satisfaction among only women, which have important clinical ramifications.
Atlas of the receptive anal sex experience among people with prostates
Authors: Gaither Thomas W , Vincent Nathan W , Piqueiras Eduardo , Barzallo Devin , Siapno Allen , Williams Kristen C , Russell Marcia , Litwin Mark S
Published: January 2023

Background

Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is commonly practiced among individuals of all sexual orientations. However, negative stigmatization by society and health care professionals leads to the underreporting or this practice.

Aim

We sought to assess and describe the subjective role of the prostate as a pleasure center in participants with diverse RAI experiences. The secondary aim was to describe nonprostatic areas within the anorectal region that produce erotic sensation and/or pain.

Methods

The exploratory sequential multimethod study design included focus groups and semistructured interviews with 30 individuals with prostates who had engaged in RAI. We used graphic elicitation of natal male anatomy to enhance visualization and assess participant perspectives.

Outcomes

The main outcome of interest was the identification of anatomic locations of erogenous sensation and pain during RAI.

Results

Among the participants (median age 38, range 24–77 years), most participants (90%) identified as cisgender male. Three major themes emerged within the motivations for RAI, including (1) deriving intrinsic pleasure, (2) providing both pleasure for a partner and a way to improve intimacy/connection, and (3) an inability to be the insertive partner due to physical or mental challenges. The data suggest that the anorectal region produces a variety of erogenous sensations which participants find pleasurable. Overall, 2 major areas of erogenous sensation occur along the anterior rectal wall and within the anus. Within the context of RAI, 2 distinct categories of pain emerged, including pain with insertion and pain at other times.

Clinical Implications

Understanding where erogenous sensation originates for each individual may predict sexual functioning after various surgical interventions. Timing and location of pain may aid in further characterizing anodyspareunia.

Strengths and Limitations

Our study utilized a sequential design (from focus groups to interviews) with diverse RAI experiences, especially regarding age, geographic location, and prostate pathology. We included individuals of diverse gender identities, but too few to evaluate these groups independently from cisgender men.

Conclusion

People with prostates experience pleasure in multiple areas during RAI. Contrary to some lay literature, the prostate region is not the subjective pleasure center for all individuals. Timing and location of pain during RAI may inform areas for intervention. Providing a language for pleasure and pain during RAI may improve communication between not only sexual partners but also clinicians and patients.
Multiple courses of intralesional collagenase injections for Peyronie disease: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Michelle K , Sigalos John T , Yoffe Dar A , Modiri Neilufar , Hu Ming-Yeah , Gaither Thomas W , Santamaria Alvaro , Walker Dyvon T , Regets Keith V , Mills Jesse N , Eleswarapu Sriram V
Published: January 2023

Background

In the original clinical trials evaluating intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie disease (PD), treatment protocols were limited to 8 injections.

Aim

We sought to describe our single-center experience with the use of multiple rounds (>8 injections) of intralesional collagenase in patients with PD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with PD receiving intralesional collagenase injections at our institution from October 2015 through December 2020. Some patients who completed 1 round of treatment elected to undergo additional rounds (16 or 24 injections) based on persistent curvature and presence of penile plaque. Clinical improvement was defined as a 20% reduction in penile curvature from the start of a given round of treatment to the end of that round of treatment. We measured erect penile curvature before and after each round and collected demographics, medical and surgical history, curvature outcomes, and treatment-related adverse events.

Outcome

The primary outcome was the reduction in penile curvature after multiple rounds of treatment with intralesional collagenase injections in patients with PD.

Results

A total of 330 patients underwent intralesional collagenase injections for PD, of whom 229 completed at least 8 injections and underwent pre- and posttreatment erect penile goniometry. An overall 42.8% (98/229), 38.6% (22/57), and 12.5% (1/8) of patients achieved clinical improvement after 1 round of therapy (8 injections), 2 rounds (16 injections), and 3 rounds (24 injections), respectively. Mean degree and mean percentage improvement of penile curvature for the start and end of each round of treatment were 8.3° and 16.4% (after 1 round), 7.2° and 16.8% (after 2 rounds), and 3.3° and 8.1% (after 3 rounds). Bruising was the most common complication, with an incidence of at least 50% in each round.

Clinical Implications

Knowledge of patient responses to multiple rounds of intralesional collagenase injections may help guide physicians in management and counseling of patients regarding PD treatment options.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to evaluate multiple rounds (>8 injections) of intralesional collagenase for PD. Limitations include retrospective analysis and smaller sample size among patients undergoing 3 rounds (24 injections).

Conclusion

For patients who did not achieve clinical improvement after 1 round of treatment, an additional round may be beneficial. However, no real improvement was observed for patients undergoing a third round.
QUIJOTE scientific results – IV. A northern sky survey in intensity and polarization at 10–20 GHz with the multifrequency instrument
Authors: Rubiño-Martín J A , Guidi F , Génova-Santos R T , Harper S E , Herranz D , Hoyland R J , Lasenby A N , Poidevin F , Rebolo R , Ruiz-Granados B , Vansyngel F , Vielva P , Watson R A , Artal E , Ashdown M , Barreiro R B , Bilbao-Ahedo J D , Casas F J , Casaponsa B , Cepeda-Arroita R , de la Hoz E , Dickinson C , Fernández-Cobos R , Fernández-Torreiro M , González-González R , Hernández-Monteagudo C , López-Caniego M , López-Caraballo C , Martínez-González E , Peel M W , Peláez-Santos A E , Perrott Y , Piccirillo L , Razavi-Ghods N , Scott P , Titterington D , Tramonte D , Vignaga. R
Published: January 2023

We present QUIJOTE intensity and polarization maps in four frequency bands centred around 11, 13, 17, and 19 GHz, and covering approximately 29 000 deg2, including most of the northern sky region. These maps result from 9000 h of observations taken between May 2013 and June 2018 with the first QUIJOTE multifrequency instrument (MFI), and have angular resolutions of around 1°, and sensitivities in polarization within the range 35–40 µK per 1° beam, being a factor ∼2–4 worse in intensity. We discuss the data processing pipeline employed, and the basic characteristics of the maps in terms of real space statistics and angular power spectra. A number of validation tests have been applied to characterize the accuracy of the calibration and the residual level of systematic effects, finding a conservative overall calibration uncertainty of 5 per cent. We also discuss flux densities for four bright celestial sources (Tau A, Cas A, Cyg A, and 3C274), which are often used as calibrators at microwave frequencies. The polarization signal in our maps is dominated by synchrotron emission. The distribution of spectral index values between the 11 GHz and WMAP 23 GHz map peaks at β = −3.09 with a standard deviation of 0.14. The measured BB/EE ratio at scales of ℓ = 80 is 0.26 ± 0.07 for a Galactic cut |b| > 10°. We find a positive TE correlation for 11 GHz at large angular scales (ℓ ≲ 50), while the EB and TB signals are consistent with zero in the multipole range 30 ≲ ℓ ≲ 150. The maps discussed in this paper are publicly available.
Genome-wide mapping of fluoroquinolone-stabilized DNA gyrase cleavage sites displays drug specific effects that correlate with bacterial persistence
Authors: Tang Juechun , Brynildsen Mark P
Published: January 2023

Bacterial persisters are rare phenotypic variants that are suspected to be culprits of recurrent infections. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a class of antibiotics that facilitate bacterial killing by stabilizing bacterial type II topoisomerases when they are in a complex with cleaved DNA. In Escherichia coli, DNA gyrase is the primary FQ target, and previous work has demonstrated that persisters are not spared from FQ-induced DNA damage. Since DNA gyrase cleavage sites (GCSs) largely govern the sites of DNA damage from FQ treatment, we hypothesized that GCS characteristics (e.g. number, strength, location) may influence persistence. To test this hypothesis, we measured genome-wide GCS distributions after treatment with a panel of FQs in stationary-phase cultures. We found drug-specific effects on the GCS distribution and discovered a strong negative correlation between the genomic cleavage strength and FQ persister levels. Further experiments and analyses suggested that persistence was unlikely to be governed by cleavage to individual sites, but rather survival was a function of the genomic GCS distribution. Together, these findings demonstrate FQ-specific differences in GCS distribution that correlate with persister levels and suggest that FQs that better stabilize DNA gyrase in cleaved complexes with DNA will lead to lower levels of persistence.