bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Juvenile Dermatomyositis in Afro-Caribbean children: a cohort study in the French West Indies
Authors: Felix Arthur , Delion Frederique , Louis-Sidney Fabienne , Osei Lindsay , Armougon Aurélie , Bellance Remi , Dramé Moustapha , Deligny Christophe , Suzon Benoit , Hatchuel Yves
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The epidemiology of Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in non-Caucasian population is poorly described. We performed a study of patients followed up in the French West Indies for JDM. We aimed to describe clinical and biological specificities during childhood.

Methods

Retrospective study covering the period from Januarys 2000–2023. Listings of patients were obtained from multiple sources, namely computerized hospital archives, registry of referent pediatricians and adult specialists in internal medicine and the French National Registry for rare diseases. JDM and organ involvement were defined according to the international ILAR criteria.

Results

Twenty-one patients were included over a 23 year-period. Median age at onset was 8.1 years (Range: 2.5—13.9) with a median follow up of 8 years (Range: 2—19). Two-thirds (14/21) had dysphagia at onset and 33% had respiratory involvement. Thirteen had specific autoantibodies (58%), most frequently anti-Mi-2. The median number of flares during childhood was three (1—9). During childhood, 76% had calcinosis lesions. Clinical evolution seemed to be more aggressive for boys than girls (respectively 4.2 versus 2.2 flares (p = 0.04) and 50% vs 18% needing more than one background therapy, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This retrospective study is the largest cohort of pediatric patients of Afro-Caribbean and Black African descent treated for JDM in a high-income health system, and the first to describe the incidence and immunological profile in a population of African descent. They had higher rate of calcinosis and similar respiratory involvement. Overall outcomes during childhood were similar to North America and European countries.
BAFF blockade in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis reduces inflammation in the meninges and synaptic and neuronal loss in adjacent brain regions
Authors: Gupta Kanak , Kesharwani Ajay , Rua Steven , Singh Saumitra Sen , Siu Catherine , Jank Larissa , Smith Matthew D. , Calabresi Peter A. , Bhargava Pavan
Published: October 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has traditionally been viewed as a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the white matter of the central nervous system. However, over the past two decades, increasing evidence has highlighted the role of gray matter pathology in MS-related disability. Numerous studies have linked the presence of leptomeningeal inflammation to a more severe disease course, underscoring its potential importance as a driver of gray matter pathology in MS. The major components of leptomeningeal inflammation include T cells, B cells, macrophages, follicular dendritic cells, and plasma cells. Since BAFF [B cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family] promotes B cell survival and maturation and is a co-stimulator of T cells, we used anti-BAFF antibody 10F4 as a BAFF antagonist to study its effect on meningeal inflammation and adjacent brain regions in a relapsing–remitting PLP-EAE (rr-EAE) model of multiple sclerosis in SJL/J mice. rr-EAE mice were treated either with anti-BAFF antibody 10F4 or with IgG control antibody. We performed ultra-high field (11.7 T) MRI to identify areas of meningeal inflammation and track them over time in both treatment groups. We also performed histopathological analysis in brain sections of these mice to study the effects of the BAFF antagonist on leptomeningeal inflammation, and hippocampal and cortical neurons and synapses. We observed that BAFF antagonist treatment reduced B cells, T cells, and myeloid cells in regions of meningeal inflammation. Additionally, we noted that BAFF treatment protected against EAE-induced synaptic and neuronal loss in the adjacent cortex and in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus likely due to its effects on meningeal inflammation.
Green wastewater treatment of repurposed COVID-19 therapy (levofloxacin) using synthesized magnetite pectin nanoparticles, comparison with mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: El-Maraghy Christine M. , Saleh Sarah S. , Ibrahim Mervat S. , El-Naem Omnia A.
Published: October 2023

Rationale

Antibiotics have been detected worldwide in the aquatic environment. Moreover, certain classes of antibiotics have been repurposed for the management of COVID-19, which increased their use and presence in wastewater. Their occurrence even in low concentrations leads to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Methodology

Magnetite pectin nanoparticles (MPNP) were fabricated and compared to an established model of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNP). Our studied adsorbate is levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, commonly used in managing COVID-19 cases.

Results

The influence of various factors affecting the adsorption process was studied, such as pH, the type and concentration of the adsorbent, contact time, and drug concentration. The results illustrated that the optimum adsorption capacity for antibiotic clearance from wastewater using MPNP was at pH 4 with a contact time of 4 h; while using MSNP, it was found to be optimum at pH 7 with a contact time of 12 h at concentrations of 10 µg/mL and 16 g/L of the drug and nanoparticles, respectively, showing adsorption percentages of 96.55% and 98.89%. Drug adsorption equilibrium data obeyed the Sips isotherm model.

Discussion and conclusion

HPLC assay method was developed and validated. The experimental results revealed that the MPNP was as efficient as MSNP for removing the antibacterial agent. Moreover, MPNP is eco-friendly (a natural by-product of citrus fruit) and more economic as it could be recovered and reused. The procedure was evaluated according to the greenness assessment tools: AGREE calculator and Hexagon-CALIFICAMET, showing good green scores, ensuring the process’s eco-friendliness.
Genetic analysis challenges the presence of Ixodes inopinatus in Central Europe: development of a multiplex PCR to distinguish I. inopinatus from I. ricinus
Authors: Hrazdilova Kristyna , Danek Ondrej , Hrbatova Alena , Cervena Barbora , Noskova Eva , Adamik Peter , Votypka Jan , Mihalca Andrei Daniel , Noureddine Mechouk , Modry David , Zurek Ludek
Published: October 2023

Background

Ixodes ricinus is an important vector of several pathogens, primarily in Europe. Recently, Ixodes inopinatus was described from Spain, Portugal, and North Africa and then reported from several European countries. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to distinguish I. ricinus from I. inopinatus and used in the surveillance of I. inopinatus in Algeria (ALG) and three regions in the Czech Republic (CZ).

Methods

A multiplex PCR on TROSPA and sequencing of several mitochondrial (16S rDNA, COI) and nuclear markers (TROSPA, ITS2, calreticulin) were used to differentiate these two species and for a subsequent phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Sequencing of TROSPA, COI, and ITS2 separated these two species into two subclades, while 16S rDNA and calreticulin could not distinguish I. ricinus from I. inopinatus. Interestingly, 23 nucleotide positions in the TROSPA gene had consistently double peaks in a subset of ticks from CZ. Cloning of these PCR products led to a clear separation of I. ricinus and I. inopinatus indicating hybridization and introgression between these two tick taxa. Based on a multiplex PCR of TROSPA and analysis of sequences of TROSPA, COI, and ITS2, the majority of ticks in CZ were I. ricinus, no I. inopinatus ticks were found, and 10 specimens showed signs of hybridization. In contrast, most ticks in ALG were I. inopinatus, four ticks were I. ricinus, and no signs of hybridization and introgression were detected.

Conclusions

We developed a multiplex PCR method based on the TROSPA gene to differentiate I. ricinus and I. inopinatus. We demonstrate the lack of evidence for the presence of I. inopinatus in Central Europe and propose that previous studies be re-examined. Mitochondrial markers are not suitable for distinguishing I. inopinatus from I. ricinus. Furthermore, our data indicate that I. inopinatus and I. ricinus can hybridize, and the hybrids can survive in Europe.

Graphical abstract
Spatial analyses of Plasmodium knowlesi vectors with reference to control interventions in Malaysia
Authors: Pramasivan Sandthya , Ngui Romano , Jeyaprakasam Nantha Kumar , Low Van Lun , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Vythilingam Indra
Published: October 2023

Background

Malaria parasites such as Plasmodium knowlesi, P. inui, and P. cynomolgi are spread from macaques to humans through the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes. It is crucial to know the distribution of these vectors to implement effective control measures for malaria elimination. Plasmodium knowlesi is the most predominant zoonotic malaria parasite infecting humans in Malaysia.

Methods

Vector data from various sources were used to create distribution maps from 1957 to 2021. A predictive statistical model utilizing logistic regression was developed using significant environmental factors. Interpolation maps were created using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method and overlaid with the corresponding environmental variables.

Results

Based on the IDW analysis, high vector abundances were found in the southwestern part of Sarawak, the northern region of Pahang and the northwestern part of Sabah. However, most parts of Johor, Sabah, Perlis, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu had low vector abundance. The accuracy test indicated that the model predicted sampling and non-sampling areas with 75.3% overall accuracy. The selected environmental variables were entered into the regression model based on their significant values. In addition to the presence of water bodies, elevation, temperature, forest loss and forest cover were included in the final model since these were significantly correlated. Anopheles mosquitoes were mainly distributed in Peninsular Malaysia (Titiwangsa range, central and northern parts), Sabah (Kudat, West Coast, Interior and Tawau division) and Sarawak (Kapit, Miri, and Limbang). The predicted Anopheles mosquito density was lower in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, the Sandakan Division of Sabah and the western region of Sarawak.

Conclusion

The study offers insight into the distribution of the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes in Malaysia. Additionally, the accompanying predictive vector map correlates well with cases of P. knowlesi malaria. This research is crucial in informing and supporting future efforts by healthcare professionals to develop effective malaria control interventions.

Graphical Abstract
Phytogeographical regions of Egypt: first open-source geospatial data and its applications
Authors: Keshta Amr E.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To our knowledge, this is the first attempt for digitizing the Egyptian phytogeographical regions through incorporation of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques including geo-referencing ground data of old-history paper maps. The main objective for the current study was digitizing and creating the first open-source geospatial data for the Egyptian phytogeographical regions and to make them readily available for usage by researchers - making this study novel.

Data description

Geospatial data were created for the Egyptian phytogeographical regions based on ground data paper map showing the boundaries of each region in the country, Egypt. Digitization of the boundaries of each region was executed using ArcMap 10.4 followed by quality checks executions for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the created geospatial data. The data created in this study are available as file geodatabase (.gdb) and shapefile. Having the Egyptian phytogeographical regions available for GIS analysts and cartographers as geospatial data is a powerful tool for further research applications including phytoremediation, biodiversity, conservation, GIS, and remote sensing studies.
EEG functional connectivity in infants at elevated familial likelihood for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: O’Reilly Christian , Huberty Scott , van Noordt Stefon , Desjardins James , Wright Nicky , Scorah Julie , Webb Sara Jane , Elsabbagh Mayada ,   BASIS team, Baron-Cohen Simon , Bolton Patrick , Chandler Susie , Charman Tony , Fernandes Janice , Garwood Holly , Hudryx Kristelle , Johnson Mark H. , Tucker Leslie , Volein Agnes
Published: October 2023

Background

Many studies have reported that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical structural and functional connectivity. However, we know relatively little about the development of these differences in infancy.

Methods

We used a high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) dataset pooled from two independent infant sibling cohorts, to characterize such neurodevelopmental deviations during the first years of life. EEG was recorded at 6 and 12 months of age in infants at typical (N = 92) or elevated likelihood for ASD (N = 90), determined by the presence of an older sibling with ASD. We computed the functional connectivity between cortical sources of EEG during video watching using the corrected imaginary part of phase-locking values.

Results

Our main analysis found no significant association between functional connectivity and ASD, showing only significant effects for age, sex, age-sex interaction, and site. Given these null results, we performed an exploratory analysis and observed, at 12 months, a negative correlation between functional connectivity and ADOS calibrated severity scores for restrictive and repetitive behaviors (RRB).

Limitations

The small sample of ASD participants inherent to sibling studies limits diagnostic group comparisons. Also, results from our secondary exploratory analysis should be considered only as potential relationships to further explore, given their increased vulnerability to false positives.

Conclusions

These results are inconclusive concerning an association between EEG functional connectivity and ASD in infancy. Exploratory analyses provided preliminary support for a relationship between RRB and functional connectivity specifically, but these preliminary observations need corroboration on larger samples.
Low pressure headache and cerebral fat embolism from a sacral fracture through a Tarlov cyst: a case report
Authors: Anandkumar Delran , Jakhura Umayr , Potter Kathleen , Bhatti Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Background

Here we report the only formally documented case in the United Kingdom, to our knowledge, of a cerebral fat embolism secondary to non-iatrogenic trauma through a Tarlov cyst. This case demonstrates the pathology clearly giving an excellent opportunity to demonstrate a rarely seen pathology as well as illustrating the importance of the patient history to guiding further management.

Case presentation

A middle-aged patient was admitted on the acute medical take complaining of severe headache with photophobia, having just returned after a skiing holiday. Computerised tomography scan of the head showed fat within the anterior horn of both lateral ventricles, and within the subarachnoid space. Re-discussion with the patient and subsequent MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the spine identified the pathogenesis of her symptoms: a sacral insufficiency fracture through a Tarlov cyst, causing subarachnoid fat embolism and symptoms of a low-pressure headaches due to a dural leak. Patient was medically managed and discharged with planned follow-up. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and resolution of the patient's symptoms, they declined further follow up imaging.

Conclusions

The case demonstrates a rarely seen pathology as cause of a common presenting problem, headache. Emphasizing the importance of history taking and appropriate investigations in medical cases that do not conform to the usual diagnosis.
Diversity when interpreting evidence in network meta-analyses (NMAs) on similar topics: an example case of NMAs on diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Wu Jing , Adams Clive , He Xiaoning , Qi Fang , Xia Jun
Published: October 2023

Background

Different network meta-analyses (NMAs) on the same topic result in differences in findings. In this review, we investigated NMAs comparing aflibercept with ranibizumab for diabetic macular oedema (DME) in the hope of illuminating why the differences in findings occurred.

Methods

Studies were searched for in English and Chinese electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP; see detailed search strategy in the main body). Two independent reviewers systematically screened to identify target NMAs that included a comparison of aflibercept and ranibizumab in patients with DME. The key outcome of interest in this review is the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), including various ways of reporting (such as the proportion of participants who gain ≥ 10 ETDRS letters at 12 months; average change in BCVA at 12 months).

Results

For the binary outcome of BCVA, different NMAs all agreed that there is no clear difference between the two treatments, while continuous outcomes all favour aflibercept over ranibizumab. We discussed four points of particular concern that are illustrated by five similar NMAs, including network differences, PICO (participants, interventions, comparators, outcomes) differences, different data from the same measures of effect, and differences in what is truly significant.

Conclusions

A closer inspection of each of these trials shows how the methods, including the searches and analyses, all differ, but the findings, although presented differently and sometimes interpreted differently, were similar.
Determination of causes of adult deaths using minimally invasive tissue sampling in Gandaki province of Nepal: a multicenter hospital-based study
Authors: Subedi Nuwadatta , Bhattarai Suraj , Ranabhat Sunita , Sharma Binita Koirala , Baral Madan Prasad
Published: October 2023

Background

Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) has been successfully used to establish the cause of death in low- and middle-income countries, mostly in stillbirths and neonates. The objective of this study was to determine the causes of death among adults using MITS in the Gandaki province of Nepal and to find out the contribution of MITS to identify the causes of death.

Methods

A multicentric hospital-based pilot study was conducted to enroll 100 cases of adult deaths. The specimens of cerebrospinal fluid, blood, brain, lungs, and liver tissue were collected utilizing MITS. These specimens underwent standard histopathological, serological, and microbiological analyses. The findings from MITS, and if available, clinical records and forensic autopsy findings were compiled and the cause of death panel identified the causes of death. The final cause of death allocated to each case was based on the WHO International Medical Certificate of Death.

Results

Among a total of 100 cases enrolled during the study period, infectious cause attributed to the immediate cause of death in 77 (77%), cardiovascular in 10 (10%), neurological in 8 (8%), malignancy in two (2%), and gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cause in one (1%) case. The mean age of the cases was 50.8 ± 15.9 years and 76 (76%) were males. MITS established the cause of death in the causal chain of events in 81(81%) cases and identified the cause of death significantly more with infectious than non-infectious causes (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

MITS was useful in establishing the cause of death in the majority of adult deaths and the most common cause was infectious disease. Our findings suggest that MITS can be a valuable and alternative tool for mortality surveillance in low-resource settings, where complete diagnostic autopsies are less accepted or less prioritized.
Analysis of the relationship between the temporal and spatial evolution of henan grotto temples and their geographical and cultural environment based on GIS
Authors: Li Yu
Published: October 2023

Grotto temples in Henan Province, which began in the Northern Wei Dynasty and ended in the Republic of China, have been excavated and repaired to varying degrees in the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In this study, 119 grotto temples sited in Henan Province were considered as the research object, and the spatial and temporal distribution of grotto temples in Henan Province is analyzed by using the method of quantitative geographic analysis and ArcGIS 10.5 software. The analysis results indicate that the grrotto temples (including cliff statues) in Henan Province tend to have a cohesive distribution, with uneven regional distribution, mainly concentrated in the western and northern regions of Henan. The distribution direction and center of the grotto temples (including cliff statues) did not change much during the Northern Dynasties, Sui and Tang dynasties, and Song and Yuan dynasties, mainly distributing in the northwest of Henan. However, the situation underwent significant changes and began to migrate to south of Henan, reflecting the changes the changes in the political and cultural center at that time. The spatiotemporal distribution of the cave temples (including cliff statues) was based on the related topography, river systems, stratigraphic lithology, road traffic, and was direct or indirect influenced by the authorities as well.
Synergy and regulation of the South China Karst WH site integrity protection and the buffer zone agroforestry development
Authors: Xiong Kangning , Chen Dong , Zhang Juan , Gu Xinyan , Zhang Ning
Published: October 2023

The Natural World Heritage site (NWH) has a dual role of protection and utilization. The buffer zone of the South China Karst (SCK) World Heritage (WH) site is scattered with village dwellings, which adds pressure to preserve the outstanding universal value (OUV) and integrity protection of the WH site. The development of agroforestry is an essential means to maintain rural livelihoods, protect the ecological environment, and realize the protection and development of the heritage site. Studying the synergy and regulation of the heritage site integrity protection and the buffer zone agroforestry development is essential. This study takes the Shibing and Libo–Huanjiang karst WH as the study areas and administrative villages as the evaluation unit. From 2020 to 2023, through data methods such as remote sensing data interpretation, information data survey and collection, comprehensive index analysis, coupling coordination degree model, and GIS spatial analysis, a systematic study was conducted on the basic frontier research, synergy relationship, and regulation of the heritage site integrity protection and the buffer zone agroforestry development. The results demonstrate that the Shibing and Libo–Huanjiang karst WH sites integrity protection and agroforestry development in the buffer zone have a high coupling degree and a good coupling coordination relationship. This reveals that the heritage site integrity protection and the buffer zone agroforestry development are an interconnected and mutually influential whole, which the synergistic relationship between them is developing in a positive direction; The buffer zone agroforestry development lags behind the heritage site integrity protection, based on which proposed the regulatory measures for the synergy development of the heritage site integrity protection and agroforestry development in the buffer zone. The findings in this study provide references for the synergies development of the WH karst site integrity protection and agroforestry development in the buffer zone.
Distinct patterns of distribution, community assembly and cross-domain co-occurrence of planktonic archaea in four major estuaries of China
Authors: Hu Xuya , Huang Yujie , Gu Gaoke , Hu Hanjing , Yan Huizhen , Zhang Huajun , Zhang Rui , Zhang Demin , Wang Kai
Published: October 2023

Background

Archaea are key mediators of estuarine biogeochemical cycles, but comprehensive studies comparing archaeal communities among multiple estuaries with unified experimental protocols during the same sampling periods are scarce. Here, we investigated the distribution, community assembly, and cross-domain microbial co-occurrence of archaea in surface waters across four major estuaries (Yellow River, Yangtze River, Qiantang River, and Pearl River) of China cross climatic zones (~ 1,800 km) during the winter and summer cruises.

Results

The relative abundance of archaea in the prokaryotic community and archaeal community composition varied with estuaries, seasons, and stations (reflecting local environmental changes such as salinity). Archaeal communities in four estuaries were overall predominated by ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) (aka. Marine Group (MG) I; primarily Nitrosopumilus), while the genus Poseidonia of Poseidoniales (aka. MGII) was occasionally predominant in Pearl River estuary. The cross-estuary dispersal of archaea was largely limited and the assembly mechanism of archaea varied with estuaries in the winter cruise, while selection governed archaeal assembly in all estuaries in the summer cruise. Although the majority of archaea taxa in microbial networks were peripherals and/or connectors, extensive and distinct cross-domain associations of archaea with bacteria were found across the estuaries, with AOA as the most crucial archaeal group. Furthermore, the expanded associations of MGII taxa with heterotrophic bacteria were observed, speculatively indicating the endogenous demand for co-processing high amount and diversity of organic matters in the estuarine ecosystem highly impacted by terrestrial/anthropogenic input, which is worthy of further study.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the lack of common patterns in the dynamics of estuarine archaeal communities along the geographic gradient, expanding the understanding of roles of archaea in microbial networks of this highly dynamic ecosystem.
Analysis of distribution, collection, and confirmation of capacity dependency of small extracellular vesicles toward a therapy for liver cirrhosis
Authors: Takeda Nobutaka , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Mito Masaki , Natsui Kazuki , Natusi Yui , Koseki Yohei , Tomiyoshi Kei , Yamazaki Fusako , Yoshida Yuki , Abe Hiroyuki , Sano Masayuki , Kido Taketomo , Yoshioka Yusuke , Kikuta Junichi , Itoh Tohru , Nishimura Ken , Ishii Masaru , Ochiya Takahiro , Miyajima Atsushi , Terai Shuji
Published: October 2023

Background

The progression of liver fibrosis leads to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. However, no antifibrotic agents have been approved for cirrhosis to date, making them an unmet medical need. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among these candidate agents. In this study, we investigated the effects of sEVs of MSCs, analyzed their distribution in the liver post-administration, whether their effect was dose-dependent, and whether it was possible to collect a large number of sEVs.

Methods

sEVs expressing tdTomato were generated, and their uptake into constituent liver cells was observed in vitro, as well as their sites of uptake and cells in the liver using a mouse model of liver cirrhosis. The efficiency of sEV collection using tangential flow filtration (TFF) and changes in the therapeutic effects of sEVs in a volume-dependent manner were examined.

Results

The sEVs of MSCs accumulated mostly in macrophages in damaged areas of the liver. In addition, the therapeutic effect of sEVs was not necessarily dose-dependent, and it reached a plateau when the dosage exceeded a certain level. Furthermore, although ultracentrifugation was commonly used to collect sEVs for research purposes, we verified that TFF could be used for efficient sEV collection and that their effectiveness is not reduced.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified some unknown aspects regarding the dynamics, collection, and capacity dependence of sEVs. Our results provide important fundamentals for the development of therapies using sEVs and hold potential implications for the therapeutic applications of sEV-based therapies for liver cirrhosis.
Research on anti-poverty efforts in China’s ethnic minority areas since the 1970s
Authors: Liu Shiyao
Published: October 2023

Poverty remains a significant global challenge, despite ongoing efforts throughout history to address it. China’s fight against poverty, as part of global poverty governance efforts, has yielded valuable insights and examples for anti-poverty strategies, propelling changes within the global poverty governance system. This paper conducts a review of post-1978 anti-poverty research covering China’s ethnic minority regions, roughly dividing the research history into three distinct phases: 1978–2012, 2013–2020, and post-2020. The research findings at each stage are summarized in terms of research topics, perspectives, and paradigms. Based on these findings, the paper provides a forward-looking outlook on future research into anti-poverty efforts in China’s ethnic minority regions.
Sliding mode controller design via delay-dependent $$H_{\infty }$$ stabilization criterion for load frequency regulation
Authors: Pradhan Subrat Kumar , Das Dushmanta Kumar
Published: October 2023

This work presents a control approach based on sliding-mode-control (SMC) to design robust $$H_{\infty }$$

H
∞

state feedback controllers for load frequency regulation of delayed interconnected power system (IPS) with parametric uncertainties. Considering both state feedback control strategy and delayed feedback control strategy, two SMC laws are proposed. The proposed control laws are designed to improve the stability and disturbance rejection performance of delayed IPS, while stabilization criteria in the form of linear matrix inequality are derived by choosing a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. An artificial time-delay is incorporated in the control law design of the delayed feedback control structure to enhance the controller performance. A numerical example is considered to study the control performance of the proposed controllers and simulation results are provided to observe the dynamic response of the IPS.
Evicting and filling attack for linking multiple network addresses of Bitcoin nodes
Authors: Yang Huashuang , Shi Jinqiao , Gao Yue , Wang Xuebin , Sun Yanwei , Shi Ruisheng , Wang Dongbin
Published: October 2023

Bitcoin is a decentralized P2P cryptocurrency. It supports users to use pseudonyms instead of network addresses to send and receive transactions at the data layer, hiding users’ real network identities. Traditional transaction tracing attack cuts through the network layer to directly associate each transaction with the network address that issued it, thus revealing the sender’s network identity. But this attack can be mitigated by Bitcoin’s network layer privacy protections. Since Bitcoin protects the unlinkability of Bitcoin addresses and there may be a many-to-one relationship between addresses and nodes, transactions sent from the same node via different addresses are seen as coming from different nodes because attackers can only use addresses as node identifiers. In this paper, we proposed the evicting and filling attack to expose the correlations between addresses and cluster transactions sent from different addresses of the same node. The attack exploited the unisolation of Bitcoin’s incoming connection processing mechanism. In particular, an attacker can utilize the shared connection pool and deterministic connection eviction strategy to infer the correlation between incoming and evicting connections, as well as the correlation between releasing and filling connections. Based on inferred results, different addresses of the same node with these connections can be linked together, whether they are of the same or different network types. We designed a multi-step attack procedure, and set reasonable attack parameters through analyzing the factors that affect the attack efficiency and accuracy. We mounted this attack on both our self-run nodes and multi-address nodes in real Bitcoin network, achieving an average accuracy of 96.9% and 82%, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the attack is also applicable to Zcash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Dash. We analyzed the cost of network-wide attacks, the application scenario, and proposed countermeasures of this attack.
Integrating earthquake-based passive seismic methods in mineral exploration: Case study from the Gerolekas bauxite mining area, Greece
Authors: Polychronopoulou Katerina , Malinowski Michal , Cyz Marta , Martakis Nikos , Apostolopoulos George , Draganov Deyan
Published: October 2023

As the global need for aluminum constantly rises, bauxite is considered to be a critical mineral, and the mining industry is in search of new and effective exploration solutions. In this context, we design and implement a purely earthquake-based passive seismic survey at the Gerolekas bauxite mining site in Greece. It is a very difficult exploration setting, characterized by rough topography, limited accessibility, and a very complex geotectonic regime. We gather a passive seismic data set consisting of four months of continuous recordings (May to August 2018) from 129 stand-alone 3C seismological stations. We then analyze this data set and extract 848 microearthquakes that will serve as sources for the application of local earthquake tomography (LET) and transient-source seismic interferometry (TSI) by autocorrelation. We apply LET to estimate the 3D P- and S-wave velocity models of the subsurface below the study area and TSI by autocorrelation to retrieve the zero-offset virtual reflection responses below each of the recording stations. The velocity models provide a relatively coarse image of a previously completely unexplored part of the mining concession, whereas the higher-resolution virtual reflection imaging illuminates in detail the different interfaces. We also reprocess three lines of legacy active seismic data that were shot in 2003, using the LET P-wave velocity model for depth migration, and confirm the improvement of seismic imaging. Finally, we evaluate the obtained results using well data and jointly interpret them, extracting useful information on the expected target depths and indicating that earthquake-based passive seismic techniques can be an innovative and environmentally friendly option for mineral exploration.
The Technique for Transorbital Ventricular Puncture: An Anatomic Approach
Authors: Soares Luís Gustavo Biondi , Holanda Vanessa Milanesi , Lages Gustavo Veloso , Soares Adria Gabrielle Biondi , Catarino Marcilio Monteiro , Ahumada-Vizcaíno Juan Carlos , Pereira Felipe Salvagni , Teixeira Maria Luiza Oliveira Lopes , Jiménez Luis Ángel Canache , Neto Mateus Reghin , Chaddad-Neto Feres
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Transorbital ventricular puncture is a minimally invasive described procedure with poor landmarks and anatomic references. This approach can be easily performed to save patients with intracranial hypertension, especially when it is secondary to an acute decompensated hydrocephalus. This study aims to describe anatomic structures and landmarks to facilitate the execution of transorbital puncture in emergency cases.

METHODS:

We analyzed 120 head computed tomographies to show the best area to perform the procedure in the orbital roof. Two adult cadavers (4 sides) were punctured in the predetermined area. Angles, distances, landmarks, and anatomic structures were registered. This approach to the ventricular system may be performed at bedside to relieve intracranial hypertension only in specific cases.

RESULTS:

The perforation point is 2.5 cm (female) or 3.0 cm (male) lateral to the midline and immediately inferior to the superciliary arch. A vertical line, parallel to midline, was drawn on the outer edge of the patient's forehead, the needle was 45° inferiorly and 20° medially and then progressed 2.0 cm backwards to reach the bone perforation point. After that, it was advanced another 4.5cm approximately until it reached the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle.

CONCLUSION:

Based on statistical and experimental evidences, we were able to establish reliable anatomic reference points to access the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle through transorbital puncture.
Craniofacial developmental biology in the single-cell era
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Chang , Crump J. Gage
Published: October 2023

The evolution of a unique craniofacial complex in vertebrates made possible new ways of breathing, eating, communicating and sensing the environment. The head and face develop through interactions of all three germ layers, the endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm, as well as the so-called fourth germ layer, the cranial neural crest. Over a century of experimental embryology and genetics have revealed an incredible diversity of cell types derived from each germ layer, signaling pathways and genes that coordinate craniofacial development, and how changes to these underlie human disease and vertebrate evolution. Yet for many diseases and congenital anomalies, we have an incomplete picture of the causative genomic changes, in particular how alterations to the non-coding genome might affect craniofacial gene expression. Emerging genomics and single-cell technologies provide an opportunity to obtain a more holistic view of the genes and gene regulatory elements orchestrating craniofacial development across vertebrates. These single-cell studies generate novel hypotheses that can be experimentally validated in vivo. In this Review, we highlight recent advances in single-cell studies of diverse craniofacial structures, as well as potential pitfalls and the need for extensive in vivo validation. We discuss how these studies inform the developmental sources and regulation of head structures, bringing new insights into the etiology of structural birth anomalies that affect the vertebrate head.
Machine learning guided prediction of the yield strength and hardness of multi-principal element alloys
Authors: Taufique Mohammad Fuad Nur , Mamun Osman , Roy Ankit , Khakurel Hrishabh , Balasubramanian Ganesh , Ouyang Gaoyuan , Cui Jun , Johnson Duane D. , Devanathan Ram
Published: October 2023

Background: Multi-Principal Element Alloys (MPEAs) have better properties, such as yield strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance compared to conventional alloys. Compositional optimization is a challenging task to obtain desired properties of MPEAs and machine learning is a potential tool to rapidly accelerate the search and design of new materials.

Methods: We have implemented different machine learning models to predict the yield strength and Vickers hardness of MPEAs at room temperature and quantify the uncertainty of the predictions.

Results: Our results suggest that valence electron concentration (VEC) is the key feature dominating the yield strength and hardness of MPEAs. Our predicted yield strength and hardness values for the experimental validation set show < 15 % error for most cases with respect to the experimental values.

Conclusions: Our machine learning model can serve as a useful tool to screen half a trillion MPEAs and down select promising compositions for useful applications.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Educational Climate in Dental Students - A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Relvas Marta , Cabral Cristina , Salazar Filomena , López-Jarana Paula , Rocha Márcia , Costa Rosana , Monteiro Luis , Gonçalves Maria
Published: October 2023

Students' perception of educational climate influences academic performance, and its analysis provides essential information to improve it. To evaluate the perception of 3rd and 5th grade students regarding educational climate, before and during the pandemic. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed involving dental students, who answered the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire. The overall DREEM and its 5 subscales were analyzed evaluating two period times, before and during the pandemic. There were statistically significant differences when comparing the results obtained by 3rd and 5th grade students, before and during the pandemic, with effect magnitude from high to very high. It is noteworthy that 3rd graders have more positive perceptions compared to 5th graders. The 3rd year students felt more strongly the difficulties inherent to the COVID-19 pandemic. While in the 3rd year the students had less Educational Climate during the pandemic, the 5th year student had better Educational Climate in this period, perhaps because they maintain the face-to-face clinical classes. A negative point is associated with the scarce support system for students with stress problems. COVID-19 pandemic affected the perception of the Educational Climate, with a significant difference between of 3rd and 5th year dental students.
Clock synchronizing radio access networks to picosecond precision using optical clock distribution and clock phase caching
Authors: Clark Kari A. , Zhou Zichuan , Liu Zhixin
Published: October 2023

Performing positioning of future mobile devices using trilateration through radio access networks would provide a robust alternative to currently used global navigation satellite systems. However, the positioning accuracy is strongly dependent on the time synchronization accuracy of the antennas used as location reference points. Consequently, achieving sub-30 cm positioning accuracies requires the synchronization of radio access network antennas to sub-nanosecond accuracy. Here we show a clock phase synchronization and optical clock signal distribution approach to clock synchronization in radio access networks that achieves 0.98-ps root-mean-square precision clock synchronization, in a real-time field-trial demonstration on 37.6-km dark fiber, with optical clock frequency synchronization and clock phase caching operating using 25.6-Gb/s commercial transceivers. We quantify the clock synchronization performance of our approach using standard metrics, including time deviation (TDEV) and mean time interval error (MTIE). Furthermore, we estimate the impact of varying the phase update rate used in clock phase caching on the clock synchronization performance of our approach. Through our two combined approaches, we explore a route towards achieving sub-nanosecond clock synchronization in radio access networks.
Optimized receiver design for entanglement-assisted communication using BPSK
Authors: Bhadani Rahul , Djordjevic Ivan B.
Published: October 2023

The use of pre-shared entanglement in entanglement-assisted communication offers a superior alternative to classical communication, especially in the photon-starved regime and highly noisy environments. In this paper, we analyze the performance of several low-complexity receivers that use optical parametric amplifiers. The simulations demonstrate that receivers employing an entanglement-assisted scheme with phase-shift-keying modulation can outperform classical capacities. We present a 2x2 optical hybrid receiver for entanglement-assisted communication and show that it has a roughly 10% lower error probability compared to previously proposed optical parametric amplifier-based receivers for more than 10 modes. However, the capacity of the optical parametric amplifier-based receiver exceeds the Holevo capacity and the capacities of the optical phase conjugate receiver and 2x2 optical hybrid receiver in the case of a single mode. The numerical findings indicate that surpassing the Holevo and Homodyne capacities does not require a large number of signal-idler modes. Furthermore, we find that using unequal priors for BPSK provides roughly three times the information rate advantage over equal priors.
Cascaded subarray design and control method for power efficient, thermal crosstalk optimized optical phased array
Authors: Wang Wuxiucheng , Lu Lejie , King Lydia , Liu Yongchao , Gong Ming , Li Shuangyang , Wu Hui
Published: October 2023

Thermo-optic phase shifters (TOPSs) are commonly used in large-scale silicon photonic integrated optical phased arrays (OPAs). However, fast-response TOPSs consume relatively high power; the elevated temperature floor in the dense region of the TOPSs introduces thermal crosstalk between optical paths, which undermines the control accuracy. We propose a combined method that involves subarray design in the optical power distribution network and array control method to predict, optimize, and redistribute the phase shifts and mitigates thermal crosstalk. Thermal simulations and an array control method for generic OPA models are discussed. A silicon photonic chip prototype of a 4 × 4 OPA with three-level cascaded subarrays is fabricated to demonstrate the proposed method. The experimental and statistical results show that the method effectively reduces the average total power consumption by 31%, the maximum local temperature by 18.4%, and the thermal crosstalk within the OPA.
Extensive emission tuning and characterization of highly efficient CuInS2 quantum dots for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Qinghua Li , Jinke Bai , Cuiying Bu , Zimei Cui , Jiyan Huang , Xuerong Nie , Xiao Jin , Bing Xu
Published: October 2023

Whole visible range emitting CuInS2/ZnS QDs were obtained with broad band-width and high luminous efficiency by altering the Cu/In ratio and coating ZnS layer. 1-Dodecanethiol (DDT) as a sulfur source in the ZnS coating process can inhibit the lattice defects caused by Zn2+ inter-diffusion, thus increasing the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY). Then the stability and lighting performance of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) based on these CuInS2/ZnS QDs were characterized. The optimized WLED device exhibited a moderate luminous efficacy (LE) (70.33 lm·W-1) and ultrahigh color qualities (CRI Ra = 92.7, R9 = 95.9, R13 = 96.3) with warm white at a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4052 K.
Dribbling Covid-19: Challenges and dilemmas of an entrepreneur
Authors: Grezole Bruno , Bueno Giovana
Published: October 2023

Objective: to investigate the motivations, profile and skills of the individual who chooses to undertake; promote reflection about the entrepreneur's position in the face of a major crisis; and seek an answer to the question: Is digital influencer to be an entrepreneur? Methodology/Approach: teaching case. Main results: in the “teaching notes”, discussions are suggested on entrepreneurship itself, the use of the business model and the internationalization of small companies. Theoretical and methodological contributions: the structure of the case contributes methodologically to the dynamics in the classroom, constituting one more tool for learning the subject in question. Relevance/originality: the case is relevant because it shows the story of an entrepreneur (Breno) who, after realizing his dream and creating a promising business (a travel agency), as a result of a major crisis (Covid-19, lockdown and its impact on the travel industry, as well as the depression and feeling of impotence generated by it), needs to reinvent himself professionally (becoming a successful online consultant for entrepreneurs). With the end of the pandemic and the resumption of business, the impasse arises: Remain as a digital influencer or reactivate the old company (since tourism has grown again)? Social contributions to management: the case shows the reality of the entrepreneur in Brazil and raises questions about the regulation of the digital influencer profession.