bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor point heatmap of the calf
Authors: Schriwer Elias , Juthberg Robin , Flodin Johanna , Ackermann Paul W.
Published: March 2023

Background

Contractions of muscles in the calf induced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may prevent venous thromboembolism, help rehabilitation and optimize strength training, among other uses. However, compliance to NMES-treatment is limited by the use of suboptimal stimulation points which may cause discomfort and less effectivity. Knowledge of where one is most likely to find muscle motor points (MP) could improve NMES comfort and compliance.

Aims

To anatomically map the MPs of the calf as well as to calculate the probability of finding a MP in different areas of the calf.

Material and methods

On 30 healthy participants (mean age 37 years) anatomical landmarks on the lower limbs were defined. The location of the four most responsive MPs on respectively the medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius were determined in relation to these anatomical landmarks using a MP search pen and a pre-set MP search program with 3 Hz continuous stimulation (Search range:4.0–17.5 mA). The anatomy of the calves was normalized and subdivided into a matrix of 48 (6 × 8) smaller areas (3 × 3 cm), from upper medial to lower lateral, in order to calculate the probability of finding a MP in one of these areas. The probability of finding a MP was then calculated for each area and presented with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The MP heatmap displayed a higher concentration of MPs proximally and centrally on the calf. However, there were wide inter-individual differences in the location of the MPs. The highest probability of finding a MP was in area 4, located centrally and medially, and in area 29, located centrolaterally and around the maximum circumference, both with 50% probability (95% CI: 0.31–0.69). The second highest probability of finding MPs was in areas 9, 10, 16, proximally and medially, all with 47% probability (95% CI: 0.28–0.66). These areas 4, 9, 10, 16 and 29 exhibited significantly higher probability of finding motor points than all areas with a mean probability of 27% and lower (p < 0.05) The lateral and distal outskirts exhibited almost zero probability of finding MPs.

Conclusions

This MP heatmap of the calf could be used to expedite electrode placement and to improve compliance in order to receive consistent and enhanced results of NMES treatments.
Isorhynchophylline alleviates cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis by activating autophagy of chondrocytes
Authors: Jiang Jieyun , Li Jin , Xiong Chenwei , Zhou Xindie , Liu Ting
Published: March 2023

Context

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease, the cause of it is still unknown, and the treatment mainly focuses on improving symptoms. Studies have found that Isorhynchophylline (Isorhy) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and neuroprotective effects.

Objective

This study investigates the role and mechanism of Isorhy in OA.

Methods

The destabilized medial meniscus model was used to mimic OA. Fifteen male Sprague Dawley rats were partitioned into three portions: Normal group, OA group (surgery; normal saline treatment) and OA + Isorhy group (surgery; 50 μM Isorhy treatment) were performed on the first day of every week from the 5th to the 8th week after surgery. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, the rats have been processed without debridement of the knee specimens and fixed using 4% paraformaldehyde for two days. The morphological analysis was performed by H&E, Safranin O-Fast green staining and micro-CT analysis. The specimens were researched employing Micro-CT. In the part of the aggregate methods that were evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot of the following proteins LC3II/LC3I, Beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7, MMP3 andMMP13. Akt/PI3K signaling related proteins (p-AKT, AKT, p-PI3K, PI3K, p-mTOR, mTOR) were detected by Western blot. BECLIN1 and MMP3 were detected by Immunofluorescence assay.

Results

In this present research, it was proved that autophagy-related and cartilage matrix-related proteins in osteoarthritis could be regulated by Isorhynchophylline treatment. The transcriptome sequencing results suggested the regulation was closely associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thereby alleviating osteoarticular inflammation. In-depth study showed that Isorhy could also affect OA in rat OA models, that was indicated by H&E, Safranin O-Fast green staining, and also micro-CT analysis.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that Isorhy could be regarded as a prospective candidate for OA treatment.
The burden of illness in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: a systematic literature review
Authors: Strzelczyk Adam , Zuberi Sameer M. , Striano Pasquale , Rosenow Felix , Schubert-Bast Susanne
Published: March 2023

Background

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy with multiple seizure types starting in childhood, a typical slow spike-wave pattern on electroencephalogram, and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify, synthesize and appraise the burden of illness in LGS (including “probable” LGS). Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase and APA PsychInfo, Cochrane’s database of systematic reviews, and Epistemonikos. The outcomes were epidemiology (incidence, prevalence or mortality), direct and indirect costs, healthcare resource utilization, and patient and caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results

The search identified 22 publications evaluating the epidemiology (n = 10), direct costs and resource (n = 10) and/or HRQoL (n = 5). No studies reporting on indirect costs were identified. With no specific ICD code for LGS in many regions, several studies had to rely upon indirect methods to identify their patient populations (e.g., algorithms to search insurance claims databases to identify “probable” LGS). There was heterogeneity between studies in how LGS was defined, the size of the populations, ages of the patients and length of the follow-up period. The prevalence varied from 4.2 to 60.8 per 100,000 people across studies for probable LGS and 2.9–28 per 100,000 for a confirmed/narrow definition of LGS. LGS was associated with high mortality rates compared to the general population and epilepsy population. Healthcare resource utilization and direct costs were substantial across all studies. Mean annual direct costs per person varied from $24,048 to $80,545 across studies, and home-based care and inpatient care were significant cost drivers. Studies showed that the HRQoL of patients and caregivers was adversely affected, although only a few studies were identified. In addition, studies suggested that seizure events were associated with higher costs and worse HRQoL. The risk of bias was low or moderate in most studies.

Conclusions

LGS is associated with a significant burden of illness featuring resistant seizures associated with higher costs and worse HRQoL. More research is needed, especially in evaluating indirect costs and caregiver burden, where there is a notable lack of studies.
Evaluation of a smartphone application for self-help for patients with social anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled study—SMASH
Authors: Schittenhelm Jan Marius , von Borell Christoph , Clément Celina , Schüller Johanna , Stangier Ulrich , Hoyer Juergen
Published: March 2023

Background

There is growing evidence that Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is as effective as a stand-alone treatment and helps facilitating access to treatment. Given the complexity of the treatment, we argue that the effect of ICBT could be even greater if guided by a therapist, as this could increase treatment adherence. We modified an established and well-evaluated treatment approach and developed a mobile application for treating social anxiety disorder (SAD). In the present study, we compare the efficacy of app use alone (APP) with video-based, therapist-guided app use (TG-APP) and with a wait-list control group (WLC) in terms of symptom reduction, and various secondary outcomes such as increase in quality of life or decrease of general psychological distress.

Methods/design

A within-between interaction design with randomization to one of three conditions will be used. In the APP condition, patients receive only the app without any additional contact with therapists, while in the TG-APP condition, therapists provide 8 sessions of video-based treatment in addition to using the app. The study will be conducted in two university outpatient treatment centers with reliably diagnosed SAD patients. The primary outcome will be defined as change in SAD symptoms, as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (expert rating). Furthermore, a wide range of self-reports and clinician ratings for other symptoms (depression, general psychopathology) or quality of life will be used. A simulation-based power analysis for a 3 × 2 interaction effect (group × time) on the primary outcome in a linear mixed model resulted in a total sample size of N = 165.

Discussion

The present study will be one of the first to examine the additional benefit of therapist-guided video sessions regarding the use of an app treating SAD. Study results are pivotal to future treatment application in SAD.
Generation and comprehensive analysis of Synechococcus elongatus–Aspergillus nidulans co-culture system for polyketide production
Authors: Feng Jie , Li Jingwei , Liu Dongxia , Xin Yuxian , Sun Jingrong , Yin Wen-Bing , Li Tingting
Published: March 2023

Background

Artificial microbial consortia composed of heterotrophic and photoautotrophic organisms represent a unique strategy for converting light energy and carbon dioxide into high-value bioproducts. Currently, the types of desired bioproducts are still limited, and microbial fitness benefit rendered by paired partner generally needs to be intensified. Exploring novel artificial microbial consortia at a laboratory scale is an essential step towards addressing this unmet need. This study aimed to conduct and analyze an artificial consortium composed of cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus FL130 with the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans TWY1.1 for producing fungi-derived secondary metabolite of polyketide neosartoricin B.

Results

Polyketide-producing A. nidulans TWY1.1 substantially ameliorated the growth and the survival of sucrose-secreting cyanobacterium S. elongatus FL130 in salt-stressed environments. Besides sucrose, comparable amounts of other carbohydrates were released from axenically cultured FL130 cells, which could be efficiently consumed by TWY1.1. Relative to axenically cultured FL130, less glycogen was accumulated in FL130 cells co-cultured with TWY1.1, and the glycogen phosphorylase gene catalyzing the first step for glycogen degradation had two-fold expression. Different from axenically cultured filamentous fungi, abundant vacuoles were observed in fungal hyphae of TWY1.1 co-cultured with cyanobacterium FL130. Meanwhile, FL130 cells displayed a characteristic pattern of interacting with its heterotrophic partner, densely dispersing along certain hyphae of TWY1.1. Finally, polyketide neosartoricin B was produced from TWY1.1 in FL130-TWY1.1 co-cultures, which was tightly adjusted by nitrogen level.

Conclusion

Overall, the results thoroughly proved the concept of pairing cyanobacteria with filamentous fungi to build artificial consortia for producing fungi-derived biomolecules.
Interplay between chronic inflammation and clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Park Jihye , An Hongyul , Lim Jiwoo , Park I Seul , Kim Mi Hyun , Kim Ji Hyung , Kim Seung Won , Koh Young Il , Lee Eun Young , Cheon Jae Hee
Published: March 2023

Background

Clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a predisposition to haematological malignancy whose relationship with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, has been highlighted. Here, we aimed to investigate the CHIP emergence rate and its association with inflammatory markers in Behçet’s disease (BD).

Methods

We performed targeted next-generation sequencing to detect the presence of CHIP using peripheral blood cells from 117 BD patients and 5004 healthy controls between March 2009 and September 2021 and analysed the association between CHIP and inflammatory markers.

Results

CHIP was detected in 13.9% of patients in the control group and 11.1% of patients in the BD group, indicating no significant intergroup difference. Among the BD patients of our cohort, five variants (DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, STAG2, and IDH2) were detected. DNMT3A mutations were the most common, followed by TET2 mutations. CHIP carriers with BD had a higher serum platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level; older age; and lower serum albumin level at diagnosis than non-CHIP carriers with BD. However, the significant association between inflammatory markers and CHIP disappeared after the adjustment for various variables, including age. Moreover, CHIP was not an independent risk factor for poor clinical outcomes in patients with BD.

Conclusions

Although BD patients did not have higher CHIP emergence rates than the general population, older age and degree of inflammation in BD were associated with CHIP emergence.
Is vitamin B12 deficiency a risk factor for gastroparesis in patients with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Ahmed Sally S. , El-Hafez Hala A. Abd , Mohsen Mohamed , El-Baiomy Azza A. , Elkhamisy Enas T. , El-Eshmawy Mervat M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Diabetic gastroparesis is a severe diabetic complication refers to delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction of the stomach. Vitamin B12 affects the dynamics of autonomic nervous system and its deficits has been linked to cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency was hypothesized to be implicated in the development of diabetic gastroparesis. This study was conducted to explore the possible association between vitamin B12 deficiency and gastroparesis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A total of 100 T2D patients with diabetes duration > 10 years and 50 healthy controls matched for age and sex were recruited for this study. T2D patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with gastroparesis and patients without gastroparesis. The diagnosis of gastroparesis was based on Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) Score ≥ 1.9 and ultrasonographic findings including gastric emptying ˂ 35.67% and motility index ˂ 5.1. Anthropometric measurements, plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids profile, vitamin B12 and transabdominal ultrasonography were assessed.

Results

The frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in total patients with T2D was 35% (54.5% in patients with gastroparesis vs. 11.1% in patients without gastroparesis, P < 0. 001). Vitamin B12 level was negatively correlated with GCSI Score whereas, it was positively correlated with gastric emptying and motility index. Vitamin B12 deficiency was an independent predictor for gastroparesis in patients with T2D; it predicts gastroparesis at a cut off value of 189.5 pmol/L with 69.1% sensitivity and 64.4% specificity, P = 0.002.

Conclusions

Beside the known risk factors of diabetic gastroparesis, vitamin B12 deficiency is an independent predictor of diabetic gastroparesis in patients with T2D.
High quality, high reliability: The dynamics of camel milk marketing in northern Kenya
Authors: Nori Michele
Published: March 2023

In order to analyse the transformations faced by pastoralists in coping with the uncertainties of their livelihoods, this paper analyses the evolutions of the marketing of camel milk, which has turned from a local taboo into a critical asset for the pastoral communities of Isiolo, a county typically associated with the rearing of cattle. Camel milk marketing (CMM) challenges several assumptions about pastoral societies and their supposed embedding conservativeness, inefficiency and risk aversion.

A high-reliability perspective has been instrumental in revealing the ongoing dynamics that are reconfiguring pastoral resource management and livelihood patterns in Isiolo. Through this approach, the management practices and contractual relationships that underpin CMM production and marketing have been explored, with a view to unveiling the rationale inspiring the networks through which camel milk is transacted, and the related socially-regulated arrangements and practices. The social and political embeddedness of CMM networks is central to their ability to adapt and function in constantly changing local conditions.

The marketing of camel milk provides an intriguing insight into how pastoral systems are informed by a high-reliability approach to operating under conditions of volatility and uncertainty. Political economy matters will have a significant influence on the evolution of this important enterprise. Adequate investments in infrastructure and public facilities would be crucial to further develop CMM and to enable its operators to respond and adapt to local dynamics, with a view to fairly share the associated risks, costs and benefits.
“…he’s going to be facing the same things that he faced prior to being locked up”: perceptions of service needs for substance use disorders
Authors: Beeler Sara , Renn Tanya , Pettus Carrie
Published: March 2023

Background

High rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) exist among justice-involved populations (i.e., persons incarcerated or recently released). SUD treatment is crucial for justice-involved populations as unmet treatment need increases reincarceration risk and impacts other behavioral health sequalae. A limited understanding of health needs (i.e. health literacy) can be one reason for unmet treatment needs. Social support is critical to seeking SUD treatment and post-incarceration outcomes. However, little is known about how social support partners understand and influence SUD service utilization among formerly incarcerated persons.

Methods

This mixed method, exploratory study utilized data from a larger study comprised of formerly incarcerated men (n = 57) and their selected social support partners (n = 57) to identify how social support partners understand the service needs of their loved ones recently released from prison who returned to the community with a diagnosis of a SUD. Qualitative data included 87 semi-structured interviews with the social support partners covering post-release experiences with their formerly incarcerated loved one. Univariates were conducted on the quantitative service utilization data and demographics to complement the qualitative data.

Results

Majority of the formerly incarcerated men identified as African American (91%) averaging 29 years of age (SD = 9.58). Most social support partners were a parent (49%). Qualitative analyses revealed that most social support partners avoided using or did not know the language to use regarding the formerly incarcerated person’s SUD. Treatment needs were often attributed to focus on peer influences and spending more time at their residence/housing. Analyses did reveal that when treatment needs were recommended in the interviews, social support partners reported employment and education services to be most needed for the formerly incarcerated person. These findings align with the univariate analysis with their loved ones reporting employment (52%) and education (26%) as their most reported service utilized post-release, compared to only 4% using substance abuse treatment.

Conclusion

Results provide preliminary evidence suggesting social support partners do influence the types of services accessed by formerly incarcerated persons with SUD. The findings of this study emphasize the need for psychoeducation during and after incarceration for individuals with SUDs and their social support partners.
Short-term photovoltaic power production forecasting based on novel hybrid data-driven models
Authors: Alrashidi Musaed , Rahman Saifur
Published: March 2023

The uncertainty associated with photovoltaic (PV) systems is one of the core obstacles that hinder their seamless integration into power systems. The fluctuation, which is influenced by the weather conditions, poses significant challenges to local energy management systems. Hence, the accuracy of PV power forecasting is very important, particularly in regions with high PV penetrations. This study addresses this issue by presenting a framework of novel forecasting methodologies based on hybrid data-driven models. The proposed forecasting models hybridize Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with different Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms, namely Social Spider Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization, Cuckoo Search Optimization, and Neural Network Algorithm. These optimization algorithms are utilized to improve the predictive efficacy of SVR and ANN, where the optimal selection of their hyperparameters and architectures plays a significant role in yielding precise forecasting outcomes. In addition, the proposed methodology aims to reduce the burden of random or manual estimation of such paraments and improve the robustness of the models that are subject to under and overfitting without proper tuning. The results of this study exhibit the superiority of the proposed models. The proposed SVR models show improvements compared to the default SVR models, with Root Mean Square Error between 12.001 and 50.079%. Therefore, the outcomes of this research work can uphold and support the ongoing efforts in developing accurate data-driven models for PV forecasting.
Antifungal activity and application of Bacillus tequilensis A13 in biocontrol of Rehmannia glutinosa root-rot disease
Authors: Wang Ruifei , Li Haibing , Qin Zhao , Wang Yan , Yang Qingxiang , Zhang Hao , Li Mingjun
Published: March 2023

Background

The bacterial genus Bacillus, an important group of bacteria which can suppress phytopathogens, has been widely used in agriculture. However, different species of Bacillus often displayed significant differences in probiotic efficiency and mechanism, suggesting that it is very necessary to investigate the biocontrol potential of new Bacillus isolates, especially from under-evaluated Bacillus spp. Rehmannia glutinosa (R. glutinosa), an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is affected by a serious root-rot disease caused by the fungus Fusarium solani (F. solani). Biocontrol agents against this root-rot disease in R. glutinosa have yet to be developed. This study explored, for the first time, the activity and biocontrol mechanism of a new Bacillus isolate, Bacillus tequilensis A13, in antagonizing F. solani.

Results

B. tequilensis A13 displayed a strong inhibitory activity (73.49% ± 1.33%) against F. solani growth in vitro and was able to survive and multiply in the sterilized soil. The results from liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses indicated that B. tequilensis A13 cell-free supernatant contained six antifungal compounds, eight antifungal compound synthases, and several functional proteins involved in the processes of plant stress resistance, etc. Finally, the joint application of complex fertilizer together with B. tequilensis A13 significantly reduced the incidence of R. glutinosa root rot in the field.

Conclusion

B. tequilensis A13 strongly inhibited F. solani growth by producing antifungal compounds and proteins associated with plant stress resistance/tolerance, and proved to be a promising candidate biocontrol agent against R. glutinosa root-rot disease.

Graphical Abstract
A systematic review of Mobile-Assisted Vocabulary Learning research
Authors: Okumuş Dağdeler Kübra
Published: March 2023

With rapid development of mobile technology, the number of researches on its use in language education process has increased. This growing body of interest has led to a need for review studies that are expected to explain the literature and the trend in the field succinctly. Based on this ground, this study aimed to review the studies conducted on mobile-assisted vocabulary learning in two dimensions. Firstly, it tried to reveal a general map of the domain through bibliometric analysis. With this aim, Web of Science database was scanned and 687 publications were included in the analysis. Then, among these publications 19 articles were selected to identify the technological and pedagogical focus of research papers to determine the trend. The results of bibliometric analysis explained the most frequent keywords, the most productive countries, and the most influential authors and articles. Furthermore, it was discovered that achievement and perceptions were the most common topics in terms of language learning focus and it was gamification in the dimension of technological focus in empirical studies. Despite its preliminary character, the findings have provided insights for future studies.
Changes in upper airways microbiota in ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Alagna Laura , Mancabelli Leonardo , Magni Federico , Chatenoud Liliane , Bassi Gabriele , Del Bianco Silvia , Fumagalli Roberto , Turroni Francesca , Mangioni Davide , Migliorino Guglielmo M. , Milani Christian , Muscatello Antonio , Nattino Giovanni , Picetti Edoardo , Pinciroli Riccardo , Rossi Sandra , Tonetti Tommaso , Vargiolu Alessia , Bandera Alessandra , Ventura Marco , Citerio Giuseppe , Gori Andrea
Published: March 2023

Background

The role of upper airways microbiota and its association with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) development in mechanically ventilated (MV) patients is unclear. Taking advantage of data collected in a prospective study aimed to assess the composition and over-time variation of upper airway microbiota in patients MV for non-pulmonary reasons, we describe upper airway microbiota characteristics among VAP and NO-VAP patients.

Methods

Exploratory analysis of data collected in a prospective observational study on patients intubated for non-pulmonary conditions. Microbiota analysis (trough 16S-rRNA gene profiling) was performed on endotracheal aspirates (at intubation, T0, and after 72 h, T3) of patients with VAP (cases cohort) and a subgroup of NO-VAP patients (control cohort, matched according to total intubation time).

Results

Samples from 13 VAP patients and 22 NO-VAP matched controls were analyzed. At intubation (T0), patients with VAP revealed a significantly lower microbial complexity of the microbiota of the upper airways compared to NO-VAP controls (alpha diversity index of 84 ± 37 and 160 ± 102, in VAP and NO_VAP group, respectively, p-value < 0.012). Furthermore, an overall decrease in microbial diversity was observed in both groups at T3 as compared to T0. At T3, a loss of some genera (Prevotella 7, Fusobacterium, Neisseria, Escherichia–Shigella and Haemophilus) was found in VAP patients. In contrast, eight genera belonging to the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Fusobacteria phyla was predominant in this group. However, it is unclear whether VAP caused dysbiosis or dysbiosis caused VAP.

Conclusions

In a small sample size of intubated patients, microbial diversity at intubation was less in patients with VAP compared to patients without VAP.
Near-real-time estimation of fossil fuel CO2 emissions from China based on atmospheric observations on Hateruma and Yonaguni Islands, Japan
Authors: Tohjima Yasunori , Niwa Yosuke , Patra Prabir K. , Mukai Hitoshi , Machida Toshinobu , Sasakawa Motoki , Tsuboi Kazuhiro , Saito Kazuyuki , Ito Akihiko
Published: March 2023

We developed a near-real-time estimation method for temporal changes in fossil fuel CO2(FFCO2) emissions from China for 3 months [January, February, March (JFM)] based on atmospheric CO2and CH4observations on Hateruma Island (HAT, 24.06° N, 123.81° E) and Yonaguni Island (YON, 24.47° N, 123.01° E), Japan. These two remote islands are in the downwind region of continental East Asia during winter because of the East Asian monsoon. Previous studies have revealed that monthly averages of synoptic-scale variability ratios of atmospheric CO2and CH4(ΔCO2/ΔCH4) observed at HAT and YON in JFM are sensitive to changes in continental emissions. From the analysis based on an atmospheric transport model with all components of CO2and CH4fluxes, we found that the ΔCO2/ΔCH4ratio was linearly related to the FFCO2/CH4emission ratio in China because calculating the variability ratio canceled out the transport influences. Using the simulated linear relationship, we converted the observed ΔCO2/ΔCH4ratios into FFCO2/CH4emission ratios in China. The change rates of the emission ratios for 2020–2022 were calculated relative to those for the preceding 9-year period (2011–2019), during which relatively stable ΔCO2/ΔCH4ratios were observed. These changes in the emission ratios can be read as FFCO2emission changes under the assumption of no interannual variations in CH4emissions and biospheric CO2fluxes for JFM. The resulting average changes in the FFCO2emissions in January, February, and March 2020 were 17 ± 8%, − 36 ± 7%, and − 12 ± 8%, respectively, (− 10 ± 9% for JFM overall) relative to 2011–2019. These results were generally consistent with previous estimates. The emission changes for January, February, and March were 18 ± 8%, − 2 ± 10%, and 29 ± 12%, respectively, in 2021 (15 ± 10% for JFM overall) and 20 ± 9%, − 3 ± 10%, and − 10 ± 9%, respectively, in 2022 (2 ± 9% for JFM overall). These results suggest that the FFCO2emissions from China rebounded to the normal level or set a new high record in early 2021 after a reduction during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, the estimated reduction in March 2022 might be attributed to the influence of a new wave of COVID-19 infections in Shanghai.
A model-free approach to do long-term volatility forecasting and its variants
Authors: Wu Kejin , Karmakar Sayar
Published: March 2023

Volatility forecasting is important in financial econometrics and is mainly based on the application of various GARCH-type models. However, it is difficult to choose a specific GARCH model that works uniformly well across datasets, and the traditional methods are unstable when dealing with highly volatile or short-sized datasets. The newly proposed normalizing and variance stabilizing (NoVaS) method is a more robust and accurate prediction technique that can help with such datasets. This model-free method was originally developed by taking advantage of an inverse transformation based on the frame of the ARCH model. In this study, we conduct extensive empirical and simulation analyses to investigate whether it provides higher-quality long-term volatility forecasting than standard GARCH models. Specifically, we found this advantage to be more prominent with short and volatile data. Next, we propose a variant of the NoVaS method that possesses a more complete form and generally outperforms the current state-of-the-art NoVaS method. The uniformly superior performance of NoVaS-type methods encourages their wide application in volatility forecasting. Our analyses also highlight the flexibility of the NoVaS idea that allows the exploration of other model structures to improve existing models or solve specific prediction problems.
Microperimetric analysis of diabetic macular edema after navigated direct photocoagulation with short-pulse laser for microaneurysms
Authors: Ikegami Yasuko , Shiraya Tomoyasu , Araki Fumiyuki , Ueta Takashi , Toyama Taku , Yanagita Tomohiko , Numaga Jiro , Shoji Nobuyuki , Kato Satoshi
Published: March 2023

Background

Focal laser photocoagulation is an important treatment option for diabetic macular edema (DME). This study aimed to examine the retinal sensitivity (RS) and morphological changes at the coagulated site after direct photocoagulation of microaneurysms (MAs) in patients with DME using a navigated laser photocoagulator with a short-pulse duration of 30 ms.

Methods

Images of early-phase fluorescein angiography were merged with images from the optical coherence tomography (OCT) map with 9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid circles, and MAs inside the edema area were selected for direct photocoagulation. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), parameters of the OCT map including central retinal thickness and retinal thickness in edema range, central RS, and RS in the edema area were assessed at 1 and 3 months after the laser treatment. The RS points that overlapped with the laser spots were identified by merging the Navilas’ digital treatment reports and the microperimetry images.

Results

Seventeen eyes from 14 patients were studied. The mean retinal thickness in the edema range decreased at 3 months compared with pretreatment (P = 0.042), but the BCVA, central retinal thickness, central RS, and RS in the edema area remained unchanged. Overall, 32 of 400 sensitivity points overlapped with the laser-coagulated spots. The mean RS at these spots were 22.4 ± 5.3 dB at 1 month and 22.5 ± 4.8 dB at 3 months, with no significant change from the baseline of 22.7 ± 3.5 dB.

Conclusions

Retinal thickness improved in the coagulated edema area without a decrease in RS after direct photocoagulation of MAs with a short 30-ms pulse using Navilas. This promising therapeutic strategy for DME is effective and minimally invasive.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of male adolescents in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-method case study using accelerometers, automated wearable cameras, diaries, and interviews
Authors: Andriyani Fitria Dwi , De Cocker Katrien , Priambadha Aprida Agung , Biddle Stuart J. H.
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous physical activity and sedentary behaviour studies during the pandemic have largely utilized online surveys, with known limitations including recall bias. Employing both device-based and self-reported measurements may provide a more comprehensive picture of both behaviours. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in adolescents is still limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia. Male adolescents had been identified as more active than females but have had a greater decrease in physical activity during the pandemic. The present study aimed to investigate the quantity, temporal patterns, contexts, and biopsychosocial factors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in a small group of male Indonesian adolescents.

Methods

Male adolescents (n = 5; 14–15 years old) from Yogyakarta wore accelerometers and automated wearable cameras for four days, and completed diaries and interviews in November 2020.

Results

Participants’ activity was dominated by light intensity (67% of all physical activity). Sedentary behaviour was high; accelerometer, school days: 456 ± 145 min (78 ± 10% of wear time), non-school days: 344 ± 160 min (79 ± 17% of wear time); camera, school days: 176 ± 101 min (81 ± 46% of wear time), non-school days: 210 ± 165 min (86 ± 67% of wear time). Sedentary behaviour was mainly done during school hours on school days and from late afternoon to evening on non-school days. Screen time was largely for leisure purposes and action games were most favoured. Smartphones were the most used device, mainly used in a solitary context in the bedroom. Non-screen-based sedentary behaviour was consistently low. Interviews suggested that during the pandemic, supporting factors for physical activity are: self-determination, enjoyment, parental support, and physical education; meanwhile, factors influencing screen time are: educational demands, device and internet availability, screen time opportunities, parental control, social facilitators, phone notifications, and emotional state.

Conclusions

Most participants were not able to stay active during the pandemic. Using digital platforms may be beneficial to shift some screen-based sedentary behaviour to ‘screen-based’ or ‘screen-prompted’ physical activity.
Community-Derived Core Concepts for Neuroscience Higher Education
Authors: Chen Audrey , Phillips Kimberley A. , Schaefer Jennifer E. , Sonner Patrick M.
Published: March 2023

Core concepts are overarching principles that identify patterns in facts and can be used as a foundational scaffold for curricula and assessment. This article describes the educational research process used to establish core concepts for neuroscience and provides examples of how the core concepts can be embedded in neuroscience education.
Understanding Randomness on a Molecular Level: A Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Tobler Samuel , Köhler Katja , Sinha Tanmay , Hafen Ernst , Kapur Manu
Published: March 2023

This article presents and analyzes a newly developed diagnostic tool—the Molecular Randomness Concept Inventory—to assess undergraduate students’ understanding of randomness at the molecular level. Results from an undergraduate classroom study and think-aloud interviews revealed valid and reliable estimations of students’ conceptual understanding.
Low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing shape factors for fracture front detection
Authors: Leggett Smith
Published: March 2023

Accurate knowledge of fracture extents generated in multistage unconventional completions remains elusive. Crosswell low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LF-DAS) measurements can determine the time and location of a frac hit. Knowing where and when a frac hit occurs constrains the fracture extent but does not estimate it quantitatively. A recent study on crosswell LF-DAS demonstrated a simple method to rapidly determine the instantaneous fracture propagation rate when a frac hit occurs. This method, the zero strain-rate location method (ZSRLM), is based on laboratory experiments and numerical modeling assuming a radial fracture geometry. The method estimates a fracture propagation velocity that is used to extrapolate the final fracture extent. The propagation rate is calculated based on dynamic estimates of the nearest distance from the fiber to the front of a propagating fracture. The ZSRLM is adapted to estimate the distance to the fracture front based on rectangular fracture geometries. A 3D displacement discontinuity method program generates crosswell LF-DAS strain-rate waterfall plots considering a single, rectangular fracture of constant height. Over 150 different simulations were conducted varying formation mechanical properties, fracture height, and the vertical and horizontal offset between the treatment and monitor well. For each simulated case, the ZSRLM is used to estimate the distance to the fracture front based on the simulated waterfall plots. The difference between the estimated and actual distance to the front is corrected by a shape factor. The relationship among the shape factor, fracture height ratio, and vertical offset ratio is determined. Using a shape factor improves the performance of the ZSRLM by up to a factor of two for rectangular fractures. The updated ZSRLM is applied to extrapolate final fracture extents in two field cases: a single cluster stage in the Montney Formation and a multicluster stage of an Austin Chalk completion.
Introduction to this special section: Full-waveform inversion
Authors: Perrone Francesco , Grobbe Niels
Published: March 2023

The estimation of the parameters of a mathematical model by data-fitting procedures goes back more than 200 years. Mathematics historians seem to agree to credit C. F. Gauss for the introduction of this idea ( Gauss, 2011 ). In the field of exploration geophysics, Lailly (1983) and Tarantola (1984) were the first to propose the use of data-fitting techniques to estimate model parameters that control the propagation of waves in the subsurface. The concept of full-waveform inversion (FWI) was born.
Application of Q-FWI-tomography and least-squares migration to improve seismic resolution in Tengiz oil field
Authors: Gong Bin , Li Tianjiang , Lee King Sim , Meng Zhaobo , Zhang Kai , Bibolova Assem , Katrenov Zhanibek
Published: March 2023

Seismic image deterioration is a major problem for structures under complex overburdens. In areas under major faults and salt bodies, it is common to observe amplitude washout zones, poor structural definition, and relatively strong coherent and incoherent seismic noise. We developed a data-driven workflow of Q least-squares migration to mitigate these problems by enhancing the horizontal and vertical resolutions of seismic images. The workflow includes accurate velocity model building with joint full-waveform inversion and tomography to maximize the stacking power of P-wave primaries, Q tomography that balances weak-amplitude washout zones and minimizes swing noises, and least-squares migration with the aid of a constraint map that yields higher-resolution structural images. Its application on a wide-azimuth data set from the Tengiz oil field demonstrates the effective mitigation of fault shadow issues with an overall improvement of image quality. In addition, the uplift in focusing of diffracted energies shows promising improvements in enhancing seismic mega-amplitude events. Thus, the proposed method greatly increases the fidelity of seismic attribute analysis when compared with conventional vintage processing.
Automated salt model building: From compaction trend to final velocity model using waveform inversion
Authors: Warner Mike , Nangoo Tenice , Umpleby Adrian , Shah Nikhil , Manuel Chris , Bevc Dimitri , Merino Miguel
Published: March 2023

Conventional seismic velocity model building in complicated salt-affected areas requires the explicit identification of salt boundaries in migrated images and typically involves testing of possible subsurface scenarios through multiple generations. The resulting velocity models are slow to generate and may contain interpreter-driven features that are difficult to verify. We show that it is possible to build a full final velocity model using advanced forms of full-waveform inversion applied directly to raw field data, starting from a model that contains only a simple 1D compaction trend. This approach rapidly generates the final velocity model and migrates processed reflection data at least as accurately as conventionally generated models. We demonstrate this methodology using an ocean-bottom-node data set acquired in deep water over Walker Ridge in the Gulf of Mexico. Our approach does not require exceptionally long offsets or the deployment of special low-frequency sources. We restrict the inversion so it does not use significant energy below 3 Hz or offsets longer than 14 km. We use three advanced forms of waveform inversion to recover the final model. The first is adaptive waveform inversion to proceed from models that begin far from the true model. The second is nonlinear reflection waveform inversion to recover subsalt velocity structure from reflections and their long-period multiples. The third is constrained waveform inversion to produce salt- and sediment-like velocity floods without explicitly identifying salt boundaries or velocities. In combination, these three algorithms successively improve the velocity model so it fully predicts the raw field data and accurately migrates primary reflections, though explicit migration forms no part of the workflow. Thus, model building via waveform inversion is able to proceed from field data to the final model in just a few weeks. It entirely avoids the many cycles of model rebuilding that may otherwise be required.
Enhancing salt model resolution and subsalt imaging with elastic FWI
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Wu Zedong , Wei Zhiyuan , Mei Jiawei , Huang Rongxin , Wang Ping
Published: March 2023

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has become the centerpiece of velocity model building (VMB) in seismic data processing in recent years. It has proven capable of significantly improving the velocity model and, thus, the migration image for different acquisition types and geologic settings, including complex environments such as salt. With the advent of FWI imaging, the scope of FWI applications has extended further from VMB into the imaging landscape. However, current FWI applications in the industry prevalently employ the acoustic approximation. One common problem of acoustic FWI (A-FWI) is the apparent salt halos at the salt-sediment interface in the resulting FWI velocity and FWI image, the presence of which hinders direct interpretation and imaging focusing around salt bodies. With synthetic and field data examples, we demonstrate that this salt halo is caused mainly by the large mismatch between the elastic recorded data and the acoustic modeled data, particularly at middle to long offsets. To overcome limitations imposed by acoustic assumptions, we developed an elastic FWI (E-FWI) algorithm that combines an elastic modeling engine with the time-lag cost function, which we call elastic time-lag FWI (E-TLFWI). With a more accurate modeling engine, E-TLFWI significantly reduces the salt halo observed in its acoustic counterpart. However, we also observe that the images migrated using the A-FWI and E-FWI velocity models remain similar overall, with some slight improvements around and beneath salt boundaries, particularly near steep salt flanks, as a result of the reduced salt halo. By contrast, FWI images derived from E-TLFWI show considerable benefits over those from acoustic time-lag FWI, such as improved event focusing, better structural continuity, and higher signal-to-noise ratio. The sharpened salt boundaries and enhanced quality of the FWI images reveal the significant value of E-FWI and provide the justification for its greatly increased cost.
“A Vast Bed of Combustible Fuel”
Authors: Shutzer Matthew , Kodiveri Arpitha
Published: March 2023

Does climate change pose a crisis for the concept of nation-state sovereignty? This article explores how contemporary debates about climate and sovereignty are connected to deeper histories of empire and capitalism in the global South. Arguing against recent critical appraisals of sovereignty that emphasize the elision of nature from formal political and legal theory, the article reconstructs a genealogy of sovereign power in the major fossil fuel-producing territories of India spanning the nineteenth century to the present day. It brings to light three historical articulations of sovereignty that undergird contemporary modes of extractive dispossession enforced by the Indian state: the discovery of fossil fuels as subjects of sovereign power during an early colonial project to build prison complexes in Indian coal mines; the juridical remaking of “land” under Benthamite-inspired laws of “real property;” and the politicization of fossil fuels as an underground commons belonging to the abstract entity of the postcolonial nation.