bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoas Major Swelling Grade Affects the Clinical Outcomes after OLIF: A Retrospective Study of 89 Patients
Authors: Song Zefeng , Chen Wanyan , Zhu Guangye , Chen Xingda , Zhou Zelin , Zhang Peng , Lin Shaohao , Wang Xiaowen , Yu Xiang , Ren Hui , Liang De , Cui Jianchao , Jiang Xiaobing , Tang Jingjing
Published: July 2023

Objects

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) has gained increasing popularity recently. However, complications resulting from intraoperative retraction of psoas major (PM) sometimes occur. The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree of PM swelling by developing a scoring system called the Psoas Major Swelling Grade (PMSG), and to investigate the correlation between the PMSG and clinical outcomes after OLIF.

Methods

Patients who underwent L4‐5 OLIF at our hospital from May 2019 to May 2021 were reviewed and all data were recorded. The extent of postoperative PM swelling was determined by calculating the percentage of change in the PM area before and after surgery on MRI and divided into three grades subsequently. Swelling within the range of 0% to 25% was defined as grade I, 25%–50% was grade II, and more than 50% was grade III. All patients were grouped into the new grade system and followed up for at least 1 year, during which the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded. Categorical data were analyzed using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests, while continuous variables were assessed with one‐way ANOVA and paired t‐tests.

Results

Eighty‐nine consecutive patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean follow‐up duration of 16.9 months. The proportion of female patients in the PMSG I, II, and III groups was 57.1%, 58.3%, and 84.1%, respectively (p = 0.024).  Furthermore, the total complication rate was 43.2% in the PMSG III group, significantly higher than 9.5% and 20.8% in the PMSG I and II groups (p = 0.012). The incidence of thigh paraesthesia was also considerably higher in the PMSG III group at 34.1% (p = 0.015), compared to 9.5% and 8.3% in the PMSG I and II groups. Among the patients, 12.4% exhibited a teardrop‐shaped PM, with the majority (90.9%) belonging to the PMSG III group (p = 0.012). Additionally, the PMSG III group demonstrated a higher estimated blood loss (p = 0.007) and significantly worse clinical scores at the 1‐week follow‐up assessment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

PM swelling adversely affects the OLIF prognosis. Female patients with teardrop‐shaped PM are more likely to develop swelling after OLIF. A higher PMSG is associated with a higher complication rate of thigh pain or numbness and worse short‐term clinical outcomes.
Do Conditional Cash Transfers Reduce Fertility? Nationwide Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Parker Susan W. , Ryu Soomin
Published: July 2023

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs, which link transfers to investment in human capital in poor families, have spread around the world over the past two decades. This paper studies the medium‐term effects of Progresa, the pioneering Mexican CCT program, on fertility using nationwide vital statistics combined with administrative data on program receipt. The effects of CCTs are likely to vary by age of the woman, and we study impacts by five‐year age intervals. We test and account for possible underreporting of births using indirect methods. We find that Progresa led to an important and statistically significant decline in teenage fertility and smaller, but still significant, effects on reducing the fertility of older women.
Estimation of genetic parameters and genetic change of first parity reproductive traits in Alpine × Beetal goats
Authors: Sahoo Shweta , Alex Rani , Vohra Vikas , Mukherjee Sabyasachi , Gowane G. R.
Published: July 2023

The study of reproductive traits is crucial for improving genetic potential of goats because of their significant utility in meat production. Hence, genetic analysis was conducted for reproductive traits on Alpine × Beetal goats using animal model for first parity data. Information on 1462 reproductive records were collected over five decades from ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana (1971–2021). Single‐trait and multi‐trait animal models were used for genetic analysis. Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained using Gibbs Sampler for Animal Model due to non‐normal distribution of data. Six single‐trait animal models (including or excluding maternal and environmental effects) were fitted and best models were determined based on Deviance Convergence Criterion values. The prolificacy for the A × B goats for first parity data was 32%, having 68% single births, 31% twins and 1% triplets/quadruplets. The least squares mean for age at first service (AFS), age at first kidding (AFK), service period (SP), dry period (DP), gestation length (GL), kidding interval (KI), litter weight (LW), number of kids born (NKB) and number of females kids born (NFKB) in first parity were 546.15 ± 4.10 days, 679.05 ± 4.07 days, 226.51 ± 4.02 days, 67.96 ± 2.76 days, 150.74 ± 0.13 days, 362.53 ± 3.35 days, 3.99 ± 0.04 kg, 1.32 ± 0.02 and 0.64 ± 0.02, respectively. The heritability estimates obtained from best model for AFS, AFK, GL, KI, SP, and DP were 0.12 ± 0.00, 0.10 ± 0.00, 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.00, 0.04 ± 0.00, and 0.05 ± 0.00, respectively. For NKB, NFKB and LW, heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.03, and 0.04 ± 0.00, respectively. These results imply lower heritability estimates for reproductive traits, and hence meagre scope for selection for further improvement. Maternal effects contributed significantly for traits such as GL, NKB and NFKB. Genetic correlation for number of female kids born was negative with SP and DP which is favourable. Furthermore, genetic correlation was negative for dry period and litter weight which is favourable as number of kids born and litter weight are traits of direct economic importance. Results reveal high genetic potential of this breed for meat industry owing to high prolificacy, provided consistent efforts are made for the genetic improvement of this germplasm.
Minimize systemic oral corticosteroids use and reduce harm for patients with asthma
Authors: Ko Fanny Wai San , Salvi Sundeep
Published: July 2023

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‘For Few Mean Ill in Vaine’: Roxolana and the Clash of Passion and Politics in the Ottoman Court in Fulke Greville's The Tragedy of Mustapha (1609) and Roger Boyle's The Tragedy of Mustapha (1665)
Authors: Hussain Aisha
Published: July 2023

Despite the many historical references to wealth, military strength and political efficiency, Turks were generally represented as violent, lustful and despotic figures in early modern cultural discourses. The stereotyped cultural Turk soon populated the London stages, thus moulding a recognisable dramatic type whose brutality and sexual appetite were also combined with political corruption. However, as this contribution seeks to demonstrate, Fulke Greville's Mustapha (1609) and Roger Boyle's Mustapha (1665) instead discuss characters who digress from traditional Orientalist portrayals of Turks whose sexual incontinence parallels with political corruption. In particular, this article engages with intersections between gender studies and Orientalism to investigate how Roxolana, in both plays, transgresses traditional representations of the female Christian‐to‐Muslim convert, whose lust distracts the Turkish ruler from his political duties. Both playwrights explore Roxolana's active interest in affairs of the Ottoman Court and the unexpected alliance she forms with Hungarian Queen Isabella when she, at the Hungarian Queen's request, protects Isabella's infant son and the Hungarian crown jewels. Their friendship appears to echo gift exchanges between Queen Elizabeth I and Turkish Queen Mother, Safiye Sultan, after the establishment of the Levant Company, which are detailed in various letters exchanged between the two monarchs in 1599. In light of this, I explore how Greville and Boyle could be commenting upon the political turmoil that James I's succession and the Stuart Restoration brought about in England, given that the country was more stable in a religious and political sense under the rule of former monarch Elizabeth I.
Personal need for structure as a protective factor on beliefs and coping with COVID‐19: A crowd‐sourced multicultural exploration
Authors: Cook Corey L. , Demanarig Donna , Metviner Sierra , Stoppa Tara , Milius Hannah , Grahe Jon , Kawabata Yoshito , Schmidt Kathleen , Sonnentag Tammy L. , DeNigris Danielle , Norvilitis Jill , Berry Stephen D. , Keum Brian TaeHyuk , Cuccolo Kelly , Gosnell Courtney L. , Kagialis Antonios , Hawkins Gina , Ogba Kalu T. U. , Farahani Hojjatollah , Azadfallah Parviz , Shane‐Simpson Christina , Rosen Lisa , Obeid Rita , Koch Chris , Fletcher Tifani , Volkan Eliz , Weaver Amie , Greenup Christina , Cascalheira Cory , Redker Christopher , Girod Claire , Lu Yang , Tan David , Edlund John E. , Bell Justin S. , London Lisseth , Stults Christopher , Otto Natasha , Moreno Eries Jay , Balaghi Danielle , Cummings Jeremy , Kalibatseva Zornitsa , Knapp Brandilynn , Anderson James , Garote Jacklyn , Moore Robin , Carpenter Kimberly , Holloway Steven , Schults BriAnne , Cooper Camryn , Stoeckl Sara Elizabeth , Kaplan Sabrina , Wu Connor , Sinclair James , Ferreira Nuno , Jia Fanli , Zlokovich Martha S. , Irgens Megan S. , Rogers Mary Moussa
Published: July 2023

A pre‐registered, crowd‐sourced, multicultural study assessed how the personal need for structure (PNFS) predicted perceptions, behaviors, and coping mechanisms in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Collaborators, invited to collect online survey data through Psi Chi's Network for International Collaborative Exchange crowd‐sourcing initiative (Edlund et al., 2019), recruited approximately 100 participants across 22 data‐collection locations (final N = 4620). Participants completed randomized online surveys, which inquired about an individual's PNFS, and current perceptions, behaviors and knowledge surrounding the pandemic. Results indicated that individuals with higher PNFS fared better at navigating the rules and restrictions that came with the pandemic. Specifically, and contrary to hypotheses, higher PNFS positively predicted knowledge of COVID‐19 and support for government restrictions and negatively predicted belief in pandemic misinformation. Additionally, PNFS significantly positively predicted the use of problem and emotion‐focused coping strategies and did not predict dysfunctional coping mechanisms. Our findings emphasize the role individual differences play in navigating the pandemic, and future research should evaluate PNFS in light of COVID‐19 and in relation to other behavioral and psychological outcomes.
The novel HLA‐A*68:302 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxynucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Gao Chun‐lin , Du Ke‐ming , Zheng Zhong‐zheng , Bi Hui , Zhou Ze‐ping
Published: July 2023

HLA‐A*68:302 differs from HLA‐A*68:01:02:01 by one nucleotide in exon 4.
The genotype list string code syntax for exchanging nomenclature‐level genotyping results in clinical and research data management and analysis systems
Authors: Mack Steven J. , Sauter Jürgen , Robinson James , Osoegawa Kazutoyo , McKenzie Lloyd , Schneider Joel , Maiers Martin , Milius Robert P.
Published: July 2023

The nomenclatures used to describe HLA and killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) alleles distinguish unique nucleotide and peptide sequences, and patterns of expression, but are insufficient for describing genotyping results, as description of ambiguities and relations across loci require terminology beyond allele names. The genotype list (GL) String grammar describes genotyping results for genetic systems with defined nomenclatures, like HLA and KIR, documenting what is known and unknown about a given genotyping result. However, the accuracy of a GL String is dependent on the reference database version under which it was generated. Here, we describe the GL string code (GLSC) system, which associates each GL String with meta‐data describing the specific reference context in which the GL String was created, and in which it should be interpreted. GLSC is a defined syntax for exchanging GL Strings in the context of a specific gene‐family namespace, allele‐name code‐system, and pertinent reference database version. GLSC allows HLA and KIR genotyping data to be transmitted, parsed and interpreted in the appropriate context, in an unambiguous manner, on modern data‐systems, including Health Level 7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource systems. Technical specification for GLSC can be found at https://glstring.org.
A versatile CRISPR‐based system for lineage tracing in living plants
Authors: Donà Mattia , Bradamante Gabriele , Bogojevic Zorana , Gutzat Ruben , Streubel Susanna , Mosiolek Magdalena , Dolan Liam , Mittelsten Scheid Ortrun
Published: July 2023

Individual cells give rise to diverse cell lineages during the development of multicellular organisms. Understanding the contribution of these lineages to mature organisms is a central question of developmental biology. Several techniques to document cell lineages have been used, from marking single cells with mutations that express a visible marker to generating molecular bar codes by CRISPR‐induced mutations and subsequent single‐cell analysis. Here, we exploit the mutagenic activity of CRISPR to allow lineage tracing within living plants with a single reporter. Cas9‐induced mutations are directed to correct a frameshift mutation that restores expression of a nuclear fluorescent protein, labelling the initial cell and all progenitor cells with a strong signal without modifying other phenotypes of the plants. Spatial and temporal control of Cas9 activity can be achieved using tissue‐specific and/or inducible promoters. We provide proof of principle for the function of lineage tracing in two model plants. The conserved features of the components and the versatile cloning system, allowing for easy exchange of promoters, are expected to make the system widely applicable.
Contrast administration via ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery results in contrast enhancement of the soft tissues of the metatarsus in horses undergoing CT
Authors: Acutt Elizabeth V. , Zhou Tianjian , Mama Khursheed , Nelson Brad B. , Selberg Kurt T. , Barrett Myra F.
Published: July 2023

Delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) via intravascular techniques to treat diffuse and/or inaccessible soft tissue injuries has grown in popularity. The purpose of the current prospective, analytical pilot study was to utilize CT to validate this novel technique and provide additional evidence to support its use for injectate delivery to specific soft tissue structures. Of particular interest was the proximal suspensory ligament, which presents a challenging injection target. Six adult horses without lameness underwent CT of the distal hindlimbs. Scans were obtained prior to ultrasound‐guided catheterization of the cranial tibial artery, in addition to early and delayed scans acquired following intra‐arterial contrast administration. Region of interest analysis of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and suspensory ligament was used to assess contrast enhancement within these structures. Linear mixed models were used to determine statistical significance. Significant (P < 0.05) mean contrast enhancement was seen in all postinjection time points in all soft tissue structures of interest. This indicates that ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery results in perfusion of injectate throughout the distal hind limb, including the major soft tissue structures of the metatarsus. This provides further support for this technique as a method of MSC delivery to multifocal or inaccessible injury of these structures, including the proximal suspensory ligament.
Taxonomic revision of the Liparis makinoana complex (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Malaxidae) in Korea
Authors: LEE Jungsim , SON Dong Chan
Published: July 2023

On the Korean Peninsula, eleven species of the genus Liparis (Orchidaceae) have been recorded, and three species are presumed to belong to the L. makinoana complex. These are L. koreana, L. japonica, and L. makinoana. Liparis japonica and L. makinoana are distributed in South Korea, but the distribution of L. koreana has not been confirmed. Liparis japonica and L. makinoana are morphologically very similar, making it difficult to classify them. Recently, L. japonica and L. makinoana in Japan were reclassified into three species. One of them is an amended species of L. makinoana, and the other two species were described as new species, specifically L. longiracemosa and L. suzumushi. It was confirmed that the three species are distributed in South Korea. Here, we provide a distribution map, photographs of the three new species, and a comparison of their morphological characteristics.
A phylogenetic analysis of the Korean endemic species Paraphlomis koreana (Lamiaceae) inferred from nuclear and plastid DNA sequences
Authors: HAN Eun-Kyeong , KIM Jung-Hyun , KIM Jin-Seok , HYUN Chang Woo , SON Dong Chan , CHUNG Gyu Young , GANTSETSEG Amarsanaa , LEE Jung-Hyun , CHOI In-Su
Published: July 2023

Paraphlomis koreana (Lamiaceae) was newly named and added to Korean flora in 2014. Paraphlomis belongs to the tribe Paraphlomideae, along with Ajugoides and Matsumurella. However, a recent study has suggested that P. koreana is morphologically similar to Matsumurella chinensis, making them difficult to distinguish from each other. Therefore, we aimed to examine the phylogenetic placement of P. koreana within the tribe and compare its genetic relationship with M. chinensis. We sequenced an additional complete plastid genome for an individual of P. koreana and generated sequences of nuclear ribosomal (nr) DNA regions of internal and external transcribed spacers (ITS and ETS) for two individuals of P. koreana. Maximum likelihood analyses based on two nrDNA regions (ITS and ETS) and four plastid DNA markers (rpl16 intron, rpl32-trnL, rps16 intron, and trnL-F) covering 13 Paraphlomis species and M. chinensis were conducted. Phylogenetic analyses concordantly supported that P. koreana forms a monophyletic group with M. chinensis. Moreover, our study revealed that P. koreana includes nrDNA sequences of M. chinensis as minor intraindividual variants, suggesting that the genetic divergence between the two taxa is incomplete and may represent intraspecific variation rather than distinct species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the independent species status of P. koreana within Paraphlomis should be reconsidered.
Chromosome number of Carex brevispicula (Cyperaceae), a sedge endemic to Korea
Authors: CHUNG Kyong-Sook , NAM Gi Heum , CHUNG Gyu Young
Published: July 2023

Carex brevispicula (Cyperaceae) is endemic to Korea and is characterized by constricted achenes, short lateral spikes, and awned staminate and pistillate scales. The species classified in sect. Mitratae occurs throughout South Korea, perennating on mountains and/or rocky slopes under half shadow conditions. Meiotic chromosomes of the species were examined in this study, in which 33 meiotic cells from seven populations were found to be less than 2 μm long with non-constricted chromosomes (n = 34II). The stable chromosome number may be related to the narrow geographical distribution and/or distinct achene morphology. Further investigations of the distribution, morphological character variation, and chromosome characteristics should be conducted with closely related taxa to understand the derivation of the species and its endemism in Korea.
Nine new records of plants from Bhutan
Authors: WANGCHUK Jigme , TSHERING Tsethup , DORJ Dorji , WANGDI Karma
Published: July 2023

Discoveries and new records of plants specifically provide a basis for empirical data to enable in-depth studies of the ecology, distribution, conservation, applications, and threats to such plants. However, many unexplored regions of Bhutan exist in which several plants have yet to be described and documented. Several species reported elsewhere in the Himalayan region with similar climatic conditions are likely to occur in Bhutan as well, indicating a need to corroborate their presence. To explore this, an opportunistic survey was employed, and we provide nine new records of plant species for Bhutan. Of the nine species, three belonged to the Lauraceae family, with the rest from the Aristolochiaceae, Asparagaceae, Lamiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Sapindaceae, and Urticaceae families. This paper adds nine additional species of plants to the flora of Bhutan. We also report here ethnobotanical applications of these species, providing insight into how communities interact with environmental resources and have the potential to integrate traditional knowledge into scientific understanding, ultimately to reinforce sustainable biocultural conservation at the local level.
A Comparative Investigation of the Impact of Two Different Charcoal Stove Configurations on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Particulate Matter Emissions
Authors: Okedere Oyetunji Babatunde , Oyelami Seun , Oyewole Kehinde Adenike , Rabiu Kazeem Olawale , Lasisi Hammed Oyebamiji , Atanda Naimat , Omojola Stephen
Published: July 2023

Due to dwindling income occasioned by inflation, vast numbers of Nigerians have reverted to charcoal stoves to meet or supplement their domestic energy need. Two brands of charcoal stoves (local and modernized) presently in use in Nigeria were investigated for their contributions to indoor level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The two stoves were loaded with equal quantity of wood charcoals and allowed to burn for 2-hours a day in separate rooms of equal sizes. Passive sampling involving the use of polyurethane foam (PUF) disks was adopted and the PUF disks were withdrawn after 3 and 7 days for laboratory analysis. Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) analytical procedures were used for the determination of the PAHs concentrated on the PUF disks. The total PAH concentrations after 3 days were 1.74 μg/m3 and 0.61 μg/m3 for local and modern charcoal stoves respectively while their corresponding total concentrations after 7 days were 2.91 μg/m3 and 2.01 μg/m3. The modern charcoal stove showed better performances over the two durations. However, the total PAHs concentrations from both stoves exceeded the ambient air recommended limits. Giving the carcinogenic tendencies of some of the PAHs, the study concluded that none of the two stoves is safe for indoor application.
Energy Efficiency In Optical-Wireless Access Network Using Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation
Authors: Asafa Mubarak , Lasisi Hammed Oyebamiji , Olawumi Olanrewaju Olufemi , Awofolaju Tolulope Tola
Published: July 2023

High capacity networks are needed for enormous quantity of internet traffic, which is driven by both the exponential growth of the number of people using the internet and the ongoing introduction of new high-bandwidth requiring applications. Combining optical and wireless technologies is a new and promising access network solution. The energy efficiency of telecommunication networks is therefore attracting increasing attention today than in the past. This study is aimed at evaluating energy efficiency of optical-wireless access network which combines Passive Optical Network (PON) and Long Term Evolution - Advanced (LTE-A) networks into one. The network was designed using Optimum Network Engineering Tool (OPNET) modeler software. Traffic was generated using inbuilt tools provided in the OPNET modeler software. Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) algorithm was applied on the network and simulation was carried out using the simulation tool provided by OPNET to evaluate the effect of the DBA algorithm on the energy consumption and efficiency in the network. The findings showed energy utilization of 430 watt-second when DBA algorithm was applied on the access network as against 700 watt-second when it was not activated. This shows a 38.6% energy conservation. It was concluded that with the application of energy saving techniques to combined optical-wireless access network, substantial energy could be conserved even in the presence of heavy traffic without compromising the quality of service of the access network.
The Survey And Perspective Of Human Factors Associated With Maintenance Activity
Authors: Alharran Dari , Norazahar Dr. Norafneeza , Ahmad Arshad , Bakhary Norhisham , Noh@Seth Nur Hazirah
Published: July 2023

Maintenance is the work needed to keep plant and equipment in proper condition, and it is one of twenty elements of process safety management and the purpose of maintenance activities is to keep equipment in a good condition for performance during the operation process. However, ineffective maintenance may have a negative effect on performance. The consequence of ineffective maintenance can shorten the life of equipment or plant, can be harmful to workers who perform the maintenance tasks, and lead to accidents or incidents. Ineffective maintenance occurs as a result of many reasons, such as but not limited to human factors like complexity of maintenance task, poorly written maintenance procedure, fatigue and Organizational Factors such as poor experience, lack of training, lack of safety systems and barriers, and Poor health and safety culture. The aim of this study is to identify common human performance factors associated with maintenance and identify its influence on human error in aging oil and gas plants in the United Aarab Emirates. Five case studies are presented to identify human factors contributed to the accident during maintenance activities and to identify its linkage with human error, then survey strategy is used for data collection and a structured questionnaire is designed and distributed among people who involved in maintenance activities in UAE. The research concludes that understanding work procedures is influenced by the maintenance experience of the workers and communication between workers and management and safety culture has an influence on human error.
DRUG-RESISTANCE AND COMPENSATORY MUTATIONS IN MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Auganova D. , Akisheva A. , Tsepke A. , Tarlykov P.
Published: July 2023

Gram-positive bacteria of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are causative agents of tuberculosis disease. According to the report of the World Health Organization, tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide.  Moreover, epidemiological data shows that due to the COVID-19 pandemic tuberculosis mortality has risen in comparison with previous years. Drug resistance is another threatening issue when the resistance to antitubercular (anti-TB) drugs makes therapy less effective. Furthermore, drug resistance is often burdened with compensatory mechanisms that overcome fitness defects related to drug-resistant mutations. This review discusses the drug resistance and compensatory mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the current situation with anti-TB drug resistance in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
STUDY OF THE DIVERSITY OF THE ALGOFLORA OF THE IRTYSH RIVER AND ISOLATION OF NEW STRAINS OF PHOTOTROPHIC MICROORGANISMS
Authors: Shissenbayeva N. , Sadvakasova A. , Akmuhanova N. , Sarsekeeva F. , Bauenova M. , Kanshora A.
Published: July 2023

The article presents the results of studies of the diversity of the composition of the algoflora of the Irtysh River in the Pavlodar region.85 species of microalgae were detected in water samples from different points of the Irtysh River.According to the frequency of occurrence, the main part of it is made up of green and blue-green algae.Analysis of individual species of saprobic microalgae revealed the presence of 16 species of indicator microalgae of the Irtysh River.The saprobity index for bioindication analysis is 1.8 (β-mesosaprobic). According to the results of work on the extraction of pure cultures from samples taken from the Irtysh River, 5 algologically and bacteriologically pure cultures of microalgae were obtained: Oscillatoria tenuis A-1, Phormidium autumnale D-2, Anabaena Variabilis A - 2, Synechococcus elongatus D-6, Nostoc calcicola YAD-3 were isolated.
Research on crop classification methods based on machine learning using wavelet transformations
Authors: Alzhanov A. , Nugumanova A. , Sutula M.
Published: July 2023

Due to the growing demand for precise and efficient agricultural monitoring and management systems, interest in crop classification using machine learning has significantly increased in recent years. Conventional machine learning algorithms, however, have limitations when dealing with high-dimensional data. Training time is a crucial factor in developing crop classification models, as it directly impacts the model's efficacy and efficiency. Large volumes of data are often needed to train crop classification models properly, making the training procedure laborious and computationally demanding. In this paper, crop classification model training time is reduced by utilizing wavelet decomposition in combination with traditional machine learning techniques such as SVM, Naive Bayes, RF, and others. The performance of different algorithms before and after utilizing wavelet decomposition was evaluated in order to find the way that is the most efficient while using this methodology. Additionally, the significance of quality loss when applying wavelet coefficients was determined. The results of this paper show that applying wavelet transformation coefficients in combination with classification techniques can achieve accuracy levels that are comparable to those achieved by training on the original images. For example, using the Random Forest model in combination with Daubechies transformation coefficients can achieve an accuracy of 0,89 while significantly reducing training time from 11,15 to 3,49 seconds with Haar transformation providing almost identical results. The paper demonstrates the value of using wavelet transforms for crop classification and highlights the significance of accounting for training time when developing accurate and practical crop classification models that may be useful in developing decision support tools for agricultural applications, where it is crucial to make prompt decisions based on current data.
Self-supervised learning–based underwater acoustical signal classification via mask modeling
Authors: Xu Kele , Xu Qisheng , You Kang , Zhu Boqing , Feng Ming , Feng Dawei , Liu Bo
Published: July 2023

The classification of underwater acoustic signals has garnered a great deal of attention in recent years due to its potential applications in military and civilian contexts. While deep neural networks have emerged as the preferred method for this task, the representation of the signals plays a crucial role in determining the performance of the classification. However, the representation of underwater acoustic signals remains an under-explored area. In addition, the annotation of large-scale datasets for the training of deep networks is a challenging and expensive task. To tackle these challenges, we propose a novel self-supervised representation learning method for underwater acoustic signal classification. Our approach consists of two stages: a pretext learning stage using unlabeled data and a downstream fine-tuning stage using a small amount of labeled data. The pretext learning stage involves randomly masking the log Mel spectrogram and reconstructing the masked part using the Swin Transformer architecture. This allows us to learn a general representation of the acoustic signal. Our method achieves a classification accuracy of 80.22% on the DeepShip dataset, outperforming or matching previous competitive methods. Furthermore, our classification method demonstrates good performance in low signal-to-noise ratio or few-shot settings.
Sonic boom propagation over real topography
Authors: Emmanuelli Ariane , Dragna Didier , Ollivier Sébastien , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: July 2023

The effect of elevation variation on sonic boom reflection is investigated using real terrain data. To this end, the full two-dimensional Euler equations are solved using finite-difference time-domain techniques. Numerical simulations are performed for two ground profiles of more than 10 km long, extracted from topographical data of hilly regions, and for two boom waves, a classical N-wave, and a low-boom wave. For both ground profiles, topography affects the reflected boom significantly. Wavefront folding due to terrain depression is notably highlighted. For the ground profile with mild slopes, the time signals of the acoustic pressure at the ground are, however, only slightly modified compared to the flat reference case, and the associated noise levels differ by less than 1 dB. With steep slopes, the contribution due to wavefront folding has a large amplitude at the ground. This results in an amplification of the noise levels: a 3 dB increase occurs at 1% of the positions along the ground surface, and a maximum of 5–6 dB is reached near the terrain depressions. These conclusions are valid for the N-wave and low-boom wave.
Infrasound tones at sensation threshold level elicit measurable Frequency-Following responses
Authors: Jurado Carlos , Larrea Marcelo , Vizuete Juan , Torres Mabel , Garzón Christiam , Rodriguez Alberto , Marquardt Torsten
Published: July 2023

Even barely detectable levels of infrasound are often reported to cause annoyance and complaints. We carefully measured the individual sensation threshold of a pure tone and recorded immediately after the brain's frequency-following response (FFR) at this intensity using the same stimulator. In contrast to 87-Hz tones, 8-Hz tones elicit an FFR already at sensation threshold. Control stimuli with trains of 1-kHz tone pips having the repetition rate of the infrasound tone frequency and sensation threshold intensities evoked no significant FFR. Thus, slow periodicity, causing synchronous activation of auditory nuclei, is not explaining the FFR to low-level infrasound alone.
Physically informed data-driven modeling of active nematics
Authors: Golden Matthew , Grigoriev Roman O. , Nambisan Jyothishraj , Fernandez-Nieves Alberto
Published: July 2023

A continuum description is essential for understanding a variety of collective phenomena in active matter. However, building quantitative continuum models of active matter from first principles can be extremely challenging due to both the gaps in our knowledge and the complicated structure of nonlinear interactions. Here, we use a physically informed data-driven approach to construct a complete mathematical model of an active nematic from experimental data describing kinesin-driven microtubule bundles confined to an oil-water interface. We find that the structure of the model is similar to the Leslie-Ericksen and Beris-Edwards models, but there are appreciable and important differences. Rather unexpectedly, elastic effects are found to play no role in the experiments considered, with the dynamics controlled entirely by the balance between active stresses and friction stresses.
Integrative mapping of the dog epigenome: Reference annotation for comparative intertissue and cross-species studies
Authors: Son Keun Hong , Aldonza Mark Borris D. , Nam A-Reum , Lee Kang-Hoon , Lee Jeong-Woon , Shin Kyung-Ju , Kang Keunsoo , Cho Je-Yoel
Published: July 2023

Dogs have become a valuable model in exploring multifaceted diseases and biology relevant to human health. Despite large-scale dog genome projects producing high-quality draft references, a comprehensive annotation of functional elements is still lacking. We addressed this through integrative next-generation sequencing of transcriptomes paired with five histone marks and DNA methylome profiling across 11 tissue types, deciphering the dog’s epigenetic code by defining distinct chromatin states, super-enhancer, and methylome landscapes, and thus showed that these regions are associated with a wide range of biological functions and cell/tissue identity. In addition, we confirmed that the phenotype-associated variants are enriched in tissue-specific regulatory regions and, therefore, the tissue of origin of the variants can be traced. Ultimately, we delineated conserved and dynamic epigenomic changes at the tissue- and species-specific resolutions. Our study provides an epigenomic blueprint of the dog that can be used for comparative biology and medical research.
Taxonomic and carbon metabolic diversification of Bathyarchaeia during its coevolution history with early Earth surface environment
Authors: Hou Jialin , Wang Yinzhao , Zhu Pengfei , Yang Na , Liang Lewen , Yu Tiantian , Niu Mingyang , Konhauser Kurt , Woodcroft Ben J. , Wang Fengping
Published: July 2023

Bathyarchaeia, as one of the most abundant microorganisms on Earth, play vital roles in the global carbon cycle. However, our understanding of their origin, evolution, and ecological functions remains poorly constrained. Here, we present the largest dataset of Bathyarchaeia metagenome assembled genome to date and reclassify Bathyarchaeia into eight order-level units corresponding to the former subgroup system. Highly diversified and versatile carbon metabolisms were found among different orders, particularly atypical C1 metabolic pathways, indicating that Bathyarchaeia represent overlooked important methylotrophs. Molecular dating results indicate that Bathyarchaeia diverged at ~3.3 billion years, followed by three major diversifications at ~3.0, ~2.5, and ~1.8 to 1.7 billion years, likely driven by continental emergence, growth, and intensive submarine volcanism, respectively. The lignin-degrading Bathyarchaeia clade emerged at ~300 million years perhaps contributed to the sharply decreased carbon sequestration rate during the Late Carboniferous period. The evolutionary history of Bathyarchaeia potentially has been shaped by geological forces, which, in turn, affected Earth’s surface environment.
Lead-free and scalable GeTe-based thermoelectric module with an efficiency of 12%
Authors: Xie Li , Ming Chen , Song Qingfeng , Wang Chao , Liao Jincheng , Wang Lei , Zhu Chenxi , Xu Fangfang , Sun Yi-Yang , Bai Shengqiang , Chen Lidong
Published: July 2023

GeTe-based materials with superior thermoelectric properties promise great potential for waste heat recovery. However, the lack of appropriate diffusion barrier materials (DBMs) limits not only the energy conversion efficiency but also the service reliability of the thermoelectric devices. Here, we propose a design strategy based on phase equilibria diagrams from first-principles calculations and identify transition metal germanides (e.g., NiGe and FeGe
2
) as the DBMs. Our validation experiment confirms the excellent chemical and mechanical stabilities of the interfaces between the germanides and GeTe. We also develop a process for scaling up the GeTe production. Combining with module geometry optimization, we fabricate an eight-pair module using mass-produced p-type Ge
0.89
Cu
0.06
Sb
0.08
Te and n-type Yb
0.3
Co
4
Sb
12
and achieve a record-high efficiency of 12% among all reported single-stage thermoelectric modules. Our work thus paves the way for waste heat recovery based on completely lead-free thermoelectric technology.
Measuring anti-islet autoimmunity in mouse and human by profiling peripheral blood antigen-specific CD4 T cells
Authors: Sharma Siddhartha , Tan Xuqian , Boyer Josh , Clarke Don , Costanzo Anne , Abe Brian , Kain Lisa , Holt Marie , Armstrong Adrienne , Rihanek Marynette , Su Andrew , Speake Cate , Gottlieb Peter , Gottschalk Michael , Pettus Jeremy , Teyton Luc
Published: July 2023

The endocrine pancreas is one of the most inaccessible organs of the human body. Its autoimmune attack leads to type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a genetically susceptible population and a lifelong need for exogenous insulin replacement. Monitoring disease progression by sampling peripheral blood would provide key insights into T1D immune-mediated mechanisms and potentially change preclinical diagnosis and the evaluation of therapeutic interventions. This effort has been limited to the measurement of circulating anti-islet antibodies, which despite a recognized diagnostic value, remain poorly predictive at the individual level for a fundamentally CD4 T cell–dependent disease. Here, peptide–major histocompatibility complex tetramers were used to profile blood anti-insulin CD4 T cells in mice and humans. While percentages of these were not directly informative, the state of activation of anti-insulin T cells measured by RNA and protein profiling was able to distinguish the absence of autoimmunity versus disease progression. Activated anti-insulin CD4 T cell were detected not only at time of diagnosis but also in patients with established disease and in some at-risk individuals. These results support the concept that antigen-specific CD4 T cells might be used to monitor autoimmunity in real time. This advance can inform our approach to T1D diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in the preclinical phase of anti-islet autoimmunity.
Stochastic and Deterministic Assembly Processes in Seamount Microbial Communities
Authors: Li Haizhou , Zhou Huaiyang , Yang Shanshan , Dai Xin
Published: July 2023

Although there are approximately 25 million seamounts in the ocean, surprisingly little is known about seamount microbial ecology. We provide evidence that seamounts are island-like habitats harboring microbial communities distinct from those of nonseamount habitats, and they exhibit a distance-decay pattern.
Pantothenate Auxotrophy in a Naturally Occurring Biocontrol Yeast
Authors: Rueda-Mejia Maria Paula , Bühlmann Andreas , Ortiz-Merino Raúl A. , Lutz Stefanie , Ahrens Christian H. , Künzler Markus , Freimoser Florian M.
Published: July 2023

As a precursor of the essential coenzyme A (CoA), pantothenate is present in all organisms. Plants, bacteria, and fungi are known to synthesize this vitamin, while animals must obtain it through their diet.
A Recombinant Duck Plague Virus Containing the ICP27 Deletion Marker Provides Robust Protection in Ducks
Authors: Wu Ying , Liu Lu , Zhang Mengya , Zhan Haichuan , Wang Chenjia , Wang Mingshu , Chen Shun , Jia Renyong , Yang Qiao , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Ou Xumin , Mao Sai , Gao Qun , Sun Di , Tian Bin , Cheng Anchun
Published: July 2023

The development of distinguishable marker vaccines from natural infection is a key step toward eradicating duck plague. Here, we generated a recombinant DPV that carries an ICP27 deletion marker that could be easily distinguished from wild-type strain by molecular biological methods.
Addressing sociodemographic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among youth in Zimbabwe
Authors: Larsson Leyla , Dziva Chikwari Chido , Simms Victoria , Tembo Mandikudza , Mahomva Agnes , Mugurungi Owen , Hayes Richard J , Mackworth-Young Constance R S , Bernays Sarah , Mavodza Constancia , Taruvinga Tinotenda , Bandason Tsitsi , Dauya Ethel , Ferrand Rashida Abbas , Kranzer Katharina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance research has mostly originated from high-income countries and reasons why youth may not get vaccinated may differ in low-income settings. Understanding vaccination coverage across different population groups and the sociocultural influences in healthcare delivery is important to inform targeted vaccination campaigns.

Methods

A population-based survey was conducted in 24 communities across three provinces (Harare, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East) in Zimbabwe between October 2021 and June 2022. Youth aged 18–24 years were randomly selected using multistage sampling. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccination uptake and reasons for non-uptake were collected, and odds of vaccination was investigated using logistic regression.

Results

17 682 youth were recruited in the survey (n=10 742, 60.8% female). The median age of participants was 20 (IQR: 19–22) years. Almost two thirds (n=10 652, 60.2%) reported receiving at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A higher proportion of men than women had been vaccinated (68.9% vs 54.7%), and vaccination prevalence increased with age (<19 years: 57.5%, 20–22: 61.5%, >23: 62.2%). Lack of time to get vaccinated, belief that the vaccine was unsafe and anxiety about side effects (particularly infertility) were the main reasons for not getting vaccinated. Factors associated with vaccination were male sex (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.58 to 1.80), increasing age (>22 years: OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.21), education level (postsecondary: OR=4.34, 95% CI 3.27 to 5.76) and socioeconomic status (least poor: OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.47).

Conclusion

This study found vaccine inequity across age, sex, educational attainment and socioeconomic status among youth. Strategies should address these inequities by understanding concerns and tailoring vaccine campaigns to specific groups.
Effects of volume-based procurement policy on the usage and expenditure of first-generation targeted drugs for non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation in China: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Huang Huang , Sun Yan , Zhu Zheng , Jiang Bin , Yang Li
Published: July 2023

Objectives

In December 2018, China launched national volume-based procurement (NVBP) to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. Gefitinib was one of the 25 pilot drugs, which is used for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in China and targeted drugs like gefitinib have been proven to provide clinical benefits to patients. This study aims to explore the impact of NVBP policy on the usage and expenditure of anticancer drugs.

Methods

Gefitinib and alternative drugs (icotinib and erlotinib) were used as objects of study. Quarterly data from the China Hospital Pharmaceutical Audit database in 9454 hospitals in China were used for analysis. Descriptive analysis was conducted using purchase volume and expenditure as variables. Interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis was applied to further analyse the effect of NVBP policy on the medicines under study.

Results

During the 12-month period before (2018Q2–2019Q1) and after (2019Q2–2020Q1) the NVBP policy, the total purchase volume of medicines rose from 4.48 million defined daily dose (DDD) to 7.02 million DDD, with an increase of 56.66%. Purchase volume of gefitinib and alternative drugs increased 100.61% and 14.88%, respectively. After the implementation of NVBP policy, procurement volume of alternative drugs decreased by 72 051 DDD (p value=0.044) and trend change decreased by 56 738 DDD (p value<0.01). The overall expenditure reduction was 14.7%, with the expenditure of gefitinib reducing by 38.47% and alternative drugs increasing by 10.70%. ITS analysis indicated statistically significant differences in level and trend changes for expenditure of total drugs and gefitinib.

Conclusions

The evidence provided in this study indicated that the implementation of NVBP policy was related to the expenditure reduction of the first generation of anti-EGFR lung cancer drugs. The policy effectively controlled the increase in expenditures for corresponding drugs while ensuring the use of drugs.