bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of CD4 testing on mortality from TB and cryptococcal meningitis among patients with advanced HIV disease in nine countries
Authors: Oboho Ikwo Kitefre , Paulin Heather , Corcoran Carl , Hamilton Matt , Jordan Alex , Kirking Hannah L. , Agyemang Elfriede , Podewils Laura Jean , Pretorius Carel , Greene Greg , Chiller Tom , Desai Mitesh , Bhatkoti Roma , Shiraishi Ray W. , Shah N. Sarita
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale‐up among people living with HIV (PLHIV), those with advanced HIV disease (AHD) (defined in adults as CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 or clinical stage 3 or 4), remain at high risk of death from opportunistic infections. The shift from routine baseline CD4 testing towards viral load testing in conjunction with “Test and Treat” has limited AHD identification.

Methods

We used official estimates and existing epidemiological data to project deaths from tuberculosis (TB) and cryptococcal meningitis (CM) among PLHIV‐initiating ART with CD4 <200 cells/mm3, in the absence of select World Health Organization recommended diagnostic or therapeutic protocols for patients with AHD. We modelled the reduction in deaths, based on the performance of screening/diagnostic testing and the coverage and efficacy of treatment/preventive therapies for TB and CM. We compared projected TB and CM deaths in the first year of ART from 2019 to 2024, with and without CD4 testing. The analysis was performed for nine countries: South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Results

The effect of CD4 testing comes through increased identification of AHD and consequent eligibility for protocols for AHD prevention, diagnosis and management; algorithms for CD4 testing avert between 31% and 38% of deaths from TB and CM in the first year of ART. The number of CD4 tests required per death averted varies widely by country from approximately 101 for South Africa to 917 for Kenya.

Conclusions

This analysis supports retaining baseline CD4 testing to avert deaths from TB and CM, the two most deadly opportunistic infections among patients with AHD. However, national programmes will need to weigh the cost of increasing CD4 access against other HIV‐related priorities and allocate resources accordingly.
Validation of a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of N,N‐dimethylacetamide and N‐monomethylacetamide in pediatric plasma
Authors: Rosser Sebastian P. A. , McLachlan Andrew J. , Hempel Georg , Chung Jason , Shaw Peter J. , Keogh Steven J. , Nath Christa E.
Published: March 2023

N,N–dimethylacetamide is an excipient used in intravenous busulfan formulations, a drug used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation conditioning. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of N,N‐dimethylacetamide, and its metabolite N‐monomethylacetamide in plasma from children receiving busulfan. A 4 μl aliquot of patient plasma was extracted using 196 μl 50% methanol solution and quantified against calibrators prepared in the extraction solvent given negligible matrix effects across three concentrations. 9[H2]‐N,N‐dimethylacetamide was used as an internal standard. Separation of N,N‐dimethylacetamide and N‐monomethylacetamide was achieved using a Kinetex EVO C18 stationary phase (100 mm × 2.1 mm × 2.6 μm) running an isocratic mobile phase of 30% methanol containing 0.1% formic acid at a flow of 0.2 ml/min over 3.0 min. The injection volume was 1 μl. Calibration curves for N,N‐dimethylacetamide and N‐monomethylacetamide were linear up to 1200 and 200 μg/L, respectively, with a lower limit of quantification 1 μg/L for both analytes. Calibrator accuracy and precision were within ± 10% of the test parameters across four concentration levels. Analytes were stable over 14 days at three different storage conditions. This method was successfully applied to measure N,N‐dimethylacetamide and N‐monomethylacetamide concentrations in a total of 1265 plasma samples from 77 children.
Ultrahigh Flowability and Excellent Mechanical Performance of Glass Fiber/PA6 Composites Prepared by Hyperbranched Polymers
Authors: Yu Lijie , Hu Qiangsheng , Li Tingcheng , Zhang Junheng , Chen Shenghui , Xu Zejun , Chen Sufang , Zhang Daohong
Published: March 2023

Lightweighting of automotives is crucial for the decrease of fuel and energy consumption, as well as CO2 emission and environmental pollution. Polymer composites, especially the high strength glass fiber/polyamide (GF/PA) composites, have great potential in lightweight; however, they have not been universally accepted due to their insufficient performance. Here, a stearate‐ended hyperbranched polyester (HBP‐12‐n) is designed and high‐performance GF/PA6 composites with high GF content are prepared. The flowability of the composites can be further increased by combining carboxyl‐ended hyperbranched polymer (HyPer C181) with HBP‐12‐n. Compared with unmodified GF/PA6 composites, the melt flow index (MFI) can be increased remarkably to 587% by adding a 0.7 wt% mixture of HBP‐12‐75 and HyPer C181, and the strength and toughness remain competitive. The simultaneous improvement in MFI and impact strength of GF/PA6 composites is the first discovery of this kind, and a synergistic mechanism of amphiphilic bridging‐deformation slipping‐interfacial strengthening of hyperbranched polymers is proposed to account for this phenomenon. This work provides a simple strategy to fabricate GF/PA6 composites with the extensive application for automotive parts and has great prospects in making automotives lightweight and reduction of CO2 emissions.
Ultrasound‐guided breast biopsy using an adapted automated cone‐based ultrasound scanner: a feasibility study
Authors: Nikolaev Anton V. , de Jong Leon , Zamecnik Patrik , Groenhuis Vincent , Siepel Françoise J. , Stramigioli Stefano , Hansen Hendrik H.G. , de Korte Chris L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Among available breast biopsy techniques, ultrasound (US)‐guided biopsy is preferable because it is relatively inexpensive and provides live imaging feedback. The availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐3D US image fusion would facilitate US‐guided biopsy even for US occult lesions to reduce the need for expensive and time‐consuming MRI‐guided biopsy. In this paper, we propose a novel Automated Cone‐based Breast Ultrasound Scanning and Biopsy System (ACBUS‐BS) to scan and biopsy breasts of women in prone position. It is based on a previously developed system, called ACBUS, that facilitates MRI‐3D US image fusion imaging of the breast employing a conical container filled with coupling medium.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to introduce the ABCUS‐BS system and demonstrate its feasibility for biopsy of US occult lesions.

Method

The biopsy procedure with the ACBUS‐BS comprises four steps: target localization, positioning, preparation, and biopsy. The biopsy outcome can be impacted by 5 types of errors: due to lesion segmentation, MRI‐3D US registration, navigation, lesion tracking during repositioning, and US inaccuracy (due to sound speed difference between the sample and the one used for image reconstruction).

For the quantification, we use a soft custom‐made polyvinyl alcohol phantom (PVA) containing eight lesions (three US‐occult and five US‐visible lesions of 10 mm in diameter) and a commercial breast mimicking phantom with a median stiffness of 7.6 and 28 kPa, respectively. Errors of all types were quantified using the custom‐made phantom. The error due to lesion tracking was also quantified with the commercial phantom.

Finally, the technology was validated by biopsying the custom‐made phantom and comparing the size of the biopsied material to the original lesion size. The average size of the 10‐mm‐sized lesions in the biopsy specimen was 7.00 ± 0.92 mm (6.33 ± 1.16 mm for US occult lesions, and 7.40 ± 0.55 mm for US‐visible lesions).

Results

For the PVA phantom, the errors due to registration, navigation, lesion tracking during repositioning, and US inaccuracy were 1.33, 0.30, 2.12, and 0.55 mm. The total error was 4.01 mm. For the commercial phantom, the error due to lesion tracking was estimated at 1.10 mm, and the total error was 4.11 mm. Given these results, the system is expected to successfully biopsy lesions larger than 8.22 mm in diameter. Patient studies will have to be carried out to confirm this in vivo.

Conclusion

The ACBUS‐BS facilitates US‐guided biopsy of lesions detected in pre‐MRI and therefore might offer a low‐cost alternative to MRI‐guided biopsy. We demonstrated the feasibility of the approach by successfully taking biopsies of five US‐visible and three US‐occult lesions embedded in a soft breast‐shaped phantom.
Vascular space occupancy asymmetric spin echo (VASO‐ASE) for non‐invasive quantification of cerebral oxygen extraction fraction
Authors: Waddle Spencer L. , Garza Maria , Ying Chunwei , Davis L. Taylor , Jordan Lori C. , An Hongyu , Donahue Manus J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Asymmetric spin echo (ASE) MRI is a method for measuring regional oxygen extraction fraction (OEF); however, extravascular tissue models have been shown to under‐estimate OEF. The hypothesis investigated here is that the addition of a vascular‐space‐occupancy (VASO) pre‐pulse will more fully suppress blood water signal and provide global OEF values more consistent with physiological expectation and 15O positron emission tomography (PET)‐validated T2‐relaxation‐under‐spin‐tagging (TRUST) OEF measures.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 14; age = 27.7 ± 5.2 y; sex = 7/7 male/female) were scanned at 3.0T. Multi‐echo ASE without inter‐readout refocusing (ASERF−), multi‐echo ASE with inter‐readout refocusing (ASERF+), and single‐echo VASO‐ASE were acquired twice each with common spatial resolution = 3.44 × 3.44 × 3.0 mm and τ = 0–20 ms (interval = 0.5 ms). TRUST was acquired twice sequentially for independent global OEF assessment (τCPMG = 10 ms; effective TEs = 0, 40, 80, and 160 ms; spatial resolution = 3.4 × 3.4 × 5 mm). OEF intraclass‐correlation‐coefficients (ICC), summary statistics, and group‐wise differences were assessed (Wilcoxon rank‐sum; significance: two‐sided p < 0.05).

Results

ASERF+ (OEF = 36.8 ± 1.9%) and VASO‐ASE (OEF = 34.4 ± 2.3%) produced OEF values similar to TRUST (OEF = 36.5 ± 4.6%, human calibration model; OEF = 32.7 ± 4.9%, bovine calibration model); however, ASERF− yielded lower OEF (OEF = 26.1 ± 1.0%; p < 0.01) relative to TRUST. VASO‐ASE (ICC = 0.61) yielded lower ICC compared to other ASE variants (ICC >0.89).

Conclusion

VASO‐ASE and TRUST provide similar OEF values; however, VASO‐ASE spatial coverage and repeatability improvements are required.
High‐throughput screening for prescribing cascades among real world statin initiators
Authors: Vouri Scott M. , Morris Earl J. , Walsh Marta , Agalliu Jessica , Dempsey Alyssa , Hochleitner Leonie , Muschett Matthew R. , Schmidt Stephan , Pepine Carl J. , Smith Steven M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Statins are among the most prevalent medications prescribed and associated with adverse events that may prompt additional treatment (i.e., a prescribing cascade). No comprehensive assessment of statin‐related prescribing cascades has been performed to our knowledge.

Methods

We utilized sequence symmetry analysis to iteratively screen prescribing sequences of all therapeutic classes (“marker” classes) based on Level 4 Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes among adult statin initiators, using IBM Marketscan commercial and Medicare supplemental claims databases (2005–2019). Order of initiation and secular trend‐adjusted sequence ratios were calculated for each statin‐marker class dyad, among marker class initiators ±90 days of statin initiation. Among signals classified as prescribing cascades, we calculated naturalistic number needed to harm (NNTH) within 1 year as the inverse of the excess risk among exposed.

Results

We identified 2 265 519 statin initiators (mean ± SD age, 56.4 ± 12.0 years; 48.7% women; 7.5% with cardiovascular disease). Simvastatin (34.4% of statin initiators) and atorvastatin (33.9%) were the most commonly initiated statins. We identified 160 significant statin‐marker class dyad signals, of which 35.6% (n = 57) were classified as potential prescribing cascades. Of the top 25 strongest signals (lowest NNTH), 12 were classified as potential prescribing cascades, including osmotically acting laxatives (NNTH, 44, 95% CI 43–46), opioids + non‐opioid combination analgesics (81, 95% CI 74–91), and first‐generation cephalosporins (204, 95% CI 175–246).

Conclusions

Using high‐throughput sequence symmetry analysis screening, we identified previously known prescribing cascades as well as potentially new prescribing cascades based on known and unknown statin‐related adverse events.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Density Functional Theory Investigation and Molecular Docking Studies of Formohydrazide‐Based Hydrazones as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Gunavathi S. , Venkateswaramoorthi R. , Arulvani K. , Bharanidharan S.
Published: March 2023

A new series of hydrazones have been synthesized by the condensation of substituted aromatic aldehydes and formohydrazide with equal mol ratio. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectral techniques. The quantum chemical computations were done using the DFT method with a B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated bond parameters such as bond lengths, bond angles, and dihedral angles were determined using the same level of theory. The NLO properties of compound (1 a) were determined using a first‐order hyperpolarizability calculation (β0=1.73605×10−30 esu). In Homo‐Lumo analysis, the smaller energy gap value of compound 1 a was calculated at 3.52723 eV. Moreover, the Mullikan atomic charges were also calculated and studied in detail. Bromo‐substituted compounds (1 a) and ethyl‐substituted (1 c) compounds show excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity against the corresponding strains. The target compound is shown to be an effective inhibitor. The amide group in the LYS389 interacts with the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group at a distance of 2.5 Å. The co‐crystallized ligand also docked well and it shows better interactions.
New Diacetic Acids Containing Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one: Synthesis, Characterization, Anticholinergic Properties, DFT Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Tokalı Feyzi Sinan , Sağlamtaş Rüya , Öztekin Aykut , Yırtıcı Ümit , Çomaklı Veysel
Published: March 2023

In this study, a new series of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones, which constitute an important part of biologically active heterocyclic compounds, were synthesized with excellent yields (99‐94 %). The structures of the synthesized compounds (1–14) were characterized with Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR –13C NMR), and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition properties were examined to evaluate the anticholinergic properties of the synthesized compounds. For AChE, molecules showed IC50in ranging of 16.27–9.12 μM and Kis in ranging of 19.20±0.68–4.83±0.19 μM. For BChE, molecules showed IC50in ranging of 16.77–8.50 μM and Kis in ranging of 10.35±2.15–3.38±0.25 μM. Molecular docking was performed to determine the predicted interactions between the synthesized molecules and enzymes. Additionally, Density‐functional theory (DFT) studies were also carried out to clarify the electronic structures of compounds.
Preparation and Electrochemical Characterisation of an Iron‐Nickel‐Doped Sucrose‐Derived Carbon Material for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Sangamithirai Muthukumaran , Mathi Selvam , Ashok Venkatachalam , Jayabharathi Jayaraman
Published: March 2023

The development of non‐precious metals electrocatalysts for renewable energy and hydrogen production has been gaining increased attention. Serpent carbon grown from a cost‐effective combustion process having large pores is employed as a substrate for metal doping (Fe−Ni@SC) by a simple solvothermal method. In an alkaline medium, Fe−Ni@SC/GC split water at 1.52 V, and the Tafel slope of 63 mV dec−1 (Fe−Ni@SC) was found to be lower than IrO2 (92 mV dec−1). In a three‐electrode system, Fe−Ni@SC/NF splits water at 1.48 V and exhibits a small overpotential of 252 mV at 10 mA cm−2 that is stable for 150 h with a potential loss of 4.2 %. Excellent OER performances have been displayed by the robust Fe−Ni@SC catalyst, which has sufficient kinetics to address the sluggish water oxidation. The fragmented plates morphology of Fe−Ni@SC was useful for the transportation of ions and reduced traffic congestion during the electrochemical process. The solar water electrolyser splits water at 1.55 V, which illustrates the effectiveness of an optimised electrocatalyst for the conversion of solar energy to hydrogen production. Hence, Fe−Ni@SC can be utilised to generate huge amount of hydrogen at low cost.
Isolation of Highly Reactive Cobalt Phthalocyanine via Electrochemical Activation for Enhanced CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Xuefeng , Zhao Jia Yue , Sun Ji Wei , Li Wen Jing , Yuan Hai Yang , Liu Peng Fei , Dai Sheng , Yang Hua Gui
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical CO2‐to‐CO conversion offers an attractive and efficient route to recycle CO2 greenhouse gas. Molecular catalysts, like CoPc, are proved to be possible replacement for precious metal‐based catalysts. These molecules, a combination of metal center and organic ligand molecule, may evolve into single atom structure for enhanced performance; besides, the manipulation of molecules’ behavior also plays an important role in mechanism research. Here, in this work, the structure evolution of CoPc molecules is investigated via electrochemical‐induced activation process. After numbers of cyclic voltammetry scanning, CoPc molecular crystals become cracked and crumbled, meanwhile the released CoPc molecules migrate to the conductive substrate. Atomic‐scale HAADF‐STEM proves the migration of CoPc molecules, which is the main reason for the enhancement in CO2‐to‐CO performance. The as‐activated CoPc exhibits a maximum FECO of 99% in an H‐type cell and affords a long‐term durability at 100 mA cm−2 for 29.3 h in a membrane electrode assembly reactor. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculation also demonstrates a favorable CO2 activation energy with such an activated CoPc structure. This work provides a different perspective for understanding molecular catalysts as well as a reliable and universal method for practical utilization.
Sensing Properties of Solid Electrolyte NOx Sensor Using NASICON and Perovskite‐Type Oxide Electrode
Authors: Takahashi Hiromi , Takase Satoko , Shimizu Youichi
Published: March 2023

Solid electrolyte‐based electrochemical devices fabricated with Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NASICON), and perovskite‐type oxide electrodes have been systematically examined. The elements attached with the perovskite‐type oxides [A1−xA'xBO3] (A = La, Nd and Y, A' = Ca and Sr., B = Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, Mn and Ru, x = 0–0.4) exhibited rather good performance for the electromotive force responses which were almost linear to the logarithm of NO or NO2 concentration. Among sensors attached with various electrodes, the device using the NdCrO3 electrode gave the excellent NO sensing properties. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The importance and requirement of evidence‐based medicine to expand the use of Kampo medicine
Authors: Uezono Yasuhito
Published: March 2023

Background

Cancer treatment is one of the major projects in the world due to the highest number of deaths. In recent years, chemotherapy, surgical treatment, radiation and immune checkpoint therapy have been used for the treatment of cancer patients. In association with these treatments, the number of cancer survivors has also increased. On the other hand, the number of patients suffering from side effects of cancer treatment is increasing, and the importance of cancer supportive care is being emphasized.

Japanese Herbal Medicine

Japanese herbal medicine, Kampo, has been developed since it was imported from China. Kampo medicine is effectively used in Japan to relieve several symptoms that Western medicine cannot address. However, evidence‐based medicine is essential for the expansion of the use of Kampo in the clinical field.

Needs of Evidence‐Based Medical Research

Owing to the development of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and a variety of molecular biology tools, we are now able to examine profiles of particular effective ingredients included in Kampo medicines. We now are investigating the effects of Kampo medicine on ameliorating adverse effects by searching and analyzing targets for Kampo medicine in cancer patients. In light of this point, properties of hangeshashinto and rikkunshito, two representatives of Kampo medicine, are shown based on their established scientific evidence.

Conclusion

In the present study, we show the importance and requirement of evidence‐based medicine to expand the use of Kampo medicine.
Exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 contributes to tumorigenesis, metastasis, stemness, macrophage polarization, and infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma through PKM mediated glycolysis
Authors: Ji Wenjing , Bai Jie , Ke Yue
Published: March 2023

Background

With high morbidity and mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) deserves further exploration in its pathogenesis mechanisms for promising prognostic and therapeutic markers. This research was conducted to dig out roles of exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 in HCC.

Methods

The level of exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 in HCC tissue and cells was determined by Real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Pull‐down assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify interactions between ZFPM2‐AS1 and miRNA‐18b‐5p, as well as miRNA‐18b‐5p and PKM. Western blotting was employed to explore the potential regulatory mechanism. Several in vitro assays were conducted in mice xenograft and orthotopic transplantation models to investigate impacts of exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 on HCC development, metastasis, and macrophage infiltration.

Results

ZFPM2‐AS1 was activated in HCC tissue and cells, with high enrichment in HCC‐derived exosomes. Exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 enhances the cell abilities and stemness of HCC. MiRNA‐18b‐5p was directly targeted by ZFPM2‐AS1 which triggered PKM expression via sponging miR‐18b‐5p. Exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 modulated glycolysis via PKM in an HIF‐1α dependent way in HCC, promoting M2 polarization, and macrophage recruitment. Furthermore, exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 enhanced HCC cell growth, metastasis, and M2 infiltration in vivo.

Conclusions

Exosomal ZFPM2‐AS1 exerted regulatory function on the progression of HCC via miR‐18b‐5p/PKM axis. ZFPM2‐AS1 could be promising biomarker for the diagnosis and therapies of HCC.
Investigations into ferroptosis in methylmercury‐induced acute kidney injury in mice
Authors: Ye Yingrong , Chen Yichun , Wu Hanpeng , Fu Yiwu , Sun Youpeng , Wang Xia , Li Peixuan , Wu Zhikai , Wang Jingjing , Yang Zhengtao , Zhou Ershun
Published: March 2023

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly poisonous form of mercury and a risk factor for kidney impairment in humans that currently has no effective means of therapy. Ferroptosis is a non‐apoptotic metabolic cell death linked to numerous diseases. It is currently unknown whether ferroptosis takes part in MeHg‐induced kidney damage. Here, we established a model of acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice by gavage with different doses of MeHg (0, 40, 80, 160 μmol/kg). Serological analysis revealed elevated levels of UA, UREA, and CREA; H&E staining showed variable degrees of renal tubule injury; qRT‐PCR detection displayed increased expression of KIM‐1 and NGAL in the groups with MeHg treatment, indicated that MeHg successfully induced AKI. Furthermore, MDA levels enhanced in renal tissues of mice with MeHg exposure whereas GSH levels decreased; ACSL4 and PTGS2 nucleic acid levels elevated while SLC7A11 levels reduced; transmission electron microscopy illustrated that the density of the mitochondrial membrane thickened and the ridge reduced considerably; protein levels for 4HNE and TfR1 improved since GPX4 levels declined, all these results implying the involvement of ferroptosis as a result of MeHg exposure. Additionally, the observed elevation in the protein levels of NLRP3, p‐p65, p‐p38, p‐ERK1/2, and KEAP1 in tandem with downregulated Nrf2 expression levels indicate the involvement of the NF‐κB/NLRP3/MAPK/Nrf2 pathways. All the above findings suggested that ferroptosis and the NF‐κB/NLRP3/MAPK/Nrf2 pathways are implicated in MeHg‐induced AKI, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and reference for future investigations into the prevention and treatment of MeHg‐induced kidney injury.
Profiles of Angola’s Biomes and Ecoregions
Authors: Huntley Brian John
Published: March 2023

Each of Angola’s 6 biomes and 16 ecoregions is described and illustrated by habitat photographs to provide an introduction to their distribution, physiognomic structure and floristic and faunistic composition. The largest ecoregion (Angolan Wet Miombo Woodlands) covers 408,457 km2, or 34.8% of the country, while the smallest (Afromontane Forest) covers less than 200 km2 or 0.01% of Angola. Ecoregions are thus defined and mapped not on physical dimension but on their landscape and climatic characteristics, vegetation structure and floristic composition, and their land use potential.
Parametric resonance in neutrino oscillations induced by ultra-light dark matter and implications for KamLAND and JUNO
Authors: Losada Marta , Nir Yosef , Perez Gilad , Savoray Inbar , Shpilman Yogev
Published: March 2023

Abstract

If Ultra-light dark matter (ULDM) exists and couples to neutrinos, the neutrino oscillation probability might be significantly altered by a parametric resonance. This resonance can occur if the typical frequency of neutrino flavor-oscillations ∆m2/(2E), where ∆m2 is the mass-squared difference of the neutrinos and E is the neutrino energy, matches the oscillation frequency of the ULDM field, determined by its mass, mϕ. The resonance could lead to observable effects even if the ULDM coupling is very small, and even if its typical oscillation period, given by τϕ = 2π/mϕ, is much shorter than the experimental temporal resolution. Defining a small parameter ϵϕ to be the ratio between the contribution of the ULDM field to the neutrino mass and the vacuum value of the neutrino mass, the impact of the resonance is particularly significant if ϵϕmϕL ≳ 4, where L is the distance between the neutrino source and the detector. An outlier in the data collected by the KamLAND experiment which, until now, has been assumed to constitute a statistical fluctuation, or associated with the binning, can actually be explained by such narrow parametric resonance, without affecting the measurements of other current neutrino oscillation experiments. This scenario will be tested by the JUNO experiment.
The Social-Ecological System of Farmers’ Current Soil Carbon Management in Australian Grazing Lands
Authors: Amin Md Nurul , Lobry de Bruyn Lisa , Hossain Md Sarwar , Lawson Andrew , Wilson Brian
Published: March 2023

Soil carbon sequestration programmes are a way of offsetting GHG emissions, however, it requires agricultural landholders to be engaged in such initiatives for carbon offsets to occur. Farmer engagement is low in market-based programmes for soil carbon credits in Australia. We interviewed long-term practitioners (n = 25) of rotational grazing in high-rainfall lands of New South Wales, Australia to understand their current social-ecological system (SES) of soil carbon management (SCM). The aim was to identify those components of the SES that motivate them to manage soil carbon and also influence their potential engagement in soil carbon sequestration programmes. Utilising first-tier and second-tier concepts from Ostrom’s SES framework, the interview data were coded and identified a total of 51 features that characterised the farmers’ SES of SCM. Network analysis of farmer interview data revealed that the current SES of SCM has low connectivity among the SES features (30%). In four workshops with interviewed farmers (n = 2) and invited service providers (n = 2) the 51 features were reviewed and participants decided on the positioning and the interactions between features that were considered to influence SCM into a causal loop diagram. Post-workshop, 10 feedback loops were identified that revealed the different and common perspectives of farmers and service providers on SCM in a consolidated causal loop diagram. Defining the SES relationships for SCM can identify the challenges and needs of stakeholders, particularly farmers, which can then be addressed to achieve local, national and international objectives, such as SCM co-benefits, GHG reduction, carbon sequestration targets and SDGs.
Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for Clustering IC Topographies of EEGs
Authors: Munilla Jorge , Al-Safi Haedar E. S. , Ortiz Andrés , Luque Juan L.
Published: March 2023

Clustering of independent component (IC) topographies of Electroencephalograms (EEG) is an effective way to find brain-generated IC processes associated with a population of interest, particularly for those cases where event-related potential features are not available. This paper proposes a novel algorithm for the clustering of these IC topographies and compares its results with the most currently used clustering algorithms. In this study, 32-electrode EEG signals were recorded at a sampling rate of 500 Hz for 48 participants. EEG signals were pre-processed and IC topographies computed using the AMICA algorithm. The algorithm implements a hybrid approach where genetic algorithms are used to compute more accurate versions of the centroids and the final clusters after a pre-clustering phase based on spectral clustering. The algorithm automatically selects the optimum number of clusters by using a fitness function that involves local-density along with compactness and separation criteria. Specific internal validation metrics adapted to the use of the absolute correlation coefficient as the similarity measure are defined for the benchmarking process. Assessed results across different ICA decompositions and groups of subjects show that the proposed clustering algorithm significantly outperforms the (baseline) clustering algorithms provided by the software EEGLAB, including CORRMAP.
Multi-camera BEV video-surveillance system for efficient monitoring of social distancing
Authors: Montero David , Aranjuelo Nerea , Leskovsky Peter , Loyo Estíbaliz , Nieto Marcos , Aginako Naiara
Published: March 2023

The current sanitary emergency situation caused by COVID-19 has increased the interest in controlling the flow of people in indoor infrastructures, to ensure compliance with the established security measures. Top view camera-based solutions have proven to be an effective and non-invasive approach to accomplish this task. Nevertheless, current solutions suffer from scalability problems: they cover limited range areas to avoid dealing with occlusions and only work with single camera scenarios. To overcome these problems, we present an efficient and scalable people flow monitoring system that relies on three main pillars: an optimized top view human detection neural network based on YOLO-V4, capable of working with data from cameras at different heights; a multi-camera 3D detection projection and fusion procedure, which uses the camera calibration parameters for an accurate real-world positioning; and a tracking algorithm which jointly processes the 3D detections coming from all the cameras, allowing the traceability of individuals across the entire infrastructure. The conducted experiments show that the proposed system generates robust performance indicators and that it is suitable for real-time applications to control sanitary measures in large infrastructures. Furthermore, the proposed projection approach achieves an average positioning error below 0.2 meters, with an improvement of more than 4 times compared to other methods.
Adapting a Counseling-Plus-mHealth Intervention for the Virtual Environment to Reduce Sexual and Reproductive Health Risk Among Young Women with Depression
Authors: O’Connell Maddie , Gluskin Brittany , Parker Sarah , Burke Pamela J. , Pluhar Emily , Guss Carly E. , Shrier Lydia A.
Published: March 2023

MARSSI (Momentary Affect Regulation – Safer Sex Intervention) is a counseling-plus-mobile health (mhealth) intervention to reduce sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks for women with depression and high-risk sexual behavior. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic limiting in-person care, we sought to develop the counseling and mhealth app onboarding for virtual implementation. A team with SRH, adolescent medicine, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and technology expertise adapted the counseling through an iterative consensus process. We identified essential aspects of the counseling, specified the content so the counseling could be delivered in person or virtually with fidelity, and considered best practices for telehealth for the focus population. Virtual counseling retained key elements from in-person counseling while including enhancements with engaging visual and audio–video aids. Instructions and programming were developed to support virtual counseling delivery and onboarding for the mhealth app component of MARSSI. After testing the virtual format in mock sessions, we implemented a small-scale feasibility study in an adolescent medicine clinic with women with depressive symptoms and high-risk sexual behavior age 18–24 years (N = 9). Participants experienced minimal technical difficulties and expressed satisfaction with the virtual format, and all were able to complete app onboarding successfully. Expanding delivery options for SRH interventions to include virtual can improve access, particularly for populations with psychological and environmental barriers to care.
Proteomic basis of mortality resilience mediated by FOXO3 longevity genotype
Authors: Donlon Timothy A. , Morris Brian J. , Chen Randi , Lim Eunjung , Morgen Eric K. , Fortney Kristen , Shah Naisha , Masaki Kamal H. , Willcox Bradley J.
Published: March 2023

FOXO3 is a ubiquitous transcription factor expressed in response to cellular stress caused by nutrient deprivation, inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, radiation, hypoxia, and other factors. We showed previously that the association of inheritedFOXO3variants with longevity was the result of partial protection against mortality risk posed by aging-related life-long stressors, particularly cardiometabolic disease. We then referred to the longevity-associated genotypes as conferring “mortality resilience.” Serum proteins whose levels change with aging and are associated with mortality risk may be considered as “stress proteins.” They may serve as indirect measures of life-long stress. Our aims were to (1) identify stress proteins that increase with aging and are associated with an increased risk of mortality, and (2) to determine ifFOXO3longevity/resilience genotype dampens the expected increase in mortality risk they pose. A total of 4500 serum protein aptamers were quantified using the Somalogic SomaScan proteomics platform in the current study of 975 men aged 71–83 years. Stress proteins associated with mortality were identified. We then used age-adjusted multivariable Cox models to investigate the interaction of stress protein withFOXO3longevity-associatedrs12212067genotypes. For all the analyses, thepvalues were corrected for multiple comparisons by false discovery rate. This led to the identification of 44 stress proteins influencing the association ofFOXO3genotype with reduced mortality. Biological pathways were identified for these proteins. Our results suggest that theFOXO3resilience genotype functions by reducing mortality in pathways related to innate immunity, bone morphogenetic protein signaling, leukocyte migration, and growth factor response.
Humor, transparency, and the management of distrust among business rivals: a case study of berthing meetings at the Port of Tema in Ghana
Authors: Nicolaisen Martin Arvad , Hansen Annette Skovsted
Published: March 2023

This article builds on rich empirical data following our unexpected discovery of a local practice to circumvent a stressful and counterproductive work environment due to distrust at the Port of Tema in Ghana. Using theoretical work on networks, trust, and humor, as well as extensive ethnographic fieldwork, we found that the humorous atmosphere at the regularly held physical berthing meetings fosters a sense of community, which enables competing professions, private companies, and public institutions to manage their mutual distrust. In an environment where trust among competitors is unrealistic, we argue that the objective of the performance of humor and transparency at the physical berthing meetings is the management of distrust rather than the creation of trust. The meetings have, gradually, grown to serve as a pragmatic local stakeholder adaptation to the challenges posed by universally perceived politicized, opaque, and corrupt business practices at the Port of Tema and beyond. In conclusion, we posit that our empirical findings allow us to identify the potential of and gaps in theories about trust and humor in understanding the dynamics of coping strategies among competitors in business settings that are characterized by unethical practices.
Physical modeling of long-term dynamic characteristics of the subgrade for medium–low-speed maglevs
Authors: Dong Minqi , Wang Wubin , Wang Chengjin , Huang Zhichao , Ding Zhaofeng , Deng Zhixing , Su Qian
Published: March 2023

To investigate the dynamic characteristics and long-term dynamic stability of the new subgrade structure of medium–low-speed (MLS) maglevs, cyclic vibration tests were performed under natural and rainfall conditions, and the dynamic response of the subgrade structure was monitored. The dynamic response attenuation characteristics along the depth direction of the subgrade were compared, and the distribution characteristics of the dynamic stress on the surface of the subgrade along the longitudinal direction of the line were analyzed. The critical dynamic stress and cumulative deformation were used as indicators to evaluate the long-term dynamic stability of the subgrade. Results show that water has a certain effect on the dynamic characteristics of the subgrade, and the dynamic stress and acceleration increase with the water content. With the dowel steel structure set between the rail-bearing beams, stress concentration at the end of the loaded beam can be prevented, and the diffusion distance of the dynamic stress along the longitudinal direction increases. The dynamic stress measured in the subgrade bed range is less than 1/5 of the critical dynamic stress. The postconstruction settlement of the subgrade after similarity ratio conversion is 3.94 mm and 7.72 mm under natural and rainfall conditions, respectively, and both values are less than the 30 mm limit, indicating that the MLS maglev subgrade structure has good long-term dynamic stability.
A numerical method for the simulation of freight train emergency braking operations based on the UIC braked weight percentage
Authors: Bosso N. , Magelli Matteo , Zampieri N.
Published: March 2023

The present paper shows the development of a strategy for the calculation of the air brake forces of European freight trains. The model is built to upgrade the existing Politecnico di Torino longitudinal train dynamics (LTD) code LTDPoliTo, which was originally unable to account for air brake forces. The proposed model uses an empirical exponential function to calculate the air brake forces during the simulation, while the maximum normal force on the brake friction elements is calculated according to the indication of the vehicle braked weight percentage. Hence, the model does not require to simulate in detail the fluid dynamics in the brake pipe nor to precisely know the main parameters of the braking system mounted on each vehicle. The model parameters are tuned to minimize the difference between the braking distance computed by the LTDPoliTo code and the value prescribed by the UIC 544-1 leaflet in emergency braking operations. Simulations are run for different configurations of freight train compositions including a variable number of Shimmns wagons trailed by an E402B locomotive at the head of the train, as suggested in a reference literature paper. The results of the proposed method are in good agreement with the target braking distances calculated according to the international rules.
Unmet need for postpartum family planning and influencing factors in China
Authors: Li Yu-Yan , Che Yan ,   PPC Study Group, Zhou Yuan-Zhong , Cheng Tong-Yin , Dong Xiao-Jing , Hu Xiao-Yu , Huang Xiao-Chen , Jiang Li , Jiang Li-Fang , Luo Yong-Feng , Lv Wen , Qiao Guang-Li , Song Jian-Dong , Wang Jian-Mei , Xia Wei , Yuan Dong , Zhang Lin-Ai , Zhou Yan-Fei
Published: March 2023

To explore the rate and influencing factors of unmet need for postpartum family planning (PPFP) in China. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at 60 hospitals in 15 provinces that were in eastern, central, and western regions of China. Participants were women who delivered a live birth at the study sites with an interval of 13 to 24 months between delivery and interviews. We selected participants using cluster randomization approach, and the first 300 postpartum women who gave a birth at each study hospital after the initial month that had been selected were interviewed. Information on the women’s background characteristics, pregnancy history, time when menstruation and sexual activity resumed after childbirth, the adoption of contraceptive method, breastfeeding, and any pregnancy or pregnancy outcome after delivery were collected. We performed life-table analysis to estimate the rate of unmet need for PPFP and a 2-level logistic regression model to explore factors that influence unmet need for PPFP within the first 24 months postpartum. A total, 19,939 postpartum women were screened in this study, of which, 17,466 (87.6%) were eligible for this analysis. The rates of unmet needs for any FP methods were 23.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3–24.6%), 11.8% (95%CI 11.3–12.3%); 10.6% (95%CI 10.1–11.1%) at 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum; these rates for modern FP methods were 35.5% (95%CI 34.7–36.2%), 25.6% (95%CI 24.9–26.2%), and 24.6% (95%CI 23.9–25.2%), respectively. Results of 2-level logistic regression analysis showed that less-educated young women, those who had only one child or delivered by vaginal delivery at secondary hospitals, were associated with increased risk of unmet need for PPFP. Approximately 31% of women who had unmet need for PPFP reported a pregnancy during the first 24 months postpartum, which was significantly higher than the level for their counterparts (10.0%). The level of unmet need for PPFP in China was high, resulting in a high pregnancy rate within 24 months after delivery. Women’s age, education level, prior pregnancy and abortion histories, and delivery method were significantly associated with the risk of unmet need for PPFP. National PPFP guidelines that integrate PPFP services into prenatal and postnatal care are urgently needed and should be implemented throughout the country as soon as possible. PPFP services should promote the use of modern contraceptive methods.
The Index of Middle English Prose
Authors: Rand Kari Anne
Published: March 2023

Handlist to the rich collection of manuscripts contained in Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, with full indices.
History of Sinology in Belgium Until the Open-Door Policy of the Late 1970s
Authors: Standaert Nicolas
Published: March 2023

This article narrates the history of Belgian Sinology both before and since the birth of Sinology (1814) and of Belgium (1830). The overview also embraces a broader group of scholars by including Sinologists who were from Belgium but did not necessarily work there. The first part of the article focuses on Sinological practices by the early missionaries in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The second part covers the nineteenth and twentieth centuries until the Open-Door Policy of the 1970s. This part combines a broad chronological perspective with the history of individual persons and institutions. It includes topics such as the development of oriental studies and studies of religion, the teaching of Chinese language for commercial reasons, and the establishment of Chinese and Oriental institutes within and outside the universities.
On the generation of a set of accurate numerical modal functions for use in the aeroelastic analysis of flexible rotor blades
Authors: A. Simpson
Published: March 2023

A comparison is presented of three methods for the generation of numerical, modal approximating functions for use in modal Lagrangian analysis of rotating flexible blades. The methods considered are those based on the use of uniform beam/bar eigenfunctions, smooth bending moment or torque modes, and modes generated by recourse to one stage of the Stodola method. For blades which are highly non-uniform in their specific stiffness and inertial properties, and where the objective is to use a small number of approximating functions, consistent with accurate determination of eigen-solutions in the fundamental spectrum, it is demonstrated (as is well known) that direct use of uniform system eigenfunctions is unsatisfactory. On the other hand, it is demonstrated that the use of smooth bending moment modes, even in cases where the variations in sectional inertia properties are very large, can produce excellent results. The use of ‘Stodola modes', however, is shown to offer the all-important advantage of enhanced convergence rate in all cases considered.
Ride-bumpiness in high-speed flight at low altitude
Authors: Jones J. G. , Fry D. E.
Published: March 2023

Aircraft longitudinal ride-bumpiness during flight at high speed and low altitude is described in terms of the response to discrete gust patterns. Results are expressed statistically in a form that incorporates data from recent turbulence measurements. Effects of basic airframe parameters and of active controls are illustrated and data from a computer-simulation study are used to confirm the validity of the prediction method.
A direct viscid-inviscid interaction scheme for the prediction of two-dimensional aerofoil lift and pitching moment in incompressible flow
Authors: Coton F. N. , Galbraith R. A. McD.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a method for assessing two-dimensional aerofoil lift and pitching moment characteristics including trailing edge and gross laminar separation. The model used is a direct viscid-inviscid interaction scheme based on a vortex panel method with boundary-layer corrections and an inviscidly modelled wake. The integral boundary-layer methods adopted behave well in the region of separation and thus, good comparisons with measured separation characteristics are obtained. Generally the predictions of lift and pitching moment may be considered to be within the experimental error, but where this is not the case, the applicability of the modelling technique is discussed.