bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where Do Orthopaedic Surgery Applicants Match on Their Rank Lists? A Survey of Incoming Residents
Authors: Imbergamo Casey , Sequeira Sean , Pizzo Dane , Wright Melissa , Boucher Henry
Published: February 2023

Background:

The National Resident Matching Program reports match results by rank list position for all specialties in aggregate, but these data have not been previously reported for orthopaedic surgery specifically. The purpose of this study was to determine where orthopaedic applicants match on their rank lists in comparison to the national average for all specialties and to evaluate which factors may influence match results.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional survey study distributed to all applicants to a single institution's orthopaedic surgery residency program. Metrics such as match result, USMLE scores, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, and research productivity, in addition to other applicant-specific traits were captured. Results were stratified by match status and rank list position, with subgroup analyses completed for applicants matching at highly ranked programs (1-3) vs. lower ranked programs (≥ 4).

Results:

The survey was distributed to 698 applicants with a response rate of 32% (n = 224), with a match rate of 85% (n = 191). Thirty-four percent of respondents matched at their top choice program, 15.2% at their second choice, 9.9% at their third, and 40.8% at their fourth or lower. When comparing the matched to unmatched applicant cohorts, there was a significant difference in number of programs ranked, AOA status, and sex. When comparing applicants who matched at highly ranked (1-3) vs. lower ranked (≥ 4) programs, there was a significant difference in USMLE board scores.

Conclusions:

Orthopaedic surgery residency applicants are significantly less likely to match at their first choice or within their top 3 choices when compared to the national average for all specialties. Number of contiguous ranks, AOA status, and female sex were found to be associated with successfully obtaining an orthopaedic residency position, whereas USMLE board scores were associated with matching higher on one's rank list, thus resulting in greater match satisfaction.

Level of Evidence:

III.
Interpretation of PROMIS Depression and Anxiety Measures Compared with DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria in Musculoskeletal Patients
Authors: Cheng Abby L. , Downs Dana L. , Brady Brian K. , Hong Barry A. , Park Peter , Prather Heidi , Hunt Devyani M.
Published: February 2023

Background:

There is growing awareness among orthopaedic clinicians that mental health directly impacts clinical musculoskeletal outcomes. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is increasingly used for mental health screening in this context, but proper interpretation of patient scores remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to compare musculoskeletal patients’ PROMIS Depression and Anxiety scores with a board-certified clinical psychologist’s assessment of their depression and/or anxiety diagnoses, as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional analysis, existing medical records were reviewed for 50 patients who presented to an interdisciplinary program within a tertiary care orthopaedic department for the treatment of ≥1 musculoskeletal condition. All patients completed PROMIS Depression and Anxiety measures and were evaluated by a board-certified clinical psychologist. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PROMIS Depression and Anxiety scores as compared with the psychologist’s diagnosis of a DSM-5 depressive or anxiety disorder.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients (56%) were diagnosed by the psychologist with a DSM-5 depressive disorder, and 15 (30%) were diagnosed with a DSM-5 anxiety disorder. The ROC analysis for PROMIS Depression had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. The optimal score cutoff to predict a diagnosis of a DSM-5 depressive disorder was ≥53 (sensitivity, 79% [95% CI, 63% to 94%]; specificity, 86% [72% to 100%]; positive predictive value [PPV], 88% [75% to 100%]; negative predictive value [NPV], 76% [59% to 93%]). The ROC analysis for PROMIS Anxiety had an AUC of 0.67. The optimal score cutoff to predict a diagnosis of a DSM-5 anxiety disorder was ≥59 (sensitivity, 60% [95% CI, 35% to 85%]; specificity, 74% [60% to 89%]; PPV, 50% [27% to 73%]; and NPV, 81% [68% to 95%]).

Conclusions:

Modestly elevated PROMIS Depression scores were suggestive of the presence of a DSM-5 depressive disorder, whereas elevations in PROMIS Anxiety scores seemed to have less association with DSM-5 anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, neither PROMIS measure demonstrated adequate discriminant ability to definitively identify patients who met DSM-5 criteria.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Pater for Millions
Authors: Humphrey Michael Lee
Published: February 2023

Shaytards was widely considered the original YouTube family vlog, and the family built their massive following with representations of wholesome, heteronormative, religious Americans who could have fun with everyday life. As classic microcelebrities (Senft 2013), the family of six created a valuable brand for millions of fans, which led to fame and wealth. But when the father and driving force of the vlog was caught sending sexually explicit texts to a “cam model”, more than the family brand collapsed. Shay’s persona, as the steady father force for an imagined family (Friedman & Schultermandl 2016) of millions was sent into disarray. This article follows the comments across multiple channels that show how the imagined family negotiated this collapse, demonstrating how an audience can establish a deep personal connection with a microcelebrity’s persona.
Breeding of the Guadalupe Murrelet in Southern California
Authors: Whitworth Darrell L. , Parker Michael W. , Howard James A. , Mazurkiewicz David M. , Carter Harry R.
Published: February 2023

After having been observed regularly at Seal Cove, San Clemente Island, California, since 1994, the Guadalupe Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) was confirmed nesting successfully in an artificial nest on a rocky ledge above the cove in 2022. The incubating adults’ identity and the two chicks’ departure from the nest were confirmed by a trail camera. Another Guadalupe Murrelet nest at Santa Barbara Island in 2021 was only the second confirmed there. Though the populations of the Guadalupe Murrelet at San Clemente and Santa Barbara islands are apparently small, they are important in representing the only confirmed sites of the species’ nesting away from Guadalupe and the San Benito islands.
Luminescent properties of Tb3+ doped sodium silica germanate glasses
Authors: Alvarez-Ramos Mario Enrique , Carrillo-Torres Roberto Carlos
Published: February 2023

Tb3+-doped sodium silica germanate glasses were fabricated by conventional melt quenching technique with dopant concentrations of 0.3 %mol and 0.9 %mol. Their structural characteristics were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The study of their optical properties was carried out through steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies. The emission spectra of both glasses are dominated by 5D4 → 7FJ manifold transitions. The most intense band, associated to 5D4 → 7F5 transition, shows a clear split into two peaks (545 nm 549 nm) due to crystal field splitting. The decay of Tb3+ emission at 458 nm exhibits a non-exponential evolution accompanied by a shortening of its lifetime as the concentration of Tb3+ increases, due to a non-radiative Tb3+-Tb3+ energy transfer through the cross-relaxation mechanism [5D3, 7F6] → [5D4, 7F0] between two terbium ions. The color coordinates at different excitation wavelengths lie in the yellow-green region of the Commission International de lˊEclairage chromaticity diagram. The results indicate that the studied glasses can be used in applications as solid-state lighting and display devices.
Human Gait Modeling with Step Length Estimation based on Single Foot Mounted Inertial Sensors
Authors: Gayen Bibhas , Sadhukhan Pampa , Chowdhury Chandreyee , Mukherjee Nandini , Das Pradip K.
Published: February 2023

The rapid growth of mobile communication and pervasive computing technology has expanded the demand for location-based services in urban areas, which necessitate accurate localization and tracking of the user. Due to very poor performances of global positioning system (GPS) in indoor areas and urban canyons, various radio frequency (RF) technologies have been exploited by many researchers to design indoor positioning systems (IPSs) over the years. However, such RF based IPSs would work only in the presence of certain infrastructure. The emergence of low-cost inertial sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope etc., on the other hand, has motivated the researchers to design pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) based IPSs as they do not depend on availability of any sort of infrastructure in the surrounding environment. Step length estimation (SLE) is an integral part of PDR based localization. We, thus, aim to design a SLE technique in this paper, by processing signal measurements collected from the inertial sensors attached to some body parts.
Our proposed SLE method requires only a simple foot-mounted inertial sensor unit integrating three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope and it uses Butterworth low-pass filter to remove the noises from both acceleration and angular velocity signals. A normalized threshold and minimum time constraint-based peak-valley detection algorithm is also employed by our proposed method to calculate the swing phase duration. The proposed SLE technique uses only one user-specific parameter which is also calibrated for five different users in this paper. The performances of the proposed SLE technique are then evaluated and compared with some existing method in terms of accuracy to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method. Moreover, the relationships between the gait features and step length of the pedestrians as well as the same between their body mass index and the calibrated parameter are also examined in this paper.
Different intensities of electroacupuncture for peripheral facial paralysis sequelae: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Huang Jianpeng , Cheng Weili , Chen Zizhen , Lai Meiqi , Li Wenting , Chen Mingquan , Li Sheng , Li Kai , Liu Jianhua
Published: February 2023

Background: Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) is a common neurological disease. Many patients have obtained benefits from the treatment of PFP sequelae by electroacupuncture (EA). However, there is limited evidence for the efficacy between different EA intensities. Hence, this study presents a new approach based on different EA intensities to verify the effectiveness by combining neurological function scales in the sequelae of PFP.
Methods: In this placebo-controlled trial, a total of 66 patients with peripheral facial paralysis sequelae will be randomly divided into sensory threshold stimulation, motor threshold stimulation and sham EA groups. All patients undergo two periods in this study, including the treatment period (56 days) and the follow-up period (30 days). House-Brackmann grade and facial disability index scale will be measured as primary outcome before, 4 weeks treatment, after treatment and follow-up. The secondary outcome measures will be facial nerve electromyography (EMG) and blink reflex (BR) detection before and after treatments.
Conclusion: This trial will evaluate the effect of different EA intensities for treating sequelae of PFP compared to sham EA. We hope this trial will provide effective treatment parameters for PFP sequelae.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ChiCTR2200062310. Date: August 1, 2022.
Sustainable land management enhances ecological and economic multifunctionality under ambient and future climate
Authors: Scherzinger Friedrich , Schädler Martin , Reitz Thomas , Yin Rui , Auge Harald , Merbach Ines , Roscher Christiane , Harpole William , Berger Sigrid , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Siebert Julia , Ciobanu Marcel , Quaas Martin , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: February 2023

Anthropogenic activity is threatening ecosystem multifunctionality, i.e. the ability of ecosystems to provide multiple functions and services which are vital for human well-being. Here we assess how multifunctionality of agroecosystems in Central Germany depends on land-use type and climate change. Our analysis included 13 ecosystem functions in a large-scale field experiment with five different land-use types (three grassland and two farmland types either sustainably or intensively managed) under two different climate scenarios (ambient and future climate). We consider ecological measures of multifunctionality using averaging approaches with different weights, i.a. reflecting preferences of farmers and environmentalists, and assess an economic multifunctionality measure based on the total value of ecosystem services. Results show that intensive management and future climate decrease ecological multifunctionality for multiple weighting
scenarios in both grassland and farmland. Only under a weighting according to farmers' preferences, intensively-managed grassland shows higher multifunctionality as compared to sustainably-managed grassland. The economic multifunctionality measure, which includes economic benefits for society at large, reveals a multifunctionality about ~1.7 times higher for sustainable compared to intensive management for both grassland and farmland. Above-belowground biodiversity correlates positively with ecosystem multifunctionality and is expected to be one of its main drivers. Based on these findings, we suggest to promote and economically incentivise sustainable land management that enhances both ecological and economic multifunctionality, also under future climatic conditions.
Comparison of two multi-trait association testing methods and sequence-based fine mapping of six QTL in Swiss Large White pigs
Authors: Nosková Adéla , Mehrotra Arnav , Kadri Naveen Kumar , Lloret-Villas Audald , Neuenschwander Stefan , Hofer Andreas , Pausch Hubert
Published: February 2023

Background
Genetic correlations between complex traits suggest that pleiotropic variants contribute to trait variation. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aim to uncover the genetic underpinnings of traits. Multivariate association testing and the meta-analysis of summary statistics from single-trait GWAS enable detecting variants associated with multiple phenotypes. In this study, we used array-derived genotypes and phenotypes for 24 reproduction, production, and conformation traits to explore differences between the two methods and used imputed sequence variant genotypes to fine-map six quantitative trait loci (QTL).
Results
We considered genotypes at 44,733 SNPs for 5,753 pigs from the Swiss Large White breed that had deregressed breeding values for 24 traits. Single-trait association analyses revealed eleven QTL that affected 15 traits. Multi-trait association testing and the meta-analysis of the single-trait GWAS revealed between 3 and 6 QTL, respectively, in three groups of traits. The multi-trait methods revealed three loci that were not detected in the single-trait GWAS. Four QTL that were identified in the single-trait GWAS, remained undetected in the multi-trait analyses. To pinpoint candidate causal variants for the QTL, we imputed the array-derived genotypes to the sequence level using a sequenced reference panel consisting of 421 pigs. This approach provided genotypes at 16 million imputed sequence variants with a mean accuracy of imputation of 0.94. The fine-mapping of six QTL with imputed sequence variant genotypes revealed four previously proposed causal mutations among the top variants.
Conclusions
Our findings in a medium-size cohort of pigs suggest that multivariate association testing and the meta-analysis of summary statistics from single-trait GWAS provide very similar results. Although multi-trait association methods provide a useful overview of pleiotropic loci segregating in mapping populations, the investigation of single-trait association studies is still advised, as multi-trait methods may miss QTL that are uncovered in single-trait GWAS.
The effect of stress control training through podcast on work-life conflict in female residents of Iran University of Medical Sciences 2020-2021
Authors: Norouzi Azam , Moghimi Zahra , Ramezani Ghobad , Pourbiramian Ghadir , Sohrabi Zohreh , Rasouli Davood
Published: February 2023

Introduction:
Given the increasing growth of information in the present age and the growth and development of educational programs and changes that have occurred in the concept of learning, changing the approach to education from traditional methods to e-learning has become important. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of podcast stress control training on work-life conflict in female residents of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2020–2021.
Methods
This study was a two-group quasi-experimental study (with a pretest-posttest design and a control group). The samples consisted of female resident students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2020–2021. As many as 70 female residents were selected and investigated by quota sampling and simple random sampling method from among the first and the last year residents. The individual demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Carlson’s Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFC) were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and inferential tests in SPSS-23 and the significance level was considered to be p < 0.05.
Results
The two groups were similar in terms of background variables (p = 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean scores of work-life conflict before the intervention (p = 0.931). However, two months after the intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean scores of work-life conflict between the two groups (p = 0.0000).
Conclusion
According to the results of the present study, it seems that stress control training through podcasts has reduced work-life conflict. Stress control training can reduce the residents’ work stress and work-life conflict. Thus, training stress control skills seems to be of high significance in the residents’ managerial, clinical and educational domains.
Renoprotective effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine in kidney transplant patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tong Tao , Mei Guo-bing , Zhang Yi-xiong
Published: February 2023

Objective
To find whether dexmedetomidine has a renoprotective effect in kidney transplant patients.
Methods
We electronically searched Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library from create database through September 10, 2022. Including studies compared dexmedetomidine and placebo in kidney transplant patients. Extract outcomes contain the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection, length of hospital stay (LOS), post-transplantation 2-day SCr and post-transplantation 7-day SCr. We use Stata SE 15 software to conduct meta-analysis. All outcome were used random effects models. The continuous data and categorical date respectively reported use weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval.
Results
This meta-analysis including four RCTS and one cohort study. The incidence of DGF were lower in dexmedetomidine group than placebo (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.52–0.97, P = 0.032). Dexmedetomidine significant improve in Post-transplantation 2-day SCr than placebo (WMD=-0.36 95% CI -0.68–0.05, P = 0.024). Other outcomes were no significant effect compared with placebo.
Conclusion
Perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion can reduce the incidence of DGF and have a protective effect on renal function at least in the early postoperative period. Due to the limited number of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Multi-channel mass sensing based on multiple internal resonances in three electrostatically coupled resonators
Authors: Zhao Jian , Sun Rongjian , Kacem Najib , Lyu Ming , Liu Pengbo
Published: February 2023

Multiple internal resonances in three electrostatically coupled microbeams have been theoretically investigated and were utilized to multi-channel mass detection. The frequency ratio among the three electrostatically coupled resonators of different sizes can be tuned to satisfy the specific conditions for multiple internal resonances. A reduced order model considering quadratic nonlinearity and frequency commensurability is established, and solved by the method of multiple scales, and verified by the harmonic balance method combined with the asymptotic numerical method. The nonlinear dynamics involving pitchfork and saddle-node bifurcations were analyzed and utilized to detect single, dual, or even multiple masses simultaneously. The frequency shift of the bifurcation points or the amplitude shift of a specific operating frequency near the bifurcation point were introduced as an output sensitivity. And then, a multi-channel single output detection mechanism was proposed, in addition to a single mass detection, the proposed sensor enables dual or even multi-channel mass detections based on frequency and amplitude shifts of pitchfork and saddle-node bifurcation points of the coupled and uncoupled vibration states. Furthermore, the effects of driving and coupling voltages on the dynamic response of the system were obtained. This work not only proposes a new way for multi-channel mass detection, but also provides technical support for multi-channel detection of other signals.
An immunogenic cell death-associated gene signature predicts prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Tianliang , Chen Xiaonan , Peng Baozhou , Zhang Hongbo
Published: February 2023

Background: Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of the incidence of all liver cancers.
Methods: The TCGA-LIHC datasets were obtained from TCGA database, LIRI-JP datasets were obtained from ICGC database and immunogenic cell death (ICD) genes were obtained from previous literature. WGCNA analysis identifies ICD-associated genes. Functional analysis was used to investigate the biological characteristics of ICD-associated genes. Univariate cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox regression analysis was used to select prognostic ICD-associated genes and constructed a prognostic risk score. Prognostic independence of ICD risk scores was determined by univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses. Then constructed a nomogram and the diagnostic value was assessed using the decision curve analysis. Immune infiltration analysis and drug sensitivity analysis were used to investigate immune cell enrichment and drug response in HCC patients who were classified as low- or high-risk based on their risk score.
Results: Most of ICD genes were differentially expressed in normal and HCC patients, and some ICD genes were differentially expressed in different clinical groups. A total of 185 ICD-associated genes were identified by WGCNA. A nine-gene-based (CSN1S1, FGF9, PNLIPRP2, ISM2, FKBP6, BTNL9, CLEC3B, RAMP3, and SRL) prognostic risk score was developed. Based on the risk score, training cohort were divided into low- and high-risk groups, patients in the low-risk group had a better prognosis, and external independent data verified the reliability of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed independent prognostic factors for OS of ICD risk score. Diagnostic nomogram was constructed to predict prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis showed that some innate and adaptive immune cells were significantly different between low- and high-risk groups,
Conclusion: We developed and validated a novel prognostic predictive classification system for HCC based on nine ICD-associated genes. This stratification had significant clinical outcomes for estimating prognosis, as well as the immunotherapy of HCC patients.
A comparative analysis of rainwater harvesting system and conventional sources of water
Authors: Khan Abdul Salam
Published: February 2023

This study examines the sufficiency of water for potable and non-potable demand. Firstly, the challenges and sufficiency of existing water sources for potable and non-potable demand are examined by considering the water gallon delivery at the doorstep, government supply line, tanker-based supply, and extraction of water through bore wells. Secondly, the cost-effectiveness of several water sources is examined by using four models, i.e., Model 1-Model 4. Each model combines sources of water (i.e., government supply line, water tankers, bore wells, mineral water delivery, and rainwater harvesting system) for potable and non-potable demand. A comparison is drawn between the cost-effectiveness of current practices and the rainwater harvesting system. The rainwater harvesting system is designed based on average rainfall data for different catchment areas and a dynamic range of residents. The findings suggest that the rainwater harvesting system is more cost-effective compared to conventional sources of water; however, it needs to be coupled with the government supply line to meet the non-potable water demand. On average, five additional houses can be covered by the rainwater harvesting system (minimum = 3 and maximum = 9) with a mean profit of 462149 PKR (minimum = 233318 PKR and maximum = 754810 PKR). Thus, even if the harvested water is not sufficient to meet the non-potable demand, it can still be preferred as a source of potable water due to its cost-effectiveness. Implications are drawn to help government and practitioners in considering sustainable actions for social well-being and promoting rain harvesting through rebates.
Identifying spatiotemporal trends of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater: From the perspective of upstream and downstream wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE)
Authors: Tran Duyen P.H , You Bo-Cheng , Liu Chen-Wuing , Chen Yi-Ning , Wang Ya-Fen , Chung Shu-Nu , Lee Jin-Jing , You Sheng-Jie
Published: February 2023

Recently, many efforts have been made to address the rapid spread of newly identified COVID-19 virus variants . Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is considered as a potential early warning tool for identifying the rapid spread of this virus. This study investigated the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in eight wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their sewerage systems which serve most of the population in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Across the entire study period, the wastewater viral concentrations were correlated with the number of COVID-19 cases in each WWTP (Spearman' r = 0.23 - 0.76). In addition, it is confirmed that several treatment technologies could effectively eliminate the virus RNA from WWTPs influent (> 90 %). On the other hand, further results revealed that an inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation and hot spot model combined with geographic information system (GIS) method could be applied to analyze the spatiotemporal variations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater from sewer system. In addition, socio-economic factors namely population density, land-use, and tax-income were successfully identified as the potentials drivers which substantially affect the onset of COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan. Finally, the data obtained from this study can provide a powerful tool in public health decision-making not only in response to the current epidemic situation but also other epidemic issues in the future.
Environmental Challenges and Concurrent Trend of Weather Extremes over Uttarakhand Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Patel Arbind , Rai Jaya , Kumar Prem
Published: February 2023

Environmental challenges, including climate change-influenced weather extremes over the hilly region, is a major issue for the sustenance/ livelihood of Uttarakhand Himalayan biodiversity. The very high maximum temperature during summer days makes the area vulnerable to frequent forest fires, while the increasing frequency of intense rainfall proves devastating to infrastructure and croplands. Such erratic climate patterns make it increasingly difficult for people to live in the mountains and thus lead to climate-forced migration towards the plains. This study focuses on weather/climate extremes and their impact on Uttarakhand Himalayan people. The extreme precipitation and temperature indices have been analysed concerning landslides and forest fire incidents. Strong decreasing trends have been found for total precipitation, total run-off, soil water content, and leaf area index (LAI) for 1981–2020 (40 years) of ERA5 reanalysis datasets over the entire Uttarakhand region. A persistent rise in the number of dry days that are consecutive during the winter and the summer season is observed over central to western Uttarakhand. However, very wet and extremely rainy days have been demonstrated to rise over the higher elevations of Uttarakhand. The climate and weather extremes are observed to increase with elevation-dependent warming (EDW) over Uttarakhand’s hilly region, making sustenance difficult. Intense rainfall events are a primary driver for landslides and flash floods over higher elevations. Thereafter, over the hilly region of Uttarakhand, the number of very warm days/nights is increasing, whereas the number of extremely cold days/nights is dropping. The Uttarakhand Himalayas have witnessed an increase in weather extremes in the past four decades. The community and policymakers, however, struggle to adapt to weather extremes triggered by climate change. The results of this research will help in formulating policies for the long-term development of Uttarakhand’s hilly areas.
β-amyloid monomer scavenging by an anticalin protein prevents neuronal hyperactivity
Authors: Zott Benedikt , Nästle Lea , Grienberger Christine , Knauer Manuel , Unger Felix , Keskin Aylin , Feuerbach Anna , Busche Marc Aurel , Skerra Arne , Konnerth Arthur
Published: February 2023

Hyperactivity mediated by synaptotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers is one of the earliest forms of neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. In the search for a preventive treatment strategy, we tested the effect of scavenging Aβ peptides prior to Aβ plaque formation. We demonstrate that an Aβ binding anticalin protein (Aβ-anticalin) can suppress early neuronal hyperactivity. Unexpectedly, the sole targeting of Aβ monomers was sufficient for the hyperactivity-suppressing effect of the Aβ-anticalin. Biochemical and neurophysiological analysis suggest that Aβ-anticalin-dependent depletion of naturally secreted Aβ monomers interrupts aggregation to neurotoxic oligomers and, thereby, prevents synaptic dysfunction. Our results demonstrate that Aβ monomer scavenging can reverse early neuronal dysfunction and, thus, offers a promising strategy for the preventive treatment of AD.
An implantable wireless tactile sensing system
Authors: Richardson Andrew , Du Lin , Hao Han , Ding Yixiao , Gabros Andrew , Mier Thomas , Spiegel Jan Van der , Lucas Timothy , Aflatouni Firooz , Allen Mark
Published: February 2023

The sense of touch is critical to dexterous use of the hands and thus an essential component to efforts to restore hand function after amputation or paralysis. Prosthetic systems have focused on wearable tactile sensors. But wearable sensors are suboptimal for neuroprosthetic systems designed to reanimate a patient’s own paralyzed hand. Here, we developed an implantable tactile sensing system intended for subdermal placement. The system is composed of a microfabricated capacitive force sensor, a custom integrated circuit supporting wireless powering and data transmission, and a laser-fused hermetic silica package. The miniature device was validated through simulations, benchtop testing, and ex vivo testing in a primate hand. The sensor implanted in the fingertip accurately measured skin forces with a resolution of 4.3 mN. The output from this novel sensor could be encoded in the brain with microstimulation to provide tactile feedback. More broadly, the materials, system design, and fabrication approach establish new foundational capabilities for various applications of implantable sensing systems.
Inbreeding effects on the performance and genomic prediction for polysomic tetraploid potato offspring grown at high Nordic latitudes
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro , Reslow Fredrik , Vetukuri Ramesh , García-Gil M. Rosario , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Crossa José
Published: February 2023

Background. Inbreeding depression (ID) is caused by an increased homozygosity in the offspring after selfing. Although the self-compatible, highly heterozygous, tetrasomic polyploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) suffers from ID, some argue that the potential genetic gains from using inbred lines in a sexual propagation system of potato are too large to be ignored. The aim of this research was to assess the effects of inbreeding in potato offspring performance under a high latitude and the accuracy of genomic prediction of breeding values (GEBV) for further use in selection.
Results. There were 16 parents (6 breeding clones and 10 cultivars) used in the crossing block. Four of them underwent selfing producing 113 ± 42 S1 seeds, while the seed set in the F1 hybrid offspring was 149 ± 29, suggesting inbreeding did not affect the crossing outcome but may have influenced the seed set. Four inbred (S1) and two hybrid (F1) offspring, and their parents (S0) were used in the experiment, with a field layout of an augmented design with the four S0 replicated in nine incomplete blocks comprising 100, 4-plant plots at Umeå (63°49′30″N 20°15′50″E), Sweden. The S0 was significantly (P < 0.01) better than both S1 and F1 offspring for tuber weight (total and according to five grading sizes), tuber shape and size uniformity, tuber eye depth and reducing sugars in the tuber flesh, while the F1 was significantly (P < 0.01) better than S1 for all tuber weight and uniformity traits. Some F1 hybrid offspring (15–19%) had better total tuber yield than the best performing parent. The GEBV accuracy ranged from -0.3928 to 0.4436. Overall, tuber shape uniformity had the highest GEBV accuracy, while tuber weight traits exhibited the lowest. The F1 full sib’s GEBV accuracy was higher, on average, than that of the S1.
Conclusion. Accuracy estimates suggest a non-related training population (either S1 or F1) should not be used for early stages of genomic selection in potato breeding population. Genomic prediction may facilitate eliminating undesired inbred or hybrid offspring for further use in the genetic betterment of potato.
A comparison of machine learning methods to classify radioactive elements using prompt-gamma-ray neutron activation data
Authors: Mathew Jino , Kshirsagar Rohit , Abidin Dzariff Z , Griffin James , Kanarachos Stratis , James Jithin , Alamaniotis Miltos , Fitzpatrick Michael E
Published: February 2023

The detection of illicit radiological materials is critical to establishing a robust second line of defence in nuclear security. Neutron-capture prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) can be used to detect multiple radioactive materials across the entire Periodic Table. However, long detection times and a high rate of false positives pose a significant hindrance in the deployment of PGAA-based systems to identify the presence of illicit substances in nuclear forensics. In the present work, six different machine-learning algorithms were developed to classify radioactive elements based on the PGAA energy spectra. The model performance was evaluated using standard classification metrics and trend curves with an emphasis on comparing the effectiveness of algorithms that are best suited for classifying imbalanced datasets. We analyse the classification performance based on Precision, Recall, F1-score, Specificity, Confusion matrix, ROC-AUC curves, and Geometric Mean Score (GMS) measures. The tree-based algorithms (Decision Trees, Random Forest and AdaBoost) have consistently outperformed Support Vector Machine and K-Nearest Neighbours. Based on the results presented, AdaBoost is the preferred classifier to analyse data containing PGAA spectral information due to the high recall and minimal false negatives reported in the minority class.
The region interior to the event horizon of rotating regular black holes
Authors: Gonzalez-Morales B. Angelica , Breton Nora , Perez-Roman Ivan
Published: February 2023

The interior of two regular rotating black holes is analyzed, Hayward and Simpson-Visser, through the velocities and fall times of a free particle toward their center when it penetrates the event horizon. The particle traverses the event horizon with the velocity of light, then it increases for a certain lapse, decreases, and at the inner horizon it is light's; the speed continues decreasing as the particle approaches the origin; in Hayward and Kerr black holes it reaches the origin with zero speed while for Simpson-Visser black hole it traverses the wormhole throat located at r=0 with finite velocity. The measurements of two different observers are compared, one falling down and the other being a distant observer. Travel time intervals from the event horizon to the origin, and from a distant point to the horizon are calculated and compared with Kerr's.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of Artemisinin on Antiepileptogenic, Antioxidant and Cholinesterase Enzymes in Pentylenetetrazole-induced Kindling Model in Mice.
Authors: Kocak Yilmaz , Yunusoglu Oruc , Huyut Zubeyir , Turkan Fikret
Published: February 2023

Artemisinin (ART) is a compound synthesized from the plant Artemisia annua. This compound has various therapeutic effects and is widely used against malaria. However, ART is known to have modulating effects on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, which are thought to be responsible for epileptic seizures. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ART on anti-convulsant, antioxidant, and cholinesterase enzyme activities in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling model in mice. In the experiment, 6 groups were formed, with seven mice in each group. Mice received a total of 11 intraperitoneal injections of PTZ (35 mg/kg). On the last day of the study, a threat dose of PTZ (75 mg/kg) was administered. In addition, behavioral analysis tests (Locomotor activity and rotarod) and biochemical measurements were performed. Compared with the PTZ group, ART attenuated the severity of the kindling, decreasing the seizure score. ART and VPA reversed increased oxidative stress. Decreased cholinesterase enzymes in PTZ-induced brain increased with ART treatment. While the PTZ application impaired locomotor activity in mice, the ART application provided improvement in locomotor activity. However, no significant difference was found between the groups in the motor performance of the mice. The findings show that ART may have the potential to prevent PTZ-induced oxidative stress, neurochemical changes, behavioral disorders, and seizures.
Detrimental effects of PCSK9 loss-of-function in the pediatric host response to sepsis are mediated through independent influence on Angiopoietin-1
Authors: Atreya Mihir R. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Weiss Scott L. , Bigham Michael T. , Jain Parag N. , Schwarz Adam J. , Lutfi Riad , Nowak Jeffrey , Allen Geoffrey L. , Thomas Neal J. , Grunwell Jocelyn R. , Baines Torrey , Quasney Michael , Haileselassie Bereketeab , Alder Matthew N. , Lahni Patrick , Ripberger Scarlett , Ekunwe Adesuwa , Campbell Kyle R. , Walley Keith R. , Standage Stephen W.
Published: February 2023

Background: Sepsis is associated with significant mortality, yet there are no efficacious therapies beyond antibiotics and supportive care. In adult sepsis studies, PCSK9 loss-of-function (LOF) and inhibition has shown therapeutic promise, likely through enhanced low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mediated endotoxin clearance. In contrast, we previously demonstrated higher mortality in septic juvenile hosts with PCSK9 LOF. In addition to direct influence on serum lipoprotein levels, PCSK9 likely exerts pleiotropic effects on vascular endothelium. Both mechanisms may influence sepsis outcomes. We sought to test the influence of PCSK9 LOF genotype on endothelial dysfunction in pediatric sepsis.
Methods: Secondary analyses of a prospective observational cohort of pediatric septic shock. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of PCSK9 and LDLR genes were assessed. Serum PCSK9, lipoprotein, and endothelial marker concentrations were measured. Multivariable linear regression tested the influence of PCSK9 LOF genotype on endothelial markers, adjusted for age, complicated course, and low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL). Causal mediation analyses assessed impact of select endothelial markers on the association between PCSK9 LOF genotype and mortality. Juvenile Pcsk9 null and wildtype mice were subject to cecal slurry sepsis and endothelial markers were quantified.
Results: 474 patients were included. PCSK9 LOF was associated with several markers of endothelial dysfunction, with strengthening of associations after exclusion of patients homozygous for the rs688 LDLR variant that renders it insensitive to PCSK9. Serum PCSK9 levels did not correlate with endothelial dysfunction. PCSK9LOF significantly influenced concentrations of Angiopoietin-1 (Angpt-1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1). However, upon adjusting for LDL and HDL, PCSK9LOF remained significantly associated with low Angpt-1 alone. Causal Mediation Analysis demonstrated that the effect of PCSK9 LOF on mortality was partially mediated by Angpt-1 (p=0.0008). Murine data corroborated these results with lower Angpt-1 and higher soluble thrombomodulin among knockout mice with sepsis relative to the wildtype.
Conclusions: PCSK9 LOF independently influences serum Angpt-1 levels in pediatric septic shock. Angpt-1 likely contributes mechanistically to the effect of PCSK9 LOF on mortality in juvenile hosts. Mechanistic studies on the role of PCSK9-LDLR pathway on vascular homeostasis may lead to the development of novel pediatric-specific sepsis therapies.
Hybrid Modeling of a Multidimensional Coupled Nonlinear System With Integration of Hamiltonian Mechanics
Authors: Abbasi Amirhassan , Kambali Prashant N. , Nataraj C
Published: February 2023

This study concerns hybrid modeling of a multidimensional coupled nonlinear system. The underlying basis for the model is derived from Hamiltonian mechanics capitalizing on the broad utility and efficiency of energy-based reasoning in modeling high-dimensional systems. The hybrid model is essentially an artificial neural network with a computational graph that is modified from conventional neural networks in a few significant ways. The first modification includes incorporating an intermediate scalar function representing the Hamiltonian learned from data. The second modification enhances input/output channels for capturing the multidimensional dynamics of the system. The main goal of such hybrid reasoning is to improve the extrapolation capability of the model by enforcing conformance with some key aspects of the underlying physics in the form of a bias. The results demonstrate that incorporating this physics-based bias into the hybrid model empowers it to produce long-term and physically plausible predictions. The proposed modeling approach also shows high scalability for energy-based modeling of multidimensional dynamic systems in general.
A Study of Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness and Self-Efficacy Among Mature-Aged Worker's Behavioural Intention on Using the Online Training Portal in Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Mokmin Nur Azlina Mohamed , Neoh Yong Ting
Published: February 2023

Online training portal such as e-learning enables corporates and industries to train their
employees so that they can upgrade their skills and knowledge to compete in the global
market. Mature-aged workers, aged between 45 and above, are deemed as valuable assets to
the organizations as they have years of experience and have great potential to guide younger
employees. Human Capital Report August 2019 by HRDF showed that mature-aged workers
with the age of 45 and above have a training participation rate below 20%. As such, these workers have challenges in using the computer and assessing online training portals. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the relationship between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and self-efficacy towards their behavioural intention in using online training portals for learning purposes. A quantitative research survey was adapted to analyze the data gathered from 49 workers who have responded, out of 157 manufacturing technicians, to answer the questionnaire that consists of 28 questions. The research findings show all variables, such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and self-efficacy have a relationship with mature-aged workers' behavioral intention to use online training portals for their learning.
Analysis of the differential expression and antiviral activity of porcine interferon-α in vitro
Authors: Fang Jianyu , Zhang Qingxian , Xi Yanyan , Lang Limin , Wang Keling , Li Shaoyu
Published: February 2023

Porcine interferon α (poIFN-α) is a crucial cytokine that can prevent and treat viral infection. Seventeen functional porcine IFN-α subtypes were found in the porcine genome. In this study, multiple sequence alignment was performed to analyze IFN-α protein structure and function. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the porcine IFN gene family defined the evolutionary relationship of the various subtypes. Porcine IFN-αs, including porcine IFN-α1–17, were expressed in an E. coli expression system. The antiviral activities of these IFN-α proteins against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV) were examined in PK-15 cells. We found that the antiviral activity of different porcine IFN-α molecules greatly differed: the porcine IFN-α14 and 17 subtypes had the greatest antiviral activities against VSV and PRV in PK-15 cells, porcine IFN-α1, 2, 3, and 8 exhibited lower biological activities, and porcine IFN-α4, 5, 6,7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 16 had minimal or no effect in the tested target cell‒virus systems. Moreover, our studies demonstrated that the antiviral activity of IFN-α was positively correlated with the induction of IFN-stimulated genes, such as 2’-5’ oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OSA1), interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), myxoma resistance protein 1 (Mx1), and Protein kinase R (PKR). Thus, our experimental results provide important information for understanding the antiviral functions and mechanism of porcine IFN-α.