bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estradiol regulates voltage-gated potassium currents in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons
Authors: Power Emmet M. , Ganeshan Dharshini , Iremonger Karl J.
Published: February 2023

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons are the primary neural population controlling the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the secretion of adrenal stress hormones. Previous work has demonstrated that stress hormone secretion can be regulated by circulating levels of estradiol. However, the effect of estradiol on CRH neuron excitability is less clear. Here, we show that chronic estradiol replacement following ovariectomy increases two types of potassium channel currents in CRH neurons: fast inactivating voltage-gated A-type K+ channel currents (IA) and non-inactivating M-type K+ channel currents (IM). Despite the increase in K+ currents following estradiol replacement, there was no overall change in CRH neuron spiking excitability assessed with either frequency–current curves or current ramps. Together, these data reveal a complex picture whereby ovariectomy and estradiol replacement differentially modulate distinct aspects of CRH neuron and HPA axis function.
Does including histological outcomes in a multiparametric MRI report improve prostate biopsy decision making?
Authors: Stevens William , Parchment-Smith Catherine , Adiotomre Ese , Hulson Oliver , Khan Atif , Melling Philip , Pierre Sacha , Smith Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

To see if inserting audited histological outcome data for each Likert score into prostate mpMRI reports was helpful for clinicians counselling patients and influenced prostate biopsy uptake.

Methods:

A single radiologist reported 791 mpMRI scans for query prostate cancer between 2017 and 2019. A structured template which included histological outcome data from this cohort was devised and included in 207 mpMRI reports between January and June 2021. The outcomes of the new cohort were compared with the historical cohort, and with 160 contemporaneous reports without histological outcome data from the four other radiologists in the department. The opinion of this template was sought from referring clinicians who counselled patients.

Results:

The proportion of patients biopsied fell from 58.0 to 32.9% overall between the n = 791 cohort and the n = 207 cohort. This was most noticeable in those scoring Likert 3, where the proportion biopsied fell from 78.4 to 42.9%. This reduction was also seen when comparing the biopsy rates of patients scored Likert 3 by other reporters in a contemporaneous n = 160 cohort without the audit information (65.2%) with the n = 207 cohort (42.9%). 100% of counselling clinicians were in favour and 66.7% said it gave them greater confidence to advise the patient when they did not need a biopsy.

Conclusion:

Fewer low-risk patients choose unnecessary biopsies when audited histological outcomes for the radiologist’s Likert scores are included in mpMRI reports.

Advances in knowledge:

Clinicians welcome reporter-specific audit information in mpMRI reports which could result in fewer biopsies.
Drug-eluting beads loaded with irinotecan to treat synchronous liver-only metastases of colorectal cancer non-responsive to bevacizumab-based chemotherapy
Authors: Hsu Ting-Fu , Chang Wei-Chou , Chang Ping-Ying , Lin Hsuan-Hwai , Chen Pin-Ko , Ko Kai-Hsiang , Chiu Sung-Hua
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of drug-eluting beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with synchronous liver-only metastases non-responsive to bevacizumab-based chemotherapy (BBC).

Methods:

Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. Treatment response to BBC and DEBIRI were determined by the morphological criteria and Choi’s criteria, respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. The correlation between pre-DEBIRI CT parameters and treatment response to DEBIRI was analyzed.

Results:

CRC patients were divided into the BBC responsive group (R group) (n = 16) and the non-responsive group (n = 42), which was further divided into the NR group (23 patients who did not receive DEBIRI) and the NR+DEBIRI group (19 patients who received DEBIRI after failing BBC). Among the R, NR and NR+DEBIRI groups, the median PFS were 11, 12, and 4 months, respectively (p < 0.01); median OS were 36, 23, and 12 months, respectively (p = 0.01). In the NR+DEBIRI group, 33 metastatic lesions were treated with DEBIRI, of which 18 (54.5%) reached objective response. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the contrast enhancement ratio (CER) before DEBIRI could predict objective response (AUC = 0.737, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

In CRC patients, DEBIRI can achieve acceptable objective response for liver metastases non-responsive to BBC. However, this locoregional control does not prolong survival. The pre-DEBIRI CER can predict OR in these patients.

Advances in knowledge:

DEBIRI can act as an acceptable locoregional management in CRC patients with liver metastases non-responsive to BBC, and the pre-DEBIRI CER is a potential indicator of locoregional control.
Performance of magnetic resonance imaging to predict maternal outcomes in patients at high risk for placenta accreta spectrum disorder
Authors: Köhler Silva Cristiano , Almeida Ghezzi Caroline Lorenzoni , Vettori Daniela Vanessa , Rostirolla Gabriela Françoes , Vettorazzi Janete
Published: February 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI parameters to predict adverse maternal peripartum outcomes in pregnant females at high-risk for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder.

Methods and materials

This retrospective study evaluated 60 pregnant females who underwent MRI for placental assessment. MRI studies were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to all clinical data. MRI parameters were compared with five maternal outcomes: severe bleeding, cesarean hysterectomy, prolonged operation time, need for blood transfusion, and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The MRI findings were associated with pathologic and/or intraoperative findings for PAS.

Results

The study identified 46 cases of PAS disorder and 16 cases of placenta percreta. The agreement between the radiologist impression of PAS disorder and the intraoperative/histological findings was substantial (0.67, p < 0.001), and almost perfect for the presence of placenta percreta (0.87, p < 0.001). The presence of a placental bulge was highly associated with placenta percreta, with sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 90.9%. The MRI signs that associated with more maternal outcomes were myometrial thinning, with significant odds ratio for severe blood loss (20.2), hysterectomy (4.0), need for blood transfusion (4.8) and prolonged surgery time (4.9), and uterine bulging, with significant odds ratio for severe blood loss (11.9), hysterectomy (34.0), ICU admission (5.0), and need for blood transfusion (4.8).

Conclusion

MRI signs significantly correlated with invasive placenta and were independently associated with adverse maternal outcomes. The presence of a placental bulge was highly accurate in predicting placenta percreta.

Advances in knowledge

First study to evaluate the strength of the association between individual MRI signs and five adverse maternal outcomes. Conclusions support published MRI signs associated with placental invasion, especially regarding the value placental bulging in predicting placenta percreta.
Accumulation of iodine or other similar K-edge equivalent element within renal cysts mimics enhancing masses at single-phase dual-energy CT
Authors: Magnetta Michael J , Schieda Nicola , Murphy Patrick , Miller Frank H
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To describe instances of iodine, or other element with similar K-edge to iodine, accumulating in benign renal cysts and simulating solid renal masses (SRM) at single-phase contrast-enhanced (CE) dual-energy CT (DECT).

Methods:

During the course of routine clinical practice, instances of benign renal cysts (reference standard true non-contrast enhanced CT [NCCT] homogeneous attenuation <10 HU and not enhancing, or MRI) simulating SRM at follow-up single-phase CE-DECT due to iodine (or other element) accumulation were documented in two institutions over a 3-month observation period in 2021.

Results:

Five Bosniak one renal cysts (12 ± 7 mm) in five patients changed nature on follow-up imaging simulating SRM at CE-DECT. At time of DECT, cyst attenuation on true NCCT (mean 91 ± 25 HU [Range 56–120]) was significantly higher compared to virtual NCCT (mean 11 ± 22 HU [-23–30], p = 0.003) and all five cysts showed internal iodine content on DECT iodine maps with concentration >1.9 mg ml−1 (mean 8.2 ± 7.6 mg ml−1 [2.8–20.9]).

Conclusion:

The accumulation of iodine, or other element with similar K-edge to iodine, in benign renal cysts could simulate enhancing renal masses at single-phase contrast-enhanced DECT.
Subject playing with flat images: Transmedia spreadability of anime and manga character images
Authors: Watabe Kohki
Published: February 2023

Anime and manga characters are so ubiquitous in Japan that people see them anywhere, regardless of public or private. The two-dimensional flatness of line drawing allows the character images to straddle the boundaries of the worlds of works and media. The analysis of individual artworks needs to be revised to understand the transmedia spreadability of characters and our living conditions. This paper, thus, overviews the preceding discussions of anime and manga scholars on human-character relations and compares them with the theory of subject formation in film studies, whose realist tendency once emphasized the three-dimensional space and time. While psychoanalysis-influenced theories such as suture and male gaze model after one-point perspective and subordinate two-dimensionality, Thomas Lamarre formulates a de-unified perspective in relation to the multilayered image field of Japanese anime. In conjunction with the orientation of cultural and fan studies to emphasize audience agency, this article discusses the de-unified perspective on flat images which has the potential for understanding the complexity of subject formation through the interplay with two-dimensional images.
Disease association and comparative genomics of compositional bias in human proteins
Authors: Kouros Christos E. , Makri Vasiliki , Ouzounis Christos A. , Chasapi Anastasia
Published: February 2023

Background: The evolutionary rate of disordered proteins varies greatly due to the lack of structural constraints. So far, few studies have investigated the presence/absence patterns of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) across phylogenies in conjunction with human disease. In this study, we report a genome-wide analysis of compositional bias association with disease in human proteins and their taxonomic distribution.

Methods: The human genome protein set provided by the Ensembl database was annotated and analysed with respect to both disease associations and the detection of compositional bias. The Uniprot Reference Proteome dataset, containing 11297 proteomes was used as target dataset for the comparative genomics of a well-defined subset of the Human Genome, including 100 characteristic, compositionally biased proteins, some linked to disease.

Results: Cross-evaluation of compositional bias and disease-association in the human genome reveals a significant bias towards low complexity regions in disease-associated genes, with charged, hydrophilic amino acids appearing as over-represented. The phylogenetic profiling of 17 disease-associated, low complexity proteins across 11297 proteomes captures characteristic taxonomic distribution patterns.

Conclusions: This is the first time that a combined genome-wide analysis of low complexity, disease-association and taxonomic distribution of human proteins is reported, covering structural, functional, and evolutionary properties. The reported framework can form the basis for large-scale, follow-up projects, encompassing the entire human genome and all known gene-disease associations.
Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dentists: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kostares Evangelos , Kostare Georgia , Kostares Michael , Kantzanou Maria
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among dentists and the effect of possible moderators on it.

Methods: A systematic literature search (Medline and Embase databases) was conducted independently by two reviewers. Quality assessment was performed. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated. Outlier and influential analysis were conducted. Moderator analysis was performed in order the effect of categorical and continuous variables on the estimated prevalence to be investigated.

Results: In total, ten eligible studies (3,547 participants) were finally included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of CTS among dental surgeons was estimated as 9.87% (95%CI 6.84%-14.03%) with significant heterogeneity between studies. No study was identified as influential. Potential sources of heterogeneity were not identified through the moderator analysis. In the subgroup analysis the prevalence was 12.47% (95%CI 6.38%-22.95%) for the group identified as having CTS through medical history and at least clinical examination or electrodiagnostic testing and 8.56% (95%CI 5.53%-13.01%) among those who identified solely through questionnaire (previously diagnosed).

Conclusions: Our findings are important to provide the pooled prevalence of CTS among dentists. Our results were based on highly heterogeneous studies. Two of them were estimated as high quality (low risk of bias) and the remaining ones as moderate quality (moderate risk of bias). Our study reports a considerable prevalence, consequently, significance of awareness among dental surgeons regarding the etiology of this issue is more than necessary. More studies need to be conducted that could guide researchers in order this issue to be fully investigated.
Instruments used to assess gender-affirming healthcare access: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kearns Seán , Hardie Philip , O'Shea Donal , Neff Karl
Published: February 2023

Background: Internationally, the demand for gender-affirming care has increased exponentially in recent years. The clinical presentation of those seeking care has changed with an increase in transmasculine and non-binary identities and a decrease in the average age of those seeking care. Healthcare navigation remains complicated for this population and warrants further investigation in light of ongoing changes in the field. This paper presents a protocol for a methodological scoping review that aims to systematically map and synthesise the extent and nature of the peer-reviewed, published academic literature on the instruments used to assess factors relating to healthcare navigation and healthcare access for transgender and non-binary individuals seeking gender-affirming healthcare. 

Methods: This review will search databases (PsychINFO, CINAHL, Medline, and Embase.) and grey literature sources. In line with the methodological framework for scoping reviews, the following six stages will be undertaken: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, (5) collating, summarising and reporting results and (6) consultation. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation will be utilised and reported. The research team will undertake the study as outlined in this protocol and an expert panel of young transgender and non-binary youth will oversee the project through patient and public involvement. 

Conclusions: This scoping review has the potential to inform policy, practice, and future research through enhanced understanding of the complex interplay of factors that impact healthcare navigation for transgender and non-binary people seeking gender-affirming care. The results from this study will inform further research into healthcare navigation considerations generally and will inform a research project entitled “Navigating access to gender care in Ireland—a mixed-method study on the experiences of transgender and non-binary youth”.
Collaborative design approach to identify research and innovation needs within the European smart building community
Authors: COUJARD Clémentine , Laffont Eloire Karine
Published: February 2023

Background

Upgrading the level of smartness in buildings can significantly contribute to improve our quality and sustainability of living, through increased energy efficiency, optimised resource management, and improved air quality and comfort. However, the fragmented nature of the sector makes it challenging to identify what is technically, socially and economically achieved today in Europe in terms of building smartness, and what should be developed and financially supported tomorrow to accelerate the roll-out of smart and energy efficient buildings.

Methods

This paper introduces the collaborative process developed to involve a large community of experts in detecting and formalising research and innovation gaps related to smart buildings. This process is composed of four successive steps: 1) a communication phase to invite volunteer experts to join the proposed task forces; 2) The organisation and facilitation of online brainstorming workshops to identify research & innovation (R&I) gaps; 3) the collective drafting of a white paper synthesising the brainstorming outcomes; and 4) an open consultation to collect additional external feedback before finalising the white paper.

Results

The collaborative process developed was tested over 18 months and implemented on 12 different topics relying on 27 brainstorming workshops. Building on the collective knowledge of 135 participants, it enabled identification a significant series of R&I gaps related to smart buildings.

Conclusions

The collective sessions as well as the open consultation phases showed overall some clear convergence on the gaps identified. It can therefore be concluded the outcome of the collaborative process reached a consensus among the targeted innovation community. The feedback collected on the process, shows that the frequency, duration and attendance of the brainstorming workshops proposed were very relevant, while the selection of online participatory tools could still be improved. This process could be replicated in other frameworks where research and innovation gaps are sought for.
Chemotherapy use and outcomes in patients with stage III or IV small-cell lung cancer in relation to age: An analysis of the English Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) dataset
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Morris Eva JA , Dodwell David , Franks Kevin
Published: February 2023

Background: We described patterns of chemotherapy use and outcomes in patients with advanced small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in relation to age using the Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment dataset.

Method: In total, 7,966 patients SCLC (67.6% stage IV) diagnosed between 2014-17 in England, treated with chemotherapy were followed up through 2017. Patterns of chemotherapy use, 30- and 90- mortality rates, and 6- and 12-month and median overall survival (OS) from the initiation of chemotherapy were compared between those below and above the age of 75.

Results: Older patients were 6-7 times less likely to receive curative treatment than younger patients regardless of stage. They had more frequent adjustments of treatment and dose reduction (stage III). There were no age differences in dose reduction in stage IV, treatment delayed or stopped earlier than planned. 30-day mortality rates were similar across age groups in stage III SCLC (~4%). Older patients had higher 90-days mortality rates and poorer OS than younger peers. In both stages, OS decreased around the age of 70-75 and were worse in patients with performance status scores ≥2.

Conclusion: This study offers a snapshot of chemotherapy use and outcomes in advanced SCLC, notably in older patients, in the pre-immunotherapy era.
The genome sequence of the crab hacker barnacle, Sacculina carcini (Thompson, 1836)
Authors: Blaxter Mark , Lawniczak Mara ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Sacculina carcini (crab hacker barnacle; Arthropoda; Crustacea; Thecostraca; Sacculinidae). The genome sequence is 264 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules plus 10 unlocalised. The mitochondrial genome was not identified.
The genome sequence of the pine hoverfly, Blera fallax (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Taylor Helen R. , Ritchie-Parker Heather ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Blera fallax (the pine hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 462 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled X and Y chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, and is 16.2 kilobases in length.
VARIANT RS475678587C>T OF THE UBE3B GENE (HAPLOTYPE AH1) IN AYRSHIRE CATTLE INCREASES THE RISK OF STILLBIRTH IN DAUGHTERS OF MALE CARRIERS
Authors: Tulinova Olga V. , Vasilyeva Ekaterina N. , Romanova Elena A. , Shcherbakov Yuriy S. , Pozovnikova Marina V.
Published: February 2023

The aim of our study was to analyze the reproduction dynamics and fertility rates of the Ayrshire cattle population in Russia and to assess the level of influence of the AH1 haplotype on the incidence of stillbirth. For an overall fertility estimate, we used 390,769 records of 67 dairy herds in Russia from 2003 to 2018. Against the background of stable population growth, the average stillbirth rate was 3.33% and the abortion rate was 0.075%. A high percentage of stillbirth (5.13%) from heifers the first fertilization event, and there was a high rate of abortions in older cows (11 calving, 1.76%). An analysis of 62,534 records of bulls with the rs475678587C>T variant of UBE3B gene (AH1 haplotype) (n = 69, of which 51 bulls were free from and 18 were carriers of AH1) for the period 2002 to 2018 showed that the proportion of female offspring of AH1-C bulls completing at least one full period of lactation was about one-third of the total livestock. An analysis of the results of mating with AH-F and AH-C bulls for the broodstock as a whole (without taking into account the female genotype) did not reveal significant differences in the number of stillbirths and abortions. Linear regression analysis showed that the status of AH1 bulls did not significantly affect stillbirth rates. An analysis of the results of calving and the reproductive ability of the offspring of AH-C bulls showed an increase in the frequency of stillbirths, confirmed by the results of linear regression analysis, which revealed a significant effect of bull fathers carrying AH1on the proportion of stillbirths experienced by their daughters. Our studies confirm that the rs475678587C>T variant of the UBE3B gene (haplotype AH1) has a significant effect on the rate of stillbirth of a cow or heifer if their father is a carrier of this genetic defect.
FEATURES OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS WHOSE MOTHERS LIVED IN THE TERRITORIES OF MILITARY OPERATIONS IN THE PERIOD BEFORE PREGNANCY
Authors: Temirkhanova Kepiya T. , Deryagina Larisa E. , Pyatibrat Elena D. , Pyatibrat Aleksandr O.
Published: February 2023

Relevance. Military conflicts around the world have continued to grow steadily in recent decades. The fighting taking place in populated areas, near residential buildings, cannot but affect the civilian population. Being on the territory of an ongoing military operation is associated with a threat to life, which is a powerful stressor and, under certain conditions, can cause violations of the regulation of the functional systems of the body, which subsequently lead to the formation of nosology.

Goal. To determine the features of psychophysiological status of adolescents whose mothers lived in the zone of armed conflict during hostilities.

Materials and methods. The features of the psychological status of adolescents in the Republic of Dagestan, whose mothers experienced a high risk of terrorist threat during the occupation by militants in September 1999, were analyzed. The results of psychodiagnostic techniques were studied in 548 girls aged 11-14 years and 1090 boys aged 13-17 from the Republic of Dagestan. Of these, 270 girls and 376 boys had mothers in areas exposed to the terrorist threat and occupation by terrorists in 1999, and 278 girls and 614 boys were the offspring of mothers who were not subjected to vital stress.

Results. The analysis showed that mild depression and masked depression in adolescents of both sexes, whose mothers experienced a life-threatening mental trauma, was determined much more often than in the group of adolescents whose mothers did not experience vital stress. At the same time, there were no cases of severe depression in both groups.

Adolescents of both sexes, whose mothers experienced vital stress in the period before pregnancy, are characterized by a high level of neuroticism, combined with introversion. Boys are characterized by self-doubt, emotional instability, vulnerability combined with resentment and suspicion, at the same time, at the age of 13 to 14, these boys are less aggressive than their peers from the control group. Girls are characterized by coldness, formality in contacts, as a rule, they take a destructive position in conflicts.

Conclusion. The presence of mothers in the pregravid period in the zone of military conflict, associated with high psycho-emotional stress, leads to the peculiarities of the psycho-physiological functioning of their children. Data have been obtained that allow us to speak about gender differences in neurodynamic characteristics: in girls, the processes of excitation prevailed, in boys, the processes of inhibition. With identically high rates of neuroticism-introversion, the girls had higher rates of aggressiveness.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE FAR NORTH
Authors: Zhukova Galina V. , Kolenchukova Oksana A. , Stepanova Lyudmila V. , Ryzhikova Elena M. , Kratasyuk Valentina A.
Published: February 2023

The paper considers the creation of a diagnostic system based on morphological and biophysical indicators that allows us to understand the influence of the climatic component, as well as stress factors on the general physiological state of young people for further correction of preventive measures and preservation of the health of the peoples of the Far North. The aim of the study is a comprehensive assessment of the health of young people living in the Far North based on the results of bioluminescent saliva activity, stress-emotional state obtained before and after intense mental stress, as well as anthropometric and bioimpedance indicators. 117 students of the Medical Institute of Surgut State University took part in the survey at a young age (18-23 years) during the educational process (rest) and during the examination session (mental load) in the first half of the year of study (autumn-winter 2021). The stress-emotional state was assessed using the Spielberger-Khanin test, the functional state of students They were studied using bioluminescent salivary fluid testing, anthropometric and bioimpedance methods. Samples were obtained by spitting unstimulated saliva into a test tube.
As a result of the study, regional features of the physique of young people were revealed, which indicates the formation of a phenotype adapted to living conditions in the northern region. The relationship between the stress-emotional status of adolescents and the level of inhibition of the bioluminescent enzymatic system by saliva samples taken before and after mental stress was shown. The value of the residual glow had an increased indicator for the state of rest and significantly reduced the intensity of the bioluminescent glow under mental stress. The methodological development obtained in the future will make it possible to effectively manage the methods and methods of diagnosing young people, taking into account the influence of external factors, climatic zones and conditions.
ACCUMULATION OF PARTICULATE MATTER BY URBAN FORESTS FROM POLLUTED AIR
Authors: Mikhailova Tatiana A. , Shergina Olga V. , Mironova Anastasia S. , Chesnakov Dmitry A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose is to investigate the ability of natural urban forests to purify atmospheric air polluted with particulate matter (PMx), based on the correlation between the level of PMx in the air and the concentration of pollutants accumulated by trees.

Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in 8 large forest areas on the Irkutsk city territory. In each area, a test site was selected, where the concentrations of particulate matter of the size range: PM0.3, PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM5, PM10 were measured and the AQI index, used in world practice to assess air pollution, was calculated. To determine the level of pollutants accumulation by trees, needles/leaves samples of Scotch pine, Siberian larch, and Silver birch were taken for their analysis on the content of heavy metals (HMs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The instrumental park of the Baikal Analytical Center, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the equipment of the Republican Analytical Center (Ulan-Ude) were used in the work.

Results. At test sites in urban forests, the level of air pollution was assessed using the AQI index and the IZA index adopted in the Russian Federation. A significant similarity of estimates for both indices was established. The large role of urban forests in air purification from various sizes of particulate matter is shown. It is evidenced by the active accumulation of pollutants present in PMx (heavy metals and PAHs) by needles and leaves. A direct correlation was established between the AQI index and the content of pollutants (sum 8 HMs and sum 14 PAHs) in needles/leaves of trees. It was revealed that all surveyed forests of Irkutsk are polluted to one degree or another, and most of them, with the exception of two forest areas, cannot cope with air purification to a permissible level.

Application of results. It is recommended to increase the area of urban forests by creating plantations that are structurally close to natural forest ecosystems.

Conclusion. It is shown that urban forests are a powerful factor in the purification of the air environment from particulate matter within the city. At the same time, significant pollution of the forests themselves requires optimization of their condition.
NON-SPECIFIC BACK PAIN: DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY FROM THE POSITION OF EVIDENTIAL MEDICINE (REVIEW OF LITERATURE)
Authors: Tereshchenko Sergey Yu.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this publication is an attempt to systematize modern data based on the principles of evidence-based medicine (controlled randomized trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses) in the field of diagnosis and treatment of non-specific low back pain. It is shown that non-specific lumbar pain is the predominant type of lumbar pain syndrome. The basis for the diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain should be a detailed history taking and a thorough physical and neurological examination. The value of imaging diagnostic methods is limited to patients with red flags. Both in the case of acute and chronic non-specific low back pain, the basis of therapy with well-proven effectiveness is patient education, manipulative techniques and special physical therapy. In the case of chronic non-specific low back pain, behavioral therapy is highly effective. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have proven efficacy in relation to pain and functioning of the patient. In the case of chronic non-specific low back pain, muscle relaxants and antidepressants may be additionally prescribed.
Nota del Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Arcila Calderón Carlos
Published: February 2023

Nota del Editor-in-Chief
Demanding Innovation: The Impact of Consumer Subsidies on Solar Panel Production Costs
Authors: Gerarden Todd D.
Published: February 2023

Private sector innovation is critical to mitigating and adapting to climate change. This paper studies innovation in solar energy technology, a key source of clean energy that has experienced rapid price declines over the past decade. To understand the causes and effects of innovation, I estimate a dynamic structural model of competition among solar panel manufacturers. The model captures important features of the industry, including the role of government subsidies for solar adoption, and I employ a unique measure of technological progress that is observable and verifiable. The results produce two main insights. First, ignoring innovation by firms can generate biased estimates of the effects of government policy. Second, decentralized government intervention in a global market generates spillovers; a subsidy in one country causes international firms to innovate more, leading to lower prices and increased adoption elsewhere. This spillover underscores the need for international coordination by governments and the private sector to address climate change.

This paper was accepted by Erica Plambeck, Special Section of Management Science on Business and Climate Change.

Funding: The author acknowledges support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowship Assistance Agreement FP-91769401-0] and Harvard [Joseph Crump Fellowship].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4662 .
Evaluation of Bakery Product Defect at PT. ABC Lampung
Authors: Prabowo Ragil Aji , Ibdal Ibdal
Published: February 2023

The purpose of bread quality control is to determine the number of defects in bread during production so that causes and solutions can be found to solve the problem. The control chart method and the Pareto diagram were used to determine the product defect. The Control Chart method aims to determine the control of defective products, whether the production process is still within the control limits or outside the control limits and to find out how to control defective products. This study contributes to investigating the quality control of bakery products at PT. ABC in Lampung. The results obtained after the analysis using the P-Chart control showed that the defect bread data was still within the limits of LCL and UCL. By using the Control Chart method, it shows that the product is still within the control limits. The fishbone diagram method contains several factors that cause defects on the bakery products. These factors include materials, people, machines, and processes. The main factor that is very influential in causing defects in bread is the human factor due to the lack of manpower which causes employees to become tired and lack focus in doing work.
Prospects of red passion fruit seeds (Passiflora edulis Sims.) as a source of halal probiotics
Authors: Nurrosyidah Iif Hanifa , Mertaniasih Ni Made , Isnaeni Isnaeni
Published: February 2023

Indonesia is the most biodiversity country in the world, with a majority Muslim population, so halal issues are a priority. Natural resources are abundant, especially the tropical fruit that Allah SWT bestowed with a wide variety. Red Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) is one of the tropical fruits widely consumed because of its delicious taste, rich in vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients. The research reported that probiotics of Bacillus spp. Isolated from the red passion fruit seeds was proven to inhibit pathogenic microbes. Extended Strain Beta-Lactamase and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The isolates also showed the ability to increase gamma interferon levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adult TB patients. Halal critical points for products containing probiotics can derive from raw material sources, especially those from animals. The Red passion fruit is classified as a safe, halal category. The process of isolating probiotics from red passion fruit seeds using fermentation technology in De man Rogose Sharp media, using simple materials, tools, and steps that are guaranteed to be halal. The compatibility of two probiotic isolates is the potential to be developed into a probiotic consortium for health supplement preparations and therapeutic complements.
ANALISIS KESALAHAN BERBAHASA TATARAN MORFOLOGI PADA TEKS PIDATO BERBAHASA INDONESIA KARYA MAHASISWA TIONGKOK
Authors: Sanjaya Angga Trio
Published: February 2023

Language errors occur because the speaker violates the grammatical rules being studied (breaches of code). There is an assumption that the cause of such errors is due to the influence of interlingual and intralingual factors, namely the presence of language contact and a high level of complexity of the target language. This problem underlies the conduct of research on the language process of Chinese students learning Indonesian in the 2022/2023 Gasal Semester Rhetoric course. Thus, this study aims to determine the form of errors in the language of morphology in speech texts as well as the causes of errors that occur. The research method used is a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The collection uses the listening method with basic tapping techniques, note-taking techniques, and observation techniques. The data source consists of 22 of speech texts and 26 sample sentences. Based on the results of the study, it was found that (1) Affixation errors include: (a) Removal of affixes and (b) Improper use of affixes; (2) The cause of language errors is due to the influence of the learner's B1 (L1 dependent error) and other factors outside of B1 (L1 independent error), including (a) Interference or negative transfer; (b) Teaching techniques; (c) Bilingual age; (d) The sociolinguistic situation of the learner.

 

Kesalahan berbahasa terjadi karena penutur melanggar kaidah tata bahasa yang sedang dipelajari (breaches of code). Ada anggapan bahwa penyebab kesalahan tersebut karena pengaruh faktor interlingual dan intralingual, yaitu adanya kontak bahasa dan tingkat kerumitan bahasa sasaran yang tinggi. Persoalan inilah yang mendasari dilaksanakan penelitian terhadap proses berbahasa mahasiswa Tiongkok pembelajar bahasa Indonesia dalam mata kuliah Retorika Semester Gasal Tahun 2022/2023. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bentuk kesalahan dalam berbahasa bidang morfologi pada teks pidato sekaligus penyebab kesalahan yang terjadi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Pengumpulan data menggunakan metode simak dengan teknik dasar sadap dan teknik catat serta observasi. Sumber data berupa 22 kumpulan teks pidato dan 26 kalimat sampel. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ditemukan (1) Kesalahan afiksasi meliputi: (a) Penghilangan afiks dan (b) Penggunaan afiks yang tidak tepat; (2) Penyebab kesalahan berbahasa karena pengaruh B1 pembelajar (L1 dependent error) dan faktor lain di luar B1 (L1 independent error), meliputi (a) Interferensi atau transfer negatif; (b) Teknik pengajaran; (c) Usia kedwibahasaan; (d) Situasi sosiolinguistik pembelajar.
Driving Revenue
Authors: Eden JJ
Published: February 2023

We need to spread the word about road pricing revolution perks
The Long View
Authors: Yermack Larry
Published: February 2023

Governments must mandate connectivity or risk automated vehicles failing
Design for Life
Authors: Wilkie David
Published: February 2023

In the first of what will become a regular column for iVT, legendary industrial designer David Wilkie takes us on a journey from his childhood in Glasgow, via automotive design, to his current post with CNH Industrial
Yenilenmiş Bloom Taksonomisi ve PISA Okuma Becerileri Yeterliklerine Göre 8. Sınıf Türkçe Ders Kitabı Tema Değerlendirme Sorularının İncelenmesi
Authors: ALTUN Kübra , YILDIZ Derya
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışmada 2020 - 2021 eğitim yılında kullanılan 8. sınıf Türkçe ders kitabındaki tema değerlendirme sorularının Bloom’un revize edilmiş bilişsel alan taksonomisine ve PISA okuma becerileri yeterlik seviyelerine göre incelenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Nitel bir çalışma olan araştırmada tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Verilerin toplanmasında doküman incelemesi tekniğinden yararlanılmış, verilerinin çözümlenmesinde ise betimsel analiz kullanılmıştır. Okuma becerileri yeterlik seviyelerine göre tema sorularının PISA okuma becerileri bakımından incelenmesi çalışmanın ilk boyutunu oluştururken Bloom Taksonomisi’nin bilişsel alan sınıflandırması çerçevesinde incelenmesi ise ikinci boyutunu oluşturmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda, incelenen Türkçe kitabındaki tema değerlendirme sorularının revize edilmiş Bloom Taksonomisi’nin bilişsel alan düzeyleri ve PISA okuma yeterlik seviyeleri bakımından üst seviye becerileri ölçmede yetersiz olduğu belirlenmiştir. Soruların genellikle çoktan seçmeli soru biçiminde olduğu ve alt seviye becerileri içerdiği araştırma sonucunda elde edilmiş bulgulardandır. Araştırmada ulaşılan bulgulardan hareketle Türkçe ders kitaplarının uluslararası alan yazında kabul gören her iki ölçüt bakımından ele alınarak özellikle üst düzey becerileri geliştirici biçimde ele alınması önerilmiştir.
Integrating genome-wide association study with regulatory SNP annotations identified novel candidate genes for osteoporosis
Authors: Jia Yumeng , Qi Xin , Ma Mei , Cheng Shiqiang , Cheng Bolun , Liang Chujun , Guo Xiong , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2023

Aims

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease, characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). However, the research of regulatory variants has been limited for BMD. In this study, we aimed to explore novel regulatory genetic variants associated with BMD.

Methods

We conducted an integrative analysis of BMD genome-wide association study (GWAS) and regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism (rSNP) annotation information. Firstly, the discovery GWAS dataset and replication GWAS dataset were integrated with rSNP annotation database to obtain BMD associated SNP regulatory elements and SNP regulatory element-target gene (E-G) pairs, respectively. Then, the common genes were further subjected to HumanNet v2 to explore the biological effects.

Results

Through discovery and replication integrative analysis for BMD GWAS and rSNP annotation database, we identified 36 common BMD-associated genes for BMD irrespective of regulatory elements, such as FAM3C (pdiscovery GWAS = 1.21 × 10-25, preplication GWAS = 1.80 × 10-12), CCDC170 (pdiscovery GWAS = 1.23 × 10-11, preplication GWAS = 3.22 × 10-9), and SOX6 (pdiscovery GWAS = 4.41 × 10-15, preplication GWAS = 6.57 × 10-14). Then, for the 36 common target genes, multiple gene ontology (GO) terms were detected for BMD such as positive regulation of cartilage development (p = 9.27 × 10-3) and positive regulation of chondrocyte differentiation (p = 9.27 × 10-3).

Conclusion

We explored the potential roles of rSNP in the genetic mechanisms of BMD and identified multiple candidate genes. Our study results support the implication of regulatory genetic variants in the development of OP.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(2):147–154.
The French Version of the DABS: Adaptation Process and Preliminary Field Test
Authors: von Rotz Lorna , Courbois Yannick , Portes Vincent Des , Lacroix Agnès , Reymond Marie-Pierre , Tassé Marc J. , Touil Nathalie , Tsao Raphaele , Straccia. Claudio
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to develop a transcultural adaptation of the Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale (DABS) in French and to perform a field evaluation of the adapted version of the tool (DABS-F). Eight experts in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and two professional translators formed two committees to translate the instrument. Thirty-four independent experts in IDD rated the clarity and relevance of the DABS-F. Results indicated complete agreement between the two translation committees and also demonstrated very satisfactory levels of clarity and relevance for the DABS-F. The latter result can be considered as evidence of the content validity of the adapted tool. Adjustments for the few items that presented less satisfactory results are discussed.
Unified Sports, Social Inclusion, and Athlete-Reported Experiences: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review
Authors: Accardo Amy L. , Ferguson Sarah L. , Alharbi Hind M. , Kalliny Mary K. , Woodfield Casey L. , Vernon-Dotson Lisa J.
Published: February 2023

Inclusive sports have emerged as a potential tool for building social inclusion within diverse populations. The Special Olympics Unified Sports programs are an example of inclusion initiatives specific to students with intellectual disability and sports that can be reevaluated with new understandings of inclusion. This systematic mixed studies review aimed to capture athlete Unified Sports experiences and identify what athletes reported about their participation. The systematic review identified nine original studies conducted by six unrelated research groups. Results across the studies are synthesized and suggestions for future research are presented. Athletes in all nine studies reviewed reported positive experiences with Unified Sports leading to increased social inclusion and/or self-concepts.
High dynamic range image compression based on the multi-peak S-shaped tone curve
Authors: Qiu Jinyi , Wang Zhan , Huang Hua
Published: February 2023

Tone mapping methods aim to compress the high dynamic range (HDR) images so that they can be displayed on common devices. The tone curve plays a key role in many tone mapping methods, which can directly adjust the range of the HDR image. The S-shaped tone curves can produce impressive performances due to their flexibility. However, the conventional S-shaped tone curve in tone mapping methods is single and had the problem of excessive compressing of the dense grayscale areas, resulting in the loss of details in this area, and insufficient compressing of the sparse grayscale areas, resulting in low contrast of tone mapped image. This paper proposes a multi-peak S-shaped (MPS) tone curve to address these problems. Specifically, the grayscale interval of the HDR image is divided according to the significant peak and valley distribution of the grayscale histogram, and each interval is tone mapped by an S-shaped tone curve. We further propose an adaptive S-shaped tone curve based on the luminance adaptation mechanism of the human visual system, which can effectively reduce the compression in the dense grayscale areas and increase the compression in the sparse grayscale areas, preserving details while improving the contrast of tone mapped images. Experiments show that our MPS tone curve replaces the single S-shaped tone curve in relevant methods for better performance and outperforms the state-of-the-art tone mapping methods.
Laser ultrasonic imaging of subsurface defects with the linear sampling method
Authors: Narumanchi Venkatalakshmi V. , Pourahmadian Fatemeh , Lum Jordan , Townsend Andrew , Tringe Joseph W. , Stobbe David M. , Murray Todd W.
Published: February 2023

Laser ultrasonics is a remote nondestructive evaluation technique suitable for real-time monitoring of fabrication processes in semiconductor metrology, advanced manufacturing, and other applications where non-contact, high fidelity measurements are required. Here we investigate laser ultrasonic data processing approaches to reconstruct images of subsurface side drilled holes in aluminum alloy specimens. We demonstrate through simulation that the model-based linear sampling method (LSM) can perform accurate shape reconstruction of single and multiple holes and produce images with well-defined boundaries. We experimentally confirm that LSM produces images that represent the internal geometric features of an object, some of which may be missed by conventional imaging.