bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of image deblurring method and voice network analysis in 3D environment art design system
Authors: Qing Xia
Published: March 2023

In a non-uniform blurred scene, pixels in other places in the blurred image undergo a downgrading process, which makes it difficult to accurately estimate the blur kernel. The method based on deep learning can directly realize image deblurring without estimating the blur kernel. Therefore, in this article, we will use deep learning methods to study the problem of blind listeners in dynamic scenes. Looking at the recent deep learning methods applied to denoisers, most image deblurring processing is set to image mapping. As the many advantages of network voice communication have quickly become an important part of people's online life, more and more researchers have begun to use voice network analysis as a steganography carrier. Compared with the old steganographic carrier, the use of network voice stream as the carrier has the advantages of immediacy, higher steganographic bandwidth and variable carrier length. However, steganography based on voice network analysis is combined with certain secure communication technologies to send harmful confidential information. This may become a major security threat because it is difficult to detect. Using 3D environment visualization technology, people can directly manipulate the physical information in the 3D graphics world and communicate directly with the computer. This 3D environment visualization technology integrates the power of humans and machines in an intuitive and natural way. These innovative changes will undoubtedly significantly improve people's work efficiency. Visualization technology enables people to interact with the art design system in real time, so people can use the art design system to obtain information or use previously unimaginable ways, and then they can play their creative thinking.
Fly Ash Derived FAU Zeolite Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Hossi Januario Da Costa , Nkazi Diakanua , Merwe Josias van Der , Joel Atuman
Published: March 2023

Zeolites are expensive materials which find broad applicability as adsorbents and catalyst for a variety of industrial processes attributed to their structure with specific surface, well defined pore dimension, and chemical properties. The synthesis of zeolites from coal fly ash is widely reported and offers an opportunity to valorize wastes in such a way that creates great environmental and economic impacts. In this study the alkaline hydrothermal synthesis method was used to identify the key synthesis parameters of zeolites from fly ash and their effects on the crystallinity. The raw fly ash, obtained from Sasol Coal mining, South Africa, was used as source of alumina and silica that gave the zeolite formation. Prior to the synthesis, the ash was calcined at 850ᵒC, followed by fusion with sodium hydroxide at 550ºC, and the mixture was then dissolved with appropriate volume of deionized water and exposed to an aging step with stirring for several hours. The synthesis was optimized by varying the reaction conditions, such as the composition of starting materials, the synthesis temperature, and time which achieved a faujasite (FAU)-type zeolite with good crystallinity yield. The treated fly ash reveals good properties of Si/Al ratio, surface area, thermal stability, improved morphology, N2-adsorption, and good cationic exchange capacity characteristic of FAU zeolites. Thus, the coal fly ash-to-zeolite conversion can gain notice amongst investors due to its potential market value while assisting with solid waste management as practical way to relieve the environmental pressures of coal ash dumps which is one goal of sustainable development.
A qualitative study exploring motivating factors for medical Students' involvement in extracurricular activities at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sajid Muhammad Raihan , Kashir Junaid , Yasin Randa , Jijakli Leen , Obeidat Akef , Howden Stella
Published: March 2023

The data is scarce regarding the motivating factors in medical students that lead them to involvement in extracurricular activities and the role of medical student associations as a formal platform for student involvement in such activities. This qualitative study aimed to examine the role of the medical student association (MSA) at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by exploring student perspectives towards extracurricular activities and motivating and/or demotivating factors of students for involvement with MSA. We conducted a descriptive study employing focus group interviews as our main method of data collection. A total of four focus group interviews were conducted, using thematic framework analysis to analyse resultant data. Motivating factors underlying student reasoning for joining the MSA included wanting to improve self-esteem and/or CV/résumé, avoid burnout, gain social experiences, overcome shyness, adjust to the university environment, and increase accessibility to research opportunities. Skills gained included problem-solving, conflict resolution and communication skills, organizational planning and management skills, and peer mentorship. We conclude that the MSA appears to provide a positive opportunity to medical students to be part of various activities, creating a conducive environment for supporting overall well-being and potentially supporting adjusting to the university environment and facilitating the acquisition of various skills.
Features and development trends of primary care research conducted by practice-based research networks from 1991 to 2020: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Wang Yang , Cao Xinyang , Xu Zhijie , Fang Hai
Published: March 2023

Background
Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) have been recognized as essential laboratories and mechanisms for developing primary care research. This scoping review aims to examine and map the features and development trends of productivity, research category, and methods in original primary care research conducted by global PBRNs between 1991 and 2020.
Methods
We have assembled an interdisciplinary team that will undertake this scoping review. The procedures will follow the framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. The targeted literature data are original primary care research conducted by PBRNs and published from January 1, 1991, to December 31, 2020. We generated an integrated search strategy collecting publications from 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase), 16 major primary health care journals, and 364 relevant organizations. Two experienced researchers will independently screen titles, keywords, and abstracts of all references and extract data about eight key elements. Disagreements between the two reviewers will be resolved through group discussions moderated by the third reviewer. The final data will be presented in tables and charts depending on the different conceptual categories. No ethical approval was required for this study. Findings will be disseminated through local and international conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal.
Discussion
This study is the first scoping review drawing upon the development trends and features of primary care research conducted by PBRNs. This study will provide reference information for researchers in countries/regions building their research infrastructure and capacity in general practice, family medicine, and primary care.
Trial registration:
Registered in OSF in July 25, 2022 (https://osf.io/zgv9c)
Mean corpuscular volume as a prognostic factor for 30-day mortality in major trauma patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choi Hanlim , Lee Jin Young , Sul Young Hoon , Kim Se Heon , Ye Jin Bong , Yoon Soo Young , Seok Junepill , Choi Jung Hee , Lee Jin Suk
Published: March 2023

Background

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is useful for the classification of anemia and has recently been suggested as a prognostic factor for several medical conditions. We investigated the clinical implications of MCV in patients with major trauma.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective review of 2021 trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2016 and June 2020. We included 1218 patients aged ≥ 18 years with an injury severity score ≥ 16 in the final analysis. The clinical and laboratory variables were compared between macrocytic (defined as MCV ≥ 100 fL) and normocytic anemia groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of variables for 30-day mortality, with adjustment for other potential confounding factors.

Results

The initial mean value of MCV was 102.7 fL in the macrocytosis group (n = 199) and 93.7 fL in the normocytosis group (n = 1019). The macrocytosis group showed a significantly higher proportion of initial hypotension, transfusion within 4 and 24 h, and 30-day mortality than the normocytosis group. Age ≥ 65 years), hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg), transfusion (within 4 hours), anemia (Hb <12 g/d in men, <13 g/d in women), and macrocytosis were significantly associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted HR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.01 – 1.94; p = 0.046) in major trauma patients.

Conclusion

Initial macrocytosis independently predicted 30-day mortality in patients with major trauma at a Level I trauma center. Further studies are required to confirm that increased MCV reflects enlarged erythrocytes.
Evaluation of the patient experience and efficiency of breast cancer screening using automated breast ultrasound
Authors: Kim Joo Heung , Gwon So Hyeon , Son Nak-Hoon , Lee Si Eun , Kim Myung Hyun , Lee Jun Sang , Jeong Joon , Kim Eun-Kyung
Published: March 2023

Breast ultrasonography is useful for breast cancer screening. To overcome the limitations of handheld ultrasound (HHUS), automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) was developed, and its use in clinical practice has, ever since, been increasing. In terms of performance, there is no significant difference between HHUS and ABUS; therefore, the resources can be managed efficiently if both methods are used appropriately. This study aimed to analyse the experiences of patients who underwent ABUS for breast cancer screening and to identify factors that can increase patient compliance and efficient resource allocation. We conducted a patient experience survey before and after ABUS in 140 patients who visited the hospital for breast cancer screening. Most patients were satisfied with ABUS; however, patients with small breasts, of young age, with very dense breasts, and having low BMI were dissatisfied and had high pain scores. Therefore, we recommend using ABUS as the primary tool for breast screening while maintaining the flexibility to use HHUS for patients with risk factors. This strategy can be expected to improve the overall compliance and efficient utilization of resources.
The relationship between EMG high-frequency and low-frequency band amplitude changes correlates with tissue inorganic phosphate levels
Authors: Habich Malgorzata , Pawlinski Bartosz , Lorenc Kamil , Sady Maria , Siewruk Katarzyna , Zielenkiewicz Piotr , Gajewski Zdzislaw , Poznanski Jaroslaw , Paczek Leszek , Szczesny Pawel
Published: March 2023

Assessing inorganic phosphate levels seems crucial in deciphering the biochemical state of organisms or tissues. The concentration of inorganic phosphate in the blood is an order of magnitude smaller than in tissues. On top of that, it is dynamically used to fill temporary gaps in tissues. This is the reason blood inorganic phosphate level is considered a poor proxy for tissue levels. Therefore, tissue biopsy seems to be the dominant method when assessing inorganic phosphate levels for instance in muscles. In this study, we attempted to derive a non-invasive biomarker for phosphate tissue levels. We analyzed surface electromyography signals taken during 31P spectroscopy of leg muscles in five adult pigs. We induced hypophosphatemia via 20 minutes-long hyperventilation. It turned out that the proportion of amplitude from the low-frequency band and the high-frequency band is significantly (p = 0.002) correlated with relative phosphate levels. The electromyographic signal didn’t correlate significantly with pO2 levels in the blood, which suggests that the changes in the signal are a result of inorganic phosphate levels, not hyperventilation. The results might lead to the development of real-time phosphate fluctuations measurement procedure.
Unveiling the hidden economic toll of biological invasions in the European Union
Authors: Henry Morgane , Leung Brian , Cuthbert Ross N. , Bodey Thomas W. , Ahmed Danish A. , Angulo Elena , Balzani Paride , Briski Elizabeta , Courchamp Franck , Hulme Philip E. , Kouba Antonin , Kourantidou Melina , Liu Chunlong , Macêdo Rafael L. , Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Renault David , Soto Ismael , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Turbelin Anna J. , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Haubrock Phillip J.
Published: March 2023

Background: Biological invasions threaten the functioning of ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being by degrading ecosystem services and eliciting massive economic costs. The European Union, as the world’s third-largest economy, has historically been a hub for cultural development and global trade, and thus, has extensive opportunities for the introduction and spread of alien species. While reported costs of biological invasions to some member states have been recently assessed, ongoing knowledge gaps in taxonomic and spatio-temporal data suggest that these costs were considerably underestimated.
Results: We used the latest available cost data in InvaCost (v4.1) — the most comprehensive database on the costs of biological invasions — to assess the magnitude of this underestimation within the European Union via projections of current and future invasion costs. We used macroeconomic scaling and temporal modelling approaches to project available cost information over gaps in taxa, space, and time, thereby producing a more complete estimate for the European Union economy. We identified that 259 out of 13,331 (~ 1%) of known invasive alien species have reported costs in the European Union. Using a conservative subset of highly reliable, observed, country-level cost entries from 49 species (totalling US$4.7 billion; 2017 value) and information on ~ 13,000 established alien species within European Union member states, we projected unreported cost data for all member states.
Conclusions: Our corrected estimate of observed costs was potentially 501% higher (US$28.0 billion) than currently recorded. Using future projections of current estimates, we also identified a substantial increase in costs and costly species (US$148.2 billion) by 2040. We urge for improved cost reporting to clarify economic impacts of greatest concern, concomitant with coordinated international action to prevent and mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species in the European Union and globally.
Bacteria driven fossil ecosystems as indicator of active continental margins in the geological past. Usefulness of carbonate sediment hosted vent environments in geodynamic reconstructions
Authors: Bujtor László , Gyollai Ildikó , Szabó Máté , Kovács Ivett , Polgári Márta
Published: March 2023

Continental rifting of the Tisza microplate has started during the Late Jurassic that resulted phreatic eruptions, peperites, and built up a volcanic edifice in the Early Cretaceous of the Mecsek Mountains (South Hungary). In SE direction from the volcanic edifice at Zengővárkony a shallow marine (depth 100 – 200 m) carbonate sediment hosted vent environment and iron-ore deposition occurred at end Valanginian too early Hauterivian hosting a diverse, endemic fauna of around 60 species. Detailed mineralogical analysis of the transport channels include Fe oxides (ferrihydrite, goethite, hematite, magnetite), quartz, mixed carbonate, pyrite, feldspar, Fe-bearing clay minerals, apatite, sulphates (barite, gypsum, jarosite) and native sulphur. Filamentous, microbially mediated microtexture with inner sequented, necklace-like spheric forms (diameter 1 μm) and bacterial laminae are observed inside the decapod crustacean coprolites (Palaxius tetraochetarius) and in the rock matrix, too. This complex, ecological and mineralogical analysis provided direct evidence for the presence of bacteria at fossil SHV environments on one hand, and the intimate connection between bacteria and decapod crustaceans at hydrothermal environments 135 Ma before. This observation completes this chemosymbiotic fossil food chain from the primary producers to the top carnivores reported for the first time from this locality.
The Spatial Spectral K-Nearest Neighbor Minimax Label Projection Semi-supervised Classification For Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Image
Authors: Luo Dan , Liu Xin , xiong Naixue
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the issues of classification performance degradation of the algorithm due to too much redundant information of hyperspectral remote sensing images and incomplete classification of MMLP algorithm due to sparse graph, the Spatial Spectral K-Nearest Neighbor Minimax Label Projection (SSKMMLP) semi-supervised hyperspectral image classification algorithm was proposed, which is a semi-supervised hyperspectral image classification algorithm. SSKMMLP algorithm firstly uses Minimum noise fraction (MNF) and Principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm to reduce the dimension of image data. Secondly, MMLP algorithm is used to preliminarily classify the data after dimensionality reduction, and a new MMLP second algorithm is proposed to reclassify the unlabeled samples, to solve the problem that MMLP algorithm may not be able to completely classify. Finally, combined with spatial neighborhood information and classification results, all sample categories are judged again, so as to improve the classification accuracy further. Experimental results on data sets of Pavia University, Salinas, WHU-Hi-Longkou, WHU-Hi-Hanchuan, WHU-Hi-Honghu show that compared with the comparison method used, SSKMMLP algorithm only needs less class label samples to obtain higher classification accuracy.
A New Path to High-Performance Supercapacitors: Utilizing Ag-embedded CoFe- Phosphate and Ti 3 C 2 MXene as Hybrid Electrodes
Authors: Beknalkar Sonali Ajay , Teli Aviraj Mahadev , Khot Atul Chandrakant , Dongale Tukaram Dattatray , Yewale Manesh Ashok , Nirmal Kiran Arun , Shin Jae Cheol
Published: March 2023

This study addresses the inferior performance of assembled supercapacitor devices, which can be attributed to the sluggish kinetics and poor structural stability of positive electrodes and lower capacitance of carbon-based negative electrodes. To overcome this challenge, we propose a sustainable approach that utilizes Ag embedded CoFe-Phosphate (CFPAg) and Ti3C2 MXene as positive and negative electrodes, respectively, to fabricate a hybrid supercapacitor (HS) device. The CFPAg sample, composed of porous nanoflakes decorated with nanospheres of CoFe-phosphate material, is binder-free deposited on Ni-foam using a facial hydrothermal route. In contrast, the MX sample is synthesized via a chemical route and deposited on Ni-foam as the negative electrode. Our results show that the CFPAg electrode exhibits a specific capacity of 1021 mF/cm2 with 80.5% cyclic stability over 10,000 cycles, while the MX electrode shows a specific capacity of 177.6 mF/cm2 with a cyclability of 84.7% over 10,000 cycles. The HS device, fabricated using CFPAg and MX electrodes, exhibits an areal capacitance of 79.6 mF/cm2 and provides excellent cyclic stability of 96% measured over ~39,000 cycles, with 12.43 μWh/cm2 energy at 0.75 mW/cm2 power density measured at 2 mA/cm2 applied current. Our work serves as a foundation for developing a range of electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices, offering a sustainable and effective solution to improve supercapacitor device performance and longevity.
Influence of microwave on aqueous solutions
Authors: Koreeda Souta , Takai Takahiro , Asakuma Yusuke , Hyde Anita , Phan Chi , Taue Shuji
Published: March 2023

In addition to being an important household appliance, the microwave is an effective method for food processing and chemical synthesis. Recently, the effect of MW on water hydrogen bonds dynamic was quantified via the in-situ refractive index measurement. This study applied the technique to aqueous solutions with three solutes: ethanol, NaCl and glucose. It was found that ethanol enhanced the MW-induced effect on water structure. In contrast, NaCl reduced the magnitude of MW-induced impact. The influence of glucose varied critically with concentration. At a high concentration, glucose increased RI during the microwave. The findings can clarify and predict the efficiency of MW processes, which are widely used for chemical systhesis, nutrient extraction and food processing.
Ability of Escherichia Coli to Form Biofilm in Tomato Fruits (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)
Authors: PUEBLA ITZEL ROJAS , GUTIÉRREZ-IBÁÑEZ ANA TARIN , DE JESÚS ROSA LAURA OCAÑA , CAMPOS CARLOS ALBERTO ESLAVA , CHIÑAS ULISES HERNANDEZ , CERDA ANTONIO LAGUNA
Published: March 2023

Foodborne diseases are a serious public health problem worldwide, frequently caused by bacterial pathogens, many of these microorganisms are capable of protecting themselves from unfavorable environmental conditions by forming a biofilm, which allows them to colonize successfully inert surfaces and living substrates, such as edible fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the formation of biofilms by Escherichia coli of different origins, using the microtiter technique, which allows measuring the Optical Densities (OD) produced by the adhesion of bacterial communities to the surfaces, we evaluated a total of 12 E. coli strains, using two different culture media (minimum essential medium with glucose and Bertanni broth) and 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. The results showed that the strains differed in their biofilm production levels, with no difference between the two-culture media, reaching its maximum production level at 72 hours. Once the biofilm production results were obtained, the E. coli-producing strains, serotype O157:H7 and 93300 157:H7, were subjected in the laboratory to a bacterial adhesion test on the epidermis of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicumL. ) in order to obtain OD, an acetic-curing silicone-based well was designed, which allowed the microtiter technique to be used accurately; when favorable results were obtained, the study was set up under greenhouse conditions, simulating the natural form of these bacteria to reach the fruits still cultivated, the results showed that both strains form biofilms in the tomato fruits, both in green and ripe fruits, greenhouse conditions provide microenvironmental advantages to the bacteria capable of protecting them from external conditions, including the cleaning and disinfection, which could increase its incidence and morbidity.
Retrospective screening of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with neurological manifestations of unknown etiology in a tertiary care hospital during the pandemic period
Authors: Jose Maria , Sudandiradas Robin , Marate Srilatha , Pattanaik Amrita , Pai Aparna Ramakrishna , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: March 2023

Since the onset of the pandemic, neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly being reported in the scientific literature. However, since these manifestations are not the primary symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 is not being considered the etiological agent in most cases. The primary objective of this study was to screen for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neurological manifestations of undiscerned etiology and correlate the antibody levels with the clinical characteristics, derangement in blood & CSF biochemical parameters, comorbidities, radiological findings and prognosis. CSF samples of clinically suspected encephalitis cases of unknown etiology, during the pandemic period (January 2021 to April 2022) were included in the study. Patients were categorised into two groups based on the presence or absence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) in the CSF. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 20.0) software. Out of 112 samples tested, 89 samples had IgG antibodies and three samples had both IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Viral nucleic acid could not be detected in any of the tested CSF samples. Altered sensorium and fever were found to be the most significant clinical symptoms associated with the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the CSF. An increase in CSF biochemical parameters like glucose, protein, white blood cells along with blood biochemical parameters like serum albumin, alanine transaminase and C - reactive protein was seen in patients who had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the CSF. Statistically, no significant correlation was found between the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and the clinical and biochemical parameters in both groups of patients.
Spatio-temporal evolution of surface heat flux during new urbanization in mountainous region: A case study of Yuelai New City
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yang Qingwei , Zhang Shouping
Published: March 2023

In order to explore the spatio-temporal evolution law of surface heat flux during the urbanization process in new mountainous development city, the spatio-temporal evolution law of heat balance process of different land use types and heat flux process before, during and after urbanization in Yuelai New City were analyzed by satellite remote sensing image data and SEBAL model, the effect of land use/vegetation cover on surface heat flux was also discussed. The results include (1) the net radiation flux and difference of various land use types in Yuelai New City reached the maximum in July and the minimum in January, vegetation coverage was one of the factors affected sensible heat flux of different land use types. The order of latent heat flux was woodland > farmland > bare land > residential land, and the order of soil heat flux was bare land > residential land > woodland > farmland. (2)The urbanization process increased the area of low net radiation value in Yuelai New City, and sensible heat flux showed an increasing trend and accounted for the largest proportion in the energy output. The low value area of latent heat flux gradually expanded to the north and south. Soil heat flux and sensible heat flux were higher in the area with low latent heat flux. The distribution rules of soil heat flux and sensible heat were basically consistent, and both showed an increasing trend. (3)The correlation between soil heat flux and land use area was the best among the energy output factors. Fractional vegetation cover(FVC) had a greater impact on heat fluxes than land use area. Residential combined land was most closely related to FVC, and latent heat flux was most affected by FVC.
Isolation and Molecular Detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp from Wild Rodents (Rattus norvegicus) in Zaria and Its Environs, Kaduna State Nigeria
Authors: Udechukwu Collins Chimezie , Kudi Caleb Ayuba , Abdu Paul Ayuba , Mamman Paul H , Pilau Nicholas Nathaniel , Abiayi Elmina Abiba , Jolayemi Kelvin Olutimilehin , Okoronkwo Magdalene Ogbonneya , Adekola Adewole Augustine
Published: March 2023

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic serovars of Leptospira spp. Wild rodents (Rattus norvegicus) are considered principal reservoir for Leptospira spp. The aim of this study was isolation and identification of Leptospira spp circulating amongst wild rodent’s population in Zaria and its environs. Based on convenience sampling, three hundred and five (305) wild rodents (Rattus Norvegicus) from different locations in Zaria and its environs were trapped using 30 steel local wire traps (18+12+28 cm). The traps were baited with dry fish, groundnut, peanut and were placed in selected sampling points of abattoir, poultry farms, settled cattle farms, grain markets, feed stores and bushes. A total of 305 kidney tissue samples were collected aseptically into a sterile-labeled-sample bottles from the trapped wild rodents following euthanasia. Small pieces (2 cm) of the kidney tissues were cut off and placed into a sterile syringe without needle, and further squeezed into Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) media. The EMJH media with the inoculated kidney tissues were kept at 30oC in an incubator for 8 weeks before confirmation of positive isolates using dark field microscopy. Genomic DNA was extracted directly from 24 kidney tissue samples for molecular detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results of the culture indicates that the overall occurrence of Leptospira spp in wild rodents (Rattus norvegicus) was 57.70%, with 2.62% in NAPRI Shika, 2.85% in Angwan Rimi, 3.60% in Hunkuyi, 5.24% in Bomo, 8.52% in Bassawa 15.74% in Panhauya and 19.01% in Goruba respectively. The molecular characteristics of Leptospira spp. in the study location as indicated by distinct bands showed expected band size (423bp) indicative of pathogenic Leptospira spp. In conclusion, wild rodents may be source of infection to other domestic animals and man in Zaria and its environs evident from the high prevalence observed in this study, hence, raises serious public health concern.
Labrador Sea's influence on black spruce forests: insights from tree-ring stable oxygen isotopes
Authors: Larose Julien , Boucher Étienne , de Vernal Anne , de Mendoza Ignacio Hermoso , Gennaretti Fabio , Lavergne Aliénor , Andreu-Hayles Laia , Field Robert
Published: March 2023

Black spruce (Picea mariana Mill. B.S.P.), is a dominant species emblematic of eastern Canada's boreal forests. It grows in a vast array of climatic conditions ranging from cold maritime-oceanic climates near the Labrador Sea shore to cold continental conditions in the central portions of Quebec-Labrador. However, along the continentality gradient, timing and provenance of heat and moisture that support growth are uncertain, weakening our capacity to describe and predict the response of boreal ecosystems to climate variability. Here, we measured oxygen isotope composition in tree-ring cellulose of black spruces from three sites, and provide evidence of a direct influence of the Labrador Sea on adjacent continental ecosystems. Our results report a landwards decrease in δ18Otrc, a pattern that is also visible in the simulated oxygen isotope composition of precipitation water (δ18Op). We also reveal a landwards decoupling between δ18Otrc variability (1950-2013) and maximum temperature (Tmax) variations over the Northwest Atlantic. Our results imply that tree-ring oxygen isotopes may be of great help to circumscribe the spatial extent of Labrador Sea's influence on surrounding boreal ecosystems. Moreover, our study reveals that despite of their apparent ecological homogeneity, eastern Canada’s black spruce forests clearly rely on heterogeneous sources of heat and moisture.
Further evidence of an evolutionary continuum from a subset of lung carcinoids to aggressive neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Pelosi Giuseppe , Melocchi Valentina , Dama Elisa , Hofman Paul , De Luca Marco , Albini Adriana , Gemelli Maria , Ricotta Riccardo , Papotti Mauro , Rosa Stefano La , Uccella Silvia , Harari Sergio , Asiedu Michael , Wigle Dennis , Bianchi Fabrizio
Published: March 2023

Little is known as to whether there may be any pathogenetic link between pulmonary carcinoids and neuroendocrine carcinomas. An eight-gene signature with copy number variations (CNVs) in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), namely MEN1, MYC, MYCL1, RICTOR, RB1, SDHA, SRC and TP53, was used to classify an independent cohort of 54 surgically resectable tumors [31 typical carcinoids (TC), 11 atypical carcinoids (AC) and 12 small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC)], for which transcriptome and mutation data were available. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified two histology-independent clusters, namely CL1 and CL2, where 17/42 (40.5%) carcinoids and all the SCLC samples fell into the latter. CL2 carcinoids affected survival adversely, were enriched in T to G transversions and T>C/C>T transitions in the context of specific mutational signatures, presented with at least 1.5-fold change (FC) increase of gene mutations including TSC2, SMARCA2, SMARCA4, ERBB4 and PTPRZ1, differed for gene expression and showed epigenetic changes in charge of MYC and MTORC1 pathways, cellular senescence, inflammation, high- plasticity cell state and immune system exhaustion. Similar results were also confirmed in an independent validation set of 101 lung NENs (24 carcinoids, 21 SCLC and 56 LCNEC). We herein propose an unexpected shifting to the current pathogenesis paradigm, suggesting that some NECs could secondarily originate from a subset of genomically transformed carcinoids prone to epigenetic mechanism-driven progression.
Efficient, narrow-band, and stable electroluminescence from organoboron-nitrogen-carbonyl emitter
Authors: Adachi Chihaya , Cheng Ying-Chun , Tang Xun , Wang Kai , Xiong Xin , Fan Xiao-Chun , Luo Shulin , Walia Rajat , Xie Yue , Zhang Tao , Zhang Dandan , Yu Jia , Chen Xian-Kai , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: March 2023

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) exploiting simple binary emissive layers (EMLs) blending only emitters and hosts have natural advantages in low-cost commercialization. However, previously reported OLEDs based on binary EMLs hardly simultaneously achieved excellent comprehensive performances, e.g., high efficiency, low efficiency roll-off, narrow emission bands, and high operation stability, which limits their commercialization. To overcome the above long-standing bottleneck, one of the key drivers is to design novel OLED emitter molecules. Here, we thus report a novel molecular-design strategy, i.e., hybridization of organoboron-nitrogen and carbonyl (named h-BNCO). Such a strategy leads to a fast rate of reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) in our newly designed h-BNCO-1 emitter, over 1×106 s-1, which is among the fastest RISC rates in multi‐resonance (MR) emitters and also comparable with those in MR molecules with heavy atoms. The OLED exploiting an EML with h-BNCO-1 achieves not only ultrapure emission with a full width at half maximum of 39 nm but also a maximum external quantum efficiency of over 40% and a mild roll-off of 14% at a practical brightness of 1000 cd·m-2. Importantly, our OLED with such binary EML exhibits good stability (the measured LT95 ~ 137 h for 1000 cd m−2). Here, our work has thus provided not only the h-BNCO molecular-design strategy that goes beyond the previous one for OLEDs with excellent comprehensive performance but also a new chemical template for the design of more novel h-BNCO molecules, thus paving the way to low-cost commercialization of high-efficiency, narrow-band, and high-stability OLEDs.
Objective assessment of postural instability in Parkinson’s disease under dynamic conditions
Authors: Cardoso Marta , Gonçalves Helena R. , Rodrigues Ana Margarida , Santos Cristina P.
Published: March 2023

Postural instability is considered one of the most incapacitating motor symptoms and a primary cause of falls in Parkinson’s disease (PD), compromising the autonomy and well-being of people suffering from this condition. Usually, the clinical examination used to evaluate this symptom is the pull test since it does not require any instruments and is easy to perform. However, this test is difficult to standardize and is not sensitive to subtle but significant changes. Recent studies have shown that inertial measurement units constitute a portable and cost-effective solution to measure postural sway, which provides metrics sensitive to balance disorders as postural instability. Further studies are required to monitor patients’ postural conditions and implement an adequate treatment to improve postural stability, it is crucial to quantify balance under dynamic conditions. Hence, the proposed research focused on investigating the hypothesis of whether it is possible to differentiate between all the scores of the pull test through postural and gait metrics extracted from raw acceleration and angular velocity signals from the center of mass of patients with PD acquired while performing basic day-to-day tasks. A cross-sectional study was followed, including 23 patients, and the achieved results showed that most of the estimated metrics can differentiate the pull test scores (ρ-value≤0.048, R2≥0.513). Overall, satisfactory results were achieved as the statistical analysis revealed gait and postural metrics estimated under dynamic conditions were considered relevant to distinguish between the scores of the pull test.
Disrupting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex attenuates the difference in decision-making for altruistic punishment between the gain and loss contexts
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Xing Hongbo , Gao Yuan , DiFabrizio Baxter , Wang He
Published: March 2023

Altruistic punishment are primary responses to social norms violations, its neural mechanism has also attracted extensive attention from researchers. In the present studies, we applied a low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while participants engaged in a modified Ultimatum Game (UG) (Study 1) and a modified third-party punishment game (Study 2) to probe the neural mechanisms affecting decision-making in altruistic punishment. Normally punishers intervene more often against and show more social outrage towards Dictators/Proposers who unfairly distribute losses than rather those who unfairly share gains. We found that disrupting the function of the left and right DLPFC with rTMS effectively obliterated this difference, making participants punish unfairly shared gains as often as they normally would punish unfairly shared losses. The inhibition of the DLPFC function will lead to the deviation of individual information integration ability and influence the moderating effect of gain and loss contexts on altruistic punishment. Our findings emphasize that DLPFC is closely related to altruistic punishment and provide causal neuroscientific evidence.
Technological analysis of lithic assemblages from surface collections. First evidence of a Palaeolithic frequentation of the Po plain in Piedmont: the case of Trino (north-western Italy)
Authors: Daffara Sara , Giraudi Carlo , Berruti Gabriele L.F. , Caracausi Sandro , Garanzini Francesca
Published: March 2023

The Trino hill is an isolated relief located in north-western Italy, close to Trino municipality. The hill was subject of multidisciplinary studies during the 70s, when, because of quarry activities and agricultural arrangements, five concentrations of lithic artefacts were recognized and referred to a Palaeolithic frequentation of the area. During the 80s and the 90s, surface collections continued, but the lithic finds have never been subject of specific studies. Even if most of the lithic assemblages count a few lithic implements, four collection areas (3, 13 E, 13 W and 14) have significative lithic assemblages, representing the most important evidence of a Palaeolithic frequentation of the Po plain in north-western Italy. The present work, in the limits imposed by a surface and not systematic collection, propose a technological study of the lithic artefacts from the Trino hill, with the aim to define the main features of the technological behaviour of the human groups that inhabited the area. The results obtained allow to clearly identify a Middle Palaeolithic frequentation of the Trino hill, characterized by the exploitation of vein quartz and other local raw materials; allochthonous varieties of chert were used in the next frequentation phases to produce blades and bladelets. Even if part of the laminar production can be referred to Neolithic, most of that remains of indeterminate chronology and could be the result of both an Upper Palaeolithic and Neolithic human presence.
Mediating Role of Anxiety and Depression in Relationship between Coping Style and Life Satisfaction in Medical Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Chen guifang , Zhang Yeping , Wei Zhijie , Zhang Xinlan , Liu Jun , Peng Juan , Luo Peng , Tang Long , Xu Zucai , Yu Changyin , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of anxiety and depression on the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction in medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods：Five hundred and fourteen frontline medical workers from Zunyi were recruited to complete questionnaires, including the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ).
Results：The results revealed the following: a) The prevalence of anxiety was 22.57%, and the prevalence of depression was 18.29%. b) Anxiety was positively correlated with depression; anxiety and depression were positively correlated with passive coping styles but negatively correlated with life satisfaction and active coping styles; life satisfaction was positively correlated with active coping styles and negatively correlated with passive coping styles. c) Anxiety and depression partially mediated the relationship between active coping styles and life satisfaction.
Conclusion：Some frontline medical workers in the pandemic area had subclinical anxiety and depression, and anxiety and depression had a mediating effect on the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction.
Pediatric Traumatic Lumbar Hernias and Associated Injuries: A Case Series
Authors: Leiva Tyler , Golubkova Alena , Snyder Katherine , Johnson Jeremy , Hunter Catherine J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Traumatic lumbar hernias (TLH) are a rare entity mostly seen with high impact, blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). This injury occurs when there is disruption of the posterior musculature along with bony structures, allowing for herniation of abdominal contents. There are minimal cases of this entity reported in adults, but even fewer in the pediatric population.
Methods: We describe 3 cases of TLH at our institution as well as provide a review of the literature to elucidate the most common mechanisms, severity of injury, and associated injuries.
Results: TLH is most commonly seen in restrained passengers involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). The majority of cases are diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) imaging, and less frequently during primary surgical exploration. The most common associated injuries were mesenteric and bowel injuries, followed by spinal and chest trauma. TLH often leads to prolonged hospital stays and increased need for post-hospital rehabilitation due to associated traumatic comorbidities.
Conclusion:TLH is a rare entity in children and early suspicion and identification of associated injuries is necessary in the management of these patients
Symmetry of quasitriangular structures on some Hopf algebras
Authors: Hu Naihong , Liu Gongxiang , Zhou Kun
Published: March 2023

Let H be a Hopf algebra. The concept of symmetry of a quasitriangu-lar structure on H is introduced and some properties of a symmetric quasitriangular structure are characterized. We apply this to study quasitriangular structures on small quantum groups and abelian extensions. In particular, the quasitriangular structures on uq(sl2) (if they exist) are proved to be symmetric and all quasi-triangular structures on K(8n, σ, τ), which is a generalization of the well-known 8-dimensional Kac algebra, are determined.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 16T05, 16T25, 17B37.
Leveraging a necroptosis pattern to predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity of ovarian cancer
Authors: Su Na , Dou Zhi-Qiang , Yin Xiao-Xue , Xu Hong-Min , Li Chang-Zhong
Published: March 2023

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a fatal gynecological malignancy. Necroptosis may be a backup pathway that induces cell death when apoptosis is inhibited. This research aims to develop and validate an OC prognosis model based on necroptosis.
Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genome Tissue Expression Consortium Project Genome (GTEx) databases were used in obtaining data on OC patients and normal ovarian tissues. Necroptosis-related genes were downloaded from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumors and normal tissues were screened. COX regression analysis was used in constructing gene signature, which was further tested and validated in the TCGA and GEO cohorts. Based on risk scores and different clinical prognostic features, Nomogram was constructed to predict OS in OC patients. Then, the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, and differential genes were identified between the two groups. The potential biological and pathological functions of the differential genes were explored through Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses. Immunoassays were used to analyze immune status. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) further confirmed the expression levels of core prognostic genes and their correlations with overall survival (OS) rates. Drug sensitivity analysis in different risk groups was performed to screen out potential drugs for the treatment of OC. Finally, a consensus clustering analysis was used in subtyping ovarian tumors.
Results: A three-gene signature was identified, including JAK1, PYGB, and STAT1. The high-risk group had lower OS than the low-risk group and the risk score was acceptable for predicting prognosis independent of any other clinical prognostic features. The Nomogram can accurately predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with OC. Functional analysis revealed immune-related pathways and differences in immune status between the two risk groups. Furthermore, three core prognostic genes involved in model construction were overexpressed in OC versus those in normal ovarian tissues. Patients in the low-risk group were more sensitive to cisplatin and docetaxel. In consensus clustering analysis, OC patients were separated into two subtypes and the survival rate in cluster 1 was better than in cluster 2.
Conclusion: A necroptosis-related model based on three core prognostic DEGs can be used to predict OC prognosis.
Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Resinated Pinus Pinaster Timber
Authors: Ruy Mônica , Barral María Portela , Conde Inés Seoane , Lorenzana José Antonio , Lombao Maria Belen Feijoo , Sanches Anxel Vidal , Fernandez Manuel Guaita
Published: March 2023

In a global scenario of increasing the use of wood as a structure, the idea of making quality timber production compatible with other forestry activities, including resin extraction, has arisen. Implementing resin extraction practices can bring various socioeconomic benefits to forest communities during tree growing. However, the effects of resin extraction on wood quality are still unknown. Within this context, this research aimed to evaluate the quality of Pinus pinaster timber from resing trees. A total of 238 boards from resin-treated and control trees from two plots located in Galicia were evaluated. Non-destructive and bending tests were carried out according to European standards. The influence of the resin activity on the quality of wood was statistically analyzed. Statistically significant differences between samples of resin and control samples were analyzed for non-destructive, strength, modulus of elasticity, and density parameters. In general, it was observed that the resin activity did not affect the parameters analyzed.
On the Extraction of Amicable Pairs Between Ibn Sīnā- al-Baghdādī and al-Kāshī
Authors: Annaby Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

In this note, we briefly analyse the works Ibn Sīnā (c.980-1037), al-Baghdādī (c.980-1037) and al-Kāshī (d. c. 1429) on the extraction of amicable pairs. We compare these works in the view of the well-known Thābit ibn Qurrā’s rule. Contrary to the belief that these authors are merely stating variations of the famous Thābit ibn Qurrā’s (d. 901) rule in different manners, we show that their statements are different. We prove that the statements of both ibn Sīnā and al-Baghdādī led to an unsolved conjecture, while al-Kāshī’s statement led to the wrong amicable pair . The conjecture implied by ibn Sīnā and al-Baghdādī statements requires testing big primes corresponding to the known 51 Mersenne primes, and we show that no counterexamples yet exist.