bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experience of laser light feedback in back-squat resistance training
Authors: Stien N. , Andersen V. , Solstad T. E. J. , Saeterbakken A. H. , Engelsrud G. H.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature on performance in resistance training (RT) by addressing how a phenomenological perspective on experiences with inter kinaesthetic affectivity can illuminate experience of practicing RT with non-verbal, visual feedback provided through laser lights attached to the barbell.

Method

The material is created from qualitative interviews and using inter-kinaesthetic affectivity as analytical lenses.

Results

The findings show how participants interpret the feedback in the moment and explain how they adjust their movement in dialogue with the feedback and enable the “uptake” of feedback in their embodied experience. The findings show how the participants developed an awareness of how they can equalize the balance on their feet.

Discussion

We discuss what this means for the understanding of the training process in terms of how practitioners can use the uptake of non-verbal, visual feedback to immediately adjust the quality of their performance by responding kinaesthetically and bodily. The discussion contributes to the question of what kind of role a practitioner's own kinaesthetic and bodily experiences have in the development and organization of RT. Perspectives that include the lived and intersubjective body as a knowledge position are promising for illuminating the whole bodied engagement that is necessary to understand how to perform RT.
Traumatic injuries to the renal blood vessels and in-hospital renal complications in patients with penetrating or blunt trauma
Authors: Alzerwi Nasser A. N.
Published: May 2023

Background

Traumatic injuries to renal blood vessels (IRBV) can have significant consequences for patients, impacting their mortality, morbidity, and quality of life.

Objective

This study aimed to compare trauma types and injury characteristics, vital signs, and outcomes in patients with and without IRBV (nIRBV) and examine whether IRBV and pre-existing renal dysfunction affected the likelihood of in-hospital renal complications (iHRC).

Materials and Methods

After identifying penetrating and blunt trauma victims with IRBV in the National Trauma Data Bank, patient demographics, injury-related variables, treatment outcomes, and deaths under care were analyzed and compared.

Results

Of the 994,184 trauma victims, 610 (0.6%) experienced IRBV. Victims in the IRBV group (IRBVG) had a significantly higher frequency of penetrating injuries (19.5% vs. 9.2%, P < 0.001) and higher injury severity score (ISS ≥25, 61.5% vs. 6.7%). Most injuries in both groups were unintentional, although a higher frequency of assault was noted in the IRBVG. The incidence of iHRC was higher in the IRBVG (6.6%) than in the nIRBVG (0.4%; P < 0.001). The IRBV {OR = 3.5 [95% CI = (2.4–5.0)]}, preexisting renal disorders {OR = 2.5 [95% CI = (2.1–2.9)]}, and in-hospital cardiac arrest {OR = 8.6 [95% CI = (7.7–9.5)]} were found to be among the factors associated with a higher risk of iHRC.

Conclusions

IRBV and pre-existing renal disorders considerably increased the risk of developing iHRC. Due to the long- and short-term consequences of associated cardiovascular, renal, and hemodynamic complications, victims of IRBV require specialized renal management and close monitoring.
Long-Term Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kutlar Joss Meltem , Boogaard Hanna , Samoli Evangelia , Patton Allison P. , Atkinson Richard , Brook Jeff , Chang Howard , Haddad Pascale , Hoek Gerard , Kappeler Ron , Sagiv Sharon , Smargiassi Audrey , Szpiro Adam , Vienneau Danielle , Weuve Jennifer , Lurmann Fred , Forastiere Francesco , Hoffmann Barbara H.
Published: May 2023

Objectives: We report results of a systematic review on the health effects of long-term traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and diabetes in the adult population.

Methods: An expert Panel appointed by the Health Effects Institute conducted this systematic review. We searched the PubMed and LUDOK databases for epidemiological studies from 1980 to July 2019. TRAP was defined based on a comprehensive protocol. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Confidence assessments were based on a modified Office for Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) approach, complemented with a broader narrative synthesis. We extended our interpretation to include evidence published up to May 2022.

Results: We considered 21 studies on diabetes. All meta-analytic estimates indicated higher diabetes risks with higher exposure. Exposure to NO2 was associated with higher diabetes prevalence (RR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02; 1.17 per 10 μg/m3), but less pronounced for diabetes incidence (RR 1.04; 95% CI: 0.96; 1.13 per 10 μg/m3). The overall confidence in the evidence was rated moderate, strengthened by the addition of 5 recently published studies.

Conclusion: There was moderate evidence for an association of long-term TRAP exposure with diabetes.
Certainty of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Modelled Prevalence Estimates for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Meta-Epidemiological Study
Authors: Muñoz Laguna Javier , Puhan Milo A. , Rodríguez Artalejo Fernando , De Pauw Robby , Wyper Grant M. A. , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Santos João V. , Hincapié Cesar A.
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To describe and assess the risk of bias of the primary input studies that underpinned the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 modelled prevalence estimates of low back pain (LBP), neck pain (NP), and knee osteoarthritis (OA), from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland. To evaluate the certainty of the GBD modelled prevalence evidence.

Methods: Primary studies were identified using the GBD Data Input Sources Tool and their risk of bias was assessed using a validated tool. We rated the certainty of modelled prevalence estimates based on the GRADE Guidelines 30―the GRADE approach for modelled evidence.

Results: Seventy-two primary studies (LBP: 67, NP: 2, knee OA: 3) underpinned the GBD estimates. Most studies had limited representativeness of their study populations, used suboptimal case definitions and applied assessment instruments with unknown psychometric properties. The certainty of modelled prevalence estimates was low, mainly due to risk of bias and indirectness.

Conclusion: Beyond the risk of bias of primary input studies for LBP, NP, and knee OA in GBD 2019, the certainty of country-specific modelled prevalence estimates still have room for improvement.
Clinical Validation of a New Enhanced Stent Imaging Method
Authors: Ghafari Chadi , Houissa Khalil , Dens Jo , Ungureanu Claudiu , Kayaert Peter , Constant Cyril , Carlier Stéphane
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Stent underexpansion is the main cause of stent thrombosis and restenosis. Coronary angiography has limitations in the assessment of stent expansion. Enhanced stent imaging (ESI) methods allow a detailed visualization of stent deployment. We qualitatively compare image results from two ESI system vendors (StentBoost™ (SB) and CAAS StentEnhancer™ (SE)) and report quantitative results of deployed stents diameters by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and by SE. (2) Methods: The ESI systems from SB and SE were compared and graded by two blinded observers for different characteristics: 1 visualization of the proximal and distal edges of the stents; 2 visualization of the stent struts; 3 presence of underexpansion and 4 calcifications. Stent diameters were quantitatively measured using dedicated QCA and SE software and compared to chart diameters according to the pressure of implantation. (3) Results: A total of 249 ESI sequences were qualitatively compared. Inter-observer variability was noted for strut visibility and total scores. Inter-observer agreement was found for the assessment of proximal stent edge and stent underexpansion. The predicted chart diameters were 0.31 ± 0.30 mm larger than SE diameters (p < 0.05). Stent diameters by SE after post-dilatation were 0.47 ± 0.31 mm smaller than the post-dilation balloon diameter (p < 0.05). SE-derived diameters significantly differed from QCA; by Bland–Altman analysis the bias was −0.37 ± 0.42 mm (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: SE provides an enhanced visualization and allows precise quantitative assessment of stent expansion without the limitations of QCA when overlapping coronary side branches are present.
Forgetful Forests: Data Structures for Machine Learning on Streaming Data under Concept Drift
Authors: Yuan Zhehu , Sun Yinqi , Shasha Dennis
Published: May 2023

Database and data structure research can improve machine learning performance in many ways. One way is to design better algorithms on data structures. This paper combines the use of incremental computation as well as sequential and probabilistic filtering to enable “forgetful” tree-based learning algorithms to cope with streaming data that suffers from concept drift. (Concept drift occurs when the functional mapping from input to classification changes over time). The forgetful algorithms described in this paper achieve high performance while maintaining high quality predictions on streaming data. Specifically, the algorithms are up to 24 times faster than state-of-the-art incremental algorithms with, at most, a 2% loss of accuracy, or are at least twice faster without any loss of accuracy. This makes such structures suitable for high volume streaming applications.
Multistage Micropump System towards Vacuum Pressure
Authors: Richter Martin , Anheuer Daniel , Wille Axel , Congar Yuecel , Wackerle Martin
Published: May 2023

Fraunhofer EMFT’s research and manufacturing portfolio includes piezoelectrically actuated silicon micro diaphragm pumps with passive flap valves. Research and development in the field of microfluidics have been dedicated for many years to the use of micropumps for generating positive and negative pressures, as well as delivering various media. However, for some applications, only small amounts of fluid need to be pumped, compressed, or evacuated, and until now, only macroscopic pumps with high power consumption have been able to achieve the necessary flow rate and pressure, especially for compressible media such as air. To address these requirements, one potential approach is to use a multistage of high-performing micropumps optimized to negative pressure. In this paper, we present several possible ways to cascade piezoelectric silicon micropumps with passive flap valves to achieve these stringent requirements. Initially, simulations are conducted to generate negative pressures with different cascading methods. The first multistage option assumes pressure equalization over the piezo-actuator by the upstream pump, while for the second case, the actuator diaphragm operates against atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, measurement results for the generation of negative gas pressures down to −82.1 kPa relative to atmospheric pressure (19.2 kPa absolute) with a multistage of three micropumps are presented. This research enables further miniaturization of many applications with high-performance requirements for micropumps, achievable with these multistage systems.
Temporal Variations in Chemical Proprieties of Waterbodies within Coastal Polders: Forecast Modeling for Optimizing Water Management Decisions
Authors: Romić Davor , Reljić Marko , Romić Marija , Bagić Babac Marina , Brkić Željka , Ondrašek Gabrijel , Bubalo Kovačić Marina , Zovko Monika
Published: May 2023

In polder-type land, water dynamics are heavily influenced by the artificial maintenance of water levels. Polders are low-lying areas of land that have been reclaimed from the sea or from freshwater bodies and are protected from flooding by dikes or other types of flood-protection structures. The water regime in polders is typically managed using a system of canals, pumps, and sluices to control the flow of water in and out of the area. In this study, the temporal changes in water salinity in the polder-type agricultural floodplain within the Neretva River Delta (NRD), Croatia, were analyzed by applying multivariate statistics and forecast modelling. The main aim of the study was to test the model that can be used in practice to forecast, primarily, water suitability for irrigation in a coastal low-lying agricultural catchment. The specific aim of this study was to use hydrochemistry data series to explain processes in water salinity dynamics and to test the model which may provide accurate salinity prediction, or finally select the conditions in which the model can be applied. We considered the accuracy of the model, and it was validated using independent data sets. To describe different patterns of chemical changes in different water classes due to their complex hydrological connectivity, multivariate statistics (PCA) were coupled with time-series analysis and Vector Autoregression (VAR) model forecasting. The multivariate statistics applied here did not indicate a clear connection between water salinity of the surface-water bodies and groundwater. The lack of correlation lies in the complex hydrological dynamics and interconnectivity of the water bodies highly affected by the artificial maintenance of the groundwater level within the polder area, as well as interventions in the temporal release of freshwater into the drainage canal network. Not all individual water classes contributed equally to the dominant patterns of ionic species identified by PCA. Apparently, land use and agricultural management practices in the different polders lead to uneven water chemistry and the predominant contributions of specific ions, especially nutrients. After applying the Granger causality test to reveal the causal information and explain hidden relationships among the variables, only two surface-water and two groundwater monitoring locations displayed a strong causal relationship between water electrical conductivity (ECw) as an effect and sea level as a possible cause. The developed models can be used to evaluate and emphasize the unique characteristics and phenomena of low-lying land and to communicate their importance and influence to management authorities and agricultural producers in managing and planning irrigation management in the wider Mediterranean area.
Comparative Study of Isoflavone Synthesis Genes in Two Wild Soybean Varieties Using Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Bixian , Zhao Kezhen , Ren Honglei , Lamlom Sobhi F. , Liu Xiulin , Wang Xueyang , Zhang Fengyi , Yuan Rongqiang , Wang Jiajun
Published: May 2023

Soybean is an important food crop that contains high amounts of isoflavones. However, due to the expression of multiple genes, different soybean seeds have different isoflavone compositions. The underlying mechanisms for this complexity remain unknown. In this study, we identified potential differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two wild soybean cultivars, ZYD7068 (high isoflavone) and ZYD7194 (low isoflavone), at different seed developmental stages using RNA-seq technology and compared their differences in isoflavone content. A total of 1067 and 6479 differentially metabolized genes were identified at R6 and R8 stages, respectively. Subsequent analysis of the KEGG pathway revealed that three of these differential metabolized genes were involved in the Isoflavonoid biosynthesis and Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis at the R6 stage. A total of 80 TF genes encoding differential expression of MYB, bZIP, and WRKY were identified in A1 vs. B1 and A3 vs. B3. Eight differentially expressed genes were identified in duplicates at both stages, and three genes showed the same expression trend at both stages. To confirm the results of RNA-seq, qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of the six identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The results of qRT-PCR were consistent with the results of RNA-seq. We found that four genes (Glyma.13G173300, Glyma.13G173600, Glyma.14G103100, and Glyma.17G158900) may be involved in the positive regulation of isoflavone synthesis, while two genes (Glyma.04G036700 and Glyma.19G030500) may be involved in the negative regulation of isoflavone synthesis. These findings suggest that the observed difference in isoflavone levels between the two cultivars may be attributable to the differential expression of these six genes at later stages of seed development.
Does Dietary Sodium Alginate with Low Molecular Weight Affect Growth, Antioxidant System, and Haemolymph Parameters and Alleviate Cadmium Stress in Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)?
Authors: Bagheri Dara , Moradi Rohullah , Zare Mahyar , Sotoudeh Ebrahim , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Oujifard Amin , Esmaeili Noah
Published: May 2023

Decreasing low molecular weight can improve the digestibility and availability of ingredients such as sodium alginate. This study aimed to test the four dosages of low molecular weight sodium alginate (LMWSA) (0%: Control, 0.05%: 0.5 LMWSA, 0.10%: 1.0 LMWSA, and 0.2%: 2.0 LMWSA) in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) (3.88 ± 0.25 g) for eight weeks. After finishing the trial, shrimp were exposed to cadmium (1 mg/L) for 48 h. While feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved in shrimp fed dietary 2.0 LMWSA (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in growth among treatments. The results showed a linear relation between LMWSA level and FCR, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) before; and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), GST, and alanine transaminase (ALT) after cadmium stress (p < 0.05). The GST, MDA, ALT, and aspartate transaminase (AST) contents were changed after stress but not the 2.0 LMWSA group. The survival rate after stress in 1.0 LMWSA (85.23%) and 2.0 LMWSA (80.20%) treatments was significantly higher than the Control (62.05%). The survival rate after stress negatively correlated with GST and ALT, introducing them as potential biomarkers for cadmium exposure in whiteleg shrimp. Accordingly, the 2.0 LMWSA treatment had the best performance in the abovementioned parameters. As the linear relation was observed, supplementing more levels of LMWSA to reach a plateau is recommended.
Alien vs. Predator: Impacts of Invasive Species and Native Predators on Urban Nest Box Use by Native Birds
Authors: Rogers Andrew M. , Lermite Françoise , Griffin Andrea S. , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Kark Salit
Published: May 2023

Many bird species in Australia require tree hollows for breeding. However, assessing the benefits of urban nest boxes to native birds requires frequent monitoring that allows to assess nesting success. To better understand the benefits of nest boxes for native birds, we examined the impact of local habitat characteristics, invasive species (common myna, Acridotheres tristis), and native mammalian predators on urban nest box use and nesting success of native birds. We installed 216 nest boxes across nine locations in southeastern Australia (S.E. Queensland and northern New South Wales) in both long-invaded sites (invaded before 1970) and more recently invaded sites (after 1990). We monitored all boxes weekly over two breeding seasons. We recorded seven bird species and three mammal species using the nest boxes. Weekly box occupancy by all species averaged 8% of all boxes, with the species most frequently recorded in the nest boxes being the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a native cavity user and nest predator. We recorded 137 nesting attempts in the boxes across all bird species. The most frequent nesting species were the invasive alien common mynas (72 nesting attempts). We recorded an average nesting failure rate of 53.3% for all bird species. We did not record any common mynas evicting other nesting birds, and found that several native species used the same box after the common myna completed its nesting. We recorded native possums in 92% of the boxes, and possum occupancy of boxes per site was negatively correlated with bird nesting success (p = 0.021). These results suggest that when boxes are accessible to invasive species and native predators, they are unlikely to significantly improve nesting opportunities for native birds. To ensure efficient use of limited conservation resources, nest boxes should be designed to target species of high conservation importance and limit other species of both predators and competitors.
Isolation and Molecular Characterisation of Respirovirus 3 in Wild Boar
Authors: Sozzi Enrica , Lelli Davide , Barbieri Ilaria , Chiapponi Chiara , Moreno Ana , Trogu Tiziana , Tosi Giovanni , Lavazza Antonio
Published: May 2023

Paramyxoviruses are important pathogens affecting various animals, including humans. In this study, we identified a paramyxovirus in 2004 (180608_2004), isolated from a sample of the femoral marrow bone of a wild boar carcass imported from Australia. Antigenic and morphological characteristics indicated that this virus was similar to members of the family Paramyxoviridae. The complete genome phylogenetic analysis grouped this virus into genotype A of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3), recently renamed bovine respirovirus type 3 (BRV3), which also includes two swine paramyxoviruses (SPMV)—Texas-81 and ISU-92—isolated from encephalitic pigs in the United States in 1982 and 1992, respectively. The wild boar 180608_2004 strain was more closely related to both the BRV3 shipping fever (SF) strain and the SPMV Texas-81 strain at the nucleotide and amino acid levels than the SPMV ISU-92 strain. The high sequence identity to BRV3 suggested that this virus can be transferred from cattle to wild boars. The potential for cross-species transmission in the Respirovirus genus makes it essential for intensified genomic surveillance.
The Effect of Festulolium Silage-Based Diets on the Content of Tocopherols, β-Carotene and Retinol in Meat from Young Rams
Authors: Czurgiel Sylwia , Antoszkiewicz Zofia , Mazur-Kuśnirek Magdalena , Bogdaszewski Marek
Published: May 2023

This study analyzed the chemical composition and the β-carotene, tocopherol and retinol content of meat (musculus longissimus lumborum, musculus gluteus maximus) from young rams fed different silage-based diets. The animals were divided into four groups depending on the type of silage in the feed ration (hybrid ryegrass, Festulolium cv. Becva, Festulolium cv. Felopa, Festulolium cv. Paulita). The concentrations of the examined lipophilic compounds were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Animals fed a diet based on ryegrass silage had the highest intakes of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol and total tocopherols (p < 0.01). Muscles of rams fed Festulolium silage-based diets contained more tocopherols (p < 0.01) and retinol (p < 0.01 in m. g. maximus; p = 0.053 in m. l. lumborum) than the meat of animals receiving hybrid ryegrass-based diets. The highest amounts of tocopherols (p < 0.01) and retinol (p < 0.01 in m. g. maximus; p = 0.053 in m. l. lumborum) were found in meat from rams fed rations based on silage made from Festulolium cvs. Felopa and Paulita. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between the intake of tocopherols and the α-tocopherol content of meat (r = 0.99), as well as between the β-carotene intake and the retinol content of meat (r = 0.92 in m. l. lumborum; r = 0.91 in m. g. maximus).
A p-Tyr42 RhoA Inhibitor Promotes the Regeneration of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells by Ameliorating Cellular Senescence
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jung , Hwang Jin Sun , Noh Kyung Bo , Oh Sun-Hee , Park Jae-Bong , Shin Young Joo
Published: May 2023

The development of treatment strategies for human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) disease is necessary because hCECs do not regenerate in vivo due to the properties that are similar to senescence. This study is performed to investigate the role of a p-Tyr42 RhoA inhibitor (MH4, ELMED Inc., Chuncheon) in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)- or H2O2-induced cellular senescence of hCECs. Cultured hCECs were treated with MH4. The cell shape, proliferation rate, and cell cycle phases were analyzed. Moreover, cell adhesion assays and immunofluorescence staining for F-actin, Ki-67, and E-cadherin were performed. Additionally, the cells were treated with TGF-β or H2O2 to induce senescence, and mitochondrial oxidative reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and NF-κB translocation were evaluated. LC3II/LC3I levels were determined using Western blotting to analyze autophagy. MH4 promotes hCEC proliferation, shifts the cell cycle, attenuates actin distribution, and increases E-cadherin expression. TGF-β and H2O2 induce senescence by increasing mitochondrial ROS levels and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus; however, this effect is attenuated by MH4. Moreover, TGF-β and H2O2 decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential and induce autophagy, while MH4 reverses these effects. In conclusion, MH4, a p-Tyr42 RhoA inhibitor, promotes the regeneration of hCECs and protects hCECs against TGF-β- and H2O2-induced senescence via the ROS/NF-κB/mitochondrial pathway.
Exogenous 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine Attenuates PM2.5-Induced Inflammation in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells by Decreasing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Bang Jihye , Son Kuk Hui , Heo Hye-Ryeon , Park Eunsook , Kwak Hyun-Jeong , Uhm Kyung-Ok , Chung Myung-Hee , Kim Young-Youl , Lim Hyun Joung
Published: May 2023

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) induces lung injury by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. ROS aggravates NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which activates caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 and induces pyroptosis; these factors propagate inflammation. In contrast, treatment with exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreases RAC1 activity and eventually decreases dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) and ROS generation. To establish modalities that would mitigate PM2.5-induced lung injury, we evaluated whether 8-OHdG decreased PM2.5-induced ROS generation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in BEAS-2B cells. CCK-8 and lactate dehydrogenase assays were used to determine the treatment concentration. Fluorescence intensity, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunoblotting assays were also performed. Treatment with 80 μg/mL PM2.5 increased ROS generation, RAC1 activity, NOX1 expression, NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) activity, and IL-1β and IL-18 levels in cells; treatment with 10 μg/mL 8-OHdG significantly attenuated these effects. Furthermore, similar results, such as reduced expression of NOX1, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, were observed in PM2.5-treated BEAS-2B cells when treated with an RAC1 inhibitor. These results show that 8-OHdG mitigates ROS generation and NLRP3 inflammation by inhibiting RAC1 activity and NOX1 expression in respiratory cells exposed to PM2.5.
Vitamin B12 Status in Recreational Users of Nitrous Oxide: A Systematic Review Focusing on the Prevalence of Laboratory Abnormalities
Authors: Ménétrier Tanguy , Denimal Damien
Published: May 2023

The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) as “laughing gas” is a growing problem. The chronic toxicity of N2O is mainly due to its ability to oxidize vitamin B12, making it dysfunctional as a cofactor in metabolic pathways. This mechanism plays a major role in the development of neurological disorders in N2O users. The assessment of vitamin B12 status in N2O users is important but challenging due to the lack of decrease in total vitamin B12 in most cases despite genuine vitamin B12 functional deficiency. Other biomarkers, such as holotranscobalamin (holoTC), homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), are interesting candidates to properly assess vitamin B12 status. Here, we conducted a systematic review of case series in order to assess the prevalence of abnormal values of total vitamin B12, holoTC, tHcy and MMA in recreational N2O users, which is an important prerequisite for determining the best screening strategy in future guidelines. We included 23 case series (574 N2O users) from the PubMed database. Total circulating vitamin B12 concentration was low in 42.2% (95% confidence interval 37.8–46.6%, n = 486) of N2O users, while 28.6% (7.5–49.6%, n = 21) of N2O users had low circulating concentrations of holoTC. tHcy levels were elevated in 79.7% (75.9–83.5%, n = 429) of N2O users, while 79.6% (71.5–87.7%, n = 98) of N2O users had increased concentrations of MMA. In summary, the increases in tHcy and MMA were the most prevalent abnormalities, and should be measured alone or in combination in symptomatic N2O users rather than total vitamin B12 or holoTC.
Additive Manufacturing in Bespoke Interactive Devices—A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Farrugia Philip , Cassar Glenn , Vella Pierre , Abela Edward , Wodehouse Andrew , Tamburrino Francesco
Published: May 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) facilitates product development due to the various native advantages of AM when compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Efficiency, customisation, innovation, and ease of product modifications are a few advantages of AM. This manufacturing process can therefore be applied to fabricate customisable devices, such as bespoke interactive devices for rehabilitation purposes. In this context, a two-day workshop titled Design for Additive Manufacturing: Future Interactive Devices (DEFINED) was held to discuss the design for AM issues encountered in the development of an innovative bespoke controller and supporting platform, in a Virtual Reality (VR)-based environment, intended for people with limited dexterity in their hands. The workshop sessions were transcribed, and a thematic analysis was carried out to identify the main topics discussed. The themes were Additive Manufacturing, Generative Design Algorithms, User-Centred Design, Measurement Devices for Data Acquisition, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Haptics. These themes were then discussed in relation to the available literature. The main conclusion of this workshop was that a coherent design for AM tools is needed by designers to take AM considerations throughout the design process, since they lack the AM knowledge required to develop bespoke interactive devices.
Associations between Genetic Variants in DAB, PRKAG, and DACH Genes and Gender in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kecskemétiné Gabriella , Zsóri Katalin Szilvia , Kőmives Sándor , Sohajda Mária , Csiki Zoltán , Mátyus János , Újhelyi László , Balla József , Nagy Attila , Shemirani Amir Houshang
Published: May 2023

Background: Recent genome-wide association studies demonstrated the association between the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and rs11959928, rs626277, and rs7805747 polymorphisms. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated the association between CKD and these polymorphisms in patients and controls according to gender. High-resolution melting analysis was performed to detect DAB2 rs11959928, DACH1 rs626277, and PRKAG2 rs7805747 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buffy coat of 163 patients with chronic renal disease and 218 control individuals. Ten percent of the results were also randomly confirmed by direct DNA sequencing. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for confounders showed rs7805747 (dominant model) has a statistically significant protective effect in females, and rs11959928 (additive and dominant models) was significantly associated with the prevalence of CKD in males. rs7805747 (recessive model) was significantly associated with the prevalence of CKD in males. Conclusion: The very same genetic variants have different effects in males and females separately. Our results warrant the need for similar studies in larger cohorts.
Identifying Original and Restoration Materials through Spectroscopic Analyses on Saturnino Gatti Mural Paintings: How Far a Noninvasive Approach Can Go
Authors: Bonizzoni Letizia , Caglio Simone , Galli Anna , Germinario Chiara , Izzo Francesco , Magrini Donata
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the results obtained for the mural paintings (XV century CE) in the church of San Panfilo in Villagrande di Tornimparte (AQ, Italy) by means of noninvasive spectroscopic techniques; this research is a part of the project on the Saturnino Gatti pictorial cycle, promoted and coordinated by the AIAr (the Italian Archaeometry Association). Digital optical microscopy (OM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy in the UV–Vis–NIR range (FORS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the external reflection mode (ER-FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy were performed on the points selected based on the image analysis results and the few available records on previous intervention, with the aim of characterizing both the original and restoration organic and inorganic materials. The synergic application of complementary techniques allowed us to obtain a complete picture of the palette and the main alteration products and organic substances (of rather ubiquitous lipid materials and less widespread resin and proteinaceous materials in specific points). The identification of modern compounds permitted the individuation of restoration areas; this was confirmed by the comparison with multiband imaging results, as in the case of specific green and blue pigments, strictly related to the presence of high signals of zinc. This analytical protocol left only very few ambiguities and allowed to minimizing the number of samples taken to clarifying, by sample laboratory analyses, the few doubts still open.
A Fast Prediction Method for the Electromagnetic Response of the LTE-R System Based on a PSO-BP Cascade Neural Network Model
Authors: He Xiaodong , Wen Yinghong , Zhang Dan
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a fast prediction model of the electromagnetic response of the LTE-R (Long Term Evolution for Railway) communication system based on a cascade neural network is developed to quickly analyze the impact of pantograph arcing on the LTE-R system during vehicle operation. In order to obtain the coupling disturbance level of the LTE-R antenna port, this model uses the cascade neural network based on the PSO-BP (Particle Swarm Optimization of Back Propagation Neural Network) algorithm to quickly solve the coupling coefficient of the pantograph arcing measurement probe and the antenna port. A two-stage BP neural network model is used to train both the simulation data and measurement data, and the results are validated by field tests. Finally, the antenna port coupling interference is added to the LTE-R system to analyze the impact of pantograph arcing on the quality of communication transmission. Analysis and tests demonstrate that pantograph arcing can lead to an increase in the BLER of LTE-R systems at 400 MHz, affecting system performance and transmission efficiency.
Numerical Analysis of Transient State Heat Transfer by Spectral Method Based on POD Reduced-Order Extrapolation Algorithm
Authors: Ba Zhenggang , Wang Ye
Published: May 2023

In order to meet the requirements of high accuracy and fast algorithm for numerical heat transfer simulation, an iterative scheme of Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (for short, POD) dimension reduction based on the classical central difference Galerkin spectral method is proposed for solving two-dimensional transient heat conduction problems. The POD dimension reduction spectral method model is constructed by taking the calculation results of classical central difference Galerkin spectral method as sample data. The numerical algorithm characteristics of flow and heat transfer are studied by using a partial differential equation as a mathematical model, and the error estimation is given. Finally, different time intervals are used as parameters to simulate experiments. The results show that the POD method is applicable to transient nonlinear heat conduction problems, and the maximum average relative error of the reconstructed temperature field is 0.89675%. Moreover, the POD method not only has a high calculation accuracy, but also has an average calculation speed as high as 310.25 times that of the central difference Galerkin algorithm. It can be seen that under the condition that the error between the solution of POD dimension reduction extrapolation algorithm and the solution of classical central difference Galerkin spectrum method is small enough, the POD method can greatly reduce the calculation amount, shorten the running time, and ensure a high accuracy of the calculation results, thus verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of the algorithm.
Effect of Different Crestal Sinus Lift Techniques for Implant Placement in the Posterior Maxilla of Deficient Height: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hashem Ahmed Halim , Khedr Mohamed Fekry , Hosny Mostafa Mohamed , El-Destawy Mahmoud Taha , Hashem Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: May 2023

This study evaluated dental implant stability, vertical bone gain, bone density, and crestal bone loss using different crestal sinus lift techniques (osteotomy, Densah burs, and piezosurgery). A total of 21 patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1: patients were treated using a Densah drill crestal sinus lift, Group 2: patients were treated using a piezoelectric crestal sinus lift and Group 3: patients were treated using an osteotome crestal sinus lift. The patients in all three groups underwent bone grafting and implant placement. An Osstell device was used to determine the implant stability by recording the values of the implant stability quotient (ISQ). CBCT was performed before and 6 months after implant placement for radiographic evaluation and comparison among the groups. All dental implants were completely successful, and statistically significant differences from baseline to 6 months were noted in all groups (p < 0.05). The Densah burs technique resulted in the best implant stability of all groups, while the osteotome technique demonstrated better vertical bone augmentation. However, the values for bone density and crestal bone loss showed no significant difference among all treated groups (p > 0.05). All three techniques were successful for crestal sinus lifts with good clinical outcomes at a 6-month follow-up. The Densah group demonstrated better implant stability, shorter surgery time, and fewer complications; however, the vertical bone gain was greater with the osteotome technique.
Theoretical Method to Predict Internal Force of Crossbeam in Steel–Concrete Composite Twin I-Girder Bridge under Torsional Loading
Authors: Li Jiangjiang , Liu Yongjian , Chai Liang , Xing Zihan , Feng Bowen , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2023

During the operational phase of a bridge, the crossbeam, acting as a supporting member, plays an important role in keeping the cross-sectional shape constant in addition to resisting against various lateral and longitudinal loads and distributing the dead and the live loads to the adjacent main girders. The complex functional requirements lead to a complex internal force composition of the crossbeam. When subjected to torque, the two main beams of the twin I-girder bridge will have deformation in opposite longitudinal directions (known as warping deformation) to counteract the torque. The existing research has not considered the impact of main beam warping deformation on the internal force of the crossbeam. Based on the existing research, this article further considers the impact of main beam warping deformation on the internal force of the crossbeam, making the calculation of the internal force of the crossbeam more accurate. The results show that the torsional characteristics of the continuous twin I-girder bridge can be calculated using Vlasov’s theory of thin-walled structures combined with the displacement method. As for the effect of the crossbeam on the torsional stiffness of the structure, it can be managed by making the crossbeam stiffness continuous; however, in general, the equivalent stiffness is small compared to the stiffness of the main beam and it can be ignored. The crossbeam can be simplified to a bar with two solid ends for the internal force calculation whose formula is proposed in this paper, based on the existing frame model, and it can further consider the influence of warping deformation of the main beam on the internal force of the beam, and the calculation accuracy is high.
Locating Two-Level Systems in a Superconducting Xmon Qubit
Authors: Yang Xin-Xin , Yang Xiao-Yan , Guo Liang-Liang , Du Lei , Duan Peng , Jia Zhi-Long , Li Hai-Ou , Guo Guo-Ping
Published: May 2023

One significant source of decoherence in superconducting circuits is known as two-level systems (TLSs), found in amorphous oxide layers. These circuits can, however, also be utilized as spectral and temporal TLS probes. Comprehensive investigations on the physics of TLSs are now possible thanks to recent advancements in superconducting qubits. Here, we simultaneously measure the tunable Xmon qubit decoherence time as well as the resonance frequency for more than 3 days to investigate stochastic fluctuations. Time-domain Allan deviation and frequency-domain power spectral density analysis indicate that two TLSs in near resonance with the qubit are responsible for the fluctuations. From the extracted oscillation in T1 decay, we locate the two TLSs near the junctions.
An Interpretable Fake News Detection Method Based on Commonsense Knowledge Graph
Authors: Gao Xiang , Chen Weiqing , Lu Liangyu , Cui Ying , Dai Xiang , Dai Lican , Wang Kan , Shen Jing , Wang Yue , Wang Shengze , Yu Zihan , Liu Haibo
Published: May 2023

Existing deep learning-based methods for detecting fake news are uninterpretable, and they do not use external knowledge related to the news. As a result, the authors of the paper propose a graph matching-based approach combined with external knowledge to detect fake news. The approach focuses on extracting commonsense knowledge from news texts through knowledge extraction, extracting background knowledge related to news content from a commonsense knowledge graph through entity extraction and entity disambiguation, using external knowledge as evidence for news identification, and interpreting the final identification results through such evidence. To achieve the identification of fake news containing commonsense errors, the algorithm uses random walks graph matching and compares the commonsense knowledge embedded in the news content with the relevant external knowledge in the commonsense knowledge graph. The news is then discriminated as true or false based on the results of the comparative analysis. From the experimental results, the method can achieve 91.07%, 85.00%, and 89.47% accuracy, precision, and recall rates, respectively, in the task of identifying fake news containing commonsense errors.
Estimation of the Ice-Induced Fatigue Damage to a Semi-Submersible Platform under Level Ice Conditions
Authors: Shin Yoon-Chul , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Kim Yooil
Published: May 2023

This study presents a fatigue analysis procedure for inclined structures operated in level ice fields. Three methods for calculating the local ice load causing fatigue damage, namely the direct method, simplified method, and semi-analytical method, were introduced and compared. The direct method uses finite element analysis to simulate the continuous breaking of ice, while the simplified method and the semi-analytical method estimate the probability distribution of local ice loads based on theoretical equations and empirical data. The fatigue damage ratio at the target location was calculated by applying the ice load calculated by each method to a deformable finite element model of the structure. The results obtained from each method indicate that they provide a reasonable estimation of the local ice load causing fatigue damage in level ice fields. The direct method offers high accuracy but requires significant computational time, while the simplified method and semi-analytical method offer a faster analysis time and are more suitable for long-term time domain analysis. The semi-analytical method requires empirical data to supplement theoretical formulas due to the complex natural phenomena involving various environmental conditions that must be modeled. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the prediction of fatigue damage in ice-going ships due to long-term ice impacts. The methods proposed in this study can aid in the design of Arctic ships exposed to various conditions and provide a more cost-effective and time-efficient approach to evaluating fatigue damage compared to field measurement. Future research in this field could investigate the application of these methods to other types of structures and further refine the methodology to improve accuracy and reduce computational costs.
On the Ability of Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) to Track Turbulent Flow Paths with Monte Carlo Simulations in GATE
Authors: Perin Rayhaan , Cole Katie , van Heerden Michael R. , Buffler Andy , Lin Yi-Yu , Zhang Jiahao , Brito-Parada Pablo R. , Shock Jonathan , Peterson Stephen W.
Published: May 2023

Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) has offered important insights into the internal dynamics of multiphase flows. High precision and frequency measurements of the location of the tracer particle are required to resolve individual eddies at the millimetre scale or smaller. To explore the potential of PEPT to perform these measurements, a model was developed of the Siemens ECAT “EXACT3D” HR++ positron emission tomography (PET) scanner at the PEPT Cape Town facility in South Africa with the software Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) and was used to generate Lagrangian tracks from simulations of moving tracer particles. The model was validated with measurements from both experiment and simulation and was extended to two virtual scenarios inspired by turbulent flows. The location data from the simulation accurately captured linear portions of an oscillating path up to high speeds of 25 m s−1; however, tracking tended to undercut the turning points due to the high tracer acceleration. For a particle moving on a spiral path of decreasing radius, the location data tracked the path above a radius of 2.0 mm with an uncertainty equivalent to the radius of the tracer particle, 300 μm. Improvements to the measurement are required to track sub-millimetre flow structures, such as the application of PET scanners with higher spatial resolution and upgrades to the sampling processes used in location algorithms.