bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic analysis of almost 8,000
Salmonella
genomes reveals drivers and landscape of antimicrobial resistance in China
Authors: Wang Yanan , Xu Xuebin , Zhu Baoli , Lyu Na , Liu Yue , Ma Sufang , Jia Shulei , Wan Bo , Du Yongkun , Zhang Gaiping , Gao George F.
Published: October 2023

Foodborne
Salmonella
infection remains a major public health concern worldwide. With rising antimicrobial resistance, genomic surveillance is key to tracking outbreaks and monitoring transmission, but there is no comprehensive national surveillance scheme for
Salmonella
involving humans, food, animals, and the environment in China. Moreover, the association between antimicrobial resistance and climate, social, and economic factors has rarely been investigated. Here, we use 1,962
Salmonella
isolates collected from 22 Chinese provinces and add 6,035 publicly available genomes to build a Chinese local
Salmonella
genome database version 2 (CLSGDB v2) representing 30 Chinese provinces, covering 1905–2022. Using the CLSGDB v2, we mapped the landscape and spatiotemporal dynamics of antimicrobial resistance markers, virulome, and mobilome in
Salmonella
. We identified 317
mcr
positive and 745 azithromycin resistance genes positive
Salmonella
isolates out of 7,997 isolates. We further uncovered the geographic distribution veil of
mcr-1
,
fosA7
,
fosA3
,
mph(A)
, and
bla
CTX-M-55
genes in China, all of them resistant to the critically important antimicrobials including colistin, fosfomycin, azithromycin, and the third-generation cephalosporins. Interestingly, economic, climatic, and social factors can drive the rise of antimicrobial resistance was observed. Finally, we release the CLSGDB v2 as an open-access database and thus can assist surveillance studies tracking 164
Salmonella enterica
serovars and 295 sequence types across the globe. The CLSGDB v2 is freely available at
https://nmdc.cn/clsgdbv2
.

IMPORTANCE

We established the largest Salmonella genome database from China and presented the landscape and spatiotemporal dynamics of antimicrobial resistance genes. We also found that economic, climatic, and social factors can drive the rise of antimicrobial resistance. The Chinese local Salmonella genome database version 2 was released as an open-access database (
https://nmdc.cn/clsgdbv2
) and thus can assist surveillance studies across the globe. This database will help inform interventions for AMR, food safety, and public health.
Factors associated with the increased incidence of necrotising enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants in Sweden between two population-based national cohorts (2004–2007 vs 2014–2016)
Authors: Challis Pontus , Källén Karin , Björklund Lars , Elfvin Anders , Farooqi Aijaz , Håkansson Stellan , Ley David , Norman Mikael , Normann Erik , Serenius Fredrik , Sävman Karin , Hellström-Westas Lena , Um-Bergström Petra , Ådén Ulrika , Abrahamsson Thomas , Domellöf Magnus
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate potential risk factors behind the increased incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in Swedish extremely preterm infants.

Design

Registry data from two population-based national cohorts were studied. NEC diagnoses (Bell stage ≥II) were validated against hospital records.

Patients

All liveborn infants <27 weeks of gestation 2004–2007 (n=704) and 2014–2016 (n=895) in Sweden.

Main outcome measures

NEC incidence.

Results

The validation process resulted in a 28% reduction of NEC cases but still confirmed a higher NEC incidence in the later epoch compared with the earlier (73/895 (8.2%) vs 27/704 (3.8%), p=0.001), while the composite of NEC or death was lower (244/895 (27.3%) vs 229/704 (32.5%), p=0.022). In a multivariable Cox regression model, censored for mortality, there was no significant difference in early NEC (0–7 days of life) between epochs (HR=0.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.9), p=0.9), but being born in the later epoch remained an independent risk factor for late NEC (>7 days) (HR=2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 5.0), p=0.001). In propensity score analysis, a significant epoch difference in NEC incidence (12% vs 2.8%, p<0.001) was observed only in the tertile of infants at highest risk of NEC, where the 28-day mortality was lower in the later epoch (35% vs 50%, p=0.001). More NEC cases were diagnosed with intramural gas in the later epoch (33/73 (45.2%) vs 6/26 (23.1%), p=0.047).

Conclusions

The increase in NEC incidence between epochs was limited to cases occurring after 7 days of life and was partly explained by increased survival in the most extremely preterm infants. Misclassification of NEC is common.
Giant condyloma acuminatum (Buschke-Lowenstein tumour) of the vagina during pregnancy
Authors: Harris Stella Rose , Wan King Man
Published: October 2023

A primiparous woman in her mid-30s presented at 31 weeks of gestation with a large vaginal mass obstructing the cervix, initially concerning for malignancy. Pelvic MRI confirmed a vaginal lesion located on the lateral wall, and histopathology diagnosed a giant condyloma acuminatum. The vaginal lesion was surgically resected at 34 weeks of gestation, and the patient proceeded to have a successful vaginal birth. Our case report demonstrates an unusual presentation of a rare anogenital disease and highlights a differential diagnosis for cervical and vaginal lesions.
Introduction to pharmacogenetics
Authors: McDermott John Henry , Newman William
Published: October 2023

There is considerable interindividual variability in the effectiveness and safety of medicines. Although the reasons for this are multifactorial, it is well recognised that genetic changes impacting the absorption or metabolism of these drugs play a significant contributory role. Understanding how these pharmacogenetic variants impact response to medicines, and leveraging this knowledge to guide prescribing, could have significant benefits for patients and health services. This article provides an introduction to the field of pharmacogenetics, including its nomenclature, the existing evidence base and the current state of implementation globally. We discuss the challenges in translating pharmacogenetic research into clinical practice and highlight the considerable benefits which can emerge in those health services where implementation is successful.
HLA-DPA1*02:01~B1*01:01is a risk haplotype for primary sclerosing cholangitis mediating activation of NKp44+ NK cells
Authors: Zecher Britta F , Ellinghaus David , Schloer Sebastian , Niehrs Annika , Padoan Benedetta , Baumdick Martin E , Yuki Yuko , Martin Maureen P , Glow Dawid , Schröder-Schwarz Jennifer , Niersch Jennifer , Brias Sébastien , Müller Luisa M , Habermann Robin , Kretschmer Paul , Früh Tristan , Dänekas Janis , Wehmeyer Malte H , Poch Tobias , Sebode Marcial ,   International PSC Study Group (IPSCSG), Ellinghaus Eva , Degenhardt Frauke , Körner Christian , Hoelzemer Angelique , Fehse Boris , Oldhafer Karl J , Schumacher Udo , Sauter Guido , Carrington Mary , Franke Andre , Bunders Madeleine J , Schramm Christoph , Altfeld Marcus
Published: October 2023

Objective

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterised by bile duct strictures and progressive liver disease, eventually requiring liver transplantation. Although the pathogenesis of PSC remains incompletely understood, strong associations with HLA-class II haplotypes have been described. As specific HLA-DP molecules can bind the activating NK-cell receptor NKp44, we investigated the role of HLA-DP/NKp44-interactions in PSC.

Design

Liver tissue, intrahepatic and peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals with PSC and control individuals were characterised using flow cytometry, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses. HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 imputation and association analyses were performed in 3408 individuals with PSC and 34 213 controls. NK cell activation on NKp44/HLA-DP interactions was assessed in vitro using plate-bound HLA-DP molecules and HLA-DPB wildtype versus knock-out human cholangiocyte organoids.

Results

NKp44+NK cells were enriched in livers, and intrahepatic bile ducts of individuals with PSC showed higher expression of HLA-DP. HLA-DP haplotype analysis revealed a highly elevated PSC risk forHLA-DPA1*02:01~B1*01:01(OR 1.99, p=6.7×10−50). Primary NKp44+NK cells exhibited significantly higher degranulation in response to plate-bound HLA-DPA1*02:01-DPB1*01:01 compared with control HLA-DP molecules, which were inhibited by anti-NKp44-blocking. Human cholangiocyte organoids expressing HLA-DPA1*02:01-DPB1*01:01 after IFN-γ-exposure demonstrated significantly increased binding to NKp44-Fc constructs compared with unstimulated controls. Importantly, HLA-DPA1*02:01-DPB1*01:01-expressing organoids increased degranulation of NKp44+NK cells compared with HLA-DPB1-KO organoids.

Conclusion

Our studies identify a novel PSC risk haplotypeHLA-DP A1*02:01~DPB1*01:01and provide clinical and functional data implicating NKp44+NK cells that recognise HLA-DPA1*02:01-DPB1*01:01 expressed on cholangiocytes in PSC pathogenesis.
Spectrum of
LYST
mutations in Chediak-Higashi syndrome: a report of novel variants and a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Morimoto Marie , Nicoli Elena-Raluca , Kuptanon Chulaluck , Roney Joseph C , Serra-Vinardell Jenny , Sharma Prashant , Adams David R , Gallin John I , Holland Steven M , Rosenzweig Sergio D , Barbot Jose , Ciccone Carla , Huizing Marjan , Toro Camilo , Gahl William A , Introne Wendy J , Malicdan May Christine V
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by partial oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding diathesis, immunological dysfunction and neurological impairment. Bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in
LYST
cause CHS.
LYST
encodes the lysosomal trafficking regulator, a highly conserved 429 kDa cytoplasmic protein with an unknown function.

Methods

To further our understanding of the pathogenesis of CHS, we conducted clinical evaluations on individuals with CHS enrolled in our natural history study. Using genomic DNA Sanger sequencing, we identified novel pathogenic
LYST
variants. Additionally, we performed an extensive literature review to curate reported
LYST
variants and classified these novel and reported variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics/Association for Molecular Pathology variant interpretation guidelines.

Results

Our investigation unveiled 11 novel pathogenic
LYST
variants in eight patients with a clinical diagnosis of CHS, substantiated by the presence of pathognomonic giant intracellular granules. From these novel variants, together with a comprehensive review of the literature, we compiled a total of 147 variants in
LYST
, including 61 frameshift variants (41%), 44 nonsense variants (30%), 23 missense variants (16%), 13 splice site variants or small genomic deletions for which the coding effect is unknown (9%), 5 in-frame variants (3%) and 1 start-loss variant (1%). Notably, a genotype–phenotype correlation emerged, whereby individuals harbouring at least one missense or in-frame variant generally resulted in milder disease, while those with two nonsense or frameshift variants generally had more severe disease.

Conclusion

The identification of novel pathogenic
LYST
variants and improvements in variant classification will provide earlier diagnoses and improved care to individuals with CHS.
How long is Long-COVID? Symptomatic improvement between 12 and 18 months in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Barker-Davies Robert M , O’Sullivan O , Holdsworth D A , Ladlow P , Houston A , Chamley R , Greenhalgh A , Nicol E D , Bennett A N
Published: October 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 infection can precede, in a proportion of patients, a prolonged syndrome including fatigue, exercise intolerance, mood and cognitive problems. This study aimed to describe the profile of fatigue-related, exercise-related, mood-related and cognitive-related outcomes in a COVID-19-exposed group compared with controls.

Methods

113 serving UK Armed Forces participants were followed up at 5, 12 (n=88) and 18 months (n=70) following COVID-19. At 18 months, 56 were in the COVID-19-exposed group with 14 matched controls. Exposed participants included hospitalised (n=25) and community (n=31) managed participants. 43 described at least one of the six most frequent symptoms at 5 months: fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, exercise intolerance and anosmia. Participants completed a symptom checklist, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), the National Institute for Health cognitive battery and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). PROMs included the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Patient Checklist-5 (PCL-5) for post-traumatic stress.

Results

At 5 and 12 months, exposed participants presented with higher PHQ-9, PCL-5 and FAS scores than controls (ES (effect size) ≥0.25, p≤0.04). By 12 months, GAD-7 was not significantly different to controls (ES <0.13, p=0.292). Remaining PROMs lost significant difference by 18 months (ES ≤0.11, p≥0.28). No significant differences in the cognitive scales were observed at any time point (F=1.96, p=0.167). At 5 and 12 months, exposed participants recorded significantly lower distances on the 6MWT (ηp2≥0.126, p<0.01). 6MWT distance lost significant difference by 18 months (ηp2<0.039, p>0.15).

Conclusions

This prospective cohort-controlled study observed adverse outcomes in depression, post-traumatic stress, fatigue and submaximal exercise performance up to 12 months but improved by 18-month follow-up, in participants exposed to COVID-19 compared with a matched control group.
Construct validity and reliability of the Canadian Eating Practices Screener to assess eating practices based on 2019 Canada's Food Guide recommendations
Authors: Perreault Maude , Wallace Angela , Martin Alicia , Sadowski Adam , Laila Amar , Lemieux Simone , Hutchinson Joy M. , Kirkpatrick Sharon I. , Simpson Janis Randall , Guenther Patricia M. , Lamarche Benoît , Jessri Mahsa , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Olstad Dana Lee , Prowse Rachel , Vatanparast Hassan , Haines Jess
Published: October 2023

For the first time since its introduction, the 2019 Canada's Food Guide (2019-CFG) highlighted specific guidance on eating practices, i.e., recommendations on where, when, why, and how to eat. The Canadian Eating Practices Screener / Questionnaire court canadien sur les pratiques alimentaires was developed to assess eating practices based on the 2019-CFG healthy eating recommendations. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Canadian Eating Practices Screener. From July to December 2021, adults ( n = 154) aged 18–65 years completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the screener. Construct validity was assessed by examining variability in screener scores, by comparing screener scores among subgroups with hypothesized differences in eating practices, and by examining the correlation between screener scores and fruit and vegetable intake. Reliability, i.e., internal consistency, was assessed by calculating Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Screener item scores were summed to provide a total score ranging from 21 to 105. The mean screener score was 76 (SD = 8.4; maximum, 105), ranging from 53 (1st percentile) to 92 (99th percentile). Differences in total scores in hypothesized directions were observed by age ( p = 0.006), perceived income adequacy ( p = 0.09), educational attainment ( p = 0.002), and smoking status ( p = 0.09), but not by gender or health literacy level. The correlation between screener scores and fruit and vegetable intake was 0.29 ( p = 0.002). The Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.79, suggesting acceptable to high internal consistency. Study findings provide preliminary evidence of the screener's construct validity and reliability, supporting its use to assess eating practices based on the 2019-CFG healthy eating recommendations.
The concept of decentralization through time and disciplines: a quantitative exploration
Authors: Di Bona Gabriele , Bracci Alberto , Perra Nicola , Latora Vito , Baronchelli Andrea
Published: October 2023

Decentralization is a pervasive concept found across disciplines, including Economics, Political Science, and Computer Science, where it is used in distinct yet interrelated ways. Here, we develop and publicly release a general pipeline to investigate the scholarly history of the term, analysing $425{,}144$
425
,
144
academic publications that refer to (de)centralization. We find that the fraction of papers on the topic has been exponentially increasing since the 1950s. In 2021, 1 author in 154 mentioned (de)centralization in the title or abstract of an article. Using both semantic information and citation patterns, we cluster papers in fields and characterize the knowledge flows between them. Our analysis reveals that the topic has independently emerged in the different fields, with small cross-disciplinary contamination. Moreover, we show how Blockchain has become the most influential field about 10 years ago, while Governance dominated before the 1990s. In summary, our findings provide a quantitative assessment of the evolution of a key yet elusive concept, which has undergone cycles of rise and fall within different fields. Our pipeline offers a powerful tool to analyze the evolution of any scholarly term in the academic literature, providing insights into the interplay between collective and independent discoveries in science.
Quantum scaling atomic superheterodyne receiver
Authors: Zhang Peng , Jing Mingyong , Wang Zheng , Peng Yan , Yuan Shaoxin , Zhang Hao , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang , Zhang Linjie
Published: October 2023

Measurement sensitivity is one of the critical indicators for Rydberg atomic radio receivers. This work quantitatively studies the relationship between the atomic superheterodyne receiver’s sensitivity and the number of atoms involved in the measurement. The atom number is changed by adjusting the length of the interaction area. The results show that for the ideal case where only interaction noise is present and the RF waves are uniformly distributed, the sensitivity of the atomic superheterodyne receiver exhibits a quantum scaling: the amplitude of its output signal is proportional to the atom number, and the amplitude of its read-out noise is proportional to the square root of the atom number. Hence, its sensitivity is inversely proportional to the square root of the atom number. This work also gives a detailed discussion of the properties of transit noise in atomic receivers and the influence of some non-ideal factors on sensitivity scaling. This work is significant in the field of atom-based quantum precision measurements.
Characterizing fractured reservoirs by integrating outcrop analogue studies with flow simulations
Authors: Sahu Ajay K. , Roy Ankur
Published: October 2023

This research focuses on how ‘static’ properties of fracture networks can be studied by considering ‘dynamic’ flow simulation, while static properties such as clustering, connectivity, variation in aperture and, of course, anisotropy of fracture networks can be quantified using different geostatistical/data analysis techniques. The flow responses through such networks can be simulated to check if flow simulation can be used as a tool for evaluating its geometry. In order to achieve this, outcrop analogues of fractured reservoirs are converted into permeability structured grids implementing the fracture continuum (FC) concept. These FC models are flow simulated in a streamline simulator, TRACE3D. Results of the first experiment show that rather than the ‘fractal dimension’, the ‘lacunarity parameter’, which quantifies scale-dependent clustering of fractures, is a unique identifier of network geometry and acts as a proxy for fracture connectivity and an indicator of flow behaviour. The FC model further accommodates variability in fracture apertures and, thus, in a second experiment a set of models with a hierarchical aperture distribution was built and tested for their time-of-flight (TOF) and recovery curves, which showed that smaller fractures with narrow apertures do not significantly contribute to flow. In a third experiment considering anisotropy, it was observed that tightly clustered fractures along preferential directions can be identified from anisotropy in flow patterns. The results from these three experiments show that flow patterns in fracture networks can indicate the overall scale-dependent clustering, the anisotropy that arises from such clustering and that narrower fractures do not significantly alter the overall flow behaviour.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Digitally enabled geoscience workflows: unlocking the power of our data collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/digitally-enabled-geoscience-workflows
Quantifying CPT cone factors in clays derived from weathered mudstone
Authors: Briggs Kevin M. , Trinidad González Yuderka , Powrie William , Butler Simon , Sartain Nick
Published: October 2023

The empirical interpretation of cone penetration test (CPT) cone factors (
N
k
) can be subject to considerable variability for clays derived from weathered mudstones, leading to significant deviations in the estimation of undrained shear strength (
S
u
). This paper presents a comparison of triaxial and CPT data from a site investigation in clays derived from weathered mudstones in central England. Corrected cone factors (
N
kt,UU
) were derived from a one-to-one comparison of 94 pairs of unconsolidated, undrained triaxial and CPT data from equivalent depths. The performance of the cone factors was evaluated using a training set (75 pairs) and a test set (19 pairs). A parametric study was used to explore the variability of
N
kt,UU
, quantified using the coefficient of variation (COV
Nkt,UU
), for varied separation distance thresholds (
D
s
) between individual triaxial and CPT data. The absolute deviation between the laboratory shear strength (
S
u(Lab)
) and that predicted from CPT profiles (S
u(CPT)
) was not sensitive to
N
kt,UU
values in the range 25 <
N
kt,UU
< 31. The parametric study showed that
D
s
could be increased from 50 to 250 m, to include more data pairs for estimates of
N
kt,UU
, without substantially increasing COV
Nkt,UU
.
Meiosis: Dances Between Homologs
Authors: Zickler Denise , Kleckner Nancy
Published: October 2023

The raison d'être of meiosis is shuffling of genetic information via Mendelian segregation and, within individual chromosomes, by DNA crossing-over. These outcomes are enabled by a complex cellular program in which interactions between homologous chromosomes play a central role. We first provide a background regarding the basic principles of this program. We then summarize the current understanding of the DNA events of recombination and of three processes that involve whole chromosomes: homolog pairing, crossover interference, and chiasma maturation. All of these processes are implemented by direct physical interaction of recombination complexes with underlying chromosome structures. Finally, we present convergent lines of evidence that the meiotic program may have evolved by coupling of this interaction to late-stage mitotic chromosome morphogenesis.
Mpox: The Reemergence of an Old Disease and Inequities
Authors: Thornhill J.P. , Gandhi M. , Orkin C.
Published: October 2023

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by an Orthopoxvirus related to the variola virus that causes smallpox. Prior to 2022, mpox was considered a zoonotic disease endemic to central and west Africa. Since May 2022, more than 86,000 cases of mpox from 110 countries have been identified across the world, predominantly in men who have sex with men, most often acquired through close physical contact or during sexual activity. The classical clinical presentation of mpox is a prodrome including fever, lethargy, and lymphadenopathy followed by a characteristic vesiculopustular rash. The recent 2022 outbreak included novel presentations of mpox with a predominance of anogenital lesions, mucosal lesions, and other features such as anorectal pain, proctitis, oropharyngeal lesions, tonsillitis, and multiphasic skin lesions. We describe the demographics and clinical spectrum of classical and novel mpox, outlining the potential complications and management.
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention at the Workplace
Authors: Andersen Lars Louis
Published: October 2023

The concept of workplace safety and health has focused largely on preventing accidents and on minimizing hazardous exposures. However, because workers spend a substantial part of their waking hours at the workplace, the potential to influence the health of a large proportion of the world's population through the workplace is enormous. The opportunities to carry out health promotion and chronic disease prevention activities at the workplace are countless, including (a) health screening; (b) tobacco cessation activities; (c) the promotion of healthy food choices and weight loss; (d) active breaks with physical exercise in terms of microexercise, enhancement of infrastructure to stimulate physical activity, and organization of work tasks to facilitate incidental physical activity; and (e) routine vaccinations. This review discusses the key factors necessary to implement health promotion and chronic disease prevention programs at the workplace (SWOLE model) and discusses the different foci and possibilities with respect to the differing nature of work for the blue- versus white-collar workforce.
High-Quality AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Growth on Silicon Using Al0.07Ga0.93N as Interlayer for High RF Applications
Authors: Lee Tsu-Ting , Hieu Le Trung , Chiang Chung-Han , Lee Ching-Ting , Lin Chun-Hsiung , Chang Edward Yi
Published: October 2023

In this study, AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with different interlayer thicknesses of Al0.07Ga0.93N were grown by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) is investigated. The AlGaN/GaN HEMTs have the same device’s structure, with the Al0.07Ga0.93N interlayer thickness varied from 0 to 800 nm. All of the samples demonstrate high crystal quality in the GaN channel, with low dislocation density of (1.34–3.81) × 109 cm−2 and low AFM surface roughness of 0.27–0.39 nm. The heterostructure with an interlayer exhibits better mobility (1750 cm2 V∙s−1) compared to the structure without an interlayer (1610 cm2 V∙s−1). Furthermore, the interlayer improves breakdown voltage, and reduces insertion loss. The DC characteristics show that the 300 nm-thick Al0.07Ga0.93N is beneficial in improving leakage current and iso-breakdown voltage up to 450 V at a spacing of 10 μm. The insertion loss reduces to –0.75 dB mm−1 compared to the structure without an interlayer. The device with a 300 nm-thick Al0.07Ga0.93N interlayer exhibits the potential of RF, including a measured transconductance of 440 mS∙mm−1 and cutoff frequencies of

f

T

/

f

max

= 48/96 GHz at a given bias point.
Performance Improvement of Hybrid System Using Bidirectional MIEC for Portable Device Charger
Authors: Rathinamala S. , Manoharan S. , Chandrakala S. , Ramash Kumar K.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a novel bidirectional multi‐input energy harvesting converter (MIEC) for portable device charger is presented. Switches that are separately regulated using different duty ratios are used in the design of such an MIEC power converter. The peak power of the photovoltaic sources may be tracked using such duty ratios, and the battery power can also be managed. The switch with two directions is also a part of this converter. If necessary, the battery can be charged via a USB charger but it is also capable of supplying power to the portable charging devices using sun and vibration harvesting. A battery receives the remaining energy for recharging while the charging current level can be checked. The entire system built using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, performances are monitored by the simulation results and validated experimentally.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified (DLBCL NOS) Presenting as Multiple Subcutaneous Nodules: An Unusual Cutaneous Presentation of Systemic Disease
Authors: Tavberidze Nika , Bennett Daniel D. , Matson Daniel R.
Published: October 2023

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS) is the most common lymphoid malignancy in the Western world and classically presents as a rapidly enlarging nodal or extranodal mass. Cutaneous involvement by systemic DLBCL NOS is an infrequent clinical presentation, encountered in only 1.5-3.5% of cases, while disseminated cutaneous disease with multiple subcutaneous nodules at the time of diagnosis is unusual and can present a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis when encountering a high-grade B-cell malignancy at a cutaneous site is broad and includes primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL), primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL-LT), high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (HGBCL-MYC/BCL2), and other potential entities which must all be carefully considered before rendering a final diagnosis. In this report, we describe the case of a 69-year-old man who was seen at our hospital due to generalized weakness and was found to have multiple subcutaneous nodules representing disseminated DLBCL NOS. The case was complicated by concurrent monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis involving the bone marrow.
The Need for Psychiatric Assessment in Children with Down Syndrome and Factors Affecting Their Use of Mental Health Services: A Cross‐Sectional Study from Turkey
Authors: Efendi Gökçe Yağmur , Uytun Merve Çıkılı , Yürümez Esra , Öztop Didem Behice , Babayiğit Tuğba Menteşe , Kılıç Birim Günay
Published: October 2023

Objective. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of intellectual disability. Children with DS may have difficulty accessing psychiatric services because their mental health problems are often unrecognized. This study aimed to assess the mental health needs of children with Down syndrome and the elements that may affect their access and referral to psychiatric services. Methods. In this single‐center cross‐sectional study, we evaluated 72 children with Down syndrome and assessed the factors affecting their use of mental health services by using a questionnaire completed by parents. We compared the clinical symptom profiles of young preschool‐aged children with Down syndrome (n = 26) with typical (n = 26), developmental delay (n = 15), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group (n = 28) to evaluate mental health problems. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Aged Children: Present and Lifetime Version DSM‐5 (K‐SADS‐PL) was administered. Parents completed the child behavior check list for ages 6–18 and 1½‐5, depending on the child’s age. Results. Although most patients with Down syndrome (51.4%) had psychiatric symptoms reported by parents at the initial assessment, the most frequent reason (62.5%) for applying to our psychiatric clinic was to submit an application for a medical report. The majority of patients with Down syndrome (56%) had a psychiatric disorder, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder was the most common diagnosis. Conclusion. Clinicians should not overlook the need for psychiatric assessment, early diagnosis, and collaboration between pediatricians and child psychiatrists, which are crucial during medical evaluation and follow‐up of children with Down syndrome.
Barycentric Interpolation Collocation Method for Solving Fractional Linear Fredholm-Volterra Integro-Differential Equation
Authors: Li Jin , Zhao Kaiyan , Su Xiaoning
Published: October 2023

In this article, barycentric interpolation collocation method (BICM) is presented to solve the fractional linear Fredholm-Volterra integro-differential equation (FVIDE). Firstly, the fractional order term of equation is transformed into the Riemann integral with Caputo definition, and this integral term is approximated by the Gauss quadrature formula. Secondly, the barycentric interpolation basis function is used to approximate the unknown function, and the matrix equation of BICM is obtained. Finally, several numerical examples are given to solve one-dimensional differential equation.
Online Adaptive Neurochaotic Fuzzy Controller Design to Reduce the Seismic Response of Buildings Equipped with Active Tuned Mass Damper System
Authors: Jafarzadeh Ommegolsoum , Mousavi Ghasemi Seyyed Arash , Zahrai Seyed Mehdi , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Vafaei Poursorkhabi Ramin
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a novel adaptive neurochaotic fuzzy control system based on type‐2 fuzzy systems to reduce seismic responses in multistory structures with active tuned mass dampers under near‐field and far‐field earthquakes. In this proposed control system, the whole parameters of the plant are assumed to be completely unknown, the structural model is estimated using a multilayer perceptron neural network, and the system’s Jacobian is extracted. The online estimation model is used, and the controller parameters are adaptively trained using the extended Kalman filter and error back‐propagation method. Subsequently, the control force is applied to the active tuned mass damper, and the control objectives are met. The adaptive controller does not require initial settings, and a fractional‐order proportional‐integral‐derivative controller is added to maximize stability and robustness against seismic vibration. A simple adaptive controller optimized by a particle swarm is also presented as an innovation. Comparing the performance of the improved simple adaptive controller and adaptive neurochaotic fuzzy controller, the proposed controllers appear more efficient and accurate. However, the superiority of the novel adaptive neurochaotic fuzzy over the improved simple adaptive controller in reducing maximum displacement, acceleration, drift, and base shear while maintaining acceptable performance under parametric uncertainties and seismic conditions is substantial.
q‐Rung Orthopair Picture Fuzzy Topological Spaces and Parameter‐Dependent Continuity: Control System Applications
Authors: Ünver Mehmet , Olgun Murat
Published: October 2023

This paper presents novel concepts in fuzzy topologies, namely q‐rung orthopair picture fuzzy (q‐ROPF) topology and q‐rung orthopair picture fuzzy point (q‐ROPFP). These concepts extended the existing notions in fuzzy topologies. We introduced a more relaxed form of continuity, called qε‐ROPF continuity, which allows for a flexible analysis of functions between q‐ROPF topological spaces by incorporating an error bound ε. We define the q‐neighborhood system for a q‐ROPF point in a q‐ROPF topological space and investigate the convergence of sequences of such points. Our results shed light on the behavior of functions and sequences in these spaces, as well as the conditions for uniqueness of limits within the realm of supports. This research has practical implications in control systems, providing valuable insights into the stability and robustness of the control strategies in the presence of small changes represented by the epsilon value.
Unsupervised Portrait Drawing Generation for Free Styles
Authors: Liu Ming , Liao Jianxin , Wang Jingyu , Qi Qi , Sun Haifeng , Zhuang Zirui , Liu Cong
Published: October 2023

Artistic portrait drawing (APDrawing) generation has seen progress in recent years. However, due to the naturally high scarcity and artistry, it is difficult to collect large‐scale labeled and paired data and generally divide drawing styles into several specific recognized categories. Existing works suffer from the limited labeled data and naive manual division of drawing styles according to the corresponding artists. They cannot adapt to the actual situations, for example, a single artist might have multiple drawing styles and APDrawings from different artists might share similar styles. In this paper, we propose to use unlabeled and unpaired data and perform the task in an unsupervised manner. Without manual division of drawing styles, we take each portrait drawing as a unique style and introduce self‐supervised feature learning to learn free styles for unlabeled portrait drawings. Besides, we devise a style bank and a decoupled cycle structure to take over two main considerations in the task: generation quality and style control. Extensive experiments show that our model is more adaptable to different style inputs than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Lessons from a Space Lab: An Image Acquisition Perspective
Authors: Pauly Leo , Jamrozik Michele Lynn , del Castillo Miguel Ortiz , Borgue Olivia , Singh Inder Pal , Makhdoomi Mohatashem Reyaz , Christidi-Loumpasefski Olga-Orsalia , Gaudillière Vincent , Martinez Carol , Rathinam Arunkumar , Hein Andreas , Olivares-Mendez Miguel , Aouada Djamila
Published: October 2023

The use of deep learning (DL) algorithms has improved the performance of vision-based space applications in recent years. However, generating large amounts of annotated data for training these DL algorithms has proven challenging. While synthetically generated images can be used, the DL models trained on synthetic data are often susceptible to performance degradation when tested in real-world environments. In this context, the Interdisciplinary Center of Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg has developed the “SnT Zero-G Lab,” for training and validating vision-based space algorithms in conditions emulating real-world space environments. An important aspect of the SnT Zero-G Lab development was the equipment selection. From the lessons learned during the lab development, this article presents a systematic approach combining market survey and experimental analyses for equipment selection. In particular, the article focuses on the image acquisition equipment in a space lab: background materials, cameras, and illumination lamps. The results from the experiment analyses show that the market survey complimented by experimental analyses is required for effective equipment selection in a space lab development project.
Unraveling Racial Disparities in Supportive Care Medication Use among End-of-Life Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Focus on Pain Management and Psychiatric Therapies
Authors: Allen John M. , Awunti MegCholack , Guo Yi , Bian Jiang , Rogers Sherise C. , Scarton Lisa , DeRemer David L. , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Supportive care medication use differences may contribute to racial disparities observed in health-related quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods:

In this observation study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database, we sought to examine supportive care medication use disparities in patients with pancreatic cancer from 2005 to 2017 by race and ethnicity.

Results:

Among 74,309 patients included in the final analysis, racial and ethnic disparities in the use of supportive care medications were identified. After adjustment for confounding factors and compared with non-Hispanic Whites, minorities had significantly less use of opioids [Black: adjusted OR (aOR), 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.88; Asian: aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79–0.90), and skeletomuscular relaxants (Black: aOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.99; Hispanic: aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.91; Asian: aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51–0.68), and increased use of non-opioid analgesics (Hispanic: aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.14; Asian: aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.26–1.49). Racial and ethnic minorities had less use of antidepressants (Black: aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.53–0.59; Hispanic: aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.73–0.82; Asian: aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.44–0.51), anxiolytics (Black: aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74–0.82; Hispanic: aOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.62–0.71; Asian: aOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.48–0.57), and antipsychotics (Hispanic: aOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.99; Asian: aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74–0.95).

Conclusions:

Racial and ethnic disparities in the use of supportive care medications among patients with pancreatic cancer were observed, with the differences unexplained by sociodemographic factors.

Impact:

Future studies should identify strategies to promote equitable use of supportive care medications among racial minorities and explore factors that may influence their use in these populations.
Aging of Amateur Singers and Non-singers: From Behavior to Resting-state Connectivity
Authors: Zhang Xiyue , Tremblay Pascale
Published: October 2023

Healthy aging is associated with extensive changes in brain structure and physiology, with impacts on cognition and communication. The “mental exercise hypothesis” proposes that certain lifestyle factors such as singing—perhaps the most universal and accessible music-making activity—can affect cognitive functioning and reduce cognitive decline in aging, but the neuroplastic mechanisms involved remain unclear. To address this question, we examined the association between age and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in 84 healthy singers and nonsingers in five networks (auditory, speech, language, default mode, and dorsal attention) and its relationship to auditory cognitive aging. Participants underwent cognitive testing and fMRI. Our results show that RSFC is not systematically lower with aging and that connectivity patterns vary between singers and nonsingers. Furthermore, our results show that RSFC of the precuneus in the default mode network was associated with auditory cognition. In these regions, lower RSFC was associated with better auditory cognitive performance for both singers and nonsingers. Our results show, for the first time, that basic brain physiology differs in singers and nonsingers and that some of these differences are associated with cognitive performance.
Revision of the huntsman spider genus Micrommata Latreille, 1804 (Sparassidae: Sparassinae)
Authors: JÄGER PETER
Published: October 2023

The genus Micrommata Latreille, 1804 is revised and two new species are described: Micrommata biggi spec. nov. (male, female; Türkiye, Armenia, Iran, Turkmenistan), and M. diesenhoff spec. nov. (male, female; Sierra Leone). Micrommata aragonensis Urones, 2004 is synonymised with M. formosa Pavesi, 1878. All known species are redescribed and illustrated, and an identification key for males and females is provided for all true Micrommata species. A distribution map is provided for all species. M. formosa is for the first time recorded from Portugal, M. ligurina (C.L. Koch, 1845) from Morocco, the latter species having been introduced into United Kingdom and Germany. Micrommata darlingi Pocock, 1901 (female; Zimbabwe) is considered misplaced and probably related to the genus Eusparassus Simon, 1903. Functional copulatory mechanics are briefly discussed using µ-CT scans.
A new species of Campsurus Eaton, 1868 (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae) from the Doce River Basin, Brazil
Authors: PANTOJA GABRIEL M. , VIANA ANA D. L. , SALLES FREDERICO F.
Published: October 2023

The male imago of Campsurus mirim sp. nov., an integrant of the C. major species group, is described based on material from a lake at the Rio Doce basin, Southeastern Brazil. It can be distinguished from other species of the group by the following combination of characteristics: small to medium size (body 7.3 mm, forewings 6.1 mm); blackish pigments on dorsum of head widely and strongly marked in fresh material; abdominal color pattern with pale transverse dashes on terga III–VII; posterior margin of sternum IX triangular at middle; pedestals flat with inner margin broadly rounded and with both posterolateral corners (inner and outer) approximately of the same length, both acute; penes relatively wide and large, ventrally curved on apical ½ and with apex of main lobe slightly twisted.
Bibliographic checklist of the Algerian spider fauna (Araneae)
Authors: BENHACENE RACHA , ADJAMI YASMINE , HADJEB AYOUB , KERMICHE KHAMSA , OUAKID MOHAMED LAID
Published: October 2023

The present checklist of the spiders (Araneae) of Algeria is based on literature items published from 1846 to 2022. Altogether 876 species belonging to 51 families are listed. Taxonomic references are mentioned for each species, with indication of synonymous usage or taxa changes. Information about species distribution in the Algerian provinces is also provided, revealing significant disparities in knowledge about each province. Linyphiids present the highest number of known species (155) and the highest endemic richness (54 species). Eight families are represented by a single species. 227 species are known exclusively from Algeria. Moreover, a comparison was executed between the results reported in Algeria and those reported in the neighboring countries (Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya).
Extreme Arctic Weather and Community Impacts in Nunavut: A Case Study of One Winter’s Storms and Lessons for Local Climate Change Preparedness
Authors: Fox Shari , Crawford Alex , McCrystall Michelle , Stroeve Julienne , Lukovich Jennifer , Loeb Nicole , Natanine Jerry , Serreze Mark
Published: October 2023

Arctic communities are experienced with severe weather, but impacts can still be serious, particularly when the intensity or persistence of hazardous conditions is extreme. Such was the case for the community of Clyde River (Kangiqtugaapik), Nunavut, Canada, which experienced 33 blizzard days during winter 2021/22—likely the most at Clyde River since at least 1978/79. Blizzard conditions resulted from unusually frequent high winds rather than excessive snowfall. The most severe stretch included eight blizzard days over an 11-day period, with top wind gusts of 98 km h−1. Winds caused severe drifting, covering homes and blocking streets. Broken heavy equipment, including snow-clearing machines, compounded the impacts, leaving homes without essential services like water delivery and sewage pump-out for days. Residents reported the storms and resulting impacts as some of the worst in memory. The drifting and volume of snow, combined with the lack of available resources to manage it, obliged the community to declare a state of emergency. Projections of increased Arctic precipitation and extreme weather events points to the need for communities to have proper resources and supports, including preparedness and adaptation and mitigation strategies, so they can be better equipped to handle storm and blizzard impacts such as those experienced at Clyde River in the winter of 2021/22. Additional steps that can be implemented to better support and prepare communities include investing in preparedness planning, expanded and enhanced weather information and services, community land-based programming to transfer Inuit knowledge and skills, assessing the usefulness of current forecasts, and new approaches to community planning.

Significance Statement

In this study, we consider the winter of 2021/22, during which the community of Clyde River (Kangiqtugaapik), Nunavut experienced 33 days with blizzard conditions—more than any other year since at least 1978/79. Blizzards are characterized by strong winds and blowing snow. Low visibility impedes travel, and drifting snow blocks roads and can bury equipment and buildings. In this case, broken snow-clearing equipment and other infrastructure challenges also hampered the community’s ability to respond, and residents went days without essential services. Several studies suggest that extreme winds will become more common in the Baffin Bay region in the future. This study demonstrates the need for proper resourcing of communities for preparedness, response, and adaptation strategies, especially with the possibility of extreme winter weather becoming more common.