bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved DBSCAN-based Data Anomaly Detection Approach for Battery Energy Storage Stations
Authors: Dai Yaoyang , Sun Shukai , Che Liang
Published: October 2022

In battery energy storage stations (BESSs), the power conversion system (PCS) as the interface between the battery and the power grid is responsible for battery charging and discharging control and grid connection. Any anomaly in the data of a PCS will threaten the security of the BESS. It is difficult to detect anomalies in real-time data because of the large scale, chaos, and small deviations between normal and abnormal values. In this paper, the density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN is used for data anomaly detection. However, the traditional DBSCAN has a limitation in that it has difficulty in the parameter selection and the parameter is strongly correlated to the detection accuracy. To address this issue, we propose a parameter self-selection-based improved DBSCAN model for detecting PCS anomalies in BESSs. The detection is achieved by mining the correlations between data sets and combining them with the DBSCAN algorithm, and the model is updated in real time based on the normal data of the PCSs. The proposed method is further validated using a comparative experiment based on real-world BESS data.
Intelligent Tracking Technology of Light Source Based on Feedforward Inverse Compensation Control
Authors: Liu Yi , Qian Kejun , Li Yafei , Yin Qin , Zhu Chaoqun
Published: October 2022

In the construction of a photovoltaic power station, the effect of ray tracing directly affects the efficiency of power generation. In order to effectively control the tracking photovoltaic bracket and present the actual situation of the tracking bracket truly, intuitively and conveniently, a roamable photovoltaic tracking bracket control system is designed in this study. The system provides assistant decision-making for operators, and can remotely control the tracking support in real-time. It can also work independently according to the set parameters to realize the functions of the sun position calculation, tracking angle calculation, and tracking command output, and can communicate with the monitoring terminal. During the experimental test, the computer resource occupation is low, the operation is stable and reliable, and the monitoring terminal can run with a relatively smooth frame number. According to the system architecture mentioned in this paper, the verification platform is built, and the effectiveness of the photovoltaic tracking bracket control system is confirmed. The control system of the photovoltaic tracking bracket designed in this paper can effectively solve the problem of solar tracking accuracy of the photovoltaic power station, and play an important role in improving the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic power station. At the same time, it can provide a reference for the same industry in light source tracking technology.
Research on security situation awareness method of power network Monitoring system based on data mining
Authors: Chen Haiguang , Hu Zhaohui , Chen Shanfeng , Yang Yiyue , Fan Suchun
Published: October 2022

In the traditional security situation awareness methods of power network monitoring systems, there are deviations in the analysis of different sample data sets, which affect the security situation threat value perception results of power network monitoring systems. Therefore, this paper designs a security situation awareness method for a power network monitoring system based on data mining. The identification structure of security situation elements is determined, the self-encoder is used for mapping, the security situation elements of the power network monitoring system are extracted according to the obtained parameter samples, and the security situation awareness model of the power network monitoring system is established. The RBF neural network is used for data mining of the monitoring system, and the design of the security situation awareness method of the power network monitoring system based on data mining is completed. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the design method for samples with different threat levels is more than 90%. Compared with the traditional methods, the security situation awareness results obtained by the design method are closer to the expected output threat value.
Reactive Power and Voltage Optimization under High Penetration of Distributed Generations and EVs
Authors: Chen Shidu , Zhang Jin , Che Liang
Published: October 2022

With the consumption of fossil energy and the deterioration of the environment, both distributed generation (DGs) including photovoltaic (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) have ushered in a period of rapid development. However, the DG’s randomness, intermittency, and large-scale EV charging have brought challenges to the safety and economy of the distribution network (DN). This paper comprehensively considers the impact of large-scale EVs and DGs of high penetration on the DN, establishing reactive power and voltage optimization model for minimizing the network loss and voltage deviation by regulating the energy storage (ES) and voltage adjusting devices including on-load tap changer (OLTC), capacitors banks (CB), and static var compensator (SVC). Next, the proposed model is simplified by the method of variable substitution, second-order cone programming (SOCP), and linearization. Finally, the validity of the model is verified by the IEEE 33-node simulation.
Study on optimization method of rural integrated energy system including renewable energy
Authors: Liu Lian , Wu Dan , Pan Aiqiang , Huang Xingde
Published: October 2022

Due to the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, the urbanization process in rural areas has been accelerated in China, as the economy has grown more rapidly and energy consumption has increased. Rural power infrastructure, however, remains inadequate and the rural power grid is relatively weak, which further exacerbates the contradiction between rural energy supply and demand. To solve these problems and achieve sustainable development, renewable energy sources should be utilized for energy supply in rural areas to reduce the demand for power from rural grids. Using this idea, this paper proposes an optimization method for an integrated energy system for rural areas that includes renewable energy sources. Firstly, a model of the output of equipment such as wind and solar biogas, as well as the model of energy storage equipment, is constructed. A portion of flexible load is considered when estimating energy consumption on the demand side. A day-ahead optimization model for rural energy systems is designed to minimize costs, which allows different energy sources to play complementary roles under the constraints of power balance, output limits, etc. The approach proposed in this paper may provide a comprehensive solution for optimizing the operation of an integrated rural energy system by improving its energy efficiency and maximizing its use of renewable energy resources. Furthermore, the article also provides specific examples of the feasibility of the method.
Construction and practical analysis of digital portrait for promotion and application of integrated energy system technologies in China
Authors: Liang Chen , Ma Xiping , Dong Xiaoyang , Li Yaxin , Yang Junting
Published: October 2022

In view of problems of integrated energy system (IES) technologies, many influencing factors, and complex evaluation indicators are considered, and based on the comprehensive evaluation theory of operations research and digital portrait technology, this study proposes an evaluation model for the promotion and application of IES technologies in China. The evaluation model is built based on massive monitoring data and IES operation data, which generates multi-source feature evaluation labels from the dimensions like the environment, performance, economy, and society, integrates various IES technology promotion and application information, and creates a complete and multi-dimensional IES technology portrait. According to expert scoring and screening of important information characteristics of IES raw data, the labels are weighted by combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weighting, and the weight is refined to form an outline of an accurate depiction of the IES technical portrait. Finally, a national-level IES demonstration park in Shanghai, China is selected as an example for evaluation and verification. The results prove the applicability of the model proposed in this paper in real-world projects. The research here is expected to provide a basis for the design and construction of IES and the promotion of key IES technologies.
A network security situational awareness system for text classification
Authors: Pang Xiaojian , Su Yang , Tao Wenwei , Hu Zhaohui , Chen Haiguang
Published: October 2022

The evaluation function of the existing network security situational awareness system is not perfect and often causes large average absolute errors. Therefore, a network security situational awareness system for text classification is designed. The hardware part selects the sensor main control chip and connects the circuit power supply to ensure the safe and stable operation of the whole system. In the software part, the data packet information is collected and processed to remove the data noise, and the information extraction technology is used to construct the classification model of this paper. The network abnormal behavior is identified according to the host log, the data characteristics of security behavior are extracted, and the system module evaluation function is set according to the extraction results. The experimental results show that the average absolute error of the designed system is less than that of the other three existing systems, and the performance of the security situational awareness system is better.
Some remarks on uncountable rainbow Ramsey theory
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: October 2022

We discuss the rainbow Ramsey theorems at limit cardinals and successors of singular cardinals, addressing some questions by Uri Abraham, James Cummings, and Clifford Smyth [J. Symbolic Logic 72 (2007), pp. 865–895] and Uri Abraham and James Cummings [Cent. Eur. J. Math. 10 (2012), pp. 1004–1016]. In particular, we show for inaccessible

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originally constructed by Uri Abraham and James Cummings [Cent. Eur. J. Math. 10 (2012), pp. 1004–1016] and show the witnessing coloring is indestructible under strongly proper forcings but destructible under some c.c.c forcing. Finally, we conclude with some remarks and questions on possible generalizations to rainbow partition relations for triples.
Imp2p forms actin-dependent clusters and imparts stiffness to the contractile ring
Authors: Bellingham-Johnstun Kimberly , Commer Blake , Levesque Brié , Tyree Zoe L. , Laplante Caroline
Published: October 2022

The contractile ring must anchor to the plasma membrane and cell wall to transmit its tension. We combine single molecule localization microscopy and laser ablation to reveal the molecular organization of Imp2p, a putative protein anchor, and its role in the mechanical properties of the contractile ring.
Lgd regulates ESCRT-III complex accumulation at multivesicular endosomes to control intralumenal vesicle formation
Authors: Clarke Aryel L. , Lettman Molly M. , Audhya Anjon
Published: October 2022

Lgd is targeted to multivesicular endosomes in a manner dependent on components of the ESCRT machinery and the presence of acidic phospholipids. There, it functions to promote stable ESCRT-III complex assembly to facilitate the formation of intralumenal vesicles within endosomes.
Evaluating Craving in Alcohol Use Disorder: Psychometric Characteristics of the Craving Typology Questionnaire-15 (CTQ-15)
Authors: Martinotti Giovanni , Festa Giuseppe Manuel , Ceci Franca , Di Muzio Ilenia , Callea Antonino , Capparelli Ada , Bonifaci Ludovica , Chillemi Eleonora , Pepe Maria , Pettorruso Mauro , Chiappini Stefania , Di Nicola Marco , Janiri Luigi
Published: October 2022

Aims

The Craving Typology Questionnaire (CTQ) is a psychometric instrument used to assess alcohol craving in normal controls and subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD). It allows a dimensional self-rating assessment of craving according to a three-pathway psychobiological model of craving distinguishing craving into a reward, relief and obsessive component. The aim of the present study is to evaluate psychometric properties of the CTQ-15, a revised version of CTQ with 15 items.

Methods

The CTQ-15 was firstly administered to two groups of control subjects, one (414 subjects) used for the exploratory factor analysis and the other one (415 subjects) for the confirmatory factor analysis. A three-factor model was assessed and compared to alternative models.

Results

The resulting structure was in line with the original scale CTQ. Obsessive craving accounted for 15.20% of the total variance, relief craving for the 13.99% and reward craving for 13.13% of the total variance. The three-factor model (M1) reached good fit indices (CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.06 and SRMR = 0.05) and was significantly better than other alternative models. Reliability showed good internal consistency for each scale, i.e. obsessive craving (α = 0.92), relief craving (α = 0.82) and reward craving (α = 0.81).

Conclusions

The CTQ-15 proved to be reliable and practical for identifying the three dimensions of craving in clinical practice. Craving plays a crucial role in the mechanisms of dependence and relapse; thus, characterizing the craving can be fundamental to a targeted drug therapy.
Efficient biocatalytic synthesis of green plasticizer 2,5-furanediformate isooctyl ester using an immobilized lipase
Authors: Zhou Yuyang , Mang Rongchen , Du Xuefei , Cai Heng , Zhou Hua
Published: October 2022

2,5-furanediformate Isooctyl is a potential new green biobased plasticizer. At present, most of the preparation methods are chemical methods, which not only have many by-products and are difficult to separate, but also cause environmental pollution. In this paper, the immobilized lipase Novozym435 was used as the catalyst to catalyze the transesterification of 2,5-furanediformate dimethyl ester and isooctyl alcohol to prepare 2,5-furanediformate isoocty in organic medium, and the reaction process was optimized. The optimal process conditions were determined by single factor experiment: in 10 mL toluene system, the additional amount of immobilized lipase Novozym435 was 0.02 g, the molar ratio of 2,5-furanediformate dimethyl ester (1 mmol) and isooctyl alcohol was 1:4, and 1 g 4Å molecular sieve was added to the reaction system, the reaction temperature was 50°C, the reaction time was 24 h, and the conversion rate of 2,5-furanediformate isoocty was 89.63%.
High Frequency of Specific Polysaccharide Antibody Deficiency in Adults With Unexplained, Recurrent and/or Severe Infections With Encapsulated Bacteria
Authors: Stabler Sarah , Lamblin Catherine , Gaillard Sacha , Just Nicolas , Mihailescu Mirela , Viget Nathalie , Sy Ndiaye Thierno , Dzeing Ella Arnaud , Brunin Guillaume , Weyrich Pierre , Prevotat Anne , Chenivesse Cécile , Le Rouzic Olivier , Mortuaire Geoffrey , Vuotto Fanny , Faure Karine , Leurs Amélie , Wallet Frédéric , Loiez Caroline , Titecat Marie , Le Guern Rémi , Hachulla Eric , Sanges Sébastien , Etienne Nicolas , Terriou Louis , Launay David , Lopez Benjamin , Bahuaud Mathilde , Batteux Frédéric , Dubucquoi Sylvain , Gesquière-Lasselin Cyrielle , Labalette Myriam , Lefèvre Guillaume ,   for the DIPANOR network
Published: October 2022

Background

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) in adults are mainly revealed by recurrent and/or severe bacterial infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate a systematic research strategy of PIDs in adults with unexplained bacterial infections, with a special focus on specific polysaccharide antibody deficiency (SPAD).

Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, inclusion criteria were recurrent benign upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) for at least two years (group 1), at least one upper or lower RTI requiring hospitalization (group 2), and/or at least one invasive infection documented with encapsulated bacteria (group 3). Main exclusion criteria were all local and general conditions that could explain infections. If no PID diagnosis was made, response to polysaccharide antigens was assessed using a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Results

From March 2015 to March 2020, 118 patients were included (37 males, median age of 41 years): 73, 17, and 28 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Forty-seven PIDs were diagnosed, giving an estimated frequency of 39.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] [30.4, 48.8]). SPAD was the most frequent diagnosis by far (n = 37/47, 78.7%), and was made in 23, 5, and 9 patients from groups 1 to 3, respectively. All SPAD patients received conjugate vaccines and, according to their infectious history, were on surveillance or treated with preventive antibiotics (n = 6) and/or with immunoglobulins replacement therapy (n = 10), the latter being dramatically efficient in all cases.

Conclusions

Considering its high prevalence among adults with unexplained recurrent and/or severe bacterial infections, SPAD should be screened in those patients.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02972281.
Exhaled Breath Aerosol Shedding of Highly Transmissible Versus Prior Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants
Authors: Lai Jianyu , Coleman Kristen K , Tai S H Sheldon , German Jennifer , Hong Filbert , Albert Barbara , Esparza Yi , Srikakulapu Aditya K , Schanz Maria , Maldonado Isabel Sierra , Oertel Molly , Fadul Naja , Gold T Louie , Weston Stuart , Mullins Kristin , McPhaul Kathleen M , Frieman Matthew , Milton Donald K
Published: October 2022

Background

Aerosol inhalation is recognized as the dominant mode of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Three highly transmissible lineages evolved during the pandemic. One hypothesis to explain increased transmissibility is that natural selection favors variants with higher rates of viral aerosol shedding. However, the extent of aerosol shedding of successive SARS-CoV-2 variants is unknown. We aimed to measure the infectivity and rate of SARS-CoV-2 shedding into exhaled breath aerosol (EBA) by individuals during the Delta and Omicron waves and compared those rates with those of prior SARS-CoV-2 variants from our previously published work.

Methods

Individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (n = 93; 32 vaccinated and 20 boosted) were recruited to give samples, including 30-minute breath samples into a Gesundheit-II EBA sampler. Samples were quantified for viral RNA using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and cultured for virus.

Results

Alpha (n = 4), Delta (n = 3), and Omicron (n = 29) cases shed significantly more viral RNA copies into EBAs than cases infected with ancestral strains and variants not associated with increased transmissibility (n = 57). All Delta and Omicron cases were fully vaccinated and most Omicron cases were boosted. We cultured virus from the EBA of 1 boosted and 3 fully vaccinated cases.

Conclusions

Alpha, Delta, and Omicron independently evolved high viral aerosol shedding phenotypes, demonstrating convergent evolution. Vaccinated and boosted cases can shed infectious SARS-CoV-2 via EBA. These findings support a dominant role of infectious aerosols in transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Monitoring aerosol shedding from new variants and emerging pathogens can be an important component of future threat assessments and guide interventions to prevent transmission.
Evaluation of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia
Authors: Huang Xing-Zong , Zheng Meng-Yao , Gong Yun-Ying , Wu Jin-Hong , Zhang Lin , He Hai-Yu , Sun Da-Li
Published: October 2022

Due to the unclear quality of the current guidelines, users may be confused about how to diagnose and treat achalasia. The objective of this work is to systematically evaluate the methodological quality of the current guidelines for diagnosing and treating achalasia and to determine the heterogeneity among recommendations. We systematically searched literature databases to retrieve relevant guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included guidelines. Key recommendations in the guidelines were extracted, and the reasons for the heterogeneity of the key recommendations between different guidelines were further analyzed. Seven guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia are included in this study. The overall score of three guidelines exceeded 60%. The average score in domain 5 was the lowest, at 41.8%. The average scores in domain 2, domain 3, and domain 6 were also low, at 45.4%, 57.1% and 56.9%, respectively. The main recommendations and quality of evidence for different guidelines vary greatly, mainly due to the different emphases among different guidelines, the lack of systematic retrieval, or the unfairness of evidence use in some guidelines. There are considerable differences in the methodological quality of diagnosis and treatment guidelines for achalasia. Additionally, the differences in the main recommendations and evidence support among guidelines are also obvious. Guideline developers should improve the above related factors to decrease the heterogeneity, and they should further formulate or update the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotyping of heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Brown Louise A E , Wahab Ali , Ikongo Eunice , Saunderson Chirstopher E D , Jex Nicholas , Thirunavukarasu Sharmaine , Chowdhary Amrit , Das Arka , Craven Thomas P , Levelt Eylem , Dall’Armellina Erica , Knott Kristopher D , Greenwood John P , Moon James C , Xue Hui , Kellman Peter , Plein Sven , Swoboda Peter P
Published: October 2022

Aims

The 2016 European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Guidelines defined a new category: heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) of 40–49%. This new category was highlighted as having limited evidence and research was advocated into underlying characteristics, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. We used multi-parametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to define the cardiac phenotype of presumed non-ischaemic HFmrEF.

Methods and results

Patients (N = 300, 62.7 ± 13 years, 63% males) with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure with no angina symptoms, history of myocardial infarction, or coronary intervention were prospectively recruited. Patients underwent clinical assessment and CMR including T1 mapping, extracellular volume (ECV) mapping, late gadolinium enhancement, and measurement of myocardial blood flow at rest and maximal hyperaemia. Of 273 patients in the final analysis, 93 (34%) patients were categorized as HFmrEF, 46 (17%) as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and 134 (49%) as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Nineteen (20%) patients with HFmrEF had evidence of occult ischaemic heart disease. Diffuse fibrosis and hyperaemic myocardial blood flow were similar in HFmrEF and HFpEF, but HFmrEF showed significantly lower native T1 (1311 ± 32 vs. 1340 ± 45 ms, P < 0.001), ECV (24.6 ± 3.2 vs. 26.3 ± 3.1%, P < 0.001), and higher myocardial perfusion reserve (2.75 ± 0.84 vs. 2.28 ± 0.84, P < 0.001) compared with HFrEF.

Conclusion

Patients with HFmrEF share most phenotypic characteristics with HFpEF, including the degree of microvascular impairment and fibrosis, but have a high prevalence of occult ischaemic heart disease similar to HFrEF. Further work is needed to confirm how the phenotype of HFmrEF responds to medical therapy.
Accounting for clustering is still not routinely undertaken in orthodontic studies
Authors: Sudiskumar Nishanti , Cobourne Martyn T , Pandis Nikolaos , Seehra Jadbinder
Published: October 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to identify studies with clustering effects published in orthodontic journals and to assess the frequency by which clustered designs are correctly accounted for in the statistical analysis. Factors associated with appropriate management of clustering effects during the statistical analysis were explored.

Materials and method

A search of three leading orthodontic journals was undertaken to identify studies with clustering effects published between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were calculated. Associations between the correct statistical handling of clustering effects and study characteristics were explored via univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

Three hundred and sixty-two studies were considered to have clustering effects. Only 22.4 per cent of studies correctly accounted for clustering effects in the statistical analysis with no improvement compared to a previous study in 2012 using the same journals. An association between the use of the correct analysis to account for clustering and the following study characteristics was detected: involvement of statistician, study type, significance of the results, and accounting for clustering in the sample size calculations. In the univariable analysis, interventional studies, non-significant results, and the involvement of a statistician were associated with higher odds of the use of the correct analysis. Of the studies correctly accounting for clustering, the most used tests were repeated measures ANOVA (43.3 per cent) and mixed models (40.7 per cent).

Conclusions

Compared to previous research, there appears to be no improvement in accounting for clustering effects in studies published in orthodontic journals. To prevent incorrect inferences being drawn, clustering effects need to be recognised and accounted for in orthodontic studies. Recommendations to improve the accounting of clustering effects, at both the study level and during the statistical analysis are suggested.
Not Cologne but the data collection (might have) changed everything: a cautionary tale on ignoring changes in data recording in sociological research
Authors: Schwitter Nicole , Liebe Ulf
Published: October 2022

In his 2020 ESR article, Arun Frey analysed data on ethnic violence that he web-scraped from a chronicle of hostile incidents against refugees, published by a German charitable foundation and a non-profit organization. He finds remarkable and supposedly causal effects of the New Year’s Eve sexual assaults in 2015/2016 on anti-refugee violence. We argue that it is invalid to draw conclusions regarding the effects of the New Year’s Eve event due to simultaneous alterations in the way the data have been collected. We review the changes in data reporting which took place at the beginning of 2016 on the level of the German government and discuss the lack of a remarkable New Year’s effect when focussing on data which has not been affected by these changes. This casts doubt on the previous findings proposed by Frey (2020). We conclude with a general word of caution.
Youth organizations, social mobility and health in middle age: evidence from a Scottish 1950s prospective cohort study
Authors: Berrie L , Adair L , Williamson L , Dibben C
Published: October 2022

Background

Informal educational programmes focused on youth development appear to improve health and well-being at time of involvement. Less is known about long-term effects. We investigate their impact on self-reported general health in mid-life using the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s (ACONF) cohort.

Methods

We use a subset (n = 1333) of the ACONF cohort, born 1950–56, in Aberdeen Scotland, who took part in Family and Reading Surveys in 1964 and a follow-up questionnaire in 2001. We explore exposure to youth development focused clubs in childhood on self-reported general health around age 50 mediated by adult socioeconomic position. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to report odds ratios and natural direct and indirect effects, respectively, on multiply imputed data.

Results

Being a member of the Scouts/Guides (G&S) was associated with a 53% (95% confidence interval 1.03–2.27) higher odds of ‘excellent’ general health in adulthood compared to children attending ‘other clubs’. Indirect effects of G&S and Boys’/Girls’ Brigade (B&GB) on general health acting via higher socioeconomic position show positive associations; 12% and 6% higher odds of ‘excellent’ general health in adulthood compared to children attending ‘other clubs’, respectively. Comparison of indirect with direct effects suggests 27% of this association is mediated through a higher adult socioeconomic position in adulthood.

Conclusions

These results suggest a beneficial association between attending G&S and B&GB clubs in childhood and adult general health. As these organizations are volunteer-led, this may represent a cost-effective method for improving population health.
The Feel4Diabetes intervention: effectiveness on 24-hour physical behaviour composition in families at risk for diabetes development
Authors: Cardon Greet , Chastin Sebastien , Van Stappen Vicky , Huys Nele , Stefanova Tanya , Chakarova Nevena , Kivelä Jemina , Alberto Moreno Luis , Sándor Istvánné Radó , Androutsos Odysseas , Manios Yannis , De Craemer Marieke
Published: October 2022

The Feel4Diabetes project conducted a 2-year intervention aiming to encourage healthy behaviours in families in six European countries. Within this paper, the intervention effect was evaluated after the first intervention year on 24-hour physical behaviour composition in Belgian families at risk for type 2 diabetes. Parents’ and children’s levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) were objectively measured and sleep duration was self-reported. Valid data were obtained in 82 children (mean age: 8.2 ± 0.84; 50.0% boys) and 72 parents (mean age: 40.1 ± 5.5; 27.8% fathers). Data were analysed using a compositional data approach, and mixed models were used to take clustering into account. Results showed that for children, the mean baseline composition of the 24-hour day in sleep, SB, light and moderate-to-vigorous PA for the intervention group was (11 hours 18 minutes; 6 hours 33 minutes; 5 hours 02 minutes, 1 hour 08 minutes) and for the control group (11 hours 18 minutes; 6 hours 35 minutes; 5 hours 04 minutes; 1 hour 06 minutes), respectively. For parents, the mean baseline composition was for the intervention group (8 hours 12 minutes; 9 hours 36 minutes; 5 hours 43 minutes; 27 minutes) and for the control group (8 hours 00 minute; 9 hours 00 minute; 6 hours 27 minutes; 33 minutes). No significant intervention effects were found on 24-hour physical behaviour composition of either parents or children (p = 0.19 and p = 0.21, respectively). A relatively small study population and a poor attendance rate among parents could maybe explain the lack of effectiveness. More effective strategies are needed to retain vulnerable families in interventions. Furthermore, future approaches to improve the 24-hour physical behaviour composition should maybe focus more specifically on PA, SB and sleep, and involve teachers, children and parents in the design of the intervention. Trial registration: NCT02393872 in ClinicalTrials.gov.
Sources of information on diabetes and its demographic correlates: a nationwide survey among Singapore residents
Authors: Subramaniam Mythily , Lau Jue Hua , Asharani P V , Abdin Edimansyah , Roystonn Kumarasan , Wang Peizhi , Devi Fiona , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Car Lorainne Tudor , Sum Chee Fang , Lee Eng Sing , van Dam Rob M , Chong Siow Ann
Published: October 2022

Diabetes is a major public health concern in Singapore, and the Singapore Government declared a ‘War on Diabetes’, which included a nationwide public health campaign. It is important to identify what sources of diabetes information reach the general population, whether this differs by socio-demographic characteristics and if the sources of information influence knowledge of diabetes to aid the successful dissemination of health information. Two thousand eight hundred ninety-five respondents were part of a population-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 2019 to September 2020. Respondents rated on a five-point scale whether they had obtained information on diabetes from eight different information sources, and responses were dichotomized into ‘endorsed receiving information’ or ‘not endorsed receiving information’. Poisson regression models were conducted with the ‘endorsement of receiving information’ from each source as the outcome and socio-demographic variables as predictors. 95.9% of the study population had received information on diabetes from at least one source, and the mean number of sources was 4.2 ± 2.0. The leading source was media articles (82.1%), followed by health promotion videos/advertisements (77.9%), online websites (58.5%), books (56.5%), healthcare professionals (55.0%), radio (54.4%), public forums (27.7%) and support groups (15.5%). Endorsing a greater number of informational sources was associated with being younger, belonging to Malay or Indian instead of Chinese ethnicity, and having diabetes. An intensive nationwide diabetes awareness campaign successfully reached the public in Singapore with specific sources of information depending on socio-demographic characteristics. Findings suggest that diabetes information campaigns should utilize multiple channels for dissemination considering the different socio-demographic subgroups.
Molecular characterization of intergeneric hybrids between Malus and Pyrus
Authors: Pasqualetto Giulia , Palmieri Luisa , Martens Stefan , Bus Vincent G M , Chagné David , Wiedow Claudia , Malnoy Mickael A , Gardiner Susan E
Published: October 2022

Apple (Malus) and pear (Pyrus) are economically important fruit crops well known for their unique textures, flavours, and nutritional qualities. Both genera are characterised by a distinct pattern of secondary metabolites, which directly affect not only resistance to certain diseases, but also have significant impacts on the flavour and nutritional value of the fruit. The identical chromosome numbers, similar genome size, and their recent divergence date, together with DNA markers have shown that apple and pear genomes are highly co-linear. This study utilized comparative genomic approaches, including simple sequence repeats, high resolution single nucleotide polymorphism melting analysis, and single nucleotide polymorphism chip analysis to identify genetic differences among hybrids of Malus and Pyrus, and F2 offspring. This research has demonstrated and validated that these three marker types, along with metabolomics analysis are very powerful tools to detect and confirm hybridity of progeny derived from crosses between apple and pear in both cross directions. Furthermore, this work analysed the genus-specific metabolite patterns and the resistance to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) in progeny. The findings of this work will enhance and accelerate the breeding of novel tree fruit crops that benefit producers and consumers, by enabling marker assisted selection of desired traits introgressed between pear and apple.
Colonic Epithelial Circadian Disruption Worsens Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis
Authors: Jochum Sarah B , Engen Phillip A , Shaikh Maliha , Naqib Ankur , Wilber Sherry , Raeisi Shohreh , Zhang Lijuan , Song Shiwen , Sanzo Gabriella , Chouhan Vijit , Ko Frank , Post Zoe , Tran Laura , Ramirez Vivian , Green Stefan J , Khazaie Khashayarsha , Hayden Dana M , Brown Mark J , Voigt Robin M , Forsyth Christopher B , Keshavarzian Ali , Swanson Garth R
Published: October 2022

Background

Disruption of central circadian rhythms likely mediated by changes in microbiota and a decrease in gut-derived metabolites like short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) negatively impacts colonic barrier homeostasis. We aimed to explore the effects of isolated peripheral colonic circadian disruption on the colonic barrier in a mouse model of colitis and explore the mechanisms, including intestinal microbiota community structure and function.

Methods

Colon epithelial cell circadian rhythms were conditionally genetically disrupted in mice: TS4Cre-BMAL1lox (cBMAL1KO) with TS4Cre as control animals. Colitis was induced through 5 days of 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Disease activity index and intestinal barrier were assessed, as were fecal microbiota and metabolites.

Results

Colitis symptoms were worse in mice with peripheral circadian disruption (cBMAL1KO). Specifically, the disease activity index and intestinal permeability were significantly higher in circadian-disrupted mice compared with control animals (TS4Cre) (P < .05). The worsening of colitis appears to be mediated, in part, through JAK (Janus kinase)-mediated STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), which was significantly elevated in circadian-disrupted (cBMAL1KO) mice treated with DSS (P < .05). Circadian-disrupted (cBMAL1KO) mice also had decreased SCFA metabolite concentrations and decreased relative abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria in their stool when compared with control animals (TS4Cre).

Conclusions

Disruption of intestinal circadian rhythms in colonic epithelial cells promoted more severe colitis, increased inflammatory mediators (STAT3 [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3]), and decreased gut microbiota–derived SCFAs compared with DSS alone. Further investigation elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind these findings could provide novel circadian directed targets and strategies in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Reassessing the evidence of a survival advantage in Type 2 diabetes treated with metformin compared with controls without diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Keys Matthew Thomas , Thinggaard Mikael , Larsen Lisbeth Aagaard , Pedersen Dorthe Almind , Hallas Jesper , Christensen Kaare
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous research has suggested that individuals with Type 2 diabetes and initiated on metformin monotherapy present with a survival advantage compared with the general population without diabetes. This finding has generated considerable interest in the prophylactic use of metformin against age-related morbidity.

Methods

Utilizing Danish National Health Registers, we assessed differences in survival associated with metformin monotherapy for Type 2 diabetes compared with no diagnosis of diabetes in both singleton and discordant twin populations between 1996 and 2012. Data were analysed in both nested case–control and matched cohort study designs, with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and hazard ratios estimated using conditional logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression, respectively.

Results

In case–control pairs matched on birth year and sex or co-twin (sex, birth year and familial factors), incident Type 2 diabetes with treatment by metformin monotherapy initiation compared with no diagnosis of diabetes was associated with increased mortality in both singletons (IRR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.68) and discordant twin pairs (IRR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.35, 2.67). After adjusting for co-morbidities and social indicators, these associations were attenuated to 1.32 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.50) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.46), respectively. Increased mortality was observed across all levels of cumulative use and invariant to a range of study designs and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Treatment initiation by metformin monotherapy in Type 2 diabetes was not associated with survival equal or superior to that of the general population without diabetes. Our contrasting findings compared with previous research are unlikely to be the result of differences in epidemiological or methodological parameters.
Vox pops vs. poll results—effects of consonant and dissonant displays of public opinion in news coverage
Authors: Peter Christina , Beckers Kathleen
Published: October 2022

Interviews with ordinary people on the street, so-called vox pops, are a popular way to present public opinion in the news. Although early research on the phenomenon claimed them to be more influential than base-rate information such as opinion polls, newer research, and meta-analyses paint a more complex picture of influence. In addition, research on the competing influence of these information types is scarce, especially in scenarios where they provide conflicting information about what the public thinks. Our study analyzes how various combinations of vox pops and public opinion polls affect audience’s perceptions of public opinion using a two-country experiment on two political issues. Results suggest that both vox pops and opinion polls influence public opinion perceptions, with polls being more influential than vox pops even when both cues contradict each other.
A time-aware attention model for prediction of acute kidney injury after pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Zeng Xian , Shi Shanshan , Sun Yuhan , Feng Yuqing , Tan Linhua , Lin Ru , Li Jianhua , Duan Huilong , Shu Qiang , Li Haomin
Published: October 2022

Objective

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after pediatric cardiac surgery, and the early detection of AKI may allow for timely preventive or therapeutic measures. However, current AKI prediction researches pay less attention to time information among time-series clinical data and model building strategies that meet complex clinical application scenario. This study aims to develop and validate a model for predicting postoperative AKI that operates sequentially over individual time-series clinical data.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort of 3386 pediatric patients extracted from PIC database was used for training, calibrating, and testing purposes. A time-aware deep learning model was developed and evaluated from 3 clinical perspectives that use different data collection windows and prediction windows to answer different AKI prediction questions encountered in clinical practice. We compared our model with existing state-of-the-art models from 3 clinical perspectives using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (PR AUC).

Results

Our proposed model significantly outperformed the existing state-of-the-art models with an improved average performance for any AKI prediction from the 3 evaluation perspectives. This model predicted 91% of all AKI episodes using data collected at 24 h after surgery, resulting in a ROC AUC of 0.908 and a PR AUC of 0.898. On average, our model predicted 83% of all AKI episodes that occurred within the different time windows in the 3 evaluation perspectives. The calibration performance of the proposed model was substantially higher than the existing state-of-the-art models.

Conclusions

This study showed that a deep learning model can accurately predict postoperative AKI using perioperative time-series data. It has the potential to be integrated into real-time clinical decision support systems to support postoperative care planning.
Hiring Lucky CEOs
Authors: Amore Mario Daniele , Schwenen Sebastian
Published: October 2022

Existing research shows that luck increases CEOs’ pay at their current firm. In this work, we explore how luck affects: (1) CEOs’ employment opportunities and (2) the performance of firms that hire lucky CEOs. Our results indicate that luck increases the likelihood to get a CEO job at new companies. Conditional on moving, lucky CEOs obtain a higher pay (both in absolute terms and relative to new industry peers) mostly due to higher incentive pay. Moreover, lucky CEOs tend to be hired by firms operating in less competitive industries. Despite the higher compensation they receive, the appointment of lucky CEOs is associated with a substantial decline in firm performance. (JEL: G34, D86, J33, M12)
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area of Northeast Brazil: Implications for Intervention Actions
Authors: Guimarães-e-Silva Antonia Suely , de Sousa Oliveira Romário , Pimentel Karen Brayner Andrade , Ribeiro da Silva Rosa Cristina , Rodrigues Bruno Leite , Rebêlo José Manuel Macário , Pinheiro Valéria Cristina Soares
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of leishmaniases, and contribute to the knowledge of their epidemiological dynamics from 2007 to 2017 in the municipality of Caxias, Maranhão, Northeast Brazil. Data on American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) and human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) were obtained in the Epidemiological Surveillance Sector of Caxias, while data on canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) were obtained in the Zoonoses Surveillance Unit. For data analysis and spatial representation of leishmaniasis cases, the geoprocessing of the data was performed, and the geometric features of the state of Maranhão, Caxias, and the disease registration sites were obtained from the shapefile database of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Geostatistics was used to create maps based on the Kernel density method, starting from the points, producing a raster file for each case with several data frames, allowing the instantaneous comparison of the phenomena. During the study period, ATL, HVL, and CVL were reported in Caxias, accounting for 114,304 and 8,498 cases, respectively. The geoprocessing analysis showed that leishmaniasis is widely distributed in the urban area of Caxias. However, there are risk areas for the transmission of these diseases to humans and dogs, associated with deforestation and urban expansion, and may vary over time. Preventive measures must focus on risk areas, including conservation efforts and urban planning, in order to reduce the transmission of leishmaniases.
A comparative study of metformin and nicotinamide riboside in alleviating tissue aging in rats
Authors: Geng Lingling , Zhang Bin , Liu Haisong , Wang Si , Cai Yusheng , Yang Kuan , Zou Zhiran , Jiang Xiaoyu , Liu Zunpeng , Li Wei , Wu Zeming , Liu Xiaoqian , Chu Qun , Liu Guang-Hui , Qu Jing , Zhang Weiqi
Published: October 2022

Metformin (MET) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) have both been reported to exert geroprotective effects in multiple species. However, the mechanism by which MET and NR regulate the aging program and delay aging in multiple tissues remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that MET and NR attenuate aging features in human mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, by systematically investigating the pathophysiological changes in different tissues from aged rats after oral administration of MET and NR, we showed that both MET and NR treatment alleviated various aging-related characteristics in multiple tissues, including inflammation, fibrosis, and protein aggregates. Consistently, MET or NR treatment partially rescued aging-related gene expression changes in aged rats. Collectively, we report that both MET and NR attenuate senescence phenotypes in human stem cells in vitro and in a variety of rodent tissues in vivo, thus providing a valuable resource and foundation for further evaluation of these two compounds against aging.